Secrets of the Night

DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Introduction of 2nd Main Character

Chapter 3: The Inevitable Destiny, Part 2: Beyond the Horizon

It was a fair day at sea, with the sky, blue and clear, and the afternoon sun brilliantly shining above us and the glistening waters. The sound of the waves crashing against the ship blended with squawks of Wingulls and Pelippers flying overhead. Voices of the crew, both human and pokemon alike, also mixed in with the damp salty atmosphere. It was invigorating but at the same time cold.

"Young master, you should stay inside your cabin. It is not good for your health," an older man wearing a butler uniform lectured me as he came up the upper deck where I was standing.

"I am fine, Gremio. There is no need to worry," I assured him with a small smile, and moved away from the side of the ship.

Gremio sighed with some relief. "Even so, you still need to look after yourself. I don't want your mother and father haunting me in my sleep for neglecting you."

"Very well. I shall return to my quarters to rest. But be sure to call me when we've reached land." I walked passed him and descended to the lower deck.

As I went to my room, I noticed the sailors looking at me. They must find it unusual for someone like me to own a vessel such as the one we were on. Even if I am from a noble family, my age is still not eligible to inherit my family's fortune. But all that will be corrected in a few months. Till then, I have to bear the opinions and rumors around me.

My name is Neo Takamoto. I'm seventeen but soon to be eighteen. When I was six, my parents died in an incident, a horrible incident. I was there, and I saw it happen before my very eyes. The memory of that day runs vividly in my head, even now. I could never forget it. After their death, I was taken under the care of Gremio, our family's most trusted butler, until I would rightfully take my place as the sole bearer of my family's name. Although, I already took it upon myself to uphold the duties of my family. I couldn't bring myself to wait until I turned eighteen to take over the responsibility. That tragedy and my shortcomings will not be a hindrance for the Takamoto estate to prosper.

Recently, I made a visit to another noble family located in Hoenn, just to keep our trade connections and dealings stable. It went smoothly. Gremio continues to teach me all the dos and don'ts of the business. Under his guidance, I'm becoming more prepared for my future.

Right now, we are heading back to Kanto, my homeland for some rest. It was the house physician's advice. As much as I want to push myself, my body could only take so much. I was born with a weak health. One, I wished to overcome especially in the long-run. Not much is known about my condition. All I know is that there's no cure, but it's not terminal.

I turned my eyes away from the gossiping sailors and entered my chambers. In that wooden cabin, I was met with darkness and uneasy atmosphere. All I could hear was the faded sound of the waves crashing against the ship and the billowing wind passing through the closed curtained windows. There wasn't much light coming from them, making the room darker than it should.

Immediately, the memory of my parent's death flashed through my head.

The thunderous flaps of wings, a long piercing screech, a large black shadow with bright golden eyes, and… my parents' blood-curdling screams.

*ba-thump*

I slumped to the floor at the moment my heart throbbed sharply. Sweating, I clutched my shirt and breathed heavily. Another chronic attack? Damn it. I need to calm down. I can't let this sickness get the better of me. My heart thumped rapidly as a icy surge coursed through my body. Everything was fading deeper into the dark. My body grew stiff and numb with every passing second. All that I could feel was my heart on the verge of bursting.

Calm down… breathe… I told myself.

Suddenly, I felt a cold presence beside me. A soft and gentle wail echoed around the room. The room continued to sway along with the ship's motion. I focused my vision as the place became shrouded in a blue light. The furnishings became more visible. I saw the map on the wall, the shelves lined with books and my bed at the corner of the cabin. My heart grew calmer and my breathing eased.

Two pokemon materialized out of the darkness. One was my Lampent, Arana. She hovered above me and radiated light from her brilliant blue flames. Though, many find the glow eerie, I found it comforting. It brought about a cold-like calmness that drowned ominous shadows around me. The other presence was Nero, my Gengar who leaned against my leg. He stared at me with a frown, asking me if I was alright. I managed a small smile. Both of them are my irreplaceable companions that I had since I was a child.

"Thank you…" I muttered.

Grinning, Nero levitated off the ground and pulled me up. Once I got to my feet, Arana shone my way towards my bed. I was fine a while ago but my condition really saps away my energy. I laid my head against the pillow and stared at the two pokemon, watching over me. I smiled warmly and glanced around at the dimly illuminated corners. Where is he? I was missing my third companion. Actually, he belonged to my father.

Just as I was about to call for him, Novus appeared between Arana and Nero. His menacing red eye glowed in the dark as his large bulky body gradually became more visible under my Lampent's ominous light. His appearance seemed fearsome but in truth, he's very kind. He doesn't make much sound unlike Arana and Nero, but he stares at me like he completely sees through my soul.

Most people would be afraid of ghost-types, but for me, I find their lingering presence, comforting. Even if they are out of sight, I knew they were nearby. Knowing that I wasn't alone, made me strong.

I closed my eyes and drifted into a peaceful slumber, under the glow of Arana's flames and the rocking motion of the ship caused by the tides. I dreamed of something but I can't remember. All I know, that it was a pleasant dream. But due to that, I unintentionally missed dinner.

