The Tale of Seven: The Summon of Sorrow

[Reno]

OOC: IMPORTANT! I held these for you! Carnivine and a Gastly (you might have this one) settei!
community.livejournal.com/pkmncollectors/6177551.html?thread=164681231#t164681231
ALSO there is a Deoxys settei for auction in the same post!

There was a chuckle on the other end of the phone, Roxanne smiling happily. It was true her brother had a rather... eccentric taste in clothes. Roxanne? Now she was more modest and - if she was being honest - girly. You'd think she;d be more of a tomboy, considering her family but it was just the opposite. She was excessively female... though she didn't really bitch about working in the trough or getting dirt on her clothes or anything. "As much as I would enjoy to watch that, I'm pretty sure you'll knock out the only brain cell he has."


Even though he had no idea what he was getting into, Roxas dared to get close. He too had never even seen - never even heard of Pokemon that looked like these. It was possible they WERE legendaries...

He too saw the small but precious item that the mother was holding. Only one thing probably concentrated so much of her care. He reached out shifting her arm just a little and saw a tiny form of herself that would every once and awhile shake. Unlike it's mother, who was somewhat of an anthro with a likeness to Lucario, this one was a tiny four-legged fox. It's fur was a slate grey except for it's bushy collar that was black and the it's red eyelids, two dots on it's forehead, and the firey tuft on it's head. Looking at him, he thought of Flareon.

They could of been twins if he wasn't about one-third the size of her.

Roxas hesitated, glancing back at Axel, before partially climbing into the crate, glad for his small size with made it easy to fit. He reached out, running his fingers over the tinier Pokemon, feeling the ears. His fingers slipped around the creature's form and he heard everyone outside holding their breath, thinking he was going to pick the Pokemon up. But no, his fingers merely ran along it's side. The fur was somewhat matted, he found but more well kept. He let him go but instead brushed away the uncared for rat tail and ran his fingers down her side as well, frowning even moreso.

He looked her over once more, noticing some visible wounds on one of her thighs, partially healed but infected looking. He was certain there were others though and some on the baby too possibly self inflicted from trying to get out... but he had a good bet it was a training who did it.

He climbed out of the crate, coming to Axel's side, murmuring softly, so low it was hard to hear him - except for who he was speaking with. "No fire sacs, so they aren't fire types. Possibly... steel, dark or... most likely psychic but I'm not positive. The little one has really warm ears and a dry nose so I think it has a small grade fever and the mother has some visible wounds that are infected and need to be cared for immediately. And they're both severely malnourished."

Some of the other rescuers, especially the amateurs, blinked in surprise that just such a short time the blonde had gained so much information.

[Rikugurl]

The redhead nodded, oddly matching the look of the larger pokemon some. At least hair wise and height. Roxas had learned a lot from Axel when it came to overall wellness. Sera and books helped a lot too and even though sometimes it was overwhelming, Axel was his lover and knew enough to end the lessons. One of the hardest things to teach were the areas of fire sacs. Since Axel had a lot of fire pokemon, he showed Roxas where they were and what to look for, how they felt and what the size meant. Obviously, larger sacs held more fire and the pokemon could release stronger fire attacks. Unfortunately... not all the pokemon enjoyed Roxas felling around on their body. Especially not Ty since Roxas reached a bit too low and found another sac...

"Alright." He looked back at the Rescuers before suddenly calling out orders. He needed two muzzles and the truck to be pulled closer. Blankets were called and a humane crate to carry them both in. He didn't wish to separate them at any cost. Everyone rushed off quickly, knowing that the sleeping status didn't last forever.
"I'll go call the kids and have them get a room ready." Axel reported as Roxas helped a girl pull the pokemon from the rusted crate, quickly going inside the center. He found a TV phone easily and sat down before dialing the number to the Haven.


"Hahahahaa! That's true. I don't know why he wouldn't want to come. He's got his chum along and all, right? Then again, it could be more peaceful---"
Suddenly, a Pelipper with a beak full of mail flew across the screen. "Incoming call!"
A text flashed on a branch it landed on, showing that the call was from Slateport City's Rescue Center.
"Ah, I guess that must be your Daddy. Well, I guess this is good night. Can't wait to see you tomorrow, love~" The tan girl called, fluttering her eyelashes some before blowing a kiss and the call was disconnected.

As Roxanne was blowing a kiss back, she accidentally sent it to an image of her redhead father.
"Roxy! This is no time for kissing!" He cried, making her blush and sit up straight.
"I need you and Roxel to set up a Code Black nursery."
A Code Black Nursery was a room for a mother and child to stay in but had protective walls due to the level of aggression the pokemon had. In laymen terms, a room for angry mothers.
"I would avoid putting in plush toys and playing objects just yet. These are canine-like Pokemon so they could just end up being destroyed. Maybe throw in some chew toys instead. These pokemon are Dark types so make sure you put up the right barriers, ok? We'll be back in about a hour so get to it!"

