Vray
Pull up a chair.
Chapter 21
Testing Patience
Testing Patience
Humphry hummed to himself, arms behind his back as he stood on a hill a little off the beaten path leading into town. It was a nice sunny day, the perfect day for the aptitude test and the cool air did wonders in keeping his nerves from constantly knotting from the stress.
After a glance at the sun, Humphry’s relaxed smile shifted to a neutral look of mild concern as he turned his gaze down the hill.
“What time is it?”
A Luxray, lying in the grass nearby, yawned and shook his mane. Next to him was a Vespiquen, her small wings flapping with great speed and her large claws cupped in front of her abdomen. Both wore pink bands similar to Humphry’s but with Phiska City’s symbol. She looked down at the Luxray with a displeased look. “Well?”
“I just got comfortable.” He rolled onto his back, smirking with a clear enjoyment of her distress at his demeanor. “Besides, Humphry’s standing right there.”
She grumbled. “Don’t be rude-”
“Oh, I don’t mind. It’s about half-past ten. They should be getting here any minute now.”
“Half past ten!” The Luxray exclaimed, eyes wide and rolling onto all fours.
Humphry just stared back, a bit caught off guard at how serious he was taking this news after pretty much being so carefree in front of his boss.
The Luxray sat, grumbling. “Is it customary for your tests to take so long?” He sneered with a cold glare.
“Frizzzk,” The Vespiquen Commissioner buzzed up to him, agitated. “Zzzo help me if you don’t-”
“I’m just thinking of the road ahead,” Frisk defended, pulling a little back so he had some space from the buzzing bug. “Took us two whole days to get here from Phiska City. I don’t want us to keep everybody there without us for a whole week.”
The Vespiquen grumbled and pressed a talon to her small eyes. “Well can’t you be a bit more tactful inzzztead of blurting out like a buffoon?”
“Buffoon!” The Luxray growled, arcing his back a little.
Humphry walked down and coughed into his hand to get their attention. “It’s alright. I am sorry at how inconvenient this is for you two coming here, but I want to thank you all the same.” His body eased up at seeing the two calm down slightly, but both still looked upset. Sensing a chance to ease things over, Humphry shut his eyes and gave a warm smile. “But it shouldn’t be too much longer. Once the kids get here and the other groups we’ll shift into the combat portion of the test and that should take no more than twenty minutes tops. You both will be well on the road before noon.”
“I hope so,” Frisk mumbled as he laid back down in the grass.
Glancing at Frisk and shaking her head, the Vespiquen hovered towards Humphry. “I would like to apologize for my zzzubordinate.”
“Nah it’s fine. I imagine he does good work for you and all.”
“If you don’t mind me azzzking, why did you call so many groups for thizzz aptitude tezzzt running? Perion Town izzz lovely, but izzz your turnout really zzzo big to warrant thizzz much help?”
Humphry flicked his cabby cap a little as he gave her a confident nod. “Well, allow me to explain.” He gestured towards the town as he started. “So this round we’ve got about twenty young uns for the aptitude test, which is the most I’ve ever had by a good amount. My force could accommodate it, but given since we’re a small town in the middle of the market season, I didn’t want to lessen security for such an important time. Plus, I don’t want to break up the general tradition of other commissioners and their first captains assisting in the program since it helps give the test takers some good insight into other stations.”
“I zzzee…and you wanted so many commizzzzzzionerzzz and their firzzzt officerzzz becauzzze?”
“Simple. I wanted some good quality and to make it easier on everybody. I could just run it with the rangers nearby, but that’s only Commissioners Zebzena; Phillips; Counzel; and because I’m good enough friends the trip is an excuse to just catch up as well, Orgul. Which is a decent size, but we’d need to have two of us run the written test portions at the very least, which leaves me with only eight rangers for twenty kids for the entire battle portions.”
“That izzz a bit little for battle evaluation. You each would need to battle two with zzzome having to do three to even it out the bezzzt.”
“Exactly.” Humphry snapped his finger. “So I needed to get some extra help. And I thought to myself,” He pressed his hand to his chin, mimicking the posture he would have had. “Why not get some good quality help from some of the bigger cities? Sure it’d be a pretty long trip, but it’d bring some broadness for the kids and it would give you all a good chance to see some potential recruits for your forces. After all, I imagine keeping the cities safe is a lot more work than us out here in the middle of nowhere, heh.”
“Oh, I didn’t think of that. What a kind gezzzture.” she turned her head towards Frisk and her eyes narrowed coldly. “Izzzn’t that right, Frizzzk?”
“Yes, Captain,” Frisk answered without so much as a glance, too at east in the grass again.
Humphry didn’t pay the rudeness any mind as he continued. “And I’ve heard good things of Phiska’s force being tough as talons made of metal, so I just had to ask you lot to help with the battle portion.”
“I zzzee, well I’m flattered.”
“No problem, ma’am.” Humphry tipped his hat toward her, making her giggle a little. “I’d be a fool to pass on this chance.”
