Chapter 32

Danger from Behind

Humphry sighed as he took a sip of some warm tea, staring upwards at the sky. His eyes were droopy and bloodshot as he watched the moonlight appear and disappear between the clouds. A shiver filled him as he looked upstream, feeling the chilling breeze blow on his skin.

The cold will keep me awake. It shouldn't be too long till sunrise. Then we'll go. He sat down on a platform attached to one of the many waterwheels that lined the flowing river. He took another sip of that warm, tasty beverage before staring aimlessly forward, but with the focus of a sniper.

I wish we could leave now, given all that Red Eyes 'Enforcer' talk earlier. Hard to sleep after hearing that. Though, If the Red Eyes are organized enough to have their own military, then why go after just random mons here in Triacal? His hands tightened over the cup as his gaze softened. I wonder if it was an Enforcer that attacked their family eight years ago.

Eventually, the rushing sounds of the river grabbed his attention. As he stared at the water he thought, Jaron's defensiveness makes a lot more sense now, having actually fought against them. They're terrifying. He raised a brow as his gaze went upwards. And they were children at the time. He sighed and shook his head. Ciecro…you're braver than I.

In the water, he imagined seeing a little Charmander sitting on a stool. His head was slightly lowered, his orange eyes looked focused and hostile, and his body was stiff and defensive. Humphry's gaze softened up. Even back then, I always got the vibe you wanted to fight against them. I shouldn't be surprised by what you told me just now, but… He looked upstream, his hand tightening harder on the handle as a scowl formed. I don't want you to feel like you have to fight them all the time, but you keep pushing yourself. I don't know how I can tell you to stand aside to heal in a way you'll accept.

He started stroking his chin as he looked at the stones at his feet. I want to trust you, Ciecro, but you've been breaking rules lately. Important rules. I…I fear my word isn't reaching you anymore, at least when it comes to the Red Eyes. A heavy sigh followed as he stared at the river with a solemn look. No, that isn't it. You've heard me, every single time. A scowl formed as his fingers tightened around the cup. You just choose to ignore what I say. I get that you're young, that you want revenge, but you aren't stupid Ciecro. Surely, you understand fighting strong mons like them with a wounded shoulder will just get you killed. Or maybe you just don't care about the risks.

Humphry paused, frustrated at how deep down he questioned if the Charmeleon would honor the promise he made. He placed his free hand on his head and groaned. It shouldn't bother you that much to just rest.

Humphry took his hand off his head and tightened it into a fist. He slammed it against the waterwheel, whispering under his breath. "You're being selfish and unfair, Ciecro."

As he calmed down, he realized his right hand was no longer holding onto the teacup. He glanced down to see it had cracked into pieces, its rich liquid now wasted on the ground below. His frustrated gaze softened as he stared down at it. It's just a cup. He knelt down and began picking up the pieces, but turned his attention back to the river. Leaning over, he watched the dark water flow below as he thought, How would you get through to him, Dad? He's young, scared, impulsive, and angry; and I'm afraid he'll try something while I get Vragon to safety. His eyes narrowed as he looked meekly to the side. Maybe Jaron? I don't know. I just feel so powerless right now and... He raised his gaze, a small smile forming as a façade. I could use some of that good ol' fashioned advice you always had. You knew how to tell the truth, but in a way that it didn't upset anyone. Heh, it's like making others happy by merely talking was your power. I should know, you raised me. His eyes lowered back to the river, a single tear forming in his eye. I don't have that power. I wish…I wish I could help him find peace so he won't make a mistake he'll regret. He wiped at his face as his wavery stare trembled in movement like the water he focused on. Maybe Seliph is right. Maybe I am out of my element. But I can't give up. Not on myself, not on the town, not on Ciecro. I…have to find a way to help him through- hrm?

Suddenly, he noticed a faint light in the flowing current. Humphry leaned further, staring at the white light, whose glow became brighter and brighter. He gasped as his nerves shot to life, forcing his body to pull back before he could even think of moving.

"Ack!" He cried out as beams of the white light ripped through the surface of the water, tearing at the sides of his skin and face.

