To Find Value in Life

“Hey! You finally made it!” Vargus stated with a smile, though he did make sure not to be too loud, but his smile faded for a moment. “You okay Rai, you have a tear running down your right cheek.”

“Huh?” You rubbed said cheek and did felt a bit of wetness there. “I was… thinking about my mom.” you answer him.

“Ah, I get it. It happens to me as well.” Vargus nodded.

“Sorry to hear that.” Felix stated, looking downward in respect. Nina was quiet in understanding, even Rachael looked at you briefly before returning to her bowl. You felt Kate standing next to you in an effort to comfort you as you got your bowlful and sat on an empty spot of the log. You then noticed that the group was smaller than before you left. The church members and the Nido family were no longer with you.

The Vulpix noticed your face and knew what you were going to ask. “The church members stated they were going to stay near the church even with it in ruins. They won’t let what happened before happen again. It’s atonement for them they believe.” Nina explained. “The family are going to look for another survivor camp. I told them the camp we’re going, but they felt it wouldn’t have enough room for both our group and their family.”

You feel bad for them and wished you were there to talk to them, but they made their choice and you hope they get to their goal as a complete family. You heard someone sitting and when you look, you barely kept yourself from looking surprise as Melanie sat down.

“Melanie?” You asked, getting her attention as she looks at you. “You’re still here?”

“I… was thinking about what you said.” the Gardevoir spoke softly. “I went through this moment, expecting not to see the outside. The idea of just being out here, sitting by a fire was something I never thought would be the case.” the Gardevoir stated. “You yelling at me about how life was precious and shouldn’t be discarded… it really hit me.”

You stare at her, not speaking as she continues.

“I still feel ashamed and feel I shouldn’t be here, but I know that you won’t see me wanting to waste this life, so…” Melanie takes a deep breath. “What are you planning to do?”

“I…” You thought about what happened today. You were on the fence about whether to continue or just get back to the camp and stay there. Seeing what Valorie was doing really effected you like you were slammed into a wall. If she would do this, others around the world could to. “Right now, we’re going to head back to the survivor camp to meet the soothsayer who’s said is going to meet us there.” You answered her.

Neku glanced at you when you answered that way, though he keeps quiet for now.

“I want to help you.” Melanie stated, catching you all off guard. “Maybe traveling with you all might ignite what I lost back there. I know what I allowed was wrong, but I want to make it right.”

You look into her pink eyes and you see her being genuine. “We all look after each other. We made it this far because we fought as a team. We fight to help another, but no one is going to be a martyr to save another. We’ll help until we all get out.” You explain. “You understand that?”

“Yes.” Melanie stated.

“Alright then. Now go get some stew, I know you’re hungry.” you told her.

Melanie's stomach growled when you said that, and she blushed a little from embarrassment as she got up and fixed herself a bowl. While she’ll need time to get herself together, you believe she’ll be a valuable asset to your team.

You start to eat your bowl, shuddering from the taste and warmth it provides. As you do, you mind flashes back to the tunnel incident, but not the same incident. ‘I could’ve sworn that I’ve seen her perform the Hi-Jump Kick already, but she didn’t do it before!’ You thought, trying to think about it more, but nothing comes to mind.

“You okay?” Kate asked, turning to see your sister looking at you. “You’re making a weird face.”

“Oh uh… I’m alright.” You answered, resuming eating. ‘Probably just a premonition...’ You thought, but you’re not really convinced of the answer.

Off a little distance from your group, perched on a branch of a tree, a small figure was watching your group. The glow from the fire just barely revealed the pink body of theirs. They watch over you and your little group.

“He’s done well to make it out of that, and he even gained a little more confidence from that.” the figure murmured to themselves, “But I sense he’s still unsure if he should continue… that’s troubling.

You finished your bowl and set it aside and stare out into the trees. It was then that your wandering eyes went over a pink figure in the distance. Your brought your eyes back at the direction of where you believed spotted it, but nothing came into them that matched the color. You gave up and shrugged, passing it off as you being tired as you start to set up your sleeping bag.

At the same tree, the figure hid themselves behind the thick part of it to avoid your vision. They let out a sigh of relief. “That was too close.” They whispered. “He needs to make it through one more scenario before I show myself.” They look upwards in worry, “But the camp is pretty close by, will there be another situation by then?”

They peeked around the corner to see you laying in your sleeping bag to rest as others follow suit, though the Gardevoir doesn’t, appearing to monitor the surroundings.

“I’ll just keep watch and see what comes up before I make my decision.” They stated before she disappeared from the tree.

*Melanie has joined the Party*