Shattered Crests Book 1: Lines Broken - Page 2 (2024)

OK: The first thing I see is that this story takes place in a version of the PMD world. Since I’ve seen your characters in the roleplay I will assume they all have similar personalities.

We first get a Drapion getting... threatened? I’m not sure who they are, because they weren’t featured before. I know Freya now is a Charizard (or was that a different character?) Here I can see she’s a past version of herself, she doesn’t know what Rescue teams are apparently.

Moving on, we also get Seliph and jaron. Currently I can see that Seliph is a Frogadier instead of a Greninja, putting the story firmly in the past (Younger Jaron features here too). From the roleplay I wasn’t certain exactly now they interacted when younger, good to see it here.

I still had a hard time getting names straight though. Nofarion is a name I saw in the roleplay but I still don’t exactly have a good idea of the faction. The other thing is that, from the dense scenes I tended to have a difficult time picking out who was talking unless i read slowly – and even being somewhat familiar already I still had a little trouble.

Next part; you give a small amount of info with a list, then push it aside with a mystery for the younger Seliph. His fear and uncertainty is fairly well portrayed I think, and his uncertainty gives a good hook for the reader later on.

Chapter 17
Friction (Perturbation)

A sleepy groan came from Jaron as his eyes fought to start opening. “Uhhh…morning Ciecro.” He rubbed his tired eyes, then paused at the following silence. “Ciecro?” He sat up, looking down at the empty spot next to him. Instead of surprise, Jaron’s eyes immediately went to a mild scowl. “Arceus, again?”

He tossed the covers off with a swipe of his claw and slid off the end of the bed. Shaking his head as he walked around to the pool of water, Jaron reached in and splashed his face a couple of times. The cold water shook any lingering drowsiness he had and he looked back into the settling water, specifically at his reflection.

“Hmm…” he felt under his jaw, browsing down the yellow scale pattern with his stare as it dropped down to his stomach and split into a ‘V’ pattern at his lower chest, and stopped near his waistline. Getting closer to how Dad’s looked. I wonder if his pattern was like this at sixteen.

A small smile formed as he turned his head and looked as best he could out of the corner of his eye at the red scale spikes on the back of his head. The curves were more pronounced than when he was a Totdoile, but still had some more curvature to go before they’d match up to Gathor’s.

“Coming along nicely,” Jaron said with a nod, giving his reflection his signature grin.

Eventually, he stopped marveling at himself, walked over to the nightstand, and took the orb off from the top. He twisted the top and looked forwards as a square hologram appear in front of him. “Eight o’clock, huh? Damn, I guess I can’t ever sleep in even on the weekend.” He shut it off and set the orb back down, pausing as he looked at the picture next to it.

No, don’t want to give her any clues. Jaron turned around and walked to the desk on the opposite side of the room from the stone bed. The stone carvings and other odd trinkets now had metallic projects to share their spots with. The desk itself had a large piece of paper with a grid and various numeric marks on it, along with a ruler laying at the top.

“Hmmm…” Jaron stared at the center. It was a pentagon plate with a square hole on its top, where one could easily see plenty of wires and mechanisms. It rested upon a thick cut of cloth, similar the palm part of an arm guard. The pentagon was connected to a thin, flexible rod of metal that went about a foot and half, with two adjustable straps equally spaced apart.

The Croconaw reached for the device and carefully slid it on his right arm, adjusting the straps so it was nice and tight on his arm. “Hmmm…” he rolled his arm over, eyeing the rod as he moved his arm in different ways and motions. “Feels good still. I guess I could work on you later today.”

He moved his right arm in front and checked the top, picking one of the wires hanging out from the hole with his left and eyeing it. I could get some supplies for this while I’m out. It would give me something to do while I-

A splashing sound came from behind him. Jaron spun around and gasped. “Oh, you’re awake.”

“Good morning, Jaron.” Miss Dresha pulled herself a little more up on the edge of the hole. “Working on your project?”

“No Ma’am. Might work on it later today.” Jaron started undoing the first strap, raising a quizzical brow at the fish. “Is Vray up?”

“Yes, though he was already gone when I checked on him.”

An annoyed sigh followed as Jaron started undoing the second strap with a bit more force. “Am I the only one who actually enjoys sleeping in on the weekends?”

Miss Dresha giggled. “Maybe if you consider waking up at Eight o’clock ‘sleeping in’.”

“Maybe I’ve been taking too much after you,” Jaron smirked as he started sliding the device off his arm and carefully setting it on the desk.

“So, how’s your device coming along?”

“I’ve still got a few things to work on and add, but right now I’m almost able to test powering it up.” Jaron glanced back with a smirk. “Once that passes I can work on the specifics and then I’ll have my own Technical Machine Administrator.” He sat in the chair, looking at the device. “Just getting all the stuff to build my own cost most of what I fu-” Jaron’s eyes shot wide as he caught himself mid-sentence. “fu…foo…fully own. Yeah, what I fully own. Just imagine how much a professionally made one costs.” Jaron weakly chuckled as Miss Dresha smiled at him, not buying his acting one bit.

“Well, I’m glad to hear it’s coming along well.”

“Thanks, Aunt Dresha.”

“Though, Jaron.”

“Yes, Ma’am?” The Croconaw got up from the chair and walked over to the pool of water.

“After your chores, can I ask you to run some errands for me?”

“Errands?” Jaron asked, eyes widening a little.

“Yes. I have a few things I need you to pick up for me. I’ll tell you them after you’ve done your chores. Oh, and can you do a sweep for me before you go? I’ve already done most of the harvesting, but I could always you a young pair of eyes to make sure this old Lanturn didn’t miss one.”

“Come now, Aunt Dresha.” Jaron said, standing up to make up the bed. “Your eyes are perfectly good for it. And they’re still very pretty.”

“Oh, thank you Jaron. You’re so very sweet to me.” Miss Dresha giggled.

Just you wait. A grin formed as Jaron pushed the covers up to the headrest. “Can you go on and get a net ready for me? I’m almost done here.”

“Oh, of course.” Miss Dresha immediately dove into the water.

Seeing her dive, Jaron slowly crawled to the edge of the bed. Okay, she’s gone. Immediately, he shifted to the left and grabbed the picture frame from the bed. He hurriedly scooted to the other side and undid the flap. Right as he was about to thrust the frame into the backpack, Jaron stopped and instead looked at the frame, holding it tightly with both hands.

The drawn image still looked as lively as when he first saw it years ago. Her smiling face and the smile of her husband, who he never was able to meet gleamed with contagious happiness. The Croconaw couldn’t help but grin a little at seeing it, even though the memory of his first time was less than happy.

I’m glad we have her. I hope she likes this. Jaron shook his head and gently set it snug inside the backpack. As he closed the flip, he heard a splashing sound and froze. His eyes slowly darted right as his heart began to race.

“Jaron?”

“Here!” He hopped onto the bed and crawled over into view. “I’m done, Aunt Dresha.”

“Oh? Okay, I was wondering what was taking you so long to make the bed.”

Chuckling, Jaron slid off the bed and walked over to the pond. “Guess I’ve not fully woken up yet.”

Dresha smiled. “Ah, well hopefully the water will wake you up. The net is ready for you.”

“Thanks.” Dresha dove into the water as Jaron took a big breath, leaned over the edge of the water hole, and dunked his head in. The coldness made his face feel alive and slightly numb as he pushed forwards, diving in.

Phew, she didn’t notice, he thought as he did a big stroke with his arms. Jaron kept his gaze firmly locked onto Miss Dresha’s light as he swam after her. He pulled his arms in close, swinging his tail side to side as he followed, watching the walls of the underwater cave close in on them the further they went.

His ruby eyes gazed at different parts of the walls, seeing how they looked in the glow of the Lanturn’s headlight. Sure, he’d been through these underwater ways enough on his own to not need any light, but it was nice to see what he was swimming through.

Eventually, the darkness subsided as Jaron exited out of a hole, spreading his arms and legs to halt his movement. The view of the lakebed sprawled out before him like a giant prairie does for one on a hill on a foggy morning. As his eyes trailed upwards, the sunlight gleamed off the shifty ceiling like waves of radiance. Simply looking at it warmed him up inside in spite of the chilly water.

He looked to his left as Dresha swam over to him, carrying a bag net to him. The Croconaw accepted the net and held it with both hands. He pulled his legs to the middle and his arms up to his chest as he once more relied on his tail to propel himself.

As he swam close to the lakebed, he spotted clusters of green spheres dotting near the lake’s floor. They each were connected to the stem of a certain plant, all lined up like a row of crops. It certainly made it easier for Jaron to inspect for any ripe fruit that had been missed.

However, his earlier assumption seemed more correct as each lap he did from one end of the lake to the other yielded no missed ripe fruit.

Heh, like I thought. Shouldn’t be too hard. I’ll be done in no time. I shouldn’t dawdle too much though since I need to be there ten minutes before ten o’clock. Suddenly, he halted and peered down at a spot. Is that? Sure enough, there was a larger red sphere intermingled with its green siblings.

As he dove closer, his earlier assumption began to fade as the colors became less blended and revealed a decent ratio of green. Jaron reached out and lifted the fruit, taking one close-up check just to be sure.

Nope. Close, but not ripe yet. Letting go of the fruit, Jaron swam back up and resumed browsing the rows once more. I could call it early. I mean, maybe something might come up that slows me down. His eyes drifted to the side as he reached the end of the line and turned around, swimming his way over in front of the next long stretch. His gaze shifted left as he eyed the rows he had left to do. Well…if I hurry I should be done before nine. That’s more than enough time to get to the town hall ten minutes before they open.

With a self-affirming nod, Jaron started swimming on. I hope everything goes right today. It’s only a week away and I want everything to be perfect. His eyes shifted to a resolved scowl. I want her to have the best birthday ever.

< O >

“Okay…do you have any letters you need mailed?” Jaron looked up at Dresha, who was currently guiding some mons that were moving crates full of Rosenarps. “Ahem, Aunt Dresha?”

“Huh?” She looked his way. “Oh, no, no, no. I don’t have any mail to send out.”

“Okay, so is this everything.” Jaron looked down at the list he’d just written out. Thankfully, it wasn’t too long, but he shuddered at how much of it comprised of market errands especially with market season’s first days being the worst for errands.

“Should be, dear- Careful!”

Jaron snapped his head up to see the two mons steadying the heavy crate.

“I told you to get a good grip!” The angry one shouted.

“Sorry, my paw slipped.”

Rolling his eyes, Jaron folded the list and stuffed it into the side pocket of his backpack. “Okay, if there’s nothing else. May I go ahead and go?”

“Sure, Jaron. And have fun while you’re out there.”

“I will. Thanks.” Jaron slugged the backpack over his shoulders and hopped off his seat. Right as he was about to go up the long flight of stairs, he heard a little cough. The kind of cough that made him groan inside.

He turned around, walked over to the pool of water, leaned in close, and shifted his head to the side so Aunt Dresha could kiss his cheek.

“Enjoy your day.”

“You too.” Jaron stood up and headed for the stairs, stifling the cheeky grins from the market mons from his mind. Today was too important to care about annoyances for Jaron as he rushed up the stairs.

As he emerged into the outside world, he felt the warm greetings of the sun and the relaxing breeze of the prairie. It was enough to give him pause to just get used to the shift from the colder interior of the cave. Taking a deep breath and letting it out, Jaron grabbed his backpack’s straps and smiled at the view of the large lake in front.

Going down the hill, he reached into one of the pouches on the backpack and pulled out an orb, twisting it to display the time once more. “Nine o’clock huh? I should have more than enough time.” He put the orb away and turned his head towards the lake as he continued walking on the overgrown dirt path running alongside the cliff.

About halfway around the lake, Jaron turned and broke off from the path, heading up a grassy hill and stopping when he reached a set of four stones. His warm smile that greeted the world above had grown to a slight frown as he gave each one of the gravestones a look.

His head fell a little. I know he’ll be okay but…can you keep an eye on him for me? A little grin formed as his smile faded. You know how he is.

“Mornin’ Jaron!”

The boy’s eyes shot open as he hopped back, his startled face shifting to a relieved smile. “Oh, morning sir.” He gave a little wave to a Seismitoad, who was heading up the hill to him.

“Visiting the folks are we?” He asked, with a hearty smile as he lightly tipped his cabby hat to Jaron.

Jaron nodded but raised a brow at seeing this mon wearing a green armband on the upper part of his arm. It bore a yellow threaded design, the kind Jaron had seen plenty of in the Town Hall. The symbol of Perion Town.

“Are you on duty sir?”

“Hrm?” The Seismitoad looked at his armband. “Yeah, just for the morning. Rangers can’t really afford a weekend like other businesses, heh. Especially the station’s commissioner.”

“Heh, yeah. That’s something I’m not looking forward to.”

“You’ve still got time.” The mon joined next to Jaron in front of the stones, moving his arms behind his back. “And even still, we’ve got a good force here. I doubt they’d need you to work weekends as well if we keep such a good number of rangers on call.”

Jaron’s smile faded as he and the ranger looked at the stones in front.

“So long has it been?”

“Almost eight years now.” Jaron’s eyes narrowed.

“‘Eight years’, huh,” the mon uttered to himself as he rubbed his large chin. “It’s respectable. I’m sure they all would be glad to know you and your brother are doing well.”

“I hope so.” Jaron walked up to the furthest right gravestone and placed a hand on it, looking at his father’s name crudely cut into the rock. “I want to make them all proud. Both of us do.” Jaron stepped a little to the side and looked up at the mon, keeping his hand resting on the rock. “You were at the station today, right?”

“Yep.”

“Was…was Ciecro there?”

“Hmmm…” He closed his eyes and pondered for a second. “Nope. Didn’t see him there, Jaron.”

A heavy sigh followed as the Croconaw took his hand away. “Okay, thanks.”

“Something up?”

“No…he just left early this morning again.” Jaron walked up to the ranger, asking, “If you see him, can you tell him to meet me near the Town Hall? If I’m not there, then probably the marketplace on Main Street. I have to run some errands for our Aunt.”

“Sure.” The mon affirmed with a nod. “Though, are you sure nothing’s wrong?”

“Well…” Jaron adjusted his backpack as he looked towards the town, still a ways away. “I just need to get going.”

“Oh, you heading into town? Can I tag along?”

“Sure, Mr. Humphrey,” Jason said with a smile. As he left the gravestones and joined next to the Seismitoad ranger, Jaron gave one more respectful head nod to the stones as Humphrey tipped his cap to them.

“I wish I got to meet your folks. They sound like real fierce Norfarions based on what you told me,” Humphrey said as they started back down the hill.

“They were, but they were good to us too. Same with Uncle Tethe and we wouldn’t be here if not for Roweilo too.”

“Yeah…I’m glad a ranger was able to help you in your time of need. Makes me feel a little bit prouder about the job.”

“Mhm. He’s why we wanted to be rangers.” Jaron tightened his claws on the straps as they reached the path, heading towards town side by side. A somber stare was on his face as the two walked in silence.

“So, what errands does the old missus have for you?”

“Mostly supplies and business in town.” Jaron let his arms drop to his sides as the two shared a glance.

“What are your plans afterwards?”

“It’s a bit open. I may work on some projects or just find Ciecro so we can train.”

A frown formed on Humphry’s face. “Training? Again? Come on, it’s your weekend, boy. Enjoy it.”

“Well… Ciecro likes sparring and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I didn’t find it fun too.” Jaron stretched his right arm forwards. A white light began to glow on the outer portion as curved blade spikes shot out from them, similar to the red scales on the back of his head and back. “It’s something we’ve always liked,” Jaron said as a smile formed, looking at his Slash as the white energy in the Slash danced with the sunlight.

“If you say so,” Humphry commented, shaking his head. “Most kids your age would probably be playing around with their friends or hanging out. You sure you both just want to train by yourselves on the weekend?”

“We’re sure.” A small smirk formed on Jaron’s face as he let his move vanish. Glancing back at Humphry, Jaron asked. “What about your weekend, Mister Humphry?”

“I’ve got errands to run for the missus.” His arms sagged a little as he leaned his head back, staring at the sky with a look of a mon under a terrible burden. “And…she wants to do something tonight.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. She wants us to take a trip. Says she wants to go someplace, just the two of us. I had to haggle it down to Vergium Town.” He grunted. “Does she think I’m made of money? ‘Let’s go to Treasure City.’ Bah. That’d take years to save up for. It’s not some weekend getaway.”

“True sir.” Jaron smiled a little as he pictured Humphry being asked in his brain. “But even a trip to Vergium Town sounds nice.”

“Ehh…”

Jaron raised a brow. “Not looking forward to it?”

Humphry shrugged. “Yes and no. I imagine it’ll go fine enough, but it takes a bit of effort to travel there, go do things, putting up with any hiccups and noise when I could just be relaxing in my chair reading a good book. I just enjoy my quiet afternoons.”

Nodding, Jaron looked west at the vast grasslands, sprawling out before them beside the road. The rods of each blade weaved in the pleasant wind like a valley of metronomes. “She is a very active person.”

“She’s fussy that’s what she is,” Humphry grunted and then sighed. “But she’s worth the fuss.”

Jaron started fiddling with his straps again. His head lowered slightly as his mind drifted back to how his parents would be similar. Loving each other despite the fuss. His ruby eyes then looked towards the glistening lake, his mind wandering to the time here. How annoying Ciecro could be, but how they would remain brothers. Some things still hadn’t changed. Ciecro…

“Sir.”

“Yeah?”

Jaron looked up at Humphry. “Have you seen my brother today?”

“Nope, just been at the office.”

“Oh…” Jaron’s head lowered.

“Why would he be at the office on his day off?” Humphrey inquired with a raised brow.

“I dunno. He’s just been up early and off doing training or something. Probably just getting ready for that test.”

“Test?” Humphry thought for a second before snapping his fingers. “Oh! Right the ranger’s aptitude test. Yeah, I imagine he’s wanting to make good marks on that.”

“I guess. It feels like that’s all he’s focused on right now.”

Humphry stroked his chin, eyes shutting. “Yeah, I can see why. I remember that test stressing me out when I was his age. But chin up.” The Seismitoad gave Jaron a warm smile. “Ciecro’s much more qualified to pass it than me at his age and I did alright.”

Jaron pulled on his straps as he shook his head slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Humphry stopped, prompting Jaron to halt as well. “Is there something I should know?”

“Well…it’s…” Jaron’s eyes darted to the right a little, uncertainty in them.

Humphry’s eyes narrowed. “Are you worried he migh-”

“No!” Jaron froze, surprised by his outburst. He pulled back and looked shamefully to the side. “Sorry.”

Shaking his head, Humphry placed an encouraging hand on Jaron’s shoulder as their gazes met. “Don’t be. Look, Ciecro’s a good kid. I don’t think we’ll have another incident again. Even I could tell that was just the cork popping out of a lot of buildup and he understands the gravity of it. He’s done the sessions well and the situation has been settled so I think he’ll be fine.”

Jaron made no reply.

“Tell you what. I’ll go find him and check on him.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose on you, since you have errands.”

“Won’t be imposing. Ciecro’s due for his check on anyway, so it saves him a trip.” Humphry smiled at Jaron, who couldn’t help but catch the positive disease.

“Thank you, sir. I would appreciate that.”

“No problem at all, Jaron. Besides, the errands weren’t that big of a deal anyway.”

Jaron paused for a second, his eyes shooting wide. He reached into one of his backpack’s pockets and pulled out the orb.

“Jaron?”

The Croconaw twisted the orb and looked with dread at the time displaying. “f*ck! It’s Nine Thirty!” As Jaron hastily yet sloppily tried to put the orb back, he said with panted breath, “I’m sorry sir, but I need to go. I don’t want to be late. Thank you, Mister Humphry!”

“No proble-”

Jaron rushed off in a flash, not even bothering to listen to the rest as he sprinted towards town as fast as his Croconaw legs could. sh*t! sh*t! I’ve only got Twenty Minutes! I’ve got to get to Town Hall before they open!

Sprinting his way to the town’s perimeter Jaron had the unfortunate reminder of how busy market season was by running into a large Exploud after evading some cart.

“Watch it!”

“Sorry,” Jaron replied, his ears ringing from the loud voice. He glanced forwards and to his dismay, Main Street was crowded from side to side. God damnit, how am I going to get there on time now? He glanced along the sides and eventually spotted the entrance of an alleyway. Perfect!

Darting into the alley, Jaron rushed around any lingering mon inside until he came out of the other side in a much narrower street, which thankfully wasn’t nearly as crowded. He instantly broke off into a sprint, disregarding his whining muscles as he hurried his way deeper into the town.

His lungs felt like they were on fire as he finally exited the end of the road, arriving at a large circular dirty path that surrounded a smaller grassy spot. On this spot, a large building stood tall above the rest, its four entrances each holding a flight of stone stairs. The top of the building bore a large dome and a flag flying on top with an insignia exactly like Humphry’s band.

As much as Jaron liked to marvel at Town Hall, he couldn’t afford to. Instead, he rushed directly across the dirt road, avoiding whatever mons and carts of goods that tried to block his path. sh*t! sh*t! sh*t! Please don’t be open yet! He pleaded as he headed up the stairs, so fast and lightly that even he was surprised at how nimble he managed it with his Croconaw body.

But marveling at his feat would have to wait. He went straight for the wooden doors and burst through at full sprint.

Right as he caught his balance, he was met by a sea of shushes. His hands clamped on his snout as his cheeks went rosy. sh*t, this was the library entrance. Looking to the right, he started scooting along the perimeter towards the stairs, whispering “Sorry.” To all the annoyed mons.

Once he cleared the spiral staircase, he headed deeper inside, passing by various shelves of books and reading tables until he reached a large arc at the rear entrance.

The room was massive compared to the library, with a large dome-like ceiling towering high above. In the center was a statue of the town’s founder. It was a Seismitoad, but looked more rugged than Humphry, which was understandable given it must have been hard to start an entire town from scratch. Despite that, Jaron could easily tell the resemblance of the commissioner’s ancestor. It filled him with a small sense of pride to be learning under someone part of such an impressive line.

Oh right, the engravers! Jaron glanced around. There were four large arcs to the center of Town Hall just like the outside. However, only one bore his destination and thankfully, the first to come into his line of sight was the correct one.

Taking a quick breath as he rushed over to the right arc, he glanced around at a long hallway with various office doors and professional desks. There! He rushed over to one of the doors and immediately started knocking as fast as he could.

Please be on time. Please be on time. He repeated in his head, almost too afraid to look at his clock incase his knocking wouldn’t be heard. A few seconds later, he heard the sound of a bolt click and stepped back as the door nudged open lightly.

An Arbok stuck his head out from the other side, glancing around with a rather frustrated look on his face. Once he spotted Jaron, he cleared his throat and said, “We’ll be open in fiftee-” He stopped himself, eyeing Jaron curiously. “Oh!” His eyes lit up, causing Jaron to pull back startled. “Jaron Almkin, was it?”

“Uh….Yes sir.” Jaron nodded as the door was opened wide for him.

“Ah, good, good. Come on in.”

As Jaron entered the office, he was struck with awe at the artistic murals on each wall. Each one depicted some kind of event in either the town or Triacal’s history. He was so mesmerized that he almost didn’t notice the tapping of the Abork’s tail on his shoulder.

“Do you have it?”

Jaron nodded as he took off the backpack and opened it up, fiddling around until he pulled out Aunt Dresha’s picture frame with the precious memory inside. He handed it to the Poison Type who took it into his tail, balancing it with impressive ease despite the tapered tip.

“Hmm…” The Arbok’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the image in a way that made Jaron imagine him rubbing his chin with some invisible hand. “So this is the base image, correct?”

“Yes sir.” Jaron glanced at the door. “Sorry for the trouble, I hope I got here with enough time for you to make the copy.”

The Arbok’s eyes glanced to the ceiling as he debated numbers in his head. “Well, I said I could do it in ten minutes and the image doesn’t look terrible complex so I should have enough time.”

“Perfect! Thank you so much for this.”

“No problem valued customer.” The Arbok nodded as he set the picture frame down on a nearby desk. “Considering the nature of your order, I’ll do my best to make such a fine metallic copy for you. I presume this is for your underwater dwelling Aunt?”

“Yeah. Aunt Dresha only has that one copy, so we decided to get her another one. One that she could keep with her underwater wherever she wanted.”

“Well, she’s certainly lucky to have such considerate nephews.” The Arbok smiled as if he was being snuggled by a wholesome cloud of fluff. “Now, run along so I can get this done before we open.”

“Yes sir.” Jaron slung his backpack back on his shoulders like it was empty and headed outside, waving at the mon as he shut the door behind him. He rested his back on the door and just took a deep, relieved breath. I’m so glad I wasn’t too late.

As he got off, he looked back at the center of Town Hall, spotting the statue. He made his way back over, walking to be in front of the large monument once more and staring at it without the hindrance of running late. I wonder what he was like. He looks tougher than Mr. Humphrey but Humphry looks tough too when on the job. Jaron sighed as his head lowered. I hope he finds Ciecro today. That test is less than a week and I don’t want Ciecro driving himself crazy over it.

Jaron looked back at the archway leading to the library. Hmm…Aunt Dresha said Vragon already left the cave. Guess while I’m here. A small smile formed as he marched his way back into the library.

After passing a few shelves and going down a spiral staircase, Jaron looked at the backroom desk. Since it was currently empty, he went under the obstructing plank and walked over to the door at the back, peeking through the small rectangle window.

Heh, thought so. A mischievous grin formed as he twisted the knob and quietly cracked the door open. He squeezed through the crack like a slippery snake and shut the door behind without a sound.

The bland, grey room was rather empty save for large storage shelves on the side where books, papers, and other literature things were organized. A few crates were stuffed in a corner and piles of books rested on the floor. It was quite literally a literary mess.

In the center of the room was a table with two chairs on opposite sides. The one on the side closest to Jaron was tilted back by a Fraxure, who was engrossed in his reading while keeping a black toe tucked under the table to avoid a nasty tip over.

This Fraxure had tusks that seemed smaller, no more than two feet in length, but strangely they were curved back from his mouth to form a ‘V’ formation with his head. His Body was standard grey, but the upper, cowl-like armor was a deep black with some white lines that flowed upwards to the neck.

Jaron crept to the side and undid his backpack, setting it on the ground. He leaned over slightly to get a better look at the Fraxure’s face. The dragon type was completely mesmerized in whatever he was reading, the topaz irises of this mon shifting left to right in a matter of seconds on that eye’s black sclera.

Perfect. Jaron’s signature grin formed as he crept behind the Fraxure, raising his claws high up. Suddenly, he pounced his hands on the Fraxure’s shoulders and in a deep voice growled, “Vragon.”

“Dyaaaa!” The book was flung towards the ceiling as Vragon fell out of his chair and rushed under the table in fright.

Bursting out in laughter, Jaron fell onto the floor and pointed to the boy under the table, who was glaring at him with murderous rage.

“Arceus! Jaron!” The dragon would have flipped the table off of him if he was strong enough, choosing instead to just crouch walk from underneath and set the chair back on its legs. “What the hell is wrong with you‽ You want to get us into trouble?”

“Sorry Vray,” Jaron said, stifling the last bit of laughter left. He stood up and with a smug grin said, “Couldn’t help myself. It’s just too funny walking up behind you and growling like a Granbull like that.”

Vragon raised a brow. “Why a Granbull?”

“Duh, you’re scared of them.”

Vragon rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms. “I’m not scared of any silly Granbull.”

Leaning in, Jaron said, sarcastically drawing out his words, “Sure you aren’t.”

Vragon snarled a little at Jaron’s playful smirk. “Well I’m not,” he retorted, walking over to where his book felt. “You could have said anything and I’d still have been startled.” Vragon sighed as he started checking for any bent pages.

Jaron sat down in the chair. “Sorry, Vray. It was just too perfect.”

“Oh shut up.” Vragon shut the book and set it on the table as he walked over to the other chair. “You know I can get into trouble if a book gets damaged in my care.”

“Fair point.” Jaron watched Vragon set the book on the table, taking a second to lean over and read the cover. “‘The enigmatic dichotomy of Synergy’, huh.” A sly grin formed as he looked up at Vragon who stared back confused at what was so funny. “And here I was thinking you’d be using that obsession in reading for romance fiction like all the other girls.”

Vragon rolled his eyes as he walked around the table and sat in the other chair. “I wanted a break from researching. It’s interesting stuff not that you’d understand what makes it so interesting.”

“Try me,” Jaron challenged as he leaned back in the chair.

“I would, but I should probably put my research materials up first.” Vragon got up and headed for the back door. “Mind helping me? It’s kind of a pain to lug here myself.”

“Sure.” Jaron hurried on over to Vragon as the Fraxure inputted a code into the lock and undid it, setting it on a shelf as he pushed the heavy door open. As the two entered into a narrow back room, Jaron instantly covered his nose as he felt dust ready to swarm into his nostrils. He looked around and to his horror, the room was covered with it. “The f*ck? Do they even clean this place?”

“Nope,” Vragon bluntly answered as he started walking down the hallway, his casualness a testament to how much he adapted to it. “It’s easier to just store everything into these boxes here.” Vragon tapped one for emphasis on a dusty shelf as Jaron followed, holding his snout and covering his nostrils like his life depended on it. “Especially since all shipments come locked up anyway. Management probably doesn’t see the point in keeping this room so clean since the books and other stuff are well stowed away. Especially since this is a ‘staff only’ room.”

“Not like that’s stopping you from being here when you’re not on shift,” Jaron answered, rolling his eyes.

“Difference being I have permission to come back here for my research.”

“Then you can vouch for me. I help you from time to-” Jaron stopped as Vragon turned and grabbed at a certain chest on the shelf at their chest level. Is this the right one? They all look the same. Jaron inquired in his mind, looking around at the other shelves, some vacant some with chests and other storage items.

“Can you give me a claw?” Vragon grumbled.

“Oh, yeah!” Jaron reached for the far end and helped angle it so Vragon could slide it out and Jaron could grab the other end. Carefully, they lowered to ease the strain on their arms. “So, this is the right one, right?”

“Let me check.” Vragon blew on the dust on the top.

Instantly, Jaron dropped his end of the chest and started sneezing, making three loud ‘Achoo’s in just five seconds. “Vray! What the hell‽”

“Oh, sorry, guess I was too engrossed in checking I didn’t think what would happen to you,” Vragon asked with a smug grin.

“Hah, hah…” Jaron said with bland sarcasm. He squatted down with Vragon and the two lifted the chest once more. “Had enough revenge?”

Vragon pondered for a second as they started carrying the chest back down the dim hallway. “Don’t know yet. You still owe me for that dirty trick you pulled on me last month.”

Jaron sighed. “Are you still mad about me hiding that torn-up book from you?” He was jerked forwards a little as Vragon stopped moving. He was about to say something when he noticed a hostile glare on Vragon’s face, eyeing him like he wanted him to melt where he stood. “Loo-”

“Firstly,” Vragon interrupted, shutting his eyes and raising his head. “That ‘torn up book’ was a rare first edition of a collection on theories and hypotheses on the topic of ‘Real and Reverse world distortions’ that the library loaned from overseas. Secondly.” Vragon glared back at him as his words were spliced with a growl. “Not only did you hide the book from me for two whole days, making me lose my mind trying to find it and risking me losing my job, you also had the audacity to return it to me on the third saying, ‘I found this in your pile of books. Were you looking for it?’”

“Yeah, that was pretty cruel of me.” The Croconaw chuckled at the memory, much to make the fires in Vragon’s mood burn fiercer. “I am sorry it went so far. I didn’t mean to freak you out like that. But give me some credit,” Jaron said, heaving the box up a little to get a better grip. “I said I wouldn’t do something that bad to you again.”

“Oh sure, sure.” Vragon shut his eyes and snubbed him by facing his snout to the wall. “I much prefer you sneaking up on me and scaring me out of my chair. Especially when you do it when I’m next to a cliff overlooking the lake!” The Fraxure glared at Jaron, who stifled his chuckle this time as he looked to the side, thinking back to the incident.

“Yeah, that last one was definitely on me.”

Vragon snarled as Jaron met his gaze again. “Honestly, Jaron, I hope you lose that stupid urge to mess with me before you wind up being the death of me. I have half a mind to break it out of you for my own preservation.”

As the two started moving again, Jaron raised a brow. “You’re not serious right?”

“I am serious,” Vragon protested. “Like, sure, I haven’t been insanely injured by your pranks on me, but who knows. Maybe you’ll think hiding a brick up on a door that I walk through is funny.”

“Come on Vray, I’m not stupid,” Jaron replied, getting a bit annoyed at the undying hostility.

“That’s exactly what I’m worried about. You’re so unique with all this stuff you do.”

“Why thank you.” Jaron grinned as Vragon sighed.

“It’s not a compliment. What if something goes wrong and I wind up hospitalize because you, I don’t know, forgot to carry the two or something.”

“I’m not just spending all my time coming up with ways to mess with you. Hell, I don’t put nearly as much thought into making them elaborate,” Jaron stated as they started angling the chest to get it through the large door with what little space they had in the hallway to work with. “I just mess with you because I like you. I always mess with people I like.”

“Yeah, well then why don’t you go pranking Dolly? I’m sure she could take some of the heat for me,” Vragon said with a grunt as they bumped into the side of the doorway.

“She’s too good at seeing it coming. Every time I tried she foiled my attempts and then I would get bombarded by those horrible puns of hers. I just lost the motivation after the fifth time.”

With a heave, the two set the chest onto the table with a noisy thud. “Fair point,” the Fraxure Sighed. Vragon walked in front and started undoing the metal latches. “Those puns of hers are pretty awful.”

“Yeah.” Jaron walked over to get a look at the front, crossing his arms and leaning over to get a closer view. “So what’s in the chest?”

“Maps.”

“Maps?”

“Yeah, maps. I’m trying to find somewhere based on what I know.”

“Oh! Did you learn something new?” Jaron eyed the Fraxure with excitement, but it quickly evaporated as Vragon shook his head and sighed heavily with a lackluster frown.

Vragon flipped the chest’s lid up with what seemed to be the least amount of effort needed. “No. I’m trying to just guess places now from what I know because I can’t find anything to narrow things down.”

“So not even this shipment huh?” Jaron said with a frown that shared in his friend’s disappointment.

“Nope and I was very excited about this shipment too.” Vragon climbed up on the table and looked into the chest. “Market season always makes the selection for shipments more diverse and exotic. You know the ‘further out’ kind of books you don’t see often. So, naturally, I was hoping this time I could find something that’d give me a clue.” Vragon leaned inside and began shuffling things around. “But I didn’t. So I’m just going to try and figure out the place first and then find similarities.”

“That really sucks mon. I’m sorry.” Jaron sighed as he planted his hands on the table. “How can it be that hard to find some information about some silly pendant?”

“Apparently very…but I at least enjoyed some of what I read.” Vragon took his head out and looked at Jaron, his previous frown shifting to a quizzical, neutral look. “Did you know there’s a very special spot South-Eastern of Bermuda called the ‘World Spike’?”

“No. What’s so special about it?”

“Well.” The Fraxure leaned against the chest, sprawling his arm along the rim of it. “It’s basically this spike of land that used to be part of the cliffside. However, long ago it got angled up to an almost ninety-degree angle.”

Jaron’s eyes widened as his imagination tried to conceptualize such a thing. “Woah, how big is it?”

“Huge. We’re talking miles worth of land just slanted towards the sky. And the coolest part is there’s no sign it’s gonna ever fall.”

“None?” Jaron said with a skeptical brow. Despite his disbelieving tone his body leaning forwards gave showed his interest plain as day.

“Apparently the bedrock is so solid that not only can it handle the strain of that much land in the air, but nothing that’s been developed technology-wise has even come close to cutting into it.”

“Seriously? How is that possible?”

“Beats me. It’s not a wonder of the world for no reason after all.” Vragon started to dig in the chest again.

“That’s so cool!” Jaron commented, eyes gleaming towards the ceiling. “I’ve got to see it someday!”

“Yeah, it is pretty cool,” Vragon agreed, taking a few things out of the chest.

Putting aside his newfound excitement, Jaron walked over and sat down in the chair. “Okay, so what have you learned about your pendant so far?”

“All that I’ve figured out so far is that the art and structure comes from some Legend revering culture, namely the Zekrom and Reshiram. There are a few places that fit that Legendary species around the world, but if I had to say what my first guess was it’d be some country in Winthrobax.”

“Winthrobax?” Jaron raised a fist to his chin. “That continent to the north of here?”

“Pretty far north you mean.”

Hrm? As Jaron wondered how far “Pretty Far” meant, his eyes fell on a particular thing on the floor near the foot of the table. Huh? Jaron got out of his seat and looked at it.

It was a thin chain connected around a circular piece of metal via a small hoop at the top. It was coated in black and white colors, both being represented in equal proportions of the pendant. They weaved together in some dichotomy harmony and bore symmetry akin to looking in a mirror.

The Croconaw looked up at Vragon, who was still buried in the chest looking around for something. An evil grin formed on Jaron’s face as he quietly picked up the treasure from the floor and tucked it under his tail as he sat down. Seeing Vragon didn’t notice, he resumed his normal posturing, putting all his willpower to keep his glee to himself. “Hey, Vray. Speaking of our pendant, where is it?”

The Fraxure stopped digging and felt near his chest. “Huh?” He pulled away from the chest and looked around the table. He leaned over to see the base of the chest, a horrified look growing on his face. “Oh no.” He got off the table and looked around the floor. “No, no, no, no.”

Seconds later he was digging around the room like a madmon, all while Jaron watched in sad*stic pleasure. “sh*t! Where is it‽ Don’t tell me I dropped it somewhere in the library! I’m sure I had it on when I-”

“Ahem.” Jaron reached for the pendant in his seat and held it tightly in his fist. Right as Vragon looked in his direction, he opened his fist to let it fall, dangling at the end and glowing faintly from the dim light in the room. He gently ticked it back and forth, saying in a spooky voice, “You will no longer enjoy reading dumb synergy related sh*t and instead love reading romance novels, oooooooo. Hypnosis.”

“f*ck off,” Vragon snarled as he snatched the pendant and began undoing the chain. “You’re such a jerk.”

“Hey, you’re fault for taking it off.”

“I took it off because my neck was starting to complain,” Vragon answered as he started putting it on. “Besides, it’s not like you had to take it and hide it from me like the book.”

“Hey, that was just a few minutes.”

“Still.” Vragon glared at Jaron, gesturing his hand outwards. “You didn’t have to do it.”

Shrugging, Jaron grinned. “I mean, if you wouldn’t put such temptation in my way, maybe I wouldn’t.”

“Maybe you wouldn’t if your arms were broken,” Vragon snarled as he crosses his wrists near the center of his chest.

“Lemme guess, you would do that?” Vragon leered at him, while he just kept up a confident, knowing grin. Their standoff lasted all of two minutes before Vragon’s gaze shifted, catching Jaron’s contagious smirk. “You’re such an asshole.”

“Yep,” Jaron said with pride.

“Well.” Vragon walked over to the other seat and started pulling back around the table. “At least you’re my friend.”

“Yeah.” Jaron watched as Vragon sat down, their gazes almost even. The Croconaw’s hands cupped together as his mind began to mull over things.

“Jaron?”

“Hey, Vray.”

“Yeah?”

“Did you see…Ciecro this morning?”

“No. He left before I woke up.”

Jaron raised a brow as Vragon sighed and elaborated, “His usual training bag wasn’t near the exit. I saw him leave it there yesterday night.”

“Oh…” Jaron shook his head, resting his left arm on the table as his fist tightened.

“Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know. It feels like something is.” Jaron gestured his right claw to Vragon. “He’s been waking up early like this for two whole weeks. Every time I ask him about it he says he’s fine but he can’t fib to me.” Jaron let his fist hit the table. “Something’s bothering him. He’s always gone in the morning training and his afternoons are training too.”

“Well, doesn’t he have that exam coming up?” Vragon leaned on the table like Jaron.

“Yeah, and that’s the problem. I think…I think he’s worried he won’t pass it.”

“He shouldn’t be. He’s been studying a lot and he’s very strong. He can even hold his own against some of the best adults here.”

“I know and you know…but I don’t think he does.” Jaron looked at the chest, somberness in his gaze. “I’m worried something else is bothering him. You know how he is. He won’t talk about it.”

Vragon went silent as Jaron’s head shifted towards staring at the floor. The Croconaw’s eyes went sterner as his muscles tensed. “And he just takes it on his own. I don’t want what happened three months ago to happen again.”

Vragon shivered a little. “Yeah, that was pretty ugly.”

“Worse, he got in trouble. He still has to do those stupid checkups.” Jaron leaned back. “And all he did was punch some jerk’s face in.”

“‘Punch some jerk’s face in’ is underselling it.”

“Maybe so, but I feel like he keeps beating himself up over it and doesn’t listen to what I say to him about it. “Shaking his head, Jaron said, “I just…I wish he’d talk to me. Listen to me more. I want to help him if I can…but he won’t let me. He won’t let anyone.”

“Come on, Jaron.” Vragon smiled, leaning towards the disheartened Croconaw. “Like you said, Ciecro’s a bit more closed off. But bear in mind, you’re like that too. At least, till I came along.” Vragon smirked a bit while Jaron looked back with annoyance.

“You’re not my mediator, Vragon. You’re just my best friend. I’m Ciecro’s brother…I don’t want him to feel alone in this.”

“I don’t think he feels alone. But I don’t know for sure. Maybe we should check on him today.”

“I would like that.” Jaron looked at the clock in the room. “Well, do you have to do anything else here?”

“Uhm…why?”

“Because I need to go pick up Dolly’s frame.” Jaron hopped out of the seat, a smile filled with resolve crushing what uncertainty was still left. “The copy should be done by now.”

“Oh!” Vragon hopped off as well. “So you got it put in?”

“Yep, he needed a copy to make it. I bet it’ll be awesome.”

“Yeah.” Vragon nodded. “It’ll be nice for her to have something like that for her room underwater. I’m glad we all came up with it.”

“Yep. All three of us. So, let’s go pick it up.” Jaron reached for the doorknob. “And theeeeeeeen.”

“Then what?”

Jaron gave Vragon a cheeky grin. “We go get errands.”

Sighing, Vragon smiled a little. “Couldn’t you have just gotten those done first?”

“And waste sleeping in? You’re crazy.”

Chapter 17

Spoiler:

Chapter 18
Sessions in Specious

The air felt quaint on Ciecro’s scales as he took slow, steady breaths. His eyes were closed and his arms angled in front of his body, claws closed. He thrust them forwards as he opened his eyes and snarled upon the feeling of synergy flowing all from his body into his claws. An orb of fire appeared in front of his claws, expanding as it fired a beam towards a large rock, resting on the other end of the hill.

The flames collided with the rock like violent waves on the base of a cliff. With a heavy exhale, Ciecro shifts his right leg back and spun his body, keeping his left arm focused on firing the flames on the large rock as he swung his right on the opposite side, making a straight line with his arms. He snarled as he felt the strain of a second Flamethrower fly from his right, colliding with another boulder.

Muscles tensing and breathing slowing, Ciecro endured the strain on his arms that burned like he was pushing two pillars away from him. Once he felt he was ready, he raised his head and open his maw, feeling the energy inside his body convert into flames in the back of his throat. With a roar in his mind, he unleashed the third Flamethrower.

A second later it crashed into a third boulder on the hill, only this time there was another noise aside from the crackling of flames.

“Dyaaaa!”

Ciecro’s eyes went wide with surprise and horror. He dropped his arms and ceased firing his moves as he looked forwards, managing to spot some blue ball tumbling down the hill making a bunch of painful grunts.

Oh sh*t! His body burst to life, forgetting its fatigue from the endurance work out, and hurried down the hill after the poor victim of surprise and gravity. Eventually, the figure stopped at the bowl base of the hills nearby and Ciecro was a mere few seconds behind, the whining in his muscles catching up with him as he stopped right next to the poor guy.

“Sorry abou’ dat, sir. Are yah a’ight?” Ciecro asked with a hasty panic in his tone as he looked for an arm or something to grab on to help the living ball of blue up.

“I’m alright, Ciecro. Just didn’t expect you to fire at me, heh.”

The Charmeleon tilted his head and then the voice clicked. “Oh, commissioner.” He tensed up, his arms frozen at his side, completely void of their earlier desire to help as the Seismitoad got back to his feet.

“I guess it was pretty obvious that stone I was standing in front was for your training. Guess I’m getting slower, heh.” The Commissioner’s hearty chuckle eased Ciecro’s tension, pretty much like a bellowing lullaby.

Ciecro rubbed his head, but instead of a laugh, he looked at the side with a frown. “Sorry fo’ almos’ burnin’ yah. I shoulda been mo’e-”

“Oh no, no, no. The fault was mine” The Commissioner patted Ciecro on the shoulder giving a smile that backed up his statement. The Seismitoad started rubbing his bald head. “It doesn’t feel too bad. Us Seismitoad’s have a good, squashy buffer after all. And your old Humphrey happens to be part of a long line of bulky defen-…?” Suddenly, his rubbing turned into patting. “What the?”

“Sir?” Ciecro raised a brow as the Commissioner started glancing around.

“Oh! There it is.” He reached down for a worn but durable, cabby hat that exuberated a woody green that matched his town ranger band. A sigh followed as he started dusting it off on his arm. The amphibian glanced at Ciecro’s slightly lowered head and smiled as he put his hat back where it belonged. “Again, not your fault Ciecro. Though, not gonna lie, you seemed to handle yourself pretty well under all that move strain.”

Ciecro’s eyes snapped up to his elder’s.

“Those were pretty big rocks after all. You carried those from that one lake shelter spot, right? The one you and your friends hang out at sometimes?

Ciecro crossed his arms and looked to the side. “Y-yeh.” The Charmelon fought against wanting to smile, though he couldn’t help relaxing his posture at the compliment.

“Wow, and then you went into just three move endurance training? Heh, really makes me miss my youth. How long were you planning to keep those flames going?”

“Uhh…” Ciecro paused, debating on if he really should say the time, but eventually gave in to his conscious. “Fifteen minutes.”

Humphrey whistled, looking back up at the rocks. “Damn, keep training like that and you’ll be blowing flames the size of buildings no problem at all.”

“It’s not dat impressive.”

“Not impressive? Now, come on, don’t be so modest. The fact you’re fit enough to aim for fifteen minutes of three flamethrowers at a good throttle from three parts of your body? Why a kid your age being told to do something like that would think it torture.”

The Charmeleon’s body tensed at the thought. It wasn’t that he wasn’t flattered by the compliment, but power like that shouldn’t be for someone so young. He wasn’t ready for that kind of power after all. But then again, that’s one of the reasons he chose to be a ranger. His mulling was interrupted by once more being the subject of a question.

“Are you alright? You seem tense.”

Ciecro glanced back at him for a second. The smile on Humphrey’s face had shifted to a neutral if not curious gaze.

“I’m okay. I should geh back’ta trainin’. Sorry again, Commissioner.”

“Hang on a second.”

Ciecro paused, his claws tightened. Dread filled his soul as he closed his eyes and waited for Humphry to say what he was guessing the Seismitoad would say.

“You shouldn’t push yourself too hard, boy. Is…this all for that test you have in a week?”

The Charmeleon’s eyes opened to a scowl. “Yeh.” Ciecro turned around, shoving his frustration away to display a determined, but respectful returning gaze. “I ju’ wanna make sure I’m ready fo’ it.”

Humphry looked back up the hill. “You know. Jaron told me you were up early training today. His indication seemed to imply this has been a pattern for you recently.”

Great… Ciecro wanted to get annoyed by this, but it was just something he could see Jaron doing.

“He’s worried about you. Look, Ciecro, I know the aptitude test is important, but you have been training awfully hard for it I imagine. You sure you need to keep on going so hard for it?”

“Of course,” Ciecro answered. “An’ I geh he’s worried an’ all, bu’ dis test is impohtent. I wanna pass it.”

Humphry rubbed his chin, giving Ciecro a skeptical gaze that confused the younger mon. “What does section B7 of the Ranger’s manual all about?”

“Uh…” Ciecro’s moved his eyes up, thinking for a second. “Referin’ tah General transpoht regulations. Heavily focused on outta town an’ mahketable goods.”

Humphry crossed his arms. “Good. What about what to do when coming across someone in peril?”

“Repoht it tah HQ if yah can. Go assis’ withou’ riskin’ yah or dah other mon. Handle dah situation as best yah can based on dah emergency rangeh guidelines fo’ dah specific scenario.”

Humphry leaned in closer, shifting his fists to his side and smirking at Ciecro. “What event was what caused the reformation of Section F11 of the rangers manual?”

Ciecro scowled, stepping forwards once and moving his head just below Humphry’s. “A gang boss, named Yukon Ezmo dah Fourth, utilized in-town storage units tah steal wares from merchants undeh dah guise of weatheh damage. So now such goods are kept in a rangeh guahded storage location.

Humphry pulled back, giving a hearty laugh. “Wow, it took you no time at all to get those. Geez, if that’s your quiz part, I shudder to see what the sparring you could do.”

A flush of red filled Ciecro’s cheeks, albeit very hard to see red. His head moved to the side with a scowl. “Doesn’ mean somethin’ won’ happen durin’ dah exam.”

“True, but give yourself some credit, Ciecro. You’ve worked really hard. You can afford to give yourself some slack amid this. After all, even you shouldn’t overwork yourself.”

“I’m no-…” A heavy sigh followed as Ciecro rubbed his arm. “I’ll be okay. I know yah an’ Jaron are worried, bu’ I jus’ wanna be sure.” Out of the corner of his eye, he could tell Humphry wasn’t pleased by the answer, a frown forming on the Seismitoad’s face.

I jus’…if I study an’ prepare up until dah test, I should be fine. Like…I can’t fail it, so I’ll do wha’ I need tah. His eyes narrowed and he felt his right fist tighten. I’m sorry, sir. Bu’ I can’t slack on dis. It’s too impohtant tah jus’ half-ass it.

“Ciecro?”

The Charmeleon looked up. “Yeh?”

Humphrey turned towards the direction of town, his smile returning on his face as he looked back. “Since it’s nearing lunchtime, how about we head into town and get a bite to eat.”

Ciecro’s stomach growled at the offer, making him awkwardly try and fail to suppress a smirk. Humphry laughed, prompting Ciecro to give in to his elder’s request. “Heh, guess it wouldn’ hurt.” He turned around and proceeded up the hill to get his bag. The smirk on his face vanished as an uncertain scowl formed. I hope he ain’ plannin’ on doin’ it now.

Once the bag was thrown over his shoulder, he took a second to gaze at the view in front. Dough…if we are doin’ it today. I hope she isn’ as obsehvent today.

Ciecro felt his stomach growl as he stood in front of a wooden building, dwarfed by its neighbors. It bore the impression of an abandoned structure, repurposed into a small time homely feel. What it lacked in decorations or exterior colors was made up by a local legacy. After all, not everyone could make such a rundown-looking dump a popular visit from everyone in the time Dolly had.

He could almost taste some food in his mouth, but as ready as his stomach was, the boy hesitated. It wasn’t hard to guess the other reason why Humphry was bringing him here and it bothered him like a group of gossipers at a nearby table clearing talking about you.

Ciecro about jumped at Humphry patting him on the shoulder. Thankfully, the Seismitoad was too engrossed in staring at the door with a glutton look in his eyes. “Dang, whatever is in there smells good. Come on, boy, let’s go.”

Humphry went on ahead, leaving Ciecro to his thoughts. The boy’s head fell, scowling as he shook his head. Jus’ forgeh it. Mustering himself from distracting thoughts, the Charmeleon walked up to the door, slightly open from Humphry’s lack of shutting it properly.

The door creaked open as Ciecro stepped inside, the color of the interior slowly becoming more detailed as his eyes adjusted to the dimmer emura lighting. He slung his bag over his shoulder as he walked forwards, spotting Humphry already at a bar on the far end, his eyes focused on Humphry and a Kangaskhan cleaning a cup with a white rag.

“Ah, morning Ciecro.” The Kangaskhan said with a smile that almost warmed the atmosphere of the room.

“Guess we picked a good time to visit, huh?” Humphry said with a grin, sprawling over his bar like he was in his own home.

“Yep, Mister Hummel.” Dolly set the cleaned glass on the counter and locked a glance with the Seismitoad.

Her comment prompted Ciecro to stop and browse the room. Sure enough, there wasn’t another soul in there. “Business slow?” he inquired, weaving around the last few tables that separated him from the other two at the bar.

“Nah, it’s usually slow after breakfast and before lunch. Plus, with market season going on, who’d want to spend their lunch eating the same old food?” Dolly chuckled in such a way that made Ciecro unsure of who she was jabbing at herself or her customers.

“Not sure why dey wouldn’.”

“Why thank you Ciecro. What a nice thing to say.”

Instantly, he grumbled and looked at the side, regretting his comment. He set his bag down and scooted a stool over and sat down, lowering his eyes at the bar as Dolly spoke again.

“Someone’s grumpy today.”

Ciecro didn’t reply.

“Yeah, I interrupted his training so I decided to get him an apology lunch.”

Grumbling at Humphry blurting it out, the Charmeleon sighed and leaned on his arms resting on the bar.

“I see. Well, aren’t you the gentlemon. So what’ll I get you two?”

“Two sweet stirs, if you don’t mind.” Humphry glanced at Ciecro, who lazily grunted his approval.

The Kangaskhan nodded and turned around to take a pitcher from the counter. She then poured its golden liquid into a silver flask as she slightly turned her head, saying, “I’m surprised you two are up so early. I get training, but why are you up Mr. Humphry?”

Humphry scratched his chin as he answered, “Not by choice. The missus had things for me to get from market. She’s in one of those, fickle moods.”

Turning her head enough to look him in the eyes, Dolly asked, “She wanting to redecorate the room again?”

Humphry shook his head as a heavy sigh followed. “Worse, the house. Sometimes that female makes me want to dive into a puddle and stay there.”

Chuckling as she started scooping some powder in with the liquid, Dolly said, “True, but it would be she’s toadally worth the hassle, no?”

Ciecro smirked a little at the pun, but it went away as he heard a less than silent grumble from Humphry. The Seismitoad dragged his hand down his face with a look that implied he’d rather hear his wife’s nagging over Dolly’s stupid puns.

“What?” Dolly said, playfully sounding offended. “It’s funny.” She put a lid on the silver cup and began shaking it as Humphry sighed.

“Maybe to sad*sts like you, but for everyone else it hurts.”

“You wound me, good sir.” Dolly leaned back, smirking at the commissioner and saying. Her mischievous eyes met his flustered and confused ones. She then raised the cup high and then swung it down, making the liquid slosh inside. “And you shake me to my core.”

Humphry face-planted on the bar. “Just make the drink.”

Dolly laughed. “Now you’re just overreacting.”

Humphry lifted his head. “Look, would it kill you to not overdo it? I didn’t come here for a lame wordplay dressed up as a comedy.”

The Kangaskhan gasped with a big smile on her face. “Why Mister Hummel. What has gotten into you today? You’re normally much sweeter than this.”

Ciecro watched the two go back and forth, his mind drifting away from their verbal sparring. While the looming test was still at the forefront, he couldn’t deny that despite his earlier protests, he was glad to be here. The area here just gave a sense of relaxation, just like he was lying in a Misty or Grassy Terrain in a sea of clouds.

He rested his chin on his arms as he shifted his eyes in front, staring at the rows of spice containers and pipes that ran to the room in the back. His eyes lowered. I guess I could use a break. A little grin formed. As long as it’s ‘ere. Jus’ hangin’ out wit dah commissioner, Dolly, and Jaz….wai’… Ciecro sat up, causing the two to stop wherever in their argument they were to look at Ciecro startled. The Charmeleon looked at Dolly asking, “Where’s Jaz?”

“Jasmine?” Oh, I sent her to go get some things for me from market.” Dolly shrugged her shoulders. “No telling when she’ll get back.”

Ciecro sighed.

“Though knowing her it shouldn’t take her too, too long,” Dolly smirked Humphry’s way. “Then again, she has been doing her ranger training so no telling how that rubs off on her errand running abilities time-wise.”

Humphry scowled slightly and crossed his arms. “Hmph, are you saying I’m teaching her to run errands slow because I don’t have anything to show for now?”

“Maybe,” she said with a smart aleck smile.

“Well in case you haven’t noticed, ma’am, I’m on duty.” He gestured to the armband on his upper arm.

“Oh? Why do they have you working on a weekend?”

The smile returned on the Seismitoad as he puffed out his chest and pushed his fists to his sides. “Simple. Because as commissioner of the rangers of Perion Town. I am duty bound to keep this town safe from natural disaster to walking disaster.”

Dolly giggled at that last line. “Quite admirable, sir. But if anyone Khan do it, it’s you.”

The smile went away. “Need you try and pull a fast one on me?”

“I have to keep up the practice.”

“But that’s your third one.”

“I could do a fourth, but.” She suddenly raised her hand high and brought it slamming down onto the bar, causing both males to flinch. She took the lid off and slid two glasses in front, pouring a honey-colored liquid into both until they were filled to the brim. Gently scooting the glasses to them, she crossed her arms and with a warm, eye-shut smile said, “Dig in, boys.”

Ciecro took his into his claw and stared at the liquid inside for a second. He jolted as a second loud smack on the bar stole his attention. He noticed Humphry taking his hand away from the empty glass. Already? He looked up at the Seismitoad, who was licking his non-existent lips with his tongue.

“You could at least savor it for a second,” Dolly chided as Humphry raised a finger with a confident grin.

“It’s how I eat, Ma’am.”

Dolly pushed a hand on her waist and raised a skeptical brow. “Remind me again why it’s your wife that drives you crazy.”

“Now, now, I mean it. Us Seismitoad’s have some of the best taste buds out there. Why they may as well be lining down my throat for how long the taste lingers even from a simple swig.”

“Really now.” She leaned her cheek on her propped-up fist, not exactly impressed by the fact nor it being an excuse. “Well can you tell me what your super taste buds say about the drink?”

“That it’s nothing but delicious,” he answered with an affirming nod. “I’d like another if there’s still some left in that mixer. But only enough for half a glass. Lunch is on the horizon.”

“Sure thing!” Dolly said with a chipper tone and wink. She reached for the mixer and tipped it over till the golden goodness had filled the glass up halfway.

Ciecro finally looked back down at his untouched drink. His stomach begged him to partake and he complied, raising the glass to his mouth and opening his maw wide for it to flow right in. His eyes shut as he felt his taste buds spring to life with the pleasing sensation of a sweet caramel flavor running down his throat.

He set the cup down with a pleased smile, licking his chops as he hummed a, “Mmmmmmm.”

“Guess we have another satisfied judge. Glad to know I haven’t lost my touch.”

Ciecro nodded. “Like yah eveh could.”

“You flatter me.” Dolly leaned on the counter, looking at the two. “Well, is there anything else, boys, or is that all?”

“Actually, there is something else.”

Ciecro growled in his mind as he sprawled on the bar, dipping his snout into his arms. ‘Ere we go.

“I was wondering if we could go ahead and do Ciecro’s session for the day.”

Dolly looked at Ciecro. “Uh, alright. You up for it, Ciecro?”

The Charmeleon wanted to just answer ‘No’, but he knew that it’d just go down the hole of ‘why’ so he just sat back up and sighed. “A’ight.”

“Good. Though.” Dolly tilted her head. “Are you feeling alright today?”

“Fine…”

“You don’t look fine to me.”

Her words felt patronizing to the boy. The Charmeleon, looked at the side, avoiding her knowing gaze as if it was a blinding light.

“Are you sure we should do it now?” He heard her ask.

“May as well. No one is here and no telling if we’ll all be in this one place later today.”

“Fair point.”

“Are yah sure we can’t do it lateh?” Ciecro asked, though deep down he knew that Humphry was probably right. “I’ve got trainin’ tah do an’ I’d rahter do somethin’ productive.”

“Are you saying this isn’t productive?” Dolly leaned in closer, a more serious look appearing on her face.

“I’m sayin’ I’m not in dah mood tah feel wohse an’ make it hahdeh on myself fo’ today.”

Dolly shut her eyes. “Ciecro, I know it’s…demeaning in a way to have these, but it’s important you be honest with us about your struggles.”

His eyes shut, wishing the sound would vanish along with the color. “I jus’ have things tah do an’ really not in dah mood fo’ it.”

“Ciecro.”

The authority in Humphry’s tone sent a chill through Ciecro’s spine as he scowled firmly.

“I don’t have to remind you that you got off lucky.” The stool squeaked as the Seismitoad shifted on it. “I also sympathize with you, but you know these sessions aren’t here to make you feel bad about yourself, they’re here because we genuinely want to help prevent you from doing something you’d regret.”

Ciecro swallowed, his insides quivering as if he’d eaten something bitter. His eyes lightly opened, staring off to the far end, the colors all folding into a blurry image in front as a melancholy mood took hold of his heart. They were right. They’ve always been right and he just didn’t like to hear it. It was his own fault he even had to have these sessions in the first place.

With that in mind, he sat up, took a deep breath, stared down at the bar with a frown, and said, “I jus’ wan’ dat day tah come already.”

“What day?”

“Dah Rangeh Aptitude test. It’s on Uxiday.”

Dolly cupped her hand under her chin. “Today’s Lunday so counting today….five days away?”

Ciecro answered with a lazy nod. Despite the big day being a little under a week, it always felt like it was just in a few hours and an eternity away at the same time. It was a dreadful feeling that made him just want to burst into the ranger station and demand he take the test now.

“Yeah, pre-test jitters are awful. I remember those very well, heh. But I passed.” Humphry brushed his nose with all the confidence of a young master test taker. He then patted Ciecro on the back. “And this boy here is far more prepared and smarter than I was.”

Ciecro leered at him.

“What?”

“Jus’ don’…” Ciecro plopped his head on his arms. Right now, he wanted to be busy doing what he needed to pass, not sitting here hearing ‘words’ as nice as they all sounded. Needing flattery was for the weak, at least he felt weak when hearing it. A soft sigh came from his maw as he continued. “I know I should pass…I will pass. It’s jus’…” His claws tightened as he concluded his thought with, I have to pass.

“Just what?”

Ciecro looked up as his gaze met Dolly’s concerned one. He felt a shiver in his throat, as he saw ruby eyes and an orange face. The hardness yet tender when needed feeling came up in the back of his mind as he looked at his mother’s face, only for his mind to finally get back on track and shift to Dolly’s brown face and brown eyes.

His heart didn’t slow down its beating. Stop it! A mixture of anger and embarrassment filled his soul as he got off the stool.

“Ciecro?” Dolly stiffened as the Charmeleon got his bag, trying to shove down all the rampaging thoughts and feelings in his head.

“I’m sorry. I jus’ can’t today.” He looked towards her but avoided looking at her face in case it happened again. “Can we jus’…do it anohter time?”

Looking at Humphry he was about to ask him too until he froze up. For a split second, he saw Gathor’s face too. His mind rushed back to that time before, to how he felt learning under the commissioner. Shutting his eyes, he fought his body’s urge to shiver as he waited for their answer. “Please…”

It felt like an eternity for him till Humphry said, “Alright. I understand.”

The boy let out the air in his lungs as he opened his eyes, scared the faces would be wrong again. “Thanks…fo’ dah drinks.” He copped a smile, albeit a clearly struggling smile as he turned around and headed out with the fastest walk he could muster.

“Wait, Ciecro, two more things.”

Ciecro stopped, turning around slightly as the Seismitoad got up from his stool.

“Jaron wanted to see you. He’s probably somewhere in the market.” The Seismitoad then grabbed his hat and tipped it a little. “And secondly. I know you’ll do fine.” A smile followed from Humphry that set Ciecro’s mind to unease due to what he saw earlier. He gave a hasty nod and made his way out.

As he stepped outside, he darted to the right and headed into the ally. He dropped the bag and just sank down to his knees, pressing his forehead against the wall and just breathed. His claws tightened into fists that pressed firmly against the wall. Jus’ stop it…stop! He wanted to smack the wall hard but controlled himself. I…I know dey want me tah pass. Dey know I will pass. I…I shoulda jus’ stayed. Well, guess I’ll go see wha’ Jaron wants. Shaking his head, he stood up and grabbed his bag. Pulling it over his shoulder, Ciecro started heading down the ally, his mind adrift.

What could he even say? That those two reminded him of his dead parents? That he wanted them to be proud of their son from Arceus’s place of peace away from this world? That he knew both sets of adults didn’t approve his actions before and he understood he needed to grow?

Nothing. Words never meant anything more than just what they were. His actions were needed then his actions were needed now. He understood they were worried and appreciated that, but…he also understood it was his own actions and lack of self-control that made them so worried in the first place. I jus’ need tah get pas’ dat test. Den I can take a rest.

He stopped as he saw a bit of light ahead and the sound of many voices all chattering about things. Main street, huh. Shrugging, he decided to head on it, looking around at all the stands with their bright colors contrasting the dirt at their feet and the buildings that surrounded the display. He turned left and started walking around as he looked on. Very busy dis season. His claws tightened. It’s been almost eight years. I remembeh we used tah keep askin’ tah see dah mahket’s in town an’ how dey’d tell us we couldn’. Dough…being able tah go intah town. Seeing dah mahket…it’s not as flashy as I always tought it was…I wish I could share dis wit’ dem. It feels so, pointless without someone else yah love ‘ere. Why would anyone wanna wade in dis sh*t alone? Mons get crazy dis season. Glad Jaron’s dah one dat handles dese tings. I doubt I’ll find’im soon in dis mess-

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice coming from one of the stalls. He turned and squinted at the spot, noticing a Croconaw talking with a Butterfree while a Fraxure watched the whole display. So, he actually got outta bed, dah dweeb. Ciecro smirked as he noticed the crest on the mon’s right shoulder, walking over as the conversation Jaron was having become easier to make out among the bustling crowd and other haggling going on.

“What do you mean you’re out‽ How can you be out? It’s not even noon yet.” Jaron stated, shaking in a way that some folks would say was, ‘on the verge of hopping mad’.

A Butterfree, wearing a market cloak that draped over her little blue hands, flapped her wings flustered. “I’m sorry, but I got a very good rush for that product earlier. I should have some more stock in a week…maybe”

Jaron facepalmed, grumbling something unsavory under his breath.

“It’s fine, Jaron.” The Fraxure next to him comforted the Croconaw. “I’m sure we can find some somewhere else.”

“Ugh, but she liked that smell the most out of all the soaps they dish out here. Why the hell does that lake dweller have to enjoy such a specific selection of scented soaps like-…” Jaron looked at a sign and read aloud, “‘Siphonia Mountain Daffodils.’ Where the hell even is this mountain?”

“Amestria.”

“How do you know that?”

Vragon gave him a ‘really’ look and sure enough, Jaron rescinded.

“Alright, fair point.”

Ciecro got a little chuckle out of the scene as he walked over. “Hey dweebs.”

The two looked at him, their frustrated looks shifting to wide-eyed smiles.

“Ciecro!” Jaron exclaimed, hugging Ciecro like he forgot they were in a crowded street.

The Charmeleon, on the other hand, didn’t forget and promptly moved him back, rolling his eyes as he grumbled, “Geez, Jaron. Wha’ are yah, five?”

“You’ve been gone all day, you jerk.” Jaron huffed, crossing his arms and raising his snout from Ciecro. “I think me hugging you is to be expected. Plus, I’m having to do all the errands today because you weren’t home.”

Ciecro shrugged and adjusted his arm so it held the back over his shoulder. “Did yah get’er gift ready?”

Jaron’s grouchy face shifted to his signature grin. “Yep. We should get it in a few days.”

The Charmeleon nodded, eyes now turning to Vragon. “Why are yah ‘ere? Decided tah stop early?”

“Yeah.” Vragon sighed. “Just lost the motivation to keep going thanks to somebody.” He leered at Jaron, who smirked at him. “So I decided to help him get the errands done.”

“Wha’s left?”

“Nothing. They don’t have the soap she wanted.” Jaron shook his head. “Damn, I knew I should have gone here earlier.”

“Well, if we had, we would have missed out on those candles she likes.”

“True.” Jaron uncrossed his arms and looked back at his backpack. He shifted it up a little as he grumbled, “why is market season such a bitch?”

“I don’t know. But since we’re done, I guess we should head back.”

Ciecro turned and started walking off. “Well den have fun I guess. See y’all at dinneh.”

“Wait, where are you going?” Jaron asked, prompting Ciecro to stop and look back at his brother.

“Tah go get some lunch an’ den continue trainin’.”

“Uhmm…can I ask you for something?”

“What?”

Jaron fiddled with his backpack straps, as his head lowered. “I could use some help working on my Technical Machine Administrator. I’m getting really close to finishing the core part and I’d like to get it done before Aunt Dresha’s birthday.”

Ciecro did a half-grumble half-sigh as he stared at the sky, saying. “If yah need someone tah hold dah thing, why not jus’ ask Vray tah do it?”

“Ciecro…” Jaron replied, annoyance in his tone.

Looking down at Jaron as if he was being challenged, Ciecro said in a firmer tone. “I’ve got trainin’ fo’ dah test tah do. I can’t spare time workin’ on yah projects.”

“Then can we come train with you? I want to help you be ready.” Jaron asked, a smart aleck grin forming on his face.

The Charmeleon didn’t budge in face nor posture. “Don’cha hafta drop dah stuff yah bough’ off?”

“But…well.” Jaron’s claws tightened on the straps as his head lowered, thinking about how to answer that. “We can just all go eat lunch, then drop off the items, then go and do training. How’s that?”

Ciecro’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Look, I’m not in dah mood fo’ walkin’ a lot mo’e den I need tah an’ dis trainin’ is fo’-”

“Come on, Ciecro, please.” Jaron scowled at him. “You’re always training and get home too tired to do stuff. I know your test is important, but I can help you get ready for it today. Just for today.”

“Now Jaron-” Ciecro paused mid-sentence as he saw Jaron stiffen up, the scowl growing a little weaker as the clear desire to spend some time showing through the subtle yearning in his eyes. The Charmeleon thought back to when Jaron was still a Totodile.

He really does still have dat baby face. He chuckled in his head as a small smirk formed. I guess it wouldn’ hurt. Looks like he needs it. Ciecro nodded. “Okay, yah can train wit’ me.”

Jaron’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Thanks bro.”

“Guess I could use some help preparin’. Getting’ borin’ trainin’ by myself.”

“Training as in sparring right?” Jaron inquired, Ciecro answering with a nod.

“Obviously, Jaron,” Vragon butted in with a smug grin. “You expect Ciecro to be studying in the fields with books?”

“Shut up, Vray.”

Smirking, Ciecro twisted his head to look down at Vragon. “Obviously, Vragon. Yah expect tah help me get sparrin’ practice wit’ dose weak muscles of yahrs?”

“Hey!” Vragon snapped. “What was that for?”

“You deserved it.” Jaron teased.

“Screw you!”

Ciecro shook his head as he got between the two before they got into another word or fist fight. “Bitch lateh. Lez jus’ hurry up an’ get some food an’ drop dose things off so we don’ waste dah day. Wanna save some time fo’ Vragon’s trainin’ while we’re at it.”

The two paused for a few seconds before nodding.

“Yeah. I am hungry,” Vragon said, putting a claw on his stomach.

“Come on! If we finish lunch before noon we should have plenty of time for both training regiments.”

The two boys nodded at each other and hurried off to the nearest stall with food on it, Ciecro following behind at a casual stroll with his back over his shoulder and a smug gleam in his eyes.

Maybe comin’ tah town wasn’ a bad idea, Commissioner.

Chapter 19
Outside Your Peace

Ciecro held his arms in front in a basic stance position, fists clenched and breathing slowed. He turned his head slightly, focusing his attention on Jaron, on his right, rushing towards him. He could tell Jaron wasn’t going at a full sprint, either due to them being on a hill’s incline or just relying on Vragon to deal with the first strike from the other side.

He smirked as he faced right completely and rushed at Jaron, claws at his sides as the two brothers rushed each other. Ciecro feinted to swipe left but then tumbled with his entire body to swing his tail at Jaron as they neared a collision.

However, the Croconaw was nimble enough to jump away and roll on his side, quickly placing his left claw into the dirt to halt his momentum.

The Charmeleon did the same, stopping his body upright with his right claw, but he quickly used his left to parry Vragon’s incoming strike so it grazed past him. He then shoved his head and torso into Vragon’s back, sending the Fraxure flat on his face.

“Ack!” Before Vragon could get up, Jaron hopped over him to bring down a slash of his claws onto Ciecro, but the Charmeleon darted right. The two began to run up the hill as the Fraxure got back to his feet, following at a slow-paced jog.

Ciecro was getting close to the summit when he felt a claw slice swipe onto his leg. “Gah!” He quickly fell into a roll and twisted his body so he came up facing the other way as he raised his arms, just in time to catch Jaron’s follow-up slice.

He snarled as he felt his brother’s claws begin to dig onto his scales. Unfortunately, despite being stronger than Jaron, his brother had the vantage point and was pressing his weight firmly down on Ciecro preventing his escape.

I don’ have enough time. Ciecro roared as he pushed with all his might, temporarily throwing off Jaron’s attack, and swiftly grabbed Jaron’s claws; attempting to throw him off guard.

Jaron quickly stepped back, using his tail to help brace himself from falling over as the two boys began doing a power struggle with their arms.

“Go for it, Vray!” Jaron shouted as he pushed harder, giving the Fraxure time to strike. Unfortunately, Ciecro had an avenue for escape, that being to fall back into Jaron’s push and kick him overhead. “Dya!” Jaron exclaimed as he landed on his back with a thud.

“Jaron!” Vragon said in surprise, halting his charge.

Ciecro quickly got back to his feet right as the Fraxure looked at him. The Charmeleon gave a co*cky grin and spread his arms wide, inviting the intimidated Fraxure to try his luck.

Vragon took a deep breath and rushed Ciecro’s position, going for cautious swipes that were all parried by Ciecro’s arms. The Charmeleon snickered to himself as he suddenly caught one of Vragon’s swipes, making the Fraxure gasp and yanked the boy towards him. Vragon’s beak collided with Ciecro’s chest.

“Oof.” Right as Vragon pulled back, reaching for his snout, Ciecro grabbed Vragon by the shoulders, spun him around, and then he grabbed Vragon by the underarms.

“What‽ Dya!”

Chuckling, Ciecro heaved Vragon above his head, leaning back on his tail for support. He quickly moved a foot forwards as he shifted one hand to grab near Vragon’s lower back, right above the tail, while the other side to the armored back near the neck.

Ciecro smirked to himself as he held Vragon above his head. “How’s dah view?”

“Put me down!” Vragon snapped, flailing about in the air, unable to lay a scratch on Ciecro.

As fun as it was keeping Vragon suspended like that, Ciecro could see Jaron getting back up on his feet. So, he granted Vragon’s wish, by tossing him at Jaron, who cushioned Vragon’s fall. The two boys tumbled onto their backs, both groaning.

“The hell, Ciecro,” Jaron snarled, sitting up.

“Heh, kinda got carried away,” Ciecro smirked and walked up, offering his hand, which Jaron accepted it though he was still scowling.

“I’ll say you did,” Vragon growled, sitting up and rubbing his head. “I could have landed on one of Jaron’s scale spikes you jerkass.”

Ciecro shook his head. “Yah’re tougheh den dat. Or do yah mean tah say yah’re jus’ a baby.” He held his hand out to Vragon, who begrudgingly accepted it.

Once all three boys were on their feet, Ciecro took a few steps away and turned around. “A’ight. Resume.”

“Are you serious?” Vragon said with a dumbfounded look. “How are you not tired?”

“Bitch later, Vray.”

“Hey!”

“Look, we can take him. Just stop whining and let’s reform our strategy.”

Vragon grumbled but complied as the two stared down the confident Charmeleon. The Fraxure took a deep breath and shut his eyes for a second in thought. “We need to strike at the same time.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Jaron grinned as the two boys split up and began walking to Ciecro’s sides, Vragon at the higher elevation and Jaron at the lower one.

Ciecro adjusted his stance to low guard as he glanced from one to the other before finally having to choose Jaron to keep his attention on. Jus’ like dah staht. He muttered in his head. Dough, dey migh’ try somethin’ sneaky. Bes’ be prepared fo’ dat.

A few seconds later, Jaron lunged towards Ciecro at full spring, causing Ciecro to tense his muscles. Grapple ‘im fihst an’ avoid Vray. “Oof,” Ciecro grunted as Jaron rammed right into him, pushing Ciecro back though the Charmeleon had a good lock on Jaron’s head. He could hear Vragon running behind him and thus immediately fell left, feeling the minor sting of Vragon’s claw grazing him.

“What?” He heard Vragon exclaim as he fell down the hill, pulling Jaron with him into a tumble. Ciecro then let go, shifting his claws to grab the ground and stop himself as Jaron tumbled down for a little while longer.

“Get back here!” Vragon shouted, lunging for Ciecro to tackle him, but Ciecro flicked his tail, smacking Vragon on the side of his face and causing him to stutter to the side. He seized his chance and lunged for Vragon, shunting him right as the Fraxure faced him and causing Vragon to start tumbling down the hill with painful grunts mixed between the rolls.

Right as he turned to confront Jaron, his eyes widened as Jaron was right upon him. “Ack!” He was sent sprawling onto his back, the Croconaw on top of him. Ciecro raised his arms to shield his face as Jaron scratched at Ciecro viciously.

Finally, Ciecro got his bearings once he saw an opening. He pulled his legs up as best he could, snaking his tail up onto Jaron’s head.

Jaron gasped at the surprise distraction, giving Ciecro all he needed to push Jaron off and turn the tables. The two went tumbling down again, rolling over a recovering Vragon as they kept going and going until reaching the bottom.

Ciecro used his strength to pin Jaron at the bottom, panting heavily as he shut down Jaron’s attempts at struggling.

A few snarls and desperate attempts to free his hands later, Jaron went limp, panting as he sighed. “Alright, you win.”

Ciecro nodded and got up, pulling a disappointed Jaron up. “Hey, yah almos’ got me.”

“Yeah.”

Seeing Jaron’s downer mood, he patted the Croconaw on the shoulder. “I mean it. Yah’re very good at keepin’ me on muh toes. Yah know me too well, heh.”

Jaron’s face perked up.

“Cool, great, I’m fine too by the way.”

Both siblings looked up the hill to see Vragon limping down, rubbing his side.

“Yeah, don’t worry. I don’t mind being rolled over by you two fatzos.”

“Aheh…sorry about that Vragon.” Jaron started up the hill. “Not much I can do when tumbling down with Ciecro on my case and mind.”

The Charmeleon was heading up after them, till he stopped at a stinging pain on his side. “Huh?” He glanced down and to his surprise, there was a long, but thankfully not deep cut. “When did I-?”

“Ciecro?” Jaron’s eyes widened as he spotted the wound. “What happened?” he cried as he rushed over, staring at it with horror.

“It ain’ dat bad.” Ciecro shrugged as Vragon joined them.

“Maybe not, but you’re bleeding and it is long.”

The sound of Vragon clearing his throat garnered the two’s attention. “Well, I suppose it’s my turn to shine, no?”

“Huh?” Jaron looked at the wound and then back at Vragon. “Are you sure? It’s a bit big.”

“No worries. Besides, it was probably because of these bad boys that it happened.” Vragon tapped on his right tusk.

Heh, well fine. Yah can show off if yah wanna. Ciecro nodded as he let Vragon walk up and touch his wound. Jaron made a little squeak of a protest that was instantly shut down by a faint yellow light glowing from the spot Vragon touched Ciecro.

The Charmeleon closed his eyes and smiled as he felt the calming sensation in his side. His stinging began to subside.

“There we go.” Vragon pulled back, however, he suddenly began to stutter a little.

Jaron was immediately on the case, quickly latching his hands on Vragon’s shoulders to steady the disoriented boy. “You alright?”

“Yeah, thanks.” Vragon blinked a few times as he glanced at Ciecro. “Hey, can we pause training for a bit? I’m kind of drained after that fight and healing your wound just now.”

“Sure. Let’s get some wateh.” Ciecro and Jaron helped the tired Fraxure up the hill as they all sat down around Ciecro’s sack. Taking out the canteen, Ciecro offered it to Jaron who instantly took it and chugged down a few gulps.

“Mmmm…” Jaron took it from his maw, shaking his head rejuvenated as he offered it to Vragon. “Thirsty?”

“Very.” Vragon snatched it and began gulping down his needed share.

Meanwhile, the Charmeleon was feeling the spot where the cut used to be. The scales on there were as good as new, with the only indication of the cut being some minor blood smudges.

“Geez, Vragon, save some for Ciecro.”

Looking back at Vragon, Ciecro saw the Fraxure’s eyes go wide as he took the canteen from his mouth.

“Aheh…whoops.” Vragon did a weak little laugh as he handed the canteen to Ciecro. It felt light and when he tipped it over, barely enough liquid to fill the base of a cup poured down onto the grass. The two gave Vragon a half-shut gaze as the Fraxure sighed.

“Sorry, I was just really thirsty.”

“Dang it, Vray.” Jaron sighed and shook his head. “You shouldn’t have healed him fully.”

“Hey, it’s not like I knew I was going to be so parched. Look, I’m sorry.”

“Come on, you know that when you heal wounds bigger than a scrape you get all disoriented and sh*t.”

“I’m not fragile, Jaron. I can take healing some dumb cut.”

Jaron’s eyes looked to the side. “I know…it’s just…Well-”

“Oh don’t even start.” Vragon stood up and glared down at Jaron, startling the other two. “If this is about that one time, well forget it.”

“Like hell to that.” Jaron scowled as he stood up as well. “You were out for hours and you didn’t even heal the guy’s face fully. Like, we have to go at this slowly, not just shotgunning it when we don’t even know what Gift you have.”

The Fraxure’s gaze lowered towards Ciecro’s side, staring at it with a bitter expression.

Ciecro’s gaze fell too as he thought, Yeh…he wound up bein’ ou’ cuz of me bein’ stupid an’ lettin’ my angeh take control. He sighed in his mind as he looked up at Vragon. “Vray.”

