Pokemon, Rising Plague

[Spectre]

An interesting idea Shadow and I came up with during a conversation not long ago. This RP is aiming to be a bit more serious and realistic than the others. The focus is mainly on pokemon, crossovers and overpowered characters are highly discouraged.






7:23 PM, Vaniville Town. Kalos.

Its a quiet, serene evening. The season is close to fall, making the weather modestly cool. The leaves are just starting to change color. The sky is fairly clear as the sun is finishing its descent, making way for the stars and moon, which make themselves more visible as the sun descends.

The gates to the houses are all closed, the town is fairly quiet, everyone appears to be indoors.

Calem's house.

Calem:*looking out the window, somewhat concerned*

Grace:*watching the television while petting her Rhydon, who is sleeping soundly on the floor in front of the couch*


On the television,

Reporter:...Reports of wild pokemon attacks have been increasing throughout the southern rural areas of the Kalos region. Residents are advised to stay indoors and keep their pokemon inside. The attacks from the wild pokemon have resulted in a few fatalities, an incredibly rare occurence throughout the region. The cause for this erratic behavior is unknown, a few witnesses have described aggressing pokemon as appearing sickly. It could be the result of a disease causing stress in the wild population and resulting in the increased attacks. Pokemon Rangers are currently being assigned to different parts of the rural areas to tame and calm the infected pokemon for research and hopefully, to cure them. Up next, an increased rate of rare-colored sparkling pokemon have been appearing, both in the daycare and from the wild! We'll bring you the full report after these messages.

*Cut to commercial break*


Grace:Calem, try to calm down. I'm sure Serana's going to be Ok. She has her dad and Fennekin with her, after all.

Chespin:*Leaps up beside Calem and looks at him endearingly*

Calem:*pets Chespin*Still, They're camping out a good distance from town, in the forests outside of Route 1 and evidently these wild pokemon attacks aren't getting better.

Grace:Still, the Rangers are patrolling Route 1. I'm certain they'll escort them home once they find them if the situation is that bad.

Calem:Mom, could I go look for them?

Grace:Sure honey, but I want you to take Rhyhorn with you. *Pats Rhyhorn awake* Can't be too safe. Fletchling to, she can help you spot them.

Rhyhorn:*Snorts and gets up, looking at Grace curiously*

Grace:I need you to go with Calem, alright? *Returns him to his poke'ball*

Fletchling:*Perches on Calem's Shoulder and tweets*

Calem:Thanks mom, I don't want to leave you by yourself though....

Grace:Don't worry, I'll be fine! We haven't had any attacks here in Vaniville so far and the wall around the house is sturdy. You're the one going out into the woods....

Calem:Right. Thanks mom, I'll be back as soon as I find them.

Grace:You just stay safe. *hands him a flashlight and some batteries* You might want these.

Calem:*scratches the back of his head and takes them* I don't think you'd give me a choice! *Laughs* Back in a bit. *Walks out the door*

Grace:*Sits back down on the couch and continues watching T.V*


Outside, Calem makes his way towards the gates of the town. Rhyhorn is following him, keeping up the pace while Chespin walks alongside him and Fletchling stays perched upon his shoulder. He arrives at the gate, greeted by a Pokemon Ranger.

She's about average height and fairly thin, with a rather pale complextion and short black hair. She wears a pair of glasses and has a pair of small red orb earrings, Her partner pokemon is an Ampharos.

Ranger:Hey there Calem!

Calem:Hi Flora.

Flora:Any particular reason you're heading out of town?

Calem:I'm going to check on Serana, I'm concerned about her with these wild pokemon attacks.

Flora:Alright, I know you can handle yourself, just be careful.


Calem:I will. *Continues to Route 1*

Ampharos:*looking around cautiously* Phros...

Flora: We can't go with them Ampharos. What if some wild pokemon got in the town?

Ampharos:*Eyes narrow as electricity crackles from its tail and horns*

Flora:We'll all be fine. He has Rhyhorn with him and the town has you.

Ampharos:*nods*

Route 1, the sun is almost completely set. Fletchling is hovering overhead, looking in all directions.
The long pathway to Aquacorde town is completely clear, the lack of trees leaves it completely exposed to the waning sunlight.

Calem:Alright....*looks down the left side of the path*

The sides of the path go downwards into the forests surrounding Vaniville and Aquacorde, a stairway has been paved past the shrubs for safe descent.

Calem:See anything Fletchling?

Fletchling:*Negative tweet* *Flies in the direction of the stairs*

Calem descends down the stairs, going into the forest.

Rhyhorn stops for a moment, sniffing the air.

Rhyhorn:...*narrows eyes and grumbles*

Calem:Come on Rhyhorn.

Rhyhorn:*Follows, somewhat agitated*

They arrive into the Vaniville Forest.

Calem:*looks around* Alright everyone, stay close.

Chespin:*Looks worried*.....*Tugs on his pants leg*

Calem:Right. *Turns on the flashlight*

Chespin seems relieved. Its just about night, its difficult to see in the forest. He hesitantly follows Calem.

Rhyhorn:*Snorts at Chespin*

Calem begins to journey deeper into the woods. Unaware of a pair of round, red glowing eyes that 's staring at him from the top of a tree.


Near a shallow river in a clearing of the forest, rather deep into the woods.

Serana is next to the river, looking at a pair of Basculin. One red, one blue.

Serana:Alright you two, since you're both my pokemon now, you're going to have to tolerate each other for a bit. I'll release you shortly.

Red Basculin:*Growls angrily*

Blue Basculin:*Pouts and looks away from Red*

Fennekin:*Growls at the Basculin*

Serana:*Writing down in a notepad* Red Basculin is significantly more aggressive than the Blue, Blue is simply acting agitated and distant towards the Red...

Serana's Dad:*Trying to built the tent, with little luck as it collapses on him*GAH!! Serana, are you still messing with those fish? Could you maybe help me with this tent?

Serana:Flora's been dying to figure out how these pokemon tick and she can't research it herself due to be assigned to the town. This is the only river where both of the basculin species are known to reside.

Serana's Dad:*Sigh* Fine, then atleast get a fire started, we'll probably be sleeping under the stars at this rate! *Growls as he continues messing with the tent*...*Sets it up miraculously*..Or not! Continue o-OH F-

The tent collapses again, then violently bursts, sending peices everywhere.

Serana's Dad:....Just...Just gather up some rocks and wood. I'll take care of the fire in a minute I...Need to vent....*Walks into some thick bushes, which then explode into a storm of profanity and rustling*

Serana:*sigh* Alright you two, don't go anywhere or maul eachother while I'm gone, I'll only be a minute. Come on Fennekin.

