The Tale of Seven: Kidnapped Hope

[Reno]

Red eyes sharpened as the portal was open and Lugia knew she had to make her move. She called up another Safeguard, pushing Giratina away and quickly flew up for the portal. Before he could get a claw on her though -
"Miiin!" Came a little cry as a hedgehog flew through the portal and was smacked on the head by a large wing, propelled even further into the world. "MIIIIIIIIIIN!"

Lugia glanced back, seeing Giratina flying off to rescue the small legendary. She smiled before quickly flying through the portal, jumping from the sea on the other side.
"Ah, Lugia! Are you alright?" Articuno asked in concern.
"Fine let us hurry away from here before they try to drag us down again."


Meanwhile half across the world... Aqua was still staring in shock when she heard Axel. She looked at him and stared at him in disbelief - idiot! - and grabbed his ear, hissing. "Where did your parents by your brain? At a half-off sale?!"

The eldest brother, Sora was also surprise and wishing Roxas was here to hear this but he couldn't keep the grin off his face. He reached down, curling his fingers around Riku's happily.

Strong arms crossed over a broad chest, trying to keep the slight blush from his cheeks as Ven stared at him. He looked back though, gaze never wavering from his. "That wasn't exactly the way I intended to propose but... Will you marry me?"

[Rikugurl]

Giratina hissed as he watched her go, about to fly up and grab her again before---
"MIIIIIIIIIIN!"
His red eyes widened as he saw Lugia smack his friend with her wing before shooting out of the tunnel and back to the real world. Without the time or care to return her back to his, Giratina flew down quickly, almost going into a 90 degree dive. He passed the small hedgehog and pulled up, having his friend fall onto his back.

He picked up some speed, flying to a piece of land where the flowers had been planted and letting the small legendary off. "I am sorry for getting you into harms way, my friend."
He glanced over, seeing a bubble that showed Lugia and her crew fleeing from the area. They could run all they want... but if water stays reflective, he would be able to find them... and try his best to keep them busy for those humans to do their job.


"A-aa-aaah!" Axel continued to flail, whimpering some as he rubbed his ear when Aqua let go. He did, however, hear Terra as he... purposed!?
His eyes widened when he realized what was going on... and felt relieved that there wouldn't be another fight.

Or would there?

Ven blinked a few times, the look on his face speechless as he seemed to process this all so slowly... which was odd for the boy genius.
But when he seemed to get it, he looked down then frowned, crossing his arms and looked away.
The rest of the group blinked in shock. Wha---
"No."

One could actually hear Terra's heart shatter like an ice spell go wrong.
He stuttered at first before asking why the fuck not.

Ven closed his eyes and snapped, "Because I doubt you even have a ring."
There was silence for a moment and before Terra could agree or disagree, Ven grabbed his bag, opening up some pockets before taking out a small box.
"But I have one for you..." He slowly looked up into blue eyes as he handed the case over. "You already gave me that Sandgem, Terra... so... I need to give you this."

[Reno]

"Oh do not be silly! I am just fine!" Shaymin said bravely as he jumped off of the large Pokemon, then stumbled a bit. "I'm just really not good with the cold." He laid down, looking up at the other, then looked towards the bubble were the four legendaries were rushing off. Three of them were in the air, effortlessly, all three of them able to survive no matter how high the waters got. But the one racing behind looked up towards them a strange expression on his face as if he too realized this.

"I do think I was able to make them think some though. Now, let us go find Raikou and Entei!" The legendary trotted back towards his flowers, intended to change himself back into sky form once more.


Terra watched the other, growing increasingly nervous the longer Ven stayed silent. Then finally he reacted... by looking away? His lips parted about to call for the other in worry when all the air in his lungs suddenly rushed out of him.
"No."

Wide, unblinking eyes stared back at the back of Ven's profile, unable to hear anything but that single word echoing in his head, curling like a disease around his entire soul. But... but he thought... he was sure...
"N-No...? W...Why... why the fuck not!!"

He jerked back a little as the other snapped to him then looked down towards the floor, his bangs falling some into his eyes. Well no he didn't but he didn't think it mattered. Wait was Ven refusing to marry him over a god damned piece of jewelry?! Of all the stupidest, selfish, fucking-

"But I have one for you..."
-idiotic, ridiculous- wait what?
Blue eyes blinked seeing the box being held out to him, wordlessly uncrossing his arms and taking it, hearing what the other was saying but like Ven was, he was having trouble keeping up. Wait so... he did, he was wanted to be the one to ask?!

