The Tale of Seven: Kidnapped Hope

[Reno]

The other's watched the scene with smiles on their faces, Sora and Ven especially since finally something had broken Roxas from that robotic speech he had had. And the reunion itself was very touching.

"Thanks buddy... you took of everyone right?"
"Sol!" The dog agreed. He had been the one to drag his family out, including his cowardly son, and was also the one to go and warn those of the center of the danger.
Roxas chuckled softly as his Absol's hair ticklish his face and nose but his eyes opened when he heard the soft whine of another, and looked up. He let go of his disastrous dog to pet the other one instead. "Zan!"

A soft kiss was left on the young wolf-dog's brow. "I'm glad you're okay." A long shadow fell over them and the dogs looked up, happily greeting Axel as well, enjoying being pet. Had it been five years ago, the father Absol probably would have bit the red-head's fingers for his efforts. But it had been years since he had accepted and trusted Axel as one of his pack, though a lot of coaching was needed on Roxas' part for him to even slightly warm up to the idea at first.

Besides, Roxas was technically the alpha of their pack, so whatever he says goes.

Another call, this time human, made them looked down the way, seeing an elder woman hurrying down the trial. Roxas just barely managed to get to his feet, knees still shaking with a deep relief. He smiled at the harried sight of her, just happy to see her no matter how messy her appearance was. "It's wonderful to see you Sera!" He gave her a gentle hug before taking Edana so Axel could do the same.

"We came back as soon as we heard." The blonde explained, more worried then before. "How are thing? Is everyone really accounted for?"

[Rikugurl]

Axel hugged the shorter woman, enjoying her warmth for a moment before pulling away. The woman's green eyes looked around, accounting everyone who had joined her nephew with coming. He really did find a large group of friends and... Her gaze ended at Fuu, having never saw her before. It looked like Axel's adventuring team was getting bigger. That didn't come to a shock for her. Most Rangers and Rescuers gained a lot of friends and support... and since her nephew was a nice, friendly (after coffee) young man, he always made friends quickly.

That and having knowledge of what Pokemon liked best and how to take amazing care of them. For instance, Roxas's absol's fur was more silky and shiny ever since the two moved in together. She was really proud of them both.

At Roxas's question though, she turned to him and nodded. "Thanks to Arceus, yes. Everyone helped everyone else out and the extra rescuers that we called in from the local towns were already there for a meeting about your news. All Pokemon and people are accounted for... and we counted a few times. The worse injury that can be named was a ten hour coma of a little girl who got hit by a fallen rock but she seems to be doing alright now."

Axel sighed in relief, some strength coming back to him until---

"But.... there is bad news...." Sera added, her face seeming to drop and her shoulders becoming heavy. She looked at the ground and shook her head.
"What is it?" Riku asked, some worry in his own face now.
"Ninetai---"
"WHAT ABOUT HER!? IS SHE ALRIGHT!?" Axel suddenly cried, his face going pale as the organ in his chest started to beat out of his skin.

The woman nodded slightly before she looked up. "She's alright... but as for her new litter...."
There was dead silence in the group, the look of horror plastered on Roxas and Axel's faces.
"She was having contractions when the explosion accrued... which was a good and bad thing. Her going into labor allowed me to be awake when this all happened so I could call the emergency but... it was bad timing for her."

Axel shook his head in disbelief. She was always such a good mother and paced herself. They fed her the best foods and she knew when and when not to eat or sleep or give her already born child the love and attention they needed but...

"It was very difficult to move her and we had to put a lot of stress on her while we were fleeing because we couldn't lay her down on anything flat or she might of been in risk of a rock falling on her. I carried her all the way down the mountain and to the Pokecenter... and even if I should of gone back immediately, I stayed until she was done giving birth." She sighed as she looked down again. "There..... were four,"

Green eyes started to water as he heard the pass tense... and he sucked in a breath of air to hold back the tears.

"but only one came out breathing.... The poor dear. We even tried to give the otherpups oxygen but... it was no use..."

[Reno]

The others tensed as they heard the dismal tone take Sera's voice. Already they all knew this was something they didn't want to hear.
Sora glanced at Roxas and Axel his hands curling around Riku's arm as he asked the dreaded question.

"but only one came out breathing..."

Oh god no...

