Chapter Sixteen: Path of the Chosen

Shinryu sighed as he slowly slipped into the hot tub of the pool the Hotel had. Thankfully after a bit of convincing the Guards let me into the pool tonight. Of course, they are all guarding the entrances and exits while I am here because for some reason they are thinking I want to flee. He thought as he settled down to let the hot water seep into his muscles and relax them. However even if I did want to escape, there isn't much they could do to stop me. I am a fully realized Chosen now after all. Very few things could stop me if I really wanted to be gone. But Arceus wouldn't want me to because of how the others would react to me blatantly ignoring the laws of a Region.

The man sighed as he could feel his darker emotions bubbling to the surface though, now that he was truly alone and to himself he could fully think of the situation he was in.

First, he thought of the whole debacle regarding his reputation and Triam Inc. He knew without a doubt that even if he was cleared of all charges, his family's company would collapse because of the sudden freeze of his personal accounts. Triam was pretty much funded by Shinryu now after he gained so much fame. He owned the majority of the stocks and because of him being investigated for fraud, Triam and by extent his Grandfather and Father would be investigated as well. It didn't bode well for them at all. Shinryu also knew that in order for someone to fake a legitimate looking scandal against him, they'd need his blood to access his accounts to any form of level that would help them. And the perfect point for someone to get a hold of my blood… Well shit. Those supposed Agents that attacked me got some of my blood from the scene where they attacked me. The spot where I had to patch myself up is the perfect source for someone who knew I was there to take a sample… This means that whoever did it probably had a plan in store for when they acquired my blood. A powerful plan regarding the destabilization of my primary income source to cripple my ability to go on here in Trema. In order to get such a plan to come to fruition, they'd have to have planned this situation for maybe three years to get to the extent that I am seeing at maximum, depending on their resources and equipment. Damnit, this does not bode well for me at all.

The second issue was whether or not he should continue the Trema League, considering they were ruthless in taking away his battling privileges and confining him to a Hotel in a large City. Not to mention arresting him without reading him his rights for the matter, which meant they thought they could override the laws of the World just because he was in Trema. That annoys me greatly. I can feel my anger growing at my treatment here. Well, I suppose it is better than having my license revoked and all of my pokemon taken hostage against their will. Especially Night. I dunno how I'd react to having her taken from me. I will talk to Night after this and ask her opinion on what to do.

Then there was Hayato. Shinryu knew Night had a great fear of the man for some reason, but he couldn't think of why. And then there was the spectacle of the unknown figure appearing in front of his cell while he was being detained, explaining some answers to his questions but at the same time creating far more that he wanted to be answered as well. He warned that someone close to him had caused the problem with the fraud, and with a vicious kick Shinryu sent a torrent of water up into the air to splash back down around him, stinging his skin slightly as the hot drops pelted his skin heavily. Not to mention Arthur was nowhere to be seen for a while before and after the whole event regarding the Bounty Hunters, if that is what they are, and Agent Onyx's appearance. He touched his arm, wincing slightly at the stinging he felt from the gunshot, but relieved that the wound was almost fully healed. Now that I think about it. Arthur and Agent Onyx have a similar build and height to each other. The Agent's suit masked some of it, but now I can say for certain they were similar. Not to mention his voice was electronically masked to prevent me from knowing who he was, to the point of being triple-filtered to make absolutely certain no one could know unless they had a recording and could decode the masking processes. Whoever Agent Onyx is, they are definitely someone I know.

"Hey, what happened in there?" Came the voice of one of the guards through a slightly opened door. Shinryu noted he had his gun out and ready in case he moved to escape.

"Nothing, just splashed some water around."

The guard grunted before pulling back and closing the door to stand with his back to it.

Shinryu snorted at the obvious third-degree before closing his eyes to resume his brooding.

