(ACE) The OLIVINE Team

Oliver rolled over onto his belly and stretched, enjoying the loud yawn that accompanied his renewed energy. It was rare for him to sleep so soundly these days, and the young pup felt revitalized as he got to his feet. "Morning," he mumbled through another yawn. He spotted Miyu on the stairs, munching on a berry, and padded over to join her when an almighty crash from down one of the hallways nearly sent him off his feet.

"What the heck was that?!" Miyu jumped down and crept towards the corridor. Oliver followed her, his little heart hammering against his rib cage. Praying that nobody was in trouble, Oliver poked his head round the corner and spotted Aaden, leaning against the wall and clutching his side.

"Mr Aaden! Are you OK?" he cried, dashing towards the tall avian but stopped in his tracks when he announced that their hideout had been discovered. Nodding, Oliver immediately turned and sprinted back to the main room where the others were still resting.

"Mr Aaden is hurt he said there are bad guys in here somewhere we need to get out," he babbled, glancing at them all urgently as he tried to catch his breath.

    The sound of crumbling walls and a brewing fight had already awakened the serpent; thick vibrations ran through the earth and into her coils like a circuit. She flicked her tongue in distaste while she mumbled angrily about how it was too early for a battle. Her half-lidded eyes scanned the area around her, mentally taking a headcount to make sure that all the other survivors were still there. Miyu and Oliver had already begun to stir, Ven seemed to already be wide awake, Cinder was still sleeping and...
              Where was Faux and Aaden?
    Mist panicked, the sounds struggle and destruction grew closer with every second. The young Eevee had voiced her concern, cautiously treading toward the source of the sounds. The pup quickly followed, leaving Mist and the others in the lobby as she quickly glanced down at her Golbat companion.
    "Ven?" she mumbled, mind still groggy from only just waking up. "I have a bad feeling about this..."
    He gave a lopsided smile, a breathy sigh escaped his mouth as he stared at the corner the two children turned. "You'll hafe to get that schleep out of your eyes, Meescht." his laugh was anxious, almost worrisome as he gently prodded the snake's nose to fully wake her. "There's a schtorm on it's way here, ja."
    "Mr Aaden is hurt he said there are bad guys in here somewhere we need to get out," the Growlithe who had sprinted back said, panting to catch his breath. His voice was urgent, and as if a bucket of cold water was dumped on her, Mist straightened and her eyes widened as she forced the caress of sleep away. Ven's lips tugged at a weary, defeated smile as he held onto his companion's hood. He closed his eyes, knowing what was to come next.
    "Where is Aaden?" she asked, a determined light in her eyes. "If these 'bad guys' are dangerous enough to warrant a Blaziken like him sending us a warning, we all need to regroup outside of the building--and I'm not leaving anyone behind." she spoke with confidence, but her tone drastically changed into something akin to a worrisome mother when she inquired; "Have you seen Faux anywhere? Sh-She wasn't around when I w-woke up and I'm worried she's lost somewhere inside the building."

[[OOC: Good to be back! c:]]

A shaking, or maybe a blast of sound rumbled through the Cyndaquils dreams. A crash and screams seem to call out to her but sounded so far away. In a swirl of color everything faded into black. Slowly Cinder blinked her eyes open, sight blurry and the view of the ceiling unrecognizable to her. "Wha.." She mumbled unintelligibly, slowly trying to process what had awoken her, if she as even awake. Soundes, something like a voice without words, went in one ear and out the other as the fire types faulted vision watched an orange shape moved across the sky toward her. Attempting to move, her body feeling like a stone, Cinder felt nothing but air against her heavy paws. "How.."

Recognition returned slowly, first realizing she was upside-down and next that Oliver was moving around and probably speaking. After a long delay of stillness the Cyndaquil tossed herself back onto her belly and rose to unsteady paws. With a small grunt and shake of her long-furred body Cinder's back went ablaze with the fire she was so used to. The welcoming heat helped to soothe her now pounding head from the rude awakening. "Whats going on.." She said groggily to no one in particular. Sauntering forward on uneven paws the little fire type tried to make sense of the situation despite knowing nothing of its current state.

