Secrets of the Night


DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!


Chapter 53: New Lessons


The sound of the clock ticking on the wall and the rhythmic taps of pacing footsteps filled the four corners of the room.

"I leave you for a few hours and suddenly I hear that you had collapsed on the way back to Celadon City?" Gremio sighed in disbelief and continued to walk back and forth while massaging his temples using his thumb and index finger. "Honestly, young master... Your recklessness will be the death of me." He gave an exasperated sigh. "Dear Arceus."

Neo laid on the bed, wordlessly watching Gremio while listening to his lecture. He had recently woken up to find himself in one of the vacant rooms of the pokemon center. Gremio was there, waiting for him with a crossed expression. Chase was nowhere in sight. He had probably escaped or he was done being chewed out by Gremio.

Sinking deeper into the softness of the pillow, Neo thought back on how a short trip to reach Saffron City turned into a heated encounter between him and cocky trainer who not only tried to finish off his Wartortle but also abused his own pokemon after it disobeyed him, leading to Neo step up to its defense and take in a shiny Drapion. Then after that, as they made their way back to Celadon City, Neo's adrenaline reached point zero and the strain he had caused to his body came back in a single instant, causing him to black out.

It was unbelievable. Route 7 was straight narrow road to Saffron City. It wasn't that long. Heck, it would take more time to reach the other side of Celadon City than to pass through Route 7. So why did such eventful things happen? Fate was probably playing around.

Anyways, what's done is done. Neo tried to sit up but was gently pushed back down by Gremio, demanding that he should rest. Two straight days of passing out was apparently a cause for alarm.

Sighing, Neo settled back down and panned the quaint room out of boredom. He had yet to experience sleeping in a pokemon center so it was another newfound idea to him. So far, it felt pretty normal, given the rooms in the Celadon Pokemon Center were a little bigger and more advanced compared to the other cities and towns. It was due to the massive population in the area.

"Where is everyone?" Neo inquired, casting a look at the door as if expecting someone was coming in.

"Sir Graceland has gone out for a walk. The pokemon are downstairs resting, including the Drapion," Gremio answered, the last bit perked his charge's interest.

"How's Scourge doing?" Neo asked worriedly and sat up.

Gremio didn't make a move to stop him but looked at the teen with slight disapproval. "Nurse Joy is tending to him. She knows what to do." That didn't settle Neo's worry. "I may allow you to leave this room later and check on him… If you stay in bed and eat your lunch." He compromised as he picked up a bed tray from a nearby table and placed it in front of Neo.

Neo stared down and saw the usual familiar course. It wasn't like hospital food or anywhere near that. Gremio probably borrowed the pokemon center's kitchen and made it himself. Neo also noted the glass filled with the special medicine. If he just remembered to take it before, then he wouldn't be in bed at that point, not that he could change the fact that it already happened and it was no use cry over spilled milk.


As promised, Neo was allowed to go downstairs. After staying in bed for two more hours, he was eager to stretch his legs. Gremio walked ahead of him to the counter and talked with a pink-haired nurse who eventually directed them to the holding area outside.

It was a wide pen similar to a daycare's but there were more Chanseys and less baby pokemon. The landscape suited various types of pokemon, from a large tree for flying-types to a deep pond for water-types. There was also a small rocky plateau with a mini cave where ground-types and rock-types hung out.

Neo caught a glimpse of his team, most of them, by the edge of the pond. Genbu, having sustained serious injuries prior, was resting while wading in the water. Kashu was looking over him, checking if his wounds have healed. She was once again acting as the nurse of the group, mirroring the Chanseys with their nursing caps. Arana and Gertrud were not far. They were engaged in yet another telepathy lesson by the looks of it. Last but not least was Novus who was hovering by, arms crossed as he gazed at his teammates with a watchful eye.

