(ACE) The FROST Team

Green's body remained on edge even as the chatter died back. Listening and searching for their would-be predator she refused to be caught off guard. Even as the terrain worsened she remained aware of her surroundings, and the cat's question all but answered itself. "Was there a battle here?" No shit. The spot was in utter shambles. Looking for signs of a two-way squabble she crushes a piece of wood in her palm. "Battle, or a hunt." The damage was heavily one-sided, a Pokemon caught off guard that was only able to get off some desperate attacks against something rampaging.

Blood splatters littered the area, and the undead was on them in an instant. "Old. Couple hours." It was disturbing to hear the accuracy from the very thing they were trying to kill, but any hunter would be able to tell. "Its killed recently!" Kolven alerts them, as though that wasn't obvious. "Look for other signs; its probably still nearby." Pushing deeper into the torn up buildings Green looked for clues on their target. Was it clawed, heavy, quick-footed, big attacker? The destroyed houses didn't show any burns, so she could cross fire and electric types off the list. The ground had a lot of scuffs and indiscernible prints, but nothing heavy enough to be a steel type.

Looking up from her investigation Green catches the Pikachu's signal and heads over. A Pokemon lay mangled in the wreckage, its body broken in multiple places with despair frozen upon its face. Blood stained the wounds and pooled about its broken neck, freezing it in place. A saving grace, she had to remind herself, as such a wound meant it would not return to this waking nightmare. A flower was clutched in one hand, still fresh despite the cold.

Clenching a fist Green turns away. No, why would it leave its kill behind? "There must have been another Pokemon that led it away." Another Pokemon, lively and distracting, more blood to be spilled from a furious undead. A couple hours it said. Too much time had passed, there would be no 'saving' the thing; it either got away or was dead already.

"It's likely going to be somewhere between here and the path to the main road. There should be a few high points along the path that will help us." Drake explained, his claws pointing off in the distance. Looking up at Flamey who circled above he gave no signs of seeing the beast, no lead to follow. "Then a vantage point it is." She grunts, shuffling her bag up higher and storming off in that direction.

Kolven sniffed around for anything fresh among the wreckage. The scene was not that old but the frozen environment took any the scents trails that could be lingering. With this much damage the area should be laden heavy with the smell of blood, but only a thin waft seemed to drift about. With smell hindered, Kolven let his eyes guide him, and with each passing glance the cats were able to spot more and more blood. Each new location drew in Clover like a moth to a flame, her nose and whiskers twitching violently as they took in the faint smell. Gods forbid. They had been lucky with the Pyroar, the damage on both sides ending up being minimal, but whatever happened here did not have a happy ending.

The others preformed their own searches, and Jack signaled them over. Trotting up to see what he found Kolven instantly recoils. A twisted, frozen body in the wreckage, the fear and pain still on its face even in death. Broken bones jutted out in unnatural directions from its fatal wounds, the blood having already ran cold. "Legends help us.." Could they have prevented this if they were quicker, if they traveled down the mountain this direction instead of up? Jack turned the Pokemon over, the snap of breaking ice causing the cat to flinch. Don't! Screams in his mind, the action feeling utterly disrespectful, but the flower revealed in its hand prevents him from saying a word. What in the world..?

A flower..? The cat backs away, even more confused as he shakes his head. Was this a fight rather than a hunt? No, this damage was intent to kill. "There must have been another Pokemon that led it away." Green deduces as she walks away from the scene. Another Pokemon? Someone we can save? For a second hope sparked in his paws, and he looked to the trainer for reassurance, but it died back just as quickly as Clover sniffed the frozen corpse. The icy blood was too solid to smear against her fur as she rubbed against it, the frozen fur of the Pokemon one solid piece. It was.. so cold... "Avoiding it is out of the question then." Kolven finally admits. "We need to go after it! This poor thing shouldn't have died for nothing!" His amber eyes rests upon the icy corpse, pity shining bright in his eyes. If circumstances were different he suggest another burial, but time and danger would not allow for the gesture. Placing a paw over his star choker the tomcat offers a silent prayer, and follows the others as they push to move on.

"It's likely going to be somewhere between here and the path to the main road. There should be a few high points along the path that will help us." Itching to be useful the Meowth looks for anything he can offer to their search. "Then a vantage point it is. Urgency filled his paws, and charging up the blood-splattered tree Kolven scanned the area for the best and/or closest vantage point. The rolling mountainside had several areas that peaked, but one catches his eye just off the path they were following. "I think Drake's right on this, we might run into it further up ahead." If this thing was headed the same path of least resistance, then it wouldn't be able to hide from them for long. "There's what looks like a park on a hill up ahead!" He yowls from the thin branches high up in the tree. Skirting his way down Kolven drops to the ground evenly on all fours, almost breathless as his mind races. "Is that one of the spots Drake? Its high and its open; we should be able to see a lot from there." If something was on the run the faux natural place could be more attractive than a barren city, even if it offered less cover.

"Whatever undead did this must have powerful jaws to break through the bone." A shudder runs along Kolven's spine as he thinks of Pokemon with strong, predatory jaws. The Mightyena and Pyroar they had faced were truly viscous Pokemon with deadly bites, but Kolven doubted their culprit was one of those species. A noise turns his head, and Clover is scuffing about broken pieces of siding. The chunks were much larger than her, the strikes to bring them down powerful and wild. Their Pokemon boasted strength and size alike to cause such damage. It was sturdy enough to destroy these buildings but deft enough to bite rather than crush its prey.
"We need to hurry." Kolven mews uneasily, as Clover places her paw into a much larger print in the ground. Whatever it was, this was not a Pokemon Kovlen would dare face alone. With the looming storm edging him forward as the group continues on Kolven offers a second prayer to the deceased. They could not offer its body proper rest, but hopes subduing its killer would give them peace.

