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Brenny had invited James (and by extension, Jacen) to the park. It wasn't a particularly sunny day, so James' trainer had insisted they take Jacen along as well in case they ran into trouble. The celebi wasn't sure how the vanilite was supposed to be helpful; as an ice type, he'd probably make it snow if it started to rain. He'd opened his mouth to point this out, but James had elbowed him. "Just go with it!" he hissed. "She'll never let us go if we don't take him along." Ah. So it was a ' take your older brother or don't go at all' situation. Brenny had never been in one, but he figured she was worried about children being out on their own after team rocket had kidnapped so many. "Alright. We'll come back if it starts to rain!"

"Be sure you do!" Brie had called back. "James, be on your best behavior! Have fun!"-Thali

After the team rocket kidnapping incident, Humphrey had made himself home at Tamotsu’s shrine. The ninetails that had rescued him had been very kind to Humphrey and given him a place to stay and food to eat. Humphrey was very grateful, and so he spent a lot of his time helping Tammy make repairs to the building.

But today wasn’t one of those days. Today, Humphrey was setting out to find his brother William. Hummy couldn’t remember a lot about life before team rocket. But he DID remember that he had a brother, and he desperately wanted to find him. After all, without William, he felt like a piece of himself was missing.

And so, Humphrey had begun wandering away from the shrine and closer to a town. That’s when he found himself in what appeared to be a Park. “Hmm this place is kinda nice,” he said aloud, as he sniffed the air, and began scouting the area for signs of Will. –Erina

Brenny was the first of the three to notice the fox-pokemon. He recognized him; that was Tammy's friend, Humphrey, wasn't it? The one who'd helped rescue him? "Hey guys! Look!" he pointed the fennekin out.

"Cool, another fire type," James beamed. He'd never met one before; flying, bug, grass, ice, sure. But never a fire type. He headed over, followed by his older brother. "Hey there," he greeted. "Want to play with us?"

Jacen was a bit uneasy. He still hadn't gotten completely used to James, even. Fire types were frightening. Well. As long as he didn't use flamethrower...-Thali

Humphrey raised his head as he was addressed. Who was this? He then spotted Brenny, and assumed that the other poke human must have been a friend. “Hey there Brenny!” he greeted, “are these your pals?”

He looked back and forth between everyone, before mulling over the question he’d been asked.

“Oh? Play?” he asked. “Well I was kind of looking for my brother. His name is William. You haven’t by chance seen him around here have you? I want to find him as soon as possible. It’s kind of…lonely without him, ya know?” He flicked his tail and gazed up at Brenny, Jacen, and James when he suddenly remembered he hadn’t introduced himself yet.

“By the way, I’m Humphrey. I know who Brenny is. We rescued him from Team Rocket,” he smiled. “And you guys are?”-Erina

"Hey Humphrey! Yeah, this is James," he gestured to the ponyta boy, "and this is his brother, Jacen." He seemed to stiffen as Humphrey explained that he was looking for his brother. He knew how that felt. He knew exactly how that felt. He'd spent months looking for his sister to no avail. He knelt down to the fennekin's level. "No, we haven't seen him. But we'll help you look. Right, guys?"

Jacen nodded; he too, knew what it was like to feel alone. "Nice to meet you. Of course we'll help! There's four of us, we can cover a lot of ground."

"Yeah, I bet we can find him!" James encouraged. "We'll look everywhere!"-Thali

Humphrey’s face lit up with a smile. “Well it’s nice to meet you all!” He nodded at James and Jacen.

That’s great!” he beamed. “William looks basically like me. We’re twins actually. Will is kind of a crybaby though. That’s why I’m worried, and want to find him as soon as possible.” Humphrey’s happy-face turned to one of concern.

Humphrey didn’t realize just how much losing a relative meant to Brenny. But he was thankful for his help. In fact he was thankful for all three of them’s help.