"Well, at least you could try being romantic about it jackass." Terra grumbled, shoving the box right back into Ven's hands, without opening it because that wasn't how it was done! "Now do it right!" Though he was being serious, there was also a bit of a playful glint in his eyes, a smile quirking one side of his mouth. "I'll even help you out. 'Oh Terra you make my life feel complete, Will you-'" He faded off and waved to the other, invitingly. "Now finish that off please."

"By the time these two get engaged we're going to be six feet under." Aqua grumbled under her breath. But it looked like Ven had taken her advice to heart.
Sora hid a grin behind his hand, thinking they were both being a little foolish about the whole thing. They obviously wanted to get married, why were they making it so complicated for each other?!

[Rikugurl]

Giratina noticed the young pup as well. Well... he wasn't that young but having lived since the beginning of time, they were all rather young to him except for those two brats. He shook his head as he looked over at Shaymin. "No... wait." The little green fluff ball paused as he looked back, seeing his large friend shake his head before looking back at the bubble of the four.

"The pup knows this isn't right. His voice will be heard better than ours at this time. If he is treated like his 'sister', then we will take action again... but he have bought the humans some time. What they do with it is precious. We should rest now."


If only poor Giratina knew what they were doing their their bought time:

"What!? Oh please, nice try!" Ven snapped he before looking down at the box. He bought this awhile ago actually... after one of his shows as Venita. The man at the shop as shocked that the cute girl would be buying a ring, but he said that she was full of surprises. Yea, tell her about it.

Ven shook his head before standing, the chair sounding as it slid back. He really didn't want to do this until they were done with the mission but... maybe this was the right time. That even if they did know that they would die... at least... they knew that their doubts wouldn't be there.

He lowered to one knee before swallowing, looking up at the tanned man, his cheeks flushed before clearing his throat.
"T-terra... w-will you be my.... my husband?"
He asked before opening the box, showing the brunette a ring inside.
"T-the gem is called topez... it represents eager love, fidelity, friendship, gentleness, warmth, and... communication."

Riku's eyebrow rose before leaning into his own fiance. "Is that the same Ven?"

[Reno]

Shaymin tilted his head but then nodded at his friend's wisdom. It was not too surprising, as the blue dog had alliance himself with Celebi, the young time fairy, and was rather devoted to her. Suicune might even be able to convince his own brothers against this insanity. But if they failed to stop this... then they to will be sacrificed. He hoped... Lugia and Ho-oh would get a hold of themseleves before that happened.

"Alright, then we shall hope to Arceus all will be alright." Shaymin said before finding a nice spot in a warm patch of land to lay down in.


Terra grinned at the other indignation, chuckling softly. Even after all this time, Ven still didn't give him an inch. Still as stubborn as ever. He watched the other looking down at the box, waiting for him to give him it back and demand he stop dicking around and just wear it...

But was proved wrong when the other stood, moving to stand before when and then slowly knelt down. Blue eyes blinked as the other asked him, a brief though of teasing him again'Do you even have to ask', when the box was opened. His eyes widened some, reflecting the blue, green and purples of the ring. It was... It was beautiful... And then the meaning behind it... "Ven..." He smiled then. "Yes... of course I will." The blonde smiled but quick to slip the ring onto his finger. "Though, I'm telling you know I ain't walking down no fucking aisle."

He didn't have to ask how the hell Ven knew his ring size. He actually had one, a simple band of black titanium with Celtic-like designs etched into the face of it. It had been given to him when he was born from his Grandmother Rhea, his dad's mom. She had told him at one point it was some sort of family heirloom. He hadn't been able to even fit his fingers into it until he was twenty though. And of course Ven knew about it since he was nosy little mother fucker and just had to tease him about how all of his family members kept giving him gifts of jewelry as if they hoped he was going to be a girl or some shit like that and-

And then Ven was kissing him and he didn't really give a fuck. He wrapped his arms around the blonde, tugging him closer.

Sora grinned and shrugged, leaning against Riku happily. "I sure hope so. I don't want the next mission to be one looking for my brother."
Aqua rolled her eyes over the whole thing. "You all are a buncha sissy pant girls if you ask me." Terra didn't bother breaking the kiss but flipped her off.

[Rikugurl]

The large pokemon seemed to growl as he agreed with the other before his agile body moved from the place he had been floating to around the tall piece of land and looped back. His long, grey body laid against the grass besides his friend, his tired red eyes slowly closing. Even if this was his domain, he needed to rest up from the battle.

