The ASPERTIA Team

"Oz, Oz! Look we're close to Aspertia City!" The Lopunny said excitedly, pointing out the sign that faintly read, 'Aspertia City up ahead'. She couldn't read well, but she did know that sign meant that the city was close probably. Excitement filled her as she was one step closer to remembering her memories, thought the Joltleon and the Honchkrow were far behind [well technically they were on the bridge and she was at the edge of the city, so about a couple of feet away?], she was keen on why she was at a tower. Perhaps she was a damsel in distress? Some monster keeping her in there? Families weren't suppose to lock up their children in towers, Oz had once said, so that option was crossed out long ago. Alice didn't know much of Oz and Gilbert, but she knew she could trust them to watch her back. Yet something was off about Gilbert, as if she felt his cold vibe once before. She doesn't understand why, but she just felt it. Once did the Rabbit Pokemon ask Gilbert if he knew her once before, but he never responded with a straight answer.

Without waiting for them to catch up, she hopped into the city, only to be mildly surprised that the city was in ruins. Hell, every city that the trio passed by was in ruins, though it didn't seem like Aspertia was that badly affected. Rather only partial parts of the buildings were now crumbled off, paint peeling off, rooftops with lots of holes. It was a surprise that scent of death wasn't that strong. Must mean there weren't lots of Undead? But something was off about this place, she rose a brow as she gazed at her surroundings. First off, the stench of death wasn't as bad. Usually it would reek the place, but it's only faint here, don't Undead flock like entire regions? It's as if someone was still living here or something, preventing those stinky bastards from walking in. If that's how it is, then that explains the not-so-massive amounts of rubble.

Alice glanced over at the direction where she came from, a vein popping as the idiot duo have not yet appeared, "Oz, Seaweed Head! Get your asses over here!"

With a defiant huff, she decided to inspect this place herself, but in the view of Route 19 in case they actually appear on time. Alice ran her paws against the wall of a nearby house, hoping for at least some memory. Anything would have helped her really, a scent, a touch, even sight... but why isn't anything coming to her? Her reason to jump off a tower, she faintly remembered she had a friend in that tower, but why didn't he save her? Sometimes just having a blurred memory doesn't help, it could be misunderstandings, or or.... She groaned slightly with a facepalm, it was so difficult just to remember a simple few memories, yet the words that came out of her mouth back in Castelia came out so easily. To think finding memories was so and easy task pftt!

[He'll reveal himself next turn. uvu For now, he's camping in the tree.]

"Oz, Oz! Look we're close to Aspertia City!"

Oz looked up to the excited Alice. He noticed the town in front of him but still far off in the distance. Joy. This didn't really motivate him to move any faster. He just continued to walk forward along with Gilbert, "Seaweed Head" as Alice called him. The black Lopunny with sudden amnesia. He sighed, continuing to walk forward. He wondered over his family, and how they had all died from those damn monsters.... He eventually let his mind sink into it. Like hell he'd let his hurt show though.

"Oz, Seaweed Head! Get your asses over here!"

She sounded displeased with them. He looked up, seeing her near the buildings. Well, he ought to go over there towards her.
"We should pick up the pace, Gil." he said quite oddly annoyed. He didn't mean to sound so so much but oh well. His fur sparked as he bounced forward a bit faster, getting closer to Alice.

-----
(OoC: I probably failed in his personality but oh well. lol)

The Jolteon finally came to view, hopping over to Alice as well as calling out for Gilbert. It was peculiar how the Honchkrow didn't come by now, but Alice shrugged it off. After all, the seaweed head could just be sulking somewhere going on whimpering about formalities like he usually does. Nonetheless, she dismissed her negative thoughts from earlier, glaring at the Electric-type with her tongue stuck out, "Took you long enough!" Her voice hinted irritation, yet at the same time it was teasingly. The Lopunny waved her paw around, as if signalling them, "Anyways, I'm not sure if there's any undead prowling around, so we should be on our guard. Alright Oz?"

Before she walked ahead, Alice softly touched the wall of the broken down house, in hopes of clinging onto her memories. Would she lose them again if she stuck around? What kind of life did she live before all of this?... But the present is present, she didn't want to search for her memories so she could cling onto her past, but rather that she wants to know who she was. It's not possible to be defined as a Pokemon without a history, and of course, the Lopunny is bound to have one! She blinked as she sniffed something in the air while scanning the area, her eyes squinting at a peculiar tree. She couldn't see that far, and her eyesight was completely poor. It could be her imagination, but there was something in that tree that made her feel nostalgic, yet at the same time uneasy.

She turned her head over at the stairs that lead up to a lookout. The stairs looked like they were used several times, chips and cracks spotted everywhere, it's also as if there was some sort of battle near it. Alice shrugged it off, her paw on the railing as she traveled up. She didn't know what happened afterwards, but jolts and shocks went through her mind quickly; she was here before. "Hey... Oz," She mumbled, glancing over at the Jolteon, "Where did you guys find me again?" It was meant to be an innocent question, no sound of teasing, no comments upon her nickname for Oz [that Manservant!]; she was completely serious now.

"Took you long enough! Anyways, I'm not sure if there's any undead prowling around, so we should be on our guard. Alright Oz?"

"Alright, Alice." He watched her look around. A girl without memories is one that's curious, he guessed. He watched her look around, then up the stair of the lookout. The whole place seemed worn down enough. Alice took a step forward.

"Hey... Oz? Where did you guys find me again?"

The tone in her voice went soft, her eyes as well when she looked to him. He looked at her back with a bit of a smile. But then he realized as he looked up the path. This place seemed awfully familiar.... Ah, now he remembered.
"Well, we found you here...." he lifted a paw towards the forest they were close to. Where she was looking at. She must have some faint hint of remembrance. Suddenly, an almost hissing noise appeared behind him.

Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

Oz looked to the Glaceon that he had found. And Eeveelution, just like him. Oz spoke up as the Glaceon stepped forward, the blue fox-like thing's collar chiming.
"I'm Oz.... And I'm here with a friend of mine; Alice. We're looking for her memories here, I'm trying to help her.... Oz put on an unsure grin, a bit uncomfortable. He waited for the dogs response, glancing to Alice to see her response too.

-----
(OoC: Gah so much fail. lol. WHAT IS PERSONALITY FOR OZ.)

