Prologue

I'm so sorry to everybody for not updating in a while, life got crazy. But I do want you to know that I got all of your reviews and story alerts and I'm glad there are still people who love this story. So since it's been awhile, I've decided to rewrite and edit this to bring more up to date.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Pokémon franchise nor ever will. I would be incredibly rich if I did.

Claim: I do own my characters

I looked back at my friends and brother as we stood in the clearing; tears were still streaming down my cheeks from my honey brown eyes as I did. They looked at me, all trying their best to keep from crying as well and failing miserably.

My older brother, Mesha, dismounted from his horse. He was a few inches taller than my 5'6" height but not so tall that I had to crane my neck to see him. He was wearing a long-sleeved, dark blue shirt, brown leather pants with a brown scabbard hanging from his side and dark brown boots perfect for riding and hunting in the woods. He hugged me fiercely and I looked into his bark-colored eyes when we broke apart. His short cropped brown hair was mussed from galloping in the wind and his pointed ears stuck up from the sides. Mesha and I were River elves from the city of Rocanga; in fact, my family was the royal family at the moment making Mesha the Crown Prince and me the only princess. Not that that made much of a difference now…

Mesha looked at me pleadingly, "Are you sure you have to do this, Brynn? You know how Father and the Court are, they are always arguing back and forth over issues. But it normally doesn't mean anything." I shook my head, his eyes were begging me not to go, I don't even want to go, but this is easier than allowing the Court to make Father abdicate the throne and causing all sorts of grief. "Yes, but this is different Mesha. Count Leian was one of the most powerful nobles in the kingdom and had the most influence in the Court. His death will cause more grief than good. Better for me to leave now than to allow problems to happen because of me."

Mesha ran a hand through his hair exasperatedly as he let me go and turned towards our friends who were still mounted, "Angie, can you please talk some sense into this girl? The Court won't cause that much grief and if they do, Father can handle it. He got them to accept you and Tuan when we brought you home." He said ploringly. Angie dismounted from her horse and walked over to both of us. She was 5'8" with medium length red hair and chocolate brown eyes that marked her for a Gorith. A race of half elves, half humans who were extremely powerful in magic, so much so that one was picked every few years to become the Guardian of All Elements or the leader of the magic-users who kept the peace in our world. Angie was the current Guardian and our close friend, her skin was not as tan as mine and Mesha's but it was dark as if she had gotten some sun and a smattering of freckles brushed across her nose. She looked like a regular sixteen year old girl but her experiences of being our Guardian had made her mature earlier so her eyes betrayed her of having more wisdom than that.

She hugged me warmly as she approached and her amulet, the necklaces we all wore to help control our magic, banged against my chest. I looked back at her and smiled, memorizing the white and sky blue trimmed robe she was wearing. I could see all the pain and sadness I was causing her by leaving in her eyes as she looked from me to Mesha and shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry Mesha, but Brynn is right. This issue is different than mine and Tuan's. Your Father only got the Court to accept us after we learned to hide our wings from the Court's view. It's better for her to leave now than to suffer as Tuan and I did. Though I do wish you would stay, Brynn, Anarya is not going to be the same without you in it." She said calmly.

I smiled and tears threatened to overcome me once again, "It'll stay the same, you'll just think it's different because I'm gone."

She chuckled and looked over at our other companion, "Nike, your turn to say goodbye, Brynn doesn't have much time left."

Nikikyu, or Nike for short, walked over to me and hugged me tightly. She was Angie's older sister and the same age as my brother. She was just as tall as Mesha with long wavy blonde hair and chocolate brown eyes, the same as her sister's. Her eyes were dry though, she was a Gorith warrior and as such they did not cry in public, even when she was losing a friend, she would wait until it was more private to do so. She was wearing her usual hunting attire, a forest green shirt, light brown leather pants and soft brown shoes good for tree-jumping which was what Goriths were known for. Her bow hung off of her shoulder and her quiver of arrows lay behind her back. "I'm sorry you're leaving but don't worry about Mesha. He knows the reason is right in his heart, he just hasn't accepted it yet." She whispered.

I nodded and hugged her back, "Take care of him for me and please don't let him do anything stupid because I'm gone. The Crown Prince can't make a fool of himself on the reason of his sister banishing herself." I whispered back as we broke apart. Nike looked at me surprised then looked at Mesha who was standing by the horses playing with his amulet. He was doing his best not to look at me or the sparkling wall of light behind me that was to be the portal I was to go through to another world. She nodded her understanding, "I will."

