Secrets of the Night

DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!

Chapter 34: Family Ties

Battle Plains of Callan, Semira Isle

The area was called Callan Village; a place where many members of the Warrior Division resided along with their pokemon partners. Unlike the other divisions who had dorms, the Warrior Division fostered a more open and homely environment, as their leader had established over the years. It was an ancient stone village filled made up of various apartments clustered together. It had a great view of the open plains as well as the coliseum and the training dojo.

It was still dark out. Slivers of starlight lingered in the faded purple sky. The sun had yet to appear over the horizon, but Corbin was already up about. He was in his room preparing for the day ahead. He tied his jet-black dreadlocks in a ponytail and wore his gray shirt with the Warrior division's insignia patched on one side of his chest, then he slid into a pair of loose black trousers and grey sneakers.

Bounding off of his partner's bed, Ryu, his Riolu, handed him his brown leather arm greaves which Corbin uses during combat training along with the ones used for his legs. They weren't going to have training matches till later on, but Ryu figured that he was going to need some confidence in facing a battle ahead, specifically heading to the Rosette Forest to get supplies. After all, Corbin was more focused and put together during fights.

Corbin thanked his partner and fastened the protective gear around his forearm. Then he proceeded downstairs to find breakfast waiting for him. The room was silent. He looked around but there was no sign of the person who prepared it, his mother. He guessed that she had already left the house to start her duties. Sighing quietly, he pulled up a chair and ate.

Prior to Corbin's current life, he resided in one of the six regions of the pokemon world.

Half of his roots traced back to the Unova region. His father was a fighter in Humilau City. It was there that he encountered Corbin's mother during one of the missions she took on from the Warrior Division. Their initial meeting was triggered by a sparring match; a match in which sparked a deep connection between the two.

After that day, Corbin's mother took on every mission that she could that would lead her back to the beautiful sea-side city of Humilau. Because of her efforts, they met more often and grew ever closer, despite the midst of all the competitiveness of each other's strength. Eventually, she gave birth to Corbin but chose to leave him with his father, understanding that her life in Semira isn't the kind of life that she wanted Corbin to grow up in. She wanted him to have a normal and peaceful childhood, and she couldn't give him that in Semira. She also chose not to visit because the constant goodbyes would only break her heart as well as her son's. It was a choice filled with sacrifice, especially for a mother, but she agreed to it anyway.

For years, Corbin grew up with his father who eventually established a fighting dojo of his own. He learned all he could about martial arts from him and lived a life as normal as it could be. Being unaware of his mother's whereabouts, he didn't question who she was nor did he ask anything about her. Corbin remained in blissful ignorance.

It was only on his thirteenth birthday that his father brought up the topic of his mother's whereabouts. It was something he promised to do before Corbin's mother left. He told him of how they met and why she chose to live away from them. Confused and unsettled, Corbin was at a loss. For years, he grew up without her and all of a sudden, he felt his world turn upside down. Questions after questions flooded his thoughts, none of which he could say aloud.

Although, he did manage to ask one, "How do I get to Semira?"

His father didn't answer him. All he did was give him a gift; a pokemon egg from his own Lucario. He knew that Corbin had long admired his pokemon and dreamed of raising one of his own one day, in accordance of the boy's desire to follow in his footsteps. Corbin accepted the egg, his sudden feelings of longing and loneliness somewhat subsided.

Months passed. Corbin continued to drown with thoughts of a mother he never met. In an attempt to bury the feelings and thoughts, he delved himself deep into his training, his mind solely focused on himself and his opponent. Eventually, he stood above those around his age as well as rivaled those above him in the dojo, excluding his father and a mysterious lady that came in one day to challenge him.

Females weren't that common in the dojo. In fact, Corbin considered it a rare occurrence. Despite the unusual circumstances, he didn't refuse. Normally, he would be wary of his opponent's gender, given he was not used to girls, but there was something about her. Unable to shake off the feeling, he fought against her but was easily overwhelmed.

After the battle, the lady revealed herself to be his mother, much to Corbin's shock. The person who was absent all his life now stood before him after defeating him in a sparring match. Corbin didn't know what to say. All the questions that flooded in his mind before were thrown out the window, leaving only a void that he never knew existed.

