The SHADOW Team

Definitely different from the usual. Jeanne ponders why she feels different. Her sudden thoughts about children, and whats with her concerning herself with Harley? Then that bug appeared, she honestly didn't know what to do with him. Speaking of Harley and Luzine, the Simisear picked up the card, and suddenly patting her on the back...? "Alright~ Food sounds good, too." Was this bastard asking for a fight even when he's handicapped? Luzine -- somewhat -- kicked himself into the conversation,"Food is actually a great idea. I can help out on that." Jeanne rose a curious brow at him, the prissy bug is really offering to help? That was surprising. Harley limped over to the door, stuffing the card into the slot as he the door fwooshed open. The Sandslash promptly waddling towards it, she was much more awkward than usual as well. What's with her?!

Nonetheless, the Fire-type motioned the Ground-type to go ahead, Jeanne wanting to bring up the funny topic of; 'Shouldn't it be ladies first?' Strangely enough, she didn't say a single word. She used to consider Harley as a pedophile (though they're actually around the same age) and even considered him a lady for his openness on his emotions. Curious, quite curious, was this Sandslash going through the rebellious age? Oddly different from the usual, how is it that Harley had not pointed it out?... She pondered about where she changed as she walked through the doors. Was it when she met Harley?... Impossible. Just impossible. The bastard was hiding behind a tree. A motherfucking tree.

The area was no different, the Sandslash is making the assumption everywhere would look the same. But there were three different roads leading to someplace else. Jeanne shrugged off the possibility of splitting up, to split up after... killing the kid? Being lonely won't be an option here. She took the hallway on the right, chills going up her spine as she stole a glance at the area once they went around the corner. There was another door, but the glass was broken, making it easy access to get to the other side. "Watch out for the glass." She mumbled, though she just simply hopped over it. On the right was another elevator... Nope, not going there, and on the left were a couple of lockers. Right in front of them sat several sofas. Well this could make a great camp for the time being. If there were undead, Jeanne could hear them approach if they were stupid enough to step on the glass.

"I guess we can spend here for the night..." The Mouse Pokemon said her thoughts aloud, she scanned the area, her chin resting upon her claws in thought. "Though I wonder if we can get back up on surface," She commented, "If the elevator works after that mess, it'll be a miracle..."

Harley walked in after Jeanne did, following behind her as she led the way. She was acting... different. Like, she changed somehow. He could sense it. Either in attitude or just the surrounding but she changed. Maybe he just started noticing it. He saw her turn the corner and hop around the broken door.

"Watch out for the glass."

Harley walked over it without a problem, and they continued to walk. When they got to a room with a few sofas, Jeanne stopped.

"I guess we can spend here for the night... Though I wonder if we can get back up on surface. If the elevator works after that mess, it'll be a miracle..."

"Indeed." Luzine put his input, then fluttered up to a couch to sit on the non-cushion part. Harley hobbled over, now truly able to rest. And this was when he realized how much pain he was really in. "Ah.... A broken arm and leg aren't good things to have in this Arceus damned world." Luzine simply looked to him. "You should rest while you can." Was it just Harley, or was Luzine starting to macho up? (What was going on with the sudden character development?) Harley looked up to Luzine who looked forward and at the end of the room where they came from. His face looked oddly calm....


"Get a hold of yourself. Maybe if you change you can actually have something nice in life." Luzine argued in his head. All he honestly wanted was a normal life. But he kept up the fake act for so long. It was time for him to get real about things. He wasn't a Contest Master or a Pokemon Model, he was now just 'Luzine the Mothim'. He had to get out of this fantasy world he was in. He leaped over the glass of the broken door behind Harley. He could be graceful but actually man up, right? Not be a priss and deal like he was inside.... But he was too scared to show his true self to others that it just scared him to no end. No.... He would be secluded and silent, but no more complaining.

"I guess we can spend here for the night... Though I wonder if we can get back up on surface. If the elevator works after that mess, it'll be a miracle..."

"Indeed." he simply said, flying up to the couch to sit on the arm of it. He watched Harley feebly walk up, then sit down and avoiding his broken limbs.
"Ah.... A broken arm and leg aren't good things to have in this Arceus damned world." Luzine looked at him. He did seem pretty tired now that he realized how exhausted he was. Adrenaline does that to you, he supposed. "You should rest while you can." he simply put again. He didn't really feel in the cheerful or helpful mood, so he sat around. He looked to the door where they just came from. "... Why did life before have to end? Living in a fantasy world is so much better than dealing with your problems...."

"Indeed." Luzine said, plopping himself on the couch (strangely, the non-cushion part) upon his input. It was strange that his prissy attitude magically disappeared, Jeanne honestly thought he would start hitting on her or something. "Ah.... A broken arm and leg aren't good things to have in this Arceus damned world." Jeanne blinked, padding over to the lockers which were wide open, thank Arceus humans had taken only some of the supplies. She glanced over at the Bug and the Fire-type, somewhat wondering what's with the sudden friendship, "You should rest while you can." The Mothim said, looking up to Harley... Something was definitely up in his mind, but the Sandslash shall not question his sudden motives to be nice.

"I'm no doctor," Jeanne began, turning to them, "But some medical supplies are in here. Luzine you take this and tend Harley alright?" The Sandslash narrowed her eyes back to the hallway where they came from, gulping, "I'm going to put the kid somewhere else, and I'll explore a bit more to check up for food. If I need help, I'll call." With that said and in mind, she hopped over the glass pieces once more, the same chills going up her spine as she cross the hallway and around the corner. The surroundings were the same as ever, chipped walls, wires hanging everywhere, rubble in the corner of most of the rooms... The apocalypse definitely affected the humans. Jeanne expected them to hide in one area, make a little town.

Nonetheless, she made it back to the room they came from, seeing the elevator doors wide open. As she stumbled over to the elevator, she only saw a pool of blood from the kid... But no body. Her eyes widened, was that kid still alive? She was sure as hell she scratched him on the neck deep enough for him to bleed to death. The Sandslash didn't see any blood trail marks, but there were drops of blood leading into the hallway on the left... Someone was carrying the kid away? Jeanne wasn't sure whether she should check or not, it was a scary thought honestly. Was it the kid's mother? Sibling? She didn't want to bother going down that trail...

But she said she would explore a bit more for food, either way, she would have to take the hallway anyways. She won't drag Harley or Luzine in this business. Jeanne will take responsibility, she's the one that killed the kid, she's the one that has to face this. With a forced gulp, she went on her guard as she went through the hallway on the left. Tension seemed high, and the air seemed heavy. It's as if someone was watching her with sheer anger. It frightened the Ground-type, but she went through the hallway as if nothing was going on. As she went around the corner, her eyes were wide with terror.

