Chapter 25
A Storm not Passing
The Charmeleon's eyes stared lazily down at the large bowl resting on the table in front of him. The warm steam rose from it, lightly touching his face with its misty form as a smell that'd make any mon's stomach growl filled his senses.
"You gonna eat?"
"Hrm?" For the first time since getting this bowl, Ciecro looked away from it. "Uh…I'm jus'…not dat hungry, ma'am." His eyes lowered again, not willing to bring himself to look Mrs. Hommel in the eyes after his dodgy answer.
"Oh, well that's quite alright."
His eyes narrowed as he stared blankly at his soup again, imagining the individual pieces of vegetables as rocks in some kind of tannish sea. He picked up a wooden scooper and started stirring the soup around. At leas' it ain' hurtin' much anymore, he commented in his head, noting the present but less than irritating painful beeps in his right shoulder as he stirred.
Despite this good news, it was still far from where he wanted to be. I've got tah get ready in case dey come back. That was all he had on his mind. All he wanted at this moment. His claws clenched firmer on the soup spoon as he thought back to that Gallade. The smug look on his face as he held Ciecro's fire in his extended elbows, mocking him.
An' den it turned out he was…whateveh clan has dat crest. Bu' why was he wit' dem? I don' undehstand. Aren't dah clans an' dah Red Eyes against each other?
Since beating up Clyde, Ciecro had grown accustomed to stares, so it didn't take him long to notice his brother looking at him from the right side of the round table. Of course, he tried to hide his knowledge of this as much as he could. I'm glad he got tah visit Vray today. Dough, it's cuz of me dat happened in dah first place. He thought back to Amyas, watching that Gallade have Amyas in that threatening lock with the Bisharp going as far as to damage his arm to inflict a battle-determining wound. It made him feel almost ashamed though also inspired. The image shifted to one where he was in that lock and it was Jaron where he stood. I wanna be strong enough tah do dat too if needed. Maybe this thought was a little childish, but to sacrifice for those you cared about was something he always valued. Something his family valued, maybe even something Norfarions valued. It took strength to have the will to do that. Something to aspire to.
Ciecro flinched back at a snapping sound. One of the fruits on the center plate had vanished from its spot. He looked past the stack of fruit in the middle of the table to see Humphry chewing with a pleased look on his face.
"Humphry."
"Hrm?" The Seismitoad raised a brow as he stopped chewing, looking at his wife who looked displeased. "What?" He said, making her scoff.
"Where are your manners?"
He gestured to the two. "It's just Ciecro and Jaron."
"Oh my goodness, Humphry!" She stood up from her stool, hunching over her lover, who was leaning back in surprise and maybe a small amount of fear. "Can you not talk with your mouth full‽ That is very improper and gross even when it's just you and me."
"Sorry hun, it's-"
She put her hand over his mouth, making both boys flinch back again. "Swallow."
A brief silence followed, broken by a loud gulp. She took her hand from his mouth and sat down.
Humphry, on the other hand, wasn't going to take this sitting down. "Come on, they've been with us for two days now. There's no need for formalities," he said with a grumpy look of displeasure.
"I don't like encouraging bad habits. You're a Commissioner, Humphry. Set an example."
"How young do you think they are?"
The two Seismitoad's started arguing, prompting both boys to awkwardly look at each other. Jaron leaned in close whispering, "You think they're always like this at home?"
Ciecro shrugged and his gaze dropped again to his untouched soup.
"Well?" Jaron said, hinting in his tone that he wanted an actual answer.
The Charmeleon shook his head and stood up. He appreciated what Jaron was trying to do, but this and the couple's arguing was just too much noise. "Sorry, I'm gonna go up to our room."
Instantly, their bickering stopped. "Oh…are you sure?" Miss Hommel asked, with a frown on her face.
Ciecro nodded and was midway through turning around when Humphry's cough got his attention.
"Before you go up, I've got some great news for you."
The Charmeleon raised a brow as Humphry got up from his stool and walked over to him.
"I've finished assessing your test and while I've yet to write the formal letter I can spare you the wait."
Everything felt still for Ciecro as he listened intently. His claws started to shake as Humphry put a hand on his shoulder. The poor Charmander about collapsed from the weight of the hand alone.
"Congratulations, Ciecro." He grabbed Ciecro's lax hand and shook it firmly. "You passed."
The Charmeleon's eyes widened as he felt shivering throughout his being. A smile started forming as his eyes lowered in disbelief. I passed.
"That's wonderful," Mrs. Hommel said as Jaron got off his stool.
"Awesome!"
He looked over to see Jaron run over to him, sparkles in his eyes.
"Told you, you big dolt." He punched Ciecro's shoulder, making the Charmeleon grunt from the pain. "Oops." Jaron weakly laughed. "I was a bit too excited, I forgot."