He fell back, his face stinging a little but his vision being completely impaired by a white light with a mystical attribute to it. Suddenly, he felt a force slam into his stomach, forcing him onto his back. "What? Who?" Humphry tried to struggle to get up, blinking as all he saw around him was a hazy white. "Where is everything‽" He shouted but stopped as a strange feeling filled his body, an invasive feeling. Wait…calm down, think. He tried to close his eyes but was surprised to find that something was keeping them open. That Gallade!

Humphry immediately pushed his hands onto the ground he felt and surged Surf to shoot up. The weight on him was gone as was whatever was holding his eyes open. As the Surf water fell down on him, he started rubbing at his eyes.

"Dang, some thanks I get for saving you from falling in," A slithery voice spoke, tagging on a mocking chuckle at the end.

He blinked. His vision was returning, but still hazy as evidenced by the purplish being he saw in a couple of feet in front. "You?" As Humphry's focus improved, so did the shadow turn into a Gengar, a smirking Gengar. Humphry's jaw dropped. How? How did they find us so quickly?

Huh? He noticed a small red glow, coming from another person's face. Humphry gasped and immediately covered his eyes with his elbow, the invasive feeling vanishing. "Ack!" He was struck in the chest with a Shadow Ball, sending him into a backward roll and stopping on his stomach.

"Got it?" Vex asked as Siegfried crossed his arms.

"Yes."

"T-targets?" Humphry looked up, fighting against the pain in his chest to stand up to fight.

"Righto, toady." Vex chuckled, earning a leer from Siegfried. "There's been a slight change to plans."

Ciecro and Jaron. Humphry's eyes widened. While he could see clearly again, his mind seemed incapable of grasping the scenery before him. Where Vex and Siegfried stood he saw Ciecro and Jaron, fear in their faces. "No! I won't let you!" With a croak that resounded like a roar, Humphry slammed his fists to the ground, brown light flourishing to light as streams of Mud Shot soared towards the two like angled geysers.

"What?" He stared in disbelief as his move was ripped to pieces, but a horizontal slash of purple energy. His hands quivered as he saw across from him the dragon Trishula, dripping wet from the river, not a trace of Mud Shot on him. A tense, cornered scowl formed on Humphry's face as he watched Siegfried walk up to the Red Eye's leader.

"Seems your hunch was right, sir. The targets aren't at the town's inn." Siegfried looked upstream. "The Fraxure is near the outskirts of town and…" he turned around and looked across the river. "The two are at the ranger's guild. I suggest we go for the brothers since the Fraxure is probably better defended."

Huh? Humphry paused as Trishula snorted.

"Alright. You two go and slow down anyone seeking to assist. I'll grab the Norfarions."

A look of horror crossed Humphry's face as he rushed for them. "Wai-!"

Vex and Siegfried flung Psycho Cut and Shadow Ball at him, but Humphry was aware enough to evade the first and tank the second. As he removed his arms from his face, he saw the dragon rush for the bridge, while Vex flew into the air carrying Siegfried.

"Humphry! What's goi-" was all he heard from the rangers coming out of the inn behind him as he rushed after Trishula. Whatever anger he had felt last night was amplified.

"Stay away from them!" He roared, thrusting his arms forwards as blue energy formed on the surface of the stone pavement around him in a circle. Pulling his arms back to his chest and closing his fists, Humphry ushered the glowing water to rise. It solidified at his feet and picked him up as it moved forwards in the form of a wave that grew larger and larger.

"Don't think so!" The ghost shouted, gaining Humphry's attention.

The Gallade threw a Psycho Cut at his forming Surf, cutting near the middle causing the wave to collapse on itself. Humphry did a recovery roll and pursued, but stopped but pulled back as a Dragon Pulse struck the bridge in front, sending splintering wood flying as one side of the bridge was blown apart.

Humphry glanced up to see a pink light soaring downwards. "No!" He shouted, shielding his face as the Psycho Cut struck the bridge, sending it down into the river below.

No… His fists tightened as he watched with fury as the Dragon disappeared through the rows of buildings.

"Commissioner Humphry," one of the rangers exclaimed as they started rushing out of the inn towards him.

"What happened sir?"

"Are they attacking aga-"

"Listen!" Humphry quickly glanced at the rangers awaiting his orders. "Send a message to Zebzenna and Dolly immediately. They're targeting the Almkin brothers. Anyone that can cross the river comes with me, the rest find another way across. Move!" With that said, he dove off the edge. Hang on boys! I'm coming! He thought as he violently splashed into the dark waters.

