The Tale of Seven

[Rikugurl]

Axel's eyes widened as he heard Roxas's call... but a soft smile ran over his face as his green eyes looked down at the blonde. The gaze lasted for a moment before---
"NIIINE!" The fox jumped onto the bars that were in front of them, trying to balance herself.
"Ninetails!" Axel cried before scooping her up and sitting once more, holding her close. "What are you doing!?"

The shark growled more as she heard the dog up above. "SHAR! PEDO!" With more energy, she slammed into the ice more, her strength weakening after every blow.
"Don't tell me what to do! She'll get out of there!" The blue haired trainer snapped.

Little did he know though, her desperation was making her hit the side of her body against the ice when her head started to hurt. Even if she had rough skin, the ice was snagging at it and cutting her slightly.
The small yips and whines above she ignored. Her master would be disappointed in her if she couldn't get out there by herself...

With the yips and whines of the white dog, another white dog suddenly jumped from her master's arms and over the bars. "NINETAILS!" Axel shot up and tried to grab one of her tails... but she had already jumped down into the bleachers below, heading for the arena.

"TAAAAAAAILS!" She cried as she swiftly ran through the people below and jumped off that as well, heading right for Roxas... and passed him. "NIINE!" She jumped into the arena and slid a bit from the ice but quickly raced to the crack that the Sharpedo was stuck in. The crowd was going wild, some a big furious that another pokemon was interrupting a match.

When the fire fox looked down into the crack as well, she whimpered but took some steps back before her mouth opened. "NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE" And a blast of fire shot out around the rim of the crack. "TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"
The ice around the top started to melt, making the water run down into the canyon.
"Shar?" The shark looked up as cold water ran over her cut skin and she moved her fins a bit.

After a few minutes, the canyon was filled with enough water for her to swim in... and she jumped out using the power of the water.
When she scaled the exit, she slammed down into the ice, exhausted from trying to get out.
With a growl from afar, the dive ball called her back.


Ven yelped as his ear was grabbed and he was pulled down the alleyway towards the hotel. "He's not....ouch! ugly...." He frowned, wondering what he was even saying...

[Reno]

Jolteon's ears flipped down and she started to whimper too when Absol did, hearing the Pokemon's pain easily.
Sora's eyes narrowed unhappily as he listened to the trainers argue and frowned unhappily, now worried as he got to his feet. "She's hurting herself down there..."

Second later after he realized this, Ninetails had jumped away, running for the field. Axel seemed panicked but Sora reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. "Just let her go..." No doubt she, like Axel, couldn't stand by and NOT want to rescue a Pokemon.

Roxas blinked as Saix yelled back at him and he grimaced, hands balling into fists at his sides, shaking with anger. "How can you say that?! As a trainer you need to take care of your Pokemon! You need to calm her down before she gets hurt!!" He scowled, close to just jumping over to the other end of the field to punch the other trainer. He couldn't understand how any person could just WATCH a Pokemon hurt herself.

Terra frowned as he heard the vicious snarls of a Pokemon and cracks of ice and Houndoom was started to growl at the noise, showing his displeasure. He frowned, walking towards the railing, trying to get a good view of what had happened. He was on the side of the field were the blue-haired man was, and his eyes narrowed some as he heard the others growling answer to Roxas' voice. Slowly he came to understand that there was something trapped in that ice. And this blue-haired guy... seemed opposed to going and helping.

It wasn't like they DIDN'T have the option to forfeit. At one end of the trainer ring was a white flag and it was up to the trainer to take it and wave it calling an end to the battle. Most trainers did that when there was immediate danger to their Pokemon or when they up against to formidable a foe to feel confidant enough to go on. There was no shame in giving up.

Roxas could hear Absol making whining noises as he tried to calm the water Pokemon down knowing the dog could not help in anyway without possibly causing more harm to the shark. He knew better than anyone considering he knew his Pokemon's attacks - most of them could cause a cave in and crush the shark. He cursed, reaching for his Flareon's Pokeball - he didn't care if he got disqualified he wasn't going to watch this anymore!

However, before he even got to act, a white fox sped past him with a cry. His eyes widened a margin. "Nine...tails?"

"This is not looking promising folks! Sharpedo is completely trapped down there and although Absol appears to be trying to help, there aren't many attacks this Pokemon can learn that will be helpful in this situation. If - wait what is that! ... It's a Ninetails!"

Absol continued to run around the crack, barking down at the shark, trying not to get irritated. He knew it must not be fun for the blue Pokemon to be stuck between the ice and his master had wanted him to do his best. The dog paused however when he saw something colored in cream running across the way and he looked up, excited. "Absol Ab!!" He quickly backed away when she assessed the situation, knowing well what she was going to do and soon the fire hit the ice, melting it almost instantly.

Seconds later the shark was jumping from the crack finally freed thanks to the fox's intervention but obviously worn out and cut all over from the ice. Absol tilted his head sighing when the Pokemon was recalled and ran to Ninetails side, nuzzling her and giving her some happy licks. "Soool~"
Roxas was watching from the edges before a slow smile spread on his lips and he placed Flareon's Pokeball back on his belt. He turned his head, spotting the red-head and his brother near the front of the crowd watching with relief.

