Chapter 25 - In the Dark of Night
The land was now within the midst of night, with a vibe that was quite the contrast to the day. As a crescent moon dangled in the star-clustered sky, the members of Team Revolution trudged through the fields, something they have certainly done a few times already. With little present light, the tail fire of Tokot's acted once again as navigation.
"I've never actually walked through Sacreca Fields during the night before," mentioned Leo, now with his bag regained. "And you know what? I quite like it. The dark gives off a rather soothing atmosphere. The funny thing is I was once scared of being outside during the night."
"I just hope we're not going the wrong way," spoke Susanshi. "Everything could look the same, and this is the brightest Tokot's Flash can go."
"The mansion is directly north from town, so as long as we continue in this direction, we shouldn't stray too far away," claimed Leo. "It's between Lignum Jungle and the Tower of Wyste."
"Do any of you two even know anything about Gowmex?" wondered Susanshi.
"Not really, only the fact that she's apparently very rich and just shuts herself inside her mansion all the time," answered Tokot. "I guess you're just normally like that if you're rich."
"All I have to go off of is the rumors," replied Leo. "I couldn't possibly tell you any more."
"Well, that means we have no idea what to expect," said Susanshi. "We should remain on alert and be ready for anything."
"I don't have any garlic with me, nor a steak and hammer," Leo said. "Anything else that can kill a vampire?"
"What? I thought you don't believe that crap!" stated Tokot, then continuing in a sarcastic manner: "Oh, but don't you worry, Leo. I'm sure my light will be enough to melt her away from existence."
"Now that's something I can live with. Thanks, Tokot," responded an oblivious Leo. "With you around, everything will be all right!"
"Leo, vampires are fictional. They don't exist," stated Susanshi. "I highly doubt this Gowmex is one. But regardless, something must be up with her if she's captured Lisa and Alex and took them in as prisoners. First, we will act as normal as possible and interrogate Gowmex. If that fails and she doesn't cooperate with us, then..."
"Then what?" wondered Tokot.
"I...actually don't know," replied Susanshi.
"I say we all drop everything and search the entire place," suggested Leo. "We don't exactly have a warrant to do so, but if all else fails, we'll have no other option."
"That is reckless and mindless, but I can go with that," Tokot obliged.
With the plan set out and the gang prepared, they maintained their travel.
At long last, after some time, they spotted a silhouette off in the distance, just to the right of their path.
"Over there!" announced Leo. "Would you say that looks like a mansion to you?"
"Yep, I'd say so," replied Tokot. "Well, that's good."
"Well, let's go, guys. It's just before our very eyes," spoke Leo.
Himself, Susanshi and Tokot changed course slightly, strolling towards the direction of the ominous shadow.
After some more time, they arrived at the site of the destination. Around twenty feet away from the cliff edge where the fields ended was a three-story establishment built almost entirely from pitch-black bricks, darker than the deepest pits of nothingness, complete with a balcony that sat at the front, beneath the roof. A tall square chimney sat upon the roof, smoke fuming from out its opening. Sinister lamps were placed on either side of a pair of giant oak doors that provided the main entrance and exit.
Before the mansion was a simple garden, with stone slabs forming a path that extended from the front doors to the end of the garden, where towering steel gates stood, with a basic brick wall all around the area in the shape of a pentagon. A group of flowerbeds were sat on each side of the path, just at the starting point of the gates. The rest of the garden was empty, save for a hedge shaped like some unknown Pokémon with its arms stretched over its head to the right of the path, with a basic bench placed in front of it.
"If it wasn't for the darkness, I think this place would actually be pretty homey," mentioned Susanshi.
"And I bet it looks even better on the inside," added Leo.
"Hmm... Doesn't really feel complete without a strike of lightning," muttered Tokot.
"Wait for it... Wait for it..." spoke out Leo. "Lightning will strike any second now!"
But alas, there was none, even after ten seconds of unnecessary silence and waiting.
"...Nope, not going to happen," declared Leo. "Well, that's disappointing. OK, let's, uh, go knock on the door."
With the gates wide open in eerie welcoming, the trio stepped forward. Leo was filled with a sense of dread and gloom along the way, unsure if anything would suddenly jump out from the darkness and surprise him. This was noticeable in his slight trembling.
"Don't think I can't see you there, Leo," mentioned Tokot.
"I'm...I'm shaking in anticipation," claimed Leo.
"Yeah, sure thing," replied Tokot. "Relax! Just think of this as going trick-or-treating or something!"
"I never went trick-or-treating. That's far too much sugar for me."
