The Tale of Seven

[Rikugurl]

The morning... was indeed terrible. No one had gotten a good nights rest, knowing what was in store for them and their travels.

The redhead groaned as he got up, shifting through his bag. Anyone who disturbed him was snapped at but Sora explained why.
"Just let him make his coffee before talking to him."

He pulled out a pot to everyone's surprise and went down to the stream, his feet not so swift as he stomped through the forest. He sloshed some in and while coming back was more careful not to spill any of it. The fire was still aflame thanks to the fire Pokemon and Axel put the pot above it in a small holder than Gethin had made to cook on.

He reached back in his bag and pulled out a can of coffee, opened it and pulled out a measuring cup that was in there before pouring some in.

The rest of the camp was getting packed up, travel pokemon being fed along with a small breakfast themselves.
Ventus on the other hand... was very quiet.
He went to retrieve the bike by himself, his steps slow. When he returned, he didn't look much better.
And of course they had sleeping supplies... but it was all stolen by that fucking vacuum. They had nothing left... not even things that were rightfully theirs.

"Umffum..." The black fox tried to speak as he lifted his head, handing his hooded master his pillow for him to pack away in his bag.

When they were all ready, and filled with some nice coffee thanks to a dedicated redhead, they all stood in a circle to hear Sora's plan. With nod, the group took the devices and examined them before placing them in their ear.
Ven could only rolled his eyes and look away as he did so with his.
"Why the fuck are you make so many of those? There's only two of us, idiot."
"WELL, if you have to fucking know, you never know when you'll need them!"
"BUT TEN!?"

The redhead reached for his belt, grabbing a familiar poke ball before an energy flashed, revealing the fire horse pokemon. She neighed and shook her head as she looked around, seeing everyone. Her eyes... seemed sad though even if she loved people. She blinked though as she felt something over her nose. A...harness!?
THEY WERE GOING TO GO RIDING!?
She neighed happily as he strapped her up and smiled. "Alright Rapidash, don't get too excited. We're not racing anyone, we're following someone."
She sighed in disappointment but nodded.

The green eyes shifted, finding Roxas quickly in the mess of trying to figure out who rides with who.
"Hey Rox, you wanna join us?"
The blonde agreed and before they hoped on, seeing Ventus and Aqua get on their bike as Sora reached down, giving Gethin a lift onto Arc, Axel turned to locate his companion so he could call her back to travel.

Where he found her wasn't very surprising. She was stretched out in the sun, sunbathing as her tails curled around her.
"Come one, Ninetails." He said cheerfully as he walked over but his eyes widened as he froze. Her red eyes darted at him and she started to......growl and....show her teeth.
"N-ninetails...?"

[Reno]

Aqua sighed, recalling Glaceon while Ven did the same for Espeon before they readjusting their things on the bike and got on it. Haunter was floating around them, sparing glances Jolteon's way.

Sora smiled as Arcanine shook her head, letting the collar settle around her neck. He heard some steps behind him, and glanced back, seeing a familiar black-hooded man there. He grinned. "Wanna join us Ri?" The other nodded, and Sora's grin widened. "Great!!" He scratched behind Arcanine's ear. "That okay with you Arcy?"
The tiger dog blinked, looking at the new teen curiously. She lent over, sniffing him and smiled giving him a nuzzle, tail wagging behind her.
Sora chuckled happily, "That's a yes!" He carefully got onto the dog before smiling at the other, holding out a hand. He helped the other up behind him.
"Joool..." Jolteon whined, standing next to Umbreon, looking up at their masters.
Sora looked down at the yellow fox smiling. "What wrong's Jolt? I'm not going to forget you."
The fox whined again shaking his head. Just as he was, they heard a growl.

Terra sighed petting Flygon on his head. "Well it's just you and me buddy."
"Fly!" Flygon chirped happily. He was glad for that. He was used to flying anyone. He was worried he might not even be able to do so with Terra alone, so starting off easy was a relief for once.
Unfortunately for him, that also meant they had no flying gear so Terra would just have to hold on for his life!


Roxas frowned and looked around between his three choices, hearing a neighing close to him. He glanced at Rapidash, his eyes widened some at how... large she was up close. He could... ask Axel...

