Chapter 18
Sessions in Specious
The air felt quaint on Ciecro's scales as he took slow, steady breaths. His eyes were closed and his arms angled in front of his body, claws closed. He thrust them forwards as he opened his eyes and snarled upon the feeling of synergy flowing all from his body into his claws. An orb of fire appeared in front of his claws, expanding as it fired a beam towards a large rock, resting on the other end of the hill.
The flames collided with the rock like violent waves on the base of a cliff. With a heavy exhale, Ciecro shifts his right leg back and spun his body, keeping his left arm focused on firing the flames on the large rock as he swung his right on the opposite side, making a straight line with his arms. He snarled as he felt the strain of a second Flamethrower fly from his right, colliding with another boulder.
Muscles tensing and breathing slowing, Ciecro endured the strain on his arms that burned like he was pushing two pillars away from him. Once he felt he was ready, he raised his head and open his maw, feeling the energy inside his body convert into flames in the back of his throat. With a roar in his mind, he unleashed the third Flamethrower.
A second later it crashed into a third boulder on the hill, only this time there was another noise aside from the crackling of flames.
"Dyaaaa!"
Ciecro's eyes went wide with surprise and horror. He dropped his arms and ceased firing his moves as he looked forwards, managing to spot some blue ball tumbling down the hill making a bunch of painful grunts.
Oh shit! His body burst to life, forgetting its fatigue from the endurance work out, and hurried down the hill after the poor victim of surprise and gravity. Eventually, the figure stopped at the bowl base of the hills nearby and Ciecro was a mere few seconds behind, the whining in his muscles catching up with him as he stopped right next to the poor guy.
"Sorry abou' dat, sir. Are yah a'ight?" Ciecro asked with a hasty panic in his tone as he looked for an arm or something to grab on to help the living ball of blue up.
"I'm alright, Ciecro. Just didn't expect you to fire at me, heh."
The Charmeleon tilted his head and then the voice clicked. "Oh, commissioner." He tensed up, his arms frozen at his side, completely void of their earlier desire to help as the Seismitoad got back to his feet.
"I guess it was pretty obvious that stone I was standing in front was for your training. Guess I'm getting slower, heh." The Commissioner's hearty chuckle eased Ciecro's tension, pretty much like a bellowing lullaby.
Ciecro rubbed his head, but instead of a laugh, he looked at the side with a frown. "Sorry fo' almos' burnin' yah. I shoulda been mo'e-"
"Oh no, no, no. The fault was mine" The Commissioner patted Ciecro on the shoulder giving a smile that backed up his statement. The Seismitoad started rubbing his bald head. "It doesn't feel too bad. Us Seismitoad's have a good, squashy buffer after all. And your old Humphrey happens to be part of a long line of bulky defen-…?" Suddenly, his rubbing turned into patting. "What the?"
"Sir?" Ciecro raised a brow as the Commissioner started glancing around.
"Oh! There it is." He reached down for a worn but durable, cabby hat that exuberated a woody green that matched his town ranger band. A sigh followed as he started dusting it off on his arm. The amphibian glanced at Ciecro's slightly lowered head and smiled as he put his hat back where it belonged. "Again, not your fault Ciecro. Though, not gonna lie, you seemed to handle yourself pretty well under all that move strain."
Ciecro's eyes snapped up to his elder's.
"Those were pretty big rocks after all. You carried those from that one lake shelter spot, right? The one you and your friends hang out at sometimes?
Ciecro crossed his arms and looked to the side. "Y-yeh." The Charmelon fought against wanting to smile, though he couldn't help relaxing his posture at the compliment.
"Wow, and then you went into just three move endurance training? Heh, really makes me miss my youth. How long were you planning to keep those flames going?"
"Uhh…" Ciecro paused, debating on if he really should say the time, but eventually gave in to his conscious. "Fifteen minutes."
Humphrey whistled, looking back up at the rocks. "Damn, keep training like that and you'll be blowing flames the size of buildings no problem at all."
"It's not dat impressive."
"Not impressive? Now, come on, don't be so modest. The fact you're fit enough to aim for fifteen minutes of three flamethrowers at a good throttle from three parts of your body? Why a kid your age being told to do something like that would think it torture."