There was some shocked silence in the crowd... before slowly some of them erupted into cheers at the daring rescue while others groaned in disappointment.
Houndoom smiled tilting his head back and started to howl happily for Ninetails but Terra quickly slammed his jaws closed. "Quit that!"

"I've never seen anything like this in all my years! A Ninetails that came out of nowhere to rescue a shark!" The announcer said. "And if I'm not mistaken Absol seems to know her well. ...However, this battle is still underway if Saix chooses to continue. So if the rescuer Ninetails could please clear the field..."
Absol's eyes opened from where he was nuzzling against the fox his sharp red eyes glaring across the field at Saix. He wouldn't dare... would he?


Aqua raised an eyebrow, looking over at Ven and sneered. "So what is he? Drop dead gorgeous?"

[Rikugurl]

The Ninetails blinked as she was nuzzled and yipped happily as her tails wagged. She blinked though as she heard the announcer, understanding English better than most pokemon, she barked and nuzzled the Absol before quickly turning and rushing off the arena.

When Axel saw Roxas look his way, his breath caught and he could only smile back.

The white fox jumped off the stage but instead of climbing back to her master, she sat next to Roxas's side. "Ninetails!" She called happily before her own red eyes looked over at the yellow eyed trainer.

Saix looked down, frowning as he looked at his reflection in the ice.
"Luuuuune.." The Lunatone looked down at him before he looked up and sighed. "Yea... alright."
He slowly reached for a handle and took it before waving the flag. With Sharpedo hurt and exhausted like that... and her being his first Pokemon... he needed to get her fixed up quickly.


Ven bit his lip but looked away, frowning some. "Idiot... why would I think that..." He pulled away violently before stomping on his own to the sickening grass pokemon hotel.

[Reno]

Roxas blinked as Ninetails came to his side and he smiled, reaching over and petting the little fluff atop her head. "Thank you for helping out." He said softly but sincerely, honestly glad for the way things had turned out. If Sora didn't have a natural taste for friendliness... or Axel wasn't as caring as he was... or Ninetails and Absol hadn't of hit it off well...

Absol watched Saix carefully, his eyes narrowed as the hairs on his back started to stand up, reading for the next opponent should the battle commence. However the minute he saw the flag he relaxed and sighed.

"And that's it!" The announcer called. "That flag means Saix is forfeiting the match! Roxas wins! He'll be coming back tommorrow for his third round!" There was some quiet before the audience exploded into applause.
Roxas looked around feeling uncomfortable with all the noise knowing he hadn't exactly won, before glancing over as Absol walked over, joining him and Ninetails in the trainer's box. The white dog looked exhausted now after that fight. The blonde reached over petting him as well. "That was great Absol, thanks."
"Soool..." The dog sighed.

Terra frowned, leaning against the railing. "Damn we missed everything!"

The blonde looked across the way, his narrow eyes on the trainer who had given up before shaking his head and turning, walking from the stadium, Absol and Ninetails following after. He sighed as the lights above turned artificial and he continued down the hall, looking around for the way out - what he didn't expect was when suddenly a yellow fox ran down the stairs that lead up to the bleachers.

He paused in his step as the fox looked over. "Jolt!" He ran over with his nails clicking on the tile, footsteps following behind him. The little fox stopped in front of Ninetails, looking up at her admiringly. "Eoooon!" It wasn't long before his other half came into view, unlike with a shock of red hair that was hard to miss.

"Roxas!" Sora chirped running over and hugging the other happily. The blonde blinked but sighed limply letting him.
The brunette blinked pulling away some, looking over the other's face quietly noting the discontent. "Hey what's wrong? You should be more happy you just won!"
Roxas' eyes narrowed and he scoffed looking away. "Yeah I guess... I'd rather kick that trainer's ass though."
His brother smiled a bit sadly. "Well... he made the right decision in the end."
"Tch as if ends count for anything. It's the beginnings that matter most."
Sora hummed thoughtfully, just shaking his head. "You're never going to learn forgiveness are you?" His blonde sibling just glared at a wall hatefully and it was very apparent that he was still considering decking the blue-haired trainer.


Aqua just laughed following after. "I always had my suspicions about you Ven'ita'"

In the alleyway they just passed, a little pink fluffball climbed out of a window. "Skii!" Cries the kitten as she fell from the height, landed in a trashcan.
There was a pause then the head popped up a rotting banana peel on her head. She looked left and right and it was apparent that the ladies in the building had eventually gotten ahold of her because her face was done up in all sorts of make-up and she had bows and ribbons tied on her everywhere.

She caught sight of something blue though and with a meow she recognized who it was when she heard the laughter. Finally! She jumped from the trash can peel and all and started to hop after, revealing little booties someone had put on her.

[Rikugurl]

Axel smiled as he saw the flag and nodded. It seemed like this Saix fellow was one of those trainers who pushed their Pokemon into doing things that might get them hurt just so they could win.... but he did know when enough was enough. As a Pokemon Rescuer first and a Pokemon Trainer second, he always hated this kind of training...

He knew it must make the Pokemon themselves feel like they didn't give it their all if they got too hurt...

He shook his head and followed the brunette and his electric fox down the stairs and into the building. It wasn't long until they found the unhappy trainer.
Ninetails smiled as she was looked up upon, making her chest puff out proudly but she nuzzled the small fox afterward in thanks and that it was her job, just like her master.

