(ACE) The FROST Team

Jack could tell this Mightyena is making more mistakes as it went from hatred to purely insane. All of it was because they refused to join his pack. With a full charge ready, the Pikachu had shot off more thunderbolts A couple of them making direct hits. However Jack ran out of juice before he could land the next blow. I'm all out of thunderbolts. At least Finn would have a chance to strike him. Even then, Finn was trying his best but his own pride had been dogging him as much as it could to bring out that hate in him. As it was Jack still was pretty angry at Finn, but once this is over then its back to punishing Finn for hiding Jack's Trainer's body. With fire enveloping the fists of Finn the Braixen goes after the Mightyena swinging away at him with most of the punches hitting the ground or a nearby tree. Eventually one did hit. The punch left a burn and some cinders on the mightyena's fur. Finn was now exhausted from punching. "Bloody wanker, I'll rip your head off and stick it on the nearest boulder for all to see!" He was indeed pissed.

Finn couldn't be outsmarted by an undead could he? No he wouldn't allow it. With a huff of breathe he shouted at the Mightyena. "You and your undead friends are not welcomed here!" Anger and hate had come from Finn's mouth. Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. Is Finn really going that far as to comparing all undead the same? How could Finn be so angry at the undead the whole time and tries to say he wants to change? Guess there's no telling what Finn is thinking but he won't touch Clover if it comes to that. For now Its simply to kill off this undead mightyena and reclaim the pack for Maka's sake.

Jack used Quick Attack to circle around the Alpha to spot any weaknesses and finally he was able to find one. "Found it, Take out its neck and spine!" The Pikachu shouts out as he backs away before he is attacked.

Arkturus was starting to get worn down, some folks were far more resilient than others when it comes to fighting and while he had stamina, this fight was exhausting with the kind of power being thrown around and the apparent ability of this Alpha to avoid being hit or taking grazing shots was getting particularly.. annoying to say the least. Finn was starting to really get on Ark's nerves as the Firefox harped on and on with cursing, rage and anger which seemed almost futile and contributed little to the situation aside from venting rage. "Bloody wanker, I'll rip your head off and stick it on the nearest boulder for all to see!" Considering the strength differences between the two, that to him seemed quite unlikely!

"You and your undead friends are not welcomed here!" Now that he could understand and get behind. Allot of folks had lost friends, family, trainers and more to the undead in some form or another. Be it directly or indirectly. They were to him an abomination to the world, ghost types aside! Ark heard Jack speak up and a grin formed on his face as the little rodent quickly zipped around the alpha. "Found it, Take out its neck and spine!" Of course! Well, Arkturus wasn't going to leave that one open for Pun normally but this time would be different. He'd charge a final Thunder, this time, if he didn't kill the Alpha outright, he was going to experience the rather wonderful secondary effect of electrical attacks. Paralysis. Bright, loud and rather flashy, Ark fires off a Thunder which strikes from the sky and slams hard into the beast! Searing into it, cooking parts and.. while not killing it. It did paralyse him enough to leave him open for a quick and angry finisher!

OoC)) Skip, Drake is simply standing down as the Alpha is unable to do anything while Maka is laying down on the snow using the coldness of the snow to reduce the pain.

Kolven tried to throw up another Protect in front of Maka, but with a gasping breath the shield shattered in a near instant. The strain from before was already too much, and his own body needed a desperate moment to recover. He crouched low to the ground, drawing in quick, deep breaths as he watched the others move in. Static arched through his fur, ready to aid whatever he could to fighting, once he could, but Finn's erratic punches made it unsafe for him to attack. Digging his paws into the snow he tried to shake off the feeling of uselessness, and instead dared to looked away from the enemy. "Hang in there, Maka." He soothed, a giving the Mightyena a smile before looking back at the pack leader. Your pack will be at peace soon. Was that inappropriate, preemptive? He dared not say it yet.

