The Rescue Team

[The R.S.]

Hai guys. Guess what? I'm special and can post in old topics because... I'm special. >_>

Actualy, what I really wanted to say is that the next time I come around, I will be updating this incredibly old story with two new chapters, so look forward to that and give me a damn desk so I can type these incomfort- floor computers aren't nice to the back.

[hiddendeath]

SWEET, YES,i was hoping youd start this again

[supergold20]

Start what, i wish i can gravedig

[The R.S.]

Gravedigging is prohibited, unless there are special surcumstances, such as updating a story like I am doing now. If you PM a staff member and give them a good reason why you should gravedig a certain topic, you may. But usualy, something like this won't be allowed outside the art or literature boards.

Anyway, here's my two new chapters as promised. (One chapter per post)



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 3: Chaotix Time

His first steps into the new world were breath taking. Creatures... Pokémon of different colors and sizes were everywhere. Some in a panic, some going on with everyday business. The medical clenic where he was resting in was on the far west side of town, nearing city limits. But looking further east, down the street to be exact, a quaint little town unfolded itself with a variety of shops, restaurants, and other little hang outs along the way. And this seemed to be a rather prosperous town... perhaps even a city in accurate terms?

"This is Pokémon Valley," Bryan spoke. "Located a bit north of the Ganorda mountain range, it has become a trading post for many species of Pokémon over the years... or so I heard. But looking at now... well, there's no reason to doubt what they say. It's not as big as my hometown, however..."

Bryan trailed off in his wordings to the point he was no longer audible. Cody, on the other hand, was barely paying attention to him to begin with. Another fruit in hand, he looks around the town eagerly, overwhelmed and giddy of the new environment. Though it seemed like a busy place, everything was kept tidy and clean. And on top of that, very well decorated. Flowers, bushes, and trees lining the streets in according manners that can only be enhanced in beauty by the brilliant sunlight. Despite the recent earthquake that happened only a few minutes ago, things seemed normal and pleasant... perhaps to the point where it could be considered suspicious.

Walking side by side with Bryan, Cody started feeling like he was melting away his worries. The atmosphere was very peaceful... all he cared about now was eating some fruit and taking in the beauty. Oblivious to it all, he wasn't snapped back into reality until a tug on his tail dragged him back and off his feet, dropping his half eaten fruit while in the process. His first tail yank... and it was far from pleasant.

"What was that for?! That hurt a lot you-"

Before he could finish his sentence, an extremly large and rocky Pokémon, Onyx, stampeded right where Cody once stood with a group of other Pokémon. In it's wake, it crushed the Oran berry Cody was snacking on but drop in the tail yanking process. Some juice was splattered in his face upon impact. And the way these Pokémon were reacting, chattering amongst themselves about the recent event and saying what they should do, what actions to take. They headed south and out of town to Gandorna range that sits in the distance. Once the dust settled, Cody laid there on the ground for a moment in shock- he was almost crushed!

"Hey, you've got to be careful there! If you keep getting in trouble like this, you might end up owing me your life a hundred times over before we even get to the other side of town!" Bryan exclaimed. Obviously, he was the source of the tail yanking.

Getting to his feet, Cody looked as the massive Onix shrunk down smaller and smaller as it moved away with it's group in tow. "What was that?!"

"That," Bryan sighed, "would be one of the local rescue teams. I don't know which team they are. Probably just some average team- none of them looked very distant."

"That was a rescue team? But some team they make, almost trampling me down to a pancake!"

"Another reason why they must be an average team. More experienced rescuers would probably be more alert to their surroundings... especially in town."

"Reckless?"

"Probably. But it's over and we need to get going."

Walking on ahead, Bryan lead the way up the hill the group of careless Pokémon just stampeded through to a rather large tree, hollowed and bustling with the largest selection of Pokémon than anywhere else in town. Tall ones, short ones, fat ones, skinny ones, flying ones and swimming ones... or should be swimming, anyway. But still, they gathered to this tree, entering and exiting the large doorway in excitement. Above the entrance point was a huge sign that read "P.R.O.- Pokémon RESCUE ORGANIZATION".

Advancing in, the place was just as large as the outside itself. Most Pokémon have already moved outside to discuss the course of action that they will be taking in the coming mission, so it was relatively bare. In fact, just about the only ones left inside were the clerks behind the counter other than the ones left gathering up information from the occupied clerks- about two small groups.

"Is this the place?" Cody asked, looking around at the structure of the tree.

"Yep. And we can probably get this done in a jiffy," Bryan responded. "All the other teams have already left to help out, so that means we got the place for ourselves."

"Can I help you two boys?" an elderly sounding voice called out.

Without hesitating, Bryan rushed over to the source of the voice. It appeared to be an older Pelipper with a very kind face. "Yes! We'd like to start our own rescue team today!"

"Oh, that's so sweet of you two. People so young usualy don't help out with such hard work, but that's only because times are different. But it's does me good to see such promising youths doing things the old fashioned way and helping with the elbow grease." she responded. "Now, first, I will need your names."

"Well, my name is Bryan, and the Squirtle there is named Cody. We'd both like to get started right away!" Bryan said with a smile on his face.

"And such wonderful names they are!" the Pelliper clerk with just as cheerful of an attitude, as if the recent rush hasn't even drained her of energy at all. "Now, all that is really left to do on your part is to get a name for your team. Once you do, I'll enter your information to the network and provide you with your starter kit."

A team name... at the sound of that, Bryan then acted as if he made a stupid mistake and was embarrassed by it. It became rather apparent he didn't even spend time on developing a team name for themselves. But perhaps for the better- to have everything pre-picked without discussing it would be rather impolite. So without hesitation, Bryan turned to Cody and asked the obvious.

"What should we call our team?"

Our team? Well... I don't know really... I've had some other things on my mind and the place looks so magnificent as well so...

"Is there a problem, lads?" the Peliper asked.

"Oh, nothing really. Just a last minute check up on our team name is all, ma'am." Bryan bluffed.

Things have been going less than smoothly for me, y'know... did not even recall my name until about a half an hour ago. So you want me to come up with a team name at point blank on such a chaotic occasion?

...wait a moment... chaotics?

In a moment's thought, it had come to him. A quick solution to this problem, yet hold a certain feel about it. Something that stands out and sounds cool... or in his mind's eye, atleast. Either way, he hopes it will be something that will satisfy Bryan...

"Well... how about 'Chaotics'?"

"Chaotics?" Bryan questioned. "Well... um... hold on... 'Chaotics'..."

Looking outside through the doorway that shows the distant mountain range, he mutters to himself in reasoning. Though he doesn't look disappointed. Instead, he looks rather pleased with it. He just seems to whisper to himself the whole put-together, enjoying how it rolls off his tounge... then suddenly, he turns back around with the smile again and says to the Pelipper "Rescue Team Chaotics!"

"Very well." she says. "I will insert your names into the network and you will be right back with your gear. You should even be able to set off and help with this current mission assigned to all rescue teams."

As the clerk went to go to the backroom to do the paperwork, Bryan made on last call to her. "Wait! Before you do that, confirm the spelling for us!"

"Oh?" she says. "That's right. I suppose your name could be spelled with an 'i' or a 'y'. Which way is it done?"

"Uh... well, it's spelt with a 'y', but that's not what I meant. I mean our team name. I want to confirm that."

"Chaotics? It's spelled C-H-A-O-T-I-"

"Ex!" Bryan exclaims in an almost laugh.

"Ex? But what do you mean?" clerk Pelipper riddled.

"Yeah! To give our team a little more flair to it! C-H-A-O-T-I-X! Chaotix!"

The elderly Pelliper simply shrugs and says "Well, I suppose your generation still enjoys to spice everything up a little bit, by and by. But this will be no problem at all. I will have everything ready for you in a couple minutes. Please take a seat and I will bring everything you will need out to you." And with that, she flies out of sight in a backroom.