"Well, we found you here...." The Joltleon said, raising his paw softly towards the forest. Alice stared at it for what seemed to be forever, no memories danced across her mind, but her gut tells her that's the place. That's the place... That's it! She felt a determined grinned plaster upon her face. Though Gilbert (Oz's manservant) seems late, the Lopunny was ready to tell the group to move out towards the forest!... Only to be interrupted by a hiss, she whirled around, only to see a Glaceon. A scarf wrapped around his neck, hiding what seems to be a collar. The bells chimed along with the Ice-type's hiss; "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" The Black Rabbit threw daggers at the Fresh Snow Pokemon, she was about to say a retaliation, only to be interrupted once again.

"I'm Oz.... And I'm here with a friend of mine; Alice. We're looking for her memories here, I'm trying to help her...."... A vein popped at the top of Lopunny's head, she slapped the Electric-type right on the face, "Are you stupid?!" She exclaimed, her finger pointing straight as the Fresh Snow Pokemon as she spoke, "That's an Undead, Oz! We have to get rid of it!" Seaweed head would have her chopped to pieces if the Honchkrow found out she left an Undead sitting about with no wounds. Especially since it came near his 'precious master'. How much Alice wanted to shudder at Gilbert's actions. First off, Oz was a useless manservant, but he's still keeping his position as one. Gil is Oz's manservant, which makes it Alice's manservant's manservant. Therefore, the Honchkrow should at least listen to the Lopunny rather than shrug her off like a piece of trash!

Nonetheless -- the fishy thing! -- how is that Undead talking? They shouldn't be able to speak at all! They should be dead, they should be wanting flesh. But this one? It just asks for an identity! What's with the sudden politeness for Undead? Don't tell Alice that they're after her meat?!... Oh wait they are, but still?! She lifted her finger from the Glaceon and onto Oz's head, flicking it as she scowled, "How the hell are you able to talk anyways?!" She demanded the Glaceon. The Normal-type was ready to attack when needed. Where the hell is the damn bird when he's actually needed?!

"Are you stupid?! That's an Undead, Oz! We have to get rid of it!"

Oz looked to her. "But it isn't really hurting us...." Oz looked to the Glaceon as it looked awestruck. Oz narrowed his eyes at the ground in thought, then back up to Alice.

""How the hell are you able to talk anyways?!"

The Glaceon looked to Alice, taking another step forward. It suddenly glared at Oz.

"Liar and a thief! You took Alice away -- what did you do? Alice does not remember Cheshire!"

Suddenly the Glaceon Quick Attacked at him. Oz barely had enough time to catch that, a barely dodged it as it flew at him. "I didn't do anything to her, she lost her memory! She doesn't remember anything! I'm not a liar!" Oz said a bit exasperated. He did not like getting randomly attacked, especially by those undead monsters that killed his family.

"Liar," the Glaceon hissed, it was directed at Oz, "and a thief! You took Alice away -- what did you do? Alice does not remember Cheshire!" What does this guy mean, something snapped in Alice as she stared awestruck at the Fresh Snow Pokemon, if it knew her, then it knows what happened to her... right? So then it must know her life... How long has it known her? Questions can not go unanswered, she was determined to squeeze 'em off the Ice-type if she has too, even if it's Undead!

Before she could react, it sprung at the Jolteon, Oz barely dodging while rambling his defense, "I didn't do anything to her, she lost her memory! She doesn't remember anything! I'm not a liar!". The black-furred Lopunny felt the edge of her lips curl into a snarl, "Idiot!" Oz, how dare he talk for her?! She had a mouth, she can fucking take care of this herself! And where was the fucking seaweed head when you need him?! She jumped over to Oz, standing in front of him as guard, "Wait!" She shrieked, "If you known me before, what was my life like...?" She croaked at the end, as if she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer.

What if her life wasn't as good as it seemed? What if she was a completely different person than she is now? Would she change? Would she forget this life?... Why did she forget...? She knows it wasn't because of the fall off the building, she felt like someone intentionally removed it, but intentionally? Such a silly thought, no one could remove memories, could they? Alice gulped, if the Glaceon were to attack her, then that's fine, but if the Glaceon were to refuse to answer... Would she forever be wondering this forgotten city for her memories? Nostalgia filled her as she glanced over at the direction of the forest; where Oz pointed. What would she do if things didn't end up her way?


The Jolteon paused as the Rabbit Pokemon had called him an idiot for the bajillionth time. Holding his ground as he stared dumbfounded at the Lopunny that stood between him and the Glaceon, what are you doing Alice?! She demanded the Ice-type for answeres, the Electric-type watching her every move with his emerald green eyes. He glanced every now and then towards the oddly clothed Undead, but it was obvious pain was in Alice's words. Oz didn't like it. His sun. She was hurt. She was trying to hide it. What are you thinking of Alice? Are you forcing yourself to remember...?

Oz felt his muscles relax as the Lopunny held her ground between the duo. Obvious she wasn't going to move until the Glaceon answered her questions. Yet... The Jolteon felt a killing urge come across him. What if the Ice-type refused to give the answers she yearned for so long...? What would Oz do here...? What would he do to this Undead? He never planned on hurting it, but if it had Alice's memories, surely a bit of interrogation would help?

The Jolteon lies. All liars, living and undead -- Cheshire doesn't like liars! Baring his teeth, Cheshire planned to give a good Bite to that Oz, maybe take a bit of flesh; after all, Cheshire was hungry. The Jolteon runs, he runs away from Cheshire, but Cheshire will catch the yellow dog easily. No prey can run away from Cheshire... until Alice comes and protects Oz.

Cheshire skids to a halt right at Alice's feet, his claws leaving marks in the dirt, and he looks up at the Lopunny with slightly widened eyes. Cheshire jumps backwards, landing lightly and the bell on his collar making a light ring. "Wait," she shrieks, looking a little annoyed, but also... worried? Since when was Alice worried? "If you known me before, what was my life like...?" The Lopunny's voice cracks near the end. The Jolteon tells the truth -- Alice has truly forgotten.

Cheshire backs away, his ears flattened, his attention no longer on food. Maybe Alice has forgotten, and Cheshire has trouble remembering, but Cheshire can guess why Alice has forgotten. The empty void where the Murkrow had pecked out Cheshire's right eye, the Glaceon can still feel it burn in pain. Cheshire knows how Cheshire died, and he knows he did it for Alice. He takes another step back, the bell ringing every time Cheshire moves. The collar Alice gave to Cheshire... the life they had. Alice remembers none? Is it because Cheshire died for Alice?