"Found it. Take out its neck and spine!" Jack spoke quickly and the others moved even faster as not to give the alpha time to react. In an instant Kolven could feel the dry tension in the air, the warm, crackling dryness of electricity that juxtaposed the cold, snowy air. He yowled, panicked as he did not see Clover. With a flash of light the Thunder came down, and within the flash he saw Clover's shadow moving close to the large canine. She was okay, but his breath was still held. Though his eyes were still adjusting after the flood of light he could see that the Mightyena was still standing.. sorta. The blast had clearly done a number on it, with static pulsing through its coat from paralysis and twitch muscles keeping it frozen.

This was it. Kolven could feel it deep in his bones that the end was coming. Try as he might his paws refused to move, the sparks within his own pelt having died away by now. "Finish it!" He yowled, hoping the others were not as petrified as he was. And, much to his dismay, he did see one figure move that he wished he did not. Clover pelted forward, her awkward gait fluid as she launched herself toward the stunned hound. Kolven's eyes were wide with alarm but his throat clenched, unable to yell her name. She couldn't take that thing out, there was no way in hell! But did she know that, could she process that? As the molly soared through the air he doubted the idea.

Her landing was spectacular, claws sinking evenly into its muzzle. Her red eye blazed with a look that could only be described as revenge as she raised one paw. A shimmering Shadow Claw shrouded it, and with three harsh swipes Clover tore at its charred, putrid, muzzle. After so much abuse the rotten and burnt flesh had no fight left in it. The electricity and fire had taken all its moisture and remaining integrity, and, with a final strike, the meat pulled away and fell to the ground. Wide-eyed and with a yowl of triumph the cat dropped to the snow as well, grabbing her prize, a fleshy, rotten fang, in her maw as she tore away from the hound. Kolven blinked in disbelief as she arrived at his side, safe and whole, while he once again had nothing to show for himself.

“We need to strike soon.” Rae’s voice took a distant tone, her words hardly matching the intensely focused gaze on her features. Her mind was whirring with ideas, drawing her far from the conversation at hand while her eyes jumped from the battlefield, to the Alpha, her comrades, back to the Alpha and so on.

She remained eerily still as Jack bolted around and located the Alpha’s hiding spot, safely avoiding harm with a speedy Quick Attack just before a wicked Thunder fell upon the devilish hound. Arkturus left the Mightyena quaking in a charred, paralyzed heap on the ground.
Wait for it...

"Finish it!" Kolven’s screech was enough to send the human to her feet from a squat, her Absol mirroring her quick bolt up.
Before the two could cover enough ground to launch their attack, the streaking shape of Clover raced towards the hound, bounding for it and scoring large Shadow Claw gashes on its weak flesh. The spunky undead claimed something - that neither Rae or Venge could see - and made tracks for where she’d attacked from.

The duo continued their advance, the Alpha largely aware of the sound of their steps in the snow. The weakened canine opened his maw and roared in their direction as a warning just before another dark figure leapt from behind.
“Surprise, asshole!” Vendetta brought her weight crashing down on the Alpha’s hind quarters, swiftly and easily pinning him down. Her head remained angled downwards in case he struck back at her. A horn through the skull would be his reward for trying!

”Venge! Night Slash the neck!”

The Absol bounded with all the speed her aching legs could provide, her body just short of the Alpha’s face when she slashed down while his neck was still twisted to face Vendetta. She watched in what felt like slow motion as her supernaturally elongated claws cut through the Alpha’s muzzle, bringing forth a faucet of dark, rank blood as half of his face hit the ground. Venge’s paws slammed into the ground and launched her back up in a swift motion, bringing up her horn around his throat until the sharp blade cut through cleanly.

Venge hopped back, eyeballing the headless body as it stood there briefly, spraying even more rancid blood and coating the head at its paws in reddish black stain.
The body crashed down towards, throwing up flurries of snow in its wake.

Venge let out a loud sigh. Her fur was tinted that off-red color and stunk like hell itself.
Rae was beside them instantly, fretting over the well-being of both her companions. They both affirmed they’re okayness and obvious relief overtook the Trainer. ”Thank God.” She whirled around to her comrades, ”What about everyone else? Any injuries?”

