Chapter 29

No Rest for the Wicked

A heavy yawn came from a Foatzel as he browsed the empty lounge of the inn with weary eyes. Why do I need to be here on shift if nobody is going to show up? He flipped through a registration book, reading the two names in the stacks of squares with room numbers on them. He sighed and leaned back, staring upwards lazily. Why do we need such a late shift again? Honestly, he should sit down and see how nobody comes in here. Then maybe he'd not be such a stickler for me wanting to go home early on this random, non-busy night.

He slumped over the desk, but immediately jolted straight as the door slammed open. "Dya! I-I mean, hello ther-"

"Not now Bale," A Hariyama said roughly as he walked up, slamming his heavy hand on the desk. "I need your safest room."

"Uhm?...Safest?"

"Yes, preferably somewhere in the middle of the building."

"Uhm.." The Floatzel looked at the list of rooms. "Middle as in height or ground floo-"

"Stop kidding around, Bale."

"Now see here." The Floatzel stood up, glaring up at the towering figure. "Just because you're a ranger doesn't mean you get to shout at me-"

"It's an emergency."

As he opened his mouth to reply, a Seismitoad joined the ranger at the side. His face looked weary, his arms sagging, and his body was dirty with a few wounds. "Oh my," the clerk gasped as he tried to look past the large ranger to see if anyone else was coming in, only to be impeded by the Hariyama extending a hand to get his attention.

"Please, just give them your safest rooms. The guild will pay their tab, we just need a place for them to rest that's near mid-town."

"R-r-right." The Floatzel looked down and began looking for a proper selection.

As they waited, Humphry sighed and looked up at his fellow ranger. "Thanks for this, Tork."

"No problem. Given the circumstances, I don't really feel like you're safe yet."

Humphry sighed. "Yeah…"

In the corner of the lounge, Seliph was leaning on a wall, watching Humphry and Tork at the front. His eyes drifted around, seeing the others that had made their way in and were resting. A couple of the local rangers were guarding the Fraxure, who looked exhausted both mentally and physically. Hmm…this might be my best chance.

A smile formed on his face as he walked over. "How are you feeling?"

The Fraxure looked up at him for a second and then his gaze lowered. "Alright."

Seliph took time to browse the body language and expression. No way you're 'alright'. He crossed his arms and looked to the side as the rangers guarding Vragon all eyed him sternly. I doubt Humphry is going to give me much time with him. I can't exactly blame him, but I need to get a better idea of what I'm dealing with. Seliph stepped forwards, but was cut off by a ranger extending an arm.

"That's close enough."

Seliph sighed. "I just want to talk with him."

"No."

The Greninja let out an aggravated sigh upon hearing Humphry's order.

"It's been a long trip and I want him to rest."

Seliph glanced back, saying, "Fine, but let me at least check how he is? I'd feel better knowing the extent of his injuries myself."

Humphry's eyes narrowed as Seliph looked at Vragon.

"Is that alright?"

Vragon shrugged his shoulders. "I guess."

Dismissive. A lot on his mind I presume. Seliph took a deep breath. Best prepare myself. No telling what I'll see in there. He got down on a knee, as the guards moved aside, yet keeping their eyes locked firmly on him.

"Mind if I see your arm?"

Vragon held it out to him as he clenched it gently and looked it over. A few cuts, but nothing that could beat scale skin. Nodding, he looked up at Vragon saying, "Now, close your eyes. I want to check your heartbeat."

Vragon complied as the rangers all tensed up as Seliph pressed his hand on the Fraxure's hard chest. Okay, here we go. Seliph shut his eyes. His body began to feel light as the hardness of the Fraxure's scales vanished instantly. The atmosphere became broad and free, almost airless entirely. Vragon. He repeated the name in his head, keeping the Fraxure as the centerpiece of his thoughts.

No time had passed before he opened his eyes, seeing nothing but pitch darkness. Please be nearby. I don't want to have to- He gasped as he the Fraxure lying in the darkness, his body was visible like he was in a well-lit room despite the void around them, but he was lying on his side like he was unconscious. Seliph hurried over and help sit him up, the Fraxure starting to wake up.

"Where?" He gasped, shoving Seliph away as he fell back and looked around in horror. "What did-"

"Easy, easy, it's just a soul link." Seliph made slow motions as he stood up.

"Oh…why did you do that?" The Fraxure's attitude changed from fearful surprise to frustration.

