Secrets of the Night
DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!
Chapter 33: Children of Semira
Senka Island (Western Semira)
Beneath the Shadow Pagoda was a collection of tunnels that run throughout the whole peninsula, known as Grim's Catacombs. With its eerie atmosphere and ominous ambiance, it was rumored to be the dumping grounds of dead bodies; victims, targets and unwanted intruders. The area is divided into several levels, the lower parts, only accessible to a handful of individuals. Wild pokemon also ventured there, mainly ghost-types, poison-types and a few others who seem to feel at home in the vast, desolate labyrinth and the long, dank sewage canals.
In the wide rectangular chamber, adjacent to a series of tunnels, Ikari resumed his harsh training under the guidance of his three seniors, Bellatrix, Leiko and Alice. It was dark and eerily quiet. Droplets of water echoed in the shadows. The dim laps overhead flickered occasionally as they gave off a light to the small area below them.
Ikari stood focused under the spotlight, sensing for signs of his training opponents. A glimmer caught his attention. Armed with the black-bladed katana that he inherited from his father, he carved shadow crescents in the air, the sound of metal against metal resonated in the air.
A moment to breathe.
Then from behind, twin whirling chakrams sliced through the air, but Ikari dodged the first and disabled the other with his blade, forcing the sharp metal ring to swerve and become embedded on the grimy wall. A moment later, Alice charged in, swinging her massive vorpal blade that gleamed silver. Ikari barely raised his katana fast enough to block. The swords clashed and the force pushed Ikari to the floor. Sweating and panting with exhaustion, he groaned, his violet locks, a mess and covering his face.
"Get up!" Bellatrix urged as she stepped out of the dark, her long metal staff resting on her arm and shoulder.
Wordlessly, Ikari gripped the violet-strapped hilt of his katana and staggered to his feet. His hands trembled and his deep breathing didn't simmer. Clutching the handle tightly and raising his blade in front, he locked eyes with his eldest senior. Bellatrix's stone gaze didn't waiver. She skillfully twirled her staff and summoned the hidden scythe with silken hiss and sharp click. Then without warning, she swung it across, striking the the edge of Ikari's katana. The rapid onslaught continued with every swift spin of Bellatrix's scythe. Ikari could only block and hold his katana as firmly as he could, but with every clash, his grip weakened. Bellatrix's speed kept increasing, giving him little time to recover.
Within minutes, Ikari was knocked back to the cold, damp ground, his katana forced out of his hand and thrown aside. Bellatrix sighed and retracted her scythe just as Leiko and Alice came over. The three females eyed their down junior and waited for Ikari to catch his breath. When he did, he got back up and retrieved his father's memento.
"How about we work on our pokemon?" Alice sweetly suggested as Ikari returned.
"Sounds fun," Leiko agreed, winking her fiery amber eye at the boy.
Ikari sheathed his blade and took out three of his pokemon.
Some time later...
The brick-paved floor became coated in ice as Ikari's Froslass and Sneasel went up against Leiko's Umbreon and Alice's Liepard. The ice-types surrounded themselves with clouds of ice, enveloping the area and turning it into their domain, while, the two feral pokemon continued to dart across the darkness and frost, their eyes glowing yellow. Ikari followed their movements as he ensured his two pokemon were well-defended and well-aware of any incoming attacks.
Suddenly Leiko's Umbreon charged in from the left while Alice's Liepard came in from the right. In between, Bellatrix's Mismagius swooped in, gems glowing vividly and ready to launch an attack. Ikari quickly reacted and commanded his pokemon. His Froslass used Powder Snow against the Umbreon, while, his Sneasel used Feint Attack. As for the Mismagius, Ikari's partner, Crystal, a Mightyena, leaped out from the darkness and launched a Crunch attack.
Leiko's Umbreon was frozen in place, but was able to launch a Shadow Ball that struck the Froslass, knocking her down. Alice's Liepard also launched a Feint Attack, simultaneous to Ikari's Sneasel, ending in equal blows that threw each pokemon to opposite sides. Bellatrix's Mismagius launched a Magical Leaf attack that slashed Crystal's body but the Mightyena grit the pain and planted her jaws into the ghost-type, forcing a banshee-like cry from the Mismagius.