Neo left Gremio's side and walked towards them, gaining their attention when he made it halfway. Arana and Gertrud were the first to rush to him, instantly fussing around, wondering if he was alright, though unlike Gertrud who used telepathy, Arana communicated through wailing. She was still learning. Neo assured them that he was right as rain. Kashu was next to come over, pouting in disapproval. Neo chuckled quietly before making his way to Genbu and Novus.

Eagerly, the Wartortle got out of the water and approached, flashing a wide grin to greet him.

Neo bent down to his level and stroked him on the head. "How are you feeling, Genbu?"

"Warr!" Genbu's grin broadened as he balled his fists enthusiastically.

"Wigglytuff!" Kashu bounded over and told him off with a scolding tone.

"Kashu says Genbu is as hard-headed as you when it comes to health," Gertrud interpreted for Neo with a slight giggle.

Arana floated over and mutely looked to the Roserade. A moment later Gertrud laughed.

"Arana, I'm not a mind reader. Try again." A momentary pause of silence. "Sorry. Still nothing." Gertrud smirked and shrugged her shoulders. "You have to concentrate on your psychic abilities."

After a couple of failed tries, Arana huffed, her blue flames flickering in annoyance, making the group laugh.

"Keep at it, Arana," Neo encouraged his Chandelure with an amused smile and a gentle stroke along her round head.

A couple of feet away, Novus watched the exchange with a neutral expression. His sole eye then caught a giant red instectoid staring at them from behind a cluster of rocks. Dropping his arms to his sides, the Dusknoir floated towards his trainer and companions before informing them of the situation.

Neo didn't understand at first but when he followed the gaze of his team as they zeroed in on a pokemon that was looking back at them from a distance, he found out. Aside from the pointed eyes, the crimson-shaded segmented tail and limbs that stood out were a dead giveaway.

"I didn't know Scourge was already out of the treatment room," said Gertrud telepathically, a slight startle in her mental voice.

Neo chuckled to himself and thought that it would be good to introduce him to the others. Softly smiling, he stood up and motioned him over. "You can come over, Scourge. It's alright..."

Considering the offer, the red Drapion screeched under his breath and stepped out of his cover cautiously. The troupe of pokemon around Neo glued their eyes on the massive scorpion. Scourge sized each one of them one at a time, recognizing the Roserade and the Wartortle from earlier. And apparently, the latter had recognized him as well.

"Warr!" Genbu growled and took a step forward, facing the Drapion as if he was warning him to stay away. Scourge immediately halted on the spot.

"Genbu." Neo was instantly on alert. Turning his gaze away from Scourge, he knelt down and tried to calm his hostile Wartortle. "Scourge doesn't mean any harm. He was forced to do what he did. You can't blame him. Besides, he's part of the team now."

Genbu looked at him incredulously as if he was slapped. "Wartortle! Warr!"

Gertrud didn't translate. The dampened look that Neo had showed he understood. With a short intake of breath, she tried to persuade the snowflake-printed turtle. "Genbu, give him a chance."

"WARR!" The Wartortle snarled at the Roserade and turned to Novus, Arana and Kashu. He then proceeded to explain the situation to them. As he did, the three traded wary looks with each other, occasionally shooting glances at Neo and the red Drapion as well. A tension grew in the air.

After retelling the tale, Genbu grunted and walked away from the scene. Kashu threw a worried look at Neo before bounding off to catch up with Genbu. Arana turned to Getrud and wailed sadly, unsure how to address their new apparent teammate after what she heard. Getrud didn't know what to say. She honestly felt pity for Scourge but she didn't know him that well to vouch for him. With a hung silence, they didn't speak up further. They were at a loss just as much as Neo was at that point when Novus looked at him.

At a short distance, Scourge watched the exchange unfold with guilt. He couldn't blame the Wartortle. He nearly killed him, not to mention he also attacked that Grovyle that stood up for him against Kiba's Hitmonchan. Looking back, he realized how bad an impression he gave. He wouldn't be surprised if he was eventually thrown out of the group. Casting a final glance at Neo's face, he recalled how warm the atmosphere was when the boy was talking with his pokemon. It made him envious although he had no right to be. Turning around, he slid back to his hiding place behind the rocks.

