The LACUNOSA Team

Bonfire stretched languid as he paused in the middle of the street, still waking from his nap. It was fairly safe in the daytime in this sleepy old town, most of the infected keeping towards the giant hole in the earth just outside of it. The 'chasm' or whatever it was the humans had called it. He and his trainer had only been to this region once so it didn't really stick in his memory as to what the hell they said, nor did he care. All that mattered was the fire fox knew his way around, after all he had been living there for almost two weeks now.

Getting there had been simple enough, bribe a bird Pokemon with promises of protection and companionship and then turning around to ditch them was child's play. The devilish little Flareon had always been a charmer, able to convince others of most anything, which was why he pranks were so successful. Tricking people was second nature to the arrogant male and that suited him just fine. Though, two weeks alone was starting to get kind of boring. He figured if he stuck to a town long enough another living was sure to stumble into it sooner or later, but he had not seen anything or anyone, and he was getting bored.

"Boredom sucks!" he cried out to the empty streets, enjoying the way his voice bounced off the sparsely located buildings. But once again, there was no reply, and he was forced to keep hunting. Shrugging it off he began marching back to his usual haunt, the small Pokecenter near the center of the town. It was pretty much the only significant thing in the entire place, yet nothing ever came there. Not even dead things had bothered him in the last few days. Oh well. Surely something fun would happen today, at least he hoped so.

It had been a long time in the year he'd spent looking for some sort of haven that he'd actually managed to find one. True, as no place was truly safe, Atticus was simply content to find someplace that didn't greet him at the door with a battle. Still, as his experienced eyes glanced over the town, he could see that nothing really ever happened here, and that this was as good a place to try and find some rest as any. His large frame trekked fluidly, but cautiously, as he further investigated the inner maze of the town.

It was easy to see and smell that something -or rather, someone- had been here for a while. The dead remained where they lay, their previously undead incarnations destroyed. While the stink of death lay everywhere, it was slightly reassurring that he'd found at least one place where he could still smell the scents of nature past the stench the undead left. Maybe there was hope.

As he came out of an alley, he paused when he saw what he'd figured was there-- a living pokemon. A flareon, and a short one at that. The arcanine and fellow fire canine smiled a little at the sight; finally, after the hell of what the regions had been turned into, some sliver of hope that things were beginning to turn back to normal. He started a little when the flareon declared, "Boredom sucks!", his voice echoing on the surrounding buildings. It earned a small chuckle from Atticus, at least, who was still reeling in the relief of finding another living pokemon.

"At least it's better than the alternative," he replied, slowly stepping out from the alley, so the flareon could have a better look. After all, Atticus was, in a way, intruding. He gave a small nod and a matching smile down to the fire eevee. "I hope I didn't startle you. Have you been here long? I've just come across this quiet hamlet and was wondering if I could stay a while, if it's not too intrusive of me."

Dylan stopped walking for a moment and looked up at the sky, closing his eyes as he allowed the sun's warm rays to embrace his face. At least through all of this the great ball of fire in the sky hadn't given up on the world. That thought gave the Breloom hope as he traveled to wherever he could reach in the hope of running into one or two of his missing siblings. Nothing yet, but Dylan knew that the thought of being reunited with them sometime was the only thing that was spurring him on ... helping him to survive and carry on when sometimes he just wished that he could fall over and die and skip this whole nightmare.

As Dylan walked on, he noticed that the town he was approaching had very high walls. The Breloom tilted his head curiously as he ran his gaze along them. Had these humans been protecting themselves from some sort of attack? The walls didn't look as though they had been recently built, so it probably had nothing to do with the Epidemic. If that was so, what had they been trying to keep out? Or in? Dylan busied himself by trying to come up with theories about the wall as he slowly shuffled into town. He was tired after all that walking and decided to look for a place to rest for a while. He wouldn't have minded finding something decent to eat either...

"Boredom sucks!" a cry suddenly echoed out. Dylan jumped as he was caught completely by surprise. There were other Pokemon there! Living ones by the sound of it. Without a moment to lose he started to head straight towards he had heard the voice. He turned the corner next to the old Pokemon Centre and saw two Pokemon conversing; a Flareon and an Arcanine if he was not mistaken. The fact that the two of them were Fire-types did not bother him in the slightest as he bound over to them, a big broad smile on his face.

"Good afternoon!" he said, extending one of his arms and waving to them as he got closer. "Isn't the weather just lovely here? Oh, let me introduce myself. I'm Dylan! What are your names?" He looked at both of the Fire-types in turn, eagerly awaiting their replies. He had been on his own for far too long, and had forgotten how much he loved to make new friends.

Anger was all that Sweeney felt nowadays – his foul attitude overwhelming a youthful naivety that had successfully remained suppressed since his childhood years. Today was no different. Filled with a bitter frustration, the battler stalked through the sparse environment, the stench of death heavy in the air. He remained indifferent to the aroma. It was not unlike that olfactory linger of violence that he’d grown up with. In fact, it reminded him of his home – the underground battling organization that prided itself on brutal, gory matches to death. Sweeney was the son of the industry; a rising star with a promising future. That was all over now. The building was reduced to ash; opponents and comrades alike, dead; and the twisted humans, they had stood no chance against those unforgiving flames. Even now, Sweeney wore a memento of that fateful day – an ugly burn wound stretching across his left side.

