The PORT Team

(OOC-I have no motivation to post right now, and I don't want the team to lag behind so skip me, I may be moving Lyzria anyway)

Jaws let out a small sigh of relief as the turtle seemed to relax and slapped his fin against Jaws' outstretched hand, to which the feraligatr shook amiably. This guy seemed all right, and he was glad that he didn't have to hide any longer.

However, there was a loud hiss that echoed through the cavern, and suddenly, the turtle's fin was thrust out of his hand as the lapras pushed herself between them. Surprised and a little offended, Jaws took a couple of steps back. "I won't be fooled again," she hissed at him, her posture that of one about to attack.

He held up his hands to show he meant no harm. "Look, lady, I... I don't know what you're talking about. Uh... did I do something wrong?" He was angry, sure, but he didn't want to upset what looked like the leader of the only caravan of living pokemon he'd seen in too long.

"Look, lady, I... I don't know what you're talking about. Uh... did I do something wrong?" The Feraligatr asked, indignant, holding his claws in the air. Viggo pushed himself between the two, nudging Dahlia with his nose.
"Now lass! He did nothin' to aggravate us! It's not very becoming to attack perfect strangers!"
Dahlia stayed her stance, hissing defensively. "Treacherous gator...can't trust his kind..."
"What!?"
Viggo grunted in anger. "Hmph, you should know better than that! There'll be no prejudice in MY home! Now you apologize to 'im!" He said, his nose in the air and his lips pursed tight as he stared down the furious Lapras.
Dahlia stopped her hissing, shocked that this turtle would have the nerve to talk to her that way. She looked away from the turtle, lowering her head in passivity. The Shellder had began to panic- Dahlia immediately felt guilty. She nudged him gently, trying to calm him down as she eyed the gator.
Taking a deep breath, the Lapras rose to her full height and faced Jaws.
"...I'm...s-sorry..." She began as she shot a glance down at her fin and chest. "We've recently had a bad experience with...your...species." She finished, choosing her words carefully. Slowly, she pushed herself away, purposefully turning her back on the Feraligatr.

Viggo shook his head in annoyance, turning back to him.
"I'm sorry about all that- you are very welcome to stay, as long as we all mind our manners." He said heartily, for all to hear in the cave.

Wonderful spot for them to seal their fate, thought the Cradily as it spotted the group of pokemon swimming into the cave. Quick--wait! No, it can't be! Wait! Slow! the monstrous plant mentally battled with itself whether to make the creatures suffer or to kill them all instantly. After all, it would be quite easy--a large spray of acid into an enclosed cavern with the tide coming in. The whole situation was perfect for the consummation of easy prey. The Cradily pondered his plan of torture and attack for a few moments and finally decided Slow. However, if he wanted to make the kill slow, one of them would have to be silently removed from the guardianship of the rest of the group so as to avoid any unneeded problems. As the vicious ancient being slowly moved its head into the mouth of the cave, it spotted two vulnerable pokemon sitting atop a Lapras whose back was toward the entrance. While the three were conversing with each other, it would be easy to pluck one of the weak ones away without any of them noticing. The Cradily extended its red vines toward the Vaporeon. I could JUST TASTE IT! OH-OH I CAN'T WAIT! Its vines launched themselves toward the Vaporeon with such great speed that the others had very little time to react. The dog struggled to tear itself away from the constricting tendrils that now squeezed the elemental dog with great power. PAINFULL?! The Cradily thought but could not hiss at the animal as it desired to, for the blood-hungry plant could not speak the language of the animals. The OTHERS! The Cradily knew the rest of the animals would pursue him. They won't have a reason to pursue anymore! Constricting its tendrils tighter, the Vaporeon writhed and screamed but was powerless to stop its dreadful end. Blood burst like clouds of red smoke underneath the water from the dog's limbs and rib cage, organs and torn tissue detached from the dead animal. The Cradily, content with its work, swiftly made its way deeper into the ocean with its meal.

Feeling the nudge of the Lapras made Shellder blink and become distracted, loosing his Explosion attack. He cuddled close to Dahlia with a smile, although he suddenly looked around notecing something.

"W-Where's pretty lady?" he questioned as he couldn't find Alexandra. It wasn't untill he looked towards the water that he could see the Vaporeon being dragged away by tendrils that constricted violently against the poor creature's body. Tears started to form onto his eyes as the eyes of the baby were frozen against the red mist forming on the water.

(OOC: There isn't much that Fin could do right now. This part is really up to Dahlia and the other two characters.)

(Silverishness has asked me to skip her turn, due to exigent circumstances. Whoever is next in the team may continue. Thank you.)

