Dwindling (Open)

[Lady Leaf]

Thick clouds covered the moon and stars shielding the mysterious things that moved about on the land below. It was a black night. The damp streets of the city were blanketed with a cool mist allowing the smaller creatures to scurry about unnoticed. Though the pokemon were not the only creatures scurrying about in the dark that chilly night.

In one of the many alley ways created by a few of the larger buildings in the city was the dark figure of a young man. He bent down with his knees to his chest as he looked around the corner and out onto the street. For the moment the shade of the building beside him covered his face allowing only a few speckles of light to hit his pale lips. If one dared to study the young man closer they would notice the small metal nail file clenched in his right hand. There was a soft glimmer of red smeared on both the nail file and his hand. Deeper into the alley way through the dark shadows was an opened side door. Whatever was or could be inside that building was not making a sound. On hard wood leading outside the door and onto the pavement was a thick puddle of red slowly growing larger as time passed by.

Suddenly a small shadow appeared in the window of the building located in the front. Within moments the creature zipped out and up towards a clothe line. It slide half way down the clothe line, a small bag in hand, before letting go and landing on the hard paved road below. The small Sneasel looked up after landing and gave white, toothy grin before quickly making its way over to the young man.

“You found it all?” The young man asked his voice so low it was almost impossible to hear. The sneasel nodded its head before handing the back over to its master who tucked it into a pocket. Once it was in place Adam stood, his dark grey cloak falling to his shoeless feet. As the man stood the Sneasel noticed the pool of red forming in the doorway behind them and looked up at its master. “He refused to cooperate.” Adam grinned a wicked grin before turning and quickly making his way down the street Sneasel following qickly behind.

The mist shifted and spun as he made his way down and round the different streets until finally he came across one old rotting log cabin. Without a word he removed the small bag from his robes and leaned against one of the walls. Slowly he placed the bag onto a window frame and lightly tapped 3 times. There was a long silence after that before the crackling sounds of the window opening could be heard. A hand reached out and took the bag leaving nothing but the silence again. Then a few moments after another bag was returned to the windows ledge. Adam reached out and took it before pulling away from the wall and making his way back down the streets of the city.

He had just turned around a corner when heard a sound coming from in front of him. The sneasel had also heard it as it had stopped to look up.

Adam’s ice blue eyes slowly scanned the dark street ahead of. Surely one of the dull orange lights would pick up the figure of whoever else was outside that fateful night.

[Snow Soul]

Usually people were asleep at night. Or at least half way to sleep. The stars trying to shine past the city lights while a Wingull Flitted from one light to another. Her body quivering but she knew she couldn't stay still. That water pokemon was with Rikka today. She would not got near it! He would get her wet and she was terrified of water. Another shiver racked her body as she looked about. Hearing Rikka's foot steps she quickly took flight into the night again. Rikka needed to put the water pokemon away.

Panting the girl stopped her running. Moon her Shiny Umbreon kept moving after the stubborn wingull. Couldn't she even look at a Water type? Catching her breath she took off after Hana again her Red hair clearly visible to anyone who looked. Running past the Male she barely glanced at him as she leaped over a fallen trash can. "Hana! Come back. I promise I wont let him out again! Haunter Catch up to her and use Hypnosis." A haunter slipped out of the Shadows near the boy with a grin as he shot off after the bird pokemon. At least he got some fun out of this. The others were all asleep in the hotel room.

Hana screeched at the Haunter as he closed in on her and angled sharply away from him. She would not go back to that room with the Gyarados. Suddenly she was hit from behind with the Hypnosis. The last thing she was was Rikka racing forward her eyes wide.

Rikka squeaked and raced forward catching the bird pokemon in her arms. Sighing gently she stroked the bird Pokemon's feathers. "Haunter did you have to hit her mid flight?" Haunter just grinned like he knew she would catch Hana all along. Her emerald eyes were relieved though as she started to walk back to the Hotel. She opted for a hotel for this very reason. Of course she had forgot to double check the windows. Her Shiny Umbreon fell into step beside her as they walked around the Trash can this time. She was definitely going to have a headache due to the fact she had ran into her door on the way out of the room.

Walking past the boy and the Sneasel she realized they were there. They had probably seen the whole thing. Smiling Sheepishly she gave a small wave and continued on to the Hotel which was apparently a long walk from what she could tell. Looking down at Moon she let the dark type take the lead to back to the Hotel keeping to the main rode. Alley's were dangerous at night.

[Lady Leaf]

Adam blinked when a Haunter flew past him, towards a... something. He really wasn't paying attention to what nor did he care. His ice cold glare had fallen upon the shiny black and blue coat of the Umbreon. She was gorgeous, graceful and best of all, expensive. Adam knew all of his employers, except that hat shop lady, would spend a pretty penny for such a pokemon. After all, they had always offered to take Umbreon off his hands. Perhaps he could... ease the pain of one of his customers.