As they were told, Bryan and Cody sat in a couple of wood carved seating's that were still part of the tree itself. Sitting next to one another, they discussed some minor things.

"Why an "x" at the end?" Cody asked.

"Well, I already did say why, didn't I? It's to make us a little bit more unique and catchy. 'Chaotics' was pretty good, but I thought it would be even better if we made it a little... well... give it more flair! It may even attract some specific requests for us!" Bryan said with glee.

"Does stuff like that work?"

"Well, I actually don't know. I just know that names will have a lot to do with how well you do when you start out. If you have a snazzy sounding name right from the get-go, wouldn't you be interested in checking them out?"

"I... I suppose so..."

Bryan then takes a good look at Cody. He's rarely even made eye contact at all since they met, his eyes always looking off elsewhere and filled with worry. But to him, the reason as to why this is is a simple one. Cody has amnesia. He can't remember what he did, where he was, or even who he truely was between whenever he was born and two days ago.

"Still can't remember anything, huh?" Bryan said supportingly.

"Well... no... I mean... I don't know... my heads just been so foggy I wouldn't know where to begin on retracing my steps. But I can't help but feel there's this nagging sensation..."

"Nagging sensation? What do you mean?"

"Something about who I was... I can't put my finger on it, but... I feel out of place here..."

"What do you mean by that, Cody?"

"I don't know. The town is very nice, don't get me wrong... but I don't feel like I should be here... sitting here... with a bunch of wild Pokémon..."

"Wild Pokémon...?"

Before they could go any further with their discussion, the elderly Pelliper had returned and swooped in to deliver their gear and beginner's set for rescuing.

"I'm back boys, and with everything in order," she says to the two reptilian Pokémon. "These are your toolboxes and everything you will need to know is inside them. That includes a start up set of equipment for you both, order shipment sheets if you need anything more advanced like extra toolboxes and expansions, and a how-to guide for rescuing along with your first objectives in the Garnorda range. Look over everything carefully and be careful out there. And before you go, all that is useless you proudly display these- your team badges."

Extending her one wing forward, she holds in her grip two oval, almost egg-shaped objects that shimmer pink and white, extending forth a pair of what looks to be wings. Bryan gets hold of his and is overcome by the brilliance of the shine. Looking in it adoringly like a kid with a new toy, he looks like he could face the entire world now. Cody, on the other hand, was a little reluctant to take his. The truth of reality has only started seeping more and more into his mind since almost being run over and is beginning to question if doing something like joining a rescue team was the brightest idea right after checking out of a clinic, especially since he has no idea of anything that is going on right now.

"Amazing! This is amazing!" Bryan shrieks in total excitement. He's completly forgotten about how uneasy Cody is right now. "I'm officially starting off on my dream now!"

Turning to Cody, he shows off the new and shiny badge. "You and me will build our team up from nothing and become the best rescue team the world has ever known! Nobody will be able to stand in our way and we will be able to take any challenge no matter how dangerous! Let's do this!"

Before Cody could even respond, Bryan had a good grip on his wrist and is already beginning to drag him out the door and to their first objective. Not even taking the time to stop and glimpse over the how-to guide, he charges through town just as recklessly as the team before him did. Cody is now just filled with fear of what's to come in the future and unknown secrets of his past. And nobody... nobody at all to call out his name in recognition. Nobody knew who who he was in this world, not even himself. Growing more and more depressed with every passing moment, one thing kept going across his mind as he was being taken by the arm to dangerous lands.

I feel all alone...

[The R.S.]

Chapter 4: The Familiar Call From The Unknown Face

High above the skies, she flew with fright.

Where? Where? Where did he vanish to? Oh please say he still lives!

Frantic fly of worry and despair. Looking for the one soul who left her side with no word or reasoning. There one evening, gone the next morning.

Why did he leave me?

Hours of futile searching, another day came to a close. She has been searching for someone who was like a brother to her for several weeks now. During this time, she has barely eaten or slept in this time. She decides to rest for just a moment on the ground bellow her, to catch her breath. But without any idea and filled with fright, she tries hard to fight back the tears.

Please... don't let another leave me alone...


The Earth beneath her the shook violently. Caught off guard by the sudden event and her own exhaustion, she took one glance up into the sky, up the side of a nearby mountain. It was too late for escape now- a land slide has claimed her within it's grasp. She was too weak to fend it off... she became buried in the dirt and rock.

Perhaps... perhaps is was meant to be... mother...?


~~~


"It's not much further ahead!" Bryan called out. They have been walking on the road leading to the Garnorda Range for the past couple of hours. From Pokémon Valley, the highest peaks looked almost like tiny foothill in the distance, but now the stretched up so high into the sky, the tops seemed like they were impossible to see. Covering the faces of these mountains were blankets of thick forests. But here and there, patches of nothing could be seen- the recent landslides took some of the forest with it, so it seems.

Cody was trying to keep in high spirits since they left. Bryan was to overjoyed with the pride of being a rescuer that he didn't notice that his new friend was feeling less than upset. But the emotions given off by Bryan did make Cody feel happy a little bit. He was probably over reacting is all. Sure, maybe he doesn't know who he is, but maybe things weren't so unfamiliar in the end. For some reason, he still knew how to breath. He still knew how to speak. He still knew how to walk and run and use his arms and whip his tail about here and there. It just became obvious that there was no way he could ever be anyone else than himself. The human thing was probably a dream anyway, nothing but a figment of his imagination.

I mean, how could anyone just randomly change species like that? It's just silly!

He still kept quite most of the time however. But things weren't that bad... sky was bright blue with cute clouds floating by and the sun was shining as it progressed through it's early afternoon shift and approaching the later afternoon and evening. Yeah, life was still good. Had a scrumptious breakfast that tasted so refreshing to him. He just simply looked at the whole amnesia thing like a brand new chance to try everything that he liked for the first time again, and see why he liked it in the first place. But first, he had to figure out what it is he likes anyway. If he had another Oran berry, he'd start with that.

"Hey, you two! You reptile Pokémon! Over here!"

Stopping in their tracks, Cody and Bryan turned to where the new voice was coming from. At the end of their sites, they found a group of three Pokémon- A Ratatta, a Buneary, and a Nidorino.

"We got word that a new rescue team was just sent here from a Pelipper notice," said the Nidorino. "We were asked that we lend you a hand and make sure your first mission goes smoothly, especially since this is an extremly rough start for a new rescue team."

"Who are you guys?" Cody asked.

The Buneary giggles as she spins around in a flirty manner, prancing here and there and getting up into Cody's face. She extends her paw and scratches Cody under his chin, still giggling in a rather adorable matter. "We're Team Lend-a-Hand! As our name says, we like to lend-a-hand to everyone!"

The Ratatta looks off to the side for a moment and coughs, saying under his breath "We only have that name because we wouldn't come up with something cooler..."

Hoping in her flirty fashion back to her group, the Buneary continues laughing to herself. The way she moved was like a dance though, because it was not full of irratic movements. Coordinated between jumps and spins, on can only guess if she would ever fight the same way...

"Susie, please stop womanizing them for a moment. We were asked to make sure they stay focused and get the job done, not distract them more with your adorable movements," the Nidorino said as he never removed his eyes from the two newbies before him. "We have been in the rescue business for some time now. Whenever there is a new team on the road, we are one of the few volunteers to aid them with their first mission."

Bryan looks at Susie the Buneary for a moment more, entranced by her cute charm. When he finally noticed he was being spoken to, he snaps back to reality and fibs by saying "Oh, yes! That is very nice of you!" He wasn't even paying attention.

The Nidorino looks to his side slightly, giving a quick glance to Susie the Buneary. She didn't notice him giving his "stop screwing around" glance while she was busy pulling at the big fluff of fur over her face and wiggling back and forth, giggling further more. That's when he let out a big snort that made Susie's ears both stand up straight- now she knew to stop acting so... energetically and behave herself. They were supposed to set an example for the new team Chaotix, after all.

"Now," the Nidorino continued, "I do not believe we introduced ourselves to you yet. I go by the name of Nero. And if you were paying attention, this hyper girl's name is Susie."

Susie's hyper activity seemed to have dramatically toned down as she pulled out on her fluff not out of excitement and giddiness, but to give a very lady-like curtsy.

"And this Ratatta..." Nero said as he glanced to his other side, "Goes by the name Gilbert, but he much rather be called 'Gil'. And be aware that some of the things he says may offend some folks, but understand he means no harm. But mostly, he rarely ever speaks outside the occasional mutter."

Gil simply looked toward the group for a moment, giving a nod of acknowledgment, then turning his attention back to looking at the mountain tops.

"And let there be no need to introduce yourselves to us- the notice already told us everything we need to know," Nero continued. "It is your objective to help with the search and rescue of the local Pokémon who may have been caught off-guard by the recent land slides while off the main roads. Already, most of the main passing have been cleared free, fatality rates at a very good 'none'. Our personal objective is to do the same, but accompany you as well and ensure your own safety. It is our duty that you succeed in your first mission."

Bryan and Cody nodded in agreement as to what they were supposed to do. The defined way that this Nidorino spoke to them- for some reason, it just made them feel more experienced listening to him. Bryan seemed to have calmed down from virtually bouncing around and singing the whole way here to a fire in his eyes that beckons only to work himself to the brink of exhaustion for the sake of others survival. Cody, with similar effects on the outside, the nagging feeling that something just isn't right continues to bite at him. He feels ready to help others right this very moment, but not without thinking about his own situation from time to time.

"Follow me," Nero spoken calmly. "We'll meet some of the other rescue teams at the rondaivue point. A make-shift pulley system has been made to hoist some of the smaller Pokémon on teams to areas that have yet to be cleaned free of rubble yet. Though it's an on-the-spot thing, it runs on a defined schedule already. The next 'train' leaves in about ten minutes. In that time, I want you two to mentally prepare yourself and get any concerns out." Nero turns his back to Bryan and Cody, not even turning his eyes to his own team as he spoke. "Follow me. We haven't a moment to spare."

Susie hoped along next to Nero as he walked, Gil standing there for a moment while looking the new pair of a small team. He mumbled something under his breath before catching up with his team.

"You'd do well not to screw this situation up."


