The Tale of Seven

[Reno]

"S-s-s-s-s-hut u-u-u-u-up!" Aqua chattered back, shivering all over and trying to move her fingers. "Glac-c-c-ceon! B-b-bad!"

Glaceon's ears fell and she approached slowly, looking sad. "Gla!" She started to scratch away the ice from her trainer.


Roxas blinked at Axel's sudden and honest interest, blushing heavily but his eyes sparking with interest. "R-Really...? When did you do that?"

Sora laughed as the two started to converse, getting behind the trainers and pushing them both, getting them to walk side by side as they talked. They still needed to make it back to the stadium too! Ninetails, Absol and Jolteon were following right behind the three, Absol keeping his distance from the other two. Jolteon was chuckling at Ninetails exasperated expression knowing the other must have heard this story a million times.

"Really wow... that must of been great." Roxas said softly once Axel had finished. When the red-head looked at him expectantly he blushed and glanced past seeing his Absol trudging behind him. He smiled sadly. "Well, he was the only Pokemon I've ever rescued. It was when I was in the Hoenn region. I was going through the Jagged Pass towards Lavaridge." When he mentioned the town's name he noticed Axel's look of surprise. "I was going to get my heat badge when I heard an interesting noise..."

"The next gym leader is a fire trainer named Flannery." Roxas said softly, thinking about his options. He walked carefully past the jagged rocks a thin, ferret-like Pokemon following after. "Flareon would do okay, at least the types match. Glameow would do okay too. I dunno about you Linoone, the Pokemon she has are incredible hot fire types..."
"Noone!" The slinky Pokemon said softly trying to look tough.
"Well if you think-" Roxas started to say when suddenly a piercing cry echoed in the region. The blond stopped his eyes wide. It was a Pokemon's scream...

"Linoone come on someone must be hurt!" Roxas cried rushing forward. He heard another cry and his heart started to beat fast, his Linoone speedily running after him. Then another something met his ears. An angry voice...

"You worthless piece of shit Pokemon! Clean up this fucking mess you made!" Cried a furious male just as Roxas rounded the bend and saw a horrible sight. The path in front of them had collapsed - a rock slide most likely. But that wasn't what terrified him. No it was the sight before him.

The male trainer was big and burly, with ragged black hair that was tied up in a bandanna and the uniform of a member of Team Magma. In his hand... was a whip. and laying on the ground nearby the rock slide was a shaking white-furred Pokemon. An Absol. Now Roxas knew that Absols were notorious for predicting natural disasters... and because of that power many times he himself was blamed for the accidents that occurred. So it didn't take a genius to figure out what the poor thing was being blamed for.

"Damn it GET UP!" The trainers snapped raising his whip and smacking it down on the animal's back. Absol let loose another shriek that echoed in down the route.

It spurred the light-hearted Roxas into action. "STOP IT!" He cried running forward. Absol's eyes opened red eyes dim with pain. The trainer turned around and growled. "What do you want?"
"How can you do such a thing to your Pokemon?!" Roxas said angrily.
"Noone Noone!!" Linoone chirped furiously next to him.
The trainer scoffed. "Oh don't try that goody-goody bullshit on me. You and me both know that these Pokemon are worthless wastes of space! I'm only keeping it because the boss is making me." Absol bowed his head, shutting his eyes tightly.

Roxas felt fury spread in his gut and he shook, hands clenching into fists. "You... you bastard!! How can you say that about such a wonderful Pokemon?! He was probably trying to protect YOUR worthless ass from being crushed!"
"Tch... you think you're such a hotshot kid? Absol UP! Get rid of them!" The whip cracked down beside the wolf. The wolf-like animal slowly got to it's feet, shaking stepping in front of it's trainer. Roxas took notice how one of its eyes were closed, blood running from the bad cut. "Use Night Slash!"

Absol panted tiredly, the scythe on its head glowing. It tossed its head weakly, a stream of white energy flying towards them. Linoone and Roxas both jumped in separate direction, the energy cracking into the ground and splitting it. Roxas fell back on his bum his eyes wide as he looked at the spot he vacated. Even after the obvious pain the Pokemon was in, it was a surprise that it had any strength at all! He shook his head and jumped to his feet, running forward.

"How could you miss!" The trainer snapped raising his whip again.
Absol shut his eyes tightly, not noticing as footsteps ran past him... until he heard another crack and a cry. But no pain came to him. The Pokemon's eyes opened and he looked back curiously... only to see the strange blond trained standing in front of him protectively, arms spread out even as he shook a little. He had... taken the hit for him. "Absol?!!?"
Roxas hissed at the stinging pain, his eyes determinedly. "You will not hurt this Pokemon again!"
"You idiotic kid!" The whip was raised again.
"Ab!!" Absol cried in warning.
"Linooooone!!" Came a new cry as the ferret Pokemon suddenly pounced on the male trainer, sharp claws reaching out and suddenly the Linoone started to use fury swipes.
"Aaaaah!" The Team Magma member cried, falling over dazedly scratching across his face. He sat up holding his face, and scowling. "Why you-"
"Go everyone!" Roxas said, throwing four more Pokeballs. Suddenly the trainer was surrounded by a red fox, a gray cat, a devilish mongoose and a metal bird, all looking at him furiously.
"W-What... is..."
"Flare!!" The fox cried, blowing a stream of fire out and hit the man's pants.

