The ACUITY Team

“Adara!” Said Eevee let out a joyous laugh as Rufus' tail started to wag behind him like a puppy. This guy was just so freaking adorable! She loved him already! Locky came up to them and she gave him a big smile, too, tilting her head to the side comically. She was beginning to piece together a brand new family to make up for the one she lost. Locky was like her big brother Kaiden, Plea was like the shy little boy master used to train, Rufus was like the family pet, and Fam...well Fam was yet to be put into a neat little title like the others. He was just so freaking unique. She'd never met anyone quite as mean, yet still so righteous in his own way. He was almost like a paradox.

She bounced up and down happily, not really paying attention to anything going on around her. In her mind, she already had a new family (whether Fam wanted to be in it or not), and she was lost in daydreams about it. "We're glad to have found you. But I think we should find some food here soon, and shelter, while we still have light." Adara's ears perked up at the sound of food, and almost on que her stomach let out a loud groan, laughably loud for one so tiny. She tucked back her ears and laughed nervously. "Teehee, looks like my tummy agrees with that idea, Grum- I mean Famaer!"

((OOC: Get ready guys! Kaiden's switch was approved so he will be joining this team next round!))

Locutus narrowed his eyes at the Feraligatr as the giant crocs' smile faded into something...he didn't quite like, and he wasn't sure why.

But the moment quickly passed as Famaer broke the ice, insisting that they find food and shelter. Locutus gazed at the ice fox as it padded off and after a few moments, decided to follow. The small Eevee bounced around joyously, celebrating the fact that her stomach was growling.

Such a trivial little one...he thought, utterly confused.
The Tyranitar glanced down at the ghost behind him, motioning with his head for him to follow.

The Water-type was... Unusually happy for an epidemic going on. The Yamask shuddered at the thought, maybe he's a very childish sadistic full grown water croc, totally makes fucking sense. “Why you not... happy?” Plea was broken from his thoughts, only to see that hugeass scary face, only to let out a yelp, "I-I'm happy..." He forced a smile, but his eyes speak his fears. "Don't mind him, Rufus," The biased Glaceon began, the Yamask felt his face go hot (how is that even possible? He has body temperature?)"We're glad to have found you. But I think we should find some food here soon, and shelter, while we still have light." Well thank you Mr. Cold Heart for acknowledging his presence and not the Ghost-type.

Nonetheless, he gave a nod in agreement, it was noon probably, considering he left Snowpoint at about... Evening? He shrugged the thoughts away as the Eevee bounced about, "Teehee, looks like my tummy agrees with that idea, Grum- I mean Famaer!" He would be much more happier if she continued to call him Grumpy. Locutus glanced down at Plea, the Ghost-type locking his gaze with him. The Tyranitar motioned his head, oh fuck, he has to follow now. With Lock, everything is perfectly handy dandy, with that cold bastard, NOPE. He suppressed a sigh, "L-let's go." Ready to follow the group as soon as possible.

“I-I’m happy...”

The Feraligatr’s hard glare lingered on the shivering ghost, a combination of confusion and annoyance taking control of his mind. Whilst Rufus was never the brightest crayon in the box, the Yamask’s body language screamed discomfort, perhaps even fear. His eyelids crinkled into a sharp squint, formulating some kind of verbal reaction as he continued to make sense of why this single creature seemed opposed to his presence. Oblivious to the discomfort he had triggered in the majority of those he’d met in his lifetime, Rufus couldn’t fathom the creation of such emotions – instead, used to stories of love and friendship. Thus far, the gator had witnessed neither.

"Don't mind him, Rufus. We're glad to have found you. But I think we should find some food here soon, and shelter, while we still have light."

The giant reptile’s head snapped back in the direction of Famaer, his intense expression softening slightly as he processed the bulk of the canine’s words. With a final look to the ghost and the dragon-thing, Locustus, he was hiding behind, Rufus snorted in defeat. He would make the quiet, illusory creature like him eventually – maybe he was just shy. The alligator smiled to himself, resolved that he would eventually form some kind of relationship with the Yamask. Decided, Rufus’ goofy grin abruptly returned at Famaer’s reassurance that they were glad to have met him – good, he never wanted to be alone again.