The Fraxure shifted his eyes to meet Ciecro’s. The topaz iris emanated a look of resistance although Ciecro could see that behind it was a weak foundation. He nudged his head towards Jaron and the Fraxure reluctantly looked back at the younger sibling.

Ciecro looked too, seeing Jaron’s stern face now one of understanding and sympathy.

“Look, Vray. I’m not saying don’t use it. It’s just…” Jaron sat down, pulling some of the grass out as he tried to formulate his thoughts. “Gifts aren’t always just a net positive. Some have drawbacks or side effects that can hurt you or worse if you aren’t careful about it.” He looked up at Vragon, saying, “They’re not like abilities. They use synergy directly. Your synergy. My Wary. Ciecro’s Death Wrath. And whatever one you have, all of them rely on our power. And we don’t have infinite synergy to supply them.”

Vragon sighed, plopping down on the ground and shaking his head. “How am I supposed to learn more if we don’t experiment?” He reached out and pulled some grass too, albeit more roughly than Jaron. “The only thing I have to anything Clans related is you two and you two don’t even know too much about your own kind.”

Ciecro frowned a little. It sucked hearing those words, though he’d be lying if he didn’t feel the same. Glancing at the sea of prairie before them, Ciecro thought. Yeh…we don’ know much. Like who dose enemies were from back den o’ even wha’ Norfair is like.

“It’s not like we don’t want to know more about our heritage, Vragon.”

Ciecro glanced back to see Jaron eyeing Vragon with a frustrated scowl.

“Cool it with the passive aggression.”

“Your right. Sorry, that was uncalled for.” Vragon’s head fell with a guilty look.

“Yah fine,” Ciecro added, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. “We all don’ like bein’ in dah dahk abou’ it. It feels wron’.”

“I just…”

Ciecro opened an eye to see Vragon’s melancholy frown.

“I just want some headway. It doesn’t even have to be for my memories, just something. But…” he stared upwards at the clear blue sky with a few islands of clouds floating. Ciecro and Jaron also looked up as Vragon finished his thoughts. “I don’t think we’ll ever get those answers while we’re here.”

The silence felt heavy for the Charmeleon. This was why he didn’t like talking like this. All this moodiness and stuff would just cause awkward silence for a few minutes and nobody enjoyed that. Finally, he’d had enough and stood up. “Yah feeling refreshed, Vray?”

“Huh? Uhm…sure.”

“Good. I’m tired of talkin’ abou’ dis stuff. Let’s train.”

“Spoken like a true meat head.” Jaron chuckled.

“I’ll meet yah’re head wit’ my fist.” Ciecro punched into his palm, giving an intimidating grin.

“Heh, sure, sure. Shame it’s Vragon’s training session now.” Jaron chuckled as he stood up.

“Do we have to?” Vragon groaned, standing up as well.

“It’s important you’re capable of using your moves efficiently.” Jaron raised a finger, in a manner that was hard to tell if he was just trying to mock inquisitive personalities or just Vragon. “After all, how can one be expected to defend oneself if one doesn’t learn how to properly use one’s power?”

Ciecro shook his head. Yep…definitely mockin’ Vray.

Vragon seemed to get the message too and rolled his eyes. “I guess that’s true. There are dangers and all that. Though…”

The two watched in silent curiosity as Vragon stood there thinking for a moment.

“Do you guys….do you think those guys might come back one day?”

“What guys?”

“Those guys from your past. The Red Eyes.”

The brothers grew tense, scowling as if Vragon had said something insulting.

“W-what?”

Ciecro felt the flashbacks begging to be let into his mind again, but he forced them down. “Don’ worry. Dey aren’ gonna come.”

“But…how do you know?”

“We’re rural enough that it shouldn’t matter. They can stay the f*ck away for all I care.” Jaron leered in the direction of the town. “Perion Town is small, but I thank Arceus every day that it is like that.”

“But, what about learning more abou-”

“I don’t care.”

Ciecro raised a brow while Vragon stiffened up in surprise as Jaron glared at the two of them.

“If staying in a lackluster town like this keeps all that sh*t from coming into my life, I’ll gladly stay here. Who cares anyway, it’s not like being Norfarion nor that dumb Formula enhanced our lives at all.”

That ‘Norfarion’ part made Ciecro growl a little. Deciding to distract himself from venting at Jaron’s mindless venting, he looked over at Vragon and noticed the Fraxure’s face stared at the ground bummed. The fiery orange eyes of the Charmeleon took a more pitying look as he resonated with being upset at Jaron’s phrasing even if deep down, he agreed with Jaron. If he had to choose, he’d rather just stay here in the peaceful town than bother with anything outside, though, wanting to honor his parents’ heritage and thus his own was important as well. Though, the poor guy didn’t even know where to start, so in some ways he was the same as Vragon.

“So…we should be alright.” Jaron sighed. “We don’t have the formula, we don’t have any ties to Norfair, and we don’t have Seliph with us. All those things can just stay away and leave us alone.” Jaron crossed his arms and raised his maw.

A burning feeling rose in Ciecro’s chest as a slight snarl escaped his mouth. However, he quickly pivoted his gaze to Vragon as the Fraxure spoke up.

“But, what if something does happen? It’d help to at least know something.”

“Like what?” Jaron skeptically asked.

“I don’t know…jus-”

“Enough. Drop it, Vray.” The Fraxure stared at him in surprise as Ciecro clenched his fists and glared at the Fraxure. “Dah Red Eyes aren’ gonna look fo’ us. Dah Formula is long gone. An’ if Seliph was comin’ back fo’ us he’d have f*ckin’ done so years ago. Nothin’ out dere cares abou’ us, so I say f*ck it an’ focus on dah now.”

A second after his rant, Ciecro felt some guilt swell up in his heart. He’d practically told Vragon to stop looking into things, like his missing memory, which was a terrible thing to say. His arms sagged a little as he sighed, sympathizing with Vragon’s feelings but just being too done with this conversation to bother making amends. “Dis is why I said we should drop it.”

“Yeah….I’m sorry.” Vragon’s arms went over his stomach, one rubbing the other’s wrist softly like it too was sad.

Ugh… Ciecro walked over and patted Vragon on the shoulder. “Hey, as I said. No harm done.”

“Are…are you sure?”

“Yeah. Sorry for blowing at you there, Vray,” Jaron added, his signature grin returning. “But I’m with Ciecro. Let’s drop this depressing topic and focus on the fun stuff.”

Vragon smiled and shook his head. “Alright. Guess it is more fun to train with you meat heads.”

Rain poured on the window of a dimly lit office. An Obstagoon, wearing a sleek, black brim hat, was sitting at a desk, reading some map with a smug grin on his face. His eyes focused on the continent of Triacal, specifically a town on its eastern edge, ‘Crion City’. As his gaze traveled further eastward on the map, it came to a certain straight called ‘Valiance’ that was formed by the country Valendor to the north and the northwest portion of the continent Bermuda to the south.

He leaned in closer as he looked into Bermuda, showing various travel lines, all of which had been crossed out near their middle. A ‘Dong!’ sound scared him to sit up as he looked at the clock on his wall, an anxious glare covering his face. Damnit, what’s taking him so long?

Leaning on his propped-up arm, he started tapping his fingers on the desk. That runt better not have gotten caught. I swear, Harken will never- He stopped as he smelled something strange. Sniffing the air, a dark smile crossed his face. “Ah,” he got up and walked to the door and undid the bolt, opening the door to see, standing on a scaffolding overlooking a large warehouse, a Greninja drenched from the rain outside. He wore a sleeveless vest over a blank loose silk shirt that covered his shoulders and upper arms. Around his waist was a generic if not worn travel belt equipped with about four travel packs with even numbers on both sides.

The Obstagoon leaned on the door and smirked. “So, you have it?”

The mon nodded as the Obtsagoon backed up, ushering him inside but not before taking a brief look around at the closed-up, shipyard warehouse and shutting the door. “You didn’t see any ‘characters’ whil-”

“No.”

He paid the abrupt answer’s tone no mind and instead focused on the prize, he was in the business of material after all. “So…did you find it?” The Obstagoon inquired as he led the Greninja over to his desk and sat down on the wooden seat, which squeaked under his weight.

Walking over and taking a stick from the Obstagoon’s writing cylinder, the soaked stranger dipped it in the ink and proceeded to draw a link on the map. It started from a certain landing point in Northern Bermuda and traveled through, intertwining in areas until it finally met with the Western Ocean of ‘Friedne’.

Leaning over the desk, the Obstagoon asked, “That’s the route? What can you tell me about it?”

The Greninja set the stick into a liquid solution part of the cylinder and pointed to a certain spot. “Here. This is where they’re able to take their route safely. Since every other one pretty much has to go around the fighting areas, they capitalized on this path due to a certain deal made between them and some Rayquiem forts in the area.”

“Ah, so that’s how they get their goods through Bermuda. Heh, no wonder they’ve been making great time, what with avoiding the f*cking Valendor killjoys or Norfarion paranoid pricks.”

The figure tensed up a little but went on to say, “As for who these individuals are that can grant you some access. Here,” he pulled out a piece of paper tucked safely in a pouch and scooted it to the boss, who unscrambled it and began reading.

“Good. I’ll send this to Harken. He can get somebody down there to negotiate.”

“Are you sure he’ll be able to get an arrangement?”

“Sure, I’m sure.” The Obstagoon said with a slight tone of disappointment as he put the paper into his desk. “This is Harken we’re talking about. The mob boss has extensions, he’ll figure out a way. And who knows, maybe he can shut down the competition’s little deal as well. Two for one.”

“I suppose. But regardless, about my payment?”

“Sure, sure. Just one second.”

The shipping warehouse boss got up and went to a certain bookcase. Sliding it aside, he put his claws onto a metallic vault with an octagon pattern on the front. He then started pressing the patterns on it as the Greninja watched.

Slowly, the water type moved his left hand back, faint blue light forming on his hand that traveled down and began forming the base of a Water Kunai. His muscles stiffened and his legs bent slightly forwards, ready to lunge at the target he kept his eyes fixated on. The throat.

“Clank!” The door opened, causing the Greninja to relax and let his water kunai disintegrate before it was fully formed.

“There we go.” The Obstagoon hummed as he pulled out a certain orb from a pile of various things inside and set it on the desk for the other to grab it. “It wasn’t easy, but I managed to get the recording you wanted. For…” he scratched one of his fangs with a nail for a second, trying to think of a word to say. “Liabilities sake, I had to make the boss’s end of the conversation silent.”

The Greninja scowled.

“Hey, hey, but it’s there. I’m sure you’ll get all the information you need. You don’t need the boss’s end for that.”

“So you listened in on it?”

“What? No, as if I’d listened in on Harken’s business. I don’t have a death wish, like you do.”

The Greninja nodded and pocketed the orb in the same belt pack he pulled the paper out of.

“Shame that you’re playing with fire and all. What are these ‘Red Eyes’ to you anyway?”

“Nothing you should concern yourself about.”

“Fine, fine. Not like I have reason to pry.” The Obstagoon shrugged. “You’re a good dark worker and an even better night one, so you’ve earned your privacy.”

The figure nodded and turned to leave as the Obstagoon suddenly threw his arm around the Greninja’s shoulders and chuckled.

“Hey, since I like you, I’m going to give you some advice.”

“I’ll pass thank-”

The grip grew stronger, making the Greninja tense up. The boss’s smile faded to a neutral expression as he said, “Be careful. If you’ve got something to hide and it’s something to do with these Red Eyes, best make sure you never, ever give them an opening. I’ve heard things about the f*cked up things they could do to you and do alongside the mob bosses here in Triacal. If you’re going to pick a fight with them, you best be ready for them to bite back even harder.”

The Greninja’s eyes narrowed, filled with conviction or was it anticipation? “I’ll be careful.”

“Good!” The Obstagoon exclaimed with a happy pat on the back and a pleased grin. “Well, then I hope it helps. Because I know damn well this info of yours will do wonders for f*cking up our competition. Take care, Ricky.” He turned around and sprawled his arms over the desk, looking at the map with a devilish grin.

“Right…glad it will help.” The Greninja replied with a somewhat melancholy tone as he left, straightening his sleeveless vest and putting a hand over a pouch on his belt. The one that held his payment.

Chapter 20
Testing Barriers

Jaron sighed, tapping his writing stick on the table as he read over his ranger studies book. His eyes darted over to the clock. Five more minutes, he thought, looking back at his notes that were more like a blueprint outline of the lesson’s topics than actual jotting of class notes.

His eyes trailed over to the door. I hope Ciecro’s class didn’t let out early. A small scowl formed. Since his test is tomorrow, he’ll probably be way worse about his training than normal. I doubt I’ll see him at all tomorrow too. He has to be there early and I can’t be present at all at the station. He sprawled onto his desk, sighing into his arms. Though, I haven’t seen much of him at all this week. I think the only real time we ever got to ‘hang out’ was when he let us train with him Lunday. Jaron’s eyes shut. And since then it’s just been the same with him. Wake up too early, do his ranger classes which aren’t even in this damn building this week for Arceus knows why since I’m stuck here with this lecturer, come home, and go to bed early. Ever since he let us train with him on Lunday.

Twirling his writing stick in his hand, Jaron’s eyes followed the inked end of it as he mumbled in his mind, I just hope he’s still in class. This is the first time all week he’s had a class in this building and may be my last real chance to just be around him before the party.

A small scowl formed as he looked at the clock again. Ugh, can’t he just dismiss class already, who cares abou- His eyes went wide and his jaw fell open. What‽ How can it be five minutes past the hour? He glanced at the red Grapploct lecturer, currently going over some random rules in the Perion Region that nobody gave a sh*t about instead of looking at the easy-to-spot clock on the wall.

f*cking course he’d do this! Ugh, well I have to hurry so f*ck the formalities. Jaron raised his hand and gave a loud cough.

“Huh?” the teacher turned around.

“It’s five past four, sir,” Jaron said, pointing to the clock.

The teacher’s eyes followed Jaron’s arm. A squishy-sounding sigh followed as the teacher shut his book with one of his free tentacles. “Alright.” He faced the class, putting two of his tentacles on the desk one of which bore the green ranger band of Perion. “We’ll finish this section next session.”

Instantly, Jaron started putting away his stuff, while the teacher kept talking.

“Remember that your peers are taking their aptitude tests tomorrow so classes or training activities that day. Instead, I want you to read over the chapters for the next lecture on the weekend and be ready for discussion next Diald-” The teacher paused as the creaking sound of a door filled the room.

Jaron stopped midway through the crack, looking at the teacher, who was leering at him. He rolled his eyes, “Chapter 45 for Dialday. Got it.” And with that, shut the door behind him. Ugh, petty.

He shook his head as he walked to the middle of the station’s main lobby. His eyes glanced around at all the few mons that were either busy talking or getting their things together. At realizing Ciecro wasn’t among them, a dreadful feeling befell him. Oh no! He turned to look at an upper balcony and sure enough, he could see the door where Ciecro’s pre-exam class had been, open and likely empty. Arceus! Jaron slammed his foot on the ground. Of course, the stupid teacher would take too long this time of all times! He ranted on and on in his head as he shoved the front doors out of his way and stomped his way down the dirt pathway, ignoring any stares or giggles from anyone nearby.

f*ck that stupid class for making me late. Now I’m going to have to search everywhere to find hi-

“Hey! Jaron!”

“Huh?” The Croconaw turned around, eyes widening with surprise at who was walking towards him. They softened to a more neutral gaze as an Absol sat down in front of him, her white fur clean, her short claws sharp, and her face with a warm yet conniving smile. Jaron shut his eyes and turned to the side, adjusting his backpack. “Hey, Jaz…”

The Absol raised a brow and tilted her head, the tilt slightly exaggerated by the curved horn protruding from the side of her head and sharply pointing upwards. “You look like today absolutely sucks.”

Jaron glared at her.

Her eyes widened and then she facepalmed. “Sorry, I didn’t notice.”

“You’ve been around that Kangascum for too long.” Jaron crossed his arms, growling to himself.

“My, you’re really in a bad mood.” She got up and walked around him, looking down at him out of the corner of her eye. “Anything in particular, or is it just one of those ‘wrong side of the bed’ moments.”

“I got stuck overtime in class and that made me miss Ciecro today.” Jaron and Jasmine glanced back at the smaller station building they had emerged from. “And I really wanted to talk with him today.” Suddenly, his eyes widened and he shot a pressing look at Jasmine. “Did you see him today?”

She raised a paw to her chin, scratching it lightly with a roll of her claws. Her thin fur line waved in the wind that blew around them. “Well…I did see him in class but didn’t get the chance to talk with him. Most of the class had me busy with the pre-test stuff and a loose summary and right as class ended he was out the door before I could even blink.”

“Damnit.” Jaron’s head fell, gently moving up a little as a little bit of hope remained as he asked,” Did you at least see where he went?”

“Nope.” She shook her head. “By the time I got out, he was long gone.”

Jaron glared at the ground.

“Why do you want to talk with him now anyway? Can’t you just do it when he’s home?”

“No, because he’s being paranoid about that stupid test.” Jaron pulled the shoulder straps on his backpack as he walked onwards, his heavy steps matching his angry expression.

“That’s fair. I’m a little worried about it myself,” Jasmine said as she caught up to him, walking alongside with elegance, at least compared to Jaron’s stomping.

“Wish I could tell him he’s overreacting.”

“Well, I doubt he’d take that well.” Jasmine flicked her head and leaned her head in closer, giving the sour Jaron a friendly grin. “I know I wouldn’t.”

The tactic worked as Jaron cooled down a little and shifted to a more melancholy look on his face. “I know. I’m just…you know he’s been…well.”

“Yeah, I know.” Jasmine turned her head to look at the gate to the ranger station they were nearing. “Dolly told me he was stressed about it and training an awful lot for it.”

“Not just that.”

“‘Not just that’?” Jasmine repeated, stopping right under the archway as Jaron looked back at her.

“I think he’s bothered by something and I don’t know what. But I know it can’t just be the test.” Jaron adjusted his straps again as he looked directly up at the old wood above his head. “I can see it on his face every time.” The atmosphere felt chilly as if the wind had turned its temperature down and they had just noticed it. “I feel like I’ve seen him like it before. Like, around the time we started living with Aunt Dresha. I’m not sure how to describe it.”

“You think he’s thinking about Seliph?”

“I dunno. Maybe. But the day Seliph left us was a few weeks ago and he’s gotten over it by now. So why is it during this test he’s all...negative and not listening to anything people say to the contrary.” His head fell.

“That is odd. Maybe it’s just the test mixed with those feelings?”

“Maybe. I know we eventually gave up on Seliph coming back for us and he never did anything to contact us. I don’t even know if he’s alive anymore.” A small scowl formed as the air now felt heavy, the chilling feeling leaving Jaron as he felt heat building up inside. “I hope he’s not dead…but-”

Jasmine walked over. “I get it, you miss him.” A glare shot right up at Jasmine, catching her off guard.

“I do not.” Jaron snarled, turning around and stepping into the dirt street. “That jerk left us all alone, ordered us not to look for him, and never once even tried to get back in touch with us. It’s like he just vanished into thin air after saying, ‘Don’t look for me or you failed your parents’.”

“I…” Jasmine clawed at the ground awkwardly as Jaron watched her.

The Croconaw felt a little bit of shame build up in him, ranting at his friend about something as off-topic as some old memory from eight years ago and personal frustrations. It compelled him to apologize. “Sorry for that.”

“No, I get it. It’s just a weird image, given he helped you two get to Perion only to leave you both here and never try to talk. I just…well.”

Jaron shrugged. “If he does come back that’s what I want to ask him. I want to know why he never tried making contact with us again.” He rolled his neck. “Though…maybe it’s a good thing. I like my life here and I don’t want it all thrown apart.”

“I can feel that.”

Jaron nodded. He turned and started heading down the pathway along the brick wall of the station yard, waving and saying, “See yah later, Jasmine. Thanks for the-”

“Hey! Wait a minute!”

“Huh?” Jaron stopped as Jasmine pranced over to him, slight offense in her stare.

“You just going to leave me hanging like that? Don’t we always walk together to get Vragon from the Town Hall’s library?”

“Oh…uuuuhhhh” Jaron’s eyes shifted to the left, staring at the brick wall for some help. Come on, think of an excuse. “I…kind of…well.”

Jasmine raised a skeptical brow. “Spit it out.”

The Croconaw sighed, leaned close, and whispered, “Alright, it’s about the you know what.”

“Huh?” Jasmine turned her head towards the sky, thinking eventually looking back at him with a sweet smile. “Uhm…hint?”

“Don’t tell me you forgot about tomorrow!”

“Oh! The par-”

Immediately, Jaron shushed her. “What are you trying to do?” He growled at her, while she looked back at him with a far less serious look.

She held her head high and lamented with the least convincing frown Jaron had ever seen, “Oh no, now she’ll find out now that I’ve said the surprise in a random street, with random people crossing, far from the lake that she lives and can only travel in.”

“Okay, I get it,” Jaron huffed, rolling his eyes. She giggled, causing him to look at the buildings across the street with a less prickly frown. “I guess I overreacted a little, but still.” He faced her. “I want it to be a surprise and nothing to go wrong.”

“Relax, I’m just teasing you,” Jasmine said with a wink as she walked in front. “Besides, I’ve seen you draw more complicated blueprints for sandwiches than your plan for the party.”

“I guess…But I’ll be doing it mostly on my own since you and my brother are taking your test tomorrow and Vragon still has to work that day.”

“I feel yah.” Jasmine nodded, the two of them turning to look at the Town Hall, which thankfully wasn’t far from the ranger station. “So, as you were saying.”

“Oh right.” Jaron cleared his throat as they both started down the street towards Town Hall. “So, besides the surprise party, me, Vragon, and Ciecro all saved up to get her a nice gift. It should be ready today and Vragon was going to go pick it up.”

“Ah, I see.” What did you guys get her?”

Jaron opened his mouth to answer, but suddenly he closed it as a sly grin formed on his face. Jasmine’s expression shifted from curiosity to annoyance as Jaron crossed his arms, raised his snout just a tad, calmly shut his eyes, and said with a smart-alecky tone. “Well, what’s a surprise if not to be a secret?”

Jasmine grumbled. “Are you for real? I thought you were getting it for Miss Dresha.”

“Well.” Jaron shrugged and chuckled faintly. “If I were to tell you, that’d risk it potentially leaking out. I have to keep my bases well covered, Jasmine, it’s just the principle of being professional.”

“So it’s going to be like that, is it?” Jasmine huffed, stopping as they reached the large dirt ring around Town Hall.

“Relax, why not wait till you can actually see it,” Jaron said with a smile, turning around so he could see her unamused face while he continued around the circle.

“Hmph.” Jasmine puffed her chest and raised her snout.

It amused Jaron to see her agitated like that, so much so that he had to do his best to stifle any urges to rub it in. He was about to turn around until suddenly, a wave of dread filled his soul as he heard.

“So, you didn’t want me to go with you to pick up Vragon, because the gift is at the Town Hall, right?”

Jaron glanced back. “Uh…yeah.” He picked up the pace a little, Jasmine matching him as they kept crossing the circle while following its path counterclockwise, thankfully unobstructed by any traffic considering market season was still hounding the main streets with vendors and buyers.

“So that must mean you were using some local service at Town Hall to have this made. They don’t exactly do mail and all.”

Jaron grumbled as they rounded around, reaching the stone stairs as Jasmine kept theorizing aloud.

“It can’t be a book since water and paper don’t mesh well together and even if you found a way, I doubt you three would get her something so basic. You’d want to get her something you both know she’d appreciate, but probably something she could use too.”

Geez, would you just wait? Jaron ranted in his head, having to force himself not to tell Jasmine that directly. Shaking it off, he started up the stairs but stopped as a cold sense of dread filled his spine at the sound of a giggle. Jaron turned around and looked at Jasmine’s sly grin. If he could sweat, droplets would be falling like rain. “Jasm-”

Jasmine pointed at him with her paw. “You got her an engraving of a picture, didn’t you?”

“Wh-what?” Jaron’s jaw dropped.

“Well? Am I right?” Jasmine strode over, clearly already knowing the answer to the question but wanting to hear it from him anyway.

“N-n-no.” A flustered Jaron turned around, pulling up his straps, and briskly started up the stone steps. He cringed and felt his face flush red at Jasmine’s soft and arrogant giggle.

“Ah, so I am right.”

You’ll be right in the way of my fist if you don’t shuddup, Jaron threatened in his mind. A heavy sigh followed as Jaron finally caved in, turned around, and nodded with a scowl. “Alright, miss know it all. Happy you spoiled the surprise for yourself?”

“Yes, I’m quite happy I was very good at deducing through my witty reasoning.” Jasmine joined him on the step and sat down, rubbing a claw over her mouth as if she was stifling some laughter. “But I must admit something.”

Jaron raised a brow as Jasmine turned her paw upside down, scratching her chin as her eyes glanced upwards. “I have little idea what the picture actually is.”

“I think you’ve been guessing enough.” Jaron started up the steps, Jasmine closely following.

“Suppose you’re right.” Jasmine shrugged, her carefree tone irritating Jaron.

He lightly jiggled his as his eyes rolled in their sockets. ‘I’m Jasmine and I’m going to tell you about what gift you got as a surprise out loud for anyone to hear. Look at how awesome, smart, and cool I am.’ Geez, sometimes I hate her, especially when she rubs it in when she’s being ‘inquisitive’.

“Is it one of you three and her or of that picture on your mantle in your ro-?”

“Jasmine!” Jaron exclaimed angrily as he shunted the doors open and stomped in, paying no mind to anyone in the library’s reaction. “Can you wait five f*cking minutes?”

Jasmine zipped her lip, mainly because everyone’s eyes were now on the angry Croconaw and her, and they were hardly welcoming. Vragon was also looking at them, his expression not hostile but surprised and embarrassed.

“Ahehehehe…well just make sure it’s back in two weeks.” Vragon handed a book to a Jynx that was eyeing Jaron with a cold stare.

“Thanks,” She said, as she walked away from the counter, shaking her head and taking a quick glance at Jaron as they passed one another. “Just like his brother.”

Immediately, Jaron turned around and opened his mouth, but paused as he felt a touch on his shoulder. He turned to see Jasmine, shaking her head at him. The Croconaw let it out in one big exhale and turned around, Vragon greeting him with an encouraging smile.

“Hey, Vray.” Jaron bent his arm over the counter and leaned in. “You almost done so we can pick up the package?”

“Just about.” Vragon nodded as he disappeared under the counter. “She was the last one. Just gotta make sure everything is in order for my replacement.”

Jaron turned his head, glaring at the Jynx exiting the library. Jynx will never stop being ugly to me. He rolled his eyes.

“I thought you were going to let it go.”

“What, so I can’t be obvious I don’t like hearing what she said?” Jaron said, pulling back as Jasmine leaned in.

“More like, we’re on the verge of a shushing wave gone tidal if you don’t keep your voice down,” she whispered. The two didn’t bother to look at all the stares and instead just turned around to Vragon.

“Hey, if you want, why don’t you two go ahead an-?” Vragon paused, looking at Jasmine with a wide-eyed look.

Jaron sighed heavily. “It’s fine. Miss stupid here knows.”

Jasmine did a fake gasp, placing a paw on her chest. “My word.”

“Your word is ‘Quiet’ right? You already told me it,” Jaron sneered as he turned around. “Sure, I’ll go ahead and pick it up,” he mumbled as he went for the stairs.

“Okay, cool,” Vragon said, his tone dropping a little mid-enunciation.

Jaron didn’t bother waving or even turning his head. He could just feel all their stares at him. He had years to just get used to the normal ones due to him and Ciecro being foreign and their crests a dead giveaway to that, but these hostile ones he never thought he’d get used to. Ciecro’s not some punk. Clyde got what he deserved and Ciecro doesn’t deserve to be looked that way. Fine way to treat someone that’s going to become a ranger and protect your snobby little a-

“I’m sorry, Jaron.”

He ceased his ranting, glancing back at Jasmine, right as he put his claw on the stair’s railing. “Oh, don’t mention it,” he said, starting up the steps. His steps felt heavy as his head sagged slightly, thinking about his brother.

“I didn’t mean to upset you back there.”

“It wasn’t you. Just that stupid Jynx and everyone else.”

“Yeah…look, give it some time. People will stop caring about it in a year I imagine and it’s only been three months.”

“I know shouldn’t take it out on everyone and behave.” Jaron’s scowl shifted to a bothered frown.

“It was sort of my fault. I kept instigating you.”

“Yeah…” Jaron pulled his straps, keeping his claw there this time. “I don’t know how Ciecro stands it.”

“Hrm?” Jasmine leaned in a little as Jaron looked back and continued.

“Ever since he did that, he’s gotten probably three times the stares I’ve gotten. I bet people even gossip about him, but he takes it fine. Or well…pretends to.”

“‘Pretends’?” Jasmine tilted her head. “I mean, I bet it does bother him, but he seems to be good at handling stuff like that.”

“Too good.” Jaron’s scowl returned as they reached the top floor and started heading past the row of shelves and study tables. “He never really talks to me about anything and it’s ticking me off.”

Jasmine raised a brow. “Ciecro making you that upset?”

“Why shouldn’t I be?” Jaron retorted, making Jasmine flinch back. While she immediately looked around at anyone about to shush them, Jaron flung his head forwards uncaring about whose reading time he bothered. “We’re brothers and there’s something bothering him. He won’t tell me a thing and is being his stupid, quiet self. I hate when he keeps secrets from me over some stupid ass reason he never talks about. It’s just obvious excuse-making and this test is no exception.” Jaron’s eyes lowered. “He used to tell me everything especially when we were still new here. He…he needed me.”

“Hey now, he still does.” Jasmine moved to Jaron’s side, giving him a little assuring bump with her shoulder as their eyes met. “Maybe, whatever the reason, it’s tough for him to talk about.”

“I hope….” Jaron’s gaze moved to the floor again as it changed from brown wood to white wood as they entered the center of the Town Hall. The two stopped and looked up at the statue of Humphry’s ancestor. “I just hope he can trust me sometime about it. I want to help him and if it’s about three months ago, or Seliph, or whatever it is…I want to be there for him.”

Jasmine nodded. “Well, I’m sure he knows that. I know for a fact he cares and trusts you.”

“I know…” Jaron did a deep sigh as his eyes trailed past the statue to the blue sky through the windows. “I just…want to be sure.”

“Huh?”

Jaron blinked, surprised at himself almost as equally as Jasmine. What? I am sure. He shook his head. “Dang, what am I even talking about, heh.” He did his signature grin as he chuckled at himself.

“O…kay?”

“Nevermind me.” Jaron smiled at her as he turned towards the archway where the engraver’s office was housed. “I’m just saying things without thinking.”

“I suppose so.”

The time to the door to the engravers felt long and heavy for Jaron. What was he thinking in thinking something like that? Guess it’s just getting to me. Jaron shook his head as he found the door right in front of him and proceeded to knock. His mind shifted from mopiness to anxiety as he started asking less bothersome and more rapid-fire questions to himself about what the metal picture would look like.

Eventually, the door opened, and the Arbok stuck his head from behind the door. “Yes? Oh! Hello there, Jaron was it?”

“Yep.” The Croconaw nodded and set his claws on the nob, though pushed a little instead of pulled due to his excitement. “I’m here to pick up my order.”

“Oh? Right, let me see. It was under the name, ‘Almkin’ right?”

“Uh-huh.”

Jaron and Jasmine shared a delighted look until their faces shifted to shock at hearing the Arbok say, “Oh, I already gave it to-”

“What‽” Jaron’s snapped his gaze back to the Arbok, eyes scowling with fierce rage as he stepped back and ripped the door open, startling the Arbok and Jasmine. “You gave it away‽”

“No! No, let me explain. You see-”

“I’m here.”

Jasmine and Jaron turned to see a huffing Vragon jog over to them, resting his claws on his legs as he said, “Sorry for the wait, next employee was a little late. Did you get it?”

“No,” Jasmine said with a blunt tone.

“No?” Vragon raised a brow and looked at Jaron for an explanation.

The Irritated Croconaw gestured a finger at the Arbok, grumbling, “This guy gave it to somebody else.”

The Arbok gasped and defended with, “Now hold on a minute, I can expla-”

“You gave our gift to someone else‽” Vragon shouted in disbelief, his face shifting to red-hot anger, just like Jaron’s.

“If I may have a word in this conver-” He wasn’t given a chance to so much as finish that sentence before Vragon was directly in front of him, staring at him like a furious mother at some stranger messing with child.

“Who the hell did you give it to? Do you just let anybody waltz up and claim an order under the pretense of a last name without so much as verify-”

“Will you shut up for one second so I can explain!” The Arbok roared, causing Vragon and Jaron to back off, albeit keeping their judgmental expressions.

Jasmine just stayed in the back, too busy processing all this to look away but too concerned about being on the receiving end of the boys’ anger to try and mediate the situation. All three focused on the Arbok as the Poison Type cleared his throat.

“What I was trying to say is I gave the order to your brother. ‘Ciecro Almkin’.”

“Huh?” Jaron looked both ways almost as if Ciecro was around before saying, “Wait, Ciecro was here? When?”

“Almost seven minutes before you got here. I’m terribly sorry, but he told me he was a part of the order so I felt comfortable giving it to your fam-”

“No, no, it’s fine.” Jaron sighed and rubbed the back of his head. “Sorry for that freakout. Did you see where he last went?”

“I believe he went for the front entrance to Town Hall.”

“Makes sense,” Jasmine added, walking next to the wide open door and sitting down. “It’s the closest on the route back. Would explain why we missed him on the way in.”

Jaron slammed a fist into his palm. “It’s still market season so he must be taking the alleyways. That’ll slow him down a bit. If we hurry, we can catch him!” Instantly Jaron started rushing off to the three’s surprise but stopped to hastily say, “Thank you, sir!” and resume his mad dash.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Vragon exclaimed rushing after Jaron while Jasmine bid the poor Arbok a nod.

“You get used to it.” Before the Arbok could reply, she bolted after the two, leaving the mon to just shake his head.

“I sometimes wonder if it’s because their youths or clans mons that makes them so rambunctious. At least they have manners.” A little grin formed at another successful, satisfied customer.

< O >

Ciecro maneuvered through the alleyways, one turn after another almost like a mini-labyrinth. He rubbed the back of his neck as he felt his backpack sag on his shoulders, directing his thoughts to the contents inside.

I hope Jaron doesn’ mind me showin’ Dolly it. I’m sure she’d love tah see it. A smile formed on his face as he pictured her reaction, maybe a pun threw in there or two. It made him chuckle softly.

Suddenly, his instincts kicked into gear as he heard footsteps. He stopped, eyes narrowing and his nerves tingling as he eyed the corner he was nearing for the alleyway.

“Tck, still got it, huh?”

Ciecro’s eyes opened wide as his lungs froze up. “Cl-Clyde…”

A mon stepped from around the corner, a Monferno. His strong arms were crossed, his tail flame was cackling steadily, and his eyes were glued to Ciecro’s with burning yet stoic anger. The Monferno’s face bore a large white ‘X’ across, intersecting over his nose where he seemed to have had some kind of injury.

If Ciecro wasn’t tense enough, he now was as he attempted to get an eye on his surroundings without taking his eyes off of Clyde in case the swift Monferno tried something.

“Funny running into you here, you sick f*ck.”

Ciecro started to back away until suddenly he almost could feel someone touching him. He spun around and sure enough, there was a Bellibolt behind him.

Hopping back, Ciecro suddenly felt himself lifted in the air, his body having a pink hue of dim light around it. “Bwa!” He flailed about.

“Restrict him.”

He felt some invisible force pull his arms out wide. “Hey! Stop!” He shouted as the Bellibolt henchman chuckled, taking off the backpack and handing it to Clyde.

“Drop him.”

Ciecro hit the ground on his back as the force vanished. He rolled onto his stomach and glared at Clyde, who stood in front of the Bellibolt and a Braixen, both of which were smirking down at him.

“Give it back!” Ciecro shouted, getting to his feet.

“Make us.”

“Shove it.” The Monferno said to the Bellibolt, handing the backpack to the Braixen as Clyde walked forwards.

Ciecro’s body felt tense, especially since he knew where this was going. He watched Clyde crack his knuckles as he felt the urge to go ahead and start, but his mind pushed it down knowing he couldn’t get into a fight now of all times.

“Now…I want us to truly settle this.”

Snarling, Ciecro let his arms lower a little. “Clyde, we aren’ supposed tah figh’.”

“I don’t care what those favoritism grownups think, especially when they let you almost kill me over a sob story.” Clyde raised his fist. “It’s very simple. Fight me and you get your backpack back. Nothing more to it, punk.”

Ciecro’s jaw shut as he looked at his bag, the precious gift he, Jaron, and Vragon had worked hard to get. “Yah’d say dat abou’ dah commissioneh too?”

Clyde tensed up. “Don’t try and talk your way out of it, you freak.”

The anxiousness built in him as his adrenaline urged him to stop trying to hold back and teach this punk a lesson. To put him in his place. Ciecro, shook his head. “No, I’m not gonna figh’ yah.”

The Monferno pointed at him, getting impatient. “You owe me you feral! You almost broke my head in over some dumb words and everyone treats you like you’re special because of that f*cking mark on your shoulder.”

Ciecro glanced at his right shoulder for a second, seeing the top part of the black birthmark over his scales. “Yeh, an’ oters don’ trust me because of-”

“No!”

Ciecro’s eyes opened as Clyde stepped towards him, pressing a finger to his chest.

“They f*cking don’t trust you because you almost killed me in some feral-like rage.”

“I don’ wan’ trouble.”

“Then you should have thought of that before you attacked me. Though I didn’t expect you to be able to think when someone so much as insults your or your heritage. Is that how you Norfarions are? So honor bound to your f*cking legacy that you think you’re better than everyone else?”

“No, dats-”

“It’s exactly it!” Clyde shouted, stepping towards Ciecro, causing the Charmeleon to match it with a step back to avoid an engagement. “You think that because you two live with some old fish and your real parents are gone that you can just flaunt around, and act all tough and disrespectful?”

“No, of course not!”

“Yeah, well your words mean sh*t. Simple fact is, whatever those Norfarions do to get punks like you in line sure as hell ain’t gonna get done to you.”

“Whadda yah know!” Ciecro shouted back, finally stopping his backwards stepping as Clyde stopped in response. “Yah’ve always talked sh*t tah me an’ I am sorry I beat yah face up! I truly am. I don’ wanna figh’ yah an’ we aren’ supposed tah so why can’tcha jus’ leave me alone‽ Rangehs don’ go afteh each ot-”

“Because you’re a dangerous person and the fact nobody else can see it, really tells how lazy the folks here are.” Clyde clenched his fists and raised them. “And don’t you f*cking dare bring up that ‘rangers’ sh*t. Rangers don’t attack people because their feelings got hurt, let alone almost kill somebody!”

Ciecro flinched as his scowl started wavering.

“You want to do the right thing?” Clyde stepped forwards again, Ciecro stepped back but gasped as his back touched the wall of the alley. “Then freaking don’t even think about becoming a ranger.”

Ciecro snarled at hearing that but made no reply outside of an angry stare that looked like it had a shaky base.

“Because Rangers protect others and as far as I can tell you have to worry about protecting from yourself. So, I’m gonna protect others from you.”

“I’m not gonna hur’ anybody!” Ciecro felt what seemed like something pierce his chest at the thought of the words. Death Wrath. His body felt shaky at the thought as he shook his head. No, I won’. I…I’ll control myself. I’ll be disciplined like Dad. I’ll-

“You already did.” Clyde pointed at his face. “You did this! You’re lucky it was me you did it to and not someone more innocent.”

Ciecro’s focused glare faltered as he looked to the side, arms shaking, and fists clenched in a mix of rage and doubt.

“Now…since everyone else went so easy on you, I suppose I’ll have to teach you, your lesson. You can’t just do what you did and get away with it. That’s injus-”

“And what are you doing right now?”

Ciecro held his breath, his wavery eyes shooting wide as he looked past Clyde, who also turned around. “Jaz…”

Jasmine was walking down the alleyway towards them, Vragon and Jaron having currently some staring standoff with the other two, albeit neither party engaging.

“Looks to me like you’re more doing some kind of vigilante sense of revenge rather than justice.”

Clyde sneered. “Oh boy, here to defend the rotten freak too? How would you like it if he got free after almost killing you?”

“He didn’t ‘get off free’ and you know that.” Jasmine stepped around Clyde, moving in front of Ciecro and leering at Clyde with a face almost as strong as Clyde’s anger. “And despite that, it’s not your choice. The simple fact is, Ciecro isn’t an adult yet and thus was given some slack, albeit with added scrutiny.”

“Tck, as if some dumb session to talk about his feelings are-”

“You know it’s more than that.” Jasmine pushed her paw down. “Do I have to tell you again that Ciecro walks a thin line? You think if he starts another fight with you he won’t get expelled and barred from being a Ranger?”

Ciecro felt his heart freeze up at hearing that. His head fell. Yeh… he remembered that conversation he had with Humphry and while it was private it was obvious to everyone that was an additional stipulation.

“Now look at you. You’re going to jeopardize your own ranger running for some grudge about getting beat up three months ago? Your family didn’t have to pay for your recovery nor will Ciecro be sided with if he starts a fight with you.” Jasmine pressed her paw forwards and leaned in, looking directly into Clyde’s eyes with their gazes a mere foot apart. “You’re better than this, Clyde, so act like it.”

Clyde’s angry stare turned towards the wall, his arms crossed as he thought over her words. “Tck, he’s lucky you sympathize with him.”

“Only for the right amount. I never said him beating you up was right. That’s something Ciecro will have to deal with…just like you would have to deal with the consequences if you forced him to fight you. Now grow up, Clyde.”

The Monferno sneered at that, but after a minute of the silent standoff, shook his head and turned around. He made for the other pathway on the alleyway, his hooligans watching him with shocked faces. As they turned to go, Clyde snarled, “Leave it.” And walked on.

The two goons looked at one another before the Bellibolt set the backpack down and hurried on after their leader with the Braixen.

Ciecro rubbed his arm, relief overflowing him despite the lingering hurtful words of Clyde still in his mind. He held his head up and looked at Jasmine. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Jasmine turned around, smiling at him almost as warm and kind seeming as Dolly. “I- Oof!”

Startled, Ciecro was Jasmine get shoved out of the way and suddenly felt his body being squeezed.

“Ciecro!” Jaron exclaimed, looking up at his brother with eyes full of worry. “Are you alright? He didn’t attack you, did he? If he did I swear I’ll-”

“Easy, Jaron.” Ciecro smiled, putting a claw on Jaron’s shoulder, causing the Croconaw to let go of his squished frame. “I’m fine.”

“I’m not.”

Ciecro looked to see Jasmine brushing some of the dirt off her mane, a little smile forming at the humorous way Jasmine looked when upset.

“Could’ve warned me, you blue idiot, before you stampede me into the wall.”

“Sorry, Jasmine.” Jaron’s head fell, full of remorse.

Her grumpiness picked up to a soft smile. “It’s done and dusted.” She paused and facepalmed. “Not again.”

“Oh! Dusted! Like dah ground.” Ciecro chuckled. “I ge’it. Good one, Jaz.”

She groaned into her paw as she dragged it down her face. “Can you guys just show it to me already so I don’t continue getting hurt?”

“Huh?”

“The gift, you big red dork.”

“Oh!” Ciecro was about to go back down the alleyway for the backpack, but stopped at seeing Vragon walking down carrying it in his claws.

“I’ve gotcha covered Jasmine.”

Vragon set the backpack down as all four gathered around it. The Fraxure undid the flaps and after a little bit of searching pulled out something wrapped in a nice clean cloth. As Vragon undid the cloth protector, pieces of a golden metal revealed themselves, occasionally glistening when light managed to strike its surface.

Jasmine looked in awe as Vragon set the finished piece on top of the backpack for them all to gawk at. It depicted the Lanturn they all knew swimming with a Walrein, joy on their faces that looked so real. Their expressions matched the photograph, although the improved coloring and sharper contrast of the background gold color to the paper’s tan made the image almost more alive.

Ciecro could stare at it for eternity, at least until his gaze was sapped by Jasmine whistling. “That’s a step up in a birthday gift, I have to say. She’ll love it.”

“Well.”

Everyone looked at Vragon, who had his claws on his side and puffed out his armored chest with an eye-shut grin. Ciecro almost chuckled at seeing Jasmine instantly regret making that compliment with her half-shut stare as the Fraxure elaborated, “We wanted to get her something she would no doubt be able to use for good but also something close to her heart, so what better than a version of her favorite picture she can keep with her underwater?” Vragon curled his claw under his chin and looked up. “It was-”

“Was using your brains,” Jasmine smirked, causing Vragon to leer at her. She chuckled at how upset he was at her ruining his bragging moment.

Ciecro almost chuckled too, however, his attention was grabbed when Jaron said his name.

“Hrm?” He looked at the Croconaw.

“Why did you pick up the gift?”

“Oh well…I was gonna show Dolly.” He looked down at the metallic image, slowly reaching down and picking it up into his claws. He stared at their smiling expressions, his eyes narrowing slowly as the image seemed to fluctuate between the two swimming in the water and what he would envision was a picture of his family.

‘It’s very simple. Fight me and you get your backpack back. Nothing more to it, punk.’ Clyde’s voice rang in his head as his grip on the metal picture grew tighter. His eyes shut as he took his right hand off of it and used his left to offer the picture to Jaron.

“Huh?”

He heard Jaron say, but his eyes were fixated forwards, past the gap between Jasmine and Vragon, focused on the wall where he had run into Clyde the first time. “Yah take it.”

“Me?”

Ciecro, let the picture fall into Jaron’s hands, the Croconaw getting a good grip despite the abruptness and his confusion. The Charmeleon knelt down and closed up his backpack.

“Wait, what about you? Don’t you want to show it to Dolly too?”

‘You think if he starts another fight with you he won’t get expelled and barred from being a Ranger?’

He stood up, put the backpack on, and without looking at any of them said, “I need tah prepare fo’ dah aptitude test.”

Jaron’s just froze, mouth agape and eyes wide.

“Are you sur-?” Jasmine started, but Ciecro cut her off.

“Yeh…I’m sure. Thanks fo’ dah help.” He had just taken his first step when he stopped, shutting his eyes hard at hearing Jaron’s voice, a mixture of anger and hurt in it.

“Ciecro, stop.”

The Charmeleon straightened his back but didn’t dare turn around. He simply shifted his head a little, saying. “Yeh?”

“Why can’t you come with us? You’ve trained and trained that’s all you do anymore. What’s going on?”

Ciecro felt his chest grow heavy, his muscles tensing at Jaron’s attitude, wanting to combat the defiance of his younger brother. He tempered those feelings with a calming breath as he simply said. “Dah test is tomorrow.”

“You’re not stupid, Ciecro! Stop lying to me!”

That was it, Ciecro turned around, his scowl meeting Jaron’s. The fierceness in their eyes burned bright in their irises, be it because of their anger or their Norfarion heritage.

“I ain’ lyin’ to yah.”

“Yes, you are!” Jaron shouted, sniffling.

“Jaron-”

“Stay out of this, Jasmine!” Jaron snapped, glaring back at Jasmine, who instantly backed away.

“Dats enough, Jaron.” Ciecro said with an authoritative voice. Jaron turned back to him, their eyes once more resuming a staring duel of brute force.

“You keep blowing me off every time. I haven’t been able to do anything or just be with you since last week. I’m sick of it, why are you avoiding me?”

Ciecro’s eyes narrowed. “I have dah test tah work on.”

“But-”

“Enough buts.” Ciecro let a small snarl escape his maw, causing Jaron to tense up. “Yah’re notta baby, Jaron. I get I’ve not been able tah be wit’ yah, bu’ yah know damn well why. Dat test is very important tah me.”

“I just…I wanna help you.” Jaron’s gaze was shifting to desperation. “We’re a team. I’ve got your back and you’ve got mine.”

Ciecro remained silent, staring into the begging gaze of his younger brother as his mind focused on one point. I can’ stop till I’m strongeh…disciplined…an’ able tah be dat on my own. Ciecro closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Jaron, I…I don’ wanna talk abou’ it.” He tensed up at Jaron raising his voice again.

“You never want to talk about it!”

“Guys,” Vragon interjected, but by this point, any mediation couldn’t avert Ciecro finally setting the foot down.

“Den stop pesterin’ me abou’ it an’ accept dat.” Ciecro glared at his brother, who instantly flinched at Ciecro taking the offensive. “I need tah be responsible an’ pass dat test, an’ I need tah do it on my own. If yah wanna help, den can it when I ask yah tah ‘can it’.”

Jaron’s head fell, his shocked face shifting to hurt and angry.

“Ciecro…”

He looked up at Jasmine, who was also unhappy at his outburst, and to be honest, he was too. He felt the guilt swelling up inside as he reached for the straps on his shoulders. “Look, Jaron, I’m glad yah car-”

Jaron just turned around, stomping away without a word.

“Jar-…” Ciecro’s voice trailed off as he watched his brother march down the alleyway, not bothering to look back. Vragon was hot on Jaron’s tail and Jasmine started walking too.

She took one glance back at Ciecro. Her gaze wasn’t judgmental, but worried. Worried about him and Jaron, while also giving a message for him to apologize to his brother without words.

Ciecro turned and looked down the other alleyway as he was left all alone. His head fell. I wish…Jaron… His first step felt weighted as he looked up at the sky. I’ll pass dat test…den, I’ll make up wit’ Jaron.

He looked at his right claw, opening up for his gaze as it wavered, sharing his uncertainty. He clenched it, almost as if he was silencing its worries and assuring it everything would be okay, even if he had to work hard to make it that way.

Chapter 21
Testing Patience

Humphry hummed to himself, arms behind his back as he stood on a hill a little off the beaten path leading into town. It was a nice sunny day, the perfect day for the aptitude test and the cool air did wonders in keeping his nerves from constantly knotting from the stress.

After a glance at the sun, Humphry’s relaxed smile shifted to a neutral look of mild concern as he turned his gaze down the hill.

“What time is it?”

A Luxray, lying in the grass nearby, yawned and shook his mane. Next to him was a Vespiquen, her small wings flapping with great speed and her large claws cupped in front of her abdomen. Both wore pink bands similar to Humphry’s but with Phiska City’s symbol. She looked down at the Luxray with a displeased look. “Well?”

“I just got comfortable.” He rolled onto his back, smirking with a clear enjoyment of her distress at his demeanor. “Besides, Humphry’s standing right there.”

She grumbled. “Don’t be rude-”

“Oh, I don’t mind. It’s about half-past ten. They should be getting here any minute now.”

“Half past ten!” The Luxray exclaimed, eyes wide and rolling onto all fours.

Humphry just stared back, a bit caught off guard at how serious he was taking this news after pretty much being so carefree in front of his boss.

The Luxray sat, grumbling. “Is it customary for your tests to take so long?” He sneered with a cold glare.

“Frizzzk,” The Vespiquen Commissioner buzzed up to him, agitated. “Zzzo help me if you don’t-”

“I’m just thinking of the road ahead,” Frisk defended, pulling a little back so he had some space from the buzzing bug. “Took us two whole days to get here from Phiska City. I don’t want us to keep everybody there without us for a whole week.”

The Vespiquen grumbled and pressed a talon to her small eyes. “Well can’t you be a bit more tactful inzzztead of blurting out like a buffoon?”

“Buffoon!” The Luxray growled, arcing his back a little.

Humphry walked down and coughed into his hand to get their attention. “It’s alright. I am sorry at how inconvenient this is for you two coming here, but I want to thank you all the same.” His body eased up at seeing the two calm down slightly, but both still looked upset. Sensing a chance to ease things over, Humphry shut his eyes and gave a warm smile. “But it shouldn’t be too much longer. Once the kids get here and the other groups we’ll shift into the combat portion of the test and that should take no more than twenty minutes tops. You both will be well on the road before noon.”

“I hope so,” Frisk mumbled as he laid back down in the grass.

Glancing at Frisk and shaking her head, the Vespiquen hovered towards Humphry. “I would like to apologize for my zzzubordinate.”

“Nah it’s fine. I imagine he does good work for you and all.”

“If you don’t mind me azzzking, why did you call so many groups for thizzz aptitude tezzzt running? Perion Town izzz lovely, but izzz your turnout really zzzo big to warrant thizzz much help?”

Humphry flicked his cabby cap a little as he gave her a confident nod. “Well, allow me to explain.” He gestured towards the town as he started. “So this round we’ve got about twenty young uns for the aptitude test, which is the most I’ve ever had by a good amount. My force could accommodate it, but given since we’re a small town in the middle of the market season, I didn’t want to lessen security for such an important time. Plus, I don’t want to break up the general tradition of other commissioners and their first captains assisting in the program since it helps give the test takers some good insight into other stations.”

“I zzzee…and you wanted so many commizzzzzzionerzzz and their firzzzt officerzzz becauzzze?”

“Simple. I wanted some good quality and to make it easier on everybody. I could just run it with the rangers nearby, but that’s only Commissioners Zebzena; Phillips; Counzel; and because I’m good enough friends the trip is an excuse to just catch up as well, Orgul. Which is a decent size, but we’d need to have two of us run the written test portions at the very least, which leaves me with only eight rangers for twenty kids for the entire battle portions.”

“That izzz a bit little for battle evaluation. You each would need to battle two with zzzome having to do three to even it out the bezzzt.”

“Exactly.” Humphry snapped his finger. “So I needed to get some extra help. And I thought to myself,” He pressed his hand to his chin, mimicking the posture he would have had. “Why not get some good quality help from some of the bigger cities? Sure it’d be a pretty long trip, but it’d bring some broadness for the kids and it would give you all a good chance to see some potential recruits for your forces. After all, I imagine keeping the cities safe is a lot more work than us out here in the middle of nowhere, heh.”

“Oh, I didn’t think of that. What a kind gezzzture.” she turned her head towards Frisk and her eyes narrowed coldly. “Izzzn’t that right, Frizzzk?”

“Yes, Captain,” Frisk answered without so much as a glance, too at east in the grass again.

Humphry didn’t pay the rudeness any mind as he continued. “And I’ve heard good things of Phiska’s force being tough as talons made of metal, so I just had to ask you lot to help with the battle portion.”

“I zzzee, well I’m flattered.”

“No problem, ma’am.” Humphry tipped his hat toward her, making her giggle a little. “I’d be a fool to pass on this chance.”

“Well, bezzzidezzz me and Frizzzk here, who did you get?”

Humphry raised his fingers as he named both off. “Commissioner Methis of Sable City and Commissioner Rilla of Crion City.”

“Oh joy, Rilla.”

“Frizzzk.” The Vespiquen spun around, angrily buzzing. “Don’t talk about a Crion’zzz commizzzzzzioner like that!”

“Come on, boss, it’s not like she’s here to get all upset at us for not liking her snobbish, ‘superior than thou’ attitude.” Frisk sat up and started licking his paw.

“I know, but-”

“If it makes you feel any better, Captain Nerom.”

Frisk’s ears perked up at being addressed by his title.

“Commissioner Rilla is helping with the written portion of the test with Undo.”

“That’s a relief.” Frisk tilted his head. “But why ask her to begin with?”

“Well, she does offer one of the best versions of the written test this side of Triacal. So I felt it proper to ask her for the kid’s sake.”

“Still…you sure you want that pompous lady to come here and run every-”

“Frizzzk, please. All thizzz negativity is going to make you age zzzhed long before you’re old.”

Frisk snickered as he looked away and snubbed her with a raised snout.

She sighed, but perked up as she asked Humphry, “Honezzztly, one of thezzze dayzzz you’re going to go too far with that mouth of yourzzz.”

“Tck, well then go ahead and fire me if it bothers you so much,” Frisk snapped.

“Pleazzze not now-”

“She’s not wrong you know. Grumpiness doesn’t make you age slower.” Humphry turned around, eyes widening as the voice’s familiarity filled his nerves with life. Walking up the hill towards them was Commissioner Orgul, with a blue ranger band around his left, thin Bisharp shoulder.

“Amyas!” Humphry jogged down to meet his friend halfway and after an embrace, he said, “You made good time. Where’re the others?”

“Getting something to eat so they don’t fight on an empty stomach. Sorry, we’re late.” Amyas rubbed the back of his metal helmet-like head, a goofy smile on his face.

“Oh no, not at all. The written part is taking longer than anticipated.”

“I see, well.” Amyas put his gauntlet hand on Humphry’s shoulder. “More time to catch up then.”

“You sure?”

“Huh?” Amyas raised a brow as Humphry threw a childish grin on his face.

“I wouldn’t want you to drop down from starvation in the next few minutes.”

“Shut up, prick.” Amyas playfully punched Humphry’s gut, the two chuckling.

“Ah, zzzo you’re Commizzzzzzioner Orgul of Plainier Town?”

Amyas nodded. “Yep, Amyas Orgul.” He introduced, doing a small, but respectful head bow to the Vespiquen. “And you must be Commissioner Sectonia?”

“Indeed I am.” She did a little curtsy bow, albeit without the legs. She gestured her arm to the Luxray. “And this is my first captain, Frizzzk Nemron.”

“How do you do,” Amyas said with a hearty smile, while the Luxray kept his disinterested frown on full display.

“I do well enough.”

“Ahehehe, well that’s certainly good to hear.” Amyas looked at Humphry. “So how’s everything here in Perion?”

“Fine, fine. How about Plainier?”

“Alright. Nothing too significant. At least not as significant as your little stuff. Nervous much?” He crossed his arms and leaned in with a prying grin.

“Heh, well kind of. Twenty is a lot and, I’m glad you and everyone else could come and help.”

Right as Commissioner Orgul opened his mouth to answer, a voice from lower on the hill interrupted.

“Help the needy they say. Even rangers are that sometimes, especially in places like this.”

Humphry glanced downhill, his smile going as a singular Phalinks marched up the hill, eyes looking all smug.

“Great, one of Rilla’s noisemakers,” Frisk grumbled in a whisper as he lay down in the grass.

Despite not appreciating the tone of this mon, Humphry kept his smile up and gave a respectful bow to the Phalinks that joined them. “Of course. Commissioner Rilla’s reputation for the written test is well earned, Captain…uhm?”

“First Captain Asmodeaus,” The Phalinks corrected, as he turned his gaze to the others nearby. “Ah, so it wasn’t just Crion you called aid from. Though, not to be rude, but Phiska wouldn’t be my first choice.”

Commissioner Sectonia’s wings flapped faster as the insult agitated her. “We happen to be clozzzer to Perion Town than Crion City.”

“I’m aware. But I suppose having so many test takers they needed some heavy lifters.”

She buzzed, as her arms shook at their sides. Until Amyas stepped in between. “Woah, Woah, everybody. We’re better than this. We’re adults, let alone rangers.”

The Vepsiquen sighed. “Yezzz, you’re right.” She looked at Humphry, saying, “If I may, what wazzz the rezzzt of your plan?”

“Huh? Oh well, I’d rather wait till the rest are here.”

“Oh come on,” Amyas shrugged. “We’re here and it’s not like it’s painful for you to tell us.”

“You might as well.” The rude Phalinks said, looking up at the sky. “Not like we have anything better to discuss.”

All eyes focused on him with annoyance until they turned back to Humphry. “Well,” the Seismitoad rubbed his chin and shrugged with a smile. “Why not. All right so here’s what we’re going to do.” He straightened his posture, puffed out his chest, moved his left arm behind his back, and held up a finger. “Since there are twenty kids for this, I was thinking of splitting the groups so that each group would get three students. The pairs would comprise of a commissioner and a first captain, neither being the of the same branch.”

“Isn’t that needlessly complicated?” Captain Asmodeaus commented, not even bothering to bring his eyes from whatever clouds they were gazing at.

“I don’t think so. It’d give the kids some good mixture of different rangers and even would be good practice for us too, I figured.”

“I like it,” the Bisharp said with a nod. “I’m sure Somwei would appreciate not working with me.”

“That makes two,” Frisk smirked at his boss, who leered back at him.

“Anyways, I’ll be helping too. And the groups I was thinking of would be-”

“Hold up one second.”

“Huh?”

The Phalinks turned around, leering at Humphry as he continued. “If you’re splitting it up three kids per pair, and you have seven pairs running this operation, then one group would get two.”

“Huh, you’re right,” The Vespiquen buzzed, looking at Humphry for an answer.

“Ah well, there’s a reason for that. Me and Captain Tork of Vergium Town will be handling the two in that group.”

“Captain Tork? You sure he’s a good option for that?” Amyas said, pressing his metal hand to his chin. “I mean, he’s their strongest ranger. Even broke one of his student’s arm last year during their town’s aptitude test.” A goofy smirk crossed his face as he looked to the side. “Boy was Commissioner Zebzena pissed.”

Humphry smiled a little at remembering that afternoon but focused back up as he continued with, “It should be fine. I chose him specifically for the strongest student. That’s mostly the reason-”

“Ah, so you’re going to have Tork take on the troublemaker, I see.”

Humphry paused, his mouth agape as he looked at Captain Asmodeaus, who was looking at him with an icy, yet amused stare. Shutting his mouth, Humphry took a deep inhale through his nostrils and said, “I’m not sure where you got that notion, but-”

“From around town. I don’t blame you though, from what I heard he’s gotten quite the bad reputation. Odd you’d consider such a delinquent for this test.”

“Everyone deserves another chance. Besides, he’s very committed to the cause.” Humphry leered at the Phalinks, though his mind was racing. I thought the gossip about Ciecro had died down well enough. Sure he gets rude stares, but nobody cared enough to soil his reputation with out-of-town rangers. Unless it was Clyde…Ugh.

“It’s alright, I understand. Taking what you can get is just sometimes what is needed-”

“Captain.”

“Hrm?” The Phalinks looked up at Humphry, who walked up and stared down at him as if they were fangs ready to inject venom. “I’d request you not tout local gossip.”

The Phalinks grunted and turned around. “Local gossip about an attempted mur-”

“I didn’t request you to come here to ramble about someone eager to become a ranger. It’s not the reputation that makes a ranger, it’s in here.” He tapped his chest. “And I won’t shun someone wanting to do the right thing when I can give a guiding hand. Now, please stop circulating local gossip about a student’s personal matter.”

“Tck, very well. I’ll respect your decision, Perion’s Commissioner.” The Phalinks looked back up at the sky, almost as if their tense conversation hadn’t happened.

Humphry felt a tap on his shoulder as he turned to see Amyas patting him. An encouraging smile was on his face, the kind that made Humphry instantly warm up.

One clearing croak later, Humphry said, “Okay so where was-” He froze as a beeping sound filled their ears, prompting him to reach for his belt. He pressed the com orb and it split. “Commissioner Hommel speaking?”

“This is Captain Undo. We’ve just finished the tests and are getting everyone ready.”

“Good, first go let the kids get some lunch while we get the rangers to the meeting point and get everyone up to speed.”

“Yes sir!”

He switched the com off and stuffed it back into his belt’s pouch. “Alright, you heard the mon. Let’s go get everyone and head to the rendezvous point on the outskirts.”

The Luxray stretched, arching his back and grunting. “Finally.”

His boss sighed as they started towards town, the Phalinks following along with the Bisharp. However, at seeing Humphry just standing there, Amyas turned back.

“Problem?”

“No, I’m alright. Just nervous.” He smiled at his friend, but it went away at seeing Amyas wasn’t convinced.

“Hey, don’t let some snobby captain get to you. Your job ain’t easy and you’ve got sound judgment.”

“Oh no, I’m fine. If words like his got to me, I’d have quit a long time ago.”

Commissioner Orgul crossed his arms and tilted his head. “Then what is it?”

“We need to hurry.” Humphry started as Amyas walked beside him.

“Talk and walk?”

“Heh, like old times at our station’s academy?”

“Why not?”

“Heh. Sure thing.” Humphry looked forwards. “It’s mostly about that student.”

“The one Captain Asmodeaus was talking about?”

“Yeah…just gets under my skin some snob head being so quick to deny the boy.”

“I suppose. It isn’t right in my book, but my book isn’t their station’s rulebook.”

“True. But the kid really is a nice boy with a good heart.” Humphry looked at Orgul, a smile on his face. “Being a ranger is something he’s committed to becoming.”

“I imagine.”

“No, I mean, he really wants it. Like badly.”

“He does?”

“Yep. He’s been training and studying hard just so he’ll pass this test. I’ve been following him and I bet if you saw his progression you’d be impressed.”

“Maybe. I trust your judgment of character.”

Humphry looked at the grass in front as they walked. “Say, Amyas.”

“Yeah?”

Humphry looked back at his friend, an idea forming in his mind. “Do you have to head back right after the test?”

“I mean, I don’t need to. Something up?”

Humphry crossed his arms. “Want to meet him?”

“Meet who?”

“The boy I’m talking about.” Humphry’s gaze looked forwards, staring at the town as it stood tall amid the grassy plains surrounding it. “Ciecro Almkin.”

< O >

“Oof!” Humphry grunted as he slid back on the ground. His arms were sore from blocking the Psycho Cut heading for his head, but as he lowered them they tensed. He saw his opponent, Jasmine, her horn ceasing its pink glow as she arced downwards like she was getting ready to pounce.

“One minute remaining!”

Humphry glanced at Tork, holding his large, right hand up while his left displayed the holographic timer in the other. His eyes trailed over to Ciecro, who was completely focused on Jasmine with a nervous scowl.

Heh, one-minute ei? He faced his opponent again, right in time to see her charging at him with Megahorn. He rolled his neck and planted his legs. Alright, let’s put on a good show for the next goers.

As suddenly as her horn started growing, it stopped its greenish glow and returned side as her body accelerated with a white streak behind.

Faking into Quick Attack, heh. He slammed one of his fists into the ground, a stream of brown light shining as mud flew towards her like it was a Water Gun from some water type’s mouth.

Jasmine darted left, but Humphry rotated in his spot, slamming his fists into the ground, one after another to create new Mud Shots to keep her back. Sorry, Jasmine, you ain’t getting through that easy.

The Absol picked up the pace, but Humphry was comfortably able to keep up given he had to merely twist to her sprinting in a larger circle.

Come on, your clock is ticking. A confident smile formed on Humphry’s face as Jasmine finally gave up trying to flank him and instead leaped in the air, her head horn shining pink energy as she twisted her head. “Yaaaargh!” A Psycho Cut crescent wave soared right towards Humphry.

Now’s my chance! He raised his leg, like how a Hariyama would before slamming it into the ground, sending another Mud Shot to intercept the Psycho Cut. It broke through the psychic move as Jasmine scowled, dashing away from the incoming move right as she landed with swiftness.

Dang, I forgot how nimble she was. A smile formed on his face. Guess there are perks to being a speedster. Humphry cupped his hands together, slowly pulling them apart as if he was making a snowball. Between his palms, a cyan ball began forming that looked in the shape of a snowball but had a twirling snowflake in the center.

“No, you don’t!” Jasmine exclaimed, her horn engulfed in a pink glow as she sent another Psycho Cut right at him.

Humphry smirked, turning his body so it would hit his shoulder, and closed his eyes. Too bad for you. Pain surged on his shoulder as the move broke apart as he toughed out the hit. I’m a defense-built Seismitoad. A goofy grin formed as he finished forming the sphere. I get it from my momma’s side.

“What?” Jasmine gasped, dumbfounded at how he just took it without a second thought, allowing him to throw his arms up and send the sphere up above the two. It burst apart, causing a swirl of wind and ice above their heads that rained down upon them.

“Hail?” Jasmine absentmindedly asked, raising her paw to shield her face from the wind and small ice.

“Yep,” Humphry answered with a happy stare, though his body was far from appreciative of the temperature drop and the pelting of the ice. As the ice pellets struck the right arm that shielded his face, Humphry stretched his left outwards as water streams ran down it, glowing with a blue light.

Jasmine gasped, as it emerged from Humphry’s arm like an aqua Ekans and started orbiting the Seismitoad in a slithery motion. Her eyes widened. “Wait…that’s?”

“Ahhhh, that’s much better.” Humphry lowered the arm shielding his head, smirking as the orbiting Aqua Ring emitted a pulsating glow that flowed into Humphry like small, almost transparent streams of water. The Seismitoad put a hand on his head, croaking as he laughed. “Better do something quick Jas-” He froze midsentence as he saw Jasmine had vanished. Behind? He swung around, but it was too late.

“Ack!” Humphry felt a sharp sting in his stomach as Jasmine rammed him with a Megahorn. “Why you!” He tried grabbing her, the adrenaline and instinctual fear filling his mind.

She hopped back, using Quick Attack to get some distance.

Humphry rested on a knee, panting a bit as his nerves ceased their despair in his gut and remembered the minor pelting Hail and relaxing Aqua Ring.

That’s…ugh, smarts. He groaned as he got to his feet, taking his hand away from the part where she rammed him. As he felt the pain in his stomach, his mind focused on the feeling of the metallic device on his left arm. His fist clenched. Damn, and that was on fifty percent suppression and it still felt like I was about to get run through. I don’t want to think about what would have happened if we weren’t using inhibitors. He shivered a little as he thought of it anyway, even if it was just as simple as being stabbed.

“Ten Seconds!”

Immediately, Humphry snapped out of his stupor and slammed a fist into the ground, sending a Mud Shot Jasmine’s way. She hopped to the side and rushed towards him with Quick Attack.

That’s right, come on in. He feigned to shield his head with his arms, but right as she was about to strike he pushed them outwards. Her move struck his arms as she went over, Humphry making her altitude a bit higher with a helpful push.

Alright, Humphry Hommel! Epic finish! He slashed his right arm in front, a blue line forming. He raised his arms as from the line, blue glowing water rose in the form of a wave. As it came to life, the water appeared beneath him, however, he didn’t sink inside but could stand on it freely. It moved him up the wave as it grew larger, mimicking the arm movements he did over his head.

Jasmine’s eyes bulged at the horrifying sight of a three-story wave heading her way from the top of the hill, while she was airborne.

“Oh yeah!” Humphry exclaimed, a powerful almost maniacal glee in his eyes as he swung his arms down from atop the wave upon the poor Absol that was just landing.

“Time!” The Hariyama shouted about a second before the wave crashed on the slope and traveled to the dip between the hills.

“Jaz!” Ciecro shouted, jogging forwards a little to try and spot his friend amid the slowly sinking water.

Jasmine shot out of the ground, spitting out water and coughing. “What was that‽” She coughed some more, the taste of seawater in her mouth. “I got it in my mouth, blegh!” A nasty scowl emerged on her face as Humphry waded over to her, laughing unrestrained.

“I haven’t done that in a long time.” He reached over and helped her to her feet in the water, which was beginning to sink into the dirt. As he led her up the hill out of the Surf water, he gave the sour Absol a warm smile. “You did pretty good.”

“Thanks.” She managed to say amid her coughing and spitting. “But did you really have to do that?” Her eyes narrowed into a minor scowl, as they reached dry land.

“Can’t make it too easy for you, heh.” Humphry rubbed his head. Jasmine started shaking off the water, Humphry shielding his face as droplets struck him all over.

“Oh, mon.” Jasmine looked down at herself, shivering a little. “I’m a mess.”

Humphry shook his head as he looked up to see his Hail sphere begin to vanish and the chilling wind die down. “Well, nothing about battling is clean.”

“Don’t remind me.” She leered as he chuckled.

“Anyways, mind taking off your inhibitor.”

“Oh ri-”

“Jaz!”

They both looked up to see Ciecro rushing down towards them, taking care to slow down before he started tumbling from the speed. “Yah a’igh’ Jaz?”

“I’ll live, but my fur is another story.” She grumbled, clawing at her inhibitor forearm guard.

“Careful now, these things aren’t cheap.” Humphry requested.

There was a clinking sound as the inhibitor fell to the ground. Jasmine picked it up and handed it to Ciecro, who started putting it on his arm.

“Anyways, let’s have your fight on a hill that isn’t currently drying, ei?” He patted Ciecro on the shoulder. His smile went as he saw Ciecro’s downcast head and scowling eyes. They looked shaky. Humphry’s eyes trailed down to Ciecro’s right arm where the inhibitor was attached, between the elbow and wrist. He saw minor, but rapid shaking.

“Hey.” Ciecro looked up at him as Humphry smiled warmly. “You’ll do fine.”

Ciecro seemed to ease up, but his face drifted to the side as if a visual telling of how much he disagreed with Humphry’s confidence. Come on, Ciecro. It’s time, so get your head in- A pat on his shoulder made him croak in surprise and turn around.

“That was a good battle, Commissioner.”

“Oh, uh, hehehehe…” Humphry awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. “Thanks, though I think I went a little overboard at the end there.”

“It was a very impressive Surf.”

“Why thank you, but we should get a move on to another hilltop for you two’s battle.” He looked at Ciecro, who stiffened up at being mentioned. Geez, it’s like a whole new Ciecro. I know he can get nervous, but dang. Humphry gasped. “Oh right!” He undid the lock on his inhibitor and handed it to Tork as he looked at the two trainees. “Let’s go.”

“Right.”

“R-r-righ’.”

The trio started up the hill first, Tork following behind while trying to put the inhibitor in a spot where it would fit snugly. Of course, large hands weren’t the best when it came to undoing and redoing straps.

“Sorry about that. We don’t have troves of money,” Humphry mentioned, taking pity on Tork’s struggle.

“Oh no, I understand. Just need to, mmmhm, undo this.”

“Do you want some hel-”

“Nah, I’m fine. I’m not letting some stupid thing like a strap beat me.”

“If you say so.” Humphry looked back at the kids in front, his gaze softening as he could still see some jittery posture in Ciecro. Geez, tighten up any more and you’ll twist yourself into a knot. He sighed in his mind as the trio reached the top, Humphry and Jasmine stopping about three meters from the pinnacle.

Ciecro took position on the right side of the hill’s summit while Tork walked over to the left side, almost done in his fiddling with the inhibitor.

Humphry’s gaze was locked on Ciecro. Ciecro… he shut his eyes, talking as if he was using telepathy with the Charmeleon. Your power is yours. You don’t need to be afraid of it. Every child has to accept their abilities. It’s no different for Clansmons. His eyes opened, full of compassion. It was no different for me.

“Sir!”

Humphry’s eyes blinked and looked at Tork, who was standing at attention, ready for battle. Nodding to himself, the Seismitoad raised his right arm, as he moved one of his large fingers in his left over a spot on the orb it held. “Okay, settings to fifty percent! Raise ‘em up!”

Both turned their arm devices so that the green numbers were visible. They twisted the dials till it displayed the number fifty.

“Alright, you first Tork.”

Tork nodded and carefully moved his other hand to the circular dial the number rested inside. His large fingers pressed the opposite sides and twisted the cylinder, causing the number to change to red and the inhibitor to make a clanking sound akin to one twisting a lock.

Humphry nodded and looked at Ciecro who did the same. “Alright!” Humphry pointed his right arm to the sky, announcing, “This will be a seven-minute performance-based battle. Basic rules of cordial battling apply. Now.” He flattened his palm above as the two combatants faced each other. Humphry swung his arm down, pressing on the orb as he shouted, “Begin!”

Instantly, Tork lunged forwards, moving at great speed toward his target.

Ciecro was dumbfounded by the speed of the large mon, that he just narrowly pulled up his arms to block the first of what became a volley of Bullet Punches. Ciecro’s grunts were drowned out by the rapid slams of the fists until finally one hit at a good enough angle to knock Ciecro’s defenses aside so that the Charmeleon could get slammed right into his chest.

Humphry heard Jasmine gasp as Ciecro went rolling backward down the hill. The Seismitoad’s eyes narrowed as he felt his body stiffen. Come on, Ciecro. You got this, just remember all your training.

A little later, Ciecro pushed off the ground with his hands, handspringing back to his feet and firing a Flamethrower at Tork. The Hariyama charged right into the Flamethrower, punching at it with Bullet Punch.

Ciecro’s eyes reflected his surprise and confusion at the large mon not only being able to use Bullet Punch to prevent his body from being singed, but also to keep advancing down the hill albeit at a step per two seconds.

Humphry’s eyes narrowed as he gaged the distance with his eyes. He’s got about twenty seconds. If Humphry felt the secretions on his skin increase on his head as he eyed Ciecro with a stone-focused stare and his heart beat faster. Come on, kid. He’s going to getcha if you don’t do something about it.

By now, Ciecro had snapped out of the surprise and was throttling his flames fiercer, hoping it would stop Tork in his tracks. Alas, a few seconds after being exposed to the fiercer torrent of flames, the Hariyama was once again advancing down the hill.

Humphry raised a brow at seeing navy blue scales form at the base of Ciecro’s tapered tail and advance down towards the flame. They glistened, full of synergy like a solidified form of the Flamethrower being unleashed currently.

Okay, so Dragon Tail then. Humphry watched with anticipation, excited to see what Ciecro would do as the Hariyama was now almost upon him. Wait. He peered closer, realizing Ciecro was standing upright, his chest puffed out and his neck pulled back slightly thus forcing his head to bend to fire the flames. He’s cutting his flames’ pathway intentionally? His surprised face shifted to glee.

Ciecro quickly leaned forwards, the path from his throat to his maw no longer bent. The flames shot out at a faster rate, catching Tork off guard with the increased intensity and forcing him to halt his advance. The Charmeleon then shut his mouth and charged, taking no time for Ciecro to reach Tork and hop and slice with a forming Dragon Claw.

The ranger wasn’t going to get hit that easily, bending his body to avoid a strike to the head. “Huh?” Ciecro leaned into his claw swipe, spinning his body so his Dragon Tail covered the area where Tork’s head went and landed a direct slap on the mon’s face. “Ouch!” Tork grabbed the spot on his face while Ciecro landed and rolled on the grass, getting up in a low knee posture.

“Not bad kid.” Tork complimented, taking his hand from his face and closing it into a fist. He twisted around and slammed at Ciecro with a Power-Up Punch, but Ciecro pivoted out of the way. As the first move struck the ground, Tork tried to pin Ciecro with his other arm.

Ciecro dove in front, slamming a Thunder punch into Tork’s leg.

“Ack! Why you!” Ciecro darted around Tork, staying very close to the mon’s large, stubby legs while keeping up his attacks and ensuring he wasn’t trapped by the mon’s large hands.

Humphry’s eyes widened. That’s the Ciecro I know! He glanced at the clock. Three minutes.

“Hold still you little-ooof”

Humphry’s eyes shot back to the action as Ciecro backflipped off of Tork’s chest, landing a hit on the mon’s lower face with his tail.

“Ow!” Tork shook his head and charged after Ciecro, slamming down at the recently landed Charmeleon with Power-Up Punch.

Humphry saw a smirk on Ciecro’s face as the Charmeleon as he hopped from his spot, using the momentum from the move’s shockwave to butterfly double twist away and land with his arms stretched towards Tork. Orange orbs of fire formed in them and fired upon Tork, who raised his gray, metallic glowing hands to shield his face.

The Hariyama started Bullet Punching at the fire again, but this time Ciecro had the high ground which made it harder for Tork to advance at a faster pace.

Humphry smiled at seeing how confident Ciecro looked. The Gyarados had come out of the cave and was swimming in the sea, feared and fearsome in its movements.

The smile faded as he saw Tork swap to only punching with one hand and stopping his progress entirely. What is he- The other hand shifted from metallic grey to gleaming white. Humphry saw a similar glow of white energy in the form of a circle at Ciecro’s feet. Ciecro! Look out! He shouted in his head.

Ciecro noticed the ring beneath him, but by then it was too late. A powerful gust of white streaks that twirled like a powerful wind shot out of the ground, sending Ciecro airborne. “Dyaaaa!!” Ciecro shouted as he was spun uncontrollably by the Whirlwind.

“Ciecro!” Jasmine exclaimed, rising to all fours.

Humphry’s eyes narrowed. Guess Tork has some impressive moves of his own.

The Vergium Captain’s eyes narrowed in a pleased manner as he lowered his hand and it stopped glowing white. In kind, the Whirlwind from below Ciecro stopped blowing and the poor Charmeleon started plummeting to the ground screaming. Tork tightened his fist, Power-Up Punch appearing in his hand.

Seeing this, Ciecro surged Dragon Tail and twirled forwards to block it with his move. To his surprise, Tork merely stepped to the side and in the blink of an eye, grabbed Ciecro’s tail from the side and pulled him down.

Humphry gasped at seeing Ciecro slammed into the ground.

Ciecro tried to get up but was immediately pulled into a swing by the Hariyama. “Waaah!” Ciecro was pulled around in a circle by his tail. “Let me go!” Ciecro tried to get a shot of Flamethrower onto Tork but paused at seeing black energy in the hand grabbing his tail. It traveled along his tail before engulfing the Charmeleon like some kind of black aura.

Humphry sealed his lips as Tork let go, sending Ciecro flying down the hill.

“Is that-?”

Humphry nodded. “Yup…Fling.”

“This is going to hurt.” Jasmine closed her eyes, while Humphry kept them squarely fixated on Ciecro as the Charmeleon hit the ground on his back.

The black aura around him erupted violently, like a buried trap exploding on an unfortunate traveler. Ciecro went flying again, hitting the bottom of the hill on his stomach and rolling onto his side.

The Fire Type, pushed with his arms, rising to a knee before looking back up the hill at Tork charging down the hill, accelerated by Bullet Punch.

Ciecro fired Flamethrower from his mouth, slowing Tork’s progress but not halting it.

Humphry looked back at the orb timer, shouting, “One Minute!” He saw Ciecro’s body tense and his eyes widened with a form of panic in them. Sorry champ, rules are rules.

Despite the shock of the time, Ciecro calmed down fast as he focused back on the large target coming down towards him, pelting at the flames with those massive hands. He surged Dragon Claw in his hands as he started walking towards Tork while firing the flames.

Humphry nodded. Good idea, he’s faster than you with Bullet Punch, so closing the distance is very important.

Once he was close enough, Ciecro ceased using Flamethrower and pushed off for a rush, only to stumble a little as a small gust of Whirlwind blew from the side of him.

