Secrets of the Night

DISCLAIMER: I Do NOT own Pokemon!

Chapter 69: Turn of Fate

Eastern side of Semira (Zephyr Pillar: Sky Division base)

What should have been another usual quiet night and peaceful morning was quickly disrupted by a rapid turn of events that not only shook the foundations of both the Zephyr Pillar and the Shadow Pagoda but the entire island of Semira.

Faye Lin rushed into the hallway of the earthen pillar after an abrupt summons from Master Altair. She had barely slept that night after hearing a roaring shriek and seeing a Rayquaza fly from the base and race towards the western side of the island. Her first instinct was to go out and find Aeron, even when he had been avoiding her for the week but the seniors had issued a lockdown, preventing everyone from leaving.

As soon as morning broke, the lockdown lifted, summons decreed, she exited her room and was met with the rush of equally frantic members of the Sky division heading to the meeting hall. Along with Aegis, her now Togetic, she dived into the rush of people.

The seniors were quickly dividing the groups and giving them a briefing of what had occurred and what was going to happen from then on.

Faye Lin stood in the midst of her group as Senior Corentin gave them the news. It was shocking and disbelieving to say the least to hear Master Altair's assault on the Black Scythe base. What rocked her even more was when the leader of the Sky division himself stormed in.

Altair Zenith, Aeron's father was covered in blood. His signature desert brown cloak was torn apart and stained in the crimson liquid as the remnants of it hung from one side of his body, barely concealing the dual sheathed katana blades that were strapped to his belt. The man's visible arm was wrapped in bloodied bandages, similar to his torso and left leg. There was also a gash running above his eye, leaking blood down the side of his head. It was a mystery to how he was even standing.

Faye Lin took in a deep breath, unintentionally taking in the slight whiff of the coppery smell. The sight and smell of blood made her queasy, however, she knew better than to show her weaknesses. Something was up and breaking down was the least she wanted. Fortunately, Aegis nestled against her cheek, easing her nerves. The blonde girl whispered a small praise and gratitude just before the leader of the Sky division spoke.

"I won't need to repeat what you already know," Master Altair began, hazel eyes panning the groups to make sure they were listening. "For the next following days, former leader Vindryl Aurelius will take my place. The seniors will be out in the field under my orders while the rest will remain here. Training and responsibilities will continue as usual. That is all."

Murmurs reverberated through the ranks. Most of it was the Sky division leader's state and his violent confrontation of Lord Tristan of the Black Scythe assassins. Some were about the Rayquaza that belonged to Grand master Vindryl. And a very few were apparently about Aeron's involvement and disappearance.

Disbelieving of the latter part, Faye Lin moved through the sea of people to inquire more. But before she could, she was beckoned by Senior Ren and made to follow him past the crowded halls and towards Master Altair's office. Along the way, Corentin had confirmed her fears that Aeron was indeed missing. He assured her though, that he was alive or at least that was what Master Altair had told him before he instructed him to summon the girl to his office.

When they entered, Faye Lin steeled herself in the presence of the Sky division leader, her Togetic quietly hovering over her shoulder. She found Master Altair settled in his chair, redressing his wounds as his two-set blades were piled on the desk along with the discarded brown cloak and what appeared to be a jade green sphere. Fresh cuts littered his upper body, three parallel sets like they were made by claws. Were they caused by a pokemon? Or a weapon?

"You're acquaintances with Neo Takamoto, correct?" Altair asked bluntly, not meeting the blonde girl's gaze as he busied himself bandaging his injuries before Senior Ren came over and assisted his bindings on his back.

Faye Lin flinched at the mention of the familiar name but remained composed as she gave a nod. "He is a good friend of mine and my family," she answered honestly. It took her by surprise to say the least.

Altair gave a nod of acknowledgement as he stifled a wince. "Prepare to leave in two days. You will be accompanying him throughout his journey in Kanto."

Faye Lin was struck speechless, her eyes wide with the urge to inquire for more answers. Her lips moved but no sound came. It was then that the Sky division leader continued.

"You are a member of the Sky division, though your initial circumstances were questionable, you cannot deny who you are now. Therefore, I expect you to follow orders." He met her hesitant expression with a stern look. Faye Lin bowed and allowed the man to explain further. "Semira is a dangerous place as of now but I cannot give you special treatment so I decided to deploy you on a personal mission. Given your apparent connections to him, you are well suited to the task. Your senior will brief you through it."

Corentin tied the bandage securely before retrieving a brown envelope from the desk, unintentionally dotted by traces of blood. He stood beside her junior before they gave their final bows and took their leave.

In the empty hallway, Corentin exhaled and slid the file out of the envelope as Faye Lin and her Togetic waited anxiously.