It was before her there was the mother of the child, eating her child's flesh. Blood covered the room, wires that hung look more like they were ripped out, the walls looked as if someone had severe anger issues and punched it till it looked ruined enough. The sound of flesh getting eaten, tearing the bloody insides out. The Sandslash backed away, only to accidentally kick a pebble in the process. The mother whirled around, only one of her crimson-red eyes was still intact, while the other hung limply off the side of her face. Her teeth was bared, bloodied, even some meat can be found between its crevices. The mother roared loud enough for possibly Luzine and Harley to hear, Jeanne ran for it as the Kanga chased after her. Whether the reason was for the kid or hungry for flesh, either way, the Mouse Pokemon would be screwed over.

"I'm no doctor, but some medical supplies are in here. Luzine you take this and tend Harley alright? I'm going to put the kid somewhere else, and I'll explore a bit more to check up for food. If I need help, I'll call."

"B--Bu...." Harley went to start, but Luzine cut him off. "Let her go. You're overly protective." he muttered the last thing. Harley watched her leave, not really noticing that Luzine had picked up the medical kit and was about ready to bandage up his arms. When she had left their sight, he looked to Luzine. He was actually surprisingly good with bandages. He took a tick metal pole about half the length of Harley's arm and put it against his arm, took another one he had found and wrapped them in the medical gauze. The gauze was black, it nicely complimented his already equipped gear. His left glove had to be taken off so the glove wouldn't irritate more than the gauze. Then Luzine started on his leg. Harley looked to where Jeanne had run off. He swore, the moment there was trouble, being fixed up or not.... He saw Luzine put more of those thick wires on his leg an wrapping them, making his leg actually very fixated in place. They would be like the casing if he had a cast. But wait a moment, how did Luzine get so good at this kind of splinting stuff?
"Luzine, where did you learn to do this medical stuff so well?" Harley asked as Luzine finished up the bandaging. Luzine looked up to him. "Oh.... I just made logical guesses as what to put together." Harley didn't trust the look in his eye when he said that, thinking he was hiding something. He shrugged it off, looking back to the hallway. Suddenly, an ear piercing cry sounded through the building. Jeanne was in trouble. "Oh fuck." Harley quickly grabbed his crutch, flinging himself forward on his good foot. He leaped over the door, flying into the hallway to see Jeanne turn the corner and a huge Kangaskhan flying after her. Oh boy, here comes momma. He quickly threw out a hand, releasing a huge Flame Burst right at the Kangaskhan chasing after Jeanne. Before it hit, suddenly the room flashed with a bright orange, like the sun had just entered the room. The metal suddenly burned hotter as the power of Sunny Day hit the hallway in front of him, making Harley's Flame Burst suddenly flash into a bigger side, colliding with the Kangaskhan's face, melting part of its face from the sheer heat. It screamed, more blind than it was before. Harley looked over to his side, seeing Luzine's glow start to fade. He had used Sunny Day. (Atleasthewasusefulforsomething.) Harley had little time to react as he suddenly took to the air, flying right for the Kangaskhan. Harley didn't stop him, but looked to Jeanne. Luzine had used the attack behind Jeanne, so she hadn't got burned from the heat of the room. "Are you ok Jeanne?" he said over the roaring of the Kangaskhan.


Luzine nodded to Jeanne after her statement. Luzine walked over to Harley to inspect his injuries. Yep, pretty good wounds he got here. Fractured leg and arm. "B--Bu...." Luzine didn't blink. "Let her go. You're overly protective." he muttered the last part. Seriously the monkey needed to chill. He knew he loved her but he needed to stop clinging to her side all the time. Harley seemed to stop talking after that, watching the bug wrap up his wounds. Luzine felt kinda weirded out as Harley stared at him. He knew he was interested, but jeez. He finished up his arm, making sure the poles would stay under the bandaging correctly. He then moved on to Harley's leg, which was worse than his arm. Luzine mentally hissed at the bleeding and the bone sticking out. How did he manage to not complain through this injury. One hell of a pain threshold or adrenaline. He put the alcohol on the wound, washing it clean of dirt, then started to bandage it up. It was surprising that Harley barely even complained. When he finished with the wrapping of his leg, Harley spoke up.
"Luzine, where did you learn to do this medical stuff so well?" Luzine kinda stopped in his tracks. He didn't think he would tell him this. Just yet. "Oh.... I just made logical guesses as what to put together." He looked up to Harley, then back down. He tried to keep the memories from flooding his mind again.
The streets of Nimbasa were not a very friendly place at night, right at the beginning of the infection. The nights after his competitions, when Luzine would assassinate other pokemon just to compensate for his own losses, his trainer would suffer. Luzine slinked out from the corner of the alleyway, seeing his trainer laying in the puddles and the dirt. Luzine couldn't hide the look of regret as he walked up to him. "J... Jared...." His trainer didn't understand him, but nodded to him through half shut eyes. Luzine flew back to their apartment grabbing the medical supplies and flying back in the blink of an eye. He set to work, pulling the metal wires out of the buildings and wrapping up his trainer enough to get him to hobble home on a broken leg. Of course, a hospital couldn't be a choice. Any chance of them finding out the illegal business that they had, even in the better path, was not the path to be taken. No one could find out.
Luzine flashed back by the sound of an Aggron cry. Harley flew over his head and ran into the hall. Luzine was surprised that he had been able to do that, but quietly chased after him. When he slid into the hallway, he had to think quick. Why attack when you can power up the attack already given? Suddenly, Luzine became hotter than a burning coal, throwing sunlight into the hall as the metal of the walls began to warp. The Flame Burst Harley threw suddenly exploded with tremendous force as it hit the Kangaskhan's face, making it scream in pain as its face started to melt, even. Now was his chance. Knowing Jeanne was safe for the moment, he took flight and rushed at the Kangaskhan, ready to use Acrobatics to smash it into the wall.

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(OoC: Ghad dayum long post is long. lol)

It was sudden how a ball of flame hit the Kangaskhan's face right on the side. A bright warmth coming from the other side of the room. The Sandslash stared awestruck as it was the team of idiots, the Mothim using Sunny Day whereas the Fire-type throwing Flame Bursts at the Undead. The impact was strong enough to make it stumble, the side of its face now burnt off as roared at Luzine and Harley, "Are you ok Jeanne?" The Simisear asked, Jeanne didn't respond feeling pools form in her eyes as she ran towards the stupid monkey. "You idiot!" The Mouse Pokemon sobbed, "I said for you to come when I call!" Though the words seem harsh, she seemed more thankful that they came.

