A/N: This is an original Pokémon Fan Game, made by Amethyst. if you wish to check it out and play the game download it at Reborn Evolved. Search for it on your web browser if you want to get to the website.

Warning Character Death and Blood. Enjoy!

Chapter 77- Scrapyard Fairytale

Time: 6:00

Location: 1R253 Scrapyard

"Phew, we're finally off of Percival's wild ride…" Taka sighed relief as he and Percival climbed out of an old train engine.

"Hey, it's not my fault that all of the train engines were blocking the path," Percival commented back. Though this was only, a part of the journey.

"No, I more or less mean. The getting attacked by hordes of statues, and getting lost in the desert twice." Taka rebutted.

"At least the mountain we climbed pointed us in the right direction." Percival retorted, "But that tower and the statues were definitely your faults."

"…" Taka shrugged at the final accusation. "At least you got a Pokémon out of it."

The two had spent a few days in the desert after their first night being assaulted by a bunch of Garchomp statues. Where the pair had encountered several mirages before finding a giant tower in the middle of the desert, with several strange puzzles. Taka explained the tower to be something to test the tower's challengers against the distortions of Giratina. So that one day a champion strong enough to fight against Giratina would appear. As a prize at the top of the tower was a Honedge. Taka explained it should be a legendary blade at the top, which probably wasn't this Honedge. Taka said Percival should claim the blade, as he solved the puzzles of the tower. Percival took it reluctantly, thinking of maybe a gift to another.

"Though I'll agree the mountain was beautiful." Taka agreed, "I feel like I can understand why Nero liked climbing up to the highest building he could find. It's surprisingly calm being that high."

"I guess," Percival said. He didn't mind heights himself but wasn't particularly attracted to them.

The two continued when they were greeted by a woman. "well, howdy, partners! We thought we was hearin' some kinda racket. But we figured it was just the local Steelix givin' it a good tussle again."

"Uhh, nope," Taka answered first shaking his head. "No Steelix. Just two crazy people with a train."

"Well, you know we all been there." The woman nodded her head, somehow understanding this. Before breaking into a smile. "Some good ol' fashioned train-joustin' is the best sport we got out here!"

"That sounds safe." Taka nodded.

"Most certainly so…" Percival followed with this derailed conversation

"Anyway, my name's Europa!" The woman introduced herself. "Y'all lookin' for a place to rest?"

"Rest?" Taka chuckled. "I don't think I've heard of that before."

"Ohh, you joker!" Europa laughed, before looking at the two. "We don't exactly get a lot of visitors out here, but there's a few of us who hang together for our own reasons. Some of us are chasin' peace, others fleein' violence. It don't matter who you are though, you're welcome to stay with us as long as you like. We got each other here, and that's all we need.

"Hey, taka…" Percival glanced at him with a smile.

"Yeah… This… This might work out." Taka said smiling himself. When Taka decided to follow Percival through the desert

"Y'all got a story to tell?" Europa said curiously to the two newcomers to the scrapyard.

"Percival probably has several," Taka said smiling.

"Too many if you ask me." Percival sighed, his life has been as exciting as it has been terrifying. "Though, Taka here is looking for someplace safe. I'm here for a gym challenge if you can point me in the right direction. Though can wait for a bit."

"All right, Percival. We already got a Percy if you don't mind." Europa said.

"Percival, Percy, it doesn't matter." Percival nodded.

"Um… About that safe place?" Taka asked.

"You found it! Congrats!" Europa exclaimed with a smile. "If'n you'd like, I can set you up with one of your trains and what few accommodations we've got."

"So—Wait, you guys just, live in the trains out here?" Taka exclaimed in surprise. "Cuz you can?"

"Pretty much!" Europa freely said.

"…" Taka was silent, but his eyes shown like he was a kid. "Yeah, sounds great. If it's no trouble, that'd be… a big relief."

"Well, right this way, sirs!" Europa said, happy to lead the way.

After being shown to a train cart for Taka to call his own. The next few hours took both Percival and Taka to rest. Percival though woke up earlier to reach a more regular sleeping schedule. Taka had awoken as well.

"Mmm… Five more minutes." Taka groaned from the cushioned seat he was sleeping on.

"Well, you can in a bit." Percival said, "Though, I'm going to leave to find and fight Titania. I'd rather talk to you about this now, so please wake up for now."

"…I'm up," Taka said rubbing his eyes, as he sat up, looking at Percival. "What do you want to talk about?"

