The Tale of Seven

[Rikugurl]

Axel laughed as he saw Roxas shoot up, finding his reaction priceless. He blinked though when the blonde got caught up in his swing and he too stood in concern. However, he was too late and Roxas was down with a puff of smoke. He gazed down but smiled softly, seeing that Roxas was ok. "Of course, why not?" He said as he offered his hand out.

"We both have eight badges... and we're both at the same starting point. That way, our pokemon can be happy and we won't be lonely on our travels anymore..." He blushed a little as their hands met and fingers wrapped around each other. "I mean... unless you have a better....idea...."


Venita's smile grew as she looked into the other's blue eyes...but when she felt that tongue, her eyes widened as his grew a look of shock. She just stared at her hand, it trembling from the erotic touch. It was take from her though and kissed... sweetly. All over. A heavy blush ran through her cheeks as she bit her lip.

Her other hand, under the table was pushing down on something that was slowly becoming excited...

"Ah..." She whispered out as the soft kisses made a shock go down her spine, her cheeks so red and eyes so dark... it was cute. She swallowed as he closed the space between them and their lips met once more. When he pulled away, she brushed her fingertips against the other's cheek as her blue eyes sparkled up at his. "Terra..."

[Reno]

Roxas looked at the other speechless at the question. Why not? Why... not...

The other continued on, talking about how they were already both back at the beginning, ready to set out on a new adventure somewhere else in the world. He swallowed as he carefully let his legs fall from the swing and took the red-head's hand, accepting the help up his own cheeks hot.

"N-not..." He stuttered. "Not really." Travel... with Axel...

The chaos that had been in his mind since this afternoon suddenly found a light and it spread from the storm, brightening the darkness with white. And suddenly everything was really clear... but awkward.

It wasn't just Flareon who needed to cheer up her brother...
It wasn't just Absol who needed to stay with his love...
It was him who needed... needed...

He swallowed hard at the thought. Axel.

"I-I really w-wouldn't mind... traveling with you." He said looking away, cheeks dusted in red. He chuckled softly, trying to lighten his suddenly erratic heart. "As long as you don't mind getting lost all the time."


Terra smiled softly as he heard his name running from the other's lips, the sound of it sending a thrill down his spine. His own eyes had darkened several shades as he reached up, cupping her delicate hand in his against his face. Again he was reminded of the callouses that seemed so out of place on her, wondering what possible hard work she had ever done to obtain them.

"Venita..." He murmured back softly. "This might sound crazy but I think I l-"

"Ski?"

Well... that wasn't the interruption he had expected. He blinked, but her lips hadn't moved. He pulled away slightly, his eyes darting to his left but say no one standing there. It wasn't until he caught the sight of something pink shifting at the edge of their table. Suddenly it jumped, clumsily, into Ven's lap paws on his chest and looking up at him imploringly. "Ski!"

Terra blinked. How had that Pokemon get in here? "Is that a... Skitty?"

[Rikugurl]

Axel smiled as he helped Roxas up, his hand pulling away to dust off the blonde's shoulder. He looked away as well, shy from his blushing. Why was he...
His thoughts were interrupted once more before he glanced over to the blonde, seeing the blush as well.

"W-well... like I said... I kinda like getting lost. You see things that you wouldn't on the trail right? Meet different Pokemon and find neat stuff. Besides... if we do travel together... I suppose we can figure out the right way together in no time."
His smile returned as he thought about it. It would be nice... traveling with someone.

It did get lonely sometimes... when he didn't see people for days as he camped out. It was also safer, seeing that wild ghost pokemon were more common in these areas than most others. One slip up could make you lose a pokemon forever... or....even yourself.


Venita's lips quivered as she heard her name... and then... the...
Oh no...please don't....say this....please I---
He blinked as he too heard the cute sound of a Pokemon. Terra pulled away... and that's when it happened.

The cute pink kitty jumped on her lap and her little back paws pressed down on a hidden organ.
"Aahh...." His lips quivered at the feeling, his eyes wide in shock as the kitten shoved her face in his. His blushed deepened as the kitten tried to get her balance, the friction way to much to bear. "I---Ah! H-hey...t-th-there..." She choked out just as the waiter came back with their check.

