Tamer Gothic – Book 2 – The Shadow Lord
Part 1
Lavender Town.
Despite the friendly, storybook-like appearance of the small town, the people here were far from welcoming. They stared at me with eyes full of worry. They watched me intently from their living room windows or from their front yards, a few even going as far as to take a break from their gardening so they could get a good look at me.
Not every town thought highly of Tamers, but this place should. Granted there was no Pokégirl gym here, but there was a Pokégirl Center so the locals should have been use to the sight of people such as myself. Even Raven, who walked beside me, wasn't that odd looking to people who must have seen all sorts of pokegirls pass through their town.
"Something's wrong here" I commented.
I could almost taste the fear in the air.
"The place seems different" my Alpha told me "Colder somehow and the last time I was here people waved at me and I was even given directions".
Before we could discuss this matter further I then noticed the one building that overlooked all the others. It was a tall, dark tower that was completely made of black bricks and it's pointed roof seemed to just about touch the clouds. However I knew that it really wasn't that tall of a building.
The Pokégirl Tower.
I'd come here on purpose, as this was where Guenhwyvar had been buried, yet I felt an unusual chill wash over me. There was something off about this place, and I really wished that Nikita was with me but she had gone to visit her Dad. We planned to met up again after the tournament so I wouldn't see her again for a while.
Failing her having Thomas with me would have been nice as he was use to people acting weird around him. If nothing else, he'd have some tips for dealing with this kind of unfriendly treatment.
"Are you lost?" someone asked.
I jumped at the sound of an old man's voice. I spun around to see a gentlemen who stared at me with almost dead eyes. Even his clothes somehow seemed drained of life.
"No, but thanks for asking" I replied, wanting to be polite.
He didn't say anything he just continued to stare. At first I thought he was staring into my eyes, but then I realized he was looking past me. Then he mumbled something and walked off. I assumed that the bloke was senile, or at least very distracted by something.
I let out a sigh of relief when I finally found the Pokégirl Centre on the other side of town. I balled Raven, who had teleported me here, and let her join the others for a Healing/Cleaning cycle. We'd been on the move at lot recently, and while I fully intended to have a rest in Pallet Town before heading back to the coast to catch my ship, we had a few more places to visit before any of us would get a chance to really relax. Which for my 'girls meant they'd had no chance for a proper bath. Hence the badly needed cleaning cycle.
Once that was taken care of I left my Pokégirls with the Nurse Joy and made my to an outdoor cafe for a cup of coffee. Finding a place at one of the wooden tables, I sat down with my drink and picked up a newspaper that someone had left behind. It was hard to read as the sun was by now setting but I could see well enough.
A picture of the nearby Pokégirl Tower was on the front page with the headlines:
The Mystery Continues! Another Tamer found dead in Pokégirl Tower.
"That's the second death in a month" a voice said.
I moved the newspaper out of my line of sight and saw a young woman, who was not much older than myself judging by appearances. She took the seat across from me and I looked her over. The female had silky black hair, pale skin and a black cloak draped over herself. At once I could just tell that she wasn't human, so very careful I scanned her as she ordered something to drink.
VAMPIRA (aka BATGIRL), the Night Flyer Pokégirl
Type: Near Human
Element: Dark/Flying
Frequency: Rare
Diet: Human style food, with occasional blood or vitamin supplements
Role: Night security guard
Libido: Average
Strong Vs: Bug, Dark, Fighting, Ghost, Ground, Plant, Psychic
Weak Vs: Electric, Ice, Rock
Attacks: Slash, Dark Blade, Dark Bomb, Drain, Tenebrous Strike, Empty Daggers, Wing Attack
Weaknesses: Torpid during the day
Enhancements: Enhanced Strength (x4), Nightvision, Wall Crawling, Reduced Feral, Sixth Sense (Vampires)
Evolves: None
Evolves From: Goth (Wannabe Vampire Sub-type; Dark Stone), Golbutt (Dark Stone)
Vampira are one of the evolved forms of the Goth Pokégirl. It is hard to tell a Vampira from a Goth since she appears just like the Wanna-Be Vampire or Make-up artist sub-type except she doesn't need make-up to appear pale, since all Vampiras have very pale skin which never tans no matter how much sun she gets.
No matter what else she is wearing a Vampira will always have what appears to be a black cloak. This is in fact a pair of bat wings, and although Vampiras are not the fastest flyers they are maneuverable and their strength allows them to carry a human or Pokégirl for a short time. The other difference between a Goth and a Vampira is her teeth. A Vampira has long canine teeth which she uses to perform her drain attack and to draw the blood which she needs to feed upon.
