The VICTORY team

Pyths' head fell as he listened to Yoru, his heart sinking in his chest.
I failed the little one...

The small canine began to cry as he frantically barked at them.
"Well we ... we have to find her! We just have to! She's only a baby ... She'll be so scared!"

Pyth averted his gaze, not wanting to dishearten the young pup.
He knew how powerful Abras were, even if it were a young pokemon. There were rogue psychic types throughout his old home, often tormenting others, sometimes teleporting them high into the air just to drop them to their deaths, or using their psychic powers to make nasty illusions.

The bull shook his head clear of the terrible thoughts entering his head, the Miltank trying to comfort the Growlithe.
“A lot of people are hurt right now, and everyone has been walkin all night, if we were to go right now, who knows how many would collapse from exhaustion and get lost in the wild. The best thing we could do right now is rest up and wait till the morning, when we can actually see where we are goin. We can’t find her if we can’t even see where we are walkin.”

The Tauros nodded, his voice softer than usual as he moved and stood next to the bovine.
"She's right, kid...if she's out there, we'll find her...but none of us are fit to do any sort of searching." He looked to others with his good eye. "It's too dark to find a den...but we need to find someplace not so...exposed." He said, eyeing the glowing couple as he finished his sentence.

(Sorry, skip for now and say that Stavros told everyone that Scarlett is gone for "Good")

Yoru looked to the others, his face a mask of grief and determination. Hearing Stavros say she was gone for good, the crimson Umbreon turned on him, his red rings glowing even brighter than their usual intensity which showed everyone just how angry he was at Stavros. Instead of yelling at him though, with a calm and wise voice Yoru spoke his mind to Stavros and the whole group. "I know everything looks bleak but we WILL find her. She isn't dead, there is always hope." Jumping back up on to the cliff he was on when they found him, Yoru surveyed the area and caught sight of a small cave a little ways ahead. Not wasting any time, he jumped down and flicked his tail so that the others would know he wanted them to follow him. "There is a cave not to far this way. Armonia, stay in the back and make sure we are well protected from that side. Lola take care of Stavros and Oliver and Py-" His voice was cut off as his eyes flicked up and he heard Pyth leaving in the distance. With a sigh, Yoru continued to give directions. "Just make sure the younger ones are protected. I'll stay ahead in case of any danger." Without a backwards glance, Yoru began forward with the only thing keeping him going was his determination to keep the rest of his friends alive and well. Armonia, letting out a sigh as well, followed behind with Seda in her sights.

Everyone was telling him the same thing - that they had to wait until morning because no one was in a good state to look for Scarlet - and Oliver had no choice but to obey. The young Growlithe wanted to throw himself around in protest and command them all to follow him and help him look, but he knew it was no use. All these Pokemon were older, stronger and wiser than him, and now that Scarlet was no longer around he was the youngest. These were grown-ups and he was the child; he was inclined to obey or risk getting scolded and he didn't like that.

Yoru hopped down from a rock and snapped Oliver out of his thoughts. The Umbreon declared that he'd found a cave nearby. He began to give Oliver and Pyth an order for something, but his gaze swiveled upwards and Oliver followed his gaze and saw Pyth wandering off in the distance. Oliver frowned; perhaps he was just off to find some berries for them all...?

Whatever Pyth was doing, Oliver obediently began to follow Yoru towards the cave. He caught up with Lola and walked beside the Miltank, his eyes downcast and his ears drooped. Hold on, Miss Scarlet! We'll come and find you soon!

The look on Oliver’s face told her that he wanted nothing more than to reject her and Pyth’s idea, to go running off in the night to go look for Scarlet, she was glad that he didn’t though, that would just mean two pokemon to look for instead of one. A good night’s sleep in the cave would do them all some good, if they slept at all that is. Lola was already thinking of asking Armonia to warm up the canteen of milk later so that Oliver and Mr.Pyth would get an ensured good night’s sleep when Pyth went off into the woods.

She wanted to go stop him, to tell him to come on back, he had totally agreed with her when she said they should wait till morning, so it was strange that he was going off now. Well, not totally weird, that bull seemed to care more than he let on, she would bet he went off to go look for Scarlet on his own because he could see how worried everyone was about her, and she would have went after him to stop him, but she doubted that it would help much.