Her drink was strangely peaceful, undisturbed by other Pokemon. Natural noises echoed through the air, distant bird cries and leaves blowing delicately in the breeze. The Vulpix kept her senses attuned to the slightest anomaly but let her mind wander into a stare of calm. This is nice and fresh tasting..
Then the roaring sound of a crash and crumble.
Instantly the Fox Pokemon went rigid, body moving low to the ground and ready to act. The faint sounds that followed were more unnerving then the crash itself: distant screams or calls coming from the direction of Mist's hideout. The experienced Pokemons first instincts of dealing with danger told her to flee far from the danger but it seemed her paws wouldn't let her. I can't just leave Mist and Ven, again.

Steeling her might the Vulpix made a mad dash back toward the Battle Castle, her paws skidding on the damp grass and stones. Barreling silently through the doorway Faux looked around at the faces of her companions and took in the surprise and fear.  "Whats going on?" She asked in a hurried manor, light on her paws and moving quickly across the floor.  "Where is Aaden?" Her ears flickered to one side as they detected sounds that didn't seem right. Turning her head toward the hall that seemed to radiate the sound Faux narrowed her eyes. Something was very wrong. The fur along her neck rose sharply and her tailed stood tall.  "We're not alone." She deducted.

"Tell mist and the others there are undead some where in the building"
"R-Right!" Miyu looked to Aaden determinedly, turning on her heel and dashing off behind Oliver. She slowed to a stop and turned back to the bird guy, "Are you gonna come with us?" Miyu raced to catch up with Oliver in a blast of white light thanks to her Quick Attack, the duo of youngsters reaching the lobby containing the group. The Growlithe first to speak, "Mr Aaden is hurt he said there are bad guys in here somewhere we need to get out,"

"Where is Aaden?" Mist asked. Miyu rose a paw to point where they had just returned from, "I asked if he was gonna come with us... There's Undead here, who would've guessed..." The last part was a quick murmur to herself. Miyu hated the Undead so much. She was tired of them bothering her and her friends! "If these 'bad guys' are dangerous enough to warrant a Blaziken like him sending us a warning, we all need to regroup outside of the building--and I'm not leaving anyone behind."
Miyu felt a fear digging into her heart, but she fought it back. We should get out of here... No, I refuse to be the first to run...! She stood bravely, she would prove herself against this threat. She'd be brave like her friends.
"Whats going on.." The Cyndaquil said.

"Cinder!" Miyu called, "It's bad, Aaden says there's Undead in the Castle!"
Miyu nearly jumped out of her nervous fur when Faux burst through the door. She let out a relieved sigh; She didn't really know this Vulpix, but she didn't want her lost in the Castle with some crazy Undead lurking. "We're not alone."

"Is everyone here?" Miyu asked in a distressed whisper, "Should we go? They're gonna come..."

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Inside The Battle Castle| Dawn|(9)



Aaden frowned to himself as he watched the two pokemon dash away from him, if had been mist he would have told her himself and fought side by side with her but for now he will have to buy them time. He turned the other way and looing around each corners for the two pokemon, the blaze pokemon not wanting to get caught unguarded again in a surprise attack. He knew one was fighting and one water, it was the water pokemon that bothered him the most.  Not only was he at a disadvantage but so was half the party, and the fighting type could really hurt the small eevee. 


Shaking his head of the sudden headach that started to form between his eyes, please mist keep them safe. Aaden turned around the corner again where the wall once stood now gone but no undead pokemon. Concerned the blazekin used his wrists as lights again to brighten the dark, nothing empty. The pokemon were gone, so scent or anything. Really hoping that they didn't go looking for the others.


((and brain dead, so someone else turn to play hide and seek))

((Skip me please. I'm sorry but I just can't get into Oliver's character since he's moved teams. He'll more than likely go inactive soon.))