~~~

A soft melody cued blissfully and gently. The song was nothing fancy, for it was just a few melodies repeating itself. But the song pulled at her heart strings to the deepest core... the person who sang this voice in a hum was someone she would never forget in her life.

Mother...?

Ever steady going, the song continues to be sang in an entrancing matter. She felt more complied to go to sleep, allowing the melody to take her over in peace. The perfect little song to make an ever treasured lullaby.

Mother... have you returned? Are you here to make sure I'm never alone again?

The song doesn't stop for a moment. If anything, it grows more and more clear by the second. It echoes from over the mountains, but draws ever closer. Like a child being held close by a loving parent, the melody draws closer in welcomed comfort.

Oh Mother...

~~~

After a few minutes of walking, but more like jogging from Bryan and Cody who lagged slightly behind, they met up with a bunch of other smaller Pokémon to board the next cart that would safely take them down to a disaster zone that has yet to be cleaned up. The path that they were on was still covered in debree itself, but still very much passable.

"So, this is where we head up, huh?" Cody spoke aloud, more to himself than anyone in particular.

"I would guess so," Bryan replied. "I can't see what's going on up there, but it sure doesn't look easy."

Cody stepped back for a moment and turned away from the cleared mountain slope. He felt a little nervous about this now. Granted he was nervous to begin with, traveling in an unfamiliar area with Pokémon he didn't even know, taking him how many minutes to recall his own name. But this sense of nervousness came from a very different source- fear. The very thought of him traveling up there and being so high sent shivers down his spine. Now he just learned a new thing about himself that he wish was only a joke- he was apparently afraid of high places. His legs trembled slightly.

"Is there something the matter?" Nero spoke from behind Cody.

Jumping slightly at the startlement of this, Cody spoke "Ack! Uh... n-no! Nothing is wrong! Just... uh... just the first timers... uh... syndrome I guess?"

Nero shook his head in disbelief and said "If you did not feel ready, then you should not have come. This is no nature walk for a picnic, mind you. This is a very serious business where personal endangerment is always a threat. But now is no time to turn back- get on the cart now."

Oh, gee, thanks. That's a confidence builder for me. Now if I die in this mess, I'll go without knowing anything- literally. Thanks again.

Sucking in his gut and swallowing his fears, Cody climbed aboard the ivy-strung cart as a Machoke grabbed hold of another vine and hoisted the cart up the mountain side. Everybody else was already on board and waiting, for he was the last one to get on. And as they went through their assent, Cody felt like he would regurgitate his fears now. They kept going higher and higher up the side of the mountain, and the cart did very little to adsorb the sways caused by the other Pokémon moving about and the wind that would blow now and again. His legs were nothing but a pile of mush now. If he did not cling to a railing for dear life, he probably would take a nice tumble down the steep grade.

Great. I'm a rescuer. With no memory. With no experience. Who is about to wet himself at the sight of being ten feet off the ground. What a welcoming site to the suffering- a trembling baboon to save the day.

He couldn't take it. He clenched his eyes tightly to prevent from looking down, but the mental image of him falling was still intact with every sway that the cart went through. Then a gentle pressure was felt on his shoulder. It was a warm and comfirting touch to him- it simply being there made a dramatic difference as he felt strength of support pouring through. He opened his eyes slightly to see Bryan next to him, smiling in such a fashion that eased the soul.

"You're one weird turtle," Bryan said jokingly. "But I bet you're really brave as well, if you want to be. You alone deciding to join me in this mad quest despite the fact you know nothing, and going through one of your phobias just to help others. Though you may be shaking, I bet you're one of the bravest on this cart. You're going fourth to the aid of others when you should be reciving aid yourself."

It was obviously a fat lie. Cody joined Bryan because he felt indebted to him, and he didn't know he was deathly afraid of heights until a minute before. But still, having someone to stand by you did feel nice. He now felt a familiar feeling from within that made his stomach tickle from within, like butterflies fluttering about. He really did not feel lonely anymore. He now believes without a doubt that Bryan is someone he can trust as a true friend.

"You feeling better now?" Bryan asked.

"Yes... much better," Cody replied. "Still a little nervous from the height, but it's not even a fraction of what is was before. Thank you, Bryan."

Bryan smiled a more joyful smile. "That's why we're friends now. You can count on me for anything."

Mother...

Cody's head sprang straight up as he heard that voice go through his head. He's not sure why, but it sounded like... one of the last words of someone on their death bed. It was chilling to the core- he completly forgot about being up so high now.

"Did you hear that?" Cody said as he turned to Bryan, letting go of the railing he so desperately held onto moments before.

"Hear what?"

You won't leave me again, will you Mother...?

"It... it sounds like... someone is about to die!" Cody then screamed aloud!

The cart came to a sudden stop as the other Pokémon on board turned to look at the newbie rescue turtle. Nero came forth from the small crowd of about twenty others and stated "Who is about to die?"

Cody looked over the railing, to the ground that was probably about fifteen feet bellow them, their true point of origin was about a hundred and fifty feet further down if you followed the hill.

"Right down there... someone is down there! I can feel it!" he exclaimed.

"You're going delusional, turtle," Nero said. "That there used to be nothing but thickets. There are no such trails there and we have no need to waste in places we are not sure of. The cart can not stop here- we have a destination to go to and a mission to accomplish. And I will make sure you accomplish your task as well!"

Now it looked like as if someone completly different took over Cody's body, for his response was not expected. "Then tell me this, what is a rescue team? Are we to all go together, a whole entire group of teams, for one little area? I think it is more than responsible to split some of this group down to the individual teams to scout areas that no one else has looked before. We are here to look for SURVIVORS, not clear off some road! If there happen to be some Pokémon in the rubble you dig up while cleaning the road, then good. But who says you need a trail to get to certain areas? There are those who can fly and climb their way to other places!"

"But we are also assigned to check areas of vital importance, meaning areas where the most survivors are predicted to be! That area down there is not one of them and we will simply be wasting out time for nothing!" Nero snapped back.

Cody looked off into the distant mountains and drew in a few deep breaths calmly stating. "Correction- YOU may be wasting your time, but I'm going to find a survivor down there right now."

The next instant, Cody jumped out of the cart. Though not exactly a height that can kill you, it is one where it where leave a nasty bruise. Everybody who was on the cart tried to get front row when they saw him jump off the edge. When he hit the ground, it was hard for anyone to believe this- Cody still stood. In fact, he landed like he only took a bunny hop down a couple flights of stairs.

