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[Pokémon] Shattered Crests: Book #1 Lines Broken

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
Posts
6
Years
Contains: Language, Death [15]
Chapter 29
Troubling Signs​




"Argh, nothing." Demetri gave a groan as he opened his eyes in frustration and got up from sitting. "I can't detect any sign of them here. Argh, were we too late? Are we too early?" He fumed a little as he walked over to the corner edge of a roof he was on. From the vantage point, Demetri could see the entrance to an old and rather regal Valendorine looking building that was the Frantal Town Library. Its old carvings and structural design shown in the moonlight from the sky, although inside was also lit up from activity still in there.

He crossed his arms and let his eyes look at the pool of water in front of it, where some little water type kids were playing while no one was around. His eyes narrowed at seeing it, but not in a judgmental way. One by one, he identified as best he could the mons there in his head as if his own way of passing the time. Finally, he gave off a sigh after being stumped on the squirtle's continent of origin and mumbled aloud, "Where is he?" Returning his gaze to the library, Demetri sat down, crossing his legs and resting his arms on them as he arched his back to look over the edge.

It's been a while since I've had downtime, well, at least outside the core's area. He let out a sigh as troubling thoughts crossed his mind. I hope I'm wrong, Demetri said in his mind. There's no point thinking about it. I'm off that assignment and on another one with a newbie. He leaned back and just lay there on the ground, gazing up at the stars. How long has it been since we looked under the starts together Zak? Well, the past few months I saw you we were in the catacombs of the core so we couldn't very well see them there. A chuckle escaped his mouth and a smile crossed his face. When was the last time? Upon thinking this, he began a deep memory search for the last time they did, and only for the last time they did.

"Ah, that's right," he said aloud, too pleased to hold it in. "It was that time in Sorphia."


( O )​


"This looks like a good spot, right Dem?" Zak said to Demetri, gazing at a nice little clear spot a ledge of the cliff part of a trail in the mountains. "Dem?" he turned around. "You do have ears correct?" Zak joked at Demetri's silence as he watched the grumping sluggishly scale up the pathway to join him.

Demetri, in full panting mode, gave him a displeased look and proceeded to complain, "Why did we have to do this so far up the freaking trail?'

"Because, you're further from the ground, so that means less chance of getting interrupted. Besides, they're very pretty up here without so much obscuring them."

"Fair I guess," Demetri conceded, annoyance still on his face as the two sat down. "But still, stargazing?" Demetri looked at Zak, who was already doing the activity. The typhlosion didn't reply just kept gazing up at the stars above with a smile, much to Demetri's frustration. Demetri gave a little growl and looked up as well. As the minutes ticked by, Demetri couldn't help but slowly get caught up in the activity. "Oh there," he said, suddenly pointing out for Zak to see, "you think that's that one star?"

"Well, I agree it's a star bud. A blue dwarf maybe, but to such which name this star is deserving, I am unfortunately at a loss," Zak said with a little satire and an accompanying grin.

"I can't remember the name okay, but it's that one that… Ugh, look it's in that one story." Demetri crossed his arms to try and remember. "…Ah! I got it"

"What?"

"That's Callium the first." Demetri stood up in triumph and pointed out to it with a big smile, "the first Sun of Sorphia."

"Huh, really?" Zak muttered, not quite getting it. He stood up and joined him look out at it. Zak then repeated the "first Sun of Sorphia" and looked to Demetri for elaboration.

"Well, you see Zak, we're in Sorphia right now. Their ruler is called as 'The Sun of Sorphia'. Kind of like the title king, but more signature to their culture. You know, akin to 'the Fell' for Yveshia, 'The Overlord' for the Askirin Race in the Reverse World and 'Prime Winter' for Kyurem."

"Ah I see," Zak said, with a little nod as he was getting it.

"They say, that whenever a 'Sun of Sorphia' passes, he goes up there and becomes one of the many stars. At least, according to an old legend. More than likely not true, but there's something about your ancestors looking down from above in care that makes mons feel happy."

There was a little pause before Zak asked, "So why did they go with the sun?"

"Hmm…let's see, if I remember my studies correctly it was because their last huge battle for independence against the clans started at midnight and ended at sunrise with Callium the first at the ocean thrusting his hook gauntlets into the sand where the tide comes in." Demetri then looked at Zak, "I did have a Sorphian father you know."

"Fair," Zak said, sitting back down, "and that's why you know about it right?"

"Yeah," Demetri replied and joined him in sitting as well. Demetri then looked off in the distance, far to where in the view looked like the start of a vast desert. "It's weird…"

"What?" Zak asked, leaning in a little closer.

"Well, the clans…Sorphia…they've been here for a long time. Yet seemingly always at odds. I sometimes wonder why it has to be that way." Demetri's eyes narrowed. "Though, I can understand to some degree. It's hard to get along when both are well…different. I mean, the clansmons strong but outnumbered. Seemingly looking up to their ancestors, the arbiters. It's enough to not be able to connect let alone care for." Demetri turned to look back at the stars. "Perhaps, that's what the Sun of Sorphia is to the people here. Their own stakes in legend."

"Oh yeah," Zak added, standing up again to join him, "aren't the five originals like arceus's chosen mons?"

"Yep," Demetri answered. Silence resumed for a while before Demetri added, "I wonder if they didn't go…would this conflict still have happened?"

"Maybe," Zak added, "I mean, even if the arbiters weren't around for the 'twenty years of Callium's war' that was still not long after the arbiters left. I think it was about a millennia ago is what's recorded. Though, I think it's close enough to Callium's war to still rub old conflict. I mean, I can't imagine a war that took up the entire world without legends."

"Fair," Demetri added, with a little nervousness added, "Aegis's Invasion." They both remained silent as if the mere mention of that name was enough to seal their mouths.

"Well, that's history and we have our future to look forward to," Zak exclaimed in a chipper tone, trying to change the subject and mood. "I mean, we've done pretty well and sure things are tense, at least they like you more now."

"True," Demetri said, feeling a little guilty and rubbing one of his ears. "You know, if you try complying to their stuff more, then maybe they'd change their tune regarding you."

"Pfft, they'd have to earn that from me." Zak crossed his arms and gave a huff.

"Heh, I didn't earn it and you do it for me," Demetri pointed out with a teasing grin.

"Yeah, but you're different. Unlike, the core and other planet nerves, you Demetri, understand me." He looked to Demetri and with sincerity in his tone said, "and not just because you know what few do, but because I know about you too."

Demetri blushed a little, looked forwards and rubbed his arm. "That's…very nice of you to say," he stuttered making Zak laugh.

"I mean, of fu**ing course you are. We're mates, buddies, partners." Zak slung his arm over Demetri's shoulders and pointed up at the sky, "we have the whole of our future to head towards. I mean, what's more fun than doing something with someone you care about, right Dem?"

"Right," Demetri gave a nod, just as fired up and happy as Zak. "Thanks for taking me to see the stars, Zak."

"No problem," Demetri said, pulling Demetri in a little with the arm on the grumpig's shoulders, "can't think of anyone else I'd rather do it with."


< O >


...Then we packed up after a little while longer and headed back. Demetri muttered, finishing the narration in his head, eyes still on the library. It's…so lonely being all the way here. He let out a sigh and his head fell and eyes shut. "I just…I just have to hurry and get back. Then we can go stargazing again and as many times as you want Zak." A few sniffles escaped his nose as he wiped it with his arm. "But enough sentiment," he said, standing up, "now where the actual fu** is Devon? He said he just wanted to scout around, I didn't think he meant every freaking alley in this town." He grumbled in a low tone as he walks over to the center of the roof and sat down, attempting to try and find Devon. As he was doing this, he suddenly felt a strange feeling…something familiar. "Huh?" he said, shooting his eyes awake and stood up looking around. He was about to ponder it when Devon buzzed up to the roof.

"Zzzorry about that," he buzzed landing not far from Demetri, "kinda had a hard time getting the zzzupplies." Devon tilted his head, looking at a spaced out Demetri. "Zzzir, you okay?" he asked, slowly walking over to him and tapping Demetri on his arm.

"Hrm?...what?" Demetri finally noticed Devon and jumped back a little startled. "Oh, there you are finally." Looking back in a direction, Demetri closed his eyes once more.

"Uh…zzzir, do you zzzenzzze zzzomething?" Devon inquired.

Demetri, however, just remained silent and focused. His eyes suddenly shot open as if something was surprising him and he dashed to the side of the roof.

"Zzzir?" Devon shouted, pursuing Demetri as best he could.

Demetri quickly levitated a plank and threw it out as he jumped and grabbed it and levitated it down as he hung on. Devon just dove from the top, buzzing his wings trying to keep up. Demetri was the first to land, and he dashed off tossing the plank to the side. "Zzzir, whatzzz wrong?" Devon shouted as he flew after Demetri. The pursuit went through many turns in an alley, Devon trying to see what Demetri was chasing. Suddenly, Devon stopped as he looked upon Demetri looking over something like a corpse. Immediately, Devon's stomach surge and he had to avert his eyes to hold it in. Finally, Devon got control of his stomach and looked again, only to be forced to struggle again at seeing Demetri touch it with his fingers.

"Nope, he's been dead for some time…" Demetri stated standing up, "I'd say at least over an hour." He raised his fist to his chin and began contemplating. The mon isn't a clansmon, and apparently from the fur color and, Demetri opened the dead raichu's eyes forcing Devon once again in a stomach battle right after getting out of it, eye color being green…Solian…maybe. No, they aren't this shade. Could be local or immigrant. A sigh left Demetri's mouth as he retracted his hands from its eyes and instead assessed the wound. It was a clear-cut across the throat, likely done swiftly and plain. In fact, the cut looked rather well done and precise, as if an expert had been able to see his target before engaging. He then assessed the rest of the neck. "Hmm, the neck indicates it was from behind and there looks like no sign of a struggle, but…" Demetri mused out loud, backing from the corpse and looking around at the area. "Potentially, perhaps a runner? I mean, there are signs there was running. I nor Devon knocked those things over so was he running from someone and then got cut? And if he got cut, by who?" Demetri once again looked at the corpse and noticed a small parcel it had that had been torn open. He levitated it upwards, ensuring nothing was falling out and began taking its contents out one by one.

"D-did you find zzzomthing?" Devon said, still queasy but stable.

"…Perhaps," Demetri said, eyes narrowing as he pulled out a few clues as to who the mon is. "Ranger…likely from another town. See, this badge says 'Treasure City' branch." He set the badge in his open palm to look at it better.

"But thizzz izzz Frantal right? Far from Treasure town at least." Devon buzzed closer to look, his curiosity easing his stomach with a distraction from the dead body next to them.

"Indeed, so likely he was investigating something but what." Demetri activated the badge, but it didn't respond. "Damaged apparently," the grumping grumbled levitating it back to the parcel. "Him having it in a parcel might mean he was going undercover. Undercover in what though." Demetri looked up at the sky and closed his eyes, doing his best to try and make sense of it all.

"You think…it's the red eyes?" Devon inquired.

"Maybe," Demetri bluntly said, "thugs aren't exactly accurate a lot of the time and his coins are here still…maybe he knew something and was forced to keep quiet by him losing his life." But if that is what they were aiming for why leave the corpse here? Wouldn't that just add to the suspicions? Ugh, for now, I should just report it, that's the best I can do right now.

Demetri began pinging for cells to report to while Devon just shut his eyes to not look at the corpse and have a stomach rollercoaster again.










"Meddlesome," a figure said sitting on the roof of the highest building in Frantal. "He got what he deserved." It stood up and let the breeze blow on his body and a let out a relieved sigh. "Well, hopefully, this sends a clear message at least to you," the figure said, taking something out of a small pouch, "you and all of you nosey mons in Triacal." He flicked his claws up, flipping a coin into up, the light of the moon reflecting off of a silver Bohrmian and letting it fall back into his waiting sandslash claw. He continued to flip it in silence, his red iris eyes looking off across the city. "Don't try it. Hopefully, the core gets the message, or at least figures it out if he has brains." He caught his coin and held it out in front, looking at it with narrow eyes. "I should leave now. Did my job here so," He shoved the coin into his pocket, "time for training I guess or at least…time away from this." He began walking away but suddenly stopped. Stayed in silence and slowly forming a scowl as if he was hearing something he didn't like. "Shut up," he muttered under his breath as he headed for the spot to climb down.

As he landed down into an alley and headed down it, he pulled out his coin again and started flipping it a little. A small noise sounded and he stopped immediately. The sandslash slowly turned his head to his belt pack that and opened it to pull out a blinking communication orb. Once he pressed the orb he instantly was greeted by a, "Hello Armie." His eyes went down halfway as an aggravated sigh escaped his mouth. "What is it, Plageues?" the mon asked with a frown into the com, "and can you at least say my name right or are you retarded on purpose?"

"Oh come now, Armád, you know I enjoy talking to Mr. Coin Flipping edgy Mk-"

"Say what you need to and then hang up," Armád spoke into the com with a monotone threat.

"My, my, well if you are in such a hurry then fine. I got wind you were in the area and I was wondering if you were able to back me up for a mission, since you're around and all," the voice in there said with a rather exaggerated chipperness as if it was talking to an old friend.

Armád just stood there with an annoyed expression and started flipping his coin faster with no reply.

After some time, Plageues spoke again. "Hello? Did you go off and get yourself killed?"

"Handle your own fu**ing mission," Armád snapped as he was about to turn the orb off.

"Hold on, that's no way to treat someone you're talking to," Plageues said with a chuckle that made Armád growl.

"Look Playjerk," Armád began but was cut off.

"Oh you like making names too," Plageues teased with a playful tone that frustrated Armád enough to catch his coin and punch a wall with a newly formed fist.

"What the reverse do you fu**ing want from me you piece of trash‽"

There was silence, till Plageues said, "Fine, Mr. Prickly if you want me to get to the point." There was a brief pause as Plageues cleared his throat, "I'm heading after a target to capture, you ever hear of Aegis?"

Armád replied in a snobbish tone, "No and I don't really feel like I care to."

"Oh but someone sure does." Plageues giggled as he said, "Lord Azazel."

Armád looked sternly at the orb, his focus slowly rising at the mention of that name. "How so?"

"Beats me," Plageues said with a shrug on his end, "but what matters is that he's interested in it. You know what that means, big points for whoever brings him in. I personally have no need for them, but you, on the other hand, could use some favor points."

Armád's expression slowly shifted to skepticism. "If that's the case then why are you doing it?" he asked as he started flipping his coin again.

"Simple, because they need me for it. I am a good tracker, but you Armád have skills I could use. Plus, the brat I'm after has friends and they proved troublesome for the last group which sadly I'm stuck with, but without the better Trishula part of it."

"Trishula?" Armád repeated, "It was his mission?"

"Yep, and frankly he was pissed to be taken off of it. You should have seen his face when he went on the boat. Mon, he was mad about it." Plageues giggled while Armád rolled his eyes. "But getting back to the overall point, if you could help us that would be good."

Armád contemplated, but his thoughts were interrupted by Plageues asking, "Where are you anyway?"

"Well, I was carrying out a minor mission on taking out some mon that was investigating the area here and moseying in our business on order from the superiors. I just ended the bit** so I was going to finish up checking on our associates in Triacal's trade ring before heading to Bohriam and meet with Gaispir there." The sandslash started walking down the alley, his temper going down now that Plageues was tolerable. "But that's more taking a break from missions.

"So, can you come help or can't you?"

Armád coughed for a second and gave a firm "No…" he then let out a sigh and followed with, "but, I can tell you I'm not the only here on a mission. If you need their assistance, they are Gulag and Elrios but other than that I won't be attending."

"Very well then," Plageues said with an instigating tone, "say 'hi' to your first convert for me."

Armád threw the orb down the hallway at hearing that. He placed his claw up to his head and shook his head slightly as he angrily groaned. "Why can't he just fu**ing die," he dragged his claw over his face and walked over to the orb's stopping spot. He picked it up and gazed into it with a troubled look. "My first convert huh…" he mumbled to himself as he put it away. The sky began to start doing a gentle drizzle before a bigger rain storm would hit. "Late huh…" he said to the summer storm looking upwards at the clouds he couldn't see due to the night. He resumed his walk. "Better late than rushed," he mumbled as he began flipping his coin as the rain began to pour harder. Without a word or a change in expression, he caught his coin, put it away and just let himself get soaked.


< O >


"That's not good," Dolly said to herself as she looked at the storm clouds in the distance.

Swift, walked up to join her in looking at the problematic travel hazard ahead. "Rain eh," the heliolisk said with a little enthusiasm, "sounds fine."

"No, when we have a long ways to go." She pointed at the path leading to where Frantal Town could be seen from the vantage spot in the mountains. "More than likely, we'll need to hurry if we're going to be far enough on the trail to not get hit since the road makes a giant 'U' shape to go track to another city with a path down later going back to Frantal." Pointing out to the two she explained, "That right there is Frantal Town. Normally we could take the path there," she gestured to a rather straightforward looking pathway down some mountain slopes and through some of the farming fields to the town, "but the rain is right over it and pretty heave. Meaning, it might be better for us to take the longer route that does around those mountains instead of cutting through before them there." She returned her arm and propose it on her side, muttering, "It'll take us a bit out of our initial way, but at least we won't get too wet. I'd say we'll arrive in about post-lunchtime. Anyways," Dolly faced the heliolisk and instructed, "Get the others ready. We won't have much time before we have to move."

Swift nodded and raced off to get everyone ready. Dolly just watched the clouds before being called over. "Okay," she shouted, "choose partners now. We don't have much time."

"Garon," Jaron said immediately, causing the dragon to look at him with an appreciative smile. "I mean, you said after one." Jaron smiled at Dolly who caved to the request.

"Yes I did," she admitted letting out a sigh, "Okay next?"

"Vragon," Seliph said aloud, leading to Vragon looking at him with an opposite reaction that Garon's to Jaron. He was about to say something when Jasmine paired up with Swift. Vragon's heart sank as Dolly ended the voting with, "So that leaves me with Ciecro. Alright, mons get with your partners and let's head out."

"Well it shouldn't be too troubling a trip if we can avoid the rain," Seliph said, joining up to Vragon, "shall we take the front?"

"I suppose," the fraxure replied, crossing his arms and twisting his body a little. He then said in a sarcastic tone, "Don't enjoy getting wet."

"Rather it is you wouldn't enjoy the experience," Seliph said with a smile. Vragon faced the greninja and let out a sigh. "Well let's just get to the town then."

"Yes," Vragon said, pulling his travel pack over his shoulder and putting the strap around the other, "let's just get to the town." He proceeded to walk on, Seliph following with a confused expression.

"Something wrong?" Seliph inquired, jogging up to Vragon's side.

"Did you forget the standings we are in?" Vragon said with a little bit of hostility in his tone.

"No, of course not. Just wondering why you are being well…a little hostile." Vragon just kept his gaze forwards and didn't reply. Seliph than asked, "Something happen last night?"

Vragon kept quiet, his mind dwelling back on the dream he had before they all had started this journey. "I just…don't want this to be a complete waste. Coming here to Frantal."

"And why would that be?" Seliph asked, leading Vragon to scowl a little and roll his eyes. "I'm serious."

Vragon grunted and said, "You know I don't know my past right?"

"Ah I see," Seliph said, raising his fist to his chin. He looked at Vragon when the dragon spoke again.

"It's important to me I find out." The fraxure grabbed his pendant on his neck and held it out for Seliph to see. "I want to know what this is and why I have a connection to it. Why I'm Averion and how I ended up here. I want to know it all and not knowing bothers me."

"I can understand. It would bother me too." Seliph looked down the path and let out a sigh. "It bothers me not knowing things."

Vragon looked at Seliph, this time with curiosity. "About what exactly?"

"Well," Seliph straightened his pack on his back and muttered in a low tone, "Bothers me I haven't created a cure."

Vragon's eyes widened and he looked forwards, rather surprised to hear this even if it made perfect sense considering what he knew. I guess that's true. Vragon felt a little guilty at his venting despite Seliph always having this feeling too. I shouldn't be so hostile. I mean, so far he's been nice and well taking out my worries on him isn't good for him nor me. He looked forward and clasped his pendant harder. Let's just get to Frantal for now.

Seliph was watching Vragon and what he could assume was a guilty expression on the fraxure's face. He slowly let his pace fall behind Vragon's and glanced back at the rest behind. Jaron and Garon seemed to be conversing in a friendly and active manner. Did they talk last night? He thought, as his eyes shifted to Jasmine and Swift. They were conversing as well but seemed to be more getting to know each other, or at least Seliph assumed via the lack of friendly gestures from Swift. Good. He looked at the last two and his brow raised. Ciecro's head was down a little and eyes were...worried. Dolly had her arm on his shoulder and was talking to him for all he could assume was, encouraging. Did something happen and they are talking? Seliph looked forwards and quickly caught back up to Vragon's side. His eyes narrowed as he began going over the information he had.

First, I'll see about Garon regarding Jaron. I need to keep things on both good terms. Once there, I should try and get to talk with Vragon and help him in his little search. Unfortunately, there's Dolly but I might have a chance if something is bothering Ciecro. Though, his head slowly lowered, something seems deep on his mind. Maybe…maybe I should try and talk to him too…No, he wouldn't want to talk to me, least of all about something bothering him. I'm the bad older brother after all to them, and they clearly are still getting used to me being around. I wonder though. They are being less aggressive, could it be in regards to that night before. I should make a note of that, but first things first. Find out the truth about you Vragon, and see if there is something there.


< O >


Daemon peered through a vile containing some strange fizzy red liquid as he slowly tipped a blood sample over and let a few drops land in this liquid. I began bubbling violently but not enough to overflow its edges, and slowly let it begin to settle down. After it had become completely still in his motionless hand he moves his eyes closer to it.

"Hmm," he mumbled aloud, "bonded…so then," he slowly moved another vile with his other hand over to the top of the vile. Small droplets of blood dripped down into the formula, causing it to bubble once more before finally settling down like last time. Daemon set the vile down upon a little holder and proceeded to go through his notes. "Bonding formula, there must be a means to separate the samples." He tapped his writing stick on the side of the desk as his one eye browsed over the scribbles, drawings, and notes on the many papers before him. "If I could just figure a means that could work then…" his eye narrowed as he straightened up. Silently he floated over to a mirror and peered into it, however, all he focused on in the reflecting image was the bandage on his right shoulder. "If I can find it…I may be able to-" a sudden knock came on the door. With an aggravated grumble and two fingers moved to rub his eye Daemon coldly said, "Yes?"

"Begging pardon sir," a mon said, entering. It was a rather fit beartic with a small ice beard and an arm guard with some attached technologies and design indicating captain status. He gave a polite head no and slight bow with his arm cupped under as his body folded over it barely.

"Go on captain," Daemon muttered as he floated over to put away his notes.

"Lord Azazel has arrived and he wishes to speak to you." The captain waited for a reply, yet none came from Daemon. It was rather awkward for the guy, considering Daemon didn't even seem to give him a notable expression. "Would…you wish for him to wait?" he finally suggested to which Daemon replied,

"No Captain Chenoo, I will go and speak with him personally." The ghost floated over to his coat post and put on his over jacket and floated to the captain, who immediately stepped out so Daemon could lock the door behind him. They both walked down the hall in silence, until Daemon inquired, "How long has he been here?"

"Just arrived," the captain informed.

"I see," Daemon muttered stroking his chin, "Well then, I shall see to him. But," he suddenly faced the captain who looked at him curiously, "I wish to thank you for allowing me the blood samples."

"Of course sir," the captain replied, relaxing a little, "Anything that would help your research."

"Indeed I suppose." The ghost floated on but stopped at the captain adding something.

"Mind if I ask what's it on?" the captain looked with curious red eyes as Daemon slowly turned around.

The ghost kept quiet and merely gazed at the beartic with a blank and a rather cold expression.

"If…if it's private sir-" The beartic began, but stopped at a rise of Daemon's hand.

"Tell me, captain," he said, "Why did you join?"

"Oh?"

"The red eyes," Daemon clarified.

The captain crossed his arms and leaned on one leg and looked at the wall. "That's really personal sir."

"Isn't it personal for all," Daemon pointed out. "But you need not inform me." He then folded his arms behind his back, while the beartic looked at him confused. "What's important is there was a reason why you joined, like everyone else…a personal reason. You sought something more…did you not?" The beartic nodded and Daemon resumed. "As I sought to be more in kind. Why I research…is for that fact."

"Understood," the captain said with a nod, not entirely sure what Daemon was getting at or happy he wasn't just told what it was but didn't push for an answer.

Daemon gave a little cough as he turned around. "As such, I will put in a good word for you. My hopes to you for becoming selected should you apply."

"Thank you, sir," Chenoo said with a grateful smile as Daemon floated down. Hearing that from him heh, imagine that. Soon maybe, hopefully, I'll be one of them.

Daemon floated down a corridor to a rather large and oddly dim light lobby. In the middle was a figure in a dark hood and cloak seemingly staring at the floor, arms at side and floating. Daemon announced himself with a cough and said, "You wished to see me…Lord Azazel."

"Indeed," Azazel slithered, turning around to face Daemon, "tell me, how are your…attempts going?"

"If you refer to my individual projects, they are performing adequately," Daemon replied, but Azazel just shook his head.

"No, no," he said taking off his hood, revealing a hydreigon head with very dark red eyes a white and black skin and rather odd burn marks. "Where your passion lies."

"I don't understand," Daemon said with a calm tone and cool head. Be still Daemon.

"Well," the red-eyed dragon laughed slightly as he floated towards Daemon and faced away from him, "Everyone has a dream, ambition. Even the ones that are…dreamless have something down there that drives them…an empty will, however, is the first sign life is dying."

"I'd rather a straight answer sir," Daemon said a little impatiently.

"Careful not to rush to carefully, Daemon." The dragon said with a grin, "Some things could be considered treason to your superiors."

Daemon tensed at this but remained composed. "I will be cautious sir. But may I inquire what gives you these thoughts of ill towards me?"

"Oh no, you misunderstand me Daemon," Azazel said with a less creepy grin, "I didn't say I considered it treason, only that some in the red eyes would. I mean, tampering with your being as you are to…silence it, is a method few would want to be completed, correct?"

Daemon's heart sank. He felt a chill down his body as if all the energy in him was frozen and shaken. The red-eye fell slightly, wide open as his mind was in disarray. He shook his head however and replied, "No such thing would be permissible, understandably." How? It's impossible, there's no way he could know about…did I get ratted out by Plageues or… Daemon waited for an answer from the dragon who merely looked back at the wall.

"You feel bound to it, don't you?" the dragon stated without a smile nor a stare at him.

"Bound by what?" Daemon dared ask, wanting an answer to whether or not Azazel knew or was just probing him.

"Do you wish for me to say it here?" The dragon faced him and gestured his arms out wide.

Daemon looked around, seeing a few mons around him. All potentially in hearing distance. "Never mind sir." Blast, if he knows then… Daemon floated over to look upon the wall himself. He then said, "If I may ask Lord Azazel. Trishula is heading here, but won't be for about two days. So, why did you come here so early?"

"I wished to converse with you," he started looking at the wall with a frown. "However, you aren't the only reason I came here." The red eyes Lord faced Daemon and in a low tone whispered, "You are one of the four of the inner iris council. Out of all of them, you have been with us the longest and have done much to make the red eyes plans bolster forwards. So, it is due to this recognition that I…have an order for you."

Daemon gave a nod and listened intently.

"I have been focusing my efforts in finding Aegis's vessel. Pathos continues his pursuit and recruiting, and Mephiles is working on projects with the science division. However, you of the Iris council hold potential problems. While many of you are indeed fitting to be there, I have heard of disruption amongst some of the newer members of your council. Pokémon that seem to doubt those of us above them. As a head, I wish for you to quell these at the next meeting, but…" he leaned in closer. "I also wish for you to seek out ones that could be traitorous or shown signs of actions against us."

"I'm honored for this mission," Daemon said with a head bow.

"These are dangerous times Daemon. No more are we in the dark to the world, now we are seen by them and by our enemies. Those that lose sight of why they came must be found, lest we have potential damage done to our plans and you understand how long we've been preparing for this." A dark smile replaced the serious gaze on Azazel as he added with a little slither in his words, "We draw near to the finish of collection."

Daemon rubbed his chin and let out a thinking noise as he closed his eye. "I will do what I can," he stated and the dragon nodded.

"Oh, one more thing," Azazel said floating off. "When my apprentice, Trishula, arrives; I want you to personally escort him here. So, if you will please head to the port town he will be landing at and bringing him here I would be most appreciative."

"Very well," Daemon accepted, "I must attend a few things before my departure."

The ghost began floating off as Azazel, with a pleased smile floated in the other direction, stated, "of course."

The ghost was silent as he traveled to his lodgings and shut the door behind him. He floated to his main table and placed his two hands on it and just stared at the well-kept wood. Terrible feelings and thoughts permeated his head as he tried to calm himself after the scare he had earlier. Even if he knows, he wouldn't inform the other ones, he reasoned as he straightened up. After all, to condemn me over this would be wasteful to him and put him at odds with his apprentice. He looked to the side at his bookcase, the lines of gold coins and items in bags assorted in a neat and orderly fashion. Floating over to it, he flipped a little clipping and opened a hidden compartment no bigger than two of his fingers. Carefully, he dug into it and pull out a little picture. It will be good to see you…again. I need some solace after all. He gripped his right shoulder, where his bandage was wrapped. This was a disturbing revelation, to say the least.
 
Last edited:

Bay

6,382
Posts
17
Years
Minor style suggestion, but the very first part I feel you should break it up into different paragraphs. That way I can follow the action and dialogue better.

The second part is a flashback, I think? Nice showing off more interactions with Zak and Demetri there.

So a new character appears. He surse doesn't like Plageues there. Hey Armad, the coin flipping is Grismley's gimmick. = P

Oh, so we have Azazel be revealed as a hydreigon. Interesting choice concerning his name origin being "scapegoat" in Hebrew. Looks like he's coming down hard on those going against this group of theirs.
 

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
Posts
6
Years
Contains: Language, Dark Themes [14]
Chapter 30
A Building Mistrust​



Devon looked around the waiting room in the Frantal Town ranger station. Bored seemed like an understatement for him and it was about the fifth time he spotted every nook, cranny, and crack in the room. He dare not saying anything, however, due to how serious the reason was for them being here. At leazzzt I don't have to be in there, he thought in his head with a sigh of relief out loud. The vikavolt rolled onto his back on the chair to look at the room in a different way. Unfortunately, as he did, he spied an upside down version of Demetri just staring at him in an expression Devon couldn't figure from his position, but could at least guess wasn't exactly happy to the see him not sitting in his chair.

Demetri's eyes lowered as he just looked at Devon without a word. He waited till Devon slowly got back to his legs before saying, "Please Devon." He walked to the doorway, as Devon followed with a guilty buzz.

"Zzzo, how did it go?" Devon asked, hoping to try and salvage his situation.

"Not grand." Demetri let out a sigh as he folded his arms behind his back. "The assassin left hardly any well-kept traces to who he was, likely I won't be able to find out who did it."

"But, can't you juzzzt find the psychic zzzignature?" Devon suggested.

"I already tried that. Not only is this guy's aura hardly on the stone so I could make at least a decent idea what his aura is like but that even if I could it's very unlikely I could find him in such a populated town." Demetri ranted, more to himself and situation than Devon.

The bug shriveled back a little, feeling dumb for asking. The two walked in silence as Demetri pulled up his holocaster and began reading through some data. Devon finally mustered up the courage to ask again, "Zzzo, zzzir uhm, what'zzz the plan now?"

"We stay here and wait for this 'Seliph' to arrive, while we do we investigate this murder on a separate notice."

Devon's eyes widened. "Wait but why?" the bug asked flying up next to Demetri.

"Simple, because this mon was researching some activity here. Certain, unsavory kinds." Demetri's eyes went cold as he added, "The kind that makes me want to take the neck of whoever did this and snap it."

"That bad huh," Devon said, curious but also trying to avoid Demetri's wrath.

"The mon was trying to find track some disappearances at some orphanage in his town. He tracked the active kidnapping here and well…yeah." Demetri's eyes lowered to a rather depressed one. "It's messed up. I didn't even know kidnapping was here…let alone of kids."

Devon went silent, as he felt rather disturbed as well. "Zzzo…izzz that why we're going to do thizzz?" Devon said as he was forced to fall behind Demetri again at a tight hallway, leading to the lobby.

"Yes, I can't just let it slide. It could be extremely vital to figuring out criminal activity in the area. At least, it will give us something to do, even if we won't finish the investigation. The cores can at least assign someone to finish it." Demetri began formulating a message to send as they entered the lobby and headed for the door.

"But what if that 'Zzzeliph' guy comezzz while we do?" Devon asked as they neared the door, the sound of rain hitting the windows now beginning to reach their ears.

"That isn't a problem." Demetri looked back at him and said, "If he comes, we'll just turn our attention to that. Trust me Devon, I know what I'm doi-"

Devon froze in place as he watched Demetri suddenly fall forwards and tumble down the steps to the door. Just left speechless as grunts, painful surprised sounds, a bruise making filled his ears and the image of the holocaster going static like with every roll he took. Finally, Demetri hit the wet ground, landing on his back and staring up at the rain, with an expression of the most surprise and confusion on his face. Devon buzzed his way down the steps and asked, "You okay zzzir?"

Demetri just paused then finally snarled as he pointed his arm straight at the sky and in a very angry voice shouted, "That's it! Fu** you rain! I hope you're happy laughing at me in the mud you asshole! Now piss off! I need some fu**ing Sitrus Berry Tea with no more than two fu**ing scoops of Fu**ing sugar before I kill somebody!" He got up to his feet, brushed off a little of the mud from himself and his holocaster device, and stammered off fuming as the unfortunate passerby just watched along with a terrified Devon.



Devon sat on a little stool at one of the lounge tables in a local in, looking out the window at the rain alone. It seemed that the rain was picking up more than before and he was certainly glad not to be out there right now. He looked across from him at started thinking. Hmm…the red eyezzz zzzound intenzzze. I read a report or two on them, but nothing like…well kidnapping kidzzz. I don't get it, why doezzzn't zzzomebody just find them and put them out or zzzomething? Bring them to juzzztice. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heavy steps as Demetri sat onto the other seat, dry. "How wazzz your shower?" He asked with an attempted vikavolt smile, hoping Demetri was in a better mood.

"It was satisfactory," Demetri replied in a tone that didn't seem to reflect that. "I'm rather impressed such a simple looking place could afford to have something like a shower."

"Yeah," Devon agreed with an accompanying nod, "it izzz rather rare for something zzzo technical to be in an inn."

"Then again…" Demetri's eyes lowered, "Frantal town is at least big enough to be just below a city in size."

"Zzzomething wrong zzzir?" Devon angled his body a little more over the table, to listen better.

"…I don't like this." Demetri turned his gaze out the window along with Devon. "That murder that happened, what he was investigating. All of it rubs me the wrong way."

"Yeah, well it izzz heavy stuff." Devon looked down at the rough wooden surface of their table. "But zzzir," Demetri gave him his attention. "Why doezzzn't the core shut them down or zzzomething?"

Demetri let out a sigh as he answered, "There are diplomatic things regarding the red eyes. They are stationed in Sorphia…at least, it used to just be Sorphia."

"Huh?" Devon tilted his head as Demetri answered.

"You see Devon. The main bulk of the red eyes we presume is in Sorphia and that continent in general. However, we also have good reason to believe, at least from my investigation before this one, that they are trying to get some manner of buddy, buddy with some Amestrian senators. As for anywhere else, there is evidence that Lunis has some influence, but no evidence that it's particularly strong." Demetri looked at Devon and finally said, "But to answer your question, no, the core can't just barge in wherever they wish to. Zyan and Garde may garner respect, but they don't exactly have an army. In fact, I'd consider us more of job fillers for them than actual agents."

"What makezzz you zzzay that?" Devon inquired, not sure what Demetri meant.

