Chapter 33

Pinned Down

Vragon blinked as he lifted his head off the pillow. Hrm? Voices? He pushed himself up, rubbing his eyes. "Seliph? What's going on?" The lack of an answer prompted him to look across the room. His chair is empty? Immediately, his eyes shifted to the window. No, it's still locked, so he must be in the next room.

He slid out of the bed and tried to shake off the fatigue in his body. What time is it? It's still dark out so- A heavy yawn came from his mouth. Just hurry up. He dragged his feet to the door, but as he grabbed the knob he paused. Hmmm…what are they talking about? Letting go, he leaned against the wooden frame, minding his tusks, and listened.

"I don't think you should just go by yourself."

"We don't have a choice, Jasmine. I only have one more Warp Orb and once used it will take a while to recharge. It's our best backup in the event we can't defeat their leader."

Vragon pressed closer against the door, his mouth sealed shut and his breath diminishing to almost complete Hypoxia.

"I get that, but-"

"There isn't time to argue, Jasmine. Jaron and Ciecro are in danger so let's get him up and-"

Vragon gasped as he saw the knob move. He tried to move away, but was too slow resulting in the door slamming into his nose. "Ouch!" He grabbed onto it as Seliph looked through the door.

"Oh, you're awake. Good."

That hurt you numbskull. Vragon shook his head and blinked as Seliph fully opened the door, the light from the other room almost blinding him.

"Get ready, it's time to move." Seliph went back in, followed by the Fraxure, who scowled at the Absol wearing an amused smile on her face.

"Hold on one second."

Seliph groaned as he spun around. "We don't have time for this Vragon."

Undeterred, the Fraxure continued, "What do you mean Jaron and Ciecro are in danger?"

What annoyance was present on Seliph's face doubled as he shoved a hand onto his face and let it drag itself down.

"Well," Jasmine walked over to him, explaining, "Seliph got a message that was sent out from Humphry saying that-"

"That the Red Eyes were heading to the ranger station." Seliph rolled his wrist as he explained, not bothering to hide his irritation. "The plan was to have them at the station to keep them out of the fighting. But seems the Red Eyes figured that out and are targeting them. That's the details. Now shape up and let's get moving."

"Wait," Vragon blinked, trying to process this new revelation. "I thought I was supposed to be the bait, so why are they-"

"Please stop asking questions." Seliph opened a drawer and pulled out his travel belt, which he tossed on a nearby table. As he fiddled around in the drawer, he continued, "You and Jasmine need to rendezvous with the rangers at the ambush spot."

"Wait, but-"

"No buts, Vragon." Seliph tossed some items onto the table as well and began putting them into the pouches.

"You can't just expect me to abandon-"

"You aren't 'abandoning', you're keeping out of the way so we don't have any more targets in play." Seliph answered without looking at him.

Vragon's head lowered as he listened to Seliph putting on the belt. He felt Jasmine pat his shoulder.

"He's right. Those guys are very strong and are after you too."

His fists clenched as he felt the frustration build. "So what?"

"Huh?"

Vragon looked at Jasmine and with a stern tone answered, "I'm not the target right now, they are."

"You're still a target," Seliph answered, making Vragon glare at him. "Keeping you away would help the situation-"

"I don't care that I'm a target. What if you guys need a healer?" He held out his hands towards Seliph. "I can cover support."

Jasmine walked up, saying, "Yeah, at the cost of yourself."

"No one asked you!" Vragon snapped, causing Jasmine to flinch back.

"And no one is asking you to come."

Seliph's blunt tone felt like a cut as Vragon glared up at him. The Greninja was already inputting the coordinates into the warp orb, barely even acknowledging the conversation let alone Vragon's wishes.

"But Seliph, I can't just-"

"Come on, Vray." Jasmine nudged him to the side. Vragon wanted to shove her back, but the look in her eyes held him back. It wasn't a look of authority or ignorance like Seliph's, it was a heavy, somber gaze.

She probably wants to be there too. His expression softened as his shoulders sagged and his head lowered.

"It's going to be alright. Trust me."

She gently turned him with her claw and pushed him forward. The march felt like a defeat, a terrible retreat. 'How many have to be sacrificed'. Vragon's eyes narrowed. 'For your sake'. He halted.

"Vray?"

"I'm not running away." He spun around and with a convicted heart and soul said, "I'm going to help them."

Seliph shook his head, pausing from inputting on the holo screen to say, "How many times do you need to be-"

"I'm not running! That's final!"

Jasmine walked next to him and calmly said, "Vray, I understand how you feel, bu-"

"No, you don't." He glared at her and then looked at Seliph. "And neither does he. This is never going to stop. I'm never going to be safe, so maybe I should help fight instead of run."

"Vragon, you need to calm down. I get your-"

"Get the door, Jasmine," Seliph said, finally taking his gaze from the orb and turning it to Vragon. Even though his focus was now on the Fraxure it did little to make Vragon feel that Seliph was acknowledging his stance at all. All that fire and firmness in the whelp's voice didn't seem to faze the one person that it needed to the most.

"Please." Vragon shut his eyes and lowered his head. "I'll do anything, just let me-" He gasped as he felt Seliph's hand touch his head. He looked up to see Seliph give him a soft smile.

"Vragon, your heart is in the right place and I appreciate your desire to help my brothers. However, what you-"

His eyes widened as he felt a jolt throughout his body. His heart's pulse vibrated in his hearing as his body felt like it had left the ground. In an instant, he had become surrounded by an endless darkness.

"What? Where did-" He spun around in babbling confusion until he saw Seliph walking his way, as seeable as if it was noon on the brightest day. "W-wait, did you just do a soul link?"

