Infected

30 - Aftermath of Republic City

The group came down to the city overrun with crimson vines covering buildings, bridges, and railways. The vines had reached much farther than before when they held a healthy green color. They flew just above the apartment buildings, looking for any sign of life or movement.

"He was right," Techno muttered, "I've never seen the spirit vines this bad."

"They're sick, and it looks like they're spreading," Phil said, "You boys see anything down there?"

"I think there's someone down there," Tommy said, it was like a gut feeling that pulled him towards the vines. "I'll go down, you guys heading towards Air Temple Island."

"I'll come with you," Ranboo said. Phil directed Baba to one of the rooftops and the two dropped down onto the roof. They watched as the two slid down the vines then flew back up into the sky towards Air Temple Island. Where was everyone? They landed on the island, it seemed deserted.

"Psst," A voice called from inside, "Get in." Exchanging a look the two men slowly walked towards the doors, ready to attack if needed. Techno opened the door to find a young girl waiting for them. "Follow me." She lead them through the empty halls of the temple and down a set of stairs to the basement.

"Phil," Kristen came running up to them, hugging Philza, "Thank Ravaa you're alright."

"What happened here," Techno asked.

"The spirit vines began to spread and the infection grew worse," Kristen said, "Schlatt had to evacuate the city, anyone who wasn't able to leave came here. It's the only safe place in Republic City now."

"Papa!" Fundy came running up to them, latching onto Phil's leg. "Do you know where Dad is?"

"What is he talking about," Phil said. "This is a game right?"

"I wish it was," Kristen said, "Wilbur led a group to search for any survivors and non-infected people. He was the only one to not return. Apparently he saved them, but it cost his life."

"Who else is missing?" Techno asked. "Anyone you know didn't evacuate?"

"Puffy, Karl, Bolin, Charlie, and Tubbo, he went missing after you left," Kristen said. "But where's Ranboo and Tommy?"

"They saw someone as we were passing over the city and went to investigate," Techno said, "In hindsight we shouldn't have let that happen. Come on Phil."

"No!" Fundy hugged him tighter. "Don't go! Stay!"

"Maybe we should stay," Phil said, Fundy had lost his father, no wonder he seemed desperate not to let Phil go. "They can take care of themselves."

"I'm not staying, I can't leave Ranboo out there with who knows what danger," Techno said, "And the Avatar I guess."

"I'll find some volunteers to join you," Jinora came up to them, turning in the hallway as she heard them, "You came back at not an ideal time, but we're glad to have you Philza and Chief Technoblade."

"I ran into your dad, he wasn't happy with me," Techno muttered, "Thought you should know."

"When it comes to my dad, he'll never be happy with you," Jinora shook her head, "But you never let that affect your work."

"Never did," He cracked a smile, "So you know anyone willing to search with me?"

"Quackity has been looking for an excuse to go back out again, so has Niki and Scott," she said. "Scott Smajor says he has a few friends that got infected, he's trustworthy."

"Alright, I'll take them out. Don't worry, we're not losing another Avatar," Techno folded his arms. "Not on my watch."

As Techno met with the three Phil went with Kristen and Fundy. He was still processing that Wilbur was gone. His family needed him now. The boys would be alright, they had Techno.