Before Axel could hang up, his daughter called his attention, asking what dark type it was. There were a lot of dark type canines... For instance, Umbreon, Poochyena, Mightyena, Absol, Houndour and Houndoom.
"We...don't know. We've never seen a pokemon like this before."
This seemed to shock the young girl but she was quickly snapped out when her dad gave her one more order. "Oh, and get the back room ready and prepped. We're going to need some anesthesia, syringes and IVs. Also, lay out some scissors, electric razors and prep the rolled sink with some shampoo."

[Reno]

The life of a rescuer, sometimes, was too busy. As Roxanne cut the call off with her dad, her own cut short, she sighed and was silently a little glad tomorrow she would be off on her own. Maybe her dad's didn't mind being rescuers twenty-four seven, but she sure as hell didn't like it. It was just too stressful.
She stood and walked down the hall to her brothers room, pushing on the door. "Come on Roxel, we gotta get a black code ready!"


"Right," Roxas murmured absent-mindedly his attention already absorbed with the injured creatures. Even though he hated using the muzzles, he knew that they were necessary lest someone get their throats torn up. So as a rescuer came back with the items he reluctantly secured the pieces across the mysterious Pokemons' snouts, making sure they were on tight.

Meanwhile, he heard the truck purring as it was backing up and the crate loading on it first. The bottom was lined comfortably with the blankets before Roxas finally gave the okay to move them. By the time Axel returned, they had already moved the Eevee-sized fox into the crate, wrapping a blanket around the shivering creature to keep it warm. The humanoid was a bit trickier, being so tall and heavy.

Roxas should of guessed it wouldn't be that easy as the creature started to stir before a green eye snapped open.

[Rikugurl]

"A what!?" Roxel cried as he sat up in his bed, looking out at his sister. She quickly disappeared and growled, throwing his pillow off his bed. "We need to get some sleep for tomorrow!" UGH! He, much like his sister, didn't dig the 24/7 rescue thing. Not that he was LAZY or anything but he never had the chance to do nothing all day! Quickly, he rushed out of the room and back to the Haven where his sister was already working on a nursery. "Dad should start paying us for this stuff!" He complained as he saw her pull some chew toys from the closet and placing them around the room. "So what is it this time?"

His multicolored eyes widened when she told him that it was a pokemon their parents never saw before. "What? T-that's impossible!" He cried, standing in the middle of the room. He was suddenly pushed, being barked orders to get the back room ready and listed all the things Axel had just told her. There was a heavy sigh before Roxel was gone, heading to the back and started to prep a 'backroom'. This was kind of like a vet's office where they did all sorts of things to help heal pokemon. He didn't see why he had to do all the medical prep when Roxy got to do interior design!
As he sterilized some syringes, he smiled slightly. "Maybe... leaving on an adventure isn't such a bad idea..."


What was a bad idea and something that should of crossed the self stated 'dark type master' was that Dark type didn't stay asleep for very long. As Axel walked out, a nightmare came alive as if Riku's friend came to place a spell on them. Green eyes did opened and they glowed with a fierce spark as it realized that the small warmth that was once against her body was gone. Red claws sank into the crate, its nose sniffing instantly and... people were too close.

"AAAAAAH!!!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!"
"WATCH OUT!" Cries came from the crate by those where were going to help lift the mother out, suddenly getting scratched and back handed with a worried mother's force. Rescuers went flying which got Axel to run to the scene. Powerful jaws pushed against the muzzle, trying to break it off and if she had been healthier, she might of just been able to do that. She jumped out of the cage and everyone made sure to keep a distance, trying to make a row for her to move towards as a few rescuers on top of the crate on the truck lured her over, showing that her pup was safely inside.

Unfortunately, this was the first bit of fresh air this captivated pokemon had for what seemed to be years and it didn't seem like she was all too please to get lured into another crate. "ZOoooooOOOOOO!!" It purred angrily as it glared at all the rescuers, hunched over. As she slowly walked over the cement, she got down on all fours, limping with the leg that had a clear infection. She had some bald spots where she had obviously sat too much or ripped out her fur from pesty bugs. The concerned Rescuers slowly started to get closer and it made the large pokemon begin to panic.

She stood back onto her hind legs and suddenly, her arms started to glow the same red that most of her body was colored.
"Ah!"
"It's going to attack!"
Some of the Rescuers started to run off as the pokemon threw her arms off and---
PPPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTHIT
"Oooooooooooorooo....."
The red glow stopped and the large body swayed a bit. A gun cooled in Zexy's hand, and when Axel glanced at it, he could tell it was a tranquilizer.