His gait naturally hunched from years of cramped living conditions, the youth stormed forwards, his blood red eyes set on buildings looming on the horizon. Perhaps there were humans there? Although it seemed a long-shot, the canine lost to isolation ever since his escape, Sweeney was intent on getting his revenge. The humans were the second on his list, his prime target proving impossible to track down. A snarl escaped him at the thought, images of Lucy’s skeletal, lifeless form flashing vividly in his hardened mind. Whilst he would always blame himself for her gradual starvation, the physical torment that had faced the innocent ninetales, Sweeney’s fury remained solely on the humans. He had once worshipped them. They gave him power, strength – whilst his only true friend was left to rot. They had tricked him, engrossing him in their illicit world to distract him from what truly mattered. They had proven themselves to be worse than all the battlers put together. They were the real monsters.

Abruptly brought out of his bitter reminiscent, the mightyena slowed to a halt at the town’s entrance. He was disappointed, but unsurprised at the utter lack of life. These undead were having all the fun. Snorting, he slowly surveyed the area, ears flicking back at a nearby, sudden cry. The voice was male, probably a youth. An expression of disgust crossed the mutt’s face, crimson eyes narrowed as he skulked forward, fangs bared. That creature was an idiot. Despite a life restricted to a dark, dingy basement, Sweeney’s instincts rarely faltered – he knew how to behave, and from this stranger’s shouting, he clearly had a death-wish. The hound was more than happy to assist.

As he neared, the canine froze. Unlike he’d expected, there was a gathering of three pokémon – a flareon, arcanine and a creature in which he’d never encountered. Frowning, Sweeney kept to the shadows, ducking into a nearby alley before his menacing form could be glimpsed. Glaring hard, hackles raised, Sweeney reluctantly kept his ground. There had been a pair of arcanines back at the basement – he was more than aware of the monstrous strength that their species possessed. And yet, he’d witnessed his own father – no, he wasn’t fit for such a name. He’d witnessed that monster reduce one of those fire-dogs to nothing more than a bloodied, grovelling wreck. Suddenly determined, eager for the chance to rival the houndoom’s strength, Sweeney flexed his claws in anticipation. But still, rationality held him back. He was outnumbered – weak against a trio of battle-ready opponents. His frustration rising, the dark-type turned away from the scene with a growl. It was too much temptation to stare from the shadows. They would have to disperse eventually, and when they did, Sweeney would be waiting to indulge in old habits. They would have more than boredom to complain about…

It had been so long. So long that the lonliness had been overwhelming. A crippling hold on the heart that makes you think twice about every acion you have ever caused or thought about in the world. A sigh echoed ever so softly through the air, drifting slightly through the trees and vegitation. There was many splatters of blood and crushed bushes, but otherwise no signs of any sort of life or 'life' was ovious to rusty colored eyes. Long, bushy tails flicked to and fro, adorning the appearance with a simplistic beauty. Long legs and a very unhealthily thin frame made up, well... me. Large ears flicked back in irritation and distain, hate was clear and evident within my eyes.

So fucking sick of the entire world. WHy couldn't it just all end already? I would never admit it, but I was lonely. And loneliness makes a Pokemon desperate. Desperate for companionship. Bull crap. I didn't need anyone, not now and not later. A growl of frustration escaped my maw as I lied to myself, tossing my head. Many scents drifted along the air as I moved with a stealthy grace through the foliage. The green was giving way to a path, though, and my eyes narrowed as a worn path opened up before me. Well. Looks like another place to raid. My claws itched to dig into some kind of flesh, nearly any flesh. If there was a single goddam living Pokemon within the weird human city, they were mine.

Mine.

My silvery lilac fur instantly burned in the afternoon sun, my thick chest fur not helping my case. At least I didn't have that fluff on top of my head. I always thought I looked dignified without it. I strode ever so casually into the city's limits, merely raising a brow at the weird wall that seemed to enclose the whole place. I would have assumed it was some crappy defence against the infected, but the stone looked like it had been made years ago. Centuries, even. But it was insignificant- all human things were. So I simply flicked my long tails and walked boldly down the streets of the city. I had no idea what it was called, being a newcomer to the region. But, once again, it hardly mattered. Not with the humans gone. A cold grin of pleasure pulled at my lips, only widening when I heard an outburst... quickly followed by two other voices. Iimmediately moved over to the side of the road, letting the long shadows of the moving sun mask my unique appearance. I quickly spotted them, only one I recognized, though. An Arcanine. Known to be fantastic gaurd dogs, I had conversed with a few in my own days of keeping up the shop.

Just the sight of the stupid beast that mindlessly followed the wills of their oh so precious humans made my lip curl in discust. At least I was larger than anyone in the group save the Arcanine. The red fuzz ball was barely half my height. However, soft movement in the shadows of a dark alley captured my attention. Crimson eyes glowed, their narrowed appearance giving away their owner's intentions. Well well, someone else didn't like Arcanines as well. Fantastic. I fearlessly changed my course to the stranger's direction. Still hidden from the veiw of the loud idiots, I allowed my eyes to ecome used to the lack of light and was pleasantly supprised.

Another canine, a Mightyena, and a young one at that. He was also significantly smaller than myself and had the appearance of a still aging child, but there was an immeasurable amount of wrath within his clear eyes. My expressionbrightened. I liked him already, even if he was a few younger than myself. I slipped silently into the alley with him. Not caring if he had already noticed me or not, I strode silent as a spirit beside him, my expression amused. "I see someone else is not a fan or Arcanines... But it might not be wise to take him on all by your lonesome." My voice was soft but leisurely, my British accent clear even with the few words spoken.