"Then just try to keep calm!"
"We'll get through this, Leo," assured Susanshi. "We've already survived other dangerous situations."
"I...I guess you're right," sighed Leo.
Soon, they reached the front doors of the mansion. Each door was lined with multiple plain, metallic knockers set at differing heights.
"Oh... Well, this is convenient," commented Susanshi as she and the others stared up at the towering oak duo. "Knockers for multiple heights."
"C-cleaver..." mumbled Leo. "O-OK, we made it, so... W-who will do the honors?"
"I nominate Leo," answered Tokot.
"What?! Why me?" questioned Leo. "There's also you and Susanshi! One of you two do it!"
"Either we stand here and do nothing forever, or YOU knock," argued Tokot.
"Fine. Fine! I'll go!" exclaimed Leo in simple defeat.
And so, he stepped ahead, alone. Taking one last look at the doors, he reached out for the knocker that was positioned second from the bottom, grabbed it and slammed it against the door exactly three times. The noise echoed all inside the still unknown interior, and Leo waited for roughly five seconds.
"Well, looks like there's nobody home," he said as he turned his back to the doors. "Well, the journey was nice, but I have a bed to go to."
Without warning, the silence was broken by a loud creaking sound from behind him. He became frozen with fear as he slowly rotated himself back around to the doors. It turned out that the left one was sluggishly, yet surely, opening outwards. A Granbull, a purple Pokémon with giant fang-like features on its bottom jaw, as well as a black collar resemblance around the neck. There were also bulging veins all over the legs, almost looking like small snakes under the skin. As a whole, the Granbull seems rather aged.
"Hmph, what do you brats want?" he asked with a grumpy tone.
His head then dipped down, as if being weighed down by his own jaw weight.
"Oh, uh, hehe, hi!" greeted Leo, a nervous smile upon his mug. "W-we're here to see Gowmex."
His eyes began to do a bit of wondering.
"Would you be so kind as to lead us to... Whoooooa! Your legs! What's going on with them?!"
"Those are my varicose veins, you insensitive worm!" snapped the Granbull.
"Ahh! I'm so sorry, mister!" cried Leo. "P-please have mercy!"
"I...can have mercy, but only if you behave yourself," answered the Granbull. "If you do, then I will permit you to come inside and speak with Gowmex."
"Yes! That would be very nice, mister!" cheered Leo. "So please, may we see Gowmex? We have an important matter to speak with her about."
"Oh, really?" quizzed the Granbull. "We were already visited today about something. Two others, about your size if I recall correctly."
"Ah, so Lisa and Alex were indeed here!" mentioned Susanshi.
"Hmm... Yes, I believe they identified themselves as such," recalled the Granbull. "But very well, I will allow you inside. Come along."
He stepped back inside the mansion.
"Well, that sure was easy!" declared Leo, turning around to face Susanshi and Tokot.
"So far, so good, I suppose," said Tokot. "Now, let's get this over with."
Together, the team stepped inside. Once they were all within, the Granbull slowly pushed the door shut.
"Need some help?" offered Susanshi.
"That will not be necessary," insisted the Granbull, finishing within a few seconds. "Right, please follow me. Do not get separated."
"If there's a guide, I highly doubt we will," muttered Leo.
The Granbull preceded to walk somewhere unknown, so Susanshi, Tokot and Leo followed him wherever he was due to go.
The entrance foyer of the manor was impressive, to say the least. To each side were mirroring staircases that connected to a second-floor balcony overlooking the room, each covered in a fabulous red carpet. The center had an equally eye-catching red, circular rug, showing what most people would consider a meaningless pattern of circles and triangles. To the back of the foyer, near each corner, was a single door on each side, as well as a larger pair of doors in the back wall. At each side of these aforementioned doors, a huge painting was displayed upon the black, white-lined wallpaper.
The left painting depicted a wealthy-dressed Pokémon posed within an unknown countryside, with a black cone-shaped body sporting several white bows on the abdomen, a purple face, bright blue eyes, and four protruding appendages on both sides of the head. To top it all off, the painting subject, a Gothitelle, was clothed in a pitch-black coat with white fur fitted all around the outside edge and sleeve ends, followed by a brown beret hat upon the head.
The artwork on the right showed another Gothitelle with a matching coat, only this time wearing a wig of blonde curly locks, and sat upon a stool with a dull brown background, looking directly at whoever the artist may be. The subject bore a faint, comforting smile. On a final note, the portrait subjects had the same identity as the hedge back outside in the garden.