“Well, bezzzidezzz me and Frizzzk here, who did you get?”
Humphry raised his fingers as he named both off. “Commissioner Methis of Sable City and Commissioner Rilla of Crion City.”
“Oh joy, Rilla.”
“Frizzzk.” The Vespiquen spun around, angrily buzzing. “Don’t talk about a Crion’zzz commizzzzzzioner like that!”
“Come on, boss, it’s not like she’s here to get all upset at us for not liking her snobbish, ‘superior than thou’ attitude.” Frisk sat up and started licking his paw.
“I know, but-”
“If it makes you feel any better, Captain Nerom.”
Frisk’s ears perked up at being addressed by his title.
“Commissioner Rilla is helping with the written portion of the test with Undo.”
“That’s a relief.” Frisk tilted his head. “But why ask her to begin with?”
“Well, she does offer one of the best versions of the written test this side of Triacal. So I felt it proper to ask her for the kid’s sake.”
“Still…you sure you want that pompous lady to come here and run every-”
“Frizzzk, please. All thizzz negativity is going to make you age zzzhed long before you’re old.”
Frisk snickered as he looked away and snubbed her with a raised snout.
She sighed, but perked up as she asked Humphry, “Honezzztly, one of thezzze dayzzz you’re going to go too far with that mouth of yourzzz.”
“Tck, well then go ahead and fire me if it bothers you so much,” Frisk snapped.
“Pleazzze not now-”
“She’s not wrong you know. Grumpiness doesn’t make you age slower.” Humphry turned around, eyes widening as the voice’s familiarity filled his nerves with life. Walking up the hill towards them was Commissioner Orgul, with a blue ranger band around his left, thin Bisharp shoulder.
“Amyas!” Humphry jogged down to meet his friend halfway and after an embrace, he said, “You made good time. Where’re the others?”
“Getting something to eat so they don’t fight on an empty stomach. Sorry, we’re late.” Amyas rubbed the back of his metal helmet-like head, a goofy smile on his face.
“Oh no, not at all. The written part is taking longer than anticipated.”
“I see, well.” Amyas put his gauntlet hand on Humphry’s shoulder. “More time to catch up then.”
“You sure?”
“Huh?” Amyas raised a brow as Humphry threw a childish grin on his face.
“I wouldn’t want you to drop down from starvation in the next few minutes.”
“Shut up, prick.” Amyas playfully punched Humphry’s gut, the two chuckling.
“Ah, zzzo you’re Commizzzzzzioner Orgul of Plainier Town?”
Amyas nodded. “Yep, Amyas Orgul.” He introduced, doing a small, but respectful head bow to the Vespiquen. “And you must be Commissioner Sectonia?”
“Indeed I am.” She did a little curtsy bow, albeit without the legs. She gestured her arm to the Luxray. “And this is my first captain, Frizzzk Nemron.”
“How do you do,” Amyas said with a hearty smile, while the Luxray kept his disinterested frown on full display.
“I do well enough.”
“Ahehehe, well that’s certainly good to hear.” Amyas looked at Humphry. “So how’s everything here in Perion?”
“Fine, fine. How about Plainier?”
“Alright. Nothing too significant. At least not as significant as your little stuff. Nervous much?” He crossed his arms and leaned in with a prying grin.
“Heh, well kind of. Twenty is a lot and, I’m glad you and everyone else could come and help.”
Right as Commissioner Orgul opened his mouth to answer, a voice from lower on the hill interrupted.
“Help the needy they say. Even rangers are that sometimes, especially in places like this.”
Humphry glanced downhill, his smile going as a singular Phalinks marched up the hill, eyes looking all smug.
“Great, one of Rilla’s noisemakers,” Frisk grumbled in a whisper as he lay down in the grass.
Despite not appreciating the tone of this mon, Humphry kept his smile up and gave a respectful bow to the Phalinks that joined them. “Of course. Commissioner Rilla’s reputation for the written test is well earned, Captain…uhm?”
“First Captain Asmodeaus,” The Phalinks corrected, as he turned his gaze to the others nearby. “Ah, so it wasn’t just Crion you called aid from. Though, not to be rude, but Phiska wouldn’t be my first choice.”
Commissioner Sectonia’s wings flapped faster as the insult agitated her. “We happen to be clozzzer to Perion Town than Crion City.”
“I’m aware. But I suppose having so many test takers they needed some heavy lifters.”
She buzzed, as her arms shook at their sides. Until Amyas stepped in between. “Woah, Woah, everybody. We’re better than this. We’re adults, let alone rangers.”
The Vepsiquen sighed. “Yezzz, you’re right.” She looked at Humphry, saying, “If I may, what wazzz the rezzzt of your plan?”
“Huh? Oh well, I’d rather wait till the rest are here.”
“Oh come on,” Amyas shrugged. “We’re here and it’s not like it’s painful for you to tell us.”
“You might as well.” The rude Phalinks said, looking up at the sky. “Not like we have anything better to discuss.”