Ciecro leered, but Humphry gently putting his hands on both their shoulders snapped him out of his sourness.
"Well, this calls for some celebration, no?"
"Sure! I just hope I can pass mine whenever I take the test."
"I'm sure you will, Jar- Hrm?" There was a beeping noise coming from nearby. All three glanced at a nearby counter, but only Humphry walked over to it. The Seismitoad picked up a com orb and pressed its top with his outer finger. "Commissioner Humphry speaking."
"Apologies Commissioner, but your presence is requested at the station. There's been an incident. Code: Veris."
Ciecro's eyes widened. So, a serious incident.
Humphry sighed and said, "Will do. Hommel out." He turned off the orb and took it to a rack where his ranger belt, band, and cabby hat rested. "Sorry to leave during dinner but duty calls and all. I'll see you boys in the morni-"
"Humphry." Mrs. Hommel got up and walked over. As she was about to speak, he pressed a finger to her closed mouth, an assuring smile on his face.
"Hey, now, don't worry. It's just a late work night, nothing special." He slid his finger over to her cheek, lightly caressing it.
Her eyes lowered, an uncertain look in them which Ciecro related to all too well. While it was reassuring that Humphry was so calm if not warm hearted right now, it just didn't feel as genuine as the Seismitoad was letting on.
Ciecro watched Humphry kiss his wife's forehead and head for the door. The Charmander's fists closed, as he mustered the nerve to say, "Sir."
Humphry stopped twisting the knob. "Hrm? Yes?"
"Can…can I go wit' yah?" His eyes narrowed, trying his best to maintain eye contact with the Seismitoad.
"What? But your shoulder needs-" Jaron stopped but stopped as Humphry answered.
"I appreciate the gesture Ciecro, but your brother is right. You should give your shoulder time to heal." He smiled at the boy as he opened the door. "Get some rest boys. We've got to celebrate tomorrow after all."
"Bu-" Ciecro reached out but stopped as the door shut behind the Seismitoad. The muffled sound of the rain was all there was to hear as Ciecro lowered his arm and his gaze. Wha' if… The image of Humphry getting struck square on the chest by the Gallade during the fight at the shoal came back. Then Amyas's restricted scene followed. Stoppit! Ciecro shook his head as he clenched his fists harder.
"Ciecro?"
He looked up at Mrs. Hommel, who was trying to imitate her husband's smile, albeit not as convincing.
"Humphry worries me and all, but he isn't a commissioner for nothing."
Ciecro's eyes lowered. Amyas was a commissioneh. A heavy sigh followed. "I'm goin' tah bed."
"I see. Well then pleasant dreams. Don't worry about your food, I'll save it for you."
"Thanks…" Ciecro turned around but right as he reached the archway Jaron grabbed him by the wrist.
"Ciecro, wait a minute."
He glanced at Jaron with a tired expression. "Lateh, okay?"
Jaron's claw slipped of Ciecro's, but his gaze didn't falter. "Bu-"
Ciecro pressed a claw to his eyes. "I jus'…" He sighed and walked up the stairs, leaving Jaron at the base of the stairs in silence. He turned and opened the door to the guest room he was staying in, but not after glancing at the opened door of the other one, where Jaron was housed.
The covers on the straw bed weren't made, the school books were just randomly lying around, and the TM Administrator was still in its box. Yeah… Ciecro shut the door behind him, leaning his back on it as he kept his claws on the knob. Been a while since he's been like dat. He looked at the window on the opposite side of the room, seeing the streaks of rain flow down it as they hit its surface.
He took his claws off the knob and held them out in front, posturing them like he was firing a Flamethrower. He winced a little at the pain in his shoulder, but it wasn't unbearable. I need tah be ready in case dey come back. I was lucky dat Amyas was dere. An' dat he took dah wors' of it. He crossed his arms as he walked over to the footrest of the guest bed. Dat punk won' be so lucky when I figure out how tah bea' his flame stealin' thing. I just gotta…
He leaned on the wooden footrest as he held a palm in front, back end facing the floor. Red light flowed up from his palm, forming a small flicker of fire in it. So…wha' abou' yah do I not control? He turned and aimed for the window, taking a breath. A small Flamethrower shot out, hitting the window. He pulled his arm back, closing his fist as the red flames sputtered out into minor embers that died quickly.
Okay, I can cut it off easily enough. An' I know it wasn' some gift dat allowed 'im tah do dat. So…a skill he knows? Maybe? Ugh. Ciecro pressed a hand on his forehead. How do I counteh somethin' I don' know an' can't test? He looked back at the window and once more pointed his arms at it.
No, I shouldn'. I don' wanna damage somethin' in 'ere. He crossed his arms, looking around the room that now seemed more like a prison than a guest room. Ugh. Dere's already been an incident. I jus'… He shook his head as he walked over to the window. I've gotta stop 'em. I've grown up from before, I've gotta be able tah figh' an' win! He punched the wall next to the window in frustration.