"I wanted to talk to you." Seliph looked around at the darkness. "I just wanted it to be in private."

"Why? Humphry said to wait." Vragon inquired, his tone slightly altered by a snarl.

Seliph sighed. "Because I need to know what I'm dealing with and this is serious." He walked up to the Fraxure and stared down at him with a soft gaze. "They don't just target mons with a fighter like that randomly. Something about you is important to them. And I get Humphry means well, but we may not have a lot of time. I'm sorry."

Vragon crossed his arms and looked to the side, upset but less hostile than before. "I don't know."

"Anything you can tell m-"

"I don't have my memories, okay!" Vragon shouted as he brushed past Seliph rubbing his head. "I don't remember a thing before a few weeks after I was found. Sorry, I can't help you." He glared back at Seliph, who was visibly surprised by the aggression.

"Uhm…well that's alright."

Vragon's scowl turned down.

Clearly, he doesn't agree. Seliph rubbed his chin as a small smile formed. "You don't seem so surprised."

"Huh?" Vragon looked up as Seliph gestured around.

"Surprised at a Soul Link. So you've done one before?"

Vragon sighed. "Yes. I have." He looked off into the darkness, Seliph joining him. "I did it with Jaron and Ciecro. They said Soul Links could help us find any memories, but we didn't really find anything. Just some door with blue light coming from underneath."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. That's about it." Vragon's arms sagged as he shut his eyes. "I'm sorry to disappoint."

Good, good. Seliph got on his knee and tilted his head with a look of sympathy. "What do you mean?"

"Nevermind."

Hmmm...let's see. Seliph put his hands on Vragon's shoulders, startling the boy at first but he calmed down as Seliph spoke. "Hey, don't feel too bad. These aren't just some average mons. No one blames you for being in over your head."

"But they're here for me…"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean anyone is upset at you for that. Besides," Seliph stood up and crossed his arms. "Since I'm here, that adds another target."

Vragon raised a brow before his eyes went wide. "Oh right, they were after you too, weren't they?"

"Mhm." I wonder how much my brothers told him. Best save that question for later. Sighing, Seliph walked onwards as Vragon followed. "So, tell me, these soul links you did with my brothers, they looked like this, right?"

"To them, yeah."

"'To them'?"

"Well, we weren't in the same location. I'd always get sent to some place enacting a memory of theirs."

"Ah right, that's normally how Soul Links work."

"What do you mean 'normally'? Are we in some abnormal state?" Vragon asked as he suddenly stopped with a concerned frown.

"Soul Links are when we are brought down to our soul's level of perception. Normally, when two mons enact the physical touch trigger, they sort of swap souls. Since the memory and emotional aspects are the most potent parts of our soul and mind linkage that is where most soul links end up by default."

"Why don't they just go to their own mind though? Why is normally the other person's?" Vragon crossed his arms and tilted his head.

"That defeats the purpose of a Soul Link." The two looked upwards. "Soul Links are about connecting to other beings on the most immersive level one can. Even psychics have to do some heavy lifting to reach that level of interaction." Their gazes met once more. "It's amazing. At the time we're talking right now, no time is passing. No awareness of the outside. It's just you, me, our minds, and souls."

The Fraxure's eyes lit up a little as the Greninja continued.

"It's one of the things that makes us clansmons special."

A smile formed on Vragon's face. "So, back to what you were saying. Why are we here together?"

"Ah yes, well. Soul Links are like any common skill, prone to being improved upon and adjusted. You see, if you focus very hard on the other person, it can sometimes lead you to enter alongside them, or even pinpointing where you want to go if you focus enough. Ergo, we're here together in what I presume is your mind."

"My mind?" Vragon looked around. "I guess it fits since it's so empty here." A frown formed, but it didn't stay for long as Seliph shook his head and placed an encouraging hand on Vragon's shoulder.

"Oh no, the mind is a very expansive thing when compared to the soul. To reach other areas, you pretty much have to be led there or go there from the get-go."

"Oh."

Affirming this with a nod, Seliph walked a few paces away and faced Vragon. "So, I'm curious. How much do you know about what you are?"

"Huh?"

"As a clansmon. What are the things that make us special?" Seliph started stroking his chin, as his body felt lighter with excitement.

"Well…first is the Soul Link. Second is gifts, but I don't know what my gift is."

"That's fine. Keep going."

"I guess our shoulder brands count too." Vragon turned to show his Averion one. "I think that's it."