Neo caught a glimpse of him just before he disappeared. He felt sorry for Scourge. Things didn't go quite as he had initially planned, more like it exploded in his face. With a sigh of defeat, he stood up and pondered on what to do next.

It was then that Gremio made his way over, drawing his charge's attention. Standing tall in his signature suit, he clasped his hands behind him and looked down at Neo. "Give them time to adjust. Sooner or later, they'll come around."

"I hope..." Neo answered with hint of uncertainty.


Chase came back around lunchtime just as Neo and Gremio had sat down in front of the table upstairs in their rented room. He asked how his friend was and Neo assured him that he was fine. Sitting down, Chase sensed the uneasy air and immediately thought of Scourge. Gremio caught his wary look and explained what happened in Neo's place. Chase predicted as much and shot his friend an encouraging grin as he told him that it would work out in the end.

They came back down after lunch and met up with Nurse Joy who explained Scourge's current condition. According to her, Scourge was better than he appeared. She had patched up most of his injuries so all that's left was just a good night's rest and plenty of nutrients. Then Nurse Joy gave Neo a box of herbal salve and told him to apply it to the scars once a day. The fresher scars would fade in due time but the old ones would take longer.

Neo accepted them gratefully and headed back to the holding pen with his companions. While Chase went to the get Percival who was lounging up in a tree, Gremio went in another direction and Neo walked up and called up his pokemon. Shortly, Novus, Arana, Gertrud, Kashu and Genbu approached, the Wartortle lagging behind the group with an apologetic expression.

Neo looked down on him as he half-murmured, "Warr..."

"Genbu says he's sorry," Gertrud interpreted with a soft smile.

Neo's expression warmed and he bent down to his Wartortle's level. "Don't worry about it, Genbu. I understand."

Genbu hugged his leg and Neo returned the caring gesture with a soft stroke on his indigo blue head. With that, Arana floated over and nestled against the back of her trainer's shoulder, eliciting a laugh from Neo as he used his free hand to pat the Chandelure as well. At the sight, Kashu puffed up with a jealous frown. She wasn't going to be left out. Bouncing off the ground, she launched at Neo and hugged him in front. The boy almost fell over on his back if it weren't for Novus who was hovering behind him. Neo wordlessly thanked him and the Dusknoir merely nodded in acknowledgement.

Gertrud watched the little fluff fest and thought of Blaze, wondering how he was doing at that moment.

Shortly after, Neo returned them one by one to their respective pokeballs, excluding Gertrud who chose to stay out as usual. After that, Neo scanned the holding pen. He had already noted Scourge's absence when he called and decided to look for him with Gertrud. As they walked around, panning their surroundings, Chase went up to them, his Grovyle by his side.

Percival also needed time to recover due to the earlier battle, but according to Chase, his Grovyle didn't seem to harbor any ill will towards Scourge. He was fine with searching for the Drapion. Neo inquired, through Gertrud, and Percival answered briefly that he knew what it was like to be under a rough trainer. He was just fortunate to have ran away before things got as worse as Scourge's situation.

Chase took in the revelation. He was glad that Percival opened up a just meant he was settling well in his care. With a light pat on the tall Gecko's shoulder, Chase proposed that they should go ahead and look for Scourge. The rest agreed and continued on.

Eventually, they found him by himself behind a thick cluster of shrubs. He laid on his belly, arms tucked underneath his head and tail settled limply by his side. Scourge noticed their presence but paid no heed as he continued to contemplate on his situation. He liked Neo but he felt that he wasn't deserving to be his pokemon.

"How are you feeling, Scourge?" Letting his three companions stay back, Neo rounded him and crouched down beside his head. "Do you feel hurt anywhere?"

That was a weird question for Scourge. For a long time, all he knew was pain. Having wounds treated and someone asking for his health was an unfamiliar thing. Did he like it? Maybe. He couldn't fathom it. A gentle hand suddenly touched his arm, making him flinch and snap his eyes to the source.

