Chapter 44- The Dark Linage
A/N: This is an original Pokémon Fan Game, made by Amethyst. if you wish to check it out and play the game download it at Reborn Evolved. search for it on your web browser if you want to get to the website.
Time: 12:00
Location: Vanhanen Castle
"So, this must be the place." Lucille stated, as her and Percival stared up a huge castle with black brick.
"It is, the Gym sign over here makes it very clear." Percival gave teasing smile, as Lucille missed the sign.
"…Well. Why don't we knock." Lucille who was blushing from her mistake, had already went to give three knocks to the door.
It took a minute of waiting, which was to be expected of a castle. It was not likely that people would rush to the door fast. Eventually the door opened. Stepping from the door was a female near the age of eighteen, she has white skin, light brown eyes, golden hair, wearing an outfit more reminiscent of a maid. She had a nice calm voice that greeted the two. "Welcome, to Vanhanen Castle. I assume the two of you are here for a Gym Battle?"
"Yes," Percival answered, "…Well I am. My name is Percival Whitehall."
As Percival introduced himself, Lucile also bowed her head. "I'm not much for the Gym Challenge sadly. My name—"
The young woman had cut Lucille off, and said words that was most expected for Lucille to hear. "Sister!"
"…What?" Lucille looked at the woman curiously, stunned from the woman's exclamation.
"I'm… sorry?" Percival also confused as he heard what this woman exclaimed.
"Oh, it is me Luna!" the woman Luna said in a happy tone as she hugged Lucille. "Master will be very happy to see you. Please enter!"
Neither Lucille or Percival had much explanation, or ability to say anything, as they were dragged into the Castle. The interior of the castle was one of wonder, the floor was that of a chess board, the walls of pure white, and pillars of both black and white scattered about. Eventually the entered another room, where a man and a Gardevoir sat at a table drinking tea.
"Master, wonderful news. My sister and a challenger have arrived." Luna had openly declared to the man and Gardevoir.
"What's this?" The man had asked curiously. The man was of an interesting description, He had black hair, an odd pyramid shaped hat that did not match his pink and black suit that he wore. The man looked curiously at Percival and Lucille, before finally nodding his head. "Ah… Welcome new challenger!"
The Gardevoir could not keep her excitement to herself, as she sent a message with her psionic abilities. "One Miss Gossip Gardevoir, at your service! And don't worry, dear, autographs are always free of charge. Hm?" She stopped as Percival and Lucille stared at her curiously. "What, haven't you met a Pokémon that can communicate before?"
"No…" Percival shook his head, eyes wide at seeing or rather hearing a talking Gardevoir.
"Percy's doesn't speak like this at all…" Lucille was dumbstruck, almost forgetting that Luna declared to be Lucille's sister. As she was more shocked by a talking Gardevoir. Then remembering a past encounter, the day Lucille met Athena. "wait… I've met a Gothitelle that could do this!"
"Oh! The one in Beryl Library!" Gardevoir seemed to smile at Lucille. "I've met her too! She doesn't seem to like me very much. I have no idea why though. Who could dislike such a wonderful girl such as myself!"
Percival looked over to the man who was presumably the trainer of the Gardevoir. "How is this possible… My own Gardevoir has never been able to replicate human language like this."
The man smiled, and explained the case of Gardevoir. "Gardevoir is unique among her kind to be able to psychically project her thoughts in English. But where are my manners. I am Radomus, the lord of this castle." Radomus bowed his head. "It is a pleasure to meet you both." Then rising his hand to his Gardevoir. "As she has already alluded to, this is my Gardevoir. You may have seen her on TV; she's managed quite the career."
"…" Percival and Lucille looked away, with how much they've run around this region they've never really seen the news. Only hearing tidbits of information from other trainers.
"Moving on," Radomus changed the subject as he saw their awkward glances. "This here is my daughter, Luna."
"…Daughter?" Lucille was the most confused by this statement, as Luna had declared herself as Lucille's sister. From knowing what happened in Beryl Cemetery, and knowing Nero is her brother. Lucille knew that this man, Radomus, was not her father.
"I am also the Castle's maid; I welcome you both." Luna bowed her head, "Please let me know if there is anything, I can do to make your stay pleasant. You in particular, sister."