Roxas stared at Sera blankly before he turned his head away staring at nothing in particularly. "Oh fuck..." He whispered, holding Edana closing to him. It seemed Arceus was... not so forgiving to them after all. But what had Ninetails ever done?!
"Soool..." Absol sadly said, his head lowering. He had been so hopeful too... but they had lost almost all their pups.

"Can..." Roxas swallowed hard, his throat feeling dry as more shock settled in, "Can we see her?"

[Rikugurl]

Everyone seemed to swallow as they heard the grim news. Then not everyone was accounted for. Ven leaned in close to Terra, glancing up at him as their fingers intertwined. He knew he would be devastated if Delcatty and Houndoom's pups/kittens were stillborn... or even Moan's egg. Even if there was a little chance, some had to wonder if they wouldn't of made it to begin with... or if it was the actual complication during her labor that caused this horrid news.

"Vuulll..." The fox sounded sad as her large eyes peered up at her master, seeing how his face and emotions changed so.
"Ab..." The smaller dog whined as well, his tail falling a bit as he saw the difference in facial expression changed from happy to sad so quickly.

The older woman sighed but nodded, taking a breath. "Of course. Everyone, please follow me." She turned and started walking down the road, the others in tow.

When they reached the town, the group looked at everyone who were unfortunate to get a place to stay... but oddly enough, their will were not broken. They still played with their children and Flannery was even training some kids with battles on the outskirts. They quickly made their way into the Pokecenter... that was full of trainers, pokecenter staff and rescuers. Some of the Lavaridge rescuers looked over, their faces seeming to be relieved as they saw the large group enter and went towards the back room.

Many slightly injured Pokemon were being tend to in the hallway, trying to stay out of the way of the large group who had to step around the larger beasts before coming to a room at the end of the hall. The door was opened and they instantly heard familiar growling. "Ninetails, calm down.... Axel and Roxas are here." The growling seemed to stop before she walked in, Roxas and Axel quick to follow as the rest of the group hesitated to go in.

The room wasn't as nice as the rescue nursery, but it was nice enough with a bed and many blankets and pillows. Some other Pokemon were around but far from the golden fox... who obviously wouldn't allow anyone come close except those she knew. She wasn't being mean... just a good mother.
"Ninetails..." Axel said softly as he walked over to her slowly, seeing that she had herself covered in her many tails. Slowly he leaned down, reaching out and letting her smell his hand before petting her. "That's a good girl..."

Roxas came over and did the same as Sera checked the other Pokemon in the room, seeing a poochyena with a new bite in his ear. He obviously got too close.

"Can we see....?" The redhead asked softly, looking into his faithful Pokemon's eyes before she lowered her head some in sorrow. The scene nearly broke his heart but when she moved her tails, he looked through them at the small little thing moving around her stomach. Red little claws kneaded into the golden fur as a little red face was sucking at a teat for milk.

[Reno]

The two lovers followed after Sera, walking closer to each other for some level of comfort to this newest tragedy. It was ironic... how their lives revolved around saving Pokemon, and it was a Pokemon they vowed to protect that killed some of their own.

The rest of the canine family stayed at their masters' sides, loyal pets even in sorrow. As they made it through town some of the people of Lavaridge spotted and said their hellos to the two rescuers, welcoming them back but they could do in return was a downhearted wave and half-assed greeting.

When they entered the center it was obviously overloaded with too many Pokemon and not enough space as they all has to walk single file to get around the crowded halls. They made it to the end of the hall though, and stepped through quickly once they heard that growl. The minute Absol did, the other Pokemon in the room huddled even further away - it was obvious Ninetails was not the only one taking his protective role with seriously. He and his children sat down further away as the Alpha and Beta finally came to greet and congratulate Ninetails.

Roxas smiled a little at Ninetails to comfort her, letting her sniff at his palm like Axel had. He had had to learn this trick when he joined the rescue center and started to live with Axel. The cream fox was going to be overly protective for many months yet, and he found if you moved to quickly or too suddenly for her tastes she would bite you no matter who you were.

He listened to Axel urge her to let them see, and then leaned forward slowly as she did, seeing the tiny little Pokemon hiding against her belly. From the red coloring he instantly thought it was a Vulpix - but then he got a better look at it. Saw the white fur and harmless, almost rubbery sickle tail and scythe headdress. A tiny red Absol.