His lazy glare had not left the Umbreon until the girl turned around to walk back the way she had came. At that very instant Adam’s expression had turned blank and he looked down his shoeless toes, digging them into the hard ground. Seneasl had turned her attention to Adam, her arms reaching out for him to pick her up. As Rikki waved to them, Adam gave a very sweet smile, with slightly rosy cheeks and waved backed. After she passed he slipped behind the wall he had still be standing near and reached for a pokemball.

“Lets make new friends my dear friend.” He whispered softly to the pokeball before pushing the button and letting out the shiny, male Umbreon. “Go now.” Adam had no need to say more. The Umbreon, or better known by the name Kuu, knew exactly what to do. Its tiny feet silently made its way through the streets, following the scents and sounds of those it was hunting down. Adam on the other hand waited a few moments before slowly and casually walking out onto the streets and in the direction of the hotel. It was the only reasonable place he could see someone going this late at night. At least, any normal person would go at night.

It hadn’t taken long for Kuu to catch up to traveling girl and her pokemon. He knew these streets well and in its haste it had taken a few short cuts. Very quietly and swiftly the small black pokemon stepped out in front of Moon, one of its small paws being held up as if in pain. Kuu was about to open his mouth to say something to Moon before his eyes glanced up at Rikki. ‘A human![/b]’ He blurted out, as if he had just noticed Rikki for the first time. Without another word he turned and ran to hide under a nearby wooden step. But as he ran there was a limp on his front paw. The same one he had been holding up a moment ago. Anyone would a kind heart would have believed that this poor Umbreon was hurt and truely did need help. Yet he was too shy of humans to receive such help.

[Snow Soul]

Umbreon looked at the boy and watched him. Something was off about him. His Icy stare made her quicken her pace back to Rikka. Why had Rikka decided to stay in the city again? Something was wrong. Suddenly a Male Shiny Umbreon stepped in front of her with a hurt paw. Only thing if he didn't smell like he was hurt. Staring at him he suddenly seemed to spot Rikka and ran beneath the steps. Her eyes looked around trying to spot anything that could hurt Rikka.

Rikka noticed the Umbreon limp into Moon's way and then dart under some steps with a limp. Pulling out Hana's poke-ball she returned the bird pokemon and stepped forward carefully while softly smiling. Reaching into her pocket she crouched down and held out some Poke-food. "Hey there. I won't hurt you, but could I look at your paw?" Moon watched him then looked at Haunter. Stepping forward she stayed close to Rikka. <Rikka won't hurt you. I promise.> Though she did get the feeling that something was Wrong about the sudden appearance of the Umbreon.

Haunter caught Moon's look and slipped into the shadows hiding from even the keenest of eyes. He was a ghost after all. Traveling back he spotted the boy who Rikka had waved to. Watching him stroll past he kept to hiding as he followed after him just to see where he was going. Keeping his ears pricked for Moon he had the feeling he shouldn't have left their side.

[Lady Leaf]

‘Stay away human! You’ll step on me like the last one! Stay away!’ The male Umbreon was growling under the step as Rikka came closer to him, offering food. It wasn’t until Moon stepped closer and assured him that Rikka wouldn’t hurt him that he calmed down a little. Enough that he finally realized she had food. Very slowly he inched closer to her, just enough that his head could peek out from under the step. He really wanted some of the food Rikka was holding but he didn’t want her touching the paw. Just before he was about to take some of the food from Rikka he pulled back and spoke to Moon once more, ‘Tell her my paws fine. It’s just sore from being stepped on earlier. I don’t want it being touched. She’ll make it sting!’

The childish smile stayed on Adam’s rosy cheeks as he continued to make his way down the street. When the girl and her pokemon came into slight view he mindlessly turned around another corner, making his way down a narrow ally. Adam hadn’t made it far when Senseal and raised a hand for him to stop walking then pointed to the ground. Adam’s head slightly turned to the side, not seeing what Senseal was pointing at. Without another word the small pokemon bent down and picked up the tiny stone he had spotted. It was nothing more than a worthless rock but it looked rather shiny. It also had a pretty blue and green colour. With a big smile, Senseal stood up again and held the rock out for Adam to take.