The battle ensued until both sides became exhausted and Bellatrix ended the training. Sighing with relief, Ikari commended his team and returned them to their respective pokeballs. He was still panting heavily from coordinating battles of three pokemon as well as from own personal battle earlier. After tucking his pokeballs into his belt, he checked on his fourth pokemon, a Darkrai which was left out of the current training battle. Ikari has yet to start using it for battles because of his uncertainty in his capabilities to control a Legendary pokemon that his father had raised.
"This was fun, don't you think?" Alice beamed, twirling around happily like a creepy Gothic doll with her curly white hair and black Lolita dress.
"Arggghhhhh..." Leiko groaned. "I'm so HUNGRY!"
Their voices echoed, making Bellatrix pop a vein. "Shut it." Her two companions sulked and looked to her pleadingly. The brunette groaned in exasperation. "Fine. Training's over for today. Let's just get back to the surface."
"Yay!" Alice cheered and merrily ventured into a dark tunnel with her Liepard. Leiko followed with her Umbreon close to her heels.
Bellatrix rolled her eyes and turned to Ikari who seemed to be dazed as he stared at his fourth pokeball. "Kageyama, don't forget to sharpen your blade at the Saber Unit's base, Sedgwick Valley. I don't wanna hear complaints that your katana split midway through your final day training tomorrow. "
"Yes, senior." Ikari turned to her and bowed in respect.
A few hours later...
Sedgwick Valley (Southwest Semira)
Ikari had borrowed one of the Hyrdeigon used for flying and made his way to the rocky canyons of Sedgwick Valley. The southern region was vast and housed three out of six divisions. The closest to the west was the Saber unit, a group of weapon experts. Their base was in a deep canyon said to be a mining hot spot for various minerals and metal ores. Certain sections of Sedgwick Valley also serve as the island's Power plant and local merchandise market where items gathered from various parts of the pokemon world are sold or traded.
Ikari headed to the Forge, the place indicated by a rising smoke. Flying close, he circled around and landed on solid ground. The area was filled with caverns for black smiths and their pokemon, usually fire-types and steel-types. As he tied down his Hydreigon's reigns around a rock, few Saber division members took notice of him but didn't speak a word. They went about with their daily routines, sharpening their blades or forging new ones.
Ikari took out Crystal and let her walk beside him. The Mightyena swished her silky black tail and followed obediently. The two approached a vacant smith and inquired inside. Ikari took out his black katana and handed it over. The smith didn't say anything. The Saber division member simply received the blade and began working on it.
"Hey, are mine done already?" an impatient girl called from outside.
Ikari turned his head and saw a brunette dressed in a violet jacket over a grey shirt and faded blue jeans, walk in with an Absol following behind her. The two met eyes for a moment, but the older girl shrugged him off like she didn't care about his existence and went to minding her own business, and that was the twin black blades that rested horizontally on an iron rack.
Aspen went over and sheathed both blades behind her before tossing a small pouch of money to the blacksmith. "Thanks."
Ikari watched the brunette leave along with her Absol before continuing to wait for his katana to be finished.
Outside, Aspen wiped her forehead and looked up at the smoke-hazed sky. The sun was already at the very peak. It was high noon and the added heat coming from the surrounding forges just made the air dry and unbearable. She sighed in exasperation and stretched her arms up. "What I'd do for some ice cold sodas right now..."
"Aspie!"
A nerve twitched as Aspen groaned. She turned around and saw Corentin riding on a Rapidash with reins. Beside the flaming horse was the boy's Linoone, bounding into view. "Oh great... As if it wasn't hot enough. You just had to come and bring a fire-type to this Arceus-forsaken incinerator."
"Chill, hot-head." Corentin gave a half-smile. "I'm here to pay you a visit. You could at least show some appreciation."
"I didn't attack you when you came here unannounced. Isn't that good enough?" Aspen answered back. Corentin chuckled at that. Rolling her eyes, Aspen sighed in annoyance "What? Were you expecting me go gaga over you like some love-struck princess? Well, sorry. You've got the wrong girl."
"I didn't expect much in the first place." Corentin shrugged and then smirked, casting a tempting gaze at the girl. "Well, since I'm here. Wanna hang out? I'll treat you for the afternoon."