"Because, we may live where the core does and do missions, but overall what they tell us is rather minuscule to exactly what they know. Let me put this into perspective for you," Demetri ordered some drinks and moved Devon's cup to him, "You see, what you and I know…is like the tea in there. It's a decent size of the matter, but what they know isn't just the tea itself. They know what goes into it, what is used to make it, where it comes from, frankly we are more customers than servers of their information. My point being Devon, when dealing with two beings that are quite basically God's and guardians of peace, there's a lot of observation and notice they do. Just because we 'mortals' aid them, doesn't give them the sense to share any knowledge with us." Demetri emphasized a rather annoyed tone at the end of rest his elbow on the table and just stirred the drink with his powers as if using an invisible self-moving stick. The two were silent until Devon asked something.

"Zzzo…how long have you been on the core'zzz payroll?"

Demetri gave a grunt before saying, "Four years maybe, I lost track of time."

"Oh," Devon curled back, but mustered the courage to ask, "Hazzz it really been that bad?"

Demetri let out a sigh as he looked out the window again. "Well, it was better before…well…"

"Before what?" Devon inquired, his curiosity moving up as his wings showed in their slight rises.

"Just some drama with the core that's all." Demetri began stirring his drink with his mind again as Devon thought for a bit.

"What happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Demetri's eyes narrowed slightly to emphasize and Devon got the hint.

"Well, if you ever get the want to talk about it, you can tell me zzzir." Devon gave him a smile as Demetri looked at him with a lazy expression.

"Awfully presumptuous of you offering something that clearly won't be needed." Devon tilted his head not understanding the big words. Demetri let out an annoyed sigh and said, "Don't jump to conclusions basically." Devon nodded as he understood and the two were about to partake in their drinks before Devon proposed a toast.

"Why?" Demetri asked, not sure for what occasion.

"Well, why not? I mean, we're getting clozzzer to what we need right and pluzzz, to a good job." He nudged his cup on the table close and Demetri gave a shake of his head and a grin.

"Okay," he cupped his hand over his and the two were about to clash their drinks when a loud noise came as the door to the inn slammed open. At lightning speed, they two shot their gazes to the sight of the most angrily, heavy breathing charmeleon they had ever seen. He was giving off snarls as if deliberately wanting everyone to hear how loud it was. The charmeleon was also dripping wet from the rain coming outside. Silence fell the room as he stomped in. They then heard the sound of arguing coming from behind as a smiling heliolisk came in.

"How was I supposed to know the clouds were going to head on the other path?" a large kangaskhan argued as she stepped onto the wooden floor.

"Oh I don't know," a riled up absol said in response walking in. "Maybe actually paying attention to it as we were going!" the angry absol shook the water off her and onto the kangaskhan. This ticked the kangaskhan off and they resumed their argument as they went one.

Next was a croconaw walking in, completely unbothered with being soaked. He turned around and said, "Come on Vray, it's not that bad…"

"You're a freaking water type Jaron!" a raging fraxure roared stammering inside, looking for some means to dry himself. "You don't get as cold as dragon types do!"

"Yeah, fair enough, let's get something to dry us off." The two started off, right as Garon walked in, shaking himself in front of them.

"Hey!" Vragon exclaimed.

"Oh, sorry my bad. Water got into my eyes." Garon looked around the room and gave a whistle, "Not a bad place." The two boys looked around too and followed Garon in sight-seeing.

The last to enter was a greninja holding a bag and keeping it tied to keep them from getting too wet. He quickly joined up with the group at the desk working on getting rooms.

"Who do you zzzupose they are?" Devon queried, looking at Demetri.

"Not sure, travelers," Demetri said, taking a sip of his drink. His eyes looked over each and every one of them, and then stopped on the greninja. Demetri eyed all he could on the greninja from his seat, while Devon just sat there wondering what Demetri was looking at. Possibly, I mean, he is a greninja, he seems to be holding something valuable, and frankly seems focused and alert. Slowly, Demetri lifted his cup to his lips and began drinking it down, passively. That's got to be Seliph.

Devon was at a loss of understanding, just sitting there wondering why Demetri was eyeing the group that just got in and headed upstairs to their rooms. Finally, he could contain it no more. "Zzzir," he buzzed, bracing his nerves just in case a swift rebuke, "What were you looking at?"

"…Seliph, probably," Demetri answered in the calmest and strangely relaxed tone.

Devon just paused, completely shocked at this lackluster statement. He finally got a hold of himself and followed up by asking, "Wait if that's Zzzeliph then we shoul-"

"Watch him, observe him, figure things out…yes." Demetri began drinking again leaving Devon rather confused.

"But izzzn't our mission to…well talk to him and take him under our protection?"

"Yes, but we know he's here with what looks like his own little army and plus there's activity going on. The murder and all. We only really need to keep some kind of tracking on him."

Devon froze and once again the image flashed back into his memory. His stomach gurgled as if it was actually looking at the gross corpse and Devon gave a big gulp. In a stutter, Devon then continued with, "Zzzo why aren't we doing it?"

"He's here, while there's a murderer on the loose, and frankly I have a hunch he's linked to those trading deals I tracked earlier."

"Earlier?" Devon said, tilting his head, his former traces of nausea gone.

"My former assignment, the one related to the breaching. The one I was taken off of for sh*t of a reason." Demetri set his cup down and wipes his mouth with his arm. "So, since the core is going to be a dick about it, I'm going to figure this thing out." He got out of his chair, causing Devon to get all flustered.

"B-b-but wait, what abou-"

"Seliph?" Demetri said, finishing the statement. "Simple, we'll confirm it's him, and just make sure we know where he is. Only really one of us needs to keep an eye on him, basically you. Once I'm done with finding out more things about the murder, I'll get back to you in protecting Seliph."

"But, I mean." Devon tried to muster his thoughts together, but it wasn't easy with Demetri already heading for the door. "What about the mizzzion now? I mean you were taken off the other one right?"

"And?" Demetri said, getting tired of Devon's repeated reference to their current mission. "You can, at least, handle it till I get back right?"

"But zzzir…it'zzz not juzzzt my mizzzzzzion…Thizzz is our mizzzzzzion and thizzz pazzzt one izzzn't yourzzz anymo-"

"It was our damn mission and this could be great progress for it and finding a linkage of Triacal gangs to red eyes fu**ing payers!" Demetri snapped. The grumpig looked to the side angrily, realizing he let something slip. He didn't care though. Devon looked plenty startled anyways. "Just stay here and guard Seliph," he ordered as he stormed out into the rain.

Devon just sat there, completely frozen. It took him some time to snap out of it and head back to their room. As he did, he reminisced over what the grumpig said. 'Our mizzzion?' The thought definitely was interesting. Demetri had never brought up the former assignment, just that he was taken off of it. Wazzz Demetri with zzzomeone on it?Devon wondered.


< O >


Warm water sprayed out of a few holes in the small shower room as Vragon cleaned himself. The warmth felt good on his scales and the dragon couldn't help but take his cleaning time with a smile. A few hums echoed in the little room but stopped as he heard some knocking on the door outside. "Yeah?" Vragon asked turning his head to the door.

"It's Jaron. You almost done?"

"Oh sure," Vragon replied, quickly shutting the flow off with some gears, unlocking the door, and walking out dripping wet.

Jaron was there waiting, with a big cloth towel, holding it out with a smile. "Feel better?"

"Yeah, the water was great," Vragon answered, taking the towel and drying himself with it.

"Indeed, I've never seen something like that before. What do they call those, 'water rooms'?"

"I believe so." Vragon tossed the towel over his shoulder. He picked off the hook that he rest his pendant on and put it on, before turning back to Jaron. "So, what's the plan now?"

"Well…the group is getting cleaned up and settled right now," Jaron stated walking over to look at the drizzling rain through the window. "Vragon."

"Yeah?" Vragon looked at the croconaw, not sure what to make from these new serious vibes. "Jaron…is something wrong? We're here in Frantal town…So-" The fraxure took a few steps as he did, but stopped when Jaron responded.

"Seliph wants to take you to the library," Jaron quickly said, not taking his eyes from the rain. A slight awkward feeling struck Vragon as Jaron continued. "And…it's related to researching your past."

"Okay," Vragon said with a slight hint of wariness. The fraxure walked over and asked. "Jaron…I know you still are tense around Seliph bu-"

"No…it's not that." Jaron turned around and looked at him with rather strange eyes. They looked rather sad but trying to be strong. "I…I want you to go."

Vragon couldn't help but blink and utter a, "huh?"

"You should go look there with him. He can help you more than I can." The tone in Jaron's voice seemed, very off-putting and even Jaron knew it. "N-not like I don't want to go with you, but that…argh," Jaron stuttered trying to figure out what to say.

"Its fine Jaron, you can come along." Vragon put his hand on Jaron's shoulder and gave an encouraging smile. Surprisingly, Jaron didn't reply, leaving Vragon confused. He moved his head down so he could look at the downcast Jaron. "Jaron…what's wrong?"

Jaron let out a sigh and looked at him. "Can…can I tell you…something."

"Of course, Jaron," he answered as he gave the croconaw a hug. "You can tell me anything." The croconaw gave Vragon a heavy smile and Vragon patted his buddy on the head. "Go ahead."

Jaron took a heavy gulp and let out a sigh. You can do this. He stared at Vragon, ready. He cares about you anyways. I'm sure he'll understand.



Seliph slowly walked down the stairs to the main meeting lobby, going through a few little bits of notes. Once he reached the bottom, he pocketed them and immediately looked around for any sign of Garon. Here merely had to turn left, for there Garon was, trying to separate Swift and someone else that appeared to be arguing. He gave a little grin and chuckled internally as he waited for the little dispute to end.

So let's see, he thought as he took out a notepad, Talk with Garon and find out about him and Jaron first. Then get Vragon and go to the library for investigation. Though…I'll need to devote tonight to researching just in case. Thankfully, it doesn't appear we've run into any big trouble and so far I haven't seen any of those ruffians or potential allies of them.

The greninja sighed and leaned back on the wall. I just want this to be over and done with. If Vragon is Aegis's vessel though, that could be a problem. Aside from him being a target, it could mean tha- his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of an adult mon crying. Seliph looked over to see Garon, trying to get Swift off a mon who he had in an arm lock shouting, "Call me short one more time! I dare you!" Seliph shook his head and mumbled, "Perhaps I should help." With a sigh, he stopped leaning and headed over to stop the fight before it got uglier.

"I keep telling you Swift, you need to just shrug off those comments," Garon said, as he stuck his talon into some bread at the bar after the fight. "You'll cause a lot fewer fights that way."

"Yeah, well I think I was justified." Swift gave a little huff and took a big bite out his bread with an angry look. "I mean, what jerk starts things off by calling you 'small' and so self-righteous to keep on doing it despite you asking him to stop."

"The asking was probably only your first one." Garon took a bite out of his bread and continued, "He didn't start getting smart till after you threatened to and I quite, 'kick his ass'."

Seliph did his best to hide a giggle at the site of the two actually arguing over what seemed like school kid level of importance. Finally, he gave a cough to get their attention. "Well, I'm happy to say we made it here so a toast then." Seliph grabbed his cup and moved it out in the air. Swift joined with his and Garon did as well, though a bit harder time with his mug. After they broke mugs Seliph got to the point: Distracting small talk. "So, what do you guys think of the group?" He said with a slurp of his tea.

"Not bad, all of them." Swift gave a big grin as he devoured into another slice of bread. "I would like to say, am I the only one that gets intimidated by, Dolly?"

"You are shorter than her," Garon teased in a whisper, earning a glare from Swift.

"What about you Garon?"

"They seem like good mons. Though not like us in combativeness but good mons."

Seliph felt a little annoyed he didn't get the specifics he wished. Letting out a sigh, the greninja decided to take a more direct approach. "So what about my siblings?"

"What about them?" Swift said in reply, sipping out of his mug right after.

"How are they?"

"Seem okay. We did just meet them recently." Swift started jugging down his mug while Garon seemed to just be looking at his, in thought.

"Something up Garon?"

"Oh no…nothing. You have some good brothers, Seliph. You know that right?"

The question almost felt like a stab out of nowhere for Seliph. He defensively rolled his eyes and with an affirmed smile said, "Of course I know they're good. Seliph raised a brow as Garon's expression didn't change from the assurance. Did Jaron tell him something personal? He decided to hold off on it for now. "Well, I best get ready," he said in a pleasant tone getting out of his seat.

"Where are you going?" Swift asked, directing his head to the leaving greninja.

"I'm going to take Vragon to the local library here to research into his past," Seliph said, taking a second to glance back.

"You want us to come wi-"

"No, no need," Seliph answered quickly, but casually. "There'll be a lot of mons there. A likelihood that there'd be something going on is abysmal. Anyways, I'll keep him safe don't worry." Seliph left the local bar leaving Garon and Swift alone at the bar.

Garon sighed and returned to his drink, but paused upon noticing Swift seeming in thought. "Something wrong?"

"…Yeah." The heliolisk sighed and looked at Garon. "I don't like having doubt, but I can't help but feel there's something Seliph isn't telling us."

"You mean regarding his siblings being alive and him too?"

"No…that I understand." Garon raised a brow as Swift looked forwards. "Something he doesn't want us to hear or know."

"What makes you say that?" Garon turned his body and with a serious gaze waited for an answer.

Swift thought for a moment, closed his eyes and whispered, "You remember how he said he wanted us to help protect this group. Well…I overheard him arguing with Dolly and the overall subject was…odd. He's gained distrust from her and well…he seemed to focus a lot on that fraxure."

"What's so odd abou-" Garon stopped. His eyes widened a little and he looked at Swift. "But he's Norfarion right? What would be interesting to him abou-"

"Vengeance maybe…I'm not sure." Swift looked forwards, hand firmly clenching his cup. "Something that pushes you over the edge. Maybe Seliph found his."

"Should we confront him?" Garon asked, turning back to the bar and letting his head bow down mimicking his worried mood.

"Not now at least." Swift took a sip of his drink and set it down. "Not till we know for a fact that's what he's after. Though, I'm not keen on not finding evidence myself." Swift got off the stool.

"What are you going to do?" Garon turned Swift, slightly concerned at what Swift had planned.

"Garon," Swift said, with a firmer tone, "If there is something he's keeping from that is key to why they're being targeted by the red eyes, we need to know. They're our comrades' kids Garon." Garon nodded. "We need to keep them safe…Even if it means getting in the way of them doing something stupid. You agree right?"

"Let's first just figure out what's going on and then figure out our move." Garon got off his and joined at Swift's side. "Don't worry. I just hope he is willing to listen."

"I hope so too." The two shared a sigh as they exited the bar and headed to their rooms.


< O >


The rain was pouring outside. Hardly anyone was in the streets, but some rangers with bad shifts and kids playing in the rain. Amid all this, two figures in rain cloaks walked up the stairs to the Frantal Town Library and pushed open its large doors. Upon stepping inside soaking wet, Vragon pulled off his travel hood and briskly shook his head.

"Ugh, these aren't too effective," he complained as he started taking his off and hanging it up.

"Yes, well it's still better than having to pay for a good one," Seliph added, hanging his after Vragon. He walked in front and just eyed the place while Vragon was busy putting his pendant on and checking his notes.

The place was wooden, and apparently two stories tall. Signature spiral staircases were at the two far hand sides and shelves of books were all around. He let out a whistle at the sight.

"Indeed, it is impressive. For such a town that is," Vragon said enthusiastically as he joined with Seliph. He looked at his pendant and suggested, "I believe we should check on the cultures of Reshma if that's okay. That's what I've been studying."

"Hmm…I'm not too certain about that. You are Averion by blood and crest, so it stands that you could have Clans parents." Seliph slowly gestured for Vragon to follow as he walked out in front.

"Well yes, but this pendant isn't clansmon in nature." Vragon jogged to go right next to Seliph.

"Yes, however, your crest is much more trustworthy of a link than that." Seliph pointed for emphasis, causing Vragon to give a little scowl. "I'm not trying to be rude, but sometimes reasoning isn't exactly well…nice to hear."

The fraxure let out a growl and followed with a "Fair point."

As they headed for the section on cultural history, another figure entered. Devon flicked his head up to get the raincoat hood off his head and shook his body as if he was a houndoom. "Let'zzz zzzee" he buzzed to himself as his wings flapped and picked him off the ground. "Where izzz Zzzeliph." The bug shot in a direction but made sure to keep his flying at a low altitude. After landing on the far side of the left part of the rows, Devon marched down each corridor, peaking at each row to see if his target was there. It didn't take him long to finally spot them. Quickly, he went to the row before theirs, walked over quietly to the area of the shelf he had seen them, and listened in.

"Hmm…this looks like good enough stuff. I'll start studying on it," Seliph's voice said from behind the books.

"Okay, I'll join you once I get a selection to look into regarding potential things regarding this."

Devon raised a brow, unsure what "this" was. Hmm…Zzzeliph izzzn't going anywhere…zzzo I zzzhould check on hizzz friend first, Devon reasoned in his head as he heard the two split up. Ensuring he wasn't seen by the fraxure, Devon kept up a steady pace behind Vragon. Once the fraxure stopped to find a book, Devon quickly flew to the second floor to spy on Seliph just to assess where he went to study. He finally spotted him at a table, books open and notes taken already. Okay good, Devon said to himself with a nod and flew back down to watch Vragon.



Hmm, Seliph grumbled in his head as he flipped through pages of a book on "Clans History". Ah, I see. He stood up in his chair, and read the passage in his head.


"It is to our knowledge, that our ancestor Aegis was given the gift of clans by Arceus. It is therefore furthered supported, this belief, due to the crest inheritance rate of Clanmon's children. This is also aided by an additional Ability, the Gift that is from the members of each clans.

As a result, it is potentially plausible the findings regarding Aegis being an extremely strong or unique being compared to his descendants isn't fully supported. While we can carefully conclude his abilities as a fighter and leader are recorded any additional attributable differences regarding him in feature to any descendants of similar genetics wouldn't be much. However, there is one key difference that has been recorded to Aegis and to Aegis alone. This lies in his clan's gift. The gift 'Savoir'.

The workings of this one of a kind ability are similar to synergetic manipulative gifts, however, this specific gift isn't as limited to specifics as the normal ones. Therefore discovering said ability, Savoir, would be difficult normally. Despite this, there is a keen method in distinguishing this gift from other ones. It is recorded in ancient texts that his specific healing would produce a small light from the area of touch that was being treated. Regarding the color of this light, there are a few factors considered, however, it is commonly theorized that it was Cyan Blue, but there are a few recordings of when this light wasn't the same color. These have been debated and historians have come to the conclusions that it is reflective of his personal iris.

This can be reasonable due to other data regarding, Aegis. Specifically, should his color have changed when utilizing Drachomet-"



Drachomet? What's a Drachomet?... Well, whatever, that isn't important, Seliph repeated in his mind. Hmm…so, if Vragon has this, I just need him to heal an-

His thoughts were interrupted by the loud sound of a hand slamming on the table right next to him. Seliph about jumped out of his seat in a start.

"Watcha readin'?" Swift asked, wearing the biggest 'gotcha' grin on his face.

"S-Swift?" Seliph said, holding his hand over his heart as he tried catching his breath. Once he got his breath, he sat down and with a frustrated tone said, "What are you doing here? Did you just come to be a jer-"

"Nope," Swift said, cutting him off and pulling up a seat, "Just wanted to see if I could help."

"Didn't I already say I don't need help? I can guard him fin-" Seliph stopped. His eyes went wide as he looked at Swift, who was looking at the book, eyes narrow as if he had found some unfortunate news.

"Hmm…that's right, you never grew up near deep historical teachings." The heliolisk said in a low tone as if talking to himself. "So, you curious about the old legend of the arbiters?" Swift gave Seliph a smile, but hinting at something.

"Yes…in fact I am." Seliph wasn't sure what Swift wanted. He moved his hand to the book and returned to reading it. "Swift, can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"What is this word here?" Seliph pointed to the word Drachomet. "I'm unsure what this is. Can you offer some insight?"

Swift peered over the page and eyed the piece. "Not sure," he said moving back. "Sounds like the name for Aegis's power."

"Power?"

"Yes…each arbiter has an odd word that seems relating to them uniquely. These words seem odd in how they are almost name-like yet go in front of what some could deem as … aggressive." Swift turned around. "Well, just wanted to see if you were okay. Though, we should talk later sometime."

The tone Swift left him with sent a chill down Seliph's spine. Is…Is he, suspicious of me? He raged in his head as he watched Swift leave. What reason does he‽ What have I done to him‽… the words of Dolly played back into his head, and he turned back to the table. "I can't give up…not when I'm so close to figuring this out. Right mother?" he whispered to himself almost in a desperate voice. "I have to do something…I haven't made any progress…I need to know what they are after and if they want Aegis, what ways I can use that to stop them."


< O >


Nighttime light shined through a stain glass window above at the end of a long row in a sanctuary to Arceus. The place was quiet and empty, and the room was clean and well kept. The caretakers and studiers had all retired for the night and all the lit candles had been put out. The doors were locked and the sound of nothing but silence permeated the room.

However, about ten feet from the wall where the window rest stood a figure, cloaked in black. All save, for his head, which laid uncovered by his hood. His helm was dark and metallic. Two sharp spikes shot from the back sides of the heads like small straight antennas behind the ears. The crown of the helm diverged to the center and built around where the face was. No mouth nose or brows decorated the facial part. Only a dark section slightly moved inwards where a large red round eye glowed eerily. This eye gazed upon the window.

The window itself depicted at its base white clouds. In the middle, an image of a tower surge upwards going on what looked like forever into the scenery of the sky with the image depicting some light where it built up to. The sun shone on one side, in its rising or setting skylight while the other housed a full moon ready to come or prepared to go to rest for the day. Below the window in the clouds, were written by color.


Creator nos creavit. Pater nos eligit. Deus nos desiderat. Arcem fati ascendimus.


The figure remained quiet, gazing at the window as if in some hypnotic trance. The head didn't move, nor did the red light for an eye. All the figure did was look upon the window. He moved his head forwards, and there stood someone else. Someone he knew. The figure was wearing a rather worn raincoat, with the hood off showing the head of an aggron. This aggron moved his right hand over his heart and did a slight bow of his chest and head to the window, to show reverence. The figure then turned around and began to put on his hood, but the image of this memory faded as it faced the black robbed mon.

"…You told me once," Pathos said, in almost a whisper through his distorted voice, "What purpose would I bring, should I have stayed here. Hmm…" Pathos's head lowered slightly, as images of memories walked around him. He could hear the voices, sounds, cries, laughter, and pain all around him as if it was really there.

Pathos moved his head up once more, the memories all gone. "So I reached out for you." Pathos looked once again at the window and in somewhat of a softer voice said, "Why he left…left the world in this state. Perhaps he realized what I do now but lacks the will that he as Creator possess." Pathos turned around and headed for the door. "Time I speak with him once more, now that he's showing signs of wanting to become more. More than was bestowed by life or labor." The dark one presses something on the top side of his right arm and a dark beam, like an escape orb, engulfed him and vanished just as fast as it came. The room was silent once more with the only sign of existence being the window illuminated by the moonlight.



Terms:

Creator nos creavit. Pater nos eligit. Deus nos desiderat. Arcem fati ascendimus. –

"Creator created us. Father chooses us. God misses us. We ascend Destiny Tower"
 
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Venia Silente

Inspectious. Good for napping.
1,225
Posts
15
Years
So, I still have pending to get up to speed with this story but in the meantime, as I'm (re)reading the first few chapters, I'm also correcting the encoding of the posts as were left behind due to the Pomabork term that I completely coined up.

In the meantime, I can say that I re-read Ch. 4 and 5, something that I had been expecting to do because it was where I could finally get a better grasp on the combination of action and worldbuilding. Both the mental battle and the physical battle were pretty good and I always appreciate it when writers give mons lke Heliolisk a good run. Of course the Feraligatr screentime also never hurts.

I think I commented this as well in the previous run of this story but your choices of species for many of the various characters are super, in particular when it comes to the cubs, kittens, youth, etc.

Also, good to see that Psychic Pokémon are not that overpowered despite having access to telepathy (nasty mental invasion btw, I didn't recall it feeling this wince-inducing from the previous version) and telekinesis (which didn't get to work before the Mental Static went off), etc... You made your Zoroark very hateable too, with very calculated use of their abilities.
 

Bay

6,382
Posts
17
Years
Demetri just paused then finally snarled as he pointed his arm straight at the sky and in a very angry voice shouted, "That's it! Fu** you rain! I hope you're happy laughing at me in the mud you asshole! Now piss off! I need some fu**ing Sitrus Berry Tea with no more than two fu**ing scoops of Fu**ing sugar before I kill somebody!" He got up to his feet, brushed off a little of the mud from himself and his holocaster device, and stammered off fuming as the unfortunate passerby just watched along with a terrified Devon.

Demetri really hates the rain, lol. Personally I'm not the biggest fan of swearing constantly like that, makes the comedic (?) scene a bit forced but that's just me.

The group finally made it to Frantal Town. Heh over Jaron not minding getting wet. So apprently there's a murder or a series of murders around? I probably missed the mention of that from a earlier chapter.

Does look like Garon and Swift are a bit suspicious over what Seliph's been hiding. I'm predicting once they find out that exact reason it's not what they expected.
 

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
Posts
6
Years
Contains: Language, Blood, Dark themes [14]
Chapter 31
What's Causing Friction​

Jaron sat in his room, lazily drawing little circles on the wood at the desk he leaned on. Hopefully, his friend was doing fine without him, or at least that's what he wanted to think but to his dismay it was near impossible to not have that sliver of doubt in his mind. Finally, he had enough moping. The boy stood up and walked out to the hallway. I need to get my mind off of it, he reasoned in his head, I'll talk with Ciecro now and apologize for being a bad brother.

He headed down towards Ciecro's room but stopped as he was called out to.

"Jaron." Jasmine walked over to him.

"Oh…hello Jaz," he replied in a rather lackluster tone but not with the intent to be rude.

"Some hello," she teased. To her surprise, he didn't reply with anything snarky just looked to the side and said, "Oh". She leaned in a little and asked, "I thought you were going to go with Vragon?"

Jaron gave a shrug. "Changed my mind."

"Changed your mind?" she repeated in disbelief. "What do you mean changed your mind?" She looked at him, trying to get an idea what was bothering him. "Did you and Vragon have a fight?"

"No," Jaron bluntly said, getting a little annoyed at how big she was making this. "Look, I just decided not to go, so I'm going to instead talk with Cie-"

"What's going on?" a voice said at the end of the hall. The two looked as Dolly walked over and crossed her arms. "Jaron? I thought you were going with Vragon and Seliph."

Jaron let out a grumble and repeated what he had said with some frustration. "Look, he can take care of himself."

"Well yes of course." Dolly gave a nod. "I guess it just is odd that you woul-"

"Would what?" Jaron finished, a little anger in his voice. "Would let him go without me constantly having to be near him?" his harsh tone made Dolly flinch back a little.

"Hey now," Jasmine said, stepping in. "That's no way to treat her for just being surprised. I mean, I'm surprised too."

This only made it worse. "I don't need to be around him twenty-four seven. What, do you two think I'm just some needy clinger?" The two looked at each other as Jaron turned around to leave.

"Where did you get that idea?" Dolly asked in a soft voice but Jaron didn't reply. He instead started walking on till Jasmine pranced in front.

"Stop Jaron. We're your friends, please stop being difficult. What's bothering you?" she firmly said, but still trying to show it was all out of care.

Jaron's eyes lowered to an annoyed half-open look. "I'm not my brother Jasmine."

"Well, of course I know that," she replied, a little instigated he brought that up. "But you don't have to yell at us for no reason. Like, show some patience."

"Patience," Jaron snarled as he took a stance. "Maybe I'd show some damn patience if I hadn't come here due to someone voting with my oldest brother."

"Are you still sore about that? We're here now Jaron and I don't trust Seliph over you so just calm down." Jasmine asked condescendingly, though not intended that way.

"Oh shut up!" Jaron yelled back, sending Jasmine into a surprised state.

"Jaron!" Dolly said walking over and pulling him to face her. He didn't reply but just looked at the side tense and frustrated. "Go calm down…" she said giving his head a little rub. "We'll talk later."

"Don't bank on it," he replied with a little bit of defiance.

"I won't bet too much then," she answered with a smile that just seemed to annoy him more. He shrugged her arm off, brushed past Jasmine and went to Ciecro's room. "Just give him some time, Jasmine. Something is bothering him, so let's let him cool down an-…Jasmine?" the kangaskhan looked now at Jasmine, who wore an expression of anger.

Dolly was about to say something when Jasmine walked off grumbling, "I bet he did this."

"Jasmine, where are you-" Jasmine didn't answer but just walked down the stairs as Dolly followed. The absol went down the stairs and looked around till she finally spotted him. "Garon," she called out, making sure she had his attention.

"Oh hello there Jasmine," Garon said, with a pleasant smile to her miffed look. "Is there something wrong?"

"What did you say to Jaron?" she demanded.

"Why do you ask?" Garon inquired, unintentionally ticking off Jasmine even more. Dolly had just arrived, but it was too late to stop Jasmine.

"Well, fine don't tell me. Just be glad that now he's depressed and taking it out on everyone," she accused.

"Jasmine!" Dolly headed over, but the damage had already been done. "Jasmine you can't blame him for-"

"I see…" Garon replied in a rather upset, but strong tone. "He told me that he was fine but perhaps he just didn't want to tell me. I'm sorry."

"There's nothing you need to apologize for," Dolly assured him. "Right, Jasmine?" she rhetorically asked. All she got for an answer from Jasmine was a glare and a walk away. "I'm sorry sir…I don't know what's gotten into her."

Garon seemed upset, but he kept a straight face. "My apologies." He started to walk away, but Dolly grabbed his arm, shocking him.

"Don't worry about it. It isn't your fault. Whatever you and Jaron talked about, I know wasn't bad."
This encouraged Garon a little and he gave a grinning nod. "Thank you…Miss Dolly." Despite these last words the dragon left the room looking no better.

Dolly was left alone, with just the random watchers talking or gossiping about what they just saw. Her fists clenched slightly and she let out a sigh. Deciding to check on Jasmine, Dolly left the room giving the gossipers a little glare before.

As she walked, she thought about all the tension in the air and the situation that had caused all this negativity. Well…we'll be here for a little while and we don't have a plan on our next move. Since that's the case…high tempers wouldn't do well being stuck in one place with what's causing the friction. Stopping to rest on a wall, Dolly started thinking about what she could do to brighten the sour moods everyone had gotten. I did call the rain wrong, she reasoned, So, I need to try and cheer everyone up. Let's see we're in Frantal so… What can I do? She mulled in her brain. Some solution had to be there, something everyone could enjoy and be brought up as a result.

She gave a snap of her fingers. I've got it! Nothing cheers up any boy as fast or sincere as good food, and it even cheers up Jasmine too, what with her interest in culinary arts. Heh, she rubbed her nose with her finger quite pleased with this plan the "Mastermind" was making. I'll make sure they'll all be too pleased to fight and then we can all make up. It's too good, Dolly, or dare I say it's too "sweet". She laughed aloud at her own pun, making a few nearby mons give her judging looks. Ignoring them, she walked on her way, with a merry spring in her step and saying, "I slay me" with some more giggles.


Jaron sat on the lodging hay bed, head downcast and looking rather nervous. His fingers were mingling around in his cupped hands, the thing he'd do when nervous. Across from him was Ciecro, sitting on a little wooden stool. His orange eyes were narrow and he was leaning in looking at his brother intently. Jaron let out a sigh. "That's basically it." The croconaw looked up to Ciecro and eyes moistened a little. "I'm sorry Ciecro…for being a jerk of a brother to you." A little sniffle escaped his snout and he promptly went to wipe his ruby red eyes.

Ciecro was silent as he looked down to the side, deep in thought about something. "Hmph…yah know," he started, his voice with a little bit of calmness in it, "Yah don' often do dat."

"Huh?" Jaron looked at him after a few sniffles.

"Admit yah're wrong. Feel dat way an' well reall are sorry." Ciecro got up and sat next to Jaron. "Dis whole stuff's been fu**ed up from de staht. We'll get t'rough it." He put his arm around his younger brother's shoulders and rubbed the shoulder. "Tanks fo' apologizin' bro. An' yah know what…I'm sawrry too."

Jaron looked at him. "For what?" He gave a sniffle as he wiped his eyes. "Being overly loud." Jaron gave his little grin and Ciecro smirked.

"Naw, not dat. Yah don' know what I mean." Jaron's head tilted as Ciecro looked forwards. "I've put yah in a place I shouldn'…"

The croconaw looked at his brother not sure what to make of that. Slowly, he mustered the will to ask. "What do you mean…bro?"

"…I talked wit Jaz abou' dis. But, I've looked up to yah, let yah do tings fo' yahself than be an oldeh bro to yah." He moved his head slowly to look at Jaron in the face. "Yah know. Not bein' dere fo' yah."

"Not being there for me?" Jaron repeated, not sure what he meant. "Like…we talk and all. You're good to me even if you have a temper now and then, but what exactly do you mean?"

Ciecro gave a sigh, slightly annoyed that his simpler version wasn't clear enough. However, he took a deep breath and after thinking about what to say, stated. "Eveh since Seliph left…I've felt like I had tah be dah oldeh one. I wasn' not ready fo' dat and I needed someone tah look up to. Dat was what I remembered of dad but…dat was yah too."

Jaron's eyes widened at hearing that. "You…looked up to me?"

Ciecro gave a nod. "Yah're smaht with yah dumb tech and yah get along wit people betteh. Yah can control yah tempeh and …" He let out a sigh as his head fell to looking at the bed. "Well…"

"Ciecro." Jaron let out a little sniffle as Ciecro looked at him. "What's going on with us? Seliph leaving…This happening to Vragon. It's making me so worried that I have nightmares too often about him and even about you too."

Ciecro lied down on the bed and stared at the roof. "Yah know. We're here in Frantal…yet, no clue what tah do."

"Yeah," Jaron added, lying down next to him. "We didn't even alert our boss." The two shared a chuckle and moved onto their sides so they could look at each other. "You know," Jaron started, propping his head with his arm. "We didn't even get to say anything to our Aunt."

"Yeh," Ciecro concurred, "She mus' be wohried sick." The two looked down, starting to feel rather guilty about it all. "Hey, yah wanna call back, say 'hi' and explain what's goin' on?"

"Heck yeah," Jaron answered with a grin. The two shot up to their feet and were about to head out when Jaron stopped. "Ciecro…" the charmeleon turned around and gave him his attention. "What…what are we going to do abou-"

"Jus' wait bro. Once we find tings out 'ere, we'll all go back home." They both nodded and left the room. As they started down the hall, they were stopped by Dolly, stepping in the way.

"Hold on boys," she said, putting her arms out front.

"Dolly? What yah doin'?" Ciecro asked, tilting his head in confusion.

Dolly didn't reply, just pointed at Jaron and said to the croconaw, "Jaron…what you did wasn't nice. Yelling at Jasmine for just being worried."

Jaron's head fell. He gave a sigh and nodded in agreement. "Yes Ma'am," he said in a remorseful tone.

"Now, you're going to apologize. But also help me with a little something." The two boys looked at her completely at a loss. She just gave a wink back and said, "Just get everyone to this address." She handed them a little piece of paper.


< O >


"So, did you find anything of use?" Seliph asked, getting off his rain cloak and handing Vragon his.

"Nothing of real substance," the fraxure answered disheartened.

"Well, it isn't like you have much to go off of."

"Yeah…"

Seliph gave Vragon a little browse over, before concluding something else was bugging him. Hmm…disheartened yes, but I've seen and had that. He looks…sad about- Seliph stopped thinking and turned to Vragon, gaining the boy's attention. "Vragon…why didn't Jaron come?"

A flustered blush rushed Vragon upon being asked that. "Oh, uhm…" he scratched the back of his head, doing his best to come up with some form of reasonable scenario. "He uh…well…changed his mind?"

"Changed his mind…" Seliph repeated, far from convinced. "There's no way Jaron would change his mind like that."

"Well…maybe not immediately, bu-"

"If you aren't going to tell or if it's personal you can just say so." Seliph gave him a "forget about it" smile and opened the doors to head back. "Looks like it picked up," the greninja added, looking at the rain outside, far harsher than earlier.

"Aww, walking in that?" Vragon said in a defeatist tone.