Bryan was amazed by this sudden turn in Cody's personality. He was debating to himself whither his friend was either brave and wise, or simply snapped into insanity by the recent events. But the way Cody stood, holding his ground and scowerering the area carefully from what it seemed, he felt inspired... inspired to do the same. Without any warning, he too jumped off the edge as the other Pokémon rushed in vein attempt to catch him. However, he didn't catch himself as heroically as Cody did for he landed on his rear end and let out a small whelp.

"Ooooooh! Those boys are just the stupidest bunch I have ever seeeeeen!" Susie screamed out. She hopped around on the cart in a crazed manner.

"You and I are on the same page for once there..." Gil mumbled to himself.

Nero was now completly furious at the two of them, and he was ready to jump off the edge himself and chase after them. "You idiots! You're holding up our progress! There are lives at stake, for crying out loud! You have no idea what you're doing and you are standing on uncertain ground- it could give away at any moment and you'd be damn lucky if you survive if there was another landslide!"

Bryan slowly stood up, stretching out his back as he rubbed the base of his tail. He had no idea what had come over him and now just feels like a complete idiot for jumping off. Nero was probably right... he is a pretty seasoned rescuer, after all. He and Cody are only on their first mission; what better do they know? The least he could do now is try to talk Cody back into sense, if he didn't completly lose his mind in the process.

"Cody, listen... Nero is probably right and I think we should..."

He stopped mid-sentence. Though Cody was standing, his eyes were shut as his hands were clasp together in front of him, only his pointer fingers and thumbs extended. He had a presence around him now that was like a trance and set all into a deep thought. Calm, barely breathing, thinking carefully... the outside world around him would not disturb his process now. He was on a mission others thought as impossible.

Then without warning, Cody rushed forward, away from the cart, and kept running for about thirty meters before coming to a complete stop and looking down. Bryan followed and kept up with him the whole time, and noticed something strange- Cody never opened his eyes to see where he was going. He didn't even give a peek to make sure he wouldn't trip over anything. It's hard enough to run with your eyes closed and not trip, but on terrain such as this, it's just incredible that he didn't even hesitate a step.

Mother...

"We dig here," Cody spoke. "We don't have much time."

Without any objections, Bryan started clawing away with Cody at the spot instructed. He didn't really think about why... he felt like he was on the same wave length as Cody now. And now that he has come this close, he himself feels an odd presence bellow where they now dig. It was a faint and weak presence though, an extinguishing flame that could burn out at any moment. And because of that, there was no time for questions- someone's life was at stake!

"Those kids! Who the hell do they think they are?!" Nero said, teeth gritting together. "If they won't come willingly, then I will drag them back here by force!"

Just as Nero was about to make his jump after the duo, an unknown grip grabbed hold of him and held strong. This simply caused Nero to turn back and try to strike whoever tried to deny him what he felt was his duty. But the moment before he was about to senselessly attack the source of the resistance, he realized that it would have done no good anyway- the one who denied him was someone far more powerful than he, and respected. The one who would not let Nero go was the famed Alakazam, leader of Team A.C.T..

"Let them go," he spoke telepathically. "I sense a presence down their as well. I believe that they are in the right.

Nero now felt useless. It now felt as his experience and authority of instructing new teams was blown out of the water. It was a humiliation- always before he had instructed teams before him to do things and rarely did they ever disobey. If they did, he would be the reason why that team no longer lasted a day before disbursing. But now, there is this team. He was being denied his objective to navigate this team by none other than the Alakazam. He was at a loss now... if Alakazam says to let them be, it is not without good reason.

"But, Alakazam..." Nero spoke quietly. "It is my mission to make sure they do theirs..."

"Then tell me what it is their mission is."

"To ensure the rescue of other Pokémon in the Garnorda Range region..."

"And they are doing their job. Your objective will still be carried out with success. Behold, Nero...

At that moment, Bryan's voice called out loudly. It echoed through the mountains with the mixed feelings of joy and fear.

"We found someone! There is somebody burried here! I don't know who it is or even if it's still alive! I've never seen a Pokémon like this before though! We need an extra hand!"

Nero's pupils shrank at that very moment. Now he truely couldn't believe it. Never before has a team he has looked after find someone on their very first try without him and his team pointing the way. But on top of that, they found it in a place he was sure of that nobody would've been in. He's been doing this for so long, he could almost smell if an area is worth a search or not, and this place didn't have that feel. Yet this new team discovered someone... whither dead or alive, it didn't matter. They found someone.

A couple of the Pokémon, Nero's team of Susie and Gil included, immediately came down to where Cody and Bryan found the unknown Pokémon submerged within the dirt and rock. lending their aid, everyone worked together to get this Pokémon out and carried it back to cart. Cody's eyes were open again and he sat next to Bryan, panting with exhaustion. They were not used to working that hard... but it was worth the effort. They have yet to join everyone else on the cart and wanted to rest for a moment before doing so.

"Good job..." Cody said, catching his breath.

"Heh... back at ya..." Bryan panted. "I can't believe you were able to find that Pokémon... never seen one like that before... how did you know?"

Cody laid on his back for a moment, looking up at the sky. "I really don't know... I felt more like I was standing outside myself while someone else took over... I was a spectator in this in didn't do anything... yet I did... it's amazing..."

"But how did you do it?"

"...I heard a voice. It sounded like a death wish or something."

"Death wish?"

From the cart came a small cheer of joy. Though the commotion could not extracted to tell what they were saying, it was obvious if you put two and two together- this victim was apparently still alive, and probably able to make a recovery.

"We'd better get back with them now," Bryan stated. "If I'm guessing right, that thing is still alive and needs to get to a hospital before it's too late. We shouldn't hold them up."

Both Bryan and Cody get back onto their feet and start heading back to the cart. But out of the corner of Cody's eye, he catches a glimpse of something shiny. He bends down and digs up what he saw in the dirt- a round, blue sphere. The insides dance like clouds of blue and white smoke when viewed at different angles. More than likely, this belonged to that Pokémon; he would hold onto it for now. Putting it in his toolbox, he catches back up to Bryan and climb up a lowered vine and back into cart. The Machoke then heaves on some vines and they start to descend back down the mountain.

~~~

Mother... where are you going? Please... don't leave me again... I do not want to be alone again...

The soft cues of the lullaby have started to leave her ears now. Just as they had come closer before with warmth and comfort, now they leave in the same way with fear and loneliness. She could not get the music to come back. Little by little, it faded into the distant fog. She begged and pleaded and cried for it to stay, but it would not listen. It was now gone.

