(ACE) The UNDER Team

Jaws opened wide Sai charged the undead just as it turned to face him. Sai didn’t like undead, they scared him, and he was scared to become one.
Don’t think of that now.
Sai thought to himself as he continued his charge. He had to survive this encounter, he wanted to see the egg he found hatch, to see a new life enter the world. He also felt kind of sorry for it, that it had to grow up in such a dangerous place.
He would keep it safe, he would make sure it wont live a cruel harsh life, but that sounded impossible.

Sai tried to stop thinking about it, this wasn’t the time for that, he was in the middle of a fight with an undead, one screw up and he would be as dead as all the others he had lost.
I can’t let them down, not now, not ever.

Just then the Rydons attention shifted from him. Something had hit it in the back of it’s head, causing it to shout and lash out in anger. Though it was probably a long time since it felt any real pain. He had an opening now, and he didn’t waist it. He slammed into the undead, knocking it off it’s feet and onto the ground. He watched as it growled before getting back to it’s feet.
Letting out a growl of his own, Sai took up a defensive position, take a quick glance to the darkness where he believed he saw the shot that had hit the undead, but he didn’t see anyone. But he didn’t get a good glance before he felt the Rhydon slam into him.
What a dumb thing to do, taking his eyes off him for a moment. He felt the beasts horn drive into his shoulder, and he let out a cry of pain before he managed to shift his body so that the Rhydon would go crashing to the ground once again. He let out growl as the horn was ripped him his shoulder, the feeling of his blood oozing from his wound hurt. But there was nothing he could do about it.

Sai gave a quick glance to Ardere, who had stayed instead of going like he had said, he was glade, he didn’t want to fight this thing alone.
Before the thing could get back up, he opened his jaws, flames began to lick at his jaws as he readied his Incinerate.
This thing is going to burn.
I’ll melt the skin and armour right off it’s bones!
He gave Ardere another glance, hoping that she will lend her flames. The truth was though, he didn’t know if this would work, maybe just make the whole thing worse. But maybe it would slow it down.

(( I’m not too happy with this, but it’s the best I can do right now with such short time. Let me know if something‘s wrong with it. ))

"Wait! Absinthe! I know your mouth is full so please just listen. The egg I was protecting is nestled outside in a patch of brambles to keep it safe. Can you make sure Salama and the egg are safe, please? I need to stay and help Sai..." the Absol looked back, a determined fire in his eyes as he gave a reassuring nod. "We will get your's and Sai's eggs out safely, Miss Ardere! Come on Absinthe!" silently, he turned away from the fray, limping as fast as he possibly could to keep up with the bright Jolteon. He could feel the pain pulsing on his skin, the patches where the Toxic hit releasing a burning sensation into his veins. I don't know how much longer I can even go like this. The dark-type grunted, glancing ahead at the light to the outside world. It was bright, straining on his violet eyes that had grown so accustomed to the murky shadows here in the city. The closer he got to the entrance, the warmer the air became, a comfortable heat enveloping him as he finally stepped out into the daylights.

Upon the arrival to the outside world, Salama had found the Houndoom's egg, carefully nestling it between her own jaws. The Absol looked around, squinting at his surroundings. It's too bright. He felt his paws shaking, legs ready to buckle as his body struggled to resist the poison. "Uh--" the dark-type visibly flinched, startled by the new voice as he whirled around to--oh.

Immediately his muscles tensed, eyes wide in a mixture of confusion and fear at the fox. He remembered this Pokemon--he had spotted her along with a Charizard when he had first found the group. They had both reeked of death, a scent which still lingered on the Zoroark's pelt. The illusionist spoke to Salama -although a little awkwardly- insisting that the shiny would be better off if she had let the bipedal vulpine hold it instead. A loud crash had cut into her initial conversation, causing her to grow desperate. "We don't have a lot of time! Please, you'll be able to run better without it!" Absinthe's purple gaze looked down to the green Jolteon, along with a mixture of disbelief and fear. That...that Zoroark... He took a few steps back, stance cautious. How can we even trust her?


Faustus had made his way down from the rooftops, body swift and wisp-like as he landed onto the dirty pavement near the Krookodile, watching in both envy and amazement as the pale Arcanine slammed into the Rhydon with a Close Combat. The ground-type had been wounded by the undead's horn, stumbling backwards with a cry of pain. The Phanteon glared daggers into the infected, teeth bared into a vicious snarl. Watching at the crocodile formed an Incinerate in his jaws, the ghost-type perked up at an idea. Quickly, his paws carried him around the street, calling at his foe to catch it's attention. "Oy! Fatty! Big chunk of rotting rock! Over here!" he shouted, laughing slightly as he came to a stop a few meters directly behind the behemoth. He watched as it slowly began to turn towards him.

