(ACE) The OLIVINE Team

She didn't want to talk. Even with a new Pokemon in their wake Cinder's mind just felt so.. preoccupied. The emotions over the past few hours, the events, taking another newcomer with no argument. Argument.. Legends she had to tell Faux. After the rightful fit she made out of their last entry would this come off as two-faced, favoritism, prejudice? Her flames flickered, still heated and ready to reignite that fight that had already been put to rest.

As her group walked they stopped in only a few rooms. This hall seemed to be leading its way across the building, perpendicular to the fight rooms and pretty barren as it contained few spaces to explore. Her frustrations only got worse as a pressure weighed heavy on her shoulders; they were in this building because of her suggestion. Had she been misinformed and sent them on a wild goose chase? What if her assumptions were completely false, and they were just wasting time? What was eating that dead thing earlier, and why did it stop?! Before she realized it natural light was filtering down in front of her, brightening their path and making her realize they reached a branch at the end of their path. Thankfully the windows still showed the warm light of day, meaning they had not wasted too much time, but it meant they had traveled across the floor with nothing to show for it. "I guess this is the far side of the floor?" Etincelle voiced her thought as she reared onto her hind legs. "Looks like it." She says dryly while rotating her head to look down their new options. "Not a promising start."

"We'll head this way," she decided quickly, pointing and ushering them to the right side of the hall. They had to keep moving, they had to find supplies sooner rather than later. They had to make some sort of progress. "We should mark this this spot." Etincelle suggested, his tone indicating urgency on something he would not back down from. "Just in case." The Quilava's paws shuffled in place, eager to move. Would they need that? The path they had explored had been long but not particularly hard to retrace and they needed to move on! Yet as she tried to talk herself out of it Cinder realized the precaution was a better safe than sorry measure that would be fast and stupid to deny. "Alright, got any ideas?" The canine's stubby claws wouldn't make for a meaningful mark, and her first impulse to burn the wall was not much better. "Leave that to me." Xiao offered before quickly moving to the suggested spot and digging his claws into the wall. For a second Cinder feared he would simply slash them across it, a mark that was common on the floors below, but she was pleasantly surprised to see the dexterity put into his claw-work.

He backed away to reveal something unique but not eye catching, something they would not miss but didn't obtusely stand out. "It is nondescript enough that someone unfamiliar with this group may not understand what the mark is for, however those in the know will understand it." "Its perfect." She praised, an approving grin spread on her maw as she saved that trick away for later. As Cinder shuffled her feet and took the first steps to keep them moving when Mathias informed them of some sort of private conversation. ”Guys, Bast told me to ask if you all could wait up. They’re bringing Arry with them to help." Cinder felt herself go rigid, her beaming expression freezing in place and looking strained as her body unwillingly reacted. Legends she wanted to yell at him, to scream that Arry would not be helpful, but she was not angry at Mathias or the implications of what he said. No, she felt a chill run down her spine at the thought of Faux's reaction, or lack there of, upon seeing their new friend. That silent judgement was enough to make her feel faint, and legends she was not in the headspace to start that again.

But, that was a personal problem for her only, and while it made her hesitate in her response it would not effect her ultimate decision. "Perhaps, waiting might be beneficial. If there are others within these walls, we cannot be sure they will be as welcoming and unwilling to be hostile as I." Xiao suggested kindly, and Cinder nodded as she she turned back to face her party. "Alright, we wait here. Guess this is as good a spot as any." She breaths nonchalantly while forcing the tension out of her visage. While she knew she was fretting for nothing the thought of disappointment made her skin crawl, and the starter desperately needed something to fill the short period of time they would be stranded. Straining her neck to look down both sides of the hall for anything to keep them occupied she grumbled at the same monotonous look of the original path they arrived on. "May as well check the closest rooms while we're here." She suggested, tossing her gaze toward the closest door on each side of the branch.


Pressing her nose to the floor every so often the Vulpix drank in the scents of her companions to ensure they were traveling along the right path. It was direct and unwavering, but the action gave her piece of mind as they headed deeper and deeper into the floor. The putrid scent of rot and overwhelming taste of smoke was starting to fade despite them getting closer to it, and the fox could only assume the fire had long since died out and no deadly battle was occurring. The lack of commotion or signs of a struggle also assured her their companions were in good standing and it put her slightly more at ease.

Slightly, being the key word, as her ears were still primed and listening past the steps of her current company. It was uncomfortably quiet, the abandoned state of this once bustling Tower making it unnervingly liminal. Were it full of life or even undead Faux wondered if it would seem more natural, but her superstitious thoughts were getting in the way of her focus and she shoved them aside to recenter herself. ”I’m ready to help again. I wanna find something star shaped!” Star shaped? The fox couldn't help but recall their prior conversation about stars and the small drawings the lad had done. "You gonna show it off to Miyu?" She poked fun with him, her voice playful. "Maybe if you're lucky you'll find several things with different numbers of points."

”Hopefully he’ll get them to wait up for us. Arry seems to want to help.” Bastet interjected, though no meaningful conversation was happening. The fox's tails flicked uncomfortably, the obvious notion of some unseen conversation or psychic power made her skin twitch. Assuming 'he' is Mathias... Though context clues let her assume so the Vulpix would be concerned if it were someone else. Not knowing what conversations were happening beside her was disconcerting, and with a quick inhale Faux hurried their pace, not wishing to converse or dally any more than necessary. "Even if they keep moving we are covering ground faster by not searching." She commented back, catching scent of something unknown along their path. "Hopefully they aren't going too fast and missing things."

"Leave that to me." Backing away to give Xiao space Etincelle watched with wide eyes as he carved a mark into the wall. His own claws itched, awed that something so similar to his own hardware could create such a thing with ease. "Wonderful!" He barked excitedly, his gaze drifting up to Melanie before heading back to Xiao and the mark. He realized Melanie could not see it, but the expression on her face was enough to say she did not feel left out. Visualizing something based on the sound of the claw marks and the light description Xiao gave was enough for her to picture something. She wouldn't be able to find it on the way back, sure, but it sounded good for their needs.

”Guys, Bast told me to ask if you all could wait up. They’re bringing Arry with them to help." Mathias spoke up, his request humble and logical as he let them know of their coming companions. "Great!" He cheered, not at all worried about waiting for their friends. "It'll be relieving to have everything together." Mel was quick to comment after him, a gentle smile still persistent on her muzzle. Her nose tipped in the Togeren's direction, her ears primed for any hesitation on the increasing group size, but his reservations laid elsewhere. "Perhaps, waiting might be beneficial. If there are others within these walls, we cannot be sure they will be as welcoming and unwilling to be hostile as I."

"Alright, we wait here. Guess this is as good a spot as any." Cinder agreed tensely, though the Ninetales could tell she was not wholly okay with the idea. Planting her rear in place Mel was ready to truly just wait, her ears ever listening for anything concerning or the coming sound of friendly paw steps. Etincelle was less comfortable, pacing the area in a never ending search for anything useful. While he had no issues waiting he thought to make the most of their time, and started to trot down one side of the hall. "May as well check the closest rooms while we're here." Cinder suggested, her voice trailing as the Electrike immediately took advantage of the idea. Pawing open the nearest door to them he was grateful to have natural light from the windows filling the hall. The room was still dim, but in the orange light he could see this one was finally different from the ones he had previously investigated.

Entering with cautious but curious steps the Electrike listened carefully for anything unsavory. It was quiet, the same lonely lack of sound they had heard on the rest of their search. Sniffing the room revealed the same dusty smell as everything else as well, but a bitter tinge sung faintly beneath it. Metallic stands and stations filled the room, many toppled or fallen, that the small Pokemon had to carefully pick his way around. Split and broken jars lay scattered across the floor from the fallen shelves, their contents unknown to the wild Pokemon as he look at them hesitantly. "I, I think this is ones a medical room!" He shouted out the door while gently pawing at one of the bottles. "It doesn't look too good though."

