The Tale of Seven

[Reno]

Aqua stirred when she heard the door to the room opening but she closed her eyes slowly, Glaceon pressing closer to her. Both their eyes snapped open though at an echoing cry outside and aqua sat up, looking towards the moonlit window where Ven's silhouette was. Her eyes, like Haunter's watched the blond crawl into bed and she slowly shook her head before she laid back down, curling around her fox.

"Good night Ven." She didn't get a response which worried her some but she'd deal with it in the morning. He was obviously upset about the date - but she didn't know if that meant it went so well he was growing too attached or that it went so bad he realized the idiot brunette wasn't what he was cracked up to be.

She sighed and curled around her Pokemon, eyes shutting for sleep.


"Mmm..." Sora mumbled to Roxas words, but at the movement beside him his eyes darted towards the red-head. On his back he could feel Jolteon stretching out before he jumped onto the bathroom floor. He was a little bit more awake when Axel actually lifted him out of the tub, surprised the thin man could do it. There was a soft tapping behind him one like sneaker and the other the pad of paws - Roxas and Jolteon.

He heard the door shutting through his sleepy haze, yawning softly as he curled against the red-head who was carrying him smiling at the warmth. He was a lot warmer than a tub that was for sure. It wasn't for very long before he was laid in a bed, covers being pulled around him. He felt a soft shake in the bed as Jolteon joined him. "G'night." He answered the redhead sleepily as he drew his arms around his fox and nuzzled in his head in the pillow out like a light in seconds.

Roxas flipped off the light for the bathroom and shut that door too before wandering over to the bed, navigating his way by the light of the room. Absol easily guided him and soon he was at his side of the bed, slipping off his shoes and socks and poke-belt too tired to do anything else before he slipped into bed with Axel their Pokemon lying across their legs like personal heaters.

"Night Axel," Roxas answered softly. He yawned some before shutting his eyes having no trouble drifting back off.

He was jerked in out of his sleep again to a cheery voice. "Guys wake up before we're late!" Yuck, Sora.

"Ugh..." Roxas sat up and yawned, stretching his hands high above his head. Sunlight was streaming warmly in the window. Just then came an angry growl on the other side of the bed that sent him on edge, remembering last morning when Axel flipped out on them.

"Don't worry cranky I got your caffeine fix." Came the cheery voice and he spotted Sora, already ready to go for the day. The brunette practically skipped to the red-head's side setting some coffee, a spoon, cream and sugar down on the nightstand before going over to the other side, delivering the same to Roxas. How he managed to get it without waking them was a mystery in itself. "Hurry up and drink it and get ready so we can head over!"

Roxas blinked watching the brunette curiously before sighing and taking his coffee, starting to drink it straight black. Ugh way too bitter. He grabbed for the sugar quickly before he noticed Axel's peculiar and suspicious stare on his smiling twin who was at current giving some food to Jolteon for him to munch on. "He's a freak of nature." Was all Roxas said, smiling just a little before yawning again.

"I heard that you know." Sora said with a laugh. He was so cheery Roxas didn't doubt he'd probably already had THREE cups of coffee this morning.

[Rikugurl]

Green, blood shot eyes shot open before a growl was admitted. "Uuuuuuugh..." His eyes narrowed before he slowly got up, growling more at the so happy voice.
But... the minute he saw that coffee, a large smile was on his face and his hands were fast at work getting the hot liquid perfect in seconds.

He brought the cup to his lips, not minding how hot it was. Since he was from Lavaridge, he was use to everything hot... even the water due to the hot springs. He drank down some of his drug, glancing at Sora with how spunky he was. At Roxas comment, he couldn't help but chuckle.

With some more chatter and quickly getting ready for the new day, the six were off to the stadium for another day of matches.
"You smell much better today, Sora!" Axel called as he looked back at the twins running after him.


"I can't do this..." The blonde girl once again sat on the chair of the backstage getting make-up put nicely on her while she was in a more dressy dress. Her face and eyes weren't as happy as they use to be as she just gazed at herself in the mirror, her hair being worked on now.

The Spinda by her side was looking around, seeing some girls more worried than others. "Spinda?"

[Reno]

It wasn't long before the Pokemon were fed and they were out the door once more for their habitual morning run. Sora chuckled some at Axel's comment, grinning, "Yep! I know! But with my record it won't last."

"Please don't jinx it!" Roxas said. "I've had enough of you to last a year!"

"Hey!!"

