The Tale of Seven

[Reno]

The next morning was full of more than one surprise. Because they were unable to leave any Pokemon out in the small, confined space the fire went out quickly though by then no one was aware of it because they had all fallen asleep. Because of that it... many of the travelers had grown... closer together.

Sora was the first to awaken that morning, his face nuzzling against something warm. Something warm and... rumbly?
A soft groan was uttered as his pillow woke up and made him blink in confusion before he looked up, seeing he was sleeping on a stomach.
.... Riku's stomach.
"Eeee!" Yelped the brunette shooting up, the side of the black hood that the other had been allowing to use as a makeshift blanket sliding off his shoulders. He fell back into the wood off the camp fire, making a small racket.

His cry awoke others. Ven made an angry complaint as he was stirred, Roxas, who was spooning him, giving an identical one. Gethin seemed a little confused and Axel awoke, sounding rather cranky as always.

Thanks to all THIS noise, Terra slowly stirred, feeling warmth pressed again his body. "Mm..." He hummed softly, arms hugging the warmth closer to himself as his eyes opened.
He met another pair of blue eyes... framed by blue hair.
The two's eyes widened as they realized they were... cuddling.
"BLEGH!!!!" They cried in outrage breaking apart from one another hurriedly and scooting as far away from each other as the small space would allow.
"Pervert!" She growled.
"Harlot!" He snapped right back.
"EXCUSE ME?!"

The others were quick to jump in and stop the argument before it began. Hadn't they all learned their lesson yesterday?! It was shortly after this... they found out Axel was... quite naked.
Roxas raised an eyebrow at this, giving the other a disapproving stare. He was so disapproving... that they all made a new camp out in the trail and he grabbed his blanket and went into the forest to strip, the other men quick to join. Even Aqua went out there at one point having few restraints against being naked in front of the other men.
Sora was the only one who declined, only take off his jacket, shirt, shoes and socks and had one of his twins hang them on a branch. Ven didn't push the issue though... because he got to use the brunette's blanket. After that, the traveling Pokemon were quickly let out and checked over before they were allowed to do as they willed.

Arcanine laid on her side close to the fire happily while Rapidash stomped in it, liking the feeling off the sun on her fur and the flames licking at her belly.
Flygon stretched his wings by flying in circles above the campers, getting a feel for the wind. It was surprisingly calm now.

Sora shivered a little, looking up at the sky. At the other's question he shrugged. "Guess Flygon will be carrying two... and Arcanine could carry three?" He could of said Rapidash but being top heavy she risked injury with the more weight she carried and they couldn't risk it. Flygon was having enough of a challenge with just Terra, asking for him to carry two was going to be tough... but...
He looked towards the dog worriedly. Would... she be able to even handle that?
"Hmph, well I ain't carrying her that's all I have to say." Terra grumbled, tossing his head towards Aqua.
"Fuck you."
"Should of let Flygon drop you." He hissed. "I don't know how Ven can stand you, you're so fucking pissy."
"WELL I D-"
"Enough!" Roxas snapped, sounding irritated as he threw some mud at the two. It missed, but they did shut up.

Sora rolled his eyes then looked towards the blanketed man beside him, chuckling some. "Ri, why do you always hide your face?"

[Rikugurl]

Axel had to roll his eyes as he heard the two but smiled as he saw the mud flinging. LITERALLY!
He shook his head, glad they shut up as he wrapped his blanket around his waist as he stood. With a large stretch, everyone looked over to see how... indeed....thin he was.

Where the hell did he get those hips though!?

His yawned and scratched his chest as he looked over at the clothes, being almost dry from the panting ghost and the heat from the fire.
"Well... I think now that everyone got out there morning crank," He started before looking over at the fire pokemon, "I think we should probably think about continuing."

There was a groan through the camp but Axel placed his hands on his bare hips. "HEY! I don't think Team Rocket is waiting to torture our Pokemon... we can't waste time."
He was right though... and slowly but surely, everyone started to dress again.

Gethin slowly looked at Sora, his silver hair falling from his shoulders and shining in the light of the sun. "Has to do with that long story of mine." He said lightheartedly before getting up and helping Sora.

The group got ready, pulling all their wet belongings and such onto their Pokemon and slowly headed for the cliff that was once three trainer's doom.
Metagross pushed down a large tree, making some Stars angry and started pecking him... but being a steel type, it didn't bother him much as he carefully rolled it down the hill and over the gap for a type of crossing.

Axel crossed it first, leading a very scared horse across it with a very scared blonde atop her.
Next was Sora who was dragging the two who almost met their doom across.., Gethin helping with it being the last to cross. Arcanine skillfully jumped over as Flygon and Terra met them on the other side.

Metagross pushed himself into the air and spin across, landing heavily before his master called him back.

"Alright. Someone has to go with Terra and someone has to go with---"
"I'm with you guys." Ventus cut the silverette off, being the first thing he had said this morning as he walked over to Arcanine.

