Chapter 22

Rememorabilia

"Seven Thirty," Vragon mumbled to himself as he stared at the holographic numbers that the orb from Jaron and Ciecro's room displayed. "Hmmm…let's see." He put it away and took out a small notebook fastened to his librarian job's belt, which he had also borrowed for this occasion.

He dragged his claw down the list of names. Hmm…it's taking Mr. Hommel a while to get here. His eyes rose from his notepad and looked toward town and the large drop to the lake below. Browsing the horizon, Vragon sighed at not seeing the two blue spherical mons anywhere in view.

Turning around, he looked at the riverside where the preparations were nearly done. Some mons were lighting up some torches for the tables, some were setting up the tables and chairs, while some were chatting instead of doing their work. Amid the party preparers was Jaron, orders to those nearby.

Heh. A small smile formed on his face as he watched Jaron's mannerisms and posture, like a mini-manager being as imperative as possible. Don't see 'work face' Jaron very often. He turned towards the lake, his smile shrinking although his happiness still was as strong as ever. I'm glad so many mons wanted to come. Guess, Aunt Dresha is really valued here. Not just as a supplier for those berries, even if that's how it probably started. He looked down at his notebook, his eyes narrowing slightly as he read the names on the list to himself.

As he flipped the page, he felt the faint tugging of his pendant, which prompted him to take it into his hands and looked at it quizzically. I wonder if there was someone like her in my life before. Someone like, Ciecro and Jaron too. He raised a brow, as he felt the question excite his curiosity. Maybe my actual siblings. Huh, wonder why I never really thought of that? Guess those two do a good enough job. He chuckled as he let the pendant fall down as he glanced back at everyone else.

Hmmm…'Fuck it and focus on the now.' His smile faded as he remembered Ciecro's words from that one conversation a few days ago. 'Those two do a good enough job.' His eyes looked upwards. Like Aunt Dresha as a caretaker. Maybe I am being a bit, too hasty about stuff like this. I've got a good life here… His head lowered as his claw instinctively wrapped around his pendant. I wonder if I'm giving off that impression. I hope not. I really like it here.

He let go and crossed his arms. Ciecro may have just been on edge, can't blame him with the test and what Clyde pulled. But… He glanced back, focusing once more on Jaron. He alternated gazes between Jaron and his pendant. I don't know. Something…something about all this just feels missing. I feel missing.

He shook his head and rolled his eyes. 'Well duh, you're missing your memories, stupid.' Chuckling at his little impersonation of Jaron, Vragon let his pendant fall. It's been a rough week. I should focus on them for a bit. After all, they deserve-

"Excuse me?"

Vragon jumped with a gasp, glancing at the origin of the voice, turning out to be a Bisharp standing next to him with his arm stretched out halfway to tap him on the shoulder.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's uhm…fine." Vragon raised a brow as he spotted the ranger's blue ranger band. "Is there something wrong, sir?"

"Huh? Oh, no, no." Amyas smiled as he tapped his band. "I was just invited to this party by Mr. Hommel."

"Humphry?"

Amyas nodded then offered his metallic gauntlet for a hand with a smile. "I'm Amyas Orgul. Commissioner of Plainier Town."

Vragon accepted it, relaxing at the friendliness in this stranger's eyes. "Nice to meet you. I'm Vragon Almkin."

"'Almkin'?" Amyas raised a brow. "So you're Ciecro's brother?"

"Uhhh, not exactly." Vragon put a hand over his chest as his gaze lowered slightly. "It's…kind of silly to believe but-" He looked back up to the confused Bisharp as he tried to figure out how to answer that question without sounding crazy. "Well, I came to this town around five years ago and have been living with Aunt Dresha since then."

"So you're adopted?"

"N-no. I'm more uhm…" Vragon started rolling his wrist, fiddling around with words in his mind until Amyas's chuckle grabbed his attention.

"No need to be so uptight, son. It's not like I'm going to arrest you. That's Humphry's job and he's left you free for apparently five years." He crossed his arms and smirked, which mixed with the logic succeeded in putting Vragon's mind at ease.

One deep breath later, Vragon answered, "So five years ago I was found in the forest. I don't remember anything that happened to me past that point. I only knew my first name so they offered to use Almkin as a replacement for my last for legal documents and other things that require a last name."

"I see. Definitely peculiar, though I could see why they would do that."

"Yeah, it was nice of them, and since I was going to stay with them-"

Amyas raised a brow. "Oh no, I mean you would pass as a sibling of theirs."

Wait, I would? Vragon crossed his arms, skeptical of this claim. "How?" Especially since he's never even met me.

