The Children Are Hunted

Arca scoffed. "Honestly you're so stiff Vulpix. I was kidding. Yeesh, kids..."

"You're not that much older than he is," Alyss mumbled half-heartedly. She curled up but didn't sleep. She knew it would be a while before she could. Arca moved the ice packs and nestled herself against her partner's chest, preferring to be a living ice pack.
 
Thomas woke up early the next morning. He didn't even remember going to sleep. He opened his eyes. The sun was just creeping over the horizon. The colors it crated on the water and in the air were incredible. Thomas was always amazed by the sunrise and sunset. It was different everyday. Poochyena was standing on the beach staring at the sea. Thomas sat up and looked at his friends. Marcus and Robby were still asleep. Vulpix was shaking the ashes from the fire out of his coat. Thomas decided to wait until everyone woke up before doing anything.
 
Arca removed herself from Alyss, who rolled over to wave at Thomas. Feeling a bit better, she took to go land on Gyarados' head. Her face was paler than usual but she wasn't paying attention. She was watching Zaria, who seemed excited. "Zora's in Venice," the ghost said simply as she went back to spinning around. Alyss smiled. She was glad, considering they had only been a bit ahead when she had looked.

~~~

Zora returned his Pokemon with a low sigh. Sparx had just evolved again. He knew she had been waiting for this since she was a Shinx but it was a bit difficult to wrap his head around it. The young Pokemon hadn't changed much from the sensible, slightly vain, good hearted creature that had hatched by his sister's hand five years ago. He patted the Luxray's fur, listening to her purr merrily. "You have good timing," he praised. "This battle should be tough. No advantages to exploit, just a fierce fight." They had arrived in the city yesterday, but Zora had been exploring for a while to find the Gym, since Asha refused to tell him. Next to him Adler was chirping excitedly, unable to wait for a fight.

"Looks like he wants to face a Vullaby," Asha observed with a grin. Adler chirped, flying high on his tiny wings.

"Hope that can be arranged," Zoran muttered with a small grin, returning him as Sparx leapt to her paws, ready to fight.

"Are you sure you want to take the Gym challenge this early?" Zora nodded.

"Best to get it out of the way." He leapt to his feet and Asha chuckled, following them to the building. Zora nodded and knocked, calling lightly. "Excuse me, I'm here to challenge you!"

Doom (Houndoom) Level 27- Fire Fang, Bite, Smog, Howl
Sparx (Luxray) Level 30-Ice Fang, Roar, Tackle, Thunderbolt
Cody (Marshtomp) Level 26- Whirlpool, Mud Shot, Water Gun, Tackle
Adler (Rufflet) Level 26- Aerial Ace, Fury Attack, Wing Attack, Protect
Dora (Kirlia) Level 26- Heal Pulse, Magical Leaf, Psychic, Shadow Sneak
 
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Robby woke up. Thomas waved back at Alyss. Robby shook Marcus awake. Marcus rolled over and looked at him.
"Good morning everyone!" Thomas said quietly. Esper's eyes twinkled, which meant he knew something, but wasn't going to tell. Thomas called his pokemon back, and helped gather up the rest of the fish.
"We should reach Venice by lunch!" Vulpix said.
"Good, I hate being cooped up like this!" Thomas said. He climbed aboard Gyarados, as did the others. Thomas looked at Alyss.
"You feeling any better?" he asked as they set off.

(OOC: Next stop, Venice!)
 
Alyss nodded shyly as Zanna perched on her head. She was running around in excitement. "Not sure I call it cooped up kid, but whatever," the Zorua commented snidely, still running around. She looked pleased about something but wouldn't spill the beans on what it was.

Her trainer ignored this and asked softly. "What about you?"
 