Aspen narrowed her eyes and glanced at her Absol, Kyria, who seemed very amused. Sighing in defeat, she walked up to Corentin. "Move over."
Inching forward, Corentin then lent a hand and hoisted her up. Aspen got on and placed her hands on the boy's shoulders which made Corentin sigh. "You know, normally girls who sit at the back wrapped their arms around the front person's torso."
"Do you have to be so damn picky?" Aspen complained but in the end, complied, having reached her limit of patience.
Corentin smiled as Aspen's arms fastened around him. "Okay, let's go." He spurred the Rapidash and they zoomed away with Kyria and Linnea swiftly following on either sides.
Trickster's Labyrinth (Mid-south of Semira)
Dividing the two divisions in the south, a vast series of maze-like ruins stood. Thick vines and lush vegetation grew abundantly on the gray stone bricks that made up the structures. Scattered around the vicinity were Aztec-styled buildings that served as the different facilities such as the main headquarters, the island's archive and the division's dorms which appeared like an ancient village.
Kirian was in his room, lying on a hammock made of silk from his Joltik. He threw his arms over his face and groaned in exasperation. On the corner of his stone-paved room, atop of a desk, Brain, his Joltik sighed in pity at the sight of his troubled partner. Beside the little yellow spider was a gray furry kitten, an Espurr whom Rozalia had named Touya for convenience sake.
"I'm so dead... Aeron's gonna scold me for this..." Kirian groaned once again and rolled to his side, head facing the two pokemon. "Brain, think of something for me...ugh..." His expression became gloomy as he recalled what he just said. "That... That sounded so wrong. Damn Roz and her naming."
"Purr?" Touya tilted his head in wonder.
Sighing, Kirian flipped over and lied on his belly. "What? You like your name?"
"Espurr!" Touya answered with a nod.
"Well... You're not as creepy as the the last one..." Kirian muttered before rolling over again and sighing. "I guess there is no going back." The sandy-haired boy gave up and closed his eyes to take a nap. Deciding to join, Brain crawled away from the corner and crept up to his partner's spiky hair and nestled comfortably.
Touya blinked blankly as he watched his two companions sleep. The room became quiet. Not getting any drowsy, he peered out the open stone window and sniffed the refreshing breeze. Suddenly, he caught a whiff of an interesting scent. His ears twitched and he lowered himself off of the desk using his blue-shaded psychic-powers and went out the door in order to investigate.
Touya wandered away from Kirian's room and followed the scent. Down the ancient steps, he arrived at a narrow street and found more humans and pokemon. Not minding them, he continued to trace the smell until he found where it was coming from. In front of a bench was a pale-skinned girl clothed in a black dress with laces and blue ribbons. Her long hair followed the same color-scheme as it gleamed like smooth silk in the light. Beside her, sitting on the bench, were two pokemon; a Zorua with blue accents instead of the normal red and an Espurr holding a small bouquet of flowers.
"You two stay put, okay? I'll be right back..." Maya patted their heads. The Zorua nodded and turned into a mirror image of her partner, but with slightly shorter hair, a bushy tail and fox ears. Maya giggled softly. "We still have to work on your ears and tail, Lyvette."
"I don't think I can do much about the tail..." Lyvette glanced behind her and swished her tail from side to side.
"Okay, then just the ears..." Maya compromised.
"But I can keep them for now, right? I'm sure you think they're cute." Lyvette smiled while flickering her fox ears.
Maya's face softened and a gentle smile curved on her lips. "I'll be back..."
The girl left and Lyvette in her human-illusion form, and Freya remained. Touya approached and caught the other Espurr's attention. They simultaneously cocked heads as they stared at each other. Freya was the first to make a move, straightening up, transferring the flowers in one paw and raising her right to say hello. Touya responded with mew that attracted Lyvette's attention.
The fox-eared human peered down at the newcomer with caution. "Who're you?"
"Espurr..." Touya replied with a calm tone.
"Hello, Touya. I'm Lyvette..." The Zorua introduced with a small smile.
"Puurrr..." Freya followed with a soft voice.
