A Shattered Calm

You were tending to your sister, making sure she drinks plenty of water and wasn't overheating. It would be awhile for your friend and Felix to return back with some medicinal herbs, if they can get some... or if they even come back. You quickly shake your head to get that thought out of your head. You kissed your sleeping sister on her forehead and went outside.

You look up and see that the sky was blue with some clouds filled the air. 'Even with all that's going on, the sky looks the same.' you thought as you caught the smell of fire in the air and looked to see that Neku and Vargus were sitting by the campfire as you tighten the fur coat you're wearing. 'Good thing they had made these from Arcanine and Ninetales fur.' you thought as you join the two.

"Hey, how you do doing?" You asked, sitting down near the fire to get warm.

"Just wanting to get to know your aquatic companion over here." Neku said, "Nice of you to help him out when he was in trouble."

"No problem. I couldn't just turn away from the situation. Plus his reasoning makes sense. Waiting around is only a **** survival technique with no indication when it'll end, also I hope my folks are okay too..." Vargus stated, looking down.

"Why haven't you headed to your home when this mess started?" Neku stated as you were preparing a small pot to make some soup.

"I was trying to, but with how things have been going on, it's too risky to keep going alone. I live quite far off too." Vargus answered, clearly worried about them, but brightened up quickly. "But I know they're okay, they're both Feraligatrs and they're tough."

You were impressed with how the Croconaw was able to bounce back from a sad thought like that as you can start to smell the scent from the soup you were making.

"And what about you? I figure someone of your age might have a family." Vargus asked, looking at the Zoroark. "Why are you on this journey to help this Raichu?"

The Zoroark looked downward as he spoke. "No family... I lost them to the infection some time ago.." he answered, his tone filled with sorrow.

The Croconaw's face went up in shock, "Oh.. I see." he takes a deep breath as he continued. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"It's okay. I've been trying to stay strong for their sake." Neku answered, nodding his head.

You looked at the Zoroark, feeling bad about what he could possibly have went through, but you were confused at something. 'Some time ago? It doesn't sound like this pandemic had lasted months, considering that there's not that much damage. It sounds like he had a long years worth of pain.' You thought to yourself, but not wanting to ask about it at the time.

Neku took note of the scent as well. "Smell's good. How much you think it'll be?" The Zoroark asked, rubbing his arms to get the coldness off of them.

"Just a few more minutes.." you answered as you can smell the delectable scent from the soup. As the soup heats up, you ponder just how Rachael and Felix are doing as you take a look around and see some berries in the trees and bushes.

"If you want, we'll keep an eye on your soup while you go collect them." Vargus stated, noting your gaze.

You thought about what the Croconaw said and nodded, "Just don't go eating the soup, or I'll hurt you." you joked at him.

"Heh, you won't take me down so easily." Vargus stated, seeing you get up and get your bag, heading towards the trees and bushes collecting the berries.

You go a bit from the huts as you picked various seeds and berries from the bushes, even picking up a few apples from the floor. You looked up and found some cheri berries in the trees. "We're running low on them, and they can be helpful for others." You carefully climbed up the tree and started to pick some of them and place them in your bag.

Just as you placed a fourth one in your bad, you heard a noise from the left side of you, back to where the small camp you set up. You carefully got down from the tree and ran back to see what was going on . Just as you arrived, you see that the situation has gotten intense.

At the campsite, you see that Vargus and Neku are being attacked by two infected Pokémon. Vargus was struggling against a Mightyena, who was swiping at him and snarling at the Croconaw. Neku meanwhile was trying to dodge the Scolipede's poison barb's flying at him. You look and see that the hut Kate is in is still closed and the other hut door's were open. 'They can open doors too? So they're not mindless.'

You heard that Vargus cried out in pain due to the Mightyena biting into his shoulder and Neku was pressed into the ground by the large centipede Pokémon who was snapping his drooling maw right at the Zoroark's face. You look between the two companions and had to decide who to help and fast. Soon enough, you went to help...

1. Neku

2. Vargus