Mother... but why? First you leave me... then he leaves me... I thought you came back, but you only leave me again? Why Mother? Why...

Shortly after the song had faded into nothingness, another sense came into realization. It now felt like she was really being held... though there was no song now, she was being carried and placed down in something soft... and not only that, but the presence that she feels... it felt like what happened after Mother left...

~~~

[The R.S.]

"The Pokémon you have rescued is a very rare species known as a Latias," Alakazam spoke to Bryan and Cody while in a medical tent, sitting next to where the Latias now rested and recovered. A candle on a nearby table-top flickered and cast shadows in the early night. "I do not know how a Latias, such an intelligent and strong Pokémon, could get caught up in such a landslide- especially since they have the ability to fly. But what do know is that she is a very lucky individual. I would dare say she had been buried alive for several hours with no oxygen to breath."

"She must have a really strong will then," Bryan replied.

Alakazam nods in agreement and looks over to Cody who has been sitting next to the Latias since she came out of surgery. "You're friend there is very gifted," Alakazam said to Bryan, knowing that Cody is not paying attention. "Her life signs were very weak, yet he was able to find her. Even I was barely able to notice her myself, but my doubts were cleared once he went into action. And I can tell he has caring heart as well... he must be blessed in life."

"I wouldn't exactly say 'blessed'," Bryan said as he turned to look at Cody as well.

"Why do you say that?" Alakazam beckoned.

"Well, it was actually earlier today that he checked out of the hospital in Pokémon Valley himself. A few days ago, I accidentally caught him while I was fishing and brought him to the clinic."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, he was covered in seaweed and got totally entangled in my line. And when he awoke, he didn't remember anything..."

"You mean he had amnesia?"

"He still has it now. The only thing he was able to recover was his name. He claims that everything else is still amiss for him and doesn't even have a clue as to anything."

"Yet he sits there with a wish in his heart that this girl recovers, perhaps with no thought about himself and his situation."

Bryan continues to look at Cody sitting next to the Latias, resting in the cot that was set up on such short notice. He's still trying to figure out how Cody did all that. To sense the Pokémon's presence and locate her on such short notice. Might be one thing if he was a psychic type, but Squirtle's are nothing more than a water type. Was it all just a lucky guess?

"Now, I'm sorry to do this but I'm afraid I must be going now," Alakazam as he arose from his seat. "I need to get caught up with the rest of my team and continue working. Enjoy your blessing as a new rescue team now, for I predict that more is to come your way."

"Alakazam?" Bryan said puzzled. "Why did you stay with us this long? You're... you're part of A.C.T.! One of the top ranked teams around! Why did you hang out with nobodies like us?"

"Because..." Alakazam said softly. "I believe that you are a worthy team. You will rise out of the ordinary to be an outstanding rescue team. Now, I bid thee farewell."

Even before Bryan could ask another question, Alakazam was out the tent and into the night. Unable to give up, however, Bryan runs out the tent after him in an attempt to ask his question, leaving Cody and the Latias in the tent by themselves.

"Don't worry..." Cody said in a voice almost as soft as the crickets outside. "I will make sure you recover... I promise."

Letting out a yawn, Cody sits back into his chair and eventually his eyes close shut and falls asleep. During this time, however, a distinct song can be heard as he hums himself to sleep. A gentle melody, simple as can be, that seemed to even bring a slight smile to the injured Latias's face.







(Whoa, fourth chapter was so long it didn't all fit in one post, so wow.)

Haha! Too late! This egg's been found.

[hiddendeath]

WOW, this is soooooooooo sweet, 10-10

[teamtortree]

...o.o

This is so... amazing...

Dang... I wish that I could've written my story with such detail. Amazing, Cody.

[bulby101]

*gasp* He triple posted!

All hail the power of the admin!

[The R.S.]

Aye Bulby, but it be a story. THAT is acceptible for anyone... granted that the story is awsome. If the story sucks, then you phail at life.

[supergold20]

admin said:

Aye Bulby, but it be a story. THAT is acceptible for anyone...

I learnt something new today

[bulby101]

*sigh* It was a joke.

I phail again... T.T

[The R.S.]

Indeed- I love putting you down.

Anyway, got another new chapter today. I was up until four in the morning working on this one! Starts out great, but near the end I really feel like I was saying "Fuck this, hurry it up, I wanna go to bed", but I'll post it anyway.

Chapter 5: Birds of a Feather

Day broke out, but the skies were filled with storm clouds instead of a morning sunrise. It started raining late the previous night and kept steady through the morning. But don't take it as an omen, for everyone that was believed to be lost in the landslides had been successfully recovered and confirmed living. Including a few Pokémon not expected to be there, the Latias one of them. All and all, things turned out pretty well. Some volunteer teams decided to stay behind for awhile more to finish clearing the roads, such as Team Lend-a-Hand. This was Nero's choice, however, because he now is a little doubtful of his own skill and hopes that maybe he would find someone he wasn't expecting to be there. What happened before was actually a big stroke to his pride.

The newly formed Team Chaotix were still asleep at this hour though. While most teams were wide awake with a dozen boiled cups of Chesto berry coffee, they were yet to acquire their expected schedule. Bryan returned to the tent after a futile chase after Alakazam and ended up curling up on the floor. Cody was, of course, out cold in the chair next to the bedside of the bandaged Latias. When a nurse came to make her rounds before, she covered them up with blankets because the rainfall dropped the temperature by several degrees in a matter of minutes.

The Latias is in stable condition, fortunately. Outside a broken wing, a few bumps on the head and scratched up, she suffered no serious injury; not even to the brain. One trait that psychic Pokémon seemed to have acquired is the ability to survive longer periods of time in harsh places with limited food and air. This is because they sacrifice portions of their psychic energy to maintain the body. The more keen a Pokémon's abilities with it's psychic powers, the longer it will be able to withstand the abuse. A Latias, as one can hazard a guess at, is very much in tune with their powers- they use it a large percentage of the time by flying and levitating. Their wings are simply there to properly direct them during flight.

When the time was somewhere about 12:20 in the afternoon, Cody started to stir from his slumber. Stretching out his back for a moment, the loosely strapped blanket feel to the floor. Looking at it for a moment, he reached for it and pulled it himself again- he still felt a little cold. He then proceeded on trying to get back to sleep but realized he was too awake at this point, though still very groggy. The second he opened his eyes his hearing came into notice. He could now hear everyone who was stirring outside the tent doing their business and the rain pounding down in massive droplets against the tent canopy. And in his mind's eye, he had a general idea of what time it was. He should probably get up anyway... but after feeling snug again for another fifteen or so minutes. It was like a familiar pleasure that he used to do. Something in his mind simply told him he would feel a lot more refreshed if he stayed in that half-asleep state for just a little longer.

"Hey! Are you awake?"

Looks like he wouldn't have that chance to sleep in for even another second. Nearly scarred out of his chair, Bryan stood before him. Reconfirmed by his presence, Cody had a quick thought pass his mind when he realized it all wasn't a dream after all. That didn't last long, because the next thought to cross his mind was why wake a sleeping Pokémon with such a robust and cheerful greeting? He wasn't paying that much attention, but he was sure that Bryan wasn't standing right there when he picked up the blanket a few seconds before... guess some Pokémon are just morning birds.

"I guess we really worked ourselves out!" Bryan said. "I don't think I slept in that long for years!"

And I guess you can say I haven't been up this early in... days?

"What is it that you want, Bryan?" Cody said softly with a very groggy voice.

"It's got to be around one or something and I was thinking of getting some brunch. Thought you would like to come along." Bryan replied.

Letting out a big yawn, Cody stretched out again and spoke. "I feel more like sleeping than eating right now..."

"You're not hungry? You're kidding me! You didn't have a bite to eat since your Oran berry was squashed in town!"

"I guess I'm a very light eater?" Cody shrugged, looking the other way.

Pulling Cody up and out of the chair, Bryan then positioned himself behind the Squirtle and pushing on his back. "I'm not going to take 'no' for an answer! Light eater or not, you virtually only had one meal in three or four days! And best eat now instead of later, because when later comes we might not have the luxury to eat!"

Almost tripping over himself, Cody went outside into the rain with Bryan. Hesitating for a moment, Bryan went back inside the tent to see if he could use something to cover his flame tipped tail. The closest thing he could find was the blanket he was using, so he held his tail close and cloaked himself with the blanket like it was a sort of hood. Cody, being a water type, naturally went outside with nothing to keep him dry felt somehow refreshed by the rainfall. Maybe he would nap outside later, if he was still sleepy. As the two friends proceeded to find a sort of food court, the Latias in the bed stirred herself.