Clover paces and grunted as she looked for more alluring bloodstains, but the frozen crime scene could not hold even an undead's attention. Her mouth watered, wanting for something more, something warm, but everything here was colder than her. Looking up from the bloodstains she see's the others were headed off, and charging after the Pokemon she settles in beside her brother. The tom is gazing off into the distance with a vacant stare akin to her own. Did he also lust for fresh blood?

Something was off. The pikachu could tell that the undead that caused this is keeping out of sight. If this is the case, the sky won't be enough to find it. Jack listened in to hear if he could find any signs if it is around. Nothing... It wasn't a good sign. "We need to hurry." Running from it will only lead it back to the mansion, they had to eliminate it before they return to the mansion. This silence was eerie as it was and anything could jump out any moment without warning.

Drake on the other hand was using his smarts and taking caution as he knew this place better than anyone. "From what I know, there is a den and back before the undead shown up, some troublemakers had used it for scaring people who pass by it. It's not very big but it does have areas that someone can hide out of sight. I wouldn't be surprised if some random undead moved into it and used it for killing others who was unlucky." Just thinking about what would happen if they fell victim to that kind of ambush just made Drake get the chills. The charmeleon stuck close to Green and as they say, safety in numbers came to mind in his head.

Jack's cheeks started sparking as he was ready to attack should they be confronted. "This place should be teaming with life. Whatever undead claimed this area as its own,  it must have been terrifying enough to scare everything away. Shit, we'll have to be smart instead of our normal approach." The pikachu said as he put his goggles over his eyes. Though one part of his mind suggests maybe the undead that done this had been already too far gone and the only way to end its suffering is to kill it. Though it wasn't like Jack to say it but even if it's to put an undead down to end its suffering, it won't go down without a fight.

"There's what looks like a park on a hill up ahead!"

Green rolled her eyes at the logistical nightmare of elevated plants and a cyclical water feature that was also along a hillside. Legends above, how did anything grow here? But she was no landscaper, engineer, or excavator, and quickly put the thought aside. Running over a mental list of Kalos natives Green also had to stop herself from honing in on anything specific. If the small Pyroar pride taught them anything it was that Pokemon were no longer adhering to her preconceived 'nature areas'. Did that imply human activity divided Pokemon species, or that some roaming species were sedentary due to populated cities? What a fucked world.

Drake mentions some sort of abandoned den that didn't bode well. An ambush predator didn't quite line up with the destruction they saw, it was far away and the undead attacked them, but undead played by different rules. The corpse had a flower. Had they traveled to this natural spot and back, tipping the creature off? A ravenous undead could change tactics if the alluring scent of a living being wandered too close.

A loud click, click, scree comes down from above, Flamey's singsong voice signalling to his trainer as he tipped his wings to make for a quick descent. Diving low enough for the others to hear he squawks before rising once more. "Got more blood up ahead. Doesn't look like the other thing got away."

Kolven hadn't forgotten all the aches and pains in his body, but as the group ran for the nearest vantage point he didn't have the option of slowing down. Though the colors were not vibrant like warmer climes the dull green hues of the park were noticeable even from a distance. He had chosen the spot simply for a better view, but a natural attraction (even in a very rural town with plenty of adjacent nature) would surely attract other creatures and could house their target. "From what I know, there is a den from back before the undead showed up, and some troublemakers had used it for scaring people who pass by it." A den? "If its a well known spot I doubt a living Pokemon would stay there nowadays." Even if they could stay out of sight predators and undead alike would check the passages for an easy meal. "I wouldn't be surprised if some random undead moved into it and used it for killing others who were unlucky." With uncomfortable twitch of his whiskers the feline tries to stay on the positive side of things. "Guess we have our first target then."

Both cats moved with hurried steps, the sight of a park nostalgic and reminding them of better times, though it was not welcoming to both. Clover felt her hackles rise as her paws touched intentionally grassy terrain. Her memories were hazy, specifics all but lost, but some things were burned permanently into her mind. The vicious canine, the horrid fangs, and the agony of dying. Phantom pains shot through her missing leg and she nips at the nub. Baring her fangs the undead growls at her own recollection, claws churning the soil as she paces about. The scent of blood was around them, thick even on the cold air, and easily smothering any other scents, but nothing showed itself to sink her claws into. Scanning the area around them she does not spot anything of interest, anything to curb her boiling blood.

Trotting ahead of his sister Kolven also feels pangs in her heart. Often times he played with his kids in the park, listening to their laughter and the joy of people around him. This forlorn park hadn't seen those happy days in years, and he silently apologized that that was not what they were here for. "This place should be teaming with life. Whatever undead claimed this area as its own, it must have been terrifying enough to scare everything away. Shit, we'll have to be smart instead of our normal approach." Kolven had to stifle a laugh, as inappropriate as it was saying they were not smart normally was painfully on point. "Then stay sharp." He purrs, the laugh still edging his voice.

With quivering ears, twitching whiskers, and wide eyes, Kolven let his senses guide him. The blood Flamey mentioned still hung heavy in the air, red blots dotting the grey ground in the loosest sense of a trail. He couldn't hear screams or crunches, but a beast of a Pokemon couldn't disappear without a trace. "My plan.. was to climb a tree up here, too." He admits, though that seemed moot with the bloody marks painting the ground.