#73 watched as the water in front of him glowed with light. It was calm, the waters were not disturbed by anything but himself swimming. He held his necklace to his chest tightly as he propelled himself forward. He took notice to his surrounding, he was still in the cave. He couldn't remember how exactly he stumbled upon these waters, but still, it was better than walking. Maybe a little adventuring would help lift up my mood.

#73 swam faster into the depths of the water. Suddenly, he felt another creature traveling the water. Afraid it was another infected, he frantically looked around. Spotting a small crevice, he swiftly swam over and squished his body into it. Another pokemon came into view for only a few seconds, it seemed to be carrying another pokemon. A trail of blood followed behind it.

When it left, #73 slowly crept out of the crevice. Looking around, he could still see the trail of blood, though it was fading fast. Against his better judgment, #73 followed it, but instead of following where it was going, he went the way where it came from. As he traveled, the blood became thinner and thinner, until it finally disappeared. The Totodile stopped, and looked around.

He could see some more pokemon, these ones seemed to be chatting. He couldn't see their faces, much of them were a blur. There was four in total, and again, out of his better judgment, went over to them. He decided it would be better not to interact with them, so he hid behind a rock, where they most likely wouldn't find him... Unless they could feel the water movements, which was pretty obvious. Yet, it was still better to TRY.

He began to wait, knowing he would be discovered soon.

"W-Where's pretty lady?" The Shellder stuttered. Dahlia looked around the darker recesses of the cave alarmed, then finally followed the young Pokemons' mortified gaze towards the water, just as the Vaporeons' tail disappeared into the water, a dark crimson trail following her.
"ALEX!!" She cried, her voice torn with terror and pain. She pushed her heavy body into the water, and shot forward to catch up with the creature.
Alex! I can't lose her! I gotta save her! I-...
The Lapras came to a sudden halt as a scaled limb hit her chest. She shuddered in horror as she saw a few others floating in the red trail, not far from her. The Lapras remained in the dark stream, staring blankly into the distance, until what remained of the Vaporeon slowly sunk to the depths and the dark trail dissipated into the vast ocean. She stayed there for what seemed like hours when she heard a voice next to her.
"...I'm sorry lass...but there's nothing you can do now..." She looked down to see the small turtle floating next to her, his gaze as heartbroken as hers.
"Come now, let's get back inside..." He said gently, ushering her into the cavern. As they resurfaced, Viggo looked around. The little one was obviously affected; his eyes were wide and brimming with tears. The Tirtouga sighed. He had no idea how to deal with children. He gazed up at the Feraligatr as he approached him.
"Why don't we leave them to mourn...we should make sure the cave is secure before anything else happens. I'll take the water. Why don't you check the land." He said in a hushed tone as he shoved himself back into the water. He was angry with himself for not being able to protect the young lady; but he shoved it to the back of his mind.
We have to protect whoever is alive right now. No worth in dwelling on the dead. Gliding easily just beneath the surface, he felt faint vibrations coming from behind a large rock. He slid underneath the water just enough to hide his body before approaching.
It's a young one! Hmm...a Totodile, by the looks of it. He thought as he spied the small reptile, watching the group from afar.

As she beached herself again, she gazed forlornly at the Shellder, who was still staring at the waters where she had disappeared. With tears flowing down her cheeks, she pulled herself closer and wrapped her neck around the young one and lay there with him, silently weeping.
I promised I'd keep them safe...I promised...but I couldn't...I couldn't...she's dead...she died a horrible death...and I didn't do anything...it's all my fault...I...I should have been there...why wasn't it me...why wasn't it me...
The Lapras' body shuddered as the tears continued to flow without end, the beautiful pendant around her neck illuminating both the Shellder and herself with a soft blue light as it pulsated gently atop the pebbles underneath them.

Even after all was gone and the others were chatting, Shellder's eyes didn't moved nor blinked. They were frozen in the horror that demon made by taking away one of his friends. Such a young being having to suffer to see the horrors of this new world wasn't good at all, but nothing could be done.

Shellder flinched slightly waking up from his nightmare as he felt Dahlia's neck around his body, for a moment he was destracted by the pendant poking it with his tongue. He cuddled close to Dahlia closing his eyes, one could barelly hear the baby shell whisper "mommy".

Jaws hadn't noticed the little vaporeon getting drug to her death by the mysterious murderer, nor had the lapras, it seemed, until it was too late. The water darkened with her blood, and Jaws had the instinct of killing whatever had dragged her off. But... when he looked beneath the water's surface, there was nothing but the taste of blood. He cringed and brought himself upright once more to see the lapras completely crushed.

He felt bad for her, but he knew there was nothing that he could possibly say that would make her feel any better... especially since she apparently hated his kind. Great.

Viggo soon approached him, somber in tone. "Why don't we leave them to mourn..." he began softly. "We should make sure the cave is secure before anything else happens. I'll take the water. Why don't you check the land?"