After a few minutes of rushing about on Bryan's expense, they finally found a tent that gave off that familiar scent of a cooked meal. The previous lunch rush had already taken most of what they had, but there was still plenty to go around for the last ones to show up and kept piping hot and fresh. A Pokémon known as a Kangaskhan was, as you could say, "lunch lady" behind the counter. Though the species tend to be rather intimidating in general, you can still distinguish if they had a kind face or not; of course this one had a face that was picked out to ease the hearts of hungry rescuers.

"Let's pick out what we can," Bryan said putting the damped blanket on a nearby empty table and advancing to the miniature buffet line set up. Who knew that wild Pokémon were actually quite sophisticated?

Approaching the counter, though obvious that the bulk of what was set out was gone, that didn't mean you had to scavenge every crumb you could find to fill up. There was plenty for even seconds, if a small group didn't walk in now. Cody and Bryan both picked up a plate and started to look through what they had left. A couple platters of fresh berries, of course, but there was also a type of stew that made the nose tickle and mouth water with it's powerful aroma. And next to that were some biscuits made from dried berry flour, a couple more small plates of berries, and cooked breakfast meat- looked to be bacon and sassages... hopefully, not from a Grumpig. And last on the line, there were the condiments such as salt, pepper, maple syrup, and so on. There even sat a half-used bottle of hot sauce- someone must live for spice morning, day, and night from the looks of it.

Cody still didn't feel very hungry, but he helped himself to mostly Oran berries and a little bit of the stew with two pieces of the linked sausage. Looking back, he also spotted some pink colored berries- they are known as the Pecha berries. Drawn in by it's simply sweet appearance, he snagged a couple of them as well and decided he'll try them out too when he sits down. And looking through the condiments, nothing but the maple syrup seemed to catch his eye- he drenched his sausages in them before looking at the whole meal he prepared himself in general. Now it felt like his eyes were bigger than his stomach at this point until taking a glance at what Bryan had. After taking a look at that, he thought to himself if Bryan didn't just throw everything that was on the buffet and leave behind a couple morsels of food, like a smart-alec kid that was just told to leave "a little bit behind" for everyone else. Things seemed to even themselves out now, and decided he was actually not such a glutton after all. He then picked up his plate and gave a weak, but honest smile to the Kangaskhan who prepared the food and nodded his head in thanks. She, in turn, did the same. Bryan was already a mile ahead and back at the table eating.

Sitting down next to Bryan, he looked at him and chuckled to himself quietly. For some reason, he found it amusing that Bryan seemed to scarf things down whole with no slowing down. He couldn't see himself doing that though. And right there, it then became what his overall idea of eating was- nice, easy, and savor the flavor... if his instincts don't overcome him and and make him inhale berries like the day before, that is. But they didn't, for the first thing he picked up was a Pecha berry. He bit into it and was amazed by how sweet it tasted. But rather than just eating it whole, he sat back for a moment and let the flavor melt in his mouth for a moment as he chewed the incredibly soft delicacy before swallowing. He did the same with the stew and maple-drenched sausage links as well. Eventually eating every morsel and feeling a little sluggish... well, more sluggish, he felt satisfied at the same time. Bryan, on the other hand, was long done with his mountain of food.

"On a diet?" Bryan joshed.

"If I am, then it's obviously not the 'See Food' diet like you." Cody replied.

"'Sea Food' diet?" questioned Bryan.

"Yeah. You 'see' food, then you eat it!" Cody said quickly with a hearty laugh afterward.

"Ok, ok, I admit it. I do have a big appetite. But I gotta tell ya, I haven't eaten since yesterday as well and I was starving!"

"I bet you'll be starving in about five minutes too, if I'm hazarding my guess right."

"Guilty, guilty!"

The two of them laughed at the jokes made back at each other for a moment, even though filled with nothing original and bad puns aplenty. Despite the fact, it was still something that you could only enjoy with a friend. No matter how old the joke, no matter how lame and cliched it was, it always seemed funny if you share it with someone else. Cody has simply been trying his best to make use of the situation, reminding himself to just go with whatever he felt like. If he always held back because he was afraid he might say something stupid or feel like an idiot, he would never find his true self. However, he felt both of those things right now, but it didn't bother him now. Laughing at bad puns with a new friend, he now feels like he's making some real personal progress. He knows it because of that ever growing feeling of friendship inside his heart. It was warm and joyful... he loved that feel. That's how he knows it's right.

After several minutes of laughter to the point of tears, Bryan spoke out while whipping his eyes. "How about we head back to the tent where that... uh... Latie-thing Pokémon, whatever is and see if she woke up yet?"

"You mean the Latias?" Cody replied after taking a few deep breaths of air to catch his breath. "Yeah, we probably should. And while we're at it, we should bring some food for her as well. She might be famished."

"Oh, that's right," said Bryan. "They said that she must've been buried at least eight hours, and she's been asleep for about another... well, fourteen hours, I guess. So I would say she hasn't eaten anything for a full day."

Advancing to the buffet again, Cody looked at what was there carefully. "What does a Latias eat, anyway?"

"She's not a plant, I know that much. But how about we grab a couple handfuls of berries and let her pick out what she wants?"

Nodding, Cody grabs another little plate and the two of them start pulling small handfuls of different berries. The larger berries, of course, they had to reach back for if they wanted more. But when they felt like they had more than enough, they returned to the table and Bryan dawned the blanket (in which he was drying it out with the heat being given off by his tail, by the way) over himself again, holding the plate of berries close so they wouldn't get too soaked in the rain. They proceeded back to the medical tent together.

Once inside the tent, they naturally looked straight at the bed. They were caught a little off guard when the Latias was sitting straight up and looking straight at them. Her eyes were a very perplexing, yet beautiful and calm golden color which seemed to put them in a trance. But not only did her eyes have a natural beauty, it was also pretty obvious just by looking at them that this creature incredibly intelligent. If an idiot were to describe the feeling of intellect coming right off of her, they would say that she's would be overflowing with the smartnesses.

"Who might you two be?" she asks calmly.

Shaking their heads of the momentary stun, Bryan and Cody continue into the room and stop mid-way. Bryan speaks out.

"Uh, my name is Bryan and this is my friend, Cody. We're the ones who rescued you when you got caught in a landslide."

Lowering her head for a moment and crossing her arms, a furrow could be seen over her eye-line as she shut then in a momentary piece of thought. "I was caught in a landslide?"

"Yes," Cody stepped forward. "We were told that you were actually buried for at least eight hours and that you were lucky to survive."

The Latias still appeared to be in thought, but continued speaking. "That's quite odd... I don't remember that happening to me."

"You mean you have amnesia too?!" Bryan

"Depends on what you mean," she replied with almost no change to concern in her voice?

"Huh?" Bryan was only able to utter out.

"I would assume you are referring to the typical and most widely known form of amnesia where you forget everything about yourself," she speaks as she raised her head back up. "But I assure you that I know everything about myself to declassify my case as that. But the little known, but much more common case of amnesia I have must be from extreme trauma stimulation. It often occurs with children on a regular basis if they had something big to them. An example would be if a child was swimming and proceeded to drown. Even though they were awake a shouting and screaming at the time, they may soon forget what happened to them because of that momentary experience of great fright. It's the mind's way of processing out troublesome events and which can lead to personal fears of certain things."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Bryan exclaimed. "I have no idea what you are talking about right there! In more simple terms?"

Thinking for a second, the Latias looked at Bryan and said "No, I don't have 'amnesia'." At that moment, she then recalled something in one of Bryan's earlier statements. "And if I'm not mistaken, did you say 'you have amnesia too', correct? Do you mean that you have amnesia?"

"No, he was referring to me," Cody spoke out.

"Maybe I can help you out," the Latias said with almost joy in her voice. "I happen to be a sort of medical doctor for Pokémon, believe it or not, and I'm quite skilled in doing many medical procedures with a combination of my psychic abilities."

"You're kidding!" Cody yelled, almost ready to jump through the damp canopy of the tent.

"You two said you saved my life; I feel like I must repay my debt in some way before moving on. Besides, thanks to my wing apparently being busted and my telepathic energy nearly depleted, I 'm not going to be going anyway drastic anytime soon."

"You mean, you're traveling around a lot?" Bryan asked.

"Hmm..." she murmured, thinking of something quick to say in return. "My species tend to be a primely nomadic kind, traveling the world before finding a place to settle down. I've yet to do that and stopped in this region for a night's rest when I was apparently caught in the recent disaster."

"I see..." Bryan spoke.

Cody looked at the Latias for a moment before a thought crossed his mind. This one he impulsed on asking right away. "So, what's your name?"

The Latias turned to Cody and looked at him for a moment, baring a look on her face like as if she remembered something she completely forgot about. But shaking it off, she replied just as calmly as before. "My name is Lora."

