An ongoing sunset replaced the harsh sunlight shining above Sinnoh; a trainer and his pokémon were searching a home amid Hearthome City for anything inside they could benefit from.
"Crystal!" Ray shouted his espeon's name from one of the rooms. He occasionally sent her to search for supplies, weapons, and anything edible while looting. He always told her not to stray too far but trusted Crystal to handle herself. They'd been doing this for a while. "Anything?" Ray asked as he saw her approach. She was slimmer than an espeon should be with dingy fur due to not cleaning properly. He stood at average height with a rather slim build as well resulting from the times upon them. He had short black hair with just a section sticking up at the front that he could never keep down and wore a generally unkempt appearance.
She shook her head and sat. Hearthome was a major city, so Crystal expected it to be cleaned out entirely after this long. If there was anything left, it'd be hard to find.
"Same here. We should get going then. Not safe to be in a central city… especially overnight." People and pokémon roamed that tended to seek trouble or steal supplies, and he knew they weren't afraid to kill for it. Ray wasn't like them, but he kept a pistol holstered on his hip he found last month on a body as a precaution. He'd kill, but only in self-defense, although he'd probably feel guilty afterward. Ray also wasn't the best shot, but he had some experience in the past from when his father taught him.
It had been three months since the virus took everyone he knew: his mother and friends. He was lucky never to have caught it, and there were a few instances where he or Crystal definitely should have, but Ray never really questioned it.
His mother forced them to leave a week after the symptoms began, as the illness became unbearable, and she was afraid for them to catch it. It wasn't clear how it started or was spread, but he knew it killed whomever it infected quickly. Ray would be nineteen soon. He didn't think he'd survive this long and could only hope Crystal would stay healthy. If she died, he wasn't sure what else would motivate him to persist.
He and his mother were somewhat prepped for economic disaster and had stocked canned foods and water that Ray took from when they had to flee, but no one was prepared for one on this scale. It hit abruptly and turned the region to ruins.
He adjusted his gray jeans and slung his heavy backpack over his shoulder, exiting through the residence's front door with Crystal walking beside him along the sidewalk. The bag tired him out quickly due to its weight. It wasn't wise to carry something so heavy that he couldn't run with, so Ray would try to take care of it after they found a safe spot for the night. "Let me know if you feel anything odd, as usual."
"Esp." Crystal was no umbreon, but she saw well enough during the evening to spot movement. As they strolled, she glanced around at their surroundings and kept her ears perked to pick up strange noises in the area. It was overwhelming when dilapidated skyscrapers and marts encompassed them, and it was always eerie seeing abandoned Pokémon Centers and apartment buildings with light moss or overgrown vines forming along their walls due to no upkeep.
Crystal could still faintly see a bright and populated city she now missed more than anything. The abandoned traffic in long lines and flipped cars were on their wheels and moving, the marts and restaurants had people going in and out. Crystal could almost smell what they were cooking. It was easy to take for granted once had for so long, and she couldn't see anything close returning, at least not in her lifetime.
"We'll rest when we get to Solaceon. Wouldn't want your paws getting too tired," Ray grinned and wiped the sweat from his head. The weather was humid, and it didn't help that he wore a jacket. They'd been searching buildings for hours on top of that, so he couldn't wait to stop and rest.
Ray had nothing more to do since he had a few changes of clothes in his bag and had recently washed them at a pond with a bar of soap, along with himself and Crystal. He did that very rarely and only when they were too musky, as he didn't want to be caught with his pants down— literally.
They'd only found a couple of waters and snacks while searching today, but it was better than nothing and would help get them through the next few days. He preserved what he could and only ate when necessary. Ray pulled his backpack up so it rested comfortably, thinking already about where they'd move tomorrow.
They never stayed at a location for more than a day or two as it was too much of a risk, although it was tempting sometimes. He grew tired of walking constantly, but they had to to find more items and reduce being tracked.
