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=*=*=*=

Resolute and I have joined forces for this one. "The Course of Change" is based on a one-shot called "Okemos," located in "My Pokemon." We both hope you'll enjoy it!

=*=*=

There are those who are called "Legendary."

These Pokémon control the elements of the world, from traditional elements such as Fire and Ice to the fundamental forces of Space and Time. They are commonly thought to be the strongest Pokémon in existence. However, their abilities are next to nothing compared to those who give the Legendaries their power.

The Untouchables.

One for every element. Seventeen beings of mass power, each loaning a fraction of their abilities to the Pokémon and even the humans. More enigmatic than the most reclusive of Legendaries, these titans are virtually unknown and unheard of, even in the rarest myths. They are named Untouchable for one reason.

If a human ever caught one, it would mean the destruction of everything.

=*=*=

Have you ever had dreams that felt like they weren't dreams at all? Dreams where you felt you were actually there, experiencing events first-hand?

I have.

These dreams had no apparent pattern. I could go for an entire month without a single one to having it for an entire week straight. There was no consistency or warning, no sign of any trigger. They simply happened, to the point where I thought I was losing my mind.

In this dream unlike a dream, I would be surrounded by a murky blackness. I simply floated without any feeling of support or falling, or any feeling at all for that matter. In this opaque void I would hear a voice calling out, seemingly from... well, everywhere and nowhere, if that makes any sense. It didn't seem like the voice was calling to me specifically, but I think I was the only one who could hear it.

And I had no idea why.

Sometimes, whether from curiosity or ignorance, I would try to answer the call. The moment I opened my lips an unseen force would flood into my mouth, my throat, even into my lungs. This indistinguishable matter was suffocating, and all I could do was claw at my throat as I tried to scream, unable to utter so much as a whimper.

Each time I would wake up coughing and retching, trying to expel the substance as if it were real.

After having these dreams for three years, I've tried just about everything to stop them. Doctors gave me pills which ended up taxing my body more than the dreams. I tried specialized diets, different exercises, and even a box full of dream catchers. Acupuncture actually managed to intensify the dreams somehow. Nothing worked, and I had no answers.

Until now.

"So, this medallion," I said, rubbing the coin-like gold piece between my fingers, feeling the faded designs under my fingers. "It'll stop the dreams if I keep it with me? Is that right?"

The woman sitting before me answered slowly, her expression the same now as it had been twenty minutes ago.

"It won't stop your dreams, Kari," she corrected. "However, it will stop the Pokémon projecting them."

"Wait, you mean these dreams have all been caused by a Pokémon? Why? What did I ever do to it?!"

Her jade eyebrow rose. I tried to suppress my anger and growing anxiety but every time her deep blue eyes met mine, I had to struggle to keep from getting up and leaving. Call it instinct or whatever, but something about her and the way she looked at me made me uncomfortable. No telling what made me listen to grandma and come to Saffron City to seek this woman's advice, but now that I was here, I might as well hear Sabrina out.

"It is likely the Pokémon doesn't even realize it's causing a problem. Psychic Pokémon that reach a certain power level will unconsciously transmit their emotions and even some of their thoughts. Normally," she continued, "Average individuals will not be affected by these waves of Psychic energy. Those who can pick up on them are usually gifted in psionics."

Despite myself, a laugh escaped from my mouth. It was a bit disrespectful, but come on. Me, gifted with Psychic abilities? There was one time where I honestly tried to read someone's mind: my math exam. Either Cody forgot to turn his brain on or I have no Psychic abilities to speak of. She continued to stare at me for a moment and I brushed back a rogue strand of my brown hair as the silence started to hang heavy in the air.

"Then you may simply be sensitive to Psychic energy, Kari." Her voice was a touch colder, as if my laughter had struck a nerve. "In any case, I would advise you to take the medallion. Perhaps it will help."