Jaws made a face. "...Is... Is she gonna be ok?" he asked quietly, not wanting to disturb her or the little shellder beside her. He didn't get an answer, however, when Viggo went to scout out the waters, leaving him without much of a choice to do the same. He exited the cavern, passing the lapras without interrupting her weeping. He had no right to speak with her now...

He ventured out onto the dark beach, wondering vaguely what, exactly, he was supposed to be looking for. Just enemies? He frowned. Wherever they would go, there would be enemies... He tromped on, looking for whatever dared to cross his path.

Nerissa was exhausted, hauling herself out of the water onto the sandy shore. Her tail dragged limply behind her, leaving a nice long trench in her wake (along with a sharp line carved into it thanks to her NeverMeltIce). She didn't like being on land much, since it was so hard for her lumpy body. Bouncing and flopping around just to move wasn't pretty, but when you've been chased by a giant, carnivorous, not to mention dead, Relicanth you kind of forget about pretty and just try to get away. Luckily, her kind could get onto land. Though the icy water was so much nicer.

She used her two front flippers to haul herself up the beach to a few rocks, pressing her back to them to rest. While it was easier to move around in the water, enemies could attack from all sides there, so the shore was always a safer place to sleep than where the dead could come from anywhere. She started to close her eyes, the exhaustion and stress getting to her, when a repetitive thumping sound caught her attention. It sounded like...footsteps? Loud, somewhat squishy, footsteps. As she looked around, she couldn't see anything but the sun setting in the distance. Realizing something was off, she chanced a look up...

...and screamed. Loudly.

A giant, menacing beast lumbered over her. With a gaping maw, sharp blue scales, and bright red fins growing out of its back. Whatever the creature was it couldn't be friendly. Nothing with that many sharp teeth could be! Oh how she wished mother were with her! Mother was the fighter, Nerissa herself being much to shy to actually test confrontation. Sure, she could defend herself, but words always worked so much better for her. Less pain and fear that way. She cringed, but never took her eyes from the creature. She couldn't bring herself to look away, even if it meant to kill her. What would be the point?

"Hallo lad, don't be frightened!" The Tirtouga said cheerily as he inspected the small creature.
Alot of scarring...which means he's very much alive.
"Why don't you come on out and-"

A feminine scream echoed throughout the caverns, startling everyone. Dahlia had raised her head and looked towards the rear exit, her face stained with tears and her eyes wide. Viggo took one look at her and quickly dashed through the water.
"Stay here with the pretty lass!" he shouted over his shoulder to the Totodile as he shoved his way onto the land and slowly made his way to the source of the ruckus, dragging himself along the sandy floor.

Dahlia sniffled and turned her gaze to the small Totodile that was lurking in the water.
It has the same coloring and fins as that Feraligatr...
She didn't dwell on that long, as her heart felt like it was about to collapse on itself. She nodded softly to the young one, silently inviting him over.
Another young one to protect...she thought, despair setting in.

Someone new was there, it looked like the big crocodile one but this one was tiny and had scratches. Shellder didn't liked when there was a lot of people...he didn't know how to deal with them. His shell closed around slightly only letting part of his eyes be partially visible.

He became startled as he heard a loud scream and started to shivering and whimpering, his shell started to give out a glow, his powers were going out of control again and Shellder was about to blow.

Well, while Jaws was expecting the worst as he was scouting, at least he hadn't run into it. Though... he didn't expect the bloodcurdling scream either. But that didn't really get to him as the scream was directed at him.

He jumped a couple of feet into the air, yelling a little himself in surprise as he searched for the source. There, camouflaged against the white sands was a little seel, cringing in fear, apparently bracing herself for the killing blow about to come. He frowned and looked around, then realized, yes, she was screaming at him. Sighing, he gently poked her with the end of his tail.

"Uhm... You gonna... stop that and... uh... What's your name?" he asked awkwardly as he looked around, making sure nothing else heard that.

((lol, Ana, you skipped Dragoneon and Phoenix))

(OoC- OH GOD I FAIL SO BADLY IM SORRY. I was used to posting after Silverish. OTL I'll delete my post!)

The great beast loomed over her, and Nerissa could only gape at it's power. She didn't even notice that he seemed just as concerned over her state of mind as she was of his. At least, until a giant blue tail poked at her. She squirmed and shied away from the creature, unsure what to do.

"Uhm... You gonna... stop that and... uh... What's your name?" she froze and just stared at him, only breaking her gaze to blink. Her...her name? Really? That's all it wanted? How odd... The little Seel pulled her tail against her body, bringing her lovely NeverMeltIce by her face to comfort her. It always helped her to feel prettier when it was in sight.

"I-I'm...Nerissa," she whispered softly, her natural shyness causing her gaze to drop to the sand as she spoke. No matter how hard she tried, she was never very good at introductions. It was one of the many reasons she never had any friends. The only one she ever had was Mother, but she was long gone now. She peeked up to look at the blue reptile once more. "U-um...and...and y-you are?"