The small syringe was ripped out with powerful claws but it was a high dose and it was already taking affect. Defeated, the pokemon got back onto all fours before slowly heading to the truck, climbing into it with some difficulty and into the cage where she wrapped her body close around the small fox. Her eyes slowly closed and the cage door was shut.
"Alright, you guys get them to the haven. We'll get other others some aid." Zexy pointed towards his Rescuers were were still on the ground, wincing and rubbing their head from the attack. Axel nodded, glancing over to Roxas to make sure he was alright before both of them rush to the truck, climbed in and sped away.

[Reno]

Roxanne sighed as she made the finished touches on the room, making sure it was all in order for the new occupants, hearing the truck outside. As she turned, a curious fox was watching from the doorway, ears twitching attentively. "Hey Flareon." She pat the fire fox on the head, making her fluffy yellow tail wag. "We're getting some friends."
"Flar!" The fox barked happily, running around her feet in sudden excitement before running inside and snatching up one of the chew toys and rushing off.
"H-Hey!"

Out of the doggie door, the Eeveelution came running to the truck, seeing her master climbing out of it saying as he did, "We better get the stretcher for the big one."
"Phmuf!" Came a muffled bark, Flareon pawing at her master's pant leg.
"Hey Flareon." Roxas said looking down, chuckling at the sight of the chew toy. Though she was getting on in age, none of her spirit ever seemed to die. She was almost always the first Pokemon to come greet the new Pokemon at the Haven. "I don;t think these two are much up for playing yet."

The fox seemed to droop to the floor, whimpering and Roxas chuckled again, patting her. "Maybe later." He stepped over her carefully, and as he got to the door two children burst out, almost running him over.
"So what is it dad?!"
"Can we see it?!" The twins burst out at once, and if it wasn't for him grabbing them both by their shirts and dragging them back they would of passed around him.
"Don't disturb them." He chastised. "We need to get them to the back room right away."
"But daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!"

Why was it children could whine so well?

Soon enough, with a sharp tongue from both their fathers, they got their children in order and were able to transfer the two Pokemon inside. With a chorus from their children "Wow how coooool!" and "Look at how cuuute!" The small medical room was suddenly a flurry of activity, Axel hunched over the slumbering mother at one bed while Roxas checked over the smaller baby at the table, one of their children at their side.

Neither case was easy. Though the mother was fast asleep, she was wounded in many places - especially her leg. Antibiotics and soothing creams went over the cuts and rashes. A bath would do her wonders as well for her irritation, but for now, Axel just made sure he would add an extra dose of Vitamin E to her food to starve off the dandruff and hopefully lessen the irritation.

As for Roxas, he found even though he wasn't sedated and the baby was scared (enough to have an accident right on the table), he was easy to get his daughter to hold onto while he took the temperature reading and then checked over his body and heart. He found the problem when he got the the lungs - pneumonia. Not too severe but he knew that it was dangerous for it's age and they'd have to carefully monitor him. The poor thing shivered some as he was given first a shot of antibiotics for the infection, then another of steroids to hopefully strengthen his bodies defenses.

It was a long night, and Roxas was silently relieved when they were finally able to transfer them back to the nursery, checking to make sure the water and food was properly filled. And of course, the muzzles were removed.

[Rikugurl]

A frown ran over the boy's lips as he watched his redheaded father at work. It wasn't anything he was doing that made him sick to his stomach but just the way the pokemon looked. He hated it when he had to stand around and watch them go under anesthesia. The pokemon's mouth always hung open and their tongues flopped out, making him think that they were dead. When he was younger, he was unfortunate enough to glimpse at a dead pokemon before. It was an old Camerupt (his father's actually) who had been grazing and just dropped dead. His dad said that there was something wrong on his inside but Roxel was the one to find the poor thing... just laying on it's side with his mouth open and tongue lolling out.

He shivered and shook his head, glancing up to see his tattooed faced dad look at him as if he was expecting something. "Oh... huh?"
"The razor?"
"Oh, right..."
He handed his dad the electric razor, watching it get turned on and carefully started to cut away some of the grey fur, revealing a very nasty looking wound. When the fur was completely gone around it, it was creamed up and scrubbed, getting some of the dirt and grime out of it. When it was cleaned, he put some antibiotic dressing over it. He did this to a few areas, cutting the fur away and cleaning the sores and infected bite marks.

After awhile, Roxel wasn't allowed to just sit there and watch. He was given a filer and instructed to file down the flaked off claws and to cut the ingrown areas. Roxel didn't understand WHY they were making the claws sharper but he did know with some pokemon that it's painful for them if their claws or talons get too long. As he did this, Axel pulled the rolled sink over and started to wash the ratty hair, combing out the snarls and cutting out some places that would take a long time to get out. It would sooth her scalp and help get rid of the bugs that were falling off her.

