Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 30: Fire and Ice
Cinnabar Island, Kanto
The final battle raged on inside Cinnabar Island's gym. With crowds roaring and the heat rising from the bubbling lava below, the two pokemon continued to face off.
Neo's Squirtle was in mid-air, lashing down with an Aqua Tail. Surging torrents of water swirled around his glowing-white tail. As Genbu lunged forward, the light unexpectedly receded and the Aqua Tail made contact in an explosive burst of water.
Naomi's Braixen rolled across the volcanic earth as vapor rose from its yellow fur. The crowd gasped as they watched with utmost anticipation. Staggering whilst gritting his fangs, Ricken rose back to feet and brandished his short wooden stick, while, Neo's Squirtle popped out of his shell and landed safely unto the ground, out of breath and huffing heavily.
The battle appeared undecided, until Naomi's Braixen collapsed unto one knee. Naomi consequently declared her loss. She could already tell that her pokemon was unable to continue and was simply forcing himself to stand. The referee announced the winner and cheers erupted across the coliseum.
Neo walked over and scooped up his Squirtle as it turned to greet him. "You did great, Genbu."
"Squirt!" Genbu nodded in accomplishment.
Naomi recalled her Braixen and pulled out a small trinket before making her way to Neo, her Infernape following closely. As she gazed at her challenger and his pokemon, she recalled that moment when Neo's Squirtle glowed momentarily. She thought for second that Neo's Squirtle was going to evolve, but it seemed she was mistaken. Smiling, she called Neo and extended her hand, presenting a small red badge shaped like a flame. "Congratulations on your victory."
Neo smiled back as he held Genbu securely in one arm and used the other to accept the token of his victory. "Thank you very much, Naomi. It was a great match and I enjoyed battling with you."
"I enjoyed it too." Naomi grinned sheepishly as she held back a giggle and a mild blush.
"Also, I was wondering why you didn't use your Infernape for the battle," Neo asked as he glanced at the flaming monkey beside the girl.
"Oh, about that… Natsu is for more experienced challengers," Naomi explained.
"I see… You went easy on me then?" Neo deduced, accepting the statement more of a friendly gesture rather than an insult.
Naomi, though, felt she had otherwise. "It's not that! I-I just thought that it wouldn't be fair if I went all out considering this is your first gym battle."
"I understand. Then perhaps, we should battle again in the future?" Neo suggested with a soft yet eager smile.
"I'd like that," Naomi answered with brimming anticipation.
"Neo!" A loud voice called to him. Neo glanced back and was abruptly met with an arm around his neck, pulling him close to his friend's level. Chase shot him a broad grin and extended his congratulations. "I knew you could do it!"
"Thanks," answered Neo with a calm smile.
"Well, this calls for a celebration!" Chase suggested before glancing at Naomi. "And of course, you'll be joining us, right Naomi? It's Neo's treat!"
"Really!?" Naomi's crimson eyes lit up at the idea. Then the next moment, she recalled her manners. Flustered, she gathered her composure and glanced at Neo with stifled anticipation. "I-I mean if that's okay?"
Neo straightened himself up under the weight of Chase's arm and replied, "Sure, why not?"
The trio left the gym and paid a visit to the pokemon center to have their pokemon healed. Afterwards, they proceeded to a place that Naomi suggested. It was a grill house filled with roasted delicacies and spicy food. The whole restaurant had an irresistible that could instantly make one's mouth water.
"I'll go find us a table!" Chase went on ahead, purposely leaving Neo and Naomi, along with Genbu and Natsu.
"So Neo, which gym are you going to challenge next?" Naomi inquired, hoping to start a conversation. With a happy grin, she clasped her fingers together behind her and walked beside Neo and her Infernape. "It's uncommon for a first-timer to challenge Cinnabar Island so I'm guessing you aren't following the usual route for gym challengers."
"Chase and I will be heading to Fuschia City next," Neo answered as he securely wrapped his Squirtle in his arms. "We'll be leaving tomorrow."
"Is that's so…" Naomi murmured, feeling partly disappointed at the fact Neo would be gone tomorrow. At any rate, she understood that she couldn't stop him. Taking a deep breath, she grinned brightly at Neo. "I'll be routing for you!"
"Thank you."
