Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 37: Chasing Shadows
Fuchsia City, Kanto Region
Yesterday, after an intense battle, Neo and company entered the historical city of Fuchsia where they checked in to local inn, healed Neo's team and wandered the streets to find the various delicacies the place had to offer. The city was amazing. The trio awed at their new destination. Despite being the location of the famous Safari Zone and Zoo, Fuchsia City retained its ancient Japanese-styled ambiance and culture. The air smelled of burnt incense and sandalwood, while, the buildings were styled with curved rooftops as people walked around in colorful kimonos.
It was currently morning after that day. The sun rose over the foggy green mountains. A refreshing breeze from the vast woodland reserve blew, stirring the slumbering residents of Fuchsia City awake. At the inn they were staying, Chase and Neo slept peacefully on separate futons in one room while Naomi was in another room located at the opposite end of the hallway.
With the warm sunlight glowing behind the Shōji screen windows, Neo arose from his bed that was stretched out on the floor. Chase was only a small gap away from him. He was still sleeping soundly underneath his cozy futon. Neo decided to leave him be for now. Breathing in the faint scent of incense and ancient parchments, he stood up and looked around the room. It was fairly large with decorated with tatami mats, elegant tapestries with images of Seakings and Goldeens and couple of quaint little bonsai plants on the tables leaning against the wall. There was also a television set and a short table with two cushions on either side. Neo had been to many places but a change from the modern-styled hotels brought a refreshing feeling. The ambiance was simply divine and relaxing.
Straightening his navy blue robe, he opened the sliding door and was greeted by one of the passing waitresses in the inn. The lady dressed in a plain pink kimono with an apron, bowed and inquired if the boy would like tea and breakfast served in his room. Neo smiled softly at the hospitality and accepted. The waitress bowed once again and left down the hall.
Neo watched her until the lady turned to corner and vanished from sight. Seeing the other rooms lined up in the all, he was reminded of Naomi. Neo decided to check on her. He walked along the narrow hallway and stopped at the far end, facing the last room which belong to Naomi. Since the door was made of paper, he couldn't knock. Instead, he called out to her in a soft voice as to not disturb the other residents of the inn.
"Good morning, Neo!" Naomi greeted but not from her room, but from behind Neo.
Neo flinched but immediately collected his composure as he turned around and faced Naomi. But as fast as he got his cool, the sooner he lost it. Neo blinked in surprise as he looked as Naomi. Last time she saw her, she was still dressed in her normal clothes. Now, she looked like a different person. Her dark pig tails were tied in buns by red ribbons, and she was dressed in a crimson kimono with an orange obi around her waist.
Just as Neo was eyeing her clothes, Naomi was looking at the boy from head to toe. Neo's kimono was rather plain with no patterns or designs, but it suited him, given his cool and calm demeanor. Blushing slightly, Naomi smiled broadly both at the appearance of Neo and the way he was struck speechless upon seeing her. "So...?"
"Ah-I apologize..." Neo found his voice and bowed apologetically. Once he raised his head back, he greeted the girl more properly. "Good morning, Naomi. You look especially beautiful today."
Naomi instantly flushed. She knew Neo was in his nobleman-personae so he only said that for formality's sake. But hearing those words straightforwardly made her heart almost leaped out of her chest. Frazzled, she backed away and waved her hands frantically in front of her. "R-ReallY?! I-I mean... I just put them so I could blend in with the people."
"Still... You look cute in it," Neo added, lost in the flow of the conversation.
The second compliment struck a critical blow. Forced to retreat, Naomi bid Neo farewell and and made a break to her room, forcibly sliding the door open and shutting it abruptly. With her heart racing, she paced around the room while trying to catch her breath, failing to in the process.
"Naomi?" Neo called, jolting the the girl to a stop. "I ordered breakfast in the other room. You can join us later on or if you wish, I'll have your share delivered here."
"N-No need. I'll be there in minute!" Naomi answered in a hurry before her body reached melting point.
"Then, I shall go back and wake up Chase. I'll see you soon," concluded Neo, the sound of his footsteps growing distant from the girl's room.
Naomi finally breathed in relief and slumped on the tatami mats. "It's too bad that I'll be heading home soon."
Neo returned to his respective room and found Chase already awake. His silver hair was a mess just like the futon he was sitting on.
Rubbing his eyes, Chase yawned and greeted his friend. "Morning, Neo..."
"Good morning," Neo greeted back.