Amyas pointed to Vragon's right shoulder. "That's why."

"My crest?"

"Yes."

"But it's Averion. Not Norfairon like theirs."

"True, but the Clans offspring take crests based on either parent. So it could be inferred there was a Norfarion and an Averion for parents."

"That's true." Vragon's head lowered. I didn't know that.

"Though, it would seem a bit odd, since most Clansmons you see in Triacal are Norfarions exclusively, which by itself is rare."

"Huh?" The Fraxure snapped his head back up at this fact. "Why?"

"The Norfarions have a colony in the north-eastern part of Triacal. Near Shimmer Hill. It's quite rare for any Clansmon to be this deep in the continent let alone be a non-Norfarion."

"Interesting. Why do they have a colony here in Triacal?" Vragon pressed a closed fist under his chin as he listened with intrigue.

"Well, for trading mostly, but there's probably other reasons."

"I see." Vragon's gaze lowered a little. Wow, I didn't even know there was a colony of Norfarions here. Dang, guess I really do know little about all this. His mind went back to his prior thoughts as he could feel frustration building up.

"Nice pendant."

"Huh?" Vragon looked at Amyas and then to the object the Bisharp complimented. "Oh, thanks. I had this on when I was found." He cupped it under his claw and held it out for better viewing.

"Where were you found?"

"Upstream."

"How far?"

"A ways. I don't remember how far it exactly was."

"And you don't remember how you got there?"

"Nope."

"Not even if you were attacked or not?"

Vragon paused.

Amyas raised a brow. "Uhm…Vragon?"

Vragon's gaze lowered, unease in his eyes. "I…don't know." The air felt colder all of a sudden for the Fraxure. 'Attacked'? I wasn't found with any injuries but…I guess it's a possibility. So why do I feel so weird about it? Without thinking, Vragon started rubbing his left claw's wrist.

"Sorry for asking that."

Instantly, Vragon brightened his expression and shrugged. "Oh no, it was a fair question. I just have…well…never thought of that scenario before. And even then who can say? I certainly can't, heh."

Amyas's concern that he had crossed a line didn't improve, though he gave an affirming nod and a slight smile. "Well, I do hope you get your memories back."

"Thank you." Vragon scratched the back of his neck as his gaze lowered to the side. Change the topic. Change the topic. Oh! He looked back at the ranger, saying hastily. "So, who did you come with?"

"Oh, Mr. Hommel. He invited me." Amyas crossed his arms and looked towards town. "But he seems to be late."

"Yeah." Vragon pulled out his notepad and flipped it open. "He and his wife are the last ones on the list," Vragon sighed, closing the notepad, and started browsing the dim horizon for any sign of the missing guests.

"Typical Humphry." Amyas pressed his hand to his chin as his gaze drifted upward. "Hmmm…or maybe it's his wife this time."

Ugh, why this celebration of all times to be late. Vragon grumbled to himself as he kept looking for any sign of the Hommels. Due to the sun having disappeared beneath the horizon, seeing any Mons, let alone blue ones was like trying to spot a Ditto in a valley of Muk. Ugh… Vragon shook his head as his gaze trailed towards the lake, specifically at the large reflection of the moon on its calm surface.

"Ah yes, what a nice view," Amyas said, standing next to Vragon, who looked at the commissioner.

"It is." There was something strange about how relaxing it was to look at this lake at night. It wasn't anything special nor had uncanny lights about it, but the calmness of the water with the moon's imprint just seemed to stir the soul just right. However, the stirring stopped when Vragon spotted something on the far side.

"Huh? Ciecro?" Vragon leaned a little closer, making out a bit of red in the far distance near the shoal. "What's he doing there?"

"Wait, you mean Ciecro Almkin?"

"Yeah." Vragon pressed his claws to his sides and scowled slightly. "I thought he was helping Jaron. What's he doing…there." Vragon's voice faded away as the obvious reason dawned on him. He sighed and turned to Amyas. "Thank you for the conversation sir, but I probably should go get him."

"Oh, well, if you don't mind. Can I come along?"

"Huh?"

"Yes. You see, I'd like to speak with him."

Vragon's eyes narrowed a little. "Is it about his test?"

Amyas shook his head. "Nope, only Humphry is allowed to talk about that. No, I just want to give my regards to him."

"Give your regards?" Vragon tilted his head, surprised at this stranger showing some admiration for Ciecro.

"Yes. Humphry has told me a lot about him. He sounds like a nice young male according to Humphry, so I'd like to meet this boy my friend speaks highly of. Maybe even set up a sparring match with him before I go."