"Yes, to give us some time and privacy to talk." His walk echoed as he closed the distance between them. He looked down at Vragon, bearing that same air of authority as earlier. "Tell me. Do my brothers really mean that much to you?"

Vragon's fists closed and snarled. "Of course they do! Why wouldn't they mean a lot to me?"

Seliph held up his hand. "Peace, I wasn't trying to mock you- oof."

Vragon shoved Seliph back. "I'll tell you how much they mean to me!" He press his hand on his chest, clenching on it slightly as if he was trying to reach for his pendant. "I see them as the only family I have. Even if I do have a family, Ciecro, Jaron, and Aunt Dresha are here and real. They're not just feelings, dreams, or wishes that I have." He clenched his claw tighter as it slowly lowered to the side. "They're…a part of me and I'm a part of them."

Seliph smirked. "I imagine they see you more as a brother compared to me."

Vragon blinked. "N-n-no, I don't mean to say-"

Chuckling, Seliph shook his head, earning a confused stare from Vragon. "Sorry, I just wanted to see your reaction. Well, see if I'm right that is."

"Huh? Right about what?"

"If you'd react like Jaron would." Seliph crossed his arms, trailing one of his fingers to the side of his lower jaw. "Come to think of it, you really do talk a lot like Jaron."

"I do not!" Vragon retorted.

"Not linguistically, that's pretty distinct." Seliph pointed to Vragon's chest, the same spot where Vragon had his fist earlier. "I mean like that. Jaron was always the most emotionally expressive compared to me and Ciecro. I can see a lot of that in you."

Vragon tilted his head back, narrowing his brow skeptically. "And what's wrong with that?

"Nothing right now, I just hadn't thought of the similarities before. But I suppose it makes sense, since you and he have been good friends for some time."

"Yeah…" The Fraxure's eyes narrowed as his head lowered. 'Nothing right now?' When would it be wrong to be like that?

Vragon could only speculate as Seliph then placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "But passion and sincerity only take you so far. What makes you an asset for the plan and not just in the way?"

Did you have to say it that way? Vragon took a deep breath. Just think of an answer. After half a minute, he said, "I can do support. I have range moves, Assurance for follow-ups, an-" He stopped mid-breath as Seliph held his hand up to his face.

"Look, if I'm even going to tease the possibility of bringing their target to them, I'm going to need more than simple 'support'." Seliph walked up to him, invading Vragon's space as he leered down at the Fraxure, with a look that seemed to evaluate his soul. "What assurance do I have you won't run away because you see some 'white light' again?

Vragon's eyes trailed to the side. "I wasn't ready for-" His eyes snapped back to Seliph's stare as the Greninja continued.

"An unintentional coward is still a coward. If you can't be ready for the unexpected you have no place on the battlefield." Seliph put his hand on Vragon's shoulder once more, his gaze softening while keeping its seriousness. "If you run away when we need you most for a plan could get everyone in this hurt, killed, or worse. You're not an infant, but something as stressful as this is something I don't think you're ready for."

"I know-…I know I'm inexperienced bu-"

"Then give me something to be assured of. Convince me." Seliph's eyes narrowed as he retracted his hand. He crossed his arms and said again, "What makes you more of a help than a hindrance to this mission?"

Vragon didn't know what to say. If he hadn't already been disarmed in his argument logically, the intensity of Seliph's statements left him shaken. The worst part was, in the back of his mind, Vragon agreed with him. His head lowered and his claws clenched. "I…I don't know."

"You don't know? That's your argument?"

"No." Vragon's tone shifted to a low, almost threatening one as he looked back up. He took a step towards Seliph, his determined glare confronting Seliph's icy, cynical one. "My argument is that sooner or later, I'm going to have to confront this. Confront them. I don't want to admit it, but those guys know something about me, something that gives them enough reason to hunt for me. I can't…I can't let Ciecro and Jaron pay the price for whatever the reason is that they want me."

Seliph raised a brow, as his gaze eased up. "Even if you don't know why they want you?"

Vragon turned to the side, his eyes softening up. "It's like you said. It doesn't matter what my intentions are. Results and the situation are what matter." He stared off into the vast darkness, imagining it as a far plain on fire, a fire that moved wherever he looked. That obeyed him.

"And it's not just them." Vragon looked at his right claw, seeing the flames swirl inside. "Everyone that gets hurt or dies in this…it happens to them because of me." He faced Seliph once more. "It's on my hands, whether you agree or not. Whether I understand why or not."

Vragon blinked, his eyes lowering faintly, his fervor starting to recede the more he dwelled on the words he had said. I…I do believe that but- his thoughts were cut off as Seliph squatted down and started tracing circles in the invisible ground with his finger.

"No one agrees with that."

Vragon's scowl returned. "Maybe not. But I'm through with being a coward. If I have to fight, I should learn to do so with people like you here to help me."

Seliph shook his head. "So you want to treat this as a training exercise? That mindset is exactly what I said you shouldn't have-"

"Stop putting words in my mouth!" Vragon yelled. A few seconds of silence followed, Vragon felt the anger that was boiling inside him begin to calm down, as if his anger was leaving his soul with every breath he took. However, when he focused on Seliph's face, seeing how caught off guard he was by the outburst, Vragon began to feel a sense of unease. How could an action feel right and wrong at the same time?

What am I thinking? He placed a claw over his tired face. "No, I don't mean it as an exercise. I get it, it's serious." Vragon took his claw away and pressed it against his chest. "But what if I'm stuck on my own? What if no one can protect me? I'm screwed anyways, right? I need the experience."

Seliph went back to drawing shapes in the darkness at their feet. "There are better ways to learn than putting yourself and the mission at risk."