"W... WAAAH!" The trainer cried before he jumped up, smacking at himself and he ran off back the way Roxas had come. "KEEP THE WORTHLESS THING!"
There was silence as the other left and then... "Alright! Good job guys!" Roxas praised, his Pokemon giving a cheer as well.
"A-Ab..." The wolf said before following over. "Sol..."
"Absol!!" the blonde cried.

"He was badly hurt and so I caught him in a spare Pokeball I had and had Skarmory fly it the rest of the way towards Lavaridge while me and the rest of my Pokemon cleared away the rock slide. " Roxas said softly as they approached the Stadium his eyes dark. "Thankfully, Skarmory had made it there just in time and Nurse Joy had already done what she could by the time I got there. The scar on his face was permanent unfortunately... and when I told Nurse Joy what had happened she guessed he probably got hit by some sharp rock during the avalanche. He wasn't friendly to anyone at all... not even me."

"Can I see him?" Roxas asked softly his eyes wide and nervous.
"Of course... but I must warn you he's very hostile."
"I just want to make sure he's okay."
He was led to the room where the Pokemon lay on its stomach, one red-eye bandaged. When he saw the humans approaching he growled.
Roxas bit his lip, heart beating rapidly before he went forward and sat down in the chair. "Hey... I just wanted to see how you were doing there buddy." The red eye glared at him furiously. "I now you must be mad... no one should of treated you like that." A soft growl. "I'm sorry..." Roxas started to reach out to pet the other.
"Oh don't!" Nurse Joy cried but it was too late.
Absol gave a furiously snarl and bit Roxas' hand hard. "OW!!!" Roxas tore his hand away hissing as he held it close to his chest, blood streaming between his fingers. He grit his teeth, tears welling in his eyes as he looked up at the growling Absol.
"Oh sir are you-"
"I'm fine..." Roxas said softly, not taking his eyes of the Pokemon the tears falling from his eyes from pain and sadness. "Hey Absol... I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had such a bad trainer and that he hurt you so terribly... Listen I know it's not much but I can at least offer you freedom." He reached out picking the Pokeball up that was on the nightstand, smiling shakily. "Stay away from trainers okay? That way you can have a happy life in the mountains! So you know just rest up and get better."
He stood, Absol watching his every movement but he had stopped growling. "Goodbye Absol."

[Rikugurl]

The redhead blinked as he was pushed and got the idea as they headed towards the stadium. He started his story about him and his aunt worked at the Pokemon Rescue Center and such. How he would help hurt, lost or abused Pokemon in the area.

His eyes widened when he heard that this Absol was saved near his hometown... and when he was finished, they were almost up the steps to the stadium.
Before they walked in, Axel stopped and looked down at Roxas. Ninetails could sense her master's worry and nuzzled his hand before he opened his mouth. "So... you're the one who saved that Absol..."

Both brothers looked up at the redhead, amazed that he knew about it. "Before I journeyed here, I went back to my hometown to tell my aunt about it personally and get some tips from Flannery. When I talked to my aunt, she told me that there was big news around the rescue center about some trainer saving a Absol. It was kind of hard to believe that there was an Absol around our area... but seeing that it was from a Magma..."

He looked down for a moment before looking up and smiling. "I can tell that you take wonderful care of him though. His coat is shiny and his claws were strong and healthy. If I didn't know that you really cared for this Pokemon, I would of suggest finding a Ranger. They could calm him down more and release him back into his natural habitat... but all Pokemon need a personality right?" He smiled more and nodded. "Maybe it's a good thing that your Absol is the way it is. It's less likely to get stolen!"

With that note, they all entered the stadium... just in time. The last woman at the counter was putting up a board that said closed. They rushed over and Roxas pushed his Pokedex in her face. All three gave the woman a huge smile and all she did was sigh and take the machine. "So, you're name is Roxas Holani?"


"Aaaah..." The steam from the water had filled the room as two trainers sat in the hot tub. A wet cloth was pushed along pale skin as blue eyes opened slowly, looking across the way at a blue haired woman.

After he rinsed all the ice from him, they had ordered quite a large amount of food from room service. They then released all their Pokemon and had a feast before cleaning up and putting all the Pokemon back into their balls.

Now they just had to kill time until it was dark out.
Why not do that in the hot tub?

In the room with the beds, a certain Haunter was trying to make a certain Glaceon laugh as he pulled at his face and made his eyes dance on his tongue. With all his efforts though, not one chuckle came from the blue Pokemon.

[Reno]

Roxas was quietly looking down at his left hand were there were little indents - scars - on his hand. They weren't incredibly noticeable and, if it wasn't for how they were situated on his hand, no one would be able to guess it was done from a bite.

He stopped however when Axel did, looking up at the red-head curiously. Sora stopped as well and they both wore twin looks of shock as Axel seemed to KNOW what they were talking about. however there shock wore off some as they found out it was the red-head's hometown.

"Wow Roxas you're famous!!" Sora chirped.
Roxas blushed, shifting from foot to foot and shook his head. "I-It wasn't a big deal really..."
"Absol!" The dog barked in opposition, walking up to his master's side and rubbing against his side. The blonde laughed softly at the ticklish feeling, petting the Pokemon. He looked up at Axel and smiled softly, nodding. "Yeah... he's a great Pokemon really and we've grown so attached to each other since then. I wouldn't give him up for the world."
"Hey um guys, sorry to interrupt but..." Sora started, making the others look up as he pointed towards the Stadium where there was a lady putting up a closed sign.
"Hey wait!!" Roxas cried in panic as he and Absol both ran forward.