"HEY! No pokemon allowed!" He cried as he rushed over and frowned at Venita. "Miss, I'm sorry to say but you must call back your Pokemon."
"N-not...m-mine!" She yelped as her face became more red, trying to push the kitten away but only got covered in kisses.

"Wha? A wild pokemon?" Jet blinked but frowned, snatching the skitty by the gruff of her neck. "Sorry but you need to leave." He stomped to the closest exit and flung the kitten out before walking back and dusting himself off. "I'm very sorry about that. That never happened before."

"O-oh, that's ok." Venita chirped as her face started to cool down. "My cuteness must of just attracted her!" She giggled but blinked as she looked down seeing.... muddy paw prints all over her white dress. "EEEEE!!" She cried, grabbing her napkin and wiping it away only for it to smear.
"Oh miss!" The waiter cried before shaking his head. "This is all our fault. We're always so good making sure wild pokemon don't come in here and ruin the night for our guests! It's in our policy. Please, if there's anything I can do to make up for this, please, let me know."

Venita blinked, looking over at Terra before smiling softly. "Can we get a muffin dessert to go?"
"Of course! Free on the house! I'll go prepare that now!" He bowed and quickly rushed to the kitchen.

[Reno]

"Guess so..." Roxas said with a peculiar smile, finding Axel's acceptance of his quirks... comforting. Maybe... this really wouldn't be so bad.

"Well," Roxas said looking towards the other, his blush calming as the decision settled in his mind. It would be different and difficult to get used to but after being alone for so many years since his journey began it would be... nice to finally have a companion. "We'll stick together then!"

He glanced back towards their Pokemon shaking his head when he caught sight of Flareon running alongside the stream while Vaporeon sped through the water like a pro, crossing the bridge when they passed it. Every time she did. Vaporeon would send out a spray of water that rained down on her in a pleasant drizzle. It almost appeared like they were racing.

"I better stop this before she gets herself sick." He chuckled shaking his head before walking over towards them. "Flareon!"

The fox slid to a halt on the water's edge, her ears twitching as she looked back. Her soppy tail wagged behind her at the sight of her master coming over. Behind her Vaporeon was floating in the water curiously. "Flaaare! Eon, eon!"
"Look at you you're soaking wet." Roxas laughed as he picked her up. She shook her head as if denying it, water droplets flying everywhere. "Oh that convinced me." He chuckled. "Come on I think it's time to call it a day."
Her ears fell. "Flaaaare!" She whined - but she still wanted to play!
Roxas grinned. "Well don't look so sad. You and Vaporeon can play like this everyday if you'd like. Axel wants us to travel with him. You'd like that wouldn't you?"
"Eeeeeon!" She chirped, obviously thrilled.
Roxas looked towards the stream, smiling at the water fox. "Would you like that too Vaporeon?"


Terra blinked as he didn't get a response and looked up at Venita's face, his eyebrow's furrowing in confusion at the others suddenly pained and embarrassed expression. Was she allergic to cat Pokemon. "Venita are you alright?" He asked, about to reach over and snatch the cat away when the waiter returned.

He flinched at the others sharp voice and looked up, eyes narrowed at the other's tone. How dare this long-haired freak yell at HIS lady like that! He was about to reach up and give the other a sock in the gut when Ven's voice drew him away. He looked over in concern, hearing Skitty meowing and squirming around on the other's lap as she licked her face. It was... an odd sight...

However before he did anything the kitten was gone her rescuer was... the waiter he had just been about top pummel. Damn! that was supposed to be his job! He looked towards the other, seeing her trying to compose herself - only to freak out when she noticed how messy and muddy she was. He ducked his head a smile spreading across his lips.

He listened to the conversation going over his head, shoulders shaking a little. Once Jet had left, Terra burst into laughter. He looked up, seeing his date's confused glance. "I'm sorry..." He said between chuckles. "It's just the look on your face when you noticed your dress, it was priceless! And the whole asking for a free dessert... if I didn't know any better I'd say you were just acting this whole cute thing." He grinned. "Certainly gets you what you want."