Adara was bounding about again, speaking in her high, enthusiastic little voice in words that Rufus struggled to follow. Instead, he grinned along, utterly clueless to what was being said. All he’d gathered from Famaer was that they were pleased to see him; that, and food.
“Food, yes!” Rufus announced dumbly, nodding his head aggressively as his large eyes rested on the Glaceon he recognised at the leader of the little group. Having spent years living in the sewers, Rufus was particularly interested to savour the kind of cuisine typically eaten on the surface. Scrawny, filthy rattata was the height of sophistication in the Feraligatr’s world. Dropping back onto all fours in a most inelegant fashion, the gator loyally trotted after the Glaceon, a smile stretched painfully across his bulky face.

Famaer sighed as the gator turned his hard gaze from the little Ghost back to himself and the mention of food. The big brute seemed tame enough, as well as easy enough to distract. It would be like taking care of another child, just... a very big one. This calmed the icy eeveelution, as well as the hard glare the other had given the smaller Evil. Purer beings always knew instinctively what beings were like themselves or of a darker influence. Good. He wouldn't have to worry about him following the delicate, precarious path Adara was walking... or hopping along.

He led them up, into the mountains, the land slowly sloping a gentle angle. He felt safer in the trees, out of the open. Soon enough, after maybe an hour of trekking, he came across some berry bushes with swollen, ripe fruit; it seemed no living had been around to eat them. He looked behind him and nodded to the bushes. "Here, we can pause here." He moved to the side so the children could eat first, sitting and keeping his eyes on the two Evils.

Due to her enthusiasm at the promise of food, she completely missed the interactions between Famaer and the rest of the group. Right now, Adara was starved and wanted to eat! She had her new family and they were all going to travel together and find food, then maybe a nice shelter, and survive this crazy world. The only thing that would make this more perfect would be if Kaiden were here. Her big brother would get a kick out of Famaer. The little Eevee laughed a little at the thought of Grumpy glaring up at her massive brother, who would probably be taller than even Lockie.

"Here, we can pause here."

Her ears pricked up and she paused in her happy bouncing to look where Famaer had gone. He was standing next to some berry bushes! Yay! Without warning the little one dove headfirst into one of the shrubs, her tiny body almost completely disappearing within. The only thing one would be able to see would be two small paws peeking out every once in a while to snatch a berry off of a branch. Ridiculous giggling could be heard as the bush gave a shake, and one by one the berries started to vanish under her quick actions.

"Hurry up if you want some!" she called out playfully. She was hungry, and though she wouldn't mind sharing, she had come from a family where if you didn't eat fast you didn't eat. Kaiden was a big boy and could eat a whole hell of a lot, so Adara had learned early on to fight for her food. Or, if Kaiden ate before she could, she always had the power of uber fluffiness to beg with. No one could ever resist her cute charms.

_______________

Kaiden crunched through the snow with a heavy heart. He had rescued a Carracosta not long after he left Celadon, and she had happily offered to take him to Sinnoh to look for Adara. The old female had been heading to this region to look for some friends of hers, and didn't mind the company. However, only a few moments after landing in Snowpoint Port, they were attacked by a pack of infected Sneasel and Weavile. Luckily, he had managed to burn his way out, but the Carracosta had not been so lucky. He watched her get cut down before he had the chance to rescue her again, and felt a bitter remorse for not doing more. He should have done more.

He kept his head down and fought against the blizzard until he reached the edge of the storm, and the edge of a lake oddly enough. The shimmering waters and peaceful surroundings were very deceptive, because the massive canine was sure that the water was most likely tainted, and all sorts of evil creatures were hiding within. The trees offered shelter, but with his coat and colors he stood out even in the foliage. Orange didn't blend in with snow or trees, he was a target everywhere. But at least in the woods he might be able to find something to eat.

A strange sound carried through the wind, Kaiden's ears twitching and turning to focus on it. It sounded like...giggling? What in the world would find a bunch of snow and ice so amusing? Wait...he did know one creature who would be laughing at a time like this. Adara. If the fates had really had him dropped off in exactly the right place to find his tiny sibling then he would thank whatever deity was out there and swear to do their bidding for the rest of his days. He had left Celadon on a chance to find his sister, and now he may have actually done it. The only problem was, it sounded like the sound came from nearly the other side of the lake. Guess he needed to start walking again.

No wait, screw that. He was going to run.

The croc seemed to follow Famaer like a loyal pet, waddling after him on all fours rather than upright, as he's seen others of his species do. Locutus said nothing as he followed the small group up into the forested mountains, as he was comfortable in this environment. The snow did not bother him, and as long as the ice fox kept its' trap shut, the Tyranitar was content.