Luckily the woman was nice and easily accepted his Pokedex and - though it took quite a bit of searching in his bag - his eight badges. After confirming his six Pokemon and signing up, he thanked her and left with the others.

"Now all we have to do is... find a place to stay." Sora blinked then sighed again. "We're dooooomed!"
Axel found Sora's exasperation rather funny but took pity on the twins, offering to let them stay with him. He had thought ahead and already got reservations a month ago. The two were, at first, uneasy accepting the offer, not wanting to impose but Axel convinced them both saying he'd be happy to share the room.
The two couldn't help but agree.

On the way to Axel's hotel, the three trainers talked some more. The walk was short but they talked some more about Lavaridge Town and Flannery, the gym leader who they had all had a battle with at some point. It appeared Roxas though had the hardest difficulty, having fought her four times before he finally won. It was also on that fourth try that he had gained Absol's companionship... and trust.

Roxas winced as the bandages were wrapped tightly around his hand.
"You should really be more careful!" Nurse Joy chastised. "Pokemon that have been abused like that one have a tendency to be hostile!"
Roxas sighed looking down at his hand, curling his hand open and closed carefully when she finished. "I guess so... I... will you be able to take care of him?"
"Of course," She smiled. "That is my job!"
Roxas looked back towards Absol's door quietly. "I guess... then all I need to know is where Flannery's gym is."

During the first match he went with his gut instinct, fighting with the three Pokemon he had decided on in the pass. Flannery was an incredibly good trainer though and, unfortunately, his Pokemon didn't do so good in the adversary of her Slugma named Mag and her Magcargo named Meg. He never even reached the third battle. His Pokemon and he came back to the center.
Roxas sighed as Nurse joy took his three Pokemon away, his eyes dark with depression at his loss when a noise drew his thoughts away.
"Chansey... CHANsey! Chansey... ChanSEEEY!" He looked over, seeing Nurse Joy's helper, Chansey, in the nearby room where Absol was. The Pokemon was on its feet and had jumped from the bed, legs shaky as it was, obviously, trying to leave.
"Aaaaab..." Absol started to growl snapping it's jaws at the Pokemon.
"Hey!" Roxas cried as he ran into the room. "Absol don't!"
Red eyes caught his and suddenly the blonde found himself being thrown into the tiles as the disaster Pokemon pounced on him. Roxas coughed some at the heavy weight and gasped as his eyes opened only to see the snarling face of the dog in his own, teeth sharp. He knew if he made one false move, this would be the end of his journey.
"Absol..." Roxas said softly. "You can't leave yet. You're still hurt!"
He swallowed harder when those teeth came around his throat, not biting but threatening to. He shook a little his eyes shutting.
"Chansey!!!"
"Absol... she was just trying to help... you need to rest so you can get better..." Roxas whispered softly, mentally praying for anything.
To his shock... those teeth let him go and Absol got off of him, walking back to his bed.

The second match was hardly any better even when he switched out Linoone for Skarmory. Though steel Pokemon were weaker against fire types, he had been able to keep his bird away from the slow lava snails well enough to get some good hits in - unfortunately that was when he saw her third Pokemon. Torkoal. And he was her strongest... and he lost.
Again he went back to the Pokemon center, angrily cursing himself about the things he should of done. He asked Nurse Joy about Absol as he handed over his three Pokemon once again.
"Chansey just tried to bring him another meal, but he won't eat it." She announced. "He hasn't had anything since you brought him here."
"Why not?"
"I'm not sure. He was malnutritioned when you found him so he must be starving and we've tried all sorts of dishes so I know it can't be the food. It must be something to do with how his trainer previously taught him."
The trainer was quite for a second, eyes dark as he thought of the man from Magma with the whip... and shook his head before hie thoughts could turn sadistic. "Can I... bring him his food?"
"After yesterday?! I really can't agree Roxas it's just-"
"Please Nurse Joy! Please let me try! I know he won't hurt me again and I promise I won't try to touch him or anything!" It was a good thing she didn't know about the incident after his battle...
The pink-haired woman frowned but sighed. "Alright but be careful. Chansey!"
Chansey came over and after a quick conversation with Joy, left only to come back with a tray of food. Roxas took it carefully from the pink helper, and straightened, taking it to the room. He looked around, seeing all sorts of bowls and plates and trays and cup laid around the room filled with all sorts of substances. Not one had been touched.
"Absol..." Roxas called softly and the Pokemon lifted it's head. Upon sight of him and the tray the wolf scoffed and looked away. "Now come on don't be like that." Roxas said softly as he stepped around the various cutlery and sat down in the chair once again. "You need to eat, it'll give you your strength back!" He set the tray on the bed close to the other. Absol didn't even turn to look, growling softly.
Roxas' eyes narrowed unhappily, determined suddenly. "Fine if you want to be like that then I guess I'll just have to stay here until you eat every single bite!"
Absol looked at him, smirking some as if it didn't believe him.
"I mean it! I'm not leaving this spot!" Roxas said, crossing his arms and staring at the other.
And he did mean it. Even when his own stomach started to growl he didn't leave. Even when his bladder started to complain he didn't move. Even when Nurse Joy came in and told him his Pokemon were back to perfect health he didn't get up. It was a battle of wills that lastest well into the night, Absol watching him the whole time and he watching right back.
And Roxas eventually fell asleep. When he woke up the next morning the food from his tray was gone and Absol was fast asleep. Roxas was happy... and even happier when he could finally run to the bathroom.