Or he could hold on for his life while riding Arcanine with Sora... He looked over but his eyes saddened some, seeing the brunette talking with Gethin, his eyes shining. It appeared he already had a partner.

Or he could stare death in the face on Flygon... He glanced at Terra, seeing his sour look. Er maybe not.

That was when Axel asked and he looked over. "Um... s-sure..." He walked over tentatively, looking up at the flaming horse nervously. Would she... would she burn him? He was about to ask Axel, turning his head, and blinked when he found the space beside him vacant. "...Axel?"

"Sol!" A cry caught his attention and he turned around just as his Pokepal ran over to him, looking a bit scared.
"Absol what's wrong?" Roxas asked with concern just as he heard the growl. He looked up, seeing Ninetails... with her fangs bared - at Axel!? "Axel!" He cried in worry. What was going on?

[Rikugurl]

The hooded teen was just getting seated, he heard a growl. Slowly he looked back, seeing the fox snarling up at her master. What was wrong with her...?

Umbreon's eyes lowered and he slowly hid behind his older brother, not even realizing it. "Breon..."

Ven was about to start the bike when he heard the growl as well and looked back to see Ninetails. "What the fuck...?"


Axel blinked in shock, not believing that she was...snarling at him. "N-n-ninetails...? Wha-what's wrong girl?" He dismissed Roxas's cry as he slowly walked closer, his hands out to try to see if he could get close enough to pet her. Maybe she would calm down. Was the sun just that nice to lay in...?

She continued to growl, her red eyes watching him step by step. Her claws even dug into the ground as she laid there.
"C-come on... we...we gotta go." He said softly, hoping that his biggest fear wasn't happening.
That she had gotten poisoned as was in a lot of pain internally. Or maybe... she got rabies! But she wasn't foaming from the mouth or anything.

Why would she be doing this.

His fingers grew closer to her muzzle, some fear in his eyes as he saw those shiny white fangs so close. One quick snap and he'd be losing his fingers.
He swallowed as he stopped and slowly turned his hand around, his palm facing upwards as he moved it closer. It was a less threatening position... but she still growled fiercely.

That was... until his hand got so close that she leaned over slowly and sniffed his fingers before... licking them. The tension eased from everyone as they saw her return to normal.
Especially Axel.
"Jeez Nine---"
"Vu....l...."
His eyes widened as he heard something muffle from her.
Well... not her herself but...
He slowly leaned down, Ninetails still smelling him oddly as he looked at her. Her tails were all covering her tummy, which was a bit odd... and made Axel curious.

He slowly reached for her tails, a soft growl coming from the fox but Axel smiled at her. "It's alright girl..."
He slowly parted her tails to see and he suddenly gasped.
"ROXAS! ROXAS, COME HERE!"
He cried as he looked back, his face bright and excited before he looked back, seeing something that was.... unbelievable.

Ninetails was growling because she was hiding something that was now very precious to her... and with reason!
Not just one...or two...but three.....pups!
As Roxas came closer, he could see the same view.
There were two little foxes, one red and one golden, their single tail wagging as they nursed.

However...between them was why Axel had called Roxas over. A baby Absol was nursing as well.

[Reno]

Sora looked over in concern as Ninetails growled and bit his lip as Axel got close, making her even fiercer. His fingers curled until the collar tightly with nervousness. "Be careful Axel..." Arcanine was watching as well sniffing at the air curiously, but with a knowing look in her eyes.

Jolteon whined softly again, ears drooping in worry for the cream fox who had become his friend and, in some respects, his role model. He looked towards his master, wishing he had the answers to why the other fox was acting so different.

Terra frowned some, looking between his Flygon's wings, seeing the normally tame a sweet Nnietails acting so... off. Maybe Axel had been right... maybe something WAS wrong with her. Flygon tossed his head in confusion, wings fluttering a little restlessly in a sudden want to fly and leave the fox alone.

Aqua looked over as well, her eyes narrowing. What if...?

