The Tale of Seven: Kidnapped Hope

[Rikugurl]

Riku looked down at Sora, seeing the look in his eyes. He glanced back at the barn where Arcy had happily gone to. It was nice to see her happy with another pokemon but...
"You know..." He started before looking forward. "Pastoria City isn't very far from Sunyshore City. If Arcy has pups, we could manage taking them down everyday to visit their dad... then come home... and maybe during the weekend, they can spend more time together. Kind of like a distance relationship or something?" He smiled as he rubbed Sora back.

"Yea... and if Star and Swellow end up... together... I will let you keep him." Fuu said, making everyone look at her and she blushed some. "He doesn't really like sailing very much... I'd rather see him happy than cooping him up."

Riku nodded and smiled down at his lover. "Yea... don't worry about it Sora... we just need to make sure they don't go crazy is all. Once we settle down, we can let them roam around free like we did when we were in Mirage. Their natural setting will come back but they will always come back to us. We're all friends."
They walked into a shop, smiling as they saw all the winter coats.


The wood was placed in the pile and Ven dusted his hands off. "There, all done!" He grinned before bouncing a bit to keep warm. They needed a bigger fire stove! He glanced over, seeing Terra bend over and place the wood down as well. More devil horns appeared in his swirly blonde hair before he reached down and started to rub one of Terra's cheeks, squeezing it every once here and there.

When Terra looked back, Ven's eyes lidded, purring as he stepped back and then out the door. Terra followed as if he was hypnotized and they both ran to the barn.
Blue eyes widened to see two large dogs licking each other's face before sighing. "Alright you two, go do something fun in the snow! Me and Terra have... stuff to do in here and we can't be bothered."

The dogs looked down at the short boy before Arcy barked at Kennet before they slowly left the barn. Terra walked inside and closed the door behind him as Ven walked to a large barrel of hay, falling on it and grinning. "Come on, big boy~"


Axel's eyebrow rose when he saw Ven's hand groping Terra's ass before rolling his eyes. He could make out what they were doing without his glasses. "A-and they-they talk about..... us?" He chattered, leaning closer to Roxas as he started to feel cold again. He sucked his slightly blue lips in his mouth every once in awhile to keep them warm.
When they left, he sighed and closed his eyes. "I m-miss Nin-netails..."

The absol at the bottom of the bed perked his head up, a sad look on his face. "Aaaab..."

[Reno]

The young brunette continued to have a depressed look on his face... until he heard Riku. He looked up, smiling a little. It was kind of a ridiculous plan - if nothing else he's want to keep Arcy with Kennet at least while they had pups so they could raise them. It wouldn't be right to split them. Arcy would travel to see them on her own, he was sure of that.

And then Fuujin's add in, "B-but Fuu..." He said, unable to agree with such an idea. Words fell away when she finished her reasoning. He supposed she was right but...

The brunette glanced at Riku again then looked towards the sky. Once thing was for sure. They'd make it work. Somehow they'd make decisions that was best for everyone. He smiled a little. "Alright..." He reached up rubbing his little scarf.
"Reeet~"

Soon they wandered into a store, little brown eyes opening and looking about curiously. Her new master was walking towards some coats when he paused with an 'Oooooh' and picked up a very small straw hat meant for Pokemon. It had a little blue ribbon on it, tired in a bow. He grinned and placed it on her head.
"Fur?"
"We should of though of this before." Aqua said with a shake of her head, looking at a nice looking coat with a fur collar.


Terra shook his head as Ven bounced around like a Buneary, leaning down to place down his own wood pile when he felt a hand on his ass. Knowing who it was he grinned and glanced back, raising an eyebrow at the male groping him. But the look on Ven's face was delicious and ohh that purr~

He wanted it bad.

He licked his lips, dropping the wood uncaringly and hurried after the other, so caught up with him he hardly noticed Ven telling the dogs to shoo. He licked his lips again as they went into the barn, shutting the doors to keep the warmth in eyes darkening at the sight of the other. "Oh I am~" He wandered over towards him, tugging off his jacket then his shirt as he went, throwing them on the floor. The light from the hearth and outside made his tan skin shade nicely, and his eyes gleam mysteriously.