“Come on, the faster we get to that cave, the faster we can sleep and go searching for Scarlet in the morning….”

((A bit short, sorry .-.))

Stavros could tell that Yoru was mad at him for saying what he said, but it was true. He shook his head as he walked close to Oliver. Stav really didn't feel right being here. He felt like an outcast. No matter what he did, he could please these pokemon. He never knew Scarlet like the others did. He felt sorry for these pokemon, but what could he do anyway? He looked over at the others and his frown grew. What was he supposed to do? He shook his head and continued to walk with the others, but for some reason, Stav didn't feel right. That's when he relised that he still wasn't wearing his scarf.

He quickly walked over to Lola and nudged her slightly. Um, sorry to bother you Lola, but can you put my Silk Scarf back around my eyes please? I feel for comfortable with it on and thank you. Stavros asked the Miltank. He just hoped she didn't have anything bad to say to him too. He really didn't want to have to deal with everyone be mad at him.

((Sorry guys but I am dog tired and Seda can't do too much anyway. Skip me. She is just following the group, staying close to Oliver.))

Many hours passed as the group of Pokemon, led by Yoru traversed towards the cave. So far, they hadn't seen another undead and Yoru finally had some time to think about everything that had happened. It was hard to believe that all that had happened to his small group happened in only the span of maybe twelve hours. Sighing, Yoru finally looked to where the cave was and realized it wasn't too far from their position.

Soon the group reached the cave and Yoru scouted it through to find that it was big on the inside but it didn't lead to anywhere but rather, it dead ended an Onix length back. Happiness filled him that they had finally found a nice place to rest and he jumped down to the others. "It's big enough for all of us to sleep in comfortably and there are no signs of undead inside. It's perfect." The smile Yoru gave was one of almost defeat strength. He was tired mentally and physically and though he wouldn't admit it, he desperately needed a goodnight's rest before he could think for much longer. Shaking his head, Yoru looked to everyone before continuing. "We've all had an extremely rough night. I want you all to get some rest and sleep. Don't worry about the undead, I'll take first shift to watch over everyone."

With defiance in her gaze, Armonia stepped up to where her friend was on the rocks by the cave and glared down at him much like the way a mother would glare at a stubborn pup who wouldn't go to bed. "Now Yoru you listen to me. You do all you can to protect us and even though I haven't been with this group for long, I know you and how you like to push yourself until you can't go any further and I'm afraid you reached that point. I am accustomed to staying up at night so I will be taking first shift and that's final mister." Armonia's eyes flashed as she trotted off for a few minutes to get some moss for the group.

A few minutes later she returned dragging a big leaf full of moss. "We don't really need anything to sleep in, being on fire and all, but I figured you all might need something soft." Her eyes were soft as she padded to the front of the cave and lowered herself to the ground to wait out the night.

Eventually they found the cave that Yoru had been talking about. After firmly telling the Umbreon that he would rest and that she would keep watch, Armonia came back with some soft moss for them to sleep on. Oliver thanked the Rapidash and found a comfortable place within a large cluster of moss. The tired little Growlithe curled up and quickly fell asleep.

The sun had been down for some time, and only started to show signs of reappearing soon. Looking up to the sky Winter could make out just make out the moon behind the thick layer of the clouds that passed over it. Either it had already rained, or it was going to. Thinking about Rain made her thank of her brother who shared the same name. How she missed him since he left the pack back home, and how she had kept her eyes open in hopes of seeing him once again. Letting out a sigh she flicked her tail and continued along the route.

She was glade to be in a forest instead of that lab back in the dessert, reminded her of home without the snow. Her face was stern and her head held high, then her ears caught wind of something that sounded like talking. Crouching low, she began to stalk closer to the sounds, in time to hear the end of what sounded to be a conversation. "-ing on fire and all, but I figured you all might need something soft." The voice was female, and she was able to make out the pokemon that spoke once she peered over the bushes that concealed her white fur.