In over an hour, including multiple stops on the way to rest, Ray noticed Solaceon's tall buildings ahead in the distance from the route they'd taken, and it brought him relief that the journey had gone so smoothly under nightfall. As they entered the town, Ray diligently scoped out his surroundings and put Crystal on alert as well. Several homes less than a mile ahead down a road with a couple of parked cars appeared empty, but he couldn't tell for sure until he went inside.
Ray would skip exploring the town's structures tonight since he was exhausted, as was Crystal. He'd keep quiet and hope they weren't found by anyone or thing potentially lurking. However, he knew Crystal had the ability to sense presence when anything living was within a mile of them. She also had a better pair of ears, so they weren't completely blind.
"There…" Ray spotted a cornered residence with trees surrounding it that relatively hid it from sitting in the open. Before it was an old car accident involving three vehicles covering the surrounding street in glass and car parts. Grass and vines grew on their wheels and hoods from cracks in the ground of abandoned asphalt.
Crystal followed and shut her eyes briefly, the gem on her forehead glowing a light blue while scanning for nearby entities. It seemed to be clear. She couldn't scan more than a few times per day as each one gradually drained her, so she had to use them wisely, and that was her last.
Crystal felt a minor headache coming on, and her gem had slightly dimmed as she'd lost energy. Fortunately, even without psychic, her sensitive fur allowed her to feel minute changes in the air if anyone was in their proximity.
They made a great team, she and Ray, and Crystal was always ready to battle anyone who dared to challenge them. She hadn't had to kill a human or pokémon yet but wasn't opposed if the day arrived. She didn't want to become desensitized to taking lives, but she may not have a choice.
Ray pushed open the creaky door and entered with a loaded pistol in hand, sweeping the house thoroughly with Crystal behind to ensure it was unoccupied. He wasn't sure what he'd do if he ever found someone in a home. There wouldn't be much time to debate whether they were a good person or not.
"Think we're good… for tonight, anyway." Ray entered the bedroom and sat on its half-made bed with a huff, reaching over to close the curtain by the window. Darkness saturated the room as he did, though a dull haze pressed against the translucent cloth. He set his backpack on the floor and his pistol on the nightstand next to him, rubbing his shoulder. He also grabbed a folded paper and flashlight from his bag's side pocket. "Hungry?" He patted a spot on the bed beside him, and Crystal hopped up.
She was hungry but would rather sleep, so she shook her head for now. Crystal rarely had an appetite nowadays. She only ate enough to keep her going.
"Here, rest your legs." Ray reached his hand and ran it down her sleek back, then twirled his fingers around her tail when he got there. He pulled his hand away and lay on his back, unfolding the paper to reveal a worn map of Sinnoh torn in unimportant areas. Ray wouldn't get undressed for a few reasons, but mostly so he wouldn't get too comfortable.
While looking over the paper, he felt pressure and looked down to see Crystal eyeing him, her paw on his stomach, her other raised, and her tail swaying. "Come here, sweetheart," he grinned and set the map aside.
She climbed onto Ray and lay down, curling up and draping her tail over her thigh. She'd always been close to her trainer, but the circumstances made them depend on each other more than ever.
"Night." He rested his hand on her leg and ran his other over her ears while she rested her chin on his chest. Crystal was a delicate creature, and he always treated her as such to ensure she knew she was loved. He caressed her until she drifted to sleep, and after she closed her violet orbs, it gave Ray a chance to look over the map properly.
He reached and grabbed his flashlight, clicking it so it turned on and turning slightly onto his side. "Celestic and Veilstone…" he whispered. A city northwest and another in the opposite direction. Those were their best options from Solaceon. Entering a new town or city brought Ray anxiety, but there were no better options.
They'd started from Sandgem Town, where he was from, and ventured deeper into Sinnoh for supplies in the past months. He awaited the day they fell into a situation they couldn't run from. It couldn't keep going this smoothly.
"Give me a sec, Crystal. I'll be out in a minute," Ray said while putting on a tee. He'd slept into the early afternoon and was readying to go out with Crystal, who was eager to play.
