(ACE) The MARSH Team

---

Uxie hovered listlessly, his presence gratefully not needed for a few precious moments. When the Sylveon returned to them his kin ushered off into the back room with the party in tow. Following along the pixie watched silently as Seek vainly tried to open the door with mammalian paws. Such actions spoke of a Pokemon raised by humans, that she knew what would work even if she could not accomplish it herself. Regardless, the vixen threw a fit moments after, her attention changing to something else once she realized she could not achieve her goal.

At risk of further destruction Uxie drifted forward into the room. While he did not need the decreased distance he had come to accept that psychic abilities could easily frighten Pokemon when their host is not seen. Taking on a faint glow as he easily turned the knob telepathically under it gave a click and pulled it open just far enough so the bolt would remain free from its socket. "It is open." He confirmed to her, his light fading as his psychic hold is released. How demeaning, his mental capabilities being wasted on such a minimal task.

"Is this what you sought?"

Hackles up, the Aiveon carefully picked her way out of the shattered glass. "Good for nothing.." she grumbled under her breath as the poison typed eeveelution scuttled up to her. "Ar-are you alright?" He whimpers, his paws shaking as they avoid stepping on any sharp bits. "Yeah," physically, at least. "But the stupid lamp shoulda just done its job." They light things up, that was their purpose. Couldn't even do that for me. Was this building cursed as well?

Tromping up to the problem door Seek shoots daggers at it as a growl starts to build in her throat. Her head bobs and weaves, looking for any point of weakness that she could strike, but it comes up empty and Felix's voice forces her to stop searching. "Patience Seek, maybe the desk might have a key in it that would unlock it." A vein started to beat hard in her skull, its sound nearly echoing under her helmet. "Oh yeah, cause a key would totally help when we cant even turn the knob." Stupid. One paw lifts and presses against her muzzle."What makes you think we could unlock it?" Her blood had already been boiling but the heat was coming up to her fur. Gods, couldn't this experience just be over? She sighs, ready to fume, but a whining squeak flashes her eyes open and motion kicks up her paws. The door just moved.

Every strand of her fur stands on end, ready to attack whatever had moved it from the other side, but the door just lazy creaks open and no enemies jump out from behind it. "It is open." Abra's voice brushed her ear and immediately Seek flips her head around to him, suspicious. That was his doing? If he could do that the whole time why had he let her fumble? Whatever, she could deal with that later. With another huff she hooks her claws around the door and swings it open. "Seek, look!" Eleroo squealed with excitement, but when the Aiveon looked up all she saw was something falling down from the top shelf.

There was a flurry of dainty white paws but Seek could not move fast enough. With a fhump something fell down upon her while other things were tossed as well and clunked away on the floor as she tried to recover herself. "Seek!" Eleroo cried out again, the sound of her name in his voice nearly grating as she crawled out from beneath the... "A blanket?" Well, at least it wasn't something that could have broken her spine. Pawing at it while Eleroo looked her over the thing looked to be in good condition, just musty from neglect.

When the Radeon found no wounds on the female he wedged his way past her into the closet. It was tight, and filled with all manner of useless items, but as he stretched himself onto his hind legs he could the top was stacked with the goodies they needed. "There are more, too!" He exclaims, pawing at the air as he was too short to reach them.
Crouching, Seek was prepared to jump and reach them, her light weight and wings making the task a cake walk, but she was interrupted. "Is this what you sought?" Abra asked, the know-it-all sense she was getting from it being highly aggravating. "Yes." She admits, knees slacking, but by no means was she impressed or pleased. "I guess these will do." Crouching again the Aiveon hesitates in her jump. Boy, wouldn't she look like a Magikarp out of water. "Shenron~?" She called to the dragon while she shepherd Eleroo out of the small space. "If you could~?"

Even though Felix was trying to show he cared for the Aiveon, she doesn't acknowledge him as part of her circle. Hell, whatever she's thinking though might be something that Felix doesn't like. The sylveon does however know that they're a hell of a lot of mistrust towards him from her. "Oh yeah, cause a key would totally help when we cant even turn the knob." Her words sting him in every way. For once, the fairy type had came to a conclusion that she will never trust him. If she even realized the reason for him to try to walk away from them. Its perhaps that she treats him so poorly and considers him an outsider. Either way the eeveelution was at the point where he was getting upset towards Seek. "What makes you think we could unlock it?" It would of been easier to call her a selfish brat, but that wasn't for him to say to her, at least not until she pushes him to far. One thing for sure is that he's not going to hold back what he thinks when the time comes. For now though he's going to hold off on it, for Eleroo's sake so that way it doesn't cause Eleroo to be afraid of him. The Sylveon sat there just being silent for the time being. He was keeping it in so that way he doesn't burst out at Seek.

The Abra however did something that somehow unlocked the door for them. Since they are psychic types, it wouldn't surprise him that they could fiddle with the lock without any difficulty. "It is open." The door slowly opened. Seek had hooked the door with her claws and swung it open. "Seek, look!" Eleroo said in excitement. Felix looked towards her seeing something soft fall on top of the Aiveon. "Seek!" The poison eeveelution cried out again. It was exactly what they needed for the night. "A blanket?" Thank arceus that the gift of warmth was in their favor. Not to mention that the night could end up being cold and who knows what it'll be like without a blanket. "There are more, too!" The sound of it made it to where everyone would have a blanket. At least nobody would be out in the cold or so he thought.