“Ahh, it’s so pretty.” Adam exclaimed as he took the stone and held it up above his head. He spun on his heal for a moment before allowing himself to fall to the ground. “We have, two hours maybe... Maybe two hours with just you, me and Sky. Then... then into my shoe” Yes Adam was talking to the rock as slowly laid himself out on the cold, damp ground. He didn’t seem to care that the water from the damp pavement was seeping through his clothes. He also took little notice to the big clothe bag Senseal found and was now placing on top of Adam. After all, they had at least two hours before the girl and her pokemon would fall asleep. Two hours before they would start looking for Umbreon’s single to break in. Oh they were going to have so much. Course, neither Sky or Adam noticed the Haunter watching them. Why would they? It appeared Senseal was too busy trying to keep his master warm, and Adam... well it just didn’t seem like he was all there in the head. As if some screws that made a human a think and act normal was missing. He almost seemed child like.

[Snow Soul]

Moon sweat dropped over this Pokemon's stubbornness. Finally he seemed to be getting a little braver and limped forward before he pulled back and spoke to her again. Nodding her head she prodded Rikka with a paw and wrote out the Umbreon's request in the dirt before she sat down. She had been learning her letters from Kiki so she could speak with Rikka while she learned how to use psychic. Rikka looked at the words and nodded her head agreeing to his terms. "Alrighty I won't touch it would you like to come back to the Hotel with us to rest though?"

Rikka was too kind in some ways that should often get her into trouble but didn't. Moon looked about and wanted to get going. Staying out side was definitely going against her instincts tonight. Perking her ears up she tried to listen for anything that might be a danger to Rikka. Haunter watched the Sneasel trying to take care of the boy as he laid down on the cold wet ground. He seemed to have a few screws loose in his head. Watching for a few seconds more he sped off back to Rikka and Moon. Staying hidden in the shadows he watched the Umbreon.

[Lady Leaf]

Kuu looked as if he had to think about actually accepting Rikka’s offer to join them in the hotel. But sure enough he agreed to it. As he did he took some of the food from Rikka’s hand and came out from under the step. His own ears perked up after Moon’s ears did, but he wasn’t listening for anything. He was simply acting proud for having gotten some food and a warm place to sleep. If he didn’t feel bad for what his master was going to do to this poor Umbreon in front of him then he could have gotten use to this life style a long time ago. Unlike Adam’s other two pokemon, Kuu didn’t much like stealing or killing. However, he loved Adam a lot and knew it was the only reason the boy got properly fed and clothed. The money also got him off the streets and into a inn more often than not. On top of it all, the boy seemed to enjoy stealing and was frightfully in a good mood each time someone ‘accidently’ lost their life due to him. Kuu really didn’t care about the others as long as Adam was happy.

‘What are listening for?’ Kuu asked Moon as he waited for them to head into the inn. He hadn’t seen the haunter that had been with them for a little while now. It caused him to assume that he returned to his pokeball just like the bird pokemon. Without the haunter around Kuu would only have to wait for Moon and Rikka to fall asleep before he gave off the single for Adam and unlocked the window if they were smart enough to lock it. At least this job was going to be easy. He hoped.

‘My names Kuu by the way’ His voice was a bit muffled by the food he still held in his mouth. It was almost like a dog with a bone in his mouth. Only he didn’t look anything like a dog. After he introduced himself he walked/limped over to Rikka and looked up at her. He was trying to see if she would pick him up.

[Snow Soul]

Moon watched him and carefully considered his actions before he started to eat the offered food. He couldn't be all that bad, right? At his question she shook her head and stuck close to Rikka. Once they were in the Hotel they would be safe. Rikka never ever slept with any of them in their poke balls. And she had the Gyrados at the moment too. She had traded lots of pictures to get the biggest room there. Stretching she acted like she was tired to get Rikka to get a move on.

Rikka smiled and gently stroked the Umbreon's head. When he limped closer to her she smiled softly. "I won't touch your paw but I will carry you." Gently she picked him up and walked along side with Moon to the Hotel. Smiling she waved to the clerk and headed to her room three floors up. Opening her door she set the Umbreon on extra bed which Chaos, her Shiny Gyarados, was curled around the first one. Night, her shiny eevee, lifted his head up from the pillow he was on before curling back up. Rikka let out Hana and set her on the bed near her brother before going back to the door and shutting and locking it. Going to the window she shut and locked it so Hana couldn't get out again. Stretching Rikka smiled at the Umbreon and flicked the lights off.

A yawn escaped her lips as Moon jumped up and laid near Night on the bed. Rubbing Moon's ears Rikka kicked her shoes off and walked over to the Umbreon and covered him up. Going back to the bed that Chaos was wrapped around and crawled under the covers. Tonight had been really lively. Stretching she relaxed her body and slowly fell asleep. Haunter stayed in the shadows to keep a watch over them. Haunter had slept on the way to the City so he was wide awake now that it was night time.

[Lady Leaf]

Kuu was a bit confused on why the other Umbreon wasn't saying much but he shrugged it off. He let out a happy cry when Rikka carried him to the hotel. Once set down on the bed he laid down and looked around the room. There were a lot more pokemon here then he had expected to see. It almost made him wonder if Adam would have a problem with this. Then again, knowing Adam the only issue he would have is picking which pokemon he wanted to take. There were so many rare colours here.

