The Tale of Seven: The Summon of Sorrow

[Reno]

"Mmmnnn..." The boy groaned, turning around on his other side as some little pest started to yell in his ear. "Fi more minnes..." He slurred only to get jumped on and screamed out.
"STOP CRUSHING THE FLOWERS!!!"
"WAAH!" He yelled, sitting up, Shaymin flying off of him and tumbling into the flowers. He blinked, rubbing his ear, before looking a bit sheepish. "Oh... sorry Shaymin." Wait... Shaymin...
SHAYMIN!
He was alive. He was here. He looked around, realizing he was no longer in Arceus' temple, but in the flower field they had passed through - what? Not even a day ago?

And then the heavy weight in his hand registered, and he slowly looked down. His jaw dropped open wordlessly.
He had the Jewel of Life.

"Are we... still alive?" Came another question, Sanyi already sitting up and looked at Namine who was carefully moving Arluin into her lap, already rummaging through her bag to help her wing now that the crisis was over.
It was... over right? He looked towards Tensai, the two the only ones who had really heard what had happened back there. And he gasped at what he saw he was holding.

"Where's my ribbon?" Came another, more agitated question; probably not very appropriate, as Lucina sat up, bleary eyed, her hair all in her face. She was still a little out of it from before... if what had happened really happened and it wasn't just some crazy dream.

Though, Roxy would of liked to keep sleeping because she was very sore, all the talk around her caused her to stir. Her lips parted in a yawn before she winced, licking her lips and tasting blood. It was split.

For another he was still exhaustedly sleeping on the grass. Who could blame him? Unlike the rest of them, he wasn't exactly at the top of his health. Add on top of that using his powers he didn't precisely know how to use well AND having all his strength sucked from him... well he could sleep for a week.
But his friend certainly didn't like that. He didn't even feel the eight tiny legs wandering around him rapidly, calling to him.
"Spina? Spina! Spiiiiinaaaa!" But Kadaj still didn't respond. The spider crawled from his shoulder and poked his cheek with one leg. But still, nothing.
".............. SPIIIINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The mighty sound from the little Pokemon made a couple of them jump and look over... too see the Pokemon crying. Who knew spiders could cry.
Some of them grew concerned, wondering if something was wrong with Kadaj, until they saw his face twist and his hand move, patting the spider. "Loz, I'm fine. Don't cry."
"Spinarak?"
Without ever even opening his eyes, he tugged the spider close, nuzzling him, a smile on his face. He was glad... he was alright.

[Rikugurl]

A blonde hair boy finally sat up, yawning soundlessly, scratching his head. Purple eyes gazed over, seeing the blonde girl with her hair all messed up. Slowly, he looked down, feeling something in his hand. What he saw was a red ribbon, one that was quite familiar. With a smile, the ranger handed the ribbon over to Lucina, a sweet smile on his face.

"Ten-chan.... is that.... the Jewel of Life?" A soft voice called over his shoulder, Roxel being the only one brave enough to move from his spot. He figure he had to before the little Shaymin got on his case. He looked down at the artifact. He never thought it would see something so magnificent or powerful in his life. Hell, he even saw God! Or maybe... that was all just a dream. Wild eyes looked around, zeroing on Namine who had a limp bird in her lap, seeing her wrap some bandages around it's wing. Or was it? Arluin was there? Was that really her? Was she really still hurt?


"Heh..." Gunnar chuckled breathlessly, glad to see nothing was seriously wrong with the silverette. He just must have been exhausted. He reached out, patting the other's shoulder and smiled. He was going to be ok.
He looked back out towards the belt with the pokeballs on it and reached out, taking them gently, glancing down at each one. They were all Pokeballs except for one which was a heal ball. Were these Sacha's pokemon? There was only one way to find out. Carefully, Gunnar pulled the heal ball from it's place and pressed the button, feeling it expand in his palm.

With a tap, a light shot out and in it's place formed a sleeping blue electrike.
This caught everyone's attention, all eyes on the blue, well known dog. Even though it was called, it was sleeping soundly.

They all snapped out of their trance though when they heard a voice calling from far off. "HELLO!? ARE YOU ALL ALRIGHT?"
Head whipped around, seeing a man run up the hill, his clothes all dirty and his face stuck with mud. It was Sammy who hurried to his feet, wincing some but carefully ran through the flowers, making sure he wouldn't harm one to meet the man outside of the patch. They all watched as the boy moved his hands rapidly, seeing the older man like he understood. "Oh I see... well then, you all need some rest." The man gave the boy a soft smile, ruffling up his hair before approaching the patch of flowers.
"Rescuers, please come inside the house, you need some rest!"

Eyes all looked around, the group a bit shocked.
Rescuers...?
"Hehe!" Roxel was the first to smile, getting up carefully before helping his friend. Slowly, one by one, the group stood carefully. Itzel was called back and the belt was wrapped around Kadaj's waist carefully before the brunette carried the silverette. Together, they all watched their step, both shaymin glaring at them as they left, once seeing their flowers safe, nuzzling up together.


"Is that so? Are you saying Kuku is gone?"
A voice through the TV phone filled up the finished basement where the large group was resting. It was actually Sammy's father's work area but within a hour, it was a small little place for the teens to relax for the night. On the other end was Roxas and Axel who were the first people the teens called, figuring they should be the first to find out.
Sad green eyes looked down through his glasses, pushing them up just as he looked back through the screen at some of the teens. "Are you sure that all happened? Perhaps Darkrai gave you another---"
"No way dad! Tensai has the Jewel of Life and we have all of Kuku and Eskel's pokemon with us."