[Reno]

Roxas sighed but he turned his head when he noticed Axel getting up. His eyes were drawn to him because of that damn red hair. every time the other moved, it drew his attention. This time though he was getting... a very nice view of the red-head. He WAS painfully thin, there was no doubt about that but somehow he couldn't look that as a flaw, because it showed of those hips so well. It was kind of... sexy...

Roxas' eyes widened at his thoughts and looked away, cheeks dark red. What was he thinking?!

Aqua and Terra glanced over at Axel as well and both of them groaned simultaneously at his announcement. At his words though the two quickly grew seriously and the blue-haired woman was the first to go skipping for the forest, promising death at any peeping toms.

Sora chuckled, but looked back at the other as he spoke, answering his question. He pouted suddenly, the look adorably youthful as he whined, "Ahhhh~ but I like your face!" He smiled however, taking the other's help happily. "You've got a nice smile." He could bet anything the other was right now and it made him sad to realize he was missing it.

After everyone had gotten dressed once more, they trekked back towards the area where they had stopped at, everyone looking uneasily at the steep hill. Sora watched with worry as Metagross got attacked by the Starlys and even after Riku reassured him that the steel type was just fine he still looked upset, He was glad that his Staraptor had never been that bad tempered.

Lots of the land had given way under the mudslide, leaving the path rough and new, so climbing down to the canyon was surprisingly easy. After that they began to cross the gap. Terra and Flygon soared over easily, the brunette refusing to look down. Axel walked carefully, holding onto the reins tightly while Roxas sat atop the horse hiding his eyes behind his hands to resist the temptation to look down and grow even further panicked. Then Sora, determined and confidant, led Ven and Aqua across, all three holding hands for support. Gethin followed close behind them, his presence also a reassurance. Finally came Arcanine who artfully jumped and Metagross who did his neat spinning trick, and everyone was across. They left the trunk where it was, figuring other travelers would come down this route eventually and would need the tree.

They all turned to face each other, knowing they had to make a decision. But no one expected what Ven had said.

Least of all... Terra. His blue eyes darkened, flashing with pain. He thought... Ven liked flying with him.
"Okay!" Sora smiled, thrilled by this idea... that was until he caught Terra's burning gaze aimed right at him. He swallowed, shrugging helplessly to the other brunette. He couldn't MAKE Ven change his mind. It reminded him of something...

Terra walked out of the arena of his fourth battle proudly but his eyes seemed far away.
"Congrats Terra!" Sora was the first to chirp, bouncing on his heels in front of the other. The tall man didn't respond. "Terra...? Yo hoo earth to Terra?"
"Maybe he finally went brain dead." Roxas laughed.
Sora rolled his eyes and he reached up waving his hand in front of the other's eyes. Terra jerked and blinked a little. "Huh...? Oh s-sorry."
"What was that about?" Sora questioned.
"I was just... thinking about something."
"Or someONE." Axel broke in, grinning. "What did you guys do?"
The brunette blushed. "We... went flying."
"Flying?" The blonde of the group quirked an eyebrow.
"On my Flygon." Terra clarified, smiling. "It was amazing."
"Wow!" Sora said excitably, "I bet! Flying sounds like fun."
"Tch, are you fucking kidding? The FLYING was terrifying. I fucking HATE heights." The brunette scowled in disgust, but the expression quickly lightened. "But she was amazing. I don't think I ever made her happier."
Axel smiled, "You really like her."
Terra looked away... but he couldn't hide the happy smile that was on his face. "Yeah... Yeah I really do."

Sora's eyes turned sorrowful, his heart going out to the hurting brunette. Terra had not just 'liked' Venita. He had loved her... AND him. It didn't seem to matter that the girl turned into a guy. the feelings were still there... and unfortunately love wasn't like anger or sadness. It wasn't going to go away.

He looked at Ven just as Terra turned his black gaze to the ground. He wasn't going to make him change his mind or anything, he would let Ven choose his own paths with his relationships.
But there WAS something that was bothering him about the two former Rockets and Terra that he had noticed last night... and still this morning. Something that probably was also fueling Terra's recently very easily tipped anger.

He placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and lent down, whispering softly. "Did you ever say 'Thank you' to them?"

[Rikugurl]

Ventus didn't see the look on Terra's face as he walked over to the large dog and made sure the things he got in town were safe. It was unfortunate that Aqua didn't keep her things with the dog as well. Now her stuff was at the bottom of that canyon.

He frowned as he looked up at her, kind of feeling the awkward air. It wasn't that he didn't want to fly on Flygon. He LOVED flying. It was that...that ASSHOLE and his fucking comment yesterday. Like he actually fucking enjoyed dressing up like a girl and crushing men's hearts. That he fucking LIKED prancing around in a swimsuit in front of a bunch of guys.
That he fucking LIKED BEING CALLED VENITA!

UGH!

He growled as he reached up to climb onto the dog when he felt Sora's hand on his shoulder... and then the whisper.
"What!? I'm not fucking---" He cut himself off though as his angry blue eyes looked down.
It wasn't like he ASKED to be saved.......... HOW COULD HE SAY THAT!? He shook his head, frowning more.
'Hey, thanks for saving me asshole!'
That wouldn't help the situation either...

