Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 18: Just Rewards
Main Fortress, Semira Isle
The day was slowly coming to an end. The sun was hovering airily above the glittering western horizon. Its golden rays blanketed the saffron sky and shadowed lands. Life went on in the secluded region after Aeron's sudden leave, excluding that of two certain individuals.
"Aeron's not fair…" Kirian whined as he flew his arms in exasperation and slumped over the wooden barrier lining the pathway. "He could have at least said goodbye."
"I know what you mean, Kirian. But I'm sure Aeron has a good reason." Rozalia said optimistically as she sat on the fence and stared at the setting sun beyond the view of the shadowed form of Senka Island.
"He better! Ever since we advance from regular trainees, he's been busy with teaching the new Sky unit recruits… He never has time for us anymore." Kirian sighed heavily.
"You can't really blame him. It's not like he wants to lecture the newbies," Rozalia pointed out, feeling sorry for their gone friend.
"I get that… It's just… Arrghh!" Kirian briskly ruffled his sandy spiky hair and screamed, "Aeron! When are you coming back?!"
"…For Arceus's sake, can't you keep it down? You guys aren't the only people here," complained a third person.
Surprised, Kirian and Rozalia faced the origin of the voice and saw a brunette in a violet jacket and faded jeans come their way. Beside the unexpected arrival, was a white four-legged pokemon with a crescent horn protruding at one side of its head.
Rozalia recognized her and bowed lightly in acknowledgement. "Senior Aspen."
"Ughhh… Not you…" Kirian slapped himself and groaned as he felt his mood hit rock-bottom.
"Funny. I was just about to react the same way," Aspen remarked while placing her hands on her hips.
Rozalia felt the air between the two grow sour. She decided to step in before it could possibly get worse. "So what's up, senior? It's very unusual for someone of your rank to be around the Main Fortress."
Aspen snapped her fingers and grinned. "Exactly the point, Roz. Where else should I go for some alone time?"
"Sol!" The Absol chimed in.
"By the way, I heard you went out again. Anything new?" Rozalia asked.
"Let's see… I tried out a new sword, ate at a resort restaurant in Kalos, and I got myself some Running Shoes." Aspen enumerated before showing off her brand new blue and gray sneakers.
"Isn't that the third blade this month? And what's with the Running Shoes? Too slow to slice anything up?" Kirian sassed with a mocking grin.
"Abssol!" Kyria growled.
"You're just jealous because you can't afford it, seeing as you're still a noob and nobody in their right mind would give you a job," Aspen shot back, smirking.
"Okay. That's enough you two…" Rozalia intervened and glanced at the darkened sky. "It's getting late."
"Roz is right, Kiri-chan. You both don't wanna miss Lord Altair and your friend's return now, do you?" Aspen hinted.
"WHAT?!" The younger duo yelled in unison.
"Ugh. Seriously? You two really need to get better sources…" Aspen shrugged her shoulders and leaned against the wall.
In a split second, Kirian and Rozalia darted pass her and rushed to Zephyr Pillar. But they did remember their manners. Looking back at Aspen, they both waved back and smiled in gratitude. "Thanks senior!"
Aspen waved back laxly and yawned after the two disappeared from her sight. "I thought they'd never leave… Finally, some real alone time."
Outskirts, Semira Isle
Lord Altair steered his Latios down as the island came into view below the clouds. Behind him, Faye Lin held on tightly to his brown cloak as she peered down at the mysterious land mass floating in the midst of the navy blue waters.
Several hours ago, their trip to Semira began. Faye Lin had agreed to Lord Altair's offer, though she had anticipated the impending dangers. Still, she wanted to know what kind of place Aeron and his father came from, and most of all, she wanted to find her sister.
Midway through their journey, they found a small uninhabited island and flew down to rest. It was a densely rocky isle with steep cliffs and narrowly gapped cluster of trees. And throughout the ground and treetops, out of control foliage thrived abundantly. Lucky for them, the middle area was suitable enough to land, let alone walk on.
Aeron regained consciousness atop of his father's Latios, who was now settled on the soft green ground. The smell of the rich forest and a cooked meal filled his nostrils. Groggily, he sat up and winced at the lingering pain below his chest. It was the result after being struck in the gut by his father, knocking him out in the first place.
He looked around and saw Lord Altair sitting across, leaning on an old mossy log. The man glanced at him sharply and returned to eating slice of a newly roasted Whiscash, which he probably caught some time ago.
