Reynauld the Slowking

The Church of Oriella… When this incident first occured, many went to the house of god, hoping that they would be protected. Though while it wasn’t the case, those still choose to stay and pray there, to keep their faith and spirits up. Father Reynauld was said to see his members and those who stay at the church like his own children. Selfless to the fault, he never lost his composure when it comes to caring for them.

The nave of the church was filled with murmurs from various Pokémon who were seated in various pew benches. Many of them looked anxious and scared as they stared at the empty podium.

“Good morning, my children…” a voice sounding of a weathered male and sounds of footsteps echoed in the room, stopping the murmurs. Various Pokémon looked at the one who was walking down the alley and stepping up at the podium. They watched in silence as the Slowking opens his mouth. Some bowed their heads to prayer, while others looked on with annoyance or indifference.

I come to You with a very heavy heart.

Right now, everything feels so dark and difficult.

Despair tries to tell me that nothing will change, but I choose to look to You.

Please be our anchor in this storm.”

“Praying to Arceus is a complete waste of time! It’s clear that they abandoned us.” One of the disheveled residents voiced out.

“How dare he speak like that to our father!” One of the members, a Medicham muttered.

“Sister Valorie, please be silent…” Next to Valorie, a Gardevoir spoke to her quietly.

“Give us the courage to take just one small step today.

Help us to hold on to the hope of a brighter tomorrow.”

“Hope won’t do us any good when a pack of infected barge at the door!” Another disheveled resident spoke out loud.

Valorie growled at the tone and was about to move to give him a piece of her mind.

‘Quell your anger, Valorie.’ A older sounding voice came to her mind and made her stop. She looked and saw that the Slowking was subtly looking at her.

‘A-Apologies, father Reynauld.’ Valorie responded, putting her head back down as the head priest finished his prayer.

“Fill us with Your peace, and remind us that You are always near to those who hurt.

In Your name, we pray.

Amen."

After the prayer was finished, the ones who didn't work in the church went towards various locations.

As they leave, Reynauld watched them in silence before closing his eyes.

‘Arceus… please give me the strength to protect those who resides here…’ he mentally prayed as he turned to those who were with him before the chaos started.

“You know the drill. Take care of each of the tasks that handed you last night.” he said to them as they left to do just that.

The day in the church of Oriella is usually routined. Morning prayers, working various tasks, meal time twice a day, most members would sleep while a few would monitor the church grounds in case of emergencies. Father Reynauld would stroll around the grounds, offering help and making sure the church members did their task correctly. He doesn’t want anyone shirking their responsibilities and causing complications.

The quiet peace ended when sounds of steel hitting steel sounded close by. He turned and saw Valorie was repairing part of the damaged wall, and her poise radiated anger . Reynauld’s face changed into one of concern as he started to slowly approach her, his ears picking up her swears under her breath whenever she made a slip up with a strike.

“The harsh words from that dweller still on your mind?” He asked her, getting the Medicham’s to jolt and turn around to give him her attention.

“F-Father! I didn’t hear you coming…” Valorie stuttered, trying to compose herself. “Everything’s fine, just missed the nail with the hammer.” She stated, putting up a false smile.

Reynauld doesn’t speak, he just stands there with a patient gaze, which cracked the Medicham’s fake expression.

“Yes…” she muttered, her hands trembling in anger. “I don’t see how you could just stand there and let that mon just talk back to you like that!” she grumbled, baring her teeth. “He was brought inside this safe haven and yet he spouts such blasphemy!” She sneered, only to realize that he was still there. “I-I’m sorry for saying such words!”

“Your anger is understandable. Hearing them say that after giving them shelter would bother many.” Reynauld stated, placing a paw on her shoulder. “But all they’re doing is spouting words, which they have a right to speak. As long as they don’t cause harm to me or others, they are allowed to stay.”

“But Father-”

“Valorie…” He raised a hand, cutting her off. “We let those seeking sanctuary from the afflicted. To provide comfort, to ease their suffering.”

“We’re suffering.” She pointed out.

“Some more than others.” The Slowking stated, “We can’t force them to stop speaking such words. All we can do is try and show them comfort.” He stated as he leaves her to continue her task.

When he was out of ear’s reach, he let out a long exhale. Everyday was a trial for him and everyone within the grounds. Not just with the hostile Pokémon; infected or not, but the discontent, the struggle of keeping hope, and the energy to keep going.

He stares up at the sky, the sun shining down in a sea of blue. A small smile formed on his face as he turned his attention on a lone Pokémon sitting on a stone bench. A Leavanny was looking down at her belly, very round with an anxious look on her face. “Hmmmhh… what am I to do?…” the nurturing Pokemon asked herself, clicking her heels on the ground.

“Something on your mind, Kara?” Reynauld asked, getting the Leavanny’s attention. She lifted her gaze to the Slowking approaching her. “Oh, hello father. She greeted him with a low tone. “I’m just… dealing with everything that’s happening.”

“We all have been through a lot, though you especially have a greater trial to go through…” He spoke with sympathy, “But I assure you can get through this…”

“I lost my husband to them…” Kara muttered, her face shaking as well as her hands. “The world has grown dangerous due to this epidemic, and I feel like I haven’t slept in days… I’m scared! I don’t know what to do!”

“Kara.” Reynauld spoke and when she looked at him, she saw a calm face with resolute eyes. “I promise you are going to be safe.” he stated, with his hand extended for her to hold. “I have someone checking that survivor camp nearby to see if they have availability.” he said and he saw her sport a small smile on her face.

“T-Thank you.” she said, getting comfort from his words as he leaves her alone to her thoughts.

He was thinking of what to check on next before he felt a sensation of urgency on his brain.

“Father Reynauld!” A familiar voice filled with fear and anxiety spoke in his mind.

“Melanie? What’s the matter?” The slowking asked, waiting for her response.

“I made it to survivor camp per your request. I was on my way back when I encountered some infected Pokemon trying to catch another victim. I tried to intervene, but I’m in a bad situation! I won’t be able to last much longer!”

“Calm yourself. Picture a location near you and I’ll be there.” he explained to her as he got a mental look of a location Melanie was nearby. He takes a deep breath before he closed his eyes, focusing on the spot to teleport there before he vanishes from the spot he was standing.

When Reynauld opened his eyes, he finds himself in a deep forest. Thick green leaves lined the trees, it would look peaceful if it wasn’t for loud strikes of impact sounding nearby. The Slowking walked towards the sound as quietly as he could. As he neared the side of a tree, he looked around and saw the source of the sounds.

A wall of psychic energy was formed around a opening, which he can see was made by Melanie who was protecting them from a Drapion who keeps using its arms to smash against it. It shakes its head in frustration, allowing Reynauld to spot its violet eyes.

Melanie spotted Reynauld nearby and smiled, but winced as the strain of maintaining the barrier was taking its toll on her. She won’t be able to keep it at bay for much longer. Reynauld looked around and a few ideas came into his mind. Making a decision, he stepped out of his hiding spot and…

launch a strong attack at the Drapion!*

Fire a quick attack to get its attention!*

Launch a down log at the Drapion, intending to knock it away!*