A heavy sigh followed from the Fraxure. Ciecro's probably in a bad mood. I don't think I should bring anybody else; he may just want to be alone. Although. Vragon rubbed his chin as he looked back at Ciecro in thought. Meeting another commissioner might be the cheer-up he needs. I don't know why Amyas wants to see Ciecro outside of what he claims, but he doesn't seem to be having anything bad to say or ill intentions. Plus, Ciecro's been clean on his record since the incident.

Vragon nodded. "Sure." He took one more look towards town and once satisfied that the Hommel's were still not in view he turned around, gesturing for Amyas to follow.

They rounded the lake's perimeter ring before branching off to head into the hillside. As they went up a specific hill, Amyas glanced around a bit concerned.

"Uhm…where are we going?"

"To the tunnel," Vragon said with a grin.

"Tunnel?"

"Yep. It connects to Aunt Dresha's underground home that shore you saw Ciecro at. Aunt Dresha is currently taking an afternoon nap so I don't want to wake her up till everyone's ready for the surprise."

"Ah, so that's why. That's awfully nice of you all, surprising your Aunt like this."

Vragon shrugged with a less-than-humble grin. "Well, the surprise part was my idea. I just had to do a little bit of 'prep' to get her into a napping mood."

"Oh?" Amyas raised a brow, his smile going.

Vragon stroked his chin, shut his eyes, and confidently chuckled, "I just happened to need her help with some of my researching, which took us a few hours of tedious and thorough reading."

Amyas chuckled, relieved. "Well, sounds like it was very effective," Amyas stated as they went down the hill and rounded around a wooden trap door. The two flipped the sides open and stepped inside.

Vragon reached for the wall where a belt pouch hung on a metal steak without having to feel around for it. He carefully searched each pouch until he felt the spherical object he was looking for. "Alrighty." He pulled it out and twisted it, causing the orb to glow with a bright light.

"Woah," Amyas exclaimed in surprise as he shielded his face from the sudden burst of light.

"Oops, sorry." Vragon cupped it into his hands so it only projected light in one direction, cracks between his fingers aside. "That better?"

"Much." Amyas gestured towards the path. "Lead on."

Nodding, Vragon took lead and the two proceeded down into the cave.

"So did somebody dig this tunnel out?"

"Yep. We hired some mons to do it."

"How come?"

Vragon closed his eyes as he thought back, not worried about stumbling or running into something since he knew this tunnel like the back of his claw. "Well, when I joined them I needed a place to stay. So Aunt Dresha decided to have her home expanded so I could have my own room. During that, the talk of an emergency exit came up and we decided to connect this tunnel to the house and to the cavern that leads the shoal."

"I see."

Vragon smiled as he looked upwards. "Yeah. Of course, I, Jaron, and Ciecro mostly used this tunnel for getting to our spot."

"The shoal you were talking about?"

"Yeah. The one Ciecro is at. It's where we all like to hang out together when we have time and don't feel like training."

"Oh? You're training too?"

"Not to become a ranger." Vragon glanced back as he explained, "but self-defense is important. If I'm a good battler then I could take care of myself. That kind of logic."

"Solid line to go by."

"I've still got a long way to go." Vragon sighed as he looked forwards.

"Everyone has to start somewhere."

A frown formed as Vragon thought, Start or play catch up. He briefly looked at the orb glowing in his hands as they neared the turn.

"Something wrong?"

"Nothing really." With the turn in sight, Vragon paused.

"Vragon?"

The Fraxure turned around and looked up at Amyas. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Amyas said, though there was a hint of curiosity in his friendly face.

"What do you want to talk to Ciecro about?"

"Like I said. I'd like to meet him and give him my compliments and maybe set up a future sparring-"

"But why?"

Amyas raised a brow. "I don't understand. Is something wrong with me talking to him?"

Vragon sighed and looked up at the roof. "I'm guessing he's going to be in a bad mood."

"Oh?"

"Yeah…this whole week he's been preparing for the ranger's aptitude test and well…he came back looking all bothered." A serious stare went on the Fraxure's face as he locked eyes with the Commissioner. "I'm worried his test didn't go well. So…if you're going to talk about anything related to that, please don't."

Amyas nodded. "You have my word." A small smile formed as he crossed his arms and tilted his head. "I must say. It's nice to see you looking out for his wellbeing."

"I owe him a lot. Him, Jaron, Aunt Dresha." Vragon felt his cheeks blush a little as he looked at the side, embarrassment rising up as memories popped up. A little chuckle happened, prompting Amyas to raise a curious brow. "Sorry, about that." Vragon smiled back. "I just wanted to cheer him up. Ciecro…he's the reason I know how to fight at all."

