(ACE) The FROST Team

"I doubt a single human would do an entire city in like that. Most likely the infected pokemon had destroyed it all. If she was a killer than she's likely still alive." You know, for a second, Rae almost agreed wholeheartedly. Luckily she weighed the actual sentence in mind briefly until her hands flew up in bashful contradiction of Venge’s dry joke. “No, no, no, no, nothing like that,” she assured the Charmeleon. Aside from the fact Dazey would be mad she was referred to as a run-of-the-mill killer, the idea Raver was willingly associated with one didn't help her credibility. “She isn't a killer. I don't doubt she could off somebody, it's just that Venge here isn't as funny as she thinks.” Well, in Raver’s humble opinion at least. Deadpan humor was a tricky art, truly sad some didn't see the beauty in it.
"Sorry if I barged into it like that, I kinda worry about my master's butler." Rae stroked Salem’s back softly, her awkward grin falling into a sad smile. “I know how you feel, Drake. I wish them the best.”

"Clover, did you--"
Jack burst back into the room, rendering the Meowth’s question an afterthought. Probably everyone’s attention fell onto the little Pika at once, charging the air with a bit of confusion as he snapped at the Braixen.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner Finn! I'm seriously disappointed in you! I thought I could trust you!"

Tears spilled down Jack’s face reminiscent of blood flowing from a killing blow-- while not fatal per se, whatever the Luxray told him seemed to agonize the mouse. "Can you guys give me some time to be alone. I had some bad news and I don't know if I can cope with it right now." His aggression was nonexistent as of turning away from Finn. No, that anger dissolved into pure melancholy, of which Rae and Venge were ever so familiar with. You lost someone, didn't you…

Venge watched the yellow mouse retreat into the bedroom, indifference written over her face but inwardly she empathized, just like Rae did. Losing someone hacked and sliced your mind like a dull blade, leaving little to nothing able to compare.

The girl swung her feet to the floor and dropped off the table, bringing her backpack to her chest in a hasty search.
Meanwhile the Luxray stalked through the tense room, breathing not a thing on his way to the room Jack occupied.
"Guys, maybe we should cheer Jack up. Something's wrong with him and we need to be there for him." Rae nodded in response, freeing her hand from the backpack to give a one moment, gesture to the Charmeleon before resuming her endeavor. It was just a few seconds after Drake walked out that she retrieved the ever elusive candy bar from her bag. “Be back in a jiff.” She smiled, striding towards the room with the others.

Wary she was of the Luxray nestled with Jack, but she still lay the snack on the bed as she crouched and spoke softly; “Trust me, a broken heart mends.” With a slow motion, she brought her forearm up vertically in front of her and allowed the dark fabric of her sleeve to slip down slightly. “The scars are just so you don't forget how strong you are.” The countless self inflicted marks disappeared back underneath her sleeve the same as she did through the doorway.

“What possessed you to give away the last human ration we have?” Venge questioned. A kind soul she may have been, but now she’d be one eating Pokémon kibble.
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
A hum was the Absol’s only response.

Rae sat back down on the table she claimed her own, adjusting a very bored Zorua onto her folded legs. “I would've stayed with him, but I dunno if being in such close proximity to a kitty that tried to zap me is a stellar idea,” she mused.
Salem rolled onto his back and stretched across her lap. “Scared?” A soft ugh fell from the puckish Zorua’s mouth as he was allowed to drop from her legs onto the table. Rude.
“Nope, Venge is right here and listening to absolutely everything, I’m sure,” Rae picked the slate gray fox back up and returned him to his previous position. “I’m just not a fan of poking sleeping bears. Or Luxray.”

“So anyways, Saffron~! Where were we?”

Kolven chuckled softly, a sentiment which Rae shared upon a momentary reflection on the entire situation and how it continued to starkly contrast the moments before-- it had been an odd day.
"Unfortunately I didn't get to see what happened to Saffron at the start of this, only the aftermath." Aftermath… that phrasing painted an awful grim image in her mind’s eye. "That's something you'd have to ask Clover. She lived their with our sister 'til a few months into it."
Raver patted the illusion Pokémon awkwardly, earning a scowl from the fox. “Ah, uh, if it doesn't dredge up any unwanted memories, I'd really appreciate it.” Salem interjected ‘stop, Rae,’ more than once, but his voice went unnoticed by the Trainer. That was, until he snapped her hand for a more evident request that she stop slapping the top of his head.

Raver snatched up the fox by the ribs and dropped him to the floor in irritation, then turned her sight to the little bite marks on her hand. As usual, he didn't break the skin, so she quickly brushed it off in lieu of returning her attention to the kittens.

Finn had no idea what to say now that Jack knew and rebuilding trust with the pikachu won't be so easy now that he sullied the trust. Though the Braixen hated his trainer in every way, some of the things that the firefox was taught to hide bodies was imprinted into his head. Truthfully he wanted to tell someone to retrain him to become more of a better pokemon than he was. "Guys, maybe we should cheer Jack up. Something's wrong with him and we need to be there for him." However, after what happened the braixen knew that if he came in the bedroom to try to talk to Jack, it would result in him getting punched. He sat down and sighed knowing his likely chances of redemption is lower. It was hard to say whether Finn would decide to leave them or stick around. What bloody chances do I have. Going out into the storm would be real bad and I've done something that would make me not worth the trust anymore. I wish I could change my ways. It wasn't hatred, but it was more likely he was sick of himself.