"At least it's better than the alternative." Bonfire whirled around to see a large Arcanine, much like one Fenix used to have, approaching him from the shadows. A grin spread across the fire fox's face and a mischevious glint sparkled in his eyes. "I hope I didn't startle you. Have you been here long? I've just come across this quiet hamlet and was wondering if I could stay a while, if it's not too intrusive of me." He almost purred in delight at the very thought of having a new willing vict-uh, companion. "Not at all my friend, not at all."

And what new surprises did fate have in store for him? Why, it was another new face! And a grass type at that, oh they were always so much fun to torment! A little easy to scare due the type advantage he had on them, but that just meant he came up with more clever traps that didn't involve his abilities. "Good afternoon! Isn't the weather just lovely here? Oh, let me introduce myself. I'm Dylan! What are your names?" Bonfire's grin pulled into a smirk as he nodded his head to the new arrival. "The name's Bonfire, bucko. Nice to meet ya. Gotta say it's nice to see any faces at all since the last few weeks have been so quiet. Even better that they're living."

He caught the scent of another Pokemon nearby, this one smelling of old blood and dirt, but the thick scent of death that usually hung around the zombies wasn't present. It was soon joined by another scent, decidedly more feminine, but neither made any move to come closer. It seemed it was simply luck that the wind shifted their scent towards the small group, but luck had always been on Bonfire's side. 'Let's just wait and see what they do then, eh?'

Atticus gave a relieved sigh as the flareon proved friendly; or at least friendly enough. The strange glint in the fire-type's eye was something that made his police instinct worry, but the arcanine put it aside for now. He was just glad he'd found hospitible company. A breloom soon showed after, deeming to be even friendlier than the flareon. Atticus gave the breloom, Dylan, a warm smile, as the flareon introduced himself as "Bonfire". A small chuckle escaped the fire dog. It was a fitting name, it seemed.

"Atticus," he replied, giving the other two a small bow. He was about to inquire how they'd all arrived, but he paused as the wind shifted to reveal two other scents he knew well; a ninetales -female, if his nose proved correct- and a male mightyena. There was little blood mingled with the scents, and even what little he could smell was old and dry; not reeking with death as the dead proved to have. He cleared his throat and looked in the direction the scents wafted from, still sniffing lightly. "...It's all right," he called, keeping his voice even and amiable. "You can come out. We don't bite."

The Flareon gave Dylan a smirk that initially unnerved him, but the Fire-type seemed to be friendly. "The name's Bonfire, bucko," he said. "Nice to meet ya. Gotta say it's nice to see any faces at all since the last few weeks have been so quiet. Even better that they're living." Dylan nodded his head vehemently. "I couldn't agree more, my friend, couldn't agree more! It's been a long time since I've seen a friendly face." Well, he still felt a little uncomfortable around Bonfire, mainly because the Flareon's grin had been a little too broad for his tastes. He didn't quite trust those who smiled too much. But for the moment he nodded to the Fire-type and extended a warm greeting. "It is very nice to meet you, Bonfire."

"Atticus," the Arcanine replied, giving Dylan and Bonfire a small bow. Dylan's expression brightened; he liked this guy and trusted him immediately. Dylan nodded and gave Atticus a smile. "Happy to meet you, friend!" But then the large canine turned his head round and started sniffing. Dylan sniffed too, but didn't smell anything out of the ordinary. It was clear that canine Pokemon had a better sense of smell than most. "...It's all right," Atticus called to no one in particular. "You can come out. We don't bite." Curious, Dylan turned to face in the direction of the apparent newcomers and waited to see who would emerge.

"I see someone else is not a fan or Arcanines...”

Sweeney had heard the light breathing and accompanying patter of paws against concrete, unmoving when the stranger finally spoke. His eyes remained firmly narrowed, watching only the small gathering in the distance as the female slowly approached from behind. Ears flicked back, the youth remained motionless, seemingly focused on the group he’d previously seen except the instinctual raising of his hackles.
“I’m not a fan of many pokémon,” He growled bluntly. Sweeney’s body was tense, ready to attack. He listened carefully, waiting for the near-silent steps to confirm that she was within striking distance. The hound cared not for her gender, her age; whether she was weak or strong was irrelevant. Sweeney only wanted her gone. Preparing to lunge as he caught a flash of silver in his periphery, the creature’s scent soon registered in his mind. Faltering, expression softening into a naïve hope, Sweeney hesitated.

“Lu-“ It was a Ninetales. He could never forget the familiar aroma of the only creature he’d truly loved; Lucy. But he stopped himself, the name sounding strange on his tongue to evoke painful memories of a more innocent world; his childhood. He remembered the battered Vulpix he grew up with, her gentle warning that he shouldn’t aspire to the monstrous battlers around him; years later, her decaying, maggot-ridden corpse. Taking a sharp inhale, he quickly reminded himself of the cold, hard reality – Lucy was dead.

“But it might not be wise to take him on all by your lonesome.”

The Mightyena’s head snapped around to face the Ninetales now stood by his side. She spoke in a strange accent and her appearance was quite startling. Her fur adopting an incredible shade of silver, tails tipped with a soft blue – her only resemblance to his beloved Lucy was her skeletal frame that she’d embodied with her death. His stomach twisting uncomfortably, he regarded her for a moment, an unpleasant frown hanging over hateful eyes.
“Why are you helping me?” Sweeney demanded, his voice calm though oozing hostility. He would have no qualms of slaughtering this female, regardless of her ‘kind’ intentions to assist and the unsettling evocation of old memories. He simply couldn’t bring himself to trust anyone. The last pokémon that had shown him kindness had withdrawn the offer only a few short months later, leaving him to die in that furious inferno. Fur bristling, his crimson eyes bore deep into the stranger. A subtle flexing of his claws betrayed his intentions were she to hesitate.