She wiped the tears away quickly, turning back to see the Mothim flying right at the Undead. Determination began to seep through Jeanne, the Sandslash not wanting to depend on others anymore. With that in mind, she took a deep breath, racing straight towards the Kangaskhan with her claws ready. She leaped forward, flinging her sharp claws a the belly of the Undead, watching it quickly regain its momentum despite the deep claw marks made within the belly. The Sandslash didn't react quickly enough, however, the Kanga retaliated with a Dizzy Punch. The attack hit her hard as she was thrown off to the other side of the room, the walls being her cushion as she slid down to the floor.

Things raced across her mind upon impact, was this what they mean upon getting confused? Memories flowed through her like a rushing river, her falling off the stairs, when she asked Jacques what were other colors besides red. The flowers in Floaroma, they were forever stained red with blood. Jeanne never knew at the time why they were always red, but she remembered that day where she stumbled upon a single white flower. Yes, she remembered what the color was called now; white. It was also the day she met Harley, reunited with Sabi... Everything was going by so fast. Yet Sist- no... Jeanne was left behind in the mist of it. How did this happen? Wasn't she walking side-by-side with Sabi and Jacques? Why isn't it that when she tripped, they didn't wait for her? They continued to move forward, just like time. Why didn't they wait for her?

WHY?

What's with her defending Harley too? That stupid fire-monkey that couldn't even take care of himself? Broke his leg and arm like an idiot? Got them swooped up by a bird and into the middle of the desert? Wasn't it his fault that Sabi and Jacques left her? Wasn't it his fault that she had stumbled and was forever stuck in time?... No, he stayed with her. Ever since they met, they were stuck together. It could be coincidence, or just sheer luck. Even during the fire when Jeanne was out of her mind, he had stayed. Even when Jeanne had rejected him whole-heartedly, he had stayed. What's with the sudden brew of emotions?

Stop it, stop it, stop it!...
She didn't want to be left behind...

It didn't strike her that she was still in some human lab. It didn't strike her that an Undead was right in front of them. It didn't strike her that after the Dizzy Punch, she kept mumbling to herself everything. She wasn't mad, she was confused. What's going on with her? Why is she like this?

Where are the answers?

"You idiot! I said for you to come when I call!"

The fire monkey stopped in his tracks. He saw tears fly from her eyes as she yelled at him. Time stopped for a moment as his heart jumped. She was afraid to depend on others, that was for sure. And no matter how much she hated it, she needed some help from the two of them. He watched Jeanne fly into battle along with Luzine. Harley, being the injured idiot that he was, couldn't physically fight even when three of his four moves were physical attacks. "Damn it, Harley, why do you get yourself hurt even when you don't try to. Just like before." He suddenly stopped firing his Flame Bursts. Just like before.... He hadn't gotten stronger at all.... He got himself injured back when he was with James, and this time there was no hospital to save his ass. He slightly bowed his head, but then realization struck him. Since he met Jeanne he got a hell of a lot more bold then he was before. He realized that all his fights weren't submissive beatings. He actually stood up for himself and fought. And she drove all of that.... All of his friends did, but her most of all.... She got hit, and knocked back onto the wall. Harley turned, stopping his attack. Luzine could deal with it for now. "Jeanne!!" he yelled, turning and running with a limp, not caring if his leg was hurting. He came up to her, her eyes were rolling, confused but nearly knocked silly. His face went into a saddened expression. "Jeanne? Are you ok??" he shook shoulders her a bit, but gently.


Luzine snorted at Jeanne's comment. Like they were going to leave her behind for Undead bait. Luzine smashed the Undead on her head with his foot, using Acrobatics right on the ugly bitch's face. It roared, then screamed as Jeanne ripped a hole in it stomach. That angered it, as it Dizzy Punched Jeanne into the wall. Luzine growled, suddenly throwing a Silver Wind into the room, the dust hitting the Kangaskhan and hurting it. The Mothim looked back to see Harley attend to Jeanne, who had been hit. That means he had to work double time. He did another attack, attacking the Kangaskhan right to it's stomach as it roared in pain.

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(OoC: One in the morning posts. lol. No me gusta.)

Her head felt fuzzy, but her nerves were still working. Something grabbed her by the shoulders, the Sandslash attempted to focus on who it was. Something red... Harley. Wait, why was the first thing that came to mind was Harley? It could be Jacques's eyes, yes... "Jeanne!!" The Simisear's voice echoed, no it was just a simple illusion, nothing else. She'll wake up in her sea of blood-stained flowers, where Jacques is, where Sabi is, even that cursed Windmill... "Jeanne? Are you ok??" Stop it, stop it, stop it. Stop coming into her mind! "G-go away!" The Mouse Pokemon said, pushing away Harley, she sounded oddly like a child, much more childish than when Harley and her met. Everything was an illusion, this wasn't her future, hell, there was no such thing as Undead.

Jeanne did not kill a child. Jeanne did not get dropped in the middle of nowhere away from her brother. Jeanne did not meet a Simisear. Jeanne did not get attacked by some dead Pokemon that rose from its grave. Jeanne was truthfully resting wistfully with Sabi and Jacques in their little hide-out. Their own little paradise. None of this shouldn't have happened. Jeanne shouldn't have smiled. She shouldn't re-learn 'emotions'... "Y-you're just an illusion!" She mumbled loudly, hiccuping through her sobs.

Fuzzy, everything was fuzzy. "None of this is real!" She wailed, she started covering her face, going into a fetal position, "S-stupid monkey for making me smile!" She closed it off. She never wanted to smile, not after that incident. When she smiles, bad things happen. When she smiled, Sabi got hurt. When she smiled, Jacque got hurt. When she smiled, Harley and Luzine got hurt. When she smiled, Jeanne, herself, got hurt.

She began smacking Harley, just how a 2-year-old child would throw a rage fit, "I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" All said between her hiccups, the hatred seemed meaningful despite her being confused. Her head still hurts, she needed to vent her anger, she needed it out, this feeling weighing in her chest, "I hate you for making me feel like this!" Harley, Harley, Harley, what was Jeanne going to do with him? That stupid-ass monkey that can't take care of himself for shit? That feminine pedophile that sucks at hiding his emotions?

"I hate you for making me like you..." Jeanne mumbled through her tears. She began to hiccup wildly, her eyes began to feel sore, even though she was still crying.

But her head wasn't fuzzy anymore.

Harley barely flinched as he was hit away. He stumbled back a few feet.

"G-go away!"

Harley looked at Jeanne as she suddenly curled into a ball of sobbing and choking. Harley was about to move forward to comfort her, but she started again.

"Y-you're just an illusion!"

"Jeanne...." Harley said quietly as he slowly scooted closer to her, as movement like walking hurt him, "It'll--"

"None of this is real!"

Harley jumped at the sudden outburst of emotion. She was falling apart.

"S-stupid monkey for making me smile!"

