Secrets of the Night


DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!


Chapter 28: No Turning Back


It was another beautiful voyage at sea. In the west, the sun was shining brightly. A radiant blue hue was enveloping the heavens with its relaxing hue and streams of swirling white clouds. The cool breeze billowed, invigorating the atmosphere with a salty fragrant, whilst, the Wingulls and Pelippers flew overhead, cawing and gliding along the wind. Some were even diving down to the glittering watery surface for their next meal.

Neo and company were on their way to Cinnabar Island, the location of the first gym Neo planned to challenge. The destination was set and the journey began, but at a bad start. Even under such refreshing ambiance, the mood was heavy and tense. Neo was standing on the front deck, looking out for signs of Cinnabar Island. Gremio was inside, steering the vessel, along with his Gallade and Fletchinder. And Chase was at the back, leaning against the railing and looking down at the white water waves crashing against the yacht.

It was all due to that day's event, wherein Gremio requested some special medicine and Chase had a misunderstanding that quickly escalated into a raging battle that thrashed part of the pokemon center lounge. Neo, who woke up around the night, was caught in disbelief to have heard that such events transpired while he was unconscious. Gremio apologized, as well as on behalf of Chase who was quietly fuming at a corner.

The next few hours, Gremio spent explaining what happened. Neo was skeptic of the special medicine that came from Semira, but Gremio drank a bit of it first to show that it was not poison. He didn't have to go that far, but it was the fastest way for his charge to understand that his intentions were sincere. After pondering it for some time, Neo decided to let the incident slide. After all, he had other matters of concern.

The next day, Neo utilized the time as training for his first gym battle. His newest member was a stubborn yet capable Squirtle, whom he decided to name Genbu, using Faye Lin's way of naming through myths and legends. Speaking of Faye Lin, Neo then that he recalled what he was supposedly doing just before the clash of the assassins at sea.

Calling for Gremio, he requested him to contact the manor to inquire if any letters came for him. Gremio did as he was told, but unfortunately, there was none. Neo was at caught in between: investigate the whereabouts of Faye Lin or concentrate on the task at hand; to grow stronger and find his parents' murderer. As the saying goes, blood is thicker than water.

With a heavy heart, he made his choice.

Neo concentrated on his training. Chase helped him out, but had much difficulty due to the type disadvantage of his Gallade and Gardevoir. Gremio, while multitasking inquiries with pokemon centers in Unova, lent a helping hand with his Fletchinder. Being a fire-type, it was good start to prepare for a gym that specializes in fire pokemon. When Gremio stepped in, Chase walked out, evident that he still harbored doubts about the butler's connection with Semira. Gremio had explained that he and those he had invited were no threat, and that their intentions were good. Chase, though, refused to believe it. His mind was still clouded with hate and grief. He needed time to collect his calm before he could face Gremio directly.

It continued like that even on the morning they prepared to leave Floe Island. Chase was avoiding Gremio and simply kept to himself most of the time. He spent time with his Gallade and Gardevoir, but the mood around them always felt bleak. Vince quietly trailed his trainer just to keep him company, while as Faith was lacking her usual hyper energy. She wasn't even in the mood to read.

Neo tried to talk to him, but Chase just walked away. Gremio made no effort to reach out to him either. He could feel the animosity in the boy's eyes whenever he looked at him. He decided to give Chase some space as he made the final preparations to depart. As for Neo, he gave up for the time-being and told himself to find a better opportunity later on.


Neo sighed at the landless ocean before him. Having bored himself, he decided to check on his pokemon in the upper deck. He stopped by Gremio and asked him about his investigation concerning Faye Lin. Gremio replied that although no letters arrived at the manor, Nurse Joy in Castelia City did recall meeting a blonde girl with a Fennekin arriving several days ago. The news sent a wave of relief to Neo's conscience. He thanked Gremio and proceeded to the sun deck where he smiled warmly at the scene of his four pokemon.

Nero and Arana were playing around as usual. They tried to practice battling by themselves, but it up ended in a game of tag wherein they fazed in and out of the fixtures of the yacht. Novus, being the most mature of the ghostly group, was standing by and watching the two with a careful eye. Genbu was lounging in an icebox, like a cold beverage half submerged in ice cubes. His head, limbs and tail were out of sight, but his shell with a snowflake birthmark was in plain view. Neo found out that his newest member was quite fond of the cold so he had an icebox prepared for him. Genbu was very much excited for it and dove in immediately when they departed.

