Separated!

The three of them have been walking down the road for some time. During it, you talked to Neku about what happens after fighting infected Pokémon, making sure that he’s a bit distant. “We need to try not to eat them. They’re still alive even after what happens to them.”

“They’ll continue attacking others when they wake up, and some situations may require it.” The Zororark pointed out.

That made you cross your arms to think. ‘I don’t want my sister to be a witness to what’s going on so much… but what Neku says is not wrong…. If we spare them, they’ll wake up and continue to prey on other non-infected. If we eat them, we could be taking away someone’s father, mother, etc… There’s no easy way around this.’’ He thought sadly as he nodded his head. “You’re right, but not all of them deserve this. Just try to spare any that is not much of a serious threat, I’ll just have to move the others away." Your clench your paw into a fist, bothered that they'll have to resort to that to survive.

Neku was still skeptical about that, but nodded his head. The small group eventually got themselves over a chasm that has a deep river at the bottom. You look and see a rickety rope suspension bridge that looks old.

“Do we have to cross this?” the Buneary asked, clearly not trusting the bridge.

“I don’t like it either, but I don’t see another way.” you stated, taking out a map for them to show. “This is the quickest way to get to the other side. There’s a shallow point that crosses it, but it’s quite a distance away. There’s a point where we’ll find some small huts a bit after this point. Let’s get there and take a rest.”

The group carefully approached the bridge and looked over to see some fallen pieces in between.

“I-I don’t feel comfortable about this…” Kate stated, backing away to her brother. He holds her in order to hopefully calm her.

You look forward, thinking about how to get this through. “Alright, one of the time. Rachael, you go first. Kate follows, then me, then Rai will follow.” Neku stated.

Everyone looked at each other and sighed, not knowing any other ideas. They started to do as Neku suggested. Rachael crossed the bridge slowly and carefully, taking heed of any creaks she feels under her paws. When she safely approaches the other side, the Pachirisu follows as well. While the girl was terrified, there wasn’t much creaking considering the lesser weight.

Just as the Zoroark was about to go himself, both you and Neku heard some bushes rustling behind them, despite there not being any wind blowing. “Shit, we got to move.” Neku said, getting on just as Kate got off. Rai waited despite the danger, feeling like putting too much weight would collapse the bridge.

The thickets revealed 3 Pokémon. An Zangoose, a Scyther, and a Venonat. They were all sporting purple eyes and were growling in hunger. Then they spotted you alone at the bridge entrance and their mouths salivated. ‘I can’t keep waiting much longer!’

You look ahead and see that Neku passed the halfway point, and took the moment to start crossing. What he didn't realize was that the rope was breaking after Neku passed the halfway point. You were about the quarter when he saw the growing tear, but before you could do anything, the bridge started wobbling and saw the infected starting to shake it. Eventually the rope snapped and the bridge started to collapse.

“Rai! Neku!” Rachael cried out seeing the situation as the other rope snapped and separated. The Zoroark with the others, but you were underneath the infected. They were both shaken by the impact, but held on.

“Hey, are you okay?” Rachael asked, both her and Kate worried. “I’m alright!” You respond back as you look up and see the infected Pokémon staring down at you. “I’m in trouble though..” you muttered.

“Please do something, Rai!” Kate called out as her brother hung on.

Looking up and down, you take a deep breath. “I’m gonna have to drop into the water!” you announces.

“Are you nuts?!” Rachael cried out.

“It’s the only option. I can’t fight off 3 infected Pokémon at once!” you stated, seeing them starting to pull the bridge up. “Get to the huts we saw on the map. Wait there as long as you can, I’ll try to meet you there.”

“Nnngghh.. Alright, we’ll be there!” Rachael said as Neku successfully climbed up. “Kate, we got to move.”

“B-But my brother..” Kate muttered tearfully.

“He’ll make it, but we have to move.” Neku said as they moved onward.

Seeing that her sister can’t see him, you take a deep breath and let go of the bridge footing. you took an impact on one of the stones before plummeting into the cold water. The current was strong and easily swept you down the river.

(You were separated from the others!)

Down at the side of the river, you crawled out of the river, coughing and covered in bruises from struggling to keep above water and avoiding stones and debris, but managed to make it. You panted tiredly as he suddenly heard a growl close and struggled to get up, feeling your arms and legs sore as you stumbled through the forest, trying to escape whatever was making that sound. Just as he passed a tree, a Linoone lunged and pushed him down onto the floor, he was snarling and chomping at you, violet eyes full of hunger. You struggle to resist, despite being in pain...

1. A blast of water knocked the infected away!

2. You were overpowered...