"Senior, how does Master Altair know of Neo? And why is this important as everything else that is going on?" The blonde girl asked.

"Apparently, Master Altair has a history with the Takamoto family," Corentin informed, his storm grey eyes skimming the data. "And he believes this history will soon haunt the present."

"How so?" Faye Lin shifted uneasily.

"A string of wrong choices in the past. Born vendettas," the older teen answered with more serious tone than his usual carefree one. "It's not that he wants this Neo individual gone, he just doesn't want him to get too involved with Semira... Not right now, at least. And with his apparent companion leaving, his guardian has requested someone to watch over him." His gray eyes focused on the girl. "You have the least connections to Semira, which is sort of fortunate. He doesn't seem to have a very good opinion of us. Don't mention it too much to him."

"What of Aeron, do you know where he might be?" Faye Lin changed the subject, unable to keep the matter on hold.

"Master Altair believes he may have gone back to the place where he was originally from," Corentin answered as he slipped the file back in the envelope and handed it to Faye Lin. "Most of us seniors are being sent to find him... off the island."

"Where-"

"Sorry. I cannot answer that. Just believe that we'll find him," Corentin reassured her optimistically and placed a hand on her blonde head. "For now, read through the file yourself and finish up any business you have in Semira. Once you finish reading, be sure to burn it."

Faye Lin nodded and returned to her room, not before bidding farewell to her senior. Once inside, she was met with the worried looks of her Braixen, Isis and her male Meowstic, Touya. With a gentle smile to settle them, she recalled the past few days she spent with her sister, Maya.

They had been catching up while training their pokemon in the Trevenant Woods located in the Gambit unit's territory.

"Isis, use Flame Charge!" Faye Lin issued her command and her Fennekin quickly ran across the clearing, crimson flames enveloping her body as her speed picked up steadily.

"Lyvette, use Agility and dodge her attack by running past her. Then use Dark Pulse," Maya ordered calmly and quietly, but her Zorua heard her clearly and replied an okay through telepathy.

Even though both fox pokemon were running with increasing speeds, Lyvette had the upper hand. Agility let her disappear for a second and reappear anytime she wanted. She ran straight at the Fennekin and when they were right in front of each other, the Zorua sneered a little and vanished, only to reappear as another Fennekin from a different angle and fire a beam of dark energy rings.

Caught off guard, Isis was struck by the attack and send rolling across the forest floor. She soon halted and got back up, furiously shaking the dust and leaves from her yellow coat before growling at the black and blue fox pokemon.

"Calm now, Isis. The battle is not over," Faye Lin encouraged her as she then turned her attention to her sister and her shiny Zorua who had taken form of a Fennekin. "Entrap her with Fire Spin."

Leaping into action, Isis spouted a stream of blazing crimson flames that formed a circle around the tricky black fox before surrounding it completely in a rotating wall of fire. Lyvette was a little worried about the dangerous heat that was closing in. Trying to see Maya through the fire, she was waiting for her next command.

"Lyvette, it can't be helped. Use Night Daze and try to push the fire away," Maya was taking her chances. Her Zorua that was temporarily a Fennekin hadn't mastered Night Daze yet, but she had a start. Both herself and her partner just hoped that start was good enough to pull this off.

A dark crimson aura started swirling around Lyvette, who raised her front paws to the air. The fiery walls were sure to keep the transformed shiny Zorua trapped for a long time and keep burning her. She had to put them out or at least make the fire tornado around her wider.

"Isis, keep the fires going with Psybeam," Faye Lin instructed.

Her Fennekin rounded the ring of fire as her eyes glowed red and conjured a purplish pink beam that spiraled around the vortex, fortifying it, and keeping the swell of power from the Zorua at bay.

Maya didn't show it, but she was even more concerned for her Zorua. Keeping her cool attitude, she encouraged Lyvette. "Concentrate. I know you can break free."

The shiny Zorua even reverted to her true form to use all of her power and concentration for the Night Daze. The fortified flames were intimidating her, but she knew she had to give it all she's got.

"Now! Destroy those flames!" Maya couldn't help but shout out when Lyvette was in such a dire state. Even if the psychic-type move had no effect on her, the flames were still very much problematic.

The shiny Zorua breathed in deeply, happy that Maya believed in her. With her faith riding on her small shoulders, she slammed her paws to the ground, sending out huge crimson waves in every direction.

Finally, Maya could clearly see Lyvette as her Night Daze weakened the bottom of the fire tower. Lyvette smirked happily and jumped out, targeting the area where the rotating Psybeam was. With dark purplish crimson aura encasing her body, she leaped into the fire/psychic vortex, slipping through the psychic-type energy and barely getting singed by the Fire Spin.

