The Tale of Seven: Kidnapped Hope

[Rikugurl]

Hopeful eyes looked up to only see the brunette...walk away!? "SORA!?" He called, hearing Umbreon behind him barking in worry as well. If Sore really left, they would have to build a boat to go after him! He wasn't with Riku and his mom when they made their first ship but he could guess that it wasn't any fun.
A pale hand reached out towards the boat... as if it would really stop but he knew.... he knew that Sora---

Eyes widened when he saw the brunette jumped off the boat like some maniac. No... like something Sora would do. He too watched, sucking in some breath before... that set of brunette spikes perked up, 'unflattenable' even by water. A hopeful and happy smiled ran over the taller man's lips, though he should of known Sora could swim. Both of them could swim like fish if they needed to.
But that wasn't why he was smiling... it was because... he was given a second chance. Darkrai was right... he did make a promise a long time ago. He was going to be a great trainer... and that meant actually communicating with other people.

This island was beautiful and peaceful... but it was hurting them too.

"WHOA!" Riku cried as a mass flew onto him, making him fall into the water but luckily the soft sand caught their fall. When he saw the huge smile, he could only smile back before lips were pressed on his. "Mmmm...." Eyes closed in happiness, as he too ran his fingers though brunette spikes.
"UMBRE!" Splashing could be heard nearby as a fox doggy paddled over to and started to lick their faces, making them pull away and chuckle.

Their laughter stopped however when Riku spoke once again. "Sora..." A hand gently touched the pudgy cheeks, an ocean looking up at him. "I love you... and I'm sorry.... Let's.... let's move off this island and find a place inland... alright?"


The back door burst open and a frantic woman and cat rushed through, heading straight for the green house. The moment she stepped through the door, three puppies and two kittens pounced on her but the cat easily called them away.
"DEL! Cat, catty!" She cried and the five quickly came to her side as the woman continued to run though a man made path through the growth. Pushing vines and limbs away, she was almost to the clearing when:

SNAP

"AAAAAAAAAH!!!"
A horrible cry came from her pink lips as she fell into the opening, grunting as she hit the ground. Her head picked, looking back at her let to see something had attached itself to her.
A weird... monster like thing.
"DAMMIT! GET OFF ME!" A manly yell came from the woman, sounding pissed yet panicked as she shook her leg violently, the creature not seeming to want to let go.

[Reno]

Lips turned up in a smile against the other soft pair, kissing the other languidly as if they had all the time in the world. But then he felt a warm tongue against his cheek and pulled away with a chuckle, smiling to the fox with yellow rings. He reached out, giving him a soft pet on the head, "Nice to see you too!"

His blue eyes met Riku's though when the other started to speak softly. His eyes widened slightly, and he swallowed. "You...you really want to?" He murmured, trying not to sound hopeful because well... it wasn't that he didn't love this island. It was beautiful and prosperous, with friendly Pokemon and an easy, simple life.

But... it was also constricting. The only person he knew and could talk to (on a human level) was Riku and anyone else he might ask for advice from took weeks to get an answer back. The storms here could so vicious they would find trees toppled over the next morning. Not to mention there food choices were limited - he'd had cravings for chocolate bars for years now. He couldn't even practice fighting for fear his Pokemon would get hurt and their would be no help available!

Back on the ship, the seven other Pokemon paced around, looking over the edge at the three in the water. Arcanine was nudging her black nose against the ladder hooked to the side, pushing it through the rails. It unfurled quickly, smacking woodenly against the side of the ship. She sat down, waiting patiently and loyally for her master to return, tail wagging.

Jolteon meanwhile was going back and forth along a small portion of the deck, looking past the rails and growling down towards the water before he made another round. If he kept at it, he would eventually make grooves in the floor. He could not help it though. His trainer might be willing to forgive Riku so easily, but he was going to make SURE the silverette knew he better watch himself from hurting Sora again... or it would be the last thing he ever did!


All the excitement in the green room made a portion of the ground move, a beautiful tree shaking and stirring the Taillow from their nests and a small tan fox into awakening from where he was sunbathing against some jagged rocks. Another rock lifted from the ground, and a red spot appeared on either side - it wasn't a rock at all though. It was a large ankylosaurus, his shell covered in so much grass and dirt he just blended into the ground.

"Lee?" Came a soft cry, the fox lifting himself up.
"Toooor..." Said the massive creature worriedly, slowly moving to his feet.

It was her scream that drew attention from the other hidden Pokemon in the area to stir into the air. Beautifly, Butterfree, and Beedril all fluttered into the air, Pidgy and Taillow and Starly took to the air, a large T-Rex like Pokemon slid to a stop just inches from where he was about to bash his head into a rock, a pretty brown wolf over to visit for the grand event hesitated in her chase of a small caterpie her ears perking up, and a large green insect-like dragon rose his head from the warm sand he had been half-buried in. He recognized that cry! There was a song as wings srtarted to flap and the dragon took to the air. "Fly!"