It was over, they had eliminated the biggest threat to them and freed Maka's parents from the Alpha's control, but the damage was already done. Maka's parents was undead and they would eventually become to dangerous even for their own child. The decision has been made already they had agreed to sacrifice themselves for their own to live. Jack looked at Maka who knew this day would come, but Maka had already became a part of a new pack. After that they both ran up the mountain never to be seen again. It was very sad to watch them leave, it brought some tears to Jack's eyes. ”What about everyone else? Any injuries?” Only one that is injured is Maka so Jack spoke up. "Maka's the only one so far." Guessing that since Maka might have trouble keeping up maybe someone can carry him to their next destination.

Finn felt so much anger that he would destroy any undead that tries to threaten them. However, the one that was with them though. Could he ever trust Clover? Most likely he wouldn't but he would have to if it was in order to survive along with the others. Hope Jack isn't mad at me still. Where ever we're going through I will have to put up with that undead meowth for the time being. The Braixen thought to himself as things would from here on out be trying times. Instead of asking, he kept quiet in order not to anger Jack. From what it seems they might be heading towards the city where it was absolute chaos there. Worst of all almost very few pokemon ever get out alive and unharmed. There was also the possibility they might be heading to Drake's home. Again being in luxury was not his style.

Jack then had to say where they're going so with a confidence he was going to tell everyone where they'll be going. "We're heading to Drake's place. It might be our only place of safety, but since Drake knows it way more than we do, he'll likely show us around." Now to descend this mountain and follow Drake's directions on where to go. First though once they get into warmer air, the Pikachu is going to teach Finn a lesson. Jack took one last look up the mountain taking a deep breath of sorrow. Goodbye partner, we had a hell of a ride together for a long time. See you on the other side when my time comes. Looking a bit down with mourning his loss, the pikachu knew that the road to recovery would be long, but it wouldn't stop him from what he already learned. After a bit he lifted his goggles over his eyes to wipe away the tears. "Hey Rae, could you carry Maka? Hopefully he doesn't mind you doing it." They'll have to pick up some berries to ease the pain if it becomes needed.

It was settled, done and dealt with. The Alpha dead finally and honestly, everyone done and dealt with on this. He was exhausted though from that fight and it showed just a bit on him, the Luxray was not keen on showing weakness around this group and certainly not going to fall behind. He panted lightly to catch his breath and gave a good stretch of the limbs. ”What about everyone else? Any injuries?” Ark would look to the Pikachu "I'm good. A little tired but good." He says.

Ark would twist a bit and raid the satchels he had which were surprisingly undamaged from this aside from a few singes and marks. "We're heading to Drake's place. It might be our only place of safety, but since Drake knows it way more than we do, he'll likely show us around."

Ark grunted a bit "We should be careful and not pin our hopes on that one place though. How far is it and will we be able to make it there in a day of travel?" He would ask. Sure, four legged lots could move fast even walking. But the Human girl would need food and the undead with them would slow them down some. But.. he had to ask!

Maka watched his parents leave for the last time, their words showing that they trust the others to help out Maka in making a new pack. Tears had came from the mightyena as he said his goodbyes to the mountain he called home. Drake on the other hand was good on supporting Maka. "We should be careful and not pin our hopes on that one place though. How far is it and will we be able to make it there in a day of travel?" The Charmeleon then spoke up to tell the others how far it is to the mansion. It would be at least good news since there was to much bad news on this mountain and Jack would at least want to hear something good for the day instead of the bad. "My home actually is less than a day's travel since we are going downhill. If we take breaks though it would be close to sunset when we get there." If they have to stop for eating then it would be a good time to talk with the others.

