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The Children Are Hunted

Thomas swore under his breath. Doom was out for blood. He would call him back, but then the Houndour would just break free again. Thomas knew as well that if he tried that, Doom would see it as getting in his way. Another explosion occured. He smiled. Ash was likely having the time of her life. He looked at Sparx as the two of them ran.
"Thank you for listening to me! Let's go find Zoran!" Thomas said to her. He had to do something about Doom though. He called out the Lucario.
"Hey, you don't know me, but I'm here to help! Could you go follow Zoran's Houndour? Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, alright? That includes knocking him out and getting him out of there if you have to. Please? We need the one who kidnapped him alive so we can fix Zoran," Thomas said. He hoped the Lucario would listen. Things were not going his way today.
 
Kira analyzed the boy. He was the one who had watched his battle. For a moment, Kira closed his eyes, analyzing his aura. Believing he was trustworthy he nodded. But for a moment, he paused to scan the area. There was a block in the direction Sparx was headed. Pointing at Sparx, he nodded at Thomas before rushing off after Doom. The dog really was the opposite of his partner when he was furious. Sparx yowled furiously, tired of waiting.
 
Thomas smiled as the Lucario ran off. Of course, this meant that he had no one really powerful to protect him. His team at this very moment was Esper, who was still very weak, and three of Zoran's pokemon. Thomas wasn't sure they would listen to him if it came down to a battle. Thomas didn't want it to come to that. Luckily for him, most of his plan was still going well. He just decided he'd have to trust the Lucario and Doom. He hoped that they wouldn't let him down. Sparx was fussing at him to move faster.
"Sorry, I'm moving as fast as I can. We're almost there, don't worry," Thomas reassured her. He was spot on, as usual. They came to a door that looked different from the rest. Thomas sighed. He was willing to bet money that this was where Zoran and Zaria were. He figured that Zoran wouldn't be able to talk.
"Zaria? You in there?" he called, after checking with Esper that no one was in range to hear him. Esper extended his awareness into the room. He sensed a familiar shade of death in the room. Esper couldn't sense any more than that.
 
Zaria stilled, hearing something over the loud ringing. Was it Thomas? She whimpered. No he had to run. He had to get away from this place right now. But she couldn't tell him, her screams wouldn't go through the door. Could she tell Esper? She had to try. She thought of an image and the second she did, pain ripped through her body, down the large slash marks that had been covering her body all this time. She whimpered again. It was too much pain, much too much. But... if Thomas and Esper were outside, she had to warn them to leave, that they would lose. So, through the agony, she forced through a message: of pain, fear, of no power. She tried to tell Esper to get out of here, that this was more than a trap, that that person wasn't far away. She could only hope it went through, even as a whisper. Run away! Run! Get out of here! Please! You shouldn't be here at all! Please run! As that last thought exited her head, Zaria collapsed, hand resting in her brother's own, falling into the trance that replaced unconsciousness.
 