"Try and catch me, fucker!" with a heave of breath, he formed another orb of darkness within his jaws, grinning before he launched the Shadow Ball right at the Rhydon's face. It had hit, significantly angering the undead as it faced him, roaring in anger. Faustus gave a glance to the Houndoom and Krookodile -although he could barely see them with the beast towering over him- with a smile. "This is your chance!" he called, taking a few pawsteps back. "Hit 'em with all you got!"

Her Foul Play helped, but not by much. Even with the brute's own strength she wasn't strong enough to take down a rock type, at least not alone. She briefly wondered why no one else was trying to fight when suddenly Sai was charging in with his jaws wide. Dropping down to allow the croc a free shot Ardere moved to the side, her peripheral catching Absinthe grabbing Sai's egg to keep it safe. She started to move to help him when something in her mind told her to pause, stopping just in time as a Shadow Ball came out of nowhere and rushed past her to the Rhydon. Ardere looked around for a moment somewhat confused about how she knew the attack was coming.

"Where...where did that come from?" Peering into the darkness Ardere spotted a wispy figure in the shadows and couldn't bring to mind what had such a form. Troubling as the thought was that there was something else following them at least this one seem more interested in fighting the Undead than them, which was at least one bit of good news. Continuing back to the Absol she called out to him before letting him get away, convinced that she had something she needed to do. "Wait! Absinthe! I know your mouth is full so please just listen. The egg I was protecting is nestled outside in a patch of brambles to keep it safe." Looking back towards the Rhydon her eyes shone with worry as the Krookodile took on the enemy alone. "Can you make sure Salama and the egg are safe, please? I need to stay and help Sai..."

While she couldn't leave the male to fight alone she briefly wondered if she would be more than just another target to distract the Rhydon. But it was too late to turn back now. She had already hit it once and pissed it off, might as well see it through.

A wave of relief filled her as Salama's chipper voice offered to fetch and protect the egg, the Houndoom feeling better about her decision to help Sai knowing that the eggs wouldn't be in danger. She returned to Sai's side in time to see him get gored by the beast's horn, the Houndoom rushing to his aid as quickly as she could. "Sai! Are you alright?!" He seemed to be back on his feet alright but an anger had taken over in his eyes, seemingly blinding him to the Jolteon hastening to their side. Fire raised in his jaw and the look he gave her had the female beginning to prepare her own assault but Judas's voice stopped her.

"Guys! She's back. That demon fox-- the one that was after Koin and hurt you, she's back! We have to get out of here!" The memory of a blood slicked Zoroark flashed in her mind, the image of the female who taunted her bastardizing and merging with the image of her former friend and attacker. The two formed a monstrous hybrid with dripping jaws and letting out a terrifying cackle.

The nightmare in her own mind nearly crippled Ardere, her body doubling in on itself as she tried to make herself as small as possible. Try as she might she could not seem to convince herself that the images were not real. They tormented her until she was on the ground crying, screaming her throat hoarse.

((I missed the reposts so this is mine with new post added, Ardere also noticing the repetition. Ardere is also going through a major relapse with her PTSD))

It was not a moment after that Salama had the unborn offspring safely nestled in her jaws that a new scent washed over her. Whipping around, the youth's lilac eyes widened with terror as she was met with a pair of crimson orbs. Frozen with shock, the Eeveelution had no idea what to do. "Uh--" The shiny could only stare in fear as the much larger vulpine creature struggled to find her tounge. Flinching away, Sal took a step back, a soft whimper coming from her jaws, only barely stifled by the egg. The scent of infection clung thick to the pelt of the stranger, suffocating the Eeveeluion as she struggled for a way to flee.

The stranger, however, seemed to almost have the same reaction. There was not a trace of aggression in her eyes as she whimpered, speaking the next words quickly but urgently. "I-I wanted to help... I heard you talking with another and I figured I could help carry the egg since I have hands and I really don't know where I am, but I thought maybe if I helped and you had your mouth free you could tell me and I'm really thirsty and this is really, really awkward and I'm sorry--" Before either of them could react, the loud sounds of a battle crashed over them, causing the child to cower back with another frightened whne. M-Miss Ardere!

