lake bluetone +

[sora]

dere u get my weaboo music :333333333333

BECAUSE I DECLARED 2 AMU THAT ID ACTUALLY MAKE A PLOT FOR PMD SINCE MY BRAIN DIED FOR E958408386833 YEARS

HOWDY DOO I LUV U - -+

DA I DO.

Alright-- beyond matters of that !
Let's get this whole thing started, and finish it before I lose my attention on this thing.
First thing's first-- you wanna' know what roleplay this is, what it's about, everything that's included in this whole entire thread?
We're here to roleplay-- and that's a fact !
This roleplay will have a Plot included, and I expect every single particapant to follow it thoroughly, and not make their little changes in it along the way so it's all about them.
I don't find it fair.
Do you?
I'd hope not.
I'll be very strict about this rule-- just because I'm not the type to blow up on someone doesn't mean I won't.
But 'ay, don't worry !
I'm sure you'll all do fantastic with this thing.
Try not to disappoint me.


ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT.
i'm going to drop the overly literate act - - if you try to hard, that'll be the thing that'll piss me off. just do your best - - and don't worry about what anyone else thinks !

this roleplay isn't that serious anyhow !
we're just here to have fun, brush up on our skills, an' stuff like that ! and not to mention allow me to test my plot making skills once again ! 8O|

THEREFORE. . . . .. ....

[glow=red,2,300]I HAVE FAITH IN EVERY ROLEPLAYER HERE--[/glow]
they're all fantastic, i've seen them in action before! really !

Enough of that shameless talk-- let's start it off with the long list of rules ! I'm sure you can endure them-- you've heard them multiple times before. After all, it's just common sense !

RULES;;


#1;; I will not allow any form of Power Playing, or God Moding. It's sick-- unfair, and it does not make me pleased at all.

#2;; If we're talking Out of Character here, I'd like to inform each and every one of you to have the use of 'Ooc', or at least some form of it.
Although I personally do not see the use for it-- especially since we have the use of the xat. However, it's not breaking the rules to use it here-- it's just not all too essential.


#3;; None of your characters are the main stars of the show.
In other words, it's not all about you.
Keep that in mind, thanks.



#4;; Love Interests, and moments will be allowed in this roleplay-- I actually look forward to it, ya' know?
However, if it's one-sided.. Don't force it on the other poor character, come on. It's just not right.. ):


#5;; I'm not allowing any Chatspeak whatsoever.
It's annoying.
It makes me pissed.
End of story.

#6;; Follow the Plot-line, main idea of the story-- you get my drift, right?

#7;; Try not to copy another person's Pokemon Party, it'll get pretty confusing if both of your Pokemon are the same species, and have the same nickname, or no nickname at all.
Especially in battle-- then we'd be in big trouble, huh?

#8;; I don't mind cussing at all, really. I'm pretty used to it because my Mother has a bad mouth. :$
So, as long as it doesn't offend others, you are welcome to do as you please.

#9;; If I see any post in here reduced to nonsense, that has the usage of emoticons such as ":3" or "" in them, I'll instantly delete them.
It's nonsense.
This roleplay is meant to be taken seriously- and I mean it.

#10;; I'd really appreciate it if every roleplayer would post on time, so I won't have to remove anyone.. :<

#11;; I'd like at least all of your posts to be somewhere around at least one paragraph long-- or longer. I'd prefer longer, but I understand if your attention span is being retarded.

#12;; Have any questions?
Just ask either myself, or send a Private Message on the forum, or simply pop the question up at the xat.


These rules are just common sense-- keep it together, and use your brains. I'd like to see this roleplay flow out thoroughly. And I'm afraid that won't happen if everyone isn't having fun, or using their minds correctly. Try your best-- I'm sure you'll do fine!

The Folklore;;





'gather 'round. gather all 'round, children, so you all may hear.' the voice was old, raspy, though i didn't seem to mind. i was truly intent on discovering what sort of tale the elder of my kingdom was so persistant on telling to my friends and i. my friends had thought it was simply another ramble, but after a large amount of persistance, and loss of a few special items i'd found not too far from home in our usual play place, i'd finally convinced them to come.

just as the elder had said, we had all gathered around out before her - - childish eyes glittering with curiousity. 'hey, cut it out !' i heard one of my friends bickering amongst one another, and i sighed in disapproval, shaking my head solemnly at their actions in front of the most respected pokemon in the empire.

they didn't seem to hear me - - not that i entirely thought that they would. displeased, i found myself pouting rather childishly - - even for my own age.

their bickering had eventually died down, and i found myself beginning to relax, a satisfied expression crossing my features, as i glanced up to see the elder's darkened eyes glancing down at me - - the massive length of white hair cascaded down his shoulders, and slowly, his gaping jaws began to move.

i shifted in my seated position, ears perked at full attention, as a tale that i would never forget in my lifetime began to be told . . .



- - +



'- -this was a time before rescue teams were even invented - - or so much as needed.

This was a time before helpers and these groups you children call rescuers, had even existed - - let alone needed. Sit back and stay still - - no, Flower, this is not a tale of true love, though it does contain something of the sort.

Oh ?

Jag, you may be correct when predicting this tale is about an endless battle. Don't look so smug, Grit - - and cease your foolish games of batting at my leaves !

They are very sensitive-- and before I tell this tall tale that even one such as I had believed in as a child, I expect you all to remain silent.

Good.

I have questions for you young guardians - - and Sliver ! - - don't think I'm not watching ! Now is not the right time to teach Rend what a tomato berry is - - put it down - - very good.

You'd best stop what you're doing as well, Mottle. It's not a time to show how sharp the nettles are in this season, either.

Enough is enough.
One more word out of you, and not a word more shall leave my lips !

What was that, Sharptooth ?

Nothing ?

Oh, well, that's just fine. Glad you finally decided to pay attention.

Hm, yes, well . . where was I . . .

Questions ?

Quite right.

To protect our home, our kin, our kind, as well as friends, what do we need deep inside all of our hearts first ?

That's right, Flower. Courage.

It turns our dreams into reality.

Strength is a good answer as well, Jag.

And Sharptooth is also right when he says we must all have the power in numbers.

It certainly would be best if we could avoid a battle uninjured.

Don't be a fool, Grit !

Not every trespasser is an intruder.

They might need help - - or could be simply passing through.

That's right, Rend - - it means they are in a pitiful position - - and we, the owners of this territory have the upper hand.

They are in our lands - - lands we know by the back of our paws - - or, well, anything else.

Since they are in our territory, we may do with them as we please.

You are correct, too, Sliver.

Not all trespassers are so friendly - - they can be extremely hostile as well.

If so, you are more than welcome to return the gesture - - and no, we do not attack unless - - yes, very good Flower.

We do not attack unless the intruder makes the first move, or does not give a reasonable explanation as to why he should be on our lands.

Why?

These, too, are tough times, even tougher.

But with you lot, we'll be sure to manage.

hush up now - - it is now that while the moon is fullest, and the night is still young, to look to the skies - -

and let the stars tell you a secret mistake that must never be made again.




Endless valleys of barren lands, containting a wide variety of scrabbled and roughly cracked dried earth. Beneath the rocky soil, there was no water - - not a single drop of wet substance had been hidden underneath the mass of dirt. Though if it were possible, far down below the multitude of parched soil, perhaps the drenching liquid could be found. Countless claws attempted a possible find - - though none, bulky orweak, could reach the much needed life source being drained gradually from their very paws.

Lone footsteps continued through the seemingly endless sea of moist grass.

A pair of sightless red eyes stared blankly into the heaving mass of blotched darkness. The pair of blank orbs merely glowed like a fire lamp in the never endless land of shadows-- the army of darkness rising even higher and higher, consuming the owner of those deep, dank pairs of eyes.

Through the shrouded mist, the hushed footsteps became quicker -- rushed, panicked, as they plodded faster through the thick mud. The faster the movements became, the clearer and more obvious conclusion came to rise. Sightless eyes fluttered to a suspicious close -- the dull red shine which gave glow to the darkness had suddenly been hidden behind protective eyelids. Footsteps became swifter - - more agile, as if they had known the pathway through the monstorous mist by heart.

They did.

Unstable rocks seemed to crack away as each pawstep was eerily soft and well thought out - - placed with a timid movement each time. Similar pieces of rotting earth were seen being kicked up like a cloud of dust. Invisible particles of dirt surrounded the ghostly creature, who looked as if it had melted out of the very darkness itself. His blank unreadable eyes had only been placed forward, planned pawsteps ceasing their deadly echo.

"Airi," the sightless creature's voice rasped, as if it had not spoken in centuries.

"You're late," a light voice murmured - - the tone a silky smooth, yet laced with overflowing worry.

Mist gradually cleared -- the gray air slowly evaporating from sight - - and the trees gave an ominous sway, the harsh wind nearly ripping them from their roots. "Forgive me," blank red orbs shot open in an instant - - though the pupils had not connected in the direction as to where the voice had come from - - they had simply stared ahead without any realization. "Someone tried to follow me."

Pale blue eyes widened with a twinge of - - was it, fright ? "Surely you weren't caught ? "

A chuckle.

"No - - you know they can't find their way through this mist."

A malicious wave of air ruffled the ominous forest - - the tallest of the greenery's leaves rustling with spitting defiance. Pale, misguided moonlight poured through the canopy. Any last traces of the previous bundles of fog had been lessened to the slightest shower of warm mist. From the sudden disappearance of the shrouded veil of mist -- and arrival of the pale circular moon, its' heavenly gloom turning the moist greenery into a magical shade of blue.

"I'd suppose you'd be right. . ." the voice spoke with a shivered stutter - - those icy blue eyes darting round about in peril.

"You must calm- - no one else is here but us."
Despite its' size, the slender blue fox stood proud, its' long slender legs stretched out-- excercizing the tightened muscles as he stood for a moment of silence, and rest. Legs and torso colored an absolute blackened darkness, the rest of the being's furry body covered in a light blue mass of fur. A tail had grown out from behind the lean muscled creature', its' long slender arms had rounded bumps on each individual one-- proving to be the beginning of the spikes of its' evolution. A black mask of fur covered the Emanation Pokemon's unusual dull red eyes.

"I'm glad you're here. . ."
Round fingerless hands clutched a dull yellow coat -- the unusual designs and shapes on the back of the cloak blurred by the shallow mist. Un-balanced footsteps moved forward, shaking with caution and fear, despite the welcoming words.The cloak had seemed to shadow the creature's entire body aside for its' face, feet, and hands - - where the bright blue eyes glittered with relief as well as shaken awareness.