Jack however, laid in bed continued to feel sadness. With the pain he's feeling though it would be a long time to recover from such a loss. Suddenly he felt something from behind and as he looked it was a luxray. Ark had came in to be a silent companion to the pikachu. With Ark there it was as if he had at least a friend that would be there to listen to his sorrow. Then the sounds of claws clicking on the floor was heard. "Jack? Are you okay little buddy?" It was Drake and he was concerned. "I don't know what happened in there, but you're our friend Jack. Besides, I think you're pretty cool for a Pikachu." The charmeleon gave a compliment, but it wasn't enough to cheer up the pikachu. Then what he said next was showing support. "We'll be here for you no matter what." Jack looked at the fire type with tears in his eyes still. After that Raver came in and she had some words of comfort to say. “Trust me, a broken heart mends.” Yet the pain would remain there. However, it does take time and this could either make him stronger or make him weaker. One thing for sure is that he'll get everyone off this frozen deathtrap of a mountain. “The scars are just so you don't forget how strong you are.” The way she said it sounded like she had lost things as well.

Finally Jack had began to talk though in sorrow. "Thanks you three, but I got nobody to return home with." The fact that Finn had deliberately didn't tell him made it worse. The Pikachu couldn't trust him anymore and the only way he could trust him again is if the fox can show that he truly is capable of being truthful. Jack looked over and seen a candy bar sitting there. It looked tempting, but he couldn't take it. He'd feel bad for taking something from a stranger, however he felt that she left it there for him in case he needed something to comfort him. The electric type continued to look out the window watching the snow fall from being blown in the wind into a gentle fall. Does Arceus weep for me? Does he understand my pain that I have? It was hard to tell, but whatever the nature is, it at least made Jack feel not alone in his time of need. The Braixen looked at the two meowths and Rae talking with each other. Everyone wasn't afraid to tell each other their story and Finn kept his a secret. It was something he didn't want the others to know and he didn't want to make them feel like he's a criminal. However, he knew one day they would figure it out and press him for answers. "I just hope the day comes nobody finds out my past." Speaking it out loud wasn't the greatest idea, but he was good at making up ways to get them to let it go. The firefox went into the kitchen, looking for the back door. When he looked around, he realized that there wasn't a back door. The only way out was the front which he needed to go get some fresh air.

For the moment, Finn needed something to occupy himself. Though he hated the undead and talking to Clover wasn't a good idea after he made an impression of hostility towards her, the fire type looked around the kitchen a bit more and found something that looked like what Jack had on his head. "I better leave this up on the table for Jack. After the idiotic thing I did, the mate deserves to remember his trainer by." From that point Finn realized that telling Jack what he found in the kitchen would only worsen the pikachu's mistrust of him. Jack still had tears running down his face as he laid in the bed. Sobs and cries of sorrow still came from him. Pain was a thing that he never forgotten. Spot, Cory and a different braixen all suffered this day and with his trainer added to the losses, Jack hadn't forgotten the times he had with the three of the four. Yet, the pain in his heart had a crushing blow to him that could last a while.

Arkturus shook his head and just watched as folks came and went, his tail twitching about lightly, though not in anger or anything like that. Rather just a simple movement that was born from habit. He tilted his head as the trainer came in and left a candy bar on the bed, which jack took. "Thanks you three, but I got nobody to return home with."

Jack finally spoke up with some sorrow in his voice. Arkturus felt not pity but rather empathy for him, his loss. He knew it to well to know you had nobody to go home with, no trainer or companions. It brought the idea forward though.. What is home in this world? Where is it now? He gently licks the Pikachu between the ears in a comforting manner. "You still have us. I.. know its not the same but.. we're here." He said trying to be comforting. It might work, might not but at the very least, Jack would know that he had someone supporting him.

Arkturus laid his head down though, allowing the sharing of body heat so that neither would suffer in the cold and freeze. Unless the woman came in to steal the bed or something. She can use the couch. Or.. Drake as a heater.

Drake couldn't say anything else to the pikachu. Jack's sorrow was great, but like so, support will always be there for the little guy. Death waits for no one. No matter if your either human or pokemon, there is no stopping it. Rae came in the bed room and put a candy bar on the bed. “Trust me, a broken heart mends.” She must of had this feeling before as well. “The scars are just so you don't forget how strong you are.” Likely her words was to soothe the pain Jack was going through. With that said, Drake had finally decided it was time to let Ark handle the rest. "Thanks you three, but I got nobody to return home with." Home, how much he missed the large mansion he's lived in most of his life. Perhaps when this is all over he'll have the others come live there for a while until his master comes home, but it might be a while with the epidemic still going. Though the night before it began he did see a thunder stone that Jack could use.