O

Ciecro pulled his arm back, closing his right claw into a fist, cutting off the life of the Flamethrower he had shot out less than a second ago. His gaze was fixated on a pole stuck in the middle of the sandy field with a cloth top, currently ignited by his fire.

Scowling, he raised his left claw towards it, grunting softly to himself as his shoulder ached from moving. As he closed his hand into a fist, the flames burning at the top of the fire pole dwindled, going out before a second had passed.

"Nice."

Ciecro scowled, opening his eyes to see the lingering smoke from the burnt top of the fire pole. "I dunno."

"You don't know?" Tork walked over and tapped the top of the pole with his large hand. "I'm no expert on how you fire types do your fire moves, but I have a hunch that you pretty much killed this fire, heh."

Despite Tork's goofy, encouraging look, Ciecro kept a serious face as he started rubbing his left shoulder to ease its pain. "I'm jus' wantin' tah get betteh at controllin' it in any scenario."

"Like what kind of scenario?"

"Well…" Ciecro looked at the pole and answered, "Like…if it was settin' a buildin' on fire or somethin'."

Tork raised a brow. "I mean, okay, but shouldn't you already be able to do that? The principle doesn't change just because the object is different. Burning is burning."

Ciecro's head lowered slightly. How do I explain it withou' tippin' 'im- He stopped pondering as Tork noticed something.

"Oh, morning Jaron. You're up early."

Immediately, Ciecro glanced back, seeing Jaron step onto the sand of the training battlefield with a serious look. God damnit. Turning away from his brother, Ciecro started rubbing his eyes with his claw. I don' need dis righ' now.

"What are you doing?"

Ciecro sighed and walked over to the wooden pole. "Jus' go back tah bed."

"Are you training agai-?"

"Jus' stop." Ciecro glared at his brother, who immediately reciprocated the tense scowl with his own.

"Why are you still doing this? Your shoulder is never going to get better," Jaron pointed out.

"I know muh own shouldeh betteh den yah do." Ciecro replied, walking towards Jaron, who walked towards him too.

"You were stabbed, Ciecro, there's going to be internal-"

"I know."

"Maybe you don't care about your wellbeing, but I do."

"I'm not fragile Jaron." The two stopped mere inches apart, their fervent gazes locked in a showdown while Tork watched awkwardly.

"It's not just me. Everyone else would tell you to focus on resting and recovery."

"I'm not stupid, Jaron. I'm only practicin' stuff wit' my flames, not full-blown trainin'."

"At five-thirty in the morning?" Jaron crossed his arms. "Humphry would tell you to rest and not do any training."

Ciecro paused as he thought of the Commissioner. "He…" Ciecro shut his eyes and sighed. "He wouldn' understand." The memory of the Gallade smiling at him sadistically with his own flames filled his mind. "I have to do this."

"Why?"

"Jus' go back tah bed, Jaron." Ciecro turned around and walked towards the pole. "I don' wanna talk abou' it."

"Fine, then you can just listen."

Ciecro snapped back, glaring at his brother but was surprised to see Jaron's head drifting to the side with a solemn, frustrated look in his eyes. Huh?

"I'm…worried about you, Ciecro."

'Ere we go. Ciecro rolled his eyes. "I can handle myself Jar-"

"Let me finish."

Ciecro tensed up in annoyance but remained silent. He watched his brother start rubbing his arm and his tail curling around slightly, pushing the sand about.

"I…I know you're strong Ciecro. I jus'…can't help it." Jaron started hugging himself as he lightly moved the sand with his toes. "I just keep thinking about what could happen, always the worst case scenario. I want to shut it off, I really do. But I can't. I keep fearing that this situation we all are in isn't going to work out." He turned his scowl towards Ciecro, but this time it didn't give off an air of hostility.

"And…" He crossed his arms and shut his eyes, taking a moment to think before he resumed. "I have similar thoughts about you."

Ciecro let his arms fall to his sides as he tilted his head curiously. "Like wha'? Gettin' hurt?"

"Yeah, but mostly something else. Like…you're pushing yourself so hard that you'll crumble under the weight of everything and I can't do anything but…watch."