"For Alice," Cheshire mumbles, lowering his head, "Cheshire did it for Alice. Alice did not forget because of Cheshire, did she?" Cheshire feels a pull in his chest -- is it guilt? Is it worry? Cheshire doesn't like the feel. His dark red eyes move up to look at Alice's violet. Cheshire's red eyes are a little sad, sad that Cheshire finds his precious Alice alive... but not aware who Cheshire is.

"For Alice," The Glaceon mumbled, the Lopunny gulped, the anxiety was definitely killing her, "Cheshire did it for Alice. Alice did not forget because of Cheshire, did she?" Alice frowned, she wasn't sure how she forgotten, she fell off a building, but, was that truly the reason for her amnesia? Was there something deeper? She froze as the crimson red eyes stared into her violet ovals. Who are you...? The gaze was familiar, where did they meet? What is this Ice-type's relationship with her? "I... I-I..." She was unsure, what was she to say? 'I'm sorry, but I don't have a fucking clue how I lost my memories either?'. Well she did have an idea... But there must be a deeper meaning, it's not just a bonk on the head!

It came to Oz's attention that the Glaceon was speaking in third-person, he must be Cheshire. The Jolteon didn't realize this at first due to attacks, but whatever flows he guessed... He felt out of place here, they had a connection, and it seemed like they had a barrier around them. Alice faltered, she had no idea what to say. Yet Oz stood there speechless. Where is Oz exactly...? Where is Oz... "We found Alice unconscious near a tower in the woods," Oz said, anxiety was clawing at him. Don't take away Alice, don't take away the sun! Don't let his words push Alice away... "Could be the cause." He shrugged, his thoughts were not even matched with his actions. The Jolteon seemed like a happy, straight-forward guy, but is that really all there is to it? His father... Didn't even want him. He was basically unneeded in his life, Gilbert was someone he depended on rather than the Honchkrow depending on him. But Alice, she depended on Oz to help her. He's not going to let that go. Because she pointed the way to the purpose of his existence.

She turned to Oz whom said those words. He broke the thoughts that haunted the Lopunny. How could he know that was the cause? Alice whirled around, grabbing Oz's tie and pulling him towards her, "Don't speak for you me you manservant!" She hissed. This was the second time he's done it for her, no way is she going to let that slide! Honestly, doesn't he realize there could be a deeper meaning to the reason why she lost her memories? How the fuck can she lost them with a simple hit on the head?! She's not that weak! What the hell?!

"W-wait! Wait a moment Alice!" The Jolteon said with an awkward smile, his actions made Alice angry again... But it broke the barrier, Oz felt like the Lopunny was next to him again, "Though we don't know the cause of your memory loss, why not just ask Cheshire your past to see why it disappeared like that?" The force that held Oz close to the Lopunny lessened, she must have just realized it. She's very open with her feelings isn't she? If only he was like that. The Rabbit Pokemon slightly nodded, her frown stayed on her face, but maybe the thought of asking Cheshire her past could help. Then again, he still believed that it was because of the impact on her head it gave her amnesia. There's no other way she could have gotten it, could she?

Cheshire stares and Alice stares back. Alice is confused, Cheshire can tell. Does Alice really remember nothing? It appears she doesn't. How could someone just forget their entire life? Was that possible? Cheshire believes it -- the proof is Alice. The Jolteon, Oz, looks around without words. He looks surprised. Maybe he is surprised. Cheshire wouldn't know, Cheshire can't read emotions. He never has.

"We found Alice unconscious near a tower in the woods," the Jolteon explains. Tower? Near the woods? Cheshire and Alice's woods, is that what he is talking about? It has to be. There is no other tower in the woods, Cheshire doesn't think. Cheshire's ears flatten again and he hesitates to answer. How does he answer? "Home? Tower in the woods, is home to Cheshire," he answers after a pause.

Suddenly, Cheshire's face darkens, his fur bristling and freezing the air again. Cheshire searched for Alice, Cheshire searched for months, and here she was -- alive and well. Without her memories, but alive and well. The Jolteon wasn't a part of Cheshire and Alice's past. What point did he have being here?

Someone... is here.
          He is here... to 'snatch away the thing you love most'.

"Cheshire... doesn't like strangers. This is Cheshire's house... You are trying to take Cheshire's Alice..." Yes. Cheshire remembers. He knows the truth of what happened the day Alice lost her memories. Who killed poor Alice? Should Cheshire tell? But it would kill Alice all over again. "Why," Cheshire asks, red eyes narrowing and his voice rising, "why do you and the yellow dog want to know so much?!"

"Home? Tower in the woods, is home to Cheshire," The Ice-type answered to Oz's statement. The Lopunny fully released Oz upon this answer. She was ready to jump up over to Cheshire and shake him wildly for answers. If it was his home, he must know what is in there. How long has he been in there? He knew Alice, he must be a part of her life, she wants to know her past. No... She needs to know her past. But the Glaceon's face darkened, the air became cool. She could feel the temperature drop. The Rabbit Pokemon stood still in her place. It wasn't because of the temperature drop, but rather that the sudden dark aura emitting from Cheshire made her shudder. "Cheshire... doesn't like strangers. This is Cheshire's house... You are trying to take Cheshire's Alice..." What...? What does Cheshire mean by 'Cheshire's Alice'?

Oz's fur bristled along with the Glaceon's. Cheshire's Alice? No way! She belongs to no one! Alice is Alice, she's no item. She's her own being. No one could match up to Alice... because she is the sun. He immediately calmed himself down as the Lopunny glanced at him for answers, the Jolteon saying nothing as he moved his emerald green gaze over from her to Cheshire. "Why," The Glaceon asked, his voice began to rise with each word that came out of his mouth, "why do you and the yellow dog want to know so much?!" Yellow dog? He'll take that as an insult. "It's Oz!" He hissed, but before he could say anymore, Alice had cut him off.