The THIRD match was when Flannery commended him on his rescue of Absol. Apparently Nurse Joy had let the news spread about the Pokemon he had rescued and, since then, been braving to help. He was eating again at least - but only for any food Roxas himself brought and never while he was watching.
After some small talk the match began Roxas and his Pokemon battling hard as he switching Skarmory for his Mongoose when it came to that point. Torkoal won.
Roxas returned to the center frustrated and ready to tear his hair out. He just didn't know what to do! All of his Pokemon had tried a hand at winning but her Torkoal was just too strong!
He didn't go and see Absol that day except to deliver the food only because he knew he was too furious with himself and his skills as a trainer to be able to stay calm around the hurting Pokemon. He didn't notice however how red eyes followed him restlessly as he paced back in forth in the main lobby cursing and talking to himself. He didn't notice how the dog Pokemon would watch over the next few days as he took his Pokemon outside to train and train and train to beat Flannery.

The forth battle... was a shock.
"Glameow! Watch it!" Roxas called as she dodged another flamethrower from Torkoal. The cat was exhausted, panting hard. "Use Hypnosis!"
Glameow let out a purring meow her eyes starting to glow ripples of psychic power running across the field.
"Overheat!"
"Tooor!" The Pokemon took a deep breath then let out a powerful stream of extremely hot fire. Glameow dodged just in time her attack interrupted.
"Sludge bomb!"
Glameow didn't have a chance to react as mud balls were suddenly flung at her, exploding around her feet. "Merow!" The cat cried in pain as she was flung back, hitting the ground hard. There was a pause as they waited to see if the cat would get back up. She did not.
"Glameow is unable to battle! Torkoal takes this round!"
Roxas grit his teeth before returning her to her Pokeball.
Flannery shook her head, sighing as she noticed how frustrated the trainer was getting. "Now what will you choose? Torkoal will win no matter what you do."
"Oh yeah?!" Roxas growled as he snapped up his Zangoose's Pokeball about the throw it-
when a slash of white smacked into the ground between him and Flannery's side of the arena.
The gym leader nearly fell from the shake. "What the?!"
"Whoa!" Roxas cried, stepping back. He looked around in confusion, then looked up at towards the red roofing that surrounding the battlefield like a fence. The sun blinded him making him squint at the shadowy figure there. It jumped from its perch and landed on the floor walking over to stand in front of Roxas.
Roxas eyes widened in shock. "A...Absol? What are you doing here?"
The Pokemon looked back, showing of its scar that had healed nicely. "Absol, Ab." It tossed it's head towards where Flannery and Torkoal were standing.
"You... want to battle?"
"Sol."
"Are you sure?"
"Absol Sol!"
Roxas was quiet for a few moments then he smiled and nodded looking up at Flannery. "I choose Absol."
The gym leader just smirked, not seeming too surprise anymore. "Well then things just got interesting."

He won. The battle was long and hard, but he won. And even after he had received the badge and started to leave town, Absol did not leave his side. He had no idea how he had gained the Pokemon's trust... but he had.


Aqua sighed as well as she stretched out on her side of the tub, her eyes shut peacefully resting her head against the marble rim. This was comfortable. Very much so. After the excitement of feeding their Pokemon, cleaning up the room (which consisted of them throwing anything broken into the closet or under the bed where they couldn't see it), and unfreezing themseleves, they needed the small moment of respite.

It didn't bother either of them they had no bathing suits on. the bubbles of the spa kept them hidden for the most part anyways but even still neither of them cared. They'd been in all but the best and worst situations in the world, they could handle a little nudity.

"Now this is nice..." She said softly.

Outside a blue fox rolled her eyes as Haunter continued to try and be funny, blowing out a sigh, a small white cloud of breath apearing. She laid her head on her paws, ignoring him easily.

[Rikugurl]

Doooong........Dooooong

"Hmm?" The blonde sat up in the tub and looked back, out the window at the large clock that was high above the other buildings. If he was seeing things correctly... it was 1900 hours. "Ah, guess it's time." He smirked before pulling himself out of the hot water, not even caring if his exposed naked body was in clear eye view of Aqua. Like she had said, they both saw each other this way... but neither were interested.

He yawned as he pulled a towel from its holding and wrapped it around his waist. He grabbed another and started to dry his hair as Aqua got out as well. The blonde walked back into the bedroom and frowned before both Pokemon stopped what they were doing and looked at him. "Alright, it's time to go."
"Haunter!" The ghost clapped before floating to the window and opening it.

When the blonde was dry enough, he pulled out his suitcase once more and grinned as he lifted what seemed to be the bottom to reveal a nicely folded, black outfit. He pulled it out and started to change, having a hard time squeezing into the tight clothing. He growled when Aqua put in her two cents about eating as he pulled on his black mask.


Over at the Victory Motel, a queen size bed was full of Pokemon and twins while a roll away bed had a redhead on it. That too was hard for the twins to take. Axel wasn't having them sleep on the floor though... and they didn't have enough money to buy another roll away. It would of been a waist to have his skinny self sleeping on a large bed anyway.