Hopefully the young pup would realize that his leader was a hot head anyway... and mostly had his head in the clouds if he could stand it.
Though... every parent did things that they knew were wrong... to save their children. He would never be able to know that experience personally; not like he would have the time to.


Ven stood as Terra admired the ring on his finger, daydreaming a little bit as well.
Huh, so what? He'd walk down the mother fucking isle if he had to... AND he'd work his stuff!
He thought he looked damn good in a dress and Aqua would be soooo jealous that he looked better as a girl than she did!

He smiled however as he got back into his lover's lap like he had the night before, wrapping his arms around his neck and giving him a smooch of a life time.
Great... now he was hooked with this fucker for life.
Maybe... that wasn't such a bad thing. Things were... getting better. Much better.

A hum came from his throat as he felt arms wrap around him, bringing him closer. It was nice to be wanted.

Riku just sighed and shook his head, though it was easy to see the smile on his face. He was going to have a lot of family after this mission.

Axel smiled as well, ignoring the woman besides her for the moment as he went into his Axel lala land (which in some cases could be dangerous), thinking about Roxas and their engagement. He looked at Aqua though as she huffed, seeing the middle finger before leaning close to her... though a bit hesitantly so he wouldn't have his ear pulled again.
"So... had plans with Fuu?" He whispered, seeing her face flush a bit.

[Reno]

"Minminmin." Little Shaymin said as the toddled over to the large Pokemon. He carefully climbed up one of the claw-like rings and nestled himself in the junction between his neck and his head. "Shaaaaay." He gave a big yawn before curling up and laying his head down.

"Good night Giratina." Was his final words before he fell off into a restful sleep.


Terra chuckled some against the others lips, just glad to have him there.

Sora grinned curling his fingers around Riku's and lifting them up, kissing the knuckles lightly. On his lap he could feel Margret bedding down, her body curled up for a nice sleep. "We should have a triplet wedding!"

"O-Oh please!" Aqua finally stated, her blush worsening. "Like it would be any surprise anymore with the rest of you sissies all purposing." She looked away, crossing her arms and drifting off into her own thoughts.

That wasn't really the reason though.

She was just afraid Fuu would do as Ven just did - but instead she wouldn't be joking... when she said no.

[Rikugurl]

Red eyes lidded as it felt the small little feet against his body, a bit surprised that Shaymin would leave the flowers... to sleep with him. He watched the little pokemon to make sure he didn't miss his footing along the way and watched as he nestled in a spot he liked.
There was a soft kind of purr before Giratina too laid down his head slowly and closed his eyes.

"Sleep well, Shaymin."


Axel smiled as he saw Aqua look away... but a bit concerned when a doppy smile didn't come over her face... but continued a frown. Something was wrong...
Slowly, green eyes shifted to look out at the ones sleeping in the next room, both out like a light.
"You don't think she'd say yes.... do you?" Axel whispered, keeping the conversation still between them but before she could say or react, it was Riku who broke it up.

"Alright then... before dawn, we'll head out and find ourselves a boat. Maybe Volken and Fulgencia can help with aero transportation... since all we have is a wounded Flygon... and one that has a hard time even carrying two."
"HEY! She's trying!" Ven snapped as he broke the kiss, sending a glare at Riku but he shrugged it off.
"You know what I meant..." Riku rolled his eyes before standing. "We should try and all get some rest before then... we have a long day tomorrow..."

Ven nodded before getting off of Terra's lap and the two couples started to walk towards the room with their already sleeping friend.

However...

The clashing element trainers stayed back a bit before the taller looked down at the woman. "Guess we're sleeping together again~"

[Reno]

Blue eyes turned a shade darker as the red-head guessed right, her eyes turning down to look at the pale colored wood off the table, an edge of the map in her line of vision with some writing on it. It said 'start here' and had a line disappearing out of her field of view, knowing it was one of the routes they had written up but failed to choose.

That was a lot like her. Choosing so many different paths... but not knowing which one would be the best to take.

She looked up, hearing Riku's short announcement. Sora was the first to join him, carrying his little sleeping furret on his shoulder. Terra and Ven were next to get up and follow, heart practically floating after them. Ugh...

And then... Axel... sleeping, cuddling snoring Axel just had to say a nightmare for her.

"Oh HELL no. Not again!" Aqua said, standing up. "I'M kicking Roxas out of MY bed and sleeping with my girlfriend thank you very much!"

[Rikugurl]

Axel couldn't help but laugh. Sure, it didn't fix the problem in Aqua's head... but it helped clear it quite quick!


