Chapter 24
The Uncertain Now
Humphry sighed as he stared at the piece of paper on his desk, currently void of any blemish or color. His eyes trailed up to where an old clock hung on the wall, ticking back and forth with its golden pendulum swaying like a Hypno's makeshift pendulum.
Ugh…where do I begin? He looked down at the paper, his gaze growing more cynical. 'Hey, can you send some rangers to town, just in case those kidnappers return with a bunch more of them?' I could see their faces now. He sat back, not taking his frustrated eyes off the blank paper until there was a knock on the door. He straightened up and after a half-cough, half-croak Humphry said, "Come in."
The door squeaked as Amyas scooted through the narrow opening and gently closed the door behind him. "Welp, Zirkoth and I are all packed. Just got to get Tork ready to bring back for Commissioner Zebzena. Is the letter done yet?"
Humphry sighed as he hung his head. "No…"
Amyas raised a brow. "How far are you?"
"Haven't even started."
"Really?" Amyas placed his gauntlet hands on his sides and tilted his head. "It's just a letter, Humphry."
The Seismitoad looked at his friend with a half-shut stare. "Then how would phrase asking for reinforcements in response to two mons that tried to kidnap a child? Two mons that we have no proof have reinforcements outside of an eight-year-old testimony from two Norfarion children and a vague threat of 'they will kill all the mons in this town' over something the oldest one was carrying."
Amyas looked at the roof for a second and then back to his friend. "Yeah, point taken."
"To anyone else, it'd sound like I'm either insane or over blowing a situation to get a bigger workforce temporarily." Humphry shook his head and snatched a stack of papers in his hands, tapping them on the table to align them.
"I mean, it's not that ludicrous to believe. Sure, there's a lack of strong evidence, but this is the Red Eyes group we're talking about. They've attacked a few places."
"Random kidnappings you mean." Humphry's eyes curved from their frustrated scowl to a solemn frown. "Kidnappings that happen in more rural provinces or among the poverty areas of towns. You have no more jurisdiction here in Perion than I do in any other city province. Something like random kidnappings of unimportant mons doesn't warrant a cooperative investigation when those resources could be spent elsewhere."
Amyas's eyes lowered as he leaned his back against the wall. "True. Even Rangers can't just do whatever they want. But this isn't just random kidnappings, this is clearly organized."
"That's my dilemma. These kidnappings are organized by a strong group. The losses are harmless enough for actual towns to just let slide. So imagine if another town asked for your help in dealing with kidnappings. 'Why can't your guild handle its own region?' Even re-occurring kidnappings aren't enough to get a region-wide crackdown on an organization that operates outside Triacal. Especially one that bites harder than its mute bark."
The Bisharp looked at the window. "What about the boy's testimony? It was an attack near a town, right?"
"Yes."
"Which town?"
"Bantal."
Amyas got off the wall and pointed at the papers. "Okay, so why don't we use that? It's well documented and it's a good example of-"
The Seismitoad made an angry croak. He got up, walked over to a file shelf, pulled out a document, and opened it. "Forensics: Causalities report. Four rangers, three Norfarions, and various other mons of undetermined origin."
"Okay, so then why not lead with that?"
Humphry's eyes rose to Amyas's stare, bearing behind their blunt stare a cold sense of truth. "Because Bantal Town would either deny it or downplay it."
"Huh?" Amyas tilted his head as Humphry put the file away.
"Eight years ago, I went to Bantal Town to follow up on the boys' testimony. I couldn't get access to the family's home, nor the forensics, nothing."
"Wait, hold on. They denied you the forensics? Then how did-"
Humphry did a deep, tired sigh, putting the file back as a shocked look came over Amyas.
"Humphry you didn't."
The Seismitoad stared at his file shelf, eyes narrow and cold. "They didn't 'deny' me the forensics. They lied about there even being an attack or even the Norfarion family ever living there."
"What?" Amyas walked up to his friend, his face shifting from disbelief to anger. "That's criminal! They can't just-"
"They can and did. I don't know why, but I wager it was out of fear be that direct or speculation about what the Norfarions or what the Red Eyes would do." He briefly looked his friend in the eye then turned and walked back to his desk. "And why shouldn't they be afraid? A warzone in the forest. Bodies cut into pieces. Just reading that forensics report I copied made me sick to my stomach."
The Seismitoad could almost sense the tonal change in his friend, his spine filling with a chill he had no doubt Amyas felt as well. "If information like that got out you'd pretty much be killing off Bantal Town's reputation for safety like that." He did a snap for emphasis. "Even if these Red Eyes never struck near there again, it's a permanent blemish. A very noticeable blemish."
