Chapter 15

All that Matters.

"No, this one isn't ripe either," Seliph sighed, tossing the berry aside as he reached back into the bush. "Come on." None remained, prompting Seliph to slap the bush like it had a face. "Of course, you don't have any more." With an aggravated grumble, Seliph got up and walked over to a small cloth with a pile of berries lying on top of it. He shook his head and tied the corners together.

He glanced upwards, seeing the sky's purplish morning hue over the vast pine trees. We should get going soon. Peeking through one of the holes between the knots, Seliph sighed. I hope it's enough. Grabbing the top and slinging it over his shoulder, Seliph marched his way up the side of the mountain.

Taking a deep breath, Seliph glanced at the trees around him. It's so quiet, he thought as a small smile formed, but then shifted to a frown as his head lowered and his arms laxed.

It all felt like a dream, how peaceful things were here. It bothered him how nice it felt right now. Everything from waking up to the depressing truth that everything that happened last night was real to simply enjoying some mere breeze blowing on his face. A tear started forming, but Seliph quickly wiped it away.

I…I just wish…what good is wishing anymore? He twisted his arm, causing the bag to roll off his shoulder and start sagging at his side. He stared at the ground in front as he walked, though his thoughts stole his attention.

Suddenly, he ran into something, causing the poor boy to back off and grab his head. "Owwww." He gasped as he shot his gaze to his impromptu bag, sighing with relief at seeing the knot hadn't come undone. Turning to the object he rammed into, he eyed the pine tree's bark with a ferocious glare one would save for an attacker.

He felt his fists shake as the pain in his head only encouraged him to surge a Cut in his hand. The boy wanted to shout so badly but held back instead swiping at the tree with his Cut over and over. Stupid, God-forsaken tree! Why couldn't you have just been out of the way like all the damn others! His strikes grew stronger as he grabbed the Cut with his other hand and swung with a desire to slice the tree in half. Fuck you and screw these Red Eyes! I hate them! I wish I stabbed that stupid Plageues's face in when I had that chance! Then… His attacks grew brittle and slower as his sadness erupted. Then maybe…Mom, Dad… he dropped to a knee, holding his Cut to the side and rubbing his eyes.

Fuck this. Why did I have to be so slow? I wish it was me. He got to his feet and shouted, "It should have been me!" He stabbed the tree with all his might, pushing it in as deep as he could till it was lodged completely inside. He backed away and stared at his work, panting.

His body calmed down and his eyes shut. What would you two want me to do? You're stronger than me. I…I can't… Shaking his head softly, Seliph reached down and grabbed the bag of berries. To the town…that's all that matters.

He slung it back over his shoulder. I know. You both wouldn't want me to say such things. I just…needed to. Walking on, Seliph kept his eyes fixated on the road ahead. Don't worry, I won't let them die. They're going to be okay. I'll make sure they'll stay safe, no matter what it takes.

His thoughts were interrupted by almost running into a wall of rock. Gazing upwards, Seliph looked upon the cliff's jagged detailing, raising a brow as he thought, I'm already here? He walked down the large wall of rock and dirt until he came upon a large branch pressed up against the cliff. Good, he thought as he dropped to his knees as he shifted its leaves aside, revealing a hole just past its leaves. It's exactly as I left it. A frown formed as he pulled back and gazed to the right without really caring what he was looking at. He started shaking his head before patting his cheeks and heaving a deep sigh. Just stop thinking about it. Worrying and being afraid is the opposite of what you need to be right now.

Tossing the branch aside, Seliph pushed the bag of berries into the small hole and crawled in after it. As he pulled himself out on the other side, the Frogadier scooted to the left, allowing the light from outside to shine through like a Luminous Orb would when mostly covered by someone's hand.

A feeling of relief filled him as he saw Jaron, sleeping soundly on his side like before. While Jaron did look dirty and scraped a little Seliph couldn't help by smile at seeing how peaceful he looked. His gaze shifted to Ciecro and his smile vanished.

The Charmander was scowling, the shut eyes squinting hard as if he was trying to see deep into some dreamland. Seliph's gaze shifted to the Charmander's tail, which kept a dim but stable flame going.