No! Humphry watched with horror as Ciecro was too off balance to avoid the follow-up Power-Up Punch. He tried blocking, but couldn’t form a base and was overwhelmed by the force and sent back down the hill, landing on his back with an “oof”. As Ciecro pushed up with his arms, looking up at Tork while he lay there, he saw the Power-Up Punch’s energy erupt and flow into Tork’s arm in red streams that vanished inside the hulking body.

As Ciecro stood up, he stumbled a little forwards. He panted and his arms sagged.

“He’s tired,” Jasmine said with horror in her tone. She looked up at Humphry, saying, “And this is on fifty percent?”

Humphry nodded, the cold truth in his mind. “Yep. Captain Tork is their strongest ranger and Ciecro’s gotten hit a lot.”

Jasmine looked back at the fight with concern.

Humphry’s eyes narrowed as he watched Tork rush Ciecro again with Bullet Punch.

Ciecro backed away, doing his best to avoid the punches or parry them, but was eventually overwhelmed. One by one, he was slammed by the punches.

Jasmine shut her eyes and looked to the side.

Humphry felt a heat rising in his heart at seeing Ciecro being pelted like that. A scowl crossed his face. You’re better than this, Ciecro! He said in his heart. Stop fooling around and fight like the fighter you-

Ciecro got knocked back and, for a second, they looked at each other. Humphry’s angry stare met Ciecro’s tired and frustrated one. It was shortlived as Ciecro hand to cover his head as another Bullet Punch went his way. The Charmeleon was on a knee, holding his head under his claws as Tork slammed him with Bullet Punches from above.

Humphry looked at the timer. “Fifteen secon-!”

Ciecro roared, pushing his arms forwards with Thunderpunch right into Tork’s incoming one. The clash sent a small ripple into the air as Ciecro pulled one hand back and slammed it again.

Tork, surprised at this sudden counteroffensive, backed off.

Ciecro leaped up onto Tork, and pummeled his face with Thunderpunch.

A flustered Tork, flailed around, trying to grab at Ciecro from his head, but the Charmeleon’s rapid punches made it hard to focus. Eventually, he regained enough of his bearings to try and swat Ciecro off.

The Charmeleon hopped above it the swipe and grabbed onto Tork’s shoulders from behind, wrapping them to choke.

Tork gagged as he tried to free his throat.

Humphry’s mouth went agape as he watched Ciecro pull back with all his might, making the large Hariyama begin to fall backward. What are you- He soon found out the answer as Ciecro pulled up onto Tork’s shoulders and flipped back onto the mon’s chest as he hit the ground.

Ciecro grabbed Tork’s face and pulled his head back, bringing it down into a harsh headbutt that made Tork’s eyes shoot wide and a harsh cracking sound.

“Ciecro!” Humphry rushed down the hill, seeing the Charmeleon surging Thunderpunch. “Time!”

Almost as if he had snapped out of some trance, Ciecro pulled back and stared at Tork’s face.

Humphry stopped beside Tork, hearing the poor mon groan as a large bruise was forming. The Seismitoad bit his lip as he scowled.

< O >

“My goodness.” A Tsareena gasped, looking up at the Hariyama sporting a black bruise on his right eye.

“Yeah, got quite the peck there, I did,” Tork chuckled, his voice having the added effect of a Ducklett quack due to the bandage over his nostrils. “Guess you weren’t kidding about him being your strongest applicant, mon.” Tork rubbed his eye as the Tsareena shook her head and bent her hips the other way.

“Well, it’s a nice change of pace. I was getting a bit tired of broken bones from applicants.”

“Hey!” Tork angrily replied, the intimidation ruined by the nasal tone.

Humphry sighed, holding his cabby hat in his hands and bowing his head to the Tsareena. “I’m sorry Commissioner Zebzena. I didn’t mean for-”

“Oh relax. As I said, I’d much rather this than the other way around.” She put a hand on her hip, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her words. “Besides, giving Tork a black eye and broken nose like that is impressive.”

Humphry sighed. “Thanks, but I don’t think anyone else would quite agree on that.”

“No one battles expecting to not get hurt in some way,” She sighed, flicking her plant-like hair. “Anyways, the big oaf will be fine. We’ll be heading out once we get some numbers from here. No harm done.”

Humphry did a grateful head bow and put his hat back on. “Thank you kindly. It’s awfully nice of you.”

“Don’t sweat it. Tork’s had worse. Tell that kid who did this my compliments to his fighting prowess.”

“I will.” Humphry smiled as he turned around and walked out of the room. Phew. He put a hand on his hat and shook his head. Glad it wasn’t anything serious. As he walked down the hallway, he felt a heavy feeling surmount on his back as he thought back to Ciecro’s face looking at Tork. Poor guy. What an awful way for his test to go.

Right as Humphry passed a corner he stopped at hearing a voice say, “So, how is he?”

“Hrm?” Humphry turned and crossed his arms. “Tork’s alright, Amyas.”

The Bisharp leaning on the wall got off.

“So, I take it your combat is done.”

“Yep.” He shrugged. Stretching his arms, Amyas said, “Pretty good bouts.”

Humphry smiled at his friend’s optimism. “Good to hear.” Humphry looked at the door to the infirmary, his smile going.

“Something wrong?”

Humphry shook his head. “No. Just idly thinking. So, you going to take me up on my offer?”

“About that party?” The Bisharp crossed his metal gauntlets. “Sure, sounds like fun. Though, are you sure I wouldn’t be intruding?”

The Seismitoad shook his head. “Nope. You’d be my guest. Plus, you want to meet Ciecro right?”

The Bisharp nodded. “So, was he the one that…?” His eyes darted back towards the hall.

Humphry’s smile went as he nodded. “Just don’t talk too much about the test to him.”

“Alright.”

Humphry adjusted his hat, raising a brow as he felt a strange chill in his body. What? His eyes started browsing the room.

“What time and where was it again?”

Humphry kept looking around, as he said. “Oh uh…by the lake. There’s a river that goes into it. I’ll meet you there at nine.”

“Sure thing, buddy.” One back slap on Humphry later and Amyas was on his way out the door.

The Seismitoad just stood there, watching his friend leave with a frown on his face. What was that feeling just now? He rubbed the side of his head as he blinked. Well, whatever it is. It’s gone now. He started leaving, taking one last look behind as he exited.

Chapter 22
Rememorabilia

“Seven Thirty,” Vragon mumbled to himself as he stared at the holographic numbers that the orb from Jaron and Ciecro’s room displayed. “Hmmm…let’s see.” He put it away and took out a small notebook fastened to his librarian job’s belt, which he had also borrowed for this occasion.

He dragged his claw down the list of names. Hmm…it’s taking Mr. Hommel a while to get here. His eyes rose from his notepad and looked toward town and the large drop to the lake below. Browsing the horizon, Vragon sighed at not seeing the two blue spherical mons anywhere in view.

Turning around, he looked at the riverside where the preparations were nearly done. Some mons were lighting up some torches for the tables, some were setting up the tables and chairs, while some were chatting instead of doing their work. Amid the party preparers was Jaron, orders to those nearby.

Heh. A small smile formed on his face as he watched Jaron’s mannerisms and posture, like a mini-manager being as imperative as possible. Don’t see ‘work face’ Jaron very often. He turned towards the lake, his smile shrinking although his happiness still was as strong as ever. I’m glad so many mons wanted to come. Guess, Aunt Dresha is really valued here. Not just as a supplier for those berries, even if that’s how it probably started. He looked down at his notebook, his eyes narrowing slightly as he read the names on the list to himself.

As he flipped the page, he felt the faint tugging of his pendant, which prompted him to take it into his hands and looked at it quizzically. I wonder if there was someone like her in my life before. Someone like, Ciecro and Jaron too. He raised a brow, as he felt the question excite his curiosity. Maybe my actual siblings. Huh, wonder why I never really thought of that? Guess those two do a good enough job. He chuckled as he let the pendant fall down as he glanced back at everyone else.

Hmmm…‘f*ck it and focus on the now.’ His smile faded as he remembered Ciecro’s words from that one conversation a few days ago. ‘Those two do a good enough job.’ His eyes looked upwards. Like Aunt Dresha as a caretaker. Maybe I am being a bit, too hasty about stuff like this. I’ve got a good life here… His head lowered as his claw instinctively wrapped around his pendant. I wonder if I’m giving off that impression. I hope not. I really like it here.

He let go and crossed his arms. Ciecro may have just been on edge, can’t blame him with the test and what Clyde pulled. But… He glanced back, focusing once more on Jaron. He alternated gazes between Jaron and his pendant. I don’t know. Something…something about all this just feels missing. I feel missing.

He shook his head and rolled his eyes. ‘Well duh, you’re missing your memories, stupid.’ Chuckling at his little impersonation of Jaron, Vragon let his pendant fall. It’s been a rough week. I should focus on them for a bit. After all, they deserve-

“Excuse me?”

Vragon jumped with a gasp, glancing at the origin of the voice, turning out to be a Bisharp standing next to him with his arm stretched out halfway to tap him on the shoulder.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s uhm…fine.” Vragon raised a brow as he spotted the ranger’s blue ranger band. “Is there something wrong, sir?”

“Huh? Oh, no, no.” Amyas smiled as he tapped his band. “I was just invited to this party by Mr. Hommel.”

“Humphry?”

Amyas nodded then offered his metallic gauntlet for a hand with a smile. “I’m Amyas Orgul. Commissioner of Plainier Town.”

Vragon accepted it, relaxing at the friendliness in this stranger’s eyes. “Nice to meet you. I’m Vragon Almkin.”

“‘Almkin’?” Amyas raised a brow. “So you’re Ciecro’s brother?”

“Uhhh, not exactly.” Vragon put a hand over his chest as his gaze lowered slightly. “It’s…kind of silly to believe but-” He looked back up to the confused Bisharp as he tried to figure out how to answer that question without sounding crazy. “Well, I came to this town around five years ago and have been living with Aunt Dresha since then.”

“So you’re adopted?”

“N-no. I’m more uhm…” Vragon started rolling his wrist, fiddling around with words in his mind until Amyas’s chuckle grabbed his attention.

“No need to be so uptight, son. It’s not like I’m going to arrest you. That’s Humphry’s job and he’s left you free for apparently five years.” He crossed his arms and smirked, which mixed with the logic succeeded in putting Vragon’s mind at ease.

One deep breath later, Vragon answered, “So five years ago I was found in the forest. I don’t remember anything that happened to me past that point. I only knew my first name so they offered to use Almkin as a replacement for my last for legal documents and other things that require a last name.”

“I see. Definitely peculiar, though I could see why they would do that.”

“Yeah, it was nice of them, and since I was going to stay with them-”

Amyas raised a brow. “Oh no, I mean you would pass as a sibling of theirs.”

Wait, I would? Vragon crossed his arms, skeptical of this claim. “How?” Especially since he’s never even met me.

Amyas pointed to Vragon’s right shoulder. “That’s why.”

“My crest?”

“Yes.”

“But it’s Averion. Not Norfairon like theirs.”

“True, but the Clans offspring take crests based on either parent. So it could be inferred there was a Norfarion and an Averion for parents.”

“That’s true.” Vragon’s head lowered. I didn’t know that.

“Though, it would seem a bit odd, since most Clansmons you see in Triacal are Norfarions exclusively, which by itself is rare.”

“Huh?” The Fraxure snapped his head back up at this fact. “Why?”

“The Norfarions have a colony in the north-eastern part of Triacal. Near Shimmer Hill. It’s quite rare for any Clansmon to be this deep in the continent let alone be a non-Norfarion.”

“Interesting. Why do they have a colony here in Triacal?” Vragon pressed a closed fist under his chin as he listened with intrigue.

“Well, for trading mostly, but there’s probably other reasons.”

“I see.” Vragon’s gaze lowered a little. Wow, I didn’t even know there was a colony of Norfarions here. Dang, guess I really do know little about all this. His mind went back to his prior thoughts as he could feel frustration building up.

“Nice pendant.”

“Huh?” Vragon looked at Amyas and then to the object the Bisharp complimented. “Oh, thanks. I had this on when I was found.” He cupped it under his claw and held it out for better viewing.

“Where were you found?”

“Upstream.”

“How far?”

“A ways. I don’t remember how far it exactly was.”

“And you don’t remember how you got there?”

“Nope.”

“Not even if you were attacked or not?”

Vragon paused.

Amyas raised a brow. “Uhm…Vragon?”

Vragon’s gaze lowered, unease in his eyes. “I…don’t know.” The air felt colder all of a sudden for the Fraxure. ‘Attacked’? I wasn’t found with any injuries but…I guess it’s a possibility. So why do I feel so weird about it? Without thinking, Vragon started rubbing his left claw’s wrist.

“Sorry for asking that.”

Instantly, Vragon brightened his expression and shrugged. “Oh no, it was a fair question. I just have…well…never thought of that scenario before. And even then who can say? I certainly can’t, heh.”

Amyas’s concern that he had crossed a line didn’t improve, though he gave an affirming nod and a slight smile. “Well, I do hope you get your memories back.”

“Thank you.” Vragon scratched the back of his neck as his gaze lowered to the side. Change the topic. Change the topic. Oh! He looked back at the ranger, saying hastily. “So, who did you come with?”

“Oh, Mr. Hommel. He invited me.” Amyas crossed his arms and looked towards town. “But he seems to be late.”

“Yeah.” Vragon pulled out his notepad and flipped it open. “He and his wife are the last ones on the list,” Vragon sighed, closing the notepad, and started browsing the dim horizon for any sign of the missing guests.

“Typical Humphry.” Amyas pressed his hand to his chin as his gaze drifted upward. “Hmmm…or maybe it’s his wife this time.”

Ugh, why this celebration of all times to be late. Vragon grumbled to himself as he kept looking for any sign of the Hommels. Due to the sun having disappeared beneath the horizon, seeing any Mons, let alone blue ones was like trying to spot a Ditto in a valley of Muk. Ugh… Vragon shook his head as his gaze trailed towards the lake, specifically at the large reflection of the moon on its calm surface.

“Ah yes, what a nice view,” Amyas said, standing next to Vragon, who looked at the commissioner.

“It is.” There was something strange about how relaxing it was to look at this lake at night. It wasn’t anything special nor had uncanny lights about it, but the calmness of the water with the moon’s imprint just seemed to stir the soul just right. However, the stirring stopped when Vragon spotted something on the far side.

“Huh? Ciecro?” Vragon leaned a little closer, making out a bit of red in the far distance near the shoal. “What’s he doing there?”

“Wait, you mean Ciecro Almkin?”

“Yeah.” Vragon pressed his claws to his sides and scowled slightly. “I thought he was helping Jaron. What’s he doing…there.” Vragon’s voice faded away as the obvious reason dawned on him. He sighed and turned to Amyas. “Thank you for the conversation sir, but I probably should go get him.”

“Oh, well, if you don’t mind. Can I come along?”

“Huh?”

“Yes. You see, I’d like to speak with him.”

Vragon’s eyes narrowed a little. “Is it about his test?”

Amyas shook his head. “Nope, only Humphry is allowed to talk about that. No, I just want to give my regards to him.”

“Give your regards?” Vragon tilted his head, surprised at this stranger showing some admiration for Ciecro.

“Yes. Humphry has told me a lot about him. He sounds like a nice young male according to Humphry, so I’d like to meet this boy my friend speaks highly of. Maybe even set up a sparring match with him before I go.”

A heavy sigh followed from the Fraxure. Ciecro’s probably in a bad mood. I don’t think I should bring anybody else; he may just want to be alone. Although. Vragon rubbed his chin as he looked back at Ciecro in thought. Meeting another commissioner might be the cheer-up he needs. I don’t know why Amyas wants to see Ciecro outside of what he claims, but he doesn’t seem to be having anything bad to say or ill intentions. Plus, Ciecro’s been clean on his record since the incident.

Vragon nodded. “Sure.” He took one more look towards town and once satisfied that the Hommel’s were still not in view he turned around, gesturing for Amyas to follow.

They rounded the lake’s perimeter ring before branching off to head into the hillside. As they went up a specific hill, Amyas glanced around a bit concerned.

“Uhm…where are we going?”

“To the tunnel,” Vragon said with a grin.

“Tunnel?”

“Yep. It connects to Aunt Dresha’s underground home that shore you saw Ciecro at. Aunt Dresha is currently taking an afternoon nap so I don’t want to wake her up till everyone’s ready for the surprise.”

“Ah, so that’s why. That’s awfully nice of you all, surprising your Aunt like this.”

Vragon shrugged with a less-than-humble grin. “Well, the surprise part was my idea. I just had to do a little bit of ‘prep’ to get her into a napping mood.”

“Oh?” Amyas raised a brow, his smile going.

Vragon stroked his chin, shut his eyes, and confidently chuckled, “I just happened to need her help with some of my researching, which took us a few hours of tedious and thorough reading.”

Amyas chuckled, relieved. “Well, sounds like it was very effective,” Amyas stated as they went down the hill and rounded around a wooden trap door. The two flipped the sides open and stepped inside.

Vragon reached for the wall where a belt pouch hung on a metal steak without having to feel around for it. He carefully searched each pouch until he felt the spherical object he was looking for. “Alrighty.” He pulled it out and twisted it, causing the orb to glow with a bright light.

“Woah,” Amyas exclaimed in surprise as he shielded his face from the sudden burst of light.

“Oops, sorry.” Vragon cupped it into his hands so it only projected light in one direction, cracks between his fingers aside. “That better?”

“Much.” Amyas gestured towards the path. “Lead on.”

Nodding, Vragon took lead and the two proceeded down into the cave.

“So did somebody dig this tunnel out?”

“Yep. We hired some mons to do it.”

“How come?”

Vragon closed his eyes as he thought back, not worried about stumbling or running into something since he knew this tunnel like the back of his claw. “Well, when I joined them I needed a place to stay. So Aunt Dresha decided to have her home expanded so I could have my own room. During that, the talk of an emergency exit came up and we decided to connect this tunnel to the house and to the cavern that leads the shoal.”

“I see.”

Vragon smiled as he looked upwards. “Yeah. Of course, I, Jaron, and Ciecro mostly used this tunnel for getting to our spot.”

“The shoal you were talking about?”

“Yeah. The one Ciecro is at. It’s where we all like to hang out together when we have time and don’t feel like training.”

“Oh? You’re training too?”

“Not to become a ranger.” Vragon glanced back as he explained, “but self-defense is important. If I’m a good battler then I could take care of myself. That kind of logic.”

“Solid line to go by.”

“I’ve still got a long way to go.” Vragon sighed as he looked forwards.

“Everyone has to start somewhere.”

A frown formed as Vragon thought, Start or play catch up. He briefly looked at the orb glowing in his hands as they neared the turn.

“Something wrong?”

“Nothing really.” With the turn in sight, Vragon paused.

“Vragon?”

The Fraxure turned around and looked up at Amyas. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” Amyas said, though there was a hint of curiosity in his friendly face.

“What do you want to talk to Ciecro about?”

“Like I said. I’d like to meet him and give him my compliments and maybe set up a future sparring-”

“But why?”

Amyas raised a brow. “I don’t understand. Is something wrong with me talking to him?”

Vragon sighed and looked up at the roof. “I’m guessing he’s going to be in a bad mood.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah…this whole week he’s been preparing for the ranger’s aptitude test and well…he came back looking all bothered.” A serious stare went on the Fraxure’s face as he locked eyes with the Commissioner. “I’m worried his test didn’t go well. So…if you’re going to talk about anything related to that, please don’t.”

Amyas nodded. “You have my word.” A small smile formed as he crossed his arms and tilted his head. “I must say. It’s nice to see you looking out for his wellbeing.”

“I owe him a lot. Him, Jaron, Aunt Dresha.” Vragon felt his cheeks blush a little as he looked at the side, embarrassment rising up as memories popped up. A little chuckle happened, prompting Amyas to raise a curious brow. “Sorry, about that.” Vragon smiled back. “I just wanted to cheer him up. Ciecro…he’s the reason I know how to fight at all.”

“Huh?”

Vragon raised his other hand, surging a Dragon Claw. “Yeah. When I first came here, I couldn’t do moves. I don’t know if I had forgotten how or whatever the reason was, but it just was hard to do them. Let alone holding them for a long period.”

Amyas’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’ve never heard of that before. Well, outside of really fringe cases like war veterans.”

“Yeah. Ciecro taught me a lot about endurance and being able to handle my power. He’s a really good fighter and I’m a better fighter now because of him. So, yeah, uhm.” Vragon lowered his head and rubbed the back of his, slightly embarrassed. “Sorry, I just felt a little compelled to say that. I just hope your talk can cheer him up-”

“Hrm?”

Vragon opened his eyes and looked at Amyas. “What is it?”

“Shine that light over there again.”

“Uhm…okay.” Vragon did so, revealing just the normal cave wall. “What is it, sir?”

“I don’t know. Just thought I saw something. Maybe it’s my imagin-” Amyas stopped mid-sentence. His body tensed like a cold breeze had caressed its surface.

“Sir?” Vragon leaned closer. “CommissionEERRRR!!!” Vragon exclaimed as Amyas grabbed his arm and yanked him back, slamming the other one to the ground. Vragon hit the ground hard as the Luminous Orb bounced out of his palm and onto the cave floor.

“Amyas, what is-” He was cut off by the Commissioner being slammed into the wall by some kind of shadow.

“Get that orb!” He said, followed by a hard grunt.

While Vragon processed what was going on, he saw the shadow turn. Large intimidating eyes stared at him, purple sclera with red irises. A large, white-toothed smile formed as the shadow moved what looked like a hand, and a black sphere formed at the tip.

Vragon gasped and immediately scrambled back, but the impact of the Shadow Ball sent out a repulse that knocked him onto his stomach again. “Ugh…” Vragon pushed back to stand up but froze as he looked forwards.

Up ahead the cave was illuminated by the Luminous Orb. However, on the far end, a figure was walking towards him. This figure wore a beige poncho with a hood over the head. A green spike was poking at the top of the hood, white long legs that moved like bending pillars shown from beneath this poncho, and the arms at the side were green with pointy elbows that started extending.

A shiver filled the Fraxure as the stranger’s right elbow started glowing.

“Vragon!” He heard Amyas shout as he got in front of him, right as the figure sent a Psycho Cut right towards them. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the Fraxure this attacker was aiming for but the orb, which burst to pieces upon being struck, plunging them all into darkness.

His heart felt like it was bursting from his chest as he scrambled up in the dark, almost falling as he turned around, and rushed as fast as he could for the turn that would lead out.

“Run!” Amyas said, only to be followed by a pained grunt from the Bisharp.

“I’ll handle the Bisharp! Get him Siegfried!” A fiendish voice called as another clash rang out.

The sounds of his footsteps echoed in semblance, though it was hard to tell if those echoes were from Vragon’s own footsteps or those of his pursuer. He dared not glance back, not just because of the darkness but because he feared he would see his chaser.

Right as he rounded the bend, he heard a whizzing sound. For a brief second, there was a flash of pink light behind him which vanished as the cave wall to his left exploded from some kind of impact, sending Vragon tumbling onto his stomach. He tried to scurry to his feet but only got so far before he was slammed onto the cave floor, pinned by the back by some thin yet forceful appendage.

“Let me go!” Vragon cried, struggling as the figure shifted a little, lessening the pressure. Attempting to use this to escape, Vragon was soon disappointed to be flipped onto his back and pinned once more, this time at the neck.

When he looked up, all he saw was a flash of red and heat on his face. The pressure on him was gone as he looked down the cave, briefly illuminated by some flames that soared towards the stranger, who crossed his elbows glowing in Psycho Cut to block.

“Vray! Run!” Ciecro shouted, rushing in front of Vragon and firing another Flamethrower.

The Fraxure didn’t need to be told twice. His legs sprang to life as he rushed out of the cave, Ciecro following closely behind.

While it was night out, the difference between being in total darkness to the dimness of the shoal was like night and day. So much so it made Vragon’s head spiral in confusion as he stumbled down to his knees in the middle of the shoal. He panted heavily as Ciecro joined his side, kneeling in front of the panicked Fraxure.

“Are yah hurt?”

The Fraxure managed to utter a “No.” but his fear amplified as he saw Ciecro stand up and fire once more. He spun around to see the Flamethrower being cut in half by the cloaked Gallade walking towards them.

Slowly, Vragon rose to his feet, trying to calm down so he could support Ciecro who stared at their foe unflinchingly.

“Hmph…suppose it makes sense the Norfarions here would be friends with the Averion.”

“Huh?” The two boys said as the figure moved his hand up to his hood.

“Well, then let’s get this over with.”

Vragon’s fear shifted to curiosity as he looked into the stranger’s eyes. The irises were bloody red, but gleamed faintly in the nighttime. They filled him with dread, but also seemed somewhat mysterious in a way that made him feel also at ease. Though, a troubling thought crossed Vragon’s mind that shoved his secondary feelings aside. “Ciecro, is tha-” His jaw shut as he saw the look of disbelief and frozen horror on Ciecro’s face.

The Gallade’s gaze met the Charmeleon’s. “Tck.” He swung his arm, sending a Pyscho Cut straight for the Charmeleon, who pulled back startled as if he had just seen his foe.

Instantly, Vragon threw himself at Ciecro, shoving the Charmeleon out of the way as the move struck him on the side. It sent him spiralling sideways and hitting the dirt, tumbling till he struck some of the rocks near the back of the shoal opposite the cave’s entrance.

Everything felt dizzy as he tried to move. His muscles felt five times as heavy, not helped by his current state being akin to a drunker on the verge of going deeper than tipsy. Despite this, Vragon managed to get on a knee and start standing up when he heard a muffled noise.

“Huh?” He looked left. “Look…out?” There was a flash of pink heading right for him. He tried raising his arms in front to block, but his guard was easily broken as he was sent flying into the rock wall, knocking all the air out of his lungs, and falling onto his face dazed and groaning.

< O >

Jaron gasped as he almost stumbled onto a crate as he held his head. A harsh chill surged through his body, causing him to shake involuntarily. He instinctively moved his claw over his heart as he did slow breaths to calm down.

What? He shut his eyes, trying to process this feeling and focus on understanding it, so much so that any voices near him sounded like muffled gibberish, and any touch he felt barely registered.

Why’s my Wary? His eyes shot open, widening at the realization his Wary was warning him of something near the lake. He looked towards it and a second later rushed towards the cliffside, ignoring all the calls to his name. When he reached the edge, he peered straight to the cove, and to his horror he saw what looked like fire in the distance. The beam of flame was disrupted by some pink energy, though it was too far to make out who sent it.

He was startled as a hand latched onto his shoulder.

“Jaron? What’s wrong, you looked ill,” Humphry asked him until the Croconaw looked back at the lake. “What’s going-”

‘There wasn’t time’ was all Jaron felt as he pulled out of Humphry’s grip and jumped towards the lake. He felt the wind on his face as his raw emotions of horror shifted to rage as the few seconds passed until he cut into the waves of the lake.

Despite the darkness of the lake, the light from the moon touching the water’s ceiling provided some semblance of direction for the Croconaw. Jaron flattened his body and swished his tail, propelling forwards and gaining speed as he reduced his drag.

As he hurried onwards, he heard a loud splash of bubbles behind him but didn’t dare look, almost out of fear of it making him be too late to help his brother.

Not even a minute later, Jaron was coming to the other side of the lake. He went deeper and then angled himself upwards and used Scald from his palms to propel himself upwards, straight out of the water and into the air.

He pulled his legs forwards and landed on all fours, opening his maw as it formed Ice Beam while his eyes tried spying the assailant.

“Hrm?” The cloaked stranger glanced at Jaron, who immediately fired his stored Ice Beam. The nimble mon did a pivot hop with a twist, almost like he was dancing. He then landed low, surging pink energy into his elbow, and swinging it to fire at Jaron.

Jaron dove to the side to avoid, but right as he was about to counter he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. It was Vragon, starting to sit up rubbing his head.

“Vray!” Jaron rushed over to the Fraxure as Ciecro pushed the Gallade back with Flamethrower and moved in front as the Croconaw checked on Vragon.

“Ugh…Jaron?” Vragon looked at him, blinking a little until they went wide as he pounced on Jaron. A Psycho Cut soared overhead and struck the rock wall behind them.

“T-t-thanks.” Jaron weakly chuckle, but ceased his smile as Vragon got off of him, focusing on their adversary. “Can you fight?” Jaron inquired as he stood up.

“I’ll try,” Vragon said, stifling a groan as he held his side.

Damnit, he’s injured. Jaron jogged up to where Ciecro was, whispering. “Vragon’s too injured to go up close.”

“I wouldn’ wan’ ‘im too anyway,” Ciecro replied, scowling at their foe, who threw more Psycho Cuts at them. Ciecro fired Flamethrowers to meet the incoming attacks.

“Okay!” Jaron said, gasping as Siegfried leaped through the smoke of the clashed moves and sliced at them.

Thankfully, Ciecro was fast enough to intercept with Dragon Claw, but the momentum from their foe was too much to stop. The Charmeleon was knocked into some backwards somersaults before stopping flat on his stomach.

“Ciecro!” Jaron snarled as he lashed out at Siegfried with Slashes that grew on the sides of his arms like curved blades. He clashed against Siegfried’s Psycho Cut elbows until the agile Gallade did a backflip, striking Jaron in the under jaw with his leg, and sending the poor Croconaw onto his back.

Fortunately for Jaron, Siegfried had no time for a follow-up, for when he landed he was startled by something to his right and was struck straight in the chest by a Mud Shot.

“You alright there Jaron?” Humphry said, taking his fist off the ground and jogging over to the Croconaw.

“I am now,” Jaron said, refocusing on the target, who was standing up and staring at the group with a slightly annoyed expression.

Siegfried’s elbows extended and glowed green.

“So what’s the plan, boys?” Humphry asked, standing next to Jaron as Ciecro joined up on the right end.

“Beat this guy up.” Jaron leered at Siegfried, snarling in such a manner that it surprised Humphry.

“Alright then.” Humphry took a step forwards and punched the ground, shooting Mud Shot to the Gallade, who merely sidestepped the attack.

However, Jaron followed up with a Scald, forcing Siegfried to leap above only for him to be swatted down by Ciecro’s lunge with Dragon Claw.

Siegfried quickly sprang back mid-backflip, landing on his feet gracefully and sending out a Psycho Cut, which was shattered by another Mud Shot. “Tck.” He stood up, looking at the three until a noise from the cave got his and their attention.

“Ack!” The Gengar grunted as he plopped on the ground on his back after being flung out of the cave. He sat up to rub his head only to instantly go eyes wide. “sh*t!” He flew back as Amyas phased right in front of him and drove his right arm, cloaked in black energy, into the ground where the ghost was.

Vex landed next to Siegfried, keeping his eye on Amyas while saying, “What now?”

“I’ll tell you what.” Humphry pointed at Siegfried with a confident grin. “You guys give up that’s what. I can’t wait to hear why you lunatics want to attack a child once we bring you in.” Humphry’s smile vanished, replaced by a serious look that harbored disgust.

Amyas positioned himself in front of the cave’s entrance, asking, “Humphry, did you-”

“Yeah, they’re on their way. Shouldn’t be too long now.”

Vex slithered as he looked up at his accomplice. “Well?”

Siegfried’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll handle them. You get what we came for.”

“Uh…right.”

Siegfried stepped forwards, an unsettling ease filled Jaron at how unconcerned this Gallade was. Humphry literally said more rangers were coming. So why is he-?

His thoughts were cut off by the Gallade charging at them, while the ghost phased into the ground.

“No, you don’t!” Humphry punched the ground to send Mud Shot.

Immediately, Jaron readied a follow-up Scald and the Gallade looked him straight in the eye. Huh? For a brief moment, the Gallade’s red eyes glowed in a strange way that Jaron hadn’t seen before. Yet, for as long as he stared into it a strange feeling accompanied it. A feeling of some other force touching him from inside his body or soul.

He blinked, seeing the Gallade avoid the Mud Shot, and fired Scald, only for Siegfried to angle his body low so it soared right above. What?

This evade allowed Siegfried to quickly fire a Psycho Cut in reply, striking Humphry on the shoulder, making him step back and grab it with a pained croak.

“Humphry!”

Siegfried hopped into the air, surging Leaf Blade into his right extended elbow this time, and brought it down upon the Seismitoad, who quickly pulled back to avoid being cut. Unfortunately, Siegfried’s left extended elbow had Psycho Cut, which he promptly threw point blank into Humphry, blasting him back a few feet into the shallows of the lake.

“No!” Amyas charged at Siegfried.

Jaron was bumped to the side by Ciecro, who also rushed for the Gallade with Dragon Claw. “Cover Vray!” He shouted as the two’s moves met with Siegfried’s forming a tri-lock.

Scrambling back up, Jaron rushed over to the rocks where Vragon had stayed back. “Take my back,” Jaron said, as he stepped behind Vragon and peered at the walls around them. “He could be anywhere.”

Vragon nodded and stood up, the two browsing the sides and ground for any sign of the shadow moving.

Jaron scowled as he tried to use his gift to pinpoint where this foe was, but it was too busy being set off by the fight happening nay ten feet from him. Suddenly, he felt a wary high from his right and immediately looked towards it, only to realize it was coming from the Gallade.

It was brief, but Jaron did spy the Gallade’s eyes glow red again as he deflected one of Ciecro’s Dragon Claws and twisted to avoid the Metal Claw by Amyas. Why are they glowing like that? He’s got to be- Jaron gasped at what followed.

Ciecro went for a rush slice on the side, while Amyas leaped more outwards and pushed off the sand to lunge right at Siegfried’s back. However, the Gallade, blocked Ciecro’s passerby scrape and twisted his leg to kick away Amyas’s Metal Claw at the side with pinpoint accuracy.

“What?” Jaron and now Vragon watched as Siegfried’s spiraled once and he landed on one leg, while his other was stretched out towards Amyas and his elbow locked with Ciecro glowing pink. The Gallade’s leg started to move in a small circular formation that quickly picked up speed and sent out a mini Vacuum Wave that pushed Amyas back into the wall next to the exit. Ciecro didn’t fare much better as once Amyas was taken care of, the Gallade swung his extended leg into an arch to break the block they had. He then swung his arms in front, unleashing a cross of dual Psycho Cuts. The Charmeleon, despite mustering a defense with his Dragon Claw, couldn’t stay grounded and was knocked into the rocky area near Jaron and Vragon.

“Cie-!” Jaron stopped as his wary shot up from the left now, and he immediately responded by firing Ice Beam in that direction.

Vex’s shadow darted along the wall as Jaron followed, Vragon taking position behind the Croconaw to keep Siegfried back with a Dragon Breath. Unfortunately, Siegfried was too nimble to be pinned and merely had to leap to the side and fire a Psycho Cut. The move struck the ground between them and sent them sprawling onto their stomachs.

Jaron rolled onto his back to fire back at Siegfried, but was startled by a light from his right.

“Don’t think so,” Vex smugly said as he spread his arms, the white glow on his body shining even brighter as beams of light surged across, striking Jaron all over like hot needles of rain. The poor Croconaw was knocked near his brother, who quickly sat him up and fired Flamethrower only for Siegfried to step in the way and part it by extending the Psycho Cut in his elbow to part the fire in half.

Jaron panted as he felt the front of his body sting from the burn. He looked on helplessly at Vragon who was instantly assaulted by Vex and pinned to the ground.

Vragon struggled, but the ghost’s eyes turned blue with pink rings emanating from the pupils and moving outwards to the end of the eyes. A similar pattern started to form on Vragon’s eyes as they slowly began to shut.

“No!” Jaron tried to stand but had to fall flat on his stomach to avoid an incoming Psycho Cut.

He heard Ciecro rush by him along with Amyas on the far left.

“Go now!” Siegfried ordered as he rushed towards the two, igniting Psycho Cut into his elbows and clashing with the two mons.

Vex nodded and lifted the sleeping Vragon into his arms and floated up.

Jaron felt a surge of horror in his body as his blood boiled like hot lava yet also chilled like the coldest of ice storms. As he slowly got up, Vex flew overhead, unimpeded by the two currently combating Siegfried. Jaron opened his mouth but he couldn’t form Ice Beam. What if he hit Vragon? What if he missed? His body faltered as Vex rounded out and was about to ascend up and out of view until the ghost looked down and shouted with fright.

Jaron looked forwards and saw a swirl of glowing water shoot out from the lake, reaching upwards like a giant serpent with a dragon head made up of water opening up to ingest the two.

Frightened, the ghost almost dropped Vragon, managing to grab him by the leg, and flew up with the Fraxure just barely escaping the loud snap of the water beast as it fell back into the lake from whence it came.

“Damnit!”

Jaron glanced to the right to see Humphry take his hands out of the water, staring angrily at the ghost getting away. The Seismitoad looked at Jaron and gestured, “Jaron, come!”

The Croconaw was at a loss of words, but he managed to start pursuing Humphry, who made a break for the cave.

A second later, a Psycho Cut slammed into the top of the tunnel, caving in the entrance.

Humphry shielded his face from the upset dirt. He and Jaron looked in shock at their only hope of pursuit blocked by the caved in ceiling. Anger filled Humphry face as he glared at Siegfried.

“You bastard!” Amyas rushed at Siegfried, his body going hazy and disappearing.

Siegfried’s eyes glowed once more before Amyas vanished. The Gallade went low in the blink of an eye and shoved his hands forwards, causing a gagging sound to happen as Amyas reappeared in front, his gauntlet’s side spike was right where Siegfried’s throat was and his chest was where Siegfried’s arms were now. The Bisharp stumbled back, holding his abdomen as he dropped to a knee.

Amyas looked up at the Gallade standing over him. “H-h-how?”

“Stop him!”

Humphry’s shout snapped the Gallade out of any further punishment to Amyas and he leaped back, pulling out an orb, and pressed it as Humphry’s Mud Shot flew towards him with Ciecro’s Flamethrower following. There was a cyan pillar of light that beamed around Siegfried and disappeared as suddenly as it came, leaving nothing for the moves to strike but the wall beyond.

Jaron froze. They…they got away. He dropped to the ground under the shallow waters, clenching the dirt as his heart rate sped up. Vragon was gone. Taking by those things. His claws clenched as he felt overwhelmed with anger and horror.

“Jaron, snap out of it.”

He looked up at Humphry, who grabbed him by the arm, forceful yet gentle enough not to harm the boy.

“Jaron, you can sense them right? Use your Wary.”

“I … but how will we-?”

“Now’s not the time.”

“Hey!” A shout came from above as the four all looked upwards.

Dolly and Jasmine were staring down from the cliff side nearby, as close as they could be without losing sight of the group.

Humphry moved his hands over his mouth and shouted back, “Come over to this side! The cave is blocked and I’ll need you two!” Humphry turned to Jaron and placed his hands on the Croconaw, startling the boy a little.

“Jaron…” Humphry paused for a second as he looked to the side.

When his eyes met again with Jaron’s the Croconaw could see a layer beneath that serious look, a layer that almost made him feel like Humphry wanted to hug him.

“Jaron, we’ll get him back. But you need to sense them out. So please.”

The Croconaw nodded and pulled away from Humphry, who proceeded to do whatever he was planning. Jaron walked towards the rocks, staring at the wall for a second as he promised himself and Arceus to do this. My Wary is mine. He shut his eyes and focused, though his thoughts drifted upon hearing Humphry’s voice once again.

“Undo, go to the party and keep things calm there with one or two others. Send Violet and Mecks to the lake as fast as possible. A child has been kidnapped.”

Jaron shook his head. Focus. Don’t let the feelings overwhelm you. Jaron’s breathing went in rhythm with his heart, which had slowed down considerably with his empty state. You’ve done this plenty of times. Just focus on the here and now. He could feel his body move, his arm reaching out for the invisible answer to the question they needed answered.

His claw felt shaky, recoiling at the feeling of dread and danger that his body was feeling. However, his mind remained dominant, albeit pushing himself to walk towards it like a runner pushes one’s muscles at the last leg of a long race.

He gasped. It’s…that way. He opened his eyes and stared at a portion of the wall as if it was a physical manifestation of the direction. Hope filled his soul as he turned around and exclaimed, “Humphry! It’s that-”

Humphry was moving his arms above his head in a circular fashion with a blue light coming from the lake in front.

Jaron jogged towards Humphry’s side to see Amyas and Ciecro swimming in what was a slow-moving whirlpool of water. The Croconaw noticed how Ciecro looked like a flower in the middle of a fire field, but it didn’t make him laugh this time. Too much was going on for the poor Croconaw.

“Which direction did you say it was?” Amyas asked.

Jaron stepped in front and pointed to the spot. “They’re in that direction.”

“Noted.” Amyas looked at Humphry and nodded. “Send us up.”

“Alright, hold your breath you two.”

Ciecro took a big gulp of air and held it like his life depended on it, whereas Amyas was far calmer about his submerging as the water began to spiral at a faster intensity around their spot.

Humphry’s breathing went heavy as he clenched his hands into fists and moved his arms low, suddenly surging them up with a loud croak as a pillar of water shot up in a spiral with the two inside. He then pulled it towards him and Jaron, causing the pillar to tilt so the two above would drop safely on the cliff above while the water from the pillar drenched the two and the cove.

Jaron shook the water off his face and hurried into the shallows. “Alright, our turn.”

“Jaron.” Humphry moved his hand outward as he sat down, panting. “Wait a minute. I need to rest.”

“But-”

“I’m sorry, I just can’t.”

Jaron’s fists clenched as he glared at Humphry. “Then why didn’t you send me too?”

“Cuz, we’ll need you and that Wary of yours to help us find those guys when the rangers get here.”

Looking to the side with his angry gaze, Jaron marched over and sat down near Humphry.

“Though, there’s another reason.”

“Huh?” The Croconaw looked up at Humphry, who looked back at him, with a soft look.

“They’re the ones you told us about, right? The ones that attacked your home?”

Jaron’s eyes lowered as he tilted his head down, staring at the sand with a mixed expression of remorseful memories and tense anger.

“Not the same, but they have the eyes.” Jaron looked up at the stars, now clear and bright with the sun gone. Why is this happening again?

Chapter 23
Your Power, Your Impotence

Urm...Ugh...Wha? There was a slight sting in Vragon’s head as his eyes slowly opened to a blurry scene in front of him, too dark to make out. My head. He groaned as he moved his hand to comfort his head, but stopped, confused at how effortless it was for him to reach above his head. Huh? The next confusing feeling was the wind on his face being accompanied by something cold and hard.

What’s going on- He then felt a third feeling, this one finally clearing his foggy mind. Realizing the thing touching his face was his pendant, which thankfully was something gravity couldn’t get it around his tusks. Snatching it up like he would die without it, Vragon looked around and eventually saw the ghost holding onto his left leg.

“Hey!” Vragon shouted in fright, kicking up at the creature with his free leg.

“Ugh! Stop that! Oof!” Vex’s eyes changed color once more to that sight Vragon instantly recalled.

“No, you don’t!” The Fraxure took a deep breath.

“Don’t you freaking- Dya!” Vex let go of the Fraxure right as the Dragon Breath soared at him, singeing the ghost on the side as the Fraxure fell onto a grassy hill below.

Vragon groaned a few “Oofs” and “Acks” as he tumbled down the hill, finally stopping near the base bruised and dizzy. He shook his head as he tried to stand up, only to quickly dive back down upon remembering Vex was still around. Feeling his pendant in his claws offered some relief as he felt secure enough to let it go and look around.

I’ve got to hide…but where? He crawled his way uphill, going around its side bend hoping Vex wouldn’t happen to be searching there. However, one loud groan nearby forced him to stop and stay low, like a Squirtle going into its shell.

“Ugh, f*ck that piece of-”

Vragon shifted ever so slightly, trying to get a good look at the ghost while not giving himself away.

“Where in the-? Hey! Come out!” Vex snarled as he glanced around anxiously.

Vragon crawled his way back up the hill, hoping to put the mound between him and Vex. Unfortunately, Vex flew up into the sky, forcing Vragon to stop and press himself as close to the ground as possible. As he took a few tired breaths and rested his head on his backwards-angled tusk he shut his eyes. No way I’ll get back with him flying around. Hopefully, he’ll land soon.

His left eye slowly opened and tried to spot the outline of the blades of tall grass to the starry sky. When did I fall unconscious? The last thing I remember was looking into-…Hypnosis. Of course. He sighed in his mind as he leaned his head forwards so his forehead also touched the ground. What’s-

His thoughts and body froze at hearing another voice.

“Vex! What are you doing? Where’s the kid?” The Gallade’s snapping voice made Vragon’s body want to merge with the ground.

Shifting his body a little, Vragon looked to see the Gallade on the other hill, walking down it, those red eyes glaring up at the ghost intensely.

H-how? Vragon held his breath as he watched the ghost land next to Siegfried.

“The idiot almost burned my face off. I didn’t have time to adjust my landing let alone to get another grip on him.”

Siegfried didn’t reply, just walked forwards disappointed.

“Hey! I almost made it to the rendezvous point,” Vex defended, but Siegfried brushed it off, simply walking down and looking around with a narrow stare.

“Just fly up and look around for him. He can’t have gotten too far.”

Vragon watched the ghost fly into the air and then focused back on Siegfried. He pressed his body to the ground and took a deep but quiet breath. Just stay still. His claws dug into the dirt. Relax…You aren’t easy to spot. He opened his eyes and look down at the Gallade through the blades of grass.

So, they had a ‘rendevous’ point? Then this was planned…but why? Vragon felt curiosity building up in him. But how did that Gallade get here so fast? Maybe an orb? Would make sense he would make it back so quickly, especially if they had this planned beforehand.

The Gallade had reached the base of the hills, though this just made it harder to spot the Fraxure on the side of the hill in front. Or so the boy thought, for Siegfried shut his eyes entirely and let his arms hang at their sides.

Huh? What is he doing? Vragon’s eyes narrowed as he peered at Siegfried from his hiding spot. Then, he felt a cold shiver in his spine, a feeling one gets when a shadow looms over them. He almost looked back, just to make sure Vex hadn’t snuck up on him, but the ghost was still searching in the air.

Is…is he causing that? How?

The Gallade then opened his eyes, making Vragon hold his breath. Siegfried raised his head so that his eyes were level with Vragon’s and surged Psycho Cut into his elbows as they extended.

There’s no- Vragon shot to his feet and ran as Siegfried sent the Psycho Cut right for his hiding spot. “Way!” The explosion behind made him lose his balance and start tumbling down the side of the slope a little bit. He scampered to his feet as fast as he could, the adrenaline killing any pain he had gained from the fall.

Not long after, he heard another Psycho Cut whizzing through the air. He shielded his head and dropped down as it soared overhead, striking the ground near the base of the hill.

Vragon turned around and fired Dragon Breath, too wrapped up in the moment to try and aim. His instincts were right as a Psycho Cut was heading his way and collided with the Dragon move, unfortunately, the impact repulse sent him backwards, rolling down the hill once more.

He finally came to a stop near the base, laying on his stomach aching. Get up! He willed his body, but as he raised his body and head, dread filled his soul. The Gallade was rushing towards him, elbows lit with pink light that dazzled in the night scenery.

“Down!” A voice called out to him from behind. All questions he had were flung to the side as he shoved his body down and covered his head, a Psycho Cut soaring over him.

The Gallade leaped over this new attack but was met by a swift blur with a silver light trail that rammed into him. The two beings broke off in midair, with Siegfried landing higher up the hill and the other landing in front of Vragon.

“Found you.”

“J-Jaz?” Vragon looked up to see Jasmine, a small smile forming on his face amid his wheezing. “How did you-”

“Later, I need you to fight.”

“R-right.” Vragon turned around to see the Ghost taking position on the hill opposite Siegfried.

“I suggest you not interfere, girl,” Siegfried stated, his calm tone at odds with his infuriated glare at the Absol standing between him and his objective.

“Fat chance!” Jasmine retorted, surging Psycho Cut into her horn.

“Fine.” Siegfried went into a low stance, moving his arm back to swing a Psycho Cut at them. “Have it your way.”

Vex’s chuckling made Vragon look back at the ghost.

“Just fair warning. Your way is gonna hurt.” He spread his arms as a dazzling light started forming.

“Vray! Together!” Jasmine exclaimed as she leaped up and swung her head, sending a Psycho Cut towards the forming Dazzling Gleam.

Vragon roared as he unleashed his Dragon Breath for support, a powerful explosion that lit up the hills in a light mixed with fairy, psychic, and draconic colors.

< O >

“Look!”

Ciecro slowed to a jog as he reached the pinnacle of the hill, standing next to Amyas as he stared forwards at what the Bisharp was pointing at.

There was an array of colorful energy flames erupting from what likely was a move collision caused explosion nay two hilltops away.

“Let’s go!” Amyas and Ciecro rushed down the hill as Dolly had just reached their spot. As they ran side by side, Amyas looked at the Charmeleon and said, “I want you to get to your friends and guard them.”

“Yes sir.” Ciecro could feel his anticipation for battle soaring inside him, prompting his body to push faster and harder up the slopes to the determined battleground. Soon enough he had the lead of the rescue group and cleared the top of the hill overlooking the conflict.

He saw Jasmine and Vragon desperately trying to fend off their attackers, albeit the weakened Vragon struggling to hold up his end.

The Charmeleon about threw himself down the hill as he snarled, ready to dish out some payback. Their eyes may have scared him as a kid, but now they were just things to beat up as an adolescent.

“Vex! Behind! Keep them away!” Siegfried shouted.

“Roger!” Vex spun around and crossed his arms, a pinkish-white hue enveloping his arms and started growing.

Ciecro stopped to meet the move with Flamethrower.

“Keep going!” Amyas shouted, rushing past and crossing gauntlets in front, as the beams of light soared and struck at them, bouncing off their steely exterior and slicing into the ground on the side of the mound. “Dolly, assist!”

Dolly by this time had reached the top of the hill and formed a Focus Blast. She curled it under her arm like a heavy ball and twisted back before tossing it with a heavy grunt. It spiraled in the air with a spin as it flew in the air in an arc pattern around the Dazzling Gleam.

Vex spotted the move heading towards him, phasing into the ground as it slammed near his side, uprooting the dirt that would have gone straight onto his face.

With the Dazzling Gleam dying out as a result, Ciecro and Amyas charged back down the hill, but the shadow of the ghost did as well.

“Jaz!” Ciecro shouted.

“Look out! He’s in the ground!” Amyas also exclaimed.

“On it!” Jasmine flung a Psycho Cut at the ground between them and Vex, forcing the shadow to halt and dart right. “He’s there!”

Vragon open-fired Dragon Breath at the ground, but Vex flew out maintaining a good distance from the blue and yellow flame that chased after him in the air.

Ciecro opened his maw and fired at Siegfried, who was rushing the duo while they were distracted. Siegfried pivoted to the side and sent a small, but speedy Psycho Cut that forced Ciecro to stop, drop, and roll. “Jaz! Behind yah!”

The Absol spun around, ready to fight the incoming Siegfried only to freeze up in confusion as the Gallade was struck by some unseen force on the side of the head. For a split second, a hazy form began to show next to the Gallade, the arm striking the Gallade’s face being coated in some black energy. Siegfried was sent spiraling down the side of the hill while Amyas stood, leering down at him with an arm coated in Sucker Punch.

“Woah.” Jasmine said absent-mindedly, her momentary awe cut short as Ciecro jogged down to her, saying her name. “About time you guys showed up.”

“Yah both okay?” He asked, looking at her and then Vragon, who was resting on the grass panting.

They both nodded.

“Ciecro!”

All three looked to see Amyas staring at Ciecro, gesturing his head to the left. “Hold for my order.”

Ciecro nodded and jogged to flank Siegfried’s position. He felt the flames in his throat build up, begging to be unleashed on this monster. However, he stood firm in his duty as a defensive observer, watching the Bisharp point his metal gauntlet towards the Gallade.

“Stand down now or I will cut you down.” Ciecro’s eyes widened a little, seeing a hint of his superior’s true anger at that moment. It almost bolstered his own pride, knowing that he wasn’t alone in being fed up with this bland character.

Siegfried rolled his neck, it cracking a bit as it readjusted from the earlier hit.

“Fine then.” Amyas’s gauntlets shined a silvery gleam as he rushed the Gallade. “Attack!”

Ciecro’s flames flew towards the Gallade, who once more nimbly avoided, right into Amyas’s strike. The Gallade and Bisharp met in a fierce lock of Psycho Cut and Metal Claw.

Now’s my chance! Ciecro clamped his mouth shut and rushed forwards, feeling the power move from his throat to claws, growing into Dragon Claw. Go low, so Amyas can follow if needed, he planned. As he charged in, he kept his eyes fixated on the Gallade in case he attempted some kind of break-off or getaway. However, the Gallade took a second to glance at Ciecro and his eyes glowed faintly.

A strange feeling came over Ciecro, like a ghost was passing through his body. It almost made him stumble during his run. Huh? Despite this, he kept rushing, not wanting to waste this chance to take this bastard down. He rushed low and swung with all his might, his claws ready to shred the flesh of this mon, no this Red Eye.

Ciecro felt the air in his lungs lock as his eyes widened in confusion as his claw struck nothing but the air. He started to glance upwards, but a firm force of the Gallade’s leg, lifted up with great speed and brought down in kind pressed his stare to the ground. The Charmeleon’s sharp teeth dug into the insides of his mouth as he felt the Gallade put his weight on him.

Thankfully, it was only for a second, for Amyas pressed harder at seeing Ciecro’s pinned state, forcing Siegfried’s foot off the boy.

“Roll!” Amyas shouted.

Ciecro had barely thought the word in his head before his body complied with the action, shifting over onto his side and allowing him to see the sharp point of the Gallade’s elbow extend into the dirt where he once lay. He kept his motion until he was back on his stomach, pushing up immediately, though his mind was distracted, which happens when one is almost pinned to the ground.

He looked back, his breath heavy as the clashes of Metal Claw and Psycho Cut glistened before him, almost like they were the only light source. However, amid their clashes, there was a faint glow of red. Ciecro instantly recalled it, his body remembering that feeling.

Is…wha’ is he- He stepped forwards, only to quickly jerk his body around at hearing Jasmine shout.

“Ciecro! He’s heading for you!”

Ciecro’s eyes darted around the hillside, trying to spot the shadow. It was in vain due to the limited lighting and Ciecro only found the ghost when he was right behind him arms spreading outwards.

Vex’s dark grin became masked in a white and pink light that grew in intensity, almost blinding Ciecro. As the Charmeleon stepped back and moved his arms in front, he felt what could be described as hot darts that struck an icy pain into him. The force accelerated and picked up his feet, sending him hurling through the air uncontrollably till he plummeted down.

“I’ve go-” Was all he heard before he hit something softer than the ground and tumbled over until he stopped on his back. Groaning, Ciecro started opening his eyes, the dazzling light still carrying traces in his vision, but clearing up to reveal the night sky.

“Ciecro!” He looked a little up to see a pair of yellow eyes staring down at him.

“Sit him up!” Another spoke, Ciecro not getting a chance to look before Vragon started helping him up.

He felt a sturdier hand grab his shoulder and soon he was staring into a pair of brown eyes. “Ciecro? Hey!” A large hand snapped in front of his face, making him blink.

“I’m…I’m fine!” Ciecro shouted, almost like it was a lum berry for his disoriented state.

“Dazzling Gleam shouldn’t have any additional effects,” Vragon stated, him and Ciecro glancing to see Jasmine back on her feet and firing Psycho Cuts at Vex to cover for them.

“Well, that’s what happens when it hits you point blank, Vray.” Dolly grabbed Ciecro by the underarm and yoinked him up, the poor Charmeleon almost falling again from the suddenness of it. “Though, thank Arceus it’s not very effective.”

Ciecro let out a weak, “Uh huh,” before an explosion of a rogue Shadow Ball brought his attention back like a Marowak’s Bonemerang.

Dolly immediately stood up, her eyes glowing blue again.

“Piss off!” Vex snapped as he dove into the ground before Foresight could take effect.

Dolly glanced back at Ciecro, raising a brow. “You good to fight?”

“Yeh.” Ciecro got to his feet as Jasmine leaped in front of him next to Dolly, both standing between the literally grounded ghost and the two boys.

Vragon gasped, prompting Ciecro to look at him and then to turn around as they both spotted Amyas and Siegfried’s clash resulting in the Bisharp being blown away by a Vacuum Wave up the hill.

The Bisharp’s battered body rolled up, almost reaching the summit before plopping down, motionless.

“No!” Ciecro surged his Dragon Claw and stepped in front of Vragon.

“Cie-”

“It’s fine! I’ll ‘andle ‘im!” Ciecro shouted back to Dolly. “Dat ghos’ can’t flank us!”

Dolly nodded and gestured for Jasmine to help as the two entrusted the Charmeleon with their backs.

“Vray, can yah do some Dragon Breath’s fo’ me?”

Vragon nodded, his burning scowl serving as an indicator of how much he wanted this Dragon Breath to sear this foe.

“Don’t feign a spine,” Siegfried stated as his elbows glowed that annoying pink light again. “You’re only just making it harder for yourselves.”

“Shuddup already!” Ciecro growled as he rushed at Ciecro, hopping up to do a slice for the mon’s face, which was easily deflected. He then swung low for the legs, only for the elbow to extend to blow. Gasping, Ciecro pivoted his body back, narrowly avoiding a slice from the other arm that would have cut squarely across his stomach and chest.

Vragon covered his retreat with a Dragon Breath, but Siegfried merely swung his arm, sending the Psycho Cut through most of it and eventually doing a cancel repulse that knocked Vragon onto his back.

Snarling, Ciecro pushed his arms forwards and unleashed Flamethrower at the mon. “Take dis!”

Siegfried raised his arms in front, the pink glow in them changing to green as the flames struck them. However, the fire didn’t break through, instead, it was almost leeching off the new move as a form of fuel as real, non-synergetic fire does.

“Wha?” Ciecro’s mouth hung open as he saw his move practically be absorbed into the Leaf Blade. “How did-?”

For the first time since the fight had started, the Gallade raised his brow, surprised at Ciecro’s confusion. “How?” Rolling his eyes, the Gallade crossed his arms in a ‘T’ formation. “Don’t try me, boy. Playtime is over.” One of the arms stopped glowing green underneath the flames and went back to pink. Half a second later, he swung, sending a horizontal Psycho Cut right for Ciecro, who immediately dropped to a knee and bent low for it to soar overhead.

“Ah!” Vragon, who had just gotten up, dropped to the ground as it flew and crashed into the ground near the base of the second hill. The flames burst upwards with a fiery passion, forming a wall that suddenly started spreading.

“Wha?” Ciecro stared in horror. He’d never experienced his own move being used against him let alone in a way he had never seen before. His despair filled as the flames obscured Dolly and Jasmine, both of whom realized what was going on behind them but were too late to cross.

“No!” Ciecro stood up and stretched his arms out, thinking in his mind and soul for his flames to stop. His wish for them to sputter out went unanswered. His arms lowered and he looked at his right hand, feeling his body shake to its core.

“You’re doing it wrong.”

Ciecro spun around, his heart racing as Siegfried walked towards them once more, the fire in his left extended elbow still burning furiously in the Leaf Blade. “Wha’ dya mean?”

Siegfried rolled his eyes and threw a vertical Psycho Cut at Ciecro. The Charmeleon quickly sidestepped it, but as it soared past him it disintegrated, merely evaporating into pink particles that vanished amid the flaming wall near them.

“Are you telling me you don’t understand something as basic as nullifying your own moves?”

“Of course I do!” Ciecro snapped back. “Yah’re doin’ somethin’ tah stop me fro-” The poor boy stopped at hearing the Gallade burst into a suddenly mocking laughter, that made him feel like a stone that was forming cracks.

“You really don’t know why you can’t stop the fire.” The arrogant smile on the Gallade’s face was poison for the eyes as the Red Eyes gazed upon the flames burning in the Leaf Blade. “But I guess it makes sense you wouldn’t, if I could so easily absorb your move into mine. I’m surprised I didn’t think of this earlier, but to my defense, I wasn’t expecting to fight a Norfarion boy that hadn’t learned the basics of external synergy control.”

“Shuddup!” Ciecro shouted, pointing his arms at the Gallade, who tilted his head and eyed him with a look that was more mocking than any phrase that could be said. The boy’s arms stayed there, shaking slightly as he felt the world’s weight on him just from the mon’s mere stare.

“Well? Go ahead. Do it.” The Gallade spread his arms. “Prove you can do it. Or are you not as Norfarion as you’re supposed to be? Shame, I prefer Norfarions that just do things and shut up.”

“You don’t have to prove anything to trash like him!”

Ciecro glanced back at Vragon, who was surging Dragon Claw. The Charmeleon could tell the Fraxure was more saving face, but it was inspiring to Ciecro.

“‘Trash like me?’” Siegfried shook his head. “You’re lucky we want you alive. Else this contest would have ended at the shoal. But perhaps you two need evidence.” The Gallade

Ciecro glanced back as Siegfried raised his arms up and with a shout pulled them over his head. The flames behind the two erupted, instantly grabbing their attention.

“They’re-” Vragon started but was startled as the fire shot out to the side, expanding the flame wall even further.

What little hope Ciecro had for Dolly and Jasmine to just go around it despite Vex’s ever-present onslaught was gone. Angrily, he looked back at Siegfried. “How‽ How are yah usin’ fire-type moves!”

“You’re such a moron.” The Gallade rolled his eyes. “Were you just spacing out when I said your control over your expelled synergy was weak? Why do I need to know a fire-type move when you gave me one I could use. Your Flamethrower is sustained by me now and I can power it as much as I will it.”

“N…No.” Ciecro breathed out, softly as if his body could barely bear to let the words out.

“Don’t listen to him.” Vragon urged Ciecro. “It’s not like he can just take whatever move you dish out. It must take a bit of his own to take over your move’s synergy, let alone sustain it.”

Siegfried turned his eyes to Vragon, his smile lessening but still present. “Perhaps then I should speak to you instead.”

Ciecro’s scowl returned as he moved his arm in front of Vragon.

The Gallade lowered his arms, the flames in the Leaf Blade going out. “I’m just going to give you one more chance to come with us before I knock you out.” The smile had vanished entirely, the blank expression giving off an uncanny amount of aggression, be it from the Red Iris that made them uneasy or just being sick of seeing this guy’s face. “Because I don’t care who I cut down or maim. You are coming with us, and any harm that’s done will be on your head as well.”

The Charmeleon glanced back at Vragon at the lack of a reply. Vray… He stared down the enemy once more as he surged Dragon Claw. Dis guy loves tah tawk. But Ciecro knew in his heart that this guy was more than talk. His wounds spoke to that very well and the quivering in his arms threatened to spread to his entire body like a plague.

Come on, think, Ciecro. Dere’s gotta be a way tah bea’ ‘im. The Gallade started walking again, causing both Ciecro and Vragon to back up. Huh? Ciecro noticed movement at the top of the hill.

Amyas was getting to his feet, looking winded, but surging black energy into his gauntlet.

Sucker Punch! A brief moment of relief covered Ciecro, until the Gallade stopped advancing. Right as he looked at the Red Eye, those eyes glowed again and he felt that invasive feeling. Huh? Wait. His hope transformed into despair as the stranger’s eyes stopped glowing and small smirk formed on the Gallade’s face.

“Amy-!”

The Bisharp disappeared into a blur as the Gallade side-stepped as Amyas reappeared, his dark move piercing the air where the Gallade’s torso once was. The visible confusion on Amyas’s face was cut short by him being driven off balance by Siegfried slicing upwards on his arm, which thankfully was protected by the Sucker Punch. What wasn’t protected, was Amyas’s torso which no mere second later had a firm knee driving into it.

“Ack!” Amyas moved to block, but Siegfried twisted over Amyas and landed behind. Nimbly, the Gallade angled his arms underneath the prone Amyas and pulled the right one back in an arm lock, applying pressure that made Amyas’s metal mouth grit and drop to a knee.

“Amyas!” Ciecro surged Dragon Claw.

“Don’t be stupid, boy.”

Ciecro stood there, staring in anger at the powerless situation. It then dawned on him. Dose eyes…dey mus’ be…dats how he knew. There was no other way Ciecro could think of. Amyas had been silent enough and a psychic powerful enough to pierce a dark type’s mind and read its thoughts wouldn’t be fighting so up close nor even the playing field for his foes. Siegfried had been tipped off, by Ciecro himself. I… This revelation made Ciecro’s shaky legs cave and he fell on all fours, horrified at what he had done.

Vragon joined Ciecro’s side, worried that the wounds of the Charmeleon had started. “Ciecro?” The concern on the Fraxure’s face shifted to their opponent as Siegfried spoke again.

“Tell me.” He applied harsher pressure, making the Commissioner yelp from the spike of pain and drop onto both knees.

Amyas glanced up at Siegfried, his eyes looking like a wounded, furious feral wanting to lash out at its first chance to strike.

The Gallade glanced down at his controlled foe. “Is your job worth your arm?”

“Let him go!” Vragon shouted, the desperation in his voice enough to send chills through Ciecro.

Siegfried’s eyes then turned to Vragon. “And tell me, Averion.”

Ciecro could hear the faint gasp from his friend as he listened to the Gallade’s threat.

“Are you so cowardly to let a mon lose his arm for your sake?”

“I…” Vragon’s weakened scowl looked like he was on the verge of tears. His body was shaking and the pupils in his eyes moved around in small, sporadic motions. Amyas pained cry as Siegfried pressed harder snapped both boys’ attentions and made their hearts drop.

“Well? Just the first arm of many to you? Are you going to let the whole town be your wall?”

Time stopped for Ciecro. He could feel his soul spiraling in rage, purging his fear like wildfire. How… He rose to a knee as his scowl returned, as strong as ever. Dare… The memories of that night with Dresha, hearing her say that sentence was all too much for him then. “f*ck yah!”

Only the sound of the cackling fire around them was heard for a brief moment. Siegfried raised a brow.

“If yah take ‘is arm off…I’ll burn yah to ash! An’ if yah send more, I’ll burn ‘em as well!”

“Please, don’t masquerade yourself as some confident Norfarion. You didn’t even know how to pull back your moves. The simple fact is-”

“Ciecro, don’t let Vragon go to them!” Amyas shouted, trying to stand in his position to get a punch in to potentially free himself but was easily subdued again.

“No! Stop!” Vragon shouted, stepping forward and reaching out.

Quickly, Ciecro grabbed Vragon, pulling him close as Vragon stared in horror. Ciecro looked back at Amyas, their mere stare suffice for their conversation. He saw Amyas nod and he braced himself for whatever was about to happen. “Let ‘im go!” Ciecro exclaimed, praying the Gallade’s eyes wouldn’t glow.

“Or what?” Siegfried said arrogantly, pushing harder on the arm. However, that irritated glare shifted to wide-eyed shock. He gasped as he looked down at Amyas.

Amyas’s head was pulled back, eyes shut as he fought through the pain in his arm to drive the blade on his head right into the Gallade’s side. “Now!” He screamed as he pulled away, twisting his arm as best he could to remove the pressure.

Ciecro charged up the hill as Amyas pulled with all his might to free his arm.

Siegfried let go, his arms going to his side as his overcoat began to be stained with blood.

Amyas grabbed his arm as he fell backwards and rolled down the hill a little.

“Vray! Coveh ‘im!” Ciecro shouted as he rushed around Amyas and roared, thrusting Dragon Claw for the Gallade’s face. A Psycho Cut blade was ushered to the Gallade’s defense, both pushing hard on each other’s arms in a lock. Their eyes were glaring into each other, Ciecro’s up at this ancient force for him now bleeding and the Gallade down at the boy who just wouldn’t stay down.

“Dyaaa!” Siegfried pushed Ciecro back with a stronger force, lunging at him with the fury of a wounded creature lashing out as a survival response.

The onslaught was overwhelming as Ciecro barely managed to get his Dragon Claws in the way. However, he soon felt a slice on his arm as he misjudged the distance. Focus! He commanded himself as he countered the attacks, avoiding eye contact with the Gallade at all costs.

This counter to the Gallade’s uncanny tactic came at a cost of his defensive vision. Ge’ some distance! He ordered himself as he clashed with a blow, using it to push off so he could see both arms better now.

Siegfried lunged for him, crossing his arms with a dual Psycho Cut slash of blades that Ciecro raised his Dragon Claw to block. “Ack!” Ciecro could feel the moves digging into his hands, noticing the cracks in his own moves.

Since defense wouldn’t last, offense was the go. Ciecro diverted some of his power to Dragon Tail, biding for his chance. As Siegfried did an overhead slice upon him that he parried to the side with a swipe of Dragon Claw, he spun around with his tail, hoping to ward the Gallade away to regroup. Alas, Siegfried didn’t jump back but instead jumped over Ciecro nicking him on the shoulder with a cut.

“Ahh!” Ciecro felt the pain in his shoulder as he blocked another slice from the side.

“Pathetic!” Siegfried shouted, his tone like a Flamethrower of his own as he pressed harder down onto Ciecro’s guard. The Charmeleon shifted both Dragon Claws to block allowing Siegfried to pull back and swing from the other side, striking Ciecro before he could transfer his defenses and knocking him to the side, slightly off-balance.

Siegfried lunged and Ciecro pressed his feet to the ground. Hit! The boy screamed in his mind as he pushed off, lunging for Ciecro. Horror filled him as the Gallade pivoted and circled his arms around Ciecro’s arm, flipping the boy over his body and slamming him to the ground with a harsh thud.

His head cried out in pain, but Ciecro fought through the haziness it caused to open his maw for a last-ditch Flamethrower, but it wasn’t fire that came out. It was a yelp of pain as he felt his left shoulder be pierced by the Gallade’s Psycho Cut. It came out as quickly as it came and as Ciecro grabbed for the open wound he looked up, seeing the point right over his head.

The breath in his lungs froze as he watched it come down for him. However, the pink light of the incoming death was knocked aside as something new towered over Ciecro. Amyas, whose form came out of that hazy phase form.

“Amyas?” Ciecro said with panted breath as the Commissioner looked down at him, the arm he had seen twisted and broken being the Charmeleon’s savior. “Yah’re arm.”

“You can thank your friend for that,” Amyas said, stepping over Ciecro to guard him as the boy rolled over onto his stomach, holding his injury. Ciecro looked down the slope and what he saw brought horror and solemnness to the good news. Vragon was lying on the grass, unconscious, with some blood on a few areas of his body.

He needs medical attention. Ciecro rose to a knee. We hafta end dis now. He raised his head and said, “Amyas, wai-”

“You’re hurt Ciecro. I’ve got it from here-”

“No…” Ciecro got onto his feet, adjusting to the pain in his shoulder. “I can help. ‘Is eyes glow when he’s tryin’ tah read minds. Don’ look ‘im in deh-” Ciecro was cut off by Siegfried tossing a Psycho Cut right at him, but Amyas stepped in the way, allowing the move striking his body and disintegrate into pink particles that vanished soon after.

Amyas glanced back and smirked. “Go on.”

Righ’ dat move doesn’ affect ‘im. Ciecro walked to Amyas’s side. “I don’ know how it’s possible, bu’ when ‘is eyes glow as he looks at yah, he gets’n idea of wha’ yah abou’ tah do. Dat’s how he knew yah wuz comin’.” The look of anger on Siegfried’s face made Ciecro smirk.

“I see.” Amyas raised his gauntlets into an offensive pose. “Very well. Are you sure you can fight?”

“Wit’ yah helpin’ me, yeah.”

“Alright.” Amyas leaned in and whispered, “We take him from different sides and try to avoid looking at his eyes directly. If you see his eyes glow, shout it out and immediately disengage.”

“Got it.” The Charmeleon started jogging around as Amyas repositioned between Siegfried and the Fraxure. Siegfried’s attention was focused on him and once more the eyes started to glow, prompting Ciecro to look away from it. A shiver filled his spine, but much less powerful and likely from his own anxiety about the situation. “Glow,” Ciecro said as Amyas nodded.

“Tck, so that’s it huh. How truly pathetic.” Siegfried looked at his opponents, lowing his hand from his bleeding side.

“What’s pathetic is wasting the chances you’re given.” Amyas crossed his gauntlets. “I don’t want to know how many you wasted to be on the path you’re on now.”

Siegfried sneered at this and raised his blade, leveling it towards Amyas. “Then come, Commissioner of an irrelevant town.”

The two charged, with Ciecro jogging closer. We’ll suhvive. Jus’ don’ be stupid an’ oveh-extend. He took position uphill at an angle behind Siegfried and took a deep breath, feeling the power building in his throat. He unleashed Flamethrower, forcing both mons to disengage and hop on opposite ends of the move.

Ciecro broke his move early and rushed downhill with Dragon Claw, Siegfried rushed uphill with Psycho Cut. Ciecro pulled to the left and swung his right hand’s Dragon Claw high while thrusting for a slice at the side with his newly formed Dragon Tail.

Sadly, Siegfried blocked both, albeit in an upside-down ‘V’ formation.

Amyas phased once more into Sucker Punch, but Siegfried had glanced back. Immediately, the Gallade pushed hard on Ciecro’s right arm, forcing his Dragon Claw to go down, allowing him to cartwheel over the Dragon Tail and escape Amyas’s punch from behind.

The Charmeleon pulled back as Amyas engaged head-on. Damnit, dat mon seems tah still ‘ave good defense even wit’out dat dirty trick. Ciecro grumbled in his head as he went further uphill to get on the other side again.

Once more an opportunity opened up and Ciecro went for a slice, but it was blocked by a quick slice of a Psycho Cut. Ciecro was about to ram, but the Gallade’s eyes glowed and he pulled back. “Glow,” he said, prompting Amyas to be more cautious of his advances.

The commissioner and the Red Eye resumed their duel as Ciecro jogged from his spot on the upper hill, peering for another chance. Dis isn’ workin’. It’s wearin’ ‘im down, yeah, bu’ one mistake. His eyes lowered. How can we end dis? He looked back at the fight, watching their silhouettes clash amid the flame wall background. If I go in, he blocks, makes ‘is eyes glow, an’ den I hafta fall back. It gets us nowhere. We need tah ovehwelm him. Ciecro looked at his beaten, bloodied, yet ready-to-fight right claw.

Try somethin’ differen’. A smirk formed on Ciecro’s face. Be impromptu. He charged for Siegfried, going for another slice. Once again, the Gallade moved to block, but this time Ciecro used his Dragon Claws to catch the move. He moved his legs forwards and fell backwards, using the Gallade’s extended elbow to ease his fall.

“Ack!” A startled Siegfried exclaimed as the extra way shifted him down.

Ciecro rolled onto his stomach, swiping at Siegfried with a forming Dragon Tail and landing a solid strike on the mon’s stomach.

The Gallade stepped back, holding his stomach as Amyas leaped over the Charmeleon and went for a thrust that was successfully blocked.

It worked! Excitement filled Ciecro’s soul as his body felt light from joy, drowning out the pain he felt with excitement and anticipation for another strike. But what would he do this time? Siegfried most certainly would expect something now and may just choose to break off.

Ciecro watched Amyas engage the Gallade, seeing the expert blocks and strikes from the back. He slowly got up, keeping his eyes focused on the scene and then inspiration struck. He rushed forwards, stopping right behind Amyas. “Amyas get ready.”

“What?” Amyas said, as he pushed Siegfried back from their move lock. “You’re supposed to take the other si-

“Trust me,” Ciecro said, moving his arms to his sides, opening their palms as he felt the synergy building up in them.

Amyas nodded and began resuming the engagement, with Ciecro staying close behind, mimicking the steps and pushes forwards. He waited in silent anticipation until there it was. The red glow on the other side of Amyas’s helmet head.

“Glow. Ooof.” Amyas’s attempts to step back were cut off by Ciecro stepping forwards and blocking him. The Charmeleon then reached his right claw around the Bisharp’s side and fired a small Flamethrower straight ahead.

Siegfried flinched, as the move fired in front.

Ciecro then pushed Amyas aside with his other hand and sliced with Dragon Claw. The distraction worked, for Siegfried couldn’t get a good footing for his defense and his Psycho Cut was knocked aside by Ciecro.

Seeing himself exposed, Siegfried used his off-footed state to push back and gain some distance.

“Hup!” Ciecro fell into his strike, diving forwards as he flipped his body into a somersault, feeling power in his tail as the scales of Dragon Tail formed, sharp as ever. He heard the tearing of fabric or skin. He couldn’t see which it was, but he could hear the painful cry of the Gallade as his legs hit the ground and he sat up.

A smug grin formed at seeing Siegfried backing up, holding his battered shoulder. The side of the cloak had been torn, exposing the right arm which had small streams of blood flowing down it from the top. Yes! Direct hit!

Ciecro got to his feet as Amyas joined his side, irritation in his statement, “Warn me next time.”

I didn’ wan’ ‘im tah-” The Charmeleon stopped, staring in disbelief. His eyes fixated on the shoulder, which he could better see now that he was standing, revealing part of a black birthmark on the outside where the arm and the shoulder linked.

“I understand, but one wrong move-…Ciecro?”

The Charmeleon’s dumbfounded look prompted Amyas to see what Ciecro saw. “He…a clans mon?”

Hearing those words made Ciecro’s body feel like it wanted to contort. In front of him was a Red Eye and yet…one of those that would be considered his people. A paradox of being in front of him. “Why do-?” was all he said, before a snarl replaced his speech.

But then, he blinked and shook his head slightly. This rage…it felt so odd. After all, this mon was an enemy since they met, he even tried to hurt his friends and brother, and yet this feeling of betrayal was all too real. It didn’t make sense and yet it sort of did, neither having an explanation Ciecro could put into words.

“You piece of trash.”

Ciecro glared up at Siegfried, his scowl tightening as if it was on the defensive compared to the Gallade’s glare. The Gallade walked towards them, holding his injuries as his burning gaze pierced Ciecro, who was unprepared for the incredible shift of expression from this mon.

“Why can’t you f*cking stay down or die?” The left elbow blade started glowing pink. “You stuttering Norf.”

Amyas moved a protective arm in front of Ciecro. This helped ease Ciecro, allowing him to look back at the crest and study it better. I’ve neveh seen dat one befo’e. So it ain’ Norfarion nor Averion. Den which of dah five is it? His thoughts were interrupted by Amyas stepping in front to take a Psycho Cut for Ciecro.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. He’s one his last winds I bet.”

“I’m sure you’d like that, Commissioner.” The Gallade snarled as he took his other arm from the wound. “But this is far from done.” He slowly moved his bleeding arm up towards his eyes, and both Ciecro and Amyas braced for what new attack was about to come.

“What?” Siegfried stopped, as the sound of an explosion came from beyond the fire.

Ciecro and Amyas glanced back to see something come flying through the fiery wall and land on the grass.

Vex was panting as he pushed himself to his feet. “Siggy we-” He glanced up to see Amyas and Ciecro both rushing towards him with moves activated. “Eeeep!” He phased into the ground and raced past them like a cowardly shadow and came up on the other side next to Siegfried who eyed him with no less anger than he gave to the two of them.

“What the f*ck are you doing‽ You’re supposed to-”

“We need to go now!” Vex uttered, but Siegfried roared.

“No!”

“You don’t under-” Vex stopped as he looked past Ciecro and Amyas, at something above them to be more precise.

Ciecro followed Vex’s gaze to see a tidal wave tower over the flames, covering the sky as it ascended over the firewall. On top of this glowing blue wall of synergetic water was Humphry, his arms raised overhead in motion with the wave. “Party’s over scum!” Humphry thrust his arms down as the wave began to violently descend upon them.

“Wait! Vray is-” He felt the air leave his lungs as he felt a strong arm wrap around his chest and pull him. The world blurred for a second as he felt a powerful rush of wind around his scales, only for it to stop the millisecond the blurring did. He was on the top of the hill, the great tidal wave in front. Next to him was Amyas, setting Vragon down who he held under his other arm.

Ciecro’s eyes widened as he watched the brief second before the tidal wave slammed down upon the two red eyes and the slope of the hill, engulfing the fire into a wall of smoke and sending glowing water all over, some even making it as far as the three on top.

As the water began to settle, the Red Eyes picked themselves up from the water, what was left of Siegfried’s cloak was soaked and weighing him down, while Vex was busy spitting out water and making “Blegh” sounds.

Between them was Commissioner Humphry, his fist pushed against the ground as water dripped from his body, the same posture he had before impact.

“You!” Siegfried tried to strike with Leaf Blade but gasped and dropped to a knee, his wounds fighting his attempts to move. His eyes widened at seeing the large Seismitoad rush towards him. He raised his free arm to block, but Humphry instead slammed the ground.

“Huh?” He glanced down, the ground beneath the shallow water contorting as it softened and not from the water. Siegfried got one last gasp in before he was sent flying into the air by way of Mud Shot geyser. “Hit him hard!”

Ciecro looked up to see a group coming in from the air at the Gallade. He saw two rangers and Jaron, one of the rangers being a Mismagius using Telekinesis on the other two.

The Furret ranger twirled in the air as the Mismagius flung him towards the airborne Siegfried, his wide tail becoming engulfed in a metallic coating as it slammed into Siegfried. The Gallade slammed into the hillside, knocking away the shadowy water.

“Jaron!” Humphry shouted as the Croconaw fired Ice Beam at the spot. The water served as a good sealing when frozen, trapping Siegfried’s lower half and making him shiver uncontrollably.

“Siggy!” Vex floated and swung his arms, sending Dazzling Gleam towards the group in the air and Humphry. The Seismitoad made an Aqua Ring that absorbed some of the beams, while others grazed his body. Meanwhile, the Mismagius dropped the Furret ranger and Jaron down so she could focus on evasion.

Vex was interrupted as his body started going static. “Ugh…this? Not you again!” Vex snapped.

Ciecro glanced down hill to see Dolly walking towards Vex, her eyes were glowing blue and a smirk formed as what looked like holographic rings of technology appeared around Vex. He looked in horror as they did a sort of scanning motion and then faded. “He’s all yours, Jaz.” A silvery blur zipped past Dolly, causing splashes of water to be sent up as Vex was knocked to the side.