Seliph thought for a second. "Hmm…it's very strong out there…but," He gave a little smile as he turned to Vragon. The curious fraxure watched him dig into his vest to find something.

"Looking for a warper?" Swift said, walking over to join them.

"As if I'd be so predictable," Seliph replied with a grin. Both the fraxure and the heliolisk tilted their heads in curiosity as Seliph pulled out a belt. "Sorry, had to put the things on it away. Now Vragon," he started, bending down on a knee and handing him the belt. "Put that around your waist and get on my back.

"Huh? What for?"

"Well, if all you have is your pendant, then you wouldn't mind me carrying you then right?" Seliph gestured the unsure fraxure.

Vragon finally caved and hopped on, wrapping the belt around his waist so Seliph could buckle it back and make it easier to hang on. "So, what are we doi-"

"Hey Swift" the heliolisk looked at Seliph. "Race you." Without another word, Seliph darted out with a startled Vragon shouting on his back.

Swift just stood there completely unresponsive. After about ten seconds a competitive smile curved and he bent low. "Oh ho, no you didn't," he laughed as he shot like a flash cannon right down the steps after Seliph.

"Is he on us?" Seliph asked Vragon, amid his steady breathing and fast pace.

Vragon looked back to see Swift angled very low, catching up. "Yeah, at least he will be in about thirty seconds I gather."

"Then hold on!" Seliph called back with a big laugh as he darted down an alley, scaring Vragon at how sharp and abrupt the turn was. Swift followed suite, but Seliph had already taken advantage of the open wood parts of the buildings to wall leap from one to the other, using each open log frame to catch himself.

Clever boy, Swift thought as he watched the acrobatics in front, but I'm still faster than you on ground. Swift picked up the pace, easily passing the two, who by now had arrived at the top of one of the roofs. Swift darted out of the alley as he watched the two once again ahead of him due to how the buildings were lined. His eyes lowered, concluding they had too much of an advantage. I need to get up to their level… Quickly, he assessed what mons and things were in front and speedily came up with his own means of ascent. He sped up his pace and rushed, jumping onto some poor unsuspecting rhyperior's head, leaping onto a hanging sign, jumping from that to grab a window sill jumping off that to the next story one and finally off of that to pull himself up on the roof. He immediately raced after the two, currently five roofs ahead.

Seliph kept up his fast pace, despite this new knowledge that Swift was on their tail on the higher ground. Now Seliph was a good sprinter, but even he knew that they were too far for him to beat Swift even now and he wasn't wrong. The heliolisk was closing in on them fast. Five roofs become four, four became three and not long before he was only two roofs lengths away.

"Any ideas?" Vragon asked, now engaged in the competition.

"I'm open to some."

Vragon began looking around for anything useful and finally found it. "There!" he shouted, pointing
Seliph to a little rope line that ran across the street.

"Good eye!" Seliph complimented, as he formed a night slash stick in his hand. "Hold on." Seliph could feel the fraxure's arms wrap around his torso as he leaped off the side, swung the stick over the rope and grabbed it with the other, proceeding to slide down it. "That should slow him down," Seliph exclaimed in triumph, but it was short lived. For as the two looked back, they saw Swift leaping off as well. They gasped as the Heliolisk did a few twirls before activating Iron Tail and shoving it under his legs, proceeding to stiffen it so he could grind down after them with a smug grin on his face.

"Great, there goes our advantage," Vragon said, losing what hope he had of them winning.

"Now don't diss of my running yet," Seliph assured as he let go, landed and dashed for the lodge, now within a direct running path. Sadly for him, Swift wasn't far behind and it wasn't long before he had passed them.

In a large leap, Swift hopped to the top of the stairs and twisted to skid through the door in style, pleased with his victory. "Haha, yeah!" he shouted in triumph, "I win!" His victory celebration would have to wait since upon looking around he was not only the center of attention but the center of annoyed owners for the dirt he had just brought in with his showing off skid. "Aheh, sorry." The heliolisk gave a weak smile, eyes shut, and rubbing of the back of his head, right as the other two entered.

Seliph panted a bit as he undid the belt so Vragon could get down. "That was fun," he said shaking the rain off of him.

"Yes, it very well was." Swift turned around and walked over to Seliph. He then looked at Vragon and said, "Hey, since showers are kind of line thing, go get yours first, Vray."

"Huh?" The fraxure tilted his head.

"I just want to talk to Seliph before he goes to his room." The dragon kid nodded and darted off, while Seliph's expression shifted from post-competition happiness to an intellectual serious. "Let's find somewhere private," Swift said.

Hmph, so I guess he's figured something out, Seliph muttered to himself as he followed the electric lizard outside and into the alley, where the rain was less heavy.

The two stood in the mud, silent, curious as to what the other would lead off with. Finally, Swift decided to start. "Seliph, you know I'm your friend, right?"

The greninja raised a brow and crossed his arms as he rested his back upon the claystone surface. "That is usually said when someone is about to say something the other isn't going to enjoy hearing."

Swift gave a sigh and started with, "So you do take after your mom, huh." The heliolisk then set an arm on the wall and leaned on it while looking out down the alley to the main road, getting pounded by the rain. "I'm going, to be honest. I overheard you and Dolly talking at that fire."

Seliph instantly gave a glare. "Eavesdropping then…" Swift was about to reply but Seliph beat him to it. "Hmph, so tell me, did you come with that intended?"

"No," Swift answered, in a defensive tone, "It's just…I wanted to make sure things were alright."

"A reasonable excuse I guess," Seliph grumbled, resting his back once more on the wall, his tone indicating he didn't believe the words he said. "So yes, you know she doesn't like me."

Swift gave him a guilty look. "I'm sorry Seliph…I shouldn't have, especially after just seeing you again." He gave a smile that felt genuine and added, "Losing you all was hard enough on us once…after all, we were the ones that were going to visit that time."

"I remember," the greninja said, slightly cold in tone.

Swift paused for a bit before letting out a big sigh. "Is it that obvious?" he asked softly and Seliph nodded.

"Indeed, it isn't hard to figure you called me back here because you have an issue or want to know what I'm planning." Swift gave him a bit of a hurt look but nodded in truth.

"I care Seliph…okay, it's been years since I've seen any of you. All of us, your parent's comrades, we see you three as part of the group. I wouldn't interfere with you unle-"

"Unless what?" Seliph's eyes curved to more of a scowl now.

Swift paused. He took a deep breath and faced Seliph with a determined gaze, "Unless what you're doing will cause harm to you three."

He fu**ing said it, Seliph ranted in his head. Upset, Seliph gave a grunt and looked to the side. Swift tried to clarify, but nothing was working. After a while of Swift apologizing, Seliph shot back, "You think I want to harm them? You think I enjoy that‽"

"No, of course not." Swift walked over. "I'd never think that of you."

"Yet, you seem nosey enough to try and tell me I'm intentionally seeking harm for them," Seliph accused, giving him an icy stare.

"Seliph…" Swift paused to gather his words and finally argued his case. "Jaron is close to that guy and if you're looking for stuff in lore then do you know what that means? What it could mean if that friend of your brother is Aegis's vessel."

Something curled in Seliph as Swift used this term for the talked about one. Vessel, he muttered in his head but remained focused as Swift went on.

"You know what makes a mon are right? A body, a mind, and a soul. That makes a person. So what if there are two souls…what then? Who gets to have the body and the mind? You can't share them, someone has to sit out while the other controls it."

"How do you know that?" Seliph asked, skepticism in his voice.

Swift paused, rather surprised Seliph seemed indifferent to this concept. "What? How do I know? Seliph, I don't have to know. You think Aegis would care to share with Vragon when it comes to things? Be willing to sit behind in his overall reason for coming, just so he could have Vragon live part of his life? We're talking about Aegis, Seliph. The leader arbiter, the one that des-" His words were cut off by Seliph giving a cough. Swift quieted down, getting the message he was rambling.

"If he is the vessel, he's doomed to have Aegis no matter what, right? If anything he'd be better off doing well and maybe gaining Aegis's favor than in the hands of the red eyes or away from those that can protect him effectively. Unless you're saying Averia doesn't deserve having the leader they've been waiting for over a millennium, in which case you'd be going against that very crest on your shoulder." Seliph reasoned, pointing to Swift's brand for emphasis. "We don't have a reasonable choice Swift; it's either the red eyes get him or his people should and frankly you and I both know the better answer."
Swift sighed and he paused. "Yes, I agree that Aegis is important…but think about it-"

"No! You think about it!" Seliph snapped, making Swift flinch back. "They are after him and my siblings are caught in the middle of it. I didn't make it happen! You didn't want our parents attacked, but they were. Life isn't fair' I accept that. So be an adult and accept it too!"

Swift's face formed a scowl at Seliph bringing that up. "Accepting life being unfair is giving up Seliph. We're talking about a kid, that's been thrown into this with no rhyme or reason as to why and yet you want to give up on him?"

Seliph stood straight up and peered down at Swift. In a calm and controlled tone, that felt almost like talking of authority, Seliph stated, "I wish that my efforts to combat the red eyes and keep my brothers safe aren't in vain. If you have a problem with that, you don't have to help. I've come too far to give up now and I refuse to try and appeal to my heart as if the world would respect me for caring. Is that what you want to say to me? Talk to me like a child and that it will all be better if we work hard? Stay together? So did my family Swift….and yet it was just us three that lived. I accept the real world for how it is."

Swift's eyes open wide at the harshness of these words. In the few seconds these were said, a flurry of memories and words flooded Swift's head. Words came back to his head. I wish that…we were there in time. That we could have helped. Is that wrong to have?...I know I can't…but…Swift… The image of Garon's head falling in tears was all Swift could see for a little bit of time. The pain at the sight of their destination and the ruin there. His head fell and closed his eyes. Extremely hurt inside.

"It isn't being unreal to worry about what you're doing," a deep voice came from deeper in the alley. The two looked down to see the white iris eyes of Garon peering at them from deeper in. He walked over to the two, silent and slow. "Seliph," he said, trying to sound understanding, "No one is saying you are being a villain. In essence, you aren't wrong. There is many a good reason to send him to his people."

Seliph darted his scowl away, tensing at Garon's words. "So what's the deal then?"

"Can you take him away? Away from your brothers," Garon said in a tone that haunted Seliph on the inside.

Mustering his determination or stubbornness, Seliph challenged the large garchomp, removing himself from the wall and staring the towering mon directly in front. "So are you arguing for some irrational approach? You know they won't stop unless they know he's out of reach. Here, he is in reach so they'll keep on pursuing."

"We aren't sure why they are after him or even if they'll keep on pursuing."

Seliph rolled his eyes at the point and proceeded to tear it apart. "Not acting on the uncertainty denies the imperative nature it has. It's simple, they want him and are after him unless you say we risk being attacked again. And even then, that's not our only problem, or were you not listening to the Aegis discussion?"

"I'm saying that you are clouding your judgement of an approach and are turning yourself off from the reality that there isn't confirmation on the front of the red eyes. If Vragon is Aegis's vessel is it wrong for him to stay with those he cares about? Your siblings?" Garon raised a brow as Seliph snarled.

"Hmph, so you're saying I'm rushing this? Being narrow-minded?"

"Yes, from what I can tell," Garon bluntly answered.

"How?" Seliph demanded, "How am I rushing it. By just trying to figure out if he is indeed the vessel?"

"By not being honest with them. You're leaving out their ability to help and just putting it all on yourself to get it done. You don't know everything nor can you do everything, Seliph, just like me and Swift don't nor can't." Swift lowered his head a little more as Garon patted him on the shoulder with his talon. "You called us due to the direness of the situation, else would you have informed us? You know how much it would matter to us to know your brothers were alive, but would you have kept that from us if you weren't facing an opposition you weren't sure you could handle?"

Seliph remained silent, tensing up and avoiding looking at Garon.

The large dragon peered at Seliph's body language and could tell a huge amount of uncomfortable expressions being shown. Garon looked up at the sky, the rain picking up in intensity on them. "Why did you leave them?"

Seliph's heart sank at Garon hearing about this. "How…" he let out a sigh as he muttered the answer, "Jaron…he told you didn't he?"

"Even still, it was odd that they seemed to treat you like a stranger. From what we pieced together…you left them thinking you meant it, truly." Swift let out a sigh as he leaned on Garon's side thigh. There was only silence for a while before Swift finally spoke up again. "Seliph," Swift said in a calm tone, walking over to the greninja, and patting the guy on his arm, "We'll help you in your job like you asked. But…please…let us help you figure this out. You don't want Vragon and Jaron to split, I know you at least that well, so let us help you find another way."

"We don't even know what we're up against." Seliph tensed from Swift's touch.

"Then tell us what you've figured so far so we all can decide together." Garon walked over and put his talon on Seliph's shoulder. "Please…trust us. The stress of it all is a lot to take, let us help you. We want to."

Seliph let out his breath. Removed his fist and brushed of the talon. Mechanically, he turned around and let his head hang low. "I can't trust you…" Those words pierced Garon and Swift's hearts as they looked at Seliph. "I can't trust anyone. I was given something too important, to simply tell."

"Then why bring us‽" Swift shouted.

"It's like Garon said…I needed help, and you two would do that well."

Swift's face went sad as Garon stepped in front. "Seliph, please stay and talk with u-" He stopped as he noticed Seliph tense up a lot at these words. Seliph shoved his webbed hands into the old pockets and walked out of the alley, leaving poor Garon and Swift with concern and hurt looks on their faces.

After some silence, Swift let out a sigh and composed himself. "Let's go." He turned down the alley and started heading down as Garon followed in silence.

"Out of all the kids…that one had to be most likely the vessel," Swift grumbled as the mopey dragon followed close behind.

"Well, it isn't proven yet," Garon pointed out more out of sad hopefulness than correction.

"Maybe, I hope so." Swift just kept going as Garon followed. "So, we'll keep backing up Seliph and keep this till he wants to talk. I wonder why he felt so compelled to do this himself though." Swift moved his head back to look at Garon, who was behind him now. "This started when he was twelve, right?"

"I believe so," Garon guessed, looking a little less mopey now that he had some math to do. His mood dropped again when he thought about the effect of the incident upon a twelve year old. "It must have been so hard for him.

"Yeah, but at the same time. He's grown a bit hard now." Garon raised a brow at Swift in a little bit of surprise at the wording as the heliolisk looked forwards again. "What he mumbled."

"Mumbled?" Garon leaned his head in closer.

Swift nodded. "I can't be wrong," Swift quoted for Garon.

"He said that."

"Yes, after you talked about how much the stress was on him." Swift moved his fingers around his lower mouth to think. "I don't think he meant about Aegis though." Swift stopped, to try and figure what Seliph could have referred to.

Garon passed Swift and finally stopped as Swift didn't follow him. "So, what's the plan now?"
"Protect the group, help Seliph" The two walked around the back to enter the lodge from the rear, so they wouldn't run into Seliph.



Seliph slouched on his desk, arms folded and head resting in the hole they made, messing with a coin with one of his fingers. He was having the after effects of Garon's words and the frog wasn't taking it well. Despite how little he believed it, the lingering doubt was always in his head. What if I was wrong? He would muse in there in moments he felt down and rather losing his way. But this time, it was just simple doubting himself, no this was a direct telling and it was something Seliph was having trouble handling.

I shouldn't care about what he says, Seliph ranted in his head, he wasn't there, not in my tracks. Ugh, but…argh! His head smacked into the desk and just stayed there as he groaned. I can't be wrong. I know what it means if I was wrong...so I can't be. He moved his head off and laid back into the chair.

For a while, there was just silence even in his thoughts till his eyes wandered down to a specific drawer. His eyelids narrowed, his brows curved and a dark glare showed itself as he slowly reached for the drawer in a manner that looked unnatural. Slowly he opened it, his eyes focused on the drawer. That's just you isn't it? He accused in his mind as he took out a small vial filled with some red liquid. Whatever is keeping me from figuring you out. Whatever ingredient or specific part to your biochemical structure that I can't seem to dissect is why this is going on. But I will, I'm going to find how you work and then I'm going to remove your very existence off the face of this world. I'll pay whatever you are ten times the amount you gave me and my family those eight years ago.

The fist holding the vile tightened as Seliph's pupils shrank as his gaze seemed to change to desperation, like a starving ursaring staring at a tree filled with berries to eat atop a high rocky cliff. Slowly, Seliph raised the vile to his eye level and peered into it, into its watery and yet inviting looks. He stared at it for a while before the door knocked. Instantly, he snapped out of his supposed trance and put the vile away. Standing up and tidying himself, Seliph walked over to the door and opened it.

"Oh, hello Jasmine," he greeted in a tone and smile that showed no indication of the event he was living a few minutes prior.

"Dolly wants to hold the meeting at some place so Ciecro told me to tell you." Her green eyes looked odd as if something was troubling her.

"You alright?" He asked, giving a vibe of genuine concern.

"Just…Well, I will be," the absol replied with a grin. When Jaron gets better, she said in her head to finish it.

"Well, understood I'll be there." The two nodded and Seliph shut the door. He walked over to the drawer and a scowl crossed his face. He closed his eyes and his fists tightened.

Instantly, the calm quiet room felt miles away, in its place was him out of breath and panting. His arm was extended, holding up an empoleon, one with red eyes. The mon he could see was sliced with many cuts, from his own water swords and shuriken like he was with some hits from Steel Wing. The water steel mon was eyeing him in a cold, dark and mocking manner, laughing slightly to itself.

Seliph could remember the questions he asked this member he had worked hard to track down. This "Iris Council" member that held the answers. The desperate voice of Seliph echoed in his head, demanding information or anything he could get. However, the words that returned from the mon were, "There….is no…cure." The dark laughter afterwards haunted him, the glare with smugness of dashing the hopes that eighteen year old had. Seliph could feel it, the water blade form and stab into the mon's mouth shouting, "Liar!"

Finally, Seliph opened his eyes back to the room and looked at his right arm. No water blade had formed and he gave a nod, proud of himself. "I'm more than you're group," he said aloud to the memories as he walked over to the drawer and took out the vile. "I'm more than whatever you are." His eyes, filled with determination, stared at the red liquid, but not for long. He quickly got a case, placed it in and locked it with a key, akin to a pick. Once done, he set it in his vest and shut the flap. I'll find the cure…There must be one. I will find it mother like I promised. He walked out of the room, but not forgetting to shut the drawer before he left.
 
Last edited:

Bay

6,382
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Oh boy, yeah Jaron really went out of line there yelling at both Jasmine and Dolly there. At least he and Ciecro have a talk with Cierco letting him know his doubts being a good brother. And pfft I too would judge Dolly outside there.

Racing in the rain, huh? Personally I wouldn't do it, but I'm not a Pokemon so... = P.

The discussion concerning how Seliph is handling the possibility of Vragon being Aegis's vessel and such there's clearly still a lot of baggage to unfold there. Next scene I got a bit confused over the mention of him fighting an Empoleon. A short flashback there back when he was dealing with the Iris Council and red eyes, I assume? But yeah, looks like next chapter everyone will wind down, should be a nice breather after all the tension going on.
 

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
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6
Years
Contains: Language, Alcohol, Intoxication, Crude Humor [14]
Chapter 32
A Bitter Sweet Break​

Seliph walked alongside Jasmine in the muddy streets in the rain, his webbed fists thrust into his pockets while Jasmine was slowly getting more and more pissed by the amount of rain being dumped on them.

Finally, Jasmine just had to blow off some steam, and swiped her claw on a wall shouting, "Where is all this rain coming from‽"

Rather than pointing out how rain works, Seliph just shrug and went along with it, while she fumed, grumbling as she went along with him. After about ten minutes of walking without break from Jasmine's fuming, Seliph glanced back and in an attempt to try and get her to stop being grumpy said, "We aren't far from it, just a little more Jasmine."

"Ugh." She rolled her eyes and did one more swipe at a wall before calming down, but sadly she happened to swipe a pole of wood, with a bucket on its top that promptly dumped the rain water it had acquired upon her. If Jasmine could turn the color red, she'd be beyond crimson in face and fur.

It took all the willpower Seliph had to not even so much as smirk at the sight of a drenched Jasmine. Thankfully, she didn't lash out in fury upon him, just slicing up the pole saying the most in-cohesive collection of words he had ever heard. Finally, she walked on, a little calmer after slicing the wooden pole about fifty times with Seliph following, making sure to keep a slight distance.

"Finally, we're here," she exclaimed in frustration but tilted her head as she stood in front of the address.

Seliph joined her side and stared up at the big wooden sign saying in big blue letters, 'The Screaming Loudred'. "What the actual-?" he started, but didn't even finish. "Wait, why are we even here?"

"Well, head on in and find out," Dolly said with glee behind them, patting the two on their heads, sending both jumped away in fright.

"Don't do that," Jasmine commanded.

Dolly raised a brow as if confused, making Jasmine surprised. "I was expecting you to get wet on the way over here but not soaked."

Immediately, Jasmine's eyes lowered to annoyance and Seliph had to cover his mouth from uttering a laugh.

"Now, now, let's get inside now." Gently she shooed in the sour absol and the curious geninja. Dolly then took the lead and showed them to an upper room of the place, where the rest were sitting on some 'L' shaped array of attached wooden pews around some kind of table.

"A leisure room?" Seliph said aloud in surprise.

"Yep," Dolly exclaimed with pride, "It helps when you know almost every bartender in the eastern side of Triacal."

"Oh," Seliph answered, not bothering to question it. "So, why exactly did you have us all here?" Seliph asked, sitting on the end next to Garon.

"That's not your seat Seliph."

"What?" he replied, confused.

"That is," Dolly answered, pointing to the empty spot right between Ciecro and Jaron. Immediately, Ciecro and Jaron shot up to protest, while Seliph turned to protest too but Dolly just said with a smile, "Now, now, it's not like you have to associate, it's just sitting down. Surely you three can survive long enough for a nice meal." She gave a wink, making Ciecro sulk, Jaron roll his eyes, and Seliph grumbled as he walked over and sat down in between his younger siblings.

"Nice meal?" Swift repeated, his eyes lighting up a little.

"Really Dolly?" Jasmine added, her mood picking up at the thought of a good meal.

"Yep," she answered, taking her seat next to Jasmine, resting the back of her head on her folded back arms, and just leaning back. "And the best part, we don't have to do anything. He'll handle it all."

"He?" Jaron, Jasmine, and Vragon said in unison. They didn't have to wait for an answer, because in came an exploud holding a circular tray with what looked like a mountain of tasty berry sandwiches.

"Hey Dolly!" he said, so loud that everyone but Dolly covered their ears. "Nice to see ya!" he walked over and placed the tray down. "Thanks for coming over, hope this makes up for arranging that one date!"

Swift was the first to reach and started gobbling a sandwich, despite Garon's wishes.

"Of course, I'm glad you two are dating now." Swift immediately coughed it out and started hitting his chest from the piece stuck in his throat. It took assistance from Garon to get it dislodged. "Thanks," he said, only to turn and shrivel back once he realized he was the target of Dolly's death stare.

Dolly gave a cough and thanked the exploud. Turning to the kids, she gave another cough as if trying to emphasize something.

Jasmine was the first to figure it out, and promptly thanked the nice mon, leading to the rest of the kids to as well. "Anyways, let's di-" Jasmine started reaching out for one with her paw.

"Hold it," Dolly ordered, grabbing the paw and moving it away from the sandwiches. "This is a feast, so a blessing should be said." The group nodded and went silent as Dolly said the blessing.

As she did, Seliph leaned back to think. Slowly, the world around him felt obsolete as his eyes focused deeply on that old memory. The one he had just experienced less than an hour ago. He looked at his brothers, whose eyes were shut in respect as Dolly prayed to Arceus and a feeling crept over him. He shrunk a little in his chair, trying to suppress these feelings. Thankfully, Dolly shouted, "Dig in!" surprising him out of his moment of doubt and his eyes feasting on the sight of everyone rushing to grab a sandwich. No need for that now, He reasoned, reaching for one.


< O >


The sound of rain hitting the roof, reverberated all throughout the empty warehouse. No windows dotted the place, nor was there anything to fill this large room. In this dark warehouse near the edge of Frantal, Demetri sought some lead. To his dismay though, it seemed like most of the former items here were removed. "Damnit," he grumbled as he straightened up from inspecting the ground, "And here I thought I could find something." As he ranted, he levitated the shining luminous orb he had been keeping floating in the air with his psychic powers to his wait hand and deactivated it. A sigh escaped his mouth as he walked to the large door and with a small swipe of his hand, moved the door telekinetically.

Suddenly, he stopped. Slowly, he turned his head, nerves alert at the feeling that suddenly surged over him. He stared back into the darkness, only about ten feet of the warehouse lit by the light from the rainy late afternoon sky. Once again, he walked back into the warehouse, peering around to spot whatever was giving him that odd feeling. He stopped. Over to his left, in a corner obscured by a support pillar lay something that looked like a small piece of glass. Cautiously, Demetri walked to the piece that lay in the light from the door and bent down to pick it up. As he did, he was struck with a realization. A chill shot down his spine. In the vial was a red liquid. A red liquid that felt like it was looking back at him.

For a while, Demetri just stared at it. This was the first time he had ever seen the 'red eyes formula' or so he assumed this was the formula. Hmm…guess this is progress. Despite the positive outcome, Demetri still felt on edge. Carefully he clenched it firmly in his hands and proceeded to walk out.

"Dem?" A voice called out to him. His eyes shot open and he turned around quickly.

"Zak?" he answered back, but no reply or sign of his friend appeared. Disappointment flooded his face upon realizing his mind was playing tricks on him. Or was … it the vile? He moved it closer to his head and peered at the red liquid. Something about this…just scares me. He shoved it into a pouch on his belt and proceeded out the door.

Strangely, he felt even less safe outside. Something peering down his neck, or so it felt like that. He began to look around cautiously, unsure what was going on exactly. As he looked around, he noticed something on a roof or rather someone. This being was gazing down at him, his body too far and dark to make out.

Demetri lifted a crate and leaped on, flying after the thing that rushed off upon seeing him act. When he landed on the roof, Demetri quickly looked around only to see no one was there. What's going on? He thought, starting to grow with even more concern.

Suddenly, something struck his head, like some telekinetic force squeezing his mind. He fell face forwards and gripped his head in agony, before losing consciousness from it.

"Hmph, simple," Armád muttered, deactivating the cloaking orb he had. He walked over to the knocked out Demetri, and took out an orb with a needle that was lodged in Demetri's neck. "That should be more than enough dosage to keep you out and fuzzy on the details," He stated, shoving it into a pouch. "After all," he spoke, as he took away the red vile, "Having this wouldn't be healthy. Trust me." He gave a dark grin as his red eyes were beaming slightly with a light red glow. "But then again, I think it's fairly obvious that you're not concerned with health if you were investigating us."

Rolling his claws, he moved in for the kill, till he heard some buzzing heading this way. Quickly, he rolled into hiding to see who it was. His red eyes squinted upon seeing a flashing light flying around as if searching. A Vikavolt? He identified keeping his eyes on it till it landed. He watched it check on Demetri, freak out for a second and then finally do its best to hoist the unconscious grumpig on his back and walk off. Armád was about to follow but hesitated, he looked down at a puddle near his feet, seeing how red his eyes were. A sigh escaped his mouth as he closed them and let his arms go limp.

Hmph, nah, he pulled out his coin and walked over to the edge of the roof. I've killed enough for you now. He flicked the coin into the air and caught it, looking at it with a focused gaze, Besides…killing someone that is asleep isn't like me, it's like you. Sneaking up is a challenge, a risk, an attempt to prove myself is me. Sorry, but I made it clear how I feel about you. He flipped his coin once again in the air. I don't need you messing with me. A smile broke over his face as he caught the coin in his open claw with the picture of tails up. He rolled his eyes and grumbled, "Fine, I'll keep an eye on them for now but don't expect me to stay here in Triacal too long." He thrust his coin back into his pocket as he looked for a means to get down.


< O >


"Alrighty, that hit the spot," Garon said, smacking his mouth as he sprawled on the seat, filled from the nice little feast.

Swift rolled his neck, pleased from the meal too. "My, that was good," he uttered with a satisfied yawn afterward, as one would after an appetizing dinner.

The rest merely did content hums to indicate that they too were filled and content.

Dolly, gave a big smile at a job going well but not done. "Well, hope you have room for something to wash it down."

"Huh?" Jaron asked, sitting up slightly.

"Well," Dolly walked over to a little cupboard and pulled out what looked like exquisite drinks in nice glass wine glass cups with some kind of sweet foam on top. "I had these made for us as well." One by one, she passed the desserts to the group, each one thanking her for the nice little surprise.

Dolly took the last one, went into the back room, and sat at on a little chair, giving a pleased sigh at a job well done. It was a ton of work setting all this up, let alone in a few hours but she had done it. She had cheered everyone up and could relax, glad about the results. She just closed her eyes and let herself just melt into this relaxing seat, losing track of time and everything around her. Dozing off from the exhaustion, Dolly soon found herself snoozing as the rest started partaking in their desserts.

Oddly, after what felt like hours of a nerve sauna, she felt an odd thing tap her shoulder. At first, she didn't pay it heed, attributing it to merely her mind playing tricks on her. Till the tapping kept on going and seemed to get harder by the second. The kangaskhan gave a hefty sigh and sat up, opening her eyes to look at whoever needed her now.

"Uh Dolly," Jasmine said, wearing an odd expression that seemed a mix of concern, uncertainty and suppressing the urge to laugh. She apparently had entered into the room Dolly was relaxing in, cracking the door behind.

"Huh?" Dolly said, giving a big yawn as if she had just woken up for the day. She stretched her arms forwards and continued with, "How was the dessert?"

"Right, about that."

"Huh? What did you not like it?" Dolly rested her arms on her knees.

"Well no it's not that," Jasmine corrected, fiddling around with her paws, doing her best to keep her head a little tilted down.

This odd way of Jasmine talking was starting to make Dolly not know what to think. She leaned in a little and asked, "I'm sorry, I took a big guess for the flavors you all liked."

"Well," Jasmine looked down at Dolly's drink for a second, "It's not that. I think you might have mixed mine with yours."

"…Huh?" Dolly raised a brow, not sure what Jasmine meant.

"Well you see," Jasmine scooted hers over to Dolly and gesture for her to taste it. As Dolly picked it up and started to take a sip of it Jasmine explained, "It has the mixture and taste of-"

"Alcohol‽" Dolly finished for her.

"Yeah, that. I mean, you like the stuff and I'm too young for it right now so I just guessed that you must've messed up in…Dolly? Hello, Dolly?"

It was too late. Dolly was in deep sleuthing mode. Why does this taste like Alcohol? Correction, why does it even have it in it? I didn't ask them to prepare these for my group. Maybe it's a mistake? As she was about to taste her own dessert the door swung open.

"Hey, uhm…" Swift said, trying to be polite despite something stressing him out.

"Uh yes?" Dolly answered, giving a follow-up nod for confirmation.

"Yes well, sorry for not having told you earlier but uhm…" Swift seemed to be having issues getting the words out due to some occasional glances behind him and having to cover his mouth.

"What, what?" Dolly asked, getting a little pushy at what he wanted.

"Well, it's kind of funny actually. You know what with him being a big garchomp and all."

"The point please," Jasmine asked and Swift took a big breath.

"Basically, I probably should have let you know that Garon hasn't ever drunk in his life so giving him one kind of has made him a bit tipsy, aheh." He rubbed the back of his head with a weak smile. "And he really liked the stuff so he ordered seconds for himself."

Dolly's mouth hung open. Not only was Garon's apparently fit to make him rosy but also he had ordered more. Dolly looked at her dessert drink and picked it up. I wonder. She took a swig and let it swish in her mouth to get a taste. After gulping, the kangaskhan said with a big sigh afterward, "Yep, it's the strong stuff."

"Strong stuff?" Jasmine repeated.

"Oran six hundred and three…the most fermented the guy here has." Dolly sat on her seat trying to make sense of this. She then looked at the glass and something clicked. "Wait." Her feet planted firmly on the ground as she gazed at the design of the cup. He only serves this when serving his best stro-…oh no.

Dolly's eyes widened as she set the cup down. At a sloth's pace, she made her way to the door, ignoring the questions of if she was okay from the two. "It can't be," she whispered in a terrorized tone. Her eyes showing great grimace and what was probably the strangest and most off-putting expression on Dolly's face that Jasmine had ever seen. Dolly slowly put her trembling hand on the door. "Did I get the kids drunk?" she said aloud opening the door to peek out.

Swift and Jasmine looked at each other but snapped their heads back when Dolly slammed the door shut. Dolly stared at the ground and in a long drawn out breath, said, "….ffffffffffffffffffu**." She hit her head on the door and let it rest there, having her arms sag down as if she was trying to reach the floor. "I actually sent them there. Good grief what have I done?"

Swift cautiously walked over to the mumbling kangaskhan and said, "Uh miss Dolly, by getting the kids drunk…you don't mean." All he got for a response was the dead look of a lady that had just manage to cause underage drinking in four mons and started one on the path of addiction.

Swift was about to ask Jasmine to help Dolly to a chair but looked back at the kangaskhan as she straightened up. "Whelp," Dolly said ready to face the music, "Time to clean up and kill myself afterwards."

"That bad huh?" Swift said, trying to lighten the mood.

Dolly gave him an 'I appreciate the gesture, but shut the fu** up' look and adding, "Show me one caretaker that managed to get all but one of her intoxicating candidates to excel above and beyond the moon."

After a few calming breaths, Dolly gripped the handle, this time with a firmer grip. Took in one last inhale of air, and charged into battle or at least it looked like that to Swift. Her jaw dropped at the sight of the five others sitting there, stumbling over words, laughing what seemed like every five seconds and taking more swigs of what looked like twenty more of the same desserts.

Jaron sat slouching on the end; his eyes and head slowly moving as if he was dizzy. His cheeks had a red blush that went over his inner snout and his tongue hung out of his close mouth as if he was drooling at some tasty pastry in a window.

"Jaron!" Dolly rushed over and grabbed his shoulders, sitting him up straight.

It took a few attempts before his eyes finally locked onto hers and he gave a rather goofy grin. "Oh, hey there….you." Jaron's eyes squinted a little as if he could see clearly. "Vee!" he shouted over to a snoozing fraxure on the other end. "Is Dolly a kangyshkhane?"

"You furgot?" the fraxure stated with a slurp at the end as he sat up and gave him a drunk frustrated stare. "Jarrrrron she's always been uh kangishcoon….kangoshkhon……kangy-…..ah fu** it, she's always been that Jaron."

"Yeah yeah, pffft," Jaron leaned back to try and sprawl on his seat again but once again Dolly kept him straight. The forcefulness and trying to get him to wake up started to make him laugh a little. "That's very ticklsomething," he giggled. "Do some more of that." He leaned forwards to land on Dolly's bosom but sadly missed his mark and hit the floor. He gave a drunk laugh as he rolled onto his back saying, "Whoops, heheh I did a stupid. I need another dessert to make me smarter." He tried using the table to get up but this time Dolly intervened.

"Good grief Jaron," she worriedly spoke, helping him to his feet and keeping his balance for him. "How many did you have?"

"Seven."

"Seven‽" Dolly shouted in shock.

Jaron then made a "thinking" expression and moved his hand to his chin. "Or was it eight? Vee!" he shouted to Vragon again, "How many desserts did I have?"

"I donno," Vragon replied, enjoying lying down on the couch. "Seventy," he said, rolling far enough that he plopped onto the floor on his stomach. "Why don't I feel so….great?"

"Here," a voice said picking Vragon up.

Oh no, Dolly screamed in her mind at seeing Ciecro lift Vragon up by his head spike and pour another dessert or at least trying to. However, this more or less made a mess on Vragon's face, who didn't seem bothered, licking his snout as if he was just given a dunk in some moomoo milk.

"Dis'll make yahs feels betteh'….eh," Ciecro wobbled a little as he moved his hand over to another. "I'll have anoder."

Dolly quickly smacked his hand away from getting another one. "No Ciecro," she firmly stated making Ciecro grunt.

"But I'm tirsty," he argued, "See how dry my troat is?" He opened his mouth and shoved it near Dolly's face, who quickly shut it before she could smell.

