(ACE) The FROST Team

As the damage evened out a little bit on their path Kolven could only give a relieved sigh. No doubt it was temporary, but clambering over stones and debris was a good way to quickly tire them out. Thankful for even a small stretch of flat ground he took in a deep breathe and simply tried to enjoy the journey.

Maka started to break away from the rest and sniff the refuse that lined and obstructed their path. ”That smell, humans used that near the ice caverns before the curse came. I’m not familiar with what you humans call it but it makes hunting tougher for mightyena packs to hunt for food.” The tossed vehicle sparked no interest in the cats, it was something they had seen many times over, but Kolven could understand the interest a deep wilds Pokemon would take in it. "Its called gasoline. Its necessary for a lot of machines to function, and certain types of lights to work." Green answered his pondering though no question was asked. ”Its used for human machinery and lights? You humans are interesting.” Kolven nodded with agreement, adding on his own addition to the thought. "That things called a car. It helps humans get around quickly since they can't travel as well as we can." Clover quickly shot him a glance, perhaps for speaking out of turn or incorrectly, but the molly did not correct his statement to her liking. She simply looked away, and with a small wiggle leaped onto the toppled car for to get a better vantage point. Her ruby eye narrowed; for what she could see it did not get better.

"Is there another route in better shape?" The human was quick to ask, Kolven's prior statement validated though he knew better than to react to it. Clover's tail was thumping the roof of the car, a hollow thunk sounding with each hit that only spread a grin across his maw. After a moment to consider other options Drake offered alternatives to walking straight through the town. Simply nodding along with the information the feline was not partial to any one choice. He felt confident that all the paths balanced out in a since of time versus energy, and past that it was more of preference. Plus, of them all, Green was likely the one to struggle the most through rough terrain, and it made since for her to seek alternatives. She asked, but she hasn't complained. The girl was tough, he realized, as any human had to be to survivor this world.

Green contemplated the options aloud, though Kolven could not tell which side she was favoring. Eventually, she seemed to double back on herself, and resigned the idea away with a, "The pros and cons don't make either particularly better other than energy use." Once again feeling validated Kolven leaped onto the car beside Clover and looked for any sign of the paths Drake mentioned. The molly had her gaze locked on something far away, her tail twitching impatiently, but she gave no comment on what. "Any route sounds fine to me." He chimed in lightly, the easy-going cat willing to do anything.

Without any harsh pull in any one direction Jack took it upon himself to make the ultimate choice. ”Looks like we’ll have to take the path through the grass, but seeing the way the ground is, chances are that the tall grass is either windswept and low enough for us to have somewhat of an opening. Or it could still be tall enough to give us some cover. Either way, we’ll still have to fight.”

With a nonchalant shrug the tomcat gently nudged his sister to encourage her off the car. Whatever had her attention was not letting up, but eventually Clover hopped down and he was quick to follow. "I'd rather have a fight with some grass than something with fangs." He murmurs, stretching his legs and readying himself to continue on. With no complaints from the group, thanks to the lack of a certain fox, Drake nodded and accepted the decision as is. ”I’ll lead the way then to that tall grassy spot. Its been a while but if it all withered or windswept, then we’re in luck.” Shifting their path to head away from the primary road the group started to work its way through side streets. Kolven was grateful already for the lack of massive concrete slabs, through the areas overall condition was not much better. If the current damage persisted he considered what could be present in the coming field. Unearted boulders, big roots, lotta little hills, maybe. Nothing they couldn't handle, he assured himself. Tossing his head back to check the sky the feline starting to feel the pricklings of hesitation due to the cloud cover. Despite needing food the awaiting storm was their current biggest threat, and they could only travel safely with permitted weather.

Kolven shook the thought away. Positivity and conversation made for light travel, no matter how tedious the environment. "This town seems pretty forlorn. You ever get lonely out here, Drake?" He asked, trying to stir some sort of chatter. In hindsight, it wasn't the most warming topic, but it was the first the cat could think of.

”Considering what you said Green, I did see these large gasoline tanks get put in a couple years ago, but chances are that they’re either ran dry or shut off.” Green perked a brow at the Charmeleon's words, the language in which she was still in disbelief about. Large gas lines in a quiet town like this? She couldn't imagine the need for heavy machinery and vehicles here; it was likely for general housing and heating needs. She had already accepted her lack of need for gas, but the idea of digging down for underground pipelines that may be long dry was enough to put her off the idea for good. "Probably not worth the effort." She breathes while picking her way past large pieces of debris. Though she had not been in the mansion these Pokemon had been clustered in front of Green doubted they could effectively understand or use such a precious material, and she'd be damned to go through the effort for nothing.

”Looks like we’ll have to take the path through the grass but seeing the way the ground is, chances are that the tall grass is either windswept and low enough for us to have somewhat of an opening, or it could still be tall enough to give us some cover. Either way, we’ll still have to fight.”