These two paintings caught the team's attention very easily as the Granbull escorted them all across the rug and towards the door pair.
"You know, you never did tell us your name..." mentioned Susanshi.
"Yes, apologies and such. I am Charles, the caretaker of Gowmex Manor," spoke the Granbull.
"These are some incredible paintings, mister Charles," commented Leo, unable to resist bringing up the subject. "That's Gowmex, right?"
"Actually, they are her ancestors," corrected Charles. "The first is the very first Gowmex, the one on the right is the second one. Gowmex's family tree dates back over four hundred years ago, and every one of them has lived in this mansion. The current Gowmex is the seventh one."
"Wow, that's old!" exclaimed Leo.
"You're not one for big words, are you?" remarked Charles. "Gowmex VII is currently in the dining hall. I ask that you show her only your fullest respect. And...I must warn you... Lately, she's been acting a bit odd, so please, by all means, don't upset her."
"Huh, I know I can't really trust pictures alone, but this one on the right looks a little stuck-up and smug," said Tokot.
"Gowmex II was a great lady, just like all generations of Gowmex," responded Charles.
Right at that moment, they reached the end of the room. Charles proceeded to pull one of the doors outwards by a handle.
"One last reminder: mind your manners," he spoke.
He allowed himself through first.
"Mistress Gowmex. We have more guests," he told inside.
"Ah, oui, please grant them entry," replied a female voice from inside.
"OK, you brats, in you go," offered Charles.
"All right, just try to keep calm, Leo. You'll get through this," Leo mumbled to himself, in attempt to boost his confidence.
Everyone stepped into this new room. It was wide, with five more paintings of Gothitelle in the same black coat along the back wall, each one in different headgear — except the leftmost one — and locations. A fireplace was built into the wall in the back, barricaded off with a short guard. Coals and wood were alight within, giving off a calming warmth. A lengthy dining table was placed in the center on the room, above an all-red carpet. At the table, many chairs were sat at each long side, with a single one at each short side. The table itself was decorated with a pretty white cloth, with several lit candlesticks, empty plates and matching cutlery. High above, an impressive golden chandelier hung down.
Sat in the chair at the furthest end of the table was a Gothitelle, and as expected, was wearing the trademark black coat, rimmed with white fur. Unlike in the majority of paintings, she did not wear anything on her head.
"Welcome to my home!" she announced in a distinct accent, raising her arms in the air. "Please, will you take a seat with moi?"
"Of course, Miss Gowmex," answered Susanshi. "Come along, guys... And let me do most of the talking."
She took herself to the end of the room, and sat down in the chair closest to Gowmex on her right, while Leo and Tokot took to the left side, also sitting close to her. Meanwhile, Charles sat down at the opposite side.
"I must compliment this hospitality, Gowmex. It's really comforting," Susanshi commented.
"Ah, thank you kindly, madame. So, my young visitors, what brings you to my fair abode?" asked Gowmex.
"Well, Miss Gowmex, we are Explorers enrolled in the Explorers' Academy," explained Susanshi. "For the past few days, we have been on a sort of quest. My name is Susanshi. This is Leo and Tokot."
"Explorers? Oui, I know all about your kind. No need for lengthy explanation," spoke Gowmex. "But what is it, may I ask, that has brought you here this hour? I'd say this would be an appropriate time for some of your age to be tucked into a comfy bed, oui?"
"We're looking for some fellow Explorers who came to this very manor earlier today," said Susanshi. "We are investigating their disappearance, as they have not yet returned."
"Hmm, Explorers, you say?" wondered Gowmex. "Oui, others DID come today. A duo, if I recall. But what were they, if you don't mind me inquiring."
"A bit shorter than me, a little taller than Susanshi, around Tokot's height," answered Leo.
"Oui, they were small, like you," recalled Gowmex. "Both were highly adorable to the eyes. But what species are they. I know no such thing."
"One's an Axew. Grayish, tusks, blue eyes, tattoo on the hip, pink scarf," described Susanshi.
"Oui? And the other?"
"A Larvitar. Green, blue bandanna, same tattoo, but on the neck."
"What's this all about?" questioned Tokot. "This woman's just toying with us! She clearly remembers them coming here!"
"Hey, no shouting in the dining hall!" snapped Charles from across the table.
"Oh shut it, old man," replied Tokot. "Lisa and Alex were here, and Gowmex has done something to them!"
"Oh my, your temper is hotter than your portable fire!" commented Gowmex in surprise. "Why by so angry, monsieur?"