Corbin's mother didn't blame him if he harbored any bitter feelings against her. She understood. All she wished was that she could still be a mother to him and for that, she asked if Corbin would come with her to Semira. She, too, had longed to be with her son and after their reunion, she couldn't bear to part with him again. It was an unexpected turn of events, one that would change Corbin's life and the world he knew.

Corbin finished his meal and headed out along with Ryu. It was only a short sprint from the residential area to their destination. Arriving at the stables, Corbin asked for a transport from the keeper who was initially informed the day before by Lord Owen. Corbin was given a Rhyhorn, complete with reins, a saddle and a wagon. After acquainting himself with the Rhyhorn, he mounted on its back while Ryu eagerly jumped in the wagon and settled comfortably on one side. And with that, they set off.

The blue sky above him was blushing with the pink shades of dawn. The air was cool and breezy but still very much invigorating. Corbin rode through the open plains, kicking up dirt and passing herds of wild pokemon that raced alongside him. Zebrastrikas and their infant Blitzles were the closest. The chorus of their hooves reverberated like rumbling thunder. Sparks surged from the leader down to the final member of the herd, balancing out their energy. It was an amazing sight, but also a dangerous one since the electric-types were known to be very ill-tempered.

Steering away to a safer distance, Corbin glanced back at his partner. "How's it going, Ryu?"

His Riolu was grinning happily while leaning against the front of the wagon, his arms tucked under his head and his black ear-like appendages flapping in the wind, mirroring Corbin's dreadlocks. Corbin smiled back and returned to his attention upfront. The road ahead was long, but it was no trouble for them.

After passing the borders of his division, they arrived at the Sky unit's area. Zephyr Pillar was towering grandly in their sights. It almost took their breath away before they entered the forest road, wherein the view was blocked by the tall thick trees.

Freshly formed dew scented the air. Bird pokemon fluttered overhead of them. Corbin reined the Rhyhorn to a slower pace to avoid spooking them as well as to enjoy the forest view. Their destination was just beyond the woodland, towards the northern borders.

Shaymin's Garden, Rosette Forest

The sun had finally rose to the brilliant azure, warming the lands below with its beaming light. Corbin had just arrived at the main headquarters of the Rosette Forest, a glass lotus-shaped greenhouse called Shaymin's Garden. Dismounting from the Rhyhorn, he stroked its head and fed it a berry which he picked up from the abundant berry trees that grew around them. He also handed Ryu a pink-colored berry since he knew it was his favorite kind.

Chewing happily on the treat, Ryu sat back on the wagon and motioned to the entrance of the greenhouse. Corbin's face was suddenly filled with exasperation as he recalled whom he was supposed to talk to regarding the supplies. Sensing his partner's hesitance, Ryu gulped down the rest of the berry and stood up, patting his human partner on the shoulder before bounding towards the greenhouse ahead of him.

"Ryu, wait!" Corbin yelled but was ignored. His Riolu made it inside, giving him no choice but to follow.

Corbin hurriedly but cautiously entered and found his Riolu waiting for him, grinning with innocence. The boy mentally slapped himself and gave in. Seeing as he was inside, Corbin took a moment to revel in the lush green environment of the northern division. It was a huge change to the savanna-like lands he resided by.

Running a hand through the loose locks of his hair, Corbin sighed. "Okay. Let's just get this over with."

They walked further in, following the stone path, partially covered in moss. The greenhouse was like a dense forest filled with a variety of pokemon. Combee and Ledyba were buzzing overhead. Heaps of grass pokemon were thriving all over as teams of Castform, in their Rainy form, showered them with Rainy Day.

"Can I help you?"

Corbin jolted at the voice, recognizing that it belonged to a female. He froze and reluctantly looked up. The sight made him as stiff as a rock. Sitting on a tree was a pink ruby-eyed girl wearing a short crimson ninja garb. Her long red ponytail fluttered in the breeze as her partner inched out of her shoulder, a Cherrim in its Overcast form. Sunlight seeped down from the treetops above them, casting a shimmering light over the girl's lithe frame.

Rozalia peered down and noticed the insignia on his shirt. "You're from the Warrior division, I presume." She jumped down along with her recently evolved partner, Sakura. The moment they left the shade of the tree, sunlight showered down on them more strongly. Sakura then took on her Sunny form and rained pink blossoms all around her and Rozalia. The girl landed softly on the ground as her Cherrim rode the wave of petals and settled back on the girl's shoulder. "Welcome to Shaymin's Garden. I'm Rozalia," she introduced and held out her hand.