Esper looked at Zanna oddly.
"He's a lot bigger than you. He needs more space to be comfortable. Add in that he's always been able to go where he pleases and I'm amazed he isn't claustrophobic He doesn't really like being confined to Gyarados's back," Esper said sleepily. Thomas didn't understand a word of this. He turned to Alyss.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me. How about you three nuts?" Thomas said. Vulpix looked at him.
"As long as I don't fall off, I could get used to this!" Vulpix said, rolling over and stretching out. Marcus and Robby also said they were ok. Thomas was bored. The sooner he got there the better.

As Vulpix had said, they arrived in Venice about noon. They went right up into the city. Thomas was amazed. The city seemed to be partially underwater! Gyarados pulled up to one of the streets. Thomas jumped off and ran out of the water. He was free!
"Allright! I'm off to find the gym!" Thomas said.
"Wait up!" Marcus said, but Thomas had already run off. He sighed.
"Is he always so... determined?" Robby asked.
"You mean reckless. And yeah, he kinda is," Marcus said sadly. Marcus called Gyarados back when everyone was off his back.
 
Alyss giggled softly and ran after Thomas, Zanna waiting for the other three so she could help them find the pair. Thomas probably had no clue where he was going. But Zaria did and Alyss was following her. Joy and hope bubbled in the little girl's chest. She hadn't seen Zora and Asha in ages. It had been a while since she had been so happy.

Meanwhile, Zora was taking his position. On the other side of the battlefield was Simon, clutching a Pokeball. He was a decent looking man with windswept brown hair and eyes. He was only in his mid-twenties, early thirties at the most. He was taller than Asha by a half a foot and stood with a casual confidence.

"Don't need to explain the rules to you do I?" Simon called cheekily. Zoran shook his head no and smiled at where Asha was sitting. "Then let's get started Kangaskahn!" His first Pokemon was a large kangaroo, its baby cheering in her pouch. Her smile towards her baby was motherly but her gaze was ferocious as it trained onto her opponent.

Zoran grinned. "Well, if we're having a tank fight... then it's your turn Cody!" The Marshtomp hopped out, looking at the opponent obliviously. Then he seemed to straighten, ready for a fight.

Simon matched the boy's smile. "Not bad but don't assume size means slow! Mega Punch!" Kangaskahn's left fist glowed white and she punched quickly, only for Cody to dodge and fire a Mud Shot in her face. It didn't do much damage but it did annoy the creature. The kangaroo charged, rage glowing in its eyes. "Looks like this could be quick."

"Don't get too ahead of yourself," Zoran retorted. "Whirlpool!" Water rushed into a cyclone, engulfing Kangaskahn in its depths. The Pokemon looked around to see Cody riding the water in a Tackle attack. She stumbled back into the rushing water, and was quickly bombarded.

"Charge up Kangaskahn!" Simon pointed toward the glass window above their heads. "I know that type of Pokemon... and just how to beat it too. Don't underestimate the normal type!" Kangaskahn's mouth was glowing, yellow energy drawing into it. Cody released the Whirlpool, landing precariously on the ground. Zoran closed his eyes.

"Mud Shot!" Cody obeyed, firing mud as he ran, instantly becoming faster. But it wasn't fast enough. Kangaskahn released a beam of solar energy, hitting directly in the Marshtomp's chest, knocking him square into the wall. Zoran winced and called out, "Cody, you okay?" The Marshtomp's head was woozy but he let out a fighting cry of acknowledgement as he forced himself from the cracked wall. Zoran whispered. "That was strong, even for a Grass-type move," Zoran praised. "But we're not done yet. Fire!" Marshtomp obeyed, released blasts of mud as he charged forward again, this time showing a bit more damage. It wasn't much and as soon as Cody tackled the opponent back, he did the same, stumbling weakly on his hind legs.