She was sitting by the front door, waiting patiently and looking across the living room at Ray's mother doing something in the kitchen.
"Eager?" He adjusted his jeans and put on his shoes by the door. He tried never to keep her waiting longer than necessary.
"Esp." The outdoors and exploration brought Crystal half her joy. She hoped to run into one of her friends today, preferably the pachirisu she sometimes got into friendly mischief with.
He opened the door and saw Crystal slip through before he could completely, making him chuckle. "Be out for a while, mom!"
"Sure. Try to be back for dinner!"
Ray stepped out and shut the door, looking at a cloudless sky. Sandgem is a mountainside town mainly populated with grassy fields and trees. Houses were spaced from one another due to the vast amount of land. He wasn't a city boy and couldn't imagine living in such an overwhelming, congested space.
However, the major cities in Sinnoh were fun to visit. There was a lot to do and buy the last time he took Crystal to Jubilife, and his favorite experience with her by far was cooking poffins at the Poffin House there, where Crystal had eaten enough to sicken her.
She walked far ahead and sniffed the air, sitting on a dirt path with nothing obstructing the view. Miles west were congregations of trees before an extensive forest of significantly taller ones, and beyond that were steep, massive mountains covered in greenery. Crystal could sit and gaze at nature for hours. She hadn't been to the mountains, but Ray had taken her for walks through the forest several times.
He grinned while watching her. They had hours to spend before supper, so he wouldn't disturb her. Crystal would let him know when she had enough. It wouldn't hurt to sit beside her, though, so Ray took a step, but he couldn't. His grin faded, and he looked at his legs. He fought to lift one to no avail. They were thick and numb, and his feet felt like they were planted into the ground. When Ray looked back up, he no longer saw Crystal.
He opened his eyes. It was a dream, and the worst kind— one of those good ones set pre-pandemic when all was well and his mother was alive, and when he worked and had hobbies. It made him want to cry, but he'd shed enough tears as it was.
Ray accepted this new life because he had to, so recollections like that never helped. He looked down to ensure Crystal was still with him. He didn't have a clue what the last part of the dream meant, but he didn't like it. He watched her body raise and lower with each breath in a peaceful slumber.
Seeing that she was alive every morning brought him relief. Ray feared Crystal would catch the virus, and if she did, he wouldn't leave her to die alone. He'd catch it too.
Upon looking out the window, he saw that it was dawn, meaning the sun would rise soon. It was the best time for them to make distance.
What cut that idea short was the abrupt yelling he heard from outside. It sounded hideous.
It woke Crystal. Her ears twitched while she lifted her head and looked around the room frantically, her breathing quick.
"Stay here…" Ray set her on the bed and stood. As afraid as he was, he had to know what was happening. He took his pistol from the nightstand and slid it into the holster, his hand shaking slightly. He had on heavy black boots that would be helpful if he had to fight anyone. Ray pulled his shirt over his holster to conceal it and pushed the curtain to peek outside.
Crystal was just as worried about Ray as he was about her. He protected her at all times, and even though she knew how to battle efficiently, Crystal knew she would ultimately be weaker against a human with a gun. She sat up and watched. She still wouldn't want him handling a dangerous situation alone.
"It stopped?" Ray took a step back, but as soon as he did, he heard the blood-curdling yell again. "Fuck…" he sighed. "Yeah, I gotta see what that is; stay put." He couldn't live in the dark and hide from what was out there. Keeping up with what went on would be crucial to their survival.
He left the bedroom and walked down the hall toward the front door, and Crystal followed him against his command. Ray opened the creaky door and held his holster while looking around. Nothing yet.
He stepped out and began to close the door but saw Crystal run between his legs and stand in front of him. "Crystal," he whispered harshly. "I don't want you out here." However, there was no time to debate with her while danger could be lurking nearby. "Ugh, stay behind me."
Ray headed toward the town's main area— and there the scream was again, this time much louder. He followed the noise's source this time, soon falling upon it by a doorless Pokémon Center.