"Traaaaaaa~" Came the cry of the monster, that was now latched about the 'girl's' leg, his eyes squinted in upturned lines to show his happiness at her presence. "Pinnnn!" He called as he was shakenbiting harder so he didn't go flying.

[Rikugurl]

Riku smiled as he nodded the best he could while trying to keep his face above water. "Yea... I mean it... I can see why my mom wanted to get off this island... and I understand why it's so hard to find. This isn't our place Sora... this isn't our home... and if we want to have a family someday..." He blushed, looking away only to hear a happy cry and was hugged tightly again.

Yea, things were already getting better.

After awhile, they managed to get their things on the boat without it getting too wet. Riku made sure to avoid and growling, angry fox until his brother calmed him down by licking him and biting his ear playfully. The anchor was lift and the sails blew out, the silverette now taking the wheel and feeling the ocean breeze in his face. Hopefully Rayquaza would be kind to them.


A yellow-green tail wrapped around the orange body of the creature and gently pulled it off the leg of the woman. The little, sharp tooth monster was placed on the ground gently when a matching dragon looking creature looked down at it while another landed next to it. "Flllllllly~~" A more feminine call came from the one who pulled the orange one off, a pretty pink flower boa around her neck. All three of them looked down at the woman, struggling to get up though her leg seemed to be wounded.

"Nnnnghh..." A hand gripped her ankle as she stood, wincing a bit before she looked at the more decorated one. "Moana... we need to hurry! My mom is sick so we need to fly to Kanto quickly!"

[Reno]

Sora smiled slowly as the other reaffirmed his idea, calming his heart ("and if we want to have a family someday...") and then his eyes went wide and he gasped. "Oh Riku!" He practically squealed, his arms tightened around the other, burying his head in his chest with complete joy. A family... children... him and Riku! He loved kids about as much as he loved Pokemon. But the minute he found out he was gay he never thought...

But it looked like that dream might still be alive too.

It wasn't long before the reunited couple made there way back to ship, climbing up the ladder to reach deck. Again the anchor was risen, though it took Sora awhile to get some (okay mainly Jolteon) back on track. The others were happy to welcome the silverette and his Pokemon back, Arcanine being sure to slobber all over him with happy licks ("We sure she isn't a water pokemon?!").

The wind blew in the sails, making the ship move forward again. This time, Sora was able to look back, seeing the island as it slowly started to disappear from view the further they made it out to sea. He sighed but smiled, walking over to Riku's side and looking down at the map, as he was the 'official' navigator of this ship. "To port Captain Riku!" He said cheerfully, before he rose his head, sharing a smile with the beautiful silverette.

Yes, things were finally started to look up.


The wings sounded in the air, announcing his coming as the dragon found the source of the cry. Just who he expected - Venita! And it seemed she had found his child as well. "Flllly!" He fly in a circle like a preying vulture before he swooped down, easily landing beside another just like him though smaller and with thinner wings.

"Traaaa!" whined the little orange Pokemon as he was pulled away, tiny, pudgy feet swinging in the air uselessly. The large Flygon lowered his head some, his wings trilling softly to the young Pokemon and it seemed to calm him some. "Gon~" At the announcement the girl had to share however he straightened, eyes full of worry. "Gon!" He glanced towards the door to the arena, hearing all the commotion on the other side knowing his master was there. They had to get Terra and go then!

[Rikugurl]

Riku smiled as he looked back down and Sora and nodded. Even if this island was hard to find... and only sometimes a 'mirage', they new how to find the mainland easily. It was getting around the cyclones that was a pain in the butt.


Blue eyes blinked slowly as they looked over at the door as well, hearing the commotion. Terra was still signing papers. He frowned, thinking about what he should do. He could leave with a letter telling Terra where he was going... but then he might be pissed that he didn't wait or pull him out.
OR
He could interrupt the signing and have him come with him but he might be pissed because it was a big day for him even if he wasn't all so thrilled about it...

WHAT WAS HE THINKING!?

It was HIS mother that was ill and it wasn't always about this fucker. He grabbed one of his pokeballs and threw it to the ground, making a little yellow lamb appear from energy. "MaREEEEEEP!!" She baaed as her cute little bell around her neck jiggled. "Mareep! Shock that sprinkler!" He called, pointing at the sprinkler above their heads. She looked up but them shook her head, looking worried. "Reeeep!"

Ven gave her a dull look before tapping his uninjured leg. "It's always rains in forests! NO DO IT!"

The little lamb bleated once more before a shock of electricity ran through her wool and up shot a powerful spark. Instantly, water started to spray down on them, making some of the hiding and resting pokemon stir.
Unfortunately for Ven... he became soaking wet as well. A sigh was admitted before he shrugged. "Well, he rained on my parade once... I should be nice and return the favor."

Besides... having Terra pissed off wasn't always a bad thing...