Finally, there were two more matters that were distracting him. Amber being one of them, by admitting to him that she liked him. And then Night, by not reacting to her liking him. Right now Amber was still probably out cold from the explanation of Night being his Guardian and that the Chosen are each others Soul Mates. For that he was kind of glad due to have happened because he was not ready at the time to have talked to her about what sharing her would mean. He was also scared of what Night would say about that matter as well. He had just gotten her, and he was not in the mood to betray her in any way. This matter is so confusing. Why has it gotten to this point? I do not know what to do. I need to talk to Night soon. So I should get out of this hot tub and go talk to her after convincing Amber to give us some time to talk in peace. He stood up and went to shower down.

Shinryu stepped into his room after a guard escorted him back. "Thank you." He said quietly to the guard, who nodded in acknowledgement of the trainer. Once inside Shinryu saw Amber was making some steaks in the kitchen, and Night was in the bedroom. And Sarah left I guess. Perhaps to go home and talk to Seth at his grave for the both of us. He walked to where Night was laying and sat next to her, putting his hand on her flank. "Hey Night."

Night looked up at Shinryu. "Hey. Are you okay?" She asked softly, voice full of concern.

"I'm okay-" Shinryu started.

"No you aren't Shinryu. Your thoughts were clouded and I could feel your emotions through our bond. We need to talk about what is bothering you." Night insisted quietly.

This caused Shinryu to sigh in exasperation. "... You know me too well." He looked down at her with a slight frown. "Alright… Wanna what is bothering me? Fine. I feel like I am trapped here in a City when I absolutely loathe being in a town when I could be out in the wild surrounded by pokemon and training with you all. I feel useless because the stupid Trema League has revoked my privilege to battle, forcing me to fall behind in the league as other trainers advance to get all four of their Gate Badges before I do. Then there is the whole deal regarding the team of four that attacked us outright, leading up to an Agent Onyx supporting them and shooting me in the arm, which of course ends up with my Grandfather's company and my reputation being torn apart and my whole potential career being ruined for the rest of my life because all my assets were frozen. Arthur was missing the whole while before and after too as well. And finally this guy who approaches me in the cell I was in shortly after arriving in Skymarsh tells me someone is betraying me, which leads me to what you told me shortly after we met Hayato and making me somewhat feel like he is guilty of what you say he is. In short, I do not know what to do anymore Night."

Night blinked in surprise the whole time she heard this, staring up at Shinryu as he started to break down and spilled his fears to her in earnest.

"I do not know whether or not to continue our journey here in Trema… I think it was a mistake coming here at all. We are not needed her from what I can tell. I also am afraid of what your opinion of is in regards to Amber and her liking me because of the fact you didn't react much at all when she confessed to liking me while we were walking to this damned city. I am starting to go crazy because I also do not know how to handle what she told me, and at the same time I do not wanna betray you my mate, especially since I only just realized what you are to me when we got to Trema. Everything seems to be going wrong now for some reason and it worries me greatly."

Night sighed softly and leaned up to kiss him before he could continue his rant, silencing the man and making him blink in shock. "Listen here." She whispered in his ear after pulling from the kiss. "Hayato couldn't have been the one who betrayed you during the attack. There is no way any of them could've been him because none of the aggressors were even remotely similar to him at all. Heck, Agent Onyx was incredibly different in both height and build. Yes, I know I am defending the man when I know I wanna blame him too, but the evidence points otherwise. Arthur could have been there, but I cannot say for certain myself like I know you are unsure as well." She paused for a bit and continued before her mate could restart his tirade. "Not to mention we are needed here in Trema. Arceus visited me in a dream during the night you were taken by the officers. She told me that our job is here due to a growing presence of her enemy on the other side of the Gate Mechanism, and has even mentions she fears his ability to break from a Seal that restrains him. This means that the Darkness is in Trema, and has been for who knows how long." She watched as Shinryu's face displayed surprise. "Look, I need you to stop worrying for now. Everything I am certain will be answered with time. If you keep this up, I doubt we can do much of anything to help Arceus and the rest of the world maintain their freedom from our enemies."

