The PHENAC Team

Without thinking, Polna had glided over the ground as if he were a ghost, right behind the shiny Ponyta's blue fire, and ran mindlessly into the Pre Gym. The building was run-down, like every other building would be post-apocalypse. Signs of battles were everywhere, showing up as chunks taken out of walls or dents in the electrical systems. The electricity or water probably wouldn't work after so long. There was a lot of sand on the floor, possibly from a Sandstorm attack. Polna examined the place before being snapped back to reality by Lithium's voice. "Hey!" She called out, looking over to the Sneasel, "There's some food supplies here, you hungry?" Polnareff walked over there. "Well, that's good! I'm STARVING!"

(OoC: crap post because I have the worst cold ever ;A; I'm sorry.)

The Sneasal didn't respond, however, it came to the Shiny Ponyta's attention that Polna has arrived into the PreGyme. The slight vibrations in the floor under his heavy weight [She bet it was all because of those metals he carries around!], his voice obviously reacting to 'food' as she shifted her gaze up to see the Skamory waltzing over to her with glee, "Well, that's good! I'm STARVING!" Lithium responded with a smirk, giving a snort of amusement. Rather optimistic aren't we? She couldn't blame him, food is hard to find nowadays... She didn't know how long he had been here, but some food is better than none at all. She figured it'd be best to not be rude and take her chances by giving him a portion of their newfound supply. "Alright then," She began, motioning her head towards the control panel where a huge pile of berries and medical supplies laid, "I saved a Cheri Berry for you in a separate pile, not sure if you like them, but hey, feel free to pick whatever as long as there's still some left."

Though the place was obviously wrecked and something laid in the hole in the middle of the room, something definitely off-limits for the time-being, but nonetheless, this was quite a nice fort. Not the best, but for now, it can last them weeks possibly. Especially with those horde of Zoroark out there, they'll probably tire themselves out and start looking for new prey. By then they'll be able to leave the city and somewhere more safe with some good ol' resources. As long as they maintain their food supply and watch their step, things will be alright; Lithium was sure of it. She was ready to take another berry, but thankfully these second thoughts made her rethink and save it for later. Afterall, these berries are also useful for healing properties, it was best to save them too. Polna wouldn't take more than one right? Lithium trusted him [despite only knowing the damn bird for like five minutes] enough to know he would not take more than his share.

"Watch out for that hole in the middle too," Lithium added, turning her head over her shoulder to face the Armor Pokemon, "We could be staying in here for a long time." With that said, she decided now to be the best time to inspect this place further [this time she watched her step! Knowing how clumsy she was, she could possibly fall down into the hole]. Her hooves clattered against the pavement, her chocolate-brown eyes scanning the area for her. Other than the control panel, everything seemed to be pretty normal in the apocalyptic world. It seems like the group before them pretty much gathered everything up and stuffed them in the pile of su- She blinked as a flicker of red was caught in the corners of her eyes. Looks like somebody forgot something.

With slight hesitation, she bent down, curiously tilting her head as she stared at the feather. It was like Lithium's flames, but blood red and orange rather than aqua blue and turqoise. The feather looked unique, it was definitely something Lithium had never seen before. Feathers were natural colored, never were they the color of flames. Amazed, she glanced around, quickly snatching it up between her teeth and she carefully tucked it away in her scarf -- right inside the bottle of paper stars. The feather seemed to good to be true, but even so, it seemed like hope began to spark within her. That feather truly held its marvels, as the Fire Horse Pokemon felt rejuvenated and refreshed.

Though she smiled like and idiot, looking gleeful as she continued to inspect, she casually glanced over to the Steel-type, feeling that smile fade away as something came over her; fear. What are they to do now for the past few weeks? Eat and sleep? Though they both have traveled different paths, surely eating and sleeping seem worth it after months of running from Undead? Suddenly she didn't feel happy, nor refreshed. Rather, she felt... disappointment. There was no thrill or adventure, hell it didn't even seem relaxing because either way they would have to look out in case one of the Undead sneaked in. Especially while they group is asleep. Being very defenseless in that state... She narrowed her eyes, maybe they'll discuss this when it comes by.

[Ooc: Sorry for late post V_V I'll try to be on time in the next round. My apologies. Lithium also found the item that evolves her to an Infernium, ohoho, but that won't come till much later]

"Alright then," Lithium began, motioning her head towards the control panel where a huge pile of berries and medical supplies laid, "I saved a Cheri Berry for you in a separate pile, not sure if you like them, but hey, feel free to pick whatever as long as there's still some left." Without warning, Polnareff dived into a juicy-looking Aspear berry. "Watch out for that hole in the middle too," she added, turning her head over her shoulder to face Polna, "We could be staying in here for a long time."