Fennekin:*Growls at the Basculin in a threatening manner and follows Serana*

Basculin:*Stare at eachother, likely wondering why they're intimidated by a fire-type, then shrug and continue hating eachother's guts*

Serana begins gathering up branches in the forest, Fennekin is bringing in a few as well, but also seems to enjoy eating the branches when Serana isn't looking.


In the woods,

Calem can see the river in the distance.

Calem:Fletchling, do you see anything?

Fletchling:*Tweets as it spies the campsite*


Calem:Alright, now lets..

Rustling is heard from a tree.

The round, red eyes are glaring right into Calem's.

Calem:*Calmly* Rhyhorn...Rock throw..

Rhyhorn:*Smashes the ground, knocking a few rocks out which head towards the eyes*

A loud screech is heard, A hoothoot falls out of the tree.

Hoothoot:*panics as it tries to regain its footing, it has a large knot on its head*...*Narrows its eyes at Rhyhorn and flies off angrily*

Calem:Sorry!

Some nearby bushes rustle as something moves through them swiftly, followed by a guttural growl, the noise implies its throat is clogged slightly.

Calem:......*looks towards the bushes*

Chespin:*Growls as his quils harden*

Whatevers in the bushes moves into the distance.

Calem:*Walks over to the bush*..*sniffs* ugh! Whats that smell!? *looks into it*.....*Backs away covering his mouth*

There is a very large bloodstain on the ground, a few fresh bones are there, most of them have been snapped in half or had the sides peeled down to get to the marrow. A skull has its cranium torn away with the brain missing.

Calem:*Backs away* We need to find Serana, and soon.

Fletchling tweets and hovers onto Calem's shoulder. It points in the direction of Serana's camp with its wing.


Calem:Good job Fletchling! *begins running into the direction pointed out*


Back at Serana's camp...

Serana's dad is raking debris away from a spot he's picked out for the fire pit, and digging a slight hole.

Serana's Dad: Hrm...This oughta do it.

The sound of rustling comes from the bushes. Footsteps begin to slowly approach Serana's dad.

The Basculin flee.

Serana's Dad:There you are, just in time. I just got the fire pit dug out-

The steps swiftly increase in pace, and a vicious canine growl is heard as Serana's dad is pounced to the ground, he begins screaming loudly, trying to fight off his assailant, fortunatly he managed to keep the snapping teeth away from his neck.


Calem:!!! *begins running as fast as he can* Thats sounds like-


Serana:*drops the wood she's gathered and hurries towards the direction of the scream* DAD!!!


At the camp, Serana's dad is being attacked by a mad Furfrou, Serana arrives.

Serana:Fennekin, use ember!

Fennekin blasts a small stream of fire from it's mouth, setting the Furfrou's fur on fire, it whines in pain, pulling itself away from her dad. Its thrashing around violently.

Serana's Dad:*Holding his arm, his forearm near his wrist is chewed up fairly bad* Serana! A wild Furfrou appeared!
The Furfrou is in obvious pain, its iris has retracted in its left eye, and its eyes have a red and yellow crust around them, they're also very bloodshot, its teeth are in a permenant snarl, making the poodle look unusually menacing. There is a large, gruesome tear-like bite on the back of it's neck, which has caked some of its fur in blood.

Furfrou:*Barks loudly before charging again*

Rhyhorn charges the Furfrou, smashing it into the side of a nearby rock, a loud snapping sound is heard as its limp body falls into the river.

Serana:*Tending to her dad* Calem!

Calem:Serana, is your dad alright?

Serana takes a first aid kit out of a nearby backpack and begins to disinfect the bite heavily.

Serana's Dad: *gritting his teeth as alcohol is applied* My arm feels like its on fire, I've lost about a pint of blood, and it looks like raw hamburger. Besides that, I'm pretty good.

Calem:*looks at the Furfrous floating body* Sorry I didn't get here in time...

Serana's Dad: Nonsense, wild Furfrou are probably stronger than a two month old Fennkin, things could have gotten alot uglier if you didn't show up with your mom's rhyhorn when you did.

Rhyhorn:*Snorts proudly*

A ranger runs over, he's a rather large, robust fellow. He seems to be in his mid-twenties, about 6 feet tall, fairly muscular with very short, spikey orange hair. He's rather docile looking with dark green eyes. He wears the outfit of Fiore pokemon rangers, evidently a foreigner to Kalos. His partner pokemon is a Sylveon.

Ranger:Damn! I came running as soon as I heard the scream-John, are you alright?


John:Got mauled by a pissed off poodle. Serana disinfected and bandaged the wound pretty heavily but I'll head to a hospital as soon as possible.

Ranger:Thats wierd..Furfrou never roam this far from Route 5...*looks at the body*...Oh no. *Notices a collar*

John:Any idea whats wrong with it, Rogan?

Rogan:Looks like he was hurt and probably sick, not a good combination...This is just heartbreaking...*takes a large sheet out of his back, wrapping the furfrou's body in it, picks it up* Don't get to close Candy.

Candy(Sylveon):*nods its head, its eyes sadden as it looks at the Furfrou*

Rogan:You guys want me to walk you home?

Calem:We have a full group of pokemon. We'll manage.

Rogan:Alright. You all head straight home and try to get John to a hospital as soon as you can. I'm gonna see if I can get more rangers to patrol these woods. *begins heading up* Come on candy.

Candy:*Follows*

Calem:Alright Rhyhorn, let Serana's dad ride on your back.

Rhyhorn:*Snorts and sits down*

John:Thanks, but I can still walk-

Rhyhorn:*Growls*

John:Alright big guy, you're the boss. *hops on*

The group heads back to Vaniville. They arrive safely.

Serana's mom:John!?

John:Hey Naomi...

Serana:Mom, we need to get dad to a hospital! He got bitten by a sick pokemon.

Naomi:I'll start the car, lets get going.

Serana's dad gets in the front seat of the car as her mother starts it up.


Serana:Thanks so much for coming when you did, Calem.

Calem:Not a problem, I'm just glad your okay. Take care of your dad, we'll be waiting for some news.

Serana:I will..Thank you.

Serana and Fennekin get in the back, they drive off. Calem heads into his house.

Rogan walks up to a large white truck parked near the edge of Aquacorde town, he puts the Furfrou in the back and gets inside. Candy hops into the middle seat and uses one of its feelers to buckle it's seat belt.

Rogan:*buckles himself in* Well I'll be, you're finally buckling yourself in! Thats my girl! *pets her*

Candy:*Closes her eyes and nods happily*

The truck is rather simple yet powerful in design, designed with heavy labor in mind. Its a work truck, to put it bluntly. An emblem of the Fiorre rangers on the front and sides of the truck.

