The Tale of Seven: Kidnapped Hope

[Rikugurl]

The bird looked up at the dog tiredly as he came closer, still not having enough power to lift his head. He was about to call his other 'children' but his pride was too strong, not wanting them to see him like this. So, instead, he closed his eyes, took another sigh and decided sleep would be the best thing he could do until dawn.

What his mate would do between that time... he could only hope it was nothing... too drastic.


Fuu wrapped her arms around the squiggling man. She was going to snap at him... but she knew that she would be the same if it was the other way around. Her red eyes looked out, seeing how upset Gary seemed as he watched before looking back down at Aqua and Riku.
She pumped once... twice... three, four, five... then gave him air before doing it again... and again.
"Come on, Riku..."

Behind her, she didn't see the frightful eyes of a blonde who clenched his fingers into wet clothes as he watched Aqua and Riku. He was never a big fan of the silverette hunk, still thought Sora could do better but... who was he to judge? That was the man Sora lived... was going to get married to... was going to be a part of the family. "Terra..." He whimpered unconsciously, looking for some hope where he had none.

And behind them, two Pokemon were working hard to bring their warmth to the man with cold organs. Though as they did so, Axel's lips started to turn blue again along with the tips of his fingers.
"Tyyyyy..." The fire creature huffed him his master's face, letting hot air shift through his wet hair to help dry it. Unnerving eyes glanced around every once in awhile... looking at all the water surrounding him. This place sucked...


Shoes walked on nothing at all... only dakness surrounded the tall man, silver hair shifting slowly as aquamarine eyes looked around. There was a sudden light though that made him pull his arm over his eyes to protect his eyes before lowering it, looking at where the light was coming from.

In the shadows, it was easy to see a man with a pokemon perched on his shoulder, both looking away. The man had silver hair, most of it up in a pony tail but the rest was cut like any men's haircut. He had a strong build so when he was about to turn, Riku grew a little defensive... but he didn't turn all the way unlike the Murkrow.

"Aaah... aahh..." Riku's eyes widened before stepping back. "W-wh..."
"Go back, Riku... you don't belong here yet."
"W-what...?"
"You're taking care of your mother....right?"
"D-d---"

"UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGUUUUUUhhh..." Riku pulled away, puking and hacking up the water that had taken over his body. He gasped for air only to continue spewing out water.
W-what had happened?

[Reno]

Narrow blue eyes glared down at the unconscious, dying man, putting all the pressure she could behind her palms as her hair moved with the movements. "Come on you bastard... Breath Riku!" Aqua hissed.
She... she had never lost anyone before.
She wasn't going to start now!
She pinched his nose, giving him two more breathes before going back to the compressions. "Come on... come on..."

The brunette slumped weakly against Fuujin, too weak to fight her grasp anymore. Even still, tears continued to pour down behind glassed frames so lovingly chosen for the wearer. Guilt curled around the man's heart like a Arbok's bind, finding it hard to breathe. This was all his fault... all his...
Long legs splashed into the sea, a voice calling to the retreating ship desperately. "Sora! I love you! I know I can't go back in time and fix what I did, I can only go forward and make sure it never happens again... and I want that future to be with you! Please baby, don't go!"

A tan hand laid over a paler up, the hands fitting together like they were meant for one another. Blue eyes of different shades met then the smaller one finally smiled tentatively, a deep mean behind his words.
"I'm so glad you came with me Ri..."
This had to be a mistake... a horrible nightmare.
Yeah... he just needed to wake up, back on that island with Riku. Even if they were fighting it was better then losing him completely. It just had to be...

Not far away, strong fingers held onto a more delicate pair, thumbs rubbing gently at knuckles when he heard his lover's desperate plea for reassurance. "It's okay Ven..." Terra whispered though he had utterly no idea as he watched Aqua struggle to revive the silverette. And from here he could tell she was getting desperate.
All he knew for certain was... that they all had NEAR death experiences...
No one had actually died yet.

Roxas was watching silently as well, pale. The more time that passed, the more worried he became. It shouldn't take this long right? How long could a person stay, not breathing or their heart beating before it was impossible to revive them?
And in the back of his mind he couldn't help but wonder why the world hated Sora so much. They made him lose Rosa and their mom... what was wrong with Arceus, wanting to take Riku too? Did he just not like people to be happy?!