Arry was happily trotting as the two others was following him to make sure he didn't get into trouble. "You gonna show it off to Miyu?" That would be one of the few things he'd do but he would wait until Miyu came back and settled down a bit before showing her. "Maybe if you're lucky you'll find several things with different numbers of points." Arry's eyes went wide when he heard that. This made him want to find more shapes and maybe even small stars for him and Miyu to play with when they are safe. Small giggles came from the Aron as he was happy to find things with Bastet and Faux. This was gonna be a fun day and no undead was going to make him scared or cry. He was gonna be a brave boy and show Miyu how brave he is.

As he continued to go along with Faux and Bastet, he thought about the circles on the tv that his trainer watched that had ten in total all in different places. Arry heard it once but he forgot the name of them that circled around a larger circle. "Faux, Bastet? What are those circles that go around the big circle on the tv? I heard it on the tv once but they said we live on the third one from the big circle." His curiosity never ceases to amaze him at all. Even then, he wanted to see all the stars once its night.

Mathias was hoping that Cinder would listen and wait though when she snapped her head to look at him, he could tell that he might have agitated her but luck was on his side this time. Xiao had suggested they wait since they heard Mathias asking that. "May as well check the closest rooms while we're here." Guess searching the nearby rooms wouldn't be that hard but there's always that chance that door handles could be broken to where it can't open. The Charizard nods before going to the very first door he seen. Grabbing ahold of the handle, he tries to open it only to struggle fruitlessly to even get it to move. The handle falls off the door. Luck now wasn't on his side this time around. Mathias' eyes showed hostility towards the door. He didn't act out violently but he clearly was mad.

Bastet heard Arry's question and guess it was pretty harmless. She did watch a space program on tv once herself when she was younger. "The smaller circles are planets and the big one in the center is the sun. We're on the third circle from the big one and we're at the right place where its not to hot or cold." She didn't want to tell Arry that the sun is a star since it would make him think stars aren't the right shape he thought so she'd leave it be until he is old enough to understand. An undesired thought came into her from her psychic powers but it was to faint to make out, nor could she pinpoint where it is. All she knew was it's somewhere above them. She started to look around as they was walking trying to find out what she was hearing in her head.

Mathias punched the door before saying what was on his mind. "Damned lock is broken. So I did see some bloody paw prints earlier, Can't say if it is a day old or longer but if we find it here, it might not be happy to see us." He said before going to the next door, He turns the knob and it opens. It seemed most of the boxes was opened but two. Both of them was labeled but he couldn't read them. Regardless he opened the boxes. One had plenty of water and the other was some medicine. "Well, looks like we got some medicine but they're is only a couple of each." But the water would be enough for maybe half a day.

Xiao watched as Cinder paused when the option of waiting was brought up, his keen eyes picking up how rigid she went, how stiff she moved as she pondered the idea of waiting. Was there someone she didn't want to see in the people they'd left behind? The Togeren's head lifted and he looked back the way they'd come, his gold eyes onlyturning back to Cinder once she'd turned to face the group so she could adress them. "Alright, we wait here. Guess this is as good a spot as any." He watched the starter for a moment, noting how her body relaxed and the tension faded. Xiao hummed out a soft breath, lowering to his haunches to sit down as they pused, head craning around to look down the halls around them, the monotny of each wall getting a thinned glare.

It'd be far too easy to get lost here if someone were to get turned around... hopefully they weren't too far from the rest of this group... though Xiao realised he didn't know how large or small the remainder of the group was. They already had a pretty sizable gathering here... how many more would be added once they all regrouped? The thought brought a slight frown to Xiao's face and his wings ruffled a little as he thought about it, nose lifted to the roof as he tried to pick through the old scent of rot, and burnt meat. He was no canine, but his sesnes were sharp, so he used that to keep his wits about him, listening intently to see who might be approaching, and how many it consisted of.

"May as well check the closest rooms while we're here." Cinder's comment brought Xiao back to the current situation, and his long tail curled a little, the tip twitchign back and forth. Etin was the first to start wandering about, and Xiao's eyes followed the electrike as he started to search about, head lifting as the scent of the new room hit him, the sharp tang of medicine that he'd become familiar with in his old home from his many injuries hitting him and making the togeren stand, following after Etin. His eyes blinked as the light changed to the natural tint from the windows.

Xiao slowly followed after Etin as the electrike picked his way through the room, his tail held off the ground and all four feet placed carefully so that he didn't step on anything and break it or right getting glass in his foot. Xiao carefully passed Etincelle as he explored the room, rearing onto his hind legs to check higher up, brushing the dust away from some of the ruined and toppled machines. He hadn't seen these before... but he knew that smell. The bitter scent of healing potions and tinctures was something he knew at least, his nose raising to try and pick through each of the scents in the room. How much of this would be usable, though? It has been here for a while... His thoughts wandered as he looked around, pausing briefly to lower down and bring his nose to a broken bottle on the ground, only to recoil with a snort as the bitter scent assaulted his nose. Perhaps it could have been useful at some point, but on the ground like that, this bottle was just more debris that was no good to be used.

"I, I think this is ones a medical room!" Etin's shout got his attention again, and Xiao carefully picked hsi way out of the room, carefully passing the electrike to go back out and see what the others were doing, or if they'd found anything else useful. "It doesn't look too good though." Didn't look good was right... but if they could get something useful from it, or get one of those machines working, perhaps they could find some use for it. Xiao 's head snapped up at the sound of metal clattering to the ground, eyes locked on the door that the charizard ahd approached, then over to the lizard himself.

His short fur prickled up at the look of hostility in the fire type's gaze, feathers raising a little. He didn't believe that the charizard would become violent... but the togeren was incredibly tuned into negative emotions coming from others. He watched Mathias closely for a moment, wings flaring out a little with a rustle of feathers as he punched the door, feet planted and claws gripping at the ground briefly. Xiao decided that he didn't care for how spontaneous this charizard was, pulling his wings back in with a long huff of air. "Damned lock is broken. So I did see some bloody paw prints earlier, Can't say if it is a day old or longer but if we find it here, it might not be happy to see us." Earlier? How much earlier? Xiao was on edge immediately at the notion of something having been around here that he missed, sniffing at the air and trying to find the scent of old blood.

"How much earlier did you see these footprints? Would it not have been more beneficial to have pointed them out when you first saw them?" Xiao inquired, starting to wander the path they'd just come from, trying to spot these aforementioned footprints. He should have seen them on his way through here before, right? The guardian frowned at the possible notion that he'd missed something important, tailtip twitching. He didn't travel far, before returning to the group, watching the charizard as he tried another door to make his way into it, this time with more success.

The togeren lifted his head at the sound of cardboard rustling, poking his head into the room to see what had been found. "Well, looks like we got some medicine but they're is only a couple of each." Few or not, medicine was useful. The togeren made his way into the room carefully, rearing up so that he could pick up one of the medicinal bottles, eyes narrowing a hair as he looked it over, sniffing the outside of it. No scent of leaking medicine, which was a bonus. Perhaps these would be useful after all for their group.

Xiao set the bottle back into the box so that he could return to the door Mathias had attempted to get into before, rearing up to check around the frame. His nose pressed to the door to try and figure out what was on the other side. He could teleport through and unlock it... but he didn't know what was on the other side of the door. The unknown was concerning and Xiao was unsure if it would be a good idea. "If we wish to figure out the contents of this room," he paused to place a hand on the door, looking back at Cinder for her thoughts, "I can teleport to the other side to unlock it from the inside. I don't sense any rot from the other side of the door."

As Etin and Mel went off to one side of the hall Cinder turned and went for a far door on the other. Legends she needed a distraction, and shoving the jammed door open she was disappointed to find little within the room. It was the same, boring, monotonous room they had seen a dozen times over already. This one sported a long blood stain across the floor and a messy pile broken bones at its source, but its lack of interest or recent activity soured her expression. Just death and despair.. would this place just be a waste of energy? With a groan she backed out of the room, and sighed heavier knowing she should not walk any further from their waiting point.