"Actually, there is one more thing."

"There is?"

Seeing Vragon's enthusiasm and surprise made Seliph feel warm inside like he was explaining it to an easily impressed pupil. "Yes. I'm sure you know of our ancestors, the Arbiters?"

"Yeah, Jaron and Ciecro told me theirs was Blaine." Vragon looked at his crest. "And that they were mons adopted by Arceus as his children."

"Correct and imbued with power to serve as the middle ways of Legendary and Mon. Soul Links, Gifts, even our Crests all come from them and remain as strong as ever because of them. They held incredible power and as their descendants we get that Potential factor."

"'Potential factor'?"

"Yes. Our potential to grow is higher than your average mon in pretty much everything, even our health is affected by this."

"Woah." Vragon looked at himself. "So, if I train hard enough, I could be very strong, live longer, and more?"

"Maybe. I confess, I don't really know the most efficient ways to."

"I imagine the clans would know how, right?"

Seliph nodded. "Probably."

Vragon walked over. "Do you…ever want to go to the clans' lands?"

Seliph chuckled. "I'm a bit busy currently. Maybe one day, but right now. No."

"Fair."

Alright. Let's see. "Right, I'm sorry to ask you this, but I do want to know something."

"Huh?"

Seliph got on a knee and looked him straight in the eye. "Back on the roof, you sort of froze. You also rushed away from our hiding spot. Why?"

"O-o-oh." Vragon started rubbing his shoulders, as guilt covered his face. "I'm sorry about that. I don't…I don't know what came over me."

"It's alright." Seliph smiled. "I'm just concerned."

"Why?" Vragon asked sincerity in his eyes.

"Because I know what it's like to be hunted by them. And if they're after you, then I want to know as much as I can so I can help you out." Seliph sighed heavily. "I'm sure Jaron and Ciecro told you about my history, so you can probably tell why I'm invested." Seliph held his breath as his body tensed.

Lowering his eyes, Vragon tightened up with a troubled expression. "I'm…I'm sorry."

Good boy. Seliph patted him on the shoulder. "It's fine. That was a long time ago. But for now, anything you can tell me will help." There has to be something. Mons don't just freeze up like that for no reason. There's got to be some kind of trauma that activated.

"I'm not sure. Just…"

Just…? Seliph leaned in, anxious for the answer.

"I remember seeing a white light."

"A 'white light'? Explain."

"I don't know, it was just a white light. I saw it in those two moments and it just…scared me. It was very weird."

Hrm? Seliph watched Vragon start rubbing his head along with shivering slightly. Is that out of impulse? Strong if that is true.

"I started having a headache, and everything seemed to blur, when I came to it was because of you. The second time I…" Vragon sniffled as his body sagged. "I almost attacked Jaron the second time."

"I see." Fight? He doesn't strike me as a fighter or would react to danger that way. He was running away for a good portion. Maybe he felt cornered in that moment?

"I'm sorry, that's all I know."

"Hey, it's more than enough. Thank you."

A small smile formed on the Fraxure's face. "T-t-thanks. I'm glad you talked with me."

"No problem. If it's alright." Seliph looked at the void in front. "But I think you should get some rest."

"Right." Vragon's head lowered, his smile shrinking but still staying there.

Without a word, Seliph watched Vragon grow hazy as he looked down at his body, it hazing up as well. Foot in the door. His vision went black as his body grew heavy again. His breathing felt physical, his touch felt intense, and the atmosphere felt warm and somewhat stuffy.

"Alright, how are you feeling now?" He opened his eyes, seeing Vragon looking at him a bit startled at the whiplash. Seliph winked and Vragon got the message.

"Okay, I guess." He yawned as he shook his head. "I'm just tired."

"Alright." Seliph stood up and walked over to his seat, gasping as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He saw Humphry looking back at him displeased.

"I'd like to talk with you."

"Sure," Seliph said, not hiding the annoyance in his tone as the two walked out through a side door.

The gloominess was a sharp contrast to the warm lobby inside as was the chilliness of the air. The slanted roof above them sent what sounded like a river of droplets down which didn't help the tension either mon was feeling.

"Did you Soul Link with him?"

Seliph rolled his eyes. "You know, you could treat me better given I saved his life."

"I appreciate your participation, but I won't be stepped over. If you want to do something with Vragon, you need to clear it with me, understand."

Scowling defiantly at the Seismitoad, Seliph crossed his arms and said, "Why? Because my brothers said a lot of mean things about me?"