Morning came. The ship docked. Gremio woke me up, presented my breakfast and loaded my belongings unto the carriage that was waiting for my arrival. I neatened my dark blue vest and combed my short black hair. Then I emerged from my cabin to relish in the bustling scenery of Vermillion City. The sunlight was warm, but the neighboring salt waters still dampened the air with smell of the sea.

Once again, I caught the attention of crew members. They were busy mopping or moving back in forth to unload the cargo, but I still drew their sharp gazes. They looked down on me as if I was just a spoiled rich boy playing around with my inheritance. It was a shallow perspective, one that I was used to. They knew nothing of me so I couldn't blame them.

A cold air swept all around and in a moment, my three ghost-types appeared out of thin air, hovering closely as they eyed the sailors who consequently shuddered at the sight of them. Shortly, they resumed their duties on deck. I smiled and descended towards the dock with Nero, Arana, and Novus following suit.

I boarded the carriage drawn by a couple of Rapidash and left the port. Usually, nobles use cars but I preferred using the carriage that my parents used to travel with. My dear mother raised many Ponyta and Rapidash when she was alive, so it was only right for me to keep a few of them around. It keeps her close, just as Novus does.

The carriage began to leave the port. I could still recall those days as a child when I poked my head out of the window and awed at every new thing. My mother and father would just laugh. It was very nostalgic but in a bittersweet way. The chatter of people resonated outside my window. I peered outside and watched them in their daily activities together with pokemon. It was very pleasant sight to see humans working side by side with pokemon. It never ceased to amaze me how very different beings coexist so harmoniously, like it was the most natural thing in the word. As if I was no exception.

Satisfied, I moved away from the window and leaned back against the seat. My three pokemon were hovering inside the spacious carriage. Novus was calmly stationed across me while Nero was restlessly playing haunted carriage ride with Arana. I let them do as they pleased. The Takamoto manor is located between Lavender Town and Celadon City. It was still a long journey ahead.

By lunchtime, we arrived. I was immediately welcomed by a long line maids who bowed their heads and smiled pleasantly. I greeted them back with a smile as well, and headed to my room. I went up the grand wooden staircase that stood elegantly before me when I came in. Then I made my way through the long hallways as I breathed in the familiar atmosphere of the mansion.

It was a rustic old English manor with tall glass windows and antique red curtains framing the sides . Large family paintings adorned the dark mahogany walls and red carpets lined up to the far end of the hall. There were also lush potted plants which added a bit of life and color to the surroundings.

It was empty and quiet. I could hear my footsteps echoing. The only thing that made noises were my two ghost-types playing about. Suddenly Arana and Nero flew pass me as if they were trying to race me to my room. The little game they had earlier didn't manage to deplete their playful energy. To amuse them, I hastened my pace to catch up. But then they phased through the walls, making it impossible for me to follow.

"No fair, you two." I chuckled and returned to my normal walking speed.

I was at ease. I didn't have to put up a firm persona just so people wouldn't look down or pity me. Here, in this place where I grew up, I was completely at ease. I could catch a few moments to relive my simple childhood days. I was never able to fully enjoy them, but I regret nothing.

I entered another adjacent hall where my quarters were located. The radiant warm sunbeams permeated through the clear glass windows. The place was filled with light, giving me no reason to be afraid. The darkness isn't coming, said to myself. The Darkness. I leaned against the wall and attempted to sway my mind away from such thoughts.

Sensing my fear, Arana and Nero came back and stayed by me. I smiled and told them how thankful I was. I glanced the other way to know where Novus was. I saw him a few feet ahead of me. He met my gaze with a stoic eye and phased through the door.

I exhaled deeply and continued walking. As I reached the room where the Dusknoir entered, I stopped and stared at the door. My fingers trailed the smooth carvings up to the polished doorknob. I hesitated to turn it. My hand trembled and a lump settled in my throat. In the end, I turned my head and continued my way towards my destination.

That was my parents' chambers. It was always open but I never got the courage to enter ever since they passed away. When I was a child, I used to run to them when I had nightmares. But now, I, alone have to overcome them. Nero and Arana are with me so I'm not completely alone. Novus, too. Though he stays there frequently, while I remained in my own room along with Arana and Nero. Sometimes I wondered if Novus was still mourning their death. He and my father were really close, so I wouldn't be surprised. Perhaps, that is the reason he prefers to stay there rather than with me.

I entered my room and sat in front of my desk. The surface was filled with scattered papers and a couple of pens. I picked up a few documents and sorted them accordingly. Then I noticed something else, an unopened letter with a familiar seal. Was it from her again? I opened the drawer of my desk and pulled out a letter opener. Carefully, I cut it open and unfolded the parchment. Arana and Nero flew closer and peeked over my shoulder.

I let out a short chuckle. My guess was correct. It was from her, my pen pal from Kalos.

End of Chapter 3

Here is the 2nd Main character. Next Chapter will be about the 3rd and then all three destinies will cross.

Thanks Dead Bones Sam for submitting this character!

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