Corbin was not moving. His mind was running around in circles. Ryu sighed and nudged him out of his daze. Corbin snapped to his senses and grabbed Rozalia's hand abruptly. "Ah-Y-Yes! Cherry blossoms." Realizing what he said, he released Rozalia's hand and froze once again in embarrassment, mentally face-palmed himself as well in the process. Ryu sighed in exasperation and face-palmed physically.

Rozalia was struck speechless by bewilderment. After exchanging looks with Sakura, she faced Corbin and smiled. "You mean Sakura?" She motioned to her starter with pride. "She just evolved yesterday." Then suddenly, something caught Rozalia's attention. "Speaking of cherry blossoms..." She reached out and plucked a pink petal off of Corbin's hair. "You've got one stuck to you."

Corbin flushed and turned around to escape, walking away like a robot. Ryu immediately grabbed his arm and attempted to stop him, calling out in protest. Corbin stopped and returned to his senses for a few moments, enough to remember the job that he and Ryu needed to accomplish. Walking back to Rozalia, he searched his pockets for the list but much to his dismay, he couldn't find it.

Luckily, Ryu held on to it. Cocking a brow, the Riolu waved the parchment at Corbin who simmered down and breathed in relief. Sighing, Ryu took pity on him and handed Rozalia the list himself.

Accepting the parchment, Rozalia smiled and stroked the Riolu on the head. Then she turned to Corbin again and eyed him observantly. The raven-haired boy seemed frazzled and fidgety. "Are you sure you're okay?"

After a few moments to process, Corbin nodded briskly, making it more suspicious. He was at his limit. Corbin turned around but was stopped by Rozalia who grabbed his arm and pulled him back. The boy turned his head and Rozalia's hand touched his forehead. The contact rendered his senses useless and his body motionless.

"You seem feverish," Rozalia pointed out and came to a conclusion that Corbin was just not accustomed to the greenhouse's environment. Worrying if he was going to be alright, Rozalia led him by the hand to the infirmary for precautionary measures.

Corbin let himself be dragged off as Ryu followed behind. His hazel-brown eyes panned the surroundings. A variety of bug-types and grass pokemon appeared from every corner of the thick vegetation. Members of the Rosette Division were tending to them, some were jotting down notes while others were gathering herbs and extracts. The pokemon didn't seem to mind. They happily shared their gifts to their trusted partners.

"The Rosette unit thrives with the law of Symbiosis. What we receive from them, we give back equally in return," Rozalia explained proudly. "Everyone here is like one big family."

"...Family, huh," Corbin murmured to himself.

They soon reached a more man-made area of the greenhouse. There were several quarters, most of it were storage rooms and labs to test various herbal mixes. Rozalia led Corbin to a room in the far left. It had several beds, draped with white sheets, almost like a usual hospital room. The boy knew he wasn't sick, but looking at the situation, he felt like he was going to be.

Corbin sat on of the beds and attempted to excuse himself, but all that went out of his mouth was stuttering. His Riolu sat beside him, sympathizing his feelings as he picked up the fluctuations in Corbin's frazzled aura. They watched as Rozalia and her Cherrim walked out of the room and returned with a glass with three leaves floating in the liquid and a second pokemon trailing behind her.

"It's so nice of you to help out again, Vivi." Rozalia spoke to the Snivy behind her. She walked up Corbin and handed him the drink. "It's a simple Petilil tea, sure to revitalize your body."

"T-Thanks..." Corbin murmured and accepted the glass, almost dropping the drink when he flinched on contact of Rozalia's hands. Ryu chuckled in amusement, earning a sulk from his human partner.

Rozalia smiled at the connection between Corbin and his Riolu before casting a glance at her Cherrim who returned to her Overcast form some time ago.

Vivi looked up at the two humans and their pokemon and thought of Aeron. A tinge of envy and loneliness settled inside of him. Burying the feelings further inside, he decided to busy himself. Using his long vines, Vivi did some arranging around the infirmary, a task that he usually did in the greenhouse.