The vulpine shot a glance behind her before looking desperately back to the Joltoen. "We don't have a lot of time! Please, you'll be able to run better without it!" she begged, holding out paws with long fingerlike claws. Still Salama hesitated. What if this was a wrong choice? Miss Ardere had trusted her with the care of the unborn child nestled inside. Unsure, she glanced desperately at Absinthe, but the Dark type was no help. His jaws also full from Sai's own egg, he would not aid her in the decsion. Spiking up her pelt from distress, she didn't allow herself to think. Turning back to the newcomer, she gently dropped the egg into her open paws. "C-come on! We need to get away from here and somewhere safe to put the eggs!" Turning to look at the Absol, her eyes held a child's fear. "Then we come back and help them, right?" But she did not wait for an awnser he could not give.

Looking back to the vulpine, she still didn't know if it had been the right choice, but there was no time to think about it. Salama skidded on her heels, taking off towards the light wgile making sure her two companions were not far away. Keeping near the bipedal one, the Jolteon took in a deep breath. "M-my name is Salama."

[ooc; Left it open for whereever they go. And Sil, left the time of day vauge so you can decide since you're leader. c: ]

 
 
Judas' eyes widened as his words crippled the new mother, the houndoom completely doubling over onto herself and shaking violently. He body was nothing but trembling limbs and whimpers, and immediately he regretted his words. "NO! Ardere, we have to get moving! You can't just break down now-- we gotta go!" Helpless, he looked to the others, who were already busy with their own giant, rampaging problem.
 
"This is your chance!" a strange, wispy eevee-looking pokemon called, making Judas stop a moment and wonder what the fuck that thing was. "Hit 'em with all you got!" The enthusiastic call for aid was not lost on him, though, and he nodded, not even sure if the call was even meant for him. Turning to the rhydon, he built and threw an angry Shadow Ball at the creature, aiming for a leg to cripple it. Hopefully, he'd be able to take it down.
 
 
 
Delia watched, anxious, as the green jolteon and absol exchanged glances. She understood that some pokemon were wary now, but now was really not the time for second-guessing. From the rumbles and roars that proved that the others she'd seen were still in the middle of their battle, she knew that hesitating could have them all wind up dead. But finally, the jolteon came to her senses, and she dropped the fragile little egg into her open claws.
 
"C-come on! We need to get away from here and somewhere safe to put the eggs!" Delia's face erupted into a relieved, grateful smile. She was trusting her! "Then we come back and help them, right?" The zoroark nodded quickly, knowing the crisis they were all in, including the mother of the poor egg she now held. "Of course!" Cradling it carefully in the nook of her elbow and armpit, she ran after the green jolteon on three lithe legs, following dutifully.
 
"M-my name is Salama," the jolteon commented, her voice sounding about as terrified as Delia felt. The zoroark gave a sheepish laugh in reply, not very good at feigning her own discomfort.
 
"Th-That's a really pretty name," she replied in between pants as they ran toward the now dimming light. "Mine's Delia."
 
Quickly, they reached the outdoors. The setting sun was slowly being swallowed by the horizon, its last vestiges of the day the golds, pinks and purples of its last moments before nightfall. The sand around them was alight with what little light it could reflect, making it look as an ocean of gold. Delia looked around, trying to spot the little islands of vegitation and debris that could house a little fragile thing like her passenger while they went back to fight. Fighting... Delia's ears twitched backward at the thought-- that thing looked so terrifying... How could they bring something like that down?
 
Her eyes ran over something of interest, though. The top of a car, half drowned in sand, with really only the roof and a little of the inside exposed. "What about there?" she offered. "It'd keep it safe from rolling or getting smashed, and it'd help keep the warmth in, right?"

Salama smiled as the Vulpine gave another awkward laugh in response. "Th-That's a really pretty name," She told the Jolteon, causing the Eeveelution to blush despite herself. I don't remember the last time i was told that! she thought despite herself. "Mine's Delia," the Zoroark explained, returning the favor. Salama gave a soft whine of joy, smiling as she kept pace next to Delia. She had made another new friend! And she was so nice! Salama blinked as the light before them finally came to, well, light. Upon emerging into the soft evening sun, she slowed down, pausing to blink a few times. B- back outside! Wagging her tail happily, the youth propelled herself forward again, not taking any time at all to keep pace with Absinthe and Delia again.

It was so pretty! Salama gasped, her wide eyes taking in the vast desert. "Look at all of that... sand!" Thinking back to when first finding herself in the darkness, Salama had just suddenly appeared there... she had no idea there was such a harsh environment waiting them for when they reached the exit. Delia was already scoping, though, and called out. Salama dashed to her side, taking in what she had found. "What about there?" The vulpine suggested, pointing. "It'd keep it safe from rolling or getting smashed, and it'd help keep the warmth in, right?" The Jolteon blinked. I don't even know what it is... well, was suppose to of been. Moving forward cautiously, she sniffed delicately at the weather worn metal before pulling back. "Sure smells safe enough-!!"

