The CANALAVE Team

When Namdnas did not answer him, Jerome huffed angrily as he continued to wrap Courtney up in the clean leaf. "Hmph. Whatever." He resumed glaring at the sinister cloth for another moment until he had finished making Courtney's bandage, securing it with a knot "Can you stand up?" Jerome held out both of his hands to the Pawniard in case she needed any help.

Courtney stayed silent as Namdnas explained what the cloth he had was. She wasn't sure what he meant when he said it has "aura", so she couldn't tell if it was something good or something bad. Jerome assumed it was bad and continued to make a bandage for her. "Can you stand up?" Jerome asked her. The Bisharp had his arms out just in case she needed support getting up. "I should be able to." She told him.

Slowly, but surely, Courtney got back up on her feet. She had grabbed one of Jerome's arms for support, and let it go once she had regained her balance. She was still a little shakey on her feet, but she was still able to stand and walk. She looked at her evolved form and said "Thank you, Jerome." The bandage also fit nicely, covering the wound in her torso. She was very thankful to have someone like Jerome with her.

(OoC: I find it a little funny how I made a post about Courtney being thankful on Thanksgiving! ^^)

Courtney gave him a most heartfelt thanks once again, and Jerome quickly turned away to hide his softening expression. "It's nothing. Come on. Let's get moving." As he began to walk he glanced back over his shoulder at the Pawniard. "Tell me if I'm going too quickly or if you want to stop."

After a few minutes of silence between the trio, he added, "You don't have to keep thanking me. I'm only doing what anyone else would..." Being thanked and appreciated all the time was not something that Jerome was used to, and it was starting to unsettle him. Surely they are not deceiving me...?

The growing sunlight filtered gently on the waters surface. The Vaporeons molecules were dissolved into its mass: she was completely invisible. Swimming such a long time, she was a far ways from home. Resting in the small stream, TinyDragon was taking a small respite. The gentle babbling of the water as it flowed made a even vibration across the superficial layers of it. TD wondered to herself, what kind of a sound that would make..

In her quiet world, TD had always felt more at home in the water. Sound was always muffled and hard to recognize in liquid, so it was like everyone else was like her for a bit. Having to reply on their other senses to understand their world.. or at least thats what she thought.

Pokemon were casting shadows over her rest spot. The water-type looked up at the blue Pokemon, fully aware that he couldnt see her. He -it looked like a he- was collecting water in a leaf, and moving over a little ways to another Pokemon who seemed injured.

TD watched them with intent. They seemed friendly. Or at least, sane. With a wound like that, and the tender care the blue Bisharp was giving his pre-evolved form, they had to at least be alive, right? Something had attacked them, and he had helped her.. The Bisharp washed a few leaves in the stream and placed them over the Pawniards wounds with the utmost of care. Making sure that not a single fleck of dirt was on them, they were spotless. He seemed to be signaling to another Pokemon that TD couldnt see from the waters edge. Three.. survivors.. Slowly, the Bisharp helped his wounded companion to her feet. She wobbled, looking as though about to fall, but steadied herself with a warm smile up to the Bisharp. The warm feeling of affection between the two made TinyDragons paws tingle. She missed the gentle companionship she had had so long ago..

The steel-types began to trod away, a purple form following them but it was blurred by the waters refraction and was unclear to TD. No.. longing tugged gently at her heart. She wanted to be with Pokemon that were so.. so gentle. Please... Taking a deep breathe, she willing her molecules back into her solid form, and lightly stepped onto the banks. Crouching low to the ground, pawstep by pawstep she gazed longingly after the Pokemon as she crept slowly after them. Unsure if she was making a sound for them to pick up, or if she would have to attempt speech, TD wondered how long it would be before they picked up on her presence. And, if they would be friendly to her. Fear was prickling its way down her tiny frame, causing her to tremble.

The waters vibrations could barely be felt in the ground anymore, but TD knew if they attacked her, at it was still close-by for her protection.