"Double Hit!" Taking advantage of the weakness, she raised glowing fists and slammed both into Cody's torso. Already badly injured, Cody coughed and hit the ground, bruised and bleeding from a deep scratch in his back. Simon watched carefully. The gleam in the boy's eyes meant there was no way for this to be over yet. Sure enough, Cody was glowing a faint blue.

"Torrent's up so it's our turn to fight back," the teen muttered gleefully. "Whirlpool!" The ripping water cyclone was faster than before and Cody rose, whipping it with his fins. His orange eyes were glowing furiously yet weakly. Kangaskahn huffed and attempted to brush it off, only for her tough hide to actually be bleeding due to the whipping waves. Her baby hid back in her pouch, badly hurt. The mother looked hatefully at the Pokemon standing motionless on the other side. Cody stared at her defiantly and gestured for her to come forward. Roaring with anger at the mistreatment of her child, Kangaskahn plowed into the whirlpool, attempting to reach him. But when her head and fist poked out, Cody fired a powered up Water Gun from all fours, panting harshly but refusing to give up. Kangaskahn broke through and managed one hit on the Marshtomp over the jet. Cody kept firing until Kangaskahn fell to the whirlpool's tide, being battered over and over only to eventually slam into the ground in a faint. Before the proctor could call a winner, Cody hit the ground as well.

Asha whistled. "Wow, it usually gives Lilly a challenge to knock him out. Nice one."

Zoran grinned. "One down, four to go right?" Simon nodded.

"Nice work. Now then Deerling, let's go!" Out came the young deer, growling playfully yet menacingly.

Zoran let out a cheer. "Okay partner, wrap this up fast!" Doom leapt from his Pokeball, barking excitedly. Asha laughed. He would never change. As the Pokemon began to howl loudly, Deerling charged with a Double Kick. Doom dodged, absently chasing his tail as he howled.Deerling attacked again with a Take Down, only for Doom to keep running away, looking excited about some familiar scents.

(OOC: Doom is such a silly dog.)
 
Thomas stopped. He just realized he had no clue where the gym was. He sighed and shook his head.
"Well, that was a little dumb to just run off like that, huh Esper?" Thomas said. Esper looked up at him like he was crazy. Thomas laughed.
"You're no help!" he said. He walked over to someone.
"Pardon me, but could you direct me to the gym?" Thomas asked. The man muttered something in Italian and walked away.
"Well, that was incredibly rude," Thomas said. Alyss came running up behind him. He grinned sheepishly at her.
"Uh... Sorry about running of like that," Thomas said.

Vulpix was tracking Thomas. As was the Poochyena Marcus had just caught. Vulpix was upset by this. He didn't need any help to track someone. He could do it on his own!
"So, what do you know about the Venice gym?" Robby asked.
"Well, the pamphlet I got said it was the normal type gym. Normal types have no great weaknesses except for fighting attacks," Marcus said.
"Do you think Thomas will win?" Robby said.
"He hasn't lost yet, so he should do allright," Marcus said. They kept following Vulpix and Poochyena.
 
Alyss smiled at him cheerily. "It's okay!" she replied, looking her age for a moment. "It's this way," she told him, running after the soaring ghost over various bridges. The fake was completely pushed out of Zaria. There was simply the pure love of seeing her brother again and seeing him win. Alyss smiled as she ran. She wondered what he would say now that she was wearing shoes.