"In all honesty, I didn't touch upon this while we were traveling. Mainly cause I assumed you'd run away if I tried." As Percival spoke, Taka took more of a wary look. Though knowing he would leave to fight Titania soon, Percival continued. "I want to talk about Team Meteor and you."

"…" Taka looked as uncomfortable as he felt.

"Taka, I know your viewpoint on the matters of Team Meteor from our journey through the desert, and our encounter at the Water Treatment Center," Percival spoke calmly, not trying to provoke, or scare taka. "But I have to ask you. Are you certain you're as powerless as you say?"

"I…" Taka mumbled, but Percival wasn't finished.

"I've heard you tell stories of the Sanctum in Reborn. I've known how the League was formed in Reborn as well." Percival spoke, his eyes not harsh, but certainly not warm either. They were just staring in recognition. "I understand there were mistakes made along the way, covering up the ancient history of Reborn is one of them. But I still don't believe the way Team Meteor is trying to rectify it is the right way. Especially when that woman, Lin, is involved."

"…" Taka remained silent waiting for Percival to continue. Scared of what Percival might ask of him.

"Even if I think there are better ways, some parts of Meteor may need more than words. Even if I become the Champion of the region. I do not think that my words alone would be enough to convince Solaris to change anything." Percival sighed. "Taka, I told you before I respect Solaris' strength, but his actions not so much. If there is someone to lead Team Meteor in a better direction, I think it should be you, Taka. I would be there to support you. Like I hope you would support me."

Taka was frozen stiff as Percival gave him this chance. Part of Taka wanted to accept this offer, while the rest of him was far too terrified to make a decision. Taka struggled to find an answer, "Percival… I-…"

"Taka, I'm not asking for your word now," Percival said almost dismissing the matter entirely. Yes, Percival wanted Taka's help, but Percival didn't want to force him. Percival wanted this decision to solely rest with Taka's full motivation. "I came here to fight Titania for the Alloy Badge if you wish to give me an answer after I acquire it. Then I'll accept it, but even if you haven't decided, I'll be pressing Team Meteor. And After Meteor is taken down… well, whatever mess that is left behind… I hope you'll help, not me, but this region."

Percival turned to leave the train cart so that he would go and find Titania's gym in this desert. When Taka suddenly called out to him. "Percival!"

"Yes?" Percival stood at the doorway looking at Taka.

Taka hesitated before answering, his voice shaking slightly. "Listen, Percival... We have one more base up in the Carnelia Region- besides Labradorra City, that is. I feel like, even if I tell you not to go there, you won't listen. But, seriously... don't go. They'll probably try and lure you there. It would be really bad if you went... and I don't mean for Team Meteor."

"…" Percival was silent from the warning, pondering upon it. "That's where a PULSE is, isn't it? Whatever is causing the sleeping spell over Agate City, isn't it?" Taka didn't answer, but as he avoided Percival's eyes, the answer was clear. "And from how you said it was bad for me to go there, I gather this PULSE can do more than just put people to sleep."

"…" Taka was silent, as a tiny part of him still loyal to team meteor, was desperate to not rat them out.

"I thank you for the warning, Taka." Percival bowed his head to Taka. "But, regardless of the warning or not. I know I'll be making my way there eventually. As saving Agate weighs more than the risk involved. Thank you though. Saying that must have taken courage."

"…You're…Welcome…" Taka said weakly.

"Now then." Percival saluted Taka as he opened the train door. "I'll be off, I'll make sure to say goodbye before I leave. It was truly fun traveling Tourmaline Desert with you."

As Percival took the path that Europa explained to him. He felt the heat of the sun burning against his clothes, as Percival followed the trail that should lead to Titania's Gym. He suddenly heard a noise.

Thunk.

Percival readied one of his Pokémon, ready for an ambush. Whether it be a trainer or a Pokémon. Though when he turned it wasn't one he expected. "…"

"…" The red eyes stabbed into Percival. The black fur of this creature is unsuited for this desert temperature. The white horn upon its head was blinding in the sunlight. He looked down at Percival silently.

"…Grim?" Percival asked the Shiny Absol. The once ace of Nero's Team.

"…Aro." The Absol cried, flickering blue, though as its fated Partner was not here. No future could be foretold. After that, Grim turned to hop away on top of the other abandoned train carts.

"…" Percival swallowed hard. Knowing that Absols were often signs of impending disaster.