"Yeah, alright. And you said it didn't cost anything?" Sabrina simply looked at me with that same lack of expression. "Thanks. I'll, uh, give it a try."

Hell, I've done everything else. Why not sleep with a piece of metal?

=*=*=

I managed to hitch a ride back home again. At least Cerulean City wasn't more than a few hours distance by car. Call me crazy, but after learning that a Pokémon was the cause of my dreams I didn't feel comfortable camping outside, you know?

After changing into my pajamas I took the medallion from my bag, fingering it again. I still had no clue why she had given it to me - for free, no less.

Given everything else I'd tried, I was worried it wouldn't work.

"What makes you so special?" I murmured, tilting and turning it in the hopes of making out any of the worn designs. Unable to distinguish anything, I reluctantly climbed into bed and put it under my pillow, the only place I figured it would stand the best chance of not getting lost in my blankets. I grabbed my Teddiursa doll and hugged it tightly while I tried to settle the doubts circling in my head. Was it really worth the effort?

It had to be. Sabrina was the only one who had been able to tell me the source of the dreams with an explanation that actually made some sense. She had to know about these kinds of things, right? And hey, I shouldn't look a gift Ponyta in the mouth.

With that laid to rest, I tried to settle down to sleep.

=*=*=

The murky blackness surrounded my inexplicably floating form. In the distance all around me I could hear the calls, the echoing voice that I could never quite make out. The same as always, in other words. Except this time, something did seem different. The calls became a bit clearer, seemed to come a bit closer, almost to the point where I could hear what the speaker was saying...

That, and I could feel something in my hands. This surprised me; the only thing I had ever felt in these dreams was that nightmarish, suffocating force whenever I tried to open my mouth. I looked down and saw the medallion in my hands, the metal piece emitting a warm light that struggled to persevere in the unworldly darkness.

Suddenly, the cries stopped at the same time that the medallion flared.

I wasn't alone.

I could sense a presence just outside of the area of the faint glow. Something was moving, something was breathing, but I couldn't see what it was. Every time I turned to follow what I thought was movement, the murky black would present itself, refusing to give way and reveal anything beyond it. There was a faint sound to my right and I instinctively moved away from it, almost dropping the medallion in the process.

Wait, I could move? This was new.

[Who are you?](/?page=Who_are_you)

The voice echoed, distorting as it drifted around the void, not ceasing until it spoke again.

[Who?](/?page=Who)

A gust of warm air came from behind me, a shiver inexplicably wracking my body. I almost opened my mouth to answer, but I immediately remembered what always happened when I tried. Instead, I clung to the medallion like a lifeline, taking some comfort in its glow.

[Find me.](/?page=Find_me.) The voice whispered, the warm air now twirling around me, pulling at me. [Find me.](/?page=Find_me.)

Before I could find a way to ask how without opening my mouth, I woke up. My heart was beating harder, but the usual sensation of fear that accompanied these dreams was gone.

Drawing in a steady breath, I realized my hands were clenched tight. Slowly opening them, my fingers aching from how firm my grip had been, I felt something slip from them and fall to the bed. Patting around the top of the sheet, my fingers landed on something cool and round. Lifting it, holding it in the dim lighting of the bedroom, I felt my body tense.

Silently, the medallion gleamed.

=*=*=

The rest of the night held no more dreams for me. I tried to distract myself with various chores around the house but my thoughts dwelled on the change of events. Should I go? Should I stay? Did it even matter to me? I mean, why should I go to him, or it, or whatever?

Torn with indecision, I worried the medallion between my fingers, absently tracing the faded impressions on it.

I didn't want to go. More than that, I didn't even know where to go. That was it, right? I wasn't the one sending dreams out. If he could come to me, he should come to me! Actually, I tried not to think about that possibility, but even so. What was the point?

I must have convinced myself a dozen times that I wouldn't be going, yet every time I did, I heard that voice... more than that, I felt the voice. It echoed through my mind, feeling as real as a touch.