"Because I want to know my past!" She screamed, "I want to know who I am!"... She knows she's Alice. Alice is Alice. But what is her history? She's just a Pokemon that popped out of midair if that's how it is. She's a complete stranger to everyone. Alice has no family, but she had Oz and Gilbert. She wants to know what happened back then. Why she fell off the tower, why she lost her memories, who's her best friend? And who is that strange Pokemon that always cared for her while she was in the tower...? It wasn't long after her screeches did the stairs underneath her give way. They were old, and broken, it was a miracle that it was still standing up until now. She yelped as she fell, eyes closed in fear. The crash was loud, but it ended quickly. It was then did she only to feel the concretely softly brush against her fur. Alice slowly opened her violet eyes, only to see Oz's green eyes reflect off her image and worry, "You alright Alice?"

It was out of instinct he had rescued her, he didn't know why. They were at the ground floor now, he honestly wished that the Lopunny didn't stay on the stairs when she first entered the city. "I'm perfectly fine manservant!" Alice hissed, pushing the Electric-type's face away from her's. She's alright. It made Oz laugh, "I'm glad you're alright then!" He gave a funny grin, which made the Lopunny push him even farther away with a dignified huff. Oz paused though, it could be his imagination, but did she just blush?... No way. He shook his head wildly at this thought. It was his imagination. She's too focused on her memories that there would be interested in romance [though she had a passion for food].

Alice and the yellow dog are persistent. Cheshire doesn't like that. Alice seems angry, and so does the yellow dog, but Cheshire pays no mind to the Jolteon. "Because I want to know my past! I want to know who I am!" Alice is frustrated. Cheshire growls lowly and takes a step forward, when suddenly, the stairs under Alice's feet crumble away into dust. She falls through the floor, and the yellow dog follows. Cheshire steps lightly close to the new hole, looking down. Normally, it was solid rock under the stone steps -- or at least, it was before infected Larvitar or Digletts ate it all away. It was the same in every part of Cheshire's home. Undead had ruined everything.

Cheshire drops down the hole, following his Alice and apparently, her pet Oz. It is dark in the cavern. Cheshire likes the dark. The dark is quiet, usually. Cheshire gives a growl that echoes through the rock walls, his bell lightly ringing and joining the echo. "Alice is... Cheshire's precious... Cheshire knows who Alice is..." Cheshire's Icy Wind begins blowing in the cavern under the former Lookout Point, where Alice and Cheshire used to love to stand and see the rest of the world. The air gets colder quickly, until the surfaces of the rock start gleaming with thin layers of ice.

"Everything that made you sad, everything that made you hurt... Cheshire will destroy them... even if it means your memories!"

Alice fixed her gaze to above her after Oz's weird closeness to her face. They dropped down below ground level; underground. Cheshire dropped down after them, a growl bouncing off the walls, "Alice is... Cheshire's precious... Cheshire knows who Alice is..." He knows who she is, but why won't he tell her? What is his purpose? The temperature dropped again, this time even colder. The floor underneath the Lopunny was covered with a thin layer of ice, Oz standing protectively in front of her. "Everything that made you sad, everything that made you hurt... Cheshire will destroy them... even if it means your memories!" Destroy...? Why...? Something bad happen in the past? What happened then? How could she know if she doesn't remember? It saddened her greatly that the Glaceon didn't even tell her.

Without warning, the Jolteon grabbed the Lopunny, throwing her on his back. She gave a yelp as he hopped on a pile of rocks to reach surface, "Then if he's not telling us, let's go to the tower ourselves!" What would be the definition for his current action? Crazy? Out of his mind? Insane? All of them seem to fit, he was sure that the Glaceon might stop them somehow if he didn't want Alice to find her memories. What's wrong with finding out? Her history can't be that bad right? She's a cheerful Lopunny, very open with herself. There's no way that a cheerful Pokemon like her could have a terrible history... But then again, she did forget it... What did the Ice-type mean by destroying her memories? He must really not want her to find out...

Why did Cheshire threaten her anyways? The thought crept into the corners of her mind as Oz raced through the greens of the forest. What exactly happened...? What was the relationship between the Glaceon and Alice? It wasn't possible she could be friends with an Undead... Unless, he was alive at the point they met? Impossible, Undead that the trio came across were savage and bloodthirsty. This Undead could just be a bit smarter, pretending he knew Alice... But he mentioned her name when they first met, she said nothing of it, but he knew her name. The odd nostalgic feeling towards the Glaceon, it could be possible he was the friend that accompanied her in the tower...

A sharp pain in her head made her wince. The Lopunny held her skull between her paws, as if trying to make it go away, or at least help the pain slowly disappear. But it did nothing, images raced across her mind, one catching her attention. It was as if she teleported from Oz's back and to that very image. A young Eevee curled right next to her on a comfortable couch, she scanned the stone walls around her as the only openings were a window and a door. Alas, the door was tightly shut... She blinked in realization as she glanced down back at the Eevee, maybe that was Cheshire...? No, no... There were many Eevees in the world. The possibilities of this Eevee being Cheshire was slim. It was then did the door suddenly opened, she jumped at the noise, yet her heart pounded with excitement as she turned around. She couldn't see his face quite clearly, but his voice was heartwarming and smooth as honey, "Alice, how are you today?"

He stared at the Lopunny with worried eyes, she was gazing off into the distance, as if reliving a memory... Perhaps this is what happens when she comes close to the place that is filled with her past. The Electric-type came to a sudden stop in front of a tower, it wasn't that long of a journey, but it felt like forever to get here... Oz glanced behind him, if Cheshire was following them, he'd best go inside... The Lightning Pokemon opened the door up with a slight push, closing it behind him as he padded quickly up the tower steps. He prayed that the stairs underneath him wouldn't break just as last time.

The yellow dog suddenly takes Alice and jumps out of the hole. He is taking Cheshire's precious away! Cheshire feels anger and frustration build up inside of him -- Cheshire doesn't like what they are doing... Why can't they just leave Cheshire alone? Cheshire didn't do anything! With a hiss, Cheshire steps on the same rocks the yellow dog did, jumping around in a spiral around the cavern back to the hole and out, tailing the Jolteon and the rabbit on its back. Cheshire can't let Alice remember. Who killed poor Alice? Who killed poor Cheshire? Cheshire killed poor Alice, because Vincent killed poor Cheshire.