"That's…"
"Corrupt? Desperate? A necessary evil? I don't know. I just know that rangers are sworn to protect their towns." Humphry walked over, finishing his thoughts as he sat down. "And some would even protect their towns from the truth."
The Bisharp's eyes lowered to the side as he stood there in idle silence.
"I thought many times about whether I should publicize those documents or not. But so many gears played into this that I just couldn't. Humphry crossed his arms and leaned forwards. "It probably would do more harm than good. Bantal would accuse me of lying or theft, depending on if they admitted it was true. They might even attack the boys' testimony and credibility." His eyes shut as he let his head hang low. "I couldn't put Ciecro and Jaron through something like that. Not after they just went through the loss of most of their family and their brother leaving them here. I just…couldn't."
Amyas walked up to the desk, eventually saying. "Do they know?"
"No more than their testimonies." Humphry's weary gaze rose a little. "Telling them would be harder than telling the guilds." Humphry sat back. "You wouldn't believe the state their parents were in. You'd think their bodies were desecrated."
A feverous scowl formed on Amyas's face as his gauntlet pressed harder into the wood. "This is wrong. I just…How could that commissioner just cover this up? If Norfair found out, there'd be hell to pay."
"Norfair is still bound to treaties. An invasion of Triacal or occupation for investigation would just make other countries tense with them and their cousins. That's also forgetting what the Red Eyes could do if they were voiced as the antagonists, they and whatever allies they have here would retaliate."
Humphry felt a chill in his spine at seeing his friend freeze up at his retort.
"I snuck in and copied that file from Bantal because I trusted those two. I could just see it in their eyes." A pained scowl formed on Humphry's face. "That's why," he sniffled. "If I can't give them justice. I'll give them the protection they deserved from the start."
Amyas's expression softened as he pulled back.
"It's the least I could do." His eyes lowered to the letter. "That's why this letter is so important. Now it's my town that's caught in this. I have to weigh the scales of what to say and what to be silent on. But I do know this. I won't let the Red Eyes get off so freely."
The Bisharp fell silent, perhaps out of restraint or respect. Not long after, he took his gauntlet off the desk, leaving a minor dent in it, and shifted to a warm, small smile. "Well, don't fret. You finish your letter when you do, but when I get back to Plainier Town I'll be sure to send support your way."
"I'd appreciate that very much." A small but genuine smile formed on the Seismitoad's face. However, once his stare looked back at the letter it shifted to an eye-shut frown. "I don't think I'm going to finish the letter today. I'll just go ahead and get ready for Jaron." He reached for his cabby hat hanging on a wooden drawer's knob and straightened it on his head. He paused as he once more looked down at the empty parchment with a heavy frown. "I've just been staring at it."
"I can't blame you, based on what we've talked about." Amyas crossed his arms as he watched Humphry walk from around his desk. "It all sounds very dark."
"Jaron and Ciecro are lucky to be alive." He gripped the handle, pausing as memories drifted into his mind like a leaf in the morning breeze. Turning his head, Humphry looked at the clock on the wall, ticking and tocking without a care in the world. "I remember when Miss Dresha told me the last thing Seliph told her. I admit, I assumed 'Seliph' was suffering from having survived a horrible encounter, but when I actually looked into it…" His heart willed him to cease speaking, almost as if he'd make those boys in his memory cry if he did.
"I can only imagine."
"You're the first mon I've ever confessed to about the file." Humphry looked back at the door, his shoulders sagging a little.
"I'm honored you trust me so deeply, especially with something as big and frightening as this."
"It is scary." Humphry twisted the knob and eyed his friend as he smiled warmly at Amyas. "But…I'm glad I finally got to tell someone about it. This knowledge has been heavy on my mind for a long time. I've even woken up in cold sweats from it before."
"Too much information." The two chuckled as Humphry opened the door and Amyas walked through it. "But I getcha. I'd be frightened too."
"Indeed." The two looked down the empty hallway, in bothered silence.
"Sooooooo," Amyas shuffled a little in front, tilting his head and leaning in front of Humphry like some sort of little child would a stranger that caught their eye. "What are you going to do in the meantime?"
"Well, I've already enlisted some volunteers to keep an eye out for the town. I'm hoping to get a few more temporary rangers for defense." The two started walking down the hallway, side by side. "As for right now, I have what rangers I have at the hospital and Miss Dresha's home keeping an eye out for our suspects."