Harley just froze as he felt completely helpless. He didn't know how to make her feel better about this. He just came a bit closer, the thundering in the back of the room getting worse. He wasn't even focused on the battle though.

"I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!"

Harley winced. He didn't like to see her like this. She was really unstable. He was sitting in front of her now, trying to outreach a hand to her.

"I hate you for making me feel like this! I hate you for making me like you..."

Harley's cheeks must have turned a slight pink. Wait, she actually liked him? Well.... He did see her kindness showing a bit earlier but he thought that was because she was becoming more friendly and out of her shell. Now she's just breaking out of it and realizing their situation. Harley then took a chance, wrapping an arm around her even if she clearly pushed him away earlier. He held onto her, keeping his grip even if she decided to flail away from him.
"It'll be ok Jeanne.... We'll get through this ok, ok?" The roars in the back of the room suddenly died off with a loud bang. Harley didn't look to the fight, but he knew the Kangaskhan had been killed. He heard Luzine's tired, panting voice.
"Are you two alright?" Harley simply nodded his head to acknowledge him.


Luzine continued to kick the Kangaskhans face into the wall. But then again, since when did he ever really remember fighting? He grunted, slamming his foot into the Kangaskhans bloody face again. It roared, swiping at him. He had to keep it held off or the other two pokemon were going to die. And he would not let that happen to his new friends (but then again, BAD TIME FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, GUYS.) Friends.... The word was so unused by him. He never actually had friends before, though. Not after Jared. He yelled again, using his Acrobatics attack to fling himself forward through the air and slamming his legs and arms against the Kangaskhan. Suddenly, it flew back, its skull so badly damaged that it literally cracked. It roared loudly in pain, slamming the ground with its foot. Luzine knew this was his chance. He flew back again, then zoomed forward again, slamming his foot right into the Kangakhan's head and cracking its skull further. A sick squish was heard as the piece of skull dug into the brain of the huge dino, making it spasm. One more hit would do it. He slammed his buggy arm into the face of creature as he heard, he guessed it was, Jeanne yell something loud. On the impact, its skull broke completely and its brains spilled onto the ground. It fell down against the wall, weakly groaning. Luzine glared at it as it finally died. Luzine snorted and walked away. "I thought I would never have to kill again...." he shook his head, seeing the other two pokemon who were holding onto each other. At this rate he didn't even care. He was tired. He looked to them both. "Are you two alright?" Harley simply nodded at him. They seemed to both be having a bit of trouble.

Right in front of Arceus-damned face was that stupid monkey somehow gripping onto her claws and face leveled, "It'll be ok Jeanne.... We'll get through this ok, ok?" Luzine followed up with a question asking if they're alright, the Mouse Pokemon staring at them all oddly, where's the Undead? Did they take care of it? Did Jeanne get bitten? She looked at herself, finding no scratches, nor bites. Irritation began to seep through her as Harley had made her worry about herself for no fucking reason! Jeanne slapped Harley right across the face with her wrists to prevent scratching him, a snarl coming across her face, "I'm fine!" She stood up from her spot, one arm gripping on her head, the other arm shooing the fire monkey away. Her head ached, and somehow she's in this situation. What of the Kangaskhan? Her question was immediately answered as she spotted the corpse slumping on the wall. It didn't even look like a Kangaskhan anymore, the Sandslash cringed at the sight.

"Never going to that hallway again!" She huffed as she ready to make way back to their camp, "No food there, even if there was, that Kangaskhan probably poisoned it." As she made her way, questions raced across her mind; what the hell was Harley doing? Why was he telling her everything will be alright? Of course shit is not alright! There's a motherfucking apocalypse, and he's telling her everything will be alright?! Nonetheless, what's with the sudden blank in her memory? She doesn't remember what happened after she hit her head against the wall to the point where she found Harley holding her against her will (Pervert...).

So what happened?

The Sandslash shook her head, she could always ask Luzine. He'd probably knew what happen. Asking Harley himself, there's a high chance he'll make up some wacky situation where Jeanne probably said something weird, haha! As if that would happen. "Anyways, we should rest," She said as she hopped over the glass, "It was late at night when we arrived, mind as well take a break from all that running." She had to admit she had not rested in so long, not since the arrival at that cursed Windmill in Floaroma. The Ground-type paused, falling back next to Luzine as she fell to a whisper, "Also, did something happen while I got hit in the head? I don't remember anything."

Harley flinched as he was smacked away.

"I'm fine!"

Harley was slightly stunned at her sudden aggressiveness. He looked to her as she ranted.

"Never going to that hallway again! No food there, even if there was, that Kangaskhan probably poisoned it."

Harley stood up up, wincing in pain as he tried to use his bad leg and arm. Luzine quickly grabbed his hand, helping him up. Harley nodded in thanks briefly.

"Anyways, we should rest, it was late at night when we arrived, mind as well take a break from all that running. Also, did something happen while I got hit in the head? I don't remember anything."

Luzine looked to her, then to Harley. As sure as hell, he hadn't the slightest idea. Harley looked to her, a bit shocked. Did she forget what she confessed? Maybe she didn't mean it, but was in a fit of horrible confusion. Harley went to speak. "W--Well--" suddenly, Harley was cut off by a roar. A roar of another large pokemon. Luzine quickly flew forward, looking down the hall. Harley was with him as he walked forward. Then, they realized the noise was coming from above they barely had time to look up. Suddenly, there was a huge crash, the sound was ear-shattering as Harley was suddenly pulled back and away by Luzine, the Draco Meteor that had been smashed into the hallway cut off the path completely. Both of them yelled in surprise, now completely cut off from Jeanne.

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(OoC: Leaving post. |D They technically got separated, but it suggests they will come back in the future. They're just separated from the main team: Jeanne. Oh and, I'm really sorry for deactivating them TK.... They just weren't doing it for me anymore.... But they'll come back, I swear. :3)

"W--Well--" Harley was immediately cut off by a sudden roar, shaking the hallway, Jeanne whirled around, the duo immediately going forward. Are they stupid?! What if the Undead was around the cor- Her jaw dropped, the sudden crash from above as a Drago Meteor impacted right above them. Cutting the path off completely, they both screamed, Jeanne racing forward only to look down at the fire fading into the darkness... "W-wait there!" The Sandslash yelled out to the hole, glancing around frantically. No, no, no, no, no... Please no! She raced over to their supposed shelter, yanking the thick rubber covered wires from the ceiling. She didn't want to be alone, no no. Please, not after losing Smile and Sabi! As she raced back, she threw the wire down the hole, holding onto the other half, "Grab on!"