Oz is taking Alice somewhere. Where is he taking her? Cheshire glances up, and starts running faster. No, no, no, Cheshire can't let the yellow dog go there. How does he even know where the tower is? He goes through the trees and to the door of the tower, and the Jolteon pushes open the door easily despite the rust that makes the door groan. Cheshire runs after the yellow dog, chasing him up the stone stairs that crumble in some places. Cheshire has an advantage, maybe -- he knows where the stones are weak, but the Jolteon doesn't. But the dog is lucky, it seems -- he runs swift, swiftly towards Alice's and Cheshire's room.

"If you want to remember that badly... then why did you forget in the first place?!" Cheshire screeches in anger. He uses Quick Attack to catch up to Oz and Alice, tackling the yellow dog down on the stairs. "Cheshire won't let you hurt Alice," Cheshire growls in the Jolteon's face, "so you should just be quiet and become Cheshire's food!"


[Got permission to tackle Oz. lol]

Alice felt confused, how was she today? What kind of question is that? Especially when she just dealt with an Undead Glaceon that refused to give her the answers she wanted? Yet, despite the distress she was feeling, a smile came upon her face, the bubbling feeling returned as she stared at the shadowy figure, "I'm doing fine now that you're here Jack!" She chimed her response, hopping instinctively off the couch as she hugged the Pokemon. It was automatic, as if a story had been laid out already, she is just simply reading the script. But who is this Jack? Why is he here in her tower? Was this that special person that took care of her? The one that accompanied her? He was special, she remembered that, more special than the Eevee [whom she assumed is her friend]. The Rabbit Pokemon gazed up at the supposed Jack's face, only to see darkness. A malicious grin crept onto his face as he stared right back at Alice, a distorted voice pierced through the air, "It's all your fault!"

"If you want to remember that badly... then why did you forget in the first place?!" Cheshire screeched, Alice's violet eyes awoken with a startle, only to find herself laying right down on the stairs. She ached everywhere, as if she was beaten to the bone... But why did she forget...? The hit on the head makes perfect sense, but there was something deeper. It made her stomach churn at the very thought. She glanced over at Oz's direction, only to see the Jolteon pinned down by his Ice-type counterpart.

"Cheshire won't let you hurt Alice," The Fresh Snow Pokemon growled in Oz's face, the Electric-type could feel the warm breath against his cheek. His emerald green eyes staring right back at the pair of ruby reds. Cheshire couldn't let Alice go, but Oz will not let the Glaceon have him, oh no. He will be the one to protect Alice, and he will be the one to kill of Cheshire. Sparks flickered at the end of the Eeveelution's fur, 'You're annoying...' "so you should just be quiet and become Cheshire's food!" 'Maybe you'll be quiet if I KILL you-!'

The Lopunny pulled the Glaceon off her Oz, slapping the Jolteon from creating further electricity, "Stop it!" She glances at both of them with blazing violet eyes, "The both of you." It's obvious she was pissed off. Of course, Oz was about to kill someone. She knew how he was. He can get a bit 'over-emotional' and kill a bitch. She had to stop him, even if this Glaceon was Undead. He had the answers she seeks. Alice held her gaze with Oz, watching his senses come back to him as he shakes his head and gets up. The Lopunny then turned back to the Glaceon, staring at him curiously with a paw on her chin, thinking, "You probably don't want me to have my memories back," She began, "but, I'm finding them anyways. Whether you like it or not." The Lopunny blinked, then sighed, turning around as she motioned the Jolteon. They were going to save this tower for later. For now, they'll look around the city. As she walked a couple steps passed the Glaceon, she turned around, giving him a soft smile, "I know you're my special friend, just don't get too ahead of yourself."

Oz glanced over at Alice with a frown, 'Special friend' huh?... He felt his chest tightened at the words, the very thought even. What made this Undead so special? He knew about Alice before she and Oz met, and that he was the key to her memories. But what gives? He's getting special treatment... If the Jolteon were to become Undead, would the Lopunny turn to him with that special look? Or would she look disgusted at the monster he's turned into?... No, he's already disgusting. He shouldn't have been born in the first place. He sulked his way downstairs, the Rabbit Pokemon following him. 'Alice... is like the sun....' The Eeveelution glanced up at the sky, evening was ready to fall, 'She's very open with her feelings...' He steadily made his way back to the city, 'She's very warm and bright...'

'It makes me want to capture her and lock her for all eternity.'

[Ooc: Got permission to pull Cheshire off]

The Jolteon's fur dances with yellow sparks -- does he plan to defend himself? Too late! Cheshire's teeth are already hurrying down to bite into the Jolteon's yellow fur and rip out his throat. Good riddance, it would've been, if Alice didn't come and stop Cheshire. Cheshire stumbles back in surprise. "Alice?" Cheshire is confused, a questioning, purr-like sound coming from his throat as the Lopunny glares at Oz and Cheshire. "Stop it! The both of you," demands Alice angrily. Cheshire doesn't know how to feel. Angry? Ashamed? But the yellow dog started it by breaking into Cheshire's home. Oz should not be in the tower -- it was a place just for Alice, Cheshire, Glen, and Jack. Where has Jack gone? Cheshire feels the weight of the scarf around his neck, the weight of the gift from Jack. Cheshire glances over at the yellow dog and flicks his ears, narrowing his eyes and letting out an odd sound, like a growl and a whimper mixed together. The dog looks a lot like Jack.

Alice talks to Cheshire, a paw on her chin in thought. Cheshire remembers Alice used to do that whenever she thought. Jack would say Alice never thought. "You probably don't want me to have my memories back, but I'm finding them anyways. Whether you like it or not." Cheshire frowns, staring at Alice as she begins walking down the spiral stairs of the tower, waving her pet to follow her. After a few steps, Alice smiles at Cheshire; Cheshire thinks the smile looks sincere, but sad. "I know you're my special friend, just don't get too ahead of yourself."

Cheshire stands there in silence as Alice walks off, her pet following her quietly. Does Alice remember? Why Alice is Cheshire's precious? Cheshire blinks slowly and looks down at his paws, a small frown creasing his maw. Cheshire has red eyes now. Alice doesn't like pokémon with red eyes. Alice doesn't hate Cheshire? Doesn't hate Cheshire like how she hated Vincent? Gilbert? Even the thought of the Murkrows makes Cheshire want to claw at the walls in irritation. Shaking the thoughts away, Cheshire follows Alice and Oz down the stairs, staying close, yet keeping his distance -- keeping a constant distance of about ten feet. Far enough for Cheshire to feel comfortable, but close enough to hear most conversation and keep Alice in sight. Cheshire doesn't care about what happens to the yellow dog, but Cheshire has finally found Alice, and Cheshire wants Alice to stay. Cheshire needs to keep Alice from remembering the truth of what happened that day.

