The VICTORY team

Brig had been making his way away from the group of greenhorns, when the candle nearly spontaneously popped into his face, causing the hardened soldier to take a jolted step back, a small grunt of surprise accompanying it. Though his first instinct was to shove his beak right through its little white face, the strange expression on the ghost kept his fury.

"You," the thing began, "You are the only one who can see what monsters my kind are, so I have to entrust this to you." Entrust? The hell was this? 'Some sort of trap...?' Brig clicked his beak, taking another couple of steps back before glaring at the little candle.

"I need to get back up the mountain to a small glen that was unaffected by all this. In fact, the only reason I even discovered all of this mess was some strange power that just pulled me somewhere else. If I get back there I can be no danger to anyone..." His gaze narrowed, his wings flared, but the look that the candle gave him was enough to stay his angry words. "I need your word that if I lose myself before I get there, if I even flicker, you will not hesitate to kill me."

"...Kill you, huh?" Clicking his beak more in thought, he looked the candle over in new light. He wasn't sure how this would be a trap, since all cases of the thing winning would result in its immediate death. "...Sure. I'll make sure you don't fuck anyone up here." He turned when the little ferret thing called them to move, leading in another direction. Frowning, Brig followed, not wanting to admit that he was curious to what the little ankle-biter had stashed away.

"...Kill you, huh?"
"...Sure. I'll make sure you don't fuck anyone up here."

Sighing in relief Blink allowed those words to offer him some comfort as he lowered his levitation closer to the ground. "Thank you." It was good to know he had a back-up plan if he wasn't able to control himself. Not sure what else to do he moved closer to the front of the group by the small pup. The boy had such faith in him, he figured that the guilt would stop him from allowing his flame to burn. The last thing the small Litwick wanted was to harm an innocent, and the Growlithe was the very picture of it.

Allowing himself to watch the group dynamic Blink was confused by what he saw. The short Linoone seemed to keep the large Arcanine in check, despite their obvious size and power differences. The Arcanine could hardly tear his eyes from the white hound that trailed lazily behind the rest, not sure what to think of her other than she was obnoxiously quiet. While Blink loved being in the quiet, knowing someone else was there who just simply wasn't talking was quite unsettling. Of course there was the pup, who seemed unsure of himself but still kept a sense of duty about him, and then there was Brig. Other than his gruff demeanor and level head Blink didn't know what to think of the giant bird.

It would seem only time would tell.

Oliver walked along glumly, disappointed that he could not be useful after all and had let Yoru down. Not only that, but he had promised Lola when she had left that he'd look after everyone. Those Pokemon that she had been referring to were now gone - either dead, missing or had left of their own accord. He'd failed. He had no right to be a leader, and decided that he was a fool to even think that. Big Pokemon like Mr Hal or Mr Brig deserve to be the leader ... not me. I should stop getting my hopes up for nothing.

His head was dipped and his expression solemn has Hal suddenly lowered his own head towards him with a smile. "A boss says 'go', but a leader says 'let's go." Oliver actually stopped walking for a moment and looked up at the Arcanine with wide, shining eyes. Mr Hal ... thinks I would be a good leader? For a few moments he simply stared at his evolved form with his mouth slightly agape, unable to form a single word. Just those words from Hal's mouth; the gentle, reassuring smile on his face; just that was enough to encourage Oliver to keep trying. His eyes narrowed and his mouth closed into a determined grin as he nodded. Tail wagging, he trotted ahead of everyone in the group except for Poins and called behind him, "Everyone, let's go!"

He glanced at Hal with a 'did I do well?' look before catching up to the Linoone. "Thank you for the berries, Mr Poins." It was also a leader's job to be polite, and to be respectful towards all member of the group ... right?

Winter couldn't help but smile at Hal as he gave Oliver a tip on what a leaders says to start moving. Though young, the Growlthe was definitely the only one she really saw as being the most fit to take on the alpha role. Her smile soon faded though as she turned back to Brig and Blink. She cought the Litwik’s gaze for a moment, before it looked away and began to view the rest of the pack. Pack, why did she always refer to a group as a pack? Only a few of these pokemon where even canines, and one of which was a bird, who traveled in flocks. The Mightyena wondered if he thought of this group as such, a flock, just as she thought of it as a pack. For her, a group was a pack, and the leader of Alpha.