Her words seemed to echoed, she waited there for what seems to feel like forever. Her sapphire blue eyes turning duller and duller as every second passed, there was no response, there was no tug, it was as they were dead. No it can't be... Jeanne bit her lower lip, leaving the wire hanging as she tied the end she was carrying to a heavy boulder, "I-I'll come get you guys!" Every word of reassurance she spoke made heavy stones fall on her chest, she gulped, hoping for it to disappear as the Mouse Pokemon glanced back over to the hole, "Stay put! I'll go find something!" The end was partially croaked out, Jeanne didn't want to be alone. No... Please... Tears began to form in her eyes, she didn't bother to wipe them away. The Ground-type forced herself up, dragging herself along the ground as she turned at the corner. The hallway seemed longer than usual, she didn't even bother to jump over the broken glass.

She was too numb to feel a thing, her tail dragged some pieces of the now bloodied glass as she plopped herself on the cushion. Her lower half now covered in scratches and cuts with glass pieces stuck to it, yet why isn't she feeling pain? Jeanne laid there, staring across the hall. Why didn't they respond to her calls? They couldn't be dead could they? Her eyes widened as she watched the familiar red figure and bug climb out, scratching the back of their heads as they smiled at Jeanne. They were back...? "Sorry we left you hanging!" The Sandslash jerked up, blinking. It was an illusion, there was nothing there in reality. The duo disappeared in a flash. How long has it been? Five minutes or hours? Everything was going by so fast, yet nothing was going on. She shook her head, they'll come back, they'll be back by morning right? At least when she wakes up from this horrid nightmare, it'll turn out they were by her side right? All along, they were by her side, and she was just having a simple nightmare... She forced her eyes to close, darkness accompanying her thoughts. No way, they wouldn't leave her hanging. They had to be there, they have to.

... Jacques and Sabi, they stood there in the middle of the darkness, open arms just for Jeanne. The Sandslash stared at them in awestruck, so they didn't abandon her! They didn't! She wasn't alone! The Ground-type raced over to their side, a small smile forming at the edge of her lips. NO! When she finally created a smile, the duo disappeared, replaced by their bloodied and battered corpses. Jeann- no, Sister, stopped smiling. Sister, yes her original name... She stopped smiling. For a good reason too; so that no one would get hurt. Everyone, they were all dying because she smiled. Sister covered her face, with her claws, holding her head as she curled into a fetal position. Corpses began piling up beside her, everyone she knew, everyone she noticed, everyone she came across. They were all dead. She deserved to be alone.

Sweat covered her as she awoke in a flash, her eyes taking in the light slowly as the same scenery surrounded her; the lab. Yes, the lab. She took in the details, her mind slowly taking in everything that happened; Harley and Jeanne got swooped up by a bird, they landed in the middle of a desert. They met Luzine and got chased into a lab. The lab acted as their home, yet they found morbid things. Jeanne even killed a child, whereas Luzine killed the mother... She paused, her mind was blank between getting hit and until Luzine killed the mother, she shook her head, shaking it off as she continued to organize her thoughts. After killing the mother... Luzine and Harley got thrown into the very lowest floor... Jeanne wanted to cry, yet her eyes were swollen, and dehydration was coming onto her. She never knew how to deal with these things. Jacques always grabbed water and food for her, Jeanne never knew how to do anything herself.

She... never knew how to deal with this. The Sandslash glanced over at her lower half, the even more bloodied glass still covered her. She heaved herself up, carefully stepping across the room and towards the locker. Due to her claws, it was difficult getting it open, time consuming it was despite everything feeling slow enough. Jeanne finally got it to open, the first-aid kit laid there looking recently fiddled with... Harley used this right? She could see the idiotic monkey's finger prints on the locker, the rest covered in dust. Jeanne didn't smile at all, though the thought of Harley usually made her want to stab him, now she just wished she could see him. She shouldn't depend on company too much anymore...

Jeanne didn't heave a sigh, nor did she roll her eyes, she just simply opened up the first-aid kit, only to find it empty. Just like her. Jeanne showed no emotion as she glanced over at her tail, with a small gulp... She Sandslash gripped the broken glass between her claws, pulling it out quickly. For the first time in a long while, she felt scorching hot pain come over her. The Ground-type winced, the glass was the one stopping the flow of blood, now the blood began to spurt out... One-by-one, she pulled out the fragments of glass, that scorching hot pain continuing over and over. Until she finally pulled out the final piece. She huffed, at this rate, she'll attract several undead... But who cares? Who honestly cares? What's her point in living if everyone she knew and love would end up dead? But she stopped caring, if she began caring, she would be heartbroken. She'll just throw away her feelings, everything will be alright that way right? Everything will be alright. Everything will be alright.

The phrase repeated in her head as she forced herself to walk, jumping over the glass this time. As she landed, the impact practically killed her feet, she flinched upon the pain. Yet... It felt unsurprisingly numb as she continued on. Jeanne paused as she stared at the hole Luzine and Harley disappeared to... They still never came. She turned her head back to the direction of her supposed destination, away from the hole. She ventured on, but hesitated as she stopped abruptly a couple of feet away from the hole. Slowly did she raise her arm, waving it, "Bye, bye." She turned the corners, and threw herself in the elevator. No Undead dare came out of their places as she pushed the buttons in, the elevator doors closing in. It shook as it jerked to life, the lights flickered on and off as thoughts slowly danced across her mind...

Jeanne is not Jeanne. She's Sister again, she isn't an adult, she didn't know how to deal with this. Adults should know how to deal with everything. She's just a child, a child... Just a child. She's Sister. The Sister of Smile and Rust, the Sister of Jacques and Sabi. She belonged to him, and to Sabi...

There was no motherfucking elevator music, there was no ding as it paused to the ground floor. Jeanne absentmindedly watched the doors open, the dusty wind greeting her as she stepped out. The doors to the outside of the lab were wide open, the Aggron that used to be there at the fence rampaging now stood empty. How long as it been? How long has she fell into her slumber? Though she wished everything was a dream, everything turned out to be reality. Oh, how lonely she is! If everything was going to turn out like this, why did she even bother to smile in the first place? Hell, why is she in this world? What's her purpose in life? Was there even a life for her? Did she take it away? Oh no no no, she can't be too greedy!

Or could she? Jeanne padded forward, not taking a look at the lab as she felt the dusty wind grow stronger as she ventured outside. Her home. The desert was empty, just like her. The desert was a mess, just like her. The desert is something no one should get lost in. The Sandslash shall embrace this fact. No one should be around her, she shouldn't need to smile, if people around her smile, then it's a good omen. Yes, it's a good omen. She closed her eyes, taking in the 'fresh' air. If this was how things would turn out, she should live that life she selfishly took to its fullest. What belonged to another, she will take, but it will be for the good of others. If it's for the good of others, it wouldn't hurt the person she took from right? Her bloodied lower half, this is the price she had to pay for it.