Seliph felt the horrible feelings come back from last night as the scene of him calling Ciecro a 'brat' played in his mind. The Frogadier moved in between his two brothers and started untying his knot. Why couldn't I've said anything else? He lectured in his head as he let the corners fall, revealing five ripe, savory-looking berries. I'm sure he'll understand but… He reached out and grabbed one of the berries, staring at its rich skin as his stomach began to groan. I'm just glad they weren't there. Seliph's gaze shifted upwards to the darkness of the ceiling. I'd hate to imagine how worse it would have been if Ciecro went with me or even Jaron. I hope Mom and Dad killed them all. We just barely made it out last time. Seliph felt the cut on his arm sting as if it responded to having its name called. I completely messed up. I should have stabbed him when I had the chance, but I…I just can't make that same mistake. No more taking chances or hesitating. It almost got us all killed-

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard groaning to his right. "Ciecro?" He turned to see Ciecro had rolled onto his back, twisting his head left to right periodically looking like he was about to cry.

"N-n-no," Ciecro said, his fists tightening.

Instantly, Seliph was upon him, shaking the Charmander with heavy pushes though made sure Ciecro didn't hit the floor. "Ciecro, wake up," he whispered.

Ciecro started to blink then his eyes widened in shock. He sat up, almost slamming into Seliph as he stared around the tunnel.

"You were having a nightmare," Seliph informed, hoping Ciecro would calm down. To his dismay, the boy's scared face shifted to a bothered scowl as he realized where he was. "You alright?" Seliph inquired, placing a hand on Ciecro's shoulder.

Ciecro's head was downcast as he brushed Seliph's hand away and grunted so quietly that Seliph almost didn't hear it.

A cold feeling filled Seliph as his hopes for this morning's talk were starting to crack. His eyes fell on the berry pile and his eyes lit up. "So, I did some berry picking while you guys were asleep and found this." He reached over and held out a berry in front of Ciecro. "An Occa Berry. I had to dig a little, but I managed to find two of them." Smiling, Seliph gently grabbed Ciecro by the wrist and placed the berry in his hands. "We need to eat before we set out, so how about you-"

"I'm not hungwy," Ciecro answered, tossing the berry gently to Seliph, who managed to catch it despite having no warning.

Seliph shut his lips tight. There was an awkward silence between the two until Seliph broke the silence with a sigh. "Ciecro…about last night. I'm sorry."

"I don' wanna talk abou' it." Ciecro crossed his arms and leered to the side.

"Ciecro…I." Seliph paused as he debated on what to do. Finally, he reluctantly said, "I'm sorry, but…we need to keep up our strength for the journey." He held out the berry once more. "Please."

Ciecro's angry stare stung him like a Beedrill's stinger. He waited in silence as Ciecro eyed the berry for a second before snatching it away. The Charmander bit into it with the subtly of a Magikarp on dry land.

"Ciec-" Seliph pulled back softly as Ciecro spun his back to him. The Frogadier's eyes lowered, shutting them tightly as he heard a little sniffle from Ciecro. I'm so sorry. I wish I said something else, but I couldn't think of anything and I was so…I dunno.

With a heavy sigh in his head, Seliph moved to go wake up Jaron.

"Seliph."

"Huh?" Glancing back, Seliph saw Ciecro staring at the ground where he used to be.

The Charmander's eyes were narrow and bothered, glistening slightly due to the tears in his eyes. Ciecro sighed, turning his back to Seliph once more. "Nevehmind."

A scowl formed on Seliph's face. He crawled over behind the Charmander and reached around his brother, cupping his hands over Ciecro's chest. Seeing the Charmander do nothing to react, Seliph rested his head on top of Ciecro's. "There was something Mom wanted me to tell you guys." He closed his eyes, trying hard to keep the tears at bay. "It was that she was very proud of you. Dad is very proud of you too. I'm proud of you. You've been a huge help to all of us. I want you to know that."