"Here, we can pause here." Famaer grumbled as he stopped to inspect some bushes. Locutus stomped forward, stopping only when he saw what he had been looking at.
Berries.
Locutus was not particularly interested in the berries, as his species could go months without food if needed. He watched with a mild amusement as the Eevee leaped into the bush happily and began to snag all the berries in sight.
Locutus looked down at the ghost at his side, vague puzzlement on his face.
I wonder if this one eats?...
Locutus gently pushed the ghost forward with his tail, motioning for the ghost to grab his share with a tilt of his head.

(OoC- glare ignored, lol)

Plea followed the group silently, only looking down on the snowy ground as he only glanced at Locutus's feet to see if he was actually going somewhere rather than getting lost like some idiot. It actually seemed surprising how the Glaceon seemed so quiet during the trip, that was up until they reached a bush, "Here, we can pause here." Adara seemed upbeat more than earlier, made him content how Famaer's words won't have that much of an affect on her now that they had fought at least once. Aside from that, the berry bush looked delicious, though Plea was mostly focusing on finding a Sitrus berry, it seemed that the bush was filled more with Pecha and Oran.

The Tyranitar pushed Plea toward the bush with his tail, the Ghost-type glancing up at him only to see him motioning him to get his share. With a small smile, he floated toward the bush, flickering his gaze over to the Ice-type - who was glaring at him and Loc - and back over to the bush. To get a berry, or to not get a berry that is the question. Completely, the thought of Famaer growling at him just for taking a simple berry would seem very fucking ridiculous. Though the Yamask was looking forward to getting a Sitrus berry, he stared at Rufus, "Y-you get a berry before me." Plea stuttered, motioning with his mask towards the berry bush.

He wondered when the time would come that he would be fully accepted into the group. The Yamask felt like everyone didn't seemed to be interested in his presence. Though he must admit, Locutus was a big ol' fellow that could be his buddy throughout the journey! Funny thought about it, Famaer hated the both of them, and the Ghost-type could only think of him sitting on the shoulder of the Tyranitar with some chill black sunglasses. Like a boss.

Rufus couldn’t be sure how long they’d been moving, nor estimate the distance, but he had plenty to keep himself occupied with on the journey. The snow, for a start, was particularly exciting for the reptile. Whilst he wasn’t a fan of the freezing temperature, he found great joy in making shapes in the fluffy substance. Literally chucking his weight around, the Feraligatr had made the most of the trek, simply overjoyed to have been blessed with company.

"Here, we can pause here."

The Glaceon’s announcement brought a grin to the reptile’s face, as he fell back onto his rump, droplets of water clinging to his body from his antics in the snow. The canine had motioned to some sort of bush and now, Adara was happily bounding towards it before disappearing completely. Concerned that the foliage might’ve somehow hurt the Eevee, Rufus rose to his feet, trotting over to the bush, his face contorted into worry. His large eyes inspected the leafy, berry-ridden plant for a moment, wondering how it could’ve consumed the young fox, but instead, fluffy paws began to dart in and out of vision. Confused, Rufus looked to Famaer, utterly lost at the simple reality of the situation.

"Hurry up if you want some!"

The bush suddenly called, giving the occasional rustle. Rufus emitted a sort of whine, taking a hesitant step back as he looked to the pair of dark-types, wondering why they weren’t as concerned as he. This wasn’t making sense, but with the ghost’s urging of him to take a berry – he presumed it were the mainly round things hanging off the plant, Rufus sucked up his confusion. He suddenly lunged for an Oran berry, his massive jaws open to reveal an alarming set of fangs. Despite his intentions of only grabbing a berry, Rufus only narrowly missed ripping the Eevee’s paws off, giving the foliage a rough shove as he pulled back, more alarmed than anything.

The berry burst under the pressure of his fangs, the cacophony of tastes slithering down the Feraligatr’s throat. He frowned, moving a good distance away to savour this strange cuisine in peace. It was the most tasteful thing he’d consumed in his lifetime, but it was almost too rich, too sickly for the gator. Snorting in distaste, he roughly shook his head, turning to the others with a frown hanging over his face.
“No meat?” Rufus grumbled, shifting his weight slightly as the group stood around the Eevee-eating bush. Surveying the area in which they’d stopped at, Rufus’ stomach gave a slight grumble, disappointed that other than the small group he’d joined, there were no other signs of life. Not even one little, decrepit rattata to feast on...