Roxas rose and eyebrow and shook his head on the...display Ven put on them. He cracked a grin at Axel's words after they left, wholeheartedly agreeing. His brother was such a hypocrite!

He sighed a little though, kind of wishing the fire fox WAS here. He smiled to Absol though, "Don't worry Absol, you're keeping us warm." At least his feet were nice and warm. He could call Flareon if it wasn't enough for his lover though. "We'll see her soon Axel, don't worry." He leaned back so Axel could lay against him more easily, eyes shutting tiredly. He reached out, rubbing Axel's fingers between his own, trying to warm them like he did last night. Like he tried to warm his toes and legs and arms and...

He yawned a bit, reaching out for Axel's bowl. It was still nice and warm in his hands. "Come on, you should eat this before it gets cool."

[Rikugurl]

The silverette woman walked over to a set of coats, grinning as she took out a pink one with light blue fur around it. "Huh... do you think this would fit Ven?" She joked softly as she showed it to Aqua.

Riku walked in further, seeing all the nice coats. It was obvious that this place was getting ready for winter... but didn't know it was going to be coming so soon. They still had fall clothing on the racks that were now on sale. Of course, there wasn't very many, people hardly knowing that this place was even here. He wondered if they did custom things.

He walked to the man at the counter, seeing him cutting some material. "Excuse me?"
The man looked up... then leaned up, straightening and looking Riku over. "My... I haven't seen an outsider since spring. May I help you?"
Riku rose an eyebrow too before nodding. "Do you make custom coats here?"
"Well, I can, and I try but not many people here have much money. Especially since most everyone will be moving in spring."
Riku tilted his head some, his brows pinching at the odd information. "People are moving? To where... and why?"

The man shrugged and sighed before starting to cut again. "Everyone's moving to Pastoria City. They're afraid that our winters will always be like this from now on... and we just don't have the resources like we use to. Since Latium died, the faith in this little village has dwindled. So... this whole place might just pack up next spring and we'll be going down the mountain."
"Who was Latium?"
"A man that was a doctor and a teacher at the same time. He'd educate the children and make sure everyone was in good health. He wanted his daughter to follow his footsteps but she hasn't yet. She was going to move right before the snow hit. Now we all know that we won't be getting any good education or health care here..."

Riku frowned, nodding some. That must of been Firi's father...

"Well.... do you think you could make me a long red coat for a tall, skinny male?"
The owner looked up at him but nodded. "When do you need it for?"
"Probably in two more days..."


Axel smiled as he leaned on his lover, enjoying his warmth. He didn't think that even Moltres could warm him up. He just felt so.... cold. When would it go away...?
At least he made it out alive though... that was what count.

He glanced up as he heard his lover yawn, seeing how tired he was. He must of been up all night...
"Only if you promise to take a nap with me when we're done eating..."

[Reno]

"Deal," The blonde said behind another yawn before he smiled and spooned out some more of the soup, lifting it to Axel's lips. "Now eat up."


Aqua raised an eyebrow at her wife's choice, but grinned wickedly when she heard her pan. It reminded her of long ago... when Ven and Terra practically shoved a hideous bright pink sleeping bag in her arms and forced her to buy it.

"Oh I think it's perfect for him! We just HAVE to buy it."

Sora walked over to a nearby mirror, setting Furret down on the ground so she could admire herself. "Look at you Margret! You look adorable!"
She lifted herself up on her hind legs, tilting her head and smiling. Her little paws reached up, moving the hat just a little so the bow was more to the side. "Fuuurrrret!"
Sora smiled, watching her play with the hat, turning it at different angles and moving it side to side so the bow was in different spots. She was just like a little kid...
"There are others you know?"
"Reeet?!" She said in surprise and squealed happily when Sora set a whole bunch next to her, laughing as she started to try on them all.

He glanced up though, hearing Riku nearby talking to the shopkeeper, smiling when he heard what his lover wanted to order. It was a kind gesture for their sick friend.
It wasn't long before the silverette came over to them, raising an eyebrow and smiling at the sight of the pinkish-purple Pokemon playing with hats. He looked like he was about to comment on it but Sora leaned up and kissed him. "I love you." He murmured with a smile when he broke away. The silverette seemed surprised but returned the gesture, then asked what that was all about. "Nothing. I just wanted to tell you."

