Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 31: Feathers in the Rain
Torterra Ruins, Semira Isle
The sweet symphony of Tailows echoed in the calm breeze that early morning as the rest of the forest inhabitants slowly arose from their nightly lumber. Dew drops fell from the leaves of the treetop and cascaded down, falling silently through the gaps of the thick tree roots which served as shelter for a young daughter of a noble family.
The cold drop splashed upon her faded cheek, stirring her awake. Faye Lin opened her eyes gradually to see a blurry vision of green just beyond the safety of the massive roots. Dried leaves rustled beneath her as she urged herself up. Faye Lin rubbed her eyes and moaned groggily under the cover of her dirt-covered blanket, while, Isis, her Fennekin, yawned loudly as the warm sheet was pulled away from her.
"A pleasant morning to you, Isis," Faye Lin greeted her starter with a warm smile, despite the harsh experiences she had to overcome during the past few days.
Faye Lin had met Kirian and his partner, Brain the Joltik, the following day after she met Rozalia. Like before, she was cautious upon seeing a new face in Semira Isle. It was only when Kirian introduced himself as Aeron's friend that Faye Lin became relieved. She came to understand that Aeron was treating her firmly, yet was ever-watchful of her actions everyday.
Kirian was ecstatic upon seeing Faye Lin whom he revered to as a golden-haired princess. Enraptured by her, he forgot for a moment his purpose, but was quickly reminded when an apple struck the back of his head. He didn't catch the culprit when he turned around, but vaguely guessed whom it was, Noir, Aeron's Noibat.
After the two became acquainted, Kirian proceeded to give more survival tips in the wild, such as spearing for Basculin in the lake, but seeing as Faye Lin's hands have yet to fully heal, they settled for the simpler and more traditional way, fishing. Faye Lin took a thread from her blanket and used it for a line which she attached to a long wooden stick. As for the hook, she used a sturdy curved thorn from a plant that Kirian pointed out, which he previously learned from Rozalia. The final touch was a berry for bait.
Faye Lin sat near the water's edge with anxiety, fidgeting the make-shift rod with her bandaged hands. Kirian was nearby fishing as well in his own way, with a similar wooden stick, but he used his Joltik's thread for a line and at the end was the Joltik himself. Brain had no qualms as long as his partner made sure he didn't touch the water. Dangling over the calm surface, Brain just had to wait for a water pokemon and shock it before it eats him. A very innovative tactic which amazed Faye Lin. Kirian, sheepishly yet proudly stated that members of the Gambit unit are experts in being resourceful and innovative.
Hearing that, Faye Lin had come to understand that there may be more to Semira Isle than she first expected.
Kirian left that afternoon, a few hours before sundown since he had other plans, mainly a replacement for an Espurr. Faye Lin thanked him with an elegant courtesy which made Kirian flush in embarrassment. Yet, the mood was once again shattered by an apple to the head. Kirian grumbled under his breath and feigned a cheerful grin as he bid Faye Lin goodbye, masking the pain at the back of his head.
Faye Lin returned to her base, once again setting up a campfire with Isis' help. Dinner was two roasted Basculin that she caught herself. With some spicy berries for added flavor, Faye Lin feasted on her day's accomplishment with her pokemon. It was another first for her. Food that she worked hard for tasted very different from the ones that she was automatically provided with at the mansion. She couldn't quite place it. Was it because of the way they were cooked? The chefs were more experienced back home? Or was it the sense of accomplishment by her own hands that made the flavor more delightful?
The next few days passed. Kirian and Rozalia visited frequently, but only for a few hours at most. Faye Lin had grown fond of them, despite the two quarreling when they meet and the notable difference in their personality. At the same time, Rozalia and Kirian had taken a liking to the young blonde lady of the Azril noble family. As the three grew closer as friends, Faye Lin's thoughts couldn't help but drew more and more to Aeron. She had not seen him since the first training day and whenever she sees his friends, she couldn't help but wonder how he was.
Yesterday, when Kirian and Rozalia came to visit at for their last time before the week ends, Faye Lin asked about Aeron. Kirian said that he was always busy in the Sky unit headquarters, Zephyr Pillar, tending to the junior recruits. Rozalia, on the other hand, knew otherwise. She remained quiet and didn't inform Faye Lin nor Kirian about the nightmares that were plaguing their friend. Her mother, Lady Amalia had provided much help, yet she couldn't help but worry since she too had rarely seen Aeron ever since she saw him sleeping in the Greenhouse after Senior Ren brought him in.
Having her concerns unresolved, Faye Lin left it at that. She predicted that she'd see him anyway after the week is over.