'Piece of cake.' Lyvette smirked at her accomplishment as she crouched down on her front legs and gave the opposing yellow fox pokemon in front of her a look. Isis, undeterred, took on a similar stance and shot a glare at the tricky fox pokemon.

"Quickly, Isis. Use Flame Charge!" Faye Lin pressed on the attack as her Fennekin immediately charged forward like a raging fireball.

"Well, Lyvette, you know how to counter that Flame Charge. Just don't get trapped in the Fire Spin again," Maya was confident Lyvette would pull off Agility perfectly once more. "But this time, when you pass her, use Shadow Ball."

"Alright." The Zorua nodded and dashed towards Isis once more. The two foxes were on a direct collision course but then Lyvette shifted to the side, dodging the attack as Isis lunged past her. There was an obvious difference in levels as well as of speed.

"Don't give up, Isis! Concentrate!" Faye Lin cheered her starter/partner on.

The yellow fire fox skidded to a halt and made an abrupt turn, once again rushing straight at her opponent who was moving through the field as if she was playing a game of tag, sidestepping with ease as soon as the Fennekin came close.

"Enough fooling around, Lyvette. Use Shadow Ball." Maya was a little surprised that her Zorua seemed to only want to show off her speed and not actually battle.

'S-sorry,' Lyvette stuttered mentally, feeling that Maya wasn't happy, even though her calm tone didn't change. Finally, the shiny Zorua opened her mouth and quickly conjured a dark purple ball that flew towards Isis almost immediately.

The void ball caught the Fennekin by surprise as it collided with her barrier of flames. The dark-type move made contact and exploded, breaking the flames, causing it to sizzle out. Isis was pushed back but the flames took the brunt force of the assault.

Faye Lin breathed in, this was her first battle with her sister and she was already at a disadvantage given that the Zorua was immune to psychic-type moves, leaving her with a limited arsenal of fire attacks. She knew she needed to think outside the box to impress her sister.

"Alright, Isis! Use Fire Spin on the area," she instructed.

Her Fennekin gave a nod between pants and spewed spiraling flames all around the grassy clearing, littering the field with crimson fire.

"Be careful, Lyvette." Maya needed to even back away herself to not get burned by the fire, spreading further out little by little. Of course, her Zorua couldn't leave the battlegrounds. "Try to stay off the grass by jumping and use Dark Pulse again."

'Don't worry, I'll be just fine,' Lyvette reassured her partner and jumped onto the places on the field where the fires didn't reach yet, taking a crouching stance upon landing and let loose the dark energy rings straight at Isis.

Faye Lin's Fennekin tried to counter with Fire Spin but due to her exhaustion, she couldn't overpower the tricky fox's attack and was struck back by the black energy rings. She tumbled across the scorched field and weakly staggered back to her feet, failing in the process.

"It seems Isis is done for today," Maya concluded as Faye Lin nodded in disappointment. "But that was quite a fight. It's nice to do pokemon battle once in a while. " She gave a small smile to her younger sister.

Faye Lin cast her older sister a warm smile as well just as the trees around them started moving and trampling over the flames to put them out. Faye Lin maneuvered through the living trees and retrieved her partner before stepping aside and letting them do their job.

"I was afraid that Fire Spin would affect the Trevenants around here," Maya sighed and gestured for Lyvette to run back to her. The little shiny Zorua jumped on Maya's shoulders and received a scratch on the head for a good fight.

"I apologize." Faye Lin bowed at the nearest Trevenants around her. The ghost-type trees looked down on her but continued their clean up duties before once again returning to their respective places. "But it was nice of them to let us finish the battle."

"More likely, they are used to pokemon battles," Maya informed as she nodded curtly at the treant-like pokemon. "As long as we respect them, they'll allow us to move around the forest freely."

"Togepriii~" Aegis, Faye Lin's Togepi called from the roots of a white barked tree. Beside her, were two Espurrs slowly eating away a pile of berries.

Faye Lin giggled and went over to the trio. Sitting on the white roots of the large tree, she laid Isis on the ground to have her fill of Oran berries while she scooped up Aegis on her lap. Maya sat down on the roots as well, across her sister, letting Lyvette jump down easier from the smaller height and join the other pokemon.

"Aegis, do you want your aunt Maya to hold you?" Faye Lin cooed as she held out the little squeaking bundle to her older sister who was a bit lost at first, but finally gently took the little baby pokemon in her arms. Aegis happily chirped, making the shiny Zorua turn away and become a little jealous.

Lyvette glared at the spike ball pokemon, but she didn't want to be an intimidating dark fox in her partner's presence so she merely averted her eyes from the scene and held back her jealousy. Maya, though, noticed her partner's irritation.