Stars twinkled above the dark see, a full moon lighting up the darkness so it wasn't so scary. A lone boat shifted in the waters with no sail and a locked wheel as birds roosted up in the crows nest and a a fox with glowing rings watched for danger along with a large black snake. A glowing, ghostly maiden watched the backside of the ship as she made little designs in the water with ice.

Inside the boat was a very small living space. A bathroom that only one person could fit in, much like the bathrooms in buses while another small room held a kitchen/dining room like feel. The other small room was that of a bedroom, small with a chest and a single size bed... but for the two lovers, they had no problem fitting in together.

A pale face was buried in unruly brown spikes as a strong arm wrapped around the smaller waist.


It was night by the time the two riders decided they had to stop. Rapidash had down her best and traveled rather far within a day. Axel even spent a hour rubbing her sore and swollen legs and ankles, pressing on some remedies that his aunt had taught him. Even if all the land they covered, they still weren't close to Kanto. It would probably take them two more days to reach Porta Vista. Since they didn't have any large water or flying pokemon that could help, they had to go the long way around places by land.

They had reached as far as Blackthorn City.

Their motel was cheep, not being big on money since Sera had bought them their current home so they were in debt to her. When he thought Rapidash was well enough to return to her pokeball, he walked back into the motel and found their room easy. When he opened the door, he saw Roxas sitting on a chair, looking out the window. He seemed so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't hear his lover come in... which made Axel frown.

Slowly he walked across the room towards the blonde, thin fingers running through the soft hair. "Come on, Rox... let's go out for dinner or something."


"FLYYYYYYY!!" Wings sang as they fluttered, a dragon cork screwing down in flight towards a city down below, another right behind it. Oddly enough... her own master wasn't upon her back... which kind of made her jealous. Her mate always liked her master flying on him instead... while she had to carry this heavy thing!

Ironically enough, they passed Lavaridge Town but Axel and Roxas were nowhere to be found. They went to the Rescue Center and Sera let them know that they were headed for Kanto.
Before they could both be mobbed and questioned why they were traveling together by fans of both Terra and Venita, they quickly got back on their travel.

They were going to land in Mauville City but Terra bitched they he was sure huge Venita fans lived there... so the dragon wings were strained more to bring them down into Oldale Town. There wasn't anything amazing about this town... so they were sure they wouldn't be mauled.... hopefully.

[Reno]

An artful hand moved across paper after paper, a name appearing just the same though maybe one line was slightly different from another, its quality was basically the same. It was just an autograph, but people were so excited to have it; didn't they realize the more he signed, the less valuable it was?

Tch, he was going to have such a fucking hand cramp.

As the people thanked him and chattered they passed the large devil dog laying near his master, large thin tail twisting around like a slithering snake. This wasn't a battle, it was just boring!

"I'm so glad to meet you!" A young boy was saying cheerfully, so young he had to come here with his mother. "I wanna be just like you when I grow up."
The brunette raised an eyebrow, glancing at the mom who wasn't looking all too approving of that idea (tch, they didn't need another drag-loving, sadist in the world) before he knelt down. "Is that so?"
"Yeah! I'm going to have a big gym one day! And people will be so scared of me only the brave will fight! that's what my badge'll be!"
Terra chuckled. "What's your name kid?"
"Kenta!"
"Well Kenta I wish you good luck. Have anything for me to sign?"
"Yeah!" The boy held out a small little booklet with a collage of water Pokemon on it.
Terra took it flipping it open and writing not just him name but a message of good faith - it was something Ven didn't know. He kind of had... a soft spot for kids.

He hadn't back the pad for the kid. "Well then, the day you get your gym what say we have a battle?"
"Really?!"
He smirked. "Yeah, but you better train hard if you want to beat me!"
"I will promise! And I won't go easy on you!"
"Looking forward to it." He chuckled, straightened and nodding to the mother as she thanked him and took her suddenly very hyper kid away.

The next in line stepped forward, her cheeks rosy red and obviously another member if one of his fan clubs. She stood there for a moment, swaying nervously from side to side as she tried to find her voice. "H-H-H-Hello Terra I-"
And then the sprinklers went off. There were yells of shock and surprise.
"What the hell?!" Terra growled glancing down at Houndoom who was looking quite sour at being wet. "It better be those fucking pups again!" He looked up seeing the crowd in a disarray. "Everyone! Leave out the front door I'll be right back!" He turned and left the area, the devil at his heels as they went through his office into the green room where the water flow switch would be.

That was when he saw Ven, standing in the middle of the trail with quite a crowd of Pokemon around he. He frowned, hurrying over, "What the fuck happened?!" The other answered him, "You did it?! Why the FUCK-" The other snapped and quickly interrupted him stating HE did it years ago. "That wasn't my fucking fault! I-" The other kept talking and the next few more revealing sentences shut him up completely ("I fucking had to my mother is sick!"), until nothing could be heard but the loud pattering of the streaming water as they fell quiet.

