Shattered Crests Bk #1 Lines Broken

A loud hissing filled the room as Garon readjusted the cold satchel on his head. With a heavy groan, Garon leaned back into his chair, solemnly staring at the ceiling. This sucks, he groaned in his mind as his eyes shut, closing fiercer at hearing Swift call out to him from the other side of the room.

“Hey, Garon?”

“Hmmm?”

“Wanna find someplace to eat, just you and me?”

Garon opened his left eye, while his stomach started twisting at the thought of food. Fine, you win stomach. He sat up and instantly regretted it. “Ugh!” With a pained grunt, Garon pressed the Ice Stone satchel harder on the right side of his forehead. “Sure, you had a place in mind?”

“Nope, but I did pick up a paper today. Maybe it’ll have some suggestions.”

“Okay,” Garon reclined in his chair and closed his eyes. The ruffling sound of paper being folded wasn’t helping with him relaxing nor the headache dying down. Ugh, wherever we eat they better have something to help with this blasted headache. Maybe some nice, Sitrus berry sauce pastries. Some warm soup could help too. Maybe something Haban flavored. His mouth watered at the thought. Unfortunately, his headache was quick to bring him back to the painful reality. Arceus, I really should get something for this headache. Though, Haban berries are healing-ish too, right? Maybe? Whatever, I’m hungry enough to eat a wailord, so I can have both.

“Hmmm.”

“Something wrong?” Garon glanced at Swift, who was staring at the paper with a disappointed frown.

“Not a very informative paper.” Swift set it back on the dresser.

“Well, that sucks.” Garon stared upwards idly, like a kid at a cookie jar on the highest shelf.

“Yeah, but no biggy.”

Despite how much Garon disagreed, he didn’t answer. Prompting instead to simply look watch Swift fiddling around in the drawers for what he assumed was their money on hand. “I’m sure if we look around we’ll find a nice place to eat at.”

Garon’s eyes shot open as the discomfort in his head grew upon the mere implication of walking. With a grunt, he pushed the satchel harder and asked, “You mean, we’ll have to walk around town?”

“Yeah.” Swift looked at him. “That a problem?”

Are you seriously this dense? His eyes went to half-closed as he pointed to the Ice Stone satchel. “What do you think, genius?”

Swift rolled his eyes. “Come on, Garon, it’s not like you’re not bedridden.”

Snorting at this statement, Garon rolled in his chair and gave Swift the cold shoulder. “I might as well be. Falling into some pit.” He bent his head back and glared at Swift out of the corner of his left eye. “I’m lucky I wasn’t skewered on some beam.”

Swift chuckled. “Yeah, heh, that would have been bad.”

Unamused, Garon grumbled as he shut his eyes. Yeah, it would have, you prick. Maybe if you had this headache too you wouldn’t be so ‘happy with a stick up your ass’ about it.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his back; his muscles softening from the contact.

“Does your whole body hurt? I thought it was just your head?”

Instantly, his back went hard again as he growled in his mind. “It’s just my head,” he bluntly said, though managed to not be too aggressive in his reply.

“So what’s the issue then?”

Garon rolled to his other side, glaring at the heliolisk. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe the fact that if I take this thing off it feels like someone’s ramming a spike into my skull.”

“Then just don’t take it off.”

Garon leaned closer. “You really want me to carry this thing all over town?”

“Well, no, but maybe you can do something to keep it attached to your head?”

If it wasn’t for Swift looking like he was genuinely trying to help, Garon would have gone off on him. Instead, the dragon sighed and pulled back into an upright position. “Whatever, I just don’t feel like walking all over town for food. Let’s just eat here at the inn.”

Swift sighed in response, prompting the dragon to lean in lower, growling, “You got a problem with keeping my head from splitting open?”

The heliolisk lurched back a little and started rubbing the back of his head. “No, of course not. It’s just well-”

Swift bit his lip as Garon stared at him like a judge about to convict the guilty.

Taking a gulp, Swift explained, “It’s just that the food here is-…well kind of, how do I described it? Plainish?”

Garon’s judgmental scowl grew fiercer as he pulled back. “Hmph, well I’m sorry for accidentally falling into a building’s foundation just so I didn’t get whacked in the eye. Didn’t think at the time that it’d deprive you of some proper flavoring for that puny mouth of yours.”

Instigated, Swift crossed his arms and defended, “Hey, I didn’t say I wouldn’t eat here with you. I just don’t really enjoy the food at this inn. Besides, it’s not like I was the one that pushed you into that hole.”

The dragon’s frustrated scowl meandered to the right. He’s not wrong. I’m jumping the river instead of finding a bridge. It wasn’t his fault I got hurt like this and he was just answering my question honestly. Heh, guess I’m just being a bab -

“Heh, don’t worry. I don’t blame you for being grumpy.”

God fucking damnit, Swift. Why can’t you just shut up for two seconds, Arceus! Garon pressed his free talon to his forehead and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes, Swift was in front of him, giving him that stupid, encouraging smile.

“I’m sure a good night’s rest will get you amped up.”

Garon leaned in close, his body twitching slightly. “Swift.”

“Huh?”

“Stop talking.”

Swift raised a brow. “What did I do? I just was saying a good night shoul-”

Alright, that’s it. Garon stood up, towering over the surprised heliolisk, and shouted, “You want to keep talking? Then keep talking till your tongue falls out from your, I can’t take a hint fac- OW!!!” Garon sat back down and pushed the Ice Stone satchel back to his head. “God damn it. Stupid head,” He whined as his headache slowly numbed out.

The garchomp turned his frustrated gaze back at Swift and paused.

The heliolisk was staring back with obvious concern. “Sorry, Garon. I guess I didn’t think it was that bad.”

Garon’s aggression dropped as he focused on adjusting the satchel properly. “Sorry for being snappy. I normally don’t mind your jesting, it’s just the headache is taking up all my patience.”

Swift put a fist to his chin. “Maybe I should try and get you some more medicine for your head. Sounds like what I got earlier was a dud.”

“No, it worked okay. I used to be hurting a bit all over, but now it’s just my head. Probably because it got the worst part of it.” Garon stood up and grumbled, “Maybe if we could get a number, that’d help.”

“Maybe Dolly still has some left?”

“Maybe.” The dragon grinned as he shook his head. “Can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Guess I hit my head a bit too hard.”

Swift raised a brow. “I thought you said-”

Grinning, Garon interrupted. “I didn’t say I couldn’t jest about it. Only you can’t.”

Swift scowled and crossed his arms, but it quickly faded into an understanding chuckle. “Fair enough.” The heliolisk walked over to the room’s dresser to once again look, saying as he searched for their money bag, “You sure you’re up for it?”

Garon walked over. “Should be if it’s just the inn. Though, we should probably check with Dolly first about-…? Swift?”

The heliolisk’s eyes were wide with shock, staring at something inside the drawer.

“Swift, what is it?”

Swift looked like he was about to burst into a nervous sweat if he could. With a shaky hand, he reached into the drawer, a weak, spaced-out chuckle coming from his frightened expression.

Garon’s eyes widened in horror, before curling into a wrathful glare.

“Aheh, you know how-”

“Show me.” Garon’s eyes narrowed further as he walked up to Swift, leering down at him like some kind of predator.

The heliolisk sighed as he pulled his hand out, revealing a bottle of number. “I forgot she gave me one for our trip.”

Speechless, Garon let the Ice Stone satchel drop to the floor. He reached out to hold the bottle in his talons and read the inscription. Rounded Narcotic.

Garon burst out into laughter as back at Swift, who looked like a mix of surprise and terror at the reaction. Shaking his head, Garon smiled and said, “Swift, I love you, but for fuck’s sake.”

He kept on laughing, slowly infecting Swift with it as well. Eventually, the pain in his head started coming back, so he quickly set it on the dresser, stabbed the cork with his talon, and pulled it out. He clasped the bottle between his talons and raised it to his mouth.

“Woah! Don’t drink too much. That stuff is strong,” Swift exclaimed.

Grumbling, Garon set the bottle down and sat in the chair. “Well, go on. I don’t have fingers like you.”

Immediately, Swift grabbed a spoon on the night desk, poured a small little dose, and carefully walked it over to the garchomp. With a big grin, he started moving it around and making little noises. “Here comes the fearow.”

“I will bite your head off,” Garon growled.

“Alright.” With a cheeky smirk, he put the spoon-fed the garchomp, who recoiled abruptly.

“Blegh, it’s awful.”

“It is medicine. It’s supposed to taste bad.” Swift answered as he set the spoon down.

“Maybe Borhmian medicine, but why a place can’t like Triacal have better-tasting med-”

“Ahem.”

“What?”

“Cork,” Swift replied, pointing to Garon’s right talon, which still had the core attached.

“Oh.” Garon moved it forwards, letting Swift pluck it off and shove it back onto the top of the bottle. “How long till it takes effect?”