A heavy slam and cursing tipped her nose toward Mathias as he lashed out at a closed door. She snorts, thinking it completely unnecessary but keeps any comments to herself as she walks. Letting her gaze travel further along she saw Xiao approaching, heading back from the room Etincelle had ventured into. Leaving him to accompany Mathias she only nods as they pass one another, and instead lets her gaze linger on their chosen waiting spot. While surrounded it lay empty, and she wondered begrudgingly if she should wait there so someone was visible. If nothing else her flames would be a nice signal.. "I, I think this is ones a medical room!" Etincelle's voice boom from the other side of the hall, excitement buzzing on hesitant words. "It doesn't look too good though." He quickly followed up, and while Cinder tempered her optimism she found herself moving to him with a quick trot.

Entering the room her senses were immediately heightened at the sight and scent of familiar medical equipment. Regardless of its state just seeing the place was a weight off her mind. Thank the legends the damn building really did have them, this is what they were looking for. The sorry state of affairs spoke poorly for actually finding something, but she started to search nonetheless. Though she had no hope for them to reactivate the healing machines seeing them tossed and fallen was like a sharp sting. Had someone been so desperate, or had something unsavory happened in here? Wading past broken glass and shattered or emptied bottles she felt disappoint despite her meager expectations. What if they were all like this..? Familiar bottles that once held potion lay strewn on the floor. Though they looked long since used curiosity told her to try, but depressing the lever only proved its contents to be gone. With a second scan around them Cinder admitted to herself the room looked thoroughly ravaged. There would be little here, if anything.

"Good find," she praised the Electrike anyway, trying her damnedest to keep the disappointment out of her words. "See if anything is salvageable. Dont forget to look for wrap or bags." Commotion from the other end of the hall was filtering into the room, and while she could have helped the hound search she doubted it would prove useful. Leaving him to it, Cinder trotted back to the other side where the winged pair had ventured into a new room. It was a bit small compared to others they had explored, especially with three of them squeezing into it, and looked like a sort of general or overflow storage. With most of the bins either being open or empty, she felt little need for her paws, and nearly walked away when Mathias cheered, "Well, looks like we got some medicine but they're is only a couple of each."

Once again her hopes flickered, and shouldering her way to the dusty box she peered inside at the bottles. Turning them over in her paws Cinder recognized their many colors with a strong wave of nostalgia. "These are status heals!" She gasps, a whimsical air to her voice as she lifted one and then another. "They look good too." Looking at each one very carefully the starter was engrossed in the box of bottles. While she tried to keep her hopes in check her grin spread wide as she reached the corner, "And a couple of Full Heals!?" The shiny color of the bottle had faded but they were unmistakable, and the lack of leaks meant the medicine would still be viable. They weren't quite what they were looking for, but it would be damn useful.

Setting them gently back in the box Cinder walked into the hall and pointed toward the mark on the wall. "Bring the whole thing out here." She instructed the Charizard, her pelt still buzzing. They would have something to show for their efforts once the others arrived! Still beaming, Cinder hadn't noticed Xiao leave the room, but saw him waiting by the earlier door. He looked at her with a curious glance, clearly considering something. "If we wish to figure out the contents of this room, I can teleport to the other side to unlock it from the inside. I don't sense any rot from the other side of the door." He mused, the offer tempting. Concern flickered in her mind; an essentially blocked room seemed like a risky play, even if only for a moment, but Xiao was no fooll. "If you are comfortable with it. Could be worth while." She reasons, having not heard anything suspicious from the other side. Looking back at box Cinder realized how awkward it would be to move long distance. Even with a pocket teleport its size and shape was cumbersome, and they couldn't continue to explore with it. "We still need packs, now more than ever."


Don't like that. Faux thought tensely as they continued to walk. With each step she could feel them getting closer to the rest, but her mind had honed in on the foreign smell mingling with her companions. It was too fresh, too new to of been her previously. Were they being stalked or followed, had they been found by this Pokemon? Her gaze tipped back toward Bastet, curiosity begging a question for only a second before she thought better of the action. No. If there had been trouble they would have seen it. There were no fresh signs, no worrying smells aside from the unknown one. Perhaps they were together? A sarcastic laugh shorts from her nostrils; as if that would happen so easily.

"Faux, Bastet? What are those circles that go around the big circle on the tv? I heard it on the tv once but they said we live on the third one from the big circle." Arry's voice broke into her inner contemplation and brought the fox back to the space around her. Had there been any conversation, had she missed something to bring on such a question? A few seconds ticked by as she realized what the child had said and asked, and a chuff managed its way out of her throat. The boy had been exposed to television, something she had already assumed yet it explained a lot. As indescript as he was Faux was able to surmise what he was talking about. "You saw a model of our solar system." She coos, impressed he connected the visual to the stars they had been talking about. "The smaller circles are planets and the big one in the center is the sun. We're on the third circle from the big one and we're at the right place where its not to hot or cold."

Faux nodded, pleased that she and Bastet were on the same page for once. Considering her words carefully she added on, "That's the same sun you see in the sky every day. Its huge, but it looks like a little speck because we are so far away from it." The intricacies of science and the way their solar system worked was both beyond her scope and too much for a small child to comprehend, but she wanted to stoke his curiosity nonetheless. "Just imagine how hot it must be to keep our entire planet warm and happy from that distance."

Etincelle could not stop wiggling, his paws prancing in place and making it difficult to pick his way through the debris on the floor. If nothing else this room certainly looked different from the rest and gave him a burst of hope alongside interest. Even if it didn't have what they wanted it would make for something to explore while they stoodby. Mel's pawsteps were very quiet as she entered the room, each individual step carefully placed as she felt her way along. "Certainly smells like one," she whispers curious but cautiously. Despite the musky scent of dust and neglect the bitter tinge of medicinal products was still present and strong. Each time one of her paws brushed something on the floor she could only imagine would it could be, or once was, and how much of waste it must be.

As she made it to what she assumed was the middle of the room Melanie felt lost in a sea of the unknown. The scent was making her head spin, and the mix of noise between Cinder's hurried steps and Etincelle's rooting about was really disorientating. "Do you recognize any of these smells?" Etin's voice reached out to her. He seemed genuinely curious rather than just roping her in, but the fox's answer was the same either way. "I'm not sure." She says bluntly, her voice flat as her paws brushed something sharp on the floor. "Its not like the stuff we have at home." It was staggering, a smell that her body rejected and told her to move away from yet somehow she knew not to. Etin perked at her response, his head tipping one way. "I'm sure it works the same." He assured her while rolling a bottle over in her paws. "Might even be made from the same stuff."

Despite his positivity the Electrike had no earthly what he most of these items were. Useless now, perhaps, but he had no idea what they once were. Rolling a broken bottle over until he could see the label he wondered what its purpose once was. Could it have saved someone...? "Good find," Cinder breathed behind him, her eyes scanning over the room as she entered. A small smile graced his face, and he sighed while admitting, "I know it isn't much.. but its still something!" If they found one they could find another. If he knew what he was looking for, maybe he could smell it out. His paws continued to tap, growing desperate in his need for a positive break. "See if anything is salvageable. Don't forget to look for wrap or bags." Cinder both instructed and reminded him before heading out, her focus divided and presence unneeded as he gave a vigorous nod.

Prancing about in the room the Electrike smelled and looked at anything of possible interest. Though he knew little of human medicine it was easy to tell most of the items were no longer good; cracked or broken bottles and jars, emptied or soured open containers, or chunky liquids that made his stomach turn. Surely those were not what they were looking for anyway, right? Thats why they had been left alone by past looters..? "It might be better to look for the non-medical items," Mel suggested lightly, her voice further away than he expected. Looking up, the Electrike could see she had made it back to the doorway and was stationed there, her head angled down with perked ears. "Good idea," he cheers, trying to avoid saying anything patronizing.

Changing to that mindset, he starting peaking around for usable objects. He didn't need to know their past purposes as long as he could envision a use for them. Pawing open cabinets and knocking refuse from shelves the hound still saw nothing of particular interest, but he kept hunting nonetheless. Sounds from his friends perked his ears, but he wanted something to show as well. With a grunt he wormed his way into another cabinet, hoping for a backpack, something he would recognize, but only saw plasticy bags. Nope. He thought, disappointed as he paws them out of the way. They crinkled and shh'd a sound he had never liked, but a different sound aired behind them as some small boxes were tipped over. Their contents spilled out, and his pinks eyes instantly lit up as one unraveled. "Hey Mel!" He barked, elated as he bundled the items into the plastic bags. "I think this is some kind of wrap!"