The next day came rather fast, for it was only a few hours... but the adventuring team took it with stride, or at least the best they could. Coffee was served as dragons were getting ready for flight. Volken had his own way of getting his dragons ready, doing his morning exercises and heating them up with the raising dawn as Fulgencia rubbed ointment onto her Dragonite's wings.

The plan was gone over once and twice again, deciding that the rescue team should look at it as well. Though it was insane and terribly risky, it seemed like it was their only chance right now... but it was the morning news that brought smiles to everyone's faces...

"It seems like the water level hasn't risen today with the morning tides." A news woman announced as she stood on what once use to be a bridge that had been over flooded. "It actually seems like there has been some drainage but as you can see..." She pointed, the camera following her lead, "there will be a chance of rain today in some areas. Hopefully, this will buy many people time to find the shelter they need before the water continues to rise. We can only hope that this is the beginning of a new chapter in these strange weather patterns... and that the water will soon drain away back to it's normal place."

"Ut... it must of been... Shaymin..." Axel smiled happily as he placed his last bag on one of the Charizards they were taking.

Knowing that their little friend had kept his end of their deal, even though it would be the good of Shaymin anyway, the dragons were off, the three rescue members waving them off as they flew into the morning sky.

The ride was easy as the winds picked up as the sun hit the abundant of water, making the tunnels of wind come in their favor. The dragons roared in a way that all knew was a happy cry as the rays of light hit their wings and relaxing them easily. They soared higher, getting more distance even if the flight to Pastoria City wasn't very long. The swooped down through the clouds, giving the riders an exhilarating time to wake them up and enjoy themselves before the tedious trip ahead of them.

But the laughter all ended when they saw the poor city... underwater. Shipwrecks and the lasts of houses were easily seen from the height but the dragons continued to spiral down until more could be seen. It was obvious that person and pokemon was about to escape... but the lives of some were floating on the service. Stuffed animals... pictures... toys and kitchen utensils shifted with the waters.

"THERE!" A voice cried out, making some who were so drawn into the sorrow look up to see Ventus pointing out by the shore, at a ship that seemed to still be hanging on for life as it was tied to a piece of wood that was stuck between land that had yet to be swallowed.

[Reno]

The next morning, everyone was rested and ready to go, especially poor Roxas and Fuujin, who both went to bed first and woke up last of everyone, their hair a wild mess of bedhead. But both of them seemed in much better moods - or more specifically they seemed much more conscious - then when they had when they had returned.

Roxas had even been courteous enough to give his apologize to Fuu for snapping at her before - keeping his thoughts to himself about what he thought about the issue. And Axel and Sora were both doubly surprised to learn what company Demyx was keeping these days.
"You hit him?! I told you you needed to learn how to forgive Roxas!" Sora chastised when Fuujin decided to clarify exactly WHAT the blonde had done the minute he spotted the blue-haired male. But his 'parenting' was overshadowed by...
"Oh that's my Roxy!!" Axel said triumphantly as he grabbed Roxas hands, little hearts in his eyes. "Fighting off the bad guys all nobly~"
"You guys better not be thinking of adopting. You'll raise some fucked up kids." Terra said as he walked past.

The morning moved on as normal however, all of them feeding themseleves and their Pokemon, and knowing it might be the last meal they would be seeing they made sure to eat as much as possible and encourage their Pokemon to do the same. If Sora's insane plan was to work, they couldn't be weighted down with many supplies.

That was why, when she saw the plan, Diliza immediately told them to empty out everything from their bags they did not ABSOLUTELY NEED. So trinkets, empty pokeballs, even their sleeping bags and blankets were thrown aside. They would not be sleeping again either. All that was left for them were potions and antidotes in case of battles, and some light bits of food for themselves and their Pokemon. They had so little to carry they only had too bags, both with an identical set of things all placed in water-safe containers. so they had a back up if they lost one. Hopefully they would not lose both.
The hardest thing to leave behind though, besides the few things Terra and Ven had managed to safe from their home, was the little blue-covered diary. Ven had practically threatened the rescuers lives if they let even a scratch get on it. Even Roxas and Sora were uneasily hoping maybe they could somehow bring it with them instead... but it would be safer there then with them.