"Having fun?" Neo asked, drawing all of his pokemon's attention, even Genbu who popped his head out of his shell. The four pokemon nodded simultaneously as Neo's Lampent and Gengar flew over to him and circled around happily.

After his team settled down, Neo went to check on Chase. He decided that it was time for him to reach out as a friend and fellow travel companion. Walking down the stairway leading to the back portion of the yacht, Neo found Chase with his Gallade, still staring down at the waters rushing at the side of the vessel. His Gardevoir was engrossed in reading a book, which Neo found fascinating. Not many were interested in books, let alone capable of reading one. Neo assumed that since Faith was starting to read again, Chase was probably in a better mood.

Calmly, Neo called to him, "Chase…"

The silver-haired boy glanced momentarily before turning his attention back at the ocean. Vince, Chase's Gallade, took more notice of Neo. Despite his shy disposition, he had grown accustomed to Neo and greeted his presence with a quiet nod.

Neo nodded back and approached with The Gallade's trainer. He took the spot beside Chase and leaned against the steel railing. He let the sea breeze fill the atmosphere before speaking. "I understand how you feel. I despise assassins as much as you, but I trust Gremio with my life. I've known him all my life. After my parents died… If he hadn't been there, I wouldn't be where I am now..."

The voice of the waves slowly enveloped the mood, washing away the traces of sorrow in Neo's voice. It was then accompanied by a gentle sea breeze that cooled the air around them further. Chase ran a hand through his silver locks, brushing them away from his eyes. Neo glanced at him and waited for him to take a deep breath and speak.

"That day… If my Ralts hadn't teleported me, I would have died along with my mother," Chase spoke up, gazing down with a forlorn expression that was partially hidden away by his silver locks. "If only I was stronger, then I could have defended her. I regretted my powerlessness that day, and swore to myself that I won't let others feel go through what I did."

Neo felt the conviction in Chase's words. He too felt the same. But there was something else in Neo's mind that he couldn't shake off and that was how he, himself, was able to survive. The assassin was right in front of him, ready to slice him with his blade, already drenched in his mother's blood. How was he able to make it out?

Before he could try to remember, his vision swayed, his heart throbbed and his breathing narrowed. Neo grasped the railing and took long breaths to try and calm his body down. Chase instantly saw the change in his friend and hurried to get the medicine. He opened his bag and pulled out a drinking bottle with the label: Neo's medz, written by Chase. The five containers that were delivered were concentrated so they were needed to be poured into water before drinking. They emptied one into two drinking bottles, one of which Chase carried, in case Neo was too weak to pull his bottle out of his bag.

Chase hurriedly unscrewed the bottle and handed it over to Neo. He watched as Neo gulped down a quarter of the mixture and exhaled in deep breaths. The medicine proved effective, but the effects weren't instant. It was a gradual process. Neo's breathing slowly returned to normal and his heart had calmed down. It took him another whole minute to regain his composure and thank Chase.

"Hey, no problem!" Chase grinned with his usual enthusiasm, making Neo smile in relief.

All of a sudden, Neo's Gengar and Lampent came flying down with eager grins and waving arms. Unable to make out what they were implying, Chase and Neo sought help from a psychic-type. Hearing her trainer call, Chase's Gardevoir, Faith, rushed over and informed the two boys through telepathy that Cinnabar Island was in view. Chase and Neo exchanged looks and hurried to the front deck, along with their pokemon.

Rising over the blue horizon, a rugged mountain came into view. Upon closer inspection, the mountain appeared to be a dormant volcano, evident by the crater emitting a thin cloud of gray smoke. The base was surrounded by cliffs, occupied by labs of some sort. The rest of the island's buildings were located in the lower levels, just along the coastline. This included a dock and of course, the pokemon center.

Gremio steered the alabaster vessel through the rocky lagoon and into the Cinnabar Island's harbor. Neo's Gengar and Lampent were first to disembark. They hovered off the deck and playfully circled around the concrete dock. Chase followed with his Gallade and Gardevoir close behind. They just stood at the edge, eyeing the scenery and soaking it in. Neo was the last to leave. He was giving final instructions to Gremio in regards to their transport to Fuschia City and the left-behind responsibilities he had in the estate.

"Neo! You coming or what?" Chase called, waving a hand in the air.

"I'm on my way…" Neo answered as he turned to Novus and Genbu. His Dusknoir was patiently waiting for instructions while as the Squirtle was eyeing the Volcanic island with contempt. Neo followed his newest member's gaze at the towering volcano up ahead and gave a sheepish sigh. "It'll be alright, Genbu. I know you like the cold, but you're a water-type. You have the upper hand against fire-types, and that's why I'll be depending on you in the coming battle."