He yawned as he placed his winter jacket on the floor and his Ninetails was happy to take it. She was hoping to sleep next to her master on the queen bed but that didn't seem like it was going to happen. That was alright though, there had been many nights where she slept in this jacket. At least they were in a warmer area than those mountains!

Glasses were placed safely on the floor before Axel laid down. "Guess we should get some rest. The event starts early tomorrow~"

[Reno]

OOC: we didn't find them

Aqua's eyes opened as she heard the dinging of the clock tower as well and sighed unhappily. She really didn't want to get up...

She didn't spare Ven even a complimentary glance as he got out of the tub only following after and grabbing her own towel, drying off quickly curling the towel around her shoulders before draining the water in the tub and leaving the room.

She grabbed her own bag of stuff quickly pulling on her unmentionables before the tight body suit like clothing followed. It was a pure black to hide them in the night. She glanced over towards Ven as he grunted and cursed softly and she chuckled. "What's wrong Ven? Finally regretting munching on all those midnight snacks?" She only got a growl in return that made her laugh.

Once they were done getting dressed they collected some tools that would aid them in getting into the Stadium at this time like grappling hooks, wire cutters and the like. They had to be prepared.


It wasn't too long until they reached the Victory Motel - obviously named after the town - and though it was a small and quaint place, it held a much more rustic look that was more complementary of the town's roots. Black and white pictures. It had an old gutter system that no doubt had to be cleaned regularly, discolored roofing slabs, shutters on windows. Though it was old, it had a comforting feel to it and it was obviously well-maintained.

Sora personally seemed to love the ancient look and couldn't wait to see more of the building, loving all the old artifacts they had on display that people and Pokemon alike were honored for. Eventually Roxas and Axel dragged him upstairs to their room before they had a small tussle over who would sleep on the bed. While the twins didn't mind in the least sleeping in the same bed, they really hated that Axel not getting to have his OWN bed for his OWN hotel room in which he had paid for!

However the trainers couldn't argue long with Axel, seeing as the red-head continued to insist and neither of them had been on a real bed in quite some time. So Roxas and Sora and Jolteon and Absol all took the bed. Jolteon felt a badly for Ninetails who looked so forlorn when the bed was taken but even when the lightning Pokemon offered to jump off their wasn't enough room unless Absol agreed to. Which of course he did not.

Everyone made themseleves comfortable throughout the room as the lights were turned out. At Axel's voice the two nodded in the dark. "Guess so... night everyone!" Sora chirped as he made himself more comfortable Jolteon adjusting at his feet and Absol as well. Roxas snuggled under the covers shutting his eyes, feeling the aches and pains of the long, long walk it took to get to this town. Getting lost did nothing for his exhaustion.

[Rikugurl]

Seeing that Aqua had a purse, she could fit all this crap into it... while his suitcase was just for show. So far, with keys, hooks, cutters and such, it didn't seem like they would need the fancy stuff... and if they did, the knew exactly where to get it.

"Alright, everyone ready?" He looked around and both Aqua and Pokemon nodded. "Let's go." He said as he walked to the window and looked down at the ground below. Luckily, each room had a fire escape. He reached out and quietly pulled himself through the bars and down the metal stairs into the bush below. He waited for the other to drop down before looking both ways and heading through the dark streets towards the stadium.

This was a lot of effort just to see if there were any good catches.. but he knew there HAD to be seeing that his was an eight badge championship. They hid behind objects and stayed out of the street lights. Through bushes and quick movement as they teased their silent breathing techniques as people walked by them unnoticed.

When they reached the stadium, the blonde grinned behind his mask before they crossed the last road and slowly headed towards the back of it.

However, nearby, a set of ears perked. "Ski?" A pink little kitten popped out of a bush and looked down the way, seeing two figures, a Glaceon and a Haunter heading to the back of the building. "SKI!!" She cried happily before quickly following after.

[Reno]

The four left the hotel, Haunter having no trouble ghosting through the bars of the escape and Glaceon was near silent on her foxy feet, barely making a sound as she went down the steps and jumped to the ground. She hurried closer to Ven's side to make room for her owner.

Aqua was the last to jump down, holding her tongue as she fell into the bush like Ven, growling some as the branches bit into her arms and legs. The two disentangled themseleves and with all the stealth of cats they hurried from the bushes and down the darker streets, making sure to stay out of the light and take any back roads that were available. There hair, both bright blue and yellow, were hidden behind their masks. They couldn't be caught doing this or they'd be in a lot of trouble.

With the boss at least. These loser trainers couldn't do anything to hurt them.

Aqua, like Ven, knew that some of these trainers had to have good catches - maybe even some rare ones. A Dragonite would be good...

It wasn't long before they got to the Stadium once more, finding it mostly dark and dismal. They had closed up at sundown. But there were no doubt guards and security stationed inside and around it. The four headed towards the back of the building where the security would be the most lax, finding a window that was near the ground, leading into a basement area. Aqua peered within, seeing nothing but darkness assuring her that no one was within.

She tested the window - locked of course - before she grabbed a screwdriver and unhooked the window. She set the window pane aside carefully with the glass before peering within and took out a spray, dusting the ground with it. Red beams appeared in the light. "Okay Haunter, go and disable the security for this room."

The ghost laughed, only to get shushed, before he went through the walls and into the wiring. that was between the plaster. The three outside waited quietly, until there was a snap and the red beams under them for this room disappeared. Aqua smirked and the three slipped inside, Haunter joining their side quickly. The two glanced around, taking out some mini flashlights to quickly search the room.