"Huh?"

Vragon raised his other hand, surging a Dragon Claw. "Yeah. When I first came here, I couldn't do moves. I don't know if I had forgotten how or whatever the reason was, but it just was hard to do them. Let alone holding them for a long period."

Amyas's eyes widened in surprise. "I've never heard of that before. Well, outside of really fringe cases like war veterans."

"Yeah. Ciecro taught me a lot about endurance and being able to handle my power. He's a really good fighter and I'm a better fighter now because of him. So, yeah, uhm." Vragon lowered his head and rubbed the back of his, slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, I just felt a little compelled to say that. I just hope your talk can cheer him up-"

"Hrm?"

Vragon opened his eyes and looked at Amyas. "What is it?"

"Shine that light over there again."

"Uhm…okay." Vragon did so, revealing just the normal cave wall. "What is it, sir?"

"I don't know. Just thought I saw something. Maybe it's my imagin-" Amyas stopped mid-sentence. His body tensed like a cold breeze had caressed its surface.

"Sir?" Vragon leaned closer. "CommissionEERRRR!" Vragon exclaimed as Amyas grabbed his arm and yanked him back, slamming the other one to the ground. Vragon hit the ground hard as the Luminous Orb bounced out of his palm and onto the cave floor.

"Amyas, what is-" He was cut off by the Commissioner being slammed into the wall by some kind of shadow.

"Get that orb!" He said, followed by a hard grunt.

While Vragon processed what was going on, he saw the shadow turn. Large intimidating eyes stared at him, purple sclera with red irises. A large, white-toothed smile formed as the shadow moved what looked like a hand, and a black sphere formed at the tip.

Vragon gasped and immediately scrambled back, but the impact of the Shadow Ball sent out a repulse that knocked him onto his stomach again. "Ugh…" Vragon pushed back to stand up but froze as he looked forwards.

Up ahead the cave was illuminated by the Luminous Orb. However, on the far end, a figure was walking towards him. This figure wore a beige poncho with a hood over the head. A green spike was poking at the top of the hood, white long legs that moved like bending pillars shown from beneath this poncho, and the arms at the side were green with pointy elbows that started extending.

A shiver filled the Fraxure as the stranger's right elbow started glowing.

"Vragon!" He heard Amyas shout as he got in front of him, right as the figure sent a Psycho Cut right towards them. Unfortunately, it wasn't the Fraxure this attacker was aiming for but the orb, which burst to pieces upon being struck, plunging them all into darkness.

His heart felt like it was bursting from his chest as he scrambled up in the dark, almost falling as he turned around, and rushed as fast as he could for the turn that would lead out.

"Run!" Amyas said, only to be followed by a pained grunt from the Bisharp.

"I'll handle the Bisharp! Get him Siegfried!" A fiendish voice called as another clash rang out.

The sounds of his footsteps echoed in semblance, though it was hard to tell if those echoes were from Vragon's own footsteps or those of his pursuer. He dared not glance back, not just because of the darkness but because he feared he would see his chaser.

Right as he rounded the bend, he heard a whizzing sound. For a brief second, there was a flash of pink light behind him which vanished as the cave wall to his left exploded from some kind of impact, sending Vragon tumbling onto his stomach. He tried to scurry to his feet but only got so far before he was slammed onto the cave floor, pinned by the back by some thin yet forceful appendage.

"Let me go!" Vragon cried, struggling as the figure shifted a little, lessening the pressure. Attempting to use this to escape, Vragon was soon disappointed to be flipped onto his back and pinned once more, this time at the neck.

When he looked up, all he saw was a flash of red and heat on his face. The pressure on him was gone as he looked down the cave, briefly illuminated by some flames that soared towards the stranger, who crossed his elbows glowing in Psycho Cut to block.

"Vray! Run!" Ciecro shouted, rushing in front of Vragon and firing another Flamethrower.

The Fraxure didn't need to be told twice. His legs sprang to life as he rushed out of the cave, Ciecro following closely behind.

While it was night out, the difference between being in total darkness to the dimness of the shoal was like night and day. So much so it made Vragon's head spiral in confusion as he stumbled down to his knees in the middle of the shoal. He panted heavily as Ciecro joined his side, kneeling in front of the panicked Fraxure.

"Are yah hurt?"

The Fraxure managed to utter a "No." but his fear amplified as he saw Ciecro stand up and fire once more. He spun around to see the Flamethrower being cut in half by the cloaked Gallade walking towards them.