He pulled back with a worried frown. Not even a grunt? It can't be just from being mad at me, could it? Seliph scooted to the side, looking at Ciecro's still, minor scowling face. What do I do? I don't want to say anything that might upset him, but…

Sighing, Seliph hugged Ciecro from the side. "I miss them too. But I'm glad I've got you two." This was too much for Seliph to handle. His tears started to drip as he sniffled a little.

Ciecro's tilted slightly leftward, their gazes meeting. The Charmander's orange eyes, which could be so full of fiery resolve were felt lost and longing. It was hard to pinpoint it, but Seliph almost felt like Ciecro was looking at him out of uncertainty as well, not sure how to comfort his older brother.

Their moment broke with Ciecro raising the berry to his mouth and biting into it again, eyeing the fruit with a concerned frown.

Seliph smiled back, rubbing Ciecro's head. "Thanks."

The small scowl returned on Ciecro's face as he pulled away from Seliph's hand and once more stared at the base of the tunnel wall, taking another little bite out of his berry.

Seliph retracted his hand, worried. Did I say something wrong? Was it the head rub? Shaking his head, Seliph got up and crouch walked his way over to Jaron. He just needs some time.

Dropping down next to Jaron, Seliph started gently shaking the Totodile, saying, "Jaron, wake up."

Groaning, the Totodile started opening his eyes as he looked up at Seliph. "Just a little longer, Mom." Jaron closed his eyes and nestled in on his spot more.

Seliph just sat there dumbfounded. He almost didn't want to wake Jaron up, but after a deep, heavy breath he started shaking the Totodile once more. "Come on, Jaron. You need to get up."

Jaron fussed a little more as he started to sit up, rubbing his sleepy eyes. Suddenly, he gasped and glanced around the room with a panic-stricken face.

"Woah, easy." Seliph latched onto Jaron's shoulders, rubbing them gently to soothe the frightened boy. "It's just us."

"The tunnel?"

Seliph braced himself as the realization dawned on Jaron. It was a struggle to watch Jaron's shocked face shift to a frozen look of horror and then lower into a depressing frown. The Frogadier's fists tightened. He hated this and wanted to strike at something just like that tree from before, but instead shoved those feelings aside.

He leaned back and grabbed one of the berries and held it out to Jaron. "Here."

Jaron looked at it with an oddly puzzled expression.

"Eat this. You'll need some food before we get going."

"O-oh…" Jaron stuttered, holding his hands out for Seliph to drop the Rawst Berry in. The Totodile eyed it for a second and bit into it.

"How is it?"

"…Fine," Jaron answered with a lackluster tone.

"Good." Seliph smiled, trying his best to be an encouraging older brother, but knew his attempts weren't going to do much. Still, he wanted Jaron to feel at least a little better. After all, he was the youngest.

"Hrm?" Seliph's eyes narrowed and his muscles stiffened. He noticed Jaron was shivering slightly, going so far as to curl in a little while he ate the berry. "Jaron," Seliph said, prompting the Totodile to look up. "Are you cold?"

"Mhm," Jaron replied, pulling in his arms as if to emphasize just how cold he was.

We are in a tunnel. I guess it's to be expected. He leaned in closer and rubbed Jaron's head. "Well, we won't be in here for much longer. It's warmer outside."

Jaron didn't reply, just kept shivering as he bit into the Rawst Berry.

Poor guy. Oh! Seliph rushed over to the backpack and after burrowing through it for a bit pulled out the Luminous Orb. "Here," Seliph said, twisting the orb to turn it on. "This should warm you up a little."

Jaron nodded, accepting the orb and pulling it close to his chest.

A worried frown formed on Seliph's face at seeing the orb do little to stop Jaron's shivering. I better keep an eye on him. Seliph scooted to the berry pile and picked one out for himself. He then tied the corners once more and went to put them in the backpack, but paused upon opening the flap. Hmmm… He reached down and grabbed the box with the vial. What are you? He asked it in his mind, imagining the vial in his hand instead of the box.

"Seliph."

The Frogadier glanced over his shoulder at Jaron. "Yeah?"