((OOC: It's okay Ana! lol <3
And Dragoneon is still away, so you really only skipped me. I'm new to the team so it's an honest mistake *points at number 2 on post* See? No harm done!))

Dahlias' gaze shot to the small Shellder, who was whimpering as he started to glow.
Great Darkrai! she thought in a panic as she wrapped her neck around the young pokemon, trying to comfort him.
"No, dear, it's okay! Shhhhh..." She whispered, an anxious tone in her voice.
If he explodes, I won't survive...she thought numbly, grotesque images of her neck being torn to pieces by the impact flooding her mind. A song of melancholy flowed from her, quiet at first, but slowly rose in volume as her thoughts dwelled on her lost trainer, and the more recent death of her friend, Alex.
The haunting melody echoed throughout caverns, reaching to its' furthest depths, just to die as the notes got swallowed by the darkness.

(Ooc- <3 Phoe)

The glow kept getting brighter but stopped of growing once the Lapras warped her neck around the young Shellder trying to confort him with soft words and her song trying to calm it down. The glow was visibly getting smaller, Dahlia was being able to confort the Shellder fortunatelly.

The Shellder cuddled closer smilling softly, still crying though. The young pokemon was not acostumed to so much violence and seeing someone being constricted and dragged into the sea for only a small patch of blood being left eventually left a large mark on the pokemon's mind. He whimpered as he cuddled close to Dahlia, the Shellder wanted to sleep but his eyes didn't closed out of fear of another monster to come.

"I-I'm... Nerissa," the small seel sputtered as she brought her NeverMeltIce closer to her face. He blinked a bit, the last sun's rays catching in the piece of ice, blinding him temporarily. "U-um...and...and y-you are?"

"Jaws," he replied with a smile. He refrained from showing his teeth, since he didn't want to freak her out again. "It's good to see that you're ok. I haven't seen many other survivors other than the ones in the cave. Do you wanna come? It'd be safer for you to be in the water rather than stuck on the sand." He shifted to the waters, inviting her to follow. She seemed good enough, not a trouble maker, and figured that one more survivor wouldn't hurt.

"It's just right over there. I've just met them myself-- they seem a good bunch, if you're worried."

(OCC: Skip me please. I would kinda need Anathema since she's the only one with the Shellder.)

((Skip me too, lol, since I JUST POSTED.))

Jaws? JAWS?! How was a name like that supposed to make her feel any better? He was named for his massive rows of sharp pointy teeth! Nerissa swore she was close to fainting right then and there, but then, he smiled at her. But he didn't look malicious, he wasn't showing any of those, gulp, teeth, he actually looked kind of...sweet.

"It's good to see that you're ok. I haven't seen many other survivors other than the ones in the cave. Do you wanna come? It'd be safer for you to be in the water rather than stuck on the sand." Now he was offering her shelter and protection? Maybe he wasn't such a big scaly monster after all. She shifted nervously, after all, she had just gotten out of the water to rest. But, a safer place to rest than the open beach did sound nice. She nodded and pulled herself back into the water, a little bit happier because at least in water she was graceful.

"It's just right over there. I've just met them myself-- they seem a good bunch, if you're worried." Nerissa gave a timid smile to the large gator, and swam up to 'near' his side. She didn't want to be too close to him yet, she still didn't know him. But for the shy little Seel, it was one hell of a step. Her NeverMeltIce glinted beside her and she smiled at its beauty. Her treasure, her mother's gift, it always helped to calm her when meeting new people. "L-Let's go then," she told Jaws.

((I hate my internet soooo much! But at least I'm back now! Sorry guys I'll try not to just 'vanish' like that again!))

Dahlia continued her mournful song as the Shellder snuggled closer to her, his crying quieting to a small whimper. She raised her head a bit, her eyes closed as the melody saturated everything.
Maynard, where are you...I wish you were here...wish we could escape...far from here...just keep swimming...why can't I find you...
Tears fell down her face, tainted with a faint crimson streak.

Viggo ceased his struggle to move on land as Dahlia sang, captivated by the overwhelming sadness in the notes.
It's a wordless pain...so much beyond words...
His gaze fixed on the large Lapras, her elegant neck protecting the young one with her.
Such a beautiful lass...and so very sad...
His eyes fell on the dark bandages and the terrible slash on her chest, clotted with old blood.
She doesn't look like she's in very good shape...how is she still conscious? Those wounds look serious...She had showed such a coldness towards the Feraligatr...those wounds must be from one...and it looks recent... His brow furrowed in a deep, growing dread as he noticed the crimson trail coming from her eyes. His body growing cold as he came to a dark realization.
Shes....