It didn't take long for them to get to the stadium. And they found something interesting waiting for them near the steps. Sora and Roxas slid to a halt with the others.
"What is it doing just standing there?" Roxas asked apprehensively.
The brunette was the first to tilt his head before he walked forward. "Are you... Terra's Flygon?"
The dragon-like insect lowered his head and nudged the other. In it's mouth was a piece of paper. Sora held out his hand, taking it carefully. He opened it reading the words on the letter in silence before he smiled and looked up at Flygon. "Thanks for delivering it." He reached up, petting the other on the head. "Better get back to him."
"Gon!!" The other whistled happily, before it fluttered its wings and took to the sky, sounding more bright than a violin.

Roxas watched it go, smiling suddenly as a longing look came over his face. It's wings sounded like... music. "Wow... nice pair of wings."
Sora glanced over, seeing both Axel and Roxas seemed stunned. He chuckled, snapping his fingers to bring them back. "Flygons always have musical wings. Anyways, Terra said his battle is dead last, so he's spending time with his dear Venita since it's her last day at the competition. He'll meet us for dinner today." He grinned, looking down at the words. "Oh and before we wonder too much he said his date with her went great!" He grinned, spinning around happily for his new found friend. "Terra's so lucky to find love! Come let's go see when we're up!" He chirped before going inside, Jolteon at his heels.


The hands fluttering in his hair slowed, than stopped completely. Suddenly blonde curls fell everywhere in a mess as the bluette making him cute suddenly let go of his hair and walked in front of him leaning down to grip the edges of his chair and glare into his eyes. "What do you MEAN you can't do this?"

[Rikugurl]

Axel couldn't help but laugh. Poor Sora...
That was when he too stopped dead in his tracks, looking up at tall Pokemon. Well... it was actually just 7 inches taller than him but.... He shook his head when Sora walked over the the Flygon seemed to be the one they knew as he gave the brunette a note... and then flew off.

He smiled at the music too before waving. "Be careful!"
The green eyes lowered and he joined the twins, hearing what Terra had left behind. "Wow, he must really like her." The redhead smiled. "I'm happy for him! Hopefully they won't have to say goodbye any time soon."
He knew that was wishful hoping but... he really liked hearing stories about people getting together after meeting randomly somewhere as strangers on their journey.

He found it... romantic.

With a nod though, he followed Roxas, Sora, Absol and Jolteon into the main room, seeing all the trainers looking at the board. There were... so much less than yesterday...
He smiled as they found a spot to look at the battle schedule but that smile faded quickly as he saw the line up. Today was the last day for three on three battles... after this, it was six on six... and... Roxas's name... was right next to Sora's.

They had to battle each other today...
Why... would they do that now!?
"Tough..."


The blonde blinked but her blue eyes narrowed back, becoming darker. "Because I can't..." She glanced around, making sure no one was listening. "If I win... Terra.... he's going to.... bring me out again or something and.... I.....I mean.....he....he really likes....HER." He frowned before pulling a gem necklace from hiding. "He gave me this last night and from what I can tell.... it really means a lot to him..."

[Reno]

Roxas just gagged at the two guys' enthusiasm, shaking his hand. "Ugh, yeah if you like sappy love stories like that." Who just fell for someone else, just like that? Love at first sight was a bunch of crap...

He sighed as he walked inside with the others, carefully maneuvering his way through the people before coming to the edge of one of the battle boards. Sora was practically hopping next to him as they searched for their names.
Amaya, Miyuki, Saito, Koi, Yamada, Usagi, Toshiko, Tora...

Ah there! Roxas Holani. On the urban field!
And....
Sora.... Holani.

Roxas stared at the table blankly. Beside him, his sibling gasped. Behind him Axel's comment went right over his head. He shook his head slowly, horrified, than looked down the list again. Amaya, Miyuki, Saito, Koi, Yamada, Usagi, Toshiko, Tora...
Roxas Holani and... Sora Holani.

The blonde grit his teeth raising his finger and placing it right under his name as if the underline it, then slowly slid his finger to his brother's as if his finger was a pen and he was drawing a straight line. No matter how many times he looked at it, it didn't change who he was facing. His own... brother.

He opened and closed his mouth wordlessly for a few moments, unable to say anything. Beside him, Sora was silent, taking it in as well. Finally, he found the words, to poor Axel's shock. ".............. Holy fuck."
Beside him Sora licked his lips and swallowed hard, just as stunned into speechlessness as him. "Holy fuck indeed." The two slowly looked at each other as Roxas hand fell from the board, as if they were staring each other down or sizing each other up. Conflicting emotions were flashing like wildfires in each of their eyes.

How could they battle... each other?




Aqua frowned at him as he started to bitch rolling her eyes at that. "You could just-" She started to say but Ven cut her off and pulled out a gem. Her breath caught suddenly, eyes wide. It took her a few moments to compose herself before she reached out touching the gem carefully. "He gave you this...?"