“Everyone, let's go!” Oliver said, giving Hal a glance before going after the Linoone. She didn’t catch what he said to other pokemon, but he seemed to be thanking him for the food. She couldn’t help but smile again as the young Growlithe was replaced by an young Poochyena. How Oliver reminded her so much of her brother Rain, she was sure the two would have gotten along great had Rain still been the same, before he started being so, distant.

“He reminds me of my brother when he was younger. Before…” She trailed off on the last part. Her eyes filled with sorrow as she remembered the day he had just vanished, she didn‘t know why he had, and always hoped he would come back, but he never did. Winter hoped she would one day be reunited with him, to find him safe and sound, unscathed, and living. She wished she wouldn’t find him undead, to see him as nothing but a mindless beast who only wanted to consume the living, if she did find him like this, then she would take it upon herself to put him out of his misery.

"Everyone, let's go!"

Hal practically beamed at the pup’s response, watching him trot away, tail wagging, to join Poins at the head of the group. It was like looking in a mirror. Harry had leadership forcefully heaped onto his young shoulders, instinct making him rebel with time; but Oliver, although young and still finding his way in life, was one to accept responsibility. At his age, Hal had sought to rebel, too childish, even scared, of controlling the lives of others. But Oliver seemed to embrace responsibility, the epitome of a hopeful tomorrow in the ever-darkening world. It was the creatures like him that reminded the canine that there was always something left living for. He’d failed his kingdom, his people slaughtered in that terrible battle – but he couldn’t give up on the rest of the world and the survivors that still prospered within it. Oliver thought the way too. Knocked down by Brig’s disapproval, it took a true leader to brush off a topple and pick himself up again. Yes, it was fair to say Hal expected only the best from the plucky Growlithe.

Following leisurely behind, bowing his head lightly to Winter as he walked aside the shiny, Hal risked a glance over his shoulder to the avian and ghost. Suspicious, but his manners hindering the unveiling of their discussions, the Arcanine managed a weak smile at the duo before turning away. He moved like a royal; head high, the perfect posture as the regal creature took long, gentle paces, kindly smile still flourishing on his handsome features. But mutterings from the Mightyena distracted him. A light frown surfacing, he tilted his head, unable to help overhearing Winter’s musings of the fate of her brother. It was a painful reminder to the fates of his own family. His father was dead, he knew that much for sure, but his siblings – there was still hope.
“Try not to think about it,” Hal spoke soothingly, smiling apologetically at the saddened canine as he silenced the fears of his own family’s state. But after all, he always had Poins. Poins might as well be his brother. They laughed, they bickered, they cried; the duo’s natural bond ensuring their friendship remained effectively unbreakable.

"Thank you for the berries, Mr Poins."

Poins turned to the excited youngster who had appeared at his side, a smirk playing on his lips as he gave a quieted chuckle in response.
“You ain’t got ‘em yet,” He snickered jokingly, looking over his shoulder to catch a brief glimpse of the whole entourage gradually following. Wondering whether he was willing to let all these giants trample his den and steal his sparse supplies after all, the ferret gave a snort as he caught the Arcanine staring quizzically back at him. Bloody Hal must’ve read his mind. Grinning, he winked at his stern companion before turning his attention to the route ahead. He could always find more berries.

All too soon his familiar den had come into view. A generously-sized hedge nestled within the foliage just about big enough to accommodate Oliver’s stature, a Linoone-sized gap between the leaves serving an entrance. He imagined the group wouldn’t be stopping for long. The fire-type had mentioned a destination earlier, so the size issues of his beloved shelter would serve only a temporary hindrance to his larger companions.
“Home sweet home,” He mused aloud, scurrying ahead to tear away a few branches on his entrance. The berries were scattered where he’d left them, a complete assortment that he soon bundled into short arms. In moments, he was trudging out of the hedge, shaky on his hind-legs as he settled his collection of food before the Growlithe’s paws. Although there was a pang of disappointment in his expression, sacrificing his sustenance so easily, Poins quickly reminded himself it wasn’t the end of the world. “Go on then. Dig in,”

((Please skip. Blink is following for now, watching everyone interact. It has been a looooooong time since he had to talk to people, lol.))