Esper reared up in shock. He sent out a frantic call to Thomas. Thomas tried to make sense of the image, but it was garbled.
"So, this room wants power? My raw power should be enough to sate it long enough to get them out, wouldn't you think? But I need someone who has no problem with this thing! I know!" Thomas pulled out his phone. He called Marcus.
"Hey, we need your amazing power of having no power! Ride Razor! She knows how to get here! And bring the rest of my team, would you?" Thomas said. Marcus agreed to come. A few moments, and several explosions, later, Marcus arived.
"I'm going to open the door, and send as much power as I can in there. Esper will try to grab Zaria, and I want you to run in there and get Zoran," Thomas said. Marcus gulped.
"Will it hurt me?" Marcus asked.
"I don't know. I don't think it will, but I can't be sure! If you don't want to, then I won't force you. I'll think of another way," Thomas said. Marcus slowly nodded. Thomas sent a text message to Ash. It had a brief outline of what they were going to do, along with instructions on how to get there. Also was the request that she hurry. This was going to leave Thomas drained, and Zoran would be in no better shape. Marcus would have to protect them until she got there. He was as ready as he ever was going to be. He felt the power welling up, wild and free. He nodded to Marcus, who opened the door. Thomas blasted into the room, brightening it to the point where it was difficult to see. He couldn't maintain the flow. The room greedily sucked all the power he had to give, and came back for more. He felt it flooding out of him. Esper's eyes lit up for a brief moment as he dragged Zaria out. Marcus came stumbling out, with Zoran perched heavily on his shoulder. Thomas was glad that Marcus was bigger than Zoran. His power was still draining out.
"Close it!" Thomas gasped. Marcus closed the door as fast as he could, and Thomas fell to his knees. He had used so much power, that all he could see was white. Thomas was dimly aware of being lifted into a position aboard Razor. A heavy weight infront of him told him that Zoran was getting a similar treatment.
"Once we get out of the building, Razor will take you guys back to our camp! Until then, let me and your pokemon protect you!" Marcus said. Thomas was still blinded by his own power. He had used so much of it, that he could barly feel it going wild in his mind. He would have to get control again before it built back up, but right now, he didn't have the strength. So he let it run through his mind. He felt Esper purring in his mind. That calmed the wild energy down a bit.
"Guys, listen to Marcus until we get out... I don't know if I can direct you in abattle right now," Thomas said meekly. Volt, Amber, and Deluge chimed in their acceptance.
"See, Sparx! I told you I'd get him back!" Thomas said, although he couldn't see her. The group began walking down the hall. Thomas knew that getting out would be harder than getting in had been. He only hoped Ash could get there soon. He wanted to hear her lecture him about how reckless that was!
 
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Halt the Gym! Karen's In Charge!

Karen saw that the other boy, Thomas, was outside the RDM Base. She also noticed another child, Ash, she had heard them being called. Karen glared at them. There was a chance, a rather large chance, that Zoran would not be in her possession for long. She went down to the basement and looked into the Room of Disenchantment. The walls were incredibly sturdy. The only way in was through the door on the inside. The room was purely white. If you stared at it for too long, your eyes would begin to hurt. It would cause pain to any Pokemon, Spirit, or CT; not to non-CT humans. They didn't have Pokemon's power, so there wasn't reason for it to hurt them. She stared at the boy. She had sent a hazy sort of antidote into the room. He should be waking up soon. It was time to push him to the edge.

"Let us see your endurance."

Karen pushed a button clearly labeled, "Blizaard Situation". A Blizaard,was a different form of winter storm, combined with hail, and sleet. She reeled forth a lever, thus intensifying the storm. The next step was to push him to the emotional edge. Her friend, Froslass, glided in and easily survived the storm. Then, Froslass grabbed the spirit girl and brought her towards Karen. Karen pressed another button to summon a ghostly cage. Now, he would have to suffer in solitude, or he could attempt to summon up the maximal power to break through the cage. That would take serious power, as that room took away all power. Karen felt bad for the boy, but she had to do this. It was her job.

Karen ran back up the stairs. Whatever happened, happened. Now, she watched though the camera as the boy began to awaken. The Room of Disenchantment had taken his powers. Let's see him squirm.

**********************************************************

She had watched Thomas come to take his friend out. The only problem was, getting the girl out of the cage. Would they leave her, because the only person with the power was Zoran. All other powers were nullified. She watched them try to escape. She called Agatha and notified her of the problem, but she calmed her down. It was fine. Now, Karen could just have fun.
 
Sparx let out a solemn purr and nuzzled Zoran's limp hand. Her ears twitched as Ash arrived. The woman had appeared in eerie silence. She had floated in with Metagross, who took control of Zaria's unconscious form. Ash had hoped that something like this would happen. Ness glanced at Ash, who nodded. Zoran's still body was lifted from Razor's back to rest also on Metagross, replaced with a form similar to his. Ash, placing a finger to her lips, gestured for Marcus to go. She placed a Pokeball in his hands, Riley's Pokeball. She would listen to anyone. Ness knew his trainer's thoughts and sent them to Esper.