"...It's all right. You can come out. We don't bite.”

Sweeney’s head snapped back around at the booming yet gentle voice, his frustration heightened at the group’s awareness of his presence. There was no way the fire-type would be addressing anybody else. He glared over his shoulder at the Ninetales, partially holding her accountable for this twist of events. Hadn’t she distracted him, perhaps he would’ve been able to move in time to avoid the wind that placed him at a disadvantage. The hound’s lip soon curled back into a snarl, his mind working frantically as he reached a decision on how to act.
“You want to help, prove it,” The canine threatened bluntly to the female. He never looked to her, instead, stalking forward to step out from his hiding place. His hunched gait the very definition of hostility, Sweeney cracked an unpleasant smile at the small gathering as he neared.

“It’s a shame I do,” The youth’s fangs were bared, his body tensed and ready for action. Crimson eyes unflinching from the Arcanine – the creature with the nerve to speak and the unintentional ability to evoke bitter memories – Sweeney paid no mind to the odds stacked against him. The female that had addressed him earlier would be a great asset were she honest in her offering of help, though he would fight regardless. Unable to control his incredible ability to hate and store such raw emotion, Sweeney’s only outlet was violence. That same impulsive, gory violence that had held his paw through a most troubled life. Suddenly approaching at a surprising speed, Sweeney was reckless in his attack. Jaws wide as he aimed a bite attack directly at the Arcanine’s throat – he was called Sweeney for a reason.

(( Oh my, Atticus and Sweeney are gonna get on so well – not! xD Permission for anyone to attack Sweeney ))

"Finally! Some fucking action!"

The loud shout emanating from the small Flareon was the only warning he gave before he lunged for the Mightyena. This whole week he hadn't even been bothered by the undead and now a living was going bat shit and trying to attack? Hells yeah! Now he could have his fun and not even worry about getting sick like the rest of the losers around this town. He completely forgot about anything anyone had said just moments before because right now was all about the adrenaline.

As the dark hound lunged for the Arcanine, Bonfire pulled one of his signature moves. As he charged full speed he suddenly jumped and flipped onto his back, coming down and sliding underneath the Mightyena. Flames licking at his mouth he suddenly bit up with his Fire Fang, hoping to get at the delicate flesh of the canine's underbelly. It was one he was quite proud of perfecting, as it allowed for his pathetic diminutive size to get an upper hand on larger Pokemon and send them running for the hills. It was also one that got his ass handed to him by Kyuubi several times, but that was beside the point. That bitch was crazy.

((OOC: This was actually something my parent's old cocker spaniel, Buffer, used to do. When my parents lived in the county there was a pack of strays than would go around the neighborhood and the alpha was a Rottweiler. Buffer pulled the flip and slide and tore the crap out of the Rottie's belly and those dogs never came into his yard again. Oh! And Snitch, left it open for Sweeney to avoid getting hurt, lemme know if you want me to change it.))

"It’s a shame I do," the stranger growled, stepping from the shadows to reveal himself a ragged mightyena. Atticus regarded the other in apprehension; so much hostility, and they hadn't even echanged twenty words. His striped fur bristled, his muscles remembering their instincts well. "Now... Hold on, Son..." he began, wanting to quell the malice in the other's eyes before anything happened. Unfortunately, as he feared, the mightyena was not interested in speaking, and lunged for Atticus.

Even with Bonfire's exclaim of joy for entertainment, Atticus moved out of the way with the help of his Extremespeed, putting himself on the other side of the mightyena and flareon. The strain on his gimp leg, though, proved too much and he was rendered momentarily lame, hissing against the slight pain in his hindquarter. Though he doubted he'd be able to talk any reason into either of them, he knew he couldn't just allow such a pointless, senseless act of violence and hate to keep happening. "Now, that's enough, the both of you!" his commanding voice barked. He would thank the flareon for protecting him -even though he doubted that was why he attacked the instigator in the first place- but now was not the time.

Dylan simply couldn't have been happier at that moment. He had met two new friends, one of whom was a little suspicious but he was sure that he was just overlooking things. It all had to go wrong when a Pokemon that he instantly recognised as Mightyena, a fellow Hoenn native, crept out of his hiding place, charged and then threw himself at Atticus, baring his fangs and aiming straight for the Arcanine's throat.

Now, Dylan was not much of a fighter but he never stood back and watched a friend get hurt. The pores on the end of his tail began to glitter with a strange powder as he prepared a Stun Spore to halt the black canine's movements. However, Bonfire leaped at the opportunity for "Some fucking action!" and dashed straight at the aggressive Mightyena and flipped onto his back while running. He slid underneath his belly and bit down on-- Ooooh! The Breloom gasped in horror and covered his eyes, only to briefly lower his hands again and notice that Bonfire was merely biting on the Mightyena's belly. Phew ... that would've been nasty!

"Now, that's enough, the both of you!" Atticus barked. Dylan was somewhat surprised that he had not tried to defend himself against his attacker but he admired the Arcanine's wisdom. It looked like Dylan wasn't the only pacifist around here. He wasn't sure if it would help, but he carefully trod his way closer to the two fighting Pokemon and said loud enough for them to hear, "Yes, Atticus is right, stop this instant! Your fighting will no doubt attract the attention of any undead who are around here!" He finished his scolding with a nervous look at his surroundings.

