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An Uncertain Future	By : Twill Category: Pokemon > General Views: 12846 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
“Did it work?”

“You will live to regret this.”

“So you keep telling me.”

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A pounding headache woke Gardevoir the next morning. The very room seemed to pulsate with the dull pain. That strange place, Abra, the red door, it couldn't have been a dream. Her thoughts were like smoke in the wind as memories from the night prior returned bit by bit. But as she opened her eyes she smiled. Warmth washed through her body, a relief that eased some of the pain. Rob was there.

His breath was rhythmic and steady as he slept, an arm still holding her close to him. Gardevoir wriggled closer to him and rest her head upon his chest. She could feel the heat from his body pressed flush to hers. The night before had not been anything like she'd hoped. There had been no answers, only more questions, but now she at least felt safe. Maybe she did rely on others too much. No longer though, she would do this on her own if she had to. Gardevoir breathed deep, taking in Rob's scent. But maybe she wouldn't have to.

The fabric of Rob's shirt was course against the hand she trailed over her trainer's shoulder. Unease bubbled up in her stomach as she lay there. Humans were odd creatures at best, and she knew little about them. Her claws extended unconsciously in an attempt to hold on tighter. Rob's breathing changed. When he spoke she could feel his chest vibrate as his body created to words.

Rob's voice was reserved. “Um, good morning, Gardevoir.”

She nuzzled her cheek against his shirt. “Morning.”

“You're, um, I.” Rob cleared his throat. “You're awfully, err, close, this morning.”

“Mmm.”

“I should probably, you know, get up, or something.”

Gardevoir could have lain there all day, but she acquiesced at a light prod on the back. She missed the warmth already as she watched Rob get out of bed. The sinking feeling returned as her trainer moved towards the bathroom without a second glance back. Was it because she was a pokemon? Or maybe it was more than that. Someone that couldn't fend for themselves would only be a burden, and if he thought she was insane or unstable... She couldn't blame him if he did.

It wasn't the right time, not yet. There were things she had to figure out for herself first. Gardevoir glared at the pillow that lay ruffled upon the bed. The rooftop stranger hadn't helped, and she would not wait to see if he'd return. There must be a reason for the power that resided within her. Once she had figured some of it out, then maybe he'd see her as more than a weapon.

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The towering gray structures were beginning to feel somewhat normal by now. Their stay in Goldenrod had been the longest in any one place since he'd started out all those weeks ago. Rob looked back at his small team of pokemon. Only three of them were his technically speaking, but he still had a great fondness for the little blue fighting type Gardevoir had picked up back in the caves.

Overhead, the sky still held a dismal grip over the world below, but it didn't appear like it was going to rain. And while it was a little colder than it had been, it would make good weather for his team to train in. He could already feel the excitement tingle thorough his body at the impending match. Tomorrow he would be facing Goldenrod's best.

Whitney had been described to him as young for her position, but ran a strong lineup despite the common views held of normal types. He'd had quite a lot of success so far with his previous gym matches, and while he wasn't one to get overconfident, he expected this next match to go the same as the others. And if things started to go south, well he had Gardevoir.

Rob glanced over his shoulder at his psychic type. Despite maybe badgering her just a little about it, she had assured him that she was fine. She had refused to give him any information about where she'd been the night before, or what happened, but he did trust her. He just hoped she wouldn't do anything that would put herself in danger; she was strangely impulsive at times.

It was always a mystery with her. One minute she had cuddled up to him, and the next she was distant, almost oblivious to the world around her. Although, thinking of the morning, his face warm ever so slightly. Gardevoir were known to get close to their trainers, but he thought he'd be safe considering her initial view of him. As long as she didn't get too clingy in public though, he'd manage. Rob glanced back again, but Gardevoir's eyes stared as if ignoring the world around her. She had been quiet ever since he showered.

Sunlight was peeking through the clouds by the time the small group had made their way onto Route 35. Rob had one last day to get his team ready, and he wanted this gym fight to go as smooth as possible if he could manage it. An open clearing to the side was roughly the same size as a regulation arena, and it might be good to give them practice in a space where movement could be utilized. When Quilava and Sandshrew sparred, they generally stuck to close quarters. Even Sandshrew tended to favor going on the offensive.

“Alright, you two,” Rob said, indicating the two who would be leading in the match tomorrow. “Warm yourselves up real quick and then we'll go start going over some strategies.” The pair moved out into the grassy field and squared themselves off like they usually did. They always started the same way, he'd have to mention that to them. Predictability was never good in a fight. “Sorry Riolu, maybe you can knock them around a bit later.” The fighting type smiled at his words, if not at him, but it wasn't hostility, so he'd take it. Rob watched as the blue furred pokemon took a seat to watch the others.

“And for you Gardevoir...” Rob turned, but Gardevoir was no longer behind him. She had been there just a second ago. Rob looked around to see her green and white form a little ways away from the group, still with that inward looking gaze on her face. Something was up with her; though, in her current mood, he probably wouldn't get any answers.

With a sigh Rob walked over to her. “You okay?”

Gardevoir's eyes snapped back into focus, and she looked up. “Wha- Yeah I'm fine.” Her eyes didn't quite meet his. It was a complete change from how she was acting earlier.

“Are you sure?” Rob asked as he moved closer to place a hand on her shoulder. Had he imagined it, or did she flinch at his touch?