Genbu was caught off guard. He looked up at Neo with intrigue and saw the sincere trust that the boy had in in the will and mustering his own resolve, he gave a firm in response.

Smiling, Neo scooped up his Squirtle and bid farewell to Gremio as he got off the yacht with Novus and joined Chase and the rest of their group spent a short while touring the island and trying out the local food such as the roasted kebabs and other sizzling delicacies.

"These are awesome!" Chase exclaimed, indulging himself in another mouthful of food, voluntarily paid for by Neo. His pokemon, though, showed a more doubtful disposition in regards to the food. Vince, his Gallade was anxious in trying new food in a new place. Faith, on other hand, didn't like the weird smell. The Gardevoir handed her share to Chase and her trainer happily exchanged it for a chocolate bar which immediately lit up Faith's face with an excitement of a child.

Neo's team was having their fill of the food as well. Genbu was unsure at first, having only known ice-cold meals throughout his life. In the end, he found the taste very interesting and began chowing down with much gusto as the rest of Neo's team.

"Glad you like them," Neo commented as he reached for another kebab to buy. But before he could get it, a furry hand grabbed it. Neo turned his head and saw a white and brown monkey-like pokemon with a blazing crown and golden ornaments adorning its hands, shoulders, knees and chest. In its hands were two freshly roasted kebabs.

"Natsu! Did you manage to get some?!" A dark-haired girl bounded towards the kebab stall, her spunky pigtails fluttering in the air. She stopped behind the fiery monkey and breathed out strongly. She wore a red blouse with golden sleeves that matched the flames printed across her collar, waist and red boots. She wore a gray skirt with a swerving red flame that complimented her red gloves. Her face lit up and her ruby-like eyes sparkled at the sight of her pokemon holding up a pair of hot veggies on a stick. She did a fist-pump and grinned energetically. "Alright! You're the best, Natsu!"

Neo shrugged off the issue of the kebab and pulled out his pokedex to find out what pokemon was it.

Infernape
The Flame Pokémon
Evolved form of Monferno. Infernape's fiery crown reflects its fiery nature, and its speed is tosses its enemies around with agility. It uses all its limbs to fight in its own unique style.

Hearing a robotic voice, the crimson-eyed girl glanced sideways and caught a glimpse of the pokedex. Her grin curved from glee to intrigue. She turned to face Neo and called out to him, "Hey! Are you a trainer?"

Neo raised his head and turned the device off. Approaching calmly, he greeted the girl with a well-composed smile. "Yes, I am. My name is Neo and I'm here to challenge Cinnabar's gym leader."

"Really?! That's awesome! I'm Naomi, by the way." The dark-haired replied with a happy grin. "So how many badges do you have so far?" She asked eagerly.

"Actually, this is my first gym…" Neo admitted without as much as a sheepish expression.

"Whoa?!" Naomi was taken aback by that. She glanced behind Neo and saw a Dusknoir, a Gengar, a Lampent and a Squirtle, busily eating away at their smoking kebabs. "But aren't those your pokemon?"

Neo nodded without hesitation and motioned to his team. The ghostly trio and the little blue turtle hurried over and positioned themselves beside their trainer. Neo promptly introduced his team one by one, first with Novus, then Nero, Arana and ending with Genbu. Each pokemon sounded off as their name was called and either smiled or nodded at Naomi in addition.

In response, Naomi also introduced herself as well as her Infernape, Natsu. Although she didn't show it in her grinning expression, she had trouble understanding how Neo had a team like that but no badges. The Squirtle was understandable, but the rest of Neo's team looked highly experienced, especially the Dusknoir.

"Neo! C'mon let's reserve rooms before it gets dark!"

Neo glanced over his shoulder and saw Chase, a few stores away, waving a hand in the air. Neo waved back in acknowledgement before returning his attention to Naomi. "I need to go. My friend is calling. We have just arrived here so we haven't prepared a place to rest for tonight."

"I understand." Naomi nodded with a grin. "Sooo... you plan to face the gym leader tomorrow?"

"That is my plan," Neo answered, placing a hand on his Dusknoir's shoulder.

"Then, I'll see you tomorrow!" Naomi swiftly turned around and waved goodbye, motioning her Infernape to follow. "Give it your all!"

Neo watched Naomi run off with Natsu before muttering to himself in wonder "…Tomorrow?"