The lead Pokemon was quick to announce his decision while keeping any reasoning to himself. Had it been her rational that effected his choice? While Green had asked previously who the leader was, it begged the question if Jack only had ultimate say rather than any power. So far the Pokemon seemed to be fairly equal, Drake leading them on their trek with his knowledge, and the healthy Meowth and Mightyena filling the void with conversation. How would they fair when the hard choices arrived, when their friend fell, could they have prevented it with proper guidance? Green pushed the hair out of her eyes; these were not questions that concerned her.

"I'd rather have a fight with some grass than something with fangs." Kolven added nonchalantly, his casual tone picking a nerve with her. "If there is something to fight." She corrected both Pokemon sternly. It would be ignorant to believe there was no danger out here, but being so presumptuous would cause the group to be excessively on edge. Caution aided survival, but being constantly on pins and needles would lead to panic and poor decisions. Be wary, but stay calm. If they did not know this key to survival by now, legends Green didn't know how any of them had survived.

Regardless, the decision was made, and the group was quick to reroute its course after Drake's lead. Green had no fear of grass; she was the tallest among them, and something so pitiful was a barrier to no one. A fire hazard perhaps, and camouflage for small, weak threats, but it never stood a chance at hindering their progress. With a grunt and a shrug Green acquiesced that these Pokemon must see it as a problem because they were so small. Why not just burn it down? Not while they were walking through it of course, but it would remove this faux hazard completely.

But, she ignored it. Again, it was not a problem for her, and if she had to she would scout from above the grass. As their route became more and more rural an odd sense of nostalgia hit the girl. Such simple, barren roads, trodden paths so similar to the starts of her journey. There was no doubt her home was in rough shape like this place, albeit without evidence of landslides. Were random Pokemon wandering through it right now as well? "This town seems pretty forlorn. You ever get lonely out here, Drake?" Kolven asked, the feeling of loneliness being mutual. Were those theoretical Pokemon alone, or was there unsavory company? Somber yet stern, Green stared blankly before her as they walked, her fingers itching for her Pokeballs though she did not call to one of her friends. Did her partners ever think of the home that no longer existed..? At least we will make good time on this route.

OoC)) Skip, Jack goes silent as he wants to listen to Drake's answer to Kolven's question and Finn just stands outside over Ark's grave contemplating on his own actions.

Drake was leading them towards the tall grass but thanks to his height now, it wasn't as tall as he remembered it. Still, it was tall enough to hide any potential threats. Yet they was a pretty capable group when they work together. "This town seems pretty forlorn. You ever get lonely out here, Drake?" That question kind hit hard. He knew just about everyone in Dendemille but when the outbreak came, everyone just up and left. The feeling of isolation had bothered him when he seen how empty the once lively town was now. The damage from undead attacks, natural disasters, nobody was around to clean this up. A sad look was on the charmeleon's face when he thought about it. The pain he felt was just wanting to make him weep but with the storm slowly getting closer, he had no time to weep.

Maka was sniffing around as they was traveling. A scent would help if trouble was nearby but nothing was catching his attention. Taking his attention back to the sky, the mightyena felt the wind and sniffed the air a bit more. Nothing has changed with the air as timing was still spot on. he heard Kolven's question as well and wanted to hear what Drake had to say. Seeing the expression on his face though, it wasn't going to be a happy one.

Drake took a deep breath before telling Kolven. "This town used to be lively sometimes when it came to a certain day in the summer but since this all began, its been abandoned. Not a single soul around and nobody here to talk with. I had a lot of good memories of this town though. We used to come to that house over there and get a slice of Oran Berry Pie from an old lady who lived there." The fire type said as he pointed to the moderately damaged house. Those pies was never a miss when it came to the delicious factor. Drake then continued. "Things kind of hurt when the whole world got turned upside down. At least though that I have good memories of this town. When we get back, I'll show you guys some of the pictures." He said as his frown started to turn to a smile. At least he can share something with them. One thing he'd like though is if he could make the oran berry pie himself but unfortunately, it isn't easy to make with sharp claws.

"This town used to be lively sometimes when it came to a certain day in the summer, but since this all began its been abandoned. Not a single soul around and nobody here to talk with. I had a lot of good memories of this town though. We used to come to that house over there and get a slice of Oran Berry Pie from an old lady who lived there." Kolven did not need to see Drake's face to feel the sadness in his words. This town clearly meant a lot to him, so much so he had not abandoned it even as the world went to ruin and there was nothing left here for him aside from memories. Though he did not directly say it Kolven could surmise Drake had spent most if not all of his life in this little town. To be fair, so had he until the epidemic hit, but he knew the overwhelming feeling that came from the unknown. To stay here and linger, even in the grips of this world and endless loneliness.. it was a heart-wrenching fate.