The blue eyes closed before Ven pushed away from the dog, his eyes opening to become the bright, shiny blue they truly were.

He turned and slowly walked over to the muscular brunette and stopped right in front of him.
If this was going to stop...he might as well stop it himself.
"Look... I'm sorry.... that I didn't thank you...for what you did yesterday because... for some reason... I felt like you owed me for that comment yesterday. But... I was wrong. You DO have the right to be pissed off at me and you DIDN'T have to save me or Aqua from doing what we did to you."

The group grew quiet as their attention was draw to the two.

"But... I do need to tell you something... and it's up to you if you want to listen to me or not... I'm not going to make you. I wished I did tell you the day we bumped into each other at the Cute contest that I was a Rocket in disguise and to get fucking lost... but I didn't... and I figured if I just played it out, things would go smoothly. I wasn't expecting for you to grow such deep feelings for me---I mean, Venita... and I wasn't expecting to grow... the same feelings for you..." He said softly before looking down.

Axel blinked and rose an eyebrow at the last comment.

"I really am sorry, Terra... I didn't mean for all that to happen... and I'm sorry you got into the middle of all this. You really are a great guy... fun to be around and... you made me....really happy. I wasn't acting all those blushes and... feelings Terra... I wasn't... but I still am really sorry for what I did... and...I'd appreciate it if you'd stop pushing it into my face. Again... I really didn't mean for any of this to happen...and I'd never want to do it again... and never will. I appreciate everything you'd done for me..." He slowly looked back into the other's eyes, their shining increasing from water build up. "And I'd do the same for you."

[Reno]

Sora rose an eyebrow as Ven started to shout back and then just trailed off, his eyes darkening, a pondering look overtaking his expression. The brunette smiled a little, watching the change go through his brother as he mulled over what he had said... and then came to a decision. He turned around watching his brother walk back over to the tall teen.

Terra continued to glare at the dirt until it was suddenly underneath a pair of large shoes. He slowly rose his head, his angry eyes meeting Ven's expecting the other to get all smart-assy like with him although he wasn't quite sure WHAT he had done this time. However, his expression faltered at his expression seeing the same blue eyes he hadn't been graced with since this all happened... and then fell completely as the other started to speak, his tone sincere... his voice kinder to him than it had been in what seemed like ages.

He didn't even take notice to the audience they had, his knees weakening as he felt himself... melt. He was so preoccupied with staring at the blonde he had to struggle hard to actually LISTEN to him.
"and I wasn't expecting to grow... the same feelings for you..."
His eyes widened. W-What? Ven still...?

He bit his tongue listening to the other as he finished and those watery eyes were looking up at him. Terra swallowed hard before he bowed his head some, his eyes hiding behind his bangs. What was he supposed to say to all that? "V-Ven I-" He started, but he was cut off... when suddenly a green tail came up and curled around them both, bringing them closer together.

He blinked in surprise, looking down at Ven before he looked over his shoulder, "Flygon...?" He wanted them to... be together?
The dragon smiled... at both of them. "Fly, flygon!"
He blinked before looking back at the blonde who was so close they were almost against each other. He blushed faintly, and reached up, rubbing away a tear that had fallen down the other's cheek. "Ven I..." He sighed but shut his eyes, ordering his thoughts.

He opened his eyes, looking down at the other. "I know your trying... to make things better. And I'm sorry... I'm not making it any easier or better." He sighed softly. "When you and Aqua nearly died yesterday... all I could think about... was how stupid I'd been. How I wasted all that time being mad at you... when I should of been getting to know you. The REAL you."

He looked down thinking. "Maybe the reason I keep shoving her in your face is because... I liked that side of you... not the fact that you were a girl - I mean fuck no some of the girly stuff was really fucking annoying now that I think about it. But... I liked it when you were nice to me. That you WANTED to spend time with me..." He hesitated then looked up at the other. "But I don't think I loved you more... than the day we went flying... and when you battled that Aerodactyl with Flygon. You were so... happy and free and confidant in yourself. You were... you."

There was a pause then he smiled hesitantly, obviously unsure of how to go about this. "So... maybe we should stop wasting time. Sora was right... that all this anger isn't getting us anywhere. All we're doing is spending time being jackasses... when we could be friends..." He looked away, blushing some, softly adding. "Or more..."

[Rikugurl]

The rest of the group watched the two silently. Gethin shifted a bit while Axel crossed his arms, a huge smile on his face. However, he heard gagging next to him and looked down, seeing Aqua shove a finger down her throat.
He frowned and elbowed her before laughing softly. "Hey, I'm sure there's someone out there that you'd want to say this to as well~~"

Oddly enough... that made her stop and look away.
Axel frowned again, not meaning to make her sad. "H-hey... when we get our Pokemon back... we can go find that person again for you...and you can tell them how you really feel."


The blonde swallowed as he felt a familiar tail around him and he was scooted closer to Terra.

Ventus looked down, his cheeks becoming rosy as he felt that strong hand on his cheek, wiping away the tears.
He slowly looked back up though as Terra continued to talk, biting his lip a little until it turned into a smile that he wasn't even aware about.