"…" Percival and Lucille were still a bit awestruck by this whole event, not knowing what to say. Before either one could attempt to introduce themselves.
"And you are Percival Whitehall and Lucille Luxen… or should I say Umbrasyl?" Radomus said with a calm demeanor. Which caused Lucille and Percival to be surprised, and a little on guard
"How do you—" Percival was cut off.
"Oh, don't look so surprised that Master knows who you are already~" Gardevoir sang with a proud joyous tone. Placing her hand on her chest. "After all, as Reborn's very own Gossip Gardevoir, it is my business to know things." Looking between Lucille and Percival. "I know all about your repeated attacks on the Meteors, your involvement with the other leaders… your little escapade from the orphanage~ Percival's disownment, and even Lucille realization of her past!" As Percival and Lucille paled and took a step back. "Oh, but don't worry~ Your secrets are safe with me!"
"…" Silence from Lucille and Percival as they adamantly had distrust in those words.
"Gardevoir, let us not overestimate that statement." Radomus sighed, before deciding something. "Ahem, Percival, Lucille, I would like to have a small word with you. Luna, Gardevoir. Would you please excuse us?"
"Yes, master." Luna said bowing her head, walking towards the area before the main entrances.
"Ooh, enjoying a private moment already~" Gardevoir gave teasing smile. "How sensuous!"
Radomus only mustered a tired smile at Gardevoir's remark. "Gardevoir."
"Ahaha," Gardevoir laughed as she left the room. "Going~"
After Luna and Gardevoir had left the room had become quiet. Percival and Lucille still worried about what Gardevoir knew of them. Radomus ended the silence as he cleared his throat. "Ahem, My apologies. Gardevoir is quite lively, but mostly harmless. Feel free to pay her no mind." Then Radomus gesturing to two empty chairs at the table. "Please sit, I have much to discuss with you."
"…" Percival and Lucille looked at the table, then to each other. Both didn't know how trustworthy he was… but with it just the three of them in the room. It would be easy for them to take Radomus on, if it came to it.
"So, what is it that you like to discuss?" Percival asked as he took a seat.
"Very well." Radomus smiled, knowing that the two decided to trust him for now. "Percival, I understand that you have met with Luna's actual father, El."
"…" Percival thought back to Spinel Town, meeting the older gentlemen in the light brown robes… Percival remembered his uneasiness to El, how his instincts told him to not trust him. "Yes, I have. But why do you call Luna your daughter?"
"Good question. Allow me to clarify: Though I call Luna my daughter, she is most definitely not." Radomus explained, which confused Percival and Lucille… Lucille in particular. "Luna had one day appeared, and claimed me to be her father. Much like her "Mother" in Spinel Town, and her two "siblings" Lucille and Nero."
"…She's called Nero her brother?" Lucille was surprised to hear this… one thing she didn't expect. "Do… Do you know why?"
"Alas, that is one thing I'm not quite sure on." Radomus sighed. "It could just be since they both prefer Dark-types. But that does bring the question of how she called you her sister. Since neither me or Gardevoir has mentioned your relationship with Nero to her. Though she still knew to call you her sister, that tends to boggle the mind. Do you have any guesses, as to why she would do as such?"
"…" Lucille sat in silence, one thought came to mind. "Is it because I'm marked like Nero?"
"That I'm afraid, is probably a question best left to ask Luna." Radomus said. "I have done a quite a bit of information gathering about Absols, but who they chose to mark, and those who can sense others is particularly vague in context. Though it is said that every Absol has its own mark. No mark is exactly the same."
"What about twin Absols?" Lucille responded further, trying to learn what she could in the moment.
"Twin Absols, marking a pair of twins…" Radomus smiled at that. "What a unique sense. But alas, I would not know."
"Maybe she just made a lucky guess…" Lucille sighed, trying to understand the confusion of this whole event.
"It is interesting to know why Luna called Lucille her sister. But just as important… it just seems to be the three of you: You, Gardevoir, and Luna." Percival inquired about the castle, seeming too large for just the three
"Of course, my own family is long-since gone, and it was a bit empty in here." Radomus nodded with a proud smile at Percival. "So, who was I to say "no" to her?"