"Things kind of hurt when the whole world got turned upside down. At least I have good memories of this town though. When we get back, I'll show you guys some of the pictures." Nodding politely, Kolven was grateful Drake turned his own thoughts around so they would not be lingering in sadness. "I'd like that," he purred, imagining the tale that went with each. "I'd love to see this sleepy town in its prime." Towns like this were always popular to 'get away from it all' for Saffron's residents when they weren't going for something bougie. "I wish I had photos of my home. It was a city that never slept. There was always something to do or see, every few feet was like a new world." Parties, glamour, movies, clubs, restaurants, boutiques, malls, entertainment... it was impossible to be bored back in those wanderlust days. "There was so much good and interesting food.. It was like a currency for my family but that didn't make it any less delicious. Such a shame to lose that art to this sickness."

Kicking small pebbles across the trodden road as he walked Kolven could not help but miss those familiar paved streets, the constant colorful lights, and the sound of life buzzing around him. "When things got bad my we intended to stay, but the disease had other plans for my family." His tone went solemn, like a heavy sigh despite how vague the cat was with his words. Clover started to growl, her displeasure at the reminder clear as she glared at her brother, but the tom did not apologize for mentioning it. "When we find our sister, is it even worth it to head back...?" It wouldn't be the same. No people, no buzz, his brothers were gone, his parents dead. They could just keep traveling-- Kolven tipped his orange gaze toward Clover and forced back into his present reality. She was unwell, her time limited. Would she even make it back home...?

Clover did not respond further, instead hobbling a little bit quicker to stay at the front of the group. There was no point, she thought vaguely, without the people, pokemon, or family. While familiar that vacant city was no different than any other. Her blood boiled at the thought, angered that the comfort of home would never exist, that that place was tainted by the loss of her family, of Arsi, of her life. A growl started to rise in her throat, the memory simultaneously vague and crystal clear. "...Its tainted anyway." She rasped, tail thrashing in memory. It would never be the same.

Drake spoke of a time long past, of days long dead that would never return. The sorrow that resonated on his words was palpable, but Green gave no reaction to it. This Pokemon was not well adjusted, she realized, and was not meandering in this town out of nostalgia. It was a miracle he had survived this long and, assuming this group had only recently formed, had not succumb to the mental hardship of being isolated and alone. "Things kind of hurt when the whole world got turned upside down. At least I have good memories of this town though. When we get back, I'll show you guys some of the pictures." While his voice held a positive shift the sadness in the air had not cleared. "I'd like that. I'd love to see this sleepy town in its prime." Kolven responded, sounding genuine and empathetic. "Don't get lost in them." She warned both Pokemon, already sick of this conversation. "Reality will be all the harder to face."

Realizing her additions to a conversation she was not a part of were not helpful Green shut her trap. There was little else to distract her aside from her own intrusive memories, and thus she was forced to continue listening. "There was so much good and interesting food.. It was like a currency for my family but that didn't make it any less delicious. Such a shame to lose that art to this sickness." Food.. good gods she missed prepared food. Just the convenience of being able to purchase food, or have a constant, reliable source was such a luxury she had taken for granted. The lack of spices, fried food, frozen stuff, baked goods... while she missed them dearly it was nothing compared to always knowing you would have your next meal available. Even now they were literally on a search for food, and in such barren country a missed meal could easily tip one towards death.

"When things got bad my we intended to stay, but the disease had other plans for my family." More sob stories she had heard a million times over. Sharing ones pain built camaraderie, but these Pokemon were delving into the pain instead of accepting it. "When we find our sister, is it even worth it to head back...?" Heading back? To what, an empty hearth with nothing recoverable from the good memories? "Being wherever you used to live wont bring the happy times back, it'll just remind you of everything you lost." She scorned bitterly, her dark eyes glaring at the conversing Pokemon. "'Home' is where you choose to make it, to build your new life. Don't let the past block your future."

Hearing Drake's story made quite a sad but true point. Looking around the town with the destroyed buildings from either pokemon smashing into the walls, was set on fire or even both. Though Green sounded a bit cold, she was right though. This was their reality now and the undead would continue to be encountered until they are killed or they prevail. Jack looked over to Clover seeing that she suffered quite a lot if she was alive as the undead doomed her to what she is now. No, there has to be some undead that are still themselves while keeping their destructive under control. The Pikachu might not know if such do exist but if there was any, he would guess that each day is a struggle to keep their appetite under control. "Being wherever you used to live wont bring the happy times back, it'll just remind you of everything you lost." Jack started to stew on those words. Even though Green might be his ticket to return home, it was not something he wanted to do right now. In fact, its better he doesn't know what happened. "'Home' is where you choose to make it, to build your new life. Don't let the past block your future."

Finn walks around outside looking for a large stone from outside the yard to place as a tombstone for Ark. Whether he could find one or not would only be by luck. There was none around. Guess they'll just have to remember where he is buried at. That was until a board big enough to just place as a tombstone was leaning on the fence in a corner was ripe for the taking. "You'll do. Sorry Ark, couldn't find any stones. This will at least help the others find you." The Braixen had went over and grabbed it seeing it was just the right size and nothing was on it. Getting back to the grave, Finn placed the board on the grave and pushed down just enough to leave an imprint on the ground. He placed the board down and turned to the pile that was not used. Blowing fire on the snow that was accumulating over the pile had melted enough for Finn to use his psychic powers to get some dirt. Going back to the board, he places it it standing up before using his psychic powers to put the dirt around the board to hold it in place. Now to wait for the others to come back.