"No means no Ciecro," she said, patting the grumbling charmeleon on the head. "Now, what are the other tw-"

"Sticks!!!" a loud shout came as Seliph stood in his side of the couch pointing upwards or at least trying to with a wobbly arm.

"Sticks?" Swift repeated, finally mustering the will to help Dolly.

"Yes, Sticks." Seliph started but let out a hiccup before he could explain. "'Xscuse me…anybays….Sticks!!!"

"What is Sticks?" Swift asked, moving his arms behind his head and leaning over a little to the side in his signature stance.

"Sticks is a-" Seliph quickly took a second to cough in his arm before continuing to not be rude. "It's a fun game. You see, everyone gets what we call a stick….and each stank has a numer on it but one. That stick holder becomes the-…oh wait…" he hit his head with a little pat that almost knocked him off balance. "Silly me, it's not called sticks," he blew a raspberry to make fun of how he messed up, making a nearby Garon laugh.

"No, no," the large dragon corrected sitting up, "It's called, 'king's game'."

"That's it," Seliph congratulated, pointing to Garon. "Thanks for the help. Just for that, here." Seliph handed another dessert to Garon.

Garon took it as one would take a trophy. "Here Swift," Garon cheerfully gurgled, trying not to spill the drink as he offered it to Swift.

"Aheh, thanks but I've had my fill." He moved his hand to push it back slowly with a grin, attempting to keep it steady.

"Awwwww…okay." Garon lifted it to his mouth, jugged it down in one go before letting out a big hiccup afterward, and a content face with his tongue hanging out on the side and his eyes bubbly. "That's goooooooood," he goofily said.

Swift was having a hard time not laughing at this cute but honestly messed up scene of his friend right now. "So." Swift turned to Seliph. "What's this king's game?"

"Swift!" Dolly shouted as if Swift had just spoiled the answer to the question Dolly had just asked. Swift realized his mistake quickly but not quick enough to not earn Dolly's 'way to go dumbass' face as she kept trying to keep the youngest two from deliberately falling over.

"Well ahem," Seliph started, putting his arm on Swift's shoulder or at least if his head was where the shoulder was. In vivid and hard to understand words, Seliph described the rules to the group while leaning on an irritated but coping Swift. "You see…you got these sticks and each one of 'em has a number on it. The stick you pull is your stick…anyways, one stick…happens to be a special stick. You know why?" Seliph gave Dolly a look, eyes straying off as his head had trouble staying focused in Dolly's direction.

She gave a big sigh as she pinned Jaron on the couch making him give a giggle with a little "hic" and in a clearly impatient tone said, "No Seliph, I have no clue why."

Swift took the chance to move Seliph's arm on the side of the couch and quickly go after Garon, who was currently leaving in very off balanced stride. "Good grief," he whispered aloud as he headed out of the room.

Seliph didn't seem to notice the change and continued. "'Nyways, the person with that special stick gets to be the big sssssstick. Now *hic* the big stick gets to choose another stick with a number on it but before the big stick picks a number stick, they need to say something that the number stick would have to do." He gave a rather disturbing smile as he wobbled a little using the couch side for balance. "Thank you Swift," he nodded to it, "Heh, whatever the big stick commands the little stick has to do….heheh, no matter how crazyishy like it is." He waved out his arms in an emphatic manner and accidentally hit the side of the couch. "Huh? Oh sorry, Swift…" he peered closer at it as if he was staring far into a horizon to spot something. "You aren't Swift…pffft you're a couch."

Dolly face-palmed and dragged it down her face as she screamed in her head. She quickly and with more force pushed Vragon back on right and was about to get Jaron, who was going for another floor dive, but was saved the trouble by a helping paw from Jasmine.

"Need a paw?" Jasmine said, a little grin in her eyes. Sadly for her, Dolly wasn't in the mood for smiling.

"Just help me keep these guys up please."

"Sure," Jasmine gave an understanding nod and proceeded to hold Jaron in place on the couch.

Jaron's woozy eye's slowly picked up on Jasmine and he gave a little hic chuckle. "Oh, hey there Jazzzzzz…z. You goin' to play too?"

"Play?"

"Yeah, 'King's sticks' or was it 'game stings'?" Jaron nudged Vragon, who was enjoying being held up by Dolly. "Hey, what was it called again?"

"I went to the library Dolly and would yah bulllieved we got wet on the way back? But not like slow kind…no, we raced back. I was riding on Sel's back and…" Vragon mumbled, too disorganized to answer Jaron's question, annoying the croconaw.

"Pfft, well screw you then Vee." Jaron stuck his tongue out at Vragon, who was still doing an attempted retelling of his day. "Well, Jasmine sorry, I can…no wait, cannot confirm the name since Vee's being a child." Jaron patted her on the head. "Please, forgive him J-Jabsol."

"I'll consider it," Jasmine answered with a giggle. As messed up at this was, she though Jaron being completely wasted gave the funniest facial expressions she had ever seen.

"I've got sticks!!!" Garon roared with a smile as he came in holding a dark colored jar with eight sticks in them. He planted them firmly on the table. "Alright, everybody take your stick and don't reveal it…because that's against the rulings."

The five intoxicated ones grabbed theirs quickly. "Come on, yah six," Ciecro uttered, dizzy and trying to hide his stick from a peeping Seliph, "get wan."

The three looked at the jar and Jasmine asked. "Do we really have to play along?"

Dolly grumbled, "Yes, better five happy drunks than five bored ones. Look, it shouldn't be long before they crash, and then we can get all of us out of here without too much hassle and more importantly, damage." Dolly then gave Swift a stare, "But really? Why did you have to help him get those Swift?"

Swift crossed his arms and turned to the side in a huff. "Better than Garon poking his eye out trying to get them," he defended, leading Dolly to let out a sigh and lax her arms.

She finally pulled herself up and picked up the bottle with the remaining sticks. "Let's just get this over with and then head home." They each took the last three and sat in their respective spots.

"Alright!" Garon shouted.

"Indoor voice!" Swift commanded, having to cover his ears from the loudness of this attention grabber.

"I am using it!" Garon roared even louder at the audacity of Swift to interrupt the one running the game.

"He is Swift," Seliph assured Swift, patting the poor guy on his head an action that was pissing the heliolisk off with every pat.

"Now!" Garon paused and then said the words, "Who has the blue tipped stick?"

Everyone looked around to see who till Vragon got up, firmly planted his foot on the table causing a little shake, threw his stick in the air, swung to catch it in its descent with his other hand, and gave a wink to Garon saying, "I be that guy."

All the strength Jasmine had mustered to not laugh fell in that one second. She buried her head into the coach laughing her head off, while Jaron looked at her completely lost at to what she was laughing at.

Ciecro rolled his eyes and grumbled, "I coul' do betteh."

"Oh yeah," Vragon snarled, raising his snout up in condescension.

"Oh yeh I can punk!" he snarled back about to stand up till Dolly got up and kept him down with her hand on his head.

"Now, now, let's not fight. Go on Garon."

"Right," Garon answered, "So Vragon, what does the person you'll pick be doin'?" A little hiccup came at the end that made Swift giggle a little.

Vragon curled into a sophisticated thinking position with a mischievous grin etched on his face.

We're doomed, Jasmine thought. He's in his mulling pose with that grin. He's going to try and make it something bad with all that stuff in him, it'll be ten times worse.

Finally, Vragon took his foot off the table and with a clearing of his throat said, "The one that has the correct stick has to let me slug them."

Immediately Dolly protested. "Hang on a minut-"

"Nope, nope, that's purefeckly legill," Seliph interrupted pointing it out while pointing a finger to at least everything in front of him for at least two seconds each.

"Bu-…" Dolly gave a sigh and sat down. She looked at her numbered stick. Please Vray, pick me. She looked at Vragon, who was contemplating a number. You can do this. Number five. Please.

"hmmmmm….I choose, nuuuuumber two."

Dolly facepalmed. You had one job! She gave a growl as she looked to see who the unlucky soul was. No one got up.

"Huh?" Vragon scratched his head, confused. "Is there no one with two?"

Garon gave a cough and said, "Look at yer numbers….again." Everyone did and once again no one got up. "Oh come on!" the dragon shouted, "Somebody has to be two!" He got up and started to peer at the sticks until he finally found it. "Ciecro!" he barked, "you're number two."

"Naw, I'm five," he retorted, getting all flustered at the insistence that he was incorrect.

Good Lord, Dolly moaned in her head. "Ciecro," she said leaning in closer and showing him hers. "I have the number five. You have a two."

Ciecro raised his brow and gave a "huh?" He looked at it again and after three minutes of gazing at it said. "Heh, whaddya know, I'm two….sh** I'm two." He grumbled as Vragon giggled, happy he had picked a good one. Reluctantly, he stood up and walked in front of Vragon. "Well…go ahead. Jus' make it count squiht."

Vragon stepped one leg back and started rolling up a wind up as Ciecro braced for it.

Oh dear, Dolly groaned in her head as she closed her eyes to not see it. Please don't start a fight, please don't start a- The sound of a punch was heard followed by Ciecro hitting the floor.

"Howas that Cicero."

Ciecro rubbed his jaw with strangely a grin. "Not bad squiht. Not bad." The two chuckled and the three sane ones gave a breath of relief. At least until Garon shouted again for everyone to return their sticks for redraw. Once again, the group drew a stick and waited to see who was the new king.

Please be somebody sensible. Dolly muttered in her head as her scowl gazed upon the number three stick she possessed.

"Alright, who has the special stick‽" Garon announced only to give a big smirk. "Hah! Too bad, because I have it." He tossed his special stick on the table and gave the jerkiest smug grin, enough to make Swift grin a little at how proud Garon was to win. "Anyways," he was forced to stop from a cough and resumed, "Anyways, the one who gets picked will have to sit on my lap for at least…" he pounded his chest as a big cough let out, "'xcuse me. Ahem, has to sit on my lap for at least thirty seconds. The nummmmmmber is…three."

Dolly's heart sank. Why today? She gave a snarl as she stood up grumbling.

"Oooooh, it's Dolly heh, heh," Ciecro jested with a smirking.

Dolly gave him a stare and said, "If anyone laughs while I'm still on him, they get a hashing from me." She walked over and awkwardly sat on Garon's waiting widespread lap. It wasn't easy considering she was at least wider than Garon despite him being taller but the dragon managed to make enough room. Dolly sat there sulking, with the rest of the kids trying their best not to laugh, Jasmine included in that.

"Yah no," Seliph began with a little burp, "you can get a better sitting if yah scooch up."

Dolly gave him the death stare but the booze was too effective for him to care. She let out an annoyed sigh and waited till her time was up and sat back down. Once she did, everyone started laughing now that they were allowed to making Dolly blush with embarrassment and rubbing her arm. "Yeah, yeah," she stated, "redraw." I'm going to get it and when I do.

Once more the group drew sticks. "Who won?" Garon asked, with a yawn afterwards.

"Heh," Ciecro revealed his. "An' frankly." he leaned back in his couch, tapped the end of his snout on the top and with a smug grin said, "Numbeh one, give dat a nice smooch."

Jasmine gave a sigh with a smile, thankful she wasn't the one. She was smiling even more upon seeing a grumbling Swift get up. "Poor guy," Jasmine whispered to Dolly.

"Poor me," Dolly replied back. But she gave a little grin and said, "But yeah, this is going to be awkward." They giggled as Swift stood in front, Ciecro leaning forwards so Swift could reach it.

Swift took a step back and looked at Garon. "…Do I really have to-"

"Yes!" Garon shouted, equally waiting to see it.

Swift gave a very, very disapproving growl and slowly leaned in and gave it a little peck with his eyes closed. "There…now can we go home now?"

"One more," Garon asked.

"Yeah, at least one more," Jaron added, yawning too. "Though it'll have to end because damn I'm sleepy."

Sugar crash no doubt. Dolly thought as the group reset. "I'll mix it up," Dolly offered and started mixing it. Finally, she allowed everyone to draw sticks and leaned back with a big grin on her face.

"Alright, who has it?" Garon asked, looking around.

Dolly, with a smug that was even bigger than Garon's prior, held up hers. All eyes went on her. Dolly leaned in to ask Jasmine something.

Jasmine gave her a big eye stare till she grinned and whispered something back.

Dolly sat back. "The person that is selected has to stand on their head for a full five minutes." The group went serious as Dolly looked at each and every one of them. "And that person is…number two."

"FU**!!!!!!" Garon roared slamming his stick at the ground, making the sweet revenge for Dolly all the sweeter.

"Get to it hun," she cheerfully ordered, gesturing her hand to shoo him to a wall to use for balance. As Garon grumpily obeyed she stood up and said, "Now the rest of us need to clean this mess up and head back home."

"Awww, but I wanna do one mar," Vragon complained.

Dolly leaned her head near Vragon's, stared into his eyes and said. "Can you see my eyes?" He nodded and she activated her death stare. Vragon shrank back into his chair and nodded in obedience. "Good." Dolly smiled and patted him on the head. "Alright gang," Dolly announced as she stood up, "let's start cleaning up." Dolly looked over at Garon, who was having trouble staying on his head for even twenty seconds thanks to all the booze he had. "Oh, and by five minutes, I mean all in one sitting or head standing." She let out a little Dolly chuckle as Garon groaned.
 
Last edited:

Bay

6,382
Posts
17
Years
Oof Demetri almost getting killed by Armad there. Seems that "red eyes" virus or whatever is getting more aggressive.

Oh dear at everyone getting drunk. Part of me wonders if there's a drinking age for Pokemon in your world lol. Dolly on Garon's lap is a bit uncomfortable to me due to talks of harassment on women as of late, so those type of scenes I take seriously. At least she gets her revenge at the end, which he deserves hah.
 

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
Posts
6
Years
Contains: Language, Choking [14]
Chapter 33
Friction (Forlorn)​


"Jaron? Come on wake up already." Something nudged the tired croconaw's cheek, like the blunt part of a finger pressing harder and harder with each press.

Jaron slowly started to open his eyes. "Ugh, what?" Jaron asked, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "What is it Vra-…?" Strangely, there was no one there. Jaron looked around the room; nothing seemed out of the ordinary. A confused expression crossed his face. "Vray," he started as he got up, "Come on, don't try and joke with me." Stepping his way into the hallway, Jaron looked down both paths. There was nothing but the empty hallways to greet him. "Did I…imagine him doing that?" Jaron looked back at the bed, unsure. "But he poked my cheek and that was his voice…what's going on?"

A yawn escaped his mouth. "Well, for one thing, I'm tired and hungry. I guess I should find out if the other's ar-" before he could finish the question, he had noticed the answer. Every door down the hallway was open. A little eerie feeling crept on Jaron's spine as he walked over to the room Vragon was staying. Vray?

He looked inside, only to see the bed empty but made up. That's like Vray and Ciecro's bed in my room was still messy. He leaned on the hallway to ponder. I should find the others. He rushed to the stairs, wanting to quell this feeling as soon as possible. However, what he found didn't make it go away. In fact, the scene of an empty lobby with the door to the outside open only made the feeling shoot up more. "Huh?" he slowly walked down the stairs, trying to spot any kind of movement. The heart in his chest started pounding faster, his steps down started to pick up, his need to spot something the feeling of concern started to creep up more. "Dolly? Vray? Bro?" he looked around the lodge. No trace of them or of anyone.

He looked at the light coming through the door and dashed through it. The streets were empty, not even the wind populated the empty space. Jaron started to breathe heavy and quick. Something inside him started creeping up as he started to shake. "Where? Guys, Where are you‽" he shouted but no answer came. He dashed down looking for someone, anyone.

After tiring himself out, he stopped at the fountain in the southern part of Frantal Town to catch his breath. "What was going on?" he said, panting and looking around frantically. He turned his gaze to the still water, seeing his freaking out face and breathing reflected by the water's surface. Suddenly, he froze as some shadow appeared behind him. He turned around but was shoved before he could see. He hit the water of the fountain, causing it to splash around. Before he had time to get up, two claws gripped his neck and shoved his head back under the water. He struggled to get his neck free, though his own hands were unable to pry off the large, haxorus ones. Looking up from the water, he could see the image of what looked like that haxorus from before, Trishula.

The red eyes of the haxorus leered at him, wavy in design due to the stirred up water. Jaron struggled, slowly beginning to flail desperately to get a breath. His eyes slowly started to close as the dragon moved his head into the water as well, his mouth making movements that said the word, "Alone".

In one last push, Jaron mustered all his strength to shoot forwards and grab the haxorus but to his surprise what he grabbed was the air after sitting up from his bed. He looked around quickly, overwhelmed at the change in scenery. Suddenly, he noticed Ciecro was lying in his bed snoozing. "Ciecro!" he shouted with happiness before covering his mouth at noticing Ciecro was still sleeping.

Sadly, it was loud enough to make Ciecro instantly wake up, ready for a fight. Though, nothing readied Ciecro for the sudden shoot of a headache pain that surged. He held his head in moaning as he rolled off the bed onto the floor growling and saying whatever came to mind as he gripped his head. "Where did dis headache come from‽" he ranted as Jaron watched still processing what had just happened.



"So, if you could just do me a favor you two and not speak or joke of last night, I'd really appreciate it." Dolly asked as she, Jasmine, and Swift sat at a small table, partaking in an early breakfast."

"Sure," Swift said, leaning in to get another one. "I mean, do you know how Garon would feel if he knew he made that dare. Heh, he'd be regigigas levels of embarrassed and would probably be apologizing to you every minute for weeks."

Dolly gave a little chuckle as she sipped from her tea. "Well, don't worry Swift, I don't hold it against him. Hardly anyone is ever perfect when drunk, even a docile one like Garon and well it was my fault he got his first, so it would be unfair to hold him to that." Swift gave a grateful nod. "Besides," Dolly continued, "we'll have five sets o-"

"Dolly!" the voice of an annoyed Vragon sounded as he entered the area. He didn't care who looked at him from the noise since he was too busy holding his head in one hand because of a migraine. "Dolly, my head feels like it's hitting itself on a wall," he described as he sat down with the group, still holding his crown and rubbing it.

"Well, here." Dolly handed him some lum berry muffin, which he quickly scarfed down.

"It's still hurting," he complained.

"Well yes, it's a headache. Lum berries heal ailments, but for something like a headache it'll take a little time and more than just one." She patted him on the shoulder. "So feel free to dig in."

"Had a good rest?" Swift asked, sipping his drink as he watched Vragon putting three muffins on his plate.

"Sort of. It was weird, like…I imagined I was walking home with all of you from somewhere…but I don't remember what it was just that I felt lightheaded and rather…odd."

"Do tell," Swift asked, sipping out of his drink to hide his little smile.

Vragon was about to, till someone else entered holding their head and moaning. "Ugh, Swift." Garon walked over, hunched with his talons on his head. "Did something happen last night? I have this terrible headache and can't remember what happened." He sat down on the biggest one of the sitting stools, grumbling as he rubbed his head.

"There, there big guy," Swift stated, patting Garon on the arm. "I'm sure it'll go away soon. Till then, have a lum berry muffin." The heliolisk reached in the pile and handed him one. "Lum berries help ailments so maybe it can help make it stop sooner."

Garon didn't hesitate upon hearing this information. He proceeded to eat the first one in one huge bite and go for another muffin victim.

That's two. So just three more. Dolly took a sip of her drink as she looked at the entrance to the little bar area of the lobby. It's taking those two a while. Maybe they're still asleep. She turned to Jasmine and asked, "Hey, you mind checking on the others?"

Jasmine nodded and got up to go. Right as she turns the corner, her eyes widened and she started to focus on holding in a laugh.

Curious as to what it was, Dolly got up as well and walked over. Indeed, she soon was under the same fate Jasmine was, for around the corner were Ciecro and Jaron, practically crawling down the stairs with headaches and grumbling. Finally, Dolly's better nature got the better of her and she went over to help them up. "You boys okay?" she asked.

"I feel like I was run over by a mamoswine in my sleep and all he hit was my head," Jaron stated, a bit disoriented once on his feet.

"I feel like my head wanna break apaht," Ciecro growled as he pushes his on a wall to keep it holding together.

"Well come on boys, let's get you both some tasty muffins that'll help your headaches." They both gave moaning thanks as she helped them over.

Jasmine looked up the stairs and with a sigh went to check on Seliph. She calmly went to his door and knocked on it with her paw. "You up Seliph?" she asked. No reply. She then nudged the door and it slightly opened, revealing what looked like a little mess. Opening the door further, Jasmine looked at what looked like was the result of a tornado in a paper study. Notes and scribbles were scattered all over the place and Seliph lay passed out on the floor, snoozing. Jasmine gave a little giggle but stopped.

Something crept in her head. A feeling. She carefully tip-toed into the room and looked around. Spying a little pile of notes near Seliph, she moved nearer to investigate. The papers seemed to be covering something, something that was giving some odd feeling. Jasmine moved the papers off. She gave a gasp upon seeing a vial with red liquid in it. At first, she backed away, surprised at this revelation but slowly she started gaining curiosity. What is that? She said in her head as she moved closer. Cautiously, she reached her paw out to touch it, her eyes mesmerized by the red liquid's odd, inviting gaze.

"Don't," a voice shouted, as Seliph snatched the vial from its spot. Jasmine jumped back as he stood up, looking at her with contempt that felt so icy. "What are you doing in here?" he demanded.

"Oh, I was uhm…I was supposed to get you for break-"

"Then knock next time!" A pissed off Seliph shoved the vial into a drawer but not before doing something in there that sounded like a lock "click". Jasmine felt ashamed at having snuck in and remorsefully dragged herself out as Seliph watched her leave. Hmph, guess I need to be even more careful. Seliph grumbled as he looked at the drawer. I also need to get that fraxure to try and heal. The greninja walked over to the drawer and slowly opened it, enough so that he could see the resting place of the box containing the vial. Hmm… Seliph looked back at his open door then back to the drawer several times before forming a scowl. Fine, I suppose it'd be better if I made this safer. I'll get that done after a break- WHAT THE HECK!!! He grabbed his head as a strange pain suddenly surged. The hangover had struck.


< O >


"Ugh is this really necessary?" Vex complained as he and Siegfried leaned on the walls of an ally. "You'd think an expert tracker would be doing that instead of well…acting."

"Acting in a manner to obtain information," Siegfried corrected and Vex rolled his eyes.

"I'm just saying. I'm fine with that freak doing all the work for us but do we have to literally wait for him to come back and just sit tight? Psyduck that." Vex folded his arms and tightened his curling on the wall, annoyed and frustrated.

"Still, best not get on his bad side." Siegfried's head fell as he started thinking. There was silence for a while before Siegfried spoke again. "Hey, uhm…Vex."

"Yeah?"

"What do … what do you think they'll make us do if we well … succeed?"

Vex got off the wall and with a little grumble said, "Who cares? Siegfried, what's gotten into you?" The ghost floated up and moved his head closer to Siegfried's "trying to avoid eye contact one". "I told you, we don't have nothing to worry about but you keep on asking me and speculating about muk they divvy out."

"I mean, isn't it right to be concerned at what they may make us do?" Siegfried stated, rather defensively.

"What's gotten into you?" Vex asked, floating to the wall. "You've been acting like this ever since you got back from obtaining information regarding Seliph. That was good, we got knowledge of-"

Siegfried interrupted with a big sigh, "Look, it's just on my mind okay."

Vex's eyes narrowed. "Siegfried," Vex said slowly and calmly, "did something…happen when you went out to get information?"

The gallade looked away and firmly said, "No."

"Well if it was nothing then why are you going all speculative and in the way that bodes worry." Vex floated in front of Siegfried and asked, "Come on, something is up with you."

Siegfried gave a sigh. "Well, Vex-"

"I'm back!" Plageues announced, startling the two as he walked into the ally in the form of a ranger of the town. "What? It's me, you know, Plageues." The ranger slowly morphed till the illusion was pulled away showing the dark smirking zoroark.

The two gave an annoyed sigh, slightly relieved it was Plageues and getting tired since its Plageues.

The zoroark gave a little chuckle. "Well, if you both are done recuperating yourselves, I've found a lead for us." The dark type started heading down the ally.

"A lead?" Vex inquired, floating up to the leader.

"Yes. After doing some digging and what you," he glanced at Siegfried for emphasis, "told me about the information you found about Seliph, I was able to find a link to them."

"Huh?" Siegfried joined the two. "What link?"

"Well, I discovered those two siblings of Seliph are pre-rangers of Perion Town. I got all data regarding them and well they haven't checked back in. Meaning they aren't back in Perion and likely that makes sense with Seliph." The zoroark gave a big smug grin as the two looked at him not exactly sharing in the optimism.

"Okay, but that's just one town. What good does that do u-"

Siegfried was cut short as Plageues moved a finger to the gallade's mouth and gave a hushing sound. "Now, now, let me finish." The zoroark removed his finger with a condescending grin, pissing Siegfried off despite not showing it. "Now, I also found out they have a peer in the ranger force that they often hang out with. The absol you two mentioned. Her name is 'Jasmine Morteaih'."

"Mortieih?" Vex repeated. "Huh, so that's the last name. But how does tha-"

Plageues gave him a "really…" stare, leading to Vex to zip it and let him finish. "Well, the last name 'Morteaih' is the same as someone mentioned in records to a 'Dolly Morteaih' and well, she happens to be a kangaskhan. The only one in Perion Town. From there, I did some more info digging and from that found some interesting things."

"What things?" Siegfried inquired.

"Simple, I believe they are in Frantal Town." The zoroark gave a dark grin as the two looked at each other.

"What makes you say that?" Vex asked, not sure how he came to such a conclusion.

"Well, that's where I think they are from what I gathered on their members and their things," Plageues admitted but then gave a big grin. "But that doesn't matter." The two grunts looked at Plageues as the zoroark walked in front and turned around. "I don't need to find them. I know that now."

"Huh?" the two said.

"In fact, all I need is a specific destination. It's simple really, think about it how Seliph would." Plageues moved a finger to between his eyes, cocked his head a little upwards, leaned back slightly, and closed his eyes. He then explained in a rather inquisitive tone, "He has the formula and knows we are aware of that. He also is clearly after information regarding us and currently has with him a potential target. It's rather simple to think he is trying to-" Plageues gestured to the two, wanting them to guess.

Siegfried rolled his eyes and said, "I don't know, enlighten me." He crossed his arms and gave a scowl.

"Awww, you're no fun," Plageues sarcastically sulked. "He'd want to know why we are after the fraxure especially if the target is linked to his siblings. Ergo, he will figure out he is potentially Aegis's vessel. With that knowledge known, Seliph will resort to doing something very problematic for us, or at least he thinks would."

"And what is that?" Vex asked, getting rather curious.

"He'll try and get him and his siblings safe as well as the target. But not simply having guards or what have you. In short, likely, he'll try and aim to leave Triacal."

The two looked at each other with concern, but Plageues broke his pose and with a dark smile said. "Exactly why I know what we need to do. He'll head for a port town and likely will be coming from one of the nearby towns. So…we'll be waiting right here for them to get near and ambush them."

"And what's the point of that?" Siegfried interjected, foreseeing a problem with the plan. "Considering we don't have any tracking for them. How could we know where they're coming from let alone when?"

Plageues gave a dark grin. "Didn't I already tell you, I believe they are in Frantal Town?" Plageues turned around and rested his chin on his knuckle while propping his elbow on the other arm. "And since Armád is in Frantal, I'll have him check for me. Meanwhile, I've contacted some backup and they'll be joining us soon. In essence." Slowly, Plageues turned around as his tone grew lower and darker. "We won't have to find them when I can easily predict where they'll go." The two tensed up a little, earning a dark laugh from Plageues. "Do you two know anything about tracking?" Plageues mocked, "Even if you find where they are, they can still run away. It's better to see where they are going and prepare for wherever they likely will go. And trust me, I wouldn't be merely guessing this when Seliph and his siblings are on the line." He licked his chops as he looked up at the sky. "Time to fulfill my statement I made."


< O >


Vragon sat in his room going over some notes he had taken from the library. Despite the usefulness of the search, it seemed that this "data" he had gathered was more guesswork than any ground. It wasn't fun going through the notes, trying to get some sort of logical or reasonable connection why he had his pendant, which currently rested on the desk unobscured by the notes.

After essentially wasting the midday on this, he slouched back in his chair, defeated and still no closer to figuring out anything. A sad moan escaped his mouth as he blankly stared up at the ceiling. I'm never going to find anything about where I come from aren't I? he groaned in his head.

His mood and posture picked up when a knock came from his door. "Yes?" he asked, standing up out of his chair.

"It's me, Seliph."

"Oh, come in." The fraxure started fiddling with his notes to make them more orderly as Seliph entered the room.

"Any luck," the greninja inquired, shutting the door behind him.

Vragon stopped and gave a sigh. "Not really," he admitted, turning to face the greninja with his droopy expression. "I've spent since my headache went away to try and find something but I still couldn't." The fraxure looked over at his pendant.

"I see…" Seliph said, walking next to Vragon to look at the pendant. "Hmm…it's very intriguing, that pendant."

"Well, it's the only real clue I have to where I originate from." Vragon gave a little sigh as he took it in his hands and put it on his neck. "But so far, even this clue has run up dry. I just can't understand why I, an Averion fraxure, would have this pendant from what all I can guess is continents away."

"Well, I'm sure there's some reason." Seliph faced Vragon and with a smile tried to cheer him up. "I have no doubt you'll figure it out." Vragon gave no more reply than a nod as Seliph looked at the notes Vragon had filed on the desk. "Say, Vragon," Seliph began, his tone being very friendly, "can I ask you something?"

The fraxure looked up at him as Seliph walked over to the window. "I've been doing some research and frankly I found something potentially useful."

"What exactly?"

"Well, you're curious as to why you have something from legendaries yet being Averion while at the same time being here in Triacal and I think that could be traced." Vragon tilted his head a little unsure what he meant, leading Seliph to elaborate further. "Well, think about it. You're an averion so you must have some genetic code passed down from your parents, correct?"

"That is how genetics work," Vragon answered a little annoyed at the question asked.

Seliph gave a little chuckle. "Yes, however, do you know how 'gifts' are passed in heredity?"

"Is there a difference?" Vragon inquired, looking up at him with newly found attention.

"Not entirely, but it is possible to acquire a genetic code in your gift that isn't inherently from your parents or really your grandparents either. Gift inheritance commonly comes from what we all say is a random gene." Vragon sat down to listen more intently. "You see, there are a few classifications of gift classes and these are all derived from gene base. Essentially, any gift can fit in these categories. These gifts also play a part in dominance in different clans. Like, Norfarions for example; we have gifts that mostly affect us and our mannerisms, hence why most Norfarions have what are considered gifts in the 'blood' class. There are after all three more classes. You do know them, correct?"

Vragon thought for a second. "Hmm…well aside blood, there's 'linkage' for ones that are used in transferring synergy, there's 'astral' that's more related to more information and synergetic methods for detection, and 'arcane' that doesn't really fit in any of the other three or has attributes of more than the three, right."

"Correct, good to know you read a lot." Seliph sat on the lodge's bed and looked at Vragon. "What if I were to say that depending on the gift you have, we could denote a good idea if you are native to Averia or somewhere else."

"How?" Vragon asked, leaning forwards with more interest.

"It's simple really. If you have a gift that's in the 'arcane' class, it means more than likely it was influenced by someone that isn't in the clans. So, what is your gift Vragon?"

The fraxure looked down and started to twiddle his thumbs. "Well…" he fumbled a little, "I don't know what it's called or even is. All I know is that it's supposed to heal wounds, maybe more." Vragon looked at Seliph feeling bad that he didn't know more.

"Well, can you give me a demonstration?"

Vragon paused and looked to the side with a little nervous smile on his face. "Well, my gift requires well…some kind of injury."

"Ah, that's fine." Seliph got up, getting Vragon's attention. He formed a little night slash in his left hand and nicked his right hand a little, drawing a little bit of blood. This action startled Vragon but Seliph just smiled as he walked over. "Heh, a little cut won't hurt me. Go on, I want to see it." He offered his right hand to Vragon, moving the cut wound to face up as if asking for healing.

Vragon looked at it for a second before cupping the hand with his left and putting a finger from his right on it. A faint yellow light glowed as the wound started to heal itself.

Seliph was rather amazed at this but more of what this meant. Once it was finished, Vragon let go of his hand. "That was very cool. Thank you." Seliph gave him a smile, which made Vragon smile back, albeit a little embarrassed. "Well, I'll put this knowledge to good use." Seliph shook Vragon's hand and turned to leave. Suddenly he stopped. Vragon turned to look at him, but Seliph was too busy in thought. Should…I tell him?

"Something wrong Seliph?" Vragon asked, turning around in his seat with a little worry.

Seliph's eyes lowered and then looked at Vragon. He gave him a little smile and said, "Nothing. Don't worry." Seliph then left the room, leaving Vragon at a loss to what Seliph meant.



"Settle down Jaron," Dolly asked to fidgety croconaw.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it," Jaron said, giving her a grin. "It's been some time since we talked with aunt Dresha. It'd just be nice to hear her voice again and all."
"Ye," Ciecro said across from them. "Good ting dah rangeh's here are settin' it up."

Dolly looked at the two with inner happiness. It's good to see them looking forward to talking to her and well…not being under the influence. She sighed as she leaned back into her chair. She looked up at the ceiling. It'd be nice to speak with her again too.


( O )


It was a sunny afternoon on the hills outside Perion. The flowers were blooming from the weather of spring and the wind was blowing gentle like. On the grass walked two mons. Dolly looked around, just taking in the air around her and the nice warmth of the sun.

She gave a pleased exhale as she folded her arms behind her back. "Isn't it a lovely day, Jasmine? It's good to get out of my stuffy little diner and all."

"It's not stuffy, miss Morteaih," Jasmine replied in a rather soft and nervous tone.

Dolly detected something was off. "Jasmine," she said with a little teasing grin on her face. "You only ever call me formally when something is making you nervous."

Jasmine gave a sigh and looked at Dolly, "Do we really have to do this?"

"Why not?" Dolly said, stopping and crossing her arms. "I mean, they're nice boys and since you already are applying to be a pre-ranger you could give some good advice."

"I know, I know," Jasmine clarified as she sat and looked at Dolly, "but…I dunno, they…"

Dolly gave a little giggle. "Come now Jasmine, what would be the trouble? I'm here so it's not like that boy…hmm…Ciecro I think, would do much."

"Easy for you to say." Jasmine sighed and looked back at the town.

Dolly walked over and patted Jasmine on the head, much to her annoyance. "Don't worry Jasmine. I know you still feel bad." Dolly's patting turned to a gentle rub as her face transitioned to sympathy. "But, you had to leave and all. Your twin sisters are doing fine from what I hear and-"

"Dolly," Jasmine looked up to her. "I just…"

Dolly gave her neck a little hug. "It's alright. We make mistakes when we're young."

A few tears rolled down Jasmine's cheeks as she looked down. "I should have…brought them too. They would have loved you. Tifa and Rue. But no, I had to think for myself…" a little sniffle escaped Jasmine as she moved to use her paws to wipe the tears.

"I know hun." Dolly let go and looked into her green eyes with her brown ones. "You were scared. You didn't even know you would get away let alone with two twins that were very young. I mean," Dolly stood up and walked a little up a small hill slope, "I found you on a slope like this one." She stomped for reference, "You were famished. Had no items on you. And Jaz, I had half a mind to think you had some form of illness with how bad you looked."

"Well…" Jasmine gave a little chuckle, "Traveling a few days like that would make anyone look bad."

Dolly and Jasmine shared a little laugh as Dolly walked over. "Maybe…but, I'm glad I got to know you, Jasmine." Dolly brushed a little of Jasmine's fur. "I have to say…you've given me something to look forward to when I close shop and all. I'm so proud you made it into the rangers program. And well..." Dolly looked to the side with a little sniffle as Jasmine cocked her head.

"Well what?" she asked, getting a little curious.

"Oh nothing," Dolly said, wiping her eyes a little. "Anyways," she said with sudden positivity, "Let's go meet those two boys."

Jasmine gave a sigh. Never change. She got up and followed Dolly up to a small house next to a little pond. Jasmine watched as Dolly gave a cough and knocked on the door.