Ugh. Eyes narrowing, Ciecro sighed, but out of respect for his brother's request, he didn't reply.

"Ciecro, I can't read your mind, but you're my brother. When you keep things quiet from me, then I know something is bothering you."

Ciecro growled.

"I just…I want to be there for you. And, I know you've said I wouldn't understand or it's something you have to do, but…" Jaron pressed a hand to his head and took a calming breath. "I want to understand what you mean." He turned and looked up at Ciecro, determination filling his ruby irises. "If…if I knew that much, then I'd feel better about what you're doing." His head lowered and his eyes closed. "I just want you to trust me, Ciecro."

The Charmeleon's head drifted to the side. "Of course I trust yah." He rubbed the back of his head, the awkward tension kicking inside his mind. "Bu'…" Words seemed lost to him as he looked back to his listening brother. "Well…"

The silence felt heavy and uncomfortable. Wha' do I say? It was so much easier to clash with Jaron's opinion when they were yelling. It was like a battle, both sides choosing attack and defense carefully. But right now, this stillness felt like the surface of a quiet lake that he didn't want to disturb with his touch.

Ciecro grumbled as he pressed his hand to his forehead. "I don' know how tah say it Jaron. I-"

"I get it."

Ciecro turned towards his brother, who was looking to the side downcast.

"I just…wanted to tell you how I felt about it. If you don't want to tell me, then that's…fine." Jaron turned around, sniffling as he started to walk.

A sad look crossed Ciecro's face as he reached out towards Jaron. He felt the air leave his lungs in a soft gasp, but froze at seeing Jaron stiffen up suddenly. "Jaron?"

The Croconaw started looking around frantically, fear in his eyes.

Not again! He rushed in front of Jaron, forcing his hands on the boy's shoulders, and asked, "Is it yah're Wary again?"

"I…I think so. They're here and…close?"

Ciecro's eyes widened.

"I don't understand. Why didn't I feel them before?" Jaron's breath started picking up as Tork joined them. "I'm familiar with their presence now, I should have instantly felt something before they got this close!"

"You sense those goons again?" Seeing Ciecro answer with a nod, Tork immediately pulled out his com orb. "This is Captain Tork. Raise the alarm. The younger Almkin boy senses those Red Eyes nearby."

Jaron grabbed his head, not out of pain but confusion. "How? How did they?"

Ciecro fumbled over his words, trying to come up with an answer to put his brother's mind at ease. "Maybe cuz yah were asleep?"

"But I've been up for minutes and I only felt it right now!" Jaron pulled free of his brother.

"Calm down!" Ciecro ordered as he hopped to his feet and grabbed Jaron by the wrist, forcing him to face the Charmeleon. "Dey'll handle dis."

"R-r-right." Jaron pulled in close, hugging Ciecro quivering. "Don't go."

"It's okay bro." He gently rubbed Jaron's back, feeling the tender shivers from the Croconaw. "I won't." It didn't feel good to say, but he promised not to fight and unlike the training one, he couldn't reason his conscious to concede. His hands tightened around his shivering brother. Damn, he's really shaken up.

"Alright, we're supposed to stay here," Tork said, as the brothers broke apart. "Seems he was spotted heading for the front entrance."

"'He'? Just one?"

"Yep, the Haxorus."

The duo felt a chill in their spines as their heads lowered. Course it'd be 'im. Ciecro focused on the opening leading out the training arena. "Jaron?"

The Croconaw nodded. "Yeah. I sense him somewhere at the front." Suddenly, he gasped and his eyes widened as if he'd seen a ghost.

"Wha' is it?"

"Wh-where did he go?"

"Huh?" Ciecro felt a chill as he saw his brother spin around and look at the back wall of the training area, his eyes widening in terror. Right as looked there was a loud crash, beams of black energy flying through the wall. "Get down!" Ciecro lunged for Jaron, pulling him to his chest as one of the beams slammed into them, knocking them apart and rolling till they hit the observation glass.

Coughing, Ciecro felt his left shoulder flare up and grabbed onto it. "Jaron? Where?" He shook his head as he looked over, horrified at seeing Trishula step through the gaping hole in the crumbling wall.

"What‽" Tork exclaimed, getting to his feet though visibly hurt from the strike like the pair of brothers.

