All Lost... Or is it?(Oakey)

[Umbra]

Labored breathing... Every degenerated muscle was sore and aching. He felt an intense hunger. He hadn't eaten much in weeks... Maybe a couple months. But the overwhelming numbness was what Charon noticed most of all. Everything was dark... The coming seasons of winter mirrored the cold, dead feeling he felt...

There, the once mighty raichu stood, padding through the forest. Once a specimen in his prime, reduced to skin and bones... His amber eyes were glazed and clouded... His body but mere skin and bones... His orange fur matted and filthy.

If one looked at him, the others could easily he was succumbing to the disease... And would give him a wide berth...

That wasn't true... Not completely... The sickness finally affected his life yes... But not in the way most others would think in this forest...

He lost her...

And now he wandered through the forest... Lost... Aimless... On the verge of collapsing from exposure, hunger, and exhaustion... He tried everything... Risked everything to help her in her last moments... No healer would touch her... Even when Charon begged... Whether it be because he was a raichu, or much more likely, they didn't want to risk infection from his mate. There was probably very little they COULD do.

There was nothing he could do... She passed away in her troubled, feverish sleep... He buried deep in the heart of the forest, away from any scavengers or predators... But Charon himself didn't get sick through all that... Fate was cruel... He couldn't join her.... Why?... Why wasn't he taken too?...

Life was dismal and now lacked purpose for the young raichu.

"{Maria...}" Charon whispered under his breathe as he wandered through the forest... Everything was swaying... Going out of focus occasionally... He felt lightheaded...

Finally, the raichu collapsed, body shivering... He barely registered that he fell at all... So numb... "{I will join you soon...}" Was that last thing he hear himself rasp out loud before he slowly blacked out...

A few minutes later, the dying raichu was still there in the clearing... A few murkcrow landed on the bare branches above, red eyes filled with hunger as they eyed the male raichu below... Scavengers... Waiting for their meal to be ready... However, they heard a sound approaching, and with an irritated expression, they fluttered off, though reluctantly...

OOC: I kinda imagined Kieran taking care of Charon, nursing him back to health and giving him a new start on life. Maybe take him to her den and make sure he gets food. What do you think?

[Oakey]

ooc || sounds good to me. ^^ let's see what I can do here, I haven't roleplayed in a long time, and certainlly not with Pokemon, so tell me if there's something needing changed.

bic || Tiny feet crunched carelessly upon fallen autumn leaves as the young Pikachu bounded through the foliage of her forest home. She felt oddly in a radiant mood today... as if she woke up expecting good things to come. Hopeful, and near-carefree, the Pokemon was alive with energy. Small sparks of electricity emitted from her rosy cheeks and the Pikachu even let out a small squeal of excitement.

As Kieran weaved and bounded through the undergrowth, skillfully avoiding trees and thorn briars, her small, beady black eyes scanned the foliage ahead of her, always alert for danger and such.

The pre-winter air was cold and crisp, and with every breath Kieran's lungs were filled with bursts of cooling energy. Her tail wavered out behind her, every once in a while slicing through the air with a fit of excitement.

The Pikachu's long, black-tipped ears swiveled forward as they picked up the slight cawing of multiple Murkcrows. Disturbed by her careless rummaging, no doubt. Curiosity, lent the young Pokemon a slight bounce to her step, as she gallantly changed direction and burst into a small clearing.

Silence befell Kieran, the only sounds being her light pants, the retreating, frustrated caws of the scavengers, and the hard beating of her adrenaline-pumping heart against her chest. Sunlight forced it's way through the dense trees, and a lit the clearing, colored brown, orange, and yellow with fallen leaves, with dazzling golden light.

Kieran was still. The excitement and happiness etched so easily on her face was suddenly replaced with slight dismay and worry. In the center of camp, was a large Raichu. His autumn-colored pelt blended well with the surrounding leaves, yet appeared oddly misplaced at the same time. He could have been mistaken for sleeping, yet it's poor condition said otherwise; it was trembling fiercely with every bone visible beneath it's ragged, matted pelt. Kieran was serenely aware of the danger of the situation.