Everyone, even Aqua, was beginning to lose all hope as time passed, seemed to be too long for there to be any more point in trying... when finally...
"UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGUUUUUUhhh..."
The body jerked violently as Riku twisted about, Aqua sighing gratefully as she helped support him as he hacked up the water. She rubbed his back soothingly, blinking away the tears of relief that were forming in her eyes. "Jesus you fucker... don't do that..."

Terra sighed shaking his head a little, rubbing Ven's arms as his heartbeat returned to normal. Fucking hell! "See... I told you..."
Roxas shut his eyes but smiled shakily, murmuring under his breath. "Thank Arceus..."

"R-Riku..." Came the brunette's small voice, unable to even move as he watched the silverette become animated once more, color returning to pale cheeks and blue tinged lips. And though he wanted nothing more then to just break away and swoop him up in a hug so hard he'd probably make him choke... he felt anchored to his spot.
He bowed his head, bangs hiding his eyes and lips quivering. How could Riku want to love him now... when he nearly got him killed?

[Rikugurl]

It took quite a few minutes for the water to stop coming from the silverette's mouth, his throat hurting as water dribbled from his lips. The hand on his back was nice... but he was still confused on what was going on... what happened. One minute he was holding the helm and next... he was puking up water and sitting atop a wailord.
But his throat finally tried to breath out some new acquired air in a whisper. "S...sora...?"

Fuu smiled as she watched the silverette... but was shocked when Sora didn't go flying out of her arms and... only slumped? A frown ran over her smile before she reached down, undid the rope and... PUSHED him towards his lover. "He needs you..." She whispered before standing and walking over to Aqua.
Kneeling down beside her, she hugged her lover, running pale fingers through the wet blue hair. "You did great..."

Ven took a deep sigh before leaning back into Terra, glancing up at the large Pokemon above. Gary seemed happy too.
"Gee... you must be Mr. Know it all~" He teased before looking all the way back and... his eyes widened as he saw a bad situation upside down. "HEY!" He quickly sat up and looked behind him, seeing Roxas and two other pokemon huddling around Axel.

The blonde stood and walked over quickly, finding it oddly easy for him to keep his balance on the Pokemon. "What happened!?"

[Reno]

The brunette was still deeply wallowing in his worries and uncertainties, when he suddenly felt someone pushing him from behind. He glanced back and heard Fuujin's words, before nodding slowly and walked over to his fiance. He hesitated for a moment before reaching out, brushing his hand against some of the wet bangs. moving them out of the silverette's face. "Ri..."

Aqua sighed leaning back on her hands some, watching Sora as he came over, but looked up as Fuu settled close, smiling at her. She lent against her grasp, sighing a bit. She felt elated and full of nerves like she had the first time she ever gave CPR to someone and saved them. "I suppose..."

Seeing that all was okay, the blonde sighed before he laid down beside Axel, cuddling close to him, rubbing at his fingers to ward away the blue color. He felt so cold...

Terra chuckled about to comeback with a comment... when Ven's words of surprise made him look up in alarm. Now what?! Ven stood... making him have to as well as they were still tied together, and they walked over to Roxas and - oh...

Roxas looked up hearing his own voice coming from above him. His eyes seemed a bit weary and he sighed. "He went into shock from the cold... Firi warned us about it but... I had hoped..." He looked away, not sure what to say.
But Terra didn't need him to say anything else. He reached for the Pokeball at his side, and there was a flash of light, a black and red devil dog appearing. After a short order the dog joined the three, laying down on the space of Axel left uncovered to the wind, a little red glow emitting from him and waving heat over them.

[Rikugurl]

Riku looked up slowly before suddenly putting all his weight on his lover. "Sora..." He whispered again, his voice harsh as he leaned into the wet shirt of his lover. He would of asked what happened... but he was too tired... and realizing that they were no longer on the boat... their ship must of been destroyed and... Oh Arceus... had he...

Who was that man he saw...?
Was that really...?

"Hopefully now... we're all done with nearly dying..." He stated, though the man still seemed to haunt him. He never met his father... he had died before he was born... so... could that even... how would he...
Maybe when he felt right again, he could ask his mother...

Fuu smiled as she brought Aqua closer, trying to give her some warmth in the cool night air. It was too bad that there was no way they could of managed to keep dry blankets or clothes. They couldn't even use the fire pokemon because she was sure it would upset the whale.
Speaking of which...
She placed her hand on the whale's skin before smiling. "Come on, Porcha... we need to keep going to Soot."

