The Infected’s strength

Valorie led Neku and the others down a hallway that led to the door towards the back of the church. Melanie was by her side, staying quiet and keeping her head down from either Pokemon’s gaze. Neku can tell that the Gardevoir was hiding something about the Medicham and potentially the whole church, but he can’t ask her when the two were together.

When Valorie reached the door, she paused to take a breath before she opened it. It led to the outside where they could see that the courtyard was surrounded by the church’s outer walls. It is effective with keeping out the infected horde outside.

“We grow various ingredients to provide meals for not just ourselves, but for any guest here.” Valorie explained as she pointed to the garden.

“Amazing!” Vargus stated, looking at the various signs for what’s growing. Neku also noticed that it was a large garden with some tending to it. Although it seemed some plots were poorly managed and tended to. Some buildings lined the walls in various sizes.

“Ever since this plague came upon us, we had to convert some rooms in order to get us through. Like the large building was made into a dormitory. While we can’t house those who come, we won’t kick them out in the middle of the night.” Valorie stated as she pointed towards the larger of them all before moving to the smaller one. “That is where we contain our supplies. We have traders who brave the lands in order to help out those they can. We all need to come together in order to get through this.”

“I see.” Felix stated as he noticed some Psychic types eying their group with suspicion and doubt. “Have you had any trouble lately?”

“Regretfully, we had our share. Predators who believe that we’re easy pickings, looters who tried to rob us of food, medicine and other things.” The Medicham answered.

“We were also attacked by bandits attempting to kidnap us.” Melanie added as they walk.

“Yes, we’ve also been getting bandit attacks once in a while.” Valorie nodded. “Even so, we all are quite capable of defending ourselves against any threats.”

“Wow, it’s good to hear that you took all of this and made it something hopeful.” Nina spoke in admiration.

“It’s worth protecting, hence all the work we do. Everyone should band together and help one another. It’s shameful how one would only act to benefit themselves or those only in their group.” Valorie stated as she stopped by a small fountain and turned to the group. “Now, you all must be weary traveling this far. Take a rest and ease yourselves. All is well here.”

“Umm…” Kate let out as she added, “What about that door?” She pointed towards one of the metal doors that lead to the small looking room.

“Oh that…” Valorie paused for a moment before answering. “That’s our crypt. That’s where we keep… those who’ve passed on.”

The others looked at the area and saw that there was a male Meowstic at the front of it.

“You wouldn’t believe how many looters still lurk around these parts…” The Medicham explained.

“Despite there being dangerous, vigorious infected seeking to eat and f-urk!” Vargus grunted as Felix elbowed him in the gut to keep him from finishing the sentence. “Just seems a bit overkill.”

“Even in dire times, one should respect the departed.” Valorie stated just as one of the church workers; a Girafarig approached the two.

“Mother Val, I need help fending off one of the stragglers at the front.” The Girafarig with an masculine sounding voice spoke to her. She nodded her head and turned to the group. “I must tend to the situation outside the church and make sure we’re secure. Rest assured, you’re all safe here.” Valorie stated before she started walking with the Girafarig. “Come along Melanie.”

Neku saw her off while noticing Melanie having her head down, staring at the ground.

“Melanie, come help me out.” Valorie called out which made the Gardevoir jolt in surprise.

“C-Coming Mother Val.” she cried out, bowing towards Neku’s group before running off to join the two psychics.

“Thanks for helping us!” Vargus cried out as he sat down on one of the marble benches. “Phew, all that running and that fight really did a number on my paws.” The Croconaw muttered, brushing the dirt off them before massaging them a little.

“You sure are pretty calm, considering we nearly lost our lives just moments ago.” Nina said, raising her eye at him.

“Hey, I’m not gonna fret on the negatives since we avoided that.” Vargus stated, his smile not fading. “I mean, yes what happened was terrifying, but why continue to dwell on it?”

“You do have a point.” Felix stated, “Just surprising how quickly you bounced from something like that.” The Grovyle stated, sitting on the floor.

“Just trying to stay positive.” he stated, while noticing him sitting at that spot. “You can sit next to me if you want.” Vargus offered, patting the available space.

“Thanks, but I feel more comfortable feeling the soft ground underneath me.” Felix answered, crossing his legs as he messed with a stalk in his mouth.

“What about you-... um.. Name please?”

“I beg your pardon? My name is Nina.” The Vulpix introduced herself. “Please do well to remember that from now on.” She stated as she sat down next to the water type.