"Good. What about the kids?"
Humphry replied as they rounded the corner. "Ciecro and Jaron are living with me. I felt it was best to keep the brothers together during this troubling time, plus his injuries weren't too bad so we settled on healing sessions at my home instead."
"Well that's good to hear," Amyas said, with a following sigh of relief. "And Vragon?"
"At the hospital. He's been unconscious since the attack, though I was notified this morning by Dr. Uximo that he's regained consciousness."
A smile crossed Amyas's face as his eyes lowered to the floor. "I'm glad to hear that. I would have-"
"There's no way you could have known." Humphry patted his friend on the shoulder as they stopped in front of a door. "And besides, our opponents were very capable. I'm just glad none of you were fatally harmed."
"Yeah…I can't deny, I wasn't expecting him to have those kinds of powers." Amyas's eyes narrowed. "I can't believe a Red Eye had a Clansmon Crest. Which one was it?"
"I think Phonecian, but I'm not certain."
"Huh." Amyas walked up to the door. "Those gifts are something else. Between that mon's predicting our moves and Vragon's healing powers, these abilities of the Clans seem miraculous."
"It is a sight to behold." Humphry nodded as Amyas pushed the doors open for them both. The two started down the staircase, one or two rangers around the station, taking care of some paperwork. The lack of the usual chatter and mons going about left a small amount of unnerve in Humphry's spine.
"So, I'm curious," Amyas said as they reached the base of the stairs. "What are Jaron and Ciecro's gifts?"
"Well, Jaron has a gift called Wary and Ciecro's is Death Wrath."
Amyas raised a brow. "'Death Wrath'?"
Humphry shrugged. "I've never seen him use it. But from what Jaron told me it's a sort of second wind state."
"That it?"
"I don't know. The brothers don't seem really keen on talking about it." Humphry's eyes narrowed. "Which given the name, I can comprehend why they might not want to."
"I see. And Jaron's Wary is for detection?"
"Mhm."
"And Vragon's is?"
"Uh? You know." Humphry started stroking his chin as they proceeded on the path. "Some healing gift."
"I know, but what's its name?"
"Oh…I don't know."
"You don't?"
Humphry shook his head. "All we know about these gifts is from the brothers and they have rather limited knowledge about it as well. To be honest, just Clan knowledge, in general, is very sparse for us and them."
"Hmmm." Amyas's stare turned towards the roof, "You ever considered taking them to the Norfarion Colony at Shimmer Hill?"
"I have." Humphry sighed as he pushed the doors to the station open, feeling the rush of humid wind. It was rather pleasant, like a splash of water on a hot day. "But it is far away. For a trip like that, the two would have to have finished their year's studies and be strong enough to handle the journey."
"You think they're ready now?"
Humphry nodded. "Ciecro at least, though I have confidence in Jaron as well." Humphry looked towards the training facility on the main station's left. He noticed that it hadn't let out yet and his eyes narrowed as he finished, "Once all this chaos has settled and we're past the Dry Season, I can pose the idea to the boys."
"Understandable." The two stopped under the archway of the open gate, both staring up at the cloudy sky. There was a silence that followed, the kind where both knew there was more on each other's minds but couldn't be the one to start it off.
"Humphry." Amyas finally broke the silence as he faced his friend. "Don't hesitate to contact me."
"I won't." He offered his hand and Amyas accepted it. "You and the others have a safe trip back to Plainier."
"Thank you." As they let go, Amyas turned around but paused.
Humphry could see the hesitation in his friend's body. How it willed the Bisharp to plant his legs in front like a great oak of a forest, hiding his place from the harshness of the elements. It brought a smile to the Seismitoad's face as he thought of what to say. Alas, he didn't get enough to think as his friend resumed his path down the street. Humphry watched as the Bisharp back waved his gauntlet without looking back.
"Stay safe."
Humphry's mouth sealed shut as his eyes lowered to the dirt path in front. It felt darker than normal, likely due to the pre-storm sky, though his heart felt it was also due to the drastic, underlying changes going on. As he turned, his mind drifted back to when he first met the boys, how dark the cave felt when Miss Dresha relayed the final words she had heard from Seliph.
'Everyone in this town will die if I don't leave.' His eyes fell upon the Town Hall. How void of color it was without the brightness of a blue sky and a yellow sun to fill it with warmth. His eyes widened as for a split second, he lost grip of his imagination and imagined that legacy of his ancestors torched ablaze, the cinders dancing up in malicious glee amid the blaze that spread through the town like a flood.