She looked up at Ven sharply and slowly he nodded. Her eyes narrowed, suddenly remembering he WAS a boy. "Do you know what this is?!" She hissed quietly glancing around as if she was worried someone else spotted it. She got a shake of a head. "Idiot!"

Of course he didn't - why would a boy like him know ANYTHING about jewelry? She knew of course thanks to her dearest mother who had pounded the facts and figures of femininity into her head. But this one had always stuck with her. "It's a Sand gem," She murmured. "The town was named after these gems when it was first founded hundreds of years ago because these little things" She raised the gem to their eye level, "Used to be in clear abundance there. But the build up of the town and population polluted the land and hindered the process the area naturally had used to create these."

She shook her head and hissed. "These are one of the rarest gems in the whole fucking world Ven. They're worth more than slowpoke tails!" She straightened up, shaking her head. Why would that idiot brunette...? It was quite possible he didn't even know...

She looked around before whispering sharply. "Hide it idiot. We can sell it when we need money." Just then she heard a familiar noise.
"How!!"

The two Team members looked up as a dog ran over to the table, tail wagging in excitement. And not too far behind him, gaining a few giggles of the other girls around, was a brunette male with a comfortable smile on his face.
Her eyes narrowed a little before leaning down and murmuring. "You can drop out all you like but keep him happy until we have to run off. We need to keep that gem if nothing else." She got a scandalized look from her partner, as if that wasn't what they did on a daily basis. She didn't have time to say anything else though.

"Venita! You excited?" Terra asked.

[Rikugurl]

Axel's eyes widened when he heard the blonde cuss. Well... maybe he would as well but...
He blinked again as Sora did the same.

That was when all hell broke loose. Green eyes widened as he watched the two stare at each other, their blue eyes becoming dark and competitive.
"H-hey now." He put each of his hands down on both of their shoulders, snapping them out of the gaze.
He knew that they would all have to battle each other at some point... but today of all days!?

"Maybe we can talk to the director and see if they can move you battles? If not then... test the abilities of your pokemon if not in a battle but a fair match?" He knew his words were going over their heads. They were TWINS... well....triplets minus one. He knew that they always wanted to be equal and such but... this could also be seen as a learning point of view. Even when one loses, the other could help train in weak spots.

"Come on guys..."


Venita blinked as she saw the look on Aqua's face. Obviously... she was missing something....
With a shake of his head, his eyes widened when he was called an idiot. She called him that all the time but this time, he really didn't know why.

"What...?" She gasped softly as she looked down at the gem. It was... really rare....? Why would he?
The blue eyes snapped up at the familiar howl of a hell hound and he quickly put up his wigged hair in a messy bun as if it was getting worked on still.

She growled though as her attention was pulled back to the blue haired woman.
I won't sell th---
"Oh!" She cried in surprise as she heard Terra's voice right behind her. In the swerving chair, she swerved and smiled up at the brunette. "K-kinda..." She looked down shyly. "J-just a bit nervous..."

[Reno]

Roxas and Sora both blinked as they felt a hand on their shoulder, their smoldering gazes glancing at the red-head they had made friends with. They let him speak his piece but without answering his suggestion they went back to staring down one another.

Finally Sora smiled, his eyes full of competition. He'd actually never considered battling against his brother before. Not because he didn't want to, but because he knew Roxas wouldn't want to. But now...
An idea started to form in his head, making his decision clear. "No way, I'm not backing out."

Roxas tensed, his muscles seeming to knot up. He couldn't back out now, lest he look like a coward. Slowly his eyes narrowed and his eyes turned into cold blue chips, almost like they had turned to ice. "Well neither am I!" He scoffed. "I'll see you on the field." He growled before shrugging off Axel's hand and turning on his heels stomping back outside to get some fresh air, Absol quickly joining his side.

Sora watched his brother storm out - just like he knew he would - and smiled softly. At his feet he heard Jolteon whine, his ears falling against his head. He didn't want to fight Roxas!
Sora looked down and grinned, having predicted this as well. "Don't worry Jolteon I won't make you battle him."
His ears perked up and he looked up and smiled, thankful. "Jol!" But then... who would?
Sora chuckled, then looked over at the red-head, seeing his eyes full of worry, still watching the spot in which Roxas had vacated.

He grinned, patting Axel on the shoulder now. It seemed he needed more reassurance than even Roxas! "Don't worry Axel. He's just nervous and needs a little time alone. Oh, and pissed I backed him into a corner of course."