"Waaaaail~~" The gentle beast called before she started to move easily through the debris of the ship, though slower than what Saix had said. She knew though because of the weight. Someone needed to ride Gary.

Ven bit his lip as he watched Axel, remembering he was much like this a few days ago. Had he just reverted into that state again and would need all that treatment?
His answer came when houndoom shared his heat... and slowly green eyes opened, a moan escaping shivering lips. He didn't say anything... but he moved his hands quickly under the fur of Flareon and Ty to find warm.

The volcano pokemon blew out hot hair once again, making the red hair shift and acted like a blow dryer.

[Reno]

"Y-Yeah..." Sora agreed softly, holding the other male close, his fingers idly running through the strands of wet, tangled silver. His eyes dimmed a little though, thinking it over. The only one who was left...
Was Roxas.
But Roxas had actually already had an encounter with death - had actually died for several minutes... like Riku just had.

Riku... "I'm so sorry..." He whispered, laying his head gently on top of his.

Aqua shut her eyes leaning against Fuujin feeling themselves just drifting by in the water, Gary following not to far behind (she really had to wonder how Demyx just let Sora nickname his Pokemon). Hopefully this would all be over soon. Her eyes opened, hearing her lover speak about how they were too heavy and soe of them would probably have to ride the large serpent.
She quirked an excited grin. Now that she thought about it... she had never gotten to ride Gary!! "Oh?!"

"Flaaar..." Flareon whined some, nestling her stomach up against the cold fingers in her fur, placing them where her fire sac was so they would warm quicker.
Roxas smiled just a little, seeing the other wake up some. He nestled his head close to the other's shoulder, sighing softly, the fire Pokemons' warmth reaching him as well.

"Anything else want to fucking happen...?" Terra grumbled a little, untying the rope around his waist and then doing so for Ven as well, tossing it aside. He was about to say something else when something colorful in the distance caught his eye. He paused, glancing towards it. "The hell is that?"

His inquiry caught the others' attention - or at least Ven and Roxas - and they both looked out towards the direction, seeing something slowly getting closer that seemed to be up in the sky and waving around a bit. The closer they got, the larger the lights seemed to become.
"An aurora...?" Roxas mumbled tiredly, feeling weary from the events of the night. It probably wouldn't be too weird to see at this point. They had seen everything strange and - and what the hell!?!?

Blue eyes widened seeing a blue glow suddenly streak down from the sky and hit the top of the ocean, only a few meters ahead of them now. It was so bright it even caught Sora and Riku's attention. "What the...?" Roxas got to his feet - or well untied himself and then got to his feet, disregarding Axel's faint cries for him to come back.
"SUUUUUUI!!!" Came a sudden call, and then suddenly Wailord froze in the ocean. The glow faded some, lighting up the figure suddenly and they could make out the shape of a dog with a long flowing cape and tails, and azure blue fur.
"Oh fuck..." Terra whispered being the first to recognize who was staring them down. And then Suicune started to walk towards them, a threat in his stance. The brunette shouted, "We need to get the fuck out of here!!"
"Wait!" Roxas jumped in just as Fuujin was about to call an order, making everyone pause. His eyes narrowed, watching the dog walking towards them, something strange about it that the darkness was obscuring. "...Something's wrong..."
"Yeah you know what the fucks wrong?! We're about to die again and you're telling us to sit on our asses."

Roxas didn't respond to the taunt, but his silence as Suicune continued to close the distance between them was making the other's shift nervously. The closer he got the more they could make out about him, even seeing the large rhombus-shaped charm on his head now and the slight red color in his eyes. Had it been any other time, they would of even been in awe to see the large dog walking across water like it was land itself...

But then, the dog seemed to fall, his legs collapsing under him.
"He's hurt!!" Roxas suddenly said, hurrying towards the edge of the whale, seeing the water legendary struggling back to his feet.
"Who the hell cares?! I guarantee he can still kill us!!" Terra was yelling but Ven jabbed him in the ribs, effectively silencing him.
"Gary!" Roxas called, the serpent slithering over. "Can you go help him?" The dragon-like creature hissed softly before swimming through the water to the dog.

