Chapter 26

Descent (Dread)

"'A phizon of 5 inches, 12.7 cm, or 1 corbal in length holds a capacity limit for synergetic travel of 50 flame years. Devices utilizing this do not require massive amounts of circulatory and efficiency relief due to this class of phizon's spaciousness compared to its smaller siblings." He pulled the book over his face and uttered a muffled sigh. Welp, I think I'm at my limit. Good on Jaron for going into Synermechanics, but I can't read any more of this word soup.

He closed the book and stared at the cover. Though, it is pretty cool how all this stuff work. He set the book on a small night desk next to his stray stuffed hospital bed. His eyes glistened faintly in the light of the dim emura held in a glass cylinder, staring at it like one stares at a campfire on a cold night. Gently, he pressed the base of this cylinder and watched as a particle field around the Emura barely revealed itself before vanishing once more as it pulled away from the Emura. The light from this stone began to dim, now becoming like the cinders of a burnt-out campfire.

A small smile formed as he leaned back, staring upwards. I can see why Jaron would like this stuff. Though, maybe it's mostly because of the mechanical part of it rather than the synergy aspect. His eyes drifted to the window, watching the rain beat against it as his happy reminiscence disappeared as his path of thought took a turn.

Still raining, huh. He sat up, turning his gaze towards the shut door to his hospital room. I guess there's no sense in staying up. Better go have the final check-up. He slid off the bed and walked toward the open door. I feel fine enough, but doctor's orders. Though… He paused before reaching it and crossed his arms. I guess I was out because of healing that arm. So then, it take me two whole days to recover from healing a wound like that? I mean, I feel fine if not a little tired. A slight chill filled him as he pushed down the unsettling thought. I hope I'm not losing something else I don't know about when I use my gift.

Sighing, Vragon leaned over and said, "Mecks, I'm ready to go to bed. Can you get Dr. Uximo for the check-up?"

"Sure, need anything before I go?"

"No thanks, I just want to get it done so I can retire."

"Okay. I'll let him know to hurry on over, Vray."

As Mecks started speaking into the ranger com Vragon turned his troubled stare towards the window. Without thinking, he reached and clasped his pendant, his body seeking its calming touch while his mind couldn't.

Humphry said that the Gallade guy was a clansmon. So, does that mean there are clansmons in the Red Eyes or was he just a random one off? He shook his head as a scowl began to form. What even are these guys? And what do they want with me so badly that they'd- he snarled, not wanting to remember that threat from the Gallade.

Slowly, his eyes drifted to the right as he lifted his arm. Looking at his Averion crest, Vragon thought, I don't understand. What could I have done to make them go that far? His arm fell as he stared at the floor, a firm scowl on his face and his claws clenched tightly. How could he do something like that? Make me choose something like that?

He brushed his snout, a small sniffle coming out as he began to calm down. Well, it's not like I know that piece of garbage. His arms wrapped around his torso as he looked back at the dim emura. I guess with all the context removed, we would be distant cousins. But still…

The scowl returned as he reached for his pendant and held it up to eye level. They're bad mons and I doubt they're being honest with me. It's just more questions and no answers. Like you.

His stare went cynical, as he tilted his head during his mental interrogation of the pendant. Not like you're helping me get answers either. Why do I have you and feel like I should have you if I'm Averion? What even are you supposed to be? He sat on the footrest of the bed, letting out all his frustration in a singular, silent stare. A few minutes later he sighed and let it drop. Maybe if I had mixed parentage then that would explain it, if it isn't just a Clans cultural thing. Though, even if it is.

His eyes trailed to the door once more, this time with a curious look on them. It's taking Uximo a while to get here.

"Is Uximo busy right now, Mecks?" Vragon stood up and walked toward the open door. "Mecks?" As he looked out the doorway. He froze, eyes wide as his heart raced.

He tried to rushed down the hallway but was knocked back as something shot out of the opposite wall into him. Too confused to respond, Vragon was grappled onto his stomach, his right arm pulled into a lock.

"Ack, Hel-!" He managed to say until a purple energy closed over him, in the shape of a boney claw.