Slowly, Vragon rose to his feet, trying to calm down so he could support Ciecro who stared at their foe unflinchingly.

"Hmph…suppose it makes sense the Norfarions here would be friends with the Averion."

"Huh?" The two boys said as the figure moved his hand up to his hood.

"Well, then let's get this over with."

Vragon's fear shifted to curiosity as he looked into the stranger's eyes. The irises were bloody red, but gleamed faintly in the nighttime. They filled him with dread, but also seemed somewhat mysterious in a way that made him feel also at ease. Though, a troubling thought crossed Vragon's mind that shoved his secondary feelings aside. "Ciecro, is tha-" His jaw shut as he saw the look of disbelief and frozen horror on Ciecro's face.

The Gallade's gaze met the Charmeleon's. "Tck." He swung his arm, sending a Pyscho Cut straight for the Charmeleon, who pulled back startled as if he had just seen his foe.

Instantly, Vragon threw himself at Ciecro, shoving the Charmeleon out of the way as the move struck him on the side. It sent him spiralling sideways and hitting the dirt, tumbling till he struck some of the rocks near the back of the shoal opposite the cave's entrance.

Everything felt dizzy as he tried to move. His muscles felt five times as heavy, not helped by his current state being akin to a drunker on the verge of going deeper than tipsy. Despite this, Vragon managed to get on a knee and start standing up when he heard a muffled noise.

"Huh?" He looked left. "Look…out?" There was a flash of pink heading right for him. He tried raising his arms in front to block, but his guard was easily broken as he was sent flying into the rock wall, knocking all the air out of his lungs, and falling onto his face dazed and groaning.

O

Jaron gasped as he almost stumbled onto a crate as he held his head. A harsh chill surged through his body, causing him to shake involuntarily. He instinctively moved his claw over his heart as he did slow breaths to calm down.

What? He shut his eyes, trying to process this feeling and focus on understanding it, so much so that any voices near him sounded like muffled gibberish, and any touch he felt barely registered.

Why's my Wary? His eyes shot open, widening at the realization his Wary was warning him of something near the lake. He looked towards it and a second later rushed towards the cliffside, ignoring all the calls to his name. When he reached the edge, he peered straight to the cove, and to his horror he saw what looked like fire in the distance. The beam of flame was disrupted by some pink energy, though it was too far to make out who sent it.

He was startled as a hand latched onto his shoulder.

"Jaron? What's wrong, you looked ill," Humphry asked him until the Croconaw looked back at the lake. "What's going-"

'There wasn't time' was all Jaron felt as he pulled out of Humphry's grip and jumped towards the lake. He felt the wind on his face as his raw emotions of horror shifted to rage as the few seconds passed until he cut into the waves of the lake.

Despite the darkness of the lake, the light from the moon touching the water's ceiling provided some semblance of direction for the Croconaw. Jaron flattened his body and swished his tail, propelling forwards and gaining speed as he reduced his drag.

As he hurried onwards, he heard a loud splash of bubbles behind him but didn't dare look, almost out of fear of it making him be too late to help his brother.

Not even a minute later, Jaron was coming to the other side of the lake. He went deeper and then angled himself upwards and used Scald from his palms to propel himself upwards, straight out of the water and into the air.

He pulled his legs forwards and landed on all fours, opening his maw as it formed Ice Beam while his eyes tried spying the assailant.

"Hrm?" The cloaked stranger glanced at Jaron, who immediately fired his stored Ice Beam. The nimble mon did a pivot hop with a twist, almost like he was dancing. He then landed low, surging pink energy into his elbow, and swinging it to fire at Jaron.

Jaron dove to the side to avoid, but right as he was about to counter he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. It was Vragon, starting to sit up rubbing his head.

"Vray!" Jaron rushed over to the Fraxure as Ciecro pushed the Gallade back with Flamethrower and moved in front as the Croconaw checked on Vragon.

"Ugh…Jaron?" Vragon looked at him, blinking a little until they went wide as he pounced on Jaron. A Psycho Cut soared overhead and struck the rock wall behind them.

"T-t-thanks." Jaron weakly chuckle, but ceased his smile as Vragon got off of him, focusing on their adversary. "Can you fight?" Jaron inquired as he stood up.

"I'll try," Vragon said, stifling a groan as he held his side.

Damnit, he's injured. Jaron jogged up to where Ciecro was, whispering. "Vragon's too injured to go up close."

"I wouldn' wan' 'im too anyway," Ciecro replied, scowling at their foe, who threw more Psycho Cuts at them. Ciecro fired Flamethrowers to meet the incoming attacks.