Axel was about to tell Roxas what he was just thinking, seeing those stormy blue eyes looking off. But he stopped himself as his mouth opened. Roxas, like himself, had seen trainers hurt their pokemon... and that vision and those feelings... they never go away. No matter how he explained, it didn't make it right.

Instead... he walked over and...wrapped his arms around Roxas as Sora pulled away. He leaned over and rested his chin on Roxas's shoulder before smiling softly, feeling the cool, soft hair tickle his face. "Don't worry Roxas, he'll get what's coming to him someday..." He whispered before pulling away and smiling down at the blonde.

"Alright, I'm up for some food!" He rubbed his thin stomach only for Ninetails to yip happily.


Once again, the group of four and their four pokemon walked out of the all-you-can-eat buffet, full and content and ready to call it a night. And once again, all four had won their battles.
The talk over dinner however was almost as exciting as their first. Terra learned all about what happened with Sharpedo and everyone learned about the cute contest with Houndoom.

The poor hell hound still thought that what he did was no big deal.

"So, you're really going back there tomorrow to see Venita?" Axel asked as they walked down the street and stopped right as they needed to say goodbye to their muscular brunette friend. He thought it was kinda cute that both Terra and Houndoom had found a cutie at the.... cute contest. Guess it lived up to it's name!

As Terra tried to... pull himself off the topic, Axel twiddled his fingers at his side, usually it was a sign for Ninetails to get ready for a nice pet... but there was nothing. He looked down, seeing that the fox wasn't by his side. He quickly looked over at Roxas and down at Absol, thinking that maybe she would be standing around him seeing that they yipped at each other all night...

But she wasn't there either.
She also wasn't by Sora or Jolteon or Terra or Houndoom.
"WAIT!" He cut off anyone who was in the middle of talking, his voice worried as he looked around in panic. "Where's Ninetails!?" Everyone looked around as the redhead continued to panic and looked around all the bushes and trashcans. She wasn't one to play hiding tricks after she evolved. "NINETAILS!?" He called out but there was no reply...


Another sigh was given as the blonde Rocket member was looking out the window, seeing the lights of the city. Instead of his brother... he was now thinking of someone else.

"HAUNTER! Haun haun haun!" The ghost complained as he saw the cards being played out on the bed. That's it! She cheated! He pointed at the blue haired woman before throwing down his cards and shaking his head. "Haunt, haunter haun!" He 'crossed' his arms before narrowing his eyes at her. Wasn't HE the one that was suppose to play tricks on others?

He looked back at his master for some support. "Hau----ter?" The ghost pokemon blinked as he saw that longing gaze from the blonde and blinked. He could tell that there was something wrong...

Luckily, everyone had made a death threat to Aqua about that Porygon Z being released outside of battle.

[Reno]

Roxas blinked as another, LARGER figure came close, wrapping wiry arms around his frame. He felt his heart speed up, knowing instinctively that it wasn't Sora as he turned his head, getting a whiff of the red-heads scent. It was a mixture between matches and ash, most likely due to his Pokemon.

His eyes were wide as Axel whispered to him hardly taking in the words as a shiver went down his spine and, the minute the other let go he had to remember how to breathe. When he did his cheeks went flush red and his knees were weak. "Y-Yeah..." He said so softly he was hardly heard.

Had that really just...?

Sora tilted his head curiously at the scene, not sure what Axel had said but knowing the red-head he was sure it had been something comforting. He smiled a little, realizing this was a good thing - maybe he wouldn't have to come up with speeches anymore if Roxas found someone to take his place...

Then the talk suddenly jumped to a lighter stomach and Sora laughed. "We should find Terra then it's totally his turn to pay!"


There was of course a stitch in their plans. Their battles ended up being too close together to find any time to escape for a long period of time. Sora was glad in a way though because he finally got to see Axel and Terra's fighting styles since he had missed it after yesterday's accident.

They were widely different. Axel seemed to be rather careful with what he did and always pulled on the restraints when he had too whether it was for his Pokemon or his opponents. He always seemed to know what was enough to give and had controlled the battle effortlessly the whole time. He always made sure everyone was well taken care of though never letting anyone get TOO hurt.

Terra meanwhile was well... he was crazy. The brunette took his battle on the grass field and fought with a Torterra. The crowd, his opponent and even the announcer found it hilarious at first. Then the brunette started calling attacks and no one thought it was funny anymore. He won each battle within at least two attacks, his grass Pokemon's power immense and shattering to each Pokemon it came up against. Torterra barely suffered a scratch. The muscled brunette was, obviously, a very power-oriented trainer. Roxas had told Sora how this was exactly what had happened yesterday on the rock field with Flygon.

Sora was certain that both of them would make it to the top 8 without a problem at all. Axel had empathy and smarts, Terra had power and stamina. Neither of their Pokemon would be easily taken down.

Then there was his own battle which was well... shaky at first. He had been on the water field something he should have ruled with ease considering his main Pokemon type and he usually centered with creativity and speed for his style which forced many of his opponents to struggle to keep up.

