Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 5: The Spark of Future Encounters
Zephyr Tower, Semira Isle
A month had passed since the training division moved up a class and consequently given their pokemon partners, as well their unit assignment. The first few days were the worst for the newcomers. It was a harsh start. The transition between basic training to the specialized classes came as a shock to many. But eventually, they came around, due to the fact that they had no choice in that matter. It was survival of the fittest.
Aeron was walking with Lord Altair in the main halls located deep in the earthen mound. His class session had ended not too long ago, wherein he lead the group to the top of Zephyr Pillar by scaling the spiraling road in the outer regions. The winds surrounding that area were violent but ideal for individuals and their pokemon to get a feel of flying in the harshest of air currents. But the training method was the least of Aeron's concern. He had gone through that many times before and as well as other forms of training. For that reason, Lord Altair gave him the responsibility of handling the new recruits, his former co-trainees.
As Aeron expected, majority if not all of his former co-trainees didn't respect him. They didn't like the idea of having an instructor, who was once a trainee in the same batch, ordering them around. They merely saw him, flaunting his status as the Sky unit leader's son. On the other hand, Aeron not showed much care for what they thought of him. His concern was meeting his father's expectations which may prove to be difficult with an unruly class.
"Aeron, I heard from one of your seniors that you're having trouble with the new recruits. Is that correct?" Lord Altair asked, keeping a steady and composed pace beside the boy.
"It's merely a minor setback. I will have the matter under control as soon as I can," Aeron replied calmly without glancing at his mentor/father.
"I see." Lord Altair took a deep breath and stopped in front of his adopted son. "You do understand that all I've been doing for you is for your sake."
Aeron met the gaze of his solid brown eyes and nodded. He didn't have a solid grasp as to why Lord Altair was eager for him to grow stronger, but kept him close at the same time, especially when they aren't blood-related. All he knew was that Lord Altair is the closest thing he had to call a family and the only person to ever teach him the meaning of it; even if his definition of being fatherly was in the form of harsh training. Aeron would do anything to live up to the title as his son.
"Master Altair." Suddenly, a girl with a Honchkrow approached the two. She bowed and presented a letter to the Sky unit leader. "Your presence is requested by Lord Tristan."
Aeron narrowed his eyes at his senior. He had nothing against his upperclassman but the news she bore was another matter. The name Tristan is infamous. Tristan Fenikkusu, Lord of Senka Island and Master of the Black Scythe Unit.
Lord Altair thought deeply whether to see to the matter immediately or put it off for the meantime. He was not afraid of the man. Rather he was concerned as to why he requested him. Usually, requests like those meant that he required the services of the Sky unit. And Lord Altair didn't like involving his members in the bloody conflicts of assassins.
Aeron took in his father's hesitance and intervened. "I shall go."
Lord Altair glanced at the boy with discretion. He wasn't at all surprised by Aeron's proposal. He, of all people, understood his capabilities and his familiarity of Lord Tristan. "Very well. Hear him out and report to me immediately."
There was an emphasis on the last word meaning that the final decision will be with Lord Altair. Aeron bowed to his father and called out his partner who was trailing them from above. On cue, Noir flew down and attached himself to his trainer like a backpack. Then they bid goodbye to Lord Altair and followed his senior to the exit.
The girl lent Aeron her Honchkrow for the back-forth-trip, seeing as his Noibat was still too small for flying with a rider. With the note in one hand and the other holding on to the Honchkrow's claw, he took off heading towards the dark region of the island.
Lumiose City, Kalos
The faded murmurs of people resonated in the garden as Faye Lin entered through the glass doors. She had just turned fifteen and her father held a gala in her honor. It was another formal event, much to her dismay. Her hair was tied in a neat bun, adorned with a dark red rose and silk ribbons. She was dressed in a red-velvet off-shoulder dress with pink and white lace accent. It was beautiful than the ones she had previous worn so far, according to Whim and her other servants.
The celebration was, as expected by many, lavish and grand with a mouthwatering buffet hailing dishes from various regions, a renowned orchestra playing beautiful classical music and ice sculptures in the form of different legendary pokemon. Her father had invited various famous dignitaries and noble families from across the regions. All dressed in fancy garments and expensive jewelry, representing their wealth and prestige.