There were two couches behind them and an inflatable bed. On the bed, Namine laid next to an old resting crow, seeing her wing was set and wrapped up. She had awoken almost a hour ago and had some pokebloks but she looked confused, her head looking all around the room as if she was looking for her master. When Namine told her he wasn't here, she laid back down and fell back to sleep. Even if her wing was fixed and healed, her heart would still be broken. She had been Kuku's companion for almost 40 years. Could Murkrows even live that long or was she truly meeting the end of her life too.
From what she heard, Arluin was known to rest only when Kuku did so... did that mean now that Kuku was resting for eternity, would she follow suit?

On one of the couches, Gunnar sat up, running his strong hand through the soft silver hair of the teen who was sleeping on his lap. Today was a big day for him and as he looked down the silverette's body, the belt he placed around his hips looked right. Maybe, just maybe, he could take the abandon pokemon as his own.

Across from him, Sammy was fixing up his sister's hair, seeing how gently he placed the ribbons his mother gave him in her curls. As for Bonnie and Roxy, they were huddled on the other side, their extremities mingled together to share their warmth.

[Reno]

He wasn't sure how to feel. Really, he was angry - his kids put themselves at such risk. They could of been killed! But at the same time... no father could be prouder than him at this moment. His strong little boy, his darling little girl...
Roxas knew what being a hero was; he never thought he would raise children who would have the same destiny.
"How are they?" He spoke for the first time as the Pokemon were mentioned.
The teens shared a glance before Tensai said softly, "Well for the most part everyone's alright. Namine took great care of anyone who was injured but..."
"...But?"
"Itzel and Arluin... they're just... so depressed. We don't know what to do. Maybe daddy can take care of Itzel, and you can take care of Arluin Uncle Roxas? She is a dark type."
Roxas frowned, looking away some, his eyes falling on a nearby cream-colored fox. He suddenly remember one of Axel's greatest fears. Ninetails were said to live for nearly a thousand years. But humans lived for barely of fraction of that time. He feared how lonely she would be once they passed away.
"It's a matter of the heart boys. It's not something you can cure exactly, you know that." Roxas said gently. "And, they've been friends as long as their masters have. I don't think splitting them up will be the best of ideas. For now, just give them all the love you can, help them rest and heal up, and see where life decides to take them."
It wasn't the best of answers, or even slightly appeasing, but it was the only one they had right now.
"Now, how is everyone else?" Roxas asked this time but everyone knew he was only really asking about one person.
"Roxy's fine uncle." Tensai said, his voice a bit teasing.
"H-Hey, I'm concerned about all of you!"


Sanyi sighed as he laid nearby Namine, her restlessness keeping him awake as well. He reached out, wrapping an arm around her waist, knowing she would have to deal with tough, emotional times like these. Taking care of Pokemon... who might not be able to be saved. A broken heart was something that no band aid could fix.

In his lap, resting peacefully, Kadaj smiled some at the hand running through his hair. It was a comforting feeling, a feeling that reminded him of his days at home, days that were always warm and full of love.
"Spin..." Came a little call, making those fingers pause, before Gunnar looking over his shoulder, his eyebrows twitching... as he saw the tiny green Pokemon sitting right behind him on the top of the couch.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel let out a sigh and it did not go unseen. Axel didn't see his adopted son look down too often and it was bothersome when he did. "What's wrong, Xel?"
"Well.... even though Ten-chan was able to change Kuku's mind about his wish... I still feel like we didn't.... do a good job. I mean.... sure, all the pokemon are safe.... except for Kuku's and Eskel's. They... they lost out on not one very important person but two. W-we could have stopped Kuku from asking Arecus to... well.... to kill him. I just feel like we let their pokemon down."
"Xel... not everything can come out perfectly. What matters is that you all pitched in and helped, you saved the world of Pokemon. There are just nasty things called sacrifice."

The fire head sighed, looking down at Melody. What would she do if Roxel left, died, and would never come back? Would she become so depressed that she would die to? Arceus, he didn't want to think of such negative things!
"Xel... just remember: These pokemon have had good lives. They were well taken care of and loved. These pokemon are old and though they may have a few more years in them, they might just want to move on. Pokemon are very attached to us as we are to them. This is why we need both in this world. It is a very sad thing to deal with and though it'll never get better, the life of a rescuer is having to see Pokemon die. You could spend days, weeks, months weaning them but one day... they just don't wake up. Many Pokemon don't have a very long lifespan and those that do, usually have to watch us die."

Roxel shivered, leaning into his friend, not wanted to hear anymore about death right now. The redhead could see his son's eyes close, again, knowing what it meant.
"How about you all head to the Haven? We can check on each one of their pokemon to see how they're doing. We might just have some room for them unless... you guys would like to keep them." He offered a smile, nudging his hubby. "And you also have a surprise here."
"A surprise!?" Roxel's eyes opened but he quickly put his hand over his mouth, not wanting to wake those who had gone to sleep.
"Mmmmhm! I think you will all be pretty excited."
Roxel smiled brightly, looking up at Tensai. "Great! We can probably make it their by the afternoon if we leave early... because I have to put on a concert.... as promised."