But... it had been obvious at first that he was scared, remembering only yesterday and how badly he had hurt Gethin's Pokemon. He hadn't wanted to repeat it. His opponent had seen it - some crazy blonde female with antennae in her hair who unfortunately for him also specialized in electric types - and had tried to take advantage of it. She had been shooting taunts at him the whole battle regarding his previous encounter that had certainly upset the small brunette, enough so that he and Jolteon had lost the first round. It was lucky for him his second choice was Luxray. The lion was his fiercest friend and had never let his trainer's emotions get to him the way his other Pokemon did. In fact, he roared at him when he was told to go easy on the girl and came over to shock him much to the crowd's horror and miss Larxene's amusement. It was exactly what he needed to snap him out of his stupor though. His Pokemon won the next two rounds without trying and Sora was, in the end, declared the winner.

After the battle, he had rebuilt his confidence and was ready to go all the way like he had said not two days ago.

Dinner was nice though the three trainers kept some distance from Sora who smelt like charcoal and his hair was burnt nearly black, little ashes falling from the spikes every now and then. The brunette thought they were being funny and complained that Jolteon was his only true friend (the electric fox had cuddled to his side seeming even happier to be close by since, to him, his trainer smelt like lightning). He didn't even seem mad that he had been shocked, explaining over dinner that it certainly wasn't the first time Luxray had done it. Jolteon had on several occasions as well, usually when he needed to wake him up quickly, and Raichu did it almost constantly when they trained. Of course none of the other three really blamed him too much all of them had been part of the cross-fire of one of their friends attacks before as well and let it slide.

And the conversation turned as Terra demanded details of Roxas' battle and found it all very interesting and he shared in the blond's anger towards Saix's mistreatment.
However that was quickly forgotten when the talk turned on him... and he was somehow convinced into telling about the contest. Axel and Sora could be very persuasive, or maybe it was just being pushy. So he told it but made sure to keep pointing the blame at his love-struck dog... even if it was obvious how smitten he was with one of the contestants named Venita.

There was plenty of teasing to go around by the time they finished as they all stepped outside into the cooling night air. Terra looked over at Axel's question and his face tinted thankfully hidden by the darkness. "Well I uh..." he started to stammer, his brain working into overdrive. WAS he going back tomorrow? Should he? Would that seem stalkerish?
He was about to say hell no, figuring he might have enough time to sneak away and into the contest and get back to the stadium before anyone knew - when Axel suddenly broke out in a cry.

Roxas and Sora's smaller conversation about a phone call the brunette had received the night before was cut short and they both looked up in alarm.
"Ab?!" Absol's head turned this way and that, looking panicked as he also noticed the absence of the cream fox. Without waiting for an order or anything he spun on his heels and took off down the sidewalk running fast. "Sol?!" He caught her scent along the way and kept up on the trail, running as fast as he could.
"Absol!!" Roxas cried, "Wait up!"
But the six didn't have a chance to catch up beforte the white dog was already gone.

It was some time later and much searching for them all before Absol wandering back with Ninetails, two very enthusiastic trainers running towards them while two hung back, quietly observing the reunion.


Aqua sighed as she and Ven walked into the Inn and headed left towards the hall their room would be. They didn't notice the Skitty following after... and they certainly didn't pay attention to the cry.

Skitty hopped after them, finding it hard to keep up with her feet all weird and dressing up. "Ski, ski, Ski!" The automatic glass doors opened and the two trainers walked through and she redoubled her efforts. "Skitty! Tty! Tty! Tty!" She jumped just as the doors closed.

They closed on her. At first the pink cat hadn't realized it had happened, looking left and right while she was suddenly suspended in the air. "Ski...?" She looked over her shoulder, seeing two large reflecting planes of glass framed in metal holding tightly onto the middle of her body. "...Skk...... SKIIIIIIIIIIITTY!!!!!" She screeched, stubby legs squirmed as she tried to wiggle free her tail swinging on the outside.

It would be awhile before she was freed but finally another person approached the door and the glass released her. She turned and ran.


Aqua hummed hours later sneaking glances at Haunter ever now and then. The second the ghost was distract she switched one of her cards with one in her sleeve, now having a pair. "I win." She said, setting them down.

She grinned as the ghost got mad, throwing his fifteen cards onto the pile and grumbling unhappily. "What?" She said in an innocent, I-didn't-do-anything-bad way. Glaceon who was curled up in the ice bucket, rolled her eyes at the two.

The ghost was just about to turn to goad his master into helping - but then stopped. Aqua blinked and looked over then rolled her eyes, seeing him at the window again the look on his face almost identical to the one she had seen last night. "What is it NOW?"

[Rikugurl]

Axel's eyes widened as he saw Absol shoot off. "Hey!" He cried as well as he raced for the dog... but he was gone. If anything, Houndoom should of gone looking for her... but there was no sense making him go too. They would leave it up to the disaster pokemon to trace her as they looked around the area.

Axel just shook his head in disbelief as he looked under another bush. "She's never done this since she evolved... she's always been right by my side..."
Roxas was the one to assure him that they would find her soon enough.
"But she's a rare pokemon... what if someone snatched her?" The redhead shivered at just the thought of someone taking his beloved...