All eyes focused on him with annoyance until they turned back to Humphry. “Well,” the Seismitoad rubbed his chin and shrugged with a smile. “Why not. All right so here’s what we’re going to do.” He straightened his posture, puffed out his chest, moved his left arm behind his back, and held up a finger. “Since there are twenty kids for this, I was thinking of splitting the groups so that each group would get three students. The pairs would comprise of a commissioner and a first captain, neither being the of the same branch.”
“Isn’t that needlessly complicated?” Captain Asmodeaus commented, not even bothering to bring his eyes from whatever clouds they were gazing at.
“I don’t think so. It’d give the kids some good mixture of different rangers and even would be good practice for us too, I figured.”
“I like it,” the Bisharp said with a nod. “I’m sure Somwei would appreciate not working with me.”
“That makes two,” Frisk smirked at his boss, who leered back at him.
“Anyways, I’ll be helping too. And the groups I was thinking of would be-”
“Hold up one second.”
“Huh?”
The Phalinks turned around, leering at Humphry as he continued. “If you’re splitting it up three kids per pair, and you have seven pairs running this operation, then one group would get two.”
“Huh, you’re right,” The Vespiquen buzzed, looking at Humphry for an answer.
“Ah well, there’s a reason for that. Me and Captain Tork of Vergium Town will be handling the two in that group.”
“Captain Tork? You sure he’s a good option for that?” Amyas said, pressing his metal hand to his chin. “I mean, he’s their strongest ranger. Even broke one of his student’s arm last year during their town’s aptitude test.” A goofy smirk crossed his face as he looked to the side. “Boy was Commissioner Zebzena pissed.”
Humphry smiled a little at remembering that afternoon but focused back up as he continued with, “It should be fine. I chose him specifically for the strongest student. That’s mostly the reason-”
“Ah, so you’re going to have Tork take on the troublemaker, I see.”
Humphry paused, his mouth agape as he looked at Captain Asmodeaus, who was looking at him with an icy, yet amused stare. Shutting his mouth, Humphry took a deep inhale through his nostrils and said, “I’m not sure where you got that notion, but-”
“From around town. I don’t blame you though, from what I heard he’s gotten quite the bad reputation. Odd you’d consider such a delinquent for this test.”
“Everyone deserves another chance. Besides, he’s very committed to the cause.” Humphry leered at the Phalinks, though his mind was racing. I thought the gossip about Ciecro had died down well enough. Sure he gets rude stares, but nobody cared enough to soil his reputation with out-of-town rangers. Unless it was Clyde…Ugh.
“It’s alright, I understand. Taking what you can get is just sometimes what is needed-”
“Captain.”
“Hrm?” The Phalinks looked up at Humphry, who walked up and stared down at him as if they were fangs ready to inject venom. “I’d request you not tout local gossip.”
The Phalinks grunted and turned around. “Local gossip about an attempted mur-”
“I didn’t request you to come here to ramble about someone eager to become a ranger. It’s not the reputation that makes a ranger, it’s in here.” He tapped his chest. “And I won’t shun someone wanting to do the right thing when I can give a guiding hand. Now, please stop circulating local gossip about a student’s personal matter.”
“Tck, very well. I’ll respect your decision, Perion’s Commissioner.” The Phalinks looked back up at the sky, almost as if their tense conversation hadn’t happened.
Humphry felt a tap on his shoulder as he turned to see Amyas patting him. An encouraging smile was on his face, the kind that made Humphry instantly warm up.
One clearing croak later, Humphry said, “Okay so where was-” He froze as a beeping sound filled their ears, prompting him to reach for his belt. He pressed the com orb and it split. “Commissioner Hommel speaking?”
“This is Captain Undo. We’ve just finished the tests and are getting everyone ready.”
“Good, first go let the kids get some lunch while we get the rangers to the meeting point and get everyone up to speed.”
“Yes sir!”
He switched the com off and stuffed it back into his belt’s pouch. “Alright, you heard the mon. Let’s go get everyone and head to the rendezvous point on the outskirts.”
The Luxray stretched, arching his back and grunting. “Finally.”
His boss sighed as they started towards town, the Phalinks following along with the Bisharp. However, at seeing Humphry just standing there, Amyas turned back.
“Problem?”
“No, I’m alright. Just nervous.” He smiled at his friend, but it went away at seeing Amyas wasn’t convinced.
“Hey, don’t let some snobby captain get to you. Your job ain’t easy and you’ve got sound judgment.”
“Oh no, I’m fine. If words like his got to me, I’d have quit a long time ago.”
Commissioner Orgul crossed his arms and tilted his head. “Then what is it?”
“We need to hurry.” Humphry started as Amyas walked beside him.
“Talk and walk?”
“Heh, like old times at our station’s academy?”
“Why not?”
“Heh. Sure thing.” Humphry looked forwards. “It’s mostly about that student.”
“The one Captain Asmodeaus was talking about?”
“Yeah…just gets under my skin some snob head being so quick to deny the boy.”
“I suppose. It isn’t right in my book, but my book isn’t their station’s rulebook.”