With a nod, he agreed and slowly moved his one hand over until their fingers intertwined softly.
"Yea..." His smiled grew as he nodded. "C-can I...ride with you and Flygon...?"

[Reno]

Sora was watching with a brilliant smile as well, his eyes shining happily for his twin. He was so glad he had found... someone he really cared about. It wasn't that his brother was anti-social or anything, not that was Roxas. No, Ventus was approachable enough at the start but... he still had a hard time keeping those friends. Not a lot of people could handle his outbursts and his short temper and his almost ruthless insults.

But Terra and he... they'd make a good couple. He glanced from the corner of his eye at the hooded man next to him, wishing for the zillionth time that he could see his face... and gauge his expression.

Roxas was still on Rapidash, but he was also watching with quiet interest as the two acted like they were the only people in the whole universe. He rolled his eyes, finding it all very sappy... but he was secretly happy for Ven as well. Terra's strength would be good for him.

Aqua rolled her eyes at it all, mock gagging at the two. God, now she was going to have to put up with lovey-dovey Ven for the rest of her fucking life! She froze at Axel's words though, and then looked away, her eyes dark with sadness as she thought of a certain silverette with red eyes smiling at her... before she knew everything. She looked at Axel, her eyes only turning darker at his words. "I doubt it," She spoke quietly so only he could hear. "After what I did, she'll never want to see my face again. Doesn't matter though, they all stop caring... eventually."


Terra blinked as he saw that smile come back to the other's face... and slowly he returned it as those fingers found his. He felt his heart skip a beat at the other's question and he nodded. "Of course."

"Fly!" Cried the dragon happily, seeming to enjoy this idea.

His eyes lit up as a great idea came to him. "In fact," He reaching out with his other hand, grabbing onto the leather reins, and held them out towards Ven. "Why don't you lead?"

[Rikugurl]

Axel frowned even more as he heard her but smiled softly a moment later. "Don't say that Aqua... Whoever this girl is... whenever you might of met her... she saw something in you, I'm sure. And if she knows what happened... you can do what Ven did. If you give up on her so easily... why would she give you a second thought? If someone means a lot to you... make sure you let them know it... before you lose your chance forever."

He reached out and rubbed her back for a moment before pulling away. "And if you ever need help... I'm always here for you."


Ven blinked as he was handed the reins and looked down at them for a moment. He had a blank expression on his face before a large smile ran over it as he grabbed the leather tightly and nodded.
He pulled away and skillfully and....naturally jumped onto the dragon's back.
"Alright! Let's go for it, Flygon!" He cried happily as he got comfortable.

"Heh..." Came a soft laugh from the hooded figure before he turned and climbed up onto Arcanine, getting comfortable as well before reaching his hand down for Sora.

[Reno]

Aqua frowned some hearing Axel's words. It wasn't that simple... it couldn't possibly be. however when the other rubbed her back she smiled faintly, little behind it. "Thanks Axel you're nice... for a fire freak." She joked.

Flygon's tail swung happily as the other jumped onto him, no lack of grace in his actions. "Gon!!" Cried the other in agreement, glad the other was behind his reins.

Terra smiled at the two, shaking his head. That was more like it! "Hey, hey don't forget about me!" He teased some as his dragon's wings started to beat.
"Fl-i-i-i!" Laughed the dragon but calmed himself so Terra could get on as well.

Sora watched Gethin, smiling happily at the other's light laugh, liking the sound of it. "You need to laugh more too." He teased as he took to help up. He looked over towards the red and blue haired teens. "Come on Aqua you can come with us!" He said cheerfully.
The blue-haired woman glanced over then grumbled under her breath. "I wonder if theirs a mental institution for people who are too happy?"

With a snap of reins and a kick in of feet, three Pokemon, with seven trainers, quickly burst into action, dust rising in a large cloud behind them. One could almost hear the announcer at the races yelling 'And there they go!!'


Luckily, it was smooth going for all three parties, though tough. They had to take more breaks for both Flygon and Arcanine, both Pokemon finding the extra weight quite a challenge. Even still they managed to cover more ground than either day before hand - neither being hindered by Beedrill or bothered by rain.

So by the time they had stopped, they were not in a forest, but an open meadow, giving everyone lots of room to stretch and enjoy, including the Pokemon. That included six Eeveelutions all playing together in the fading sunlight, happy foxy laughs resounding as they tackled one another and bit at ears and tails and chased each other. A seventh, the yellow one, just watched from a distance, laying down and looking rather sad unwilling to play due to his newer spiky mane. So concentrated on his siblings was he, he could not seeing the dark purple ghost that was sneaking up on him.

Not far from them, basking in the warmth of the sunlight were two cats, one large one small, dozing away - Luxray and Glameow - with one very curious orange mouse watching with a grin. Rapidash was still out and about, nibbling on the long grass that grew in the field.

Roxas was cooking this night, humming a song softly. On his shoulder, mimicking his song through chirps happily, was Chatot. "Chaaa! Tot chaa!" Sang the bird happily, hopping from the blonde's shoulder to the top of his head, his weight hardly noticeable as he twittered.
Axel was close by as well, keeping the fire going when it needed to be with the help of Typhlosion, the volcano Pokemon seeming calm for once.