The Dark type had limped over trying to get to a point in the area they're at to tell if the wind will bring good omens or bad ones. As it was common tradition in his pack back then, the wind can tell if the day will yield its wondrous bounty or if it can become disastrous. The snow helped though a little bit with the pain in his leg reducing the swelling somewhat. Maka reached the area he needed to be to feel the wind. Its light breeze had spoken to him. It was a very good feeling. Then he came back down from the small hill on the side of where everyone was at. "The spirits have spoken. We are in good luck for this day. May the great pack watch over us in our travels." The Mightyena says as he tells everyone. However he needs a bit of help until his leg heals. If anyone had any herbs it would help him recover despite the bitter taste herbs have.

Drake smiled as he stretched out a bit before getting ready to walk back home with the others. Since he had to live off the land for some time, it would be somewhat difficult yet he yearned to feel the softness of the carpet and the glossy floors he and who he calls his brother once played on years ago again. "I think you guys would love it at my place. The doors are pretty strong, there's a fireplace and a place to rest. We'll have to get ahold of some of the berries and such while we're traveling to the mansion. I'm pretty sure that the food is no good anymore." The Charmeleon said as he finished stretching. Now he was ready to take them to his home, his mansion to rest and relax.

Kolven waited with baited breath as Rae's Pokemon moved in for the kill. Her instructions were clear, concise orders that made for a swift end. It was over so quickly the cat smelled the end before his eyes knew what they were seeing. The rank reek of nasty blood hit him so strongly the feline nearly gagged from the scent alone. The body gave a heavy thud against the snow, and with a hard blink the cat could see but hardly believe that it was finally over. The body gave a twitch and spurts of blood but was otherwise completely still. Legends finally..

With a relieved sigh the cat felt his tense body finally relax. His legs wobbled, nearly knocking him over as the tension of battle was broken. They had done it, they had really done it! ”What about everyone else? Any injuries?” The tom shuffled in place. He hurt, his back especially, and his pelt was smudged with blood. Though he had some wounds none were too great or concerning, just painful. Looking over Clover and through the heaps of blood on her pelt he saw a similar picture. By some miracle neither of them were gravely wounded. "Nothing too bad." He assured the girl with a weak smile. After all that his body was screaming, crying out for a rest somewhere warm and safe. What he wouldn't give to lie down, but as a cold breeze smacked him in the face the tired cat knew that was a long time coming.

"We're heading to Drake's place. It might be our only place of safety, but since Drake knows it way more than we do, he'll likely show us around." With a nod the Meowth padded to Clover's side, giving her another check and assuring she could continue down this mountain. She growled meekly, but showed no new breaks or devastating injuries that would hinder her weak body. With a soft nudge he got her going, and with her head low the undead began hopping along.
"I think you guys would love it at my place. The doors are pretty strong, there's a fireplace and a place to rest. We'll have to get a hold of some of the berries and such while we're traveling to the mansion. I'm pretty sure that the food is no good anymore." The tomcat wasn't really feeling up for conversation yet and chose to simply nod along as he watched Clover's steps. Something about Drake's words didn't sit right with him though, and he couldn't shake a foreboding feeling. Wouldn't he know if there was good food left? More so, why had he traveled so far up the mountain to bring nothing back? Why had he wandered in the first place? "It sounds like you've been away for a while." He pondered aloud, not quite prying but unsure if he wanted any forthcoming answers.

Everyone was worn, but their numbers remained by the end of the fight. Maka had sustained some injuries but all in all he seemed relatively okay. It was the best Rae could’ve hoped for and she had exactly zero complaints. She heaved a huge sigh and blew out a thick cold-fog on her breath, her lungs and every other part of her screaming with relief and joy.

"My home actually is less than a day's travel since we are going downhill. If we take breaks though it would be close to sunset when we get there." Drake said.
Both Venge and Vendetta lay in the snow, rolling away as much blood as possible and freezing away whatever bacteria possible.
"We're heading to Drake's place. It might be our only place of safety, but since Drake knows it way more than we do, he'll likely show us around." Rae nodded to their Pika-pal, a wide grin spread over her breathless features. She had forgotten the blissful excitement of a real house, the mere thought completely erased by the demonish Alpha’s rampage. Her eyes trailed to his corpse, but only for a second before she looked away, growing slightly ill.
"The spirits have spoken.“ Maka announced. Despite watching his pack fall, the canine’s demeanor was still hopeful. "We are in good luck for this day. May the great pack watch over us in our travels."