"I am.. also glad." those red eyes closed, and the emination pokemon foot a few footsteps toward the shorter creature - - its' longer paw grabbing hold of the small round one, and tugged forward with a gentle movement. "We are here for a reason - - so nothing else may tear us apart any longer."

Blue eyes that lacked pupils simply stared with newfound faith and trust. "I made this desicion long before I made it through the mist with the amulet. I am ready," the small voice no longer shook -- it had a newfound burst of strength bristling with a sure attitude.

A hint of a smile made its' way onto the blue fox's muzzle.

"Then come,"
Precautioned footsteps padded through the softened earth - - its' moisture threatening to stick to their pads - - but neither paid any attention. This trek into the forbidden mist would hopefully be their last - - if all had went according to plan.

"There it is," the cloaked creature murmured with wide beady eyes - - shining with a glint despite the pale mist.

Red eyes flashed open -- they darted to the skies, despite having them completely locating a certain spot - - they stared on blankly, without a guessed thought. "Then we must hurry - - while the moon is full, before we run out of time."

"This is our only chance," he'd added grimly, cautious steps turned into a quickened pace, though still slow with uncertainty.

"Our last chance," the smaller beside the lean creature finished, shuffling so the cloak lowered to cover her dull eyes.

As the pair walked on through the eerie glow -- bushes rustled, ferns swished -- every movement of the forest was enough to make either of the two jump with surprise. Yet if they'd paused to glance around, even for the slightest moment, nothing would be there. They'd tried dozens of times - - but neither had gotten used to the malicious aura that resided there.

The trees had begun to space out - - though only slightly - - it had thus created enough room for the pair to walk without tripping over roots that were thought to have appeared by the tree's on whim of intending disaster. Whenever the winds shook, the trees shook with it - - the entire forest gave a long sway, as if a mournful sigh engulfed the shrouded mass of greenery. When the soil beneath their feet breathed - - the trees did as well. With every turn, it felt as if malicious beady eyes had been watching ever footstep - - every movement the pair happened to make.

Thoughts of the fog shrouded forest of being posessed was a mere tale - - a tale that was told to all the youngest back at home. The thought soothed most - - yet it wouldn't, once they had set foot inside the merciless maze and faced its' gray jaws themselves, with their own body and mind.

Hushed whispers of the forest had suddenly creaked to a sickening stop - - the silence was unnerving. All the predatory eyes had vanished within a blink of an eye - - the weary sighs had ceased their groaning, and the raspy breathing had yeilded their moaning.

As if bowing, the trees had parted without a sound - - their roots had curled back, the shrubs and ferns had all slithered out of the clearing as if they were a serpant. A faint poisonous glow came from a single sitting structure of torn wood - - its' bark beginning to rot with mold, as moss covered its' entire form from all sides. The wooden structure looked as if it would collapse any moment - - weary with exhaustion of carrying itself through years of being hidden within the heart of the dark forest - - several scratches and cracks had made its' form look old and torn.

Vegitation by now had formed a clearing - - all curled respectively as the shrine gave a faint venomous glow.

No moonlight had poured in through the dark skies - - although the canopy was open - - only the faint glow of an awaiting presense.

"We're here," the taller breathed - - as for this time, the canopy had not swayed in response, it had not breathed in response, and it had not sighed in response.

"We're here," the female murmured, clutching the cloak tighter to her small form - - shivers racking her body.

Soft footsteps moved forward, then paused.

"You stay here -- this part, I must do alone."

A single paw raised within the misty air - - the fur damp with the wet environment. With long sturdy limbs, the blue creature stood only but a few feet away from the decaying shrine - - its' right paw held firmly out, and an airy glow began to form straight from its' hands. Within a few seconds, a swirling vortex of fierce air had been formed - - the wind caused the thick vegitation to tremple in its' wake -- even the owner of the wondorous light appeared almost blown back, though the red eyed creature made no move to turn and leave.

"... release."




The winds picked up, millions upon millions of flying puffs had scattered across the air - - their light feathery substance beginning to form as one, as dozens at a time whipped around the feline's pale complexion. More whipped directly around the decaying wood - - shielding its' identity to all in a vortex of raging wind.

The air whistled with a high pitched wail.

As quick as the flash had came, it had soon vanished, the ominous blizzard disappearing with it. Dull, eerie violet eyes gave a luminous glow - - and a thin smile appeared on a pale face, the entire image melting in with the wafting gray mist. The shrine's form suddenly vanished as a pale fog of white shielded its' structure, vanishing from sight, and only leaving a gray form sitting amongst the withering trees.

Ears flickered and swirved sensably among the shadowed greenery shrouded in rising mist -- a sinister purr sounded throughout the feline's throat, as its' glittering yellow eyes narrowed even farther into slits. Coniving as ever, the beast paused - - lifting its' narrowed head, as the jewel within the middle of its' forehead swirled with poisonous meaning.

"You seem rather shaken," guarded amber eyes held a malicious tint, despite the darkened glint in them.

The cloaked figure had cowered behind the taller - - shaking now turning into a vigorous affair.

"I have brought you out by the aura's power for one reason only," the fix creature's voice had not wavered - - his tone sounding guarded as the malicious feline's.

"So you say," the massive feline flicked its' tail - - the simple gesture made the greenery behind it suddenly fall back with a pitiful woosh.

"You will do as I say, and as to how I command it." the lithe creature paused for a moment. "Is that clear ?"

Sinister eyes flashed with fury for the shortest moment - - before they had narrowed into plotting slits once more, tail weaving through the thick air, acting like a serpant. "What do I get out of your little plan, prince ?"

Startled, the blue fox took a step back.

"Dare I trust such an ignorant soul ? So fooled, by the emotion called love," a smooth purr left the feline's throat, and cold eyes glanced at the pair. "Oh, but I'd suppose I have no choice ?"

If possible, those amber eyes narrowed even farther.

"I must listen to your command, is that what you're saying, master ?" the great feline's taunting purrs had ceased, and the large ghastly creature had stood to its' great paws - - long claws sliding out from each one, clawing the ground beneath it with an agonizing slice.

"Stop !" another swirling ball of light had appeared -- the previous fierce winds had reappeared, though the lithe creature stood with a shaken form - - its' guarded expression beginning to falter.

"Oh, yes," came a hiss, and the pressure had vanished within the second - - the pale gray form sitting rather innocently from its' far side of the clearing, whiskers twitching with mockery. "It would please master, would it not ?"

The Emination Pokemon's hind feet clawed at the loose soil.

"I mean it," he'd found his voice again, this time hardened with manageable venom - - though his true fear was for the one shivering uncontrollably behind him.

Her safety was his top priority.

"Why, most certainly,"
The snickering feline sneered as he - -


-- flicked his tail, and vanished.

What did I say about interrupting, Sharptooth ?

Yes, I'd suppose you would be curious to see what had happened after the appearance of the shrine's prisoner.

But that will have to wait.

No whining, Crag !
It is late - - and I am sure all of your mother's will be searching for you. It is already past your bedtime.

Yes, even an old fool such as me can guess when you are lying, Sliver !

Now run along - - this old fighter has to catch a bit of shut-eye.

And don't let me catch you pawing at my leaves again !



The Rescue Teams;;

team M Y S T E R Y ! + sonix, rasuke, kuroku, copper, /meikyuu, koh, kagomi/

team S W E E T ! +


The Shadows;;



hitoshi the forbidden feline ! +

dagger and javelin, the tyrading duo ! + /color]




Plot-Line;;


- -
- - . . . .
Everything has a purpose - - a strong stature, a strong gain. A strong intention - - giving up into a new sort of life, bubbling up from deep within and sending your soul afloat.

Though in the past, a very grave mistake had been made -- two faces off the earth that never should have met, never should have bonded with one another, and never should have fallen in love.

Love.

That emotion alone had caused their very downfall - - to be eventually found out and sent to the gallows by their own treachery.

That forbidden pair were from opposite families - - warring against each other, due to endless hatred and fighting by pride.

Though somehow, the leader's daughter, a young Snorunt had met up with the rivaling leader's son - - a Riolu, surprisingly blind.

The pair had seemed to wish to stop the fighting - - though they hadn't a clue. There had been rumors of the Forbidden Forest holding a very special shrine - - there was a secret as to why mist had covered its' territory.

And the pair had set out each night, as often as they could, to find the best route towards the very shrine, hoping to use the sacred power to stop the fighting.

Though they were wrong.
Dead wrong.

They had been met by a malicious aura - - wrapping and curling at their necks, choking them with venomous abandon.

Before their eyes, the most unusual Persian had appeared - - tail curled neatly around its' paws, though its' golden eyes held an ominous glow.

The power of aura holds a secret like never before.

The Beginning Setting;;

Our saviors begin the very start of their journey in the ever ready bustling town of Pokemon Square. From Kangaskhan storage, to the Kecleon shop - - the possibilities were endless. Whether parties of team members are stalking up with items for their up-coming adventures, or simply chatting about the latest gossip engulfing the every ready rumor spreading city, it hadn't mattered. Even the smallest thing could be made as head lining news - - and as a single letter had been effortlessly dropped from the skies, a gathering group of town goers huddling around the jagged slice of paper, eyes round with curiosity and surprise.

Just what could it have read ?

Lake Bluetone;;

Lake Bluetone.
Its' territorry consisting of endless stretches of heavily shaded trees - - laden with the scent of vegitation, fuzzy light green plants shooting out of what little uncovered dirt that had been left - - new life rising out of the moist earth littered with heavenly dew. With the new season and the upcoming of spring - - plants have already begun to spring to life, from the tallest tree to the shortest blade of grass. The number of numerous bark's ringed base rounded with age as if plant life had been thriving for years - - and for many more to come, with younger plant life to uprise within their footsteps.

As for plant life - - as you may have guessed, that can be seen everywhere. There is not an inch of uncovered ground that does not have the smallest bit of lush greenery to cover its' moist soil, relying on the canopy from above to keep it shaded for centuries.

Due to damp conditions, Lake Bluetone is often known to be shrouded in a thin mist - - becoming thick only during the worst of weather that could be brought from the northern winds.

Lake Bluetone had recieved its' name due to the fact that upon every clear full moon - - the lake filling the spacious trench of the bottom to the very brim. Malicious lights from the midnight skies begin to form - - and as if it were the moon's will of this happening, its' heavenly light bores down into the lake's dank depths, turning it a miraculous blue.