“But if you guys will help, I just know we’ll find him! Thank you so much! I’ll definitely find a way to repay your kindness! I promise!” With that said, he began sniff around the park some more.-Erina

Brenny reached out and stroked Humphrey's ears with a hand. "We'll find him. Promise! I have all sorts of friends and we can ask everyone we meet if they've seen a fennekin like you. Loads of people helped me before." He smiled at Hummy and stood. "I'm sure he's alright. He might even be looking for you, too!"

Jacen straightened and smiled. "It might not be today," he warned. He didn't want the fennekin to get his hopes up. "But I promise, James and I will look for him every day. I'll ask our parents to, too."

James wrinkled his nose at his brother. Asking for help from parents! Bleh! "We'll find him for sure! I can ask Dart, he's always out at night."-Thali

Hummy brightened at Brenny’s words. Everyone was being so nice and helpful. He almost purred when the celebi stroked his ear, causing him to blush. He stammered another “Thank you!” before turning to Jacen, who had reminded him, that it might not be today, but definitely sometime in the future. He nodded. “R-right!” he said. But at least this was a start. “I’m really glad, I ran into you guys. We’ll find him, no doubt about it.”

Humphrey was looking more and more determined by the minute. When James mentioned ‘parents’ though, Humphrey stopped to consider this. He didn’t really remember his parents at all. He wondered if asking these ‘parents’ for help was really such a bad thing? He made a mental note to ask what ‘parents’ were like later on. In the meantime, he asked, “Who is Dart? Another friend?”

He sniffed the air, decided it would be best to split up, maybe into teams? Then they could cover more ground. “Alright everyone, should we go in groups? Like, I’ll look over there, and you over there?” he questioned.-Erina

Brenny smiled. He was glad the fennekin was so optimistic. "Is Tammy helping you, too?" he asked. The ninetails had been so nice when he'd met him, he couldn't imagine Tammy not helping.

"Yeah, Dart's my friend," James said. "He'll help! He knows this whole town!"

"I know him too," Brenny said. "He and his brother will help, I'm sure of it."-Thali

“Well actually….” Humphrey trailed off. “I’m really grateful that Tammy rescued me. He took me in, so I have a place to stay. And he provides me with food. So I felt kind of bad asking him to help me find William. So I haven’t asked him yet. Buuut now that you’ve said that, I know Tammy is really nice. I’m sure he’d help.”

The fennekin paused. “Yes! I think…when I get back, I’ll ask him!” he smiled at the group.

When the others explained who all their friends were, and that they’d be happy to help, the fox pokemon was overjoyed; especially knowing that one of them had an acquaintance that knew the whole town. That would definitely make things easier. “You guys are awesome!” Humphrey exclaimed. “Well then, I guess we should get started looking then! Shall we?” –Erina

So Humphrey hadn't asked yet. Brenny hadn't considered that. He smiled and petted the fennekin again. "I should come visit you guys. I can make cookies."
"Come on, you can look with me," James offered. "Us firetypes should stick together!"

Jacen frowned. "What if you two meet up with a water type that wants to fight? One of you should go with Brenny, and the other with me."-Thali

“Oh yes! Tammy and I would love it if you visited! Oooh and I know we’d love cookies too!” Humphrey grinned.

As they decided who would go with who, Humphrey debated what would be the best choice. He didn’t really mind either way. But splitting up the fire types did make the most sense. “Well, it doesn’t bother which way we do it. I’d love to get to know everybody better! So whatever you all decide works! I won’t complain!”

He sat in the grass, waiting until the others made a decision. While he sat, he kept getting the feeling that something strange was afoot. Not a bad sensation? Just peculiar. Like the group would be in for a surprise. ((the presence of a star heading their way? xD)) –Erina

"I'll definitely visit! I don't think I have since you came to live with Tammy." To be honest, the celebi hadn't gone much of anywhere since the thing with teamrocket. He hadn't gone far from home. "You can go with me, Humphrey," Brenny invited. "We can all meet back here in an hour alright? Then we'll look as a group. Its better to have eight eyes than just four!"
"Can't I come looking with you?" James immediately protested
"We could always look together..." Jacen suggested.-Thali

“Well we can always just stick together I suppose,” Humphrey finally offered. “After all, Brenny had a point when he said ‘eight eyes are better than one.’ I mean, it might take a little longer, but then no one has to be split up.”