“Shouldn’t be too long.” Swift walked over to the door and rested his back on it. “I mean, I gave you a sane dosage so maybe twenty minu-”

Suddenly, a loud thump hit the door, making Swift about jump out of his scales.

“Garon! Swift! Yah dere?” a loud voice called out from behind the door.

They both looked at each other, chuckling at their mutual reaction for a second.

“It’s unlocked, Ciecro.”

The heliolisk stepped away as the door nudged open, with Ciecro peeping his head from the other side, looking grumpy or maybe tired.

Crossing his arms, Swift asked, “You need something?”

“Dolly said fo’ yah tah come tah Vray’s room. She’s gonna hold a meetin’.”

“Now?” Garon said, picking up his Ice Stone satchel and applying it to his head.

“Yeh, guess she wants tah get it oveh wit’,” Ciecro answered, pushing the door open a bit more. “Stupid timin’ dough.” The charmeleon clasped a claw over his stomach and sighed.

“Heh.” Swift swung his arms behind his head and grinned. “I know the feeling. We’re just about to go get some food too.”

“Bummeh.” Ciecro grinned for a second. “Anyway, hope it ain’t too long.” Without waiting for their goodbyes, Ciecro headed down the hallway.

Swift turned towards Garon, sighing. “Well, guess dinner will have to wait.” As the heliolisk started marching towards the door, Garon placed a talon on the mon’s head.

“Wait a second.”

“Hrm?”

Garon pointed to the door. “Shut and lock the door.”

Swift raised a brow but complied. After doing the bolt, he walked back to Garon and whispered, “What is it?”

Garon closed his eyes and took a breath. He felt his body grow cold as his eyes began to feel a minor sensation similar to vibration. As he opened them, the world became a dark purple, with a colorful outline of Swift in front, filled in by a couple of brighter colors. He glanced all around the room, till he was satisfied.

Unfortunately, the headache forced him to stop using his gift early. Ugh, Garon grumbled, holding his head with one talon, though fortunately, it wasn’t as painful. Huh, wish I had that number sooner.

“Hrm?” He looked down at the heliolisk, who had by now replaced his confused stare with a serious one.

Bending down, Garon said, “Keep an eye on everyone this meeting.”

Swift crossed his arms. “You sure? We don’t want to come off as suspect.”

“I know.” Garon pressed his Ice Satchel and added, “But our priority right now should be the group’s status. I’d rather us have a well-informed report for Nasch.”

Raising a brow, Swift inquired, “Okay, so what’s with the whole secrecy angle?”

“Just in case they’re nearby.”

“Who?”

“Those two mons that helped us yesterday.”

Pressing a fist to his chin, Swift looked downwards. “Oh right, them.” He looked up to the dragon and added, “What’s your impression of them anyway.”

Garon yawned as he walked up to the door. “To be honest, I haven’t thought of them much. I was more being cautious since one was a psychic. But I haven’t seen either of them all day and I doubt the grumpig could maintain that psychic link with us over an entire night. What about you?”

“Well…”

Focusing on Swift, Garon watched the heliolisk pace to the other end of the room, saying, “I remember catching onto something when that grumpig guy helped me against the gallade. When I was leaving, I managed to hear him say ‘stop in the name of the core’ or something like that.”

Garon raised a brow. “So, planet nerves?”

“Yeah, I guess. Which makes me curious why they were here in the first place.”

“Hmm.” Garon undid the bolt with his free talon. “We can discuss them later.”

“Right.” Swift walked over and opened the door. “Meeting and dinner first. Though.” The heliolisk stepped through the archway and asked, “You sure you’re up for a meeting?”

Garon shrugged. “It’s just a meeting. So as long as it isn’t noisy for the first twenty minutes, I should be okay. Till then.” He let the satchel fall off a little for emphasis.

Swift chuckled. “If you say so. It’s your head, not mine.”

Frowning, Garon walked through the door, brushing Swift aside just under knocking the heliolisk off balance. “Don’t remind me.”

“Heh.” Swift took the lead as they headed down the hallway.

As he followed the heliolisk, Garon looked at the windows dotting the hallway to their left. Ugh…I really hope it isn’t too noisy and I really hope that number kicks in soon. He placed a talon on his lean stomach as the sound of a door creak snapped his focus back towards Swift.

“We’re here. Sorry for ta-” The heliolisk froze mid-opening the door.

“Swift?” Garon nudged the door further and peeked inside. His eyes widened at seeing on the left side of the room was the grumpig and vikavolt from before. Why are those two here?

“You two coming in?” A voice to their left asked.

“Huh? Oh yeah,” Swift hastily answered as he briskly walked to an empty spot on the right side of the room.

Garon entered and turned towards the inteleon ranger, who was leaning on the wall next to the door.

“Well, if that’s everyone, I’ll give you folks some privacy.” As he went to exit, Garon stepped to the side the dragon coughed; the inteleon looked at him.

“Somwei, was it?”

“Yes?”

Glancing back at Swift for a second, Garon continued, “Swift and I would like to talk with your captain tomorrow morning.”

Somwei glanced upwards, uttering a heavy sigh. “He should be available in the morning. But don’t wait till it’s past ten. Just between you and me, not even another Primal Reversion would keep him from going to get his lunch.”

“Good, thank you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Somwei mumbled as he walked out, taking post a couple of rooms down the hallway.

The garchomp shut the door, twisted the latch to lock it, and joined Swift’s side. Without delay, he held his left talon out to the heliolisk, who grabbed onto Garon’s arm. The dragon lifted him to his back, with Swift letting go once his feet could reach the dragon’s dorsal fin.

Seeing the odd looks they were getting, Garon smiled and jokingly said, “I’ve got stronger legs.” He took his Ice Satchel off his head and waited for the aching to return as Dolly started talking.

“Alright,” she said, getting up from her seat on the footboard.

Now’s too good a time to pass. Garon pushed the Ice Satchel back to his head, lodging it on his right horn, and carefully removed his talon. Once he was sure it would stay, he whispered, “Now.”

“So before we start, does anyone-”

Garon closed his eyes and for a brief moment felt Swift’s hand on the back of his neck. The room went silent and his body suddenly felt light, almost ethereal. The air felt clearer and the warmth from the Emura lamps was gone.

When he opened his eyes, he was standing in a vast, black world void of light, though he could still see himself as if he was standing in the sun.

Browsing the darkness, Garon shouted as loud as he could, “Swift!”

“Here!”

Turning towards the sound, Garon saw a small yellow spot in the distance. He jogged after it, meeting Swift near the halfway mark.

“And your satchel?”

Garon snorted. “I don’t think we’ll be here for a second’s worth, but just in case; it’s tucked safely on my horn.” He tapped the spot with a smug smile.

Swift nodded. “Good, so now that we’ve got time.” His face went serious as he raised his arms behind his head and crossed his right foot in front of his left. “Why do you think those two are here?”

Garon shrugged, looking off into the darkness with an equally concerned frown. “I have no idea. You mentioned they were agents of The Core, right?” He asked, looking back at Swift with a raised brow.

“So they say.” Swift broke his post and proceeded to pace around Garon. “So let’s think about this. Two mons randomly save us near Plainier and claim to be Planet Nerves. I don’t think they would just be at this meeting if they were just trying to save us. Which makes me think that it wasn’t mere happenchance that they saved us in the first place; they must have had some interest in our group.”

Staring upwards at the nothingness, Garon added, “If I had to guess why it’s probably because of Vragon.”

“Maybe, but I wouldn’t rule Seliph out.” Swift stopped his pacing; their backs facing each other. “It’s been eight years since the attack so maybe Seliph had some history with those guys.”

“Possibly.” Garon glanced down at his friend. “Though, there’s one thing I don’t understand.”

“What?” Swift inquired, eyeing Garon with anticipation.

Garon took a few steps away, rubbing his chin as he gathered his words. After a self-affirming nod, he faced Swift and pointed upwards, “I don’t quite get how they even discovered us.”

Swift rubbed his chin. “Maybe, the Zygarde’s cells?”

“No, I mean discovered our situation,” Garon explained, as his gaze trailed upwards.

“Huh?” Swift cocked a brow.

Garon sighed. “Think about it.” He put a talon behind his back and gestured towards the never-ending darkness. “If they truly knew about Seliph or Vragon all this time why wouldn’t they have done anything earlier? Even knowing a few months beforehand would warrant some kind of investigation into the two, right?”

He slid his other talon behind his back as he stared at the darkness beyond his friend. “It’s possible they were just watching, but then why help us now? Wouldn’t it make more sense to act earlier? Even before you and I got there, they were attacked.”

“Maybe they just couldn’t find either of them?”

Garon snickered as he leaned in with a grin. “So, you’re saying that a task force that serves Legendaries, who have literal spying cells and who hold international weight, wouldn’t be able to find two mons in the span of eight years on just one continent?”