"No, because there's already been blood spilled because of this."

"All the more reason to trust someone with experience then." Seliph crossed his arms and looked at the rain. He tensed up as Humphry remained silent, hoping that the ire from the Seismitoad was subsiding.

"What was that thing?"

"The Haxorus." Seliph turned and looked Humphry straight in the eye, admitting, "I don't know. He's stronger than any Red Eye I've come across. Perhaps a deeper member of their organization."

"How deep?"

"As I said, I don't know." Seliph started stroking his chin. "I can guess only that them sending this behemoth of a mon means that your Vragon is an important target to them. All the more reason for us to handle this efficiently."

Humphry sighed and looked at the rain to the left while Seliph looked straight from the door.

"Blaming me for what happened won't help anything."

Seliph braced himself as he heard Humphry turn around and in a low tone say, "How dare you."

"Am I wrong?" Seliph glared at Humphry as he stated, "Given the situation, pride is going to be the end of this. And I won't have my brothers dragged down because of this."

"So you're saying you care about them now, huh?" Humphry raised a brow on his scowling face as Seliph met it with a snubbing crossed arms and a raised head to the Greninja's right side.

"It's why I came here. I didn't know who they were after, just that they were looking around this region. I wanted to check on them." Seliph then opened his left eye, staring at Humphry with as much fervor as he could. "And if you won't accept the truth on that, that's your problem."

He could see Humphry clearly wanting to challenge him, but the larger mon refrained, too disciplined to fall into it.

"I'm sorry if I gave you that impression." Humphry's eyes closed as his face went soft, weary, and sad. "I lost an officer. Two children were killed, maybe more died in that attack. All because I wasn't prepared for that Haxorus."

Seliph watched the commissioner's muscles tighten, his fist clenching harder that it made Seliph's own nerves twist in response.

"Commissioner." Seliph walked to the edge of the roof, the dripping water falling mere inches from his face. "I'm not the enemy. I hope you understand that."

"I do."

Seliph shoved his hands into his pockets as his head lowered. "I have some things I need to do. Some of it involves learning more about Vragon. He's clearly important to all this and learning why that is, is vital to learning what we're dealing with. I'm sorry for first impressions, but I need you to give me this leniency. I'm doing this to protect him."

Seliph shut his eyes and held his breath. Come on.

"We'll talk more about this tomorrow."

The Greninja glanced back as he heard the door squeak open.

"For now we should rest. Your brothers are going to be in the basement of this inn tonight."

"I have some things to do first. I'll find my own lodgings for tonight." Seliph stepped out into the rain but stopped at hearing the commissioner's voice.

"Are you sure?"

The Greninja paused. For a moment, it felt like that voice was speaking deeply to him. He knew the commissioner wasn't and this was just his projection, but he couldn't help but struggle to muster the reply. Finally, he said, "Y-yes. I'm sure." And walked into the rain.

He walked to a nearby ally and rested his back against the wall, taking a few heavy breaths. Alright, that's a decent start. No time to waste. He looked down the alleyway. I need to survey the town and see for any reasonable locations for dealing with that Haxorus. If the commissioner doesn't cave for me tomorrow then I should handle my own research.

His eyes narrowed as he started down the damp path, not reacting to the raindrops even as they struck and slid down his face. A determined scowl formed on his face, a fire in his eyes far more lethal a gaze than what he had shown to the old commissioner. I can't wait for that creature to be brought down and learn what secrets he knows. A dark smile formed as he rolled the vial between his fingers in his pocket. Then, I'll be one step closer to figuring you out and ridding this world of you.

O

The warm light of the emura felt relaxing on the scales of the Haxorus, yet he felt cold inside. He stared at a red crystal in his claws with a firm scowl, as if it was the source of all his heat vanishing.

"Trishula."

He blinked, glancing around before his eyes fell upon the Gallade in front, who was a little taken aback by the dragon's sudden action.

"Uhm…sorry for startling you."

Just in my head. He isn't here. Trishula wiped the surprise off his face, focusing on the Gallade, who shifted his attention to another part of their camp, specifically at the lying corpse of a Clawitzer.

"Did you have to do it, sir?"

"Your condition was well enough that his services were no longer needed. He was just unnecessary baggage now."

"Still…" The Gallade's head lowered, with a sigh. "So when are you going to report?"