Axel paused though when his son asked a simple question.
"Dad... why do people do this?"
Green eyes met blue, Roxel taking out his green contact lens. Axel... didn't know how to answer that question, because he really didn't know. "I ask myself the same question..."

When both pokemon were as good as the Rescuers could get them, Axel pulled out the IV from the mother's arm, patching up the area as Roxas wrapped up the baby. The redhead and his son carefully pushed the stretcher down the hall, Roxas and Roxy leading to the nursery that was set up just for them. The floor was lined with towels and blankets, a little area to do their business and a nice comfortable bed, large enough for both to sleep on comfortably. Some chew toys were scattered on the floor and a troth of food (specially made for dark types) and a running fountain of water (to keep if fresh tasting) were in the corner by the door. Carefully, Axel and Roxas picked up the mother and laid her down on the bed as Roxanne took the baby and placed it close by.

They watched for a moment as the little fox looked around before sniffing its mother and they all decided it would be best to let them rest. They left, closing the door and locking if a few times before putting a barrier inside the room so Dark attacks and attacks that most Dark types used wouldn't work. Shatterproof windows allowed them to look in on the resting mother a child, all of them rather speechless until...
"Shouldn't you two be in bed? Aren't you starting your journeys tomorrow?"

[Reno]

Fond, sapphire blue eyes watched quietly as the little fox made his way over the large bed that just seemed to engulf him, nuzzling up against the warm chest of his mother, his ear against her to hear her heartbeat and help rock him to sleep. hough they had been across the room he still heard his son's innocent question and a shot of anger ran through him.

Why did people do this? What gain could they possibly have, hurting Pokemon? That question was unanswerable - but the anger it brought in him was still as fresh as the day he rescued Absol - abused and whipped for a crime he didn't commit.
He sighed and shut his eyes shaking his head. And now, it was a possibility the baby could die if they didn't get the pneumonia under control. And for what? For some idiot team member to be able to show off what great and rare catch they got? For a promotion!?

His eyes opened when he heard his husband and glanced at his kids.

"Well how are we supposed to sleep now daddy!?" Roxy exclaimed, waving her hand to the two in the nursery, mysteries abound on these two. They didn't even really know for CERTAIN what the creature's type was. It was guess work. Roas felt pretty positive they were part psychic and definitely dark types - or at least the mother. How else could she trick their senses so well to believe she was a Charizard?

Then again... Darkrai was purely dark and could lead people into worlds of nightmares. Ghost Pokemon were often neither, and some could actually project scenes of the past before ones very eyes - like a television screen!

Nothing was really certain about them. And worse yet, they were in for a long haul simply because she was a mother. Alone the baby's trust could be won easily. Alone, the mom wouldn't be so difficult to get her to like them. But together... even Pokemon owned by a trainer could be a problem - like Ninetails who had growled at Axel when she had her first litter. Together, none of his techniques with dark-types even worked anymore.It was a case that really could only be played by ear and on luck.

Roxas sighed internally realizing how much work was cut out on him. Once again he and Axel had jumped the gun before really considering what they were getting themselves into. He supposed it was a good thing that Roxy and Roxel were heading out tomorrow; it was likely to get dangerous.

"Now, now," Roxas said with a nod. "You two need to get some sleep. It's a big day for you guys!" After some moaning and complaining, it was easy to get their kids to bed, especially when they mentioned that they WERE going to go and see their friends tomorrow. That definitely got Roxanne turning in for the night.

The two fathers gave one last glance in the room before they went to the kitchen, knowing their night was going to be a bit more sleepless. Axel went through the freezer, getting out two ice cream bars and handing one to Roxas. Sea-salt flavored. It was a bit of a ritual, one they usually partook in when they got a new rescuee.

"They're really leaving tomorrow." Roxas mumbled, licking the ice cream. From all the excitement he had almost forgotten. He suddenly felt very downtrodden and wished he could ask his mom how she dealt with it. "It's gonna be really quiet around here."


But the next morning sure was not quiet because Roxas and Axel found out rather quickly... their children still had not packed!

"Dad where's my brush?!" Roxanne cried, running past her twin's room where Roxas was helping his wayward son stuff his backpack with necessities.
"I don't know. Maybe you'd know if you hadn't procrastinated!"
"Dad!"
"It's on the living room table."
"Thank you!" And off she went, her father sighing just a little irritably. And of course, Roxel was mysteriously absent - where had that boy gone?

Roxanne meanwhile, ran into the blonde and red haired boy. He was standing at the nursery, aiming a camera at the window. "What are you doing Xel?" She paused, walking over to look inside. The two inside were fast asleep it seemed. He mumbled something about getting some pictures to show the others. "Oh, well make sure to take off the flash." She said before going on her way.