Vragon's gaze lowered. What do I say? He shut his eyes and clenched his fists. How can I convince him I have to do this?

A few minutes of silence passed before Seliph shrugged. "Vragon, wanting to go just isn't enough. I'm sorry, but you're just going to have to sta-"

"No," Vragon replied, his eyes shut in a scowl and his breath heavy. He could feel that feeling from before building inside, that determination. He opened his eyes and looked down at Seliph. "I won't stay."

Seliph's finger stopped. He made no reply, but his eyes looked up slightly, though not enough to clear Vragon's lower chest line.

"I've made my choice. And if you won't help me, I'll find my own way without you." He had never felt so convicted and defiant, it was like he was saying it to the world. It felt strange at first, his patience was near its end. Raising his voice no longer felt rude, it felt justified. Felt like himself. He stared down at Seliph, his posture and gaze unshaken as the Greninja moved a finger to his chin.

Finally, Seliph stood up and immediately turned around. As he started walking away, he said, "If you're going to be unreasonable then there's no real point continuing. Besides, it won't matter if you're not fast enough."

Vragon kept staring in stern silence as Seliph's form started to go hazy, then disappeared entirely. As he felt his body grow heavier, he noticed that his eyes were closed and promptly opened them.

"-need to understand-" Vragon heard Seliph's voice but ignored it as soon as he recognized it. Immediately his eyes latched onto the orb in Seliph's hands. He noticed how the arm was stiffened, ready to move at a second's notice.

Immediately, Vragon lunged for the orb, reaching out. As he did, he spotted out of the corner of his eye some dark light forming. He pivoted off of his feet, twisting his body and pulling the arm with the orb down with him as his free hand pressed the activation button.

"What? Guys-!" Jasmine shouted but was drowned out as cyan blue light surrounded them.

Vragon felt his back hit the ground, his left claw clasping onto the orb tightly, refusing to budge. As the light faded, he looked up to see Seliph staring down at him. The Greninja's left hand had formed a Night Slash kunai, the ringed end right next to the Fraxure's right eye.

Seliph, let the move disintegrate and instead offered his hand. "You're lucky I had just inputted the coordinates, else you'd be in quite the awkward situation."

Vragon stopped dragging Seliph's other arm down and instead grabbed the one extended to him. As Seliph pulled him up, Vragon said, "I…I just…figured you already had. Since you gave your hint and all." In the back of his mind, Vragon was still trying to process what just happened. Did I? I think I did, but maybe I just reacted to his movements before actually realizing it. His mulling was interrupted by Seliph leaning close to his face.

"You'll do exactly as I say, got it?"

"Y-yes sir."

"This was entirely your own actions."

"It was." Vragon silently gulped. I don't like lying, but it's only fair. He's taking a risk letting me come.

With that established, Seliph pulled back and nodded, a smile forming. "Good. I must say, you reacted faster than I expected. Think on your feet like that, and it'll save you in fights."

"Speaking from experience?" Vragon jested, as the Greninja walked around him. It was then he noticed they were in an alleyway, or at least near the entrance of one.

"No more small talk. The inn is around the corner."

"Right." Vragon jogged right behind Seliph as they went onto the stone pavement next to the wooden docks of the river and hurried downstream. As they went, Vragon glanced across the river and gasped. "Seliph, look! Near the roofline."

The two of them stopped as they looked, seeing smoke rising above into the night sky. Vragon felt a rush of fear in his body. "They've already done that much, so quickly?" His head lowered. Are these guys even mons? How are they so-

"Vray, come."

The Fraxure turned to see Seliph jogging from the edge of the dock towards a building. At the front was a Hitmonchan banging on the door. Near him was Ciecro, supporting Jaron's back as he waited. "Guys!"

Once Vragon arrived, he instantly dropped to Jaron's side. "What's wrong with him?" He asked, with a fearful gaze.

"Head injury," The Hitmonchan answered, resuming his banging on the door. "Open the damn door! We've got an injured boy out here!"

"Yep. That's a bad bruise."

Vragon looked, seeing Seliph had moved Jaron's head enough to inspect the head trauma on the back. Moving over to help support Jaron, Vragon asked, "But it's just a bruise, right? Not a concussion?"

"I don't know." Seliph sighed as he looked at Vragon. "Croconaw anatomy has a vulnerable spot on the back of the head." He gestured his fingers to the spot for emphasis. "Whoever struck Jaron knew right where to hit for incapacitation. I just hope it hasn't-"

"Shuddup!" Ciecro shouted, standing up, and glaring down at Jaron. "He'll…be a'ight. So jus' can it!" Ciecro stomped his way from them, standing at the edge of the docks next to one of the water wheels.

Vragon looked at Seliph, the sympathetic gaze the Greninja had for his brother warmed Vragon's heart. However, what little smile he had on his face vanished as soon as he looked back down at Jaron.

Without his consent, his mind began thinking of the possible scenarios Seliph was about to speak of. Seeing Jaron so motionless and barely breathing made him furious. Slowly, his gaze drifted to his hands. I…Can I use my gift on him? But if I do, I'll just be out of commission. That bruise looks bad enough, especially if there's internal damage. What do I-

"Goddamnit, Reins you fucker! Open up the damn door!" The Hitmonchan shouted, taking a step back from the door. "If you don't open this in five seconds I'll-!" He froze in his wind-up, the sound of locks clicking came from the other side.

"Please, calm down. I was on the second floor- oof!" The Floatzel was pulled aside by the Hitmonchan.

"What the fuck were you thinking?"

"What do you mean, 'what was I thinking'?"