"Tooor..." They shouldn't over water the plants. Two roots grew from the ground and curled around a pipe, turning it slowly until the water suddenly stopped leaving the two drenched trainers just looking at each other, one full of shock the other who looked more panicked and scared.
His lips turned down in a frown. "Are you serious?" That got him a harsh retort but he let it pass. "Alright, well just let me gather my team and we can leave." But the signing... "Fuck it, they can wait. Flyogn, go scout out for the others and bring them here."
"Gon!" The dragon took to the air, quickly fluttering over the small forest in search of the other four.
A tan hand ran along the blonde's cheek. Even if he wasn't showing it... Terra knew the other was probably a wreck. He would be too if it was his mom... "Hey, it's gonna be alright."


Night fell, but though they were separated by miles of land and water, for all the Holani boys were feeling precisely the same. Worry, fear, thoughts of being unable to make it in time... and with things much calmer, all of them could feel one another, feel that they all knew what was going on... and that none of them were at peace.

It was enough to make one not sleep at night...

A brunette shifted as slightly as he could against the other, knowing ever movement he made was transferred to the one laying so close. His blue eyes stared blankly and the pale shoulder of his lover, doing his best to not stir him. Despite what comfort he was giving him... it wasn't enough tonight.

He wanted to get up, to pace around the ship and see how much closer they were, to see if they could go faster... but even he knew doing these things would not really help, that he just wanted to keep his mind occupied. Maybe he could send Altaria out! to let them know they were coming and -

He sighed softly, seeing some silver strands stir. He just needed to sleep...


It was enough that one couldn't eat.

The darkest of blue eyes stared out the window, his mind whirling as he worried. Pokerus... why did it have to be Pokerus? He watched so many from the center fall to that disease. They had new procedures for bringing in rescued Pokemon, having them all checked and treated before they had a possibility of infecting the others they were still trying to find a home for.

He jerked a little in surprise when he heard the red-head behind him and he looked up at the other, the looked on his face weary but concerned. "It's okay, I'm not really hungry." He said softly, before looking back out the window. He knew he should eat, that he didn't have breakfast and hardly took more than a few bites of lunch but... "You can go..."


For a third it just made him well... off.

Terra sighed as they landed, slowly getting off of the weary dragon who looked about ready to collapse, Ven doing the same beside him. Ven needed to fucking train his Pokemon more, they had no stamina! He reached up, tugging off the reins and thanking her softly.

He had grown out of his fear of heights thanks to Ven. He loved to fly, and whenever he was back from winning contests, it was one of their pastimes. He loved... flying with Ven. But it was also a necessity the blonde thought he needed. Because of what they did with Team Rocket, there was always a chance they would come back for them, to get back at them for their daring rescue. And the more famous he got, the more nervous Ven became. With himself nearly off the map since he was Venita so often, Aqua always traveling, Riku and Sora safely tucked away on the near undiscovered Mirage Island, and Axel and Roxas well-equipped to take care of themseleves with the Rescue center's help, he was the only real prime target they could find quickly.

Unfortunately, he could not do the same for his fear of water. that one Terra knew was probably unbreakable.

He pet the dragon softly before glancing at his own dragon and lover, seeing the downcast eyes of the blonde. The dragon purred softly, as if trying to cheer him up. "Ven...?"

[Rikugurl]

Pale eyes slowly lidded, dark orbs of the ocean looking out into the moonlit room. He could see that Sora's eyes were completely open, though they closed quickly. Unfortunately for Sora, Riku know him well enough that he was faking his sleep. He knew his lover was under a lot of stress. The unknown was always the worse and he knew he'd feel the same way if it was his mom.

The thing that made him feel off key was that he was completely calm. The months of tension seeming to be... thrown right out of him. Had Darkrai done this?
If biggest question was.... is she following him? And if so, why? What had made him so special for a legendary to show itself twice to him?

Maybe the same reason why Moltres came to Axel.
They were true hearted...

"Sora, I know you're awake..." He called softly, his voice not normally his but that of being sleepy.


A frown ran over the redhead's lips before he sat down on the chair in front of the one the blonde was sitting in. His hands reached out, taking Roxas's arms and rubbing them lovingly. "Come on, Rox... you have to eat something. We still have another day or so of traveling and there is no point for you to become weak and pass out by the time we arrive." One of his hands reached up, rubbing one of the soft cheeks. "Come on.... just a little something? For me?"

Being one of the head Pokenutritionist at the Rescue Center, he knew how important it was to get a little bit into ones stomach.


The woman easily and skillfully got off the dragon, running her hands along his scales. "You did great Flygon..." She whispered, her voice not like it was at the beginning of the day. She felt the dragon nuzzle her, only making a small smile appear but her eyes were puffy, easily able to tell that she had cried at least once during the flight.