"Shhhhhh," Vex slithered as a smile formed on his face. "Don't want anyone else coming in harm's way, right?"

Vragon's fury fought his momentary fear, forcing him to try and struggle. However, the arm lock was too much for him to free and the ghost's position too controlling to allow Vragon any chance to move. Despite this, he tried until he heard the door squeak.

Looking up, he saw a Haxorus walk in. He had a dark green hue to his scales, some of which looked chipped or scratched. His physique looked strong and his posture composed. What drew Vragon's attention the most, however, was the Red Eyes this mon possessed. They weren't just the kind he had seen before, they were accompanied by a stare that felt more intense than the Gengar's and the Gallade's combined.

The Haxorus' let his Dragon Claw disappear, as the blood covering it dropped to the floor.

A pained scowl formed on Vragon's face as he shut his eyes and started struggling again.

"Quit it you," Vex snarled in a harsh tone and pushed harder on Vragon's arm, making the Fraxure utter a muffled cry.

No, I won't let you! Vragon surged Dragon Claw into his locked arm, but unfortunately for him, Vex was positioned right above it, safe from being cut. The other arm was pinned by Vex's leg, unable to move even an inch.

Get off me! Vragon screamed in his head.

"Be still."

Vragon stopped, his eyes opening as he looked up at the Haxorus, who went on a knee to get a closer look.

"This is the guy," The ghost said above him. "Black with white lines on the harder scales and yellow eyes. Averion too."

The Haxorus didn't reply, simply staring down into Vragon's eyes, a seeming curiousness despite their hardened look.

Vragon raised a brow, his fear and anger set aside to match the curiosity in this towering figure's look. Who…are-?

"Sir?"

The Haxorus's gaze suddenly went cold making Vragon shiver and want to pull back. The Haxorus suddenly latched his claw onto Vragon's face, making the boy yelp and push it down, snarling aggressively.

"Trishula, sir?"

"I have to make sure."

Vragon squirmed in fear as the Haxorus's eyes narrowed and his claw started to feel warm on his face, heating up just low of searing pain.

"Mecks!" A voice shouted, causing the Haxorus to pull his claw back and shift around.

Vragon could feel the ghost above him stiffen as the sound of rushing footsteps could be heard outside. Wait…Humphry! He looked at the Haxorus, who was walking around the footrest, dark blue energy swirling around his claws, ready to form Dragon Claw at the second he needed to. No! Vragon struggled again, but sadly the ghost was alert enough to restrain him. He screamed as loud as he could, but his voice wasn't loud enough to penetrate the muffling effectively.

I can't break out! What do I-? He saw Trishula press his back against the wall next to the door, ready for when the Seismitoad entered.

Vragon let his head fall, his muscles hurting and his mind clueless about what to do. At that moment, he noticed his tusk pressing against the floor, causing his head to be in a rather uncomfortable position.

"Vray! Hang on!" His heart raced as he stared at the door out of the corner of his eyes. He let his body go limp as he started taking slow breaths, remaining as calm as he could despite the sound of Humphry's racing footsteps.

Three, two, one, now! With all his might, he lurched back, surprising Vex enough that the grip on his head lessened enough to twist it and drive his right tusk to the ghost.

Vex gasped and pulled back, managing to avoid being poked and quickly regained control over Vragon, but the damage was already done.

Vragon went limp again, relieved that the footsteps had stopped. As he looked at the Haxorus, he saw a brief glance of frustration at Vragon's captor before once more looking at the door ready to strike with surging Dragon Claw.

The silence was unbearable for Vragon as his breathing picked up. Please, don't die. He fought the images of Humphry getting stabbed, snapping to focus as there was another sound.

The Haxorus moved slightly off the wall, surprised as well.

Water?

Horror formed on Vragon's face as the Haxorus lunged for the doorway, the energy swirling into ripe Dragon Claws, but before he could get into the hallway he was swamped by a blueish glow. Vragon shut his eyes as a second later, he felt the force of a wave on his body, along with the ghost's weight being lifted off. He was swamped over into the wall, gasping as he tried to get his bearings back until his focus was stolen by a crashing sound.