Why are you crying?

Her organized thoughts from earlier turned into a jumbled mess in a matter of seconds. She paid the price, her lower half, Harley, Luzine, Sabi, Smile... Smile. Her only thoughts focused on the na- no... word smile. It's a curse for her, yet for others it's goodluck. Maybe because Jeanne smiled that the world was thrown into this chaos? She gazed up at the sky, the afternoon sky high and bright. Nothing has changed, yet there's Undead roaming about. Undead... Maybe they're the new generation. Maybe... But if she made everyone smile, things would be be better right?

I'll make you feel better!

Yes, she'll make everyone smile. They'll all be happy, and smile, even if it's for someone else, if they smile, she'll feel like she's the reason they smiled. The cursed one, the one that made everyone smile. She won't be known as the adult Jeanne anymore, nor the childish Sister. The Ground-type threw her head up in the air, a maniacal laugh breaking the silence in the desert. Yes, yes! Sh'll be the one known as Smile. She'll make everyone smile, she'll be the hero, she won't be alone! Jacques and Sabi will be proud of her, so will Harley and Luzine! Even though she switched out their lives for her selfishness, she'll make this worth it! She'll make everyone SMILE. The Sandslash had her goal, Smile will bring peace, she won't be a burden, she'll support everyone~! With the goal in mind, Smile raced under the fence, and away from the lab, her eyes focused on finding anyone that could use a Smile.

So Smile for me!

[Ooc: Annabelle is gonna take Jeanne's place, whereas Jeanne is just going to turn Undead because fuck everything she's insane enough]

The mighty huntress stalks her prey…
It wasn’t even looking in her direction. Silly little prey to let its guard down in the presence of a predator and now it was going to pay…
Cream pawed feet with their soft pale pink pads made no sound on the cold stone floors as she kept her lithe body slunk low to the ground. Her short red-lined ears twitched as they picked up the tiniest of sounds.
The elongated metal claw of her right paw gleamed dully as the Quilava stalked closer and closer to her unsuspecting target.
Her Pecha berry pink tongue swipes over a razor sharp canine tooth as her silver eyes fixed mercilessly on her target.
To any other predator it would be out of reach but she was not any other predator.
She was a Ninja.
She was the Dark.
The long twist of red fabric flew out behind her like a tail as she dropped to her haunches and darted straight towards her target. It couldn’t even move before the Quilava landed on it, batting it back and forth the floor with her paws, teasingly scraping her fangs across the frail skin before tossing it up with one graceful twist of her head and rolling over on her back with a purr to batter at it some more before she finally pins it between her forepaws and digs her teeth into it.
The huntress takes her prey close between her powerful jaws and carries it away into the deepest darkest recesses of the room and there she curls her lithe body around and tears off a great juicy chunk of dripping flesh, still with skin attached, and swallows it down with relish.
The berry’s juices trickle down the Quilava’s cream furred chin as she happily eats.
Her scarf that normally covers her face hangs loose around her neck, its soft light fabric as much comfort to her as a human child’s security blanket.
The river had swept her far from her home and although she had tried to follow it faithfully natural blockades of stone and fallen trees had forced her to take detours then further detours around detours.
It was one of those detours that first led her into this dank depressing place.
She was a young Quilava and raised in the mountains; she had no idea of the terrifying history of this place or of the sinister purposes the dust covered lab equipment had been put to. She had no name for most of the things she had seen, her human trainer had lived in the mountains like she had. It had been a simple life.
The Quilava pulls her scarf tight back over her face to suppress the desire to burst into tears. Crying wouldn’t help her get back to her human.
The mighty huntress wanders back out of the small broken paned greenhouse with its few wildly twisting berry trees, her scarf billowing majestically behind her.
When her silver eyes catch sight of another figure too wandering the laboratories she instinctively melts back into the shadows, her blue-green fur a perfect camouflage.
Thief taps her Quick Claw against the stone as she draws back into a defensive position.
Who is this? She thinks as she watches, keeping her back flame low to avoid detection.

It was hot and dry. That was all that Lady Annabelle could think of as the sun blazed overhead in the horizon. The day was still young, yet in this wasteland, the day seemed to have lasted longer than it should have been with the heat. The Tropius winced against the whipping sand up her face, her leafy wings rustling against the wind. The perks about being a Grass-type; she didn't have to worry about feeding herself. Just through photosynthesis -- water and sunlight -- she could produce her own fruit [which strangely grows out from her neck]. The downside? Without water she's just another parched soul.

But the weird thing is -- her wings are rather different from others. Annabelle was perfectly aware of how unique her wings were, though she honestly hates pointing it out; she can't avoid the truth. Nonetheless, she liked her wings. The edges were sprinkled with an autumn color, and she definitely loved Autumn. The crisp morning air, the sound of crunching leaves. If only those wonderful days were to return. She glanced up at the sky. At least that didn't change. The sky that was so vast, compared to the Epidemic, the sky was not stained with crimson red. It stayed blue, a calm blue. Maybe it's a sign? Though the Tropius never believed in superstitions, it was nice to have some hope every once in a while.

She paused. She was too deep in her thoughts, she should really look at where she's going! Though she was in the middle of nowhere, honestly not having to worry about bumping into something; the Fruit Pokemon figured she might be walking in circles... Looking in front of her, she gaped, her mind going blank as she stared at the abandoned building that stood ten feet away from her. It was surrounded by a steel fence, scarred with several scratches from possible robbers. Below the fence was a deep indent that led to the inside of the fence. The indent was about the size of an average Sandslash She snorted, is this one of those labs? If so, there must be some sort of research concerning the Epidemic going on right? Lady Annabelle wouldn't be able to get underneath the fence to reach the otherside, the dent was far too small for her fitting. But the perks of being a Flying-type and to have wings; she could fly over. Flapping her leafy wings, she flew over the fence, dropping herself as she reached the ground of the other side of the fence. What poor security!

The Fruit Pokemon felt triumph for a brief second, her heart slowly dropping as the realization of a possible Undead lurking about making her cautious. Carefully she poked her head into the lab, the doors were boarded up, but have been recently broken down. Anxiety chewed up her insides as she gulped, "Hello is anyone here?" She asked, though she didn't sound scared. She was very scared on the inside. In the back of Annabelle's mind, she wondered whether books were around here or not, anything for her to read that could help her escape this world. She shook her head, no! She must find a cure for this Epidemic! The faster she finds it, the faster she can reunite with her team!