"A-aah..." Gunnar shifted a bit violently when he heard the small call behind him. It was worse than a fricken ghost! At least you knew when they were coming because of the change in temperature but this thing was sneaky and scary! He looked away, trying to to look at the gross pokemon but he could feel the stupid thing looking at him. Slowly, his sea colored eyes glanced to the corner of his eye, seeing those big black orbs looking up at him. And from what he could tell, the dots on its abdomen were making a sad face.

Seriously?

He sighed, rubbing a hand through his own hair, reaching down with it after to wrap around Kadaj's waist. His other hand pulled away from the silverette's hair and reached up, not believing what he was doing as his fingers touched the odd skin of the pokemon, rubbing it's side.

[Reno]

"Spina! Spiiinaaa~" Came a happy little chitter, the frown turning into a smile. He wasn't really that frightening, right?
Watching from below, a little glowing green eye snuck a peek, a secretive smile coming over Kadaj's face. Who knew? Gunnar was kind of cute.

Across the room, Tensai was smile widely, before that wide smile turned into a loud yawn.
"You guys should get some rest." Roxas said, nudging Axel so he would stop teasing them - even if he seemed pleased as well.
"But we still gotta.... *Yaaaawn* ....Call my parents and then *yaaaaawn* Bonnies and-" When his speech was separated by a third yawn, he seemed to get the hint.
"Don't worry, the story will be just as amazing tomorrow." It was Roxas' turn to tease.


But tomorrow didn't happen as they planned. Well - at least the leaving early part. Pff, like anyone could get Roxel up early. Not even on Christmas morning!
"A surprise?" Only Roxanne was looking really excited about this, wincing only minimally as Bonnie accidentally combed too hard through a tangle. "What is it?"
"Well if daddy told us, it wouldn't be a surprise!" Roxel said, but was looking eager.
"And," Tensai said, "They said they'd look over Kuku and Eskel's Pokemon to make sure they're alright." Now Namine suddenly seemed willing to come along - and anywhere she wanted to go, Sanyi was definitely going. But the others still looked a bit skeptical, and maybe a little unwilling. The youngest of the team faltered, not realizing that, with their mission done, they had no really obligation to stick together anymore. He bit his lip, wondering if their friendship had really been so tenacious.

".... Yazoo is there too..." Finally another broke in, and some of them glanced at Kadaj. He still looked a bit tired, but not quite as out of it as he had been yesterday.
'But Sabrina...' Gunnar said, seeming baffled. He had been so willing to go before.
"Ah... I know but um..." Kadaj twisted on of the pokeballs on the belt around in circles, "I just wanted to..." He seemed at a loss for words and a bit flustered even.
"You want Yazoo to go with you too." Tensai said, seeing how very obvious it was.
Now he was embarrassed. "Ah... yes..." He glanced at Gunnar, who, when he saw that cute blush, practically melted, "I mean if that's alright...?"

[Rikugurl]

Gunnar smirked, trying to play it cool. "Yea, sure... why not? It's going to be a little lonely without my sis riding with me." He grinned more, pulling both hands behind his head, seeing the blush on his sister's face. "We should get going though if we want to reach Lavaridge by noon." They all nodded and grabbed their things before heading upstairs, seeing a woman and a man at he table. They said their thank yous and good-byes, Sammy hugging both of his parents before following the group outside. Again, it was a beautiful sunny day and they just hopped it was the same for the rest of their travels today.
"BYE DAD!" The little shaymin called, everyone knowing that Shaymin couldn't be his real father but in a sense, the elder shaymin brought life to the younger.

With pokemon called, all rejuvenated thanks to Namine, the team mounted them while seeing a large Staraptor fly down because of Sammy. They didn't hesitate, all lifting off at the same time and towards the same direction. It was Roxel who looked back, smiling at the empty space around them.
Thank you too, Giratina...


Silver hair flapped in the wind, becoming messy when it was once brushed out and straight against his back. Glowing eyes were shielded from the light as he looked up at the sky, seeing a group of pokemon with riders heading towards the large reservation. A smile grew on his face the closer they came, realizing that they were the people he was waiting for.
As they all landed, he ran up to a Salamence, his arms wrapping around a small frame as it jumped off. "Nii-san! I missed you!" The silverette hugged his brother tightly, feeling an embrace return around his waist.

"Droooooow?" Both siblings pulled away, looking down at a small Drozee. It reached out, and pulled Yazoo's pants for attention. "Ah, Nii-san, this is Materia. I've been helping the Rescuers with her care and it appears that she is warming up to be quite a bit." He reached down, picking the female hypnosis pokemon up and holding her close. "It's nice to have a pokemon companion again." He smiled brightly, laughing when he was Loz appear on his brother's shoulders. "I see you are doing well too." Yazoo reached out, gently petting his brother's pokemon.

"So this is your house?" Namine gasped, getting off Draco and looked around. From what she could see, there was a fenced off area that held quite a few Ponyta that were looking out at them, most of them having a red flame for their manes and tails but there was one who had blue fire. She could hear beautiful songs coming from a large green house, figuring that was where all the birds were housed so they wouldn't fly away. A large, beautiful lake was in the distance where she saw some water pokemon relax and snooze on the rocks, dipping into the water every now and again. It was simply beautiful and well kept. The Xipils took such great care of these pokemon in need.