Dey'll be sorry dey came 'ere. I'll make 'em sorry. His orange eyes burned like cinders. If dey try an' hurt Jaron or anyone I'll stop 'em. That's all that mattered. Not resting, not celebrating, and not even passing that dumb test mattered. Everything was wrong again and he had to help take down those that were responsible.
His gaze turned to look at the window, the rain beating its thick glass. With a determined scowl, he undid its lock, slid it up, and shoved his head out into the rain. He squeaked at feeling the cold rain on his back and head but kept it outside. It's jus' dumb rain, he said over and over in his head, though his body didn't agree. The final straw was when some of the droplets dripped down his back and started touching the top of his tail.
He yanked his head back in and slammed the window shut, panting before growling in frustration. It's jus' damn rain! Why is it so hard tah handle it‽ He kicked the wall beneath the window, mentally restraining his body from punching the window. If I can't handle dumb rain, how can I- He stopped, noticing a closet door nearby that was nudged open, likely from his punch from earlier. He walked over and opened it, seeing it mostly empty outside of some boxes, a few spare baskets, and.
A rain cloak! He snatched it off the hook it hung and held it out in front, the slick outer surface of the coat was a drastic difference from the soft, grippy interior. The hood was pretty big, probably made to fit Humphry, which was perfect for Ciecro.
He looked at the window, a smile forming. Heh, betteh den goin' out without it. Undoing the button, he draped it over him, redoing it as a determined frown formed. Dat Gallade makes my Flamethroweh obsolete in a one on one. So firs' step. Get betteh at controlin' it so dat doesn' happen again.
Pulling the hood over his head, Ciecro walked to the window but hesitated as his claw went on the lock. I should. He glanced back at the door. I should at least tell 'em where I'm going an' wha' I'm doin'. His eyes narrowed as they lowered. Bu' if I do dat, dey'll jus' stop me. Opening his right palm and looking at it, Ciecro debated in his head for a few minutes before closing his claw, settling on a choice. I'll leave a note. Bu' dis is too important. Being worried doesn' protect anyone. I'm, sorry dat's how it is, Jaron. His eyes rose to look at the window, a small scowl forming as he recalled seeing Jaron, paralyzed and seconds from death. I'll masteh wha' I have to.
O
Humphry let out a heavy grunt as he shoved the door open, dripping wet as he stepped into the lobby of the dimly lit ranger station. "I'm here!" He exclaimed as he nudged the door shut behind him, looking for a hanger to put his rain cloak on.
"Good, this way." A Grapploct said from the second floor, having stepped out of a dark room with some minor blue light coming from inside. "Don't worry about making a mess." With that, the Grapploct walked back inside the room as Humphry hurried to the stairs.
Well, that's worrisome. Blount not being a stickler about dripping on the floor. When Humphry reached the door, he could feel the tension in the air, despite it only having Ranger Blount and their Mothim support ranger, Fergus.
"So, what's this about an incident, Blount?" The Seismitoad started undoing his rain cloak and took off his hat, setting them down on a small school desk nearby.
"You know of that old mon that lives on some of the larger hills beyond the town limits?" Blount inquired as he nestled into his seat.
"Mr. Barak, right?" Humphry answered, trying to get comfortable in a seat that was too small for him. "That old plant enthusiast?"
"Correct. Fergus, first image."
Humphry turned his eyes towards the blank blue rectangular hologram in front as the Mothim's eyes glowed pink. A clicking sound occurred as a loading circle appeared and then disappeared as quickly as it came. The commissioner's eyes went wide as he saw in the hologram a picture of what looked like a torn-up room. Dirt and shards from broken potted plants lay about, a chair had been upended, and even the window had been shattered though Humphry took note of no glass on the inside. "How long ago was this?"
"We don't know, sir." The Grapploct sighed, staring at the image with as much concern as Humphry's surprise. "Violet was on patrol and decided to check on him given his notable absence from his usual weekend activities. She took visual casts of all the rooms less than thirty minutes ago. We've just received the last one."
The initial shock wearing off, Humphry leaned back a little, hoping the poor chair could support him while he stroked his chin. "Notable struggle perhaps. Mind showing the floor beneath the window?"
"Of course."
The image went darker as the floorboards specified zoomed out of the image, moving around in a three-dimensional effect for the rangers to observe.
"Not even a smidgen of glass, eh?" Satisfied, Humphry motioned for Blount to return the image to the neutral state. "What about the other rooms?"
"Well, the only other rooms are a pantry and a storage for rainwater."
"And the front door?"
"Fergus."
The Mothim nodded as his eyes glowed pink again, tapping the orb with a slight pink stream of energy as the next image came up.