What he didn't understand was why his father brought Faye Lin along with them. He noticed her sitting on a rock with her head deeply engrossed in some sort of book. Judging from her serious expression, it looked really important.
With the air obviously tense, it was impossible to start a conversation. Aeron walked over to his father and picked up his share of the roasted Whiscash on a stick, which was leaning on the log, next to the man.
Lord Altair didn't speak, but Aeron knew otherwise. He got the message that his father was pissed and the rest of the father-son conversation was to be continued back home.
With the final slivers of sunlight fading away, they had entered the boundary of Semira Isle.
Aeron was riding on Itzal, Lord Altair's Noivern and Noir's parent. Compared to its offspring, it was more mature and serious. Out of all the flying pokemon his father owned, Itzal was the closest to him. He knew the giant black bat ever since he was taken in as a child by Lord Altair. In due time, Itzal became his frequent flying companion during routine survey trips around Semira Isle.
There were a few other Noivern in Semira, but Itzal was a prominent individual, having outmatched and outraced each and every one. And thereby, earning respect from many pokemon around it, as well as scars and gashes across its wings and certain parts of its body.
"We're heading to Senka Island first," Lord Altair instructed over the howling winds. "We have some unfinished business with Lord Tristan."
Aeron silently complied, as guilt, regret and dread sunk in. Then his eyes shifted to Faye Lin. It would be dangerous to take her there. In fact, it was already dangerous for her to be anywhere near Semira Isle. She doesn't belong.
Lord Altair glanced sideways and saw his son staring at the blonde girl riding behind him. "You need not worry… She won't be going there."
Faye Lin flinched when Aeron's father referred to her. Was there something wrong? She questioned herself, why wasn't she going to where they were headed? Was it bad? Dangerous?
"I'll have you wait at the main chamber at Zephyr Pillar. You are not to leave until our return… understand?" Lord Altair instructed her in his firm and authoritative tone.
"Yes, Sir." Faye Lin replied submissively and took a deep breath. So far, she heard of Semira Isle, the overall region, Senka Island, the place where Aeron and his father were headed, and now, Zephyr Pillar. So many places… What are they all like? More importantly, will she get the chance to meet her sister?
Aeron watched her for a moment before shifting his attention upfront. Senka Island was coming into view. Beyond the shadowy woods, he could see the Shadow Pagoda towering towards the blackened sky with the lining of the crescent moon at the highest peak.
That is Senka Island, Faye Lin said to herself. Somehow, compared to the other areas that they passed, that place felt …ominous. She could feel a chill creep from her fingers, to her shoulders and down along her spine.
"We'll land here." Lord Altair motioned to the rocky coast near the boundary of Senka Island.
Aeron complied and steered Itzal to ground, where they landed on a large boulder beside the thrashing salty waves. The boy got off and took a deep breath, letting the realization of his return sink in. He was now back—back to Semira. The smell of the sea and forestry were refreshingly nostalgic, even if he was near Senka Island. Farther to the east, he could picture out the Sky unit's base, Zephyr Pillar, but part of his vision included vague images of the city skyscapers, rising around it.
Lord Altair disembark a little further away from the water and faced the blonde girl who was still on his Latios. "Raius will take you where you need to go. And again, you are not to leave that place under any circumstances."
"I understand…" Faye Lin nodded and nervously placed her hands on the base of the Latios' neck. It would be the first time she'd ever flown a pokemon on her own, especially one that can go as fast as a jet.
"Wait." Aeron quickly came over and reached for his belt. To his surprise, there was only one pokeball left, which was his Noibat's. Vivi and the borrowed Hydreigion were missing, as well as the Xtranseiver that was given to him. His conclusion was that his father must've confiscated them.
"Is something the matter?" Faye Lin asked, noticing Aeron's slightly confused expression.
Aeron snapped back. He removed his partner's pokeball and handed it over to Faye Lin. "Take Noir with you. He's very capable and familiar of that place. If there's anything you need, just let him know."
Faye Lin smiled at Aeron's thoughtfulness and concern. "Yes. Thank you very much. I shall take care of him until your return."
And with that, Faye Lin rode off on the Latios, her arms tightly wrapped around the blue and white dragon's streamlined neck. Aeron watched the flying silhouette disappear into the dark blue western sky where few stars began to appear. Then he walked back to Itzal and his father who had already mounted on his Noivern. Now it was just them. The tension silently grew. Aeron averted his eyes away from his father and rode in front of him. And without a moment to spare, Itzal took to the evening skies and zoomed towards the dark tower.