Jasmine stopped and then surged another Quick Attack, striking Vex in the back. Another blur then came as Vex spat out air at the uppercut from a Grapploct using Feint that sent him flying.

Vex flipped around and flew, making a dart for Siegfried.

Amyas surged Sucker Punch but quickly used his phase speed to get in front of Ciecro, who was about to be struck by a Psycho Cut thrown from the trapped Siegfried.

“Ciecro!” Jaron shouted, distracted by his brother being in danger, that Vex merely had to avoid Humphry’s Mud Shot, a task he easily did.

Siegfried slammed his Psycho Cut infused blade to shatter the ice and reached up as Vex flew by and grabbed it, flying off with his ally.

“Get back here!” The Furret ranger shouted as the Mismagius flew in pursuit.

The Grapploct zipped forwards as well using Feint, while Jasmine was stopped before she could by Dolly.

Humphry watched the two rangers pursue the fleeing duo and turned towards Ciecro. “You alright?”

Relief filled Ciecro at seeing Humphry’s face. He nodded, but that was unfortunately when his body decided to stop dulling the pain. He grabbed his arm and slithered as Humphry immediately jogged up to him.

Amyas was over Vragon, inspecting the unconscious Fraxure.

“Vray!” Jaron exclaimed, rushing up the hill as Humphry helped Ciecro sit up. The Croconaw dropped to Vragon’s side, looking over the unconscious Fraxure with fear of the worst.

Ciecro’s eyes looked at his brothers. His mouth shut. There was nothing he could say. All he could do was submit to Humphry’s gentle push to get him to lie on his back and rest. He shut his eyes and tensed as Humphry started inspecting his wound. I’m sorry Vray. Yah had tah save my tail instead of me protectin’ yah. The lids of his eyes tightened as tears swelled in them from a mix of pain and self-anger. Please be okay…Arceus please let ‘im be fine.

Chapter 24
The Uncertain Now

Humphry sighed as he stared at the piece of paper on his desk, currently void of any blemish or color. His eyes trailed up to where an old clock hung on the wall, ticking back and forth with its golden pendulum swaying like a Hypno’s makeshift pendulum.

Ugh…where do I begin? He looked down at the paper, his gaze growing more cynical. ‘Hey, can you send some rangers to town, just in case those kidnappers return with a bunch more of them?’ I could see their faces now. He sat back, not taking his frustrated eyes off the blank paper until there was a knock on the door. He straightened up and after a half-cough, half-croak Humphry said, “Come in.”

The door squeaked as Amyas scooted through the narrow opening and gently closed the door behind him. “Welp, Zirkoth and I are all packed. Just got to get Tork ready to bring back for Commissioner Zebzena. Is the letter done yet?”

Humphry sighed as he hung his head. “No…”

Amyas raised a brow. “How far are you?”

“Haven’t even started.”

“Really?” Amyas placed his gauntlet hands on his sides and tilted his head. “It’s just a letter, Humphry.”

The Seismitoad looked at his friend with a half-shut stare. “Then how would phrase asking for reinforcements in response to two mons that tried to kidnap a child? Two mons that we have no proof have reinforcements outside of an eight-year-old testimony from two Norfarion children and a vague threat of ‘they will kill all the mons in this town’ over something the oldest one was carrying.”

Amyas looked at the roof for a second and then back to his friend. “Yeah, point taken.”

“To anyone else, it’d sound like I’m either insane or over blowing a situation to get a bigger workforce temporarily.” Humphry shook his head and snatched a stack of papers in his hands, tapping them on the table to align them.

“I mean, it’s not that ludicrous to believe. Sure, there’s a lack of strong evidence, but this is the Red Eyes group we’re talking about. They’ve attacked a few places.”

“Random kidnappings you mean.” Humphry’s eyes curved from their frustrated scowl to a solemn frown. “Kidnappings that happen in more rural provinces or among the poverty areas of towns. You have no more jurisdiction here in Perion than I do in any other city province. Something like random kidnappings of unimportant mons doesn’t warrant a cooperative investigation when those resources could be spent elsewhere.”

Amyas’s eyes lowered as he leaned his back against the wall. “True. Even Rangers can’t just do whatever they want. But this isn’t just random kidnappings, this is clearly organized.”

“That’s my dilemma. These kidnappings are organized by a strong group. The losses are harmless enough for actual towns to just let slide. So imagine if another town asked for your help in dealing with kidnappings. ‘Why can’t your guild handle its own region?’ Even re-occurring kidnappings aren’t enough to get a region-wide crackdown on an organization that operates outside Triacal. Especially one that bites harder than its mute bark.”

The Bisharp looked at the window. “What about the boy’s testimony? It was an attack near a town, right?”

“Yes.”

“Which town?”

“Bantal.”

Amyas got off the wall and pointed at the papers. “Okay, so why don’t we use that? It’s well documented and it’s a good example of-”

The Seismitoad made an angry croak. He got up, walked over to a file shelf, pulled out a document, and opened it. “Forensics: Causalities report. Four rangers, three Norfarions, and various other mons of undetermined origin.”

“Okay, so then why not lead with that?”

Humphry’s eyes rose to Amyas’s stare, bearing behind their blunt stare a cold sense of truth. “Because Bantal Town would either deny it or downplay it.”

“Huh?” Amyas tilted his head as Humphry put the file away.

“Eight years ago, I went to Bantal Town to follow up on the boys’ testimony. I couldn’t get access to the family’s home, nor the forensics, nothing.”

“Wait, hold on. They denied you the forensics? Then how did-”

Humphry did a deep, tired sigh, putting the file back as a shocked look came over Amyas.

“Humphry you didn’t.”

The Seismitoad stared at his file shelf, eyes narrow and cold. “They didn’t ‘deny’ me the forensics. They lied about there even being an attack or even the Norfarion family ever living there.”

“What?” Amyas walked up to his friend, his face shifting from disbelief to anger. “That’s criminal! They can’t just-”

“They can and did. I don’t know why, but I wager it was out of fear be that direct or speculation about what the Norfarions or what the Red Eyes would do.” He briefly looked his friend in the eye then turned and walked back to his desk. “And why shouldn’t they be afraid? A warzone in the forest. Bodies cut into pieces. Just reading that forensics report I copied made me sick to my stomach.”

The Seismitoad could almost sense the tonal change in his friend, his spine filling with a chill he had no doubt Amyas felt as well. “If information like that got out you’d pretty much be killing off Bantal Town’s reputation for safety like that.” He did a snap for emphasis. “Even if these Red Eyes never struck near there again, it’s a permanent blemish. A very noticeable blemish.”

“That’s…”

“Corrupt? Desperate? A necessary evil? I don’t know. I just know that rangers are sworn to protect their towns.” Humphry walked over, finishing his thoughts as he sat down. “And some would even protect their towns from the truth.”

The Bisharp’s eyes lowered to the side as he stood there in idle silence.

“I thought many times about whether I should publicize those documents or not. But so many gears played into this that I just couldn’t. Humphry crossed his arms and leaned forwards. “It probably would do more harm than good. Bantal would accuse me of lying or theft, depending on if they admitted it was true. They might even attack the boys’ testimony and credibility.” His eyes shut as he let his head hang low. “I couldn’t put Ciecro and Jaron through something like that. Not after they just went through the loss of most of their family and their brother leaving them here. I just…couldn’t.”

Amyas walked up to the desk, eventually saying. “Do they know?”

“No more than their testimonies.” Humphry’s weary gaze rose a little. “Telling them would be harder than telling the guilds.” Humphry sat back. “You wouldn’t believe the state their parents were in. You’d think their bodies were desecrated.”

A feverous scowl formed on Amyas’s face as his gauntlet pressed harder into the wood. “This is wrong. I just…How could that commissioner just cover this up? If Norfair found out, there’d be hell to pay.”

“Norfair is still bound to treaties. An invasion of Triacal or occupation for investigation would just make other countries tense with them and their cousins. That’s also forgetting what the Red Eyes could do if they were voiced as the antagonists, they and whatever allies they have here would retaliate.”

Humphry felt a chill in his spine at seeing his friend freeze up at his retort.

“I snuck in and copied that file from Bantal because I trusted those two. I could just see it in their eyes.” A pained scowl formed on Humphry’s face. “That’s why,” he sniffled. “If I can’t give them justice. I’ll give them the protection they deserved from the start.”

Amyas’s expression softened as he pulled back.

“It’s the least I could do.” His eyes lowered to the letter. “That’s why this letter is so important. Now it’s my town that’s caught in this. I have to weigh the scales of what to say and what to be silent on. But I do know this. I won’t let the Red Eyes get off so freely.”

The Bisharp fell silent, perhaps out of restraint or respect. Not long after, he took his gauntlet off the desk, leaving a minor dent in it, and shifted to a warm, small smile. “Well, don’t fret. You finish your letter when you do, but when I get back to Plainier Town I’ll be sure to send support your way.”

“I’d appreciate that very much.” A small but genuine smile formed on the Seismitoad’s face. However, once his stare looked back at the letter it shifted to an eye-shut frown. “I don’t think I’m going to finish the letter today. I’ll just go ahead and get ready for Jaron.” He reached for his cabby hat hanging on a wooden drawer’s knob and straightened it on his head. He paused as he once more looked down at the empty parchment with a heavy frown. “I’ve just been staring at it.”

“I can’t blame you, based on what we’ve talked about.” Amyas crossed his arms as he watched Humphry walk from around his desk. “It all sounds very dark.”

“Jaron and Ciecro are lucky to be alive.” He gripped the handle, pausing as memories drifted into his mind like a leaf in the morning breeze. Turning his head, Humphry looked at the clock on the wall, ticking and tocking without a care in the world. “I remember when Miss Dresha told me the last thing Seliph told her. I admit, I assumed ‘Seliph’ was suffering from having survived a horrible encounter, but when I actually looked into it…” His heart willed him to cease speaking, almost as if he’d make those boys in his memory cry if he did.

“I can only imagine.”

“You’re the first mon I’ve ever confessed to about the file.” Humphry looked back at the door, his shoulders sagging a little.

“I’m honored you trust me so deeply, especially with something as big and frightening as this.”

“It is scary.” Humphry twisted the knob and eyed his friend as he smiled warmly at Amyas. “But…I’m glad I finally got to tell someone about it. This knowledge has been heavy on my mind for a long time. I’ve even woken up in cold sweats from it before.”

“Too much information.” The two chuckled as Humphry opened the door and Amyas walked through it. “But I getcha. I’d be frightened too.”

“Indeed.” The two looked down the empty hallway, in bothered silence.

“Sooooooo,” Amyas shuffled a little in front, tilting his head and leaning in front of Humphry like some sort of little child would a stranger that caught their eye. “What are you going to do in the meantime?”

“Well, I’ve already enlisted some volunteers to keep an eye out for the town. I’m hoping to get a few more temporary rangers for defense.” The two started walking down the hallway, side by side. “As for right now, I have what rangers I have at the hospital and Miss Dresha’s home keeping an eye out for our suspects.”

“Good. What about the kids?”

Humphry replied as they rounded the corner. “Ciecro and Jaron are living with me. I felt it was best to keep the brothers together during this troubling time, plus his injuries weren’t too bad so we settled on healing sessions at my home instead.”

“Well that’s good to hear,” Amyas said, with a following sigh of relief. “And Vragon?”

“At the hospital. He’s been unconscious since the attack, though I was notified this morning by Dr. Uximo that he’s regained consciousness.”

A smile crossed Amyas’s face as his eyes lowered to the floor. “I’m glad to hear that. I would have-”

“There’s no way you could have known.” Humphry patted his friend on the shoulder as they stopped in front of a door. “And besides, our opponents were very capable. I’m just glad none of you were fatally harmed.”

“Yeah…I can’t deny, I wasn’t expecting him to have those kinds of powers.” Amyas’s eyes narrowed. “I can’t believe a Red Eye had a Clansmon Crest. Which one was it?”

“I think Phonecian, but I’m not certain.”

“Huh.” Amyas walked up to the door. “Those gifts are something else. Between that mon’s predicting our moves and Vragon’s healing powers, these abilities of the Clans seem miraculous.”

“It is a sight to behold.” Humphry nodded as Amyas pushed the doors open for them both. The two started down the staircase, one or two rangers around the station, taking care of some paperwork. The lack of the usual chatter and mons going about left a small amount of unnerve in Humphry’s spine.

“So, I’m curious,” Amyas said as they reached the base of the stairs. “What are Jaron and Ciecro’s gifts?”

“Well, Jaron has a gift called Wary and Ciecro’s is Death Wrath.”

Amyas raised a brow. “‘Death Wrath’?”

Humphry shrugged. “I’ve never seen him use it. But from what Jaron told me it’s a sort of second wind state.”

“That it?”

“I don’t know. The brothers don’t seem really keen on talking about it.” Humphry’s eyes narrowed. “Which given the name, I can comprehend why they might not want to.”

“I see. And Jaron’s Wary is for detection?”

“Mhm.”

“And Vragon’s is?”

“Uh? You know.” Humphry started stroking his chin as they proceeded on the path. “Some healing gift.”

“I know, but what’s its name?”

“Oh…I don’t know.”

“You don’t?”

Humphry shook his head. “All we know about these gifts is from the brothers and they have rather limited knowledge about it as well. To be honest, just Clan knowledge, in general, is very sparse for us and them.”

“Hmmm.” Amyas’s stare turned towards the roof, “You ever considered taking them to the Norfarion Colony at Shimmer Hill?”

“I have.” Humphry sighed as he pushed the doors to the station open, feeling the rush of humid wind. It was rather pleasant, like a splash of water on a hot day. “But it is far away. For a trip like that, the two would have to have finished their year’s studies and be strong enough to handle the journey.”

“You think they’re ready now?”

Humphry nodded. “Ciecro at least, though I have confidence in Jaron as well.” Humphry looked towards the training facility on the main station’s left. He noticed that it hadn’t let out yet and his eyes narrowed as he finished, “Once all this chaos has settled and we’re past the Dry Season, I can pose the idea to the boys.”

“Understandable.” The two stopped under the archway of the open gate, both staring up at the cloudy sky. There was a silence that followed, the kind where both knew there was more on each other’s minds but couldn’t be the one to start it off.

“Humphry.” Amyas finally broke the silence as he faced his friend. “Don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“I won’t.” He offered his hand and Amyas accepted it. “You and the others have a safe trip back to Plainier.”

“Thank you.” As they let go, Amyas turned around but paused.

Humphry could see the hesitation in his friend’s body. How it willed the Bisharp to plant his legs in front like a great oak of a forest, hiding his place from the harshness of the elements. It brought a smile to the Seismitoad’s face as he thought of what to say. Alas, he didn’t get enough to think as his friend resumed his path down the street. Humphry watched as the Bisharp back waved his gauntlet without looking back.

“Stay safe.”

Humphry’s mouth sealed shut as his eyes lowered to the dirt path in front. It felt darker than normal, likely due to the pre-storm sky, though his heart felt it was also due to the drastic, underlying changes going on. As he turned, his mind drifted back to when he first met the boys, how dark the cave felt when Miss Dresha relayed the final words she had heard from Seliph.

‘Everyone in this town will die if I don’t leave.’ His eyes fell upon the Town Hall. How void of color it was without the brightness of a blue sky and a yellow sun to fill it with warmth. His eyes widened as for a split second, he lost grip of his imagination and imagined that legacy of his ancestors torched ablaze, the cinders dancing up in malicious glee amid the blaze that spread through the town like a flood.

A fierce scowl formed as his fists tightened. If a Hommel ever caves in, it will not be for many generations more.

Jaron rolled his backpack strip over his arm, closing his eyes as he sighed in his mind. He hadn’t paid attention to the lecture for a while now and was simply waiting to leave.

“Jaron?”

He snorted in surprise, straightening his posture. “Y-y-yes, Sir?”

His Grapploct teacher was staring at him, the long blue tentacle still writing on the board. To Jaron’s surprise, his expression wasn’t the usual annoyance at the Croconaw’s demeanor in class. A faint sigh followed from the teacher as the eyes turned back to the board. “You’re free to leave if you need to.”

The boy let go of his strap, feeling the classroom pressure weighing on his shoulder, which somehow didn’t compare to the weight on his mind. Any other time he would be overjoyed at being able to just go about his day without listening to another boring lecture on stuff he could easily read up on, but today wasn’t any other time. It bothered him how he couldn’t be grateful in his heart for this.

His eyes browsed the room, seeing all his fellow students looking at him, various emotions conveyed in just a simple lock of eyes. Being stared at was nothing new, but this felt like the ocean compared to the puddle of any large staring day.

“Thank you,” he mumbled as he got out and left. As he shut the door behind him, it dawned on him how quiet the station had gotten. Of course, he was leaving before class had fully disbanded, but this quietness just felt too unnatural. The halls felt longer, the air felt thicker, even the door felt heavier, and the quietness felt like a terrible omen.

Jaron shook his head, hurrying his way to the exit and as he placed his hands on those wooden doors he paused, taking a few heavy breaths. What is happening to me? Was it his Wary or something else? It was just too much to think about. He had to get out of there and do anything else. He shoved the doors open, channeling a little of his anger into his push.

Pulling back onto his backpack’s straps, he felt the almost chilling air as he walked on the path. The sky was a gloomy grey, feigning a storm on the horizon which didn’t help his mood at all. Everything was wrong and it was just his first day back.

He took as deep of a sigh as he could, hoping the exaggeration would help ease his mind, and let his worries more just roll off like a ball tumbling down a hill. Guess I’ll wait at the gate for my escor- He stopped as he spotted Humphry near the gate. Humphry?

He felt a small warmth inside at seeing Humphry, but lost that warmth as he got closer. He noticed the Seismitoad was staring down the street towards Town Hall, bearing a very serious scowl on his face. Did something else happen? Once close enough, Jaron took a deep breath and said, “Hello sir.”

Humphry flinched and looked at Jaron. “Oh, hello, Jaron. You’re out early.”

“So are you,” Jaron answered with a small smile, hoping to cheer the Seismitoad up a little.

“True. Guess I made the right choice.” Humphry dropped to a knee. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m alright…” his gaze turned to the bricks on the walls that held the rusted gates, afraid his eyes would say what his mouth wouldn’t. Despite this, his nerve caved a few seconds later. “Just worried about…you know.”

“Yeah. We’re doing our best to keep you guys safe.”

“I know.” Jaron’s claws went onto his strap, his emotions building up and fighting with his urge to remain calm. I just want it to be enough this time.

“Well, are we ready?”

“Yes sir. I have my stuff.”

“Good.” The two stepped onto the dirt street. Humphry glanced upwards, holding his hand over his eyes. “It’s pretty dreary weather, isn’t it?”

“Probably going to storm, yeah…” Jaron turned to head back until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“I have some good news for you.”

“Huh?” Jaron listened as they started crossing the street, going down the center dirt path towards the south side of town.

“I was contacted this morning by Healer Uximo today.”

Uximo! Jaron’s eyes lit up as he jogged in front. “Wait, do you mean?”

Humphry nodded. “Yep. Vragon is awake. I was going to take you to visit him before we head home.” He pulled on his cabby hat and shut his eyes as if he was posturing for some dynamic announcement, even if Jaron had figured it out by now.

“Yes!” Jaron hopped with excitement. “Is he alright? He’s not in pain is he?”

“He’s fine, if not a little weakened.”

Jaron once more grabbed at his straps as he calmed down. “That’s good.” He shut his eyes as his body stiffened a little. His smile went as he spoke, “I remember when he tried to heal Clyde’s face. He wound up being unconscious for two hours, so…I was worried he’d never wake up, or at least not for a while.”

“Well, he’s stronger than you and I give him credit for.”

“I’ll say.” Jaron turned around as they resumed walking. “I’m just glad he’s alright. I’m glad he was able to heal that Bisharp’s arm, though I wouldn’t have wanted him to harm himself too bad.” Jaron’s eyes bulged at realizing what he just said. “I…I mean, not that I would want him to, well, have a broken arm if it meant, uhm. It’s just that-”

Humphry’s bellow made Jaron feel embarrassed and rub the back of his head. “Don’t fret, I get your point. Amyas may take a little poke at you for that one, but he isn’t here. Though, mind if I ask you something?”

“Sure, anything,” Jaron answered as a small smile crossed his face.

“How was Ciecro this morning? You both were asleep when I had to leave and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

Instantly, whatever positive energy there was in Jaron’s face vanished as he lowered his head. “He’s recovering alright.”

“You don’t sound like he is.”

“Well, he is feeling better. Just, still his quiet self, I guess.” Jaron grabbed at the strap again. His grip tightened on the strap as a sigh escaped his mouth. “He’s not talked to me since the attack. Just faint grunts. I’m worried about him.”

“Hmmm…I imagine he has a lot on his mind.”

“Yeah.” Jaron’s head lowered.

“It sounds like you do as well.”

Jaron looked forwards, remembering the last time he and Ciecro had a real conversation. How it was in that alleyway the day before the test. It felt horrible to think that there hadn’t been anything since their fight, but he had learned Ciecro was very stubborn in these things. After all, whenever he tried to force things they’d just end up worse and this was almost poetic justice for that even if everyone else would disagree.

“Yeah. I just...” He shook his head. “Nevermind.”

“It’s okay, you can say it.”

“There’s nothing to say,” the Croconaw replied, a bit firm in his tone. He turned his gaze towards the buildings opposite the street from them, not wanting to see Humphry’s reaction and to be alone in his thoughts. I know what he’d say. “You’re being too hard on yourself”. Or some sh*t like that. But I could have ended it there if I had just taken the f*cking shot. But I froze like a…UGH! A faint snarl escaped him as his walking turned to stomping. I’m always too afraid, always too slow when it freaking matters. I couldn’t do a damn thing when we were attacked eight years ago, I got sick that time too just to make it harder, I didn’t stop Ciecro from punching Clyde’s face in, and now I was too afraid to take that important Ice Beam shot. His eyes closed as he fought the urge to sniffle. Ciecro got his shoulder stabbed and Vragon’s been out for two days because of me. They could have gotten worse. I just…wish I was strong like how they were. I don’t want to keep being a burden to-

“We’re here.”

“Huh?” Jaron looked back at Humphry, who had his hands on the door to a tall, white building with an insignia of a red flower on it, one of the universal signs of a hospital. The Seismitoad raised a hand over his eyes as he stared up at the sky.

Jaron looked up as well, feeling small drops of water hit his skin and the ground.

“And not a moment too soon.” Humphry twisted the knob and opened the door.

“Right.” Jaron rushed inside, looking around at the rather cozy interior of the hospital’s main lobby. The sounds of the rain pelting on the outside picked up as Humphry shut the door. The Croconaw sighed with relief as he walked towards the side lobby where a fire had been started while Humphry handled things with the receptionist.

Dang, guess they redid this place since last time. He chuckled to himself. They better have, considering the last time was eight years ago, heh. His eyes veered from the warmth of the fire to the window getting flooded by the heavy rain.

He set his backpack down and walked towards the window, leaning closer to get a good look outside. Glad I’m not in all of that. He didn’t mind the rain, but he did mind when he had a backpack with books inside.

He rest his arms on the window sill, turning his head to the side to press his snout onto the chilling glass that separated him from the rain. His eyes looked at the corners of the window as his mind wandered. This place scared me so much the first time. Same with Uximo. But, both wound up being very nice. I like this town. It’s not perfect but it’s my new home now.

He turned his attention to the street outside, easily able to see the outside despite the rain pelting on the window. Guess no one wants to brave this rain right now. Can’t blame- Huh? He noticed someone step out of the building a little down the street and start jogging away from the hospital. The figure was blue, wearing some kind of sleeveless vest with some short-sleeved black shirt underneath that.

Jaron leaned towards the edge of the window, hoping to get a decent enough look, but the figure disappeared down the street. Was that…a Greninja? Jaron lowered his head as he tried to re-imagine the person he saw.

“Hey, Jaron!”

Snapping his head around, Jaron quickly rushed to his backpack and started putting it on. “Coming!”

< O >

A heavy sigh broke the rhythmic sound of the water as Miss Dresha stared at the empty bed from the her hole filled with water. She raised a brow at hearing something odd. Blinking she, looked over at Jaron’s work desk, seeing a mon standing there holding Jaron’s TM machine project.

“This too?”

“H-huh?” She blinked until she remembered the green armband on the mon. “Oh…yes, that too. And please be careful with it, he’s been-”

“Sure ma’am.” The ranger took the arm to a wooden box and placed it gently inside. “Anything else?”

“Uhm…” She looked around the room again, but instead of seeing what else to send the boys she just saw how empty the room looked. It was a return to form, a form she’d known for many, many years. It sounded easy when Humphry asked her for the boys, but now she was second-guessing her decision. “I’m…I’m sorry, I need a moment.”

She dove into the water, going deep enough to be obscured by the rocks. She moved her fins to her shut eyes as if trying to rub tears away. These two days were just too fast.

The old Lanturn looked back up at the hole, the dim light no longer something she looked forward to swimming to every day. She sighed in her mind and swam around, diving through the holes and pathways until she came to an opening in the tunnel. There was a soft, large sponge that was segmented into a metallic circle to keep it in one piece. The room was lit by a few Emuras kept in glass spikes, though their warmth was lacking today.

She swam over to a waterproof desk, peering closely at a metallic square, which had that picture engraved on it. Of her and her late husband, swimming happily together, something she missed. She took it into her fin looking at it solemnly.

It’s for their own good. They’re safer in town with the Commissioner, she assured herself, hoping it would ease the hurt. I hope they’ll be glad to have their stuff sent to them. I wish I could have sent it sooner, but it was just.

She shook her head and set the picture back. With slow swishes, she swam above the sponge and let her body settle on its squishy surface. Idly, she stared forward at the wall on the other side of her room. I should have had a picture made of them. Just something. I hope those three are alright. Her eyes closed as she tried to sleep.

Instead of dreams, what flowed was memories. Strong memories of those mons that she didn’t know what to do with initially, only to now feel a hole in herself that they were gone. I wish you could have met them. I know… She sniffled. I hate being alone again.

Her eyes opened slightly, her body feeling between the realms of asleep and conscious. However, she shot awake upon seeing something move near the cave entrance. Huh? She moved up as suddenly a hand grabbed the rocky wall.

The beating of her heart accelerated for a brief moment until the figure came fully into view. However, she was focused on this mon’s eyes, those blue eyes. You…you’re.

The Greninja in front of her moved slowly to the side, pointing to his shoulder where a crest resided, one exactly like Ciecro’s and Jaron’s.

Seliph‽ She swam to him, rubbing her eyes just to make sure she wasn’t hallucinating. “Is that really you, Seliph?” She asked, her voice slightly muffled by the water, but not as badly as a non-fish mon’s would.

He nodded, and then opened his mouth, trying to mouth something.

“Oh! Follow me.” She swam to the other tunnel as Seliph swam after her. As she led him up a tunnel, her mind raced with a million questions. Where had he been? Why was he back? How did he get to her? So many questions that would have to wait just a little longer.

Up ahead there was a hole where the water ended. She moved to the side to allow Seliph to swim past and climb out. Poking her head out of the water, she brightened her head lantern to reveal to the damp Seliph a small storage room.

“Huh…what is this place?”

“It was made some time after you had left. Just an extra storage room.” She went silent, watching Seliph stand up and take in his surroundings. The Greninja’s vest and shirt were torn in a few places but looked like it was made by tough material. Around his waist was an equally worn belt, possessing about as many pouches as a ranger’s belt. His arms and legs had a few scrapes, but looked strong.

“I imagine you have a lot of questions,” he said, turning around to look at her. His blue eyes sent a dreadful feeling throughout her body, like an omen of impending doom, not helped by what he said the last time they spoke.

“It has been some time.” She swam up to the edge of the pool. “How have you been?”

“I’ve survived.” He reached for a pouch on his belt, took out an orb, and began tossing it in his hand. “But to get to the point. I don’t have a lot of time right now.”

She raised a brow. “Huh?”

“I need you to do something for me.”

“Wait, Seliph-”

“Please listen. It’s important.”

Reluctantly but respectfully, she held her tongue and let him continue. He sat down, letting his feet dangle into the water as he set the orb to the side.

“So, I trust you know about the attack two days ago.”

She nodded, a serious expression crossing her face. “I know. Why are they after Vragon?”

“I don’t know.” He spread his arms back. “But I do know they’re going to some interesting angles to get him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Basically, expect another attack.” He took the orb back into his hand and looked at it. “You have a communications orb, yes?”

“Uhm…yes, the Rangers have one I can use. Why do you-?”

“Good. I want you to contact whoever has my brothers and have them brought back here with you.”

Her eyes went wide and mouth agape. “I…I can’t do that.”

“Yes, you can.”

“No, you don’t understand. They were moved to Humphry’s house because it’s safer there and-”

“They aren’t the target. The Fraxure is.”

Dresha’s eyes lowered. “I know that, but.” She looked back at Seliph, mustering her nerves to look him straight in the eye. “Why do you want them here? Do you have something important to tell them?”

“No, I just need them out of the way.”

Disbelief crossed her face. “W-what?”

“They’ll be safer here than in town. I imagine the Red Eyes will make another attempt soon, maybe even tonight.”

“Bu-but I can’t just…Why are you asking me?”

“Because you’re one of the few mons I imagine they listen to. I know them well, they’ll want to get involved. Which is why them being here will keep them safe and out of the way from whatever happens.”

She blinked. The words he said she just couldn’t believe were coming from his mouth. “If the town is being attacked you need to report-”

“I don’t know how they’ll strike, I just know they will try to capture the Fraxure. If things get ugly then-”

“How do you know?” She answered, her tone starting to catch up with Seliph’s firmness. “Seliph, you’ve been gone for eight years and now you’re back. You can’t just-”

“Listen.” A glare crossed his face that made her freeze up. He sighed as he put the orb away. “How many mons attacked last time? Two, right? It was only two.” He crossed his arms, leering down at her. “Two mons that almost got away with the Fraxure. You think they’ll just use two next time?”

“They…they were distracted by the party and had no idea there was going to be an attack. They’re better prepared now.” She gasped as he chuckled, mocking her statement.

“You’re wrong. They can’t be prepared.”

“What is wrong with you?” A scowl formed as she answered, “Commissioner Hommel is very capable and is doing his best to keep your brothers safe as well as Vragon.”

“That won’t be enough.” Seliph stood up again, looking at the wall. “The Red Eyes are more than simple thugs. Whoever those two were, they attacked too early.”

She raised a brow. “Too early? What do you mean?”

“Not for you to know.”

“What? Why?”

He rolled his eyes. “Because you’ll then tell the Commissioner and he’ll adjust things for that.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“What’s wrong is I can’t waste this chance.” Seliph glared down at her, disintegrating her nerve in a second. “You think I was being paranoid when I said they would kill everyone to get what they want? I meant it, and I still mean it now.”

Her head lowered, as a heavy silence followed. A sniffle followed from the fish as she shut her eyes. “How did you even get here?”

“Getting past the Rangers wasn’t too hard, but enough questions. Are you going to ask for my brothers to be brought back here or am I wasting my time?”

“That’s enough.” Glaring up at him, her lamp light grew in illumination. “You can go ask them yourself.”

A firm scowl formed on his face as Dresha continued.

“They’ve waited for you for eight years. Eight years for anything to indicate you were even alive. Who do you think you are, coming here and demanding I ask them to come here along with pretending you never came?”

“I left them here for their protection. I’m asking you to have them brought here, for their protection.”

“And why do you want me to keep quiet about you being here? I imagine that’s also what you want.”

“Like I said, because I know they’ll just come rushing in to help. This isn’t a game, Miss Dresha, this is far larger than you, or me, or this damn town. I can’t expect them to understand that which is why I’m begging you to understand that.”

Her mouth sealed shut as the anger inside her began to calm down. Those glassy eyes of hers lowered as Seliph continued.

“I can’t guarantee anyone’s safety in this fight. That’s why I need you to trust me.”

“They…can help you. They want…to help you.”

Seliph’s aggravation sent ripples through her like she was a pond of water. “Just give me an answer.”

“But Seliph-”

“Yes or no.” His tone was so icy it was almost like a different person was talking to her.

“I’ll…I’ll think about it. You’re asking me to lie them.”

“I understand. I hope you’ll do the right thing. Do you have a way out? I would prefer not to take the tunnels again.”

“Seliph. They’ve grown so much since you left. They were pivotal in stopping those horrible mons the first time. Can you…please consider…” She stopped her request at seeing Seliph’s eyes lower to the side, narrowing in a cold, jaded way. Whatever she was saying he wasn’t listening to.

Seeing he wasn’t interested in talking anymore, she sank a little into the water saying, “You can take the door. It’s not hard to find the tunnel passage and move out.”

Without a word, he walked for the door on the opposite side.

“Seliph, I’m sorry for being harsh. I just want you at least talk to-” the sound of the door shutting caused her to grow silent. The emotions rushed all over her at once as she sniffled, closing her eyes and moving her fins to comfort them. To talk to them because I know they miss you terribly.

The sound of rain filled the empty room of the dark inn apartment until the knob on the door started shaking. The door squeaked open as if it were in pain, resisting the Greninja, who was shoving it.

“Stupid door!” He ranted as he slammed it behind him, fastening the lock shut with his key. “What is that fish thinking?”

He snarled, turning around and tossing the keys onto some random furniture as he took off his vest and shirt, throwing the wet clothes onto a chair as he stomped over to a wooden bed frame with a pile of straw and a pair of blankets.

“I’m glad I didn’t go into any detail, given how conflicted she turned out to be.” He sighed as he sat down, reaching for an orb and checking the time. “I should probably get some sleep. If there was any time they would strike, it’d be at night.” He set the orb aside and opened the drawer, pulling out another orb as he lay down.

He twisted it and the top uncapped itself, displaying a holographic picture of a Dusknoir. Its huge pupil was a scarlet red with the thin iris being red as well, albeit a bloody red with a distinguishing hue to it even in the hologram. This Red Eye wore an overcoat that ended before his elbows, split in the middle and was held together by a button. Seliph theorized it was something from the eastern side of the gulf, but he’d given up on determining the ethnicity of this mon a while ago.

As he pressed a button with his outer finger, his other hand reached into his belt and pulled out a glass vial that he started twirling as he listened to the message. There was only the sound of static, although the Dusknoir was moving slightly with his arms behind his back in stoic, professional posturing.

Tck, ‘liabilities’ He whined in his mind as he waited impatiently for the off-screen image Harken to stop talking. His eyes snapped to attention at seeing the Dusknoir begin stroking the grey skin underneath his singular eye. This motion from the right arm exposed the shoulder from under the overcoat, showing a tight bandage in the region halfway to the elbow.

“That is right. Once our operatives have landed we should be able to handle searching ourselves, though we shall happily accept any information you manage to acquire. All we do require is for you to have docking space for us, arriving and leaving, as well as arranging some levels of disruption for the rangers in this region, while we search for our objective.”

Another bit of silence followed as the Dusknoir listened to the silent reply.

“I understand if this is asking quite an amount, however, I can assure you we shall reward you handsomely. Given our current dealings with distribution, I imagine you understand the benefits of this minor concern of ours.”

That being the boy. Seliph commented as he looked past the image. He raised his right hand and held the glass vial between two of his webbed fingers, the red liquid glistening in the dim light with an ethereal and otherworldly glow.

“All I require is your efforts here and in a few towns. Just business as usual for you, if not a little bit more. Our current stationed operatives can and will assist you, save for those on this mission. If it pleases you, we can lend you some extra monpower for any, ahem, projects you have in mind during this time.”

Another silence followed, the Dusknoir stiffening to what was likely not the best of reception.

“My request comes directly from our leaders themselves. I understand your…concern, however, in trusting us you will find the rewards to be splendid.”

Seliph sighed, putting the vial back in as there was another silence patch.

“Would you have continued business with us if we weren’t capable of holding our end of the bargain?”

The image went into a rough, distorted static as the recording ended, prompting Seliph to sit back up again. I’ll find out just how capable you are. He threatened in his head as he opened the drawer and tossed the orb in. He rest his hands on his knees as he glared at the dim lodgings. I’ll find out how your damn formula works. I’ll find out every evil secret you and your ‘leaders’ have and make sure you answer for every. Single. One.

His eyes looked at the window, softening up a little at the sight of the rain. It reminded him Dresha and that while their conversation may not have gone anywhere it was good to see her again. That feeling of warmth, of someone whose touch made you feel safe, made him wish he’d been softer in his talk with the fish.

Hesitation filled his mind as he looked at the drawer. His hand started shaking, wanting to reach inside for the one thing his mind desired him not to touch. As his hand raised, he felt his heart beat faster.

It’s going to be alright. They don’t know you’re here so the trap is ready and set. His hand felt around inside until he felt a thin string and some hard objects. Slowly, he pulled out a lace string with three stones attached to it, each one stuck to the string by some hardened frubbles.

He theorized Ciecro was the one that put it in since he didn’t do it. The first time he was on his own, the first night he had to unpack for the night. When he realized the memento was packed in his backpack he wanted to rip it up but he wound up just sobbing. Now, he just stared at it, looking back on the memories with emotions that varied as the weather does in the day.

Shutting his eyes, Seliph slowed his breathing down. Suppressing the feelings that attempted to creep up. I wish…mons could just understand and obey orders. But perhaps it was a bit unfair of him to think they should. But life didn’t care what was fair or not, at least that’s what he’d come to believe. Once I get what I need, I can leave them in peace. He put the necklace back into the drawer and gently shut it.

After setting an alarm on his orb, he pulled the blanket over his body and shut his eyes, his head enjoying the soft touch of the cloth pillow filled with straw. It’s…the right thing to do.

Chapter 25
A Storm not Passing

The Charmeleon’s eyes stared lazily down at the large bowl resting on the table in front of him. The warm steam rose from it, lightly touching his face with its misty form as a smell that’d make any mon’s stomach growl filled his senses.

“You gonna eat?”

“Hrm?” For the first time since getting this bowl, Ciecro looked away from it. “Uh…I’m jus’…not dat hungry, ma’am.” His eyes lowered again, not willing to bring himself to look Mrs. Hommel in the eyes after his dodgy answer.

“Oh, well that’s quite alright.”

His eyes narrowed as he stared blankly at his soup again, imagining the individual pieces of vegetables as rocks in some kind of tannish sea. He picked up a wooden scooper and started stirring the soup around. At leas’ it ain’ hurtin’ much anymore, he commented in his head, noting the present but less than irritating painful beeps in his right shoulder as he stirred.

Despite this good news, it was still far from where he wanted to be. I’ve got tah get ready in case dey come back. That was all he had on his mind. All he wanted at this moment. His claws clenched firmer on the soup spoon as he thought back to that Gallade. The smug look on his face as he held Ciecro’s fire in his extended elbows, mocking him.

An’ den it turned out he was…whateveh clan has dat crest. Bu’ why was he wit’ dem? I don’ undehstand. Aren’t dah clans an’ dah Red Eyes against each other?

Since beating up Clyde, Ciecro had grown accustomed to stares, so it didn’t take him long to notice his brother looking at him from the right side of the round table. Of course, he tried to hide his knowledge of this as much as he could. I’m glad he got tah visit Vray today. Dough, it’s cuz of me dat happened in dah first place. He thought back to Amyas, watching that Gallade have Amyas in that threatening lock with the Bisharp going as far as to damage his arm to inflict a battle-determining wound. It made him feel almost ashamed though also inspired. The image shifted to one where he was in that lock and it was Jaron where he stood. I wanna be strong enough tah do dat too if needed. Maybe this thought was a little childish, but to sacrifice for those you cared about was something he always valued. Something his family valued, maybe even something Norfarions valued. It took strength to have the will to do that. Something to aspire to.

Ciecro flinched back at a snapping sound. One of the fruits on the center plate had vanished from its spot. He looked past the stack of fruit in the middle of the table to see Humphry chewing with a pleased look on his face.

“Humphry.”

“Hrm?” The Seismitoad raised a brow as he stopped chewing, looking at his wife who looked displeased. “What?” He said, making her scoff.

“Where are your manners?”

He gestured to the two. “It’s just Ciecro and Jaron.”

“Oh my goodness, Humphry!” She stood up from her stool, hunching over her lover, who was leaning back in surprise and maybe a small amount of fear. “Can you not talk with your mouth full‽ That is very improper and gross even when it’s just you and me.”

“Sorry hun, it’s-”

She put her hand over his mouth, making both boys flinch back again. “Swallow.”

A brief silence followed, broken by a loud gulp. She took her hand from his mouth and sat down.

Humphry, on the other hand, wasn’t going to take this sitting down. “Come on, they’ve been with us for two days now. There’s no need for formalities,” he said with a grumpy look of displeasure.

“I don’t like encouraging bad habits. You’re a Commissioner, Humphry. Set an example.”

“How young do you think they are?”

The two Seismitoad’s started arguing, prompting both boys to awkwardly look at each other. Jaron leaned in close whispering, “You think they’re always like this at home?”

Ciecro shrugged and his gaze dropped again to his untouched soup.

“Well?” Jaron said, hinting in his tone that he wanted an actual answer.

The Charmeleon shook his head and stood up. He appreciated what Jaron was trying to do, but this and the couple’s arguing was just too much noise. “Sorry, I’m gonna go up to our room.”

Instantly, their bickering stopped. “Oh…are you sure?” Miss Hommel asked, with a frown on her face.

Ciecro nodded and was midway through turning around when Humphry’s cough got his attention.

“Before you go up, I’ve got some great news for you.”

The Charmeleon raised a brow as Humphry got up from his stool and walked over to him.

“I’ve finished assessing your test and while I’ve yet to write the formal letter I can spare you the wait.”

Everything felt still for Ciecro as he listened intently. His claws started to shake as Humphry put a hand on his shoulder. The poor Charmander about collapsed from the weight of the hand alone.

“Congratulations, Ciecro.” He grabbed Ciecro’s lax hand and shook it firmly. “You passed.”

The Charmeleon’s eyes widened as he felt shivering throughout his being. A smile started forming as his eyes lowered in disbelief. I passed.

“That’s wonderful,” Mrs. Hommel said as Jaron got off his stool.

“Awesome!”

He looked over to see Jaron run over to him, sparkles in his eyes.

“Told you, you big dolt.” He punched Ciecro’s shoulder, making the Charmeleon grunt from the pain. “Oops.” Jaron weakly laughed. “I was a bit too excited, I forgot.”

Ciecro leered, but Humphry gently putting his hands on both their shoulders snapped him out of his sourness.

“Well, this calls for some celebration, no?”

“Sure! I just hope I can pass mine whenever I take the test.”

“I’m sure you will, Jar- Hrm?” There was a beeping noise coming from nearby. All three glanced at a nearby counter, but only Humphry walked over to it. The Seismitoad picked up a com orb and pressed its top with his outer finger. “Commissioner Humphry speaking.”

“Apologies Commissioner, but your presence is requested at the station. There’s been an incident. Code: Veris.”

Ciecro’s eyes widened. So, a serious incident.

Humphry sighed and said, “Will do. Hommel out.” He turned off the orb and took it to a rack where his ranger belt, band, and cabby hat rested. “Sorry to leave during dinner but duty calls and all. I’ll see you boys in the morni-”

“Humphry.” Mrs. Hommel got up and walked over. As she was about to speak, he pressed a finger to her closed mouth, an assuring smile on his face.

“Hey, now, don’t worry. It’s just a late work night, nothing special.” He slid his finger over to her cheek, lightly caressing it.

Her eyes lowered, an uncertain look in them which Ciecro related to all too well. While it was reassuring that Humphry was so calm if not warm hearted right now, it just didn’t feel as genuine as the Seismitoad was letting on.

Ciecro watched Humphry kiss his wife’s forehead and head for the door. The Charmander’s fists closed, as he mustered the nerve to say, “Sir.”

Humphry stopped twisting the knob. “Hrm? Yes?”

“Can…can I go wit’ yah?” His eyes narrowed, trying his best to maintain eye contact with the Seismitoad.

“What? But your shoulder needs-” Jaron stopped but stopped as Humphry answered.

“I appreciate the gesture Ciecro, but your brother is right. You should give your shoulder time to heal.” He smiled at the boy as he opened the door. “Get some rest boys. We’ve got to celebrate tomorrow after all.”

“Bu-” Ciecro reached out but stopped as the door shut behind the Seismitoad. The muffled sound of the rain was all there was to hear as Ciecro lowered his arm and his gaze. Wha’ if… The image of Humphry getting struck square on the chest by the Gallade during the fight at the shoal came back. Then Amyas’s restricted scene followed. Stoppit! Ciecro shook his head as he clenched his fists harder.

“Ciecro?”

He looked up at Mrs. Hommel, who was trying to imitate her husband’s smile, albeit not as convincing.

“Humphry worries me and all, but he isn’t a commissioner for nothing.”

Ciecro’s eyes lowered. Amyas was a commissioneh. A heavy sigh followed. “I’m goin’ tah bed.”

“I see. Well then pleasant dreams. Don’t worry about your food, I’ll save it for you.”

“Thanks…” Ciecro turned around but right as he reached the archway Jaron grabbed him by the wrist.

“Ciecro, wait a minute.”

He glanced at Jaron with a tired expression. “Lateh, okay?”

Jaron’s claw slipped of Ciecro’s, but his gaze didn’t falter. “Bu-”

Ciecro pressed a claw to his eyes. “I jus’…” He sighed and walked up the stairs, leaving Jaron at the base of the stairs in silence. He turned and opened the door to the guest room he was staying in, but not after glancing at the opened door of the other one, where Jaron was housed.

The covers on the straw bed weren’t made, the school books were just randomly lying around, and the TM Administrator was still in its box. Yeah… Ciecro shut the door behind him, leaning his back on it as he kept his claws on the knob. Been a while since he’s been like dat. He looked at the window on the opposite side of the room, seeing the streaks of rain flow down it as they hit its surface.

He took his claws off the knob and held them out in front, posturing them like he was firing a Flamethrower. He winced a little at the pain in his shoulder, but it wasn’t unbearable. I need tah be ready in case dey come back. I was lucky dat Amyas was dere. An’ dat he took dah wors’ of it. He crossed his arms as he walked over to the footrest of the guest bed. Dat punk won’ be so lucky when I figure out how tah bea’ his flame stealin’ thing. I just gotta…

He leaned on the wooden footrest as he held a palm in front, back end facing the floor. Red light flowed up from his palm, forming a small flicker of fire in it. So…wha’ abou’ yah do I not control? He turned and aimed for the window, taking a breath. A small Flamethrower shot out, hitting the window. He pulled his arm back, closing his fist as the red flames sputtered out into minor embers that died quickly.

Okay, I can cut it off easily enough. An’ I know it wasn’ some gift dat allowed ‘im tah do dat. So…a skill he knows? Maybe? Ugh. Ciecro pressed a hand on his forehead. How do I counteh somethin’ I don’ know an’ can’t test? He looked back at the window and once more pointed his arms at it.

No, I shouldn’. I don’ wanna damage somethin’ in ‘ere. He crossed his arms, looking around the room that now seemed more like a prison than a guest room. Ugh. Dere’s already been an incident. I jus’… He shook his head as he walked over to the window. I’ve gotta stop ‘em. I’ve grown up from before, I’ve gotta be able tah figh’ an’ win! He punched the wall next to the window in frustration.

Dey’ll be sorry dey came ‘ere. I’ll make ‘em sorry. His orange eyes burned like cinders. If dey try an’ hurt Jaron or anyone I’ll stop ‘em. That’s all that mattered. Not resting, not celebrating, and not even passing that dumb test mattered. Everything was wrong again and he had to help take down those that were responsible.

His gaze turned to look at the window, the rain beating its thick glass. With a determined scowl, he undid its lock, slid it up, and shoved his head out into the rain. He squeaked at feeling the cold rain on his back and head but kept it outside. It’s jus’ dumb rain, he said over and over in his head, though his body didn’t agree. The final straw was when some of the droplets dripped down his back and started touching the top of his tail.

He yanked his head back in and slammed the window shut, panting before growling in frustration. It’s jus’ damn rain! Why is it so hard tah handle it‽ He kicked the wall beneath the window, mentally restraining his body from punching the window. If I can’t handle dumb rain, how can I- He stopped, noticing a closet door nearby that was nudged open, likely from his punch from earlier. He walked over and opened it, seeing it mostly empty outside of some boxes, a few spare baskets, and.

A rain cloak! He snatched it off the hook it hung and held it out in front, the slick outer surface of the coat was a drastic difference from the soft, grippy interior. The hood was pretty big, probably made to fit Humphry, which was perfect for Ciecro.

He looked at the window, a smile forming. Heh, betteh den goin’ out without it. Undoing the button, he draped it over him, redoing it as a determined frown formed. Dat Gallade makes my Flamethroweh obsolete in a one on one. So firs’ step. Get betteh at controlin’ it so dat doesn’ happen again.

Pulling the hood over his head, Ciecro walked to the window but hesitated as his claw went on the lock. I should. He glanced back at the door. I should at least tell ‘em where I’m going an’ wha’ I’m doin’. His eyes narrowed as they lowered. Bu’ if I do dat, dey’ll jus’ stop me. Opening his right palm and looking at it, Ciecro debated in his head for a few minutes before closing his claw, settling on a choice. I’ll leave a note. Bu’ dis is too important. Being worried doesn’ protect anyone. I’m, sorry dat’s how it is, Jaron. His eyes rose to look at the window, a small scowl forming as he recalled seeing Jaron, paralyzed and seconds from death. I’ll masteh wha’ I have to.

< O >

Humphry let out a heavy grunt as he shoved the door open, dripping wet as he stepped into the lobby of the dimly lit ranger station. “I’m here!” He exclaimed as he nudged the door shut behind him, looking for a hanger to put his rain cloak on.

“Good, this way.” A Grapploct said from the second floor, having stepped out of a dark room with some minor blue light coming from inside. “Don’t worry about making a mess.” With that, the Grapploct walked back inside the room as Humphry hurried to the stairs.

Well, that’s worrisome. Blount not being a stickler about dripping on the floor. When Humphry reached the door, he could feel the tension in the air, despite it only having Ranger Blount and their Mothim support ranger, Fergus.

“So, what’s this about an incident, Blount?” The Seismitoad started undoing his rain cloak and took off his hat, setting them down on a small school desk nearby.

“You know of that old mon that lives on some of the larger hills beyond the town limits?” Blount inquired as he nestled into his seat.

“Mr. Barak, right?” Humphry answered, trying to get comfortable in a seat that was too small for him. “That old plant enthusiast?”

“Correct. Fergus, first image.”

Humphry turned his eyes towards the blank blue rectangular hologram in front as the Mothim’s eyes glowed pink. A clicking sound occurred as a loading circle appeared and then disappeared as quickly as it came. The commissioner’s eyes went wide as he saw in the hologram a picture of what looked like a torn-up room. Dirt and shards from broken potted plants lay about, a chair had been upended, and even the window had been shattered though Humphry took note of no glass on the inside. “How long ago was this?”

“We don’t know, sir.” The Grapploct sighed, staring at the image with as much concern as Humphry’s surprise. “Violet was on patrol and decided to check on him given his notable absence from his usual weekend activities. She took visual casts of all the rooms less than thirty minutes ago. We’ve just received the last one.”

The initial shock wearing off, Humphry leaned back a little, hoping the poor chair could support him while he stroked his chin. “Notable struggle perhaps. Mind showing the floor beneath the window?”

“Of course.”

The image went darker as the floorboards specified zoomed out of the image, moving around in a three-dimensional effect for the rangers to observe.

“Not even a smidgen of glass, eh?” Satisfied, Humphry motioned for Blount to return the image to the neutral state. “What about the other rooms?”

“Well, the only other rooms are a pantry and a storage for rainwater.”

“And the front door?”

“Fergus.”

The Mothim nodded as his eyes glowed pink again, tapping the orb with a slight pink stream of energy as the next image came up.

Raising his brow, Humphry let his hand fall from his chin. “So…the door wasn’t forced open?”

“No sir, it was in standard condition, similar to the door leading to the back.” The Grapploct rolled one of his tentacles as he further elaborated as the door was displaced from the image for a brief moment, “Before you ask sir, ranger Mecks’ had a report about a week ago in regards to Mr. Barak, specifically noting how usually grumpy he was when viewing the foliage. This is in relation to an earlier bust we did on a broker we theorize he’s been buying Fonsa Leafs earlier despite their illegality in this province. He was quite vocal about how oppressive we were being.”

Humphry smirked a little. Figures. The old coot should be grateful we didn’t throw the book at him. “So you’re telling me there wasn’t any notice of abnormal stress or the like?”

“No sir. We busted his original broker and I doubt he could have stumbled into debt with another in the time given, especially with how much cracking down has been done on the business in the nearby towns.”

“So then the most likely conclusion is our would be kidnappers got to him.”

“Agreed.” The Grapploct nodded to Fergus, who once more changed the image to show the back, messier half of the room.

“Considering Mr. Barak was a customer of an illegal broker, we should have a file on him, correct?”

“Yes sir. There have been previous arrests after all.”

“I’d like to see that file.”

The Grapploct nodded to a Vileploom, who was standing by in the dark corner of the room.

As the ranger darted out of the room to fulfill that request, Humphry leaned forwards, eyeing the window with a strong gaze. “So I’m guessing our ghost suspect literally went through the door.”

“Likely, I presume Mr. Barak was in his chair at the time.”

“Were the food or water in the other rooms disturbed?”

“None that Violet can definitively say, though it’s possible some items were stolen. It’s just hard to tell without a pre-image of the pantry given this mon could be a minimalist for food.”

“But not for plants I see.” The Seismitoad sighed. “Is Ranger Violet the only one there?”

“As of right now, yes. However, I did send Gisela and Mallaidh to support the investigation with equipment.”

“Has a sweep of the premises been made yet?”

“For the front upon initial entry, yes sir, but I was going to wait until the other two arrived with the equi-”

Humphry shook his head. “Best get a head start on it. I want to see the layout before any tampering is started.” As the Grapploct nodded, Humphry turned his attention to the Mothim, who flinched a little at hearing Humphry address him directly.

“Do we have an established com linked to Ranger Violet?”

“Uh…yes.” The Mothim’s eyes glowed pink once more. The orb, which was currently tucked in the circular socket of the Mothim’s small vest, dislodged and floated over to Humphry, who snatched it out of the air and raised it to his mouth.

“Ranger Violet, this is Commissioner Hommel. Do you copy?”

“I do sir,” a feminine voice said from inside the orb, muffled slightly by the tapping sound of rain. “Good to have you on the line.”

“Have you checked the premises at all?”

“None outside of my entry, sir. I was waiting on standby for the others to arrive for a proper-”

“If you don’t mind getting a little wet, I would like to see the full premises.” Humphry took a deep breath as he then said, “Go out the back door. I want to see what the rear of the house looks like.”

“Yes sir.”

The three rangers waited anxiously, staring at the orb in Humphry’s hands in silence. This wasn’t helped by Violet, a Mismagius, who didn’t need to make additional sounds when moving. The Seismitoad about jumped upon hearing her voice again.

“I’m here. Do you want me to cast the scene for you all?”

“Just a standard image will do.” Humphry sighed with relief as he noticed the Vileploom had returned, holding the file out for him. “Though, give me a brief description while you taking it.” He set the orb down and opened the file, listening intently to the Mismagius along with the three others.

“Understood…So, there are large claw marks on the wall here and minor ones on the door. I can see some large pieces of glass on the grass here.”

Okay, so that confirms it was from the inside. Humphry glanced at the older image, expectantly. “Anything else notable?”

“Nothing I can see sir, the rain isn’t helping make it easier for me. Sending the image now.”

His eyes narrowed as the loading image appeared again until the picture displayed. While the raindrops in the image were a minor nuisance, the scenery was as Violet described. “Hmmm…” Humphry looked back at the file. If this is a hostage situation, why take this old coot that has no relatives? It’s easy, yes, but what gain would it give them? If it was to trade for medical supplies then we would have been contacted by now, unless it had just happened, which wouldn’t make sense given the condition the Gallade was left in.

Humphry looked at the image of Mr. Barak in the upper portion of the file. He was indeed a rather old-looking Clawitzer, whose right pincer showing signs of decay and scrapes. The mon also looked a little unhealthy, at least in this picture. So why choose this old, leaf addict mudder?

The Seismitoad then glanced back at the image. “Fergus, go back to the first image.” The Mothim did so and Humphry studied the window from the inside perspective, taking note of the turned-over chair. Hmm…the claw mark wouldn’t make sense if this ghost entered from the back. He must have entered from the front, the old male then must have tried to escape through the window. I could see him leaping for it, maybe to avoid a move being used by propelling himself with his own.

“Anything you want me to detach for you?” Fergus asked but Humphry was too focused to answer.

Half a minute later, he rolled his wrist. “Go back to the image taken outside.” As the image came up, Humphry looked at the ground where large pieces of glass were somewhat visible. I imagine he’d have gotten cut up a little from it. He raised the com orb to his mouth again as he started reading the file again. “Violet, take an image of the area that the glass fell, this time try and focus your Luminous Orb on the glass area. I want to get a better look there specifically. Casting shouldn’t be necessary, just proper lighting.”

“Yes sir, just give me a minute.”

Nodding, Humphry could finally focus on reading the file with his full focus. Let’s see, age two fifty-six, born in Treasure City, Professional Medical Mixer for two hundred years, notable drug addict… He sighed in his mind as he looked back at the screen. Think, Humphry, why would they target this mon during their mission to capture Vragon?

“Alright, Sending it to you.”

“Good.” Humphry got out of the seat and walked up close to the screen, remaining unfazed in his stare as it popped up on the screen as a much brighter holographic visual. “Hrm?” He placed his fingers on a certain portion near the base of the wall where the window was, feeling the hologram solidify upon his touch. He tapped on the spot and said, “Zoom to a proportional radius of seven inches and enhance without compromise.” The hologram did as such and his brow was raised.

“Do you see something, sir?” Blount said, getting up from his seat as Humphry glanced at Fergus.

“Fergus, take a look here if you will. You’ve got better eyes than us.”

“Yes sir.” The Mothim’s wings started flapping as Humphry made space for him. After a few seconds of staring, the Mothim made a humming sound. “I think something is on the ground and at the base of the wall.”

“Really?” Humphry looked back. The light was helpful, but all he saw were the blades of grass and the part of the wall above that line. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. I see traces on the ground and a little on the wall between these blades here. They’re more droplets, but it’s too dark and muddy looking to be raindrops.”

“True. You got that, Violet?”

“Yes sir. Want me to take a look around?”

“Please do.”

Humphry nodded to the Mothim, who fluttered back to his seat, while Humphry walked over to his and picked up the file from the desk armrest.

“You think it’s blood?”

“Probably, Blount.” Humphry looked back at the picture. “I know Clawitzer have hard skin, but,” he looked back at the image, saying at the hologram. “Return to default zoom.”

It did so and Humphry nodded, seeing how sharp the window pieces remaining on the wall were. So, what happened to this old timer? Did he escape or-

“Sir.”

Humphry looked at the orb, his nerves tensing up as he detected a change in Violet’s tone along with her slightly drawn-out enunciation. “What is it, Ranger Violet?”

“It’s…his…”

Humphry’s eyes widen. He pressed his hand firmly on the hologram as the part he touched solidified for it. “His what? Spit it out.” He ordered as he heard a gasp from the other side.

“It’s…his larger pincer sir. It’s lying on the grass here.”

“By Arceus,” Blount said with a horrified look in his eyes.

“Shall…Shall I send an ima-”

“No. Thank you.” Humphry scowled as his arms lowered. I don’t get it. Was it really just a looting spree for things, because the pantry looked like it hadn’t been looted? Though he would make a decent target being so remote. He opened the file once more. Think, Humphry, think. Wait.

He looked up at the screen. If it was… “Violet. Look at the window.”

“Sir?”

“I want you to examine the broken window for any traces of blood.”

“I…yes sir.”

The Grapploct walked over to Humphry. “You found something, haven’t you?”

“Don’t bet on it just yet. But I was wondering.” He faced his coworker and tapped his finger on the file, specifically the picture. “If the Gengar entered from the front and Mr. Barak went out the window, how could our intruder have made that claw mark himself?”

“So you assume there’s another member of their group?”

“Yes. And if my hunch is right.” He paused, waiting for the report.

“Commissioner?”

He raised the com orb to his mouth. “I copy, Violet.”

“There’s a few bits of blood, but very minor. Not even an inch deep. Though, there’s more of it on the left side, specifically the mid-portion.”

“That must mean whatever made that claws mark also cut his right pincer clean off.”

“But, the claws would be on Mr. Barak’s left side,” Blount pointed out as Humphry nodded in agreement.

“Which means the cut was precise. And also means.” his eyes met Blount’s, the anticipation in his coworker’s stare caving slightly at how serious Humphry was staring. “They wanted him alive.”

“Then…”

Humphry looked back at the file. “He was a medical mixer, an addict, and also a lover of plants.”

“So, you think they got him to heal their wounded ally?” Blount gestured towards the screen. “But, we have a problem. How long ago it was.”

“Hmmm…He has a pit greenhouse, right?”

“Yes sir,” Blount said as he looked at the screen. “I think I know where you’re going with this.”

Smirking, Humphry said to the orb. “Violet, I want you to go to the greenhouse and check the place.”

“Yes sir.” A few minutes later, Violet spoke again, “There’s a few plants and fruit lying around. It looks like someone else has been searching here.”

“Guess they nabbed whatever resources they could,” Blount sighed, as his eyes frowned.

Humphry kept his smirk up. “Any apples there?”

“What?” Violet, Fergus, and Blount said in unison.

“Just trust me. I want you to find an apple, cut it open, and take a basic picture of it. I just want to see the inside.”

“Y-yes sir.” A few minutes later the screen displayed a yummy-looking apple, cut clean in two.

“It looks like a normal apple,” Fergus said, his wings spreading out as Humphry snapped his finger and pointed at him.

“Exactly. It’s not molded.” He looked at the screen. “Apples are one of the earliest fruits to mold and given it’s lying on the ground during a time when it’s been humid and rainy-”

“That implies it must have been after the attack at Dresha’s.” Blount clapped two of his tentacles together. “I must say, good detective work.”

Humphry’s smile faded as he looked at the file. “A retired Medical Mixer that is old and isolated.”

“That must be why they kidnapped him.” Fergus flapped his wings in excitement. “They must be healing their Gallade accomplice.”

But how did they know he was there? A cold feeling filled the Seismitoad’s body as his eyes raised to look back at the fruit, a dreadful look in their stern gaze. They must have been informed by someone. Maybe even the same someone who told them about Vragon. He shut his eyes and set the file on the desk next to the orb. “Blount.”

“Yes sir?”

He looked at Fergus and then Blount. “I want you to call Violet and the other two back right now. Station them with Mecks at the hospital.”

“Wait, what about the investi-”

Humphry walked past him. “I’m not taking any chances.”

“What do you mean?” Fergus asked, a curious look in his eyes while Blount formed a scowl.

“We may be attacked again sooner than we thought. If they nabbed this guy two days ago, it’s quite possible their Gallade has recovered considerably. Count that with them having a third, which seems stronger and more skilled than either of them.”

“Understood. And you?” Blount reached out as Humphry tossed him the com orb and headed for where his damp clothes were.

Humphry took his hat off the top and placed it on his head. “I’ll go on ahead and support Mecks.” He quickly put his raincoat on and left the room, going down the stairs and pulling out a com orb from his belt. “Hello? Hun?” He grunted as he shoved the doors to the station open, the harsh rain hitting him and his coat as he race walked for the gate. Come on, come on, pick up. The whole point of an emergency com is for-

“Yes?”

“Oh thank God, you picked up.”

“Why I- Humphry, do you really think that I-”

“Listen, hun, I’m sorry but I need you to listen. I want you to get Jaron and Ciecro and bring them to the ranger station. They can sleep in the-” He stopped both talking and walking upon hearing Mrs. Hommel gasp.

“What is it? Doris? Doris, what’s goin-”

“Jaron?” The sound of a door creaking open was next. “Oh no.”

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Jaron’s not in his room.”

His heartbeat accelerated the moment he heard this, as he looked in fear at the orb. “Is there a disturbance?”

“No, just…wait, let me check on Ciecro….No, he’s not here either.”

“Damnit. Doris, get up the neighbors. Tell them to go round up the volunteers. The list should be in my desk. We need to find those boys, now.” He looked upwards as he resumed his pace. What are they thinking, going out in this storm this late?

< O >

A soft roll of thunder bellow, drowning out the pelting upon metal by the drops of dew from the sky. The metal doors long since rusted were now being moved for the first time in a while. A snarl came from the outside at their stubbornness.

“Come on, move!” After a bit of pushing, they caved to the Charmeleon’s force, who about fell inside as he hurried in. He pushed the rain cloak off of him and tossed it aside, forming flames in his hands that he held close to his back. His muscles de-tensed as he felt the moisture on top of his upper tail evaporate. “Dere we go.” He picked up the raincoat and hung it up properly before stepping into the middle of the room.

The place was dusty with a few leaks here or there, but mostly dry. It was fortunate that such buildings in towns were due more for repurposing than simple demolition.

Ciecro interlocked his fingers and pushed outwards, cracking the bones in them. Alrigh’ let’s staht. He let his arms fall in front as he looked at the floor, which thankfully was simply dirt instead of wood. The fire returned to his palms and shot out into a steady blaze in front, brushing onto the sand like waves on the shoreline.

Hmmm… Ciecro ceased, staring at the scorch mark on the floor. Satisfied, he walked over and grabbed some random piece of cloth and was about to toss it on the spot when a screeching noise made him freeze in his tracks. “Wha’?”

The rusted doors of the warehouse were open much wider than when he squeezed through as three figures walked in, all wearing rain cloaks as well, save for the Bellibolt. Despite the limited lighting, the flame-tipped tail of the front figure was a dead giveaway.

Ciecro let the cloth fall out of his claw as his gaze went from surprise to annoyance. Ugh, Clyde. Ciecro scowled as his eyes darted from left to right, his peers taking off their rain cloaks.

The Braixen groaned as she started rubbing her large ears. “They’re so wet. Ugh. Clyde can you help me dry-”

The Monferno tossed his cloak aside with a wet flop and started walking toward Ciecro.

The Braixen rolled her eyes as she reached back, levitating the stick in her semi-wet furry tail to her hand and twirling it like some miniature baton. The Bellibolt bore a gleeful, mischievous smile as he and the Braixen took position on Ciecro’s sides, standing about five feet away.

The Charmeleon sighed and looked at Clyde. “Why are yah ‘ere?”

“I could ask you the same thing.” The Monferno looked around the place. “After hours. Abandoned place.” He raised a brow as his gaze drifted towards Ciecro’s wounded shoulder. “No bandages? Guess you put the Norfarion in Norfarion stubbornness-”

“Why are yah ‘ere?” Ciecro snarled as Clyde’s eyes narrowed.

He crossed his arms and arrogantly tilted his head. “While you were busy recovering, I’ve been keeping an eye out for those attackers if they ever dropped on by again.”

Ciecro’s eyes widened. “Yah were enlisted?”

“No.” He looked up at the roof, his expression softening a little. For a brief moment, it was like Clyde of the past before getting his face punched in was standing in front of him. “I took it upon myself.”

“And been dragging us into it too,” The Braixen added with a sarcastic tone, making Clyde glare back at her.

“You don’t have to come.”

She sighed and crossed her arms. “Nevermind.”

“Now…” Clyde stepped towards Ciecro, who tensed up. “Relax, punk. I’m not going to fight you while you’re still healing, let alone while there’s this incident going on.”

“Den wha’ do yah wan’ den?”

Clyde stopped a few inches from Ciecro’s face, their mutual stares being very intense despite lacking in aggression. “I want to know what you’re doing here. Like I said before, it’s after hours and Humphry wouldn’t let you just run around while you’re injured.”

Ciecro looked to the side and snorted. “None of yah business.”

An annoyed sigh followed. “Figured you’d say that. Guess you left without his permission, huh-”

“Wha do yah know!” Ciecro stepped forwards, almost pressing his snout onto Clyde’s nose. The Monferno pulled back slightly, eyes widened for a second before settling down.

“I’m not dumb, Ciecro.”

“Tck, coulda fooled me.”

“You know, I’m being nicer than you deserve. I’m only asking you because of the attackers that are here for your friend.” Clyde walked around Ciecro, stopping shoulder to shoulder. He leered at Ciecro as he continued. “Why are they after the Averion?”

“How should I know?”

Clyde continued walking around Ciecro, who relaxed a little but kept a tense front. “Well, then what do you know?”

“I…” Ciecro’s eyes lowered.

“Well?”

“I…don’ know anythin’ else.” Ciecro’s eyes lowered slightly, raising suddenly at Clyde scoffing.

“Tck, you’re pathetic.”

“Wha’dyu say?”

“You heard me.” Clyde snarled as he walked over to his friends. “You’ll zip your mouth like a Banette’s if it meant not hurting your pride.”

“Oh yeah! Wha’ abou’ how yah keep wantin’ tah figh’ me?”

“Heh, like right now?” Clyde said with an almost mocking tone as he turned around and pointed at Ciecro’s crest. “Unlike you, I know when to swallow my pride. After all, I’m just a kid studying to be a ranger. I don’t have a get-out-of-punishment crest like you.”

“Why do yah dislike Norfarions so much?” Ciecro snarled. “I barely know wha’ Norfarions are like.”

Clyde rolled his eyes. “I didn’t care about Norfarions. I’ve heard general rumors and gossip about them, but those are just rumors and gossip. You were the one that gave me a front-row seat to what your kind can do and over some simple comments about your dad.”

Ciecro tensed up, his breathing going slow as Clyde continued.

“I never liked you Ciecro. You and your brother are hotheaded and arrogant and when I decided to step up to that, you made it very clear the kind of person you were. I guess it makes sense why Norfarions stick to their kind if this is the end result without some kind of discipline. Lording over us ‘normal mons’ like living is some kind competition.”

“Look, jus’ shuddup.” Ciecro shook his head. “I don’ care tah hear yah rantin’. It’s none of yah business wha’ I’m doing ‘ere.”

“Fine. But I’m going to have to tell this to Humphry.” Clyde started to walk away, but Ciecro’s voice made him stop.

“Wai’.”

Clyde smirked a little as he looked back. “Why should I?”

Ciecro’s eyes lowered. “I…was jus’ tryin’ tah train.”

“…What?”

“In case dere’s another figh’. I want tah be able tah fight.” Ciecro looked back at Clyde, willing himself not to back down.

“Wouldn’t resting be better for that?” Clyde crossed his arms.

The Charmeleon didn’t reply, though his brain tried its best to think of a rebuttal.

“Yeah,” The Bellibolt walked up, making Ciecro lean away from the large, round mon. “It is weird. I think he’s lying.”

Snarling back at the Bellibolt, Ciecro said, “I’m not lyin’”

“Then you’re stupid.” The Braixen moved her palm under her snout, smiling at Ciecro snobbishly. “What good is training if your arm doesn’t heal?” She giggled. “Everybody knows-”

“Oh can it, bitch.”

She gasped. “Why you.” She looked at Clyde, pointing at Ciecro. “He just called me a-”

“I heard him.” He walked past the dumbfounded Braixen and curious Bellibolt, stopping right in front of Ciecro. “And if he wasn’t injured, I’d make him answer for it.”

The Charmeleon snarled back, stepping forwards. Their tense standoff was interrupted by another sound coming from behind Clyde’s group that easily drowned out the background rain.

“Ciecro!”

Ciecro shoved Clyde out of the way as he looked to see his brother stepping into the expanse, dripping wet from head to two and furious. The Croconaw had a shoulder strap that had a satchel, though it looked a bit loose implying he put it on in haste.

“Uh…Jaron.” Ciecro couldn’t find the words, especially since he was still processing that his brother was here.

“What? Surprised I’m here?” Jaron stomped towards him, his tone like poison as he stopped in front and leered upwards at his brother. “Well, sorry that I checked on you after dinner. Did you want some more alone time?”

Ugh…’ere we go. Ciecro put a hand on Jaron’s shoulder. “Jaron, I was jus’-”

“Save it.” Jaron swatted the hand aside. “I’m sick of you just going off on your own like this. You’ve already passed the test, why do you need to keep doing this?”

“No way,” the Braixen said, her face showing disbelief. “You actually passed?”

“Shut up, bitch.” Jaron snarled, making her leer at him. However, the Croconaw ignored her and shouted, “So what’s going on? Why are you going off on your own still and why is f*cking Clyde and his goons here?”

“Now listen here you loud, little-!” The Braixen began her snooty tone even when mad playing on Ciecro’s last nerves.

He turned around and in unison with Jaron said, “Would you stay out of this?”

She growled, looking at Clyde for any kind of support, but he kept silent, wanting to see this play out. “Ugh.” She crossed her arms and pouted to the side.

With no more interruptions, Ciecro looked back at Jaron. “Look, I jus’ wanna be prepared in case dose goons come back.”

“For God’s sake, Ciecro, your shoulder is still recovering.” Jaron pointed at Clyde, who tensed up in scowl and body as Jaron continued, “And can you please tell me why the f*ck he’s here?”

“I didn’ invite him if dats wha’ yah worried abou’.”

“I’m not worried about that. I’m worried you’ll get into a fight with him.”

Jaron’s anger was starting to rub off on Ciecro, especially since this lecture was being played again. “I know, Jaron. Yah don’ need tah keep remindin’ me.”

“Oh sorry, am I pestering you again by asking why the f*ck he’s here with you?” Jaron pointed out as he gestured his claw outwards to Ciecro, like he was bestowing this counter to Ciecro as a gift.

“Look. I’m tellin’ dah truth.”

“Then why not just leave then?”

Ciecro’s eyes looked to the side as Jaron’s head lowered.

“Well?”

“It’s rainin’ outside.”

“That didn’t stop you from coming here for this ‘training’. What the hell does that even mean? Training for what?”

“Fo’ dose goons return-”

“Stop lying to me!” Jaron lashed out, pushing at Ciecro’s stomach as a few tears started to form in his angry eyes. “You’re always training. You’ve been training for almost a f*cking month now! What are you training for and why are you training so hard? Stop keeping whatever secret burden you have and just be honest with me!”

Ciecro growled though he didn’t retaliate physically. “I don’ have a ‘secret’, Jaron. I don’ hafta tell yah every stinkin’ detail abou’ my thoughts. I already hafta do dat in dose sessions, so lay off.” Jaron snorted angrily as he crossed his arms and looked to the side. Ciecro’s gaze drifted to the side as well, his scowl softening despite not being done lecturing Jaron. “How many times do I hafta tell yah I can manage fo’ yah to jus’ get it? Or do yah not trust me like yah say yah do?” The silence that followed made Ciecro’s heart churn. He’d done it again. With a heavy sigh, he turned towards his brother again, his gaze low and heavy. “Jaron…wha’ I mean is-” He stopped speaking once he looked at his brother.

A cold chill filled him, a chill that the rain outside couldn’t even come close to replicating. He saw his brother stare to the left, his teary eyes bearing a sudden look of horror. “Jaron!” He grabbed his brother’s shoulders, making their audience flinch. “Is it your Wary?”

The Croconaw slowly nodded.

“Is it dem?”

“I…I don’t know. It’s similar, but it feels so much more-” Jaron gasped. “Vray!” He pulled himself from Ciecro’s grip and rushed for the door, nearly running over Clyde in the process.

Growling, Ciecro ran after his brother, not bothering with the raincoat.

“What the? Hey!” The girl’s voice called out but stopped as Clyde rushed after them.

“Come on you two!” Clyde shouted.

The group of five hurried down the street, undeterred by the rain and thunder.

Chapter 26
Descent (Dread)

“‘A phizon of 5 inches, 12.7 cm, or 1 corbal in length holds a capacity limit for synergetic travel of 50 flame years. Devices utilizing this do not require massive amounts of circulatory and efficiency relief due to this class of phizon’s spaciousness compared to its smaller siblings.” He pulled the book over his face and uttered a muffled sigh. Welp, I think I’m at my limit. Good on Jaron for going into Synermechanics, but I can’t read any more of this word soup.

He closed the book and stared at the cover. Though, it is pretty cool how all this stuff work. He set the book on a small night desk next to his stray stuffed hospital bed. His eyes glistened faintly in the light of the dim emura held in a glass cylinder, staring at it like one stares at a campfire on a cold night. Gently, he pressed the base of this cylinder and watched as a particle field around the Emura barely revealed itself before vanishing once more as it pulled away from the Emura. The light from this stone began to dim, now becoming like the cinders of a burnt-out campfire.

A small smile formed as he leaned back, staring upwards. I can see why Jaron would like this stuff. Though, maybe it’s mostly because of the mechanical part of it rather than the synergy aspect. His eyes drifted to the window, watching the rain beat against it as his happy reminiscence disappeared as his path of thought took a turn.

Still raining, huh. He sat up, turning his gaze towards the shut door to his hospital room. I guess there’s no sense in staying up. Better go have the final check-up. He slid off the bed and walked toward the open door. I feel fine enough, but doctor’s orders. Though… He paused before reaching it and crossed his arms. I guess I was out because of healing that arm. So then, it take me two whole days to recover from healing a wound like that? I mean, I feel fine if not a little tired. A slight chill filled him as he pushed down the unsettling thought. I hope I’m not losing something else I don’t know about when I use my gift.

Sighing, Vragon leaned over and said, “Mecks, I’m ready to go to bed. Can you get Dr. Uximo for the check-up?”

“Sure, need anything before I go?”

“No thanks, I just want to get it done so I can retire.”

“Okay. I’ll let him know to hurry on over, Vray.”

As Mecks started speaking into the ranger com Vragon turned his troubled stare towards the window. Without thinking, he reached and clasped his pendant, his body seeking its calming touch while his mind couldn’t.

Humphry said that the Gallade guy was a clansmon. So, does that mean there are clansmons in the Red Eyes or was he just a random one off? He shook his head as a scowl began to form. What even are these guys? And what do they want with me so badly that they’d- he snarled, not wanting to remember that threat from the Gallade.

Slowly, his eyes drifted to the right as he lifted his arm. Looking at his Averion crest, Vragon thought, I don’t understand. What could I have done to make them go that far? His arm fell as he stared at the floor, a firm scowl on his face and his claws clenched tightly. How could he do something like that? Make me choose something like that?

He brushed his snout, a small sniffle coming out as he began to calm down. Well, it’s not like I know that piece of garbage. His arms wrapped around his torso as he looked back at the dim emura. I guess with all the context removed, we would be distant cousins. But still…

The scowl returned as he reached for his pendant and held it up to eye level. They’re bad mons and I doubt they’re being honest with me. It’s just more questions and no answers. Like you.

His stare went cynical, as he tilted his head during his mental interrogation of the pendant. Not like you’re helping me get answers either. Why do I have you and feel like I should have you if I’m Averion? What even are you supposed to be? He sat on the footrest of the bed, letting out all his frustration in a singular, silent stare. A few minutes later he sighed and let it drop. Maybe if I had mixed parentage then that would explain it, if it isn’t just a Clans cultural thing. Though, even if it is.

His eyes trailed to the door once more, this time with a curious look on them. It’s taking Uximo a while to get here.

“Is Uximo busy right now, Mecks?” Vragon stood up and walked toward the open door. “Mecks?” As he looked out the doorway. He froze, eyes wide as his heart raced.

He tried to rushed down the hallway but was knocked back as something shot out of the opposite wall into him. Too confused to respond, Vragon was grappled onto his stomach, his right arm pulled into a lock.

“Ack, Hel-!” He managed to say until a purple energy closed over him, in the shape of a boney claw.

“Shhhhhh,” Vex slithered as a smile formed on his face. “Don’t want anyone else coming in harm’s way, right?”

Vragon’s fury fought his momentary fear, forcing him to try and struggle. However, the arm lock was too much for him to free and the ghost’s position too controlling to allow Vragon any chance to move. Despite this, he tried until he heard the door squeak.

Looking up, he saw a Haxorus walk in. He had a dark green hue to his scales, some of which looked chipped or scratched. His physique looked strong and his posture composed. What drew Vragon’s attention the most, however, was the Red Eyes this mon possessed. They weren’t just the kind he had seen before, they were accompanied by a stare that felt more intense than the Gengar’s and the Gallade’s combined.

The Haxorus’ let his Dragon Claw disappear, as the blood covering it dropped to the floor.

A pained scowl formed on Vragon’s face as he shut his eyes and started struggling again.

“Quit it you,” Vex snarled in a harsh tone and pushed harder on Vragon’s arm, making the Fraxure utter a muffled cry.

No, I won’t let you! Vragon surged Dragon Claw into his locked arm, but unfortunately for him, Vex was positioned right above it, safe from being cut. The other arm was pinned by Vex’s leg, unable to move even an inch.

Get off me! Vragon screamed in his head.

“Be still.”

Vragon stopped, his eyes opening as he looked up at the Haxorus, who went on a knee to get a closer look.

“This is the guy,” The ghost said above him. “Black with white lines on the harder scales and yellow eyes. Averion too.”

The Haxorus didn’t reply, simply staring down into Vragon’s eyes, a seeming curiousness despite their hardened look.

Vragon raised a brow, his fear and anger set aside to match the curiosity in this towering figure’s look. Who…are-?

“Sir?”

The Haxorus’s gaze suddenly went cold making Vragon shiver and want to pull back. The Haxorus suddenly latched his claw onto Vragon’s face, making the boy yelp and push it down, snarling aggressively.

"Trishula, sir?”

“I have to make sure.”

Vragon squirmed in fear as the Haxorus’s eyes narrowed and his claw started to feel warm on his face, heating up just low of searing pain.

“Mecks!” A voice shouted, causing the Haxorus to pull his claw back and shift around.