The trees soon clear, and the city is visible. Cheshire doesn't think Aspertia is actually big enough to be a 'city', but the humans named it, not Cheshire. The buildings are rotten here and there, but surprisingly intact compared to other places. One or two houses are completely crushed, only pebbles and dust that blow away in the wind, but the rest looks okay. Cheshire didn't like the pokémon that tried to destroy his home. Anything that tried to ruin the only thing Cheshire had to remember Alice, Cheshire destroyed. He barely gives the city a glance, his eyes remaining on Alice and Oz. He knows the place too well. Does Alice remember none of this town, too? Even the nice humans that sometimes played with Cheshire and Alice?

Cheshire said nothing along the way, he didn't stay near nor far from Alice and Oz. She glanced worryingly at the Glaceon from time to time, Oz still sulking. 'Stop paying attention to him...' He thought bitterly. The Jolteon paused as they reached the city in as little as no time. He stared blankly from the half-crumbled lookout point and the gates of Aspertia city. 'Gilbert... how distracted is he?' He took an awful lot of time to find a place to take shelter in, perhaps one of those abandoned houses might work? The Electric-type stole a glance at the Ice-type, he's not going to let them back in the tower any time soon. Only hope were the houses indeed. Oz padded silently up to a brown building, it looked oddly like Oz's home, except smaller, and looked like those 'Gyms'. One or two houses were crumbled down, a couple were rotten, while this Gym looked perfectly stable despite the Epidemic.

With his body weight, he pushed the door open. Oz scanned the area, his eyes adjusting rather quickly to the darkness. There wasn't any crimson red eyes staring back into his emerald greens, especially one with a murdering intention Cheshire you bastard, making the Jolteon this hostile. Nonetheless, it seems safe, he padded deeper into the building, only realizing that the Lopunny still followed closely behind. She must be really depending on Oz huh? Better than staring at the Glaceon at least. He turned to Alice, that goofy smile slapped on his face once more; that fake smile, "We could take shelter in here for the night," He began, "There's still some daylight, so I'm going to find Gil." The Jolteon hopped over to the door, his back against Alice. He hated that moment. Because he felt like he's betraying her, but he needed to find his friend. In case something bad happened. He looked over his shoulder, "I'll come back, and we'll go back to searching your memories alright?"

Alice stared dumbfoundly at the Jolteon's back, even when he disappeared behind the corner, she still stared blankly at the place he once was. So he was going to find Seaweed head huh...? It was true that the Honchkrow hasn't been around lately, and he was probably distracted or wondering off somewhere. But couldn't that bird take care of himself? Oz had left the Lopunny with the Glaceon, she trudged herself over to a wall, her back against it as she slumped over. Dead tired. She was dead tired. She had spent endless nights reaching this city, only to find the key to her memories refusing to open the lock. Cheshire, why couldn't you tell Alice what happened back then? She remembered one piece; Jack. The special person is called Jack. And her special friend is Cheshire. Jack was different special thought, it made her heart burst in excitement. Alice was always glad to see him. Something felt off though, as if something should be behind Jack. Like a pair of buddies. Her age. Friends that Jack brought.

She frowned. Maybe she shouldn't get so deep into this. Afterall, if she kept digging deeper and deeper, she could be just digging her own grave... But who was she back then? Was she still the same glutton? The same sassy mouth? Did she trouble everyone she knew? The thought made her smile when she would always call the Honchkrow, Seaweed head and never his true name. He was also called Raven, codename in Pandora. Oz always called him Gil, yet she never really heard the Jolteon call him Gilbert... Gilbert... That gave an odd ring to her memory. But he didn't know her back then, there's no way he was involved with her.

The Rabbit Pokemon stared at Cheshire, she couldn't help it, the question that formed endlessly in her mind. The words came out of her mouth as if she was just asking herself, "Did I know Gilbert back then?" But she stared right at the Ice Fox with her violet eyes, curiosity flickering in her gaze.

Cheshire follows Alice and the dog quietly. He finds himself headed towards the gym, and Cheshire sits down outside the walls. Cheshire sees the gym walls; they are a bit bloodstained, but the gym is still standing. It is one of the most intact buildings in Aspertia City so far. Cheshire didn't let any pokémon get at it; Cheshire protected it, for the nice man that was Aspertia's gym leader. Cheren would sometimes give Cheshire a pat or some sweets when Cheshire and Alice came to town. Cheshire doesn't know where Cheren went, but Cheshire will keep his gym safe.

After a while, the yellow dog comes out of the gym, padding off. Cheshire glares at him with a low growl -- he better not be going off to look in the tower. However, Cheshire doesn't follow Oz, because Cheshire needs to be with Alice. The dog can fall down another hole and rot for all the care Cheshire has for him, but Alice, Alice is Cheshire's precious. Cheshire won't let Alice out of his sight again. He stands up and slowly trudges into the gym; though most of the houses don't have working electricity or running water anymore, Cheren's gym still does. Cheshire doesn't know why, but it's not that big of a deal to Cheshire. Cheshire pushes open the swinging glass doors, slipping into the gym to see Alice, staring directly where Oz left and Cheshire stands. Cheshire sits and licks his paws once, before turning back to Alice. Alice is frowning.

"Did I know Gilbert back then?" It is a simple question, but enough to make Cheshire scowl. Cheshire feels anger at the mention of the name, and the memory of a Murkrow comes to mind. "Gilbert," Cheshire hisses. His voice is full of irritation and malice. "The Murkrow? Cheshire doesn't like Gilbert." Cheshire looks away, his bell making another ring and his tail lashes across the gym floor. Cheshire's empty eye socket aches again -- it hurts every time Cheshire remembers the Murkrow duo, especially the one with one red eye. "Child of misfortune... How does Alice remember Gilbert? Alice said she doesn't remember anything."