Gardevoir's voice was low and deliberate in his mind. “Yes. I was just thinking.” Her posture was stiff, and her eyes avoided his.

“Okay. Well I came to tell you to take it easy. If you have to fight at all tomorrow, I doubt it will be anything to worry about for you.” There was a slight glint in her eyes at that, but Rob had no idea what she was thinking behind that guarded expression. “If uh, you want to talk, let me know okay?”

“Sure.”

Rob lingered a moment more, hoping for any indication of what might be bothering his pokemon, but it seemed Gardevoir wasn't about to let on. He gave her shoulder a light squeeze but left to return to his other pokemon to prepare. Maybe giving her some space for a bit would help. That's what he was going to tell himself anyway.

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A soft blue and purple glow washed over Gardevoir's pale body as she stared into the swirling disk of psychic energy hovering before her. Everything had changed since she had last done this, yet the swirling patterns brought it all back. Abra, the basement, the constant darkness and futility, all the memories rose to the surface.

It's not that she wanted to remember, but she had to. All of this had started there when she lost control the first time. There had to be something she was missing, and there was no one to help her this time. Relying on others wouldn't help her; it never had. Looking back she could see it. Abra had tried to help her, and he died because of it. Then the mysterious pokemon on the roof, had he even been real? Either way, she saw it now, how foolish she had been. She was an idiot for trusting in him. Had it just been to toy with her, or did he have other motivations?

Then there was Rob. What would happen to him because of her? He wouldn't betray her, never that, not him. She hadn't been lying when she'd told him her life was his, but what if he didn't... If he rejected her, a part of her would die, but she wouldn't let that happen, not without trying. The disk in front of her roiled with intensity, a blue and purple storm whipped up by her turbulent thoughts. She was powerful.

Gardevoir stood, dissipating the disk of energy. Her muscles ached with built up tension. She needed to be doing something. The others might not be able to train with her, but she could still exercise her powers. She had been idle too long. As she relaxed her mind, power filled her. Psychic energy, life itself, coursed through her. The heat and pleasure flowed in her veins and filled her mind. The other power was there too, seductive and infinite. One day. For now, Gardevoir channeled her own power, and began.

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Rob watched as his two pokemon practiced the strategies he'd explained to them. Not that he took their training too seriously, he still wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his future, but they were quick learners anyway and seemed to enjoy the exercise. Riolu sat by a short distance away as well, and though she still didn't seem overly friendly towards him, he had noticed her listening in when he'd been talking with the others. Gardevoir had warmed up to him, and Riolu might too at some point.

With that thought he glanced over at his psychic pokemon, and his breath caught. While the others fought, Gardevoir danced. Psychic energy rippled the air as she moved through it, her white gown swirling in a display of power and grace. Every motion was fluid, leading into the next teleport or attack. An aura of power surrounded her, making the air around her dance in a mirage. Rob shut his mouth with a click. It was beautiful.

His heart raced just watching her. He would always be proud of Quilava and Sandshrew, they were both amazing, but Gardevoir was just so far beyond any of them, himself included. If they headed for the stronger gyms now, maybe even the Elite Four, he bet Gardevoir could take on the best of them. He was selfish perhaps. Gardevoir would be better suited for another trainer, someone who could understand and utilize her potential, that could help her grow stronger, but even the thought of letting her go made him cringe. He could never do it.

Rob realized the others had stopped too and were watching Gardevoir. “Back to it you two, or you can join her,” he said, returning his attention to his other pokemon. They both grinned but fell back into their fighting stances, low to the ground and watchful of one another.

Rob felt his face heat slightly. He'd probably been gaping like an idiot. Ever since this morning after waking up... His cheeks colored further at the thought. What the hell was wrong with him? He had a gym match to focus on. It didn't take long for his mind to become occupied by the two pokemon sparring before him. Watching them only bolstered his confidence, and he felt more than prepared to face Whitney, even if he went without Gardevoir. The image of his psychic type whirling about lingered in the corner of his mind though.

Late afternoon sun began to peek through the clouds above, and Rob didn't want his pokemon too tired out. He let out a shrill whistle, and his two pokemon broke away from each other, turning to him. But instead of addressing them, he turned to the small blue pokemon who sat a small distance away from him.

“Hey, Riolu. Why don't you go show them what's what?” He'd gotten an initial glare, but at hearing she could join them, the fighting pokemon leapt to her feet. It was a shame that she didn't seem too impressed by him. Despite her relative inexperience from what he could gather, and Gardevoir still refused to let him in on her story, she would be quite an asset to the team, especially for the type diversity once she evolved. Maybe she'd come around, just as Gardevoir had, and with that thought he turned to his solitary pokemon.

Rob turned away from the other three as Riolu began to work over his already wearied pokemon and headed towards where Gardevoir trained.

“Gardevoir?” he called out from a distance, not wanting to be the unwitting target of a psychic blast. His pokemon let her power disperse as she turned to him. Her chest heaved, and sweat glistened on her white and green skin. A few stray strands of hair were plastered to her face, but the eyes that regarded him were still full of energy. She seemed changed from before she'd started.

“We're going to head back soon, so you can take a break now if you want.” Confidence and power still exuded from the feminine form that stood before him. “I watched you a little, you looked amazing.” Blazing eyes met his for a moment longer before she dropped her gaze, the majestic air somewhat diminishing. Not the reaction he'd hoped for.