The Pikachu looked over to Green then nods. "I get what you're saying Green. I've lost enough to know that going back to where we once lived would only bring despair. Yet I do know that some others might use that despair to be their call to save others from the same fate. As for home though, I've heard that saying from my trainer before this happened. So I can't argue with that." The past might hurt and impede the future but what can the past offer on the future that would help them? It was up to them to decide on that alone. Nobody but themselves can make their own paths. "There's some lessons from the past that can help us in the future but in truth, it's up to what we use from the past that will make us stronger. Not saying we should just up and forget everything from the past. If we disregard the past as a whole though, I'm sure that the same events would play out in the future if we just ignored the signs."

Drake looked at Kolven hearing of what he said. "When we find our sister, is it even worth it to head back...?" He wished he had the answer for that but only thing he could think of is that he'd only be returning to what is essentially hell. "I don't know what will await there if you do Kolven. The chances the undead would be likely waiting and nothing would be safe for anyone. I get what Green and Jack are saying. I'm guessing though that Green experienced quite a lot so I think she has her reasons." He then looks at Green. A soft smile came from him. "Green, thanks. Maybe sometime later I'll return the favor." Not long afterwards he seen the farm that was likely to have food for their survival. "There it is. Just to let you know, there's a beedrill that lives on the farm. Just let me do the talking first so I can tell him who everyone is." Honestly he wanted to tell more but all he knows is that this beedrill goes to another homestead that some eeveelution breeders live at.

"Don't get lost in them. Reality will be all the harder to face." Green bit back, budding harsh reality into the positivity they had nurtured. Kolven felt himself cringe away from the words. They were nothing new, a known fact and honest truth, but it didn't make it any easier to take. "There's a moral that packs like mine have always taken. It was by choice that most stayed but others scatter about to make new packs of their own. I was to make a new pack but I already found it. Home is everywhere if that makes sense." Nodding thoughtfully the cat mulled over the canine's words as he pushed past the cringe. "Very true." He purred, hoping he had gleaned the right meaning from the message. "That's an enlightening way to live." In a way he left the same. Traveling about with Clover he never felt lost or that he needed a certain destination. He had what he needed, and returning to that place would not change anything for him.  

"I don't know what will await you there if you do Kolven. Chances are the undead would likely be waiting and nothing would be safe for anyone." With a solemn gaze tipped toward the frosty sky the Meowth let out a dejected sigh. Hurrying to Clover's side he fell in line at her flank. "Yeah, I know it won't be the same, or safe. But the good memories outweigh the bad, and it might give our sister some peace of mind." Was Arsi's mental state really as bad as Clover remembered..? She had always been so put together, relaxed but attentive. It was so hard to imagine her struggling so severely, even after all this time. With an awkward laugh he threw a smile back at the Charmeleon. "Guess we have to find her first to even ask."

Perhaps the gesture was offensive, as Clover was quick to hobble away. Her awkward steps sped up, pushing her off into the grass and further and further out of sight. "Hey, stay close!" The male warned, cranking his neck up to keep an eye on her, but the molly did not slow down. As she tromped through the grass her maw was agape, tongue lolling as she drank in the scents of the land. The dead wash of grass and wet smell of the light snow smothered all and made a growl rise in the feline's throat. Who could hunt here?! As she crested a minuscule hill and peered above the tussocks Drake's voice yipped above the rest. "There it is. Just to let you know, there's a beedrill that lives on the farm. Just let me do the talking first so I can tell him who everyone is."

Beedrill. Even her diseased mind could remember the name of a Pokemon from her homeland. Though uncommon in the city they were still despised when present, and she had had more than one nasty encounter. The vague memories were enough to get a rising growl in the back of her throat, the fur along her neck lifting at the thought of its stingers coming her way. "Lovely, everyone's favorite species." Kolven chuckled, the lighthearted joke doing little to ease her disdain as she continued forward.

While she was never one to sugar coat things, nor did she regret her firm words, Green wondered if they were appropriate. If these Pokemon were daydreaming fools that was not her problem; she hardly knew them, would not for long, and knew to only rely on herself and her team. Killing the mood had not been her goal, just a bit of reality and perspective, and luckily these Pokemon were more mature than she was giving them credit for. "I get what you're saying Green. I've lost enough to know that going back to where we once lived would only bring despair. Yet I do know that some others might use that despair to be their call to save others from the same fate." For those we have lost. For those we can yet save. The powerful quote from better years rang in her ears, making the trainer deeply homesick for a year long dead. Clenching her fist a breath tightened the trainer's chest, but she did not let the emotions surface any further.