"U-Uh guys..." Sora stated, and something in his tone made them glance at him. His face had gone white and he was pointing up past them all. Looking back the other way they could see he was pointing towards the rest of the aurora that Suicune seemed to be birthed from...

only it wasn't an aurora. It was a large... very large and colorful phoenix. And he was looking straight down at them, something furious in his gaze.

[Rikugurl]

"Don't fucking say that shit right where it can hear you!" Ven cried as he jabbed his elbow into his lover's ribs, grumbling some. Like stating that it would kill them would help them live any!

However, he left Terra's side and walked over to where Ven was, looking out to see Gary swimming over to help. With his brother's call though, he looked up, is eyes widening before falling on his ass. T-that was-- "HO-OH!?" He knew this bird rather well... not personally of course but because he was his favorite legendary since he looked like such a bad ass!
AND HE DID.
STILL.
LOOKING AT THEM!

Was he mad at them that the Charizards hurt Articuno? No... that wasn't right. Ho-oh took care of the dogs and....

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!" The large bird cried, coming down unevenly.
"He's hurt too!" Fuu finally pointed out as she saw how his wings were a mess. She knew the signs well since her Taillow had been badly injured when she caught him.
"It must of been Lugia... maybe Ho-oh was trying to help like Shaymin and Giratina..."
"Yea, and Suicune too!" Ven said as he got up with some help from Terra.

That was when everyone heard a pop and the whole night sky lit up, a fire phoenix blazing bright as she flew up into the sky.
"MOLTRES!"
"Moooooooooooooooool!" The bird cried as she flapped her wings, bringing her up to Ho-oh.
The large bird narrowed his eyes more as he saw the smaller coming up. It was easy to tell that he would of started a battle... if he wasn't in such bad shape.

Moltres flew around him once, twice... and again, avoiding his snapping beak and wings before she flew above him one last time before she started to glow brightly, her fire wings flaring out and suddenly everyone had to cover their eyes much like the day Roxas had died in the arms of Axel.


Heat spread through organs, warming them up and making the blood move like it once did. Lungs started to take in more air, his heart started to catch up to normal and all of his wet clothes were done from the clothes dryer.

Clothes that everyone else was wearing as well dried right up along with their hair and skin. It was as if they hadn't fallen into the waters at all.

Another body shifted, feeling the strength he didn't have before, feeling the water remaining in his lungs dry up, allowing more air to come in. His throat didn't feel so strained and he could feel his limbs once more.

The bright light turned into a glow, allowing eyes to open from the whale's back to look up at the glowing birds.


"HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!" A loud cry came from the legendary bird as his wings fanned out and his decline stopped, a strong flap bringing him up and around Moltres before swooping down near the water to hover over the dog that was now standing again. "Ooooh?"
"Are you alright?" He seemed concern as he looked down at the dog, a reply given before he flew back up and called out to the fire bird who seemed somewhat worn out now.
"Thank you young one..."

[Reno]

Though seven out of eight of them recognized the flames as Moltres warmed the area, most of them could not help but flinch as the fire rained down from above from instinct. However, like before, they did no harm. In fact for many of them, they felt rejuvenated.

Roxas opened his eyes, seeing the orange and red lights fading and looked down at himself as he expected something to have changed. The only difference was now his clothes were dry and he felt warm from the inside out... which meant... He looked towards Axel hopefully, seeing how content the three fire Pokemon were.

Sora blinked away the spots in his eyes, but as he felt Riku moving in his arms, he felt his arms fall a little, giving him more room to move. "Ri?" He asked gently, seeing that most of the color had returned to the man's cheeks.

"Holy shit..." Another brunette mumbled, but sighed, not minding the fact he was dry - though the water Pokemon seemed to be very unhappy of this fact. Gary for example dunked his body into the water as fast as he could.
Terra just had to hope Wailord didn't get the same idea!


Red eyes blinked open, finding that he could stand so much easier now. The pain in his side was gone and it was no longer a daunting chore to walk. He looked up, hearing a bird swoop overhead, calling to him. Cuuuune..."
"I am..." Though his voice sounded surprised, almost disbelieving at this fact. He never knew Moltres could heal as well. He supposed he should not be surprised. Each legendary had some ability to heal. He healed the waters of the land, after all just as Shaymin healed the air or Dialga healed rips in time created by Celebi.
He sat down on the water, the ocean rippling a little around his form as he looked up at the birds talking, then towards the humans on the whale's back. They were the ones who had her...? His eyes darted to a blue-haired woman who was staring at him, meeting her gaze.