"But you're not her father… and I'm not her sister." Lucille responded with a worry in her tone.
"A bit delusional… if you pardon my rudeness." Percival said.
"oh, I have a theory to that." Radomus had said, a smile on his face. "I had just mentioned that dear Luna has a heart for Dark-Types. Do either of you know history of Dark-Type Trainers?" Percival and Lucille both shook their heads at this. "You know, The Reborn Region is unique not only for having a gym for each Pokémon type, but also because Reborn is one of the few regions to have a Dark-type Gym. Most regions reject the idea of having one as Dark-Types are one of the most chaotic and dangerous types. The few regions that had a Dark-Type Gym have almost immediately closed them. do you know why?"
"We don't know anything about Dark-Type history…" Percival reminded Radomus
"Oh yes, then do you wish to know why?" Radomus re-inquired from the two, which both responded with a nod. "Right, so then Dark-Type Pokémon are considered dangerous as they have the ability to pull out the worst of a person's nature. In the past it has caused people to go mad, to the point of killing ones close to them. Though people are able to resist it, but depending on the strength of one's will. It may cause some odd side effects: such as a split in a person's personality, or the inability to tell fact from fiction. Usually the worse a person's life is the harder it is for them to resist their inner darkness."
"…" Lucille went pale hearing this. Remembering how bad Nero must have had it when she disappeared…
"…" Percival however, had memories flash back to the Abandoned Power Plant, where he had met Shade and… "(Bianco… he's the split of Nero…)"
"Now Percival, back to what I wanted to discuss. What is your impression of El?" Radomus asked, his eyes with a look of pure wonder of what Percival thought.
"…I don't know… When I met him, I felt a sense of unease." Percival explained. "I wanted to keep my distance from him. It might just be some prejudice against religious people like him. But then… I had never told him my full name, yet he knew who I was."
"Interesting." Radomus said scratching his chin.
"Why do you ask?" Percival already had a feeling why. But wished it to be untrue
"He has come calling more than once to reclaim Luna, but I have refused him." Radomus answered. "I suspect there may have been some hint of abuse… or something that has caused her to slip into the delusions of her darkness. Luna's way of calling me, Lucille, Nero, and Miss Voclain her family, might be her own way of protection due to the absence or lack of a real one."
Percival and Lucille sat stunned at hearing the end of this ordeal of what Luna's life may have been like. "…"
Radomus nodded his head, eyes filled with determination. "To that end, I am resolved to protect her from him. That is the long and short of the affair."
"…" Unsure what to say or do. Silence reentered the room. It was awkward, silent enough to hear the door creak open
"Master?" It was Luna who opened the door. As she entered the room, she bowed her head at Radomus. "Pardon for the intrusion. We have another guest."
"Is that so? By all means, please show them in." Radomus responded with a joyous smile.
"Yes master." Luna said bowing once more, leaving the room.
"I don't suppose either of you were expecting anyone?" Radomus asked Lucille and Percival.
"…Should we have?" Lucille decided to ask, since she wasn't expecting a visitor.
As Luna returned with the guest, the guest immediately gasped upon seeing Percival and Lucille. "*Gasp* Lucy, hayy gurl, hayyyy!" it was their old friend Cain LaRue, a purple haired boy with a fishnet shirt, purple jacket, pants, and knee-high boots. Cain upon seeing them ran over and hugged them both. "It's been so long! How is it going Percy dearest~" Cain said, giving Percival a kiss on the cheek.
"Cain!" Lucille exclaimed happy to see his smiling face and cheery attitude.
"We've been better." Percival grinned as he hugged backed Cain. "I've gotten yet another Gym Badge to the list."
"Aw… Really?" Cain said almost exasperated. "Well, at least you're doing well to stick to Victoria's request."
"Welcome." Radomus finally said, bringing the attention to himself. "Sorry for interrupting your reunion. But I am Radomus Lord of the Castle. I suppose you are here for a Gym Challenge as well."
Cain turned his head to Radomus with a blissful smile. "Yep. I've got some catching up to do, huh?" Cain tilted his head to Percival. "I totally got side-tracked by that whole business with Heather."
"Oh! Did you manage to find her? How is she?" Lucille said, she had been with Shelly for worrying over her the most.