As the two started arguing, Vragon's focus went to Seliph, who was pulling Jaron's arm over his shoulder. "Vray, get the other one."

"Sure."

"Ciecro! Keep an eye out." Seliph said as the two lifted Jaron.

"Wait, what did you say?" The Hitmonchan said, prompting the others to listen again to the conversation.

"I didn't lock it," The innkeeper huffed and crossed his arms, pointing his snout into the air. "Now can you please stop cursing me out like some ruffi-"

"Quiet!" Seliph shouted leaving Jaron to Vragon as he drew a Night Slash kunai. "They're here som-"

Vragon saw it at the same time. Up on top of the balcony overlooking the lobby was Vex, smiling at them menacingly as he held a finger in front of his shut mouth. His other hand let go of something glowing an orange light in a cracked cylinder glass.

"Get out now!" Seliph shouted, reaching into a pouch on his belt.

Vragon moved Jaron behind him as the ranger pulled the innkeeper towards the door. The seconds felt like they lasted forever as Vragon saw the Emura fall, its light flashing like a heartbeat that burst into a violent light upon striking the ground

The All Protect Orb shined, constructing a barrier similar to Protect if it was the color yellow. It was soon engulfed in the explosions, the force of which sent everyone sailing from the doorway and onto the stone street scattered.

Vragon groaned, rolling onto his stomach and looking forward. Despite being slightly dazed, he could make out the flames coming from the front of the inn.

"Ugh, everyone alive?" Seliph asked with a heavy cough.

"I think so," The ranger replied, rubbing his head. "Good call."

As Vragon pushed himself up on his knees, he was startled by a blood-curdling screaming right next to him, so much so that he fell onto his side. As he rolled to look, his horrified look narrowed to a slightly annoyed expression.

"My inn!" The Floatzel cried, reaching out for the building that was currently burning on the inside of the first floor. He pressed his hands on his face and wept for what Vragon could swear was loud on purpose.

A thought crossed Vragon's mind and he asked, "Wait, is there anyone else inside?"

The Hitmonchan shook his head. "Nope. All the other rangers went with Humphry. I was ordered to stay behind for the boys."

"What about guests?" Seliph asked, standing up and browsing the area.

"What guests?" The Hitmonchan smiled as the Floatzel let out another loud, pained cry.

"You!" He roared, standing up to his feet and pointing at the ranger, making that smile go away instantly. "You have the sick, twisted mind to make a joke when I'm experiencing the worst moment of my Li-AHHH!" The Floatzel was cut off as Ciecro tackled him from the side as a Shadow Ball soared right where his head would have been.

The ranger was caught unawares and struck right in the chest. "Ack!" He was hurled towards the docks and would have gone over the edge if Seliph stopped him with a quick shot of his tongue.

"Thanks, ugh," as the ranger got up, Seliph quickly hopped away, yanking his tongue back and drawing a Night Slash to intercept an incoming Psycho Cut.

"Vragon, get Jaron out of- Ack!"

Vragon watched stunned as a beams of radiant light struck Seliph's back, hurling him forward at an awkward angle and tumbling onto his side. "Seliph!" He stood up, glancing back to see Vex walking towards them. He wasn't visible for long for he phased into the ground to avoid a Flamethrower from Ciecro.

"Damnit, where is he?"

Vragon looked around, trying to spot the shadow. "It's too dark, I can't see the shadow!" He glanced back, seeing Seliph get to his feet and beyond him the Gallade casually walking in their direction. "No. He's-"

"Vray, help!"

As soon as Vragon turned, he saw Ciecro tumble past him. When he looked back, forming his Dragon Breath, he froze. Where did he- Vragon's view became filled with the night sky as Vex uppercut him in the chin from the right.

His entire body was lifted off the ground and he fell with a harsh thud onto his back. Groaning, Vragon rolled to the side. My jaw, owww. He thought. As he picked himself up and rubbed his hurting jaw, he saw Ciecro rush past him trying to engage Vex before he could escape.

This caused Vragon to see the innkeeper standing there, shivering.

Vragon forced himself to hurry forward, though he was still a bit disoriented from getting slugged in the jaw. "Sir." He reached out to the Floatzel, partially to use him for balance, but his hand missed due to the startled flinching from the innkeeper. Vragon hit the ground again and growled. "Get help."

"I-ugh-I-Well-I"

For the love of- Vragon leaped to his feet, grabbed him by the shoulders, and snarled in his face. "Get! Help!" He then shoved the poor mon forward, the Floatzel scampering off.

Vragon looked at both Almkins, who were struggling against their opponents: Ciecro with Vex's ground phases and Seliph with his injury from Vex's hit with Dazzling Gleam.

We need reinforcements now. Vragon looked down at Jaron and scowled, moving his hands to Jaron's head. He felt his body quiver, begging him not to. The vivid memory of healing Amyas's arm played in his mind, making his breath accelerate and forcing him to let go. "Damnit, I-" His head lowered as he looked at his hands. Come on, think.

Suddenly, Vragon felt a hand touch his back, making him squeal.

"Easy, it's just me, ugh," the Hitmonchan ranger said, dropping to his knee as Vragon helped steady him. He was holding his chest, which bore a heavy dark mark on it. "Need to rest for a second. I wasn't expecting that Shadow Ba-"

"Wait."

"Huh?"

Vragon looked down at Jaron and back at the ranger, a determined scowl forming as he thrust his hands on Jaron's head. "Mister, I need your help. When I say so, pull me away from Jaron."

The ranger raised a brow. "Huh, what are you going to-?" The Hitmonchan's mouth went agape as a yellow light glowed from Vragon's hands as he held Jaron's head.