The news they caught on the TV, at least, was something to cheer about. They had a small respite, just a little more time then before.
"And Giratina!" Sora chirped he watched Fulgencia work, Jolteon sitting so close to his feet he was practically sitting on them. Though he didn't acknowledge his fox's overprotective actions, it made him smile. Ever since he had announced Margret would be a permanent part of the team, Jolt had been as anti-social and cruel as could be. At least in the two days in the mountains that he had been aware of. He had been in such a mood he was tipping over his and other Pokemon's food bowls and causing fights. He had even been growling at Furret and chasing her off if she came even close to him.

But he had to thank Zapdos because getting shocked near to death appeared to make the fox his loyal friend once more. He hadn't even bothered Margret (though he still hadn't accepted her). Instead he was too busy following him where ever he went and growling off everyone - even his own brothers!

But soon enough he had to calm the young fox as it was time to go, recalling him and getting on one of the dragon's backs, excited and exhilarated when they finally took off. Fuujin, Ven, Axel and Riku were the four who took the reins so to speak, but the dragons needed no guidance from them, finding the air currents quicker than most birds and even taking them on a fun ride, twirling and somersaulting until everyone was breathless with their laughter.

But when they finally reached Pastoria... there was nothing left to find amusing. There was nothing in fact but silence, as they saw the destruction time had wrought, saw the horrors of death drifting by on the water's surface. Though all of them had seen death at one point or another... it still hit many of them hard to see the pokemon, the people, the children-
No one but Riku and the Dragonite they rode heard Sora's soft sob as he hid his face against the silverette's back.
No one but Fuujin and their Charizard heard Aqua murmured softly like a prayer as her eyes averted to the sky, "Dear Arceus..."
No one but Axel and Chriselda would of heard Roxas strong intake of breath, and certainly only Axel felt the tightening of fingers against his ribs.
No one at all would of heard Terra, as could only concentrate on shutting his eyes and keeping the queasiness at bay.

But soon enough most of their distractions were drawn by Ven's cry and their eyes all lingered instead on a wooden structure still floating valiantly on the risen sea. It was exactly what they needed, the sails wrapped tightly at the top and the frame well built for speed but also strong against the water's rough currents. Compared to a metal model, it seemed flimsy in comparison... who knew how long it would float but...

But it would get them far enough. It would have to.

The dragons were guided to flew towards the boat, all four carefully dropping their claws onto the wooden deck. The eight slowly slipped off the dragons' backs, Aqua being the first to walk across the ship and inspect it. She walked to the bow of the ship, reaching for her pokebelt. There was a flash of light and then an orange otter appeared. She spoke softly to the female Buizel, giving her an order of some type, and the weasel seemed to salute her before jumping off the railing and into the water below. The action confused some of them - only Fuujin knew she was having Buizel check everything underneath the ship, from leaks to other damages.

The whole structure was bobbing in the currents making many of them uneasy on their feet. Riku, Sora and Fuujin had less trouble then the others' as they had gotten used to sea life; though Roxas and Ven weren't too bad off either, having known the sea since they were young. It was Axel and Terra, who were not found of it.
"Ugh..." Terra groaned, hiding his eyes behind his hand. "I just remembered I hate boats." Ven started to yell something about him not blowing chunks all over him and the brunette smacked him over the head. "I don't get seasick jackass!"

"You sure? You are looking a little green." Aqua teased was she walked down the ship running her hands along the ropes that tied up the sails and looking over the mast.
"Fuck you." Terra grumbled.
"I just feel the love from you." Aqua teased. As she reached the end of the ship there was a splash and Buizel jumped on the edge of the railing artfully, tail spinning. She shook out her fur.
"Everything check out okay?"
"Buuui..." The orange pokemon glanced off to her right towards the body of the ship.
"Any leaks."
"Zel."
"Just a weak spot?"
"Bui!"
"But the rudders are good, right? We need them in near perfect condition."
"Buibui!!"
"Good!" Aqua nodded before facing the others. "The ship's aged but whoever had her took good care of her. We should be fine to make it pretty far in."

[Rikugurl]

Riku looked around the ship as well when he got his feet on the deck. This ship wasn't anything like the one he and Sora had... but it was good to have a seaman's daughter on their crew. He looked down at the waters, seeing how deep and dark they were... unlike the tropical waters he knew so well. Aquamarine eyes seemed to stare out, thinking... wondering.... questioning about what their little getaway island looked like now. It probably wasn't even there anymore... along with all the wynauts...

He snapped back into attention as Ven and Terra snapped at each other and rolled his eyes. "I'm going to check below." He announced before heading down the stairs. An energy appeared, allowing a black fox with glowing yellow rings.
"Bre...?" The fox looked around, his ears twitching as he picked up the sounds of the ocean. Looks like they found a boat!
"Um!" He called as the lights suddenly came up, looking up to see that Riku had found them.