There had been several reportings of travelers getting injured if heading out alone, weak or defenceless - - but with our heroes setting out on their mission without a second thought aside for saving the town back at home, not a soul had warned them.

They would simply have to rely on wits alone - - though a strange sense of forboding devours the villagers living nearby - - told to be friendly, though driven paranoid by - - + and some even driven mad. . .

Other Areas in Lake Bluetone||

Forbidden Lake -- known as the forbidden lake due to the monstorous disasters that happens to any pokemon who sets foot within its' perimeter. If lucky enough - - if possible to reach the center, most would only meet a bedraggled shrine, covered in dead and cracking vines -- the wooden structer rigged on all of its' edges, and the plaque set below's letters clawed off. Upon glancing up, a towering tree stands behind the decaying shrine - - the base larger than a Snorlax, and reaching higher than the Sky Pokemon's full length. A deep fog delays perfect sight to any pokemon who dare enter -- not even the sharpest sight can see through such thick gray mass.

Only one of the villagers has lived to see another day from returning from that misguided lake - -

The village fool.

Village Inn --Village Inn -- the resting place for all travelers simply passing through - - or intending to investigate to what the villagers believe, their certain doom. Though most investigators had gone missing, some have managed to return, and have stories of their own to tell.

Village Fields -- pathways leading to several places within the area of Lake Bluetone - - pinched in wooden signs tell adventurers in which direction they would be heading in if they had taken a certain turn.

[sora]

A cool wind ruffled the uneven blades of grass softly - - the thin slices of vegitation curling and uncurling as the unseen force softly brushed against its' stems. The sheer forest green of the terrain had ended when a wavy pattern of large pebbles had been laid out leading in that of a straight line - - the gray rocks shoved deep into the dust of the grassy ground beneath its' weight. With each pebble pattern, came another, and another - - until eyes could meet a particularly bright yellow building - - its' stature round, with a pair of spiked ears at each side, the tips touched black with elegant dabs of paint. Just a few feet below the 'ears' had come the windows, pieces of wood being bound together and forming somewhat of a plus sign in the middle of it. If those had stood for the 'eyes', the perhaps the sleek red door in the middle had stood for the 'mouth'.

"For the last time ! Get off !"

The red door was flung wide open - - the front of it slamming against the house with a loud thwack. A round object had been kicked right out of the building's depths - - the brown shell landing with a splash inside a nearby small pond.

A round light blue head popped up. "Haha ! Hey, that was refreshing ! Do it again, Koh !"

'Koh' stood bristling at the structure's entrance, his great yellow tail fluffed out and lashing with fury. His ears flattened near the sides of his skull, and glaring red eyes flashed in response. "No !"

"Aww, why not ? Lame ~ !" the turtle pocket monster hummed with a lopsided grin, effortlessly swimming around the puddle on its' back with hands resting behind its' neck.

"Because you're nothing but a lazy child !" Koh spat, ( "but I'm havin' fun !" the squirtle defended ) and Rune could've sworn he was hissing.

"Not again," with a sigh, a lithe blue body slowly shuffled its' way out of the pikachu shaped base, elegant tail swaying slowly behind it. A white webbed crown was fit around the water pocket monster's neck - - as if suited for a kind, and gentle dark blue eyes gave a slow blink. "You two need to stop arguing - - we need all the help we can get for preparing for what is to come this evening."

"The townsfolk can do it themselves," the flareon grumbled, ears pricking up slightly as the newcomer joined him. "I don't even know why they asked us, we still haven't gotten much done."

" 'Sides, there's plenty other teams pitching in ! They don't exactly need ours~ ," humming, Rune blew a few bubbles flat in Koh's face, who's lips curled back into a snarl.

"Yes, but they need every team if we want to have the festival ready by tonight," shaking his head, the vaporeon slipped back into the base, tail swaying behind him as he leapt. After a few moments, he poked his head right back out. "Besides, Sonix offered."

"Of course he did, the stupid - - "

"Oh, Sonix ! Such a saint ! How I would love to be just like him ~ !" posing dramatically, Rune leaned his head back, right arm behind him as if he were posing for a dance picture, doing the tango with a pebble.

Oh yes, it would make top news in the Square.

"Keh ! 'Saint', yeah, right." with a huff, Copper stumbled out of the base, arms gripping several berries of different kinds, snorting as Meikyuu followed behind him with a bundle gripped gently in his mouth. "He's making us seem like a charity." with a scowl, the buizel roughly shoved past Koh ( who leapt back with a hiss, which Copper obviously ignored ) and trudged down the pathway leading towards the Town Square.

"Please get back to work," Meikyuu murmured through the mouthfull of cloth, padding swiftly past them and hurrying to catch up to his rival.

"You got is boss !" Rune blurted with his head half submerged in water, voice sounding muffled.

Meikyuu flicked his tail in his last reply.

"Where is he anyway?" Koh mumbled, watching the vaporeon take his leave. Red eyes narrowed, before the flareon stood up to his full height ( which wasn't much, but Koh was in denial ), giving his fluffed out pelt a rough shake, his dutiful frown returning where it belonged. "Did he sleep in or something ?"

"Sleep in ? HAH ! Sonix can't sleep in even if it were the quietest night in town !" obviously finding this funny, the tiny turtle creature let out a bellowing laugh, dunking himself underwater as bubbles flew to the surface.

"Hey, guys !"

The remaining team members instantly jerked their heads up -- eyes widening to their largest extent as they slowly followed in the direction of the voice. Koh's ears twitched ever so slightly at the sound of shuffling from inside the pikachu shaped base - - as if items and such were being tossed aside or even thrown about carelessly. After a few more moments of peculiar silence, bright blue eyes blinked out of the damp darkness. "Just a minute," a voice murmured, the sound almost being drowned out by the other noises shifting around.

"What is he doing? . ." Koh dared to ask, standing cautiously by the pond, where a nearby Rune had popped his head back up again and was also peering curiously after the rescue team's base.

"'Dunno !" the squirtle laughed, soon cut off by footsteps padding out of the base.

Smiling blue eyes glistened back at the pair - - the yellow fur brightened to an even lighter extent due to the sun's flaring rays. A pair of pointed ears twitched slightly - - the tips a unique black tip with a curve. Just behind the bright furred creature were two brown curved stripes - - one bigger than the other, where as just a few inches below a jagged shaped tail shot out, never wavering in the slightest. As blue and clear as the sky, a ruffled neckerchief was tied loosely around the rodent's neck - - a knot made in the back, followed by the tips left. With a brown strap hung over the electrical being's shoulder, the brown bag hanging almost perfectly to the creature's sides, those very bright blue eyes glanced up, holding leadership and determination within them. "Come on ! I think we've got everything we've needed to help !"

With a wave of his tail, the pokemon which was known as pikachu pricked his ears as a motion to follow -- and he was off dashing in the two teammembers from earlier's footsteps, calling over his shoulder with a voice that seemed excited; "Hurry up ! We can't be late !"

"Here, you two."

Both turtle and fire fox jumped.

Pure white fur gave off a yellow tint in the sun - - those three individual long red tufts of hair swayed slightly with movement as the creature's ears were perked evenly. Long red paws gripped two bundles in each clawhold - - each held out to both of the pokemon straddling behind. "Since you lazy idiots didn't want to help with the berries, you can help with the stands."

"Who died and made you leader ?" the flareon groaned, his yellow tail whipped out to reach for the bundle of wood and other materials before he gruffly padded past with a forceful trudge, ears angling in the direction where their leader ran off in.

"It was an order straight from the leader !" bright ruby eyes glittered with amusement, watching the tempermental teammate dash off with a huff.

"Huh. Well, whaddya know, Dash . . " Rune murmured, slowly pulling himself out of the pool, small rivers of clear water sliding down his body.

"Hm ?" the zangoose tilted his head, piercing red eyes glowing with question.

"He's been getting more into being leader day by day. Remember when we first started ?"

Dash held back a snicker, allowing a slow chuckle to escape him.

"He didn't know what to do."

The pair glanced at each other - - their eyes glazed over with memories of the past.

"And that's Sonix for ya'." the squirtle finished with a sigh, hands grasping his own bundle with a returning smile.

"Hey ! You guys coming, or what ?"

Sonix had paused and peered back after them in question - - and both Dash and Rune could have sworn their leader had looked almost impatient.

"We should've just left them behind. ." none other than Koh had grumbled from his leader's side, the frown on his face told it all.

"We're comin', we're comin !" with a laugh, Rune ran ( more like waddled ) on unsteady legs to join them, leaving Dash to slowly walk over with a mistified grin.

If this wasn't Team Mystery, then he didn't know what it was.

[aoba]

Silence.

It was that, that surrounded the area, the trees stood still with their tall stature, their leaves that covered their own branches rumbled with the slight tickle of the wind.
And in that very area of trees, was a swirling pathway, paved with tiny rocks, that would lead you into a territory that was claimed. In fact, many rescue and exploration teams had what were called their 'Rescue Bases', and were made to resemble the leader.

There was one that particularly stood out, the building painted all pink. 'Ears' stood at each side, triangular shaped, or to be more precise, feline-like ears, with the inside colored purple.
Windows had been placed just below the painted slanted 'eyes', as the beige coloring somewhat resembled a crescent moon on its pink face. A door, which stood for the 'mouth', slightly creaked open, a tail stuck out, waving around.

A long, lithe feline figure slowly backed up from the door, seeming to hold a basket of berries in her mouth, until finally setting down the basket on the soft grass. The soft cream colored fine hairs had slightly ruffled from the wind that blew roughly, purple ears slightly flickered through the yelling that seemed to be coming from somewhere, the tail that had another purple tuft of fur. The purple ruffle that was around her neck seemed to show that the Prim Pokemon was quite regal, although another rather thin red scarf was wrapped around her neck.

Brown tinted eyes could only narrow, suddenly recognizing the noise that was happening, but she could only sigh as she had her own problems to handle.

" Miss Amura ? ", the delcatty had called out.

No response.

"A-Ah, Miss Amura, I require that you may please hurry up, so we may rendez-vous with the other teams ! ", the delcatty repeated, with her accented voice echoing the rescue team base.

" Yeah, yeah. Keep your scarf on, keh. . ." Amura roughly kicked the door with her free foot, carrying a bundle of assorted decorations, some hanging on her split tails.
The buizel struggled to keep her balance with the items, grumbling as she fussed over several items that seemed to fall off already. Amura poked her head to the side, facing the delcatty.