"Ret!" Margret said as she put back on her first hat, the one with the dark almost navy blue bow, and set it on her head, the bow to the right. She looked up at Sora and smiled.
"Yeah I like that one the best too." Sora agreed before picking her up. He gave Riku the cutest pout he could, "Can we get it for her?"
Furret tilted her head before turning cute begging eyes up at Riku. "Ret, ret furrrret?"

Under that combination of cuteness not even Arceus could of said no.


".............................."
A wide grin split the woman's lips.
".............................."
"So what do you think?" She insisted, holding up the coat the pinks and blues catching in the sunlight.
"........................................BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-OW!" Terra bent over as he was elbowed in the gut by his furious lover but he continued to wheeze and laugh. "Hahahaha come on princess! It suits yo-ow!!" He fell in the snow, holding his shin.

Aqua laughed, throwing the coat over Ven's head. "What are you bitching about? You like looking pretty!"


Sora shook his head, watching the commotion going on a few feet away. "They are so ridiculous."

"Arrrr." Agreed the tiger dog as she sat patiently, letting her master brush out her tail. Furret had a little comb of her own, sitting on the dogs large shoulder but the tangles were too heavy for her so she ended up hanging from the dog's mane where she would fall, her little hat go flying and she'd have to pick it up, put it on and go climbing up Arcanine once more to do her job.

Sora laughed as he watched Margret go tumbling again and with determination started to race up the dog's back to get to her shoulder once more. He set aside his own comb and started to tie up a large blue ribbon around her tail. "You're gonna be so beautiful for your little date tonight~" He grinned at the thought - maybe it would even be like that movie were a scruffy stray Poochyena came around and tried to impress a beautiful Vulpix and finally enchanted her when they kissed accidentally when they ate the same spaghetti strand!

He smiled having her turn around, setting Margret beside him and grooming up her mane and cutting away the excess fur before he finally tied up a second yellow ribbon around her ear. "Alright! You're gonna knock him dead!" She smiled, giving him and the little ferret a happy lick.


Inside the house, the poor family of three who lived there had to cover there ears as they walked around the kitchen area, the loud sound of snores filling the house like a thundering herd of tyranitars! One had to wonder how the blonde next to him could sleep so peacefully!

"Well, I take it as a good sign he's sawing logs." Gin said. His daughter below him stated something about how if THAT was sawing logs, the whole forest would be gone by morning!

[Rikugurl]

"UGH! I---I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU----UGH----GUYS!" The one under the cute little coat struggled to get it off his head before pulling it down, looking at it. "There's no way I'm going into public like this!" He growled as he looked up at the girls, his hair a mess.
"I thought he liked cute things too..." Fuu said, sounding a bit disappointed as she crossed her arms. "You should be a lot nicer when you get gifts, you really hurt my feelings." She pouted but Ven only growled.

"You jackasses!"
"Hey, look on the bright side! We'll all know what bundle you are in the snow~"
"We'll I'm not fucking wearing this shit!" Ven called before throwing it back at them before stomping off towards the shops himself.
Fuu laughed before looking at Terra who finally stood up, his laughing coming down to a chuckle. She tossed the coat to him and smiled. "Make sure he wears this or we;ll just have to give you your gift too..."


In the barn, the hay that was kept up nicely was in a bit of disarray. It was as if someone had played in it but when the sight of Terra and Ven running from the back door moments ago, no one really wanted to know...

Another comb was brushing through matted knot after matted knot, the floor looking like a jackpot to bird who wanted to make a nice warm nest. "When was the last time someone brushed you out...?" A handsome voice filled the barn as pale fingers ran through dirty fur.
For a pokemon who belonged to a wannabe rescuer, this was rather shocking.
"Aarr..." The large dog shook his head as he glanced back at the man brushing him.
"If it wasn't so cold, I would of given you a bath..." Riku sighed but smiled. "Don't worry though... I'll make sure you look good."

"Laaass~~" Froslass smiled as she took a bow tie and placed it around Kennet's neck.


As Sora was looking over Arcy, they could see a white seal sliding towards the house and up to the front door. The dewgong rose her flipper and knocked on the door before the little girl opened it. "Oh hey, Nymph!" She blinked when she saw something in the pokemon's mouth and put her hand down, letting her friend drop it. It was a....pair of glasses?
"Where did you get these?" She asked, looking at them. They seemed to be fairly damaged... the lenses cracked and the frame bent. It was cold and wet too.