(Skip. Can't think of anything good at the moment. >.<)

"It is strange, not harmful..." Namdnas says softly, knowing there is no way he can satisfactorily explain what he thought it was.
The cloth had a strange aura, it was true, because it belonged to the same strange dimension that had spawned him, the place that waited after death.
Others when they touched it could feel the icy chill of their own approaching deaths and were often horrified by it but to him it was as warm and comforting as his mother's arms. How could he explain the feeling without sounding like some morbid freak? With his body dissolving away into nothingness he needed all he could get to feel normal.
Deciding not to mention anything further to either of the two the Poison/Ghost smiled as Courtney managed to get to her feet.
"What a little trooper you are." Namdnas says proudly. "It's not too far to Jubilife City now."
Turning towards the buildings still hazy on the horizon he thought he saw a flicker of movement from the stream's edge, a tiny bit of blue not connected to the water.
He shakes his gaseous head, he must be getting old if he is starting to see things...

Jerome quickly supported Namdnas's praise to Courtney by turning round as he walked and adding, "Yes, good work," in a tone that he thought would make him sound like he genuinely cared. Maybe it did, maybe it didn't, but he had tried his best to make it sound that way. "Don't forget to let me know if you want to rest again."

After a few moments, Jerome froze in his tracks upon sensing a presence nearby. The sounds of dripping water and small feet padding along the grass reached his ears a little too abruptly, and he swung himself round, his arm raised, but stopped when he saw a timid-looking Vaporeon creeping towards them.

"Oh." Lowering his arm again and regaining a calm posture, Jerome nodded to the newcomer. "Excuse me. I mistook you for an enemy." The way that she trembled and looked upon them with fearful eyes made the Steel-type feel bad for her. Taking a few steps forward, he asked, "Who are you?"

Closer.. closer TinyDragon creeped. She was a fair distance from the group of Pokemon, the third of which she now recognized as a Haunter. It had turned slightly in her direction, causing the aquatic life-form to freeze, but then turned back to its original direction. Pawstep by pawstep.. With each step though, the Vaporeon was getting farther from her safety net that was the stream behind her. She couldnt help the gentle tremor that coursed through her body from approaching the strangers. Come on TD, show some courage! Closing her green-aqua eyes, TinyDragon took a deep breath in. Holding it for a moment to calm her nerves, and letting it out was a very gentle sigh, her eyes opened again bright and shiny. She could do this!

The calm was taken back in an instant though, as she noticed the Bisharp was approaching her. Her courage faltered, he was talking to her! Oh dear Suicune what is he saying.. She knew her eyes were going wide in fright, body stiffening. The Bisharp appeared calm, a very relaxed look to his steel body as he spoke with a small smile. His lips stopped moving, and he was staring down are her, expecting a reply most-likely to a question. TinyDragon had no idea what he had said. Not only was she not paying attention to his lip movements, they were much too fast, and she was too scared to focus. Come on think of something! Had he asked what she was doing here, or was it simple her name? Was he telling her off, or maybe asking if she was infected? The awkward pause between his speech and hers was probably making him think she was a dazed freak.

Shuffling her paws on the ground and looking away, TD's heart was racing. What if he had asked her if she was hungry and she replied with something way different? Or what species she was? Finally, the vaporeon quickly threw her head back in the blue Pokemons direction and blurted the first thing that came to her head, praying to Suicune that it came out clear. "Auym Teeehh Dea." Frozen on the spot, she probably looked like a fool with her gargled words.

"Don't forget to let me know if you want to rest again." Jerome said to Courtney. She nodded and said, "I think I'll be fine for now." Suddenly, Jerome looked over to the sound of rustling grass. The Pawniard looked over as well and saw that there was a Vaporeon. Courtney wanted to go over and introduce herself, but though it would be best if Jerome did it. Staying by Namdnas, she became slightly confused by what the Vaporeon said. "Auym Teeehh Dea." 'What is she trying to say?'

(OoC: Gah! Crappy post is crappy DX)

Turning towards the water type crawling nervously from the stream the Haunter's mouth splits into a wide and welcoming smile.
The Vapoureon looks miserable and afraid, its head fins tattered and tail scarred. Immediatly it draws the Ghost Type's sympathy.
With a twitch of his much shortened tail Namdnas hovers lower to catch a better look at the Water Type, keeping his distance in case the sight of his bisected form frightens the little Water Type.
He lets Jerome move forwards towards it, knowing the Bisharp knows how to deal with threats but lays one of his three clawed hand, palm up, on the ground in a gesture of welcome.
He waits still as Jerome asks the newcomers idenity and the Vaporeon is apparently tongue-tied. Poor thing. It seems to be bracing iteself before it tries to speak.
Its reply makes the Poison/Ghost perk up his horn-like ears.
While stretched out and garbled he can just manage to make out the intended words. Was the Vaporeon's throat damaged somehow?
"Hello Teeh Dea." The Haunter says softly as he tries to mimic the sounds as closely as possible, taking pity on the terrified Water Type and her disability. He laces his tones with the calming yet commanding sounds of Hypnosis in an attempt to get the nervous little thing to not fear them.
"My name is Namdnas." He smiles.