A while later, they found their tables and food was served. All of their pokemon took part in the feast. It was lively with ghost-types, fire-types, psychic-types and one water-type eating away at the pokemon food. The celebratory meal was situated with a picturesque view of the ocean in the midst of the orange shroud that came with the setting sun.
Chase watched from a separate table as Neo and Naomi continued to converse in theirs. He had purposely asked the management for that arrangement. It was no problem since Naomi was well-known as the local gym leader. In addition to the special treatment, their food had a big discount, which was not actually needed considering Neo's status and wealth.
Neo was finishing his plate with the manners of a proper noble while Naomi continued to steal intrigued glances occasionally. It perked the girl's curiosity, but what interested her the most was the part when Neo took out a bottle from his bag even though they already had water poured into glasses.
"Neo? May I ask what it is you are drinking? I saw you drink that during our match," Naomi inquired before stammering again the next moment. "I-I don't mean that I find it weird. Of course, I've been living in Cinnabar Island and I'm always around fire-types so I'm used to the hot climate. It's perfectly fine if you don't answer."
"You mean this?" Neo stared at the bottle after he tightened the cap. His expression dampened partially as he turned his head to Naomi. "To be honest, this is medicine…"
"M-Medicine?" Naomi suddenly felt concerned.
Neo explained his weak condition and that the medicine was something that he was taking to help. It was no cure, but it proved effective in relieving his body when the symptoms begin to surface. Naomi stared at him with worry, but Neo assured her that he was fine and that he was taking in the journey to become stronger.
"Squirtle!" Genbu's cry suddenly interrupted the conversation.
Everyone turned their heads and saw Neo's Squirtle, along with the other pokemon, staring at the little blue turtle's tail which was once again glowing. Chase rose from his chair and went over. He guessed that Genbu was evolving, but then the glow died down and the pokemon remained a Squirtle. Everyone exchanged puzzled looks.
"That's odd," Naomi commented as she thought back to the first time Genbu's tail glowed. "It happened before during our last match. I was pretty sure it was going to evolve. I don't know. Maybe, we should ask Nurse Joy."
"I agree." Neo orderly placed his eating utensils and approached his Squirtle who was gazing at his curly blue tail, wondering what had happened. Exhaling deeply, Neo bent down and placed a hand over his pokemon. "Genbu, we'll ask Nurse Joy for assistance. There's no need to worry."
Night fell when got the results from Nurse Joy. To everyone's relief, nothing was wrong with Genbu and it was confirmed that he was indeed on the verge of evolving. The thing was, Genbu was unable to. Nurse Joy concluded that it could be the change in environment. After hearing that the Squirtle grew up in an ice cavern somewhere in the Sevii Islands, she figured that Genbu was finding it hard to adapt to the drastic change in its environment and therefore, hindering its evolution.
"What do you suggest we do?" Neo asked.
"Why not pay a visit to the Seafoam Islands?" Naomi suggested. "That place is filled with ice. Maybe Genbu would feel better evolving there?"
"That's right," Nurse Joy agreed and took out a map of Kanto. Her finger trailed from their current location to the eastern oceans. "It's only a short surf from here."
"Afterwards, you can head straight to Fuschia City," Naomi added and then suddenly felt a slight pang at her words. It was the fact that Neo was leaving. She thought she had come to terms but it was still disappointing.
"Alright. Tomorrow, we'll head to Seafoam Islands and then we'll make our way to Fuschia City," Neo declared.
Neo and company returned to the hotel after escorting Naomi to her residence. Even if Naomi was completely capable of returning home with her pokemon team, Neo felt that it was a gentleman's duty to escort a lady. Naomi was flustered at the gesture, even more so when Chase asked if she would be willing to let them stay the night instead of the hotel. Luckily, Neo intervened and said that they'd be imposing too much. Naomi argued that it wasn't imposing and that she would be glad to. But in the end, Neo still chose to stay at the hotel, saying that it was improper for two boys to stay over at a girl's home.
In their luxury room, Neo lied on his bed and reflected on the earlier gym battle as well as Genbu's condition. His pokemon were going about their business. Novus was at the dark corner of the room, standing by patiently. Neo and Arana were floating in circles around the room while Genbu was tucked inside his shell and sleeping soundly.