Jaron's eyes were fixated on the box with a bothered look. "That's what those mons were after, right?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

Seliph shifted around and leaned back against the backpack as he looked at his berry and then at the box. "I don't know. They just want it or wanna destroy it."

"Why did Mom have it?"

"She was studying it," Seliph answered, looking at Ciecro who had finished his berry and was listening in on the conversation.

"But why?"

Seliph shrugged. "Beats me."

Jaron's gaze lowered as he stared with a frustrated frown at his half-eaten berry. "Why study something that'd put us in danger?"

"Well." Seliph leaned back as he stared upwards idly. "I think she was ordered to."

"By who?" Jaron asked, his tone almost sounding like a demand.

"Probably by Team Alpha."

"Team Alpha?"

Shifting in his spot, Seliph looked back at Jaron, saying, "Yeah, you know. The team Mom and Dad were a part of. They're the mons that would come and visit us now and then."

Jaron's head lowered. "Why would they order Mom to study that? I don't get it." The Totodile tossed his berry forwards, startling Seliph. "Didn't they think we'd be in danger?"

"Jaron." Seliph crawled over and picked up the berry. "Don't waste this. We're limited." He offered it back to Jaron, who snubbed him. "Come on, Jaron."

"Shut up!" Jaron snapped, making Seliph flinch. The Totodile's eyes were starting to tear up as he pushed himself to his feet. "Mom, Dad, and Uncle Tethe are gone because of some stupid orders."

"Can it."

Both of the boys shifted their focus to Ciecro, who was glaring at Jaron.

"How can you say that?" Jaron stomped forwards, challenging Ciecro with angry tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Cuz dey made dah choice tah follow orders," Ciecro snarled back. "I hate dose mons fo' wha' dey did tah Mom an' Dad, but deir team ain' dah bad guys. Save yah angeh fo' dah bad guys."

"B-b-bu-"

"He's right."

Jaron looked at Seliph. His face looked desperate in anger, wanting to lash out at whoever deserved it.

Seliph looked back with a calm, understanding stare. "They didn't force our parents to do this mission. Mom and Dad chose to come here and study it."

"How do you know that?" Jaron demanded, his voice stuttering and squeaky.

"Why would we get their visits if they forced Mom and Dad? How could they even keep Mom and Dad here anyway?"

Jaron's gaze lowered, remaining silent due to having no rebuttal.

Seliph started brushing the dirt off of Jaron's berry. "But we shouldn't dwell on any of that. We've got to get to a town. We'll be safer there."

"Yeh…" Ciecro added, albeit in a low, reluctant tone. It made Seliph think Ciecro more agreed for Jaron's sake than for helping him win the argument.

Standing up, Seliph walked over and offered Jaron his berry back. "Mom and Dad want us to survive. We're all upset and…" Seliph let out a deep sigh. "Just. Please eat. You'll need your strength."

Jaron glared at the berry, then rubbed his eyes with his arm. "I hate this. I want them back."

Seliph leaned in closer, hugging the Totodile. "I know."

Jaron threw his arms around Seliph's neck and started sobbing into his chest. Pulling Jaron close and stroking his head, Seliph stared at the wall as he mulled over just how similar he felt to Jaron. Get to town first. Whatever comes next we'll worry about later.

O

Seliph raised a hand over his forehead to shield his eyes as he scoured the horizon. His hopes of anything but grassy hills were dashed in a few seconds. Nothing. A heavy sigh followed as he readjusted the backpack and started to march onward.

"Seliph. Wait," A wheezing voice called out from behind.

Turning around, Seliph saw Jaron just finishing up his climb of the hill, though the Totodile's pace was more stumbling than walking. "I need. A rest," Jaron said, taking liberty to rest before Seliph gave him permission.

The Frogadier looked over Jaron's shoulder, spotting Ciecro about halfway up the hill. His gaze shifted up a little and much to his concern, the mountain near their home was still visible, albeit a minor spec amid the vast plains of land. "We need to cover more ground." He dropped to a knee and placed a hand on Jaron's shoulder. "Just a bit more Jaron, alright?"