~~~


After spending a few hours of discussion with one another, the Bryan and Cody eventually got Lora to join in on their rescue team, saying that her medical skills would be a very unique addition to their team. She claimed she may not be permanent, though promised to stay for a little while even when after her wing has mended itself again. But when the time came to be around three in the afternoon, much of the rain had passed by and some caravans were organized to go back to Pokémon Valley. These caravans were originally sent from Pokémon Valley shortly after the first series of earthquakes happened, those that accrued while Cody was still in the hospital. The team Chaotix got themselves a ride with one of the caravans and found it rather fortunate. Since Lora is unable to take to the skies for a small while, she would've had to rely on ground travel. And as one can tell, a Latias does not have the most adapt legs around. Not to mention that she still needed a lot of rest, so riding back of a caravan would be perfect for her right now. The wagons of the caravan were to be pulled by a team of Dodrio, so the ride would be a fast one- it would take less than half the time to get back to Pokémon Valley than it did to walk to this place like Bryan and Cody did before.

In the back of the caravan, a few other Pokémon were seated with them as well. Lora was given plenty of space so no one would accidental wind up banging her broken wing. But as they rode, Cody seemed particularly fascinated in what Lora had to say.

"So you traveled all over the world?" he asked. "What did you see while on your journeys?"

"I saw many things," she replied, happy to see that someone is actually interested in other cultures. "While I traveled far and wide across the land, I got to witness things of beauty and art like you would never believe. Thanks to a handy ability I have, I was able to go transparent and explore portions of the human world that most Pokémon would never get to see unless caught by a trainer. This ranged from art museums, to schools, to historical sites and more. It's all rather fascinating."

"Is that how you learned a lot of your medical stuff?" Cody beckoned.

"Ok, so I would sneak into libraries and borrow a couple of their books now and again too..." she said with a slight laugh.

"You mean that you can read human language?" Bryan spoke.

"Languages, actually. I taught myself how to read a couple different languages since not all books were in the same language, nor was I always in the same area. But I returned every book I borrowed, I assure you."

Reaching for the plate of berries they brought with them, though not as fresh as they were, Cody got hold of another Oran berry and bit into it. "So, Lora, you say you can help me get my memory back maybe?"

"Well, as you said. 'Maybe' is the keyword," she explained. "Amnesia is a very odd thing to cure. Sometimes all one needs is a impact to the portion of the head to jog the memory banks, while a certain event that acts as a key to unlocking your memories can accrue, or it simply returns over time. Sometimes, it never returns at all."

When Lora spoke the last part, Cody almost choked on the portion of the berry he was eating and cough roughly as some of it went down his windpipe. The part where he may not ever regain his memory was not appealing at all.

"Oh, jee, I'm sorry!" Lora apologized. "I often times get carried away in my thoughts that I do not realize I shouldn't say certain things sometimes..."

"Don't worry about it..." Cody stated as he coughed into his hand, removing what bits and juices of the berry that went down the wrong pipe.

An awkward moment of silence feel between the three of them, even though the rest of the caravan was caught up in their own conversations, boasting to one another how many Pokémon they rescued and how Alakazam's team better watch out for them and so on. Lora broke the silence when a forgotten detail crossed her mind.

"So, when we get to Pokémon Valley, where will we be staying?"

Like with the team name, except this time much worse, Bryan feel back and realized he forgot this important detail. He was actually just passing by himself when he ended up finding Cody while fishing. He didn't have a house to live in and share with these two. And Cody probably had nothing at the moment. Didn't matter if he was from a rich family with a million estates or a poor, meager family living in a hole somewhere- if he doesn't remember, it was no use. And most obviously, Lora doesn't have a home at all. She says that a Latias often travels all over before settling down, so the burden was all up on him.

"Err..." Bryan spoke, giving that nervous smile that really said "Oops".

"Come to think of it, that's actually a good point," Cody said. "When we get back, where will we be living?"

"Uhh..."

Crossing her arms and lowering her head, Lora said without looking at Bryan to give that cold effect. "...you don't have a place for us to go, do you?"

"Eheheheh..." Bryan had no idea what to say. He tried to make light of the situation, but it was obvious that this was a very serious ordeal. They're now a rescue team and would require a place where they can group together and sleep at during the nights. And it's all about the public image, too. You would not get a lot of missions to do if you were a bunch of Pokémon on the side of the road, holding up signs saying "Will Rescue For Food".

"That's... a bit of a problem for us," Lora stated out, thinking still. "The best we can do is ask around for a place and maybe get one by doing a few favors. I'm not picky, for even a tree will work for me. But for a group, we'll need nothing less than a defined roof over our heads."

"Yeah... I'm sorry about that..." Bryan said. "I guess I forgot to get details like that taken care of before getting the idea of forming this team... I'm sorry... it's a totally stupid mistake and I deserve to be mocked..."

Placing a hand on Bryan's solder, Cody felt like it was his turn to give some support. "Alright, now don't beat yourself up. Even though you forgot that tiny detail, the reason why things worked out for the better is right in front of us!" he spoke as he points to Lora. "If we actually tried to go through with planning every detail out, we probably would've wasted so much time an nobody would have found her!"

"It's a good point," Lora agrees. "But don't think it's a good idea to do the same for everything in life, because it was complete luck that I'm still alive right now."

"Yeah... I guess you guys are right," Bryan said, still feeling a little silly. "But we'll have to find a place to stay sooner or later. So as soon as we get into town, we should ask about for a place."