Initially Kieran was wary of other Pokemon, usually avoiding them to the best of her abilities. Yet the sight of the fallen Pokemon tugged lightly at her heart, now sunken with dread, and filled it with the sudden urge to help. Taking a few hesitant steps forward, Kieran brought herself warily closer to the large being.

Stepping into the light, the Pikachu's features were seen clearly. She was small and chubby. Her yellow pelt, was neatly groomed, wind-blown, and covered in plenty of small scars. Beneath the pelt, rippled wiry muscle, and her haunches visibly portrayed strength. Her long ears were cleaved with tears and "v"s. She held the stereotypical cheerful and bubbly appearance of any other Pikachu, but was also associated with an image of durability and a certain toughness.

Her lips were pulled into a slight frown as she circled the sad, fallen Pokemon. Being even closer to the being filled her whole body with dismay. What could have happened, to bring such a strengthy being to such a state? Her breath escaped visibly into the crisp air, and with a front paw, she gently nudged the Raichu.

{"Hey."} she whispered close to his ear, hoping to bring him from the depth of his unconscious slumber. Her melodic voice, was oddly laced with a tone of gentleness, that she'd never experienced before. She nudged him once more, extremely gentle in fear of hurting his frail body. The Raichu was bigger than her, and she knew she wouldn't be able to help him on her own, she needed cooperation. She'd help him if she could; she'd try at least.

[Umbra]

In the depths of his troubled sleep, Charon stirred slightly, though very weakly. His amber eyes fluttered open, and he glanced up at Kieran. His amber eyes were glazed, and there was a sort of drunkenness in his expression... Someone who was not entirely sure of where they were at and what was going on. However... For a split second, the amber eyes widened at the female pikachu as she tried to rouse him... "{Maria?...}" He whispered very quietly to Kieran, before going back to his dismal, disconnected self.

He then felt a strange sensation... He thought he heard a voice... "{Get up Charon.... You need to get up... You can't go to sleep here...}" Maria?... He kept hearing her... Feeling her presence as if she was willing him to get up... To survive.

The male raichu, with shaky limbs, first used his arms, and then his back legs to stand up... It took about a full minute to do so, and it was done with very wobbly hind legs, as if he might collapse at any moment.

He was barely conscious... His vision swam, and his head tilted down occasionally from exhaustion... But a small will to live blossomed in him... It was weak... But still there... Guided on by a voice that may or may not have been Maria...

Charon had to lean on his savior for slight support, since he had trouble standing himself, but he could be led back to her den now... Though he was barely aware she was even there... His body seemed guided by instinct than actual thought... Latching onto Kieran because it knew she would help him...

[Oakey]

{"Maria...?"}

Kieran's ear twitched only slightly, as the Raichu whispered the word so hushedly. It could have been her imagination, but the single word seemed full of devastating hope, and laced with grief. For a brief moment, Kieran understood; it wasn't a tangible ailment that had befallen the once-mighty Pokemon... he was... heartbroken.

Kieran watched in dismay as the Chu fluttered back into a unmoving, almost -sleeping state. He obviously lacked the strength to solely move, yet the young Pikachu dared to wonder if the Pokemon lacked the will to simply get up. A light of hope flickered momentarily across Kieran's beady gaze as the large orange being brought himself to shaky, brown paws.

Quickly moving in, Kieran allowed the unstable Raichu to lean upon her, supporting his weight and aiding their slow and unsteady odyssey back to her den.

Retracing the trail of her joyful bound, the foliage of the beautiful forest seemed suddenly dark and dangerous to Kieran, despite the fact that they had filled her with excitement and happiness only minutes before. The going was slow, and silent except for the crunches of stumbling paws on fallen leaves, and labored breathing--from both Chus. Maybe it was merely a subconscious habit, or the fact that she could feel the Raichu's ribs, painfully evident, pressing against her side, but Kieran found herself counting the various berry bushes that the two Pokemon passed on their slow promenade to shelter.