Kuu watched as Rikka went around the room and lock the door and window. He had expected her to do this. What he hadn't expected was for her to come back over and tuck him in. He had never met a human so kind towards pokemon before. It was... well it was very different. It kind of made him feel bad knowing that he was tricking her. But there was nothing he could do about that...

A good two hours had passed since Rikka had tucked Kuu in when finally raised his tiny head and twitched his ears. Slowly he looked around making sure all the pokemon and Rikka were asleep. When he was certain they were he quietly got up and jumped to the floor. Swiftly, and without a limp, he made his way across the room stopping for a moment to check out the Gyrados. It looked like it was asleep. if all went well Adam would be in and out before a sound could be heard. If not... Well Kuu didn't want to think about it. Adam could get a little... violent.

Kuu jumped up to the window and very carefully worked on unlocking the door. As he did this the rings on his fur softly began to glow. Soon enough the window had been unlocked and Kuu waited.

Down below Adam and Sneasel had moved from there spot. The two hours were up which meant it was time for them to play the waiting game. Luckily it hadn't been a very long wait. The single of which room Kuu was in had been given causing both Sneasel and Adam to grin. Before long they made it up to the window and Adam had slowly opened it. Upon looking in, Sneasel pointed at the the other shiny pokemon. Sure enough, Adam was impressed. For a moment he sat and thought about switching his target. After a moment he decided it was best to go with the original plan. Slowly and smoothly he slipped into the room, a small blade in his hand. Well sort of a blade. It was actually a sharp nail file. A thief was no thief he wasn't willing to break the rules. Sneasel followed in after Adam, holding the bag from before. Adam was getting ready to step over the Gyrados and stand over Rikka, though he hadn't quite gotten there yet. Sneasel on the other hand was heading towards Moon. Kuu stayed by the window. He didn't want anything else to do with the theft.

[Snow Soul]

Haunter watched and started playing games for the first two hours, mostly making it seem as if the shadows were moving. Once the Umbreon started moving though he perked up and stopped moving. Maybe he would like to play if he was awake, except he went around with out a limp. Confused he watched the pokemon unlock the window and wait for something. What was going on? Suddenly a boy and a Sneasel popped through the window. Thieves! Murders! They were going to hurt Rikka! Suddenly he flew out of the shadows at the boy throwing angry insults in his pokemon language. The insults soon woke Moon and Night who jumped up ready to defend only to spot the Sneasel.

Night jumped over Rikka using Protect so that no one would hurt her. His fur was sticking up even as a short growl escaped his mouth. Moon formed a shadow ball and hurled it at the approaching Sneasel hoping to hit it. Rikka blinked her eyes open wondering what the alarm was about. Sitting up she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and noticed the boy getting attacked by haunter. "Ah! Whats going on here?" Chaos stirred from his place on the floor and looked about before stretching out to block the window and door. Haunter kept hurling insults while he tried for grabbing the weapon the boy had. With out a weapon Rikka would stand a chance.

Moon growled at the Sneasel then spotted the Shiny Umbreon by the window that was being blocked by Chaos. <How could you?! She didn't even do anything but help you!> Letting loose a yawn she tried to get the Sneasel or Umbreon to fall asleep. Either or would work. Both were bad news. She should have stayed awake. She didn't want anything bad to happen to Rikka. Rikka kicked the covers off and tried to move as far away from the everything as possible till things were sorted out. What was going on!!

[Lady Leaf]

Everything had appeared to be going smoothly until the Haunter sounded the alarm. Adam quickly shot a glance at Kuu to see if he had known the Haunter was awake. From Kuu’s expression it was clear that he hadn’t known. He looked just as shocked as Adam and Sky. (sneasel) Normally having one of them wake wouldn’t be an issue. The issue was the Gyarados was simply in the way. Normally it wouldn’t take Adam very long to get to his hostage in order to keep the room in control. However, with the large pokemon in the way he hadn’t been able to make it to Rikka in time.

Adam was about ready to make a dash at Rikka to settle things than and there but his human abilities were no match the Eevee’s. The tiny pokemon had beaten him there with a protect spell. It caused Adam to stop in his tracks, his eyes carefully watching the commotion in the room. Sneasel instantly went to alert the moment the Gastly began cursing at Adam and turned to keep an eye on what Moon would do. Surely the entire room would be awake in seconds which Sneasel, having done this many times before, was use to things going wrong. He saw the attack from Moon before it could hit and jumped out of the way towards his master. He was ready to fight off anyone who attempted to get too close. Kuu on the other hand was still by the window watching as things unfolded. He knew that without Adam’s hostage the entire thing would be abandoned and the next move would be to escape. From the expression on Adam’s face that was exactly what he thinking of doing next. Sadly the Gyarados was causing yet another issue for the three of them.