A fierce scowl formed as his fists tightened. If a Hommel ever caves in, it will not be for many generations more.
O
Jaron rolled his backpack strip over his arm, closing his eyes as he sighed in his mind. He hadn't paid attention to the lecture for a while now and was simply waiting to leave.
"Jaron?"
He snorted in surprise, straightening his posture. "Y-y-yes, Sir?"
His Grapploct teacher was staring at him, the long blue tentacle still writing on the board. To Jaron's surprise, his expression wasn't the usual annoyance at the Croconaw's demeanor in class. A faint sigh followed from the teacher as the eyes turned back to the board. "You're free to leave if you need to."
The boy let go of his strap, feeling the classroom pressure weighing on his shoulder, which somehow didn't compare to the weight on his mind. Any other time he would be overjoyed at being able to just go about his day without listening to another boring lecture on stuff he could easily read up on, but today wasn't any other time. It bothered him how he couldn't be grateful in his heart for this.
His eyes browsed the room, seeing all his fellow students looking at him, various emotions conveyed in just a simple lock of eyes. Being stared at was nothing new, but this felt like the ocean compared to the puddle of any large staring day.
"Thank you," he mumbled as he got out and left. As he shut the door behind him, it dawned on him how quiet the station had gotten. Of course, he was leaving before class had fully disbanded, but this quietness just felt too unnatural. The halls felt longer, the air felt thicker, even the door felt heavier, and the quietness felt like a terrible omen.
Jaron shook his head, hurrying his way to the exit and as he placed his hands on those wooden doors he paused, taking a few heavy breaths. What is happening to me? Was it his Wary or something else? It was just too much to think about. He had to get out of there and do anything else. He shoved the doors open, channeling a little of his anger into his push.
Pulling back onto his backpack's straps, he felt the almost chilling air as he walked on the path. The sky was a gloomy grey, feigning a storm on the horizon which didn't help his mood at all. Everything was wrong and it was just his first day back.
He took as deep of a sigh as he could, hoping the exaggeration would help ease his mind, and let his worries more just roll off like a ball tumbling down a hill. Guess I'll wait at the gate for my escor- He stopped as he spotted Humphry near the gate. Humphry?
He felt a small warmth inside at seeing Humphry, but lost that warmth as he got closer. He noticed the Seismitoad was staring down the street towards Town Hall, bearing a very serious scowl on his face. Did something else happen? Once close enough, Jaron took a deep breath and said, "Hello sir."
Humphry flinched and looked at Jaron. "Oh, hello, Jaron. You're out early."
"So are you," Jaron answered with a small smile, hoping to cheer the Seismitoad up a little.
"True. Guess I made the right choice." Humphry dropped to a knee. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright…" his gaze turned to the bricks on the walls that held the rusted gates, afraid his eyes would say what his mouth wouldn't. Despite this, his nerve caved a few seconds later. "Just worried about…you know."
"Yeah. We're doing our best to keep you guys safe."
"I know." Jaron's claws went onto his strap, his emotions building up and fighting with his urge to remain calm. I just want it to be enough this time.
"Well, are we ready?"
"Yes sir. I have my stuff."
"Good." The two stepped onto the dirt street. Humphry glanced upwards, holding his hand over his eyes. "It's pretty dreary weather, isn't it?"
"Probably going to storm, yeah…" Jaron turned to head back until he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"I have some good news for you."
"Huh?" Jaron listened as they started crossing the street, going down the center dirt path towards the south side of town.
"I was contacted this morning by Healer Uximo today."
Uximo! Jaron's eyes lit up as he jogged in front. "Wait, do you mean?"
Humphry nodded. "Yep. Vragon is awake. I was going to take you to visit him before we head home." He pulled on his cabby hat and shut his eyes as if he was posturing for some dynamic announcement, even if Jaron had figured it out by now.
"Yes!" Jaron hopped with excitement. "Is he alright? He's not in pain is he?"
"He's fine, if not a little weakened."
Jaron once more grabbed at his straps as he calmed down. "That's good." He shut his eyes as his body stiffened a little. His smile went as he spoke, "I remember when he tried to heal Clyde's face. He wound up being unconscious for two hours, so…I was worried he'd never wake up, or at least not for a while."
"Well, he's stronger than you and I give him credit for."
"I'll say." Jaron turned around as they resumed walking. "I'm just glad he's alright. I'm glad he was able to heal that Bisharp's arm, though I wouldn't have wanted him to harm himself too bad." Jaron's eyes bulged at realizing what he just said. "I…I mean, not that I would want him to, well, have a broken arm if it meant, uhm. It's just that-"
Humphry's bellow made Jaron feel embarrassed and rub the back of his head. "Don't fret, I get your point. Amyas may take a little poke at you for that one, but he isn't here. Though, mind if I ask you something?"