" Sooo, I'm just supposed to take this to the Square then, Kitty ? " the weasel pokemon questioned, as if it weren't obvious enough.

'Kitty' had nodded and seemed to form a smile on her lips, a rather gentle one, which was one of her charismatic features. " Oui, you may continue to go ahead, Miss Amura, and please help Spark as well. The rest shall catch up ~."

The buizel had snorted in response, probably embarrassed by Kitty's polite addressing, as she continued down the path to the square. As Amura had made her leave, the delcatty seemed to suddenly give a panic attack.

Two members were missing !

Two members !

She gulped as she pondered where as they could be, as she paced back and forth in front of the base.
As the leader, she constantly panicked whenever one of the members had made their disappearance (except for one certain team member that she had known very well to disappear).
She stared down at the remaining basket of berries, which was probably the last of their supplies for the festival after she, Amura, and another member had finally finished in sending them back and forth.

" Ah ~, why is the life of a leader so hard. . .", the accented voice wavered through the air, before a shriek of terror cut through it.
Through instinct, the delcatty whipped her head around, pointed her ears in the direction of the shriek that was heard.

It was coming from the forest nearby !

'What is going on ?, the mental thought wavered in her head as she zipped through the forest, hearing another one that was completely different from the other. All she could think of was the pokemon in trouble- - And that's when she crashed into another figure.

And it was hard.

" Ow ~! ", a pitiful mewl came out from the lithe feline as she shook her head from the pounding pain that remained. It. . . Was another pokemon ?

The face on it was kind and inviting for sure, but it was the jaws that was attached to its head that Kitty was frequently avoiding.
The pokemon (which were known as Mawile), didn't seem to be concerned about Kitty at all, as her attention was directed up at the tree.

" Oh, there you are Kitty ! Look at what those annoying pokemon are doing again ! ", the Mawile's voice tightened, seeming angered. The leader seemed slightly dazed, staring at the Mawile for a while, before looking up at the tree.

" I-I don't see anything- - Wait, hold on a moment !! ", the voice had turned into surprise at the last moment as soon as she realized what was happening.

On the branches, two recognizable pokemon were seen standing on it, and- - jumping ? !

One seemed rather shorter than the other, the flaming tail flicked to each side as it jumped. The pokemon resembled a monkey, with red and blue markings on its face, as a white ruffle of fur stuck out on its neck. Golden rings were on its arms as well, as it carried a familiar yellow 'item'. The Monferno gave a goofy grin, as she swung her tail around.

"Aw, what's the matter, Lila ? You don't like heights ? ", the Playful Pokemon swung the yellow 'item' on her back, causing yet another shriek.
A yellow mouse-like pokemon clinged to it for dear life, completely freaking out at the height they were. Red ribbons were tied on the base of the pikachu's ears, as a red neckerchief was tied around her neck. Wide, green eyes were filled with complete terror as she clung to the Monferno's back.

" Kiku ! This isn't funny, put me down ! ", shudders racked through the mouse pokemon's body, as 'Kiku' continued to laugh.

" Oh, nonsense ~! You need a little fun, Lila ~!", the Playful Pokemon had jumped to another branch, causing the Pikachu to have another panic attack.

" You still want me to put you down ? ", Kiku had asked, a glint full of malice in her green eyes, only intent on making the Pikachu full of terror. " Nuh- - No. . .", Lila responded, fear in her voice.
" Good ! 'Cause we're just getting started, right Alto ~? ! "

" Right, dear Kiku ! These members are always so boring ~! " A lithe graceful figure, although seeming less bouncier than Kiku, had the same malicious gleam in his own eyes as well.
The pokemon moved as if he were dancing on the branches though, seeming to be like an exotic dancer.
He held a familiar blue pokemon on his own, as it panicked more than Lila had. The pokemon resembled a blue penguin, known to be a proud species, however this certain Piplup was known to be courteous, and nervous.

" A-Ahh, please let me d-down ! ", the Penguin Pokemon had begged, clinging to the Medicham in twice the fear Lila had. The Medicham had a flirtatious look on his face, seeming to be more assuring to the Piplup than Kiku had to Lila.

" Oh, don't worry, Sweetheart ~, I won't drop you. . . As long you don't a fuss like that little spunky pikachu there ~."

" Spunky ? ! ", said Pikachu yelled out in response, still clinging on to the fur as Kiku stood completely still for a moment.

The Piplup, known as Mizune, had sniffed, not seeming to realize how much the Medicham was just as dangerous as Kiku was energetic.

Kiku suddenly jumped back to the branch the Medicham was, the extra weight on it made it creak and lower, causing both of the shorter pokemon to panic, while the taller ones acted as if they stood on ordinary land.

" Look Alto ! Lady Rika and Miss Kitty decided to join us ~! ", the Monferno loudly declared, waving to the two rather irritated pokemon down, while Alto had winked flirtatiously at the two.

" Why hello, dear ladies ~. Might I say, you two look rather ravishing today ~."

" Shut it, and bring back Mizune and Lila ! ", the Mawile snarled in response.

" Ah~, Lady Rika's spunk is just as cute as always ~! ", the Medicham swooned, causing the Piplup to chirp in fear, and the Mawile to lose more patience.

" Kiku, please put Lila and Mizune down at this moment, oui ? " Kitty had pleaded, hiding her deep irritation for the Monferno. " Noooo ~, not until me and Lila stop playing ~! "

" I want this playdate to stop already though. . .", a hopeless sigh came from the pikachu, resting her chin on the Monferno's shoulder.

Kitty suddenly plopped to the ground in exhaustion, already worn out, and it wasn't even the afternoon yet.

'Why are these circus pokemon so bothersome. . .' she would hopelessly sigh mentally.

[sora]

The group of mis matched types and creatures plodded on down the dirt road, each individual carrying their own weight in belongings to the Town Square in their own different way, whether it be by mouth, tail, or paws, they all dashed off as a group. Wind swirled behind them, running through their fur as its' gentle waves soothed their bodies as they dashed on - - their sole leader's smile beginning to grow into a grin as he dashed ahead of the small group of members, agile on his feet as he plunged down the pale brown road, waving his jagged tail for the others to follow.
They plunged on, neither stopping, but all allowing their own special grin to grow upon their muzzles, eyes of all colors glittering with warmth and excitement - - tails waving, footsteps thundering against the smooth soil - - the bundles of items meant for the festival said to begin at sunset, all through the night wavering under their group speed dash, their ears pricked and alert for any sort of sounds, despite it being the rumbling of their feet, or the wind rustling the undergrowth and the bushes at their sides.

" A-Ahh, please let me d-down ! "

Within an instant, the leading pokemon suddenly skidded to a halt, allowing his bottom paws to kick dust up into the air as a cloud of smoke appeared just before his small shiny black nose. Though as soon as he had managed to come to a safe halt, all of the others behind him were not so lucky.

Koh had also attempted to stop upon seeing his leader slide to a halt - - though Dash had rammed into him from behind, causing the pair to squabble until they crashed into Sonix, who let out a yelp as he joined the fray. And lastly, that left Rune, who had been lagging behind the group the entire run suddenly gave a grin. "Group tackle !" he bellowed, leaping into the group of fumbling pokemon.

Although as soon as he did so, he was met by a rough kick to his face which sent him flying onto the back of his shell, flailing and helpless. "Hey ! That kind of hurt, here !" the squirtle whined, feebly trying to get to his feet, though unsuccessful.

"Ha - - oof !" the flareon had paused from the squabble to laugh at the tiny turtle, but soon found himself pulled back into the writhing mass, letting out several yowls of insults. "Let go ! You're biting my leg !"

"You've got my ear !"

"Ow ! M - my tail !"

A voice sighed.

"Stop."

The quarreling trio suddenly paused, only to find themselves in awkward tangling positions, leaving them to widen their eyes and instantly dash away with a yelp.

Sweatdropping, the pikachu shook himself with a muffled 'brrrrr' and twitched his ears in greeting as he straightened his blue neckerchief, patting it so the dust would dissolve off of the colored cloth tied around his neck. "T-thanks for that, Meikyuu !"

The vaporeon flickered his webbed ears in response, though his dark eyes looked worried about something else. "Did you four hear that cry earlier ?" he murmured, lowering his tail so the bundle he had snatched earlier was placed to the ground.

"That's why we stopped ? . . " Sonix blinked, tilting his head slightly to the side, looking rather confused.

"You could've told us that before you got us all ruffled up," Koh snarled, shaking his unkempt fur as if his entire life depended on it being clean.

"Oh suck it up, girly," the white fur, now tinted with brown dirt, murmured teasingly, waving his large fluffed out tail as if he were amused of the entire squabble. "Now what's this about a cry for help ?" he questioned, ignoring Koh's loud snarl of frustration.

"Stop dawdlin' and get over here ! It's comin' from those stupid girl's base. . ." a new voice joined in on the conversation, cocky and full of superiority, the bright orange fur of the buizel caught the other five's eyes almost instantly as the sun appeared to shine brighter.

"Yes, we've been waiting here for a while, for you all to join us. . ." Meikyuu added more softly, his eyes shifting to glare at Copper, who dismissed it with a flick of his tail.

"Well, there's only one way to find out," Sonix decided with a small smile, placing his own bundle of festival items beside Meikyuu's and quickly trotting towards Copper to join the rowdy male, who looked tempted to whap the smaller pokemon upside the head with his strong tail.

The pikachu took no notice, as he closed his blue eyes and twitched his ears as high as they could go.

He waited.

" . . . . and bring back Mizune and Lila ! "

Team Mystery's leader's ears twitched feverently, as he instantly leapt to all fours, blue eyes looking on towards a nearby forest with determination. "Come on, guys ! Something's up !"

Without another word, he plunged through the bushes, the other team members abandoning their own bundles beside Team Sweet's mail box and following their leader through the world of dense green, though they could've sworn they forgot something . . .

"Hey, guys ! You forgot me !" Rune wailed after them, watching distressed as they disappeared through the forest without him.

- -


"Hey ! Stop right . . " as the group of team members burst into the clearing, appearing alarmed, they suddenly paused, the yellow rodent leading them appearing embarassed over getting worried over something so little . . ". . . there ?" Sonix finished with a sweat drop.

Two nimble pokemon were currently holding smaller pocket monsters on the branches of a rather tall tree - - no wonder they were yelping in terror, even he would have been scared at such heights. Not that he was scared of anything, of course ! He already proved himself to his teammates !