Pulling back with a shrill cry of shock, Salama looked up in horror as an undead Gardivioir crawled out, making it's way towards the youth. The Jolteon turned to flee, but found her feet twisting up in her terror and she fell into the sand. "N-No!" The infected grabbed the youth, lunging forward to dig it's teeth into her leg... only to Teleport before making contact.

The Jolteon was gone.

[[Skip, please. Can't make a full post, so I'll just wait until I have more material.]]

Sai hadn’t even noticed the little wispy fox till it started distracting the massive chunk of rock. "This is your chance! Hit 'em with all you got!" It shouted, and Sai did just that, he unleashed his Incinerate on the massive pile of rock. He heard it roar as it’s back was set ablaze and the rancid smell of rotting flesh hit the Krookodile’s nose like a sudden sandstorm in the dessert. It was truly revolting.
"Guys! She's back. That demon fox-- the one that was after Koin and hurt you, she's back! We have to get out of here!"
Sai stopped his flames when he heard that the fox was back.
She’s back!?
Sai couldn’t help but let out a growl, he didn’t have time to deal with a rock type that was already half melted into the ground. Of it was Delia, and she was back, he had a score to settle. He watched as that bitch killed Blaze, and even threatened Koin.

He looked at the wispy fox, nodded his head in gratitude for it’s help in distracting the beast so he could get a clear shot before turning and running in the direction of the light. He squinted his eyes as he got outside, though there was not much light to be seen, though he was happy to get outside again.
He took a deep breath of the fresh air before remembering why he had come out. Though was once again quickly forgotten at what he saw outside.
SAND!
He couldn’t help but smile at all the sand he was seeing. This was his territory, well not really, but this was his kind of domain. His kind of habitat. He felt right at home here. Now, where was that fox? He had a few things he wanted to say to her.

((Short crappy post but I'm really busy right now.))

    "What about there? It'd keep it safe from rolling or getting smashed, and it'd help keep the warmth in, right?" the Absol's sharp gaze flickered to the abandoned vehicle, limping towards it for a closer inspection. It seemed safe enough, and the Jolteon voiced the same. Gingerly, he deposited the egg down on a nearby bank of sand, freeing his mouth so he could speak.
    As he turned, the dark-type immediately bristled when the younger female let loose a shrill shriek. Whirling around to see a infected Gardevoir, he immediately began to charge up a Night Slash, aiming meticulously at the psychic despite the horrid pain that crept through his innards. "N-No!" he panicked, releasing his attack forward and towards the foe. "S-Salama!"

    He had been too late.

    He watched as the Jolteon and Gardevoir vanished into thin air. He scowled, teeth grinding dangerously within his jaws creating an audible sound before analyzing his surroundings. "...Damnit!" a quick string of swears followed behind is exclamation, fur bristling from both the poison and the recent event as he turned away, shuffling back to the egg. He spared a quick glance at the fox, hesitating to cooperate with her but...what other choice did he have? "I think," he shuddered, feeling an uncomfortable bile rise in his throat. "we should probably just make a few nests in the sand and watch over them. I don't exactly want to take any more chances..."
    "When the rest of the group gets out and meets up with us, we can all put our efforts into finding Salama then. I don't think she got teleported too far...at least, dear Arceus, I hope not." silently he dug out a shallow pit in the ground, nestling an egg into it before patting a bit more sand onto the side. "Delia, right? Call me Absinthe."


    The Phanteon was glad that his shout didn't fall onto deaf ears, watching in relief as the Jolteon sent a Shadow Ball flying into the abomination's leg. He watched as it stumbled, already having taken so much damage as it crumpled onto it's knees. He caught glance of the Krookodile's swift nod before it retreated towards the light. With a determined huff, he raced forward, eye glowing a bright crimson before he smirked. His own leg shuddered, feeling his strength drain away but satisfied as the undead finally howled in pain, falling onto all fours before it collapsed onto it's side, having succumbed to the effects of Faustus's Curse.
    The male didn't hesitate to immediately bound over to the remaining survivors, a genuine concern in his voice. "Hey, are you alright?" he asked, eyeing the crying Houndoom. He looked at the Jolteon. "You might want to get out of this place real quick," he suggested, giving an uneasy glance back towards the depths of the city. "More of those bastards are probably going to come this way now from all the commotion this battle caused." he stood awkwardly, before perking up at the realization that he had yet to introduce himself.
    "Oh, right. My name's Faustus, but if that's too annoying to say then just call me Koli." his stare drifted back to the Houndoom. "Do you, um, need any help?"