Xiao's head tilted as he listened in to what everyone else was doing. His golden eyes watched the smaller pokemon flit about the rooms, calling out their finds and what they could gather. Some potions, status items... his head raised a little as he heard the sound of plastic shuffling follwoed by an excited bark from Etin as he struck metaphorical gold. "Hey Mel!" He debated moving from where he was to see what was found, but the idea of finding something ont he other side to the door was enough to keep the togeren rooted in place. "I think this is some kind of wrap!" A wrap- useful for if anyone else was hurt, and also for Melanie. If they needed help with wrapping, perhaps Xiao himself could offer a hand. He had seen the village wrap his wounds often enough from when he would get injured protecting them... he had a good enough idea of how to wrap wounds properly by now.

"If you are comfortable with it. Could be worth while." At once his eyes were back on Cinder as the offer was taken, and the togerent gave the starter a brief nod of his head. "We still need packs, now more than ever." Packs... something to carry their spoils with. Xiao would keep his eye out for that, then. His lower wings flared out a little with a shimmer of teal and black energy that twirled and danced around him like faux fallen feathers. The togeren's form flickered once, twice, and then he was gone, teleported to the other side of the door. A single teal feather of energy was left in his place, though that soon faded after a few seconds of being left there.

His first note was that the room was dusty. Disturbed by his arrival, he snorted as the dust got into his nose and shook his head, a hand coming to wave the rest away from his face. His first order of business was to take inventory of what was in here. He stood to his hind legs, all four wings beating a few times to clear some of the dust away from where he was, and off the items and boxes. Carefully pacing through the room, he wiped down a box with his hand to see the label, before prying it open. The room had been locked for some time, so everything in here was mostly untouched, a rarity in these days. He took his time in picking the little sprays within the box out, sniffing at them with a scrutinizing glare. He snorted and recoiled his head at the sharp tang of medicine, carefully putting the spray back into the box. While the supplies themselves were a little lacking... Xiao's eyes were drawn to a large bag at the back of the room. it wasn't anything absolutely massive, however it was large enough to carry several useful items and still be draggable by the smaller members of the group. Xiao wandered over to it to open the bag, almost disappointed to find it empty.

Still, a bag was useful on its own, and Xiao picked it up to go back to the first box he'd found, scooping the remaining potions up from the box and putting them into the bag. It was only a small duffel bag, but it would do. Next another box was pulled open, though this one revealed long-spoiled packets of food and other similar items. Xiao snorted his distaste, turning to head back to the door. There wasn't much else of use in here, it seemed. At least he'd gained some potions and a bag as he'd been requested to do. As long as I am useful, that is all that matters. He thought to himself, reaching to unlock the door that blocked the way. Maybe the others could search the boxes as well, to see if he missed anything. Voices unfamilar to him filtered from the other side of the door, giving pause to the togeren. Was this the other pokemon they were waiting for?

"--See he's happy again. What did you say to him?" That was Mathias's voice, he was talking to someone that Xiao didn't recognize. Carefully, he pushed the handle of the door down, creaking it open and glancing past, eyes immediately going to the newcomers. At first his eyes passed over them, but his golden gaze soon fixated on the young Aron amongst them. A child, in a place like this? Xiao was bewildered. He was surprised such a child had still survived this long... "Something that he wanted to talk about. Don't worry about it Mathias, he's gonna be very happy." His eyes were then drawn to the espeon, then the vulpix that had joined in with them.

Carefully stepping out of the room and lowering himself down to all fours so he wasn't towering quite as tall, Xiao's tail curled around the bag he had found and dragged it forwards, keeping his eyes on the newcomers at first, unsure how they would react. After a few seconds of staring, and watching their reactions, Xiao's eyes slowly slid over to Cinder at Mathias's mention of finding more food and other items for their group. "In that room, I found a bag and some potions of varying strength.  I am less adept at picking through... man-made objects, but they had the same scent as powerful medicines from where I used to live."

Without Arry's questions and chatter the group of free was very quiet. The scents of their friends were growing stronger, fresher, and Faux swore she could hear them somewhere close by. But the fox struggled to focus on their path. Her eyes kept diverting to Bastet, the Espeon's head tipped upward toward the ceiling. It prompted the simple question of why. Strain as she might the Vulpix could neither see or hear anything of interest, and the mere thought of psychic energy was enough to raise bile into her throat. Legends, this could not be over soon enough..

- -

Cinder watched tensely as the Togeren moved into action. With a flick of his wings and flare of energy the Pokemon disappeared in a flash of power, and had she not been forewarned of the action she would have been instantly alarmed. Though already stiff her body felt frozen as she watched the last flickers of energy dissipate, and only the faint, new sounds from behind the blocked door gave her any indication their new friend had not completely vanished. Waiting with baited breath the Quilava did not realize she had become alone in the hall. The rest of her Pokemon had gone off to explore, their voices distant but chatty as she stared at the door, waiting for motion or sound. So focused on her task the Pokemon lost track of the minutes, and before she realized it Mathias was back with another box.

Blinking awkwardly Cinder had to do a double take to see it was a new box, with unknown spoils compared to the last. "Another find?" She breathes, hope flourishing that this place wasn't a waste of time. "Damn, you're on fire with these!" She cheers warmly while rushing over to the box as he set it down. "Is that so?" Faux's voice suddenly reached her ears, sending a mixed tingle down her spine as her head spun around to meet the fox's gaze. "You guys made it!" She cheers again, embers raining from her flames as she beams. With quick steps the Vulpix broke away from her travel companions and moved toward the other two fire types. "Naturally," she coos, the same calm tone as always icing her voice, but for some reason it turned the Quilava's tingles to chills.

"Mathias found a lot out here!" She spoke quickly while turning to check the box's contents, wanting to fill any space before the fox could talk again. "Cinder, I found some canned food in another room." The dragon explained as she thumbed through the box. The small collection of canned food was precious indeed, and while not much among many it was a damn good find nonetheless. "I see that!" Her voice hitches,  excitement buzzing over her foreboding as the fox's gaze bore into her and the space around them. With a thoughtful nod the fox shifted the awkward pouch on her side. "We've gained food and drink then." They were net positive at least.

But the fox could not rejoice. Though she was free of the awkward walk and was welcomed by good news the look Cinder was giving did not bode well. She was hiding something, the fox already knew that, and the swirling of an unknown scent confirmed it. She stared for a few more seconds, but the weasel did not speak up. Instead, the thing in question revealed itself; the door opened to nearby room and a bizarre looking Pokemon approached from the room. The fur along her neck stood on end, ready to defend or strike if needed, but her fire type companions gave no hostile reaction, nor did she feel animosity coming from the unknown Pokemon. A few seconds passed with no panic or alarm, and she let the fur drop while keeping her weary gaze fixed on the black and teal Pokemon.

"In that room, I found a bag and some potions of varying strength.  I am less adept at picking through... man-made objects, but they had the same scent as powerful medicines from where I used to live." He spoke familially, voice calm and purposeful. The fox blinked slowly, quickly coming to understand the situation. "That's fantastic," Cinder praised, her voice a sigh of relief as she smiled gratefully at the Togeren. "We won't have to leave these things behind." Gesturing with a tip of her head toward the boxes Faux was surprised by how well the group was doing but pleased all the same. No hostilities could be felt among the Pokemon, this unknown one clearly being no threat as Cinder spoke so freely. With a second gesture, this time a paw toward the Togeren, the Quilava spoke again with the same relief, her voice warm, "We also met a new friend along the way."

"Wrap, like bandage?" Melanie's voice carried across the room, her interest peaked as she listened to the small Pokemon's shuffling. The crinkling of plastic was a harsh tone, but it gave her hope as the hound tossed some things and that made multiple small thunks. "Yeah, I, I think so?" While his voice did not sound assured the level of confidence on his words spoke highly of his find. It was understandable for one unfamiliar with such medical equipment, and enough to make Mel wag her tails slightly. "That'll be a big help." She coos, and while her voice was filled with warmth it felt taboo to say such a thing. If their current wounds did not need bandage was she wishing fresh ones upon them? Cringing at the thought a bolt of pain shoots up her bad limb as her body weight falls upon it. Guess that works too.