[Rikugurl]

"Right!" Roxel chirped as he pressed a button to take off the flash and took a few more pictures, looking them over before deleting the ones he didn't like and keeping the clear and good angles. His grandma had taught him how to take nice pictures and he took a photo class in school. If he was going to be famous one day, he needed to know how photography worked so he could get awesome shots for magazines! He pushed his camera in his large pockets before rushing off back to his room, only seeing his redheaded father sitting at the table, drinking his coffee. "Oh! Thanks dad!" The young teen smiled as he came into his room, seeing his bag magically packed and a belt all ready for his journey.

"Chic!" Melody clucked in as Roxel pulled his bag over his shoulder, quickly holding on tight and resting on his shoulder. "Wow, cool! A new belt!" It wasn't exactly new. It was actually very old. It was the belt that his blonde dad had worn on his journey with black and white checkers on it. It was fixed up and had six pokeballs on it. One for Melody, Jax, Doremi, Tango, Adeline and... "What's this one?" He asked, glancing at a pokeball that wasn't familiar.
"It's Sanuye." The two looked back, seeing Axel with his cup of coffee in hand, a sleepy look still on his face. "Yea. You're going to need a disaster pokemon with you just in case... and you know she likes you."
"Zol!" An Absol barked happily, nuzzling the pokeball to say his goodbye to his sister.
"Wow... thanks!" Roxel smiled happily before reaching down, petting the white and blue dog. "See you later, Zan. I'll miss you!"

Slowly, the twin double checked if they had everything and their worried parents triple checked. They had maps, money, food, and sleeping bags on their bags along with everything else that they needed like Pokemon food and change of clothes. On Roxy's Ponyta, they put some more supplies and Axel gave Roxy the same tips on how to keep it from being top heavy. There were the 'brush your teeth' and 'call us when you can' and 'don't separate' talks before the two climbed up onto the fire pony and waved off.
"DOT!"
"VUL!"
"NINE!"
"TYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!" Pokemon waved and jumped, saying goodbye to their master's children and Roxas and Axel waved them off as well. Then, the dust was kicked off and they were gone.

"Haaaaaaaa...." Axel sighed softly when the two were no longer in sight before glancing down at Roxas who was biting his lip. "Sooooooo~" A hand snaked around his husband's waist before pulling him close. "Now that the kids are gone and we have some time~~"


It was a bumpy ride but at least Jagged Pass had been cleared and leveled from the volcano many years ago. Now, it wasn't so dangerous and there was even a road that could quickly take you up and down to the city. It was still dangerous though and the life along the volcano was still more popular. When they reached Route 110, there was a distinctive roar above, making both of the riders look up... and their mouths gaped to see who it was. "UGH! What are THEY doing!?" Roxel cried, seeing a Salamence fly over them... with a cocky looking trainer on his back. It was Gunnar and his sister and they seemed to be heading towards the same place they were.


It was mid afternoon with the pony came to the edges of Sandgem, riding pass the large farm where Poochyena, Mightyena, Shinx and Luxio chased after them behind a fence. Beyond them, they could see their uncle waving. "Haha! HEY UNCLE VENNY!" Roxel cried as he waved too but quickly grabbed his sister's waist again before he fell off the horse.

It didn't take long before they came trotting to the gym where one could only hope to win a Vitality Badge. It seemed like something important was happening because... there was a group of a few people sitting out front. They all stood though as the horse came close and before it could stop, Roxel was stumbling off and rushing to a single one with sunset colored eyes. "TEN-CHAN!"

[Reno]

The sound of the pony's feet hurrying away was a melancholy one, and Roxas sighed sadly, waving until there was no longer sight of them, his Pokemon crying goodbyes as well. He already missed them. He blinked however when an arm wrapped around him and brought him close.

He looked up at the other, seeing his seductive look. He blushed and pulled away from his grip. "Axel, our children just left and that's the first thing you think of?!" The red-head blinked, trying to argue with him but didn't get far as he saw Roxas taking a slooow step back towards the house, his eyes glimmering mischievously as he continued to back away. "Heh... you're such a pervert Axel~ But hey... how about this. First one to the bedroom... gets to top!" And then he turned and ran laughing as he heard the other's exclaim of surprise and footsteps chasing him.

Their Pokemon just stood outside and rolled their eyes. Their masters' never changed!


Meanwhile, some time would pass as the twins made their way to Sandgem having to travel the farthest than any of their cousins. Outside, waiting patiently as they sat in the dirt, were three people. Sanyi - son of Fuujin and Aqua. He had come by air - his Dragonite, Draco, easily able to hold his weight. He too got the old parent speech about making sure to change his underwear and to always wear warm socks and such and such. He almost couldn't get away!