Rogan:Better get this guy to a pokemon center so we can figure out who's missing him...

Rogan drives through Aquacorde, Candy is wrapping one of her feeler's around Rogan's arm. He arrives at the pokemon center and parks in a group of spaces reserved for rangers. He steps out of the car along with Candy and picks up the Furfrou out of the truck bed, he walks towards the center closing the door behind him with his foot. He walks into the center.

Its a fairly quiet night in the pokemon center, there are a few people in the waiting room, Rogan carries the Furfrou to the reception counter.

Rogan:Hey Joy.

Nurse Joy:Oh! Hello Rogan. Whats...What are you carrying.

Rogan:We want to put this one into the quarantine ward. *lifts back part of the sheet so she can see*

Joy:*covers her nose* Ugh...

Rogan:Regardless of the smell and appearance, this ain't roadkill. This Furfrou was killed in self defense by a group of campers barely 30 minutes ago. It was unusually vicious and looks really ill. Whats even more odd, it's tame. *points at the collar*

Joy:*looks at the collar* We'll find out who he belongs to and do an autopsy, apparently this Furfrou's from Santalune city. Thanks for bringing him in Rogan.

Rogan:Not a problem. I'm going to head back on patrol, I still have a few hours left on my shift. *exits the center*

Joy:*looks at the Fufrou* What on earth happened to you?

[Invader TAK]

Lumiose City Airport, the next day

A Pokemon Trainer with a Jolteon steps out of the a plane. He's almost 6 feet tall with blue eyes and brown hair. He's kinda scrawny but he doesn't come off as a wimp. Age wise, he's about 19-20.

Pokemon Trainer: Wow, and I thought Castellia was grand. Alright Jolteon, let's go.
Jolteon: Jolt!

*in the airport lobby*

Pokemon Trainer: Alright, let's just grab ourselves a map and see where the Pokemon Lab is.

*moments later inside the Pokemon Lab on the top floor*

Pokemon Trainer: *walks out of the elevator with Jolteon and sees* Excuse me, are you Professor Sycamore?
Sycamore: Ah, yes. Who might you be?
Pokemon Trainer: I'm Tai. Professor Juniper in Unova should have called to tell you I was on my way.
Sycamore: Yes, she did. She told me you were here to learn about Mega Evolution.
Tai: That and I might as well take on the Kalos League.
Sycamore: Then I suppose all you need is a Kalos Pokedex. *hands one over*
Tai: *takes it* Thank you. Alright then, guess I'll head to the first Gym. *pulls out the map* Looks like that's south of here in Santalune City.
Sycamore: Before you go, would you like a battle?
Tai: Not every day a Pokemon Professor wants a battle. You up for that, Jolteon?
Jolteon: Jolteon!
Tai: Alright, let's do it.
Sycamore: Just so you know, I'm not that tough!

*one battle later*

Sycamore: Ha ha! You're too much for me! You're really something, aren't you?
Tai: To be fair, this Jolteon has been with me pracitcally all my life back when it was an Eevee.
Sycamore: You are an interesting Pokemon Trainer indeed! It'd be fantastic if you took another Pokemon with you!
Tai: Alright, I'd be up for that. Who do you have?
Sycamore: *brings out a box that contains three Poke Balls*
Tai: Ah, three of the Pokemon you used in our battle. Let's go with Squirtle. I might nickname it later.
Sycamore: *hands over the Poke Ball containing Squirtle* Since you chose Squirtle, I'll give you this Mega Stone. *hands over a Blastoisinite*
Tai: *takes both items and puts them in their respective places* So this Mega Stone, I take it this is related to Mega Evolution.
Sycamore: Correct. After you get the Santalune City Gym Badge, you should you check out Camphrier Town. That town has a lot of history--you might find a hint there!
Tai: Alright, sounds good to me. Let's go, Jolteon!
Jolteon: Jolt!
Sycamore: *as Tai is walking away* (I wonder what he caught using that Master Ball.)

[Shadow Scryer]

In Lumiose city;

There is a mob multiple refugees lining the streets, obviously pissed off. A policeman accompanied by a trainee is trying to calm them down.

Policeman: People, people! We’re doing everything we can to get your town back, but we can’t afford to leave anywhere else undefended!

Refugee: But you need to help us get our homes back! It’s your job!

Policeman: No, our job is to keep the peace. We and the rangers are going out of our way to go above and beyond the call of duty to do that.

Refugee 2: Well you’re not doing a very good job, are you?!

Policeman: Look. I know you’re angry, but I promise you, we are doing everything we can to get your town back and prevent rabid poke’mon attacks in other places. If everything goes well, you should be able to return home at the end of the week.

The protestors leave, albeit reluctantly

Trainee: You’d think they’d be a little more grateful.

Policeman: Gareth, these people just lost their homes to rabid wild poke’mon. They’re scared and they want answers. *Notices no poke’ball at his trainee’s belt* Where’s your Luxray?

Gareth: He turned rabid after biting one. I turned him over to researchers to see if they could get anything useful from him.

Policeman: … And you ordered it to?

Gareth: Actually, I think it was trying to bite me and the rabid just got in the way.

Policeman: *Sighs* WHY are you incapable of getting along with the poke’mon we give you?

Gareth: I don’t know. I guess they don’t really respect newbies.

Policeman: Yes, that could be a factor… But I thought they had poke’mon specifically for rookies. Anyway, I want you to check the refugees, make sure they’re doing alright.

Gareth: You sure? I think they’d rip the first law enforcer to shreds at the drop of a hat.

Policeman: And that is why you’re not going to be wearing your uniform. They’ve been here long enough to know me and my colleges, but you just got in today. Just say you’re a concerned citizen wondering how they’re doing and you should be able to check if they’re doing fine or not.

Gareth: Nu-uh. Not gonna happen. There is NO WAY I am going to-

Cut to him in civilian clothes, wearing a resigned expression right outside the refugee camp

Garteth: (Wearily) I’m worried with how you’re doing and would just like to make sure you’re settling in okay.

Refugee: (Bluntly) You’re a police trainee sent to check up on us.

Gareth: *Throws up hands* I knew it! I knew this was a stupid idea!

Refugee: Oh, come in. Even with what happened this morning, we don’t actually hold anything against you lot for doing your job. As a matter of fact, quite a few of our number want to become rangers to stop the same thing from happening… and some want to join them to get revenge.