“Well, you did great. I decided to let Riolu have a little fun for a bit; then we can head home, okay?” he asked, hoping to get some response from her.

“Yeah,” Gardevoir's voice drifted through his mind, low and emotionless. Rob sighed as he led the way back to the others. She had lowered her defenses for a while around him, but the walls were back up once again. He just wished he knew what was behind the changes. On the other hand, he couldn't help but laugh as he saw the other three. Quilava and Sandshrew had teamed up against the fighting type who seemed to be having way too much fun.

“All right Riolu, I think they've had enough,” Rob said with a chuckle as his words were met with a look of dismay and two of relief. Quilava said something he couldn't understand, though the other two laughed. Rob glanced at Gardevoir, but her eyes looked inward, ignorant of the world around her.

The way back to the pokemon center was made in silence, at least for him. Riolu was quite animated, as was Quilava to an extent, though he and Sandshrew were clearly worn out. Of course he couldn't understand any of their conversation, and Gardevoir trailed behind, silent as a ghost. He picked up a meal for all of them at a small place along the way and then continued back to the pokemon center.

Colorful light from the evening sky leaked in through the room's lone window and cast a red-orange glow over everything it touched. Despite doing relatively little, he still felt tired. Of course as soon as he lay down he was sure to be wide awake, the anticipation already began to crawl under his skin. If only he could get the match over with now. His other pokemon probably felt differently though. Quilava and Sandshrew both threw themselves onto the bed not one minute after getting back, and Riolu joined Quilava. Clearly her dislike of him didn't extend to his pokemon.

Gardevoir on the other hand continued to look lost. She stood just inside the room and stared through on of the room's walls.

Rob approached her. “Tired?”

“Hmm?” Gardevoir replied, her focus returning from distant thoughts. “I guess so.” Her words trailed off in his mind as if she wasn't even sure.

“The others don't like water, but if you want to take a shower, it might help you relax a little.” Rob indicated the bathroom.

Gardevoir's face darkened for a moment, but the voice in his mind was weary. “Shower?”

Rob blinked. “Um, it's like warm rain, I guess. Here,” and he lead Gardevoir into the bathroom.

“I still don't get it, what-” She jumped slightly as he turned on the water, and it crashed against the fiberglass walls.

“Just stand in it, you'll get the idea. There are towels over there.” He pointed to the small rack on the wall and left, closing the door behind him. She was so oblivious to things sometimes; it was kind of cute. “There is something wrong with me,” he muttered to himself and lay back on the unoccupied bed.

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Gardevoir pushed the odd metal handle that protruded from the wall and controlled the water. It was an incredible device. With a mere touch she could make the water hot enough to scald her skin or cold enough to send her into shock. As the last of the drops hit her skin, she could see the mist that now hung in the air. She had preferred the water hot.

For a few more minutes she just stood in the white enclosure. Rob had been right; all of the tension had seemed to drain from her body under the constant patter of warmth. Her hair clung to her face as water slowly trickled down her body before falling to the floor with a quiet plunk. The heat had penetrated to her very core, and the warm mist that lingered made moving that much less appealing, but she couldn't stay there all night.

The towels Rob had pointed out were warm and fuzzy. Though awkward to use, the cloth was soon heavy with the water that hadn't evaporated from her skin and hair. The shower had been relaxing, but it also had given her time to think everything over.

The imaginary foes she had spent the day fighting against were just that, pretend. Rob had said she'd done well, and maybe against those imaginary foes she had. She'd certainly felt strong with the psychic energy flowing through her, but when had she actually fought a real enemy, she had failed. Absol, Zoroark, and that creature that stalked her mind. Each of the real enemies she had had defeated her easily.

Of the three, two were beyond her ability to locate, but she knew where one would be. She had thought about it while training, and now she was even more sure of what she had to do. There was something important in that strange dream world. It was more than an ordinary dream, of that she was sure. Tonight she would try to go there, and then she would figure out its purpose. And if she was correct, she would not be alone.

Cold air assaulted her skin as she stepped from the bathroom and into the main room. She almost retreated back to the warmth. Clearly this shower thing was a double edged sword. Despite the early hour, everyone seemed ready to go to sleep. Everyone but Riolu anyway who bounced at the edge of the otherwise unoccupied bed watching the humans and pokemon on the television.

“How was it?” Rob asked from his reclined position on the other bed. His arms were crossed behind his head with Sandshrew curled up at his side.

“It was nice,” she replied with a sigh as she sank onto the soft bed next to Riolu. The combination of warmth and the earlier hard exercise weighed on her eyes, and she could feel herself drifting off the second her head rest on the pillow. It hadn't been her intention to go to sleep immediately, but the call of rest was too alluring to ignore. She mumbled something in response to Riolu, but her eyes closed, and peace washed over her tired body.

Gardevoir wasn't sure exactly how it happened. Whether she had entered a dream or projected herself to this place, she wasn't sure. Maybe it was a little of both, but whatever the case may be, she was here. It was the same as before.

“So you figured it out?”

Gardevoir silently cursed herself for letting the twisted creature sneak up on her. “Leave me alone,” she growled, composing herself. The pallid interior looked the same, but this time she could see the glow around everything from the start. It was silent, empty save for the two of them. Gardevoir picked her way through the house, careful to pay attention to anything that looked out-of-place.

