Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 23: Strength of One's Resolve
Floe Island, Sevii Archipelago
Days had passed since the encounter at sea, and now at long last, Neo was regaining consciousness. Under the faint warmth of the sunlight, his eyes fluttered open. But before he could catch a glimpse of anything, the brightness forced him to groan and shut back his eyelids. So instead, he slowly felt around. His body was covered by some kind of sheet, most likely blankets. He tried to move his arms and legs, but much to his dismay, his body not following orders. He was moving sluggishly and his head was throbbing occasionally. It told him that he had slept long. Exactly how long was yet to be known for him.
Eventually, his valiant efforts of pushing away the blankets, paid off. After breaking away from the covers, Neo breathed, relaxed, and once again attempted to open his eyes. Slowly the white haziness was clearing away and overlapping with voices calling out to him, his pokemon's voices.
His Gengar, Nero and Lampent, Arana hovered over his bed with great anticipation. After their long wait, their beloved trainer was finally waking up. They watched patiently as Neo sat up and placed a hand on his head to help steady his field of vision. His motions showed signs of lethargy but it was very much expected. The two inched closer and continued wailing in calm tones.
"G-Gremio?" Neo muttered, figuring that his trusted butler would be nearby, but alas, he was wrong. As the haziness and nausea subsided, Neo found himself in a small room with only his Gengar and Lampent for company.
The walls were clean and white, just like the curtains that draped over the closed window. Given its size, it was not his room nor was it a luxurious hospital room. He had no idea where he was. Neo sighed and gradually tried to piece together the prior events that could have led him there, but so far, flashes of his nightmares kept surfacing instead. Rather than remembering the female trio, he saw the lone cloaked individual with a large winged creature flying behind him, underneath the darkness of the night. Trembling, he brought his knees closer and buried his head in his hands.
Nero and Arana sensed their trainer's uneasiness and fawned around him, thinking of ways to bring him comfort. Dream Eater was not going to work since he was awake. The next best thing was to call Gremio and ask him for help. The two ghost-types exchanged looks and nodded in agreement. Nero stayed by his trainer's side, while Arana hovered over to the window and opened it.
*shiiiing* *bam*
Neo flinched at the sound of blades clashing. Some sort of battle was on-going, but the question was, who could be battling? His mind was returning to assassins with their blood-stained blades and weapons. The thought sent chills crawling down his skin. That thought would be the worst case scenario. He told himself that chances of that happening were remote. Then again, he had no idea where he was, and his trusted butler was not around.
Gathering his composure, Neo realized the only option was to see for himself. He slowly got out of bed with the assistance of his two ghost-types which included his Lampent, Arana who returned at the sight of her trainer getting up. The boy straightened himself up and walked over to the window, wobbling occasionally with his unsteady feet.
Nero and Arana stayed close in case he would fall, but thankfully none of their fears came true. Neo safely reached the window and held the white frame firmly before peering outside. Underneath the radiant morning sunlight, he saw two Gallades locked in battle, exchanging fierce sword strikes that sparked with either green, blue or black shades.
One Gallade, though, was visibly overpowering the other.
Standing firm, the stronger Gallade blocked blow after blow of the opposing side. Then an opening presented itself, it struck with a swift and well-coordinated Close Combat that sent the other Gallade skidding across the lush green grass, scarring the evenly-toned green grass. Not an effective move but good enough to knock back the opposition.
"This has been quite enough. May I ask that you please concede?" A familiar voice rung through Neo's ears. His gray eyes darted across the battlefield, towards the side where the dominant Gallade was standing. And sure enough, he saw Gremio, dressed formally in his well-pressed black tuxedo.
"Not until you give me the answers I need," a new individual answered back with firm tone.
Neo shifted his attention to the opposite side and saw a boy clad in black, from his Black Veil Brides T-shirt, to his trousers and down to his combat boots. His eyes were golden in color, matching his sports wristband and claw collar, while, his silvery hair partially covered his eye and reached down to his shoulders in spiky accents. In front of him was a Gallade, panting with exhaustion, but with blades remaining drawn in display of its battle spirit. And at the sidelines was a Gardevoir, worriedly watching the battle unfold, while clutching a brown book in its nimble arms.
"Wouldn't you rather consult the authorities? I already gave them a brief testimony of the incident," Gremio explained, keeping a calm composure over the persistent teen, though it was evident that he was growing tired of the teenage boy's behavior.