"I did manage to find her again…" Cain said rubbing his arm where a bruise clearly showed. "Not that she was happy about it. She got adopted by some guy in Ametrine City. I think his name was Blake? So that's good enough for me~"
"Long as she's happy." Lucille smiled nodding along to Cain.
"…" Percival felt a bad itch on the back of his mind to the name Blake. But unable to recall what it was… dropped it for now.
Radomus could help but feel a small chuckle. "Well now, there are lost girls all over the place, are there?"
"I beg your pardon?" Luna cocked her head to the side in confusion of Radomus' words
"Of course, I jest." Radomus smiled to Luna, then looking at Percival and Cain. "Nonetheless, there is two challengers and only one gym."
"Easy!" Cain exclaimed. "Percy and I will take you on together and then we both get the badge!"
"Heh… Oh how I've missed you Cain." Percival couldn't help but smile at Cain.
"if only, if only." Radomus shook his head. "But I'm afraid that wouldn't do at all. Could you play any real strategy with two minds on one side of the board? When the king knows not what the queen is planning, the whole kingdom falls into disarray, and soon… Checkmate."
Luna feeling the need to explain. "Master amassed his fortune by winning Chess tournaments all across the globe. He is quite admirable, don't you think?"
"I've… never played chess." Lucille looks down as she admits that. "But I'm good at checkers."
"Those are two completely different games." Percival smiled. "But do you think me and Cain would try such a stunt."
"Geeez, I was kidding…" Cain sighed, then with a new thought, looks upon Percival and smiles. "But I do know how this should go. Percy wanna battle to see who challenges first?"
"Of course, show me how much you've improved!" Percival smiled.
"Ah so this is the method of which they shall settle." Radomus mused the idea. "Then I shall be the judge."
"Lucille, dear sister, would you like to grab some tea with me?" Luna inquire with Lucille before the battle started.
"Sure." Lucille shrugged and the two walked off.
"A romp with Percy is always good fun~" Cain smiled, not hearing Luna's comment.
"Now, let's make this battle a quick one. Time is of the essence today." Radomus sounded to Cain and Percival. "The battle will be a short 3 on 3. Neither side will make substitutions. 3… 2… 1. Go!"
Both sides didn't hesitate as they both threw out their first Pokémon. Percival sending out a grey dragon like Pokémon, Aeros his Aerodactyl. While Cain's choice in Pokémon was a toxic sludge pile with different shades of green, yellow, and pink, white crystals seemed to coat the body as well, this was Cain's Muk, Alolan style.
"Heh," Percival smiled as he saw the Pokémon. "I appreciate the effort, Cain."
"Eh… Knowin' your team thought I should try the fifty-fifty gamble." Cain shrugged looking upon Aeros. "seems like it didn't pay off."
"Oh, on the contrary, your Muk is able to counter over half my team. It's just as I assumed you'd start with Muk." Percival smiled, raising his hand to Aeros. "Just not him. Aeros, Rock Slide!"
"Aero!" Aeros soared into the wide space of the room. Despite this room to not being an arena the room was quite spacious, especially for Flying types. As Aeros soared, rocks were summoned from its wings toppling down. The Muk was sent back a few feet.
"Muk! No…" Cain exclaimed as his Muk was buried in rocks, though it was still conscious it was clear it was unable to make an attack this time.
"Sorry, Cain. But while you and your Muk are digging yourselves out. We'll just keep piling them high, Aeros Again!" Percival yelled. Again, flying high above the Muk, Aeros summoned rocks them all toppling down onto them.
"Muk!" Cain shouted, it looked like his Muk wouldn't be able to take another hit like that. "Okay… Gunk Shot! Go for it!"
"Mu… MUK!" The Muk gurgled, then with a large amount of force shot out a huge ball of sludge slamming into Aeros
"Aero!" Aeros lost altitude from the attack. The attack did more damage than Aeros expected to.
"Tch… Even poisoned him…" Percival noticed how heavy the attack was to his Aerodactyl. Though with the short rules, Percival couldn't switch. "Well, Aeros Finish it off with a Crunch!" With that, Aeros Charged down biting down onto the hard crystals of the Muk. knocking it out with this final attack.