I nodded, relieved then looked at the three of them. They were my whole world, aside from my Father, and I was going to leave them for an unknown world so as not to cause grief. I have no choice in the matter. The Court will do anything to make sure Father is taken off the throne. I have to go. I was about to step through the portal when I remembered something. I reached around my neck and took off my amulet, it was a large purple gem in the center of a silver frame with elfish words etched all along it, it rested on a black leather string that was put under a spell to make it invincible to breaking and causing me to lose the amulet. I handed the necklace to Angie who looked at me surprised, "As the Guardian of all Elements, you know I cannot take this into an unknown world. It could upset the very nature of the land I'm about to enter. Take care of this for me until either I return or someone else become worthy enough of it to wear it."

She chuckled and took the necklace from me. She passed her hand over it saying a quick spell that I didn't catch causing the gem to shine brightly for a moment then fade. Angie then put it back around my neck, "You are the only one worthy of this to wear it. Take it with you as a reminder of what and who you are leaving behind and that we will be waiting for you here." She said.

I looked at her stunned, "But the magic—"

"Will only activate if you are ever in need of it, I've made sure of that. Just use it to communicate with us if you ever get homesick and need to talk." She interrupted.

I sighed then smiled, "Fine you win. Have a safe journey back to Rocanga and tell Father and Tuan that I love and will miss them both as well as all of you." I said as I grabbed my pack from my horse and handed the reins to Mesha. He looked at me pleadingly again but I shook my head. He sighed then and mounted his horse, like the others did, knowing that my mind could not be changed.

I turned towards the portal before me, I didn't know what was on the other side, but I had my set of knives with me in case of danger and enough food and supplies to last me awhile if need be, I would be ready for anything. I looked back at my friends' faces, they were waiting for me to enter the portal before heading back, I sighed wishing there was another way to handle the situation but knowing there wasn't, I straightened my shoulders and entered the portal…

A door slammed shut with a loud bang, startling out of my thoughts. I sat up in the rocking chair I had been sitting in as I heard the sound of several pairs of footsteps on the wooden floor of the hallway, heading my way. Ryan and the kids must be back from Celadon. I thought as I waited for them to appear.

Nine children appeared in the living room, all hugging me warmly and gently and talking at once. I smiled warmly at them and listened about the shopping trip they took. My husband, Ryan, appeared in the doorway looking haggard and worn-out, his tan shirt had ice cream on it and his jeans looked like they needed a wash, he wore brown sneakers for footwear; but had left them by the door like everyone else. He smiled at me warmly then looked sternly at our youngest daughter, "Arietta, don't you have something to say to your mother?" he asked.

The room went silent, and my youngest daughter looked at the floor not saying a word. Seth, my oldest at fourteen, shook his head. He knew from experience what would happen if his sister didn't tell me what happened. I looked at the other kids gently, "Go and play in your rooms or help Seth pack for his journey tomorrow. All except for Ari." I said.

The kids nodded and Seth hugged me before heading upstairs after them, "Don't be too hard on her. She was just being curious." He whispered. I smiled at him, "I will be the one who decides that, Seth Taramel, now get goin'. I'll meet you up there after I finish here." He left looking worriedly at Ari but caught the wink that passed between his father and me and smiled.

Arietta was only five years old, her red hair cut short but not too short and she had dark brown eyes that reminded me so much of Angie that she could be her twin. Looking at her made me miss Angie and my family all the more whenever I thought about it. She was wearing a light pink shirt with a flower in the middle and blue jeans that barely fit her skinny waist. She had taken off her white sneakers by the door, though they were mostly brown due to all of the dirt on them. She continued to look down at the floor and shifted her feet since she knew I was watching her.

Ryan turned off the television that I had been watching before I thought about the past and took a seat beside me. I looked at my youngest, "Well, are you gonna tell me or am I going to have to ask your father?" I asked her firmly. Ari looked up at me anxiously; her eyes already held tears in them, afraid of what I was going to do to her if she told but knowing it would give her more trouble if I heard it from her father. "Arietta Sophia Taramel are you wanting me to have to ask Daddy for the story?" I asked her sternly. She shook her head fiercely.

"Daddy tooked us to da mall, then to get ice cream. When we got home, he had us get out to help wiv da bags. But I din wanna help wiv da bags so I walked off towards da woods to play wiv Ash an' Gary. Daddy came lookin' for me an' kept callin' but I din wanna come out. Seth found me an' tooked me back here. An' I sowwy for worryin' you." She explained reluctantly.

I looked to Ryan for the truth and he nodded. I sighed; we had told the kids several times that they were not to run off without anyone's permission or knowledge. "Ari, what did I say about running off?" I asked. She sniffled and thought for a moment, "To not do it unless you or Daddy or Seth knows where we're goin' an' can watch us."

"And why did you break this rule?"

"Cuz I din wanna help wiv da bags."