Speaking of Xipils, they all looked up when they heard the sound of boots crunching on the dirt, seeing a tall redhead coming their way.
"DADDY!" Both Roxel and Roxanne called, rushing up to the man and almost plowed him over as they hugged him.
"Haha! Wow, you guys got here quick!" Axel laughed, each arm wrapping around the twins.
He looked out at the rest of the team and smiled, waving to them. "Ah! Feel free to let your pokemon out to relax! they deserve it!" He knew that naturally, most pokemon got together well. They wouldn't place a pokemon that didn't play well with others in their environments, knowing that it could render the healing process. This was why Zorua and his mother were still in the care center along with a few others.

One by one, everyone grabbed their pokeballs, releasing their friends to relax around the Haven. Melody quickly headed to the chicken coop to see her family. Jax burst out and barked happily, running around the house. Doremi, Tango and Adeline were released to but like always, they grouped up together and began to make some music. Sanuye was next, the disaster pokemon stretching and enjoying the fact that she was home.

"DOTDOTDOT!" They heard a call, seeing a red little acorn pokemon running up towards Roxy, waiting for Borva to be released.

Kemina headed for the trees, Lairon basked in the sun along with the Tyranitar. Riolu rushed over, taking a look at the ponyta while a brightly colored Sceptile fanned out in the sun.
Bonnie headed over to the pond, knowing that Riot was down there somewhere. There, she released her pokemon, seeing that most were water types. Floatzel, Gastrodon and a yellow Gorebyss jumped into the water while a Beautifly enjoyed the flowers growing around the water's edge.
Namine also walked over, giving Bonnie a smile as two pokeballs were pointed to the calm lake, a Whiscash and Azurill slashing in. She turned, releasing Totem and Ursaring, along with Granbull and of course a Blissey.

"Come on inside everyone, I have a surprise to show you!"

[Reno]

"Nii-san!" Came a second happy cry, the two brothers hugging happily as if they had been apart years not a week and a half. Of course, it was probably the longest these two had actually ever been apart. But Kadaj seemed even more thrilled... when Yazoo introduced his new friend.
His brother really needed a new Pokemon in his life. Everything had really turned out for the better... when he choose Gunnar to pilfer from, huh?

"Yeah, this is home," Roxanne was answering Namine, looking around. Things hadn't changed too much, and it filled her with happiness to be back. She hadn't thought she had missed it so much. Or that she missed her dad so much! "Of course we did!"
Lucina, however, was watching the two of them a bit curiously.
"Why do you have green contacts anyways?" Seeing now, as Axel looked up at them with his bright green eyes to tell them to let their Pokemon roam, she was pretty sure she solved that mystery.

Pokeballs popped as they were released, all of them looking around the haven and finding their natural habitats.
"Alright Thad~" Roxanne said happily as she opened a Pokeball, a magnificent silver fox appearing.
"Niiine!" She said happily, drawing her tails around the acorn and bringing him close in a hug. Sayen and Kegan went and found their favorite spot in the field of flowers to nap. Skye flew over to a gathered of trees were other Skarmory, Swablu and one Altaria were waiting to greet her. Charlotte stayed by Roxanne's side.
Hotaru, meanwhile, took a little gallop and, without any problem, jumped over the fence and into the corral. The other horses gathered around to greet him.
Ferdinand, the gentle Tauros, watched this before going over and chewing on some flowers, minding his own business. Pharaoh found the electrical habitat easily, blending right in with some of the Mareep and Flaffy there. Saphira followed Draco and Sal through the sky. Granite, her Rhydon, found some nice boulders to lay around, not minding when her Sandshrew, whose full name was Sandstone but she called her Sandy most of the time, bedded down on his back.
As for Sanyi, Pip stayed on his shoulder, too little to go wandering - besides, he would only end up in the pantry inside the house anyways.
"Alright guys, have fun!" Tensai said as he let out his own friends. Faber went into the trees for a nap. Pepper went bravely exploring in the bushes. Napoleon was left in the lake with the others. Lambert, mostly blind, just found a nice soft spot in the grass and purred contently as he laid down. Moxley sat down beside Tensai. And Charlie... went to go paint on the wall?!
"Ah, except you!" Tensai cried, snatching up the painter with a laugh. He didn't mind as, instead, Charlie wrapped his long tail around his neck like a scarf and started to use his left cheek as a canvas instead.

"Alright!" Roxanne cheered, a second identical cheer coming from her mimicking Pokemon as she followed her father, Roxel close behind, calling for the rest of them to follow. The cousins had no problem trailing along, but the others needed a little encouragement to follow, seeming a bit shy and awkward since none of them had really been here before.

As the team stepped inside, Axel pushing open the far door into the care center, a very familiar voice - or well, voices reached them as they stepped into the lobby area.
"Flareon, aren't you supposed to be doing your chores?" The twins shared a happy grin, knowing it was their other father.
"Flaaaar!"
"Look at how fat and lazy you're getting! Do I need to cut down on the treats?"
"FLAR!?!" There was a scandalized cry just as they started down the hall but paused. Roxas had his back to them, his arms crossed and trying to be strict; but the Xipil family knew what a soft spot the blonde had for the little fox.
She meanwhile was sitting stubbornly in front of a door to one of the centers, obviously wanting to go inside. However her ears twitched and she looked down the hall - only to see some people who would play with her! "Eon!" She stood and hurried down the hall.
"See now that's better!" Roxas said, only to hear some giggling and a 'Heya Flareon!' behind him. He blinked and turned around seeing the little fox had managed to jump into a pair of twins arms at once.
His twins. "You're here already!?" The man said, sounding enthusiastic. He didn't miss his kids. Nooo, not one bit. That was why he probably went Uncle Sora on them and crushed them both in a hug at once.
"E-Eon!" The Flareon yelped, wiggling free and dropping to the ground - but a new cry drew her attention and off she went, tackling a new Pokemon.
"Ugh, dad! We were gone a week!" Roxanne said, hearing her brother mumble he must of been around Sora to much.