Eventually, Poins led them to a small thicket that was well-hidden among the foliage. The Linoone entered and emerged a few seconds later carrying an armful of berries, and then dropped them at Oliver's feet. "Go on then. Dig in." The pup's mouth was soaked with drool as he lowered his head and sniffed the berries, inhaling their sweet, almost luxurious scent. The last thing that he had ingested had been Lola's milk, and although he managed to fill a hole or two in his stomach, it had now finished its job. Oliver was hungry; hungrier than he had been in a long time. Licking his lips, his lowered his head to scoop up a plump Pecha Berry but then stopped.

Along the way he had been thinking about what leaders did to help their followers, and other things that he could try to see if the group - particularly Brig - accepted them. Leaders put others first! As painful as it was, he raised his head again and backed away from the berries, looking up at the others and trying not to look too envious. "Y-You guys eat first, I don't mind. I'll have what's left." His ear flicked to the side as he heard running water nearby, and trotted off in its direction. "There's water this way!" he called before disappearing into the undergrowth. Normally he would've waited or even requested for someone to go with him for a drink, but he didn't need it. If Oliver was going to be leader he needed to show the others that he could be strong and not get scared. He would go for a drink on his own ... and he would be fine.

((I really don't want to skip, but I've been very busy D:
Just say Winter stayed back and waited till everyone else ate before she did.))

(( Urgh, gonna have to skip too. Sorry guys. :B ))

((Gonna have to skip again D|))

((Hate to do this as well, but skip me also. Oliver was just on the other side of some foliage taking a drink and then trotted back to everyone else and offered to escort them to the water if they wanted him to.))

Watching as their young leader, Oliver, disappeared and later reappeared, Poins had helped himself to a couple of berries in his absence – they were his after all. But Hal had remained obedient, manners getting the better of his growling stomach. There was plenty for everyone, but the Arcanine was typically courteous, especially for the female who had, as of yet, left the offering untouched. Batting the Linoone away as he reached for a second berry, evoking a indignant squeak, the ferret flashed a broad grin, juice dribbling down his chin.
“What?” He exclaimed mischievously through a mouthful of food, taking a step back to ensure Hal got a good look. As expected, the Arcanine shook his head, struggling to disguise a smile in mimicry of his friend’s.
“Real gentleman, aren’t you Poins?” Hal snickered sarcastically, turning at Oliver’s mention of water. He gave a soft nod of his head, willing to follow the young canine without a moment’s hesitation. “C’mon, you could do with a clean-up too,” He gestured to the Linoone, beads of juice still clinging to his slim face, as he began walking in the direction the Growlithe had come.
“Yes, Princey,” Poins muttered, following the canine. Looking back to the others, he nodded his head to the berries, still mainly untouched. “Help yourself,”

Nearing the stream, the sound of water growing louder with each footfall, Hal remained quiet, smiling absently to himself as he stopped, waiting for his companions to catch up. Long legs had propelled him ahead of Oliver and Poins without meaning, the canine only realizing his mistake once he’d reached the destination. Turning back with a sheepish smile, guilty he’d robbed the Growlithe of the opportunity to lead, Hal’s ears flicked as another sound met him. It had started as a heavy breathing, but as he waited, body slowly growing rigid with tension, a low, guttural growl rang out.

Before he had time to react, an undead Charizard had barrelled out of the foliage.

Hal hadn’t thought these creatures capable of ambush, but he couldn’t deny what he was seeing. The beast had lunged for Poins, the Linoone meeting the undead’s ferocious, half-destroyed features just as its claws made contact with the delicate flesh of the rodent’s chest. He gave a pained gasp, launched back on impact as the agony slowly registered.
“Poins!” Hal bellowed, terrified for his companion. Lying limp, breathing harshly in a growing pool of blood, Poins seemed to be choking.
“Ha-Hal… I-“ The Arcanine sprinted to the creature’s aid, only then remembering of Oliver’s close proximity. Looking fearfully over to the youth, keeping the monstrous dragon distracted by a well-executed Double Team, each of the six Arcanine surrounding the enraged undead, Hal called desperately to the youngster.
“GO!” He bellowed, a demand, as he scooped his wounded companion onto his back. “Get out of here!”