He sighed as he walked to another bush and started to peer though when all of a sudden---
"Niiiiiiiiiiiiiinetails!" A proud looking fox walked side by side with her white retriever, making both Roxas and Axel smile happily and rush over to them.
"Ninetails!" Axel cried as he wrapped his arms around her. "Where did you go?"

"Ninetails~ Nine!" She smiled as she yipped... but that gave Axel no indication of why made her go astray. Usually she would bring him back to the place she was as if to tell him... but she just sat their, wagging her nine tails.
Axel frowned and stood before putting his hands on his hips. "Well, whatever you were doing, don't do it again alright?"
The fox's ears lowered as she whimpered softly, nodding in response. The redhead could only laugh and rub her head, making her yip happily once again.

Green eyes turned to the white pokemon and he smiled. "Thanks for finding her Absol." He nodded happily, not sure if petting him would be alright yet.

After that was all said and done, the group split, one going to another hotel as three went to the same one. They said their goodbyes and promises that they would see each other again in the morning.


Ven growled a bit as he left the sill and pulled the window closed before looking back. "Nothing... I just want some fresh air... and I'm not getting enough from an open window..." He walked over to his bed and snatched up his bag that had his things in it as well as his dried cute costume. He never bothered to take his things out seeing that he would just need to put it back in for tomorrow.

"This is the biggest job we've done so far... I mean.... I just need.... to clear my head..." He looked up at Haunter and sighed. "I'm going to go for a walk... you going to join me?"
"Haunter! Haun haun!" The ghost complained as he pointed to Aqua and then the cards.
"Yea... yea, you wanna beat her... whatever..."

He shook his head before he grabbed a card key from the table and walked to the door. "I'll be back later..."
With that, he was out and down the stairs to the back entrance. He walked down the small alley and out into the crisp night of the city.
"I'm going to need some fresher air than this..."
He looked back, seeing the desert from where they had come from. That was going to be freezing. He looked the other way, seeing a luscious forest. That was more like it.

He was about to start towards it before he stopped.
What if... he's walking down the sidewalk and....
He looked down at his bag and sighed.... before stripping in the coverage of a bush.

Minutes later, a girl walked from the ally, a cute get-up on as she held her Spinda.
"Spindaaa~~" He never had this much attention before!

Blue eyes scouted the way... and thankfully, everyone was asleep or in their rooms by this time for the matches tomorrow that no one could glomp her down.
They reached the outskirts when Venita sighed. There was no sign of him...
Of course not, this was a HUGE place and... why should she care?

HE! HE DAMN IT! WHY SHOULD HE CARE?

He shook his head as he continued into the forest. There was no point in taking off this costume now...
He walked though the dark woods, not scared in the least. That was when he saw a glow and walked towards it, noticing that it was a field where there once was a campfire that hadn't been used for awhile. A trainer must of stayed here for the night, not knowing that the city was so close... or just didn't want to be with people.

Ven placed the Spinda down, letting it wobble through the long grass as he walked alongside it.
Volbeat were flying around the open sky, their glowing butts making a pretty display in the sky as he could hear a soft "Noct......owl" in the background.

With a sigh, he continued to slowly walk through the field, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths.

Sometimes... he wished he never joined Team Rocket...

[Reno]

Roxas panted as he looked left and right, seeing nothing but crowded streets of people but no sign of the white dog or fox. "Absol!!" He yelled but he got no answer.

He blinked but looked back hearing the red-head's concern and for once in his life tried to sound positive. "Don't worry I'm sure we'll find her!" He frowned more at the others next words and shook his head. "No way... we were right with her..." No one could have taken her without making a sound...

Terra and Sora, who were not too far behind, looking at the red-head concerned before also going around the area, yelling out the fox's name. Houndoom kept his nose on the ground, trying to pick out the cream furred animal's scent while Jolteon had his delicate ears perked listening to the commotion of the town and trying to pick out a familiar bark or yip.

There search was proving fruitless so far when Jolteon yipped and Houndoom gave a bark and suddenly Ninetails voice was there. Everyone turned to face down the east side of the street, seeing two familiar Pokemon walking down the sidewalk side-by-side, Absol looking proud as could be beside her.

Roxas sighed in relief and smiled running over. "Absol!" He, like Axel, also was quickly hugging his partner, relieved he had returned. "Good boy."
The wolfen dog blinked curiously. "Soool~" When he receieved his thanks from Axel he only smirked.

After that small mishap - of which the trainers never did discover where young Ninetails went, the friends said their goodbyes to Terra, promising to meet up tomorrow for their next match and went their ways.

Once they had gotten back to the Victory Motel, Sora (after ANOTHER shower of course) demanded he be given the cot for this night at the very least and practically shoved Axel onto the bed with his brother. Roxas was unhappy, trying his best to give the long-legged red-head room and did his best not to jar the bed. He didn't move or twitch or even breathe.

Absol and Ninetails however were quite happy to curl up together for once. And Sora had no problem sleeping on the cot, hugging his Jolteon to him like one would a stuffed animal.

As for Terra... well they assumed he was going to his hotel. they were wrong. They didn't know the brunette didn't even have a room, that since he had arrived he'd been sleeping on the outskirts of town.


The brunette sighed as he leaned back against the tree trunk, looking up at the stars. Nearby a small fire crackled, lighting up the small clearing but dim in comparison to the lights of the sky. "So many of them, eh?" He murmured softly, glad that they weren't obscured like they would be in the lit town not too far off. "It's still nothing like home though. Back there you could see millions and millions..."