"This must be one of the preliminary arenas." Aqua said quietly, noticing the lines painted onto the hard floor that looked just like a battle arena. Luckily, it wasn't dirt or they'd have another problem.

[Rikugurl]

There were many up sides into having a Ghost pokemon.... that is if you can stand them. Most people were scared of the things but NOTHING scared Ventus! No way~

He watched as his Pokemon soared through the room and disappeared into the wall, only for the red lights to go off. He grinned at Aqua as they nodded to each other and climbed in.

"Ski?" The kitten tilted her head as she watched what they were doing from a bush she hid in.

As the flashlights were passed out, Ven looked around and nodded. "Yea..." He looked back at Haunter and held out his hand. "Map?"
Once again the ghost reached into it's mouth before pulling out a.... rubber duckie. Ven frowned only for Haunter to panic a bit and put it back in there before pulling out a map. It was dropped int Ven hand and the blonde slowly knelt down, flattening it onto the battle stage.

"Let's see here..." He hummed as his index ran over some rooms and stopped, tapping on one. "This must be where we are. We need to scale one corridor, go up the stairs and down another before we get to the data base on the right." He explained a he traced their way with his index.

He looked up at Aqua, seeing her face illuminated by the light of the flash light. "We can use Glaceon to freeze any guards in the way and have Haunter turn off all the security." He looked back up at Haunter before looking back down at the map. "Alright Haunter, you need to go here." He pointed to a room in the far left of the stadium. "You'll need to shut down all the alarms, cameras and censors. Since you're a ghost and ghost always come around during the night, they shouldn't suspect much if one wild one wanted to mingle with things. Just act like you're not on a mission but having devious fun....which.... shouldn't be hard for you.... Just don't BREAK anything, alright? The matches still need to be held tomorrow so don't do anything stupid."

He looked back up at Haunter who just seemed to be nodding. "And one last thing, if a guard does suspect something, just paralyze him. Got all that?"
"Haun, haun, haunter!" The ghost laughed and nodded before he disappeared into the ceiling.

[Reno]

Aqua and Ven studied the map quietly - it was amazing what a little make-up and a cute smile can do to the guys in the blueprint office - Aqua nodded to the others directions. It seemed correct especially since the database room was right next to the stadium switcher. That was of course the stadiums that had different types to them. Rocky to imitate mountains, trees to imitate the forests, steel to imitate the cities, grass to imitate the plains, water to imitate the sea, and ice to imitate the snow. Six fields in total a better selection then most.

While Ven was giving orders to Haunter Aqua kneeled down, petting Glaceon on the head. "You'll take the lead okay? Keep your ears up and warn us when someone is coming. If its unavoidable freeze them."
"Gla!" The fox nodded, understanding her mission. It was simple she was a lookout. she, like Haunter wouldn't be too strange to see. Eevees were urban animals, often found in cities and towns and even though she was evolved it could be assumed she was abandoned and just looking for a nice cold place to stay. The Stadium worked well because most of it was metal or concrete and had poor insulation.

Once Haunter left the other two continued to study the map, conversing softly. They would give Haunter five minutes before heading out. "Well if we get into trouble we have a lot of options for escape routes." Aqua said, pointing them out. "And if worse comes to worse we can run out into the stadium and use our grapples to scale down the walls."

Five minutes passed quickly and the two nodded, folding up the map and heading towards the door. Aqua opened it and Glaceon snuck out first, ears straight and eyes looking around carefully. Her ears twitched, hearing nothing and she spotted a camera at the end of the hall but the light on it was out. Haunter ad disabled them. Her tail was down, and she gave it a little flick, letting the others know it was all okay. It her tail went up though they'd know there was someone coming.

They went down the hall, none of them alarmed of course because they needed to be freely patrolled.

In the room they just left, the pink fluff ball of a cat had been sitting art the window, watching the two excitedly, but as they left the room she grew panicked. "Ski!" She scooted forward, her small paws tentatively reaching down the wall as if she were getting ready to pounce.

Instead she fell in, landing on her back. "SKI!" Bam!
"tttty......" The cat rolled onto her paws shaking her head some. She turned and hurried towards the door.

[Rikugurl]

Ven shoved the map into his back pocket before slowly walking after Aqua. They waited quietly as Glaceon looked around and a flick told them that they were good to go. So they did. Silently, the three walked down the hall, Ven checking all the cameras to see that all their lights were off. Even if Haunter was a goof ball... he was reliable.

They walked down the hall a bit when they saw Glaceon's tail go up. They quickly rushed to the closest edge to hide behind, sticking close to the wall.
A man rushed by, not even noticing them as he grabbed his radio. "Yea! I heard! There's a Haunter running a mock in the left wing! We're heading there now!" He pushed the radio back into his holder as he continued to run down the hallway. "Damn ghosts!"

When he was gone, the ice fox continued down the hallway, leading them towards the data base. They had to hide a few times... but lucky it was because all the guards were going to the left part of the stadium to deal with Haunter. They went up the stairs and turned a corner, only to see a door that said 'Staff Only' on it.

They walked up to it before Ven reached down into his pocket and pulled out the keys that Haunter had got them earlier today before trying each one on the lock. Eventually... one of them clicked and the door was open. Before they could enter though, they heard a large bang and then a security guard's voice.

"A SKITTY IS IN HERE TOO!? UGH!"