But as his blue eyes narrowed upon seeing just which Team Sweet members were being held upside-down against their will in mid air, he nearly let out a terrified yelp of his own. "H- hey ! Put Lila down !" waving his arms, the electrical rodent moved to join the Team Sweet members, glancing worridly up at the female pikachu with a large frown.

Copper erupted in snorting laughter, the unusually large buizel heaving in taunting laughs. "Well, well, how do you beautiful ladies like the heights ?" he sneered, eyes glittering with mischief. "Or does it not suit you ?"


He laughed even harder as Koh roughly pushed him aside, Meikyuu following rather quickly in tow.

"Miss Mizune ! Are you quite alright up there ?" he shouted, voice edged with polite worry as he joined Sonix's side, eyes on the chirping piplup and never leaving.

Koh, however, was much less calmer than his relative, with his ears pricked and hotly twitching with irritation, and tail lashing wildly. "How rude can you crazy pokemon possibly get ?!"

"Put them down, you ruffians !" the rule obsessed flareon began to circle the tree, spitting furiously as he glanced up to glare at the two pokemon causing trouble, mainly at one of the two of which he had known all too well . .

The remaining team member only shook his head slowly, a deep chuckle leaving his throat as he slowly trudged to the Team Sweet's leader side, his long tufts of red tipped hair swaying as he stood alongside the graceful Delcatty. "Trouble again, huh Kitty ?"

Just like old times.

[aoba]

The Delcatty suddenly swerved her body around as soon she heard the rustling and shaking of the bushes. Brown eyes became wary. " Madam, do you hear that ? ", Kitty had questioned Rika, who turned around at the noise.

" I hope it isn't the rest of the circus freaks, I'm sick of seeing them, and I only saw two ! ", the Mawile looked too worn out even if it were a dangerous pokemon, which was she sure it wasn't judging by the fact that many rescue bases were here.

" Oui, but- - "


"Hey ! Stop right . . there ?"

Kitty would have nearly lashed out an attack if the voice didn't shout at first. She could recognize it easily. .
" Augh, it's just Team Mystery ! ", Rika looked irritated at having her guard raised for no reason, and suddenly looked at the Delcatty accusingly before turning to the tall tree again.

The Delcatty watched as Sonix, as soon as he caught glimpse of Lila high up there, rushed to the tree itself and yelping. Kitty had a sweat drop at the back of her head as she saw the other members gave out their own complaints and concerns for the pokemon up in the trees.

Kitty suddenly jumped again, watching as Dash made it to her side. A slight pink coloring made it to her face, as she nodded. " O-Oui, Dash. . . ", sighing hopelessly to the Zangoose. She offered a reassuring smile though.

" S-Sonix ! ", the female pikachu gasped as soon she was held upside down once again. She was becoming more dizzy, and Kiku didn't help by jumping in excitement by the newcomers.

" Hi Koh ~! You want to play with us ? ! ", the Monferno had waved with her free hand, smiling down at the spitting flareon circling the tree.

" Well, well, well, if it isn't little Koh again, and his friends too ! "
The dancing pokemon still held Mizune captive in his arms, as her feet dangled in the air, seeming dangerously close to slipping and falling.

Alto suddenly smirked down at Meikyuu, as the Piplup chirped in fear as she realized the risk of falling down the way the pokemon held her.
" Y-Y-Yes, Mei-Mei. . . ! "

" Aw, how cute, you have a nickname for him too ~! ", the Medicham chuckled, twirling around and causing another flurry of chirps.

" If it weren't for that thing holding Mizune, I'd shock you already ! "snarled Lila, as she was being held upside down again by the confused-looking Monferno.

" But if me and Alto attacked back, you would lose in an instant ~! " Kiku seemed to question the Pikachu's strength.

" It doesn't matter, I just want to get down- -"

Crack.

The branch suddenly cracked underneath Alto's feet, as his weight probably set it off. In the first instinct, he dropped Mizune and jumped to the next one beside Kiku.

He suddenly realized his mistake.

As soon the Piplup was in the air, she was flapping her wings in desperation, chirping at the speed of light as gravity pulled her down to the ground.
Kitty and Rika suddenly panicked at the sight, and was running around to see where Mizune seemed likely to land.

Mizune suddenly fell down on the Delcatty's back, Kitty letting out an 'Oof ! sound, the shaken Piplup was chirping softly as the adrenaline didn't seem to stop in herself.

" Alto, you're so clumsy ~! ! " The Monferno whined at the loss of a play mate, until realizing one thing. . .

Lila suddenly growled lowly, sparks flying from the red pouches, glaring at the two pokemon.

" I think she's angryyyy~ . . ."

Bzzt !

As soon as Lila let out a Thunderbolt attack, the Monferno seemed unmoved, yet let go of the rodent to fall as well. Lila suddenly was in the air as well, falling down on Rika's unprepared pose.

" Hey ! That hurt you know ! ", Rika growled, as Lila stumbled on the ground, and looked up to see the circus pokemon.

Wait- -

How was Kiku and Alto still standing after that attack ? !

The Monferno slightly grunted, a few sparks occasionally flying out of her fur, obviously injured but not enough to shake her down. The attack hit the Medicham now, in the same state of Kiku, but seeming to be in Paralysis, the side effect of the attack.

A growl came from the higher tree tops.

" I think you made them mad. . ." Mizune whimpered, as Kitty backed away slowly.

She had no doubts that Lila had made a huge mistake.

[sora]

"Ah. Don't worry about it, Kitty, it'll all work out like usual."

Obviously not seeming too worried, as usual, the zangoose casually swayed his lengthly tail, the white mass appearing like a slithering snake swishing within the warm airs. "Just take a deep breath," Dash offered, his voice deep and soothing as his tail slowly whisked around Kitty's slim waiste, encircling the delcatty. He twitched his ears slightly, his dull red eyes flickering with a strange glimmer as he heard the members of each team's irritated yelps and shouts get louder, as if it hurt his hearing, they flicked again, though dismissively, as if trying to block them out.

He gave another slow blink.

"And relax," he finished, offering a yawn as a low gust of wind ruffled his three odd tufts of hair against his muzzle. "It's easy."

As Dash appeared right at home ( even daring to yawn again with a lazy smile ) , the others of his team were not so, their frustration and distaste of the situation beginning to grow.

"No I don't want to play with you idiots !" Koh spat up at Kiku, his tail lashing with hot fevor as he tore at the ground restlessly with his paws. "This isn't civilized ! How old are you two ?! " he hissed, ruby eyes flashing, glaring and scowling up at the two troublemakers as he continued to circle the tree, throwing harsh comments and vulgar words up at the mischievious pair. Though his eyes mainly lingered on the lithe monferno balancing easily without a care in the world on the single limb of a tree branch - - though the flareon wouldn't like to admit it, they had softened ever so slightly - - before the circus pokemon's companion called out to him.

Koh felt his left eye twitch.

" I am not little, you moron !" the flareon added as he shifted his attention from Kiku, pausing his furious pacing for a moment to harden his glare at the teasing medicham.

"Come down here and say it to my face, you - - !" the fiery pokemon paused as his complete type opposite let out a small terrified noise, causing his red eyes to trail up and flinch effectively as the dangerous crack filled his sensitive ears.

He took a step back.


Crack.


The chirping piplup came tumbling down - - flailing as if trying to lessen the speed of the tremendous fall - - as Meikyuu watched on with silent horror and worry, his usually dull eyes turned wide and bright - - the blank darkness from them vanishing for a split moment before the frantic Mizune had landed rather clumsily on of Team Sweet's leader's back. It took a few moments for Dash to notice, Meikyuu silently noted as he forced himself to calm down, as he could feel his heart nearly leap out of his chest, before the zangoose had began to check if Kitty were alright, murmuring something along the lines of "Don't strain yourself . . ".

He flicked his webbed ears, ignoring the remaining pokemon in the tree as he swiftly stepped past the fallen form of the Medicham, offering a small apology and a murmured 'sorry', as he went to join Mizune's side, dark blue eyes scanning the small penguin pokemon's body for any possible injury. After finding none that looked dangerous, the lithe pokemon heaved a small controlled sigh of relief. "You gave me quite the scare, Miss Mizune . . "

His eyes turned to the fallen Delcatty, his eyes glowing in silent question for her welfare as well, though Dash was certainly trying to get that answer out himself with his own blank stare ( there were different kinds of blank stares, mind you ). "I hope you're both alright . ."

Copper snorted, shifting from his place seated by a nearby tree, back resting upon the rough bark as he allowed his narrowed blue eyes to glance at the disgruntled group. "If girls are pathetic as I think they are, they won't even be able to walk." the arrogant character gave a snicker ( as to which caused Meikyuu to glare ) as he swayed his split tails, looking rather bored. "If it were me, I would've handed it to those two sorry excuses for pokemon already." with a snort, the buizel closed his eyes, paws held behind his back as he let out a taunting sigh. "But then again, girls do tend to be useless ~ ."

"Shut up, stupid !" Koh blurted out, fur standing up on end, bristling up even further as Copper snorted in response. "Hey ! Aren't you listening - - "

"Oh no . ." remaining silent aside for his frantic yelps and pleas for trying to get the circus pokemon to let the helpless captive pokemon free from their grip, Team Mystery's leader suddenly uttered a word, although it was more like a mumble - - though as the other team members heard it they had effectively paused their eternal arguments, as if sensing the different sort of worry in their leader's voice tone.

Sonix hadn't moved from his spot, even as Lila had landed somewhat 'safely' on flat ground. His ears were perked, swerving, and twitching rather constantly, as if trying to pin-point a certain sound, attempting to locate as to where it was coming from. Feeling hot gazes on him, it only made his fur feel as if it were being rubbed the wrong way again - - adding onto his frustration, as his blue eyes welled with a strange expression that didn't quite fit on the usually timid leader's face. At a short moment, his eyes finally jolted open wide, blue orbs darting upwards, as he allowed his neck to lift, inwardly flinching as the growl from the treetops met his alerted ears.

Sonix gulped, feeling the others begin to lift their heads to skies in the same manner as he had a few short moments ago.

Somehow, he felt as if he weren't going to enjoy meeting the owner of that growl.

[aoba]

" Ah, I never knew Piplups could make such a fall. ", Kitty muttered something similar to that, with perhaps the slightest irritation that the Piplup had fell on her back (i can't blame her- - she didn't know where she was going, the feline thought, ashamed to be so selfish for a moment).