Come on, power through it. Vragon ordered himself, fighting through the pain in his hands that surged throughout his body. His breathing accelerated as his perceptions began to warp and blur. On instinct, Vragon tried pulling away, his body refusing to budge as the process continued. "Now! Help!" He said weakly, his senses so muffled he couldn't even make out the ranger properly.

The next thing he knew, he was lying on the ground with a body on top of him. His hazy vision was beginning to clear, though pieces of random things in his head appeared in front, though he wasn't sure if it was just his imagination or something else. He squinted his eyes as he looked up at something jade above him, something that was extending a hand towards him.

"You okay?"

Vragon blinked as he felt a supportive force on his back help him sit up. "Uh…yeah, I'm better now." Vragon rubbed the side of his head. However, he quickly remembered the purpose of this risk and crawled to Jaron's side. "Jaron! Jaron, are you alright? Come on, please," Vragon pleaded, gently shaking the Croconaw's head. "Wake up, Jaron! We need your-"

"No more healing!" A coarse voice shouted.

"Vray! Look out!" Ciecro exclaimed.

"Huh, Vragon looked forwards, his eyes widened as for a brief second he saw Siegfried lunging for him. He barely had a chance to breathe before he felt the force of the Gallade's foot ram into his armored chest. The two of them hit the ground, skidding a little on the stone. The disoriented Fraxure could barely process the second before everything stopped. His back arched but couldn't rise more than a few slight inches. Every fabric of his being was at a standstill. The pain he had felt coursing through him just a few minutes ago felt like an appetizer for the current banquet that left him incapable of thought.

O

Where am I? Jaron thought, feeling a coldness on his stomach and lower jaw. Grumbling, he pushed himself up, rubbing his head, and instantly regretted it. "Ow!" He gasped, blinking as he looked at the ground at his feet. A headache? When did I get- He raised his head, surveying around him or at least as best he could, given how disoriented he felt. I…I think, Oh! Right, I was-huh? Up ahead there was something blurry. Well, the entire world looked blurry, but this was something that looked less blurred compared to it.

What in the-? Jaron rubbed his eyes, blinking. His vision started fixing itself and instantly he felt a surge of confusion, shock, and horror.

Up ahead he saw Siegfried on top of his friend, the elbows extended with a pink glowing light to them, pinning Varon's claws down through the palms.

The world felt like it had slowed and deafened. He could barely comprehend what he had just seen, let alone the motions of the Gallade moving to defend both sides of himself from Ciecro and the ranger, lunging at him with eyes like ferals wanting to tear him apart.

"Get off of him!" Jaron roared, rushing at Siegfried as he surged Slash into the side of his arm.

Siegfried glanced over his shoulder, spotting Jaron coming. "Vex!"

Jaron was about to slice the Gallade open but was rammed from the side and sent tumbling onto the wooden dock near the road. "Why you!" He thrust his arms forward, trying to keep track of the Gengar as he phased into the ground. Unfortunately, the ghost's movements were too sporadic and quick to get a properly aimed shot.

Despite this, Jaron kept tailing him, until he saw it divert course to go right for the ranger. "Look out!" Jaron shouted, but there was little the ranger could do as Vex sliced at his back with Shadow Claw.

With one mon holding him down out of the way, Siegfried sliced at Ciecro's pressuring Dragon Claws, knocking the Charmeleon off balance. Desperately, Ciecro tried to lean into his fall to get a swipe in with Dragon Tail, but Siegfried had anticipated that and instead leaped over him.

Right as he landed, he kicked at Ciecro's blocking arms, pushing him back but that was just the start. His leg remained lifted in the air and began vibrating with great speed. A Vacuum Wave shot out, wrapping Ciecro up into an orange horizontal tornado, hurling him into one of the water wheels.

"No!" Jaron cried out in horror as he watched the wooden structure collapse onto his brother. He suddenly felt a powerful impact on his side knocking him to the ground, sparks of purple dotting his blurry vision as he felt a stinging sensation on his shoulder. He glanced over to see Vex landing next to Vragon while Siegfried was breaking off to stop Seliph from interrupting.

Jaron rolled onto his stomach and pushed up. He looked at Vragon and upon seeing the Fraxure was sitting up shouted, "Vray! Run!"

However, Vragon didn't react. He was staring at his bleeding hands, his pupils and topaz irises very small as faint, quivering breaths came from his mouth.

Jaron growled, rushing to his feet intent on keeping Vex away from Vragon. He opened his maw as Crunch formed in his jaw.

Vex aimed a Shadow Ball at him, but Jaron bit on the forming orb trying to break it under the force of his chomp. The orb quickly caved in, blowing up, and sending both him and Vex back.

As Jaron sat up he looked back at where Vex went. Great, he's gone again! Jaron quickly got to his feet, glancing around for where Vex went. His breathing picked up, not just from the anxiety of being unable to sense the ghost's location, but also because he could see his allies and family were down.

The only one still able to fight was Seliph, who was struggling to keep up with Siegfried due to his earlier wound.

"Come out coward!" Jaron roared, looking around as the rage built inside him. "Come out so I can bite that ugly face of yours off!"

Despite his threat, Jaron could only feel the chilling sensation of being cornered in his being. Come on, come on! It's too hard to track him in this lighting, damnit! If he could sweat, he'd be running rivers down his head. Suddenly, he heard a chilling sound behind him, prompting his body to lunge into a roll and twist to fire a Scald back. "What?"

In front of him was a black chain, glowing with dark-type synergy. Jaron flinched back as it yanked back, pulling Vex with it.