Your trainer did well. It was stupid, but well done. Most Pokemon disliked words but this was the only way to say it. Ness knew this. You all need to leave right now. That person still has the antidote and Doom is still running wild. If we don't heal Zoran, Doom could die. I'm sorry we've ruined this for you but you must understand. That woman will come back. Zoran is strong. He will be all right in their clutches for a time, as long as Zaria is there. Without waiting, Ash hopped onto her Pokemon and the large metal creature floated quickly away. This was a traitor's action, she knew that, but that was why she had left Riley with them. Riley and Kira were the only ones who understood and could be trusted with the mission she had given them. And this way, she wouldn't leave Zoran alone.
 
Short Post: Taunting.

Karen looked at the bunches of Pokemon the group had befriended. Now, how were they going to get the girl? She watched as the other boy tried to use his power of light. But, it wouldn't do much good. Somehow, he had overwhelmed the situation. She pushed one quick button which closed down the room. Now, they would have to push harder to escape. Zaria. That was the name of the girl. She spoke over the intercom.

"I see you are trying to escape. But, only I have the antidote, and it seems Zaria has been trapped in a cage. Please show me your escape, it helps me more."
 
Esper sent his acknowledgement to the Metagross. Marcus opened his mouth to protest, but was silenced by a look from Esper. Esper sent Ash an image saying that she had better bring Zoran back in one piece. Then the intercom turned on. Esper looked at Zaria. He couldn't SEE a cage, but when he extended his pressence, sure enough, it was there. He hadn't felt it before now, but he had been in such a rush to pull her out, he hadn't even thought about it.
"Oh, yeah! Why don't you come down here and fight us yourself!" Thomas yelled, putting his uninjured arm around the Zoran stand in. He didn't seem to notice he was gone. Esper thought about it for a moment, then leapt onto the Metagross. He connected to Metagross. I'm going to try and free Zaria from the cage. I won't be in the way, I promise!
 
Ness nodded and decided to assist him. Zoran stirred, his expression dull. Brr. Slowly he sat up, feeling weak, weaker than anything he ever had. It wasn't the cold; he could deal with that. It was quiet; it was much too quiet. Where was Zaria? Something in his mind twitched. That was wrong, he thought dimly as the snow and hail had hit his body. He shivered, feeling none of the comforting pulse of his power. His fingers were already beginning to hurt but slowly he realized he didn't care. Zaria was in pain, captured, alone. No... who did it? The hate-filled thought brought a beautiful heat to his veins. Who hurt his sister? He wanted to scream, the pure rage engulfing his mind. Then he calmed. No... that would be fun... but no.

"Za...ri...a..." The word burned his throat without speaking, his whole body burning with cold. "L-Let go of her..." Ash looked down. Those had been mental sounds. But his power was supposedly drained. "Let go of my sister... you hurt her. Bastard..." The anger rose again and this time Zoran didn't even try to stop it. You hurt his family. That was not allowed. You were not allowed to hurt Zaria. Ever. No one was. Slowly, painfully, the movement began. The shadows began to whirl, slow and weak at first. But as the boy's fury and protective feelings grew, so did the power.

Ash looked down and managed a smile. Zoran couldn't care about himself for anything, but when it came to his sister... the kid could defy everything in existence for her, even his own fear. It was growing beneath her fingertips. Shakily, Ash rested her hand in his. Maybe for me too someday... It was almost wishful thinking. The shadows rose higher and higher, and even though Zoran couldn't physically move just yet, he had to protect Zaria somehow.

Not enough... he thought, despite the pure agony that came from shadows running literally through his veins. Not... even... close! His whole body burst with pitch black energy, the darkness covering his skin. I have to destroy all that's in my path! It struck the cage violently, slashing and burning at the bars.
 