Vampira mostly eat a normal human diet however they are unable to extract some vitamins from normal food and must consume either vitamin supplements or blood once a week to avoid growing ill. Vampira prefer blood when they can get it but can survive on supplements indefinitely, but a Vampira with a tamer will insist on drinking his blood at least once a month. This is considered an act of great intimacy by the Vampira and will always be the prelude to a taming session.
Vampira can now use Dark Blade, and this combined with their more functional claws, greater strength and the ability to use drain to weaken their opponent and restore their own strength makes them excellent close-in fighters.
Vampira prefer to rest during the day and most spend the day in their Pokéball asleep. They are often used by tamers to guard their camp at night since they have excellent night vision and are much more active at night, this has also led to many Vampira being employed as night security guards.
Vampira have a low feral state becoming even more brooding than normal and almost totally nocturnal, only being active during the day if absolutely necessary. They are usually not dangerous since they are solitary and will only attack a human should they be desperate for blood, and the amount of blood that they will drain in an attack is not life threatening. In fact anyone attacked by a solitary Vampira is advised to not resist and just allow the Vampira to drink their blood since she will become aroused and they can then initiate a taming session and capture her.
There is one exception to this however, feral Vampira who encounter a Vampire will seek to follow her and become her servant. In fact feral Vampira can sense when a Vampire is near and have a rough idea as to which direction she is in.
The exact range at which a Vampira can detect a Vampire varies depending on the levels of both the Vampire and the Vampira but is usually between 1-3km. Should the Vampire be a tame one then this causes few problems, with the Vampira joining the Vampires harem. Much more dangerous are those Vampira who encounter feral Vampires, they will seek to serve their mistress, often being used to bring her victims for her to feast upon. A group of feral Vampira is a sure sign that a Vampire is in the area and anyone who is attacked by more than one Vampira is advised to escape and report the attack to the authorities immediately.
Tamed Vampira do not suffer from this weakness and lose the ability to sense when Vampires are in the area. In fact tamed Vampira both fear and despise feral Vampires and will seek to have them captured or killed when they encounter them since they have no desire to be forced to turn feral and become the Vampire's slave.
Human girls thresholding into Vampira are very rare and usually handle the change well given the Vampira's somewhat brooding personality.
I'd trained myself to skim the 'dex entries while also picking up the important bits. This 'girl was a Vampira so the best way to deal with her was to let her drink just enough of my blood to make her want to get Tamed. Then I could Tame and ball her. I didn't really want my blood drunk, but I'd just have to suffer the experience as catching pokes was my job. I might even have a use for her.
"You're not from around here, are you?" said the Vampira
"No," I told her while really wishing I had one of my 'girls with me "I'm a Pokégirl Tamer. I lost a poke in a fight and I came here to see where she was buried".
Since Guenhwyvar's cause of death had been no mystery the League hadn't needed her body as evidence. They had however needed me to make statements, a lot of them, to different people. So by the time I'd been free to go Guenhwyvar had already been buried up at the Pokegirl Tower. Which was actually quite a honour as not only was it expensive to be buried here, the plots were only awarded to 'girls who had given their lives to protect their Tamer.
Raven had been here before so I'd ordered her to bring me here so my harem and I could pay my respects to my loyal Pumara before returning to Pallet Town. I had just over two week to prepare for the Shadow Island Tournament, so I didn't plan on staying here in Lavender Town for long.
"My name is Selena" introduced the Vampira
"Gothic" I said in reply.
"Not too many people come around here these days," said Serena. "Not even Tamers".
It wasn't hard to guess why.
"Because of the murders?" I asked while pointing to the article.
Her eyes quickly scanned over the writing before she gave me a reply.
"About two weeks ago a dead Tamer was found on the top floor of the Pokégirl Tower. His pokegirls were all found inside their balls and they had no idea what happened to their master".
It already clear to me that this Vampira was in fact in service to a Vampire, and that it was her job to lure people up to the top of the tower. An experienced Tamer would suss this out but I could see how younger and more naive Tamers could be lured to their doom.
"Someone has to stop whoever is behind this" the poke then added "There must be a powerful 'girl up there. Any Tamer who could catch her would have a powerful poke for his harem".
She was appealing to the heroic side most Tamers had. Failing that the desire to Tame a powerful poke would draw a few idiots up the tower. Me I was thinking that it might not be a bad idea to play along. I could act the fool and go to the top of the tower, only I'd be prepared for the Vampire.