He got an odd look from the other, a sort of 'Why would you ever do that to your own brother you cruel heartless bastard?' He sighed but smiled, trying to make Axel understand.

"Roxas... has confidence issues if you never noticed and I think that's partially 'cause of me and Ven. It's... hard being a triplet because you have to try so much harder to stand out. He compares himself to us all the time and... I know what he thinks even if he never told me. He thinks me and Ven are better trainers than him..." He smiled and looked at Axel. "So, no matter the outcome of this battle, I'm gonna make sure he knows that's not true. He's going to come out of this a winner in some way or another." Sora smiled confidently but for another reason besides the fight before glancing at the other.

"I'll tell you something though! Now that last part on Terra's letter makes sense!" He laughed, getting a curious look. He pulled out the letter from his pocket and showed it to Axel, pointed to the bottom under the brunette's name.

Terra
P.S. Sorry I'll miss the most exciting fight thus far! Good luck Roxas, Sora.

"Guess I'm a little absentminded! That really should of tipped me off." Sora chuckled.


Roxas sighed, his shoulders slumping as he sat down on the steps, looking defeated. "Shit I'm gonna lose."
"Sol!" Absol growled in disagreement, walking in front of his trainer and looking up at him. "Absol!"
Roxas looked up, his eyes losing hope. "Sora's a better trainer than me Absol... there's no way."

The wolfen dog growled at him, shaking his head but Roxas only sighed and looked down at the gray steps his eyes conflicted. If only he could get out of this... go to the director like Axel said.

But that wasn't fair at all. Just because he was a coward didn't mean he should mess up anyone else's battles. He was stuck.


Houndoom pouted as the attention went to his trainer and not to him. "How..." He growled in complaint, huffing.

Terra chuckled softly as he saw the look on her face. "Don't be! You'll blow the rest right out of the competition, trust me." He looked her over, then his eyes brightened seeing something around her neck. She was still wearing it.

Aqua was quiet for a few moments watching the two as they talked, Ven playing the perfect part of a blushing teenager girl... too good. Too good to not be real. She sighed - great. He had fallen for Terra too... and no matter how much he hated being WITH Terra because it was nothing but lies, he couldn't deny he wanted to. Even she wasn't blind enough to see that, the way he blushed and smiled as if Terra was a fucking Christmas tree lighting the room.

"Hmph, yeah right." She cut in suddenly, making Terra and Venita both look back at her curiously. She walked around the chair and came up next to the brunette. She looked up at him her eyes hard before she leaned forward and murmured something softly in his ear, too low for Ven to catch. "She hates this. She'd much rather watch a battle than be in a contest."
Terra's eyes furrowed but then he smiled in realization. He was surprised she was being nice to him after all those death glares she had sent his way.
"Well I'm going to go take a quick bathroom break lovebirds. Get all your damn kisses out before I get back." Aqua announced as she pulled away before walking off. Better fucking appreciate this Ven.

He look towards Venita, seeing how befuddled she seemed. Terra chuckled before he lent over, smiling at her. "You remember what you told me last night? How everyone expects you to be cute except me and how you never got a break?" A grimace and a slow nod - it wasn't exactly a happy memory.
"Well, let's take that break." He said, holding out his hand. "What do you say to blowing this joint? Screw the damn contest and let's go do something worth your time! We could go out for lunch... or to the park... or go to the stadium and watch the matches..." He grinned, seeing her hesitate. "Better decide fast... before she gets back."

[Rikugurl]

Axel blinked as he heard the twins. Guess... his help didn't... help. He sighed but his eyes widened when he felt the blonde pull away and stomped off. Green eyes watched him and Absol leave, frowning a bit. "Nine....tails?" The fox whimpered as well as she licked Axel's fingers before he gently patter her head.

He looked down when he felt the pat and rose an eyebrow, listening to what Sora had to say. He knew that Roxas... wasn't very confident. The look in his eyes and the way he shied away was a given sign... but he knew that he was the one that rescued that Absol from that horrible Magma grunt. He had something in him...

"Yea... I'm sure you're right." He smiled and then tilted his head, his red hair shifting over his glasses as he listened to the rest of the letter. "Hah, Terra has been missing a lot of good matches for that girl! I hope things work out between them." He still was having a hard time seeing such a muscular guy digging a cute little girl. Opposites attracted he supposed.

"Why don't you get a bite to eat before the battle? I wanna make sure that Roxas is alright..."
He smiled and turned, his fox following him outside to where the blonde was sitting.
"Tails~" The fire pokemon nuzzled the blonde before sitting next to him as Axel sat on the other side.
"Hey... you alright?"