"Tokot, please calm down!" demanded Susanshi. "Miss Gowmex, I apologize for Tokot's behavior. He can be a little hot-headed. Can you forgive him?"
"I can forgive, madame, but it is most important that he keeps himself under control," replied Gowmex.
Tokot was left to mumble, displeased, to himself.
"So, anyway, Miss Gowmex. Do you think you can tell us where Lisa and Alex are? They are the pair of Explorers we're talking about."
"...I know nothing," replied Gowmex, very clearly hesitating to speak at first. "I am sorry for my lack of help, madame."
"Oh, that's too bad," said Leo. "But where else could they be?"
Susanshi and Tokot looked to be on alert, as if they had picked up on Gowmex's suspicious pause previously.
"Please, do not be so disheartened," requested Gowmex. "I would love for you all to stay and accompany me for a time. What say you?"
"I'm tired and I just want to go to sleep," grumbled Tokot.
"Ah, I know! How about a drink?" offered Gowmex.
"Oh, really? Of what?" asked Leo.
"Wine," replied a blunt Gowmex.
"W-wine?!" questioned Leo. "I-I don't think I'm of appropriate age for such a thing!"
"Nonsense! Wine is like fine art in a consumable liquid form!" mentioned Gowmex. "Like art, you need to use the proper sense to truly appreciate its mastery! And that, messieurs and madame, is the tongue!"
"Hmph, like I can trust someone as creepy as you to serve us drinks," spat Tokot. "You could easily spike them, or give us something completely messed up. Something not meant to be drunk."
"Monsieur, it is rude to decline such a generous offer. I insist on serving you. Charles, provide the four of us with a glass, if you'd please."
"Yes, very well, Mistress," obliged Charles, before setting himself off his chair and leaving the room.
"And as we wait, allow me to share with you some family history!" declared Gowmex.
"Oh goody, I needed something to put me to sleep," remarked Tokot.
"Oh, I, uh, I'm sure that will be fine," said Susanshi.
"Around four centuries ago, my ancestor came to this very spot, and with her was a vast fortune. She hired some builders from the local town and had this most pulchritudinous residence founded. Exquisite, non?"
"I think that word just fried my brain..." muttered Leo. "What kind of word is that?!"
"Pulchritudinous? It means beautiful, uneducated monsieur," explained Gowmex. "My ancestor wanted only the most dazzling mansion, and get one she did, oui! Yet, she insisted on continuing to contribute to the governors of the land. So, she would send off just a fraction of our fortune on a monthly basis. It is this money that went to the development of the local town and much more."
"You mean...taxes?" wondered Leo. "Actually, that's how all this started: because you stopped paying them. So, what's the deal with that? Why the sudden change of heart, huh?"
"Ah, of course I would be asked that, but by you, I wouldn't have guessed," replied Gowmex. "I decided on my own that those crude townsfolk do not deserve my monetary heritage. It is the decision of me. That it is, oui."
"But you really should continue paying up," insisted Susanshi. "As a resident of Sacreca, you're legally set to do so. It's, you know, the law."
"Non, non, madame. I do not wish to engage in such generosity with the outside world any longer! What belongs to Gowmex Manor stays in Gowmex Manor!"
"Wow, Charles was totally right!" exclaimed Leo. "Even though we've only just met, he said you've started acting weird lately. But, something's still off about this..."
"Me? Acting weird? Oh non, monsieur! I am as normal as I was raised! And whatever do you mean by 'something's still odd about this'? Do enlighten me."
"All the rumors about you were going around for years now! If you were apparently nice, then what the heck is happening?!"
"Leo, don't blow it..." mumbled Susanshi.
"Rumors, you say? Monsieur, allow me to tell you this: these 'rumors' only exists because of how elusive I am," claimed Gowmex. "I never go to town. Now, if all of you please settle down. I sense Charles returning."
Yet, surprisingly, Charles was back within the dining room, now carefully carrying an oval-shaped plate of stainless steel, bearing four identical sets of red fluid within appropriate glasses.
"Oui, allow me," spoke Gowmex.
She closed her eyes, and a blue outline surrounded her entire body. Then, the wine glasses also obtained this outline, and began to levitate themselves off the plate and towards the table. They were each placed down before Gowmex, Susanshi, Tokot and Leo. Afterwards, Charles took seat again.
"Wha! What's this?!" Leo bellowed.
"Relax, she's a Psychic-type. She can do things like this," assured Susanshi.
"Oui, the madame is correct," stated Gowmex. "And now, down the hatch!"