~~~

Doom leapt back and bit into Deerling's back. The Normal/Grass type dodged, spinning away to run at him. He jumped into the air, kicking towards Doom's chest. Doom let it hit, sinking burning fangs into Deerling's back right leg. Deerling yelped and yowled, struggling to break free. He kicked with his free front legs, hitting Doom in the nose. The Houndoom whimpered and released him, nose bleeding.

The Houndoom skidded away, charging more power into his fangs with a few howls. Zoran grinned and pointed as Deerling was limping back to the fight, firing feeble Energy Balls that seemed to pass harmlessly into Doom's body.

Simon sighed. "Well, this one is an obvious win."

The younger shrugged. "If you say so. Fire Fang!" Doom leapt, biting dangerously close to the neck with burning teeth. The pain, shock, and burn caused him to faint. Doom padded back over to Zoran happily, looking exhausted with his tongue lolling out. The hits Deerling had gotten were fierce, but not nearly as bad as Cody's. Zoran scratched his ears and returned him, releasing Adler, who chirped from the air.

"Pidgeotto, Aerial Ace!" Adler was instantly hit, crying out with an aggravated squawk. The Flying type smirked at the lower Rufflet, who gave an angry cry and pecked furiously at her chest. Simon smirked. "Time to fight back! U-turn!" Pidgeotto rapidly slammed into Adler, weakening him slightly, only to return to Simon, replaced with a Porygon 2.

Zoran winced. "Sorry Adler," he muttered guiltily.

Simon grinned. "Charge Beam!" Porygon 2 blasted Adler with a painful, ripping electricity, causing Adler to faint instantly. His defenses were pretty shoddy compared to the other Pokemon, so Zoran didn't hold it against him. "Three to three," he announced proudly, but not arrogantly. This was not even close to over yet.

"Okay then Doom! Hit him hard! Fire Fang!" Before Simon could get out a command, the Houndoom sank powered up blazing fangs into the creature's neck . Releasing him, he blew a smog cloud into the Pokemon's face, poisoning and damaging it. "Simon, looks like this is a battle to see who gives out first!" The two Pokemon met again, Doom ignoring the frequent Psybeams.
 
Thomas followed Alyss and Zaria to the gym. Zaria was looking happier than he had seen her in a long time. He could guess why. He was willing to bet that Zoran was in the gym battling. Thomas couldn't wait to see him again. The three of them reached the gym rather quickly. He and Alyss were let in. Thomas assumed Zaria had floated in through the ceiling or something. Zoran was indeed deep in a battle. Thomas grinned. Doom was fighting a Porygon 2.
"Go Zoran! You can do it!" Thomas yelled as loud as his lungs could muster. Marcus and Robby entered the gym a few moments later and joined him where he was standing and cheering Zoran on.
 
"Never better! I'm just here for my fourth badge! How about you and Ash? How have you guys been! Hey Ash, it's been a while!" Thomas said. He had just spotted Ash and went over to join her where she was watching.
"Um... Zoran you might want to pay attention to the battle. We can all catch up after you're done," Marcus said. Robby patted Marcus on the shoulder.
"Relax! He knows what he's doing! It's nice to meet you! I'm Robby!" Robby said to Zoran and Ash. Thomas looked around for Vulpix. He was sitting right next to the door. He barked a greeting out, but didn't move from his spot.
 
"Is fine," Zoran said softly. "It's over." As he spoke, Doom had successfully knocked him out. Doom returned to his Pokeball as Pidgeotto charged, only to be badly electrocuted by Sparx. The Luxray stood tall, glaring at the bird. She roared, leaping into continue the fight, electrocuting the air.
 
"Heh, Sparx isn't the only one that evolved. You wouldn't even recognize Volt and Amber! I'm so glad you're doing alright! I didn't expect to run into you here!" Thomas said, a little quieter. He had gotten over the shock of seeing them. It's one thing to know that someone is doing fine, quite another to see it for yourself. Thomas decided to quiet down and let Zoran focus on the battle. Esper sent his relief to Zoran.
"If you tell him this, I will kill you, but Thomas has been pining away about you like a lost puppy since you left. He was worried about you. It is good to see you again," Esper said with a laugh.
 
Zoran laughed. "He really needs to chill. I knew you all would be fine." He turned back to the battle to see Pidgeotto hitting the ground. He felt that troubled feeling again. "Why is this so easy?"

Face it Master, came the soft voice from his last Pokemon. You are meant for battle.

The boy laughed gently. "I guess I am. Sparx!" The Luxray padded to his side, growling with pride. She purred at his hand on her head. Simon sighed and scratched his head.

"Looks like it's time for my final and best Pokemon," the man called. "Ditto! Let's go!" At first glance it looked like a pile of jelly. It didn't make a sound, just staring blankly and waiting.

"Ditto, huh?" Zoran muttered. "Man I got lucky today but those things are creepy." He pulled the last Pokeball from his belt. "Shall we finish this Dora?" He tossed the last ball lightly.

