The Church of Oriella

The door opened up, albeit slowly so as to not harm the Pachirisu who backed away. When she did, the door was pushed open, revealing a Gardevoir in a nun outfit.

“Enter, young one!” she spoke in a soft, but urgent tone as she looked towards the infected group approaching Neku’s group. “Behind you!”

The Zoroark turned and saw the Cacturne lunging at him. He managed to get his arms forward in order to get into a grapple with him, but gripping his form caused some spikes along its body to scrape against him. The Scarecrow lunges his head to bite at him, though Neku manages to dodge them by moving his head out of the way. He managed to push the Cacturne off of him and just as it was about to lunge again, it was blasted by a surge of magic.

Neku turned to look at Nina, who was preoccupied by trying to keep the Walrein within her fire spin. He looked confused before looking back and seeing the Gardevoir conjuring flames with her power. The Cacturne was singed from the fires and growled before it run off into the woods.

Nina surrounded the infected in a tower of flames, sweating as it would most likely get out again, but is hoping that the tower would wear it out enough for a chance. She then turned and saw the Sableye sneaking around once more, attempting to ambush her once more. Just as the Sableye leapt upwards in order to slash her with his claws.

Nina however, was planning on that as she summoned orbs of fire and sent them after him. The dark type screeched at the flames pelting him. He fell to the ground, body covered in burns before being blasted away by Nina’s flamethrower. The Sableye screeched out as he disappeared in the trees.

Felix was dealing with the Kabutops who was slashing his long scythes at the Grovyle, who deftly dodges them. He can see the attacks happening due to his detect move being active. He saw one of the slashes being held back for a strong slash, so he leaped back and extended his hands out towards him. Suddenly the infected glowed green for a moment before green orbs pulled away from him, causing the Kabutops to cry out in pain as the orbs went to the Grovyle, whose body was losing scrapes and bruises in return. As he felt revitalized, Felix charged towards him and slashed at him with his sharpened leaf blade.

The Ledian was flying around the Croconaw who was shooting water gun at her, who continued to fly around and away from it. Vargus growled as she sent star projectiles at him, who while hit, he blocked them with his arm. “Heh, you’re supposed to be stronger than me because of the infection?!” He cried out, getting the Ledian’s attention. “I’ve seen stronger Magikarp!” He taunted her.

That got the ladybug angry and she charged towards the Croconaw, preparing to slam at him with her body. Before she got close, Vargus turned to his side, his thick tail coating in water as he slammed it square in her face, knocking her to the ground, but still conscious.

The still present infected were still there, though winded as the Walrein joined the group, covered in soot, but approaching.

“I won’t let you hurt this group!” The Gardevoir vowed, her visible pink eye that isn’t covered by her hair glowed white as the infected found themselves unable to move and even being lifted up into the air. Neku watched her as she did this, ‘All of them at once?’ he thought, impressed at her power.

“Begone!” she shouted, blasting the infected away with her psychic power. She stood there for a moment before her eyes went back to normal and she collapsed onto one knee.

“Whoa!” Vargus went to her as he held her gently in case she fall on her front, “Are you alright?”

“T-This is… the least I can do…” The Gardevoir answered, slowly getting up. “Come in..” she stated as she led the others back into the church. Vargus headed in first, while Nina and Felix followed inside. Neku thought about the Gardevior as where he last saw one, it was the time he and Vargus spied on one who was near the hut Kate was resting in and talked to Rai. ‘She probably wouldn’t have done that if she didn’t recognize the girl. But why just her?’ he thought before following in.

The door closed behind him as he can look inside the interior of the church. Numerous wooden seats lined the left and right side of the main room with a carpet leading towards the back of the church as well as a few psychic types within. The stones that lined much of the insides are made of marble as there were support stands to keep the building up. Small shelves were hanging on the wall on the sides with hallways leading to the left and right of the building. He can see a cross, various Pokémon in poses, a marble of Arceus and other sculptures within the building.

“You’re all okay!” a familiar voice spoke up and Neku saw Kate running towards them. “I’m so relieved! D-Did I help at all?” Kate asked nervously.