"Sorry, but I'd rather have the full and extended version," the individual smirked and continued the battle.
Once again, the two blade pokemons charged at one another and traded blows, swinging their bladed arms and occasionally blocking or evading the opponent's attack. Gremio's Gallade was still dominating the match, but there were times when its enemy landed some commendable strikes with its variety of blade attacks.
"Vince, use Night Slash!" The teen shouted. The boy's Gallade jumped back and extended its elbows out, simultaneously enveloping them in an ominous black aura. Once powered up, it immediately lunged back towards its opponent.
Gremio's own Gallade focused on the movement of the opponent. It drew its arms close, shifted its leg back and solidified its stance. When the enemy closed in, swinging its blackened swords, Gremio's Gallade stepped to the side and dodged the attack fluidly. Then it countered with rapid slashes to the opponent's back, causing the opposing Gallade to fall on its knees.
"Vince!" The golden-eyed teen yelled in concern. His pokemon was down and badly hurt. He clenched his fists and swallowed hard. He knew that the battle was one-sided, but he was determined to show the resolve that he and his pokemon shared, in an attempt to convince Gremio to provide some needed answers. Answers that he was determined to uncover. But there were times when a trainer must place his pokemon's well-being before anything else. He uncoiled his fists and sighed in defeat. "…It's alright, Vince. That's enough."
Smiling at the teen's mature decision, Gremio nodded and withdrew his pokemon, sending the Gallade back to its pokeball. Meanwhile, the silver-haired teen approached his pokemon and instructed his Gardevoir, Faith to tend to its injuries with Heal Pulse. Nodding, the embrace pokemon placed the book on the ground and radiated a warm pinkish light from its arms, healing the injuries of its teammate. After the quick energy-treatment, the boy complimented them on a job well done and sent both of them back into their pokeballs.
Gremio tucked away his pokeball and walked towards the boy. "You are quite skilled as a battler. It was unfortunate for you that my Gallade had been trained for many years and has far more experience. The loss is nothing to be ashamed of." The silvery-haired boy nodded wordlessly. "Perhaps, another time…?"
"Chase," the silver-haired teen spoke. "My name is Chase Graceland."
"Very well, sir Graceland… I anticipate the future where our pokemon's blades will clash once again." Gremio placed a hand over his chest gave a small bow with a smile.
Chase frowned in discomfort at the formality, but he shrugged it off in order to bring up his question again. He didn't win, but he hoped that it would be enough to pry some answers out of the old man. "About the news of the massacre…"
Gremio frowned and sighed inwardly. He could tell the boy was persistent, but he didn't expect just how much persistent he was. "I commend you for your resolve, but I have nothing else to say in regards to that matter."
"Gremio…"
Before another word was spoken, their attention was immediately drawn to a raven haired boy, clothed in white pajamas that were partially hidden underneath his silk robes. Over his shoulder were a couple of ghost-types, a Lampent and a Gengar, gesturing Gremio to come over.
"Young master!" Instantly startled at the sight of his charge, conscious and out of bed, Gremio shrugged off Chase's existence and hurried over towards his charge.
Neo was gradually making his way over the gentle slopes when his butler rushed over as quickly as he could with an expression even paler than his own. Gremio supported his arm and fawned over him, shifting his eyes observantly from head to toe as if to check injuries or whatever he could find wrong.
"Gremio, I'm fine," Neo reassured his trusted caretaker, but Gremio continued to look at him with utmost worry. It made him recall his childhood days at the mansion, wherein Gremio was constantly present at his side and fussing over the slightest cough to the smallest of stumbles. The memory and Gremio's current display of genuine concern couldn't help but put a smile on the boy's face.
Gremio looked up at Nero and Arana to verify if they too agreed that Neo was alright. The two ghost-types nodded causing Gremio breathe in relief and calm down. "I'm very glad that you've regained consciousness, young master. I feared that your condition was worse than I had initially anticipated. I was already making plans to transfer you to Celadon City Private Hospital."
Neo laughed softly. "There is no need. Like I said, I'm fine."
"Hey!" Chase ran towards them, looking as eager as he did when he approached Gremio. "Could you answer some questions for me?"
Gremio diverted his attention to the incoming teen. In an instant, his expression shifted from worried to cautious. He stepped in front of Neo and faced Chase. "Sir Graceland, may I request that you do not disturb my lord. Only recently, he has regained consciousness from his health condition and I fear that too much stress will be bad for him."
