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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
- 13
- 14
- 15
Gardevoir panted as she examined the foe at her feet. Noise flooded the arena, but she didn't really hear it, her attention was on Tauros. A pang of fear shot through her system. Caught up in the moment as she'd been, she had released her attack at almost full power. A quick check with her psychic powers showed that Tauros still lived though, and she breathed easier, but only just. Pain still burned from her arm and chest where she'd taken the hit.

“Not too bad,” a woman's voice came from behind her. “You're definitely powerful. Inexperienced, and you could use a little straightening out here and there, but not bad at all. Get you a proper trainer and you'd be a star pokemon.”

Gardevoir turned to shoot the gym leader a glare, but the woman only smiled at her. Tauros was returned in a flash of red, and Rob soon joined them.

“Congratulations on your victory, you have quite the pokemon there.” Whitney said as Rob walked up.

“You okay?” Rob asked as soon as he was close enough that the cheers wouldn't drown out his voice. Gardevoir winced as she looked down at the marks on her body but nodded. After seeing she'd be alright, Rob turned to speak with the gym leader. “Thanks, it was an interesting match to say the least.

Whitney looked nonplussed at being ignored, but the woman's smile returned in a flash. “I'm glad you thought so, and from the fact we have to yell at each other, I'm guess they thought so too.” The gym leader gestured to the crowd around them, still cheering and chanting.

“I guess so,” Rob said in wonder as he looked around. Gardevoir hadn't realized it at first but it was Rob's name they were chanting.

Whitney held out her hand. “Well you've earned this. As reluctant as I am to give these away, I'd say you earned it a little more than most.”

Rob took the small metal badge with a grin. “Thanks.”

“Oh,” Whitney said and reached into her pocket. “Here's for your Gardevoir.” She tossed a small item to Rob who caught it from the air. “She seems to like you for some reason.”

Gardevoir looked down to see what was in his hands. It looked like a potion from what she'd seen of the items humans used.

“Wait, I can't-” Rob said looking up, but the gym leader had already turned away and was walking back towards the doors she came through. “Whitney!” Rob shouted but the woman only waved over her shoulder, not even bothering to turn around. Rob stared at the item for another second before motioning back to his side of the field.

Rob collected his other two pokemon, and the four of them entered the room they'd been waiting in before the match. With the excitement dying down, her wounds became more noticeable. She let out a quiet gasp as she tried to move her arm. A thin line of blood traced her skin from where the skin had split, and it felt like the bone itself might be broken. Not that she'd ever broken a bone, but the pain was almost enough to bring tears to her eyes.

“Are you sure you're okay?” Rob asked as she sat down in one of the chairs.

“I'll live,” she said with clenched teeth. “What was that thing Whitney gave you?”

Rob was still playing with the item in his hand. “It's a healing potion, though this is an incredibly expensive one, not something that's just given away.” He examined it with a dubious look. “I don't even know what this would be worth, more than I could afford though.”

“You can sell it. I don't need it. I'll heal on my own in a few days.” She closed her eyes briefly, trying to accept the pain. It would lessen soon. Probably.

Rob chuckled. “I don't think selling this is even legal. Not for me anyway, and I don't have the equipment to keep it fresh,” he said and stood. “Besides, you look like you're hurt.” Rob sat down beside her. “This is going to feel uncomfortable for a minute, but you'll feel better in a moment okay?” A gentle hand rest on her uninjured arm. Gardevoir nodded.

The liquid felt thick as it entered her arm, and once Rob pulled the device away, it began to burn. She could feel it within her as her blood spread it through her body. The heat increased until it coursed like molten metal.

“I don't like this,” Gardevoir whimpered.

Rob stroked her hair. “It will only take a minute.” Her body felt like it was melting and being remade from the inside out. She gasped for breath as her chest turned to liquid fire and reformed as ice. Her arm was hollowed out and replaced by the flames. And as soon as it had started, the heat was gone.

Gardevoir panted but tested her arm. The pain was mostly gone, and what she had thought broken was now a day old bruise.

“Better?” Rob asked as his hand continued to run through her green hair. She fell against his side for a moment and nodded. A brief smile played across her lips as she caught her breath against the warmth of her trainer.

Rob let them all rest for a few more minutes, but they had accomplished what they'd come here for, and there was little reason to linger here. Gardevoir got to her feet after Rob, and they headed towards the door. Bodies packed the entrance to the gym. A large number of spectators must have moved down from the arena and were now wandering about. Rob pushed through the crowd ahead and Gardevoir clung to his back. She did not want to get separated in the sea of people.

“Hey, you're Rob right? The one who just fought?”

Gardevoir turned to see a human about Rob's age approach them through the crowd. A number of heads also turned at the man's words. As others recognized them, their progress was halted, and a circle of onlookers formed.