By this time, the Charizard had effectively obliterated each of Hal’s illusory doubles, angered as his fierce glare fell to the only remaining canine, the wounded Linoone slung atop him. Hal could feel warm blood oozing down his coat, matting his fur as Poins’ breathing came in ragged gasps, body growing slack.
“Poins,” He spoke urgently, desperately. He had no idea how bad the damage was, the mystery evoking an emotional reaction that was only numbed by fear of the undead’s presence. “Poins, you’re going to be okay. Stay with me,” He muttered hurriedly, moving to take off to rejoin the group. But his path was intercepted as a monstrous flamethrower set alight to the trees, effectively blocking their route to safety. Left trapped by a wall of flames, the group isolated from them, Hal had no time to contemplate. He couldn’t brave the flames with Poins fading away with each droplet of blood.

Cursing aloud, Hal turned tail and ran in the opposite direction, paws barely touching the ground with the utilisation of ExtremeSpeed. Praying the others would survive the wrath of the infected Charizard they had left behind; the Arcanine’s mind was consumed only by Poins’ wellbeing. His life was the priority at this moment. Desperate to reach an area of peace, however temporary that may be, Hal would save Poins and they would rejoin the group, together.

(( I hate to break all these skips with a leaving post. Dx It’s been lovely RPing with you all! I hope I can rejoin when life calms down a bit. Oh, I hope you don’t mind that I’ve left you guys with a bit of action, too. ^^; ))

Brig shifted on his large, lethal feet as he continued to survey their surroundings. Surely something would have reared its ugly head by now-- even a small, weak lamebrain. But no, the group had been left in peace, leaving Brig's agitated mind to roam freely... which was not necessarily a good thing. His eyes kept darting to every small movement the wind caused, catching only benign twitches and gales. He clicked his beak, anxious.

It was too damn quiet.

The others seemed to enjoy it, for the little moments of peace were few and far between... but Brig knew all too well that those moments were ALWAYS killed by the undead, it was just a matter of time. His gaze shifted as the others headed toward the stream, where some fresh water babbled happily. He followed, snatching a couple of berries as he stalked behind them, a growing feeling of dread claiming his gut. There was something wrong. There was always something wrong...

A trap!

Without warning, a bloodied, stinking charizard pounced, getting the weasel with a good slash. There was a moment of chaos, but before anyone else could react, Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes sprang off on his own, his fallen comrade slung over his back. A snort escaped Brig; he didn't fault the arcanine for getting his wounded out of the fray, but the giant bird had a feeling he wasn't going to rush back any time soon.

"Of course..." he growled, a small smirk beginning to light his face. He opened his wings and shot up, his powerful limbs carrying quickly airborne. The charizard followed, falling for Brig's lure. Turning, he let himself begin to fall toward the grotesque dragon, claws extended. They caught their orange prey, clutching deeply into the soft, bloated meat the dragon sported. Ignoring the futile snaps and bites, Birg hurled them ever more to2ward the earth, only letting go and pulling up at the last possible second. The dragon dropped, smashing into the ground at such a speed, it was nearly liquified. Circling around, the eagle managed a spy of more undead heading their way.

Once he slowed, he landed nearby the quickly thinning group he escorted. "Looks like more trouble comin' our way. We'd better haul ass or else it's getting chewed." Remembering the candle, he turned and glared, quirking his head. "Where was that place you were talking about?"

Blink watched everyone carefully, trying to judge who was in danger of succumbing to his flame. He couldn't allow it to happen so if there was anyone too friendly or too open he would have to make sure to avoid them, and so far the most likely candidate was the pup. Oliver... He had such a friendly name too. It almost made the Litwick sad to think that he had to purposely be mean to such a kind spirit, but said spirit was the very reason he had to do it. He couldn't allow it to be sucked out and kill the boy.

The white wolf was in no danger, she just sat around doing nothing all the time yet the large Arcanine acted like she was some mystical creature to be revered. To Blink she just looked lazy and all around useless, just sitting around watching. Though admittedly, he was doing much the same thing. But the difference was he didn't want to be there, he had no choice if he wanted to get back to his sanctuary. She obviously chose to be in the group. Completely different. The only two that seemed to have any sense were the Linoone and the Braviary, but the Linoone still had his off moments of going with the Arcanine.

