A few people had built up their courage, releasing various water-type pokemon to aid in the control of the fire. A Wartortle throttled the base of the shrine and the surrounding area with a powerful and steady Water Gun. The same trainer’s Blastoise was performing Rain Dance, clouds gathering above to temporarily summon a much-needed rainfall to quench the flames.

The heat grew more intense with every step she took towards the flames. The blonde was flanked by her two most trusted companions. The Gallade stepped closer, holding his arms forward to throw up a Protect. Syah, the Machamp, pressed in closer, sheltered behind the protective barrier.

Eva didn’t know what they were going to find. Hell, they could be wandering into this and find nothing. Eva’s worst fear was a pokemon or person left behind, choked by the black smoke of the burning wooden shrine.

‘Seeerrrrrr’ the weak coo of a Serperior drew their attention to the left. The serpentine grass-type as curled in a corner, flames licking at its delicate body. In the center of its coiled body was a small child, hidden from view until Eva and her companions were close enough to stir it from it’s fear, “Fuck, we gotta get them out of here! Blade, take the child, Teleport out, tend to it,” Eva knew what it meant to have Blade leave. He did too. But it wasn’t uncommon for them to put the safety of others before their own. Without hesitation, the Protect dropped, a rush of heat taking Eva’s breath away. She gasped for air, Syah catching her when she stumbled. Blade was gone in a white flash, the child held safely in his arms.

The 10 foot serpentine pokemon would pose a challenge. The heat from the fire was quickly draining the pokemon’s energy. Syah leaned forward, using her strong arms to lift the Serperior over her shoulders. Eva struggled to lift the lighter end of the pokemon. “We gotta get outta here,” she coughed, the deep groan of the weakening building added more pressure, threatening to collapse at any moment.

It’s beginning to rain! (1/5)!
The fire is 10% contained!
@amber

Eva hadn’t even noticed someone had followed them until the woman released a shiny grass-type amidst the flames. Eva looked over to them in surprise. And smiled as the stranger ordered her pokemon to put up a Safegaurd around them. The heat of the flames died down and it became manageable to start moving towards the entrance of the building. Eva stumbled under thew eight of the Serperior but she pressed on. There was no stopping her when the adrenaline kicked in. Regardless, she as grateful when the pokemon came to help, it meant they could move faster and she wasn’t going to keep them longer than they needed.

“Thank you,” she grunted between steps as the group began to move closer and closer to the entrance. Eva could see Blade, the Gallade standing at the doorway, watching anxiously as they made their way out of the building. He was able to quickly reunite the child with its grateful mother. They were crying and hugging each other a safe distance from the building.

Outside the building, more Rangers were starting to show up with their water-type pokemon to quench the flames and control the spread of the fire.

It’s raining even harder! (2/5)!
The fire is 35% contained!
@amber

The group stumbled to a halt a safe distance from the burning building. Gently they laid down the Serperior. A Celebi priest rushed over, frantically examining the pokemon. It was obvious to tell it was his grass-type, “I thought I’d never see you again,” he cried, hugging the serpent’s neck.

”Blade, my medical pack,” the Gallade Teleported and returned quickly with a black medical bag with a bright red cross on it. Eva rummage through the contents before extracting the Burn Heal salve. She began to gently rub the soothing goo over the worst of the pokemon’s burns. Otherwise, the pokemon was stable and didn’t need her imeidate attention, “Make sure he’s well rehydrated,” she emphasized, turning back to watch the woman dash back towards the building. Eva’s lips twisted into a grin, looks like she met her match!

Blade and Syah were hot on Eva’s heels as they caught up with @amber. The Gallade stepped between them, raising his hands to cast a protect around the group as they entered the building once again.

Beneath the roar of the fire, a faint cough could be heard near the Celebi alter.

It continues to rain! (3/5)!
The fire is 65% contained!
1 more person remains in the building!
@amber

Eva could hear the faint cough smothered by the roar of the fire. There as another person trapped in the building! Amber was the first to lay eyes on the elderly man. When Eva turned the corner she gasped, the alter had fallen right on top of him. The heavy stone was too much for the stranger and her pokemon, “Syah, Bulk Up and Strength. Get that off of him,” The Machamp stepped forward, a red aura bulking up her strength and focus. With a firm grip on the mantle, the Machamp was easily able to lift it off of the man, giving Amber and her pokemon plenty of room to drag the man out from underneath it.

Syah set the alter back down gently to no disturb the fragile building. She used two of her arms to scoop up the man. They would move quicker with her carrying him, “C’mon, let’s get out of here!” Eva encouraged @amber and her pokemon to follow Blade as he shielded the group with a Protect.

Eva gasped for breath when they reached the fresh air. Damn, that was exhilarating. Syah was quick to continue past them and deliver the man to the medics that had shown up to care for the wounded, “You did some great work back there, kid,” Eva slapped Amber on the shoulder, “Glad to have someone like you watchin’ my back. I’m Eva,” she introduced as Blade walked up with her medical pack, “Right. I’m gonna go check on the pokemon that were injured, come find me afterwards, I’ll buy you a well-earned drink,” she didn’t know if the girl was even old enough to drink but what the hell did it matter? Fighting fires and saving lives was a great excuse for a cold beer.

Eva turned and trotted off beside Blade, already rummaging through her pack for more of the Burn salve she used earlier.

It continues to rain! (4/5)!
Ranger have arrived! The fire is 100% contained!
@amber