((Please forgive me but I cannot seem to make a post other than to just have Ardere follow Sai out of the Under. Please skip me this round and I will pick up next time. Promise.))

Somewhere behind him, Silva heard the rising panic of the group stemming from an unseen arrival. The title of ‘Demon Fox’ was tossed around past the roar of the canine’s fire attacks. The Arcanine was still distracted by the undead, finding himself sucked into battle as his comrades gradually dispersed around him. It irritated him, an unpleasant glower forming over strong features at the realization he was becoming bait for this monstrosity. Still, he had to hand it to them. They were certainly opportunistic bastards.

Clever.

Still, the reptile and the wispy newcomer were still fighting strong, eventually bringing the beast to its knees. All too soon, it dropped dead. Silva tossed the ghost-fox a nod of respect, impressed by the deadly effects of an attack he could only presume was Curse. Still, he didn’t want to take any chances. He clambered atop the fallen creature before proceeding to tear into its throat with a Close Combat attack. A bite wouldn’t be enough to penetrate the thick skin; Silva needed a way to sever the spine and he soon succeeded in a sudden spray of blood.

Silva hadn’t owed these survivors in any shape of form; he had in fact found them quite hostile towards what he perceived as his good nature and as a result wanted to see them struggle. But he’d helped regardless, setting the record straight as he jumped nonchalantly from his perch on the now-headless Rhydon to the cool floor. His cold eyes lingered on the remaining creatures only a moment before his lips spread into an exasperated smile, head shaking slightly to see their plight. For whatever reason, they seemed to be suffering enough. They had their demons and it seemed they had finally returned to give the group a reminder of cruel reality.

Silva was no longer needed.

He bid them good luck and a silent farewell, dipping his gore-stained head before turning back to the darkness of The Under. The white blended remarkably with the shadows, Silva disappearing from vision as he re-commenced his hunt for that one elusive woman.  

(( Leaving post! Sorry it’s so poor, haha. ))

Traveling through an ocean of gold sand, beautiful in its own right by the grace of the sun. However, it was certainly not the ocean the equine thought he would be traveling through...The world really did work in mysterious ways. Despite the harsh environment the water-type presses forward with purpose through the desert. Each step leaving small hoof prints with identifying holes in the center--Keldeo had already considered jutting water out of his hooves to get more distance in. It wouldn't work well on sand and was a waste of energy sadly.

That's not what the others would do...The legendary muses to himself. This was not a time for folly! Their world was being consumed by darkness. Darkness that has creeps into every crevice and corner leaving no place untouched. At least, no place that Keldeo has visited. Even if there was...why go somewhere peaceful? I'm here to make a difference! Not splash along the coastline all day like some foal. The world needs me and I'll prove to them all...

Something in the distance catches the legendary's eyes, and stops his thought process. All day he has trekked seeing nothing but more golden sand and the sparse cacti or two. Never had he spotted something moving. But he is sure his eyes aren't tricking him! He wasn't that tired...Even as he thought it a small piece of him argued against this point, but with a surge of adrenline it was too easily drowned out. Finally! Some action. Near where he had spotted the movement an odd metallic object sticks out of the sandy terrain, he has no clue what it is, but at this moment doesn't trouble himself with it.

Pale legs move into action, sprinting forward with new energy. The closer he came the more in focus the shapes he had viewed before became. Long white fur...distinguishing blue blades...Red, purpling fur? Perhaps this would not be the meeting he originally envisioned. Blue hooves dig into the sand in front of him to slow his gallop to a stop. Perhaps a more careful approach was needed.

After a moment to compose himself again he sets off at a steadier trot. A mane the color of fire, long blue tail and horns...there was no hiding. Not here without anything for cover beyond what the absol and zoroark were already apparently using. Not really my style anyway. The water type approaches confidently, without a word, and comes to stand in an open area to the side of the sunken vehicle. Merely to watch initially before speaking.

"Greetings."

(( I'm sorry, other then Sai being surprised to see Keldeo, I have really nothing for him to do. He will do something my next post. I promise. So please skip me for now. ))

Ardere witnessed the end of the of the Rhydon with relief, limping after Sai and the wispy fox slowly. Her body still ached from crashing into the brute earlier but thankfully she was still able to move, it just took a little extra effort to not wince every time her shoulder rotated. She could hear the other two talking and allowed the sounds of their voice to draw her forward while her mind wandered. "Oh, right. My name's Faustus, but if that's too annoying to say then just call me Koli." Ardere pulled herself back to reality in order to try and focus since an introduction was laced within the statement only to find the ghostly creature looking right at her. "Do you, um, need any help?" The Houndoom smiled gently and shook her head. "That is very sweet of you child," she replied, Irish accent heavier than before with weight of her weariness. "But I will be alright once we are outside and able to rest. It...it has simply been a long day for me."