He watched as everyone ate and made sure to keep his distance, willing his flame to stay dull. It wouldn't do to let it even spark, lest one of the innocent souls get taken by its hellfire. But it seemed his wasn't the only hellfire around when a large fire lizard charged. It got the Linoone and forced the Arcanine away with his friend before turning on everyone else, leaving the Braviary to handle the beast. He thought it was done until the bird swooped back down and alerted that there were more coming.

"Where was that place you were talking about?" No! Not his sanctuary! If he led them there it would forever be tainted, it would no longer be free of any temptation. He couldn't! He couldn't...but neither could he let them die. That would be just as bad, wouldn't it? It seemed he had a choice to make and his hesitation was surely just angering the large bird before him. But what should he do? "I...I don't..." he sighed in defeat, too scared of what would happen rather than the possibility of what could happen later. "It's not far..."

What choice did he have?

Winter was lost for words at the appearance of the Charizard that suddenly attacked Poins, wounding him badly. Hal was trying to keep the Linoone alive, but he fled the scene, more concerned with his old friend then with his new ones, though would have likely given chase to see what the deal was, but he must have had his reasons, and right now the pokemon here needed her more.

The Mightyena watched as Brig lured the undead upwards before grabbing it in it’s claws and crushing in the ground impact. Winter was sure to say away from the range of it. She looked up at the Braviary, he seemed to be looking at something in the distance before descending toward them. "Looks like more trouble comin' our way. We'd better haul ass or else it's getting chewed." He said, and Winter instinctively raised her nose to the air to see if she could smell the oncoming danger, and in deed to smelt something, it was faint and off in the distence, but it was closing in fast.

"Yes, that would be wise." Winter said before looking around and noticing Oliver wasn’t with them. The young pup must have gone off somewhere. "You two go on ahead, I‘m going to go look for Oliver." She added before following the pup’s scent into the trees.

"I...I don't..." The little candle stuttered to Brig, the bird clicking his beak angrily at the slow response. "We don't have time for you to fuckin' sit there and drool over it, you fuckin' retard!" he growled, and the candle finished. "It's not far..." Another angry click, and Brig shoved his beaked face into the candle's waxy one. "WHERE?" he growled, eyes glaring hatefully at the little thing.

"Yes, that would be wise," the white wolf replied, her tone somewhat monotone. "You two go on ahead, I‘m going to go look for Oliver." Brig's eyes widened as she turned tail back into the brush, and he opened his wings in protest.

"Dammit, woman!" he shouted after her, his feathers slowly becoming more ruffled with frustration. "If I go on ahead, I'm in the fucking sky!"

"We don't have time for you to fuckin' sit there and drool over it, you fuckin' retard!"

Blink flinched at the disgusted tone in Brig's voice, scared that the bird would break his vow and just kill him outright without any risk to the group. "WHERE?" He wanted to answer but the damn bird wouldn't give him a chance! "If you would shut up for two seconds I could tell you! Everything isn't about you, you know!" Glaring daggers at the bird, feeling real emotion for the first time in years, Blink was ready to just abandon the lot and go on his own. But the thought of leaving the small pup to die was just a little too much for the candle to handle.

"You two go on ahead, I‘m going to go look for Oliver." The Litwick stared at the snowy hound like she was crazy, which for all intents and purposes she was. Even Brig seemed to agree. "Dammit, woman! If I go on ahead, I'm in the fucking sky!" There wasn't just the matter of outpacing the group, Blink had just decided not to abandon Oliver and the dog was telling him to do just that. "It's not that simple! If we go on ahead you will never find it!" Blink could feel himself getting angry, willing his wick not to spark. It was hard after so many years to keep his composure, not used to having anyone around him to get him in such a state. "It's hidden. I only found it in the first place because I can pass through rock. I didn't find the only entrance until almost a decade later! You never will!"

Looking to Brig he hardened his gaze and evened his tone. "If we don't all go together, then whoever is left behind is on their own. It's up to you if you can live with that decision."
___________________

Yoru had given up on finding Armonia, ignoring the heavy feeling in his chest for not traveling further than the original route. They had been separated, sure, but she was a big girl and could take care of herself. At least, that was what he was going to tell himself for the rest of his life. Tracking his way back by scents hours old he realized she wasn't the only one who had moved on. 'Those fuckers ditched me? Me? I'm the only reason most of them are alive!' Aggravated beyond belief he settled with finding them and giving them a piece of his mind before ditching them for good measure.