"Auym Teeehh Dea."

"...What?" Jerome's look - as gentle as he could possibly allow it to get - fell into a frown as the Water-type spoke. Did she have some kind of speech impediment? His mind worked to try and figure out what she might have been saying. Getting nothing, he tried not to just dismiss her with a wave of his hand and walk away; she was wasting their time after all; the pressing need to get to Jubilife City was even greater now that Courtney was injured. He himself still had the wounds on his belly inflicted by the Vespiquen, but they were of little importance to him. After all, he had suffered worse, and every single ounce of his dignity had been ripped to shreds along with it.

After casting a brief but impatient look eastwards towards the city, he turned back to the Vaporeon and desperately tried to find something to say that was not insulting. Namdnas actually had a go at assuming that 'Teeehh Dea' was actually her name. Jerome held back an amused scoff and then decided on something to say that probably would sound respectable enough. "I didn't quite get that. Could you say it again?"

Near instantly TD felt hot embarrassment under her scales. What had she done, saying her nickname! These Pokemon didn't know her yet. It had been so long since TinyDragon had addressed anyone, she had forgotten to start with her beautiful full name. How could I be so foolish! The urge to run away back to the water from the embarrassment made TD'd paws itch. What she would do to be able to disappear right then.

The Bisharp did not look pleased. Obviously whatever she had said wasn't clear enough for him. Guess its expected, I havent spoken much in a while.. The Haunter had drifted closer to her, a tranquil expression across the half of his face that remained. He was saying something, the movements of his lips very gentle. He had understood something of her, maybe? Was he saying hello? The poison/ghost was looking at the water-type with sympathy. Looking at her.. fins. Heating up even more, the Vaporeon felt she was on fire. Her nerves were screaming to forget all she had hoped for with this group and just get away.

The Bisharp looked away, stiff and irritated. TD's legs begged her to crumple to the ground. This was going horribly.. Tears danced lightly at in her eyes, threatening to fall from their ducts. He turned back to her, glaring, there was an impatient twinge to his grey-yellow face. She watched as intently as she could for the shapes he made with his lips. "-ay it again?" It again. Say it again? He hadnt understood her, and was giving her another chance. If I fail again, then I can run.. TinyDragon took in a deep breath, desperately trying to calm her frayed nerves. Letting it out slowly, a bit more relaxed, she would try something a bit different. "Muy names Twiny Dwagon," she made very sure to say her full name, "Auym death." Glancing at the ground, maybe something else to tie it in, in case she was stumbling again. She looked to the Haunter, who seemed much more willing to understand. Gingerly lifting one paw, the Vaporeon gently tapped the front of one of her fins. Hopefully, they would understand that.

(Skip. I honestly cannot think of anything for Courtney to say...)

The dissolving haunter blinks his baleful red eye as he closely listens to the Vapoureon's explanation. Poor thing, every word seemed to be a struggle for it and Jerome, strict as he was, did not seem a sympathetic figure at all.
The Poison/Ghost Type listened intently to the scarred Water Type's garbled words.
It looks ready to flee at any moment and the Haunter's heart goes out to it. In these volatile times it was hard enough to survive alone, let alone with a disability.
It's speech took some interpretation, the stretched out and abruptly cut off sounds being linked to whatever words sounded the closest to him.
Namdnas likens the experience to trying to understand what his kids said when they had their mouths full.
Ah, that was so many years ago...
Twiny Dwagon...Tiny Dragon?
So his guess was correct and the Vapoureon was making an introduction.
It must have taken a lot of courage for the scarred Water Type to leave the safety of the stream and approach this group of strangers, knowing full well they might try to harm you.
No wonder it shook.