Humphrey smiled and nodded. This would probably be the best solution. He stood up and began to walk, gesturing for the others to follow him. “This way,” he stated, “I can feel it in my bones. Yup, in this direction…..we might find something.”

Humphrey sniffed the air and looked everywhere; both high and low. Finally, after what felt like forever, he rounded a bush and saw something very strange. He stared in disbelief. It was a sparkly star. “Guys, guys, look at this!” he called out as he reached to touch it. As soon as his little paw touched the weird object, he felt incredibly sleepy and then the world around him went dark. -Erina

Humphrey anxiously awaited the arrival of Kou, the doctor. Humphrey had brought his twin brother Will, back to the shrine where he explained the situation to Tammy. Tamotsu was more than happy to help, and so he made a call to his doctor friend; the mega audino named Kou. Now Kou was known for his overall klutziness. But he was still famed as a great healer.

After what seemed like forever of waiting, there was a crash outside. Humphrey jumped out of his chair, and rushed past Brielle (who had also come along to the shrine). Tamotsu followed his friend to the door, and they both went outside. There, sprawled out on the steps, was Kou.

The mega audino winced. “Ow ow ow ow,” he muttered. Then he looked up to see Humphrey and Kou staring down at him, and he blushed. “Whoops. Heehee.” He stood back up and dusted himself off before picking up his staff and medical kit. “Hi there everyone! I’m here to help!” He bowed happily and started up the steps once more.-Erina

Brielle followed Hummy outside and stared. "Is this the doctor you want taking care of your brother?" She asked. "He might accidentally drop something on him or something. Will isn't very big."
Will couldn't follow, instead laying on a pillow. He glared towards the entrance and growled softly. That crash had startled him!-Thali

Humphrey sweatdropped at Brielle’s comment. He looked to Tammy for reassurance. And as if the ninetales had read the fennekin’s thoughts, he smiled. “It’s okay. I’ll keep an eye on Kou. Plus, when you see his special power, I think you’ll be impressed. It will definitely help Will, I promise.”

Kou blushed again, at the kind words. It didn’t bother him in the least that he was a klutz. It was almost as if he didn’t hear the comment about his behavior at all. Or maybe he just chose to ignore it. Instead, he asked Humphrey, Tammy, and Brielle to show him to his patient.

“Wellll, ok.” Humphrey finally said. He had decided to trust Tammy’s judgment. Hummy looked to Brielle, and whispered, “I think it’ll be ok. But just in case, let’s keep an eye on him too.”-Erina

Special power? Brielle looked skeptical. What kind of power could the guy have, when he was so clumsy? "Okay," she agreed, nodding at Hummy. "Let's make sure he doesn't smush Willie."
She led Kou with the others to Will. The fennekin's growling grew louder.-Thali

Humphrey went back inside, followed by Kou and Tammy. As they neared Will, the growling grow louder. “It’ll be okay Will,” Hummy said, walking over to his brother.

Kou nodded. “This shouldn’t take too long either. Just let me see the wound, please.” As Kou walked forward, he tripped and almost landed on his face. But Tammy caught Kou by his robe. “Whoops. That was close,” the mega audino chuckled, cheeks growing rosy pink. “Sorry about that…..as I was saying, let’s see the wound.”

Humphrey sighed. At least it seemed like Tammy was keeping Kou from doing any damage. “Anyway,” Humphrey whispered to his brother. “It’ll be ok. Let Dr. Kou take a look.”-Erina

Will growled still, uncertain. He licked Humphrey's hand, though, as if to make sure his brother knew he wasn't growling at him. He wasn't very reassured by his words, though. He lifted his paw hesitantly, and growled out a warning.-Thali

Humphrey patted his brother on the head. He knew he wasn’t growling at him. He hoped Will wouldn’t bite Kou in fear though.

