To Ensure This Never Happens Again

The pair of leaves floated down until you felt them land on top of your forehead. You let out a quiet sigh of relief in response as you also wonder how Neku is handling this entire situation.

You carefully move your head a bit to see that Neku was just laying there, the leaves on your forehead landing on the ground. His eyes still and his body still like stone. ‘That some serious nerves of steel there!’ You were impressed at his fortitude. ‘How could someone be so calm despite the clear danger out there?!’ You thought as you soon started to hear the growling starting to fade.

You also see that Melanie was lying on the floor as well, still **** from Neku’s sneak attack. You make a mental note to apologize to her when she wakes up. You kept quiet for a little bit longer to make sure that the coast is clear. ‘Could they be gone?!’ You thought to yourself as you carefully lifted your head up through the bush and saw that the area around them was quiet, with the only thing above them was the tower and some dark clouds up in the sky. “It’s just us out here.”

Neku nodded his head, getting up and placing Melanie back over his shoulders. “Looks like we made it through after all.” He said, taking a moment to brush the dirt off of his fur.

“You’re lucky we didn’t land badly, otherwise we probably would’ve seriously injured ourselves.” You stated, standing up and brushing the dirt off. “Still, that was unbelievably reckless. Just lunging us out of the tower like that! We could’ve seriously injured ourselves!” I voiced out, still feeling the impact of the ground to my shoulder.

“You said it yourself, there was no time to climb down the rope, we had to take the risk.” Neku responded calmly, “And considering we are not stewing in an infected’s guts, I’d say it was a risk worth taking. Of course, you could invite those infected back if that’s what you prefer.” The Zoroark suggested, smirking at you as he knows your answer even though you choose not to answer.

“Well then, do you know where we’re supposed to meet up?” You asked him, looking around before you saw Felix approaching the three of you.

“What a relief. I saw the area you three fell into that bush before being swarmed by those infected and couldn’t approach until they cleared off. Are you three okay?” he asked us.

“Other than a few scrapes and bruises, it’s nothing to worry about. Melanie’s ****, but she’ll be okay.” Neku answered, making sure that he got the Gardevoir on his back securely. "Can you show us where you all are gathered?” You asked, making sure the items in your bag are alright.

“Right. Just follow me.” Felix stated, going on ahead just as you started to feel a few drops of rain landing on top of your head before you ran to keep up with him.

The three of you moved through the growing darkness. Your heart was still beating as you want to get back to the others, get back to your sister. As you were passing a tree, you noticed a glow coming from the right size of you. When you turned your head, your eyes caught an unbelievable sight that stopped you in your tracks. The church that everyone expected to provide temporary salvation, where they don’t have to worry so much about the dangers of the outside, the entire building is engulfed in flames.

“I saw it when I was following the others trying to get away from the tower.” Felix said, looking at the sight as well.

You feel a whirlwind of emotions spinning around inside you as you watch the scene before you. Sadness that you felt like this had to be done. Guilt that you choose to burn down a holy place. Remorse on the number of lives lost in that place. Anger about those who stayed there committed and allowed the atrocities, and finally, relief as the truth is out and they can no longer use that place to end more lives. Your eyes were glued to the sight until you felt something touch your shoulder. You turned your head to see the Zoroark placing his paw there.

“We need to get back before they start expecting the worst of us.” He stated, mentioning Felix to continue leading them.

“Right…” I stated as I took one last look at the burning building.

“Arceus… I hope you can understand why I did what I did… and forgive me for what I’ve done…” You thought before you went to catch up with the others.

The three of you walked for a short while, using the darkness to keep yourself hidden from potential infected that could still be around. The drops of rain started to come down more often, getting your fur wet, but in the distance, the flames continued to burn strongly despite the pickup, as if to say it won’t let your work go undone. You three start to head into a thicker part of the forest, where even the rain isn’t hitting you as often as it was when you all were outside.