A voice beckoned them to enter and Dolly opened the door. "Come on Jasmine," she said as she started to descend the stairs with Jasmine following close behind. To greet them was a nice little table with Miss Dresha at the water end motioning them to have a seat.

"Thank you, miss." Dolly took her seat as did Jasmine.

"Oh my," Dresha said with a pleased smile, "That's a nice badge, I didn't know they gave those out."

"Oh, this?" Jasmine said, looking at the little bronze ranger badge on her bandana. "It just means I'm in training and all, heh."

"Well, that's still nothing to blow bubbles at," Dresha complimented. "And Dolly, you still look so young and healthy."

"Thank you," Dolly said, shaking the fin with politeness. "You wanted to talk to Jasmine about the pre-ranger program, correct?"

"Yes." Miss Dresha gave a look at a little door to some other room. "You know about the two in there correctly?"

"I believe so." Dolly gave a nod. "You mentioned them at last town summit. I've yet to see the boys."

"Well, they're awfully shy." Dresha gave a little look to the side. "Though, they're quite lonely. And well, I think them having a chance to do some honest work would help them grow."

"Of course," Dolly replied with a nod, "Youngun's need something to do. Else, boredom comes and with that trouble."

Miss Dresha then looked at Jasmine. "So…if you don't mind me asking," The fish began, "how does this pre-ranger program work?"

"Well," Jasmine looked at the fish and said, "They are out of spots right now, but I can tell you how it does for next year." Jasmine started to tell about the little things one had to sign and do for it but unbeknownst to her, the door to the little room slowly cracked open.

A little head looked out, watching the conversation. Dolly took notice and looked at the door, but the mon disappeared behind the crack before she could. Dolly's eyes narrowed as she returned to the present conversation.

After about thirty minutes of discussion, Miss Dresha had everything understood and noted. She promptly thanked the two and bid them a good day. However, Dolly asked, "May I see them?"

"Oh, of course."

Yes! Dolly cheered in her head.

Miss Dresha dove down into the water to the inner room. She promptly popped her head out of the water gently, so to not splash it everywhere. "Boys," she said, "I need you both to get ready, the guests would like to see you."

"…Why?" a little charmander-Ciecro asked, crossing his arms and sulking. Nearby was a little totodile, who was quiet and looked nervous. "Dey don' know us."

"Well, that's what introductions are for," Dresha said with an assuring smile. "After all, I know Miss Morteaih and she's a lovely lady. In fact, she took in an absol that ran away, sort of like what happened with us.

"'Xcept I bet it wasn' cuz 'er bro left." Ciecro looked at the side and scowled.

"Ciecro," she said in a calm and sympathetic tone. "You and Jaron need to get out and enjoy life, rather than be cooped up here all alone." She swam to the edge and leaned in a little. "Get a nice job to keep you busy and make friends. After all, a lonely life is a sad one."

Ciecro's arms relaxed a little as his scowl grew less tense. "…Why should I?" he asked, looking at her.

"Well." Miss Dresha sank back to the water as she thought for an answer.

Jaron finally spoke. "I don' wanna." The two looked at him. "I saw her…she was big and huge and big and she…looked at me." He shriveled back a little as Ciecro looked away from him.

"Come here," Dresha asked and the kids obeyed, walking over and plopping their little selves at the water's edge. "Now," she looked at both of them, "Jaron, Ciecro, I want you to be happy. You know that, right boys?"

The two gave slow nods.

"And well…It's not right for two nice boys like you to stay cooped up here with just me."

"But you're good to us," Jaron protested, "How do we know they will be too?"

Miss Dresha looked at them with understanding. "You know boys," She started, "When I first met you, I thought you both were two of the cutest of your species I had ever seen." The two gave a little 'blegh' face, but let her go on. "Though, seeing you both sad the next day broke my heart. Do you know why?"

"Why?" Ciecro asked, leaning in.

Before she answered, she gestures with her fins for them to come close. Jaron complied letting her fin wrap around his back neck while Ciecro slowly approached in order to avoid getting his tail wet. "Because, no little boy should be left alone, not even two. And well, you both are good children and frankly, I would love to see you both grow up nice and strong. If I can give you that chance, a chance to be happy and have a life, I would love that. You both have grown on me that I really am not bothered by the roughness that was the early times."

The two fell silent.

"You see, I've been so lonely. And while I never wished for the circumstance to bring you two here…I can at least be happy I make you happy. And I want you both to grow up and become fine young adults. That's why I want you both to be able to leave my home here and go have fun and work." The two looked at her with sad eyes.

"Bu' we love yah," Ciecro said with a sniffle.

"Of course I know that." Miss Dresha smiled at him. "But every mother wants their kid to grow up nice and live well. You see, even if you aren't my natural children, you both make me happy as if you were. I love you boys and I want what's best for you. So, Ciecro…Jaron…can you both be brave for me and come meet our guests." The two gave slow nods, with scared but willing smiles. She kissed them both on the forehead. "Now, let's show them how nice you two are."


< O >


Dolly let out a little sigh. She let her thoughts drift to hugging the two when they were in the first stages of evolution and how they just reacted with the most surprised faces. A little giggle escaped her lips and she turned to look at Jaron. She compared the small scared looking totodile to the loyal and smart croconaw of today and couldn't help but smile. She did well with you two. Dolly thought as she looked at Ciecro, who was busy staring at the floor.

Dolly's eyes suddenly changed to mischievous as she leaned over near Jaron's head and whispered, "You know, you still have that cute face you had when you were a totodile."

Jaron's face shot rosy red as he backed his head away from her and gave her a big surprised look. "Where did that come from?" he demanded.

"Yah baby face," Ciecro jabbed, sticking out his tongue in fun.

"Psyduck off, Ciecro," Jaron rebuked making Dolly laugh.

"Sorry, sorry," she said, patting Jaron on the shoulder. "I just got hit by a bit of nostalgia that's all."

"Well next time, keep it from hitting me." Jaron began to sulk as Dolly and Ciecro smirked at him.

"It's ready for you three," a ranger announced as he entered the room.

"Thank you very much," Dolly said getting up.

"Sorry, it wasn't up sooner. They are a little short on home staff." The ranger rubbed the back of his head a little guilty but Dolly made sure all was fine with shaking his hand and about five different variations of "thank you". They headed to the com's room and stood in front of the circular device.

Ciecro took a breath and said, "Yah ready?" The other two nodded and he gave a finger up to the holocaster ranger at the switch. He pulled down the lever and about a foot tall crystal in a cylinder began to float and shine a little bit of light. The synergy power made its way to the circular projector in the middle of the room and the display started to show.

"Hello sir," Jaron said with a grin as the hologram of their head ranger appeared. "Sorry, we couldn't contact you about this earlier, bu-"

"It's fine boys," the ranger assured. "I got some reports about it. It's okay. I'll just be deducting your pay for the days off." He gave a big grin as Jaron gave a moan.

"Anyways," Ciecro said, stepping in front, "We hopefully will be heading back soon and all. Hey, can you tell our aunt that we're all okay?"

The ranger's eyes widened for a second and then looked to the side, narrowing as they went.

"What's up?" Dolly asked, a little bit confused. The other two looked at her and then back at the ranger, who was scratching his head.

"Boys…" he seemed to be having a hard time forming words.

"Sir, what's wrong?" Jaron suddenly froze. His eyes widened and he started to shake a little like he did in the dream. "Sir…what's wrong," he repeated in a low tone.

The range gave a sigh as he finally looked at them in the eyes and said. "I'm sorry boys. But a few days ago, one of our rangers was going to tell her about the incident and…" the ranger took a deep breath. "From the examination, she had some kind of mental trauma that caused her to have a stroke. No one knew about it, and so … she didn't get help in time…I'm sorry."

The three froze, silent as if they had just seen a terrible incident. Jaron slowly backed away shaking his head a little. "Sir, this isn't funny," he stated. The ranger in the projection tried to explain but Jaron wouldn't take it. "Stop it!" he shouted, "Sir, stop it. She…she wouldn-"

"Jaron…" the ranger looked at him, straight at the eyes. A few tears escaped his at the sight of what the news was doing. "…I'm sorry son. She's … passed. All we know is that it happened while you were gone. I'm so sorry." He started bawling slightly as Jaron looked at the floor, eyes wide.

Ciecro and Dolly looked at each other in disbelief. "Who did dis‽" Ciecro demanded.

"We don't know," their boss said, shaking his head with shame.

Ciecro's head fell. His fists tightened and he gritted his teeth. He turns to a wall to punch it with a firm jab. "Damnit!!!" He roared. The fists stayed on the wall, shaking slightly as the emotion flowed to his right fist. An arm went on his shoulder as Dolly moved him to face her.

"Ciecro," she said, looking at him with sad eyes. She pulled him in and hugged the charmeleon, who didn't know what to do but close his eyes and tear up. Dolly looked over to Jaron. As the croconaw walked over, Dolly opened up her other arm so Jaron could enter into her broad hug. "I'm sorry boys," she said in a soothing tone as the two just stayed silent in her arms. She could feel the tenseness in both of them so she merely stayed quiet letting them cry into her chest.

"It's….not….fair. Why…her?" Jaron slowly said, sobbing more as he let his arms go limp. Ciecro turned a little and moved his left arm around Jaron's back, hugging his brother as he sniffled too. The three stood there for a few minutes sobbing as the ranger cut the transmission to give them the privacy they deserve.
 
Last edited:

Bay

6,382
Posts
17
Years
Oh so the first scene is just Jaron having a bad dream there. To be honest since he's a water type being submerged in water is probably the last thing to do in terms of hurting/killing him. That's probably just me, though.

So Jasmine and Dolly checked in with same last names, huh. I think it's Jasmine taking Dolly's last name considering her past. Not sure if you mention how last name are given in your world yet.

Okay, so I'm right on my guess, or at least Dolly's last name is confirmed. I think I remember Miss Dresha and wonder how she's able to move around if she's a fish Pokmeon heh. But oh dear over the news of her death. I wonder how bad this will affect things here.
 

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
Posts
6
Years
Contains: Language, Blood, Violence, Child Death [15]
Chapter 34
Stinging Rain​

Vragon stood outside the door. A heavy look was all he could express as he knocked on the door for the fourth time. "Jaron…" he said to the silence in the room. "I'm…here for you if you need me. Just…" Vragon tried to turn the knob but sighed upon finding it locked. He looked once more at the door and walked down to his room.

I don't like this. He thought in his head. Jaron, Ciecro, both of them. Miss Dresha was such a sweet lady, who could do this? The fraxure opened the door to his room and plopped down into the chair. It happened while we were away. They said she had a stroke from some traumatic stress, but… his mind darted to something. A phrase that was said during it. "We found her on the stairs." Vragon knew what this meant, as did the rest. Someone had taken her and somehow caused all this. But it wasn't a simple thief since nothing was stolen. Maybe the shock of harming the old lady was it?

Vragon leaned back into his chair. He didn't like where the past thirty minutes of speculation led him. It probably was the red eyes thugs maybe. They knew Jaron and Ciecro so it's possible they linked it all. No one else had a reason to do it. And… Vragon bit his lip a little as his eyes grew full of sadness. That means, they hurt her and she's gone because they wanted to know where I was. Looking up at the ceiling, Vragon remembered when the gallade had entered his mind. Who was to say the same wasn't done for her?

He just sat there, leaning in his chair, guilt infecting his soul. A few tears dropped as he wiped them aside. She introduced me to them…let me stay before I got my own residing. She even- he went on and on. Listing off the many things she had done for him in his mind as if trying to make the weight on his heart that much more crushing.

Finally, enough was enough. He got up and firmly walked straight back to Jaron's room and was about to grab the doorknob when he was promptly stopped by the arm. His eyes looked up at Dolly's brown eyes looking back.

"Vray, don't."

A sigh escaped the fraxure as he said, "I just wanted to talk with him abo-"

"I mean don't blame yourself." Her eyes narrowed as Vragon looked back at her surprised. "I know that look," She said, moving his arm away from the door. "We'll talk about it with him together, but you aren't going to go in there, and say it's your fault this happened because it isn't."

His head fell ashamed, but she patted the shoulder and gave him a hug, indicating there was no harm done. "Sorry," he said and she gave a shake of her head.

"It's fine. I understand. Now," Dolly knocked on the door. "Jaron, please open up." Her voice was soft and slow. "It's not good to be alone in this time. Not for you."

No reply still. Dolly gave a big sigh as she looked at Vragon. "Vray, I think…I think you should go."

Vragon's eyes widened. "What?" he queried, however, he stopped as Dolly gave him a serious but assuring gaze. His head lowered and he started walking away.

After going a little way and turning the corner he noticed Ciecro at the end, leaning on the wall. His arms were crossed, his back leaned on the wall, his head was low, and his eyes were firmly shut as if he was trying to push his eyes further in.

"Ciecro," Vragon announced, walking over.

Ciecro opened his eyes but didn't look at him. He remained silent as Vragon leaned on the wall next to him. They both leaned there in silence until Vragon broke the silence.

"I'm really sorry, Ciecro." The charmeleon just gave a grunt in reply, leading Vragon to let his head stare at the floor.

"Vray," Ciecro suddenly spoke. The fraxure looked up at him as Ciecro got off the wall. "…I need some alone time."

He started to walk away but something in Vragon didn't settle for that. Quickly, he grabbed Ciecro's shoulder about to say something. To his dismay, it was swatted away. "I said I need some f**kin' time!" Vragon shrank back as Ciecro gritted his teeth and looked at the side, angry but upset he yelled. "I'm…" Vragon hung his head and turned around. "I'm sorry, I'll leave you alone."

The fraxure walked off back to his room, leaving Ciecro alone. The charmeleon's fists tightened as his anger boiled. He wanted to punch something. But he stopped as he looked at his right hand, shaking as it did before. He growled and headed to go for a walk.



Jaron sat in his room; his eyes were still leaking tears as he rested his head on his arms. The sounds of Dolly still knocking on the door filled the room, but he didn't care. Nothing mattered right now. Why her? He kept saying over and over in his head as the vision of his dream last night filled his mind with terrible thoughts.

Finally, he moved his head to look up at the window. The droplets of rain were hitting it and running down in large amounts and great speed due to how intense the storm was outside. Jaron turned his head once more to the door. He could almost see Dolly's pleas and the gentle knocks on the door.

Slowly, he got out of his seat, walked over to the door, and undid the bolt. He headed back to his bed this time as Dolly opened the door.

"Jaron," she said, walking over to him as he sat down, his head low and sniffling. The kangaskhan joined him on the bed, resting her hands on her knees and joining Jaron in looking at the floor. "Jaron," she said again, "Jaron, I know it's a lot to take in."

Her words sounded basic. Nothing new to him. Just like the death of someone he cared for, by someone that wanted something. Building up in anger, Jaron slowly started shaking a little as a scowl crossed his face. "What's going to happen now?" Jaron asked, looking at her, not caring what sweet phrase he interrupted.

Dolly put her arms on Jaron's shoulders and said, "I don't know. However, I know I'm not going to let anyone hurt you or your bro-" Her arms were knocked off.

"How do you f**king know that‽" Jaron demanded, his eyes showing anger and sadness. "You think I ever expected she'd die? How can I know you won't die too?" His eyes were gushing tears as he kept verbally lashing out as Dolly listened, watching in serious silence with understanding. "Those red eyes bastards first took mom and dad, then Seliph left us to deal with them, and now Dresha is gone! What makes you not be next, or Vragon, or my brother‽ What if I'm left alone‽"

Dolly looked at him with tearful sympathy as Jaron stared back at her. His eyes showed the type of hurt that breaded hatred.

"I can't have you all die!... I just can't…" With shaking, Jaron slowly backed up till his wobbly legs caused him to sit on the floor, holding his head with sniffling. "Why is it the ones I care about the ones that go?" He started to cry as his hands dropped to his lap, shielding the ground from his dropping tears.

Dolly slowly got up and walked over. Getting on her knees, she put her arms around him and hugged the sad little boy. "Jaron…"

"I had a dream last night," Jaron said with a sniffle, not moving his gaze from the ground. The little tears from his eyes rolled down his cheeks as he elaborated. "I thought I had woke up. I looked around but couldn't find any of you so I headed downstairs. And, no one was there, not even in the town. I…I felt scared, alone, and….I just had to find someone." He gave a few sniffles as he wiped his eyes. "Dolly…"

Dolly moved her hand to his chin and lifted it up so he could look at her. "It's okay Jaron. You know me. It's safe to tell me how you feel." Her eyes conveyed the care she wanted to show as Jaron's eyes lowered slightly.

"Dolly…ever since this attack. I've been afraid of losing Vray. At first, it was just him, but with Seliph here. I find myself…needing him back to. And…I realized it was affecting Ciecro. I feel like my world is falling apart around me and I want to stop it, but all I have is some dumb promise."

"Promise?" Dolly asked as Jaron wiped his eyes.

"Yeah…me and Vray made a promise in the last town. To…watch each other's backs. Heh, it was before you came in on us." He gave a little grin as Dolly gave a little chuckle.

"Yeah, sorry about that." She then moved her hand on top of his croconaw head, catching him off guard. "Jaron, how you feel makes sense. I'm glad you told me. Though, I want you to-" Dolly paused, trying to figure what to say. This was starting to make Jaron a little nervous and Dolly realized she was on a timer. "Well…" she finally stated, "I want you to remember I'm here for you. So is Ciecro, Jasmine, and I bet my bread that new friend of yours, Garon, is there for you too."

Jaron gave a little smile, despite still being sad as he thanked her for the time. "I…I just…" a sigh escaped his mouth as Dolly hugged him. His eyes looked at her as she said, her head next to his.

"Take all the time you need to recover hun. Loss is something we all struggle with." There seemed to be strong truth in though words. Truth that Jaron might have suspected Dolly had felt once. But he didn't pry; he was content being hugged by someone he knew cared despite her silly quips. It's nice to have you, Jaron thought as he looked at the rain outside the window and finally shut his eyes to cry some more.



Seliph, rested his back on the wall. His head was low and his arms were crossed with tension in their weaving. The blue eyes were closed and his breathing was slow and quiet. Across from him sat Jasmine, her head low and sad. "That's…basically what we just found out." She wiped her face a little, to catch any forming tears. "Just…in case you didn't know."

Seliph was quiet. Though his muscles showed tension, tension from anger. "Thank you for telling me," he said with a composed tone as he turned to leave. Jasmine didn't stop him nor say anything, as he slammed the door behind him and likewise slammed his fist on the desk.

So you claim another, He growled in his mind as his fist tightened. This is all wrong. This… He let out a sigh. This is just…too much. The eyes of anger curved to ones of sorrow. Not for himself, but for what the news meant. Deep down, he knew it. Who else would harm an old fish like Dresha, let alone while they were gone? It's because of me and us…Meaning likely they know my brothers'.

Seliph sat in his chair and held his head. This is all wrong. Over and over this phrase resounded in his mind. It was all he thought about, even time seemed out of his tracking.

A knock came on his door. He quickly turned and after a few breaths to calm himself asked, "Yes?"

"It's Garon. We need to talk."

Seliph hesitated at first but finally gave them permission.

Garon opened the door as Swift scampered in and closed it behind them softly. The large garchomp looked at Seliph, not with a judgmental stare from earlier but one of empathy. He walked over to where Seliph sat and gave a head bow. "I'm sorry for my rudeness before."

Seliph gave a sigh, admitting his own faults too in that hash out from before. "So…what do you want to talk with me about?" Seliph had a pretty good guess what it was though. Before they could answer, Seliph decided to see if he was right. "Is it about my brothers now? Where they'll stay."

"Yep," Swift said in a melancholy tone. "They aren't safe here anymore, not with their connection to you."

Seliph gave a little laugh, perplexing the two. "So I guess I ruined their lives again, huh," Seliph joked, but more out of guilt in how true it felt.

Garon gave a sigh and sat on the ground, not pleased with the jest but also understanding why it was made. "Stay on topic, Seliph," he requested and Seliph apologized with a nod.

"Anways," Swift began, "We're in a rut now. Your brothers have been identified, meaning they can't just stay in their old home. The red eyes would use them to get to you and you to get to-"

"The vial." Seliph's eyes narrowed as Swift nodded in confirmation.

"Yeah…" The heliolisk felt a chill in his spine as he asked, "Do you…have it here?"

Seliph slowly got up and walked over to the drawer. After pulling out a pick and unlocking something in the drawer, Seliph revealed the red eyes formula, resting in its container. The other two looked at it with scowls, more of defensive gestures rather than scoff.

"I see, so that's it," Garon spoke, his voice low and growly, "Have you found a proper formula to counter it yet?"

Seliph shook his head. "I'm not my mother in that field," he admitted, locking the vial back up and putting it back in. "Trust me, I've thrown all I have at it."

Garon moved a talon to his chin and began to ponder while Swift walked over to the window. "So, is that all of it, or is there more?" he asked.

"I can't answer that."

Swift nodded in understanding. "Okay, so we need to find a safe haven for your brothers, while also keeping the liquid there protected. Seliph, do you have any ideas?"

"I don't know of any place to well…really stay." Seliph shoved his webbed hands into his pockets. "Not like I've settled anywhere for too long. I mean, I've been pretty active and hard at work not getting hunted."

"I can see," Swift answered, a little respect in his voice. "I mean, you're what twenty and you've already fully evolved."

Seliph gave a sigh. "Well, back to subject." Seliph's arms rocked a little, a little indication he wasn't really happy about the truth Swift said. "My brothers need someplace to stay and well…I don't have any ideas. Do you two know somewhere?"

The two looked at each other, grins crossed their faces as they looked back. "Oh, but why ask? I mean, a place to stay for your brothers might be bad if it's from two mons you can't trust."

"Oh come on," Seliph exclaimed, crossing his arms with some frustration.

Swift and Garon chuckled a little as Swift resumed. "It's fine; we aren't that stingy. Besides, it's in our interest as well. Anyways, I think we might know of someone. You ever met your grandfather?"

Seliph raised a finger to muk chin to think. "Mother or father's side?"

"Father's" Garon answered, "Your mother's father passed before you were five."

"I see." Seliph shook his head and moves his arms to his sides. "Nope, I haven't ever really met my dad's father."

"Well, he's been out of Team Alpha since over two decades ago but he's still pretty strong despite age. His name is Abdule and…while he is a little strict he is probably our best option." Garon elaborated. "You see he trained a lot with some of the now Norfarion Generals when they were young and even participated in the Amestrian-Yveshian war. It's hard to really help keep him down."

"I agree," Swift said, turning his gaze to Seliph. "We met him once, he's some old guy yeah and a bit stubborn, but he'll do his best to keep you all okay. Plus, I know he'll be glad to know you three are alright. I mean, we didn't know you three were till you told us and proved it."

Seliph thought about the suggestion and despite how perfect this would fix things something about it seemed to deter him. After giving it some thought Seliph asked, "So, where does he live?"

"In Cordrian." Garon tilted his head as Seliph's faced changed from curiosity to discouragement. "What's wrong?" the large dragon asked.

"Cordian…in Norfair." Seliph gave a sigh. "Well, I suppose that would do for my siblings, I mean, Cordian is near the Cinder Faction capital so they can get training. More than likely, grandfather would have them undergo military schooling, correct?"

Swift gave a nod and added, "It is required by Norfarion law for at least two years of military education."

Seliph felt a little hesitant. "That would be pretty restrictive."

It was then Swift started to figure out what was deterring Seliph. He made his way to Seliph's side and looked up at him, saying, "Seliph, are you hesitant going to your homeland?"

"Huh me?" Seliph acted, "Why would I? I mean, it sounds perfectly-"

Swift wasn't buying it. He promptly interrupted with a "Seliph." The greninja looked at him as with what looked like a heavy but determined stare said, "Seliph, if you've been working on the formula for as long as you have and haven't figured out a means to even approach it. Then maybe you should turn it into the professionals."

Seliph scowled at this suggestion. "I can figure it out, I just need to research more. I can handle this, and with my brothers safely out of peril then I ca-"

"See, right there." Swift pointed at Seliph, who gave him a confused look. "That's your problem." Swift's kind tone was now replaced with one of sharp criticism, while Garon just watched with a wide-eyed stare at the scene unfold. "You keep wanting to do things yourself when you clearly aren't capable of doing it yourself. I don't know why you 'need' to do this, but I think it says a lot when you talk about having your brothers go to safety as 'out of the way'."

Swift walked over to the drawer and pulled it open. Seliph lashed out with his hand to shut it but Swift gave him a glare that made Seliph shudder inside. Swift then let go and faced him directly. "That mentality made you drop them in the first place, right? Not get any help until you absolutely needed it. Don't you get it Seliph? Something is wrong with you. This isn't some research to fix things, this is getting to be an obsession. It always is if you 'need' something and have to cut someone like your siblings out of your life."

"How dare you!" Seliph shot back. "You don't know my reasons for doing anyt-"

"I don't need to know to see how important it is to you," Swift replied back. "This hasn't been about a cure as much as it's been giving the red eyes what for, right?"

This attack on his integrity just made Seliph angrier. "What? Am I selfish for wanting to stop them‽"

"No, but you're misguided if you think that doing it by yourself will stop them." Swift walked away from the drawer and looked at him. "Seliph, you have a problem. You couldn't trust anyone but yourself and look where it has gotten you. Eight years of isolation. Working on your own to solve some 'evil juice', letting them grow up without their brother."

Seliph gave a grumble at this being brought up again. "I was keeping them safe. Why can't any of you see that‽ I was identified; they weren't. I needed them to stay somewhere safe so I could focus on unraveling that!" Seliph pointed at the drawer.

Swift gave a little chuckle making Seliph demand what was so funny. "You know what? Here's a funny idea, why didn't you come back to them and help them to Norfair when you had the chance? Why not be honest about why you had to leave?"

"I didn't have any chance and telling my brothers why would make them come after me."

"That's a lie unless they were on you all the time. There's no way even the red eyes could keep tabs on you for that long. I mean, you killed one of their iris leaders and that spurred them on you more, right? If you were just doing the formula, why not lay low then help your kin out to Norfair so you three could work together on this?"

Seliph crossed his arms and turned around. "You're awfully demanding of a scared twelve-year-old."

"Eight f**king years, Seliph!" Swift stated, "You had eight years to return. Yet you claim you researched on that formula and here you are not even closer to solving it than your mother. You basically let them grow up without you and didn't even bring anything from it."

"Why are you on my case for that‽" Seliph shouted, "They're happier there than running around with me all the time."

"So why not stay in Norfair once you sneak them out with you? Then they'd be even happier."

"I couldn't…ugh…you see," Seliph fumbled as Swift finally put the pieces together.

"Hmph, I get it." Seliph looked at him, wondering what he was about to say. "You're…" Swift's eyes turned from an angry scowl to one that looked concerned. He let out a sigh as he uttered, "You're…desperate."

Something in Seliph snapped at hearing that. He managed to stay quiet, but inside he was full of fury.

Swift let out a sigh as his stare ventured over to the drawer. "Seliph, are you sure you can handle that? I've heard stories about that formula. What some rehabilitating red eyes say. Like how there's something in there. Seliph, are you struggling against i-"

Seliph slammed his hand firmly on the desk cutting him off. "I can handle it," he exclaimed. "And if you had any sense you'd see my eyes aren't red." He firmly gestured to his angry blue eyes. Swift was about to clarify what he meant but Seliph had enough. "Would you just stop it‽ I've gone through enough hardship trying to find a damn cure without you adding to it!"

"Seliph, that's enough," Garon interjected.

"F**k off!" Seliph spat at him. "All you two have done since coming here is question me." The two mons looked at him with their unwavering attention as Seliph ranted. "First you bring up that I'm rushing it, then act like I had all the ability and time to make things right with my brothers not understanding what I was doing, and now you're calling me crazy‽"

"No, it's not that Seliph." Swift tried to explain but it was too late. Seliph walked to the door and opened it. "Tell Dolly whenever we decide what we'll do next I'll be there. Till then, I need some air from two finicky Norfairions breathing down my neck."

Swift's temper got the better of him at this. "I'm pressing this because it's important. I'm sorry you can't see past your own vista to notice what you're leaving lying as you go on. Seliph, Freya nor Gathor would want this for you."

Seliph faced him and angrily shouted. "Don't you dare use my parents against me!"

"I will if it means keeping you from dying a second time!" Swift shouted back. Their gazes were locked, with tension that if physical could cut even the hardest berry. It wasn't till Garon got up and separated the two that they stopped staring hatefully at the other.

"This isn't going to aid us." Garon looked from one to the other. "Seliph, Swift, both of you need to stop attacking. We're not each other's enemies. Swift," he looked down at the heliolisk, "as a member of Team Alpha, you know better than to rush head-on." Swift's gaze averted, with an irritated expression. "Seliph." the large dragon looked at the greninja. "I only ask you to keep yourself from isolating."

"I've had eight years of that and I managed to end a member in their Iris council. I'm fine Garon, I don't need your concern or worry."

The dragon put a talon on Seliph's shoulder. "I'll never stop being concerned for you. Not because you aren't capable, but because I and Swift care." Swift's eyes shifted a little from frustration to somber as his arms dropped to their sides. "Seliph, we'll do our damnedest to not lose any of you a second time. If we come off as too protective or restrictive because of that, I'm sorry but please don't think we aren't on your side."

Seliph's head fell slightly as he mulled over his ranting emotions and what Garon asked of him. "I'm…going for a walk." Seliph removed the talon as he let out a sigh. He walked over to the drawer and once again took out the vial. He stared at it with a firm gaze and clasped it firmly into his hands. "Swift…Garon."

The two looked at him. He faced them and said, "…Nevermind." He walked out and shut the door behind him, putting the vial into his vest as he left.

Swift's head fell, the feelings of guilt starting to show. "I shouldn't have been so hard on him for that."

Garon gave an agreeing sigh. They both looked at the door with concerned faces. After some time, Garon's face went to reminiscing. "I miss that face he made when we visited that one time." Swift looked at Garon, who was wiping his eyes a little with a talon. "He looked so…calm and content."

Swift once again looked at the door. He felt the pain in the past, the times Garon wept for their dead comrades and their dead kids. There was something about having seen them, their faces so happy and nice that made the news, the sight, the smell of destruction that their second visit brought that much more devastating. Swift's fist clenched. I need to make this right.

He walked for the door, prompting Garon to look. "Garon, I may be late for the meeting." His eyes darted to his friend as he requested, "If we aren't back in time, give the suggestion we talked about."

"Swift?" Garon walked over but stopped as Swift raised a 'stop' hand.

"I need to hear him out. Alone." Garon reluctantly gave a nod as Swift gave a smile at the understanding. "Thanks, friend," Swift said as he opened the door and headed out.

Garon's head fell. His feelings felt all over the place but mostly in worry. He let out a heavy sigh as he opened the door to leave the room as well.


< O >​


Heavy rain fell from the cloudy heavens above. The light of a night sky blanketed a small port town in shadow. The wind was howling and rocking some of the banners or loose things around that were in its way. The lower part of a dirty and worn brown cloak blew in the wind as its wearer walked through the alleys near the port. This mon was large yet kept dry from the cloak he wore.

"What we got here?" Someone said from behind the stranger, walking out from one of the openings. This weavile smirked a dark smile as the stranger turned his head slightly, not looking at him though. "Lost are we, viaggiatore," The mon said with a little chuckle under his breath. "Well, you must be a un viaggiatore straniero."

This weavile started walking towards him as four more popped out, surrounding the mon in the middle. "And well," one said with a dark grin, "this is a toll path."

The stranger exhaled as he said in a low tone. "I don't want trouble."

"Ah, your accent. So you're a fellow Valenor then, heh. Well, pay up what's on yah and we'll let you be on your merry way." Two of them walked around and stood at the stranger's sides.

"I possess no money," The stranger said. This initiated the one on the right to leap for the side. The stranger swung his large arm and knocked him away, but this was merely a diversion. The leader and one at the end fired ice beams at the stranger's chest and back while the leaped on the head and proceeded to slice. To his surprise despite being hit by two sets of ice beam, the stranger quickly pulled the weavile off and threw him into another.

The leader took his chance to turn it back to their favor. He leaped up and went for a slice at the head.



Nearby a little lotad boy was jumping in one puddle after another on the way home. He wore a happy little face as he nodded to two local peacekeepers, who gave smiles in return. "Stay safe on your way home," one said, to which he replied with, "yes sir." He splashed a little more along the way till the noise of something striking stone came from his right. Once he looked down the alley, he saw them. A brown cloaked stranger being attacked by four weaviles. Ones the boy had heard about in some news his father had said. Quickly the boy called for the rangers.

The leader weavile gave the stranger a smirk. His claws contain little clippings from scraping an aggron cheek. "That's your last warning," he said. To his surprise, the stranger stood up straight and tried to put his hood on. However, it was too late. "Wha? Heh, you're a red eye huh."

The other weaviles joined up with the leader right as the peacekeepers arrived. "Interrompere!" one shouted, readying an energy ball.

"Good to see you, sir," The leader said as he looked back at the mon. "Found this red eyes walking suspiciously down the alley. He tried resisting and we were having trouble. Red eyes are to be brought in and questioned, correct?"

"You four will come as well," the guard said with a stern tone. He walked over to the stranger with an inhibitor neckpiece. "Don't fight back."

"Please, I was merely defendin-" the stranger started trying to keep the guard from putting the collar on.

"Come on, we're just going to question you and sort this mess out." The guard tried to grab the aggron's head while the aggron attempted to pull the arm away. This little struggle resulted in the guard accidentally hitting the right side of the aggron's neck.

What happened next surprised the six as some mechanical noise activated and some form of metal was building on the stranger's face. The hood he had on was pulled off by the building, revealing the finished product of a dark, intimidating red light like an eye with armor plating all over the face.

"What the heck?" the guard said, dropping the neck inhibitor and slowly backing away.

Pathos gave a sigh as he pressed the thing on his neck again, deconstructing the helm. With a rather sad expression, Pathos looked at the guard. "Forgive me."

The guard tilted his head as the mon continued. "For not saving you from yourselves." In an instant, Pathos grabbed the mon by the throat and slammed him to the ground with enough force to break the skull. The other guard shot his energy ball, but the aggron dodged it with a quick step. He then aimed his arm and fired a powerful flash canon beam straight at the guard, knocking him into a wall. The mon's uniform and body were torn up on the left side from being scrapped on the wall by the powerful beam.

"What the-" the head weavile started, but didn't get to finish. As the firm grip of the aggron grabbed his forehead and back and twisted, snapping the neck. The aggron quickly lunged at another weavile, slicing his arms off with two Fury Cutter's swinging down. He quickly spun around and grated his fists together forming sparks from Autonomize.

"Let's get out of here!" one of the two last weaviles shouted as he rushed out, kicking the lotad boy in the process. The two ran, but they were no match for the speed of an autonomized aggron. He leaped up and crushed the leading one with his landing and twisted his body, stabbing the last one right through the head with a condensed Fury Cutter sticking out of the arm like a thin blade. He retracted it and let the body fall over as he walked down the alley, to the lotad trying to hide.

The boy looked up, terrified at the imposing figure of the murderer looking down at him. His red eyes, looking so cold, emotionless, and scary. The boy curled back as the aggron got down and moved his hand to the boy's head. "Hai un nome?"

In a quiet, scared voice, the boy replied with. "Lorenzo."

"Lorenzo…" the aggron's eyes lowered to a sad expression. "That's…a sweet name." The boy looked up, confused as the aggron moved his arm away. "I'm sorry, Lorenzo. Rest." Before the boy could even think a Furry Cutter spike from Pathos's fist swung up and sliced down upon him.

Pathos stood up, ensured the rest of them were dead and looked around at what was left. The stranger looked up at the sky, as the rain fell on his head. His eyes narrowed as if he was scowling at the clouds in the night sky. "Forgive me…" he said as if to their souls that now no longer resided in their bodies. "I will achieve success…for the sake of all of you. I must. Till then, please forgive my sin done to all of you. Lorenzo…" His fists clenched as a little growl came from under his breath. If emotions could be seen, Pathos would be covered with bother and rage. It never gets old…even though I know the truth. Perhaps… He looked at his open palm. There were scratches and cuts but it was still strong and able. Perhaps, I must feel nothing even in this wake, nothing that is enough to sway my mission. To think that I could kill a sweet boy younger than Ch-… He let out a sigh as his eyes stared up at the rainy clouds, rain striking his metal head. I know how far I've come, where my road ends, and yet you still linger in my heart. My burden to carry while I have the will to go on. I must go on. Pathos's head lowered as he mumbled a few silent words.

