JJ

[Color=Red]Ada could feel her clothes finally were dry after standing around this volcano. Even the mud seemed to have melted away. Ada was happy and disturbed at the same time. If it really was this hot up here, then staying up here may be dangerous. Ada considering calling out Lugia, but decided against it as she noticed something moving between the rocks behind them. "There's something following us." Ada whispered to the others. "What.." Xiayou started. "Don't turn around. Make it think it still has the advantage. I'm going to count to three and throw a ball." Ada whispered, slowly reaching into her pack. "One." "Two." "Three!" Ada shouted throwing the ball and smacking the thing upside the head. The ball glowed and opened again showing a majestic dog. It turned around and shot off, causing Ada to turn to Yuna. "Rapidash, now, please?" "Yuna quickly tossed the Pokeball and Ada mounted Rapidash. "Thanks in advance, now can you overtake the dog that went that way?" Rapidash nodded and took off, leaving flames in her tracks. Ada could only gasp as the volcano side quickly zoomed by. She almost lost her focus as the dog took a turn and headed back up the mountain. Rapidash's turn almost threw Ada off, but she quickly regained her balance as they were off again. "Try to get along side of it!" Ada shouted into the wind. Rapidash's legs began to stretch even more as they began to trek upwards. Ada saw the dog again and readied herself and the ball. To Ada, it seemed like Rapidash had sped up even more as they overtook the dog and Ada made the catch. "All right! Nice job Rapidash!" Ada said, patting the horse, who had slowed down. Rapidash neighed and rubbed her head against Ada. Ada smiled and asked, "You mind walking us back to the group? Do you even know where the group is?" Rapidash neighed again and started slowly towards the top of the volcano. During the catch, Ada checked her Pokedex, which had this to say. "Arcanine, the Legendary POKEMON. This POKEMON is very beautiful and proud. It's valued in China. It has a pretty mane." "I hate you." Ada muttered.[/color]

[Color=DarkBlue]Ooh, sounds fun... [B]1.[/B] Crawling - Linkin Park [B]2.[/B] How Does It Feel - Avril Lavigne [B]3.[/B] Tsuki No Curse - from Loveless (Artist, unknown, atm) [B]4.[/B] Summer Lights (Background) - Ive (from AIR TV) [B]5.[/B] I Want to Disappear - Marilyn Manson [B]6.[/B] Rock Steady - No Doubt [B]7.[/B] Welcome to Paradise - Green Day [B]8.[/B] Hi and Goodbye - A*Teens [B]9.[/b] Eyes Like Yours (Ojos Asi) - Shakira [B]10.[/b] Six Feet Under - No Doubt Yeah, so there's a couple of songs... but 'eh, at least I can say I enjoy all types of music. ;P[/Color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]"I really hate my Pokedex." Ada said outloud. "Don't be so pessimistic." Xiayou replied, tisking. "If you'd heard some of the crap it's come out with, you'd hate it too." Ada muttered. "Hey, come on. This thing can't last that much longer." Xiayou said, poking Pikachu in the belly. He responded by lightly shocking Ling Xiayou and caused her to fall over again. Ada chuckled and kept walking, all the while, wondering if Yuna was all right. "She has to be OK. She's a smart woman..." Ada commented, causing Ling to look her way. "Who're ya talking about?" Xiayou asked, looking curious. "Yuna. Shortly before we met, she and I were separated. I'm a bit worried." Ada replied. "Don't be, you're right, Yuna is a strong woman." Xiayou reassured, patting Ada on the back. "We need to keep catching, I think." Ada said quickly, pointing to a small pond. "You want to take another swim?" Xiayou joked. Ada gave Xiayou a half dirty look and let Barboach out near the edge of the pond and chuckled as he wiggled in the little bit of mud there was. "You need to see if there are any pokemon in there." Ada told him. "Barboach." He said diving into the water. Ada and Xiayou watched as he dug at the bottom of the pond, finally poking something out hiding. It shot to the surface and sprayed Ada in the face with water. Ada responded by throwing the ball at it with all her strength. It smacked the pokemon and then sucked it in, where it lay, unable to do anything else. The Pokedex quickly chirped, "Azurill, the Polka Dot POKEMON, this POKEMON is bouncy and can throw itself around." "See what I mean?" Ada said, fishing the pokeball out of the pond. "Yeah, you're kinda unlucky around here, no?" Xiayou asked, chuckling. "Oh god, don't even get me started." Ada responded, calling Barboach back. "So, where are we off to now?" Xiayou asked, watching Pikachu. "Shall we go look for Yuna?" Ada asked, looking around. [I]"I hope she says yes."[/I] Ada thought.[/color]

[Color=DarkBlue]Ada luckily got out of the lake without any trouble, being sure to watch her footing as she stepped onto the mud. Yuna and pretty both laughed at her and after she made it she laughed as well. "Well, I'm done here, what about you Yuna?" Ada asked putting her shoes back on. "Unless you're planning on stepping on something else, I suggest we leave." Yuna replied, smirking. "Haha. I swear, Mog is so going to get it after this challenge." Ada muttered as they walked out of the cave. Unknown to the pair, two sets of beady eyes watched them as they left. They quickly disappeared, but Pretty noticed them at a fleeting glance. She was about to go investigate, but she was called back before she could "So Yuna, where shall we head now?" Ada asked, letting Lugia out. "How about the forest again? There were a lot of Pokemon in that area." Yuna replied, mounting Pidgeot. "Sounds good, Lugia?" Ada asked as she too mounted her Pokemon. "And we're off." She replied, lifting off. The two's flight seemed incredibly short as they already noticed land within five minutes of take off. "That was fast." Ada muttered. "We're flying faster, time is short, no?" Lugia reponded, causing Ada to nod. "Ada, there's something..." Yuna started as Ada turned towards her. She didn't see the powder as she coughed. "Yuna?" Ada asked looking for her, but she could not turn her head. "Lugia! Help!" Ada called out, panic in her voice. "I can not help. You need to fight the paralysis. Fight. I'll land and try to take care of the bug that let the powder out in the first place." Lugia responded landing and gently placing Ada on the ground. Already, Ada had begun to struggle and as Lugia flew off, she began to get feeling in her arms again. Ada continued trying to move her legs and cried out as she felt her toe move. Within an hour, Ada could stand again and Lugia came back with something in her mouth. It was a Pokemon and it looked hurt. "What happened to it?" "I found it in the forest. Hurry up and catch it so it can heal itself." Lugia said, setting it down on the ground. Ada nodded and pulled out a ball. She tapped the poor thing and listened for the Pokedex. "Dustox, the Poison Moth POKEMON. This POKEMON likes light and has dust on its wings." "I'm going to break that stupid thing." Ada muttered as she stuck the pokeball in her backpack. "Did you find Yuna?" Ada asked. "No, I did not see her." Lugia responded, but I did see someone who looked like your kind in a clearing right up there. She seemed asleep." She responded, using her head to point Ada in the right direction. "Thanks. I'll go check it out." Ada said, calling Lugia back. Ada walked through the trees and noticed that it lead back towards the cove they had just flown from. She did not think twice about walking across the sandbar and was surprised when she stepped on Ling Xiayou. "Go away. I'm still sleeping." She muttered, knocking Ada away. "Ling, don't make me pour water on you." Ada whispered, flicking a bit of water in her face. Ling jumped up and whipped her foot to Ada stomach. "Don't even..Ada?" "Yeah, how's it going?" Ada asked, chuckling.[/color]