Kou slowly moved to unbandage and examine Will’s paw. The doctor seemed calm; not nervous at all even though Will was growling. Was Kou an airhead, or maybe he just wasn’t scared. After unraveling the bandage, he looked the would over. “I see. Ok. Here we go.” He closed his eyes and whispered, “Heal Pulse.” A pink orb of light appeard between Kou’s hands and floated over to Will’s paw. As it hovered, it emitted a warm, healing aura. And within seconds it burst into pink sparkles that rained down on the sore paw.

“There we go,” said Kou with a grin. “It should be ok now. But do take it easy for awhile.” –Erina

When Will saw the wound, he whimpered. It seemed to hurt so much more after looking at it! But Kou was gentle. After the pink sparkles disappeared, he licked the audino on the hand in thanks. He looked to Humphrey. "It doesn't hurt so much anymore!" He said, happily.-Thali

Humphrey beamed. “That’s great Will!” He pat the little fennekin on the head. Hummy turned to Kou. “Thank you so much Dr. Kou!”

Kou smiled as Will licked him. “I’m glad I could help!”

Tamotsu looked happy too. He knew Kou would do a good job. “Now then, as Kou said, you still want to take it easy. Should you choose to, I would recommend going on short walks, gradually using the paw.”

Tammy nodded. “Ok that sounds like a good plan. What do you think Will?” ((do they all want to spend the night and go on a walk in the morning? We can fast forward to then if you want. xD Then Will can find his star.))-Erina

~~~

Will wasn't thrilled about staying at the shrine all night. He definitely had the instincts of a wild Pokemon, and his ears were perked waiting for any sign of danger. He was prepared to flee. Morning came fast though, and the fennekin eventually fell asleep out of exhaustion.-Thali

Humphrey had buried himself under blankets alongside his brother. He was quick to fall asleep as he was used to being in the shrine.

Tammy was also asleep right away. But he was also the first one awake in the morning; quietly shuffling around preparing some berries for breakfast. He had quite a few in barrels in the storage room. He reappeared in the main room where everyone had slept, holding a few bowls with berries in them. He placed the bowls on a table, and allowed everyone to slowly take their time waking up and joining him for breakfast. –Erina

Brielle was next to wake, stretching. She was a light sleeper. "Good morning," she greeted Tammy with a smile. "The little fennekin, he was up all night so I don't know when he'll wake up." She'd stayed up a while after Hummy had fallen asleep, trying to calm Willim. Nothing had helped.-Thali

“I see,” Tammy said with a frown. “The poor guy must have been super stressed out.” The ninetales nudged Humphrey with his foot. “Wake up,” he whispered.

Humphrey slowly came too, and gazed around groggily. “What?” he questioned, staring at Tammy.

“Your brother didn’t fall asleep until recently. I think he’s a little stressed. You should try and help him out. But for now, since he’s finally resting, we should let him sleep.”

Humphrey nodded, “Ok. I’ll do my best.” He curled up closer to his brother, ready to go back to sleep, hoping his scent would calm Will.

The whole time Kou was resting as well. When Tammy and Humphrey and Brielle started talking, the mega audino, stirred awake as well, and quietly helped himself to breakfast while the others decided what to do.

Tammy spoke again, “Perhas we’ll wait until lunch to have Will start walking and exercising. In the meantime, you’re all welcome to hang out here.”

Kou smiled. “I’ll stick around for a bit then, just in case.” –Erina

Willim woke a few hours later, and immediately looked around irritably. He was still tired! And hungry! He stood and stretched before looking for something to eat. "I'm hungry, Hummy!" He announced.-Thali

Humphrey rolled over and shot up as his brother announced that he wanted food. He chuckled and gazed around, spotting one of the bowls of berries on the table. He got up and grabbed a bowl and placed it in front of his brother. “Eat up!” he said with a grin.