Humphry was standing there, dust from the wall covering him. The Seismitoad waved his hand as the Surf pulled away from Vragon and rose to hit the two.

Vex phased into the wall, while the Haxorus thrust his claws forward and lunged forwards, tearing a hole for himself through the thin wave.

"Run!" Humphry shouted as he slammed his fist and shot Mudshot at the Haxorus, who pivoted to the right around the footrest.

Vragon quickly hopped onto the messed up bed and fell off the other side at Humphry's feet.

"Go!" Humphry shouted, slamming his second fist over Vragon to send more Mud Shot to pin the dragon back.

Vragon scrambled to his feet, going through the rubble wall so fast he almost ran into the wall on his way out. As he scampered down the hall, he looked back.

He stopped running, staring at the hole in the wall. He surged his own Dragon Claw, but couldn't muster the nerve to go to Humphry's aid nor to flee. Gasping, he looked down the hallway to see a purple flash followed by a Shadow Ball headed right for him. He raised his claws to block as it struck, sending him down the hallway onto his back.

Groaning, he sat up seeing Vex fly towards him. Vragon cried and scrambled to his feet, but then he was yanked by a force down the hallway. As he landed on his side, he saw a flash of rainbow light in the shape of a beam fly down the hallway.

"Vray, are you hurt?" Dr. Uximo asked, as his move exploded down the hallway.

"No," the Fraxure answered, starting to get to his feet. "Humphry, he's still in my room."

"Don't worry about him right now, we need to ge-" Uximo stopped as he fired another Psybeam at an incoming Shadow Ball, the repulse causing both to shield their eyes. "Where is-" Uximo began but was cut off by a slam from the side.

Vragon watched Uximo hit the wall and slump with a groan. His eyes turned to the Gengar now between him and a dazed Uximo. Vragon lashed out with Dragon Claw, fearful the mon would try and harm Uximo while he was down, but all he managed to do was get blasted by a small Shadow Ball that pushed him down the perpendicular hallway.

Coughing, Vragon tried to sit up, his chest hurting.

"Not this time you little punk." Vex floated and flew after the Fraxure, who tried to rush away.

"This way!"

"Huh?" Vragon looked ahead to see a window at the end, only it was open with a figure in it. He stopped running and surged Dragon Claw.

The figure swung his arm as some kind of dark purple flash happened, with Vragon feeling the rush of something whizz past his head. He turned around to see Night Slash kunai stab into the wall that Vex phased into.

"Hurry!" The figure held out his hand.

Vragon looked back at him, hesitant.

"I'm not one of them," The stranger said, pointing to his eyes which were as blue as the sea.

Despite his uncertainty, Vragon trusted this point and ran for the stranger. Once close enough, Vragon was grabbed by the stranger and pulled out the window. Before Vragon could so much as process let alone shout, he felt himself being grabbed tightly and going through the air, the stranger leaping from the window and flipping around.

As they landed, the stranger went into a roll to avoid any potential damage to his legs, letting go of Vragon so he could quickly get up and surged Night Slash kunai in case the ghost pursued.

Vragon spat out the rainwater he got in his mouth from being flat on the flooded roof and looked up at the Greninja with a snarl. "What is wrong with you‽"

The stranger looked at him with a brow raised before a cheeky smile formed. "Sorry, the first time is usually the worst. Anyways," He looked back at the window, prompting Vragon to look as well. Sure enough, the ghost flew out and the stranger flung his kunai at him, which the ghost evaded.

Vragon took the time to look this stranger over. It was a male Greninja, at least Vragon guessed because of the voice. His body looked rather lean with cuts on a few areas. The black shirt was made of some fine fabric, built for the rain. The worn vest the stranger wore on top of that wasn't as good though.

His observations were cut short by the Greninja pointing in a direction and shouting, "Move! I'll cover for you."

Vragon obeyed, as the stranger followed closely behind, taking every opportunity to dissuade the Gengar or the Gengar's Shadow Balls with his Night Slash kunai.