The moment Haunter attempted to take the weapon from Adam, Sky moved to attack. However before he could Adam blocked the Sneasel and lifted the arm with the weapon towards Haunter. It wasn’t an attack. In fact as he lifted his arm the grip around the nail file loosened and he allowed the Haunter to take it. It appeared his only motive there was to protect his pokemon yet it confused Sky to no end. “Shhh my friend.” Adam softly spoke to Sky as he knelt down and placed both hands on the pokemon, “We are out numbered without an exit.” Upon hearing Adam’s words Sky lowered his guard accepting what this meant. They were giving up. He didn’t understand why. After all, he knew they could at least inflict great harm upon one or two of them before giving up. However he trusted Adam completely and knew his master always had a plan.

‘Life doesn’t always play out fairly.’ Was all Kuu was able to say back to Moon before the yawn attack took hold of his body. For a few moments he swaggered until finally he fell over into a deep sleep.

[Snow Soul]

Haunter was ready to use hypnosis on the Sneasel as he tried to block Haunter, but the boy readily gave up his weapon. Snatching it he floated away to the shadows and watched the boy and Sneasel surrender. The Umbreon was talking before he was hit by Moon's Yawn and quickly fell asleep. Looking back at the Sneasel he wondered if maybe he should use Hypnosis anyways but decided against it. In any case he stayed hidden in the shadows ready to defend Rikka.

Night kept his fur bristling as he watched the offender give up. Slowly he lowered the Protect around Rikka and himself and moved to stand on the edge of the bed. Rikka on the other hand was looking around to locate all her pokemon. Hana and Shiro were hiding under the bed. Moon and Night on the bed. Gyarados blocking both window and door. Haunter some place. She knew he was around here someplace. Letting the boy stay where he was she crawled off the bed and walked over to the Unconscious Umbreon and picked him up taking him back to the bed. Well this was a first for her.

It was only a given amount of time before her kindness came back and bit her in the butt. Oh well. Laying the Pokemon down she moved to the light switch and flicked it on to see the boy from the streets. "Well this is an interesting turn about. Lets get you fed and washed at least. Then I'll send you on your way. Moon, Chaos, and Haunter will watch over you while I step out for a minute." Odd thing was Rikka was going to do exactly what she said. Moving to her bag she pulled out her sketch book for trade more pictures she had drawn today for more food and hopefully a clean set of clothing. Even thieves should be better looked after then this one was. He was only doing what he could to survive. Once she stepped out of the room she shut the door behind her and looked at her hands.

Of course they were shaking from the panic attack everything had given her. Taking several deep breaths she quickly set out on what she was wanting to do. She came back fifteen minutes later with a tray of food and some clean clothing a guest, who had been getting a snack, gave her. Opening the door she set the food in front of the boy and Sneasel before she laid the clothing on the bed. Shiro and Hana were slowly coming out of their hiding place and flew over to Rikka's shoulders. Moon watched the boy and Sneasel ready to attack if he tried anything. They were badly out numbered by pokemon who would defend Rikka. "Once you've eaten and showered hopefully you and I can talk."

[Lady Leaf]

Adam’s icy blue eyes watched carefully as Rikka lifted his Umbreon and moved him to the bed. His eyes then continued to watch the girl as she moved to flick on the lights. Adam expected that the next thing she would do was alert the guards in the city. It would be during the guards took him outside that he would escape. He had done it before and saw no reason why he couldn’t do it again. Except what came from Rikka’s mouth had not been the words Adam had been expecting to hear. His expression almost seemed to lighten a bit as she told him what she was going to do. Sky on the other hand had a very confused expression on and ended up looking up at Adam. Adam simply smiled down at his pokemon but said nothing. She had clearly stated what she was going to do so why would Adam question it? It didn’t matter if she was lying or not. Besides, he liked surprises. If she wasn’t lying then perhaps his entire escape plan could be forgotten. No unsuspecting guard would lose his or her life tonight.

When Rikka left the room Adam simply ignored the other pokemon around him. Sky, not liking the idea of being captured but also not wanting to go against his masters wishes, sat down, crossed his arms and closed his eyes. Adam simply smiled at this and reached into his pocket. Slowly he pulled his hand back out of his pocket and raised his palm to reveal the small, shiny rock to the other pokemon. He had shown them to keep from having them panic that he might be getting something dangerous. After showing them the rock he began to study it and roll it around in his hands as he waited for the girls return.