The afternoon slowly descended into dusk. The cool blue hues shifted into a vivid fiery color. A bright crimson shade filled the sky, setting the heavens above the volcanic island ablaze. The sea below mirrored its passion whilst maintaining its watery grandeur.

Finally, a hush came unto the rugged volcanic earth, foretelling the coming of the cold dark night.

Chase ran inside a large room and flopped back first unto his bed. Neo calmly followed and occupied the opposite bed, sitting on the edge, watching his friend revel in the 3-star hotel room that Neo chose. It was the best they could find in the island. Neo was fine with it, but Chase was really fired up like the sky.

"Geez... Neo, you're really a rich kid, aren't you?" Chase commented, settling down his excitement before sitting up. "I mean, you transported us here with a snazzy yacht and now, you ordered this big room for just the two of us."

Neo glanced around. He really didn't find it that special. The walls were white with dark mahogany edges and flooring. The beds were schemed in a similar way. Each with white sheets, a white pillow, two brown ones and a matching blanket folded across the said sheet. The lamps were situated on either side of the beds, giving the room a tranquil ambiance. The windows were covered by silky cream curtains, intricately embroidered by golden threads. On the coffee table were black obsidian rocks place in square plates as decorations as well as a distinct symbol for Cinnabar famous volcano. Other than those, the room also had velvet chocolate couch with cream pillows, a television set and its own bathroom with hot water.

Chase sighed at the look that Neo was giving as he gazed at the room. Standing up, he pulled out his mobile phone and headed out the door. "Excuse me for a sec. I need to make a call."

"Very well. Our pokemon are still with the hotel's built-in pokemon center so they'll be sent here later on," Neo said as Chase nodded and went out.

Alone in the room, Neo decided to continue his research concerning the pokemon his parents' murderer had. He took out his laptop and laid it on his lap. But before he turned it on, he recalled his pokedex and switched devices. Neo attached a headset to the pokedex as to not disturb the neighboring residents in the hotel and then shifted from one flying pokemon to another, listening with much discretion.


Outside, in the hotel lobby, Chase was calling his dad who was working overseas, specifically in his home region of Sinnoh. It has been a while since he talked to him. Chase told him about his new experiences, his travels, the fancy hotel where he was currently staying, and most of the new friend he made. His dad sounded happy for him. Hearing his voice was encouraging for the boy. Chase spent a good long while chatting with him before he decided to go back to the room.

Upon knocking the door, Chase's Gallade, Vince opened the door and ushered his trainer inside. Chase guessed that the hotel staff must've brought his and Neo's pokemon while he was downstairs. Faith was sitting on the couch. Once again her head was stuck in a book which Chase brought during their walk around Cinnabar earlier. Arana and Nero were playing with the wall lamp beside their trainer's bed, manipulating the light into a dimmer bluish color. Novus was at the shadowed corner, dutifully standing guard. Genbu was asleep atop of the bed, next to a similarly slumbering boy with raven hair.

"Tired already, Neo?" Chase muttered to himself in amusement as he came over to Neo's bed and eyed the pokedex with it's screen alit just lying on his friend's open palm. There was a cord attached to it that led to a pair of headsets that hung loosely around Neo's neck.

Chase sighed and acted as Gremio's replacement, removing the device and attachments so that Neo wouldn't break the device or choke in his sleep. He neatly coiled the cord and laid it on the adjacent side table. Then he shot a glance on the pokedex screen as he was about to turn it off. On the monitor, there were listings of winged pokemon and a speaker icon, indicating an option to listen to their cry.

Chase recalled what Neo said regarding the person who killed his parents. It was a man with twin katana blades and a flying pokemon. Neo was using his free time to learn what he can whilst growing stronger.

Amidst their enjoyable times hanging out, the dark burden was still weighing heavily inside of them. Behind the smiles that they exchanged were haunting memories of their murdered love ones. Their journey was on the verge of taking a huge step with Neo's upcoming gym battle. With that huge step, they move closer to the future with no return.


End of Chapter 28

I only intended this chapter to be a build up for Neo's upcoming gym battle.
Also, this included a sneak preview of a new OC from my friends in LV.
Naomi's art is finished. I'll post her art link in the next chapter.

If you can't wait, follow my deviantart link on my profile. I already did 4/10 OCs.
Warning: Spoilers!

Thanks to all my readers/reviewers. 27 chapters and 100 reviews! Yay! xD
Things are just gonna heat up literally.