"There's some lessons from the past that can help us in the future but in truth, it's up to what we use from the past that will make us stronger. Not saying we should just up and forget everything from the past. If we disregard the past as a whole though, I'm sure that the same events would play out in the future if we just ignored the signs." That wasn't what she was implying, but Green let the Pikachu have it. She did not want to stir this pot any further. "Learn from the past but don't be blinded by it." She reiterated the Mouse Pokemon's words with another phrase she had heard too many times in her life. It was little use now; they couldn't prevent this thing, and she was doing a piss poor job at stopping it, but the sentiment still stood.

As they walked through the grass, or lack there of by its sorry state, the trainer wondered what this field had been used for in days long past. Picnics, battles, general relaxing? She could almost picture a Donphan and a Miltank racing with Rollout, of Butterfree fluttering peacefully in the sky, and trainers playing with their small 'mons. What the hell. The trainer's face twisted with disgust at her own thoughts. What was happening to her, she never delved into just mindless daydreams. The regions weren't even right. Was she losing it? Delirious from the altitude? Placing a hand above her eyes Green peered into the distance while simultaneously checking her own temperature. Legends, this small town was not treating her well.

"There it is. Just to let you know, there's a beedrill that lives on the farm. Just let me do the talking first so I can tell him who everyone is." Raising a brow Green peered far afield for the spot in question. A Beedrill? Wouldn't a bug Pokemon suffer in such a cold weather town? This epidemic was the perfect chance for it to finally get away, and if it had fled when its purpose was lost that could mean.. "Flamey can get rid of it easily." Her fingers trail down to her Pokeballs, feeling for the warmest and possible pest eradication. This world didn't need more Beedrill. "Then there would be no guard."

Finn looked out towards the gate. A frown was visible on him as he continued to wait. Seeing Ark standing on the other side of it but what was unusual was that he was making no sound, no movement and he was see through. Perhaps he was affected much more than he had thought. Was this a change in his life that he wasn't expecting to happen sooner than he had thought? No, he was already changing and it was already showing. "Ark, this might be hard for me now. What changes did I go through? Look at me though, my own psychic powers is making me see illusions of you. Mate, you'll be with is in spirit won't you?" After that he walked back to the door and went inside to keep the place warm for them when they got back as well.

The Pikachu then had to ask Green something. A hunch of curiosity if anything. "You've probably traveled quite a lot but there was one region I was curious about. The Sinnoh Region." Since he was pichu, he wanted to go there but now wasn't the time. If Green had some knowledge of it, it would at least make Jack a bit more happy but he turned his head back to the field with the grass ahead. "Watch your footing everyone. Though we're close, even fields like this can be treacherous and full of surprises."

Drake looked straight at the field. It wasn't as tall as he remembered it but it looked certainly windswept. However things could hide underneath and in the thinker parts of the field. He hoped that the beedrill had taken care of any of the threats. Green then spoke that raised some sort of alarm. "Flamey can get rid of it easily." Wait, what? Was she planning on killing him? Drake couldn't let that happen but if that beedrill became undead then this would be a mercy. "Then there would be no guard." if it came to that then he wouldn't stop her. Leading them a bit further, they approached the field. Jack's warning was already said. Suddenly Drake remembered the past of before the outbreak when he and his trainer came through here once that he was ambushed and attacked several times. Now though, there was now a more dangerous threat of infected attacking.

Maka sniffed the ground and said something a bit alarming. "Cursed ones lie in this grass. They too have fallen into evil spirits. We must move carefully." The Mightyena said as he used that nose of his to smell where rot could be detected within the field they're about to cross.

Drake nods to the others and says something to Green. "I understand but if he isn't there then I would say he's likely looking for the farmer. He might be in Laverre as it is but who knows for sure. This field though, what kind of wind could do this? Couldn't be a tornado since it's too cold."

"Flamey can get rid of it easily. Then there would be no guard." Was that coming from his comment? "I dont think that's what he meant." The cat sweated anxiously, a nervous laugh edging his voice while the did not smile not leave his face. No, no Drake's intention was clear; Green must have had some personal reason for that and the cat was not about to pry. Shaking the flakes of snow from his pelt he brushed the power from his sister's cold fur. The last thing they needed was another fight..

"Watch your footing everyone. Though we're close, even fields like this can be treacherous and full of surprises." Both cats were being careful but the reminder did not go unheeded. As Clover leaped between tussocks and stones any one of the hidden juts could of knocked her to the ground. Small breezes and movements in the air made the grass hum and hiss, driving her senses wild with disorientation. Kolven was quick to come up next to her, standing tall on his hind paws to look further afield. "Bet it was a nice spot when it was tended to." He commented while feeling the hard ground underfoot. Now it was nothing but a pest's paradise.