[Rikugurl]

Axel smiled as he walked over to where Ninetails and Absol were resting, still not understanding why his fire fox was doing so. Did she not sleep well?
He shook his head as he looked over at Roxas who now had Flareon in his arms. He could only smile as he heard the blonde explain that they would be traveling together... and Flareon seemed to like that idea!

That was when the question was asked... and the green eyes shifted to Vaporeon.
The jet stream pokemon blinked at the question, staying silent for a moment before a bight, happy smile ran over his face. "VAPOREON!" He cried before leaping out of the water gracefully... and running toward his master. "Eon! Vapooooooor!" The water fox ran around Axel's legs happily before the tall redhead picked him up.

"Oh Vaporeon! I'm so happy to see you happy again!" He laughed as he held up his pokemon high before bringing him close into a hug. The water pokemon smiled as he licked his trainer's face, his mermaid tail wagging happily.
Ninetails lifted her head and yipped happily. She hadn't seen Vaporeon happy in a long time as well!


Venita sighed as the waiter left but blinked as she heard... laughter!? She cocked her head as she looked over at the brunette and her eyes widened when she found out what he was laughing about.

And then... his comment.
Guilt and shame ran over his heart, making him look down. He had a reality slap that... he really wasn't a cute girl... but a horrible Team grunt trying to steal that Houndoom...

But... he couldn't confess now. Not ever. He just needed to....keep acting. Suddenly she sprung from her seat, making Terra stop his laughter in shock as tears ran down her face. "It's not funny! You have no idea how much pressure it is to be a cute girl! I have to be perfect and always happy. Rush and do this, rush and do that. Limited only to have cute pokemon and never having a break for anything!"

Her fist started to form and shake as more tears ran down her face and her lips quivered. "Now the only time I feel like myself with someone who doesn't expect me to be perfectly cute... someone who likes me the way I am.... IS LAUGHING AT ME!" She burst out before covering her face and just like a Haunter not too long ago, rushed out of the exit door, crying.

Everyone looked up from their meal, seeing the girl rush out crying. Narrow eyes slowly gazed back towards the man who seemed to be shocked. How did he make that cute little girl cry!?

[Reno]

Roxas blinked in surprise at the happy smile that graced the water fox's face and then suddenly out of the water he went, running to Axel. He smiled at the two, shaking his head before walking over.

"Sol~" Absol greeted softly, making Roxas looked down. The wolf smiled as well, apparently the idea made him happy as well. This was turning out to be the best idea he'd ever agreed to.
"I'm glad you agree." Roxas said honestly, smiling. Maybe he should consider asking Axel if he'd let the rest of his Pokemon out; after all they had to let them all meet each other eventually right? However he never got a chance to ask.

"Flaaaaare." Flareon yawned suddenly laying her head on her master's shoulder and shutting her eyes.
"And you still wanted to play." Roxas teased.
"Eon!" The fox shot back, thumping her tail against his stomach. It made a soft squelch and left a huge watermark behind.
Roxas pouted some then chuckled and glanced towards Axel. "Maybe we should think about heading back?"


Terra continued to chuckle at his own joke hoping she'd join in. He was only playing after all - but to his amazement and shock she was out of her seat and... and crying. He shrunk back as she started to complain and flinched when her voice raised to scream at him, the octaves almost painful to his ears. Before he could even BEGIN to compose himself, she was out the door, sobbing all the way.

Skitty was just shaking her head and sitting up, looking around the side walk when the door burst open behind her. She turned, "Skii!" She said happily to see Ven - when suddenly the blonde kicked her away and into the street before speeding down the sidewalk in a flurry of tears. "TTTTTTTY!"

His jaw dropped. Holy shit - he forgot how fucking EMOTIONAL girls were! Fuck, maybe he was better off not dating women. Had that.... really just happened? It took him a few more moments to realize that yes indeed it had and then a few more to figure out he was supposed to go after her.

That was when he noticed the stares. Accusing glares and hateful looks - the kinds that always accompanied public displays of emotion from woman that are obviously caused by the men. He felt fury flare in his heart - he didn't do anything - and he shouted. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU ALL STARING AT?!" Everyone flinched and hurriedly went back to their own meals and waiters turned their heads to serve their guests.