"Wow..." Riku blinked, looking around the insides of the ship and realized that whoever owned it... spent some time in it with their family. It was well furnished and clean.. and each room had a bed and some keepsakes. There were little plushes on the floor where fleeing children had dropped them. There were blankets and a couch, a radio that seemed to be in great shape and even a table and booth. The kitchen was spotless and windows didn't seem to be leaking.

"Wonder why this ship didn't get all smashed up like the rest." He wondered as he walked around, looking at all the rooms. There were three, one with a larger bed and two other with twins. They would be able to sleep in them if they made it that far...


Fuu looked around and sighed, rubbing her arm some as she dealt with the squeamish redhead beside her. She was already missing life on a cruise ship....

"M-me too! I...I think I'm allergic to boats!" Axel shivered before his eyes widened. "NOOOO!" He rushed down the ship as his arm extended, trying to leave the dragons that were now flying back home.

[Reno]

"Oh Axel STOP ACTING LIKE YOUR FIVE!" Roxas cried, tugging away the tantrum-induced toddler he was suddenly engaged too away from the rail. Pretty soon people were going to be asking him if HE was the pedophile!

Terra sighed leaning up against the strong structure of the mast, trying to get used to the feeling off the undulations of the boat under his feet. It was almost sickening...
He shut his eyes, breathing out slowly.
Little feet pattering across hard, nicely polished wood.
"Dad! Daddy look! Magikarp!"
"Is that the best you can find?" A sneer in the voice.
A hesitance, then feet pattering from one side to the other, silent. looking, looking...
"Goldeen!"
"There are ninety-two water Pokemon, and of those you've successfully found the weakest and most useless."
"Umm..." Blue eyes narrowed determinedly, rushing to the starboard side of the ship, looking out carefully. Then he saw something glorious at on a buoy they were passing and his excitement grew. It was a white Pokemon with a stunning fan-like tail. He took a breath about to yell for his father once more - not knowing he'd never have the breath for those words as a dark shadow fell over him and violent hands were grabbing him.
"It's time for a lesson boy. Now-"

"Terra. Hey Terra!"
Blue eyes opened, the reverie broken and he focused on an unpleasant sight leaning towards him. "Ugh, get your ugly mug out of my face!"
"I'm ugly?! Jackass!" Aqua growled as she straightened. "And here I was being kind enough to see if you're alright, bitch."
"Yeah well stay out of my business! I'm fine!"
"You're not fine you're as pale as a fucking seel, idiot!"
"Tch, that's only cause your ugly mug is making me sick!"
"Will you guys STOP fighting for two seconds?" Sora sighed from another end of the ship, Jolteon his ever present shadow once more.

The two stared each other down before Terra huffed and walked down towards the stairs that lead to the lower levels passing Riku as he went.

[Rikugurl]

"Butbutbutbutbutbutbutbutbutbutbutbut!!" The redhead whined before whimpering. "I-I don't know if this is such a good idea anymore! What if---"

Ven frowned, glaring at Aqua before hurrying after Terra. "Hey! Wait up!" He called, passing Riku as well as the silverette was going back above.
"If there are any muffins left behind, make sure he doesn't eat them all." Riku teased before looking around. He glanced at Roxas and Axel before smiling. "Alright... I think it would be best that everyone who doesn't know crap about boats... to head inside and come up with something if we DO make it to Sootopolis. The trainer trying to get there said that the underwater passage is blocked and so is the top... and I'll guess that the rail has stopped as well."

Axel was more than happy to run for his life to get downstairs, Roxas following in tow. Even Fuu passed, shaking her head. "I'll have to make sure they all play well down there."

The last ones remaining were Aqua, Sora and Riku... even if the pale man seemed still uneasy about it. He was the one to help with getting the boat pried from its holding, Metagross helping as well before being recalled. The sails went down and the morning sun welcomed them out into sea. Flying pokemon around the area flew by, calling their morning songs and good luck as the boat drifted further and further away. When the sun was fully up, they knew that it would be their best time for travel.

[Reno]

”Tch, fucking little… ugh…” Now he remembered that he hated boats.
And why! They were ugly, unstable, sickening things. They moved with every damn motion of the waves like a god damned rollercoaster, but only boats had a about a 99.9 percent chance of flipping on you in a fatal way at every looping wave.
And moreso… people who irritated him liked boats.
His dad liked boats. More specifically, he liked to kill things on boats.
Sora liked boats. And as nice as the kid’s company was sometimes, his overly cheerful spirit made him want to punch out his teeth.
But most of all Aqua liked boats. And he sometimes could honestly kill her.