"Is this what you sought?" The Abra was confirming if the blankets was the thing they was looking for. "Shenron~? Seek called for the charizard to obtain the blankets from the closet. "If you could~?" The charizard had looked at Seek when she called. "Hm? Oh, yeah sure I gotcha" Felix couldn't help but wonder why the charizard had a more friendly demeanor than most of his kind. Normally charizard was known to find strong opponents and fight fiercely, but this, this was different. The eeveelution watched as Shenron grabbed the blankets. "Where shall I place these once they are warmed?" Counting the blankets wasn't really needed, but it was something that he couldn't help. the fairy type counted them regardless and to his dismay there was only enough for all except one. Maybe there's more somewhere else in this building. For now though the next thing is to find food.


Rain continues to fall and with it thunder rumbled as the sky had brightened up a bit. However, going outside wasn't really an option, at least not yet anyways. So Felix checked the drawers in the desk to see if there was a key laying round inside. "There has to be one somewhere." As he opened drawer after drawer, a few papers slid out from the shift of movement. Then he checked the last drawer that was wider and thinner than the others. Once he opened it a single key was left inside it that could be useful to check out the rest of the place. "Here it is, maybe R'hia can use it to check out the second floor for food." After grabbing the key with his ribbon like feelers, he took it to either R'hia, Shinron, or Asura. After that he went up to the second floor and started tipping over the tables. Though it made loud sounds, it looked like it was thick and strong enough to withstand his moonblast. "Time to keep myself in shape so that I can keep in shape." After that he started going though rigorous training in order to remain in shape.

---

The child conceded her need, though she was not one to be beholden from it. Promptly she moved on to asking for more assistance, and the human bedding material was filed out of the storage space by the larger dragon. It was curious however, that the only orders were coming from the child, and even more so that the others followed like dogs on chains. Before, the Machamp could of easily been assumed as a caretaker who's charge was growing too big for their feathers, but after witnessing orders coming from such ward one could assume leadership had fallen to her.

What a curious turn of fate. The youth had the boldness to command but not the attitude to lead. How then had such a power structure betided? Had she been the only one willing to delegate or the one with the most information? The answers to these questions would take time to achieve, however, as the pixie did not care to indulge them and seek the missing knowledge. If he never knew the facts were still weightless, and would leave nary a wonder within him.

Pulling himself out of his own thoughts Uxie moved to answer a previously asked inquiry, but the Sylveon who sought the information had left the bulk of the group once more. It would not of been hard to find the eeveelution but the heavy thud from the upper level quickly gave away his location. Without another word the disguised legend drifted back up to the second floor to see the Sylveon and slightly changed layout. "You seem to be of a solitary nature." He surmised aloud to it, announcing both his presence and own thought. The safety of a group was all too enticing, even for those who preferred only their own company.

Regardless if it answered or not he had come to give his own response. "As for your question. Individual monsoons may persist for several days to multiple weeks, though the season itself spans a few months." This region received ample rainfall year round, so for a day to span without any was more a rarity than commonplace. "If your concern is for safe traveling weather, the chances of it raining are higher than naught. Your chances would best if looked for when it has lightened and not lifted."

Having been pushed away from the bedding material Eleroo huddled up beside the desk and watched as Shenron easily grabbed them from the high shelf. Though evolution had definitely not been in his plans the Radeon suddenly wondered what consequences his new body had, like size. Pokemon grew a lot when they evolved but he was still a child. Had his evolution made him his max size, or was he still growing? Would he be able to reach that shelf one day? "Where shall I place these once they are warmed?" Shenron asked, a question the youth was curious about as well. They were meant to rest here and ride out the storm, but if it wasn't going to pass would they just huddle up for the rest of the day? That doesn't sound like Seek. No, no she would want adventure, something she could be the queen of.

"Hehe.." The poison type laughs in a small voice, sudden memories of blanket and pillow forts his owner made for them rising up. Seek would climb to the top, claiming it to be her castle that they had to defend. Now probably wasn't an appropriate time for such a fort but the nostalgia lifts his spirit nonetheless. "The couches, in the main room." Seek said boisterously as she pranced out of the office. "Wouldn't want them all dirty before we even get to use them, now would we?" The Radeon nodded, though if the mess upstairs said anything every surface was a bit grimy and gross.

Scurrying out of the office Eleroo tried to hold his head up high. They had done it! Just like that Felix's idea had worked out for the better, and the small luxury had already made their temporary shelter more bearable. Blankets will be a lot nicer than shredded paper. Well, the cement of the previous nights stay was the problem, not the paper, but the youth would appreciate real bedding wholeheartedly. But as he spied the couch Seek had stopped in front of Eleroo couldn't help but see the dust and grime that had settled in its fibers after so many years. The entire place smelled musty, but fabric was a huge offender and the thought of their fresh blankets being soiled by the dirty couch did not do his conscious justice.

"This one." Seek motioned to the dragon and paused as she felt his heat when he was closer. "And they'll be nice and toasty too!" She was beaming, ecstatic at that idea, but he couldn't let this injustice happen. "Maybe... we should, spread one out? And put the rest on top?" Uneasy pauses spaced out his words as he proposed the idea to both Pokemon, though his eyes fell upon the dragon. Seek looked dismayed, head tilting back, but she did not fight it. "Whatever." She shrugged, waving it off as a neutral proposal before continuing her onlooking. Huh. Well, that went better than expected. Then maybe, he thought as his stomach rumbled softly, he could push his luck. "What about... food?"