Gardevoir put her back to Rob's in the center of the ring of humans. “Are they attacking?” she asked telepathically.

Rob laughed behind her. “No,” he whispered, his face close to her ear. “They saw the match, and are probably impressed by you.” A hand patted her on the shoulder, though she still kept watch over the humans around her.

“Where'd you get such a strong pokemon?”

“Is your Gardevoir for trade?”

“Hey are you accepting challenges?”

“Great job in the fight; you were really something.”

The humans all tried to talk at the same time, their voices a miniature version of the incoherent cacophony that had filled the stadium.

Rob seemed only slightly less disoriented than she. “Hah, thanks, it was a good fight, but no I'm not accepting battles right now, and I really should get going to rest my pokemon. They fought hard.”

The people seemed to care little about what Rob wanted to do, and the questions continued. “Did you buy the pokemon that strong?” Gardevoir fidgeted with her hands as she glanced around at the humans. Many seemed interested in her, and this close she could feel their eyes on her. In the arena it had been many more, but they were all an indistinct blur in the background. Here she could see them, feel them. Some looked at her with the same look she'd received from the humans who attended Wes' tournaments, other watched with kindness similar to what Rob had shown her. But none of them were Rob; she just wanted to leave.

“No, she isn't for trade, and I didn't buy her. I found her injured and brought her to a pokemon center,” Rob said, addressing someone she hadn't seen talk.

A woman from the circle moved forward. “Oh, that's such a sweet story.” Gardevoir spun to watch as the woman moved closer and took a slight step back.

“She was so graceful during the fight. Well, for most of it,” the human said to her with a wink. The woman was young, probably close to Rob's age, with black hair that flowed down her back. Kind brown eyes regarded her as the human looked her over with a smile.

“She is quite the fighter,” Rob said. Gardevoir jumped as Rob pat her on the shoulder, but she didn't take her eyes off the new woman. Some of the crowd started to disperse, but the woman lingered.

The young woman turned to Rob. “I'm Elise, by the way. Would you like to grab lunch?”

Rob's eyebrows rose. “I uh, well I'd like to, but I really have to head back to the pokemon center, and my team deserves a reward for their efforts,” he said.

“Aww, that's a shame. I'd love to hear about how you saved such an amazing pokemon.” The woman took a small step closer.

“Well, I guess if you wanted to meet a little later, and if you don't mind my team eating with us,” Rob said.

The woman's broke into a wide grin. “That would be great. Where would you like to go?”

“I'm not really from around here. Do you have any recommendations?” Rob and the woman spoke for another minute or two, and then she too melted away into the crowd. Rob stared down at a slip of paper for a minute, lost in thought.

“Rob?” Gardevoir asked as she poked him in the back. While not the center of attention anymore, she would still rather be outside and away from the crowd.

“Hmm? Oh, yeah, let's go,” he said and pocketed the paper. Gardevoir and the others followed as Rob pushed through the crowd and eventually out onto the street. Even the heavy city air felt cool against her skin compared to the cramped heat of the gym.

“What did all those people want?” Gardevoir asked as they made their way through the streets towards the pokemon center.

“People who do well in the pokemon league can get famous if they're really good. In the lower levels like this, winning isn't such a big deal, but the way we, or you really, won was pretty spectacular. They were just impressed, I guess, and wanted to check us out,” Rob said. She would never understand humans. The group made their way back to the pokemon center in silence where Riolu had waited for their return.

“Did you win?” Riolu asked as she jumped from the bed.

“Of course,” Quilava replied, puffing out his chest a little, and Riolu snickered at her friend. Gardevoir followed the others into the room and fell onto the bed. Lying down sent waves of happiness through her body. Whatever that potion had done to her, it had used much of her body's energy. She closed her eyes for a moment, and enjoyed the peace and calm. Her ears still rang from the noise of the crowd.

“Gardevoir, you feeling okay?” Rob was looking down at her, and Riolu was peering over the edge of the bed.

“Just tired,” she said. “That potion was- I didn't like it.” Her chest and arm still throbbed where she had been struck. Given the alternative though she really couldn't complain.

“Do you want to come get food with us, or are you just going to stay here? It's fine if you want to stay; I know I asked a lot of you already. You deserve a break.” Rob ran a hand through her hair.

Gardevoir smiled at his touch. “No, I'll come.” Besides, that girl would be there, and she didn't trust the woman; she didn't trust any of those other humans.

Once again the group wound their way through the mass of people who occupied Goldenrod, though this time Riolu accompanied them. Gardevoir only half listened as Quilava recounted their battle for the fighting type, but her mind found other things to worry about. Mainly, did Rob want to be famous? It was selfish, but she didn't want Rob to change, and she didn't like even the small crowd that had surrounded them after the battle. She wasn't given time to dwell on it though, as the place they were to meet the other human didn't take long to find.