Famaer could only sigh and roll his eyes as Adara fearlessly jumped into the brush, giggling as fiercely as a mad fool. At least she was enjoying herself? However, Rufus seemed scared and confused at the little eevee's sudden disappearance and tilted his head slightly. Did... he not even understand how a bush functioned? However, the gator seemed to get over his confusion enough to take a berry- alarmingly almost taking a little of Adara with him- and frowned at the berry's taste. "No meat?" he asked, and Famaer let himself breathe out of relief that Adara's minute paws hadn't been severed.

"...No meat," Famaer replied, taking a berry for himself and biting it in half for the gator to see the innards. "Not a pokemon or animal. This is a bush," he nodded at the said bush, "and this is its fruit. We eat it, and it takes the load off of the branches." In demonstration, he plucked another berry off, and the branch sprung upward a little, free of the weight. "But these berries are for all pokemon, and we shouldn't over indulge," he said with a little of a glare toward the eevee hidden in the brush. "You should eat what you can, Rufus. We might not come across meat for a while." He then ate the swollen berries he'd halved and plucked.

"But be careful; Adara's in there." He pulled a branch down to reveal some of her brown fluff. "You don't want to hurt her. And there's no need to be afraid, Rufus. The bush isn't going to harm you."

Adara squeaked in surprise as a set of massive jaws chomped down right where she was about to reach. She pulled back just in time, and sighed heavily when she checked to make sure her paws where still there. Maybe she should come out of the bush...

Just as she made her way out a large orange blob came rushing towards the group. No way...it couldn't be. But it was! That blob began taking shape and she saw the form of her over-sized brother rushing towards her! Really, really pissed off...Uh oh.
_________________

As he made his way carefully around the lake, looking for something to eat, a few dark shadows in the distance caught his attention. One was very large, like him, another almost as tall. There was a fairly large four-legged beast and something hovering nearby. A tiny shadow darted into a bush, and one of the bigger figures chomped down on that spot. He felt bad for whatever might be in trouble, and if it was a living creature being attacked by a gang of undead, he would need to help. As he started to make his way over there, he began to hear voices. Maybe this was actually a group of living chasing an undead?

"But be careful; Adara's in there." His acute hearing couldn't miss that. The voice, a Glaceon, had said Adara. He said his sister's name. And that...that...thing beside him almost ate her! Kaiden had no idea what the other blue beast was, but Water-type be damned he was not going to let some alligator make a snack out of his tiny sister! At this point, his impressive size would serve to his advantage, along with his Intimidate. They might make it a little easier to convince the water-type, who had a clear advantage, that he would still be hard to take on. He charged forward with a loud bark and came to a dramatic halt right in front of the bush, snow spraying into the air. He glared down, a menacing growl filling the silence of the forest, and stamped a paw down right beside Adara as she emerged.

"KAIDEN!" The Arcanine shot her a dirty look and the Eevee visibly recoiled in shame, tucking her tail down and flattening her ears. She whimpered slightly, but refused to move, instead giving her brother a pleading look. He shook his head and returned to glaring at the gator before him, shifting his weight to his back legs in case he needed to pounce. "Touch her and die," was his only warning. He didn't miss the heavy sigh beneath him, nor the punding on his legs. "Leave Ruffie alone! He didn't mean anything by it! Don't be a bully brother!"

He lowered his head to talk to her privately, but without warning Adara quickly pounced on his face and climbed on top of his head. When she started biting at his ears he knew that she was serious, and shook his mane to let her know to stop. He looked to the water-type once more and gave a slight nod. "Sorry." And that was the end of it. Adara's face split into a wide grin and she made herself right at home on her favorite spot, Kaiden's head. She looked at the others in their small group and patted one paw on the Arcanines forehead.

"So now that's over...everyone meet my big brother Kaiden!"

((OOC: Sorry Adara's is kind of short, but that's because she got time in Kaiden's too! lol. And don't worry about Rufus, he only thought Adara was being attacked so he charged. He holds no grudges.))

Locutus stepped back in surprise as an enormous canine bounded in, snarling and growling as it sprayed them all with snow.

"Touch her and die."

Locutus raised his claws as a deep rumble came from his throat, his territorial instincts kicking in. This one was bigger than he was, bounding in out of nowhere and barking out orders! This one was a threat.

"Leave Ruffie alone! He didn't mean anything by it! Don't be a bully brother!" The little Eevee whined as she pawed at the dogs' leg.
Brother...?
The Tyranitar lowered his claws, his growl lowering significantly as he watched the little Eevee disappear in the canines'...plentiful...fur.