“True. But the kid really is a nice boy with a good heart.” Humphry looked at Orgul, a smile on his face. “Being a ranger is something he’s committed to becoming.”
“I imagine.”
“No, I mean, he really wants it. Like badly.”
“He does?”
“Yep. He’s been training and studying hard just so he’ll pass this test. I’ve been following him and I bet if you saw his progression you’d be impressed.”
“Maybe. I trust your judgment of character.”
Humphry looked at the grass in front as they walked. “Say, Amyas.”
“Yeah?”
Humphry looked back at his friend, an idea forming in his mind. “Do you have to head back right after the test?”
“I mean, I don’t need to. Something up?”
Humphry crossed his arms. “Want to meet him?”
“Meet who?”
“The boy I’m talking about.” Humphry’s gaze looked forwards, staring at the town as it stood tall amid the grassy plains surrounding it. “Ciecro Almkin.”
< O >
“Oof!” Humphry grunted as he slid back on the ground. His arms were sore from blocking the Psycho Cut heading for his head, but as he lowered them they tensed. He saw his opponent, Jasmine, her horn ceasing its pink glow as she arced downwards like she was getting ready to pounce.
“One minute remaining!”
Humphry glanced at Tork, holding his large, right hand up while his left displayed the holographic timer in the other. His eyes trailed over to Ciecro, who was completely focused on Jasmine with a nervous scowl.
Heh, one-minute ei? He faced his opponent again, right in time to see her charging at him with Megahorn. He rolled his neck and planted his legs. Alright, let’s put on a good show for the next goers.
As suddenly as her horn started growing, it stopped its greenish glow and returned side as her body accelerated with a white streak behind.
Faking into Quick Attack, heh. He slammed one of his fists into the ground, a stream of brown light shining as mud flew towards her like it was a Water Gun from some water type’s mouth.
Jasmine darted left, but Humphry rotated in his spot, slamming his fists into the ground, one after another to create new Mud Shots to keep her back. Sorry, Jasmine, you ain’t getting through that easy.
The Absol picked up the pace, but Humphry was comfortably able to keep up given he had to merely twist to her sprinting in a larger circle.
Come on, your clock is ticking. A confident smile formed on Humphry’s face as Jasmine finally gave up trying to flank him and instead leaped in the air, her head horn shining pink energy as she twisted her head. “Yaaaargh!” A Psycho Cut crescent wave soared right towards Humphry.
Now’s my chance! He raised his leg, like how a Hariyama would before slamming it into the ground, sending another Mud Shot to intercept the Psycho Cut. It broke through the psychic move as Jasmine scowled, dashing away from the incoming move right as she landed with swiftness.
Dang, I forgot how nimble she was. A smile formed on his face. Guess there are perks to being a speedster. Humphry cupped his hands together, slowly pulling them apart as if he was making a snowball. Between his palms, a cyan ball began forming that looked in the shape of a snowball but had a twirling snowflake in the center.
“No, you don’t!” Jasmine exclaimed, her horn engulfed in a pink glow as she sent another Psycho Cut right at him.
Humphry smirked, turning his body so it would hit his shoulder, and closed his eyes. Too bad for you. Pain surged on his shoulder as the move broke apart as he toughed out the hit. I’m a defense-built Seismitoad. A goofy grin formed as he finished forming the sphere. I get it from my momma’s side.
“What?” Jasmine gasped, dumbfounded at how he just took it without a second thought, allowing him to throw his arms up and send the sphere up above the two. It burst apart, causing a swirl of wind and ice above their heads that rained down upon them.
“Hail?” Jasmine absentmindedly asked, raising her paw to shield her face from the wind and small ice.
“Yep,” Humphry answered with a happy stare, though his body was far from appreciative of the temperature drop and the pelting of the ice. As the ice pellets struck the right arm that shielded his face, Humphry stretched his left outwards as water streams ran down it, glowing with a blue light.
Jasmine gasped, as it emerged from Humphry’s arm like an aqua Ekans and started orbiting the Seismitoad in a slithery motion. Her eyes widened. “Wait…that’s?”
“Ahhhh, that’s much better.” Humphry lowered the arm shielding his head, smirking as the orbiting Aqua Ring emitted a pulsating glow that flowed into Humphry like small, almost transparent streams of water. The Seismitoad put a hand on his head, croaking as he laughed. “Better do something quick Jas-” He froze midsentence as he saw Jasmine had vanished. Behind? He swung around, but it was too late.
“Ack!” Humphry felt a sharp sting in his stomach as Jasmine rammed him with a Megahorn. “Why you!” He tried grabbing her, the adrenaline and instinctual fear filling his mind.
She hopped back, using Quick Attack to get some distance.
Humphry rested on a knee, panting a bit as his nerves ceased their despair in his gut and remembered the minor pelting Hail and relaxing Aqua Ring.