Annabelle glanced around, no one was watching her. She expected crimson red eyes staring right back at her from the shadows, but strangely enough everything seemed silent and abandoned. And by abandoned, she meant recently abandoned. It was obvious someone was here no less than five minutes ago. The Tropius pushed the thought away, if they abandoned it, they abandoned it. They won't come back... right? The Grass/Flying dual-type carefully entered the lab, which had rubble scattered across the floor, wires hanging from the ceiling and ahead laid a door; an elevator. Someone already punched a card in that allowed access to it, Annabelle should be thankful then since she didn't even have opposable thumbs to hold onto the card. "Research papers, research papers..." She mumbled to herself. She honestly needed a reminder.

Arceus...


He had been on Olivine Beach, just enjoying the waves with his girlfriend. Then those birds... Blackening the sky. He didn't know what they did to him and Jinx, but they had been separated because of it. Honestly, he had enjoyed the feel of the sand on the beach, but this... This... Desert, fucking, everywhere. He could barely walk in this stuff, let alone run! He didn't belong in the middle of a desert, with no companions. He'd die out here alone.

However, after what seemed like weeks of searching, he finally noticed something in the distance. A silvery building catching the light of the sun. At last... he thought. Moving at as fast a trot as he could manage, he clip-clopped to the round dome. When he saw the gate, the first thing he noticed was the hole underneath it. He was trained to look for get-away routes and chase enhancers, of course. Ducking his body as low as he could, he squeezed underneath with a single push, pulling himself through with his front legs. Continuing inside, he blessed Arceus for the shade. It was hot in that desert, even for a fire type like him. It was then that he realized he was not alone on the inside, however. He could see her from the doorway, a large Tropius with faded wings. "Hello there?" He called, careful to keep his positioning so he could run if need be. He knew how fast these beasts could be.

((asdfghjk Didn't realize it was my turn already))

Her fur stiffining the mighty huntress slinks further back into the shadows, her bright crimson eyes the only spots of color on her as her deep murky green fur blended smoothly into the darkness.
She drew her scarf around her, unknowable, mysterious and watched the scene unfolding in front of her with greedy eyes.
She rubs the sharp metal edge of the Quick Claw with her other paw. The tiny long healed wound where her flesh had actually grown into the metal upon her evolution hurt a little still but the small pain was actually a comfort to her and she couldn't help playing with it like a gap where a tooth had been.

As a hiding place this human building was far from secure as she had found out by watching the first pokemon. It wasn't one she recognized at all. It was big and smelt like strange plant things and she could swear it was keeping a fragrant string of fruits around its neck.
Theif was glad she had managed to hunt down that berry or no doubt the rumbling of her stomach would have given away her location in a heartbeat.
That fruit smelt good.
It called out in a strong clear voice and Theif privately rolled her eyes.
Her muteness had muzzled her permenantly for such a long time that she couldn't have been able to reply to that even if she wanted to, not that she would be stupid enough to give away her position until she knew a bit more about this new visitor.
Her Quick Claw tapped silently on the ground, a small shine running along the metallic surface as she silently stalked along behind the large grassy dragon thing.
What on earth are 'research papers'? She thinks to herself.

With a quick and heavy sigh, she clumsily walked into the lab. The place was dusty enough, she was thankful that she didn't sneeze yet [otherwise she would have given away her place if Undead were around!], however... She glanced around, this place was a mess. Scientists must have definitely rushed out of the place when the Epidemic broke out. Her eyes scanned the area, shelves of the familiar binding of books had caught her attention. They were rather thick, filled with data from experiments or research of other things. Most of the books had no titles [other then; 'Shadow Lab Research I', 'Shadow Lab Research II'. Annabelle had no clue why the word Shadow was in there - it meant darkness, but why a dark lab? Were they planning on making one?], but it was all obvious they had been untouched for years. The latest possibly being a decade. Lady Annabelle would have to go through a lot of text just to find the information she's looking for... Her eyes were always caught by the 'E's. But most of them were titled with words she was unfamiliar with, or Eggnog, another was Eggplant. Why were they studying an eggplant? She shook that off, scientists have research about everything don't they?

Before long, a voice responded to her earlier question; the one she had asked when she entered this room not-so long ago, "Hello there?" The Tropius paused, tearing her gaze off of the books, her honey-colored eyes were restless until they laid upon a fiery horse that stood at the door. Flabbergasted, the Grass/Flying Dual-type stumbled backwards, taking a good look at the Ponyta; taller than the average, a small flame flickered on his head while a bright yellow lightning-bolt shape necklace hung from his neck. Odd Equine the young fellow is, but he already gave off the aura he would be a feisty one. She blinked as she shifted her gaze off to the side, he seemed rather friendly, there were no obvious wound marks, and there was no scent of death and decay, nor was he an illusion! He was a living Pokemon, the first one in so long. As she glanced back at the Fire Horse, she gave a smile, small, but genuine, "Hello there," She began softly, "I'm not one of those things, I'm Annabelle and..." By those she meant the undead. She gave a slight pause, glancing around before giving an awkward smile, "Is this your home?"

Now if this place was the Ponyta's home, that's a far different story, she didn't want to look like a thief! No, she was just a person thinking this abandoned lab had research about the Epidemic in hopes of finding a cure and reuniting with her team. How could she dare steal at such a time like this? Everything would be essential for survival, but she wouldn't steal just to have it! Sure, borrow if it's a book, but no way on anything else! She gulped, a misunderstanding would be made if she didn't explain herself, but she still didn't know of this place belonged to the Ponyta! If she said sorry immediately, then that's just her jumping into conclusions... She didn't want to make statement without valid proof of course. This place hasn't been touched for quite some time other then when a Pokemon had abandoned this place not-so long ago. Maybe he was the one that abandoned this place and decided to come back?

As her gaze wondered elsewhere, her eyes attracted to what seems to be a shiny item in the metallic floor behind her. What is it? But she immediately dismissed that, it's her imagination playing tricks again isn't it? If not, then if that item stays there... well at least she's still sane. The Tropius said nothing at it, she'll investigate that once this is overwith, for now she'll just await the response of the equine.

[Ooc: Sorry for posting so late @_____@;; I really would have posted earlier, but I had lots of homework. Also I don't want to give a half-assed post that I wrote during that time D;]

Good... He had managed to find a survivor. "Annabelle is it? You can call me West." He said, looking around. At her question though, he paused, his face quizical. Stomping on the hard metal floor, he let the CLANG reverbate through the room. "Home? Nah, this would be a rather loud place to call home. I'm from Johto, and I'm not quite sure how I got here." Thinking for a moment, he added, "Where is here, exactly?"

It occured to Wally that he probably should have claimed the place for his own. It would have been a good bartering chip for later, if any kind of... situations came up. And there would be more supplies for himself. But no, he wasn't even the first to come across this place. Jinx must be rubbing off on me... he thought, thinking once again of his missing girlfriend. He really did need to find her.