Swift’s gaze lowered in thought, followed by a soft chuckle. “Well, when you say it like that, it does sound stupid.”

Pulling back, Garon continued, “Right, so their involvement has to be very recent.” He rubbed his chin as he stared down at the invisible floor. “Though, what they want, I’m not sure.”

“Well.” Swift scratched his head as he theorized aloud. “The thing about Vragon is that he’s a Red Eye’s target. Nothing else is too special about him, at least to someone not knowledgeable about our ancestors. So, my money is their focused on Seliph, because he’s likely been a target for much longer.” Swift walked up to Garon and cheekily pressed his finger on the dragon’s stomach with the sly look of a shady dealer. “You wanna bet against me?”

Garon rolled his eyes. “No, you’re probably right.” He gently moved Swift’s arm aside as he added, “Though I think it’s wise we don’t throw out Vragon. The Core has existed for a long time after all; it’s very possible it was alive back then to have even met our ancestors.”

“Fair, but.” Swift’s eyes shifted to a grimaced expression. “I think we should focus on Seliph mostly. He has the formula and was a target of the Red Eyes longer than Vray.”

Garon nodded then sighed. “I know, but whatever the reason I don’t like this.”

They both gazed at the same patch of darkness. The empty atmosphere seemed to only tighten the entrapment they felt like an invisible cage ever-shrinking around them.

“First the Red Eyes show up and target those two, and now the Core is getting involved.”

Swift leaned back and with a chuckle, said, “We just can’t catch a break, can we?”

“Nope.” Garon laughed, scratching the scales under his chin. “Guess we’ll just have to play nice with them for now. We are visitors on their turf.”

“Heh, yeah. Nasch wouldn’t be happy to hear we wound up in some random ass jail cell.”

The two chuckled for a bit, eventually returning to business.

“Anyways, we should prioritize figuring out these Planet Nerves’ true intentions.”

Swift nodded, but added, “What about Nasch?”

“What about him?”

“Weren’t we going to contact him about the money situation tonight?” Swift rolled his wrist as he went on. “You know, since Dolly’s reaction to the news implied we may need some of the money sooner rather than later?”

“Oh! Right, what about that?”

“Do we want to hold off contacting him?”

Garon raised a brow. “Why would we?”

After a facepalm drag and a groan, Swift stated, “Do you want to wait to update Nasch on everything till after we learn more about these guy’s deal with us?”

Looking a little underwhelmed by the question, Garon closed his eyes and said, “Can’t we updated tonight and report them later when we have a better idea?”

“We were supposed to keep communications with the homeland limited,” Swift reminded.

Garon grumbled. “Then we’ll contact them tonight as planned about the money crisis, while also telling them about the Nerves. We’ll then wait a few extra days for an update on them if we learn anything important, else we’ll stay silent.”

“Okay,” Swift said, kicking the floor a little like there was dusty to send flying. “Still sucks it’s just you and me doing this.”

“We’ve been over this,” Garon answered with a hint of annoyance that reflected Swift’s. “Sending more of us could blow our cover. We aren’t supposed to be on active duty.”

“I get that, but why does it matter to a bunch of random cities what we’re doing for Norfair?” Swift grumbled, “They’re not enemies, so what gives?”

Garon shrugged. “I can’t say I agree with it, but I think a good point was about it in the overview.”

“What point?”

Garon smirked. “You weren’t listening to that part, where you? Typical.”

“Just explain,” Swift growled.

Garon pressed a talon to his forehead and cleared his throat. “‘It is because of recent troubles with organized gangs. Based on intel gathered, the Triacalian Gangs are involved in underground smuggling deals with the Bohrmian Cartels. The resulting parameters have led to a strong sense of suspicion and concern among the governing powers that be with foreigners in an organized group. This is targeted to the clans as well by many of the offending gangs having clansmons in their ra-”

“Okay, I get it. Shut up, Katherine.”

Garon laughed, completely blown away at the abrupt response. “Wow, imagine saying that to her face.”

Swift crossed his arms and looking to the side, sulking. “I wish I could say that to her every time she goes into another overly long and stupidly worded essay on the mission.”

Smirking, Garon leaned in closer. “Maybe that’s why you don’t know half the details.”

Swift glared at him, as his fist tightened for the pre-punching stage. “Watch it.”

“Sure.” Garon stood up and smiled arrogantly. “What are you going to do about it, shrimpy?”

Swift’s scowl grew fiercer, however, he merely turned to the side and muttered, “Asshole.”

“Heh, sorry, it’s just fun to work you up.”

Sighing heavily, Swift lowered his arms and resumed eye contact. “Whatever, water under the bridge.” He clapped his hands together and pointed his fingertips to Garon. “So, basically, Norfarion involvement is limited because it could send a bad message and other political nonsense.”

Garon nodded. “Indeed. Especially since this isn’t an official Norfarion mission. Their cities don’t like us Norfarions doing stuff on their land officially, let alone acting off duty.”

“I just hope it works out okay.” Swift rubbed the back of his head, his eyes drooping. “We owe it to Freya, Gathor, and Tetheron.”

Garon’s face went cold as hearing their names brought back a coldness locked in his heart. His breathing slowed, as his eyes lowered as well. Finally, he forced himself to speak, “It will work out.”

“I know, it’s just a lot of pressure.” Swift looked back at Garon, the uncertainty on pure display in his eyes.

“Nasch picked us because of our qualities and he trusts us too.” Despite saying this, Garon didn’t exactly feel confident either, prompting him to add the disclaimer, “Maybe we could ask for reinforcements, but I’d imagine they’d have to juggle a few things to get them here.”

“It’d be worth it if we could get some help.” Shaking his head, Swift perked up and with a smile, stating, “Okay, so, anything else we need to discuss?”

Shutting his eyes to ponder for a second, Garon responded with, “Nothing I can think of. Just remember to act like this never happened when we get back. Which means, don’t fall off my back.”

Smirking, Swift rolled his eyes and started walking away. “Pssh, you insult me, dummy.”

Garon resisted starting an insult war and simply closed his eyes. In an instant, his body felt heavier again and the air around him returned to a more stuffy form.

“-ave anything to say?”

Garon kept his mouth shut and quickly glanced at the Planet Nerves opposite them. Their attention was focused purely on Dolly like before. He felt a wave of relief flood his nerves. Phew, He moved his right talon back to his Ice Stone Satchel. Looks like nobody caught on.

Despite evidence to their discreetness, Garon didn’t like how silent the room was following Dolly’s request. He tried to occasionally glance at the nerves without sending any red flags while hoping those two or just anyone would say something.

Finally, Dolly broke the silence. “Nothing? Alright.” Taking a second to clear her throat, Dolly said with a nod to the two Nerves, “So, firstly, I want to thank you two for helping us before.”

They respectfully nodded back, though Devon’s looked more invested. “No problem! Glad we could help!” Devon exclaimed, eyes beaming with pride

The grumpig eyes rolled at Devon’s unprofessionalism and stepped in front of the bug, saying, “Despite the circumstances, I am glad we were able to assist.”

“Of course, but.” She paused to take a deep breath, with Demetri’s gaze narrowing as if bracing for some unseen force. “I know this is going to sound a bit contradictory to what I just said, but I would like to know your reasons for helping us. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but given the circumstances, we deserve an explanation.”

Garon watched Demetri’s reaction, which was relatively unchanged as the dragon expected.

“Very well.” Demetri walked into the center of the room and took a moment to look at everyone in the room before stopping his sights on Seliph. “Devon and I were sent here to find you.” He lifted his left hand and pointed at the perplexed greninja.

Garon felt Swift nudge the back of his neck and whisper, “Nailed it.”

“Hush,” Garon softly growled, as the heliolisk giggled quietly to himself. The dragon looked back at Seliph, who was settling back on the wall and returning to the ‘toned out’ he’d had on all meeting.

However, the greninja’s stare looked very invested in what was just said, defensive even. His crossed arms were tense and the tone in his reply could only be described as a gambler pulling his hand closer. “Why?”

Demetri answered. “We were hoping you had some information regarding the Red Eyes we could learn.” He gestured his pointing hand outwards, explaining, “You being a target of theirs piqued the Core’s interest in you. So, Devon and I were assigned to find you, keep you safe, and make a deal with you.”

Seliph raised a brow. “How do you know my information is worth it or even that I have information?”

Demetri nodded and said, “Because you were related to an unusual Red Eyes activity eight years ago.”

Garon’s eyes went wide as a chill filled his spine. They know about that?

“How do you know I was there?”

Garon looked at Seliph, who seemed composed but the stare was ever fiercer and colder. Worry filled Garon’s heart as he looked back at Demetri to hear the answer.

“There was an investigation done at the site, which clued us in on you and some context.”