Gareth: I don’t think that’s how the hippies work…

Refugee: (Resigned) You’d think they’d know after being told that every other minute too. *Turns* Walk with me a while.

Gareth: *Follows*

Refugee: All things considered, we’re doing pretty well. We’re healthy, we’re given enough food to survive, the mattresses are a nice change to sleeping on the ground, the tents provide shelter and the folks around here are happy to give us part-time or casual work. *Looks around* The reason we’re so edgy is because a lot of people lost their poke’mon in that attack and… well, *Opens the flap of a particularly large tent* Some poke’mon lost their trainers.

Inside are some particularly distraught looking poke’mon.

Refugee: *Lets the flap go* It’d do them good to find other trainers, but it’s probably kinder to just let them grieve first. Heh. Woulja believe a few poke’mon roamed free in our little town? Just grew up there and no-one ever caught ‘em. We treated the lil’ guys as equals and always thought “If someone ever claims ‘em, it’ll either be as a partner or over our dead bodies.” *Sighs* More than half of ‘em were lost in the attack.

Gareth: … I’m sorry. We’ll do whatever we can do to make your stay as safe as possible. … I hope you’ll get your town back sooner rather than later.

Refugee: (Wearily) So do we.

Gareth: *Leaves*

A small figure approaches the Refugee, stopping and looking up at him

Figure: ….

Refugee: You’re doing what?! Are you sure about that?

Figure: *Nods, a determined expression on its face*

Refugee: I… I guess it’s within your rights. Just stay safe out there.

Figure: *Cocks head and grins smugly*

Refugee: Yeah, you’re right. *Kneels down and puts a hand on her shoulder* Stay safe.

Figure: *Nods before turning and running after Gareth*


Gareth: (Hah. Tough lot, aren’t they, already trying to get back out there.) *Staggers a bit as something runs into him from behind* *Turns around* What on-

There is a Kirlia standing at attention behind him, eyes sparkling with excitement

Gareth: *Squats down to her level* Hello. What are you doing here?

Kirlia: (I heard the old man say you’re a policeman!)

Gareth: *Blanches, falling back* You-

Kirlia: *Rolls her eyes* (There was a master psychic of my race in my town before…) *Trails off and looks down*

Gareth: *Gets back into the squatting position and puts his hand on her shoulder* I’m sorry for your loss. The force and Rangers are doing all they can to stop whatever’s happening, I promise you that.

Kirlia: *Looks up* (I know. That’s why I want to come with you! You’re a policeman, so I’m sure you’ll be sent out soon and I want in!)

Gareth: You know the rabies only affects your kind, right? Humans are immune.

Kirlia: (I know.)

Gareth: Just that determined, huh?

Kirlia: *Nods vigerously*

Gareth: Heh. I like you, Kirlia. *Holds out hand* My name’s Gareth.

Kirlia: (Nice to meet you. And my name’s Psychette, not Kirlia.)

Gareth: *Gets up and keeps walking, Psychette at his side* I’m going to have to tell you sooner or later, but I’m not actually a fully-fledged law enforcer. I’m actually pretty new and after my last assigned poke’mon got himself infected against my instructions, I don’t think they’re going to put me on any assignments any time soon. Still, I’m sure someone else will gladly take you on one.

Psychette: *Looks crestfallen*

Gareth: Hey, it’s okay. Whatever you want, I’ll back you up, alright?

Psychette: *Nods*

A little while later, the two arrive back at the station.

Policeman: Back already? I admit, I would’ve thought the refugees would’ve wanted a lot more.

Gareth: No sir. Actually, they’re settling in surprisingly well, they’re just stressed. Reportedly, a number of them are trying to join the force and Rangers to take revenge on the rabids.

Policeman: I don’t think that’s how Rangers work…

Gareth: *Shrugs* Apparently they just don’t listen.

Policeman: Well… I guess I can’t really blame them. *Looks down* You got a Kirlia?

Psychette: (My name is Psychette!)

Policeman: A Kirlia who can talk telepathically. Huh, I thought that ability was exclusive to the INSERT LINE HERE line.

Psychette: (I learnt from one.)

Policeman: Interesting. Gareth, you’re assigned to squad Epsilon. You move to support the outer towns in five minutes.

Gareth: Well… I can’t say I expected that.

Psychette: *Grinning ear to ear so to speak* (I did!)

Policeman: Actually, I was about to remove you until I saw your Kirlia here.

Psychette: (Psychette!)

Policeman: It’s suicidal, but every soldier has to take a partner so they can watch each others backs.

Gareth: I thought we were police, not soldiers.

Policeman: We count as both in desperate times, now get moving!

Gareth: Alright. Truck’s just outside? *Receives a nod* Come on, Psychette. *Leaves and enters the truck, followed by Psychette who is almost skipping with glee*

After they enter, the doors close and the truck starts moving.



Later;



Inside the truck;


The other five look at Gareth

Soldier: Hey. You’re the new guy, yeah? *Shakes his hand* Good to have you on board.

Soldier 2: Yeah, it’s more comforting going in with a full squad you know?

Gareth: Not gonna disagree there. You lot know what we’re going into?

Soldier 2: Sorry, this is our first time facing them. You?

Gareth: Well… There was an infected Fletchling that my last assigned poke’mon bit and got infected off, but that’s it.

Soldier 3: Could you at least tell us what it looked like?

Gareth: It looked like a rabid Fletchling, what more do you want from me?

Driver: Quiet back there, we’re entering a wild area.

Soldier 4: I thought they were attracted to poke’mon, not sound.

Driver: Yeah, but we can never be too careful. These windows are actually almost impossible to see out of, they’re that tinted.

They drive in silence for a few minutes, Psychette fighting the urge to look out a window in the doors.

The truck shakes violently

Driver: Uh… that’s not good! We’ve got a Ryhorn trying to knock us over. I’m going to speed up and- OH SHIT! OH SHIT!

The truck is hit with enough force to knock it over and send it rolling, eventually landing in an upright position.

The soldiers and Psychette painfully untangle themselves

Soldier 3: Damn, that was a rough one. … Damian? You alright, bud? *Checks the drivers seat* Uh, guys? Damian’s dead and the controls are busted.

Soldier 5: (A big black guy) Guess we’re going on foot then. *Glares at Psychette* Just keep that damn thing hidden, we don’t want no more trouble than we have to.

Soldier 2: Actually from the reports, the rabid mons go for pretty much anything as long as it moves.

Soldier 4: So why didn’t you say anything about that?!

Soldier 2: I thought they might have only been attacking living things. No reports have ever had something like this in them.

Soldier 1: Argh, who cares? Just arm up and let’s go!

Soldier 5: … Man, rookies ain’t given guns.