Vragon could feel the ghost above him stiffen as the sound of rushing footsteps could be heard outside. Wait…Humphry! He looked at the Haxorus, who was walking around the footrest, dark blue energy swirling around his claws, ready to form Dragon Claw at the second he needed to. No! Vragon struggled again, but sadly the ghost was alert enough to restrain him. He screamed as loud as he could, but his voice wasn’t loud enough to penetrate the muffling effectively.

I can’t break out! What do I-? He saw Trishula press his back against the wall next to the door, ready for when the Seismitoad entered.

Vragon let his head fall, his muscles hurting and his mind clueless about what to do. At that moment, he noticed his tusk pressing against the floor, causing his head to be in a rather uncomfortable position.

“Vray! Hang on!” His heart raced as he stared at the door out of the corner of his eyes. He let his body go limp as he started taking slow breaths, remaining as calm as he could despite the sound of Humphry’s racing footsteps.

Three, two, one, now! With all his might, he lurched back, surprising Vex enough that the grip on his head lessened enough to twist it and drive his right tusk to the ghost.

Vex gasped and pulled back, managing to avoid being poked and quickly regained control over Vragon, but the damage was already done.

Vragon went limp again, relieved that the footsteps had stopped. As he looked at the Haxorus, he saw a brief glance of frustration at Vragon’s captor before once more looking at the door ready to strike with surging Dragon Claw.

The silence was unbearable for Vragon as his breathing picked up. Please, don’t die. He fought the images of Humphry getting stabbed, snapping to focus as there was another sound.

The Haxorus moved slightly off the wall, surprised as well.

Water?

Horror formed on Vragon’s face as the Haxorus lunged for the doorway, the energy swirling into ripe Dragon Claws, but before he could get into the hallway he was swamped by a blueish glow. Vragon shut his eyes as a second later, he felt the force of a wave on his body, along with the ghost’s weight being lifted off. He was swamped over into the wall, gasping as he tried to get his bearings back until his focus was stolen by a crashing sound.

Humphry was standing there, dust from the wall covering him. The Seismitoad waved his hand as the Surf pulled away from Vragon and rose to hit the two.

Vex phased into the wall, while the Haxorus thrust his claws forward and lunged forwards, tearing a hole for himself through the thin wave.

“Run!” Humphry shouted as he slammed his fist and shot Mudshot at the Haxorus, who pivoted to the right around the footrest.

Vragon quickly hopped onto the messed up bed and fell off the other side at Humphry’s feet.

“Go!” Humphry shouted, slamming his second fist over Vragon to send more Mud Shot to pin the dragon back.

Vragon scrambled to his feet, going through the rubble wall so fast he almost ran into the wall on his way out. As he scampered down the hall, he looked back.

He stopped running, staring at the hole in the wall. He surged his own Dragon Claw, but couldn’t muster the nerve to go to Humphry’s aid nor to flee. Gasping, he looked down the hallway to see a purple flash followed by a Shadow Ball headed right for him. He raised his claws to block as it struck, sending him down the hallway onto his back.

Groaning, he sat up seeing Vex fly towards him. Vragon cried and scrambled to his feet, but then he was yanked by a force down the hallway. As he landed on his side, he saw a flash of rainbow light in the shape of a beam fly down the hallway.

“Vray, are you hurt?” Dr. Uximo asked, as his move exploded down the hallway.

“No,” the Fraxure answered, starting to get to his feet. “Humphry, he’s still in my room.”

“Don’t worry about him right now, we need to ge-” Uximo stopped as he fired another Psybeam at an incoming Shadow Ball, the repulse causing both to shield their eyes. “Where is-” Uximo began but was cut off by a slam from the side.

Vragon watched Uximo hit the wall and slump with a groan. His eyes turned to the Gengar now between him and a dazed Uximo. Vragon lashed out with Dragon Claw, fearful the mon would try and harm Uximo while he was down, but all he managed to do was get blasted by a small Shadow Ball that pushed him down the perpendicular hallway.

Coughing, Vragon tried to sit up, his chest hurting.

“Not this time you little punk.” Vex floated and flew after the Fraxure, who tried to rush away.

“This way!”

“Huh?” Vragon looked ahead to see a window at the end, only it was open with a figure in it. He stopped running and surged Dragon Claw.

The figure swung his arm as some kind of dark purple flash happened, with Vragon feeling the rush of something whizz past his head. He turned around to see Night Slash kunai stab into the wall that Vex phased into.

“Hurry!” The figure held out his hand.

Vragon looked back at him, hesitant.

“I’m not one of them,” The stranger said, pointing to his eyes which were as blue as the sea.

Despite his uncertainty, Vragon trusted this point and ran for the stranger. Once close enough, Vragon was grabbed by the stranger and pulled out the window. Before Vragon could so much as process let alone shout, he felt himself being grabbed tightly and going through the air, the stranger leaping from the window and flipping around.

As they landed, the stranger went into a roll to avoid any potential damage to his legs, letting go of Vragon so he could quickly get up and surged Night Slash kunai in case the ghost pursued.

Vragon spat out the rainwater he got in his mouth from being flat on the flooded roof and looked up at the Greninja with a snarl. “What is wrong with you‽”

The stranger looked at him with a brow raised before a cheeky smile formed. “Sorry, the first time is usually the worst. Anyways,” He looked back at the window, prompting Vragon to look as well. Sure enough, the ghost flew out and the stranger flung his kunai at him, which the ghost evaded.

Vragon took the time to look this stranger over. It was a male Greninja, at least Vragon guessed because of the voice. His body looked rather lean with cuts on a few areas. The black shirt was made of some fine fabric, built for the rain. The worn vest the stranger wore on top of that wasn’t as good though.

His observations were cut short by the Greninja pointing in a direction and shouting, “Move! I’ll cover for you.”

Vragon obeyed, as the stranger followed closely behind, taking every opportunity to dissuade the Gengar or the Gengar’s Shadow Balls with his Night Slash kunai.

As he reached the edge of the roof, he judged the distance and looked down instantly regretting it as his stomach started to knot up. Can I make that jump? He backed off. “I-I don’t think I can clear-” His words were cut short by a loud crashing sound from the hospital building.

“What the-?” His eyes widened as he watched something leap from a recently made hole in the wall near where he and the Greninja had left and landed with a harsh thud on the roof.

What are you‽ Vragon’s jaw dropped open as the stranger stood up and turned towards them. Those eyes once more leered with intimidation at the Fraxure, filling him with fear.

“Wait, don’t-!”

The stranger’s words weren’t fast enough, as a startled Vragon took a step back without thinking, bumping into the edge of the roof. The combination of the wetness from the rain and being startled caused him to tumble over the edge, yelping as he flailed about for something to grab on.

What? He looked all around, finding himself suspended in the air. He yelped as something phased through the wall.

“Relax, I got you.” It was a Mismagius, the green band around her neck sending instant relief for Vragon. She flew up and set him down on the roof on the other side, turning her pink, glowing eyes towards the Gengar. “Get as far as you can.” She flew up and began engaging the Gengar in aerial combat.

With the ghost taken care of, Vragon turned his attention to the current fight between the Haxorus and the Greninja, which was more of a game of dodging on the Greninja’s part. Despite the earlier order, Vragon was too engrossed in the fight to leave, like he had a personal stake in it despite not knowing either of these two.

He jumped as something rushed past him and leaped over the gap. A Hitmonlee twist flipped, igniting an white energy into his leg and bringing it down upon the Haxorus, who blocked the Mega Kick with a Dragon Claw.

Swiping it away, the Haxorus had to shield himself from the Greninja’s Night Slash kunai.

The Haxorus slightly turned his head, leaping forwards and spinning his body around to face another mon closing in. A Scizor with a ranger band flew right for the dragon but pulled up early to send rippling Air Cutters at the Haxorus.

While the flying move cut into the roof, the Greninja leaped across the gap and rushed for Vragon.

“We need to move.”

“What? But what about the rang-” He squeaked as he felt his arm grabbed.

“You’re the target, not them.”

Vragon tried to wrestle out, but both glanced back seeing the rangers getting knocked aside from a swing of the Haxorus’s tail. The mighty dragon’s eyes met Vragon’s once more, but only for a second as he lowered his head, forming a ball of dark blue energy with a vibrant orange center at the tip of his head spike.

What move is that? Vragon thought as he watched the two rangers try and go for a counterattack of Mega Kick and Bullet Punch, though the Haxorus tanked both moves to send the sphere up into the air with a swift raise of his head.

Vragon watched it fly up, mesmerized by its glow. As the orb reached its pinnacle and exploded, he felt the air leave his lungs as fear took hold of him like it was freezing him in ice. The dark blue and orange light was enveloped by a much more intense white light that filled Vragon’s vision entirely. He fell to a knee, his head starting to hurt as well as his right arm that he instantly grabbed with his left claw. Despite how much it hurt, he didn’t make a sound, just continued to stare upwards at this light as he felt faint tremors around him.

His body refused to respond as he looked at the light, feeling like it was looking back at him. What feeling he had left managed to detect he was no longer on the ground. While the scenery in the corner of his eyes changed, the white light remained the center point of his vision and the object of his full attention.

Finally, he shut his eyes as the pain in his head picked up, the levels of pain dwarfing his right arm from before. What is happening‽ he thought, his first coherent thought since the Draco Meteor. He clenched his head tightly as it got worse, his breathing heightened as his body shivered with fear of death.

Then, he felt a touch, a cold touch that made him lurch back and look. His headache was gone as was the pain in his right shoulder, but his fear and panic were just as real as when he stared into that light.

“Woah, easy.”

Wherever he was, it was dark. Though there was a light source coming from behind a black silhouette in front of him.

“You’re safe.”

He blinked, seeing the traces of two blue circles in front. They looked like eyes the more Vragon peered into them. As he adjusted to the darkness, he made out the form of a slender mon, eventually recognizing him as the stranger from before. “You-you’re-”

“Shhhhh,” the stranger raised a finger to his mouth, but his eyes were calm and understanding. “Whisper.”

“Oh…sorry,” Vragon said, looking around. “Where are we?” They seemed to be under some kind of tarp, the kind used to cover open crates to prevent water from soaking their contents. This tarp was held up above their heads by a pole, making their hiding place more like a tent.

The Greninja backed up, sliding over their light source, a hole in the floor. He gestured towards it, but put a finger to his mouth.

Vragon crawled over to it and looked down. It was a view of the floor below, the distance likely two floors from where they were. Down there was mostly an open space with various portable, emura lights scattered around. “A construction zone?”

The stranger nodded. “Yes, this is where I was trying to take you.”

“Why?”

The stranger sat back, relaxing a little in a way that made Vragon start to relax too. “We’re hiding.” The stranger whispered, looking down through the hole as well.

Vragon shivered as he looked up. “You mean, those guys are still-”

“Relax.” The stranger met his fearful gaze with a calming smile. “I won’t let them hurt you.”

“O-oh…”

“You’re rather timid,” The Greninja said with a smirk, leaning back and resting a hand on his side.

Vragon wanted to scowl at that remark, but it almost felt rude to leer in such a way at someone that saved him from the Gengar.

“What’s your name?”

“Uhm…Vragon.” He looked back, his curiosity rising. “Yours?”

“You can call me Ergon.”

“Ergon?” Vragon’s head tilted.

The Greninja chuckled. “It’s a weird name, I know, but there’s a good reason for that. It’s actually my middle name.”

“Your middle? What’s wrong with telling me your first name?”

The stranger looked back at the hole. “I don’t like giving out my first name just like that.”

“Oh.” Vragon’s head lowered as he looked at the hole too. The view was of a lower floor, which looked rather messy in how torn up it looked, likely the current room being repurposed. “Huh?” Vragon leaned closer, seeing something down there near some crates. His eyes widened at seeing what looked like a Greninja, pressed behind some crates with a Night Slash dagger drawn. He looked up at the stranger, verifying that some teleportation hadn’t happened.

A minor chuckle came from this supposed ‘Ergon’. “Confused?”

“Very. How are you doin-” He stopped as the stranger pulled his left hand from behind his back. It had a glowing grey light swirling around it.

“It’s a move called, Substitute. Have you heard of it?”

“Y-y-yeah.” Vragon slowly nodded as their gazes turned back to the doppelganger below. “So, you’re using a decoy?”

“More than that.”

“Huh?” Vragon snapped his gaze back up as the stranger looked at him with a confident smile.

“You’ll see.” Without another word, he turned his attention back down, as Vragon did as well.

His eyes narrowed as he felt his body tingle with excitement and concern. What’s his plan? He jerked back slightly as he heard the sound of rubble.

The stranger closed his grip, as the doppelganger tightened up to the crates, ready to slice.

Vragon felt a chill as he heard footsteps echoing beneath them, amplified as he saw the Haxorus from before walking into the room. He had a Dragon Claw surged and his eyes looked alert.

He looks powerful, Vragon thought, watching this mon browsing the room.

“Look out! He’s there!” Another voice exclaimed, making Vragon flinch back but the Greninja smile.

The ghost was flying towards the fake, Shadow Claw surged as the fake turned, and looked at the Gengar in surprise.

“Ahh!” Vex shouted as he stopped.

Vragon’s and the Greninja’s eyes widened.

“What?” The Greninja whispered surprised while Vragon stared dumbfounded, a swift burst of flames flew from the Haxorus’s claw just narrowly missing Vex’s face as it struck on the wall, leaving a searing black mark on it.

“What the-? Why are you firing Incinerate at me?” Vex demanded but looked back at the fake who was still in the same position. “Huh?”

The Haxorus picked up a random piece of wood and tossed it at the doppelganger. A flash of colorful light erupted below as a loud, thrumming sound their heads.

Vragon gasped, his breathing picking up as he saw it in that field of colors that white light again. His body filled with fear and he bolted.

“Hey.”

He ignored the stranger’s voice, instead throwing off the tarp, and running with all his might. He had to get away from that light, no matter how much it called to him. His rationale was gone, all that remained was the pain in his right arm, his headache, and the overwhelming fear of staring at impending doom that he had to flee from.

Chapter 27
Discipline (Brink)

“Dah hospital should be on that street!” Ciecro shouted, pointing forwards before picking up the pace. The excitement was intoxicating, so much so that he hardly noticed the rain anymore.

He cleared the exit, glancing down the road for a second before darting down it. Almos’ dere! I hope we’re in time.

Something whizzed past him in a flash of white light, causing him to trip and fall on his stomach. “Ack! Huh?” He looked up to see the white blur slow down and fade into the form of an Absol, that immediately rushed over to him.

“Ciecro!” Jaron exclaimed, rushing over to help his brother back on his feet.

“Jaz?” Ciecro said as the Absol faced them. “Wha’ are yah doin’ out ‘ere?”

“I could ask the same” she said, a few pants amid her question. Her head turned, noticing the trio arriving behind the sibling pair. “You guys?”

Clyde pointed down the street. “We’re checking out the hospital. Jaron here thinks those goons from two days ago are making another attempt, at least that’s what he feels whatever that’s supposed to mean.”

“It means he’s in danger,” Jaron answered with a leer at Clyde.

Jasmine nodded, “He’s right.”

Clyde raised a curious brow as Jaron looked at Jasmine more fearful than pleased he was correct. “Dolly got a message from Humphry that they’re going after Vragon again. She sent me ahead while she rounds up the volun-”

Jaron cut her off by looking upwards and making a panicked cry.

“Jaron?” Ciecro grabbed his brother and then looked upwards as well. There was the sound of some kind of explosion coming from the rooftops nearby, a flash of dark blue and orange light erupting with trails of small meteors falling around like fireworks.

Ciecro pulled Jaron up against the wall, the others joining them as these orbs of fiery light struck the road and some nearby buildings, causing powerful explosions in their wake.

“What on-” Clyde started, but suddenly pointed. “Clara! Help him!”

The Braixen looked to see a Hitmonlee falling from the building, flailing about. She pulled her stick out, her eyes surging with pink light as she slowed the mon’s fall but couldn’t stop it. She fell to her knee, panting as Clyde helped her up while Ciecro rushed for the Hitmonlee ranger.

“Sir! Are yah okay?” Ciecro asked, trying to help the mon, but the Hitmonlee waved his hand.

“Get clear.”

Obeying, Ciecro backed up towards the wall as the Hitmonlee heavily jogged over to it, placing his hand on it to recuperate himself.

“Mallaidh!”

Ciecro looked to see a Scizor fly down, landing next to them with a look of relief and concern. “You alright?”

“I’m fine,” the Hitmonlee said with a dismissive wave. “Just bad position when he let that Draco Meteor loose.”

The Scizor turned his attention to Ciecro, his concerned look shifting to a stern stare. “Why are you out here? It’s not safe.”

“I uh.”

“Humphry sent out a message that there was an attack going on,” Jasmine said, joining next to Ciecro. “Dolly sent us ahead to help while she gets volunteers.”

“Well, this situation is far from standard protocol. You kids need to get somewhere safe.” The Scizor glanced at the buildings across the street, a dismal look on his face as he saw the damage to some of the buildings. “Help the emergency mons deal with this damage. We’ll deal with the threat.”

Having regained his strength or perhaps nerve, the Hitmonlee got off the wall and reached into a pouch on his shoulder strap. “Violet? You okay?”

“Yeah,” a voice said from the orb amid some foreign static, be that the connection or damage surrounding the Mismagius ranger. “I had to dive into the building for cover. Lost track of the Gengar.”

“We need to find them before they get too far. Where did the boy go?”

“I don’t know.”

“Damn.” The Hitmonlee shook his torso head and looked down the street. “Well, keep a look around.” He looked at the Scizor, saying, “Go help her find those mons. I’ll go the hospital and check on the commissioner.”

Nodding, the Scizor’s wings flapped with incredible speed as he floated upwards before zipping off into the air.

“You kids get somewhere safe, you here.” The ranger left without hearing an answer as Ciecro’s eyes lowered.

Humphry. His fists clenched, trying to push out the worst thoughts he could. He’s…okay. I know it, He assured himself, but it did little to kill off those horrible thoughts in the back of his mind.

Ciecro blinked, remembering Jasmine was still next to him. “Oh uh…” He saw for a moment a brief look of concern on her face.

“Over here!” The Bellibolt shouted, prompting the two to hurry on over to what looked like a construction zone for a repurposed building.

“Huh?” Ciecro noticed Clyde and Clara were hunched over his brother, who was fiddling with a chain lock. Jogging over, Ciecro asked, “Wha’s goin’ on?”

“I think they’re in here,” Jaron said, not taking his eyes off his work.

Ciecro looked up at the towering structure. “Dere?”

“Apparently.” Clyde leaned against the wall, staring down at Jaron’s lock picking with a disapproving glance. “We probably should be alerting the rangers instead of picking locks like we’re trying to rob the place.”

Jaron leered back. “Feel free to sprout wings and tell them.”

“Just focus, squirt,” The Braixen commanded, looking at her stick and sighing. “Why have a dark lock anyway? Who’s going to go into a repurposed building?”

“Dark lock is industry standard you twat,” Jaron answered with a snarl. “It’s been that way since locks were a thing.”

“Still stupid.”

“It’s not stupid, it’s practical.” Jaron turned his attention back to his work. “What’s the point of a lock if a psychic can just twist the schematics inside? Putting a tera-infusem*nt on it is pretty much a necessity for it to do its basic function.”

The Braixen rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Why do you know so much about this random stuff anyways?”

“It’s not random, it’s a hobby.”

Clyde rolled his eyes. “Why am I not surprised you’d have lock picking as hobby.”

“Can it, Clyde.” Ciecro snarled, stepping up to Clyde who turned to meet Ciecro’s challenge. Ciecro went silent, holding himself back from saying what he badly wanted to and instead saying, “Le’ ‘im focus.”

The Monferno didn’t reply, just rested his back against the metal bars of the barrier and crossed his arms, leering back.

One heavy sigh later, Ciecro turned around to Jasmine. “Jaz.”

“Huh?”

“Dat rangeh goin’ to dah hospital. Yah need tah tell ‘im dat dose bad guys are ‘ere.”

Jasmine looked at the door, annoyance in her expression. “While you all go charging in without me?”

“While we go in looking for Vray,” Jaron corrected.

“He’s righ’.” Ciecro walked up to Jasmine, their eyes less than a foot apart. “We all can hold till dah adults get ‘ere. Vray can’t make it on ‘is own, dese guys are jus’ too strong.”

Jasmine’s eyes lowered as she, much to her reluctance, accepted the truth of the matter and walked past him. “Don’t do anything stupid,” she said as she zipped away in a Quick Attack.

I won’ dis time, Ciecro promised as he heard the clanking of the chain unraveling.

“I got it,” Jaron said with glee as everyone shoved the gate open and hurried inside.

As they piled in, they found themselves in a torn-up lobby. A lot of the wood had been uprooted and the walls were torn with some holes in them. The place was dusty but did have various metal poles placed around for added support.

“Well this is flattering,” the Braixen said with a disgusted look on her face.

“This building has been neglected for a while.” Clyde walked over to the counter, brushing off some of the dust. “It only recently got repurposed.”

“Marvel later, right now we’ve got to move,” Jaron stated looking upwards. “I definitely sense them better now that we’re inside, but it’s faint. I think they’re above us, but I don’t know how far.”

Ciecro nodded. “Kay, we need tah hurry den.” The group pressed onwards, running down the hallways until Clyde came to a halt in front of a pair of doors. “Clyde, wha’ are yah doin’?”

“Stairs.” Clyde shoved the doors open, revealing a square spiraling staircase of stone steps leading upwards.

Jaron rushed in first as Clyde followed with Ciecro taking third, while the last two took the rear.

As they ascended, Ciecro said, “How did yah know dah stairs were ‘ere?”

“My father is one of the mons working on this building. I’ve been to the site a few times before.”

“Really?” The Braixen said. “I know your dad was in construction, but I didn’t know he brought you on-site. Lucky us.”

Ciecro kept his eyes focused on Clyde as they rounded up the stairs. I didn’ know dat. He hadn’t given it any thought, but in that moment he realized just how little he knew about Clyde. The words the Monferno said before, about protecting the town, found themselves settling on his conscious. Sure, the guy was a pain in the tail, but there was some faint sense of comfort in knowing that an asshole like Clyde shared Ciecro’s feelings about the town’s wellbeing. Though, it would help if Ciecro wasn’t a problem in Clyde’s eyes.

“Here,” Jaron said abruptly, stopping at an open archway, its door having been taken off its hinges and set aside neatly and out of the way. “This is the floor they’re on,” he whispered.

Ciecro leaned in, glancing down both corridors. “Where?”

“Somewhere, there.” Jaron gestured his arm forward, making everyone give him disappointed looks. “Look, that’s the best I got.”

“What’s the plan then?” The Bellibolt asked, quivering slightly.

Ciecro lowered his head to think, but his thoughts were cut off by Clyde speaking.

“It’s safe to assume that Fraxure kid is nearby. We should try finding him and where those guys are. The rangers shouldn’t be too far behind.” Clyde stepped into the hallway. “Me and Ciecro will take this way. You three take the other.”

“What?” Jaron and the Braixen exclaimed before remembering to whisper.

“We’re trying to find Vragon. If you see those bad guys, don’t engage them. If they spot you, just get out of there. The groups I’ve selected should be sufficient for both.”

“But-”

Ciecro put a hand on Jaron’s shoulder and looked at him. “It’s a’ight. Yah’ve got yah’re Wary an’ I’m no slouch.”

“Ciecro that’s not what I-”

“Jaron, dere isn’ time tah argue abou’ dis,” Ciecro pointed out. “We’ve gotta find Vray before dey find ‘im. Okay?”

Jaron’s head fell, as his fists clenched. “Okay,” he said in a low, disagreeable though understanding tone. He looked at the two in his group. “Come on.” He went down the right hallway with the other two following behind, both giving Clyde concerned glances before heading off.

The two fire types watched in silence as the trio rounded the corner, then went down the hallway. They cautiously made their way from space to space, room to room, checking every corner and listening for the slightest noise that wasn’t theirs.

Suddenly, a noise prompted both to be quiet. Wha’? Ciecro looked over at an open doorway where there was some flashing. Tapping Clyde on the shoulder, he motioned the Monferno to follow and the two silently crept around the corner, taking position on both sides of a rubble wall where some violent synergy was erupting like flares of colorful fire taking an almost misty form.

“Wha’ is goin’ on in dere?”

Clyde peered closer. As the flashings of chaotic light started to die down, the form of the Haxorus revealed itself, along with the crashing sound of boxes and a metal rod. Both braced against the wall as the noise died down and a voice spoke up from the other side.

“What the f*ck was that?”

“A trap.”

Both boys froze, not daring to get a look at the second speaker. I don’ remembeh a mon wit’ dat voice from dah firs’ attack. Ciecro did a silent gulp as he mustered his nerve to move, while listening carefully to the conversation.

“But, I saw him.”

They heard the dragon’s heavy footsteps. “A fake. Deliberately placed next to this synergy storage device.” There was a sound of the Haxorus shoving something aside. “Tampered. Its safeties and ports have been cut so the synergy can escape the second a strong enough source is near. That intended source being you and I.”

Someone made a trap fo’ dem? Ciecro looked over at Clyde, who bore an equally confused look on his face. Using this information to bolster his nerve, Ciecro turned around and leaned over, peering past the rubble wall to look at them. He softly gasped at seeing the powerful-looking Haxorus staring down at the metal rod, which was currently sputtering out what little synergy it had left inside it in small, colorful sparks while the ghost looked on in disbelief and horror.

“What kind of sick f*ck would-” Vex said, but stopped as he looked at the Haxorus. “Wait, you think it was that guy?”

“I have no doubt.” The Haxorus answered, turning his body and thus making Ciecro pull back behind cover. “He and the boy are still here somewhere.”

“When I get my hands on him, I’ll-”

Suddenly, the Haxorus swung around and sliced through a whizzing Shadow Ball, cutting it into pieces that flew past him and struck the ground.

Vex, while surprised by this, managed to fly away from a follow-up Air Cutter that struck the spot where the dragon stood, causing the dust in the room to pick up.

Landing near, Vex looked to see a Scizor hop from an upper scaffolding with the Mismagius float down to the level. Their expressions went stern as the dust settled and the dragon became visible again with no apparent injuries or hindrance from the move.

“Vex, find the target,” the dragon said, effortlessly igniting Dragon Claw in his right claw.

Vex didn’t need to hear anything else, immediately phasing into the floor.

“Violet, go after him.”

The Mismagius phased partially into the floor, looking up to say, “Are you sure you can handle it, Gisela?”

“I’ll be fine.” The Scizor said, a bit firmer in tone as she went into the floor fully. With his fellow ranger gone, the Scizor’s expression shifted to anger, anger that looked like it had been held back for too long. His claws surged with a metallic glint as he went into an aggressive stance.

The two boys watched the Scizor zip fly towards the dragon, thrusting his claws forward with incredible speed, while the Red Eye pulled back, evading and dodging the barrage of Bullet Punches.

“No way,” Ciecro said under his breath as he started standing up, watching the Haxorus parry, avoid, or block the Bullet Punch.

“Did he use Dragon Dance before or is he just that fast?” Clyde questioned. The two watched as the duel went around the large room, with the dragon slicing for an opening, but the Scizor pulled back in time.

He flew up and unleashed Air Cutter once more, but the Haxorus merely walked forwards, moving his body to let the spiraling discs of solidified air whizz past him.

The Scizor snarled as he saw this mon avoid the last one with a simple turn of the head. “You piece of-” He vibrated his wings, sending out green sound waves of Bug Buzz that bore down on the dragon, trying to push him down on his knees.

While the dragon bent slightly, his legs remained firm. Instead, he moved his claws together, forming a ball of fire at the tip of his claws that he shot out into the Bug Buzz. Incinerate cut through the Bug Buzz, striking the Scizor on the side.

Wincing from the nick, the Scizor landed on a platform about a floor above.

“This does not concern you ranger.” The dragon said, in a low, emotionless tone.

“f*ck you!” The Scizor shouted, his wings igniting with cyan light. “I’ll make you pay for killing Mecks!”

What‽ Ciecro pulled back from the wall, his back touching the opposite one as he felt his heart spring to life in surprise. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Clyde was equally shocked and disturbed. They were distracted by the Air Cutters being unleashed, but the Haxorus hopped away, twisting his body to avoid them and shot a quickly made Incinerate that whizzed through the air and struck the Scizor right in the stomach.

“Ack!” The Scizor clasped his stomach, trying to fly away, but the dragon flicked his wrist to fire another Incinerate bolt to strike the wing, causing him to plummet and hit the ground at an awkward angle.

The boys watched in horror as the Scizor was pelted over and over as the Haxorus walked towards him while flicking Incinerates at him.

“Ugh, I’m not…done yet!” The Scizor exclaimed, as his defenses grew tired. Finally, one flaming bolt pushed the Scizor’s arm to the side and a second was sent right into his chest, knocking him into a pillar of stone. He hunched over, grasping his seared wound as the Haxorus grew closer.

Ciecro’s breathing picked up as he watched the Scizor yell, forming white lights that danced around him in the shape of blades. Powered up, the Scizor lunged for the Haxorus, but the dragon remained undeterred, simply ducking under the Bullet Punch aimed for his head and spinning to slam the ranger with his tail into a different pillar.

The Scizor cried in pain as he held his side, traces of blood leaking from the cracks in the exoskeleton.

“These matters concern far more than your town’s existence. You would have been wise to stay out of the way of such greater things,” the dragon said, resuming his walk to the ranger, who was struggling to pull himself up with the pillar.

Ciecro’s eyes widened as his fists clenched. “No…” he mumbled under his breath as he saw the Dragon Claw ignite in the dragon’s claw. “Leave ‘im alone!” Ciecro roared, charging.

“Ciecro!” Clyde shouted, but it was too late. The element of surprise was gone and the Red Eye turned to see Ciecro thrust his claws forward to send a Flamethrower. He pointed his left and fired a countering Incinerate.

The moves clashed, a fierce swirl of flames that almost seemed like serpents trying to bite each other, one being large and straight while the other weaved around to nip at the sides. However, their stalemate was short-lived as the flames of the Haxorus began pushing back the Charmeleon’s. Ciecro’s muscles tightened like he was pushing something very heavy, his fierce anger from before slowly falling prey to a lack of confidence in his ability to win this flame duel.

How is he so strong? Ciecro planted his feet and fired more, hoping to tip it back but all it did was slow his losing side down. I can’t keep dis up, he snarled as he ceased the clash and dove as fast he could out of the way, the Flamethrower passing him by and striking the wall.

Glancing back, he saw the Red Eye rushing towards him, however, he suddenly planted his foot and leaned forwards, swinging to slam an incoming Flame Wheel with his tail. Clyde tumbled out of the flames and stopped on his stomach.

Ciecro saw Trishula charge once more, this time rushing to meet him, surging his own Dragon Claw. They both swung and clashed. Ack! Ciecro groaned as he felt his shoulder hurt from its wound again. Not now! Ciecro pulled back, the pain and strength of his enemy forcing him to play defense. Jus’ need an openin’ Ciecro thought, but he didn’t know how long he could last till one showed itself. His shoulder pain grew until it finally made one of his blocks have a rocky base, allowing Trishula to knock him off balance.

sh*t! The Haxorus did a follow up swipe, while Ciecro did his best to put his Dragon Claw between his body and his enemy’s move. He saved himself as the move pushed him back off balance, only for him to see in horror as the dragon leaned into the momentum and smacked him with his girthy tail, sending Ciecro spiraling across the room and landing next to Clyde.

He coughed, as he rolled on his side, the pain in his shoulder now shared with an ache in his stomach and chest. f*ck. As his vision refocused, he saw Clyde was on his feet, fists raised.

“Get your tail in gear, Ciecro,” Clyde snarled, followed by a cough. “We’re not gonna win if we just charge him wildly.”

I know, ugh, Ciecro thought as he panted, rolling on his stomach to get to his feet. Not like I wanted tah ge’ hit.

By now the Haxorus was charging them again.

“Flames now!” Clyde ordered, thrusting his arms forward to unleash Flamethrower.

Ciecro quickly did his own, neglecting to get up from his knee so he could meet the request.

The Haxorus rushed to the side.

Clyde glanced at Ciecro. “Go help the ranger. I’ll keep him at bay!”

“Bu’ wha’ abou’ wha’ yah sai-”

“Do it asshole!” Clyde roared, putting more power behind his flames as the dragon was forced to defend himself due to the limited area to flee to.

With a minor snarl under his breath, Ciecro rushed over to the Scizor, who was leaning on the pole. “‘Ere, lean on me.” Ciecro grabbed the stranger by the side as the Scizor let go of the pole.

“Ugh…thanks.” He looked at Ciecro and instantly his gratitude went away. “Wait, you’re- I thought I told you boys to-” Their conversation was interrupted by Clyde’s flames being cut in half. The Monferno hopped back, backhand springing away from the slice, but the dragon flicked his free wrist to send a sputtering drone of a Flamethrower to strike the spot, knocking Clyde onto his back.

“Attack from the right,” the ranger whispered as he pulled himself free from Ciecro’s grip. His wings went light green and beat rapidly, a noise filling the room and green shockwave ripples hitting the Haxorus, who shielded himself with his arms from the onslaught.

Taking the opportunity, Ciecro rushed to the right and surged Thunder Punch in his right and Dragon Claw in his left. He charged the dragon from the side, leading with the claw to meet with the inevitable Dragon Claw from the mon.

As their moves clanked, Ciecro’s being the one that was knocked away, the Charmeleon used the momentum and lowered himself to drive the Thunderpunch for the dragon’s gut, but was forced to hop back as the dragon’s defending arm went to impale him.

The Bug Buzz’s force pushed the dragon back a little, exposing his back to Clyde who zipped forwards with Mach Punch to land another blow. However, the dragon swung his tail to parry the move and knock Clyde off balance.

“Clyde!” Ciecro shouted caught off guard Monferno looked up at the dragon, who brought his Dragon Claw down upon Clyde. However, the Monferno suddenly had a small pink hue around him and was yanked back by something invisible, saving him from the mighty Dragon Claw.

Clyde rolled on the ground and looked back. “What the-?”

“Can I hear a thank you?”

Ciecro looked over to see the smirking Braixen lowering her wand as the Bellibolt fired a Thundershock at the Red Eye, who countered by raising his Dragon Claw to block it.

The reenergized smile on Ciecro’s face vanished upon realizing something. “Clara! Where’s Jaron?”

Unfortunately, she was distracted by the Haxorus firing Flamethrower from his mouth at her and the Bellibolt. The two fired Psybeam and Thundershock, but their moves struggled against the stronger Incinerate.

Ciecro spotted the Scizor and Clyde get on the opposite sides and unleashed Bug Buzz and Flamethrower, to which the Haxorus spread his arms and fired Incinerates to counter each.

How can he be dat stron’? Is dis dah kinda enemies mom an’ dad fought? His eyes lowered, but he quickly shook his head. Focus nitwit! Hastily, he made his way to the two, thrusting his arms forwards to join them in pushing against the winning Incinerate.

“Where’s Jaron?” He shouted over the noise of their combined moves.

“I don’t know,” she replied.

“Wha’‽” Ciecro snapped, pushing his move out harder and leering at her.

“He was with us one second and then he just ran off. We tried to catch up with him, but we-”

He’d heard enough. “Can it! Jus’ keep pushin’ agains’ it!” Ciecro roared, stepping from the line of fire to rush around the Incinerate.

“Get back here! We need your-” The Braixen shouted, but had to refocus on firing back at the Incinerate, the duo now losing the battle again.

I know wha’ I’m doin’ bitch. Ciecro snarled in his mind as he shifted his anger towards his target. He surged Dragon Claw and closed in.

The Haxorus turned his head, attempting to make Ciecro the new target, but the Charmeleon kept rushing forwards. The dragon moved his right arm to aim for Ciecro, but the Charmeleon slid under the Incinerate and rushed straight for him now that he had his chance.

With a mighty roar, he stabbed for the Haxorus, keeping an eye out for the Haxorus’s tail. The dragon instead stopped firing Incinerate with his right and instead parried Ciecro’s stab with a smack on the move itself.

The Charmeleon backed off so Clyde’s Flamethrower could hit, thrusting his arms forwards to fire his own. The Haxorus roared as the flames engulfed him.

“Now!” Ciecro shouted, the duo fired Psybeam and Thundershock upon the swirl of flames. The last defending Flamethrower vanished as the Scizor fired Bug Buzz into the mass collision of moves.

Ciecro narrowed his eyes, trying to get a glimpse of their foe inside. Come on, be dead. His eyes widened and he gasped. He stopped firing and stepped back, a mix of surprise and fear across his face.

“Ciecro, what are you-” Clyde began but stopped as what Ciecro had seen became visible to them all.

Inside the various moves were black pockets of synergetic light that were growing in number as each second passed.

“What is he doing?” Clara asked, not relenting in her attack.

“Is he using Draco Meteor?” The Scizor exclaimed, flapping his wings faster to send out a stronger bug buzz. “How many ways does he know how to use that damn move.”

No, It’s black not dahk blue. It’s a dahk type move. Ciecro stepped back, ready to move around as he studied the move. “Oh no,” Ciecro turned around and ran as fast as he could. “It’s Payback!”

“Payback?” Everyone said as the Haxorus’s figure inside stood up amid the moves striking his body and swung his arms to the side with a mighty roar. Various beams of black synergy shot from his body, piercing the moves barraging him, knocking everyone off their feet and into the walls on the ends of the room. The walls ached from the strikes of the black beams as the ground cracked beneath the Haxorus.

A heavy breath from the Haxorus followed as he relaxed his muscles, glancing around the room at all his downed, bloodied opponents. His eyes turned to focus on Ciecro, who was struggling to get up.

Damnit, Ciecro coughed, holding his stomach until he felt his body suddenly lurch forwards uncontrollably like he was about to vomit. Wha’? He tightened his grip around himself as he felt the warmth in his body build up, so much so that even the blood he was bleeding felt hot. His vision was becoming hazy.

Wha’s happenin’ to me? He looked up at the Haxorus, a curious look in the dragon’s eyes. I… Ciecro could hear his heartbeat, beating in passion and viciousness. He slowly started getting to his feet, his vision, focus, and being all on the enemy. I’ll…kill… He could feel his mood shift to anticipation, a lust for rending this vile creature apart.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed movement. It was Clyde, struggling to pull himself up with a crate. The sight of the Monferno instantly pulled up the memory of towering of the bloodied mon’s face, ready to throw more punches into the downed boy. This created an opposing, fearful voice in Ciecro, one that immediately fought against this primal desire.

Blinking, Ciecro suddenly fell forwards once more, but this time it was intentional. W-w-wait. He started shivering uncontrollably. I-I can’t. I might hurt dah others. He repeated it in his mind, fighting the feelings building in, the arguments to let go so that he could stop this foe. I said I can’t! He cried in his mind, grabbing his head. I’m not ready! Dad, how do I get Death Wrath to stop!

A crashing sound broke him from his stalemate. He looked up at the Haxorus, who had turned in the direction of the noise, and raised his arm as an orange light made contact with him. The Haxorus was dropped to a knee, but surged Dragon Claw and swiped as a figure kicked off, back flipping, and landing nearby with acrobatic grace.

Ciecro’s eyes widened at seeing the Hitmonlee ranger, standing up and ready for battle. Dat means. Sure enough, the sound of water filled the room as a door on the opposite side was burst open by a formation of water that swirled into a wave to engulf the Haxorus.

The dragon thrust his arms forwards and swung them apart, cutting a hole for him through the Surf as the water disintegrated into blue orbs of light to avoid harming anyone else.

“You’re not getting away,” Humphry said, splashing in the vanishing shallows of his Surf as he entered, a look in his eyes Ciecro had never seen before. A look of pure, unfiltered anger.

The Haxorus lowered his arms, meeting Humphry’s emotion-filled stare with a blank one.

The Seismitoad raised his fists as the Haxorus browsed around.

Everyone was getting back on their feet, a circle forming around him.

“You’re outnumbered. Surrender now,” Humphry ordered as his scowl tightened. “Because that’s the only way you’ll live.”

A smile formed on Ciecro’s face as he took up position at the back. Despite the danger, Humphry was here and he was mad. He surged Dragon Claw and looked at Humphry for a cue, only for his smile to go as he remembered it wasn’t Gathor he was looking at, but Humphry.

“Death Wrath.”

Ciecro gasped, seeing the Haxorus facing him with a quizzical stare.

“That’s your gift, is it not?” The dragon’s eyes narrowed. “Why did you fight against it?

Ciecro shut his mouth tight. He instead readied his defense, his Dragon Claws gleaming as a response.

The Haxorus’s eyes narrowed. “You’re a strange Norfarion. But perhaps there is reason. You who are young in a place where none of your kind wander.”

He suddenly spun around and blocked a Mud Shot with a Flamethrower.

“I’m your opponent, you piece of garbage!” Humphry shouted, taking his fist up.

“Tck,” The Haxorus lowered his arm. “My opponent is beyond you and your line.”

“Whatever,” Humphry nodded. “Kids, stay out of the fight unless I need you for support. That’s an order.” Humphry pulled his arms back, blue light swirling underneath him. He flung them forward as he propelled the water like a wave, picking himself up along with it.

The Haxorus fired Incinerate at it, harsh steam erupting.

As Humphry went over, the Hitmonlee closed in, throwing kicks that the Haxorus started parrying. However, the Haxorus was pushed back as Humphry landed with a firm punch to the ground, sending out Mud Shot.

The two rangers and the dragon engaged in a heated clash, the coordination of the two struggling against the skill and power of the Haxorus.

Ciecro was awe-struck by the battle, he didn’t notice Clyde rushing up to him. “Hey, idiot.”

The Charmeleon blinked as Clyde grabbed his arm and yanked him for one of the boxes.

“We’re supposed to stay out of the way.”

Ciecro felt annoyance building, but let it out with a sigh. “Righ’.” They both looked out from their cover at the fight going on.

“What was that?”

“Hm?” Ciecro looked at Clyde, who gave him a serious stare, but not one out of anger or disgust.

“What that freak called, ‘Death Wrath’?”

“Oh, uh…” Ciecro looked back at the fight. “Now ain’ dah time.”

“Is that why you went mental on me three months ago?”

Ciecro tightened his mouth shut, his eyes lowering. “I don’ wanna… No, it wasn’.” Ciecro heard Clyde sigh and go silent. Damnit, why did he ‘ave tah ask me dat, Ciecro thought as a scowl formed on his face.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a yellow flash. Huh? Ciecro’s eyes widened as he saw the Bellibolt using Charge. “Wha’s he doin’?” Ciecro whispered to Clyde, who looked and his face went grave.

“Don-!” Clyde started, but it was too late. The Bellibolt fired a Thundershock at the Haxorus and Humphry. It surged upon the two, Humphry looking confused instead of harmed.

The Haxorus, on the other hand, flinched a little, but used this chance to spin and tail slam Humphry aside.

“Humphry!” Ciecro shouted, but looked back at the Haxorus to see him flick his wrist to send a quick Flamethrower bolt whizzing at the Bellibolt, striking him directly in the stomach. The boy pulled back, holding his stomach as he stumbled back a few steps, but managed to turn to the side as he was struck with another.

“Clyde!” Ciecro said, and Clyde nodded. The two of them climbed out of cover as the Haxorus turned to swipe away the Hitmonlee’s attempts at a sneaky Mega Kick.

Ciecro surged Dragon Claw and rushed in, his move clanking with the Haxorus’s knocking Ciecro onto his back but the Haxorus off balance.

Clyde stopped to shield Ciecro while he was prone as the Braixen took the offensive and fired Psybeam at the Haxorus while the Bellibolt was holding his burn wounds.

The Dragon blocked it with Dragon Claw but was pummeled by Bug Buzz from behind.

The Hitmonlee rushed in again with Mega Kick, forcing the Haxorus to block his other side with Dragon Claw.

“Go for the kill!” He shouted as Clyde helped Ciecro to his feet.

The two saw the prone Haxorus, bearing the brunt of the Bug Buzz and were about to rush in till they heard the dragon roar, “Enough!”

He lowered his head, a sphere forming at the tip of it, swirling with dark blue and orange energy.

“No, you don’t!” Clyde shouted as he rushed forwards, surging Mach Punch. He rushed in but was caught off guard as the Haxorus stepped forwards, attempting to ram the orb into him.

“Clyde!” Ciecro exclaimed, diving low and sweeping Clyde’s legs with his tail, just narrowly sparing him from the orb as the Haxorus raised his head, sending it upwards.

Ciecro looked up, the sphere flying up, breaking through the roof, and bursting above. “Run!” Ciecro pulled himself from under Clyde and grabbed the Monferno, trying to pull him away from the center, as the Haxorus looked up.

The sound of an explosion above resounded, followed by a crashing noise that grew ever louder.

Ciecro tried to get to where Humphry was getting up, but alas, he felt the floor give way as the ceiling caved in. The flames sputtering around shifted to pure darkness as he felt a blunt force strike him in the head.

Chapter 28
Friction (Weary)

Jaron’s heart beat swiftly as he ran down the hallway. He spun to the side, grabbed the doorframe to yank himself in without losing momentum, and collided with the stair railing. “Vray!” He shouted, glancing down to try and get a glimpse of his friend. Although he didn’t see the Fraxure he heard the sound of a door being busted open.

He started racing down the stairs. I have to hurry! I can feel that ghost guy nearby.

His journey took him down to the second floor and wandering down the hallways, searching desperately through each door with a glance as he passed by. Where are you? He said in his mind, too afraid to shout it in case the Gengar would hear.

“Huh?” He came to an abrupt halt and stepped back to look through one door, eyes widening as a relieved smile formed on his face. “There you are.” Jogging over, Jaron slowed as his happy feelings shifted at what he saw.

Vragon had his hands pressed against the wall, eyes staring towards the meeting of the wall with the floor. They bore the tiniest pupils he had ever seen in the Fraxure’s eyes, shivering with a fear that made Jaron’s body faintly shake at seeing it. The heavy pants were the kind one had after a long run and the atmosphere of the room felt caged.

“Vray?” Jaron said, but the Fraxure didn’t answer, simply staying in that position attempting to calm down, at least that’s what Jaron assumed.

The Croconaw gulped and walked to the side, moving so Vragon could see him. “Vray?” Being up close, Jaron noticed Vragon’s right arm was twitching more than the left one.

Glancing back at the door, Jaron took a deep breath. “Vray, we need to get you out of here.” The lack of a response prompted Jaron to ask again while placing a hand on Vragon’s shoulder to try and help soothe the Fraxure. “It’s gonna be-Ah!” He fell back as Vragon swiped at him with his bare claws. “Woah, woah, Vray, calm down!” Jaron exclaimed, pushing his arms forwards as Vragon leered down at him like a cornered feral. “It’s me.” He pressed his hands against his chest.

Vragon blinked and then grabbed his head, beginning to groan. “Ugh, Jaron?” His eyes shot wide as he looked at the Croconaw. “Oh no, Jaron, I didn’t mean-”

“I’m fine.” Jaron gave Vragon an encouraging grin as he got up. “What happened?”

“I-” They both looked at the door as a crashing sound filled the hallways.

“On second thought, tell me later.” Jaron grabbed Vragon by the wrist and pulled him out of the room, glancing down the hallway at whatever was going on. There were remnants of purple light as two figures zipped into a room, too fast to make them out clearly. “sh*t, we need to go.”

“Hey!” Vragon protested as Jaron pulled him along.

“No time, we’ve got to get out and regroup with the others.”

“Others?”

“Ciecro and others that came to help.” Jaron stopped suddenly, glancing back. Wait, where did they go? His thoughts were interrupted as Vragon asked.

“What about Ergon?”

“Huh?” Jaron blinked, confusion covering his expression as he faced Vragon. “Who?”

“Ergon. The mon that helped me earlier.”

“Wait, you had help?”

“Yeah, he’s-” An explosion happened down the hall, gaining their stares.

Jaron scowled as he looked at Vragon and then back down the hallway. I’ll see later. Right now, he yanked Vragon again and hurried for the stairs. Getting you to safety is the priority.

“Wait, Jaron!”

“No, you’re what they’re after so we need to get you out of here.” Jaron snapped, not bothering to look back as he led Vragon. His harsh rebuttal shut down any further protesting from Vragon as the two hurried on down the stairwell and into the hallway that led to the front lobby.

Unfortunately, as they neared the front lobby, Jaron stopped and looked up. Not him again! Jaron snarled as his Wary grew more intense. A few seconds later a familiar purple blob came from the ceiling, eyeing the two with a tired and frustrated stare.

“Just get out of the way!” Jaron snarled, surging his Slash as the Gengar surged Shadow Claw.

“Oh, you think you’re annoyed right now?” The Gengar snapped, looking from Jaron to Vragon.

“Spare me.” Jaron opened his maw and fired Ice Beam, the ghost phasing into the floor. However, Jaron had angled it so that the Ice Beam only covered the floor. “Hang on!” Jaron pulled Vragon and rushed forwards, hopping onto the ice and using his arm to help steady Vragon as they slid down the frozen path.

The ghost came out of the wall and chased after them. Jaron yanked Vragon behind him and fired Scald as the Gengar fired Shadow Ball, the moves colliding into a repulse that sped Vragon and Jaron up. When the ice ended they both went tumbling into the wide floor of the lobby.

Jaron quickly got up and fired Ice Beam at the passage to seal it up, but the ghost broke through before it was complete. The Croconaw rushed to defend Vragon from the ghost’s rush, meeting Shadow Claw with a large chomp of Crunch.

“What the? Let go!” The Gengar snarled, trying to wretch his Shadow Claw hand out of the Croconaw’s mouth, but the grip of Jaron’s Crunch was too great. “Fine then!” The Gengar surged Shadow Claw into his right and went for the plunge, but Jaron, with a muffled snarl, blocked it with his left, surging Slash into an arm guard with sharp, wrist-facing hooks.

Vex gasped as Jaron moved his right arm, blue synergy swirling in for Scald. However, nothing came out, just a minor sputter.

Come on! Jaron snarled, his scowl lessening as the Gengar gave him a dark smirk.

“Oh, I see. Someone hasn’t mastered that synergy skill yet.”

Jaron’s breathing picked up as the Gengar’s eyes shifted into pink and blue circles that went outwards in his eyes.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you will someday.”

The Croconaw shut his eyes, giving a muffled gasp as the Gengar started pulling again and ceased attacking from the left. Jaron looked again, only to see the Gengar smack on with the back of his Shadow Claw, sending Jaron tumbling into a roll.

“Ouch.” Jaron shook his head and looked up, seeing Vragon trying to blast him with Dragon Breath, but it being shut down by the Gengar flying around it and ramming into him, sending the Fraxure into the wall. “Vray!” Jaron gasped and rolled into the front of the hallway to evade. As he got up and raised his arms for a follow-up, he stopped in horror, seeing the Gengar pull his arms together as light began enveloping them.

“Lights out, or should I say, lights on!” As he was about to spread his arms, something flew in front of him, a barrier of white light separating him and the searing pink beams of Dazzling Gleam.

“Are you injured?” A Mismagius inquired, looking back at him.

“No.” Jaron started getting to his feet, suddenly gasping. “He’s not there!”

“Huh?” The Mismagius looked back to see the Gengar was gone. A second later something surged from the floor, slamming her into her own Protect from below.

“That’s for last time.” Vex surged Shadow Claw to go for the kill, but the Mismagius stopped using protect. Both ghosts went flying through the disintegrating shield. The Mismagius tried to fire a point-blank Shadow Ball, but Vex countered by tossing her at a wall. As the dazed Mismagius tried to recooperate, Vex pointed his hand at her, a Shadow Ball forming at the tips of his fingers. “And this is for Siggy.”

“No!” Jaron opened his maw to fire, hoping he would be fast enough. He felt the breath leave his body as something whizzed past his head, a Water Shuriken that sliced the Gengar on the side, sending green fluid dripping onto the floor.

“Agh!” Vex grabbed his cheek, looking back at Jaron before his eyes widened. “Not you again!”

Jaron turned to look behind but was shoved out of the way before he could. “Hey!” He exclaimed, looking back to see a Greninja lunge at the ghost with a rising slash of a Night Slash blade. The ghost flew out of range and darted around the room, as the Greninja flung Night Slash kunai.

“Get him out!”

Jaron didn’t move, staring at the figure in frozen silence. He tried to mumble out words, but no sound came out. You’re…you’re- Jaron suddenly felt his arm grabbed.

“Come on,” Vragon exclaimed, pulling Jaron to his feet for the door.

“Bu-” Jaron glanced back, seeing the Greninja and Mismagius battling against the Gengar fiercely.

As they exited the lobby, there was a loud explosion, followed by shaking that caused the two to fall on their faces.

Jaron rolled on his back and looked up, terror filling him as he saw parts of the building come down. “Vray!” He dove over his confused friend as slabs fell nearby, thankfully far enough to not harm them.

The Croconaw looked around, his nerves calming down slightly. “You alright?” He asked, getting off of Vragon who spat out some dirt.

“Yes,” Vragon grumbled, spitting out some of the dirt and looking up. “What happe-”

Their looks froze in fear as something broke out of a window above them. The two saw a brief flash of dark blue before having to shield their faces from the falling glass. Suddenly, there was a loud crackle of synergy and a repulse that propelled both boys onto their backs.

“Ugh,” Jaron sat up and saw the Haxorus from before standing up, his legs engulfed in a dark blue hue of Dragon Claw that dissipated as he turned towards them. “How did-” Jaron opened his mouth to fire Ice Beam, but a flick of the dragon’s wrist sent a quick flying Incinerate that struck him on the shoulder, knocking him back onto his side.

“Jaron!” Vragon rushed over to him, helping him sit up.

Jaron snarled, holding his shoulder, which now had a black burn mark over the scales. Jaron’s anger shifted to fear as he detected their opponent coming. “Vray, run-” Before they could, a white flash zipped around and struck the Haxorus from the side.

The Haxorus was knocked slightly off balance, looking to the right as Jasmine came out of Quick Attack and sent a Psycho Cut his way. He leaped back, barely avoiding it as it struck the side of the fence.

“Get to cover you two!” Jasmine shouted, the boys scrambling for a set of boxes as a barrage of moves could be heard. However, their rush was cut short as another quick Incinerate struck the ground nearby, prompting both to stop their rushing.

The Haxorus’s eyes narrowed as he walked towards them, suddenly swinging his arm as a white blur tried slamming into him. Jasmine went sailing over him and tumbled to the ground.

“Ack!” She got up, shaking her head in surprise and disorientation. “That didn’t work.”

“Jaz look out!” Jaron shouted as she zipped to the side to avoid another Incinerate aiming for her.

An orange sphere flew in to intercept it. The Haxorus scoffed, turning to face his new foe.

Dolly surged Dizzy Punch. “Take positions around him. Wait for my signal.” The mons behind her began to disperse.

“You boys alright?”

Jaron jumped as a Heracross joined their spot. “Come on, we need to get you guys to safety.” He helped Vragon up and reached out for Jaron, who was reluctant to grab on. “Wait are you waiting for?”

Looking back at the building, Jaron’s earlier stupor started to wear off. “N-no.”

“What?” Vragon asked, as confused as the Heracross was.

“Ciecro is in there. I’ve got to help him out.”

“Boy, the building just had an explos-”

“It’s not coming down you dolt!” Jaron shouted, pointing up at it. “It only happened near the upper portions and would have caved in already if-”

His words were interrupted by a Shadow Ball coming out of the door, heading for the dragon who swiped it away with a smack of his arm.

The Mismagius gained altitude as she fired more, while the Greninja rushed outward to throw Night Slash kunai. The Haxorus hopped away from both and responded with his Incinerates, which clanked on the Mismagius’s shield.

Seliph. Jaron sealed his jaw shut. His body almost felt ethereal. His hand slowly moved up, as if reaching out to touch him, but Jaron pulled it back. No, I… He looked back at the building. Ciecro’s in trouble. Don’t bother with anything else.

“Now!” He heard Dolly shout as she charged with four others, some other mons firing range moves ahead of them to soften up the Haxorus’s defenses.

The Heracross grabbed Jaron by the side and pulled him. “Come on, kid, we need to, Owww!”

Jaron bit the arm and pulled away, rushing for the entrance.

“Jaron! Come back!” Vragon shouted, wrestling out of the grip too.

“Wait, kids!” The Heracross tried to follow but was cut off by a stray move striking nearby.

Jaron about stumbled his way in, the sounds of moves whizzing through the air behind almost urging his body to rise swiftly out of fear of getting hit. He’s gotta be above. Find the stairs! Jaron rushed forwards but was suddenly tackled to the ground. “Get off me!” He turned and gasped, seeing not Vragon above him but Seliph.

His blue eyes looked cold, almost annoyed as they stared down at Jaron. “What do you think you’re doing?” He asked, harshness in his tone as he took his knee off Jaron.

“What are you doing?” Jaron snapped back, his normal sass elevated by his temper. “I’m trying to find Ciecro.”’

Seliph’s eyes widened. “He’s here?”

“Yes, you stupid dummy,” Jaron stood up, snarling at his older brother. “He and some others came here with me.”

The Greninja facepalmed. “Of course, he would,” he mumbled under his breath, the way he said it making Jaron’s blood boil.

“Ergon?” Vragon asked, walking up to the duo. “What’s-”

Jaron grumbled. “His name isn’t Ergon. He’s Seliph.”

Vragon’s jaw dropped, till Jaron lightly tapped him on the snout. “Be surprised later. My brother could be seriously hurt.”

“Oh, right.”

Jaron shut his eyes for a second. “I don’t sense the ghost nearby. So we shouldn’t need to be careful.”

“Alright.” The Greninja gestured forwards. “Lead the way.”

“Gladly,” Jaron answered, giving Seliph a leer as he jogged forwards, the other two following closely behind. As they made their way down the halls and up the stairs, Jaron tried processing all these sudden things. Maybe…I shouldn’t have been so harsh. But, just, the moment. I dunno, this is all so badly timed. He rounded the final steps and went through the door, glancing both ways. I mean, it still feels a little unreal that he’s here. He responded to me saying his name so he’s got to be-

“Which way?” The Greninja inquired, impatiently.

“Oh…I went this way so let’s go that way.” Jaron took the lead again, followed by an alert Seliph and a still confused Vragon.

Jaron could feel his arms shaking as he placed them on the wall to look around. Just stop. You need to focus. But how could he focus? First an attack by a seemingly invincible mon, second his brother could be in jeopardy, and lastly, his brother gone for eight years was now right behind him. Jaron wanted to scream. I need to focus. Ciecro may need me right now. Jaron forced the uncomfortable memory of not taking the shot when he needed to, hoping it would help motivate him to action. Saving Ciecro deserved all his attention.

He led them around the corner, glancing about as they hurried onwards.

“Where are we going?” Vragon asked.

“I remember sensing there were some adversaries near the middle portion of the building. That might be where Ciecro and the rest ended up.”

“Perhaps. I know the rangers probably entered this building by now,” Seliph added as they rounded the corner.

The three entered a large central room. Its floor was littered with rubble and newly formed holes in its floor. The metal rods holding up scaffolding remained sturdy.

Jaron gulped as he glanced upwards at the various pockets of fire above. Please be alright.

“Alright, let’s hurry up and look around. Watch out for any debris from above.”

“Right,” the two boys said as the trio split up to search different piles.

Jaron felt his nerves shiver up again, the thoughts creeping back after his focus had shut them down. No, he’d be…He’s gotta be okay. Jaron shoved the fear aside and rushed to the nearest rubble pile. He flinched at hearing a noise inside. “Vray, someone is in here! Help me!” The Fraxure joined him and after about a minute of frantic digging, they helped pull out a very injured Scizor.

“Sir?” Jaron asked, the mon rolling onto his back and groaning.

Jaron spotted Vragon reaching his hand out and snarled. “Don’t you even think about it.”

Vragon leered but relented, as the mon started opening his eyes.

“Ugh.”

“See he’s fine.” Jaron stood up. “I’m going to check over here.”

“I’ll go there,” Vragon stated, standing up and jogging over to the pile. His tone was blank and low, something that made Jaron feel instant regret as the Croconaw knelt at the next pile.

I’m sorry, Vray, but it’s just too dangerous right now. As he started pushing on a massive slab, the thoughts returned. I don’t care if it seems to be the same thing. Vragon is in trouble, so it’s not same. With a heavy grunt, Jaron pushed the slab over. And it’s not like I hate Seliph for it. He’s here now so that’s something. I just wish he’d- He reached down and started lifting another one. Didn’t leave us here alone saying if we left we’d be... It came crashing off, leaving Jaron huffing a little. I don’t care to say it. It was stupid of him to say it anyways. Jaron glanced over at Seliph, who was still hard at work on another pile.

“Need help?”

Jaron nodded, reaching for the next rubble slab, this time joined by the Scizor’s large pincers clamping down on it.

“One, two, three, heave!”

Jaron grit his jaw as they lifted it up, flipping it over on the other side. Gasping, Jaron threw himself on the pile of rubble, tossing it around to the Scizor’s surprise.

“Hey! Careful, you almost hit me.”

The boy didn’t care, his eyes and focus were fixated on small flickers of orange light below. As he shuffled more aside, he saw the light’s origin was from some kind of fire. Come Ciecro, please. Jaron begged as he dug deeper, seeing the fire as proof his brother was alive.

The stunned Scizor soon started helping as they removed more bits, revealing the flickers of a tail flame. However, Jaron was dismayed, stopping his progress at seeing the orange fur the flame was burning on.

Clyde… A scowl formed as he kept working on the rubble until they pulled the Monferno out. “How is he?”

A cough from the Monferno was enough to answer that question. “Ugh, what in-” Clyde held his side, groaning. “What is…” his weary eyes looked at the two staring down at him. “Who are?”

I don’t have time for this. Jaron picked up Clyde by the shoulders and brought him up to a sitting position. “Support him.”

“Uh…okay.” The Scizor got behind as Jaron took the front.

“Clyde, wake up.” Jaron lightly shook the Monferno, who was starting to show more signs of awareness. “Where’s my brother? He was with you when I last saw him.”

“Ugh, huh? Jaron?”

The Croconaw snarled, “Focus Clyde.”

Clyde looked around, the way he was looking seemed to indicate he was having blurry vision. He groaned as he held his head. “What happen-”

“For the love of Arceus, Clyde, answer the damn question!” Jaron latched his arms onto Clyde’s shoulders, making the Monferno flinch. “You awake now, punk?”

Clyde started fighting Jaron’s grip. “Let go of me,” he replied in a disoriented tone. Suddenly, a dark blade of synergy appeared in front of the two, causing Jaron and Clyde to pull back.

“Are you awake now?”

Jaron looked up to see Seliph looking down at Clyde, the Night Slash katana in his hands having the sharp end turned towards Clyde.

“W-who are you? Get that away from-” It moved closer instead, prompting the Monferno to pull back.

“Hey!” The Scizor protested.

“Answer his question,” Seliph said in a low, uncaring tone.

Jaron got up, looking at his brother in surprise. “Don’- Don’t hurt him.”

Seliph looked at Jaron. “Don’t think so little of-”

“I don’t know what to think right now,” Jaron uttered a heavy sigh. “Look, there’s a lot I want to say but-”

He was cut off by Seliph letting his move disintegrate. He instead grabbed Clyde and lifted him up.

“Dyaaa!” Clyde screamed, making Jaron and the Scizor flinch.

“Alrighty, awake? Good.” Seliph set Clyde down near some rubble. “Now answer.”

“I uh…” Clyde’s head lowered. “I don’t know. The last thing I remember was the place coming down on top of us.”

Jaron wasn’t sure whether to be relieved by that fact or bothered.

“He’s got to be in one of these-”

“Oh God.”

Everyone looked to see Vragon back away from something, sitting down, and holding his mouth shut.

“Vray? What did you find?” Jaron jogged over, immediately regretting looking as he turned away.

“What?” Clyde said, walking over with a few stumbles along the way. “Clyde, wait.” Jaron cut him off, but Clyde pushed him aside. Clyde’s face went white, a stark change that shook Jaron to the core.

Clyde wretched himself on the large rubble slab, pushing it. “Help me!”

Jaron and Vragon shared a look, both afraid of what they would discover, especially since there was a small pool of blood at the base of a white-furred hand. Alas, the two mustered their courage and held their breaths, taking position on the slab and pushing up. Clyde shifted to pulling at the arm, hoping he could drag the trapped person on. “Come on, Clara. Just a little,”

He fell backward as a snapping sound filled the room.

Jaron let go and looked back, seeing Clyde staring down at the arm lying there, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Jaron wanted to say something but couldn’t, choosing instead to silently gaze at the side. Clyde… He looked at the other side of the pile, where the Seliph and Scizor were checking.

“f*ck!” The Scizor pulled back, putting pincers over his face while Seliph let out a heavy sigh.

“It’s not Ciecro, thank Arceus.” Seliph knelt. “Poor kid.”

Clyde’s expression went white.

For the first time ever, Jaron felt sorry for Clyde truly. He wanted to say something but neglected to. However, he snapped to attention as Clyde rose.

“That…son of a bitch!” Clyde raced for the exit, but the Scizor grabbed him before he could get far. “Let me go! I’ll kill that piece of-”

“Settle down! I order you to calm down!”

Jaron watched, seeing the anger on Clyde’s face filled Jaron with rage himself, even if he neglected to show it on his face.

“Jaron.”

He looked to see Seliph stepping up from another pile. “Keep looking. He’s got to be around here somewhere if he didn’t fall to the lower floor.”

The Croconaw scowled at that last part but chose to ignore it and began searching again.

“I’m sure he’s alright.”

Jaron didn’t respond to Vragon as the Fraxure started helping him work on another pile of rubble. As they did, the Fraxure started mumbling, “So…that Ergon guy. He’s Seliph.”

“Yes.”

“…Do you want to talk abou-”

“Just dig,” Jaron said firmly.

“Huh?”

“I said I don’t want to talk-”

“No, over here.” Vragon got up and climbed over the rubble, looking at the other side.

Jaron stood up to look as well. There was a spot in the rubble where a hole had already been made, traces of tampering visible too.

“Did you two find something?” The Scizor asked, joining them.

“Maybe, what about Clyde?” Vragon asked as the Scizor glanced back at the Monferno curled up in the corner.

There was an awkward silence, not changed even with Seliph joining them.

“Anyways, about this pile,” Vragon gestured to the hole. “I think someone climbed out of this end.

“Well, that hole is too small to be Humphry or Mallaidh,” the Scizor commented, prompting Jaron’s eyes to widen and a small smile to form.

“Then it’s got to be Ciecro!” Jaron’s happiness died down as he browsed the room. “But, why would he just leave? That’s not something he’d do.”

The Scizor rubbed his metal cheek with his pincer. “Well…maybe it’s related to that Death Wrath thing.”

Jaron and Seliph looked at the mon, who froze at being put on the spot.

“Go on,” Jaron asked, barely able to contain himself.

“Just well…I saw during the fight Ciecro sort of have a … moment? I don’t know how to describe it. Just that the Haxorus guy called it Death Wrath.”

Seliph stroked his chin. “If he was under Death Wrath he could very well get out of this rubble.”

“But then where would he go?”

The Greninja looked at the hole in the wall they entered from. “If he hasn’t learned to better control it, he’d be like a feral. Latching onto the strongest synergy source and attempt to dominate it.”

Oh no. Jaron looked at the hole and rushed for it, only to be grabbed by the arm by Seliph. “What are you-? Ciecro’s in trouble!”

“You stay here and help find the missing rang-”

“No!” Jaron wrenched his arm from Seliph. “He’s my brother too”

“Jaron this is no time to argue. I understand you’re excited and overwhelmed but-”

“Oh shove it!” Jaron snapped. “I’m not some stupid kid that you can just order to stay put. I’m older now. I can fight too.”

Seliph’s eyes narrowed as Jaron pressed a claw to his chest.

“Like I said, he’s my brother too. I’m coming whether you like it or not.”

Seliph rolled his eyes as a heavy sigh followed. “Fine, but once we get him, I want you to stay out of the thick of things with Ciecro. Now stay close.”

Jaron let out a deep breath, a bit shaky after taking such a stand, and followed.

“What about me?” Vragon asked, prompting Jaron to look back.

“You should stay here. That ghost got cut up enough that I’m confident he’d have fallen back” Seliph said.

“But-”

“Humphry and Mallaidh are still missing. Plus, you should help keep an eye on him.” Jaron’s head nudged towards Clyde in the corner.

Vragon sighed. “Alright.”

With that settled, the pair of brothers rushed for the stairs. Jaron followed behind Seliph, his mind now having the chance to let his questions and thoughts run wild. After a while, Jaron finally decided to ask one of the questions. “Seliph…what’s going on?”

The Greninja didn’t answer as they left the staircase.

“Why didn’t you try and conta-”

“Jaron.” Seliph stopped in the hallway, giving Jaron a firm stare. “Now, is a really bad time.”

The Croconaw could see the frustration in his older brother’s gaze, making him feel small like when he was eight. “Fine…later then.”

No reply followed, making Jaron bothered as they rushed down the hallway. I wasn’t suggesting, Seliph.

As they exited the building they were met with a colorful display of moves flying around, as the fight against the Haxorus had moved to the street. The fence was practically knocked down as some mons were behind structures to catch their breath or healing the injuries of others.

Up ahead, Jaron saw the fight going on. The Haxorus swiped away three melee mons while firing Incinerate at a group of flying mons incoming at him.

“Keep your distance!” Dolly shouted, flinging a Focus Blast at the Dragon who angled his body to avoid it.

Dismay filled his soul at seeing the Haxorus still have the upper hand despite all the mons opposing him. “I don’t see Ciecro.”

Seliph looked equally confused. “Strange, he had a head start. Why wouldn’t-” Both froze at the sound of panting behind them.

They both turned around, Jaron gasping and rushing for the entrance. “Ciecro!” He exclaimed as the Charmeleon collapsed on all fours, an unconscious Hitmonlee rolling off of him as Ciecro panted heavily.

As Jaron tried to rush to his brother, he was pulled back by Seliph. “Remember, Death Wrath.”

“But…” Jaron looked up. “You mean he wouldn’t recognize me?”

“I don’t know. But I’m not taking any chances.” Seliph stepped aside, pulling Jaron along as they stared at the Charmeleon. Jaron felt the growls in his head, how primalistic they sounded, and how much they intimidated him in a way similar to his Wary activating.

“Stay back,” Seliph said, letting go of Jaron and slowly walking over to Ciecro. The Charmeleon snarled, twitching slightly as Seliph held his hands out.

“Easy. Be calm.” He whispered calmly, the tone Seliph took being the most familiar to Jaron.

Ciecro looked at Seliph, his eyes pure red light with small black pupils in the middle that were barely visible. It made Jaron quiver at the sight as Seliph knelt in front, placing his hands on Ciecro’s shoulders.

“Good, now just try and calm down. Rest.” Seliph rubbed Ciecro’s shoulders. “I know you want to fight, but you aren’t in posi-” Seliph gasped as Ciecro started to stand up.

Ciecro’s eyes were looking past Seliph, looking straight for the Haxorus. A vicious roar followed as Ciecro started to step forwards, Seliph immediately pushing him back.

“No, you-” Seliph began but hopped back as Ciecro swiped at him with his claw. “You need to cal-” Seliph evaded another blow, the Charmeleon letting his arms sag. “Easy, easy does it.”

Ciecro looked back at the Haxorus fight, seeing the mons being pushed back with Dolly taking the aggressive charge.

“Ciecro,” Seliph leaned in saying, “Mom and Dad wouldn’t want you to pick this fight.”

Jaron’s eyes widened as he felt his blood boil at hearing this. Don’t you dare speak for them! He stepped forwards, wanting so badly to retort it, but relented to the conclusion it wouldn’t help calm Ciecro down..

Ciecro looked up at Seliph, his fierce gaze softening slightly, indicating there was some thought behind those primal eyes.

“Yes. You understand. What’s important is getting you and Jaron out of harm’s way. This situation will be dealt with.”

Ciecro’s head lowered, shaking to and fro. Suddenly, there was a loud crackle as Seliph’s eyes went from softened understanding to wide with surprise.

“No!” Jaron shouted as he watched Ciecro slam a Thunder Punch right into Seliph’s gut, the electricity erupting all over him, only ceasing once the punch was taken away from Seliph’s stomach. The Greninja collapsed forwards, holding his stomach as Ciecro stared down at him for a second before rushing after the Haxorus.

Jaron rushed to Seliph’s side.

“Just,” Seliph coughed. “Just keep Ciecro out of harm’s way.”

The Croconaw nodded and rushed on after his brother.

Up ahead, Dolly was fighting the Haxorus, with a few mons offering range support whenever they could. Her Dizzy Punches were a solid defense against his onslaught, so much so she could even go for an offensive jab now and then. However, her steady focus was disrupted by seeing Ciecro charging.

“Stay back Cie-” She gasped at seeing his eyes. She shifted to try and get between the dragon type and Ciecro, but Ciecro hopped onto her back and used her to spring off of. Ciecro twirled over the dragon, swiping with Dragon Claw while the Haxorus deflected it with his tusk.

Once landing, Ciecro rushed in with a flurry of swipes, all blocked by the Haxorus.

“Dolly!” Jaron shouted, joining her side with Slash surging.

“Jaron, stay back,” she ordered, about to rush in.

“Wait!” Jaron grabbed her by the arm, saying, “You shouldn’t join.”

“Why not?”

“Ciecro might….” Jaron paused as his stare lowered. “Might hurt you.”

Dolly’s face shifted to surprise before her eyes shut, followed by a heavy sigh. “Alright.” She called out to the other mons nearby, “Focus on the fires and protecting civilians. Rangers, set up a perimeter.”

Everyone scurried off to obey her orders, yet were all captivated by Ciecro fighting the Haxorus. The dragon’s skill eventually started to catch up to Ciecro’s early blitz, pushing the Charmeleon on the defensive.

“He needs our help,” Jaron said as Dolly agreed with a nod. Whistling, Dolly pointed forwards. “Jaz, cut through the middle to separate them.” She moved her arms to the side as Jasmine pranced forwards into a Quick Attack, forming a Focus Blast between her large palms. “Jaron, when I send this, aim for the Haxorus with Ice Beam.”

Sure enough, Jasmine’s white blur zipped between the two, causing both to step back. Dolly fired, blasting the two away, as Jaron fired Ice Beam at where the Haxorus would land.

Alas, the dragon quickly sent an Incinerate to collide with his move, allowing enough time for him to rush forwards and avoid it.

Ciecro also charged forwards, the two swinging their Dragon Claws and roaring.

Seeing this, Jaron rushed forwards to help, but the clashing of the moves sent a harsh dark blue flash that made him stop. Jaron watched in stunned awe as the two Dragon Claws tore at each other on a synergetic level as if they were trying to merge into the other.

Ciecro went for a swipe with his other one, but the dragon caught it.

“Perhaps I misjudged you.” The Haxorus said as a red glow erupted from the dragon’s claw holding Ciecro’s wrist tightly.

Ciecro let out a pained cry and broke off his other claw to try and strike the arm, only for the Haxorus to deflect it with Dragon Claw before shoving his claw on Ciecro’s face and pinning him to the ground.

“Ciecro!” Jaron rushed forwards, but the Haxorus sent Incinerate from his mouth that would have engulfed him had Jasmine not rammed him on the side with Quick Attack. The two rolled onto the side, looking to see the Haxorus stand up over Ciecro, red energy filling his body.

“Get off of him!” Dolly shouted, rushing forwards for a strike at what she assumed was the Haxorus in a prone state. However, the dragon spun, whacking her on the side with his tail and causing her to slide down.

“Hrm?” He looked to see someone rushing for him.

“Die!” Clyde screamed, shoving forwards a sharp metal rod from the fence that had been chipped away during the battle.

“Clyde, get back here!” The Scizor chasing him shouted as Clyde stabbed with the metal rod.

The Haxorus parried it and spun around, slamming Clyde away with his tail as Dragon Breath struck the dragon from the side.

“Get Clyde!” Vragon shouted at the Scizor. Upon seeing the Haxorus look at him, Vragon squeaked and cowered back, only for Dolly to step in front.

“Vray you shouldn’t be here,” She grumbled, tossing another Focus Blast at the dragon.

“I’m sorry, Clyde got away an- What happened to Ciecro!”

Vragon joined Jaron at Ciecro’s side, helping the Croconaw support him.

“Rangers, give us some cover fire!” Dolly shouted, as the Mothim and Mismagius rangers flew up and hurled moves from above while the others fired from below.

“Come on, wake up!” Jaron shouted above the noise, shaking his brother while Dolly took over supporting him.

After what felt like an eternity, Ciecro started grumbling and his eyes started to open. “Huh? Dya!”

Jaron hugged Ciecro tightly, making the Charmeleon push him away. “Ge’ off me!”

“Sorry, I just-Ah!” Jaron screamed as Ciecro dove on top of him. The sounds of moves whizzing around filled his mind accompanied by Dolly, Jasmine, and Vragon crying out in pain.

Once Ciecro got off of him, the two looked back, seeing Vragon and Jasmine struggling to get up after having been knocked back a decent distance.

Gasping, Jaron looked back, seeing Dolly and Undo as the only ones still on their feet as the Haxorus charged for them again.

The Camerupt Ranger slammed his hooves to send a rippling into the ground at the Haxorus, who easily leaped over, right into Dolly’s Focus Blast. Alas, it was swiped away by a backhanded Dragon Claw and the Haxorus landed in front of her. She swung Dizzy Punch and he swung Dragon Claw, the force of their collision uprooting some of the dirt.

Dolly snarled in desperation, trying to hold him back.

“Dolly!” Ciecro shouted, getting up to help, but before he could the dragon broke off.

Clyde swung the metal rod around, trying to cut the dragon’s stomach as he leaped back.

“Clyde stop!” Dolly shouted, trying to grab him, but the Monferno was too fast.

He went for a plunge, throwing all his weight into a speedy skewer. Jaron and Ciecro watched in stunned silence as the pole was parried and Clyde lurched back, the dark blue energy of Dragon Claw extending through his back. Blood poured onto the ground as the Monferno sagged like a sack of vegetables.

“No!” Ciecro roared, rushing for the Haxorus only to have Clyde be flung on top of him.

Jaron came to Ciecro’s aid. The Charmeleon’s spat and wiped at his blood-covered face.

“Dat piece of-”

Jaron glanced back at Dolly and Undo trying to force the Haxorus back with Focus Blast and Earthquake. You… Something snapped in Jaron’s head, his fear was gone. He rushed from his brother and stopped next to Dolly, firing Ice Beam at the dragon.

The Haxorus, who was in a mid-hop evade from the others, could only block with his arms as the beam struck his body and knocked him back. He slid on the ground, stopping on a defensive knee as his body shivered from the newfound cold.

Yeah, bet it feels cold, Jaron said in his head. His moxie went away as he saw Draco Meteor forming at the tip of his head.

“Don’t let it launch!” Dolly shouted, thrusting her arms forwards, but before she or anyone else could fire, the Haxorus was swamped by a massive wave.

What in- Humphry! Jaron looked left, seeing the Seismitoad walking towards the receding Surf and the Haxorus, who getting up from the water.

He was covered with dirt and cuts. Humphry roared and slammed the ground, sending Mud Shot at the Haxorus, who defended himself but was pinned against the wall.

“You evil creature! Stabbing Mecks in the back wasn’t enough for you?” Humphry glared as the Haxorus stood back up, covered in the brown glowing mud. Humphry swung his arms, sending another Surf wave at him. “You had to kill kids too!”

The Haxorus fired Incinerate, breaking up the wave as it crashed around him.

“Well, I’m done.” Humphry slammed his hands together and pulled them apart, revealing an ice crystal object in his hands. “Everybody stay back! I’m killing this evil thing myself!”

Despite their eagerness to assist, none of the rangers questioned Humphry’s words, instead staying in their earlier semi-circle perimeter.

Humphry flung the crystal into the air. It shattered and caused a swirl of glowing cyan clouds to appear that started raining cold, hard ice down inside the semi-circle set up by the rangers. Crossing his arms, Humphry had streams of water orbit his body before merging into himself, giving off a glowing blue aura.

Hail and Aqua Ring. Jaron commented as he looked at the Haxorus, who remained stoic despite the pelting of the Hail.

Humphry’s fists clenched. “I said it before, I’m your opponent! Now fight me!” Humphry rushed forwards, as did the Haxorus.

Ciecro tried to rush in, but Dolly held him back.

Everyone there watched in anxious silence as the two battle-ready mons neared each other.

Jaron’s eyes widened as there was a blue flash. A Water Shuriken cut between the two, causing both mons to halt their charge.

The Haxorus suddenly looked down, his eyes going wide for the first time since Jaron had seen him. The dragon’s form vaporized as a blue pillar of light beamed upwards, cutting through the Hail clouds and disappearing into the cloudy sky.

Humphry stared dumbfounded, as the Greninja stood up nearby. “You!” Humphry shouted, stomping towards Seliph. “Why did you-!”

“We weren’t winning that fight.” Seliph motioned his arms around, “Look around you. You want to risk your town for this?”

Humphry grabbed Seliph’s arm tightly. “Then what do you propose we do about it now that they can regroup?”

Seliph replied, “We do the same.” Seliph pulled his arm out of Humphry’s grasp, rubbing it as he elaborated, “We get Vragon and my brothers to Vergium Town. I have some associates that are-”

“Wait,” Jaron jogged over, much to Seliph’s annoyance and Humphry’s concern. “What if they come back to tow-”

“Those guys are exactly why we need to get out of here. They’re here for Vragon and you two are also a potential aim for them. This town can’t defend against them and will burn.” Seliph leered at Jaron and then at Humphry. “I’m sure you know about what I said eight years ago, don’t you?”

Humphry’s stare stiffened.

“Then you understand my statement back then was not exaggerated.”

The Seismitoad looked back at the repurposed building, the traces of fire on the outer side being washed away by moves from the emergency response mons. “What was that thing?”

“I’ll talk about it later. For now, we need to focus on staying ahead of those mons.” Seliph glanced at Jaron. “You should go get ready.”