Something still felt off to Jack. The eerie silence was not something he was used to. Death had lingered heavy on this path. With the approaching storm on its way, they got to figure out where this undead is hiding and terminate it before it could find them. "Got more blood up ahead. Doesn't look like the other thing got away." Shit, this was something that they was not ready for. Jack could even feel the cold air and it wasn't natural. It felt like something passing through him making him feel colder than normal. "My plan.. was to climb a tree up here, too." The pikachu doubted the trees would be as simple since they're dealing with 

Drake started seeing the blood that Flamey mentioned. Looks like not even the other pokemon survived either. "Whatever's up ahead, I'm ready for it." The charmeleon said as he was going to expect the threat to show itself sooner or later.

Jack started hearing something like someone was crunching on something. "I think we're getting closer, I can definitely hear someone chewing on something." There was no doubt that the threat is nearby. Jack's expression shown more of a focused look. He didn't like what the feeling of this air one bit.

Stay close. Green wills her Pokemon as he continues to circle and examine the park below. There was no screaming, moaning, or whines, but blood smothered the land in the aftermath of another hunt. "My plan.. was to climb a tree up here, too." Kolven bemoans, though to call that single thought a plan was a vast stretch. "Then get climbing." She orders, irritation thick on her voice at such pointless hesitation.

The cold air was heavy, the icy sting picking at the trainer's skin as they intruded on another death scene. It was a shock to no one, the damn place was covered in snow and ice, but the frosty air was almost chocking with its dry tang. "Guards up." She reminds the Pokemon, her fingers flexing to stay limber and ready to grab her weapon. "Whatever's up ahead, I'm ready for it."

Sticking close to the pathway, or remind of it after being reclaimed by the land, Green avoided crunchy ground and sticks. The cold made her eyes sting, the clouds she breathed out growing thicker as they skulked through the barren trees along the walkway. "I think we're getting closer, I can definitely hear someone chewing on something." The Pikachu warns, its sensitive ears primed and twitching. Crunching, eh? At least the other Pokemon wouldn't suffer the same fate of undeath.

Creeping closer Green cursed the wild and unkempt shrubbery of the park. Neglect had let them run wild, and the blocked view was unacceptable as they inched toward the illicit sound. Eventually, even she could hear the crunching, the sound of teeth and broken bones unmistakable. "Stay low and quiet. It'll be easier to strike if its distracted by its meal." Rushing in all at once with strikes and attacks would alarm it. It had proven quite well it was capable of killing, and intrupting that meal would only enrage such a beast. Looking upward Green can not see Flamey's shadow through the trees, but she knows her Pokemon is nearby and watching with his crazy hawk eyes.

"Then get climbing." Kolven flinched at Green's cold voice, his pathetic idea quick to backfire. It wasn't a plan at all; at best he could get information, but even that was a stretch in the overgrown park. Still, he shakes himself loose and limber before sheepishly making his way to the tallest nearby tree. I hope this helps, he silently prays before scrabbly up the cold bark. Leaping from branch to branch the tomcat tries to make as little noise as possible, his ascent much more intentional that the last. Balancing upon the thin limbs at the top of the tree Kolven sweeps his gaze across the park. An old abandoned den.. Such a well known spot would not be hidden, any obvious divot or mound could be their culprit's cave.

Digging his claws into the wood to keep balance the Meowth feels his skin claw as his eyes spot motion somewhere further afield. The dark trail of what he could only assume was blood let to the spot, and something almost seemed to shimmer in the bright daylight. Squinting his eyes against it the tomcat struggles to decipher its source. Leaning forward for just the tiniest bit of clarity he realizes what it is just as his paws slip. With a sharp yelp he goes tumbling through the branches and to the ground below, his fall only halted by a quick flick of his paw that managed to catch a branch.
Landing painfully on all fours the cat wheezes from clenched teeth and takes a moment to steady himself before speaking with a shaky voice. "There's some ice up ahead, not natural though." Such information would have been easy for Flamey to share, hell everything he saw would be little effort on the Talonflame's part. "Somethings definitely up there but I couldn't see what it was with all the trees." If they followed the blood, or even just the winding path they would be upon with ease. Had other Pokemon succumbed to the brute for that very reason? Shaking out his pelt Kolven drew in a deep breathe. "Whatever's up ahead, I'm ready for it." That made one of them, and with reluctant steps the group started to move once more.

Clover paced a few yards ahead of the group, her tail high with interest as she sniffed at the walking path. A scent lingered but it was not one she recognized, the memories of the fire hound starting to fade back as she tried to decipher their new target. The cold air held many secrets, but any smells on it were smothered from the lightly falling snow. The smell was so light it was hard to believe a Pokemon passed this way at all, and she struggled to picture what it may be. Suddenly the cat's head shoots up, her good ear stiff and focused in on a noise. "I think we're getting closer, I can definitely hear someone chewing on something." With more cautious steps she creeps forward, doubts dissipating as she skulked. The crunching of bones was unmistakable, a sound burned into the undead's memory from a tender age. She longed for the scent of meat, of the kill, but the warm, rich scent was no where to be found.

"Stay low and quiet. It'll be easier to strike if its distracted by its meal." The trainer's instructions meant nothing to her and the undead kept creeping forward. The thick foliage prevented them from seeing beyond but her pelt tingled with awareness of another Pokemon. The crunching was louder, practically next to them when a thin patch in the plants finally appeared. An opening! Clover saw, her paws already scuttling forward with her belly dragging close to the ground. In an instant Kolven was racing to her side, ready to drag her back with his claws if he must. Stop! They were lucky her bloodlust had not overtaken her again, by the legends he would not let her squander that.