Raising his brow, Humphry let his hand fall from his chin. "So…the door wasn't forced open?"
"No sir, it was in standard condition, similar to the door leading to the back." The Grapploct rolled one of his tentacles as he further elaborated as the door was displaced from the image for a brief moment, "Before you ask sir, ranger Mecks' had a report about a week ago in regards to Mr. Barak, specifically noting how usually grumpy he was when viewing the foliage. This is in relation to an earlier bust we did on a broker we theorize he's been buying Fonsa Leafs earlier despite their illegality in this province. He was quite vocal about how oppressive we were being."
Humphry smirked a little. Figures. The old coot should be grateful we didn't throw the book at him. "So you're telling me there wasn't any notice of abnormal stress or the like?"
"No sir. We busted his original broker and I doubt he could have stumbled into debt with another in the time given, especially with how much cracking down has been done on the business in the nearby towns."
"So then the most likely conclusion is our would be kidnappers got to him."
"Agreed." The Grapploct nodded to Fergus, who once more changed the image to show the back, messier half of the room.
"Considering Mr. Barak was a customer of an illegal broker, we should have a file on him, correct?"
"Yes sir. There have been previous arrests after all."
"I'd like to see that file."
The Grapploct nodded to a Vileploom, who was standing by in the dark corner of the room.
As the ranger darted out of the room to fulfill that request, Humphry leaned forwards, eyeing the window with a strong gaze. "So I'm guessing our ghost suspect literally went through the door."
"Likely, I presume Mr. Barak was in his chair at the time."
"Were the food or water in the other rooms disturbed?"
"None that Violet can definitively say, though it's possible some items were stolen. It's just hard to tell without a pre-image of the pantry given this mon could be a minimalist for food."
"But not for plants I see." The Seismitoad sighed. "Is Ranger Violet the only one there?"
"As of right now, yes. However, I did send Gisela and Mallaidh to support the investigation with equipment."
"Has a sweep of the premises been made yet?"
"For the front upon initial entry, yes sir, but I was going to wait until the other two arrived with the equi-"
Humphry shook his head. "Best get a head start on it. I want to see the layout before any tampering is started." As the Grapploct nodded, Humphry turned his attention to the Mothim, who flinched a little at hearing Humphry address him directly.
"Do we have an established com linked to Ranger Violet?"
"Uh…yes." The Mothim's eyes glowed pink once more. The orb, which was currently tucked in the circular socket of the Mothim's small vest, dislodged and floated over to Humphry, who snatched it out of the air and raised it to his mouth.
"Ranger Violet, this is Commissioner Hommel. Do you copy?"
"I do sir," a feminine voice said from inside the orb, muffled slightly by the tapping sound of rain. "Good to have you on the line."
"Have you checked the premises at all?"
"None outside of my entry, sir. I was waiting on standby for the others to arrive for a proper-"
"If you don't mind getting a little wet, I would like to see the full premises." Humphry took a deep breath as he then said, "Go out the back door. I want to see what the rear of the house looks like."
"Yes sir."
The three rangers waited anxiously, staring at the orb in Humphry's hands in silence. This wasn't helped by Violet, a Mismagius, who didn't need to make additional sounds when moving. The Seismitoad about jumped upon hearing her voice again.
"I'm here. Do you want me to cast the scene for you all?"
"Just a standard image will do." Humphry sighed with relief as he noticed the Vileploom had returned, holding the file out for him. "Though, give me a brief description while you taking it." He set the orb down and opened the file, listening intently to the Mismagius along with the three others.
"Understood…So, there are large claw marks on the wall here and minor ones on the door. I can see some large pieces of glass on the grass here."
Okay, so that confirms it was from the inside. Humphry glanced at the older image, expectantly. "Anything else notable?"
"Nothing I can see sir, the rain isn't helping make it easier for me. Sending the image now."
His eyes narrowed as the loading image appeared again until the picture displayed. While the raindrops in the image were a minor nuisance, the scenery was as Violet described. "Hmmm…" Humphry looked back at the file. If this is a hostage situation, why take this old coot that has no relatives? It's easy, yes, but what gain would it give them? If it was to trade for medical supplies then we would have been contacted by now, unless it had just happened, which wouldn't make sense given the condition the Gallade was left in.
Humphry looked at the image of Mr. Barak in the upper portion of the file. He was indeed a rather old-looking Clawitzer, whose right pincer showing signs of decay and scrapes. The mon also looked a little unhealthy, at least in this picture. So why choose this old, leaf addict mudder?
The Seismitoad then glanced back at the image. "Fergus, go back to the first image." The Mothim did so and Humphry studied the window from the inside perspective, taking note of the turned-over chair. Hmm…the claw mark wouldn't make sense if this ghost entered from the back. He must have entered from the front, the old male then must have tried to escape through the window. I could see him leaping for it, maybe to avoid a move being used by propelling himself with his own.