Venita smiled, blushing more as she got the compliment. "Hehehe, welll......" She was about to say that he was just saying that but was cut off with her 'sponsor' started to whisper into her admirer's ear. She leaned on the edge of the chair, trying to pick up anything that Aqua was saying... but by the time he could pick up some things, Aqua had pulled away.

She gave the blue haired woman a pout before she walked away and frowned.
What did she...?
The feeling of heat over took her and she blushed more as she saw that beautiful smile so close. Her eyes became dark though as she looked away, nodding. No... it wasn't a very good memory. He really didn't want to do it but... he was still getting this girl thing down.

However, those eyes widened as she gaped her mouth, seeing the hand being extended out to her.
Had Aqua.... Fuck... she doesn't care about that fucking whale, she just wants MY gem! That whale would do good for a promotion!
"I...." She hesitated as she looked at the hand but sighed, closing her eyes and looking down. "I can't Terra... you see... my father paid for all of this for me. He wanted me to shine, hired Miss Aqua and paid for all my clothing. He even paid for my travels to get here. I can't... let him down. I'd love to have lunch with you, walk in the part with out Pokemon and see a really great battle but... I'm so close... I can't stop now..."

She reached out, her fingers delicately wrapping around Terra's hand and pulling them close before her soft lips kissed it.

[Reno]

Sora laughed softly before nodding. "I'm sure it will. If it's true love, it'll survive anything!" At the red-head's next statement he smiled and nodded. "Alright, good luck." He was going to need it...

He sighed some and turned walked off with Jolteon by his side, humming to himself. "Roxas and Axel have gotten really close huh Jolt?"
"Jolt jolt!"
He tilted his head. "It's kind of strange since... I've never seen Roxas warm up to anyone so fast. It's almost like...they're falling for each other!"
A whine and then, "Eon!"
"What? Jealous? I'm not jealous!"
A growl.
"Okay... maybe I'm a little jealous." Sora sighed as he found the snack line, and his eyes became dreamy as he thought of a flash of silver and a silky smooth voice that made his knees weak and his heart stammer. "I wish... he was here..."
Jolteon tilted his head. "Jolteon?"
Sora laughed nervously as he looked around then looked down at his partner and best friend. "I guess it's better Gethin isn't. Bet he'd like one of my brothers more though too. He'd get along with Roxas real well, they'd be able to sit in silence together forever and be comfortable with it. "
The yellow fox shook his head vehemently. No way!
"You don't think so?"
"Jol!"
Sora smiled, then sighed. "If only everyone was like you." He looked up towards the ceiling. "Alright enough of that. Let's think now, which Pokemon will Roxas most likely use...?"

Roxas sighed as he stared at the steps, but his head raised when a cream fox was sitting next to him, her inner fire burning through her skin and making the area slightly warmer.
He looked to his other side to see the red-head. His frown uneasily at the question, glancing to each before his shoulders slumped. "I'm fine." He grumbled.
"Sol!" Came the sharp reprimand.
Roxas frowned at his Pokemon before he sighed. "It's just..." He grit his teeth, shaking in fury. "I can't believe Sora! I didn't think he could be so damn cruel to me. He just wants to battle because it's an easy win for him. I never thought a trophy was more important to him than kin!" His eyes narrowed. "But maybe I don't know him as well as I thought. I mean jeez look at what he did when-" He trailed off before frowning, not wanting to mention that first, terrible day. Because he'd be saying it out of anger... not truth. But... maybe he DIDN'T know Sora like he thought he did...


Terra blinked a little hurt at the rejection, but he forgot that quickly when she took his hand in hers and he felt the soft brush of her lips. His stomach tightened a little and he felt his knees shake like they had in the restaurant - ugh he was so fucking pathetic but he didn't care.

"Venita..." He started to say, willing to drop the issue. Why make an argument out of something she seemed so sure of? If she wanted to do this, even if it wasn't for her anymore, than that was the least selfish thing TO do...

But then Houndoom looked up, making a soft growl as he turned his head and Terra brought his attention to his Pokemon. That's when he heard it. A soft chiming flutter. And suddenly a new idea formed. He grinned his fingers curling around her hand. "Come with me for a sec." She frowned at that, but he grinned. "Just one minute that's all I'm asking than you can come back if you want to!" He helped her up and out of the chair, walking her doors the door that lead to the back alleyway, Houndoom trotting at their side. "You know what the 'Ven' part of your name means right?"
She giggled and muttered the answer. Wind of course. And he was land, which was ironic.
He smiled. "Right... So I'm just wondering..."