"Heh, no way!" Tensai said, "When my dad sees me, it won't just look like he's crushing my ribs. He will actually crush them."
"Espe!"
"Flare!"
"Ehehe, sorry..." Roxas seemed a little embarrassed as he let them go. But the strange cry made him look over, and he blinked, seeing Flareon rolling around on the ground with a... a green Espeon?! "Don't tell me... that's Moxley?!"
"Huh? Oh, yep!" Tensai chirped, watching the niece and aunt - who can believe Flareon was the aunt? - with a grin. He completely forgot to even tell anyone not even his own fathers! Things just kept happening. "She evolved right at the end of our battle with Bryon and beat his Bastiodon!"
"Heh, wait until your Uncle Ven sees." He might end up trying to steal it from Tensai - and, being a former Rocket, could probably succeed!
"Yeah yeah, good and all that - but daddy!?" Roxanne was starting to hop with excitement. "What's the surprise?"
"Mime! Mime! Miiime!" Another Pokemon hopped beside her.
Roxas shared a glance with Axel the two of them sharing an exasperated glance that just screamed 'Kids' before they smiled. He turned and walked over to the room Flareon had been guarding and pointed at the large window that looked inside. "Take a look~"

[Rikugurl]

Gunnar glanced around the area, seeing just how professional yet homey it all felt. He had known the Xipils were a pretty long time but for being their rival, he was never invited inside. It still felt sort of strange, never thinking he would get the chance to see what their place was like. The whole group had to squeeze into the tight hallway though, everyone chuckling when they saw the cute scene that the relatives put on. It was kinda like a second gen, just like they were to their parents.

They were all a bit curious when they heard the twins demand for their surprise and both retired rescuers got out of the way, pointing to the room Flareon had been standing before. Quickly, almost shoving, the cousins raced to the window, peering in.
"Waaaaaaaaaa!!!" Roxel's eyes lit up as he peered in, seeing two pokemon that he never saw before. A large one was laying on a very plush bed, appearing to be sleeping while a smaller, more adorable pokemon was clawing at the door, looking eager to play with the Flareon that had been there. However, he caught the teenagers reflection in the window and walked over to look at them.

"Oh my gosh!!! Look at it! it's the most adorable thing I ever saw!" Namine squealed, seeing the little grin on the dark pokemon's face.
Everyone seemed to be pretty interested.... everyone except Bonnie. The dark skinned girl pulled away, slowly backing up and turning with a sigh. Axel and Roxas caught this instantly and remember just why she was feeling this way. Axel's mouth opened but before he could say anything, he heard a question in the crowd.
"So what's the surprise? We already know that the Zorua and it's mother was here..."
His head turned and he was about to explain but his children quickly explained.

"Yea but this isn't a Dark-type care room. They were moved... to a nursery room!" Roxel smiled happily, knowing that the larger pokemon was pregnant! At least he was hoping it was the larger one.
"Ah! So it's going to have more adorable little pokemon!?" Namine bounced.
"What really matters though is that the baby looks pretty healthy and they were able to move them from a secure room to a care room... which means my daddy Roxas must have gained their trust! He's the best!"

[Reno]

A blush streaked across Roxas' face instantly and he rose his hands, shaking his head modestly. "Now, now, really Roxel. I wouldn't say that."
Axel didn't help at all as he wrapped an arm around him, boasting about how amazing his husband was. The poor, shy blonde hid his face behind his hand.
Roxanne giggled some. She always found it hilarious how shy her dad was sometimes; he practically had a heart attack just accepting awards. However, she was also a bit confused, "But she wasn't pregnant before. We checked that. So... she didn't like... you know... inbreed right?"
"Eheh... no..." Roxas now seemed even more flustered as he nibbled his lip some. "The only Pokemon who have been allowed with them for extended periods of time were Flareon... and Zan. And I'm fairly confident it wasn't Flareon."
"Really?! Zan?!" Roxanne couldn't believe it.

"Zan?" Lucina asked, the name slightly familiar.
"Yeah, he was the Absol that saved-mmmphjhg!" Tensai slapped his hands over Roxel's mouth before he could just announce as loud as he could that they had seen the tape. They would be in so much trouble.
The fathers shared a confused glance and, believe it or not, Kadaj was the one to save them from suspicion. "I thought I knew every Pokemon... but I don't even recall seeing these. What are they?" He asked, his eyebrows furrowing. At 'home' they had a little beat up book 'pokedex' that he and his brother would spend hours looking at. Seeing as it was one of their only books, he had read it multiple times.
"Well the little one is called a Zorua... but that's all we know." Roxanne said.
"Well... knew." Roxas admitted hesitantly but he continued, "The bigger one's species is called Zoroark. They're both pure dark-types, which is surprising. I expected them to be partial psychic types, because they can create illusions and speak telepathically." Strangely, this seemed to interest the two silverettes quite a lot. And Roxas suddenly realized just how much the group had exploded with people. They had grown double in size! "Hmm... didn't you guys have some Pokemon you wanted us to look over?" He hated to do it, seeing the way some of them sobered, but the poor things had probably waited long enough.