In front of her was a group of pokemon. A Rapidash was the one who spoke, as it was the only one on fire, there was also a red ringed Umbreon, a Growlith a spotted striped Meowth, a Miltank, and, another Mightyena. Hope flared in her that it might be her brother, but soon faded when she saw its eyes. Red, just like her own. Wanting to know how hostile these pokemon where, she took her tail and began to rustle the bushes she was hiding in, if they attack, they where her enemy, if not, then they could be somewhat trusted.

At her post, Armonia looked down on the forest and to a bush near her that had began to rustle. Turning, she saw that mostly everyone was asleep so she went to investigate. She trotted down the rock softly and ended up in front of the bust. "Hello? Is anyone there that is living?" She wasn't completely near the bush because she kept her distance but she could almost see the white behind it.

Oliver was just starting doze as a rustle in the bushes nearby jerked him awake. Raising his head with a gasp, he squinted towards the source of the sound. Armonia had already gone outside to investigate and Oliver kept a close eye out in case anything attacked. Through his sleepy gaze he spotted a creature in the bushes nearby with pure white fur. Panic gripped the young Growlithe and he bolted out of the cave towards Armonia.

"Miss Armonia, look out! It's a ghost!" he hollered, hiding behind the Rapidash's front leg and growling at the spirit. But as his vision cleared a little, he saw that the creature was not transparent and looked a little like a canine. "Oh, you're ... not a ghost?" He stepped out from behind Armonia's leg, feeling a bit embarrassed. He wasn't entirely sure and just wanted the newcomer to him or herself and put him at ease.

Lola had followed the group quietly as they went to the cave, she silently placed the scarf back on Stravos after being asked barely offering a warm smile, she was too out of it at the moment to be confused by the request for the Mightyena to be re-blinded. And she didn’t even say anything as they got settled in, and even politely refused the makeshift bed Armonia made for them. Lola was too deep into her thinking to interact properly with the rest of the group.

She was always the one to settle problems back on the farm, they one everyone looked up to for help. Yet here she was out in the wild and she was practically useless, just getting her back hurt and doing nothing. Even Oliver was providing more protection than she was…

She had lost Scarlet, done nothing against the steelix, and watched as other got hurt against that onyx, even when the majority where fire types and had the biggest disadvantage. The times when she smacked around sleazy Tauros seemed like child’s play now.

She was beginning to think providing milk was the only thing she would ever be good for….

A new comer, it was past midnight and even now the wilderness was poking at them, she was too tired and distraught to hold up her warm calming demeanor.

“Look, If you’re looking for shelter also, feel free to come in, but if you’re looking for trouble save it till the mornin, none of us are in the mood right now.” Unless someone was threatening young’uns in front of her, that was as bad of a mood as Lola could muster, even when dead tired it was hard for her to be mean.

(Skip please just say Stav is standing next to Armonia)

Seraida just followed the rest of the group. It seemed everyone was upset over loosing this Scarlett. The kitten frowned, silently sticking with everyone else. She flicked an ear as the oxen, Pyth, seemed to have gone off to look for the missing Ralts, and merely nodded curtly as the group spoke of resting. Her body was still sore all over fram that damn Onix. It sucked. She hated having no energy; she was the kind of Meowth that loved to run! Sprinting and dashing was what she did! How dare that dumb infected take that from her? When finding the cave, the red Umbreon, Yuro was it? Yoru?, argued with the shiny Rapidash for a few minutes. She could hardly care at that point, too dead on her paws to really pay attention.

Someone brought dry moss for bedding and the kitten felt like howling out loud to the world in triumph. Praise Raikou! One of them thought like a cat! Seda was too tired to even pay attention as to who it was that did this, her gem blue eyes were drooping closed already before she even made the bed comfy! Dragging her long, hooked claws over the vegitation, the Meowth shredded it just enough to be even softer. She turned around and curled up for a few minutes. She was just dozing off when suddenly half of the Pokemon rushed out to do something. Seraida muttered in displeasure, flicking her long tail to and fro. But they were noisy and not letting her sleep!

