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.

Well… Welcome back everyone for this short chapter. A lot has happened since I last posted. Such as Pokémon Reborn E19 Posting! *mutters under breath* Just as Finals were around the corner for me that was just fun… Getting Covid didn't help with that either. But I'm fine now! I finally successfully graduated from college and obtained a proud Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.

But enough about me. Let's focus on what you the readers are here for. Pokémon Reborn. So, I've been ghosting this story for a while partly because of school, partly because of the game not being finished as I started writing it. But with the release of Pokémon Reborn E19 (Aka Final version) and me graduating you'd think I can jump right back into this, don't ya? Now if anyone recalls back in chapter 57 (December of 2020) I had a mishap with my computer losing a lot of data to the story. As this is a fanfiction based on a video game, I base some of the dialogue on the game's dialogue… I have yet to recover the dialogue for the next… well post this chapter. Reasons again school and E19 wasn't released at the time.

Currently, I am replaying through Pokémon E19 all they back from the beginning to A) recover the dialogue that's missing. B) Checking out what's new. And boy I do like what I saw in the new early game. As I've been playing through as I add this note to the beginning have just beaten Ciel, meaning I am (Including this one) 4 Chapters behind where I need to be. While timing-wise this is a pretty good pace, I do have some problems… For one I'm job searching so may randomly go on hiatus, though other than this chapter I'm not planning on posting for… maybe not until mid-June? As I've got a lot of planning to do for this. Secondly, like how I wrote Pokémon Insurgence and that Fossil Fighters Champions Story. I haven't done jack shit for an outline for most of Reborn. (When I actually did… Well, I point to Chapter 57.) But I'm planning on fixing that mistake. Thirdly, having replayed the beginning of E19… I do wish to go back to the old chapters and update them because of their many flaws, differences, and Retcons [my retcons] (Would probably be adding dates to those chapters so People wouldn't be too confused). But that's going to wait at least until I finish the story.

TLDR: Pokémon Reborn E19 has been released! Hell yeah! Though due to some personal planning this will be the only chapter posted until mid-June probably. I have no clue if I'm going to make it to Post Game, but sure as hell, Percival will be taking the Champion's Throne. I swear to that at least.

Chapter 74- An Ignited Resolve

Time: 24:00

Location: Opal Ward

It hadn't been too long since the events of "Devon". Just a few days since… But still, that place wrought scars on all those who went there, be it physical or emotional. Scars that were newly placed be it by losing an eye or losing a loved one… Or the scars that were reopened by unexpected family history to reignite.

It was late at night, out in front of Reborn's Grand Hall. On a bench near the waves of the Azurine lake, sat alone a trainer. His usual companion had shut herself in her room, depressed about the failures of "Devon", and the fact that she had failed in saving her brother. His sister seemed depressed… but wanted some time to herself. A friend had been busy with other stuff, taking over technical work of the proprietor of the Grand Hall since the previous' death. While his other two family members seemed to be fighting over some sort of discussion. All the while a friend of his mother contacted him, wishing to talk with them tomorrow morning.

Percival Wisteria, sat alone watching the nighttime waves of Azurine Lake. His blue eyes held some bags underneath them. He hadn't been able to get some good rest as of the events of "Devon". So much had happened… So much he wondered if… why couldn't he have done more?

For all his life, Percival despised feeling so powerless. So many times… When his Vee was forced into a Leafeon. That train ride entering into Reborn. Battling Solaris atop Pyrous mountain. Seeing that Gigantic Steelix in the depths of Tanzan Mountain. Powerless battling in Seventh Street against Nero. Watching Amaria nearly take her own life… All the visions of Shade… everything left a bitter taste in his soul.

And here he was again… Percival sighed looking out into the lake that reflected the night sky. He shuddered as he thought of the person responsible this time… It was the Leader of Team Meteor, a woman named Lin. He's barely spoken to her, let alone fought her. But just from her pressure alone, Percival felt a void between their power levels. A void that Percival dreaded that he was unable to fill. She was powerful, Percival knew that from the first time he ever saw her. Though that notion was reinstated once more as Lin single-handedly beat and killed the Champion of Reborn. Not only that but killed Nero a trainer that Percival deemed stronger than himself.