[Rikugurl]

"ZAN!?" Roxel was stunned, paralyzed. The disaster pokemon was scared of his own shadow at times and he... he.... with a larger pokemon!? Well, after seeing the smaller Absol in on that tap, it was him who saved everyone, along with the others. He was so brave and proud, using a very powerful attack to help his masters and friends. The wolf definitely had it in him... he was just a late bloomer.

The conversation changed drastically and they all glanced at Kadaj's waist, seeing that the pokeballs still clung to the thin frame. "Right..."
"Follow me." Axel offered, leading the way down to the larger building attached to the house, entering a larger room than the one Roxas inspected both mother and baby. This room had a few tables, obviously for a larger shipment of hurt pokemon, much like what they had. One by one, the pokemon were called, each being able to take one table or share with another.
Namine too rose a pokeball, pointing it to the table that held Itzel.

Axel looked over the room, seeing Arluin and Itzel on one table, a Magmortar on another, an Electivire on the third, a Drapion and Alakazam sharing the fourth and a Nidoqueen on the last.
"Well, it looks like all of them are dehydrated and malnourished." Axel said right off the bat. The two that were in the worse condition were Alruin and Itzel, which was surprising and devastating for the Xipils to see. How could Kuku...?
"Alright well, we can't have everyone in here while we work so Roxel, Roxy, if you don't mind helping us while the others---"
"Please, Mr. Xipil..." Namine chocked, stepping to the front of the line. "I am a Nurse Joy in training so please... may I be allowed to work by your side?"

Green eyes glanced over at his husband, seeing a smile on the blonde's face and a nod. "Of course. We'd love to have some help from a Nurse."
"I suppose while we wait, we can go call our parents in the lounge. There are a few TV phones there for customers." Bonnie suggested and they all turned to leave three friends and two wonderful rescuers to help the unfortunate pokemon who were once loved and care for by two amazing people.

When the now, slightly smaller group headed towards the lounge, Bonnie headed to one TV, Gunnar, Lucina, Kadaj and Yazoo on another and Tensai on the third. They all quickly realized that Sammy was missing. Yazoo paused, listening to Lucina, telling them that he headed to the Lavaridge Ranger Base. He didn't even know they had one here. Pffft, listen to him! It was like this was his home.
His home....
Glowing eyes met another pair, a soft smile coming over his features while they listened to Gunnar put in the number to their parents.

On Bonnie's screen, she was shocked to see her daddy Ventus pick up, as it was usually Terra since the TV phone was in Terra's office. "Dad!" She greeted, seeing his happy smile.
"Bonbon~ I was getting worried!"
"YENA!"

[Reno]

Roxas nodded to Axel's statement, looking towards Itzel and Arluin especially. He could see his ribs, and some of Arluins feathers were loose. He frowned, feeling upset by this as well. It was a good think Kuku was already dead because if Roxas had gotten his hands on him... well, then he would have made sure the blonde wished Arceus would take mercy on him.
He wasn't the most forgiving person. Saix would attest to that.

But, Namine's help was greatly appreciated. "Alright guys, wash up." Roxas said, and the twins showed Namine over to where they cleaned their hands and put on their gloves. Seeing as Arluin was already cared for, that left one Pokemon to each person. Magmortor was taken by Axel, of course, and Roxas went to Drapion. The twins each took an electric Pokemon, leaving Namine with Alakazam.

Meanwhile out in the lobby, Tensai's feet were swinging in excitement as the phone was picked up - by a familiar Pikachu. "Lily!"
Her ears twitched and she smiled, "Pika~"
He smiled back, "It's good to see you. Are my parents home?"
"Chu!" There was a nod, before the rodent set the phone down and jumped from her perch, disappearing. It was a few minutes before his father appeared. His tie was undone and was looking just the tiniest bit frazzled; he must of just got home from school. However, when he saw it was his son, he perked right up. "Tenny!"
The boy opened his mouth about to complain, then just sighed and smiled. Maybe he could stand the nickname actually. "Hey dad."

"So you couldn't just walk two miles to your house to say hi to your old man?" The father of the Almasy family was asking.
"Daaaaddddy, you saw us like not even a week ago." Lucina said, amused. Sometimes, her father was such a snuggly Teddiursa about these things.
"What's your point?" He asked, making his daughter chuckle.

[Rikugurl]

Bonnie only spoke to her dad for about 15 minutes, learning that the preemie was doing well. It brought a smile to her face, knowing that she saved the new love of her dad's life. No saying that she was take over Terra's spot! She learned that he named her Bryna after her late grandmother, feeling her heart swell when he told her the reason why. He explained that she was a strong, wonderful woman when they were growing up but when she was infected by Pokerus, she became weak and debilitated until the day she died. Ventus knew that the little Poochyena would be the exact opposite. The pup was weak and feeble but with love and tender care, she would be strong and a perfect companion. She wouldn't be able to battle like the rest but she would be perfect for him.

But their conversation quickly steered out of control when her blonde headed father looked passed her and gasped. "I-IS THAT A SHINY ESPEON!?" And that was the beginning of a hour long conversation and debate, Sora becoming a bit flustered that his brother was taking away his son over the phone!

Their conversation was cut off though, luckily, when the three members came from the back. They all looked a little worried but they had done everything they could for now. Their parents were taking care of the rest.
"So... uh.... didn't we make promises yesterday?" Gunnar was the first to remind them, making everyone grow smile again. "There is still a few hours of daylight left."