Oz was a bit unsure about keeping Alice stuck with Cheshire, but he seems overprotective of her... The Jolteon just simply hoped for the best. She has enough senses to scream for help... Then again, she wasn't really the type to exactly ask for one. He frowned, maybe he was overprotective of her himself. Leaving a Rabbit with an Undead Fox doesn't seem like the best idea is it? But if he were to find Alice dead the moment he comes back... Oh he'll definitely kill him. And he will enjoy every. Single. Moment. And if it does end up like that, he won't hold back, because Alice wouldn't be able to stop him... But he must think positive! Alice is waiting for him, he shouldn't keep her waiting, especially since nighttime is falling.

He glanced up at the sky, watching the sunlight gradually fade as it fell down to the ground. Stars that hid behind that sunlight began to appear... Alice is the sun right? If she disappears, there's stars everywhere... Is this a sign? No way. That couldn't be possible. Oz dismissed the thoughts he had about those stars and Alice. He scanned the area around the gate, perking up his ears at the slightest noise. No luck. "Gilbert?" He called out, "If you're here, me and Alice are hanging around the Gym..." The Electric-type paused, was it possible for Undead to understand? If Cheshire understood him, there's a possibility of other Undead understanding right?... He gulped, looking around again. No sign of the bird nor enemies. But he had the awful feeling of being watched.

With a shiver, he stalked back into the city. He felt gazes burning his pelt, as if they saw right through him. He must stay calm, there's no way Undead's around. Cheshire was protective of his home, he wouldn't let Undead roam around right?... Oz felt the chills go up his spine, he felt like it was a bad idea to sleep in the Gym overnight. But it was better than outside in the open or in the crumbles of a building. "Where are you Gil?" He murmured with worry.

"Gilbert," Cheshire hissed, he sounded like he had a killing intention towards Gilbert, "The Murkrow? Cheshire doesn't like Gilbert." Murkrow?... Gilbert said he didn't know Alice back then, it must be a different Pokemon. Yeah... She trusts the Honchkrow's memories, there's no way they're the same Pokemon. He claimed that it was his first time in the city when he arrived. Cheshire seemed hateful towards 'Gilbert', the Lopunny did wonder why, but damn well it's no the Gilbert she knew. She disliked the fellow, sure, but she liked teasing him about his fear of Ice-types. "Child of misfortune... How does Alice remember Gilbert? Alice said she doesn't remember anything." She blinked, yes, she asked the question. "I don't," The Rabbit Pokemon responded, "I have a friend who's a Honchkrow, he has the same name. But he's different from the Gilbert you're talking about." He never mentioned himself as a child of misfortune. Rather he kept screaming in Alice's ears that Oz is his master. Weirdo. But funny guy still.

She perked her ears suddenly as a sudden creak was heard at the entrance, but then a sigh of relief escaped her lips. How could she be stupid, there was no Undead around the last time she checked, it must be Oz. "So manservant, did you find Seaweed head alright?" Alice asked with an annoyed huff. Obviously she didn't like it when Oz went looking for his servant, especially when it means leaving the Lopunny somewhere else. But something was off... There was no response of; 'Sorry, sorry!' or 'Stupid Rabbit, stop calling Oz a Manservant!, but rather heavy breaths taking up every moment. The Rabbit Pokemon couldn't smell a thing due to the strong scent of sweat and blood in the Gym. "...Oz?"

It wasn't Oz.

"I don't. I have a friend who's a Honchkrow, he has the same name. But he's different from the Gilbert you're talking about." A different Gilbert? There are more than one of that bird? Cheshire sticks out his tongue a bit; though the raven-coloured crow was nicer than Vincent, Cheshire didn't like both. He flicks his ears and looks away, staring off towards the interior of the gym: dusty, yet oddly clean compared to the rest of the town. Of course. Cheren's gym wasn't a place for blood. Every time Cheshire walks through the farther parts of town, though, especially in the woods [nowhere near the Tower, of course], the smell of blood is usually rather thick in the air. Cheshire protects the town and the Tower; the Undead can do whatever they want in the forest. Hunt, kill, fight -- Cheshire doesn't care, just as long as what matters to him is safe. Just imagining it, Cheshire can smell the blood that haunts the woods of Aspertia.

"...Oz?"

There is no Oz. But the blood is real. A loud, hoarse, growl-like bark echoes in the empty gym, and Cheshire turns around, red eyes blazing and fur bristling. Cheshire is no stranger to looming, wandering Undead anymore; his time goes into fighting back instead of being surprised. The enemy is a dog -- a Stoutland, with its long, shaggy fur draping blood across the floor, some patches of skin and fur missing on its flank and back, and its ears so torn apart they barely existed. Cheshire is angry. The beast is dirtying Cheren's gym, the gym that Cheshire worked so hard to keep pretty. How dare it? The beast glares at Cheshire once, before turning its gaze to Alice -- Cheshire's Alice! Cheshire is dead and a cold meal, but Alice is alive -- and warm. There is hunger in the Stoutland's eyes. Cheshire should move forward, kill the beast, save Alice and Cheren's gym... but Cheshire can't move. His feet are frozen to the ground. What is it? Is it fear?

To the beast, Cheshire is not food. Cheshire is a rival for food. It moves with a lumbering slowness, the virus eating it away faster than icy Cheshire. It glares at the Glaceon again, its jaw opening and a loud roar-like bark blasting Cheshire back. He flies back and stumbles in the sandy field, struggling to get up. Cheshire has to stand, he has to stand and fight. The Stoutland... how did it get in here? The front door is open. Oz may have opened the gym door, but Cheshire didn't close it when he walked in. Cheshire welcomed the guest to the tea party. Is it Cheshire's fault? It wouldn't be anybody else's. A shadow looms over Cheshire -- who is it? Which guest is at the door? Cheshire looks up to see the Stoutland. The creature is bigger than it should've been; it must've been dead for a while. Cheshire sees the faint remains of a collar, wrapped tight around the dog's neck. The beast was probably someone's pet, before the virus happened. It suddenly rises, standing shakily on its hind legs for a moment. Cheshire sits there, still being unable to move. Why? Was it the glare? Its size? Cheshire can only stare as the Stoutland begins falling, its shadow eating up Cheshire, its body intending to crush.