That’s…ugh, smarts. He groaned as he got to his feet, taking his hand away from the part where she rammed him. As he felt the pain in his stomach, his mind focused on the feeling of the metallic device on his left arm. His fist clenched. Damn, and that was on fifty percent suppression and it still felt like I was about to get run through. I don’t want to think about what would have happened if we weren’t using inhibitors. He shivered a little as he thought of it anyway, even if it was just as simple as being stabbed.
“Ten Seconds!”
Immediately, Humphry snapped out of his stupor and slammed a fist into the ground, sending a Mud Shot Jasmine’s way. She hopped to the side and rushed towards him with Quick Attack.
That’s right, come on in. He feigned to shield his head with his arms, but right as she was about to strike he pushed them outwards. Her move struck his arms as she went over, Humphry making her altitude a bit higher with a helpful push.
Alright, Humphry Hommel! Epic finish! He slashed his right arm in front, a blue line forming. He raised his arms as from the line, blue glowing water rose in the form of a wave. As it came to life, the water appeared beneath him, however, he didn’t sink inside but could stand on it freely. It moved him up the wave as it grew larger, mimicking the arm movements he did over his head.
Jasmine’s eyes bulged at the horrifying sight of a three-story wave heading her way from the top of the hill, while she was airborne.
“Oh yeah!” Humphry exclaimed, a powerful almost maniacal glee in his eyes as he swung his arms down from atop the wave upon the poor Absol that was just landing.
“Time!” The Hariyama shouted about a second before the wave crashed on the slope and traveled to the dip between the hills.
“Jaz!” Ciecro shouted, jogging forwards a little to try and spot his friend amid the slowly sinking water.
Jasmine shot out of the ground, spitting out water and coughing. “What was that‽” She coughed some more, the taste of seawater in her mouth. “I got it in my mouth, blegh!” A nasty scowl emerged on her face as Humphry waded over to her, laughing unrestrained.
“I haven’t done that in a long time.” He reached over and helped her to her feet in the water, which was beginning to sink into the dirt. As he led her up the hill out of the Surf water, he gave the sour Absol a warm smile. “You did pretty good.”
“Thanks.” She managed to say amid her coughing and spitting. “But did you really have to do that?” Her eyes narrowed into a minor scowl, as they reached dry land.
“Can’t make it too easy for you, heh.” Humphry rubbed his head. Jasmine started shaking off the water, Humphry shielding his face as droplets struck him all over.
“Oh, mon.” Jasmine looked down at herself, shivering a little. “I’m a mess.”
Humphry shook his head as he looked up to see his Hail sphere begin to vanish and the chilling wind die down. “Well, nothing about battling is clean.”
“Don’t remind me.” She leered as he chuckled.
“Anyways, mind taking off your inhibitor.”
“Oh ri-”
“Jaz!”
They both looked up to see Ciecro rushing down towards them, taking care to slow down before he started tumbling from the speed. “Yah a’igh’ Jaz?”
“I’ll live, but my fur is another story.” She grumbled, clawing at her inhibitor forearm guard.
“Careful now, these things aren’t cheap.” Humphry requested.
There was a clinking sound as the inhibitor fell to the ground. Jasmine picked it up and handed it to Ciecro, who started putting it on his arm.
“Anyways, let’s have your fight on a hill that isn’t currently drying, ei?” He patted Ciecro on the shoulder. His smile went as he saw Ciecro’s downcast head and scowling eyes. They looked shaky. Humphry’s eyes trailed down to Ciecro’s right arm where the inhibitor was attached, between the elbow and wrist. He saw minor, but rapid shaking.
“Hey.” Ciecro looked up at him as Humphry smiled warmly. “You’ll do fine.”
Ciecro seemed to ease up, but his face drifted to the side as if a visual telling of how much he disagreed with Humphry’s confidence. Come on, Ciecro. It’s time, so get your head in- A pat on his shoulder made him croak in surprise and turn around.
“That was a good battle, Commissioner.”
“Oh, uh, hehehehe…” Humphry awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. “Thanks, though I think I went a little overboard at the end there.”
“It was a very impressive Surf.”
“Why thank you, but we should get a move on to another hilltop for you two’s battle.” He looked at Ciecro, who stiffened up at being mentioned. Geez, it’s like a whole new Ciecro. I know he can get nervous, but dang. Humphry gasped. “Oh right!” He undid the lock on his inhibitor and handed it to Tork as he looked at the two trainees. “Let’s go.”
“Right.”
“R-r-righ’.”
The trio started up the hill first, Tork following behind while trying to put the inhibitor in a spot where it would fit snugly. Of course, large hands weren’t the best when it came to undoing and redoing straps.
“Sorry about that. We don’t have troves of money,” Humphry mentioned, taking pity on Tork’s struggle.
“Oh no, I understand. Just need to, mmmhm, undo this.”
“Do you want some hel-”
“Nah, I’m fine. I’m not letting some stupid thing like a strap beat me.”
“If you say so.” Humphry looked back at the kids in front, his gaze softening as he could still see some jittery posture in Ciecro. Geez, tighten up any more and you’ll twist yourself into a knot. He sighed in his mind as the trio reached the top, Humphry and Jasmine stopping about three meters from the pinnacle.