"Anything you want me to detach for you?" Fergus asked but Humphry was too focused to answer.
Half a minute later, he rolled his wrist. "Go back to the image taken outside." As the image came up, Humphry looked at the ground where large pieces of glass were somewhat visible. I imagine he'd have gotten cut up a little from it. He raised the com orb to his mouth again as he started reading the file again. "Violet, take an image of the area that the glass fell, this time try and focus your Luminous Orb on the glass area. I want to get a better look there specifically. Casting shouldn't be necessary, just proper lighting."
"Yes sir, just give me a minute."
Nodding, Humphry could finally focus on reading the file with his full focus. Let's see, age two fifty-six, born in Treasure City, Professional Medical Mixer for two hundred years, notable drug addict… He sighed in his mind as he looked back at the screen. Think, Humphry, why would they target this mon during their mission to capture Vragon?
"Alright, Sending it to you."
"Good." Humphry got out of the seat and walked up close to the screen, remaining unfazed in his stare as it popped up on the screen as a much brighter holographic visual. "Hrm?" He placed his fingers on a certain portion near the base of the wall where the window was, feeling the hologram solidify upon his touch. He tapped on the spot and said, "Zoom to a proportional radius of seven inches and enhance without compromise." The hologram did as such and his brow was raised.
"Do you see something, sir?" Blount said, getting up from his seat as Humphry glanced at Fergus.
"Fergus, take a look here if you will. You've got better eyes than us."
"Yes sir." The Mothim's wings started flapping as Humphry made space for him. After a few seconds of staring, the Mothim made a humming sound. "I think something is on the ground and at the base of the wall."
"Really?" Humphry looked back. The light was helpful, but all he saw were the blades of grass and the part of the wall above that line. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. I see traces on the ground and a little on the wall between these blades here. They're more droplets, but it's too dark and muddy looking to be raindrops."
"True. You got that, Violet?"
"Yes sir. Want me to take a look around?"
"Please do."
Humphry nodded to the Mothim, who fluttered back to his seat, while Humphry walked over to his and picked up the file from the desk armrest.
"You think it's blood?"
"Probably, Blount." Humphry looked back at the picture. "I know Clawitzer have hard skin, but," he looked back at the image, saying at the hologram. "Return to default zoom."
It did so and Humphry nodded, seeing how sharp the window pieces remaining on the wall were. So, what happened to this old timer? Did he escape or-
"Sir."
Humphry looked at the orb, his nerves tensing up as he detected a change in Violet's tone along with her slightly drawn-out enunciation. "What is it, Ranger Violet?"
"It's…his…"
Humphry's eyes widen. He pressed his hand firmly on the hologram as the part he touched solidified for it. "His what? Spit it out." He ordered as he heard a gasp from the other side.
"It's…his larger pincer sir. It's lying on the grass here."
"By Arceus," Blount said with a horrified look in his eyes.
"Shall…Shall I send an ima-"
"No. Thank you." Humphry scowled as his arms lowered. I don't get it. Was it really just a looting spree for things, because the pantry looked like it hadn't been looted? Though he would make a decent target being so remote. He opened the file once more. Think, Humphry, think. Wait.
He looked up at the screen. If it was… "Violet. Look at the window."
"Sir?"
"I want you to examine the broken window for any traces of blood."
"I…yes sir."
The Grapploct walked over to Humphry. "You found something, haven't you?"
"Don't bet on it just yet. But I was wondering." He faced his coworker and tapped his finger on the file, specifically the picture. "If the Gengar entered from the front and Mr. Barak went out the window, how could our intruder have made that claw mark himself?"
"So you assume there's another member of their group?"
"Yes. And if my hunch is right." He paused, waiting for the report.
"Commissioner?"
He raised the com orb to his mouth. "I copy, Violet."
"There's a few bits of blood, but very minor. Not even an inch deep. Though, there's more of it on the left side, specifically the mid-portion."
"That must mean whatever made that claws mark also cut his right pincer clean off."
"But, the claws would be on Mr. Barak's left side," Blount pointed out as Humphry nodded in agreement.
"Which means the cut was precise. And also means." his eyes met Blount's, the anticipation in his coworker's stare caving slightly at how serious Humphry was staring. "They wanted him alive."
"Then…"
Humphry looked back at the file. "He was a medical mixer, an addict, and also a lover of plants."
"So, you think they got him to heal their wounded ally?" Blount gestured towards the screen. "But, we have a problem. How long ago it was."
"Hmmm…He has a pit greenhouse, right?"
"Yes sir," Blount said as he looked at the screen. "I think I know where you're going with this."
Smirking, Humphry said to the orb. "Violet, I want you to go to the greenhouse and check the place."
"Yes sir." A few minutes later, Violet spoke again, "There's a few plants and fruit lying around. It looks like someone else has been searching here."