"Okay!" Jaron said, gasping as Siegfried leaped through the smoke of the clashed moves and sliced at them.

Thankfully, Ciecro was fast enough to intercept with Dragon Claw, but the momentum from their foe was too much to stop. The Charmeleon was knocked into some backwards somersaults before stopping flat on his stomach.

"Ciecro!" Jaron snarled as he lashed out at Siegfried with Slashes that grew on the sides of his arms like curved blades. He clashed against Siegfried's Psycho Cut elbows until the agile Gallade did a backflip, striking Jaron in the under jaw with his leg, and sending the poor Croconaw onto his back.

Fortunately for Jaron, Siegfried had no time for a follow-up, for when he landed he was startled by something to his right and was struck straight in the chest by a Mud Shot.

"You alright there Jaron?" Humphry said, taking his fist off the ground and jogging over to the Croconaw.

"I am now," Jaron said, refocusing on the target, who was standing up and staring at the group with a slightly annoyed expression.

Siegfried's elbows extended and glowed green.

"So what's the plan, boys?" Humphry asked, standing next to Jaron as Ciecro joined up on the right end.

"Beat this guy up." Jaron leered at Siegfried, snarling in such a manner that it surprised Humphry.

"Alright then." Humphry took a step forwards and punched the ground, shooting Mud Shot to the Gallade, who merely sidestepped the attack.

However, Jaron followed up with a Scald, forcing Siegfried to leap above only for him to be swatted down by Ciecro's lunge with Dragon Claw.

Siegfried quickly sprang back mid-backflip, landing on his feet gracefully and sending out a Psycho Cut, which was shattered by another Mud Shot. "Tck." He stood up, looking at the three until a noise from the cave got his and their attention.

"Ack!" The Gengar grunted as he plopped on the ground on his back after being flung out of the cave. He sat up to rub his head only to instantly go eyes wide. "Shit!" He flew back as Amyas phased right in front of him and drove his right arm, cloaked in black energy, into the ground where the ghost was.

Vex landed next to Siegfried, keeping his eye on Amyas while saying, "What now?"

"I'll tell you what." Humphry pointed at Siegfried with a confident grin. "You guys give up that's what. I can't wait to hear why you lunatics want to attack a child once we bring you in." Humphry's smile vanished, replaced by a serious look that harbored disgust.

Amyas positioned himself in front of the cave's entrance, asking, "Humphry, did you-"

"Yeah, they're on their way. Shouldn't be too long now."

Vex slithered as he looked up at his accomplice. "Well?"

Siegfried's eyes narrowed. "I'll handle them. You get what we came for."

"Uh…right."

Siegfried stepped forwards, an unsettling ease filled Jaron at how unconcerned this Gallade was. Humphry literally said more rangers were coming. So why is he-?

His thoughts were cut off by the Gallade charging at them, while the ghost phased into the ground.

"No, you don't!" Humphry punched the ground to send Mud Shot.

Immediately, Jaron readied a follow-up Scald and the Gallade looked him straight in the eye. Huh? For a brief moment, the Gallade's red eyes glowed in a strange way that Jaron hadn't seen before. Yet, for as long as he stared into it a strange feeling accompanied it. A feeling of some other force touching him from inside his body or soul.

He blinked, seeing the Gallade avoid the Mud Shot, and fired Scald, only for Siegfried to angle his body low so it soared right above. What?

This evade allowed Siegfried to quickly fire a Psycho Cut in reply, striking Humphry on the shoulder, making him step back and grab it with a pained croak.

"Humphry!"

Siegfried hopped into the air, surging Leaf Blade into his right extended elbow this time, and brought it down upon the Seismitoad, who quickly pulled back to avoid being cut. Unfortunately, Siegfried's left extended elbow had Psycho Cut, which he promptly threw point blank into Humphry, blasting him back a few feet into the shallows of the lake.

"No!" Amyas charged at Siegfried.

Jaron was bumped to the side by Ciecro, who also rushed for the Gallade with Dragon Claw. "Cover Vray!" He shouted as the two's moves met with Siegfried's forming a tri-lock.

Scrambling back up, Jaron rushed over to the rocks where Vragon had stayed back. "Take my back," Jaron said, as he stepped behind Vragon and peered at the walls around them. "He could be anywhere."

Vragon nodded and stood up, the two browsing the sides and ground for any sign of the shadow moving.

Jaron scowled as he tried to use his gift to pinpoint where this foe was, but it was too busy being set off by the fight happening nay ten feet from him. Suddenly, he felt a wary high from his right and immediately looked towards it, only to realize it was coming from the Gallade.