Touya blinked and stared once again at the female Espurr whose face was almost hidden behind the pastel flowers. Cocking his head to get a different angle, he met the round amethyst-shaded eyes of Freya. They blinked alternately at each other for a few moments. Then as Touya was about to speak up, he heard someone calling for him.
"TOUYA! TOUYA! WHE-" Kirian ran down the stairs and tripped midway, crashing into the pavement with a loud thud. Brain was also thrown off of his partner, but he landed nimbly on the stone floor. He then hurriedly scurried over to Kirian and nudged him with his leg.
Touya glanced at him from afar and turned his attention back to Lyvette and Freya. Frowning slightly, he bid both of them farewell and left, heading to the fallen boy. Freya waved a paw and bid him goodbye. Lyvette did the same and peered down at her companion. The female Espurr was gazing at Touya from behind the flowers as he disappeared from their sight.
"He seemed nice..." Lyvette said through telepathy.
"Espurr..." Freya replied, making the Zorua smile.
Maya came back shortly with some macaroons that she got from the residential cafeteria using the allowance that she received weekly from her division. Her two pokemon greeted her with open arms and eager cries as they saw the sweet treats that she bought for them.
Meanwhile...
Corentin and Aspen had taken the jungle route in the outskirts of Trickster's Labyrinth as they headed eastward. Midway, They decided to take a break and settle down to eat lunch. Corentin had bought sandwiches and cold drinks before they exited Sedgwick Valley, enough for both him and Aspen. He sat down and leaned against the Rapidash that was now lying on its belly along the side of the path. After putting away her blades on the ground, Aspen also sat down beside Corentin and leaned against the Rapidash.
Their pokemon were close by, searching for food for themselves. Kyria, Aspen's Absol, was slashing off fruits from the branches and catching them as they fall while Linnea, Corentin's Linoone, was scurrying up the trees and picking off berries that grew on the branches.
The dense cluster of leaves in the treetops, rustling in cool breeze made the atmosphere relaxing. Bug pokemon hung around while others scurried about. The area was peaceful. It was a perfect time for a small picnic. Corentin contentedly ate away his sandwich, while, Aspen opened up a soda and chugged it down her throat.
"So, Aspen... How's it been?" Corentin began, striking a conversation.
"Same stuff. Nothing new..." Aspen replied, crushing the empty can and putting it aside.
"No leads, huh. Same here..." Corentin added, a forlorn gaze flickering in his grey eyes.
Aspen elbowed his side, jolting him, before opening another soda can. "Don't give me that look. You're looking for your dad who mysteriously disappeared. I'm looking for two persons who probably left me in the first place."
"Despite thinking that, you're still looking, aren't you?" Corentin questioned, smiling with soft admiration.
Aspen sulked. "I just wanna give them a piece of my mind. That's all."
"Yeah..." Corentin trailed off a bit before remembering something. "Oh yeah, I recently went to the Kalos region so I got to something while I was there." He pulled out something from his pocket and gave it to Aspen. The brunette stared at the marble-sized spectrum-sphere that was attached to a short chain, making it easy to clip to her belt or the hilt of her blade. "I also have something for Kyria."
At the mention of her name, Aspen's Absol bounded out of the trees and came closer. Corentin grinned at the pokemon and pulled out from his brown jacket, a black collar with a sphere that was embedded in the middle. Unlike Aspen's, the stone was bluish silver with a dark azure streak that curved in the middle. Kyria bent down and let Corentin tie it around her neck. After it was secured, she glanced down at the shiny gem and then to Corentin.
"I hope you like it, Kyria." Corentin smiled. "You saved my life when I was young so I also hold you very important as well. And besides, you made sure Aspen wasn't lonely when I was gone. I appreciate that."
"Hmph... I could take care of myself." Aspen stuffed Corentin's gift in her pocket and turned her head away from the boy and her Absol.
"Y'know Aspie, you could smile from time to time," Corentin complained, but he was only answered by another hmph. Grinning mischievously, he coiled his arms around Aspen's shoulder's and rested his chin on one side. The contact made Aspen jolt and her face flustered. Corentin smirked. "Hey Aspie, could I keep you in my pocket?"
"Huh?! What are you talking about now?" Aspen was frazzled and frozen in place.