With the crinkly bag gripped in his teeth the Electrike carefully picked his way out of the ransacked room. "Somethings more than nothing." He hums while gently rubbing his snout along her shoulder. The fox smiled but said nothing, still too rattled from the pain to think straight. Instinctively her ears flicked toward a new sound, forcing her to focus and pull herself together. "Sounds like the others made it." The information was likely not needed but she said it anyway, and the pair hurried off to meet with their friends.

With a spring in his step the Electrike hurried forward, thankful to see all three shapes of their linger friends. "You guys made it!" He cheered through his mouthful, and knowing Mel could handle a straight path he dared to leave her side and race with bounding steps. Tails wagging he looked over his friends and saw no knew dents or dings, and was quick to announce, "We found some kind of wrap or bandagey thing." Again, he knew it was wasn't much but finding anything felt like such an accomplishment at this point. On top of that the others had found some items as well. "Cinder, I found some canned food in another room." "In that room, I found a bag and some potions of varying strength. Food, healing items, even a bag.. it almost felt like fate had stopped them at this intersection for a reason. "Who woulda thought this spot would be a goldmine?" He chuckled, paws tapping the ground with bubbly excitement.

The initial reaction he got from the fox was enough to give Xiao pause, his golden eyes never leaving her for the moment as they registered each other, his shorter fur raising along his shoulders in response to seeing her own. He didn't move from where he stood for now, still crouched on all fours and his head lowered further so that he wasn't towering over them. He did not mean to pose a threat, something that he made clear as well as he could. Xiao only lifted his head and broke eye contact once Cinder spoke, his fur and feathers settling back down again. "That's fantastic," her praise brought forth a short swell of pride from the togeren, pleased to hear that he was of use.

Good. The more I can prove myself an asset, the better. His wings fluttered a little and he lifted his head a little further, though his gaze soon slid back to the vulpix, feeling her eyes on him. The feeling burned through his fur and skin, leaving the togeren with an odd feeling of exposure that he was painfully familiar with. He couldn't sense hostility from her now at least, but the wariness in her gaze was not lost on the guardian. Slowly, he dipped his head lower in an attempt to give her a silent, friendly greeting. He wasn't one for small talk at the best of times... and so many new pokemon at once was... challenging to him. Xiao breathed out a soft breath through his nose, head cocked slighlty to look at the boxes that had been brought in by Mathias. For such an initially bleak search, they had turned up quite a lot of useful items, it seemed. Food, water, medicine and healing items, all things that would cement their survivability for quite some time...

Cinder's voice broke through his thoughts and musing for the moment, bringing Xiao's attention back to the present moment, blinking slowly at the fire type. "We won't have to leave these things behind." Good, with his discovering of the bag, it meant that they could carry things long after he might end up moving on from this group; his ability to teleport was only useful for as long as he was here, after all. Sometime he would have to move on; Xiao wasn't used to staying on one place for long these days. At least until then, he would assist any way he could. "We also met a new friend along the way." Cinder's gesture to him brought Xiao's attention back to Faux, realizing he was being introduced to her.

The togeren dipped his head in a polite nod, his lower wings spreading a little in a short, respectful bow. What remained of his larger two wings pressed in tight to his shoulders with the move, not wanting to bring as much attention to them in such a situation. He needed to put his best foot forward when greeting people, so to speak. "Well met. I am Xiao, I happened upon this group in my brief stop through. I offered my assistance, since I had planned to stay around for a little bit to recuperate from my travelling." He greeted softly, his voice strong and even, despite his mildly discomforted posture. He wasn't used to being around so many people... hopefully this group wasn't going to get any bigger, he didn't want to risk what'd happen if they got hurt.

"I see that." The fox says calmly, her words echoing Cinder's unintentionally. Looking over the Togeren she was quick to pick up the key points; strong, clean, calm. His strange coloration, unfortunate wings, and others features were not nearly as important to her, simply a fact rather than key interest, and the Pokemon's potential was clear and shining. "Greetings. I am Faux. Welcome." She briefly introduces herself with strong confidence. Though she knew not why this Pokemon was here having him on their side was beneficial and vastly preferred to the opposite. "Well met. I am Xiao, I happened upon this group in my brief stop through. I offered my assistance, since I had planned to stay around for a little bit to recuperate from my traveling." A traveler? Weren't they all now, in a sense, but to have someone comfortable with unknowns lands could offer insight they would not otherwise have. Interesting place to be traveling through. Inside a building, this high up nonetheless, was an odd place for any Pokemon, but one who was damaged was even more peculiar. They had started the elevator, how had he gotten up here? Surely he didn't take the stairs..

"I hope you enjoy your stay. Though you should be warned that these grounds have proven to be unsafe." The fully evolved Pokemon could clearly care for himself, but the fox wanted full disclosure. They had found nothing but suffering, and safety in numbers meant little.
Were she sitting Faux would have tucked her paws beneath herself, but with finds to mentally catalog she simply tipped her head respectfully before moving to investigate. Peering into the pair of dusty boxes Faux gave them a curious sniff while nudging the contents with her nose. All appeared well, and despite the years seemed to be in good condition. |No cracks or seepage. They should stand up to travel. Shuffling her arms awkwardly the fox knew she could not take them, her pouch already difficult to move with. With a resigned grunt she carefully pulled at the lip of the drawstring bag and allowed it to open, and moved the drinks one by one into the box with the food. Despite her stubbornness the burden of carrying them with such short legs would do them all no good.

"Excellent finds, all of you." She said to the floor as a whole, while gently re-stuffing her pouch with the wraps and shimmery full heals. The weight difference and shape was immediately noticeable, the stiffness in her shoulder already easing. "Who woulda thought this spot would be a goldmine?" Etincelle cheered, group morale improved by a positive outcome. "Almost seems greedy to ask for more." Cinder jested, her arms folded though she beamed with obvious pride for all their shared work. The smile grew bigger, her teeth flashing as she snickered, "Guess that makes us gluttons."

Still, the Quilava knew they needed more. Proper healing, a working machine, a strong, strong potion or something, and jokes aside they had no reason not to press on. As she watched Faux redistribute her carryons she knew they couldnt leave their finds behind, even temporarily. Looking at the size and shape of Xiao's bag Cinder already knew it would be a hindrance for some of them, and was quick to make volunteers. "Mathias, Xiao, which of you would be willing to carry the spoils?" Faux raised a curious brow, clearly hesitant to trust their newest with their invaluable supplies, but when she did not protest Cinder knew she had accepted him.

((Skipping these two, they didn't do anything other than Etin passing his small bag over to Faux.))

Seeing the others bring out stuff, it was basically saying done with that immediate search but there was still a lot more to go. "Mathias, Xiao, which of you would be willing to carry the spoils?" Mathias looks over to Xiao and realized that maybe Xiao can have his claws freed so he could do stuff other than lifting things. In an odd sense to him, he trusts Xiao but so far the charizard couldn't see anything wrong that would point that this togaren was a threat. In fact, he already likes Xiao in the very few minutes they met. To Mathias, Xiao reminds him of Leo in a way. Maybe those two met before in the past when Leo and their trainer went out on their own on rainy days. He couldn't tell though since there was that high chance that they never met. Then Mathias started to think about Glass. Where could she be? Mathias even thought about Cosmic. Only thing he could hope for was that they're okay and unharmed.

Bastet walks over to Xiao and gives a bow to him. "Nice to meet you Xiao, I'm Bastet." The Espeon said as she stood ready to do some stuff on Cinder and Faux' command. Though with Cinder wanting either the two boys to carry the supply, maybe she'll have something for her to do as well. Right now though, conversing with the traveler. He looked like he traveled quite a lot. Only one thing can describe that part. Xiao would likely be an adventurous type of pokemon. It wouldn't hurt to ask him though there was that chance she could be wrong. Perhaps when they get back from the tower maybe she'll ask him.