Breakfast was served minutes later. Naomi arrived just as she said. still dressed in a red kimono. On sight, Chase complimented her on her outfit, but it didn't have the same effect as Neo's. Keeping her cool, she sat down in front of of the table, opposite to Neo. She glanced at the boy slightly before shifting her attention to the food in front of her. There were three rice bowls for each of them as well as clay cups filled with tea. The main dishes comprised of veggies and seafood laid out in elegant plates and bowls.
"Neo, are you ready for today's gym battle?" Chase asked to begin the conversation.
"After yesterday's battle, I think we're as ready as can be," Neo replied confidently as he thought of his team.
"We'll be rooting for you, Neo!" beamed Naomi with an enthusiastic smile.
Neo met her gaze as his black eyes softened. "Thank you..."
Naomi became flustered once again. Averting her gaze quickly, she returned to eating her food with a pair of chopsticks.
"Say, Naomi... Aren't you leaving soon?" Chase spoke up, recalling what Naomi said and that was to stick around until they entered Fuchsia City. Now that they were there...
Naomi stopped eating and nodded with a tinge of disappointment. "That's right. I'll be going back soon..."
"I understand you have a gym to go back to so it can't be helped." Neo was also disappointed, but he managed to conceal it.
Shoving back the heavy emotions, Naomi beamed with a bright and optimistic smile. "Don't worry though! I'll be cheering you on even if I'm not around."
Seeing Naomi put up a happy front, Neo nodded with an appreciative smile.
After they changed back to their normal clothes, Neo and Chase escorted Naomi outside of Fuchsia City. It was a quiet goodbye as Naomi left with her Infernape, Natsu by her side. Waving her hand, she glanced back at Neo and once again smiled in his direction. It would be another long while before they would see each other. On the bight side, they still had their future match to look forward to once Neo earns more badges. And they could always call each other once in a while since they exchanged numbers.
Neo and Chase went back to the main streets of Fuchsia City, their destination: the gym. It was time to get the Soul badge. Neo's team was already raring to go. After yesterday's loss, they were determined to make it up in the next battle, more than ever since it was going to be a gym battle.
After a short walk, they arrived and stood in front of the large oaken doors of the fortress-like building. The place was considerably larger than the rest, but that was not all. A kind of foreboding atmosphere surrounding the area. The winds were dead and a tense silence filled the air. And for some reason, Chase felt restless. He knew that Neo was supposed to be the nervous one, but there was something about the place that made him anxious.
Neo stared at the building and soaked in the atmosphere in order to match it with his resolve. Casting a determined gaze at Chase, Neo exchanged looks and pushed the door open. "Let's go..."
The iron hinges creaked and a cold breeze blew out of the darkness. The gym was pitch-black, not a peep was heard and not a shadow stirred. Stepping inside, Neo and Chase panned their surroundings. No one seemed to be around.
*slam*
The doors suddenly closed, locking the two in utter darkness. Immediately, Neo grabbed his pokeball and sent out Arana. A burst of red light shot out of the pokeball and formed into a round pokemon with curled arms that sprout out from the black spike below the main body. Wailing loudly, Arana ignited purplish blue flames atop of the black crown on her head as well as two on each of her sides that extend from her arms, casting a bright glow around Neo and Chase.
"Evolved your Lampent into a Chandelure already, huh?" Chase awed at Arana's new form before turning to his friend, who was trembling and panting nervously. "Neo?! Hey! Are you okay?"
Clutching his cold quivering hands, Neo frantically collected his senses. With even breaths, he gradually calmed down under the ethereal warmth of his Chandelure. It was all because of the dark. Neo was not very fond of the it since it too, brought back the horrible memories. "I-I'll be fine..."
Arana hovered close to keep the darkness away, a duty which she was entrusted with over the years as Neo was growing up. Neo smiled in gratitude of her company. Meanwhile, Chase hurriedly rummaged through his pack and tossed the bottle of herbal mix to Neo who promptly caught it and took even sips.
"Welcome challengers!" Announced a mysterious male in the shadows.
Upon hearing it, Neo and Chase turned towards the origin and saw a vivid violet spotlight lit up from above, casting an ominous glow over the unknown individual's silhouette.
After bowing courteously atop of his high platform, stranger stood up straight and chuckled slyly. The light above him grew brighter and his form became more visible. It was hooded person wearing a white grinning theater mask, a pair of silver leg greaves, a purple cape with floral embroidery, similar to the silk robe that he wore over his black ninja garb, but his cape's interior was plain.
"Are you the gym leader?" Neo inquired in a loud voice so the person could hear.
"Yes, but at the same time... no," he replied and chuckled in amusement.
Neo looked at him, bewildered.
"Neo..." Chase whispered. "I don't like this... Can we leave?"