"Sure, anything," Jaron answered as a small smile crossed his face.
"How was Ciecro this morning? You both were asleep when I had to leave and I didn't want to disturb you."
Instantly, whatever positive energy there was in Jaron's face vanished as he lowered his head. "He's recovering alright."
"You don't sound like he is."
"Well, he is feeling better. Just, still his quiet self, I guess." Jaron grabbed at the strap again. His grip tightened on the strap as a sigh escaped his mouth. "He's not talked to me since the attack. Just faint grunts. I'm worried about him."
"Hmmm…I imagine he has a lot on his mind."
"Yeah." Jaron's head lowered.
"It sounds like you do as well."
Jaron looked forwards, remembering the last time he and Ciecro had a real conversation. How it was in that alleyway the day before the test. It felt horrible to think that there hadn't been anything since their fight, but he had learned Ciecro was very stubborn in these things. After all, whenever he tried to force things they'd just end up worse and this was almost poetic justice for that even if everyone else would disagree.
"Yeah. I just..." He shook his head. "Nevermind."
"It's okay, you can say it."
"There's nothing to say," the Croconaw replied, a bit firm in his tone. He turned his gaze towards the buildings opposite the street from them, not wanting to see Humphry's reaction and to be alone in his thoughts. I know what he'd say. "You're being too hard on yourself". Or some shit like that. But I could have ended it there if I had just taken the fucking shot. But I froze like a…UGH! A faint snarl escaped him as his walking turned to stomping. I'm always too afraid, always too slow when it freaking matters. I couldn't do a damn thing when we were attacked eight years ago, I got sick that time too just to make it harder, I didn't stop Ciecro from punching Clyde's face in, and now I was too afraid to take that important Ice Beam shot. His eyes closed as he fought the urge to sniffle. Ciecro got his shoulder stabbed and Vragon's been out for two days because of me. They could have gotten worse. I just…wish I was strong like how they were. I don't want to keep being a burden to-
"We're here."
"Huh?" Jaron looked back at Humphry, who had his hands on the door to a tall, white building with an insignia of a red flower on it, one of the universal signs of a hospital. The Seismitoad raised a hand over his eyes as he stared up at the sky.
Jaron looked up as well, feeling small drops of water hit his skin and the ground.
"And not a moment too soon." Humphry twisted the knob and opened the door.
"Right." Jaron rushed inside, looking around at the rather cozy interior of the hospital's main lobby. The sounds of the rain pelting on the outside picked up as Humphry shut the door. The Croconaw sighed with relief as he walked towards the side lobby where a fire had been started while Humphry handled things with the receptionist.
Dang, guess they redid this place since last time. He chuckled to himself. They better have, considering the last time was eight years ago, heh. His eyes veered from the warmth of the fire to the window getting flooded by the heavy rain.
He set his backpack down and walked towards the window, leaning closer to get a good look outside. Glad I'm not in all of that. He didn't mind the rain, but he did mind when he had a backpack with books inside.
He rest his arms on the window sill, turning his head to the side to press his snout onto the chilling glass that separated him from the rain. His eyes looked at the corners of the window as his mind wandered. This place scared me so much the first time. Same with Uximo. But, both wound up being very nice. I like this town. It's not perfect but it's my new home now.
He turned his attention to the street outside, easily able to see the outside despite the rain pelting on the window. Guess no one wants to brave this rain right now. Can't blame- Huh? He noticed someone step out of the building a little down the street and start jogging away from the hospital. The figure was blue, wearing some kind of sleeveless vest with some short-sleeved black shirt underneath that.
Jaron leaned towards the edge of the window, hoping to get a decent enough look, but the figure disappeared down the street. Was that…a Greninja? Jaron lowered his head as he tried to re-imagine the person he saw.
"Hey, Jaron!"
Snapping his head around, Jaron quickly rushed to his backpack and started putting it on. "Coming!"
O
A heavy sigh broke the rhythmic sound of the water as Miss Dresha stared at the empty bed from the her hole filled with water. She raised a brow at hearing something odd. Blinking she, looked over at Jaron's work desk, seeing a mon standing there holding Jaron's TM machine project.
"This too?"
"H-huh?" She blinked until she remembered the green armband on the mon. "Oh…yes, that too. And please be careful with it, he's been-"
"Sure ma'am." The ranger took the arm to a wooden box and placed it gently inside. "Anything else?"