[Find me.](/?page=Find_me.)

By the time nightfall had come, I was thoroughly fed up with myself.

"Whether you stay or leave, Kari, it makes no difference," I said to myself, tossing the medallion in a drawer and closing it. "Better to stay here anyway." Forbidding myself to touch the thing again, I walked away from the metal piece and the problems associated with it. Yet as I did so, I couldn't help but shake an odd feeling of disappointment.

Ten minutes later, I found myself tucking it under my pillow again.

"Well, it did help a little," I muttered, feeling a bit silly that a piece of metal made me feel any safer. "Maybe it'll work better tonight?"

Once again, I waited for sleep to come, both hoping and fearing what lay ahead.

=*=*=

[Find me.](/?page=Find_me.)

I could feel his presence behind me. There was a soft pressure on my skin, but when I turned there was nothing. Even the medallion, once again in my hands, failed to illuminate what lurked in the shadows.

A small sigh of air brushed past my cheek, the weight from before suddenly more pronounced, as if someone or something was laying its head there. I tensed up, but when nothing else happened I was surprised to find the action somewhat comforting. Somewhat. It unnerved me a bit that I still couldn't see anything.

[I am waiting.](/?page=I_am_waiting.) The voice didn't echo or distort this time. Each word was drawn out, spoken with clarity, holding a gentle yet firm power behind each syllable. [Find me.](/?page=Find_me.)

"Where?!" I cried out, belatedly remembering the foolishness of opening my mouth. I braced myself... for nothing. Nothing happened. I breathed a sigh of relief.

From behind me, there came a light. I tried to turn, to see where it was coming from, but the pressure around me became solid. It was as if the presence I felt was standing right behind me, holding me still. I struggled for a few moments until it became apparent I wouldn't be moving.

[There.](/?page=There.)

The shadows before me began to swirl, picking up speed with each turn. The odd light was sucked into the churning black, forming a grayish shape that began to rise and take form, peaking into what almost looked like...

=*=*=

I left the next day with some modest supplies, leaving very little explanation to anyone. My mother allowed me to borrow our pet Nidorina, since I had no Pokémon of my own. I still wasn't a hundred percent sure where I was going, but the image from my dream had given me a place to start: a mountain.

Of course, there were no distinguishing features about the mountain, just the general shape. I was pretty fortunate that the closest and only mountain in the area was Mt. Moon. As good a place as any to start looking.

"A Psychic Pokémon couldn't project any farther than that, right?" I asked no one in particular. My mother's Nidorina tilted her head, giving me a blank look. "Yeah, thanks for the help, Rina."

"Nidorina!" She continued to lumber along beside me, happy for the simple fact that she was going on a long walk.

I checked to make sure the medallion was still tucked under my shirt. Rather than risk losing it in my pocket or backpack, I had attached it to one of my spare necklace chains before leaving. I didn't know how long it would take to search, and if I had to camp out while finding this Pokémon I didn't want the dream leaving me fatigued the next morning. Even with Rina, I was hoping it wouldn't take that long.

It's not like we were that far away, right?

=*=*=

"Body Slam!"

The force of Rina's body sent the Geodude crashing into the wall of the tunnel. She crouched, preparing to follow through with another attack only to find there was no need. Snorting in the general direction of the fainted Geodude, Rina stomped back over to me, tail swaying contentedly behind her.

She'd probably seen more action today than she had in the past year. At least she was enjoying it.

"Good job, Rina. Good girl." I turned to examine the tunnels. Left or right? Up? Head back? It was getting harder to remember where I'd been, much less where I was going. To make matters worse, I kept running into wild Pokémon and the occasional trainer that insisted on fighting Rina and I. It was getting fairly annoying; I mean, I wasn't a trainer, why were they bothering me? At least I had brought plenty of Potions....

"Um. Let's try left this time."