She... seemed familiar somehow.

[Rikugurl]

"You guys... are.....crushing me...." Axel whimpered before the fire types got the idea and got off, Flareon finally being able to bounce around a bit as Houndoom returned to his master's side and Ty helped his master up. "What happened?" He asked to his own self, looking around to see nothing but debris around them. Like Riku, he remembered that their ship had been attacked not by bad waters... but Lugia.

Lugia...?

His eyes widened as he looked up, seeing Ho-oh above. Had Moltres healed everyone again? Ty helped him walk over to Roxas, seeing yet another legendary. How many more would he see!? He swallowed though as he looked up at the birds who seemed to be talking before the large Pokemon flew down towards them, followed by Moltres.

Riku looked up at Sora, a soft, yet weak smile running over his features. "Y-yea... I'm ok...." His eyes rolled, seeing how bright it was getting only to realize that the two legendary birds were close by now.
Moltres was called back to her pokeball... before she collapsed into the waters. He made sure she was placed into one of those Heating balls Terra had given him.

As for Ho-oh, his piercing eyes looked down at the group, making everyone uneasy before flying around them once as if he was sizing them up.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!" He called before flapping once more, feathers floating down at them before he started to fly out, looking back as his tail feathers started to glow. He would lead them to where they wanted to go... and would ward off any problems.

Ven smiled, even as the whale started to move again, following the legendary, as a green feather floated down in front of him. He reached up, taking it gently and feeling how soft it was. Wow! A Ho-oh feather!

"Aqua?"
A woman called from behind the blue haired woman as a silverette one stood close to the whale's edge near Gyarados.

[Reno]

Red and blue eyes broke contact, one because of his master's call, the other because of her mate. The blue dog turned and started to run across the sea. Meanwhile Aqua blinked seeing were Fuujin was... and then understood what she was indicating. Oh... OH! "Alright!!" She hurried over, excitedly getting on top of the dragon serpent with her lover.

And then the two water Pokemon were off, following after the two legendaries.


Time passed, and the sun began to rise, warming the sea's surface and brightening the wings of the bird flying nearly a half-mile ahead. Now in the day of light, he was no trouble to see, nor was the blue dog running mid-way between one and the others.

The water dog glanced back though. The group had stirred only a little after the sun has arisen despite their long night. The small brunette and the less aggressive blonde had stayed up a little later with the silverette and red-head, explaining to them what had happened. He had found the story of the boat Lugia destroyed very enlightening. Apparently, that was not how they planned to lose this form of transportation, had planned to carry themselves on the wind for longer.
He was... very surprised to say the least; it had been awhile since he had been faced with such stupidity... and bravery.
Other then that, there had been one point in the night when the two woman on 'Gary' the Gyarados switched places with the two blondes to get some rest.
They were such a strange crew; three of them disliked water, four of them seemed comfortable with it, and then one, the bluette that had caught his eye, appeared as if she had been born from it. All of them had a level of awe at his master, or even him which he found peculiar.

Now, the small brunette was on Gary with the silverette while the other humans nibbled on a snack. He could hear them talking on top of the large whale though they were trying to be quiet to not alert him of their words. It was unfortunate he was an embodiment of the north wind, and could easily carry their voices on the breeze.

Though most of it was simply talk of future events they were bothered by, he had caught some words of the events on land that made him listen with rapt attention.
"-O knows if we're not too late already." He heard the tall brunette murmuring to the other five. "Even if we are to find the fucking kid, think of how much got destroyed. Lavaridge, Lilycove, Sandgem, Canaclave and Sunnyshore, Porta Vista, almost the entire Orange Islands, Arborville-"
Red eyes went wide.

Arborville...?
"Cune!" He suddenly U-turned, rushing straight towards the whale. He heard one of the men on Gyarados call out in surprise but though it alerted them all, they could not stop him as he jumped on the whale's back. Luckily for Porcha, he was the lightest of the three dogs. However he was still more weight then the two humans on top of Gary and slowed her down greatly.
"S-Suicune!" He heard one of them call, but his attention was on the brunette whose name was appropriate to his fear. They were just trying to get to their feet when he jumped forward, his paw landing on Terra's chest and pinning him down, knocking the air out of him.