"Uhm…" She looked around the room again, but instead of seeing what else to send the boys she just saw how empty the room looked. It was a return to form, a form she'd known for many, many years. It sounded easy when Humphry asked her for the boys, but now she was second-guessing her decision. "I'm…I'm sorry, I need a moment."
She dove into the water, going deep enough to be obscured by the rocks. She moved her fins to her shut eyes as if trying to rub tears away. These two days were just too fast.
The old Lanturn looked back up at the hole, the dim light no longer something she looked forward to swimming to every day. She sighed in her mind and swam around, diving through the holes and pathways until she came to an opening in the tunnel. There was a soft, large sponge that was segmented into a metallic circle to keep it in one piece. The room was lit by a few Emuras kept in glass spikes, though their warmth was lacking today.
She swam over to a waterproof desk, peering closely at a metallic square, which had that picture engraved on it. Of her and her late husband, swimming happily together, something she missed. She took it into her fin looking at it solemnly.
It's for their own good. They're safer in town with the Commissioner, she assured herself, hoping it would ease the hurt. I hope they'll be glad to have their stuff sent to them. I wish I could have sent it sooner, but it was just.
She shook her head and set the picture back. With slow swishes, she swam above the sponge and let her body settle on its squishy surface. Idly, she stared forward at the wall on the other side of her room. I should have had a picture made of them. Just something. I hope those three are alright. Her eyes closed as she tried to sleep.
Instead of dreams, what flowed was memories. Strong memories of those mons that she didn't know what to do with initially, only to now feel a hole in herself that they were gone. I wish you could have met them. I know… She sniffled. I hate being alone again.
Her eyes opened slightly, her body feeling between the realms of asleep and conscious. However, she shot awake upon seeing something move near the cave entrance. Huh? She moved up as suddenly a hand grabbed the rocky wall.
The beating of her heart accelerated for a brief moment until the figure came fully into view. However, she was focused on this mon's eyes, those blue eyes. You…you're.
The Greninja in front of her moved slowly to the side, pointing to his shoulder where a crest resided, one exactly like Ciecro's and Jaron's.
Seliph‽ She swam to him, rubbing her eyes just to make sure she wasn't hallucinating. "Is that really you, Seliph?" She asked, her voice slightly muffled by the water, but not as badly as a non-fish mon's would.
He nodded, and then opened his mouth, trying to mouth something.
"Oh! Follow me." She swam to the other tunnel as Seliph swam after her. As she led him up a tunnel, her mind raced with a million questions. Where had he been? Why was he back? How did he get to her? So many questions that would have to wait just a little longer.
Up ahead there was a hole where the water ended. She moved to the side to allow Seliph to swim past and climb out. Poking her head out of the water, she brightened her head lantern to reveal to the damp Seliph a small storage room.
"Huh…what is this place?"
"It was made some time after you had left. Just an extra storage room." She went silent, watching Seliph stand up and take in his surroundings. The Greninja's vest and shirt were torn in a few places but looked like it was made by tough material. Around his waist was an equally worn belt, possessing about as many pouches as a ranger's belt. His arms and legs had a few scrapes, but looked strong.
"I imagine you have a lot of questions," he said, turning around to look at her. His blue eyes sent a dreadful feeling throughout her body, like an omen of impending doom, not helped by what he said the last time they spoke.
"It has been some time." She swam up to the edge of the pool. "How have you been?"
"I've survived." He reached for a pouch on his belt, took out an orb, and began tossing it in his hand. "But to get to the point. I don't have a lot of time right now."
She raised a brow. "Huh?"
"I need you to do something for me."
"Wait, Seliph-"
"Please listen. It's important."
Reluctantly but respectfully, she held her tongue and let him continue. He sat down, letting his feet dangle into the water as he set the orb to the side.
"So, I trust you know about the attack two days ago."
She nodded, a serious expression crossing her face. "I know. Why are they after Vragon?"
"I don't know." He spread his arms back. "But I do know they're going to some interesting angles to get him."
"What do you mean?"
"Basically, expect another attack." He took the orb back into his hand and looked at it. "You have a communications orb, yes?"
"Uhm…yes, the Rangers have one I can use. Why do you-?"
"Good. I want you to contact whoever has my brothers and have them brought back here with you."
Her eyes went wide and mouth agape. "I…I can't do that."
"Yes, you can."
"No, you don't understand. They were moved to Humphry's house because it's safer there and-"
"They aren't the target. The Fraxure is."