Yet, despite the growing doubt and fear in the back of Kieran's mind, they were nearing her den. The sight of the dark, semi-hidden entrance sent a shiver of hope and relief up the Pikachu's spine. Her pace even quickened. Slipping as gracefully inside as she could possibly manage, Kieran gently guided the Raichu to her large, moss-lined nest, where she gingerly shrugged off the male. The den was small, painstakingly so. There was thankfully enough room for the two Chus, but not much to spare. It smelled of damp earth, but also held the sweet aroma of orion berries as well.

For a brief moment, Kieran was still. Terror momentarily filled her bones... she had no idea what to do. She'd been a lone wanderer for years, avoiding others for a reason. Not only had she been deprived of company for a long period, but she was also quite unexperienced in the nursing of another. However, she simply willed the lingering doubt away.

She had to try.

Kieran began to internally debate if it was okay to leave the Raichu alone. Yet, as she gaze upon his shivering, wheezing body, she decided it wasn't like he was going to go anywhere. She winced once more, at the sight of his frail, angular figure. He needed food, and that was her priority.

Swallowing her sudden doubt and fear, Kieran swiftly turned and slipped silently from her den once more, only to return moments later with messy handfuls of berries and seeds. It was a meager portion, but if he would eat it, she'd be quick to return with more.

The doubt in her mind had thickened. If he lacked such will to take care of himself, what made her think he would eat? He got up didn't he? Kieran thought silently to herself, before opening her mouth to gingerly speak.

{"Will you eat?"} was all she could manage, and, to her great annoyance, her voice cracked pitifully. She rolled the berries closer to the Chu, wondering briefly if he could even hear her.

[Umbra]

Charon didn't answer, but rather curled up into an orange ball at the back of the den, shivering slightly still. However, he at least seemed to subconsciously register the words that Kieran said.

The male raichu's black nose twitched at the smell of oran berries and other nuts and plant matter that Kieran brought in. Half lidded amber eyes opened up, and stared at her with a sort of glazed expression... But a hungry one none the less...

A small, tiny amount of energy seemed to return... But it wouldn't last long... The will to eat had to be satisfied then and there.

[Oakey]

Hope fluttered once more across Kieran's gaze, and she rolled the berries even closer. Charon's response was slight, but it was a start nonetheless. Kieran padded closer to the orange chu, until she was right beside his shivering figure.

Hesitantly, Kieran gently picked up a berry in her chubby fingers. As gingerly as she could manage, the young Pikachu placed her hand on Charon's matted, furry head; half-stroking, half-coaxing it forward.

{"I can't do this by myself,"} she began, whispering close to Charon's limp ear. The foreign gentle tone had returned to her melodic voice. {"You're going to have to help me."} she continued to stroke the chu's head, and her stubby fingers played with the small oran berry clutched in her hand.

A moment of silence, before Kieran hesitantly added.

{"Maria would want you to get better."} she whispered so hushedly, that she wasn't even sure if Charon could hear her.

[Umbra]

Charon just sort of stared at the female pikachu, barely comprehending her, yet still knowing that she existed somewhat deep down in his clouded, confused mind.

His head complied with the gentle coaxing, and the raichu stiffened at the sound of Maria's name, but he bent his head down and gingerly lapped up the berries and nuts. The nuts were harder to chew, but he felt, for the first time in weeks, delicious flavors rest in his mouth and go down his throat... It had been a while since he had any decent food.

He stirred slightly, and he seemed to get a little more energy into him, and glanced at Kieran in his still clouded, but now expectant gaze... A gaze that spoke of hunger.