"Just ask why..." The boy instructed, still smiling playfully.
Aspen fumed. "FINE... Why?"
"Because you're my lucky Penny." Corentin chuckled and moved back a bit whilst keeping his arms around the girl.
Aspen was shifting from once choice to another: to strangle him or to strangle him? Grunting, she turned her head abruptly but froze once again when she realized how close Corentin's face was. They were only mere inches away from each other. Aspen could feel his warm breath brushing against her face and his gaze focused on her. Her heart skipped and her eyes couldn't meet his. Gathering her senses, she raised her hands and attempted to remove Corentin's hold over her, but she immediately lost her will when the boy leaned his forehead against hers.
No one made a move. Time moved slowly and the breeze continued to blow. The atmosphere was tense. Suddenly, Aspen mustered all her will in one moment and broke away, scrambling to her feet and catching her breath while rubbing away the redness in her face.
Sighing with partial contentment, Corentin stood up and brushed the dirt off his pants. He turned the other way, but shot a glance in Aspen's direction. Her back was turned and it seemed she was still fuming. Corentin chuckled inwardly and muttered, "Flip a Penny either way, you are mine in every way..."
"What did you say?" Aspen pivoted about, eyes alert, cheeks still flushed, and teeth gritting.
"Nothing..." Corentin replied innocently.
Hours later...
After scaling the rocky barrier that separated the two divisions, Aspen and Corentin arrived at a narrow cliff, overlooking the Battle Plains of Callan. The area, compared to the others, was more open and similar to a normal town outside of Semira. There were brown-roofed houses lined in clusters and a huge building that served as a dojo. In front of that was a Zen garden and a yard where numerous exercise equipment were placed. At the farside was some sort of stone Coliseum where they held matches. And opposite to the civilized site was a vast plain where various land pokemon like Tauros, Bouffalant and Rhyhorn roamed in herds.
The sun was hovering above the western horizon, its light-orange glow staining the pale blue sky with contradiction. Despite being in the eastern side, the site provided a perfect place to watch the setting sun. The rugged crags were the one of the highest landmasses in Semira, second to the mountain where the Main Fortress situated and third to Zephyr Pillar, but it gave a good overall view over the western region.
Ekaitz and Ailith, Corentin's Staraptor and Aspen's Skarmory glided overhead of them, their feathers shrouded in the dusk's orange glow. Glancing up, Corentin smiled and reined the Rapidash to the other side of the mountain pass. Aspen was riding behind him, arms wrapped around the boy's torso. She was quieter than usual ever since the event earlier. Corentin thought he might have gone a bit far, but knowing Aspen, he knew she'd be back in her usual violent spirits in no time.
They dismounted at the western face of the mountain and gazed outward. The sun was touching the glistening orange waters as the surrounding sky lit up like flames on the Rapidash. Against the blazing beauty of the sunset was the silhouette of the Shadow Pagoda, appearing like a land of pitch-blackness in the midst of the fiery sky and golden sea.
"Say Aspen... About what Master Altair said..." Corentin spoke, recalling the secret mission that was entrusted to them.
"It's been pretty quiet." Aspen's auburn eyes stared intensely at the tall dark tower that stood in the distance. Her gaze soon shifted to her metal bird that was flying above them. "I scouted near the outskirts from time to time, but I've never noticed anything off. The only thing that I've found was some sorry guy who was washed up near the shores of Sedgwick Valley. He had a Lucario with him."
"Huh? Someone from the outside actually made it here without a guide?" Corentin became bewildered.
Aspen shrugged. "Dunno. He was pretty odd if you asked me... He kept ranting on being a mayor with his Lucario. I think he struck his head on something before I found him. That or he was mayor of loony-town."
"What did you do with him?" Corentin asked, dreading the ideas that Aspen was capable off.
"Hey, don't bunch me together with those bloody assassins." Aspen narrowed her eyes and thought back. "That guy put up a struggle, but Kyria and I dragged him off to the dungeon in Sedgwick Valley. Currently, he's under strict guard, but still he wouldn't shut up. Let me tell you... It was annoying."
Corentin chuckled. "Heh. Sorry for making you bring that up, but at least you seem to be back in your usual spirits."