"So now that's over...everyone meet my big brother Kaiden!"

“No meat?” The Water-type grumbled, Plea frowned, well he was a ghost, if he did have meat, he could have offered, but ghosts have nothing besides a soul to live for. He stared at the bush emptily, wishing there was a Sitrus berry rather than Oran and Pecha berries. Picky, but hey, he didn't have to depend on food to continue his life here. "Not a pokemon or animal. This is a bush," he nodded at the said bush, and this is its fruit. We eat it, and it takes the load off of the branches, But these berries are for all pokemon, and we shouldn't over indulge, You should eat what you can, Rufus. We might not come across meat for a while."

The Yamask narrowed his eyes, using his mask to hide his face. His expression immediately changed to sadness. They can at least taste the fruit, the only thing the Ghost-type was able to taste was a Sitrus berry. He would be able to enjoy the other berries if he could, if only they didn't taste like sand in his mouth.

Everything went by extremely fast, a sudden new visitor came by; an Arcanine, who immediately came into action. Adara seemed to recognize the humongous dog, Plea hiding behind his mask, not bothering to think anymore as he shook violently. 'So scary...' He thought, holding his mask tightly.
"Leave Ruffie alone! He didn't mean anything by it! Don't be a bully brother!"
Silence embedded the area, but then revived as the Legendary Pokemon calmed down.
"Sorry."

Plea still didn't dare to look at the scene, only using his thoughts to think everything out, the Eevee seemed pretty happy, probably a gin got on her face as she introduced the Arcanine, "So now that's over...everyone meet my big brother Kaiden!" The Yamask lowered his mask, staring at Kaiden, his eyes filled with fear, "P-pleasure..." He whimpered.

Rufus listened utterly absorbed in Famaer’s explanation that there was both no meat and that the bush wasn’t as cannibalistic as he’d first thought. His face brightened at the glimpse of Adara’s undeniably fluffy, brown fur inside the foliage, his grin stretched wide across his face. Set at ease although not entirely clear on what the Glaceon had been speaking of, the Feraligatr gave the canine a firm nod, the deadly innocence in his eyes returning.

Before he could eat – albeit somewhat reluctantly – anymore berries, a sinister growl met his ears. Jumping at the sight of the monstrously huge Arcanine now standing protectively by the berry bush, Rufus instinctively shrunk back, a combination of fear and anger engulfing him. He was crouched on all fours, his fangs displayed threateningly whilst his heavy tail swung around his body in sort of defensive stance. A savage, reptilian hiss left the Feraligatr’s throat, his eyes narrowed at the fire-type as his body tensed in preparation for a fight. Instead, the Arcanine offered four, blunt words.

"Touch her and die,"

Rufus understood it perfectly, his eyes momentarily flashing to the Eevee as another hiss escaped him. The stranger was threatening him – Rufus couldn’t fathom a reason why, but he certainly didn’t take kindly to being talked to in such a way. However, before he could take any sort of action against the aggressive stranger, Adara had leapt into action, jumping onto the canine’s head to chew on his ear. A flicker of confusion hit Rufus and for a moment, he wondered why the Arcanine wasn’t putting up any kind of fight. He relaxed slightly, shocked when the creature finally apologised. Why had he surrendered so easily? A little bite on the ear was pathetic – Rufus figured the newcomer must’ve had some kind of poor tolerance to pain.

"So now that's over...everyone meet my big brother Kaiden!"

“...brother?” The Feraligatr repeated quietly, struggling slightly with the ‘th’ sound. Adara had made herself comfortable in the Arcanine’s mane, practically controlling the massive creature that she had called ‘Kaiden’. This was all getting a little confusing for the gator, and he soon looked to Famaer for some sort of explanation. Hesitantly moving out of his aggressive stance, Rufus retreated to stand behind the second biggest creature of the group, Locustus, all the while glaring at the fire-dog from a safer distance. Whilst his reaction had been mainly hostile, Rufus was essentially scared of the stranger. Sensitive to threats and surprises, the gator’s glare was unmoving from Kaiden as he peered around the Tyranitar’s shoulder, struggling to make sense of the situation.

Famaer felt some sort of pride and accomplishment as Rufus' expression turned to one of learning and innocence; as if the giant child was actually taking in his words. Finally, a child who listened. He gave the reptile a warm smile and a firm nod, an acknowledgement that Rufus had done well.