Groaning, Jaron looked up at Seliph, giving a soft nod.

Jaron? Seliph latched his other hand onto Jaron's shoulder, staring deeply into the Totodile's squinty, tired eyes. The Frogadier looked at his right hand, focusing on the minor shivering he felt in it. "Jaron, sit down."

"Wha-? What's wr-" Jaron shook his head as if trying to wake up.

"Just be still." Seliph gently pushed Jaron to sit and pressed his arm to the Totodile's forehead.

"Seliph? Wha's wrong?"

The Frogadier ignored Ciecro's question and focused the level of warmth he felt. A dreadful feeling filled his chest as he took his arm away and took Jaron's right claw into his hand. Seliph felt the Totodile's hand tremble in his. Shivers? He can't still be cold. Unless. A dreadful feeling filled his chest as he latched his hands onto Jaron's shoulders and asked, "Jaron, how are you feeling?"

Jaron didn't reply, just bobbing in Seliph's hands, shaking softly.

Seliph felt a lump in his throat as he asked his next question. "Jaron, is your Wary acting up?"

The Totodile didn't reply, or maybe even didn't notice he was being asked at all.

"Jaron," Seliph gently shook him. "Jaron, answer me!"

Jaron groaned, shaking his head faintly.

"Shit, I think he really does have a fever." Seliph started taking the backpack off as he motioned for Ciecro to take over holding Jaron up.

"Wha' do we do?" Ciecro asked, panic in his voice.

"We need to hurry to town."

"How fa' are we?"

"I don't know!" Seliph exclaimed, hastily digging around in the backpack for anything to treat Jaron's fever. "I just know that we need to find the lake or a river flowing to it. We'll find a town there." Seliph pulled out a Sitrus Berry and crawled over to Jaron on his knees.

"Did yah see dah riveh?"

"No," Seliph said as he formed a small Cut in his hands and cut a piece of the berry off. He held the piece up to Jaron's maw, but the Totodile turned away from it. "Jaron, you need to eat this. It'll help."

The Totodile groaned, turning away from each offering.

"Jaron, you need the nutrients!" Seliph exclaimed, grabbing Jaron's snout with his hand and trying to force it open.

Jaron squeaked, trying to pull away.

"Seliph, stoppit," Ciecro stated, trying to keep Jaron still.

"He needs-" Seliph backed off and looked at the berry slice in his hand. With a snarl, he spun around threw the berry back into the backpack. "Fine! Ciecro!"

The Charmander jumped, almost letting go of Jaron. "Yeh?"

"Carry the backpack. I'll take Jaron. We need to move."

Ciecro nodded and rushed over to the backpack. As he started putting it on, the Charmander glanced back, saying, "Are yah sure we should move 'im?"

"We've got no choice." Seliph moved his back up to Jaron and cupped his hands underneath Jaron's bum. "He needs some medicine or at least to get out of this sun." With a heave, Seliph stood up, gently flinging Jaron up to get a better grip. "Alright, let's go."

The two marched onwards, being much less cautious in their trip than before. The vast sea of grassy hills felt like they went on forever as the two kept up their pace. Heavy light from the sun bore on their heads as it slowly moved in the sky, eventually showing mercy on their eyes by bearing its light on their backs.

He'd given up trying to determine how long they'd been traveling as the Frogadier tried desperately to see any sign of a river or just water in general. His body felt spent and Jaron was feeling heavier and heavier in his hands. His adjustments on Jaron felt more occasional and his throat felt drier than a desert.

Gasping, Seliph stuttered a little but managed to catch his balance. Woah, that was close. What did I step on? He glanced but but broke off his attempt to spot the culprit, shaking his head. Doesn't matter. Seliph pushed onwards up the hill.