As for Tensai, he was given a bit of surprise that morning when Arcy came by the ride him over to his uncle's place. The tiger dog was happy to do it and after many teary goodbyes (from his daddy Sora) and speeches about being careful (from daddy Riku) he was off. Now all they were waiting for were the twins who were, predictably, late.

But there hopes rose as they heard the sound of hooves and - "XEL!!" Came a happy yell, and the blonde-red haired boy and black haired boy collided in a massive hug as if it had been years since they saw each other - not seven weeks when everyone had visited for Sanyi's birthday.

Roxanne rolled her eyes at the display of man love - but was possibly just as bad when she saw - "Bon-bon!" She chirped quite happily as she jumped from Hotaru's back and swept her in a hug the two sharing a little kiss.

And in the middle of both of them a blue head turned this way and that as Tensai and Bonnie got all the hellos before - "What about me?!"
The twins seemed a little sheepish but gave the blue-haired male a greeting as well, Roxanne even giving Sanyi a kiss on the cheek.
"Aaah girl germs!" Sanyi laughed, blushing some as he rubbed his cheek were - yep, some lip gloss was smeared on him.
"Oh you like them!" Roxanne grinned before she looked at everyone, "Why are we all outside?!"

Thats when all three of them became mysteriously silent. Some of them even had a sheepish of guilty look, telling her whatever the reason was not a good one. "...what... is it?"

"Well..........." Tensai started hesitantly. "While we were waiting these two um... trainers came by to challenge uncle Terra to a match and-"
"Oh don't tell me! Not those two." The female twin huffed spinning on her heels to go back to her Ponyta to remove the reins, grumbling all the while, "I can't believe! Everywhere we go they just HAVE to be there."
"Well... at least they probably won't... win?" Tensai tried to offer the fuming girl.

The girl paused, slowly looking at the other, before she suddenly grinned quite evilly. Terra had a reputation of never losing... "They will... won't they?" Her eyes sparkled with evil intent. "I need to see that happen!"

[Rikugurl]

"You know my daddy never losses~" Bonnie spoke pridefully as she placed a hand on her hip, glancing back at the interesting looking building. He sure did love Houndoom since the gym had beautiful horns like the Pokemon. "They only arrived a few minutes ago and called him on the speaker. They should begin their battle soon."
"WHAT!?" Roxal flailed before he to smirked, glancing at his sister. "We HAVE to see this!" The tall, think teen pushed through his friends and rushed into the gym, Tensai quick to follow. Sanyi, never liking being left out, quickly followed suit as the girls loitered some.

"Guess we'll be the only ladies on this trip, huh?" The tanned girl grinned some as her delicate fingers ran over the horse's side. Her brown eyes were dark, her gaze on the female twin who was about to recall the fine Pokemon. "How about we walk around in the Greenhouse since my dads are elsewhere. Maybe... have some personal time together before we're stuck with these idiots 24/7?" A wink was thrown to Roxy and pretty pink, glittery lip balm shimmered under the hot sun above.

The boys, not caring why the girls weren't right on their toes (probably a girl thing or talking about stupid girl stuff), rushed into the grand gym and already saw a battle that was beginning. Terra and Houndoom was on one side as the black haired boy Roxel had confronted yesterday and his Shiftry stood on the other. Behind him, sitting on a bench, was a blonde hair girl that held her hair up with a ribbon. Her name was Lucina and was a real prize herself. She was Gunnar's older sister and had the same pride her little brother did about being the best at everything. ESPECIALLY when it came to piloting anything from hover bikes to pokemon!

"Alright! Let's get to it!" The rambunctious boy grinned as he looked across the stadium at the strong gym leader. "I'm Gunnar Almasy and I'll be the youngest person to defeat you on my first try!"
Terra spoke back, sounding rather cocky himself but as a gym leader, he had to be positive for his opponents.
The three onlookers walked up into the empty bleachers and sat down, Roxel rather hyped up to see Gunnar get his butt whooped! They all watched in suspense as Terra called his pokemon and when it appeared, they all knew it well. The Rampardos that had a few offspring with a cute little pink sheep. It kind of reminded Roxel of his uncles... not saying Uncle Venny was a cute, little, pink sheep. If only he knew about Venita...

"Tch..." Gunnar growled, seeing the large, well known Pokemon. This Pokemon had won a lot of battles... just on it's own. He wouldn't be beat so easily though. "Alright!" He looked down at the Shiftry by his side, wondering if Terra was that into himself to call a pokemon that was weak against the one standing at his side. "GO KEMINA!"
The large forest pokemon nodded before jumping into the arena, getting into a battle stance.

[Reno]

"Looks that way!" Roxanne said cheerfully, not really minding it. The only other girl she ever needed in her life was Bonnie. Besides, Xel, Ten and Sanyi weren't so bad. Of course, none of them - except of course her and Roxel - had ever really spent more than a week together at a time. Who knew what traveling together would be like...