Soldier 1: Shit… Okay. Four of us kill the Ryhorn, the Rookie and someone else make a break for it.

Psychette: Kirl!

Soldier 1: And the Kirlia too. *Kicks open the doors*

All five of the soldiers immediately look for the Ryhorn, guns readied. Psychette does the same by preparing her brain to loose a bolt of psionic energy, but slowly lets her guard down as nothing’s there.

Soldier 2: Do you think it’s gone?

Soldier 5: Why would it? Unless it found something else to beat the shit outta, it’ll be right ‘round the corner.

Soldier 4: *Cautiously steps out* *Blanches and rolls to the side as a rabid ryhorn barrels past*

Soldier: Toldja.

The rest jump out, Soldiers 4, 1 and 2 firing at it for all they’re worth while Gareth, Psychette and the other two run for it

For all the ammo that’s being pumped into the pokemon, it’s pissing it off more than anything

Soldier 3: Why aren’t you back there? You’re better than all of us!

Soldier 5: *Glares* Ah. Have. A shotgun! Ain’t no way I’m gonna get close to something that big!

Gareth: Shut up and keep running! Even if we don’t get to where we were headed, SOMEWHERE will get support!

Soldier 3 is tackled by a rabid Talonflame, followed almost immediately by S5 whipping out his shotgun and blasting it into a cloud of feathers and meat shunks

Unfortunately, the troops head has a great big hole in it, brains hanging out.

Gareth: … A little less support, but still!

Psychette: *Takes the corpse’s helmet and puts it on her head, followed by taking a pistol from his belt*

S5: … I like this girl.

Gareth: *Takes the corpse’s gun and keeps going*

S5: I tell ya man, there weren’t this many rabid freaks this time last week! Disease must be spreading like wildfire. *Roars in pain as a Bidoff of all things leaps up and bites his arm* *Blasts it off, its teeth remaining behind.* … Of all the freakin’ ways to go… *Looks back and sees the Ryhorn charging at them* Alright kid, you can see the closest town from here. Just take this and go there. *Tosses him his shotgun* Whatever this virus is, it kills people. An hour, tops. *Takes out a grenade* Just make the little support they get count, alright? *Charges*

The Ryhorn knocks him against a tree then smashes him right through it, followed by roaring at the prone soldier

S5: (Through gritted teeth) Smile, you sunovabitch! *Rips the grenade’s pin out with his teeth, shoves it in the poke’mon’s mouth with his one good arm and holds it there as it detonates, killing both.*


Gareth: … *Salutes, only pulled back to reality when he hears Psychette firing wildly* Right, come on! *Moves cautiously to the bridge, constantly keeping an eye out for rabid mons*

Psychette: *Does the same, though she looks slightly less intimidating with a helmet that nearly covers her entire head and a pistol far too big for her*

Gareth: And after we’d left Santalune Forest… I though it was gonna be smooth sailing from there.

The two cross the bridge, but arrive at a barricade

Gareth: Hey, open up! Reinforcements!

Someone looks over the wall

Guy: Reinforcements?

Gareth: … Fewer reinforcements than we hoped!

Guy: So I see… That’s your Kirlia, is it?

Gareth: Uh…

Psychette: (Just say yes!)

Gareth: … Yes! Yes she is. She’s perfectly fine, hasn’t been bitten by any of the maniac poke’mon and has been with me since we left.

Guy: Hmm… Well it sure doesn’t look like it’s gone mad and… actually, it’s kind of adorable.

Psychette: *Salutes, the helmet covering her eyes*

Guy: Besides, we’re hardly going to turn away help and those are the only guns I’ve seen in my life. *Lowers a ladder, which the two climb (obviously)*

Gareth: Alright. How can I help?

Guy: Besides being on alert? There’s a ranger who got here not too long ago. (Grimly) He had a dead infected poke’mon. It was a pet, so whatever these poor things *Ignores Psychette’s indignant cry* have is spreading. He’s at the poke’mon center.

Gareth: Already knew that, but still. Thanks. *Starts walking to the center* *Looks at Psychette* If he’s a Ranger, even if he doesn’t take the shotgun, he’ll know more about these things than anyone else. We can add it to our report when we get back, it might help the eggheads think up something to counter it.

[Spectre]

Rogan:*Walking outside the pokemon center, holding Candy*

Gareth:HEY!

Rogan:*looks at Gareth and gestures at himself*

Gareth:Yeah. I want to talk to you.

Rogan:Erm...Alright.*sets Candy down* I don't think I've seen you around here before. Are you from central or western Kalos?

Gareth:Lumiose. I'm a police trainee.

Rogan:Ah, alright.

Gareth:You're a pokemon ranger, right? You look different than the rest of the hippies.

Rogan:*Deadpan* I transferred from Fiore and don't care for the outfits here. Too thick. Anyway, is there something you wanted?

Gareth:Do you know anything about this disease thats been spreading around pokemon in the more rural areas of Kalos?

Rogan: Not much. All I know is its been spreading around mostly in southeastern Kalos. Pokemon seem to get infected within minutes from what I heard from other rangers. We've been doing a pretty solid job of keeping it contained around here, so we don't know alot. Hopefully the Furfrous owner will allow an autopsy to be done...

Gareth:Well, we've lost a town south of Lumiose to these things. Got overwhelmed. As a matter of fact, the police around here have set up a barricade between Aquacorde and Santalune.

Rogan:What!? A barricade!? It's gotten that bad!?

Gareth: Only about half of the people evacuated from that town, even fewer of the pokemon.

Rogan:..its been a little while since we had communication with the ranger base in Fontaine(Made it up. kalos needs more towns/cities) town...We figured they were just busy trying to contain the situation but...Damn...*pinches his nosebridge* That means they're probably all dead or scattered.

Gareth:Maybe if you hippies started carrying guns...

Rogan:*Takes a revolver and a combat knife out of a left and right pocket*

Gareth:.....

Rogan:We just keep them hidden because of our ethics, and the fact we don't like making people nervous. We're trained how to use 'em to. Probably not to the extent of the police force, but we've had to kill pokemon on abysmally rare occasions. But in Fiore we have a device we use that calms pokemon very effectively and allows communication with them so we can have them assist us in our mission without capturing them, so we almost never have to resort to killing. I'm proud of that to, Pokemon are incredibly intelligent, and almnost always willing to communicate if given the chance.

Gareth:...Oh, sorry I...Didn't know.

Rogan:Its a common misconception. I don't hold anything against you. I haven't had the opportunity to try calming an infected pokemon so far. Haven't encountered that many...

Gareth:So, thats all you know?