"Buneary! Bun!"
"BUN BUN!"
"BUN-eary!"
"BUUUUUUUNEARY!"
Four little buneary bounced around as a flying pokemon swooped down spooking them easily. "BOO! MOVE IT, MOVE IT!" The Shaymin called, reaching down and gently scratching a bunny's ear. Of course, he was given permission to do this, not wanting to frighten the poor things to death.
From afar, two teenagers watched as the little rabbits split up, shivering from the new 'threat'. A bowel of Pokebloks was placed before their feet but not of the pokemon moved from their hiding spot.

The girl blinked when she felt her arm being taken gently and a device was placed in her hand. A capture styler. Her eyes met purple and the boy nodded. Shaymin landed in a nearby tree and looked down at her, scratching his ear as he spoke. "Try it out. With every loop, transfer your friendship to them. Tell them that they are ok and there's no need to be frightened."


Further away, a few teens gathered to watch as a battle was just beginning. To ones surprise, it wasn't Gunnar and Tensai training but actually Kadaj was the only one standing as Loz stood in front of him. The small spider was glaring down his opponent; a red Seedot known as Thad. The two glared at each other for some time before they heard a faint call. "Kadaj... why don't you make a move first?"
This was Kadaj's first battle and they wanted him to get a feel for it if he wanted to become a trainer. Both Tensai and Gunnar knew that they were a bit too advance to battle him yet and Yazoo's new pokemon was in no shape for battles.
"Dot, dot!" The little acorn stood up tall, knowing that his best friend was watching too.


Further on, another battle was just getting started, though they had a bit more distraction with Roxel trying to create a song with his pokemon to perform at sunset. Still, the battle was on and heated already, even before the two could start. "Alright! This is a two on two battle! When the opponents two pokemon are no longer able to fight, the winner will be announced!" Bonnie literally sang, her hand shooting down to a pokeball and throwing it out. She, of course, had to go track down her pokemon to make the battle look as authentic as possible. The ball snapped and out came her Floatzel, his chest puffing out as he stroked his inflatable like boa. "Zel!"

[Reno]

”And then he-“ The black-haired boy was retelling some story, when an excited shout came to his ears.
”-SHINY ESPEON!?”
”It sure is!” Tensai was saying with a big smile, leaving his own father for his uncle.
“H-Hey!” Sora cried, his eyebrows screwing up as he heard his brother and son chattering away. “VENTUS GIVE ME BACK MY SON!” He pouted after a few minutes when his boy didn’t return. “Ugh!”


Blue eyes still brilliant like the sky stared out the window, the man catching sight of the children in his yard and there various activities, unable to help but smile.
“Uncle Roxas, here’s the rest.”
“Alright, thanks,” He took the bowl from Sanyi, seeing the pokebloks crushed within. He dumped them into the blender and filled it with water before putting on the lid and turning it on. It was a nurtrion mix – they used it often for Pokemon who had been starved for a time. It was a mixture of rehydration and high in vitamens and calories, but light so it wouldn’t be heavy on the empty stomach, shrunken stomach. They would wean them from the watery mixture into solids within a few days.
Once it was appropriately mixed he poured it into the sixth bowl and set it on the tray. With Sanyi’s help, they carried the six bowls of mushy food into the next room where six hungry Pokemon were patiently waiting. Sanyi left at that point, amazed as his uncles kept the ravenous Pokemon calm and halted them from eating too fast and making themselves sick. He wandered down the hall of the care center, and hesitated, finding Namine looking into the nursery again but her eyes were distant and he knew she wasn’t really thinking about the Pokemon inside. He paused beside her, looking in and seeing that the little Zorua was now cuddled under his mother for a nap.
“You alright?” He asked her, looking at her in concern. “You’re not still worried about Arluin are you?”


Lucina tried to concentrate on the styler, rather than the tingling feeling left behind on her skin where Sammy’s fingers had touched. She nodded at Shaymin’s instructions, already been briefed on how the Stylus mostly worked. So, She pointed the instrument towards the nearest Buneary and hit the button, shotting out the disc. A metal stem, much like a radio transmitter, shot out from the top and as she moved her arm, she found the disc was following her movements.
But it was much harder to control than Sammy made it look! A hand grabbed her wrist as she swung it too far outwards, making the disc fly wide and hit a tree. She blushed. “U-Uh… oops?” Sammy just gave her a smile and Shaymin flew down, grabbing the disc and handing it back to her.
This time, when she tried it, Sam kept his hand on hers, practically making her melt as he showed her the correct movements. How was she supposed to remember that when all she would think about was how warm hia hand is and how the breath against her neck was making her ticklish and if she turned her head just a little bit their lips would- the blue aura turned red and snapped.
Lucina blushed even more. Well she certainly wasn’t thinking of friendship that time!


“Huh? Oh…okay,” Kadaj said. He looked about as confidant as he did nervous. It was his first battle after all.
“And Borva, no helping.” Tensai said.
“Nine!” The Ninetails huffed, laying her head in her paws guiltily because of course she would have jumped in the second her friend was in trouble. Being a rescuer Pokemon, she wanted to rescue everything.
Tensai smiled sitting beside Gunnar and Charlie in the grass. He and the painter Pokemon both had canvases in front of them, one painting in just one color, while Tensai had a small easel of them. He dipped her brush in the green paint, adding some flare to the trees as he kept his eyes on the battle.
“Alright Loz…” Kadaj said, “Use stringshot!”
“Spin!” The spider spit out the filmy, white webs right at Thad.


