Pronounced Dead
#18 of Only Crystal
The plague spread across Sinnoh and wiped out a majority of its population in less than a year. A teenager who has yet to contract the virus, along with his espeon, must survive in an increasingly dangerous region. With only his pokémon to keep him company, he soon can't help but feel differently about her.
~
Existing; complete stories: 'Midnight.' (Male umbreon x fem trainer.) 'A Night She Couldn't Resist.' (Male midnight lycanroc x fem trainer.) 'Cassidy's Journey.' (Male braixen x fem trainer.) 'All They Knew.' (Male alolan ninetales x fem trainer.)
^ Excluding 'Midnight,' all three existing works take place in the same universe.
Ray had just left the restaurant with Crystal and felt more satisfied than he had in a long time. "Full, sweetheart?" She'd eaten more swinub than he expected, but she deserved it after months of PokéChow and berries she had to detest by now.
Crystal nodded while licking her lips. She'd be stuffed until tomorrow after that meal. Her first day spent here had improved her mood drastically. Crystal would hate to get attached to this base, knowing their time here was short, but it was difficult when everything about it felt like paradise compared to the rest of the region.
She shook herself from her thoughts and noticed Ray wasn't walking next to her. Crystal stopped and looked back to see him staring at something, which she turned to and saw instantly. There was a group of around fifty residents standing a distance from the same building Crystal saw that luxray exit, and two armed defenders blocked access to its entrance.
"That's odd..." Ray had to remember he was new here. It could be a tradition or exercise he wasn't aware of, but it could also be an incoming danger or something more important, so he wanted to check it out. "Come here, Crystal."
She knew he would pick her up, and it wouldn't be a bad idea if they were heading to that structure surrounded by people who could step on her. Crystal trotted to Ray, letting him lift and hold her to his chest. She had a better view in his arms but still couldn't look over the crowd in front of her.
"What's this about?" he asked a boy younger than him upon approaching. Ray stood at the end of the crowd, not wanting to enter the fray.
The boy shrugged. "I just got here."
Ray stepped away. He'd have to get closer to get an answer. He sighed, gradually making his way through openings he found between people until nearing the front. Ray held onto Crystal and shielded her whenever he'd get pushed around. "Excuse me, do you know what's going on?" he asked a woman beside him and listened closely due to the buzzing.
"About as much as you do. It's been almost an hour. We saw a few people in hazmat roll a huge box out of the building, and that's when people started gathering. It's where the base captain has been staying since he's been sick."
"Thanks." Ray was curious upon hearing that explanation but wasn't sure he should stand here with Crystal for however long it took for something to happen.
However, before he could ponder on a decision, he heard a once loud environment turn to utter silence. He looked ahead and saw the defenders step aside for a man that walked through the doors and stood before the crowd. Ray squinted and made out 'Harrison' on his badge.
Harrison held his hands behind his back and cleared his throat. "...It pains me deeply to be the bearer of bad news, but Chris Parkins, the founder of this secure, robust base, passed this afternoon from the rapids. I want you all to know and remember that none of this would exist without him bringing his idea to life at the outset of this pandemic. As co-founder, the next in line, I pledge to be a transparent and just leader. Nothing about how this base is run will be altered and will continue to improve. A memorial service for Mister Parkins will be held three days from now at the garden during the afternoon. I ask that you attend if you can."
Harrison left the scene with a nod, but the defenders stayed by the door to ensure no one got through them.
Meanwhile, all Ray could think about was Jenna. Did she know about this, and if so, was she okay? A push from the side pulled him from those thoughts and let him know he'd had it with being packed in among so many people. He slipped back the way he came and didn't have to work as much toward the end since most of the crowd dispersed other than groups chatting.
"I wonder if we still get three days then," Ray mumbled. He felt guilty thinking about that. The man who ran this civilized base he's lucky to be staying at-- the brother of the girl who saved him died, and the first thought that came to mind was whether they could stay longer. Ray wouldn't ask that question. Whatever happened, happened.
Crystal stretched upon being set down. That event sure was something. The air didn't feel as bright as beforehand, and everyone seemed to be leaving the central area. They'd explored enough, so she was ready to go anyway.
"Let's go home."
Ray took off his jeans and sat on the bed, grinning at Crystal hopping up beside him and twirling his fingers around her tail. He still couldn't shake Jenna from his thoughts upon hearing of Chris' death earlier. He wanted to check on her, but they didn't know each other, and Ray didn't want to come off as a creep. Plus, she may want alone time to deal with such a close loss, considering she knew in the first place.
Crystal could tell his mind wasn't here. She rested on her side and yawned, curling up beside Ray's leg while outstretching her front paws. She was sleepy from eating to her heart's extent and spending all day outside, and it wasn't from looting and running from danger, thankfully.
He lay next to her and closed his eyes, resting his hand on Crystal's side. Ray would decide this evening. He'd never been in a situation of the like.