Abra's voice was filled with satisfaction. “I told you where to look.” They were on the second floor now. She had never been here in reality, but it seemed just as real as the rest of the house, complete with furnishing and pictures, pictures her mind could have never fabricated.

“What are you?” Gardevoir asked, turning to the creature that pretended to be Abra. His only response was to grin up at her. “Are you a part of me? This place, it is a part of me is it not?”

“A part of you?” Abra spat and started to laugh. “I am so much more than you could ever be. No, I am not part of you. As for this place, it is, and it is not.”

Gardevoir's brow furrowed. “You stalk me through this place, yet you give me nothing but riddles. You pretend to lord knowledge over me while you invade my mind and disguise yourself as-” Gardevoir cut herself off. She didn't have time to waste with that thing. Her white gown flared as she spun, but the creature's voice stopped her dead in her tracks.

“You know that all psychics know of this place correct? Any psychic pokemon can come here at will, awake or asleep. Not here specifically, as it is partly influenced by you, but a place like this of their own.”

Gardevoir glanced at the sadistic grin plastered on Abra's face. “Go on.”

Abra advanced. “I took this form because it bothers you. You watched him die, watched as he was crushed between the jaws of a pokemon while you cowered on the ground.”

Anger clenched her fists, yet she still couldn't feel any connection to her psychic powers. “I knew you were an imposter, that's no surprise, but what are you?”

Abra's grin widened but he ignored her question. “You remember every detail perfectly, down to how the blood leaked from his mouth as he made one last pathetic plea. But it was the best thing that could have happened to you.”

“Either answer my questions, or get out of my head, but don't you dare speak of him like that.” She would not cower before whatever that thing was.

Ecstasy, it was the only description for the look on Abra's face. “You should be afraid.” The hall began to vibrate, then the entire house.

Gardevoir could feel it, a force that threatened to shake apart her very body. “What are you-” Heat shot through her body. A fire was lit inside her, scouring away everything but Abra's grinning face. She dropped to her knees, panting. “What are you doing to me?”

“You are ignorant. You think I can't hurt you? Here?” He laughed. “I could kill you with a thought. But that would be such a waste. No, I won't hurt you; I won't hurt anyone. You on the other hand...” Abra stepped forward, now at eye level with her. A three-fingered hand brushed her cheek, and the heat increased. Power flooded her body, power beyond her control, though it wasn't like the chaotic power that had taken control of her in the past. This power was guided, but by a hand other than hers.

Then her body split. One part of her was on her knees in the dream hallway, and another was back in the pokemon center. Her dream self shook uncontrollably as Abra's hand stroked her cheek. She tried to fight it, but the new scene stole her attention.

Cool air touched her skin as she removed the blanket from herself. She stood in the silence of the room. Four chests rose and fell in the dark room as she looked over them. Blue light blazed to life in her eyes.

“Wha-What are you doing?” Gardevoir choked out. Her chest heaved as she struggled to pull in breath as the inferno raged in her core.

Abra cupped her chin in a hand, forcing her eyes to meet his. “I'm doing nothing, but you are about to murder your friends.”

She had no control over her body, but she felt every movement, every trickle of psychic energy that was manipulated by her mind. Rob. Psychic energy wrapped around his body and lifted him from the bed.

His eyes snapped open in shock, mouth agape. “What the- Gardevoir? What's going-” She slammed him against the wall, forcing a gasp from his lungs and sending him into a fit of coughing. The other began to wake as well.

Red eyes glared at her. “I knew it you bitch.” Flames crackled along Quilava's back in a fury she had never seen from the fire type. A jet of flames roared towards her face. Gardevoir didn't even flinch from the intense heat as a barrier popped into existence between the two, easily deflecting any potential harm. It was a futile attempt. Quilava didn't stand a chance against her, not a sliver of hope. She lashed out with her psychic energy and gripped Quilava as she had Rob.

“Stop this, please.” Gardevoir begged.

Abra's face was now inches from hers, his breath hot against her face. “You are doing this. You want to kill. Cleanse the world. Return it to dust. Create your own paradise. I know how you look at that human, and you know he doesn't think the same. But he could.”

Gardevoir tried to shut her eyes, but her body was no longer hers. Quilava's body was thrown across the room before colliding with the wall in a sickening crunch. He hit with such force that he bounced a few feet before coming to a rest on the ground where he didn't move.

“Gardevoir?” Tears glistened in Riolu's eyes as she rushed to Quilava's side. A shaking paw gingerly touched the still form. The hurt in the baby pokemon's eyes tore at Gardevoir's heart. No, she would never hurt Riolu, never. Her body was no longer under her control though.

“Aren't they your friends?” Abra sneered as his grip tightened on her.

Tears leaked down her cheeks. “Please. I don't care what you do to me. Please stop this.” Her hand came to rest on Rob's throat. She could feel his pulse beneath her green hand; feel his throat tighten as he swallowed.

“Gardevoir.” His voice was barely a whisper. “Gardevoir listen to me please. This isn't you. Stop. Please Gardevoir.” His eyes begged, but her grip tightened. There was no anger, no fear, only a deep sorrow behind those green eyes. Tighter.

“No!” Gardevoir screamed at Abra. Her mind reeled as she tried to make sense of both realities as she was assaulted by the heat devouring her. “Stop. I'll do anything you want, just stop this.”