With everything set up, Felix began to get himself warmed up on simple obstacles. With each step he took, he made nimble work of not making any contact with the candles and cups he has placed along the floor. Simply though they was stationary, but after all though it is nothing but warming up. "You seem to be of a solitary nature." The Abra had spoken nearly taking Felix's concentration away from the last obsticle. Well, that wasn't to far from the truth since he's been alone for to long. This however, he needed to at least talk to him. "I used to be social, but since the epidemic began, I've been alone. The thing is that Seek doesn't understand that she's been pushing me away since I showed up yesterday. To her, I'm an outsider." In truth the only way she'll trust him is if he bends to her will. He chose to stay with them, because they needed his help. Sure, they couldn't say it flat out, but if his feeling is right, the town they're going to might be dangerous to go in as a small group. Sure Asura's strong, but even the Machamp could use a partner to help. Felix thought about himself though if he was to be in danger. Would anyone come to his aid was the first thing on his mind. He doubted that, but he wouldn't know until the time has reached that part.

The Sylveon took a break from training to talk with the Abra, but its knowledge seemed to be higher than its line. "As for your question. Individual monsoons may persist for several days to multiple weeks, though the season itself spans a few months." Looks like they'll have to go through it even if it means finding places to dry out for the time. How would Seek handle this news? It would really ruffle her fur and feathers, but what choice do they have? Waiting it out for months would make it hard to keep themselves well supplied. "If your concern is for safe traveling weather, the chances of it raining are higher than naught. Your chances would best if looked for when it has lightened and not lifted." Now that the Abra has mentioned it, since the rain has started the undead hasn't found them or picked up their scent. One thing though, who was this Abra anyways? Everything seemed to feel unusual since they first encountered it. It hasn't teleported away even when the sight of a threat or a human was nearby.

In a little bit of a lightened mood, the fairy type had realized that the abra took time to talk to him. "I get what you mean, the undead might not be able to track us with the rain going. There is one thing I like to know. How do you know so much about this region? A pokemon from Kalos like me would get lost easily here." The Sylveon said. Though the only real known pokemon that knew the entire region would be a legendary or a trained pokemon. Yet it would be to early to assume that. "Truthfully, I wonder if my trainer is alive still." Its been so long since he last seen him. True that being left behind was an accident, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something could have happened during mid flight. Then again, the people that his trainer was with was well armed soldiers. One thing had indeed itched at him. Something in a matter of secretive childhood promises he always had. To meet a legendary pokemon for once in his life. Though being secluded in a psychiatric clinic was mostly because he wanted to help other pokemon, the other part is if he and his trainer was needed to calm a strong wild pokemon. "I kinda wonder, will there be a day when this will all be over? So that we can go back home and live life the way we used to." Though it was hard to tell the end outcome of all this would be afterwards. If he had to choose, he wished that he could take everyone that he was with somewhere safe and free from this hell.

---

Felix jumped and attacked in a makeshift exercise course, but stopped as the psychic spoke. Was he venting frustrations, energy, or boredom? "I used to be social, but since the epidemic began, I've been alone. The thing is that Seek doesn't understand that she's been pushing me away since I showed up yesterday. To her, I'm an outsider." Sylveon were born from the bonds they shared with others. Losing that connection would drive the Pokemon to find an urgent replacement, and kin is a natural place to start. To be denied this would not be sustainable. "Your species naturally and only exists from closeness to other beings. Extended isolation will cause detrimental effects on your psyche."

But the pixie knew that was not the point Felix was making. With a group this small it was facile to see where lines were drawn and that treatment was not balanced. "One day is not enough time to establish proper trust, especially that of children who rely heavily on first impressions and outward displays." With the youth in a position of power Uxie could assume this group as a collective couldn't be older than a few days.

"Every Pokemon and bond is different. Whatever caused Seek to accept the others, that opportunity has closed for you. Only time will tell if she will open up once more." Loyalty, bribery, usefulness, being a warm body, no matter the reason, if the Sylveon remained in the group the kit would eventually come to accept his presence. For both their sakes it would be best is that was sooner rather than later.

"How do you know so much about this region? A pokemon from Kalos like me would get lost easily here." "Is it not normal for a Pokemon to know the region they call home?" Though his time in Sinnoh was much more vast than the common Pokemon, and he had explored outside the region of his own accord, Uxie had spent most his life in the land mass. He knew what Pokemon naturally thrived here, where they lived, and the conditions that surrounded them. Sinnoh was as diverse as it was beautiful. Before the Pandemic, of course.

"Truthfully, I wonder if my trainer is alive still." Reassuring messages were not the Legend's forte nor his inclination, and such positive words would not come to him. The once abundant human population had fallen to a trickle, and those he saw were far and few between. However, even thin numbers could offer preservation- a lifeline of hope for the future. Hope. What a powerful, dangerous feeling to perpetuate. One that would drive creatures onward, and that they would cling even in the most futile situations and bitter ends.

He would neither promote nor nurture it, but the feeling had already spurred in the Sylveon as he delved deeper in to his worries. "I kinda wonder, will there be a day when this will all be over? So that we can go back home and live life the way we used to." It did not take the Being of Knowledge to know that was no more than wishful thinking. No matter how the world played out from this disease it would not return to how it was before. It would have to begin anew. Humans, with their loss in numbers and power, would no longer be the dominant species. Pokemon, based on type, immune system, antibodies, mutations, and any number of things that made them survivors would have traits to protect them from another pandemic.