Roxas took a few deep breaths as Axel got closer, his hearty beating with panic in his chest. "Axel..." He tried again, wanting the other to get the fuck AWAY from Ninetails. His fingers fisted in Absol's coat of fur to strive off the sudden need to rush over and yank him away. His Pokemon just whined again.

The tension slowly melted from everyone as Ninetails started to lick the fire trainer, some of them sighing in relief.

Roxas jumped to attention as Axel suddenly called for him. He blinked hurrying around Axel - but when he got halfway there he slowed his step nervously, trying not to startle Ninetails into baring her fangs again. He cautiously walked over to Axel's right side, farther away from Ninetails head so she couldn't take a bite out of him and looked over the other's shoulder.

At the sight he gasped in wonderment and surprise. "Oh Axel..." He breathed softly a smile slowly growing as realization took over at the sight of two small Vulpixs and one little Absol. "She... there!" He shook his head, laughing lightly. "Puppies!" Now it made sense! The possessive temperament, the tiredness, the excessive eating, the refusal to fight. And... that small time she went missing with a certain Pokemon of his.

He shared a brilliant smile with the red head both their eyes amazed and happy before Roxas looked back grinning. "Absol you dog you!"
The white dog blinked and whined a little.

"What is it?" Sora asked tentatively, confused.
"Ninetails is a mom!" Roxas announced happily.
"Really?!" The brunette cried, about to jump off of Arcanine to go see. The tiger dog barked sharply, nudging his leg and arm as he shifted, warning him not too. She knew Ninetails would not appreciate being crowded and as a mother once herself knew how protective the fox would be. They were known to even... shun out their mates, which might be why Absol was frightened. She didn't want her master to get hurt especially since he was so... expressive and touchy.
Sora pouted but understood, staying where he was. "Ah~" He whined in disappointment. He wanted to see them...

Jolteon blinked, looking under Arcanin's legs towards the cream fox at the sudden happiness that was spreading around the camp. What happened now?

Roxas looked back at the small pups excitedly. They had all been so preoccupied none of them even realized Ninetails giving birth! He looked back at the obvious father of the litter. "Come on Absol come over here."
The dog just shook his head, laying down and whining again. His red eyes seemed sad.
Roxas blinked, confused. "Absol?" He knew that pose. Absol thought... he did something wrong?

[Rikugurl]

The hooded man tilted his head as he heard what the blonde had yelled. Mom... that meant that... they had...baby Pokemon?
He had never seen a baby Pokemon before...

Even if it was a moment of joy, Ventus frowned and huffed. "What the fuck are we going to do with a baby Pokemon now. We have a lot of shit to do..."
He had no idea that it was more than one.
"Haun haun." The ghost scratched his head as he looked over towards the fox and the two humans.

Axel smiled as he watched the pups nurse before looking a Ninetails. "You're going to be a wonderful mother."
He couldn't believe that HIS Ninetails was a parent!
It kinda...made him feel old... but relieved. This was why she was acting so strange. She must of wondered off because she wanted some privacy to mate...

AND OF COURSE she was going to eat a ton because she had to eat for four. It kind of reminded Axel of the Holani triplets...
They were all born at the same time... but each was different in their own special way...
The thought put a smile on his face.

And lastly... this is why she refused to fight yesterday. If she had been hurt, especially from battling Terra's pokemon, she could of put her unborn pups in a dangerous situation.

He blinked however as he heard the whimper and looked back, seeing Absol lay down and looked rather sad. At Roxas's question though, Axel smiled. "Well... I heard that some pokemon don't like being disturbed while giving birth and they'd rather do it alone. She probably gave Absol hell when he came around and doesn't know what's wrong because, well.....maybe he doesn't know."

He looked over at Ninetails who seemed to of calm down completely. Her pups were clean and feeding, meaning they were all healthy and perfect.
He looked back at Absol and nodded. "Come here, Absol... she won't snap at you anymore." He heard some more whining and laughed. "Come on... I think you really should see this."

[Reno]

Sora shifted restlessly on top of Arcanine, placing his hands on her flank and leaning forward and then back, trying to get a peek. He lent back far enough his back pressed against Riku's chest. He looked up some, noticing their height difference. "You're tall! Can you see anything?" He chirped excitably.