“There is only one place you can find what you're looking for.” Abra's hand dropped to her throat. Tiny claws bit into her skin, drawing blood from a series of scratches in her skin. Then he was gone. “No, I can't,” Gardevoir called out into the emptiness.

“Then he dies. They all die.” The voice echoed through her mind, and then there was silence.

Gardevoir fell forward onto her hands. Tears splashed against the carpet. “Come back!” she shouted, but request was met with silence. That monster did this; he was behind it. She could feel the weave of the carpet beneath her palms, and just as clearly she felt Rob's skin beneath her crushing grip. Blood pounded below his skin, against her fingers, as it tried to force its way past her grasp to keep Rob's body alive. She could see the color-drained house around her at the same time she watched as Rob gazed sadly into her eyes.

Why did that thing want her to open that door so badly, or did it even matter? It didn't. At best, opening the door would kill her. At worst, she'd go insane. Either option was an insignificant price to pay for saving Rob from herself. She had promised. Gardevoir wavered as she rose to her feet, but there was little time. Pain shot through her shoulder as she collided with the walls after stumbling down the stair. She could see it now, the dark red glow that burned an outline around the front door of the house. It sang. Rob's eyes fluttered as the skin of his face darkened further. His mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out.

I'm sorry. The metal was cool beneath her touch. She gripped the knob and turned throwing the door open. What lay beyond was incomprehensible, a machine of light. It was infinity laid out before her. A pure light burned her chest. Gardevoir screamed in silence as she was consumed by what lay beyond. Her vision faded, and then there was nothing.

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“Rob!” Gardevoir bolted upright, fighting the blankets that tangled her panicked limbs. It was dark, but shadows moved around her, silhouettes illuminated by the pale light that entered through the window. A light clicked on.

“Gardevoir?” Rob sat up, rubbing his eyes. Iron hands gripped her chest. She tried to breathe, her ears ringing. Four sets of eyes regarded her, and Rob rose. Her body shook uncontrollably, and it was all she could do but stare at Rob as he approached. What was this? Was it real, was anything real?

The door, the shaking, everything from that place. Was this another trick? She could still feel her hands around Rob's throat as he struggled for life, and now he was right before her. Concerned eyes met her own, wide with shock.

Her voice was barely a whisper. “Rob?” A shaking hand reached out to him. Her fingers met his clothed chest. Solid, but then his neck had felt solid when... Gardevoir looked past him, to the other two pokemon. Quilava and Sandshrew were both there, confused looks on their faces. A furred paw on her back caused her to jump.

Riolu's voice was tired but concerned. “Gardevoir are you okay?”

Her legs almost gave out as she stood, but she maintained her balance, backing away from them all. Was this real, or just another trick? How could she even tell? What if this entire thing was a trick? The power she had didn't make sense, and Rob, he wasn't like any other human. An elaborate hoax. The creature who'd stolen Abra's body, it knew so much, but could it have had the power to trap her in her own mind? That would make more sense than...

Gardevoir's back hit the wall. Four sets of eyes watched as she sank to the ground. This – this could all just be some fabrication. Or she could also just be insane. There was no way to be sure.

“Gardevoir what's going on?” Rob crouched before her, but she couldn't meet his eyes.

Her mental voice wavered despite her best efforts. “G-Go back to sleep. It was nothing. I'm sorry for waking you.”

Rob's voice was gentle as he laid a hand on her shoulder. “Are you sure? It's seemed like something has been bothering you lately, and now you look terrified.” His hand was warm, reassuring. It had to be real. His touch was inviting, her body willing itself to fall into his arms, but she wouldn't let him see her fear, her uncertainty. She took a deep breath.

“We have to be up early tomorrow don't we? You should get back to sleep.” Gardevoir almost flinched as Robs withdrew his hand. She wanted to reach out for it, but she stopped herself. Instead she fought her shaking body, desperate to mask the fear that gripped her. She didn't want Rob to see her like this. After a few more moments he returned to his bed.

Gardevoir sat for a long time, trying to work through what had happened in that strange dream. Before tonight she had thought it was somehow a representation of her mind, though what Abra had said indicated there was more to it, and she wanted to believe him. Otherwise, that creature was a part of her. Gardevoir shuddered.

And then there was the door she opened. Her mind ached as she tried to remember it. All she could remember was lights, and a sense of grandeur beyond impossibility. Something beyond words or mortal ideas lay behind those doors, but had opening them released something, or let something in. As her body processed the adrenaline that had filled her veins, she felt her eyes droop, and she soon fell back into an uneasy slumber.

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“Gardevoir, time to get up.”

Something shook her gently. Her body tried to ignore it as she clung to the last moments of slumber. It didn't relent though, and she opened her eyes.

“You sleep like the dead,” Rob said through a yawn. Dark circles lined his eyes.

“The dead?” Gardevoir asked through a yawn of her own.

“Never mind,” Rob said with a dismissive gesture as he turned away. “We have to leave soon though.”

Her body felt sluggish as she rose. Sleeping on the floor hadn't been the most comfortable in hindsight, and her back ached slightly. The fog of sleep still ensnared her mind, but it didn't diminish everything that had happened last night, or at least what she thought happened. The other three pokemon looked at her as she moved to the bed and plopped down. She was regarded by Quilava's suspicious stare as well as Riolu's look of concern. She didn't have the energy to care what they thought about her at the moment though.