"Hey Rae, could you carry Maka? Hopefully he doesn't mind you doing it." Raver looked to Jack, then to Maka for a second before she awkwardly bumbled over in slight surprise. She held her hand out just before the Mightyena, freezing before him for acceptance. “Is that okay, Maka?”

“Rae— you can’t,” Venge protested, but her words fell on stubborn ears.
Without so much as turning to her companion, Rae responded, “But I gotta. Who else can if not me?“ Venge sighed, knowing her mind was set. “He’s hurt, Venge.”
Venge hummed in approval. Annoyed, annoyed approval, which was good enough for Raver.
"I think you guys would love it at my place. The doors are pretty strong, there's a fireplace and a place to rest. We'll have to get ahold of some of the berries and such while we're traveling to the mansion. I'm pretty sure that the food is no good anymore."
As Drake described his home, she couldn’t help but imagine it. Her mental image might’ve been way off but for now, it was reason to put one foot in front of the other. Soon enough she was doing so, making strides for the foot of the mountain.

Sounds like Maka still has good spirits though understanding what Maka does is still something Jack would need to learn. Then again it is something a leader must do is to learn about those who they travel with. As for Finn, he couldn't care less of what Maka says. The Braixen's trust began getting less towards Clover again. Jack overheard Kolven saying something to Drake. "It sounds like you've been away for a while." From what Drake said though it does sound like he was away for a while. At least now he can return with guests and a place of safety. The Pikachu watched Finn start walking back up for a little bit before wiping at the ground.

Finn felt the snow one last time since he hasn't seen snow as much as the others could have. "This place is the only place where I seen snow. Regardless, we should leave this place. I don't trust the meowth though, but I will cooperate for now." The Braixen stated as he came back to the other. Now the thing was to whether to tell Jack he was sorry or leave him be. Finn however chose to tell Jack he was sorry. This only made Jack just want to hit Finn all the more, but restraint was shown. The fire type didn't say anything else until Jack cooled down a bit more. Despite the northerly wind that is blowing gently, it was a bit more warmer where they are at and further down would likely feel even better. With that Finn returned to the others and kept silent without saying a word. It seemed that he pissed Jack off even more for what he said.

Jack had an angry look on him as he stared at Finn with the very mind of punching him still. Right now he had to get away from this mountain before he has another meltdown. "Lets go. My trainer would have wanted me to keep going and not look back." His voice was sounding like he was in a foul mood and just needed some cheering up. Getting back on Ark, Jack was quite irritated. There is no way Finn is getting out of this and he will learn not to keep silent on things that does concern him.

"I think you guys would love it at my place. The doors are pretty strong, there's a fireplace and a place to rest. We'll have to get a hold of some of the berries and such while we're traveling to the mansion. I'm pretty sure that the food is no good anymore." Ark frowned as he was inspecting the satchels he had on himself at the moment, his ears would pin slightly before perking and he glanced at the others. "The Pokeblock is fine, though we should preserve it for now as best we can and work to forage for berries and whatever else we can get. I personally.. have a craving for something human cooked." He was indeed having a mild craving for something like a Stir fry. Honestly.. hot food was something he missed.

He liked how Maka was in high spirits, as were some of the others despite the whole situation they were in right now which was to be fair untenable at best. He ruffled out his fur some and glanced around at the others, Finn.. had to open his muzzle once more which Ark's ears would slide back and up looking a little.. evil. "This place is the only place where I seen snow. Regardless, we should leave this place. I don't trust the meowth though, but I will cooperate for now."

"Okay, mate..." He'd start casting a wickedly severe look to the Fire-Fox "Let's get one thing straight here. Stop. Bringing. Up. The. Meowth." He would state like a Teacher talking to a student in a slow, very firm manner. "We are all aware of her, we know the potential risks involved for all of us. However, you do no service towards our survival by bringing it up when we have already had the debate. Cooperation is the name of the game for our survival as we are interdependent on each other. Now grow up. If anyone here has a problem with someone else, put it aside until we are at a safe place and then deal with it between each other like adults. Not cubs."