As he reached the edge of the roof, he judged the distance and looked down instantly regretting it as his stomach started to knot up. Can I make that jump? He backed off. "I-I don't think I can clear-" His words were cut short by a loud crashing sound from the hospital building.

"What the-?" His eyes widened as he watched something leap from a recently made hole in the wall near where he and the Greninja had left and landed with a harsh thud on the roof.

What are you‽ Vragon's jaw dropped open as the stranger stood up and turned towards them. Those eyes once more leered with intimidation at the Fraxure, filling him with fear.

"Wait, don't-!"

The stranger's words weren't fast enough, as a startled Vragon took a step back without thinking, bumping into the edge of the roof. The combination of the wetness from the rain and being startled caused him to tumble over the edge, yelping as he flailed about for something to grab on.

What? He looked all around, finding himself suspended in the air. He yelped as something phased through the wall.

"Relax, I got you." It was a Mismagius, the green band around her neck sending instant relief for Vragon. She flew up and set him down on the roof on the other side, turning her pink, glowing eyes towards the Gengar. "Get as far as you can." She flew up and began engaging the Gengar in aerial combat.

With the ghost taken care of, Vragon turned his attention to the current fight between the Haxorus and the Greninja, which was more of a game of dodging on the Greninja's part. Despite the earlier order, Vragon was too engrossed in the fight to leave, like he had a personal stake in it despite not knowing either of these two.

He jumped as something rushed past him and leaped over the gap. A Hitmonlee twist flipped, igniting an white energy into his leg and bringing it down upon the Haxorus, who blocked the Mega Kick with a Dragon Claw.

Swiping it away, the Haxorus had to shield himself from the Greninja's Night Slash kunai.

The Haxorus slightly turned his head, leaping forwards and spinning his body around to face another mon closing in. A Scizor with a ranger band flew right for the dragon but pulled up early to send rippling Air Cutters at the Haxorus.

While the flying move cut into the roof, the Greninja leaped across the gap and rushed for Vragon.

"We need to move."

"What? But what about the rang-" He squeaked as he felt his arm grabbed.

"You're the target, not them."

Vragon tried to wrestle out, but both glanced back seeing the rangers getting knocked aside from a swing of the Haxorus's tail. The mighty dragon's eyes met Vragon's once more, but only for a second as he lowered his head, forming a ball of dark blue energy with a vibrant orange center at the tip of his head spike.

What move is that? Vragon thought as he watched the two rangers try and go for a counterattack of Mega Kick and Bullet Punch, though the Haxorus tanked both moves to send the sphere up into the air with a swift raise of his head.

Vragon watched it fly up, mesmerized by its glow. As the orb reached its pinnacle and exploded, he felt the air leave his lungs as fear took hold of him like it was freezing him in ice. The dark blue and orange light was enveloped by a much more intense white light that filled Vragon's vision entirely. He fell to a knee, his head starting to hurt as well as his right arm that he instantly grabbed with his left claw. Despite how much it hurt, he didn't make a sound, just continued to stare upwards at this light as he felt faint tremors around him.

His body refused to respond as he looked at the light, feeling like it was looking back at him. What feeling he had left managed to detect he was no longer on the ground. While the scenery in the corner of his eyes changed, the white light remained the center point of his vision and the object of his full attention.

Finally, he shut his eyes as the pain in his head picked up, the levels of pain dwarfing his right arm from before. What is happening‽ he thought, his first coherent thought since the Draco Meteor. He clenched his head tightly as it got worse, his breathing heightened as his body shivered with fear of death.

Then, he felt a touch, a cold touch that made him lurch back and look. His headache was gone as was the pain in his right shoulder, but his fear and panic were just as real as when he stared into that light.

"Woah, easy."

Wherever he was, it was dark. Though there was a light source coming from behind a black silhouette in front of him.

"You're safe."

He blinked, seeing the traces of two blue circles in front. They looked like eyes the more Vragon peered into them. As he adjusted to the darkness, he made out the form of a slender mon, eventually recognizing him as the stranger from before. "You-you're-"

"Shhhhh," the stranger raised a finger to his mouth, but his eyes were calm and understanding. "Whisper."