Esper felt Zoran's power welling up. Esper dove into his mind, soothing him, comforting him, but making it clear that he would do everthing in his power to assist him in freeing Zaria. His reasons were simple. You need her. That is enough for me! Esper added in his own power, hurling psychic daggers at the cage, and scanning it for weak points. All things had one! He found a few spots that he knew were slightly weaker than the rest, corners, if you will. He directed Zoran's attention to those spots. He was ready for when the cage would break. He kust hoped Zoran wouldn't hurt himself with this display.

Thomas also sensed Zoran's power rising. He chuckled to himself. He had been aware that they had taken Zoran off of Razor. Esper hadn't been able to hide that from him. He smiled. Ash would take care of it. He had done all he could. Now he had to trust the others to do their part. Marcus led Razor down the hall, using Thomas's pokemon to blast anyone that got in the way. Thomas rubbed his eyes. His vision was still obscured by the light. Would this be permanant? Thomas hoped not. He rather enjoyed seeing. It would be a shame to lose his site now.
"All according to plan?" Thomas asked. Marcus had climbed up on Razor's back as well.
"Not quite. We had a few problems. I think Ash betrayed us, but I'm not sure. Esper hopped up there with her after she took Zoran. Why did he do that?" Marcus asked.
"Because I asked him too!" Thomas said with a grin.
"Why?" Marcus asked.
"Ash has risked more than you know for him in the past. There is a bond there that runs deep. It's obvious just from how they talk to each other. She wouldn't give him back to the enemy! She wouldn't betray him like that, I can feel it," Thomas said, and that was the end of that. She would bring his friend back, because to her, Zoran was more than a friend. And it was as simple as that. Thomas knew that Esper would have fought her tooth and nail if he hadn't felt the same way.
 
Zoran vaguely felt Esper and nodded. He knew the critter didn't want him to overdo it but he didn't think he had a choice. This cage desired power, his power and he'd be worthless if he couldn't even use what belonged to him to protect a pack member. He let out a menacing mental growl and summoned up every ounce of his power that he had returned. Concentrating it at one of the weak points, he seemed to throw it at all of them, the shadows tearing into the bars like food. This was perfect. The shadows called for destruction after all. For a moment, he felt Ash's hand in his and smiled. That was a good feeling. His power shattered the cage and Zoran felt his whole body burn from the inside. This was going to be painful.
 
Esper felt the cage burst. He did something he wouldn't do for anyone, except Thomas. He was already in Zoran's mind, so this would be a piece of cake. He shielded Zoran from the pain, as much as he could. Some of it still got through, but there was nothing he could do about that. Esper held himself still. He felt like every nerve was on fire! He heard someone shouting in his mind, but couldn't hear what they were saying. He couldn't think. All he could do was endure as much as he could. We need you able to think, not be blinded by the pain. I am sorry I can not do more. Esper held out silently, but after what felt like too soon, he felt himself crumbling. More and more slipped by, and, with an anguished cry, he blacked out.

Thomas felt Esper's pain. He could do nothing for him, except be there to support him. Thomas knew Esper and Zoran had been successful in freeing Zaria. Now they had to save Zoran from the poison inside of him. That would not be easy. Thomas sent what power he had been building up through Esper to Zoran. It was meant to bolster his own strength, and act as a reserve for him. With that power were the words: I hate leaving anything in anyone elses hands, but I'm useless right now. So you can have what I've got left. Make it count. It's all on you buddy! If Esper hadn't fainted, the silly cat would have been proud. Thomas knew that everyone knew he hated letting other people do what he should be able to do himself. Maybe it was just the glory hog in him, but he prefered to think it was his kindness and compasion for others. Razor ambled along, and Thomas clutched at her neck. He had thrown the copy of Zoran overboard long ago.

(OOC: pack member? is Zoran a dog now? ;) )
 
(XD Wolf but yes. It's all Doom's fault. ;))

Zoran felt the power and sighed. Would the others stop worrying? It was just pain. Yeesh. He didn't need it anyway. The shadows were being kind today. Feeling that Zaria was safe, he smiled mentally. Finally he had done something right. He did wish he wasn't paralyzed any more but oh well.