The fire type got up and walked towards the door, but he didn't go completely out yet. "You still have us. I.. know its not the same but.. we're here." Ark's words was right though. Jack still has them to take care of. Hell, he probably would become even stronger from the loss of his trainer. Death does make one feel weak and helpless, but with a life taken comes new found strength to fight in their honor. Though Drake can admit that his line was known to have pride in fighting, he learns from his mistakes and finds a new way of showing his pride. "Jack, I know that this may not seem much, but though you lost something dear to you, never forget that you fight in their honor. With that honor it will make you stronger than any of us." Now that he said it, he should attend to the others so that the places stays warm. "I'll go keep the place warm for the night. Will you be okay alone with Jack?" The charmeleon asks Ark. As he walks out the bedroom door he goes back to talking with the others.

the lizard grabbed a log from the pile and puts it in the fireplace. "It might not be much, but once we get off this mountain, I could take you guys to my home. It's big enough for all of us and its got a lot of berry bushes in the greenhouse and enough water supplies to keep us going." For now though, they need to rest up for the night. Where should they all sleep tonight? Drake had his spot already chosen. Since he was tending to the fireplace, he'd sleep close to it to keep the fire going until morning. "What about you both?" The fire type asks Clover and Kolven. "I could share the comfortable spot of the fireplace if you want." He offered to the meowths, but Finn though. Where would he sleep for the night? He wasn't really worried about it, but his quarrel with Finn will have to wait for a while. Of course though it will truly end when Finn will spit out what he's been hiding. Like he said earlier, nobody's out to judge him on his past. As he looked at Rae, Venge and Salem, he wondered how far they traveled. "Rae? I'm curious, where did you three come from?" A question that he wanted to ask her earlier, but Jack was important at the moment. Now he can freely ask her.

Clover licked the rough, darkened skin of her pads and ran her paw slowly over her skull. The remains of her tattered ear were stiff and resisted the action while any grit that had clung to her being was brushed off. Her chest heaved, almost as though a simple wash was too much, but she continued onto the proper half of her face as she was addressed. “Ah, uh, if it doesn't dredge up any unwanted memories, I'd really appreciate it.” Her paw came to a slow halt and descended even slower back onto the cushion as her eye lazy turned toward the human.

With or without consent the memories started to come back to her. They were fuzzy, like everything else, but strong enough to make it through her mental fog. "The humans were in panic." She breathed hoarsely. Within days of her father eating the Spearow everyone seemed to know something was wrong, and the exodus was massive. "They fled.. uproar! So many gone suddenly, and Pokemon acting strange." A small cough racked her chest, and she paused, putting larger spaces between bouts of words. "Our home was ransacked.. we sheltered where we could. Undead had moved into the streets already.. and those that were left to fight them were quickly eliminated."

"Undead went after living.. breaking into buildings.. Walls smashed, blood spilled.. Little was safe, and nothing was sacred." Looting was easy then, everything was still stocked, but the world had so many more fresh undead prowling about. "Took care of her... but Arsi was shattered.. ran in panic.." "That is the sister we are looking for," Kolven clarified, the interjection small and only for the others understanding. "Could not find her. Could not find anyone." Clover picked up her story without missing a beat, her red gaze boring into the human as her words grew more frantic. "The city grew empty! No humans, few allies.. They hurt me....." Another pause, her paws coming closer to her chest as phantom pains passed through her missing leg and eye. "..and there was no one to help."

Any memories after that moment of death were heavily blurred, her time spent alone past then being a muddled mess of blending days. "There was nothing there... so I left to find her." How close had she come, at any point? What if she had never gone the right way? A low, faint mrrw passed through her throat, mournful and ashamed.

Kolven remained quiet after his tiny input. The story of his home's despair always brought a knot into his chest but it was not a new story for him and he took solace in knowing how it ended already. "Most likely she left with the initial evacuation." Watching the human with eyes that fell to calm slits as he eased into his sleeping spot and made no reaction aside from a quick twitch of his tail as the Zorua nipped at its owners hand. The trainer did not seem concerned, the action brushed off as though normal, but faint alarm bells started to chime in the males head. He had no reason to think anything negative of the small fox, but even as a playful action such behaviors against ones own trainer could easily turn sour in the case of unfortunate events.

But that worry is quickly forgotten as another voice brushes his ear fur. "I just hope the day comes nobody finds out my past." The Braxian muttered aloud, his twitchy, suspicious behavior coming back once more. Kolven brought his tail toward himself in a tight curl. "Implying you have something to hide?" He meowed apathetically, the flux phrasing it as a question while it was more of a blanket statement. "We all have things we are not proud of." The sigh crept up on him, the truth in that a heavy burden. No one is completely innocent, but that does not mean they are to be punished. It's not like he was without fault; as the responsible brother he should of been their for his siblings, and Clover was testament for how royally he had messed that up. But the fox walked away and Kolven wondered if his words had fallen upon deaf ears.

Not long after Drake returned to the room and proposed something as he tended the crackling fire. Would it still have food and water after all this time? A greenhouse, if tended to properly, gave rise to hope. "Anywhere sustainable like that would be a good place to look." Her mused aloud, wondering if he sister could have possibly sheltered from the cold there. "And a safe place to stay would be highly appreciated." Then again, he had said the same thing about this place and that was supposed to only be temporary. Guess we will see what the morning brings. Looking down at Clover, her loose curl making her look even smaller and weaker, he wondered if she would have the strength to journey onward tomorrow. "What about you both?" He then asked, offering them warmth beside the heat.

Resting his head back on his paws the male smiled as she spoke. "Thank you for the offer but were both settled in right here." The being closer to the warmth would probably be more comfortable for him but the last thing he wanted was to move Clover now. Try to rest, sis. You'll need your strength.