He hit the bottom deck, his strength creating a loud clomp on the wooden floor. Then he paused, looking about. “The hell?” The blonde, only steps behind him, was so surprised by his abrupt halt he smacked into him. Axel, who was waving his arms about like he was trying to fly, didn’t notice they had stopped and hit them with a full force, sending them all toppling onto the ground.
“Ugh, get the fuck off!” Terra snapped and of course Ven had his own swears prepared. They became a mess of flailing limbs and yelling. Roxas and Fuujin had both stopped a few steps up, twin sweatdrops running down their foreheads at the sight of the three. To the blonde it was worse since some of the positions were a bit… provocative. And one happened to be his fiancé.
“This is going to fill me with threesome nightmares.” Roxas grumbled, but loud enough for the three to hear.
Terra spoke up before anyone else could, a cheeky grin on his face, “Want to make it a foursome? You’re in luck; I’m bottoming apparently.”
“Ugh, your sarcasm does not amuse me.” Roxas said and without further ado, walked right on top of them all, walking into the main area of the quarters. There were more grunts and groans behind him before a soft clomp of heavy heels, telling him Fuujin had following his example.

But now at least he could see what had made Terra pause that created the small collision. The boat was quaint, making him feel he had stepped into a home, not a floating death trap. There was carpet that had been placed down in many areas of the house and – from the signs of children who had passed these walls from the drawings pinned on walls and sippy cups sitting in cupboards – he guessed it was probably a touch the wife had wanted. The windows had curtains and the walls had pictures nailed up; there were even a few plastic vases sitting on tables with fake flowers in them.

“It’s really too bad we’re going to destroy this place.” Roxas said a little whimsically, checking out the small kitchen area that had obviously been used with great care and love. Whoever had owned this boat had not seen it as simply a tool of transportation… they saw it as a home.

“Tch, I won’t miss it.” Terra mumbled, still pinned to the floor. “And WILL ALL OF YOU GET OFF OF ME!?”

Despite all the trouble under the boards of wood of one level, it was nothing compared to what was happened where one could see water touching the sky. For up top, decisions of their fate were being made. Decisions that, if Terra knew about them, would have had him going overboard right then and there.
The reason for that is because… they put Aqua in charge.


The sun passed over the sky as hours passed, beating down from up above at the hottest time of the day. Up high, claws carefully perched in the wood, bending and breaking it a little from the long grasp, two birds stood sharp eyes of red and black looked out across the entire front side of the ship and beyond. The smaller bird, her feathers made like clouds, would dart her gaze towards the large hawk beside her worriedly however. Something seemed off about her…
But at least from above, so high up, they found it easy to see all sorts of danger down below or across the waving waters.
Or maybe even a game or two.

“Aye, there be pirates on the port side! Aye… their a-shooting at us! R-rrrr…gh.” A little telescope looked out across the empty waters, the threat nothing but imagination. Beside him, wearing an eyepatch over one violet-colored eye which was really a strip of cloth, was a fierce looking Jolteon, pretending to glare across the waters. Suddenly the telescope was placed down. “Oh no Davy Sparks! They’ve blasted holes into our ship! We’re sinking! Sinking! It’s all over Davy Sparks – I knew ye weeeeell!!!!” Arms wrapped around the fox and suddenly Sora fell over, they two laughing at their little game.

“Hey, navigator!” A shadow fell over the two.
Sora’s eyes opened and he tilted his head back, grinning up at the blue-haired woman standing with a strict look on her face over him, beside her an equally strict–looking blue fox. “Yes Capt’ Aqua?”
“Don’t you have a job to do?”
“Probably!” Sora laughed as Jolteon nuzzled him, barking eagerly to play another game of Pirates. This time they could make Luxray and Raichu the rival pirates and have a battle!
“Shouldn’t you be doing it?”
“Mmmm… maybe!” Sora said, and when the woman started to glare he grinned. “Oh loosen up Aq’! We’re going the right way!”
“Ugh…” She turned away walking to the bow of the ship where Riku stood at the helm. “You know I should give you a new job. Keep Sora in line!”
“Oh that’s unfair! Using the first mate against me because we have covert relations!”
“If you’re relationship is covert Sora, then I’m a man.”
“Really?! Congrats! I hope you and Fuujin have many happy babies!!” He said, bursting into laughter at the woman’s disgusted gaze.