Rogan:Pretty much. Hopefully the autopsies will turn up something. We have some pretty smart researchers back at the ranger base. If they find anything they can run it by Sycamore and we'll be onto something then...

Gareth:I'm surprised he ain't looked into it yet.

Rogan:Sycamore's pretty popular. Even though he's the head pokemon researcher in the region he has people tugging at him from every direction, he's a bit of a celebrity. With how bad this outbreak is getting its only a matter of time before he gets called to arms.

Gareth:*sigh*

Psychette:(So.....Whats your name?)

Candy:(Candy. Thats my human, Rogan.)

Psychette:(I'd figure a guy built like that would be partnered with a more...Imposing pokemon.)

Candy:*Narrows eyes*

Psychette:(I'm just saying! No offense.)

Candy:(Hmph. Its fine...Rogan and I go back a long way, he raised me from an Eevee. I think he was going to try and evolve me into a Flareon at first, but we grew inseperable before he got a fire stone and poof, I'm a sylveon! he doesn't regret it either. Thinks I'm cuteness incarnate. And I make for a better ranger assistant than a fire type pokemon.)

Psychette:(Okay.)

Gareth:Anyway, I'm Gareth. Nice to meet you...*Holds out his hand*?

Rogan:*Shakes his hand* Rogan. I'm about to go on patrol and try to calm and infected pokemon and see if I can get it back to the base. Mind lending me a hand?

Gareth:Sure.

Rogan:Feel free to shoot in self defense, but we're trying to get a live one. Prferrably a pokemon that would be the least hazardous to move. Like a Bidoof, Zizagoon, Caterpie...

Gareth:Got it.

[Invader TAK]

Santalune City, the next day

Tai: *walks out of the Gym* As expected, that was easy.
Jolteon: Jolt!
Tai: Alright, let's stop by the Pokemon Center and stock up on supplies. I think it's time to catch some of the Pokemon native to Kalos.

*at the Pokemon Center*

Tai: *walks in and sees a guy wearing a "My Little Ponyta" shirt* That damn show's everywhere. *walks toward the mart counter* Alright, I'll take 10 Poke Balls and 10 Potions. *hands the cashier the money*
Cashier: *hands Tai the items* You're not from around here, are you?
Tai: Just got here yesterday. Been taking on the Pokemon League challenges in each region that has one. Kalos was the obvious next stop.
Cashier: You hear about the recent Pokemon attacks in Santalune Forest?
Tai: *concerned look* No. What's causing the Pokemon to attack?
Cashier: We don't know what's causing it, but Pokemon there are turning rabid and attacking anything in sight. It's so bad they put up a barricade between Aquacorde and here. Only bright side is that humans seem to be immune to whatever's causing it.
Tai: I see... (Damn, this sounds like the Shadow Incident except a hell of a lot worse.)
Cashier: Since you're going for the Gym Badges, you don't need to go to Aquacorde at all. Your next stop is in Cyllage City, west of Lumiose.
Tai: Right. Thanks for the tip.

Route 5

Tai: *out of the sight of anyone else* Well Jolteon, I get the feeling whatever's causing Pokemon to go rabid is another plot from some evil group.
Jolteon: Jolt.
Tai: Maybe we'll find out more when we get to Camphrier Town. Let's get there before nightfall.

[Spectre]

Rogan has driven everyone to route 1 in his truck. They all step out, and begin searching the area for infected mons.

Gareth:Alright, so...How exactly do Rangers calm and control pokemon?

Rogan:*holds out a Device* With this!

Gareth:....?

Rogan:Its called a capture styler. Putting it crudely, it's a device that fires a top called a capture disc that surrounds pokemon with a beam. This beam generates a soothing wave that directly effects a pokemon's brain. Pokemon are calmed, and it temporarily allows us to communicate with them and enlist their help to protect nature, arrest poachers, defend other pokemon, and when the police need assistance we can even use these devices for crime fighting.

Gareth:Wow. Thats....Odd.

Rogan:*Shrugs* It works though. Not sure about how it will effect an infected pokemon, but it's worth a shot, this is a Fine Styler, its top of the line.

A Talonflame flies overhead.

Rogan:Observe. Capture on!

A Capture Disc shoots from the Styler and begins hovering around the Talonflame.

Talonflame:!?!

The Talonflame begins changing altitude, futiley attempting to get out of the stylers ring. After a few loops, it calms down and flies down in front of Rogan.

Rogan:There there! That wasn't so bad, was it? *holds out his arm*

The Talonflame perches on his arm. Rogan pets it gently on the head.

Gareth:Wow, looks alot easier than the orthodox method!

Rogan:Takes alot of practice to use. But in the hands of a skilled ranger it can work more efficiently than a master ball. Pokemon are typically released to the wild after enlisting their services, but some pokemon have warmed up to rangers and become their life long partners in this process. Now, Talonflame.

Talonflame:*Looks at Rogan and cocks its head to the side curiously*

Rogan:I need you to find a sick pokemon. A mad one, and lure it here. A small one. Don't touch it. Just make it follow you. Do you understand?

Talonflame:*Nods and soars into the woods*

After about 50 seconds, the Talonflame returns, flying low. Its being chased by a maimed, frothing Zigzagoon.

Psychette:*Narrows her eyes and prepares to defend Gareth*

Rogan: Talonflame, please assist me! *Sends out a Capture Disc*

Talonflame:*Screeches and dive bombs the Zigzagoon, staying out of it's jumping range, peppering it with fiery embers from its wings*

Zizagoon:*writhes and growls as it thrashes about harmlessly, its fur singing*

Rogan easily loops around the Zigzagoon multiple times. Eventually it stops writhing.

Rogan:Good job Talonflame! You can go now!

Talonflame:*Screeches and flies into the forest*

Zigzagoon:*Curled in fetal position on the ground, whimpering*

Rogan walks over to it.

Rogan:Shhh...Shh....Its ok...

Rogan takes a small muzzle out of his backpack, and straps it onto the Zigzagoon. He wraps it in a thick blanket, binding its arms and legs, and picks it up.

Gareth:*looks at the Zigzagoon's head*Thats a nasty bite mark the little guy has.

Rogan:Never seen a pokemon bite like this before...Atleast not in this region. Reminds me of a Sandile bite if it had blunter teeth.

An enraged Linoone leaps out of the bushes and stares at Rogan. It notices the Zigzagoon he's holding and growls viciously, bristling its fur.

Rogan:Must be the mother...

Candy:(Please...Calm down. Your child is sick!)

Linoone:*Growls and bares her teeth*(LET GO OF HIM OR I'LL TEAR YOUR THROATS OUT!!!! WE HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!!)