Trishula didn't even acknowledge it, simply tossing something towards the brothers. "Seems your brother's earlier courtesy proved to be a useful gift after all."

Ciecro raised his arms to defend but lowered them upon seeing it wasn't dangerous. In fact, it was an orb currently powered down to recharge. A Warp Orb! So dat's how he- His thoughts went silent as Trishula rushed towards them.

"Leave them alone!" Tork shouted, rushing to defend, as Ciecro struggled to get to his feet.

Ciecro let out a cry in pain as he felt a searing dart strike him in the chest, knocking him back onto the glass to fall on his stomach. Despite his mixed-up senses, he could hear the dual sounds of a swift bolt of flame followed by Tork's pained grunt.

Geh up! His mind ordered his body, but as he tried to push himself up, his chest locked up not helped by his left shoulder surging in pain, almost as much pain as when he was stabbed. All he could do was watch as Jaron opened his maw to fire an Ice Beam that the Haxorus leaped over. Jaron tried to move his aim to strike the mon midair, but Trishula twisted his body enough to avoid it and slammed the backhand of a surged Dragon Claw onto Jaron's head.

Ciecro's eyes widened as everything around him slowed down. His body ushered him forwards, shouting Jaron's name as he watched Jaron hit the ground harshly with a thud. The anger side flared up as Dragon Claw erupted from his claws like a volcano.

Trishula latched his claw onto the back of Jaron's bruised and bleeding head, a red light glowing bright and dim like a visual heartbeat.

Ciecro roared as he closed the distance, but Trishula flicked his free wrist, sending a Flamethrower bolt at Ciecro, who barely had enough to shield his face. Despite blocking it, the force mixed with his disoriented state sent him back a few steps and onto his back.

Get dah fuck up! He roared, sitting up to charge, but stopped. His eyes widened as he saw Trishula leap away from Tork's Power-Up Punch. He was fortunate that Tork went for the strike right behind him, due to Trishula only having one arm free.

He jumped to his feet, but not to assist Tork, who was busy trying to land a Power-Up Punch. "Jaron!" Ciecro exclaimed as he stumbled over to his brother and sat him up.

Jaron groaned, his eyes closed tightly as one does when in pain. While there wasn't any trace of blood, Jaron had a nasty bruise along with a few scrapes on the backside of head. "My head."

"It's okay, I'm gettin' yah outta 'ere." He threw his brother's arm over his shoulder and helped the semi-conscious Croconaw to his feet. Be okay while I'm gone, Tork. As he tried helping Jaron out, Ciecro felt a large mass strike the wall next to them and knock them back into the sand on their sides.

Ciecro rolled onto his stomach, pushing up with a groan as his shoulder ached again. He grabbed it, trying to ease the pain as he looked up to see how Tork was doing, but to his surprise, he only saw Trishula.

"Ugh."

Ciecro gasped as he looked back at the damaged wall and saw Tork stepping through the wall, bruised and cut in a few places.

"Tork!" Ciecro exclaimed as the Hariyama stepped off the litter of wood splinters and glass.

Suddenly, Tork reached for his ranger belt, which was draped over his shoulder to make it easier for large hands to use.

"What are yah-?" Ciecro gasped as Tork tossed an orb at his kneecaps.

"Use this and go!" Tork ordered.

Ciecro's eyes widened as he stared into Tork's serious, wrathful eyes, such a contrast to the kind ranger he had exclusively seen. However, what truly filled Ciecro with fearful dread was the thought that Tork's fierce glare was the last time he'd see that ranger's face. He moved to stand up but paused as he looked down at his brother, who was sprawled out on the sand, groaning half-concious.

Damnit. Ciecro shut his eyes, fighting the fearful thoughts and grabbed the orb. "Jus' hang on, Tork!" Ciecro shouted, looking at the Hariyama. He pulled Jaron to his chest and opened the orb to press, but was distracted as he saw Tork hit the wall.

"What are you waiting for? Go!" Tork shouted, quickly positioning himself between Trishula and them.

Ciecro looked at the orb, his finger right above the button, above their salvation. I…But… He looked back at Tork.

"Ciecro, that's a damn or- Ack!" Tork was knocked to the side, blood spewing onto the tan sand from a solid cut on Tork's side.