"Oh..." Roxas whispered with a small smile. "She's so beautiful." How he managed to still be in wonder, after how terrible it was to lose the other three, he would never know. But... he knew part of it was because eh and Axel would never feel like on a humanly personal level. They could never have children. So in a way, when Ninetails and Absol had children he couldn't help but think they were his as well.

Out in the hall the other's waited, Sora taking a peek inside, trying to catch sight of the little miracle. He still never saw a baby Pokemon!

"Pix!" Came a call and made him glance back. He smiled then seeing a golden fox making her way down the hall. There was a little red acorn on her back as if she was giving it a ride. And why not? Borva was very attached to the little Seedot, as strange as that may seem, and they were like best friends!

[Rikugurl]

Axel slowly reached his hand through her tails and gently lifted up the pup's butt, checking underneath. "It's a girl..." He said softly before pulling away... then heard Roxas's whisper behind him. A small smile ran on over his lips as well, hearing Roxas's fatherly like voice. He really loved the sound of it... and he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not.

However, he heard shifting at the doorway, looking over to see a golden fox walk in with a large red seed on her back.
"Dot dot dot dot dot dot..." The seed said every time he bounced on his friend's back before his eyes widened. "SEEDOT!" The fox stopped as the acorn shaped pokemon jumped off and ran the best he could to his masters. With his excitement though, he tripped and started to spin like a top until he hit Roxas's legs. "Dotdot!" Swirls filled his eyes but they cleared as he was picked up by the blonde, quickly nuzzling him. "Seeeeeeed~~"

Zan backed away as he watched Seedot, sighing a bit. He was so ashamed... even the small pokemon that should of been afraid of fire had more courage early this morning...
He was the one who blasted a small hole in the side of the house so his sisters could get away easily.

When Roxas was holding Thad, Axel glanced beyond Borva to see the group still looking in. He gave them a smile before taking a soft blanket nearby and covering his hands with it. "I'll be right back, mama." He said softly to Ninetails before reaching into her tails again and gently scooped up the baby. She fussed a bit as she was pulled away from the milk but Axel pushed his bare fingers over the blanket a bit and touched her nose.

With this, she started to suck at his fingers. With having to help with child birth like ponytas, rapidashes and even camerupt even at a young age, Axel had a knack of how to treat babies and their protective mothers.
Slowly he stood and started to walk away, noticing that Absol, Borva and Edana were following behind. They wanted to see the baby too!

He came up to the door and opened his hand a bit, letting the other's look down at the baby absol.
Riku smiled as he heard Sora silently exclaim, squeezing his hand a bit. He had complained every so often that he never got to see Axel and Roxas's pups when they were newborns... how he had the chance.
Ven laughed a little as the baby seemed to topple over a bit when she reached for another one of Axel's fingers but finally got to it.

When his friends saw enough, he slowly lowered his hands down so the father and sisters could see as well.

[Reno]

The blonde looked back when he heard a happy little noise, then smiled as Seedot started to hurry towards him. It was good to see him too. He didn't know if he could handle losing another...

He blinked though as the Pokemon tripped and spun on the ground. He chuckled softly, picking him up gently as he came his way. He held him close as he felt the nuzzle, "Hey Thad. I missed you." He cuddled the little acorn, smiling as Axel held onto the little Absol and took her outside. If it had been anyone else, he probably would have worried but he knew Axel knew how to take care of baby Pokemon better then almost anyone else at the center. He had a... surprisingly gentle touch.

Something he did notice as Axel left though... was the only one not to follow was the younger Absol. "Zan? Come here." The brother hesitated, before reluctantly coming to his side. Roxas reached out, running his fingers along the dog's head. "Hey... you're upset about what happened?"

Meanwhile outside the room...
"Oh look at how cute!!" Sora couldn't help but coo, bouncing excitedly by Riku's side.
Aqua rolled her eyes, but smiled to the red-head. She wasn't a fan of children but she supposed if it was a Pokemon... "Congrats."
Terra shook his head but smiled as well. It wasn't a new sight to him or Ven - having been with Delcatty when she gave birth to her litter of five. But he had to agree it was a cute little Absol. "Thought of any names yet?"

Absol smiled as he looked down at his newest daughter, nudging her gently with his nose. Borva beside him looked curiously, sniffing at her. "Pix!" She smelt like them!