    A deep concern grew inside the serpent, hastily searching their surroundings for any trace of where the fire fox may have gone. Meanwhile, the Cyndaquil woke, groggily asking what was going on and quickly replied by the Eevee, alerting the fire-type of the presence of undead. Mist let loose a sigh of relief when she felt familiar paws rushing back to them, and soon greeted by Faux's voice. "Whats going on? Where is Aaden?"
    "We have undead in the castle. Our current plan is to evacuate from the building, and we leave no one behind." her explanation was rushed, glancing towards the Golbat on her shoulders. "I will go and find Aaden and lead him out as quickly as possible. I want everyone else to go outside and wait until Aaden and I get back--I won't be long." she shuffled her hood, the bat sliding off of her body and onto the ground, and she watched as Ven crawled to the others. "After we all regroup we can discuss a more proper course of action, but for now we need to get away from the danger."
    With a firm nod as a signal for the others to go, the serpent turned and began to slither closer to where she had heard the noise. The commotion had died down, only the soft crumbling of broken walls to be heard as she quickened her pace. "Aaden," she called, voice not too loud but enough to echo through her surroundings. "Aaden, can you hear me? We need to get out of here immediately."

    Ven watched with a solemn expression as the snake slithered to find the Blaziken. His brows furrowed, looking back to the others before beginning to make a bee-line towards the castle entrance. "Lets go," he mumbled, gesturing for the others to follow. "Sche can take care ov herzelf." he roughly nudged the doors open, a frigid breeze greeting him as he wobbled to the clearing outside.
    "Did anyone zee the undead? Any clues as to vhat it might be?"

[OOC: Super rushed post, sorry! my sister just came back from Korea yesterday and thing's have been hectic]

((OoC - Skip. Miyu went outside the Battle Castle and waits for Mist and Aaden.))

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Inside The Battle Castle| Dawn|(10)

The Blazekin couldn't find them at all, Where are they he thought checking around every corner before walking around them. It was quiet and dark, still free of the scent that usually gives them away. A shiver goes up his spine as well as a shoot of pain, he leans into a wall. He turns his head thinking he hears something or someone, then and only then did he feel truly lost and alone. Not since she died, all he saw in the little vulpix was her.

Turning around the corner still finding nothing but a distant purple spot, his brows frown as he saw it to. Mist? he thought again, No she's supposed to save the other and leave him to his fate. Change in air current as he could last second scent the foul smell, before the wall about two feet in front of him seems to explode. Ears ringing and deaf. He closes his eyes from the dust and coughs as he inhales. He sees the black shadow of the green and white humanoid undead.

Though it wasn't facing him, it followed his scent and sounds but only saw the purple cobra pokemon down the hall. Everything slowed down then everything was moveing, the undead started to take off toward the arbok the blazekin  right behind it. A brilliant light forming in the blaze pokemons fist as it brings it back to attack the back of the undead. Aaden keeping up with the undead as they both close in on Mist in a all out sprint, unloades his fire punch.

The undead a little smarter and fasted then him and by far stronger turned it's attention back to him mid step blocking his fire punch with close combat, by shattering the blazekins arm. Aaden screams in pain as he loses his momentum and falls over the wreckage in the hall . On the ground now his arm in a odd angle beside him. The  gallade stopped it's advance on the cobra, it's undead nature takes back control of it. A helpless wounded creature screaming on the floor, turns back and jumps the fallen blazekin. Rotted teeth snapping at Aaden only able to hold it back with his good arm across it's chest.

Oliver reluctantly padded outside via Mist's instructions, swallowing the cool morning air as he tried to calm his growing nerves. He wanted to be in there, fighting and helping his new friends, but the fear of not knowing what horrid creatures were stalking the place lay waste to any courage he had at that moment.

He blinked in the low sunlight, glancing around him for signs of the others following. He inhaled again, sharply through the nose, and caught a scent. In the time his head had time to register what it was, the Kadabra was upon him.