“Wait,” Swift chimed in, prompting all eyes on the two Norfarions. “Me and Garon arrived there the next day. We didn’t see any Planet Nerves or investigation.”

Garon turned his head towards Swift, a scowl forming as he nodded his head in agreement.

“How could you have done a full-fledged investigation, without us or any of the villagers seeing you? We did the burials and everything on that same day with the villagers.”

Demetri’s ears drooped a little as he sighed, in a way that conveyed annoyance. “The ones that arrived at the site gathered the information from one of the corpses there.”

Garon’s leered at the grumpig as he felt his muscles tighten with disgust.

“We learned that there was something called a ‘Formula Sample’ and that a child had it. Seliph Almkin was the name we learned, so we presumed you had it on your person. We weren’t aware you had siblings, nor that Jaron and Ciecro wer-”

“Enough.”

Startled, Garon looked at Seliph, who was standing straight up with his fists tightened.

Can’t blame him. Garon looked at the confused and slightly irritated Demetri and said with a little passive aggression, “That incident was where they lost their parents. I’d request you not talk about it so…lightly.”

“I see…my apologies,” Demetri said with a respectful nod.

The dragon took the moment to look at the other two Almkins. Jaron was scowling at the floor from his corner. Ciecro was leaning back on a wall nearby, eyes shut, and seemingly toned out of the conversation, though his tensed-up body gave away his façade.

His observations were cut short as Seliph resumed the conversation. “Whatever, I understand the logic flow now.” He leaned back on the wall.

“Good, so-” Demetri was interrupted by a loud grunt from Seliph. He paused with an irritated stare, waiting for Seliph to speak his mind.

“Well, no offense, but I’d rather not have your Core involved in my personal affairs at all.”

Demetri eyes widened as his arm lifted from his side slightly in surprise. “What? Why? We just want to learn the information you have about this ‘Formula Sample’ and how it relates to the Red Eyes.”

“And I’m saying I don’t care to do business with you at all.” Seliph looked to the side and shut his eyes shut like a dismissive toddler.

Devon walked next to Demetri and said, “But we can help. We’re againzzzt the Red Eyezzz too.”

Affirming this with a nod, Demetri said, “Exactly. They’re not our friends. They’re a nuisance. Your information would help us know better how to counteract them. Maybe even help save lives they would harm.”

“So?” Seliph got off the wall, crossing his arms. “What makes you more trustworthy than them?”

Demetri’s eyes went narrow. “Pardon?”

Garon felt Swift latch onto his shoulders and pull up next to the dragon’s head. Swift then whispered, “Any reason he’s being like that?”

“Perhaps mentioning the incident set him off?”

“Yeah, but Demetri apologized for it.”

“Not everyone is good at letting things go like you, Swift.” Garon glanced at the heliolisk. “Although, Seliph does have ample reason to not share with strangers.” Returning to the current stare down between the two, Garon added, “Though, he’s being very aggressive.”

“Maybe he holding a grudge still?”

“Mayb-” Garon started but went quiet at hearing Demetri continue the conversation.

“I would say the fact we saved your group from your attackers makes us more trustworthy. Though, I doubt it would sway your opinions.”

Garon’s brows rose at the unexpected bluntness.

“That was uncalled for,” Dolly interject, frowning at Demetri.

After a heavy sigh, Demetri nodded in agreement. “Yes, it was.”

“Hmph, some ambassadors,” Seliph muttered, a bit of smugness in his tone.

“Seliph-” Dolly began but didn’t get to finish before the greninja went further.

“If you want to establish goodwill, you’re doing a piss poor job at it.”

Demetri took a deep breath. “Then how can I establish goodwill to you?”

“By respecting my wishes and staying out of my business.”

Demetri scowled in frustration and tiredness. “I’d be more than happy to. But the Core wants to learn your information and I work for him.”

Seliph remained silent, though more out of not bothering to dignify that statement with a response.

This isn’t getting anywhere. Garon stepped forwards and added, “To Seliph’s credit, we’ve only known you since yesterday.”

“I know,” Demetri answered, a hint of frustration seeping into his tone. “And I understand warranted skepticism. If you need more time, then I’m willing to wait.” He looked back at Seliph and said, “I’m not unreasonable and I hope you know that The Core’s intentions aren’t to harm any of you. We simply wish to understand more about the Red Eyes organization so we can better combat their efforts here in Tria-”

“By using those methods against them.”

Everyone glanced at Seliph, who was giving Demetri a cold, stare of disgust.

Garon could feel the heaviness of the room as he watched Demetri face the greninja once more, his patience nearing its end.

“That’s an unfair accusation. I don’t see why you’re so adamant against working together against your enemies on this.”

“Maybe if entitled assholes like The Core and yourself would take a hint, I would be more inclined to in the future.”

“Seliph!” Dolly stepped in the middle, eyeing Seliph with a disapproving stare. “That’s enough insults.” To her surprise, the greninja started chuckling at her, mocking her attempts at peacekeeping.

“Calm down? I’m sorry that me calling him out on his taurosshit sets off your ‘decency’ bells, but with all due respect this isn’t a discussion you’re a part of.”

Garon took the moment to study Seliph’s face. It shined with defiance and frustration as it stared down Dolly. Deep inside, Garon’s mind looked back to when he first encountered Seliph as a small froakie. Mentally comparing the two images and seeing just how much they differed brought sadness to his soul.

He wanted to walk over and help ease Seliph’s obvious unrest. Maybe suggest they go for a walk, stay by his side, or anything, but he wasn’t sure he could. Seliph’s angry stare looked like the solidness of a mountain with the approachability of its steepness.

Say something at least! His heart shouted throughout his being. After all, he’d done it before. He’d stared straight into Seliph’s angry eyes and reasoned with him, so why should now be any different. Those times were hard as well, but he was always able to get the point across.

Slowly, he stepped one foot forwards and opened his mouth to speak.

Alas, Dolly spoke first. “I’m only getting in this because it’s no longer a discussion. It’s an argument.” Dolly looked at Demetri. “Look, I understand you have secrets. We all have our secrets, but a lot has happened to us recently. It’s taken its toll on everyone.”

Demetri sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. “Duly noted. Apologies.”

Garon’s jaw dropped. Wow, how did she? That was pretty good. He chuckled to himself as he stepped back to his spot. I bet she could even break me and Swift up from a fight.

“What’s so funny?” Swift whispered.

Garon smiled as he looked at his friend. “Just a bit surprised a-”

“What?” Dolly suddenly said, prompting the two to return to the scene.

Dolly was staring straight into Seliph’s glare.

“Does it really just take that?” the greninja sarcastically asked, with the arrogance of a big kid looking down at a toddler.

Dolly raised a brow. “Huh?”

Seliph walked around Dolly and the Nerves, stopping near the door. He turned around and with a mocking chuckle say, “Is saying ‘sorry’ all it takes to get on your good side? What? You think every mon is sincere twenty-four seven?”

“No, of course not,” Dolly answered, with a shake of the head. “I just want to hear them out.”

“Oh sure, sure.” Seliph goaded, folding his arms in a slow fashion. “Maybe, if you lick their feet enough they’ll tell you what move they’ll stab you in the back with.”

“Seliph.”

No. Garon tapped on Swift’s shoulder.

“What?”

“Get off.”

Swift obeyed, hopping from Garon’s dorsal fin as he walked to confront Seliph. “Seliph.”

The greninja turned his glare at him, sending a chill through Garon’s body, the likes of which urged him to back away. He felt an uncanny feeling flood his mind.

Despite this, Garon remained glued to his place on the floor. “There’s a lot that still needs to be talked about. I understand your feelings, truly, but we shouldn’t make any big decisions right now. Time will give you better judgement. Trust me on this.”

The defiance and anger in Seliph’s stare grew weaker as his gaze lowered.

Garon sighed in his mind at seeing Seliph give in to his words, though the mon still looked unfinished and unconvinced. The greninja walked back to his spot on the wall as did Garon, a bit surprised he was able to calm Seliph down. Though troubling thoughts filled his mind as he lightly tapped Swift’s held out fist and faced the room. He looked at Dolly and suggested, “Perhaps we should move on to the next part of the meeting.”

“I suppose.” Dolly sighed. “Alright, so the next thing I wanted to talk about was what we should do now.” She pressed a fist to her chin. “Originally, the plan was to head to Crion City, but after thinking it over, I’d like to hear suggestions on any alternative methods to get to Norfair.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Garon noticed Jaron shudder a little. He turned his head and looked at each one of the kids. They had been surprisingly silent this entire time, though the troubled and tired looks on their faces gave him a good idea why. Poor kids, getting dragged into this. His gaze dropped to the floor. I wish there was a way to make this trip easier on them or at least safer.

His sympathy thinking was interrupted by Devon’s sudden buzzing. “Well, can’t we juzzzt wait? We could even call for help.”