"Ari do you know why I made that rule in the first place?"

Ari looked at me curiously and shook her head. I looked at Ryan who nodded his approval. I motioned for Ari to come and sit on my lap, and when she did, I looked at her seriously. "There are some very bad people outside the ranch that are angry at Mommy and Daddy. They are so mad at us that they will try to take you and Seth and Marie and all of your brothers and sisters just to make me and Daddy to come and get you. They will also try to hurt you just to get back at us. So to keep you safe, you cannot go out into the woods without letting one of us know about it. Ok?"

She looked at me confused but sad and nodded, "I really sowwy I did that, I wun do it no more." She said as she hugged me and Ryan. I smiled but I knew her ways. He looked at her, "We're glad you're sorry, Ari, but you aren't getting out of punishment that easily." He said. She looked down then giggled when he tapped her on the nose.

I stood up then looked at her seriously, "You are going to sit in the rocking chair until dinner is ready. Then you are going to eat, say goodbye to Seth and go to bed. No rocking, no making noise, otherwise I'll increase the time. Understand?" I asked her. She nodded and sat in the seat perfectly still, Seth was leaving for his Pokemon journey in the morning and Ari really wanted to say goodbye to him. I left the room, knowing she would do as I said.

When I finished preparing dinner, I placed it all on a large wooden picnic table we kept in the dining room. It was hard finding a table big enough to seat eleven people plus hold all the food I usually made so Ryan and I built one to accommodate everyone, including guests when we had them. It was dark brown, made of cherry wood and strong enough to hold thousands of dishes, which is typically what I put on there. One of the things I found out when I went through the portal was that I loved cooking without magic, it was wonderful and my family seemed to love the food I made.

I walked back into the living room. Ari had been so quiet that I figured she had fallen asleep in the chair, but I was surprised to find her sitting up staring bored at the wall. She smiled at me as I entered the room not making a sound. I smiled back, "Dinner's ready." I said and she got up quickly and followed me into the kitchen. When we sat down she looked at me thoughtfully as we waited for the others to join us, the rule of the house was that no one ate until everyone was seated and the blessing said, it made things easier to keep track of everyone in the house and to make sure everyone there had food to eat.

I looked at her, "What?"

She smiled at me winningly, the only smile she gave me or her Dad when she wanted something, "Can I ask you a question, Mommy?"

"You just did, but just tell me what's on your mind."

"Can I go wiv Seth?"

"Go with Seth where honey?"

"On his journey."

I paused and smiled, Ari was the most adventurous and curious of all my children and I had known since she was born that she was going to ask me this one day. I glanced at her hopeful face, "Maybe someday, but not now."

She looked at me confused and sad, "But Seth gets ta go on his journey now. Why can't I?"

"Honey, how old is Seth?"

"Forteen."

"And how old are you?"

"Five."

"Exactly, you aren't quite old enough to go with Seth on his journey. I'm sure you will go on your own journey some day but not now." I looked at her crestfallen face, "Besides, whose going to give Seth those big warm hugs when he comes home from the competition and there's no Ari around to do so?" I added.

She looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded at my statement and cheered up; I looked at the clock on the wall, realizing that no one had joined us yet I grabbed the golden hand bell I kept by my placemat to get everyone's attention. Ari smiled and started giggling when she saw me grab it. "Cover your ears honey." I said. When she did, I rang the bell loudly.

"Dinner's been ready for fifteen minutes! Either come and get it or Ari and I will eat it all!" I yelled, trying not to laugh as the rest of my family hurried to join us at the table. Seth came in first, followed by Teri, my second oldest, then the twins, Colin and Courtney, then Sarah, then Michael, then Sierra and my next to youngest, Marie. Ryan came in following the kids and was about to sit down beside me at the head of the table when all the kids sat down and said unanimously, "Last one to the table has to say the blessing!"

He stood up and looked at them all mock sternly, "Oh really? Then bow your heads or we'll get no dinner!" They laughed and did as they were told and Ryan did the same.

Blessed Lord, we thank you for this meal.

Thank you for the ranch and the children

As well as for everything you've given us.

Please bless us now as we eat and sleep

And watch us all as we Journey. Amen.

"Amen." Everyone began to eat and I looked at my oldest, "Are you all packed?" I asked. He rolled his eyes playfully then nodded, "Yes Mom, I've been packed off and on for the past two weeks. I'll go and see Oak tomorrow about my Pokemon and be on my way." I smiled at him playfully, "Just checking, you know I won't be there to tell you what to do anymore. You still have that birthday present I gave you?"

He pulled it out from under his shirt, it was an amulet like the one I gave to Angie to take care of for me that I now wore around my own neck. The only difference was that the gem in the center of his was bright orange and had a silver frame around it etched with flames. "I never take it off." He said as he put it away.