"Is something wrong?" Neo turned to his friend in concern.
"I just feel like my chest's itchy..." Chase replied, unable to settle down no matter how hard he tried.
"I am called Ode..." The masked individual introduced as he jumped down his platform in a shower of rose petals. As he touched the floor, his Roserade appeared in front with its arms crossed as it bowed elegantly. "We bid you welcome to the Fuchsia City gym."
"I'll do this quick," Neo assured Chase and stepped forward. "I am here to challenge the gym."
Ode chuckled and raised his fingers. "Like I said, I am the gym leader but at the same time, I am not."
"What do you mean?" Neo stared at him observantly.
"It's because... I'm not the only one," Ode answered and snapped his fingers. Upon his cue, two more spotlights lit up from above, casting a violet light over two different individuals. "For we are the Dolosa Trio."
The one on the highest platform was an individual who seems to be the opposite of Ode. His black ninja garbs weren't that flashy or eccentric, except for a purple cord across his chest and a long violet scarf around his neck. Like Ode though, he wore a hood and a mask, but it was black and only covered the lower half of his face, revealing his blue eyes. Ode introduced him as the eldest of the three. His name was Iago.
The one on the lower stand was another ninja but he was clad a full purple samurai armor which gleamed in the light. He wore a short torn purple scarf around his neck and a helmet helped conceal his face, though his strands of brown locks and hazel eyes were still visible. Ode introduced him as Marr, the second eldest.
Marr glared down at Chase and Neo and drew his long katana from the black sheath on his back. "If you are to challenge this gym, then you must defeat all three of us. Be warned that we won't go easy on you!"
"So~" Ode interrupted in a mischievous voice in contrast to his older comrade's loud and aggressive tone. "How many pokemon shall we be using in this battle?"
"I have four on my team," Neo answered as he motioned his Chandelure to his side.
"My, my... you have an odd one out," Ode indicated with a tinge of pity. "I would prefer to use 3 vs 3 for two rounds which means you need six pokemon." He turned his head towards Chase and rubbed the chin area of his mask. "If your friend has at least two, then perhaps you can borrow them for this battle..?"
"I Refuse!" Chase yelled suddenly, surprising Neo. "I... I can't take anymore of this!" Without another word, he stormed out, forcibly pushing the door open and running out.
"Chase!" Neo cried out but his friend continued to run. He knew something was wrong and that he needed to go after him. Turning towards the trio of gym leaders, he bowed apologetically. "I'm sorry, but I need to postpone our battle for now. I have to help my friend."
Iago, the eldest of the Dolosa Trio, leaped off his stand and walked towards Neo. Upon facing the boy, he eyed him observantly. And then with a solemn bow, he urged him to go. "We shall await your return..."
Chase panted as he ran far from the gym and headed off into a random direction, eventually leading him to the Zoo. He stopped at one of the enclosures and leaned against the railing that surrounded it. Catching his breath, he wiped the beads of sweat from his face and laughed in self-pity. "I'm just pathetic... aren't I?"
"Kaaaang..." A rugged brown pokemon groaned.
Chase raised his head and saw a Kangaskhan calling to its young inside its pouch. He was reminded of his late mother. Once again, he felt the rush of emotions bearing down on him. Running a hand through his silver locks, Chase tried to calm down. "It's not them..." he told himself over and over.
When Chase entered the gym, he couldn't shake off the anxiety. He didn't exactly understand why. All he knew was that he had to be strong for Neo's sake, but upon meeting the Dolosa Trio, something in him stirred. It was like his blood was beginning to boil. Flashbacks of his mother's death flashed through his thoughts as Neo conversed with Ode. Although Chase couldn't remember the person who murdered his mother, he suddenly caught glimpses of the assassin. When Marr drew his long katana, Chase recalled that the assassin too wielded a similar weapon.
Still, Chase couldn't recall the person's face. But he knew that the three ninjas weren't the ones. Ode, Marr, and Iago were much younger. The assassin was already an adult then so he wouldn't be around the Dolosa Trios' age. And even though Chase resolved to end all traces of the assassin and his kind, he couldn't suspect Ode, Marr and Iago just because of how they looked and the weapons they wielded. He knew better after his encounter with Gremio's visitors from Semira.
After managing to calm down, Chase became uneasy but for a different reason. For the past several days, He tagged along with Neo. Now that they were separated, Chase felt the space around him was roomy. It was strange and lonesome. Sighing with self-pity, he sent out his Gallade and Gardevoir for company.
