Secrets of the Night

DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!

Chapter 16: Stalemate

Takamoto Estate, Kanto Region

The morning after receiving Faye Lin's letter, Neo sat in his room, flipping through mail, worrying about his friend. Along those thoughts, visions of the sea and the night he lost his parents haunted his mind.

Nero, his Gengar and Arana, his Lampent hovered nearby, dutifully watching over him in case his sickness would surface. Whenever the boy would gasp or move suddenly, they would immediately flock to his side.

The stillness went on for a while until it was broken by a knock on the door. Neo turned his revolving chair around and saw his butler, Gremio enter the room with Novus, his father's Dusknoir behind him.

"Young master, you shouldn't strain yourself by worrying about this. It's not good for your health," Gremio warned, closely observing his charge's condition.

"I understand but…" Neo trailed off, thinking about Faye Lin once again as he laid the parchments on his desk.

Gremio sighed. His charge didn't seem to have any plans to settle down on the issue. It was not good for him or the older man for that matter. After all, he was no longer as young as he used to be, being in his late fifties. His hazel hair was now grayed with age, his vision beginning to grow dull and his once youthful face and dexterous hands were now partly scarred in wrinkles. Despite that, he makes an effort to maintain a neat appearance with his silky black tuxedo and clean white gloves.

For many years, he had served under the Takamoto family, beginning from the previous head, Neo's father. And after his charge's birth and his former master's passing, he had remained ever loyal and dedicated to the prestigious noble gamily of Kanto, dutifully guiding Neo throughout his life like a second father.

"If you're that worried, why not go after her?" He suggested with a small chuckle, concluding that it was the only way for his charge to calm down.

Neo's face lit up at the idea. He abruptly stood up from his chair and smiled at his trusted butler. "Prepare to depart immediately."

"Right away, young master." Gremio bowed respectfully.

"…And we'll be taking the yacht, this time around."

The older man flinched. "A-Are you certain, young master?"

"Yes. It'll be alright," Neo answered with a smile filled with resolve.

"As you wish." Gremio bowed once again and took his leave.

Neo mentally prepared himself. Taking the yacht was faster and the crew would only consist of his butler, his pokemon and himself. Gremio was growing old but he was very much capable, and the yacht itself was not that large. Its purpose after all was for private outings and vacations.

But there was a catch.

The yacht held beautiful memories but it also contained bitter ones. It was the same vessel where Neo's parents were killed. Since then, he had never set foot in it ever again. But now, because he was coming of age, he needed to overcome the memory and live on. It would be a huge step if he accomplished that. And besides, he didn't want to have another run in with the sailors if he charted a large ship.

Feeling calm and partly refreshed, Neo motioned his three pokemon to make preparations too as he was about to do the same. The three ghost-types nodded and phased out of the room. Neo tidied up the scattered documents on his desk and separated latest Faye Lin's letter. Taking a deep breath, he held it in his hand and made a silent wish for her safety.

Before noon, everything was set. Neo and company arrived at the sea breeze scented city of Vermillion. They headed to the family yacht which was docked and ready to depart. The young Takamoto head took a deep breath and embarked on the elegant ivory vessel. His three pokemon stayed cautiously beside him in case something happened. Gremio also remained close at the first few steps the boy took on the yacht.

Neo walked around the stern and proceeded to the sun deck, inwardly fighting the visions that flashed at every corner of the vessel. In a blink of an eye, the bright noontime turned into a dark night, the distant chirping of Wingulls were replaced with a piercing screech, and the polished pristine floors suddenly became stained in blood. The boy felt his body tremble and turn cold. His breathing narrowed as he fell to one knee, which was a cause for alarm for those around him.

Gremio was instantly at his side, with a firm hand on Neo's shoulder and a calm voice to call him back from the daylight nightmare. "Young master… Perhaps, it wasn't the best idea to take the yacht."

Neo heaved deeply and glanced around at his three pokemon and close confidant. It was unaccepted. He had already gone this far. He wasn't about to give in to the attacks that coupled to his condition. Gradually, he got back to his feet and regained his composure. He could still feel himself sweat and his chest pains had yet to disappear.

"Young master?" Gremio called out to him again.

"Let us depart," Neo declared.