Polna shrugged. "Mmph, good." He then moved onto the Cheri berry, throwing it into his mouth as if it were a grape. His teeth clacked a few times before all that was left of the berry was the stems and some juices around his mouth. "I'm surprised these berries are still fresh! This place looks like it's been abandoned for a year or two! How did that even happen?" Polnareff slumped to the floor next to the pile of berries, twiddling the stems of the berries he ate with his feet. "The apocalypse is just too tiring... well, I didn't expect sunshine and rainbows in the first place," Polna muttered under his breath. "So, what brings you to Orre? It's not the most forgiving region, I wouldn't expect a Pokémon as easy to spot of a target like you being able to come here from Hoenn or Sinnoh... alone, anyway. I don't mean to offend you with that, but the fact that your flames are blue is undeniable. That's what I meant."

"NO! Don't touch me!"

Polnareff's head whipped around to where Lithium was standing. "Lithium?! Is that you?" She wasn't there. "Lithium?... Where'd you go?" He got up. "... Lithium? Oh, no, please don't be Zoroark food, please don't be Zoroark food..." He leaned against the wall and slowly slid down towards the berries Lithium had found. Don't think the worst, don't think the worst... There were several screams hanging through the air. Polnareff shot up from his spot and thought the worst. To his surprise, it wasn't Lithium, but a Vaporeon. Without a second thought, he asked about Lithium. "Have you seen a Ponyta with blue flames?"

It was actually a rare occurrence for him to make friends, even rarer as of late. Naturally, he panicked at the disappearance of his first.

She planted her tongue to her cheek nervously. Maybe she just should've kept her mouth shut.

"A blue-flamed Ponyta?" The Vaporeon scoffed. "I don't think such a thing exists. I'm trying to survive here, not find one of your imaginary friends."

Polnareff scoffed as well, offended. "Seeing is believing." He pointed to the ground. "There's her hoof-prints." He walked up to a window to see if any of the Zoroark were still out and about. "Whether you believe me or not-- she was a shiny Pokémon, an incredibly rare occurrence, it's a blessing to see one-- I have supplies. Food and such." He looked at the Vaporeon. "The Zoroark that were out there are gone... So why were you screaming? I don't see anything else out there..."

((OOC: Agh, sorry for my blandness and boringness. XD))

When Polna mentioned how Lithium was shiny, she tilted her head. New to the concept, eh? He saw that she looked a bit uncomfortable, constantly tensing and relaxing her muscles. Upon mentioning the screams, she gave a hasty, hurried reply. "Um! That wasn't me screaming! I... erm... killed... an undead! It was screaming in utter pain!"

Polnareff looked at the Vaporeon, who was obviously lying. "... You don't really seem the type. I heard multiple screams anyway, they all sounded like you as well... I also don't see any corpses out there."

"Listen, you don't know me. Who is to say I didn't eat its corpse raw?" The Vaporeon snarled, with a lick of her lips to emphasize her point. "Who is to say that wasn't my war scream?" The Vaporeon seemed hostile, bent over and claws ready to tear.

"That would be me." Polnareff looked out of the window again. "Show me the site where you killed it. There should be blood, no? Don't say you washed it away and expect me to believe your spindly lies, I would like to see the puddle if that's the case." He looked at the Vaporeon once more. "Your lies... You, they are a complete waste of resource. Tell me the truth."

(OoC: Blarg, posting mobile so it can't be too long)

[[OOC: I'm actually posting from a mobile myself. That's why they're rushed and ungrammarized. XD]

It looked like Polnareff broke her so he could get the truth out of her. "P-please, Mr. Bird sir, don't hurt me. I didn't mean to lie. It just sorta happened." She bit her lips, tail lashing in anxiety as she backed away, never ceasing to keep eye contact.

"Calm down, I won't hurt you. Really, I know you're hungry-- who wouldn't be-- but for your future reference, I don't like it when I'm lied to." He pointed a sharp feather towards the pile of berries. "Go ahead and eat, but try to leave the Rawst berries."

(OoC: I'm still posting mobile. I'm too used to using an actual computer... xD)

[[OOC: YAY FOR MOBILE POSTING! XD]]

The Vaporeon hesitated before going over to eat, almost as if she didn't trust him. She did eat them, however, so it was likely she trusted Polnareff to an extent. "Thank you..." she whispered. "I could help you find your imagin-um... I mean, blue flamed friend, if you want me to."