[Color=Red]"So, have fun underwater?" Yuna asked as Ada swam to shore. "Nasty, the water's really dirty, although I think it's just the mud." Ada replied starting through the mud again. Something moved under her feet and Ada immediately threw a ball towards it. It didn't hit anything and the shadow shot off. "Marshstomp, you're up and you'd better catch that thing." Marshstomp nodded and Ada grabbed hold as he began to swim towards it. Ada tossed a Ball to try to slow it down, but it just kept swimming. Ada was going to leave this damn lake after she caught this little bugger, but now was time to catch him before she ran out of breath. The Pokemon decided to dive deeper and Ada took this as her last chance to catch it. She tossed the ball as hard as she could and watched as it slowly floated towards the 'mon. After a painstakingly long wait it hit and clicked, floating back to Ada. Ada did not realize it at first, but this time she had run out of air. She started to struggle and Marshstomp hit turbo and swam to the surface, almost losing Ada twice. They finally broke the surface and Ada gasped. Yuna saw her and started to wade out towards her, but decided to wait instead, listening as the Pokedex went off. "Barboach, the Whiskers Pokemon. This pokemon has whiskers and uses them like a catfish." "That thing's doing this to spite poor Ada like everything else in the challenge." Yuna said, sighing.[/color]

[Color=DarkBlue]Ada looked around. It seemed like this cove was dead, but Ada knew there was something here. The Lickitung and Poliwag were not the only two Pokemon here. Ada walked to the edge of the lake, where a huge area of mud sat. As she carefully walked in her feet, she met something slimy. Ada screamed and jumped out of the water as something rose from it. Ada whipped out a Surviour Ball and tossed it, hitting the mass. It disappeared inside, and the ball wiggled, then busted open. Ada caught the ball and cursed as she called out Pretty. It disappeared under the water and Ada dove in after it, yelling behind her, "It's not getting away from me!" Pretty and Yuna just stood on the shore, watching as Ada and the pokemon disappeared into the dirty lake water. The water was dirty and Ada could barely see. She tossed the Pokeball and smiled as it zinged. Of course, it just flew back to her; so Ada had to continue swimming. She cursed the 'mon as it stopped. She tossed the Pokeball once more and let out a yell as it flew back, filled with the Pokemon. On shore, the Pokedex chirped. "Marshstomp, the Mud Fish Pokemon. It can walk, likes mud, and can also swim." "That was helpful." Yuna muttered as Ada broke the surface.[/color]

[Color=DarkBlue]The pair of women had been flying over the Zone for over an hour and Ada was getting bored. As the pair flew over the sea, Ada noticed a cove tucked away in the farthest corner. She pointed to it and the pair flew over and landed. "What do you think is here?" Yuna asked, retuning Pidgeot to his ball. "No idea, but something good's got to be here, no?" Ada replied, looking around. She was right as a huge pink thing walked out into the sunlight, its tounge hanging in the sun. "Licki!" It said, moving sitting itself down. "I call it!" Ada said, calling Pretty out. "Puff!" She said, readying her microphone. "Lickitung!" It replied. "Jiggly, Jiggly!" Pretty shot back, begining to sing. Ada looked hopeful and readided her Survivour Ball. She never saw the tounge as it shot across the arena and licked Pretty from head to toe.She cried out and fell over, totally out of it. "Pretty! Are you OK?" Ada called out as she ran over to her. "Pu...ff" She responded. "It'll be OK. You did good." Ada said, bringing her back in her ball. "You're gonna get it now. Lugia, you're up." Ada said, signalling the huge bird. Lugia flapped her wings and dropped in front of the Pokemon. It jumped back and tried to lick Lugia, but it only met a barrier. Lugia then opened her mouth and shot off a beam that hit right where the 'mon was standing. Ada had never seen such wide eyes on a Pokemon before and she took advantage of the shock to toss her ball. It glowed and softened. The Pokedex chirped, as always. "Lickitung, the Licking POKEMON. This POKEMON's tounge is its most important asset. It is used for just about everything." [I]"Another one to torture later."[/I] Ada thought as she picked up the ball. "Shall we go in and see where the Lickitung came from?" Yuna asked, looking into the dark. "Sure, but let's have someone that glows go in first." Ada said, looking at Yuna. "Jolteon, could you help us?" Yuna asked, letting the dog like 'mon out of its ball. "Jolt! Jolteon!" It said shooting off towards the cave. "Wait!" Ada and Yuna called out, running to keep up.[/color]

[Color=DarkBlue]?So you?re at 12 Pokemon now? Wow.? Ada said, surprised. ?Yeah, Ponyta, Magikarp, Psyduck, Dratini, Ditto, Poochyena, Zubat, Onix, Jolteon, Oddish, Exeggcute, and Pidgeot.? Yuna replied, patting her bird. ?I?ve only got eight.? Ada almost whispered, seeming embarrassed. ?A Jigglypuff which I named Pretty, Swablu, Gardevior, Raikou, Wurmple, Seel, Feebas, and Lugia.? ?Well, maybe you can catch up to me.? Yuna said, chuckling. ?Maybe. Although I warn you, Feebas and Seel are the two biggest pain in the butts ever made. Seel likes to mock people and Feebas likes to hit people.? Ada warned. ?Seems you got the short end of the stick there.? Yuna replied. ?Yeah. Oh well. We?re here, so let?s go searching.? Ada said, pointing to the ground. Already, a sandstorm had kicked up and the only thing Ada could see was the withered out tree ahead. It was then Ada was grateful for Lugia as she started a rain shower which calmed the storm and brought a Pokemon out from the sand. ?Vibrava!? It called happily. ?Must like the rain.? Ada commented. ?Or just the fact that water?s been brought.? Yuna replied. ?Touché.? Ada responded. Yuna smiled. ?So, shall you take it, or I?? ?I?d like it, if you don?t mind.? Ada said, readying a Ball. ?Be my guest.? Yuna replied. Ada quickly tossed the ball and waited for the ping. It came and the Pokedex quickly followed. ?Vibrava, the Vibrations POKEMON, Vibrava?s wings are not used for flying. Instead, they?re used as a supersonic device which can cause headaches in people and cause other POKEMON to faint.? ?Nice catch.? Yuna applauded. ?Thanks, now you?re up.? Ada said, bowing. ?Why thank you. Although, if I may ask, where?s Pretty?? Yuna asked, looking around. ?She?s not standing by Lugia?? Ada asked, starting to get worried. ?No, I?m afraid not.? Yuna replied, looking around. ?Oh no.? Ada said.[/color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]The shadow?s tempo began to pick up as it neared shore and it completely disappeared seconds before impact. Ada started to relax, but that was soon shot as the shadow burst from the ocean, sending water everywhere. It then twirled around and opened its wings, sending even more water everywhere. Luckily for Ada, most of it stayed in the ocean, so she wasn?t going to walk away from this a sopping mess. Ada was not surprised when Gardevior once again appeared, not invited. ?Lemme guess, old Pokemon, powerful, should run, right?? Ada asked sarcastically. ?Well yeah, but if you?re going to be stubborn, Pretty?s not going to work here. Lugia is immune to petty songs and if you?re not careful, she?ll annihilate you with one blast.? Gardevior replied. ?Yeah, like I haven?t heard that line before.? Ada snorted. ?Oh, and Lugia?s also telepathic. Don?t think at all, just do.? Gardevior advised, stealing a glance at Ada. That?s when Ada had the greatest idea of all time. The one Pokemon Ada let laugh at her. It was going to save the day. ?OK you annoying piece of crap, you?d better come through!? Ada called out as she threw the ball. ?Seel!? It called out as it appeared. ?Foolish mortal! I can defeat such a weakling in one simple attack!? Lugia proudly shouted at Ada in her head. ?We?ll see.? Ada replied. Ada tossed a Survivor Ball at Lugia and could have almost laughed as she knocked it directly at Seel. That started it all. Sell knocked the ball back and hit Lugia with it, forcing her into the ball. Of course, she was not going to go on without a fight and she quickly broke out, eyes blazing with anger. ?Cheap Tricks Are Not Going To Catch Me.? Lugia informed Ada, putting emphasis on every syllable. ?No, but the annoying thing sitting in front of you is.? Ada said, smirking, ?Seel, show Lugia your new move, Mock.? Seel did a backflip and barked ?Seel!?. He then began to clap his fins together and bark at Lugia. To Ada, it was just noise, but in his own language, Seel was insulting Lugia with every known insult. She finally threw her head up and shouted at Ada, ?If You Don?t Catch Me Now, I?m Going To GO INSANE!? Ada could only smile and toss the same Survivor Ball as before. ?Of course, master.? The ball didn?t even shudder as Lugia entered. Ada?s plan had worked. Of course, she didn?t notice Seel creeping up behind her. As she bent over to pick up the ball, Seel smacked her on the behind with his fin. ?Seel! Seel, Seel!? Ada fell over with a howl, her eyes blazing red. ?I?m GONNA KILL YOU!? Pretty could only shake her head. Seel was not going to live through the challenge. Instead of violence, Ada just returned Seel to his Pokeball. ?I?ll get you later.? It was then that Ada had a good idea. Lugia could fly her around. She could find Ling again, or someone else from the team. She smiled as she called out Lugia. ?Is it gone?? She asked, fear dripping in her voice. ?Yeah, don?t worry, I?ll let you have free reign upon him as soon as the challenge?s over.? Ada responded. ?Now, could you fly me around?? Lugia nodded and motioned for Ada to climb on her back. Pokemon catching was going to be a breeze now.[/color]