Aqua smiled as she heard Roxas' call. Children. Of course. She blinked however at Ven's bitchy attitude and growled, punching his shoulder. "Don't ruin the moment!"

Terra relaxed more and chuckled. Pups eh? If Houndoom were here, he'd be so pissed and jealous. That damn dog had been trying for so long...
His eyes saddened a little at the reminder of his missing friend.

Roxas blinked at Axel's deduction, realizing what he meant. Of course... that made sense.
Absol raised his head a little at Axel's words. What did he need to see? "...Sol?"
Roxas chuckled but left Axel's side to go over to his Pokemon's. He knelt down patting him on the head and murmured soft, encouraging words to the other. "Come on Absol... it's okay."
After a few more soft words, he managed to get the other on his feet. Roxas held onto the scythe carefully, leading the other over to the fox, having to push some to get his legs moving the closer they got.

Pretty soon they were in sight range and there was a very soft yip from one of the puppies. Absol's eyes widened at the sight of the little bundles of fur in-between the tails. He twisted his head breaking Roxas grip and quickly took several steps back. "Sol!" What were those?!
Roxas winced a bit shaking his hand but looked back at his frightened comrade. He'd never seen him act like this before. "Absol... come on it's not scary." Axel called to him as well, trying to get him to come back as well. The red eyes darted between their faces nervously before he submissively lowered himself on his stomach again, scooting forward carefully. Inch by inch he recovered the space he had lost until he was between Roxas and Axel's legs, facing the fox's belly. All he had to do was raise his head.
He looked towards Ninetails in panic, afraid she's snap and growl at him like she had earlier.

[Rikugurl]

Gethin shifted as he was leaned into and looked down, only the bottom of his face being revealed as the morning sun got under his hood. "No." He said softly as he looked over, honestly not seeing a thing.
"Her tails are in the way."
All nine of them.

"OW!" Ventus growled and crossed his arms, looking away. They were wasting time...
His blue eyes looked off, trying to shut out the cute moment when they spotted Terra's......ass. His eyes darted elsewhere before shaking his head.

Axel had to laugh as he saw Absol get on his stomach and inch over. How could people be scared of this Pokemon...?
He was really growing quite attached himself.
It was a good thing that he and Roxas decided to travel together... seeing that their two Pokemon should never be split now.

Red eyes caught red, the two Pokemon looking at each other for a moment.
"Ninetails!" The fox yipped happily and slowly moved some of her tails that were covering the pups. This also allowed Roxas and Axel a better view of the three as they nursed.
Axel had to laugh happily as he saw one of her nine tails stray and rub the bottom of Absol's chin.
"I think that mean's it's ok, Absol."

[Reno]

Sora pouted but sighed, nodding. How unlucky for them! He sighed, continuing to lean against the other. "Bummer." He mumbled sadly.
Jolteon walked around Arcanine tilting his head this way and that at the small crowd. When he started to trot over though, Arcanine stamped a paw in his path effectively halting him. The fox looked up, whining some. He wanted to see what all the fuss was about!!
It was no wonder Sora and Jolteon were partners.

Aqua rolled her eyes at Ven's increasing bitchiness as if he was on PMS - god and she thought SHE was the woman around here.

Terra just continued to look over at the other curiously, beginning to feel a little like Sora. He wanted to see them too...
He of course did not notice the straying look that passed his ass.

Roxas watched his good friends careful movements, smiling happily for the other. Absol was a dad! He felt so proud for him.

Absol blinked as the fox yipped at him and gave him a nuzzle with a tail making him smile a little. At Axel's words he was reassured even moreso, inching the last little bit forward and lifted his head. It was an interesting sight to say the least. They were so small, barely bigger than one of his paws, but they were alive and making soft little noises every now and again. He was reminded of a long ago time that he barely remembered locked in a small dark area of his own eyes as he whined for his mom and food.