However, the Umbreon, he was still in his bed. Seda slowly raised her head, tilting it slowly as she regaurded him. Poor guy had been in a somber mood since he reported loosing Scarlett. He must be really upset. A frown formed on the youngsters face. He needed a friend and she missed sleeping curled up to someone. Without another thought, Seda bundled her moss into a ball and trotted over to him with it in her jaws. Dropping it back onto the ground, she pushed it so that it merged with his own bedding. Without a word, she curled up into a spotted ball next to his back, finally relaxing.

((Ooc; Hope that is alright, Blitz. Just let me know and I will edit.))

"Hello? Is anyone there that is living?" Winter heard one of the pokemon say as it approached where she was. It seemed to be one of the females, and its voice didn't sound threatening. She let out a small sigh and was about to come out of her hiding when she heard someone else approach.

"Miss Armonia, look out! It's a ghost!" Shouted someone that sounded like it was a child, though she could be mistaken. "Oh, you're ... not a ghost?" It added shortly after as Winter began to come out of the bushes and into full view. Her white fur reflecting the moons light.

Once again Winter tried to say something, but was interrupted by someone who seemed to be rather grumpy. "Look, If you’re looking for shelter also, feel free to come in, but if you’re looking for trouble save it till the mornin, none of us are in the mood right now." The other female, a Miltank if she remembered correctly, stated, and Winter started to wonder if she was ever going to get the chance to talk.

She waited a few moment to see if anyone else had anything to say to her before speaking herself. "Sorry for being sneaky, had to make sure you weren't hostile." She said, her tail swaying from side to side as she looked up at the blue and purpled flamed Rapidash. "My name is Winter, and I am looking for a pack to help survive this epidemic. Would it be all right if I joined yours?" Though this pack wasn't entirely made up of canines, she preferred saying pack rather then group.

Within his dreams, Yoru felt darkness pulling at his heart. The only thing he could possibly feel, see, taste, or hear was the shadows closing in on him like a pitch black abyss of nothing. He felt at some points as if he were falling and at others he felt the numb pain of ice encasing his entire body and then shattering into a rough biting pain that shook him from the core. When he finally thought he could take no more of this horrid nightmare he was doomed too, a warm feeling began to spread through him beginning at his back which awoke him. Blinking, he could hear what was going on outside of the cave but figured Armonia could handle it. His first instinct however was to figure out what was warm on his back and when he rolled over Seda was curled up next to him. A soft smiled formed on Yoru's muzzle and his rings glew faintly in the dark of the night. With a gentle sigh, Yoru pulled Seda over to him and wrapped his body around her protectively and comfortably before drifting back off to sleep with his head over hers.

Armonia watched the bush and the reactions of the others gently as she was tired. Sighing, she waited as the magnificent white Mightyena pulled herself from her hiding spot and addressed the group, speaking mostly to Armonia. The female equine listened silently as she gave her name and her flames dimmed and brightened softly in the darkness as she asked to join the group. "Well I don't have a problem with you joining our little group of survivors but maybe you should sleep here tonight and we can all discuss it tomorrow. We've all had a rough day and need to rest but you're welcome to sleep wherever you would like or you can stay up if you would like and keep watch with me. My name is Armonia and it's nice to meet you Winter." Armonia dipped her large equine muzzle to the canine and pawed at the ground with her hoof as a sign of respect to the other female.

(OOC: Ciana I can change it if you want<3)

((Sorry, didn't know NightFall was in the safehouse, please skip me for now))

The voice of the new female echoed through out the Mightyena's ears and skull. His nose twitched as he catch the scent from the new female. Winter... The Mightyena could feel the fire rise in his throat but he swallowed it back down and slowly let his body rest. Stavros nodded as he listened to Armonia and let out a sigh. It's nice to meet you Winter. Call me Stavros or Stav for short. The Mightyena said every word as he looked out into the distense. The dark hound was tired and needed a good rest, but something else was off.

With his Scarf back over his eyes he could feel, hear and taste the air around the group, and he could feel another new mon coming toward the group. He raised his head toward the mare and looked pasted her as he spoke, I hate to speak up after what I caused earlier, but someone else will be joining are group tonight. So, I want you guys to go to sleep. I'm used to not sleeping during the night and you guys are our strongest fighters. So you need you sleep and please, lets not fight about this. The hound moved his sightless gaze from the Rapidash to the other Mightyena and to the Miltank. He felt his body start to tense up again as he could smell the newcomer getting closer.