Yelping in terror as the undead Psychic-type tackled him to the ground, Oliver frantically kicked at its snarling, rotting face. Tiny flames shot from his mouth, the Ember attack hitting it right between its fiery eyes. Taking that opportunity to bite its hand and break free, Oliver made a dash for it. "RUN!" he cried to anyone who could hear him. "THERE'S A KABABRA AND HE--"

But the Psychic-type was back on its feet. Screaming with rage, it bolted through the air towards Oliver. With a snarl, a scream and a blinding flash of white light, they were both gone.

The groggy Cyndaquil rubbed the sleep from her eyes vainly. "Cinder! It's bad, Aaden says there's Undead in the Castle!" It took her a moment to recall the name of the Blaziken she met the night before, and even longer to register the danger that was present. Shaking her head hard enough that her fur fluffed out she murmured, "Where? I don't see anything." In truth she wasn't lying: her vision was still fuzzy with sleep that just wouldnt leave.

"We have undead in the castle. Our current plan is to evacuate from the building, and we leave no one behind." Faux felt a small shiver in her spine at the Mists words, thinking they were indirectly pointed towards her. "After we all regroup we can discuss a more proper course of action, but for now we need to get away from the danger." "Right," She agreed curtly already angling her paws toward the exit. "Don't do anything crazy" The whisper barely came off her tongue as the serpent slithered away. Taking a few strides the Vulpix looked between the young Pokemon and Ven. "Come on, its not safe in here." The idea of another battle trapped inside walls was not pleasant to here, and with so many small Pokemon it could turn nasty fast.

Cinder shuffled outside slowly, not feeling an urgency in the situation but bits of irritation from the disturbance. The cold morning air tired to steal the heat she had gathered and had it not been for her flame the small Pokemon would shivered. "Did anyone zee the undead? Any clues as to vhat it might be?" Faux shook her head, staring back through the door with senses alert as she spoke, "I was out here but I saw nothing. I think whatever it is it was in there last night." They had slept, rather peacefully, so close to the undead. Had they chosen to during the night the Vulpix doubted they could of gotten away without casualties.

Suddenly she was stiff, the hairs of her pelt rising to full length. "Somethings out here-" the sounds of squabbling turned her head but the words registered before the vision before her. "RUN! THERE'S A KABABRA AND HE--" A blink of the eyes and she would of missed it. The Growlithe was gone.
In a quick moment the sleepy feeling had all but vanished. Cinder's small eyes went wide and her paws jump into clumsy action. "Oliver!" She called out, launching Swift toward the spot. But in the flash of light they had vanished and the stars merely exploded against the ground. "Oliver? Where are you!" What had just happened? Though her body didn't feel it her mind was still slow. "OLIVER?" She yowled loudly but received no answer. Faux stood still, muscles tense and knees bent in case it came back. A quiet dread settled in her belly however, and she knew that was not likely to happen. "He's, gone."

What do I do? Miyu trembled from her place outside the Battle Castle. Mist and Aaden were inside that building possibly facing a great foe, but all the Evolution Pokémon could do was wait outside. Why? Dang it. Why am I so weak? She looked down to her shaken paws in contrast to the motionless ground, growling inwardly. "I was out here but I saw nothing. I think whatever it is it was in there last night."

Miyu's jaw hung open at the words Faux said. What if they had ambushed the during the night? They could've been hurt or even killed! "Thank Arceus they didn't attack us while we slept." Miyu sighed.
Her ears perked up at the sound of some type of disturbance. She snapped her sight towards the sound, and jumped to her feet as Oliver yelled, "RUN! THERE'S A KABABRA AND HE--"

She watched wide eyed as the demon leapt for Oliver with a screech. She looked away, unwanting to see what would become of the pup. "Oliver!" Miyu slowly stared back to where Oliver was following Cinder's call. He.. He wasn't there anymore...  "He's, gone."
"I couldn't do anything to help... Miyu looked to the ground, thinking of how at least Cinder tried to help. What did Miyu do? Nothing. "Just like always... I'm sorry... Oliver..." She could only imagine what happened to the pup.

"I'm..." Miyu whispered aloud, "I'm tired of bad things happening. I'll learn. I'll get stronger." She lifted her head with a fire burning in her brown eyes.