"As you wish Master," came the soft mental voice of a Kirlia. She spun delicately on her toes, appearing to curtsy before her opponent. Without command, it turned to mimic her. She scoffed. "How flattering." She released a Magical Leaf, only for the other to fire a blast of Psychic. Both went flying back but Dora rose first, continuing to fire Magical Leaf. Ditto followed her lead and the leaves exploded, hitting both with energy. Ditto recovered quickly as Simon shouted in warning. He looked all around, only to be punched by a shadow.

"Perfect move for us, huh Dora?" Zoran asked with a small smile. The Pokemon nodded and strangely, returned to Zoran's side. "Sorry," he told Simon sheepishly. "I need to have Dora in okay condition. Sparx, finish it!" Sparx charged forward with fangs willed with icy energy. Ditto released Psychic energy, nearly knocking Sparx into the wall but the Pokemon kept charging. Just as the Luxray connected, the shadow punched her in the face. They both skidded away from each other, panting heavily.

"This was fun," Simon commented lightly. "Magical Leaf!" Ditto fired one last time as Sparx released a Thunderbolt. Both connected and fell, the battle over. Zoran whistled cheerily as Alyss laughed and laughed with joy. Zaria was smiling quietly, floating a distance away. Asha whooped with genuine delight. "You planned that didn't you," the Gym Leader accused lightly, walking up. "You knew I had a Ditto."

Zoran shook his head no. "I was winging almost all of it," he admitted. "I'm used to thinking on my feet and rolling with the punches. Honestly, other than Asha you've gotten me closest to getting in danger."

"Sure didn't look it out there," the man told him as he placed the badge in his hand. "You certainly earned that." Zoran smiled in thanks, returning Sparx.

"Okay Dora," he cried. "Do your stuff!" The Pokemon bowed her head in acknowledgement and began to release a Heal Pulse over Zoran, Pokemon and all. A few moments later it faded and she willingly returned to her Pokeball. Zoran gave another smile as he turned to Thomas and the others. "How'd I do?" he asked cheekily.
 
"Top form as always! I'd expect nothing less from you! Now get off the field, you big stage stealing fiend!" Thomas said teasingly. He strode out onto the field and turned to Simon. He said, "I hope you've got more pokemon, because I'm challenging you to a gym battle!"
"How does a three on three sound?" Simon asked.
"Sounds perfect to me," Thomas said.
"Alright, you wait here, while I go get some different pokemon out of storage," Simon said. Thomas nodded and he walked away. He turned to Zoran and grinned.
"So... What have you two been up to?" he asked Ash and Zoran.

My team:
Esper (Espeon): level 28, Psybeam, Psychic, Shadow Ball, Bite.
Volt (Manectric): level 27, Discharge, Zap Canon, Quick Attack, Double Kick (Gym Battle)
Razor (Skarmory): level 29, Steel Wing, Brave Bird, Air Cutter, Whirlwind (Gym Battle)
Deluge (Wartortle): level 26, Water Gun, Ice Beam, Rapid Spin, Withdraw
Amber (Leafeon): level 23, Tackle, Quick Attack, Sand Attack, Razor Leaf (Gym Battle)
Draco (Bagon): level 27, Ember, Dragonbreath, Dragon Rage, Zen Headbutt
 
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Asha and Zora looked at each other and smiled. "You wouldn't believe us if we told you," they told them with laughter. Zora whirled as Alyss leapt excitedly into his arms.

"Aside from training anyway," Asha replied, going to fix Zora's new ponytail. "Honestly you are terible at this..."

He hugged her tight. "Alyss! You look as beautiful as ever!" Her face flushed cutely, blue eyes wide and she smiled brightly. "Have you been treated horribly? I need an excuse my dear, honestly." She giggled helplessly and shook her head no.

"Other than Zeph and a cowardly Sawsbuck no," Zanna commented. Alyss winced, eyes turning melancholy at the memories. Zoran saw and smiled sweetly.

"Ah, you'll never change. I love your good heart Alyss, I really do." Alyss whimpered and began to cry softly. Zoran smiled. "That's right, that's good, it's okay. Let yourself cry and Zari, get down here! I missed you, ya know?" The ghost flushed and flew to him and Zoran sighed. "You and I have some work to do, but we'll wait until the gym battle's over." He released Sparx with his free hand and sat down with Asha, still letting Alyss cling to him.

