Chapter 52- A Not So Wonderous Wonderland

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.

Okay, before going into the Story… I have mentioned that I've been thinking of retconning Lucille's Gothitelle (Athena), I'm not too sure if I should or not. If I do, it will be with another special attacker (As majority of her team has been determined with physical attackers [Chesnaught, Gyarados, eventual Absol, and Arcanine {really a mixed attacker}, the Pokémon she gets this chapter]). So, I want to try holding a poll… Three options for this: 1) Athena will not be retconned. 2) Athena will be replaced with an Alakazam (Apollo). 3) Athena will be replaced with a Noivern (Aurras). I believe the poll is accessible through my homepage where all my stories are available. I hope to see any and everyone's feedback. The poll will be available for a while since Lucille still has a while before her next major fight. Thanks!

Time: 1:55

Location: Route 1

The air was cold as the time was just two hours after midnight. The lush green pastures of Route 1 were rather serene this time of night. Sure, there were the nocturnal Pokémon about in the night, but even then, there was that peaceful air of it. Well was peaceful. A bright light across the field and a group of people landed on the route.

Now one may wonder what the hell just happened? Just another long night of dealing with Team Meteor. Earlier that day, most of the people here were captured by Team Meteor, and the other two were going through two different paths to save the ones that had been captured.

The group that were captured started with the main target, Luna Hazel, or rather Luna Vanhanen. She was a young woman with blonde hair, and the supposed daughter of Elias Hazel. An Elite Four member of the Reborn league, but also a high up member of Team Meteor. Luna was a strange one as she denied all means that Elias was her father, and claimed another man, Radomus Vanhanen as her own. Either way, Elias wanted her back, even if it meant by force.

The other two who were captured just had the unfortunate luck. Lucille Luxen in particular who was with Luna when she herself was captured. Lucille was a girl by the age of 15, with blonde hair and silver eyes. She herself had familial ties to Meteor, as her Twin brother was such a member. She is currently in the process of trying to convince him to leave, and join her side. which…

Next of the unfortunate Trio was Cain LaRule, a pretty boy. Who was only captured in the heroic attempt to allow Percival to escape. Cain was a boy age 15, purple hair, and quick to flirt. He was good friends with Percival and Lucille, always willing to help them.

Now onto the said rescuers. Let's go with the one who has shown to do trying amounts of work. Percival Wisteria, he had gone through a long night trying to find the location of his missing friends. Oh, with a battle in an illegal fighting ring, being captured by the enemy as well, and then escaping just in time to see that whatever Elias had planned go through.

Oh, yes, that did almost happen if it weren't for Radomus Vanhanen, and his trusty Gardevoir. They came right in time to help the group. Saving the day. If he knew where they were… why didn't he act sooner… or rather tell Percival about it.

As the group fallen onto the pastures, Gardevoir had swiftly floated to the ground with a proud and boisterous look. "And THAT, kids, is how you storm a castle~"

"I mean, if you can call it that a castle." Cain noted to the underground Sanctum of Reborn. Now seeing how they were in the middle of route one. "Woah, we're pretty far."

"Gardevoir is capable calling anything whatever she wishes, and she will readily do so without care." Radomus ignored Cain's second comment.

"I'm so grateful to everyone for coming to save me." Luna smiled, looking at the group. "I formally apologize for the inconvenience I've caused. Especial…"

"Hm…" Lucille also noticed what Luna was about to say… and also noted a missing person. "Nero… isn't here?"

"Oh, I'm sorry darling…" Gardevoir apologized to both Luna and Lucille. "When I teleported, I only allowed those who deemed themselves our allies… it seems that your brother isn't willing to join us just yet."

"Damn it…" Lucille bit her lip and cursed. Nero is certainly a stubborn one.

"It's fine Gardevoir, I thank you for at least trying." Luna bowed her head thanking Gardevoir.

"But of course, Master would never abandon you. Especially your loved ones." Gardevoir responded, placing her hands on Luna's head.

"Yes, of course." Luna smiled, "Thank you so much, Gardevoir."

"But really…" Lucille sighed… "He still decided to stay… *Sigh*, seems like convincing him will be tougher than I thought."

"Haah, I need to stop getting my but captured, too." Cain also sighed, upset how even though he made a heroic choice, he didn't appreciate being captured again. "I'm never gonna be the very best like no one ever was, at this rate."

"Speaking of being the very best… It will not do to return to the Castle at this point." Radomus spoke to the entire group. "At least, I will not be returning. Apologies, Cain, but we will not be able to have our battle just yet." Radomus nodded, and Gardevoir swiftly returned to the side of her master. "I have other business to attend to just now. I do thank you three for the lead from before. Gardevoir?"