The human gasped a bit, his eyes opening wide, a small shade of fear in them as he looked up at him. Suicune narrowed his eyes before they started to glow blue.


The morning had started so simple.
Though they had all gotten some sleep, some of them were still exhausted, particularity Riku and Axel. The difference between them was Riku had a lot of pride and wasn't willing to show it, even offering to ride Gary for a time. Axel, however, milked it for everything he was worth, gaining as much sympathy from them as he could (mostly - okay, entirely - from Roxas).
As it was, they all attempted to eat what they could, finding scraps of morsels in their things that had not been destroyed by the water in their bags, though it was a sham of a meal. The only highlight so far had been watching Suicune purify some of the ocean. They had passed what appeared to be an old oil spill, and Fuujin was about to give orders to the whale to swim around it when the dog rushed right into it. With a few taps of his paws, the water rippled with a blue glow on the surfaced and as it cleared, only pure blue ocean was left.

It really made Terra realize just how much the legendaries did for them without them realizing it. Most pollution was caused by humans, most was cleaned up by these god-like creatures. It was no wonder they had such little trust in them, such little care of their lives. To them, they had never made the world a good place.

Axel was the one to bring up the topic of Sootopolis - or moreso, what would they do if they were incorrect. Now with Ho-Oh hovering over them (no pun intended), they didn't have many chances to make mistakes or even be incorrect. If they were wrong about Sootopolis... it was very likely they would end up burnt into ash.
"It doesn't really matter," Roxas was saying, "As long as we aren;t too late."
"Yeah well, that's just the problem is, isn't it?" Terra spoke up, keeping his voice low, not knowing that despite them trying to make the conversation a private one, someone was eavesdropping. "Who knows if we're not too late already. Even if we are to find the fucking kid, think of how much got destroyed. Lavaridge, Lilycove, Sandgem, Canaclave and Sunnyshore, Porta Vista, almost the entire Orange Islands, Arborville, Pastoria, LaRousse-"
"GUYS!!" He suddenly heard Sora calling from above them, cutting him off. He glanced up, seeing where the brunette was staring and looked towards the ocean... and his words died in his throat as Suicune suddenly jumped onto the top of the whale.
And he didn't look happy.

He was just getting to his feet when he saw the dog jump... heading straight for him. "Ah, shi-" He couldn't even finish the sentence feeling himself get pushed down and for a moment couldn't breath as the paw pushed down on his lungs. He took a breath of air... and then couldn't breath again when he saw the flash of white fangs and sharp red eyes boring into his own. Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck, oh- what?

The red eyes suddenly started to glow blue... and then to everyone's silent amazement, Terra's started to glow as well though the brunette himself did not realize this.
"What has happened to Arborville?" Came a booming voice he did not know, hearing the wisdom but youth still held. He did not know how, but he realize Suicune was speaking to him. He would of called to the others, maybe checked to make sure he wasn't crazy; but this time they would have claimed him as crazy, as Suicune was not like Shaymin. He could only speak to one human at a time.
"I-I...w-what?" Terra stuttered a little, still overcome by whatever the hell was going on.
"Arborville. What has happened there?!" The voice inquired again, but this time he could detect... fear and worry. It must of been his home.
"It... a lightning storm struck down on the surrounding forest about six days ago and burnt half of it to the ground. It took part of the town with it."
"...Lightning...?" There was a short moment of silence, the dog thinking of his brother Raikou. But the other would never of defiled his home...
That left one Pokemon.

Suicune snarled furiously. "Zapdos." The claws dug a little harder into Terra's shirt, making him wince. "Which area?"
Knowing he'd best answer he quoted the report the best he could. "The northern and eastern were burnt nearly 90 percent... the western and southern around 40 to 60." The minute he mentioned 'southern' he felt the claws flex nervously.
"Did..." The dog paused, his voice sounding strange almost... hopeless. "Did they mention of Celebi?"
"...Celebi?" The dog nodded, urgency in his gaze. "Uh... Y-Yeah. They said some firefighters spotted what they believed to be her while they were trying to contain the fire. They said they saw a 'strange' glow that seemed to push some of the flames away as it flew past. I don't know anymore than that though."

It was as if he said the magic words because both their eyes stopped glowing and the dog backed up some, allowing Terra to shakily sit up. But rather then returning to his run he seemed to slump as he sat there, red eyes full of grief.