Ciecro took position on the right side of the hill’s summit while Tork walked over to the left side, almost done in his fiddling with the inhibitor.
Humphry’s gaze was locked on Ciecro. Ciecro… he shut his eyes, talking as if he was using telepathy with the Charmeleon. Your power is yours. You don’t need to be afraid of it. Every child has to accept their abilities. It’s no different for Clansmons. His eyes opened, full of compassion. It was no different for me.
“Sir!”
Humphry’s eyes blinked and looked at Tork, who was standing at attention, ready for battle. Nodding to himself, the Seismitoad raised his right arm, as he moved one of his large fingers in his left over a spot on the orb it held. “Okay, settings to fifty percent! Raise ‘em up!”
Both turned their arm devices so that the green numbers were visible. They twisted the dials till it displayed the number fifty.
“Alright, you first Tork.”
Tork nodded and carefully moved his other hand to the circular dial the number rested inside. His large fingers pressed the opposite sides and twisted the cylinder, causing the number to change to red and the inhibitor to make a clanking sound akin to one twisting a lock.
Humphry nodded and looked at Ciecro who did the same. “Alright!” Humphry pointed his right arm to the sky, announcing, “This will be a seven-minute performance-based battle. Basic rules of cordial battling apply. Now.” He flattened his palm above as the two combatants faced each other. Humphry swung his arm down, pressing on the orb as he shouted, “Begin!”
Instantly, Tork lunged forwards, moving at great speed toward his target.
Ciecro was dumbfounded by the speed of the large mon, that he just narrowly pulled up his arms to block the first of what became a volley of Bullet Punches. Ciecro’s grunts were drowned out by the rapid slams of the fists until finally one hit at a good enough angle to knock Ciecro’s defenses aside so that the Charmeleon could get slammed right into his chest.
Humphry heard Jasmine gasp as Ciecro went rolling backward down the hill. The Seismitoad’s eyes narrowed as he felt his body stiffen. Come on, Ciecro. You got this, just remember all your training.
A little later, Ciecro pushed off the ground with his hands, handspringing back to his feet and firing a Flamethrower at Tork. The Hariyama charged right into the Flamethrower, punching at it with Bullet Punch.
Ciecro’s eyes reflected his surprise and confusion at the large mon not only being able to use Bullet Punch to prevent his body from being singed, but also to keep advancing down the hill albeit at a step per two seconds.
Humphry’s eyes narrowed as he gaged the distance with his eyes. He’s got about twenty seconds. If Humphry felt the secretions on his skin increase on his head as he eyed Ciecro with a stone-focused stare and his heart beat faster. Come on, kid. He’s going to getcha if you don’t do something about it.
By now, Ciecro had snapped out of the surprise and was throttling his flames fiercer, hoping it would stop Tork in his tracks. Alas, a few seconds after being exposed to the fiercer torrent of flames, the Hariyama was once again advancing down the hill.
Humphry raised a brow at seeing navy blue scales form at the base of Ciecro’s tapered tail and advance down towards the flame. They glistened, full of synergy like a solidified form of the Flamethrower being unleashed currently.
Okay, so Dragon Tail then. Humphry watched with anticipation, excited to see what Ciecro would do as the Hariyama was now almost upon him. Wait. He peered closer, realizing Ciecro was standing upright, his chest puffed out and his neck pulled back slightly thus forcing his head to bend to fire the flames. He’s cutting his flames’ pathway intentionally? His surprised face shifted to glee.
Ciecro quickly leaned forwards, the path from his throat to his maw no longer bent. The flames shot out at a faster rate, catching Tork off guard with the increased intensity and forcing him to halt his advance. The Charmeleon then shut his mouth and charged, taking no time for Ciecro to reach Tork and hop and slice with a forming Dragon Claw.
The ranger wasn’t going to get hit that easily, bending his body to avoid a strike to the head. “Huh?” Ciecro leaned into his claw swipe, spinning his body so his Dragon Tail covered the area where Tork’s head went and landed a direct slap on the mon’s face. “Ouch!” Tork grabbed the spot on his face while Ciecro landed and rolled on the grass, getting up in a low knee posture.
“Not bad kid.” Tork complimented, taking his hand from his face and closing it into a fist. He twisted around and slammed at Ciecro with a Power-Up Punch, but Ciecro pivoted out of the way. As the first move struck the ground, Tork tried to pin Ciecro with his other arm.
Ciecro dove in front, slamming a Thunder punch into Tork’s leg.
“Ack! Why you!” Ciecro darted around Tork, staying very close to the mon’s large, stubby legs while keeping up his attacks and ensuring he wasn’t trapped by the mon’s large hands.
Humphry’s eyes widened. That’s the Ciecro I know! He glanced at the clock. Three minutes.
“Hold still you little-ooof”
Humphry’s eyes shot back to the action as Ciecro backflipped off of Tork’s chest, landing a hit on the mon’s lower face with his tail.