“Hmmm, no.” Dolly sighed as she folded her arms. “I don’t think we can just sit this out till help arrives. We may be safer here, but the Red Eyes could easily get help too and come back for us. Plus, if they find out we’re still in town before our help arrives.” Devon shuddered at the thought as Dolly nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I don’t like it either.”

“But if we go out, we might get ambushed like before,” Jaron said from the corner.

“At leas’ will ‘ave a chance,” Ciecro answered, his eyes opening only to look at the floor with a gaze that seemed to peer past the cracks.

Jaron’s eyes lowered as he grumpily backed up to the wall.

“I’m sorry,” Dolly turned towards the group in the corner, eyeing each of the four. “But I think our only option is to try and get to a port town so you three can go to Norfair.”

“But, what about you guys?” Vragon added.

“We’ll be fine.”

“Bu-”

“Vray. It’s not us they’re after.”

The fraxure looked at Jaron, who returned an understanding. However, Jaron said, though his tone hinted to the struggle it took to say this, “I don’t like it either, but she’s right.”

Garon raised a brow. Huh?

“So,” Jaron got off the wall and hopped onto the bed, next to the upset fraxure. “Let’s not kid ourselves. We’re the ones they want.” Jaron looked at his open palm, his eyes narrowing in a depressed stare. “I remember hearing that snorlax say he wasn’t supposed to hurt me nor Ciecro.” He glanced at his brother, who nodded in confirmation.

“What?” Seliph got off the wall and stared in shock at Jaron. “Why didn’t you mention this?”

Jaron leered at him but seemed to restrain himself for some reason. “Be-because…I’ve had a lot on my mind.”

Garon looked at Vray, who appeared shocked by this statement too.

“So…” Jaron spread his legs out a little and looked up at Dolly. “I get it. We can’t stay here.”

Dolly smiled softly at this, which prompted Garon to grin a little on his own. However, it vanished once he spotted Vragon, slowly moving his hand over his wounded side. The fraxure’s gaze was on the covers near the middle of the bed, staring at the vacant spot with a vacant expression.

Taking a small breath, Garon took a step forward. He gazed upon Vragon with empathy as he called out to him. “Vray.”

The fraxure looked up at him, startled.

“Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault this is all going on.” Garon smiled a little, though to his dismay it didn’t seem to shake Vray’s depressed stare.

“He’s right you know,” Jaron added, giving a supporting grin.

Vray didn’t look comforted by that either. He just leaned back against the wall behind the bed in silence.

Poor guy. I fully get how hard it is to not feel like that, Vray, especially at your age.

“I encourage you to listen to your friends.”

Garon’s eyes widened as he glanced at Demetri, who was looking at Vray. The stare seemed normal, but there was something about it that felt different. Perhaps more sincere or maybe more honest.

“Your safety matters to them. Take solace in that care they’re willing to show.” Demetri affirmed his words with a nod and turned towards Dolly. His stare no longer bore that strange meta-feel to it and seemed back to the business at hand. “Apologies for sidetracking, but I think the option to leave is the correct one. However, we need to decide how long to stay here in Plainier.”

Dolly thought for a second, taking one glance at Vray as she answered, “Once everyone is healed up, we should move.”

“No.”

Garon’s turned his gaze towards Seliph in surprise at the greninja’s sudden intrusion.

Seliph stepped forwards and looked at Demetri. “We need to move as soon as Vragon can walk.”

“What? Why?” Dolly demanded.

Although Garon was caught off guard by this as well, his attention was drawn to Seliph’s hand, specifically, it clasping over the bandage on his side. The firmness looked like it caused pain, but for some reason, Seliph didn’t relent.

“Their group took a beating as well. If we give them time to regroup, they’ll set up roadblocks for us.”

I get that, but ‘as soon as Vray can walk’? Garon peered closer at Seliph’s posture, growing more surprised as he realized just how tense and alert it looked. It was as if Seliph had some premonition of the disaster awaiting their stay. Garon started to feel a dreadful feeling just thinking about it.

“Garon.”

“Hm?” The dragon blinked and looked for who called his name.

“Here.”

Quickly, Garon locked eyes with Seliph.

“Is it possible for you to contact the Norfarion colony North East of here?”

Garon’s eyes went wide. Isolvire! That’s right!

“Well?” Seliph asked, rather impatient.

“Sorry, yes I should be able to, so long as there isn’t any communication interference.”

“Good. So we should use our time here to pre-”

“Woah, woah, slow down.” Dolly interrupted, waving her arms out front. “Isn’t that colony at the far North Eastern part of Triacal?”

Garon nodded, causing her to shake her head.

“No, I don’t think we could make a longer trip like that unless we’re completely healed up. We would be too vulnerable.”

Seliph’s grumbling caught Garon’s attention. He noticed the greninja’s muscles tighten again as Dolly went on with her point. However, the face, which looked very displeased at Dolly’s interjection didn’t reflect the same tensions as before. He looked rather angry at her rather than for simply having another obstacle. Suddenly, a thought struck his head.

He stepped forwards and suggested, “Wait, what if we call for some help to come get us?”

Dolly mulled for a minute on this. “Hmm…that could work-”

“No.” Seliph pointed towards the clock near the room, keeping his eyes fixated on Garon. “The trip is far longer than going to Crion, and that’s if they could straight shot it. I highly doubt they can with all those mountain ranges in their way. They’d take too long to reach us without some kind of transport, which I believe is out of the question, right?”

Huh? Garon raised a brow.

Seliph crossed his arms and gave both him and Swift a glance. “I keep up with things. Sending a transport would violate the treaty that allowed Norfair to make that colony.”

Garon’s eyes widened. He’s well informed. Impressive, though. Garon sighed as he looked at the group and confirming with a nod, saying. “Yes, a Norfarion transport is unfortunately out of the question due to that treaty.”

“Damnit.” Dolly pressed a finger to her head and sighed heavily. “And none of the cities that do have transports would go to such a rural town here.”

“Why we need to strike out and soon. We can maybe meet any help we can get halfway, but the longer we wait, the more vulnerable we become,” Seliph said.

“But we can’t just go while we’re like this.”

Seliph glared at Dolly. “We can’t waste time here.”

Dolly pointed to Demetri and Vragon. “We’re all still wounded.” She then gestured her palm at Seliph’s side and uttered, “You’re still wounded.”

His scowl grew as his head lowered slightly. “I can handle the trip. If the grumpig can’t, then he can stay behind.”

Hearing that almost made Garon growl.

Demetri immediately interjected, “that’s not an option.”

The greninja’s stern gaze turned towards Demetri with as much bluntness as his tone. “Too bad then.”

Demetri fists tightened. “Why are yo-”

“Everyone, calm down,” Dolly ordered, raising her voice above the two. “We’re not leaving anyone behind.”

Seliph crossed his arms and raised his nose, turning away from Dolly. “I guess I didn’t get the memo that they’re officially in your ‘band of trusted individuals’.”

Dolly sighed. “It’s not like that, Seliph.”

“Oh really now. Because it sounds like you’d rather stay and put us all at risk just for this stranger’s sake.”

Dolly glared at his remarks but held her tongue as Devon buzzed in.

“Hold on.” He stepped in front of Demetri defensively but calmly. “Demetri izzzn’t the only one hurt. Pluzzz, he’zzz very good at battling and can help with his pzzzychic abilitiezzz. We wouldn’t zzzlow you down.”

The impartialness and respect impressed and surprised Garon. I’m starting to get a good idea why he’s helping Demetri on this case. His thoughts were interrupted by Dolly chiming in.

“Seliph, you’re not being fair here.” She gestured towards Vragon, saying with a ‘struggling to be respectful’ tone. “Vray’s hurt too. I don’t want him traveling till he’s healed up and I don’t mean till he can walk.”

Dolly… Garon held his breath as he watched for Seliph’s reaction, however, it was Vragon that spoke first.

“I don’t need to be fully healed up, Dolly.” His eyes were scowling as well, though didn’t come off as aggressive like everyone else’s aggressive looks.

Garon took a breath, taking Vragon’s expression as a cue to cool off as well. He watched Dolly walk to Vragon’s side and gently push the sitting up fraxure back to lying down.

“Don’t worry, Vray, it’s not a big deal. Plus you’ll feel much better at traveling when you’re all healed up.” She smiled a warm smile as if none of the past conversations had happened, though Vragon’s looked like they happened tenfold.

“Bu-” He began, in a desperate high voice. However, he stopped with the abruptness of someone ordering him to and merely lowered his head out of clear guilt.

Garon walked nearer, saying, “Remember, it’s not your fault this is all going on. It’s the Red Eyes’ fault.”