"Hmmm?" Aspen cocked a brow in question, but Corentin simply smiled at her. Sighing, she took out Corentin's gift and raised it against the sun. The spectrum of colors on the sphere danced vividly in the golden light, and only the black figure in the middle remained the same. It was a pretty sight. Quietly, Aspen muttered. "Thanks..."
Corentin was taken aback for a moment. He glanced sideways and saw Aspen gazing at the sunset, her dark brown hair fluttering in the wind and her auburn eyes glimmering in the golden fading light. His eyes softened and he slowly slid his hand unto Aspen's and intertwined their fingers. "This date went well, don't you think?"
Aspen flinched, her face flushed red as the burning sky. "D-DATE?!"
Battle Plains of Callan (Southeastern Semira)
The final slivers of sunlight gradually disappeared behind the high rugged crags as the sky darkened into a soft purplish blue. The first star was already out and shining far from the crescent moon, heralding a start of a peaceful night.
A dark-skinned boy sat silently on the roof of the dojo. His brown eyes fixated on the distant plains where wild herds of pokemon roamed freely. A cool breeze blew by, fluttering his midnight hair that was styled in dreadlocks and tied loosely in a ponytail. His partner, a Riolu, stood behind him with a paw on the boy's shoulder.
"Corbin," a deep and authoritative voice called.
The boy immediately jumped off the roof and somersaulted into a clean landing below. His partner followed but ended with a handstand before launching once again into the air and finally planting his feet on solid ground. The two exchanged looks and simultaneously turned to face the large bulky man with silver hair and beard , known as the Warrior division's master.
"Good evening, Master Ragnorr," Corbin greeted with a deep bow. Usually, the six masters of Semira are addressed by honorifics plus their first name, but Corbin chose to use their last names as a sign of more respect.
"Corbin Aureus, I want you to pick up some supplies from supplies from the Rosette Division, early tomorrow morning," Lord Owen Ragnorr instructed, his bare muscular arms crossed and his hardened gaze fixated on the boy. "Usually, the Sky division is tasked with the island's supplies, but I figured if one can do it themselves, so why not? Heh. I don't want my members to be slackers."
"Yes, of course, Master Ragnorr," Corbin replied, nodding, eyes flickering with respect and admiration.
Amused by his answer, Lord Owen handed the boy a list. "You can ask Lady Amalia's daughter, Rozalia. I'm sure she can supply you everything on the list."
Corbin flinched and recalled what his master's words. "L-Lady Amalia's d-daughter?"
"Yes. She's around your age and I believe you both had basic training together." His master nodded and chuckled lightly. "Now, if you need transport or a pokemon to help you carry the load, you can borrow one from the stables." And with that, Lord Owen turned around and left.
Corbin gripped the supply list in his hands but was otherwise petrified on the spot. Fortunately, his Riolu nudged him out of his trance but then erupted in laughter. Corbin flushed as he tried to pull himself together and simmer down his happy-go-lucky partner. "Ryu... Don't make fun of me. You know that I'm no good when girls are involved." His Riolu stopped laughing but was still smiling in amusement. Corbin face-palmed himself and groaned. "Tomorrow is gonna be a long day."
End of Chapter 33
*Kageyama - Ikari's Last name
Now, I hope everyone has better viewpoint of Semira as well as the many OCs in the story.
Ikari is getting ready for his oh-so-important mission. ;)
Corentin and Aspen are getting along well. Thanks to Lu-chan for helping me with the "pick-up lines"
Aspen also gets a Mega stone and Absolite :O
Maya's Espurr and Faye Lin's future Espurr have met. Time will tell when their partners meet.
Welcome Tech60's OC, Corbin~! His backstory will be in the next chapter.
I can probably squeeze in the last few things in Semira before we return to Neo's Adventure.
I'll be collaborating with Scriffignano for a battle with his OC.
Tech60 - The backstory is great. Simple yet interesting.
CK Brothers - I made a very short note for him. I don't know if I can incorporate his whole story since it might ruin the story line that I already planned out. For now, you are in Sedgwick Valley Dungeon until further notice. lol.
As for everyone else, you can shoot suggestions or ideas that you want your character to do or have.
Review! Please and Thank you.