He lowered his head in-between her tails, sniffing carefully at them all. They smelt strongly of Ninetails... and a little of... him? First he inspected the the red tailed fox, touching the little one carefully with his nose not wanting to hurt it. It was soft and squishy from the cleaning, and very very warm too. He moved on to the small white one, noticing it wasn't as warm as the other but still so, and licked it's tiny scythe with care. It was a little him!
Finally he moved to the last of the bunch, the golden fox who was as warm as the red one. He sniffed at this one as well and to his surprise, the fox stopped suckling. "Vu..." Came the little squeak as it turned towards the feeling. He felt a very little breathe of air as... it sniffed him back. And then the Vulpix opened it's mouth and closed it around his nose and started sucking.
"Sol?" Came the soft, confused response, the wolfen dog blinking. Above him he heard chuckles from Roxas and Axel. Absol tilted his head some the shiny Vulpix carefully and it let his nose go. He gave her a nudge with his nose, leading it back to Ninetail's belly where it went back to drinking it's milk.

[Rikugurl]

"Ninetails!" The fox smiled as she leaned up the best she could without disturbing her pups as she licked Absol's neck.

Axel continued to smile...kinda feeling like a dad himself knowing that he would have to help with the pups... but when he glanced back, he saw all the eyes of the others... ready to go.
He blinked and looked down, sighing softly.

Even if this was a...miracle of life..it was the worse timing ever. He couldn't get into a dangerous situation... not with Ninetails and her new born pups...
They needed to hurry... and even if he loved Moltres with all his heart... making sure the safety of four innocent Pokemon outweighed one legendary... and he knew she would feel the same.

He closed his eyes and sighed, the decision ripping him apart inside.
"What are we going to do, Roxas...?"

[Reno]

"Soool..." Absol said back, smiling as well. He nuzzled her, looking as proud as any father could be. Their pups!

Roxas was still smiling, not noticing the inner turmoil that the red-head was going through right beside him. His mind was still too preoccupied with what he was seeing in front of him. The little creatures...

It made him so happy to realize he was going to get to see these little guys grow up. See the Vulpixs get all six of their tails... see little Absol try to walk...

But the question took his happiness down to the ground and he looked at the other, seeing how torn he was. They could only do so many things...
They could both leave and come back... but there was no guarantee Absol alone could protect the four from harm from the natural predators living in the area.
Or... one of them could stay and protect the others with their Pokemon.

Roxas sighed, the answer clear. "One of us has to stay..." He turned to Axel. "I will." The red-head looked like he was about to protest, maybe to offer to stay instead... or with him. "Axel Moltres is YOUR Pokemon. You need to go. What if she's hurt or gets scared or out of control? You're the only one who knows how to handle her if things get rough..."

He looked down at Absol and Ninetails and the little pups all unable to see or even hear. So young and vulnerable. A Spearow could just come and snatch one up in an instant. It would just take a little poison from an Arbok... He knew Absol would fight off anything that tried though but he couldn't be awake all the time. "Don't worry. I've got Glameow and Linoone and Skarmory. All of them can take turns with Absol and keep watch."

"Roxas..." He heard Sora say sadly.
"Jool..." Jolteon whined as well.

But he was right, This was the only way. They couldn't take the little pups with them .they were too young, too fragile. Any long period of time away from their mom and they'd die. They couldn't be moved

[Rikugurl]

Axel listened to the blonde and his eyes widened as he heard the idea. "Bu---" He was stopped and looked down, sighing as he realized that Roxas was right... but... he couldn't just leave Roxas here either. The smell of new born Pokemon would bring many predators and Roxas wouldn't be able to sleep soundly guarding them.

That was when it hit him.

"Axel! Hand me that bag!" A woman with red hair called as she reached out to him.
The young boy nodded and quickly handed her a small bag in which she snuggled the baby Spoinks in, squishing them as they tried to bounce out. A sad view was next to them... a dead Grumpig... their mother killed by a hungry Pokemon. Luckily, the babies had made it but wouldn't last long without treatment.

"Auntie! Be careful! You're going to hurt them!" The boy cried as he saw them tightly contained.
"It's ok sweetie, new born are use to tight areas and actually like it with the warmth. It reminds them of being inside the womb. Now help me bring them to the rescue center so we can get them some food!"

He could remember smiling when they were old enough to be taken into a good home and one even brought with a trainer to battle as their first Pokemon.