“Ow!” Tork shook his head and charged after Ciecro, slamming down at the recently landed Charmeleon with Power-Up Punch.
Humphry saw a smirk on Ciecro’s face as the Charmeleon as he hopped from his spot, using the momentum from the move’s shockwave to butterfly double twist away and land with his arms stretched towards Tork. Orange orbs of fire formed in them and fired upon Tork, who raised his gray, metallic glowing hands to shield his face.
The Hariyama started Bullet Punching at the fire again, but this time Ciecro had the high ground which made it harder for Tork to advance at a faster pace.
Humphry smiled at seeing how confident Ciecro looked. The Gyarados had come out of the cave and was swimming in the sea, feared and fearsome in its movements.
The smile faded as he saw Tork swap to only punching with one hand and stopping his progress entirely. What is he- The other hand shifted from metallic grey to gleaming white. Humphry saw a similar glow of white energy in the form of a circle at Ciecro’s feet. Ciecro! Look out! He shouted in his head.
Ciecro noticed the ring beneath him, but by then it was too late. A powerful gust of white streaks that twirled like a powerful wind shot out of the ground, sending Ciecro airborne. “Dyaaaa!!” Ciecro shouted as he was spun uncontrollably by the Whirlwind.
“Ciecro!” Jasmine exclaimed, rising to all fours.
Humphry’s eyes narrowed. Guess Tork has some impressive moves of his own.
The Vergium Captain’s eyes narrowed in a pleased manner as he lowered his hand and it stopped glowing white. In kind, the Whirlwind from below Ciecro stopped blowing and the poor Charmeleon started plummeting to the ground screaming. Tork tightened his fist, Power-Up Punch appearing in his hand.
Seeing this, Ciecro surged Dragon Tail and twirled forwards to block it with his move. To his surprise, Tork merely stepped to the side and in the blink of an eye, grabbed Ciecro’s tail from the side and pulled him down.
Humphry gasped at seeing Ciecro slammed into the ground.
Ciecro tried to get up but was immediately pulled into a swing by the Hariyama. “Waaah!” Ciecro was pulled around in a circle by his tail. “Let me go!” Ciecro tried to get a shot of Flamethrower onto Tork but paused at seeing black energy in the hand grabbing his tail. It traveled along his tail before engulfing the Charmeleon like some kind of black aura.
Humphry sealed his lips as Tork let go, sending Ciecro flying down the hill.
“Is that-?”
Humphry nodded. “Yup…Fling.”
“This is going to hurt.” Jasmine closed her eyes, while Humphry kept them squarely fixated on Ciecro as the Charmeleon hit the ground on his back.
The black aura around him erupted violently, like a buried trap exploding on an unfortunate traveler. Ciecro went flying again, hitting the bottom of the hill on his stomach and rolling onto his side.
The Fire Type, pushed with his arms, rising to a knee before looking back up the hill at Tork charging down the hill, accelerated by Bullet Punch.
Ciecro fired Flamethrower from his mouth, slowing Tork’s progress but not halting it.
Humphry looked back at the orb timer, shouting, “One Minute!” He saw Ciecro’s body tense and his eyes widened with a form of panic in them. Sorry champ, rules are rules.
Despite the shock of the time, Ciecro calmed down fast as he focused back on the large target coming down towards him, pelting at the flames with those massive hands. He surged Dragon Claw in his hands as he started walking towards Tork while firing the flames.
Humphry nodded. Good idea, he’s faster than you with Bullet Punch, so closing the distance is very important.
Once he was close enough, Ciecro ceased using Flamethrower and pushed off for a rush, only to stumble a little as a small gust of Whirlwind blew from the side of him.
No! Humphry watched with horror as Ciecro was too off balance to avoid the follow-up Power-Up Punch. He tried blocking, but couldn’t form a base and was overwhelmed by the force and sent back down the hill, landing on his back with an “oof”. As Ciecro pushed up with his arms, looking up at Tork while he lay there, he saw the Power-Up Punch’s energy erupt and flow into Tork’s arm in red streams that vanished inside the hulking body.
As Ciecro stood up, he stumbled a little forwards. He panted and his arms sagged.
“He’s tired,” Jasmine said with horror in her tone. She looked up at Humphry, saying, “And this is on fifty percent?”
Humphry nodded, the cold truth in his mind. “Yep. Captain Tork is their strongest ranger and Ciecro’s gotten hit a lot.”
Jasmine looked back at the fight with concern.
Humphry’s eyes narrowed as he watched Tork rush Ciecro again with Bullet Punch.
Ciecro backed away, doing his best to avoid the punches or parry them, but was eventually overwhelmed. One by one, he was slammed by the punches.
Jasmine shut her eyes and looked to the side.
Humphry felt a heat rising in his heart at seeing Ciecro being pelted like that. A scowl crossed his face. You’re better than this, Ciecro! He said in his heart. Stop fooling around and fight like the fighter you-
Ciecro got knocked back and, for a second, they looked at each other. Humphry’s angry stare met Ciecro’s tired and frustrated one. It was shortlived as Ciecro hand to cover his head as another Bullet Punch went his way. The Charmeleon was on a knee, holding his head under his claws as Tork slammed him with Bullet Punches from above.