Vince, his Gallade, panned the area and saw that his trainer's friend was missing. Although being shy around other humans, Vince grew accustomed to Neo so he wondered why Chase was alone. Looking towards his trainer, he stood by and waited for a possible explanation.
"Vince, don't look at me like that..." Chase groaned and turned to his Gardevoir. "Faith, do something... Faith?" When he shifted his gaze, his Gardevoir was gone. Mentally slapping himself, Chase and Vince decided to look for her. "Darn that chocoholic and her ADHD..."
Unbeknownst to them, an entity watched from afar, behind the cover of the thick leafy treetop.
After recalling his Chandelure, Neo searched the city with his Gengar, Nero who was flying overhead to get a better view. They first went to check the inn but Chase wasn't there. Their next destination was the bustling shopping district.
The smell of fresh takoyaki filled the noisy air. Colorful stalls and stores lined either side of the road. They were selling a variety of pokemon merchandise as well food and souvenirs. Neo bobbed his head over the crowd and searched for any signs of his friend. But there was nothing. Just then, his Gengar hovered down.
"Kekekeke..." Nero pointed towards a stall.
"What is Nero? Did you find Chase?" Neo inquired as he followed his Gengar's direction through the crowd. When he managed to reach the designated spot, he found a Gardevoir staring at some Magikarp-shaped pastries being sold at a stall. Neo walked up to the pokemon and recognized her as Chase's pokemon. "Faith?"
Upon hearing Neo's voice, the Gardevoir smiled and motioned to the chocolate-filled pastry, her eyes were sparking like a child.
Neo figured that Chase wouldn't be that far-off, but for the mean-time, he had to keep an eye on Faith. "Three please..." he told the shopkeeper and bought three of the chocolate-filled pastries. One for Faith, one for himself and one for Nero who floated overhead. With everyone satisfied, Neo turned his attention to the task at hand. "Faith, do you know where Chase is?"
The Gardevoir blinked and looked around as if she was looking for her trainer too. Her behavior made Neo and the Gengar sigh. Faith continued to search but with the help of her psychic powers. A moment later, the horn on her chest sparkled. She had located Chase and Vince. Beaming with delight, Faith suddenly grabbed Neo's hand and they teleported away from the crowd, unintentionally leaving behind a frantic Gengar.
"Vince, use Psycho Cut!" Chase cried out as his Gallade leaped away from an incoming Leaf Blade.
Planting his strong legs vertically against a tree, Vince lunged towards towards his green lizard-like assailant. His arms glowed vividly with a bluish aura as they extended in length. In return, the pokemon armed itself, brandishing its long leafy swords that stretch out of its arm. Vince swung series of neon-blue crescents in the air as the enemy countered accordingly. The sword fight continued relentlessly.
"Chase!" Neo called upon appearing into the area and seeing his friend.
Chase turned about and saw his friend and his Gardevoir. "Neo! Faith!"
"What's happening?" Neo asked, surprised to see Chase locked in a middle of a pokemon battle.
"Dunno. This pokemon just attacked us out of nowhere," Chase answered and returned his attention to the on-going battle, his priority was to find an opening for his pokemon to land a clean hit.
Neo quickly took out his pokedex and aimed it towards Vince's opponent.
Grovyle
The Wood Gecko Pokemon
The evolved form of Treecko. The leaves growing out of Grovyle's body are convenient for camouflaging it from enemies in the forest. This Pokémon is a master at climbing trees in jungles.
"It can't be an escaped pokemon from the Zoo. It's not even from Kanto," Neo pointed out.
Dodging another Psycho Cut from the Gallade, the Grovyle grabbed onto a branch above its head and hoisted itself up, using the thick cluster of leaves to hide its presence. Keeping himself on guard, Vince looked up at the treetops for signs of the opponent, his arms poised to strike at any moment. Just then, the Grovyle leaped down. Chase's Gallade immediately dove into action, swinging his neon blue blades. Smirking, the Grovyle ducked out of the way and swung its leg upwards, striking Vince's midsection. Then it followed with a flurry of attacks, alternating from its arms and legs.
"Acrobatics? But that's a TM move..." Chase muttered in disbelief.
"It must have a trainer," Neo concluded.
"Then where is the coward?!" Chase grunted and cried out to his Gallade, "Vince, counter with Close Combat!"
Chase's Gallade was struck with another blow from the Grovyle, but he recovered and quickly landed a combination of hits of his own. The nimble green lizard groaned in pain but continued its onslaught. From an elegant swordplay, it was turning into a rough brawl between the two pokemon with neither side appearing to give way to the other.
Neo and Chase looked on intensely. They remained vigilant for signs of the Grovyle's owner and at the same time, searched for a way to defeat the large green gecko.