“You would do well not to make things harder for everyone else at the same time.” Neku responded, which got her to glare at the Zoroark. “Your pride nearly got you and everyone killed!

“I was facing a Walrein! Any other infected wouldn’t stand a chance against me!” She responded defensively.

“Maybe, or maybe you would’ve been beaten and left to its mercy.” Neku growled in a low tone before noticing the Pachirisu looking down before taking a moment to compose himself. “No doubt you are experienced in fighting infection. Even Rai and Rachael don’t handle them as well as you do. But these infected are stronger and faster than normal Pokémon. Even a one-on-one encounter can lead to disaster.” He explained.

Kate looked at the Vulpix, worried that she would argue with him more, but she noticed that her expression lightened up a little. While she still frowned, she listened to him without cutting him off.

“A group is only as strong as their least experienced member. Regardless of how strong one is, everyone needs to look after each other. If even one makes a mistake, it can lead to a disaster for everyone. So don’t take any unnecessary actions just to prove that you’re just as strong as any one of us.” Neku spoke calmly, taking a seat at the fountain.

Nina was quiet as she let what Neku said to her sink in. She remembered the Walrein continuing to approach her despite her onslaught, even remembering Neku attacking the Sableye trying to sneak attack her. She squeezes her eyelids shut as she tried to prevent herself from thinking the worst scenario. “... I hear you. I-I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Thank you for listening.” he stated everyone took a moment to calm themselves.

Kate smiled as she sees everyone stop arguing, but now she was thinking about her brother and his friend. It all happened so suddenly and he just ran after her. Now she heard that there’s a curfew for when they won’t let anyone else in. What if they don’t make it? What if they get caught by other infected? What if-

“Hey. You alright little one?” Vargus asked, placing a paw on her head.

“Yaah!” she cried out as she jumped back in surprise, unintentionally hitting him with a small jolt of electricity.

“Geehh!” he jolted as his body freezes up. It didn’t hurt as it was a thunder wave, but it does leave him struggling to move.

“Aaahh! I-I’m sorry!” Kate stuttered, getting up and bowing her head repeatedly in apology.

“N-No need t-to apologize.” Vargus stated, struggling to move while keeping his smile. “I-It was an a-accident.” he stated as he looked to the others. “D-Do any one of y-you have a c-cheri berry?”

Felix handed one to you as he looked towards the girl. “You have a lot on your mind?”

She was quiet, but nodded her head. “Is it okay if I take a walk around? I won’t be long.”

“Might be good to calm down.” Vargus stated, having eaten the berry and feeling his body returning to normal.

“Just don’t be gone for too long.” Neku told her which she nodded as she started to head towards the garden. Unbeknownst to her and the others, the Meowstic in charge of the crypt was watching her intently.

Nina turned her attention to the others. “Speaking of how the infected get stronger, you all are aware that it only affects them in particular right?”

The three turned their heads towards her direction, hearing her words as she continues, “It’s pretty clear that the more the infected ingest their prey, the stronger, durable a bit faster they become.”

“Yeah, now that you mentioned it, I’ve eaten my fair share of infected, but while I do feel a bit energized afterwards, I don’t feel any much stronger than beforehand.”

“Exactly, the non-infected aren’t very benefictful as opposed to the infected themselves. Seems whatever this infection source is coming from, it’s giving them the boost, making survival harder for everyone.”

“Looks like there’s some kind of connection with the infected with the source. Whoever did this knew what they were doing.” Neku spoke, crossing his arms as she nodded. “Of course, the cost of this power is the loss of free will and control, no amount of power is worth that.”

“Seems you know a bit about this.” Felix stated, raising an eyebrow at the dark type.

“I heard others discuss this back at camp a few times.” He answered, shrugging his shoulders.

“Might be good to tell my grandmother about this. Might bring some news about how to solve this… though hopefully Rai and Rachael can make it here before curfew, and not stewing in an infected or pred’s stomach.”

“Don’t count them out. I see the chu’s eyes. He’s definitely naive, but he’s determined.” Vargus said confidently.

“He’s also pretty sharp.” Felix added nodding, “I hope that’ll be enough for them to get through it.”

“I don’t want to break the news to the girl if the worst comes to past.” Nina said with worry.

Neku was quiet as he looked towards the direction where the entrance was located. There’s some time before the sun sets, but there’s still the infected, predators and other means that can hinder their progress. ‘Rai…’ He looked up at the sky, hoping for the best for you and your friend.