(( with Jeri already sleeping not gonna do much anyway he'll sadly be retiring when everyone goes to sleep and wanders off. struggling to stay motivated to really do much right now on ej as a whole sorry :( leaving post ))

"The humans were in panic." That was how it always began in fiction. Based on that, Raver had always assumed a similar situation broke out in the early stages. Since she was secluded from society for the most part, she hadn't seen the actual carnage leading into the epidemic. Nice to know she wasn't wrong.
Unease formed in the tiny girl’s chest. Nervousness from dread and morbid curiosity, the need to know if there was a chance her friend was alive. It made her ill. "They fled.. uproar! So many gone suddenly, and Pokemon acting strange."
The kitten’s form jerked with a cough; immediately Rae felt bad for requesting her to talk about this. She made a single motion with a free hand towards Clover, purely from the instinct of help someone who needs it. The Meowth’s pause ended, abruptly stopping Raver before she could actually stand up to check on her. Rae settled back onto the table as before, crossing her legs once again in an inverted order from before. "Our home was ransacked.. we sheltered where we could. Undead had moved into the streets already.. and those that were left to fight them were quickly eliminated."

The story seemed to triumph over Venge’s much sought sleep. She reappeared from underneath the table, silently but ever-so intently observing.
Is it because of your disaster sense? Raver would eat her shoe if her guess was wrong about the epidemic being the biggest disaster to befall the world. I wonder if hearing about it like this makes you upset…?
She leaned over and brushed her hand over the Dark-type’s neck.

"Undead went after living.. breaking into buildings.. Walls smashed, blood spilled.. Little was safe, and nothing was sacred." Suddenly, years of emotional isolation from others seemed like a small price to pay. The whole, ‘it's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all,’ line was bull. In that poor cat’s place, Raver would've died. Maybe not physically, but her mind wouldn't survive a repeat of accepting she wouldn't ever see someone she loved again. That’s why Dazey has to be alive.
But as far as Pops and Granny… there was no way. No freakin’ way they made it. But that's what denial was for, and delusion was more comfortable than pain.

"Took care of her... but Arsi was shattered.. ran in panic.."
Venge tilted her head just slightly. “Arsi?”
"That is the sister we are looking for," The tomcat explained. Raver made a nearly inaudible oh, having no other idea how to respond while feeling the need to.
"Could not find her. Could not find anyone." Anxiety became painfully apparent in the female, the pace of her words increasing greatly as the story continued to fall from her lips. "The city grew empty! No humans, few allies.. They hurt me....."

Another bout of silence. Both Absol and Trainer were unsure what to say, and even Salem had stopped whatever unnecessary evil he was planning to listen.

"..and there was no one to help."

“Fucking bastards,” Venge sighed, standing up and turning numerous circles in frustration before plopping down again. “If the entire world had a little more damn consideration for each other, we might've been able to fare the epidemic better.”
“Venge?”
The Absol shot a look to her human, the sheer disgust on her muzzle softening at the mildly surprised girl. “Sorry. You get it, your mom raised us both. We have the same moral values.”
Yeah. They had grown up with basically the creed of a knight, because Kayline believed in fairness to everyone but knew a saddening percentage of the world did not. But if you helped just one person, you single handedly made the world a better place.

"There was nothing there... so I left to find her." Clover’s tone had returned to a calmer state, meowing with an edge of sadness clear even to someone who didn't associate with many cats.
“Have you found any clues as to where she might've gone?” Rae asked.
"Most likely she left with the initial evacuation." Kolven answered. She hadn't personally witnessed the evacuations, so she tended to forget the event almost entirely.

Raver gave a soft sigh. “The world has been insane these past years…” Shrugging her shoulders as though to ward away the sad nostalgia of the past world, she smiled gently at the kittens. “Thank you for telling me about it. I’ve wondered for literal years what happened there.”
“Dazey and her mom might've went with the evacuation too.”

Unless she did something stupid and got shot on sight. Venge added inwardly. They both knew that was very well possible, but for the sake of it, wishful thinking that she did not.

The firefox had been dead silent for the duration of their conversation-- and having said that, his odd behavior returned like clockwork following. "I just hope the day comes nobody finds out my past."
… um. Raver decided to just ignore that… hiding in plain sight didn't work painfully well in conversation but she wasn't inclined to pry into the Fire-type’s business…

Rae pushed Finn’s dubious behavior to the back of her mind yet again and offered a greeting with her hand to the returning Charmeleon. "It might not be much, but once we get off this mountain, I could take you guys to my home. It's big enough for all of us and its got a lot of berry bushes in the greenhouse and enough water supplies to keep us going." Drake offered as he tended to the fireplace. It was so casual, she nearly thought he had a trace of sarcasm in him for a minute.
“An actual house?!” She cried, prodding Venge to make sure she was paying attention. “We haven't had a home in soooo long! Like even before the epidemic. Right Venge?” Raver held up six fingers excitedly, building a case for herself to be allowed to join them. “I've got six Pokémon, we can definitely pull our weight!”

“Venge?” The Absol gave Rae a quizzical look in acknowledgment. “Can we?”
… really. She was pretty sure she heard the sounds of all the dead Trainers of the world, laughing at Rae’s need to ask her Pokémon’s permission. The girl was a damn enigma. “Raver, even if I wanted to, you've got that look on your face that pretty much guarantees I'll be wasting my breath.”

The girl gave a fistpump in victorious glee. “Clover, Kolven, are you guys gonna come too?”
"Rae? I'm curious, where did you three come from?" She immediately swung around and hit herself in the face with her ponytail in over excitement upon hearing her name. The actual meaning of Drake’s question took a moment to click in her mind but once it did, a lot of that enthusiasm fizzled away. She forced some type of smile to remain there as she hummed in quick planning for this one. “Venge and I grew up in Snowpoint City over in Sinnoh, if that's what you mean. And Salem, I actually found him in a gorge. His legs were broken, so of course I had to take him.” The aforementioned Zorua scowled. Make him sound like a damsel is distress, why not. “But like, as far as before we got here, we were just wandering. Survival and stuff, I guess like everyone else.”