"…" Percival buried his head into his hands. Things were supposed to be different. This was supposed to be a victory against Team Meteor. He knew something wasn't going to go well… but it ended up catastrophically. Breaking away, looking up into the night sky, Percival admittedly wondered. "Nero… why you?"

Though there wasn't ever going to be a response. Not in the conventional sense. Remembering the papers, he received from Grim, Nero's Ace, and signature Pokémon. Percival removed the letters from his jacket. One was addressed to Lucille; he'd give that one to her… somehow. The other was to him, frankly, it was about time he tried to read it. {A/N: … What type of things do I use for letters? I've been using parentheses for inner thoughts and Asterix "*" for whispers/mutterings. So, what quotations? Brackets? Let's guess Brackets now.}

[Hey there Percival,

So how to begin this? Well, you probably didn't expect me to betray Team Meteor, did you? Neither did I, until I started writing this. Anyway, if you're reading this, then you already know I'm dead. Not much of a surprise there, I may not have been expressive of having seen my death, but I didn't keep it too secret. I had reasons for telling you I was unredeemable. Back to the topic, that means my little whistleblow on Meteor worked to some degree.

This is Lin we're talking about; I'm surprised if she hasn't figured it out yet… There are millions of ways she could be just playing me. She always has. so, listen, don't blame yourself for anything that's happened. I could have probably planned this better. Even in the best case of things getting thrown off course is Just having Lin escape after killing me. Worst, well I hope that you're the one reading this.

Back to the topic, this is about. Percival, I'll be frank, out of everyone in Reborn you are one of the only ones that can stand up to Team Meteor. Even if your reasons for coming to Reborn started as a selfish quest for recognition. You still always cared about others. You've also grown, you've gained friends, people that care about you.

Though we both know it won't be easy. And you know the main cause of that, Lin. She's a terrifying person. and to be honest, for whatever reason, I think she has an eye on you. As unsettling as it is, it's probably true. So as a warning when dealing with Lin. Take anything she does with a grain of poison. Even in the best of situations with her, someone will get hurt.

Anyway, Percival, I'm counting on you. You're one of the best chances anyone has against Team Meteor. You are strong and decently smart. If I know anyone deserving to be Champion of Reborn, it's you. So do your best and make it a place that I'll regret never being able to see.

-Nero]

"…" Percival was silent after reading it. There were a lot of things Percival thought Nero was: annoying, overly arrogant, despicable, yet at the same time understanding, commendable, and for the first time a friend. Percival stood up, looking out once more into Azurine Lake. Placing the note back into his jacket. Still skittish about having to Face Lin, Percival stood. "You may not be able to hear me, but just you wait Nero. I'll make this one of the best Regions in the world."

Eventually, the hours passed, and the sun rose into the sky. Lighting a new day across the Reborn Region, a new passage for Reborn City, a new chapter for Percival Wisteria.

He had a few things to get done today, he knew that. Starting before he meets with Adrienn, Percival once more tried to talk to Lucille. Though there was little luck as she was still shut inside of a room in the Grand Hall. Despite being unable to talk to her, Percival slid Nero's Note to her under the door. In hopes that when Lucille does get up, she'll see it and make her feel better. Though part of Percival wondered if it wouldn't. It was someone's last will; Percival didn't dare to read it when it was meant for someone else.

Percival did take a chance to talk to Marie to see how she was. Though she seemed to be distracted by fixing up old computers that were lying around the Grand Hall. Victoria helped Marie keep her mind off of the bad things. Percival was very grateful for that and hoped to repay it soon.

Though Percival hadn't known what happened to his other two siblings, Kuro and Ari. When Leaving the Grand Hall this morning he noticed Ari putting on a show for some kids with her water Pokémon. Her Blastoise, Totty, was shooting blasts of water into the air, giving off gentle bursts of rain. Where the blue-finned Vaporeon, Crystal, let herself be picked up by the children before melting into puddles causing some to freak out and others to laugh. The small two-eared Pikabluu evolution Azumarill, Azzy, was showing off its huge strength by lifting the giant walrus Pokémon, (Walrein) Tusk. All the while the impishly and timidly Carracotsta, Carra, and Starmie, Star, were floating in Azurine lake trying to show some background effects.