Candy:*Feelers radiate a pink wave*

Linoone:*Growls*....(You...You give me your word...You'll bring him back...These sick creatures...They've taken away the rest of my pack and he's the only offspring I have left, the rest of my litter was eaten by..A...A......)

Candy:(...What are you talking about?)

Linoone:(Its not far...I'm coming with you!)

The Linoone walks up to Rogan and looks up at him.

Rogan:Alright, lets head to the Santalune Ranger base. Since we're going to have to go through the forest to get there, things will probably get Hairy.

Rogan gets in the driver seat and puts the binded Zigzagoon in the middle seat, the Linoone leaps in and sits beside it, lying close to it and trying to comfort it. Candy jumps into Rogans lap as Gareth and Psychette get in the front seat.

Gareth:This truck looks pretty solid, but I've seen a military grade vehicle get toppled by a infected Rhyhorn.

Rogan:*begins driving through Aquacorde* Ugh, infected Rhyhorn? Thats just what I need to hear!

[Spectre]

Rogan drives to the entrance of Santalune forest, the citizens open the barrier.

Rogan:How rough was your trip here through Santalune? Alot of infected?

Gareth:We got through with surprisingly little trouble. Then again we moved on foot instead of riding in a vehicle.

Rogan:*Sigh*....Well, the forest is pretty damn dark. We don't want to crash into anything and the truck's lights are bound to attract pokemon...*sighs* But the ranger base is two miles into the friggin' forest!!!

Gareth:.....Maybe ya could tame a few flying types to get us there?

Rogan: *Rubs his head* Thats...Thats a great idea. We have Fletchling all over the place here but...

Gareth:...?

Rogan:Most of these pokemon don't learn Fly naturally.

Gareth:...WHY!? They know how to fly from birth!!!

Rogan:Right, but there's a difference. The move "Fly" enables a pokemon to temporarily carry heavy loads they would normally be unable to.

Gareth:...So tame a shitload of Fletchling to work together to carry us all.

Rogan:*sighs* Alright. *sighs as he activates his styler* Capture on...

An hour later,

Rogan:*Has 87 Fletchling standing behind him*...*Begins panting and holds his wrist in pain* I think I have a carpal tunnel!

Candy:*Also exhausted from assisting him*


Rogan:*sighs*OKAY. That should be enough to carry us all.

Candy:*Walks over to Rogan weakly and rubs his wrist with her feelers*

Rogan:You're a livesaver, sweetheart!

Candy:Sylv!

Rogan:Alright. *Sits down next to Candy and takes out a small red medicine bottle from his backpack, she takes a drink from it and looks refreshed* Let me know if Psychettes tired, I have a pretty good supply of ethers and potions.

Gareth:Will do.

Rogan:Alright...FLETCHLING!

All the Fletchling tweet at the same time and look at Rogan.

Rogan:We need you to fly us to the ranger base.

Fletchling:*Tweet en masse, they all work together to lift up Rogan(Holding the Zigzagoon), Gareth, their pokemon, along with the Linoone*

Rogan:*points west* We need you to fly us in that direction!

The Fletchling once again tweet, and begin to carry off the party.

Gareth:I tell ya Rogan, I misjudged the rangers, you guys can be handy to have around!

Rogan:Yep! Unfortunately most of the rangers in this region don't have much experience with Stylers, they're mostly exclusive to a small group of regions. We been trying to introduce the technology here, but most of the rangers still stick to pokeballs though.

Gareth:I guess they're alot simpler to use.

Rogan:Anyway, at the speed these fletchling are flying, we should be there in about an hour.

Gareth:Alright...

Psychette:(I'm kinda worried. What if an infected pokemon attacks us in midair?)

Candy:(Just keep an eye out..)


Psychette:*Makes sure her pistol is loaded*

Candy:*Shudders at the pistol*

Psychette:(Something wrong?)

Candy:(Nothing its...I always hate it when Rogan has to use his...)


Psychette:(Pacifist huh? Won't last long in a situation like this...)

Candy:(I'll attack without hesitation if its to protect you all..But That doesn't mean I like it.)


Psychette:(Well, thats respectable. At least you still have common sense. Tell you what, you leave the fighting to us and you support us with those feelers!)

Candy:*Closes eyes and nods eagerly* (Gladly!)

Cawing is heard. An infected Murkrow darts out of the forest below towards the group.

Candy:!!! *Glows briefly*

Candy uses Reflect, forming a protective, pink bubble around the group. The Murkrow smashes its head against the shield.

Psychette:...(Nice!)

Candy:(It can only take so much punishment though!)

Gareth:I wouldn't use your gun psychette, don't want to make any noise.

Psychette:*Nods* (Dazzling gleam it is then!)*narrows her eyes and launches a flash of white light at the Murkrow*


The Murkrow caws painfully, the light has a particularly nasty effect on it, causing it to smoke and bleed, it falls.

Another Murkrow flies up., Psychette gleams it.

Rogan:Not good! Murkrow must have scavenged from infected bodies!

Gareth:Should we be worried about flocks?

Rogan:Usually if something bad happens to one Murkrow, the other disperse. They're a very clever pokemon.

An infected Pidgey flies up, it smashes into the barrier, Candy flinches and counters it with a Moonblast, causing it to explode.

Psychette:(Wow...)

Candy:(Never thought I'd use Moonblast to kill another pokemon..)

Psychette:(You'll have to teach me that move!)

Candy:(Certainly. I'll show you when we get to the ranger base, okay?)

Psychette:(Fair enough!)

A small group of infected bird mons fly out of the woods, Psychette and Candy attack them as they head to the barrier, before a few stragglers make it to the barrier, they're hit by a barrage of star-like projectiles.

Linoone:(I've got your back!)

Rogan:Nice job you three!

The trees rustle.

massive amounts of squeaking is heard.

You know what this means.

Gareth:Oh shit.

Rogan:*Recognizes the squeaking sound and becomes rather angry* OH FOR THE LOVE OF-

Screeching echoes as a massive horde of Zubat rockets out of the trees. The barrier is overwhelmed and some of the Fletchling are knocked out of the air, the remaining ones struggle to land the group into the forest below.

Rogan:We're going down!!!

The Fletchling crash the group into the woods safely. They panic and disperse, tweeting loudly.

The music stops.

Gareth:*whispering*Oh...Damn it...Why aren't we maimed!?

Rogan:*Growls in irrtation as he notices a small cave* They weren't infected, its just getting time for them to come out. We just flew over the wrong place at the wrong damn time. Zubat love to horde up and fly into people though, almost like they get a kick out of annoying us.