Terra snorted before glancing at the receipt and quickly laying out the charge and a tip before jumping to his feet and running from the restaurant as well. He looked left and right, seeing no sign of her, "Venita?!"
A pathetic whine made him look ahead. "Skiii..." He frowned, seeing the little cat Pokemon laying in the road, dazed. She was going to get herself killed just laying in the road like that. He sighed and walked over to it, picking her up carefully.
"Guess we both got kicked down, huh?" He should of left when he had the chance.
"Skiii..." The kitten said, ears flopping.
Terra wandered back to the sidewalk walking down the path he had seen Venita come from. "Venita!" He yelled.

[Rikugurl]

Axel blinked before looking up, laughing embarrassingly as he looked down at Vaporeon. "Y-yea, I guess you're right." He placed Vaporeon down gently, seeing him smile up at him. He had such a wonderful smile...
He took out his Poke ball before pointing it at the water Pokemon. "Alright, back you go!"

The jet stream pokemon energized before disappearing and the ball was placed back onto his belt.
"Ninetails!"
The fox looked up before getting up leisurely and stretched. "Tails!" She called before walking to his side, sticking her check out proudly once more.

"Alright, let's head back." Axel smiled as he walked pass Roxas and Absol, leading the way.

As they walked back to the hotel, Axel had a hard time not glancing at Roxas every now and then.


The blonde hair girl with the cute curls didn't run very far away. She didn't know how far most girls ran away when they were sad... but she found a bench and just sat there alone, her dress a mess and her make-up running.
He cheeks were puffy from her pout as she wiped the tears and make-up all over her face.

As she sat there, she could hear her name called but only sighed more.
Now... how do girls get out of this?
"Hey Haunter..." A more boyish voice came from the young lady.
"Haunter!?" The ghost appeared right next to the girl and blinked. How did he...?

That was when the sound of bushes moving could be heard.
That's it!
The cute girl sprang up and had a look of shock and fear in her eyes. "HELP ME! A GHOST!" She cried and the ghost could only gasp in surprise... but he understood.
"HAUN HAUNTER~~~" The Haunter grinned as he floated closer.

[Reno]

Flareon yawned again, her voice melodious in the stilling evening air. Silence was falling over the town in thicker waves - to Roxas it was almost to a disturbing degree. How could a town so large quite down so early? Back on Prima, he remembered laying up some nights listening to cars still running outside, teenagers going skinny dipping and adults working late, Pokemon baying and calling at the sky and the sound of ocean waves lapping loudly.

It was noise he had grown up in automatically assuming the whole world was a nosy place - it wasn't until he left it for his first day on the journey, falling asleep in a deep, dark forest that he learned to be embracing to the silence. He liked it as much as he hated it - it was exhilarating to sleep without noise but terrifying to realize how very alone you were.

The blonde sighed as he recalled his red fox so she could rest, smiling as Absol stood and took his place by his side. He pat the other kindly on the head before they followed after Axel, feeling happy to let the other lead the way to their hotel. After all, knowing from experience Roxas knew it would an hour or more to find it himself - sometimes to the point he would merely give up and fall asleep on a bench or in the park.

He noticed Axel's glances back, as if he was making sure he was still there, and smiled faintly, blushing some. "I'm not gonna disappear." He joked.

It didn't take too long to find their way back and they went to their room easily. Even before they opened the door, Roxas frowned, his nose wrinkling some. Then the door opened, letting out a putrid smell.
"Ab!"
"Ugh," Roxas groaned, covering his nose. "What is that?"
The yellow fox laying on the bed raised his head, giving a soft bark in gretting.
"Uh welcome back!" Came the cry from inside the bathroom, a light filtering from underneath the door. There was a pause and a commotion from within, a muttered curse and then the door opened, Sora poking a head out. The smell was stronger in there.

The brunette himself was naked, holding a white towel around his waist tightly and a light, ashamed and embarrassed blush gracing his cheeks. In his hair and on his skin was some red... sauce that was slowly trying to battle the smell. There was also the smell of lightning again, stronger than it had been before. "I'm sorry. There was an accident during the training and er... are you guys okay?" He blinked seeing the four looking about ready to faint.