Ari was often like this. She thought of herself as a performer before a Pokémon Trainer. She often went out of her way to make over-the-top moves, showing a form of beauty and grace that the Whitehall family didn't show outside of Pokémon Battles. If Percival recalled correctly, Ari wanted to be a Pokémon Contest Performer. Desperately wanting a beautiful Pokémon like Milotic, even though she laughed at Phoebe while she was still a Feebas.

"Haha! You like that kids! Well, don't you worry I'm here all day!" Ari laughed, distracted by putting on a good performance that she didn't notice Percival pass by.

Percival walked through the Obsidia Ward, Headed to the Coral Ward. The place of residence for Adrienn, and also the home to Adrienn's Gym. Percival wondered if he could challenge Adrienn for a battle today, though that was just a passing thought.

"…" Percival grimaced as he passed by the "Devon" building, police tape still covering the area around it. Giving it a wide birth, Percival took a side street. A side street that Lucille once traveled through, though it was now unrecognizable compared to then. Back when the PULSE Tangrowth was terrorizing the streets of Reborn.

Percival soon reached a cross-section; it was an area that connected the Obsidia ward to both the Coral Ward and Byxbysion Wasteland. It was then Percival finally felt like calling out to the person trailing behind him. "…You've been following me since I left the Grand Hall. What do you want Kuro?"

"So, you noticed me trailing you?" Kuro asked for affirmation. Not once did Percival look behind him, nor did Kuro feel like he was noticed.

"It's a skill that I've picked up in my time here." Percival turned to his elder brother shrugging. Inwardly Percival smirked, recalling the time Nero stalked him. Percival never noticed Nero at that time, and openly had his back to an unseen enemy.

"If you picked up a skill like that, then you should know it's not safe here," Kuro called out to Percival.

"Huh?" Percival let out a baffled sigh. "I'm sorry… but are you actually Kuro? Did Team meteor switch him out with a Ditto or something? Because that actually sounded like concern."

"…" Kuro's face twitched, annoyed by that remark. "Oi, it is me you idiot. And yeah, as your brother, I have a rig—"

"A right to be concerned?" Percival cut him off, his blue eyes were dimmed. "Where was that concern all those years ago? Where was that concern when you followed father's instructions to torment me? Where was that concern when you hid my Pokémon from me? Where was that concern when you forced Vee into a Leafeon?"

"Percival, it was—" Kuro with failing excuses…

"It was what Father ordered you to do," Percival said coldly, having heard that excuse before.

"…" Kuro was silent hiding behind his sunglasses. Unable to look directly at Percival.

"I am not going back," Percival said to his brother. "Unlike you, I'm not afraid to go against that man's orders. Even if it does risk letting out the Whitehall's greatest mistakes."

"Is that what you think we are?!" Kuro snapped at that. There are four people alive who knew the truth about the Whitehall family, two of them stood right before each other.

"Ari, Marie, and Solace most definitely aren't. and if we spin it father's way, I'm the one and only mistake," Percival said uncaringly to his half-brother. "But the only mistake I have with you was believing I could trust you."

"…" Despite being angry, Kuro… couldn't say a thing. The way the story was told, Percival was the bastard of the family, born from an affair between his father and his mother. But that couldn't have been further from the truth. Kuro was the bastard, and his other three siblings were just to cover it up.
"I didn't care when we were young, I don't care for it now either." Percival walked up straight to Kuro. The boy who was only a month older than Percival seemed so small right now. "I was sad that I lost my mother when I was young, but you were there for me at that time. I thought all of you Kuro, I didn't care if I were the one who would inherit the Whitehall name or not. But you most certainly did."

"D-Don't lie!" Kuro looked up to Percival's downward gaze. "You wanted the Whitehall name! That's why you came here!"

"You're right, there was a time I wanted it." Percival didn't shrug off that name. "But all I had was just a childish hope that if I had that title… things would go back to the way they were back then. But that was never possible. My ties have been cut to the Whitehall name. The name I have now is Percival Wisteria,"

"Wisteria?" Kuro furrowed looking at Percival.