As the train carts were traversed, the world changed while passing through each one. The scenery changes from one a scorching desert to a floating castle in the middle of the sky. It was a sight to behold, a certain beautiful one for this fairytale fantasy.

Percival entered the Castle front, coming to the main hall. Only to freeze as he was met with someone he didn't expect to see. Her green hair and eyes, her black armor-like clothes… She looked down at Percival and smiled. "Welcome, Percival."

"You… How did you get here?" Percival asked as he stared down Team Meteor's New Leader, Lin.

"You were quite generous to show that boy here," Lin responded, simply. "I thank you for that, since he, in turn, showed me."

"…" Percival was silent, he realized he and taka were being tailed this whole time.

"He is beyond incompetent." Lin spat, "but his victim act must be quite compelling. Everyone is so quick to give into crocodile tears. But when they come to the jaws of the beast, they act surprised."

"Taka wasn't putting on an act," Percival responded. Percival knew Taka wasn't like that. Percival firsthand saw Taka's tears when he heard of Nero's death.

"How funny." Lin looked amused. Before her smile dispersed into a serious look. "Now, let's get started. Better keep your guard up. I think we'll be seeing each other a lot more from now on. After all, we have the same goal."

"What do you mean?" Percival asked, guardedly. Same goal? Percival, though she was insane to claim that.

"All we have to do is get it from her," Lin said. Where Percival knew exactly what Lin was talking about. The Sapphire Bracelets, a key to Reborn's hidden temple, were in Titania's hands.

"…" As Lin left the room, Percival shook, he had to find Titania and fast.

"ugh…" Percival groaned as he climbed the vines of a black stone tower. Remembering how Lin somehow knocked him out and placed him here. Lin had disguised herself as one of the knights in Titania's Gym, and when Percival least expected it, she knocked him out.

Why Lin left Percival alive, not even he knew. But even still, Percival tried to get back on track. Trying to find Titania. It was then Percival heard someone shout his name.

"Percival!" Percival looked around but was unable to see the person at first. "Up here!"

"Taka?!" Percival looked up to see on a higher level of the Castle, it was Taka. Percival wondered how he got here.

"I'm so glad to see you," Taka said, seemingly panicking. "I—I woke up here, and Lin—I'm sorry, Percival. I'm so sorry—I didn't want her to—"

"Taka, calm down," Percival called to him. Percival was wondering if he should trust him right now.

"I didn't want this," Taka repeated, desperate for Percival to believe him I didn't want this... Please, believe me... I'm—I'll try and find a way to you. I'll—find a way down. Just hold on. Please..." Taka left to go find a way to Percival.

"*Sigh* this is such a mess…" Percival mumbled to himself as he stood in front of a floating golden staircase.

As Percival walked through the stairs, looking at the floating islands wondering if this was the right direction. Another voice called out to him. As stern and angry as it was when Percival first met him. "There you are."

"Titania!" Percival said seeing her up above, happy to see her.

"You I was ready for," Titania said, annoyed. "But did you really have to drag these other vermin in?"

"Not that I meant to." Percival sighed, "I need to get better at seeing if anyone's tailing me…"

"Listen, I've got a plan." Titania derailed Percival's trail of thought. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes," Percival answered quickly. With the current situation. Percival fully believed Titania was the only one he could trust.

"After everything I've done?" Titania asked, her eyes wide. She didn't believe she earned Percival's trust. "Seriously? Why? No—Forget it. Thank you."

"It shouldn't be worth thanking me." Percival shrugged, but he saw something being thrown at him and caught it in the air. He looked into his hands seeing that it was the Sapphire Bracelets.

"Hang on to those," Titania said, with a determined look on her face. "This will be over soon."

After obtaining the Sapphire Bracelets, Percival continued his way through the Gym. Having entered the Fairytale's Dragon Den. Having pushed past the giant stone dragon statue of Reshiram. Percival had managed to beat it. Pressing forward, Percival was met with a black knight standing at a tower entrance.

Despite the lava and brimstone, Percival felt the room drop several degrees as he stood face to face with this knight. As it wasn't a normal knight, Percival didn't know why she was in the armor, but there in front of him stood Lin.

After what felt like an eternity Lin finally spoke. "So, she gave you the Bracelets freely. Why don't you do the same for me?"

"…" Percival was admittedly afraid, but he shifted his feet, his arms, his body ready for a fight. Keeping himself tense, even though he saw Titania preparing something in the distance. Percival felt something… something wasn't right.