[Color=DarkBlue][I]?These monsters are going to be the end of me.?[/I] Ada thought as she continued walking along the beach. Ling Xiayou had slowed down behind and was now talking with Pretty. Ada turned around and Ling waved at her. Ada walked over with a puzzled look. ?I?m going to go head down the other side of the beach. That way, there?s no competition in catching.? Long said, smiling. ?Besides, you?ve got Pretty. I?ll stay away from the more dangerous ones.? ?Alright, you do that. We?ll see each other later?? Ada asked. ?Of course!? Ling replied, waving. Ada and Pretty watched her go and Pretty started looking sad. ?What?s up?? Ada asked ?Puff.? Pretty replied. ?She?ll be OK. She has Tauros. Besides, we have to keep going. We have to beat the Iron Fists I told you about.? Ada told Pretty. Pretty nodded and started walking, humming to herself along the way. Farther down the beach, Ada noticed something floundering in the sand. She walked up and noticed an ugly looking fish trying without effort to get back into the water. Ada, feeling sorry for it, walked over and tried to help it by kicking it. The fish did not like this very much, so he jumped up and smacked Ada in the stomach with his tailfin. Ada did not like this very much, so she kicked the fish again. So the fish jumped and smacked Ada again. Pretty watched this game continue for what seemed like forever and finally got bored. She walked over to Ada?s backpack, grabbed a Pokeball, and hit the fish with it. She sighed as it glowed and stilled. Ada on the other hand, was still ready to pound the little pain in the butt into the ground. That would be the second Pokemon that decided that playing with her was fun. It was at this time that the Pokedex decided to reveal which Pokemon she needed to hate the rest of her life. ?Feebas, the Fish POKEMON. This POKEMON lives in weed choked ponds and is very ugly. Nobody loves Feebas, although some are daring enough to try and train it in the hopes that a Miltoc may come out of their labors. Most trainers are very disappointed.? ?It?s no wonder.? Ada muttered as she picked the ball up. Ada was about to keep walking, when Pretty went rigid, like she did when Raikou was around. Ada looked around, but saw nothing. It wasn?t until she looked closer to the see that she noticed anything unusual. ?I see it, but what is it?? Ada asked Pretty. Pretty started shaking and didn?t say anything. In that moment, Ada noticed the shadow change course. New destination, Ada and Pretty.[/color] OOC: Call Lugia.

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]Since I love all 11 of you so much, I made a list of all the taken Pokemon. Enjoy. Weedle Growlithe Sandslash Metapod Bulbasaur Charmander Gyarados Doduo Poliwrath Golem Kakuna Ponyta Feraligator Mew Sentret Torkoal Unknown Paras Mewtwo Charizard Suicine Abra Scyther Teddiursa Bayleaf Magikarp Zangoose Jigglypuff Zigzagoon Swablu Pikachu Articuno Snorlax Ursaring Spinarak Psyduck Tauros Dratini Cubone Geodude Ditto Breloom Ariados Poochyena Sudowoodo Gardevior Treecko Pidgey Absol Zubat Raikou Celebi Onix Forretress Caterpie Jolteon Blissey Wurmple Flaafy Murkrow Seel Oddish Wingull Ho-Oh Lapras Steelix Eevee Feebas Exeggcute Lugia Pidgeot Vibrava Flygon Magmar Pineco Ampaharos Raichu Tentacruel Flareon Yanma Latias Vaporeon Latios Kingler Gligar Espeon Gastly Umbreon Blaziken Blastoise Chansey Lickitung Venusaur Typhlosion Duskull Aerodactyl Poliwag Furret Nidoking Tropius Marshstomp Seviper Wartortle Ninetales Vulpix Barboach Alakazam Stantler Kadabra Phanpy Dustox Shuckle Azurill Donphan Entei Diglett Rapidash Miltank Dugtrio Numel Dunsparce Mightyena Clefairy Moltres Camerupt Arcanine[/color]

[Color=DarkBlue]Ada was still fuming over the whole Wurmple incident as she broke through the forest. The stupid thing just had to pick that exact moment to land on her head. Just had to be the annoying pain in butt after Ada had lost her nerve. She swore, as soon as she could, she would kick the thing in the butt. Sunlight hit Ada?s face and all her anger seemed to melt away. The bonus was that Ada had found the beach. She could have squealed as Ling and Pretty followed behind her on the sand. Ada took off her shoes and took off running across the beach, savoring the feeling of sand between her toes. She stopped when she realized she had an audience. There, sitting on a rock next to the water was a seal. ?Seel! Seel!? It said, clapping its fins together. ?I call it!? Ada yelled at no one in particular as she pulled out another Survivor Ball. Pretty stood at the ready, but Ada shook her off, saving this one for herself. She let the ball fly and waited for the sound. Instead of that, Ada got the ball back in her face. Ada could have strangled the thing as it happily called, ?Seel! Seel!? and clapped its fins together. ?I swear, I?m going to ***** 8**** 8*#$@# *** you **$$(%** (%(%** (%(%? * Ada snarled, running up to the seal. It just sat there and smiled, never suspecting Ada to tap him with the ball. She then proceeded to hold the ball shut as it fought capture. The cling only caused Ada to smile wickedly. ?Seel, the Sea Lion POKEMON, this POKEMON?s horn is used for bashing in ice. It likes colder climates.? The Pokedex chirped. Ada didn?t care and was already planning how she was going to make this Seel?s life a little more difficult.[/color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]Ada snored lightly, with Pretty standing over her smiling. It had been about twenty minutes since the catch. Pretty did not want to wake Ada, but they needed to keep moving. Luckily for her, Ling Xiayou?s falling out of the tree brought Ada to attention as she shot up, looking for her gun. She did not have it and she calmed down when she realized where she was. ?Where is ling Xiayou?? Pretty pointed upwards and Ada smiled as the woman sprung down from the tree. ?Did ya get the dog thing?? ?Of course. What do you take me for, weak?? Ada replied. ?No, nothing of the sort. Well, we?re both up a Pokemon now!? Ling Xiayou cheered, pumping her hand up. ?Good, good. How about we leave this little ?grove? in the forest, I?m getting the creeps.? Ada said, shivering. ?You get the creeps?? Ling Xiayou chuckled. ?Yeah, now let?s go.? Ada responded, walking towards the sunlight. ?Are you sure?? Ling Xiayou asked. ?Yes! Now stop Ling, I?m starting to?? Ada started as something dropped in front of her. Ada let out a yell as it landed on her head. She began running in circles, trying to get it off. Pretty and Ling Xiayou had to hold onto each other in an attempt to hold their laughter in. Ada let out another yell and whipped her head around, tossing the thing onto the ground. Ada quickly tossed a Survivor Ball at it and smiled savagely as it disappeared into the ball. ?Wurmple, the Worm POKEMON. This POKEMON likes tree sap and it uses the spikes on it?s back to retrieve it.? The Pokedex chirped. ?We?re going. Now.? Ada stonely said. Ling Xiayou and Pretty followed behind Ada, still chuckling. Ada was never going to live this down.[/color] OOC: I claim Searmgle for next post.