The young blonde paused as she got ready to recall her pony, for a moment baffled when the other asked her to come to the greenhouse, a bit of her daddy Axel-side showing "But what about watching Gunnar getting his butt kicked......... ooooooooooh...." She grinned, a little light blush on her cheeks. "Why I'd be happy to accompany you~" There was a beam of red light, the Ponyta suddenly gone.

Meanwhile inside...

On the bleachers, Lucina lent forward expectantly, watching as the gym leader and her brother, raising an eyebrow when she saw the rock-type being chosen. Unlike most gym leaders tend to be - like Flannery who was a fire-type leader or Norman who was a normal-type, her Pokemon Traveler's Guide listed Terra as a 'strength' trainer. But other then being handsome, Lucina didn't see what was all that great about him. She was sure her brother wouldn't have a problem at all!

The girl straightened when she heard footsteps on the bleachers and her eyes widened just a little when she recognized who one of them was. She scoffed as the trio sat down in front of her but grinned, leaning forward to murmur at Roxel, who she knew had been bested just yesterday by her brother. "Now you're going to see how a real trainer wins a battle."

As she predicted it got a rise out of him and if it wasn't for Tensai, who grabbed his friend's arm and warned him to calm down, it could have gotten messy.
"Don't let her get to you." Tensai said, smiling then as he lent forward murmuring something softly that Lucina could not hear. "Besides we know uncle Terra is going to kick his butt." He backed off some, grinning before he reached at his belt and enlarged a Pokeball. With a soft pop a Pokemon appeared. A pretty silver and white Eevee. He ignored the soft and surprised gasp behind him. After all, shiny Eevees weren't exactly common to come by. "Moxley come up."
"Vee!" The fox jumped and sat on his lap, hearing the battle that was ready to commence and eager to watch it. His tail wagged as the two boys on either side - Sanyi and Xel - both gave him a pet as a hello.

"Oh? I suppose I like your spunk kid." Terra chuckled, the boy reminded him a bit of himself when he was young. After all he remembered proclaiming everywhere to his newest friends that he would win the Platinum Cup. "I suppose we're about to see if you're all talk or not."

He reached for a Pokeball at his belt, already knowing what to start with. "Rules are easy. Three on three match switching is allowed for the challenger. Game's over when one of either opponents three Pokemon are out of commission. And of course I'll chose first." He threw the pokeball and it popped open with a-
"RAAAAAAAAWR!" The rock type stomped his feet, making the area shake some as he stretched his muscles.

"A Rampardos...?" Lucina whispered softly, a bit baffled. That dinosaur type had a lot of personal weaknesses. Well that was an easy decision; and her thoughts were proven right as her brother chose the loyal companion at his side, grinning happily. Her brother was gonna decimate him!

What they didn't know was Terra, over the years, had worked hard with Rampardos and his weaknesses, learning from his mistakes with Axel and Vaporeon. And, they didn't know what attacks this Pokemon knew and that in fact Terra had chosen him... to lead Gunnar straight into a trap.

"Ah, I hope you know you can't just win this battle with type advantages." The brunette said with a cocky grin. "Rampardos, Stone Edge."

A rock type move, of course.
"Raa!" A white spiraling glow surrounded the dinosaur before hard, sharp rocks flew out towards the leafy creature.

[Rikugurl]

"Great~" A grin came over the young coordinator, her arm slowly reaching out and hands clasped together. The shades of their skin were rather different but it didn't seem to pause the readiness they had to meet. Slowly, the two girl walked around the large gym, already hearing the sounds of battle. Seemed like neither of the brutish men took any time to start. The door of the greenhouse was opened and off the bat, Bonnie knew some of the pokemon that lived here were now in her dad's pokeball for the fight. Why he brought more than one always made Bonnie giggle and roll her eyes.

It was just in case SOMEONE might take down his first one.

Like that would ever happen.

She had to give it to the new challenger because the name Almasy rang a bell. She couldn't remember why and honestly, didn't care at this point. The two walked along the dirt path, enjoying the rays of sunlight coming through the window and warming their skin as the luscious green scenery made them feel like they were lost in deep within a jungle. "It's really good to see you in person again, Roxy~"


"I wasn't planning on it!" Gunnar called back, a wicked look spreading over his features. "Kemina, dodge those rocks with aid of Whirlwind then use Razor Leaf!"
The pokemon silently obeyed, quickly rushing towards the stones head on. As she did, a powerful wind suddenly whipped around her, throwing the rocks course out of whack.