Kou had been reading a book, and Tammy had gone to get some tea. Tammy reappeared once more with a tray with little cups on it, and a pitcher of some sweet smelling warm berry tea. “Ah I see you’re awake Will. I have plenty of food, and tea so help yourself.”-Erina

Willim immediately stuck his nose into the bowl of berries offered, beginning to eat. His ears folded back and he gazed about the room, as if he didn't quite believe that the food wouldn't be taken from him. He growled slightly as he ate. He finished and looked around for another bowl. "What is tea?" He asked, wrinkling his nose at Tammy.-Thali

The others watched Will eat. Humphrey especially noted that Will was growling while eating. Hummy suspected that it was because of the tough life Willim had been living. He decided he would have to show his brother that it would be alright. Ever so slowly they could work together.

Tammy tilted his head to the side and stared at Will. “You’ve never had tea? That’s ashame. It’s really quite good. This particular one is a blend of berry leaves, berry juice, and water all boiled together to make tea. It’s a nice drink that can be served chilled or warm. Here have a taste.” The ninetales offered a drink, placing it in front of Will.

In the meantime Kou got another bowl of berries and nudged it toward the tiny fennekin in case he wanted more. “Whenever you’re ready, we can begin our walk outside. But do take your time. There’s no rush.” He said with a smile. –Erina

Will finished his meal, huffing slightly and wrapping his tail around him. He stared at Tammy. No, was tea anything like water? He'd only ever had that. And generally, that came from a stream, not a cup. He tried it, taking a hesitant lick. His reaction was instant. "BLEGH!" He wrinkled his nose. Was Tammy trying to poison him?! "What is that?!" He asked, with clear dislike.
He dug into the bowl of berries offered to him, trying to get the the bad taste out of his mouth. "Let's go now," he said-Thali

Tammy tried not to giggle as Will nearly spat out the tea. “I guess it’s an aquired taste,” he said, with a sweatdrop.

Humphrey got up, and headed for the door as his brother announced he was ready. “Alright then, after you,” he began, opening the door for the others. “Be sure to be careful on the stairs.” Though that last comment was mostly aimed at Kou.

Kou got up to follow, not the slightest bit phased by the fact that Humphrey had just suggested that he was a klutz.

Tammy would lock up once everyone was gathered outside. Then they could leave.-Erina

"It's poison," Willim complained, making a face. He followed after Hummy, and then out the door once it was opened. He was limping slightly still, leg picked up off of the ground as he walked. "Stairs?" He asked.-Thali

“Yes, the ones leaving the shrine. The ones Kou fell down previously,” Tammy said with a nod.

“Unless you would prefer to stay on the temple grounds. We can always practice here. There’s a koi pond we can walk around, and lots of tree surrounding the main buildings on all sides. It’s quite nice actually,” Hummy added. –Erina

Will looked hesitant. He didn't want to try the stairs with only three functioning legs. "Can we stay on temple grounds?" He asked. "It sounds nice." And a lot safer.-Thali

“Works for me,” Hummy said.

Tammy and Kou agreed. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Let’s start out doing a lap around the pond then. That shouldn’t be too bad.”

“What do you think Will?” Tammy asked. “Are you ready?”-Erina

Will nodded. He looked a bit nervous that they were going to be walking around the pond, though. He carefully walked along the edges of it, and glanced inside. There was something sparkling inside! He looked closer, nose nearly touching the water. Forgetting that he wasn't very balanced, he tipped into the pond, hitting the sparkly star with his nose.-Thali

Hummy gasped as the scene unfolded before him! His brother was in trouble! He had to jump in and save him! Without a second thought, he leapt into the koi pond and latched onto his brother…….who seemed slightly heavier than he remembered him being.

Hummy paddled to the shore with his brother in one arm. With the help of the others, they pulled the two fennekin brothers out of the water.

Wait a minute, was that………..him?

Dun dun dunn is Will a human now? Could be! -Erina

END