Then his tree moved. "Wah! Terra two did I say you could move?!"
"Toooor..." His tree spoke and then a head popped out from the ground and looked up at him with sharp red eyes. It was actually not a tree; it was an Ankylosaurs.
Terra sighed readjusting himself on the shell and got comfortable again against the Pokemon's tree that grew atop the shell. Under him, his Torterra also settled down, happily fitting in with the dirt and grass on the ground to the point he almost seemed to disappear if it wasn't for the sharp gray horns coming out of his head and the 'mountain-like' spikes on his shell of which his trainer was propping up his feet.

Terra smiled. "It was a great battle today though, huh?"
"Tooor..." The Pokemon agreed softly, shutting his eyes. It had been too easy for him.
"Hooow!" Came a howl but the large continent Pokemon didn't even flinch as a black dog jumped into the clearing of the forest. Between his teeth was a branch with some fruit growling on it and around his tail were two more. The dog walked over, dropping the one in his mouth before the large Pokemon before effortlessly jumping onto the shell and joining their master's side, dropping the other two.

"Good boy." Terra said, petting him with a small and picked up his share picking the fruit off with care. Houndoom took his between his paws, cutting into them with his sharp teeth while Torterra practically devoured his, branch and all, in one bite.
"So tomorrow is the water field..." Terra murmured softly, "You know what that means."
"Hooow..." The dog growled unhappily, snapping into his food a little harsher than necessary. Of course he did - that no good leaf fox was getting to fight tomorrow instead of him.
Terra chuckled, shaking his head. "Stop bitching Houndoom. You'll get your chance soon enough. Just wait until we get to the ice field."
The dog scoffed and looked away.

The three continued on in silence and soon Terra was idly throwing the now empty stick off into the forest, Houndoom chasing after to fetch it. Torterra didn't seem to mind at all as the dog ran up and down his shell chasing after the branch. The game was forgotten after awhile and Houndoom settled down on level ground, curling up beside Torterra to fall to sleep.

Terra sighed as he looked back at the sky, reaching into his pocket and pulling something out. Delicately held on a silver charm was a pendant - a diamond-shaped gem that was colored a peculiar beige-orange. He raised it up at the sky and smiled as it caught the stars seeming to glow a perfect yellow-white, almost becoming a star itself.

Terra held the last opened gift of his final birthday at home delicately between his fingers, examining the rare gem with quiet awe. "Mom... you're giving this to me?"
"Of course I am sweetheart. That gem gave me luck years ago on my own travels when I met your father... and now it's yours."
"I could break it."
"It can't break. It's harder than diamond."
"I can tarnish it."
"It's called polish."
"I can... I can..." Terra's lips pressed together to find an adequate excuse not to take something so precious along with him. "Lose it!"
Ida chuckled softly, the sound like melodious bells. She reached over, curling her son's fingers around the necklace. "You won't... trust me." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Are you ready for your last gift?"
"There's more?!" Terra cried. What could be more than this...? However his eyes went wide and the necklace fell, forgotten, from his fingertips as he saw his first Pokemon, a puppy Houndour, come in the room in his father's arms. He ran to collect the squirming dog, joy spilling out of his voice.
That gift was more precious than any gem.

"Heh," Terra chuckled softly, his gaze falling to the black shadow beside the massive Torterra, smiling fondly. However the black shape suddenly shifting and raised its head, growling.

Terra tensed, then he heard it. A snap of a breaking twig. Something was out there. He grit his teeth as he sat up, alert while Houndoom got to his feet, haunches rising.
"Who's there?!"

[Rikugurl]

"WHOA!" Axel cried as he was pushed onto Sora's side of the bed. He glanced at Roxas before a blush ran over his face and he slowly got under the covers. He turned around from the blonde and turned off the lamp on the bed, before snuggling his pillow. The clock read 9pm but and a little light by the word 'alarm' was on... however he knew that it wasn't working... and the hotel couldn't spare another one due to the high volume of guest already there.

Ninetails circled around at the bottom of the bed before laying down on top of Axel's feet. The white, scythe dog curled up right beside her, making her lick his neck before laying her head on his back. Some of her tails curled around him as others laid flat to keep Axel's feet warm.


As Ventus continued to walk through the woods, his mind wheeling about the big catch, he suddenly stepped on something... real.
"EEEKAAAAAAANS!" The snake hissed as it popped up and glared at the blonde girl. It continued to hiss and Ven's eyes widened befpre pulling a branch out of the way to see it. Just as he did though, the snake shot forward... but unfortunate for the snake... the branch was let go of and... the snake went flying.

"Stupid thing..." The blonde grumbled as the spinda twirled around him. "Oh yea, and thanks for protecting me."
"Spinda?"
The blonde growled before sighing and looking around. "Hmm... I wonder where we are...?"

Shit... did he catch his blondeness from his brother? No way, he couldn't be....lost.....right?
With a gulp, he looked behind him, seeing nothing but darkness. How long had he been walking...?
He took another step, the twigs under his cute shoes snapping.