"Or do you really think you can stand up to me?" Lin spoke from behind the helmet, almost taunting. "Even what happened to your precious Champion.

"…" Percival kept his silence, as Titania prepared a sneak attack from behind with her Aegislash. It was a simple plan, Percival kept Lin's attention, while Titania stabs Lin in the back. But there was that nagging thought in Percival's mind.

What was it? Was it the fact he saw Grim earlier? If so shouldn't this corroborate that Lin would die here? Everything led up to this moment, everything Percival saw in Shade—

"Fuck, Steel!" Percival called a second in realization, just as Titania jumped from her perch. "Bullet Punch!"

Sccchhhhliing!

There was a loud screech of metal as Steel's Arm crashed against the Aegislash's shield. But despite Steel's efforts, the Aegislash still pierced through the knight's chest.

"What the fuck Percival?!" Titania yelled at the boy with white hair. "What are you doing! Our whole world is in disarray because of this bitch! Why are you—"

"Because that's not Lin!" Percival called back the alarm desperate in his voice. Recalling the vision of Lin's Death from Shade's Gym. Lin for whatever reason she was to shatter, like glass. But the sight before him was anything but that.

"What are you talking about, of course, it is!" Titania confidently shouted back. Pulling off the knight's helmet revealing, not Lin's green hair. But a boy with short brown hair, his mouth blocked by a rope. "Wait what?"

"Taka…" Percival's eyes widened, the realization that he was way too late.

"Well done." The following voice made Percival and Titania stand at attention. As Lin walked up from behind Percival. As she appeared, Titania brandished her Aegislash once more, pointing it at Lin. "If you keep swinging that thing around like that, sooner or later someone's going to get hurt."

"Yeah… you!" Titania charged swinging at Lin. But with a blink of an eye, Percival saw Titania knocked to the ground, and her Aegislash sent flying.

"That was all it took, hm?" Lin said, grabbing Titania by her red hair, and dragging her over to the edge of the brimstone cave.

"Ow—" Titania squirmed, "Hey, let go of me!"

"Is that what you really want?" Lin said as she held Titania by her hair over a floor of Lava. "Should I let go?"

"Ugh…" Titania groaned as she saw her situation. Not much she could do.

"…" Percival tried taking a single step, but when he did Lin looked straight at him.

"One step closer and she's cinders, Percival." Lin gave the warning once, making Percival stop in his tracks. Lin smiled, looking back at Titania. "So, this is how weak you are? One attack while your opponent's back is turned—Is that really all you can muster? Yet, now look whose back is exposed."

"Nngh…" Titania struggled, catching a glimmer on the floor. "Yours! Aegislash!"

"…" Within an instance, before anyone could react, the blade that once passed through Taka's Chest. Now pierced its actual target, Lin's. Staggering slightly, Lin dropped her grip on Titania's hair.

"Percival!" Titania shouted as she could barely catch a grasp on the stone wall. Percival shot over pulling Titania back to safety from the lava.

"…h…" Lin's body twitched drowning in her own blood.

Titania breathed heavily, Reaching the hilt of her Aegislash, "For the sake of everything good in this world. Just fucking die already!" Stabbed into Lin once more, before pulling it out and kicking the corpse into the lava below.

"Taka…" Percival looked over at the other knight on the ground, mumbling…

"What was that kid even doing?" Titania muttered herself. "He shouldn't have gotten in the way, but… It's her fault. It's her fault it ended up like this in the first place."

"Are you okay?" Percival asked.

Though Titania brushed him off. "I feel like shit. Come on, Percival. Let's go."

As Titania walked out of the room, and up the tower. Percival heard a voice call to him. "Percy…?"

"Taka, hang on!" Percival hurried to him. His mind blaring at trying to figure out something. Could one of his Pokémon do something? Percival didn't have too much time, as Taka's heartbeat was moving slower and slower, having lost far too much blood.

"…Don't worry…" Taka choked out. "This—This is fine…"

"No, Taka don—" Percival cut himself off as Taka's breathing stopped. Taka's eyes lost all light… "…"

Closing Taka's eyes, Percival places Taka's hands upon Taka's chest. Hoping for the departed boy to find some peace in the afterlife.

Before leaving glancing where Lin has pushed into the lave Percival thought. Knowing this was far from how Shade envisioned Lin's Death. "(She's dead… Right?)"