((Pass for lulu to react))

    Mist stumbled back and coiled when a nearby wall exploded, the serpent squinting open her eyes to see a vaguely humanoid shape. "Aaden--" her call stopped short when she noticed the foul scent, a rotting Gallade struggling to keep it's flesh together standing not too far away. She hissed, flaring out her hood as the psychic-type began to approach her. Not too far behind was the Blaziken, sprinting down the hallway while readying an attack against the undead. In a brilliant show of light the avian unleashed his Fire Punch, which was quickly countered by the foe's Close Combat. She could nearly hear the bones cracking midst her teammate's screams as he fell onto the filthy, tiled floors.
    "AADEN!" the Arbok didn't hesitate to burst forward, eyes locked on to her opponent as she closed in. Her tail glowed a cyan blue, swinging the stub at the undead to ward it away. The Gallade only jumped back a few meters, beginning to ready a Psycho Cut attack. The poison-type panicked, frantically nudging the Blaziken's side to encourage him up. "Get up, get up! W-We have to get out of here, the others are all already outside, come on!" she screeched, gaze flickering back to her foe. "Quickly! Before he releases his attack!"

    "THERE'S A KABABRA AND HE--"
    "Oliver!"
    "He's, gone."
    "I couldn't do anything to help..."
    A bitter taste was left in the Golbat's mouth as the child vanished, a frown appearing on his expression, eyes sullen. He was growing tired of everything that has happened, and he could only feel a faint emptiness in the pits of his stomach as his ragtag group of friends dwindled in numbers. "Juscht vatch, zoon there'll be no one levt." he mumbled under his breath, the statement quiet as for only himself to hear as he turned back to the castle. He could hear the sounds of a battle, and Mist's faint screams. Regardless of how much he longed to rush in and help her, he couldn't, his crippled wings a blatant sign of his uselessness in virtually anything. It was a miracle he had gotten this far, all with the help of others. That's right--he couldn't do anything by himself. He always needed someone else to help him. He was worthless. After all, how could he be a being of the skies without the wings to travel it?
    Those very thoughts, they stirred fear in him.

It seemed the sleep had finally worn off of the Cyndaquil, at least a bit. She quickly darted about the area, looking behind everything that was nearby. Oliver just had to be around still. There was no way he could just disappear without a trace. "Oliver can you hear me?" Cinder's voice was loud but not a scream. I might as well be screaming. I want that Kadabra to hear me, screw anything else! Turning around to search another side her forepaw was jabbed by a particularly sharp stone. Spitting curses the fire type shook the paw before finally tripping over her own feet and falling. Something about the action, something about now being still, no longer moving, told the Cyndaquil he wasn't nearby anymore. A cold feeling settled in her stomach.

Turning her snout to the sky that was growing ever brighter, the faint glimmer of stars barely visible now, the fire type was.. confused. Heh.. She laughed to herself. What happened to the me who only cared about me? When had she started caring so much about others? Especially for a Pokemon she had only met the night before while she was half asleep. Guess Im going soft. A saddened smile spread across her long face. A sound caught her small ears, making her gaze drifted toward Miyu. The Eevee's voice faint but still caught her attention. "-happening. I'll learn. I'll get stronger."

Rising to her paws Cinder was about to call her 'kid' but stopped herself. She sounds like me.. What could she possible say without being a hypocrite? Looking on in dismay Cinder sighed softly. "Im sure he is okay. He's a smart pup." The words felt odd on her tongue. She hardly knew him, her ignorance could easily of made that sentence be a blatant lie! Hiding her unease Cinder moved closer to the Eevee, offered her a small smile. Don't turn into me. She willed softly to herself.