The Ponyta stomped her hooves in frustration. Dammit! Where are the undead when you need them?! The silver maned Ponyta cursed as the darkness around her was repelled by her glowing silver mane. As the fire horse walked deeper into the dark mountainous area she swore she heard voices. She stopped and listened to the sounds. The voices sounded new to her, so she stayed at a decent distense. The silvery glow from the horse lit the area around her as she listened to the voices. The one voice that stood out the most to her was the only male voice she could hear.

The fire horse flicked her ears as she heard the male say something about a newcomer, but who? It couldn't be her, as she didn't want to join another herd and have to go through everything she went through with her last herd. She just wasn't ready to join this or another herd just yet. She stood her ground as she listened to the group continue to talk. She dimmed her fire and trotted closer. Her eyes widen and she backed up. No...No it can't be her...

Her fire raged on her neck, tail and ankles as she backed up in a fury. Her gazed stayed on the Rapidash that stood in front of her hiding place. Wh-what is she doing here?! I-i thought she was gone... Th-the herd was killed by the undead a-and I left. S-so why is she here?! Her silvery mane glowed with a slight blue and red color mixed into her fire. She was confused, angry and upset all at the same time. Her eyes flashed to her past and all that time she spent training to get stronger then her mother, was this the time? Was this the opportunity she was looking for? She continued to watched the Rapidash closely as she hide in the darkness.

(And enter Haruko! This is SO going to be fun~)

Winter dipped her head in thanks as the Rapidash said she could stay with them the night, even though she wasn't part of there pack yet. That would be decided in the morning, when every ones heads where clear enough to think properly. "I can keep watch, I had slept pretty much all day. So I'm not really tired." She said before looking over to the rest of the group.

"It's nice to meet you Winter. Call me Stavros or Stav for short." Said another Mightyena. She had not seen another of her kind for some time, and she felt somewhat glade to be with a pack that had one of her own in it. "I hate to speak up after what I caused earlier, but someone else will be joining are group tonight. So, I want you guys to go to sleep. I'm used to not sleeping during the night and you guys are our strongest fighters. So you need you sleep and please, lets not fight about this." He added.

Winter raised a brow, wondering what he did earlier, but didn't bother asking. "Sorry, but I'm not that tired. So I'm going to stay up and keep watch with you if that's all right. She stated as she padded over and sat a tail length away from the male Mightyena.

Nodding to the others, Armonia padded to the back of the cave and dimmer her mane before drifting off to sleep close to where Yoru and Seda were curled up. Something strange nagged at her heart but she paid it no attention. Her mind as well as her body were extremely tired and wanted nothing more than to finally relax so that is exactly what she did.

(OOC: On my next post I can start morning or someone else can if they want.)

Oliver was, as usual, very happy to have met a new friend, but his weariness was preventing him from expressing that properly. After Stavros had introduced himself, Oliver stepped forward with his eyes drooped, although he tried to maintain a friendly smile. "Hi Miss Winter. My name ... is Oliver." He paused in mid-sentence to yawn and then decided that enough was enough. He needed to sleep if he was to continue helping his friends as much as he could. He'd be no use to them tired like this.

It seemed that Winter and Stav were going to stay up for a while and keep watch. Usually Oliver would've offered to join them but for once he simply couldn't be bothered. With another yawn he slowly padded back into the cave, curled up next to Yoru and Seda and quickly fell asleep.

Stav's ears twitched as he listen to Winter, "Sorry, but I'm not that tired. So I'm going to stay up and keep watch with you if that's all right." Then his body shifted as he felt the Mightyena sit only a tail length away from where he sat. Stavros simply nodded his head. He got up from his spot and quickly ran back into the cave. Careful not to wake the others up, he comes back out pulling his mossy bed next to the snow white Mightyena. You may use my bed if you like. He bowed his head slightly as he sat back in his spot, giving Winter some space.