Upon the sound of the door opening again, Sky opened his eyes and looked up. Adam on the other hand continued to study the rock until the food was placed down in front of him. Once again the sneasel looked up at Adam receiving another smile from Adam. Taking the smile as an ok to eat, Sky turned to the food and began to eat as much as he could as quickly as he could. He really did love food. On the bed Kuu’s body began to move a bit, his tiny feet twitching as the yawn began to wear off.

Adam, unlike Sky, did not touch the food. Instead he set his attention back onto Rikka as she spoke again. Something about what she said caused a very large grin to spread across Adam’s face and began to chuckle lightly. She had no idea what kind of a twisted mind she was going to enter if she could actually get him to talk to her. He was actually considering the idea of sitting down and having a chat. After all, she had taken him off guard. She at least had the right to hear his voice though his words most likely wouldn’t be what she would want to hear. He would not be one to apologize to her no matter how nice she wanted to be. He liked taking advantage of people. He liked seeing them suffer and he didn’t care if his actions were right or wrong.

Adam stood himself up and began removing his clothes. First came the robes then he moved to slide his shirt up and over his head. Half way through removing the shirt Kuu woke up and turned to him. The Umbreon was confused at what was going on but more so he worried about Adam’s actions. kuu knew Adam well enough that after the shirt was off the pants would be next. He was pretty sure the girl and her pokemon wouldn’t want to see that. Quickly the Umbreon jumped off the bed and ran over to Adam. Without saying anything Kuu grabbed hold of Adam’s pant leg with his teeth and tugged on the cloth a bit. It caused Adam to stop, his shirt half off, and look down at Kuu. Adam’s skin under the shirt was rather pale and showed evidence of many old scars covering his back and stomach. Having Adam’s attention Kuu turned his head towards the bathroom causing Adam to smile. Slowly Adam turned to the clothes on the bed and picked them up before heading to the bathroom Kuu had pointed to. Relieved that Adam hadn’t finished undressing in front of the others, Kuu moved towards the platter of food, grabbed a bun off it and ran into the bathroom to give it to Adam. He was going to make sure Adam at least ate some of it rather then giving it all to Sky.

After about 10 minutes Adam and Kuu came back out of the bathroom. Adam was now full dressed in the clothes Rikka had given him and been bathed. The dirt missing from his face and the wet hair was evidence on that. Sneasel had eaten a good portion of the food and was now sitting with his arms crossed and eyes closed again. Now that Adam was finished, Kuu went to eat the left over food that Adam still seemed uninterested in. At least Kuu had managed to get him to eat the bun. Adam, instead of following Kuu, sat down on the floor and crossed his legs. He looked up at Rikka after doing this and waited for her to speak. After all, she had told him she wanted to talk when he was ready. With his exit blocked he really had no choice but to at least listen to her.

[Snow Soul]

Of course anything Rikka did would probably make no sense to Adam. She was just way too easy going and knew that he stole things to make his living. Probably killed before too from the slight blood spots she had seen on his clothes. When he let the Sneasel have most of the food she blinked and wondered if he didn't like that kind of food. "I have fruit in my bag if you would like one. Peaches mostly." Moving around she calmed her pokemon one by one, but they all kept an eye on the boy and his pokemon. Seeing the Male Umbreon twitch she knew he was waking up. That would be ok. He seemed to be a good sort who just wanted to help his trainer.

Rikka should probably alert the guards or at the very least send him on his way but she really did want to talk to him. Well more likely to ask him if she could draw his pokemon. Maybe to see why he liked thieving. Though she knew she probably wouldn't like the answer. She was curious though. Moon would chastise her properly later. When she looked back at the boy he was getting undress. "Ah!" She turned around quickly giving him some privacy until she heard him go to the bathroom who was quickly followed by the Umbreon. Sitting on her bed she flipped through her sketch book and found a clean page. Taking the pencil Haunter offered she started to sketch the Sneasel while he ate.

When Adam came back out she looked up at him. He had bathed and the new clothes were a bit loose but they would keep him warm. When he sat down she turned her sketch book to him to show the half finished picture of Sneasel. "What do you think?" She had a feeling he wasn't as slow as he seemed to portray. The Sneasel seemed to be keeping to him self again. Thinking about it she remembered his Fascination with the shiny rock earlier and wondered at the childlike behavior. "Mm. Why do you like taking things?" It was the politest way she could think of asking it. Of course no one said she ever excelled in English.

[Lady Leaf]

Adam never replied to her comment about the fruit in her bag. When it came to food he never ate unless he very hungry or someone had placed it directly in his hands. His three pokemon, including the one he hadn’t shown them, would do just this. It was why Kuu had brought him the bun. It was just one of those things that made Adam, well, Adam.