It took a while but he finally picked up one of the familiar scent trails. Tracking it all the way to a small stream he arrived in time to see some Linoone and Hal getting their asses handed to them by a Charizard. They took off in a hurry and the rotting lizard made his way in another direction. Odd, he'd never known the Undead to give up on a meal no matter how far it ran. Not willing to risk being caught he circled around the area, intending to sneak up on it while it was busy doing...whatever it was doing, when a small noise caught his attention. Leaping through the brush in a flurry of fur and anger, teeth bared and a growl in his throat, he paused. Sitting before him was no Undead, no monster. It was just, "Kid?"

The hell was Oliver doing out here by himself?

((Yoru is back! But since I revamped him so much I didn't feel right starting from his old post count, so he has a brand new one. Hope he doesn't give Ollie a heart attack, lol))

Oliver should've known that things would go wrong now that everything was all right again. Hal and Poins had followed him to the water, but on the way they were ambushed by an enormous undead Charizard. The young pup had yelped in terror as the vicious beast lunged at them, his immediate instinct to hide in the nearest bush, but as he remembered who he was now - the brave leader who looked after his friends and never ran away - he sprung out and bit the lumbering dragon on the ankle to try and distract it enough for Hal and Poins to escape. But the Charizard appeared to not even notice Oliver's small teeth sinking into his scales and lunged at Poins, slashing him across the chest.

"Mr Poins!" Tears sprung from Oliver's eyes as he abandoned his attempt to distract the beast, rushing over to the fallen Linoone just as Hal used Double Team to confuse the beast before telling Oliver to go. "B-But I can't! I-- Mr Hal, wait!" Just as the trees in front of them erupted into flames, Hal quickly changed direction and charged off into the undergrowth with Poins on his back. "No! Come back!" Oliver cried as he sprinted after them, desperate to not let the Arcanine and his wounded friend leave his sight. However, with longer legs, Hal was much faster than Oliver and he quickly disappeared from sight.

"MR HAL!" Panting, Oliver came to a stop in a small clearing near to the water, whipping his head round in all directions for a glimpse of his evolved form. Finding none, he gulped back the lump in his throat and sniffed at the ground, desperately trying to pick up Hal's scent so he could follow it. At that moment, something black and red darted out of the bushes just to his left, only to come to an abrupt stop while uttering only one word: "Kid?"

"Mr ... Yoru?" Oliver didn't move a muscle for a moment or two, simply staring at the red-ringed Umbreon as if trying to figure out whether he actually was there. "MR YORU!" Oliver was sure that he hadn't ever moved so quickly as he charged at the Dark-type, rearing up onto his hind legs and soaking his face with frantic licks. "Mr Yoru, you're OK! I ... I..." Bursting into tears, the young canine nuzzled his face into Yoru's chest fur and sobbed his heart out. "O-Oh Mr Y-Yoru, it w-was h-h-horrible. B-Big dragon, came-- Mr Hal g-g-gone! Mr P-Poins hu-hurt and n-now I'm l-lost and - and - and--"

Unable to say another word, Oliver let out the tears that he'd been holding back for a long time. Pyth and Lola leaving them, Scarlet getting lost, Stavros's death ... all of it, which he had tried to be so brave about, came flooding out of him at that moment. He could only hope that Yoru would forgive him for failing as a leader.

Winter continued to follow the scent of the Growlithe, though she wasn’t having much luck finding him. She didn’t understand why he had gone off on his own like this, though not being with him for as long as Yoru or the others had, she didn’t know if this was a regular thing with Oliver. "Oliver!" She called, laud enough for the young canines ears to catch it, she just hoped no other canine would catch it as well. She continued to follow his scent until she finally spotted him. It turned out he was with them all along, she just hadn’t noticed. Winter felt rather dumb at that.

It wasn’t long before the white Mightyena noticed the black figure with the red rings appear once again. Yoru, though, something seemed different about him, he seemed a bit more, moody. She wondered if something had happened. Something held her back from going out to confront the red Umbreon, as though she wasn’t needed here. Sure, the others would say that she was probably very needed, but she couldn’t see herself being needed. Letting out a sigh she sat down, hidden in the undergrowth of the trees as she looked at how happy Oliver was to see Yoru again. She wondered if anyone she knew would be happy to see her again? Would her brother be happy to see her? He never really did like the white Mightyena, he always looked rather jealous when she looked at him. Maybe it was time she resumed her search for him?