Riolu moved closer to her on the bed and placed a furry paw on her arm. “Are you okay?”

Gardevoir stretched before answering. “Yeah, just tired.”

“You sure? Your aura feels strange,” Riolu said as she poked her arm.

“Yeah, don't worry about me. You know you're going to have to stay here for the day,” Gardevoir said.

Riolu's face fell. “Yeah I guess so. It's not fair though.”

“You can talk to Rob about it, but you know what would have to happen.” Gardevoir still wasn't exactly sure what the fighting type thought about the matter, but despite the act, she'd warmed up to Rob considerably.

Riolu was about to respond, but Rob interrupted them. “All set Gardevoir?” The others were looking at them, and Rob looked all prepared to leave.

“Guess so,” Gardevoir said as she stood. Every muscle of her body protested her current plan of action and desired nothing but more sleep. There would be time for that later though; she wouldn't show her weakness.

“Sorry Riolu, I'll make it up to you later. If you're hungry feel free to go through my pack; there should be something in there,” Rob said as they headed towards the door.

Riolu shot him a quick glare but turned back to Gardevoir. “Be careful.”

“I'll see you in a bit,” Gardevoir said with a pat on the fighting type's head and followed Rob out the door.

Gardevoir tried not to let her fatigue show as they made their way through the bustling Goldenrod streets. All of the humans that brushed by made her hold her gown close as to not get stepped on as they wound through the mass of people. She didn't particularly like being this close to so many people, but no one even seemed to notice her despite such close proximity.

After having a quick breakfast, Rob began to lead them towards the city's gym. Anticipation began to replace the sleepiness that filled her limbs, and her movements became more fluid, more precise. She could notice it in the others as well. Rob's face was set with determination, and both of his other two pokemon moved with purpose and a dangerous step. They would all fight for Rob.

They entered the large building through the front doors. There were a number of sets of double doors to allow large crowds of people through as quickly as possible, and the interior was spacious enough to accommodate the droves of people who attended. And there were plenty of other humans there to take advantage of the space. Vendors selling everything from food to clothing had spaces where they hawked their items. Through one of the halls that broke off from the curving entryway and lead towards the center of the building, she could see the arena. Hundreds of people could be seen surrounding the battlefield, and there must be even more on the sides she could see.

Rob made the usual arrangements with the gym's humans and soon they were lead to wait in a small room for Rob's name to be called. Her skin prickled with nerves. It wasn't the fight she was nervous about, but the number of humans that would be watching.

“Well, you guys ready?” Rob asked as he fidgeted slightly in the chair he occupied. Quilava nodded with a grin. He seemed to love the attention he got from these matches, clearly not bothered by all the eyes. She and Sandshrew gave their assent a little more soberly.

“Good. Don't underestimate them, but I think we should do just fine.” Rob stood from where he sat and began to walk around the room. “Gardevoir, if it comes to it, try not and use that new move I thought you. The pokemon we'll be facing shouldn't give you any problem, and a move with type advantage may be a tad overkill.”

“Sure.” She knew why he had given her that skill. There would only be two pokemon on the receiving end of that attack, if she even crossed paths with those monsters again. A door opened opposite where they entered, and the human judge entered.

“Everything's all set. You're up,” the man said with a gesture to the field beyond. “Not returning your pokemon?”

“Nope,” Rob said and headed towards the door. The three of them followed.

“Suit yourself, good luck,” the judge said and moved to take his spot on the side of the field as Rob took his at the challenger's side. The noise in front of all those people was deafening. Lights illuminated the plain field, various colors playing across her skin and the field before her. The air was warm, and her heart began to beat faster. She wouldn't be fighting unless the other two fell, but the urge to prove herself in front of Rob grew nonetheless.

An amplified voice boomed over the noise of the crowd. “Ladies and Gentleman let's welcome the next challenger hailing from right next door. Give it up for Rob of Azalea Town.” Cheers and whistles crashed in a wave over them at the announcer's request. She noticed a small smile on Rob's face, and the air around Quilava was already beginning to shimmer from the fire type's heating body.

“Today he'll be taking on Goldenrod's beloved leader Whitney,” the disembodied voice echoed throughout the arena. “But this won't be your average trainer battle, we've got something special for you tonight. Rob may not be a name you're familiar with yet, but he's already making waves amongst the gym leader's.”

Her trainer looked up at that. “What?”

“So far undefeated, he and his team of three have already impressed previous gym leaders, so keep an eye out for this one, but I'm sure he'll prove to you all here and now. And there she is, entering the arena now is our very own Whitney!” The announcer's voice was drowned out by the cheers that rose for the young woman who walked through the doors at the opposite end of the field.

Whitney strode out with a smile and a wave to the roaring crowd. Rob motioned for them to wait here and the two trainers met in the center of the field. Gardevoir couldn't hear what they were saying so she reached out to eavesdrop with her psychic powers, and as soon as she tried she was shocked. No more were her surroundings muddled and indistinct. Differentiating between human and pokemon had been triumph enough, but now she could feel everything.

She felt Rob, and his unique psychic presence, unique from every other human in the building. She could tell them all apart despite not even actually seeing them before now. Even the pokemon that were present had not only a distinct sense based on species, but each had their own signature as an individual. It was incredible. The revelation almost made her forget her original purpose.