"Close the door Sora. Then explain." Roxas said, voice nasal from covering his nose.
"O-Oh sorry!" The brunette blushed more before shutting the door. He yelled through it. "We were all just having a race when this Haunter just jumped out of nowhere and scared the living daylights outta everyone. Skuntank sorta sprayed me by accident! I guess it's worse for you guys. She sprays me and the others all the time because she gets scared easily and me and my Pokemon have gotten used to it. I was hoping when Raichu shocked me it would burn out some of the scent but I guess not!"

"Did you HAVE to come back here?" Roxas groaned, not wanting to brave going inside the room yet. It was probably worse in there.
There was a short silence then, "I could... leave if you want?"
The blonde frowned, hearing the pathetic tone in his brother's voice and sighed, shoulders slumping. Sora obviously didn't mean for it to happen it was just an accident. But it really wasn't his decision to make anyways. He glanced at Axel.


Terra frowned as he continued down the way, having no clue if he was going the right direction or not. "Venita!!" He yelled again, his voice louder. Where could she be.
"Skii Skii!!" Skitty helped suddenly, making the brunette smile faintly. For whatever reason, this little stray was rather attached to the cute girl, just like him. He'd heard of wild Pokemon getting attracted to people all the time - usually when the human had helped him or her in someway or provided food knowingly or not. This Skitty obviously knew Venita and liked her for some reason.

"Ven-" He started to yell when another, louder shout cut him off.

"HELP ME! A GHOST!"

His heart stopped, than suddenly his feet burst in a flurry of movement towards the familiar cry, his arms tightening around the Skitty in his arms. He spotted her easily suddenly, seeing her backing away from a large Haunter the look on her face terrified. "Venita!!"
He growled, jumping in the way between them like a knight would jump in front of an attack on his queen. He glared at the ghost.

Skitty jumped from his arms and landed on the ground running to his side as he reached for a Pokeball and let it fly. Houndoom appeared in a flash of white light, the dog mustering a terrifying face as his tail wagged behind him. He snarled at the ghost, looking just as protective over Venita as Terra.

Terra looked at the ghost, his eyes full of confidence now. "Get lost or you'll regret it."
"Hooow," Growled his friend, blowing out a small spark of fire to look more threatening.

[Rikugurl]

Axel laughed as they came up to the door. "The look on your face when you licked that ice cream was..."
He stopped dead as a horrible smell ran through his nose. "Oh god! What is that!?" He agreed with Roxas before he slid the card key and...it was worse.

Even Ninetails had to cover her nose with her paw. Axel had to wonder what a poor Nosepass would do if it walked into this room.

He blinked as he saw Sora poke his head out of the bathroom... with....red stuff all over him.
That was when the story was told and Roxas sighed next to him, making the redhead look down.
He got a glance from those blue eyes before sighing as well. He didn't mind letting the twins stay in HIS hotel room and mostly PAY for their stay... but now... it smelt HORRIBLE and there was someone taking a BATH in tomato sauce in HIS bathroom.

For once within this whole few days... he was slightly....annoyed.
Then again...what could he do? Ghost were a real pest...

He smiled slightly before closing his eyes and shaking his head. "No... it's alright." He opened is eyes and glanced at Roxas. "I can go get some laundry clips if you're like for our noses." He joked.


The Haunter continued to float towards the girl, his eyes becoming more wicked... even when the brunette suddenly jumped out of no where.
"HAUNTER!" The ghost cried as the hell hound was called and the threat was given. He grew bigger and scarier as his claws reached out.
"TERRA!" The girl wrapped her arms around one of the brunette's and pulled him back, the claw of the ghost missing him by inches.

An attack was called for the Houndoom... but just as the black dog followed the order, the Haunter disappeared with an evil sounding laugh.
"HAUN HAUN HAUN!!"

The girl shivered as she held onto Terra rightly. "T-thank you. I-I was so scared...."

[Reno]

Sora frowned from as he stood in the middle of the bathroom shivering, hearing something in Axel's tone that made him feel lower than before. He was just amusing him, too nice to actually say 'pack your shit and get the fuck out' of which he had no doubt a certain blonde sibling of his with a temper issue would have if he had been here instead. Ven had little patience with 'accidents'.