Teeth grinned in the bleachers, the fire head rocker trying to calm his nerves. Lucina was obviously cheering IN HIS EAR! "CHIC!" The little Torchic hopped down from Roxel's backpack and onto his lap, smiling happily at Moxley. "Tooooorchic!" He had no idea they would all be traveling together soon! All fun and games for sure!
"It's going to be awesome seeing him finally lose!" Roxel pointed out happily, only to get bopped in the head from Luci. "HEY!"

Large leaves pushed the stones away as the large pokemon on the battle field flipped around to dodge what she could. A few sharp rocks hit her, putting nicks in her wooden-like body but it didn't seem to stop her. Instantly, she was above the dinosaur pokemon and her arm spread wide before pushing them down, a fast and sharp line of leaves coming down towards her opponent.
"JUST SO YOU KNOW, KEMINA WAS AWARDED ONE OF THE FASTEST POKEMON IN HOENN!" Gunnar boasted, his wicked grin still glued onto his face.

[Reno]

"You too~" Roxy said, her voice velvety sweet, smiling as they passed a couple of singing Cherrims. Her uncle really worked hard on this green house; once could find dozens of species of Pokemon here. "And just think, every day will be like this!" Not like they really had a choice.

Their parents were making sure they all stuck together as one big group. She wasn't really surprised, hearing about all the trouble they had had on their journey's alone and all the dangers they got into and she wasn't really complaining...

Mostly because she was with Bonnie. "It'll be exciting."


Terra chuckled, hearing all the boasting going on across the stage, watching the Pokemon with a close eye., grinning when she went into the air. "Oh? Rampardos, raise your head to it." He said, sounding almost lazy. The dinosaur made a growl and did so, shutting his red eyes as his head took the brunt of the attack.

He possibly shocked the young trainer across the way - why ever would he tell his Pokemon to TAKE an attack? But Terra grinned as the leaves faded and gravity took over. "Use your tail."
"Raaam!" Came an acknowledging cry as the Pokemon lowered his body and swung his powerful tail up and right into the Shiftry, sending her flying across the stage.

"Hehe," Terra chuckled as his Pokemon stood back up shaking his head of some leaves that got stuck on the horns. "Yes speed is important. But you also have to gauge your opponent's Pokemon as well. Attacking from overhead will do you little good." He tapped the top of his head, grinning, "Rampardos's skull is stronger than a diamond."

[Rikugurl]

"Tch!" Gunnar growled as he saw his prized pokemon fly across the arena towards him and land on the ground hard. "Kemina!? Are you alright?" He called out in worry, watching her slowly stand back on her awkward feet before giving him a firm nod. "Try."
"BAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAhAHAHAHAAHAHAHA!!!" Roxel laughed, pointing his finger at the loss, the little chick on his lap bouncing up and down again before WHACK "HEY!" Roxel glared behind him until Tensai broke it up again. It was a good thing Sanyi had patients since he had to sit next to these two!

Light brown eyes, almost red, narrowed as he studied the pokemon well. A head as hard as a diamond, huh? This was the first time he ever battled such an opponent and even though he won his battles yesterday with hardly any flaws, he knew Terra was different. Getting his Heat Badge from Flannery took 30 minutes but he could already tell this was going to be much more difficult. He wasn't going to give up. Almasy never give up.
"Kemina, rush straight for it and dodge whatever attack comes at you! Get as close as possible!" The Shiftry quickly went to work, moving across the arena at such high speeds that even Sora would be impressed had be been here to see it.

[Reno]

"Cool it Roxel!" Tensai hissed grabbing his friend before he could turn around and... well he didn't think his hot-tempered friend would punch a girl but just in case...
"VEE!" Moxley called, drawing both their attentions back to the battle field were Shiftry was becoming a blur.
"Wow... so fast!" Tensai praised, hearing Roxel growl beside him. The only Pokemon he'd seen who could possibly top that... well had been Raichu...
Had his dad of seen this he could already imagine him running up to Gunnar and asking for a battle.
"Go Gunnar!!!" Luci cried from behind the three boys. Terra was in trouble now.

"Hmmm..." Terra's eyes narrowed some, watching the Pokemon rush across the stage. Speed was his weakness... but just with speed wouldn't be enough. The reason Sora could beat him was because he was not only fast but one of the most on-the-ball thinkers he'd ever met; and he was so in-tuned with his Pokemon he didn't even need orders to get them in a place he needed them to be. The battle had been exciting, one of wits and unpredictable.
But Gunnar was still young, and had a bit to learn. Maybe a little rash; the type to rush into things. He knew the other was going to try and aim low... "If you'd like."
"Raaa..." Rampardos growled, watching the speedy Pokemon.

"Stone edge again."
"PAAARDOS!" The stones flew out again but Kemina was faster, able to dodge them with ease - again with only a scratch or two. And she got ever closer, Gunnar unknowing Terra was leading him into a false sense of security.
Get ready Rampardos...