Phoenix was somewhat disquieted by the silent pity coming from the insect in front of her. Pity was one thing she couldn't handle, it made her feel weak and useless of which she was anything but. However, coming from a kid like Kylie, it just made her feel really sad. Kylie was so much like her little Nikki, so calm and sure with a heart bigger than her body. In all honesty Phoenix had no idea where Nikki had gotten that because it certainly wasn't from her, and Erebos was so stoic all of the time she didn't see him passing it down. But...he was her baby and she loved him no matter who he took after.
Kylie was just like him...
While lost in her memories of Nikkolai it seemed the Vibrava had made her way into the crawlspace and fished out the container.
"Th.. there! That it, Phoenix?" The fox looked down to see a dusty silver box with a black handle dropped on the floor at her feet. Suddenly she felt very apprehensive, almost as if she were afraid that all these months of trying to get that damn thing wouldn't be worth it if the Fire Stone wasn't in there. With a timid sniff and a nudge she popped the small latch on the front and nosed the lid open. There, nestled safely inside, were three small stones of color. One blue, on yellow, and once bright red. Her Fire Stone.
She smiled softly and used her paw to close the lid, taking a few tries to get the button latch to click, when suddenly she found herself with a chestfull of Kylie.
"And if it helps... I will stay with you until you find him. We can look together." It almost felt like her heart ripped open at those words, and the Ninetales finally couldn't stop the flood of tears. She curled her paws and tails around Kylie and wept openly as she held the smaller creature, nearly clinging to her for support. From all the years she had been searching for Nikki, after losing Nikki and her home, then Erebos and everyone in her gang dying, all it took were the pure-hearted words of a child to bring her to her knees in tears.
When the tears finally stopped she gave a few sniffles and stood up, trying to give herself a little composure.
"Come on kiddo," she said, forcing a smile,
"the others will be waiting." With that she grabbed the handle of the tin box into her mouth and shook her pelt clean of the dust settling in the old hotel. She nodded her head towards the door and made her way back out to the others. They were gathered in front of the building so it was nothing to sit down and wait for Kylie to catch up.
It seemed everyone had made it back together alright, and everyone had some goodies with them (though why Ruhk had a bunch of metal and junk with him was a complete mystery to her) to take back to her den. At least they made themselves useful. The dino was still there, but for once Phoenix didn't care. She just looked him up and down and, box still in her mouth this whole time, made her final decision.
"Come ef yer cohmink, I havnd got ahl nyte." The yellow fox then rose to her feet and started heading north through the square, heading home, and expecting everyone to know to follow her.
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"...For me?..Really? But..." Raven's ears dropped a little at the confused look that passed over Asche's face. Was he...was he trying to reject it?
"...Don't you want to keep it?" Aww, the kid was just too sweet, just trying to make sure he wasn't putting her out. She dropped the blanket at his feet and shot him a toothy grin.
"Of course it's for you, knucklehead." she laughed, letting out a good natured laugh.
"I brought all I could carry in case someone else couldn't find anything. I meant to share them!" "I'm Rukh. Nice to meet you." Raven's ears perked up at the sound of Rukh's voice, certain he hadn't been there a moment ago.
"Your species didn't originate from here, and I don't recall Orre having any museums where fossils were resurrected... So am I right to assume that you aren't from this region?" Another voice came from behind mentioning Kanto.
"So is that Ninetales always that unwelcoming to others?" Oh dear Legends! How could she have been so rude?! Sure she gave her name and all after Phoenix went all...Phoenix, on him, but she totally spaced out on the newcomer when Asche pack shredded.
"I'm so sorry!" she blurted out rather suddenly.
"I wasn't trying to ignore you I promise!" She nearly tripped over her own paws rushing back to where she left the Aerodactyl and her pack.
"I was just trying to help out my friend here, I didn't mean to be rude. I'm sorry that I didn't catch your name...I'm still Raven, and yeah, Phoenix is generally like that to everyone. Just not usually that quickly. It's been...well...a really long day for us." She paused in her apology when a bright flash of yellow caught her attention. Phoenix was back, Kylie in tow, and she had a strange metal box in her mouth. She braced herself for whatever smart ass remark was about to come from the fox, but none came. In fact, it almost sounded like she invited the Aerodactyl along.
Well, this day officially was one for the Calenders. The day Phoenix, the Princess of Pyrite, finally grew a heart. With a soft smile and a nod to Bane, she grabbed her pack and trotted after Phoenix to wherever she was taking them. All the Classy Cat really wanted at this point was a hot meal and a good nights rest.
((OOC: LONG POST! lol. But I feel a little better than I have this last week and it put me in a good mood. So, this is the result. ^_^))