“I had the announcer talk you up a little, but only just. I must say, it's not too often gym leaders send word ahead. You must be pretty good.” The young woman said. Their voices weren't as clear as if she were hearing them directly, but it was good enough.

“I uh, well,” Rob stammered as he stared at the gym leader with an overwhelmed expression.

“Haha don't worry, it was mostly that Gardevoir of yours there we're all interested in. It's hard to impress Falkner, and even Bugsy said he wanted to see what she could do. He's a little too 'by-the-books', but I switched my lineup, because I want to see what the hype is about. Just a little warning. Now, they're waiting for a good match, don't disappoint,” the woman said with a wink and turned her back to Rob. Rob stared at her for a moment longer before collecting himself and returning to the challenger’s box.

“Alright guys,” Rob said with his brow furrowed. “This is it, just like I instructed yesterday. We should do well regardless, but just keep your eyes open. She's planning something.” He gave Sandshrew a quick pat on the head, and then the ground type was walking out onto the field. Whitney released her own pokemon with a flourishing toss of a pokeball. A Clefairy appeared in a red flash, and the two squared off.

“Begin,” the referee shouted and the humans surrounding them in the stands let out a cheer. The atmosphere was getting disorienting for her, and the sooner this was over the better. She already missed the quiet of the pokemon center, and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

On the field, Sandshrew wasted no time from when the judge began the match, and dug into the arena floor before his opponent could make a move.

“Mimic!” The voice was barely heard over the din of the crowd, but Clefairy glowed with a pale light before boring into the earth after Sandshrew. A hush fell over the crowd as neither pokemon was visible. Stillness hung over the battlefield, and then a small mound rose. Sandshrew poked his head above ground, peering around for his enemy. The ground erupted and two pokemon rocketed into the air. Clefairy carried Sandshrew upwards after slamming into him, and threw the stunned ground type to the floor before landing adroitly nearby. Sandshrew rolled after hitting the ground and was back on his feet in a flash. He didn't look happy about being tricked.

The noise had grown again at the turn of events, and now it seemed to be holding its collective breath as they waited for the pokemon to make their next move. Sandshrew jumped. As he moved through the air towards the waiting Clefairy, he began to spin. In response, the normal type braced itself, ready to strike. Rapid spin met a double slap, but Clefairy's hands were thrown away from Sandshrew's spinning body, and the two met.

Clefairy was thrown to the ground as Sandshrew bounced off its face. The ground type didn't give his opponent any chance to recover and began to attack the Clefairy with its small yet sharp claws. Cheers erupted from the humans surrounding the arena, and Gardevoir only just realized that the amplified announcer was calling out what was happening on the field. She had gotten too caught up in the fight to notice prior.

Back on the field, the two pokemon had disengaged. Sandshrew had been thrown off by a double slap of his opponent's, but the Clefairy didn't look like it had much left in it. Scratches covered the pink pokemon's body, and it panted as the two faced off once again. The pair acted at the same moment. Clefairy raised its arms and waved them back and forth as they began to glow. Sandshrew curled up and began to spin once again. Gardevoir flinched as the black and purple jet of energy lanced from Clefairy's body.

Metronome was a desperation move, but it may have worked. The dark pulse slammed into Sandshrew mid rollout. Energy crackled like black lightning as the attack struck, yet Sandshrew didn't stop. Again the pair crashed into one another, and this time the victor was clear. Sandshrew was atop Clefairy and raked the pokemon over with his claws. The normal type struggled for a moment but was unable to continue, and Whitney was forced to signal it to return.

“There you have it. Round one goes to our challenger,” the announcer called over the deafening cheers. “And what's this?” Gardevoir's eyes were pulled back to the arena where Sandshrew was engulfed in a brilliant white light. It was bright enough to force her to raise a hand against the light, and a few seconds later the light expanded and dimmed to reveal a Sandslash.

“Well would you look at that, yet another surprise for our challenger,” the booming voice called out among the whistles and shouts. Rob's face held a smile. Gardevoir's did too as she remembered the feeling of her own evolution.

Whitney's words were lost amongst the noise that filled the arena, but they sounded congratulatory from what Gardevoir was able to pick out. The words were also accompanied by a red flash, and a Miltank.

Sandshrew was breathing hard from his previous fight, but stood his ground against this new opponent. Blade-like claws flexed as he tested his new body. Each of the trainers nodded to the referee, and the match resumed.

Once again the gym leader's words were lost upon the shouts of the crowd, but they must have signified something as the spectators were now chanting.

“Rollout! Rollout! Rollout!” Over and over they called. Whitney must use a similar strategy often, because as she looked back to the field, the Miltank was curling up, ready to perform the move being chanted. In response to the pokemon that barreled towards him, Sandslash jumped and curled up as well, performing another rapid spin attack, but this time his body was covered in blades.

The two connected, and despite a few scratches, the large normal type came out unscathed. Sandslash on the other hand was thrown by the massive pokemon, and he rolled to a stop a short distance away. Miltank only paused to reposition though, and once again used rollout. The match was beginning to take its toll on Rob's pokemon, and while he managed to use his next attack in time to prevent getting crushed, he was slowing. Rob signaled the referee.

The announcer's voice cut through the noise. “The challenger has signaled for his pokemon to return prior to being knocked out! A bold move. He may regret it, but let's see what he's planning.”