"Thanks for the tip" I told the 'girl "And don't worry I'll deal with whatever poke is behind these deaths".
While I had no way of knowing if this was another part of the Dark Queen's plans to keep everyone distracted and scared, it made sense that it was as the timing was right. I also assumed that the League officials that had come here to bury Guenhwyvar hadn't stuck around long enough to figure out what was going on never mind put an end to it. That or the second death had taken place after they'd left.
The first death wouldn't have been enough to show a pattern and a search of the tower may not have been fruitful. If so it could have been ruled as an isolated Feral attack. But now that a second Tamer had died someone had to go into that tower and put a stop to this.
I was going to stop it. No more Tamers would die.
(Line Break)
Pokegirl Tower
I stood at the entrance of the Pokégirl Tower just a mere hour later. Raven came over to me and I looked at her with an unasked question. When she nodded, I knew it was time to use the heavy wooden doors to enter the Pokégirl Tower and to unveil the terror that hid on it's highest level.
The inside was drastically colder and the air was musty, like a cellar or dungeon but really it was neither. The outside was a cemetery, lined with tombstones for deceased Pokégirls and the inside was a tomb. There were urns scattered about that were no doubt filled the ashes of more pokes. There were also names engraved on the walls. I guessed that behind these were bodies resting in coffins.
My alpha and I made our way up the floors, which were all more or less identical to the others, and somewhere near the top we saw a black haired woman in black robes who kneeling in front of large urn. I had looked the species up earlier, but I scanned anyway in case this was an illusion.
VAMPIRE, the Bloodsucking Pokégirl
Type: Very Near Human
Element: Ghost/Magic
Frequency: Rare
Diet: Blood
Role: Hunters
Libido: High
Strong Vs: Bug, Fighting, Ground, Ghost, Magic, Plant, Poison, Psychic, and Infernal
Weak Vs: Dark, Electric, Ice, Celestial, solar-based attacks
Attacks: Vampire Bite, Drain, Invis (all levels), Night Shade, Phase, Illusion, Fear Aura, Mega Drain, Dark Shield, Cocoon of Darkness, Dark Mist, Dark Matter, Blood Blade, Blood Bullets, Vampiric Touch, Ghost Blade, Nightmare Syndrome
Enhancements: Enhanced Speed (x4), Enhanced Strength (x4), Enhanced Endurance (x4), Enhanced Durability (x4), Enhanced Healing (x3), Darkness affinity, Constant Ashen Wings and Dark Goggles effect, light transformation and illusionary capabilities
Evolves: Lucarda (mechanism unknown), Starlady (Dawn Stone), , Empusa (Angel Stone + Blessed)
Evolves From: Psivamp (Dusk Stone), Humans, Dark-type Pokégirls or Amazon-type Pokégirls (infected through bite)
Bounty: Varies from league to league
Recommendation if you see one: Before anything is done, be certain that the Vampire is indeed a Feral one. Observe it, trying if at all possible to stay out of its way. The difference between a Feral Vampire and a Tamed Vampire is very subtle. If the Vampire seems even remotely animalistic in nature, then evac immediately, making sure to have a fighting-type Pokégirl at the ready if you are spotted. If you are spotted, be prepared to kill the Vampire as its bite is potentially lethal and has the potential to infect you or your Pokégirls, resulting in a transformation into a Vampire. (applies to Ferals only)
Vampires were one of the few species of non-Infernals that campaigned with the Legions of Terror during the war. Their presence alone was enough to inspire fear in the populace, and since Sukebe's research had yielded that humans could be converted to Vampires and forced into service with the Legion, they were considered to be even more terrifying. Human in appearance, save for their pale skin and more pointed than normal canine teeth, they were easily capable of blending in.
While sunlight didn't kill them, as it normally would with vampires in the old stories, they were weakened severely by the sun and generally stayed inactive until nighttime. This made it easier to catch and tame Vampires, however doing so guarantees that the Vampire will never have any respect for you. Catching a Feral Vampire at night, and especially at a full moon, when their powers are at their strongest, and you guarantee a loyal, cooperative Vampire in your harem.