Meanwhile, Chase was grumbling restlessly in his bed. He was brooding over his fruitless effort of getting the composed noble boy Neo and the feisty energetic Naomi together. He first thought it would be amusing at first, but after that battle and the time they spent wandering around Cinnabar Island, he began to take it more seriously.
Frustrated, he sat up and glared at Neo's side of the room. "Say Neo… What type of girl do you like?"
Neo blinked and snapped out of his daze. He turned his head and looked at Chase who was staring at him with utmost concentration. "What's with the question?"
Chase sighed and ran a hand through his thick silver hair. "I was just wondering that's all…"
Neo pondered a bit for an answer, his mind casting images. The first person he envisioned was Faye Lin, followed by a sudden yearning to write a letter. It was a habit of his that he'd now had to put on hold. Understanding that it was no time for such activities, he shrugged off the feeling and pieced together a proper reply which was still difficult to do. "I have no particular traits that I'm searching for. Perhaps, I'd simply feel like a there would be a kind of chemistry between us."
"Whoa. I didn't know you were the romantic-type, Neo." Chase snickered as he positioned himself more comfortably on top on his bed. "Okay, let's go straight to the point. What do you think of Naomi? Is there chemistry?"
"Naomi?" Neo quoted sounding like he was surprised by the mentioned of her name. Basing on his tone, Chase became rather disappointed. Sighing inwardly, Neo thought back on the gym battle that they had as well as the time they spent around Cinnabar Island. "She's an amazing gym leader and she understands her pokemon very well."
"That's not what I was asking…" Chase whined, scratching his head in frustration. "I'm asking if there's che-mis-try between you and her."
Neo thought deeply once again, looking for the answer to Chase's inquiry. But whenever he envisioned Naomi's face, Faye Lin's smile overlapped with the image for a few moments, deviating his search for an answer.
"Well?"
"I don't know…" Neo replied regrettably.
"Arggh… Never mind. I give up," Chase concluded as he rolled to his side and tried to sleep.
The night was turning late and the room descended into the quiet as their pokemon simmered down and settled comfortably in their respective spots. Despite that, Neo continued to ponder. Was he simply worried for Faye Lin? Or was there something else?
The sun rose the following day, casting a warm orange glow over the delicate pink sky. In the cool morning breeze, the scent of brimstone and saltwater mixed together, forming an unusual yet natural smell. Gremio arrived promptly as scheduled with the yacht docked in the harbor and ready for departure. Neo and Chase met up with Naomi and the three proceeded to the harbor. At first, Naomi was surprised by the luxurious alabaster vessel that awaited them, along with the well-dressed man that greeted them with deep bow. Neo explained the details, along with the truth of his noble lineage. He trusted Naomi well enough to share with her who he was. And Naomi was delighted that Neo would share more things about him.
Departing from the familiar shores of Cinnabar, they traveled to the twin islands just beyond the outskirts of the volcano island. The yacht surged elegantly through the blue ocean waves, trailed by flocks of Wingull and hordes of Tentacool. As two landmasses came into view, the ambiance shifted from the earthy smell of brimstone to the nippy breeze that blew their way. Genbu walked up to the front deck and inhaled the nostalgic scent. Neo was behind him, preparing to suit in his black parka after Naomi and Chase wore theirs. Naomi had a red one that she brought with her and Chase had the black parka that Neo gave him in Floe Island.
Gremio smoothly maneuvered the yacht around the rock formations and found a suitable spot to dock. As the yacht slowed down to dock, Genbu dove into the cold waters out of excitement and swam on ahead to the rocky shoreline where bunches of Krabbys and Slowpokes were staying. Neo kept a watchful eye over his pokemon like a parent towards his/her child. He smiled warmly at Genbu's enthusiasm, a look which became contagious to Naomi and Chas who both stood near him.
When the yacht stopped, Neo and his two friends disembarked and joined up with Genbu who was staring at the entrance to the icy cavern. A misty breeze was seeping out of the entry way, foretelling the freezing temperatures that lie beyond.
Neo glanced at his two comrades, Naomi and Chase with their respective pokemon, Natsu and Vince and then turned to his Squirtle. "Let's go, Genbu."