Mathias then looked to Xiao and wanted to ask him something. Hopefully Xiao seen them on his travels. "Say Xiao, have you seen an Absol and an Umbreon by the names of Glass and Cosmic during your travels?" Bastet looked at Mathias realizing that he pronounced Xiao's name wrong. Oh boy, the charizard looked embarrassed when he looked at Bastet and back to Xiao. He hated to admit it but he couldn't pronounce Xiao's name right. An awkward silence came from Mathias as he went to grab the gathered items. The espeon was dumbfounded on how Mathias pronounced Xiao's name. Could he not say it right? Or was it that he's never heard the name before and couldn't get the pronounced letters to work out? Guess the answer would come from Mathias. "Sorry about that Xiao, I think he might not be able to pronounce it right. Give Mathias some time."

He could feel the eyes on him, how he was being given a once-over by Faux. At the very least, he knew that stare wasn't judgement, or pity; both of which would draw the togeren's ire. He sighed out a soft breath as he was accepted in without objection by the vulpix. Good; at least he was seen as an asset to them. "I hope you enjoy your stay. Though you should be warned that these grounds have proven to be unsafe." Unsafe? Xiao tapped his hand on the ground a few times, as though to test his footing on the sturdy flooring. He was nimble enough to avoid injury in a place such as this. Teleportation would save him from most dangerous falls, after all. Still, he gave an appreciative nod to the vulpix for her concern. "I am aware, yes. Most buildings I come across these days are of questionable stability, you need not worry about me however, I will be fine." He murmured quietly in reply, lifting his head after a moment to look at the rest of the group, tuning into the rest of the attended pokemon.

He watched as Faux moved herself over to the boxes to shuffle through the contents, swapping items around and re-stuffing her own bag that was carried along with the vulpix. Carefully moving tod rag the bag he'd found over as well, Xiao stood on his hind legs so that he had better access to use his hands, picking up a few of the water bottles to look them over. These would quickly weigh down the bag, so they would have to be careful how they packed it. At this state, only himself or the charizard could carry the bag, so making sure Mathis would still be able to lift it would be a good choice. Carefully picking up a few bottles of water and cans of food to pack into the bag, Xiao made sure to maximise just how much room he'd have when adding things, testing the weight after a few additions to make sure it wasn't going to break the bag - who knows how old it was, after all. If it fell apart because the contents were too heavy, the results would be disasterous.

"Excellent finds, all of you." His eyes went back up from what he was working on at Faux as she spoke up, his golden eyes flicking between the other occupants of the group. Morale seemed to be in high spirits, approving cheers and positive affirmations coming from a few of them. "Who woulda thought this spot would be a goldmine?" He hummed softly in agreement at Etin's words, still feeling a little too new to the group make a comment on it himself; he didn't know them that well yet, Xiao was still the stranger to this group, would making a comment on their spoils be out of line? "Almost seems greedy to ask for more." Greedy? Xiao snorted softly at the implication. Greed for supplies these days was nothing to be put down on for; everyone needed something, everyone wanted to live, and that greed for life was what led to many hostile surivors these days. "Guess that makes us gluttons."

"There is nothing wrong with being gluttons for survival, it seems to be necessary these days," Xiao added quietly, eyes drifting to one of the closeby windows, "if being greedy means one stays alive, I would gladly be called gluttonous." He set the bag down once he had stuffed it with water and food to the point that he felt was full enough without risking the structure of the bag itself. "Mathias, Xiao, which of you would be willing to carry the spoils?" Cinder's request brought his attention back from the window, looking to the group, then to Mathias. His unspoken question of who would pick it up was answered soon enough when the charizard came to pick the bag up, getting a thankful nod from Xiao. He liked having his hands free; dangerous attackers could come at any moment, and if he was to protect others, he needed his hands free.

"M-Mel, who is this stranger?" The young, child's voice got Xiao's attention after a moment, and his golden eyes went over to them, watching how the little aron hid away behind Mel. Ah... they were shy? Xiao glanced over at Mel, and then briefly his golden eyes went to Etincelle before going back to the boxes of supplies. He never had any ill will towards children; they were the most vulnerable in times like this, and needed someone like him to protect them now more than ever. He hoped that the child would be less likely to hide from him later on; once he'd gotten to know that Xiao meant him no harm.

The pattering of footsteps got the togeren's attnetion, and his head turned to the espeon as the psychic type approached him. His eyes went down as she bowed, the gesture familiar yet so alien at the same time. He used to have humans and pokemon bow to him bck when he lived in his village... it had been so long since he'd ever had anyone greet him in that manner. "Nice to meet you Xiao, I'm Bastet." He dipped his head in a kind greeting back, his golden eyes going up to meet Bastet's own red-pink ones. "Well met, Bastet," he said softly in reply,though he couldn't converse too much further as he was approached by Mathias, who had an expression that Xiao ad come to learn usually meant someone wanted to know something from him.

These suspicions were confirmed as the next thing out of the charizard's mouth was a question for Xiao, regarding his travels. "Say Xiao, have you seen an Absol and an Umbreon by the names of Glass and Cosmic during your travels?" An absol and umbreon? He thought for a moment, but shook his head. No, any groups he had been in before, had never been long enough to learn names. Most living pokemon he met were not receptive to another mouth to feed. It wasn't until a few seconds later did he register the incorrect pronounciation of his name, drawing a soft resigned sigh from the dual type. Of course, he was no stranger to people mispronouncing it; but it was still something that exhasperated the togeren anyway. The only solace he had was that at least Mathias seemed rather embarassed about it.

"Sorry about that Xiao, I think he might not be able to pronounce it right. Give Mathias some time."  At least Bastet attempted to console him, however little it really mattered to Xiao. It was a normal occurance by now and he shook his head, turning his attention away from the two. "It is of no matter, many people mispronouce it. I am sure in time he will get it." He murmured softly, turning his body away from the two after a moment to see if there was anything else that needed to be gathered or held from their spoils that they'd gathered.

Faux was impressed by both Xiao's initiative and tactfulness as he also repacked their found supplies. The Togeren clearly had an understanding of traveling with carry-ons, and his careful rearranging allowed for the most efficient amount to take. Such a cognizant companion was a surprising and unexpected find, but the fox would say he was their most key find so far. Nodding with approval the Vulpix could only wonder how much more she could carry were she Mel's size, but that was neither her or now. "Say Xiao, have you seen an Absol and an Umbreon by the names of Glass and Cosmic during your travels?" While Faux made no comment on the others' conversation she mentally noted that the 'lost friends' they had mentioned on arrival had stayed consistent. They were telling the truth. She confirmed, though the fox had not doubted that part.

Cinder was pleased as the others worked together to gather their supplies but she felt her shoulders tense up with a withheld sigh. Xiao's name may not be the most common thing under the sun but Mathias had heard it several times now, from Xiao himself just moments before no less. The flub nearly felt intentional, but the Togeren did not seem offended, and if he did not mind she would not let an earnest error dampen the improved moral. With a deep breath she re-centered herself, choosing not to butt in to the issue and instead beam with hopeful expectations.

Peaking back into the boxes at what they had not been able to pack she was pleased with the meager amount that remind. "We can grab the rest of this on our way back." She says thoughtfully while transferring all the items into one box. "Hopefully we'll find another bag before then, but if not these boxes should be fine." Tossing her head head one way and then the other the Quilava wondered which direction they should continue in. Both sides had proved fruitful, and she did not want to split her team again. Latching on to one thought she turned and pointed down the right side, away from the healing room. "We'll continue on this way." Confirming their direction she could only hope the humans had spaced their mini centers out appropriately and that this next block of rooms had one.

Wanting to delay no further Cinder was quick to start walking. They had made great progress toward their desired goals, and the sooner they found their objective the sooner they could get back to their safe house. This place had proved disconcerting and foreboding so far, but not outright dangerous. Yet she could not shake the feeling of unease, and was quickly reminded why as Faux asked, "Did you locate the source of that vile smell?" Cinder had nearly forgotten about the meat that was painfully out of place. "Yeah, we did actually." Suddenly her throat felt dry, hesitant to speak on the matter. It had been Mathias' find, but she knew the fox would not let such a conspicuous find go ignored.