"Guess they nabbed whatever resources they could," Blount sighed, as his eyes frowned.
Humphry kept his smirk up. "Any apples there?"
"What?" Violet, Fergus, and Blount said in unison.
"Just trust me. I want you to find an apple, cut it open, and take a basic picture of it. I just want to see the inside."
"Y-yes sir." A few minutes later the screen displayed a yummy-looking apple, cut clean in two.
"It looks like a normal apple," Fergus said, his wings spreading out as Humphry snapped his finger and pointed at him.
"Exactly. It's not molded." He looked at the screen. "Apples are one of the earliest fruits to mold and given it's lying on the ground during a time when it's been humid and rainy-"
"That implies it must have been after the attack at Dresha's." Blount clapped two of his tentacles together. "I must say, good detective work."
Humphry's smile faded as he looked at the file. "A retired Medical Mixer that is old and isolated."
"That must be why they kidnapped him." Fergus flapped his wings in excitement. "They must be healing their Gallade accomplice."
But how did they know he was there? A cold feeling filled the Seismitoad's body as his eyes raised to look back at the fruit, a dreadful look in their stern gaze. They must have been informed by someone. Maybe even the same someone who told them about Vragon. He shut his eyes and set the file on the desk next to the orb. "Blount."
"Yes sir?"
He looked at Fergus and then Blount. "I want you to call Violet and the other two back right now. Station them with Mecks at the hospital."
"Wait, what about the investi-"
Humphry walked past him. "I'm not taking any chances."
"What do you mean?" Fergus asked, a curious look in his eyes while Blount formed a scowl.
"We may be attacked again sooner than we thought. If they nabbed this guy two days ago, it's quite possible their Gallade has recovered considerably. Count that with them having a third, which seems stronger and more skilled than either of them."
"Understood. And you?" Blount reached out as Humphry tossed him the com orb and headed for where his damp clothes were.
Humphry took his hat off the top and placed it on his head. "I'll go on ahead and support Mecks." He quickly put his raincoat on and left the room, going down the stairs and pulling out a com orb from his belt. "Hello? Hun?" He grunted as he shoved the doors to the station open, the harsh rain hitting him and his coat as he race walked for the gate. Come on, come on, pick up. The whole point of an emergency com is for-
"Yes?"
"Oh thank God, you picked up."
"Why I- Humphry, do you really think that I-"
"Listen, hun, I'm sorry but I need you to listen. I want you to get Jaron and Ciecro and bring them to the ranger station. They can sleep in the-" He stopped both talking and walking upon hearing Mrs. Hommel gasp.
"What is it? Doris? Doris, what's goin-"
"Jaron?" The sound of a door creaking open was next. "Oh no."
"What? What's wrong?"
"Jaron's not in his room."
His heartbeat accelerated the moment he heard this, as he looked in fear at the orb. "Is there a disturbance?"
"No, just…wait, let me check on Ciecro….No, he's not here either."
"Damnit. Doris, get up the neighbors. Tell them to go round up the volunteers. The list should be in my desk. We need to find those boys, now." He looked upwards as he resumed his pace. What are they thinking, going out in this storm this late?
O
A soft roll of thunder bellow, drowning out the pelting upon metal by the drops of dew from the sky. The metal doors long since rusted were now being moved for the first time in a while. A snarl came from the outside at their stubbornness.
"Come on, move!" After a bit of pushing, they caved to the Charmeleon's force, who about fell inside as he hurried in. He pushed the rain cloak off of him and tossed it aside, forming flames in his hands that he held close to his back. His muscles de-tensed as he felt the moisture on top of his upper tail evaporate. "Dere we go." He picked up the raincoat and hung it up properly before stepping into the middle of the room.
The place was dusty with a few leaks here or there, but mostly dry. It was fortunate that such buildings in towns were due more for repurposing than simple demolition.
Ciecro interlocked his fingers and pushed outwards, cracking the bones in them. Alrigh' let's staht. He let his arms fall in front as he looked at the floor, which thankfully was simply dirt instead of wood. The fire returned to his palms and shot out into a steady blaze in front, brushing onto the sand like waves on the shoreline.
Hmmm… Ciecro ceased, staring at the scorch mark on the floor. Satisfied, he walked over and grabbed some random piece of cloth and was about to toss it on the spot when a screeching noise made him freeze in his tracks. "Wha'?"
The rusted doors of the warehouse were open much wider than when he squeezed through as three figures walked in, all wearing rain cloaks as well, save for the Bellibolt. Despite the limited lighting, the flame-tipped tail of the front figure was a dead giveaway.
Ciecro let the cloth fall out of his claw as his gaze went from surprise to annoyance. Ugh, Clyde. Ciecro scowled as his eyes darted from left to right, his peers taking off their rain cloaks.