In fact, the delcatty was more irritated at the comment Copper had made- -

"If girls are pathetic as I think they are, they won't even be able to walk.". . . "But then again, girls do tend to be useless ~ ."

'How dare the idiot !' Kitty thought.

Ignoring Dash's words, she struggled to stand up on her paws, with Mizune still on her back, facing the other direction and trembling.
She managed to get her golden eyes to look at Meikyuu's blue ones, and nodded carefully at each word, as the Piplup still couldn't calm down, an occasional chirp or hiccup was heard.

And the leader of Team Sweet was about to open her mouth to kindly inform Copper that they were capable of handling themselves- - until the less gentle partner had her temper already blown from getting kidnapped in the treetops.

" Hey ! You try getting kidnapped by these two crazy pokemon, and get stuck in there- - for only goodness knows how long- -, and not be able to attack these stupid punks because, Amura, would chew me out if I hurt her sister too ! "

Suddenly, Lila took a moment to look at Mizune's face, already looking hurt as if it were all her fault.

Oops.

" W-Why don't we get along, and go the square now - - "

Rrr. . .

Just as nearly every other team members did, the delcatty had lifted her head up to the skies, seeing a rustle in the branches of the treetops. A taunting snicker was heard, with a scold following it.

Kiku looked baffled by the noise as well, although unable to move because of her paralyzed state(no thanks to lila). Her tail seemed to be the only part that moved, as the fire grew taller to intimidate the 'intruder'.

" . . Hey, calm down. . It's only me. .", A small, shy voice was heard, as a green pokemon emerged from the treetops, his worried yellow eyes on to Kiku.
" Oh, hi Cyan ~! ", the monferno replied happily, ignoring the sparks that flew as she moved. Kiku suddenly halted, seeming to slip, until the grovyle fully revealed himself, and grabbed Kiku's hand.

Which revealed another Piplup on Cyan's back, and it looked nothing near to Mizune's shy behavior. In fact, it looked to be the exact definition of a normal Piplup- - proud, confident, and probably troublesome.

" Aha ! They messed up the plan ! We were totally going to scare the heck out of them ! Until stupid Alto had to fall down ! ", the Piplup had laughed pompously, having no sympathy for the fallen Medicham, who growled in response.

" So rude ~ ", Alto had stated, before getting himself up, and winking at the team of females, which most had ignored in disgust or disinterest. " Heh, why don't you get going then, since you're down with us now ? "

Both Lila and Rika looked as if they were going to snap back in response, until Kitty had swayed her lithe body in front of them, smiling with her usual gentle smile, and asking " Would you like to join us then ? "

" What the heck are you on- - !! ", the pikachu almost exploded, before the delcatty had stuffed her mouth with the end of her tail, muffling angry sounds coming from the Pikachu, as a silent 'Shhhh' was heard.

It was interesting to see Alto's change of expressions. First there was surprise, then apprehension, then consideration, then excitement, then rejection, then a surprising grouchy look on his face. " We can't, anymore. ", was his simple response.

" Like we'd like to come your stupid festival ! " the arrogant Piplup had blown out from the treetops.

" Peach, shh. ", Cyan had muttered. " I thought we were going to perform. .", Kiku questioned.

" Unless you haven't noticed, we were going to go, regardless, but now that Kiku is in a state of paralysis,", he turned to look at Lila, " We can't go. ".

A silent gulp came from Lila, looking slightly nervous from her actions. Rika had an expectant look on her face, seeming to know what was going to happen next. And she knew Lila would protest. She always did in a situation like this.

A smirk appeared on his face.

" Unless one of you would like to take her place. And by one of you. .I mean, lovely lady Lila ~. Since you know, she should learn from her actions. "

Stupid me.Lila thought. So stupid, stupid stupid. .

[sora]

Koh simply glared at them.

"Another bunch of ruffians, just what I needed," the flareon spat, ruffling his unruly pelt of fluffed out fur. "Like things could possibly get any worse !"

The enraged fire type sat down with a disgusted 'huff', tail lashing and whipping at the air.

'Mind your manners ! .. ." silent until now, the lithe vaporeon gave what most would think a 'motherly' hiss.

"Mind my manners ?!" Koh looked appalled, each and every strand of fur seeming to stand on end. "What about them - - those horrible excuses ?!"

As Meikyuu gave his relative a stern look, a watching Sonix simply sweatdropped, a right paw reaching up to scratch the back of his head in an embarassed fashion. Everything was falling out of order . . "Um . . h-hello !" he greeted, shyly adjusting his neckerchief as if it were more important than the newly arrived grovyle and seemingly too proud piplup. His ears felt hot with embarassment - - Why couldn't his team manage to stop with their unbelievable opinions and personalities for just a short moment,like a few minutes ago ? 'It was going well until . . '

Getting lost in his thoughts, Team Mystery's leader simply ducked his head - - though his eyes hadn't looked saddened by the loss of control - - those blue orbs simply sparkled with wonder, and questions. Far too many questions, judging by the looks of it - - seeing as his connection with the on-going conversation and the rest of the pokemon world had dissolved into nothing, the small paw at his chin giving him a thinking stance.

"Keh ! Would I now, girly ? Unlike you, half-pint , I don't exactly care about useless idiots," the overly proud buizel gave the smallest of snickers. "Like them."

For emphasis, Copper snorted at the others, turning his head, proving that he had lost all interest.

"Pathetic," he grumbled, closing his eyes, settling himself with his usual scowl.

As if agreeing with his teammate, Dash had collapsed onto the ground, simply a heap of fluffy white fur, and if it wasn't for the soft snores leaping his muzzle, a few might have thought he had fainted. "Nnn. . ."

Koh glanced at the dosing zangoose with a displeased frown.

"See what I mean ?" Koh mumbled, ears flickering in distaste.

"Just be calm about it . . " even Meikyuu looked as if he were about to lose his patience, silently heaving a frustrated sigh and closing his eyes with baited breath.

" Unless one of you would like to take her place. And by one of you. .I mean, lovely lady Lila ~. Since you know, she should learn from her actions. "
All heads instantly snapped up.

. . . before Copper erupted in snide laughter.

"Her ?! Perform ?! Oh, priceless - - can't wait to see your show." the buizel snickered, leaping to his feet the instant the words registered in his mind.

"Just wait 'till the Square hears this - - they'll be thrilled to know that their 'lovely Lila' will be performing, just for them !" the arrogant buizel was still racking with laughter, ignoring the glares he got from his teammates ( meikyuu was seething, though sonix remained thoughtful ) and any others, as he just snorted. "See ya' there, ladies." without another word, though the snide remark still left thick in the air, Copper bolted through the bushes, leaving only his snickering fits of laughter behind him.

" . . someone should stop the git - - " Koh began, though paused suddenly when being abrupty cut off by a sudden - - snap - - !

"I agree !" Sonix suddenly exclaimed, a small smile forming on his face, tail wagging rather excitedly.

Meikyuu looked more puzzled than when he had first joined the team, as he simply gazed on to his leader questioningly. "E-eh ? . . You actually . . agree on this ?"

With an eager not, the team leader beamed. "Yeah ! It should be really fun !"

Koh was still sputtering, mouth hung wide open like he was trying to catch flies. "W-what ?!"

Flashing a charming smile at the others, the pikachu turned to Lila, blue eyes glittering with excitement when talkings about the festival had reached his ears. "How about it, Lila ? You won't mind, right ?"

Team Mystery's leader hadn't even waited for an answer - - he jerked around suddenly, dashing on all fours as he quickly snatched up a bundle of berries in his mouth, and leapt off, waving his tail awkwardly for the rest to follow him - - and by the way he was running, he wanted them to follow rather fast. "Come on already or we'll be late for the festival !"

The other teammembers finally remembered their legs, and instantly began their frantic movements.

Koh sputtered, tripping over his own feet as he rushed to lift his own package -- though with his tail, which surprisingly could give a rather strong smack - - and padded off with dainty footsteps, ears flattened against his skull, as he, of course, was certainly not one to be late for, well, anything !

Though, before he left, he spared a worried, yet scathing glance after Kiku ( could it be he was worried for the electrified monferno's welfare ? ) spat out a curse that sounded like 'oh, blast it ! she can handle herself !' and hurried off.

Meikyuu was the last to go, first nudging a groggy Dash to his feet, snatching up his own bundle, as well as Copper's forgotten one, and leaping off in long elegant strides, tail streaming out behind him as he dashed, calling over his shoulder for Dash to 'hurry and accompany them'.

Said zangoose only gave a mumble, and a deep grunt, shaking his head, and slowly rose, grabbing a bundle of his own that looked far too heavy for any of the others to snatch up, and slowly walked after the others, much more relaxed than dashing off in a panic.

"Come on," he called over his shoulder, ears perked, and anyone could have sworn he had the slightest of smirks on his face. "We shouldn't keep everyone waiting."


- - +



By the time they got there, it appeared as if the festival was doing just fine without them. Sparkles of lights of many colors had lit up the various buildings in the town's square -- differing from a miraculous violet, to a shimmering blue, to an electrifying yellow - - even glows of green and pink ! Murmurings of the gathering pokemon - - many, so many, all together, it seemed as if they would fill the whole town with their multitude - - had been talking and laughing, along with the rest of the crowd. Shops such as the Kecleon Brother's had still been open, all sorts of food items strewn across their stand. And upon seeing that several other pokemon were snatching some up in their own paws ( or claws ) without leaving any payment, one might say the treats were for free.

Most of the other shops had either been closed down, or were sporting their own choices of snack foods, or stands to play games of all sorts, even - - lights and voices full of laughter filled the square, seeming to make most new arrivals smile brightly themselves, including our favorite adventurers - -

"They went all out," blue eyes sparkled with suprise and admiration, pebble black nose twitching feverently as it caught a wiff of the sweet scents filling the air.

"It does look nice," with a small smile, blank dark blue eyes actually held the smallest spark to them. With a small huff, the lithe vaporeon gently set the bundle of berries down at his feet. "It should be enjoyable." he flicked his right webbed ear as he finished, wide yet blank eyes taking in his surroundings to their full extent.

"I guess," though his voice tried to sound uninterested, believe it or not, the grumpy flareon was already gazing around, restlessly flickering his tail with un-hidden excitement at all the festivities. "Could be better," he half heartedly added with a sniff.