The fur along her neck was standing on end as Faux stared at the doorway to the Battle Castle. Im not a child, and I am not crippled. I should be in there fighting with Mist not babysitting. Her pelt pricked with the need to rush back inside and assist in the battle. Turning her brownish eyes toward the lot of Pokemon she let out a soft, agitated sigh. Did Mist send me out with them to protect them? Or to keep me safe? If its the former Ive messed that up pretty bad already.. Her six tails whipped about, unable to hold still. Her ear flicked at the Eevee's whisper, taking in each word with disdain. "Miyu, it took us by surprise. I don't think any of us could of helped." In all honestly, Oliver was probably dead, or worse.. but the child didn't need to think about that.

Taking in a deep breath Faux closed her eyes. In an instant she turned to face Ven, a very serious tone to her voice. "Im going to help them." If Cinder's noise making and the crash from the undead inside the Castle hadn't attracted from undead, nothing would. Her eyes locked onto his red ones. "Watch over these two, find a shelter if you must." Even if he wasn't the strongest.. Ven was the oldest, and closest to her out of them all. They would be fine. With that the Vulpix dashed back inside.
There was an unnatural feeling to the air, dirt and dust particles drifting throughout the space as Faux launched herself down the hallway. She could hear Mist's panicked voice and the glow of a prepared attacked before the sight of her teammates registered in her eyes. Oh hell no. Moving as fast as her paws could carry her, Faux tried to focus on the attacking undead instead of the scents of blood, fear, and death that hung heavy on top on debris. With a deep breath the Vulpix blasted a Flamethrower straight at the Gallade, praying to Arceus that it hit before he did.

An unintentional growl softly left Miyu's throat. She could smell the scent of decay wafting from inside the Castle. It made her uncomfortable, as she, herself, confirmed there was Undead inside where they had previously held out. "Maybe if we had stayed inside the Castle... Oliver would've.. would've..."
Cinder moved closer to her, while the motion should've made her feel safer, it reminded her of the grim situation they were in and how small Miyu was. "Im sure he is okay. He's a smart pup."
Miyu gave a little smile, "Y-Yeah..." A dejected sigh left her even though, "It just sucks..."

"Miyu, it took us by surprise. I don't think any of us could of helped." Faux was right. And so was Cinder. Wherever Oliver was, Miyu was sure he was okay. And it wasn't her fault. She silently thanked them for that. But now, she needed to worry about the problem they were facing. She pricked her ears and listened carefully for any sign of, well, anything. "It's faint, but I can hear Mist..." Miyu said softly. She hoped whatever was going on in there, Mist and Aaden were kicking butt. But if not, Miyu decided she would try her darnedest to help out any way she could. Yes, she would help her friends.

"Im going to help them. Watch over these two, find a shelter if you must." What!? Miyu's eyes grew wider in concern, but she pushed all doubt from her mind. Faux turned and dashed back into the Castle, Miyu giving her a shout of determination, "Give 'em heck, Faux!"
Miyu gave a stressful sigh and looked to Ven and Cinder, "We don't know much about the foe. But still, I think we should have some sort of plan for when they return. Any ideas?" She looked around at the various buildings and the large outdoor space, "I ran a lot. But I do know if we fight in the open, we can avoid their attacks better. But we also risk attracting and being attacked by smaller Undead."

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Inside The Battle Castle| Dawn|(11)


 "AADEN!"  was all the blazekin heard through the apin now screaming in his head looking in near shock at the limb that hung at a odd angle at his side. that strange scream turning into a light that swung though the air over his head pushing back the undead monster. He blinks slowly at Mist trying to hear her words but not understanding them at first.  "Get up, get up! W-We have to get out of here, the others are all already outside, come on!"  he looks back at the pokemon undead as it looked really pissed then back to the cobra pokemon as he got up to his feet trying to use both arms but his one not moveing or anything now a numb pain as he tries to ignore it."Quickly! Before he releases his attack!" Aaden get to his feel looking one more time back at the undead then his hanging arm.

Then the sudden heat as a flamethrower blazes by his the heat refreshing his adrenalin. Looking to the small vulpix that suddenly appeared, he must now look like a useless shit now with a broken arm and not helping them fight. They needed more room to fight not in this small hallway, "There's another undead, water somewhere" He said quietly making his way away from the gallade down the hall way to the exit. He only hopes that what ever the other one was didn't find the others, but he trusts Mist to have gotten them out before coming back to find him.