The Braixen groaned as she started rubbing her large ears. "They're so wet. Ugh. Clyde can you help me dry-"
The Monferno tossed his cloak aside with a wet flop and started walking toward Ciecro.
The Braixen rolled her eyes as she reached back, levitating the stick in her semi-wet furry tail to her hand and twirling it like some miniature baton. The Bellibolt bore a gleeful, mischievous smile as he and the Braixen took position on Ciecro's sides, standing about five feet away.
The Charmeleon sighed and looked at Clyde. "Why are yah 'ere?"
"I could ask you the same thing." The Monferno looked around the place. "After hours. Abandoned place." He raised a brow as his gaze drifted towards Ciecro's wounded shoulder. "No bandages? Guess you put the Norfarion in Norfarion stubbornness-"
"Why are yah 'ere?" Ciecro snarled as Clyde's eyes narrowed.
He crossed his arms and arrogantly tilted his head. "While you were busy recovering, I've been keeping an eye out for those attackers if they ever dropped on by again."
Ciecro's eyes widened. "Yah were enlisted?"
"No." He looked up at the roof, his expression softening a little. For a brief moment, it was like Clyde of the past before getting his face punched in was standing in front of him. "I took it upon myself."
"And been dragging us into it too," The Braixen added with a sarcastic tone, making Clyde glare back at her.
"You don't have to come."
She sighed and crossed her arms. "Nevermind."
"Now…" Clyde stepped towards Ciecro, who tensed up. "Relax, punk. I'm not going to fight you while you're still healing, let alone while there's this incident going on."
"Den wha' do yah wan' den?"
Clyde stopped a few inches from Ciecro's face, their mutual stares being very intense despite lacking in aggression. "I want to know what you're doing here. Like I said before, it's after hours and Humphry wouldn't let you just run around while you're injured."
Ciecro looked to the side and snorted. "None of yah business."
An annoyed sigh followed. "Figured you'd say that. Guess you left without his permission, huh-"
"Wha do yah know!" Ciecro stepped forwards, almost pressing his snout onto Clyde's nose. The Monferno pulled back slightly, eyes widened for a second before settling down.
"I'm not dumb, Ciecro."
"Tck, coulda fooled me."
"You know, I'm being nicer than you deserve. I'm only asking you because of the attackers that are here for your friend." Clyde walked around Ciecro, stopping shoulder to shoulder. He leered at Ciecro as he continued. "Why are they after the Averion?"
"How should I know?"
Clyde continued walking around Ciecro, who relaxed a little but kept a tense front. "Well, then what do you know?"
"I…" Ciecro's eyes lowered.
"Well?"
"I…don' know anythin' else." Ciecro's eyes lowered slightly, raising suddenly at Clyde scoffing.
"Tck, you're pathetic."
"Wha'dyu say?"
"You heard me." Clyde snarled as he walked over to his friends. "You'll zip your mouth like a Banette's if it meant not hurting your pride."
"Oh yeah! Wha' abou' how yah keep wantin' tah figh' me?"
"Heh, like right now?" Clyde said with an almost mocking tone as he turned around and pointed at Ciecro's crest. "Unlike you, I know when to swallow my pride. After all, I'm just a kid studying to be a ranger. I don't have a get-out-of-punishment crest like you."
"Why do yah dislike Norfarions so much?" Ciecro snarled. "I barely know wha' Norfarions are like."
Clyde rolled his eyes. "I didn't care about Norfarions. I've heard general rumors and gossip about them, but those are just rumors and gossip. You were the one that gave me a front-row seat to what your kind can do and over some simple comments about your dad."
Ciecro tensed up, his breathing going slow as Clyde continued.
"I never liked you Ciecro. You and your brother are hotheaded and arrogant and when I decided to step up to that, you made it very clear the kind of person you were. I guess it makes sense why Norfarions stick to their kind if this is the end result without some kind of discipline. Lording over us 'normal mons' like living is some kind competition."
"Look, jus' shuddup." Ciecro shook his head. "I don' care tah hear yah rantin'. It's none of yah business wha' I'm doing 'ere."
"Fine. But I'm going to have to tell this to Humphry." Clyde started to walk away, but Ciecro's voice made him stop.
"Wai'."
Clyde smirked a little as he looked back. "Why should I?"
Ciecro's eyes lowered. "I…was jus' tryin' tah train."
"…What?"
"In case dere's another figh'. I want tah be able tah fight." Ciecro looked back at Clyde, willing himself not to back down.
"Wouldn't resting be better for that?" Clyde crossed his arms.
The Charmeleon didn't reply, though his brain tried its best to think of a rebuttal.
"Yeah," The Bellibolt walked up, making Ciecro lean away from the large, round mon. "It is weird. I think he's lying."