Vragon looked up at him with a weak stare. Not long afterwards, he gave in to Dolly’s pushing and obediently rest his head on the pillow. However, once she removed her hand, he rolled on his side, lifting his head enough so his short, backwards angling tusks would slide under the pillow, and just stared at the wall in front.

Deep down, Garon felt his body go heavy though he knew trying further wasn’t going to help. He’ll need time. I just wish he wasn’t here at this meeting. He glanced at Dolly and surmised she felt the same way, based on her concerned frown focused on the fraxure.

She reached over and began rubbing his right shoulder. “Vray, you’re not a burden.”

Garon looked back at Vragon’s face. The boy was tense, probably due to Dolly’s touch, and clasping onto the thin covers on his body. His eyes clearly wanted to cry or just shut and wish for all of this to go away.

Dolly sighed and sat down next to him. “Vray-”

“Why do you keep doing this?” Seliph’s voice asked, cold as the wind mid-winter.

Glaring at Seliph, Dolly replied in a firm tone, “Because he isn’t.”

Seliph grunted. “It’s not hard to see that he is.”

Her eyes widened as her eyes gave off a strange hostility Garon had never seen from her before.

The greninja, defying her maternal aggression. “You can’t just brush that away and say it isn’t real.”

Dolly stood up. “Seliph, I’ve put up with a lot, but you’re going too far. He’s just a fifteen-year-old.”

Seliph walked over to the footrest of the bed, ignoring all the glares from the trio to his right, and stared straight into Dolly’s eyes. “Or, how about you stop pretending and take this situation seriously.”

“How am I not?” Dolly challenged, a small bit of a growl trailing at the end.

Seliph took a deep breath and turned around. He pressed his hands behind his back and walked towards the door, pausing right in front of it. “Simple.” He turned to the side, glaring at her with scorn. “We’ve narrowly escaped defeat twice now and you’re still treating things like ‘everything is going to be okay’.”

Dolly’s face froze as she remained silent, while Seliph walked towards her in slow steps.

“You think these Red Eyes are some hooligans? The mere fact they’re interested in Vragon should scare the living daylights out of you. Why? Because there’s nothing they won’t do to get exactly what they want. I’ve seen what they’re capable of and so have they.” Seliph pointed towards his siblings.

“Leave us out of it,” Jaron snarled, while Ciecro glared in silence.

Seliph shook his head and looked back at Dolly. “Be honest, you understand what I’m getting at. Hell, I would have expected you to get the picture of how barbaric they can be when looking at Vragon’s injuries.”

Garon saw Vragon moved more under the covers at this. He pushed all the hot air from his nostrils as the frustration grew harder to pin down in his heart. Enough of this. Garon stepped forwards. “Seliph, you need to st-” He froze in confusion as he noticed Dolly had her hand raised, towards him.

“Let him finish.”

Garon opened his mouth to speak, but Dolly’s leer made him pause. However, he managed to say, “What about them.”

Dolly took a deep breath. “It’s only for me.” She looked at Seliph, her eyes narrow and strong, like a stalwart warrior. “Right, Seliph?”

Ugh, this won’t end well. Despite his feelings, Garon conceded to her and stepped back to his spot. He looked down at Swift, whose returning stare looked incredibly worried about the outcome. Let’s just hope neither blow their top.

Seliph crossed his arms. “Essentially, you’ve been grossly underestimating them.”

Dolly pointed at him, challengingly. “So are you saying you should call the shots?”

“No, I’m just pointing out what I’m seeing.” He gave the room a sweep with his eyes. “Look around you. Half of us are wounded and everyone has taken a beating, yet you’re still treating this like we’re on some kind of errand trip.”

Dolly sighed. “I’m not trying to downplay our situation; I’m just trying to keep everyone calm and collected.”

With a snicker, Seliph gestured around the room. “And how’s that working.”

Garon fought hard to remain silent as he snarled in his head at that comment. He looked at Swift again, seeing his friend equally off-put. Glancing at Dolly, Garon’s anger subsided a little at seeing how calm and collected she looked compared to the both of them. Patiently, he waited for her to reply.

“I don’t have an army, Seliph. I just have everyone in this room.”

Rolling his eyes, Seliph looked back at the clock on the wall. “You don’t need an army, you just need to snap out of this trivial mentality and treat this seriously so you can make better deci-”

“Shut up!”

The dragon’s attention shot towards the right, just in time to see Jaron slide off the bed and start stomping his way towards Seliph.

“Stop acting like it’s all her fault!”

Dolly looked at Jaron, her scowl softening up. “Jaron, let him fi-”

“Finish what‽ Blaming you for everything?” He snapped, staring coldly into Seliph’s disinterested gaze. “He can’t just diss you like that after you’ve been trying so hard. We all could have done better, including you, Seliph!”

“Yeah,” Jasmine added, joining Jaron’s side. “I’m with Jaron. What have you been doing to try and help in all this, besides go off on your own and complain about everyone else?”

“Jasmine, Jaron, please.”

The two turned around and all the fire in their eyes dwindled down at seeing the icy stare of a displeased Dolly. “Bu-” Jaron started but was compelled into silence as Dolly shook her head.

“Oh no, let them go on,” Seliph scoffed, eyeing her with a vicious glare like one would give a bitter enemy. “Let them defend their precious Dolly.”

“What the hell is wrong with you‽” Jaron shouted. He would have gotten right up in Seliph’s face if Dolly hadn’t grabbed his arm firmly.

Seliph looked down at Jaron, with an arrogant look of pity. “I especially love what you’ve done with my brother.” His eyes raised to meet Dolly’s as he snickered with a scowl.

“Stop it, all of you,” Swift exclaimed.

Garon nodded; he’d run out of patience for this bickering as well. “We’re not going to get anywhere fighting like this.”

“I agree.” Seliph pointed at Dolly, and added, “Nor if we keep treating this situation so casually.”

“Seliph,” Garon snarled but didn’t press on upon seeing Dolly give them a ‘disengage’ look.

Dolly sighed, gently pulling Jaron behind her as she stepped in front, nigh two feet from Seliph. “Please don’t escalate things. You’ve made your points, so drop it.”

Seliph threw his hands up in the air and exclaimed, “Whatever, I’m done with this sham of a meeting.” He turned around and headed for the door.

“Wait!” Garon rushed over to him, almost bumping into Seliph.

Reluctantly, the greninja stopped and turned his head to eye Garon with a cold stare. “What? You heard what she said, ‘drop it’ so I’m dropping it.”

Sighing, Garon said, “She didn’t mean for you to leave.”

Grumbling, Seliph crossed his arms and dropped eye contact. “Why bother staying? I think it’s pretty obvious she’s not going to lis-”

“Ciecro!” Dolly shouted.

Garon and Seliph immediately broke their stare off, spotting the charmeleon marching towards them. His orange eyes burning like coals in a fire.

There wasn’t enough time for Garon to get in Ciecro’s way before the charmeleon latched his claws on the sides of the collar on Seliph’s vest.

“Ciecro!” Garon moved to separate the two, but Seliph pushed against the dragon’s chest. Wha? He looked at Seliph, who was eyeing his brother with a determined glare from his blue eyes that matched the intensity in Ciecro’s orange ones.

“Let him finish,” Seliph said, spacing out each word to add more weight to them.

What do I do? He gritted his teeth, glancing at Swift, who looked just as shocked and confused as he was.

“Yah talk way too much. Learn tah shuddup.”

Garon tensed up and readied to intervene should Ciecro not respond well to Seliph’s reply.

Thankfully, Seliph remained silent, which sadly bolstered Ciecro’s offensive.

“I don’ care whatcha have tah say.”

Seliph’s gaze relaxed a little, almost as Ciecro became less threatening in the last five seconds. “I don’t need your approval to say anything.”

The claws grasping the vest tightened. The charmeleon snarled as he pulled on the vest, while Seliph pulled back.

“Ciecro, let him go now,” Dolly commanded, starting to walk over to the standoff.

He refused to even ease his grip, just snarled at his older brother.

“Ciecro, don’t make me make you let him go,” Dolly said in a stern tone.

In an instant, Ciecro’s unfaltering glare lowered, as his eyes shook slightly. His claws, however, didn’t follow.

Seliph’s eyes narrowed. “If you’re not going to do anything, then…let…go.”

Snarling, Ciecro raised his head, with a face that wanted to bite the greninja’s head off.

Garon wasn’t going to take anymore chances. He placed a talon on Ciecro’s shoulder, prompting the charmeleon to look into his calm gaze. “Ciecro, you heard Dolly.”

Ciecro’s eyes darted down then shot back up to stare into Seliph’s once more as if Garon had done nothing.

Garon didn’t worry, thanks to the visible albeit minor shaking in Ciecro’s fists. Just let it go. Garon urged in his mind, waiting patiently and keeping his talon on the boy’s shoulder.

Sure enough, Ciecro’s head fell as he let go of Seliph’s vest, his arms falling to his sides looking heavy and defeated.