“Glad you could make it,” the dark-haired girl from the gym said as they approached.

Rob returned her smile. “Yeah. I have to say this is a bit weird; I never thought my matches would draw a crowd.”

“Who said this had anything to do with a pokemon match,” the woman said, and flashed a smile as she walked into the restaurant. Gardevoir glared at the girl's back but followed behind the others.

The inside of the building was busy but not crowded. Dimmed lights gave a low illumination despite the remaining sunlight outside, a commonality of these places. Patrons had plenty of space, and some even had pokemon with them as well. A young human seated them by a window and went to fetch their drinks. Gardevoir didn't particularly like eating at these human places, but the food was always good enough to offset the discomfort she felt. This Elise though, Gardevoir didn't like her.

The girl sat across from Rob and leaned just over the table to talk with Rob. Riolu and Quilava sat between her and Rob, and Sandslash was at Rob's other side on the bench-like seat. As soon as the two humans had sat down though, it was as if Rob was a different person. The pair talked and laughed as they exchanged stories about their homes and their times at school, or in Rob's case, the academy. Gardevoir heard more about Rob by listening to the two talk in ten minutes than in her entire time with him.

Rob sighed as he leaned back in his seat. “Man, it's been forever since I've talked with another person about anything other than pokemon. I've been going nonstop since I started. Thanks for dragging me out for this.”

“Why don't you take a break for a while, loosen up a bit. After that match today you've more than earned it,” Elise said. The waiter came back with their food and began placing it on the table before each of them. Gardevoir barely glanced at hers as the steam warmed her face. She had just pointed to something at random when asked what she wanted. Her appetite was gone anyway.

“Gardevoir?” Riolu asked from her side. “You okay?”

She glanced down at the fighting type and then back to the human woman. “Fine,” she muttered telepathically, “just tired.” Gardevoir picked up her fork and pushed the food around her plate until Riolu turned her attention back to her own food and her conversation with Quilava. Talked to another person. She gripped her fork like a vice.

Elise laughed at something Rob had said, her hand brushing against his. “Hey, well if you're that dead set on leaving so soon, why don't you spend at least one night doing something for yourself. I was planning on going out tonight with a few friends, why don't you come join us, have a few drinks?”

Rob shrugged. “I don't know. I was planning on just getting a good rest with my team before we leave.”

“Oh come on, they'll forgive you one night. Besides, don't you think they might want a break too every once in a while,” Elise said as she leaned closer over the table. Gardevoir's hand trembled she was gripping the fork so hard. It was against the rules to attack others, that's what Rob had said, so how did humans fight one another?

A paw touched her side. Gardevoir swung her glare from the human girl to her side, and softened her expression when she saw the concern in Riolu's eyes.

“You feel scary,” the fighting type whispered. Gardevoir released the fork, and a light wisp of psychic energy discharged from her skin. She squeezed her eyes shut, taking a deep breath in a struggle to regain control of her mind.

“Sorry,” Gardevoir replied after a moment, her voice cold in an attempt to hide the fury that stormed within her. She forgot Riolu could also sense emotions. This was stupid. Rob wouldn't just choose a mate at the drop of the hat. No, he wouldn't fall for the girl; they were just friends. She was being stupid, but a voice within her couldn't let herself let it go. He's a human.

Rob acquiesced with a sigh. “Oh I guess. One night, but I can't stay out too late,” he said with a laugh.

Elise's delighted laugh made Gardevoir hate the girl that much more. “Great, I know a great place downtown. You'll enjoy it; I promise,” she said with a wink. Gardevoir barely noticed the rest of the meal. She sat, ears buzzing, trying to keep herself in check. Psychic types didn't give in to emotion, it lessened their effectiveness. Calm, calculating thoughts allowed her full control over her mental powers. Repeating the words didn't make it any easier.

Rob's voice snapped her out of her rumination. “Did you not like it?”

“Not hungry,” she muttered, not taking her eyes from the food of which she'd only taken a bite or two. She didn't even remember what it had tasted like. The waiter she hadn't noticed grabbed her plate along with the others' and handed their food to Rob in little white containers. Rob was already back to talking with Elise.

“Well thanks for lunch, it was fun,” the girl said as they all rose.

“My pleasure, and thanks for joining me. See you tonight?” Rob asked as they moved towards the door.

The girl handed Rob another slip of paper once they were outside. “See you tonight.” The girl ran a hand along Rob's shoulder and walked away, melting into the city crowd. Rob stared after her for a moment before leading them back to the pokemon center with an airy, care free stride. Gardevoir trailed behind the others.