"This'll only be a minute," Chase pleaded, golden eyes flickering with determination.
Gradually, his memories of the events prior were returning to him. He recalled how Gremio stood before him, sword drawn to fend off the group of assassins. Concerned and curious, Neo asked, "Gremio? May I ask what is it that you both are talking about?"
Gremio glanced back, but before he could utter a word, Chase zipped passed and confronted Neo. "My name is Chase and I came all the way from Sinnoh in search of clues regarding assassins. I've heard of the massacre at sea and you two were the last witnesses to the incident. If you could provide me any clues as to which direction they came from or anything at all…."
Gremio stepped in and explained, "Sir Graceland, my master cannot provide you with any answers for he became unconscious afterwards. We were headed to Unova when we encountered two stranded cargo vessels. We stopped to investigate from afar and it was only then that we witnessed some individuals leaving one of the cargo ships. And because of the dark, we were unable to distinguish who they were. I contacted the authorities for safety precautions and rushed my master to the nearest health center after his chronic illness took its toll."
Neo listened intently to Gremio's words and knew that some of the more important parts were left out, like how they confronted the assassin trio and how Gremio seemed to know something about them and is somehow also trying to protect them by keeping their secrets. Knowing this, Neo began to grow mixed feelings and confusion of how to confront Gremio.
"There must be something else…" Chase gritted his teeth and lowered his gaze. His efforts so far were proving futile.
"May I ask for the reason why you seem determined to track down these assassins?" Neo inquired.
"My mother… was killed by one of them," Chase answered, not meeting any of Gremio and Neo's gazes. "It happened a long time ago. I was still too young to help or even remember who her murderer was. So instead of looking for one person, I told myself that I would get back at everyone of his kind."
Neo felt the hatred and the sorrow of Chase's voice. He, too, knew what it was like to lose a mother, but his case was far worse for he also lost his father on the same day. "I understand how you feel… I am the same as you." Chase looked up at Neo and met his gray eyes, flickering with the same emotions of loss and anger that he felt. "Both my parents were killed when I was only six. I also have no idea who murdered them. All I know is that he had two long katana blades and a large winged pokemon."
"I'm sorry for your loss... I guess, I'm still lucky that my dad is still alive." Chase's eyes softened with nostalgia at the thought of his father. "He's currently working in Sinnoh as a pokemon researcher and inventor. I haven't seen him for months, but I contact him often…" He smiled with pride. "Uhm… before I forget, could you tell me your name?"
"Forgive my rudeness. My name is Neo. Neo Takamoto," The raven-haired noble introduced and extended a hand.
Chase smiled at his newly acquainted kin and shook hands with him. Neo's hand was colder than expected, but he recalled what Gremio said about his health so it was only natural. "Uhm-"
-"Young master, shall we continue this conversation indoors?" Gremio interrupted. "I presume you are famished."
Neo locked eyes with his caretaker. His feelings were still mixed, but his trust in him was enough to let the subject slide, for the time-being. Nodding, he complied with Gremio's request. "Very well."
It was nearly noon and the sun was bearing down on the small island of the Sevii archipelago. Inside the pokemon center, Neo had just finished eating and was now lost in thought as he took occasional sips of tea from his porcelain cup. Chase was sitting on a couch, snacking on the tea biscuits that came with the tea. He skipped the bland drink and simply bought a soda from a vending machine. Gremio was cleaning up the remains of the food and drinks that he prepared, but he made sure to maintain a watchful eye on both teens in the room.
The room was awkwardly silent, other than the faded wailing of Nero and Arana who were playing around by phasing in and out of the walls. Chase found it unnerving, but the atmosphere seemed very normal to Neo and Gremio. He decided to start a conversation.
"So Neo, what do you plan to do?" Chase began, drawing Neo's attention to him, as well as Gremio's. "I mean, I'm after the assassins because they killed my mother. What about you? Do you have any plans on taking revenge for your parents' death?"
Neo breathed and placed his cup of tea back unto the saucer. "I had the incident investigated years ago, but unfortunately, nothing came up. The authorities eventually closed the case and declared it unsolved. I wanted to keep it open, but I had too many duties to adhere to…"
"What about now? Do have any plans at all?" Chase inquired, disapproving of Neo's half-hearted efforts. Neo didn't say a word to him.