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]Ada grunted as Pretty jumped out of her arms. Also, a Survivor Ball flew out of Ada?s backpack and released itself, the elegant Gardevior standing where the ball once hovered. Ada was too scared of the sparks to look funny, but Gardevior sensed her confusion. ?You?re in danger. Mortal danger. The Pokemon up there is Raikou, the Thunder Dog. He?s one of the oldest Pokemon in existence and in that same statement, one of the most powerful. Ada, turn away now.? It told her telepathically. ?Ling Xiayou. Get back in the tree. This one I need to handle on my own!? Ada called. Ling Xiayou only nodded as she scampered up the tree and sat, her Pokeball in her hand. Ada waved her thanks and pushed forward into the sparks. Within two steps, Raikou revealed himself and released a Thunder attack at Gardevior. She sent up a Light Shield and Ada yelled out to Pretty, ?Sing to him! Put him to sleep!? Pretty nodded, shook off her fear and began to sing. The haunting melody slowly snaked itself around the forest and even Ling Xiayou began to feel drowsy. Ada could only keep her eyes open thanks to the electricity in the air. Raikou showed no sign of sleep at first. He sent off another Thunder which shattered Gardevior?s defenses. Gardevior stumbled and Ada looked unsure. Gardevior then fell over asleep. Ada could have cursed. Raikou still looked strong and the electricity in the air was picking up, signaling another attack. Just then, it all together stopped as Raikou also slumped over, his snores loud. Ada could have cheered, if she wasn?t afraid of waking the slumbering beast. Ada quickly tossed a ball out and waited. The ball shook, shook, shook and clicked with a satisfying sound. ?Raikou, The Thunder Pokemon, This POKEMON is supposedly descended from a lighting bolt. Its roar causes seismic activity on the ground.? The Pokedex chirped. ?We did it Pretty. You too, Gardevior. Great Job team. You deserve a rest, Gardevior.? Ada said, recalling her. Ada then walked over and picked up Raikou. She shrunk him, stuck him in her backpack, and walked over to Ling Xiayou?s tree. ?Oi! You still awake?? Ada asked. A snore greeted Ada and she smiled. She?d leave Ling Xiayou to sleep and keep going. Yeah, that was a good plan. That is, it was a great plan. Pretty, in her excitement, forgot about her song?s effect and began to sing for Ada. She quickly fell asleep. ?Puff, Puff, Jiggly, Jiggly.? Pretty said, smiling.[/color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]?Ling Xiayou, lonely? I would have never guessed.? Ada said, laughing. Ling Xiayou just smiled and stuck her newest addition in her backpack. ?So who?s the puffball?? ?This is Pretty. She?s a Jigglypuff and likes to sing, even though it puts everyone to sleep.? Ada said, hugging Pretty again. ?Aww, you?re cute.? Ling Xiayou exclaimed, causing Pretty?s eyes to light up. ?So, besides the giant bull thing, what other monsters do you have?? Ada asked, setting Pretty down. ?Uhm, Pikachu. It?s a little mouse that plays with electricity.? Ling Xiayou replied, pulling the ball out. ?Nice. I?ve got Pretty and this little bird thing that looks like a cloud and likes to be a hat.? Ada said. ?Well, I hope everyone else has caught more than us.? Ling Xiayou exclaimed, laughing. ?Yeah, me too. If we have to catch a hundred?? Ada started, interrupted by a rustling in the grass. Pretty picked up on the rustling as well and she tottered towards the grass. Ada and Ling Xiayou nodded at one another and covered their ears as Pretty began her song. It only lasted a couple of seconds, but the sound of something going down caused Ada to toss a Safari Ball towards the sound. The sound of a catch and keep brought about the chirping voice. ?Gardevior, the Embrace pokemon. This POKEMON can see the future, if any danger is noted to it?s trainer, it does everything in it?s power to protect its trainer from harm.? ?Wow, you didn?t even know which Pokemon it was and you caught it.? Ling Xiayou said, sounding amazed. ?Psh, with Pretty, it?s not a problem to catch any Pokemon.? Ada replied, smiling. ?Jiggly, puff, puff!? Pretty said, pointing towards the forest. ?It looks like Pretty says that there?s someone/something big in there. You want to join us, or shall we go in alone?? Ada asked. Ling Xiayou looked at the forest, then Ada. She didn?t say anything for a second. [I]?I wonder what she?ll decide.?[/I] Ada though, watching the woman.[/color] OOC: I call Raikou for next post. ;)