Once back in their small room, everyone seemed to show their exhaustion at once. Gardevoir felt entirely drained herself. Between fighting and Whitney's potion, her body felt like it was moving through sand. And then that human girl had shown up, engaging her in a completely different fight, one Gardevoir didn't even know the rules of. She wanted to just curl up in a corner and wither away, but she wouldn't let that human beat her so easily.

“If you're tired, you should lie down, take the rest of the night off,” Rob said. He was smiling, but she could see the concern in the corners of his eyes.

Gardevoir realized she was still standing in the hallway. “What are drinks?”

“Hmm?”

“You said you'd have drinks with that girl.” She didn't quite meet Rob's eyes as she asked.

“Oh,” Rob said with a slight chuckle. “We're just going to hang out for a bit. It's just something humans do for fun.”

“Could- Could we get drinks?” Her hands fidgeted at the sides of her white gown.

Rob raised an eyebrow. “You want to go to a bar?” Gardevoir glanced up to judge his reaction. The mirth on his face was poorly hidden.

“I have a feeling you probably wouldn't like it,” Rob said as he walked closer to put a hand on her shoulder. “Besides, we get plenty of down time while on the road. You can always talk to me then or whenever really. I'm not going anywhere.” His hand pushed her gently, leading her towards the bed.

“I'd like it,” she protested as her feet followed Rob's guiding hand.

His low laugh was right by her ear. “I doubt it. They taste bad and just end up making you stupid.”

Gardevoir's body melted against the warm invitation of the bed. “You said it was fun.”

“Humans often find being stupid fun. Now get some rest.” Rob's hand ran through her hair as her eyelids drew shut.

-----------------------------------------------------

It was dim when Gardevoir woke. A dull aches remained in her muscles, but the rest had somewhat refreshed her. Riolu was with Quilava on the other bed, the two of them close and talking quietly in the soft light. Rob and Sandslash were nowhere to be seen. A jolt ran through her as she noticed she wasn't alone in bed.

“Hello Gardevoir.”

She gaped, her throat dry as she stared through the incorporeal form of Abra. No, this couldn't be real. Her eyes darted around the room again, but despite the dim lighting, the colors weren't off, and the others were here.

“Oh I'm quite real,” he said, his grinning face moving closer to hers. Gardevoir scooted away from the apparition. A transparent hand reached for her face, and Gardevoir flinched away from it. She squeezed her eyes shut, and she felt nothing. “Well, real enough anyways.”

Gardevoir opened her eyes. She trembled below the covers as she stared at the impossible figure looming over her. Was it the same one that tormented her in her sleep?

“You don't even recognize me, after all the time we've spent together?” The being sat down on the bed next to her, but its eyes never left hers. Could it read her mind?

“Of course I can, you surrendered your mortal shell to me. You are nothing more than a placeholder now. You are mine.”

You're not real, I'm just talking to myself, Gardevoir thought as her mind raced. This didn't make sense. She couldn't feel anything there with her psychic powers, and the thing couldn't physically touch her, yet she could hear its voice clear in her mind.

“Do you remember the last time you asked me to prove myself?” Abra's eyes picked up a dangerous glint. “Is my power still too hard for that simple mind to understand?” Her arm rose on its own, and psychic power coursed through her body. “Your little friend over there, she's weak to your powers isn't she?”

Gardevoir's eyes widened, adrenaline flooding her body in tandem with the psychic energy. Power began to collect in her palm. Stop, what are you doing? She tried to release the power, tried to control her own arm, but she was just a passenger in her own body.

Abra stood again, standing over her as his eyes captivated hers. “How much would it take to kill her? You could do it you know.” Power surged in her palm, more power than she ever dared use in a real fight.

“You can feel it too can't you? This would be more than enough to end that tiny thing. Such a sad past too. It would be a mercy to just end it for her.” The power continued to grow as the air around her arm began to distort. “Return her to the infinity; let her escape this corrupt world she's had to endure. Bring her back once you have fixed everything, and returned this place to the paradise the Creator envisioned. You can do this, must do this. For her, for yourself.”

The words echoed through her mind. They erased thought and reason, a directive from the Creator himself. No no no no. I'll do anything you want. Small words fought back from the corner of her mind. Her eyes tried to focus back on reality, and the power dissipated from her arm.

Abra laughed. “That creature owes you her life, but now you owe me. One life, but this isn't the reason I came to visit. I care for you Gardevoir; I don't want to see you hurt.” Abra's face twisted in a mockery of compassion.

Then you would leave, she snarled in her mind.

Abra looked hurt. “You can't hide anything from me. I know what lies in your mind. Right now Rob is off with some human girl he met this morning. While you've shown him time and again how you feel, he doesn't even look at you. Now he's chosen a mate he met just hours ago.”