How could she not... She was so worried about her mother... and even with the opportunity to call his parents house came along... she never did. Her excuse to herself was that they were only wasting valuable time in their journey... but deep inside, it was fear of what was wrong with her mother that made her run by the phone in the PokeCenter.

Her head rose as she heard her name, blue eyes shifting and blinking away some extra water. "Huh?"

[Reno]

He felt the shifting against him, knowing Riku was stirring - shoot what did he do?! Riku usually wasn't this light of a sleeper, the ocean helping to calm him into a deep sleep (they would have to find a place close to a beach... if that was even remotely possible). He quickly shut his eyes, trying to make Riku think he was asleep.

He should of known it wouldn't work.

He sighed tilting his head some to look into the tired eyes, feeling guilty for keeping the other up. "Sorry..." His eyes averted towards the ceiling, frowning more. "My brothers know too... they're really scared." Though it was a random, almost insane comment it shocked his lover none - just like it probably did not for Terra or Axel too. All three of the Holanis had to explain about their Trilepsy (Triplet Epilepsy).


Roxas sighed as Axel took the seat beside him, knowing what was coming - and he was right as he was caressed and coaxed. He wanted to be angry, to snap at the other and tell him that he could fucking shove it. But he knew it wouldn't help matters; after how great Axel had been all day he really didn't deserve to get snapped at. Being mature was awesome.

However, now that he didn't have anger as a fallback, the one emotion he never used to bottle up, he was now just... apathetic. He placed his hand over the other's, smiling weakly though it had little life behind it. "Alright... I'll try."


The brunette looked at his lover silently for a few moments before sighing softly, walking over to the man in drag. He reached out, cupping one swollen cheek, brushing his thumb under the other's eyelid where a tear was starting to escape. He hadn't seen Ven like this since... well Roxas 'died'.

He was worried about him and moreso... worried about what was happening. What could the mother Holani possibly be so sick with? She wasn't that old, so it was unlikely it was due to age. It had to be some sort of disease or cancer. All those possibilities he knew probably made it scarier... at least if Ven knew what was wrong he'd know what they were fighting. "You should give them a call. It's better to know something then nothing at all..."

[Rikugurl]

Riku blinked a few times to stop himself from falling back asleep. The swaying of boats usually made people run to the deck and puke their brains out over the side until they reached the solid ground. However, for him, the swaying of boats or water in general always put him to sleep. He wasn't quite sure why... maybe because he lived on the island so long, he was use to the white noise and motion.

"Mmmmm, don't be sorry... I know you're worried... but until we get on land... there isn't much we can do but hope and pray to Arceus that you mom will be alright." He rubbed his lover's waist and pulled him closer, nuzzling his neck. "It's been a long day... try to get some rest, ok?"


Axel smiled, knowing that Roxas really didn't want to. Even so, he knew he would at least pick at some food and that was better than nothing. He pulled the blonde up, bringing him close and pressing his lips down onto the others, bringing him into a sweet kiss before wrapping his fingers around the others to hold his hand as they made their way out.

They didn't walk too far, seeing that this place wasn't very big and found a small eatery that was still open. When they walked in, they noticed how homey it was and the smell of home style cooking filled the room. It was empty, only a few people at the small bar drinking coffee or shaken drinks. The woman tending them looked over, waving at the two. "Take a seat and I'll be right with ya!"

Axel looked down at Roxas, giving him a smile before they found a seat in the corner that seemed... cozy. When they sat down and picked up their menus, Axel looked over his at the blonde. "Get as much...or as little as you want, Roxie."


Ven slowly looked up, her eyes looking into matching ones. The woman swallowed, looking away and pressing her lips tight for a moment before her eyes closed, some more water lacing the tops of her eyelids. "N-no... I can't. We don't have time and.... beside... it's too late now to call... I....I will in the morning." She nodded before looking back at him before gently pulling away, walking to her respected dragon.

A pokeball was held up and she disappeared in a ray of energy before she looking around the town, spotting an Inn close by and walking towards it.

[Reno]

The brunette sighed softly again before he nodded slowly. "Alright." He cuddled closer to the other, his arms loosely wrapping around the other. "G'night Riku..." He murmured softly. The silverette slurred an answer back, making the brunette crack a small grin, knowing his lover was already partially asleep.

He laid there, listening as Riku's breath evened out and his heartbeat became a constant thrum near his ear. He did his best to clear his mind and concentrate on only these two things, his eyes slowly falling shut. Riku was there... he would always be there...

The moon rose higher into the sky, still shining in their window. But after awhile neither man was staring at its beauty, both finally asleep.


There table was small, close to mimic the intimacy of a dining room table. A table cloth was held under their placements, neutral shades of brown. To the side, their centerpiece stood between the typical advertisements of desert and alcohol. A small lit candle.