The Charmeleon's body tensed at the thought. It wasn't that he wasn't flattered by the compliment, but power like that shouldn't be for someone so young. He wasn't ready for that kind of power after all. But then again, that's one of the reasons he chose to be a ranger. His mulling was interrupted by once more being the subject of a question.
"Are you alright? You seem tense."
Ciecro glanced back at him for a second. The smile on Humphrey's face had shifted to a neutral if not curious gaze.
"I'm okay. I should geh back'ta trainin'. Sorry again, Commissioner."
"Hang on a second."
Ciecro paused, his claws tightened. Dread filled his soul as he closed his eyes and waited for Humphry to say what he was guessing the Seismitoad would say.
"You shouldn't push yourself too hard, boy. Is…this all for that test you have in a week?"
The Charmeleon's eyes opened to a scowl. "Yeh." Ciecro turned around, shoving his frustration away to display a determined, but respectful returning gaze. "I ju' wanna make sure I'm ready fo' it."
Humphry looked back up the hill. "You know. Jaron told me you were up early training today. His indication seemed to imply this has been a pattern for you recently."
Great… Ciecro wanted to get annoyed by this, but it was just something he could see Jaron doing.
"He's worried about you. Look, Ciecro, I know the aptitude test is important, but you have been training awfully hard for it I imagine. You sure you need to keep on going so hard for it?"
"Of course," Ciecro answered. "An' I geh he's worried an' all, bu' dis test is impohtent. I wanna pass it."
Humphry rubbed his chin, giving Ciecro a skeptical gaze that confused the younger mon. "What does section B7 of the Ranger's manual all about?"
"Uh…" Ciecro's moved his eyes up, thinking for a second. "Referin' tah General transpoht regulations. Heavily focused on outta town an' mahketable goods."
Humphry crossed his arms. "Good. What about what to do when coming across someone in peril?"
"Repoht it tah HQ if yah can. Go assis' withou' riskin' yah or dah other mon. Handle dah situation as best yah can based on dah emergency rangeh guidelines fo' dah specific scenario."
Humphry leaned in closer, shifting his fists to his side and smirking at Ciecro. "What event was what caused the reformation of Section F11 of the rangers manual?"
Ciecro scowled, stepping forwards once and moving his head just below Humphry's. "A gang boss, named Yukon Ezmo dah Fourth, utilized in-town storage units tah steal wares from merchants undeh dah guise of weatheh damage. So now such goods are kept in a rangeh guahded storage location.
Humphry pulled back, giving a hearty laugh. "Wow, it took you no time at all to get those. Geez, if that's your quiz part, I shudder to see what the sparring you could do."
A flush of red filled Ciecro's cheeks, albeit very hard to see red. His head moved to the side with a scowl. "Doesn' mean somethin' won' happen durin' dah exam."
"True, but give yourself some credit, Ciecro. You've worked really hard. You can afford to give yourself some slack amid this. After all, even you shouldn't overwork yourself."
"I'm no-…" A heavy sigh followed as Ciecro rubbed his arm. "I'll be okay. I know yah an' Jaron are worried, bu' I jus' wanna be sure." Out of the corner of his eye, he could tell Humphry wasn't pleased by the answer, a frown forming on the Seismitoad's face.
I jus'…if I study an' prepare up until dah test, I should be fine. Like…I can't fail it, so I'll do wha' I need tah. His eyes narrowed and he felt his right fist tighten. I'm sorry, sir. Bu' I can't slack on dis. It's too impohtant tah jus' half-ass it.
"Ciecro?"
The Charmeleon looked up. "Yeh?"
Humphrey turned towards the direction of town, his smile returning on his face as he looked back. "Since it's nearing lunchtime, how about we head into town and get a bite to eat."
Ciecro's stomach growled at the offer, making him awkwardly try and fail to suppress a smirk. Humphry laughed, prompting Ciecro to give in to his elder's request. "Heh, guess it wouldn' hurt." He turned around and proceeded up the hill to get his bag. The smirk on his face vanished as an uncertain scowl formed. I hope he ain' plannin' on doin' it now.
Once the bag was thrown over his shoulder, he took a second to gaze at the view in front. Dough…if we are doin' it today. I hope she isn' as obsehvent today.