"You sure are picky," with a deep chuckle, the tall fluff himself stood alongside the others, a hint of a smile resting on his lips as he allowed his own red eyes to glint with interest. He suddenly flicked his ears. "If you call Kuroku flirting over there fun ." the zangoose purposefully yelled out, a lazy grin marring his face as almost similar red eyes connected with their group.

"Oh ! Here so soon ? And I thought you guys weren't coming . . " with a suggestive wink, the towering pokemon gave a flashy smile at the female he had been talking to ( silently laughing as she practically ran off for her life ) and had slowly joined the others -- by far one of the most tallest of the strange team yet. With a charming grin, the aura pokemon knelt down, ignoring the others, and beaming at a much shorter Rika. "Hello, dear ! Won't you be my date for tonight ~ ?" though unlike with the female from earlier, he didn't seem as if he was playing around - - flirtatious yet childlike eyes twinkling with a suggestive tint in them.

Koh rolled his eyes, choosing to ignore the towering teammember as it looked like the flirty lucario was busy anyhow. "Why is the middle of the square empty ? . ." he blurted out, sounding curious rather than angry for once.

Kuroku instantly jumped up, red eyes sparkling once again with childlike excitement. "Oh ! That's for where the performers play, and also where the battles just for fun will take place. All set up by me, of course ~ " the lucario was practically singing, looking as proud of himself as ever.

"Battles ?" Sonix piped in, blinking in question. "I wasn't told about them . . "

"But of course - - the crowd needs more entertainment than .. silly children games," Kuroku drawled, sounding as if it were obvious. ( sonix actually appeared annoyed )

He turned his attention to the others, giving a sly smile to the rest of the members of team sweet tagging along.

"Hello there, ladies. Won't you come enjoy the festival ?"

[aoba]

"I really don't like him. ."

Lila had grumbled, her ears drooping in slight anger, as the pompous buizel had ran off into the bushes, leaving his laughter as the only reminder of his behavior in the air. " I'll really hurt him someday. ." she growled, as the other Team Sweet members watched as Cyan waved to them, and helped Kiku to get down from the trees.

"How about it, Lila ? You won't mind, right ?"

Lila instantly whipped her head around, stammering at the mere mention of her name by the male Pikachu. " Actually, Sonix, I really don't- - "

Dust had only been thrown in her face, as Sonix jerked up and ran with his basket of items. "Come on already or we'll be late for the festival !"

The female pikachu's expression looked sour, as she had absolutely had no say in this at all ! And it was all Kiku's fault anyways (even if lila was a bit harsh with the sudden attack). Lila had trudged with her own basket of items that was fallen before on her tail, on all fours, barely making any effort at all to make it to the festival.

"Oui, we have heard from Sonix. We must get going to the festival ~." the feline smiled softly at her partner, who scowled back in response. " I still don't wanna go. "
" Just hush up, and let's get going. All the others are waiting for us.", the Mawile hastily responded, carrying her own bag.

Kitty had noticed the Piplup was still on her back. "Miss Mizune ? Would you like to get off ?" the delcatty asked gently, her brown eyes staring at the penguin pokemon,
" Actually. . I-If it's okay, may I please stay on ? It's more comforting. . ", Mizune had stuttered back nervously.

The Delcatty had nodded in response, picking up her bundle with her own tail, (noticing that koh looked concerned for the injured monferno for a while), before one of her purple ears twitched in the direction Dash had called out.

" Ah ! Yes, we're coming ! "

- + -

As they entered the square themselves, they were almost mesmerized by the many highlights of the festival. The smells ! The lights ! The many sounds and conversations of Pokemon about the festival.

" Oh my, how beautiful ~. . Lila, you have see this, it's wonderful ~! ", Kitty was entranced by the whole festival going on, not even noticing as several Pokemon had bumped into the kind Delcatty a couple of times, a rush of 'sorry's. Kitty even smiled as she heard the Piplup croon with excitement, as she watched the lights flicker on and off.

Lila wouldn't even budge, although the delcatty saw some of the coldness defrost in the pikachu's green eyes. " It's okay. .", she grumbled, obviously still holding the grudge against the circus pokemon.

The Mawile seemed almost unsurprised by the appearance of the Lucario, as her facial expression suddenly changed into a pleasant one, practically swooning. " Hello there, Kuroku. I'd be pleased to be so ~.", Rika smiled, a kind gentle one.

" Oh, hello sir ! We're enjoying the festival quite- - well. . .? "

The Delcatty's attention was suddenly taken by the once empty middle of the square, as a strange group of Pokemon was there. She didn't mention anything, as she found Lila practically dragged by Cyan and Peach, into the middle of the group.

' Probably the rest of the circus group. .' she assumed, although none of them looked just as friendly as Kiku and Cyan were. One of the members looked identical to Kiku, although Kitty could tell it was male, and looked much calmer.

Much noise was heard, such as 'But she doesn't know that dance !' ; 'Humph ! She's just a little runt !' ; 'Give her a chance. .' ; 'But Kiku looks fine to me !' Until, it ended when the male Monferno had moved his way in the middle, with Lila by his side, a stern look on his face.

" No ifs, ands, or buts ! No matter how well Kiku looks, the aftershock of paralysis can damage her performance and well-being ! Now Miss Lila is going to perform with us, and if anyone has a problem with it, direct your complains to the Master himself or stuff it ! "

The group stood silent for a while, until a Lopunny had stepped forwards, arms crossed. " How exactly are we going to make up a dance in such short time, Keku ? "

" Easy ! Just come with me to the pond, everyone ! ", the male Monferno, Keku, with Lila still trudging beside him had ran to near Whiscash Pond, to separate themselves from the rest of the crowd, as the strange group had followed behind him.

" Huh ? Who were they, Miss ? ", Mizune had asked, looming over the Delcatty's head from her back.
The Delcatty looked slightly confused and twitched her black nose, before settling on an answer.

" I think they will be our. . entertainment for tonight. "

[sora]

"My, my ~ ! " the flirtatious lucario swooned dramatically, a merry dazed look on his face as he gave an odd little spin, grinning childishly down at Rika ( even offering another charming wink ) . "Well, I'll be pleased to have you at my side."

"Will Lila be alright . . ?" for the first time noticing the said pikachu's distress, Sonix stared after her with a worried frown, paws suddenly finding the two tufts of hair near his forehead and fiddling nervously with it.

Koh scoffed at this.

"She should be ! It's not like the girl's helpless," the flareon frowned as usual, whipping his tail in the air, and then lowering it to dust the spot below him, before he sat down with a grudging scowl, ruby eyes hiding his own glittering excitement.

'Where's Kiku ? . .' before he could stop himself, he found himself glancing around with rather 'worried' bright red eyes - - only seeing various flashes of blinding lights and multiple other pokemon that couldn't possibly fit the rather wild monferno.

Koh suddenly huffed, chest fur ruffling as it bristled up in frustration. "Like I care !"

The vaporeon alongside him simply gave him a sideline glance, an etch of confusion hidden in the dank depths of his eyes. "Care about what ?" Meikyuu murmured, eyes narrowing in curious suspicion, watching his type opposite sputter in suprise as he tried not to let out a chuckle.

After a few moments of trying to compose himself, the flareon spat out a hissed "Nothing !" and roughly turned his head to the side, avoiding any questionable gazes as his cousin shook his head in raw amusement. "All right then . ."

" No ifs, ands, or buts ! No matter how well Kiku looks, the aftershock of paralysis can damage her performance and well-being ! Now Miss Lila is going to perform with us, and if anyone has a problem with it, direct your complains to the Master himself or stuff it ! "

The voice sounded as if it gave order - - bringing attention to most of the dazed group, lifting their heads and turning their eyes to catch the voice of apparent authority ( though dash remained staring sleepily and blankly at nothing ).

Sonix puffed out his cheeks, looking all the more worried and cautious as he allowed his twinkling blue eyes to set upon the group of rowdy circus pokemon. He wasn't too sure about them, by all the comments they threw at Lila - - though he did stop a few moments to think if it was somehow his fault the said female pikachu had gotten into this . . he sweatdropped, sending multiple apologetic glances after his female counterpart and lowered his ears. 'Sorry . . '

"Maybe we should go after them . . " Sonix suggested weakly, twiddling with his fur.

Another snort from Koh, who simply stared after the circus pokemon in disgust, and failed to do anything more. "Well, I'm staying here. I don't want to see another stupid hooligan for the rest of the night, thank you." he announced, obviously making this his final statement and strutting pridefully into the crowd, waving his flash of yellow tail before he disappeared into the mass of chattering pokemon.

"Later," Dash had managed to murmur, though only after the moody flareon with a strange accent had left, tail flicking the back of his ear lazily as he glanced at the others. "What are we going to do now ? . ." he spoke slowly, as if still in a sleepy daze, even allowing a yawn to escape him. "I don't think Lila actually likes getting dragged around like a sack of berries . ."

"I don't think anyone would," Meikyuu politely cut in after a few moments, frowning slightly as he watched the group of circus pokemon bustle towards Wishcash Pond in a loud shaken hurry. ". . and they said something about Elder Wishcash's pond . . " the vaporeon added, voice taut with interest.

Sonix's ears twitched back up to their usual position, hoping to be helpful. "T-then we should go, right ?"

Kuroku stood back up, unbelievably pouting. "But you just got here ! At least play some games first - - " he started, letting out a childish whine as Team Mystery's leader simply waved him off with a smile ( he could have sworn it was a smirk ).

"We can do that after we make sure Lila's settled !" He announced, appearing determined as he waded through the crowd, mumuring soft 'sorry's' as he went, the others sighing as they followed, Dash lingering once again before he paused completely.

"If you don't mind, I'll drop these off at the other stands . . ." he called out lowly, blinking slowly at the others as he turned and somehow managed to lug all the bundles under his arms, even gripping one with his teeth, and waddled off awkwardly towards every few waiting stands brimming with food and treats of all sorts.

The remaining trio waved him off, sweatdropping at the odd sway in the zangoose's sloppy footing as they went along, padding softly through the crowd until they squeezed out, treading upon the soft short blades of grass until they heard the sounds of the circus pocket monster's voices which seemed to bicker amongst each other.

"I'd still rather be at the festival . ." Kuroku feebly whined, ducking his head.

"We'll be back soon," Meikyuu (unwillingly out of politeness ) reassured him.

Sonix's blue eyes narrowed as he frowned, walking until they came in sight, and watching from a distance he seemed safe and twitched his ears to try and hear. Though, what really met his ears wasn't exactly from the circus pokemon - -

"Ow ow ! Hot ! That burns, aw come on, stoppit !"