"AAH!" He cried as he heard a voice coming from somewhere.
Damnit! I forgot my belt.... now the only fucking pokemon I have to battle is this stupid bear! Maybe if I still act cute and stupid... no one will want to battle...
He nodded before pulling Spinda up and carrying him close as he walked slowly to where the voice was coming from.

And he walked out into another small meadow. Seeing that the moon was bright now away from the city, he could see just want was there. A large Torterra and...
Terra...?
His eyes widened as blush suddenly rushed over his face.
"O-ooh.... I'm sorry..." He said softly in the smallest, cutest voice he could. "I must of gotten lost in this big forest...."

[Reno]

"Absoool..." The dog sighed happily as the fluffy and softer Pokemon practically curled on top of him, shutting his red eyes. He felt a tad bad for his trainer who was on the other side of the bed and, being so much shorter than Axel, the white dog wasn't even close to his feet.

Roxas sighed staring at the wall now shrouded in darkness as he laid on his side, back also to his sleeping partner. With Sora it never mattered how close he got to the brunette or vice versa since they were brother and they had shared a bed with themseleves and Ven during their toddler years. He remembered when they all had separation anxiety when their father finally demanded they all get their own beds.

It was even worse when they first started out on their own journeys though. It had been such a hard decision to make for each of them. On one hand they had never been apart from one another for a few hours, almost always played the same games together and always sat together and had even shared their first Pokemon (all Eevees). But on the other hand it was exciting. To finally be able to separate for good, to make their own names and show off their own personalities without the crutch of their identical (or near identical) sibling beside them... it was an experience.

The first night had been the hardest though. Finding a spot to sleep on the ground all alone under the stars with nothing but the shadows of the trees and his Eevee under his arm... only ten at the time he had gotten scared and started crying that night, already wishing his brother's were there. All he had though was Eevee who did her best to reassure him. Many nights, especially those broken by storms, had been terrible like that.

He hadn't been scared of the shadows since then. Until well... now. He wasn't certain what he was suddenly frightened of and couldn't help but mentally chide himself for his childishness. The blonde shut his eyes listening carefully. On the cot he could hear Sora's deep breathes and the near silent one's of Jolteon. On the bed Absol was also asleep, his drawn breaths emitting little growls while Ninetails let out this musical sort of note atop him. Axel was also silent...

But too silent to be asleep. Roxas bit his lip unhappily wishing the red-head would just go to bed so he could call out Flareon to cuddle at his side like she always had when he was feeling afraid.


Terra eyes narrowed as the rustling continued, an attack right on the edge of his lips if whatever it was proved to be a threat, and suddenly a form was revealed under the light of the moon. His words died in his throat and constricted his lungs of air as his eyes went wide.

There was a... girl. In a dress. With blonde curls and pretty big blue eyes and a little Spinda in her arms. "What...? V-Venita...?" He said softly, his voice nearly squeaking in surprise. He quickly cleared his throat looking a little embarrassed before he turned and hung the necklace on one of Torterra's tree branches before he slid of the shell with ease.

He looked at her before walking over, offering his hand. "Come on now, out of the cold." Once she took it, he pulled her closer into the center of the meadow by the small fire he and Houndoom had built, a small warmth coming from it. He didn't like it too big or it made it too hard to see the stars.

He smiled, before looking down and reliazed their hands were still together. His cheeks dusted in pink and he quickly let go, clearing his throat again, keeping his eyes averted from her pretty face. "Why were you wandering the forest this late anyways?"

[Rikugurl]

Green slits were open in the darkness. He was still up...for two reasons. One... he was still wondering what had gotten into his Ninetails. She would never wonder off like that... He had taught her that wondering around like that could get her seriously hurt by an unforgiving Pokemon. After she became a Ninetails though... he was less worried about her getting lost. She now had the power to curse any Pokemon that dared bother her... but of course, he was always concerned if maybe her rarity would cause trouble for her.

After seeing what people have done with Pokemon... it never sat well for any of his to wonder off... no matter how well they could be if they ever got into that kind of situation....

The second reason was well.... Roxas. He didn't know why sleeping in the same bed with the blonde made his mind uneasy to sleep. Maybe because he wasn't use to sleeping with someone, being much younger than his older brother who was out on his journey in no time...

He needed some sleep though for the battle tomorrow...
With a soft sigh, he forced his eyes to close and his mind to shut down.


Venita blinked as Terra got off his Torterra and walked over slowly.
He... he remembered my name...? WELL, not MY name but...
His thoughts were cut short when he saw a hand offered to him. "O-ok..." He said softly as he took the man's hand, holding the spinda with his other arm.

Terra's hand was rough and strong... but oddly... welcoming.

His eyes widened as he was pulled over to a small campfire, much smaller that the ones he saw in books or other campers. The fire made his legs warm and made him stop shivering slightly.
The other thing that made him shiver now was something he couldn't stop so soon.

Blue eyes looked down, seeing their hands still holding each other and blushed more, looking away as well as Terra did when he pulled away. "O-ooh... I-I just needed some fresh air. Today was just a...a bit crazy." He giggled nervously. "B-but it wasn't you.... or...Houndoom. Just all the... attention... The interruption...made me feel a lot better...."