“f*ck that!” Jaron snapped, glancing around. “You want me to just leave while everyone is-”

“Jaron, please.” Humphry put a hand on the boy’s shoulders. “He’s right. For yours, Ciecro’s, and Vra-”

Jaron swiped it off. “What about Aunt Dresha‽ What about Dolly and Jasmine‽ What about everybody here‽ I-”

“I understand your concern, but-”

“No, you don’t!” Jaron pointed at Seliph, whose eyes narrowed at seeing that. “Why are you listening to him anyways?”

“We’re going to Vergium to ensure we can safely decide what to do.” Humphry scowled, clearly trying to hold back his anger. “We aren’t just blindly sending you away.”

“Clyde!” The three turned to see a small crowd forming over where Clyde was. Amid the mons, Jaron could see an Infernape collapsed at his side while Uximo was busy doing something with his psychic powers.

The anger in Jaron’s heart eased as his head lowered. This is…too much. Jaron felt Humphry’s grip on his shoulder soften, starting to rub him gently.

“Jaron, I know it’s a-”

The Croconaw pulled away, rushing over to a small alleyway and pressing against the wall. He just stared forwards, trying to hold in his tears, though a few escaped. He heard footsteps for a second before Humphry’s voice spoke again.

“No, give him some time. He’ll be alright.”

Sniffling, Jaron’s eyes looked up. The sky had ceased its rain, though it looked like it would usher in more any second now. Narrowing his eyes, Jaron slid down to sit, resting his head on the solid brick and shutting his eyes.

He heard footsteps nearby, prompting him to say with a snarl, “Go away.”

“Make me.”

Jaron’s muscles eased up as he recognized Ciecro’s voice. “Sorry…I didn’t know it-”

“I know.”

Shriveling up, Jaron pulled his arms around his torso as he heard his brother sit down next to him. I...For a second, I thought you… Jaron couldn’t finish that thought, choosing instead to lean on Ciecro as his brother wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close.

The tears burst through, though he made no sound. All was quiet, all was calm, all he could feel was the warmth of Ciecro next to him. It was enough.

He didn’t know how much time past, but he felt his brother shift a little.

“I’m sorry boys,” Dolly’s voice said. “I’m sorry this has to be so sudden, but we need to go.”

“Go where?” Ciecro asked, standing up.

“We’re going to raft to Vergium. We can make it before morning if we hurry. If it helps make you feel better, we’ll try and get Dresha to come with us.” A little chuckle followed, which bothered Jaron at first until Dolly added, “Not that we will be able to tell her no.”

The Croconaw opened his eyes and looked up at Dolly. Her eyes met his, those brown irises trying to be strong despite clearly grappling with all that had happened.

“Are you…coming too?” Jaron asked, brushing his snout.

She nodded. “And Jasmine.”

The Croconaw’s head fell as a heavy sigh followed. The silence that followed felt all too familiar to Jaron. It was like he was staring at his home again, that torn-up kitchen when he was a child. All he loved and cherished just gone in an instant.

However, his grim view was disrupted as he saw a claw reach out to him. He looked up at Ciecro’s orange eyes, still retaining their burning passion as they looked down at him with care despite being shaken. “Lez go.”

Jaron took a deep breath through his nostrils, reached out, and grabbed Ciecro’s hand tightly.

Chapter 29
No Rest for the Wicked

A heavy yawn came from a Foatzel as he browsed the empty lounge of the inn with weary eyes. Why do I need to be here on shift if nobody is going to show up? He flipped through a registration book, reading the two names in the stacks of squares with room numbers on them. He sighed and leaned back, staring upwards lazily. Why do we need such a late shift again? Honestly, he should sit down and see how nobody comes in here. Then maybe he’d not be such a stickler for me wanting to go home early on this random, non-busy night.

He slumped over the desk, but immediately jolted straight as the door slammed open. “Dya! I-I mean, hello ther-”

“Not now Bale,” A Hariyama said roughly as he walked up, slamming his heavy hand on the desk. “I need your safest room.”

“Uhm?...Safest?”

“Yes, preferably somewhere in the middle of the building.”

“Uhm..” The Floatzel looked at the list of rooms. “Middle as in height or ground floo-”

“Stop kidding around, Bale.”

“Now see here.” The Floatzel stood up, glaring up at the towering figure. “Just because you’re a ranger doesn’t mean you get to shout at me-”

“It’s an emergency.”

As he opened his mouth to reply, a Seismitoad joined the ranger at the side. His face looked weary, his arms sagging, and his body was dirty with a few wounds. “Oh my,” the clerk gasped as he tried to look past the large ranger to see if anyone else was coming in, only to be impeded by the Hariyama extending a hand to get his attention.

“Please, just give them your safest rooms. The guild will pay their tab, we just need a place for them to rest that’s near mid-town.”

“R-r-right.” The Floatzel looked down and began looking for a proper selection.

As they waited, Humphry sighed and looked up at his fellow ranger. “Thanks for this, Tork.”

“No problem. Given the circ*mstances, I don’t really feel like you’re safe yet.”

Humphry sighed. “Yeah…”

In the corner of the lounge, Seliph was leaning on a wall, watching Humphry and Tork at the front. His eyes drifted around, seeing the others that had made their way in and were resting. A couple of the local rangers were guarding the Fraxure, who looked exhausted both mentally and physically. Hmm…this might be my best chance.

A smile formed on his face as he walked over. “How are you feeling?”

The Fraxure looked up at him for a second and then his gaze lowered. “Alright.”

Seliph took time to browse the body language and expression. No way you’re ‘alright’. He crossed his arms and looked to the side as the rangers guarding Vragon all eyed him sternly. I doubt Humphry is going to give me much time with him. I can’t exactly blame him, but I need to get a better idea of what I’m dealing with. Seliph stepped forwards, but was cut off by a ranger extending an arm.

“That’s close enough.”

Seliph sighed. “I just want to talk with him.”

“No.”

The Greninja let out an aggravated sigh upon hearing Humphry’s order.

“It’s been a long trip and I want him to rest.”

Seliph glanced back, saying, “Fine, but let me at least check how he is? I’d feel better knowing the extent of his injuries myself.”

Humphry’s eyes narrowed as Seliph looked at Vragon.

“Is that alright?”

Vragon shrugged his shoulders. “I guess.”

Dismissive. A lot on his mind I presume. Seliph took a deep breath. Best prepare myself. No telling what I’ll see in there. He got down on a knee, as the guards moved aside, yet keeping their eyes locked firmly on him.

“Mind if I see your arm?”

Vragon held it out to him as he clenched it gently and looked it over. A few cuts, but nothing that could beat scale skin. Nodding, he looked up at Vragon saying, “Now, close your eyes. I want to check your heartbeat.”

Vragon complied as the rangers all tensed up as Seliph pressed his hand on the Fraxure’s hard chest. Okay, here we go. Seliph shut his eyes. His body began to feel light as the hardness of the Fraxure’s scales vanished instantly. The atmosphere became broad and free, almost airless entirely. Vragon. He repeated the name in his head, keeping the Fraxure as the centerpiece of his thoughts.

No time had passed before he opened his eyes, seeing nothing but pitch darkness. Please be nearby. I don’t want to have to- He gasped as he the Fraxure lying in the darkness, his body was visible like he was in a well-lit room despite the void around them, but he was lying on his side like he was unconscious. Seliph hurried over and help sit him up, the Fraxure starting to wake up.

“Where?” He gasped, shoving Seliph away as he fell back and looked around in horror. “What did-”

“Easy, easy, it’s just a soul link.” Seliph made slow motions as he stood up.

“Oh…why did you do that?” The Fraxure’s attitude changed from fearful surprise to frustration.

“I wanted to talk to you.” Seliph looked around at the darkness. “I just wanted it to be in private.”

“Why? Humphry said to wait.” Vragon inquired, his tone slightly altered by a snarl.

Seliph sighed. “Because I need to know what I’m dealing with and this is serious.” He walked up to the Fraxure and stared down at him with a soft gaze. “They don’t just target mons with a fighter like that randomly. Something about you is important to them. And I get Humphry means well, but we may not have a lot of time. I’m sorry.”

Vragon crossed his arms and looked to the side, upset but less hostile than before. “I don’t know.”

“Anything you can tell m-”

“I don’t have my memories, okay!” Vragon shouted as he brushed past Seliph rubbing his head. “I don’t remember a thing before a few weeks after I was found. Sorry, I can’t help you.” He glared back at Seliph, who was visibly surprised by the aggression.

“Uhm…well that’s alright.”

Vragon’s scowl turned down.

Clearly, he doesn’t agree. Seliph rubbed his chin as a small smile formed. “You don’t seem so surprised.”

“Huh?” Vragon looked up as Seliph gestured around.

“Surprised at a Soul Link. So you’ve done one before?”

Vragon sighed. “Yes. I have.” He looked off into the darkness, Seliph joining him. “I did it with Jaron and Ciecro. They said Soul Links could help us find any memories, but we didn’t really find anything. Just some door with blue light coming from underneath.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. That’s about it.” Vragon’s arms sagged as he shut his eyes. “I’m sorry to disappoint.”

Good, good. Seliph got on his knee and tilted his head with a look of sympathy. “What do you mean?”

“Nevermind.”

Hmmm...let’s see. Seliph put his hands on Vragon’s shoulders, startling the boy at first but he calmed down as Seliph spoke. “Hey, don’t feel too bad. These aren’t just some average mons. No one blames you for being in over your head.”

“But they’re here for me…”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean anyone is upset at you for that. Besides,” Seliph stood up and crossed his arms. “Since I’m here, that adds another target.”

Vragon raised a brow before his eyes went wide. “Oh right, they were after you too, weren’t they?”

“Mhm.” I wonder how much my brothers told him. Best save that question for later. Sighing, Seliph walked onwards as Vragon followed. “So, tell me, these soul links you did with my brothers, they looked like this, right?”

“To them, yeah.”

“‘To them’?”

“Well, we weren’t in the same location. I’d always get sent to some place enacting a memory of theirs.”

“Ah right, that’s normally how Soul Links work.”

“What do you mean ‘normally’? Are we in some abnormal state?” Vragon asked as he suddenly stopped with a concerned frown.

“Soul Links are when we are brought down to our soul’s level of perception. Normally, when two mons enact the physical touch trigger, they sort of swap souls. Since the memory and emotional aspects are the most potent parts of our soul and mind linkage that is where most soul links end up by default.”

“Why don’t they just go to their own mind though? Why is normally the other person’s?” Vragon crossed his arms and tilted his head.

“That defeats the purpose of a Soul Link.” The two looked upwards. “Soul Links are about connecting to other beings on the most immersive level one can. Even psychics have to do some heavy lifting to reach that level of interaction.” Their gazes met once more. “It’s amazing. At the time we’re talking right now, no time is passing. No awareness of the outside. It’s just you, me, our minds, and souls.”

The Fraxure’s eyes lit up a little as the Greninja continued.

“It’s one of the things that makes us clansmons special.”

A smile formed on Vragon’s face. “So, back to what you were saying. Why are we here together?”

“Ah yes, well. Soul Links are like any common skill, prone to being improved upon and adjusted. You see, if you focus very hard on the other person, it can sometimes lead you to enter alongside them, or even pinpointing where you want to go if you focus enough. Ergo, we’re here together in what I presume is your mind.”

“My mind?” Vragon looked around. “I guess it fits since it’s so empty here.” A frown formed, but it didn’t stay for long as Seliph shook his head and placed an encouraging hand on Vragon’s shoulder.

“Oh no, the mind is a very expansive thing when compared to the soul. To reach other areas, you pretty much have to be led there or go there from the get-go.”

“Oh.”

Affirming this with a nod, Seliph walked a few paces away and faced Vragon. “So, I’m curious. How much do you know about what you are?”

“Huh?”

“As a clansmon. What are the things that make us special?” Seliph started stroking his chin, as his body felt lighter with excitement.

“Well…first is the Soul Link. Second is gifts, but I don’t know what my gift is.”

“That’s fine. Keep going.”

“I guess our shoulder brands count too.” Vragon turned to show his Averion one. “I think that’s it.”

“Actually, there is one more thing.”

“There is?”

Seeing Vragon’s enthusiasm and surprise made Seliph feel warm inside like he was explaining it to an easily impressed pupil. “Yes. I’m sure you know of our ancestors, the Arbiters?”

“Yeah, Jaron and Ciecro told me theirs was Blaine.” Vragon looked at his crest. “And that they were mons adopted by Arceus as his children.”

“Correct and imbued with power to serve as the middle ways of Legendary and Mon. Soul Links, Gifts, even our Crests all come from them and remain as strong as ever because of them. They held incredible power and as their descendants we get that Potential factor.”

“‘Potential factor’?”

“Yes. Our potential to grow is higher than your average mon in pretty much everything, even our health is affected by this.”

“Woah.” Vragon looked at himself. “So, if I train hard enough, I could be very strong, live longer, and more?”

“Maybe. I confess, I don’t really know the most efficient ways to.”

“I imagine the clans would know how, right?”

Seliph nodded. “Probably.”

Vragon walked over. “Do you…ever want to go to the clans’ lands?”

Seliph chuckled. “I’m a bit busy currently. Maybe one day, but right now. No.”

“Fair.”

Alright. Let’s see. “Right, I’m sorry to ask you this, but I do want to know something.”

“Huh?”

Seliph got on a knee and looked him straight in the eye. “Back on the roof, you sort of froze. You also rushed away from our hiding spot. Why?”

“O-o-oh.” Vragon started rubbing his shoulders, as guilt covered his face. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t…I don’t know what came over me.”

“It’s alright.” Seliph smiled. “I’m just concerned.”

“Why?” Vragon asked sincerity in his eyes.

“Because I know what it’s like to be hunted by them. And if they’re after you, then I want to know as much as I can so I can help you out.” Seliph sighed heavily. “I’m sure Jaron and Ciecro told you about my history, so you can probably tell why I’m invested.” Seliph held his breath as his body tensed.

Lowering his eyes, Vragon tightened up with a troubled expression. “I’m…I’m sorry.”

Good boy. Seliph patted him on the shoulder. “It’s fine. That was a long time ago. But for now, anything you can tell me will help.” There has to be something. Mons don’t just freeze up like that for no reason. There’s got to be some kind of trauma that activated.

“I’m not sure. Just…”

Just…? Seliph leaned in, anxious for the answer.

“I remember seeing a white light.”

“A ‘white light’? Explain.”

“I don’t know, it was just a white light. I saw it in those two moments and it just…scared me. It was very weird.”

Hrm? Seliph watched Vragon start rubbing his head along with shivering slightly. Is that out of impulse? Strong if that is true.

“I started having a headache, and everything seemed to blur, when I came to it was because of you. The second time I…” Vragon sniffled as his body sagged. “I almost attacked Jaron the second time.”

“I see.” Fight? He doesn’t strike me as a fighter or would react to danger that way. He was running away for a good portion. Maybe he felt cornered in that moment?

“I’m sorry, that’s all I know.”

“Hey, it’s more than enough. Thank you.”

A small smile formed on the Fraxure’s face. “T-t-thanks. I’m glad you talked with me.”

“No problem. If it’s alright.” Seliph looked at the void in front. “But I think you should get some rest.”

“Right.” Vragon’s head lowered, his smile shrinking but still staying there.

Without a word, Seliph watched Vragon grow hazy as he looked down at his body, it hazing up as well. Foot in the door. His vision went black as his body grew heavy again. His breathing felt physical, his touch felt intense, and the atmosphere felt warm and somewhat stuffy.

“Alright, how are you feeling now?” He opened his eyes, seeing Vragon looking at him a bit startled at the whiplash. Seliph winked and Vragon got the message.

“Okay, I guess.” He yawned as he shook his head. “I’m just tired.”

“Alright.” Seliph stood up and walked over to his seat, gasping as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He saw Humphry looking back at him displeased.

“I’d like to talk with you.”

“Sure,” Seliph said, not hiding the annoyance in his tone as the two walked out through a side door.

The gloominess was a sharp contrast to the warm lobby inside as was the chilliness of the air. The slanted roof above them sent what sounded like a river of droplets down which didn’t help the tension either mon was feeling.

“Did you Soul Link with him?”

Seliph rolled his eyes. “You know, you could treat me better given I saved his life.”

“I appreciate your participation, but I won’t be stepped over. If you want to do something with Vragon, you need to clear it with me, understand.”

Scowling defiantly at the Seismitoad, Seliph crossed his arms and said, “Why? Because my brothers said a lot of mean things about me?”

“No, because there’s already been blood spilled because of this.”

“All the more reason to trust someone with experience then.” Seliph crossed his arms and looked at the rain. He tensed up as Humphry remained silent, hoping that the ire from the Seismitoad was subsiding.

“What was that thing?”

“The Haxorus.” Seliph turned and looked Humphry straight in the eye, admitting, “I don’t know. He’s stronger than any Red Eye I’ve come across. Perhaps a deeper member of their organization.”

“How deep?”

“As I said, I don’t know.” Seliph started stroking his chin. “I can guess only that them sending this behemoth of a mon means that your Vragon is an important target to them. All the more reason for us to handle this efficiently.”

Humphry sighed and looked at the rain to the left while Seliph looked straight from the door.

“Blaming me for what happened won’t help anything.”

Seliph braced himself as he heard Humphry turn around and in a low tone say, “How dare you.”

“Am I wrong?” Seliph glared at Humphry as he stated, “Given the situation, pride is going to be the end of this. And I won’t have my brothers dragged down because of this.”

“So you’re saying you care about them now, huh?” Humphry raised a brow on his scowling face as Seliph met it with a snubbing crossed arms and a raised head to the Greninja’s right side.

“It’s why I came here. I didn’t know who they were after, just that they were looking around this region. I wanted to check on them.” Seliph then opened his left eye, staring at Humphry with as much fervor as he could. “And if you won’t accept the truth on that, that’s your problem.”

He could see Humphry clearly wanting to challenge him, but the larger mon refrained, too disciplined to fall into it.

“I’m sorry if I gave you that impression.” Humphry’s eyes closed as his face went soft, weary, and sad. “I lost an officer. Two children were killed, maybe more died in that attack. All because I wasn’t prepared for that Haxorus.”

Seliph watched the commissioner’s muscles tighten, his fist clenching harder that it made Seliph’s own nerves twist in response.

“Commissioner.” Seliph walked to the edge of the roof, the dripping water falling mere inches from his face. “I’m not the enemy. I hope you understand that.”

“I do.”

Seliph shoved his hands into his pockets as his head lowered. “I have some things I need to do. Some of it involves learning more about Vragon. He’s clearly important to all this and learning why that is, is vital to learning what we’re dealing with. I’m sorry for first impressions, but I need you to give me this leniency. I’m doing this to protect him.”

Seliph shut his eyes and held his breath. Come on.

“We’ll talk more about this tomorrow.”

The Greninja glanced back as he heard the door squeak open.

“For now we should rest. Your brothers are going to be in the basem*nt of this inn tonight.”

“I have some things to do first. I’ll find my own lodgings for tonight.” Seliph stepped out into the rain but stopped at hearing the commissioner’s voice.

“Are you sure?”

The Greninja paused. For a moment, it felt like that voice was speaking deeply to him. He knew the commissioner wasn’t and this was just his projection, but he couldn’t help but struggle to muster the reply. Finally, he said, “Y-yes. I’m sure.” And walked into the rain.

He walked to a nearby ally and rested his back against the wall, taking a few heavy breaths. Alright, that’s a decent start. No time to waste. He looked down the alleyway. I need to survey the town and see for any reasonable locations for dealing with that Haxorus. If the commissioner doesn’t cave for me tomorrow then I should handle my own research.

His eyes narrowed as he started down the damp path, not reacting to the raindrops even as they struck and slid down his face. A determined scowl formed on his face, a fire in his eyes far more lethal a gaze than what he had shown to the old commissioner. I can’t wait for that creature to be brought down and learn what secrets he knows. A dark smile formed as he rolled the vial between his fingers in his pocket. Then, I’ll be one step closer to figuring you out and ridding this world of you.

< O >

The warm light of the emura felt relaxing on the scales of the Haxorus, yet he felt cold inside. He stared at a red crystal in his claws with a firm scowl, as if it was the source of all his heat vanishing.

“Trishula.”

He blinked, glancing around before his eyes fell upon the Gallade in front, who was a little taken aback by the dragon’s sudden action.

“Uhm…sorry for startling you.”

Just in my head. He isn’t here. Trishula wiped the surprise off his face, focusing on the Gallade, who shifted his attention to another part of their camp, specifically at the lying corpse of a Clawitzer.

“Did you have to do it, sir?”

“Your condition was well enough that his services were no longer needed. He was just unnecessary baggage now.”

“Still…” The Gallade’s head lowered, with a sigh. “So when are you going to report?”

“Once your associate returns.” Trishula’s scowl grew. “Now, I wish to be left in my thoughts until then.” Trishula could tell the Gallade didn’t like being shut down but didn’t concern himself despite noticing the odd mannerisms Siegfried had that showed how annoyed he was getting. Once we have the boy then you can be rid of me.

Looking towards the center of camp, he saw a stick standing up from the ground. Tied to it was a rectangular device about the size of his claw, which had an orb inserted at the top. This orb was busy beaming some transparent light upwards, stopping at about ten feet into the sky before dispersing into a hazy, invisible light that came over the camp like a dome. I shouldn’t have been so careless. He sighed in his mind as he looked back at the emura lamp. I would have…we would have the boy now if I had practiced better caution. His claw tightened over the crystal as he felt anger build up inside. I want to get this over with so I can-

“Hrm?” He looked up, gazing outside the dome where the hills rose above. A black figure flew over the pinnacle of one, his image a bit hazy and wavery as he headed this way. The Dragon stood up, watching this figure fly through an invisible wall that reacted to touch in the way a lake ripples for a stone.

“Sorry it took me so long,” Vex said as he landed on the ground shivering a little at the warmth inside. “I had to be extra- Ah!” He jumped at seeing the dead Clawitzer nearby. “Oh…” The Gengar’s startled gaze calmed to a cold frown.

“Report,” Trishula commanded as he sat down by the emura light.

Vex slowly walked over, rubbing the back of his head a little nervous. “So, seems they were pretty quick to it. I couldn’t find any of them. Even the Commissioner is gone.”

“They can’t have gotten far on foot. It’s only been a few hours,” Siegfried stated, joining the two at the light. “So what’s the plan? Pursue?”

“We don’t know where they would go.” Vex crossed his arms annoyed. “From what info we have. There are at least two towns within reasonable proximity. Vergium Town up river and Salfas Town across the plains.”

“Which is closer?” Siegfried inquired.

“Salfas.” Vex looked at Trishula. “It’s Salfas Town.”

The dragon stood up. “It’s too early to act right now. We need to do some reconnaissance first, I don’t want us picking the wrong direction.”

“But if we give them too much time-”

“We can spare a day,” Trishula said, though he agreed far more with Siegfried position in spirit. A heavy scowl formed as he got up and walked over to one of their travel bags. He searched around in it before pulling out a red crystal and silently headed for the perimeter of the cloak dome.

“Wait, so what, we just recon for any intel and get more provisions?”

“Yes. That is the mission for both of you tomorrow.” Trishula glanced back. “Do you protest?”

The two looked at each other before shaking their heads.

If you aren’t brave enough to speak your mind, then don’t speak at all. Trishula grumbled in his head as he sat down near the edge, staring at the hills in front. He rested his arms in the hole made by his legs, staring at a red crystal in his claws. I doubt they’ll try and find us. We have revealed our power to them so they will be on the defensive.

He eased his grip on the crystal as he sighed. Though his power wasn’t revealed to me. I don’t understand. It was just a boy, not what I was led to believe. He closed his eyes as he raised the crystal to chest level. Perhaps another test or perhaps it was a ploy to fool me. The red crystal started to glow, levitating up from his claw and slowly spinning. My master has a lot of questions to answer.

Trishula shut his eyes and immediately felt himself no longer sitting. In fact, he couldn’t feel much of anything. Even his body was far lighter in nature. When he next opened his eyes, he was in a vast, hazy darkness. It was cold in here, the dichotomy of how his body reacted to being here troubled him.

I hate this place. He turned as he heard a voice, his eyes widening with surprise.

“I was beginning to think something had happened.”

“Daemon?” Before Trishula was a Dusknoir, who was looking at him with his singular blue eye with a thin red iris as its circumference. His arms were behind his back and he was slightly turned to the right, which made Trishula soften his stern gaze.

“I…” Trishula paused as he looked up, formulating his thoughts. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

The Dusknoir’s eye lowered, making Trishula feel a slight amount of comfort build up inside, albeit a foreign feeling of comfort. “I know. It’s been a long time. But even if it was from…him,” Daemon looked back at him floating a little closer but stopped as Trishula flinched back a little. “Sorry…” his head lowered as he continued. “I wanted to do this. So I accepted his request to be your contact and coordinator for this mission.”

Trishula’s eyes narrowed. “So my master asked you personally then?”

“He did ask me, but over communications. I don’t know where he is currently.” A sigh of relief came from Daemon as his arms relaxed.

A discomforted scowl formed on Trishula’s face. Why Daemon? What kind of game is my master playing at? He shook his head and pivoted with, “Anyways, I have much to report.”

Daemon nodded as the sound of a sigh escaped him. “Verily. I am listening intently.” The Dusknoir straightened his posture, going back to that all too familiar ‘business posturing’ the Dusknoir was known for.

“Their defenses were weak, but unfortunately I was caught off guard and warped outside of town. When I returned the boy was gone, along with my associates finding no direct leads.” Trishula’s eyes lowered as a frustrated scowl formed. “My associates had attacked the town prematurely, thus alerting the forces there.”

Daemon shut his eye and rubbed it. “So their inexperience ruined the assault.”

“Not exactly.” The two shared their looks again as Trishula explained. “Their defenses were manageable. The issue was the quick action done by a third party.”

“A ‘third party’?”

“Yes. Seliph Almkin.”

“Really now?” The Dusknoir started stroking his chin. “That’s rather random but interesting. You’re sure your trip to the location was discreet?”

“Positive. It’s possible he acquired some knowledge about our means here.” Trishula crossed his arms and sighed. “Somebody dropped the ball.”

“No, I don’t think it’s that simple.”

Trishula raised a brow as Daemon rolled his wrist to the side. “I made sure when talking with our non-Red Eye associates that I never once mentioned the purposes of your missions nor the precise location. The most they would have known was merely the region of our mission, which if I have my geography correct spans from Mt. Travail in the East to the forests near Mt. Bristle in the West. That’s quite a lot of distance even if North and South weren’t included factors.”

The dragon crossed his arms as his narrow scowl bore a hint of curiosity. “So then how do you explain his arrival?”

“I’m not sure. His activity has been rather spontaneous with no sightings for some months, though that may be due to the few operatives we have in Triacal being bus-.”

“Wait.” Trishula held out a finger as he started pondering. That Charmeleon… “Daemon, who were his relatives?”

“Uhm…the Almkins. Their family is mainly in Norfair, but Seliph was raised in Triacal as they worked on a mission. The family he was raised with was his father, mother, and his uncle was present at the conflict to recapture the formu-”

“I meant their species.”

“Oh, Feraligatr, Charizard, and Blaziken. Is that enough or do I need to be more specific?”

Trishula grunted as he turned to the side, making the Dusknoir tilt his head. “Heh, all this time.”

“Pardon?”

Trishula clenched his claws. “During the attack, I fought against two Norfarions.”

“Two Norfarions? In Perion Town?”

“Yes. They were children and of the same species as the father and mother.”

Daemon’s eye widened before looking at the side with a pondering gaze. “I see. So the motivation would be to check on these supposed siblings of his if he knew we were operating in this region.”

Trishula nodded. “There’s other information that might support this. The Charmeleon in particular has the gift Death Wrath. I saw it in action myself and was even able to Parasite it.

“Well that certainly helps since the father did indeed have that gift, but it isn’t conclusive evidence alone. Although, how does the saying go? Numquam ponenda est pluralitas sine necessitate.”

‘Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity.’ Trishula snorted softly. I forgot how much you enjoyed weaving the olden language into your speech. The dragon looked at the darkness, drawing images of the boys from before with his imagination on the black canvas. “I’m sure of it. It’s simple and makes sense for all aspects of this scenario based on what we knew.”

“Astute as always, Trishula.”

The dragon turned his gaze away, fighting the urge to smile even if it was a faint one. He could feel the area around him solidify, like the walls of a cage as he recanted several examples of that exact sentence said to him by a much younger Daemon. “Then the report is incomplete.”

“Yes, which is a shame.” Daemon sighed as he started rubbing his head as if he had acquired a migraine. “I imagine when Plageues finds out he will be absolutely overjoyed.”

Trishula raised a brow and looked at Plageues, opening his mouth to speak but stopping himself. He quickly barreled back to his distant expression, breathing a sigh of relief in his mind as Daemon kept talking like he didn’t notice.

“I can hear him now. ‘Now I get to have three playmates to try and hunt me down? How positively delightful, a perfect plot twist that keeps the form ever so refresh-’”

“Please refrain from your personal reminiscing.” Trishula shut his eyes, feeling the guilt in his heart being shoved in by practicality.

“S-sorry, Trishula. I was just…You’re right.”

He felt his body relax a little, but he still felt just as bad. It was rare for him to feel remorseful, but he couldn’t help it. A poison he acquired long ago.

“I will say, I’m disappointed Rosa didn’t pick up on the siblings. She read Seliph’s mind and at his age, he shouldn’t have the best mental defenses or experience.”

Despite his appreciation for Daemon moving on to a new subject, Trishula wasn’t exactly wanting to banter on about random names. “Sure.”

“I mean it. I’ve been teaching her for some time now and her abilities show talent, but I do not know. Maybe she’s just not refined enough and is too oriented on brute force.” The ghost chuckled as he moved his arms behind his back again. “Sorry, I don’t mean to bring up my frustrations with my pupil.”

‘Frustrations with my pupil’… Trishula’s eyes softened up as he glanced at the ghost. “Daemon.”

“Hrm?” Daemon looked up at him, his eye reacting to Trishula’s softer gaze and immediately complementing it with a sympathetic look of his own.

Stop being foolish. He’d eat you alive if he saw you right now. Trishula pulled back and for the second time looked away, albeit this time more solemnly. “Nothing.”

“Of course…”

Trishula watched the ghost look to the side and struggle to hold in his disappointment. Don’t let it bother you, he assured himself as he faced the Dusknoir with a serious look. “Back to business, if Seliph does have siblings then they could be useful assets to acquiring his sample of our formula, presuming he still has it.”

Daemon looked up at him, almost surprised. “Are you sure you want to take on that additional task?”

Trishula paused, fumbling around with some words before saying, “I understand that for our faction, having as few samples out in the wild isn't ideal, even if we’re confident they won’t be able to solve its intricacies. While Seliph is a relatively minuscule contributor to this, it would still be good to remove even a small thorn from our side, no?”

Daemon’s eye widened slightly, in a way that one would when giving a faint smile. “Yes, I suppose it would. It may also help you get to the target.”

Trishula couldn’t help but smile faintly at seeing Daemon’s reaction. You were so impressionable back then. It faded a second later as both of them straightened to formal posture. “Anyways, capturing them would make good leverage for Seliph.”

“Indeed, and I do believe he still has the sample. But even if he doesn’t that removes one potential hurdle for capturing the boy.”

Trishula’s eyes narrowed. “You mean if the clans decide to act.”

“I don’t know if they are aware of the situation going on here. I know they tried to investigate the incident eight years ago, but were met with denial from Bantal Town. Imposing too heavily on a City State would make their deals with Triacal fall through, even if Norfair is incredibly displeased about the results. Triacal is very picky on what threatens its status as independent city-states.”

Politics. Trishula rolled his eyes. “Do you think they have operatives here?”

“Oh most definitely. But if they’re investigating the incident eight years ago, this attacks recently, or something else I don’t know.” Daemon propped his head with his arm. “I doubt there are many around.” His eye closed in frustration. “Something we sadly have to do as well else the Collective will get on our case if we cause them trouble.”

Trishula sighed and shook his head. “I hate politics.”

“A messy topic that sometimes requires respecting the most worthless things in order to get what we want without paying an arm.” The two shared a nod before Daemon continued, “I shall be sure to add the siblings to your objectives report. Anything else you need me to do?”

Trishula raised his claw and listed, “First, I want you to have our associates in the guilds to listen in on any traffic regarding the targets. Second, I want detailed geography of the Travail Region for potential leads. Lastly, I want you to inform any of our operatives on this side of the place to be on standby for support.”

“Even Plageues?”

Trishula tightened his mouth as his eyes lowered. “N-no…” He felt his body tighten to a hurting point as he shut his eyes. Don’t let it grow. You need your focus, lest your doubts will ruin your path. His fist tightened. But I’m already doubting. That boy. Why was he so…defenseless? He could feel the anger build inside him, only snuffed to the side by Daemon’s voice.

“Trishula. Are you-”

The dragon turned away. “Those are my requests. Please put them in.” He slowed his breathing as he tried to shove the image of Daemon out of his mind. His hearing picked up on the subtle shifts and disappointed breaths from the ghost, but he chose to ignore them. “That is all I have to report. Please carry out the duties.”

“Alright…it was…good to speak to you again.”

Trishula squinted harder as he felt his chest heat up. It felt like he was pushing against a boulder going downhill, the desire. It was so potent in how much he wanted this. Remember your goal. Remember what the end of the path leads. He opened his claw, curling his fingers as if he was ready to slice.

After a few minutes of silence, Trishula looked behind him, sighing with relief at seeing the ghost had gone. Despite this, he didn’t feel good. Sitting down, he stared at the darkness beneath him, a sad look on his face. I see now why he chose you. He shut his eyes and felt his body fade out of the Soul Link. I just…hate that he’s using you to test me.

Chapter 30
The Honest Difference

Fiery. That’s how Jaron’s lungs felt as he raced forward. “Ciecro! Wait!” He exclaimed, trying to keep up as his brother darted around a tight corner.

“Come on! He went dis way!”

“No, I mean wait for the others!” Jaron shouted, stumbling around the corner, desperately trying to keep his head up despite his mind urging him to rest. Jaron’s running was decent, but Ciecro was better built for it, and it became more apparent as with each turn the brothers took the older started to lose the younger. “Ciecro!” Jaron shouted, his lungs crying out for air causing gaps in his speech. “I can’t…keep up!”

The flames of Ciecro’s get were excited and cackling, swaying from side to side as Ciecro rushed onwards, disregarding or unaware of Jaron’s fatigue. Soon enough, Jaron had to stop, supporting himself against the wall as he took heavy breaths.

If Jaron could sweat, he would have made a puddle at his feet. He pressed his arm up against it and leaned forward, pushing his forehead up to it as his breathing began to slow and his lungs began to cool.

His Wary warned him of the danger, but suddenly it shot him awake like a drug, making him spin around with his back against the wall. “What?” He glanced around, confused at why he felt it so near, and yet nothing was around.

No sooner had he had these troubles from his Wary that he heard a pained cry coming from down the alleyway he had been chasing his brother. “Ciecro! No!” He pushed off and ran as fast as he could, pushing himself from his body’s protest at its interrupted rest.

As he left the alley he found himself in the center of a town with a fountain decorating the middle. He didn’t recognize it, but what he did recognize was an orange object lying in the water of the fountain. Jaron gasped in horror as he rushed over, seeing his brother face first in its crystal waters, not moving.

“Hang on!” Jaron grabbed his brother to pull him out, but suddenly he felt a blow to his side. Before he could so much as move his head, he felt himself pushed down into the water with a hard grip on his throat, cutting off the air flow before he could get any air in his lungs. His Wary only aided his confusion as he flailed about in the water of the fountain, choking and clawing at the attacker holding him. The arms were dark colored and scaly, with the figure above hard to make out besides one noticeable detail. Two red dots of burning intensity that, despite the water’s unrest, could be discerned.

He started to lose consciousness, making his flailing attempts now pulls of maddened terror. He couldn’t even think of sentences in his head just slicing at the arms pinning him, or kicking at whatever body was above, and yanking around. However, nothing could break the iron grip that kept him choking and pinned.

In one last attempt to get a chance to breathe, Jaron flung himself left with all his might. His eyes shot open as he no longer felt submerged. His blurry vision was in motion as he felt his body collide with a hard, cold floor.

“Ouch.” He rubbed his head as his vision started to settle, revealing his environment to be some basem*nt storage room with its only lighting being a nearby window close to the ceiling.

A dream? He frantically browsed the room, seeing a patch of red on top of a box. “Ciecro!”

“Dyaaa!” The Charmeleon jolted forward, only to slide off the box he was sleeping on, and hit his head on the stone floor with a discomforting thump. “Owww!” He sat up, holding his head with a pained snarl. “Wha’ dah hell?” He snapped at Jaron, who was too stunned to answer.

“Why’d yah yell like dat?” Ciecro demanded, using the box to steady himself as he stood up.

“I-I-”

Grumbling, Ciecro rested his elbows on the box as he used his claws to massage his hurting head. “Don’ tell me it was cuz of some stupid dream.”

The Croconaw scowled to the side. Maybe it’d be dumb to you. One frustrated huff later, Jaron got up to leave. “Just go back to sleep,” he told his brother as he grabbed onto the wooden ladder leading out.

“Would gladly, ugh.” Ciecro rubbed his neck as he groaned. “Bu’ I think I’ve got a crick in my neck now.”

Jaron rolled his eyes as he put his foot on the bar and was about to start climbing when he heard his brother again.

“Hrm? Where yah goin’?”

Jaron paused, Ciecro’s softer tone, even if it was just casual, making the Croconaw second guess storming out. He’s always been grouchy in the morning and did hit his head after all. “For a swim.” Jaron sighed in his mind as he took his foot off the wooden bar. I know he’s frustrating, but I did make him hit his-

“Guess no sense in sleepin’. S’pose I’ll just work on trainin’ som-”

Jaron’s claw tightened on the ladder, digging into the wood as his expression shifted to pure anger. “Give it a rest.”

“Huh?”

“You heard me.” Jaron spun around. “You passed the exam, you got your shoulder run through, and we barely survived being attacked twice. What’s it going to take for you to just stop for once?”

Ciecro walked over, leering down at Jaron with a scowl of his own, but it bore traces of confusion. “Wha’?” Ciecro snarled and Jaron snarled back. “I need tah be prepared tah figh’ dose guys so I gotta keep trainin’.”

“Oh sure, sure.” Jaron crossed his arms and raised his snout slightly. “Why don’t you go off on your own and put yourself in harm's way needlessly again to help out.”

“Hey!” Ciecro leaned in closer, the loudness in his voice making Jaron flinch back although he didn’t avert his angry glare. “If we hadn’ gotten involved, Vragon might’ve been hurt.”

Jaron’s head lowered. Maybe, but…you were almost. The Croconaw tried desperately to fight against Ciecro’s points in his mind. He couldn’t accept them anymore, it was just leading down some kind of path, a path like that dream. “No, he wouldn’t have.”

“How do yah know dat?”

“How do you know he would have been? He had rangers and apparently Seliph there too.” Jaron stepped away from the ladder to get into Ciecro’s face, their snouts almost colliding. “You ever considered that maybe us getting involved is just getting in their way? That just rushing into battle like you do is just making it worse?” Jaron paused, his angry stare slightly caving at seeing Ciecro’s responding scowl shift to something far more intense.

His eyes were wider, the orange irises like embers of a fire. The Charmeleon’s right arm started shaking slightly.

Before Jaron could say anything he was brushed to the side as Ciecro started climbing up the ladder.

“Wai’ Cie-”

“Jus’ shuddup!” Ciecro snapped, not even looking at his brother as he punched open the trap door and climbed out, leaving Jaron down in the cellar with his mixed anger, bitterness, and sadness.

Why do I even bother? Jaron shook his head as he grabbed the ladder. He never listens. He never slows down. He never cares. He paused his ascent, his head tilting down a little as his angry stare went softer. I need a swim.

Once he made his way out of the inn, he was greeted by the cool air of a cloud-covered morning. The town looked close to colorless in a melancholy way, though perhaps it was just Jaron’s mood projecting on his vision. He walked up to the dock and looked down at the river that flowed through town like a main street. The creaking and groaning of the water wheels was the only company Jaron had on this specific dock.

He carefully dipped his foot into the water, shivering a little as he felt the chill. Well, it’ll wake me up, I guess. Taking a second to stare at the water as he prepared himself for the cold feel, he fixated on his reflection, slightly distorted by the ripples. His eyes narrowed. Why can’t he understand? He always expects me to understand but he never bothers to-

“Jaron?”

Jaron gasped as he spun to the side, unfortunately too close to the edge to get a stable footing, and fell into the river. His nerves shot awake as his body shivered from the cold dip. He flailed in confusion for a second before regaining his bearings and looking around. The river water was surprisingly visible, despite its constant flow and the lack of a cloudless sky, probably due to the stone linings on both the sides and riverbed, somewhat akin to a canal.

He was startled as he saw something swim up to him but relaxed at identifying this mon as Aunt Dresha. What’s she doing up so early? She swam up, looking concerned, but he gave a grin to indicate he was fine. He poked his head out of the water, getting a nice fresh breath of air.

A second later, her head poked out as well.

“I’m sorry, Jaron, I didn’t mean to startle you and-”

He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. “It’s fine. Helped me get the cold shock and whatnot over with.” He swam up to her as he looked downstream, seeing if his accident garnered any attention. “What are you doing out in the river so early?” He inquired, secretly relieved that most mons seemed to be going back to their respective jobs or business at realizing he wasn’t in danger.

“Oh, I always try and do a swim every morning and I also like talking with people in town. I don’t get to do it that much in Perion, but the river here is very good for being sociable.”

“I bet, heh.” Jaron checked to see if anything was coming from upstream and realizing it was clear he swam around Dresha, saying, “Well, I won’t hinder you from whatever your-”

“Oh no, it’s no hindering at all dear,” she swam up to him. “To be honest, I’m glad to have you as company.”

Jaron let his head sink a little into the water as if he were trying to blend in with its gloomy blue. Her cheery nature was warm, but Jaron didn’t want to ruin it. “No, it’s alright. I-…” If I tell her I want to be alone she’ll instantly know something is wrong.

However, her smile shifting to a more neutral expression pretty much confirmed she had guessed that very idea.

sh*t. He let his smile go as he waited for her inevitable, prying question.

“Jaron? Is everything alright?”

He wanted so badly to roll his eyes, but refrained out of respect as he simply answered, “Yes.” Turning to the side to look at the buildings, Jaron started tensing up as Dresha swam up to him.

“Are you sure dear? After last night, I would have hoped you’d still be in bed resting.”

“Look, I just woke up and didn’t feel like going back to sleep. I can’t help that.” His frustrations were becoming harder and harder to mask as he turned to swim downstream, though waited for her response.

“I’m sorry if it was a rough night, dear.”

He felt her fin rub his shoulder gently, making his gaze lower in a mix of guilt but also gratitude. It was always nice to have her affection, even in times like this. Reminded him of the times his own mother would give him such warm contact and while Aunt Dresha certainly couldn’t replicate Freya, she didn’t fail in making him smile on the inside. But now the Croconaw was torn between wanting to wallow in his anger in solitude and being in the company of Dresha.

His eyes shut. “Why wouldn’t it be?” He confided, allowing his bitterness to seep through his tongue, although doing his best to not direct it at her.

“I’m so sorry, Jaron. I wish that-”

“You don’t need to apologize.” He faced her. He locked gazes with her for a second before shyly looking to the side. “It’s not your fault. It’s those bastards’ fault.” There was a brief silence before Jaron’s eyes shot wide. “Oh, I-I mean it’s those bad guy’s fault, heh.” A nervous smile formed but went away as he saw her understanding face.

“It’s alright dear. You’ve every right to be genuine.”

Oh God, sh*t really is bad. He joked in his head, trying to retain some semblance of pleasure from her sentence, but he couldn’t. Everything was wrong for him and he was tired of it. “T-thanks…” He turned around, not wanting to face her as he decided to be ‘genuine’. “But to be honest, I just want things to go back to normal. But I’m starting to doubt it will.”

“Oh, Jaron…” She swam around him, looking at him with compassion.

He at first wanted to look away but accepted she wanted to see his face and continued. “This…it’s too similar to what happened before.” His eyes shut. “I know it’s not as bad but…it’s just.” A small sniffle came as he rubbed his eyes. “It being those same freaks again, Seliph being here randomly, And Ciecro being just…Ugh.”

“It’s okay dear, you can tell this old fish your mind.” She swam up to him, nuzzling him on the side with her scalish, blue body.

Jaron felt his claws clench into fists, slightly embarrassed by her affection out in the fish’s street of town, but at the same time he welcomed it. “I’m worried something bad is going to happen.”

She pulled back.

“I’m worried and I hate being worried. I just…” His eyes shut once more as if to hide himself. “I wish I could handle this better.”

“No one is upset at you dear. And Commissioner Hommel is doing everything he can to make sure we stop them.”

His eyes slightly opened. “I know. I just don’t think Ciecro knows.” He mumbled to himself.

“You don’t think Ciecro knows?”

Jaron froze. Oh sh*t, why did I f*cking say that? He face palmed and let himself sink beneath the river. A frustrated scowl formed as he looked down at the stone. I should have just swam on my own. Now I’ve gone and clued her in. Like she needs to know we’ve been fighting right now-

His thoughts were put on hold as he saw her swim down to him, their faces only a foot away from each other. She gestured her head up as Jaron’s eyes narrowed to the side. Fine. He mumbled in his head as he swam up and broke the surface of the water a bit harsher than before.

Dresha came up half a second later and immediately asked, “So what do you mean by you think-”

“I mean this.” Jaron swam over to the wooden portion of the docks, his claws clamping on it like he wanted to snap it. A scowl formed, a scowl similar to his tone in the basem*nt as he stared at the wood. “This morning Ciecro wanted to go do some training again.”

“Really?”

“Yes. And I’m just done with it.” Jaron let go of the post but kept a fervent stare at it. “Last night he snuck out to do some training despite the situation and we wound up getting wrapped up in the fighting. He still had that hurt shoulder, which was stabbed through mind you, and he could have died last night. And yet he just keeps doing the same thing, ignoring my concerns like some brick wall.”

Jaron smacked the post. “I’m sick of his stubborn, uncaring attitude. All he ever thinks about is training to get stronger for, I dunno, protecting the town or whatnot. Why can’t he get it through his thick skull he isn’t anywhere close to that level and maybe he should just sit it out. It’s like he doesn’t even notice how-” Jaron sighed as he rested his forehead against the post. “Sorry, I got carried away.”

“It’s okay dear.”

He looked over at her, a small smile forming at hearing her validation.

Her gaze, however, shifted to a nearby waterwheel, prompting Jaron to look at it too as it slowly turned from the flowing stream.

“Though, Ciecro sneaking out is odd.”

“Yeah…” Jaron glanced back at her.

“I’m glad you boys weren’t hurt, but him disobeying Commissioner Hommel is strange. He’s normally very obedient about things like that, especially with regard to the commissioner. I wonder what he was thinking.”

Jaron sighed and rolled his eyes. “He wasn’t thinking.” The Croconaw crossed his arms and looked at the waterwheel. “He was being a stubborn idiot.”

“Jaron.”

“It’s true.” His frustrated gaze locked with her calm, sympathetic one. “The guy is obsessed with training. It’s all train, train, train, for what exactly? He doesn’t tell me outside of just ‘Uhhh, gotta geh strongeh tah figh’ dah threats’. Pssh, sure.”

“Why do you doubt that’s the reason?” She asked.

“Easy, because it’s no different from his exam. Back then, the reason was so he could pass. He’s not changed since then, only changed the excuses he’s making.”

“But Jaron, those two reasons are understandable.”

“Maybe so, but…I know there’s something deeper about it. Ciecro just doesn’t want to tell me and that pretty much confirms it.” Jaron sighed. “I wish he wouldn’t keep secrets from me. It’s driving me crazy and maybe even him too.” He crossed his arms as he thought back to when they were kids. “I feel like he’s treating me like how our parents treated us back then. Keeping us in the dark about the whole situation or their own concerns. To be honest, I relate a lot to how Ciecro was back then and how frustrated it made him. But in hindsight, I understand why they didn’t want to tell us. Just seeing that liquid she was studying made me feel…strange inside.”

“Oh?”

“I never told you this, but me and Ciecro did get a peek at it one time. And…it’s sort of why I don’t feel like these guys are just common thugs.” Jaron looked up at the sky. “When I looked into it, I saw safety. I wanted to look into it forever. I felt almost invisible looking into it. No Fear. No Wary. Nothing. It was…like I was in my parents’ arms, but I knew it wasn’t them. Ugh, it’s hard to describe, but that’s the general gist of it.”

“That’s…scary.”

“Yep. It’s why I don’t want to get involved. My parents were fighters, and yet they were worried about these creeps. I don’t want to know what they’d do to…” Jaron’s eyes lowered as he halted that line of thought. “But in any case, I understand now why Mom and Dad kept us out. They wanted to spare us all this dark stuff away while still preparing us in case something happened. Ciecro…doesn’t know any more about this situation than I do. I feel like he wants to rush in recklessly because of some desire to pay them back, which I get. But, if he gets hurt or worse…”

Jaron’s head fell as he sniffled. “And nothing I say gets him to stop. I’ve pointed it all out to him, but he just doesn’t listen.” Looking at her with desperation in his gaze, Jaron asked, “He listens to you. What would you do?”

Dresha, who had been listening to this with a very serious look, finally softened up and looked upwards. “Well, I’ve only ever had one conversation like that with your brother.”

“One?”

“Yes. It was when he wanted to go after Seliph.”

Jaron’s eyes widened. “Wait, when was this?”

“The next day. You were still in the hospital at the time.”

The Croconaw’s jaw fastened shut, his body froze, his mind went blank, and his inner ears listened intently to what she was going to next say.

“The poor boy was so upset at what Seliph said to me when he left. To be honest, I think he thought I was lying to him.”

“Huh?”

“Overall, he wanted to try and get Seliph to come back. He had no plan. No idea if those bad guys were out there still. No experience too. And I told him that directly.” She looked at Jaron with a neutral gaze, which was almost unsettling for the boy. “And Ciecro told me he didn’t care and that I was a ‘lying hag’. To be honest, I believed he had to find Seliph.”

He was really going to leave me? Jaron’s head lowered. “Did he really say that?”

Her eyes lowered. “He was upset, Jaron, and just a child. It’s why I don’t blame him for being so hostile with me when it happened. You can sympathize with outbursts like that too, no?”

Jaron thought back to what he said to Ciecro, seeing how much it apparently bothered Ciecro. “I guess…No, I know from experience.”

Dresha smiled softly and continued. “What finally dissuaded him, was when I told him that he couldn’t leave you here alone.”

“Huh?”

She nodded. “I told him that you needed him. That he shouldn’t give up hope of finding Seliph, but that Seliph was better at taking care of himself than you were. To be plain, I said he couldn’t have it both ways. I told him we would speak with Mr. Hommel the next day. He had survived more than any child his age should be expected to and it was alright for him to rest. I wanted him to know that.” Her eyes lowered followed by a heavy sigh. “Of course, he didn’t take it well. Pretty much yelled at me again before breaking down.”

For the first time this morning, Jaron’s gaze shifted to a sympathetic one. “I mean, you’re not wrong. I probably would have been far worse off if he went away.”

She nodded. “Though, I couldn’t just leave him like that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I tried my best to comfort him. I told him just how I felt about it.” She brought a fin to her eye as her emotions from that time started flowing back. “I told him how when my late husband passed that I felt so…alone. That I wondered if there was something I could have done or not have been that would have added on more years.”

You…you really felt like that? Jaron felt his heart tighten up as she continued.

“I was upset at everything, Jaron. I told Ciecro that’s why I wanted him to stay. Because I saw so much of my anger in him. So much of my late husband’s warmth in him, even we hadn’t known each other very long. Even if our reasons were vastly different. I felt it wrong to not help him after all my life had led up to. Yes, I was a stranger, Jaron, but some things transcend social boundaries. I know I could never replace the mother you boys had, so I asked him if he would let me care for him and his brother, until he sees fit to leave.” Her eyes shut for a second as she said, “And he agreed.”

Jaron’s head lowered.

“We can’t make people see our reasoning or agree with it, Jaron. But you must never forget that Ciecro values you so much, even more than me.”

“Don’t say that.”

“I’m not bothered by that fact, Jaron.” She smiled. “I’m glad you have a brother that loves you so dearly. And even if it feels like he doesn’t care right now, I imagine it’s not because he’s stopped caring. I think if you want to help him see things another way, perhaps you need to remind him of what he means to you.”

“But he knows what he means to me. Are you saying he’s forgotten?”

“I don’t know what’s bothering your brother, Jaron. I just know that right now, he needs you just as much as you need him. Anyone can tell him what he’s doing wrong, only you can tell him what you truly think.”

The Croconaw’s eyes lowered. “How do I do that? What do I say?”

“I don’t know Jaron. Some of these things just need to be done in the moment. But I know you’ll do fine.”

Jaron sighed. “Thanks for your confidence in me.”

“It’s well placed dear.” She gave him a little peck on the cheek, making him instantly pull back and rub the spot.

“Did you really need to do that out here?” He snarled as she giggled.

“I give my nephews affection wherever I see fit. I thought you’d already know that by now.” Her almost smug smile was contagious.

“Sure, sure.” He shook his head, feeling better already.

“Since you’re here, do you want to swim around with me for a bit? So you can get your morning swim in.”

Jaron smiled. “Always.”

Aunt Dresha swam past Jaron and he followed her. She’s right. I know Ciecro can be a pain, but he’s always been that way. I can’t forget that deep down he does care. I don’t know what I’m going to say to him or how to say it without pissing him off, but I’ll figure something out. He shoved his face into the water, looking at the stone pathway at the riverbed as he swerved his body to keep up with Dresha. I didn’t know he almost went after Seliph. Seems like a far cry from how he is now. But…I guess I can understand. I want Seliph back too, but he just…He doesn’t seem to be the same. A troubled look formed on Jaron’s face. I pretty much accepted he cut us off, so why come back now? I…I might need some time first, just to be sure.

< O >

“Uhm, sir?”

Snorting awake, Seliph jolted up and looked around frantically. “Oh sorry, uhm. Yes?” He hastily inquired, rubbing his eyes.

looking at the librarian Celfable, who looked either concerned or unsettled.

“Here is…the drink you ord-” A Clefable set a mug on the table. “It’s fresh so quite ho-”

“Ah, thank you!” In the blink of an eye, Seliph snatched it and began gulping it down right in front of the dumbfounded librarian. One heated exhale of satisfaction later, Seliph slammed the mug down like one would at a bar, saying. “Another please.”

It took her a second to process what she had just witnessed. “B-b-but sir, you’ve already had sev-”

Seliph placed a coin on the table. “I would like to order another one. I have work to get done and would like to be awake when doing it.”

She sighed and took his coin. “Alright.” The Clefable walked away mumbling under her breath and shaking her head.

His nerves felt jittery, wanting to bounce all over the walls. His gullet felt warm and comfy. Okay, back to my task. He looked back down at the book and pressed his finger at where he had left off, skimming through a few sentences before shaking his head annoyed. Ugh, not what I need either. Maybe this library doesn’t have what I’m looking for after all. He stood up and walked over to the main desk, setting the book a bit harshly on the desk, due to his active nerves rather than any malice or frustration.

The Parasect clerk faced him, his eyes, being the white voids, were making Seliph feel a bit unsettled but also unsure if he had properly gotten the mon’s attention until the bug spoke. “Ah, is that the book you would like to-”

Seliph held up his hand. “No, I’m not checking this book out. I just have a question.”

“Uhm…alright.”

The Parasect clerk looked over at the Clefable, who was grinding some seeds into powder as some water nearby was heating up a small metal casing with a red Emura in its center. She looked back and shrugged, resuming her task.

“Ahem, what kind of catalog question, sir?”

Seliph rested his arms on the desk, saying, “Do you have any specific works about the Clans?”

“Errr?” The Parasect said perplexed, his void white eyes staring blankly at Seliph in a creepy, albeit unintentional manner.

“He means, books about Clansmons,” the Clefable clarified, setting the cup on the desk, which Seliph immediately snatched up.

“Oh! Of course, sir! My apologies.” The Parasect pulled something from under desk, set a large writing book on top, and began turning its pages while browsing the entries.

Ugh, can’t they afford databases? Seliph rolled his eyes as he rested his back on the desk, staring down at the wooden floor as he waited.

“Would you like a list of them, sir?”

“Yes, please.” He began rubbing his chin. I have what I need for the trap, but not knowing why they’re after the Fraxure is just bothering me. I wish I had better research so I could check if he had his memory tampered with since I think it’s possible to use a soul link to investigate that. Maybe they have something here I could use. He slammed his fist into his palm and spun around, startling the Parasect.

“I’m sorry, but can you also add to the list books on the topic of mental manipulation?”

The two stared back with dumbfounded looks as Seliph groaned.

“Any books or papers about the mind portion of mons.”

“Uhh…I can check sir, I’ll just have to start at the be-”

“That’s fine.” Seliph slammed another coin on the desk. “Another one please.”

“Sir, please,” The Clefable scooted back his coin, with a concerned look. “Having too much is unhealthy. If you’re feeling that tired sir, you should go get some rest. Perhaps you can do more of your research lat-”

The Greninja’s eyes narrowed. “Look, I’m buying a drink. Are you going to make me a cup or not?”

“Eight is very excessive. This is a library, not a bar.” She crossed her arms and scowled at him. “I’m sorry, but if you want another Blast Seed Brew, you’re going to-”

“Got it.” He got off the bar and started walking out, leaving the Clefable in surprise. “I’ll be back for the list.” The Greninja grumbled as he headed for the door, putting his hand on it but paused as he looked at a group of nearby tables where mons were reading or chatting. He raised a brow as he focused on one of the tables, but soon opened the door and left with a dark grin on his face.

Once out, he immediately took a right where he spotted the nearest café. As he started walking, he suddenly diverted course and went down an alleyway, pressing his back against the wall immediately. Let’s see if you’re gullible.

Stepping deeper into the alleyway, Seliph got down on all fours and hopped up. He formed a Night Slash stick that shot out both sides and stuck into the wall. He did this a few times until he was able to hop onto the roof and look down.

Hmmmm… The alleyway was still empty. Then is that mon following- Raising a brow he jogged to the other side of the building, but to his surprise, there was no one there too. Hrm? His eyes shot wide as he darted over to the front side, looking right at the café he was going to.

A white furred mon entered the café, vanishing as the door shut behind this stranger. Seliph raised a brow and smiled. Huh, so you aren’t gullible. Sucks for you I have stalking experience.

He made his way down and started across the street for the café. He brushed himself a little as he entered, the bustling breakfast time forcing him to be a bit more aware to save himself and anyone else from an unfortunate collision.

“Need something, sir?”

He looked at the bartender and shook his head. “Not yet, thank you.” He resumed browsing the café. Come on, where- Ah there you are. With a broad grin, Seliph strode on over to a booth and sat down opposite another mon obscured by a paper menu.

“I supposed I must be out in the rural fields to be dealing with all this paper instead of holocasters.”

“Get lost, bub,” A voice replied the attempt at sounding deeper was pretty obvious.

“I could say the same, but then I would still be curious why you’re spying on me.” He put a finger to the top of the menu and pulled it down gently, revealing Jasmine leering at him.

“I was reading that.”

“Sure you were.” Seliph leaned back, spreading his arms out in a lax position, making Jasmine’s eyes dart to the side with annoyance. “So, gonna answer my question?”

“What’s there to answer?” She replied coldly. “You’re being paranoid. I always do some reading before I get some breakfast.”

“Sounds a bit normal of a routine, given all that’s going on I’d imagine you wouldn’t do that.” He leaned forward.

“Old habits die hard.” She leaned forward too, his knowing grin matching her soft scowl.

Seliph chuckled as he looked out the window. “So you’re telling me that going out in the rain post-midnight is normal for you?” Seliph’s eyes darted to look at her as he finished, taking in as much of her reaction as he could.

Sure enough, her face twitched slightly with her eyes widening for a second before she looked back at the bar.

Gotcha. Seliph rolled his neck. “Am I wrong?”

She sighed, refusing to answer.

Raising a finger, Seliph said, “First rule of bluffing. Always have a strong resting face.”

“I’m not bluffing,” she snapped, her head lowering a little afterward as a wordless acknowledgment of her guilt.

“Of course not.” Seliph shrugged. “By all reason, you are right.”

“Huh?” She looked at him with a cautiously raised brow.

Seliph leaned back, rolling his wrist. “I didn’t see you that night. I just said that to see if you’d recognize it, which you did.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s hardly proof.”

“Proof is for a court of whatever law is in style.” He shrugged. “Some things are just easy to tell.”

“That’s a rather dangerous way of thinking about things.”

Seliph smiled in the wake of her hostility, only interrupted by a waiter coming over.

“Uhm…are you two ready?”

“He’s not wit-” Jasmine began but Seliph cut her off.

“I’ll take a Blast Seed Brew. No additions.” He held out a hand to her, indicating it was her turn to order.

It took her a second, but she finally sighed and uttered, “Just some Oran Juice.” The waiter nodded and left, prompting Jasmine to speak up again. “So first you catch me spying on you and now you’re buying my drink?”

“Why not? I respect your tact. But also, I’m curious what I did to get your ever-gazing eyes fixated on my person.” Her lack of response prompted him to speak his mind. “It’s because of Humphry, isn’t it?”

Instantly, her silence was broken. “If you think he ordered me to do that, think again.”

“Oh no, no, no, you misunderstand.” She waited for the clarification. “I meant that Humphry doesn’t trust me so you don’t.”

“I…well…those are your words, not mine.”

Seliph raised a brow, a bit surprised at how flustered Humphry’s mention made her. “If you think I’m saying that’s wrong, I’m not. I’m sure Humphry has done much to earn your trust.”

“He’s the Commissioner and has taken a sworn duty to protect the town.” She retorted, almost offended at his method of talking about Mr. Hommel.

“Many rangers don’t let something like sworn duty get in the way of personal goals.” Seliph leaned on the window as Jasmine countered.

“Yes, but you’d be surprised to know Humphry isn’t one of them.”

“You sound certain.”

“I know a corr-” She paused, her built-up anger vanishing in a flash with flustered surprise.

Huh? Seliph faced her, but she had already shifted to a defensive, head-lowered scowl.

“I…I just know he’s not like that. His guild is a good place.”

History or something else? He leaned back. “You’re training to become a ranger, right?”

“Yes…what about it?”

“Nothing about it.” He sighed as he once more turned his attention to the window. “Look, don’t take it the wrong way. I don’t blame anyone here for not knowing much about the Red Eyes or knowing the perfect counter to everything.”

“Sounds like you are. It sounded like you were upset that he didn’t just do everything you wanted him to.”

“I have no personal attachment to your commissioner.” Seliph looked upwards. “He seems like an upstanding citizen and I’d be lying to say I wasn’t grateful for his existence. But as I said, these guys are something of an anomaly when it comes to criminals. I’ve got the best experience and knowledge about them. I think that isn’t something to be ignored.”

“He’s not ignoring you.”

“I know and in any other circ*mstance, I’d be more lenient.” Seliph huffed as he saw the work going on at the bar. “But time isn’t on our side. These guys are willing to kill as you saw last night.”

The two went silent, even as their drinks arrived. Seliph immediately started sipping his hot brew while Jasmine stared at hers, eventually saying, “What do you mean earlier when you said you were grateful for his existence?”

He let out a little chuckle and looked at her straight in the eye. “You mean to tell me you can figure out where I was and how to keep a covert eye on me, but don’t know why I’d appreciate your commissioner?”

About a minute later, Jasmine let out a heavy “Hmph.” Looking away, she said, “So you’re telling me that you do care about them?”

Her words almost made him frown, but he refrained, keeping the change to just a neutral face. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Well…” Her head lowered as her face bore some manner of guilt, probably from how sharp her statement came off. “I mean, why didn’t you at least send them some letters?”

Seliph raised a brow. “Why letters?”

“You know what I mean,” She answered, tensing up like a heavy boulder. “Why didn’t you try contacting them in some way?”

Seliph started on a long sip of his drink as he thought, Hmmm, let’s see how sturdy that wall is. Would be worth it if this situation is dragged out. As he set the mug down, he kept his eyes on the swirling liquid inside. “I wanted to, but it’s not easy.” He leaned back, continuing. “If I sent anything truly heartfelt or sincere then they would have been brought into this.”

She didn’t look convinced, however, Seliph could see her expression was softer than before.

She must be very good friends with them. Perhaps… He paused, thinking carefully about how he wanted to go about this. “I don’t know if you or the Commissioner know this, but maybe you’d be interested to know something.”

“Huh?” She looked flabbergasted as Seliph chuckled.

“My brothers weren’t discovered in the attack.”

“Huh?” Jasmine tilted her head, confused.

He nodded. “I’m very confident in that. Anybody that did seem them was killed.” He sipped more of his drink, finishing it up in a few gulps. And I’m certainly glad no invasive psychics were able to find that out either. “That’s why I didn’t want to send anything. Because they had something I didn’t. Identity protection.”

Her head lowered, processing this information.

“Does that answer your question?”

“It kind of does, but…” she sighed and shook her head. “Look, I’m not saying you don’t care, but…”

He waited patiently for her to finish that thought, but she never did.

“Sorry, nevermind.”

He looked at the window as a minor scowl formed on his face, almost without thinking about it. Maybe you’re more like my brothers than I thought. His eyes narrowed fiercer as he finished that thought. However, he quickly shifted back to a neutral expression as he looked back at Jasmine. “Is that another reason why you don’t trust me? Because my brothers are upset with my lack of contact?”

“Well…I’d be lying if I didn’t say I could sympathize.”

“In more than just imagination?” Seliph squinted as he focused on her body and its tells. She looked uncomfortable hearing that but didn’t reply. Backpedal a little, Seliph. You don’t want to overdo it. He rolled his neck, saying with a cheery smile, “But perhaps that’s also because you’re a good friend to them.”

She looked at him in surprise. “Huh?”

“I can tell. You just give off a strong, caring vibe. I’m glad my brothers have a friend.” He started drawing circles on the table. Let’s see, if I want her to trust me better I need to come off as vulnerable. So, let’s go with something believable. He put on a rather weary smile as he spoke, “You know, I sometimes was troubled that they were alone in that town. I know they had Dresha, but I was concerned they’d never have someone their age. So, seeing you here brings warm feelings to my heart.”

He refrained from looking at her reaction, confident he pitched it sincerely enough to land the impact.

“I…Uhm…”

Perfect. His eyes widened as he suddenly felt a vibration coming from his belt. He raised a brow as he starting deducing what it was without looking. Back right pocket. Wait! He stood up and tossed two coins on the table.

“Huh?”

“Sorry, but I imagine that list is done by now. I have some business to do anyways.” He gave her a pleasant bow and said, “It was nice talking to you, miss?”

“Jasmine…Jasmine Morteaih.”

He nodded and headed out at a race-walking pace. Instead of going back into the library, he went down the alleyway next to it followed by a few turns. Once out of sight, he pulled out a rusted, damaged badge. In the center was the Norfarion Crest insignia over a faintly flashing orb welded to the metal. Sometimes I’m amazed this still works. He tapped it and it beamed up a holographic orange screen with various options. He tapped a button that was flashing and it went into a loading spiral. His eyes narrowed. Why are they contacting me now? I thought it’d take them at least three more days to get here. Though. He looked back down at the badge. Maybe it’s not just the Red Eyes I shouldn’t underestimate.

The screen shifted to a blank line that suddenly erupted with peaks and dips matching the audio static it started playing. “Hello?” A voice spoke from the badge, the orange lines easing up to match the voice.

Seliph’s eyes slid to the right, fixated on the alleyway corner as he answered, “Yeah, it’s me.”

“Seliph? Oh, thank Arceus we got you at a good time.”

He felt uneasy about this stranger’s relief at hearing his voice. “What is it?”

“Oh, we wanted to give you a heads-up. We’re nearing Perion Town. It’s just a couple of miles away.”

How did they manage that? He started stroking his chin. “Are you going by the river?”

Another voice answered, this one was a deeper, growling-like voice. “Yes. It ends at a pocket lake directly next to the town, correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.” He reached into another pouch and pulled out a piece of paper. On it, he had a bunch of scribbled notes as well as the layout of an outer sector of Vergium Town. “There’s something you two should know. We’re at Vergium Town now.”

“What?” The first, higher pitched voice exclaimed as the second one chimed in, it having a much deeper almost growling voice.

“Did something happen?”

“Another attack, but we’re fine now. Listen, since you’re so close-”

The chipper voice spoke first. “Hey, that’s actually closer than Perion. We should be able to get there by nightfall if we book it.”

“Where in Perion Town are-” The deeper voice began, but was cut off by Seliph.

“No. You’re not coming into town just yet.” He sighed as he heard the surprised reactions on the other side. “I need you two on standby.”

“What? Why? If they attack again-”

“Their attack is going to be unavoidable. For now, I need you two to help with support. I have a plan.”

“A plan? For what?” The deeper one asked, Seliph almost sensing the quizzical look coming from the audio hologram.

“I’ll fill you in on the details, but right now I have to get back to some research and setting things up. Contact me tonight around eleven tonight and we’ll talk about it.”

“But…” Silence followed before it was broken by the sound of a sigh. “Alright. We’ll wait outside of town.”

“Thank you.” Seliph pressed the button and the hologram disappeared. With a grin on his face, he looked to the right. “You’re welcome to attend too if you don’t mind being out in the open this time. You know where I’m staying.” He turned and started walking down the alleyway, as Jasmine came from around the corner, an uncertain scowl on her face.

Seliph shoved his hands into his pockets, a narrow smirk on his face. Let’s see how curious you really are, Jasmine. I hope you’re there. You could be very helpful in keeping them in check.

Chapter 31
Controlled Inhibition

Humphry set a mug down as he let out a faintly steamy exhale of contentment. He looked over at a large office desk where Vergium Town’s Commissioner, Zebzena, was busying herself with an assortment of letters. “Whoever you get to make your brews, mind lending sometime?”

“Perhaps I could arrange something,” Zebzena said with a cheeky grin, though she kept her focus on her work.

Humphry took another tasty sip, licking his chops as he set the empty mug down and wiped his mouth with his arm. “Anything actually interesting in that pile?”

“Nope. I rarely get anything that doesn’t get sent downstairs from a simple glance.” She flicked another letter onto the pile indicated as Filing Office.

Humphry watched her work, her eyes were filled with unease, a stark contrast to the teasing between colleagues they had earlier.

“I don’t like this.” She finally made eye contact with him, confessing, “If they’re bold enough to attack your town, they’ll be bold enough to attack here.”

“I agree.” He stood up and turned towards the window, the warmth of the sun filling his nerves with a pleasing relaxation that struck at his current stress. “And I’m grateful for you helping us. I want to get us help too, but I’m convinced they had outside help for this mission.” He turned towards her, matching her expression with his own unease. “It’s too coincidental and the fact it could be traced to a ranger file means someone may be listening on their behalf. Waiting for reinforcements doesn’t make sense for them to do, especially when they were winning the fight earlier. Right now, Vragon is safest if we don’t take unnecessary risks. It’ll make it harder for them to find him.”

Zebzena took one of the letters and started tapping it on her desk as she rested her head on her left hand. “I get that much, but I still don’t like leaving ourselves wide open like this. Not calling back up feels like we’re asking to be overrun.”

“I agree and I’m sorry that we’re putting you and Vergium Town through this.”

She shook her head. “It’d be wrong of me to turn you guys away. Besides, I have no interest in letting those punks have their way.”

Humphry nodded. “If it helps, only Undo knows about where we went back home and he’s on managing duty at the center of the ranger guild.” He smiled briefly as he walked over to her bookshelf, dragging his finger across the titles. “Plus…I doubt even if we asked for help now we’ll get much if any.” He returned his stare to the books, it growing into a gloomy gaze as he read the assortment of titles. “Even if time wasn’t an issue I imagine they wouldn’t do anything against the Red Eyes, even if they were presented with irrefutable evidence of the attack they caused.”

“That sounds too cynical for you,” Zebzena commented, leaning back to cross her legs.

“Maybe it is.” Humphry started rubbing his eyes. “But right now I don’t think the guilds are ready to make a stand against the Red Eyes. We need more time to bring the others around. To show them this isn’t a battle they have to fight alone.”

“I agree.” Zebzena stood up and walked around her desk. “Are you sure you want to do it this way? I appreciate your concern for Vergium Town, but maybe you should take some time to rest first.”

“We’re pressed for time.” He looked at her as she looked out the window, his eyes narrowing as he was reminded how his town’s peace was robbed. I wonder how everyone else is doing back home. I wonder how…you’re doing, Doris. He shook his head as he turned towards the door, not answering her question.

“Humphry?”

“I’m fine…just need to get some air. It’s been a long morning.”

“I see. Here.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t go too far.”

“No, I mean, here.”

“Huh? Oof!” Humphry croaked in surprise as he caught onto a topless, sorting cabinet full of letters.

“Do you mind running this down to filing for me? Just tell them it’s the usual.”

“Will…do,” he answered with a grunt as he heaved it up.

“I got you.” She gently nudged him aside and opened the door, stepping out of the way for him to leave. “And don’t feel like you can’t take some time to relax. We’ve got things covered for you.”

As she shut the door behind him, Humphry stared at the wall blankly, a frown forming on his face as he diverted his gaze to the letters he was carrying. I can rest later. He sighed as he started down the hall. Right now, I need to get things ready. I want to give us as good of a head start as possible.

During his trip down the empty hallway to the upper levels of a busy main lobby, Humphry paused and set the stack of letters on the bar while holding it to make sure it wouldn’t fall. Now where is it? It didn’t take him long to find the filing section, prompting him to start his descent down the stairs.

I sure hope this town can be spared from an attack. But I suppose either way, there’s nothing I can do about it. Zebzena is capable, I’m sure she can maintain a better counter with her resources. He set the letters on the wooden bar, watching a Chimecho near the back levitating various files around. I just wish… His eyes lowered as he sighed. No, I can’t keep dragging down over my failures before. I owe to the dead to minimize those at risk. The only extra person that should have his life on the line for this, should be-

“Hello there, Mr. Hommel.”

He glanced up to see the Chimecho staring at him with a smile full of glee that did little to improve his mood.

“Are these for filing?” She said, observing the stack of letters.

“Yeah…the Commissioner asked me to deliver this down for you. Says it’s the ‘usual’”

“Ah well, I’ll take care of that right away.” Her eyes started glowing pink as the letters started floating out of the container, one by one, like a parade of paper in defiance of gravity.

Humphry nodded and was about to step away until he became fixated on watching the letters be sorted from their levitation dance. He leaned on the bar as his eyes narrowed slightly. I hope I’m making the right choice. I mean, I don’t know what you would do in a situation like this, but I guess I feel so unready for all this. It did just come out of nowhere, this level of escalation over three punks in less than a week. His eyes shut. Dad, I don’t know how you always felt so confidence, even as you’re getting older. For me, it feels the opposite. I fear that age will sap my vigor and strength. I know this situation doesn’t have a perfect solution, but I still get those tremors I’m missing something. That there’s more I could do that could make the difference between life and death.

He smirked softly as he shook his head, finally going for that walk of his. However, right as he opened the doors he spotted Ciecro sitting on the ground near the entrance to a nearby alley, looking bummed. Hrm? What’s he doing there? Immediately, Humphry walked over and instead of getting his attention chose to study the boy.

“Go away.”

Humphry flinched for a second before composing himself. Guess he wasn’t sleeping. He knelt down on a knee, asking, “Ciecro? What’s-”

Ciecro gasped and looked up, immediately getting to his feet. “Sorry, I didn’ know it was yah, sir.”

A relieved chuckle came from the Seismitoad as he stood up as well. “It’s alright.” His smile disappeared as he tilted his head with a curious gaze. “But, why are you sitting here all alone in an alleyway.”

Ciecro’s head lowered, making Humphry groan inside.

So it’s one of those things huh? Humphry scratched the back of his head, saying, “Look, Ciecro, I don’t really like digging in, but given all that’s been going on, I need you to answer me.”

The Charmeleon turned his head to the side. “It…doesn’ matteh anyways.”

“Ciecro.” Humphry walked in front of Ciecro and placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder, albeit not the injured one. “Tell me why and what you’re doing at the ranger guild, please.”

Ciecro started rubbing his arm. “I…I was jus’….” He growled a little as he hung his head low and said in a soft tone. “Is Clyde dead?”

Humphry felt his body tense up. “I…” He took his hand away and looked at the wall solemnly. The Monferno’s fate had been on his mind as well, be it another casualty to add to the list or a permanently harmed survivor. Either way, it was a fate that was in his thoughts and prayers too. “I don’t know.”

“Yah don’?” Ciecro repeated with a tint of surprise that the Commissioner wasn’t aware of this information.

“No, I don’t. We are not beaming out any special transmissions.” He looked at Ciecro, seeing the boys desperate and bothered look lower was enough to make him recount those horrible memories of learning of his story. I’m sorry. He took a big inhale and let it all out, forcing his mind and body to relax as he prepared for what he was about to say. “Ciecro.”

“Huh?” The boy looked up at him, as Humphry leaned over and looked at him on an even level.

“Ciecro, want you to stay with a ranger at all times and try to avoid traveling too much around town.”

The Charmeleon raised a brow. “Wha’? Sir?”

“And…I want you to give your arm the rest it needs. If there is another conflict, you are to comply with ranger orders and not engage, no matter what.”

“Bu’ sir-” Ciecro started to protest, but Humphry held up his hand.

“No. I cannot allow another incident like last night to occur.” He stood up and crossed his arms. “These are your orders, Ciecro.” He fought hard against the sympathy that built up inside him at seeing the conflicted expression on the boy’s face as his head lowered. “I understand you w-”

“No, yah don’!”

Humphry’s eyes shot wide at the sudden outburst.

“Yah don’ understand! If I hadn’ gone den maybe somethin’ worse would’ve happened.”

Humphry’s eyes narrowed, reclaiming his authority stance. “You don’t know that.”

“But…I saw everyone fightin’ dem. Dey were strugglin’.”

“Ciecro, this isn’t like you.” He stepped forward prompting the Charmeleon to snarl. “You’re normally very good at understanding the situation and complying with important requests. Your desire to help is admirable, I truly mean that, but you cannot break my orders during such a critical situation.”

“Bu-”

Humphry snorted and stepped forward. “Ciecro.” He towered over the boy, asserting his authority both mentally and physically as he bluntly said, “Even if you were in tip-top shape I wouldn’t want nor let you fight. This isn’t a game and this isn’t a test for you. These are real, evil mons that will kill anyone that stands in their way.”

“I know, bu-”

“If you know then stop arguing with me.” Humphry pressed fingers to his eyes aggravated.

“Dey could kill yah or anyone else! I can’t jus’ sit on dah sidelines.”

“For Arceus’s sake, Ciecro, they murdered mons just last night.” Humphry leered down at the shocked Charmeleon. “I don’t want you to put your life in danger when it doesn’t need to be.”

“I’m not gonna throw my life away!” Ciecro shouted defiantly.

“Yes, you are.” Humphry stepped forward as Ciecro stepped back with a wide-eyed look. “Your shoulder is injured and they’re a handful even for us in groups. You understood when your parents told you to hold back eight years ago, why don’t you understand this now?” Humphry’s gaze lowered a little. That’s a low blow, but I need him to understand-

“Why’re yah bringin’ dat up?” the Charmeleon asked with a side glance and a faint, angry growl.

“You understood their rules were in place to protect you. I know I am not them, but I hope in all our years you know that I say all of this out of my desire to keep you, Jaron, and everyone else safe. I’m sorry, Ciecro, but you need to stop and listen to me.”

Ciecro’s scowled fiercely as he turned towards the wall. “I am listenin’.”

“Then why are you pushing back against so much?”

“Because it’s not fair!” Ciecro slammed his fist against the wall as he leered at Humphry with a fierce, angry glare. “I never wanted tah jus’ leave ‘em. I had no choice, because I was ten.” His head lowered a little. “I couldn’ do anythin’ at all. I could barely help my brothers an’ I even screwed dat up.”

Humphry just listened, using this time to cool his head.

Ciecro looked at his hands as they clenched into fists. “If…things were different. If I was how I am now. I wouldn’ve ran.”

Humphry took a second to think about what to say. He sighed and walked closer to the boy. “Ciecro, no parent worth their salt would sacrifice their child for their own life.”

“So why is dat always dah adult’s choice?” He looked up at Humphry, his fury showing traces of weakness as his eyes started tearing up a little. “Why can’t I make dat choice?”

Softening his expression, Humphry crossed his arms and looked at the wall. “I never would want you to have to make that choice or anyone your age.” He sighed, saying, “The simple fact is, you’re young. You have a lot more years ahead. Your parents understood the value in that.”

“I…I don’ agree.” Ciecro wiped his eyes with his arm as he glared at the wall. “Yah’lls lives aren’ worth less because yah’re older.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Humphry rubbed the back of his head as he sighed. “If these threats weren’t so dangerous I wouldn’t be asking you to stay out of it.” He sighed and looked upwards. “Ciecro, you know that-”

Ciecro’s arms fell to their sides as he said in a low tone, “How would yah feel?”

“Hrm?” Their eyes locked. Humphry’s face softened as he saw the troubled look on Ciecro’s face.

“Tah jus’ be told yah can’t do anythin’.” He started brushing at the tears in his eyes. “It’d f*ckin’ suck.” He stared low at the side, sad memories likely in his mind. “I know yah’re jus’ lookin’ out fo’ us. But…I don’ want wha’ happened tah muh parents tah happen tah yah or anybody else. An’ my parents wouldn’ want dat either.”

Humphry could feel his eyes wanting to swell up too. I’m being too harsh. But I don’t know. He’s been off for a while and while I agree with his feelings of wanting to protect, it’s still-…he’s still-… He crossed his arms, to be honest, I agree. It would suck to be unable to do anything about it. He sighed and placed his back against the wall. “You’re right.”