[Rikugurl]

The morning breeze shifted through silver hair as a déjà vu hit the man. This all seemed so familiar, riding on Gary, heading through the eastern waters of Hoenn. He wrapped his arms around his lover, leaning his head on his shoulder as his eyes looked out, watching the two legendaries staying ahead. When the sun showed itself, Ho-oh seemed to be much happier. He was sure he knew why and they were even able to see a rainbow coming from his tail.

His eyes closed... but not for long when all of a sudden, Sora screamed, making him almost fall off of the ride. What about--- OH SHIT!

"TERRA!" Ven cried as he was pulled back by Fuu, everyone's eyes widened as they watched the legendary pin a friend down. Ven didn't know how to act... if he should pull the dog off... or battle... or just sit there and wonder what to do. He decided on the latter.

Everyone watched as the dog and Terra started to glow, unsure about what was going on. Not even Mr. Knowledge of all Pokemon could explain what he was seeing, holding Roxas close. He, however, knew that Terra... probably was in no real danger, even when Terra winced, making Ven reach out for him. What had Terra say to upset the dog so...?

Before anyone could put a finger on it, the dog was off and looking... rather sad. Ven quickly rushed to Terra's side, pulling him close. "Terra? Are you ok?"

Axel frowned, watching the dog and seeing how... defeated he seemed. Glancing up, he noted that Ho-oh was glancing back as well.
"What happened, Terra?" Fuu was the smart one to ask... and when the tannest of them got his barrings, he explained that they... talked somehow and he had asked about Celebi.
"Celebi?" Axel repeated, thinking about it. Maybe... Suicune was good friends with that legendary... like Shaymin and Giratina. Maybe they had some history.

"Hey... you think since we're in the ocean that Giratina can see us? Why don't we ask him if he can bring Suicune to the forest?" Ven smiled.

[Reno]

Up above, Sora gasped in fear as he saw Terra get taken down by the dog. W-What was going on?! Unable to even here anything from being so high, all he saw was the slight glow, considering grabbing for Raichu's Pokeball - but even from here he could tell that Terra didn't seem to be being hurt.

Soon the dog let him be, but whatever the brunette said about the experience nor he or Riku heard.

Blue eyes blinked, Terra a little distorted from the entire experience. "I-I'm fine... I think..." He said as he felt Ven close by. how he was he supposed to explain to the blonde how his mind felt a little like cotton at the moment. It had been... strange. Though he had gotten used to how Shaymin spoke, this experience was world's different. Of course the blonde was about to experience it first hand as he explained the short conversation they had somehow had and Ven suggested they contact Giratina.

"Sss...cuune..." Came the soft utterance, and when Ven looked at him, the dog's eyes glowed faintly, making Ven's glow as well. He too heard the same voice Terra had, wise but young. "It is possible. Giratina can emerge from any surface that reflect what the eye sees. However, even if we were to contact him I can not leave. I must remain with Ho-Oh until my duty he has asked of me is done." The glow faded, leaving the young blonde to wonder about it as well.

Roxas gasped his brother's name as he watched him glow like Terra had, unable to keep himself from worrying. what was going on here!? Some strange form of telepathy?

[Rikugurl]

Ven's smile faded as the dog looked at him strange and--W-WHOA! His eyes widened, not knowing that he was glowing as he listened to Suicune. D-Duty? What kind of... Then, it was gone and he leaned back against Terra, feeling a little odd.
"O-ok..." He stuttered before rubbing his hair. He looked back at Suicune before out at Ho-oh who was still glancing back.

"But... did you talk to him about it? Maybe he'll let you go because you know... you guys are friends... and helping friends is really important." Ven explained but as he did so, Suicune didn't seem to budge. Ven blinked before sighing, realizing that Ho-oh was Suicune master... and almost like a father to them. He had to listen to him...

He shook his head but smiled again. "Well... if you can't leave then... have some faith in your friend! I'm sure... she's alright. If she wasn't, you'd know it... in your heart. Friends are all connected, you know?" He glanced up at Sora with a smile. "My brother taught me that and you should know that you're connected with your brothers too. Why don't you ask them to check up on the forest for you?"

Fuu's eyebrow rose as she listened to Ven, wondering where the real Ven was.