Which wasn't a lie in the slightest. She just so happened to leave out a minor detail that she's also tracking down her dad. To murder him. It’s amazing what a smile can hide.

"Ark, tomorrow before we get off this mountain. Can you take me to see where my trainer is? I...I have to at least give him one last goodbye." Arkturus felt for him, he really did. The poor Pikachu had been hoping so much to see his trainer once more and possibly meet up with him. Yet the world didn't permit such a happy ending to life, instead.. it snatched it away like some horrible team rocket plot gone right.

"I...I just wish that I could of gone home with him, but now though. You guys are all I got left." He could feel the sorrow the poor guy felt, Ark gently rubbed his head against the Pikachu, he was tired to. They all were from the adventure in the cave, coming down the mountain and now dealing with a trainer and her collective plus the undead that had been.... recruited in. "I'll take you out to him in the morning alright? Sleep, you've earned it."

The Charmeleon sat in front of the fire while facing the two meowths and Raver. "Anywhere sustainable like that would be a good place to look." True, though a wintery mountain isn't something that Drake would live in since its to cold. "And a safe place to stay would be highly appreciated." Of course, if they cleared out the area then the mansion should be safe for a while. First and foremost is to restart the generator once they get to the mansion. Jack and Ark should be able to use their electricity to spark life back into it. Mainly for now, they need to show Jack that they care for him deeply. The poor little guy's been through a lot with the loss of his trainer. Kolven then caught the fire type's attention back to him. "Thank you for the offer but were both settled in right here." Their decision was okay since they looked comfortable. It kinda reminded him of the past when he was with his master.

Rae had some excitement in her voice to show that perhaps could give her a better place than this old wooden cottage. “An actual house?!” Drake nodded his head assuring that they would be able to have a food supply, but working together with Finn might be hard especially with him showing some stubbornness. “We haven't had a home in soooo long! Like even before the epidemic. Right Venge?” Maybe the mansion might give her a better look on what its like to live in a such a big house. That is if they could make it in a single day's trip. “I've got six Pokémon, we can definitely pull our weight!” Good, now that would make it easy for them to secure more ground in the mansion when they get there. A yawn started to escape the charmeleon's maw as tiredness started to settle in. “Venge?” Huh? Is she asking Venge on wanting to go? Odd that a human would ask permission from a pokemon, but it was thoughtful though. “Can we?”It was thoughtful of Rae to ask her Absol. Really though, Drake was amused by the part of asking the dark type. “Raver, even if I wanted to, you've got that look on your face that pretty much guarantees I'll be wasting my breath.” At least now that it was taken care of, the charmeleon was happy that he could offer shelter to the others. “Clover, Kolven, are you guys gonna come too?” It would at least make Drake happier to give the meowths a place to relax  for as long as needed.

Of course that question Drake asked earlier to Rae. She began to explain where she was from. “Venge and I grew up in Snowpoint City over in Sinnoh, if that's what you mean. And Salem, I actually found him in a gorge. His legs were broken, so of course I had to take him.” Sounds like Salem had it pretty rough. Either way she finished up with the conversation with a smile. “But like, as far as before we got here, we were just wandering. Survival and stuff, I guess like everyone else.” That said, Drake let out another yawn as he was feeling tuckered out. It was time for him to sleep. "Thanks Rae, I never really met anyone outside of Kalos. I wanted to go to Kanto someday to see what Kanto pokemon were like." Well truthfully from what it sounds like, it won't be possible with the distance between the two regions. Anyways it was time to sleep and be up and ready for the morning if Jack decides to move out off this mountain. "Good night everyone. See you all in the morning." With that Drake had fallen asleep in a peaceful way. His tail swaying gently as he gave a small smile. He was content though the charmeleon showed his support for Jack.

With her speech over Clover tucked her paws neatly in front of her and placed her head back on the pillow. The recount had stirred up her fury, and the feeling was still passing startlingly strong through her thin fur, but the feline did not have the energy to indulge in her hate. Everything was getting so hard, so tiring. How long could she go on like this? Clover's one eye fell to a thin slit, the vision blurred but ever remaining on the others as she gave her body a respite.  

“Clover, Kolven, are you guys gonna come too?” Raver asked, drawing Kolven's eyes away from his sister. "Sounds like as good a place as any to look around. More so even with the weather around here." Arsi liked the snow, didn't she? It had been so long that he couldn't rightly remember. Even if she does she would definitely seek shelter. And the allure of food, water, and warmth would be too good to pass up. "Plus its not like we are searching on any set path, and a way off this mountain would be grand." Even if she did like snow it would be crazy for anyone not native to the country to stay here with a storm overhead.

"Thanks Rae, I never really met anyone outside of Kalos. I wanted to go to Kanto someday to see what Kanto pokemon were like." For a second the Meowth felt a twinge in his chest. The pair had not hid the fact they hailed from Kanto, and Drake had heard that much before leaving the room. But with a slow exhale he let the feeling fade. The fire type probably forgot, or it went in one ear and out the other with concern for Jack. He's a little daft.. but he's got a good heart. Isn't that all anyone could ask for?