“Are you sure you want to live the rest of eternity with him?” Aqua said, watching the brunette being led away by his yellow fox were the rest of their sea-familiar Pokemon were, no doubt to play games with them now too. Riku gave a distracted answer, making her glance at him curiously. He was a little pale – well paler – and his grip on the helm was tight, turning his knuckles white. Though the waves had been rough at some intervals, they had still not reached the stormy waters.

She sighed, reaching out and grabbing the helm, shoving Riku gently from his place. She didn’t say anything at first, leaving him a little dumbfounded why she was relieving him of his post. Just as he was opening his mouth to ask, she finally found her words. “You know... my mom didn’t teach me many things that were worthwhile to learn. But she taught me something my dad couldn’t have because it was something he never had.” She hummed softly, moving the helm to the left so they moved into a softer area of currents. “She taught me how to deal with fear.”

She smiled grimly. “Remember… the story I told you about how my mother treated me after my father died.” There was a dim look in dull aquamarine eyes – it was a story hard to forget, especially for all six of them who had grown with mothers more caring then seemed possible. “Well, for the longest time, every day I lived in fear. Every morning I woke up wondering ‘What will she make me do today? Will I recite? Will I do chores? Will I get supper? What, what? What torture could it be this time?’ I was rarely right when I guessed but still I sometimes tried. And then I was blown away when I was utterly wrong.”

“Glaa…”
She glanced down at the fox and smiled a little more truly this time then looked towards Riku. “One day I finally figured out what to do. I just stopped guessing and dealt with it as it came at me. Sure, it didn’t change that things were bad or frightening, but… it was less scary to handle, if I just handled it as it happened.” Blue eyes grew a little distant, before she shook her head, focusing her attention back on the silverette. “My POINT is, Riku, being afraid of something is one thing. But being afraid all the time of that thing, when the fear isn’t even there… it wastes your energy. You can’t deal with a fear that isn’t there – only when it’s upon you.”

She stood there, letting the man stew silently for a few moments, but laughter made them bother glance back. They saw at one of the edges of the railing Sora holding up a wooden stick like it was a sword and Raichu standing on the railing, tail swinging about in a similar motion. “En garde you darned scallywag!”
“Rai, Rai!” The tail and wood clashed playfully, the mouse have no trouble hurrying up and down the railing as they fought, not even losing his balance once. Meanwhile, Jolteon and Luxray appeared to be rolling about like dogs, the smaller fox playfully batting at the other’s nose as he laid on his back.

“I’ll tell you something else.” She said, smiling like she was offering him a two-for-one sale. “Sora? In all my life, he’s the only person I’ve ever been able to read easily. You know why? Because he lets everyone; he doesn’t try to hide things or when he does he does so very poorly. I think that’s ‘cause he thinks that’s life. Experiencing every moment for what it is and trying his best not to take things for granted, no matter if it’s awkward or embarrassing or even painful. I’m… heh I’m really jealous of that. I wish… I could do that.” She paused, no explaining what this little wisdom meant, but looked to Riku once more, now looking strict. “As your captain I order you to go keep our navigator entertained. Go, shoo! Shoo, shoo!!” She waved him off, before turning her gaze back to the sea, breathing in the salty air.

That’s right she was the Captain. And her dad always told her a good captain made sure all was well with her crew. Her hands tightened some on the helm. Come what may, she was going to make sure nothing happens to them.


Under the deck, the rest of said crew was lounging about mostly all around the comfy home. Roxas was looking through the kitchen once more, but this time looking for something to eat. Despite their rule of eating as much as they could at breakfast, which he did indeed do, he still somehow felt hungry. It was probably because he was bored and he tended to like cooking, if for no other reason that no matter what he made Axel would gobble it all up like it was that most delicious thing he ever tasted. Not… that he was a bad cook!
He just happened to like being creative… sometimes. Some of his concoctions turned out great!
But some… were bad memories of stomachaches and less pleasant problems.

He opened another cupboard, seeing some canned fruit. Hmmm… he wondered how peaches and pineapple might taste together…


In another room lounging on a bed and idly flipping through a book he had found was the only person on the ship who could not swim at all. He seemed fairly peaceful, but that might be partially because of the weight of the blonde spiraled out on top of him, practically making him the bed.
“Huh… did you know the guy who invented the first airplane got his inspiration for the wings from a Beautifly?” He asked conversationally, looking through the fact book.