"Once your associate returns." Trishula's scowl grew. "Now, I wish to be left in my thoughts until then." Trishula could tell the Gallade didn't like being shut down but didn't concern himself despite noticing the odd mannerisms Siegfried had that showed how annoyed he was getting. Once we have the boy then you can be rid of me.

Looking towards the center of camp, he saw a stick standing up from the ground. Tied to it was a rectangular device about the size of his claw, which had an orb inserted at the top. This orb was busy beaming some transparent light upwards, stopping at about ten feet into the sky before dispersing into a hazy, invisible light that came over the camp like a dome. I shouldn't have been so careless. He sighed in his mind as he looked back at the emura lamp. I would have…we would have the boy now if I had practiced better caution. His claw tightened over the crystal as he felt anger build up inside. I want to get this over with so I can-

"Hrm?" He looked up, gazing outside the dome where the hills rose above. A black figure flew over the pinnacle of one, his image a bit hazy and wavery as he headed this way. The Dragon stood up, watching this figure fly through an invisible wall that reacted to touch in the way a lake ripples for a stone.

"Sorry it took me so long," Vex said as he landed on the ground shivering a little at the warmth inside. "I had to be extra- Ah!" He jumped at seeing the dead Clawitzer nearby. "Oh…" The Gengar's startled gaze calmed to a cold frown.

"Report," Trishula commanded as he sat down by the emura light.

Vex slowly walked over, rubbing the back of his head a little nervous. "So, seems they were pretty quick to it. I couldn't find any of them. Even the Commissioner is gone."

"They can't have gotten far on foot. It's only been a few hours," Siegfried stated, joining the two at the light. "So what's the plan? Pursue?"

"We don't know where they would go." Vex crossed his arms annoyed. "From what info we have. There are at least two towns within reasonable proximity. Vergium Town up river and Salfas Town across the plains."

"Which is closer?" Siegfried inquired.

"Salfas." Vex looked at Trishula. "It's Salfas Town."

The dragon stood up. "It's too early to act right now. We need to do some reconnaissance first, I don't want us picking the wrong direction."

"But if we give them too much time-"

"We can spare a day," Trishula said, though he agreed far more with Siegfried position in spirit. A heavy scowl formed as he got up and walked over to one of their travel bags. He searched around in it before pulling out a red crystal and silently headed for the perimeter of the cloak dome.

"Wait, so what, we just recon for any intel and get more provisions?"

"Yes. That is the mission for both of you tomorrow." Trishula glanced back. "Do you protest?"

The two looked at each other before shaking their heads.

If you aren't brave enough to speak your mind, then don't speak at all. Trishula grumbled in his head as he sat down near the edge, staring at the hills in front. He rested his arms in the hole made by his legs, staring at a red crystal in his claws. I doubt they'll try and find us. We have revealed our power to them so they will be on the defensive.

He eased his grip on the crystal as he sighed. Though his power wasn't revealed to me. I don't understand. It was just a boy, not what I was led to believe. He closed his eyes as he raised the crystal to chest level. Perhaps another test or perhaps it was a ploy to fool me. The red crystal started to glow, levitating up from his claw and slowly spinning. My master has a lot of questions to answer.

Trishula shut his eyes and immediately felt himself no longer sitting. In fact, he couldn't feel much of anything. Even his body was far lighter in nature. When he next opened his eyes, he was in a vast, hazy darkness. It was cold in here, the dichotomy of how his body reacted to being here troubled him.

I hate this place. He turned as he heard a voice, his eyes widening with surprise.

"I was beginning to think something had happened."

"Daemon?" Before Trishula was a Dusknoir, who was looking at him with his singular blue eye with a thin red iris as its circumference. His arms were behind his back and he was slightly turned to the right, which made Trishula soften his stern gaze.

"I…" Trishula paused as he looked up, formulating his thoughts. "I wasn't expecting you."

The Dusknoir's eye lowered, making Trishula feel a slight amount of comfort build up inside, albeit a foreign feeling of comfort. "I know. It's been a long time. But even if it was from…him," Daemon looked back at him floating a little closer but stopped as Trishula flinched back a little. "Sorry…" his head lowered as he continued. "I wanted to do this. So I accepted his request to be your contact and coordinator for this mission."

Trishula's eyes narrowed. "So my master asked you personally then?"

"He did ask me, but over communications. I don't know where he is currently." A sigh of relief came from Daemon as his arms relaxed.