It was brief, but Jaron did spy the Gallade's eyes glow red again as he deflected one of Ciecro's Dragon Claws and twisted to avoid the Metal Claw by Amyas. Why are they glowing like that? He's got to be- Jaron gasped at what followed.

Ciecro went for a rush slice on the side, while Amyas leaped more outwards and pushed off the sand to lunge right at Siegfried's back. However, the Gallade, blocked Ciecro's passerby scrape and twisted his leg to kick away Amyas's Metal Claw at the side with pinpoint accuracy.

"What?" Jaron and now Vragon watched as Siegfried's spiraled once and he landed on one leg, while his other was stretched out towards Amyas and his elbow locked with Ciecro glowing pink. The Gallade's leg started to move in a small circular formation that quickly picked up speed and sent out a mini Vacuum Wave that pushed Amyas back into the wall next to the exit. Ciecro didn't fare much better as once Amyas was taken care of, the Gallade swung his extended leg into an arch to break the block they had. He then swung his arms in front, unleashing a cross of dual Psycho Cuts. The Charmeleon, despite mustering a defense with his Dragon Claw, couldn't stay grounded and was knocked into the rocky area near Jaron and Vragon.

"Cie-!" Jaron stopped as his wary shot up from the left now, and he immediately responded by firing Ice Beam in that direction.

Vex's shadow darted along the wall as Jaron followed, Vragon taking position behind the Croconaw to keep Siegfried back with a Dragon Breath. Unfortunately, Siegfried was too nimble to be pinned and merely had to leap to the side and fire a Psycho Cut. The move struck the ground between them and sent them sprawling onto their stomachs.

Jaron rolled onto his back to fire back at Siegfried, but was startled by a light from his right.

"Don't think so," Vex smugly said as he spread his arms, the white glow on his body shining even brighter as beams of light surged across, striking Jaron all over like hot needles of rain. The poor Croconaw was knocked near his brother, who quickly sat him up and fired Flamethrower only for Siegfried to step in the way and part it by extending the Psycho Cut in his elbow to part the fire in half.

Jaron panted as he felt the front of his body sting from the burn. He looked on helplessly at Vragon who was instantly assaulted by Vex and pinned to the ground.

Vragon struggled, but the ghost's eyes turned blue with pink rings emanating from the pupils and moving outwards to the end of the eyes. A similar pattern started to form on Vragon's eyes as they slowly began to shut.

"No!" Jaron tried to stand but had to fall flat on his stomach to avoid an incoming Psycho Cut.

He heard Ciecro rush by him along with Amyas on the far left.

"Go now!" Siegfried ordered as he rushed towards the two, igniting Psycho Cut into his elbows and clashing with the two mons.

Vex nodded and lifted the sleeping Vragon into his arms and floated up.

Jaron felt a surge of horror in his body as his blood boiled like hot lava yet also chilled like the coldest of ice storms. As he slowly got up, Vex flew overhead, unimpeded by the two currently combating Siegfried. Jaron opened his mouth but he couldn't form Ice Beam. What if he hit Vragon? What if he missed? His body faltered as Vex rounded out and was about to ascend up and out of view until the ghost looked down and shouted with fright.

Jaron looked forwards and saw a swirl of glowing water shoot out from the lake, reaching upwards like a giant serpent with a dragon head made up of water opening up to ingest the two.

Frightened, the ghost almost dropped Vragon, managing to grab him by the leg, and flew up with the Fraxure just barely escaping the loud snap of the water beast as it fell back into the lake from whence it came.

"Damnit!"

Jaron glanced to the right to see Humphry take his hands out of the water, staring angrily at the ghost getting away. The Seismitoad looked at Jaron and gestured, "Jaron, come!"

The Croconaw was at a loss of words, but he managed to start pursuing Humphry, who made a break for the cave.

A second later, a Psycho Cut slammed into the top of the tunnel, caving in the entrance.

Humphry shielded his face from the upset dirt. He and Jaron looked in shock at their only hope of pursuit blocked by the caved in ceiling. Anger filled Humphry face as he glared at Siegfried.

"You bastard!" Amyas rushed at Siegfried, his body going hazy and disappearing.

Siegfried's eyes glowed once more before Amyas vanished. The Gallade went low in the blink of an eye and shoved his hands forwards, causing a gagging sound to happen as Amyas reappeared in front, his gauntlet's side spike was right where Siegfried's throat was and his chest was where Siegfried's arms were now. The Bisharp stumbled back, holding his abdomen as he dropped to a knee.