They proceeded inside and awed at the crystal-like world around them. Icicles hung from the ceiling above while others rose from the ground near the blue pristine waters. It was similar to the Icefall cave on Floe Island, the only difference was the Seafoam Islands were bigger, considering the fact that they were twin caverns.
"…So now what?" Chase asked curiously, wrapping his arms together to fend off the cold.
"Maybe we can train for a bit. It might trigger Genbu's evolution," Naomi suggested, glancing at her trusty Infernape, Natsu who in return grinned with eagerness.
"Sounds good," Neo agreed and motioned his Squirtle who was engrossed in playing with the white slush. Genbu shook off the snow and dutifully returned to his trainer's side.
Neo and Naomi squared off with their pokemon while Chase took the opportunity to train independently with the wild ice pokemon and water pokemon. Naomi was showing off Nastu's level and blazing prowess to Neo. She intentionally took easy on him, but it just enough to give him a good taste of their future battle. Neo was instantly amazed at the difference of a regular trainer to a gym leader. Naomi didn't seem that old compared to him, but the way they battled just showed the wide gap between them.
"Genbu, Water Pulse!" Neo yelled out his command just as his Squirtle locked on to his opponent and launched a spinning aquatic sphere.
"Show him Natsu! Use Fire Punch." Naomi's Infernape dodged the attack and consequently lunged towards Genbu, armed with a blazing fist. The attack hit dead-on Genbu's shell, throwing the small turtle unto the icy ground and then into the freezing water.
Worried, Neo ran towards the water's edge and called for his pokemon, "Genbu!"
"Sorry! That was a little much!" Naomi hurriedly joined Neo's side and panned the cold blue waters.
Moments passed. The surface was slowly calming down with no signs of Genbu. The few ripples faded along with the bubbles that rose to the surface. Neo called his pokemon's name over and over, but no response. There was no choice other than to jump in after Genbu. Desperate, Neo hurriedly took off his parka. But Naomi stopped him, knowing that it would be extremely bad for Neo, especially when she knew how weak his body was. Despite understanding the outcome of his actions, Neo needed to help his Squirtle. He continued to remove his black jacket but stopped when a brilliant glow began to radiate from he waters. It could be the moment that they've been waiting for. Neo and Naomi watched with much anticipation as the light expanded more and more.
Suddenly, the air became colder and a harsh wind blew, shuffling snow into the atmosphere. A loud caw resonated throughout the cavern. Turning their heads up, Neo and company stared in shock a the appearance of a giant cerulean bird with massive wings and a long flowing tail.
Chase quickly ceased what he was doing and rushed over to join Neo and Naomi. "That's Articuno!"
"Articuno?" Neo pulled out his pokedex and looked up the flying pokemon's data.
Articuno, the Freeze Pokémon.
This Legendary Pokemon, with wings like thin sheets of ice, is believed to possess the ability to freeze water vapor and create snow. It lives deep within mountain regions, and is said to be able to fly by gracefully waving its tail.
Soaring high above them, the massive blue avian conjured a gusty snowstorm that threatened to blow them away. Naomi responded by bringing out her elite fire-type team, consisting of a Camerupt, a Delphox and a Chandelure. With Natsu, her Infernape joining them, the temperature quickly balanced out.
Enraged by the appearance of more intruders into its icy domain, the Articuno dove down, firing an Ice Beam through its beak. Naomi coordinated her four pokemon. Two countered the attack with Flamethrower while the other two continued to raise the heat around them in defense.
"Chase, now's our chance!" Neo exchanged nods with his silver-haired friend.
"Vince, Psyshock!" Chase commanded and his Gallade swiftly dove in to action, bounding from large stalagmites, hurling into the air and launching a couple of blue energy balls.
At the same time, Neo turned around and called out to his pokemon, "Genbu! It's our turn!"
On cue, a swirling water spout erupted from the once quiet lake and a pokemon emerged from the very peak. Its dark blue head was adorned by wing-like features on each side and its tail became light blue and beautifully curved like the white watery waves of the ocean. "Wartortle!"
The three awed at Genbu's new form but only for a moment. They had to concentrate on the task at hand. And that was the Legendary bird that threatened their presence.
Neo motioned his newly evolved pokemon who was in mid-air along with Chase's Gallade and the Articuno which was a busy fending off the barrage of Flamthrowers and dodging the Psyshock attack. "Genbu, Aqua Tail!"