Yet even as the tomcat shoved his sister back his felt a chill along his spine. His claws sunk into the ground, fur flattening instinctively to shrink his form as he froze up. Peering though the empty space in the shrubs he finally caught sight of their culprit; lurched over its prey the Gabite crunched idly upon a limb as its needle-claws scratched at the rest of the corpse. The second Sneasel was even more desecrated than the first, laying in pieces as the dragon picked and pried at the jewel on its head. Its once brilliant scales now dappled with large purple patches and long fought wounds, its red eyes eerie and cold. Blood still flowed as it feasted, the loud crunching of bones assaulting the cat's ears. Every hair on his pelt said to run, to move away from the feasting predator, but his paws refused to move. Above the Gabite a pair of Cyogonal hovered around idly, their pale bodies also shimmering in a light shade of lavender.

OoC)) Skip, Can't think of anything for Drake and Jack at the moment. Will come back to this as soon as I get something.

Listening carefully to the crunching sound Green tried to imagine the type of Pokemon once more. It was too faint for her ears to get a clear reading, but it told her it wasn't a loud, slobbering creature. Probably not a canine or a boar. Flamey circled high above them, his grey belly faint against the darkening clouds. Had he spotted something, chased something? Her Pokemon was always quick with information but the distance had her concerned; he was beyond her receivers range. The rest of the Pokemon kept moving, their steps quiet but hurried as they closed in on the source of the noise.

Suddenly the undead gained speed, had it caught the scent of fresh blood? With crouched steps Green lunges forward, fingers flexing to stay limber as her options flashed in her mind. She gave chase, cursing her shoes for their own loud crunches that she muffled as much as possible. When the cats came to a stop she was forced to skid, the cold chill of the icy air enough to prick at her skin. The ice Kolven mentioned could be seen shimmering beyond the trees, a weave of giant pillars and shards chilling the air even further as they altered the landscape beyond this nook in the trees. Above them, the light snow was turning heavy and fell thickly on this spot.

Snowscape? How redundant, she scoffed, the cold was bitter and noticeable. The sickening crunching is right beside them, and the sniveling cats push and press to keep hidden in the face of an undead. Good god, did she have to do everything? At least an ice type is an easy target-- Flamey was out of range. The small patch of sky she can spot does not show her bird, just an endless stream of snow.

Steeling her nerves the trainer rises to peak through a gap in the shrubs and spots the festering Pokemon. A dragon... just their luck. Its thick hide certainly wouldn't make this quick, but she doesnt have time to rationalize a plan as an Ice Beam races through the shrubbery. The leaves freeze over in an instant, the Cryoganal screaming an chilling cry. The Gabite looks up from its catch, red eyes blazing as it sniffs and growls at the trespassers. Clutching her matchete Green waves with her other hand, "Kill the icecubes before they get in the way!" As she orders them a stream of fire rains from above, the intense heat causing a loud hiss as it passes over one of the Cryogonal's chains and cores. Flamey swoops in from further afield and arcs back around, a powerful call announcing his presence.

Try as he might to push Clover's head down the undead still locked her eye upon the Cryogonal and let out a furious growl. The crystalline snowflake was locked their way, its red gaze practically burning as its long shimmering tendrils were raised in a threatening stance. It had noticed them. Panic shot through Kolven in an instant, his claws unsheathing as he pulled Clover back with all his strength. The ice Pokemon let out a horrific cry, like a synthetic scream rather than any sort of words, and the tomcat knew their surprise chance had already passed.

Using all his weight to push and bump Clover away Kolven quickly flattens her against the ground as the scream turns to the hum of a Ice Beam. The air temperature dropped severely, his fur feeling like frozen needles as the bush in front of them took the brunt of the blast. Though he can not see the Gabite any longer its low growl could be heard, it large undead alerted by its cohorts action. Shit! Clover squirmed under his weight, her own growl continuing as she struggled to get free. Frost started to form along the tom's spine as the blast continued, his options waning with each passing second, and only the elongated call of the swooping Talonflame allows him to open his gaze once more.

A loud hiss fills the air as the ice Pokemon turns to steam, its scream something like electronic noise as one tendril breaks and scatters ice beads on the ground. The second Cryogonal swoops forward, spinning rapidly with blinding speed as it tears through the shrubs looking for a target. The Gabite raised its head and roared, fins moving protectively over its catch before its head turns to the wounded snowflakes. Its shimmering beads glistened in the light of the flames, and with a tilt of its head the dragon moved forward to grab one in its bloodied maw. The deep frozen sphere hissed and frosted the dragons mouth, its claw fingers rubbing instinctually at the spot as the ice weakness burned it. Taking a few steps back it growled once more, its fangs sinking into the supple ice before it finally shattered into little more than frozen fragments and light. Searching for its lost prize the shark started to huff, arms pumping before it roared furiously into the air.

No, no, no! Frozen with fear the tomcat's weight shifts free of his sister, eyes wide and locked on the raging dragon Pokemon. Their chance at a sneak attack was gone, and without the male to hold her back Clover could finally leap forward at the hissing Cryogonal. Its remaining tendril whipped about, the short one twisting up close to its body. Launching herself forward Clover jumps under the whips range and sinks her Night Slash into the Pokemon's frozen body. Claw marks score across its surface, pulsating colors flashing widely as it shook and tossed the undead aside while another Ice Beam forward at its maw.