Sitting up, Faye Lin brushed her crimson-highlighted hair with a hand, removing bits of leaves from her golden locks and folded up her blanket, setting it aside at the corner. Her body was still aching from the unfamiliar work, but she told herself that it was a good pain, sort of a sign that she's gaining experience. Faye Lin crawled out of her shelter and inhaled the refreshing forest breeze. Isis followed, yawning while shaking off the leaves from her yellow fur. The woodland seemed ever constant, yet the sky was ever-changing. Many clouds loomed overhead, mostly white but a few gray ones formed, foretelling the coming rain.
Faye Lin counted the days. Today was the sixth, meaning her last day would be tomorrow, whether that entailed that she'd rest from the current training or a new and harsher one awaited her was all dependent on Aeron's words. Faye Lin decided that she'd make the most of it for the sake of meeting her sister. Tying her worn-out red blouse into a knot above her midsection, she set off with Isis to start her day.
The first would be a refreshing bath in a secluded area that Rozalia taught her. The place was a small pond with a dense wall of rocks and vegetation for cover. The waters were clear and shallow that one could see the moss and rocks at the bottom. All around was a vision of lush green provided by the myriad of draping vines and surrounding trees and shrubs. Above, the slivers of sunlight pierced through the veil of leaves, casting a faint glow unto the surroundings. Not many pokemon were around, except for the ever watchful Noibat who was half-snoozing and hanging from a tree branch away from Faye Lin's sight.
The next in her routine would be food and wood gathering. It was easier that day compared to the first day, having picked up a experiences in battling wild pokemon. Faye Lin mostly targeted grass-types since Isis would have the type-advantage, and grass-types also were the frequent pokemon that protected berries and fruits in the forest. It was a win-win situation until she unintentionally met her match.
"Isis, use Flame Charge!" Faye Lin commanded. Her Fennekin quickly dove into action, body bursting into a blazing hot fireball. Their opponent, twirling its rosy-covered arms, fired glowing purple needles in retaliation, but Isis dodged them and slammed straight into the Roselia, knocking it out. Faye Lin breathed in relief for yet another victories battle before casting an apologetic glance over to the unconscious pokemon. "I apologize, dear Roselia..." Faye Lin bowed slightly and walked towards her Fennekin who seemed to be huffing with exhaustion. "You did very well, Isi-"
All of a sudden, her Fennekin collapsed to the ground, quivering and whimpering. Faye Lin rushed to her side and scooped her up in her arms. Isis was visibly in pain. Faye Lin wondered if it was from the Poison Sting attack, but she was sure Isis had dodged the toxic needles, unless the Roselia had the Poison Point ability which she'd read once in a book. She realized her lack of awareness had cause her pokemon to end up that way. Clutching her starter securely in her trembling arms, she turned to her gathered berries and searched for a Pecha one. Unfortunately, there wasn't any. It would be futile to search the berry trees. She had been there before but even if she would check again, she had no pokemon to fend off the wild ones. What was left for her to do?
Just as she was about to give in, a familiar screech resonated in the air. Faye Lin pivoted towards the origin and saw Aeron's Noibat fly towards her. It was major sign of relief, but much to her surprise, Aeron wasn't around.
Noir landed beside her and shot a glance over Isis and then to the pile of berries that were gathered. Understanding the situation, his expression hardened and he took flight once again. Faye Lin couldn't get a word out due to sudden panic and surprise, but she understood that Noir was going to help. All that was left for her to do was sit still and wait. Moving Isis too much would only hasten the poison in her Fennekin's body.
Noir glided towards the berry trees and search for the Pecha Berries. They grew in bunches in the berry grove. Flying in closer, he found many pokemon surrounding them, eating away at the ripened ones. Toughening up, he dove in and accurately snatched the needed berry, nimbly holding the sweet-tasting treat in mouth. Having accomplished his task, he turned around and flew back to where Faye Lin was.
As he glided above the trees, a black silhouette tackled him and stole his berry. Rolling back and regaining balance in mid-air, Noir glared at his assailant, a Murkrow, accompanied by three of his cackling fellow crow pokemon. The Murkrow shot a mocking grin before swallowing the berry whole. Its companions cawed in amusement. Angered, Noir let loose an ear-shattering sound wave from its ears that instantly rattled the black birds and scared them off. As the thief and his kin flew off, Noir huffed in annoyance and quickly returned to the berry trees to pick another.
Upon his return, the Pecha Berries that were ripe that day were nearly out. A young Pidgey was the last to take off with the final one. Noir had the choice to hunt it down, but he knew better than to steal from an innocent pokemon. He was no thieving Murkrow. Aeron had taught him better than that. Sighing in the air, Noir thought over what to do. To return to Faye Lin empty-handed? Or fly to Aeron for help? His choice was obvious. He needed to act fast. Even more so when a droplet of rain splashed against his purple fur.