"Here's your test with Volt, Thomas," Asha commented cheerily, pulling her braid behind her shoulders. "If he fights, can he do it and not show off to Sparx?" The Luxray peered up at them curiously before purring at Asha.
 
"Of course he can! Just wait and see!" Thomas said. Simon walked over to him.
"I've got my team ready. Are you prepared?" Simon said with a smile.
"Naturally," Thomas said. Simon and Thomas walked over to their spots. Simon sent out a Zangoose. Thomas sent out Volt. Volt looked over at Sparx and growled out a greeting, standing proudly. Thomas watched him for a moment. When he decided that was enough, Thomas called out to him.
"Volt! Focus on the battle!" Thomas said. Volt reluctantly turned to face his opponent.

"Zangoose! Use Slash!" Simon yelled. Volt ducked to get out of the way, but was too slow. That Zangoose was fast! Volt blasted Zangoose with a powerful Discharge, knocking him to the ground.
"Manectric!" he yelled as Zangoose got to his feet.
"Volt, Zap Canon!" Thomas said.
"Zangoose, Double Team!" Simon said. Volt charged up the blast, then stared around confused by all the Zangoose. He let the Zap Canon fade. Thomas was a little shocked. All the Zangoose rushed in and hit him with Slash again. Volt went down, but was back up in no time, surrounded again by Zangoose.
"Remind me, how did you get three badges?" Simon asked. His tone was light and pleasent, and it pissed Thomas off!
"Like this! Volt, hit them all with Discharge, then hit the one left with Double Kick!" Thomas yelled! Volt blasted the area all around him, knocking the Zangoose to the ground. He rushed at Zangoose, who used Quick Attack to escape. Volt growled menacingly at his opponent.
"Volt! Zap Canon!" Thomas yelled. Volt glanced at Sparx, which made Thomas roll his eyes, then he blasted the powerful attack at Zangoose.
"Zangoose! Use Slash to block it!" Simon said. Zangoose did as he was asked, and hit the blue electrical orb, causing it to explode harmlessly. That had been a rouse, and Volt had leapt into the air above Zangoose. He came down with a Double Kick. Zangoose fluidly dodged it, and hit him with Slash. Volt was out. Thomas swore under his breath.
"Volt, return! Go, Razor!" Thomas said. Razor came out and took to the skies. Thomas was going to destroy that Zangoose!
 
Thomas smirked. Razor had just hit Zangoose with a powerful Steel Wing. Zangoose wasn't fast enough to dodge her!
"Come on, Razor! Just a bit more! Use Air Cutter!" Thomas said. Razor fleww up high, and rained wind bursts down on the Zangoose. When the dust settled, Zangoose was standing still, glaring up at Razor. This guy didn't want to go down!
"Razor! Use Brave Bird and take him out!" Thomas said. Razor flew around in a circle to gather the speed she needed. Zangoose used Double Team. Razor wasn't having that! While still gathering the speed she needed, she used Air Cutter, knocking the clones out of existance. Then she flew straight into the real Zangoose with her blue-white glow, knocking him to the ground.Zangoose had fainted. Simon called him back.
"Swellow! Go! Use Wing Attack!" Simon said sending out a small blue bird.
"Steel Wing!" Thomas yelled. The two of them clashed repeatedly in the air. Though Razor was hurt, she was coming out ahead of the exchanges. Simon decided to even things up a bit.
"Use Tailwind!" Simon shouted. Tailwind? What was that? Thomas soon had his answer. A fast breeze blew through the indoor gym. A breeze that would help Swellow get up some speed.
"Swellow, Drill Peck!" Simon said. Swellow caught the wind, and flew fast toward Razor. Razor folded her wings back, and the attack missed. This was a crazy battle! Thomas had no idea how he was going to win! Razor was running out of power, and he only had Amber left to back her up!
 
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