"The Maiden name of my mother," Percival answered determination clear in his voice. Kuro blinked hearing that, any information on Percival's mother was scarce. "A strong woman who once lived in this Region. A Region that I will protect."

"…" After what seemed like an eternity. Kuro's line of sight finally broke off of Percival.

Percival turned away, starting to head to where he originally intended. The Coral Ward. "While I can't say for certain it's safe for Marie to be here. Only if she wants to leave, do not force her."

"…" Kuro silently watched as Percival walked away from him. A distance only growing vaster with time. Kuro missed all of his shots with Percival, but clenching his fists he thought to take one more. "Percival, wait!"

"…What is it now—" Percival stopped, sighing as he turned around. Only to react as he caught something in midair. He looked down to see a silver ring with a rainbow-like gemstone on it. Percival blinked, knowing what it was. He looked back at his brother.

"We both know Gramps's precious Partner's Megastone was buried with him. But that shitty dad of ours kept his Mega Ring." Kuro faced away from Percival. "Better you have it than it collecting dust on a shelf. Though if you aren't ever returning, you got that from somewhere else."

"…" Percival was surprised by this… by the time he collected himself, Kuro had already walked away. It would take more than that for their relationship to repair itself… but it was a start. "Thanks… Brother…"

It wasn't too long after meeting with Kuro. That Percival arrived at Adrienn's Gym. The Gym itself had a beautiful white exterior with a pink and blue roof. The interior held some fog but was also viewable with a wide forest, but something quite different from Shelly's Forest Gym. Somehow this place seemed a bit more reaching on Fantasy.

"Adrienn, you said you wanted to talk to me?" Percival called out to the person who was sprawled over a desk.

The Person in question, Adrienn looked up, xyr hair a bit disorderly. But taking a moment they recollected xemselves "Percival, you're here already!"
"I can come back if you're not ready…" Percival responded, a bit worried for Adrienn's well-being.

"No, no it's I just wasn't expecting you yet." Adrienn denied Percival the chance to leave. Clearing xyr throat, Adrienn got right to business. "To tell the truth, about my request… I want to battle you."

"…" Percival blinked in confusion. From the way he heard it, Percival thought the request was rather important.

"It will be an official Gym Battle, of course." Adrien continued a dry smile across their face. "Given recent circumstances, the actual status of Reborn League might be unclear. However, Victoria and I will handle the administration, and as for the Champion…" Adrienn locked eyes with Percival. "I want you to become the new Champion. That's my second request."

"M-me as Champion." Percival stuttered hearing that request. It was less than 12 hours since Percival heard the encouragement from Nero's will.

"Yes, I realize that might have been your goal in the first place, but now I think it's especially important," Adrienn explained. "And I'd like it if it were you in particular, and it's not because I was friends with your mother. It's because from what I've heard about what you've done for the sake of Reborn."

"I… I didn't do that by myself you know." Percival admitted. He had his friends by his side for the most part.

"Yes, that's true. Excusing her current state. I don't think Lucille has gone around collecting Gym Badges, has she?" Adrienn questioned hearing the adventures of Percival and Lucille. "Either way, becoming champion would still entail all the Badges and defeating the Elite Four."

"Yeah…" Percival nodded; Lucille didn't have an interest in becoming champion. But Percival had more than enough reason to. "Champion is more than just a title. My pride wouldn't allow it any other way."
Adrienn smiled hearing that. "And Lin—Uh, actually, let's not go there." Adrienn stopped xemselves, "Even if she defeated Ame, I personally refuse to acknowledge her as the Champion. But we need someone who can stand up to her. You're our best hope for that."

"…" Percival fell silent as he slowly starts to feel the weight of Reborn resting on his shoulders.

"You'll do it, right?" Adrienn asked in slight worry.

"I don't know if I'll be able to win against Lin," Percival answered, not sugar-coating his worry. But a light burning in his eyes, wanting to protect this region. "But like any challenge, I'm aiming to succeed."

"Thank you…" Adrienn smiled placing xyr hand over xyr chest. Smiling as they saw the determined smile of xyr best friend before xyr eyes. A smile Adrienn thought they'd never see again. "Now why don't we prepare for your battle, huh Percival?"

"On your mark Adrienn." Percival smiled back. Determined to protect this region.