When he was shown the picture his eyes slightly moved to Sky for a moment before falling back onto the picture. He assumed she was looking for his opinion on the picture but he really had no idea what to say. He liked it. Perhaps he could say that. Though maybe she wanted a complement on her drawing skills. She was rather good. While all at the same time Adam was wondering if Sky had even noticed her drawing him. What would he think about that? Knowing Sky he would point out that the real thing was better. Sky was a bit stubborn in that sense.

Adam shifted slightly, about to open his mouth to give his opinion on the picture but then stopped himself and instead just smiled. A smile could replace many words. It could tell her that he liked it which would mean he thought it was well done and in return meant he believed her to be a good artist. He simply loved how well one expression could express so much.

What Rikka said next, however, was something he could not answer without speaking. Sure he could be cruel and just smile at the question as well. A smile at that would simply mean he enjoys stealing but she had been kind to him and his pokemon. Because of her he was clean and they were fed. She at least deserved a full answer. “I take things because I like knowing others suffer.” His voice was very soft and rather hard to hear. He didn’t just mean the people he stole from or killed. He knew the people he stole things for also suffered at some point. It was more interesting watching them raise and fall. Most of them did and those who hadn’t... well there time would come. Besides, all his life he had suffered. Why should he have to suffer when other lived happily? Making others suffer made him feel better which in return made him happy. “It makes me happy and allows this to work properly.” He pointed to the side of his head for a moment as if indicating his brain or mind. It was true though. He thought the clearest when under pressure. Every time he stole or killed he was under a great deal of pressure. “Why don’t you?”

[Snow Soul]

Rikka watched him and noticed he didn't say anything about the fruit. Did he ever eat properly? Probably not. At his smile over the picture she smiled. At least he liked it. Flipping it back around she went back to finishing it while she listened for him to explain why he liked taking things. His answer was just a bit disturbing but she listened anyways. Finishing the picture she pulled it out and handed it over to him to keep. He could probably trade it for something small and shiny.

Thinking about his question she tapped his chin. Right and Wrong probably have no value to him so she threw any answer like that out the window. "Well I like knowing I worked toward making someone happy I guess. I don't like others to be sad." Looking at him she noticed he was probably about her age. Her mind traveled back to what he said earlier about his mind working right by stealing. "Have you ever tried doing anything else challenging to get your mind to work? Like say a puzzle?" Looking down at her Sketch pad she quickly drew out a suduko puzzle. She had memorized one a little while ago just to pull out for the fun of it.

Filling in some of the numbers she made it on the easy level and checked it over to make sure it could be solved. Keeping it in her hand she looked back at him she studied him a bit more. "I've got a Suduko puzzle if you wanna give it a try." She knew she probably couldn't turn him good but she could at least give him something to help him mind work properly beside when he was just stealing. Haunter kept an eye on the three while he was going through the pocket that was supposed to be for Raikiri when he was traveling with them. At the moment it contained several shiny objects that Raikiri had picked up last time he had traveled with them.

Rikka looked over at Haunter and shook her head at him. He knew he wasn't supposed to be in that pocket. Haunter grinned and slipped back into the shadows with out showing Rikka what he had swiped.

[Lady Leaf]

When she held out the picture he took it and placed it in his lap. For a tiny bit he sat and studied it as she answered his question

Why did she like making other people happy? Why did she even care about other people? He didn’t care about other people. Most didn’t care about him either. If they did he wouldn’t ever have gotten into stealing. If they cared he would have never lived on the streets. If people cared about other people he would have never been born. He was a result of someone hurting another. Nothing more but a disaster. A reminder of pain and failure. So why was it that this girl was able to feel the need to make others happy? Perhaps she was better then him. She was the kind he should have been jealous of because he could never have her life. She wasn’t a disaster like him. Yet he wasn’t jealous. Someone who should have never lived had no right to be jealous of someone who was meant to be born. Right?

A puzzle? “No...” He looked away from her and down at the floor. The expression on his face had darkened and almost looked sad. His mind was racing with the words he had been once told by his mother. The woman who hated him so much and yet... He had loved her back. But those words. He had tried to impress her by being smart but.. Adam’s blue eyes shifted and looked at the paper in her hand as she offered to let him try a puzzle. An instant panic crossed his expression and he lifted his hands up to his head, holding it tightly as if someone were getting ready to hit him, “I can’t. I’m not smart enough. I’ll make a mistake. It’s a waste if I make a mistake and I always make mistakes.” He was repeating words he had been told before over and over and over again. He was trembling a bit as he said this making it very clear that truly upset by the idea of doing a puzzle of any kind. Both Kuu and Sky had seen this reaction before and neither were sure how to fix it. The only one who did was Vince, Adam’s Absol. But the pokemon was not with them. He had been left behind to protect there shelter in the woods.