Across the field, Roxanne looked confidant as her friend made her choice, already knowing the perfect match. She had promised Bonnie she wouldn’t go easy on her. She unclipped Sayen’s pokeball ready to throw it- “Alright then, I choose,”
“Mime, Mime!”
And almost fell flat on her face as Charlotte jumped forward instead. “H-Hey! Charlotte.”
The Mime Jr. turned around, looking excited and hopeful. “Mime!”
“You want to battle?” Charlotte rarely ever wanted to battle – she, like Flareon, was fairly playful in nature and would often run off at the first opportunity at fun – which in her case was mimicking people.
There was a confident nod. A water type versus a psychic type. This should be interesting. Roxanne smiled though, “Alright then. I choose Charlotte.”

[Rikugurl]

Big beautiful eyes looked up into Sanyi's, though their light was severely dimmed by her thoughts. It was strange, feeling like Sanyi knew just what she was thinking of. She wondered if he was overly sensitive to feelings because he was raised by two women, though he said his mother Aqua was....
"I am.... You know, my mom and dad told me that it wasn't going to be easy being a nurse. I knew that. I knew that I would have to get use to seeing harmed pokemon when trainers or citizens brought them in. It doesn't mean I have to like it... but no one told me how hard it was going to be, seeing a pokemon wither away because of sadness. I know that some pokemon are abused and left by their owners, and the rescuers usually take care of that but... but Arluin had a great life and it changed overnight."

She bit her lip hard, her arms slowly coming up and wrapping around Sanyi's neck. "I feel so bad for her...." She whispered, suddenly burying her head into the boy's chest and sobbed.


Sammy blushed, hearing the line break. she was definitely distracted... because of him. How was he suppose to teach her if she was attracted to him!? There was a lame sigh, the Shaymin flying down and grabbing the disc again. He trotted over to the blushing two and handed the disc back over, snuffing his nose up. "Human! You need to concentrate and snuggle up later! You'll never get it right if you lose your concentration. ESPECIALLY when you don't have much time." The shaymin scolded just before he flew back into the tree so the buneary didn't see him.

Sammy pulled away, giving Luci a bashful smile but stood next to her again. This time, he shot out his own capture disc towards one of the buneary that was shivering. Slowly, his moved his arm so that the disc wrapped around the bunny carefully as she hopped around. He wished he could explain to her some tips but without being able to talk, or use his hands to communicate - if she ever learned sign language - it was impossible. He was hoping she was a hands on learner. The blue line, having wrapped around the normal type three times, glowed as the little pokemon did. There was a pop sound and the rabbit calmed.
"How about some food, little one?"
Hesitantly, the buneary strayed from her friends, hopping over and sitting in front of the bowel.


Thad looked back, seeing his best friend look bent out of shape. A devious look spanned over his eyes. He may be small but he could handle this! "Seedot!" He called and jumped, getting into a fierce position that made Gunnar laugh. He wondered if Kemina was as brave as Thad when she was a Seedot.
When the attack was called and the web was shot out towards the acorn, Thad quickly dodged it, grounding his feet. The red pokemon leaned back just as a black and purple ball started to form. With a jump, the shadow ball was shot out towards Loz.


Bonnie chuckled, seeing her girlfriend's cheerful pokemon try to look tough. She was quite surprised like Roxy to see such a happy and go lucky pokemon looking for some trouble. "Alright Charlotte! Let's see what you got! Floatzel, use water gun!"
"FLOAAAAAAAAAA!!!" The sea weasel did a graceful back flip and when he rose, a powerful gust of water sprayed across the small battle field towards the psychic pokemon.

[Reno]

"Namine..." Sanyi said softly, hugging her and rubbing her back. "You know... I'm not precisely sure if this will make you feel better but..." He frowned before continuing, "Maybe Arluin will still be okay. The only real way to cure sadness is time. She just needs time to grieve. I know it doesn't make her better instantly... but..."


S-S-Snuggle up?! Lucina was beginning to wonder if she blushed anymore that some blood vessels might break and permanently change her face color. She coughed, trying to straighten up and save her dignity - or what was left of it.

However as she watched Sammy, watching how his arms moved,, she thought sher might be able to accomplish this. "Alright, I got it." She said with a hopeful smile. She found another Buneary, before pointing the disc at it. Again, she attempted to capture it, struggling with her arm movement some but managed to get the disc to wrap around once, trying to concentrate at the same time.
I am your friend. No need to worry. I - ut oh! Trying to focus and move at the same time was a lot harder then it looked as the disc went flying off course and smacking into a tree.
"....This is way harder than it looks."

Kanto wasn't built in a day she supposed.


"Spina?!" The poor Pokemon grew little sweat drops down his body as he started to panic.
"Defense Kadaj! You can do it!" Tensai called as he half watched the fight, and half drew it.
Defense? Well the best defense was a good offense right? "Uh... Loz, hit it with poison sting!" The little spider lifted it's mouth and bright white needles shot out, hitting the shadow ball and making it explode and some dark clouds appear on the field.
"He's doing pretty good." Tensai said with a smile.


"Charlotte, Mimic!"
"Miiime!" Just like her opponent she did a flip before water hit the field, the two water guns colliding. They hit and seemed to burst outwards, the water raining down on them some.
Roxanne brushed away some loose strands, grinning before she called, "Good, use confusion!"
"Mime, Mime!" The little pink Pokemon looked up at the large and fierce otter, her eyes glowing bright blue, a blue aura covering the other.