Benders of the Oracle's Dagger

Fallen and Escaped.

The group was setting up to go hunting when the sound of feet hit the air. The group froze as a group of people in armor came in. The lead male growled as the town gathered.

"Our great lord, Lord Gelicant, has found a small, yet powerful aura has been sensed here. We are here to take it and show our lord. If that person can step forward and come willingly, that would be the greatest choice."

No one moved. Who could? An aura in a town like theirs was impossible. The lead male frowned.

"Then we'll go the other way. Oldest to youngest, we'll check all of you." A growl escaped an elder.

"Why? If there's an aura, no one would know how to handle it! Why should we listen if we don't know our own chances against experts like you?"

Those words hit hard. He wasn't wrong. No one knew what to do with an aura. The army and lord were the only ones and that should stay like that. The lead man hummed.

"I understand. And I see your point. But whoever has the aura might be able to help the army and lord protect the region. Now, if you'll please work with us-"

"No! Let us be at peace! If it's as small as it sounds, how can anyone find it on any one person?" The lead man sighed.

"Force it is." He marched over to the elder. Midnight felt something enter his hands. He looked to see his stuff. He looked up at Sage as he gave Scarlet and Cedar theirs and looked at Lapis, who was twitching immensely.

"When Lapis moves, run." He paused before looking at the bluenette. As soon as the man grabbed the elder, he snapped.

"Get off him!"

Grasping his hand into a fist, the lead man froze and released the elder. He took a knee as Lapis tightened the fist. The quad started backing away with the rest of the town. Two of the men with him ran over to the lead one as Lapis launched. A bucket of water was quickly emptied as he lifted the water and struck the duo. The other four raced off as Lapis pushed the duo out and forced the lead man down. A cold growl escaped him.

"You should respect the lower ranks if you want to get cooperation. Nothing is that-"

Lapis was cut off by something knocking him out. The water dropped and the lead man gasped for air. The bluenette collapsed as a figure dropped down. The lead man smiled.

"Thanks..." The female warrior nodded.

"Of course." She eyed the unconscious male as one of the men picked him up. "Waterbender. Not much, but I bet if we show him to the lord, he'll be good until we find the aura." She hummed. "Speaking of which, it seems to have faded. We must report back to see where it has vanished to." The leader nodded before bowing to the others.

"Thank you for your cooperation." Silence greeted him as they eyed their departure. The elder sighed.

"I'm sorry, Lapis."

???

The four kids raced through the woods towards the border. Cedar gasped for air as they approached the great wall. A small river granted them a safe way to safety. Midnight huffed as he looked back.

"What about Big Brother Lapis?" Scarlet pushed tears back as she grasped his hand.

"It's too dangerous. We'll explain later. Right now, we have to go! He just threw them off our trail. C'mon!" He paused as they raced through the river's entrance as Sage mumbled something.

"'Follow the river to a small house. Knock on the door and say Go Λάπις. Be safe.'" Sage looked at Cedar, who had slightly fallen behind. "Do you actually think Lapis knows where he's sending us?"

"Yes. Lapis wouldn't send us astray. C'mon." He huffed lightly as he tried to catch up. Scarlet passed her grip on Midnight to Sage before falling back to grab Cedar to help him out. He smiled at her actions as they arrived at a small town. She gulped.

"Midnight... welcome to the Kithicor Sector of the Aloje Region."

???

Lapis opened his eyes and looked around. A cage encased him as he sat up. He sighed as he looked at the ground. A soft smile crossed his face when he saw he was alone. The smile vanished as he saw two people going over. A grim look appeared in its place as the duo came over.

"You're awake. Good." He growled.

"Let me go! I have a home to protect!"

"In which you could join the army and do."

"No way! I have better things to do than be a danger to the sector's army!" They glanced at each other as the female sighed.

"If you won't join us, then tell us where the aura is." He twitched before gasping. Pain roared to life as he gripped his arms. "Aw... how adorable."

"What did you do...?" The male smiled.

"We had a very great spellcaster cast an enchant that when you try to bend, you damage yourself." Lapis stopped at his words. Yeah... that would've been great before now. He hissed lightly before freezing at the pain.

"Let me go..." The female purred.

"Tell us where the aura is and we'll make a deal." Lapis instead lowered his head and sat down, turning his back to the duo and whimpered in pain. She sighed. "Suite yourself. We will find it."

As they left, he curled up into a ball and started whispering a soft prayer.

"Please... lord Arceus... protect him..."