[Reno]

Roxas laid there also silent but more awake then he should have been after such a stressful day. His blue eyes glimmered as they swept the room a few times trying to keep his mind occupied. He looked towards the window but could not see out of it as the curtains had been drawn tight, blocking out the meager light the moon could have offered.

He didn't know how long he laid there... before he heard the noise of Axel's slow breathes joining the others'. He swallowed hard, trying to hold onto his patience as he waited another twenty minutes, assuring the red-head got deep into his sleep like the rest. He moved as careful and quietly as he possibly could, reaching out from under the sheets and towards his belt of Pokeballs that he had lain on the nightstand. He curled his fingers around the first one before dislodging it with a soft clicking sound and enlarged it.

The Pokeball popped open and a red fox materialized on the ground, already curling up and eyes closed. However one eye popped open and she raised her head yawning tiredly. "Fla-" she started to say.
"Shhhhh." Her master hissed above her while he placed her ball down on the nightstand.
Her eyes twitched and she looked around silent as could be taking in the dark room and the sleeping Pokemon and for all her silliness and youth she understood.

Roxas lifted the sheets welcoming. "Come on," He murmured softly, and she quickly understood this too jumping up on the bed - unfortunately making it spring a little, before curling up against her master's chest and laying her head so it was nestled under his chin. The blanket fell and she felt an arm wrap around her securely. Her master must of been having a hard time after that battle with that mean trainer Saix. If only she had known, she would have turned her fire spin on him, then maybe her master wouldn't be having his night terror now.

"Eon," She said as soft as she could, giving him a little lick on the cheek.


Terra looked over, smirking. "Is that so? Maybe my and my pet should ruin your performances more often." He joked lightly.
Houndoom rolled his eyes and with a soft growl he slowly laid back onto the ground, laying his head on his paws. However a smile had come back upon his face as he remembered Delcatty.
Delcatty... wasn't he supposed to do something about that?

Ah well maybe he'd remember in the morning.

"So um..." Terra said, grabbing at straws for conversation. He wasn't really used to company especially not when it was someone he was attracted to. "Do you uh... want to stargaze with me?"

..............

Wow, that was gay. Fuck, why didn't he just ask to paint rainbows on trees and shop for pink-themed clothing while he was at it?

[Rikugurl]

Ven giggled softly and as cute as possible. He was really getting good at this cute thing... especially around Terra. When he heard the question though, he rose his eyebrow.
Stargazing...? Well...that's pretty gay.... BUT UUH....cute! Yea!......Fuck.

Slowly the blue eyes looked up, the moon reflecting in them along with the stars. From the reflection, her blush was very apparent. "O-ook..." She smiled sweetly before Terra's hand was offered to her once again and he helped her climb up onto his Torterra.

One up there, the two sat under the tree, Ven trying his best to be lady like when it came to positioning the dress
Aqua had tortured him into wearing GIRLS under where as well, just in case anyone saw his bottom in his dance as he twirled. Fucking pink with purple bows.

Worse yet... it crammed but his accessories down there!

The spinda was place between his legs, flattening any chase of wind going up his dress. The bear looked around a bit before snuggling up to the warmth of Ven's groin. Ven wrapped his arms around the bear and kissed his forehead before giggling.

Right after that, he slowly looked up at the sky and his mouth gaped softly at the beautiful view of the moon and stars. "Wow..."

[Reno]

Terra sighed as he didn't immediately get a strange look and smiled at her agreement. that meant she would be staying with him for a little while. "Alright, come on up. Don't worry he's very gentle." He said with a smile as he walked up the shell of Torterra effortlessly before turning around and holding out his hands.

When Venita took them, this time he couldn't help but notice how callused and coarse they felt. Nothing like... a woman's hand which should be soft and pliable. He brushed it out of his mind and with a tug easily helped her on as well. No doubt those 'cute' shoes had absolutely no friction to them.

He settled down against the tree with her, stretching his long legs out again and easily got comfortable - he'd done this a million times after all. To his surprise the blonde didn't seem to have much trouble either. At the other's exclamation, he tilted his head looking up at the stars as well. "It's something else huh...?" He murmured softly.

He shifted some and something cold brushed the back of his neck, making him shiver. He reaching back and yanked the necklace from the branch, holding it in his hand. He looked down at it, his eyes yearning as he twisted it between his fingers. "Nothing like home though. There, in Sandgem Town, the stars seemed so close you could almost touch them. And you could see a shooting star at least every night, if you looked close enough."

[Rikugurl]

A soft nod came from the girl with the cute blonde curls. Ven never really had the time to look up at the stars for enjoyment... usually just for guidance when he started his journey. He soft smile ran over his face as he closed his eyes, hearing the sounds of the forest around them.

This was...nice.

Not like spending time with Aqua...which wasn't....nice.

His blue eyes opened though as Terra started to talk and looked over, noticing that he now had something in his hand. He leaned over and looked at the gem, seeing how well made it was. He could also see his reflection and the moons as well. "Yea... home..." She said softly as she though of a place that would be perfect to call home.

"Back in Canalave City, I'd go to Fullmoon Island and look up at the sky... but I never did see a shooting star...I always wanted to..."

Slowly, she looked up... and not even noticing how close they were, they're faces were so close. His big blue eyes looking in gorgeous lashed ones. "I bet they're.....pretty......"