She was happy when the sun hit her face, smiling as once again she stepped into the outside world this time without fear of being drawn back into the abyss she left behind. As Ardere looked around she made a note that Salama's happy green pelt was missing and she couldn't track down where Absinthe went. "Mr. Sai..." she whispered, a hint of fear laced in her voice. "Where are the eggs?" As she sniffed around and began to look her nose caught a scent that made the female canine freeze in place, eyes growing wide as saucers in fear as they locked onto a single target, completely oblivious to the blue water pony who arrived to their side. "You..." she whispered before her throat opened up in an agonizing scream to see what she was in her grasp.

The demon fox was holding her egg.

((I will skip for this round.))

She had been right there. The little green jolteon had been right. There. But as soon as Delia had turned to see if she was in approval, a scream had erupted from the shiny's throat, tearing into the calm. Eyes wide, she could barely reach out for her before the gardevoir had already wrapped the eeveelution in its grasp and... vanished.

Just... vanished.

Mouth agape, Delia wasn't even sure what to do until nearby cursing brought her out of the trance she'd found herself in. "...Damnit!" Another string of obscenities followed, some she knew and some she didn't even know existed. Shrinking away from the angry outburst, she watched the absol until he wound down a little. "I think," the other finally stated, mind apparently clearer, "we should probably just make a few nests in the sand and watch over them. I don't exactly want to take any more chances..." Delia looked over the eggs a moment as he continued.

"When the rest of the group gets out and meets up with us, we can all put our efforts into finding Salama then. I don't think she got teleported too far...at least, dear Arceus, I hope not." Without waiting for her consent, he dug a shallow hole and gingerly placed the egg he was charged with inside. Her mind was still on the terrible scene that had happened just moments before, though... Where could she have gone? How far did Teleport work...? "Delia, right? Call me Absinthe."

The zoroark was startled a bit, causing her talons to fumble with the egg a bit, but soon managed to regain control. Swallowing, she nodded, looking back over to the absol with uncertain eyes, but a friendly smile soon found itself on her face. If he'd meant harm, he would have moved already.

Galloping soon captured her attention, though, and she turned round to find herself nearly face to face with a pokemon she'd never laid eyes on before in her life. The powerful aura exuding from it caused her hackles to raise; this pokemon wasn't any old normal pokemon. It was... different. Special. She held the egg a little tighter to her chest fluff, unsure whether this newcomer intended harm or not. But it offered a simple "Greetings," which Delia suddenly found herself quite mute. After clearing her throat, she managed a wave and a timid, "...Hello... And... who are you?"

Meanwhile, Tai was walking with the others at a slow, calm pace. The rhydon was gone. Silva had promptly fucked off somewhere, though the jolteon wasn't all too surprised. A pokemon like that didn't seem the type to stick with a group of complete strangers... But... then again, neither did he.

Frowning, he hadn't really been paying attention to much of the conversation being had. The wispy thing and Ardere were chatting was all he knew as he brooded over his own thoughts and feelings. But a blood-curdling scream ripped that right out of the air, sending his fur to needles and sparks flying from his coat.

It hadn't been long since the water horse's arrival that a group of pokemon emerged out of the cave. Delia's eyes went wide as the arced horns and black pelt registered in her mind. But as the houndoom screamed, so did Delia. Fear gripped her heart and mind, not realizing that the egg she held and clutched was the spawn of the creature before her. She flew backward, her powerful hindquarters launching her a few yards away from the hound. Oh, Legends, it's one of them! her mind screamed, her heart pounding harder and faster than it had ever been pushed before. Fangs, fire, the icy cold stare from a living skull itself... it was all she remembered, beside her own name. The heat, the pain, the scent of her own burning, broiling flesh... She didn't care if it was some nightmarish vision or simply that-- a nightmare. It was real enough to send her hackles on end and her heart pounding.

"Absinthe! We gotta get away from her!" she cried, the fear saturating her voice. "We-We have to!"