Theif crouched, staying safely in the shadows as she observed silently.
Her breath slowed to the merest whipser, her body was completely still. The long training she had had from her trainer had taught her to become nearly completely invisible.
These two seemed harmless enough to her eyes. There was no hints of disease running across their fur, one was even a fire type like her.
Still she keeps very very still, her flames completely extinguished and her scarf wrapped tight around her body.
This place was strange to her, she did not know anything about it purpose except that from the way the grass type was flustured it had something to do with bits of paper.
The Quilava had never learnt to read although on ocassion she had been permitted to curl up in her trainers lap as he read aloud for her. There must be something important on some of those bits of paper. Despite herself Theif was becoming intrigued.
Instead of the sensible course of action, moving in the opposite direction and snatching some of the remaining berries for the road she keeps an eye on the two.
The tiny seed of hope burns inside her like an ember.
Maybe some of those papers will show me where my trainer went...
Theif lays low, her ear twitching as she shamelessly evesdrops on the conversation.
She winces at the loud CLANG and her body tenses, ready to spring into action should they so much as glance her way.

((OOC: Not much for Theif to do right now))

((SKip, my post relies on TK))

Like a thief in the night the Quilava moves stealthily closer, her red scarf wrapped close around her and concealing her face from view. Curiosity gleams in the pits of her silver eyes, not ill will.
Her time has honed her will, made her especially cautious, but she is also aware that not everyone is out to hurt her. By making the first move she can show she is, at least, trustworthy and she just needed to know what was on those papers.

Her claw shining silver and now finally making an audible sound against the hard floors the Quilava slowly slinks forwards on all fours, her scarf flowing smoothly behind her like a ribbon dancers ribbon. Her back flames ignite a fraction, enough for the burst of hot air to hold the light red cloth aloft as she walks but not enough to look harmful. At the slightest sign of approaching aggression they will spew a thick dark smoke to blind.
Hello there people~!... He tries to say but again the words stick in her throat as soon as she tries to say them.
Giving up in frustration she merely raises herself back up onto her hind paws and carefully scrutinizes the pair before her.
She is not foolish enough to approach closer, even directly revealing herself like this goes against her years of training.

Small hooves sank deep and tore furiously from the ground, rhythmic steps quick in their pace and propelling their owner ever forward. Her legs were shaking from the effort, her lungs were burning from the lack of air, and her heart was pounding so furiously that she felt as though it was going to burst straight out of her chest. The young doe reached a great stone and metal building in the middle of nowhere and was immediately grateful for the place to hide and rest.

Hooves went from rough sand to clacking against stone as she came into the foundation of the property, looking behind briefly to see her pursuer still hot on her trail. Panicked she leapt up a few conveniently stacked crates to a small slope hanging off of the side, finding a small indention in the bottom in which she pressed her body to go flush against the building and hide. From the ground she would have appeared to have vanished, and as she heard the sound of approaching hooves she prayed that it would be enough.

The buck from before had been sent here with the lovely Persephone, and her beauty so enraptured the male that he could not stop himself from having her. Especially in her current form. He chased her all the way across the desert to this abandoned place and now he was busy trying to track down his prize. After having wasted all of that time luring her away from her former home he was not going to lose her to some pathetic attempt at hiding from her fate. Calling to her, taunting her, he bade her to reveal herself, but Persephone just held her breath and prayed that the amorous male would go away.

Unbeknownst to her, the male had very much seen her go up there. He was simply waiting for her to reveal herself and prove her surrender to his dominance. She was so beautiful, even as a Deerling when he pulled her from the depths of hell itself, he couldn't allow anyone else to have her. She had to be his and his alone. Calling to her he slowly made his way around to the side of the building he had seen her go up, placing one hoof on a crate to make noise, a terrible taunt to let the female know he was near her. Jumping up the first crate he called her name one last time, a final warning to reveal herself if she didn't want to be harmed.

Either way, however, he would have her.

He had never been a complainer. Through the long, arduous, solitary years of his life, the strangely mutated hound had taken Fate's dealings in strides, accepting whatever cards the fickle intangible entity deemed to deal him. However, as he trudged through the merciless sandstorm, his feet sinking down with each step, he began to wonder if his streak would be broken. He gently reminded himself that he was out in this Legend-forsaken desert for a very specific purpose: to get his property back.

He paused as a spare scent of spring was wrapped around him for a moment before vanishing, mocking him and his goal. Was it a true fragrance of his mate, or was it simply a mirage he'd been chasing all along? Ever since the strange rift of power that tore him from his beloved cave, he'd only captured whispers, mere traces of Persephone to keep him on the trail long enough to pull him to the next clue. He sniffed again, finding the scent gone in the chaos of the sands around him. Still, the light touch of her presence was enough to keep him on the trail, trudging forward.

Eventually, he spotted a strange white building, the sandstorm moving on past him. As the devilish winds finally ebbed away to go and torture some other lost soul, his eyes widened at the bountiful amounts of fresh scent that pawed at his senses. Persephone was definitely here... His eyes immediately went to the only moving figure, a male counterpart to his own mate, calling her name. "Oh... What is this?" he mused, striding forward, his long legs quickly closing the gap between him and the stranger.

Instead of offering an actual greeting, however, Hades merely sat and watched, eager to see just what this young buck was up to. Obviously, his own mate was up on the roof, in all likeliness cowering from this bold, albeit stupid pursuer. He gazed on, pleasant countenance upon him.

The buck was furious when Persephone didn't move from her hiding place, and angrily leapt the rest of the way up the crates to the roof, looming over his prize. However, said prize had more in store for him than the shriek of terror that hit his ears. A Jump Kick to the face was the last thing he expected, and sent the buck crashing to the ground followed quickly by a fleeing Sawsdoe. Her hooves clicked noisily to the ground as she came down from her Jump Kick and she took off to go hide inside the building.

However, something was blocking her way to the door.

A strange and powerful hound was sitting there, staring at her, and Persephone felt her legs go instinctively to jelly. While she had never seen this kind of creature before everything in her body was screaming at her not to run, that it would only make it worse. She hadn't felt this way since the day she had been captured, and as she remembered a familiar scent hit her nose causing the doe to take a couple of steps back in shocked awe. "H-Hades..." While he looked nothing like the hound that had taken her, she knew this was he. There was no mistaking those eyes no matter what form he took.

Face gashed and bleeding the buck forced himself back up to his feet, stumbling around as the world fought to get back into focus. That little bitch had kicked him right in the face! She was gonna pay for something so humiliating. So angry was the Sawsbuck that he didn't even notice the hellish hound sitting before his prize, nor did he see the look of fear crossing her face as she acknowledged its presence. Instead, he reared back and let out a terrible cry before charging the doe, antlers down and ready to drop her.