With another deep breath in and not to soothe any tension he had left the male Meowth settled gently onto his side. With his own head resting on his wide paws he could see Clover lying dangerously still, her undead body seeming for frail and lifeless by the day. For a few heartbeats he wondered if she was a sleep, or if the deep sleep had taken her, but then she flicked her tail up weakly and let it thump against the floor. A smile crept from the edges of his lips and Kolven buried his cheek deep in his paws as exhaustion took over his conscious. Hang in there Clover. We'll find her.

The infection might've spread like wildfire, but there was no ailment of greater contagion than yawning-- Rae followed in suit quickly after the Charmeleon did so. Her right hand fell from her mouth down to the Zorua on her legs. He was passed out and merely stretched a foreleg in response to her fingertips petting circles in his ebony fur.
"Thanks Rae, I never really met anyone outside of Kalos. I wanted to go to Kanto someday to see what Kanto pokemon were like." Raver hummed in reply, holding a sheepish smile towards the sleepy lizard for a second before she reclined onto the table, arching her back over the side with the backs of her legs holding the opposing edge.
“Hiya,” she greeted her Absol, seemingly resting on the ceiling from the upside-down position Rae currently hung in. The Trainer sifted through her backpack to retrieve the empty Ultra Ball normally occupied by Salem and flew back up kinda like she was doing a really dramatic sit up.

The fox disappeared into the sphere, leaving behind only a speck of drool on the tabletop. Meanwhile outside, flecks of snow continued to smack into the windows silently, sticking to the transparent barrier for all they were worth. How many times had she fallen asleep to that very sight?
"Good night everyone. See you all in the morning." Drake said. He had nestled contently for the night and it seemed most of the others had done the same.
A light tug on her fur caught the Absol’s attention; she didn't waste a glance before getting up since she very well knew Rae was ushering her to bed. The bonded pair found their way to the sofa, mirroring many nights on Granny and Pops’ couch. Back before Rae got her own room, the girl would cuddle against her furry companion, resting her head on the Absol’s stomach as the latter reprised her role as guardian of the youth each night. Tonight was no different.

Venge’s eyes were fixed on the crackling fire, following each reach of the flames whose light warmly danced over the two. Raver was high strung, paranoid and too energetic, but her slack jaw and soft breathing were a sign of peace long not seen on her. Venge bumped her forehead against Rae’s affectionately before resting her chin on her paws, sharing in the sleep that was, for once, not plagued with anxieties of what lay around them.

Jack let out a yawn finally as his tiredness started to get the best of him. "I'll take you out to him in the morning alright? Sleep, you've earned it." Without any fuss the pikachu made himself comfortable on the blanket. It reminded him much of home and how it had a comfortable bed like this. With one last look outside the snow had continue to fall and more gentle, it would be at least a sign of Arceus grieving for him. After that Jack had said one last thing before closing his eyes. "Thank you Ark. Good night." The pikachu had fallen asleep while resting his head on Ark's paw. It was a rough and perilous journey, but now its time for rest. Only thing left to do on this mountain in the morning is to give his trainer one last goodbye and see what killed him.

Finn had started drooling in his sleep showing that he was one of those who mouth's water when they sleep. However, in his sleep he moved just right and fell off the chair, making a thud on the floor while still sleeping. With the goggles still in hand they landed onto his side while he slept through that whole ordeal. He opened his left eye seeing he was on the ground and looked around wondering if he was pushed off or just fell off. There was no sign of anyone pushing him off so instead he closed his eye again and fell back to sleep. The floor may have been wooden but it was better than sleeping in dirt and mud. Really in his mind is that he was afraid Jack would tell him to get lost, but he wasn't going to let that get to him. Just the feeling though made Finn isolate himself from the others. Whether it was fear or just plain guilt no Pokemon knew for sure.

Arkturus smiled a little, even if it was weird to see a Luxray smile with the way their muzzles were shaped. "Thank you Ark. Good night." He liked that, it was nice to hear thanks and watching the Pikachu use his paw as a pillow was.. cute. Like a little cub asleep with him, he laid his head down next to the Pikachu's own and slowly dozed off to sleep. The company finally allowing him a moment to sleep and hopefully.. it not have nightmares and be truly, honestly restful.


ooc: Sorry, not much to say!

((Skip. Rae Rae and Venge are both asleep.))

It was a now dawn and Jack woke up letting out a yawn. He had wondered how much snow fell and if they'd find out where the body was if it was completely buried in the snow. The pikachu didn't feel much better from the night, but somehow if things work out, he'll at least get to say his goodbyes before they get off this frozen wasteland. While Finn had slept on the floor and just began feeling the cold floor. This had woken him up. The fire fox looked around wondering how he fell off the chair. "Maybe I should leave this near the bedroom for Jack. I have done enough to him, at least I should try to give him some peace." But would Jack forgive him? After yesterday's stunt it would be rather hard for the mouse pokemon to forgive him easily. Holding the goggles he had last night, he walked out of the kitchen and placed the goggles by the bedroom door. Jack looked seeing Finn's shadow and some anger came back to Jack, but Finn did help them get out of that cavern so perhaps he'll deal with him later.