“Sir?”

Humphry’s fists tightened as he stared at the wall opposite the one he rested on. “It does suck. This whole situation. It makes me feel so small despite the consequences being so big.” His arms fell to his sides. “I keep thinking about what I could have changed. Done differently, so that at least some of the casualties would still have their lives.” His eyes shut as he tried to blank his mind as he bore out his honesty while trying to keep his tone stable and calm. “I want to deny that there was only so much I could do. That so much of it was out of my control.”

He felt his body heat up, the anger inside wanting to release itself in a rant, but he held it in. “To be honest, Ciecro.” He tried to remain stoic as he paused. “I’d be lying if I didn’t feel similar feelings deep down to how you feel about your parents. Survivors guilt and all that.” He looked at the boy, who had lowered his gaze to the side, but despite not looking at him Humphry could tell the boy was very invested in what he was saying. “But I can’t forget all that is here right now. All that is still in danger. Ciecro, I hope you understand I’m not trying to cage you up. I don’t bring up your past to shame you, but to give you a glimpse of how I see it. Your parents were proud of you for making the hard, grown-up choice of letting go for their sake and you’ve gotten older Ciecro, not younger.”

He got off the wall and held out a hand to Ciecro. “I’m sorry for stirring up all those painful memories. I just felt…that you’d understand better if I used them as an example.”

Ciecro looked at the hand, hesitant.

He’s upset no doubt. He kept his hand there, saying, “I’m sorry I brought them up, but I wanted to make my orders clear. I want you to trust me like how I trust you. I know you can protect yourself and Jaron should anything happen.”

Ciecro’s eyes softened a little at this last part, darting to the side for a second to process. Wiping at his eyes one last time, Ciecro sniffled as he reached up and took Humphry’s hand. “Please...don’ die.”

“I won’t.” Humphry smiled as they shook and released. “I’m asking more of you than you deserve. Thank you, Ciecro. I’m glad to know someone as brave and strong as you.”

Ciecro leaned against the wall, eyes shutting. While he remained silent, Humphry could almost sense Ciecro didn’t see it that way.

“It takes a lot of courage to let go, you know.”

He still didn’t reply.

A frown formed on Humphry’s face as he tried to think of something to say that would encourage the boy. Just then, a vibration came from his belt, prompting him to take out his com orb. “Hello? Ranger Hommel speaking.”

Ciecro perked up a little as the orb glowed in tune with the person speaking on the other side.

“Forgive the intrusion, sir, but Miss Morteaih wishes to speak with you.”

“Dolly?” The two said, before Humphry asked, “Where is she?”

“In the commissioner’s office.”

“I’m on my way.” He put the orb away, saying, “We’ll talk more about this later. Okay?” He patted Ciecro on the non-injured shoulder, hoping the boy would give him some reaction to gauge his mood.

“Okay…” Ciecro said in a soft tone, walking past the Seismitoad, head downcast and eyes fixated on the ground.

Humphry watched Ciecro until the Charmeleon vanished from sight. Poor boy. He’ll need some time to accept it. I can’t blame him, but I’m sure he knows it’s the right thing to do. I hope I get the chance to speak with him before I leave. Humphry looked at the orb in his hand. I want to give him some closure.

< O >

“Of course, this would be where he was,” Humphry said with a heavy sigh, staring at the run-down, brick building in front. His eyes looked at the hanging sign, a bit rusted over but not enough to obscure the word cheap rooms plastered under the place’s name. “Even cheap inns don’t look this questionable.”

“Well, this is where I followed him.” Jasmine sighed as she sat next to the door. “I still don’t like this.”

Nodding, he said, “I agree, but if he’s informing you about his plans then it’s important I am here too. Besides,” he looked at the door, eyes narrowing. “I doubt he expected you to come alone.”

“I guess.” She stood up on all fours, though her head remained downcast.

Looking at her, Humphry smiled and said, “Don’t be discouraged. You did the right thing telling Dolly.”

“It’s not that, I’m just…” She paused for a second, pondering for the right words before giving up and saying. “I don’t really have a better way to say this but, with all due respect sir, I think maybe Dolly should have come instead of you.”

Humphry smirked as he rubbed his chin. “Why you wound me.”

“I’m being serious.” She scowled and looked at the door. “I don’t know what’s his issue with you, but he was pretty blunt about thinking you should just do what he tells you. Even his compliment felt belittling. I don’t know, he just doesn’t respect your authority or at least finds it threatening to his objectives is my estimation.”

Humphry stroked his chin, stewing on the words she had said until Jasmine spoke up again with a guilty look on her face.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he assured her, walking up to the door. “Not everybody is easy to work with, and Seliph has been a loner for a long time. It honestly makes perfect sense he’d want to call the shots because he has experience with these ‘Red Eyes’.”

Jasmine raised a brow. “But sir.”

“Don’t get me wrong.” He looked back at her with a determined look in his eyes. “I won’t let him push me around, but I can’t ignore he’s got information and experience with these guys I don’t have. Shutting him down entirely would be irresponsible of me.”

Jasmine smiled softly as she joined him at the door. “I just…want to make sure you know you’re a great commissioner to me. You don’t let your pride get in the way of something like this.”

Humphry croaked in jest. “I appreciate that. Now, we’ve dawdled enough. Let’s go in.”

“Right.”

Jasmine gently shoved open the door and entered, with Humphry following her with a frown on his face and his mind busy in his thoughts.

I wish she hadn’t confronted him on her own, even if she managed to set something like this up. I don’t like the way he talks. It reeks of an ulterior motive. His eyes lowered, staring at the wooden floor they were walking on. Maybe that’s just my dread. I don’t want to lie to him, but I doubt he’ll take my plan well. I may have to ask Jasmine to sit out when it comes to that.

Taking a break from his unpleasant thoughts, Humphry decided to take in the area they walked in. Its cleanliness looked like the work of someone without a work ethic as well as the walls requiring a new coat of paint. Gross. I guess that’s what happens in the less profitable districts, but still. As they were about to turn for the stairs, Humphry saw further down the hall a Raticate and Rapidash talking.

His eyes softened up. The Raticate’s tooth was chipped in a few spots, his whiskers were droopy, and his fur looked unkept in a few places. The Rapidash wasn’t much better with noticeably shaking legs and a dim flame for a mane. Elderly pit perhaps. We are on the outskirts, but still to just spice up the riverside of town and forget about this place because a bunch of old people live here just feels wrong, even on a tight budget. His eyes shut. If my father was still around I’d never want him to just be put in a place like this. I’d never want anyone to be-

“Sir?”

He glanced up at Jasmine, blinking. “Oh, sorry. I’m coming.” She headed on up as he started up the stairs, taking one last glance at the old duo, his mood rising a little as he saw that despite their decrepit bodies, they had glee in their conversation.

He stared forward absentmindedly as he rounded the stairs to the next floor, his smile growing. What was it you would say, father? ‘Contentment is the ultimate peace’. Heh, perhaps it comes with age for some. I’m glad those two at least have each other. I know I’d hate to be alone when nearing my end.

His attention shifted back to the Absol as she stopped, saying, “We’re here.”

Alright. Here it goes. Humphry knocked on the door. No answer. Raising a brow, he knocked again. “Huh?”

“It’s almost time so why isn’t he-?” Jasmine gasped as Humphry slammed his fist on the door. “Woah, don’t break the door down.”

“Sorry.” He leaned up to the door. “Is he asleep?” He flinched back as the doorknob turned with a creak and the door pulled inwards.

“Sorry about that,” Seliph said, poking his head in front of the door. “The lock chain on this can get stu-” He stopped, his eyes meeting Humphry’s. “Ah, Commissioner. I was expecting you.”

Jasmine’s eyes widened as Humphry’s narrowed.

Guess I was right. He gave a respectful nod. “Apologies for not sending some kind of notice.”

“It’s not a problem. Like I said, I was expecting you.”

Not bothering to hide your smugness I see, Humphry thought.

Once Seliph swung the door open, he gestured for Jasmine to enter first, taking a look down both aisles before stepping in and shutting the door behind him.

The room looked about as clean as the hallway. However, the table looked wiped off, showing what little traces of former color it had when it was brand new. On it was a saucer with an orb sitting in the middle, shooting out a projection of an audio line holographic screen.

“Please, have a seat. It shouldn’t take long and the chairs won’t fall apart. They might even last longer than the building.”

Humphry sat down first, his nerves calming down at the chair’s sturdiness, just as Seliph had said.

“So these associates of yours, they’re from the clans, right?” He asked.

“Mhm,” Seliph answered, prompting Humphry to stare at the orange line on the screen, stroking his chin.

“I’d like to as-” He flinched back as the line suddenly shot to life and the orb sounded static audio. What the?

“Hello?” A voice said amid the static sounds. “We coming through?”

“Yes, though you’re coming in with a bit of static,” Seliph answered.

Humphry leaned forward. “It’s probably from all the rainy weather we’ve been having. The humidity in the air is pretty high. That’s probably what’s making the connection so static sounding.”

“Dang, well I hope you can understand me.”

“We can, the static isn’t drowning you out,” Humphry answered, closing his eyes to try and deduce the voice from the static. Hmmm…a little high-pitched for a Norfarion. I hope it’s an adult talking and not some conscripted adolescent on an assignment.

Seliph smirked a little as he answered, “We can hear you fine.”

“Phew, for a minute there- hrm?”

Humphry leaned closer as another voice spoke, one deeper with almost a growl to it.

“We?”

Well now, that’s more what I was expecting. Humphry’s eyes focused on Seliph, who hadn’t changed from his relaxed posture.

“Yes, I have two guests with me. Swift, Garon, this is Commissioner Hommel and one of his students, Jasmine Morteaih.”

“Nice to meet you,” Jasmine said.

“Likewise,” the higher-pitched voice replied with a rather gleeful tone to it that seemed odd to Humphry, though he appreciated how this guy was uplifting the mood in the room.

“Alright, with that out of the way, we need to discuss what’s our-”

“If I may.” Humphry stood up and leaned on the table, waiting for Seliph to clear him.

The Greninja sighed and rolled his wrist, prompting Humphry to speak.

“This is Commissioner Hommel speaking. I’d like to ask you two a few questions if that’s alright?”

“Sure,” The lighter one answered.

“First things first. How many of you are there?”

“Two of us are heading your way. There are two more running support.”

“Support?” Humphry leaned forward, eyes narrowing as if he was studying their movements.

“Yes. They’re running our communications back to the homeland.”

“Why just you two?”

The deeper voice then added, “Me and Swift can make a trip like this in a short amount of time. Nobody else on our team would be able to keep up. So we all decided that us two would provide immediate backup to the local authorities while the others operate based on what we report.”

Hmmmm…I guess that makes sense, but is that the only reason? Deciding to move on, Humphry was about to ask his next question until Jasmine blurted out a question.

“Wait, you’re traveling on foot?”

“Yes?” Swift answered, with the bluntness of someone who didn’t see anything wrong with it.

“Why aren’t you using a transport?”

“Because,” Garon replied, “It’d take a bit of time to negotiate transportation if we could even acquire one at all to go that far inland. You don’t get transport to your towns there for trade, right?”

Humphry sighed heavily. “No, we don’t.”

Jasmine sat back, mulling over the answer.

“It was a good question,” Humphry whispered to her. He then turned back to the screen. “Alright, next question. What do you know about our attackers?”

“Well, there’s a lot to know about the Red Eyes. Some specifics about these attackers would help.”

Humphry scowled. I don’t like the sound of that. “Well, it was a team of three mons. A Gallade with a crest, I don’t know the exact clan, a Gengar, and a Haxorus who had an Averion crest and appears to be their leader. Well-coordinated and potentially reached out for intel.”

Seliph chimed in. “The Haxorus is very strong. Given the situation, warping him out of town was the only option.”

Humphry sighed and sat back down as Swift answered. “That’s still a bit vague, but it’s possible that one or all of them are Enforcers.”

“What’s that?” Jasmine asked.

“You could consider them the military of the Red Eyes.”

“Military?” Humphry raised a brow, leaning on his crossed arms resting on the table. “How big is this cult?”

“Quite big.” Garon sighed, saying, “To call them a ‘cult’ is kind of underselling them. They have plenty of international operations with a stronger force than they’re given credit for. But to get back to your question, Enforcers are sent out on important missions. If this is what we’re dealing with, they will be relentless and cunning. Enforcers are trained to fight well, operate effectively, and cause as few mistakes as possible.”

Humphry leaned back, the nervousness in the back of his mind trying to force its way to the forefront of his thoughts. That would explain their resilience. “Anyways, tell us more about-”

“Ahem,” Seliph interrupted, tapping his webbed fingers on the table. “I hate to interrupt, but I’d like to get to the planning part. Information can wait until we’ve dealt with the threat.”

Humphry scowled. “Now hang on a minute.”

“Please.” Seliph stood up and paced towards a wall, his arms behind his back inquisitively. “I know you want to learn more, but we might not have much time.” He looked back at the two, saying, “It’s important we prepare for their incoming offensive.”

“You say that like they’ll show up tonight.” Humphry got up from his seat and crossed his arms.

Seliph started stroking his chin in thought. “I wouldn’t put it past them. As previously stated, they’re very resilient.”

“I understand that. But we’ve taken good care at masking our presence in this town.”

Seliph gestured to the side. “I get that, but even then they probably assume we went to a town. Not many towns are near Perion Town so they may guess correctly.”

Humphry sighed. I can’t tell if he’s being genuine or just trying to keep me in the dark. Shaking his head, Humphry sat back down and lazily gestured for Seliph to continue.

“Alright, so here’s what I’m thinking.” Seliph took two rolled-up pieces of paper out of a dresser he was near and set them on the table.

Humphry and Jasmine leaned over, watching Seliph roll apart the first one which appeared to be a map of the center of town, indicated by the river cutting through the map in half.

“Currently, Vragon is residing at the inn here, correct?” He pressed his finger at the spot with Humphry confirming with a nod. “Alright, I’d like for Vragon to be moved here.” He dragged his finger to a spot near the northwestern part of town, barely on the map’s edge.

“Why there?” Humphry asked.

“It’s at a location with a lot of space. The Gengar won’t have as much of an advantage without tighter corridors.”

“If you want to move him, why not bring him to the guild?” Humphry inquired, prompting Seliph to sigh.

“Because then we’d be trapping ourselves in.”

“There’s plenty of rangers there-”

“Please let me finish.”

Humphry grumbled and leaned back. I don’t like this. Leaving Vragon out in the open is- His eyes widened as Seliph started unrolling the second map. No way. He’s not going to-

“We’ll have rangers patrolling around and keeping an eye on things. As soon as one is spotted or they attempt a move for the Fraxure, I and Vragon will head to the patch of hills here. It’s close enough that we can make it and far enough that they’ll expend some of their energy in pursuit. Once there, this is where you two come in.”

“What do you want us to do?” Swift asked.

“You two will be waiting near the outskirts here with other rangers around the hill areas. Once they’re in this basin, the ends will get between them and town and we’ll surround them. We’ll focus on pelting them with range moves with fliers to keep the Gengar on the ground. If their group is split up, we can have the fliers focus on those isolated threats and I’ll deal with the Gengar if he’s there.”

“How?” Jasmine asked.

“I have ways,” Seliph said with a grin. “But no matter the combination, we’ll have them outnumbered and outsupplied-”

Unable to contain himself anymore, Humphry stood up and said, “Seliph. I don’t want to use Vragon as bait.”

Seliph rolled his eyes. “I don’t like it either, but given the circum-”

“No, I’m not using a child to lure them to the outskirts for a battle to capture.” Humphry placed a firm hand on the table.

Seliph shook his head. “Listen, I understand your feelings, but the fact of the matter is-”

Humphry’s fist clenched as his own thoughts overrode Seliph’s reply. I want to so badly. How dare you sit there with that arrogant tone with a plan to put a child in harm’s way after they already killed other children. He shut his eyes and took a deep breath through his nostrils. Calm down. Wait till later. He refocused on Seliph, who looked annoyed for some reason, likely guessing Humphry wasn’t listening.

“Look…” Humphry thought for a few seconds about how to say it before sitting down. “I’m cautious of putting Vragon in harm’s way. What do you hope to even learn from finding out their mission’s details?”

“As I said before, I want to know what Vragon is to them.” Seliph drew a circle around the spot. “It’s imperative we know what he is to them since they could very well grow bolder and bolder at every turn we foil them.”

“I just…” Humphry pressed his fingers against his closed eyes. “I don’t get how one little Fraxure boy can be so important that they’d just send more and more.”

“All the more reason to find out,” Garon said from the orb. “Given the circ*mstances, that information would be invaluable.”

“I don’t like putting this ‘Vragon’ in harm’s way either. But we can prepare to mitigate any risk to his wellbeing,” Swift added, making Humphry’s heart ease up a little that these associates seemed to also be hesitant to this idea.

“Agreed. You two needn’t worry. Just be at the hillsides on the northeast outskirts as soon as possible.”

“Understood.”

“That is all I have plan-wise.” Seliph looked around the room for any questions. Taking the silence as confirmation, he picked up the orb and said, “Safe travels.”

“We’ll get here as soon as we can,” Garon answered as Seliph twisted the com orb off.

A heavy sigh came from the Greninja as he set the orb back down. “Well, that went well.”

Humphry didn’t feel the same. He shut his eyes as he prepared his mental fortitude. “Regarding Vragon.” He looked up at Seliph, saying to the listening Greninja. “I want to be there with him.”

Seliph sighed. “We can travel faster if it’s just me and him. Plus, I need you to stay with my brothers so they don’t try something. They’ll listen to you.”

“I know they will listen to me, but I want you to listen to me too.” He stood up and looked at Seliph, their firm gazes locked in wordless combat. He broke their contest for a second to say to Jasmine.

“Please wait outside.”

“But-”

“Now.”

Jasmine’s head lowered and she meekly left the room as the two resumed their stare battle. Once he heard the door shut, Seliph spoke. “Look, in order to sell it I need to-”

“If you are going to put Vragon at risk then I want to be near him at all times.” Humphry turned and walked over to the wall where a framed mirror was resting. He held his hands behind his back, staring at his reflection. “Furthermore, his stay will only be for tonight.”

“What?” Seliph stepped forward and demanded, “What do you mean?”

Humphry turned around and bluntly answered, “Because I’m leaving with him in the morning.”

Seliph’s eyes widened. “What? Now hold on a sec-”

“No, you listen.” Humphry placed a hand on the dresser nearby and stated, “Tomorrow morning I’m taking Vragon to a safe place to lay low.”

Seliph turned around dragging a hand over his face and saying with snarky sarcasm, “Oh really, you want to hide from them? That’s your plan?”

“Not all of it, but it is what will be done for now.”

“Why is this so hard for you to understand?” Seliph spun around and pointed an aggressive finger at Humphry. “This isn’t something you can just run from. They’re going to track you down until they find you.”

It is possible they may find us before I get things ready.. Despite these thoughts, Humphry breathed a heavy sigh undeterred in his moral stance. He looked back at the mirror, noticing all the cracks in his stern face as he answered, “I know. I just want to buy some time.”

“For what?” Seliph sternly said.

“A meeting of the guilds.” He pressed his hand against the wall as it closed into a fist as he continued. “I want to try and get the guilds to stand up against them. This concerns more than just their attack on Vragon. They’ve run amok in Triacal for too long and nobody cares because everyone feels they’re alone in this. It’s the price we pay for being city-states.” He looked up at the ceiling. “That’s why I want us to band together for this cause. We can stop them if we unite and they wouldn’t dare try an invasion. Everyone just needs to see that.”

Seliph chuckled mockingly, making Humphry face him with a furious glare.

“This isn’t funny.”

“It’s ridiculous.” Seliph crossed his arms. “Aren’t you keeping things normal in this town because you’re worried some corrupt ranger is listening for you to poke your head out of the ground? You really think you can rely on a system with only some rangers that aren’t bought or intimidated?”

“If I cannot garner the support I need, I will send Vragon to the clans for his safety.”

“Ah yes, and then we’ll never know why he was being hunted in the first place.” Seliph shook his head and paced to the side. “There is a far bigger picture going on, Humphry.”

“Maybe so, but I can’t forget the little pictures that are now incomplete because of my failure.” Humphry fought to keep himself stern but choked up a little as he felt the overflowing of emotional honesty in him.

Seliph’s stare moved to the side, not wanting to catch the contagious reaction. “Look…” he crossed his arms and sighed. “Just…for tonight. Do me a favor and go with my plan. In case something happens.” He looked at Humphry with a look of one that was extending an olive branch. “We’re in the dark and I feel your frustrations in this. It pisses me off how easily they’re able to just do whatever they please.”

“I agree.” Humphry walked up to Seliph as their eyes locked once more, this time less hostile. “And…for what it’s worth, I am very sorry for what they did to you and your family back then. It’s one of the reasons I want to avoid further bloodshed.”

Seliph turned around and lazily waved at the door. “I get it, alright. I can’t really stop you.”

“Seliph, I’m not you’re enemy. We need to work together. So…” His eyes lowered to the side as he thought for a second. He took a deep breath and walked towards the door, mulling to himself. As he twisted the knob, he glanced back, almost anticipating Seliph to be giving him an arrogant smile, but the Greninja hadn’t changed his posture at all. I wish you didn’t give me such a distrusting feeling. I want to believe you’re being sincere. He shook his head and twisted the knob. Please meet me halfway. For my sake. He paused as he let go of his grip on the door. What was that you’d say, father? ‘Mons follow examples?’ He chuckled softly in his head as he turned around and called Seliph’s name.

“What?” Seliph replied, looking back at him as Humphry approached.

“I don’t feel comfortable leaving Vragon alone with just you, even with reinforcements nearby. So, how about this?” He smiled as he gestured towards the door. “Instead of me, how about Jasmine accompany you and Vragon?”

Seliph looked at the door, rubbing his chin in silence. A little grunt followed as he answered, “I suppose that will do. She’s fast enough.”

“Good, I shall inform her.” As he headed out of the room, Humphry’s smile faded as he tried to shake out uncomfortable thoughts from his mind. Thoughts that while he was leaving at this very moment, Seliph was smiling. Pleased at Humphry caving to his wishes, even by a slight amount. He gripped the knob firmly, thinking, I hope it’s just me being paranoid.

Chapter 32
Danger from Behind

Humphry sighed as he took a sip of some warm tea, staring upwards at the sky. His eyes were droopy and bloodshot as he watched the moonlight appear and disappear between the clouds. A shiver filled him as he looked upstream, feeling the chilling breeze blow on his skin.

The cold will keep me awake. It shouldn’t be too long till sunrise. Then we’ll go. He sat down on a platform attached to one of the many waterwheels that lined the flowing river. He took another sip of that warm, tasty beverage before staring aimlessly forward, but with the focus of a sniper.

I wish we could leave now, given all that Red Eyes ‘Enforcer’ talk earlier. Hard to sleep after hearing that. Though, If the Red Eyes are organized enough to have their own military, then why go after just random mons here in Triacal? His hands tightened over the cup as his gaze softened. I wonder if it was an Enforcer that attacked their family eight years ago.

Eventually, the rushing sounds of the river grabbed his attention. As he stared at the water he thought, Jaron’s defensiveness makes a lot more sense now, having actually fought against them. They’re terrifying. He raised a brow as his gaze went upwards. And they were children at the time. He sighed and shook his head. Ciecro…you’re braver than I.

In the water, he imagined seeing a little Charmander sitting on a stool. His head was slightly lowered, his orange eyes looked focused and hostile, and his body was stiff and defensive. Humphry’s gaze softened up. Even back then, I always got the vibe you wanted to fight against them. I shouldn’t be surprised by what you told me just now, but… He looked upstream, his hand tightening harder on the handle as a scowl formed. I don’t want you to feel like you have to fight them all the time, but you keep pushing yourself. I don’t know how I can tell you to stand aside to heal in a way you’ll accept.

He started stroking his chin as he looked at the stones at his feet. I want to trust you, Ciecro, but you’ve been breaking rules lately. Important rules. I…I fear my word isn’t reaching you anymore, at least when it comes to the Red Eyes. A heavy sigh followed as he stared at the river with a solemn look. No, that isn’t it. You’ve heard me, every single time. A scowl formed as his fingers tightened around the cup. You just choose to ignore what I say. I get that you’re young, that you want revenge, but you aren’t stupid Ciecro. Surely, you understand fighting strong mons like them with a wounded shoulder will just get you killed. Or maybe you just don’t care about the risks.

Humphry paused, frustrated at how deep down he questioned if the Charmeleon would honor the promise he made. He placed his free hand on his head and groaned. It shouldn’t bother you that much to just rest.

Humphry took his hand off his head and tightened it into a fist. He slammed it against the waterwheel, whispering under his breath. “You’re being selfish and unfair, Ciecro.”

As he calmed down, he realized his right hand was no longer holding onto the teacup. He glanced down to see it had cracked into pieces, its rich liquid now wasted on the ground below. His frustrated gaze softened as he stared down at it. It’s just a cup. He knelt down and began picking up the pieces, but turned his attention back to the river. Leaning over, he watched the dark water flow below as he thought, How would you get through to him, Dad? He’s young, scared, impulsive, and angry; and I’m afraid he’ll try something while I get Vragon to safety. His eyes narrowed as he looked meekly to the side. Maybe Jaron? I don’t know. I just feel so powerless right now and... He raised his gaze, a small smile forming as a façade. I could use some of that good ol’ fashioned advice you always had. You knew how to tell the truth, but in a way that it didn’t upset anyone. Heh, it’s like making others happy by merely talking was your power. I should know, you raised me. His eyes lowered back to the river, a single tear forming in his eye. I don’t have that power. I wish…I wish I could help him find peace so he won’t make a mistake he’ll regret. He wiped at his face as his wavery stare trembled in movement like the water he focused on. Maybe Seliph is right. Maybe I am out of my element. But I can’t give up. Not on myself, not on the town, not on Ciecro. I…have to find a way to help him through- hrm?

Suddenly, he noticed a faint light in the flowing current. Humphry leaned further, staring at the white light, whose glow became brighter and brighter. He gasped as his nerves shot to life, forcing his body to pull back before he could even think of moving.

“Ack!” He cried out as beams of the white light ripped through the surface of the water, tearing at the sides of his skin and face.

He fell back, his face stinging a little but his vision being completely impaired by a white light with a mystical attribute to it. Suddenly, he felt a force slam into his stomach, forcing him onto his back. “What? Who?” Humphry tried to struggle to get up, blinking as all he saw around him was a hazy white. “Where is everything‽” He shouted but stopped as a strange feeling filled his body, an invasive feeling. Wait…calm down, think. He tried to close his eyes but was surprised to find that something was keeping them open. That Gallade!

Humphry immediately pushed his hands onto the ground he felt and surged Surf to shoot up. The weight on him was gone as was whatever was holding his eyes open. As the Surf water fell down on him, he started rubbing at his eyes.

“Dang, some thanks I get for saving you from falling in,” A slithery voice spoke, tagging on a mocking chuckle at the end.

He blinked. His vision was returning, but still hazy as evidenced by the purplish being he saw in a couple of feet in front. “You?” As Humphry’s focus improved, so did the shadow turn into a Gengar, a smirking Gengar. Humphry’s jaw dropped. How? How did they find us so quickly?

Huh?

“Got it?” Vex asked as Siegfried crossed his arms.

“Yes.”

“T-targets?” Humphry looked up, fighting against the pain in his chest to stand up to fight.

“Righto, toady.” Vex chuckled, earning a leer from Siegfried. “There’s been a slight change to plans.”

Ciecro and Jaron. Humphry’s eyes widened. While he could see clearly again, his mind seemed incapable of grasping the scenery before him. Where Vex and Siegfried stood he saw Ciecro and Jaron, fear in their faces. “No! I won’t let you!” With a croak that resounded like a roar, Humphry slammed his fists to the ground, brown light flourishing to light as streams of Mud Shot soared towards the two like angled geysers.

“What?” He stared in disbelief as his move was ripped to pieces, but a horizontal slash of purple energy. His hands quivered as he saw across from him the dragon Trishula, dripping wet from the river, not a trace of Mud Shot on him. A tense, cornered scowl formed on Humphry’s face as he watched Siegfried walk up to the Red Eye’s leader.

“Seems your hunch was right, sir. The targets aren’t at the town’s inn.” Siegfried looked upstream. “The Fraxure is near the outskirts of town and…” he turned around and looked across the river. “The two are at the ranger’s guild. I suggest we go for the brothers since the Fraxure is probably better defended.”

Huh? Humphry paused as Trishula snorted.

“Alright. You two go and slow down anyone seeking to assist. I’ll grab the Norfarions.”

A look of horror crossed Humphry’s face as he rushed for them. “Wai-!”

Vex and Siegfried flung Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball at him, but Humphry was aware enough to evade the first and tank the second. As he removed his arms from his face, he saw the dragon rush for the bridge, while Vex flew into the air carrying Siegfried.

“Humphry! What’s goi-” was all he heard from the rangers coming out of the inn behind him as he rushed after Trishula. Whatever anger he had felt last night was amplified.

“Stay away from them!” He roared, thrusting his arms forwards as blue energy formed on the surface of the stone pavement around him in a circle. Pulling his arms back to his chest and closing his fists, Humphry ushered the glowing water to rise. It solidified at his feet and picked him up as it moved forwards in the form of a wave that grew larger and larger.

“Don’t think so!” The ghost shouted, gaining Humphry’s attention.

The Gallade threw a Psycho Cut at his forming Surf, cutting near the middle causing the wave to collapse on itself. Humphry did a recovery roll and pursued, but stopped but pulled back as a Dragon Pulse struck the bridge in front, sending splintering wood flying as one side of the bridge was blown apart.

Humphry glanced up to see a pink light soaring downwards. “No!” He shouted, shielding his face as the Psycho Cut struck the bridge, sending it down into the river below.

No… His fists tightened as he watched with fury as the Dragon disappeared through the rows of buildings.

“Commissioner Humphry,” one of the rangers exclaimed as they started rushing out of the inn towards him.

“What happened sir?”

“Are they attacking aga-”

“Listen!” Humphry quickly glanced at the rangers awaiting his orders. “Send a message to Zebzenna and Dolly immediately. They’re targeting the Almkin brothers. Anyone that can cross the river comes with me, the rest find another way across. Move!” With that said, he dove off the edge. Hang on boys! I’m coming! He thought as he violently splashed into the dark waters.

< O >

Ciecro pulled his arm back, closing his right claw into a fist, cutting off the life of the Flamethrower he had shot out less than a second ago. His gaze was fixated on a pole stuck in the middle of the sandy field with a cloth top, currently ignited by his fire.

Scowling, he raised his left claw towards it, grunting softly to himself as his shoulder ached from moving. As he closed his hand into a fist, the flames burning at the top of the fire pole dwindled, going out before a second had passed.

“Nice.”

Ciecro scowled, opening his eyes to see the lingering smoke from the burnt top of the fire pole. “I dunno.”

“You don’t know?” Tork walked over and tapped the top of the pole with his large hand. “I’m no expert on how you fire types do your fire moves, but I have a hunch that you pretty much killed this fire, heh.”

Despite Tork’s goofy, encouraging look, Ciecro kept a serious face as he started rubbing his left shoulder to ease its pain. “I’m jus’ wantin’ tah get betteh at controllin’ it in any scenario.”

“Like what kind of scenario?”

“Well…” Ciecro looked at the pole and answered, “Like…if it was settin’ a buildin’ on fire or somethin’.”

Tork raised a brow. “I mean, okay, but shouldn’t you already be able to do that? The principle doesn’t change just because the object is different. Burning is burning.”

Ciecro’s head lowered slightly. How do I explain it withou’ tippin’ ‘im- He stopped pondering as Tork noticed something.

“Oh, morning Jaron. You’re up early.”

Immediately, Ciecro glanced back, seeing Jaron step onto the sand of the training battlefield with a serious look. God damnit. Turning away from his brother, Ciecro started rubbing his eyes with his claw. I don’ need dis righ’ now.

“What are you doing?”

Ciecro sighed and walked over to the wooden pole. “Jus’ go back tah bed.”

“Are you training agai-?”

“Jus’ stop.” Ciecro glared at his brother, who immediately reciprocated the tense scowl with his own.

“Why are you still doing this? Your shoulder is never going to get better,” Jaron pointed out.

“I know muh own shouldeh betteh den yah do.” Ciecro replied, walking towards Jaron, who walked towards him too.

“You were stabbed, Ciecro, there’s going to be internal-”

“I know.”

“Maybe you don’t care about your wellbeing, but I do.”

“I’m not fragile Jaron.” The two stopped mere inches apart, their fervent gazes locked in a showdown while Tork watched awkwardly.

“It’s not just me. Everyone else would tell you to focus on resting and recovery.”

“I’m not stupid, Jaron. I’m only practicin’ stuff wit’ my flames, not full-blown trainin’.”

“At five-thirty in the morning?” Jaron crossed his arms. “Humphry would tell you to rest and not do any training.”

Ciecro paused as he thought of the Commissioner. “He…” Ciecro shut his eyes and sighed. “He wouldn’ understand.” The memory of the Gallade smiling at him sad*stically with his own flames filled his mind. “I have to do this.”

“Why?”

“Jus’ go back tah bed, Jaron.” Ciecro turned around and walked towards the pole. “I don’ wanna talk abou’ it.”

“Fine, then you can just listen.”

Ciecro snapped back, glaring at his brother but was surprised to see Jaron’s head drifting to the side with a solemn, frustrated look in his eyes. Huh?

“I’m…worried about you, Ciecro.”

‘Ere we go. Ciecro rolled his eyes. “I can handle myself Jar-”

“Let me finish.”

Ciecro tensed up in annoyance but remained silent. He watched his brother start rubbing his arm and his tail curling around slightly, pushing the sand about.

“I…I know you’re strong Ciecro. I jus’…can’t help it.” Jaron started hugging himself as he lightly moved the sand with his toes. “I just keep thinking about what could happen, always the worst case scenario. I want to shut it off, I really do. But I can’t. I keep fearing that this situation we all are in isn’t going to work out.” He turned his scowl towards Ciecro, but this time it didn’t give off an air of hostility.

“And…” He crossed his arms and shut his eyes, taking a moment to think before he resumed. “I have similar thoughts about you.”

Ciecro let his arms fall to his sides as he tilted his head curiously. “Like wha’? Gettin’ hurt?”

“Yeah, but mostly something else. Like…you’re pushing yourself so hard that you’ll crumble under the weight of everything and I can’t do anything but…watch.”

Ugh. Eyes narrowing, Ciecro sighed, but out of respect for his brother’s request, he didn’t reply.

“Ciecro, I can’t read your mind, but you’re my brother. When you keep things quiet from me, then I know something is bothering you.”

Ciecro growled.

“I just…I want to be there for you. And, I know you’ve said I wouldn’t understand or it’s something you have to do, but…” Jaron pressed a hand to his head and took a calming breath. “I want to understand what you mean.” He turned and looked up at Ciecro, determination filling his ruby irises. “If…if I knew that much, then I’d feel better about what you’re doing.” His head lowered and his eyes closed. “I just want you to trust me, Ciecro.”

The Charmeleon’s head drifted to the side. “Of course I trust yah.” He rubbed the back of his head, the awkward tension kicking inside his mind. “Bu’…” Words seemed lost to him as he looked back to his listening brother. “Well…”

The silence felt heavy and uncomfortable. Wha’ do I say? It was so much easier to clash with Jaron’s opinion when they were yelling. It was like a battle, both sides choosing attack and defense carefully. But right now, this stillness felt like the surface of a quiet lake that he didn’t want to disturb with his touch.

Ciecro grumbled as he pressed his hand to his forehead. “I don’ know how tah say it Jaron. I-”

“I get it.”

Ciecro turned towards his brother, who was looking to the side downcast.

“I just…wanted to tell you how I felt about it. If you don’t want to tell me, then that’s…fine.” Jaron turned around, sniffling as he started to walk.

A sad look crossed Ciecro’s face as he reached out towards Jaron. He felt the air leave his lungs in a soft gasp, but froze at seeing Jaron stiffen up suddenly. “Jaron?”

The Croconaw started looking around frantically, fear in his eyes.

Not again! He rushed in front of Jaron, forcing his hands on the boy’s shoulders, and asked, “Is it yah’re Wary again?”

“I…I think so. They’re here and…close?”

Ciecro’s eyes widened.

“I don’t understand. Why didn’t I feel them before?” Jaron’s breath started picking up as Tork joined them. “I’m familiar with their presence now, I should have instantly felt something before they got this close!”

“You sense those goons again?” Seeing Ciecro answer with a nod, Tork immediately pulled out his com orb. “This is Captain Tork. Raise the alarm. The younger Almkin boy senses those Red Eyes nearby.”

Jaron grabbed his head, not out of pain but confusion. “How? How did they?”

Ciecro fumbled over his words, trying to come up with an answer to put his brother’s mind at ease. “Maybe cuz yah were asleep?”

“But I’ve been up for minutes and I only felt it right now!” Jaron pulled free of his brother.

“Calm down!” Ciecro ordered as he hopped to his feet and grabbed Jaron by the wrist, forcing him to face the Charmeleon. “Dey’ll handle dis.”

“R-r-right.” Jaron pulled in close, hugging Ciecro quivering. “Don’t go.”

“It’s okay bro.” He gently rubbed Jaron’s back, feeling the tender shivers from the Croconaw. “I won’t.” It didn’t feel good to say, but he promised not to fight and unlike the training one, he couldn’t reason his conscious to concede. His hands tightened around his shivering brother. Damn, he’s really shaken up.

“Alright, we’re supposed to stay here,” Tork said, as the brothers broke apart. “Seems he was spotted heading for the front entrance.”

“‘He’? Just one?”

“Yep, the Haxorus.”

The duo felt a chill in their spines as their heads lowered. Course it’d be ‘im. Ciecro focused on the opening leading out the training arena. “Jaron?”

The Croconaw nodded. “Yeah. I sense him somewhere at the front.” Suddenly, he gasped and his eyes widened as if he’d seen a ghost.

“Wha’ is it?”

“Wh-where did he go?”

“Huh?” Ciecro felt a chill as he saw his brother spin around and look at the back wall of the training area, his eyes widening in terror. Right as looked there was a loud crash, beams of black energy flying through the wall. “Get down!” Ciecro lunged for Jaron, pulling him to his chest as one of the beams slammed into them, knocking them apart and rolling till they hit the observation glass.

Coughing, Ciecro felt his left shoulder flare up and grabbed onto it. “Jaron? Where?” He shook his head as he looked over, horrified at seeing Trishula step through the gaping hole in the crumbling wall.

“What‽” Tork exclaimed, getting to his feet though visibly hurt from the strike like the pair of brothers.

Trishula didn’t even acknowledge it, simply tossing something towards the brothers. “Seems your brother’s earlier courtesy proved to be a useful gift after all.”

Ciecro raised his arms to defend but lowered them upon seeing it wasn’t dangerous. In fact, it was an orb currently powered down to recharge. A Warp Orb! So dat’s how he- His thoughts went silent as Trishula rushed towards them.

“Leave them alone!” Tork shouted, rushing to defend, as Ciecro struggled to get to his feet.

Ciecro let out a cry in pain as he felt a searing dart strike him in the chest, knocking him back onto the glass to fall on his stomach. Despite his mixed-up senses, he could hear the dual sounds of a swift bolt of flame followed by Tork’s pained grunt.

Geh up! His mind ordered his body, but as he tried to push himself up, his chest locked up not helped by his left shoulder surging in pain, almost as much pain as when he was stabbed. All he could do was watch as Jaron opened his maw to fire an Ice Beam that the Haxorus leaped over. Jaron tried to move his aim to strike the mon midair, but Trishula twisted his body enough to avoid it and slammed the backhand of a surged Dragon Claw onto Jaron’s head.

Ciecro’s eyes widened as everything around him slowed down. His body ushered him forwards, shouting Jaron’s name as he watched Jaron hit the ground harshly with a thud. The anger side flared up as Dragon Claw erupted from his claws like a volcano.

Trishula latched his claw onto the back of Jaron’s bruised and bleeding head, a red light glowing bright and dim like a visual heartbeat.

Ciecro roared as he closed the distance, but Trishula flicked his free wrist, sending a Flamethrower bolt at Ciecro, who barely had enough to shield his face. Despite blocking it, the force mixed with his disoriented state sent him back a few steps and onto his back.

Get dah f*ck up! He roared, sitting up to charge, but stopped. His eyes widened as he saw Trishula leap away from Tork’s Power-Up Punch. He was fortunate that Tork went for the strike right behind him, due to Trishula only having one arm free.

He jumped to his feet, but not to assist Tork, who was busy trying to land a Power-Up Punch. “Jaron!” Ciecro exclaimed as he stumbled over to his brother and sat him up.

Jaron groaned, his eyes closed tightly as one does when in pain. While there wasn’t any trace of blood, Jaron had a nasty bruise along with a few scrapes on the backside of head. “My head.”

“It’s okay, I’m gettin’ yah outta ‘ere.” He threw his brother’s arm over his shoulder and helped the semi-conscious Croconaw to his feet. Be okay while I’m gone, Tork. As he tried helping Jaron out, Ciecro felt a large mass strike the wall next to them and knock them back into the sand on their sides.

Ciecro rolled onto his stomach, pushing up with a groan as his shoulder ached again. He grabbed it, trying to ease the pain as he looked up to see how Tork was doing, but to his surprise, he only saw Trishula.

“Ugh.”

Ciecro gasped as he looked back at the damaged wall and saw Tork stepping through the wall, bruised and cut in a few places.

“Tork!” Ciecro exclaimed as the Hariyama stepped off the litter of wood splinters and glass.

Suddenly, Tork reached for his ranger belt, which was draped over his shoulder to make it easier for large hands to use.

“What are yah-?” Ciecro gasped as Tork tossed an orb at his kneecaps.

“Use this and go!” Tork ordered.

Ciecro’s eyes widened as he stared into Tork’s serious, wrathful eyes, such a contrast to the kind ranger he had exclusively seen. However, what truly filled Ciecro with fearful dread was the thought that Tork’s fierce glare was the last time he’d see that ranger’s face. He moved to stand up but paused as he looked down at his brother, who was sprawled out on the sand, groaning half-concious.

Damnit. Ciecro shut his eyes, fighting the fearful thoughts and grabbed the orb. “Jus’ hang on, Tork!” Ciecro shouted, looking at the Hariyama. He pulled Jaron to his chest and opened the orb to press, but was distracted as he saw Tork hit the wall.

“What are you waiting for? Go!” Tork shouted, quickly positioning himself between Trishula and them.

Ciecro looked at the orb, his finger right above the button, above their salvation. I…But… He looked back at Tork.

“Ciecro, that’s a damn or- Ack!” Tork was knocked to the side, blood spewing onto the tan sand from a solid cut on Tork’s side.

With the large body moved, Trishula raised his arm. Ciecro’s eyes widened as he pulled Jaron close to him and leaned over, a Flamethrower bolt soaring overhead. He pressed the button, causing it to glow. He gazed forwards to see Tork lunge for the dragon with Power-Up Punch, which was blocked by Trishula’s Dragon Claw.

He stretched out his hand, seeing Tork engage in combat as other rangers rushed into the room. Fixated on Trishula, Ciecro felt rage fill his soul as he mustered synergy into his arm, forming a Flamethrower at the tips of his claw as a sphere. However, he couldn’t fire before his aim was obscured by a blue hue of light.

“What is your status? Repeat, what is your status?” Humphry yelled into his com orb as he rushed along the emura-lit streets. “Damnit, answer!” He roared, racing down the street. The station should be around the corner. He glanced behind himself, seeing the distance between him and the nearest following ranger. It’ll be fine Humphry, just trust your instincts.

Humphry picked up his pace, using the Emura lamppost to turn while keeping his momentum. The station looked normal for only a few seconds before a loud crash occurred with the front entrance bursting open. Humphry slid to a halt, staring straight until he heard a shout and saw someone flying out of the smoke.

“Hang on!” He hopped towards the mon and swung his arm, sending a small Surf of water slithering towards the ranger like a serpent. As he twisted his wrist, the water coiled up, catching the poor Arcanine ranger and gently setting him down on the ground.

“You alright?” He jogged over, checking for any injuries as the Arcanine coughed.

“Just a bit bruised from that last blast. Ugh.”

“Where’s Zebzena and the others?” He asked, helping the young Arcanine up, but soon got his answer as he saw her backflip out of the smoke, narrowly avoiding a beam of Flamethrower.

“Finally, you’re here.” She said with a pant, glancing back at him as she stood up.

“What happened?” He asked as the Arcanine pulled away from his grip and moved to an aggressive stance.

“He came at us from the front, but suddenly warped away.” She looked back, seeing the Haxorus step out of rubble. “Turns out he was attacking the rear.”

“What about Jaron and Ciecro?” Humphry walked up to her, fearing the worst.

“They’re alright. The backup plan worked.”

“I see.” Humphry walked in front of her, readying to fight the dragon. “If we all pitch in and strike carefully, we can bring him d-”

“Wait, one more thing.”

“What?” He leered at her as he felt the anxiety build up as the Haxorus walked down the stairs, not worried about their planning.

“Before they warped out, he did that red light thing on Jaron. The one you told me about.”

sh*t. He glanced at the building, then back at the Haxorus. That complicates things. If he has Wary, he’ll notice a sneak attack. It’s too dangerous for too many to engage. “Zebzena.” He swung his arms forwards to send waves of Surf at Trishula, who sliced at them. “We need to draw him away from public areas. What’s the nearest open spot?”

“The riverside.” He gasped as suddenly as someone flew past him, soaring above the waves and surging Air Slash into wings.

“Move in!” The Braviary ranger shouted, sending Air Slash down upon the dragon. However, Trishula opened his maw and fired up Flamethrower to counter it, the flames soaring onwards and almost striking him had the ranger not darted to the side, squawking in surprise.

“Hold your fire! Me and Zebzenna will handle him. The rest of you work on evacuating citizens and setting up a perimeter.”

“What?” The Arcanine exclaimed with a stern growl. “No way am I-”

“He’s right.” Zebzenna joined Humphry at his side. She raised a com orb to her face, speaking. “All rangers, I want a perimeter of at least one town block and all citizens evacuated from that vicinity. Flying mons may engage but only with moves and remain cautious.” She leaned over and whispered to Humphry as they watched the Dragon repelling the attacks of fliers. “Where did the warp orb send the boys?”

“Back to the hotel area.” Humphry’s eyes narrowed. “Which means he’ll go where we want him.” I just hope Jaron and Ciecro can find a good place to stay safe until then. He looked at her as he stepped in front. “Inform the other group about the situation and tell them to get to the boys immediately. I’ll cover you while you make the call.” As he clenched his fists, brown light formed around them.

“Understood.”

He punched the ground, as Mud Shot erupted from where his fists were and flew towards the Haxorus, who rushed to meet them. I don’t care how strong or what gift you have, you’re going down. And a Hommel doesn’t break his word!

Chapter 33
Pinned Down

Vragon blinked as he lifted his head off the pillow. Hrm? Voices? He pushed himself up, rubbing his eyes. “Seliph? What’s going on?” The lack of an answer prompted him to look across the room. His chair is empty? Immediately, his eyes shifted to the window. No, it’s still locked, so he must be in the next room.

He slid out of the bed and tried to shake off the fatigue in his body. What time is it? It’s still dark out so- A heavy yawn came from his mouth. Just hurry up. He dragged his feet to the door, but as he grabbed the knob he paused. Hmmm…what are they talking about? Letting go, he leaned against the wooden frame, minding his tusks, and listened.

“I don’t think you should just go by yourself.”

“We don’t have a choice, Jasmine. I only have one more Warp Orb and once used it will take a while to recharge. It’s our best backup in the event we can’t defeat their leader.”

Vragon pressed closer against the door, his mouth sealed shut and his breath diminishing to almost complete Hypoxia.

“I get that, but-”

“There isn’t time to argue, Jasmine. Jaron and Ciecro are in danger so let’s get him up and-”

Vragon gasped as he saw the knob move. He tried to move away, but was too slow resulting in the door slamming into his nose. “Ouch!” He grabbed onto it as Seliph looked through the door.

“Oh, you’re awake. Good.”

That hurt you numbskull. Vragon shook his head and blinked as Seliph fully opened the door, the light from the other room almost blinding him.

“Get ready, it’s time to move.” Seliph went back in, followed by the Fraxure, who scowled at the Absol wearing an amused smile on her face.

“Hold on one second.”

Seliph groaned as he spun around. “We don’t have time for this Vragon.”

Undeterred, the Fraxure continued, “What do you mean Jaron and Ciecro are in danger?”

What annoyance was present on Seliph’s face doubled as he shoved a hand onto his face and let it drag itself down.

“Well,” Jasmine walked over to him, explaining, “Seliph got a message that was sent out from Humphry saying that-”

“That the Red Eyes were heading to the ranger station.” Seliph rolled his wrist as he explained, not bothering to hide his irritation. “The plan was to have them at the station to keep them out of the fighting. But seems the Red Eyes figured that out and are targeting them. That’s the details. Now shape up and let’s get moving.”

“Wait,” Vragon blinked, trying to process this new revelation. “I thought I was supposed to be the bait, so why are they-”

“Please stop asking questions.” Seliph opened a drawer and pulled out his travel belt, which he tossed on a nearby table. As he fiddled around in the drawer, he continued, “You and Jasmine need to rendezvous with the rangers at the ambush spot.”

“Wait, but-”

“No buts, Vragon.” Seliph tossed some items onto the table as well and began putting them into the pouches.

“You can’t just expect me to abandon-”

“You aren’t ‘abandoning’, you’re keeping out of the way so we don’t have any more targets in play.” Seliph answered without looking at him.

Vragon’s head lowered as he listened to Seliph putting on the belt. He felt Jasmine pat his shoulder.

“He’s right. Those guys are very strong and are after you too.”

His fists clenched as he felt the frustration build. “So what?”

“Huh?”

Vragon looked at Jasmine and with a stern tone answered, “I’m not the target right now, they are.”

“You’re still a target,” Seliph answered, making Vragon glare at him. “Keeping you away would help the situation-”

“I don’t care that I’m a target. What if you guys need a healer?” He held out his hands towards Seliph. “I can cover support.”

Jasmine walked up, saying, “Yeah, at the cost of yourself.”

“No one asked you!” Vragon snapped, causing Jasmine to flinch back.

“And no one is asking you to come.”

Seliph’s blunt tone felt like a cut as Vragon glared up at him. The Greninja was already inputting the coordinates into the warp orb, barely even acknowledging the conversation let alone Vragon’s wishes.

“But Seliph, I can’t just-”

“Come on, Vray.” Jasmine nudged him to the side. Vragon wanted to shove her back, but the look in her eyes held him back. It wasn’t a look of authority or ignorance like Seliph’s, it was a heavy, somber gaze.

She probably wants to be there too. His expression softened as his shoulders sagged and his head lowered.

“It’s going to be alright. Trust me.”

She gently turned him with her claw and pushed him forward. The march felt like a defeat, a terrible retreat. ‘How many have to be sacrificed’. Vragon’s eyes narrowed. ‘For your sake’. He halted.

“Vray?”

“I’m not running away.” He spun around and with a convicted heart and soul said, “I’m going to help them.”

Seliph shook his head, pausing from inputting on the holo screen to say, “How many times do you need to be-”

“I’m not running! That’s final!”

Jasmine walked next to him and calmly said, “Vray, I understand how you feel, bu-”

“No, you don’t.” He glared at her and then looked at Seliph. “And neither does he. This is never going to stop. I’m never going to be safe, so maybe I should help fight instead of run.”

“Vragon, you need to calm down. I get your-”

“Get the door, Jasmine,” Seliph said, finally taking his gaze from the orb and turning it to Vragon. Even though his focus was now on the Fraxure it did little to make Vragon feel that Seliph was acknowledging his stance at all. All that fire and firmness in the whelp’s voice didn’t seem to faze the one person that it needed to the most.

“Please.” Vragon shut his eyes and lowered his head. “I’ll do anything, just let me-” He gasped as he felt Seliph’s hand touch his head. He looked up to see Seliph give him a soft smile.

“Vragon, your heart is in the right place and I appreciate your desire to help my brothers. However, what you-”

His eyes widened as he felt a jolt throughout his body. His heart’s pulse vibrated in his hearing as his body felt like it had left the ground. In an instant, he had become surrounded by an endless darkness.

“What? Where did-” He spun around in babbling confusion until he saw Seliph walking his way, as seeable as if it was noon on the brightest day. “W-wait, did you just do a soul link?”

“Yes, to give us some time and privacy to talk.” His walk echoed as he closed the distance between them. He looked down at Vragon, bearing that same air of authority as earlier. “Tell me. Do my brothers really mean that much to you?”

Vragon’s fists closed and snarled. “Of course they do! Why wouldn’t they mean a lot to me?”

Seliph held up his hand. “Peace, I wasn’t trying to mock you- oof.”

Vragon shoved Seliph back. “I’ll tell you how much they mean to me!” He press his hand on his chest, clenching on it slightly as if he was trying to reach for his pendant. “I see them as the only family I have. Even if I do have a family, Ciecro, Jaron, and Aunt Dresha are here and real. They’re not just feelings, dreams, or wishes that I have.” He clenched his claw tighter as it slowly lowered to the side. “They’re…a part of me and I’m a part of them.”

Seliph smirked. “I imagine they see you more as a brother compared to me.”

Vragon blinked. “N-n-no, I don’t mean to say-”

Chuckling, Seliph shook his head, earning a confused stare from Vragon. “Sorry, I just wanted to see your reaction. Well, see if I’m right that is.”

“Huh? Right about what?”

“If you’d react like Jaron would.” Seliph crossed his arms, trailing one of his fingers to the side of his lower jaw. “Come to think of it, you really do talk a lot like Jaron.”

“I do not!” Vragon retorted.

“Not linguistically, that’s pretty distinct.” Seliph pointed to Vragon’s chest, the same spot where Vragon had his fist earlier. “I mean like that. Jaron was always the most emotionally expressive compared to me and Ciecro. I can see a lot of that in you.”

Vragon tilted his head back, narrowing his brow skeptically. “And what’s wrong with that?

“Nothing right now, I just hadn’t thought of the similarities before. But I suppose it makes sense, since you and he have been good friends for some time.”

“Yeah…” The Fraxure’s eyes narrowed as his head lowered. ‘Nothing right now?’ When would it be wrong to be like that?

Vragon could only speculate as Seliph then placed a hand on his shoulder and said, “But passion and sincerity only take you so far. What makes you an asset for the plan and not just in the way?”

Did you have to say it that way? Vragon took a deep breath. Just think of an answer. After half a minute, he said, “I can do support. I have range moves, Assurance for follow-ups, an-” He stopped mid-breath as Seliph held his hand up to his face.

“Look, if I’m even going to tease the possibility of bringing their target to them, I’m going to need more than simple ‘support’.” Seliph walked up to him, invading Vragon’s space as he leered down at the Fraxure, with a look that seemed to evaluate his soul. “What assurance do I have you won’t run away because you see some ‘white light’ again?

Vragon’s eyes trailed to the side. “I wasn’t ready for-” His eyes snapped back to Seliph’s stare as the Greninja continued.

“An unintentional coward is still a coward. If you can’t be ready for the unexpected you have no place on the battlefield.” Seliph put his hand on Vragon’s shoulder once more, his gaze softening while keeping its seriousness. “If you run away when we need you most for a plan could get everyone in this hurt, killed, or worse. You’re not an infant, but something as stressful as this is something I don’t think you’re ready for.”

“I know-…I know I’m inexperienced bu-”

“Then give me something to be assured of. Convince me.” Seliph’s eyes narrowed as he retracted his hand. He crossed his arms and said again, “What makes you more of a help than a hindrance to this mission?”

Vragon didn’t know what to say. If he hadn’t already been disarmed in his argument logically, the intensity of Seliph’s statements left him shaken. The worst part was, in the back of his mind, Vragon agreed with him. His head lowered and his claws clenched. “I…I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? That’s your argument?”

“No.” Vragon’s tone shifted to a low, almost threatening one as he looked back up. He took a step towards Seliph, his determined glare confronting Seliph’s icy, cynical one. “My argument is that sooner or later, I’m going to have to confront this. Confront them. I don’t want to admit it, but those guys know something about me, something that gives them enough reason to hunt for me. I can’t…I can’t let Ciecro and Jaron pay the price for whatever the reason is that they want me.”

Seliph raised a brow, as his gaze eased up. “Even if you don’t know why they want you?”

Vragon turned to the side, his eyes softening up. “It’s like you said. It doesn’t matter what my intentions are. Results and the situation are what matter.” He stared off into the vast darkness, imagining it as a far plain on fire, a fire that moved wherever he looked. That obeyed him.

“And it’s not just them.” Vragon looked at his right claw, seeing the flames swirl inside. “Everyone that gets hurt or dies in this…it happens to them because of me.” He faced Seliph once more. “It’s on my hands, whether you agree or not. Whether I understand why or not.”

Vragon blinked, his eyes lowering faintly, his fervor starting to recede the more he dwelled on the words he had said. I…I do believe that but- his thoughts were cut off as Seliph squatted down and started tracing circles in the invisible ground with his finger.

“No one agrees with that.”

Vragon’s scowl returned. “Maybe not. But I’m through with being a coward. If I have to fight, I should learn to do so with people like you here to help me.”

Seliph shook his head. “So you want to treat this as a training exercise? That mindset is exactly what I said you shouldn’t have-”

“Stop putting words in my mouth!” Vragon yelled. A few seconds of silence followed, Vragon felt the anger that was boiling inside him begin to calm down, as if his anger was leaving his soul with every breath he took. However, when he focused on Seliph’s face, seeing how caught off guard he was by the outburst, Vragon began to feel a sense of unease. How could an action feel right and wrong at the same time?

What am I thinking? He placed a claw over his tired face. “No, I don’t mean it as an exercise. I get it, it’s serious.” Vragon took his claw away and pressed it against his chest. “But what if I’m stuck on my own? What if no one can protect me? I’m screwed anyways, right? I need the experience.”

Seliph went back to drawing shapes in the darkness at their feet. “There are better ways to learn than putting yourself and the mission at risk.”

Vragon’s gaze lowered. What do I say? He shut his eyes and clenched his fists. How can I convince him I have to do this?

A few minutes of silence passed before Seliph shrugged. “Vragon, wanting to go just isn’t enough. I’m sorry, but you’re just going to have to sta-”

“No,” Vragon replied, his eyes shut in a scowl and his breath heavy. He could feel that feeling from before building inside, that determination. He opened his eyes and looked down at Seliph. “I won’t stay.”

Seliph’s finger stopped. He made no reply, but his eyes looked up slightly, though not enough to clear Vragon’s lower chest line.

“I’ve made my choice. And if you won’t help me, I’ll find my own way without you.” He had never felt so convicted and defiant, it was like he was saying it to the world. It felt strange at first, his patience was near its end. Raising his voice no longer felt rude, it felt justified. Felt like himself. He stared down at Seliph, his posture and gaze unshaken as the Greninja moved a finger to his chin.

Finally, Seliph stood up and immediately turned around. As he started walking away, he said, “If you’re going to be unreasonable then there’s no real point continuing. Besides, it won’t matter if you’re not fast enough.”

Vragon kept staring in stern silence as Seliph’s form started to go hazy, then disappeared entirely. As he felt his body grow heavier, he noticed that his eyes were closed and promptly opened them.

“-need to understand-” Vragon heard Seliph’s voice but ignored it as soon as he recognized it. Immediately his eyes latched onto the orb in Seliph’s hands. He noticed how the arm was stiffened, ready to move at a second’s notice.

Immediately, Vragon lunged for the orb, reaching out. As he did, he spotted out of the corner of his eye some dark light forming. He pivoted off of his feet, twisting his body and pulling the arm with the orb down with him as his free hand pressed the activation button.

“What? Guys-!” Jasmine shouted but was drowned out as cyan blue light surrounded them.

Vragon felt his back hit the ground, his left claw clasping onto the orb tightly, refusing to budge. As the light faded, he looked up to see Seliph staring down at him. The Greninja’s left hand had formed a Night Slash kunai, the ringed end right next to the Fraxure’s right eye.

Seliph, let the move disintegrate and instead offered his hand. “You’re lucky I had just inputted the coordinates, else you’d be in quite the awkward situation.”

Vragon stopped dragging Seliph’s other arm down and instead grabbed the one extended to him. As Seliph pulled him up, Vragon said, “I…I just…figured you already had. Since you gave your hint and all.” In the back of his mind, Vragon was still trying to process what just happened. Did I? I think I did, but maybe I just reacted to his movements before actually realizing it. His mulling was interrupted by Seliph leaning close to his face.

“You’ll do exactly as I say, got it?”

“Y-yes sir.”

“This was entirely your own actions.”

“It was.” Vragon silently gulped. I don’t like lying, but it’s only fair. He’s taking a risk letting me come.

With that established, Seliph pulled back and nodded, a smile forming. “Good. I must say, you reacted faster than I expected. Think on your feet like that, and it’ll save you in fights.”

“Speaking from experience?” Vragon jested, as the Greninja walked around him. It was then he noticed they were in an alleyway, or at least near the entrance of one.

“No more small talk. The inn is around the corner.”

“Right.” Vragon jogged right behind Seliph as they went onto the stone pavement next to the wooden docks of the river and hurried downstream. As they went, Vragon glanced across the river and gasped. “Seliph, look! Near the roofline.”

The two of them stopped as they looked, seeing smoke rising above into the night sky. Vragon felt a rush of fear in his body. “They’ve already done that much, so quickly?” His head lowered. Are these guys even mons? How are they so-

“Vray, come.”

The Fraxure turned to see Seliph jogging from the edge of the dock towards a building. At the front was a Hitmonchan banging on the door. Near him was Ciecro, supporting Jaron’s back as he waited. “Guys!”

Once Vragon arrived, he instantly dropped to Jaron’s side. “What’s wrong with him?” He asked, with a fearful gaze.

“Head injury,” The Hitmonchan answered, resuming his banging on the door. “Open the damn door! We’ve got an injured boy out here!”

“Yep. That’s a bad bruise.”

Vragon looked, seeing Seliph had moved Jaron’s head enough to inspect the head trauma on the back. Moving over to help support Jaron, Vragon asked, “But it’s just a bruise, right? Not a concussion?”

“I don’t know.” Seliph sighed as he looked at Vragon. “Croconaw anatomy has a vulnerable spot on the back of the head.” He gestured his fingers to the spot for emphasis. “Whoever struck Jaron knew right where to hit for incapacitation. I just hope it hasn’t-”

“Shuddup!” Ciecro shouted, standing up, and glaring down at Jaron. “He’ll…be a’ight. So jus’ can it!” Ciecro stomped his way from them, standing at the edge of the docks next to one of the water wheels.

Vragon looked at Seliph, the sympathetic gaze the Greninja had for his brother warmed Vragon’s heart. However, what little smile he had on his face vanished as soon as he looked back down at Jaron.

Without his consent, his mind began thinking of the possible scenarios Seliph was about to speak of. Seeing Jaron so motionless and barely breathing made him furious. Slowly, his gaze drifted to his hands. I…Can I use my gift on him? But if I do, I’ll just be out of commission. That bruise looks bad enough, especially if there’s internal damage. What do I-

“Goddamnit, Reins you f*cker! Open up the damn door!” The Hitmonchan shouted, taking a step back from the door. “If you don’t open this in five seconds I’ll-!” He froze in his wind-up, the sound of locks clicking came from the other side.

“Please, calm down. I was on the second floor- oof!” The Floatzel was pulled aside by the Hitmonchan.

“What the f*ck were you thinking?”

“What do you mean, ‘what was I thinking’?”

As the two started arguing, Vragon’s focus went to Seliph, who was pulling Jaron’s arm over his shoulder. “Vray, get the other one.”

“Sure.”

“Ciecro! Keep an eye out.” Seliph said as the two lifted Jaron.

“Wait, what did you say?” The Hitmonchan said, prompting the others to listen again to the conversation.

“I didn’t lock it,” The innkeeper huffed and crossed his arms, pointing his snout into the air. “Now can you please stop cursing me out like some ruffi-”

“Quiet!” Seliph shouted leaving Jaron to Vragon as he drew a Night Slash kunai. “They’re here som-”

Vragon saw it at the same time. Up on top of the balcony overlooking the lobby was Vex, smiling at them menacingly as he held a finger in front of his shut mouth. His other hand let go of something glowing an orange light in a cracked cylinder glass.

“Get out now!” Seliph shouted, reaching into a pouch on his belt.

Vragon moved Jaron behind him as the ranger pulled the innkeeper towards the door. The seconds felt like they lasted forever as Vragon saw the Emura fall, its light flashing like a heartbeat that burst into a violent light upon striking the ground

The All Protect Orb shined, constructing a barrier similar to Protect if it was the color yellow. It was soon engulfed in the explosions, the force of which sent everyone sailing from the doorway and onto the stone street scattered.

Vragon groaned, rolling onto his stomach and looking forward. Despite being slightly dazed, he could make out the flames coming from the front of the inn.

“Ugh, everyone alive?” Seliph asked with a heavy cough.

“I think so,” The ranger replied, rubbing his head. “Good call.”

As Vragon pushed himself up on his knees, he was startled by a blood-curdling screaming right next to him, so much so that he fell onto his side. As he rolled to look, his horrified look narrowed to a slightly annoyed expression.

“My inn!” The Floatzel cried, reaching out for the building that was currently burning on the inside of the first floor. He pressed his hands on his face and wept for what Vragon could swear was loud on purpose.

A thought crossed Vragon’s mind and he asked, “Wait, is there anyone else inside?”

The Hitmonchan shook his head. “Nope. All the other rangers went with Humphry. I was ordered to stay behind for the boys.”

“What about guests?” Seliph asked, standing up and browsing the area.

“What guests?” The Hitmonchan smiled as the Floatzel let out another loud, pained cry.

“You!” He roared, standing up to his feet and pointing at the ranger, making that smile go away instantly. “You have the sick, twisted mind to make a joke when I’m experiencing the worst moment of my Li-AHHH!” The Floatzel was cut off as Ciecro tackled him from the side as a Shadow Ball soared right where his head would have been.

The ranger was caught unawares and struck right in the chest. “Ack!” He was hurled towards the docks and would have gone over the edge if Seliph stopped him with a quick shot of his tongue.

“Thanks, ugh,” as the ranger got up, Seliph quickly hopped away, yanking his tongue back and drawing a Night Slash to intercept an incoming Psycho Cut.

“Vragon, get Jaron out of- Ack!”

Vragon watched stunned as a beams of radiant light struck Seliph’s back, hurling him forward at an awkward angle and tumbling onto his side. “Seliph!” He stood up, glancing back to see Vex walking towards them. He wasn’t visible for long for he phased into the ground to avoid a Flamethrower from Ciecro.

“Damnit, where is he?”

Vragon looked around, trying to spot the shadow. “It’s too dark, I can’t see the shadow!” He glanced back, seeing Seliph get to his feet and beyond him the Gallade casually walking in their direction. “No. He’s-”

“Vray, help!”

As soon as Vragon turned, he saw Ciecro tumble past him. When he looked back, forming his Dragon Breath, he froze. Where did he- Vragon’s view became filled with the night sky as Vex uppercut him in the chin from the right.

His entire body was lifted off the ground and he fell with a harsh thud onto his back. Groaning, Vragon rolled to the side. My jaw, owww. He thought. As he picked himself up and rubbed his hurting jaw, he saw Ciecro rush past him trying to engage Vex before he could escape.

This caused Vragon to see the innkeeper standing there, shivering.

Vragon forced himself to hurry forward, though he was still a bit disoriented from getting slugged in the jaw. “Sir.” He reached out to the Floatzel, partially to use him for balance, but his hand missed due to the startled flinching from the innkeeper. Vragon hit the ground again and growled. “Get help.”

“I-ugh-I-Well-I”

For the love of- Vragon leaped to his feet, grabbed him by the shoulders, and snarled in his face. “Get! Help!” He then shoved the poor mon forward, the Floatzel scampering off.

Vragon looked at both Almkins, who were struggling against their opponents: Ciecro with Vex’s ground phases and Seliph with his injury from Vex’s hit with Dazzling Gleam.

We need reinforcements now. Vragon looked down at Jaron and scowled, moving his hands to Jaron’s head. He felt his body quiver, begging him not to. The vivid memory of healing Amyas’s arm played in his mind, making his breath accelerate and forcing him to let go. “Damnit, I-” His head lowered as he looked at his hands. Come on, think.

Suddenly, Vragon felt a hand touch his back, making him squeal.

“Easy, it’s just me, ugh,” the Hitmonchan ranger said, dropping to his knee as Vragon helped steady him. He was holding his chest, which bore a heavy dark mark on it. “Need to rest for a second. I wasn’t expecting that Shadow Ba-”

“Wait.”

“Huh?”

Vragon looked down at Jaron and back at the ranger, a determined scowl forming as he thrust his hands on Jaron’s head. “Mister, I need your help. When I say so, pull me away from Jaron.”

The ranger raised a brow. “Huh, what are you going to-?” The Hitmonchan’s mouth went agape as a yellow light glowed from Vragon’s hands as he held Jaron’s head.

Come on, power through it. Vragon ordered himself, fighting through the pain in his hands that surged throughout his body. His breathing accelerated as his perceptions began to warp and blur. On instinct, Vragon tried pulling away, his body refusing to budge as the process continued. “Now! Help!” He said weakly, his senses so muffled he couldn’t even make out the ranger properly.

The next thing he knew, he was lying on the ground with a body on top of him. His hazy vision was beginning to clear, though pieces of random things in his head appeared in front, though he wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination or something else. He squinted his eyes as he looked up at something jade above him, something that was extending a hand towards him.

“You okay?”

Vragon blinked as he felt a supportive force on his back help him sit up. “Uh…yeah, I’m better now.” Vragon rubbed the side of his head. However, he quickly remembered the purpose of this risk and crawled to Jaron’s side. “Jaron! Jaron, are you alright? Come on, please,” Vragon pleaded, gently shaking the Croconaw’s head. “Wake up, Jaron! We need your-”

“No more healing!” A coarse voice shouted.

“Vray! Look out!” Ciecro exclaimed.

“Huh, Vragon looked forwards, his eyes widened as for a brief second he saw Siegfried lunging for him. He barely had a chance to breathe before he felt the force of the Gallade’s foot ram into his armored chest. The two of them hit the ground, skidding a little on the stone. The disoriented Fraxure could barely process the second before everything stopped. His back arched but couldn’t rise more than a few slight inches. Every fabric of his being was at a standstill. The pain he had felt coursing through him just a few minutes ago felt like an appetizer for the current banquet that left him incapable of thought.

< O >

Where am I? Jaron thought, feeling a coldness on his stomach and lower jaw. Grumbling, he pushed himself up, rubbing his head, and instantly regretted it. “Ow!” He gasped, blinking as he looked at the ground at his feet. A headache? When did I get- He raised his head, surveying around him or at least as best he could, given how disoriented he felt. I…I think, Oh! Right, I was-huh? Up ahead there was something blurry. Well, the entire world looked blurry, but this was something that looked less blurred compared to it.

What in the-? Jaron rubbed his eyes, blinking. His vision started fixing itself and instantly he felt a surge of confusion, shock, and horror.

Up ahead he saw Siegfried on top of his friend, the elbows extended with a pink glowing light to them, pinning Varon’s claws down through the palms.

The world felt like it had slowed and deafened. He could barely comprehend what he had just seen, let alone the motions of the Gallade moving to defend both sides of himself from Ciecro and the ranger, lunging at him with eyes like ferals wanting to tear him apart.

“Get off of him!” Jaron roared, rushing at Siegfried as he surged Slash into the side of his arm.

Siegfried glanced over his shoulder, spotting Jaron coming. “Vex!”

Jaron was about to slice the Gallade open but was rammed from the side and sent tumbling onto the wooden dock near the road. “Why you!” He thrust his arms forward, trying to keep track of the Gengar as he phased into the ground. Unfortunately, the ghost’s movements were too sporadic and quick to get a properly aimed shot.

Despite this, Jaron kept tailing him, until he saw it divert course to go right for the ranger. “Look out!” Jaron shouted, but there was little the ranger could do as Vex sliced at his back with Shadow Claw.

With one mon holding him down out of the way, Siegfried sliced at Ciecro’s pressuring Dragon Claws, knocking the Charmeleon off balance. Desperately, Ciecro tried to lean into his fall to get a swipe in with Dragon Tail, but Siegfried had anticipated that and instead leaped over him.

Right as he landed, he kicked at Ciecro’s blocking arms, pushing him back but that was just the start. His leg remained lifted in the air and began vibrating with great speed. A Vacuum Wave shot out, wrapping Ciecro up into an orange horizontal tornado, hurling him into one of the water wheels.

“No!” Jaron cried out in horror as he watched the wooden structure collapse onto his brother. He suddenly felt a powerful impact on his side knocking him to the ground, sparks of purple dotting his blurry vision as he felt a stinging sensation on his shoulder. He glanced over to see Vex landing next to Vragon while Siegfried was breaking off to stop Seliph from interrupting.

Jaron rolled onto his stomach and pushed up. He looked at Vragon and upon seeing the Fraxure was sitting up shouted, “Vray! Run!”

However, Vragon didn’t react. He was staring at his bleeding hands, his pupils and topaz irises very small as faint, quivering breaths came from his mouth.

Jaron growled, rushing to his feet intent on keeping Vex away from Vragon. He opened his maw as Crunch formed in his jaw.

Vex aimed a Shadow Ball at him, but Jaron bit on the forming orb trying to break it under the force of his chomp. The orb quickly caved in, blowing up, and sending both him and Vex back.

As Jaron sat up he looked back at where Vex went. Great, he’s gone again! Jaron quickly got to his feet, glancing around for where Vex went. His breathing picked up, not just from the anxiety of being unable to sense the ghost’s location, but also because he could see his allies and family were down.

The only one still able to fight was Seliph, who was struggling to keep up with Siegfried due to his earlier wound.

“Come out coward!” Jaron roared, looking around as the rage built inside him. “Come out so I can bite that ugly face of yours off!”

Despite his threat, Jaron could only feel the chilling sensation of being cornered in his being. Come on, come on! It’s too hard to track him in this lighting, damnit! If he could sweat, he’d be running rivers down his head. Suddenly, he heard a chilling sound behind him, prompting his body to lunge into a roll and twist to fire a Scald back. “What?”

In front of him was a black chain, glowing with dark-type synergy. Jaron flinched back as it yanked back, pulling Vex with it.

“Let go of me you biiiiii-!” Vex exclaimed as he was swung in the air. At the other end of the chain was a dark circle at the feet of a Houndoom, snarling at the ghost. She then slammed her paw down, causing the Embargo chain to follow suit and slam Vex into the ground.

“Ack! Stop it y-!” Was all he could say before he was slammed back on the ground.

“Yes! Give that vandal another!”

Jaron turned to see the Floatzel innkeeper cheering on her, vengeance in his eyes. Suddenly, he felt something touch his shoulder, making him hop back in surprise.

“Easy, you alright?”

“Uh…yeah.” Jaron nodded, seeing a large Klawf in front of him, who he assumed was another mon that came with the innkeeper. He looked over at the waterwheel, breathing a sigh of relief as he saw an Espeon lifting rubble off of Ciecro piece by piece while a Marowak was propping up pieces with his large bone. With Ciecro being helped, Jaron hurried to Vragon’s side. “His hands need treatment.” He looked up at the Klawf, who nodded.

“Right. Let’s get him to the-” His words were cut off as a Shadow Ball struck him square in the face, knocking him up on his rear legs before tumbling over onto the top of his head.

Jaron spun around, but there was no Vex. “What?” He looked to the left, just in time to see Vex fly out towards him. Jaron gasped as he suddenly felt something shove him from behind and for a brief second he saw a look of surprise on Vex’s face before yellow flashes of electricity surged.

Jaron hit the ground on his side, but quickly rolled onto his back seeing Ciecro in the finish position of an uppercut, with Vex sent high in the air. Jaron watched the ghost spiral uncontrolled, yellow sparks sparking from his body as he hit the docks on the other side of the river, groaning.

“Thanks for the save…bro?” Jaron looked at his brother, who had dropped on all fours. His body looked cut up in several places and his body was twitching slightly. “Ciecro?” Jaron said, gasping as his brother looked at him.

The glare in those red sclera eyes startled Jaron, making him crawl back a few steps as Ciecro stood back up. Those feral-like eyes stared back at Jaron with fury, yet the Charmeleon didn’t budge from his spot.

It’s…it’s alright. Jaron said to himself, as he started to calm down. He slowly got up, walking closer to Ciecro, who was growling. “It’s okay, it’s me.” Jaron’s mind searched for the methods that Seliph had tried last time, hoping they’d be more effective with him.

“Easy, I got you.”

Jaron glanced to the side, seeing an Audino using Heal Pulse on Vragon’s hands for some minor treatment. Dread filled Jaron’s soul for a second until he saw Ciecro pounce forwards, lunging for the mon. “Ciecro! Stop!”

But it was too late, Ciecro back-handed her away, as he glared down at Vragon, who looked up at him either terrified or still in shock.

Jaron broke into a sprint, but soon stopped as Ciecro grabbed Vragon by the throat and lifted him up. “No! Don’t!” Jaron tried to pull Vragon away, but Ciecro just swatted him back. Looking back, Jaron could only watch in terrified silence as Ciecro glared at the horrified Vragon, their eyes level with each other.

The Croconaw looked at Ciecro’s free claw, fearing it would ignite into a move. However, it remained still as Ciecro just kept looking at Vragon. “Ciecro, it’s alright. You won’t hurt him, I know you won’t.” Jaron said aloud not just to calm Ciecro but also to keep himself calm. He slowly walked towards his brother. “It’s alright, just stay calm and-”

Perhaps out of frightened instinct, Vragon suddenly latched his claws onto Ciecro’s shoulders, yellow light glowing from their touch.

Ciecro winced but didn’t retaliate. Meanwhile, Vragon’s body was jittering in a disturbing manner as his face lurched back, maw opening up for a roar that never came. The Fraxure’s eyes rolled back into his head, leaving just black orbs as the yellow light surged.

Jaron watched in dumbfounded silence, unable to process what was going on. It wasn’t until the light had stopped and Vragon was dropped to the ground, while Ciecro grabbed his head like he was suffering from a horrible headache.

“Wha’ dah…Vray?” Ciecro’s eyes widened as his breath quivered, looking down at the Fraxure at his feet, bleeding from his mouth and eyes shut. Stuttering sentences left Ciecro’s mouth as he backed away, falling onto his tail as he stared at the sight in disbelief.

Is he… Jaron wanted to run to his friend, he wanted to help, but his body just couldn’t budge. It felt like he was on the other side of a door, a door that he knew once opened would reveal to him a sight he never wanted to see.

Suddenly, Vragon’s body began to move as a shadow-like form appeared at his side, lifting the unconscious boy up in his arms.

Jaron blinked in confusion until he saw a pair of glowing red eyes on the purple object that held Vragon in his arms. He reached out but was too late as the figure flew up. “No!”

The Croconaw was about to try and aim his Scald but was beaten by a pair of cyan Water Shurikens whizzing through the air, slicing Vex on his back.

Green ectoplasm flew out from the cuts as Vex spiraled, yelping from the attack and losing his grip on Vragon.

Jaron raced to his feet, ignoring everything and everyone around him as he saw Vragon fall, plunging into the dark waters of the river. He leaped off the side, ignoring Ciecro calling his name as he felt the chilling rush cover his body. Immediately, he swam up and poked his head out, glancing around frantically for Vragon. I don’t see him. He must be under. Jaron took a deep breath and dove back in

It was cold and the visibility was nonexistent. sh*t, where is he? He’s got to be somewhere downstream, but- Huh? He paused, noticing his body was dimly illuminated by some light coming from nearby. He turned and his eyes widened. Dresha! A relieved smile formed on his face as he swam over to the Lanturn’s ball of light. As he got closer, he noticed she was making a glowing cyan bubble growing larger and larger. He looked at the top of the bubble to see Vragon resting on top, being pushed above the water’s ceiling. Jaron swam up and broke the surface, swimming to push on the glowing bubble as Dresha surfaced too.

“What happened?” Dresha asked, casting a worried look towards the unconscious Fraxure.

“They attacked again,” Jaron said between pants, swimming over to check on Vragon.

“Jaron!”

The two of them turned to see Ciecro, and the two civilians that helped Ciecro from under the waterwheel.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got him!” Jaron said with a wave. “He needs a healer!”

The Marowak pointed downstream. “Head downstream a ways till you get to the next stone bridge. There should be a hospital on that street if you head east.”

“Thanks!” Jaron turned his focus to Ciecro, the look in Ciecro’s eyes as he stared at Vragon sending a chill throughout the Croconaw that the cold water could never do. The two mons turned around to rejoin the fray, Ciecro joining them a few seconds later.

Ciecro… Jaron’s eyes lowered before seeing Dresha pushing herself into the bubble, before cutting off supplying synergy to it. As it vanished into cyan particles, Vragon fell from its zenith onto her back, making a soft splash in the river currents.

“Jaron, can you make sure his head stays above the water?” She asked, glancing back at him with her left eye.

“Yes ma’am.” He swam to her side and the two started their journey downstream. As they traveled, Jaron felt his mind flood with all manner of thoughts. However, one particular thought pushed itself to the forefront of his mind, much to his despair. Please don’t be… Jaron didn’t even want to finish, but seeing Vragon’s unconscious face, leaking blood from his mouth, and the way his eyes rolled back earlier just made Jaron want to close his eyes.

“He’ll be alright dear.”

Jaron’s eyes lowered.