"Gon! Dew dew, gong!" The seal looked back and pointed towards the lake with her flipper.
"Oh! I wonder if someone is in trouble again!" She called but before she could rush inside and tell her parents, Sora walked over, inquiring what was going on.
"Oh! Nymph here found these glasses!" She said, holding them up for Sora to see. "I hope someone didn't fall in again!"

[Reno]

Terra rose an eyebrow when he was handed the coat, then his eyes widened. "My... gift?" There was a grin shared by the woman as they started to reach in the bag- "Oh god don't show me!!" He turned and sped after Ven, some snow flying up in his wake. "Veeeen don't waste more money!! It's really not that bad!"

Aqua grinned, looking at Fuu who was surprisingly devious! "I thought he might take the bait."


Blue eyes looking up from where he was fluffing out some of the mane, hearing the girl's worried noises. He blinked in concern before getting up and pacing over to her. "Hey what's wrong Lilo?" He could see the panic on her face as she lifted the glasses for him to see but rather then seeming worried... he smiled.

"Oh," He took them, recognizing the reddish tint to them. "These are Axel's. They are rather destroyed though aren't they?" He inspected them closely, seeing all the damage and shaking his head. "Mmm... wonder if there is anywhere around here that fixes these sorts of things..."

[Rikugurl]

Fuu laughed as she watched Terra rush after Ven, shaking her head before turning to her lover. "Good thing we actually didn't buy him anything... though maybe one of those pink thongs would of been nice." She chuckled, placing her hand over his mouth as she saw the expressing Aqua had. She obviously was getting a bad mental picture.

Ven huffed as Terra can after him, looking back. His eyes narrowed and darkened, and NOT in a good way.
"What do you MEAN it's not that BAD!?" He growled, his fist bunching up. "If I have to wear that, I'll have to walk around at Venita until we get away from all this snow!"
He looked away as Terra started to talk but shook his head. "FINE... but I still want to see what else this.... place has."

He walked into a shop, looking around to see not very much. However, when he continued to walk to the back of the store, his eyes widened and he smiled. "Now.... THAT is something! What an idea..." He grinned as his blue swirled eyes looked up at a flying saucer. No, not a UFO... but a round sled. "We could so totally sled down this mountain!" He laughed as Terra came closer.


The girl blinked as the brunette started to explain. "Axel's...?" She rose an eyebrow before thinking. "OH! The...the one that will saw down the forest with his snoring?" Sora laughed but Lilo was still to young to really get the joke but she smiled anyway and pointed down the path to where they had come from not too long ago. "There is a guy next to the guy who makes coats. He fixes all sorts of things. He fixed my grandpapa's glasses once."

[Reno]

Aqua rose an eyebrow, then grimaced at her lover's words. Just picturing Terra in a tight thong with his fat ass hanging everywhere and his junk hanging out and - ugh. Just UGH!!!! "Oh god I need to clean my brain with soap!!"

"Well..." Terra started, "It's not like you haven't worn pink before and-" Ven jumped in, saying fine but then walked inside the store. The brunette sighed but smiled following after. Yeah he said he didn't need Venita... but there was no fucking way he was wearing pink!!!

However, when they got into the store, Terra's eyebrow rose when Ven spotted a very curious looking sled. He rose an eyebrow, looking it over and finally asked, "Are you sure that's... safe?"

The blonde looked at him in disbelief, commenting on how maybe HE should be wearing the pink. A dark blush rose on Terra's cheeks and he snapped, "What!? I've played in snow before!"


Sora smiled and nodded at the girl's helpful and friendly advice. "Alright, I'll take these to him then. Thank you Lilo." He glanced towards his dog and then grinned. "Oh! I need some real lady advice. Can you help?"

The girl tilted her head curiously but seeming proud about being seen as a lady nodded and Sora led her over to Arcy. "You think you can tell me if Arcanine looks pretty?"


The moon rose two more times before the team announced they were finally ready to move out. While not at the top of his health, Axel was well and strong enough to travel. But the continuing of the journey was not filled with as much joy as everyone had hoped. they had grown attached to the small family who lived high up in the mountains in a small little paradise. They had done such a rgeat deed for them and all they could repay them with was measly chore work.