"Lyvette, you can come make friends with Aegis too," she encouraged her tricky fox pokemon whose eyes sparkled with joy just for a second but then she shrugged and acted cool and calm, leaving Maya and Aegis alone.

"Lyvette is quite the shy one, isn't she?" Faye Lin giggled, earning a side glance from the dark-type fox who apparently heard her. The blonde made eye contact and smiled at her. "It's alright, Lyvette. I think it's cute."

The two Espurrs mewed as if to agree before continuing to eat away the berries. The shiny Zorua narrowed her eyes at the group and turned around in a flash of purple light, morphing into her version of Maya but with shorter hair, black fox ears and a furry tail. 'I'm not shy!'

Seeing her almost double, Maya giggled. "Close enough."

Isis, recovering from the battle, saw the exchange and sized up her fellow fox's new form. When they initially met along with Faye Lin's sister, she had established a sort of rivalry between her and the dark-type. It was either a fox thing or the fact that they were psychic-types and dark-types. Standing up, she raised her head high and puffed her small chest as if to appear a little bigger.

Lyvette saw this act as a challenge, but just laughed it away, seeing as there was no way for Isis to actually beat her. The Fennekin puffed her cheeks with fire as she pouted at the reaction. Then all of a sudden, a white light enveloped the little yellow fox and she grew in size, nearly reaching the human-morphed fox.

As the light dissipated, a bigger version of a Fennekin appeared in Isis' place. The red tufts of her ears grew longer and she now had a thicker white mane on shoulders. Her cheek furs also elongated and apparently, she could now stand on two legs.

Faye Lin quickly took out her pokedex from her pack and looked up her partner's data.

Braixen
The Fox Pokémon
The evolved form of Fennekin. To defeat its opponent, Braixen combines the flame from the twig in its tail with its fiery breath, creating a massive Fire Spin.

Grinning at her new form, she cast snide look at the fox-eared human and picked up a nearby stick to put on her fluffier tail. Faye Lin was immediately ecstatic at Isis' new appearance and gave her a proud hug which her partner happily returned.

Lyvette sneered a little at her bigger opponent and was about to transform into a huge pokemon, but she met Maya's stern look and as her trainer slowly shook her head, the tricky fox had to give up. She returned to her real form and slowly approached Maya, trying to make up by becoming a real sweetheart. Maya smiled and patted her partner's head with Aegis still chirping in her lap.

Faye Lin sat on her bed, next to her Audino plush and flipped the envelope, pulling out the file. Her three pokemon sat with her and peered over her arms and shoulder. Taking a deep breath, the blonde girl quietly read through the wordings, her glistening azure eyes skimming through the details.

Apparently, Neo began a pokemon journey and had now a total of three gym badges. It was surprising to hear how their former paths and goals have somehow swayed from their initial intention. Faye Lin's dream was to go on a pokemon journey while Neo was simply contented in making sure his family name in the aristocratic society was not forgotten.

"It seems that there are things we have yet to know about Neo, right Isis?" Faye Lin turned towards her Braixen who had met the young nobleman a few times while they were still living at the Azril family manor in Lumiose City.

The bipedal yellow fox gave a nod as Faye Lin turned her attention back to the file. Touya, her male Meowstic raised his head to get a better look but only served to stumble on to the girl's lap.

"Touya, are you alright?" Faye Lin placed the paper aside and helped her cat-like pokemon sit on her lap properly. The night-colored Meowstic mewed and looked at her with his gleaming jade eyes before raising a paw. "What's the matter? Do you miss Freya?"

Touya immediately looked down as if to hide his expression. Isis and Aegis giggled at their teammate as Faye Lin soon followed their giggle fits. Her Meowstic and her sister's have been inseparable pair ever since they met.

One morning during the free period of their training, Faye Lin and Maya met up once again. But during their little time together, they suddenly found their Espurrs sneaking off with each other. Exchanging curious looks, they decided to trail them with Faye Lin's two pokemon in their pokeballs for added stealth and Maya's Lyvette in her pokeball as well.

The two gray furballs didn't even pay much attention to their surroundings while they pressed onward, holding paws. They ventured past the forest and towards the flowery field called Vivillon Glade where a vast variety of butterfly-like pokemon fluttered about.

Faye Lin and Maya kept a safe distance away from the two to avoid being seen while giving the two grey kittens some space for themselves. Freya and Touya continued to stroll through the grassy field, mewing occasionally as if they were having a conversation amongst themselves.