Snarling back at the Bellibolt, Ciecro said, "I'm not lyin'"
"Then you're stupid." The Braixen moved her palm under her snout, smiling at Ciecro snobbishly. "What good is training if your arm doesn't heal?" She giggled. "Everybody knows-"
"Oh can it, bitch."
She gasped. "Why you." She looked at Clyde, pointing at Ciecro. "He just called me a-"
"I heard him." He walked past the dumbfounded Braixen and curious Bellibolt, stopping right in front of Ciecro. "And if he wasn't injured, I'd make him answer for it."
The Charmeleon snarled back, stepping forwards. Their tense standoff was interrupted by another sound coming from behind Clyde's group that easily drowned out the background rain.
"Ciecro!"
Ciecro shoved Clyde out of the way as he looked to see his brother stepping into the expanse, dripping wet from head to two and furious. The Croconaw had a shoulder strap that had a satchel, though it looked a bit loose implying he put it on in haste.
"Uh…Jaron." Ciecro couldn't find the words, especially since he was still processing that his brother was here.
"What? Surprised I'm here?" Jaron stomped towards him, his tone like poison as he stopped in front and leered upwards at his brother. "Well, sorry that I checked on you after dinner. Did you want some more alone time?"
Ugh…'ere we go. Ciecro put a hand on Jaron's shoulder. "Jaron, I was jus'-"
"Save it." Jaron swatted the hand aside. "I'm sick of you just going off on your own like this. You've already passed the test, why do you need to keep doing this?"
"No way," the Braixen said, her face showing disbelief. "You actually passed?"
"Shut up, bitch." Jaron snarled, making her leer at him. However, the Croconaw ignored her and shouted, "So what's going on? Why are you going off on your own still and why is fucking Clyde and his goons here?"
"Now listen here you loud, little-!" The Braixen began her snooty tone even when mad playing on Ciecro's last nerves.
He turned around and in unison with Jaron said, "Would you stay out of this?"
She growled, looking at Clyde for any kind of support, but he kept silent, wanting to see this play out. "Ugh." She crossed her arms and pouted to the side.
With no more interruptions, Ciecro looked back at Jaron. "Look, I jus' wanna be prepared in case dose goons come back."
"For God's sake, Ciecro, your shoulder is still recovering." Jaron pointed at Clyde, who tensed up in scowl and body as Jaron continued, "And can you please tell me why the fuck he's here?"
"I didn' invite him if dats wha' yah worried abou'."
"I'm not worried about that. I'm worried you'll get into a fight with him."
Jaron's anger was starting to rub off on Ciecro, especially since this lecture was being played again. "I know, Jaron. Yah don' need tah keep remindin' me."
"Oh sorry, am I pestering you again by asking why the fuck he's here with you?" Jaron pointed out as he gestured his claw outwards to Ciecro, like he was bestowing this counter to Ciecro as a gift.
"Look. I'm tellin' dah truth."
"Then why not just leave then?"
Ciecro's eyes looked to the side as Jaron's head lowered.
"Well?"
"It's rainin' outside."
"That didn't stop you from coming here for this 'training'. What the hell does that even mean? Training for what?"
"Fo' dose goons return-"
"Stop lying to me!" Jaron lashed out, pushing at Ciecro's stomach as a few tears started to form in his angry eyes. "You're always training. You've been training for almost a fucking month now! What are you training for and why are you training so hard? Stop keeping whatever secret burden you have and just be honest with me!"
Ciecro growled though he didn't retaliate physically. "I don' have a 'secret', Jaron. I don' hafta tell yah every stinkin' detail abou' my thoughts. I already hafta do dat in dose sessions, so lay off." Jaron snorted angrily as he crossed his arms and looked to the side. Ciecro's gaze drifted to the side as well, his scowl softening despite not being done lecturing Jaron. "How many times do I hafta tell yah I can manage fo' yah to jus' get it? Or do yah not trust me like yah say yah do?" The silence that followed made Ciecro's heart churn. He'd done it again. With a heavy sigh, he turned towards his brother again, his gaze low and heavy. "Jaron…wha' I mean is-" He stopped speaking once he looked at his brother.
A cold chill filled him, a chill that the rain outside couldn't even come close to replicating. He saw his brother stare to the left, his teary eyes bearing a sudden look of horror. "Jaron!" He grabbed his brother's shoulders, making their audience flinch. "Is it your Wary?"
The Croconaw slowly nodded.
"Is it dem?"
"I…I don't know. It's similar, but it feels so much more-" Jaron gasped. "Vray!" He pulled himself from Ciecro's grip and rushed for the door, nearly running over Clyde in the process.
Growling, Ciecro ran after his brother, not bothering with the raincoat.
"What the? Hey!" The girl's voice called out but stopped as Clyde rushed after them.
"Come on you two!" Clyde shouted.
The group of five hurried down the street, undeterred by the rain and thunder.