Shinryu nodded slowly, still surprised.

"I also have faith you will be able to continue battling in the Trema League regardless. And regarding Amber, you should follow your heart on this. I know we are Fated for each other, and do not really know what would happen if you sought another while we are mates."

Shinryu sighed for a bit before his resolve hardened. "Thanks Night. I do not know what I would do without you."

Night nodded firmly. "Damn right."

Soon after the conversation was finished Amber had served steak and potatoes for dinner while Shinryu gave Night a bowl full of pokemon food for her dinner.

Shinryu sat down at the table across from the Ace Trainer and slowly ate his food. Night is right. I should follow my heart. I haven't listened to it for a while, not since the time me and Rose broke up the first time of all things. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply as he focused his mind. If his eyes weren't closed, it would've been easy to notice them flash red before turning purple while just afterwards they became his normal color. Calm Mind helps out. I can see it now… I know what my heart is telling me about Amber. He opened his eyes and continued eating calmly, ignoring the stare he was getting from the female sitting at the table with him. I will tell her when she asks, which should be soon.

Amber cleared her throat soon, making Shinryu look her in the eyes as he took a bite of his medium-rare steak. "I was wondering… What does Night say about us?" She asked timidly.

Shinryu glanced at the Absol in question, who nodded to him. "She told me to follow my heart Amber." He started slowly, not looking at her because he didn't want to see her react after saying that part. "However I have personally decided my own stance on this. I think that after me and Night being together after so long of not knowing who was right for me, our relationship is not stable enough to even allow another into it. I am sorry Amber," He looked at her with a slightly sad expression. "But I will have to say no."

Silence had fallen over the room like a soft blanket, no sounds could be heard beyond the breathing of the three beings in the room as they all processed what just happened.

I just told Amber that she wasn't to be shared and I hope she understands I do not say it because I hate her. Shinryu thought to himself as he watched the girl.

Shinryu is very wise to understand this after I told him to follow his heart. I am proud of you, but I think Amber might not think the same thing.

… He said no… Was all Amber thought before sighing and going back to eating.

Shinryu finished his food first and went to the kitchen to do the dishes silently, knowing better than to say anything at all to Amber while she processed this. I almost feel bad for the girl. I kinda led her on to believing there was a chance that she could share me. That is my fault. Man I am such a bastard for doing that to her. She probably hates me. He tensed when he felt a presence behind him before looking over his shoulder at the downturned face of Amber, whose hair was hiding her eyes.

Amber remained quiet for a bit before putting her dishes around him onto the counter and stepping back. "I thought…" She started.

"Look," Shinryu started softly, voice filled with sorrow. "I am sorry if I led you on and made you believe that it would be possible. That was not my intention… If you want to slap me I'd be happy to let you if that would allow us to at least remain friends. I'd hate to lose you as that over a mistake I made."

Amber remained silent.

"I mean it. If you wanna attack me or something to take out any anger then go ahead."

"... I forgive you Shinryu."

Shinryu blinked, stunned. "You… Forgive me? Why?"

"Because I can tell you are being honest about this. And I do appreciate that… I would be honored to remain your friend." She suddenly looked up at Shinryu and smiled brightly, making him blink a bit in shock.

"Alright. Get some rest, I'll finish up here." He said quietly as he turned his attention back to the dishes and began cleaning them while fully concentrating on it. He felt Amber's presence no longer behind him or even in the same room as him, and then let out a heavy sigh. Oh Arceus… I dodged a figurative bullet there.

Night slowly walked up to Shinryu and nuzzled his leg. "You okay hun?" She asked softly.

Shinryu nodded a bit. "I think I'm feeling better. Not by much, but it is a start love." He answered with a small smile.

"Good. I am glad you are feeling at least somewhat better than you were earlier today."