Gremio hesitated for a moment, but complied with the young family head's wish. Nero and Arana took the initiative to usher their trainer to his quarters to rest, while Novus remained on the upper deck, gazing at the area where his first owner died.

Time flew as the alabaster vessel surged through the ocean waves. The pale blue sky was gradually glowing with a yellow hue. Even the waters were losing their cool deep sea colors to the setting sun.

Neo had woken up and decided to check on Gremio. He exited his quarters with his Gengar and Lampent and headed to the bridge where his butler was managing the helm. Through the windows, Neo gazed at the glistening golden sea. It was a calming and beautiful sight.

"Young master? How are you feeling?" Gremio noticed his presence and slowed the vessel down. Then he handed it over to his own pokemon, a Gallade who seemed to be as old as his owner, but was still sharp and skilled as those below his years.

"I'm feeling better. Thank you," Neo answered as he took a seat. His thoughts returned to uppermost level of the yacht and the events that transpired a few hours ago. It was shameful to admit that he had underestimated what would have happened. It had almost been twelve years since that incident, yet the wounds have not fully healed.

Gremio looked down at his charge with a fatherly disposition. "Young master, I'm sorry…"

"Gremio?" Neo raised his head and met the old man's gaze.

"If only I had been there, things would have turned out differently," Gremio continued, his words resonated with much sorrow and regret.

"What are you saying? It was your day off. And besides, you couldn't have saved mother and father… It was more than anyone could handle." Neo averted his eyes and wished he had the strength before to stand up to his parents' murderer. He was only six. All he could do was cower in the corner with his Litwick and Gastly.

Gremio sighed inwardly and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Lade...!"

Everyone's attention turned to Gremio's Gallade who turned the ship and drove it to a halt. Startled, Neo stood up and approached the windows, along with his butler and pokemons. Further away, he saw two massive ships floating in the middle of the ocean. Both were cargo vessels but the other was almost thrice as big as the other. It was strange though. Not one was moving. Something was amiss.

"Young master, we should keep going," Gremio suggested, replacing his Gallade on the helm.

"Wait. Perhaps something happened?" Neo felt strangely uneasy about the situation, like he had a bad premonition, yet chose to confirm it first.

"I apologize, young master, but I cannot allow you to investigate this... It is not our responsibility," Gremio reasoned out as he started the engine. "Also, do not forget, milady is waiting for you."

Neo recalled his main purpose for taking the yacht out to sea. Faye Lin was out there. He needed to confirm that she had indeed made it to Unova. Still, he could feel that there was something not right about everything.

Grabbing a pair of binoculars, Neo motion his Gengar and Lampent to follow, and dashed to the uppermost deck. Gremio reached out to stop him but was too late. He gave the wheel back to his pokemon and went after the boy.

On the sun deck, Neo ran into Novus who had not left his spot. He acknowledged the ghostly Cyclops and proceeded to his reason for coming. He leaned against the steel railing and peered through the pair of binoculars.

He checked the bigger one first, which was partly hidden behind the smaller ship. His vision panned from the one end to the other, carefully eyeing any details that could provide a clue. Nothing. He didn't see anyone. It was like no one was on board, as if it was abandoned.

Neo breathed in as the premonition grew stronger. Shifting to the second vessel, he scanned the upper levels for any signs of movement. There, he saw three figures walking along the side. It wasn't clear due to the diminishing light from the setting sun, but he could tell that they were all wearing black. The tallest was in front with some sort of long stick, the second one had shorter hair, and the third was the smallest of the three. They didn't seem like sailors.

"Young master! Return to the lower deck this instant," Gremio demanded in an authoritative yet concerned tone. He grabbed Neo's forearm and firmly lowered the binoculars. "Please, young master…"

Neo was bothered by Gremio. His butler seemed more concerned than normal. Hesitantly, he nodded in compliance. But before he could descend the stairway, something happened…

A dark purple glow drew his attention. Neo turned around and saw a massive Shadow Ball coming directly at them. Reacting quickly, he ran back to the center and commanded his three ghost-types, "Nero, Novus, Shadow Ball! Arana use Fire Spin!"

The Gengar and Dusknoir combined their energies and conjured a huge black sphere. Then they hurled it at the first Shadow Ball, just as the Lampent enveloped it in an ominous vortex of blue flames. Both attacks clashed and disintegrated into tiny blue cinders before disappearing entirely.