Jack spotted smaller undead ice types and knowing his brick break would be useful in this battle, he wasn’t going to hold back since they’re smaller. "Kill the icecubes before they get in the way!” One came charging at Jack and without a second thought, the pikachu delivers a nasty brick break and takes down one of the cryogonal. He then snaps his head to seeing the Gabite. This one was something he would need to be careful around. His quick attack still was more for a quick escape or quick closing in but it would definitely be needed for this fight. Electric attacks will do no good this time which leaves him on the lack of options list. Jack moves in to try to get a hit but the attack was cut off by another attacking undead. Damn it! I’m really getting sick of this shit already. It’s all up to both Drake and Green at this point. The pikachu hated to admit it but he’s got limited options on his range of attack.

Drake dives to the ground as an ice beam skims by just overhead. Just as he does, he spots the gabite. So this is the one that’s terrorizing this place? He was expecting something more bigger but even a gabite could be a major threat. He didn’t know who this once was but all the same, its a threat. Drake then started thinking that maybe he can use his flamethrower to get some of the ice types killed off but the gabite would need more precision. He’d have to find some way to make the fire so hot that it scorches the gabite’s scales and body to a crisp. “No you don’t!” Drake uses his flamethower on an cryogonal and it starts burning. He then helps Green with the others. “That gabite’s going to be annoying, got any ideas that we can try Green?” The Charmeleon asked as he lets off another flamethrower to ward off another undead.

Jack sees the gabite going for an attack but due to the trees, it provided some cover from ranged attacks and without a second thought, he hides behind a tree as the attack strikes the tree, damaging the bark and some of the pinewood from the tree. “Arceus fuck! It’s a lot harder to get a fast one on this one this time!” He can't hide forever and with undead, hiding would be pointless except for using trees for cover from the beams. Jack attacks another crygonal with a charge beam.

Another powerful stream of fire flows from Flamey's beak, the heat making all ice hiss and steam as it began to melt. Dead weeds and ground cover lost their dusty coating and quickly began to blacken, but his second strike was meant to detour rather than damage. The huffing dragon threw back its arms, but other than angry grunts and growls it did not advance. With a firm grip on her machete Green watched its motions carefully, eyeing the beast for the perfect moment to strike. Hit a joint, break a tendon. Was her weapon strong enough to breach dragon scales? Was it worth the risk of finding out? Maybe after its weakened, or a decayed spot. She could not risk getting close more than once.

A horrific screech is enough to make her skin crawl as another fiery blast makes a direct hit. Cracks spiderweb across the second Cryoganol in an instant as it takes Drake's attack, steam pouring from its surface as it sublimates to the heat. The scream rises in pitch before abruptly ending as the beast shatters, its weak undead body falling to pieces in a pile of lavender shards. The sound still rings in her ears but Green can not let herself be unnerved. “That Gabite’s going to be annoying, got any ideas that we can try Green?” Drake whimpers and seeks instructions once again, leaving one to think he was one of her Pokemon. A dragon besides, a ground type was a poor match up for their fire and electric types. Among them all, Blasty was their best bet. He was tired but.. a direct Ice Punch is our best shot.

Shuffling back to hide herself behind the shrub line Green never takes her eyes off the dragon. "Strike at its joints, weaken its physical blows. When the opportunity shows Blasty will give it a killing strike." Her Pokemon was strong and well trained for a death blow, but she would not risk him getting by such a swift Pokemon. With another couple of clicks and shrieks Flamey swooped across again, a weaker Flamerthrower narrowly missing a third Cryoganol those appeared from the back shrubs.

As the space erupted into a battlefield and flames soared above him the Meowth instinctively presses himself against the ground. Roars, hisses, screams, and crackling made for a loud cacophony that assaulted his ears, but the death scream of one of the Cryogonal's cut through it all. Cupping his ears with his paws Kolven presses down heard and tries to block out the bloodcurdling sound, but even as it stops it still rings in his ears. Was this a mistake? Peaking at the fight Kolven knew better than to remain a sitting target and forced his paws back to the ground. They shook and felt weak, almost like walking on air as his adrenaline started pulsed, and his gathered all his courage to enter the fight.

Dashing between shrubs he finds a different area of cover and tries to think of a plan- their idea of a surprise attack was dead in the water, and backups were yet to be seen. The frozen environment refuses to catch, scorching into blackened ash and steam long before it could catch fire. Good, he thought selfishly, That'll keep the rest of us safe. That hazard would only hinder there group, given the typing and levitating ability of the foes. “Arceus fuck! It’s a lot harder to get a fast one on this one this time!” A fast one- surprise attacks and ambushes were out of the question! "Quick hits, never stay near the dragon long- those things are quick!" He warns Jack, the Pikachu's questionable combat choices worrying the tomcat.

Dodging the fire attacks Clover was stanced up, fur standing on end as she growled and spat. The shattered Cryogonal was no more than a lavender heap, and she slashed at the pile with another Night Slash. The fragments were weak, flung about as the simple ice crystals they had become. It offered her no more interest, with motion above catching her gaze. Between the swooping Talonflame and whipping tendrils of the remaining two Cryogonal there was plenty to keep her attention, but it was the dragon that dared to approach.

Bopping its head it stomped and let out another angry roar before grabbing the remains of its meal in its maw. Scooting its way back toward the den, which it had filled in with freshly churned dig, it placed the kill on top before staring down the intrudes. With a roar furious enough to shake the leaves around them it took on a purplish-blue glow, its red eyes shining bright as it stormed forward in a full Outrage.