A discomforted scowl formed on Trishula's face. Why Daemon? What kind of game is my master playing at? He shook his head and pivoted with, "Anyways, I have much to report."

Daemon nodded as the sound of a sigh escaped him. "Verily. I am listening intently." The Dusknoir straightened his posture, going back to that all too familiar 'business posturing' the Dusknoir was known for.

"Their defenses were weak, but unfortunately I was caught off guard and warped outside of town. When I returned the boy was gone, along with my associates finding no direct leads." Trishula's eyes lowered as a frustrated scowl formed. "My associates had attacked the town prematurely, thus alerting the forces there."

Daemon shut his eye and rubbed it. "So their inexperience ruined the assault."

"Not exactly." The two shared their looks again as Trishula explained. "Their defenses were manageable. The issue was the quick action done by a third party."

"A 'third party'?"

"Yes. Seliph Almkin."

"Really now?" The Dusknoir started stroking his chin. "That's rather random but interesting. You're sure your trip to the location was discreet?"

"Positive. It's possible he acquired some knowledge about our means here." Trishula crossed his arms and sighed. "Somebody dropped the ball."

"No, I don't think it's that simple."

Trishula raised a brow as Daemon rolled his wrist to the side. "I made sure when talking with our non-Red Eye associates that I never once mentioned the purposes of your missions nor the precise location. The most they would have known was merely the region of our mission, which if I have my geography correct spans from Mt. Travail in the East to the forests near Mt. Bristle in the West. That's quite a lot of distance even if North and South weren't included factors."

The dragon crossed his arms as his narrow scowl bore a hint of curiosity. "So then how do you explain his arrival?"

"I'm not sure. His activity has been rather spontaneous with no sightings for some months, though that may be due to the few operatives we have in Triacal being bus-."

"Wait." Trishula held out a finger as he started pondering. That Charmeleon… "Daemon, who were his relatives?"

"Uhm…the Almkins. Their family is mainly in Norfair, but Seliph was raised in Triacal as they worked on a mission. The family he was raised with was his father, mother, and his uncle was present at the conflict to recapture the formu-"

"I meant their species."

"Oh, Feraligatr, Charizard, and Blaziken. Is that enough or do I need to be more specific?"

Trishula grunted as he turned to the side, making the Dusknoir tilt his head. "Heh, all this time."

"Pardon?"

Trishula clenched his claws. "During the attack, I fought against two Norfarions."

"Two Norfarions? In Perion Town?"

"Yes. They were children and of the same species as the father and mother."

Daemon's eye widened before looking at the side with a pondering gaze. "I see. So the motivation would be to check on these supposed siblings of his if he knew we were operating in this region."

Trishula nodded. "There's other information that might support this. The Charmeleon in particular has the gift Death Wrath. I saw it in action myself and was even able to Parasite it.

"Well that certainly helps since the father did indeed have that gift, but it isn't conclusive evidence alone. Although, how does the saying go? Numquam ponenda est pluralitas sine necessitate."

'Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity.' Trishula snorted softly. I forgot how much you enjoyed weaving the olden language into your speech. The dragon looked at the darkness, drawing images of the boys from before with his imagination on the black canvas. "I'm sure of it. It's simple and makes sense for all aspects of this scenario based on what we knew."

"Astute as always, Trishula."

The dragon turned his gaze away, fighting the urge to smile even if it was a faint one. He could feel the area around him solidify, like the walls of a cage as he recanted several examples of that exact sentence said to him by a much younger Daemon. "Then the report is incomplete."

"Yes, which is a shame." Daemon sighed as he started rubbing his head as if he had acquired a migraine. "I imagine when Plageues finds out he will be absolutely overjoyed."

Trishula raised a brow and looked at Plageues, opening his mouth to speak but stopping himself. He quickly barreled back to his distant expression, breathing a sigh of relief in his mind as Daemon kept talking like he didn't notice.

"I can hear him now. 'Now I get to have three playmates to try and hunt me down? How positively delightful, a perfect plot twist that keeps the form ever so refresh-'"

"Please refrain from your personal reminiscing." Trishula shut his eyes, feeling the guilt in his heart being shoved in by practicality.

"S-sorry, Trishula. I was just…You're right."

He felt his body relax a little, but he still felt just as bad. It was rare for him to feel remorseful, but he couldn't help it. A poison he acquired long ago.

"I will say, I'm disappointed Rosa didn't pick up on the siblings. She read Seliph's mind and at his age, he shouldn't have the best mental defenses or experience."