[Color=DarkSlateGrey][Size=1]Sari set her head in her hands. What was she doing here? Why sit through this tedious interview just to find out she could not work? She knew the answer, it was the same one every time. ?We?re sorry Ms Jeil, but due to your problem, there?s nothing we can do for you. You will need to try again at some other area.? Sari had gone through every district in the entire human encampment and no one wanted her. All because of her mood swings. Those damn mood swings, even the Drifters did not deserve what she had to endure. It only came in the quiet. Those feelings. Sari knew that they were just phantoms of what she held back all those years ago, but for them to haunt her so horribly, it just was not right. Hate, Depression, Worry, and Anger. Those four, Sari feared them the most. In a way, they were like parasites, waiting for their turn in the driver?s seat. All the while thriving off Sari?s pain and suffering. Hate and Anger, the color of red and the feelings Sari first felt after the Drifters mowed her family down. They had lived in a building of sorts with about three other families towards the outskirts of the encampment. There, they lived off one another, supplying food and water when someone was running low and so on. It was that night roughly 15 Storm-Years ago that showed Sari the dark side of people. The Drifters had entered the encampment at the shift of the guards. Their first and closest target was Sari?s building. No one ever heard them coming. Screaming aroused Sari from her slumber and a wave of fear washed over her. Standing over her sister?s bed was a Drifter and it did not look like it was eating the sheets. Frozen to her bed with fear, Sari did the only thing she could think of. She grabbed the piece of pipe that lay by her bed. Her fear slowly fading, Sari jumped out of her bed and slammed the pipe down on the Drifter?s head, causing it to buckle and fall to its knees. Sari then hit it again, throwing it to the ground. She then proceeded to pound in its head, while screaming obscenities left and right. The other two Drifters, skin and innards hanging from their mouths, came flying and tackled Sari. She knocked them off and kept them back with swings of her pipe. She finally connected with one of them throwing it into the other. Sari then went down upon the two, beating both their heads inward. It was not until twenty minutes later, after a bloody and teary Sari emerged from her apartment, that she realized that everyone, including the authorities, were standing right outside, just listening. From that day on, Sari lost her trust in humanity. Which lead to Worry and Depression. After what little was left of her family was disposed, Sari was sent to the hospital to work. There, while working with the distant staff, Sari learned everything she knows now about medicine. From treating Drifter bite, to radiation poisoning, Sari is ready for almost anything. Now, with 29 Storm Years, Sari Jeil needed work. She had lost her girlfriend to sickness that no one could cure. Her girlfriend had brought in what little comfort they had and now Sari was left alone, but that?s the way it always had been, being alone. No one wanted to talk with her. They knew about what she had done. How she reacted and how it affected her life. The door opened and the man smiled at Sari. ?Ms. Jeil, I?m happy to inform that you have been chosen to take part in the expedition. Do you know the details?? Sari nodded. She had learned everything she could about Old City. For her, it was like a new start. Maybe, just maybe, Sari could find what she lacked in her life. Maybe, Sari could find penance from the ghosts from her past. Maybe, she could finally allow her family die. Until then, Sari would have to wait. It was all she could do.[/size][/color] I'm so sorry this took so damn long. I'm still not sure it's enough, but that's what the RPG's for, right? :P

[Color=DarkBlue]Jigglypuff was turning out to be a very social little thing. Ada was slowly beginning to understand the puffball and she seemed to smiling the entire time. It seemed like Jigglypuff wanted to see the world outside of the Safari Zone, but could never actually leave the place. Any other time, Ada would have thought herself crazy for even thinking about understanding what she was saying, but after all that she had done so far, it was just a pro of the contest. She seemed to meet new people every new challenge. Whether it be suicidal mini-furry things, or spoiled princesses, Ada could always expect something new. ?So, Jigglypuff, you have a name besides Jigglypuff?? Ada asked. Jigglypuff shook her head and responded, ?Jiggly, Puff!? Ada noticed Jigglypuff pointing at her, so she figured she was going to have to name her. ?So I have to name you?? ?Jigglypuff! Jiggly Jiggly!? She cried, smiling. ?Hmm, how about?Puffy?? Ada asked, rubbing her chin. ?Jiggly, puffpuff.? Jigglypuff said, her eyes seeming sad. ?No? Hmm, I?ve got it! Pretty!? Ada said yelled out, causing a flock of Pidgey to fly away from the area they were nesting. Pretty cried out happily too and smiled brightly. Ada grabbed Pretty up in her arms and hugged her. For a second, the thought, [I]?What am I doing??[/I] entered Ada?s mind, but Pretty?s soft body kicked those thoughts away. Neither one of the pair noticed a cloud settle itself upon Ada?s head and it wasn?t until they started walking again that Pretty noticed it. She called out and Ada looked up, causing the cloud to flap. Ada gasped and pulled out another Safari Ball. She tossed it upwards and Pretty smiled as it hit the target, engulfing it in the red laser beam. The ball fell into Ada?s hands as the red light went out. The same voice from earlier chirped out, ?Swablu, Cotton Bird Pokemon, this Pokemon is not afraid of people and is known to land on people?s head in an effort to become headgear. It is also known to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.? Ada did not know what to make of the last line, but she and Pretty shared a smile together none the less. ?Hey, two down, a whole lot more to go.? ?Jigglypuff, Puff!? Pretty said, throwing her microphone up in the air and catching it. ?Hmm, wonder if we?ll see anyone else from the Iron Fist or Golden Lotus?? Ada asked looking into the horizon.[/color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]Ada could only smile. Anything was better than a graveyard and the field she was currently standing in only improved her mood. The wind on her back made her sigh as she held a Contest Ball in her hand. The win blew and caused the grass to bend. Everything was peaceful. Ada sighed and wished she could enjoy it longer. A rustle in the grass caused Ada to turn around. There, a small fluff ball with a microphone was trying to sneak up on her. ?So, what?s your name?? Ada asked, not knowing how smart these ?Pokemon? were. ?Jiggly,Jiggly, Jigglypuff.? It responded, smiling at Ada. [I]?Aww, how cute!?[/I] Ada thought as she tossed the ball towards the thing. The ball softly tapped the puffball on the head and it disappeared in a red beam. The ball fell to the ground rolled twice. The red light in the middle faded and a weird voice in Ada?s backpack chirped, ?Jigglypuff, the Balloon Pokemon, when this Pokemon?s eye light up, be aware it?s about to sing and anyone that hears this song will fall into a deep sleep.? ?Wow, good thing you didn?t sing.? Ada said to the ball as she stuck it in her backpack. She began to walk, but an idea came upon her. Ada grabbed some cotton-like substance that was growing and split it in half. She then released Jigglypuff. ?How about you an I work together?? Ada said, smiling. ?Jiggly, Jiggly, Puff, Jigglypuff!? It said, smiling at Ada. [I]?Teamwork?s the way to go.?[/I] Ada thought.[/color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]Ooh Ooh! I want to jump in the fray too! [B]CloudsOnly189[/B] Username: Well, you're either obsessed with those fluffy things that float above us or the videogame dude from FFVII. I could only try and guess which one. Avi: Sora in a Santa suit... Sora in a Santa Suit. Interesting combination, although I wouldn't want whatever he keeps in his sack. It'll probably blow water at me or spread Pixy Dust... Sig: You really want me for Christmas? Aww, shall I throw a bow on my head and roll up in some wrapping paper for you? Oh, you were talking about Sora, weren't you? >.>;; Oh well, like I said, it's an interesting combination. Although I thought you belonged to Cloud.... The song lyrics show that you're an emmotional person. Now, whether you're emo or not is yet to be determined, but I shall give you the benefit of the doubt and just say you have a good taste in music. XD Well yeah... that was fun. ^^[/color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]Well it's good to see everyone's enjoyed the chapter. Now I've got some homework for you guys. ^_^ I've seen a couple of theories spring up, but what do you guys think is going on? What's Annie doing, why Boo was there, what Cherry Blossum and Change have to do with the plot..etc. I'm interested to see what you guys can pull out of what's been written so far. ~Happy Trails![/color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey][I]?Oh, of all the bloody tasks for Mog to come up with, he just had to pick zombies, didn?t he??[/I] Ada thought to herself as the group landed in front of the graveyard. ?So Ada, you said you?ve dealt with zombies before?? Kyrstal said, speaking up. Ada nodded. ?If these are anything like what Umbrella created, they?re stupid. They run after whatever breathes even if their run is a walk. They may be slow, but in numbers, they are almost unstoppable. I imagine that these numbers will be very huge, I hope everyone?s ready.? Ada glanced over the group. Ling Xiayou took a fighter?s stance, Samus locked her arm cannon into place, Lara pulled out her gun and clicked off the safety and Krystal readied her staff. Yuna pulled out her little board and began moving things around. Light surrounded her and she appeared again in a white outfit. An outer jacket/throw-over with a hood replaced her dress and a staff appeared. ?This is my [URL=http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://w3.ffuniverse.nu/img/ffx2/Klasser/White%2520Mage%2520-%2520Yuna.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ffuniverse.nu//ffx2/chars.asp&h=848&w=326&sz=18&tbnid=Vwis_migXIAJ:&tbnh=144&tbnw=55&hl=en&start=9&prev=/images%3Fq%3DYuna-White%2BMage%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG]White Mage[/URL] outfit.? She replied to everyone. ?Not bad looking, if I do say so myself.? Ada told her, smiling. It was then that a sound not very different from Mog clearing his throat that pushed all six of the Heroines into the graveyard. As soon as Ada cleared the gateway, it slammed shut and the reality of it all hit her. She was going to be locked in for an entire night with the vary things that haunted her nightmares. The things that she saw eat her fellow human beings. She briefly saw her team members but she quickly dismissed the ideas as the moaning began. The first couple of zombies appeared on the horizon and every single member went tense. Ada pulled out her [URL=http://umbrellanetw.temp.powweb.com/images/resident_evil/games/7/RE4%20TMP.jpg]TMP[/URL] and quickly sprayed bullets into the advancers. This snapped everyone out of the little tense trance they had entered. Everyone formed a circle back to back, as the zombies began pouring in on all sides. Ada began spraying the zombies that came her way, but for every wave that fell, another two seemed to replace them. Ada cursed her luck as her clip emptied itself. She fumbled for the next one and dropped her gun. As she bent over to retrieve it, a zombie rushed her and she fell over. Pandemonium broke out as Zombie flooded inwards trying to get at Yuna and Samus from behind. Luckily, Ling Xiayou kept them at bay while Yuna and Samus moved. Lara, who noticed Ada go down, fired off a couple of rounds and hit the three zombies trying to bite Ada. She threw her hand out and Ada grabbed it, resulting in her standing up. It was then that the two realized that the other were on the other side of the zombies. As best as Ada could tell, it was Lara and herself, Yuna and Samus, and Ling Xiayou and Krystal. Ada replaced her clip and mowed down a row of zombies. As she continued to mow down rows, she remembered her flash grenades. ?Everyone! Shut your eyes!? Ada screamed out as she pulled the pin on the grenade and threw it into the crowd. The flash it gave off caused the zombies to moan and bend over. Ada and Lara used this opportunity to head towards the crypt on the hill above them. Ada motioned at the crypt to the others, but she was not sure if they saw. At this point, it did not matter, because her and Lara?s survival was the key point here. The crypt would provide them with cover on one side and allow them to have a meeting point for the others. The zombies did not let the light stop them for long and they quickly came for Ada and Lara who had their backs turned to them. Ada flipped around and threw a regular grenade into the group, causing them to fly up into the air. This gave them another quick pause in which they scrambled up the hill to the crypt. There, Lara and Ada stood with their backs on the door and guns in their hand. Lara?s handgun made a steady, loud booming sound, while Ada?s TMP made the quick rat-tat-tat sound and in a strange way, Ada felt comforted by the sound. It was the sound of hitting back. Ada tossed another grenade and smiled at Lara. ?Not the best way to bond, but it?s better than nothing, no?? Lara smiled and continued shooting. ?Hopefully, none of the others are having big problems.? Ada almost faltered when she thought about Ling Xiayou out there fighting the zombies with only her body as a weapon. [I]?No time to dwell, keep yourself and Lara alive!?[/I] Ada said, scolding herself. Another grenade flew through the air, but this time, liquid fire exploded outwards, causing a group of approaching zombies to burst into flame. Although most zombies would drop to the ground after this, Ada was surprised to see these still standing. She was even more surprised when they rushed her and her cartridge emptied.[/color]