(( Please skip, unable to post right now. ))

    "Greetings." Too busy occupying himself in his task, the voice had taken the dark-type by surprise. Almost instantly his fur rose, and despite his already weakened and poisoned state he bared his teeth and snarled as he turned to face the newcomer. His glare pierced into the equine's pelt, squinting as if simply staring at the creature would enlighten the Absol to what it was. His gaze softened as Delia cleared her throat, now his focus transfixed on the aura this Pokemon emitted. He was no Lucario, but he could still feel slight tingles in his fur and his muscles tense with anticipation--this foreigner was different from the rest, but why?
    "You..." Ardere's voice nearly brought a smile to the Absol, relieved that the others had managed to make it out alive, but as he turned to face the fire-type his lips soon fell with a single glance to her expression. He flinched and stumbled back at the Houndoom's scream. His paws haphazardly steadied him on the sands as he stared towards the Zoroark, who also had begun to scream, in confusion.
    "Absinthe! We gotta get away from her! We-We have to!" fear ran thick in her words as he glanced back at the others, hesitating. Her tone alarmed him, part of him shouting out to comfort the illusionist while the other told him to stay with the group. The despair on both the female's faces made him wince, but the fox's voice had reminded him of something. It had been long since he had heard such dread in another's speech. If he recalled correctly, the last Pokemon he heard it from was...
    Anastasiya.
    Without hesitation he felt his feet firmly pushing off the sunken earth, bounding towards the Zoroark. He grit his teeth, ignoring the sting of his movements as he paused beside the illusionist. He wobbled dangerously, but his determination kept him standing. He motioned away from the others. "Then come on--let's go!"


    "That is very sweet of you child. But I will be alright once we are outside and able to rest. It...it has simply been a long day for me." the Phanteon gave the older female a curt nod, an understanding smile forming on his face as he quietly followed the group. The sun dappled on his pelt, smiling at the gentle warmth as he trotted forward, eyes wide and alert for any new threats. Despite the weary air the group seemed to hold, Faustus curiously prodded at the sands beneath him, noting how different it felt compared to the beaches he used to visit. Desert sand felt much warmer that the beach, and the grains gently caressed his paws as he-
    The sudden screaming took him by surprise, lips curled back into a snarl as he followed the Houndoom's gaze to the Zoroark. His snarl only deepened at the sight of her red eyes and tainted fur, the deep purples that grew in her mane. This was an undead, and the egg in it's hands only further increased his concern. Through the commotion the ghost did not notice the Legendary visitor, only leaping forward with a pulsing Shadow Ball formed within his jaws as the Absol moved to escape with the fox. Through the attack in his mouth he managed to utter a growl. "Stop right there!"

[[OOC: Absinthe has left the egg he was carrying in the sand nest he made.]]

Keldeo remains silent as the two dark types take notice of his presence. Each having their defenses raised by his approach. The raised hackles and glares do not escape the legendary's notice though it does nothing to change his expression. Many pokemon recognize him and many pokemon do not. Either way, he is an intruder here when they are obviously carrying precious cargo.

"...Hello... And... who are you?"

Managing a small welcoming smile the water-type dares a small step forward.
"My name is Keldeo."The equine speaks with an air of confidence. His smile grows as the fox offers a small wave despite the egg held close to her chest. Any chance for further introduction is cut short as an agonizing scream tears through the cooling desert air. Immediately the equine's muscles tense and his hairs rise up. Grey eyes dart towards the origin of the noise to spot a figure he had not noticed emerge. Other figures came into his line of view as well, but they were blurred, on the edge of his vision. Keldeo couldn't take his eyes from the houndoom who's expression filled him with a sense of dread. He did not know what was happening, but something was very, very wrong.

"Absinthe! We gotta get away from her! We-We have to!"
"Then come on--let's go!"

The legendary's ears twitch as the sound of scrambling and claws working against sand come to life behind him. However, it is not until a curious looking purple canine charges forward that his eyes move from Ardere.

"Stop right there!"

Water bursts out of the holes in his hooves, propelling the water horse faster than his legs alone could have carried him. Screaming, running, attacking...full picture or not, the others he had meet were relatively kind to him in their few seconds of meeting. Not like any of the other infected he had met. They did nothing he could think of to provoke an attack and as far as he knew, the egg was the fox's. The equine thrusts himself before the attacking phanteon, intending to take the hit of the shadow ball himself.
"Same to you! They're not the ones attacking!"

[OOC: Skip! Don't really have a lot to work with. Faustus glared at Keldeo and spat out something along the lines of "That fox is undead!" while Absinthe gave the legendary a grateful look.]

((ooc: Skip, I have nothing to work with.))

Those eyes. Those burning, hateful eyes. They bore into Delia's frail frame, scathed her, tore into her with a thousand ethereal talons and fangs, split her very flesh apart to bear her soul to their hungry gaze. The female before her melded with the creature from her nightmares, their color turning the telltale icy blue that haunted her. Blue wreathed with flames, then fangs. Bloodied, terrible fangs that brought forth rivers of blood. Her own blood.