He slid open the door and held it open for her like a gentleman. She walked out first, and gasped in surprise as what was outside. The green dragon rose his head some and smiled in greeting, bowing his head to get a better look at the girl he had watched in the contest his master seemed taken by. "Gon!"
"Have you ever... wanted to go flying on a Flygon before?"

[Rikugurl]

Axel smiled softly as he heard the blonde. He could tell... that everything wasn't alright... but... that was only confirmed when Absol sparked it.
Ninetails lowered her ears as she heard the anger in Roxas's voice and nuzzled her wet nose on his cheek as a kiss to calm him down, her red eyes soft.

Axel however could only blink, holding a gasp back but smiled. With a shake of his head, his red hair shifted over his bony shoulders. "Well... I suppose everyone changes in time... like you."
Roxas gave him a curious look, those blue eyes reflecting the green.
"Yea, I mean... you were always a shy kid, right? When I first met Sora, he wanted to go find you so he showed me an old picture of you, himself and Ven."

He tilted his head and smiled more as he continued.
"You were looking away, really shy and seemed to have a self esteem problem compared to your other brothers... but you know what?" Another curious look was given. "You're something that your brother's aren't."
The green eyes glanced over to the blonde, his eyes true and full of meaning. "You're a hero, Roxas Holani. You're the hero of Lavaridge Town...and seeing that that's where I'm from... you're my hero too. You saved a pokemon and befriended it that no one else would want to because of the bad omen around it... but you didn't care. There was a pokemon in need and you were brave enough to save it."

He smiled and patted Roxas's should. "I'll be cheering for both you and Sora out there. Don't think he's a better trainer or you'll forget how powerful you really are. Remember, it's not how well of a trainer you are, it's how well you've taken care of your pokemon and how well you've become friends. Sure Sora is close to his pokemon but this is your real spotlight to show off on him. Show him what you're made of and how you...have changed. you're more that than shy boy in that old picture.... right?"


The blonde girl blinked as those tough fingers wrapped around her own, pulling her slightly. She looked up, narrowing her eyes a bit but the grin made her sigh softly. She was helped from the chair and slowly followed him to the door that said 'Exit' on it. At the question, she giggled and nodded. "Yep! It means wind~~♥"

The door was opened and she walked out, only for her eyes to widen as large as they could as the dragon was in front of her, the wings making a beautiful noise. "Oh!" She cried happily as she slowly approached it and smiled as it lowered its head for a greeting. "Oh... I've always wanted a Flygon..." She said softly as she reached out and rubbed his jaw softly. "You're such a cutie! ♥"

When Terra came close though, she looked back and smiled, only for the smile to grow more at the question. "C-can we really?"

[Reno]

Roxas continued to glare at nothing in particular but at the soft warm nose nudging his cheek kindly he relaxed some reaching up and petting the tuft of hair atop Ninetail's head in thanks.

His attention was grabbed from the motherly fox however at Axel's word. He turned his head, meeting those green eyes unflinchingly. What was he talking about? His eyes widened a little bit when Axel mentioned the picture a nervous, jittery laugh escaping his lips. He had SEEN that old thing? Oh great...

This was just as if his mother was showing the red-head his baby pictures, complete with pointing and saying 'Look at his cute little bum!' Ugh... why did Sora have to carry that around?

He stared towards the steps again but Axel didn't let him say a word in edgewise before he was continuing. He frowned some at the mention of his shyness and self-esteem issues - yeah yeah, he knew. He was a mess of problems...

"But you know what?"
Roxas frowned some but looked up curiously seeing the other's stern look as if he was trying to get something across that Roxas just wasn't understanding.
"You're a hero, Roxas Holani."
Blue eyes went wide. W-What? A hero? ... Him?

His cheeks flushed again but slowly he turned his gaze towards Absol. The Pokemon was sitting in front of him, smiling almost proudly as if he agreed - for the first time - with the red-head. "Sol~" He said softly.
Roxas couldn't help but smile back at his old friend. It had never seemed like a big deal to him - he was only doing what was right. Every Pokemon deserved to be treated right - from a Smoochum to a lowly Muk. He believed that strongly.

He looked at Axel and nodded to his last words, smiling now. "Right..." He looked away, blushing just a little before looking back at the other uncertainly but now for a different reason. "T-Thanks Axel."


Flygon smiled at the pet, his tail swishing behind him and his wings fluttering happily. "Fly!" She liked him!

Terra smiled at the wonderment that lit up her eyes and nodded. "Yeah... as long as Flygon thinks he's up to it." He glanced at his dragon.
The dragon raised his head and fluttered his wings, trying to look tough for her. He was trying to impress her. "Fly fly!" He turned around so his back was facing her and turned his long neck to look at them with one eye, smiling. "Gon!"

