FSE

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Ray and Crystal had been tested multiple times throughout the night, which didn't allow them to get much sleep, but they complied as they didn't want to lessen their chances of being able to stay.

It was now morning, Ray assumed. At least that's how it felt. There wasn't even a clock on the wall. He was leaned against the bed's headrest, and Crystal had fallen asleep an hour earlier. Hopefully, they'd be able to get uninterrupted sleep one of these days. It would be utter paradise.

There was a knock at the door, which Ray had heard enough of all night. He saw one of the doctors that had been watching over him and Crystal enter without the hazmat suit this time, wearing a formal white shirt and looking in his early thirties now that Ray could see his face.

"After careful blood work, it is safe to say that you do not have the virus. It's impressive you've avoided it for this long. Your patience during the phase was appreciated."

A ton of weight felt like it was lifted off Ray's chest. "And I appreciate you guys' work, really."

He nodded. "You're cleared and will no longer be confined to this room... However, we're still unsure if you're allowed to stay."

Half of that weight was reapplied.

"Stand by, please. You'll be escorted out."

Ray felt tightness in his chest as the doctor left and looked at Crystal in her sleep. He didn't want her in such a dangerous environment again. He couldn't do it anymore and was terrified of the infected. If they couldn't stay, he wouldn't argue it, but he'd be at a loss for what to do.

While in his scattered half-thoughts, Ray heard a light knock on the doorframe and looked up to see Jenna. It was odd seeing her out of the outfit he met her in. She was in a sweatshirt and jeans.

"I heard the results." She was glad they were clean. "Come with me."

Ray had to wake Crystal and carry her while following Jenna east, noticing not much of the population was outside at the time since it was early. He had a headache and barely wanted to use his legs after last night, so he wasn't speaking. It probably wasn't the best option when he wanted to stay, but the urge wasn't there.

Jenna was apprehensive, so she, too, kept quiet. She was taking Ray and Crystal to her brother, something she had no idea what to expect from. Jenna hoped he was well enough to communicate or at least look at her. She hoped he wasn't disappointed in her for going against the rules either. It wasn't her intention, but Jenna couldn't help but to help.

They neared the hospital in minutes, and she saw one of the doctors standing by the door in a hazmat suit. She sped up, concerned by the sight. "Is he all right?" Jenna asked upon approaching.

He searched for words. "He's alive. We are doing what we can, but there isn't much left to do. Without a cure or antidote..."

She held her breath as a heavy feeling filled her stomach. "Right, thank you." She entered after he opened the door. That wasn't good news at all. Jenna knew what was coming, and it only sped up the clock on her mission to find any kind of medicine.

Ray didn't know what was going on. Was this another testing facility, or was someone in here infected? He more or less received an answer when they went down the corridor and arrived at an opened door.

Half of the room was blocked by a thick transparent wall, and a door was on the left side. Someone was indeed sick, lying in a hospital bed and hooked up to a ventilator. Ray stood by the door and let Jenna have her time. It was obviously someone she cared about.

She walked to the window and eyed Chris. The team must have installed it recently for safety reasons. "Hey..." Jenna was ashamed to have broken the rules while he was in such bad shape. He couldn't even speak for himself at the time. "I know I shouldn't have... but I still have a heart. If you want them out, that's okay, but no one's gonna last anymore."

Chris slightly turned his head to look at her and Ray holding Crystal, then held up two fingers, his hand quivering.

Jenna turned to Ray. "Give me a moment?"

He stepped out without question and stood at the next door over. Ray didn't know she was going through a loss in progress. Whoever that is must have the last say in decisions here.

"Two days? Chris, they don't have the virus. Why can't they stay? It'll be the last person allowed in, I swear. You know they'll die outside within a week."

In response, he put up one more finger. Chris still couldn't have too many occupying the base and had to stick with that rule.

Jenna sighed. "Alright, three days." She'd respect his wishes. She placed her palm on the wall. "I'm coming back tomorrow. Love you." She let her hand slip and left the room, walking down the hall without a word.

Jenna didn't know how to break it to Ray, and he didn't want to ask after what he'd seen, but she had to tell him, and after they got outside, she did.

"I was able to get you three days starting tomorrow. You'll have to leave after that... Sorry."

Ray understood. It'd give him time to recuperate, and he was grateful she fought for them. He felt Crystal wriggle in his arms and set her down. "I'm just glad we're given time to rest. Thank you, and if it's okay, who was that?"

"My brother."

Crystal stretched while looking at a few people that seemed curious about the new residents. She spotted pokémon as well, including a zigzagoon and vulpix. Crystal wouldn't be able to make a good friend in three days, and even if she did, she and Ray would be gone.

Jenna led them to the area she stayed in miles east and stopped at a quaint white home with a wilted garden in the front yard, handing Ray a key. "This'll be your place. It's been cleaned and disinfected. If you two get an appetite, you can head to the cafeteria here, and there's a map of the base stuck to your fridge, so you'll know how to get around."

He turned to her. "I appreciate this more than you know, Jenna. You're a kind person."

Jenna suppressed a grin. She hadn't been complimented in a long time. "...It's no problem." She looked ahead and saw Crystal sniffing dead flowers. "Maybe I'll see you tomorrow. I live five down the direction I'm gonna walk in if you have questions. I'll direct you better than most defenders will."

"Got it. We'll go and get situated." Ray watched her walk off. He assumed that defenders must be what the guards here are referred to as.

He kind of liked Jenna, even though he didn't know her. It wasn't just the loneliness talking. She was cute, nearly his height, had pretty hair, and rich caramel eyes. There was also something about her personality. Jenna still had humanity.

"Espeon!"

He looked and saw Crystal sitting by the front door. She must be eager to see what the interior held. "Coming!"