The greninja grabbed the spots Ciecro had, starting to smooth them out. He opened his mouth to speak but didn’t even get to make a sound before Garon growled as their gazes locked.

“Before you say anything, don’t.” Despite the growl earlier, Garon wasn’t angry and he wanted to make sure Seliph knew that.

Seliph, on the other hand, looked bitter. He turned around, grumbled, “Fine.” and undid the bolt on the door. He didn’t look back as he opened the door, stepped outside, and slammed it shut with a force Garon could almost feel by the loudness alone.

His body felt still and cold, almost as if he was a ghost in some kind of mirror, staring into the reaches of the sad reality. His eyes lowered slightly, as a pained scowl formed. The chilling feeling filled his soul. He felt a hand touch his sound and turned to glance at Swift, who was looking up at him with a worried scowl.

For a split second, Garon could see that stare once more. He closed his eyes and took a breath, refocusing his mind to ignore such memories and instead remember how far they’d come.

“I’ll go check on him,” Swift said, taking his hand from the dragon’s side and reaching for the door.

Garon backed away as Swift made his departure, watching the mon leave without a sound save for the door shutting softly. He returned his gaze to the floor once more, the coldness in his heart returning.

I…won’t… He stared back at the door, his eyes narrowed into a glare that would pierce the courage of an enemy. I won’t let you go down that road. Even if you don’t want to, I won’t let you.

“Are you alright?”

Garon’s gaze rose as he glanced behind, seeing Dolly staring back at him with a concerned look, or was it sympathy? He didn’t know but smiled a little at her thoughtfulness. “I’m quite fine,” he answered, turning towards her. “Are you okay?”

Dolly sighed, nodding. “I’ll be okay.”

Garon nodded, and looked at Demetri and Devon, giving them a little bow of his head. “Apologies for his behavior.”

Demetri accepted with a nod. The two nerves shared a look that lasted longer than a simple glance as if they were speaking through Demetri’s telepathy.

I wonder how they’re taking it. He wondered.

His anticipation rose as he saw Demetri shake his head and approach Dolly. He gave a respectful nod, though his weary face showed just how much effort he was doing in being respectful. “I’m assuming, now is a rather bad time for such an important meeting.”

Garon walked over, standing between the two as he turned to Dolly. “I agree.”

Dolly’s face looked incredibly disappointed and troubled as she stared into Garon’s eyes. She closed hers and took a deep breath. “I suppose, everyone just isn’t ready for it.” A small smile formed, though it still retained the melancholy aura as if she was still frowning. “We can discuss our plans later. Everyone probably needs rest.”

Glancing at the rest of the room, Garon gaze softened more at seeing the four, wearing their respective bummed expressions. Vragon staring at the wall, Jaron rubbing his arm while his eyes looked at the side, Ciecro leaning on the wall with a spaced-out scowl, and Jasmine staring at the floor as her claws lazily picked at each other.

“Very well, I wish good rest to you all.” Demetri gave them one more head nod and proceeded to the door.

“Yeah, good night,” Devon added, following his fellow nerve.

No one spoke as they exited the room.

Eventually, Garon couldn’t stand the silence anymore and said, “Dolly.”

“Hrm?” She looked at him with eyes wide open.

“Don’t take his words too hard.” He looked over at the kids. “What matters is we’re safe.”

He watched her out of the corner of his eye. Her head lowered as a small smile crept on her face; her eyes narrowed in a way that conveyed just how weary they were, but the small gleam in them showed how much she appreciated the thought.

“Thank you,” She answered, her tone lifting like her spirit. “A good night’s rest will help.”

Garon smiled, but it was short-lived as Vragon spoke up, grabbing the two’s attention.

“Dolly, are you going to be okay?” His face held that same desperation and worry as before, though it was encouraging to know it was for Dolly.

“Yes, just need some rest. A bit tired from everything that’s happened,” she replied, rubbing her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m a bit tired too,” Jasmine added, a soft smile forming.

Vragon’s head lowered for a second, his eyes staring at the covers in deep thought.

“Vray?”

“Hrm?” They shot up.

“Have you had any dinner?”

Vragon tilted his head, almost confused why she would ask that because it was so obvious. Until his eyes widened at the realization that he hadn’t.

Dolly chuckled as she walked over to the bedside, resting a hand on his shoulder. She looked up at Ciecro and Jaron. “You two mind getting some food? I believe you two haven’t had any dinner either.”

Jaron’s eyes lit up, almost as if hearing her voice alone weakened the downer atmosphere around him. “Sure thing.” He looked up to his brother, expectantly.

Ciecro uncrossed his arms and got off the wall. “Eh.” He nodded.

“Good, Jasmine you should stay here while they get dinner for you all.”

“Wait,” Jasmine got on all fours and leaned closer to the bed. “You aren’t eating too?”

Dolly shook her head.

All four of their faces were saddened at that. However, to Garon’s surprise, Jaron nodded as his smile returned.

“Alright, good night, Dolly. Get some good rest.”

She chuckled. “You too Jaron. All of you don’t stay up too late.”

“We won’t,” Jasmine added, sitting back down.

“Well, that’s good to hear.” Dolly let go of Vragon.

Garon headed to the door first, opening it and stepping aside for Dolly to exit first.

A light chuckle escaped her mouth. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He backed up, pushing the door more as Jaron and Ciecro exited too.” Once everyone was out, he turned to the last two in the room.

“Night,” Dolly said, with a wave.

“Night,” The two inside said, albeit with less enthusiasm.

Garon stepped out, letting the door shut behind him. All four waited in the hallway till they heard the click of the bolt

Dolly yawned as she looked out one of the windows. “Dusk already? Geez, time sure flies.” She waved at the two and started to walk back to her room.

Garon followed but stopped at hearing Jaron speak.

“Dolly.”

“Huh?”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry.” He rubbed his arm once more, as his eyes darted to the side. “I shouldn’t have escalated things. I should have listened to you.”

“It’s alright Jaron, I know you meant well.” She suddenly let out a loud yawn, turning the scene awkward for Jaron and Garon. “Sorry, it’s just late and I’m beat. Don’t worry about it, Jaron. Night.” She waved at him and started going down the hallway

“O-okay. Night.” He nodded, turning around to follow Ciecro, who was waiting for him down the hallway.

“Jaron.”

The croconaw stopped, looking at him with a slightly perplexed.

Garon didn’t say a word, just gave a slow nod.

Jaron’s gaze tightened to a determined, serious stare. He nodded in return, spun around, and jogged on over to Ciecro’s side as they headed down the stairs.

That’s encouraging. Garon smiled, as he kept his gaze focused on the far end of the hallway, even after Ciecro and Jaron had descended the stairs. Maybe I was wrong about him.

His thoughts were brought back, upon hearing Dolly yawn loudly. “Ugh, boy, yawns are annoying, huh?”

Garon smirked as he nodded in agreement. His smile vanished, however, upon looking into her eyes. I wish my patience was even half of hers.

Raising a brow, Dolly asked, “Is there something on my face?”

Garon closed his eyes, crossed his talons, and with a grin said, “Just the blatant tiredness, nothing more.” He was panting with relief in his mind at hearing Dolly’s chuckle at his jest.

“Not bad, but you’d probably earn a slap from anyone else.” She walked past him, suddenly stopping and leaning in closer.

Garon’s eyes shot wide in surprise as Dolly moved up to his ear and whispered in a low tone.

“But I don’t mind you being facetious.”

Wow, she’s good.

Dolly started walking on, chuckling at her pun.

“Everything alright?” Somwei asked, getting off a spot on the wall nearby.

Dolly crossed her arms. “Hmmm…Not entirely, but we’ll manage.”

“I see.” He once more leaned against the wall, his eyes looking rather disinterested or at least trying to look that way. “Well, don’t worry about the kid. I’ll make sure nothing happens tonight.”

Nodding, Dolly bowed her head. “Thank you.” With a nod for a reply from Somwei, Dolly resumed traveling down the hallway, with Garon tailing behind her.

The hallway felt like it stretched for an eternity as Garon kept his gaze focused upon the back of Dolly’s head, constantly mulling over what happened. I need to be more proactive. She looks like she’s in over her head, after all. And after what Seliph pulled, I’m amazed she didn’t lose her temper. He turned his gaze towards the wall, watching the near night sky move in and out of his view. Jaron and Ciecro were pretty aggressive too. His eyes trailed down lower. What would Cain do in this situation? I want to help them, but stuff like this is precarious.

Suddenly, his mind shot back to Seliph’s last look at him. His body tensed up as he compared that stare to another, more familiar one. His scowl returned. His heart went faster, renewed by determined passion. I…no, we have to do something. Think, Garon, what would Cain advise in this-

His stewing thoughts were put on hold as Dolly stopped in front of her room’s door.