Still, he didn't fuss, and was careful where he set his paws. Regardless of the tripping hazard small, burrowing, or slim Pokmeon could still hide with ease even if the grass had been knocked low. "Cursed ones lie in this grass. They too have fallen into evil spirits. We must move carefully." Maka warned them, his curious speak a clear warning of undead. Breathing in the frozen air Kolven could only feel his throat burn from its dry sting. Aside from the musty taste surrounding the grass he could smell little to nothing outside their group, the snow and cold smothering all. His senses were not primed for such an environment and Maka's ability to thrive in it spoke highly of how accustomed he was to this harsh clime.

"This field though, what kind of wind could do this? Couldn't be a tornado since it's too cold." Drake asked warily with obvious apprehension. Kolven shuffled his paws; if he was so adverse to traveling though here why had if offered the path? "Its, just, grass." Clover growled, the word quickly becoming an irritant to her. Flexing her claws she slashes them forward, shredding the dry stems that met her mini scythes in a vicious display. "We passed some windmills on the way here, it must get pretty windy." The tom cat considers, seeing no reason to fear a windswept field. "A thick snow would smother it all just as easily."

Drake's expression was enough to veto the suggestion though one of the cat's was quick to speak on his behalf. "I dont think that's what he meant." With a grunt she moves her fingers away from her Pokeballs and toward to her to breathe into clasped hands. Flamey is trying to rest anyway. Gods, she needed to honor that while they had the opportunity. "Shoulda been." With a cold retort Green speeds up her pace to avoid the cats. The meek field did little to hinder her steps, and as the tallest among them she could see the most obvious spots to avoid.

Still, it was enough to give a sense of desolation. Of death, loss, abandonment, solitude. Its soft sway only added a tone of loneliness, the Pokemon by her side doing little to ease the liminal feeling towns now gave her. "You've probably traveled quite a lot but there was one region I was curious about. The Sinnoh Region." Once again the Pikachu asked an incomplete question and her words came with clear irritation at this. "I have. What about Sinnoh?" So far this group had only had her exercise without any gains, and the trainer could only hope this farm had enough spoils to share. Instead, she was met with an ominous warning. "Cursed ones lie in this grass. They too have fallen into evil spirits. We must move carefully."

Keeping a weary eye on every shifting blade Green once again primed her hand for her machete. If they had company she would be ready, yet for all her nerves their guide continues to talk casually. "I understand but if he isn't there then I would say he's likely looking for the farmer. He might be in Laverre as it is but who knows for sure. This field though, what kind of wind could do this? Couldn't be a tornado since it's too cold." It was impossible to focus with sound of her primary language reaching her ears. "If its not there its not our problem," correcting the Charmeleon sternly she gave up her focus but continued to watch as she spoke. "Snow pack, probably." The flakes had gotten worse since they started walking, and the forest they had flown over was completely smothered. "Its, just, grass." The other Meowth hissed, its voice unnerving, but it had a point. Maka's fearmongering was not without reason, and she tipped her head to the stretch of grass ahead of them. "Be careful. There might be undead nearby."

OoC)) Skip, Jack is now following Drake and is staying silent so he can hear any hostile movement and Finn is just sitting inside the mansion for the time being.

"Snow pack, probably." Kolven flicked his ears, refreshing them as he listened to the whistle of the wind. While highly probable that was also the most optimistic possibility, and he could only hope those odds were in their favor. The field had not given him a sense of foreboding at first, but the longer the walked and the more the questioned the seemingly vacant ground the more his pelt seemed to itch with unease. "Be careful. There might be undead nearby." Green warned, and both cats kept their ears tall for danger.

"I understand but if he isn't there then I would say he's likely looking for the farmer. He might be in Laverre as it is but who knows for sure. This field though, what kind of wind could do this? Couldn't be a tornado since it's too cold." Kolven raised a brow, his focus splitting as he listened uncomfortably to Drake's words. Has the farmer been here? He had paid it no mind back at the mansion but the longer they walked together the more aware Kolven became of Drake's... perceptions. Despite all his kindness and generosity, Drake's thoughts seemed to linger in some life long gone, in the memories of a safer, for forgiving time. This dreary town had seen an unfair share of ruin, and its streets lay broken and barren. It was abandoned, lifeless, and inhospitable even to those accustomed to this place, yet he and this alleged Beedrill remained and waited for their people to return.

..... Was it a side effect of a Pokeball? He knew they had had drawing effects, binding Pokemon to its will and helping to prevent them from defecting. The very thought made his heart ache, that these poor beings were unaware of their situations and prisoners to circumstances out of their control. A feeling of responsibility pressed on his shoulders, that he had to do something for this Pokemon he had come to call friend, but the timing was not right, and he bit back the words for a better moment.  

Had it chosen to speak there could not have been a worse time as Maka barked another warning. The cat's steps slowed with caution but he still nearly tumbled on the threat in question. His paws teetered on the edge of a hole, its borders obscured by the thick grass and a tripping hazard more than any of the jutting debris. He gave a quick hiss to catch Clover's attention, and the molly came to a halt herself. Sniffing at the air she made her way closer to him, but unlike the tom cat did not stumble as she spied the gap in the ground.