Ark glanced around at the others a moment with that annoyed posture and now a Pikachu on him like he was some kind of fuzzy, sparky steed. His last part of that statement was primarily aimed at the feud brewing between Jack and Finn, rather than anyone else but he wasn't going to call it out as it was. They would know what it was about and he was sure the others would know too. He turned and would wait for Rae to have Maka and then walk to keep pace with her or just ahead and on the lookout.

And just like that the group was on the move once more. Both cats fell in line, their pace the same though their steps differed. The rising sun was starting to shimmer on the snow, the cold lessening only slightly as sunlight reached the ground. Yet, Clover could not feel it. Somewhere inside she knew it was warming up, both from their slow descent and loss of night, but her body felt just as cold and stiff as ever. Her head angled up toward the sky and the undead cat left out a soft, feral growl at its blue hue. Why would it not warm her? Kolven pressed against her side, a gesture meant comfort but it nearly knocked her from her paws as she turned to look at him.

Kolven tired to decipher the look in her dull eye, but instead his focus was forcibly pulled to Finn who had walked off. The Braxian was likely talking to himself again, but the words were picked up by multiple pairs of honed ears. Digging his claws into the snow the Meowth clenched his teeth as a growl built in his throat. Drake hadn't answered him, making two Pokemon that were ignoring his presence, and he wasn't going to let this abuse from Finn continue any longer. Winding his way past Clover the tom growled, parting his flashing teeth to give the fox a peace of his mind, but another spoke up first. "Let's get one thing straight here. Stop. Bringing. Up. The. Meowth."

The words came slow and harsh, impossible to misconstrue or ignore as the large feline gave his short speech. Kolven remained quiet; it may have been his fight but he would not disrespect Ark by interrupting when he was on his side. Sure, it wasn't the heartfelt tale of a harmless undead but that of a civil cooperation, but the tomcat could see it working on the fox.
When he finished Kolven waited a few moments to let things settle. Ark hadn't been the most welcoming of the bunch, but to have him defend his sister's presence swelled the tom's heart with appreciation. He took several steps closer to the Luxray, and kept his voice humble and soft. "Thank you, Ark." He meowed calmly, knowing the lynx was not really one to accept compliments. With a deep breath he felt himself smile earnestly for the first time in a long time. Letting himself fall back to where his sister was hobbling the Meowth pressed against her side once more. She gave a small mew, truly harmless compared to the earlier growl, and Kolven couldn't help but wonder if she understood what just happened as well.

The silent permission from Maka to carry him was clear on his features. She smiled warmly as she bent over her thin body to place one arm underneath his haunches and the opposite arm below his chest. She lifted him slowly as to both not startle him and to find her balance with the added weight to her person, straightening her back with mostly ease having done his multiple times with her own Pokémon. She took each step carefully and rose her boots high as to not trip over the snow and drop Maka, meanwhile Venge and Vendetta remained close by her sides.

She huffed quietly with the cold air biting at her throat with each breath. She wasn’t sure if she could carry him all the way to the destination but by god she would try. Her ears were still ringing from the battle, so every sound she had to focus on to hear intelligibly. And then she focused on the accented voice of Finn. "This place is the only place where I seen snow. Regardless, we should leave this place. I don't trust the meowth though, but I will cooperate for now."
She flung her head back and groaned loudly, not for the first time wanting to actually fistfight with the cranky Braxien. Seriously, enough was enough…
"Okay, mate..." Arkturus addressed brusquely. "Let's get one thing straight here. Stop. Bringing. Up. The. Meowth."