They made their descent on the curved tiled rooftops with a mild creak. Itzal firmly latched on to the surface and edges with its razor claws. Then it using its sharp pointed tail, the Noivern sliced a wide opening on the window, giving an entry way for the father and son to step in.
Inside, they treaded the empty corridors towards Lord Tristan's office. The ancient interior, along with the dim lighting of the antique wall scones provided a soft somber ambiance, mirroring long history of the Shadow Pagoda. Yet it did nothing to help the mood between Aeron and Lord Altair as they walked side by side, along the narrow halls.
Tension continued to linger. Aeron kept his head down. He didn't dare look at his father. On the other hand, Lord Altair glanced at his son occasionally but made no effort to reach out to him. His main concern was to settle the issue at hand.
Finally after what seemed like a never-ending walk, they had arrived in front of the granite doorway with the ominous carving on a blue-eyed pokemon. Aeron couldn't help but stare deep into the pair of embedded sapphire. The enigmatic creature seemed so alive in his mind, like he had seen the pokemon itself before.
Just then, Lord Altair pushed the door open, preventing any recollection to happen. Aeron breathed in and followed behind his father as they approached the man sitting calmly behind his desk.
"Welcome back," Lord Tristan greeted a welcoming smile while stroking his Liepard whom had tenderly nestled close to his leg. "I presume your outing went well?"
Lord Altair didn't react. He pulled out a couple of pokeballs and a broken Xtranseiver and dropped them on the surface of the desk. "I think these belong to you."
Aeron's silver eyes immediately turned to the items, specifically one of the pokeballs without the Black Scythe insignia. Vivi was there. Part of him wanted to speak up, but he hesitated. He was in the presence of two heads of Semira afterall, and the atmosphere of the circumstances told him it was close to impossible.
Lord Tristan directed his attention away from his Liepard and unto the objects before him. He frowned at the sight of the crushed device, which he intended to be his gift for Aeron. But then his attention shifted to the second red and white capsule, evoking a small confusion. Raising a brow, he picked up the foreign pokeball and inspected it. "As I recall, I only lent your son a Hydreigon. I don't remember giving him another pokemon."
Aeron watched intently as the redheaded Black Scythe leader opened the capsule and sent out a small green reptilian pokemon on the table. Lord Altair stood by, staring skeptically at the Lord Tristan and the mystery pokemon.
Vivi materialized and opened its big brown eyes to gaze into an unfamiliar room with two tall scary strangers staring back at it. Terrified, the Snivy trembled and looked around frantically for answers as to what become of him and the others.
"Vivi!" Aeron called out on instinct, snapping the little green creature's attention to him.
Overwhelmed with relief, Vivi darted pass the man cloaked in a desert brown fabric and leaped into the boys arms, where he wrapped his arms and tail securely around Aeron's limb.
"It seems your son made a friend…" Lord Tristan chuckled and rubbed his chin while grinning.
Lord Altair turned to Aeron who finally met his gaze. He saw uncertainty flickered in the boy's silver eyes, partially reminding him of the timid little child he brought back to Semira. The Sky division leader softened inwardly, as to not display it in front of the redheaded man in a white suit.
"Does that pokemon belong to you?" He asked.
The Snivy flinched, having heard the oh-so-repetitive question surface again. Rejection had always been the answer so Vivi buried his head in the boy's arm, as he mentally prepared himself while still wishing for a slight chance of acceptance.
Aeron breathed and placed a hand on the Snivy's back, startling the small creature. "Yes."
Vivi's eyes shot open as he looked up at the boy. Aeron didn't meet his gaze. His eyes were still locked on to his father's as he awaited for a response. Lord Altair studied the boy as the uncertainty in his expression dwindled in the light of his own resolve.
"Very well," Lord Altair replied and turned his attention back unto the Black Scythe leader.
Aeron relaxed a bit and glanced down at his Snivy who was joyously looking back at him with eyes glittering and face grinning. The boy nodded at him and raised his head, in time to receive the grass-type's pokeball from Lord Altair.
"Now that that's all cleared up, there is still the matter of your reward, am I correct?" Lord Tristan brought the subject up with a cunning smile.
Aeron flinched, not expecting the redheaded man to mention it in front of his father. Dread and hesitance resurfaced, creating a cause for his Snivy to worry. Lord Altair noticed the change in his son too, at the mention of the topic. He shifted his eyes back to Lord Tristan with a glare.
"What is this so-called reward?" Lord Altair inquired in a threatening tone.