"Almost seems greedy to ask for more. Guess that makes us gluttons." Cinder chuckled, her outlook vastly improved from earlier and allowing a relieved sigh to puff from Etincelle's lips. Whether she had forgotten or gotten over her feelings on Mathias, or just realized the path were not here for trouble, he didn't care. Seeing their lead with a level head on her shoulders once more was more relief than he could have asked for, and the positivity already seemed to be buzzing about the group.

"M-Mel, who is this stranger?" The Aron's small but heavy steps gave him away long before he reached the comfort of her tails. Dragging them gently to her side Mel gave the lad more room to hide as she spoke gently to him. "Thats Xiao," she says softly while reaching down with her muzzle. While the newcomer had just introduced himself again Mel knew that was not why the Aron was asking. "He's a new friend that wants to help us find useful things in here." He had proven as much, yet Arry still seemed uncertain of him. She smiles to the child, her voice getting a little louder to ensure both recipients could hear. "If you ask nicely Im sure he'll tell you what he is too." While her voice kept the same sweet tone and was careful to phrase the suggestion innocently, she couldn't help but desire the same answer. The others had been oddly coy, even Etin, about what Xiao was, and she had struggled to form a proper mental image for him.

Yet, it mattered not, and if no one would speak up on the matter neither would she. "We'll continue on this way." Cinder announced shortly after, and without so much as a moments hesitation she could hear the Electrike's bouncy steps falling in line with the moving fire types. Mel was quick to join his side, her senses primed for the unknown. Always one to gather information Faux then asked, "Did you locate the source of that vile smell?" They had indeed, though the timely made it nearly forgotten due to their new friend. "Oh it was awful!" Etin barked, his tongue lolling from the memory alone. "I'm glad we took care of it." The Ninetales was not as jazzed, the fog of why it could be there returning to her.

As Arry hid, the Ninetales had given him enough space to hide before her nuzzle came close to comfort him. "He's a new friend that wants to help us find useful things in here." Useful things? Oh, OH! Maybe he can find some stars as well! Miyu will love to see all the stars as well. He just hoped they would be okay. "If you ask nicely Im sure he'll tell you what he is too." Taking a peak from one of the tails, Arry looked at Xiao was still some shyness and some curiosity now. At first he wanted to think this might be a guardian angel but that sounded a bit silly since he looked like someone who is from another region. Arry though kind of shy started walking up to Xiao with Mel nearby in case his shyness went back to its peak. Upon approaching Xiao, Arry looked up at him and was a bit shaky as he was about to say something

Arry had to think of something to say that would be easy for him to answer without making it tough for him. It took a few seconds before he got the questions in his mind. "W-what kind of p-pokemon are you?" That was his first question and now his second question might be simple. "D-do you like seeing the stars?" Honestly, the more that likes seeing the stars at night, the more he can tell what his favorite star is.

Mathias still looked pretty embarrassed that he made a mistake on saying Xiao's name and the way Xiao looked though, it didn't phase him other than being that he's heard it so many times that it must not bother him that much. "Did you locate the source of that vile smell?" Faux asked and Cinder responded. "Yeah, we did actually." Mathias remembered that smell. It smelled so vile and disgusting. No wonder why Arry was not liking the smell. A young pokemon's sense of smell is a bit more sensitive than what an adult can smell. Though the meat slab though. It was bitten into to and the paw prints that was noticed. No doubt that they're not the only ones in the tower.

"It is of no matter, many people mispronouce it. I am sure in time he will get it." Bastet nods in agreement that Mathias will eventually pronounce it right. She might have to work with him on that since Xiao's name is pretty much can be said in two different ways but this one was said from how she figured was like Shao. Though if another way, she could teach him to say it slowly before he is able to say it without any slowdown in saying it. "I could work with him on that once we get back. Oh, Arry?" Seeing the Aron looking at Xiao, she wondered what he was going to ask until he did and with him sounding nervous and somewhat shy. Poor kid, hopefully one day he'll overcome that shyness.

Mathias then said something. "The meat was the more suspicious of the two. Bite marks was present and paw prints seeming belonging to a houndoom was there. I think we're not the only ones here." If so then Bastet might have felt that presence of another living pokemon other than Xiao's presence. Yet she's looking like she's not relying on it right now as she was talking with Xiao and Arry. A small smile though came from Mathias' maw as he seen Arry asking Xiao something. "Despite my thought though, the chance of us encountering them is probably very little." Who knows for sure until they encounter the owner of the paw prints.

It seemed they were all pleased with what they had managed to gather in this short stop along the way. Xiao himself peered at the boxes that'd almost emptied out, then at the bag Mathias had picked up. It was a shame they'd have to leave these behind... but if they found another bag, he could easily teleport back here to gather the rest if needed. "We can grab the rest of this on our way back." Nodding in agreeance to Cinder's words, Xiao watched as she looked either way to figure out their next path, before turning his eyes back to the rest of the group.

"Hopefully we'll find another bag before then, but if not these boxes should be fine." He hummed softly, his wings stretching out a little as he stood, lifting his nose to the ceiling to see if there was anything noteworthy around them. He counted it as blessing when he found only the scents of their own group. The sight of that meat earlier was still fresh on his mind... he wasn't one to write something like that off so easily. "If we do find another bag further in, I can teleport back here to gather what we have to leave behind for now." He spoke after a moment of thought, glancing over at Cinder, then over to Faux. They were the leaders, right? Until otherwise told, that was who he would defer his ideas too, anyway.

"Thats Xiao," His name again, the togeren lifted hsi head at the sound of Mel's voice, and his golden eyes moved over to the ninetails, then down to the small little aron that was hiding by her side. Oh, was she talking to the child? He blinked, his tail curling in a little closer and head dipping down good naturedly as he met with the young aron's gaze. "He's a new friend that wants to help us find useful things in here." Friend... the word was almost alien to him; he'd never had friends before. Only people he was tasked to protect, or remove.

He supposed his village had seen him as a friend... but Xiao was not one to think on such things when he was given a task. Friend or not, once someone was taken by the vile creatures of the night... they all had to be removed. Something such as friends wouldn't stop the undead demons from attacking someone, even if they had only recently turned. Xiao had found that out firsthand.

"If you ask nicely Im sure he'll tell you what he is too." What he was? Xiao blinked in surprise, before realizing that the ninetails had no idea what he looked like. Thinking back, none of the group had detailed the togeren to her either, so of course the curiosity in her voice was something that she'd probably been holding onto for a while now. How cwould he even explain what he was though? Xiao had only heard the name of his species in passing... his master had told him once, before he passed, but it was never something Xiao himself had paid attention to.

Bastet distracted him from his brief thoughts and troubles, and his golden eyes flicked down to her as the espeon mentioned helpign Mathias with his name. "I could work with him on that once we get back. Oh, Arry?" Arry? The heavy footsteps of the little aron distracted him from replying, though he gave Bastet a polite nod in response to her promise to work with the charizard.

He stepped back slightly as the aron approached him, head lowering slightly and his hind wings spreading out slightly. He didn't want to scare the poor thing, he was already shy enough of Xiao's presence.... but for all he had a soft spot for children, the togeren was not versed in dealing with them. The children at his village often didn't spend much time around him, so Xiao was not the best in dealing with them."W-what kind of p-pokemon are you?" Ah, of course. He briefly looked up at the rest of the group, before back at Arry. How would he explain it? He didn't quite know himself... still, if they wanted to know, he'd try to explain himself as best he could.

"I will admit, I am not exactly the expert on that myself, I was forced to evolve and never had the chance to really grasp what I am. My old master, before he passed called me a Togeren, however. My apologies though, I cannot really explain further." He explained, looking down at the aron as they seemed to be deep in thought for a moment, before a second question came from them, "d-do you like seeing the stars?" The stars? Xiao blinked, before humming softly, a fond expression on his face for a few brief seconds. "Stars... yes, I do. I used to spend many nights watching the skies in my old home." He said, thinking back on those old nights.