The moment was soon ruined by a giant pokemon, an arcanine, rushing in and snarling at the feraligatr. Immediately, Famaer put himself between the two, snarling at the newcomer, not caring of the type and size advantage. "Touch her and die," were his simply words, and Famaer was about to have his own when Adara leapt out of the brush and onto the beast's head.

There was a scuffle for a moment, and when she demanded an apology, the arcanine surprisingly submitted. Dumbfounded and not noticing Rufus slink off behind the tyranitar, he could only stare with confusion as Adara announced, "So now that's over...everyone meet my big brother Kaiden!"

"...Brother?!" Famaer gaped, staring the duo over. How... in the world were those two related? He shook his head free of the querie, then directed his attention at this "Kaiden". "Do you always barge in head first, teeth bared or is this a special occasion?" he growled, fur bristled. He understood being protective of his sister, but this was a little ridiculous. Rufus was a special case, and he didn't need ruffians barging in, guns blazing during a damn lesson.

"...Brother?!" Adara beamed happily at finally being able to trip up the ever stoic Famaer. No one ever believed they were related because he was so big and she was so tiny. They were complete opposites in every sense of the word, other than her wanting to be a fire type like him. "Yup! My big brother! We have the same daddy, and his egg hatched a whole three hours before mine. He's been with me my whole life...up until that weird ripple in the air sent me here. Eh, but stranger things have happened to our family, trust me!" Kaiden huffed slightly and tossed his head, shaking his sister who had to cling to his mane to not fall off. "And they were all because of you," he said gruffly.

"Kaiden. Do you always barge in head first, teeth bared or is this a special occasion?" Adara squeaked and hid her head in Kaiden's mane, but he chose to simply shrug and ignore the question to go back to his little sister. Dropping to the ground in a large plop, snow getting tossed up into the air from his bulk, he ducked his head to let his sister drop. She giggled madly and began to bounce around him, happy to see her big brother. Kaiden gave her a soft smile and dropped one large paw in her path, which she avoided in favor of going up to his face to play with his ear. Or, more to the point, his earring.

"Brother," she began sweetly. "Do you think I can have the pretty stone now?"
"No."
"Why not? I wanna be a Flareon!"
"Not ready."
"What do you mean I'm not ready?! I've been on my own this whole time and I did just fine! ...sorta. Don't ask Fam he'll just lie."
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Why?!"
"You are four."
"I am not! I'm as old as you! I'm 24."
"Rephrase, you act four."
"Do not!"
"Do too."
"Do not!"
"You are now."
"How?"
"You are whining."
"Fine then!"
"Case in point."
"Whatever!"

Kaiden just sighed and let his sister vent. She always got angry when he told her she couldn't have the fire stone, but she really wasn't ready yet. She still had to learn to take thing seriously, or fire would be a very dangerous thing to give her. She stomped around, as much as a less than one foot fluffball could stomp, and muttered angrily to herself. He just looked to the others and shrugged. He was used to her tantrums, but wasn't sure if they were yet.

((OOC: fully combined post, lol. They needed to be together for that freaking argument!))

(um, skip. Not sure what to do. :/)

[Skip ;-; ]

“Do you always barge in head first, teeth bared or is this a special occasion?”

Rufus didn’t understand everything Famaer had said, but the ice-type had placed himself between the stranger and the creatures in which the Ferligatr was already familiar. He liked to think that the canine was defending him – telling the newcomer off, per se. Watching silently from behind the Tyranitar’s massive form, the gator’s eyes remained firmly on the giant dog and the tiny fox that claimed she was his sister. He couldn’t fathom it. Surely that was impossible? As far as Rufus could tell, they had nothing in common, aesthetically or otherwise as Adara bounced about in joy. The Eevee’s happiness was contagious, the water-type grinning foolishly along with her at the reunion despite his immediate disliking for Kaiden.

The pair’s bickering however caught the gator off guard. He couldn’t follow anything they were saying – no idea what had even triggered the verbal volleying that was gradually escalating. Frowning, Rufus emitted a whine more akin to that of a canine, his head lowered slightly in fear that violence may emerge.
“...Stop,” He whimpered pathetically, his eyes frantically darting between the two siblings in a desperate bid to judge their next moves. They hadn’t stopped and the reptile was growing ever distressed, his concern peaking as Adara turned away, stomping defiantly in the snow. Glancing to Locustus in which he was still cowering behind, Rufus took a few hesitant steps forward, as if trying not to be seen. Wide eyes watched the Arcanine carefully as he neared the Eevee, his stomach dragging across the snow as he practically crawled to the fox’s aid. “...Adara... o-okay?” He questioned, genuinely concerned.