"Let go of me you biiiiii-!" Vex exclaimed as he was swung in the air. At the other end of the chain was a dark circle at the feet of a Houndoom, snarling at the ghost. She then slammed her paw down, causing the Embargo chain to follow suit and slam Vex into the ground.

"Ack! Stop it y-!" Was all he could say before he was slammed back on the ground.

"Yes! Give that vandal another!"

Jaron turned to see the Floatzel innkeeper cheering on her, vengeance in his eyes. Suddenly, he felt something touch his shoulder, making him hop back in surprise.

"Easy, you alright?"

"Uh…yeah." Jaron nodded, seeing a large Klawf in front of him, who he assumed was another mon that came with the innkeeper. He looked over at the waterwheel, breathing a sigh of relief as he saw an Espeon lifting rubble off of Ciecro piece by piece while a Marowak was propping up pieces with his large bone. With Ciecro being helped, Jaron hurried to Vragon's side. "His hands need treatment." He looked up at the Klawf, who nodded.

"Right. Let's get him to the-" His words were cut off as a Shadow Ball struck him square in the face, knocking him up on his rear legs before tumbling over onto the top of his head.

Jaron spun around, but there was no Vex. "What?" He looked to the left, just in time to see Vex fly out towards him. Jaron gasped as he suddenly felt something shove him from behind and for a brief second he saw a look of surprise on Vex's face before yellow flashes of electricity surged.

Jaron hit the ground on his side, but quickly rolled onto his back seeing Ciecro in the finish position of an uppercut, with Vex sent high in the air. Jaron watched the ghost spiral uncontrolled, yellow sparks sparking from his body as he hit the docks on the other side of the river, groaning.

"Thanks for the save…bro?" Jaron looked at his brother, who had dropped on all fours. His body looked cut up in several places and his body was twitching slightly. "Ciecro?" Jaron said, gasping as his brother looked at him.

The glare in those red sclera eyes startled Jaron, making him crawl back a few steps as Ciecro stood back up. Those feral-like eyes stared back at Jaron with fury, yet the Charmeleon didn't budge from his spot.

It's…it's alright. Jaron said to himself, as he started to calm down. He slowly got up, walking closer to Ciecro, who was growling. "It's okay, it's me." Jaron's mind searched for the methods that Seliph had tried last time, hoping they'd be more effective with him.

"Easy, I got you."

Jaron glanced to the side, seeing an Audino using Heal Pulse on Vragon's hands for some minor treatment. Dread filled Jaron's soul for a second until he saw Ciecro pounce forwards, lunging for the mon. "Ciecro! Stop!"

But it was too late, Ciecro back-handed her away, as he glared down at Vragon, who looked up at him either terrified or still in shock.

Jaron broke into a sprint, but soon stopped as Ciecro grabbed Vragon by the throat and lifted him up. "No! Don't!" Jaron tried to pull Vragon away, but Ciecro just swatted him back. Looking back, Jaron could only watch in terrified silence as Ciecro glared at the horrified Vragon, their eyes level with each other.

The Croconaw looked at Ciecro's free claw, fearing it would ignite into a move. However, it remained still as Ciecro just kept looking at Vragon. "Ciecro, it's alright. You won't hurt him, I know you won't." Jaron said aloud not just to calm Ciecro but also to keep himself calm. He slowly walked towards his brother. "It's alright, just stay calm and-"

Perhaps out of frightened instinct, Vragon suddenly latched his claws onto Ciecro's shoulders, yellow light glowing from their touch.

Ciecro winced but didn't retaliate. Meanwhile, Vragon's body was jittering in a disturbing manner as his face lurched back, maw opening up for a roar that never came. The Fraxure's eyes rolled back into his head, leaving just black orbs as the yellow light surged.

Jaron watched in dumbfounded silence, unable to process what was going on. It wasn't until the light had stopped and Vragon was dropped to the ground, while Ciecro grabbed his head like he was suffering from a horrible headache.

"Wha' dah…Vray?" Ciecro's eyes widened as his breath quivered, looking down at the Fraxure at his feet, bleeding from his mouth and eyes shut. Stuttering sentences left Ciecro's mouth as he backed away, falling onto his tail as he stared at the sight in disbelief.

Is he… Jaron wanted to run to his friend, he wanted to help, but his body just couldn't budge. It felt like he was on the other side of a door, a door that he knew once opened would reveal to him a sight he never wanted to see.

Suddenly, Vragon's body began to move as a shadow-like form appeared at his side, lifting the unconscious boy up in his arms.

Jaron blinked in confusion until he saw a pair of glowing red eyes on the purple object that held Vragon in his arms. He reached out but was too late as the figure flew up. "No!"

The Croconaw was about to try and aim his Scald but was beaten by a pair of cyan Water Shurikens whizzing through the air, slicing Vex on his back.

Green ectoplasm flew out from the cuts as Vex spiraled, yelping from the attack and losing his grip on Vragon.

Jaron raced to his feet, ignoring everything and everyone around him as he saw Vragon fall, plunging into the dark waters of the river. He leaped off the side, ignoring Ciecro calling his name as he felt the chilling rush cover his body. Immediately, he swam up and poked his head out, glancing around frantically for Vragon. I don't see him. He must be under. Jaron took a deep breath and dove back in

It was cold and the visibility was nonexistent. Shit, where is he? He's got to be somewhere downstream, but- Huh? He paused, noticing his body was dimly illuminated by some light coming from nearby. He turned and his eyes widened. Dresha! A relieved smile formed on his face as he swam over to the Lanturn's ball of light. As he got closer, he noticed she was making a glowing cyan bubble growing larger and larger. He looked at the top of the bubble to see Vragon resting on top, being pushed above the water's ceiling. Jaron swam up and broke the surface, swimming to push on the glowing bubble as Dresha surfaced too.