Dresha's eyes lowered. "I know that, but." She looked back at Seliph, mustering her nerves to look him straight in the eye. "Why do you want them here? Do you have something important to tell them?"
"No, I just need them out of the way."
Disbelief crossed her face. "W-what?"
"They'll be safer here than in town. I imagine the Red Eyes will make another attempt soon, maybe even tonight."
"Bu-but I can't just…Why are you asking me?"
"Because you're one of the few mons I imagine they listen to. I know them well, they'll want to get involved. Which is why them being here will keep them safe and out of the way from whatever happens."
She blinked. The words he said she just couldn't believe were coming from his mouth. "If the town is being attacked you need to report-"
"I don't know how they'll strike, I just know they will try to capture the Fraxure. If things get ugly then-"
"How do you know?" She answered, her tone starting to catch up with Seliph's firmness. "Seliph, you've been gone for eight years and now you're back. You can't just-"
"Listen." A glare crossed his face that made her freeze up. He sighed as he put the orb away. "How many mons attacked last time? Two, right? It was only two." He crossed his arms, leering down at her. "Two mons that almost got away with the Fraxure. You think they'll just use two next time?"
"They…they were distracted by the party and had no idea there was going to be an attack. They're better prepared now." She gasped as he chuckled, mocking her statement.
"You're wrong. They can't be prepared."
"What is wrong with you?" A scowl formed as she answered, "Commissioner Hommel is very capable and is doing his best to keep your brothers safe as well as Vragon."
"That won't be enough." Seliph stood up again, looking at the wall. "The Red Eyes are more than simple thugs. Whoever those two were, they attacked too early."
She raised a brow. "Too early? What do you mean?"
"Not for you to know."
"What? Why?"
He rolled his eyes. "Because you'll then tell the Commissioner and he'll adjust things for that."
"What's wrong with that?"
"What's wrong is I can't waste this chance." Seliph glared down at her, disintegrating her nerve in a second. "You think I was being paranoid when I said they would kill everyone to get what they want? I meant it, and I still mean it now."
Her head lowered, as a heavy silence followed. A sniffle followed from the fish as she shut her eyes. "How did you even get here?"
"Getting past the Rangers wasn't too hard, but enough questions. Are you going to ask for my brothers to be brought back here or am I wasting my time?"
"That's enough." Glaring up at him, her lamp light grew in illumination. "You can go ask them yourself."
A firm scowl formed on his face as Dresha continued.
"They've waited for you for eight years. Eight years for anything to indicate you were even alive. Who do you think you are, coming here and demanding I ask them to come here along with pretending you never came?"
"I left them here for their protection. I'm asking you to have them brought here, for their protection."
"And why do you want me to keep quiet about you being here? I imagine that's also what you want."
"Like I said, because I know they'll just come rushing in to help. This isn't a game, Miss Dresha, this is far larger than you, or me, or this damn town. I can't expect them to understand that which is why I'm begging you to understand that."
Her mouth sealed shut as the anger inside her began to calm down. Those glassy eyes of hers lowered as Seliph continued.
"I can't guarantee anyone's safety in this fight. That's why I need you to trust me."
"They…can help you. They want…to help you."
Seliph's aggravation sent ripples through her like she was a pond of water. "Just give me an answer."
"But Seliph-"
"Yes or no." His tone was so icy it was almost like a different person was talking to her.
"I'll…I'll think about it. You're asking me to lie them."
"I understand. I hope you'll do the right thing. Do you have a way out? I would prefer not to take the tunnels again."
"Seliph. They've grown so much since you left. They were pivotal in stopping those horrible mons the first time. Can you…please consider…" She stopped her request at seeing Seliph's eyes lower to the side, narrowing in a cold, jaded way. Whatever she was saying he wasn't listening to.
Seeing he wasn't interested in talking anymore, she sank a little into the water saying, "You can take the door. It's not hard to find the tunnel passage and move out."
Without a word, he walked for the door on the opposite side.
"Seliph, I'm sorry for being harsh. I just want you at least talk to-" the sound of the door shutting caused her to grow silent. The emotions rushed all over her at once as she sniffled, closing her eyes and moving her fins to comfort them. To talk to them because I know they miss you terribly.
O
The sound of rain filled the empty room of the dark inn apartment until the knob on the door started shaking. The door squeaked open as if it were in pain, resisting the Greninja, who was shoving it.
"Stupid door!" He ranted as he slammed it behind him, fastening the lock shut with his key. "What is that fish thinking?"