"Rina," she replied, head held high as she took in a breath. Releasing it, she confidently trotted forward, occasionally giving a grunt or some other noise. Despite wanting to avoid any more encounters, it did help fill the silence. I absently fingered the medallion through my shirt for the dozenth time, hoping we were going the right way.

Forty minutes later, hope was coming in shorter supply.

"Rina, we should probably find a place to stop for the night." I looked over my shoulder again, shuddering at the echoing sound of some Zubat flapping or a Paras scraping at the ground. "We can try again tomorrow, okay?"

"Rina!" There was a negative tone to her voice.

"Hey, we've been walking around for hours now. I'm getting tired. Don't you want to rest for a while?"

"Nido-nido!" Another negative.

I rubbed my eyes, letting a soft moan of dismay leave my lips. "Nidorinaaaaa."

She paused, her ears twitching to something other than my voice. Rising up on her haunches, she began sniffing the air repeatedly, which caught my attention.

"What is it?"

She started moving off into the dark, chattering excitedly by some discovery that I couldn't fathom. I had to start jogging to keep up.

"Rina! Hey!"

I almost lost her at a turn, her bulky form moving surprisingly fast around the bend. Shouting didn't work, and for a moment I thought she might have gone feral. I tried to remember how to deal with an uncooperative Pokémon but my thought process was rudely interrupted when she suddenly halted. I had too much momentum to stop and I tripped over her, landing solidly on my knees.

"Ow-how-HOW!"

Rina, ever concerned for my well-being and safety, was now ten feet in front of me and staring at yet another dead-end. Without warning, she started to dig into the wall, sending dirt and gravel flying.

"Little warning next time," I mumbled, trying to keep my temper in check. It was obvious something had caught her attention, and I'd be getting around to curiosity in a moment, but DAMN did that fall hurt!

She didn't respond, not that I would have seen her responding anyway. The hole was deep enough that only her tail was sticking out and, by now, I was intrigued. I wanted to lean in and look, but a mud facial with a free addition of sharp, flying rocks didn't appeal to me.

"What's in there that has you so excited? Rina?" The dirt wasn't flying around, so I peeked in the hole. "Rina?" Despite the size of the tunnel, I couldn't see her... and now I couldn't hear her anymore, either.

"Oh, shit! Mom's going to kill me!"

That thought had me on my hands and very, very sore knees in an instant, crawling through a cramped tunnel filled with dirt, small rocks, and I prayed nothing else. Despite being able to crawl through, my shoulders kept getting scraped by the walls.

"RINA!" I yelled, hoping she would respond. The tunnel was at least ten feet long, finally giving way to open space. The dim lighting threw me off for a moment before I realized that we were now outside, and likely somewhere on, Mt. Moon. Oddly enough, the area was shaped kind of like a bowl or basin thanks to the slope of the ledges. Stray boulders, rocks, and patches of long grass were scattered about.

Finally able to stand, I tried to get the dirt off myself as best I could, but most of it still clung to me. Giving up, I turned my focus to Rina... who was on all fours and growling.

"Rina? What's wrong?" Her eyes were fixated on a spot in front of us, and try as I might I couldn't see anything but rocks and grass. "Nidorina?"

She was crouched down, her body trembling as she took a step back. I didn't see anything. Was it a Ghost Pokémon? Couldn't be, I've never heard of Ghost Pokémon in or on Mt. Moon.

"Hello?" I said, taking a small step forward, trying to ignore the eerie noise Rina's teeth made as they chattered together. "Is there anyone there?"

It's hard to explain what happened next. I guess the area Nidorina and I were staring at... shifted. It was almost like something was there. Looking around, I still didn't see anything. Aside from Rina's teeth chattering, everything was quiet and still.

"Let's go, Rina."

I started to back away, still looking at the spot where the scenery had shifted. When my back bumped into something, I held my breath and felt around behind me, hoping to feel the rock outcropping with the tunnel entrance.