"That looks like a yes." Terra said with a grin, glancing at her. Her eyes were full of excitement and he was glad she seemed thrilled at the idea of flying and not terrified. He on the other hand wanted to crawl under a rock. What the fuck was he thinking?!

He steeled his courage though and took her hand leading her forward. Flygon lowered himself further down and the brunette helped her settle down on the other's back before getting in front of her. He took her hands and wrapped them firmly around his waist. "Hold on tight... and be sure to lock your legs against him so your legs don't slip." His own strong arms wrapped around his beast's neck securely and he glanced back at her, smiling. "Ready?"

When she confirmed she was he smiled and looked towards his Pokemon. "Alright Flygon, easy now. Start low." The first time he had flown he had fallen off. It was a lot harder than he had thought. He wanted Venita to get used to it before they did something too crazy.
"Fly!" The other said and his wings started to flutter and with a push of his legs like hopping he got off the ground and carefully started to climb, not minding it when he felt his trainer's hands flex like claws into his neck. He was used to that.

[Rikugurl]

Axel could only smile and nodded before sitting there for a few more minutes. He took some deep breaths before he stood and dusted himself off. "Well, I'm going to get something to chew on for the battles." He stopped before looking over the city that he could and grinned as he saw a familiar cart.

"Or maybe... we can have some ice cream again."
He grinned down at Roxas before racing off to the cart.


The blonde had her eyes fixed on the dragon as it moved and made sounds, smiling happily. Even as a young.... boy, he had always wanted a Flygon. However... their boss never gave him any of the Flygon line.
That was what he really missed being a trainer... he couldn't stumble on a Pokemon he wanted, catch it and train it. No, it was received Pokemon based on their level or steal weak trainer's pokemon.

That wasn't... always fun...

She looked back at the brunette and smiled, nodding happily. She smiled even more as she felt her hand in his and they were walking towards the dragon and carefully, in her nicest clothes, got on top the Flygon. When Terra got in front of her, she smiled dreamily as her arms were wrapped around his waist, feeling how warm he was as she rested her head on his back.

The wings started to flap around her and a strong jerk made her hold on tighter... but they were off the ground and slowly rose higher and higher, making her eyes widen in happiness. She was....flying!

[Reno]

Roxas looked up at the other when he mentioned food - how could he think of eating at a time like this?! There were battles about to happen and -

But then the red-head said the magic words. 'Ice cream'. Roxas eyes lit up, his mouth watering as he remembered that salty-sweet taste he had been introduced to not even twenty-four hours ago. "Alright!" He chirped, jumping too his feet, all thoughts of nervousness forgotten as he raced after the other. He looked back, grinning at Ninetails and Absol. "Come on you two!!"


Houndoom looked up, watching his master and the man-girl flying off. He tilted his head but turned around and hurried back inside, tail wagging hopefully. Now where was his kitty?

He looked around before pausing, seeing the table where Ven always sat. He tilted his head curiously, seeing the blue-haired girl slumping in the swivel seat, looking towards the mirror with a peculiar look on her face. Something... beyond sad.

She looked down suddenly, seeing something on the ground and Houndoom followed her gaze. It was Venita's Spinda dizzily walking around. Aqua sighed and lent down, picking it up. His tail twitched but then he caught sight of something much better. A purple tulip-shaped tail! "How!" The dog said happily running over to the Delcatty, tail wagging in greeting.


Terra looked over his shoulder, catching the look on Venita's face. It made him smile, seeing how thrilled she was. There was a certain majesty to flying... that whole weightless and free feeling you got when you were up so high in the air where no one could reach you.

It was like... it didn't matter what happened before or what would happen after because for once the present was perfect. And even if he hated flying... this moment was perfect. Being with her.

"You're pretty brave!" He said over the sound of the musical wings. "Wanna go even higher?" He didn't even have to wait for her happy 'Yes!', the look on her face said it all. "Hold on!" He grinned and dug his heels in, and Flygon took the cue.
"Fly!!" The Pokemon chirped before it started to climb up faster, clearing the top of the buildings easily. They kept going higher and higher and Terra glanced back at her, seeing her look around fearlessly. Brave didn't begin to describe her.
"Wanna touch the clouds?"

[Rikugurl]

The two raced down the sidewalk, laughing as the wind whipped through their hair. "Tails!" The fox cried as she raced after her master and the blonde, side by side with the disaster pokemon.

When they got to the cart, the man seemed to recognized them, not even needing them to say anything as he gave Axel two cups of ice cream and two sticks. He placed the cups down, both Pokemon quickly licking it up happily as he handed one of the sticks to Roxas and some money to the man.
The little bell rang and the man with his cart was walking off, leaving the four happy with their cold blue stuff.