Despite his appreciation for Daemon moving on to a new subject, Trishula wasn't exactly wanting to banter on about random names. "Sure."

"I mean it. I've been teaching her for some time now and her abilities show talent, but I do not know. Maybe she's just not refined enough and is too oriented on brute force." The ghost chuckled as he moved his arms behind his back again. "Sorry, I don't mean to bring up my frustrations with my pupil."

'Frustrations with my pupil'… Trishula's eyes softened up as he glanced at the ghost. "Daemon."

"Hrm?" Daemon looked up at him, his eye reacting to Trishula's softer gaze and immediately complementing it with a sympathetic look of his own.

Stop being foolish. He'd eat you alive if he saw you right now. Trishula pulled back and for the second time looked away, albeit this time more solemnly. "Nothing."

"Of course…"

Trishula watched the ghost look to the side and struggle to hold in his disappointment. Don't let it bother you, he assured himself as he faced the Dusknoir with a serious look. "Back to business, if Seliph does have siblings then they could be useful assets to acquiring his sample of our formula, presuming he still has it."

Daemon looked up at him, almost surprised. "Are you sure you want to take on that additional task?"

Trishula paused, fumbling around with some words before saying, "I understand that for our faction, having as few samples out in the wild is ideal, even if we're confident they won't be able to solve its intricacies. While Seliph is a relatively minuscule contributor to this, it would still be good to remove even a small thorn from our side, no?"

Daemon's eye widened slightly, in a way that one would when giving a faint smile. "Yes, I suppose it would. It may also help you get to the target."

Trishula couldn't help but smile faintly at seeing Daemon's reaction. You were so impressionable back then. It faded a second later as both of them straightened to formal posture. "Anyways, capturing them would make good leverage for Seliph."

"Indeed, and I do believe he still has the sample. But even if he doesn't that removes one potential hurdle for capturing the boy."

Trishula's eyes narrowed. "You mean if the clans decide to act."

"I don't know if they are aware of the situation going on here. I know they tried to investigate the incident eight years ago, but were met with denial from Bantal Town. Imposing too heavily on a City State would make their deals with Triacal fall through, even if Norfair is incredibly displeased about the results. Triacal is very picky on what threatens its status as independent city-states."

Politics. Trishula rolled his eyes. "Do you think they have operatives here?"

"Oh most definitely. But if they're investigating the incident eight years ago, this attacks recently, or something else I don't know." Daemon propped his head with his arm. "I doubt there are many around." His eye closed in frustration. "Something we sadly have to do as well else the Collective will get on our case if we cause them trouble."

Trishula sighed and shook his head. "I hate politics."

"A messy topic that sometimes requires respecting the most worthless things in order to get what we want without paying an arm." The two shared a nod before Daemon continued, "I shall be sure to add the siblings to your objectives report. Anything else you need me to do?"

Trishula raised his claw and listed, "First, I want you to have our associates in the guilds to listen in on any traffic regarding the targets. Second, I want detailed geography of the Travail Region for potential leads. Lastly, I want you to inform any of our operatives on this side of the place to be on standby for support."

"Even Plageues?"

Trishula tightened his mouth as his eyes lowered. "N-no…" He felt his body tighten to a hurting point as he shut his eyes. Don't let it grow. You need your focus, lest your doubts will ruin your path. His fist tightened. But I'm already doubting. That boy. Why was he so…defenseless? He could feel the anger build inside him, only snuffed to the side by Daemon's voice.

"Trishula. Are you-"

The dragon turned away. "Those are my requests. Please put them in." He slowed his breathing as he tried to shove the image of Daemon out of his mind. His hearing picked up on the subtle shifts and disappointed breaths from the ghost, but he chose to ignore them. "That is all I have to report. Please carry out the duties."

"Alright…it was…good to speak to you again."

Trishula squinted harder as he felt his chest heat up. It felt like he was pushing against a boulder going downhill, the desire. It was so potent in how much he wanted this. Remember your goal. Remember what the end of the path leads. He opened his claw, curling his fingers as if he was ready to slice.

After a few minutes of silence, Trishula looked behind him, sighing with relief at seeing the ghost had gone. Despite this, he didn't feel good. Sitting down, he stared at the darkness beneath him, a sad look on his face. I see now why he chose you. He shut his eyes and felt his body fade out of the Soul Link. I just…hate that he's using you to test me.