No. Her stomach burned at his words though. No, he's just having drinks.

“Do you even know what that means? He brushed your questions aside like he always does and changed the subject. You're just another convenience for him to use and discard on a whim.”

Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. He wouldn't do that, he's kind; he's different from the other humans. Her thoughts sounded pathetic even to her, and she knew that what Abra said was true.

“Again your thoughts betray you.” Abra moved as if to comfort her, his hands pretending to smooth her hair as Rob had. Phantom limbs passed through her body. “Release yourself from his spell. You deserve to be happy, were given the power to be happy, so don't be a slave to a human who treats you with such little respect.”

If you can control me, then why don't you just do it yourself? Abra smiled and then vanished. She touched her face where Abra's hand had been, her fingers trembling against her pale skin. Gardevoir ripped the sheets from herself and stood. Tears blurred her vision as she navigated the small room.

“Oh, Gardevoir, I didn't realize you were awake-” Riolu said, but Gardevoir ignored the fighting type and head to the bathroom and slammed the door behind her. She fell against the wall, bracing herself with on hand as she struggled for breath. What had she done? Her hand fumbled on the metal piece sticking from the wall to make the water fall. The metal construction hissed and water began to pour from the device.

Gardevoir waited for the water to warm like she had before, and then stepped in. Steam began to fill the air, and the water scalded her skin. She let out a small cry and threw a barrier up to protect herself from the burning water as she scrambled to fix the handle. She wanted to scream, to rip the metal pipes from the walls and bring the entire building down around her. Frustration burned in her muscles, but she held it in. Once the water cooled to a tolerable temperature, she let the barrier down and slumped against the smooth wall as her chest heaved with quiet sobs.

What was she? That door, she hadn't known what it was for. She was tricked into opening it, and now it seemed she was nothing but a toy for that sadistic being that stalked her mind, and now her reality. When it had taken control of her, she'd felt nothing, but it had been able to fully control her body and her powers. She was helpless against it, and what if it decided to take things into its own hands. If it got bored with tormenting her, would it kill Riolu, or Rob?

She may have doomed them all; she should run while she could, but then again that decision might not even be hers anymore. Water ran down her body as she slumped to the floor. Warmth suffused her as droplets splashed against her skin. It never stopped. The water continued to fall, constant and warm for however long she sat there. Long enough to cry herself out, and long enough for the room to fill with a haze of steam.

Eventually she turned the water off. She dried herself with a towel and moved to the large mirror that adorned the wall. Water had condensed on the surface, and she used a hand to reveal a streaky image of herself. Red eyes stared back at her, green hair clinging to her damp skin. She looked nothing like the human girl Rob was with. No dark, flowing hair, no knowledge of human things. She couldn't even read the words on the small bottles that covered the counter-top. Her skin was paler than the sickliest human. A monster masquerading like she thought she was a person.

Outside the bathroom, someone must have turned off the lights while she showered, and Gardevoir felt her way through the darkened room. She climbed into bed and pulled the blankets back around her. Her mind roiled with anger, frustration, and hatred. If she knew a way to end it all, she would. Rob still wasn't back.

Riolu's voice was a whisper in the still room. “Gardevoir?” She didn't respond though; she just wanted to be alone. No other sound broke the silence, and eventually sleep took a hold of Gardevoir once more.

-----------------------------------------------------

A clumsy noise woke Gardevoir. She opened her eyes just enough to see the first rays of sunlight peeking through the room's window, and with her psychic powers, she could detect Rob just getting back. His footsteps were padded by the carpet, and after a brief pause she felt the mattress shift beneath her.

Gardevoir peeked to see that Riolu and Quilava had sprawled out across the other bed. After a few minutes though, Rob got up again with a groan and headed for the bathroom. The sound of running water soon followed. The others began to wake as well at the sound of Rob's arrival. Riolu yawned and nuzzled against Quilava. She also noticed Sandslash for the first time, who had curled up in the corner of the room.

“Why are you on the floor?” she asked as the ground type stretched.

He grinned up at her. “I'm too pointy now. I shredded one of the blankets by accident so I figured I'd just sleep somewhere I wouldn't destroy everything, doesn't bother me.” He flexed the blades that now covered his body and stood. A tattered piece of cloth lay on the floor next to the other bed.

“Morning Gardevoir,” Riolu said, though she made it sound like a question. Big red eyes regarded her with worry, and her mouth parted as if to ask more.

“Morning,” Gardevoir replied and looked away. She didn't want to think about last night. Her own hands had almost murdered the small pokemon, the one she had promised to protect, and the mere thought almost made her grab the pokeball from the table and flee. The door to the bathroom clicked open and Rob stepped out.