Shinryu tilted his head as he heard a ringing coming from his pocket. He dried his hands off and pulled his Pokenav out and answered it. "Hello?"

"Hello Shinryu. No need to come to a hearing. All charges have been dropped and your assets are unfrozen, but we are sad to inform you they were all drained by a hacker as soon as we reactivated them." Said the voice of Steven.

Shinryu blinked. "So my battling privileges are reinstated?"

"Correct. And in ten minutes the guards keeping you in your room will leave." Steven continued. "I am sorry this had to happen. Whoever it was pleading your case was quite helpful. You should thank them sometime."

"Who was it?"

"A man who went by the name of Vorryn. Anyways, I gotta go. I have a challenger to attend to soon. Hopefully I can talk to you under better terms."

"Agreed. I will let you go, I need to stretch my legs after being confined for so long."

"Good bye." Once Shinryu heard the other line click, he flicked the device into the closed position and set it back on his belt.

Who the hell is Vorryn? Shinryu wondered as he left his room with Night walking next to him, and returning Amber's Trainer card to her. As soon as he got outside of the hotel… He began running down the umbral-bathed streets with his mate by his side, focused on reaching the park he saw on a map by the entrance of the hotel. He jumped and swerved around obstacles in his way, which primarily consisted of street hazards due to the fact not a single person was walking the streets. Who cares right now actually. I need to run!

Night smiled at her trainer as she galloped behind him, keeping pace with Shinryu who she could tell was purposely only running just within the limits of human capabilities as an instinct to prevent any possible onlooker from seeing his true speed.

At their pace, it didn't take long for the pair to come to the park where they stopped at.

This is the same park me and Sarah went to. Thought Night as she walked with Shinryu leading the way. She noticed he was heading for a deeper part of the park that was not visible to anyone looking directly in from the outside edges of said park. What is he planning? She wondered.

Shinryu stopped once in the heart of the park. "Something seems familiar about this place…" He muttered to himself before he pulsed his aura strongly around him, causing a ghostly image to appear in front of him of a miniature obelisk with benign markings all around it. "I see… A focusing spire used to be here."

Night blinked at hearing this. Focusing spire?

"I didn't tell you about my dream did I?" Shinryu asked, staring at Night. "I had a dream about something that happened in the past, with our previous selves I believe. A ritual was being enacted to seal away something. And I know a ritual of that power must require an immense amount of power that cannot be done with just the people I had seen in said dream, which leads me to understand that some sort of focuses were used to channel the energies efficiently."

"You know a lot about magic…"

"Well I was trapped in a wheelchair for a few years before I met you with nothing but a computer and some books for entertainment. I may or may not have looked into the Occult Arts once… Or twice… Or dozens of times."

Night laughed. "You amaze me at times."

"Good. I like keeping people, and pokemon, on their toes." Shinryu joked. He waved his hand and dispelled the translucent image of the obelisk. "We know our mission now. At least better than what we knew before. I think I know what is going on…"

"What is going on then?"

Shinryu glanced down at Night. "We have to redo the Seal before the Enemy can break free and have total reign over its Darkness. It'll be easier if it remains sealed, but if it breaks out we'll have to personally restore the phased out Focus Spires or directly defeat the Enemy… Which should be weaker after having been sealed away for so long, but at the same time would be far stronger than either of us."

She nods. "But now we have our path."

Here's another chapter of Trema. Sorry for the shorter than average chapters, but due to things changing with who is writing this story, I have finished converting it into a Shinryu focused story now. So from here on out, I can hopefully extend the length of things even more than before. Please Read and Review, feedback is helpful. And also, I would greatly appreciate any flames being directed to me as a PM because publicly posting any flames is just rude. And besides, I have a friend who loves Flames and grows more powerful feeling them.

Oh and I have removed the Introductory Chapter which means from now on Chapter number will directly correlate to each Chapter released. Which helps me keep my sanity xD

~Veloran

EDIT: DISCONTINUED. This is the old version now.