O
Ciecro felt his stomach growl as he stood in front of a wooden building, dwarfed by its neighbors. It bore the impression of an abandoned structure, repurposed into a small time homely feel. What it lacked in decorations or exterior colors was made up by a local legacy. After all, not everyone could make such a rundown-looking dump a popular visit from everyone in the time Dolly had.
He could almost taste some food in his mouth, but as ready as his stomach was, the boy hesitated. It wasn't hard to guess the other reason why Humphry was bringing him here and it bothered him like a group of gossipers at a nearby table clearing talking about you.
Ciecro about jumped at Humphry patting him on the shoulder. Thankfully, the Seismitoad was too engrossed in staring at the door with a glutton look in his eyes. "Dang, whatever is in there smells good. Come on, boy, let's go."
Humphry went on ahead, leaving Ciecro to his thoughts. The boy's head fell, scowling as he shook his head. Jus' forgeh it. Mustering himself from distracting thoughts, the Charmeleon walked up to the door, slightly open from Humphry's lack of shutting it properly.
The door creaked open as Ciecro stepped inside, the color of the interior slowly becoming more detailed as his eyes adjusted to the dimmer emura lighting. He slung his bag over his shoulder as he walked forwards, spotting Humphry already at a bar on the far end, his eyes focused on Humphry and a Kangaskhan cleaning a cup with a white rag.
"Ah, morning Ciecro." The Kangaskhan said with a smile that almost warmed the atmosphere of the room.
"Guess we picked a good time to visit, huh?" Humphry said with a grin, sprawling over his bar like he was in his own home.
"Yep, Mister Hummel." Dolly set the cleaned glass on the counter and locked a glance with the Seismitoad.
Her comment prompted Ciecro to stop and browse the room. Sure enough, there wasn't another soul in there. "Business slow?" he inquired, weaving around the last few tables that separated him from the other two at the bar.
"Nah, it's usually slow after breakfast and before lunch. Plus, with market season going on, who'd want to spend their lunch eating the same old food?" Dolly chuckled in such a way that made Ciecro unsure of who she was jabbing at herself or her customers.
"Not sure why dey wouldn'."
"Why thank you Ciecro. What a nice thing to say."
Instantly, he grumbled and looked at the side, regretting his comment. He set his bag down and scooted a stool over and sat down, lowering his eyes at the bar as Dolly spoke again.
"Someone's grumpy today."
Ciecro didn't reply.
"Yeah, I interrupted his training so I decided to get him an apology lunch."
Grumbling at Humphry blurting it out, the Charmeleon sighed and leaned on his arms resting on the bar.
"I see. Well, aren't you the gentlemon. So what'll I get you two?"
"Two sweet stirs, if you don't mind." Humphry glanced at Ciecro, who lazily grunted his approval.
The Kangaskhan nodded and turned around to take a pitcher from the counter. She then poured its golden liquid into a silver flask as she slightly turned her head, saying, "I'm surprised you two are up so early. I get training, but why are you up Mr. Humphry?"
Humphry scratched his chin as he answered, "Not by choice. The missus had things for me to get from market. She's in one of those, fickle moods."
Turning her head enough to look him in the eyes, Dolly asked, "She wanting to redecorate the room again?"
Humphry shook his head as a heavy sigh followed. "Worse, the house. Sometimes that female makes me want to dive into a puddle and stay there."
Chuckling as she started scooping some powder in with the liquid, Dolly said, "True, but it would be she's toadally worth the hassle, no?"
Ciecro smirked a little at the pun, but it went away as he heard a less than silent grumble from Humphry. The Seismitoad dragged his hand down his face with a look that implied he'd rather hear his wife's nagging over Dolly's stupid puns.
"What?" Dolly said, playfully sounding offended. "It's funny." She put a lid on the silver cup and began shaking it as Humphry sighed.
"Maybe to sadists like you, but for everyone else it hurts."
"You wound me, good sir." Dolly leaned back, smirking at the commissioner and saying. Her mischievous eyes met his flustered and confused ones. She then raised the cup high and then swung it down, making the liquid slosh inside. "And you shake me to my core."
Humphry face-planted on the bar. "Just make the drink."
Dolly laughed. "Now you're just overreacting."