Amyas looked up at the Gallade standing over him. "H-h-how?"

"Stop him!"

Humphry's shout snapped the Gallade out of any further punishment to Amyas and he leaped back, pulling out an orb, and pressed it as Humphry's Mud Shot flew towards him with Ciecro's Flamethrower following. There was a cyan pillar of light that beamed around Siegfried and disappeared as suddenly as it came, leaving nothing for the moves to strike but the wall beyond.

Jaron froze. They…they got away. He dropped to the ground under the shallow waters, clenching the dirt as his heart rate sped up. Vragon was gone. Taking by those things. His claws clenched as he felt overwhelmed with anger and horror.

"Jaron, snap out of it."

He looked up at Humphry, who grabbed him by the arm, forceful yet gentle enough not to harm the boy.

"Jaron, you can sense them right? Use your Wary."

"I … but how will we-?"

"Now's not the time."

"Hey!" A shout came from above as the four all looked upwards.

Dolly and Jasmine were staring down from the cliff side nearby, as close as they could be without losing sight of the group.

Humphry moved his hands over his mouth and shouted back, "Come over to this side! The cave is blocked and I'll need you two!" Humphry turned to Jaron and placed his hands on the Croconaw, startling the boy a little.

"Jaron…" Humphry paused for a second as he looked to the side.

When his eyes met again with Jaron's the Croconaw could see a layer beneath that serious look, a layer that almost made him feel like Humphry wanted to hug him.

"Jaron, we'll get him back. But you need to sense them out. So please."

The Croconaw nodded and pulled away from Humphry, who proceeded to do whatever he was planning. Jaron walked towards the rocks, staring at the wall for a second as he promised himself and Arceus to do this. My Wary is mine. He shut his eyes and focused, though his thoughts drifted upon hearing Humphry's voice once again.

"Undo, go to the party and keep things calm there with one or two others. Send Violet and Mecks to the lake as fast as possible. A child has been kidnapped."

Jaron shook his head. Focus. Don't let the feelings overwhelm you. Jaron's breathing went in rhythm with his heart, which had slowed down considerably with his empty state. You've done this plenty of times. Just focus on the here and now. He could feel his body move, his arm reaching out for the invisible answer to the question they needed answered.

His claw felt shaky, recoiling at the feeling of dread and danger that his body was feeling. However, his mind remained dominant, albeit pushing himself to walk towards it like a runner pushes one's muscles at the last leg of a long race.

He gasped. It's…that way. He opened his eyes and stared at a portion of the wall as if it was a physical manifestation of the direction. Hope filled his soul as he turned around and exclaimed, "Humphry! It's that-"

Humphry was moving his arms above his head in a circular fashion with a blue light coming from the lake in front.

Jaron jogged towards Humphry's side to see Amyas and Ciecro swimming in what was a slow-moving whirlpool of water. The Croconaw noticed how Ciecro looked like a flower in the middle of a fire field, but it didn't make him laugh this time. Too much was going on for the poor Croconaw.

"Which direction did you say it was?" Amyas asked.

Jaron stepped in front and pointed to the spot. "They're in that direction."

"Noted." Amyas looked at Humphry and nodded. "Send us up."

"Alright, hold your breath you two."

Ciecro took a big gulp of air and held it like his life depended on it, whereas Amyas was far calmer about his submerging as the water began to spiral at a faster intensity around their spot.

Humphry's breathing went heavy as he clenched his hands into fists and moved his arms low, suddenly surging them up with a loud croak as a pillar of water shot up in a spiral with the two inside. He then pulled it towards him and Jaron, causing the pillar to tilt so the two above would drop safely on the cliff above while the water from the pillar drenched the two and the cove.

Jaron shook the water off his face and hurried into the shallows. "Alright, our turn."

"Jaron." Humphry moved his hand outward as he sat down, panting. "Wait a minute. I need to rest."

"But-"

"I'm sorry, I just can't."

Jaron's fists clenched as he glared at Humphry. "Then why didn't you send me too?"

"Cuz, we'll need you and that Wary of yours to help us find those guys when the rangers get here."

Looking to the side with his angry gaze, Jaron marched over and sat down near Humphry.

"Though, there's another reason."

"Huh?" The Croconaw looked up at Humphry, who looked back at him, with a soft look.

"They're the ones you told us about, right? The ones that attacked your home?"

Jaron's eyes lowered as he tilted his head down, staring at the sand with a mixed expression of remorseful memories and tense anger.

"Not the same, but they have the eyes." Jaron looked up at the stars, now clear and bright with the sun gone. Why is this happening again?