Geez, how many of these are there? He whined in his mind as he neared its summit, spotting the backpack and a small portion of Ciecro's head disappear over the top. A small bit of hope filled his body as he neared the top, but it was dashed instantly at the lack of a river in sight. Where's that damn river! We've been traveling all day. Why haven't we found it yet? He stomped his foot on the ground and shout whispered, "Fuck." to himself. Putting his frustrations aside, Seliph looked at his younger brother. Just keep carrying him. He readjusted Jaron once again and started down the hill. Just focus on the task at hand. You can handle it. Mom and Dad trust you and so do-

His foot locked onto something in the grass. "Dyaaa!" he cried, stumbling forwards in a mad, uncontrollable dash down the hill.

Ciecro spun around and immediately rushed for him. "I gotcha!" Unfortunately, the little Charmander was easily steamrolled by staggering Seliph, causing all three of the Almkins to tumble down the hill with various grunts and "Oofs".

Once he came to a stop, Seliph placed a hand on his dizzy head. "Ugh." He rolled onto his stomach and slowly began to push up when suddenly a thought caused him to spring to his feet. Jaron! He glanced around, trying to spot a blue spot amid his blurred vision. Thankfully, it wasn't long before his vision cleared, but to his distress, Jaron was lying still.

"Jaron!" He called out, rushing over to the boy and sitting him upright.

Jaron groaned. "Seliph? What-"

"Don't speak," Seliph commanded, laying Jaron down on the grass. "Just rest." He stood up and looked around their area for anything that could be a shelter. Alas, there was no salvation in sight. His arms started to shake as his breathing began to falter as horrible thoughts flooded in.

"Stop it!" He slammed his hands onto his head as if he could shake the despairing thoughts out of his mind. Dashing a little up the hill, Seliph latched onto some off the grass, tearing it out with an angry snarl. It's going to be alright! He screamed in his head as he tore patch after patch until all that was left was a circle of dirt. If there's no shelter, I'll make it!

"Seliph?"

The boy spun around, breathing a sigh of relief at seeing it was just Ciecro. Immediately, he turned back at digging into the dirt and tossing it away.

"Wha' are yah doin'?"

"Digging a hole for us to sleep in," Seliph answered, amid his pants.

"Wai', wha' abou' dah riveh?"

"We can't make it today!" Seliph shouted, tossing another big clump of dirt away. "We need to make some shelter for tonight. Sleep will do Jaron good and we won't be out in the open."

"Bu' he needs medicine," Ciecro protested, dropping to the right of the hole. "We need tah ge' tah town." Ciecro glanced towards the sun, which was beginning to turn red for its setting phase. "We've been travelin' fo' a while, it shouldn' be too fah."

"You don't know that," Seliph countered.

"Bu' Jaron'll ge' worse if we don' ge' him som-"

Seliph shoved his hands onto his knees and glared at Ciecro, saying amid his heavy breaths, "And how do we do that‽ I can't carry him for another hour and you can't even carry him five feet!"

Ciecro scowled as he looked at the hole. "I can go on ahead an' ge'-"

"No!" Seliph snapped, shoving his hands back into the little hole.

"Why not?" Ciecro demanded, standing up. "He needs medicine an' I can hurry to dah town an' ge' help."

"Are you stupid?" Seliph rhetorically asked, glaring up at Ciecro snarled at the comment. "You want us to split up when those Red Eyes garbage might be around? Splitting up would make it easier for them to kill us. You don't even know how long it will take."

"We've gotta try," Ciecro retorted, stamping his foot down absent-mindedly. "He'll ge' worse if we don' ge' help."

"He can fight the fever better sleeping. He's strong, he can last a night."

"Yah don' know dat!" Ciecro snapped.

Shaking his head, Seliph replied, "And you don't know that they'll even help you. Or even if you all won't get attacked by the Red Eyes if they do. Remember those rangers?"

Ciecro flinched back at the reminder, prompting Seliph to resume digging.

"Now stop wasting time and either help me dig or feed Jaron some berries." Seliph's hands stabbed into the dirt as he used his anger to motivate his muscles. It's going to be fine. Just…going to be- His eyes shot wide open as he heard Ciecro sprint off down the hill. He spun around and watched Ciecro rush onwards, passing Jaron.

"No!" Seliph lunged forwards into a mad dash, feeling unusually fast due to lacking something to carry. Ciecro had barely gone halfway up the other hill before Seliph was in range and promptly lunged for the Charmander. The two fell and began struggling as they rolled back down the hill.