[Color=DarkSlateGrey]Well, this is an interesting twist. ^^ Heroines, I hope no one minded me putting our living quarters underground. The idea just seemed to fit the profile of the level. If anyone has a problem, I can change it very easily.[/color] [Color=Gold]Go Heroines of the Golden Lotus![/color]

[Color=DarkBlue]Ada just could not help herself. She began to laugh at Ling Xiayou and her question. Samus and Yuna looked at her as if something was wrong with her, but she had no clue what else to do. ?Ling Xiayou?? Ada said, going off into another fit of giggles. Ling Xiayou turned around and watched Ada. ?You OK?? Ada wiped the tears falling out of her eyes and sighed. ?Oh yeah. I?m good. Sorry everyone. It?s just, Ling Xiayou, your question, it was so true. You really mean it.? ?Duh, why else would I ask?? Ling Xiayou said, smiling. Ada just smiled. Samus slowly began to catch on and she smiled too. Yuna and Laura looked at each other, but did not say anything. It was then that Kyrstal interrupted. ?Yes Ling Xiayou, I am from another planet.? She replied calmly. Afterwards, everyone had a good laugh, although, Ling Xiayou didn?t quite get why everyone was laughing, she laughed along. Ada then stood up and straightened her dress. ?My turn, eh?? The other nodded and Ada began. ?The name?s Ada Wong. To make a long story short, I work for a man called Weskar. He saved my life, so I?m kinda in his debt. I also hate Zombies and Spain.? Ada said, nodding. ?Well, we know a little bit more about each other now. That?s a start.? Laura said. ?Oh yes, I think so.? Yuna replied, standing up. ?Is anyone else feeling hungry, or is it just me?? Ling Xiayou asked. Everyone nodded and walked towards the low laying house on the other side of lake. They entered and gasped at the expansion of it. It spread itself out underground and looked beautiful. Glowing moss hung in all the corners and gave off light. There was a living room type of area right in front of the door. It had couches that seemed to try to eat Ling Xiayou as she plopped herself on it. She sighed and seemed to want to stay on the couch, so the other kept walking. Through a curtain of beads they came upon the kitchen. It wasn?t as big as the one in Liberty Tower, but it had a good sized refrigerator and oven. Here Samus and Laura decided to grab a drink and head out to the den with Ling Xiayou, so only Kyrstal, Yuna, and Ada decided to explore the rest of the new home. They continued through another curtain and came upon a hallway with about eight or nine curtains. Ada went through one and came upon a bedroom. It looked normal enough, what with a dresser, closet, bed, and desk in place. The nicest thing was the small veins of water that danced along the walls. Ada quickly threw herself onto her bed and sighed. Just then, Yuna walked in and smiled. ?May I?? ?Sure, what?s up, Yuna?? Ada asked, patting the space next to her on the bed. ?Nothing much, just thought maybe you and I could talk.? Yuna replied sitting down. ?So, got any questions for me?? Ada asked, watching Yuna. ?No, not really, although I was wondering what you thought about this whole contest.? Yuna replied, tracing paths in the comforter on the bed. ?I think it?s a crazy ride run by a polite flying pig.? Ada said, laughing. ?You?? Yuna didn?t answer at first but Ada didn?t push, she figured she was thinking. [I]Her answer?ll be interesting.[/I] Ada though to herself.[/color]