Faith was also paying attention, but her gaze was more focused on Vince. Griping the half-eaten pastry in her hands, she worried for her dear comrade.
Suddenly, the Grovyle landed a powerful kick that sent Vince flying against a tree. Chase cried out to his pokemon and rushed to his side. Meanwhile, Neo turned to the Grovyle to fend it off, but he suddenly noticed Nero was missing. Opting to use a different pokemon, he reached for his belt. Just as he plucked a pokeball to send out his Chandelure, an Energy Ball flew through the air and struck the Grovyle, knocking it to the ground.
Crouched beside his injured Gallade, Chase turned towards the origin of the green energy sphere. "Faith!"
Chase's Gardevior stepped forward, her arm raised in front, slowly conjuring another Energy Ball.
Staggering to its feet, the Grovyle shook off the recent blow and turned to its new opponent. Unexpectedly, its eyes widened and it stood frozen in place. Chase and Neo didn't know what happened to it, but it was opportunity.
Brimming with resolve, Vince managed to muster enough strength to stand and launch one last attack. He exchanged looks with his trainer and nodded. Chase stood determinedly next to him and yelled out his command, "Vince, False Swipe!"
Launching into action, his Gallade surged towards the Grovyle. Jolting its attention back unto its previous opponent, the Grovyle armed itself with Leaf Blade and swung aggressively at the blade pokemon. Vince ceased abruptly and planted his fists unto the ground before launching into the air. Staggering off balance upon its missed attack, the Grovyle turned its gaze upon the Gallade looming overhead. In a flash, Vince struck the back of the grass-type lizard, forcing it down and landed nimbly on the other side.
"I guess there's one way to see if it has a trainer..." Chase pulled out a pokeball from his bag and tossed it at the Grovyle. On contact, the capsule opened and absorbed the wood gecko pokemon as it turned into a red matter. The pokeball dropped to the ground and jiggled thrice before confirming the capture with a ping sound. Half-expecting a different result, Chase walked over and picked up the pokeball. "Looks like it doesn't have a trainer."
"An abandoned pokemon? Or perhaps a run away..." Neo pointed out a couple of possibilities.
Chase shrugged. "Well, who cares..." He glanced at his newly caught pokemon and then faced his Gardevoir and Gallade who both walked up to him. With a proud grin, he commended his two pokemon. "You both did great."
Faith and Vince nodded in appreciation before exchanging looks with each other. The Gallade smiled wearily while the Gardevoir offered the remaining half of her pasty to him, causing Vince to nervously shy away from the gesture.
Neo looked at the two and suddenly recalled his Genger. "Wait! Nero-"
"Kekekeke..."
Pivoting around, Neo saw his pokemon floating towards him, exasperated but relieved. Neo went up to meet him and apologized for leaving him in the shopping district. His Gengar shrugged off the event. Nero was just glad have found his trainer after his random search around Fuchsia City.
"Neo... Sorry about Faith accidentally leaving Nero behind," Chase apologized as he came over. He shot a glance at his Gardevoir and chuckled in embarrassment. "She can sometimes be a little clueless to what goes around her."
"It's no problem," Neo replied and returned his pokemon to his pokeball for some much needed rest.
"Oh, and about what happened in the gym..." Chase trailed off as he scratched his head and averted his eyes. "I-I..."
"It's fine. I should have given more thought about what you were feeling at the time."
Taken aback, but Chase was relieved nontheless. Looking up at the sun high up in the sky, he turned his head towards Neo. "The day's still young. Let's have lunch, heal our pokemon and then let's go back to the gym."
"You sure?" Neo inquired, trying to be more conscious of Chase's position.
"Yeah, I'm okay," answered Chase as held up his new pokemon. "I'll lend you Faith and Vince, while Percival and I get acquainted."
"Percival?" Neo looked at him questioningly.
"Yup! It's the name of my new male Grovyle!" Chase declared, raising the pokeball to his face.
End of Chapter 37
Score one pokemon for Chase's team!
GamerGirl - I needed to use Acrobatics for this one. I'll still retain the other moves
Naomi's role is done... for now. ;)
Surely, in the next chapter will be the awaited gym battle.
I'm sure everyone is looking forward to seeing the Dolosa Trio in action.
It's gonna be my first Triple Battle. I hope it won't be a mess. xD
And again~ CURSE YOU MODNAR! xD
Malc Modnar is the one responsible for submitting the OCs (three of them. so DETAILED)
The art is done:ht$tp:/$/fav.$me/d86xwna
Read&Review~ Thanks in advance.