Vampires have a variety of fearsome abilities. They can transform into pre-Sukebe creatures such as rats or bats, more powerful Vampires being able to change into swarms of these creatures. They can also transform into mist for silent movement through an area, remaining aware of their entire surroundings when transformed and capable of reforming at any time. They can pass through walls and turn invisible, and manipulate dark energy to their own ends. They are fierce, savage fighters when Feral, losing all of their complex abilities except for much lessened invisibility powers and natural flight. When Tame, their tactics change, as they tend to favor a combination of intimidation and evasive tactics, using illusions and trickery to basically terrify the opponent into defeating themselves. They can turn up to one other person invisible as well, as well as phase them through a wall, but only if they are completely tangible and/or visible before grabbing someone and using the ability.
Having a Vampire in your Harem is not recommended, but doing so shows that you have the patience, diligence, and willingness to do what is necessary for your girls to be happy. Vampires need only one thing to survive: blood. If a Tamer is willing to let their Vampire feed from them, just enough for the Vampire's needs to suffice, then they guarantee loyalty from their Vampire. It's best to let them stay in their Pokéball until nighttime, as they become severely weak during the day and cannot take pleasure from any sort of physical act, making Taming useless. In official Pokégirl battles, it is forbidden to use Solar attacks on them, as it is potentially fatal to them.
Vampires can secret a chemical substance through the hollow canines they use to feed. This chemical is what triggers the change into a Vampire. Males turn female before their transformation. To tell the difference from a normal feeding bite and an infected bite, looking for a greenish-yellow foam around the wound. A vampiric infection can be treated and cured within seven days of the bite via white magic and careful medical treatment, but by the eighth day, the effects are irreversible. Due to the nature of how Vampires are formed, no cases of Threshold have been recorded, or are believed to be even possible.
Note that Ferals are FAR more dangerous to travellers than Tame Vampires. Tame Vampires have a strong sense of dignity and are far more likely to be polite to people they meet. They will also NEVER drink more than they need to survive. Ferals are savage, and will drink even when they aren't thirsty. They also have less control over their bodies and are far more likely to accidentally infect someone with a vampiric transformation virus. Feral Vampires also command Feral Vampira, a breed that Tame Vampires look down on with derision and amusement, as they are moderately useful to their purposes.
"Selena" I called, wanting to act as if I didn't know what was going on "Is that you?"
"Yes" the figure said
I could tell from the voice that this wasn't Selena.
"Are you okay?" I asked as I reached for Bab's pokeball.
Vampire's were weak against Dark types so my Trixie would be most effective here, and besides she was also very unpredictable. However I would not be sending her to fight alone. Raven was still standing next to me.
"I need blood!"
That was when I screamed (in a manly way I promise) and sprang away as the Vampire came right at me. She hissed and drooled, reaching for me. I was about to run in the opposite direction when I saw Kira drop in behind the Vampire, just as planned. Her dark blade was about to strike when Selena finally did appear and turned the tides by grabbing my Dark Elf from her hiding place in the shadows.
Raven managed to hit the vampire with a spell, which saved my life, and I dropped the pokeball in my hand and Babs was set free.
"Keep them busy!" I ordered as I reached for Kara's pokeball.
I need not of worried and someone else came to save the day. I didn't get a great look at the pokegirl, but what I did see made me realise that an angel had come to help me. Also she was an kick ass Celestia. She punched, kicked and the whole time she seemed to glow with magical energy. I also discovered the Vampire pokegirls could be destroyed by pulling their heads off and that while the 'dex hadn't mentioned it: a dead Vampire does in fact turn to dust.
"Master I got the bitch" I heard Kira say.
I turned to see that my Dark Elf had beaten the Vampira, in fact Selena looked rather worse for wear. I had no idea what to do with the pale pokegirl, but after a little though I decided to ball her as there would be a reward for capturing her now that her involvement with the murders was know. Memory wiping her was also an option as then I could sell her or even keep her for myself. Not that this was likely.
Raven also seemed to have money on her mind as she was using an empty container to gather up some of the vampire ash. Either because we could get the bounty for the Vampire or because it had uses in making potions that could be sold.
I let her get on with that while I dealt with the Celestial. The angelic pokegirl could be nothing else as she had snow white wings and golden hair that matched the colour of her eyes. Even the armour she wore was gold and white. All she was lacking was the halo.
"Hello" I greeted "I'm Gothic. Thanks for helping us out".
I was pretty sure that my harem could have handled one Vampire, but still one or more of them could have been injured so I was grateful.
"I am Anauel" said the Angelic pokegirl "and I have come make you an offer you will not refuse".
Already I had a sinking feeling about this.
"And what would that be?" I inquired
It took her no time at all to answer.
"I want to join your harem and help you become the Shadow Lord".
That I had not seen coming.