I nodded my satisfaction then noticed that the rest of the family had finished eating. I stood up and began collecting plates and placing them in the sink to wash and waved to Ryan to join the kids in the living room to relax until bedtime. As I washed the dishes I felt a small arm wrap around my waist and I looked back to see Seth hugging me from behind. I set the dish down and put it in the drying rack and turned towards him.

Seth stood six feet and had the spiky blonde hair and bright blue eyes of his father, his shirt was red with a Pikachu on it and he wore blue shorts, his red and white sneakers were by the door with the rest of the family's. His eyes held the nervousness of someone about to head to the gallows instead of going off on his own. I smiled at him gently, "Nervous?" He nodded and I sat down with him on the bench seat at the dining room table.

"Now what's got you so nervous?" I asked, though I thought I knew the answer. He looked at me and sighed, "Everything. What if I'm no good at this training thing? What if I choose the wrong Pokemon and it ends up hating me? What if something happens to you guys while I'm gone?" he asked and I knew he was hoping I'd have the answer.

I smiled at him gently, "Seth honey, you can what if til the Miltank come home but that won't cure your nerves. Every Trainer has the nerves whenever they leave home. I hear it all throughout Pallet whenever I go and check on your father at the lab or one of the Growlithe or Arcanine get sick. Part of being a great Trainer is doing what you think is right when faced with uncertainty, besides whatever Pokemon you pick, I'm sure it'll love you just like we all do." I said as I hugged him again.

He nodded, "Thanks Mom, but you didn't answer my last question." He pointed out. I smiled, "You're right, and there's a good reason for that. I don't know if They are out there still searching for us but you know as well as I do that they cannot find us and if they do, they'll have a hard time convincing you kids to go with them without a fight." I whispered. Seth thought for a moment then nodded his head, "You're right Mom, I shouldn't worry unless something happens." I nodded my agreement and stood up.

"Now go and help your father until I finish these dishes. Then you can hug everyone and say goodbye before heading to bed. You know your siblings, most won't be up til the sun's high in the sky and that will only be because I asked them to do their chores on the ranch before heading into Pallet. And I know you want to leave before the sun rises." I said sadly as I turned back to the dishes and began to bag the leftovers and put them in the fridge.

Seth nodded and walked back out into the living room where I could hear the squeals and laughter from the play going on in there. As soon as the dishes were done, I walked into the living room to see a play wrestling match with all the children and their father on the floor. Except for Seth and Ari, who were sitting in the corner talking. Seth had Ari in his lap and I could tell that she was begging him to allow her to go with him on his journey.

She began to cry and Seth spotted me standing by the doorway. He hugged Ari warmly and sadly and brought her to me. "I was trying to say goodbye to her, but she kept begging to let me take her with me. She wouldn't take no for an answer." He explained sadly. Seth and Ari were extremely close as siblings, he watched over her the most and it was hard enough to have to leave her to take a journey for him. Seeing her like this, I could tell, was one of the reasons why Seth was reluctant to leave in the morning.

I hugged him with one arm as I took the little girl, "I'll take care of her, don't worry. Get a good night's sleep and call whenever you get into a city alright? I love you son." I said as I walked upstairs with Ari in my arms.

The whole ranch house was made of wood, it had large rooms for every person in the house and large hallways so people to get around easily. I took Ari into her bedroom, toys and dolls were scattered all over the floor but not so badly that I couldn't get to the bed. I laid her down on the light blue sheets and placed her comforter over her, I could tell her was tired from the way she was sniffling, trying to stop her tears from flowing as well as keep her eyes open.

"S' not fair." She whispered and I sat beside her and stroked her head calmly. "Ari, we already had this discussion and surely Seth told you the same thing honey." I said gently. The little girl nodded her head, "Thought that Seth would take me anyways, I dun wan him ta go. I gonna miss him." She sniffled. I hugged her warmly, "I'll miss him too sweetie, but he won't be gone forever. You'll get to see him on the phone and on tv and soon enough, he'll be back to hug you again." I said soothingly.

She sighed, "Someday, I'll go away too and maybe play Pokemon wiv Ash and Gary. They wanna do what Seth's doin' tomorrow too and they only five." She said as her eyes began to close. I smiled, "Keep dreamin' that sweetie, I know you'll get there." I pulled the covers over her, kissed her head, and walked out of the room. As I did I heard Ari's last words before she fell asleep.

"Watch out world, cause Ari's gonna play Pokemon wiv you and I gonna beat everyone and win…some day…"

Once again, I'm so sorry for taking so long and not proof-reading this whole thing before publishing it. Hope you guys like the new stuff. Please review!