"Ta-ta, dears~" Gardevoir waved as she started to glow, readying to teleport away. "Stay tuned for out next big entrance!"

"Wait, what do you mean 'thanks for the lead'?" Cain shouted as Radomus and Gardevoir disappeared from view. "*Sigh*… So, I guess they won't be answering my question then…"

"Like he's answered any of your other questions." Percival shook his head, as trust worthy as he thought Radomus was… he was just as untrustworthy…

"Ahaha~" Luna laughed. "Master does love his mysteries, doesn't he? Perhaps it's better if he doesn't say…" Luna then remembered something taking three items from her pocket, handing them to Lucille. "Oh, yes. Sister, I apologize for the delay. But these are for you."

"Oh…" Lucille was surprised at the unexpected gesture from Luna. Who by the way shows no actual relation to being Lucille's sister, Luna just claims her to be. Just as she does with Nero. As Lucille was handed the items, she looked down to three items. The first was a small gemstone nearly half the size of the palm of her hand. The second was a small ring, another crystal on the ring, smaller in size, but Lucille felt a strong connection between the two crystals. The third item was a pokeball. "Um… Luna what are these?"

"This," Luna pointed to the Pokeball first. "His name is Osiris. He was originally meant as a gift for Nero. But I feel that Osiris would be better in your hands."

"Osiris…" Lucille looked at the Pokémon in the pokeball dearly, Osiris looked back. A fierce determination in his eyes, as this beastly titan should.{A/N: Hey, didn't I retcon you 46 chapters ago? How'd you manage to squeeze yourself back into this story? But really… With Blaze forced to be a Special/mixed attacker, Lucille's team will technically have 4 very strong physical attackers.}

"Now these items are for you and your Absol." Luna pointed to the Ring and the gemstone. "For when she finally joins you, and your team. Like the strong bonds you share with your team, your power increase dramatically."

"…" Lucille didn't know what to say as she looked upon the three items… she felt excited, she felt as though she was finally making progress to become stronger. Now her task was to have her Absol join her, and then convince Nero to leave team meteor. "Thank you, Luna, I shall treasure your gifts."

"I know it." Luna smiled softly, "But do be warned. Hearts beat faster in the darkness. Do you know why?"

"Because it's better with the lights off?" Cain, who had been listening in with Percival for this time, interjected. Which caused Percival to snort and nearly fall from laughing.

"heh…" Even Lucille at this time couldn't but laugh at Cain's almost random remark.

"Oh, my." Luna placed a hand over her mouth concealing a smile. "Well, be that as it may, it wasn't my intention." Luna then breathed bringing seriousness to her voice. "But in a different vein, darkness is quick to fester in one's heart."

"…" Percival felt it sting him for some reason… though Lucille felt those words sting her as well. She knew that she wouldn't fall, not while she still had so much to do.

Luna looking at the slightly pained expression on Percival's face. "Tell me, Percival, are you afraid of the dark?"

"…" Percival thought for a second… he thought about all the trials that he's faced thus far. Thinking somewhat of Nero… Percival continued to search for an answer… but seemingly couldn't find one. Percival definitely is one to overthink things.

"It is only a simple question, though you look for a complex answer." Luna read off of Percival conflicted expression. "Percival, Darkness is love. There's nothing to fear."

"…" Percival couldn't find anything in response,

Luna then held out an odd crystal, nothing like the megastone and keystone that was given to Lucille, handing it to Percival. "I invite you to discover that for yourself. Please, take this. With this, you will be able to enter Iolia Valley. As to how to find it…" Luna thought back to where the entrance was located. "There is a single tree within my master's Labyrinth. You can figure out the rest, right?"

"sure." Percival nodded… He understood that Luna was accepting a gym challenge for him. So, all that was needed was for Percival to get to her arena.

"Then I'll be waiting." Luna nodded, turning to Lucille. "It was nice to meet you, sister."

"It was great meeting you as well," Lucille smiled back, she owed a bit to Luna.

Though before Luna left, she looked at not just Lucille, but also Percival. her eyes were pained, yet also joyful. "The darkness in Master's and even Nero's hearts bore a holes that I cannot hope to fill alone. But I can pretend, can't I?" With a quick blink of her eyes, her demeanor changed as if she never said that. "Percival, I'll be waiting."

"Soooo I don't really understand much of what just happened." Cain said, utter confusion… "But I guess, I'm gonna get going too!"

"I think I will as well," Lucille nodded along to Cain's statement. "Hey, I heard something about Agate City… isn't that the only way to the Carnelia region?"

"Yeah, the guards are apparently sleeping on the job." Cain answered, "I want to see if I can do anything to wake them up."

"I'll come along." Lucille suggested

"What?" Percival looked at the two surprised. They were just abandoning him.