The arcanine was too quick; a sudden distance placed between Sweeney and his target as a snarl rippled over the dark-type’s muzzle. Almost embarrassed that he’d underestimated the surprising speed of such a large, almost bulky creature, the youth’s eyes narrowed, skidding to a halt as he regarded the fire-type. Coward, he thought bitterly, unwilling to let the creature get away. As he changed his direction however, he quickly found himself almost tripping over. There was a presence beneath him, limiting his movement. Lost to a complete confusion and growing annoyance, a fiery pain soon exploded about his small stomach. A yelp of pain escaping him as the flames licked about the thick, matted fur of his underbelly, Sweeney struggled to escape the flareon’s stubborn fangs. A pokémon with a slightly healthier frame that Sweeney’s malnourished physique would have been spared the agony that came with the unpleasant warmth seeping into his very bones.
“Fucking rat!” Sweeney snarled savagely, shifting frantically in a way that made him appear to be dancing. Trying to catch glimpse of the pesky flareon beneath him, the canine attempted to snap at any of the creature’s limbs within reach – legs, tail, ear, he was relatively reckless in his attempts as the burning continued to grow. With a final struggle, he toppled backwards, escaping the fire-fox’s sharp little fangs to fall onto his back, his underbelly charred and bloody.

"Now, that's enough, the both of you!”

Wasting no time in regaining his composure, Sweeney hardly heard the arcanine’s command that they halt their fighting. Returning to a standing position, albeit a look of fatigue about him from the sudden loss of energy, Sweeney’s hackles remained raised as he glared daggers at his attacker. The pesky mutt had got the better of him – a strange move that had surprised the mightyena to no ends and only succeeded to worsen his sour mood. Back in the ring, the fighting approach was relatively basic – no fancy acrobatics, no fucking sliding beneath an opponent, it was always fast, brutal and bloody. The youth cared not for strategy.
“What kind of move do you call that?!” The malice dripped from the canine’s young voice, though past the angry humiliation laid a certain curiosity. He hadn’t expected the flareon to attack, let alone in such a unique and effective manner. Regardless of his confidence that he was the stronger creature, the fox’s move had piqued an interest in the canine, suddenly restricting his movement. He had to learn from his mistakes. Obviously, recklessness was not the way to approach these strategists – obviously he’d have to start thinking in a similar manner. Risking a glimpse over his shoulder, he was unsurprised that the shiny ninetales had left him a solo battler.

"Yes, Atticus is right, stop this instant! Your fighting will no doubt attract the attention of any undead who are around here!"

Sweeney snorted, hateful eyes darting to stare hard at the strange grass-type that was backing up the arcanine. They feared the undead? How pathetic.
“Let them come,” Sweeney growled sharply in response, head held high despite the searing pain from his stomach. Fortunately, it was already starting to numb – he’d felt far worse. The ugly burn wounds marring his left side betrayed he was more than familiar with the effects of those hungry flames. He took a breath, clearly pained by the little fox’s attack yet determined to continue on. It’s what he’d done back in the ring. If you took a break, a moment to catch your breath, you were as good as dead. But oddly, Sweeney held his ground. All three creatures before him, although mainly peaceful, seemed battle-ready, obviously prepared to take him out were he to persist. Conflicted, his nostrils flared whilst hackles remained firmly raised, regarding the gathering bitterly from a distance. “What else is there to do but fight?” A certain sorrow momentarily surfaced in the tone, his expression still one of hate yet his voice suggested otherwise. It was a genuine question. Sweeney had fought all his life – suddenly being ordered that it was impermissible came as somewhat of a shock. Everything he’d been, everything he’d known was a lie – nothing but a sick, twisted sport.

(( I lol’d so bad, Nightfall xD ))

I did not react to the brash Mightyena. His snarl and half threat did not get to me at all. I merely smiled coldly at him, watching with brown eyes as he rushed off into a situation. My long, thick tails flicked behind me. Pity. He could have simply waited and then we could have easily made a plan. Working together was the only way to bring down a bastard like that fucking Arcanine. They were stupid, mindless beasts- blinded by their damn loyalty to their humans- but they were tough fuckers to kill. My claws dug into the ground in irritation, my eyes flashing from the darkness. I merely watched as the pup got himself overwhelmed and beaten easily. My pelt spiked as the Arcanine played peace keeper. I pulled my lips back. Jealously and hatred burned a hole in my chest, submerging and cisolving every and any thing I had ever cared for. I would take him down myself if need be.

But not as rash.

I would not last against the mutt if I simply rushed in like the Mightyena did. I could hold my own and take on nearly any foe, but a whole group was out of the question. The idea flashed behind me just as soon as I made my resolve. A cold grin pulled at my dark lips only to disappear as soon as I stepped from my hiding place. Hopefully the damn pup would not mess it up. My stance became proud, full of confidence, as I boldly strode right into the thick of the gathered group. Ears perked forward, a very displeased scowl on my muzzel, I walked right up to the Mightyena.

Sticking my nose right into his face, I spat angerly. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" I scolded him in a tone high with worry. "I turn my nose for one minute and you are picking another fight? You make it so hard to sleep these days, I swear!" My eyes flashed, an urgency within them that was hidden from all but the Mightyena. They willed him to go with it- I was saving his skin. I tossed my thick neck fur as I turned to scowl at the rest of the group. "Please excuse my brother... he is not always that friendly. Name is Lovett by the way," I added in, slick as silk. The group would see nothing but an older sister fretting over her brother in the world of the Epidemic. If the thick headed stranger was smart enough to go with it, anyway.

