A Stand

Small, white paws of a Pachirisu patterned against the earth, followed by heavier impact belonging to a larger black paws of a Zoroark, with a Grovyle, Croconaw and Vulpix running right behind them as they all flee against the pack of pursuing infected right behind them.

“Damn, I heard they all become more fierce and everything, but this is becoming ridiculous!” Vargus cried out, panting in order to keep oxygen in his lungs. “It’s just unfair that it just happens to them!”

“At least we still have our control and common sense!” Felix pointed out, “Though that is clearly not helping all that much!”

“You know, Vargus does have a point! But we need a safe place first!” Nina added.

‘If we’re able to get there…’ Neku thought, looking down at the elesquirrel in front of him. She has been quiet ever since she saw her brother take off to save his friend. No doubt that she’s worried about your wellbeing.

“None of the infected chasing us ran after them, so it’s clear they won’t have any pursuers. They know where we’re going, they can catch up later.” Neku told her, only to get more silence. Whether it’s due to her focusing on running, or still dealing with the worry.

Neku looked up ahead and started to see a bell tower appearing over the trees. “That’s got to be the church they talked about!” He looks towards the Pachirisu. “Kate, when we get there, you try to knock on the door to get their attention. We’ll hold them off for as long as we can.”

Kate was nervous and worried about their situation, but she nodded to him. “Be careful.” she stated as they see the path shifted towards the direction of the bell tower. They look and see a large church in front of them. They can also see stone walls at the side of the building. Seeing how close they are, Kate started to run faster towards the door.

“Wow, she’s fast!” Felix stated, amazed at that feat.

“I thought you were pretty fast before that.” Vargus admitted as the Pachirisu started banging on the door.

“Hey, is anyone there? Please help us!” Kate cried out, hitting the door as hard as her small paws can.

“Do you think someone will be able to hear her?” Vargus asked, looking at her.

“They will. The real questions are…” Nina paused as she could hear some growling and sounds of footsteps behind them, her fur bristles as she saw the infected approaching. “Can and will they help us?”

Neku gripped his paws tightly as he saw 5 infected approaching. He recalled there were 7 before they chased them. ‘Must’ve lost us… or fell behind…’ Neku shook his head, not wanting to think pessimistically. He thought as he saw one of them, a Cacturne, charge towards him with his arms out towards him. The Zoroark got into a stance before two more Zoroark appeared by the middle side. The cactus Pokémon paused for a moment before lunging towards the middle one. Just as its arms surrounded him, the Zoroark vanished and the infected fell on the floor.

Neku gripped his paws as the Cacturne got up quickly and started firing pins at him. Neku tried to move out of the way, while blasting a wave of dark energy towards the infected, who dodged away from it. Neku was about to move again before he heard a loud, agonizing buzzing in his ear. He looked and saw a Ledian flying above them, wings vibrating loudly directly at him. He gritted his teeth in an effort to block the sound before feeling the Cacturne tackling you to the ground. He lands blows on the sides of the Zoroark as he tries to push the grass/dark type off him. He gritted his teeth as the cactus Pokemon was on the verge of sinking its maw on the Zoroark’s head.

Just then, jaws that belonged to a Croconaw sank into the Cacturne’s shoulder. From being close, Neku noticed that the jaws exclude cold air as a bit of frost spread from the bite. The Cacturne hissed from the painful sensation, jerking back which gave Neku enough time to slash at him, making him back off more as Neku was able to get back up. “T-Thank you.” Neku stuttered a bit, trying to catch his breath. Vargus gave him a quick thumbs up as he moves in order to avoid the Cacturne’s pin missile. He turned his head towards the Ledian who caused his predicament in the first place and saw that it was about to vibrate its wings once more. Not wanting to give the infected ladybug the chance, he leaped up into the air, claws extending in spectral energy. The Ledian wasn’t able to get enough speed and was slashed by the shadow claws. The infected Ledian remained in the air as its wings vibrated and was sent to the Zoroark, but he was able to dodge the waves and launched a dark wave towards it. The Ledian dodged the wave as it flew around, but then it was struck by a torrent of fire that sent it flying away.

Neku turned to see that the flamethrower came from Nina as she looked at him. “Focus. Don’t let them get an upperhand!” she stated just as she just ducked under a blast of water. The source came from an Walrein who was slowly approaching the fox, who then summoned a ring of fire surrounding the walrus, who continued to walk towards her. Neku was about to go in and help, but she suddenly shouted. “Don’t worry about me! If you want to help someone, that Grovyle looks like he’s having trouble.” He looked and saw that Felix was facing a Kabutops who’s scythes are pushing him back. “I’m alright for now. Help Nina first.” Felix stated. The Zoroark looked at the Vulpix who kept firing flamethrower at the Walrein, who continued to walk towards her. He even noticed a shadowy figure sneaking up behind her.

Seeing how she needed it more, Neku charged towards her just as the Walrein just launched a blast of water towards her. He saw that the figure, who now resembles a Sableye, was about to grab her just as he pushes her out of the way, causing the Darkness Pokemon to leap into the air. Neku and Nina shake the dust as the Vulpix looked at him in annoyance, “I thought I said I didn’t need any help?!”

Neku grumbled before he turned and the Sableye lunged at him, jaws open. Thankfully, he had his arm in the way to keep it from getting his head, but the jaws sinked into his arm, making him howl out in pain. The Sableye growled out as he tried to swipe at him, the gems that act as it’s eyes had a purple hue on them as well.

Thankfully as their size difference, Neku was able to push him off. “You need to be more aware of your surroundings.” He stated as he got up and extended a paw for her, only for her to get herself up.

“I still would’ve handled it even if he attacked.” Nina responded.

Just then, Neku felt something struck him in the back, knocking him to the ground as his fur was now soaked as the Walrein took the opportunity to attack. Before he can capitalize it, he was tackled by Vargus, but was knocked towards Neku and Nina. Felix was also sent towards the group as the infected group was approaching the fatigued group.

“Dammit! It’s taking so long! Where are the inhabitants?!” Vargus cried out, getting up.

“Are they just gonna leave us out to perish..?” Felix muttered, shivering from the thought.

“No, I’ve trained too hard to fall here!” Nina stated, gripping her paws as they see the group approaching.

Neku bit into his lips as he turned to where the Pachirisu was and his eyes widened as he saw the door open and…

Quickly let her in and closed it shut

Someone coming out from the church