Even though it was 'homely' it did not, thankfully, remind him one bit of home. There tablecloth was always colorful and full of Pokemon and their table bigger to fit more of them. There centerpiece was something artful, a stone work of tropical island trees, the beach and Pokemon. It had always fascinated him and his brothers, and when they were young, they learned their very first Pokemon from that piece: Aipom and Chatot in the trees, Tropius and Slowpoke hiding in the sad, Growlithe and Meowth chasing each other on the beach, a Squirtle in sunglasses and a Marill with a flotation tube sunbathing, krabby and Shellder have submerged in the 'water', Ratatta and Murkrow stealing from the others.

The blonde looked up and smiled at Axel, "Alright..." He murmured. When the waiter came by, he did only order an appetizer of mozzarella sticks but it made his lover happy all the same. When it came he choked down as much as he could, the food tasting like nothing but ash to him.

At least... he was finally eating.


"Ven..." The other didn't want to hear it, quickly pulling away and returning her dragon. The brunette watched him silently and frowned.
"Fllly..." Whined his own dragon worriedly.
"Yeah... I have a feeling he'll put it off too." Terra said softly before returning his own dragon, following after the other to the inn.

His behavior was still off...

Well two out of three's not bad right?


Hoof beats stirred up the sand, cries of surprise and wonderment coming from all around as two men rode down the beach on a great stallion. Even some pictures were taken, making the riders feel as if they had just taken part in a race and it was a photo finish! At the end of the race however, the flowers given would not be ones that went around the horse's neck, but rather one that went beside a bedside.

The one holding the reins was a blonde his expression one of distance to the outside world. One looking at him would think he was concentrated solely on his horse and her speed and the 'race'. No one knew the truth...

Despite his nearly epic record of getting lost, this was one place he could never not find. Home. Once he was within a few miles of the town no matter what part of the surrounding forest he was in he could easily navigate his way into the metropolis.

He pulled some on the reins, slowly Rapidash up at making her trot to the far end of the beach, further from the water that had been close to licking at her flaming heels. The beach shied away into concrete, parking lots, foot stands, rental huts and sidewalks. The two atop her dismounted, unhooked their things and the reins, before she was recalled in a Pokeball, a nearly audible noise of disappointment echoing on the beach. They paid them no mind, walking their few feet onto the firm ground and head down the main street.

Their destination?
Porta Vista Hospital.


"Fllllly!" Screeched a green Pokemon in the air, his wings singing to the clouds. He flew through a soft mist water droplets collecting on his rubbery skin. Though it affect the rider atop him, his sight was nearly perfect, the red capsules over his eyes there to help him see something as thick as sandstorms. Mist was so much thinner, nearly clear to him.

While still trying not to distance himself from his mate who had her own silent rider, he was trying to put as much speed into his wing beats as possible, though unlike his rider's brother was never really trained for it. He could easily fly for hours with two riders on his back, but he was never as quick as Rapidash or Arcanine, always hanging behind...

And for once, they really needed speed.

[Rikugurl]

Wood crashed through waves, another beautiful and sunny day out in the ocean. Rayquaza had heard their prayers it seemed. Even with the blue waves sparkling, the looks on the crews faces were dull and weary. However, a smile came over pale lips as he pulled his telescope away and looked over, seeing a brunette feeding a load of Pokemon. Unfortunately, he man owned two very heavy Pokemon that if he let out, would guarantee them a spot at the bottom of the ocean.

"SORA! I SEE LAND!" He called before grabbing the wheel and turning it, making the sail turn and their speed picking up to a known destination. They would have to land on a natural beach since they planned on not going on a route to a town. They needed to find land quick so they could ride Arcy the rest of the way. The closest land they could find that was still somewhat close to getting out of Hoenn was Route 123.

The route brought back memories... of their first adventure together. He expected that they would reach the shore in a hour and if they made good time, should be in Kanto within a day and a half.


Black boots walked down the paved road, seeing all the people walking about it swim suits and tropical wear. This was definitely a vacation and resort city, no doubt. It was still weird walking these streets, being born and raised up in the mountains... but the warmth was appreciated. At least he knew he wouldn't freeze at night.

Though, walking through crowds and places like this made him nervous anymore... because of his brother.
Ever since their raid years ago, Team Rockets and the 'Turks' were hardly heard of. Other Teams such as Magma, Aqua, Galactic, Go-Rock Squad, and Dim Sun, however, were popping up here and there. They were trying to beat the biggest and well known team... but luckily people all over put them in their place before they could equal up to the Rockets.

Still... knowing his brother was a Turk now... he was worried that someone would confuse them as each other. If it wasn't for the hair and the different facial tattoos...

His boots stopped as he looked came to a set if stairs and looked up. They finally reached the Porta Vista Hospital. It was large and obvious a main hospital for the towns and cities around. This gave him some hope that Mrs. Holani was alright... Slowly he walked up the steps after his lover, wondering if any of the Holani triplets were here yet as well.