Aqua, Ven and Glaceon quickly rushed into the data base and closed the door, locking it behind them.

[Reno]

Glaceon was quiet, concentrating on every noise and movement, easily telling apart what was the sound of dripping water in leaky pipes, creaking noises due to old structure and footsteps of human or Pokemon. Because the insulation was poor she couldn;t rely too much on her nose besides the whole place smelt like fresh human and cleaner since, no doubt, the staff had been getting ready for the competition. That meant the whole place got cleaned top to bottom.

She shook her head, the smell making her a tad dizzy when she heard footsteps. her tail went up and the three of them quickly hid, Glaceon going behind their legs so she was more out of sight. Her coat was, after all, not like an Umbereon's.

Once the man left she took the lead again. they didn;t get caught once though they hide a total of five times, each time a guard or several passing them without seeing them at all. how ineffective a human's senses were. It was no wonder they needed Pokemon for everything!

They moved on easily, Glaceon remembering the path from the map well. Her trainer had taught her how to read them well. When they came to the door she sat patiently waiting, looking this way and that for trouble as the door was opened. She grew a little panicked as she heard someone speeding down the hall holding her tongue as she ran inside, the door shutting behind them.

The area was dark no one within and no windows to the room. She wondered if that was odd but her master made no comment as she stuffed a towel under the door while Ven went to the computer that was there and booted it up. This was so no passerbyers could notice the dim light from the other side.

This was the boring part. Glaceon sighed and stood guard by the door listened as feet ran by.

The pink kitten hurried after Ven and the others, but like glqaceon the chemicals they were using to clean the place made her dizzy and unsteady on her feet. She heard footsteps though and grew excited, thinking it might be Ven and Aqua coming back for her, only to see another man in a uniform and a bright light was shined right in her eyes. "Ski!!" She complained shaking her head.

"Come here you!" Hands reached down and grabbed her and she panicked, biting them. she heard a cry of pain and she was released. "SKIII!!" The Pokemon cried as it turned and ran, little teardrops following after her as she was chased.

[Rikugurl]

Ven sighed as he shook his head and pressed his hands on the data computers, just to guide him to the main one. When he reached it, he pulled the keys from his pocket again, finding the right one in moments and turning it. The computer booted up and a password flashed up.
"Alright..." Ven put is hands together and cracked his knuckles. Time to hack.

As his fingers were typing a mile a minute, the sense of something watching them fell upon them. The blonde glanced this way and that but ignored it... when he heard what that feeling was.
"Haunter~~~" The ghost appeared behind them, his body outlined by the light of the screen.

"Got it..." Ven grinned as some numbers started to pop up and the screen flashed, bringing them to the main controls. "Alright... let's find some Pokemon."
He typed in some more, finding keywords easy. The first he wrote down was... legendary. The likely hood of any of these trainers having a legendary was more of a joke. Even a gym leader weren't know to have any.

He sighed as the data base searched over the hundred of Pokemon types but his eyes widened when he heard a beep.
He looked at the line that the computer highlighted.
Flame Pokemon?
He clicked the link and his eyes grew even wider, feeling Aqua lean closer to see as well.

It was the picture of a Moltres... A trainer had entered it into the championship.
His eyes darkened as he looked over to see what trainer had been foolish enough to do something like that.
Axel Xipil...?
Who the hell was that!?

He clicked on the name, the page about the trainer coming up from the info it got on his Pokedex.
The page showed a very tall, hippish dress redhead with odd tattoos on his face and glasses. Apparently he was born and raised in Lavaridge Town and worked as a Pokemon rescuer until his early teens.

What really caught his eye wasn't all these facts or even the knowledge that they had found a legendary... it was a small bit of information around the bottom.
Axel was one of the winners that had found the golden Eevee coin a long time ago.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at Aqua.

That was the one thing the two Rocket members had in common. They two were one of the seven children that found a golden Eevee coin and received an Eevee with a special rock of some sort.
"This is... getting a bit weird..."

[Reno]

OOC: Guess I shouldn't decorate and rp at the same time!
Love you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I just noticed you wrote the addresses on the boxes in red and green colored pencil XD

Skitty continued to run away, yowling all the while... that was until she passed an interesting looking room that she dodged inside. She paused, her ears twitching in excitement as she saw something dangling in the dark. She hunkered down, butt wiggling in preparation before she sprung forward and locked her claws into the waving ribbon, a large grin on her face.

Unfortunately it wasn't a ribbon it was- "CHIMEEEECHOOOO!!!!"
A Chimecho's tail!

The wind chime Pokemon flew around, crying out loudly as Skitty held on for dear life. "SKIIIII!"
"What in the world?!" Cried one of the security guard as they turned on the light, revealing Skitty who had hitched a ride.
Suddenly Chimecho stopped flying around and shut it's eyes tightly, starting to glow white.
"Watch out it's gonna attack!!"
The guards started to turn and run but the Psywave hit them, Skitty, and the whole room seconds later.
"CHIIIIME!"
"WAAAAAH!"
"TTTTTTY!"


The Pokemon stealers knew nothing of the chaos happening outside as Ven started to hack in the computer and Haunter rejoined them, causing a shiver to run through Aqua. Glaceon remained unaffected because rather then feeling cold she felt slightly warmer.

Aqua shook her head as it was a stepped close, looking over Ven's shoulder as he typed in their first search. Legendary Pokemon - Pokemon known to be one-of-a-kind and rare or even those that are extinct and uncatchable like Aerodactyl. Her eyes however lighted up greedily as they actually FOUND a legendary.