Jack couldn't get a chance to move from his spot as he was under heavy assault."Quick hits, never stay near the dragon long- those things are quick!" That's pretty tough if its focus was on its intended target. The pikachu peaks out before another attack hits the tree. This was getting him irritated but perhaps he could take a shot with his charge beam, however, it would be weak compared to his stronger moves. It was worth a shot, even if it doesn't do much due to it being at a disadvantage and the ground type would make it nullified. However, Jack wasn't going to aim at the gabite itself, he was aiming at a tree branch to obstruct it long enough for him to get out of where he is.

Drake nods to Green and gets a little prideful on something, if these ice types want to play with fire, he'll burn them down. But the gabite is an annoyance. he can do a little damage but nothing would be very effective to do heavy damage. Then he thought of something, he can use his hidden power to make some of the water that gets shot out freeze enough to become icy spears. However, its unlikely to freeze right away. So that idea was useless. Then he seen a stray ice beam come flying right at him. The Charmeleon wasted no time using protect to stop the attack from hitting. "One slash coming up! Hopefully Jack keeps it distracted long enough for me to get a hit in!" After that, he moved to get close to the gabite, hoping Jack doesn't use the wrong attack or if he ends up getting hit by accident. 

Jack was about to fire his charge beam until another attack takes a small chunk out of the tree forcing him to lose concentration. "That's it! To hell with charge beam." Coming out of cover, he puts his fists up and ready to start punching, or he should say, brick breaking. The pikachu may not get much in terms of adequate space but he does have a good left hook should the gabite try to go for a bite. Then he seen Drake moving in, the gabite hasn't noticed him. Whatever he's planning, it must be carefully planned. "Whatever you're planning Drake, I'll keep this big boy distracted. Hey! come on gabite! I'll brick break your teeth out!" The gabite moved his bloody claws to where it looks like it's ready to start taking swipes at Jack after seeing the pikachu out of his hiding space.

The third Cryogonal lifted out of the surrounding shrubbery, its complexion even darker purple than the others. Its burning red eyes were like little fires against its body, its tendrils still shining bright with energy. How the hell was that thing still active?! The snowflake's motions were much more sluggish than the others, its body hardly moving though its tendrils whipped with the same fury. It let out a low but loud bellow, its gaze locking on to the commotion. The bellow turned to a gargling shriek, growing louder and louder until it shook the very leaves. Green clenched her teeth as three more Cryogonals flew in from further afield, bringing their total to five. Was there no end to them?!

The Gabite was roaring, pulsating energy as it charged about with Outrage, its gaze locked on a visible target. The Pikachu and Charmeleon were messing around, keeping its focus as its rampage chewed up the area. Missed slashes and hits desimated trees and shrubs, a smolder of royal purple in its wake. Green shuffled backward, body tense as she waited for the fatigue, but the other Pokemon did not allow her time to sit casually. Icy winds and beams soared throughout the space, massive sharp crystals forming where they it. Dammit all, she was so sick of ice and cold.

"Flamey!" The trainer calls but her Pokemon was faster on the draw. Intercepting one of the far ice types he tucked in his wings and dove at an alarming speed. Spreading his talons and wings moments before impact he released a high speed Flamethrower point blank, the steam release enough to burn any Pokemon that was not a fire type itself. Ripping with his talons and rip, the undead had no chance and falls to the ground, dropping the Cryogonal count back to four. With a quick flip Flamey spiraled his way back to his trainer, another Flamethrower burning through the battlefield though she notice it sputter.

"Here!" She orders, standing up from her hidden position while obscuring her form within the trees. The Talonflame banks, arcing until he can reach her side. When he was within reach Green could see the fatigue clear on his eyes, an exhaustion she was bitterly aware of. The bird was eager to return to the field, refusing to even land as he beat his wings in place. "Roost." She orders again, voice firm with a true combat command her Pokemon can not deny. Allowing himself to be ground Flamey draws in a deep breath. Using his own energy he restores some stamina, enough to continue until his energy runs out. Eyeing his trainer with a cocking fury he signals, 'Satisfied?' She nods, and points him forward once more. "Clear them out."

The air was alive with the sounds of combat, and Kolven was forced to steel his nerves. Everyone else had joined the fray; he was the only one still cowering on the sidelines. Even Green was playing her part by giving orders, and he had done little more than dodge. The roaring Gabite made his fur stand on end, its focus set to one Pokemon but the Outrage still causing massive damage the enviorment around them. With a quick leap forward Kolven flattened himself to the ground, pushing all the air from his lungs and forcing his ears and tail to lie flat. The heat of the energy that passed narrowly above him could be felt, the impact throwing dirt and ice across his fur. We made the wrong choice. Forcing his eyes open he can see the dragon still raging, and he could only pray Jack knew what he was getting himself in to.

Getting back to shaky paws the tomcat can see Clover standing her ground, hissing and spitting as now four Cryogonals buzzed about the airspace. As if the dragon wasn't bad enough. Were they trying to even the playing field? With two dead that seemed unlikely, but Kolven didn't have time to think about it. One of the Crystallizing Pokemon whipped its chain toward Clover, and though she strafed barely out of range frost could be seen where it brushed her fur. A second moved in, lunging its beads instead and sending them under the undead cat. With a swift flick it through the molly in the air and swung its second chain in with a sickening purple glow. Letting out a deep growl Kolven finally bound forward with a burst of speed, his black-cloaked paws pushing against the ground as he leaped and knocked the Poison Jab away with his own Night Slash.

With a angry scream the Cryogonal pulled its chain back to its mouth. Cracks formed on some of the ice crystals but they did not shatter, and while it seethed over its wound the second moved in once more. Shoving Clover to her paws both cats hissed at the approaching undead, its red eyes taking on a suspicious glow. The very ground rumbled from beneath their feet, massive pieces of earth rising in chunks as the cats were forced to flee. The Ancient Power floated above them and rained down with force,  the impacts of rock-hard earth enough to shake the spots they ran from. A chunk crashes in front of Clover and she smashes into it face first. Her paws sputter, and she crumples to the ground from recoil as the other undead floated closer to its prey.