Polnareff looked out the window again, at least the seventh time in the last five minutes. "Lithium? Yes, that would be nice... Lithium's a real being, by the way." He walked over towards the door. "Mmm," Polnareff closed his eyes mid-sentence, "Perhaps she went towards the Pokémon Center?" He opened his eyes and turned around. "My name is Polnareff. Who are you?"

(OoC: Woo, back to a computer! Yea!)

[[OOC: GAH PICTURE Y U NO WORK XD]

"My name is Artemis..." It was said weakly and meekly, as if she was afraid. Chances are that she was, Polnareff was HUGE for his kind. He was also pretty skilled with Steel Wing, and it didn't help that there was still Zoroark blood crusted onto his wings. It had only just occurred to him that he might have been scary.

"Well, uh... Do you mind washing this off?" He held up a few blade-like feathers with some blood on them, drying and probably stuck there until he grew a new set of feathers. It bugged him to have crusty, dirty feathers. They didn't sit upon the side of his body right. It was very uncomfortable. Inside, he hoped this wouldn't be a problem.

(OoC: Your link has a stray bracket at the end, removing that should fix it)

((OOC: Thanks, I fixed it.~))

"Um...how should I get it off, Polnareff?" Once again, Artemis talked with a scared undertone. Polnareff was still unsure about how to be less intimidating. It was somewhat pathetic, a Growlithe or Shinx could be scary, yet he can't be anything but even if he tried. Am I really that scary? Is it because I'm too pointy?... With my feathers and all?... Perhaps I should look in a mirror?

"How to get it off? Well, I was hoping it could be washed off, like I said. Since you ask that question, though, I'll assume you don't know how to use any moves involving water, do you?" He paused. "Pity, I knew a Swalot like that once. He could eat just fine, but in a battle he couldn't swallow a thing!" Polnareff blinked several times, one slower than the rest while he contemplated a thought. Now that I think of it... Did Lithium leave because she was afraid of me? DAMN it... I can't do anything right. The thought of the sharp tang of Mandola's slap echoed in his mind. Damn it.

(OoC: I changed the time [up there], just so you know. Also, two posts to a badge! Woo!)

((OOC: Oops, I'm oblivious. XD Sorry.))

Artemis chuckling at the thought of the Swalot--He was one of Mandola's Pokémon, for seeing if things were edible enough or not--Gave Polnareff less things to worry about. It was then he had realized he had been standing there, thinking and staring off rather blankly, when Artemis brought him back to reality. "Polnareff? Are-are you okay?" She padded towards an opening in the wall. "C'mon, let's go find your friend," she urged Polna on.

The heat of the afternoon was dying down slowly, as was the light and their chances of surviving until tomorrow. Night was always a horrid event in these times, why did it have to come around twelve (or so) hours a day? "We should be careful," Polnareff stepped outside as he said this. "The whole reason why I was in the gym was due to some undead Zoroark. They transformed into some of us, I wouldn't be surprised to see a fake Sneasel or even a fake me around here."

((OOC: You have one ore post! Whoop~))

Upon hearing about the shape-shifting zombies known as Zoroark, Polna saw Atremis shudder. "I guess I'll have to attack anything that moves." How was Polnareff so good at causing fear and anxiety? He didn't know, and he wanted to change that. However, the past echoed in his mind and so did the name. Big Bird. They were referring to him like he was a Roc, an amazing and titanic bird with teeth like saws and claws like shark teeth. Before the Infection broke out, some called him that. Then, he didn't mind it, but now, it made him feel like pulling his steel crest off his head. He didn't have hair to feel like pulling out when anxious or distressed anyway.

Polnareff pondered his point about the Zoroark. "Thing is, I'm pretty sure they don't talk." I've never heard of any Infected Pokémon speaking before, I guess other than the newly Infected ones. I wonder what it's like...? Err, except I don't at the same time.
... Dammit, I jinxed myself.

((OOC: Congrats on your badge!~ :3))

Artemis seemed surprised about Polnareff's knowledge of these things. To be honest, he barely knew anything and was making inferences based on past experiences. "So..." Artemis coughed, sitting on her haunches and placing her finned tail atop her fore-paws. "How have the... infected affected your life?"

Polnareff growled, then sighed. "Problems started with some Ludicolo in Reagalm Tower. I was on vacation here with my trainer and she teleported out of there... without me." A sharp sigh escaped his beak. "If I ever see her again, I'm not sure I'll forgive her. She was an OK trainer, but she was kind of... odd." He pointed a feather towards Reagalm Tower, northwest from Phenac. "You can see it in the distance, can't you? It's kind of small from here but it's huge up close. We should stay away, though, people brought strong Pokémon there to fight. It's where the biggest battles in the region happened that were open to the public."