"What happened?" Dresha asked, casting a worried look towards the unconscious Fraxure.

"They attacked again," Jaron said between pants, swimming over to check on Vragon.

"Jaron!"

The two of them turned to see Ciecro, and the two civilians that helped Ciecro from under the waterwheel.

"Don't worry, we've got him!" Jaron said with a wave. "He needs a healer!"

The Marowak pointed downstream. "Head downstream a ways till you get to the next stone bridge. There should be a hospital on that street if you head east."

"Thanks!" Jaron turned his focus to Ciecro, the look in Ciecro's eyes as he stared at Vragon sending a chill throughout the Croconaw that the cold water could never do. The two mons turned around to rejoin the fray, Ciecro joining them a few seconds later.

Ciecro… Jaron's eyes lowered before seeing Dresha pushing herself into the bubble, before cutting off supplying synergy to it. As it vanished into cyan particles, Vragon fell from its zenith onto her back, making a soft splash in the river currents.

"Jaron, can you make sure his head stays above the water?" She asked, glancing back at him with her left eye.

"Yes ma'am." He swam to her side and the two started their journey downstream. As they traveled, Jaron felt his mind flood with all manner of thoughts. However, one particular thought pushed itself to the forefront of his mind, much to his despair. Please don't be… Jaron didn't even want to finish, but seeing Vragon's unconscious face, leaking blood from his mouth, and the way his eyes rolled back earlier just made Jaron want to close his eyes.

"He'll be alright dear."

Jaron's eyes lowered.

Almost as if the silence was enough of an answer, Dresha said, "Have faith in him. He'll do his part in surviving just like we need to do ours in getting him to a hospital. Trust me, Jaron."

Renewed by her words, Jaron looked back at Vragon, fighting the thoughts and fears asking him to look away. However, there was one feeling that was eating at him. Anxiousness at Vex, that the ghost could hop out at any moment and attack them. I didn't see what happened to him after he dropped Vray, but…maybe he's down. Or better yet, maybe he's bleeding out on the street somewhere. A scowl formed on his face. Still, I don't like how dark it is right now. Why couldn't they light up the canals too? He sighed to himself. I never thought I'd miss my Wary so badly. But if I had it, then maybe none of this would have gotten this ba-

Everything went dark as Jaron dropped beneath the surface, a sharp pain springing alive at the top of head. He grabbed his temple, twirling around in the cold water, which just made the hurting worse. His confusion and disorientation were a struggle to calm down, but a second later, he had stabilized his position in the water. What was-? Jaron looked up, his eyes widening with fear.

"Let him go!" Was the first thing Jaron heard when he poked his head out of the water, followed by the sound of electricity from a yellow Charge Beam. He quickly looked up, seeing a shadowy presence carrying Vragon close to its body zip around the shot.

"Hit me and you hit him, bitch!"

Jaron growled but quickly realized he had no time and dove into the water. He swam as fast as he could to the bottom and pressed his hands against the floor. Just get me close enough. A cyan light formed in the palms of his hands as he felt his arm muscles being drained of their synergy. He unleashed two powerful Scalds to rocket himself upwards, shooting out of the river at a high aiming angle.

Once he had sights on them, he quickly re-adjusted his aim to go in their direction and within seconds grabbed onto the ghost's foot. "Got you!" He snarled, latching his other hand on.

"Hey! Get off of-" Vex moved to kick Jaron off, but as soon as he looked down at Jaron, the Croconaw squirted a small bit of Scald into Vex's face.

"Ahhh!" Vex cried in surprise as flinched his arms back to his face, letting go of the Fraxure.

Jaron let go and dove after Vragon, grabbing him and pulling him close. This is gonna hurt. He braced his body for the hard stone ground, however, he instead felt a hit from the side. His momentum went perpendicular as he hit the ground, losing his grip on Vragon and tumbling down with the Fraxure.

"Ugh…" He shook his head, getting off of his stomach. "That could have gone better."

"Thanks for the feedback. Will consider next time I save you from a free fall, jerk."

"Huh?" Jaron looked behind him and gasped. "Jasmine? How did you get here so-"

"Shut up and get ready to fight!" Jasmine shouted, twisting her head to send a Psycho Cut straight at Vex, who was soaring in for a slice. The ghost evaded and spiraled into the ground, the shadow traveling in a speedy arc towards the duo.

Jaron quickly aimed his arms down and fired Ice Beam, freezing the ground beneath them.

The shadow altered its path and shot up, as Vex twisted and flung a Shadow Ball towards them. The two responded with Scald and Psycho Cut, canceling it out with a powerful blast.

"Where's Vray?" Jasmine asked, shielding her face from the smoke of the moves colliding.

Jaron gestured behind himself. "He's here bu-"

"What the hell were you thi-" Jasmine exclaimed, spinning around but instantly freezing up at seeing Vragon laying there, next to motionless. "You…piece of-!" She surged with a white light and rushed through the remnants of the smoke. She leaped on the nearby wall, the white light fading as her face became covered with a black light that extended into a large jaw of sharp metallic-like teeth.

Vex flew back as she lunged for him, surging Shadow Claws that grabbed at the jaw, trying to keep it from close. His move cracked under the strain, but he managed to hold and with an angry shout, he spun, throwing her into a nearby wall.

However, Jasmine flipped over, landed on her feet, and pushed off, this time surging Psycho Cut in her horn. However, Vex merely flew over and out of her range. She landed back on the ground, looking up at him as he glared down at the group.

"You gonna keep running away coward!" She snapped, scratching at the ground aggressively with her front, right paw. "Or are you going to fight? Because I can tell you're starting to slow down. I almost had you on the way here till you got lucky and slowed me down, but looks like you couldn't even use your extra time to get him."