Ash saw Esper pass out and took him into her arms. "Ness," she mumbled. The Pokemon understood and teleported Esper back to Thomas and the others. Ash quietly clutched Zoran's Pokeballs, waiting for the right moment. They had to find Doom, Kira, and that woman. Only then would they decide what to do next. Zaria was deep into her trance. Ash clenched a fist, still keeping her hand twined with the paralyzed boy. She knew Riley would get them out and back home to safety but would her Pokemon understand what to do next? More than anything, she hoped so. Those kids needed to grow stronger and fast.
 
Antidotes and Hot Air Balloons.

Karen had seen the boy's power first-hand, but wasn't surprised. Actually, she was far from it. She wasn't even impressed. It seemed as if he had just shot out impulses he had no control over. Without that Espeon, there would be no hope for him. She still had no idea how the other boy had found a way in so fast. Obviously, there was nothing left for her here. The venom would not be gone for a week or so, but, she had no business here. She climbed up the stairs heading toward the RDM plane. In her hand, she clutched a video tape. She would usually give it to some agent, hoping that they would find the competence to succeed in a simple task. But, here, these agents were filth. They were so easily beaten and this base was pathetic. She arrived at the launching room. Agatha had sent her an urgent message. She jumped aboard the plane and began to read.

"Karen. You did a great job with this task, I await your video tape. So, there is something to tell you. The ghost girl must be some kind of manifestation of the boy's power. Ultimately, she must be destroyed."

Karen was shocked at what Agatha said. No matter what, she wouldn't hurt that girl. The boy had suffered, she could sense it. That girl seemed to be the only thing that gave the boy sanity. She wouldn't harm that connection. In the message she was sent something else, something about a boy, Mark. It was a video, from RR. She had no idea who that was. It was a video of a Hot Air Balloon catching on fire. But for some reason, the fire seemed to intensify at an accelerated rate. The young boy inside was glowing and then turned a deep black. At that moment, the fire stopped. What had happened?

Ok. Seriously. Next Post, Gym Battle.
 
Thomas was mildly shocked when Esper appeared in his arms. Marcus almost fell off of Razor's back.
"What?" Thomas asked him as though this kind of thing happened all the time. Then it hit Thomas. His head began to spin, and he almost threw up. He couldn't block out the reaction any longer. He retched, but because he hadn't eaten anything for a while, nothing came up. Every nerve in his body felt like it was on fire. He couldn't move, and could barely breath. Marcus paniced! He didn't know what to do, just that he had to get Thomas out of there. They reached the door Thomas had entered from, but it was closed. Marcus jumped off Razor and tried to open it. It was locked. He yelled his frustration at it, but then remembered the pokeball Ash had given him. He hurled it and out came a Raichu.
"Uh, Raichu, we kind of need an exit. Can you help us?" Marcus asked nervously.
 
Riley bounded to her feet and examined them. Grinning, she nodded and charged through the door, breaking it down and bolting off, just ahead of them all. She passed by fleeing guards and laughed, heading back toward the home. Deena was waiting and if she knew that Audino, that girl was getting panicky. Which meant grumpy. Ha ha!

Doom barked and barked in anger. He could smell that lady nearby. He scratched furiously at the door. Her smell came from here! She had the way to heal his master but he couldn't knock it down. Kira sighed and hit him with an Aura Sphere. He understood the Pokemon's reasoning and emotions, but he was affecting his trainer. He doubted the woman had an antidote anyway.

Ness arrived then and Ash quickly returned Doom. She looked at the scratched door. Why didn't that lady try to take Zoran anyway? His power was raw and untamed. If she could work with Zoran, he would be a useful tool. Zoran was manipulative, cunning, and ferocious, but he also was mentally unstable, slightly innocent, and curious about people. He was likely one of the best people to be turned to a cause; his mind raised to be controlled. The problem was Zaria but Zaria could be pacified too. She was a child, who didn't understand everything. Or if you destroyed her...