Sora wasn't too far away, his hands carefully rubbing and massaging one of Arcanine's legs with care - not because she was hurt or anything, but because he wanted to make sure her muscles wouldn't be stiff or sore after all the strain she had had today. Gethin was sitting nearby for a reason no one had understood until the small brunette had asked for help up so he could head to the pond, and the hooded man was there in a flash.
In Sora's lap slept a sleek white and tan weasel, his elongated claws carefully pressed close so as not to hurt the distracted teen.
In Riku's lap was a large viper of a snake that the brunette was desperately trying to ignore. It would make this weird... purring noise each time the silverette pet it.

Aqua was by the pond they had settled close to, watching Milotic and Buizel swim around, her bare feet soaking in the water. Her eyes were dark and her expression sad as she watched her reflection fading with the last lights of the sun.

On the other side, laying on a large but almost completely bare shell of an ankylosaurs, were Terra and Ven both smiling as they tried to spot the first star of the night. "Firefly." Terra said as Ven pointed up, laughing as the blonde's 'first star' started to fly away.

Close by them were three more Pokemon. One was on Torterra's left - the insect dragon already fast asleep after the long day. The other, on the right, was farther away from them, a beautiful brown wolf happily resting in the last vestiges of sun. In front of them was a fluffy Mareep happily baaing away as he frolicked in the grass.

Yes all was calm... until the devious mouse made his move.
"Rai!!" Came the challenging cry.
Two sleepy cats eyes slowly opened and their heads rose, turning towards the sound of the voice. Their gazes locked onto the the orange rodent hardly ten feet away.
Raichu grinned before turning his backside to them, shaking his butt and tail. "Rai Raaai chu chuuu~" He taunted, as if saying 'You caaan't catch meeee~' And then he ran off.
That was all it took. Luxray was on his feet with a furious roar, and Glameow started to hiss as she stood as well before both of them took chase.

"Alright see you'll be one-hundred percent in no time." Sora said happily, rubbing at Arcanine's shoulder. That was when he heard it, a cry from his mouse friend.
"Raichu...?" He looked over in worry... but it was quickly dissolved to one of disapproval.
Arcanine also looked up curiously when her trainer stopped before she rolled her eyes at the scene and laid her head back down. He or Luxray always had to start something, didn't they? She'd have to give them a good talking to.

The mouse was speeding happily, across the grass laughing as he easily outdistanced the two cats. However his smile fell as he looked forward and noticed... he was running straight for the Eevee group. "CHUUUU!" He cried. The six looked up before they all gave various cries, splitting in all directions as the mouse charged through, followed by the heavy lion and spitting cat.
"Rai!" Cried the mouse again.
Jolteon rose his head, eyes widened as he saw his old friend... heading right for him! "Jol!" Cried the fox before he jumped backwards going THROUGH something purple just as the three went by. He blinked then his ears fell, whining apologetically to Haunter thinking he must of hurt him doing that.

"Raichu cut it out!" Sora called but the mouse ignored him, laughing as he reached the campfire and ran around it, the two cats close behind. They bumped into Axel and Typhlosion both, making them both topple over and wood spilled everywhere. Luckily they didn't fall into the camp fire... or the dinner.
Roxas yelped as he leaned closer to the fire until he was nearly in it as the passed right behind him, Chatot flapping nervously on his head. "Hey guys, stop it!" The blonde snapped.
"Stop it! Stop it!" Chatot repeated.

Raichu broke from the circle and ran full force towards his master.
Sora's eyes widened. "Rai-" He started when the mouse JUMPED art him, landed on his head and bouncing from it as if his spikes were springs, and made it over Arcanine, landing on the grass and continuing on. The brunette blinked, baffled as he looked over his shoulder, watching the mouse. "...Chu?"
"RAAAY!" Came a furious roar. Sora looked forward again in panic. "Lux-AHHH!" He cried, seeing the large lion ALSO running for him. The brunette ducked this time, his body, hunching over and curling around the little weasel in his lap. He had nothing to worry about as Luxray also artfully jumped over both him and Arcanine. Before Sora had time to move though, he felt little paws landing his back, claws digging in a little before the pressure was gone. He slowly raised himself, looking backwards and sighed agitatedly. "There they go."
"Noone..." The weasel agreed.

Raichu laughed, dodging under Mareep, making the little sheep squeal in surprise. The two cats split, running past the creature, in their chase. The mouse glanced back, huffing in annoyance before putting on an extra burst of speed. He ran towards Torterra, and with a might leap jumped over Flygon and landed on the shell. His little feet worked hard as he struggled with his balance.

Terra and Ven, who had sat up at the beginning of the commotion, drew their legs in quickly as the rat rushed right in front of them and jumped back down, passing right in front of Mightyena's nose, barely stirring her.

Luxray came next, also getting onto the shell, but found it much harder than it had been for Raichu, claws scratching as he started to slip off. Because of this, Glameow passed the lion gracefully hopping past the two men and jumping down, also passing in front of the wolf. Blue eyes opened a little.