[Snow Soul]

Rikka watched him take in her answer and think it over. From his facial expressions she would say his mind worked just fine. Who told him otherwise? Scooting a little closer to the edge of the bed she watched him wondering about his expression over the puzzle. Puzzles weren't bad. Though soon enough he seemed to be repeating something he had been told before. Over and over he repeated the words. Looking around unsure she set her sketch book and pencil on the bed and slipped to the floor much to Moon's dislike.

"Shh. Its alright." Kneeling next to him she wrapped her arms around him gently in a hug. "Come on your not there anymore. Your in a hotel room. Whomever your repeating can't say those words unless you let them." Maybe he truly was broken but not in the sense he probably wanted someone to think. Who ever had done this had been cruel. Probably must have done it while he was young. Carefully she patted his hand as if he was a child in a grown up body.

Moon crept to the edge of the bed watching. Ready to stop him if he tried anything to harm Rikka. When the boy was gone she was so going to make sure Rikka never heard the last of it. She would get hurt if she did this for every last one of them. Didn't Rikka realize that one day this could probably be the end of her?

[Lady Leaf]

Adam let out a loud gasp, his eyes opening wide and his body freezing the moment she touched him. He wasn’t use to others touching him. Most of the time they saw him as a dirty street rat or beggar. Sure there was the odd person who would be nice to him but they never touched him. Never. Maybe it was ok if she held him. It was a comforting feeling...

His body very slowly began to relax and he lowered his hands just in time to have her softly pat them. She was right. The woman wasn’t here. She was gone. Gone forever. He had made sure of that. He had taken care of the problem.

Dispite the appearance that Adam was calming down, Kuu seemed to go into alert. He had stood and looked ready to jump between them at any moment. Even his eyes narrowed and gaze hardened. ‘Don’t attack him,’ Kuu attempted to warn the other pokemon, ‘He will hurt you before he realizes you’ve hurt him’. Sneasel on the other hand just sat there. His arms were crossed and sly smile was slipping on his face as if he knew something was about to happen. The difference between Sky and Kuu was that Kuu actually cared about what happened to Rikka and her friends. Sneasel could care less if any of them got hurt. The only person Sky cared about was her master. She knew that Adam could take care of himself... for the most part.

It came. The very thing both pokemon had been expecting. Adam’s expression suddenly grew to a deep angry frown, “No!” without warning he flung his hands in front of himself attempting to sharply push Rikka away.”Don’t ever touch me you witch!” He quickly scrambled to his feet lifting his arm again as if to try and strike at Rikka once more. However before he could Kuu jumped between them, his fur standing on end as growled at Adam. It caused him to lower his arm and very slowly a smile started to spread on his face. Then the laughter began. It started off as light chuckles at first as he spoke, “Kuu’s learning for Vince.” Then the chuckles turned into a full out, cruel laughter. It lasted long enough for Kuu to growl at Adam saying, ‘Vince would be disappointed.’ It took a moment for Adam to register what Kuu had said while laughed but when it did the laughter came to abrupt stop. He lowered his head, allowing his long white hair to fall over his eyes. There was still a twisted grin spread across his lips as he slowly sank to the floor again, setting his hands on carpet in front of him.

“I hurt you didn’t I?” He finally hissed now addressing Rikka, “I hurt the poor, innocent, naive young woman.”

[Snow Soul]

Rikka would have pulled back after her froze but soon enough he started to relax. Rikka wondered how many people actually held him in his life time. Rikka had always been coddled by her mother so she didn't know the feeling of being lonely like he probably did. Taking in Kuu's appearance she wondered if Adam would end up flipping out anyways. Patiently she held him while her pokemon started to relax. The boy in their minds must have problems but seemed fine for the moment.

Moon did stay on alert though. Kuu hadn't calmed down so she would be ready to use a protect. Rikka squeaked as she was harshly pushed away. She knew it probably wouldn't last for long. Apparently though his mind was working well now. She stood up slowly even as he looked like he was going to hit her again. When Kuu jumped before Moon could she blinked. When he sank back down to the carpet with a twisted grin she sat on the edge of the bed. She didn't seem to be the bit surprised though in her mind she kinda wanted to be able to take care of him. Of course that was just a nature wanting to take care of people or pokemon who were hurt.

She returned his twisted smile with a kind one of her own. "No actually. I'm all right." Rikka didn't seem to get he was probably trying to make her angry or feel bad. It was hard for a person to make her either though if they tried really hard they could probably do it. "Oh! And your no older then I am so don't go pulling the Young card." Her voice held a Teasing tone to it though as Moon crawled on to her lap to keep her on the bed this time. She didn't want Rikka near the boy if he was acting mean. Though she knew Rikka would probably smile it off until their guest left. Which would be when Chaos realized Rikka wouldn't call the guards.