Neo raised his binoculars again and searched for the origin of the Shadow Ball. In the distance, he saw the previous trio jump down from the cargo vessel and dive towards the shadowy waters. Before he could assume anything, he saw them race towards the yacht on what appeared to be jet skis. But as they surfed closer in a side-winding pattern, it became clearer that all three were females riding on Sharpedos.

At the very front, Bellatrix signaled her Mismagius who appeared above her, flying in the same speed as its trainer. And just as cued, the witch-like pokemon summoned a dark and gloomy cloud that soon enveloped the luxurious vessel.

Adrenaline was rushing. Neo could feel his heart thumping nonstop. It was painful, but his current focus managed to mask it. He stood in place, scanning the eerily silent surroundings, while his three pokemon formed a protective circle around him. The Dusknoir watched his back while his Gengar and Lampent guarded his sides as well as his front.

"Cheshire! Use Shadow Claw!" a dark child-like voice pierced through the dark mist.

Neo and his pokemon raised their guards and anticipated the incoming attack, but they saw nothing through the thick fog. Just as dread kicked in, Nero, the Gengar caught a glimpse of a glowing purple form streaming across the floor towards his trainer. Acting on instinct, he grabbed Neo and pushed him out of the way. The sinister claw shot out of the floor and sliced a three-set cut across the Gengar's back.

"Nero!" Neo called out in horror to see his pokemon in such pain. His pokemon were ghost-types, and he was up against opponents using dark-type and ghost-type moves which were super-effective against his team.

Arana fumed and formed a circle of spiraling blue flames around them, driving away the dark mist and setting area alit. Neo rushed back to his Gengar who was struggling to stay aloft. He reached out his hand and steadied Nero down to the floor before bending down himself. The Gengar grinned and managed small snicker to show that he was not as hurt as his trainer thought.

Neo breathed in relief, but only for a moment. He turned his attention to the receding fires and eyed the three figures slowly approaching them. A moment later, three other forms joined them, one in the air and two on the ground.

"Morrigan, Shadow Ball!"

"Chesire, Night Slash!"

"Yue, Feint Attack!"

Another dark energy sphere surged towards them. Neo grit his teeth and quickly instructed his pokemon, "Arana, use Flamethrower!"

The Lampent obeyed and unleashed a cerulean torrent of flames at the Shadow Ball, disintegrating it into nothing. The next moment, an Umbreon appeared out of the darkness and dove in for the attack. Alongside it was a Liepard with a claw enveloped with the same aura as the Shadow Ball. Neo's Gengar couldn't retaliate in time to protect his trainer, but Novus intervened and stopped the Night Slash with a Thunder Punch while taking the Feint Attack's blow. The Dusknoir was struck back against the steel railing, shaken up and injured, but more than willing to fight back.

Neo readied himself for a counter-attack, but before he could give any commands, a glint caught his eye. One of the mysterious individuals lunged at him, swinging sideward a long staff with a silver curved blade at the end of it. And from the sides, a pair of sharp-edged rings spun towards him. Fear took over. His parents' horrible death flashed in his mind. He shut his eyes closed and waited for his fate.

But nothing happened.

There was a flash. He heard a series of consecutive blade clashes and a sudden crash that made the surface below him tremble. Shaking, he gradually opened his eyes and saw Gremio's Gallade standing over him with the twin chakrams planted midway through the floorboards. He felt relieved, but part of him couldn't believe it. Just then he caught a glimpse of another figure beside the Gallade. He shifted his eyes and saw a person holding back the scythe with a long steel blade.

"G-Gremio?" Neo muttered.

"Forgive me for my tardiness, young master." His butler glanced back at him and then pushed back the scythe-wielder with a smooth swing of his sword.

Bellatrix landed elegantly a few meters away and motioned her companions. The trio regrouped, alongside their pokemon and stared at the gray-haired swordsman clad in a black tux. A tense silence descended in the atmosphere. With a deep breath, the scythe-wielder approached with her weapon firmly in her grip.

Gremio stepped forward as well, with his long sword in hand. But much to everyone's surprise, he sheathed his blade and declared, "You have no business here…"

Bellatrix drew back her scythe with precaution and eyed the man sharply. "Who are you to say such things?"