Guess you really messed up this time. He told himself shaking his head. This competition... was turning into nothing but a disaster for him. For the first time since he got here, he wished he had never come. He wished he was like Roxas instead and had gotten lost in the forest and come too late to compete and not of hurt Gethin's Pokemon or that he hadn't been sitting on that bench and had never met Axel to cause him all these problems...

If only he and Roxas could switch position, have it be the blonde Axel had met first rather than him - they had hit it off so well and he could see they were building a great relationship. And all he had been... was trouble. He rubbed his hand on the towel to get off the tomato sauce and sniffed, rubbing his eyes. "Stupid," He whispered under his breath. "Why are you crying?"

Roxas was looking at Axel his eyes darker suddenly, quietly gauging the red-head. That was when he felt a spark in his heart that made him look towards the bathroom door that was suddenly eerily quiet. Sora was never quiet... unless he was upset. He came to a quick decision, looking up at Axel with a smile but it was forced. "Why don't we both just go and get some fresh air? Give him some time and all." He walked behind Axel and suddenly pushed him away and back down the hall, leaving the door open so it could air out. Ninetails and Absol were quick to follow. The farther they got away the quicker the smell diluted and disappeared until it was nothing but a memory.


Terra sneered, unafraid of the ghost even as it tried to be scary. Ha, he's seen worse! This ghost was nothing compared to his dad! Now HE was fucking terrifying. He didn't flinch as the hand sliced for him, but was surprised when Venita yanked him back so it missed. It made him smile a little before he scoffed. "Houndoom, Overheat!"

Houndoom snarled, glowing red before he let out a stream of spiraling orange-yellow fire, the heat of it making the air sizzle. It didn't connect only dissipated into nothingness in the sky but the ghost didn't come back. Maybe he burned up - he was nothing but gas. The echoing laugh, of course, fought that notion.

The brunette slowly relaxed frowning as Venita hugged her. He turned in her arms, grabbing her wrists and the look on his face unhappy and worried. "Are you alright? He didn't hurt you right?" He looked her over carefully as if trying to assess any damage.
"Skii!" Skitty purred happily, rubbing against Venita's leg.
Houndoom walked to the other side, his tongue lolling out and panting softly to dispel some of the heat from his attack.

[Rikugurl]

Axel was shocked as well...hearing the silence. He was waiting to hear something along the lines that Sora would say. Like... 'Haha! Sorry! Wanna help get this smell off!?' or... something. But there was nothing. Even Ninetails's ears lowered as she looked at the door.

Green eyes looked down at Roxas as he made an idea. What good would that dooooooooooo!
He was pushed out into the hallway and stumbled over his long legs. Luckily, he was able to catch himself on a wall but quickly walked down the hallway with Roxas.
Ninetails trotted after, her tails fluttering around behind her.

They were far enough away, by the elevator and inside before Axel asked the question. "What was all that about...?"


Venita blinked as she was looked over but could only giggle. "I-I'm fine... and... I'm sorry for what I said back there... it was really out of place and... you're really...a wonderful guy..." She spoke softly before she wrapped her arms around his neck. "That ghost was so scary... and you saved me...." She said dreamily, her legs shaking... but still feeling the kitten rub against then.

WHAT THE FUCK IS UP WITH THIS SKITTY!?

[Reno]

Sora looked up as he heard Roxas and than the retreating footsteps. He sighed taking a few deep breathes before walking back for the bath.

Jolteon jumped from the cot walked to the bathroom door and whined softly, scratching at the door as if he knew his master was upset. He could hear the sniffling. "I'm alright Jol~" Came the soft voice.
"Jolt." Came the disbelieving answer.
"I'm just doubted some things... that's all." There was the sound of splashing and then something being pulled - tomato water being pulled down the drain. More water was turned on to help it drain before there was some noise at the sink where he knew the brunette was cleaning out his clothes.

Absol walked beside Roxas quietly, head tilting to the side curiously as well. He knew Sora's behavior was peculiar as well, but humans had always befuddled him so he didn't let it bother him. He stepped in the elevator with the others, claws flexing uncomfortably as the thing jutted to life.