Aeron's Quarters, Zephyr Pillar
Aeron's room was situated in the upper levels, near Lord Altair's main office, purposely separated from the normal living quarters of Sky unit members. Having resided there since he could remember, Aeron's personal room was bigger compared to his temporary one in the Main Fortress during his training and more furnished. Like all rooms in Zephyr Pillar the walls were rocky and wooden root-like accents adorned the corners and edges, including the doors and window. A bed stood at the far side, opposite to the book shelf and desk where Aeron's pokemon books and paperwork were scatted. A wooden drawer was situated near the door. Above it was a small bonsai plant, Aeron's folded blue scarf, goggles and knapsack. Other than a cream-shaded rug, and a curtain which concealed a hole in the wall which served as Noir's sleeping spot whenever he didn't hang upside-down or sleep beside his human partner, the room was pretty plain.
After his visit to Lady Amalia, the strange dreams that he had previously never returned. He had slept more normally thereafter but he could still remember vivid images of it.
Aeron had just finished feeding the Togepi with a nutritional mix that Lady Amalia from the Rosette division provided him and was now settling the egg-like pokemon unto his bed to sleep. The Togepi squeaked gleefully before giving off a small yawn. Aeron sat on the edge of the bed and positioned the baby pokemon onto his pillow. Still, the Togepi was showing little signs of sleeping. It reached for Aeron's fingers with its stubby hands and once again sounded off in a delighted tone.
After Aeron continued to calmly coax it, the Togepi folded up its crown and slowly fell asleep. With a quiet sight, Aeron gazed at the egg-like creature lying on the bed. He recalled Noir when he first came out of his egg. Compared to the Togepi, Noir was an imp, always curious, rebellious and rash. The memory made him think about his partner. listening to the rain pour outside his window, he wondered how Noir was doing and if Faye Lin was doing alright as well.
Suddenly, loud knock banged against the window pane. Aeron shifted his attention and saw Noir outside, clinging to the window frame in the rain. Jolting to his feet, Aeron hurriedly opened the window and Noir charged in, drenched all over, with stormy gust following his entry. Concerned, Aeron forced the window closed and turned to his Noibat. "Noir, what happened?"
Noir shook off the rain water, partly drenching Aeron in the process, and proceeded to explain the situation in a frantic chatter of screeching.
Aeron couldn't understand a single thing but hearing how much panicky Noir's voice was, Aeron knew something dire had happened. Guessing that something was wrong with Faye Lin, he stood up, grabbed his scarf and goggles and stormed out of the room with Noir flying over his shoulder. He headed towards the the take-off bay and found Lord Altair's Noivern, Itzal, standing by. And without much as a second thought, Aeron leaped unto his back and took off, Noir flying ahead to guide them.
The winds blew violently as the rain buffeted against them. Visibility was also hindered, given the grayish mist that shrouded the forest below them. Despite that, Itzal glided effortlessly through the storm and Aeron synced himself with his movements. Unlike Noir who had the most difficulty flying in the rain. The conditions were sapping his energy but he pushed through, knowing there are those who were relying on him.
Arriving at the forest, Aeron disembarked at a clearing and continued on foot, figuring that it would be hard for Itzal to land elsewhere in the dense foresty. Plus, he knew that the conditions in the air were already exhausting Noir. With the barrier of trees surrounding them, it would prove safer and easier for the Noibat.
With Noir guiding him, Aeron ran through the woods with a hand firmly holding the scarf around his neck. Muddy water splashed against his black boots with every stride. Around him, trees swayed violently in the storm, but as predicted they provided a considerable shield from the wind and rain.
Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed in the distance. Aeron and Noir soon arrived and found Faye Lin sitting below a tree, hunched over her Fennkin who was secured in the girl's arms. Aeron rushed over as Noir roosted in the branches. Crouching down, he grabbed Faye Lin's shoulder and felt her cold skin shiver. Faye Lin stirred into consciousness and she met Aeron's silver eyes with faint smile of relief, despite the exhaustion mirrored in her face.
"We need to get out of here," Aeron stated firmly.
"I-Isis..." Faye Lin murmured as she looked down at her quivering pokemon. Her face immediately shifted from relief to worry.
Aeron gazed the Fennekin observantly and realized it was poisoned. "Do you have any Pecha Berries?"
Faye Lin shook her head and wrapped her arms around her Fennekin more tightly and made sure the rain didn't touch her.