Gremio was silent. He removed his right glove and presented an insignia of a red sword tattooed on the back of his hand. "If you know what this means… then you should leave."

The Gallade plucked the metal rings embedded on the floor and threw them back at the redhead behind the tall girl with the scythe. Leiko caught them and exchanged looks with her two companions. After what felt like a long minute, they lowered their weapons.

"Aww… That's no fun." Leiko sighed in exasperation and dragged the pouting Alice behind her. Their two pokemon also followed as they jumped off the opposite side of the yacht. Bellatrix was the last to leave. She re-positioned her staff on her shoulder and motioned her Mismagius to follow. She shot another glare at the old man and the boy slumped on the floor, before leaping off. The assassin trio descended into the darkened sea and disappeared on their Sharpedos.

Neo was at a loss for words. Those three tried to kill him, like they did his parents long ago. But why did they stop after Gremio told them to? Who were they?

"Young master, are you unharmed?" Gremio approached his charge and looked him over for any injuries. Fortunately, the boy was not hurt. Unlike his two pokemon, Nero and Novus, but the Gallade was already applying treatment using Heal Pulse.

"G-Gremio… What just happened? Explain." Neo questioned, his gaze not meeting the older man. He was thankful to Gremio for saving him, but part of him was feeling distrustful. What if Gremio knew them? Were they related to the people who murdered his parents? Then, would that mean his most trusted butler knew his parents' murderers but never said a word about it?

"Young master, you've been through a lot. You should rest first," Gremio evaded.

"NO! Tell me now!" Neo demanded, clenching his fist and fighting back the erratic throbbing of his chest. His breathing was shallow and his body continued to tremble out of anger. But his mind focused on getting the answers he wanted.

Gremio gave in and extended his hand out, with the palm facing down. Neo stared at the crimson sword insignia with random assumptions flooding his already chaotic mind. Gremio stayed calm and began, "This is one of six symbols. Each one is different, as different as the person bearing it. I was employed long ago by your father, my first contractor. After you were born, I was assigned to you, and my contract with your father ended."

Neo shook his head. "That's not it… I want to know… about those three… and why did they just leave like that…"

Gremio nodded and continued, "They left because of a law called the Stalemate Agreement. They cannot touch a bearer of a symbol or their contractor."

"Were they…?"

"Assassins," Gremio finished. His eyes continued to study his charge, for any severe signs of his illness. So far, the symptoms were surfacing gradually. But he couldn't stop midway, knowing Neo wouldn't let him even if he forced him to. So he went on. "They were probably on a job when you saw them. Witnesses are an obstacle and are consequently eliminated. That is why they went after you…"

"Were they… Were they related to the people who killed mother and father?" Neo finally brought up the vital question.

Gremio hesitated, fearing of how would his charge react to what he was about to say. He took a deep breath and answered, "Most likely…"

Neo shook uncontrollably. He grabbed Gremio's sleeve as tears ran down his face. "WHY!? You knew who murdered my parents! Why did you hide it from me?! Who are they?! …Who was HE?!"

"I'm sorry, but I do not know…" Gremio informed, looking down at the boy and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "The other half of the agreement also entails that I, including you cannot go after the assassins or their contactors."

"B-but… they killed them… Mother… Father…" Neo murmured between sobs. He didn't know what to think anymore. His mind was in total disarray and his breath was growing shorter by the minute.

Gremio couldn't bear seeing the boy he watched over, since he was an infant, in such turmoil. "Young master, I beg of you… You must rest…"

Neo turned his attention to his butler, but still avoided eye contact. "F-Father trusted you…"

Gremio felt his heart clench at the boy's words. But even through it, he didn't falter. "That is why I will do everything in my power to see that you are alive and safe. Now please, young master…"

Neo didn't answer. His grip on Gremio's sleeve slowly loosened, and his body became limp. Everything grew dark and silent. He could no longer breathe. He was at his limit.

"Young master!"

End of Chapter 16

I really like this chapter, don't you Dead Bones Sam?
It'll probably continue in the next with the end half for Faye Lin and Aeron.

Soon it'll be back to Semira and the other OCs will make their appearance.
Anyway, review please.
I only have around 10 readers so a review is highly appreciated.