A woman held tightly to the reins of the dragon as they flew through the clouds. Unfortunately, she couldn't see as well as the flier. However, when they came through, she looked down, seeing places... that were rather familiar. They had really made up a lot of time... but then again, they didn't start until mid afternoon the day before.

Her eyes widened whens she looked over the other side, seeing a beach way down below.
"THERE!" She called as she pointed down, seeing her REAL hometown below. She could never forget that beach. It was where she learned how to swim and spent hours of building sandcastles with her brother.

"GOOOON!" Moana cried as her wings fluttered even more, seeing how she had to catch up to her mate. She was use to doing tricks, not fly around the world in two days!

[Reno]

"Alright here you go you too," Sora said softly, setting down the last bowl they had before two foxes, one black the other yellow. It wasn't really a bowl, just some Tupperware container because they had forgotten they didn't HAVE any and were in such a rush didn't go back and get some. So most of the Pokemon had to share their bowls, the teen making sure to pair up the Pokemon based upon who wouldn't fight too much. It was easily for some like Star and Nimbus, Honeytail and Arcy (who was well known to share her food even with the greedy Wynaut). He made sure Froslass, Luxray and Seviper got their own bowls however and then put Sableye and Raichu together so they'd make up - he was keeping a close eye on them just in case.

When he heard Riku's announcement he perked up though. Land... they were already so close. They'd hopefully be there soon. "That's great!" He said, glancing at Arcanine. "Don't eat too much Arc, we're gonna be doing a lot of running soon."

"Arrr..." The dog growled softly in understanding.


Blue eyes stared up the steps like he was walking to his own hanging, taking a deep breath and starting up the stairs, facing his execution with honor. Luckily, it was nothing truly that morbid... though a hospital did reek of death when a loved one was inside. He stepped through the doors that slid open with a soft whoosh, seeing the disarray of the waiting room. Kids clambering over chairs, women holding bloated stomachs and groaning for some help, men keeping straight faces as they held handkerchiefs to wounds.

The shiver worked its way down his spine, as he hesitantly stepped over to the receptionist, having to stand behind a large woman who was arguing with the young nurse on the other side about something or another. He crossed his arms and tapped his foot trying to be patient but as she started to get into a sob story about her husband and whatnot, he couldn't take it anymore. With a glance at his lover as if their was some secret message in his glance, he suddenly cleared his throat. "Lady, could you shut the fuck up?!"

She whirled on him, just like he expected, so angry he could see spit flying and he was perfectly happy to vent right back at her - he wasn't even sure what the were yelling about but it sure felt fucking good! - and Axel suddenly understood what Roxas wanted him to do. The thin man sidled up to the desk and spoke softly with the harried nurse, asking what they needed to know, and once he got the information (with a lie that he was a cousin), he tugged Roxas away and hurried down the hall with him to the nearest elevator.

"Tch, bitch." Roxas grumbled under his breath, jabbing his thumb on the up arrow. They entered, and the ride was short as they headed up a few levels to intensive care, where they then had to speak to ANOTHER receptionist. But this time they had rules.

"What do you mean only one person can be in there at a time?!" Roxas cried. He... he didn't think he could go see his mother alone!
"I'm sorry sure, it's for safety reasons in case there is an emergency with the patient." The lady spoke calmly as if she handled his type all the time. "As it is she already has a visitor; her husband. We can call him out for you if you would like."
He rubbed his teeth together, creating an aggravated noise. "...Yes."


"Flllygon!" Came the male dragon's call, and under Ven's instruction suddenly swooped down for the beach. He had little trouble leveling out and landing in the soft dirt, claws flexing at the pleasant warmth it brought.

"You're doing fine Moana, don't stress yourself!" Terra ordered as he pulled the reins to slow her up some, not minding the distance between himself and Flygon. His dragon was determined. He wondered if the female dragon ever felt jealous with how much attention Flygon showed Ven anytime he was around.

They landed a few minutes later, the blonde looking so impatient. They quickly unharnessed their dragons and recalled them, the brunette letting him lead the way.

[Rikugurl]

The boat swayed in the water as it came close to the shore. Water splashed as a tall young man jumped into it before walking all the way to the bank, tying a rope around a tree while the anchor was released. It was better to be safe than sorry.

A long plank was pulled over, getting only into the very shallow ground so it was easy to just unpack things using it.
The pokemon all carefully walked down the plank, carrying something to help out as they walked up the bank and onto the route path. Riku and Sora grabbed as much as they could as well before getting Arcy ready for the long journey west.

When all the items from the boat off that they could carry and salvage, they called back their Pokemon and got up on the great dog before her paws started carrying them off quickly.


Axel frowned when they heard the woman say that they only allowed one at a time. He wouldn't be able to be there for Roxas when he went to go see her...

The nurse pressed a button, obviously some sort of intercom that went into the room and asked him to step out. What? She couldn't get up and do it herself?
Cities were really strange...
After a few minutes, a man appeared in the hallway, walking down towards them with his shoulders slumped and his face long with worry and dread. When he came into the sunlight, it took the two young men back. It was Sirocco. A Sirocco that they had never seen before.