You start to notice a glowing spot a bit off from where you’re standing. Getting closer, you see that it comes from a small campfire. Not only that, you can see your companions, the Nido family, as well as a few church members sitting around the fire, trying to stay warm.

Felix joined the group first. “We made it back.” He stated as everyone turned their heads and saw you two joining him.

“Rai!” Kate’s voice filled with worry and relief as she ran to you, kneeling down and catching her in your arms. “I’m okay sis. We’re all okay.” You spoke softly, holding her close.

“Please don’t do that again! That Medicham was scary.” She whispered, clinging to your fur.

“Speaking of her, where is she?” Nina asked you.

“Don’t worry, she won’t be bothering us anymore.” Felix answered, going to sit down near the flame.

“Really?” Vargus asked, looking at the three of you, “She’s gone, but neither of you are sporting a round belly.” The Croconaw stated.

“It wasn’t either of us. We saw her getting held by the infected Slowking… after tossing Rai away from him.” Neku stated, laying Melanie down before sitting down as well.

“Tossed away?” Rachael asked, looking confused at what Neku said.

“Valorie actually tossed me towards him, and he had me in his psychic hold.” You explained, sitting down near the fire with your sister. “I thought that would be the end of me, but the Slowking… he started crying.”

“Crying?” Felix asked, looking shocked, “And he had you, but not tried to eat you?”

You shake your head. “Yeah, he held me there, and started to cry. Then he tossed me away and I landed on Neku.” You finished, omitting the part where you had your ass on his face.

“Infected Pokémon lose all semblance of their self, all they can think about is eating, infecting or both. The idea that they would spare someone is unprecedented.” Nina stated, thinking about what you told them. “This is some interesting information. My grandma must hear about this.”

“Anyway, glad you made it, Rai!” Vargus said, hanging his shoulder over your neck. “You really are tough for such a cute Raichu.” He stated with a beaming smile, nosing my cheek with his snout in a friendly manner.

My face winces at the prodding, but mainly due to his choice of words. “V-Vargus, I told you I’m not cute..” You stated, pushing him off you, though making sure not to knock him down, which caused everyone to chuckle at you. “A-Anyway, are you all okay?”

“Yeah, those who wanted to stop up put up a fight, but we made them flee.” Vargus stated proudly as you turned towards Neku, him knowing what you want to know.

“We had a couple close calls. Some caught us trying to flee, but we saved those we could.” He answers.

You close your eyes, disappointed on that front, but they did their best, you can’t ask them for more than that.

Rachael noticed the Gardevoir lying on the floor ****.

“Hey, what happened to Melanie?” Rachael asked, going to her and checking the Gardevoir’s form.

“I knocked her out.” Neku responded, getting a shocked expression on Rachael’s face

“What?! Why?!” she asked.

“She was planning to sacrifice herself for us, but it wasn’t needed. She could’ve at least gotten up on the platform before using Protect.” you explained as the Gardevoir was starting to stir and slowly sit up.

Melanie rubbed her back from the impact as she opened her eyes, her pink gaze looking at you all and looking surprised.

“H-How am I still here?” Melanie asked, looking genuinely surprised that she’s able to wake up.

“You have him to thank.” Felix said, pointing towards you.

Melanie turned her head to look at you, her eyes staring in disbelief. “Y-You save me? Why?”

“Why?” You asked, blinking a bit to make sure you heard her right. “Because it was the right thing to do. You could’ve gotten eaten or worse by those infected Pokémon if it wasn’t for me, plus, you save me, Kate and those kids. That’s something I can’t just ignore.”

The Gardevoir was at a loss for words, even after knowing what she knew, after knowing that she didn’t stop it, you choose to save her life.

“Your heart is kind, Rai.” Nina stated with a smile.

“Melanie, the way you look and spoke about the church, it doesn’t sound like this was as bad as it is right now.” Neku spoke, looking at her. “Can you give us an insight of what exactly happened for it to get to that point.”

Melanie looked at all of you for a moment. “Yes, you all deserve to know the truth about the church.” She said, taking a moment to sit down near the fire.