"Thank you." Roxas said to the mother and daughter. He out of everyone was grateful beyond measure. He owed them more then anyone except maybe Axel himself! They had no idea how wonderful their deed was for him and the red-head (if only he knew what Sora had told them). "For all that you've done. Please, anytime you need us just call."

"Alright Kenneth," Gin was saying, shaking his head as the large tiger dog continued to nuzzle and lick the small female. Just as he tried to pull away, Arcy would whimper or bat him with a paw and he'd go right back to nuzzling her. "Will you all stop with the loving all over each other?"
Sora, next to him, laughed softly. "Arcy, you'll see him again soon, I promise. But we need to get going."
"Arrrrr!" She whined, and this only served to get her more loving kisses from Kenneth!

"Gee you sure do look snappy don't you?" Aqua commented to Axel, seeing him in his new red coat and his recently fixed and polished glasses. "If I knew you could get that kind of treatment, I would of fallen in ice years ago."

Terra meanwhile just hung back, sighing a little as he looked out at the icy whiteness.
"Never?!"
"No... never. My dad's a jackass remember?"
"Not even on your travels?!"
"With WHO? All my Pokemon don't precisely like ice or cold! Besides, when did YOU ever get to play in snow? You lived on a beach too!"
"When we went up to see my Aunt in Saffron for Christmas it snowed there eveeeeeeeery year! So me and my brothers would have snowball fights and sledding races and build snowmen! And then every time we came in someone would make us big warm cups of hot chocolate to warm up with and all we had to do was run right back outside and play in it again!"

He glanced hummed softly, building a snowball in his hand, trying to pretend he wasn't spotting out Ven to throw it at. The past two days had been some of the most exciting he'd had in awhile. Doing things he had never done. Sledding is where it started and he didn't thing sitting on a piece of wood and flying down a hill could be so... exhilarating! It was more fun then a fucking roller coaster, if you could really pick up speed!

The snow was a piece of his childhood he had lost and Ven had helped him find it again. They all had - since Sora obviously couldn't pass up a good snowball war, dragged in Riku and Aqua and Fuujin just HAD to play along. Hell, even Roxas and Axel came out to play for awhile though the red-head couldn't stay out long.

They all built the biggest snowball they could (this time with their cold tolerant Pokemon and Lilo's energetic help), the ball they built for the bottom so big they had all been able to sit on it! And even once they build the head, Lilo could still comfortably make a thrown up there, and wasn't even scared at all at being up so high. In fact, that snowman still stood at the edge of some trees decorated with sticks and buttons and old materials for clothing.

Hell, Sora even showed him how to make a fucking snow angel. It was the gayest thing he ever did but he did it! It looked more like a big blob to him but hey whatever!

And yes, hot chocolate after a cold day in snow? Especially with marshmallows? Fucking amazing.

[Rikugurl]

Firi smiled as she nodded. "Oh please, it was really nothing. Just knowing that we were able to help was a reward in itself. I just wish my papa could of seen." She fade out, looking away before giggling and looking back. "I put in some extra poke blocks in your bag and inside you'll find a warm inhaler just in case Axel starts to feel over chilled. I hope you all reach Pastoria City safely. It shouldn't take you more than a day."

Lilo sudden hugged Roxas, smiling up at him. "Come and see us soon, ok! I like how your friends did all my chores!" She giggled before pulling away, looking around the blonde at the two tiger dogs nuzzling and licking each other. She giggled again as she bounced. "See? I told Sora that his Arcy is so pretty even without the bows! Kennet knows it too. Papa need to wash Kennet more so he can be pretty too!"

Axel looked down at Aqua, smiling some. "Hey~ Thanks! I didn't think they made coats this long." He looked down, seeing that the coat came down to his knees. It was nice though. They both looked over, seeing Fuu walk to them with... two sleds. "What's this all about?" Axel inquired, frowning as he glanced at them. He thought all the fun and games were---
"Ven's idea. We'll be going down the mountain in sleds."
"WHAT!?" Axel called, hiding behind Aqua the best he could. "That's beyond dangerous!"

