Burning shame

The Darmanitan lunged towards Neku, grabbing and pinning him against the wall, “What is the meaning of setting fire to this place?!” He demanded, his paws starting to glow from heat, making Neku wince in pain.

“You have to know… what they’re doing. Seeing as you’re the church’s cook. They randomly choose those that seek shelter… to sacrifice them!”

“It’s to keep us safe!” He cried out.

“They set those innocent lives up to die to save their own skin!” Neku snarled back. “Even children. How can you sleep at night knowing that?!”

The Darmanitan gritted his teeth, the paws heating up to leave steam off of them for a few seconds before he let him go.

Neku winces as he can see the fur on his shoulders singed as he brushes it to cool it off, but he isn’t suffering a burn as he sees the fire type laying on the counter, head down in shame.

“Yes, I know what they do, and I hate myself for doing nothing.” He then reached for a cabnet and took out a couple glasses and a bottle of ale. “Mind if I have a quick glass? I could pour you one.”

Neku looked away a bit before responding, “Be quick.” He stated, moving next to him.

He nodded as he poured the two glasses. “It wasn't always like this. Before this, we did take care of those who came seeking solace. But then we had an incident where we lost our head priest.” he paused as he took a light sip of the ale.

“We were scared, feeling hopeless before Valorie stepped up. We thought she could handle this, but we heard the food and meds were decreasing, and we had attacks as well. Next thing we know, the priest returned as an infected, though paused for a moment which allowed a few to hold him down. Valorie announces that he came back to protect us even in his infected state, and I supposed we believed it because we needed something to believe in, before the few discovered what she was doing. When I went to her, she explained that this was for the sake of survival, and if not satisfied, we can go. This was wrong, but it was dangerous! We all thought it was a necessary cost to live… Oh who am I kidding, she and all of us went crazy.”

The Zoroark was silent as he listened, picking up his cup. “What she did was wrong, and you all allowing this doesn’t make you better, but wanting safety, I understand.” He explained, lifting his glass up.

The Darmanitan picked it up and clink them before they down the ale. Afterwards, Neku got up.

“You’re still going to do it?” The fire type asked.

“This place once provided a moment of reprise and solace in these dark times, but that has passed and now lives will be endangered as long as the grounds remain.”

The Darmanitan was silent, but didn't try to stop him.

“The entrance is in the library. Be there if you want to live.” He stated as he took the wood, wrapped cloth around one end and lit it up, making a makeshift torch. “I’ll be coming back to this place later.”

“You still intend to allow me to live even after knowing this?” He asked, surprised at his reminder.

“If you want to thank anyone, thank the Raichu.” Neku stated, “He’s quite merciful despite what they tried to do.” he added before leaving him alone as the Darmanitan looked around the kitchen, pondering what to do.