He stood and smiled, snapping his fingers.
"I got it! Roxas, I said we were going to travel together and that's what we're going to do. Lavaridge is only a few miles from here and Rapidash can get us there in no time. If anyone is going to have to watch over these pups while we're gone... I want it to be my aunt at the rescue center. They can give Ninetails and our pups all they need and more and won't have to worry about any predators. When we're done... we can go and pick them up."
"Ninetails!" The fox smiled at the sound of the idea.

He green eyes looked down at Roxas as he smiled. "We're going to need all the help we can get, Roxas... and I know having you with us is going to help us tons. You have to come... So...will you help me bring them to the center? We can catch up with the others in no time as well with Rapidash's speed and Skarmony's good eye.

[Reno]

Roxas frowned, not liking the idea of separating from his twins and friends... but most of all Axel. He felt scared for them knowing what was in store. Rough battles with rough and strong Pokemon... and members who had guns. Oh of that he was terrified of. To think... someone could die and never come back. A Pokemon... a person. It made his twist at the things he had yet to say, at the actions he had yet to take and the memories still left to be made...

But if they survived... than that would make the reunion all the sweeter. He was determined he could do it though all alone. Protect the pups with himself and his Pokemon. They could do it...

But then Axel was snapping his fingers and looking happy once more, a new idea on his lips as he invited him right back into death's arms. But this plan calmed him... some. He looked down at the pups. How could they move them though?

Absol listened to the plan as well, smiling a little. He'd do anything to get Ninetails and their new babies out of the danger zone. He nuzzled the fox.

Roxas looked up at Axel uncertain at first, but slowly his face changed into one of determination and he smiled. They'd stay together at least... and that made him calmer than anything else. Just like Absol and Ninetails were determined to protect their newborns... he was determined to protect Axel. "Alright, let's do it then."

[Rikugurl]

Axel nodded and smiled as he heard the agreement. They had to move quickly though if they wanted to get to the center and catch up with the others. However with Rapidash being the fastest land Pokemon, this might not be as impossible as it seemed.

He slowly reached out, pass Ninetails's tails and wrapped his hand around the red vulpix's stomach. As he pulled the pup from his mother, Ninetails watched him carefully but when she saw how much care he was using, she calmed down once more.

"Vu..." The pup cried as it was pulled from the food, it's mother's touch and her warmth.
Axel handled it with great care, seeing how beautiful it was now out in the sun, it's little eyes closed and ears pressed so close to it's head. He had never seen a pokemon so little and young.

"Rapidash!" He called, the horse coming over slowly as she looked down at the pup in her master's arms. "Raaaaa!" She neighed happily. "Let me see the pouches."
The horse nodded before turning, the pouches on her hide that he had put there for caring things coming close. The redhead reached up and took out some potions that he had kept there and gently placed the pup inside after announcing that it was a girl.

The next was the yellow Vulpix, also a girl and slightly bigger than her sister. He placed her inside the bag as well before grabbing the baby Absol. This one was a boy.
The scythe on his head was round, not even dangerous looking like his dad's. His little claws were still soft and his fur wet from his cleaning.

"Alright, there you are with your sisters."
He placed the Absol in, mushing him down between his sisters so they could hardly move in the tight space. He closed the bag but left it someone open but secure so they could breath with ease. He quickly started to pad the pouch with others, making sure it didn't flail about while riding but didn't hit hard onto the horse as well.

When all was said and done, he looked back and frowned as he saw Ninetails slowly get up... but fall back down. "Taails..." She whined, Absol concerned as he tried to help her.
"It's alright, Ninetails." He picked up her pokeball and smiled. "I'll call you back out when we get there."
She looked up at him, their eyes meeting before she gave him a smile. "Nine!"

With that, she was energized and so was the proud father.

"ARE FUCKING READY YET!?"
A voice cried over to them, making Axel turn his head and see a disgruntled blonde on the bike crossing his arms.
"YEP!"
He slowly and carefully got up onto Rapidash before rubbing her neck, her flames not hurting him a bit from trust. "Alright girl, Roxas is coming with us because his Absol needs to be with Ninetails... please let him ride on you, ok?"