Neo withdrew his hand, thinking he accidentally touched a painful spot. He really couldn't tell with the scars. "I apologize. Does it still hurt?"

Again with the weird question. Scourge looked at him questioningly before shaking his head negatively. To his surprise, Neo smiled and said that it was good before stroking his head like he was no different from his own pokemon. Scourge stiffened. A a strange sensation settling in his chest as he looked at him.

"Shall we go?" Neo inquired, making Scourge even more confused.

The shiny Drapion didn't understand the concept of being asked. Usually humans would just force him to do things. Having choices was a new thing for him. He was at a loss of what to do and how to react.

"If you want... You can stay out of your pokeball like Gertrud," Neo offered kindly.

It took a another moment for the reality to sink in. He had freedom, Scourge realized as he stood up and looked down at the frail-looking boy with the ebony hair and stone-gray eyes.

Neo met his gaze and took out a spare pokeball. He held it out for him and waited. "To make things official."

Scourge recalled that he agreed to join Neo's team but he hadn't gotten the chance to make it 'official' when Neo collapsed. The memory of the boy just falling limp made him cringe. He didn't expect that to happen. He panicked but luckily the silver-haired boy was quick to catch him before he could hit the ground. Unsure of what to do, he just stepped aside as the human called out his Gallade to help him carry Neo. Scourge would have been big enough to help but he was in no shape to do it. In the end, the blade pokemon and his trainer carried him back to Celadon City, while Scourge and the Roserade trailed behind them.

"Scourge?" Neo spoke up, snapping the giant scorpion out of his reverie.

Scourge blinked and stared once again at the unused pokeball. He shot a glance behind him and saw the silver-haired human, the Grovyle and the Roserade. They didn't show any signs of protest. The human, clad in black, was waiting calmly, the tall green gecko merely shrugged his shoulders while the masked flower pokemon was rocking back in forth with boredom.

With a deep breath, Scourge spun his head back and inched closer to the familiar round object in the boy's hand. This was it. There was new life waiting for him. Finally, he extended a pincer and poked the trigger mechanism. the pokeball snapped open and a bright red light swallowed him into the round object.

Neo watched the pokeball rock back in forth thrice before the ping sound informed him that Scourge was officially his pokemon. With a grateful smile, he sent the shiny Drapion back out, much to Scourge's surprise. "Welcome to the team, Scourge."

That was it? Scourge shot him a questioning look.

"By the way, you still haven't answered if you're riding or walking," Neo added, holding up the capsule once again.

Scourge blinked. The human was serious when he asked. Thinking it over, Scourge recalled all the stares he got earlier when they entered Celadon City. Other than being a huge poisonous intimidating pokemon, he was a shiny huge poisonous intimidating pokemon. It was better if he stayed low. Scourge pointed to the pokeball once again.

Neo nodded and returned him to the capsule. With a brief gaze, he tucked the pokeball back unto his belt.

Chase recalled his own pokemon as well and went over to his friend. "You got a new pokemon. Congratulations, Neo!"

"Thanks."

A moment later, the group noticed Gremio approaching. Neo beamed at the elder man and noticed a pokemon walking alongside him. It around his height. It walked on all fours and had canine-like features. Its main body was blue with a triangular yellow mane on its head, and jagged tufts on its haunches as well as its front paws. On its back was a modified saddle with bags on either side and on its neck was a fancy collar with a sphere-shaped jewel that stood out under the bright weather.

"Gremio?" Neo eyed his family's butler skeptically as he stood before them with the pokemon dutifully standing by his side. He vaguely knew the pokemon, having seen in it the manor on several occasions over the span of his childhood years and adolescence. It was Gremio's pokemon, that much he knew. But what was its purpose here?

"After careful consideration, I've decided to leave you with my Manectric," Gremio informed sternly and motioned to the pokemon . "This... is Emperor."