[Rikugurl]

Thad bounced a bit in his master's arms happily before glancing down at the absol coming close. When Roxas leaned down, he popped out of his arms and hurried towards Axel to see the new baby as well. He jumped onto Borva and looked over to see the baby red absol.

Edana sniffed the baby as well, her mom not letting anyone close enough to see... which made her really sad. But her dad let her know that she was the same way when she had them! Her big eyes gazed down at the little absol that seemed to be fussing a lot now, knowing that Axel's fingers weren't providing her with milk anymore. A baby sister!

The smaller absol looked around as he was called but sighed as he walked over to his master, sitting when he was starting to get pet. "Sol... ab sol sol..."
He knew he had another little sister now... and he needed to protect her as well. What if he chickened out again and she got hurt too? It would be all his fault. He was a horrible big brother....

Hearing the cries of her newborn, Ninetails frowned before glaring at Axel. "TAILS!" All the pokemon around jerked and looked at the golden fox, seeing how unpleasant she was starting to get. "Alright." Axel smiled as he got up and walked over, gently placing the baby back between Ninetail's tails and against her stomach. The little think started to look around blindly before finding the teat she was working on before. The fox leaned over, sniffling and nuzzling the baby before licking her white fur.

Axel placed the blanket down and sighed. Ninetail's teats seemed full... when made him frown remembering that she was expecting four. At least the baby absol would get plenty of food for now.
He turned and looked at the group before down at Roxas who was still petting Zan. "How about Sanuye? It means "Red cloud at sundown". It would match her face and white fur well."

Maybe her having only one was a blessing in some way. With the world becoming dangerous thanks to the legendaries.... maybe having more babies to worry about would be rather stressful...

[Reno]

"Hey..." Roxas said softly. "Don't be so down on yourself. You're a great Absol Zan..." He jumped a little in surprise at Ninetails unexpected bark, then glanced back as Axel came back in, their little Pokemon family following close behind. This time when the daughter was returned, Absol came over and sat down beside his mate looking as proud as could be.

Blue eyes looked up at green as the name was announced. He smiled suddenly and nodded. "Sanuye... I love it." It not only fit her coloring, it fit who she was. Sanuye signified the sight of seeing the end of a day - something that as a rescuer he knew was a blessing for many Pokemon and people. She was a little blessing too.

He sighed though. "I hate to see them now and just leave again like this..." He hesitated, then glanced between Absol and Zan. "We're you too... able to sense the Volcano before it erupted?"
"Sol!" His Absol confirmed, and his son gave a shier but also positive response.
The blonde was quite for a moment, thinking about his options, then nodded. "Good... Then I have a job for you both. There's gonna be a lot more 'natural' disasters all around the world for a little while until Axel and I can finish our mission." He looked to his old friend, "Absol, I want you to stay here, protect everyone, okay?"
The dog looked at him for a few moments before smiling and nodding, sitting up a little straighter. "Absol!" Of course he would.

He turned to the dog at his side, seeing how nervous he looked. He smiled comfortingly. "Zan... I want you to come with us."

[Rikugurl]

Axel smiled happily when he heard that Roxas liked the idea. At least they never had a problem naming except for Zan. He did however glance at the Absols when Roxas asked the question, seeing that they could sense it. At least that was a good sign... they would be able to sense 'unnatural natural' disasters.

He watched Roxas as he thought before glancing at Absol when the decision was made.
But when he glanced at Zan, he sighed softly.
The smaller absol moved backwards when Roxas looked at him, his eyes darting to the ground but when he heard Roxas's request he flinched a bit. Go with them? But what if he sensed something wrong!? What about all those other Pokemon... they were all new to him... and people didn't generally like absols!

He couldn't do it by himself!

He glanced over at his sisters who looked at him along with the seedot.
"VUL!" The red vulpix smiled as she nodded at her brother. He can do it!
The absol sighed but looked up at his masters... then at the group he would be traveling with. "Soool...."

Axel turned to Sera who was at one of the counters, working on some med. "Hey auntie?" She looked over, humming. "I know this may seem like a lot on your plate but I was wondering if there was any way you could watch... all our baby pokemon while we're away. It seems like this is going to be dangerous. First the ship wreck and now the volcano..."
The woman placed down some of her things and walked towards them before placing her hands on her hips. "What kind of babies do you all have?"