Now there was a voice that sounded familiar. . and now that he thought about it, he could've even admitted that he sort of forgot about it somehow earlier. . .


"Screw that ! I told you to leave me the hell alone, and dammit you wouldn't fucking listen !"

Now that one was somewhat familiar, and sent a shiver of distress down his spine. He lowered his ears, praying that it wasn't who he was dreading - -

"W-WAAH !!"

Thud.
A hard shell met Sonix's forehead and he instantly fell backwards, swirls for eyes as he muttered out incoherant ramblings as he sputtered helplessly.

Violet eyes blinked open, and a sheepish grin appeared on the tiny turtle's face. "Ahaha . . hey there, Sonix !" Rune greeted with a cheesey grin, failing to notice he was sitting atop the unconcious electrical rodent. "I got kinda' in a jam, ya see !" he added, laughing nervously as he allowed his eyes to follow to the side.

" 'A jam' my ass ! " furious golden eyes flashed with reckless fire, brimming with burning fury.

Hot steamy waves filled the air of the short limmed pokemon as it bursted in with loud, rumbling pawsteps, flames spiking out through the top of its' head and its' bottom, blistering with broiled heat, back fur slicked with dark green fur, bristled with spiked hair. A creamy paw kneeded the ground savagely, several growls and gruff noises escaping the quilava's muzzle, its' frightening devil glare locked on one only target - -

"Ha ha, hey ! Trist, buddy ! Aren't we, uh, y'know . . pals ? . ." Rune weakly offered, sounding pathetic as he felt the words go dry from his mouth, glancing at an observing Meikyuu for assistance, though the vaporeon simply offered another one of his 'staring into space' blank stares. His gaze shifted to Kuroku, who was avoiding his gaze and whistling almost too innocently.

Well, it looked like he was going alone in this, much to his chagrin. .

"You . . "

Somehow, Rune felt as if he wasn't going to live in past the next few minutes. .

[aoba]

" As well, will I, my dear Kuroku. ."
Rika had replied back, honoring the flirtatious Lucario with another full smile of shy love, as she stood next to him. Any one could have made a comment at the height difference, were it not that it would have ruined the Mawile's pleasant attitude.

Rika had caught something out of the edge of her sight, and that was a rushing Pokemon. Was that. .

'. .Kiku ?'

The Monferno looked panicked, apparently to bits, because she was shoving Pokemon as she ran, ("Oh please move, I-I have to go !"), occasionally having to stop, as the after effects of paralysis made sparks fly from her fur, and Rika could tell she was in pain.

But then, she just saw yet another blur, and this one was fast. And the air felt cold in the direction the blur ran.. .

She would have ran after Kiku, were it not, once she turned her head to look after Kitty as she watched the group head towards Whiscash Pond, and she turned back, the Monferno was gone.

'Now what was that all about ?'

Kitty directed her attention to Sonix, and the others as they were headed in the same direction as the circus group were. They mentioned something about checking to see how Lila was doing. .
She slightly smiled for a moment, happy to see how Sonix had his concerns for Lila in the first place. But then, she frowned, wondering how the circus pokemon might treat her. .

" Miss ? Should we follow Team Mystery. .?" Mizune had interrupted Kitty's train of thought, half-standing up on her back, and trying to slide off, which she successfully managed to. ". . Oui. B-But. .I still fear the circus pokemon ", the Delcatty responded, as she watched the Piplup shrug and squeeze into the crowd as well, behind Team Mystery.

" Well, I'm not either. You can all go ahead. ", Rika's voice became less audible as they went down the isolated path, and the bickers of the circus pokemon became louder.
- - -
Mizune was experiencing the same thing as Rika did, because once she saw Kiku rushing past her as she ran down the path far behind Team Mystery, she felt another blur get past her, feeling a rush of cold air.

The piplup slightly 'eep'ed as she fell back into the bushes, as the after effects of paralysis took yet another toll on Kiku's health, and she stopped again, leaning against a tree. ' S-She can't be here . .'

The Monferno slightly panted, the fire dwelling on her tail lowered as her guard lowered as well. Mizune watched from the bushes, only wondering one thing, what was she running away from ?

Mizune shivered, not from fear, but from cold. Why was it so cold ?. .

It was then that she saw a sight that she never thought she saw- -

A shiny Sneasel !

The lithe feline-like creature was standing there threateningly, not taking notice of the Piplup in the bushes. The pink, and very slick fur slightly cast off blue sparkles, as the yellow feather on its head twitched, hazel eyes glaring at the Monferno leaning on the tree.

" Why hello there again, Kiku.", the creature murmured, taking one step forward, the air freezing around the Sharp Claw Pokemon. The Monferno laughed nervously, the fire on her tail growing large and intimidating. " H-Hi, Lumi . . ! So. . Are you enjoying the festival so far ~? Well, wish I could stay and chat but I- -"

Kiku felt something cold slightly pierce her left cheek. She yelped, did Lumi just try to use Ice Shard on her ? ! The Monferno decided to make a run for it, as the shiny Sneasel snorted, and ran after her. " Get back here you stupid punk ! I'm going to show you a thing or two ! "
Mizune slightly felt more warm as the Sneasel left, suddenly realizing what she just saw. (But didn't that Sneasel look familiar ? mizune wondered)

She decided to ignore the whole situation for the moment, and continued to waddle down the path, until hearing more yells and bickers.
- - -
" K-Kiku ! ", Keku had yelped as she saw the female run towards the clearing and hide behind him. " You were supposed to wait until we finished performing so we can get better medicine for you ! "

"Butlumisaidistolesomethingfromherandiwaslikenoididntsoshechasedmeallwayoverhereandimsoscared!", the shaken Monferno constantly shuddered against the male, as some of the less sympathetic circus Pokemon sneered at her childish response. " Really,", A Prinplup spoke up after the disgusted silence, " having the type advantages, you'd think she'd actually fight back but noooooo. ."

" Well, Kiku isn't violent. .Unlike Lumi. .", Cyan weakly offered, trying to comfort Kiku by patting her head, while the flirtatious Medicham tried to make yet another move on the Shiny Sneasel, frowning deeply as she snapped back with a response as equally vulgar.

" Heh. .Heheh. ., by the rate this is going, we're never going to teach the little runt to dance. ", the Lopunny spoke up again, gesturing towards the offended Lila, who was currently behind an even more offended Peach. " Are you suggesting little Pokemon can't dance as well, skinny legs ?" the Piplup responded cruelly, as the Prinplup ruffled his feathers as the Lopunny sniffed.

" Kiruru wasn't suggesting anything. ", the taller Penguin pokemon murmured. " This wouldn't have happened if Kiku wasn't trying to play around again. " Kiruru offered again, her ears twitching at more sounds.

" Hey ! ", the male Monferno suddenly silenced them all, pushing Kiku away towards Cyan, the grovyle awkwardly trying to protect her from the Sneasel. He moved his hand towards Lila, signaling for her to come forward.

" I hear something in the bushes. . ", Keku said suspiciously, his tail lashing in anger as he made his move towards them. Lila's ears twitched, the sound seeming to be familiar. 'Are they who I think they are. . ?', she thought worriedly.

Curiosity might have as well killed him.

[sora]

"N-nn . . "
He was dazed - - he felt weak, battered, and confused - - teetering as he managed to heave himself to his hind paws, he swerved, letting out a half hearted yelp as he tripped over his own two feet - - he could have sworn he'd heard yelling voices, one louder and more furious than the others, though he ignored it as the ground ran up to meet his face, causing the electrical rodent to let out a low groan, ears twitching feverishly from the abrupt pain rising in his face. They twitched again - - though this time voices sounded far more closer than the ones he had heard a few minutes ago. Clenching his teeth, the pikachu struggled to open his eyes, releasing a small noise as the world spun around him as he lifted his head, waiting a few moments before allowing them to settle.

And before him stood the group of curious circus pokemon - - and who was that -- was that Lila ?

The Team Mystery's leader instantly slumped, another wave of dizziness overtaking him as his head met the ground abrupty once more. "O-oh . . h-hello . . " he mumbled into the grass, ears lowering to rest at his sides as his jagged tail drooped.

"Ow ! That's w-way too hot ! Aw man - - ! !"

The bushes rustled almost instantly after Sonix had stumbled out in an almost drunken daze, and Rune appeared moments after, teetering - - though not the same as the shy pikachu had - - and spinning as he narrowly dodged a stream of flames shot in his direction - - the fire grazing the back of his shell as he stumbled to his feet, gazing about worridly before his violet orbs fell on the circus group.

"Oh, sweet saviors ! Hide me !" he cried, diving behind the mass of pokemon, ignoring any yells telling him to get away.

"You little bastard . . " a sudden wave of heat melted into the atmosphere, flashes of read burning as the flames licked at the warmth of the air, lighting to darkened clearing as creamy paws stomped on the curling grass, the owner roughly slamming them against the ground, as golden eyes as fiery as the fire blazing from the pokemon's body glared at the circus group - - though not directly, more like as to what was hiding behind the performers. Milky fur bristled, as the enraged quilava brought his triangular shaped ears back, lips curling into a ferocious snarl.

"It's all your fault my treasure was stolen ! I told you not to touch it !" the voice was hissing, spitting, and clawing, burning. "Get out here and face me, you coward."

"Um . ." Meikyuu murmured softly, as he slipped out from the bushes' cover, webbed wears lowering as he analyzed the situation, before he frowned and let out a sigh. "Can't we talk about this ?"

The fire burned even hotter, as the quilava whipped around the face the vaporeon, who stood nervously, paw raised as if he still wanted to say something. "No!"

Meikyuu glanced to the lucario leaning carelessly onto a tree for assistance - - though the aura pokemon gave no indication that he wanted to have any say in this matter. At this, the polite vaporeon frowned, feeling slightly intimidated by this tyrant's raging flames. "Er . . " dark blue eyes glanced up, sorrow flickering in them as they met the circus group. "We . . seem to have a problem. . " he finished lamely, flinching even more when the quilava's glare hardened as if tenfold.

"Not my fault !" came Rune's yelp from behind his cover.

"Shut up ! You know fully well that it is !" the quilava snarled, pawing hatefully at the ground.

Meikyuu felt as if he were in charge of the situation - - due to the fact that their leader had already passed out on the ground, the second wisest team member was refusing to help in the matter, and the original second in command had caused the whole matter and was childishly not doing anything to help make it better - - this was bad, he concluded.

Very bad.