At one point, a meadow pattern Vivillon flew close to them. Touya raised a paw to say hello while Freya simply stared at the pink winged butterfly. And without skipping a beat, the Vivillon frantically fluttered away, seemingly scared off by the eerie look the female Espurr was giving.

"Did Freya do something wrong?" Faye Lin whispered to her sister as they hid behind the tall grass.

"I believe she wanted to do that," Maya replied softly as she observed her pokemon from a distance. "She probably wants Touya all to herself."

Faye Lin stifled a giggle as she couldn't help but agree given the situation."She's quite possessive."

Touya tilted his head in bewilderment at the act but then continued to lead the other Espurr to a small hilltop. Sitting down at the soft grass at the peak, Freya gazed at the colorful meadow and leaned against the male Espurr, purring lightly as she did. Touya did the same and nestled against her equally soft gray fur.

"I wish I would have brought a camera." Faye Lin smiled at the sight as she and Maya peered from behind a tree. "They are so cute together."

Maya could only nod, gazing at the two with a warm smile. The two were perfect for each other. But somehow the elder sister felt something wasn't right. Her dread was soon answered by a rumbling noise.

The Vivillons scattered quickly as a huge maroon megapede pokemon shot forth from the pristine green grass. It gave a loud screech as it narrowed its eyes at the retreating butterfly-like pokemon before focusing on the two grey kittens on the hilltop.

Touya quickly got up and stood in front of Freya as the latter got to her feet as well and stared at the huge pokemon from behind the male Espurr. Screeching aggressively, the Scolipede rolled into a ball and charged towards the two psychics. Faye Lin and Maya were about to spring from their hiding spots to help but Touya swiftly used a Protect move, outlining both him and Freya in a protective green blue glow as the Scolipede struck them and bounced back, tumbling downhill.

Angered, the huge maroon megapede pokemon unrolled itself and pawed the ground, scraping dirt and grass as it lowered its white glowing horns and suddenly charged forward like an angry Tauros. The two Espurrs rolled out of the way of the incoming Megahorn and fell into a heap at the bottom of the hill.

Maya and Faye Lin rushed towards them but the swarm of frightened Vivillon were releasing too much powdery fumes, preventing them to go to their pokemons' aid.

Freya was first to get up and see the Scolipede once again rearing up for another Megahorn move. Eyes focused on the attacker, the female Espurr raised her paws and conjured two masses of blue and purple energy and hurled them at the raging megapede.

The Scolipede rammed the first Psyshock with its horns and deflected it upwards while the second made impact on its front, dealing damage but worsening its anger. Screeching, it stomped the ground with its large front legs and once again lowered its horns, but this time the glow was ominous violet and not white.

With not enough time to summon a psychic attack, Freya found herself in the direct line of the Poison Sting attack. Touya reacted by pushing the female Espurr to the side but leaving his back open to the attack as the Scolipede charged in swinging its stingers wildly. The toxic horn grazed the back of Touya's shoulder and sent him flying a couple of feet away from the other grey kitten.

"Touya!" Faye Lin yelled out fearfully as her pokemon disappeared in the grassy floral field.

Freya jolted at the name of the other Espurr. Looking towards the general direction of where Touya landed, concern and sorrow welled up within her. But that was not all she should have been worried about. Scolipede wasn't done and it screeched furiously and headed towards the vulnerable Espurr that had yet to emerge from the thick grass.

As the hostile megapede pokemon started advancing towards the male Espurr, Freya quickly turned towards it and hurled an initial Psyshock attack, gaining its attention. The, staring right into its eyes with voidness and anger that was something out of this world, the little gray kitten raised one of her arms, gaze still fixated on her enemy. She swiftly shot out a blue orb with various pink shades in the middle form. For a psychic-type, the energy was almost like that of a dark-type, ominous and gloomy.

For a small pokemon like the Espurr, the attack was strong and the megapede took the glowing energy orb in the face and stumbled back a few feet. Unfortunately, it was not enough to take it down. The Scolipede shook off the attack and charged towards the female Espurr, tucking into a wheel and Steamrolling towards her.

As it rapidly closed in on Freya, the female Espurr hurriedly conjured more volleys of Psyshocks but she didn't had time to fire as her opponent was upon already her. Just then, a blue glow outlined the Scolipede, preventing its advance and lifting it into the air.

Touya emerged from the grass, one paw raised high as violet sparks coursing through his glowing body. As soon as he fully stood up, the light completely engulfed him, elongating his ears, enlarging his tail, splitting it into two, turning his round amethyst eyes into the shape of almond emeralds and finally darkening his gray fur into the color of the night sky.

Faye Lin and Maya looked on in awe at Touya's new form just as Freya started to glow as well.