The Manectric barked solemnly in acknowledgement of his name.

Neo, Chase and Gertrud traded glances before Gremio continued with a stern tone, his eyes fixated on his charge, "I don't want to hear another story over the phone that Sir Graceland had to drag you all the way to a pokemon center after you fell unconscious in the middle of a road."

The trio flinched. The way Gremio said it made them regret the way they handled the situation. Chase shuffled on his spot. "Sorry. I just wanted to take him to a safer place. Staying in the middle of the road was not a choice. Besides, Vince helped me." He then pictured back how they supported Neo by either shoulders and dragged him off. It was a sight that would have drained all the color from Gremio's face. No wonder he was providing a solution to the situation.

"I'm not asking that you use him as a mount everywhere you go... I know you wouldn't approve." Gremio concentrated his gaze on Neo who was patiently listening. "I'm merely asking that you take him along, let him carry your travel gear and if you ever lost consciousness on the road, at least you have a pokemon that is more than capable of taking you to the nearest city, safely and as swiftly as possible."

Emperor gave another brief bark.

Gertrud tilted her head to one side as she looked at the pokemon. To her, Emperor seemed extremely serious as if he was a robot. The Manectric glanced at her sideways but didn't speak, not even a shift of the head. He just stood there with dignity and discipline.

"Neo, don't you have already six pokemon?" Chase pointed out, his golden-yellow eyes sizing up the Manectric.

"Emperor can handle himself on his own," Gremio explained as he placed a hand on the the canine-like pokemon's head. After a moment, he took out Emperor's pokeball and handed it to Chase. "That is only for convenient purposes if he can't stay outside."

"I understand" Chase accepted the responsibility. Based on what Gremio said, Emperor was first and foremost Gremio's pokemon and didn't belong to either of them. He got that and he was fine with it. Emperor looked too stiff for his taste.

Neo nodded his thanks and agreement before approaching the Manectric and patting its snout. Emperor didn't stir at the gesture but his eyes followed the raven-haired teen carefully. Neo's gaze shifted and zeroed in on the yellow sphere with a red and blue colored symbol.

"Before you ask..." Gremio spoke up, drawing all three of their attention. "That is a Mega Stone, specifically a Manectite."

Neo and his two companions stared at Gremio with wide eyes filled with wonder. "Emperor can mega evolve?"

Gremio nodded in confirmation and turned to his pokemon. "I believe it'll be a good lesson for each of you if I show you."

"Yes, PLEASE!" Chase beamed with excitement while Neo bobbed his head positively.

"Very well," Gremio acknowledged. "It is fortunate that I had asked permission in advance from Nurse Joy to try it here."

Neo stood with anxiousness but was then startled when Gremio came over to him.

"May I borrow it for a moment, young master?" He asked with a slight hesitance. "I apologize... I have yet to find a replacement for it."

"I-It's alright." Neo briskly shook his head and took out his Mega Amulet. He stared at it for a moment before meeting his second father's warm gaze. Smiling softly, he handed the memento back.

Gremio nodded and turned around to face his Manectric who had walked to a wider area where there were lesser pokemon around. Stepping forward, the elder man held the Key Stone to his chest. "When a pokemon mega evolves, it undergoes change like normal evolution, but it only last for a certain period... And although the change is temporary, the results are phenomenal. Abilities alter and the pokemon's power magnifies immensely."

Neo and Chase continued to listen well and looked on with anxious gazes. Gertrud stood between the two of them and watched on as well.

"This change doesn't occur in the wilds because it is only possible through the presence of both the pokemon and the trainer," Gremio continued and clutched the amulet firmer, his gaze meeting his Manectric's. "If the bond between them is strong... then Mega Stone reacts with the trainer's Key Stone." A pulsating light began to glow in unison with both spheres. "Emperor. Mega evolve."