Humphry lifted his head. "Look, would it kill you to not overdo it? I didn't come here for a lame wordplay dressed up as a comedy."
The Kangaskhan gasped with a big smile on her face. "Why Mister Hummel. What has gotten into you today? You're normally much sweeter than this."
Ciecro watched the two go back and forth, his mind drifting away from their verbal sparring. While the looming test was still at the forefront, he couldn't deny that despite his earlier protests, he was glad to be here. The area here just gave a sense of relaxation, just like he was lying in a Misty or Grassy Terrain in a sea of clouds.
He rested his chin on his arms as he shifted his eyes in front, staring at the rows of spice containers and pipes that ran to the room in the back. His eyes lowered. I guess I could use a break. A little grin formed. As long as it's 'ere. Jus' hangin' out wit dah commissioner, Dolly, and Jaz….wai'… Ciecro sat up, causing the two to stop wherever in their argument they were to look at Ciecro startled. The Charmeleon looked at Dolly asking, "Where's Jaz?"
"Jasmine?" Oh, I sent her to go get some things for me from market." Dolly shrugged her shoulders. "No telling when she'll get back."
Ciecro sighed.
"Though knowing her it shouldn't take her too, too long," Dolly smirked Humphry's way. "Then again, she has been doing her ranger training so no telling how that rubs off on her errand running abilities time-wise."
Humphry scowled slightly and crossed his arms. "Hmph, are you saying I'm teaching her to run errands slow because I don't have anything to show for now?"
"Maybe," she said with a smart aleck smile.
"Well in case you haven't noticed, ma'am, I'm on duty." He gestured to the armband on his upper arm.
"Oh? Why do they have you working on a weekend?"
The smile returned on the Seismitoad as he puffed out his chest and pushed his fists to his sides. "Simple. Because as commissioner of the rangers of Perion Town. I am duty bound to keep this town safe from natural disaster to walking disaster."
Dolly giggled at that last line. "Quite admirable, sir. But if anyone Khan do it, it's you."
The smile went away. "Need you try and pull a fast one on me?"
"I have to keep up the practice."
"But that's your third one."
"I could do a fourth, but." She suddenly raised her hand high and brought it slamming down onto the bar, causing both males to flinch. She took the lid off and slid two glasses in front, pouring a honey-colored liquid into both until they were filled to the brim. Gently scooting the glasses to them, she crossed her arms and with a warm, eye-shut smile said, "Dig in, boys."
Ciecro took his into his claw and stared at the liquid inside for a second. He jolted as a second loud smack on the bar stole his attention. He noticed Humphry taking his hand away from the empty glass. Already? He looked up at the Seismitoad, who was licking his non-existent lips with his tongue.
"You could at least savor it for a second," Dolly chided as Humphry raised a finger with a confident grin.
"It's how I eat, Ma'am."
Dolly pushed a hand on her waist and raised a skeptical brow. "Remind me again why it's your wife that drives you crazy."
"Now, now, I mean it. Us Seismitoad's have some of the best taste buds out there. Why they may as well be lining down my throat for how long the taste lingers even from a simple swig."
"Really now." She leaned her cheek on her propped-up fist, not exactly impressed by the fact nor it being an excuse. "Well can you tell me what your super taste buds say about the drink?"
"That it's nothing but delicious," he answered with an affirming nod. "I'd like another if there's still some left in that mixer. But only enough for half a glass. Lunch is on the horizon."
"Sure thing!" Dolly said with a chipper tone and wink. She reached for the mixer and tipped it over till the golden goodness had filled the glass up halfway.
Ciecro finally looked back down at his untouched drink. His stomach begged him to partake and he complied, raising the glass to his mouth and opening his maw wide for it to flow right in. His eyes shut as he felt his taste buds spring to life with the pleasing sensation of a sweet caramel flavor running down his throat.
He set the cup down with a pleased smile, licking his chops as he hummed a, "Mmmmmmm."
"Guess we have another satisfied judge. Glad to know I haven't lost my touch."
Ciecro nodded. "Like yah eveh could."
"You flatter me." Dolly leaned on the counter, looking at the two. "Well, is there anything else, boys, or is that all?"
"Actually, there is something else."
Ciecro growled in his mind as he sprawled on the bar, dipping his snout into his arms. 'Ere we go.