“Well.” She gave him a rather weary thumbs up. “Here’s to a better day tomorrow, I hope.”

Garon nodded, not dropping his serious scowl.

Dolly shrugged as she inserted the hotel key. “Take care of yourself tonight.”

“Uhm.”

“Yes?” Dolly nudged the door open a little as she looked at him, listening.

“Well.” He looked down the hallway beyond her form. As he tried to think of what to say, Dolly ripped another loud yawn.

“Heh, damn, another one. Well, I guess my body is just bitchy like that.” She looked back at Garon with a smile. “It’s a bit late so you can tell me tomorrow.” She started stepping in, pushing the door away and flipping her wrist on its edge once it was through.

No, wait! Garon moved his talon on the front, pushing against Dolly’s attempt to shut it.

Perplexed, Dolly ceased attempting to close it. “Garon?”

“I…” Garon could just feel the flusteredness fill his cheeks.

Dolly chuckled making him feel even more awkward. “Don’t worry, I’ll be alright. A good night’s rest should fix me up. Plus, don’t you need to eat some dinner?”

“That can wait.”

Dolly’s smile disappeared. “Oh?” she said, with a raise of the brow.

“I don’t feel good about leaving tonight at just what happened,” Garon stuttered, Dolly’s chuckling only adding to his embarrassment. Idiot, what are you trying to say?

“I think I get what you mean. I wouldn’t mind chatting a little before I hit the hay.” She pushed the door wider as she walked into the room, gesturing him to follow.

Perking up a little from his blunder, Garon stepped inside as Dolly tapped the emura light on the stand, causing it to shine bright. Silently, the dragon watched Dolly reach for her travel belt on the dresser and take out a notebook and a small case of ink.

Moving to shut the door, Garon stared at its wooden surface with a blank stare. Seliph’s stare returned; he could almost make it out in the wood. His talon pressed up into the wood, slightly penetrating its flat surface as he closed his eyes and took a quiet but deep breath. “How long have you known them?”

“Who?” Dolly asked, followed by the sound of placing the belt back on the dresser.

Opening his eyes and turning around, Garon elaborated. “Jaron and Ciecro.”

“Oh.” A little bit of energy filled Dolly’s eyes mimicked by the small smile forming on her face. “About six years ago.” She set the notebook on the nightstand and popped the ink lid off. “Of course, Jaron was still totodile back then. Ciecro was charmeleon.”

Quietly, Garon walked over to a nearby seat, turning it backwards and sitting into it, and resting his arms on its backrest.

“I was meeting a friend of mine, Miss Dresha. I was aware she was taking care of two boys so I had the silly idea of introducing Jasmine to them. Give her some friends if they hit it off.”

Dolly suddenly paused, causing Garon to raise a brow in anticipation.

She raised a finger absentmindedly for a second, then suddenly she snapped. “That’s right, I don’t think you know.” Dolly turned around, holding a quill in her right hand as her left went for her notebook. “Jasmine lives with me.”

“Oh?” Garon leaned forwards.

“Yes, for eight whole years.” Dolly sat on the bed, letting out a content sigh at its softness. “Though, I remember it like it was yesterday.”

Tilting her head upwards, the kangaskhan’s eyes narrowed as her smile shrunk. “I met her on a road during one of my business trips between towns. It was stormy at the time and she was curled up under some trees shivering. Thankfully, I was able to convince her to come with me and brought her to my diner.”

Garon shifted his arms silently, keeping his gaze firmly on Dolly’s eyes specifically.

“I asked her what she was doing out all by herself and where she lived and well…she wouldn’t answer me.”

“She wouldn’t?”

“Nope.” Dolly looked him in the eyes. “She wasn’t very talkative that night. Course, I later learned why.”

“Why?” A second later, Garon’s eyes widened and he lurched from his slouching. “Uhm…I mean if it’s okay wi-”

Dolly chuckled. “Relax, formalities are for business. But, I don’t think she’d be too pleased if I talked about it.”

“I understand.” So it is personal. Garon looked over at the notebook that Dolly opened. “And, I’m guessing she started helping you out at the diner?”

“Yes.”

“What about meeting Jaron and Ciecro? How did that go?”

“Quit fine, actually. Jaron was sweet as a honeysuckle. Ciecro, I would say was more like a coconut.”

“A ‘coconut’?” Garon tilted his head with Dolly laughing at his reaction.

“Well, he was quite hard to talk to, but I could tell he was sweet on the inside.”

“Hard to talk to?”

“Well, maybe that’s not the right way to put it.” Dolly scratched her cheek with the quill’s dry point. “He just wasn’t very interested in talking to me.”

“Okay. I could see that.” Garon leaned back onto his chair, as Dolly started writing again.

“In fact, I don’t think he really gave me much thought.” Dolly pressed the quill to her chin, thinking back. “Hmmm…I’d say it wasn’t till that one incident where he really started to talk to me.”

“What incident?”

“Uhm…well.” Dolly dipped the quill in the ink. “Sorry, but it’s another one of those ‘better to ask the mon in person’.”

“Fair.” Ugh, he grumbled in his mind. Tipping his seat forwards a little, Garon asked, “What about Vragon?”

Dolly chuckled, slamming her notebook on her stomach. “Boy, that was a night.” She leaned back on the headboard, as she picked the book back up and pressed the ink dipped quill to its pages. “One moment, I was having some nice gossip over tea with Dresha, and the next I was carrying this unconscious, soaked Axew inside with an overly excited Totodile asking me all sorts of questions.”

“Heh, sounds like Jaron.”

Dolly raised a brow and questioned him with her eyes.

“Well, as best I can guess. He’s a curious boy.”

“Yes, he is. Far more curious than his brother.” Dolly started writing. “Maybe even both of them.”

Garon’s eyes fell. He glanced back at the door. Seliph…

“Something up?”

Facing forwards once more, Garon stared at the ground.

Dolly stopped her writing, letting the book rest on her stomach. “Garon?” She asked, uncertainty in her tone.

Slowly, Garon lifted his face. “Dolly, can I ask you something?”

“Ask me what?”

The big dragon took a deep breath through his nostrils. “Ever since me and Swift came here we-…Well, since I’ve known them before, could-…” Garon started scratching the back of his head. No need to be formal she said. “Dolly.”

The Kangaskhan set the book down as he looked her in the eye.

“I want you to…tell me about Jaron and Ciecro. Anything and everything since they came into your life. I know, I’m still a stranger to you, but I was a friend to their parents and met them when they were little. I want to try and help them out, and learning about what happened and how they are right now will help me do that.” Garon took his arms off the chair. “Plus they’re important to me and Swift.”

Dolly’s eyes lowered to the side. “I appreciate the thought, but I don’t feel like I’m the one that should share it.”

“I would rather you tell me since I can tell something happened to them.”

Her eyes widened as Garon walked over to the wall next to the bed and placed a talon on its painted, wooden surface. “How they behaved at the meeting. I’ll confess, I was quite shocked.”

“They’re normally more docile than that.” Dolly calmly defended.

“Maybe,” Garon replied, gently dragging his talon down the wood. “But even still, what happened between them and Seliph isn’t going to go away.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’m saying, they’re both troubled.” Garon looked at her. “I’m sorry for bringing this up all of a sudden, especially when you’re worn out from the meeting.” He took a few steps forwards. “We can wait till tomorrow if you would prefer. I’ll even take you to lunch so we can-”

“Garon.” She placed a hand over her eyes. “It’s very personal to them.”

The garchomp walked up to Dolly’s bed and placed a claw on the foot mantle. “I know, and I wouldn’t ask you this if I didn’t feel it was important, for their sake.”

She lowered her hand, giving him her undivided attention.

“They must have many questions about why things have happened to them and are probably hesitant to leave this place.” Garon’s eyes looked upwards to the ceiling. “I and everyone that knew their parents wants what’s best for them. Wants to heal whatever happened to them and give them a future.”

“I know they need to go to Norfair.” Dolly set the book down, a slight scowl forming.

“It’s more than just that.”

Dolly kept firm but remained silent as Garon sighed.

“You know me and Swift were too late to do anything for them. We’ve thought they were dead for all this time.” Garon’s talons dug deeper into the wood. “Some things can’t be healed, but I want to try and help them in this time. I want them to feel they can come to me when Jaron and Ciecro don’t have you and so Seliph does have someone.”

Dolly’s glare melted, as she remained silent.

“I know what it’s like to feel uncertain about the future. To live in a foreign land, feeling alone. If Swift and I never met, I don’t know what I would have become. If I hadn’t met my teammates, I probably would have never grown into an adult.”

Her eyes lowered slightly, her fist tightening on the quill.

“That’s why I have to help them. Not as some soldier buddy of their parents or a faint memory of better times.” Time felt still as he felt his eyes start to water a little. “But as their Uncle.”