The vision that entrapped her rational mind had its fangs so deep in the fox, she barely realized that her absol ally had agreed to her call for retreat. "...on--let's go!" He called, his voice bringing her senses further back into the real world, out of her purgatory of blood, fire and death. The purgatory governed by those eyes that followed her still. She nodded, enthusiastic to oblige, when a new figure and voice entered the fray.

"Stop right there!"

An attack, one she recognized as a Shadow Ball, erupted from a strange ghost, quickly associating itself on the side of the demon. Neither the command nor the attack convinced Delia that halting would be a good idea, and she leaped further backward, distancing herself from the demon and its minions. But soon, jets of water burst through the air, and the unicorn pokemon suddenly took the scene, easily bracing itself against the Shadow Ball.

"Same to you! They're not the ones attacking!"

"HORSESHIT!"

Tai had seen enough of the quick scene to know that this entire play was a giant facade. This trickery of playing the innocent, the damsel in distress. From the moment he laid his eyes on the demon fox, he knew who she was and what precious cargo she held in her cruel, bloodied talons. "Get away from her, whoever the hell you are, before she rips your heart out and eats it too!" he snarled, sparks flying off his fur.

"What?!" the bitch squeaked from her safe perch. "That's-- that's disgusting! I've never seen you before, you little... jerk! Why would you say something like that?!"

"Can it, bitch!" Tai snarled, teeth bared in a full, vicious snarl. "I saw you myself! Did you eat Salama, too?! Is that why you have Ardere's egg?! SHE was the one carrying it, NOT YOU!"

(( In all truth I have no idea what is going on right now. Seems like everyone is all over the place. Please skip while I figure this out. ))

    "HORSESHIT!" Absinthe visibly winced at the shout, taking a step backwards hesitantly as he watched the Jolteon snarl, whilst the Zoroark squeaked in confusion at the electric-type's accusations. "Can it, bitch! I saw you myself! Did you eat Salama, too?! Is that why you have Ardere's egg?! SHE was the one carrying it, NOT YOU!"
    "She didn't eat Salama!" his voice erupted from his throat, much louder than he had anticipated it to be. "Salama was...she was..." the Absol hesitated, gritting his teeth as he recalled the scene. "She was teleported away by a Gardevoir, before I even realized what was happening." a scowl formed on his lips as he contemplated his own position, before he hung his head. "...That was my fault. I apologize." he sighed. I could've saved her.
    It wasn't long before the dark-type regained his composure, at least, as much of it as he can while poisoned. He glanced at the illusionist, before turning back to the Jolteon. "Salama trusted the egg to Delia." he motioned to the unborn child. "It was so Salama could move faster--she willingly gave the egg to her."

    Faustus bared his teeth, not hesitating to stay on the Jolteon's side of the argument as he retaliated. "And how do we know you're not making this up?!" he spat, bristling. "You're on that undead's side, you could easily just be acting to keep that bitch safe! Why're you on her side anyways?" he took a single step forward. "She's an undead! Look at her! Look at her red eyes, her purple fur--why in the world are you helping her?!"

All she could hear from the many voices trying to overtake each other was more the sound of rushing water than actual words. Her eyes were still locked onto the egg clutched tightly in the devil's hands, claws raking over the soft shell as though testing where the best place to crack into it was. She was going to kill the baby, Ardere just knew it. The same crazed beast who stalked her in the caverns of darkness, threatened her and threw Ardere's shame in her face before leaving. No...this fox could mean nothing but harm to the child nestled within the fragile frame of its womb.

"...bitch!...saw you...eat Salama, too?!... Ardere's egg?! SHE was ... NOT YOU!"

Few things made it past her subconscious delusions but for some reason Judas's voice punched through. Salama...her egg. Salama had her egg before leaving the darkness so the question of how the satanic fox got it was a terrifying mystery. Judas said....she ate her? Did she eat that poor innocent child? Was she going to eat the egg too? Ardere began to whimper at the thought of losing two precious lives to this terrible monster, her entire body shaking and trembling with fear as images of a blood soaked green pelt and a smashed shell flashed in her mind.

"Salama trusted the egg to Delia." Absinthe interjected, Ardere's mind finally starting to keep up with the present. "It was so Salama could move faster--she willingly gave the egg to her." Trust? Poor naive Salama...trusting this beast when she didn't know the first thing about it. "Then that is why she is gone, isn't it?" Ardere's query rose, barely above a whisper but there none the less. "The poor girl didn't see you for the demon you are, the very beast who tried to kill me not so long ago as I was trapped in the darkness, bloodied and weak. You, 'Delia', are no hero. You..."

"...are a monster."


((Not taking liberty Sil, lol. Ardere is more or less hallucinating what she perceives Delia to be doing to the egg. Her attachment to reality is severed at the moment))