Looking above his head though was Ark's head resting close to his. Though a cat, Ark was supportive of the pikachu from what he had lost. Guess its time for everyone to wake up though since they got a long way to go. Mostly they need to go somewhere to get supplies. "Ark? Should we get the others up and get off this mountain?" Hopping off the bed, Jack went over to the doorway seeing a large pair of goggles laying in front of the doorway. "These are? Was my trainer here before he died?" How did it end up here? It wasn't there last night and it looked like there was dust on it. However, there was no mistake that it was Jack's trainer's goggles. Seeing Finn just leaning against the wall trying to avoid eye contact with Jack it was sure that Finn may have found it and not said anything yet or he fell asleep before saying anything. He's still isn't trustworthy, but someone should keep an eye on him just in case. The electric type thought. While Finn looked at the undead meowth with some sort of grudge against her, but he knew all to well that it could end up getting himself killed if he tried it. Instead, he kept silent.

Jack went back to the bedroom and looked at Ark with the look of getting the funeral over with. "Can you take me to my trainer's body Ark? It'll give a chance for the others to wake up." Though his voice was still sad, it was now plain grief. The Pikachu waited holding the goggles readying his words of choice. There will be tears of sorrow, but memories shared. He now waits for Ark to get up.

Ark slept well that night, warm and enjoyable on a comfortable bed with the company of others around him was quite enjoyable. That morning he was awake early, before most folk and was out getting something to eat and taking care of morning business that came. He came back to the crew and curled back up on the bed to nap until Jack awoke. He'd stretch and yawn a bit "Ark? Should we get the others up and get off this mountain?" He'd nod in response to the Pikachu and get up again as the smaller male got down and headed for the door. Where a pair of goggles were at.

He hadn't noticed them before but.. he was half asleep when he snuck outside. "Are you okay?" He'd ask quietly, being careful not to awaken anyone if they were still asleep. He had the pack of food on him still and checked it. Nothing raided yet. He settles to watch until Jack spoke up once more "Can you take me to my trainer's body Ark? It'll give a chance for the others to wake up." He nods and slowly walks out. Crouching down to allow Jack to climb on as the snow was still bitterly cold outside and last thing he wanted was the poor mouse being devoured by the Snow or catching frost bite. Once he was on, if he chose to. Ark would take him quietly outside and to the frozen body, though on hyper alertness.

After sleeping soundly, the Charmeleon woke up seeing the fireplace down to embers and kindling. The fire had provided enough warmth for the night, but Drake continued to lay there staring into the fireplace. The embers danced around, but soon went out completely. He let out a yawn and got up to see what the kitchen had. Finn had came out and placed something on the ground that the Charmeleon wanted to ask the Braixen, but it was to early for that. Upon entering the kitchen, the first thing was to make some breakfast. Drake opened up the drawers of the kitchen seeing what was left. Unfortunately there was only enough for a few pokemon. Maybe Jack might have some insight on this. He'll have some sort of solution on this. That is if they're not leaving directly from the time everyone wakes up. Now that Drake thought of it, why not see what Ark has for food. Maybe that will give them some equal share on food.

Kolven's conscious slowly returned as the others started to stir. The soft conversation brought him back but only when Ark walked by did he recall where he was. Windchill swept over him as the Luxray went outside, and though his fur was warm from the tight ball he lay in the cat was growing more aware of the cold that had settled within the cabin itself. Nestling his nose even deeper in his fur Kolven longed for the gentle warmth and the peace of sleep. As the other started walking about their shelter Kolven knew any attempt to sleep again would be in vain. Yielding to the new day the Meowth stretched his hind paws out above his head. The muscles were tight and the cold was not helping, but he stretched and unfurled so he could then reach out with his fore paws to do the same.

With a massive, silent yawn Kolven accepts his consciousness and slowly lets his orange eyes peel open. His tail falls from the chair and brushes the ice cold fur of his sister and the ease of waking was replaced with a thin veil of dread. Tilting his head to look down at her his blurry vision could only see a deathly still, nearly frozen with cold form. Had she lost her fight during the night despite the shelter? "Clover?" He chirped softly, one paw rubbing his eyes to clear his vision. "Clooovie." He says again, a bit firmer but softer. There is a long delay of several slow heartbeats before the females one ear turns toward him. She was with them. Bringing his head back onto the chair Kolven breathed out deeply with relief before sitting up and starting to wash. The short time they had spent in the cold told him not to lick and just do a dry wash, but the urge remained strong and ingrained.

Awoken, Clover's one eye opened and blinked slowly. She was cold, very cold. The feeling had sunk deep into her bones as though she had eaten snow all night. Flexing her forepaws she lets her claws slide out and dig into the cushion beneath her. The feeling was immediate; hunger gnawed at her empty, sunken stomach. Hunger that was never sated, hunger that ever plagued her mind. "Fu..." She breathes heavily, though the word is broken on her hard, fast exhale. An exhale that pushed, foul, carrion smelling air out from within her. The scent wafts and for a moment Kolven is frozen in his wash as it hits him. "Soon, dear sister." Kolven tried to calm her, but the females rotting muscles were twitching and ready to try and stand. "We have to see whats going on first."

The male did not care what Ark and Jack had left for, that was their business, but he did need to know if that offer had been true. Their agreement had been a nights shelter, and that was fulfilled, but if they happen to both be heading the same way to town, surely they wouldn't mind them tagging along? Or, for that matter, venturing into Drake's old home? Kolven kept running his paws over his cheeks and smoothing out the fur. If they said no... well, nothing was stopping them from remaining in the shelter a bit longer after everyone had left.