"Well… with Radomus flying the coop, I don't have much else to do." Cain shrugged.

"Yeah, and it's not like I'm going to start collecting badges now." Lucille admitted.

"…So, your leaving this to me?" Percival asked seeing how he was off on his own.

"Right." Both of them nodded.

"Fine…" Percival sighed; it wasn't their business for this battle. So, who was he to argue with them.

Time: 3:58

Location: Iolia Valley

It had been less of a journey through Iolia Valley, then Percival conclude. Even though it was still middle of the night, the sky holding a new moon. the valley sparkled, color with sprouting just from the light of the stars. It was a beautiful sight before Percival, the rushing river against the grassy edges, simply a wonder of nature. But what peaked Percival's interest, was the crystals of the valley. Upon touching with the Crystal Key that Luna gave him, mysterious things would occur. Walls would turn red revealing a hallow cavern beneath, bushes would transform into rocks to be smashed, the blue crystal's being of more wonder than the others: Formed bridges across the river. Since arriving at this Valley, Percival wondered if he had actually gone to wonder land.

Though as he explored the valley, he encountered someone he didn't expect. This was Bennett, a man just a few years older than Percival, an extremely smart man, preference to using bug-types, but most recently… a member of Team Meteor. Why was Bennett there, he was apparently there to pronounce his love to Luna. Percival found that slightly worrying, for one Bennett was a member of Team Meteor, two Luna didn't seem to hold any special regard towards Bennett. Sure, Luna has thought Bennett as a friend, but nothing romantic. As partially harmless as Bennett was, Percival didn't know what to do. Should he just attack him, retaliate for what happened not too long ago? Let him be, possibly humiliating himself? Percival wondered as he passed through the dark caves of Iolia Valley… Maybe he'd ask Luna on what to do with Bennett. It was only a matter of time before he reached her arena.

"Welcome, Percival." Percival heard Luna's familiar voice call out to him from the entrance to a cave. He had stumbled into the right place apparently. This cave didn't appear to be much different: The floors were a stanch white due to the crystals reflecting and twisting the light from the outside. while the walls and ceiling were hard to see, it was as if they didn't exist and only continued on into shadow. Though despite being unable to see the walls or ceiling, Luna was quite clear in comparison. Her blonde hair, eyes, clothes were all visible albeit in a slightly altered tone, but it barely differed from outside. "I am glad you have reached here safely."

"Yeah, um—" Before Percival could make attempt to warn her about Bennett.

"Luna!" Bennett's shout for her was heard as he rushed into the cave.

"How can this be?" Luna said, not expecting Bennett to be here. "Only Percival was supposed to reach me here…"

"I tagged along." Bennett cut that short, pushing past Percival, heading to Luna. "I want to apologize, Luna."

"There is no need to apologize. I hold nothing against you." Luna was quite the kind woman, this kindness even surprised Percival, though also reminding him of Lucille. Percival did wonder if he could make the same decision to forgive Bennett that easily though… "Now please, if you will, leave us be? We have business, after all" Luna politely tried to turn Bennett away.

Though Bennett didn't listen. "No, Luna—you don't understand… I just… I want what's best for you, and I was really confused and—"

"Bennett," Luna smiled at him, not blaming him for what had occurred. "It is quite all right. You need not say anymore."

"No, I—" Bennett stammered for a second, before blushing and shouting. "Luna, I love you!"

"…I beg your pardon?" Luna was visibly shocked, more so then when she found Bennett had followed Percival. She looked slightly uncomfortable.

"Ever since you first moved in with us, I couldn't stop thinking about you." Bennett said with a smile… "You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, and—"

"Please, stop…" Luna said slightly meekly, but her voice loud enough to be heard by Percival. It was clear she didn't like this.

"Luna, would you be mine!" Bennett had asked, arm out, as if he were proposing.

"…I'm sorry, but I have to go now." Luna was pale, she didn't like the sound of this… Luna turned to Percival. "Percival? He will not be able to follow me without the crystal keys you hold, so please join me when you are sure we will be unaccompanied…" Luna said, withdrawing further into the cave, the shadows seemed to close in around her, forming actual walls. As the walls closed, she bid a final farewell. "That is, farewell."

"No, wait, you haven't even given me a proper answer!" Bennett shouted, though the shadows closed. Luna was already gone. "She disappeared again, huh…" Bennett looked down, trying to comfort himself. "Maybe she's just shy… Maybe she feels the same way and doesn't want to admit it…" Bennett looked up, his eyes meeting Percival's. "…Or maybe I'm just pathetic."

"Bennett…" Percival was about to give sympathy… but Bennett snapped.