Taking in a deep breath before exhaling she took another glance at Oliver and Yoru before smiling. They would be fine without her, and without a word she stood up and turned around, walking away from the group, her smile slowly fading from her face. It would be best if they thought she simply got lost, or was killed by the approaching undead, maybe one day she could see them again. For now though, finding her brother was her top priority.

((Winter has left the team, though this isn’t goodbye forever, I plan to rejoin again with a different character I think you will all get along well with. Until then. Sayonara))

"If you would shut up for two seconds I could tell you! Everything isn't about you, you know!" Brig nearly pecked the insolent little bastard's eyes out right then and there, his feathers ruffling with anger. Now wasn't the time for little pricks shooting their mouths off, he needed information and he needed it now. Needless to say, his eyes flicked around them, making sure that no fucking lamebrain would get the drop on him while Wax-face was busy taking his sweet damn time drooling about his ever-beloved sanctuary. With the leave of the white female, the candle bristled, shouting, "It's not that simple! If we go on ahead you will never find it! It's hidden. I only found it in the first place because I can pass through rock. I didn't find the only entrance until almost a decade later! You never will!"

He then whirled to Brig, his face tense from the situation. "If we don't all go together, then whoever is left behind is on their own. It's up to you if you can live with that decision."

Brig snorted, leaning in closer. "If Little Miss Priss wants to go off on her own, she can do it all she likes. I am not going to cater to people with their heads stuck so far up their own asses that they forget we're in the middle of a fucking WAR!" Satisfied that he made his point that there was no time to waste on sentiment, he trotted forward -at least, as best a bird could- to where the pup was having a friendly reunion with a red-ringed umbreon, who looked about as thrilled about it as Brig felt.

"If you're done making out," he growled, his wings opening as his talons scored the ground. "I suggest we get the hell outta here. Wax-For-Brains has a place we could stay, and we need to light otta here before the horde gets to us. I should be big enough for all of you to fit-- hurry up." There was little room for arguing in his tone, his eyes set with determination.

((Feel free to oppose; he's just a hard-ass XD))

"MR YORU!"

There was no warning before he found himself with a chest full of sobbing Growlithe, and Yoru had to struggle not to cringe. This was sooooo not what he had been expecting when he stumbled across the kid again. He wasn't even that fond of kids, and now one was breaking down with him as support? Which Fate did he piss off? "Uh, kid? Hey..." But he got cut off all too quickly. "Mr Yoru, you're OK! I ... I... O-Oh Mr Y-Yoru, it w-was h-h-horrible. B-Big dragon, came-- Mr Hal g-g-gone! Mr P-Poins hu-hurt and n-now I'm l-lost and - and - and--" Okay this kid needed to come with subtitles! The hell was he talking about?

Putting one paw on Oliver's shoulder he tried shaking the kid to get his attention. "Slow down, take a deep breath, calm down..." And everything in between. "Start over. What happened?" But once again he got cut off, this time by a big ass bird who for some reason had a hat strapped to the back of his head. Kay... "If you're done making out. I suggest we get the hell outta here." Yoru glared daggers at the bird who had a strange little candle floating behind him. "Wax-For-Brains has a place we could stay, and we need to light outta here before the horde gets to us. I should be big enough for all of you to fit-- hurry up."

Yoru snorted. "You have got to be kidding me. You want me to---what? Climb on you back and hold on with the thumbs I don't have. Great plan." Yoru trotted past the Braviary towards the odd little candle that seemed to have joined while he was gone. "Think I'll just walk. Where to candle?" Blink stared at the strange red-ringed Umbreon like the vulpine had grown another head while talking. He wasn't scared...not even annoyed that the Litwick was there. Was he even aware of what his kind could do? Did he even care? What was with this guy?