Willingly, she held her own glass and downed the wine. Susanshi simply chose to not even touch her serving, Tokot was the same, but also crossed his arms and closed his eyes. Leo, however, appeared to be more accepting of the offering, as he took hold of the glass and sniffed uncertainly at the beverage.
"So, madame, will you drink?" Gowmex asked Susanshi, having quickly finished all her own wine.
"Oh, uh... In all honesty, I don't drink," replied Susanshi.
"Nonsense! You must drink, oui? Fluids are of importance to the body!"
"Well, of course I do," replied Susanshi. "And besides, I'm a Water-type; I practically make my own fluid."
At this point, Leo finally dared to taste the wine. He brought the glass edge to his mouth and allowed just a tiny bit of the drink to pour inside. With an investigative look, he swirled it through his mouth.
"But what about you, flaming monsieur? Will you drink yours?" asked Gowmex to Tokot.
Tokot opened his eyes and looked directly at Gowmex.
"I do not wish to put this stuff inside me...madame," he responded, putting extra empathize of his last spoken word.
"Drink it, or I shall be left with only the option of forcing it down your esophagus," threatened Gowmex.
"Oh yeah? Try me!" dared Tokot.
Suddenly, Leo spat out the wine from inside his mouth with full force. He then wiped his mouth over his the back of his hand.
"Ugh, don't think you're doing that!" he shouted in disgust. "This isn't wine: this is blood!"
A faint thud sound was produced by Susanshi, hitting her head onto the table.
"You won't fool us, Gowmex! You really are a vampire, aren't you?!" continued Leo. "And now you're trying to turn us into vampires! Not going to happen!"
"Oh my, oh my! A vampire?! I am not such a vile thing!" insisted Gowmex.
"Whether you are or not, at least tell us this: what have you done with Lisa and Alex?!" inquired Leo.
"Ah, I guess you really have seen straight through me, monsieur. I will hide no more from you," said Gowmex, suddenly sounding more sinister. "They are here in the mansion. If you're up to it you will have to find them, and no help you shall get!"
"Well, that's enough for me. I'm getting out before things get ugly again," Charles said in his head, before quietly leaving the room, keeping the door open behind him.
"And what's this, some kind of game?" questioned Tokot.
"Oui, you could say...it is indeed a game," confirmed Gowmex. "So go ahead, try to find them. But do not think for a moment that it will be easy, for my psychic powers can bewitch the entire mansion!"
"I'm not afraid of you," said Tokot. "Come on, let's leave this deranged woman here and resume our rescue mission."
He slid off his chair and walked away, making his way towards the exit doors. Leo and Susanshi, without any objections, or any words at all, joined him.
Gowmex's body once again was outlined in blue, and the stationary cutlery upon the table began to twitch. All the various knives and forks became possessed by an unknown power and flew themselves at the gang.
"Whoa! Look out!" called Susanshi, having turned back.
She dived out the way, and so did Tokot. Leo only ducked to the floor shielding the back of his head with his arms. All the knives and forks missed the targets and became stuck to the floor...except for one fork that jabbed into Leo's backside.
"OOOOOH! OUCH!" cried Leo.
He stood himself up and yanked the fork out in one painful go, threw it to the ground, and began taking in deep breaths.
"Ahhh! Not cool! I've only just recovered from the exact same thing from earlier!" he snapped. "My butt is off limits to all pointy objects! And yet you think you can just jab one of your forks into it? I hope you got that fork sterilized!"
Gowmex, although watching, did not seem to show remorse, and instead took control of the cutlery again. They pulled themselves out the floor and pointed themselves at the group again.
"Let's get out of here!" called Susanshi.
Herself and the guys made a bolt for the doors, taking full advantage of the fact that one was open, and made it back into the foyer. They worked together to close the door as the knives and forks flew into both doors, where they were left to stay.
"Hmm, don't think you're safe yet, messieurs and madame," announced Gowmex.
Then, she lifted herself off her chair, floated several feet up, held her arms up and gave off a yell of power. Her body glowed a dim blue, complete with outline. The chandelier high above also shook under some kind of influence.
"This is crazy!" commented Leo, him and the others stood by the doors inside the foyer. "I certainly wasn't expecting this!"
"I knew things were shady, but not like this," added Tokot. "So, let's not stand around! Let's find Lisa and Alex and get the hell outta here!"
"But where will we start looking?" questioned Susanshi.
Tokot, looking to his right immediately, spotted a single door that stood there.
"There! Through that door!" he spoke.
The group ran over to the door, with Leo reaching for its handle and opening it. They all stepped inside, unaware of what would await them within.