Ash sighed, shaking her head. She was always too much of a dark thinker for her own good. Returning Kira, she headed toward the exit.
 
"Don't worry, we're almost there!" Marcus said. He returned Thomas's pokemon, including Esper, but not Razor. The large silvery bird stepped out into the moonlight. Marcus looked at Thomas's phone and found Ash's number. He sent her a text message.

I got Thomas out. Something is really wrong with him! He's hurt on the inside, and I don't know what to do! I'm taking him back to the camp that Thomas told us all to meet at. Did you get the antidote for Zoran? Is Zaria alright? Are you alright?

Not really helpful, but at least she would know what to expect when she caught up with them. He sighed. The Raichu had run off. How was he going to explain this to her. He had lost her pokemon. She would be furious. He directed Razor to fly him back to the camp. He hopped off of Razor again and began packing everything up. He left Thomas where he was, because he wasn't strong enough to lift the older boy without some help. Thomas was still locked up, and in serious pain, which worried Marcus to no end. But he wasn't a doctor. He didn't know what was wrong with him. So the best thing he could do was wait until help came. He reasoned that Ash knew a lot about this kind of thing. She seemed to know a lot about Zoran, and his power. Maybe she could help Thomas, because he certainly couldn't!
 
One More Post: Apathetic

Karen's plane was about to take off. She had the antidote in her hand. She spun it around in her fingers. Why not try to keep Zoran? It wasn't in her job description. She didn't even care. She was doing this job for some extra cash. She looked through the cameras she had installed. The children seem somewhat confused, but they were easily capable of defeating the guards. Busting out, would not be so simple. If they were still in the basement, Pokemon had no power. She asked Agatha why she didn't want Agatha and why she only wanted the tape. Something about more information, then she'll launch her actual attack.

Karen still hadn't been told the reason Agatha wanted the CT's themselves. She hadn't even been told about the secret island in the Forever Ocean. She wished she knew more, but wanted to remain strictly to her job description. Protecting Pokemon. They were amazing creatures, and she agreed that some humans abused them. But, others didn't. Lately, she couldn't tell the difference, so that's why she joined the RDM. Umbreon was sleeping on her lap. Bur, Karen had feelings. For some reason, she cared for this boy. She had left something in his pocket, a small button-like object. When triggered, it would morph into a headband of sorts that would concentrate his shadow energy. It would allow him to...control his powers. Karen had decided she would protect that boy, he reminded her of her own younger brother before the accident.
 
Riley came bolting back to Marcus and the others, having found Deena. The Audino looked upset. "What the heck did this kid do?" she screamed, looking furious. "Honestly, why is it humans have no sense?" She saw the boy's terrified face and groaned. "I'm not Ash's Pokemon. My trainer was Zoran's mother. I vowed to never have a trainer again. I'm staying with Ash because I was asked. Now move your rear end! I gotta fix this reckless moron." She walked over to Thomas and sighed. "You are worse than Zora aren't you?" Her paws glowed green as she released a slow, careful Heal Pulse. "The kid overused his powers, do not let him use them for at least the next week." Riley came back with berries then.

Ash felt her phone buzz and glanced at it. Sighing, she replied. "In order, they're both screwed, the lady left with the antidote, and I'm perfectly fine aside from some lost dignity. Don't worry about Deena 'cause ten bucks she's shown up by now. Listen to what she says and I'll explain when I get there." She smirked quietly as a guard was tossed aside by her patiently walking Metagross. She didn't think this guy needed powers to beat people up. Lifting a leg, he broke through a wall and walked out. As his power recovered, he began to fly away, heading toward the camp. Ash hung on with a faint grin. Zoran was still frozen but he had at least passed out. Zaria wasn't awake either, but she could do almost nothing for her right now. They landed at the campground, and Ash hopped down to see what was going on.
 
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