"Tooor..." Complained the large tortoise-like Pokemon as he heard more scratching. "Luuuu..." Luxray gave a growl and sloppily ran across, jumping from the shell unbalance...
and he crashed right on top of Mightyena. "Ray!" Cried the lion.
"MI!" Howled the wolf in fury and pain. She shot to her feet, the other Pokemon tumbling off of her.
Everyone paused, looking at the two silently nervous. Even Raichu and Glameow both slid to a stop and looked back curiously.

The wolf snarled down at the electric type threateningly. Luxray growled right back, getting to his feet to show off his superior height, fur sparking a little. The wolf's expression fell some, her ears falling back, before she suddenly smiled, eyes lowering as she became more seductive. "Miii~" She growled softly.
Luxray blinked in confusion. What was she doing?
She smiled, rubbing up against him much like a cat, "Yeee~na."
"R-Raay~" Swooned the lion, a goofy, love-struck smile appearing at her attentions.
She flicked her tail teasingly under his nose, eyelids fluttering... before she lowered her head and with a powerful swing she caught Luxray right in the stomach.
"LUUUX!" Cried the large cat in surprise being flung up before he toppled into the grass. He shook his head, whining heartbrokenly up at the wolf. "Ray?"
She just huffed at him and walked off, holding her nose to the air. "Might!"

"Gla-ah-ah-ah!" Laughed the cat, completely forgetting what she had been hearing until -
"Chu-chu-chu." Came a second laugh. Her eyes turned, catching sight of the mouse.
Her ears flipped back and she hissed, drawing Raichu's notice just as she charged for him. "MEOW!!"
"Rai!" Cried the mouse before wheeling around and running as fast as he could.

[Rikugurl]

Ven smiled as he wrap moved closer to Flygon's neck, giving Terra all the space he needed to jump on as well.

Axel could only blink, looking over at Sora before down at Aqua again, not being able to stop laughing at her comment. "I....have to agree with you there!" Especially in the morning!
He turned as Aqua walked to the large dog, easily getting onto his horse behind Roxas...seeing that he would steer her today. He figured that he would have to get use to her if they were going to travel together.

She was an emergency ride.

Once everyone was all set to go, they were off... and only stopped when water and food was need.


They traveled rather far, passing few trainers and bridges.
Axel and Roxas stopped at the Berry Master's house to pick up a few berries that the man was giving out for the day but continued on and caught up with the rest thanks once again to Skarmony.

They stopped and decided to make camp right by the entrance of Route 122. Tomorrow would be water pokemon's time to shine for a few hours as they crossed the waters of Mt. Pyre then back on foot for Route 121.


A the night slowly few down on them, the redhead gave a soft sigh of peace next to Roxas, smiling as he watched the bird jump back and forth happily. Chatot really seemed to have a liking to Roxas... which really...made him happy. He had to elbow his own Pokemon quite a few times for him to stop eying the bird, licking his lips.
"That's Aunt Sera's Pokemon... don't look at him like that."
After that bit on information, the Typhlosion didn't do it again as he helped keep the fire healthy.

"Seeeee~~~ Viper~~~~~ Seeeeeeee~~~~~Viiiiipeeeeeeeer~~" A large black snake hissed happily as he closed his eyes and leaned into his master's touch as his tail wagged slightly. He always liked the feeling of those weird gloves his master wore on his skin. His eyes slit open every once in awhile to look over at Sora was was trying to avoid any eye contact with him.
Unfortunately, many humans didn't like him... but as long as his master did, that was all that mattered.

"Mareeeeep!" The sheep cried happily as he frolicked around the slightly tall grass, his little blue feet kicking up behind him. He bounced around the feeding unicorn, baaing happily to make the fire pokemon look up. She smiled down at the happy sheep and neighed in hello before playfully pushing him away with her snout.

"Spiii...?" The panda like rabbit sitting on his master's belly blinked as suddenly the blonde pointed his finger up to the sky. "There! Found it first!" He grinned before blinking at Terra's comment. "It is no---" He cut himself off though when he saw the star....fly away.
"Spinda!" The bear clapped happily in amusement before his ears twitched as he heard something in the background.

That was when Ven blinked and quickly sat up, bring the bear close so he didn't tumble off the turtle.
Everyone watched as they saw trouble start...

"Va, va, va! PORE....................OOOOOOON!!" The mermaid fox cried after jumping his leafy one as he saw a mouse and two cats heading right for them. He scrambled off his brother as fast as he could before the group roomed right by them. He growled as he watched them. "Vaporeon!"

Espeon just moved out of the way swiftly before shaking her head.

The ghost blinked as he saw the three and flailed a bit...before feeling something ticklish. He laughed but it was cut short as he saw the yellow fox whine in apologizes. "Haunter?" He blinked before smiling even wider, quickly floating THROUGH the fox a few times to show him that it was ok.
"Hau hau hau!!" He laughed happily before clapping at how ticklish it felt.