"Aaaaaaar~~" The large tiger continued to lick the smaller, nuzzling her ear and--- His eyes widened as he saw a blue energy around him and POP!
"AR!?" He called, now inside his pokeball!? That wasn't fair!

"Ugh...." Ven walked over his pink and blue hood over his head, allowing only a few blonde spikes to stick out. "I can't believe I have to wear this stupid jacket (even if it is warm)" He mumbled the last part before looking down the mountain to where they were headed. He glanced up at his lover and grinned. "Boy, I can't wait for tonight though. I want some of that chocolate too~"

[Reno]

Roxas smiled, hugging the girl in return and nodded. "You know what, I think you're right!" The girl seemed to brighten so much she glowed. Maybe Aqua had been right...
"You know I think she has a crush on you," Aqua said after Lilo set her THIRD favorite toy in front of Roxas before running to her room to grab another.
"Mmm, nah."
"No really! She never makes you do ANYthing." Aqua pointed out. "And she always is asking about you and looking for you and wondering if you'd like to play with her." Aqua grinned. "Take it from another girl. It's definitely a crush."
"You're a girl?!" Ven and Terra cried in shock from across the table earning themseleves a toss of some dry cereal in their faces.
"Besides, that can't be right. If she liked Roxas, she'd like me too!" Ven said.
"Pff yeah right. She's smart to know not to like a complete jack-"
She trialed off as Lilo came running to Roxas.
"And see this one?! Doesn't she have just the prettiest hair?" The girl said, showing him a doll. "I think my hair looks kind of like this, isn't it pretty too?"
Aqua grinned mouthing to the blonde, 'Told you so.'

"It's Ven." Aqua pointed out with a grin, looking back at Axel. "Of COURSE it's dangerous!" She looked back at the sleds tilting her head some. "It shouldn't be too bad. Not everything will be downhill so Sora said we could also do some dog sledding when we need to."
She stepped away from Axel, patting him on the back. "If nothing else, I'm sure Roxas will protect you from falling into another lake!" She cackled evilly.

Arcy leaned up into the licks, a big smile on her face. Maybe they still had time to go into the forest and - "AR?!?!" She cried when suddenly her big fluffy dog was GONE?!
Gin laughed, setting his pokeball back on his belt. "thats one way to break 'em up."
"Ahhh..." Sora said but smiled and nodded. "We'll stay in touch I hope?"
"Of course. Kennet would probably run away if we didn't!"
The brunette smiled. He had talked with the family for awhile the other night, knowing they were setting out. It wasn't like it wasn't obvious what was going on. It was decided once they mission was over and Sora and his 'family' were settled, he'd probably send Arcanine up to be with Kennet, depending on if she was going to have pups already or not! If not, they'd wait until the family moved to Pastoria as planned and have the dogs live between them. It wasn't quite certain how that would either, but they still had time to think about it.

Terra grinned at the other's hope, knowing he didn't mean HOT chocolate this time. "Oh?" He wrapped his arms around Ven, bringing him close. "You'll taste so delicious," He purred, pulling off the other's hood, licking his ear and distract him from noticing that he placed the snowball in the fallen hood of his coat.

[Rikugurl]

Lilo smiled happily at him, some faint hearts popping around her before her mother placed her hands on her shoulders. "Well, it was nice to meet you again and I'm sure we'll keep in touch." She looked out and giggled, nodding to a direction. "I think you're party is ready to go."

Axel gulped as he heard Aqua, shivering already which made him pull his coat closer and pull up the hood. "Well... at least the dog sledding sounds nice..." He sighed before taking the sled that he and Roxas would be using. Green eyes looked back at the house, about to call Roxas over when---

"AAAAAAAAAH!"

An unmanly scream made everyone jump, looking at where the ear piercing scream came from. The scene though... made everyone start laughing except for Firi who had to cover her daughter's ears.

"YOU MOTHERFUCKER! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!" Ven cried as he ran around in circles before throwing off his coat and started to brush the snow off his back and neck. The back of his neck was bright red from the cold but he didn't seem to care as he punch Terra hard in the arm. "JACKASS! I FUCKING SWEAR TO GOD I WILL GET FUCKING PAYBACK!"

When Terra could get his breath back from laughing so much, he told the princess to drty up and put his coat back on.