Raver stood, hips slanted and glowering at the Braixen as he once again made himself the center of attention in the worst way. “For real,” she added.
"We are all aware of her, we know the potential risks involved for all of us. However, you do no service towards our survival by bringing it up when we have already had the debate. Cooperation is the name of the game for our survival as we are interdependent on each other. Now grow up. If anyone here has a problem with someone else, put it aside until we are at a safe place and then deal with it between each other like adults. Not cubs."

If not for both arms being busy cradling Maka securely in them, she would’ve clapped at the long-coming and well deserved scolding. She had her issues with the Luxray but be damned if he wasn’t a respectable companion at times.

Rae shot a glare one last time at the fox before whipping her head around and marching forth once again, personally invalidating anything the Braixen would rebut with.
“He’s a jerk,” Rae muttered bitterly. It was less directed to any one of the three Dark types in her earshot and more of a personal vent of irritation.

Ark had finished and noted that the little firefox had said not a peep in return, which did surprise him. What further surprised him was a little voice that piped up beside him with a soft meow "Thank you, Ark." It was Kolven. Ark would look down to him and move to give the little Meowth a light head-bump in turn if allowed. "You're welcome. You did well back there. Both of you." A compliment from him there and it was genuine. Ark could respect those who fought and Kolven and co had proved they could pull their weight. He might of been a harsh individual, an asshole to which even he'd probably admit somewhere. But he had a purpose to it.


Of course the Braxien got another withering stare from Ark before he continued on his walk, every step was careful and precise with the Luxray shaking his mane out to get some of the excess snow out. Down below he could see off in the distance the nearby town and looked fairly alert, despite the small bit of strain he had from the fight. "If we get to this mansion, I am so, so going to steal some Pillows and sleep for an age.." He says to nobody in particular. "What about you all?"

Ark praised them, an earnest compliment that send a tingle across the tom's spine. In his travels, both alone and accompanied, it was usually only him that gave such applaud. To hear it himself from the stern, larger cat was a deep joy. With a nodding purr the Meowth was surprised to hear another set of compliments from Maka. Clover perked at her name but Kolven struggled to take in the words as Maka called them a pack. Or, at least that they acted as one. Though the cat knew it to simply be his language he had to grit his teeth against the emotion that rose from within. He was grinning, and huffed a sigh in an effort not to be rude against honest praise. A broken one perhaps. Without their sister nothing would be whole, a fight to continue and move on rather than preserve and defend. Maybe this town would be different... but even the optimist inside him doubted as such.

Perhaps it was an effort to change the subject but when Ark asked them what they wanted from the mansion Kolven couldn't help but feel relief as he was removed from the limelight. "If we get to this mansion, I am so, so going to steal some Pillows and sleep for an age.. What about you all?" As a street-born and raised, yet human pampered Pokemon, he had lived an unusual life. There were things he missed, surely, but Kolven couldn't help but think of all the stuff they had stolen from the cabin. All those things he had thought useful that were now abandoned in the snow. There was no way he was going back for them, no way he would drag or leave Clover to grab that excess wait they didn't need again. His stinging pads brought a different thought to mind, and a soft chuckle came airily on his next breath. "I'd like to make friends with the fireplace, if there is one."

It was odd, he thought, to go from somewhere so utterly remote to the lap of luxury. Their juxtaposition would be so jarring to any weary traveler that was almost a relief to know it was mostly abandoned. The Meowth glanced at Maka and wondered how the deep-wild Pokemon would cope. He had lost so much; his home, family, way of life, and now he was expected to stay with them in a humans dwelling. Even just seeing him within Rae's embrace was strange. Did he.. like it? The tom's thoughts were probed as Drake asked him something. He had missed part of it, something about empty rooms, privacy perhaps, but caught the end clearly. "--Also if you both like board games we can play that as well."

The cat shot him a glance of intrigue. When was the last time he had heard those words, let alone played one. Heck, had he ever finished one? On the rare chance his humans were playing games he was more of an accessory than a player, and they would often squabble before it had ended. He couldn't recall trul having a chance to enjoy one before. "That would be a treat." He purred, wondering how many of the others would join them; he always heard they were better with more players after all.