Following her lead with a cautious sniff he could smell nothing he did not already know. "What other Pokemon can dig holes in the ground other than digletts and dugtrio?" For the Kanto native those were his go-to species and Kolven hesitated to think of another. "Sandshrew." The other Kanto-born Meowth answered boldly, though the tom doubted the second ground type would do well in such a cold clime. "Perhaps something a bit more region oriented?" He teased her with a wary smile, but the molly only responded with a grunt and a slap of her curled tail.

"Evil spirits are hiding and waiting. Stay close to me if you want to know."

If they want to know? Know what, had it seen something? Why did he have to talk in riddles instead of being clear? Green crept her eyes peeled regardless, and carefully followed along the Mightyena's line of sight. The rounded shape of a hole in the ground was obscured by brush but made for clear evidence that something had been digging here. The color of the disturbed earth wasn't clear enough to tell her how old the hole was, and being unsure only raised the trainer's guard.

As the others moved in and Drake encountered the hole as well he prompted the question, "What other pokemon can dig holes in the ground other than digletts and dugtrio?" A lot, she sneered internally. Any ground type, loads of rock, steel, and normal types, hell any Pokemon that could learn Dig had the potential to make such a hole, and that covered a wide breadth. "Sandshrew." The diseased Pokemon suggested, though she was quickly shot down by the other feline. "Perhaps something a bit more region oriented?" Her head tilts, it was not a bad idea. Perhaps he was unaware? "Actually, there are ice-type Sandshrew." She informs them, her fingers tracing over her Pokeballs as she considered a counter to the massive range of possible assailants. "They aren't native to this region though."

Most Kalos natives were not big diggers though, and the cold of this area made many possible candidates unlikely due to the type match up. "Ground types don't usually live in such cold areas, but Diggersby are native diggers and farm pests that have thick fur to keep warm." The insulating fur could easily shield them from the cold and negate their secondary typing, and a farm area would be the perfect attractant even if abandoned.

Jack listened to what Drake is saying and using his hearing as a tool to listen any rustling in the grass outside of their own. So far nothing yet. The pikachu was completely silent as he listened in as he moved. There was no sound outside their own. That was the eerie part as if anything was underground, it could quickly get a surprise attack on them. This is what made Jack nervous more than anything as underground tunneling can't be heard. It was when Green said something that caught Jack's attention. and it made a lot of sense. "Ground types don't usually live in such cold areas, but Diggersby are native diggers and farm pests that have thick fur to keep warm." Jack hasn't heard of a pokemon like that before. Then again, he wasn't familiar with Kalos at all. If any of those pokemon are infected then likely it would make this a bit harder to detect them.

Finn pulls his stick out of his tail and waves it around for a little bit seeing the fire that waves back and forth. He wondered though if evolving would solve his problems. No, Finn shook his head realizing that it wouldn't solve his problems. Putting the stick back into his tail, Finn wondered how the others was doing in their search. Did they find anything? Guess he should stay put and be patient.

Jack said something to Green out of curiosity. "I haven't heard of a pokemon like that before. But how you sounded it, I'd hate to run into a horde of them if they was undead." If they did, this would make Jack basically useless with most of his attacks. Dealing with that issue would be a tough one but maybe is the weakness was exposed, he'd be able to strike it easily. For now, they would need to stay on guard until they get to the farm.

Continuing through the field, Drake looked around for danger as well but so far nothing. Odd, he would expect those troublemakers by now. Something was off, way off. "Ground types don't usually live in such cold areas, but Diggersby are native diggers and farm pests that have thick fur to keep warm." That's it, maybe the diggersby might have scared off those troublemakers that hanged out around here. Drake knew that diggersby can be pests but sometimes they can also be invasive. He'd hate to happen to encounter them if they was undead or was strong enough to beat them all. Drake's teeth clenched as he couldn't stand the silence much longer. Something's got to give and he needed answers.

Maka continued to sniff the ground as he moved slowly but surely behind Jack. Once he got to a certain part of the grass, a scent of rot had caught his nose. It smelt awful and it made him give a look of disgust as he moved away from it. "Rotting body, I can't tell if it's an evil spirit or just dead." The Mightyena said as he resumed sniffing the ground again.

They was almost at the other side as the ground felt more softer than usual. Only thing Drake hoped now is if the seeds and any food that might be stored isn't stolen. "This silence, it's not normal. I don't know why but I got a bad feeling about this." The Charmleon said as he continued leading on.

"Actually, there are ice-type Sandshrew." Green said, the very concept outlandish were not for the variants of his own species that he knew of. "No shot?" The tomcat gasps, amber eyes glistening with interest. "This world never ceases to amaze." The chance of a Sandshrews typing being a perfect fit must be fate, and he would have locked in the choice had the human not finished her statement with, "They aren't native to this region though." "That's a shame," he purrs, the smile smaller but not leaving his face, "I would have loved to see one."