Running to her aid Kolven stands above the other Meowth and lets out another loud hiss. The undead made no indication of stopping, and after a few moments of static he released a Thunderbolt at it. The sudden burst of light was surprising, the damage enough to make its levitation bob and falter. Floating away from them the Cryogonal grumbled, its red gaze unreadable but burning with anger.

Flamey swooped and attacked the ice Pokemon once again as his trainer watched from the shadows. Though he had recovered some energy his stamina remained low, and he changed tactics to scouring Steel Wings. The cats were defending against the Cryogonal, keeping their aggro and strikes away from those fighting the Gabite. With a rapid dive he raced with shimmering silver wings, his strike finding purchase in the stunned snowflake Kolven had stopped. A deep gouge and spiderweb of cracks coated its surface, its levitation completely thrown off course as it was flung aside and against a nearby tree. The force shakes free a sheet of white snow, the Cryogonal's sharp points damaging the tree before breaking themselves. The ice Pokemon remained still, its glowing eyes dimming in a faux 'eyes closed' moment, and Flamey dives in for a second hit of his Steel Wing.

As her Pokemon drops the Cryogonal count down to three Green feels tension throughout her body. Though she had long since worked them out where she could she cursed her Pokemon's movesets and inability to make easy changes to them. Perhaps with some shifts the dragon wouldn't have been an issue. Yet for all her worries the pair at a type disadvantage found their groove, and with quick movements managed to get a series of repetitive hits on the beast. Its rampaging was forced to a halt, its Outrage out fatigued and movements stunted as the Pokemon followed her instructions and brought a leg out of commission.  

Tightening her grip on her machete the trainer considers making her own series of attacks. The Dragon's strong scales had been laid low by the sickness, susceptible to strong, repetitive hits that even a human could muster, but she pulls her fingers away with a shameful sigh. Shifting the hand back she grabs for her well-worn Pokeball, its red color faded near the button, and let's free her dear partner. The shimmer fades from Blasty's materializing form, and though he stood tall exhaustion could still be seen in his deep brown eyes. The wise Pokemon did not protest, nor did he question his master's actions. Eyeing the combat wearily he awaited instructions, and with a hand gently touching his shell Green can only whisper. "When you see your moment, Ice Punch the Gabite. Bring it down with one." Blasty nods, quiet to not draw any unnecessary attention.

With his back arched and jaws spread wide Kolven lets out a furious hiss as he stares down the Cryogonal. Though it paused his Thunderbolt did little to stop its advance, and Clover only shuddered upon her resting spot. More sparks leap from his pelt, another attack coming, but the beast is brought low by true damage rushes in for the kill. The undead lets out a sort of whine upon impact with a tree, but with the threat no longer looming before him Kolven is quick to turn and nudge his sister. She growled and grunted at his touch, the only sigh she remained of their world, but refused to rise until forcibly shoved and pushed back onto her paws.

With blurred vision and a ringing in her ears Clover's one eye slowly rolls open. The world was spinning, her thoughts as rattled as her brain as she tried to regain her senses. The furious hisses and calls from Kolven felt so far away despite his presence looming over her, and the other sounds of combat merged together into white noise. As she turns her head to see what he wants movement catches her gaze; beyond their little squabble the others were entertaining the dragon, its furious roars enough to make the ground shake. With multiple hits they attacked a fresh wound but its rotten flesh was not appealing to the feline undead. Struggling onto her paws she sways in place, Kolven's voice finally coming in tune.

"Move, move!" He growls fervently, shoving the other Meowth with a heavy shoulder as one of the remaining Cryogonal lets another Ice Beam forward across the arena. At the last moment she leaps and he follows, body angled to cover her at all costs. The Ice Beam misses them by the skin of their teeth, a jagged line of ice sprouting from the ground where it hit. Continuing to push Clover forward he nudges her beneath the cover of a thrown clump of earth. With a deep growl of stay here he leaps on top of it and growls, ready to keep the undead's attention at all costs. Another Thunderbolt jumps throughout his pelt before racing off toward the Cryogonal in a bright flash. Unlike the previous one this one was swift, and rotated out of the way before charging and firing another Ice Beam with a cryptic scream. With quick paws the Meowth bolts away, making zigzags as he approaches the other battling party. "Incoming!" He yowls in warning, the ice crystals already forming in his wake as he leaps over the wounded Gabite.

With a hand placed upon Blasty's shell Green watched alongside her partner for a much needed opening. The fire and electric pair continued to bait and provoke the dragon, keeping its attention away from the rest of the team. Between Flamey and the Meowth's the Cryogonals were of little worry, their numbers rapidly dwindling. Within the cover of trees and shrubs, and remaining quiet compared to the rest of the battlefield, Blasty remained unnoticed, his gaze focused and ready. He was by no means the fastest Pokemon around, but the battle-worn veteran knew how his strengths and his way in a fight. With soft knees he waited, never once taking his gaze off the dragon.

On the otherside of the battlefield Flamey soared, exchanging blows with a Cryogonal that flew high above the trees. Was it trying to run or keep his attention? It mattered not, as after one slip up he seized an opening and struck it with a Steel Wing. Thrown from its flight path the snowflake spun out, rotating wildly as it crashed through the trees and partially shattered upon the branches. With his hawk eyes Flamey stared at the impact sight, satisfied that the undead would not rise again. Resistant as they may be, these ice Pokemon were clearly still decayed inside as healthy beings would not shatter so easily.