The unicorn neighed before looking over at Roxas. She studied him but neighed again before nuzzling the blonde. If her friend Ninetails chose this boy's Absol as a mate, he couldn't be a bad trainer either!
"Alright!"
Axel cried happily before holding out his hand for Roxas to come up.

[Reno]

Absol watched Axel like a hawk as well, his eyes full of mistrust and protection but he didn't growl because Ninetails was not. She trusted this man of a trainer... even with their precious bundles. So for once he did the same.

Roxas sat down on his knees, watching as Axel worked with intense interest. The tall, lanky teen had always appeared to him a bit ungraceful and certainly awkward... but when he handled Pokemon he was as sure-footed and gracious as a gentleman. He bit his lip, wishing he knew more... wishing he could help more.

He smiled some as he heard the genders, not surprised at them. Vulpixs tended to be female... and Absols had an even likelihood to be either. But as he watched Axel just stuff them in the bag he clenched nervously at some tufts of grass, tearing out clumps of the green stuff. "Axel..." He said nervously.
The red-head looked at him, smiling and said, unbeknowst to him, the same words Aunt Sera had once told Axel himself to calm him from this fright.

He bit his lip but nodded, letting Axel do what he thought was best. But would they really make it? They were so small... so fragile...

Absol frowned as all his pups were taken but he sighed and got to his feet as did Ninetails. Or... she tried to. "Absol!" He whined in worry when she fell back down, walking over and nuzzling her flank, trying to help her get up.

He looked at Axel imploring as he called her back, whining some when he was pet by his owner. "Don't worry Absol, she's okay." Roxas reassured. "She's just tired from the birth. You'll see her soon."

Absol looked at his trainer and sighed but nodded, letting himself be energized as well. Roxas returned the dog wolf to his belt, getting to his feet, rolling his eyes and glaring irritably at his brother when he yelled. Did he just go to sleep at night trying to figure out ways to ruin EVERYTHING? Because it was seriously getting fucking annoying!

He held his temper though when something more interesting took his attention. Axel getting on the horse... and Rapidash inspecting him. He shifted nervously under the unicorn's gaze, wondering what happened if he failed to pass this test. Would she stamp him out of existence? He mentally shuddered at the idea of being crushed to death under her heavy hooves.

No wonder Leafeon and Terra freaked out so much.

Luckily he had little time to worry before she was neighing softly and... nuzzling him. Guess he was accepted. "Heh..." Roxas chuckled, raising a hand to run along the side of her face trying not to flinch at the closeness of the flames. When she moved away and Axel offered at his hand he swallowed some. "Err... okay..." He had to calm down. He knew from experience Pokemon knew the emotions you were feeling and would either mimic them... or reject them.

He took a steadying breath and took Axel's hand placing his other along the horse's back and with a hop and some tugging he was on the large horse behind Axel. "W-Whoa..." He looked around, noticing how tall he suddenly was, before wrapping his arms around Axel tightly. He hardly ever went riding because of course he had no Pokemon to ride. Arcanine was the only Pokemon's back he'd ever been on.

"Alright then!" Aqua said. "We're off." She looked back at Axel and Roxas, nodding to them. "We'll stay as close to main trails as well can so it'll be easier to find us. You'll be on Route 111, we're going down 110 towards Slateport."

"Good luck!" Sora chimed happily as he was returning Jolteon, Riku doing the same. "And congratulations!"
Terra just grumbled some, getting onto Flygon;s back. And then, without much more ado them that... they separated.

[Rikugurl]

The redhead couldn't help but blush as he felt those arms wrap around him. He shook it off when he heard the only girl talk and nodded. They could do this. He looked up, the sun bouncing off his glasses and he frowned a bit. It was almost the afternoon. They would need to hurry.

"Don't worry, we'll catch up! Right Rapidash!?"
"RAAAAAAA!" The horse did all she could not to get back on her hind legs in agreement but she knew that she was carrying precious cargo.
"Then Roxas, hold on REALLY tight and let's go!!"
The minute the words were out of his mouth, the unicorn dash pass the others.

Ven sighed as he started up his bike, hearing the engine roar and making bird pokemon fly off in fright. He kicked the kick stand and balanced on the bike before he shot down the path.