Clover huffed, a smirk ceasing her maw as her tail flicked triumphantly. Striding past the curious hole she had no fear to keep her in place. More holes dotted the field, showing that whatever was here had either been here a while or was numerous. The cat shrugged, continuing onward with only the thought of getting to the end of the field in her mind. "Ground types don't usually live in such cold areas, but Diggersby are native diggers and farm pests that have thick fur to keep warm." The name was not familiar but a rumbling want passed through her belly. As her mental state recovered and her body moved onward the ceaseless hunger was returning to the forefront of her mind. What she wouldn't do to sink her teeth into a gushing vein...

"I haven't heard of a Pokemon like that before. But how you sounded, I'd hate to run into a horde of them if they was undead."

Kolven nodded in agreement and quickly resumed his pace to catch up with his sister. Though he wished to see the icy Sandshrew a horde of them, ice or otherwise, would not be welcome. This Diggersby Pokemon was unknown, but anything that could dig easily put them at a great disadvantage in such an open area. "A horde of anything is less than ideal." He sighed lightly, carefully angling his paws around another hole. Even living Pokemon would make for an unpleasent run in if they ended up being territorial of this.. useless stretch of grass. "Rotting body, I can't tell if it's an evil spirit or just dead." Maka announced between sniffs, his warning continuing to send dreadful shivers down Kolven's spine. Undead or corpses spoke ill of this place; something had been killing here at some point; and it could be lingering.

With a few more bounds the cat made it to his sisters side, and her expression had changed from the snark she had offered before. Her good eye was wide, mouth open as she drank in the scents of the land. Was she looking for something, scenting for the unknown diggers? "This silence, it's not normal. I don't know why but I got a bad feeling about this." Drake says under his breath, the quiet doing nothing to impede his voice. His whiskers twitched, the unease quickly settling along his spine as his ears rotated for any unusual sounds. It was.. uncomfortably quiet. Even the grass felt like it had stopped hissing, the wind falling still for a moment. Standing tall on his hind paws the Meowth scanned the field for any approaching threats. "Maybe we should should sprint for the end?" It was further than he would have liked to run, but if they were already being targeted it couldnt harm them further.

"I haven't heard of a pokemon like that before. But how you sounded it, I'd hate to run into a horde of them if they was undead." Right, the Kanto native would be more familiar with the previously mentioned Sandshrew and Diglett, as well as smaller pests like Rattata. Scuffing her shoe against the ground Green knocked loose gravel into the hole and let it tumble down. It wasn't big enough for the other Pokemon that came to mind, and she turned away from the pit to keep walking. "You can consider them the Raticates of the region; widespread and abundant. Something thats unfortunately prone to disease and hordes." Damn rodents were the downfall of too many.

As they walked Green became painfully aware of her footsteps. The crunching of frost and grit seemed to echo around them, louder than any swish of the grass or whisper of the wind. The holes continued as they did, dotting the field in a threatening display of number. With so many spots she could only grow frustrated that their town local did not know what frequented the area.

"This silence, it's not normal. I don't know why but I got a bad feeling about this." He says instead, giving her nothing new or more to go on. Keeping her gaze fixed forward and aware of the tripping hazards Green kept the grievences to herself; if it were truly something deadly legends help them Drake should know. "Maybe we should should sprint for the end?" The healthy Meowth asks, the question honest instead of fearful. "No, if there is any chance it leaves us be that will disturb it." Keeping her voice hushed the trainer continued to walk, keeping her steps light and fingers twitching at her hip. Given the quiet and disconcerting sensation in the air it was a small chance at best. "Keep your wits about you."

It was to eerily quiet and it kept Jack on a high caution as they continued along. His eyes scanning the surrounding area and keeping his ears moving around to listen for any noise outside their own. Jack did not like this at all and from what Drake said when he he mentioned that he had a bad feeling about this, one thing came to mind from the pikachu. A running gag from a movie. "No, if there is any chance it leaves us be that will disturb it." Last thing they need was to alert anything below them of potential intruders or victims. "Keep your wits about you." Jack nods to the others to listen to Green on that. Running right now is not optional as Drake had clearly had been moving. His movements was suggesting he was very cautious about this. Maybe he had a run in with some of the diggersby in the past.

Finn was worried. The weather was showing signs of getting worse and it could become impossible to see if they was to late. "They'll be here. I have to believe in them. If Maka can smell the air, then he'd tell them. Be safe mates. I'll have this house warmed up for you all." The Braixen said as he grabs a log out and puts it in the fireplace.

Jack spoke silently. "We're almost there, last thing we need is to mess up and put all of us in danger. At least Maka is using that sense of smell to his advantage. If he was to find something, he'd say it." At least that's what he hoped Maka would do if it occurred. Looking at Drake though, it looked like his pace was starting to speed up a bit and less cautious. Maybe they're finally close to being in the safe zone.