As Tiny Dragon's eyes sparkled with tears about to fall Namdnas turns towards Jerome.
"The poor thing is terrified of you and I don't really blame it, you're an intimidating guy. Can't we let it..." Namdnas's voice trails off as he realizes he has no idea of the Vapoureon's gender but referring to a pokemon who has politely made and introduction as an 'it' seems wrong. "Can't we let 'TD' come along to Jubilife with us? It'll be quicker than just waiting around here and I don't think she's undead..."
Namdnas throws another look at the Water Type tapping her tattered fins.
The anatomy of pokemon was never his strong point but those torn fins and her garbled speech.
"I think she has trouble hearing, that's why her speech is strange."

((OOC: Having kids allows you to interpret garbled XD))

The Haunter was arguing with the Bisharp, probably of her. The ghost would keep glancing at her fins, making the discomfort under her scales grow more and more. Though he seemed understanding, the tension in the air was obvious. Her disability was not making this go very well. Though she hated to interrupt, as it was such a rude thing, it seemed required if the situation was to get somewhere. "I can ree-ad leps, uf you speak slo-owly." TinyDragon had stood up a bit taller, and was calm enough not to shake, though her face would always give away her true emotion. If they didnt speak slow enough, or if it was a word she didnt know, lip reading wouldnt work ether."Whaa-at are your nams?" Even if she didnt talk much to them, names would still be important.

Maybe, if she could show them she could still communicate they would allow her to join them. Just maybe, they could even become friends. The little Pawniard a few feet away seemed unsure of the situation. The thought that she and TD could be good friends, drifted lightly through her mind. They havent even spoken, yet she was thinking of her. "Wha-air are you guise go-oing?" Talking much slower and calmer, the Vaporeon hoped her speech was a bit more clear to her new acquaintances.

Courtney was listening in to the three's conversation from a distance. Namdnas was telling Jerome that the Vaporeon may be deaf, which explains why her speech is different. It made sense to her now. She remembered that Dennis had one friend who was deaf, but he didn't speak. The friend used his hands to speak. The concept confused the Pawniard, but her master simply told her not to worry about it.

Cautiously, she approached the Vaporeon, who Courtney heard was named TD, and introduced herself. "Hello," Courtney began. She spoke slowly so TD could read her lips. "My name is Courtney."

(OoC: Today is just not my day for posts, huh?)

The Haunter looks quickly at the Vapoureon. She's done a very brave thing and the dissolving Haunter appreciates the sacrifice she has had to made to do this.
She wasn't even afraid of his bizarre appearance.
"My name is Namdnas." He says clearly, making sure she could see the movement of his lips. "Canalave City was destroyed so we are moving on to Jubilife. Would you like to join us?"
The kindly old Haunter smiles widely at her and turns to face the Bisharp, covering his face with one hand so his next words could not be lipread.
"She'll be no trouble to us, I'll make sure of it. She's just another scared, lost survivor. "
((OOC: Sorry for the short post, Phone internet is very hard to use T_T))

"Muy names Twiny Dwagon. Auym death." Jerome had no experience when it came to translating gibberish, but Namdnas seemed to have some experience in that department. "I think she has trouble hearing, that's why her speech is strange." "...Oh." Jerome couldn't help but feel a little guilty over his previous indifference to her. She wasn't retarded - she was just deaf, that was all.

"I can ree-ad leps, uf you speak slo-owly," TinyDragon continued awkwardly. "Whaa-at are your nams? Wha-air are you guise go-oing?" Jerome opened his mouth to speak but then Namdnas offered explanation on where they were going and then introduced himself after Courtney did. Realising it was his turn, he said, "My name is Jerome," slowly and emphasising heavily on certain words, hoping that he didn't look like he was mocking her.

"OK, let's go." Without another word, Jerome marched off eastwards in the direction of the morning sun, which cast a shadow over the dark city lined with tall skyscrapers in the distance.

Maybe luck was with the deaf Vaporeon today. Each Pokemon in turn spoke very slowly and carefully to her. The Pawniard approached, introducing herself as Courtney. Very clear. If it was for the Haunters smooth movements, TD would of stumbled on his name, Namdnas. The unique flow of the words curved and sang through her head as she repeated it to herself. With a tranquil smile, he explained the town to the west was destroyed, so they were heading to a different one. "Would you like to join us?" TinyDragon nodded quickly. She had succeeded in joining them! She wasnt going to have to flee after all. Namdnas conversed privately with the Bisharp before the blue Pokemon revealed his name with very ridged movements of the jaw. "My name is Jerome," He seemed bothered by something..