Sakura leaped off Rozalia's shoulder and decided to help, nudging the drawers open as Vivi placed the bottles inside in an orderly fashion. Ryu watched them and suddenly had an idea. Thinking that some alone time with Rozalia would do his partner some good, Ryu also joined in and cleared the lower shelves of empty bottles.

Rozalia looked to them with a smile before taking the Riolu's spot on the bed, jolting Corbin in the process. "So Corbin... How's your mother?"

Corbin almost choked on one of the Petilil leaves. He coughed furiously and pounded his chest as Rozalia temporarily took away the glass. Heaving, Corbin calmed down and gathered back his composure, or what was possibly left of it. It was bad enough that a girl was beside him and now their conversation was about his mother.

"Sorry if I startled you..." Rozalia apologized before smiling warmly. "You see, during our training days... I heard that your mom was from Semira. My mom is head of the Rosette division. I thought we had a lot in common so I wanted to talk to you..." She sighed softly and thought back. "But you kept avoiding me and other members. I assumed you were a loner-type."

"I-I'm not..." Corbin muttered in embarrassment.

"Oh, really?" Rozalia giggled and got up. "That's good... So I guess you're just shy around girls then."

Corbin jolted and stared at the redhead in disbelief. "W-What?"

"I'm not an airhead, y'know." Rozalia giggled once again but with a teasing wink. She then gathered her Cherrim and scooped up Vivi in her arms. "Corbin... I know what it's like." Her gaze softened as she faced Corbin. "Believe me, I was born here and for the past fifteen years, I called this place home. Your mom did what she felt was best and I think she wasn't wrong." And with that she exited the room, leaving Corbin to ponder on what she said.

Sighing deeply, the boy flopped against the surface of the bed, his thoughts drifted.

Corbin agreed to go with her, much to his parents' surprise. It was true that he had mixed feelings upon meeting his mother. The woman was a stranger. For thirteen years, Corbin grew up well without ever learning anything about her. Still, there was a yearning he couldn't put into words. All he understood was that he wanted to know more about her.

Days after their first meeting, Corbin and his mother arrived in Semira and there, they spent the next couple of years living together under the same roof, along with his newly hatched Riolu and his mother's Mienshao. It was awkward at first, but little by little they managed to exchange words, only few, but it was progress nonetheless. In order to make up for all the thirteen years of Corbin's life, his mother was willing to take things slow.

Corbin gradually grew accustomed to life in the island, despite not being recognized as a full-fledged member. It was because of the rules. He was only thirteen at the time, and the standard age was fifteen. Corbin was still permitted to train and hone his skills under Lord Owenn's watchful eye. It was around this time that he grew to admire the leader of the Warrior Division. The man was tough and passionate like his father. And like his father, Corbin also wished to surpass him. But first, he needed to become a full-fledged member of the Warrior Division.

It was high noon when Corbin and his partner returned to the Battle Plains of Callan. His fellow members came to greet him and collect the supplies which were loaded on the Rhyhorn's wagon. Lord Owen came by as well and commended his accomplishment. Corbin knew his task was menial but it felt good to hear some kind words from the leader of the Warrior division.

Shortly, he went back home to eat lunch and as expected it was already set for him on the table. Ryu excitedly took a seat and shot an eager look at his partner. Corbin smiled at his Riolu before looking around the quiet room. Like the morning they left, no else seemed home, or so he thought...

Corbin blinked and glanced sideways. Leaning against the round door frame was a dull-white, slender pokemon with purple accents, long yellow-tipped whiskers and sleeve-like extensions on its paws. The boy recognized it as a Mienshao, his mother's partner. The martial arts pokemon smiled widely and retreated inside the adjacent room. Then it came out once again, carrying a tray of food, enough for another person. The Mienshao set it on the table, opposite of Corbin, and once again stood by the doorway.

"Welcome back..." a woman's voice came from the adjacent. It was firm yet warm in a certain way.

Corbin sighed in content and smiled. "I'm home."

Shaymin's Garden, Rosette Forest

After leaving Corbin, Rozalia resumed her duties in the greenhouse, along with Sakura and Vivi. She was overseeing the field of Florges and their pre-evolved states. The fairy-types were the latest addition to the greenhouse so much was still being done in order to understand them. Sakura was casting Sunny Day over them while in her cherry blossom-like form, while, Vivi was minding the a few infant Flabébé that had taken a liking to the timid grass snake.