Axel pointed at Edana and Borvo before glancing at Ven and Terra. "These two and my friends have two skitty, three houndour and one.... misbehaved trapinch."
"HEY!" Ven frowned but Sera laughed.
"Sure... I'll see what I can do." She walked over to the said blonde who pouted at first but handed her a pouch that was on his belt. It was full of pokeballs, some different color for obvious differences.

[Reno]

"Piix..." Borva said jealously, looking away. She wished she could go! She bet there would be a lot of fights. She wanted to show off some of her skills!
Roxas just smiled a little, reaching out and petting Zan on the head. He didn't mind Axel at all, knowing exactly what he was thinking. All he needed was a chance. "You can do this Zan. Trust me."

He slowly stood, watching as Sera took Ven's Pokemon from him, the blonde looking none to happy about it. He had to admit, it worried him to leave his own family behind as well, especially now.

But... he had a feeling they'd be facing a lot more danger then Mauville will.

"Pix!" Came a muffled yip and he looked down, seeing the gold vulpix sitting at his feet, holding a Pokeball in her mouth. He lent down and she dropped it in his palm. He smiled, seeing a little Absol sticker on the red shell of it; it was Zan's. "Thanks you Borva."
"Pix, vulpix!" She looked proud, her tails wagging. She nudged her head up and glanced at the door, looking as if she wanted to leave too.
"No, you can't come with us."
The fox whined jumping on his legs. "Piiiiiix?!"
Roxas smiled sympathetically, petting her head. "Listen... oh!" He reached up, taking off Absol's pokeball from his belt and replaced it with Zan's, then held it out to her. "Put this somewhere safe, and I promise next mission you can come with us."
"PIX!!" She took it and rushed off in excitement.

...Hopefully the next mission didn't come for a loooong time.

Roxas looked back, petting Absol and Ninetails. "Take care. We'll be back as soon as we can." He straightened and started to leave the room. "Come on Zan!"
The white dog nervously started to follow.
"Sol!"
But his father stopped him in his tracks. The son looked back, seeing his dad's strict gaze. He wasn't sure if he agreed with his master's choice, feeling that Zan was probably not meant for this life, but he knew whether he was or he wasn't, Roxas and Axel needed their help and he had better do as they asked.
"Sol absol!" Protect them.

[Rikugurl]

Axel left the room as Roxas started to head out but stopped as he heard Absol's call, seeing Zan stop in his tracks and looked back. The smaller disaster pokemon looked at his dad for a few minutes, silent as he thought but his white chest puffed out a bit. "Ab Sooool!" I will! With that, he rushed after Roxas, standing by his legs as the group made their way back out of the tight space and back outside.

When they got out, some stretched and yawned.
"Now what?" Ven sighed as he finished his yawn, looking up at the mountain. He was hoping there wouldn't be one disaster a day. They wouldn't be able to keep up!
"Is there a large city in this region?" Fuu asked as she pulled out a map from her backpack, looking through it.

Axel and Roxas seemed to look at each other before shaking their heads. "The only really big cities are by the coast... and I'm sure they're having a lot of problem already. Maybe we can check in Verdanturf Town to see if they might have any information or not..."

Riku sighed as he looked around, seeing all the people. He was sure that city Axel just mentioned was full too... since it was close and some people from Lavaridge might of headed that way anyway. "Or maybe we should head back to Johto... We aren't too far and seeing that this is where the whole mess started, we can look for more clues there. Besides, baby Lugia is probably still large... and you can't carry something that large very far..."

[Reno]

Aqua shielded her face from the son, looking up at the sky. Other then the black smoke where the volcano was, the sky was clear, showing no signs of becoming violent anytime soon. She listened to the others talk, trying to make a plan of action. She shook her head. "No, not necessarily," She said to refute Riku's claim. "They didn't just carry the Pokemon with their hands you know - especially not a fucking legendary that weighs god knows what. The would of caught it in a rocket ball, so it can be easily transferred to other areas."

"Then we can start mapping out the known bases," Roxas announced, "Have some of our smaller Pokemon or ghost Pokemon get in undetected to search for Lugia and if they come out negative move on."