The disguised legend drifted up and down slowly, his thoughts as distant as that future. Only one thing would allow them to get to that point, and whether it would survive strongly enough or not, he could not say. "Where there is life, there is reason to hope."

While the male Eeveelution's head had raised with confidence the expression the female gave him was not what he was looking for. It was a mixture of pondering and boredom, like the idea had come across her mind so many times it no longer held any meaning. Was it really that much of a groveling request that she would meet him with such apathy? That they would want to eat after an awful trek that was fueled by a pitiful amount of overripe berries? "Seek?" He pressed her silence, her old name still hanging from his tongue. While she did not look at him Seek stood up, her haunches lifting as she turned to pad around their temporary abode.

"And where exactly do you expect us to get that?" She countered him sternly as her head made a slow sweep of their quarters. "I highly doubt a place like.. ugh.. this, was known for its food." The place was vaguely familiar, kinda like those division gates between routes, just bigger. They had walked through a number of those way back when, and though the child's memory was fuzzy food-wise she knew their options to be limited. "What about maybe a vending machine?" Eleroo simpered out the same thought that had just passed through her skull. Her eyes flick upstairs for a moment and consider if they would be in that mess or in the place at all. "Yeah, maybe." She mumbled before starting to search one side of the room. As if it was his queue the small Radeon leaped to his feet and scurried around the other side, his paws buzzing with approval.

He moved fast, and with uncanny speed he was met with his quarry within a corner. The three machines lined the walls, two drinks were on one side and a snacks machine was on the other. A thick layer of dust and grime coated their surfaces, severely dulling their unlit bright colors. "Here's some!" He squeaked, sitting in front of them like a proud hunter. They weren't particularly hidden, no, but when your mind is focused on looking for moving, infected dangers its easy to miss the Darmanitan in the room. Or, if you're so tired you can barely move a dull, tall rectangle wasn't the most interesting object around.

The quick pitter patter of Seek's paws whooshed pasted him, and the crackle of electricity in her fur should of been enough to make him move but surprise locked his toes in place. She shot, the thin bolt of electricity doing nothing as it bounced off the plastic surface. "It looks like a soda machine, a water machine, and snack foods," the child beamed as he looked at the images on the liquid producers and shadows within the glass snack storage. "We still gotta get them out." Seek barked, an insulting name left off from her grumbling as she tried to wedge herself behind one of the soda machines. The snaps of her teeth could be heard beneath the electrical pops, but the machine gave no sign of coming to life.

Without any electricity of his own the Radeon only had two options for himself. Creeping up to the snack machine he pushed his paw hard on the drop off until it popped downward and careful picked his way onto it. Wedging and twisting his spine the youth worked his shoulders into the machine until the rest of him followed. It was a tight squeeze, one he had done plenty of times before with Seek, but now with his evolved body he could hardly move. He wedged further and further, his frame pressed painfully against the glass and snack racks. His hind paws buckled, and the drop box snapped closed once more with a loud creak.

Panic pulsed through him in an instant, the fact he could barely move being worse than that of being trapped. Option two came to the front of his brain, his escape plan that wouldn't work nearly as well if he couldn't shift his body. Working up bile from his insides the Radeon gagged upon the glass he was pressed against. The Toxic hissed, cracking the glass before him until the flakes started to fall as he wriggled. Turning his head so his muzzle whacked the spot, and ignoring the pain that came with it, Eleroo gasped as enoguh fell away to make a tiny, paw-sized hole. "H-help.." He whimpered softly, his shame and embarrassment thicker than any worry he might have felt.

.

With his conversation with the Abra was going swell, though he did have a point on something of fairy type eeveelutions. "Your species naturally and only exists from closeness to other beings. Extended isolation will cause detrimental effects on your psyche." Felix hated to admit it, but the disguised legendary was right. His psyche had suffered since the epidemic started and with him being in need of a new companion. If anything that should be done is that he needs to find another Eeveelution to show love in return. Then something else that was said that made sense. "One day is not enough time to establish proper trust, especially that of children who rely heavily on first impressions and outward displays." This might be true though since Seek shows little to no trust in him. Yet he could shake the feeling that something must of happened to make Seek not trust any more strangers. Any way he looked at it, he would have to bring the kid to realize that there are those who would defend the young. The fairy type hoped that day would come for Seek to see the truth of that he really does care for her, but he knew that he wasn't much of a father since he never had kids before.

"Every Pokemon and bond is different. Whatever caused Seek to accept the others, that opportunity has closed for you. Only time will tell if she will open up once more." Felix then realized that he should give Seek some space and not antagonize her. However, he would have some way or form to bring the aiveon some sort of encouragement. Last night was definitely an example of encouragement. "Is it not normal for a Pokemon to know the region they call home?" He kind of did think that first, but there was something he wanted to say. Something of his wishes that he had never told anyone. How would he ask it though? He wasn't sure if the Abra would listen to him on that, but it would be worth a try. Maybe, just maybe he'll get an answer that he's looking for.