Aeron hardened his gaze and shot a glance at Noir who was catching his breath. The Noibat exchanged looks with his partner and consequently shook his head as well, explaining that he too, hadn't found any Pecha Berries. Aeron was given little choice. He knew that it would be bad to move the Fennekin given her condition and scanning the whole forest for Pecha Berries by themselves would take time; time that they don't have. There was only one thing he could do.
Aeron stood up and panned the treetops, searching for movements. In the midst of the beating rain and thunder, flutters of wings drew his attention. Aeron's silver eyes shifted to the moving shadows and saw wild Murkrows perched on the branches. Noir screeched with hostility, but was settled down by Aeron with a small gesture of his hand. Walking closer to the trees with the crow pokemon, Aeron met their gazes. "I need you help."
The storm raged ever violent. Lightning bolts shot out and flashed across the ominous heavens, quivering the land with thunderous roars. Down below, several winged shadows darted across the trees, shuffling the leaves in the air with their feathers. Chirps and caws reverberated in the rain. Soon more and more pokemon joined in.
Aeron rushed to Torterra Ruins and collected Faye Lin's belongings, mainly the blanket that he left her with. After he pulled it out from the bed of leaves below the roots of the giant tree, he ran back to where Faye Lin and their pokemon were. Upon his return, he found Faye Lin in the exact same position he left her, but with Noir on her back, wrapping his wings around her shoulders. He came over and replaced his Noibat's place with the blanket. "Good job, Noir." Nodding, Noir transferred over to his partner's shoulders and clung to him.
Faye Lin weakly sat up and made sure the blanket was also covering Isis. Her body continued to ache and quiver, but at least the thick sheet around her made her feel more comfortable. She leaned against the tree and fought against the weight that were forcing her eyes closed. Her blurry vision slowly focused on Aeron and Noir who were beside her. She smiled at them warmly before she lost consciousness, her vision blackening with the sound of fluttering resonating in the background.
Aeron's attention shifted to the arrival of several wild birds, one of which was a Pidgey that perched on the boy's outstretched arm. In its beak was a small pink berry with twin leaves. Recognizing the berry, Aeron nodded in gratitude. "Thanks." The little brown bird dutifully dropped the Pecha berry unto Aeron's hand and flew back into the trees where its fellow bird pokemon awaited. Aeron also cast a glance at its companions and extended his thanks. The flock gradually left, leaving only a Dodrio that trotted towards Aeron and bent down.
Aeron gave Isis the berry and waited for her condition to show signs of recovering before he scooped up Faye Lin in his arms and mounted on the three-headed bird's back. With Faye Lin leaning against him, Aeron secured her with an arm while using his other one to hold on to the Dodrio's damp it's passengers in place, the Dodrio stood up, chorused in caws and sprinted off.
The storm continued to rain down on them, but the Dodrio surged through the forest floor at great speeds, flinging mud and leaves in its wake. It was only a matter of time when they arrived at the clearing where Itzal awaited them. Halting to stop, the three-headed bird calmly bent down and its riders carefully dismounted. Aeron patted one of its head and thanked it. Afterwards, it returned to the forest and disappeared in the stormy mist.
Aeron brushed up his drenched raven locks and trailed his eyes from Faye Lin and Isis. The girl was still unconscious and her Fennekin was curled up in her arms, slumbering. Faye Lin was pale and her golden hair was completely wet from the rain. Aeron had to get back to Zephyr Pillar and fast.
Dropping on all fours, Itzal approached with an observant gaze focusing on the girl. Then he lowered himself to the ground so Aeron could get on. Aeron made sure Faye Lin and Isis mounted on before he got on behind them as well. Noir still stuck close to Aeron's back, shivering from the cold wind and never-ending rain. Shaking off the water from his face, Itzal raised his wings and took to the gray skies.
Aeron secured the sheet over Faye Lin and Isis and held them close. His breath was coming out of him like a faded white cloud. His fingers were becoming numb from the cold. The conditions were already getting to him. He could feel his energy reaching its limit. But just beyond the misty forest was the Zephyr Pillar, standing grandly like tall shadow in the foggy rain. They were almost there.
With the temperatures dropping at increasing altitudes, Itzal speedily flew up to the landing bay located at the topmost section and glided in smoothly with an almost silent landing. Aeron carefully got off and ushered Faye Lin and Isis into her arms. He thanked Itzal and apologized for dragging him into that situation. The Noivern huffed shortly and shook off the rainwater before settling into a dryer corner.