For the rest of the ride, the group remained quite and tried to think of what actions they could take. A rescue team with no base, living right off the streets- that was not appealing for a team of heroes that want to be successful. The three of them were nobody faces in Pokémon Valley, more experienced and distinguished teams standing before them, hiding the Chaotix within their shadows. Image was just about everything in this business if you have no skill. That means a base is needed, and quick. But where would one go around to finding one?

~~~

"Is that a fact?"

"Yessir. Unfortunately, he has not yet settled down and wonders still..."

"Send a Pelipper Notice then."

"By what order?"

"Include this with the notice. It needs to arrive that at the quickest speed possible."

"Understood, sir."

"And one last thing."

"Sir?"

"Keep this a secret from the Mistress."

"Understood, sir."

~~~

[The R.S.]

The caravan arrived about an hour later, dropping off it's passengers that were to disembark here. Standing before the massive tree that was the Pokémon Rescue Organization's main headquarters, the trio speak to one another again.

"Has anyone got any ideas?" Lora asked.

"Agh, unfortunately, I haven't the faintest clue as to what we're doing now," Bryan replied with a sigh.

"Hey, don't look at me," Cody said. "I don't even know who I was five days ago! I tried thinking of something to help out, but I don't know enough about much of anything to be of much use in this situation."

"Well, the best I could think of," Lora brought up, "was that we ask the organization here for any pointers. I don't know if they do any realstate or something along those lines, but maybe they can point us in the direction of someone who can help. The most obvious plan, but we also obviously don't have anything else."

Cody shrugs and says "No objections here. So long as we don't sleep outside, I think I'll go with it."

"Right then," Bryan said, taking in a deep breath. "Let's go check it out."

The three of them proceeded into the P.R.O. tree to find the place rather empty again, for the time being. Once the other caravans come rolling in, the Pokémon on board of those wagons will most likely be coming here for their rewards from the clerks and the individual clients who hired them, if applicable. But right now, the few Pokémon in here were the ones smart enough to not stand around outside and argue with each other about who did better on this mission and get their bounty before the mob shows.

"Oh, so you boys return with a new friend! How was your first time out there, on your rescue team?" the familiar voice of the elderly Pelipper called out.

"Oh, it was pretty good," Cody said. "Rough, but we did manage to find one unlikely survivor apart from the other teams."

Chuckling to herself, the Pelipper clerk says "My, last time you were here little Squirtle, you were as silent as a mouse! But I know it was all pre-mission tension that got to you. I've seen it happen a few times."

More like post-memory depletion, but let's not think about that right now, 'kay?

"Either way, I heard the news and know that the lovely young lady with you now was actually the victim," the clerk continued on. "Yes, Pelipper Notices keep us informed on many things, and was quite happy to hear that you found someone all by yourselves! Now that truly is a first for me, to see a fresh team find someone in a situation like that on their own! Ah, and I have been around a mighty long time as well... and I talk too much for my age. I assume you came for your reward, so I'll be back in a second, sweeties." And before anyone could ask her what was really on the tips of their tongues, she went to the back to fetch the proper Poke reward for completing this mission.

"Do you think she'll know anything?" asked Bryan.

"She does seem like a nice Pokémon to me, so I would hope so..." Cody replied.

A moment later, the Pelipper clerk returned with a small pouch with roughly 300 worth of Poke in it. Not exactly a staggering amount, but will get you through a couple nights for food. Aside from that, there was also a slip of paper included with the reward for some strange reason. Bryan reached out and held it up, reading the what's written on it, which appeared to be in very fine print.

"What is this?" he asked.

"Oh, yes." the clerk realized. "This wasn't part of the reward from the organization, but someone out there requested that we give this to you. It's a deed for a small piece of property outside of town. It's a rather nice setting, and I've seen the building that rests on the land. The land itself is really nice, but the building is a fixer-upper. It's remained empty for years and-"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but WHAT?!" Bryan exclaimed.

"No, it's my fault. This old bill seems to run on it's own sometime," the Pelipper said clearing her throat. "This was an added bonus from some admirer for your team. The sender was unknown but it said that there was no mistake that it was to be given to a Mr. Bryan Charmander of the new Team Chaotix."

"Unknown, you say?" Lora said, looking over Bryan's shoulder, reading through the print and reading the signature made on the bottom. "Not very good at keeping a secret because the previous owner's name is right here. 'Frederick Shellton'?"

Shaking her head, the elderly Pelipper clerk replied "I didn't much care to read through all that writing even with my reading glasses on. The memento that came with it just said to give that to you kids. That little piece of land is yours now. Go on now- take it."

In a stunned silence, the company walk back outside looking at the land deed they have just acquired. Even the additional work has been done where the deed is signed to Bryan's name, the previous owner's name at the bottom.

"We... are hitting a lucky streak..." Cody said.

"If you're idea of lucky is being caught in a landslide, then I will have to agree with out..." Lora responded.

Bryan was by far the most stunned by this. Why would a complete stranger give their land to a nobody team like them? Or even to a team like A.C.T.- handing out spots of land for free to anyone is just beyond bizarre! Yet, here it was. A deed in his name, solving their immediate problem of finding a place to stay. Bryan could not must many words at this moment, except for these two.

"Let's go..."

After gathering some directions on how to reach this spot of land, Cody, Bryan, and Lora traveled to the far east-side of town to it's outskirts. After some time of silence, one of them started talking about what the place might look like. The talk soon flourished into what they will make it look like, add ons that they could possibly do, other things here and there to make the place look even nicer. If what the Pelipper at the P.R.O. headquarters said was true, then the landscape for this specific area should be absolutely beautiful.

And it was.

They finally arrived at what would be the Rescue Team Chaotix base. Located in an isolated spot right out of town, the place sat right on top of a little pond. The water flowing came from the nearby stream, the same one Bryan actually found Cody in. Lily pads were in full bloom on the pond as they lifted the air with a soothing aroma. And beneath the lilies were schools of small fish and minnows, growing healthy and strong from the water's pure essence. And the trees nearby grew tall and strong as well, their leaves wafting gently in the breeze. There was even a couple of cheery blossoms nearby, the wind picking up the occasional peddles and wafting them in a silent performance as it danced across the sight of the land. And in the now setting sunset, the only thing left to notice was the hut that sat in the middle of the pond, on an island accessibly by docks. Though the dock was in rough shape as well as the hut, it did nothing to hinder the true beauty of the land.

The hut was an open framed type of building on the first floor, the second floor accessible though a pull-down stair set in the ceiling. Windows on the second floor allowed for excellent view beyond the ground level, and kept the area surprisingly dry- a preferred place for Bryan to sleep, most likely. The flooring of the ground level was made of sturdy hardwood, but was carved out in groves to let the pond flow in the place. The water from the pond did actually flow inside the building, giving a tranquil feeling to it all. But the wood splintering all over and the stench of mildew made the hut an undesired place to live. But surely in it's day, it was actually very beautiful itself. And with a little bit of work, it could probably be revived and improved to better enhance the beauty that already exists.

"This is it..." Bryan said, mouth wide open.

"It's the perfect place for us! Just some touch-ups here and there, and I bet it will be the nicest place in town!" Cody replied eagerly.

"But to do that, we will need some money," Lora brought up to fact, trying to sound confident about everything, unaware that her jaw is open as well.

"Right! Let's do this then!" Cody called out. "We will make it our first goal to make some money to fix this place up and make it the best team base ever! And after we do that, we will climb the ranks of the rescue team ladder and be the best rescue team as well! The best base for the best team! Are you with me?!"

Cody extended his hand forward, which was immediately met up with Bryan and Lora's hands as well. They chanted about becoming the best team that had ever existed, about their dreams for this place and the Pokémon they will rescue. They will also recruit more members to join their team and the three of them will lead them all to victory and countless missions that will bring peace to the world. Disasters have rampaged for long, and a team of supreme heroes is always welcomed to the suffering.

Team Chaotix will start here.

[chaosangel]

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