I did not allow my anxiety to show. If he blew it, then we would both be screwed. More than usual, anyway.

A small, vibrant-colored Deino scampered about the undergrowth, causing the bushes and grass to stir as she whisked past them. Des was in a rush to find adequate shade, the sun's rays too hot and intrusive to her liking. "Gotta get up, gotta get on, gotta get get get on that train~" Sliding across the plush undergrowth that lined the dirt, she quickly changed direction and began rushing left. "Gotta lose those nasty looks, 'cuz ain't nobody the same!"

Feeling the flora brush away from her skin and soon finding herself in a clearing, the Deino kept stamping along the now-pavement ground, grinning. "If you want it, you gotta jump on it 'cuz you know we go a mighty long way~" Unbeknownst to her, the blind dragon was headed straight for the group of living, hopping along giddily to her own singing.

Suddenly, she felt her face bump into something furry, and shade enveloped part of her body as she slumped to the ground, looking up. Des couldn't smell anything bad, so assuming it was a living, the Deino grins. "Ohai! Sorry for bumping into you, whatever you are. If you don't mind, what are you, anyway? I'm a Deino, so I'm blind." she spoke, before picking up different scents. "Oh, er... Actually, what are all of you?"

[OOC: Got permission from Ciana to bump into Lovett, whom is the one she bumped into. c: She's singing Misfits by Thebanwithnoname in the beginning.]

"Now, that's enough, the both of you!" Wait...what?! He actually wanted Bonfire to not keep his hide in one piece? Really?! "Yes, Atticus is right, stop this instant! Your fighting will no doubt attract the attention of any undead who are around here!" Oh come on! Were these two totally adverse to fun? And besides, the stupid mutt started it!

“Let them come.” Ha! For all his crazy the dark mutt was actually his kind of guy. Bonfire couldn't hep but give a dark chuckle at the idea of the Undead finally coming down from the chasm to disturb the sleepy town. It had been all but deserted by living and undead alike, and he had made louder ruckus before with no results. "I doubt we'll see anything today, but even if we do it isn't exactly like we are helpless here." The Mightyena seemed to still have a blood lust coursing through him because the look in his eyes was pure wild, giving Bonfire a sick thrill at the idea of challenging him again. “What else is there to do but fight?” 'Good freaking question.'

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Bonfire turned his gaze towards the new voice and where once was a mischevious smirk there now lay a disgusted scowl. It was a fucking shiny Ninetales, just like that bitch Kyuubi. What the hell did she want? "I turn my nose for one minute and you are picking another fight? You make it so hard to sleep these days, I swear! Please excuse my brother... he is not always that friendly. Name is Lovett by the way." Her brother? "Yeah, right. And I'm Beadle Bamford," he muttered indignantly under his breath, still glaring daggers at the she-devil. But before anything could be done a blue and purple blur suddenly slammed into the side of the bitch.

"Ohai! Sorry for bumping into you, whatever you are. If you don't mind, what are you, anyway? I'm a Deino, so I'm blind. Oh, er... Actually, what are all of you?" If he had hands, he would have facepalmed like he had seen Fenix do whenever she was exasperated. Was this chick serious? You just run into a complete stranger with no sense of what they are or whether they were friendly and you announce that you are blind. Was she that stupid? Why would anyone reveal a disadvantage like that, even if it was a normal thing for your species? He had wanted more victims to his pranks but surely this was Fate playing the trick on him.

"And today started as such a pleasant afternoon..." he started, sarcasm dripping from every word. Nothing to be done about it now so he might as well make the most of what he got handed. "Alright, kid, here's the skinny. You just ran into Crazy Bitch who was currently defending Rabid Mutt from me stopping him from trying to chomp on Fluffy Statue. Happy Mushroom over there chimes in with whatever Fluffy wants and me, I'm Bonfire the Great. That sum it up for you?" He looked around with his trademark smirk as he judged everyone's reactions. Okay, so this might be more fun that he originally thought.

"What else is there to do but fight?"

The question took Atticus so off guard, it almost hurt. To see one so young with such a mindset... He thought this sort of thing had gone its way along with everything else the Epidemic had crumbled; the dregs of society and everyone else were now equals. How could someone like this still exist...? Still, the arcanine gave the pup a warm expression and a small, amicable chuckle. There was other conversation going on, but the fire dog felt that his attention was needed on the trouble youth that still seemed very adamant in taking his life. "Live," was his simple answer.

Keeping an ear toward the mightyena, glancing to the newcomer -a dragon of some sort- the flareon introduced them all rather unceremoniously. While Atticus quickly realized a little more about the spitfire Eeveelution, he cleared his throat to give his actual name. "Atticus." While the term "Fluffy Statue" was endearing, he'd prefer not to be addressed by it permanently. He turned back to Bonfire and gave him a nod. "Thank you, Bonfire, for earlier. You shan't regret it."

((Atticus, you're probably gonna regret saying that lol))

"Let them come," came the Mightyena's chilling response to Dylan's words. The Breloom's eyes widened as his fears of this newcomer grew immediately. What kind of deluded, primitive creature would actually WANT the undead to come?! he thought in amazement. The idea was simply ludicrous and downright mad to him. "What else is there to do but fight?" There was a slight tone of sorrow in the black canine's voice as he spoke, and Dylan found himself feeling sorry for him. Clearly his life had not been as happy and carefree as Dylan's had before all of this.