She tilted her head as the trainers information came up, taking note of his name. If he caught a legendary then no doubt he'd probably win this competition. And, with a Moltres, he would be incredibly strong. They'd have to steal this one while he was battling in the competition...

Glaceon also jumped close, jumping atop the table beside the computer and looking at it curiously. She made a noise and disagreement as the fiery Pokemon came into sight, shaking her head in denial. Why did it have to be a fire Pokemon like Moltres?

More information about this trainer popped up and she shook her head even moreso. All fire Pokemon except one!

Aqua's eyes narrowed as she noticed the Vaporeon - a rather random choice seeing as he had all fire Pokemon why wouldn't he of evolved it into a Flareon?

After Ven spoke, sounding a little spooked, she took notice of why. The Eevee coin. Ah, that explained why. When the chosen ones found received their Eevees they had not been given a choice of what to evolve it into. Unlike the six others however (who got thunder, fire, water, leaf stones or a sun or moon shard) she had been given nothing but a picture of snow. She got the hint that hers was destined to be a Glaceon. Of course she was sure who ever got the Leafeon had his or her own bit of trouble, since the stone wouldn't work on his Eevee. Traveling through the correct areas to have them evolve was a bitch. Of course the lucky bastard didn't have to travel through snowy mountaintops.

"Well there ARE seven. It's not that weird to run into another." Aqua said before she reaching over and typed in a few more keywords. Golden Eevee coin.

To her shock five trainers popped up. "Okay... THATS creepy. Ah, and your brothers are here." She said, taking notice of the Jolteon and Flareon. Axel of course with his Vaporeon again showed up. Then there were two more with the Umbreon and Leafeon.

Glaceon looked at the screen curiously and her tail wagged happily, recognizing who she was looking at even though she couldn't smell them. "Gla!"

She clicked on the Leafeon curiously. "Heh, we had been standing right next to him." She noticed ironically, recognizing the man's face and his Houndoom. Terra Tellus from Sandgem Town eh? There wasn't much about his background in the computer oddly but it wasn't unheard of for trainers to program their Pokedex's to not give away any of their information. She studied his other four Pokemon quietly - Flygon, Mightyena, Rampardos and-

Aqua placed a hand over her mouth trying to contain her chuckles.

[Rikugurl]

Ven moved a side to let Aqua start typing. Her fingers weren't as fast as his, making him just want to yank it from her and ask what she was looking for. He got a bit distracted when he saw a flash outside and some people screaming down the hall... but what she said snapped him out of it.

He looked back at the screen and frowned. "Five?" Indeed. There was a Flareon, a Vaporeon, a Jolteon, a Leafeon and a Umbreon. All in which where from the Eevee coins. "Well... then there's us...." He whispered more to himself. That meant that all seven of the Eevee winners were all here, all at the same time.

What were the chances...?

He blinked as the screen was pulled to another folder and glanced at Aqua before back at the screen. That was right, her Eevee had to be under a certain condition for it to turn into an Glaceon. His Eevee had special instruction too... but it was much easier. All he had to do was level her up during the day.
She was seeing what the other Trainer looked like who had to level his Eevee in a forest.

Much warmer he expected.

When he saw the list of Pokemon that Trainer had, he couldn't help but laugh as well.
"This Terra guy has a Torterra!? Talk about lame." He grinned before tilting his head. "I bet boss would like a Pokemon like that... especially since this one seemed to be bigger than average." He took the keyboard from his partner and went back to the page showing the five trainers. He clicked on the profile who held the Umbreon, seeing what this one was like.


"Ugh...." A guard opened his eyes as he looked up, seeing the other one on top of him. "What....happened?"

"SkiiiiiiiIIIIIiiiiiiii~~~~" A pink kitten fell on the floor and bounced a bit before getting up and wobbling all over the place. She fell over again before shaking her head and looking around. HEY! It was quiet again! She quickly ran to the door and jumped.
"OOF!"
"OUCH!"
The guards complained as the kitten used their faces as stepping stones to get out into the hallway once more.

When she got into the hallway, she looked this way and that before sighing. "Skiii....." She had lost them again.


"Gethin Thorn? That's a really odd name." Ventus looked at the profile... Even odder was that even on this Trainer's picture, the hood was still over his head. What a shady guy. "We'll have to check him out too... just to see what his story is. Hopefully he's not some stupid goth kid." It would make sense though, seeing that he had the Umbreon.

[Reno]

Of course having an Umbereon didn't seem to matter much. The choice of what Eevee they got wasn't there own. Personally she would of taken a Vaporeon - much less work and cold plus it had the advantage of hiding in water.

But no she had to get stuck with frosty. Who made her travel for DAYS in the snowy mountain tops just to get her to evolve. It crossed her mind once or twice to boot the Eevee out of her life and just go STEAL a Glaceon somewhere. Hers could go and die for all she cared. They were just animals.

After all the Team Rocket oath that she and every other member had to swear into was 'Steal Pokémon for profit. Exploit Pokémon for profit. All Pokémon exist for the glory of Team Rocket'

"Tch, well we'll keep an eye on him, see how far he gets. If he can't even pass prelim, he's not worth out time." Aqua scoffed. She glanced back, not hearing much of anything anymore - which could be a good sign or a bad one. They had to hurry. "Keep looking." She ordered.