He closed his eyes and put his hood back on, walking away from the scene with a heavy scowl on his face and eyes that looked cold and lifeless. May your lives and souls be happy. Though your time here was cut short, I wish for you all peace in silence. Find rest wherever you are now.

Terms:

un viaggiatore straniero – a foreign traveler

Interrompere – stop

Hai un nome – You have a name?
 

Bay

6,382
Posts
17
Years
The first few parts of this chapter I already expected the boys to be crushed over Dresha's death. Probably will be a bit until they get better.

Hm, I admit Swift and Garon interrogating Seliph for the thousandth time is getting a bit tiresome. I already get that Seliph is too stubborn to get help and trust someone (and probably obsessed with that vital now). Seems like Swift will finally do something about that, though. There are a couple new tidbits though, like the grandfather and possible new location the boys will go.

Onto Pathos's scene. Oh boy that must be the most violent scene you've written so far. And whaaa Pathos killing Lorenzo. ;_;

On the grammar front, I noticed a few instances where you have more than one character speak in one paragraph. For instance:

"No, it's not that Seliph." Swift tried to explain but it was too late. Seliph walked to the door and opened it. "Tell Dolly whenever we decide what we'll do next I'll be there. Till then, I need some air from two finicky Norfairions breathing down my neck."

This paragraph I would separate Swift and Seliph's dialogue in separate paragraphs.
 

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
Posts
6
Years
Contains: Language [13]
Chapter 35
Trying to Look Deeper​


It was in the afternoon, at the docks in a Sorphian port trading town. No other mons were around the landing spot near the backs of the storage facilities. Only Daemon stood there, waiting as a boat slowly came and ported.

Trishula jumped over the side before the crossing came down and walked over to the ghost waiting. Once they were about three feet apart, Trishula stopped and they both just stared at the other. No greeting, no gestures, no words just absolute silence.

Daemon finally gave a cough. "It's been some time…Trishula."

The dragon gave a hefty sigh. "Let's just get this over with."

"Not even a hello?" Daemon said with a little lighter tone.

The dragon looked at him with an annoyed stare but finally caved in. "Daemon."

"Hello friend." Daemon extended his right arm to Trishula, who took the hand and shook it. "I hope it was a fine trip."

"Fine," Trishula started walking brushing, as Daemon joined his side.

"If you're wondering why I am here, I'm supposed to escort you to Brielle," Daemon informed Trishula, who merely gave a grunt as a reaction.

"I fail to see why I would need an escort."

Daemon shrugged, curling his fist and placing it under his chin as he admitted, "I'm at a loss to the reason as well. Your master, Azazel, didn't really say why." He lowered his fist and instead folded his arms behind his back during his continued speculation. "I figure he more than likely wanted me to bring you to have company that was familiar."

"Hmph." Trishula started walking faster, as if these words stung a little.

Daemon stopped and with a rather condescending tone woven into his formal speech said, "Perhaps, he wants you to cool down on the way here."

Trishula stopped, fists tightening and a little snarl.

"Am I incorrect to assume?" Daemon crossed his arms, on his chest this time, as Trishula remained silent. Assessing there was no need to pry further, Daemon decided to change the topic to a lighter subject. "I hope Plageues wasn't too obnoxious when he arrived. I wouldn't blame you if you sliced that tongue of his off but I at least hope he didn't bring it to that point."

Trishula turned his head slightly and once again look outwards. "No closer than you are bringing me right now."

"Why is that?" Daemon asked, though he pretty much knew the answer.

Trishula let out a sigh as he turned around to face the dusknoir. "Are you really going to force me on this?" He inquired, his eyes indicating irritation though lacking in his normal aggression.

"You know my answer." Daemon floated over to Trishula, whose eyes lowered and looked to the side rather meekly.

There was just silence for a while as Trishula's breathing slowed and Daemon twiddled his thumbs behind his back. Finally, Daemon uncapped his arms and said, "I understand." The ghost put a hand on the dragon's shoulder. "This mission meant a lot to you and Azazel pulling you out of this has cut your ego down."

"…You know that's not all," Trishula said, a little harried by Daemon's care pestering.

Daemon gave a little huff. "Well, then show me." He let go of the shoulder and instead gestured Trishula to follow him into a dark alley. Daemon then held out his hand for Trishula to take.

The dragon wore a rather shamefaced frown, hesitant to really partake.

"No artificial connections." Daemon floated closer, letting his hand fall to his side. "Trishula, it's been too long. Whatever Azazel did, whatever he told you, please understand you are mine and even Plageues's friend." Daemon took Trishula's hand gently in his, molded it into a fist, and cupped his around it as the dragon watched, a bit timorous at this action. "I don't want you to forget that. Now," Daemon opened the fist and moved it to his chest, looking firmly at Trishula.

"I couldn't ever forget that," Trishula stated firmly, looking to the side rather guilty. "I just…I don't…" Trishula looked at Daemon with an honest face and admitted, "he did so many soul links with me, I just don't…" he let out a sigh. "It makes me on edge."

Daemon shook his head slowly. "Forget how it makes you feel. Forget that you still have it. Azazel, may be your master, but he doesn't own what we three had and still have. Trishula," Daemon said, letting out a sigh, "You and Plageues keep me content even how I am. So please, let's talk. Azazel can't reach you in our soul link."

Trishula paused, looking down and thinking deeply. Despite this, Daemon's pleading and his own emotions won and he activated the soul link. Trishula's eyes closed and after a few seconds he opened them wide.

He was standing on a stone surface that was flat and carved into a mountain. His head shifted to a specific direction, as if he knew exactly where to look. His eyes fell upon a stadium made in the side of a mountain, exactly as he remembered it. It was lined with many rock carved rows with mons cheering and awing at the matches happening. He walked to the edge to watch from the edge above the mons below him, engrossed in the sport, and watched for a few seconds before looking left.

There it was, South City. The Sorphian border city, with its signature clock tower stood tall and high in the night sky, as did it's siblings in the other cardinal cities. Bright light came from inside the clock tower, illuminating the display of eleven o'clock that was seeable even from where Trishula stood.

"You seem to recall well," Daemon said, floating over to him. The normal shoulder overcoat Daemon was wearing was no longer there. His right shoulder was bare, showing a Norfairion crest. Daemon's one eye turned to look at a group of three mons not far from where they stood, watching the fights as well.

Daemon stroked his chin, focusing his attention on the young trio of a dusklops, a zoroark, and a fraxure; all excited and talking about the battles as they watched. "It feels so long ago. I know it's practically two decades, but still."

Trishula looked at the trio as well and asked his fellow observer, "Are we in yours or mine?"

"Mine of course," Daemon answered, folding his hands behind his back. "I wouldn't be so ill-mannered to request having a soul link with you and not being the mind to supply it."

Trishula gave a little grunt, with a slight smirk. "Typical of you."

"You almost sound offended," Daemon said, his eye indicating a friendly jest but with a point behind the joke.

Trishula gave a nod. "Indeed. Daemon, I suppose you can gather why I try to be strong."

"I presume from Azazel's teachings or just Azazel's watching eyes in general." The ghost began stroking his chin once more as Trishula looked up at the many stars.

"Yes and no." Trishula's eyes narrowed and Daemon listened intently. "For a long time, I've wanted to do something with my life that had a meaning and gave me a true purpose. That's why I left in the first place. Why I joined the red eyes, you know." The dragon looked Daemon's way. "I didn't choose Azazel as my master. For some reason he chose me. Said he saw something 'raw'."

"You mean, he saw something to use." Daemon's eye narrowed slightly. "That is after all his teachings, correct? Growing you into what he would deem as a purposeful use for the 'raw' he saw."

Trishula gave a slow nod. "I'm surprised he let me still interact with you both back then, even if it was rarely. I'd expect him to be concerned about me telling you or Plageues what he would do to me and all. But…" Trishula sat down, letting his legs dangle and tail curl. "There were moments."

"Moments?" Daemon asked, sitting his ghostly body down as well.

"Yes." Trishula looked at the match going on as Daemon kept his gaze firmly on Trishula. "There was something about him seeing potential in me…that made me pleased. If someone as horrible as him saw something in me that could carry something out, that's something, right?"

"That's a rather simple way to look at it." Daemon turned his one eye to the match. "After all, this is the second of the three pillars we are talking about. He, Pathos, and Mephiles created this entire organization. He isn't one to be treated or thought of as simple."

"I know, and just being around him has taught me that as well." Trishula's muscle relaxed. "It's why those moments, where he would emphasize the role he felt I could play. The goals I could reach seemed…" Trishula moved his claw forwards and looked at it. He whispered as if mustering a little vigor while he closed his claw, "It made me for once feel more than just being Vorice, but like I truly was more than that fraxure that ran away. And isn't that what being a red eyes is all about?" Trishula looked at Daemon, almost as if he was really asking the question for real. "Becoming more than you were."

"Perhaps…" Daemon let out a sigh as his left arm went over his right shoulder and clenched it a little.

Trishula took notice and after a few seconds of thought, put his left claw on it, surprising Daemon. "It's strange." Daemon looked at him and listened as he said in a rather reminiscing tone, "how someone so dark and cruel can have such a way with words…such a perspective."

"Perspective?" Daemon repeated, asking if Trishula could elaborate.

"Well…something he said to me once." Trishula closed his eyes for a second as if imagining the scene once more. He stayed like this for a few minutes in their link before finally opening them and looking straight and saying, "I think…we've caught up enough." The dragon stood up, taking his claw away before it had even been on there for three seconds. "We have to go to Brielle after all."

"Uh…right." Daemon nodded slowly, flustered but also a little depressed at them ending so quickly.

The soul of Trishula faded out of the link, leaving Daemon all alone. The ghost didn't leave immediately, just stared off at the rehashing of the battles and matches the three of them used to see back then. His eye lowered and his head turned to look at the group of three friends. His sight went on Trishula's Averion crest and from there trailed up to his smiling face, sitting happy in the middle of the two. Daemon just watched for some time, the feelings seemed almost resurfacing, like he was back in the body of a dusklops, just watching some tourney with his two best friends.

After a while, he got back up and let himself fade out of the soul link, but not before a little sigh escaped him.


< O >


The rain poured down upon the streets in Frantal. Some emura lights couldn't seem to aid passerby's much due to the amount of lines of rain that filled the space around them. The cloudy sky kept the town from the light of the moon and a little spring breeze blew to make the rain more angular.

Amid all this, Swift walked around. The hood off of his little fain cloak since as he looked around, trying to find Seliph. "Seliph," he would call again and again for some time, but to his dismay each time no answer would reply. After some time searching, he decided to go on a hunch and head to the library. It's possible I guess, he reasoned in his mind, After all, he was doing research there. Maybe he has more to do or look up.

The heliolisk started a jog on the wet dirt streets for about ten minutes before he finally found the library. Its old stone structure withstood the rain rather well as its silhouette in what little light the city had at this time, made it much more imposing than earlier when it was lighter. Swift carefully made his way to the first window and peeked in. No lights were on.

Hmm…just in case. Swift backed away from the building and shielded his eyes with his hand to try and spy a route up. Finally, Swift found a part of the building that looked scalable. He gave himself a self-assuring nod and got to climbing. Scaling ten feet of wet rock wasn't easy, but it helped that the building had a lot of openings and crevices as exterior design. Once Swift had safely made it to the balcony on the third floor he quietly looked for any opening. Called it. He muttered in his head at the sight of one of the angular windows slightly nudged open. Carefully, he lifted the window up and stepped inside and shut it behind him without making too much noise.

He found himself on some scaffolding on the top area of building's roof from the second and first floor. Walking along the beams, Swift tried to see if he could spy Seliph or whoever had made their entrance dripping rain water as he searched.

It wasn't long though before he heard a noise nearby. Quickly and Quietly, Swift darted to one of the vertical beams and froze. His heart beat sped a little and his eyes narrowed. Maybe…is that Seliph? Swift closed his eyes. Hmm…I hear…shuffling. Swift remained very, very still and even more alert. The shuffling was slow, like sneaking or perhaps long legs. A few breaths were being exhaled too.

It sounds…like someone walking…I should take a look. Slowly, he moved his head to the edge and twisted his face to just get a glimpse of the area without revealing himself too much. No one there, he muttered in his mind, maybe the other si- He stopped. His eyes shot open as he tensed extremely still. Slowly his head turned and eyes looked at the Night Slash knife aiming for his throat.

"Spying on me again?" Seliph whispered, his eyes showing his annoyance. Seliph let the dagger dissolve as Swift gave a sigh of relief.

"Actually," Swift corrected, but in a way to not sound snarky. "I wanted to talk to you."

"Haven't we already done enough of that? I don't need any more lecturing from you nor Garon." Seliph was about to walk away before Swift blurted out "Wait." Leading to Seliph to raise a "hush" finger to his mouth.

"Sorry," Swift whispered, but quickly followed with, "Seliph, I'm not here to argue. I wanted to apologize. What I said was uncalled for. I was being unfair, okay."

"Hmph," Seliph grunted, "Think pretty apologies are going to make me just forget the 'desperation' you happened to point out?"

Swift shook his head. "No, of course not. I'm really worried about you Seliph."

"I didn't ask for your worry, just your help." Seliph coldly crossed his arms.

Swift cupped his arms behind his head and tilted his body over. "Well, then why did you call us over?" Swift inquired with a grin.

Seliph gave him an unamused look and rolled his eyes. "I told you both already and even just now. You're really annoying; you know that?"

"Heh, Garon makes sure to remind me," Swift replied with an eye closed grin and cheery smile. This positive nature left as Swift opened his eyes and looked down. With a little hefty sigh, Swift undid his relaxing pose and got to the point. "Look Seliph, I am really sorry." The rueful heliolisk walked over as Seliph sat down on the beam.

Seliph just stayed silent, taking out his vial and eyeing it. "I don't know why you both think I can't handle it when I've done so for eight years."

"I suppose it's more of what happened and all rather than what we know you can do." Swift sat down next to Seliph and looked at the vial along with him. "That is a rather…Is it supposed to feel…uhm, weird looking at it?"

"Yes, the feeling it makes you have is…odd to say the least." Seliph cupped the vial in his hands before looking up, "It's like part of me wonders what is in there. What thing is in there? I know it's more than just some liquid or biological makeup, but then what else could it be or have to make it so enticing and yet scary to the eye?" Seliph stood up and crossed his arms. "I've done many tests and well nothing so far, like you said. It's … frustrating."

Swift stood up too and said while he squeezed some of the water from his drenched rain cloak, causing the water to splatter on splatter on the beam. "So, what are you doing here anyways?"

Seliph gave him an annoyed look for a second, but finally let out a sigh and explained. "I wanted to follow up on the Aegis research. Double checking, you know. I believe Vragon is Aegis…or rather his vessel."

"So." Swift looked to the beam he was once at, looking away from Seliph in the process. "I take it you did some kind of test or comparison?"

"Yes, and well…his gift more than likely is Savoire."

Swift turned around and once again got into his 'arms behind head and slightly tilted to the side' pose and gave Seliph a curious look. "Savoire is Aegis's gift right?"

"Yes," Seliph nodded, "I did some follow up research here just to make sure there was no contradiction or other comparison to be made. Savoire acts as a synergy transfer gift like many others, but the special thing about it is that it isn't as limited as the others. In fact it can do many things; I suppose it's just a matter of discovering it."

"Well, if he is Aegis's vessel then, I guess that means he has a bigger target on his back. Meaning, we'll have to be extra wary to keep him safe." Swift's head looked down as his eyes went a little sad. "Seliph, I don't like-"

"I know…" Seliph's right fist tightened around the vial. "It's unfair. The fact he is a vessel and what that entails is so…ugh. I can't imagine how it would feel being possessed like that. I had a traumatic experience with mental invasion once, though it wasn't a complete takeover but more some bi**h wanting information. It was…during the attack that my parents died in." Seliph's head lowered as his eyes grew a little more depressed and calm as he reflected upon that night.

Swift noticed this and took the opportunity to walk closer and sit down, letting his legs dangle off the beam. "If you want…we can talk about it. Move on from what we were discussing before things got so…hectic and heated." Swift moved his arms back to prop up leaning his back as he looked at Seliph and said with a newly raised brow, "What's so important about this thing you couldn't tell us?"

Seliph gave him a 'really' look and said, "If I wasn't going to tell you then why would I tell you now?"

"Fair point." Swift looked down over the dark library as he swung his legs a little. "We don't have to talk about that if you don't want to. But…" Swift paused as he looked at one of the large front windows tanking the rain from outside." It'd be nice to catch up on things. Hear some stuff from you, even if it's not for too long. Maybe even some nice stories you could tell."

"Why are you trying so hard to warm your way into my life?" Seliph gave him a serious look.

Swift was sort of surprised at how quickly things escalated so he paused for a bit. Finally, a sigh escaped his mouth as he rest his arms on his legs and looked back down again. His eyes were narrow and somewhere distant. "It's because I care about you and the others. I want to be close to the kids of my friends. It'd…be like making up to them for my lackings."

Seliph raised a brow at that last sentence, not sure what Swift was referencing. Slowly, Seliph sat down and also dangled his legs. "Swift, uhm…I can't exactly tell you what is so 'important' since well…it's important and the less you know the bett-"

Swift interrupted with, "I knew about your vial before you even showed it to me and Garon." Swift gave him a look that was asking to be taken seriously.

"It's not the vial," Seliph clarified, "That secret is rather counterintuitive to keep from you and Garon." Swift raised a brow as Seliph looked straight in front of them at the wall above the large library door. "Swift, I was given something important and well…I can't tell you what it is." Seliph felt strange, like he couldn't just let it end there. Feelings of connection seemed to bring themselves in and he mumbled, "But I can say that it is indeed related to the liquid in here."

"So it's information?" Swift asked, raising a brow.

"Yes, but not told to me. Something I found out myself, I guess. This red eyes liquid…" Seliph let out a sigh as he tensed up. "I thought, I heard it say something."

Swift's eyes widened. "Heard it say something?"

"It felt like that." Seliph's eyes narrowed, almost in a way that felt foreign to Swift. It was like Seliph's mind was all tracked upon some dark thought that was trying to etch its way out. "It felt like it knew me. Was speaking to me intentionally."

"Knew you? Wait, are you saying it's alive?" Swift scooted closer, his curiosity and concern building as Seliph continued on with his explanation.

"Well, I don't know if it's alive. But." Seliph paused. What am I doing? Seliph thought in his head, as he started to get a little nervous. Why the heck am I- Seliph stopped as Swift made a little coughing noise to get his attention.

"Seliph," Swift said, looking straight out into the library below. "I know what it is like to not want to trust someone. To feel like you have to do something to be worthy or whatever….But I am sorry I overstepped my bounds; it was misguided care." His eyes shut as he continued. "But…I want to help you. I want you to know you aren't alone, that I'm here for you. You've been through a lot, you've seen a lot and it's time I treat you like you have. You aren't a kid like when I last saw you; you're a grown ass adult, so it's time I treat you like that. Seliph, I'm sorry, can you please let me make it up to you?" Swift looked up at Seliph, trying his best to have the most sincere gaze ever as Seliph stared back.

"I…uh…" Seliph looked to the side and then to the vial. "I understand your concern. It's not that I don't understand where you are coming from; it's just…I…can't be wrong about this." Swift remained Silent as Seliph's voice started raising and his eyes narrowing. "I can't be wrong about it, okay!" He ranted, "Do you understand how it would feel?" He stood up, and looked down at Swift with angry eyes. "How it would feel to know you were wrong and that you made a journey for eight years making you, your brothers, and your parent's friends all suffer and grow detached for it? Do you have any idea what a weight like that feels like‽ Do you know if you could handle the pressure of that being a looming plausibility over you‽"

Swift listened with mature understanding. He stood up and looked at the desperate greninja. "I don't know Seliph," he honestly admitted. He moved his hand to rub the back of his head and looked back at the library windows at the front again. "I just know how it is to grow up weaker than the others."

Seliph grew silent and listened to Swift calmly bearing his thoughts and feelings.

"To only really be looked up to by one person, working hard to join a team that would treat me and Garon well, and wanting to be strong and brave like them." Swift looked at Seliph with a sympathetic look. "You've been lonely for a long time, like I was before I met garon. We have that…in common. I grew to trust Garon when I needed it and I want you to trust me, because I think you need it too. I know it's risky, but deep down…somewhere inside you, Seliph, I know you remember me and that I'd never try to hurt you or go against you not out of concern or worry. I wasn't there for your parents, but I want to be there for you and your brothers. I don't care how long I have to say it, just so long as you'll understand that it's true and sincere."

For a few seconds, they both just stared straight at each other. Seliph's eyes started to water up as his scowl became less convincing with ever sniffle that escaped. His eyes struggled to look at the older heliolisk as his fists and legs felt like they wanted to throb like crazy.

Finally, his legs gave way as his knees hit the plank they resided on. The greninja sniffled and wiping his eyes with his arms. "I've lost everything, Swift." He said amongst the whimpers and tear wiping. "I have to stop them. I have to for parents. My mother, her words are all I have now and I need to stop those bastards that killed my father. This vial…" He leaned onto all fours as his tears changed from rolling down his face to dropping onto the hard surface of the wood. "I can't be wrong…I've lost too much to let them win."

Swift's own tears started to form a little at seeing Seliph's true sad state. He looked to the side as his fists tightened. He wiped his tears away and leaned in, putting his arms on Seliph's shoulders. "Seliph," he said, as Seliph's blue eyes met his own blue eyes. "I'm so sorry we were too late to help."

Seliph's sniffles broke as he hugged Swift, crying a little. "Uncle Swift," Seliph mumbled amid his sniffles, causing Swift to tear up a lot at the old title given to him by a little froakie boy.

Swift broke form and joined with Seliph in their weeping but tender embrace. Letting out the pains of eight years passing from the buildup caused by one regret.


< O >


Ciecro sat at the back door of the inn, watching the rain drip down all over. The only thing making him feel worse than it raining when he wanted to go for a walk was being struck with post-lashing out guilt. It wasn't warranted and he knew that, but he just wanted to be alone during after hearing what happened. Still, despite how the group probably wouldn't blame him, he didn't feel the same way about it.

I should apologize, but…ahgh, damnit, Ciecro ranted in his head. He stood up and looked out at the rain falling a few feet from him. Memories started to appear in his mind, memories with Miss Dresha, who's now gone. His fists tightened and he snarled, "What do dey wan' from us?"

The frustrations crept up on him as he let out an angry sigh. His eyes shut as his eyes closed and his nerves went still. As if frozen in time, Ciecro just sat in front of the rain, motionless. Not even the noise of the rain seemed to even bother him, even if a small little strange somehow found its way to his charmeleon scales. But I can't right now. I jus'…don' tink I can witout… He let out a small growl as continued to just listen to the rain around him.

His trance was cut off as someone sat next to him. He turned his head to look. "…Jaz."

The absol walked over to his side, looking at him with worry, concern, and sadness. "Are you holding up okay?"

Ciecro just stayed silent, his eyes narrowing as if her presence was making him annoyed.

Jasmine sat down next to him and started with, "Ciecro, I'm sorry tha-"

"Please…lemme be alone." Ciecro gave a sincere look to accompany his words.

She let out a sigh as she looked at the rain. "I know you want to be alone right now. But Ciecro," she turned her head to look at him. "What benefit will you get by being alone at this time? I know it hurts right now, but I'm here and so are the others. I just want to help you through this."

Ciecro looked down, not responding or gesturing anything. It was like he had forgotten she was there and simply remained back in his old position. After a few minutes of stone cold silence, Jasmine got the message.

"I'll be waiting when you need us." She got up and walked back inside, leaving Ci,ecro alone with his thoughts.

With a heavy face, she headed back to her room. I want to help him but, argh, I don't know what to do! Last time I pressed it, it went horribly wrong, but just waiting for him to come to me is just…ugh, so nerve wracking. She shoved the door to hers and Dolly's room and sat down, depressed with worry. What if he does something stupid? What if he needs me now and just doesn't know it? She curled a little onto the floor, lying down on her side. I mean, I know Dolly wouldn't let me be alone when I was very sad. No matter how many times I felt guilty for leaving or missing my sisters, she'd remind me that I'm cared for here and that while she wouldn't stop me from going back, she'd advice against it right now. Jasmine then rolled onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. I just don't want him to do something to himself or others. Ciecro isn't bad, but when something like this happens. Argh! I just feel so powerless right now and I hate it! She growled up at the ceiling and just let herself go limp. Having vented the frustration in her head, she was slowly starting to calm down, till her quiet space was interrupted.

"Jasmine?" a voice said, coming from her door. Startled, Jasmine opened her eyes to see Vragon at the open door, staring at her in a rather perplexed manner. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you or interrupted whatever you were, uhm…doing on the floor," he apologized, trying not to flare red from thinking he came in at a bad time. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his head and looked at the door frame, a subtle attempt to avoid looking at her longer.

"Oh, it's fine." Jasmine casually said rolling back onto her legs as Vragon let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank arceus," he whispered to himself.

"Did you need something?" Jasmine asked, sitting down looking at him.

"Not really, just wanted to talk since well…" Vragon started to awkwardly rub the back on his head again. "Ciecro wants to be alone and Dolly is with Jaron right now."

"Oh?" Jasmine gave a nod. Taking the time to look at Vragon, she couldn't help but notice he seemed rather down too, guilty maybe. She lied down on her stomach and asked, "Something bothering you?"

Vragon gave a sigh, "Yeah."

"Wanna, talk about it?" The absol gave welcoming look as the embarrassed and guilty fraxure rubbed the back of his head, a frown on his face. "I mean, I'm worried about them too. And well, kind of found out the hard way Ciecro wanted to be alone."

"Oh…sure. The hard way," Vragon replied, a little bit bothered to think if Ciecro yelled at Jasmine too. He entered the room and sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the lying Jasmine as she said, "How are you holding up?"

"I've had time to process it, though it still feels…unreal," He admitted, looking at the window, "I mean, Miss Dresha has been good to us and just hearing that she's gone is enough to well…" A sigh escaped his mouth as his head lowered and eyes shut curving into a scowl. "It makes me angry. Makes me frustrated and mad, but also very..." He didn't finish, leaving an awkward silence for a few seconds before Jasmine spoke again.

"Vray, you think they're going to be okay?"

Vragon looked up at her and shrugged. "Dunno, maybe since this isn't the first loved one they've lost as much as I hate to say that. Though, it will probably take time. Especially since neither were up for talking about it."

"Not even Jaron?" Jasmine inquired, her eyes widening a little at this news.

"Yep," Vragon answered with a sorrowful sigh following. "Didn't want to talk to me. I'm glad Dolly is talking to him, but yeah…It feels so weird not being the one he is or wants to talk to right now. Guess, it's fair though. Dolly is probably better equipped right now than me." The two looked down at the floor, their faces showing just how useless they felt right now.

"I wish there was something we could do for them too." Jasmine stretched out a little. "It's not good for them to go through this all alone, and I'm glad Dolly is at least helping one of them. But…I don't know what to do to help and I wanna help. But I'm worried I'll just make it worse."

"I can relate though…" he paused for a second, gathering his words. "I can't help but feel that…I'm part of all of this."

"Why do you feel like that?" Jasmine asked, going back to a sitting position. Her sudden focus caused the fraxure to struggle to say it, so Jasmine decided to take a guess to help him out. "Is it because we think it was one of the red eyes after you that did it?"

He pointed at her with his middle fraxure finger and stated, "Yep…you called it." After he dropped his claw back into his lap, he started twiddling them to help with how uneasy he felt. "I mean, if I wasn't their target it wouldn't be going on in the first place."

Jasmine gave him a "really…" look making him feel even bad. She let out a sigh and thought about a nicer way to put it. After some time of thinking, she finally asked him, "Does Dolly share that sentiment?"

"Well no," he admitted, stopping his finger play to look at her green eyes.

"Good, then don't believe whatever is telling you that."

"But that doesn't make it right," Vragon protested.

"How exactly do you make 'death' right, Vray?" Jasmine inquired, raising on of her brows in a quizzical way. "Death may be natural, but that doesn't mean it's a good thing. And it's not even like you asked them to come, it was merely you existing. How can you blame yourself for their actions on Dresha?"

"I…I dunno, it just. I mean, I'm part of the cause, correct?"

"And why does that matter let alone justify blaming you?" She stood on all fours and looked at him with assurance as she reasoned with him. "The same could be said for Ciecro and Jaron too. I mean, do you want to blame yourself for the death, because that's an outlandish idea." Jasmine eyed him with a determined look making his earlier frustrated shrink down when facing this.

He let out a little sniffle as Jasmine walked over. "Listen Vragon," she said, softly brushing his head with her front right paw, "Now is a sensitive time for us all. But blaming yourself for the part you have in it isn't going to make Jaron nor Ciecro feel better. The most we can do," she paused for a second, as if trying to say it to herself as well, "is to wait for them to let us back in. Like Dolly would always say to me. 'The worse you can do, is rush someone when they need to slow down.' So let's not rush them, but instead be there when they need us, okay?" She gave him a big smile as he sniffled, wiping his eyes a little.

"Okay," Vragon said, putting on a weak but agreeing smile. He got to his feet feeling better. Suddenly, a strange grin crossed his face.

"What?" Jasmine asked.

"You know, you sounded a lot like Dolly there," Vragon pointed out.

"Well duh." Jasmine gave a little flip of her head and an egotistical grin, "I'm around her a lot. Of course I'd rub off of her good traits."

"So you're saying that her humor isn't a good trait?" Vragon stated with a mischievous grin and brow raised.

"I mean, we are talking about the same Dolly, right?" Jasmine answered, not sure what Vragon was up to. "Her puns make me want to hit my head on something."

"Well," Vragon crossed his arms and leaned in a little. "Ciecro, likes them."

"And?" She said, a little skeptical at what he was trying to hint at.

"Well, I'm just saying." Vragon slowly started backing up to the door. "Maybe, he'll appreciate you more, if you develop a sense of humor."

"Excuse me?" Jasmine demanded, facing him. "What do you mean, 'develop a sense of humor'? I can make good jokes."

"Yeah…no." Vragon darted down the hallway as Jasmine pursued demanding he take that back before she catches him.

As Vragon tried to avoid getting caught by Jasmine he couldn't help but chuckle a little in his head. At least she's not focused on Ciecro and I'm taking a break from Jaron. They both aren't just kids anymore so I need to be patient and stuff. This looks like a good way to distract myself, I hope….Since I came up with this on the fly. Now to just avoid her killing me.


< O >


"This is beyond boring," Rosa grumbled, looking up at the ceiling from her lying on a stone row, levitating rocks into orbits around a bigger one with her mental powers. "How long do they expect us to wait? I mean, did they think it'd take a psychic and someone with freaking vines a while to get everything set in order?" she ranted to herself aloud.

"Normally, I'd probably tell you not to worry your pretty little head over it, but even I'm getting impatient too," Del admitted, sitting up to look at Rosa. "Want to do somethi-"

"No."

"Oh come on, am I that detestable to you?" Del protested.

"Where do I start?" Rosa said, closing her eyes and letting the rocks tall onto the floor on both sides of her.

Del gave an annoyed sigh. "You know, Rosa, you aren't very fun. I bet Daemon is more fun than you."

"Please," Rosa replied, not looking or even so much as move her head. "Daemon is about as fun as Plageues is charming."

"So, then why do you hang out with him anyways, if you clearly don't like him?" Del asked, leaning back a little.

"I don't hate him if that's what you are asking." Rosa opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling. "He's just…very specific and focused. It can get old."

"Ah yes, he is a male of work and all." Del laid back down and the two looked up at the ceiling. "So…what do you think of him?"

Rosa rolled her eyes as she rolled onto her side, trying to indicate she wasn't interested in talking about Daemon.

Of course, this just made Del even more curious. "Oh, so it's more than just teacher then, right."

"He didn't teach me Delilah," Rosa grumbled rolling to her other side. She was about to continue but stopped abruptly. Her eyes looked to the left as she rested on her side, showing slight discomfort from almost going into it.

"Oh? So what is he to you then?" Del inquired sitting up once again to look at the now unsure Rosa.

"…It's none of your business." Rosa's eyes returned to their stern self and she rolled to her other side.

Del looked up, pondering on what Rosa was hiding. She gave herself a little devious chuckle. Maybe I should ask the Ghost when he gets here. Might rile her up.

Del's thoughts were interrupted however as a third voice called out to them. "Slacking are we?" Del and Rosa sat up to look at the newcomer.

It was a lurantis with light tan lines for color and whose pincers were slightly smaller than average but very sharp and durable. She looked at the two in a rather disapproving manner as she stopped about seven feet away and continued what she had started upon entering. "Or do you both just enjoy doing the bare minimum?"

"Excuse me‽" Rosa spat, getting off her temporary stone bed, "What do you mean by this, 'bare minimum' crap? We set this all up here you twat."

"Oh yes," the lurantis insincerely agreed, "Well, then you must not want to get picked for setting these things up again, because aligning some rows is what anyone would define as 'bare minimum' for an Iris meeting."

"Tck, and what would you know about it, Ipsiato?" Rosa scoffed.

"More than you, apparently," Ispaito calmly countered. Placing a pincer on her hip and giving a rather condescending look, Ipsiato added, "or do you have a different explanation on why I'm on the center iris rank and you're still mid-tier?"

"Hmph," Rosa grumbled crossing her arms. "Simple, you've been here longer."

"And that helps your case about me not knowing anything about it, because?" Ispiato gave a calm scowl to Rosa's clearly aggressive one.

As these two locked their stares like blades, Del got off her spot and walked over. "So, Ipsiato, why are you here so early?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Ipsiato responded, turning her displeased frown now to Del. "I'm here to ensure things are set up accordingly. What kind of leader would I be if I didn't make sure things were going smoothly?"

"Oh please dear, don't have me answer that." Del gave a little giggle at her subtle little shot that made Ipsiato sneer at her.

"Anyways," the annoyed lurantis said, walking past them to look at the set up. "This could use some work. So let's start with-" Ipsiato stopped at the sound of Rosa giving an annoyed moan. She spun around and said in an impatient tone, "Oh please, you're a psychic; you have about as much excuse to be lazy as Corviac has reason to teach anyone."

"Hmph, well why don't you do it yourself if you're sooooooo much classier," Rosa sassed.

"You're supposed to be an adult, Rosa," Ipsiato rebuked.

Rosa faced the grass type, took a deep breath, and snarkily said, "And I am one. It's just I don't take kindly to miss 'I know everything' coming in and lecturing me for no reason than to bolster her ego. What is it, your lifeline?"

"What‽" Ipsiato shouted as the two began hashing it out verbally, back and forth.

Del just watched, very amused at the fight going on. However, suddenly a voice came from behind her.

"Does Lesath have you to thank for setting them off?"

Del turned around to see a wobbuffet no more than two inches away from her; his face just facing hers and quite closely. She gave a little soft chuckle and took two steps back. "No, that's just them letting out the bi**h in them."

He gave her a rather skeptical look, despite his eyes being shut. "Lesath think you are the lying."

"I mean," Del defended, "How long have you been observing?"

The wobbuffet gave a little wobble and replied with a monotone high voice, "Since Lesath got here three minutes after Ipsiato did."

This answer amazed Del. "Wait really? You've been here that long? How come I didn't notice you?"

Lesath didn't change face, just merely stated. "Lesath very good at not drawing attention to Lesath. Helps when fight of bi**hes goes on and Lesath make little noise when moving."

"Right," Del answered, drawing out the word. As she was still processing this, Lesath spoke up once more.

"So did plant lady cause this?"

"No," Del replied, getting a little annoyed at not being called by name. "'Plant Lady' didn't cause this."

Lesath paused as he just kept his face locked onto her form, remaining still and starting to make Del feel a little uneasy. "Lesath detect mockery," He said slowly, "Does plant lady know what Lesath think of mockers?" Before Del could reply, Lesath leaned forwards a little and answered, "Inner iris council member, Lesath, think mockers should be limbless or in plant lady's case…headless."