Roxas leaned against the bar railing frowning as he tried to figure out how to answer the question. "You know how me and Sora are fraternal twins?" He got a slow nod. "Well... we can sort of..." He frowned. "This is going to sound odd but we can feel each other." His cheeks darkened. "Like... our emotions and stuff." He glanced at Axel to see his reaction before looking away.

"Sora was upset so I decided to give him some space so he could put himself back together is all. He can get sensitive when things gets stressful and just needs some time alone is all."


"Uhhh..." Terra said intelligently, suddenly finding his mind blank as a sheet of printer paper. He grinned, chuckling at her hug and just melted into it as his arms came around her waist. It took a few minutes before he found his voice again. "'Course I saved you. I'd do anything for you."

[Rikugurl]

Axel looked though his glasses at Roxas... when he started to explain. He rose his eyebrow when he heard about the... feeling thing. Unfortunately for him, he hardly even remembered what his brother even LOOKED like... let alone know what he was feeling. He sometimes wondered if Reno was still a trainer and if was... what Pokemon did he befriend? What kind did he like and had he given them names.

These questions... always made him sad.
He wished... he could see that redhead again...

"Well... you must be lucky..." He stated softly as he looked down at the floor. "I'd give anything to see my brother again... let alone just to know he's even... ok." He looked back up at the blonde and smiled. "Being upset isn't always a bad thing. I think if Sora was always the way he was, he'd be... hurting himself."

The door dinged and the doors opened. No one was in the plaza so the two had an easy time walking towards the couch with the fire place in front of it. He was shocked they even had one seeing how... cheep the place was.
He sat down, Ninetails laying on his feet as he took in a deep sigh. He was tired from today. This championship was getting tougher by the day... but he was expecting that.

Suddenly he blinked when a phone on the desk rang close by and the man behind it picked it up.
"Hello, front desk."
...........
"A smell you say? From where?"
.................
"Oh, I am very sorry, I'll come take a look at that." The man hung up the phone and quickly got into the elevator.
Axel and Roxas gave each other a look before laughing. It was an unfortunate ordeal... but that didn't make it less funny!


Venita looked up at the brunette and smiled.
Anything...?
She shook her head and slowly pulled away... and picked up the unknown Skitty. "W-well... I should be getting back to my hotel..." She said softly as she pet the over friendly kitten. "Thank you for the wonderful date... I wish it had gone smoother but... there's always another time.... right?"

Her big blue eyes looked up into his, the shining from the street light making them sparkle.

[Reno]

Terra was nearly floored by that look, unable to stop himself from leaning over and kissing her. "Yeah... next time..." He chuckled and nodded. "I'll walk you back." He said softly.

And he did, not having a hard time at all finding the hotel she was staying at. The two shared soft goodbye's - sharing a few more kisses of course, before Terra watched her go back inside. Again he unwisely promised to see her tomorrow when she won the cute contest. He didn't care though if he was stuck flying outside again though - he'd make it there... somehow.


Roxas blinked in surprise before looking over towards Axel his own eyes turning a little sad as Axel mentioned his brother. Sora and himself had heard snippets before only about enough knowledge to know Axel had an older brother who had red hair like him... that was about it. But now he realized the reason that was all he knew... was because that was all Axel knew too.

He bit his lip, but smiled a little. He guessed it was true - at least he could keep taps on his brothers since they had all started out at the same time and he'd know if anything was seriously wrong with them because of their weird connection. "Guess you're right..."

He sighed as they stepped out of the elevator, going over towards a nicely lit fireplace. The area around them was warm, making Roxas yawn at the pleasant feel of it suddenly remembering how exhausted he had been. That was when he heard the phone ringing and glanced back - at least it wasn't like those phones in hospitals that went 'Ring, ring, ring! Ring, ring ring! Phone call, phone call!"

Roxas couldn't help it as he and Axel finally glanced at each other... and burst into laughter. It was odd how quick they found the humor of the whole thing - poor Sora!

Once there chuckles had subsided, Roxas yawned some slumping into the couch. "You know... since we'll be getting lost all the time Axel... maybe we'll find more than some interesting sights." He smiled a little looking up at the other. "Maybe we'll find you're brother too. The world's a lot smaller than we give it credit for..." He chuckled at Axel's look. "We'll look for him together."