After that, the Abra said something that at least lifted his spirit up. "Where there is life, there is reason to hope." Hope, something that he shouldn't let go of. Whether or not that he's lost someone, one mustn't give up hope and follow their heart's desire. "Thank you for your words. I'll do what I must to at least give Seek her personal space. One thing though, consider it the wish of an eeveelution. I've always wanted to meet a legendary once in my life. I was told stories of them, but I never met one before. If there was one around I'd love to offer my paw in friendship. Is there any of them that you know of?" Though in truth, he was a bit nervous since he never really told anyone of it and if he was ever questioned by anyone he'd keep silent about it. Though there was one that he was told never to meet. The legendary bird of destruction in his home region of Kalos. Yet, in Felix's mind its just another pokemon that just needs someone to talk to and show it friendship. "Anyways, if you're up to it I could use a sparring partner to help with training. The danger of where Seek's going might need some strong protection." A psychic could make it harder to make physical contact with, but it should be able to help him aim for more better accuracy. It was entirely up to the Abra though otherwise he'll continue to do what he's doing.

---

Felix took the few words into consideration and a peace seemed to return to him in the form of a personal question. "Thank you for your words. I'll do what I must to at least give Seek her personal space. One thing though, consider it the wish of an eeveelution. I've always wanted to meet a legendary once in my life. I was told stories of them, but I never met one before. If there was one around I'd love to offer my paw in friendship. Is there any of them that you know of?"

"The Sinnoh region boasts an array of Legends, the three Great Lakes being some of their many homes. The closest of which would be Lake Valor, to the northeast, as it is home to Azelf, the being of Willpower." Though some may think him partial to the other legend Azelf was objectively the closest candidate. Such knowledge was also commonplace in Sinnoh and not out of the ordinary, nor would it place his brother at risk. "However, he has not been seen there for some time due to this pandemic." The same could be said about himself. How long had it been since he had seen the icy sheen of his own lakefront?

Questions of that nature would need to be saved for another time. Homesickness would only hinder his search, and the snowy lake was not a favored destination of undead and living alike. It would change little in his absence and any concerns were unwarranted. "Anyways, if you're up to it I could use a sparring partner to help with training. The danger of where Seek's going might need some strong protection."

Uxie cocked his head for a moment in consideration before bringing it back. Assisting would gain him nothing but Felix's ending question had caught his attention and further faux altruistic actions could only work in his favor. "I am not for sparring but I shall offer a brace to your striking surface." It was beneath him to fight with so little to reap, but again the legend took on a glow to display what he meant. The table Felix had knocked over took on said glow and was held firmly to the floor under the telepathic power. With proper resistance it would be a decent striking dummy for physical attacks.
That is, if he accepted the meager offering.

But the support was not what he was remaining with Felix for. By the next moment he gave a rejoinder. "The child expressed desire to leave though a destination she did not speak. Where is it that she is going?" No matter her where she wished to go it would not be a pleasant journey.

From behind the soda machine Seek's muffled coughing could be heard. Why had she chosen to do this? If the rest of the place was a grime fest this spot was the pinnacle of dust and cobwebs. As she stretched her neck forward to nip into another wire another cobweb brushed her nose and excited another bout of coughing. color=#f2fff2]This was a terrible idea.[/color] Sinking her teeth deeper into the wire she spark another Hidden Power through her fur, but again like all the times before the machine gave no sign of life.
On the other side of the machine she could hear Eleroo scuffling around. Usually he didn't make that much noise when he did this. Losing your touch, dumb dumb. Wiggling her way out from the first machine the Aiveon crawled behind the other, hoping that it might offer some better results.

Eleroo, however, didn't have much better luck. Though his shoulders were not wide one had managed to hinge and wedge itself in the snack racks while the other was pressed against the smooth glass. His hind claws could just barely hook the drop off hinge but he couldn't put in the force to open it or pull himself down. Pulling his legs upward he twisted and stretched to get his paws against the wall of the machine but the discomfort in his spine spoke ill of such attempts. "Seeek." He whined through the small crack he had made, praying she would hear him, but the female gave no notion of even noticing. Would he have to Shadow Ball his way out? If he damaged the food at all See would- dink dink.

Struggling to turn his neck around the Radeon was both shocked and relieved to see Shenron outside the machine. He froze, red eyes wide as moons as he looked into the dragon's face. "Sh-Shrenon!" He wailed, the petrification from the surprise fading as he wriggled with excitement. He pointed to his claws to which the youth gave his best effort to nod vigorously. "Yes, please!" He squeaks, knowing the fire type would have a much easier time breaking the glass then himself. Squeezing his eyes shut he braces for the drop and shattering, a completely acceptable side effect for his freedom.

With an irritable grumbling Seek crept out from behind the other machine to find not her partner with food, but a dragon looking bewildered. Her face twisted, befuddled. What did he do now? Trotting toward the others the female stared into the machine at the twisted, trapped Radeon. Sitting, she threw a paw over her muzzle and sighed, "How did you manage this Eleroo?" Honestly, they had done this a million times before. Eleroo got the snacks and she got the drinks. Sometimes the drinks made it easy with a small jolt of short circuiting, but not today. Today both types of machines were going to have to be opened the hard way. Standing back up with another sigh the Aiveon shook the dust and cobwebs out of her pelt. "Shenron, will if could, break him out." Her new body wouldn't make for a fun trip inside the drink machines but she did not doubt the Charizard's ability to rip them open like it was child's play. "It looks like we'll need you to open all these machines too, since they want to be difficult."