((OoC - I requested this team go on hold, but it appears it hasn't yet. With Cinderspark in SH, I believe it's my turn. And I don't want my Miyu to be harb'd, so I'm gonna go ahead and skip.

I still wish for the team to go on hold until Lulu and Cinderspark are back.

If I need to delete this, please, let me know.))

((not sure how it's my turn again in the harb warnings again but Pass))

"I, I think I smell Mist over this way Mel!" The Electrike muttered, his snout pressed to the ground as he sniffed for any sign of his friends. "They said the Battle frontier and we're a day behind.. oh I hope they are still here." Melanie nodded, taking hurried steps forward to stay close to Etin. The tip of his blue and yellow tail bumped against her chest, a soft feeling of safety coming over her. "Have you ever been here before, Etin?" She asked with obvious apprehension in her voice. The Electrike shook his head, "No.. but its just a place like any other, right?" He wasn't so sure about that. Sure, every human place he went to was the same, but this one.. Why is it called the Battle Frontier? A cold feeling swept through his blue pelt. A battle was never good news.

As much as she tried Melanie could not keep her ears relaxed. They swiveled and flicked constantly, listening for the slightest sign of danger she could not see. Her nerves were on end, pelt standing high with unease and long tails low to the ground. Something felt almost unnatural about this place. I could simply be that human settlements were never her favorite, the lack of her family group, or just her new disability bother her. Etin wont see anything with his face to the ground, and I just.. wont see anything.. Were they really that exposed? Nether of them had any idea what could be in here yet they were waltzing in without a care. The ash scent in that first building was so strong, and I almost fell in that hole.. As much as she tried Mel could only pick up the smell of burning flesh and ash, the foyers remnants blocking the scent of morning dew and grass.

Don't lose the trail now Etin! He scolded himself, sniffing deeper at the pavement and nearby plants. There was just too many smells. Mist's scent was in there but it was mixed up with that other other Pokemon, undead, blood.. What if they turned back after seeing the carnage back there? There wasn't enough fire to do all that without Mel. Etincelle swallowed, cringing as a new wave of stinging pain radiated from his side. We need to get back to the others.. Casting his pink gaze up at Melanie the Electrike smiled softly. "We're getting close, I know it!" Saying anything to put her at ease, even if it wasn't necessarily true, was better then nothing. Pressing his nose back to the ground he continued to sniff for the trail.

Blinking her pain-ridden eyes Melanie turned her head in all directions. Her blurred vision was useless in the scenery, trees appearing as green blobs, and everything else seemed to be blue or grey. Sighing she closed her eyes, finding less painful this way. Focusing on her ears the Ninetales tried desperately to pick at the sounds. There was noise.. not like that of the wind or leaves, but more like.. buzzing? The chattering sound felt like no more then white noise and she could be totally wrong, yet something prompted her to acknowledge it. "Etin," She whispered, slowly moving her head to see if the sound changed directions, "I don't think we're alone."

Though he heard he words the Electrike was suddenly too excited to focus on what she was saying. "The scent, I found it! I've locked onto Mist! We're going the right way, Mel!" Energy flooded his small body, the pain from his burn blocked out for moment. Wagging his short tail the Electrike pointed with one paw, forgetting in his joy that Mel wouldn't really see it, and barked, "The others are this way." He quickened his pace, occasionally glancing back to make sure the Ninetales was not lagging behind.
He blinked, unable to read her expression. "What was that Mel?"

((OoC - Skip, waiting on Lulu and team is supposed to be on hold. The Harbinger thread says it's my turn again, so forgive me if I skipped anybody.))