The Absol’s vision was hazy with sleep. With herself and Vendetta being the designated ‘watchdogs,’ their reflexes often meant they lacked in the sleep department and even in the cottage, that remained true. Venge kept Arkturus in her singular, azure stare with a grain of salt-- it was too early on in consciousness to force her second eye open yet. With any luck, she’d just pass right back ou--

A huge yawn and two arms snaking around her neck distracted the Disaster Pokémon from the cat and Pikachu as they disappeared out into the wintry wasteland. “Good morning, Venge!” Rae chirped. She looked something like a teenager on Saturday morning, with a mild case of bedhead and an expression that seemed like she didn't have a thing to worry about besides catching her cartoons with a bowl of cereal.
“Good morning.” Venge reciprocated the girl’s hug by nuzzling against her face, despite the less than captivating dried on drool trailing down Raver’s pale skin. “Sleep well?”
Raver hopped onto her bare feet, stretching her arms overhead while Venge mirrored the action in an anatomically appropriate way for a quadruped. “Oh yeah! Definitely better than crashin’ in the snow like I figured we would.”

It took a minute or so to loosen the scrunchie holding up her disheveled ponytail, during which Venge retrieved Rae’s hairbrush and returned a few spilled contents of the backpack. The Trainer thanked her partner and began straightening out the mess that was her abundance of hair. “Say, wanna go play in the snow?”
“What, didn't get enough frozen hell last night?” Venge quirked a brow with a teasing grin; in response, the girl stuck her tongue out playfully and continued her brush strokes. “Yeah, sure, but there's plenty of time for that later. I'd be inclined to take advantage of a warm cottage right now.”

Fair point~

Jack clutched the goggles tightly knowing that these belonged to his trainer. With his sorrow still there, it was going to be hard to lead, but it was life. Nothing goes what anyone would expect and sometimes the difficult path can lead to new roads. "Are you okay?" Ark was worried for Jack. The Pikachu closed his eyes trying to think again. After that, he climbed onto Ark ready to go to the grave site of his trainer. "I'm ready to see him Ark. Lets give everyone a chance to wake up and stretch out." Something was on his mind, the thought of Kolven and Clover joining their adventures was still not brought up yet to Ark and the others, but they could be a reliable source of finding things that are hidden from sight or blending in with the darkness of night. First though, the farewells needed to be said. It would give Jack some fresh air and find out what killed his trainer.

Meanwhile Finn looked out the window looking around for anything that could be useful. Yet, he was still hard on himself for the last night's thing. "You all want to know my story mates? I'll tell you all when we get off this mountain. For now, we wait for Jack." The fire fox was looking at Drake who was looking eager to hear. He stayed away from the others since Finn was fearing judgement. Either way, Jack would need his space for a while. That being said, the undead meowth would show severe distrust in the Braixen. "What possessed Jack to bring the two here? I would of expected us to be dead during the night, but nobody was hurt. Either way I see it, he's too naive for his own good." Of course though it wouldn't fall upon deaf ears. His words would be heard by Drake.

The electric type covered his eyes with his goggles in case the wind was strong and blowing the snow at them. This would be a time where he'd use them to cover his eyes while not in combat. "While I'm saying my farewells to my trainer, can you look around for anything that might be a danger?" Jack asks Ark in case the Mightyenas from the cavern is hunting them down. It would be best to keep the Meowths with them as well since they need to see at least some smiling faces. It would be the right thing to do. The two had been in search of someone and they need help as much as the others need the Meowths. Despite the fact that Clover's condition is concerning, it would give them a boost in extra detection of either ally or foe and Kolven would be able to help scout with her.

Arkturus looked about, after being asked to keep an eye out for any threats it was a smart thing. Not that he wasn't already. The air was bitterly cold and he shivered from it, his fur fuzzing out to trap as much warm air as it could through instinct to keep the Luxray warm. He stretched out, flexing his muscle and really building up a charge for any fights that would come.

He could hear noises in the distance, the sound of other pokemon in the distance had his attention. He wasn't sure whom or what it was at first, though... he was on edge. Last thing the male wanted was for a fight out here. "I'm keeping watch.. just becareful." He said. Using his X-ray vision to see through any obstacles that were about. He flicked his tail about and wandered, not to far from jack, keeping the Pikachu in his sight in case anything came for him. Ghosts especially.

Drake looked through the things that was available and realized that there wasn't much to cook with so now it was up to everyone else to get whatever they wanted. When the charmeleon looked out the window however, he spotted Jack and Ark heading towards a tree that was not to far. I wonder what's going on? Curiously, he stayed in the kitchen to make sure that there was something to sit at if they come back in. Now that he thought of it, it must of had something to do with last night when Jack was upset.

The fire type kept an eye on everyone else as well making sure that they was all ready for when the others came back. Not hearing much for conversation he came out and talked with the others. "So, when Jack and Ark returns I'll tell them of the place I live at and if its not much trouble for Jack. Maybe we can bunk down in my house for a while." In all truth he missed home and there was no other way he was going to let the opportunity slip to check if his butler was still alive. Though chances are the answers he seek may or may not be there when he returns with the others. "Kolven, Clover? I do have some things that you both may like when we get there." Then he turned his attention to Rae noticing she didn't have much for protection. "Rae, tell me about your home? I'm curious what it was like?" Ahh yes, the curiosity of one's interest at least the fire lizard felt. No greater knowledge of wanting to know more of the world. At least he hasn't been out of Kalos, but knowing more about other regions would help his wandering mind. Venge looked like they kept to them self on stuff so asking Venge anything would be a tough one. For now though he waited for the two electric types to return.