Swooping back under the treeline the Talonflame can see Drake had switched targets, his attacks taking out the remaining crystals he had missed. The lesser undead fall one by one before his claws were wrapped up with one that got too close. Waiting out a Toxic the creature eventually falls, but the final Crystallizing Pokemon was still prowling, going after Kolven with a powerful ice attack.  

Jack climbed a broken trunk and continued to taunt the undead dragon, keeping its focus locked on him as Kolven dashed toward it. "Incoming!" He warns, but the path is clear of friendly fire as he leads the trailing Ice Beam over the limping Gabite. It was still swiping at Jack though the distance between them is far too great, and does not notice the cat until its too late. Jagged chunks of ice emerge wherever the beam makes contact and instantly freeze the dual type's good leg where it stood. It roars, its quad weakness triggering a need to defend, but without its main support its writing knocks its off balance.

Teetering about the dragon falls forward, its pointed forelimbs digging into the ground to both push it up and drag it forward. The ice doesn't budge, locking the beast in place as it continues to snarl at the taunting Pikachu. Both trainer and Pokemon react at the same moment; Blasty's claws digging into the ground and two taps on his shell telling him to go. The Blastoise barrels forward, charging perpendicular to the Gabite with an icy fist outstretched. A creature of his bulk was terrifying to see charge, but the undead was too focused to notice.

At the last moment Blasty digs a foot into the ground, his body twisting for added momentum as his Ice Punch careens around to strike the Gabite's neck. Its head turns but its much too late, the super effective attack meeting its spine before it has a chance to raise its fins. Ice spreads, a sickening crunch of breaking bones echoing through the trees as Blasty decks the dragon toward the ground. A second snap can be heard as its face meets soil, followed by a third thump as the Blastoise gives a second precautionary strike. Its head lay at an unnatural angle, its motions all but halted in an unceremonious and quick death.

The sudden silence is only broken as Flamey takes out the last Cryogonal with a final Flamethrower, sending it to the ground in a melted heap. As quickly as they came the battlefield was barren, and satisifed that the skies were clear the Talonflame finally perched. "Its over." Green breathes, the battle quick but leaving her tense nonetheless.

The seconds seemed to slow, the cat's paws touching nothing but air as he made a risky leap over the dragon to the space beyond. The crunching, cracking sound of ice roared behind him as he made contact with the ground and bolted forward into the shrubbery. Jack's taunting was the perfect distraction, the hyper-focused undead not having a chance to dodge with its prey in sight. The Gabite roared as Kolven scrabbled up the back of a tree and into the high branches, out of view and out of reach. With wide amber eyes he watches his the dragon stumble, their biggest threat heavily nerfed as it struggled to remain upright.

Without two breaths the cat see's a new Pokemon charge the scene, Blasty's rapid approach enough to send alarm throughout his pelt. It puffs up, his tail three times the size as the large turtle delivers a deadly blow to the brute with frightening practiced accuracy. The crunch of bones makes the tomcat hunker lower on his branch, claws digging in deep, and he hold his breaths not wanting to jinx their victory. A cold breeze crosses the hallow, but even the quiet does not last a Flamey takes out his prior aggressor. The hiss of steam and shattering ice snaps as the last Cryogonal perishes pushes him to look back at the Gabite and assess the situation. The tell tale angle of broken neck was enough, but the crushed, shattered neck and skull were beyond a doubt the end of the poor things rampage.

Still, the Meowth's claws dug deep into the branch, his lungs screaming for air while expecting the beast to rise once more. But Green approached, entering the battlefield that was now empty of threats, and called an all clear with, "Its over." Instantly he releases the trapped breath and draws in another, the action making his muscles weak as he scrabbles down from the tree. "Thank the heavens," he gasps, heart still racing while he awkwardly tiptoes around the motionless Gabite. Had this thing followed them to the mansion and caught them off-guard.. a shudder runs along Kolven's spine; they would not be without casualties. "We got off pretty lucky."

With a slow hobble Clover limped her way toward her brother. Instantly the tomcat was all over her, a worried purr vibrating from his pelt to hers. Though she gives him one affectionate rub her ruby gaze looks past him, her destination just beyond. Forgotten in the scuffle was the desecrated corpse of a Sneasel, and with a watering mouth she brakes away from her sibling for the succulent allure of blood. The smothering cold was weakened by such a fresh, close body and the energy of combat, and she was unable to ignore the unyielding hunger. Pouncing on the body Clover sank her teeth into it, its cold flesh meaning nothing as taste tingles her tongue.

Alarm shoots through Kolven as he watched, paws shivering with indecision over stopping the feeding undead or letting it be in place of one of their team. Digging his claws into the ground he braces himself against the sound, and yields to allowing the action if only to stave off the risk a little longer. It must be this way. With his head turned away he walks in a wide arc, wanting to move away from the feeding Pokemon though his paws brought him somewhere else. Churned dirt that had been shuffled back into place showed the outline of what he could only assume was the den Drake had mentioned. Had the ground dragon filled it back in? A glimmer catches his eye, and scuffing his paws through the soil the cat finds many shiny trinkets among the soil. Beads, gems, coins, stones.. and the bloodied jewels of both Sneasels he had killed.

Pushing onto his hind paws the cat throws a paw over both his coin and his collar. "I guess its a good thing you two focused the dragon." He says with a tense laugh, toes curling around the shiny objects. "Probably.. wouldn't have ended well if it noticed me first."