Felix hasn't really thought it through to well, but the Abra seemed to responded without a fuss. "The Sinnoh region boasts an array of Legends, the three Great Lakes being some of their many homes. The closest of which would be Lake Valor, to the northeast, as it is home to Azelf, the being of Willpower." Upon hearing that it reminded him of the location they're heading to. The threat they'd face could prove a bit tough. Then something else that was said had made sense. "However, he has not been seen there for some time due to this pandemic." A lot of pokemon have been misplaced since it began and Felix was no exception. He wouldn't be surprised if the legendaries got misplaced as well. "Sounds like we're not the only ones that got taken from our origins of home. Its odd though, first minute I was in Kalos then the next I wind up here in Sinnoh. What caused it is beyond me." At least to a stand point, but it would be a mystery to even figure it out. The fairy type wondered if the abra knew anything, but for now it was time to keep himself in shape.

Of course though the abra had its own opinion on sparring. "I am not for sparring but I shall offer a brace to your striking surface." Understandable that it wasn't for sparring since it would be a waste of a challenge, but it did offer something to brace for a striking surface which the table would do nicely. Felix readied himself and started striking the table being held psychically by the abra. Each hit was stronger than the last. Eventually ending with a Moonblast putting a small diameter hole in the table. After that the abra was giving a hint to rejoin with the others. "The child expressed desire to leave though a destination she did not speak. Where is it that she is going?" The location could be familiar with the abra so there was no holding back on where they're heading and the feelings of the risk they could face. "Valor Lakefront if I remember right. Something I'm wanting to remain concerned of since the undead seem to be mainly focused into towns and cities." He wasn't going to lie though. The living dead favor the darkness of the sewers or buildings as their ambush points.

It was enough training for now and perhaps it was time to meet up with the others again. "Lets head back to the others. Giving that your insight would be most welcome of what lies ahead. Any information would be helpful and it might prove my theory of it right." Crazy to think of it in the past, but Felix does have his feelings of danger around places he's unfamiliar with. His assumption of the abra was put on hold since right now they'd need to find out the distance and dangers of what they'll face and abras are known for being able to go everywhere. He'd travel with the abra to talk with the others, but somewhat going on ahead he spotted both R'hia and Azura just relaxing while the others had went somewhere else inside and the loud sound of glass breaking gave it away. "What was that? Sounded like someone's breaking into something below. Maybe Seek and Eleroo might have found food." He waited for the abra to accompany him to meet with the others. At least he gave his concerns to the abra.

---

"Valor Lakefront if I remember right. Something I'm wanting to remain concerned of since the undead seem to be mainly focused into towns and cities." Uxie remained quite as Felix accepted his striking surface and he considered the dubiety of his words. If the undead were attracted to human settlements, why would they gather at an abandoned lake? The child could have its own reasons for going to Lake Valor but the legend was not convinced of them being fully thought out. But that is the nature of children.

Whatever her reasons, if that even was Seek's destination, they would come out in time when or if she attempted to move her Pokemon. Felix had finished his scant workout and naught remained for either Pokemon on the second floor. Releasing the table from his psychic clutch Uxie's head turned to one side at muffled sounds of shuffling and weak chime of broken glass. "What was that? Sounded like someone's breaking into something below. Maybe Seek and Eleroo might have found food." Without the accompanying screams of panic or anger the legend knew it was not an intruder as he floated back down to the first floor.

Most the team had collected in one corner of the room, their previous endeavor forgotten. Shards of glass littered the floor from a broken machine but little else seemed to be collected. Eleroo was huddled, and his eyes were wide with a mix of fright and relief, while the other two seemed collected. What ever were they doing to these receptacles that only spooked one of them? The pixie kept a distance to observe, as the thought of offering or being asked of assistance already growing old.

Eleroo's muscles tensed up as the Charizard dug his claws into the glass with ease. It gave an ear piercing creak as massive cracks snaked out from his claws, and the breaking, snapping sound of the glass got louder and louder as Shenron jostled his hands. The kit's body refused to relax with the high possibility of pain so close at hand. Even his eyes refused to shut. His legs were tense and not in a position to catch himself, so when the pane shattered into hundreds of pieces with one last tug Eleroo simply fell to the bottom like a limp sack.

The drop was not that far, though it was further than he would of liked, and small bits of glass were already waiting for him at his landed. With a sharp, pained breath in through clenched teeth Eleroo squashed down the urge to yelp and whine. There was no danger, no reason to scream, but the urge only grew as Shenron's face came very close with scrutinizing eyes. "There we go. Everything alright? Nothing broken?" The Radeon could feel his hot breath, but the predator only gave off concern. Twisting his hips the kit made it back to his paws and hopped out of the machine. His shoulders hurt from the squeeze, his muzzle was scratched, his hip had whacked the metal side, and the whole of his body had been poked or scraped by the sharp glass. He hurt all over, but it was nothing major or anything that would last very long. "N-no worse for wear." He sighed out, relieved, before shaking his pelt to remove any remaining glass. "T-thank you."

Seek thrust both paws in front of her face. "Watch it!" She snaps firmly before padding over to the snap machine. Luckily, it looked like Eleroo's misadventure hadn't crushed anything. "That glass wont give us anymore trouble." A few of the snacks had already been knocked into the chute and, taking care not to grab any glass with it, the Aiveon grabbed one of the bags and brought it out into the open. It had a gold and blue pattern to it, and as she bit down the bag popped at one end and the twisted shapes spilled onto the floor. Seek snatched up the pretzels without delay and started to chew in a way that her tongue poked out every other bite due to the flavor being off and dry. "Its.. a bit stale. But better than you'd expect for how old they are."