"Live," Atticus replied simply. Dylan nodded his head in agreement as he carefully stepped a little closer to the Mightyena. He held up his tail to deliver a Stun Spore just in case he attacked him. "Atticus is right, my friend. It takes more than brute strength alone to survive," he said, the emotion in his voice clear. He was, after all, speaking from personal experience.

Just then a white fox-like Pokemon stepped out and scolded the Mightyena. "Please excuse my brother," she said, "he is not always that friendly. Name is Lovett by the way." Relived to meet somebody else who was friendly, Dylan politely bowed his head to the female. Before he could introduce himself, another Pokemon emerged. This one looked a bit like a small dinosaur but Dylan was pretty sure it was a Dragon-type. "If you don't mind, what are you, anyway? I'm a Deino, so I'm blind," she queried.

Bonfire's response to this simply oozed with sarcasm and Dylan scowled a little at being called 'Happy Mushroom'. He decided that it would be wise not to retaliate and start another fight. Ignoring the Flareon he approached the strange dragon. "I am a Breloom, a dual Grass-Fighting type from Hoenn," he said kindly, knowing that he had to sound good to compensate for the fact that smiling at the Deino was rather pointless. "My name is Dylan!" He directed his reply at the white fox as well, giving her a friendly nod of acknowledgement. "What is your name?" he asked the dragon.

[ooc: Skip. My post depends on Sittch...]

"Alright, kid, here's the skinny. You just ran into Crazy Bitch who was currently defending Rabid Mutt from me stopping him from trying to chomp on Fluffy Statue. Happy Mushroom over there chimes in with whatever Fluffy wants and me, I'm Bonfire the Great. That sum it up for you?" The Deino paused, taking in all the information. "...Huh." Des mumbled. Lifting her head at the sound of someone clearing their throat, she heard a male speak. "Atticus."

'Atticus?' Realizing that it must be the name of the speaker, the sudden urge to chomp on one of their legs came. "I am a Breloom, a dual Grass-Fighting type from Hoenn," turning to the other voice, who was also male, she listened intently. "My name is Dylan!" the Deino grinned. Finally, someone who actually told her their species. He also sounded very nice, which made the dragon feel happier. "What is your name?" "Desdemona the Deino! You can just call me Des." she grins.

"So what's with this gathering of living Pokemon in the middle of... whatever city or town this is." she assumed the area they were in was a town, feeling the pavement underneath her feet. "I'm surprised that there are this many living still on the planet."

[OOC: Fffff.... I wasn't able to post last night because of a bitchy mom, sorry about that. ;;]

Man these guys where a bunch of squares. Hell Fluffy was even thanking him for being a douche, the hell was up with that? Sure Happy shot him a glance for it but it wasn't like it wasn't true, he was a mushroom and he was freaking happy. Oh well, he tried. The strange looking dragon introduced herself as Desdemona, though that was name was too much of a mouthful so when she said Des Bonfire was all for that. Though, that was only because he hadn't thought of a nickname for her yet. Once he did she would be that for life as far as the Flareon was concerned. The two crazies at least seemed to be keeping to themselves, that was a bonus, as he really didn't like that Ninetales.

"So what's with this gathering of living Pokemon in the middle of... whatever city or town this is. I'm surprised that there are this many living still on the planet." Bonfire let out a laugh at the idea that this small group was the only thing left in the world. "Man if that were true babe we would all be in trouble. Ha!" He trotted up to her, ducking his head to check under her fringe to see if she really had no eyes, and decided to try a little experiment. "So since you are so interested in what we all are, then I should probably tell you that I'm a Skitty. Yup, just a sweet, innocent little Skitty with absolutely nothing to hide." He shot a grin at the rest of the group and waved a paw in front of his mouth to indicate that they shouldn't give him away. He wanted to see what the Deino would do.

((OOC: Omg Bonfire, picking on the blind girl?! Not cool man, not cool, lol. If someone does give him away Bonfire is going to automatically start targeting that person for his worst pranks and attitude, but I kinda wanna see what Des will do though, so try to refrain from giving him up.))

The small dragon seemed a little less deadly than her appearance gave her, and Atticus nearly reprimanded himself for judging her character too quickly. While he had no idea that she was blind, her handicap made a blossom of respect flower in his mind for her. It was some feat to be able to survive this long in a world such as this, but without eyesight-- that was impressive. He beamed proudly down at her, happy that she was as alive and well as the rest of them.

"So since you are so interested in what we all are, then I should probably tell you that I'm a Skitty. Yup, just a sweet, innocent little Skitty with absolutely nothing to hide."

Bonfire's strange statement caught Atticus' ear, and the arcanine turned to look down at the strange flareon to see him hold a paw to his mouth in a gesture of silence. Quirking a brow, glancing from Desdemona and back to Bonfire, Atticus could only guess it was some sort of joke. While his first initial reaction was to correct Bonfire, he supposed a little harmless conjecture would be permissible. After all, Bonfire wouldn't keep up the charade, would he? Surely...

"Erm, I am an Arcanine, Miss. A fire type native to the Kanto region. It is good to meet you." His aimiable smile was present even in his voice.

"Live,"

Sweeney’s crimson eyes narrowed at the arcanine’s response. He had chuckled, smiled at him as if he were some clueless pup before giving that blunt ridiculous excuse for an answer. The mightyena’s lips curled back to reveal sharpened, bloodstained fangs, the canine’s unintentional patronization leaving his sour mood unchanged. The pensioner had no idea what he’d experienced – to be viewed as nought but a confused child was an insult. Besides, you had to fight to live. There was never one without the other. Sweeney’s views were concrete, his hateful glare still lingering on the canine before the grass-type chipped in with an agreement. Was this a fucking therapy session now? A growl escaped the youth, still holding his ground as the strange creature had the nerve to approach.
“Not where I’m from,” He muttered darkly, taking a step forward. His muscles tensed as he prepared to launch himself at the idiot who thought it wise to reason with him. But he stopped in his tracks.