The hooded man looked up as he heard feet racing for them, making the snake look up as well. "SEEEEEEE!!" His fangs retracted as he was ready to attack. The man saw a HUGE problem. He had to stop his Pokemon before he ATE all three AND push Sora out the the way before it was too late. Unfortunately, having a HUGE pokemon to stop was going to take up most his time. "Seviper! NO!" He cried as we wrapped his arms around the snake, pulling him back as.... the other pokemon jumped on and over the brunette.

The snake jerked in anger, making the hood fall from his master's head before he hissed angrily.
The aquatic eyes looked over at the brunette, worry in his face. "Are you alright?"

"Maaaaaaaaareep! MaaaaaaarEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPREEPREEP!" The sheep baaed in panic as he felt something go under him and looked around, seeing the mouse shoot off. When he looked back, his eyes widened as he saw the huge lion heading RIGHT FOR HIM!
"MAAAAAAAA!!" He baaed as he rushed and hid under Rapidash's legs, his little feet covering his face as the horse stood her ground protectively, giving a disproving huff.

"WHOA!" Ven cried as he pulled up his feet and held Spinda even closer. The bear seemed quite use to being squeezed from 'Venita' so he didn't complain as the three rushed off.... or at least tried too.
Ven couldn't help but burst into laughter as the lion fell onto the wolf but blinked as he saw the scene. He couldn't help but grin evilly as he looked up at Terra. "Your Mightyena is a w----wonderful Pokemon!" He realized what he was saying before smiling nervously. "Heh...heh....?"

As the three continued their chase, they headed for another Pokemon basking in what was left of the sunshine. A meditating Hariyama. He heard a cry of a mouse before his eyes snapped open...and then went wide. "YAMA!!" Seeing that he was sitting down and RELAXING, he couldn't stand... so...a sudden puff of smoke appeared and cleared from the chase, making the little stuffed animal bounce around and squeak.

Everyone continued to watch the three race around and cause trouble before the ghost, who was finally done laughing, blinked and quickly floated after them.
The mouse came to an abrupt end... as so did the lion and cat as three strong arms grabbed them and held them tightly.
"GROOOOOSS!" The steel pokemon frowned as he laid on his stomach and looked up at the three in annoyance.

That was when Haunter floated by... and started to make funny faces at the three before suddenly singing. "Haunter, haunter haun haun, haunter, haunter, haunter; Haunter haunter haun haun, haunter, haunter, haunter~" He swayed a bit, singing in the melody of Hush, little baby before tapping them all on the forehead...even Metagross before all three slowly fell asleep.

[Reno]

Luxray looked up as the chase continued, and he jumped up running after.

Jolteon blinked as Haunter went through him a few more times and started laughing. He smiled suddenly - it didn't hurt him? "Jolt!!"

Sora blinked at the question looking over at Riku. His cheeks darkened, seeing Riku's face in... the light of the sun for the first time. He was so distracted by looking at him he hardly noticed the hissing snake. He gave a goofy grin. "Yeah I'm great~"

However a yell from Hariyama drew his attention again and he looked away from the silverette just in time to see the Pokemon's substitue get trampled on all over.

Terra was looking down at Mightyena too, sighing some. She had done the same thing to Houndoom when he had tried to... advance their relationship. She was a hell of a ball buster.
He looked up however at Ven's comment looking at him suspiciously before elbowing him. "Nice save." He said sarcastically, before a glint caught his eye. He pointed up. "By the way, first star."

Aqua glanced back curiously as she heard the noise, raising an eyebrow. Never could have a quiet night, could they?

Raichu squeaked as he nearly ran into a large steel Pokemon, Glameow and Luxray stopped as well just in time for all of them to get snatched up by large hands.
They all squirmed. "Lux ray ray luxray!" Luxray argued with Raichu.
"Chuuu! Raichu Rai!" Yelled the mouse right back.
"Glllla!!!" Screeched the cat.

However they paused in their fight... the minute haunter came over and started to make faces. They looked at him curiously. but as his song started their eyes drifted. It wasn't long before the three troublemakers were fast asleep.

Sora and Roxas both sighed, grabbing the Pokeballs. "Return." The two said. Three beams of light swept over the field, catching their sleeping Pokemon. Sora frowned, looking down at Raichu and Luxray's Pokeballs, as if he was trying to figure out how that had happened.
Roxas huffed angrily, glaring towards his brother. "The hell was that?"
"Errrm... friendly competition?" Sora input, grinning.
"Friendly competition my ass! If you're damn rat does that again-" Roxas started but them paused... and slowly looked at the man next to Sora. He blinked, not recognizing him at all. But the black clothes and the Seviper in his lap made it pretty clear who he was. "....Gethin?"

[Rikugurl]

Ven blushed some as he looked away... but at the next notion, he blinked and looked up. "FUCK!" He growled and slammed his fist into the ground below...or...the Pokemon below. He heard a compliant and blinked. "O-oh...Sorry, Torterra...I MEAN....Terra 2~~~" He teased before sighing and laying back down, watching the star twinkle down at them.