“Keep your distance like you practiced,” Rob told Quilava as Sandslash slowly made his way back, panting. Quilava nodded and took the field. With a nod from each trainer, the match resumed.

“Congratulations,” Gardevoir sent telepathically. She received a smile and a nod, and the exhausted pokemon sat down to watch the fight he had started.

“Great job,” Rob said as well, but his attention was already back on the match. Miltank was already bearing down on Quilava, but the fire type was spacing his bulky opponent well. Each pass of rollout brought the two within inches of each other, but Quilava was able to stay out of the way while shooting out jets of flames. It was a slow strategy, but effective. Flames scorched the large cow's spinning body each time, and each successive rollout was losing power, not gaining. Quilava was winning.

The crowd saw the inevitability of the fight as well. The chanting had stopped, and a hush was beginning to fall over them as the tension grew. This fight would be concluded soon, but the exceptional match promised by the announcer was still ahead. They were waiting for the partly unknown match-up that lay ahead. They were waiting for her.

“Whitney's second pokemon has fallen!” the announcer called at a signal from the gym leader. “Now prepare yourselves for the final showdown between our challenger Rob's strongest pokemon against one of Whitney's best!”

The woman smiled from across the arena, and released her final pokemon. An enormous Tauros materialized from the leader's final pokeball. Three tails swished behind the pokemon as it stamped its hooves on the arena floor. After only a moment's hesitation, Rob signaled for Quilava to return.

Her trainer's face darkened as Quilava returned. “Sorry buddy, I know you have more in you but she wasn't kidding. That doesn't look like a pokemon she uses in gym battles,” and he turned to her. “Be careful,” Rob said. “That one looks strong.”

Gardevoir nodded in response. She could feel it to. This pokemon was much stronger than the others used by the gym leader. As she stepped out onto the field she could feel the entire arena focus on her, the thousands of human eyes, as well as those of the Tauros and its trainer. Heat from the lights above shone on her, drawing a light sheen of sweat to her skin. The noise seemed to lower, replaced by the pounding of blood in her ears. If the only thing she was useful for was to destroy, then so be it. No matter how much she hated herself for it, nothing would change what she was, so she would fight for Rob, and prove to him she was useful for something.

On the judge's call to start the match, the giant pokemon charged. For such a large creature, it was incredibly fast. Gardevoir didn't even have time to charge an attack before the beast was upon her, and she was forced to teleport or be trampled.

A ripple of psychic energy brought her to the opposite side of the field. Her back was to the gym leader, and she stood looking at the Tauros, backed by her own trainer. It was quick, but it wouldn't be able to change directions quickly once at full speed. As she predicted, the pokemon charged once again. This fight would be all about timing. Gardevoir waited, and once again teleported to avoid the charge and readied herself.

Psychic energy began to pool in her hand as she waited for the beast to make its next pass. The Tauros' tails lashed out in a frenzy, the pokemon clearly angered from being baited by her teleports. On the other hand, the pokemon didn't look wearied by being run around either. If anything it looked even more ready to fight. Tauros charged.

Everything was in motion. The Tauros wouldn't be able to change directions fast enough, and she should be able to take her opponent down with one blow. She just needed the opening to do it. Gardevoir waited until the pokemon was almost to her, and then shifted, teleporting just to the side of where the beast would pass. Her attack was fully charged, and the direct contact would amplify its effectiveness. Gardevoir turned just in time to see three tails, glowing with a blinding light, slam into her. The arena spun in a sickening lurch as she was thrown to the ground. Pain blurred her vision, and the impact with the ground jolted her.

Rob's shout was muffled in her ringing ears. “Gardevoir!”

She looked up. A shadow loomed over her. The pokemon looked even bigger from the ground. It rose above her, ready to bring down its hooves in a final blow. Instinct took over.

“You can't run forever.”

Gardevoir looked around to see who had spoken. The gym leader stood behind her, a smile on her lips. She had teleported to the opposite side of the arena again. Time seemed to slow down as the adrenaline flooded her body, heightening her senses. Her left arm felt like it had been torn off, and her chest felt like it had taken the full force of the beast's charge.

“I know,” Gardevoir said to the human and turned to face the beast once again. Anger burned behind her eyes. She couldn't keep running. This would be it. Pain threatened to drag her under, but she fought it. She would win. For Rob.

Tauros charged, head down, dust rising from where its great hooves kicked the ground. Two balls of psychic energy charged in Gardevoir's fists. If her aim was off, even just slightly, she would take the pokemon's horned charge right to the chest. She wouldn't miss.

Gardevoir watched the rise and fall of the pokemon's shoulders, tracking its powerful movement across the battlefield. She stepped forward.

“Careful,” the gym leader shouted to her pokemon from behind, but it was already too late. Gardevoir loosed. A psybeam from each hand launched towards her opponent. Neither were powerful, barely enough to scratch the charging pokemon, but her aim was true. Just as Tauros came down on his front legs, her shots connected. Tauros had no time to compensate as the attacks knocked its legs out from under it, and it crashed into the floor.

Gardevoir held nothing back this time. The momentum from the charge carried her opponent forward, right to her feet. The pokemon slid into her, and as her hands met the smooth fur of its head, she released all of the psychic energy left in her into the mind of the pokemon. The impact, even lessened as it was, still sent Gardevoir reeling, but it was done. Tauros didn't rise.
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An Uncertain Future