A dark vibe hung heavy on Rae’s shoulders. The looming negativity towards Finn looming over her like a thundercloud right over her head. She thought bitterness was just a part of her being after all these years— an irreversible staple of her person that kept her going just as oxygen did.
"Thank you. Once we get to this mansion, I would like to rest for some time. I've had very little sleep because of my once pack had been hunting me."

Maka’s voice ripped her away from her daze, her hundred-yard stare disappearing in an instant as she processed his words. A new feeling replaced the dark cloud previously looming— sympathy. She couldn’t imagine the circles of Hell he had seen. To not only lose everything but watch as it turned on you, hunted you, tormented you. The atrocity of her mother’s death was at least a path for peace. Her soul was at rest now… but Maka’s pack…
“I’m sorry, Maka,” Rae murmured, “but you’re safe now.”

The others made small talk about their plans once they reached the mansion. You know, for as excited as she was for a real house, she didn’t even know what she wanted out of it.

Maybe it was to have the first real home since leaving Snowpoint all those years ago.

“A blanket fort,” Rae commented, reminiscing about her days as a little girl. “Like when I was a kid and wanted to read the manga Mama said was too violent. I think I still have it.”
Venge chuckled quietly, also called back to those days and when she’d guard the ”fort” entrance like a hellhound at the gates.

Memories.

Ark listened as each conversed and surprisingly, the Firefox was blissfully silent now as others had spoken up. He smiled at the way folks spoke, some wanting to claim a fireplace, others playing board games and the young girl wanting to read a Manga. It was strange to say the least as things had finally calmed down and the threat of being murdered was not at the forefront of their minds. Granted it was at the back end of Ark's mind though. "Ark, to your left, do you see that? I think we might have an opening to find the road."

He looked over, a mild, annoyed sigh at the idea of yet another threat that was apparently coming up. So when he looked over and saw the Picnic table he relaxed a bit "Okay.. So we have a Picnic table. A road might be near.. wonder if there are any left overs or a bag.." He'd move on over towards the table and leap onto the top. There was nothing there which disappointed the Luxray a little but.. the table DID provide ample view to him. He looked down the way and spotted the road. "There it is! Just ahead!"

Drake was surprised when he heard Kolven say something, but it also made him happy to play with someone again. "That would be a treat." He had a lot of two player and four player games, but one up to six players. Even Jack wanted to join when he got the chance. As for music, well its an old thing that the family listens to when they're having family game night, but unlike the new things it works fine and all it needs is a wind up. Though feeling for Maka, it would be best to let Maka rest while they're playing. Maybe they can play by Maka to keep him company while they're at it. Only way to know for sure is if he asked.

The Mightyena felt a little discomfort in he wounded leg. It felt like a burning pain. However it wasn't enough to cause any bacterial infections. Even then Maka thought of what would remain of his family. Soon he heard the howl that would mean the end of a pack's life. Without a single thought, it was when he realized that it would be a matter of time before his mother and father died. "Soon my parents will pass and join the great pack. The mountain I've called home will fall silent and then it will know peace once more." Maka said as he looked uphill. He owed his life to Jack and the others who had accepted him. As troubled as Finn was, there was hope that he would change and become a better pokemon. However the Braixen would need to face his own demons. Maka then wanted to ask Rae something. "I've wondered this for some time. How do humans act with others?" The Mightyena asked Rae.

The Charmeleon couldn't help but smile to Maka's question, but even then he wasn't going to answer for Rae. Even then, there are answers that only humans can relate to that pokemon wouldn't know. Following Jack and Ark, they came to an area where it would get them on the road. "Cool, we can take the road down and it should take us to the next route which would be easy. The mansion should be off the road a little ways but it should be just before we head into town." The sun's shining light and warmth was all good signs to them. Not a single cloud close by other than the higher elevations. Even then they was breaking up as well. Hopefully they won't have to babysit Finn anymore. "Also I would be very excited to see how many of us will play games. Once we get there, I can light the fire in the fireplace so that it would feel nice and warm before night. Drake said.