Light instantly burst forth from each of the jewels. Emperor let out a fierce roar as he was engulfed with a multi-colored aura. His body rapidly underwent transformation, his yellow mane grew considerably larger, the middle spike extended further across his body in the shape of a giant lightning bolt, the spikes in between formed into horns that tilted forward and finally his claws shifted into a crimson shade. The light died down and Emperor stood proud and fierce in his new form, letting out an intimidating howl as a cluster of dark thunderclouds gathered above him.

The atmosphere intensified and the air became dense. Eyeing the eerie heavens, Neo and his two companions stepped back unconsciously.

"Emperor, Electro Ball," Gremio commanded in a neutral tone as he tilted his head to the sky.

Emperor crouched down into a pouncing position. Yellow sparks radiated from his body and accumulated into a massive orb of electricity front of of his head. When it finally reached the peak of its mass, Emperor roared and hurled it upwards where it shot towards the sky and exploded in a burst of golden light before raining down in a vivid display of crackling glitter. Simultaneously, the clouds dispersed and the heavens once again returned to their sunny disposition.

As onlookers, both human and pokemon stared in awe, Emperor shed his mega evolved form in shroud of fading light and walked back to Gremio side where he received a soft pat on the head and a gentle praise. "You did wonderfully, Emperor." The Manectric barked in reply and leaned into the touch.

"That was cool!" Chase came over, a broad grin plastered on his face. Neo and Gertrud followed behind him, both were smiling, their eyes still lit with amazement.

Gremio turned towards them and straightened himself in order to address the three properly. "Take heed now. I may have used it as a demonstration but Mega Evolution is not to be taken for granted. It is best utilized in the field of battle and against the strongest of adversaries. You may practice wielding from time to time, but take great caution. There are cases when a pokemon loses control... Once it does, stopping it is not easy so be careful."

The two teens nodded in sync. The next moment, Neo spoke up, "Gremio... If a bond is required, then Emperor can't mega evolve without you."

Gremio smiled proudly and handed the Mega Amulet back to Neo. "That is correct, young master. Therefore, even if you and Sir Graceland wield Key Stones and Emperor has the appropriate Mega Stone, without establishing a strong bond, Mega Evolution is not possible. A bond requires time and trust, two things I believe you both need for your own pokemon." His eyes lingered on Neo.

The raven-haired teen smiled back, understanding that Gremio was indicating Scourge. He held the amulet more securely in his hand and nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Gremio."


It was mid-afternoon when the group finally left Celadon City. They were traveling through Route 7 once again. Gertrud skipped in front, Neo and Chase walked behind her while Emperor trailed behind dutifully, carrying most of their travel supplies. Gremio was insistent of that and his Manectric merely gave a monotone bark.

"So Chase..." Neo began, casting a glance at his friend. "Where were you earlier?"

"Huh?" Chase looked at him blankly, his hands settled coolly behind his head. "Whaddya mean?"

"I mean when I was unconscious in the pokemon center. Gremio said you went out for a walk," Neo elaborated.

"Yup! I did... But guess what!" Chase shot his friend an enthusiastic grin.

Neo cocked a brow. "What?"

Chase ran up, spun around to face Neo and flashed a flyer in front of him. "Check this out!"

Stopping momentarily, Neo took the colorful parchment and scanned it from top to bottom.

SCUFFLE OF LEGENDS

Saffron City 27th Worldwide Tournament
"Where journeys intertwine"
Face off against trainers from around the globe
Three on three singles matches

Winners per group will receive

*Mystery Egg*
*Special Items*
*25k Pokedollars*

Runner-ups will receive similar consolation prizes


End of Chapter 53

It has begun! More work ahead. Let's all do our best, everyone! (DBS, WrittenWhim, Scriffignano, Ramaxy)
Poster: ht$tp:/$/fav.$me/d90nu4j

Too bad for Neo and Chase, Emperor can't Mega Evolve with just them. And it looks almost impossible to even get the stiff to open up.
It took me a while to choose a mount. Everything else is either too popular or taken. I did my research.

Anyway, read and review guys! Thanks so much!