"Lemme go!" Ciecro shouted amid their tussle. "He needs help."

"I know that!" Seliph shouted, making a faint cry as Ciecro moved in with the momentum to stop their rolling with the Charmander on top. Ciecro tried to pin Seliph's arms, but the Frogadier was fast enough to pull them close, pushing their fists together so Ciecro couldn't restrain them. "Ciecro, stop!"

"I can make it. Twust me!"

"I do trust you, Ciecro. But you need to sto-"

"No, we're dead on ou' own. I can make it, Seliph."

Their fierce gazes locked as their tussle went still. Seliph's eyes lowered a little, focusing on his fists as he felt Ciecro lax his grip on his wrists. He closed his eyes and exhaled. You asked for this.

Seliph pulled his legs up and wrapped them around Cicero's throat, making the Charmander gasp as he was pulled off of the Frogadier. Instantly, Seliph lunged onto the prone Charmander and began wrestling for his own pin on him. "I said, no."

"Why?" Ciecro demanded, doing his best to avoid being pinned. "I can handle dah trip."

Seliph snarled, pushing harder for the pivotal pin. "I'm not taking any risks. If they find you out there alone you might die!"

"Jaron migh' die out 'ere!"

That's enough! Seliph let go of Ciecro's wrist with his right hand and delivered a hard smack onto Ciecro's cheek. "Cut it out! Don't you dare say that again!"

Ciecro stared back at him in shock as Seliph stood up, glaring down at his brother with tears forming in his eyes.

"He's not gonna die! You're not gonna die! None of us are gonna die! So just do what I ask and stop fighting me! Jaron needs…he-Dya!" With a loud, uncontrollable shout, Seliph stepped off of Ciecro and rushed back to the spot he was digging. He ignored Ciecro calling out his name and dropped back to his knees, shoving his hands into the dirt and flinging it over his shoulder.

No one's gonna die! I won't allow it! He screamed in his head, as every thrust of his hands into the dirt felt like striking at this avatar of death. Like some defiance of their destiny to pass on in these vast, empty plains.

He felt hot tears stream down his face, prompting him to wipe them away with his arm to avoid messing up his eyesight. When he next looked, he saw a white thing pierce into the dirt.

"Move!"

Seliph about dove to the side upon instinct as a pile of dirt flung down the hill. He turned to see Ciecro slam his Slash back into the dirt, shaped like some kind of hand blade shovel. The Charmander's face looked even angrier than his, with tears of its own. Ciecro hacked away at the dirt violently, just like how Seliph whacked at that tree earlier.

Right. Seliph got up and started helping.

The sunlight eventually faded as the stars shined above, glistening like faraway jewels. The cool breeze from before felt colder without the sun to balance it out. The plains were quiet save for the pair of brothers' heavy pants as they stared at their completed work.

"Good job." Seliph complimented, glancing at Ciecro and mustering what little of a smile he could.

Ciecro nodded, but his expression was far from pleased.

The Frogadier let his smile go as he stared back at the hole. He felt the guilt build back up in him as he recanted how harsh he'd been to Ciecro. However, there wasn't time for amends yet. "Ciecro, can you bring the backpack up here while I get Jaron?"

He didn't wait for an answer, immediately getting to his feet. It felt strange standing up after being on his knees for a while, so much so he felt like he was going to fall forwards with every step as he jogged towards the blue body near the base of the hill. "Up you go," Seliph heaved as he lifted Jaron in his arms and started carrying him up.

A faint feeling of relief filled Seliph's soul as he felt and heard soft breathing come from the boy, the kind he would do when fast asleep. At least poor Jaron wouldn't have to struggle to fall asleep on rough ground like yesterday.

Upon reaching the hole, Seliph carefully laid Jaron onto his side and slid him in, praying Jaron would wake up. Once Jaron was at the end of their mini-tunnel, Seliph crawled out backwards and dusted his hands off. "Alright, your turn," he said, spotting Ciecro climbing up the hill.