He ran a hand through his messy hair. “Glad to see everyone's up,” Rob said, his voice as tired as his bloodshot eyes. “I was hoping to head out today,” he said through a yawn and turned to her. “Feeling any better today?”

Gardevoir's hand clenched into a fist but she met his eyes. “I'm fine.” Her tone was harsher than she'd intended, but her control over the anger that boiled within her was tenuous.

Rob froze for a moment as his good-natured grin faded slightly. He stepped closer. “Gardevoir, something's been bothering you lately; are you sure you're okay?”

She glared at him. “Leave me alone.” She spat the words at him, her fist shaking at her side. Rob looked as if she'd struck him.

“Hey, what's wrong?” Rob placed a hand on her shoulder.

Gardevoir threw his arm off of her. “I said leave me alone.” She got off the bed and stood. Rob was wide eyed but he moved to block her way.

“No. What happened; what's wrong?” He stood in front of her, his hand hanging in the air as if to reach out to her, his eyes concerned. Was it all just an act?

Gardevoir dropped her mental voice to a growl. “Get out of my way.” Psychic energy enveloped her body, distorting the air around her and pooling in her hands. Rob took a step back, wide-eyed. She shoved him to the side, and he fell onto the bed. All eyes were on her, but she didn't care; she didn't care what Rob or any of the others thought. Her hand picked her pokeball out of the group on the table, and her palm touched the small button on the front. Red light struck her body and pulled her into the device.

The world seemed to dim around her, becoming a shade of the real thing. She hated being in these devices. At least when they were in stasis, it was like a dreamless sleep and not like watching a ghost world pass around her. She watched as Rob stared open mouthed at where she had disappeared. The other watched in silence as well. Rob stepped towards the desk, and the pokeball she had retreated to. He could force her back out if he really wanted to, but he only picked it up.

He seemed so sincere as he rolled the device in his hand, but his actions told a different story, and he must have stayed with that girl last night. Maybe Abra had just been a part of her that was too weak to admit the truth to herself. Rob was a liar.

She didn't experience motion at all inside the device, in fact she felt very little. Her psychic powers were out of reach, and she didn't think she had any physical form at all in this state. Rob placed the pokeball back on the table as if it might shatter before moving back to the bed and collapsing onto it, his head in his hands. Gardevoir watched the tension in the room, but she had no intention of coming out, no matter how much she hated being like this.

She wasn't quite sure how it worked. She could see them all as Rob made preparations to leave as if she floated in the middle of the room. Her vision wasn't restricted to one area, and she could look around freely. Rob finished his preparations and then grabbed his few belongings and left. After a quick stop to settle affairs at the front desk, they were once again setting out, away from the large human city. She noticed Rob's hand continually moving to check her ball at his belt, but he didn't make any further effort to release her.

Time also seemed to move differently inside the pokeball, or maybe it was just the turbulent thoughts that distracted her, but it wasn't long before the five of them were back on the familiar pathway leading north of the city. Once away from the crowds and people, Gardevoir released herself from the confines of the pokeball.

Rob noticed and stopped, but she had already retreated a good measure behind the others. His mouth hung open as if to say something, but she met his questioning glance with a glare. The others stopped to look too, and Riolu seemed about ready to run to her, but none moved as they watched her. Rob's mouth clicked shut and he turned to lead them onward without a sound, but his shoulders slumped as he continued down the road.

How could he do something so callous? After everything she tried to get closer to him, he went and picked the first human girl to speak with him as his mate, and then he just left her the morning after. Psychic energy arced between her fingertips as she walked.

“You can fix everything.” The voice echoed through her mind, bodiless but more real than any of her companions'. She shivered, knowing she could never do it, not even now. Darkness fell after hours of walking in peace along the dirt packed road.

Rob's voice broke the awkward silence that had followed them from Goldenrod. “We'll stop here for the night.” As Rob began to set up his tent, the other moved about to look for wood should Rob decide to start a fire, and he almost always did. Gardevoir wasn't going to just sit around, so she joined the search, albeit away from the others.

As she returned from dropping off a few branches, Riolu noticed her, and the small fighting type dropped the sticks she carried. Blue and black fur collided with her legs, and strong arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace. Riolu didn't say anything, and Gardevoir reached down to stroke the pokemon's head.

“Thanks,” she whispered to the small pokemon, and she was released from the hug. Large eyes looked up into hers, but neither spoke, and Riolu moved off with one more look over her shoulder, a question sparkling in those innocent eyes. Gardevoir had almost closed those eyes forever.

A short time later they were all huddled around the crackling fire Rob and Quilava had created. Gardevoir had her back to the flames as she looked out over the star ocean above her. A cool breeze carried the smoke away from them and created a pleasant contrast between the heat of the fire.