With both paws holding up orbs of Psyshock, her tail grew and became two curled ones, her ears elongated and folded similarly to Touya's, her fur became snow white, and eyes shifted into a shade of yellow with red pupils as they slanted with an angry glare directed at the Scolipede restrained above her. Purring slyly, she let fly an onslaught of Psyshock and pummeled the maroon megapede until it crashed to the ground unconscious.

After the Vivillon powder subsided, Faye Lin and Maya finally made their way over, looking over their respective Meowstic and assessing their injuries. Kneeling down, Faye Lin cradled Touya on her lap and quickly fed the blackish blue cat a Pecha Berry before she took out her pokedex and looked up the data.

Meowstic
Constraint Pokémon
The eyeball patterns on the interior of its ears emit psychic energy. It keeps the patterns tightly covered because that power is too immense.

It was fascinating to see the great difference between the female and male Meowstic and based on the data, males are more on defensive moves and females specialize in offensive ones, making the tandem of the duo well balanced.

"That was amazing Touya… Freya. But next time don't wander off without permission," Faye Lin lectured them as Touya raised a paw in acknowledgement and cast a brief glance at the female Meowstic.

Maya softly smiled. "I'm glad you've become so strong, Freya," the gothic girl squatted down and petted the purring Meowstic. "I'm glad you are strong for the ones you love. But Faye is right. You shouldn't wander without us."

The female Meowstic softly mewed at her trainer, as if she wanted to say that she won't do it again. She then met Touya's eyes and started making her way towards him. Touya, in turn, scooted off of the blonde girl's lap and walked towards Freya.

Once they faced each other, Touya tilted his head and raised a paw, mewing softly to confirm that he was okay. Freya mewed back and smiled. Then she abruptly leaned forward and kissed his cheek, making the male Meowstic freeze and blush, but the red shade was not that visible given his dark fur.

Maya and Faye Lin relished in the cuteness of the situation just as the Vivillons came fluttering back. Freya noticed the gradually growing onlookers and narrowed her eyes threateningly as a dark vibe radiated from her. The swarm of butterfly pokemon jolted and quickly dispersed. Satisfied, the female Meowstic wrapped her paws around Touya's possessively and purred.

"Do not fret, Touya. We shall pay Freya and my sister a visit later on…" At that moment, Faye Lin fell silent and looked back on the piece of paper beside her. It could only mean one thing. After finally finding her sister and spending time with her, she realized that soon she would have to bid her farewell once again.

Sensing her melancholy, her Togetic nudged her shoulder, drawing her attention before nuzzling affectionately against her cheek. Faye Lin smiled and her eyes softened as she reached up and cupped her chin.

"Thank you Aegis." She nestled her cheek against her Togetic, earning a purry squeak. "To think you were only an egg when I left Kalos. Now, you've brought me much happiness."

It was a quiet afternoon. Maya led Faye Lin to another section of the dense woods around Trickster's Labyrinth. She explained that there was someone she wanted her sister to meet.

The elder girl was upfront while the younger was close behind, carrying her Togepi in her arms. Lyvette, in her half-human form was arguing with Isis as they trailed behind the two girls. At the end of the group were the two Meowstics, quietly tagging along while holding paws.

"It won't be long now," Maya informed, glancing back at the group.

Faye Lin, although curious as to where her older sister was taking her, didn't ask and continued to follow her as they trekked the ancient shadowy woods overrun by overhanging foliage and a vast variety of undergrowth.

Despite the dreary surroundings, Aegis seemed to be enjoying the little stroll just as much as the Meowstics. Isis, on the other hand, was feeling irritated because of all the damp leaves and moss clinging to her fur. She grumbled as she swatted the ferns and branches away from her face using her stick. Lyvette relished in the other fox's misery before running up to her human partner and looking over the upper regions of the forest.

"Maya, are you sure she will be there?" Lyvette asked through telepathy, her tone laced with a little worry. "She might have gone away somewhere."

"Don't worry. She doesn't look like the type to travel a lot," Maya slightly smiled at her partner and observed the forest in front of her as far as it stretched. "She's still here."

"Maya? Who are you talking about? Who are we meeting?" Faye Lin walked up to her sister, opposite to Lyvette.

Just then a long, high pitch and melodic wail resonated through the treetops. The group stopped and gazed upwards at the canopy where light was barely seeping through. The air became colder but it was mostly felt by Isis and a little by Faye Lin. The rest seemed aware but not bothered by it at all.

Out of the shadows, a dark bluish green pokemon floated out. Its pinkish irises glowed eerily like the round gems that circled its neck, while, its flowing locks billowed in the cold forest breeze. Faye Lin slowly took out her pokedex and looked up the pokemon.