"What the hell is wrong with you?! I turn my nose for one minute and you are picking another fight? You make it so hard to sleep these days, I swear!”

It was the ninetales. As he turned his scraggly head to regard the female, that same flicker of hope surfaced over his features as images of Lucy bombarded his thoughts. However, cruel reality was quick to reappear, his glare only intensifying as he reminded himself that she was just another enemy. But as he met those amber eyes, his expression softened slightly. She spoke through those orbs, speaking one thing yet meaning another. Brother? Sweeney’s nostrils flared a fraction, his aggressive stance relaxing as he processed her intentions. Again, she was choosing to help him. She’d offered once and had left him to fight alone – he struggled to find reason to put his faith in her again. It was a ludicrous idea, yet he eventually forced a weak smile. He had no regard for his safety, or this ‘Lovett’ creature’s, but his heart propelled him to partake in her charade. A stranger stood before him, yet all he saw was Lucy.
“Sorry, sis,” His tone was sarcastic, bitter, as he flashed an unpleasant smile. If they were going to be siblings, he was never going to be the loving sort. “Old habits die hard, y’know,” His ears flicked back at the rat’s quip, though his attention soon fell to a dragon that walked blindly into his new sister.

"Ohai! Sorry for bumping into you, whatever you are. If you don't mind, what are you, anyway? I'm a Deino, so I'm blind. Oh, er... Actually, what are all of you?"

Sweeney snorted, his head raised as the pain about his stomach began to fade to nothing but a dull tingling. The strange ‘deino’ that had stumbled rather inelegantly onto the scene was blind. In a way, he pitied her. Sight was everything. It was a surprise she’d managed to survive so long, especially with such a knack for strolling into the heart of a hostile group. Perhaps it would be better to end her life before one of the undead did so in a far more gruesome manner. Of course, he was alone in such an opinion. Whilst not exactly welcoming, the mouthy git of a flareon gave a rundown, complete with charming nicknames. ‘Rabid Mutt’ gave a snort as the rat announced himself as ‘Bonfire the Great’, unfazed by the creature’s jab at him. Words were harmless… and proving rather annoying as of late. They were making introductions now. The arcanine was Atticus, the mushroom-thing Dylan. Of course, Sweeney had been dying to know.

Taking the opportunity to move closer to Lovett, Sweeney spoke quietly, subtly to the female as the others remained distracted by the latest arrival.
“What are you playing at?” The hound’s fangs were dangerously close to the female’s ear, eyes narrowed as he spoke with malice. He didn’t know what to think of her. He only trusted her, listened to her, out of some misplaced desire to please his deceased companion. It made no sense and the rational canine was growing increasingly concerned about this female’s influence on his behaviour. Glancing back to the others, he shifted impatiently on the spot. “First you abandon me, now you want to play happy families? You better have some kind of plan,” There was a threat in his voice, his expression of frustration only soothed by her appearance. Hadn’t she been a shiny, he may well have lost his mind already at the resemblance between Lovett and the girl he’d let down. With a huff, he turned to face to the group, stood at the ninetales’ side to ensure he’d catch her whispered reply. He had no intentions to introduce himself.

"So since you are so interested in what we all are, then I should probably tell you that I'm a Skitty. Yup, just a sweet, innocent little Skitty with absolutely nothing to hide." Des sniffed, cocking her head to the side. "A Skitty?" she frowned. "You, Bonfire the great, is the first male Skitty I have ever met in my whole life. Also the first Skitty to have a presence so... Warm." the Deino can almost feel waves of heat rolling off his fur.

"Erm, I am an Arcanine, Miss. A fire type native to the Kanto region. It is good to meet you." Des brightened significantly, head almost immediately turning to Atticus. "Woaaaaaaah! An Arcanine! Dude, that is SO cool! I've heard so much about your species, like how epic they are and how strong they are and..." if she had eyes, they would be lit with excitement. "They even call Arcanines the legendary Pokemon! Dude, that--that is just EPIC." a grin grew on her face. "MUCH cooler than an innocent little Skitty..." she coughed.

[OOC: Ermergerd I'm sorry this is late. ;A; Internet went down AGAIN and I have to post with my phone. ;;]

"A Skitty?" Oh this was great! "You, Bonfire the great, is the first male Skitty I have ever met in my whole life. Also the first Skitty to have a presence so... Warm." HA! This chick was freaking fantastic! The note of sarcasm in her voice clearly stated that she knew him to be lying but she went with it anyway. Sweet mama he couldn't have asked for better! And then she started gushing over Atticus...okay maybe she wasn't that great. Oh well.

Rabid Mutt and Psycho Bitch were still keeping to themselves so he decided to keep playing his little game. "Yep, just a harmless..." he started creeping up on the Deino, "little..." a little closer now, "Skitty!" And with the last word he pounced, wondering if the blind dragon would know that he was going for her and move out of the way. Hey, she had to had survived this long somehow, right? Besides, she was already proving to be the most fun in this odd group that showed up in his town.

((OOC: With everyone away last cycle I had to go ahead and make Bonfire be a little more of an ass to Des, sorry Lulu! Feel free to knock him away to teach the little prick a lesson! lol))