“Here,” Rob said, handing a packet of travel food to her. Gardevoir paused before taking it from him, the hunger that ate at her stomach overriding her current feeling for the human. She didn't look at him though as she snatched the food from his hand.

Rob didn't leave. “What's wrong Gardevoir? If you want to talk about anything you can-”

She didn't let him finish his act; she'd heard those same words from him before. “I have nothing to say to you,” she growled into his mind. She could see him wince slightly from the force of her psychic touch, but he persisted.

“This isn't like you, if I've done something to offend you I didn't mean it. If you just told me-” Anguish poured into her through the fin on her chest, churning her stomach with the possibility of being wrong, but he had fooled her in the past, and now she knew how little he cared for those he ensnared with his act.

“I fell for it, but you're just as bad as the rest of your kind, aren't you?” Tears welled in her eyes, and she turned away from him. “I thought you were better,” she choked out and stood. She could see the hurt and confusion on Rob's face from the corner of her eye, but she moved out into the darkness, away from the fire and her trainer. He didn't follow.

The night air was cold as she moved away from the warmth of the flames, but the fresh air was clean and crisp, a welcome change from the city. She sat down in the grass where she could still see the glow of the fire and the silhouettes of her traveling companions. Rob's was a far crueler torture than any Wes or his pokemon had inflicted on her. Her insides burned, and she felt ready to throw up. Slow tears made their way down her face as she stared into the darkness.

As the fire died out and the shadowy forms dispersed, Gardevoir moved back towards the camp. The stones lining the fire still radiated a pleasant heat, and the coals shimmered amongst the burnt wood. Gardevoir lay out near the steady warmth and closed her eyes, drifting into an uneasy rest.

-----------------------------------------------------

The following day passed in a similar fashion. Rob once again tried to approach her, his eyes ringed with darkness and shoulders slumped. She ignored him though, and eventually he gave up. She slept outside once more, with nothing but the clear sky and twinkling stars above her.

Morning illuminated yet another beautiful day as Gardevoir woke to a cloudless dawn. The others didn't sleep much longer either, and it was less than an hour before they were on the move again. Rob's haggard face turned to glance at her throughout the day, but she met his gaze with ice each time. The morning passed in peace, and it seemed that no wild pokemon dared challenge them with her around anymore. She could feel them about, but none more than looked from the wooded tree line.

A voice from behind snarled a greeting. “Well hello.”

Gardevoir froze. She knew the voice, knew it all too well as ice crept up her spine. The others turned too, including Rob, though he wouldn't be able to understand the Absol's words.

“You still hunt me?” Gardevoir asked with clenched fists, her seldom used voice carrying in the still air. She tried to hide her shaking fists as her skin grew clammy.

Her trainer's voice carried a trace of fear as well. “That-that Absol only has one eye, just like- Gardevoir is that the one that attacked you before?”

“Oh, so they remember me? I can't wait to play with them as well, after I finish what I started with you back in Master's home. Before you murdered him,” Absol spat. An insane grin twisted the dark type's face in a horrible snarl.

“Leave,” Gardevoir sent to Rob. She didn't take her eyes off Absol, but she wouldn't let the other get involved in this. The other pokemon had surrounded Rob after noticing Absol, but this was her fight.

“No. I'm not going to just-”

“I said leave.” She almost shouted it at him. Her fists shook as fear clenched her stomach, but she would not let them stay. “You'll just get in the way.”

Absol began to make her way towards them from the tree line. The dark type padded through the low grass, every movement filled with the predatory grace of a killer, slow and methodical, ready for the kill. White fur framed bared teeth and a hunter's gaze. There wasn't much time left to stall.

“I'm sorry for whatever I did to upset you. I'm sorry, but it's not worth risking yourself like this. I promise I'll make it up to you after-”

Gardevoir fought to keep her voice from breaking as she shouted a command to her trainer. “Leave! There's no time. Just go.”

“But-”

“Go. Get away from me.” Her chest heaved, desperate to fill burning lungs as adrenaline coursed through her. Absol's grin never faltered as she continued her advance. That single eye seemed to bore into her soul. A light pink line was visible on the creature's shoulder where a new scar had formed. Movement at her feet caught her attention, and she looked to see a red and white sphere.

“Bring that back.” Rob's voice was low. Gardevoir had never heard fear from her trainer before, but his voice trembled almost as much as her fists. “I'm sorry. Please bring that back.”

Gardevoir checked with her psychic powers to make sure they were running, and as she felt their psychic presence retreating, she brought her full attention to Absol. One of them would die today.

“That's cute, but they can't outrun me, and I'll make sure that human dies slowly, not like that runt that tried to protect you last time.” Absol's laughter burned in her ears, but she kept a tight rein on her anger.