A man sat on the ground, his poochyena next to him. Ray studied the weakened male while keeping his hand on his gun. He appeared in his late 20's and wore a long-sleeved shirt, a vest over it, and gloves. A part of Ray wanted to offer aid. Maybe he was too kind. Enough hadn't happened to him yet.
He must have noticed Ray some feet away because he was now looking at him. "Y-You've gotta shoot me."
Ray saw his face and tilted his head. It looked as if he'd been set on fire and was burned severely. His eyes were filled with tears.
"I know you've– you've got a gun. Just sh-"
He heard the man wheeze between words. "S-Stay back!" While typically not assertive, Ray had to keep the man at bay as he started to get up. "What happened to you?"
"Have you— agh!" he coughed and spat blood on the ground. "Been living under a rock? I have the rapids!" The man groaned and picked up his pokémon, holding it in his arms to cope with constant pain.
"Huh, elaborate, please?" Ray's hand left his holster, which Crystal noticed.
She was ready to attack for him and wouldn't lower her guard, as one couldn't afford to. People would do whatever it took to see another day when resources ran scarce.
"It's what we call the illness. I'm close to death. I-It took a week for it to start feeding… A single week. It's just a cough at first, some itching, but it s-starts eating you from the inside out. That's what it feels like anyway. I'm no scientist. It's torture… I'm asking you to shoot me—" he inhaled. "So I don't have to suffer this way," the man finished in a raspy tone.
Ray felt sick. His mother died that way? He wouldn't wish that experience on anyone, but he had one more very important question before he granted the man his wish. "How does it spread?"
"Direct c-contact as far as I know. I'm positive that's how I got it. Had to fight someone off and showed symptoms two days later. If I tap you right now, you might get it. I feel it e-everywhere..." The man held his pokémon tighter and peered at Ray. "I've helped you. Now it's your t-turn."
He swallowed and took a step closer to the man. That was fair. He grabbed his pistol and disabled the safety. He couldn't leave this guy to suffer for however long the virus took to finish him off. It wasn't in his heart.
Ray saw the man shut his eyes and hold his breath. "Sorry this happened to you…" He ensured the barrel was aligned with his head and turned his face so he wouldn't have to see the initial shot. He took a breath and held it so his hand would stop trembling so much, then pulled the trigger.
Crystal flinched and flattened her ears as the shot echoed across the sky. She watched the man fall onto his back with his pokémon on his chest, and it was now that Crystal noticed how weak the pokémon was. It could barely keep its head up. Maybe it was sick too.
Ray looked back and stared at the man's lifeless body, as did his poochyena while taking glances at Ray. It no longer had a trainer. Ray stepped back to Crystal and exhaled. "Rapids…" At least he gained some basic knowledge.
He saw Crystal staring at the poochyena, knowing how lost it felt with no one to guide it. It would only be fair to kill it, but Ray had enough trouble killing one person. He couldn't bring himself to end a pokémon too. "We can't help it. No chances." Ray leaned down and tapped her side to get her attention before heading back to the house that they slept in.
He grabbed his backpack from the bedroom and walked out. "After that gunshot, we have to get far away from this town. There could be a group running toward us as we speak." Ray's stomach growled, and he knew Crystal had to be hungry as well, but it wasn't worth their lives. They could eat later.
While they walked through the town towards the exit, Ray thought about how horrible the virus was to catch. It was the strongest he'd seen in his lifetime, and he couldn't believe his mother had to endure such a slow and painful death, but it wasn't like he would have been able to put her out of her misery. Ray had to find a way to be stronger when it mattered.
His mind then drifted to either him or Crystal catching it. He would have to see his sweet espeon live through unbearable pain and suffering, and she would have no trainer if he were to catch it first, like that poochyena.
Ray wished he could leave Sinnoh with her, but it was a quarantined region. All transportation to and from Sinnoh stopped abruptly after the virus began spreading, which was a good call, but everyone here was stuck indefinitely as a result.