"YOU GUYS!?"
A call came from atop the Gyarados before Ho-oh gave a cry, making everyone look out to see... a piece of land in the distance.
"It's Sootopolis!" Axel cried happily... for unknown reasons. They were getting closer!
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIL!" The whale called, in happiness... and irritation of the new weight.

[Reno]

The dog listening to Ven silently, listening to his words but he merely shut his eyes and shook his head. It was not so simple. He could not turn his back from Ho-Oh, for he had been the one to give him that life to even care for Celebi.

He did however hear the next idea the blonde had for him, and he realized this small two-legged creature had wisdom too. He was connected to his brothers... He glanced up, seeing the brunette looking down at him, then towards the blonde watching them intensely. Three born at once. He looked to Ven and the glow returned. "Thank you. I shall take your wisdom.... We are not so different."

He broke the contact hearing the call from the Gyarados and looked over his shoulder. Ah, their destination. He blinked as the whale underneath him complained, and stood, starting to trial off the edge... when he paused. While he was here, he needed to solve some peculiar curiosity of his. He turned and walked over to where the two woman of the group were, a little amused at the protective way the one with silver hair held onto his target. He stood in front of Aqua, staring at her evenly, and then, like expected, they both started to glow a little.

Roxas sighed as he saw what the others had, this tiny piece of information not necessarily comforting. they had put all their hopes into Soot... but that didn't mean it had the results they wanted.

Meanwhile, Terra was watching Suicune, wondering how Lugia and Ho-Oh could support such actions... when it was even hurting their own. Sure, it was their child they were protecting... but were not the legendary dogs and birds also their children? He raised his head curiously as the dog seemed to pause, then suddenly walked over to Aqua.

Watching from there vantage point, it was peculiar, though he was sure the blue-haired woman was thrilled to have the water dog talking to her.
"Yes... he was my father." She spoke suddenly, making them all look over. There was a pause, then she murmured, "He died in an accident when I was about nine." Suicune made a soft noise, and then between then the glow brightened a little, and the pause was much longer. Finally the glow lessened and Aqua seemed to sway a little, dizzy. She shook her head but blinked. "I... I never knew... I... thank you." They glowed for a few more moments, Suicune saying his parting words before it faded and the dog turned and jumped off the whale, and in a few leaps and bounds over the water's surface quickly made up the distance he had lost, leaving the woman to blink after him... and wonder if what she just experience had been real.
"What... the hell was that?!" Roxas asked in confusion.
"He... He knew my dad..." Aqua finally explained, seeming shocked.

[Rikugurl]

Ven bit his lip as he watched the dog leave, smiling some at the complement. Maybe his brothers were really rubbing off on him... or maybe... he was finding himself. He glanced up at Terra, smiling lovely before wrapping his fingers around the other's. If he could make a legendary feel alright... he knew he could make Terra...and anyone else happy too!

However, he looked over, seeing Suicune walk over to Aqua, an eyebrow raising as the woman started to glow much like he and Terra had. He was shocked she didn't shit her drawers knowing that a water legendary was interested in her.

Even so, Fuu watched the dog carefully as he seemed to communicate with her lover, gripping onto he hand.
When Suicune finally left their side, running off towards Ho-oh again, the whale seemed to sigh in relief, calling thanks to the legendary before going back to her normal speed.
"YOUR DAD!?" Ven asked, eyes widening. "How does he know your dad?"
Even Axel was interested, though his green eyes kept a good glance at the upcoming piece of land, noting that the water was high on it... but it could still be livable.

"Hmmm... we always seem to miss the neat stuff..." Riku sighed as he couldn't hear a thing from down below but shrugged as he thought. "Though... we did get to ride on Giratina, right? And see the Reverse World." That seemed to pick up Sora's hopes, though he still wanted to know what was going on down there. They would learn sooner or later.

Ho-oh seemed to push his wings harder and flew off further, catching Riku's attention as Suicune tried to keep up.
"OOOOOOOOOOH!!" The bird called down to his 'son'.
"SEE IF YOU CAN GET IN FROM BELOW!" He ordered before swooping up around the rim of the volcano opening. His narrow eyes, much like Axel's, opened in shock as all he could see was pure darkness down below.
"HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He cried as his mouth opened, shooting down an attack but it exploded the minute it hit, pushing him back even and catching the attention of the adventurers.