((Yeah. Skip me. Cause I suck and couldn't post in time blah, blah, blah. Vaara will appear next cycle.))

Famaer's already sour expression managed the seemingly impossible feat of falling further into dissatisfaction as he listened to the two canids bickering almost endlessly. While this "Kaiden" had made an inexcusably aggressive entrance not five minutes ago, he was beginning to see just how annoying Adara really was and what saintly patience the large fire dog must have. Still, Famaer would never admit to this because... well, it would mean being wrong. And Famaer wasn't wrong. Ever.

Still, the bickering continued. His snow-colored pelt bristled and his tail began to rise slowly, his posture becoming more and more aggressive. 'Oh, for the love of all that is holy, would you two--'

"Stop..." Rufus' pitiful whimper of a plea sounded, and Famaer turned to look at the childish creature. His own irritated thoughts had been interrupted by the feraligatr's soft cry, and Famaer suddenly remembered himself. "Adara... okay?" he continued, and the glaceon nodded.

"...Yes. She's more than 'okay', it seems..." he muttered, glancing back to the large fire dog. "No need to worry, Rufus." Out of mere habit, he turned to look over his newfound companions and found one of the largest missing. Where was the giant brute? Confused, he looked around, sniffing and listening for any sort of tell. Strange... where had he gone?

"Adara... okay?" Said Eevee stopped kicking the snow and looked up at Rufus, seeing the sad look on his face. Her pout dropped and she ran over to comfort the poor guy. "No, no! It's okay Ruffie! I'm fine, promise." Adara offered him a silly smile to try and show him that she wasn't upset anymore. "My big brother is right, I'm just not happy about it. That's all." She cuddled up against Rufus's large cheek and giggled, genuinely feeling a little bit better knowing that he was concerned for her.

"...Yes. She's more than 'okay', it seems..." Adara heard Famaer's comment and stuck her tongue out at him, then laughed hysterically. She was so happy to be surrounded by so many big lugs! She looked around for her other favorite, and pouted when she saw that he was missing. "Locky...? Where'd he go...?" Plea was missing, too. The poor little Eevee started to cry, sad that she had lost her friends without even a goodbye from either of them. She really liked Locutus, and Plea was so nice.
________________

Kaiden watched Adara sulk, and saw the croc who almost made a snack out of her try to comfort her. It was certainly a switch from before, that was certain. Of course by now, Kaiden was sure that the one called Rufus didn't mean to almost eat his sister, but the large canine had always been overprotective of her. She immediately dropped her pity party and suddenly Adara was the one trying to comfort Rufus. He shook his head and chuckled softly to himself. Leave it to Adara to drop all of her own feelings when she saw someone else was upset. That was just her nature.

He also noticed a few of the companions he had first seen had now vanished, and was slightly puzzled by the development. But before anything else could be done, he saw Adara about to cry. This time though, the tears where for real, not just her being a drama queen. Concern welled up in him as suddenly he found himself with a face full of Eevee, and closed one paw over her shaking form. She was crying violently, choking on her own tears, and he had to do something to calm her.

"...The world has turned the day to dark
I leave this night with heavy heart
When I return to dry your eyes
I will sing this lullaby..."

His rich baritone softly faded, and he could feel Adara burrowing in his mane. She was much calmer now and had stopped crying, though he could still hear the occasional sniffle. He smiled warmly at the little ball of brown fluff under his paw, and bent down to nuzzle her affectionately. Kaiden wasn't positive what had upset his tiny sister, but was pleased that she was somewhat calm now. It was obvious that Adara had been in a manic state for the time she knew these stranger, so he wondered what they would think when this little bundle of happy actually started acting depressed.

Because that was exactly what was about to happen.

((OOC: Lyrics part of Josh Groban's 'Lullaby', continuing the song Adara had been singing earlier.))

"...Yes. She's more than 'okay', it seems... No need to worry, Rufus”

Rufus sighed in relief, a smile returning to his face at the Glaceon’s words. He hadn’t really understood the canine’s first sentence, but the combination of ‘no’ and ‘worry’ reassured the simple beast. He had nothing to fear, Adara was okay. The Eevee herself soon confirmed this news, reassuring him with a goofy smile and an affectionate nuzzle to his cheek. The Feraligatr’s expression immediately softened, his eyes re-sparking with his natural optimism as he gently nudged the Eevee back. He wasn’t sure whether it was the right thing to do, but hopefully, he hadn’t further aggravated her brother with his far softer, more considerate nuzzle.