It was a familiar sight for the girl. Gatherings like those were pretty common throughout her life. Only this time, the gala was in her honor. But to her, that made it no different. Many were strangers to her; faces in a crowd of watchful gazes and envious eyes. Fortunately, over the years associating and mingling with the noblemen and aristocrats have become second nature to her. Faye Lin learned to socialize like a proper lady, despite being closely watched. After all, showing weakness or making mistakes will bring unquestionable shame to their family name. It was a common necessity to put on a front, one she had mastered to a certain extent.
But at least one face proved to be a friendly one.
Faye Lin was conversing with a nobleman and his wife when she noticed the arrival of her friend. Hiding the thrill behind her lady-like persona, she excused herself from the couple and made her way across the threshold to greet her awaited guest. When they finally came face to face, she curtseyed and smiled slightly more warmly than she usually had done so far. "I am pleased that you accepted my invitation, sir Takamoto."
Neo bowed in response. "Please my lady, it is my honor."
Both of them took quick glances at the noble families who staring at them. Then they laughed softly and stood erect. Neo extended his arm and offered to be her escort for the night. Faye Lin had previous offers from other bachelors belonging to similarly famous noblemen, but she gracefully refused them. This time around, she had accepted.
The night continued to drag on but with her dear friend, things went more smoothly. Faye Lin didn't have to bother with unknown boys walking up to her and asking for a dance, nor did she feel out of place in her own party. It was all because Neo was at her side. Unfortunately, they couldn't have any time alone because Faye Lin needed to be present at all times in her party. Her father had many important guests that she needed to greet and accommodate.
It was alright for both of them. One dance was enough to make up for it. With the sweet slow music resonating in the floral scented breeze, they held each other close and glided along the marble-stoned floor. It was like a real fairy tale, one that Faye Lin couldn't help but read in books. Neo... was he her Prince Charming? Or a Knight in shining armor? But like fairy tales, the dream ended at the stroke of midnight. The music ended and Faye Lin bid farewell to Neo. But before that, they promised each other that they'd keep in touch by sending letters.
The party had to end early, because her father needed to finalize his preparations for his long trip tomorrow. It was decided that he would be away for two months or more, while Faye Lin would be left to look after the estate in his absence. Her father didn't go in to details as to what his trip was about. Either way, the outcome would be the same. He would leave and she would stay.
Faye Lin retired to her room and closed the door, only to be jumped by Whim and the other servants. They popped colorful confetti and presented a small angel cake with her name written in berry syrup.
"Happy Birthday, Milady!" They cheered in unison.
Faye Lin cupped her mouth and held back her tears of joy. It was a small yet sweet gesture that genuinely touched her heart. In her opinion, it was far better than the grand party her father held, exclude the fact that she saw Neo again and that she danced with him.
The room was quickly filled with giggles and plates full of cake slices. As soon as things simmered down, Faye Lin took a seat on her bed and scooped up her partner who was dusting away the discarded confetti.
Whim sat next to her with a white box in her arms. "Today's the day!" She proclaimed and handed the present over. "Happy Birthday, Milady."
Faye Lin set her Fennekin to her side and stared at the box. She knew what was inside, having requested for it months prior. But still, she wondered whether or not Whim and the others would go through with it. She exhaled deeply and opened it. Her heart flew as she gasped at the contents: a pokedex, five pokeballs, and other gear necessary to go on a pokemon journey.
Whim handed her another box, much to the blonde heiress' surprise. "From all of us, to you."
With fingers still trembling, Faye Lin opened it up and found a new set of clothes and an egg with blue and red patterns. She had seen pictures of it in a book but she never got to see or even touch a real one. Stroking a hand along the shell, she gasped in delight. "A Togepi egg?"
"Yes, Milady. I know how much you love Fairy-types." Whim smiled kindly.
Faye Lin set the box away and threw her arms around Whim. The seafoam-haired maid returned the embrace and listened to the sobbing voice of her precious charge.
After a while, Faye Lin tried on her new clothes. It composed of a red collared sleeveless top, a white skirt with matching boots and thick grey stockings. It was not like the usual type that pokemon trainers use but it was flexible enough for her. For a final touch, she let her hair down and exposed all the red highlights that seem to flare her blonde locks. Then out from a different closet came a maid dressed identically to replace Faye Lin for the time-being. The plan was falling into place. With her father leaving, a look-alike to avoid suspicion, the girl was raring to go.
Faye Lin recalled her Fennekin, Isis, to her luxury ball and faced everyone in the room with a determined look. "Next stop, Unova."
End of Chapter 5
Well, things are building up! :D
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