"Oh…sorry," Vragon said, looking around. "Where are we?" They seemed to be under some kind of tarp, the kind used to cover open crates to prevent water from soaking their contents. This tarp was held up above their heads by a pole, making their hiding place more like a tent.

The Greninja backed up, sliding over their light source, a hole in the floor. He gestured towards it, but put a finger to his mouth.

Vragon crawled over to it and looked down. It was a view of the floor below, the distance likely two floors from where they were. Down there was mostly an open space with various portable, emura lights scattered around. "A construction zone?"

The stranger nodded. "Yes, this is where I was trying to take you."

"Why?"

The stranger sat back, relaxing a little in a way that made Vragon start to relax too. "We're hiding." The stranger whispered, looking down through the hole as well.

Vragon shivered as he looked up. "You mean, those guys are still-"

"Relax." The stranger met his fearful gaze with a calming smile. "I won't let them hurt you."

"O-oh…"

"You're rather timid," The Greninja said with a smirk, leaning back and resting a hand on his side.

Vragon wanted to scowl at that remark, but it almost felt rude to leer in such a way at someone that saved him from the Gengar.

"What's your name?"

"Uhm…Vragon." He looked back, his curiosity rising. "Yours?"

"You can call me Ergon."

"Ergon?" Vragon's head tilted.

The Greninja chuckled. "It's a weird name, I know, but there's a good reason for that. It's actually my middle name."

"Your middle? What's wrong with telling me your first name?"

The stranger looked back at the hole. "I don't like giving out my first name just like that."

"Oh." Vragon's head lowered as he looked at the hole too. The view was of a lower floor, which looked rather messy in how torn up it looked, likely the current room being repurposed. "Huh?" Vragon leaned closer, seeing something down there near some crates. His eyes widened at seeing what looked like a Greninja, pressed behind some crates with a Night Slash dagger drawn. He looked up at the stranger, verifying that some teleportation hadn't happened.

A minor chuckle came from this supposed 'Ergon'. "Confused?"

"Very. How are you doin-" He stopped as the stranger pulled his left hand from behind his back. It had a glowing grey light swirling around it.

"It's a move called, Substitute. Have you heard of it?"

"Y-y-yeah." Vragon slowly nodded as their gazes turned back to the doppelganger below. "So, you're using a decoy?"

"More than that."

"Huh?" Vragon snapped his gaze back up as the stranger looked at him with a confident smile.

"You'll see." Without another word, he turned his attention back down, as Vragon did as well.

His eyes narrowed as he felt his body tingle with excitement and concern. What's his plan? He jerked back slightly as he heard the sound of rubble.

The stranger closed his grip, as the doppelganger tightened up to the crates, ready to slice.

Vragon felt a chill as he heard footsteps echoing beneath them, amplified as he saw the Haxorus from before walking into the room. He had a Dragon Claw surged and his eyes looked alert.

He looks powerful, Vragon thought, watching this mon browsing the room.

"Look out! He's there!" Another voice exclaimed, making Vragon flinch back but the Greninja smile.

The ghost was flying towards the fake, Shadow Claw surged as the fake turned, and looked at the Gengar in surprise.

"Ahh!" Vex shouted as he stopped.

Vragon's and the Greninja's eyes widened.

"What?" The Greninja whispered surprised while Vragon stared dumbfounded, a swift burst of flames flew from the Haxorus's claw just narrowly missing Vex's face as it struck on the wall, leaving a searing black mark on it.

"What the-? Why are you firing Incinerate at me?" Vex demanded but looked back at the fake who was still in the same position. "Huh?"

The Haxorus picked up a random piece of wood and tossed it at the doppelganger. A flash of colorful light erupted below as a loud, thrumming sound their heads.

Vragon gasped, his breathing picking up as he saw it in that field of colors that white light again. His body filled with fear and he bolted.

"Hey."

He ignored the stranger's voice, instead throwing off the tarp, and running with all his might. He had to get away from that light, no matter how much it called to him. His rationale was gone, all that remained was the pain in his right arm, his headache, and the overwhelming fear of staring at impending doom that he had to flee from.