“You don't scare me anymore; I don't care what happens to me, and I will destroy you before you lay a paw on any of them,” Gardevoir snarled. Absol's single eye began to glow with a sinister red light. Gardevoir expected the attack, and shut her eyes while turning from the beast. The dark type was immune to her psychic probes, but she didn't need them to feel the attack coming. Psychic energy wrapped her body and she teleported a short distance away.

“Cute, but you can't run away forever,” Absol said with a grin as the dark type turned to face her once again. She had heard those words a lot lately. “Of course you could try, but I'll just go hunt down your friends, and you can cower while you watch me kill them, just like you did last time.”

Psychic energy flared around her, mirroring the rage that burned within her, but it would be useless against the dark type. She would not let that disgusting creature continue talking about her friends like that. Abra's image had already been used against her; she would not let this beast dirty his name with her tongue.

“Pretty, but nothing more. You're useless. You were useless to our Master, and you will be useless in helping your friends.” The dark type lunged again. Fury almost consumed her, and her powers begged for release, but Absol was right; her psychic attacks were useless. She only had one chance; the one Rob had given her. Psychic energy covered her instead and she teleported again, this time closer to the tree line.

“I will not chase you through the forest,” Absol said as she moved once again to follow. “If you want me to go after your friends, just say the word. I can wait a little longer to see you die.”

“I told you, I'm going to destroy you,” Gardevoir snarled. Anger had replaced every rational thought in her mind. Her body shook as it tried to supply enough air to her burning lungs. The power inside her sang its intoxicating song, but it would be useless too. She only had one trick left, and Absol didn't know about it. Arrogance would be that creature's downfall.

“You couldn't protect Wes. You couldn't even stop me from leaving.” Psychic energy warped the air around her as she spoke. “It was your fault that scum died.”

Absol's roar rent the air. “I may let you live to watch me break that human of yours.” The dark type was a blur in the fading light. Claws raked Gardevoir's chest as she slammed into the tree behind her. The impact knocked the air from her lungs, and blood ran from the three gashes along her stomach. Absol's eye began to glow, but Gardevoir shifted again.

“Did Zoroark leave you too after you failed to kill me a second time?” Gardevoir panted against a tree. This would be it. Maybe Absol would kill her, the dark type was capable of inflicting fatal wounds with barely a thought, but she could at least take the beast down with her. That she could do. “Can't even kill a psychic type? No wonder Wes died at my hands.” Energy formed in her hands.

Gardevoir didn't even see it coming as her foe struck again. Pain blossomed in her stomach as claws separated skin and muscle. Spit flecked her face as Absol roared, fangs inches from her pale skin.

Gardevoir smiled. “Fucking die.” She raised her hands and released. Light dazzled her eyes as energy exploded in front of her face. The blast felt like a kick to the chest, but the claws were ripped from her body. Gardevoir sank to the ground with a soft moan as she pressed her hands to her eyes. The blast scrambled her senses, and there was nothing but darkness and a dull ringing in her ears. Warmth spread across her stomach.

Sight returned slowly as Gardevoir slumped against the tree. Her racing heart had slowed as she lay there. Blood warmed her hands in an attempt to cover the gashes in her stomach, but she couldn't even tell how bad it was without sight. Adrenaline blocked the pain for the most part. Once she could see again, she staggered to her feet. She ignored her wounds; there was only one thing that mattered.

Absol lay at the base of a tree a few yards away. Gardevoir approached slowly. The white furred creature lay at an awkward angle, it back likely broken by the impact with the tree, but it still breathed. As she approached, Gardevoir could hear the creature's ragged breath. Its face was a distorted mess. Blood matted the fur that hung from the pokemon's face.

“I hear you. You're dead. You're dead!” The dark type slurred as it made shuddering movements on the ground. The one good eye Absol had been left with stared unseeing past her. White paws clawed in a vain effort to stand.

Gardevoir began to laugh. “You lose.” Energy began to collect in her palms once again. The feeling of her very life draining away accompanied the attack, her hands trembling as she stood over her crippled foe. “I wish I could leave you here to suffer, but I won't. Not out of the kindness you never showed any other living thing, but because I want to know you died. I want to know what it feels like. To be the one that snuffs out your pathetic life.”

Flecks of spit flew as Gardevoir snarled over her victim. “You forfeit your life, and I am glad to be the one to take it.” Gardevoir pointed her palms at the pokemon's ruined face and released a radiant sphere of white light.

A grisly sight lay before her, but she had cleansed an evil from the world. Gardevoir sank to her knees and laughed, laughed until tears ran down her cheeks, laughed until she filled the forest with her hysterical mirth. She shook before the still form of a monster.
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An Uncertain Future