Del froze at this as Lesath moved back to his original posture. They both stood there in awkward silence, the only sound being Ipsiato and Rosa's argument getting louder by each passing minute. "They're arguing starting to bug Lesath," Lesath stated, twitching a little in annoyance.

"Correct." Del looked up to see, who said this. Her eyes fell upon a rampardos entering. His body looked a little cut and some spikes nicked or broken, but still in good shape and fortitude. His face had the normal red eyes like them all, but a few cracks were around his right eye that went up a little to the start of the blue round head spike that rampardos have. "I took the liberty to have a look around before entering in here."

"Why?" Del asked, "I mean, no one is going to attack let alone think there's some kind of-"

"I'm the cautionary type." He gave her a little stern look as he headed left to look around.

More like the paranoid type. Del muttered in her head.

"That not nice thing to think say," Lesath suddenly stated.

Del looked at Lesath confused at first, till she figured he had read her mind. "You know," she said, turning to him, displeased. "It's awfully rude to read a lady's thoughts without permission."

"Lesath read everyone he can, in case Lesath is required to terminate them."

The response sent a surge of unease throughout Del. She decided to leave the plain-faced wobbuffet alone and instead head over to Skrelle, who was busy looking at the walls. "So uhm…" Del started, trying to stay a conversation, "Skrelle."

Without a word, he turned to face her and gave a respectful nod, something Del wasn't quite expecting and was a little flattered by it.

"Oh, well uhm…" Del looked down at the stone rows as a sigh escaped her mouth. "Do you know what will be on the agenda?"

"I shouldn't discuss the topics before it starts, however." Skrelle looked at the wall, causing Del to once again return her attention to him. "I can say that today's meeting will be focused on reassuring the members."

"Hmm…What about updates? Like the Amestria project?" As she asked, Skrelle's eyes narrowed in a way that seemed almost bothered. "Oh, sorry…I'll wait." Did I say something wrong?

"Yes you did," Lesath commented as he waddled over. "You said something that bothered Skrelle."

Del and Skrelle gave aggravated moans. "Lesath," Skrelle said, turning to face him, speaking in a tone trying not to lecture him as much as just calmly correcting. "I appreciate the concern and informing me, but you don't need to keep tabs on her."

"But Lesath heard question. Lesath answer question that was relevant to her and you." Lesath looked up to him, his eyes still closed. "Did plant lady annoy you, Skrelle? Should I punish plant lad-"

"No, Lesath, she didn't do anything wrong."

Lesath looked at Del and muttered. "But plant lady said you were paranoid, therefore she on Lesath's suspect list."

"Suspect list?" Del repeated, confused and slight bit concerned.

"Yes," Lesath stated, "list of mons Lesath will watch and remove should they prove threateni-"

"Lesath, stop!" Skrelle harshly commanded, and Lesath snapped his focus to Skrelle. "A simple phrase that is critiquing me isn't enough to warrant her name on a hit list."

"Wait, hit list‽" Del exclaimed, looking at Skrelle for answers.

Skrelle gave a sigh. "He has it in his mind that anyone that openly shows some kind of disapproval of me or other members of the inner Iris is enough to deem them suspicious. Pay it no mind."

Del gave a reluctant nod as she looked back at Lesath. Lesath moved his arm's end to his forehead and said, "Lesath won't punish if Skrelle request Lesath not to. Be nice to Skrelle, else Lesath will burn you to ashes and eat them."

Del froze, Skrelle facewalled, and Lesath gave a little smile. "Skrelle," he said, looking up to rampardos, "those two bi**hes are still fighting. Beginning to annoy Lesath."

"Ugh, I'll handle it," Skrelle stated with annoyance. So they keep their tongues at least.

Skrelle started walking over to the arguing girls with Lesath waddling behind him. "But their tongues are root cause for noisiness."

"I don't care Lesath," Skrelle grumbled, "we can't just take everyone's tongues that annoy us."

"Why not?" Lesath genuinely asked.

What the actual fu**? She said in her head, these are our inner council members? To think, I finally go to a meeting and find out one of our heads if a psychopath that reads min-…oh dear. Del froze as she looked at Lesath, whose face was directed at hers, despite eyes being shut. Del just stood still as Lesath mouthed something that made her shudder, then waddled after Skrelle.

"I think it says a lot about you if you're getting riled up at being asked to do a job correctly," Ipsiato shouted.

Rosa gave a huff and hair flip. "How about you take your sorry ass and fix this place up to meet your stupidly high bar standards instead of demanding it from me. I did do the job fine; you just want it to fit your polished standards because you're an overachiever that annoys everyone around you."

Ipsiato lashed out, "How about you stop acting like a little girl!"

"How about you take initiative to adjust the room to suit your sensitivity yourself instead of asking me to do extra for the sake of your dumb-"

"How about you broads stop arguing over a simple room layout for a meeting." Skrelle gave an angry stare at them both and in a low tone added. "It is petty and stupid to argue over something like this. Ipsiato you need not be set off so easily considering your rank and Rosa you should honor the words of your superior even if it sounds silly."

The two crossed their arms and turned their heads away with huffs. The both gave annoyed stares at the walls they were now looking at while Skrelle gave a sigh as Lesath waddled up.

"Broads are rude. Lesath punish rude mons." The two rolled their eyes at Lesath's words. "…Lesath serious." He started flailing his arms around. "Lesath enact punishment fo-"

"Lesath…guard duty…now." Skrelle gave him a stern look and the wobbuffet faced Skrelle. He gave an obedient nod and waddled his way back to the stairs.

"Lesath tear off Ipsiato's pincers and Rosa's body dress later," he muttered loud enough for the four to hear as he left the room, leaving Rosa and Ipsiato to sneer at him when he left.

"Moron," Rosa grumbled.

"Dull-witted," Ispiato muttered.

"Enough," Skrelle ordered, facing the two. "Enough bickering. This is an important meeting, as you know full well, Ipsiato." He focused his scowl at Ipsiato, whose angry face slowly started to go ashamed.

The lurantis's head fell slightly as she uttered a sigh. "Yes sir…sorry, Skrelle."

"It is pardoned," Skrelle answered with a calmer, friendlier expression. He gave her nod and turned his focus to Rosa. "Rosa," Rosa looked back at him with a scowl, "All of you go with Lesath and keep watch. I will finish preparing things here."

Rosa gave a little huff and started heading out with Del, who was already at the stairs but not because she was asked to. More just so Lesath couldn't sneak behind her, even though she hadn't taken off her stare on the wobbuffet since he lipped something threatening to her.

Ipsiato was about to go too, but stopped due to a sudden Skrelle's request.

"Yes?" she asked, looking at the older rampardos.

Skrelle's eyes lowered and looked to the side. "You know…I feel uneasy about having this meeting."

"Are you really concerned we'll be attacked or something?" Ipsiator asked, in a rather concerned tone. "I mean, I understand if you feel uneasy knowing there are potential troublemakers in the members attending bu-"

"It's not that." He walked over to the stairs and looked up them. "I…I feel uneasy with our recent moves."

"You mean Amestria specifically?" she guessed.

"Yes…maybe…I don't know." His eyes shut and head fell. "I just hope, I'm not chosen to go there."

Ipsiato walked over and stood next to him. "Well…I'm sure you won't be chosen. More than likely, they'll keep you here in Sorphia and all. I mean, no offense, but you are getting a little old."

Skrelle gave her a little jesting snort. "Old huh? Well, good to know this sixty-eight year old can still silence a room with a stern call to order."

They chuckled a little. "I have a feeling we'll need it." Ipsiato gave him a warm smile as Skrelle looked back with his own. They stared at each other's red eyes for a little with mutual respect till Ispiato, finally, started heading over to the stairs, leaving Skrelle to just watch her ascend the stairs out of sigh.

Old huh, Skrelle though as he turned around, looking at the area ahead and assessing how to approach it. He cracked his neck on both sides as he gave a determined smirk. Well…I still can do a lot. I'm not ready to stop now. Better than just sitting around trying to do something I can't.

Names:

Ipsiato - [Ip - see - ah - toe]

Lesath - [Leh - sath]

Skrelle - [Skrehl]
 
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Bay

6,382
Posts
17
Years
Interesting memory/soul link between Daemon and Trishula there. Seems like Trishula is questioning his role in the organization and such.

Finally Swift and Seliph get a heartfelt conversation of what's been going on. Glad Seliph finally clears up his bottled up emotions. Him calling Swift Uncle there is sweet.

Last scene looks like a few new characters have been introduced. I'm guessing they're other members of the red eye council? Got a bit crowded and was trying to keep track who is who (Lesath is easier though due to his speaking style haha).

A couple grammar/style stuff before I go. I've been noticing you're going passive voice again. For instance, "gave a nod", "let out a sigh", etc. In those instances active voice would make the narration read and flow better (he nodded, she sighed, etc).

"Uh…right." Daemon nodded slowly, flustered but also a little depression at them ending so quickly.

"A little depressed" you mean?
 
25,439
Posts
11
Years
Reviewing Chapter Four.

Ah yes, there's the attack we've been anticipating for the past three chapters. It's quite a good effect to slowly build the anticipation for three chapters and then on the fourth to suddenly ratchet it up several notches. I'm glad you didn't break the tension yet though and have instead elected to keep it at high alert for a while.

The action itself is quite good also. It was nice to see a display of just how formidable Freya and Gathor are. You keep the sequences short and concise, which you should with fight scenes, it helps translate the speed and urgency to the reader. That being said, you don't need to totally abandon description when you make the switch to the shorter, sharper phrasing used for combat. It would add a lot to the visualisation of the scene if you added a little more description to the actions being undertaken. Remember, adjectives are your friend.

You did some more nice character work in this chapter too. It was good that Freya, Gathor and Tetheron's personalities didn't mysteriously vanish during combat like can sometimes happen. I also appreciate the reminder that Seliph is still a kid, after setting up how much more mature he is than his younger siblings, but also the hinting at his strength as he was able to largely resist Rosa. These factors will certainly become very important as the story continues, because Seliph is more or less your central protagonist at this stage.

But, back to your villains. You did a nice job of setting up their personalities and it was a nice choice to see a Gardevoir presented a a villain for a change. In particular, I'd like to commend the bait and switch you pull with them though. Throughout the chapter, you very much played up on Rosa's power and generally made her seem more like the one "in-charge". But as things progressed, the real dynamic with Plageues became more pronounced and I think by the end it wouldn't be wrong to assume he is actually the greater threat.

Only other thing I want to mention, is that you should remember to start a new paragraph when a new character speaks.
 
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Venia Silente

Inspectious. Good for napping.
1,225
Posts
15
Years
S'up!

First I'm gonna say that as per my checking of the thread I'll be fixing the Pomabork for chapters 12 to 16 tonight and tomorrow as I post this.

As for reading, I took that pending shot at chapters 6-10 for this review. And I'll start by saying Seliph is cute and shouldn't deserve this shitty life of having his dad ded in front of him. That kind of thing changes a mon. Sending hugs and don't do that again.

Arriving to Miss Dresha and the letter was the latest I got to when reading the old version so I guess I can start from there which *technically* means Ch. 7 oh well.

Now, I get to finally meet adolescent!Ciecro which is so... expected. Like your typical wannabe cool and rad human teenager except with a tail on fire and they either don't know how to read or don't care about danger signs. A bit of YOLO it seems.

It is a bit disheartening to see the family in the now dysfunctional state of what remains, given Ciecro's general behaviour. That part where Ciecro doesn't really think anything of Seliph and Jaron is like "bad brother", leaves one hoping things get better soon.

Hmmm we also get to meet Vragon and:

"You liar!" Vragon slithered, "You could have easily just said 'hello' or possibly 'beg your pardon' instead of being goofy."
Uuuh he *was* doing that like five times while climbing the ladder you know, lol. He has this personality that I like. Shame he's not a Totodile line member.

Anyway we have some worldbuilding. There's pendants, a world map that honestly I would like to see an artistic rendition of, mentions of Legendaries having offspring which is nice except that offspring can not be an Axew so off Vragon goes I guess! You can't win every day.

(That said, how would offspring between a Reshiram and Zekrom even work? They're supposed to be two halves of the same being or something, dunno how are you going with that piece of lore in this setting)

I'm quite interested in the mapping. We get a sense that the world is big and regions are apart, but we are not told how they are positioned compared to each other really and barring the mention of distance nothing feels like it describes the Journey Vragon might be seeking to would be difficult. I don't know if that changes later but, it's a thing that is notorious as a hole that is left too abstract because of being in a written medium.

So Vragon (does that name sound familiar) is an Axew line specimen who... seems to have the ISO Standard PMD MC backstory? Appearing at random somewhere, suffering amnesia, being related to a particular trinket. Except in this case interestingly enough when they do try to make sense out of things, I quote, "Just when a piece comes into play ten more holes pop up". This helps to speak of a complex word without actually pointing to any of the complexity, clever!

(Why don't they hire a Detective Pikachu to find out Vragon's origins? :p )

While I do like Ciecro as a character somewhat, he just feels like he's already built-up with a number of classical flaws, ready to be pried upon such as his reliance on strength and his inability to open up. Also probably his inability to communicate any clear sign of distress or sadness (no, silence doesn't count when you also do it every other day) and I'm betting one of those is going to be his downfall. Compared to that, Jaron seems more expressive which should help him, and he has the advantage of being a lovable Totodile member too. And having at least one (1) friend.

Also, this quote is a bit sad.

"Don' worry, this just happens and all. My folks also made sure to grind into my head to make sure I don't lose what matters tah me. You, Jaz, my brother and ever dweeby Vragon have been good to me.
Notice who didn't get mentioned (besides Miss Dreshha).

Character-wise it's a good thing to show up that Jaron is still learning and willing (somewhat) to learn, unlike Ciecro who seems to have a "already done" attitude. Speaking of Jaron:

"Hey, you're the one wanting to get into electrical circuitry
"Croconaw found fried on an alley, acquaintances say he missed out the Electric > Water memo. Film at eleven."

And I finally get a bit of screentime on Seliph. That's good. He seems to be busy with what he said he was gonna do after all these years so, that's a good thing going for him.

Now, Seliph might want to... delve into chemistry? Hey! It's good to see mons going for STEM, those things are important! I mostly hope he does well, and at least this is something that would give him something to speak about with Ciecro once both of them get their degrees.

Well, this is all for tonight, I'll hopefully be commenting more on things during the weekend, or next weekend. I do want to catch up a bit more (at least up to the parts I am cleaning up lol).

And besides, "someone" promised me there's Nidoran screentime further ahead!
 

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
Posts
6
Years
Contains: Language, Violence [14]
Chapter 36
Uncertainty​

Ciecro stared at the dry, dirt ground, shielded from the rain by the overhead roof. He didn't know how long he had been sitting here, just thinking or letting his emotions swirl in him, but all he knew was that it felt like ages.

I…argh, I don' know what tah do. Sitting 'ere, ain' doin' nothin' but… Ciecro closed his eyes as memories invaded his head. Why her? Voices filled his head as a few tears started to roll. His head drifted back…back to a particular time. He could hear his name being called as a memory popped in his head.

There she was, the old fish staring at him from the memory. Looking at him with a concerned look. She'd always had dat… he thought in his head as the memory played almost automatically.

"Oh Ciecro," Miss Dresha said in a soft tone at a younger charmeleon sitting on the rock pouting as she inspected his face. A sigh escaped her lips as she looked at him. "What happened?"

Ciecro's head fell down a little as he recalled and mumbled the exact response younger him made. "I don' wanna tawlk abou' it." Something about saying that now just felt…wrong.

"Well…when do you want to?"

Ciecro looked up as he recalled the curling motion he did in response to this question and only tensed up as she continued.

"Ciecro, please tell me. I care, that's why I ask. You can trust me."

Those words imprinted deep into his mind as his right claw started shaking a little. This was all too familiar. Dresha treating his face after a fight…but he knew exactly why he was so tense at the time. What younger him was afraid to say.

"It was dat day…" he mumbled to himself. "When I did dat ting to dat monferno…" He watched the scene again in his head. Every detail, every motion, he had noticed it all. He could feel the tension he had felt then especially the chill that filled his spine as Dresha talked again.

"Ah, I see," her voice uttered in his mind.

Ciecro remained still though he recalled clearly him pulling back a little bit bothered at what she meant. A little grin crossed his face as he remembered what followed.

"Ciecro," she looked up to younger him. "Why do you keep getting into fights?"

I didn' know, den… he thought as his grin widened a little. The little sharpness he remembered the annoyed reply of "I don' know, okay!" Followed with a growl. He looked straight, remembering what a sissy he was.

His mind then continued down the memory's path.

"Well…what if you were fighting, Jaron?" Dresha inquired.

Ciecro gave a little chuckle as he thought about how he took this back then. How he snapped his head straight up and looked at her with a shocked face, almost as if he was given a bad surprise. "What did I say?" Ciecro mulled for a second trying to recall. "Oh right…'I'd neveh hi' Jaron like dat!' Heheh…did little good to de old fish. She coul' see righ' trough me…" His eyes lowered a little as his grin faded to a more downcast look. "Dough…dat ain't hard."

After giving his head a little shake, he resumed remembering the conversation. Her trying to calm him down saying it was okay to talk and to please not get mad, while he was sitting there doing the exact opposite. It was amusing, looking back on it now but at the same time, it left him disheartened.

Ciecro looked at his fist, the same one that had beat up that monferno and not too long ago almost grounded Seliph's head into the ground. "Tck…" was all he could say when gazing upon that reckless dumb fist, shaking like a newborn babe being held. So full of energy and yet so stupid and aggressive. Nothing like what he wanted it to be…nothing like Gathor.

He sighed as he returned his focus back to the memory. A few tears began to form almost on cue, due to this part of the conversation coming up. He remembered how he started tearing up and trying not to look into her eyes as he tried to finally admit getting into a fight and beating someone's head in over some dumb name-calling.

That feeling of shame and embarrassment felt all too real for the charmeleon; a simple scare of what one could do that was enough to make him fear it even to this day. As he started wiping away the guilty and ashamed tears, he thought about what came next, about the reason this memory was so special to him.

"There, there, Ciecro it's okay. You can be brave and tell me," her voice encouraged in the memory. That moment was a tipping point for little him to do his best in being honest about it.

"'Be brave'…"

Of course, it wasn't all fixed and Ciecro knew that. The worriedness still gripped younger him and those came back too. He moved his right claw over his heart as he thought about the doubts he needed answers for. "But…What if yah…What if wha' I did makes yah stawp carin' fo' me, like Seliph? I don't want you to go or tink less o' me."

Ciecro's grin returned a little as he thought about Dresha's response. How she didn't do what he was expecting, but instead adjusted. "Ciecro," he recalled her saying. "How about I do something for you then."

"Do what?" the younger him replied, his stupid head being tilted and sniffling like a bullies leftovers. It was enough to make Ciecro smirk at how overly pathetic he must have looked being vulnerable.

"Well, if you're afraid to tell me, you don't have to. Instead, let me show you that I don't change when it comes to caring about someone. So, I'm going to give you something."

His eyes narrowed at what happened next. Remembering Dresha diving down into the pool of water and coming back a few minutes later with a gift for him. A little stone.

He smiled, standing up and looking over at the rain as if he wasn't disgusted by it at all. He crossed his arms and repeated the rest of the conversation from memory. "'Well, that's a little shock stone I let out excess electricity in.' den I dropped it all disgusted tinkin' it was some girl's thing boy's shouldn' touch. She laughed and calmed me down. And den…"

Ciecro moved his right fist in front, extending it straight out to the rain as his left fell to the side. His eyes scowled but his mouth went to a determined smile. "An' she said… 'I'm gonna teach yah sometin'"

He grunted as he ignited his fist in a surge of electrical energy. Its yellow chaostic radiance illuminating a little bit of the area outside the emura light's reach. A few of the sparks coming from it would climb up the rain only to inevitable fall to the ground.

He shut his eyes. He slowed his breathing. "I'm gonna teach yah deh move…Tunderpunch." Once he finished saying those words, he let his move stop and lowered his fist back to his side. His head was downcast and his eyes were narrow.

She taugh' me i'…trustin' me to neveh use i' recklessly. I can't eveh do dat.

His eyes closed as he thought about the rest of the memory.

His concerns. "Bu' wha' if I hurt someone?"

Her answer. "Ciecro, you're a young mon and it's high time we start having you build yourself into a direction. Ciecro, whenever you are angry or feel like you want to hurt, surge all your feelings into a Thunderpunch and punch a rock. See what power you can do and build yourself from there."

Him asking her how she knew and her just calling herself observant. Challenging him to be responsible and him voicing his worry and lack of trust in it.

Ciecro moved his right fist to one of the wooden beams holding up the little roof. His eyes narrowing as he thought about the last bit before they nuzzled. 'You're only a boy Ciecro. You will mess up, but that just means you have more reason to be better. You see Ciecro?'

His eyes shut. Yah knew how to help me…but I couldn'' help yah. His fist tightened as his eyes shut and squinted firmly. I'm sorry, I really am. A few tears left his shut eyes as he sniffled. Yah gave me a goal an' a move…an' I couldn' keep yah safe. I can't…eveh let dat happen again. Fo' yah sake…an' mine.

< O >


The rain had lightened up a little in the street of Frantal. It was nearing midnight and already most of the town's emura lights had been dimmed. No one roamed the streets save for Seliph and Swift, who were heading back both in silent. It wasn't a tense silence but neither really wanted to start conversing.

Swift was rubbing his arm under his rain hood. His head was uncovered due to avidly enjoying getting his head wet while Seliph, on the other hand, had his on as his head was staring at the ground as they walked, both deep in thought. It wasn't till they were nearing their last turn that Seliph broke the silence.

"Swift," he said, startling the heliolisk a little. "How did you and Garon become friends?"

Swift fumbled around for a second, trying to get words together. "Isn't it a little late to be asking personal questions?" he pointed out with a little chuckle.

Seliph stopped, prompting Swift to turn around perplexed and confused. Seliph leaned his back against the nearest building and said, "I have time."

"H-huh?" Swift drew closer looking at him with curiosity. "Well," he said, deciding it was alright to start. "It was more when I found out he looked up to me that I really started letting him in and all."

"Oh?" Seliph asked, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, I mean," Swift looked at an emura light across from where they were, his eyes lowering as the recounting began. "I grew up in an orphanage in Bohrmia. I think it was a few years before Garon arrived. Heh, I didn't pay him much mind at first. I mean, it's not like he was nor would be the only new kid to come and live there."

Seliph looked at him as if to ask him that same question. Swift's head rose and he looked straight forward, prompting Seliph to listen extra carefully.

"I suppose it started when one day I found him crying and stuff. I guess…I was feeling sympathetic that day. Gave him some pointers, he was extremely clinging, and soon I took him under my wing. He was a crybaby whenever trouble happened but it felt nice you know."

"Nice…as in helping someone?" Seliph inquired.

"Not exactly," Swift gestured his arm out into a few spins. "It's like, how you help and how they feel towards you afterwards. Gratitude and all you know." He leaned back on his arms, folded behind his head and chuckled. "I admit, I was a bit selfish and self-centered…I think that's where he sort of rubbed off onto me and stuff."

"What's wrong with enjoying him admiring you?" Seliph asked, looking at the heliolisk.

"I dunno if there was anything wrong, to be honest." Swift looked up to the sky and slowly said, "I just…I just didn't like my mindset then. Enjoying more him following me like a baby rather than actually being my equal. I guess…it felt great being superior." Swift looked down with a little guilty expression on his face.

Seliph got off the wall, but didn't immediately say anything; he just stood there observing the heliolisk, who looked like he was going on down an unpleasant memory lane. "Well," Seliph finally interjected, putting his webbed fingers on Swift's shoulder. "It's not like you think that way now."

"Well…even if it isn't. I just don't like it. Becoming the very thing I disliked, you know." Swift crossed his arms. "I didn't like the older kids, for how they garnered the attention and all. Treating it like some kind of drug or something to get enjoyment instead of being actual leaders of the pack." Swift bent down to pick up a little stick and tossed it as he said, "And yet there I was, doing the very same thing to Garon. Treating him as someone to use rather than really being friends with him."

Seliph took a moment to process this. The words sounded a bit too close to home for him. Is he trying to imply something? Seliph asked himself, with slight skepticism. However, he quickly discarded that idea as the heliolisk started on the second half of the story.

"And it's weird. It wasn't till I got out of that complex that we finally decided to get better lives. I taught him how to run fast since well, I taught myself and whatnot. Being alone and all that. It was fun being a mentor to him. And how that eventually led to us to run away and get to some town where we were able to get better help. Eventually, we even wound up in Norfair's academies, as hard as it is to believe." Swift looked up to Seliph with a newly added smile. "And those academy days were some of the best days of my life. Garon grew so much then, and honestly…" Swift shuffled his feet a little as he looked down with a little bit of embarrassment going over his face. "He's gotten stronger than me by far."

"He is a garchomp to be fair," Seliph pointed out.

"Well yes of course, but…" Swift paused as if trying to think about how to say it. Despite trying to clarify, Swift gave up trying to explain after a few minutes of thinking. "Nah, it's not important."

Seliph was a little put off by this. His eyes narrowed as in his head he began figuring on what Swift could have meant. Potential envy? The thought surged in his mind, as he was snapped back into reality by Swift calling out to him.

"Come on, let's head back." The heliolisk started walking on, putting his rain hood on his head, another subtle indication their conversation had left something. Seliph gave a little cough as he followed after Swift, a lot on his mind as well.



It didn't take them long to finally be in sight of the lodge. As they headed that way, Swift spied Ciecro sitting outside in the walk-in shelter, seeming deep in thought as he looked deeply into his right hand. "Huh? Hey Ciecro!" Swift called out with a wave, causing Ciecro to turn his intense gaze to them a little surprised at being called at. "Hey, why are you out here?"

Seliph by this time had joined up with Swift, and they both were looking at Ciecro, who was giving them a melancholy stare back before letting it look back at the ground. "Uh," Swift began but Seliph stopped him with a hand on the shoulder.

"Dresha, remember," He whispered.

"Oh…right." Swift gave a nod and decided to leave Ciecro alone. Seliph, however, didn't go with him, prompting Swift to ask but Seliph assured him it was fine. Swift reluctantly went on thinking, I hope this doesn't make things worse, Seliph.

Ciecro didn't look up as Seliph approached and let out a little announcing cough.

"It's wet out here after all. Something on your mind?" Ciecro didn't reply prompting Seliph to try something else. "Ciecro…uhm." Dang, this is hard, Seliph uttered in his head as he crossed his arms. He then offered his hand to Ciecro and tried to persuade him to come inside. "I know…that the news must be hard. But catching a cold won't be good for you. So how about we come inside."

Ciecro looked at the hand reaching out to him while it dripped a little from the rainwater still hitting and running down Seliph's head and arm. "…I'm fine," Ciecro grumbled as he let his head sink again.

Seliph wasn't convinced. He let out a sigh and just stood there, wondering if he should try further. What's the point? He reasoned in his head. It's clear he doesn't like me anymore or holds a grudge at me. I mean, the crack he left where my head was should be proof enough of that. Seliph was about to head in but stopped before he even moved his legs. One by one, words popped into his head.

Be careful, playing with others like that won't always end well.

See, right there. That's your problem. You keep wanting to do things yourself when you clearly aren't capable of doing it yourself. I don't know why you 'need' to do this, but I think it says a lot when you talk about having your brothers go to safety as 'out of the way'.

Naw, we still should try and be a close family, but you're yahself and so am I. Don' do your own battles wit us in mind. I wanna rely on you when I need yahs and I want you tah do de same. Watch my back and let me watch yahs. Be angry at me. I wan'tya to be honest and I don' wish I was de perfect father, but one you can love while punching his face in.


Seliph's head fell low. Processing all these words flooding his mind as if they had all been intentionally released at the same time. His fists clenched and his eyes narrowed. A sigh escaped his mouth as he looked at Ciecro. He's hurting I can see that. Seliph said to himself, But what do I do? What do I say? What can I say? Seliph's mind then darted to the memory, of his brothers making that necklace for him and for just a brief moment, the down scowling charmeleon in front of him looked like his sad charmeleon brother, crying about something. After taking a big breath, he decided to at least try.

"Ciecro," he spoke in a serious but calm tone. "You shouldn't be all alone out here."

Ciecro's scowl shot up to look at him. "Why yah sayin' dat?" Ciecro asked, almost as if threatening Seliph with the question.

"…Well, it's not good to bottle up feelings like that." Seliph put a webbed hand on his side and added, "I mean, they're here to talk to you right?"

"Why do yah care, what I'm feelin'?" Ciecro asked, his tone lowering a little as his head backed away a little.

Seliph raised a brow. Something was off about Ciecro. The death could be the cause, Seliph figured, but then why would Ciecro even talk. Seliph half expected Ciecro to either sock him in the face for that or to just get up and leave. After thinking for a few seconds, Seliph answered with, "Well…just because it's not exactly my business doesn't mean that I can't give you advice."

The answer seemed to frustrate Ciecro more, his scowl growing a bit as his head lowered. "Seliph," Ciecro spoke slowly, "Why…do yah care?"

Seliph paused, quite unsure what to say. "Well…I'm not sure. I guess, I just wanted to see if you were okay."

Ciecro looked over to Seliph and his expression seemed to be less hostile. He felt sick. Looking at the brother that had left him so long ago and hearing him say these things just made Ciecro angry. But, he couldn't stop his questions now. He needed to see it. See the monster who wrote that note was there. Ciecro stood up, startling Seliph and looked down at him with a fierce scowl. "I wanna straigh' answer from yahs."

Seliph looked up at him, a mix of still processing but at least knowing something very important was about to be asked.

Ciecro took a breath and tried to lessen the anger in his face. He looked at Seliph, trying his best to look composed and strong. "Why did yah write dat letteh an' leave us wit Dresha?"

Seliph paused, just looking at Ciecro's deep orange irises. He felt overwhelmed by this sudden deep question posed to him. A flurry of questions, anxiety, and worry filled his head. Seliph stood up, shoved his hands into his pockets, and looked out. He started to try and think of what to say, as Ciecro stood next to him, looking at him with a face that was trying to be patient but clearly wasn't looking forward to the answer either.

What do I say? What can I say? Seliph let out a sigh as he looked at Ciecro. "I…I don't know…how to say it."

"Do yah best," Ciecro bluntly said, his eyes curving into more of a scowl.

Seliph was clearly losing the fight and sadly he had no clue what to do. Seliph's mind then flashed back to Dolly's harshness with him, the too Swift and Garon's constant interrogations of him. He started to make little noises as one would do when they didn't know what to say when they should be talking.

Ciecro let out a growl as he suddenly seized Seliph's shoulders. "I want an answeh!" he shouted.

Seliph just froze, dumbfounded and completely shocked at this action. Seliph was too overwhelmed by all that had just happened to utter anything more than just a few stutters.

This didn't go well for Ciecro. He firmly clenched Seliph's right shoulder with his left and gave his older brother a hard punch to the face with his right. The hit sent Seliph onto his back in the wet ground from where the rain was falling. "Why can't yah say something'‽ I wanna, know so f**kin' tell me! Yah tink I can't take it‽" Seliph just looked at him, too shocked and confused to reply. Ciecro gave a little snarl as he grumbled, "F**k dis." With a harsh push, Ciecro opened the door and slammed it behind him, leaving Seliph to process what just happened in the mud.

Ciecro stormed to his and Jaron's room, fuming in his head. His right claw seized the handle and was about to enter but stopped upon hearing Jaron and Dolly talking inside.

"I just…" his little brother said with a sniffle or two afterwards.

"Hey, it's okay Jaron," the voice of Dolly said in there, "I understand. Don't worry, I'll make sure you all stay okay."

Ciecro's rage and anger slowly calmed as his scowl looked at his hand, firmly gripping the knob. The hand was slightly shaking once more and instantly, Ciecro's former fury was replaced with an expression of disturbance. He wrenched his hand from the knob as if worried it'd take it and held the wrist firmly with his left. To say he was a nervous wreck would be an understatement.

"Ciecro?" he heard a voice say, and instantly looked in that direction. It was Swift at the end of the hallway, wearing a confused expression on his face. "Ciecro, are you oka-" was all Ciecro heard before leaving the hall and going around the corner. Once he was out of sight, he shoved his back to the wall, panting a nervous pant.

He heard steps of Swift coming and tensed up, but suddenly the sound of creaking filled the room too. The voices of Dolly and Swift started talking. Talking about him. Slowly and with a little bit of trembling, Ciecro tried to scoot his way to the edge to listen, but stopped. A thought crossed his mind. A memory of a look of disappointment. He gave his right fist another look, eyeing it with a face of scared shame and finally let it fall to the side. Stupid… he repeated in his head as he started to walk away from the hallway, only to be stopped by a hand suddenly thrusting itself on his shoulder. He instantly whirled around and prepared to jab only to stop once he spied it was Dolly.

Her face looked concerned, despite her free hand being moved up to intercept the perceived punch. "Ciecro," she said in a gentle but authoritative tone, "calm down."

Ciecro shrank back, but Dolly wouldn't let him. She put her hands on his shoulders to keep him from going off somewhere. That feeling when you were trapped and caught flooded Ciecro's nerves. He wanted to get away, as shown by his tugging in the arms. "Stawp it," he loudly pleaded, pulling against the one holding him against his wishes.

Dolly wasn't having it. She tightened her grip and shook his shoulders frantically as if to snap him out of some stupor. After stopping her shaking, Dolly looked firmly into his orange eyes with her brown ones and said with a soft voice, "I said…calm down."

Ciecro closed his eyes and finally obeyed. Taking a deep breath, he tried to quell his tension as seen by his trembling decreasing. Once he felt calm and collected enough, he opened his eyes again but kept them looking down. They slowly moved over to look at his right fist, being flooded with shameful memories of what it would do.

"Ciecro," Dolly said, pulling him into a big hug with her arms, "I know you don't want to. But, please tell me what happened."

Ciecro stayed silent.

"If you need it, we won't attend the planning meeting. But, you need to tell me what's wrong." She moved him in front of her and looked at him with a little assuring grin. "You're brave Ciecro and you know you don't have to fear me. Don't replace me in your head with someone else."

His eyes started to tear up as his right hand started to shake again. Dolly moved her left hand to take the scared right hand and cupping on the top with her right. Ciecro let out a sigh. "I…I wanna do de meetin'. Fihst."

"After the meeting, can we talk about this?" She leaned in closer and her eyes gave him a look that was asking him to hold himself to that.

Ciecro gave a nod. "Fo' yah Dolly…sure." He gave a little grin as he tried to display confidence. A pleased sigh happened in his head as he succeeded in making Dolly smile.

"Good boy," she said with a cheery tone, hugging Ciecro once more. "Let me know if you need me before then."

"…Tank yah fo' bein' so nice tah me." It was weird, for once her long hug didn't grow old. He closed his eyes as an old feeling slowly filled his mind. There was something about this once hug. This one assurance that eased his soul that felt like…his mother. He couldn't help but shed a few tears since, despite his body reliving this feeling, his mind hadn't forgotten.





Dolly shut the boards on the window of Swift and Garon's room and did the bolt. Slowly, she turned around and let out a cough to bring the group, encircled around the room, to attention. "Alright," she started, carrying an assuring tone, despite the heaviness woven in it. "So we're going to need to talk about our plan of action from here. Since…" Dolly paused, taking a moment to adjust herself the heavy subject matter and allow the rest to compose themselves for it as well. "Miss Dresha has passed, we're going to need to figure out what to do now."

"Hmm…" Garon stood up and waited for Dolly's permission to speak. "From what I can gather, most likely they were trying to get intel on Vragon there. So more than likely, Vray can't stay here without being in danger."

Vragon scowled at hearing this. He was about to stand up and protest this till Seliph spoke up first.

"I'm afraid it could be worse than just that." Everyone's attention diverted to Seliph. "I'm worried that they could know of my connection to Ciecro and Jaron too. If that's true, then you two would become fair targets as well."

Jaron's scowl looked to the side as Ciecro just kept his stare at the roof, albeit less scowling than his younger brother.

"It'd be safer for them not to stay as well," Seliph concluded, sitting back down and crossing his legs.