They needed to get going.

As they all gathered around the edge of the town, they waved off to their great company and started to walk down the path until they got to some rolling hills going down. This was when it was time to go sledding!
Sora and Riku got on theirs first, Sora in front and Riku in back. Then was Roxas who had to ween Axel to get on the wooden ride of death behind him, feeling how tight he held on.
Then Aqua got on hers, Fuu sitting in front. There was a smile on her face, already feeling the excitement run through her.

And lastly... there was Terra and Ven on their own saucers. Ven glanced over at Terra, an evil grin on his face. "HAVE FUN!" He called, already knowing that these sleds were A LOT different than the one Terra had used the day before.

[Reno]

Terra stepped away, devil horns hidden under his hair as a wide grin grew on his face, almost unable to contain his laughter as Ven, blushing, reached back for his hood and-

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-OW!" He held his arm, but his body still shook with laughter as Ven ran about screaming and complaining about the cold. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

Everyone stared at the scene with surprise, some of them unable to stop their laughter. Maybe Ven hadn't shown Terra so much about the snow, it seemed the brunette had a pretty playful side to him.

"C-Come on princess! Dry up." Terra laughed breathlessly, rubbing his eyes. "We gotta get going!"

Thing calmed a little, everyone saying their finally farewells and giving the family hopes to be well before Pokemon were recalled and sleds were dragged through parting ice. The trial wasn't a long one, one they'd already explored beforehand to know precisely where they should go come time for them to leave. Hell if Sora hadn't been worried about any... baby making he would of sent Arcy and Kennet both to map out the shortest trial down the mountain. It would have taken them maybe half a day!

But what they had was good enough. Luckily with the towns local maps they no longer needed to worry so much about getting lost as they did getting through blocked passages. But they had plenty of fire Pokemon to help them in that department!

"This is gonna be fun!" Sora said as he practically hopped on his sled, grinning as warm arms circled around him.
"It's alr-IGht Axel!" Roxas squeaked some at the tight grasp, taking a deep breath. "Don't break my ribs please."
Aqua whistled softly looking down. "Wonder how many of these they'll be..."
Terra rose an eyebrow at Ven's taunt and swallowed, wondering if this was his payback. Wait a second... he couldn't have predicted he'd do that - they'd already bought these sleds which meant... VEN WAS PLANNING ON BEING EVIL TO HIM ALL ALONG!

Huh next time he'd stuff a snowball down his pants. "Bring it on fucker." Terra just grinned confidently. He had mastered everything else so far! This would be a breeze!

[Rikugurl]

Riku had to laugh as he heard Ven's taunt, looking over to see the wicked look from the blonde... who was in pink. It still made him crack up as he pulled his black coat with white fur lining around him closer. "Alright, let's got going. I'd like to sleep in a nice hotel bed tonight." He held onto Sora tightly before moving his legs on the side to slide them to the edge and.... dooooooown.
His hood didn't stay on very long, forgetting to tie it tight but the cold wing whipping through his silver hair felt nice. "WOOOOO!"

Fuu and Aqua were next to follow, their blue and silver coats being tied tightly until Riku and they went down, holding on tightly to each other. Red eyes widened, a fear running through her as she realized that SHE was the one driving this thing! WHEN DID SHE AGREE ON THIS!
"AAAAAAAAAH!"

Axel and Roxas were next... even if Axel didn't want to push them off. He leaned close into his lover, hunching over and hearing the cries of their friends below. Oh man... this... this wasn't gooooooOOOD!!
His narrow eyes closed tightly as they were off down the hill, feeling the wind in his face and making him shiver as they bumped down. His teeth clenched, wondering when it would be over.

Ven waited for everyone to go down before looking at Terra, grinning again before scooting to the edge. When he started to slide, he pulled his legs in and leaned forward, holding onto the handles at his side.
"Don't let gooo~" He taunted before he started to slide down fast. Unlike the other three sleds... Ven was almost airborne every time he hit a bump and landed hard, kicking up snow behind him. He laughed, before turning his weight, making himself start going backwards and spin around as he flew downhill.

[Reno]

"Oooooh..." Sora started to say in excitement as he felt the sled moving forward. His heart started to race, seeing their angle change down and down and- WHOOSH!
THEY WERE OFF!
"YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Came an excited call.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!" Aqua called as suddenly they were next - even if she was the one to push the sled forward and had expected it! "Holy CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!"