"I was wondering if we could go ahead and do Ciecro's session for the day."
Dolly looked at Ciecro. "Uh, alright. You up for it, Ciecro?"
The Charmeleon wanted to just answer 'No', but he knew that it'd just go down the hole of 'why' so he just sat back up and sighed. "A'ight."
"Good. Though." Dolly tilted her head. "Are you feeling alright today?"
"Fine…"
"You don't look fine to me."
Her words felt patronizing to the boy. The Charmeleon, looked at the side, avoiding her knowing gaze as if it was a blinding light.
"Are you sure we should do it now?" He heard her ask.
"May as well. No one is here and no telling if we'll all be in this one place later today."
"Fair point."
"Are yah sure we can't do it lateh?" Ciecro asked, though deep down he knew that Humphry was probably right. "I've got trainin' tah do an' I'd rahter do somethin' productive."
"Are you saying this isn't productive?" Dolly leaned in closer, a more serious look appearing on her face.
"I'm sayin' I'm not in dah mood tah feel wohse an' make it hahdeh on myself fo' today."
Dolly shut her eyes. "Ciecro, I know it's…demeaning in a way to have these, but it's important you be honest with us about your struggles."
His eyes shut, wishing the sound would vanish along with the color. "I jus' have things tah do an' really not in dah mood fo' it."
"Ciecro."
The authority in Humphry's tone sent a chill through Ciecro's spine as he scowled firmly.
"I don't have to remind you that you got off lucky." The stool squeaked as the Seismitoad shifted on it. "I also sympathize with you, but you know these sessions aren't here to make you feel bad about yourself, they're here because we genuinely want to help prevent you from doing something you'd regret."
Ciecro swallowed, his insides quivering as if he'd eaten something bitter. His eyes lightly opened, staring off to the far end, the colors all folding into a blurry image in front as a melancholy mood took hold of his heart. They were right. They've always been right and he just didn't like to hear it. It was his own fault he even had to have these sessions in the first place.
With that in mind, he sat up, took a deep breath, stared down at the bar with a frown, and said, "I jus' wan' dat day tah come already."
"What day?"
"Dah Rangeh Aptitude test. It's on Uxiday."
Dolly cupped her hand under her chin. "Today's Lunday so counting today….five days away?"
Ciecro answered with a lazy nod. Despite the big day being a little under a week, it always felt like it was just in a few hours and an eternity away at the same time. It was a dreadful feeling that made him just want to burst into the ranger station and demand he take the test now.
"Yeah, pre-test jitters are awful. I remember those very well, heh. But I passed." Humphry brushed his nose with all the confidence of a young master test taker. He then patted Ciecro on the back. "And this boy here is far more prepared and smarter than I was."
Ciecro leered at him.
"What?"
"Jus' don'…" Ciecro plopped his head on his arms. Right now, he wanted to be busy doing what he needed to pass, not sitting here hearing 'words' as nice as they all sounded. Needing flattery was for the weak, at least he felt weak when hearing it. A soft sigh came from his maw as he continued. "I know I should pass…I will pass. It's jus'…" His claws tightened as he concluded his thought with, I have to pass.
"Just what?"
Ciecro looked up as his gaze met Dolly's concerned one. He felt a shiver in his throat, as he saw ruby eyes and an orange face. The hardness yet tender when needed feeling came up in the back of his mind as he looked at his mother's face, only for his mind to finally get back on track and shift to Dolly's brown face and brown eyes.
His heart didn't slow down its beating. Stop it! A mixture of anger and embarrassment filled his soul as he got off the stool.
"Ciecro?" Dolly stiffened as the Charmeleon got his bag, trying to shove down all the rampaging thoughts and feelings in his head.
"I'm sorry. I jus' can't today." He looked towards her but avoided looking at her face in case it happened again. "Can we jus'…do it anohter time?"
Looking at Humphry he was about to ask him too until he froze up. For a split second, he saw Gathor's face too. His mind rushed back to that time before, to how he felt learning under the commissioner. Shutting his eyes, he fought his body's urge to shiver as he waited for their answer. "Please…"
It felt like an eternity for him till Humphry said, "Alright. I understand."