Purple synergy glowed in Vex's arms like he was starting to form Shadow Claw, as one of his hands moved to his wound.

"Keep on stalling, idiot. Sooner or later I'm going to hit you hard or your wound is gonna rip open."

Jaron blinked as he looked at Jasmine. Is she trying to goad him? He wasn't sure. She looked genuinely pissed. After all, he had gotten on her bad side a few times and never had seen this level of aggression from her. I hope she knows what she's doing.

The purple lights faded as Vex's gaze lowered to look at the wound his hand was covering. His eyes looked uncertain amidst the frustration and anger filling them. Then, he looked to his right as he raised it in front of his head as if he was admiring it, yet his expression seemed troubled and indecisive.

"What's he doing?" Jaron whispered to Jasmine, as they watched Vex's right hand shiver as it slowly began to drift towards his own face.

"I don't know. Just hit him while he's distracted," Jasmine replied, flinging a Psycho Cut as Jaron fired Ice Beam from his maw.

Vex gasped, snapping out of whatever trance he was in, and quickly dove down, managing to avoid the moves. As he landed, he looked up at them with a furious snarl.

Jaron lowered his aim to strike at the ghost, but his eyes widened as Vex spiraled around his beam. Shit! He clamped his mouth shut and raised his arms with premature Slash's forming that did little to slow down the heavy force that struck him. He felt his back scrape against the rock as his head. He groaned as he felt his head dangle over the edge, the sound of the rushing water clear in his head despite the minor daze. As he pulled himself up, he quickly shielded his face with Cut, in case there was a follow-up. However, rather than an attack he heard a raspy, venomous shout exclaim, "Don't move!

Jaron sat up and his eyes widened with horror.

Between him and Jasmine was Vex, pressing the tips of his Shadow Claw against the unconscious Fraxure's neck. "I just have to sneeze," he spat, panting with heavy breaths as he held his wound.

"I thought you wanted h-"

"Shut up, bitch!" Vex snarled, glancing back at the Absol. "I've had it. If this gets you to comply, fine. I don't give a fuck! Now move where I can see you!" Jasmine scowled, but with a reluctant lowering of her head, she walked around, keeping her distance as she moved near the edge of the river, and sat down.

Jaron felt his body tremble, his eyes narrowing with nervous anger but froze as he heard a voice.

"What do you want with Vragon?"

Jaron turned his head, looking at Miss Dresha who was next to him.

"Please," Her voice struggled to emote, not because of emotion but due to her trying to conserve air. Jaron shivered as he looked at her face, seeing the pain strike fear in her eyes as she looked at that monster across from her.

Vex just stared back, wheezing heavily as he adjusted his grip on Vragon so his wound was leaking less. "That's none of your…damn business." He answered, panting and occasionally glancing back at Jasmine.

"But are you going to hurt him?" She asked, strain in her eyes. "He needs a hospital or he mi-"

"No hospital," Vex barked, making her gasp. "We'll handle treating him."

"Treating him?" Jaron couldn't hold it back anymore. He lashed out. "You're just gonna kill him!"

"If you won't back up, I will!" Vex growled.

Jaron took deep breaths through his teeth, his eyes bearing a fervent fury that unfortunately was powerless to do much in this situation. "If you, if you hurt him…" Jaron's fists clenched. "I'll-"

"You'll what? Kill me? Yeah, threaten me punk! Go ahead!" Vex moved the Shadow Claw closer, making Jaron flinch. "Yeah, that's right. Now shut your trap." He turned his attention to Dresha. "Now you three head that way an-" He was interrupted by a strange sound, some kind of hissing.

He glanced around at the ground, seeing what appeared to be an orb spurting out some kind of pink smoke. "Who's there!" Vex shouted, glancing behind as an rolling orb slowly came to a halt near his position, shooting out a strange pink-violet smoke.

"Show yourself! I'll kill the whelp if you don't!" Vex barked, looking around. "If it's poison he'll die too!"

This was it. Jaron rushed for the mist.

"Jaron!" Jasmine shouted as Dresha tried to reach him, but she couldn't stop him. He rushed into the mist without a plan, just a primal urge to save his friend.

"I swear! I'll do it! I'll-dyah!"

Jaron's heart stopped at hearing Vex's screech. Vray! He raced onwards, praying that the worst hadn't happened. His mind was completely lost and his Wary being gone made him feel as blind as ever in this thickening mist. Suddenly, Jaron tripped over something large. "Ooof." He sat up and glanced back. "Vray!" He lunged for his friend, sitting him up. "Please, please be-"

"He's alive."

The Croconaw gasped as he looked in the direction of the voice, his eyes looking up into the thick mist to see what appeared to be two solid, glowing lights of purple. It left him awestruck as he stuttered over his words. "B-b-bu-…"

The eyes moved closer, a silhouette of a large figure appearing before him, taller than even Humphry yet thinner. This figure squatted down and moved what looked like a talon towards the unconscious Fraxure.

Jaron pulled back, bringing Vragon with him as the figure hesitated.

"It's alright, Jaron, I'm not an enemy." Suddenly the figure turned his head, the purple eyes looking back upstream. "Get him to a hospital."

Jaron jolted back as the figure raced away from him to the left. He reached his hand out into the mist, but the figure was gone. He knows my name? Jaron blinked. Maybe he was told? But…the way he said it was so…natural? Is that the right wor-?

"Jaron, come on, we've gotta go. Help me get him on my back."

"Uh…" Jaron took one last glance in the direction the figure went before looking down at Vragon. "R-right."