Gulping Blink pointed one of his stubby little wax arms towards one of the mountain spires surrounding part of the peak. "It's uh...up there. We have to move quickly if we don't want those things to find us." Damn, another kid huh? What had he done to get an attitude and two kids? And where was the chick with the attitude? He thought he had caught that Hal was off with something called 'pond', or whatever he had said, but there were more missing than that. "So did whitey ditch too or what? Kid?" He looked over to Oliver and felt a little twinge of guilt for the pup's state. He sighed and walked back over to him and nudged the puppy's side with his nose. "Come on...let's get out of here." Blink watched in amazement as this strange Umbreon seemed to change the whole demeanor of the Pokemon he had already pegged into categories. Who the hell was this guy?

Not really sure what else to do he turned and started to lead the way to the only sanctuary he had ever know, terrified of what would happen once they got there.

((Works fine Night, lol. I was hoping for an exagerrated reaction just to throw Yoru off. XD))

"You have got to be kidding me. You want me to---what? Climb on you back and hold on with the thumbs I don't have. Great plan." Brig clicked his beak as the little punk made his way around him to the candle, earning a glare from the great bird. Little prick. "Think I'll just walk. Where to candle?"

"It's uh...up there. We have to move quickly if we don't want those things to find us," Candle replied, and Brig nearly had enough of them right then and there. He turned more toward the umbreon, his feathers ruffling a little. The undead's cries could be heard more clearly now, indicating that their little pow-wow wasn't going to be honored by dozens of cannibalistic freaks.

"So did whitey ditch too or what? Kid?" Brig snorted, flexing his wings a little to dispel some of the building anxiety. You mean Miss Priss?" Brig questioned, clicking his beak angrily. "Course she's gone. Lit out not to long ago. Like some airheaded female can actually stand the sight and ferocity of battle."

Still, as the others moved onward, Brig knew he had to do something more. These assholes were too damn stupid to listen to him, a pokemon more than experienced with the vicious foes before them. That cocky bastard umbreon was likely to get himself, the kid and the candle all killed with him, including his only chance to find somewhere peaceful to recollect himself to go out and find his flock. Heaving a resolute sigh, he heaved himself into the air, flying low to avoid avian foes as well. He wasn't going to let these retards just walk into a fucking trap. "I'll find you all later," he growled as he passed over them. "There's too many dicks for too few pussies." He soared away from them, gaining speed as he raced to the horde before him.

He opened his talons, and attacked.

((Lol, Brig will hold off the horde for a while as Blink leads the way : ) ))

((I'd like to wait for Nightfall since Yoru is waiting for Ollie. I will get to Blink overreacting to Brig leaving next round. Skip please! Sil if you want we can do a turn skip next round so you don't have to skip too.))

"Slow down, take a deep breath, calm down..." Oliver looked up at Yoru as he felt the Umbreon's paw touch his shoulder. His pouring eyes and trembling lips just couldn't indicate how happy he was to see the Dark-type again; the first true friend he had made during his nightmare. Sniveling, Oliver did as he was told and dropped to all fours again, raising his paw and wiping his soaking face. "Start over. What happened?"

"W-Well, I-I--" "If you're done making out," interrupted the deep voice of Brig, "I suggest we get the hell outta here. Wax-For-Brains has a place we could stay, and we need to light outta here before the horde gets to us. I should be big enough for all of you to fit-- hurry up." Oliver's ears perked up at the exciting idea of riding on the Braviary's back and his tail began to rhythmically beat itself against the ground, but Yoru didn't seem too pleased. There was something ... different about him, but he couldn't put his paw on it.

Yoru then asked in a way that was less than friendly whether Winter had 'ditched' him as well. Slightly offended by his harsh choice of words, Oliver was about to stand up for the Mightyena when Brig butted in. "Course she's gone. Lit out not to long ago. Like some airheaded female can actually stand the sight and ferocity of battle." "M-Miss Winter is gone?" Another friend had left without a word ... which reminded Oliver that he would have a few questions for Yoru once they got to safety.

Brig announced that he was going to deal with the horde that was on their trail and promptly left. "Be careful Mr Brig!" Oliver called as he watched the Braviary disappear over the trees. He tried to convince himself that he'd be able to handle it as he trotted over to Blink, attempting to manage a smile. "O-OK, Mr Blink. I'll follow you..."

Our real leader is back now ... Well ... it was kind of fun while it lasted...

((lol, skip. He's fighting the undead and I am too lame to write a scene |D))