[Font=Arial][B]Blood on the Steps of St. Peter?s[/B] JJ was sitting in the square watching Annie. It was slowly getting dark and she had been sitting in the same place for over an hour now. He knew she was waiting for something, but what? It could not have been either of her comrades, because they had both headed off toward their hotel. JJ had not spoken with either of his mates, but they both seemed stressed, so JJ told them to hit a café near the hotel, and just wait. JJ had then shut off communications for fear of the bitching that would ensue. Now, he slowly felt boredom creeping upon him. If she was going to meet someone, he silently wished he would hurry up and get there. At least, JJ assumed it was a guy. His question was soonn answered as a man walked over to the bench she was sitting on. He sat at the opposite end and set the briefcase that he was carrying down on the pavement. Annie scooted down the bench and got close enough for the two of them to converse in secret. JJ quickly came out of his hiding place and threw a hat over his face. He walked slowly over to the pair, and tried to pick up a piece of the conversation. He pretended to drop something and bent over in an attempt to grab something of the conversation. "..they should be enough," the man said. "If my brother shows up, these?ll tear up the ligaments, right?" Annie asked, looking at the case. "Yes ma?am. Besides, JJ won?t see this coming," he answered, turning in JJ?s direction. JJ quickly made it look like he was looking for something, and the man turned back to Annie. "Good, so we now have weaponry, and these," she said, digging around in the purse sitting next to her, "4000 dollars, a thousand for each, isn?t it?" "That would be correct. Cash always makes these kinds of transactions easier," the man said, glancing in JJ?s direction again. Annie quickly handed the money over, causing the man to lose eye contact with JJ again. JJ was starting to sweat, so he stood up, and gasped when he got a look at the man?s face. *********** Sean and Jamie sat in the café, sipping on espressos. Both of them were tired and pissed off at JJ. "How could he have just let us off so easily?" Jamie asked, stirring her cup of coffee. "He?s in a ?I am going to catch and possibly kill Annie? mindset and sadly, nothing will pull him out of it. Look at what happened. He had to shoot her. That?s unthinkable. I would be just as unstable as he is right now if I was in that position," Sean explained, sipping the coffee. "True, but at the same time, you would think he would talk to one of us about it. He?s never been so shut up.? "I think he?s suffering in part from post traumatic stress disorder and in part from grief," Sean said, setting his cup down. "Either way, I don?t think sending him into this mission was the best of ideas on the Chief?s part," Jamie replied. "True, but who are we to question him?" Sean observed, getting a queer glance from Jamie. "Why shouldn?t we?" she retorted, her eyebrow rising. "I mean, he?s the boss, right?" Sean said quickly. "Yeah, but we have freedom of..." Jamie started. An explosion ripping through the café interrupted her and forced the pair to throw themselves onto the ground. The remains of the storefront then showered upon them, causing both operatives to curse. Jamie was the first to get up and she immediately spotted a shadow running off, so she began to pursue it. "Sean, go through the other side and try to cut him off!" Jamie shouted behind her as she ran. Sean nodded and leaped to his feet, taking off around the other side of the building. As he came round a corner, he stumbled on a random bush and jumped it only to land in a rose bush. He cursed loudly and pulled his leg out of it, not noticing the shadow running right towards him. The pair collided, throwing Sean on his already scratched leg. He howled in pain, and at the same time, winced as Jamie shot the suspect in the leg. "That ought to keep him still," She said dryly. Sean threw the guy off himself and stood up. He looked at his surroundings and noticed that it was surprisingly quiet, considering the explosion that had just taken place. He did not stop to wonder about it, but instead stood on the suspect?s leg. "What the hell did you blow up that café for?" "To throw you all off. As it is, the robbery has already begun, and you two are behind, while your pathetic friend is trying to stop all three of the team. The Vatican shall weep when the bones are taken, and the first step towards the Beginning shall be taken!" the man replied, throwing his hood back. Jamie gasped and Sean just shook his head as the thrown back hood revealed none other than a resident artist in the office codenamed Boo. Sean kicked him in the leg once more and then slammed the butt of his gun into the man?s head. Boo?s cackling stopped and he slumped on the ground. Sean spat on him and motionned for Jamie to leave. Finally, sirens began to get near and they sure as hell did not want to be caught at the scene of this crime. They ran for a bus stop and got on a bus, riding it all the way to the Vatican on pure luck. They got off and switched head communications on. A faint buzz was heard, and Sean barked into the headset, "JJ, are you there?" "Duh. What?s up guys?" JJ asked. "You?re not...oh son of a bitch," Sean said, slapping his forehead. "Something?s definitely not right. We need to get into the museum, and look for... Oh my god. They?re after St. Peter?s bones!" Jamie shouted. "JJ, meet us at the entrance to the Basilica!" Jamie said, running full speed into the plaza. Sean tried to keep up with her, but for some reason, Jamie had gained a second wind as she flew through the archway. Sean quickly came in second as the three of them stopped in front of the big fountain they had been sitting on just the day before. All three of them were out of breath, but it seemed like their minds were working as one as they ran up the stairs, jumping three or four barriers on the way. The guards made moves towards them, but Jamie just flung her identification badge at them and kept running. Very few things could stop the threesome as they also pulled out guns. They burst through the door and a body at the front desk greeted them. "They are here," Sean said. "Naw shit," Jamie retorted sarcastically. "What are we going to do?" JJ asked, looking down the three halls. "It?s kind of obvious, isn?t it?" Jamie replied. "One of us per hall?" Sean stated, pointing them out. JJ looked around and noticed a red scarf fluttering from the right hallway. The memory hit him hard and he ran down the hall. He turned on communications, but just ignored Jamie and Sean?s gripes. He had her. He finally had her. The red scarf was something nobody but he and Annie would ever notice. It was the sign that one of them was currently busy, whether it be entertaining someone or with work. That meant she was up to something. JJ picked up his pace with this thought. He ran past the signs proclaiming the Tomb of St. John Paul the II and entered the crypt of Popes. Only a dim lamp lit up the dark area. He saw movement near the tomb of John Paul the II and jumped over the rail with a "thump". The shadow fled and JJ was tempted to give chase until he noticed something near the so-called resting place of St. Peter?s bones. A second shadow had carved a hole in the glass and was giving the bones to a third shadow. JJ could not control himself anymore. "STOP THAT NOW!" he yelled out. "We?ve been compromised, take the bones and run!" A feminine voice said, shoving the bones into the shadow?s hands. It then moved into the light in front of the glass and revealed itself none other than Annie. "Long time, no see," Annie said. "I could say the same but I saw you buy the...tendon tearer earlier today," JJ said, spitting on the ground. "I honestly wish I could tell you what?s going on. I wish it didn?t have to come to this, but dear brother, it is so." She pulled out a knife. "Ah, so you want a knife fight, ?eh?" JJ taunted her, brandishing one of his own. A loud yell ripped throughout the museum as Annie and JJ charged one another. ********** Sean was having no luck. He had walked through the Basilica enough times to know that there was not a single soul inside. He sighed and sat down on one of the pillars? base. If he couldn?t help, then what was he doing in the museum in the first place? His chance suddenly came as a head popped up from a vent in the floor. Sean threw himself behind the pillar and watched as someone, along with a box of some sorts pulled up from the vent. Sean listened carefully to his headset and almost yelped when JJ?s voice came on panting and strained. "The box... bones... stop them!" Sean cursed and made a jump for the guy, causing him to shoot at the door. Sean heard him yell, but he did not try to make it out. He just cursed and whipped out his pistol. He hated this part, but it was vital. Sean decided to try one more tactic, shouting at the runner. It did not help, so Sean shot. He missed and the target began to tug the door open. Sean yelled again and he was ignored. He moved to follow, but stopped when a gunshot rang out from outside. It caused him to pause only for a second before he flung the door open and followed. A second gunshot rang out and Sean fell down, dead. ************** Jamie knew something was wrong when the