"I'm so glad you made it... in time."


Cute shoes pounded through the sand, kicking it up until it reached pavement. The owner was aware of the sand in her shoes but that annoyance could wait. The sounds of people calling her name, saying how lucky today was because they saw the end of some sort of race, Venita Troublefield AND Terra Tellus. Some even complained that there was no announcement of this in the newspaper.

The strong man seemed to have some trouble keeping up with the woman, already being tackled by fans. However, the woman pushed through the crowd in a not so cute way, rushing up the stairs of the large hospital and through the doors. She too saw the woman bitching at the receptionist and just PUSHED her out of the way. The woman would of bitched at her as well... if she wasn't a HUGE fan of Miss. Troublefield.
"Bryna....Holani..... where?" The woman panted, looking at the nurse worriedly.

The nurse rose an eyebrow, looking at the famous contest star. "Do you have any relation to her?"
The woman blinked and caught her breath, frowning some. "No, but I know she's a big fan of mine..."
"I'm sorry but only family can see her since she's in intensive care..."

[Reno]

The blonde swallowed hard as his father came out of the room, looking over him silently. Their were dark rings under his eyes and a haggard look about him, a weight upon his shoulders he'd never seen before. It was as a ghost had swept through him and taken everything of his father but the air he needed to breathe.

"Dad..." Roxas hesitantly answered before he walked over to him, "W-What are you talking about 'in time'? She's gonna be fine!"


Just a few floors below, unbeknown to the grieving family, was the second son and for once his strange habit was only getting him into trouble. Their was an obvious frustration growing on the woman's face, when the door slid open again. There was another loud cry of excitement that the woman had missed when she first entered the waiting room, the brunette gym leader hesitating before hurrying over to the 'female' at the desk, hearing that honey-like tone in her voice when she was trying to persuade people. He should know, it worked on him all the fucking time.

But it seemed this time it wasn't going to work. This nurse was pretty rigid about the rules, probably was a goody-goody in school. Just as Venita was starting to raise her voice, Terra put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure you can't make an exception for both of us?" He asked the nurse, giving her a handsome smile.

Man, the rumors were going to spread now. Why the hell didn't Ven get out of his getup BEFORE they left?

[Rikugurl]

Sirocco looked at his son as he walked over, sighing when he heard the hopeful... and needful reassurance. Slowly his eyes gazed beyond his youngest at a tall man, wearing odd... hippie-ish clothing and glasses. Last time Roxas visited, this guy came along too. They must be best friends... working together and such at the Rescue Center. It was also true that this guy had a Rapidash (though he had no idea why such an elegant creature would listen to such a bummy looking guy). She was probably the reason why they were the first ones to reach the hospital.

"Roxas.... the doctor said----"


Blue eyes widened, looking up at the tanner man and frowned before looking back at he nurse. That did it.
Hearts appeared in the nurse's eyes, slowly floating around her head. "T-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-terra Tellus!? Wha---what are you doing here!"
Ven frowned, her cheeks becoming bright red as she grabbed a pen over the desk and started to pop the hearts. "He's here for support... the room number.... PLEASE!"

The nurse blinked and sighed, getting herself back to earth before looking around. "A-alright... It's room 332 in Intensive Care. Don't tell Maggie that I told you though, you already knew it!"
She couldn't get another word out before Miss Troublefiled was up the stairs. When she reached the third floor, she rushed through the doors and out into the hallway, seeing a familiar redhead, blonde and....

Dad...

Her fast pace slowly came down as she walked towards the small group. Axel was the first to hear her cute shoes tap and look over, his eyes widening a bit. The door behind her opened, a panting brute coming from the stairwell.

As Venita grew closer, Sirocco stopped talking and looked up, making Roxas look back.
"V-enita Troublefield?" The older man blinked, watching the cute young lady walking closer. "M-my wife... she's such a big fan. The moment she saw you on TV, she instantly fell in love with you... and she'd not much of a contest watcher but every time you're on... Even I... I watch your things too but of course my wife collected everything that comes out..."

He seemed to babble on until he noticed Terra.
"Terra? What are you doing here? I-it's an honor to be in the same---"
"Can we walk in another room... in private?" A sweet voice interrupted the man, her eyes looking up at his...which made him gasp a bit.
Her eyes... they seem so.....familiar....
The nurse nodded them to a storage room, in which they headed but not until Miss Troublefield grabbed Roxas, dragging him in as well. When the door closed and they were from the public's eye, Venita sighed.

Sirocco frowned, his head tilting. "What is this all about Miss---"
The woman reached up, grabbing her cute curled before.... pulling them off. Swirly blonde hair escaped, and mimicked that of the boy next to him. Actually... it looked like one was looking through a cross dress mirror of the same boy.
"Dad.... it's me...."