[GET UP CHESHIRE. YOU MUST GET UP. lol Anyways, Cheshire can't move because of Stoutland's ability, Intimidate. (´･ω･`)]

The clouds began gathering in, Oz stared up at the sky with unease and worry. Maybe he should go in for the night... Gilbert can take care of himself honestly. The Honchkrow would take shelter too. The Jolteon should search in the morning, or at least when the storm finishes. He hoped Gil would do alright, this was one of the first nights without him bickering with Alice, or nagging Oz on not to spoil the Lopunny. It's not like it's lifeless, but rather that the Undead Glaceon just gave him the chills (pun intended). With a heavy sigh, he sulked back towards the city grounds. Rain began to fall lightly. The air around the city grew eerie, foreboding even. Oz would have honestly searched longer, hell, even through the rain that grew heavier by the minute. But no wasn't the time to go and get himself bedridden.

The thing with rain, it hides the scents easily. The Jolteon didn't noticed the few Undead slowly coming out of the forest, nor did notice their crimson-red eyes were hungry for the Electric-type's flesh. And you know what, he had brought them to another snack; Alice. By heading into the gym like the idiot he was. If he had noticed, would he have attacked them on the spot? Run? Have Cheshire deal with them? He would never allow the option of Alice meeting them happen. He's damn well aware what happens if you get bitten... Alice getting bitten was something beyond his imagination. She's strong, but he's allowed to worry for her safety too right? Oz walked right into the gym, he froze as what stood in front of him... was an Undead.

Alice immediately stood up as what arrived in the gym was not Oz, but rather an Undead Stoutland. Its long shaggy fur was practically dragging itself across the floor, leaving blood in its wake; it killed earlier. Hungry for more. Cheshire stood his ground, not moving. Why? He wasn't afraid was he? He was fearless against Oz (then again, he's a weakling and a useless manservant!), so there's no way he could afraid of another Undead? She stiffened as the dog Pokemon moved its gaze from the Ice-type to Alice. Shit. She may be a normal-type, but she had a couple of moves up to her advantage... However, there was the same possibility that the Stoutland also had some tricks up its sleeve.

But before she could react, the Dog Pokemon gave a loud roar-like bark. It echoed throughout the gym, whatever glass hung on the windows certainly broke even more. The bark blew the Fresh Snow Pokemon back, struggling to get back up on his feet. Alice didn't move, she tried, but she couldn't move a muscle. What was this? She wasn't afraid, she wanted to beat the shit out of that dog and show the damn thing its rightful place. So why hasn't she moved yet? Alice glanced over at where the Stoutland came from... only to find Oz standing at the doors of the Gym ready to take action. He made his move, rushing towards the Stoutland as his multiples stood along side him; Double Team. However, this plan backfired, Undead that followed the Jolteon around flung themselves on his copies, taking down the illusions one-by-one. It didn't take long for him to get tackled down...

"What the hell are you doing?!" The Rabbit Pokemon snarled, her yelling directed at both of the Eeveelutions. The better question, however; what is she doing? Oz and Cheshire were both in trouble... Both ready to be killed and/or possibly eaten. Are you fucking serious? It grew heavier. The slight tap of the rain began to form into an endless downpour. With a irritated huff, she ran over to Oz, a heavy punch going up the Undead Espeon's chin that had pinned Oz down. Throwing the damn Psychic-type off of him, "Thank you Alice..." He mumbled, forcing himself to get up. The other Undead -- surprisingly, more fucking Eeveelutions -- beginning to close in on them. Well shit. They wouldn't make it to the Glaceon in time, Alice silently prayed that Cheshire would survive. Despite the fact he's dead in her memories.

"What the hell are you doing?!" The voice snaps Cheshire out of his frozen reverie. What is Cheshire to do? The Stoutland keeps falling, and suddenly, everything is going slow. When did the yellow dog get here? He is being attacked, too. Alice? Alice is safe, she is standing, and sound. Is she lost? She wants to save someone, and she does: the Jolteon. She goes to the Jolteon and helps him instead. Is Cheshire alone again? He has always been lonely. What is so special about the dog that means more than a whole life with Cheshire?

Broken from his trance, Cheshire rolls over and out of the Stoutland's crushing reach, though Cheshire's tail does end up getting caught under its paws. Cheshire doesn't feel it, much; he is already numb to new pain. Instead, Cheshire lunges forward, reaching up and biting into the Stoutland's thick throat, the weakened skin breaking and immediately spraying Cheshire's face and chest with dark blood. The dead dog has been infected for so long that its blood isn't bright red anymore; it is just dark, almost black. Its throat is easily ripped out, because its flesh is old and soft, already past rotting; but Cheshire doesn't stop there. Cheshire keeps biting and tearing, more of the dark blood spraying on him and on the gym floor. It adds to Cheshire's anger. Dirtying Cheren's gym. Dirtying it. Ruining it. Destroying it. Just like everything else that mattered in Cheshire's life.

His teeth reaching the bone in the throat that would end it all, Cheshire pulls his head back, ripping out the cord that finally made the big dog go limp. Cheshire is bristling and bloody, angry. Out. Cheshire wants them out. Every single one of the Undead. A feral growl rolling from his throat, the Glaceon leaps forward into the fray of Eeveeloutions that began to surround Alice. Everything that did not belong in Aspertia was trash to Cheshire. His teeth rips through flanks and throats, claws ripping down Cheshire's fur and skin. Cheshire chases some of them outside the gym; better out than in. In the stone path outside, he pins down a Leafeon, letting the cold of his own body and icy wind freeze the spitting creature to the bones. The fallen, fresh leaves on the ground slowly rise up, and slash through Cheshire before he notices, and he falls backwards with several cuts on his shoulders, his sides, and his front legs that reach down to the bone. With a last breath of icy wind, the Leafeon is cased in ice and gone; but what about the other Undead?

Cheshire slowly takes a step back as a couple more lean in towards him, now that Cheshire is hurt. Why? Why doesn't Cheshire eat them, if Cheshire is Undead too? Why doesn't Cheshire help them? Because Cheshire has someone that keeps him alive. He stands his ground, glaring and growling at the other Undead, looking just as bloody and monstrous as the rest of them, now, if not worse.


[Shitty post, ermergerd I'm sorry. I had no idea how to end this post. LOL I didn't want Cheshire end up massacring all of the Undead that followed him outside or something. He isn't that strong. xD Oh, and I was trying to simulate Razor Leaf for the leaves that cut him.]