“You did, you helped us all.” Neku nodded, giving her a small smile. Neku looked and saw Vargus sitting on one of the chairs, Nina was speaking to some of the psychics, and Felix was resting on one of the walls. As he looked around, he didn’t see the Gardevior anywhere. He starts to walk around and examine the surroundings more.

As he got to the front, he saw a large portrait of a Slowking, holding a scepter with a gold sun symbol at the end, wearing only a sash around him. He carried a big smile while sporting large orange eyes. While Neku stared at him, he found him to be of within middle age of his life and looked rather aloof, dopey looking, but his eyes showed great intelligence despite that.

His ear twitches as he can hear voices coming from the right side of the area which lead to the hallway, although he can’t hear it from where he is now. He walks over to the source quietly, picking up bits of whatever it is they’re saying.

“… big risk… jumping in there… endangering us…” one voice spoke.

“Couldn’t leave them… child… would’ve been lost…” the other voice responded.

“You put… in danger… need to look after…” he then hear footsteps approaching.

At this, he gave a surprise look as he opened his mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry.” He spoke as two figures stepped out of the room. “I was just walking to clear my head.”

One of them, a female Medicham wearing green and red garbs akin to a high priestess nodded, sporting a small smile with calm grey eyes. “No need to apologize, after what you all just been through, one would undoubtedly need to calm their minds.” She spoke, placing the palm of her hands together. “It’s a relief that this one right here was there to save your from that horrid fate.”

Neku turned his head to look at the other figure, the Gardevoir from before who has her head down low. “Is that so?” He asked before adding. “Well I’m very grateful for your help.”

“The least I could do.” She spoke lowly before saying. “My name is Melanie.”

“I’m Neku.” The Zoroark introduced himself.

“I’m Valorie. I’m in charge of the church of Oriella.” The Medicham spoke next.

“You’re in charge?” He repeated her words in confusion.

“Unfortunately, our predecessor, no doubt the one you saw in the hall, has been lost to the epidemic that is plaguing our world now. We started to panic from the news, and at that point, I took it upon myself to lead us through the dark times like he once did.” Valorie stated, looking over the group that was with Neku. “We hope to be the guiding light through the dark. And considering the situation, it’s even more important now.” she stated, pausing her gaze towards the Pachirisu.

“That must’ve been hard for everyone.” Neku stated, making note of the Gardevoir expression having no changes since the Medicham started speaking.

“It is, but we’ve managed.” she stated as the Zoroark rejoined the others. “Now, before we discuss things, is there anyone else who will be joining us?”

“No, theirs is-” Neku caught himself from finishing his sentence as he looked at Kate’s sad face. “There should be two more arriving here at a later time. A Raichu and a Buneary.” That got Melanie to blink a couple times in response to his answer.

“Hmm, I have to let you know. Once it becomes dark out, we don’t usually open the door for survivors out. Infecteds lurk around more often in darkness.” She said before adding, “Also, while those present can stay for a night, we can’t allow them to stay for an extended period. We can only provide a temporary refuge.”

Neku looks a little nervous about you and Rachael. What he’s seen about them is that they are capable, but they’re still young and naive about this. It’s difficult just to survive on his own.

As the Zoroark thought about this, Valorie looked over at the Pachirisu and gave her a gentle look. “What’s your name, little one?” she sees the girl look up to her.

“Um… K-Katherine.” She introduced herself while getting near Neku. “B-But everyone calls me Kate.”

“That’s a sweet name.” she spoke in a soft tone. “Where are your family though?”

“W-Well my parent’s… there o-one of them now..” Kate said, trying not to cry. “M-My brother went to help his friend, but I don’t know what happened now.”

The Medicham went and rubbed her shoulder. “I’m sorry for what you went through, no child should ever have to experience that.”

“Yeah, what’s happening is terrible.” Vargus stated, looking crestfallen. “I still don’t know what happened to my parents…” he added, looking down before putting up a smile. “At least we’re safe for now.”

“Yes, you all are safe.” Valorie assured them while Neku noticed the Gardevoir staring at Kate with a worried look on her face, but remained silent. “Now, allow me to provide the tour of our holy ground.” Valorie stated as she turned around. “Melanie, keep me and our guest company.”

“...Yes sister.” she stated as the two of them turned around and begun the lead the group to the exterior of the church.