Roxas coughed some feeling the arms tighten more but he smiled as he started moving them off the level ground. "It's be fine Ax-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel!!!" The wind whipped loudly in his ears and tossed his hair about but even he couldn't contain a happy grin. It was just like so many Christmases ago!

Terra watched everyone speeding away- Ven included - and saw excitedly what he meant by 'fun' when he started shooting in the air. Well... he was heavier right? He wouldn't go in the air so much he was sure. With that in mind to calm him he pushed off and held on.

And then remembered because he was also heavier he'd also GO faster and would actually in fact go higher.

"OOOOOOOOOOH FUCK!!!"


At the bottom of the first hill, the normal sleds slowly as the ground leveled however Ven and Terra both zoomed past, going much farther since they had less weight and more aerodynamic sleds. Ven was laying as he spun in circles and finally slid to a halt when the sled bumped in a rock.

Terra ran into a tree, the sled overturned and he yelped as he flew into the snow, the sled overturning on top of him.
"TERRA!" More than one person cried in worry and many of them hurried from their sleds to the brunette, Riku and Ven pulled the sled off of him.
"Are you alright?!" It was Aqua, surprisingly, who asked in concern.

The brunette lifted his face and spluttered a little before looked back at them and a shocking wide grin grew on his face. "Let's do that again!!"
Many of them were surprised and then they started to laugh. Axel helped the brunette off the ground and they continued on - and yes there were many more hills they all, with growing excitement, began to anticipate and even hope for.

Going uphill or over level ground was fun as well. They tied all the sleds together and rode them with a pack of eight Pokemon pulling them. In the lead was Arcanine, her nose, eyes and ears sharp and perfect for the environment. Her right hand was Houndoom, whose strength she needed in case they had to make any sharp movements that would take power. Behind them Mightyena and to her fury Luxray was next to her. They were to level out speed. Behind them was Zan, surprisingly happy at this task, and Typlosion was next to him. They were paired together simply because they wouldn't fight - unlike the two in front - since Ty had known Zan all the young Absol's life. Behind them, pulling surprisingly well, was Feraligator and Swampert. One wouldn't have automatically guessed these two water Pokemon could ever be so fast on kand, but the ice made it easy going.

Most distances when they were pulling were short, but so were the breaks in between as sliding down hills were easy enough. Soon though, they didn't even need the sleds at all as the terrain lost it's whiteness, began rough and unfriendly and beige. They were forced to head down the rest of the way down the mountain trial on foot but soon they hit a small forest. Finally they could switch to terrain running Pokemon, take off the winter clothes and place back in the communicators.

"Hey I think I see it!" Roxas called in his communicator, holding Rapidash's reins loosely since they weren't very fast. Around then the forest rose on either side, but before them was a trial. they had made it to a route, just as he had hoped.
"That's definitely it." Terra confirmed from the sky, able to see the town in the distance. There was practically a happy cheer from all.

They had finally made it.

[Rikugurl]

And as the cheer grew, it was Ventus who stopped first. "Everyone stop!" He called after yanking the communicator from Terra's ear. Even Terra was a little baffled and pulled on Flygon's reins, making him start flying around in circles over the group below, Moana following his example.

"What's wrong?" Riku pressed his own, looking up and frowning.

"The route heading to Pastoria City is flooded!"

Everyone stopped for a moment before a sigh swept over. Of course... Pastoria City was right next to the ocean... Why didn't they think of this before? Did that mean the city was under as much water as Sandgem? It had been a few days so of course the water level was still rising...
Axel sighed as he shook his head. "Guess we'll have to go to Hearthome City and around."

"You guys... if Pastoria City is flooded, can you imagine what Lilycove City looks like?" Riku pointed out. Their whole destination might not even be there!

"UGH! Where the fuck is that baby!?" Ven growled, feeling aggravated. It was like they were going in circles and without directions.
"Let's just go to Hearthome City and collect some information." Fuu put calmly before Ven rolled his eyes. "Yea, then we'll have to save ten other things and by that time, the whole world is going to be flooded... so if we don't start growing gills now, we better find this fucking pokemon soon!"