Misdreavus
The Screech Pokémon.
Misdreavus are extremely mischievous and like to cry out at night just to startle people.

The Misdreavus let out another solemn wail as it floated towards Maya's outstretched hand.

"Hello, Mavis. It's been a long time." Maya patted the little ghost type that simply nodded, holding a pokerface. "Is everything alright? Have you been lonely?"

The Misdreavus calmly shook her head, not showing any emotion whatsoever. Normally, Lyvette would become envious of such attention from Maya, but she knew that Mavis deserved it. She has been through a lot.

Freya had met Mavis once as well and like Maya and Lyvette, had a bond with the screech pokemon. Even though she comes off as emotionless and never amused, Mavis had something warm and sweet about her.

The ghost type floated around Maya and her pokemon for a bit, as if she was saying hello, and then flew towards the unknown blonde girl and her partners. Looking Faye Lin straight in the eyes, Mavis strangely cooed, but not in an eerie way.

"Greetings… Mavis, is it?" Faye Lin smiled and gave a light wave, her Togepi mimicking the gesture but with a beaming smile that would put the sun to shame.

Isis, on the other hand was looking at the ghost-type rather warily as she held her stick in hand and stood behind her human partner. The Misdreavus didn't really react. She just floated back to Maya and hovered just a little off her hand.

"Is she yours, Maya?" Faye Lin asked as she observed her sister's apparent closeness to the pokemon.

"Not technically. But I do see her as a dear friend of mine," Maya answered while petting the emotionless Misdreavus that cooed slightly. It sounded a bit like ghostly purring.

A while later, they settled down on the roots of a massive tree to rest. The Meowstics were taking a nap at one side, their heads leaning against each other while the fox pokemons were once again arguing about something. Faye Lin sat daintily with her Togepi on her lap as Maya took a seat on the roots across her, the Misdreavus solemnly floating around.

"I've been meaning to ask, Faye, how are things with Aeron?" Maya spoke up casually, looking more at the pokemon floating around her than at her sister.

Faye Lin flinched visibly as a red color rushed to her cheeks. Aegis, on the other hand, beamed up at the name and waved her arms happily in the air. Finding the words, the blonde girl looked down with a small smile. "Actually, I've rarely seen him since the race. Whenever I do, he just seems to avoid me. I assume that he has a lot on his mind… I worry about him though."

"He does seem like the type to keep his problems to himself. But he will open up, sooner or later. No one can resist you and your friendliness." Maya giggled, finally looking at the blonde girl.

"SISTER!" Faye Lin grew even more red like the highlights that flared her golden locks. "I-I… uhm… we." She gave up at her stammering after saying the last word and lowered her head to hide the crimson tint of her face.

Maya tried her best to not burst out laughing. She loved teasing her sister about boys. Even when Faye Lin was little, she always reacted in the same, blushing and awkward manner. The elder sister put a hand on Faye Lin's head and finally controlled her laughter.

"No need to get so worked up about it, Faye. I know you two will be together sooner or later," Maya couldn't help herself. "Alright, alright, I'm kidding. Don't freak out too much."

"W-We're not together! I mean… It's not like that," Stammering once again, Faye Lin fell a little quiet. "I think… It's not like that. He's always been watching out for me during my stay here and so far, I've done nothing to repay him. More likely, I'm always causing trouble for him."

Aegis, the Togepi stopped squeaking for a moment and reached up to tap the girl's cheek. Faye Lin smiled at the little spike ball pokemon and kissed it lightly on the tip of her center spike.

"You miss him too, don't you?" She murmured with a gentle expression.

"Aw, Faye you're so loving and caring towards Aegis. You would be a good mother someday." Maya found a new point from which to tease her sister. She thought a little bit about if she should continue or not, but as long as Aeron wasn't with them, she figured she won't bring too much harm. "A good mother, and a good wife. I can just imagine how Aeron will be lucky to have you in the future."

Faye Lin felt like exploding with embarrassment. As her cheeks heated up, her mouth hung agape, she looked at her sister incredulously. It was one thing to say she would make a good mother, it was an entirely new matter to speak of being a wife especially when Aeron was suddenly thrown into the conversation. But unlike her, Aegis seemed to be loving the idea as she squealed gleefully.

"W-What are you saying, sister?!"

"Just that the three of you would make an adorable family. For now at least. Until a real baby comes along." Maya noted with an innocent grin.

"S-Sister, t-that's enough!" Faye quickly turned the other way and abruptly stood up with Aegis still in her arms in order to avoid anymore say in the matter. She wasn't mad, just too embarrassed to show her face in front of Maya.

"Ah, it's been such a long time since I had such an amusing conversation with you." Maya sighed happily, remembering the times when both of them were little and lived together in their giant house. "I'm sorry, just that everything built up through the years and I wanted to let it out all in one go."