As instructed, Neo's Wartortle summoned a vortex of water that surged forth from his tail and and extended further, heading straight for the Articuno. Sensing the attack, the legendary pokemon glided out of harm's way and shifted its sights unto its two attackers. By doing that though, it was left open to attacks from below. Neo sent out Arana, his Lampent and joined together with Naomi's two fire pokemon in order to unleash a combined Flamethrower.
The Articuno frantically flew out of the way, but didn't escape unscathed. The edges of its right wing were singed. Hovering above them, the Articuno eyed the three humans with their pokemon, including the Gallade and Wartortle whom were just joining them below. Even with the type disadvantage, it knew that it wasn't outclassed. The problem was that it was outnumbered. Thinking through its options, it summoned a snowy mist and vanished into the white shroud, leaving behind a simple blue feather which Neo picked up as a small memento of the encounter.
As the raging winds died down and the flurry of snow faded, Neo and company sighed in relief, having ended the battle with a Legendary bird. They asked each other if they were alright before exchanging compliments regarding the way their pokemon fought. Naomi and her pokemon got the majority of the praises.
Seeing the three new pokemon that Naomi brought out, Neo got out his pokedex and examined the data. First, it was the Delphox, Camerupt and then the Chandelure, which hovered beside his Lampent. Naomi came over and explained that Arana could evolve into a Chandelure too, if Neo gave her a Dusk Stone.
Neo nodded and said that he'd look into it. Right now, he had other priorities. After checking Naomi's pokemon, he moved on to Genbu who was dusting off the frost from his snow-flake printed shell. He bent down and congratulated his pokemon for evolving, consequently making Genbu grin gleefully. Neo smiled back and looked up Wartortle in his pokedex.
Wartortle, the Turtle Pokemon
The evolved form of Squirtle. A highly sought after Pokémon because its long fur-covered tail is said to bring good luck.
"That's great, Neo!" Chase commented. "We still have a long road ahead of us. Any good luck is welcome."
Neo stood up and cast a thankful smile at his two friends and all their pokemon. "Thank you everyone."
The exit was not far-off but they did insert a some battle training on their way. It was a good warm up for the Fuschia City Gym. When they exited the Seafoam Cavern, Gremio respectfully greeted them and congratulated his young master with his newly evolved pokemon. Neo nodded in acknowledgement and reembarked unto the yacht, not forgetting his manners as a noble to escort his female companion on board. Naomi smiled at the gesture while Chase shot a suggestive look as he followed behind the raven-haired girl.
The pristine white vessel once again left the rocky shores and veered to their next destination: Fuschia City. With all their pokemon resting inside their pokeballs, Neo removed his parka and sat on the sun deck to rest from yet another heart-racing encounter. Naomi soon made her way over, watching the boy sit placidly with his eyes looking towards the far-off horizon.
"How're you feeling, Neo?" Naomi inquired, lowering her voice as to not surprise him.
Neo cocked his head back and smiled. "I'm fine, Naomi. Thank you for your concern."
"I'm glad." Naomi shot her signature bright grin, and joined Neo in a seat opposite to his.
"Are you alright leaving the gym for a while?" Neo questioned with a tone of concern. "You've already helped us enough. I understand you have responsibilities as a gym leader and I would hate to inconvenience you further. If you would like, we could drive back to Cinnabar Island before heading to Fuschia City."
"It's okay, Neo!" Naomi giggled at the formalities that Neo was using to address her with. It was slightly awkward for her, but she liked seeing a new side of Neo. "Cinnabar Island is great and all, but I do love the fiery taste of adventure once in a while."
"I know what you mean..." Neo drifted off, thinking back on his monotonous life as a noble living in a world of formalities, masquerades and business. With the first week nearing its end, he came to realize how much more life had to offer him. He looked up at the blue sky, dappled by bunches of clouds and sighed in contentment. "Watch over me, mother... father..."
End of Chapter 30
December has been really hectic. Sorry for the really late update.
Next chapter will be about Semira Isle and I will soon be introducing a new character which I have yet to color in.
GamerGirl- if you have any suggestion for Additional pokemon for Chase, feel free to say... ;)
I've almost finished the art on the gym leaders. The next three gym are done.
Oh yes, before I forget...
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR~!