The Spinda was looking around, not seeing where his master went. "Spinda? Spiiiinda..." He teetered around, not going to far just in case Ven would come back and get angry that he went away. He blinked though as she felt arms come under his armpits and he was picked up.

The cute ears twitched as he felt the sad breathing of someone familiar, his swirly eyes looking up to see Aqua. "Spinda?"

The Delcatty, not too far away had strayed from her master when she had smelt the trace of the handsome houndoom. Her dainty feet made her walk in a dainty way as she stepped into the dressing room, her large, black eyes looking around. Just as she saw the hell hound, he saw her and she smiled happily. "Catty!" She meowed and nuzzled his neck as he came over, her tail wagging happily.


Venita could only smile as she got the compliment. There wasn't anything scary about flying! He had to wonder if his brothers were scared of flying or not. Maybe... it was just his name.

The minute he asked the first question, an anxious "YES!" was called, just as it was on the tip of her tongue, waiting to be asked. They flew higher, making her eyes widen in joy as she looked around, her curls whipping around from the wind.
Her arms tightened around his waist as she pressed her head on his back again. "HIGHER!" She called happily. "To the clouds! ♥!"

[Reno]

Roxas smiled as he ate his ice cream, his bright eyes looking towards the red-head. "You know... I have a feeling traveling with you... is going to be a lot of fun."


Aqua sighed as she looked down at the weird bunny-bear and smiled sadly. "He's lucky you know, falling in love like that. didn't even have to fucking try." She sighed. "It's too bad he hadn't met him before before he got into this mess." she sighed looking back towards the mirror, frowning as if she could almost imagine devil horns popping from her skull. "There's no hope for them."

Houndoom smiled, licking one of her ears tenderly. Ah, this was even better than battling!


"Alright! You heard her Flygon!" Terra called. "As high as you can go!"
As HIGH as he could go?! "Fllllly!" The other said happily and shot up even faster, getting a real work-out for his wings. He got higher and higher, the town below becoming smaller below them.
Terra swallowed nervously but Venita's joyous laughter behind him kept him from freaking out. He smiled, his iron grip relaxing just a bit on Flygon's neck even as they blasted right through a fluffy white cloud.
It was a first for Terra too, and he laughed as well as the whiteness of the clouds surrounded them, reminding him of the stuffing in a plush. Water collected on their skin from the vapor in the surrounding air, chilling them some, but the minute they burst from the whiteness it was forgotten as the sun hit them with it's warmth.


They couldn't stay in the sky forever though. Flygon wasn't used to flying anyone for long periods of time - he'd hardly ever done so with Terra! Still his stamina lasted a good half-hour before he started to lose altitude and Terra told him to go ahead and land.

The tired dragon nodded and started to go down, flying in a corkscrew like pattern to thrill Venita. The town below got closer and closer, until Terra recognized where they were. Flygon did his best to stay level as he landed nearby a fountain - the same one he had first met Sora and the others at. Even still there was a bit of a jerk as his legs slid to a stop across the ground, pushing Venita against Terra while the brunette struggled not to topple over the dragon's head.

Flygon lowered his body to the ground and Terra carefully got off stretching his stiff legs with a satisfied groan before he turned and helped heft Venita off, smiling. "How'd you like it?"
The minute the blonde was off his back, Flygon fluttered over to the fountain and lowered his head to drink.


Roxas sighed as the fourth battle came to an end and he and Axel left the stadium for the break in between - much to his distaste Sora was following. He'd done his best to show his brother how mad he was at him. He hadn't said a word to him since the start of the battles and refused to even sit next to him. He knew it was childish but Sora deserved it!

"Well I guess I better go." Roxas said, knowing his and Sora's battle was next. He glanced back, pointedly not looking at his brunette twin as he smiled to Axel. "See you later Axel." He nodded to his dog. "Come on Absol." And with that he turned and walked off going down the hall that would lead to the right side of the arena that he would have to exit from. Absol nuzzled Ninetails and hurried after.

Sora chuckled, though it sounded a little sad, as Roxas left. Beside him, Jolteon suddenly growled, angry that Sora's own sibling was making his master feel badly. "Wow, he's really pissed at me." The brunette almost wished they'd never been paired up at all. "'Course I knew he would be, but still..." He laughed a little then looked at Axel and shrugged, excitement bubbling from the prospective match. "Well, anyways he's right, I gotta go too. This'll be exciting! Have fun watching it!"

He grinned once more before turning and hurrying for the hall that lead to the left side of the arena, Jolteon easily keeping stride with him.