Psychette:*Rubbing her head*

Candy: *Shakes the debris off her fur*

Rogan:*sigh* Well, we were about half an hour away from the base. *looks at a compass built into his styler* Lets just keep heading west. Those Fletchling should draw the infected in their direction. Poor little guys...

They begin to cautiously walk through the woods. Candy stretches out her feelers and begins feeling for vibrations in the air. able to feel movements in the surrounding forest with her feelers, guiding the party in the safest direction.

Psychette:*Yawns*....*Hopes onto Gareth and gets a piggyback ride*

Gareth:*Smiles and rolls his eyes at Psychette*

Candy:*Eyes widen and quiver at Rogan*

Rogan:Alright, just keep your feelers up! *Picks her up with his free arm*

Candy happily leaps into his arm, Rogan begins carrying her

Linoone:.....*leaps onto Rogan's back and steals a piggyback ride*


Rogan:Guessing I have to play taxi?

Linoone:*Growls and looks at her Zigzagoon*

Rogan:Want to keep an eye on your baby, huh? Well, alright. Just don't fidget.

They carefully move westward for about two hours, finally coming across the ranger base. Its closed down, silent, and heavily barricaded.

Rogan:Alright, we're here!

There area around the base is clear of vegetation for a few dozen yards, there is a small dirt parking space where numerous trucks are lined up, and there are a few paths stretched out through the forest.

The group quickly and quietly makes their way to the front door.

Rogan:*Quietly knocks on it*

A pair of eyes looks through a crack in the barricade.

??:Rogan?! How the hell did you make it through the forest?!

Rogan:I had help. *points at Gareth and Psychette* Anyway, we managed to get ahold of a live infected Zigzagoon. Mind letting us in?

??:I..Don't feel comfortable having an infected mon in here but...Just keep it muzzled and binded, alright!?

Rogan:Sure thing.

??:Get in here then, we don't need any infected mons taking an interest in the base again!

The sound of furniture moving is heard behind the door, its opened by a ranger, the party comes in quickly.

Ranger:*Closes the door, barricades it again, and keeps a watch outside* Head on down to the lab, the scientists are gonna want to probe that Zigzagoon.

Rogan leads the group through the ranger base, and they head down a flight of stairs. Upon reaching the bottom, they arrive at a door labeled "Lab", Rogan walks over to an intercom beside it.

Rogan:*Talks into it* Hey Lil, is it safe to come in?

Voice: Yeah, just put on a mask though.

There's a compartment for face masks next to the intercom in multiple sizes, everybody puts one on.

The door opens automatically and the group steps in, the door closes behind them.

They arrive to find a dead specimen on a table being incinerated by a charmeleon. There is a female scientist in a black dress and labcoat watching it. She has dark green eyes and bright orange hair kept in a bun. She's fairly tall, being a couple inches shorter than Rogan.

Rogan:Errm..Hey sis.

Lil:Rogan! I'd hug you but I've been handling dead mons. I'm glad to see you made it here unscathed...Whats that you've got there?

Rogan:An infected Zigzagoon, it's still alive. We managed to capture it and we figured we should bring it here to you.

Lil:Good, I've been trying to experiment on dead infected but once you kill them they rot so fast you can't gather anything worthwhile on them. I've been keeping Charles here*points to her Charmeleon* pretty busy.

Charles:Char!

Gareth:Wouldn't that put infected fumes in the air?

Lil:Nothing a little purification by fire can't handle. We've been doing this for a few hours now...Anyway, you are...?

Gareth:Gareth. This is Psychette. *points to her*

Psychette:(Hey!)

Lil:Huh! She must be pretty smart if she can speak telepathically...Anyway, I'm Lillian, Lil for short. *turns to Rogan* it's good to have you here Rogan. The situation's gotten pretty nasty since you went out on patrol this morning. Santalune's become utterly infested. We've had to fortify the base and keep most of the lights off to keep ourselves from getting swarmed.

Rogan:Anybody hurt?

Lil:We've had some casualties...Not alot thankfully. Came close to having an outbreak though when Jeff's Primape got bit protecting the base and came inside. Seems for pokemon the infection sets in at around 30 minutes, and it appears humans die from it after an hour.

Gareth:That is wierd..

Lil:Anyway, we'll take a look at this Zigzagoon and see if we can't find out anything useful, hopefully develop a cure or vaccine atleast.

Linoone:*Looks at Lil, worried*

Lil:We'll make sure to use an aesthetic, he won't feel a thing.

Candy:*pats Linoone on the back with her feelers*

Linoone:*Submissively walks out of the room*

Rogan:We'll leave you to it then, we've had a pretty long trip. Lets head upstairs and get some rest.

The group walks upstairs out of the lab, the door closes behind them.

Lil:Alright little guy..*injects it with a syringe* This should knock you out for a bit.

Zigzagoon:*growling through its muzzle, its eyes are heavily bloodshot and bleeding slightly*

[Shadow Scryer]

Gareth: Hey, do you have anywhere for us to rest for the night? My Kirlia’s kinda fallen asleep.

Sure enough, Psychette’s eyes are closed and she is lightly snoring

Lil: Sure. *Gives him directions*

Gareth: Much obliged.*Carries Psychette in the direction she gave*

Later;

Garreth: You have got to be kidding me.

The area he’s been led to is a space of rocky ground with a pile of sleeping bags in the corner. There’s a sign near them.

Gareth: *Reads* We’re sorry, but this is the only space left for refugees and we can’t have people littered around everywhere. Damnit! *Looks at Psychette, who’s still fast asleep, then at the ground* Like hell. *unpacks and piles sleeping bags on top of each other, eventually making Psychette’s makeshift bed soft enough that her sleep won’t be affected by the rocks, then lays her down* There we go. *Looks around* Not gonna happen. *Gets up and starts walking around the area*

After a while, he comes across a room where a vast number of Rangers and pokemon are sparring.

Gareth: Er… Isn’t there a horde of infected out there? Why would you have everyone up at the same time?

Ranger: This isn’t everyone. It’s just about half. We’re taking turns sleeping and training.

Gareth: Why would you-

Ranger: Because no-one wants to sleep on the rocks, so we compromised with the refugees. I’m Solomon, by the way.

Gareth: Gareth.

Solomon: You part of the police force? I hear They’re working on a cure or something in the city. I’m hoping to join up as soon as I can, screw the side effects!

Gareth: Uh… Sure, okay. *Heads back to Psychette and tries to get some rest*


(Sorry it's so short. And that it's been so long since our last post. Not really sure what to do/where to go is all.)