Faye Lin looked back at her with a pout before letting out a calm sigh. A flicker of nostalgia glimmered in her eyes as well as her smile as she turned to her sister. "You're right… It's been a long time since we spent time like this."

Shyly, she approached Maya and leaned against her, making sure her Togepi was not squeezed between them by leaning on her side and not in front. Her older sister, in turn, wrapped her arms around the younger girl and smiled warmly. A gentle light settled between them and soon it expanded into a brilliant mass. The two sisters broke away from each other in surprise as the light flew out of Faye Lin's arms and fluttered in the air.

The glow gradually formed into a dainty fairy-like bird with a spiky crown head, a pair of wings, round feet and dull arms. With a gleeful cry, it soared around the two sisters and rained down a beautiful glittering shower. Maya and Faye Lin smiled at the sight before the light dispersed and Aegis new form flew over to the younger sister and nestled her forehead against her own.

"Aegis, you evolved." Faye Lin beamed with happiness as she raised her arms towards the Togetic. "Wait till Aeron sees you now."

"Yeah, wait till he sees how well you raised a baby pokemon. He will surely understand you're capable to raise real children as well." Maya snickered one last time and patted Faye Lin on the head. "Let's go back."

Shocked beyond disbelief, Faye Lin watched her sister leave after giving such a comment. As the rest of their pokemon followed suit, the blonde girl snapped out of her daze and followed after her sister.

Faye Lin opened her drawer where she stashed her former pokemon journey equipment. Other than her pokedex which she had always kept with her, there was a skyblue Xtransceiver, three pokeballs, healing items, a few held items. She took off the Soothe Bell from Aegis and replaced it with a Shell Bell. Then she handed the Twisted Spoon which was intentionally was supposed to be for Isis after she gained more psychic-type moves to Touya. And finally, her Braixen's Amulet Coin was exchanged for a Charcoal that was converted into a charm that still hung from her skyblue collar.

As her three pokemon began fidgeting their new items, Faye Lin picked up the file once again and read through it. It was then that she learned that Neo's parents were killed by an assassin from the Black Scythe division almost twelve years ago. She had heard the story before from Neo's caretaker and few times from the other aristocratic families, but to actually hear that the killer was so close to her made her blood run cold.

"Perhaps, this was the history that senior Ren meant," she thought aloud. It was the only reason she could find that Neo would hold a grudge against the people of Semira. But what was Master Altair's involvement with the Black Scythe division?

With deep breath, Faye Lin continued to read through the details. Other than the date and the area, he name of the assassin was not mentioned. But according to the report, Neo was determined to seek the person out. It was for that reason he started a pokemon journey. Because of his weak body, he wanted to become stronger. And when time would come that he would finally come face to face with the assassin that took his parents away from him, he can face him head on.

"Neo is a very strong person." Faye Lin smiled in admiration as she thought of her friend.

She flipped through a different page and saw a picture of a teenage boy with silvery hair that covered half of his face, revealing only one of his golden yellow eyes. Chase Graceland. Neo's apparent travel companion was returning to Sinnoh because of family matters. After sharing Neo's objective, he went with him to journey around Kanto, helping him along the way. His mother was also killed by an assassin from Semira but according to the data attached, the assassin who did it was dead for years now.

Faye Lin bit her lip. She had witnessed assassins in Semira beforehand but knowing more of their bloody deeds and the result of their acts, made her realize just how merciless and dangerous they can be. Standing up, she folded the file and slid it back inside the envelope. There were still a couple more pages to read through but she had lost the will to continue for the time-being. As soon as she placed it on her in her bag, she noticed a sticky note attached.

Visit the Trading Post for supplies. I've already informed the trader of your arrival. Take what you want. Don't worry about the payment it's under the Sky division's budget.

P.S. If I were you, I'd take the chance. Maybe get a Shiny Stone for your Togetic.

-Corentin "Ren" Greyling

"Senior Ren really looks out for everyone, doesn't he?" Faye Lin smiled and tucked the note away as well. She then turned to her team and returned them to their pokeballs, minus Aegis who fluttered beside her. As she turned to the door, she smiled at her Togetic. "Let's make most of our remaining two days."

End of Chapter 69

And that's Faye Lin's life so far, her three pokemon have evolved and she's more or less used to life in Semira. Thanks to her sister, given Aeron's being his spaced-out self.

Special thanks to Vikeila (owns Maya) for collaborating with me.

Yeah, Faye's gonna join up with Neo. Let's see how that would work. xD
The next will be a short bit about Faye and enter Corentin and Aspen. Mwhahah.

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