"Hang in there, Vivi..." Rozalia teased as she bent down and held a hand out to one of the Flabébé with a red flower. The little single bloom pokemon looked at her curiously and went back to playing with the Snivy. Rozalia giggled at Vivi's popularity. Standing up, she turned to her partner who fluttered down in a wave of pink petals. "You did great, Sakura."

"Chiii~" The Cherrim squeaked with delight and reverted to her Overcast form.

Vivi looked their way and once again felt a cold stab to his chest. He tried to tell himself over and over that being in the greenhouse was for his own good and that he needed to be patient for Aeron. Still, nothing worked. He worried for the boy and most of all, he wondered if he was left behind once again.

"Vivi, are you okay?" Rozalia turned to the Snivy who was now drowning in a pile of variously colored petals.

Restless, Vivi got up, shook off the petals and scurried off, surprising Rozalia and Sakura who both went after him. Seeing his pursuers, Vivi used Vine Whip to help transport him through the trees for a speedier travel. Rozalia, though, was not one to lose him easily. Running and leaping over the bushes, she tried to call out to him, but her cries landed on deaf ears. Sakura grew frustrated and fired Magical Leaf as a warning. Vivi deflected the attack with Leaf Tornado and continued to run.

The chase went on until they arrived at the exit of the greenhouse. Out of breath, Vivi stood and stared at the closed tall glass door that led to the outside. He was only a few feet away but he hesitated, wondering what he actually wanted to do.

"Vivi! That's enough..." Rozalia scolded firmly as she stood behind him, hands crossed and brows furrowing.

"Cherrim!" Sakura was just as mad, but her expression was barely visible behind her dull purple petals.

Whimpering, Vivi turned around and fidgeted his little leafy hands. Tears welled up in his hazel brown eyes before they trailed down and splashed unto the soil at his feet.

Rozalia's expression instantly softened as well as Sakura's . Bending near the Snivy's level, the redhead placed a hand on Vivi's head and patted his head. She knew how much Vivi missed Aeron and for the past days, the grass snake did nothing but work hard in the greenhouse to make Aeron proud. Smiling warmly, Rozalia stood up and declared, "Okay Vivi... You win. Let's go see Aeron!"

The Snivy's face lit up like a bulb and he nodded with eagerness. At that moment, a brilliant white light enveloped the grass snake. Rozalia stepped back and watched with awe and anticipation. She knew very well what that glow meant but much to her surprise, after the light receded, Vivi was still a Snivy. The little grass snake huffed and uncoiled its balled up fists. Then with an weary smile, he looked up at Rozalia.

"Is something wrong, Vivi? I thought for a second that you were going to become a Servine," Rozalia said aloud, her Cherrim nodding in agreement.

"That Snivy doesn't want to evolve here," a lady answered with a sly yet amused tone.

Rozalia and the two pokemon turned towards the voice and saw a woman clad in a long deep crimson robe with black rose patterns. Her long ruby hair draped over shoulders and adorned by a fancy gold floral pin. It was Lady Amalia, the head of the Rosette division and Rozalia's mother. On her shoulder was a white hedgehog with a green bushy back.

Rozalia bowed deeply and greeted her as well as the Shaymin," Hello mother, and greetings to you too, Midori."

"Hello Roz..." Midori answered with a gentle mental voice and a sweet smile.

Lady Amalia merely nodded and waited for her daughter to stand erect. "So as I was saying... the Snivy wishes to become a Servine only when his partner is around." She smiled in amusement. "Hmmm... It's quite rare to see a pokemon with such dedication."

"Is that right, Vivi?" Rozalia inquired, glancing at the grass snake who replied with a nod and a bashful grin. The girl smiled back and scooped up Vivi in her arms. Then she turned to bid her mother and the Shaymin goodbye. "I'm leaving, mother... Midori."

"Take care." Lady Amalia smiled.

"Bye."

End of Chapter 34

I couldn't fit Aeron's part in this chapter so I'll be extending Semira's part.
Neo's chapter will be on Chapter 36. (Which is already written)
It's a collaboration battle with Scriffignano and his OC from his own Fanfic. ;)

Anyway, here's Tech60's OC along with his (Very touching~) back story.
Thanks for submitting. :D
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