Ciecro started taking off the backpack, his movements being tired and sloppy. As the Charmander went for the hole, Seliph went for the backpack, saying, "Hold on." Digging around, Seliph found one of the berries and tossed it to him. "Eat this."

Ciecro looked at the berry solemnly, his stomach rumbling at the sight. The Charmander shook his head and tossed it back.

"Are you sure?" Seliph asked with a frown as Ciecro turned to the hole.

"Yeh…I'll eat it tomorrow."

Seliph watched in sorrowful silence as Ciecro crawled in, his tail light illuminating the inside of their impromptu shelter. His gaze lowered to the berry as he rubbed its surface with his thumb. Some apology this turned out to be. He shoved it back into the backpack. He slid the backpack over near the entrance and laid down, crawling in as he pulled the backpack behind to serve as the door to their little hovel.

Rolling to the other side, Seliph stared at Ciecro, now much easier to see with the taillight being so enclosed like this.

Seliph felt the guilt stab at him like a knife as he saw how sad Ciecro looked. Didn't help that the tail flicker was small and steady, a sure sign Ciecro was bothered.

"Ciecro," Seliph scooted closer, pressing his hands underneath his chin like some sleeping position. "I…I'm sorry."

The Charmander didn't as much as look at him. Just kept staring at the ground between them with a melancholy stare.

"You've been doing a lot and putting up with a lot. I'm sorry for being so hard on you, you don't deserve all that. And…" Seliph felt his muscles tighten. "I shouldn't have slapped you. I was wrong."

"No."

Seliph's eyes shot wide as Ciecro continued.

"Yah were righ'." The Charmander shut his eyes. "I was being stupid."

"No, no you weren't." Seliph scooted closer, pulling Ciecro into his chest. "I'm sorry I said you were. I just. I just took it out on you when you've just been trying to help."

Ciecro sniffled, pulling into Seliph's chest and sniffling. "I wish Mom an' Dad were 'ere. I want 'em back."

"Me too," Seliph answered, comforting the Charmander by brushing his orange head. For the first time since they left, Seliph felt a calming peace of mind. Be it in their joint misery about the sad truth they faced or perhaps because it paralleled their moment of understanding the last time they were in the tunnel. Seliph didn't know nor care, but just enjoyed the moment with his brother.

Some rest would do us good. We should be able to reach the river tomorrow, and if we're lucky we'll find the lake. I think we have enough, but… His eyes narrowed. I mean, we've been in the open for a while and made some good distance. I don't think they'd know about the tunnel so we have a decent head start on any search. I just wish I could be sure. Hrm?

He glanced down, noticing Ciecro had not just stopped sniffling, but was lying still in his embrace.

"Ciecro?" Seliph pulled back, his face going to a sympathetic frown at seeing Ciecro was sleeping. Poor guy must have been so tired, Seliph thought, brushing Ciecro's head gently. Putting up with me and all this. He leaned in closer until their foreheads were touching. Keep Jaron warm tonight, okay? Good night, brother.

With that, Seliph rolled to the other side, doing his best to fight back the tears forming. There was so much to think about, but he didn't want to think at all. He just wanted to lay here in peaceful ambiance. Though no matter how much he begged for it in his head, the thoughts didn't allow him a second of freedom.

His eyes trailed forwards to the backpack, noticing that the top was facing them in case he needed to grab something fast. He reached forwards and undid the flap. Using the limited light as best he could, Seliph dug around till he finally found it and pulled out the vial's box. He stared at it like the box was transparent and the red liquid he saw in his mind was the genuine article in front.

A part of him felt like opening it, but he refused to comply. It was enough to just have it here and whatever small ounce of calmness it offered. Though, he wondered why it felt so calming. Maybe it was because of how damning it meant for their enemies like he held the power of some dangerous prophecy to bring their downfall. Maybe it was because of the importance and how much it meant for their mother to trust him with this. Maybe it was how it played scenes killing all those vile creatures and saving the day somehow. He debated on these reasons on and on until his eyes slid shut and he fell into a deep sleep.