"That's what you're thinking, right?" Bennett shouted, looking at Percival with contempt and jealously. "But she's letting you through. Why? I know, Percival, why don't you give me that Key she was talking about?"

"We both know I won't do that." Percival didn't like the looks of this Bennett. The person he met before seemed nicer, calmer, more scientifically driven. But the Bennett before him, seemed crazed. Someone he'd rather not have Luna meet.

"Then… I'll just have to take it from you!" Bennett shouted, grabbing one of his Pokémon. Bringing out a fuzzy mothlike Pokémon. With blue eyes a shadowed face, five red horns on its fuzzy white mane, and six legs. "Larvesta go!"

"Aeros, it may be crowded in here. But I can count on you." Percival said, grabbing one of his own Pokémon. What came out of Percival's body, was a grey dragon like Pokémon. This was an Aerodactyl, known to Percival as Aeros. Even in this confusing expanse of the cave, Aeros still found enough room to fly, meaning his speed would be parallel to none. "Aeros, Rock Slide!"

"Aerrro!" With a flap of Aeros' wings, he summoned rocks sliding upon the small bug creature. Instantly taking it down in one shot. {A/N: Yeah… Aeros can one shot everything Bennett has… especially since two thirds of his Pokémon are 4 times weak to rock, and the other two can still be one shotted by rockslide… so… GG Bennett.}

"Bennett, stop this madness." Percival called to him. "She doesn't reciprocate your feelings."

"No, she does! I know it!" Bennett shouted in denial. Bringing out his next Pokémon, another moth like Pokémon with a purple body, green wings with red markings. "Dustox, use Shadow Ball!"

"Dustox!" the Dustox summoned the shadows into a ball, with the darkened cave around them the ball formed faster with more strength. Launching at Aeros with ease.

"Aeros!" Percival called, where Aeros was already aiming to intercept the ball of shadows. As the Shadow Ball flew right in front of Aeros' face, Aeros opened his maw crunching down onto the ball. Easily dissipating the attack. "Follow up with Rockslide."

"Arrr!" Aeros roared, like before, summoned several large rocks again colliding down onto the Dustox. Again, taking it down.

"Bennett, yield." Percival asked calmly. He didn't want to fight him, but Bennett wasn't giving him much of a choice.

"Not until you give that key!" Bennett shouted once more. demanding the key from the Percival. Bringing out his third Pokémon. A purplish moth, giant eyes. "Venomoth! Sig—"

"Aeros." Percival's demeanor went colder as the battle raged on. Again, Percival used Aeros to take down, not just Bennett's Venomoth, but his Scyther, and Yanmega. "Bennett, she doesn't love you, even if you continue to try to persuade her, you'll only get her to hate you."

"No… She would never… No! I won't give up! I'll make her see!" Bennett yelled in denial, bringing out his final Pokémon. A Butterfree.

"Make her see?!" Percival shouted in disgust, really losing all faith he once had in Bennett. "Then your just as bad as Elias, who tried to force his ideals on to her! Take a good look at the road you're going down Bennett. Luna hates Elias to the point she denies the biological prowess of him being her father. IF you really think you can force your ideals onto her, then you amount to even less than him."

"Free!" The Butterfree cried as Aeros caught it, and knocked it out with one hit.

"…" Bennett was silent as he looked at his defeated Pokémon, a bit of sadness leaking onto his face, "So that's what I amount to, is it…"

"You tell me." Percival said, still annoyed, as he returned Aeros to his pokeball.

"…In the end, I'm just a fool, aren't I?" Bennett asked, possibly not for Percival, but for himself. "Stupid. Stupid to think that she would love me… Stupid to tell her… Stupid to think that I could beat you. Yet…"

"Yet what?" Percival still on guard with Bennett. He didn't know what Percival

"…I'm going." Bennett claimed with a different determination form before. "Elias promised he would take me to the top, and I'll hold him to that… And when I'm there… She'll regret refusing me now. Just watch me, Percival!"

"…" Percival shook his head in admonishment. Sure, he liked to see Bennett's determination, but the direction of that Determination was rather misplaced. "It won't go as you think."

"One day, you'll see…" Bennett said with his determined eyes, and started to walk towards the exit. "I promise, next time you see me, things will be different."

"…" Percival sighed, knowing the next time they would definitely be enemies. Percival was reminded again that day, that ever since coming to Reborn his list of enemies has steadily grown larger. Percival then turned to the darkened cave, towards the direction Luna went. He didn't know how the battle would go. Or if he should be afraid… Light and Dark often go hand in hand, just as life and death, love and hate. Would this battle prepare Percival for the future? only time would tell.

Since I was summoned here, I knew this road would be tough for you and Lucille. I may not be able to do much for your sakes, but I will give you the strength to continues. It is a promise.