"Well, they were in a helicopter right?" Sora spoke up. "They would of had to land somewhere with a lot of space and since it has an R on it, they probably would of had to ditch it somewhere close by. If we can predict where, maybe we can intercept then before they get to the closest base." He hesitated then frowned. "What confuses me is... if they were on such an important err... assignment, why are they making it so easy for us to tell who did it?"

Terra sighed as everyone started to think about that and shook his head. "Well, if they're fucking smart, they aren't rocket at all and painted that fucking R on it to lead dumb shits like us off their trial. That or their pathetically egotistical."
He brushed some of his hair out of his face. "Regardless fuckers, we aren't getting anywhere just sitting here thinking about it. Lugia and Ho-Oh with their damn charges rule Kanto, Johto and the Orange Islands. They know it well, and if the child was still anywhere in the vicinity, they probably would of found it already. However, the other legendaries won't make it very easy to encroach into territory they aren't in charge of. That PROBABLY means the thieves went as far away from their ruling area as possible. And that would be?"

"....Sinnoh?" Sora ventured.
"There you fucking go!" He slapped the small brunette on the back and Sora yelped nearly falling on his face from the force. "Let's get moving!"

[Rikugurl]

Riku's eyes widened when Sora almost fumbled over, catching him before he could and raising his eyebrow at Terra. "One problem. Team Rocket isn't IN Sinnoh. Team Galatic isn't that smart nor would they want to give Rocket any glory in their ideas." Terra still backed up that it might not be either team and the woman did say that the 'R' was PAINTED, not manufactured.

Ven crossed his arms and sighed. "Who the fuck do they think we are, Sherlock Holmes!? Whoever did this is smart... and if they're smart enough to try and trick us AND steal a legendary baby from it's own fucking nest.... we might be in more trouble than just the pissed off legendaries."

Fuu nodded as she agreed. "Either way, I think Terra's idea is the best... and seeing that Jubilife City is the main city of television and technology, that would probably where we want to head out next. Maybe they can make us an App to help us find what we're looking for."

Ven gave her a dull look and rolled his eyes. "Yea, Fuu... they're going to make us an App to look for lost Legendaries. OUCH!" He cried as he he felt Aqua slam her hand into the back of his head.
"Anyway..." Axel started. "We can reach Sinnoh by nightfall if he head their now and ride all day. So if that's the plan, he better start moving."

[Reno]

"Be polite!" Aqua hypocritically snapped after she hit the brunette, crossing her arms. No one made fun of her girlfriend and got away with it.

"Alright, come on then." Roxas said, agreeing with Axel, before he started to step through the ground carefully. Zan followed close to him the path familiar as they got back onto the same trial that had led them into the town in the first place. While everyone else was calling on their Pokemon, he lent down, petting the Absol on the head, "Now listen Zan, all you need to do whenever you feel something bad about to happen, is to come out of your Pokeball or make it shake to let me know somethings wrong, okay?"

The dog looked uncertain, remembering how he had to be told time and time again to stay INSIDE his Pokeball unless he was called on.
"I know, but you need to okay? We need to know something's wrong so we can try and prevent someone getting hurt. Okay?" The dog agreed and Roxas recalled it before walking over to Axel seeing him giving Rapidash a sugar cube for a treat before the long ride ahead. "Hey I can lead, if you want."

"Jeez Terra I think you broke my back!" Sora was teasing where he was readjusting Arcanine's bow, making sure to pull any loose strands back again.
"Heh sorry..." The man apologized, holding on Flygon's reins.
"Well I just hope your not that rough in the bedroom as you are in everyday life or I'm going to start worrying about my brother's health!"

There was a stretch of silence, everyone looking at the smaller brunette with wide eyes before Terra laughed softly and grinned. "Well Ac-tually-" ('TERRA!') Ven cried and smacked the brunette hard.
"Ow! What? I think you're brother deserves to know that we spend most of our time against the wall with me fuc- SLAP OW!"

"Alright way more information then I ever needed to know!" Aqua said holding back her laughter, her own girlfriend blushing just a little as she called Steelix. "How the fuck did I ever survive the first trip with you freaks?"
"What, as if you and Fuu don't get kinky. Bet you put those handcuffs to good use~" Terra teased, making both women flush more.
"CAN WE CHANGE THE CONVERSATION PLEASE?!" Roxas called, his whole face tomato red.