Of course, his stargazing was often wistful in nature, longing for something he could never achieve anymore; the wind between his feathers and soaring through the clouds like he had so often wanted to do when he was younger. Even his flight when he'd first evolved had been limited, only allowed to go from one place to another, always on a mission. There had never been time for playing. How he longed to fly once more, but with his wings destroyed, instead he turned to stargazing, longing to be up there but knowing he was grounded. He shook his head to clear those melancholy thoughts, now was not the time for reminiscing.

"We'll continue on this way." He was thankful for the distraction as Cinder started walking onwards, pushing to his feet almost eagerly as he quickly followed after her. He didn't want to answer more questions; he was already being sent back into old thoughts of his old life, before things were chaotic and dangerous with undead roaming the world. He had no time for distractions like that, he had no time to risk his reactions being dulled thinking of home. Home doesn't exist anymore. It's gone. His resolute thought steeled his face into grim acceptance, and he swiftly trotted after Cinder and Faux, eager to leave the questioning of his past behind them.

"Did you locate the source of that vile smell?" The smell - that slab of meat? He made a face at the reminder of the meat, letting out a low snort. Vile, yeah that was a word for it, definitely."Yeah, we did actually." Cinder's quick response mirrored Xiao's own thoughts, if that meat was there, as well as the bite marks on it, what else was in this place? Was it hostile? And if it was, where was it? The thought that they were being stalked made Xiao's short furred hackles rise, and he looked back behind them, sniffing the air once more. He was no canine, he didn't have the sense of smell that they did... but he was well versed in finding that which did not want to be found. Still... he couldn't detect anything wrong around them...

"Oh it was awful!" Etin's cheery voice brought him back to the task at hand, carefully stepping after Cinder and the others as they made their way further through the halls. "I'm glad we took care of it." Xiao hummed his agreement, once more falling back to his habit of being wordless when around other pokemon. He wasn't the most social to begin with... being around this many people ony seemed to draw that out more.

"The meat was the more suspicious of the two. Bite marks was present and paw prints seeming belonging to a houndoom was there. I think we're not the only ones here." Mathias's words made Xiao's brows furrow a little in thought, eyes narrowing. A houndoom? How could he be sure of that? Sure there was a few burns on the meat before, but that could be from any fire type canine. And the paw prints...his feathers ruffled and Xiao shook his head to clear it. "Despite my thought though, the chance of us encountering them is probably very little."

This time, Xiao couldn't hold his tongue, looking up at Mathias with a steely gaze, "I would rather err on the side of caution. Perhaps the chance of encounter is low, however I have never been one to play with chance." He spoke softly, before averting his gaze and looking forward again, golden eyes thinning slightly. "Too many times I have ended on the wrong side of chance to risk such a thing."

The pair of fire types trotted at a decent pace. Assuming the next healing station was a walk away Cinder didn't bother searching the rooms they passed with the most scrutinizing of eyes. "Oh it was awful!" Etincelle remarked with a bellowing tone, the memory still clear and vivid. "I'm glad we took care of it." Cinder nodded intensely in agreement, and while she wished to blurt out the find immediately her words were still paused to allow the discoverer the limelight. "The meat was the more suspicious of the two. Bite marks were present and paw prints seeming belonging to a Houndoom was there. I think we're not the only ones here." Cinder's body seized up for a moment, her legs refusing to listen and her lifted paws coming down hard to prevent her from falling over. There was a lot for both fire types to dissect in those words, though their reactions to them veered in different directions.

"We already knew we are not alone; Xiao is with us now afterall, and it would but foolish to assume he is the only one." Faux was quick to respond, though she was still focusing on the beginning of the conversation. Meat? He didnt say corpse. One's selection of words should not be chastised, but to say meat over body painted a vastly different picture. Something was feasting in here, recently at that. They had been lucky to run into an amiable Pokemon first, but they could not run on luck alone. Would a living Pokemon leave its catch? Undead wouldnt.. unless theres easy prey in here.. If that was true they would have seen signs, they founded have found so many supplies, they wouldnt have been allowed to get this far.

Faux turned her head, half expecting Cinder to be pondering the same idea or following up with her take on their prior finds, but the Quilava's expression was tense and wide-eyed. Prints?! She could vaguely recall the word being said but saw nothing of the sort herself. While she did not think he was lying the species drop hit her fiercely like a Hydro Pump to the gut. Why would he assume that?! It was such a specific call out to such an unremarkable print, one that could be easily confused for another. To a Pokemon they had not mentioned! Her skin rippled with suspicion, the tale Faux told of Rosko's murder not being one that Mathias had heard. Was he.. acquainted with another of their antagonists?! ".....Yeah." She finally breathed after an elongated pause. "We didn't see anything but something has been eating in here." The image of a Houndoom refused to leave her mind, the seed of doubt planted and festering already.

"Despite my thought though, the chance of us encountering them is probably very little." The prickling feeling only got worse, as though he knew more than he was letting on or intentionally veering them away from worrying. The Quilava clenched her jaw, teeth sliding awkwardly against one another as they grinded. "We're literally scouring the place, why wouldn't we find it if the things still here?" She challenged, the bitter bite to her words only contained by the sight of Xiao. She had wanted to put these feelings to rest for the sake of their new companion, but godsdamn did the dragon make it hard. "I would rather err on the side of caution. Perhaps the chance of encounter is low, however I have never been one to play with chance." Thankfully, he was reasonable, and hearing the logical Pokemon settled her nerves if only slightly. "Yes," She agreed instantly, her words remaining on a tense sigh. "Whatever it is we should be ready. This isn't a great place for a fight."

The Quilava's flames burned a bit hotter, the color changing as her emotions flared. Narrowing her gaze Faux had not seen the carrion in question and accepted the Charizard's hypothesis with a large grain of salt. "Theres been a bad spell of luck regarding Houndooms around here. Safe to say its not a welcome thought that one could be lurking these floors."

"W-what kind of p-pokemon are you?" The Aron squeaked, fear of the unknown overcome only by boundless curiosity. The fox kept a keen ear primed for an answer, her stance and smile never betraying her true intentions. Thankfully, Xiao was not bashful, and answered the question to the best of his ability. "I will admit, I am not exactly the expert on that myself, I was forced to evolve and never had the chance to really grasp what I am. My old master, before he passed called me a Togeren, however. My apologies though, I cannot really explain further." The explanation was not what Melanie had hoped for, a name she did not know and a lack of what he was beforehand. While she was not the most versed Pokemon under the sun her repertoire of Pokemon with a Toge- in their name was remarkably short. Togetic and Togedemaru. Try as she might she could think of no others, though she did not know those Pokemon to evolve into this 'Togeren.' Both Pokemon were small unlike the sound of him, but the brushing sound of feathers she kept hearing pointed to one species over the other. It wasn't much, but something enough to give the blind fox peace of mind and a visual concept with color and shape.

Etincelle did not add to the thought, neither giving her more or confirmation as his thoughts remained on the other conversation. "The meat was the more suspicious of the two. Bite marks was present and paw prints seeming belonging to a Houndoom was there. I think we're not the only ones here." "I didn't notice that." He notes hesitantly. Sure, the hunk had been chewed up and feasted on, perhaps even burnt, but to him it only spoke of a carnivore. Or an undead, there was always that too, but a strong-toothed carnivore nonetheless. "You really think so?" A feeling like bile built in the back of his throat; was this the same Pokemon Faux saw, the same one that....? "We didn't see anything but something has been eating in here." Cinder corrected him sternly, but even that did not inspire the Electrike with confidence.

"Despite my thought though, the chance of us encountering them is probably very little." Shuffling his paws Etincelle sidled closer to Melanie's side. "Theres always a chance," he whined, eyeing the ground awkwardly. "Just a moments enough to-" His words cut off as the bloodied images returned and Melanie tossed a couple tails over his maw. "I would rather err on the side of caution. Perhaps the chance of encounter is low, however I have never been one to play with chance." Pushing his nose through the fur Etin sucked in a deep breath of air to calm himself. "Theres been a bad spell of luck regarding Houndooms around here. Safe to say its not a welcome thought that one could be lurking these floors." Lurking, waiting, ready to get them again--! "We need to stay together. Always." Urgency filled his whistling words, wide eyes looking between the other Pokemon with the upmost concer. "No one wander off alone."