((not sure how it's my turn again so fast, but pass))

The Electrike had broken into a light run, his shiny fur bristling with excitement and small sparks. His head was not pressed to the ground anymore as Mist's scent wafted about- it wasn't fresh, but it wasn't too old. She's here, she's here and I know it! Ohh guys we are on our way. Focusing on the noises behind him Etincelle made sure the rhythmic sound of Mel's paws behind him never drifted too far off or faltered. He might not of known what he was leading her into but if the others had gone this way it couldn't be bad, right? Anticipation coursed through his veins, making unease impossible to hold onto. An odd urge to howl build in his lungs but the Electrike had enough sense to suppress it. Not now, not yet.

Increasing his strides as the earth began slopping upward Etin pushed hard with his short legs. His little tail was wagging furiously as he reached the brow but then stopped. He could see Pokemon in front of the building ahead but the purple serpent was not among them. No no no! I know I smelled Mist. Placing his snout back on the ground he sniffed feverishly at the grass. The Cobra Pokemons cool smell raced over his senses. She was here. The sound of Mel coming up and settling beside him made the electric type turn his head. "Can you see her yet?" Mel asked with more curiosity then worry. "I see someone.." He muttered honestly, looking between the Pokemon in the distance. These species weren't part of the group except, "Wait," He breathed a bit breathlessly. "I.. is that, Ven?" The purple-blue shape sure did look like a Golbat and, straining his eyes, Etin could see the fuzzy shape of his damaged wing. It was Ven, no doubt about it.

"It IS Ven! We've found them Mel." Etin's words gave the Ninetales much needed relief. It wasn't just one of the group now, it was two. We're on our everyone. Keeping her crimson eyes focused on Etin's blue form Mel keep in pace with the bolting Electrike as he barreled down the slope. She knew he wouldn't leave her behind, even if she didn't have proper sight anymore. He's the only reason we made it back to them. Shaking off the ill feelings Mel tried to keep a smile on her muzzle and thoughts focused on Etin. Despite his gain in speed the smaller Pokemon was easy to follow- Etin howled long and clear note, the sound coming from right in front of her. "Ven, Ven!" He called out though she could not see the Golbat. The Fox barked softly, excitement flowing through her paws as well. Things seemed to be looking up.

    Ven could only watch with sad eyes and a trembling smile as the Vulpix bravely strode towards the Castle. Behind him he could hear the Eevee cheer for the fire-type, but her voice was lost as the Golbat drifted back into his muddled thoughts. He grit his teeth, looking down at his tattered wings before back towards the entrance of the building, to where Faux vanished into. He had let her go without any words, without any concerned warning. He didn't even move. What kind of friend was he, someone who couldn't even stop their own companions from leaving? For all he knew, Faux could be walking straight to her fate, a fate that he could've prevented--
    "...we also risk attracting and being attacked by smaller Undead." he furrowed his brow as he returned to his reality, nose crinkled slightly in distaste of his own thoughts as he turned to the others. About to reply, he leaned forward, only to freeze at a sudden interruption from a familiar voice.
         "Ven, Ven!"
    The Golbat's eyes widened, jaw gaping as he watched two familiar figures bound towards the group. He recognized them immediately, waving a wing in excited greeting. "Mel! Etin!" he yelled, a genuine smile on his lips. "You're alife!" he waddled quickly and awkardly towards the two canines, looking them over. "You're alife! Y-You're...alife..." Ven gasped, tears brimming and sliding down his cheeks as he hung his head. "You...you hafe no idea how happy I am to zee you..."

    Licks of flame burst past her, the Gallade screeching and writhing in pain as it stumbled backwards, it's rotten flesh set alit by a flamethrower. The Arbok blinks, catching the figure of Faux on the edge of her vision.
    "F-Faux?" her voice notes her surprise, higher pitched and whispered as she glances at the Vulpix. "Why are you...?" quickly her attention was brought back to the Blaziken, who managed to stand, although his arm was severely wounded. The serpent gave him a concerned look.
    "There's another undead, water somewhere." nodding her acknowledgement she urgent nudged the fire-type towards the exit, looking back at their foe, who was beginning to recover from the Vulpix's attack. "Hurry," she mumbled, motioning down the hall and to the doors. "We need to get out of here, we can't fight this thing inside--we risk bringing the whole place down!"