Almost as if the silence was enough of an answer, Dresha said, “Have faith in him. He’ll do his part in surviving just like we need to do ours in getting him to a hospital. Trust me, Jaron.”

Renewed by her words, Jaron looked back at Vragon, fighting the thoughts and fears asking him to look away. However, there was one feeling that was eating at him. Anxiousness at Vex, that the ghost could hop out at any moment and attack them. I didn’t see what happened to him after he dropped Vray, but…maybe he’s down. Or better yet, maybe he’s bleeding out on the street somewhere. A scowl formed on his face. Still, I don’t like how dark it is right now. Why couldn’t they light up the canals too? He sighed to himself. I never thought I’d miss my Wary so badly. But if I had it, then maybe none of this would have gotten this ba-

Everything went dark as Jaron dropped beneath the surface, a sharp pain springing alive at the top of head. He grabbed his temple, twirling around in the cold water, which just made the hurting worse. His confusion and disorientation were a struggle to calm down, but a second later, he had stabilized his position in the water. What was-? Jaron looked up, his eyes widening with fear.

“Let him go!” Was the first thing Jaron heard when he poked his head out of the water, followed by the sound of electricity from a yellow Charge Beam. He quickly looked up, seeing a shadowy presence carrying Vragon close to its body zip around the shot.

“Hit me and you hit him, bitch!”

Jaron growled but quickly realized he had no time and dove into the water. He swam as fast as he could to the bottom and pressed his hands against the floor. Just get me close enough. A cyan light formed in the palms of his hands as he felt his arm muscles being drained of their synergy. He unleashed two powerful Scalds to rocket himself upwards, shooting out of the river at a high aiming angle.

Once he had sights on them, he quickly re-adjusted his aim to go in their direction and within seconds grabbed onto the ghost’s foot. “Got you!” He snarled, latching his other hand on.

“Hey! Get off of-” Vex moved to kick Jaron off, but as soon as he looked down at Jaron, the Croconaw squirted a small bit of Scald into Vex’s face.

“Ahhh!” Vex cried in surprise as flinched his arms back to his face, letting go of the Fraxure.

Jaron let go and dove after Vragon, grabbing him and pulling him close. This is gonna hurt. He braced his body for the hard stone ground, however, he instead felt a hit from the side. His momentum went perpendicular as he hit the ground, losing his grip on Vragon and tumbling down with the Fraxure.

“Ugh…” He shook his head, getting off of his stomach. “That could have gone better.”

“Thanks for the feedback. Will consider next time I save you from a free fall, jerk.”

“Huh?” Jaron looked behind him and gasped. “Jasmine? How did you get here so-”

“Shut up and get ready to fight!” Jasmine shouted, twisting her head to send a Psycho Cut straight at Vex, who was soaring in for a slice. The ghost evaded and spiraled into the ground, the shadow traveling in a speedy arc towards the duo.

Jaron quickly aimed his arms down and fired Ice Beam, freezing the ground beneath them.

The shadow altered its path and shot up, as Vex twisted and flung a Shadow Ball towards them. The two responded with Scald and Psycho Cut, canceling it out with a powerful blast.

“Where’s Vray?” Jasmine asked, shielding her face from the smoke of the moves colliding.

Jaron gestured behind himself. “He’s here bu-”

“What the hell were you thi-” Jasmine exclaimed, spinning around but instantly freezing up at seeing Vragon laying there, next to motionless. “You…piece of-!” She surged with a white light and rushed through the remnants of the smoke. She leaped on the nearby wall, the white light fading as her face became covered with a black light that extended into a large jaw of sharp metallic-like teeth.

Vex flew back as she lunged for him, surging Shadow Claws that grabbed at the jaw, trying to keep it from close. His move cracked under the strain, but he managed to hold and with an angry shout, he spun, throwing her into a nearby wall.

However, Jasmine flipped over, landed on her feet, and pushed off, this time surging Psycho Cut in her horn. However, Vex merely flew over and out of her range. She landed back on the ground, looking up at him as he glared down at the group.

“You gonna keep running away coward!” She snapped, scratching at the ground aggressively with her front, right paw. “Or are you going to fight? Because I can tell you’re starting to slow down. I almost had you on the way here till you got lucky and slowed me down, but looks like you couldn’t even use your extra time to get him.”

Purple synergy glowed in Vex’s arms like he was starting to form Shadow Claw, as one of his hands moved to his wound.

“Keep on stalling, idiot. Sooner or later I’m going to hit you hard or your wound is gonna rip open.”

Jaron blinked as he looked at Jasmine. Is she trying to goad him? He wasn’t sure. She looked genuinely pissed. After all, he had gotten on her bad side a few times and never had seen this level of aggression from her. I hope she knows what she’s doing.

The purple lights faded as Vex’s gaze lowered to look at the wound his hand was covering. His eyes looked uncertain amidst the frustration and anger filling them. Then, he looked to his right as he raised it in front of his head as if he was admiring it, yet his expression seemed troubled and indecisive.

“What’s he doing?” Jaron whispered to Jasmine, as they watched Vex’s right hand shiver as it slowly began to drift towards his own face.

“I don’t know. Just hit him while he’s distracted,” Jasmine replied, flinging a Psycho Cut as Jaron fired Ice Beam from his maw.

Vex gasped, snapping out of whatever trance he was in, and quickly dove down, managing to avoid the moves. As he landed, he looked up at them with a furious snarl.

Jaron lowered his aim to strike at the ghost, but his eyes widened as Vex spiraled around his beam. sh*t! He clamped his mouth shut and raised his arms with premature Slash’s forming that did little to slow down the heavy force that struck him. He felt his back scrape against the rock as his head. He groaned as he felt his head dangle over the edge, the sound of the rushing water clear in his head despite the minor daze. As he pulled himself up, he quickly shielded his face with Cut, in case there was a follow-up. However, rather than an attack he heard a raspy, venomous shout exclaim, “Don’t move!

Jaron sat up and his eyes widened with horror.

Between him and Jasmine was Vex, pressing the tips of his Shadow Claw against the unconscious Fraxure’s neck. “I just have to sneeze,” he spat, panting with heavy breaths as he held his wound.

“I thought you wanted h-”

“Shut up, bitch!” Vex snarled, glancing back at the Absol. “I’ve had it. If this gets you to comply, fine. I don’t give a f*ck! Now move where I can see you!” Jasmine scowled, but with a reluctant lowering of her head, she walked around, keeping her distance as she moved near the edge of the river, and sat down.

Jaron felt his body tremble, his eyes narrowing with nervous anger but froze as he heard a voice.

“What do you want with Vragon?”

Jaron turned his head, looking at Miss Dresha who was next to him.

“Please,” Her voice struggled to emote, not because of emotion but due to her trying to conserve air. Jaron shivered as he looked at her face, seeing the pain strike fear in her eyes as she looked at that monster across from her.

Vex just stared back, wheezing heavily as he adjusted his grip on Vragon so his wound was leaking less. “That’s none of your…damn business.” He answered, panting and occasionally glancing back at Jasmine.

“But are you going to hurt him?” She asked, strain in her eyes. “He needs a hospital or he mi-”

“No hospital,” Vex barked, making her gasp. “We’ll handle treating him.”

“Treating him?” Jaron couldn’t hold it back anymore. He lashed out. “You’re just gonna kill him!”

“If you won’t back up, I will!” Vex growled.

Jaron took deep breaths through his teeth, his eyes bearing a fervent fury that unfortunately was powerless to do much in this situation. “If you, if you hurt him…” Jaron’s fists clenched. “I’ll-”

“You’ll what? Kill me? Yeah, threaten me punk! Go ahead!” Vex moved the Shadow Claw closer, making Jaron flinch. “Yeah, that’s right. Now shut your trap.” He turned his attention to Dresha. “Now you three head that way an-” He was interrupted by a strange sound, some kind of hissing.

He glanced around at the ground, seeing what appeared to be an orb spurting out some kind of pink smoke. “Who’s there!” Vex shouted, glancing behind as an rolling orb slowly came to a halt near his position, shooting out a strange pink-violet smoke.

“Show yourself! I’ll kill the whelp if you don’t!” Vex barked, looking around. “If it’s poison he’ll die too!”

This was it. Jaron rushed for the mist.

“Jaron!” Jasmine shouted as Dresha tried to reach him, but she couldn’t stop him. He rushed into the mist without a plan, just a primal urge to save his friend.

“I swear! I’ll do it! I’ll-dyah!”

Jaron’s heart stopped at hearing Vex’s screech. Vray! He raced onwards, praying that the worst hadn’t happened. His mind was completely lost and his Wary being gone made him feel as blind as ever in this thickening mist. Suddenly, Jaron tripped over something large. “Ooof.” He sat up and glanced back. “Vray!” He lunged for his friend, sitting him up. “Please, please be-”

“He’s alive.”

The Croconaw gasped as he looked in the direction of the voice, his eyes looking up into the thick mist to see what appeared to be two solid, glowing lights of purple. It left him awestruck as he stuttered over his words. “B-b-bu-…”

The eyes moved closer, a silhouette of a large figure appearing before him, taller than even Humphry yet thinner. This figure squatted down and moved what looked like a talon towards the unconscious Fraxure.

Jaron pulled back, bringing Vragon with him as the figure hesitated.

“It’s alright, Jaron, I’m not an enemy.” Suddenly the figure turned his head, the purple eyes looking back upstream. “Get him to a hospital.”

Jaron jolted back as the figure raced away from him to the left. He reached his hand out into the mist, but the figure was gone. He knows my name? Jaron blinked. Maybe he was told? But…the way he said it was so…natural? Is that the right wor-?

“Jaron, come on, we’ve gotta go. Help me get him on my back.”

“Uh…” Jaron took one last glance in the direction the figure went before looking down at Vragon. “R-right.”

Chapter 34
Discipline (Indomitable)

Ciecro panted softly, his arms outstretched, pointed straight at the Gallade who was busy fighting a three on one against the Marowak, Houndoom, and Seliph.

Slowly, Ciecro’s arms lowered as he cursed under his breath. He looks at his claws, dark blue particles of synergy forming, and a precursor to Dragon Claw. I can’t get weakened again, He thought, closing them into fists. Bu’ I only know Flamethrower for rang- He gasped as a beam of rainbow energy fired from behind, heading for Siegfried.

The Gallade pushed off from his lock with the Marowak and cartwheeled out of the way, surging Psycho Cut and twirling, sending several Psycho Cuts towards the two. The Espeon was readying Psybeam to fire back.

“Too many!” Ciecro quickly grabbed her, making the Espeon squeal as he rushed and dove, avoiding the flurry of Psycho Cuts that soared past.

“Uh…Maybe you were right.” The Espeon said, staring at the resulting explosion on the other side of the river.

Ciecro let go of her and stood up, staring back at the fighting going on between Siegfried, Seliph, and the Marowak. Come on, think. Dere’s gotta be a way tah help.

“A little help…please.”

“Huh?” Ciecro turned and his eyes widened. In front was the Audino from earlier, trying to lift the Klawf off his head. He jogged over and looked at the Klawf’s eyes, which were mostly closed followed by some kind of moaning sound from the Klawf. “Wha’s wrong with ‘im?”

“I think he’s either dazed or got a concussion. I think the combination of that Shadow Ball and the heavy fall on his head did something. I can’t inspect him while he’s like this.” The Audino stated, panting as she gently gave up trying to turn him over. “I can’t get him over and if he falls on his head it might make whatever injury he has worse.”

Ciecro glanced back at the three vs. one fighting for a second. Dey’ve got dis fo’ now. He looked at the Espeon, who was eyeing the fight as well for her next shot, “Hey, can yah help?”

“Uh…I can try.” She turned towards the Klawf and closed her eyes. A pink energy covered the Klawf as he started to move upwards. The Espeon’s closed eyes squinted as she buckled down on her front legs. “He’s heavy, ugh.”

“You don’t need to levitate him, just tilt him enough so he can fall over with his head upright,” The Audino directed.

“Dat won’ hurt ‘im?” Ciecro asked with a confused brow raise.

“It shouldn’t. His head has enough things between it and the impact to make it ineffective.”

The Espeon adjusted her strategy and started tilt the Klawf upwards. She had gotten him at about a forty-five-degrees when suddenly she was struck by a Shadow Ball from the side. She hit the building nearby, slumping down on her side.

“No!” Ciecro dove, spinning so he’d be on his back as he slid under. Pushing his arms and legs up, as well as using his tail for support, Ciecro managed to save the Klawf from hitting his head on the ground a second time.

“Help me,” Ciecro said, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Audino hit the ground, next to the Espeon. Damnit, no! He suddenly felt the Klawf feel heavier, pushing down on him as his muscles strained.

“How do you like being crushed, huh?” Vex’s voice taunted him from above.

Snarling, Ciecro felt his legs struggling to stay up. They were only held up by his tail, which alone wasn’t going to be able to last for long not so long as the ghost was pushing down on him. Somebody come, please. He said, taking a few heavy exhales to help with his muscle strain.

“Yeah, bet it feels nice. I’m not supposed to kill you, but- WAAAH!”

Ciecro raised a brow as the weight eased up. He quickly looked at his line of sight, seeing what seemed to be some white light that vanished revealing some Absol feet. Jaz? A second later they sprang up, and the weight became heavier again. “Ugh, Jasmine, get off!” He shouted, doing his best to not give way.

“Huh? Ciecro?” Jasmine hopped off and looked under. “What are you doing under the-”

“Shut dah f*ck up an’ help me!”

Jasmine crawled under the shell and pushed, giving Ciecro some leeway to readjust himself. The two then pushed up, shifting the groaning Klawf over till he fell upright. The large crab groaned, his eyes flickering between completely closed and slightly opened.

“Where’d dat ghost go?” Ciecro snarled, glancing around. Suddenly, a barrier formed around them as a Shadow Ball struck the Protect.

“Who in the‽” Vex snapped, looking around for the user of Protect.

Ciecro’s eyes widened as he realized who it was. He glanced over, seeing the Hitmonchan ranger resting against a wall with his gloved hand stretched out.

“There you are,” Vex said, flying in, until he was hit from the side by a Water Pulse and he skidded on the pavement. “Ack!” He held his injured, as he left a trail of ectoplasm from his back. “f*ck…” He looked to see a Wartortle standing on top of the Klawf, his outstretched hands as circles of crystalized mist formed near his fingers. Vex gasped and phased into the ground as an Ice Beam struck the spot where he was.

The Wartortle snickered, hopping down from the Klawf. As he landed, he reached to the side of his head and undid some kind of latch on his helmet. The lower portion, which looked like an air filter for a helmet, loosened and dangled to the side of the black helmet. “You boys alright?” The Wartortle asked as he pulled down a cloth covering his mouth, his deep voice indicating he must be in his late twenties or higher. His eyes were stern and alert under the thin glass vizor. His clothes were a sleeved, light padded overcloak that draped down to the lowest point of his shell with buttons aligned the center, though he had all of them unbuttoned. On the inside were two belts wrapped around his body like an X, both of which held and assortment of items and tools all neatly sorted.

“Uh…yeah.” Ciecro quickly jogged over to the Hitmonchan and helped him stand up. “Tanks for dah save.”

“No…problem, heh.” He looked at the Wartortle who walked over. “About time.”

“We were delayed,” the Wartortle said, taking the other side of the injured ranger. “The Commissioner set up a perimeter in the North and we had to go around it.”

Ciecro’s face went serious as he looked North. Dey must still be fightin’ dat Red Eye. I hope Tork is... His head lowered as he thought of the last moments in the ranger’s station. Suddenly, he jolted as the Wartortle raised his voice.

“Yo, Reagen! Get over here!” The Wartortle shouted as a Swampert hurried from around the Klawf. “We’ve got some wounded that need transference immediately. Get two others and-”

“Wait, just a second sir.” The Swampert gestured back downstreet where the fire was. “We’ve identified the fire. It’s Synergy based.”

“Damnit,” The Wartortle snarled, pressing a hand on his helmet, the stress showing itself on his eyes.

“It’s already gotten into the neighboring building. We need to contain it.”

“In that case, you should just take those two,” the Ranger said, gesturing his head to the unconscious mons as he looked at the Swampert. “They’re in worse shape. And you look strong enough to take them both by yourself.”

The Wartortle nodded. “Good plan. Reagen, take the Espeon and Audino to the hospital.” He looked at Jasmine. “Kid, can you-”

Jasmine’s attention snapped to the right. “Hold that thought!” She hopped and sliced at a Shadow Ball, the remnants bursting around the three males. She landed and readied Psycho Cut in her horn as Vex floated upwards, forming two more.

The ghost looked tired and his wound was still bleeding ectoplasym. He pushed the Shadow Balls together to make a larger one and fired it, but it was destroyed by a combination of Psycho Cut, Ice Beam, and Hydro Pump.

Vex growled, but was caught by surprise at a loud voice shouting to him, “Stop wasting time Vex!”

“Huh?” The ghost glanced back.

“Go after our target. I’ll handle these guys.” Siegfried ordered, kicking the Marowak away as he blocked Seliph’s low strike. He then threw a Psycho Cut with his free hand at the feet of the Houndoom, disrupting her focus.

“By yourself-?”

“Just go!” Siegfried exclaimed, flipping over Seliph and slicing down as the Greninja rolled out of range.

Vex let out a deep sigh and dove into the ground, a barely seeable shadow zipping towards them.

“Get back!” The Wartortle shouted, jogging in front and firing Ice Beam at the ground. Ice formed on the surface, traveling wide and swiftly, forcing Vex to pop back out of the ground.

Jasmine took this chance to throw Psycho Cut and the Swampert also fired Hydro Pump, however, the ghost barrel rolled around their moves and flew phased back into the ground, disappearing over the edge of the dock.

“Jaz! Go after him!”

“Right!” Jasmine sprang to a sprint, leaping on the Klawf’s large claw to push off over the body. As she sprang off the head, her body became enveloped in a white synergy light and she raced down the road in pursuit.

“Dang it, I was going to ask her to help.” The Wartortle looked back at Ciecro and quickly sized him up. “You’ll do.” He took an orb from his belt and handed it to him, it was a mix of violet and pink. “Take this Absorbing Mist Orb. I want you to go into that alleyway there and use it. It’ll help deter the flames if they do spread in that direction. We’ll handle the other sides of the block.” He placed it into Ciecro’s hand and pointed to the Hitmonchan. “Once you’re done, get yourself and him to safety, preferably to a healer-”

“Wait…”

“Huh?” He turned around and saw the Klawf shifting in his spot. His needle like legs began moving around before pushing down to pick up his larger body. “Flames?”

The Wartortle’s eyes under his vizor softened with relief at seeing the Klawf get up. “Take it easy, sir. You were passed out earlier.”

“Passed out? O…Oh right.” His eyes opened wide as he shook his head. “Where is that Gengar? I’m gonna-”

“No.” The Wartortle ordered and then looked at Ciecro and the Hitmonchan. “He was injured, right?”

The ranger nodded. “Yep. He took a direct hit to the center of his head with a Shadow Ball.”

“Understood.” The captain pointed down street. “Sir, if you can walk you should get to the hospital. We’ll handle-”

“Wait.” The Klawf stammered, lowering his head closer to the Wartortle’s smaller body. “I’m alright, really. If you don’t want me to fight, then I can at least help with the fire. I know Sandstorm so maybe that can do something, or help evacuate buildings.”

The captain rubbed his chin, shaking his head. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, bu-”

“With all due respect Captain.” The ranger said with a cough, prompting the Wartortle to focus his narrow gaze at him. “If what your associate said earlier is true, you’ll need all the help you can get. You gave us a job, why not him?”

A heavy sigh followed. “Fair point, ranger.” He faced the Klawf once more. “Alright. I’ll try and find something for you. But first.

He turned towards the two and took out another Absorbing Mist orb. “Let me demonstrate how to use it real quick. Now watch, this is how you open it.” Without looking, he twisted the top and causing it to split apart slightly with a technological slit around the middle showing. “This is the standby state. Just push it together to activate the mist expel. If you need to reposition it, don’t worry. Just like many other orbs a counterclockwise twist will reverse it to the standby state. There should be enough mist for thirty-minutes’ worth of coating. You shouldn’t need to adjust the output at all, we don’t need three blocks of mist cover, just try to pick a good middle ground in the alley and use it there.” He pulled the cloth back over his mouth and nostrils, then pulled the mouth filter of his helmet back into place, latching it with the lock at the sound of a click. He looked back at them through the thing vizor of his helmet. “Got all that?” He asked, his voice muffled by the helmet’s filter mouth guard being locked back into place.

Ciecro nodded. “In dah alleyway to slow dah fire’s progress. Got it.”

“And when you’ve picked the spot, get out.” He said firmly, pressing the orb together causing it to beep. “Let’s move.” He said to the Klawf as he spun around and walked away, dropping the orb behind as it started shooting out violet-pink mist. Ciecro stepped back with the Hitmonchan as the silhouettes of the Wartortle and the Klawf were engulfed in the violet-pink mist.

Ciecro didn’t watch for long, intent on completing his mission and getting out of here. “Come on, lez go.” He helped the Hitmonchan and was almost at the entrance of the alleyway, when a stray Psycho Cut hit the wall, causing the two of them to briefly go off balance. “Woah, easy.”

The Hitmonchan grunted in pain from the force, taking slow breaths as he started to recuperate. “Sorry, I should have thrown up a-”

“No, it’s fine. We’re almost-” Ciecro said but was interrupted as someone hit the wall with a pained grunt, remnants of an orange tornado evaporating as it struck the wall. The Marowak slumped, groaning as his body quivered from all the cuts he had received.

Ciecro looked at the fighting, seeing Seliph and the Houndoom falling back to their position. The Houndoom twisted and roared, sending out Embargo chains, but Siegfried started slicing them apart with Leaf Blade.

“Keep those chains up!” Seliph ordered, letting his Night Slash evaporate as he knelt next to the Marowak to inspect the mon’s wounds.

“I thought I could get a hit on him.” The Marowak answered, wincing as Seliph moved him a little to see the wounds on his back.

Seliph sighed and stood up, holding his wounded side. “Ciecro, I need your help.”

Ciecro’s eyes widened as he looked at the orb in his hands. “But dose firemons need me tah-”

“Ciecro, we’re running out of fighters and you have experience against him and his Spectral Gaze.”

Ciecro momentarily blinked. ‘Spectral Gaze’? Oh, dat must be dat gift’s name. Suddenly, Ciecro felt the ranger shuffle towards the wall. “Hey, wha’re yah-”

“You help him.” The ranger said, placing both of his hands on the wall and taking a few steady breaths before moving one of his hands to Ciecro, holding it out expecting something. “I’ll handle the orb.”

“But yahr-” Ciecro paused as his head lowered. He felt it at that moment, his fists clenching as he scowled. I can’t beat ‘im. Ciecro blinked as he felt the orb wretched from his hands by Seliph who placed it in the ranger’s hands. “Hey!”

“Save it.” Seliph faced him with an icy glare. “Now male up and help us fight.”

Ciecro snarled, his head lowering slightly. He wanted so badly to stand up to his brother, but the shame in the truth that he would be a coward eroded his sternness. Seliph walked past him, not waiting for an answer as he drew a Night Slash sharpened stick and twirled it backhanded. Ciecro joined Seliph at his side, the two brothers watching the Gallade dodge or slice apart the Embargo chains going for him.

“Ciecro, you and me will rush him for quick blows to break his defense. You take lead and knock him off balance. I will follow up. We keep going till he’s got an opening for a critical strike to incapacitate.”

“Incapacitate?”

“Sadly, I’d rather we not kill him yet.” Seliph’s eyes grew narrow and dark. He took a calming sigh and glanced back at Ciecro with a less firm, neutral stare. “Do you understand?”

“Yeh.”

“Then make sure you do.”

Ciecro’s eyes lowered and focused on the Night Slash in Seliph’s hand and then slowly he nodded. Without a word, Ciecro walked in front. Seliph’s words hurt, but he understood why. Now wasn’t the time to let things bother him else more mons might get hurt or die because of his mistakes. He spread his arms out and clenched them into fists, feeling the synergy flow through his fists and traveling into his claws. The energy then formed around his fingers, extending into powerful Dragon Claws, which surged with a flaming aesthetic, but the still temperance of a steel encasing.

Seliph stood behind him and whispered. “Lead right, I’ll go left. We crisscross once to make it easier to avoid eye contact and tease out a range move from him. If he takes the bait, his defenses won’t be as strong when we strike.”

The Charmeleon’s scowl grew as his body tensed up, ready for battle. I’ll break ‘is defenses eit’er way, Ciecro thought, snorting as he leaned low, and his legs planting themselves and ready to burst.

“Now.” Seliph ordered as the true charged forwards.

Ciecro then altered his path to the right while Seliph went left, their attack causing the Houndoom and Siegfried to cease their clash and focus on the boys. As the two closed the distance, Siegfried surged a Leaf Blade in his right elbow and a Psycho Cut in his left.

Good. Ciecro diverted towards the center. Okay, bai’ dah range an’ crisscross.

Seeing them racing to the middle once more, Siegfried thrust his arms forwards, vibrating them to make a Vaccuum Wave fly out. However, the two were close enough that the Vacuum Wave couldn’t expand enough, allowing enough room for Ciecro to slide underneath it. The Charmeleon heard his brother slide under as well, but before they cleared it, he felt a hand touch his back.

Everything went dark as he suddenly felt still. “Huh?” He looked around, finding himself standing in darkness.

“Ciecro!”

He turned to the direction of Seliph’s voice. Ah, so dat’s it. He started running towards the voice.

“Ciecro! Answer!”

“Here!” He shouted, picking up the pace. After about two minutes he finally saw Seliph in his view and the two met up. “So, change of plans? He didn’t see into my min-”

“He saw into mine.”

“What‽” Ciecro said, but Seliph shook his head.

“Relax, it was intended. He’ll think you’re trying to knock him off balance, but instead you’re going to move in from low. That should disrupt his focus long enough for me to get a good blow in. He should be easy to handle with a wound like that.”

“Oh, I see. Baitin’ ‘im” Ciecro’s head lowered for a second to think it over. “Bu’ wha’ if he saw yah’re fake out in yah head?”

“I’ll handle it. Just carry out your end.”

Slowly, Ciecro nodded as he shut his eyes. He felt his body grow heavy, the sound of rushing wind above his head, and the feeling of stones scrapping on his side.

His vision instantly lit up as he cleared the Vacuum Wave and immediately got up and racing in a thin arc towards Siegfried.

Okay, ‘ere goes. He lowered his body and dragged his Dragon Claws on the ground as he neared.

Siegfried faced him and readied Psycho Cut.

The Charmeleon did a short hop, pulling back his arm to go for a heavy hit. As Siegfried raised his defenses, Ciecro pulled back his feint and lowered his body as he landed, thrusting upwards instead. “Gah!” He gasped, as Siegfried suddenly broke his guard and angled his left arm so that his Psycho Cut elbow would redirect Ciecro’s Dragon Claws away from him.

Ciecro stumbled, now in the path of Seliph. He quickly twisted to try and defend himself from Siegfried’s follow up slice, but found himself caught by Seliph’s right arm as the Greninja formed a Night Slash sharp stick to block the hit.

“Thunderpunch!” Seliph roared.

Ciecro planted his legs and pushed off, Seliph also pushing on his back with his right arm as Ciecro let the Dragon Claw dematerialize and instead sent a powerful surge of yellow synergy through his closed fists. He swung at the startled Gallade, who pulled back the pressure from Seliph to cross his Psycho Cuts.

A surging sound filled Ciecro’s head as his Thunderpunch locked with Psycho Cut, the two synergy types battling it out with physical contact. “Gah!” His eyes widened as he suddenly a shiver throughout his body, a familiar shiver.

He looked at his Thunderpunch, the electricity erupted from his claws and zapped its way into the Psycho Cut. The distant memory of when he stared at a feral Weavile as a child came back and enveloped reality. He saw the flames of Flamethrower break through the cold of Icy Wind just as the electricity tore apart the Psycho Cut and shocked Siegfried’s arms. Siegfried broke away, due to a mix of Ciecro’s pushing force and his body’s instinct to escape the pain, causing him to stagger back and Ciecro to have to catch himself on his hands and knees.

Quickly, Ciecro looked back at the Gallade, just in time to see two Water Shurikens slice at the ankles of the Red Eye.

Siegfried gasped and dropped on his knee, his eyes filling with flustered anger as Seliph then shouted at the Houndoom, “Use Embargo! Now!” as he brought a Night Slash down upon Siegfried, who raised his Leaf Blade to block.

The Gallade glanced left and pushed Seliph back. He turned to slice at the chains once more, but he was too late as the chains wrapped around his arms and torso.

“No!” Siegfried roared, trying to break free, but it was too late. His arms were pinned to his sides and the pain in his ankles made his attempts to stand just result in him falling on his side.

Ciecro stared, the battlefield now filled with silence, save for the running of the river just a few feet ahead. His absent-minded staring was cut off by Seliph walking around him.

Siegfried struggled against his restraints, but stopped once Seliph squatted next to the detained Red Eye.

“You’re very good at focusing, except when someone knows what you can do. Then you’re easy to catch off guard.”

The Gallade snarled and turned his stare towards the pavement, a silent glare in his eyes.

“Now that I have your undivided attention, let me break this down for you. Just like I can get you to focus on the wrong plan.” He surged a Night Slash dagger and stabbed the pavement right in front of Siegfried’s face, making the Red Eye, Ciecro, and the Houndoom restraining him feel a shiver in their spines. “I can give you enough pain so that all you can focus on is how much it hurts. Now…” Seliph leaned his head in, his tone low and threatening. “Tell me what the Red Eyes want with that Fraxure boy. What is he to your group?”

As Ciecro got to his feet, he felt his body shiver. Perhaps it was him still feeling the effects of Infuzement or maybe it was the tone from Seliph’s conversation. He looked forwards and then realized what it was. “Seliph.” He said, pointing across the river as the Greninja also looked up.

Across the river, walking down the street to the docks was Trishula. His body was covered with rubble and his claws had a tint of blood on them. His eyes were laser-focused on the group, the gleam in those violent red irises piercing Ciecro’s soul the second their gazes met.

“Who is tha-” The Houdoom began but was interrupted as Siegfried angled his foot towards her and vibrated it, sending a quick Vacuum Wave out. She turned to take the hit, but the move wasn’t intending to harm her much. It propelled Siegfried back towards the edge as he twisted his body to roll off.

Seliph drew a Night Slash dagger and lunged for him.

Ciecro was about to help, but two Incinerate bolts from the other side struck at the dock, forcing Ciecro to shield his face or risk getting splinters in his eyes. When he looked back, he saw Seliph hunched over, his dagger stuck in the wood about three inches from the edge.

“Damnit!” Siegfried snarled, standing up as his dagger disintegrated into particles.

The trio looked across at Trishula, as he raised his hands above his head, clasped his claws together, and brought them down causing an eruption of dark blue, purple, and red synergy around his body.

“Is it still charging?” Ciecro asked, starting to back away along with the other two.

“Yes. We’ll just have to bide our time,” Seliph answered, forming Night Slash kunai.

“We need reinforceme-,” The Houdoom suggested, but gasped as Trishula leaped from the edge.

“Don’t let him cross!” Seliph shouted, throwing his kunai.

Ciecro shout Flamethrower out of his mouth and the Houdoom stomped her front legs, sending Embargo chains out of the dark circle at her feet.

Trishula’s eyes narrowed as the three moves closed in. He twisted his body and head, letting the first Kunai fly past his cheek and grabbing the second as he completed his midair spin. He then surged Dragon Claw with his free hand, blocking the Flamethrower while flinging the kunai at the Houdoom.

She gasped, but before it could strike her, Seliph extended his hand and forced his Night Slash kunai to dematerialize. The distraction worked as the chains failed to properly latch onto his arms, allowing him to cut them apart with a second Dragon Claw.

“Get back!” Seliph shouted, as Trishula landed.

The Houdoom immediately sent out Flamethrower and Ciecro was about to join her, until Seliph shouted.

“No doubt!”

Ciecro then noticed as the flames struck Trishula’s side. There was a dark aura forming at the area of impact. Payback!

“Fall back now!” Seliph ordered.

Ciecro looked at the alleyway entrance, seeing the injured Marowak still resting there. He rushed to get in the path, surging his Thunderpunch.

“Ciecro don’t!” Seliph shouted, but Ciecro crossed his arms and readied as Trishula swung his arms wide, sending blasts of dark synergy outwards that easily cut through the Houdoom’s flamethrower.

Ciecro dug in his legs, as two flew past him before the third struck him. He felt his arms be pushed against his chest as his legs buckled, skidding back on the pavement. Pushing against it was like trying to push against a Wailord. Come on! He begged in his mind, twist his guard in an attempt to redirect. With a loud roar, he pushed on the right with all his might and the move broke through, sending him skidding onto his side.

The Marowak moved as much as he could and fell over, as it punctured the wall a mere foot away from where his head used to be.

Ciecro groaned as he sat up. His eyes widened as an Incinerate was flying right for him, but before it could reach him Seliph did a jumping slash to block, the impact hurling him over Ciecro. Thankfully, Seliph was nimble enough to twist and lands on his legs in a low position, using his free hand to slow down his slide.

The Charmeleon held his arm, which had been scraped a bit from the skidding. “Yah a’ight?”

“Focus.” Seliph snapped, clearly not happy about having to tank that blow, but his face suddenly went to a widened look of horror.

Ciecro shifted his gaze at the direction Seliph was looking. On the right side, near the fog from that Firemon’s orb, lay the Houdoom. She was dazed and trying to get up as Trishula walked over towards her, Dragon Claw at his side.

“No!” Ciecro rushed to his feet. “Leave her alone!”

Trishula raised it as she glanced back, freezing up at the sight of him, but as Trishula brought the move down a barrier formed that saved her from being killed.

Protect? Ciecro stared in stunned silence, until he remember and looked at the alleyway. There was the ranger, leaning against the wall, hand outstretched in the direction of Houdoom. Horror crossed Ciecro’s face as a second later, the Hitmonchan was struck in the chest by an Incinerate, hitting the alleyway wall and falling face first flat on the ground.

“No!” Ciecro tried to rush for the ranger, but Seliph moved his hand in front.

“Don’t, the Marowak will help him.”

Ciecro looked back to see Trishula once more try to slice the Houndoom, but she leaped away. Unfortunately, she didn’t clear the distance of Trishula’s tail as he spun around, slamming her his tail, knocking her into the fog.

With no other opponents to distract him, Trishula turned and walked towards the pair of brothers.

“Wha’ do we do?” Ciecro asked, a knot forming in his chest.

Seliph didn’t reply, just kept his blade raised, and his eyes focused on the enemy.

“Are you that beyond reason that you’d throw yours and your brother’s lives away to protect a mere sample?” Trishula said, his eyes narrowing as he continued to walk over.

Seliph didn’t reply, but just started backing away, Ciecro following him in tandum.

“No answer? Very well then.” Trishula raised his claws above his head and clasped them together to use Dragon Dance.

Seliph formed water Shurikens and was about to throw them when suddenly a voice sounded.

“Get back!”

Ciecro looked towards the river along with Seliph and Trishula. A large, cyan glowing wave was forming, which at the pinnacle stood Humphry with Zebzenna on his head.

“You heard him,” Seliph answered, letting his move disintegrate and rushing back.

Hope sparked in Ciecro’s heart as he raced back too.

Humphry hopped off the top and landed, glancing back as the Surf crashed onto Trishula, flooding that part of the street.

“Wait!” Ciecro look towards the alleyway, but relief filled him as he noticed the two injured mons were floating in the air, a Froslass near them who was using Psychic to lift them up. She was wearing an outfit like the Wartortle’s from earlier.

“Commissioner!” On the roof corner of the building the two injured mons were being set down on stood the Wartortle. He cupped his hands over his mouth and said, “We’ve made some headway on the fire! Are there anymore injured there!”

Zebzenna shook her head as the Wartortle nodded and left the edge. “Alright, so now what?”

“Now, we end this.” Humphry punched his fists together.

“And how do you propose we do that?” Seliph said, walking in front. “We need to buy our time for the warp orb. It’s got about five minutes remain-”

“No. We can’t let that thing keep picking mons off.” Humphry angrily croaked as his eyes glared at the dragon standing up from the Surf, the glowing water flowing down his body. “If we just stall he’s going to return. We’ve got to put that thing down. I have a plan.” He glanced back at the three.

The Seismitoad’s face and shoulders were covered with rubble dust alongside a few cuts and scrapes. The fight from before must have been hard, especially since Zebzenna and Humphry were the only ones here. Ciecro didn’t want to think that they were the only survivors and he had to force that thought aside as Humphry ordered.

“Zebzenna, get Ciecro to the other side and you both use your most powerful moves on him from different parts. Seliph, you use Hydro Pump and be at the top of the triangle.”

“What are you going to do?” Zebzenna inquired as Humphry jogged for the river.

“I’ll approach from above.”

“That’s your plan?” Seliph said in a sarcastic tone.

Humphry glared at him. “Just do it, you twat. If we hit him from all sides, something is going through. He’s not going to slow down unless we get a decisive strike on him” He turned around and started jogging towards the docks, leaving an uneasy Zebzenna and Ciecro, and an unconvinced Seliph.

The three turned around to face the dragon. “I don’t like this plan. Even if we pin him, we’re just tiring ourselves out,” Seliph said, letting his arms hang at his sides.

“At least it’ll stall him. Seliph, take this side and keep him busy.” In the blink of an eye, she stepped up to Ciecro and swept him off his feet, carrying him wide-eyed in surprise in her arms.

“Hey!” Ciecro protested but was ignored as she rushed forwards, forcing him to hold on.

Seliph grumbled and fired Hydro Pump at Trishula, who shielded himself with an enlarged Dragon Claw.

“Hrm?” Seeing the commissioner rushing from the side, the dragon flicked his wrist over and over, sending Incinerate bolts at them.

“Ciecro, cover us!” Zebzenna shouted.

“R-right!” Ciecro fought his embarrassment and focused. He pointed one claw out and fired Flamethrower, engulfing the dragon’s flaming bolts in his larger fire.

Once she arrived at a good spot, she set him down and said, “Keep it up.”

Ciecro nodded and stretched his hands out fully, firing Flamethrower at Trishula, who turned his body to block it with another Dragon Claw.

Zebzenna got behind him and started absorbing light. She pulled her hands to her chest and then lowered them to her side as a ball of light formed. With a shout, she fired Solar Beam at him, but despite the two moves keeping him stationary, Trishula quickly spun around and threw up his guards once more. He opened his maw and fired Flamethrower to meet the Solar Beam. It was now three against one in endurance.

Jus’ keep it up. Yah’ve done dis a million times before. He told himself as he ignored the burning in his arms. Jus’ imagine dis is endurance practi- He gasped as suddenly a flash of light crossed his vision. He looked around, seeing streaks of glowing water begin to form and orbit his body. Aqua Ring? Humphry? He turned his focus beyond the collision of moves and that’s when he saw Humphry’s plan.

In the canal was a spiraling pillar of glowing water, rising high with the Seismitoad on top, twirling his right hand to usher the move. His other hand was outstretched to the others, giving the three Aqua Ring.

He’s not gonna- Ciecro felt a shiver in his spine as the pillar grew larger and larger.

“He’ll be fine.”

He blinked, glancing at Zebzenna.

“He’s done this before,” she stated, grunting a little under the strain of her Solar Beam.

Ciecro nodded and refocused, fighting the burning in his arms. Hopefully, dis helps tire dat mon out at least.

Finally, Humphry’s large Surf was ready. He stopped drawing circles above his head with his right arm and instead moved that arm back. He then raised it up and brought it down, the pillar flowing in his motion like a striking snake as it soared down. The top shifted from under Humphry, forming a spike of water as it traveled down.

Ciecro readied his mind and body to be submerged, his tail quivering at the feeling he was about to experience. But suddenly, he heard Trishula roar and raise his head. The Solar Beam struck him, but not before he formed a Draco Meteor above the pinnacle of his temple.

A brief second of dread filled everyone’s expressions until an ear-splitting explosion resounded, the repulse of water and force rippling through the three. Ciecro couldn’t make up or down as he tumbled in a mixture of water and air, but suddenly he came to an abrupt halt. It didn’t hurt too badly, it was like the wall he had struck moved back a little to compensate the momentum. But as his nerves regained their sense, he realized only his lower back was touching this wall.

“You alright?”

Ciecro spat out water as he felt the air travel down his burning throat. He looked at the voice, seeing the Klawf from earlier, holding him above the Surf water with his larger pincer. “Thanks.”

Nearby, Zebzenna was being helped up by Embargo chains by the Houndoom from earlier. “You alright, commissioner?” She asked as Zebzenna brushed off some of the lingering Surf water. “I’ll be fine if that dragon is finally-” She paused upon looking at the collision point.

Ciecro looked as well and he was equally taken off guard. Trishula was still up but on his knees. He supported himself with one hand while he was taking heavy breathsCiecro’s eyes lit up. He’s wearin’ out?

“Now!” Zebzenna formed Magical Leaf. “Let’s finish this!”

The Klawf set Ciecro down, making the Charmeleon jitter as the ankle high water touched his tail. He roared, forming sharp rocks that orbited his body.

Ugh, stupid tail. Ciecro grumbled, brushing the Surf water off the upper root of his tail and raising the flame end out of the water. This distraction made him miss out on joining the other two in firing moves at the prone dragon.

“Wait don’t!” Seliph shouted.

“He’s using Payback!” Humphry added, but it was too late.

The moves struck Trishula, and a second later, powerful black beams cut through the flurry of water and smoke. The Klawf moved in front but was pelted back, Zebzenna leaped away, but the impact near her was enough to send her tumbling near the synergy fog wall.

Ciecro wasn’t spared either, the repulse from the strikes causing him to tumble towards a building and hit the wall with a hard smack. “Ack!” He sank onto his hands and knees, the bruise on his back stinging sharply. He mustered his vigor to look back, seeing Seliph and Humphry engaging Trishula.

He stood up, holding his ribs hoping nothing was cracked. A second later, he felt a searing pain hit him in the chest, knocking him back to the wall and fall flat on his stomach. Ciecro growled from the pain as he held his chest, where now a singe mark resided. Dat…f*cker! He managed to get on his knee despite the struggle.

His breathing stilled as he watched the fight again, fear filling his heart as he noticed Seliph was struggling to keep up. The Greninja was wearing down from his wound and after a few strikes, the dragon pulled off a parry without looking and used this opening to whack Seliph hard on the injury spot with his tail.

Seliph tumbled over to the damp dock, holding his back wound as his eyes shut tightly.

It was just Humphry now, who bore a furious look that was only matched by his brutal punches.

Ciecro tried to stand, but his injury made every motion feel like lifting a mountain. As every second passed, Humphry’s attacks became less and less effective, the dragon’s parries became smoother, his blocks became more efficient, and his counters threw his opponent more off balance.

It didn’t take a future seer to notice the tides of the battle were changing. No… Ciecro struggled to his feet and tried to walk forwards, but this just left him vulnerable to a quick incarnate bolt that flew past Humphry. Ciecro quickly leaned to avoid it, but in the process fell on his side, making his inured ribs hurt even more.

“Ciecro!” Humphry exclaimed, before turning back to defend himself. The Seismitoad started backing up, defending himself with his broad arms as the Dragon furiously cut at him. He put some distance and formed Aqua Ring and then punched the ground to shoot up a Mud Shot geyser at Trishula, but the dragon side stepped it and pointed his fingers to shoot Humphry in the chest with a bolt.

The commissioner let out a pained croak as he stepped a few paces back from the impact, but the Aqua Ring was starting to heal his injury. He punched the ground again for a Mud Shot, but Trishula side stepped that one too.

Ciecro trembled. He could see it in Humphry’s eyes. The anger that was giving way to despair at a losing battle. “No….hang on.” Ciecro fought hard to get up, the world around him losing it’s color as he fixated all his attention on the Commissioner.

Humphry roared, spreading his arms as the water from his earlier Surf flowed around the two, rising up, and then coming down upon Trishula, but the dragon raised his claws and shielded himself with Dragon Claw. His maw then opened, blowing out Icinerate upon Humphry, who shielded his face.

“Ack!” Humphry croacked as the flames engulfed him, the Aqua Ring glowing brighter as Humphry supplied it with more power.

Ciecro stumbled in his rush to get to Humphry’s side, his haste causing him to lose his balance and fall on the hard pavement. He looked forwards as the flames died down with Humphry’s arms sagging and his body marked with char. His Aqua Ring was now just a few droplets orbiting him.

Trishula raised his arms above his head and clasped them, pulling them down as purple synergy danced around his body.

“No, you don’t!” Humphry slammed his fist down, but quickly pulled back as the dragon lunged for him with a forming Dragon Claw. The slice cut through, spewing blood from Humphry’s chest as the Seismitoad tried to rebalance.

However, the dragon continued his assault. He avoided Humphry’s desperate punch and grab the wrist, sticking his Dragon Claw right through it, piercing the blue bump on top of it.

Ciecro’s eyes widened as his ears were filled with the horrified roar of Humphry in pain.

But the dragon wasn’t done. He used the Dragon Claw to run through the arm to maneuver Humphry’s arm up and then raised his foot, pushing down mercilessly on Humphry’s knee. There was a cracking sound, as Humphry’s pained cries stopped and his eyes widened with a look that seemed almost insane.

Trishula pulled the move out and pulled his foot away as the Seismitoad fell forwards in the puddle of his evaporating Surf water.

Ciecro roared, pushing with all his might as he rushed for Trishula. Electricity streamed into his fists as any pain he experienced motivated him forwards.

However, Trishula merely flicked a bolt of Incinerate that struck Ciecro on the shoulder, knocking him down, not even giving the boy the dignity of eye contact.

Ciecro held his shoulder. Get up! He demanded, but he couldn’t beat the pain on sheer determination this time. He rolled on his stomach and looked, the dragon standing over Humphry was raising his claw and forming that dreaded Dragon Claw.

“No stop! Please!” Ciecro begged.

Trishula glanced at him, those cold red irises meeting the desperate orange ones. There was a strange unspoken connection in their locked stare, perhaps due to them being distant cousins from their heritage. However, what little understanding was in the dragon’s eye was fleeting as he focused back on Humphry bringing down the fully formed Dragon Claw upon him.

Time stopped for Ciecro. Memory and reality became linked as Trishula’s form overlapped with the Electivire’s. Those cold, focused red eyes overlapping with the feral depraved glee of the other. But halfway down, the overlap broke as Trishula turned his strike from Humphry’s head to his side as a flash of grey light clanked with his Dragon Claw.

Ciecro’s eyes followed this grey as it spiraled in the air with quick spins and came to a stop a few feet away. It was an Iron Tail, attached to a- Heliolisk? Ciecro blinked as the figure stood up, giving Trishula a confident smirk.

Their eye contact wasn’t for long as Trishula glanced behind and leaped away from a talon aimed at his chest. A large Garchomp stepped between Humphry and Trishula, his white iris eyes stern and focused like Trishula’s were.

“In case you weren’t aware.” The heliolisk said, brushing his shoulder and joining the larger Garchomp. He leaned on the dragon’s upper thigh with his elbow and raised his snout slightly. “Murder is kinda illegal in this town. Didn’t you read the sign coming in?”

Trishula glared, surging Dragon Claw.

“You sure you’ve got this?” the Garchomp asked the less than half his size, Heliolisk.

“Yep, just help the others. They should be downstream. Not too far.”

The Garchomp nodded and broke position, rushing towards the smoke and passing by the downed Zebzenna and Klawf, both of which were picking themselves up.

Ciecro looked back at the Heliolisk, his eyes widening as he saw on the right shoulder a Norfarion Crest, just like his. His eyes drifted to the Heliolisk’s head, seeing a small orange frill on the top that looked like a triangle fin. Swift? He tensed as Swift went low, his tail coating in grey light that shined like metal.

Trishula’s eyes narrowed as Swift changed him. He struck to pin Swift to the ground, but the Heliolisk diverted his path with impressive reflexes, forcing Trishula to shield his inner left thigh that Swift dragged his Iron Tail for. Without glancing back, Trishula tried to thwack Swift with his tail, but Swift leaped over it and flipped around to face Trishula, firing Focus Blast. Trishula spun and stabbed the orange sphere, bursting it and engulfing himself in smoke.

The two continued their battle while Ciecro dragged himself up, trying to get to Humphry’s side. He stumbled but was grabbed by the Klawf’s large pincer again.

“Woah, easy there,” he said with concern.

“Let me go!” Ciecro snarled, trying to get out.

“Calm down,” Zebzenna said, walking past him to check on Humphry.

Ciecro’s eyes quivered in their glare, tears forming as he looked at Humphry’s collapsed body, the motions of breathing being slow and shaky. He was in a lot of pain and it tore at Ciecro’s soul.

“Easy, Humphry, just take it easy.” She said, keeping him up on his side where the punctured arm was. “You’re going to be okay.”

“How is he?” Seliph asked, walking over while holding his side.

“Bad. We need to get him out of here.”

The Klawf walked over, still holding Ciecro in his claw gently. “I can handle that.”

Seliph nodded. “Good.” He looked at the Houndoom that joined up as well. “Can you form some Embargo chains so we can keep Humphry-” He was interrupted by a blast and the Helioslik backflipping out of the smoke and landing in front of them in a low stance.

“Seliph! Infuse me!” He shouted, haste in his eyes.

Immediately, Seliph lunged for the Heliolisk who pressed his palms together and pulled them apart, forming an electrical charge in them that traveled from finger to finger. As the blue light appeared from Seliph’s touch on his head, Swift pointed his fingers outwards as an electrical sphere traveled above the smoke, cackling around like a violent electric storm.

The smoke was cut through my the bolts, revealing Trishula right beneath it, the Parabolic Charge traveling through his body. He tried to step forwards but the intensity was so great it was as if he had become paralyzed inside.

Swift exhaled in the way one does when lifting some heavy. “Okay, that’ll hold him for now.” He closed his eyes and snarled from the stress on his muscles. “Next time, Seliph, mind not putting your hand there?”

Seliph raised a brow. “I didn’t exactly have time to think on that.” He said, keeping his head squarely on top of the Heliolisk’s head.

“I know, I know.” He grumbled something unintelligible before coughing once. “Anyways, planning time. Seliph, how is the orb looking?”

“We’ve got less than a minute, but he stole Jaron’s Wary.”

“Wait, he stole it?” Swift’s eyes widen as he grunted from the strain in his arms. “I see. Guess I wasn’t ever going to get that sneaky hit in then. And from the looks of it.” Swift tensed his arms more, surging more synergy into his move to try and keep Trishula down, but the dragon was slowly rising to his feet despite the beating of electricity that coursed through him. “He’s also very tanky.”

“You can say that again,” Zebzenna said with annoyance. “He took all of our strongest moves.”

“We need to a new plan to stall. Once the orb is ready, we can wait for an opening.”

Ciecro looked back at the dragon. He was still struggling against the electricity, but he was now almost standing up fully on his legs. He’s got Wary an’ can take whateveh we throw at ‘im. How are we supposed tah warp ‘im out if he’ll expect it? Ciecro’s head lowered, but then a thought crossed his mind. “Hey, what if we try blinding him?”

“What do you mean?” Seliph asked, looking at his brother.

“Well, he knows Sandstorm.” Ciecro gestured to the Klawf. “Maybe we can blind him with it? Slow ‘im down?”

“Or cut the eyes so he’s permanently blind,” Zebzenna added, glaring at Trishula. “My Magical Leaf can easily do that if I concentrate, and Arceus knows this guy deserves it.”

“No, that won’t work. Even if we somehow blind him, Wary will make up for it. There’s not telling how long he’ll have Wary so we-”

“Actually, that might work.”

“How?” Seliph asked, looking down at Swift, who was breathing heavily as he powered through the strain.

“Okay, I don’t have time to go through all of this, but basically, Seliph, you use Infuzement on this Klawf guy here an-”

“My name is Terry.”

“Alright, Terry. Seliph, use your gift on Terry.” Swift grunted as he glanced back at the Klawf. “And when he does, concentrate your Sandstorm around the Red Eye. Try to focus more on thickness than expansiveness, we don’t need a huge amount of room.”

“We?” Terry said.

“Just listen.” Swift then glanced at Zebzenna. “You and the Houndoom get the Commissioner out of here and Ciecro, you take the Warp Orb and be ready to throw it where I tell you to.”

He nodded.

“How are you going to-” Seliph began but was cut off early.

“Sorry, not time for questions. Act on break. One, two, three, Break!” With that, Swift stopped his Parabolic Charge and turned to the right, closing his eyes for some reason.

Seliph snarled, but hurried to the Klawf’s side and pressed his hand on the leg, making the large Rock Type shiver and gasp from the surge. “Sandstorm you idiot!”

Terry regained his focus and spread his claws out, two brown rings orbiting his body as dust and dirt flew from them, whipping around Trishula’s position. The dragon shielded his eyes as it picked up, engulfing him in a matter of seconds.

“Good. Keep it up!” Swift gave the two a thumbs up and charged for the Sandstorm.

“Wait, where you are goi-” Seliph exclaimed, but Swift disappeared into the Sandstorm. “Is he crazy?”

Ciecro was equally confused but shook it off to join his brother. “Seliph, give me dah orb.”

Seliph gestured his head towards one of his belt pouches, both his hands on the Klawf likely due to fatigue. “Left of the center, in the back.”

Ciecro nodded and reached into the pouch, pulling out the warp orb. He gazed into it, before glancing back at Humphry. He was being helped down the street by the Firefighting mons, who were finishing up the last remnants of the fire, but something else caught Ciecro’s eye. Where did dah mist go?

Turning his attention back to the Orb, Ciecro’s right hand clenched tightly around it. I won’ fail yah. He then braced his nerves and watched the Sandstorm with a firm scowl. As the seconds dragged on, he wondered if one of the two inside had killed the other, but suddenly the Heliolisk flipped out of the sandstorm on the left.

“Keep it up!” He shouted, rushing around the right to get between the sandstorm and the others.

Just then, Ciecro heard heavy foosteps from the right. He looked to see the Garchomp rushing straight for the Sandstorm. Huh? Why is he ‘ere? Ciecro thought as the Garchomp lunged with a strike in the Sandstorm.

Swift got between them and glanced back. “Okay, me and Garon will get him into position. When I send a Focus Blast upwards, cut off the Sandstorm and get ready to throw Ciecro. Seliph, can you play follow up in case he tries to take out the orb?”

Seliph nodded.

“Great, let’s do this!” With a pepped up smile, Swift charged back into the sandstorm.

“How are they fighting that guy in there?” Terry asked.

“They must have some similar gifts to Jaron to even the playing field,” Seliph commented. “He didn’t use a buff like Foresight.”

Ciecro’s head lowered as he stared at the ground, pondering that. However, a glow caught his attention as he saw the Warp Orb’s light had returned. “Seliph, it’s ready.”

“Good. Just wait.” The Greninja ordered. “I don’t know what he has planned, but he seems confident. Just don’t miss, Ciecro.”

He could feel the stress and weight of the world on his shoulders, but Ciecro just closed his eyes and took slow breaths. Yah can do dis. Yah hafta do dis. Humphry needs yah tah do dis. He repeated in his head over and over, until finally the Focus Blast was shot up.

“Now!” Seliph shouted, taking his hands away and forming a Water Shuriken.

Ciecro kept his eyes locked on the center of the Sandstorm, pulling back his arm in a pre-throw position. A second later, the two Norfarions burst from the Sandstorm on opposite sides. Swift fired Thunderbolt while Garon unleashed Flamethrower. The moves struck inside the Sandstorm, followed by black beams of Payback surging out, ripping apart what remained of the Sandstorm.

The two, however, nimbly dodged and weaved through the beams as they rushed towards Trishula. Seeing this, Trishula quickly surged Dragon Claw and swung to block Garon’s strike while firing Icinerate at Swift, who leaped over. Swift somersaulted into an Iron Tail, forcing Trishula to move his head low out of range and giving Garon the lack of pushback he needed to force Trishula forwards into a stumble.

“Now!” Seliph shouted and Ciecro pressed the button and threw it.

Trishula quickly regained his footing and swung his Dragon Claw to cut the orb, but Seliph countered with Water Shuriken. It was done, all Trishula could do was roar in anger as the orb activated, engulfing him in a pillar of light. A second later he was no more.

Ciecro felt his heart want to leak from his body as his knees buckled beneath him and he stared at the spot.

“Ah yeah!” Swift exclaimed with glee, thrusting a victory fist into the air as he hopped. “Perfectly executed. In your face you stupid drago-!”

“Tone it down, Swift,” Garon stated, walking towards Ciecro. He reached down and helped the Charmeleon to his feet. “Can you walk?”

Ciecro didn’t reply. He was so overwhelmed in the moment he almost didn’t hear Garon. Instead, his gaze looked towards the right, where Humphry had been carried towards.

“Hey, he’ll be okay.”

The Charmeleon looked at the voice, seeing the Heliolisk standing in front of him. He was a good head size taller than this mon, but the minor scrapes and bodily details gave away that this mon was older than him. The Heliolisk’s smile was warm, but bore a strong tint of concern, one that a stranger couldn’t muster.

“I promise.”

Ciecro’s eyes drifted to the crest once more, staring at it in silence as his frown remain unchanged. He didn’t know. He felt a gentle nudge that urged his body forwards, walking without thinking as his mind grappled with all that had just happened. More horrible images to see.

Chapter 35
A Fleeing Chance

Seliph stared at the window, his eyes fixated on the distant horizon amid the rows of buildings of this town. The faint blue contrasted between them, heralding the morning’s coming. He shifted to the side a little, taking his head off the wall he glanced over at the other two on the other side of the room.

The Garchomp was browsing around, his eyes glowing a solid purple with no trace of a pupil nor iris. His comrade was just standing there, arms crossed and eyes shut.

I guess they’re using whatever gifts they have. Must be useful for detecting intruders. He looked back at the window. I don’t like meeting in this hospital, but I suppose it’s impressive this room is as quiet as it is. That or I’m already deaf and don’t know it.

Seliph’s musing was cut off as the door to the room opened. Instantly, he and the Norfarions turned to see Zebzenna enter with Dolly right behind her.

“I really think we should wait some time, just to see if Humphry wakes up.” Dolly shut the door behind her.

“Sadly, we don’t have time. We need a plan of action right now,” Garon said, his eyes reverting back to their normal black with white iris.

Seliph turned his attention back to Dolly, who was leaning up against the wall akin to him but looking much more unsettled and irritated. I guess hospital work would do that to you. I doubt I could last an hour doing such things.

“Correct,” Zebzenna said as she walked behind the hospital General Manager’s desk and sat down. “I would rather have Humphry here too, but this is just the hand we’ve been dealt.”

“I know, I know.” Dolly sighed and sat down in a nearby seat, practically slacking about in it as if her muscles had vanished from her legs.

I wonder what kind of healer she is? If she has a healing move that would be good to know.

“Alright. So.” Zebzenna’s stare turned to the two Norfarions. “Introductions aside, what can you tell us about what we’re dealing with?”

“That these Red Eyes are strong and we need to lay low,” Garon replied and Swift nodded.

“Look, I’m going to need more answers than-”

“I’m sorry, we aren’t trying to keep you in the dark. We just don’t know the answers to those questions.” The Heliolisk crossed his arms and looked at the bookcase. “My best guess is that Haxorus was a Red Eyes Enforcer. Enforcers are pretty much trained for warfare.”

He did mention that over the com. Seliph rubbed his chin.

“And this one had the intelligence to approach through water to avoid Wary. I have no doubt he’ll return soon since he knows we’ve been weakened,” Garon added, gesturing his talon out. “Which is why we need to get the boys out of here. Find someplace to lay low till we can-”

“Vragon is in no condition to be moved.” Dolly sat up in her chair, prompting Garon to face her. “His hands have puncture holes in them and need immediate treatment. The examination also revealed traces of him suffering from a seizure.”

A seizure? Seliph raised a brow. I guess so given what I saw. Seliph paused as his eyes widened. Wait. Vragon was using his gift to stop Ciecro’s Death Wrath. At least, I think it was. He crossed his arms and looked at the floor. How did I miss that? His gift was for healing, so then how did it stop Death Wrath? Father’s wasn’t stopped by healing and Ciecro’s should be exactly like his.

“He had a seizure? When?” Garon asked, his and Swift’s eyes widening with surprise.

“It was during the confrontation. Sometime during it, I wasn’t there.”

Seliph glanced at Dolly and then at the Norfarions. They might have some insight, but I don’t know. He pressed a fist to his chin as his eyes narrowed. I’ve got a bad vibe about those two. I’m not sure just telling them about what I’ve learned is wise. I can wait a little bit, but I need to make an outlet for plausible deniability, just incase. Seliph raised his hand. “I was, but I didn’t spot the moment exactly. One moment he was staring at his wounded hands, the next he was lying unconscious at Ciecro’s feet.”

“So Ciecro might know then?” Zebzenna inquired, but Dolly shook her head.

“If he does, he wouldn’t say. He’s…” Dolly pressed a hand on her forehead, mumbling something to herself, before continuing. “Not in a good mental state right now. I think we shouldn’t burden the boy right now.”

“Agreed,” Swift said with a nod, making Seliph raise a brow in surprise. “Has he had these seizures before when using his gift?” The Heliolisk inquired.

“Only once. When he was healing a pretty bad wound.”

Swift and Garon looked at each other with a serious look.

Seliph’s eyes narrow. They have to know more. He looked up at the ceiling. Still, until I know for sure that healing won’t undo the effects of Death Wrath, I cannot assume anything about Vragon. Sadly, those two seem to be my quickest access to that knowledge. I don’t want to give them any hints though, just in case they do have ulterior motives. I’ll ask them about it later when it can be in casual conversation.

That wasn’t all that was troubling his mind. He thought back to the soul link he had with Vragon. What is the correlation? This odd gift, that white light he saw, and just… He shook his head. Stop trailing off. Speculate after we’re on our way. Seliph gestured his hand out and added, “As much as it is risky, leaving Vragon here is not an option.”

Garon nodded. “Agreed. The Red Eyes were clearly well coordinated and their leader very strong.”

Swift moved his arms behind his head, tilting to the side as he crossed his left foot behind his right foot’s ankle. “Yep. These guys are tenacious. I wouldn’t be surprised if they attack in broad daylight now that they know a lot of the defenses are beaten back.”

Dolly’s head lowered.

It’s obvious, even you get that. Seliph’s stare narrowed slightly, feeling his patience wearing thin. Getting off the wall, he said, “Maybe he can get some quick treatment here? Just enough to make the trip for him easier?”

“Yes, we can treat his hands to keep them from getting infected or bleeding on the trip. It’s just the seizure I’m worried about. He may be unconscious for days or worse, have some kind of internal damage. Supplying him with constant synergy is important when a subject is like this. Then there’s the question of where would we even take him?” Dolly leaned on the side of the armrest.

“Commissioner, what towns are near here exactly?” Swift rubbed the back of his head, expressing a weak grin as Dolly and Seliph stared at him unamused. “My Triacalian Geography is a bit rusty.”

Zebzenna sighed. “No town is really close to us like Perion, but the river runs eastward to the mountain ranges, so you could go up the river a ways and then head on foot to Bantal Town. You would make it in decent tim-”

“No!”

Seliph pulled his head from the wall, not at the mention of the town that was close to his old home, but because Dolly and Swift both objected simultaneously. In fact, their timing was so perfect, both stopped mid-talk and looked at each other confused.

About three seconds later, Swift nodded and stepped back giving Dolly the floor.

She kept her eye on him as she stood up and then looked at the Commissioner. “I don’t know much about why, but I do know Humphry doesn’t like Bantal Town.”

“He doesn’t?” The Tsareena tilted her head before her eyes lit up in realization. “Oh, is that why he didn’t invite them for the testing?”

Dolly nodded. “Likely. He must have his reasons for distrusting them. And knowing Humphry, he doesn’t hold a grudge unless he has serious reason to.”

“But like you said, Vragon needs treatment and too long of a trip could cause problems. Plus, a good amount of my ranger force is either in the hospital or dealing with the aftermath. Even Tork has to rest for a few days and he’s as tough as they come out here.”

Seliph tuned out Zebzenna’s words to think. Humphry has something against Bantal Town? That’s news to me. He glanced over at Swift who was listening in silence, then at Garon who seemed to be listening more intently than his teammate. Guess they’re not fond of Bantal either. He scowled and leaned his back against the wall, crossing his arms. Well, it was their turn to visit. Maybe they had a look around and found something ugly. Just another nugget of information I’ll have to tactfully pry from them. Seliph sighed softly to himself. Back to planning.

He closed his eyes, imagining a picture of the map of the Travail Region of Triacal. Let’s see…Bantal is out of the question for asylum, but the river is a good suggestion. We just need somewhere close by… Seliph focused back on the conversation.

“Plainier Town would be a good place to lay low, but it’s too far of a trip for Vragon. We’d have to go through the Oran Forest and then around halfway through the Apple Woods to get it. There’s some drop-offs that could interrupt our pathway too,” Dolly said shaking her head.

“No road?” Swift inquired.

“No road,” Dolly answered. “And if we go around that’d easily add two days or more.”

“Well, shucks.” Swift rubbed the back of his head.

“I could make a trip like that, but I do agree the tedious pathing may add too much time. Though, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Orenty Town in the Oran Forest? Perhaps I could take him there. I could make good time.”

“Problem is Orenty is a very small town. They only have three rangers in their guild. Plus, they have a medical doctor, but no hospital. It’s just so remote and the pathing tedious so supplies can’t get there too often.”

Garon nodded. “That’s still better than no doctor.”

“I don’t like that.” Dolly sat back down. “It would still take you more than a day to get there.”

Swift shook his head. “Not Garon. He’s almost as fast as I am.” Garon nudged the Heliolisk with his leg. “Hey!”

“Just as.” He winked at Swift before looking at Dolly with a serious face. “I promise no harm will come to him while he’s under my guard. I can make it in less than a day from a close point on the river.”

Dolly looked skeptical but also fearful. She sagged back in her chair as her stare drooped towards the floor. “I just…I’d like to hear Humphry’s input.”

“He’s still unconscious.” Seliph pointed out, shrugging at her scowl. “And the more time that passes the more likely we get attacked here in this town who’s defenses have been exhausted. Unless you can conjure up another ranger guild and force, I say we move as soon as possible.”

After about a minute of silence, she stood up. “Alright. But I and Jasmine are coming too. And I want to be present for everything. The harness, teaching you some medical actions to take in case something goes wrong, the works.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Garon said with a nod.

“Good. Then the rest of us will head there on foot,” Swift said with an upbeat smile, quite the contrast to Seliph’s silent scowl.

I guess I shouldn’t complain too much about her coming. She’s got skills, even if she doesn’t have tact to match the Red Eyes’ maneuvers. Though… The Greninja closed his eyes. This might be my best chance. It’s a bit risky and would put off some other research, but I think if I get the answers I’m anticipating. He opened his eyes and got off the wall. “Wait,” he said, holding his hand out as all eyes turned on him.

“Huh?”

Seliph walked to the window so he could look at everyone without having to turn his head. “They were able to track us here to Vergium Town. If we lead them to Orenty Town, we’d be in no better shape.”

Dolly raised a brow.

“Remember,” Seliph laid his hand on the desk. “We took a raft from Perion to here and they still followed us.”

“Well…yes, but-”

“I could see that. That enforcer could be an expert in a tracking role.” Swift rubbed his chin.

“So, hear me out.” The room fell silent as Seliph spoke, “Garon can take Vragon directly to Orenty Town that much should stay the same. However, what if we take some additional rangers with us. We go about a reasonable distance before stopping and dropping off the group that will take the kids to Orenty Town. Then, we have a fake group that continues onwards to lead them off the trail.”

Zebzenna rubbed her chin. “That’s not a bad idea. But how do you intend to get them to follow this fake group?”

“Simple. We send out a message requesting provisions. Make it look like our merry band is heading through the mountains.”

“How would that convince them though?” Dolly inquired.

Seliph did his best to hide his smile. “I would go with them and be visible in the message.”

“Huh?” The room said in unison.

“I can handle myself. And me being there would make it much more convincing. I won’t go all the way, just enough to send a message and then head for Orenty Town.”

The room fell silent to ponder this.

Seliph crossed his arms and leaned against the wall again, confidence emanating from his posture. “Well? What do you all think of that?”

“It’s sound,” Zebzenna said with a nod. “I have no objections. We should have some rangers we can spare, and maybe some townsfolk that can-”

“One, minor suggestion.”

Seliph glanced at Swift, who looked back at him. For a second, Seliph could feel the warm smile of the Heliolisk penetrate his being, a look that seemed to know and took pleasure in informing Seliph of that fact.

“I should go with you.”

“What? Why?”

“I’m fast, duh.” Swift shrugged. “I’ve got my gift too. If the Red Eyes are coming, we can book it off that raft and hurry onwards. Hell, I could even lead them off the track if needed.”

Seliph’s mouth shut as his stare shifted to one of irritation.

Swift, however, just kept a friendly smile aimed at Seliph, unfazed at the Greninja’s change in mood. “Like I said, Garon is almost as fast as I am. Keeping those Red Eyes busy will be child’s play.” He pressed his hands on his sides, puffing out his yellow chest, and bore a proud look on his face.

Meanwhile, Garon just rolled his eyes and said with a soft tone, “If only your reflexes were faster than mine. Then maybe you wouldn’t keep running into things.”

“Liar.” Swift chuckled.

“Can we focus please?” Dolly crossed her arms. “We have a plan now so we need to set things up.”

But Seliph wasn’t focused on the conversation anymore. His eyes were fixated on the Heliolisk with a narrow gaze. Clever little bastard aren’t you. His hand slowly moved to clamp on top of his belt pouch, almost feeling the vial inside through the fabric. And covering it up with sound reasoning too. Well, good move, either you want that information too or you want to keep an eye on me. If the latter, then well…the feeling is mutual, Uncle Swift.

< O >

Muffled snoring filled a small room. Light from the recently risen sun shone down through the slits of the window and onto the wooden bed frame. Underneath the bland cloth a hand was poking out, hung over the wooden side and dangling. It was covered in black fur with sharp, red nails. It gently swayed back and forth in tune with the snoring of the mon sleeping. Suddenly, the figure stirred, snorting as he pushed up off his stomach and shook his groggy head.

“What?” He rolled onto his bum and rubbed his face, slowly waking up. “What time is it?” He leaned over and grabbed an orb from the random items lying on the dresser next to the bed. As soon as he twisted the orb to project the time, he became enraged. “What? Two hours before my alarm!” He threw the orb across the room. “Apparently, sleep is overrated to my-” He paused as his eyes narrowed.

He started looking around, feeling the covers and checking the items on top until he spotted a red flashing light coming from under the bed. “Stupid.” He leaned over and felt down under until he felt a hard, diamond-shaped stone. He sat in his bed and stared at the red crystal in his hands. “Whoever is trying to talk to me better have a good reason to wake me up.” He shut his eyes as the Red Crystal stopped flashing the red light and instead held the gleam at a constant glow. It lifted itself from his hand and hovered.

His body became lighter and more alert as he found himself standing in darkness. “Alright. What is it?” He asked the vast beyond as he started rubbing his face.

“Is that how you talk to everyone that contacts you, Plageues?”

“Daemon?” He took his hand away and looked to the side, seeing the Dusknoir staring at him with a stern gaze. He swung his arms wide, saying with a smile on his face. “Daemon, how nice to see you. About time you make room in your busy schedule to-”

“I’m not here to chat. I’m here to give you an assignment.”

A heavy sigh came from the Zoroark as he crossed his arms and shook his head. “Business, business, business. I’d say to take a moment to relax if you weren’t deathly allergic to just being idle for a few seconds,” he said with a cheeky chuckle.

“Amusing, given your laziness almost cost you your life already.”

Plageues’s smile went. “My, you are in a bad mood today. What’s up?”

“None of your concern. Now, please give me your undivided attention. We have a bit to go ov-”

“Daemon, Daemon.” Plageues spoke, with a teasing grin as he strode over to the Dusknoir and put his arm around the ghost’s shoulders, feeling the stiffness as he touched. Plageues drank the awkward tension he felt from the Dusknoir until finally the ghost spoke.

“What?”

He shut his eyes and with an innocent smile said, “I’m better at listening when I’m this close.”

Daemon shoved him back as the Zoroark laughed. The ghost brushed his arms as if to cleanse them of the contact. “You really are a fool.”

“And you’re really bad venting.” Plageues crossed his arms and gave Daemon a stern look. “Now come on, fess up. What’s eating you?”

Daemon pressed a finger to his shut eye. “Plageues, just please stop being difficult. Let me just get this over with.”

“Nope.” He shrugged and chuckled. “I know you too well. It’s my duty as a friend to mitigate the explosion your temper will make if you keep focusing on your work.”

“You aren’t my mediator.” Daemon crossed his arms, his eye narrowing with anger.

“But I’m your friend. So what’s wrong? Your experiments not goin-” Plageues gasped as Daemon swung a backhanded fist at him. He pulled back, but not before Daemon stopped his arm a mere half an inch from Plageues’s snout. “Woah, what’s your deal?” He inquired asked, his tone now taking a more serious, more defensive articulation. I wasn’t mocking him. I know better than to mock his situation.

“My deal is that you keep playing mind doctor instead of being silent. I remind you that in the Red Eyes, I’m your superior and you will not ignore my command to listen to the mission.”

“Fine. If that’s what you want.” Daemon snarled as he looked to the side.

Better to let him have his way. He’ll be more open that way. He softened his scowl and glanced at Daemon. “Alright, so you mentioned you had a mission for me?”

“Yes…you are now being assigned to capture a target as well as retrieve one of our formula samples from Seliph Almkin.”

Plageues smirked and rubbed his chin. “Ah, I see. And if your highness might be so kind as to allow me to pose one inquiry.” He felt his mischievous joy building up inside as he saw Daemon grow irritated by his satirical reply. “I was under the impression that someone else was handling that. We received your message about the plan. So did something go wrong?”

Daemon crossed his arms and looked to the side. “It was ordered by the Red Eyes Lords.”

“Lords?” Plageues crossed his arms and tilted his head. “Or Lord?”

“That is irreleva-”

“I’m sorry, I can’t do this.” Plageues pressed a finger to his forehead and said. “Daemon, tell me directly. Who gave that order?” Before Daemon could retort, Plageues looked him square in the eye and said, “For old times’ sake, at least.”

The Dusknoir paused as his single eye lowered. “Lord Azazel.”

Instantly, Plageues felt a rush of dread filled his body. “So then…the mon leading the mission is Trishula.” Upon seeing Daemon nod his head, Plageues’s anger burned. His fists clenched and his eyes narrowed. “So he finally let out poor Trishula from whatever cage he made for him, only to put him right back in. What a deranged collection of scales and poison.”

Daemon gave him a stern gaze but didn’t say any retort. It was clear there were mutual feelings Daemon shared with that statement.

After a calming breath, Plageues looked at his friend and said, “I assume he had you tell Trishula and our friend didn’t take it well.”

Daemon turned to the side, staring off into the darkness, the contrasting colors of red and blue in his eye never being more visible to see than now. “He didn’t.”

“I’m sorry.” Plageues looked to the side, feeling a mix of sympathy for and anger for the Red Eyes Lord in his heart. No, it won’t do us any good here. If Daemon doesn’t want to foul mouth our dear Lord Azazel, I shouldn’t bring it up. I know he hates that stupid mon’s guts. “Sorry for interrupting. If you’re ready, go on.”

Daemon nodded and continued, “Based on Trishula’s report, two Norfarion operatives were assisting the target and the rangers defending him. We’ve ID’d them as Swift Rubris and Garon Rob Rubris.”

Instantly, excitement filled Plageues as he raised a brow and with a teasing tone said, “Ohhh? How interesting. I can see why you picked me now.”

“Yes. Your tracking skills exceptionalism aside, you know them well enough. I’m confident you will handle this situation.”

“Oh most definitely.” Plageues looked at his claw. I don’t know what I look forward to more. Tearing through that Heliolisk’s body as your ‘friend’ watches or telling you, dear little Swift, that your image was instrumental in your teammates’ death. Oh this will be an encore I’ve been worried was canceled.

“Ahem…”

“Sorry, sorry, daydreaming, you know me.” Plageues shrugged and rolled his wrist. “But yeah, track the target and formula down, kill or maim the Norfarions and anyone in the way, blah, blah, blah.”

“Not all of them.”

“Oh?” Plageues crossed his arms. “Who else is so important that they get the ‘do not kill’ privilege, hmmmm?” He leaned over, raising a brow as he stared into Daemon’s unamused eye.

“I presume this won’t bother you too much, but your earlier report about Seliph being an only child was incorrect.”

The Zoroark’s face went blank. If his fur didn’t obscure his skin, it would have shown his face going white as a ghost.

“Seliph apparently has two siblings. Both seemed to be friends of your Fraxure target.”

Plageues turned his back to Daemon and looked at his hands. He didn’t respond to Daemon saying his name, instead he raised his right hand to touch his cheek. His face vibrated from a memory of the overwhelming feeling he had felt eight years ago. From the time he had been mauled by a feral like Feraligatr and beaten down by a blinded, bleeding out Blaziken. His head jolted up as he felt Daemon touch his shoulder.

“Plageues, are you alright?”

The ends of Plageue’s mouth began to turn upwards as a soft, slow laugh followed. “Oh no, Daemon. I’m not alright. I’m beyond elated.” He turned his head slightly, so he could look at Daemon with a crazed look of glee. “Tell me, is one a Totodile?”

Daemon’s eye widened for a second before settling back to a calmer state. “Croconaw.”

“That’ll do,” Plageues darkly chuckled to himself as he looked back to the darkness at his feet. “That’ll do nicely.”

Daemon coughed. “Before you get any ideas. You are supposed to capture them alive. In the event we fail to retrieve the formula from Seliph, they will be bargaining chips to get it.”

Plageues placed a hand over his eyes and laughed. “Yes, yes, I understand.” Eyes wide with imagination, Plageues raised his head. Oh, what horrible fate dost thee have, being a sibling of that fool, being a son of that creature. Tis truly sad for you how glad you’ll make me when we meet. “What’s his name?”

“Focus Plageues.”

The Zoroark sighed, his emotions pulling down and being annoyed all the way back to stableness. He rolled his wrist and said, “Fine, fine. I’m listening.”

“Good. They were last confronted in Vergium Town about an hour ago. I’ve instructed Trishula’s operatives to remain nearby. Those operatives being a Gallade and a Gengar. Both have suffered injuries, however, so pursuit from them alone is unideal.”

“That’s fine.” Plageues cracked his fingers above his head. “I was planning on getting more help anyway.”

“Anyone specific you can tell me to request for?”

“Just anyone local. In the nearby towns of that region.” The Zoroark rolled his neck as he smiled. “I’ll give them more direct orders tonight once I arrive in Bantal.

Daemon tilted his head. “I was informed you were serving Chenoo in the South.”

“I am.” Plageues glanced at his claws’ nails.

“How are you going to get there so quickly? And why Bantal Town?”

“Easy, I’ll just ask Chenoo to get the rangers to make a false resupply for Bantal Town and smuggle me there. Bantal should have everything I need for a good start,” Plageues moved his hand on his hip and tilted his head same as Daemon. “It’s close enough and entirely cooperative with us so I won’t have to waste time laying low.”

“I see.” Daemon nodded. The ghost’s head lowered to the side for a second, pondering something before facing the Zoroark again.

What followed was a strange silence, confusing Plageues as Daemon just looked at him calmly. “Anything else?” He asked, flinching a little as Daemon floated up to him a second after he asked this question.

“One last thing.”

“What?” Plageues froze as Daemon put his hands on the Zoroark’s shoulders. The blue pupil stared into Plageues’s soul with an intensity and sincerity that had been absent this entire conversation.

“Please take this mission seriously. Don’t underestimate them like Trishula did, and more importantly, don’t play around.”

Plageues grunted and put his hands on Daemon’s arms, slowly pushing them off. “I’ll be fine, Daemon, I-” He stopped as he felt Daemon resist his attempts to free his shoulders. The ghost’s fingers clenched tighter to the point it actually hurt a little.

“Listen to me,” Daemon spoke in a low, almost threatening tone. “I know you don’t care if you stay some remote grunt for our outer operations forever. I don’t care about your lack of ambitions, but I do care about your well-being. Seliph has killed Red Eyes before and out of our entire organization, you are the one he would seek to destroy the most. Swear to me that you won’t play around with him.”

Plageues’s expression softened, but retained some of its confidence. “You know me, I won’t promise something dull like that. But I’ll…be careful. For your sake.”

Daemon sighed and removed his hands. “I suppose that’s the best I can hope for.” His tone held a sense of aggression, but Plageues knew better than to hold it against Daemon. The ghost turned around and put his hands behind his back, the typical poise of this formal Dusknoir. “Contact me once you land. I will inform you of any updates.”

Plageues scowled slightly as Daemon slowly faded away, leaving him alone in the darkness. The Zoroark slowly reached his claw up to his cheek and closed his eyes. I’ll be fine, Daemon. Besides. He felt his body grow heavy, he felt himself sitting up in bed rather than standing, and he felt the sensation surge further in his cheek. His eyes opened to stare at the wall past his footrest. I have no intention of spoiling my food. A sad*stic smile spread across his face as his hand shifted to cover the entire front of his head, left eye staring through the hold in his fingers. I want to savor every second of that Croconaw’s last moments. I want to imagine the agony that son of a bitch would have wherever he is at seeing his son in such a sorry state, powerless to stop me. I’ve always liked brutish antagnoists suffering painful tragedy. Something appealing about seeing the strong become powerless for once. His eyes lowered as the voice in his head became more somber. If only Lord Azazel could suffer in agony like you, Norfarion. His eyes shut. But maybe this will have some opportunity. I hope so. But even if it doesn’t… The smile returned from beneath his hand. I get to tear into his face this time through that offspring.

'; window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-Below', container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' }); window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({flush: true}); } }); });