Humphry looked at the timer. “Fifteen secon-!”
Ciecro roared, pushing his arms forwards with Thunderpunch right into Tork’s incoming one. The clash sent a small ripple into the air as Ciecro pulled one hand back and slammed it again.
Tork, surprised at this sudden counteroffensive, backed off.
Ciecro leaped up onto Tork, and pummeled his face with Thunderpunch.
A flustered Tork, flailed around, trying to grab at Ciecro from his head, but the Charmeleon’s rapid punches made it hard to focus. Eventually, he regained enough of his bearings to try and swat Ciecro off.
The Charmeleon hopped above it the swipe and grabbed onto Tork’s shoulders from behind, wrapping them to choke.
Tork gagged as he tried to free his throat.
Humphry’s mouth went agape as he watched Ciecro pull back with all his might, making the large Hariyama begin to fall backward. What are you- He soon found out the answer as Ciecro pulled up onto Tork’s shoulders and flipped back onto the mon’s chest as he hit the ground.
Ciecro grabbed Tork’s face and pulled his head back, bringing it down into a harsh headbutt that made Tork’s eyes shoot wide and a harsh cracking sound.
“Ciecro!” Humphry rushed down the hill, seeing the Charmeleon surging Thunderpunch. “Time!”
Almost as if he had snapped out of some trance, Ciecro pulled back and stared at Tork’s face.
Humphry stopped beside Tork, hearing the poor mon groan as a large bruise was forming. The Seismitoad bit his lip as he scowled.
< O >
“My goodness.” A Tsareena gasped, looking up at the Hariyama sporting a black bruise on his right eye.
“Yeah, got quite the peck there, I did,” Tork chuckled, his voice having the added effect of a Ducklett quack due to the bandage over his nostrils. “Guess you weren’t kidding about him being your strongest applicant, mon.” Tork rubbed his eye as the Tsareena shook her head and bent her hips the other way.
“Well, it’s a nice change of pace. I was getting a bit tired of broken bones from applicants.”
“Hey!” Tork angrily replied, the intimidation ruined by the nasal tone.
Humphry sighed, holding his cabby hat in his hands and bowing his head to the Tsareena. “I’m sorry Commissioner Zebzena. I didn’t mean for-”
“Oh relax. As I said, I’d much rather this than the other way around.” She put a hand on her hip, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her words. “Besides, giving Tork a black eye and broken nose like that is impressive.”
Humphry sighed. “Thanks, but I don’t think anyone else would quite agree on that.”
“No one battles expecting to not get hurt in some way,” She sighed, flicking her plant-like hair. “Anyways, the big oaf will be fine. We’ll be heading out once we get some numbers from here. No harm done.”
Humphry did a grateful head bow and put his hat back on. “Thank you kindly. It’s awfully nice of you.”
“Don’t sweat it. Tork’s had worse. Tell that kid who did this my compliments to his fighting prowess.”
“I will.” Humphry smiled as he turned around and walked out of the room. Phew. He put a hand on his hat and shook his head. Glad it wasn’t anything serious. As he walked down the hallway, he felt a heavy feeling surmount on his back as he thought back to Ciecro’s face looking at Tork. Poor guy. What an awful way for his test to go.
Right as Humphry passed a corner he stopped at hearing a voice say, “So, how is he?”
“Hrm?” Humphry turned and crossed his arms. “Tork’s alright, Amyas.”
The Bisharp leaning on the wall got off.
“So, I take it your combat is done.”
“Yep.” He shrugged. Stretching his arms, Amyas said, “Pretty good bouts.”
Humphry smiled at his friend’s optimism. “Good to hear.” Humphry looked at the door to the infirmary, his smile going.
“Something wrong?”
Humphry shook his head. “No. Just idly thinking. So, you going to take me up on my offer?”
“About that party?” The Bisharp crossed his metal gauntlets. “Sure, sounds like fun. Though, are you sure I wouldn’t be intruding?”
The Seismitoad shook his head. “Nope. You’d be my guest. Plus, you want to meet Ciecro right?”
The Bisharp nodded. “So, was he the one that…?” His eyes darted back towards the hall.
Humphry’s smile went as he nodded. “Just don’t talk too much about the test to him.”
“Alright.”
Humphry adjusted his hat, raising a brow as he felt a strange chill in his body. What? His eyes started browsing the room.
“What time and where was it again?”
Humphry kept looking around, as he said. “Oh uh…by the lake. There’s a river that goes into it. I’ll meet you there at nine.”
“Sure thing, buddy.” One back slap on Humphry later and Amyas was on his way out the door.
The Seismitoad just stood there, watching his friend leave with a frown on his face. What was that feeling just now? He rubbed the side of his head as he blinked. Well, whatever it is. It’s gone now. He started leaving, taking one last look behind as he exited.