"Gah… damn." Cain sighed as his Muk was taken down. "Well… At least I know what this guy is weak to! Go my Primarina Princess!" Cain shouted sending out a Pokémon with a white body and a long fish like tail, a mermaid if you will.
"Aeros let's defeat it quickly, Iron Head!" Percival shouted to Aeros. Aeros regained as much height as it could gain, before dropping back down to ram the Primarina.
"Heh," Cain smiled as his Primarina had managed to take the attack very well. "Good going Primarina! Go Sparkling Aria!"
"Prima~ Rina~" The Primarina stood up on its tail and started to sing. As it sung, an orb of water appeared over its head, the orb was then launched at Aeros, bursting into several more.
"Aerrrr!" Aeros roared as it fell to the ground.
"Aeros!" Percival shouted as his Pokémon fell. "Ah… You great. Now it's time for Vee to soak up this water!" Percival then brought out a small tannish Pokémon with several green leaves growing around her body, Leafeon known as Vee. "Leaf Blade!"
"Leaf!" Vee roared the leaf on its head had started to glow a light green, quickly slashing into Primarina taking it down with one hit.
"That Leafeon…" Cain sighed with a smile on his face, "Okay, Nidoking Baby show 'em whatcha ya got!" Cain's third and final Pokémon was a large purple Pokémon. It had spiney ears, with several horns around its body, a chest of white. The drill king Pokémon, Nidoking.
"Vee, you think you can take an attack?" Percival asked to his Leafeon.
"eon!" Vee nodded with a confidence brimming in her stance.
"Alright then, Swords Dance!" Percival commanded. Vee's eyes glowed a light blue as several swords had appeared around it, sharpening Vee's attack power.
"Wha?! Your setting up?! Nu-uh, we ain't about that! Nidoking Poison Jab!" Cain had called to his Nidoking.
"Nido!" The Nidoking roared as its fist glowing a deep purple taking a swing down on to the small figure of Vee.
"Leaf!" Vee had taken the attack head on; it was obvious that it was an attack she shouldn't be able to take. But Vee had forced her way through, shaking off the jab, Vee smiled. "Leafeon!"
"Heh, that's how it goes Cain! Vee Another Leaf Blade!" Percival commanded. Again, with her main leaf glowing green, Vee had charged in slashing down the Nidoking.
"Nidoking…" Cain said widened eyed as his strongest Pokémon was taken down with such ease. as he returned Nidoking to his pokeball, Cain smiled looking at Percival. "*Sigh*… You and your Pokémon always seem to just overwhelm me."
Percival smiled back at Cain. "Hey, your strategy of attack was brilliant though."
"Geh…" Cain said looking away, blushing at Percival's words. "It's one thing to beat me. Another thing to look cool doing so…Idiot!"
"Hahaha!" Percival laughed as he heard Cain. "I'll soften Radomus for you, okay?"
"Oh? Do you not believe he can best me himself?" Radomus had interjected as Percival said that.
"It was a jooooke," Cain whined at Radomus. "Stop taking everything so seriously!"
"On the contrary," Radomus remarked at Cain. "It maybe you who is taking me too seriously."
"…What?" Cain had no idea how to respond to that, but before he could think of one. Luna and Lucille had entered back into the room.
"Excuse us, Master? Is Miss Gardevoir with you?" Luna had asked. "I nor Lucille can find her."
Radomus had looked back at Luna perplexed. "Strange… I thought she was with you."
"Hm…" Luna had placed a finger on her face as she tried to think back. "She was in the foyer when Cain arrived."
"Perhaps she is still there then." Radomus said, "Would you check?"
"Yes, master." Luna nodded, then looking to Lucille. "Sister stay here if you will."
"okay." Lucille said back to her, as Luna left the room to go to the foyer.
"Sister?" Cain could help but ask as he heard that, then looking at the tired face of Lucille, Cain then said. "Wait… Nevermind… I'll ask you while Percy is doing the Gym Battle."
"I have a lot of things to explain…" Lucille sighed but was happy to see Cain. "So, by Cain saying that Percy is fighting first. I'll assume he won."
"Correct!" Cain said, "But it's cool I can wait."