He sighed, shutting his eyes slowly, relaxing as Absol took his place at his feet and against Ninetails.

It wouldn't be until a little while later when one of the hotel workers was softly calling that Roxas was yanked back into awakeness. Against him Axel groaned, slitted green eyes opening. Simultaneously the two realized they were sleeping against each other and jerked away, blushing brightly. At their feet Absol and Ninetails were raising their heads sleepily.
The girl giggled, her purple curls bouncing. "You two might feel more comfortable going to bed in your own beds..."

Roxas looked at her blearily while Axel stretched and yawned, thanking her softly. How long had they been down here, asleep? The two shuffled to their feet and trudged back for the elevator and up to their room.

When they got there, Roxas automatically came back to attention, looking around in confusion as he, Axel and their Poke-friends walked inside with tentative apprehension. The door was still open - and he noticed just now the window - but the smell was... almost completely gone to his shock. Sora wasn't kidding that this happened a lot if he knew how to get out the smell so quick. It had been overtaken by peroxide, dish soap, lemon cleaner, soda and tomato sauce. But Sora wasn't in the room nor was Jolteon.

"Sora...?" His heart seized in worry, wondering if maybe Sora had been so upset he left the room to give them some peace - but then he noticed the bathroom door was still lit under the door. He frowned walked over and opening it. "So-" He started, than paused... and a smile lit on his face. He waved over Axel barely able to contain a grin.

The red head joined him to see the sight. Sora was laying curled up in the bathtub fully dressed once more with a rag in his hand fast asleep. On his back, curled up, lay Jolteon also asleep. Roxas chuckled, betting his brother had been cleaning for quite a while it he was this exhausted. He walked inside and as he did, Jolteon's ears perked and he lifted his head sleepily. At the sight of the blonde she barked making Sora stir. Blue eyes slitted open, meeting another, almost identical, pair and the brunette groaned as he tried to stretch and couldn't find the room to. "I've almost got it all..."
Roxas smiled. "It's fine Sora, come to bed."

[Rikugurl]

The door opened, a small figure walking into the room. The silhouette of her dress could be seen from the light of the hallway into the room as she walked in further and close the door.
That was when she reached up... and pulled off her hair revealing wavy blonde spikes.

A sigh was admitted in the dark as the blonde shuffled to the window and dropped the kitten out of it.
"SKKKKKKKKKKKKKKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!" The pink kitten flailed in the air, having fallen asleep in Ven's arms before she realized he was falling... into a bush. Unfortunately, she was so tired that where she landed... was her new bed.

At the muffled cry, a certain ghost opened on of his eyes as he saw his master pull off the dirty dress and let it fall on the floor. More shuffling could be heard but he just closed his eye, sighing softly as he heard his master climb into bed without much noise.

He knew... his master was miserable...


"Mmmm?" A sluggish moan was admitted before the redhead shot up and fixed his glasses. He coughed as he blushed, smiling nervously at the purple haired girl. With that, Ninetails and himself joined Roxas and Absol back to the elevator where they went to their floor.

As they approached the room, Axel was a bit hesitant in his steps. He was slowly remembering that horrible smell from earlier but oddly enough... it was...gone.
Slowly the redhead walked into the room, seeing no sign of Sora anywhere.
With his long legs, he reached the open window quickly and closed it, not wanting the cold night to chill them.

He was about to look around when he saw the motion from the blonde, slowly walked over to his side, peering in over him. At the sight of Sora in the tub, Axel couldn't help but smile fondly. He hope he didn't make the brunette too upset...
He walked in as well after Roxas and smiled as he came closer to the tub. The tall redhead leaned over and pulled the brunette right up before passing Roxas and into the room with the beds.

Gently, he placed his friend on the roll away bed and even pulled the covers over him as his Ninetails helped. "Night Sora." He smiled before turning, seeing the fox quickly jump onto the bed but not laying down yet, waiting for him to join her. Both Axel and Roxas got into the bed, still too shy to face each other as they got under the covers.
"Night Roxas." He called softly before closing his eyes, feeling Ninetails settle on his feet like always to keep them warm.

We'll look for him together...