The boy let out the air in his lungs as he opened his eyes, scared the faces would be wrong again. "Thanks…fo' dah drinks." He copped a smile, albeit a clearly struggling smile as he turned around and headed out with the fastest walk he could muster.
"Wait, Ciecro, two more things."
Ciecro stopped, turning around slightly as the Seismitoad got up from his stool.
"Jaron wanted to see you. He's probably somewhere in the market." The Seismitoad then grabbed his hat and tipped it a little. "And secondly. I know you'll do fine." A smile followed from Humphry that set Ciecro's mind to unease due to what he saw earlier. He gave a hasty nod and made his way out.
As he stepped outside, he darted to the right and headed into the ally. He dropped the bag and just sank down to his knees, pressing his forehead against the wall and just breathed. His claws tightened into fists that pressed firmly against the wall. Jus' stop it…stop! He wanted to smack the wall hard but controlled himself. I…I know dey want me tah pass. Dey know I will pass. I…I shoulda jus' stayed. Well, guess I'll go see wha' Jaron wants. Shaking his head, he stood up and grabbed his bag. Pulling it over his shoulder, Ciecro started heading down the ally, his mind adrift.
What could he even say? That those two reminded him of his dead parents? That he wanted them to be proud of their son from Arceus's place of peace away from this world? That he knew both sets of adults didn't approve his actions before and he understood he needed to grow?
Nothing. Words never meant anything more than just what they were. His actions were needed then his actions were needed now. He understood they were worried and appreciated that, but…he also understood it was his own actions and lack of self-control that made them so worried in the first place. I jus' need tah get pas' dat test. Den I can take a rest.
He stopped as he saw a bit of light ahead and the sound of many voices all chattering about things. Main street, huh. Shrugging, he decided to head on it, looking around at all the stands with their bright colors contrasting the dirt at their feet and the buildings that surrounded the display. He turned left and started walking around as he looked on. Very busy dis season. His claws tightened. It's been almost eight years. I remembeh we used tah keep askin' tah see dah mahket's in town an' how dey'd tell us we couldn'. Dough…being able tah go intah town. Seeing dah mahket…it's not as flashy as I always tought it was…I wish I could share dis wit' dem. It feels so, pointless without someone else yah love 'ere. Why would anyone wanna wade in dis shit alone? Mons get crazy dis season. Glad Jaron's dah one dat handles dese tings. I doubt I'll find'im soon in dis mess-
His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice coming from one of the stalls. He turned and squinted at the spot, noticing a Croconaw talking with a Butterfree while a Fraxure watched the whole display. So, he actually got outta bed, dah dweeb. Ciecro smirked as he noticed the crest on the mon's right shoulder, walking over as the conversation Jaron was having become easier to make out among the bustling crowd and other haggling going on.
"What do you mean you're out‽ How can you be out? It's not even noon yet." Jaron stated, shaking in a way that some folks would say was, 'on the verge of hopping mad'.
A Butterfree, wearing a market cloak that draped over her little blue hands, flapped her wings flustered. "I'm sorry, but I got a very good rush for that product earlier. I should have some more stock in a week…maybe"
Jaron facepalmed, grumbling something unsavory under his breath.
"It's fine, Jaron." The Fraxure next to him comforted the Croconaw. "I'm sure we can find some somewhere else."
"Ugh, but she liked that smell the most out of all the soaps they dish out here. Why the hell does that lake dweller have to enjoy such a specific selection of scented soaps like-…" Jaron looked at a sign and read aloud, "'Siphonia Mountain Daffodils.' Where the hell even is this mountain?"
"Amestria."
"How do you know that?"
Vragon gave him a 'really' look and sure enough, Jaron rescinded.
"Alright, fair point."
Ciecro got a little chuckle out of the scene as he walked over. "Hey dweebs."
The two looked at him, their frustrated looks shifting to wide-eyed smiles.
"Ciecro!" Jaron exclaimed, hugging Ciecro like he forgot they were in a crowded street.
The Charmeleon, on the other hand, didn't forget and promptly moved him back, rolling his eyes as he grumbled, "Geez, Jaron. Wha' are yah, five?"
"You've been gone all day, you jerk." Jaron huffed, crossing his arms and raising his snout from Ciecro. "I think me hugging you is to be expected. Plus, I'm having to do all the errands today because you weren't home."