He snarled, turning around and tossing the keys onto some random furniture as he took off his vest and shirt, throwing the wet clothes onto a chair as he stomped over to a wooden bed frame with a pile of straw and a pair of blankets.
"I'm glad I didn't go into any detail, given how conflicted she turned out to be." He sighed as he sat down, reaching for an orb and checking the time. "I should probably get some sleep. If there was any time they would strike, it'd be at night." He set the orb aside and opened the drawer, pulling out another orb as he lay down.
He twisted it and the top uncapped itself, displaying a holographic picture of a Dusknoir. Its huge pupil was a scarlet red with the thin iris being red as well, albeit a bloody red with a distinguishing hue to it even in the hologram. This Red Eye wore an overcoat that ended before his elbows, split in the middle and was held together by a button. Seliph theorized it was something from the eastern side of the gulf, but he'd given up on determining the ethnicity of this mon a while ago.
As he pressed a button with his outer finger, his other hand reached into his belt and pulled out a glass vial that he started twirling as he listened to the message. There was only the sound of static, although the Dusknoir was moving slightly with his arms behind his back in stoic, professional posturing.
Tck, 'liabilities' He whined in his mind as he waited impatiently for the off-screen image Harken to stop talking. His eyes snapped to attention at seeing the Dusknoir begin stroking the grey skin underneath his singular eye. This motion from the right arm exposed the shoulder from under the overcoat, showing a tight bandage in the region halfway to the elbow.
"That is right. Once our operatives have landed we should be able to handle searching ourselves, though we shall happily accept any information you manage to acquire. All we do require is for you to have docking space for us, arriving and leaving, as well as arranging some levels of disruption for the rangers in this region, while we search for our objective."
Another bit of silence followed as the Dusknoir listened to the silent reply.
"I understand if this is asking quite an amount, however, I can assure you we shall reward you handsomely. Given our current dealings with distribution, I imagine you understand the benefits of this minor concern of ours."
That being the boy. Seliph commented as he looked past the image. He raised his right hand and held the glass vial between two of his webbed fingers, the red liquid glistening in the dim light with an ethereal and otherworldly glow.
"All I require is your efforts here and in a few towns. Just business as usual for you, if not a little bit more. Our current stationed operatives can and will assist you, save for those on this mission. If it pleases you, we can lend you some extra monpower for any, ahem, projects you have in mind during this time."
Another silence followed, the Dusknoir stiffening to what was likely not the best of reception.
"My request comes directly from our leaders themselves. I understand your…concern, however, in trusting us you will find the rewards to be splendid."
Seliph sighed, putting the vial back in as there was another silence patch.
"Would you have continued business with us if we weren't capable of holding our end of the bargain?"
The image went into a rough, distorted static as the recording ended, prompting Seliph to sit back up again. I'll find out just how capable you are. He threatened in his head as he opened the drawer and tossed the orb in. He rest his hands on his knees as he glared at the dim lodgings. I'll find out how your damn formula works. I'll find out every evil secret you and your 'leaders' have and make sure you answer for every. Single. One.
His eyes looked at the window, softening up a little at the sight of the rain. It reminded him Dresha and that while their conversation may not have gone anywhere it was good to see her again. That feeling of warmth, of someone whose touch made you feel safe, made him wish he'd been softer in his talk with the fish.
Hesitation filled his mind as he looked at the drawer. His hand started shaking, wanting to reach inside for the one thing his mind desired him not to touch. As his hand raised, he felt his heart beat faster.
It's going to be alright. They don't know you're here so the trap is ready and set. His hand felt around inside until he felt a thin string and some hard objects. Slowly, he pulled out a lace string with three stones attached to it, each one stuck to the string by some hardened frubbles.
He theorized Ciecro was the one that put it in since he didn't do it. The first time he was on his own, the first night he had to unpack for the night. When he realized the memento was packed in his backpack he wanted to rip it up but he wound up just sobbing. Now, he just stared at it, looking back on the memories with emotions that varied as the weather does in the day.
Shutting his eyes, Seliph slowed his breathing down. Suppressing the feelings that attempted to creep up. I wish…mons could just understand and obey orders. But perhaps it was a bit unfair of him to think they should. But life didn't care what was fair or not, at least that's what he'd come to believe. Once I get what I need, I can leave them in peace. He put the necklace back into the drawer and gently shut it.
After setting an alarm on his orb, he pulled the blanket over his body and shut his eyes, his head enjoying the soft touch of the cloth pillow filled with straw. It's…the right thing to do.