With a rough swallow the flying type was satisfied that they had found a food source. A scuffle catches her ear and her head turns to see Felix and Abra approaching. Had Eleroo's shenanigans caught their attention? Whatever the reason they had good timing. "We got food and water," she told them proudly. "Though the water is still in the box." Shenron would probably have to rip open the plastic soda machine, but the sliding door on the other shouldn't be as bad. Tilting her head to the side she looked up at the dragon, speaking sweetly, "but Shenron shouldn't have any trouble with that, should you~?"

Eleroo swore there was still glass in the flat fur of his tail. Earlier, he hadn't had an issue with that, but now it stung in almost a malicious was. "There's always water outside, too." He was mumbling mostly to himself as he sifted through his tail fur, but if the Charizard didn't want to demolish another machine he could understand. "Yeah but that's yucky." Seek argued as she clawed out more snack foods from the machine. "Grab whatever you want," She starts, her eyes falling on the Sylveon and Abra. Pawing her helmet off she filled it was the bags and packages before grabbing the open pretzel bag by the corner to place on top. "But don't eat in front of them." She had for science! But that didn't mean everyone could. Sitting, she waited for the dragons decree on the other two machines before heading off to eat.

Taking in a deep breathe Eleroo padded back up to the snack machine and started into it with haunted eyes. If it were just the two of them there would be more than enough food, but they were a whole group now. Shenron alone could probably eat the entire machines worth, not to mention Asura and Rhea's team. Should we ration them? Would the others even go for such an idea when their wasn't enough to do so? How would they even make it fair when they varied in size? Eleroo's stomach churned with a sense of dread, but he did his best to push the thoughts away as he approached the machine. standing up on his hind paws he scratched and knocked down whatever he could reach. Though he would take what he could get the Radeon specifically reached for anything with purple packaging. After a few things fell down he picked up as many as he could in his mouth and nudged the others along with his nose.
The kit kept going, his eyes drifting around for a place to settle. Asura was still in deep conversation with his old friend, and bothering again sounded extremely rude. The couch with the warm blankets seemed much more enticing, and with a slight turn of his paws the Radeon headed toward it.

Felix made his way down behind the abra in search of what that sound was. Doubtful an undead was here, if it was then the Abra would have warned them quickly. As he went down the stairs he had a feeling that Seek would go off on him as usual. With a sigh he approached the others without a word. No matter what he said it didn't matter to her. Just remember what the abra said. Give her some space. Doubt she would let him in on anything. Just talking to her in general made her look down on him like he's nothing. Especially after hearing her telling the others something. "But don't eat in front of them." Is she seriously leaving them out? Looks like he'll have to hunt for his own food if she's going to be like that. However, the rain might make it hard for him to find stuff with the visibility down. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but since Seek is after all a child, he wouldn't dare harm her in any way.

Seemingly, he felt that would mean a berry hunt. Maybe bring some back for the others as well. "I'll be back and a bit wet." The fairy type walked to the door and luckily the door was somewhat ajar to where he can open it from the outside as well. The rain was coming down still and a few rumbles of thunder can be heard, but he stayed close to the building in case it gets any worse. Luckily there was a wide variety of berries nearby. "Nice got some Oran, Pecha, Rawst and Leppa." Gathering the berries up, he took them back with him to the building to see if Seek would experiment with them as well and giving some for the others as well as himself and the abra.

(OoC: I shall pass this round.)

Tearing into her open pouch of pretzels Seek didn't realize how much had been taken out of her after their trek. The second journey shouldn't be as bad as the first. Heck, nothing would be as bad as the Marsh.. but she would still need to replenish her strength. Seek was no fool and knew these snacks would only go so far, but they had to be better than those pitiful overripe berries from before.
The clanking of Shenron's claws dragged her attention away from the food and Seek bound back over to the machines just in time to see them opened and inviting. "Awesome!" She squeaks before driving her paws into the lanes of bottles. "Might need to boil them a bit though... Sitting so long might make them grow critters ya know." Plucking one out of the machine she turned it over in her paws and peered through the clear portions of plastic. This particular bottle seemed clean and well, with no chunks or specks to diminish the view of her arms or the floor. "Probably," she purred before sinking her back teeth into the cap. "But you're the only one with fire." She had already asked much of the Charizard, making him open and boil each bottle seemed like such overkill.

Padding back to her food Seek turns her head so the bottle can sit on the floor while remaining in her teeth. Bracing with her back paws she crunches, turns, and jerks her head until the cap pops off with a wet plop. Releasing it the Aiveon flexes her jaw and rubs it with one paw to hopefully alleviate the small bit of pain that had caused. "Eleroo," she mumbles through her paw, "you know the drill." The Radeon looked up from the cookie he had opened as though debating on what to do. But as the Aiveon's brow furrowed deeply he gave a rough swallow to his current bite made his way to the bottle. His face twisted, unsure, as he lowered his head to the bottle. Yeah but.. this body, and there are people around.