The sliver maned Ponyta flicked her ears as she watched the Rapidash entered the cave and fell asleep. She huffed and stomped her hooves in frustration. Why is she even here?! Let alone with these weak pokemon?! The Ponyta let loose with some steam from her nostrils as she watched the two Mightyena's. Both were interesting to say the least, but the male kinda worried her with that scarf over his eyes and everything. The female was pretty with her snow white fur.

The Ponyta's mane flickered and crackled in the darkness. She shook her head, Would it be alright.... Then she stiffed a small nay or surprise when the male turned to her, but looked as if he wasn't looking at her. I know your there. Might as well come out and show yourself. The Ponyta shook her mane as the red tint thicken. She stomped forward and blew steam from her nose. Who are you? The male simply looked at her. She stomped her hooves,

Fine. I see your not going to answer me. I am Haruko. It was hard to read the male but he nodded his head as if he already knew who she was. It is nice to meet you Haruko. My name is Stavros or you may call me Stav. Haruko stepped back in surprise. The male was alot nicer then she gave him credit, from just watching him that is. She shook her silvery mane and bowed her head in slight respect. She looked at the white Mightyena, but turned her full attention to the cave.

Things became awkward very quickly. Seda stiffened quickly as Yoru moved in his sleep before finally awaking. THe Meowth quickly flicked her ears back in shame, surely expecting a scolding for her actions. Maybe he had wanted to be left alone. But with the voices of the others coming from outside and then slowly entering the cave, Seda didn't want to move. But she was pleasantly suprised. There was movement from the Umbreon beside her and suddenly there was a body curled protectively around her's. Eyes flickering open in suprise, Seraida quickly relaxed as she felt his warm head settle right by her own.

The feeling was so alein and yet so familure. It had been so long since having true companionship and yet this was exactly how her trainer had treated her. Seda had been the apple of the girl's eye, always heald and played with, sleeping at on the pillow beside her. WHile Yoru was not her human, he was just as close. It didn't matter for the Meowth. She felt a purr rumble lazily from her throat before closing blue eyes again, drifting off to sleep.

Yoru was barely asleep when Seda began to purr and the soft feeling lulled him into a deep slumber. Memories flashed before his eyes of his mate and his daughter. They had been such a happy family even despite the Epidemic and right before Yoru could begin to think about killing his infected mate, a new vision flashed through his mind. This one was of his daughter, a magnificently beautiful Vaporeon who was somehow adorned with jewels like that of royalty. His dream eyes widened as he watched her come ashore on some deserted island and slowly he wondered if this was possible but before he could ponder on those memories, his dream skipped once again to a beautiful meadow. That was where it stayed until he felt the light of day touching his pelt from inside of the cave.

Armonia drifted off to sleep in the back of the cave, her flames dying down to a dull light as her heartbeat slowed and her breathing was gentle and soft. Sounds from outside intermingled with the visions in her dreams until finally the picture of a beautiful young filly flashed before her eyes. Her little Haruko, the pride of her children. A silent tear formed on Armonia's face while she dreamed of her daughter. Wishing that Haruko was with her despite the hate she felt rippling off of her, Armonia was clueless to the beautiful Ponyta just outside of the cave.


Feeling the sunlight cascade onto his pelt from the cave entrance, Yoru's soft crimson eyes flicked open revealing the others to still be asleep inside of the cave. A soft feeling echoed through him and he remembered Seda the night before. Smiling, Yoru nuzzled the small Meowth still wrapped in his arms and licked her face gently. "Seda wake up. The sun came by to greet you." His playful tone was only increased by the goofy smile upon his face and the way that his rings glowed faintly in the sunlight. With Scarlet still in the back of his mind, he decided to not let the pain affect him any longer.

Shaking her head, Armonia heard Yoru's voice and smiled when she saw the sight of him with Seda safely in his arms. Standing, she stretched her equine body, deciding she was getting too old for all of this mess, and padded out of the cave to feel the sunlight on her pelt. That was when she saw her, Haruko. Shock engulfed her and she could only stand and stare, with tears forming in her eyes, at her beautiful daughter. Praying she still didn't hate her, Armonia's voice called out to Haruko tentatively. "H-Haruko?"