gunshots rang out, but she was not sure what. She continued to walk down the hall, not noticing the fleeting shadow behind her. She never heard the footsteps that seemed in time with hers. She would not have felt the blade across her neck either if she had not decided to stretch at that time, causing her to assault her assaulter. She was shocked, but quickly recovered and kicked him in the gut. That caused her assaulter to bend over and grunt in pain. Jamie then dealt a fist onto the back of his neck, bringing him to his knees. She grinned and kneed him in the face, giving him a nosebleed. "You won?t be getting away, no worries," Jamie said. "So is this how we?re going to solve all of our problems dear?" her boyfriend said, looking back at her. Jamie gasped and stepped back. She could not, no; she would not believe that she had just beaten up the most important person in her life. She took another step back and began to sob. She took a third step back and collapsed in a heap. Her sobs rose as Trevor stood up. "Never turn your back on an enemy Jamie," he advised, throwing his leg at her face. She dodged to the side and grabbed his leg. He countered by turning and kicking her in the head. She went down, but came back instantly with a snarl on her face and a gun in her hand. He whipped out one of his own and the standoff began. ************ Annie and JJ clashed knives and jumped back a step. JJ threw every thought of Annie being his sister out and concentrated only on the fact that he was fighting an enemy. He swung a long arc in hopes of cutting her arm, but she blocked him. They continued to trade blows in this manner with Annie following up in the same technique. This went on until JJ, while on the counter, swept Annie?s legs out from under her. She fell on her back, stunned. JJ was about to set a foot on her stomach when Annie brought her knife in a swinging motion across the tendon in the back of his leg. He howled in pain and fell to the ground. A look of pure energy passed between the two as they leaped to their feet. "You won?t win that easily," they both said in unison, not stopping to think about it. They rushed at each other feet and knives blazing. JJ threw out his knife and feet in an intricate pattern of kicks and knife jabs at Annie?s neck. She dodged and continually tried to sweep JJ?s feet out from under him in return. To the casual eye, it would look like nothing more than a learned dance, one danced many a times before. To JJ and Annie, it was a deadly game. One they had played so many times, but neither of them wanted to finish it. They both had many opportunities, but it seemed like neither of them really wanted to kill the other. It all came to a screeching halt when both of the twins? radios echoed a gunshot. They both stopped dead in their tracks and looked at each other. "If I break eye contact, one of two things will happen. I will go in for a kick and knock her out, or she?ll go for me," JJ thought to himself. He did not wait another second. He jumped and spun himself in mid-air, extending a foot. It slammed in the side of Annie?s head and caused her to crumple downwards, but before JJ could bring his foot correctly under him, Annie slammed her knife into his leg and twisted the blade. JJ howled in pain and dropped to the ground. He watched as Annie tried to stand up and mindlessly reached for his gun, aimed and fired. He was not going to let Annie kill him like this and not get some form of payback. A red hole in her right shoulder appeared and she looked back at JJ. To JJ, through the tears pouring down her face, she was trying to tell him something, but the pain made it impossible. She then made a run for the outside, clutching at her shoulder. JJ ignored her and grabbed on a rail to heave himself upward. His leg was wounded, so he would have to hope that at least one of his team members was still alive. "Help..." he weakly said into his headset. "I?m in the tomb, hurt badly. I need some help guys." ********* Jamie and Trevor stood, guns pointed out, sweat pouring down their faces. They also had heard the gunshot, but neither of them was going to blink. They had each other in the crosshair and one of them was not going leave this place alive, despite their love. "So, is this how we?re going to end, Trevor?" Jamie asked, beginning to circle. "I guess so, Jamie dearest," Trevor answered, an evil grin creeping up his face. "What the hell do you have to be grinning about, you lying bastard?" she asked, putting pressure on her trigger. "Oh, now I?m the lying bastard, miss ?It?s just a work convention??" Trevor retorted. Jamie bit her lip. They both had lied to one another. They were on opposite sides of it all and at the same time, she just wanted to run into his arms and cry. Jamie fought back tears and stopped circling. She was not going to die. Hopefully, neither was he, but Jamie had no idea how this was going to go. "I guess love isn?t going to save us this time, is it?" Jamie said sadly. "Love, babe, it?ll always save us in the end," Trevor said and pulled the trigger. Jamie was ready and as she fell, she pulled her trigger and shot Trevor in the stomach. The look of surprise on his face caused her to break out into tears as she hit the floor. The pain in her arm did not even begin to compare to the pain in her heart. As soon as she could breathe regularly again, she got up and walked over to her boyfriend. He was coughing each time he breathed and Jamie was worried she had hit something important. She put her gun to Trevor?s head and waited until he opened his eyes again. He could only jump in surprise. Jamie quieted him. "There, there pet. Things?ll be alright soon. I promise," she said, loading the barrel. "I love you Jamie," He closed his eyes in anticipation. "I love you too, you lying bastard," Jamie answered and pulled the trigger. Tears spilled onto her cheeks as she stuffed the muzzle of the gun into her mouth. Her last thought was "I hope we see each other again." *************** JJ cursed aloud. No one was answering and his progress was minimal. His leg was gushing blood and the ripped piece of shirt was not helping. As it stood right now, it was soaked and leaking. JJ was not sure how much longer he was going to last. He switched his headset to the one frequency you should never set it to and said three words. "Help, Tomb, Dying." JJ?s vision then turned to black. He landed face first on the white tile. *************** "Good job ladies. Sakura, your timing in the hallway was magnificent. The explosions you set off were brilliant too," Boss said, smiling. "And Reve, baby, the bones, we have them! You?ve done an excellent job. I didn?t want to tell Annie, but Trevor and Alan needed to die. You?ve done us quite a favor. I believe the Pants Goddess will be very pleased," he continued. The brown haired girl flashed a thumbs-up and the black haired girl smiled. They had completed their first mission perfectly. The lights went out in the conference room and the halo projector shut off. The two girls left the room and closed the door. About a week later... JJ sat in the wheelchair above Sean?s grave. His funeral was a quick, government funded one involving a couple of agents, his family and a few close friends. The coffin was black with a folded American flag on top. JJ just sat there and cried inside. He could not do it anymore. Sitting through Jamie and Trevor?s joint funeral was too much for him and he broke down. Between tears and sobs, constant, ?It?s all my fault??s weaved themselves in. James and the Shineys were there for moral support and Lancelot served as a pillow, in which JJ?s embrace held. Afterwards, JJ just sat, dead to the world. Even Purple could not get more than two words out of him. It was a struggle for him, mentally and physically. Now, he sat, tightlipped, his eyes following the sinking coffin. He had to stay strong. This was cake compared to the next one. The next funeral was Alan?s funeral. A very good friend of his would be there. Raina. JJ had to stay strong for her. He had to. There was no other way of doing things. JJ turned away from the coffin. He had a plane to catch[/font] Here we are ladies and gents. This is the end of the Rome Arc of ATOTS. I know it has been a bit rough, but hey, you?ve stuck this far in. I hope this chapter fulfills everyone?s gritty wants. For now, I?d like to give Circéus a gigantic thanks for his work. Proofreader rocks!

[Color=DarkBlue]Oh the theories we could come up with as a group. XD But seriously. should the American people be surprised by any of this? Look at everything that's happened since 9/11 and tell me that it's not even a little bit suspicious. Now, to start the quote war... [quote name='The Newfire']1, if a Boeing didn't crash into the Pentagon, what did? I know that there is that video 'evidence', of somthing small crashing into the Pentagon, but it is a doctered video done by an amature and released by al-Queda to stir up trouble.[/quote] Why assume that Al-Quaida is the one who made the doctored video? Who says it's doctored anyway? For all any of us know, it could have been the Antartic aliens that made the video. I do think like Newfire in the way of, where did the fourth plane go? It's weird, but in a way, I like to think they're still living on island being stalked by mechanical monsters. ^_^[/color]