The longer he hesitated the more annoyed Seek looked and, swallowing his pride, the Radeon turned his jaw to grip the bottle. With his evolved form his mouth was big enough to grip it now, but that didn't make it any less awkward as he lifted and titled the bottle ever so slightly. The water did not pour as he moved so stiff and stilly that Seek could place her jaw beneath it and swallow hurriedly. Pushing it back with her paw as a signal to stop Eleroo put the bottle back down and started to cough. Legends help me. He may still be a kid, but evolving seemed to of only made things harder.

Seek gave a pleased, quenched sigh as she wiped the last drops from her maw. With her thirst satisfied she would have loved to dive into her snacks but the patter of paws shifted her eyes to the side. It was Felix returning from.. whatever it was he was doing. Her head turned further to spy that which he was carrying and she immediately perked up as her eyes glistened with interest. Fruits? They didn't look like the mess she had before, but good quality fruit. Her mouth watered, the thought of human saltiness with fresh berries being too good to pass up.
Bounding forward she gives the berries a sniff. No indications of sickly sweet over-ripeness. "Where did you get these?" She asks with more curiosity then suspicion. The Marsh probably held tons of berry shrubs but she hadn't noticed any. "Where they on the town side?" Maybe there was more than just food that they could salvage even with the raging storm.

Eleroo went on his way, R’hia noticing his companionship to Seek being something of a close one. She smiled softly, remembering the fonder moments with an old friend of hers, hoping that Seek and Eleroo found longevity in their companionship.

R’hia and Asura conversed for a good while, so absorbed in their conversation that they could hardly take notice of what was going on with the others for a good while. They spoke of events far past, before the epidemic started. Of the trials early on, and getting where they were now. R’hia couldn’t help but feel an intense sympathy and understanding for what Asura had gone through with his now former comrades. Asura was in a similar emotional presence as her, listening to her woes. As brief and summarized as they were, both gathered a great understanding for who the other had become today, and the tribulations of their lives that led to this point. Asura’s worries about R’hia faded, and a nostalgic bond surfaced- the two would be a pillar for one another, as R’hia was one of the only ones who knew Asura well enough from their time together, to know some of the nuances of his softer side, and how he never showed it. Asura- well, he was honestly all but a literal pillar for R’hia, and as much as he could be for the whole team. Even as the others started to dig into some meals and snacks- frankly, which one they qualified as depended on who was eating them, with some big ones around. Asura ponders something, though, seeing the others eating so eagerly. Yet, the Abra was not to be seen.

”Please, go and be with the others. It seems like you don’t intend on striking out yourself again anytime soon, so you should become familiar with them.” Asura’s gaze turned slowly as he scanned, and found Uxie. He approached, slowly- pondering a great many things. He stops a few feet away from the floating psychic, his voice hushed. At least, as hushed as a huge, gruff, walking muscle could speak- low enough that what exactly he was saying wasn’t heard by anyone but the intended Pokemon. ”Unless you shall join in the dining, I must speak with you. It would be best to do so… privately.” He tried to be less than conspicuous, and did it well… again, something like a Machamp wasn’t the stealth master. But, it seemed to work well enough. He awaited a reply, not pushing in either direction for once- he’d not want to seem aggressive about it, but somewhat urgent at the very least.

As Asura trotted off, R’hia whirled in her little twisty seat, seeing the others eating. She pondered… She didn’t have much. Just what of her current supplies could be spread, especially with so many around? They clearly had no more food left, aside from what they’d found. She sighs… There was no such thing as an easy choice in this world anymore. She’d have to think, but… even with the risk involved, they were in the right place to find… something. She knew that there was something more she could get, too. She’d always kept her eyes out for dehydrated meals- a rare find, but less people thought to take those than the more obvious canned foods and other non-perishables. A little bit of Scald, cook and rehydrate… a significant amount of food.

She approaches Eleroo and Seek, slowly, looking around. Looks like they’d found blankets, to boot! Pleasant, to say the least. ”Eleroo, Seek, mind if I have a seat?" She smiled warmly, and spoke softly- as much as she knew she should go and get to know the others, she was fond of Eleroo, and to some extent, even the boisterous seek, seeing as they were so close.

((OOC: Thanks for your patience with my absence, I appreciate you all! I would love to keep going now, providing what I can to the story and play! Sorry for the small exposition, but I figured it’d be appropriate to establish some deeper connection between the two and deal with the time that had passed all at once.))

It didn't take long for Seek to notice and the sylveon was expecting a demanding voice with some yelling in it. Instead he got the opposite of it. "Where did you get these?" Was she actually curious instead of her usual Sassy self? Felix then thought he better watch his back with her. The next question had sounded even more curious. "Where they on the town side?" This wasn't her usual self. Either way it would be best to tell her as there would need to be more for reserves. "There's some just on the left side of the entrance, but stick close to the building. Though I should also let you guys know that we got a much heavier rain coming. At best we got only a few minutes before it gets to the point where it becomes blinding." With that wall of rain coming though any plants outside would be drowned by flood water. If need be they should try to get to the town once the rain lets up to the point where its a drizzle. 

Yet, Felix was feeling something else. It was as if his throat was severely irritated from yelling, except he didn't yell at all. "My throat feels odd, as if I yelled or something. Anyways, I could use some help getting the rest of the berries before the rain really starts coming down." Then R'hia's voice had caught his attention once again. ”Eleroo, Seek, mind if I have a seat?" She must be exhausted though so she was being nice by asking which is still a good thing.