"Do you have proof they do know that?" Jaron challenged, looking at Seliph with a firm stare.

Seliph gave a calm one in return and merely stated, "Are you saying you want to take the risk?"

"It's not like that!" Jaron shouted, "You're telling us to leave our hom-"

"Calm down, Jaron," Dolly commanded.

"What, so we just leave you all? Me, Ciecro, and Vragon?" Jaron's angry eyes glared at Dolly, full of tension. However, they eventually backed down as Dolly kept firm a fierce resistance to his scowl and he sat back down.

"No one wants any of you to leave," Dolly said, crossing her arms, "But given the circumstances, staying in an area where they can track you isn't a good idea. This doesn't mean we won't interact anymore, Jaron, but given what's been going on and what Seliph has supplied, we need to at least be cautious." Jaron sulked in angry depression as Vragon patted his shoulder to try and encourage him. "Anyways, Swift and Garon may have a solution."

Garon cleared his throat as he told the rest about Abdule.

Ciecro and Jaron both seemed to be against the idea, but didn't speak up.

Vragon and Jasmine kept silent as well with their worried expressions.

Dolly then looked around and said, "Okay, so if anyone has another suggestion, please voice it now. If not, then the plan is to get you four passage to Norfair."

Vragon felt better knowing he'd be going with Jaron, but couldn't help but feel bad whenever he looked at Jasmine's clearly depressed face. This was all messed up. The fraxure looked up to Dolly and asked, "What about you and Jasmine?"

Dolly looked to the side, her eyes showing she'd rather not answer. "We'll…well, we can't just move." She faced Vragon and gave him a smile, "Don't worry hun…we'll see you all again. This is just so you can be safe. And besides." She leaned her back on the wall next to the window. "It's not like you all being in Norfair will hinder us seeing you."

"Yeah…" Jaron started, his eyes reflecting his gloom. "But that's far from here."

"I know," Dolly admitted, "but that won't stop us from seeing you all."

This statement didn't seem to make Jaron nor Vragon feel any better. It was then, Jasmine got to her feet and looked at the two. "It's hard. But think of it like this." Jasmine let out a sigh as she thought carefully. All eyes were placed on her as she looked at the two and said, "Jaron, you have a grandfather in Norfair. Someone that can help you be strong and Vragon will have a lot more flexibility to find more about his past. I know it's hard…but try to be strong. For Dolly and me."

Despite the warming nature from her words, Jaron couldn't help but feel it was masking a lot of sadness then. He felt like he needed to give her a strong nod. Despite how much he hated this idea, he couldn't deny the validity of it. Plus, Vragon would have to leave anyways, so staying with him would be better than having him alone.

On that input, Dolly looked around the room for any more thoughts. Since none were ushered, Dolly gave a sigh and stated, "Get some food and rest everyone. Tomorrow, we head for Plainier Town." She gave one more of her big smiles as she dismissed everyone. Everyone left, save for Ciecro who was stilling chilling in his seat, arms crossed, and head looking at the ceiling.

"You okay?" Dolly asked walking over.

The charmeleon let out some air from his nostrils, dropped his gaze to the wall level, and mumbled, "Jaron…"

Dolly pulled a chair over and sat next to Ciecro. "I know you're worried about him, but things are going to be alright." Ciecro just stayed quiet, while Dolly patted his shoulder. "You should get some rest too, Ciecro."

Ciecro looked at her and tried to say something, but couldn't figure what to say and just stood up. He gave a nod and started to leave.

"Later then?" Dolly asked as Ciecro stopped.

He turned around and with a grin said. "Yeh, lateh."

< O >


The rain was starting to lighten, having used up almost all of its resources. Only a fraction fell now upon the dark streets of Frantal. However, it was enough for Armád, who was on one of the roofs. It was barren of emura lights and covered in water due to the rain. The excess was drawing down a built in hole in the building's side while the two feet tall perimeter barriers prevented the water from seeping down to areas it wasn't supposed to. Armad stood on one of these roof edges.

His eyes were busy staring at an inn near the building he stood on. "I see," he muttered to himself. "So Plageues was right." He started walking from the ledge, pressing an orb in his hand to cut off communications. "Thankfully, it wasn't hard to track a large group like them and bug each of their rooms. Good to know they've got new friends now; I bet Plageues would be glad to know about that."

Armád got out a communication orb and began fiddling with it till it started to make a connection. After a few minutes of static Armád was greeted by an annoying, "Hello, Army." Armád's eyelids lowered halfway as he fetched for his coin. I'm going to need this. He started flipping it as he replied with. "Hello…Plageues."

"Ah, I see you finally called back," the flamboyant voice replied from the orb. "So, did you find them?"

Armád took a deep breath and answered, "Yes…and they are headed to Plainier Town for their first stop." He cringed at the giggling that came afterwards. Ugh, this moron, Armád growled in his head, starting to flip his coin faster. He gave an attention grabbing cough and stated, "Anyways, I believe there is something you should know about that group."

"Huh?"

"So apparently, there's more of them now." Assessing Plageues wasn't grasping this info due to the following silence, Armád clarified. "That group has two additional mons aiding them. From the information I gathered, they know Seliph and are aware that he has the vial."

"Good grief, Armád, remind to call on you for reconnaissance more often." A chuckle from Plageues resounded from the orb. "So, change of plans. Armád, I'm going to head to Plainier town and intercept them on the way there. Sadly, I'll need you to do something." Armád rolled his eyes as he stopped flipping and Plageues continued, "If you can head to Crion and wait for the transport. I doubt the kid will come with us without kicking and screaming."

Armád gave a little groan. "So you're asking me to stall meeting Gaispir again because you need someone to sit on a dock and wait for your boat to come?"

Plageues gave a little chuckle. "I know what you're think-"

"No you don't!" Armád lashed out. "What the actual reverse do you mean 'duh wait for my boat for me dya dya dya'? Like what do you want me to do next, make sure you have a meal ready when you get back‽ You can take your constant neediness and shove it up your ass!"

"Look, we don't have any cruisers on route so I need you to set one up for me. I'd do it myself right now but considering they're leaving tomorrow I have to hustle." A sigh came from the com as Plageues playfully pleaded, "Oh Armád, can't you find it in your heart to do a mon a favor?"

Armád snarled as he tightened his grip on his coin. "Plageues, I swear to Arceus if you need me to pick up for your lacking in prep one more God damn time-!"

"Look," Plageues stated, interrupting him for a second. "If you do this, you'll be doing me a huge favor. You want to hurry on to Gaispir, right? If you assist me in this, I'll get Daemon to prolong you and your buddy's time off."

Armád paused for a bit, thinking it over. While the extra time was enticing, he couldn't shake the feeling Plageues was going to f**k it over somehow. "…I'll do it on one additional condition." He cleared his throat and put his coin away. "I want to be taken off of observing assignments in Triacal."

Plageues was silent, as if he could see how serious Armád's face was. A little pondering noise came from the zoroark over the com. "You know, it'd be a lot easier on you if you didn't blam-"

"Do you f**king accept or not‽" Armád shouted into the com.

"Okay, okay, I accept. I'll be in Crion once I nab the kid. Have a nice night." The com switched off as Armád let his arms fall to the sides.

He spat at the ground and grumbled, "What do you know about anything? You're just some dumb sadistic zoroark." He started walking to the area where he could climb down and looked as if someone was talking to him. He scowled and he tensed up, reaching for his coin to start flipping. Suddenly, stopping as if something caught his attention, Armád lowered his gaze to the ground with a guilty expression. A sigh escaped his mouth as he put his coin away and resumed his path to climb down.
 

Bay

6,382
Posts
17
Years
Grammar wise, one thing I noticed quite a bit is you often use the phrase "x a little" very often. For instance, here:

(etc). "And those academy days were some of the best days of my life. Garon grew so much then, and honestly…" Swift shuffled his feet a little as he looked down with a little bit of embarrassment going over his face. "He's gotten stronger than me by far."

Here you used "a little" and "a little bit" twice. You don't even need to use that pharse half a time. "Shuffled his feet" and "Looked down with embarrassment" sounds more natural.

Why do yah care, what I'm feelin'?" Ciecro asked, his tone lowering a little as his head backed away a little.

Here too. You can take out both of the "a little" phrases.

Armád gave a little groan. "So you're asking me to stall meeting Gaispir again because you need someone to sit on a dock and wait for your boat to come?"

Plageues gave a little chuckle. "I know what you're think-"

You also have the "little x" in both cases here and passive voice again. I would just put "Armad groaned" and "Plageues chuckled" there.

I admit, I was a bit confused which Ciecro feelings are right during the flashback with Dresha or him reminiscing. Kinda hard for me to imagine a fish teaching Thunderpunch though for obvious reasons, lol.

Ouch over Ciecro punching Seliph. That'll probably have repercussions later.

Looks like the next destination is Plainier Town and the group stumbling upon Plageues. I don't blame Armad being frustrated with Plageues one bit. =P
 

Vragon2.0

Say it with me (Vray-gun)
420
Posts
6
Years
Contains: Language, Violence [13]
Chapter 37
Reflection​


Del sat nervously on a branch in the tree near the ruins, occasionally glancing at Lesath, who was standing in a circle with the other two members. As she watched, she felt something right next to her. Del jumped in startle but calmed down at seeing it was just Rosa. "Don't startle me like that," Del scolded, but Rosa just brushed it off with a hair flip.

Rosa eyed the trio, deep in thought. Her thoughts were interrupted by Del's prodding. "What‽" Rosa demanded.

"Heh, just checking to see if you were awake," Del joked, her earlier concerned look replaced by her normal demeanor. Rosa rolled her eyes as Del returned looking at the three. "So, these are our inner iris council members?"

"Yep…bunch of weirdos," Rosa answered, prompting Del to give her a look.

"I mean, have you looked in a mi-"

"I know what you're going to say, so don't," Rosa firmly said, leading to a chuckle from Del.

"Hmm…" Del started, looking up at the tree as Rosa closed her eyes to meditate. "I wonder exactly what this meeting will entail."

"Why don't you just ask?" Rosa said, in a tone like lecturing a child for saying the obvious.

"You think I didn't already do that?" Del replied, a little annoyed at Rosa's prickly statement.

"I've given up thinking on what you do," Rosa stated. "The simple fact is we'll get the information in the meeting so just wait till then."

The two sat in quiet solitude for a little bit of time, before Del spoke up again. "Hey, so did you hear any interesting news?"

"Nope," Rosa bluntly said.

Figures, Del said in her head. I doubt you'd really care to hear news about others after all.

"That accurate statement," a voice agreed to her left.

Slowly, Del turned her head to see Lesath standing next to her looking at Skrelle and Ispiato's conversation as Del was doing prior. "Gah!" Del jumped back into Rosa, almost knocking her off the branch.

"What the reverse, Del‽" Rosa demanded, but got her answer once seeing Lesath. "Oh…you."

"Yes…it Lesath," he replied in his normal monotone voice. "You both looked bored so Lesath came over to check."

"Check?" Del repeated, slowly and warily, getting back her bearings. "So, you didn't come here to hurt me?"

Lesath slowly and rather mechanically twisted his head to face them. "If that what Lesath wanted, neither lady would be breathing."

Del gulped and Rosa dusted her shoulder unintimidated. "Anyways," the gardevior grumbled once she had finished brushing her shoulder. "Any reason you came over besides to scare Del?"

"Yes…Plant Lady ask if there was any interesting news. Lesath have interesting news." The two tilted their heads as Lesath once more looked at his two peers talking, his eyes shut as always. "Lesath, duty to Iris Council often helps Lesath hear interesting information not quickly accessible to Rosa and Del. Example, mon recently defected from the Red Eyes."

"Someone defecting?" Rosa replied. "I haven't hear of this."

"It recent," Lesath answered. "Certain defector stole one of the red crystals and is currently being hunted down."

Rosa looked at Lesath, raising a brow. "The defector stole a red crystal? How?" She faced the wobbuffet as she followed with, "Aren't they only given to higher ranking Iris Members or certain apprentices?"

Lesath's face pointed at her as he answered, "Lesath not sure since Lesath wasn't informed fully on it, and not placed on assignment for capture or kill. Lesath understands that defector was in enforcer's division so possible defector killed holder of a red crystal."

"Enforcers, huh…" Rosa gave a little grumble as she looked back to the talking duo. "Have they put anyone on it?"

"Not sure, maybe secretly assigned other enforcers operatives to deal with him," Lesath replied, bobbing his head a little as wobbuffet's tend to do when idle.

"Enforcers?" Del repeated, out of the loop about what the two meant by the word.

"Branch of red eyes. Enforcer division of the red eyes is the most aggressive of them all." Lesath kept his closed-eyed gazed firmly on the two as he answered, "They will be deployed for missions and matters that require attacking."

"So?" Del started, sitting down on the branch, causing a little crackling sound inside it. "Are they our military?"

"Not really," Rosa answered, her eyes narrowing to a bored look rather than a scowl. "It's more of mission support, espionage, recon, stuff like that. At least, considered that due to their current numbers." Rosa then looked up to the sky, deep in thought.

Lesath's head turned to Rosa and stayed focused on her for a few minutes, making Del feel left out of whatever the two were doing. As Del was about to say something, Lesath spoke.

"Ah, so that why you know Daemon."

Rosa stiffened, as if she was suddenly turned to stone. She slowly moved her head to look at Lesath with a fierce scowl. "What…did…you…say?" she said in a low, dark, threatening tone as her arms went to her sides, shaking slightly from the tension building in them.

Del's eyes shot wide open, while Lesath remained unbothered. He kept his bobbing as he answered with a tone slightly more jesting than his normal monotone voice, "Lesath said, 'Ah so that why you know, Daemon.' Wasn't Rosa listening?"

Del quickly got down from the branch and dropped to the ground, taking the sudden surge of solid pink color over Rosa's eyes as a hint Lesath just crossed the line.



"I don't enjoy the approach Lord Azazel is taking in Amestria," Skrelle grumbled with a troubled scowl on his face. "What do you suppose he has planned for that area of the world, Ipsia?"

She shrugged. "Not entirely sure, but frankly I like the idea of having less enemies. I mean, even if Sorphia tolerates us it's clear they aren't for us or willing to work with us. To them, we're just help add to their base as a rival power to the five clans." Skrelle made a little grunt as she turned her attention to the ruins behind them, observing their pale, cracked stone surface, illuminated in the moonlight like a dark colored picture in a normal lit room. "What do you suppose these ruins are from?"

"Well," Skrelle began, turning to face them as well. "I'm no expert, but they could be from very far back. Possibly during the time of Aegis's invasion."

"So…over a million years old." Ipsiato turned her gaze to the ground as her mind tried to imagine what it was like back then or what these ruins where like. "I suppose it's possible," she admitted despite not being too convinced that one measly structure like this one could survive that long alone, let alone be a remnant from historical invasion.

"It is," Skrelle bluntly answered, this time with much more assurance. Ipsiato broke her gazing to look at him as he explained, "Look at the design, notice how there's no exterior decorations or additions on the walls or ceiling that would protrude from it very much. Everything is built as if it was meant to be a large box. That is a style that's far different from modern day Sorphia. It looks rather similar to Valendorine architecture."

"True," she agreed, looking back at the ruined piece from the past. "But even then, how do you know it was way back from that war? Couldn't it have been from Callium's war?"

Skrelle closed his eyes and let out a breath. "I believe before that time Mextrein gained influence from the original clans during the time they were under the clan's rule. As a result, more decorative architecture culture in Mextrein shifted to what it was till we came to what we were today." He shifted his stance to face her. "Remember, Callium won Mextrein's liberty around three hundred thousand years ago. That's far less of a time span than over a million, Ipsia."

"Fair point," Ipsiato admitted with a pleased tone. She took a few paces forwards, turning to face the older red eye, a question still on her mind. "But even so, I wonder why out of all the structures that could have around, it survived all these years."

Skrelle shrugged with his short rampardos arms. "I don't know. Perhaps it was spared for reasons like history, sentimentality, regrets."

That last word stuck with Ipsiato. She tilted her head as Skrelle looked back at the ruins.

"It's something we may never know." The rampardos took a few paces back from Ipsia, keeping his gaze firmly on the ruins. "What does such a conflict gain us in the end? They all still have damage that remains for longer than we want. Makes me wonder why it was waged in the first place."

Ipsiato's eyes lowered. She pulled her pincers close, a bit uncomfortable at Skrelle's personal reminiscing. "Skrelle," she started but was interrupted by the sound of something smashing into a boulder about twenty yards behind them. The two spun around, Ispiato surprised and Skrelle ready to fight. Their eyes feel upon Lesath, picking himself off the ground while rubbing his head.

"That hurt," he stated, facing his attacker, that being a pissed off Rosa levitating from the branch they were on and softly landing about ten yards from him.

"I hope it did you punching bag!" she spat with anger, forming a Shadow Ball and throwing it straight at the clueless wobbuffet.

Lesath sprang forwards and rolled on his side to avoid it, promptly picking himself back up to his normal position in just a few seconds.

"Rosa! What the reverse are you doing‽" Skrelle roared.

"That brute read my mind!" she roared back, angrily looking back at Lesath.

"For all the-," Skrelle started, pausing to just let out a frustrated roar. "Rosa, stand down now!" He commanded, starting to march over there.

Rosa gritted her teeth with a mix of wanting to defy but at the same time knowing what that would lead to. Slowly, she let her arms drop; her furious gaze turning towards the ground in frustrated compliance.

"No Skrelle," Lesath interjected, causing both his guardian and attacker to look at him. "Lesath accept challenge from Rosa." Del and Ipsiato's jaws dropped, Skrelle tilted his head, and Rosa growled at his obliviousness all while Lesath did his basic bobbing back and forth. "Lesath sense tension in Rosa. Rosa want to hurt Lesath so Lesath accept challenge."

Skrelle gave a groan as he shook his head for a second. He slammed his right foot on the ground once as he attempted to stop things from starting up again. "That's not what a challenge is," he pointed out. "She never asked to battle you, she just blasted you into that boulder there." He pointed to the currently cracked rock for emphasis.

Lesath stopped his bobbing at a tilt of his head. "Really?" he replied confused. "But Lesath read words saying, 'I'm going to beat up that sniveling little-'"

"Stop reading my mind!" Rosa demanded taking a few steps forwards. She formed a Shadow Ball between her two hands positioned at her side as she harshly questioned, "How are you even doing that‽ I don't feel your presence inside so how are you in there‽"

Lesath just kept bobbing back and forth slowly, his tail flopping on the ground in rhythm to his bobbing like a living metronome.

"Rosa!" Skrelle stepped in between the two. "Enough of this!" His fierce gaze met Rosa's defiant one. The two leering at each other with such immovable wills with neither showing any sign of backing down.

"Skrelle please," Lesath requested from behind. He put on his best persuasive face despite Skrelle not even looking at him and kept repeating the request over and over. It didn't take long for Skrelle to get annoyed by the ordeal enough to step out of the way. Rosa and Lesath looked at him as he stopped and about faced in between Ipsiato and Del. "Three minutes…that's all."

All the time I need, Rosa said in her head, ready to make this little sponge of a hack pay.

She took a deep breath as she formed a shadow balls, one for each hand. "Eat it!" she shouted, tossing the two at the emotionless wobbuffet.

Lesath stiffened as if activating some combative instinct. His closed eyes moved in time with the balls as he was keeping track of them. When they were about to impact he quickly bent over to avoid one and then with a firm push from his arm that was closest to the ground, generated enough momentum to avoid the second. He rooted his balance as he smacked his arms together and was looked like light blue circles encapsulated him for a moment.

Safeguard, Rosa guessed in her head. She paid it not mind, considering she had no moves that could inflict status anyways. "I hope this hurts you, asshole!" she threatened as she covered her body in a wavy light. It danced around her form like an aurora before she unleashed them as many light beams, all in Lesath's general direction.

Lesath didn't seem particularly concerned as they surged straight into the area he was, ripping up parts of the ground around him and uprooting dirt to obscure the results of the destructive force, because when the dust settled there was Lesath standing, coated in some odd white color that swerved all around his form.

Ipsiato's eyes widened. "Is he usi-"

"Mirror Coat," Skrelle finished for her, eyeing Lesath carefully. Oddly enough, the wobbuffet didn't seem in a hurry to shoot it back at Rosa, making Skrelle skeptical the mon was even trying hard. Endurance test or one hit end? They have about a minute and a half so perhaps he's hoping to stack, he theorized as Rosa pummeled another Dazzling Gleam upon Lesath once more. Again, the wobbuffet converted into Mirror Coat and again refused to fire it.

"Isn't he going to defend himself?" Del asked, walking over to the observing two.

"Probably not," Ipsiato stated. "If he felt he was in any danger he would have used it by now. He seems to be just stacking it. Probably waiting till it's near the end to finish the fi-"

"That's not his plan." The two looked at Skrelle with perplexed faces.

"But, he's stored all that power. He could probably do enough damage to win or gain a pretty big advantage."

"Maybe, but then ask yourself." Skrelle turned his eyes to them and in a low tone said, "What test would that give him?"

"What do you mean?" Del inquired.

"Lesath seeks to better himself. Become very strong to carry out whatever is needed." Skrelle's eyes narrowed as his focus locked onto the tanking Lesath. "Pushing himself to the extreme. Being reckless in tolerance."

"So…" Del paused for a second before asking. "Are you saying he's just doing this to test himself?"

"I would," Skrelle bluntly admitted. "An angry opponent offers a lot of damage coming your way. If he isn't careful, she will take advantage of that. Then again, Lesath treating this as some kind of training exercise would probably make her want to hurt him even more."

The three looked back at the battle, Rosa still pelting Lesath with Dazzling Gleam after Dazzling Gleam, only for it to be added to the Mirror Coat.

Rosa snarled as this mockery. If he was going to have the audacity to read her mind he could at least not just sit there taking everything she fires wearing that stupid face. An idea popped in her head. Forming two shadow balls she gave him a look and said, "I hope you are ready."

Lesath just remained in his bobbing self as she threw them at him. Once again, he tanked them and added it to the Mirror Coat build but suddenly a floating rock hit him on the back of the head. Lesath fell forwards from Rosa's sneaky use of a telekinetic lifting and he flopped onto the ground. He wasn't there for long, because his surprise caused him to accidentally release Mirror Coat causing a large explosion and sending Lesath hurling high into the air.

"Lesath!" Skrelle shouted with concern as everyone just watched him reach the peak of his climb to the night sky before heading straight down. Skrelle quickly charged forwards to catch but he was too late.

Lesath smacked back onto the surface with a loud thud.

"Lesath!" Skrelle hurried to check on Lesath's condition.

The left arm was bend in the wrong direction though the noises coming from the mouth (currently pressed against the ground) as well the flailing of the right arm indicated he was at least alive.

Skrelle took a sigh of relief but didn't remain relaxed for long. He stood up and looked at Rosa. "It's over."

She gave him a glare as she held another Shadow Ball in her hand. Her arm didn't seem to want to back down.

Skrelle gave a little snort as he took a firm step in her direction and with a low growl stated, "I order you to go cool off before you do something you will regret. Am…I…clear?"

After a few second stare off, Rosa let her Shadow Ball disintegrate as she spun around and headed back to the forest, without a single reply.

Skrelle faced Lesath again, who was picking himself up. "Are you alright?"

Lesath held his arm as he stood up and gave a nod. "Lesath is fine, just underestimate dress lady's power." He started rolling his broken arm, trying to prove it was fine. However, this method of confirmation only showed how broken his arm was, with it flailing around like a child swinging a pond reed.

Skrelle had to back away from Lesath's flailing around, saying, "Lesath, please stop. That's not something I want to look at." The wobbuffet complied and Skrelle worked on clearing the image out of his head. "Anyways, Ipsiato, please treat him. I would but-" He gestured his small arms for emphasis.

With a reluctant sigh, Ipsiato came over to start as Skrelle offered support. Del, however, headed off to the forest where Rosa was. It didn't take her long to spot some of Rosa's gardevoir black dress coming from behind a tree.

She started over to the spot when she was met by Rosa saying, "Don't."

Del paused, rubbing her head a bit unsure what to do. "You sure? I mean, you look like you have something to say-"

"Not to you or anyone over there." Her voice was firm yet odd. As if it was requesting space instead of defiantly demanding it.

"Oh, well take care then." Del began to leave but stopped as she saw Skrelle heading this way. "She's not in the mood to talk," Del informed as Skrelle walked past her.

"I'll keep that in mind." He gave her a little glance, his eyes telling that he had something to do. "Go see to the others."

Del nodded and walked off as Skrelle walked over near the tree where Rosa was at. Once there, his gaze shifted off to the darkness in the woods as his breathing slowed, just taking in the night noises and his steady breathing.

"Why is he with you?" The gardevoir turned so she could see Skrelle from behind the tree, looking at him with a rather bothered scowl.

"…Well, Lesath is a special case," Skrelle admitted, facing her but not venturing nearer unless given permission. "He's rather loyal to me since I took the time to help bring him back to health. He wasn't exactly enduring wynaut compared to now."

Rosa looked to the side, unsympathetic. Clearly it didn't excuse his blatant intrusion on her personal space let alone a memory but she could help but be slightly curious about it. "Well…you shouldn't let him just go about the way he does. Reading others' minds like he has the right to."

"Yes, I agree." His tone indicated a sincere apology.

This didn't make Rosa budge. Her arms tightened in her frustration as her angry gaze remained firmly on the dirt nearby in front. "Well, why don't you do something? He's a member of the inner iris council and yet you're just letting him act this way?" She accused.

Skrelle let out a sigh as he explained. "Rosa…do you know how the inner Iris council are chosen?"

She set aside her frustrations to give him an answer. "Yes…they're chosen by the red eyes Lords."

Skrelle gave a nod as he turned and leaned his back on the tree. "I had no handle in them choosing him. In fact, I was against it."

Rosa's head turned a little, curious.

"I don't think he's ready for such a position. After all, he's not that old and yet he's already been put in such a high role and standing. He has incredible focus but that has its ups and downs. I theorize he was chosen for the very reason of monitoring."

Rosa paused to ponder. This concept of them choosing such a stupid mon to be on the council just so he could spy just made her more fed up. She put her thoughts on pause as he continued.

"Of course, that's just my guess. I don't know what their motives are in doing this just that they went with decision. And while he does it very well, I can't say it's good for him. He's…well a bit weird if you haven't guessed."

There was just silence from the two for a second till Rosa felt the urge to find out more. "Why weird? Is he sick or something?"

"Not so much sick as needing to adjust." Skrelle's eyes looked to the side as he said amid a low growl. "There are some things the red eyes do I find damnable. Lesath is a constant reminder of that. Enforcers training I consider one of them."

Rosa remained silent, her eyes widening at hearing that. Her mouth opened and was about to ask something, but froze. The defensive walls of hers went up once more and she curled back to the tree. "Well next time, tell that sick punk to take me off his reading list."

"I will…My apologies for him stepped over your boundaries." He waited for an answer, which came in the form of an annoyed grunt. After giving a nod, Skrelle left her to her peace and headed back to check on the others.

Rosa sat there in the fetal position. Curling her legs closer the more her thoughts drifted. The fierce angry eyes slowly lowered to the kind that would be on a little girl remembering a sad event. Her nerves tensed as she remembered words and phrases. Lift it higher. Let's see about now. If you wish to become one of us you need to excel further. Come on, hold it. You can do it. It was hard to believe that she had lived a life like that once. It's alright…we'll work on progress next time.

A growl escaped from her as she rolled to her side, thinking. First about the council, then about the red eyes leaders. Despite her initial harshness, it was rather calming to know she wasn't the only one that felt the red eyes had flaws in them. A sigh left her mouth from a face that looked more longing as she recalled the situation. She looked over to some trees, the image of a corner popped, and image of a younger blue-eyed kirlia sniffling in a little test outfit, while a large shadow slowly crept up. The startled girl flinched back as the intruder offered a hand to her.

The stranger said, "I can offer you a different life. A different role. You need only ask."

The kirlia paused, looking at the dusknoir hand coming out of a brown cloak that covered the stranger's body all the way to the floor and a hood for the head. "Who are you and what do you want?"

"I sense turmoil, desperation. How long do you expect to keep them invested, keep them for you and your cause? What if it falls apart? You lose? Who will take care of-"

"Shut up!" the girl shouted, standing up on her feet.

The stranger remained silent and returned his hand to the side. Then he said the thirteen words that she had thought about for so long. "What good are you if you can be tossed aside when you lack?"

Rosa froze as she looked at the girl staring up at the stranger determined. "And what can you offer? Who even are you?"

The figure took off the hood. "My name is Daemon and I'm like you," he said looking at her straight in the eyes with his. He once more offered his hand to the blue eyed girl. "Someone that is only wanted to be used."

She hesitated as she pressed her back against the wall, rubbing her arm with uncertainty. "What makes you say that?" the girl asked, more nervously than trying to be tactful.

"As I said," Daemon continued, lowering himself to her. "I was something to be used too. You sit out here, alone. Not even a bit of sympathy given for a flub in your test. Their bar is very high and sadly psychic abilities aren't all cut and dry. There is no room for constant mistakes, is there?"

Rosa's eyes lowered and were filled with honest sadness and worry she felt. A hand of hers was headed to her eyes as a sniffle started but to her surprise, she was beaten to it by Daemon's larger hand.

"It's sad…to be tossed aside in favor of 'better' talent." He removed his hand away and once again, he moved his palm towards her, beckoning her to take his hand. "What use is talent if the mind isn't refined? Maybe she is stronger than you by their standards…but that is where we strive to become more."

She hesitated, looking at the hand with a debating frown. Looking up at him, she tried to ask something but couldn't seem to word it.

"It's alright, the choice is yours to make. After all, no one can make you more…only you can."

The girl looked up at Daemon's red eye and then back to his hand as Rosa observed. Her eyes narrowed as she watched her younger self form a confident scowl on her face. Rosa watched the little girl slowly lifted her hand till it was finally cupped into Daemon's. And just as quickly as it came, the image in Rosa's head vanished.

Hmm…to think such a pompous prick like him actually has a heart, she muttered in her mind as she stood up. But then again, I shouldn't be surprised at his strenuousness…maybe one day I should confess to my snooping. Her eyes lowered as if they were feeling slightly guilty. Maybe…I just hope he can help himself so he'll stop being such a jerk. She about faced and walked out of the woods, heading back to her annoying fellow ruin keepers.


< O >


The sky was sunny, the docks of a small port were brim with life and color. The water was a crisp blue and the shores moved and splashed onto the side in a calming manner.

Demetri sat on one of the docks, arms propping him up from the back, eyes shut, just letting the wind blow all over him. He wore a navy blue vest buttoned up with a nice emblem of a Sorphian Sun on the left.

Suddenly, the sound of a large bell rang behind him. He turned and looked at the West Clock Tower and the sprawling city around it. Of course, it wasn't easy to see more than just the taller buildings from the small dock he sat at, but that didn't matter with the large West Clock Tower displaying eleven o'clock to the world. He let out a sigh as he stood up and shoved his hands into the vest's pockets. It was a fun visit. He muttered in his head with a smile.

"Demetri!" a voice called out to him from the left.

He gave a little chuckle as he turned saying, "Coming dad." Before he could face the direction of the calling, Demetri was promptly shoved off the wooden dock and into the water. The surprise caused him to flail in the water for a second before remembering how to swim and promptly keep his head above the waters. He looked up at his assailant only to see a laughing Zak.

"Zak!" Demetri shouted, taking in a mouthful of water in the process.

"Sorry Demetri, I couldn't help it. Here." Zak sprawled onto the dock and reached his arm out to help pull Demetri up.

Demetri took it and with a troublemaking grin, proceeded to pull Zak in as well. He laughed aloud at Zak's screeching before being silenced by the waters before coming up for air and promptly cursing with every word in his dictionary.

"You lads," a voice spoke from the docks. Demetri stopped laughing as he looked up.

"Heh, you know Zak has a prankster heart," Demetri said with a smile.

The hand of an older grumpig held out to him. "Come on, let's get ye both dried off."

Demetri and Zak nodded. As the grumpig reached out to the older one the light from the sun reflected off of something, shining in Demetri's eyes. He shot his arm in the way of the blinding sensation and head went under the waves. Shaking his head to snap himself out of it, he started swimming back up. As he did, he was struck by a sudden shock, like his muscle converted to a paralyzed status. He struggled and flailed slowing falling deeper and deeper into the water as he was running out of breath. He looked up, seeing the sunlight rays from under the water. Trying his best, he struggled to kick his legs but to no avail. He was slipping deeper and deeper. Terror began to grip him as he was nearing time to take a breath.

Come on, he shouted in his head, trying to focus off his fear and onto surviving. You've got to move. He tried to levitate himself psychically, but upon attempt he was struck with a painful migraine. It was enough to make him open his mouth slightly, having water gush into an unprepared mouth.

His head was spinning and his eyes shut. He shot forwards, gasping. To his surprise, there was air. Slowly, he looked around the room, seeing the white walls of some kind of resting room. He was covered in sweat that had apparently dampened the bed's blanket a little. Somehow, his hand found his head without him knowing it, startling him at first with the unrecognized touch. He looked at his hand and just…processed what just happened.

It…it was just a dream, he reasoned in his head, trying to calm down and slow down his breathing. I mean…Zak and my dad. Haven't seen Zak for a while and my dad for years. Letting go of his head, Demetri decided to look around the room. Did I?...What happened to me?

His inner question was soon to receive and answer for when he thought this he was promptly startled by a loud and buzzy sounding, "Demetri!!!" Demetri shot his gaze at the door, at Devon, who was pleased to see his peer was awake.

"You alright?" Devon inquired, buzzing over to Demetri's bedside, "I found you unconiouzzz on a roof."

"Uh…huh?" Demetri titled his head, confused. "I don't…remember a…hmm." Demetri tried to meditate into his mind, see if he could find something relating to what happened before blacking out.

Devon waited patiently for Demetri to end, sadly with no results. Before Demetri could ask him anything Devon was the first to start. "Hey, zzzo I obzzzerved them like you ordered and they're going to Plainier town."

"Wait, what?" Demetri exclaimed. "When are they leaving?"

"They already left," Devon corrected.

Immediately upon hearing this, Demetri cursed, "Fu**ing what‽ Damnit of all the times I fall fu**ing asleep, I had to-"

"It'zzz fine zzzir," Devon interjected. "We know where they are going. Once you are better we can-"

"Fu** that!" Demetri bluntly stated, pulling the blanket off of himself. "We need to hurry befo-" he was promptly interrupted with an almost face-plant onto the floor from his dizziness at moving up so fast. Thankfully, Devon managed to get in and save Demetri from a potential nose bleed.

"Eazzzy zzzir," Devon said, almost as if he was trying to say an order nicely. "You juzzzt woke up. You need to get your ground legzzz back before you can really go after them." Demetri was about to protest but was promptly shut down by Devon buzzing right in front of his face stating with a forced stern expression. "Lizzzten zzzir, if you can't zzzo much azzz walk to the door without faceplanting, then zzzcrew trying to catch up. At leazzzt have zzzome breakfezzzt firzzzt before you get yourzzzelf darn near lamed becauzzze you wanna ruzzzh it!"

Demetri just paused, just staring a scowl back at Devon, who was doing his best not to back down. After twenty seconds of this stare off, Demetri let out a sigh, let his head fall, and remorsefully said, "You're right. Sorry for yelling. I just…well…it was sud-…? Devon?" at his knees was Devon, giving of panting breaths of relief. "Why are you shaking?"

"Zorry zir," Devon said with a weak vikavolt smile. "I juzzzt am not known for being loud or commanding zzzo it felt kind of weird, heh."

Demetri gave a little chuckle and smiled, saying, "First time for everything I guess. Good sign you are learning the trade, talking back to your superior with a convincing argument."

"I…juzzzt don't want to make a habit of it," Devon laughed with a little crack of nervousness woven into it.

Demetri nodded, and let Devon help him to the door so they could get ready to pursue. Despite the dream he had, Demetri attempted to be optimistic as they headed out. As they headed down the hall Demetri muttered in a low tone, "Thanks, for the help Devon."

"No problem zzzir,"Devon replied happily.
 
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