Aeron then exited the landing bay and entered the halls, leading to his quarters. He proceeded to his room and walked towards the bed. When the doo shut behind him, the Togepi woke up and greeted Aeron with glee. Unfortunately, the raven-haired boy didn't respond to it in a similar fashion. "Move over," he stated firmly yet softly. The Togepi's face dampened in disappointment but complied, backing away to the opposite side of the bed. Aeron carefully placed Faye Lin on the bed and removed the damp blanket. He tossed it aside and used a dry one to cover up Faye Lin and Isis.
Noir flew off of Aeron's shoulder and crawled into his hole on the wall. He was exhausted and cold, but he continued to watch Aeron tend to Faye Lin. Aeron was walking back and forth from the drawers and back to the bed. He was pulling out some dry towels, but didn't seem to be using any personally. Noir gumbled in concern but perked up in curiosity when Aeron came to him.
"You should dry up too, Noir. You'll catch a cold." Aeron draped a towel over the purple bat and brushed his large ears and furry neck. Noir purred like Skitty but suddenly jerked away and fumed, screeching in scolding manner. Understanding what Noir was yammering about, Aeron sighed in acknowledgement and tossed the towelover Noir's head, settling the frantic bat down before grabbing the last towel he had to dry his hair.
The rain continued to rage heavily outside. Thunder rumbled and the winds violently blew as more and more lightning bolts shot out from the dark heavens. Inside, the onslaught echoed but slightly more faint. Faye Lin stirred under the sheets and woke up in a warm and tranquil atmosphere. The voice of the pouring rain as they beat against the window pane continued to fill her ears. Her vision slowly filled up with light and she focused on her surroundings. She was lying down in a room with her Fennekin curled up beside her.
"Isis..." Faye Lin whispered as she reached out and cupped her starter's cheek. Isis' ear twitched but she remained peacefully asleep. Smiling in relief, Faye Lin turned on her back and stared at the rocky ceiling. "Where am I?"
"Togepriiii..." suddenly a cute squeal drew her attention.
Faye Lin cocked her head to the side and saw an egg-like pokemon with a yellow head in a shape of a crown. Her eyes widened and sparkled as she realized what pokemon it was she. Slowly sitting up, she extended a hand towards the curious pokemon that was looking up at her. "Hello there."
"...Priii?" The Togepi shied away and glanced over to the other side of the room.
Faye Lin followed its gaze and saw a person at the opposite side of the room, sitting in front of a desk, back turned to her. Judging from the jet-black locks and blue shirt, Faye Lin realized it was Aeron. Shuffling off the sheets and the bed, she stood up and walked over to him. "Aeron?" There was no response. Faye Lin quietly leaned closer and found out that Aeron was sleeping with a hand supporting his head. She smiled pleasantly at the peaceful expression that the boy had and turned around to return to her bed. As she walked back, she noticed a tray of food for both her and Isis as well as a change of clothes. Faye Lin looked down at her garbs which were wrinkled, damp, and not to mention, tattered in places. Her face flushed slightly and she looked over the new set of clothes which had a note on top.
To: Aeron
Be sure to give this to Faye Lin when she finishes her training. I'm pretty sure that'll really suit her.
From: Rozalia
Faye Lin smiled in gratitude at the gesture of Aeron's friend. As she placed the note down on the side table, she noticed a postscript at the bottom of it.
By the way, I hope you're feeling better since the last time. If something's wrong, you can ask Kirian and I for help. Kirian may be an idiot, but he's reliable in his own right... Don't tell him I said that. As for me, I'll be here at Shaymin's Garden. Drop by from time to time. Vivi would like that. He misses you a lot.
After reading, Faye Lin became worried. For the past few days that she didn't see Aeron, she wondered if he was doing okay. She glanced back at the boy and came over once again. Aeron was still sound asleep in the same position. Faye Lin was unsettled though. She remembered that Aeron rescued her and Isis from the storm and guessed that he'd been tending to them before she woke up.
"As always, I seem to be relying so much on you..." Faye Lin muttered out loud and stared out the window.
The storm continued all throughout even when night fell. By the way it was raging, many predicted that the storm would continue for a few more days, but as dawn drew near, the rain suddenly stopped. A golden streak flashed in the heavens but it wasn't lightning. A roaring rumble reverberated all over the island but it didn't come from any thunder. Out of the cloudy gray heavens, a pair of crimson eyes flashed and leviathan serpent loomed, spiraling the skies over in the east.
End of Chapter 31
First Chapter of the Year so Cliffhanger! Yay! xD
Happy New Year, Readers and Reviewers.
If anyone has questions or suggestions, feel free to comment.
I have a lot planned out for these few days in Semira, watch out for them. ;)
Read and Review~! Thanks in advance.
Also here is Faye Lin in her new outfit: (remove $)
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