The absence of the massive dragon and the shy ghost was the last thing to dawn on Rufus – only alerted to their disappearance at Adara’s crying. His face fell as he glanced over his shoulder, greeted with only the sight of their snowy surroundings. Confused he rose to his full height, shaking the snow off him as he did so to trudge over to where the pair had been standing. Tentatively touching the ground with his foot, Rufus’ confused gaze soon fell onto Famaer – the Glaceon was bound to know what had happened. From the short time he’d spent with the canine, Rufus had come to the conclusion that the ice-fox knew everything. Before he had chance to concoct an eligible question, however, Kaiden had begun singing.

The gator stood utterly transfixed by the canine’s voice, his round eyes fixed onto the touching moment between the two siblings. A strange feeling engulfed his chest and Rufus found it near impossible to turn away from the scene. Whilst he hadn’t understood a single word that had escaped the canine’s mouth, the song soothed him. He quietly sat down, a tiny smile on his lips as he observed the pair. A newfound joy had emerged in him, triggered by a simple lullaby.

It was pretty damn cold. The corner of the crocodile's mouth pulled down at one end in displeasure before bouncing right back to his relaxed grin, the movement so fast it almost appeared to be a twitch. 

The reprilian figure was walking upright, his shoulders and chin heald high and proud as he stepped through the snow, plainly ignoring the way his heavy footsteps and lumpy tail sunk into the snow as if he could hault it by sheer force of will. His amber-golden eyes were half closed and, along with the relaxed grin, giving the stereotypical lazy croc look to him. The duel type's body glimmered and shined in the sun as he moved into the light, his gold and brown markings as well as the bronze armour making him quite an eye catcher. His stride was strong and flowing despite the icy climate, his arms waving back and forth with his shoilders heald high and full of power. 

In other words, Vaara had swag.

The Krookodile was perfectly content on his own in the foreign region, finding it full of fasinating new things and Pokemon, but his weeks of solitude were completely shattered as suddenly voices drifted through the air. The reptiles thick neck snapped to one side, his peircing gaze easily spotting a group of Pokemon through the trees with his amazing vision. His smirk grew. Vaara had not seen any others besides the babbling idiots that were infected. His grin grew manical for a heartbeat as a vison flashed behind his eyes of binding and torturing any of the new guys he was about to meet. 

Without hesitation, the duel type sharply threw his course in an intense angle. After a few more minutes of trudging through the snow, Vaara was finally emerging through the icy trees to fully take in the group. It was easy to recognize the rare and powerful breeds of a Feragliatr as well as a fucking huge Arcanine, but the other huge beast as well as the little fluffy ball thing were complete mysteries to the Unovian croc. He easily shrugged it away though, steppin into their veiw with his lazy grin, spreading his arms out as if he were a preacher coming to his people. "Well well well! What have we here? I have not seen fellow living in all too long," Vaara announced in his deep voice, the light and friendly tone so different than the scars littering the side of his face and chest. "Name's Vaara." His shiny eyes slowly drifted over each in the group, assesing within his intelligent mind whom would be easiest to take advantage of. He would just have to wait and see, now wouldn't he?

((Ooc; 'sup guys c: Nice to be on the team and be with big ol' Kaiden again<3))

As Adara wept over the loss of the two Evils -because she just didn't know any better- Famaer held himself with a sense of exasperated patience. However, he was slightly perplexed when her brother's bass voice floated on the air in a lullaby, one that sounded like the one Adara sung earlier. The glaceon's withered brow quirked in surprise; was he the only pokemon that didn't burst out into song the moment things started getting bad? Still, the tender display made him a little uncomfortable, and so he turned away from the scene to find a sight.

A bee-colored creature emerged from the trees, relaxed posture and lazy grin on its reptilian face indicating that not only was it alive, it was arrogant. Famaer's lip began to curl at the sight. One sniff told him all he needed to know of the new creature: he was a Dark type. Maybe not a full dark, but niether was the Tyranitar. A low growl sounded in his chest as he watched the other saunter up to the group.

"Well, well, well! What have we here? I have not seen fellow living in all too long," the stranger commented, grin on full. "Name's Vaara."

Famaer was the first to speak. "...Well, Vaara, nice to meet you. You can turn and leave now. Our group is plenty large enough without one of your kind in our midst." His expression was hard, hateful even, his lip still curled in a snarl.