Softly she repeated each of there names, nodding to each in turn, "Coourt-ney, Nam-de-nass, Jeh-rooome." Ill remember these, She promised to herself. "OK, let's go." Jerome seemed very curt. Relax.. The Vaporeon nodded in acquiescence, and quickly scuttled after them, as he wasnt going to wait up for stragglers. Staying close to Namdenas she looked far off ahead of her, the silhouettes of tall buildings were blotted on the horizon. TD was unable to judge the distance, but was satisfied with being able to see their destination.

(Skip. Not much for Courtney to do at the moment...)

With a flick of his ghostly tail the Haunter floats on, suspended above the ground like a wisp of purple cloud. His single red eye can't see too well, his sight beginning to fade with his age but the hazy buildings on the horizon seem larger and more distinct. They are getting closer.
A sudden searing headache strikes him and the Haunter can't help but wince at the pain of it. From his partially closed eye he sees another large wisp of his gaseous form break off into oblivion as the grip his spirit has on this world fades further. His body aches with his age as it decays even further.
'Ah, I am too old.' the Haunter thinks as the pain passes and leaves him weaker than ever. 'So old.'
His baleful red eye has seen many things. He has lived through the golden ages of co-operation between human and pokmemon and now he is dying again, not knowing if any of his children have managed to survive or if they have all faded away by now.
He clutches at his head with his thin-clawed hand and exhales loudly as he tries to get a grip on himself. More and more the fading memories of the past threaten to overwhelm him as his mind begins to fade.
To Jubilife, he reminds himself, we are going to Jublilife.
The hope he does not dare voice to the others there is his desire to find one of the human items known as a Trade Link. Evolution can effect the disease in strange ways, maybe if he evolves he could slow the process somehow.
He doesn't have long left.
"How long until we get there?" He asks Jerome in a casual manner as he shades his eye from the sun and examines the buildings.

After a few minutes of walking in silence, Jerome was approached by Namdnas who asked how long it would take for them to get to the city. "We'll get there when we get there," the Bisharp replied curtly, briefly picking up his speed to overtake the Haunter but then sighing and regaining his usual pace. He was in another bad mood for no obvious reason. Maybe it was the fact that meeting TD had lost them some time, or that Courtney still needed some proper treatment, or that his own wounds on his belly were starting to hurt. A lot.

He stopped for a moment before turning to the ghost. "Should be there by midday if we hurry." He noticed that Namdnas was holding his eye and appeared to be in discomfort. "Are you all right?"

The group of Pokemon marched on in the growling sunlight. TD had been swimming so long, it was strange walking like this. She glanced at Namdnas's face, it was clenched in a painful look. His one hand grabbed at his head as if to stop some unseen pain plaguing him. The look of his faded face made a heavy weight coat the Vaporeon. She wanted to help him, ask what was wrong, but it wouldnt be the best idea. They had begun moving, and Jermone wouldn't appreciate if she stopped them again.

On cue the Bisharp turned to face the Haunter, not stopping and keeping the stern look to his face. Like the Pawniard he was wounded, with a the tiniest wince she guessed they were bothering him. You need to rest.. He would probably cut her if she said that. Jerome quickened his pace to TD's dismay. She tried to speed up, but surprisingly he slowed down. Whatever he said was directed to Namdnas, was he asking about the look of his face? Or maybe for him to speed up with the pain slowing him down. ....Or were they discussing her, that she was a burden to them? Guilt began gnawing at her belly. I hope I didnt ruin your group..

Regardless, she turned worried eyes to the Haunter, softly mumbling to him, "Yoo okay?" No matter what they were saying, she was still concerned for the older Pokemon.

Courtney followed the others closely, moving as fast as her wound would allow her. Jerome tried to pick up speed, but then slowed down, for some reason. Why he even picked up speed to begin with confused the Pawniard, but what mattered was that they were still a group. Her worry was more focused on Namdnas. She rushed up to him as best she could and looked at him with worry. He had been like a father to Courtney in the same way Dennis was. She didn't want lose another father figure.

(OoC: This post=sucks)

((Skip please. Jerome's just ... walking. XD Can they reach the city gates in the next cycle or something? I fear that we're going to start to struggle for ideas otherwise.))