While Cain and Lucille were distracted with conversation. Radomus had looked into a pocket watched, then closing it with a smile. "Looks like I'm playing Black this game. Perfect."
"…" Percival over hearing that was curious to what he meant by that. "What?"
"Oh, nothing." Radomus brushed Percival's question off quickly as Luna returned to the room. "Luna was she not there?"
"No…" Luna looked upset by the absence of Gardevoir, but she held a note in her had. "Master? A message was delivered for you."
"A message?" Radomus acted surprised as he heard it. "Now who might that be from?"
"The person who delivered it was dressed in a light robe, but I didn't recognize him." Luna explained, handing the note to Radomus.
"Is that so? Allow me to see." Radomus said, gladly taking the note from Luna. Radomus quickly opened the note and began to read aloud. ""To one Radomus Vanhanen," "To one?" Does that imply there's more than one? I should like to meet the other."
"…" Everyone was not interested in Radomus petty commentary, but more interested in hearing the message.
"Alright…" Radomus sighed, then clearing his throat. "Ahem. "To one Radomus Vanhanen, I have captured your precious 'Gossip Gardevoir'. Should you wish to see her again, you will return my daughter to me immediately." Signed, "-El" What, no "Sincerely"? Not even a "With love"? How rude."
"Um… dude? I don't think that's the issue here." Cain said perplexed to see how calm he was.
Luna had scrunched up her fist in disgust as she learned of the sender. "That person isn't my father. You are. I beg of you, Master, please don't send me away with him."
"She was really just captured?" Lucille was perplexed to hear this, "But she was right there when we came in… same for you as well right, Cain?"
"Yeah, a talking Gardevoir said hello to me when I entered." Cain nodded along.
"It's likely that they were waiting for a diversion such as the battle between Cain and Percival." Radomus gave a reason for not noticing it.
"Urgh…" Cain groaned as he heard it. It was most likely his fault as he suggested the battle idea. "We've gotta get her back!"
"Absolutely!" Luna agreed with Cain. "Miss Gardevoir is my dear friend. You will find her, won't you, Master?"
"Hm…" Radomus was seemingly hesitating, about this idea.
"Don't worry! We got this~ Right, Percy, Lucy?" Cain smiled looking to his two friends. Lucille nodded along to Cain's plan.
Meanwhile Percival was deep in thought, finally understanding. "Ah… so that's it. Uh… sure."
"But how?" Luna asked with worry in her eyes. "We have no idea where they went. What do we do?"
Radomus had answered calmly, with no worry whatsoever. "Nothing."
"Master?" Luna looked at Radomus in surprise.
"There is no need to do anything." Radomus shrugged, having no worry for what's to happen
"What are you talking about?" Cain shouted, "She's your Pokémon, don't you care at all?"
"Of course, I do." Radomus answered. "It's because she's my Pokémon that I have no reason to act."
"Uggh, you make no sense, gold-head!" Cain shouted at Radomus, making funs of his hat. "I'll go find her myself." Cain said charging out of the room.
"Wait, I wish to help as well!" Luna had said starting to follow
"So am I!" Lucille declared starting to follow as well. but both were stopped
"Luna. It will not do well to let you endanger yourself." Radomus declared, "You are the piece he wants to capture. Allow me to act in your stead."
"Lucy you still only have four Pokémon, this might be a bit much for you." Percival said to Lucille.
"Then what do you want me to do Percy?" Lucille questioned; she didn't like the idea of doing nothing.
"Radomus is having, Luna stay behind. She should know more about Nero than either one of us. Especially if it's true about her having a team of Dark-Types, some good strategies to counter Nero may come if you ask her for some help." Percival reasoned. "Besides… this might also be what El wants. He might try and attack while Radomus is away."
"…" Lucille thought about what Percival said. "Alright… But be careful."
"I will." Percival said, then turning to Radomus.
"Detective Radomus on the case!" Radomus declared having his hat switched to a detective's hat. "Lucille and Luna, do wait here. As Percival says, this might just be another trap." Percival and Radomus then both exited the room, following after Cain
Luna was still very worried though. "she simply must be all right…"
Lucille smiled grabbing Her hand. "Luna, it will be fine. I know it will."
"Right, thank you sister…" Luna smile back at the calming face of Lucille.