[Oakey]

Kieran met Charon's gaze levelly, breathing out a shaky sigh of slight relief as she recognized the unsatisfied hunger in their amber depths. Yet the terror that had sunken into the female Pikachu's bones hadn't yet dissipated; for while she was glad the Raichu had summoned the energy to eat, she knew he wasn't yet out of reach of danger's outstretched claws.

Ceasing her ginger stroking, Kieran nodded. "You need more." she stated simply, rolling the single oran berry in her hand, closer to Charon. "I'll be back." she whispered hushedly, turning back to the mouth of her den.

Glancing over her shoulder once more at Charon, the glimmer of hope passed once more over her beady black gaze. She slipped out gracefully, her moves almost impossibly fluid-like.

*

As promised, it was only a minute or so, before Kieran returned just as gracefully back to shelter. She padded once more to Charon's side, gently dropping another hoarde of gathered berries and nuts.

"I hope you didn't lose your appetite." Kieran whispered, gingerly placing her chubby hand once more upon the Raichu's orange head.

[Umbra]

"I'll be back."

The male raichu linked his amber eyes in slight confusion at this... He could barely make out the words... His mind was so muddled, but he did feel something... Could make out something... She was helping him... But why?

After the female pikachu gently touched his forehead and left, Charon gently closed his amber eyes and napped until he faintly heard a small crinkle outside the den. His nose twitched once again at the smell of food, and the male raichu slowly opened his amber eyes once again.

When Kieran entered the den again. Quite eagerly, the raichu dug into his meal, breathing hoarsely as he did so.

In the end, only about 2/3 of the food remained, and the large raichu, still slightly emancipated, gave one last gaze at Kieran before he went into a deep sleep... Vision darkening...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Charon's dreams were confused and murky. He felt like he was running... Running through the forest, though it was different... The sky was black, there were dancing shadows... The smell of rot was very palpable... And the trees were bare and blighted... Charon was running... Chasing... Trying to find the yellow shape that alluded him in the shadows...

And then... He reached a moonlit clearing... And he saw her... Maria... The female pikachu was as beautiful as ever. No matted fur or sickness was shown on her like she was before she died... She turned around, sad smile on her face. "{Charon...}" She whispered.

Charon, with wide, amber eyes gave shuddering steps toward his old mate. "{You... You are real?}"

Maria, with sad eyes came over to Charon, and brought a small paw to his face. "{Charon... What are you doing to yourself?}"

The emancipated Raichu gave a slight glance at his body before turning to Maria. "{Mourning over you...}"

Maria's face then appeared fierce and the female pikachu slapped him hard.

Charon, with stunned, amber eyes, clutched his face and stared back at her.

"{You will live...}" Maria hissed softly with trembling paws. "{You can't join me in death yet. What is wrong with you?}"

The male raichu averted his amber eyes. "{My life is empty now. I don't know if I could go on anymore...}"

Maria stared at Charon for a long time, before the female pikachu stepped away. "{Life and death are one of the same... Every living thing is subject to the mysterious end we must all endure... But it is no reason to despair. No reason for YOU to seek death Charon.}"

The female pikachu then gently, but firmly held the male raichu's head so Charon would face her. "{Live.}" She said firmly. "{Live so you can save the tree and end the curse that has befallen this land.}"

Charon's amber eyes widened in terror when Maria vanished and he found himself facing a shrouded figure of a black mist, maniacal laughter splitting the air....
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Charon's eyes snapped open back to reality... He was laying against a dirt packed wall, and his amber eyes adjusted a bit to the gloom of the den when he realized where he was, quickly scrambling up standing position, even if shakily.

The male raichu scrambled frantically through his mind, trying to remember what happened before he passed out and suddenly appeared here.

Then, the images of what happened yesterday exploded in his mind...

Thats right... That female pikachu, that other female pikachu nursed him back... This was her den...

Charon sighed as he once again slumped against the wall of the den, amber eyes darting back and forth. He was alive... He had his will back... But who was that pikachu who saved him? Who fed him yesterday?...