With the large body moved, Trishula raised his arm. Ciecro's eyes widened as he pulled Jaron close to him and leaned over, a Flamethrower bolt soaring overhead. He pressed the button, causing it to glow. He gazed forwards to see Tork lunge for the dragon with Power-Up Punch, which was blocked by Trishula's Dragon Claw.

He stretched out his hand, seeing Tork engage in combat as other rangers rushed into the room. Fixated on Trishula, Ciecro felt rage fill his soul as he mustered synergy into his arm, forming a Flamethrower at the tips of his claw as a sphere. However, he couldn't fire before his aim was obscured by a blue hue of light.

O

"What is your status? Repeat, what is your status?" Humphry yelled into his com orb as he rushed along the emura-lit streets. "Damnit, answer!" He roared, racing down the street. The station should be around the corner. He glanced behind himself, seeing the distance between him and the nearest following ranger. It'll be fine Humphry, just trust your instincts.

Humphry picked up his pace, using the Emura lamppost to turn while keeping his momentum. The station looked normal for only a few seconds before a loud crash occurred with the front entrance bursting open. Humphry slid to a halt, staring straight until he heard a shout and saw someone flying out of the smoke.

"Hang on!" He hopped towards the mon and swung his arm, sending a small Surf of water slithering towards the ranger like a serpent. As he twisted his wrist, the water coiled up, catching the poor Arcanine ranger and gently setting him down on the ground.

"You alright?" He jogged over, checking for any injuries as the Arcanine coughed.

"Just a bit bruised from that last blast. Ugh."

"Where's Zebzena and the others?" He asked, helping the young Arcanine up, but soon got his answer as he saw her backflip out of the smoke, narrowly avoiding a beam of Flamethrower.

"Finally, you're here." She said with a pant, glancing back at him as she stood up.

"What happened?" He asked as the Arcanine pulled away from his grip and moved to an aggressive stance.

"He came at us from the front, but suddenly warped away." She looked back, seeing the Haxorus step out of rubble. "Turns out he was attacking the rear."

"What about Jaron and Ciecro?" Humphry walked up to her, fearing the worst.

"They're alright. The backup plan worked."

"I see." Humphry walked in front of her, readying to fight the dragon. "If we all pitch in and strike carefully, we can bring him d-"

"Wait, one more thing."

"What?" He leered at her as he felt the anxiety build up as the Haxorus walked down the stairs, not worried about their planning.

"Before they warped out, he did that red light thing on Jaron. The one you told me about."

Shit. He glanced at the building, then back at the Haxorus. That complicates things. If he has Wary, he'll notice a sneak attack. It's too dangerous for too many to engage. "Zebzena." He swung his arms forwards to send waves of Surf at Trishula, who sliced at them. "We need to draw him away from public areas. What's the nearest open spot?"

"The riverside." He gasped as suddenly as someone flew past him, soaring above the waves and surging Air Slash into wings.

"Move in!" The Braviary ranger shouted, sending Air Slash down upon the dragon. However, Trishula opened his maw and fired up Flamethrower to counter it, the flames soaring onwards and almost striking him had the ranger not darted to the side, squawking in surprise.

"Hold your fire! Me and Zebzenna will handle him. The rest of you work on evacuating citizens and setting up a perimeter."

"What?" The Arcanine exclaimed with a stern growl. "No way am I-"

"He's right." Zebzenna joined Humphry at his side. She raised a com orb to her face, speaking. "All rangers, I want a perimeter of at least one town block and all citizens evacuated from that vicinity. Flying mons may engage but only with moves and remain cautious." She leaned over and whispered to Humphry as they watched the Dragon repelling the attacks of fliers. "Where did the warp orb send the boys?"

"Back to the hotel area." Humphry's eyes narrowed. "Which means he'll go where we want him." I just hope Jaron and Ciecro can find a good place to stay safe until then. He looked at her as he stepped in front. "Inform the other group about the situation and tell them to get to the boys immediately. I'll cover you while you make the call." As he clenched his fists, brown light formed around them.

"Understood."

He punched the ground, as Mud Shot erupted from where his fists were and flew towards the Haxorus, who rushed to meet them. I don't care how strong or what gift you have, you're going down. And a Hommel doesn't break his word!