Ciecro shrugged and adjusted his arm so it held the back over his shoulder. "Did yah get'er gift ready?"
Jaron's grouchy face shifted to his signature grin. "Yep. We should get it in a few days."
The Charmeleon nodded, eyes now turning to Vragon. "Why are yah 'ere? Decided tah stop early?"
"Yeah." Vragon sighed. "Just lost the motivation to keep going thanks to somebody." He leered at Jaron, who smirked at him. "So I decided to help him get the errands done."
"Wha's left?"
"Nothing. They don't have the soap she wanted." Jaron shook his head. "Damn, I knew I should have gone here earlier."
"Well, if we had, we would have missed out on those candles she likes."
"True." Jaron uncrossed his arms and looked back at his backpack. He shifted it up a little as he grumbled, "why is market season such a bitch?"
"I don't know. But since we're done, I guess we should head back."
Ciecro turned and started walking off. "Well den have fun I guess. See y'all at dinneh."
"Wait, where are you going?" Jaron asked, prompting Ciecro to stop and look back at his brother.
"Tah go get some lunch an' den continue trainin'."
"Uhmm…can I ask you for something?"
"What?"
Jaron fiddled with his backpack straps, as his head lowered. "I could use some help working on my Technical Machine Administrator. I'm getting really close to finishing the core part and I'd like to get it done before Aunt Dresha's birthday."
Ciecro did a half-grumble half-sigh as he stared at the sky, saying. "If yah need someone tah hold dah thing, why not jus' ask Vray tah do it?"
"Ciecro…" Jaron replied, annoyance in his tone.
Looking down at Jaron as if he was being challenged, Ciecro said in a firmer tone. "I've got trainin' fo' dah test tah do. I can't spare time workin' on yah projects."
"Then can we come train with you? I want to help you be ready." Jaron asked, a smart aleck grin forming on his face.
The Charmeleon didn't budge in face nor posture. "Don'cha hafta drop dah stuff yah bough' off?"
"But…well." Jaron's claws tightened on the straps as his head lowered, thinking about how to answer that. "We can just all go eat lunch, then drop off the items, then go and do training. How's that?"
Ciecro's eyes narrowed slightly. "Look, I'm not in dah mood fo' walkin' a lot mo'e den I need tah an' dis trainin' is fo'-"
"Come on, Ciecro, please." Jaron scowled at him. "You're always training and get home too tired to do stuff. I know your test is important, but I can help you get ready for it today. Just for today."
"Now Jaron-" Ciecro paused mid-sentence as he saw Jaron stiffen up, the scowl growing a little weaker as the clear desire to spend some time showing through the subtle yearning in his eyes. The Charmeleon thought back to when Jaron was still a Totodile.
He really does still have dat baby face. He chuckled in his head as a small smirk formed. I guess it wouldn' hurt. Looks like he needs it. Ciecro nodded. "Okay, yah can train wit' me."
Jaron's eyes lit up. "Yes! Thanks bro."
"Guess I could use some help preparin'. Getting' borin' trainin' by myself."
"Training as in sparring right?" Jaron inquired, Ciecro answering with a nod.
"Obviously, Jaron," Vragon butted in with a smug grin. "You expect Ciecro to be studying in the fields with books?"
"Shut up, Vray."
Smirking, Ciecro twisted his head to look down at Vragon. "Obviously, Vragon. Yah expect tah help me get sparrin' practice wit' dose weak muscles of yahrs?"
"Hey!" Vragon snapped. "What was that for?"
"You deserved it." Jaron teased.
"Screw you!"
Ciecro shook his head as he got between the two before they got into another word or fist fight. "Bitch lateh. Lez jus' hurry up an' get some food an' drop dose things off so we don' waste dah day. Wanna save some time fo' Vragon's trainin' while we're at it."
The two paused for a few seconds before nodding.
"Yeah. I am hungry," Vragon said, putting a claw on his stomach.
"Come on! If we finish lunch before noon we should have plenty of time for both training regiments."
The two boys nodded at each other and hurried off to the nearest stall with food on it, Ciecro following behind at a casual stroll with his back over his shoulder and a smug gleam in his eyes.
Maybe comin' tah town wasn' a bad idea, Commissioner.