Lord Tristan was unaffected. In fact, he enjoyed seeing the other man riled up. "Your son just wants to know more about his father. That's all. I told him that if he accepted the mission and was successful, I would tell him your connection with me and the Black Scythe."
*bam*
Lord Altair slammed his hand against the desk and grabbed the Black scythe leader's collar, pulling him closer so they meet eye to eye. Aeron froze, unsure whether or not to intervene. On the other hand, the Liepard that was on the other side of the desk, immediately pounced on the table and growled threating at the brown-haired man holding its trainer.
With only a sharp glance at the purple feline, Lord Altair's Yanmega shot out of its pokeball and tackled the Liepard to the floor. The two struggled violently, with the giant green dragonfly's six legs latched on to the frantic feline's back and jaws sunk into the violet fur around its neck.
"Stop!" Aeron yelled, fearing things were beginning to run out of control.
Vivi took that as his cue and extended his vines at the scuffling duo. Within seconds, he managed to separate the two and threw them across the opposite sides of the room before they could escape his grasp.
The Yanmega flew back but quickly regained balanced in the air, while, the Liepard headed the other side of the room, but its quick and nimble reflexes enabled it to lightly bounce of the wall and land neatly on the floor.
"Nice work, Vivi," Aeron whispered at the proud little Snivy, and shifted his gaze upon the two Semira heads who was not at all bothered by the fight between their pokemon.
Lord Altair glared at the unflinching redhead and clenched his fist tighter. But a moment later, he released him and walked out, motioning his son to follow. Aeron complied without a second thought or even a glance at Lord Tristan as they left the room.
The Black Scythe Leader breathed out to regain his composure and neatened his now wrinkled clothes. He called back his Liepard who was licking its wounds after that violent struggle. As the peaceful atmosphere settled back, Lord Tristan sat down and motioned for his other pokemon which slowly materialized out of the shadows into a Banette.
"Lilith, send my reward to him… And be subtle," Lord Tristan instructed with a sly smile before sending his pokemon back into the darkness of the room. Then he leaned back against his office chair and picked up the broken Xtranseiver. "I wonder how you will react if you found out what kind of person your dear father really is…"
Outside of the room, back into the narrow halls, Lord Altair walked ahead of his son who was feeling the tension between them more than ever. Aeron inched closer to catch up, wanting to speak with his father. He had already returned Vivi back to his pokeball to fully focus on apologizing.
"…Father-"
"Does it really bother you?" Lord Altair questioned, in a milder tone than what the boy expected.
"I… I just wanted to know," Aeron answered, hesitance resonating in his voice.
Lord Altair sighed and turned around to face his son. "You should have just asked."
Startled, Aeron froze in his place. He kept his head down, not daring to meet his father's gaze, as guilt was still stabbing his chest. "I'm… sorry."
Lord Altair nodded in acceptance and breathed out calmly. "It's not that worth explaining… I was once part of the Black Scythe division, but that's all in the past."
Aeron didn't react. He couldn't picture someone so close to him be an assassin, let alone have the will to murder people. "Was that before you took me in?"
"…Actually, it was during," Lord Altair answered, surprising the boy, but before Aeron could inquire further, his father continued, "You were probably too young to understand or even remember. But like I said, it's all in the past."
"But you still killed people, correct?" Aeron added, as that issue kept on nagging him.
"Yes, I had my fair share of blood and violence. But it was because I was hired to. I had no personal qualms about who I killed." Lord Altair reasoned.
"Still you had the choice…"
Taken aback, Lord Altair smiled softly and placed a hand on the boy's head. "If I was your real father then I would have the right to say that you were brought up very well…"
Aeron eased down at the touch of his father's hand and kind words. There were more words he wanted to say to him back, but they were lost as his father's touch faded away.
Lord Altair gently brushed his hand away and continued to walk back to their prior entry point. "Just to be clear, you aren't fully forgiven for your actions. There is still the issue of you as a Sky unit recruit, disobeying my orders and leaving Semira without permission."
Aeron expected that. Lord Altair had a soft side, but overall he was without a doubt, a strict father.
End of chapter 18
Well, after all that drama, here's a softer chapter.
It'll be another while before Neo wakes up so I'll be concentrating on the other two and the other OCs.
When that time comes, I'll have a new artwork of him and a new OC to boot.
There'll be dark parts again soon.
And glimpses of Aeron's own past. (Also tragic, but compared to Neo, you'll be the judge)
Anyway, review! :)