The ghost smiled as he felt energy lick at him, looking around to see the three disappearing and the steel one as well close behind.
"Hau hau!" He clapped before slowly floating back to Jolteon.

Axel couldn't help but chuckle as he watched them fall asleep, seeing the rest of the startled and angry pokemon relax.
He poked the fire some more, the volcano pokemon just rolling his eyes and crossing his arms. "Ty."

"Seeeeeeeeeee...." The snake called as well as he relaxed his large head on Riku's knee before closing his eyes. However, when the silverette heard his name, he slowly looked over to meet his eyes with Roxas.

His hood had fallen off.
"Y-yes?" He stuttered as he saw a narrow pair of green eyes looking at him as well.

[Reno]

Terra chuckled some at Ven's overreaction, finding it rather amusing.
Torterra's eyes opened as he felt a knock on his shell. It didn't hurt but it was loud. "Tooor..." He grumbled but at the apology he smiled and settled back down.
Terra chuckled, before laying down beside the blonde. "It's nice to see you acting like yourself." He said softly but honestly.

Jolteon smiled at the ghost. "Eon!" He chirped, glad the other was able to end the fight non-violently. His friends were always causing trouble!

Sora blinked and did a double-take, looking at Riku in complete surprise. He was... nervous?
It was kind of... cute. But then why had he been so comfortable with him?

Roxas blinked, confused. He recognized the voice though, telling him it was indeed Gethin. "Er... nothing it's just odd seeing you..." He looked away slowly blinked.
Holy fuck... Gethin was... really attractive!! What the hell?! Roxas felt a blush heat his cheeks.

Sora glanced towards his brother, seeing the red cheeks.
......
WAIT A SECOND!! What in the name of all that is Pokemon is going on here?!
His eyes widened as he looked frantically between the two. Nervousness, blushing...
There was NO way...
Roxas liked AXEL, even if he hadn't figured that out for himself, and and!!!

"You ain't bad looking under there Mr. Mystery." Aqua commented as she walked back over, her bare feet padding across the grass.

Sora looked at Aqua, aghast. Oh this was JUST NOT FAIR!

[Rikugurl]

Ven slowly blinked as he heard the other and slowly shifted to look at him. He rose an eyebrow as his eyes caught something in the distance... something silver and long... but it was gone in a flash.

He shook his head and slowly looked back up at the sky with a sigh, seeing more and more stars appear.
"Do you.....miss her....?"


The silvertte blinked as he heard Aqua and before anyone else could say anything, his hood was back over his head, covering his face and all.
The snake too blinked and looked around, seeing all these people leaning in closer.
PERSONAL SPACE, PEOPLE!

Axel blinked as well, glancing at Roxas and saw the blush...
His eyes widened as his mouth gaped. He.....WAIT! HOLD ON A SECOND!" His eyes narrowed as he glared at the hidden man now and frowned, feeling his heart race. Typhlosion could feel his master's rage and growled as well, the flames around his neck lighting up. "Ty!"

[Reno]

Terra blinked at the question, humming curiously. "Not really..." He said softly. "I mean... technically she's not gone anyways so how can I?" He glanced at Ven chuckling. "It was just you with more restrictions. Every time you paused and thought about something I bet you were thinking 'Can I say this or do this or is it too manly?' right?"


Sora looked around, seeing Axel's sudden anger and flailed. "ALRIGHT!" Everyone jumped, even a couple of Pokemon. "Leave Ri alone right now, or I'll have Raichu shock you all! Shoo, shoo!" He waved his hands in a 'Get' motion.

Aqua laughed. "Jeez Sora why don't you tell us how you REALLY feel." She cackled evilly at his blush but did walk off, sitting down at another side near the fire, getting back on her socks and shoes.

Roxas blinked out of it, glancing at his brother confused. "Why do you call him Ri?"
"It's short for Riku." Sora said simply, not even thinking about it.
"...Riku...?" Roxas asked slowly, as if this confused him. Then he rolled his eyes. "Sora!!"
"What?!"
"Did you give him a new name JUST so he could have a nickname? Jeez, jealous much?"
"No I did no - wait what do you mean, jealous?" The brunette looked confused.
Roxas rolled his eyes, pointing one by one. "Aqua. Terra. Ventus. Water, Land and Wind." He looked at the two, pointed at his brother, than at 'Riku'. "Sora and Riku. Sky and Land. I mean jeez Sora, that's just pathetic."
"Wha?!" The brunette spluttered and pointed right back at Roxas. "Well you... you... X!!!"
The blonde blinked slowly. "...X? what kind of insult is that?! Sora I know you suck at comebacks but jeez that was just terrible."
The brunette blushed. "No... I mean you... and Axel have X's in your names. I mean of all the letters... that's one of the rarest."

Roxas stared then slowly looked towards Axel and smiled stunningly, obviously not understanding Sora was trying to insult him anymore. "Hey I didn't even realize that..."
"Hey! Hey!" Chatot said, pecking Roxas on the head.
"Huh?" Roxas blinked, then looked away, realizing... the food was bubbling. "Oh! Dinner's ready!"
"Dinner! Dinner!" Repeated the parrot.