Instead, he turned to Gremio and motioned him over. His trusted butler complied and dutifully stood before him. "Yes, young master?"
"Gremio. I want to hear the whole truth. Now," Neo demanded with a cold voice of authority that he usually only used in front of arrogant noble family heads.
Chase was suddenly taken aback by the sudden change in the other boy. He could feel the superior air circling around him, rendering him at a loss for words. All he could do was look at Gremio and await the old man's reply.
Gremio hesitated but only for a moment. He kept his composure and took off his glove, revealing the red sword tattoo printed on the back of his wrinkled hand. "I am a member of the Saber unit. A group trained in the ways of the sword. Your father recruited me long ago as his personal bodyguard, along with my pokemon partner."
"I already know that. Want I want is all the information regarding those assassins," Neo said further, intriguing Chase more than he already was. He was partly confused by the sudden turn of events, but he predicted things will become clearer in a few minutes.
Gremio bowed slightly. "There is not much I can tell you at this time. All I can say is that my unit is one of six divisions, including one that specializes in assassination, based on a secluded island, known only to the six regions' most prestigious noble heads. "
"Then, may I ask why am I uninformed of this?" Neo clasped his fingers and gazed at Gremio firmly, giving almost the same kind of presence that the previous head, Neo's father had. But inside, he was masking the growing pains inside of him. "The Takamoto family is one of the most influential families in the Kanto region, so I fail to understand why this is."
"I was going to inform you when you come of age," Gremio answered with a somewhat apologetic tone. "To be recognized as a true family head, one must be at least eighteen years of age. I am sure you are well aware of the rules of the noble families around the six regions."
Neo nodded in understanding, but he was not going to let the subject slide just like that. "In two months' time, I will come of age so I demand that you tell me all there is to know."
"Forgive me, young master, but this is also for your safety. I cannot share that kind of knowledge with you at the moment," Gremio apologized, earning angry looks from both Neo and Chase.
"Hey! What gives? Just cough it up. Many people have lost their lives because of those murderers! Why do you still intend to hide them?!" Chase protested, standing up and yelling loudly.
"Gremio…" Neo stood up, breathing narrowly, causing much alarm to Gremio and Chase. But before the two could fuss over him, Neo motioned them to stop. He turned his gaze back to Gremio and said to him, "My father placed his trust in you and I do as well. You became my father after my own died before my eyes. I trusted you with everything. And I will continue to do so…"
"Neo? You're just gonna give up just like that?!" Chase protested in disbelief.
"Young master…"
"I leave the governing of the estate to you. If you're not going to tell me, I will go and search for answers myself," Neo concluded and began to walk away. He kept a hand on the wall to steady himself as his two ghost-types dutifully returned to his side.
"Young master, wait!" Gremio caught up with him and held the boy's shoulder. "If you could at least wait for only two more months, you may know all there is to know. You'll even be able to set foot on the island if you wish. When you become a true head of the Takamoto family, you will be able to use all of Semira Isle's assets and capabilities."
That last bit of knowledge overwhelmed Neo to the extent he was at a loss for words. All he could do was stare at Gremio. Chase couldn't believe what he just heard either. To be able to reach the lair of the assassins was the greatest news that he had been wishing for.
"So young master, if you would please calm yourself…" Gremio eased his grip as he pleaded with his charge.
"Gremio. I shall take you up on that offer," Neo spoke, breathing slightly easier than before but evident that he was still feeling the strain of his condition. "But I can't just idly wait for those couple of months to pass."
"Young master, it'll only get worse if you keep pushing yourself." Gremio reminded him.
"That's just it… I don't want to be this weak when I go there. I want to stand strong in front of mother and father's murderer," Neo said with much admirable resolve and determination.
"Young master, I understand, but I implore you, please don't do anything rash."
"Hey Neo! Wanna hear what I think?" Chase beamed with an eager grin, turning the heads of both Gremio and Neo to him. "If you wanna grow stronger, why not go travel on a pokemon journey? Battle gyms and strengthen your pokemon as well."
End of Chapter 23
Finally! XD
Sorry for the long wait. DX
After my busy schedule and untimely hiatus and distractions, I finished this chapter.
Dead Bones Sam - I'll be building up your team. So finalize the 6-set.
Also your Squirtle will be in the next chapter. I'm gonna give him a unique trait.
(something that concerns ice)
Gamergirl - Here's your character - I'll work on the personality more in the future.
Here's Chase btw.
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