Yeah. Whatever it was that I felt behind me, it sure as hell wasn't rock. I flung myself away from the surface, turning so fast that I nearly tripped over myself, only to see... nothing.

"Hey, this isn't funny!" I said, edging closer to Rina. Her ears and nose were rapidly twitching as she glanced around the basin. "Who's there?" I shouted, my voice shrill and loud. "Show yourself!"

I didn't even notice myself reaching for the medallion until I felt warmth under my fingers. Glancing down, I could see a soft glow through my shirt. I quickly looked back up when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye.

The scenery 'shifted' once again, only this time much more noticeable. What happened next is even harder to describe; it's almost like the air solidified and took shape, and then that shape shed the transparency of the air like it was a skin or something. I might have been able to find a better analogy, but-

Oh. My. God.

This was no Ghost-type Pokémon. This wasn't ANY type of Pokémon, at least none that I'd ever seen or heard of. Hell, there were parts of him that even looked... human.

The torso looked human, at least, and so did the face until I saw the horns. He had freaking horns! Long, pronged, curling, cream-colored horns! There was a red gem embedded in his forehead, kind of like an Espeon. A huge pair of white wings extended from his back. His hair was mostly white with a few darker streaks, and went down to his mid-back at least. And despite his eyes being closed, I still got a strong feeling that he was looking directly at me.

Oh, did I mention that the lower part of his body was like a Dragonair's tail, except the scales were bronze and it was a LOT longer? As in, circling around me and blocking the way out, longer?

[You are here.](/?page=You_are_here.)

He moved towards me, lower half shifting like an Ekans as he came closer. He was holding a staff of some sort, which was a purer white than his hair or even his wings. It was emitting some kind of gentle yet daylight-strength illuminating glow. The head of the staff was HUGE, as in bigger than his head huge!

Also, his hands had one 'thumb' and two fingers, with claws on the end...

"Rina!" Nidorina rushed to put herself between me and whoever - or whatever - this thing was. He halted his progress and turned his closed-eye gaze onto her.

"What are you? Are you some kind of Pokémon?" I asked. An odd sense of reproach came over me, as if it were somehow rude to have asked. His head moved back up to 'look' at me, but his eyes remained closed.

[I? I am what all once were.](/?page=I_I_am_what_all_once_were.) He turned his focus back to my bristling, growling Nidorina. [Not human, not Pokémon, neither completely one or the other.](/?page=Not_human%2C_not_Pok%C3%A9mon%2C_neither_completely_one_or_the_other.) His coils shifted and I noticed he was actually hovering a few inches off the ground. [But a perfect blend of both.](/?page=But_a_perfect_blend_of_both.)

I wanted to ask him more, but Rina took the opportunity to launch into a slew of dialogue that I couldn't understand, though her tone sounded rather derogative. Almost vulgar.

[She cannot see me.](/?page=She_cannot_see_me.) His mental voice carried a somber tone, and I got the sense that this was a common occurrence. One that pained him, in a way. [She is not gifted by me, but the one under me. Thus, she senses my presence, but is otherwise blind to my being.](/?page=She_is_not_gifted_by_me%2C_but_the_one_under_me._Thus%2C_she_senses_my_presence%2C_but_is_otherwise_blind_to_my_being.)

"Rina," I said, reaching a hand out to soothe her. She jumped, almost as though she had forgotten I was there. "It's okay, Rina, I don't think he's going to hurt us."

The weird thing is... I believed it.

She grumbled, shifting from side to side. After a moment she made an impatient noise and went about cleaning off her claws. She still cast wary glances in his direction, as though she were waiting for an attack.

Looking back at him, I could feel my face flushing a bit. Human, Pokémon, whatever he was, he was still half-naked. Or all naked.

"Perfect blend of both? Are you some kind of... what, Pokéman? Who are you?"

His nostrils flared as he took a breath. Oddly enough, it reminded me of Rina when she's scenting the air for something.

[A rough analogy, but it will do.](/?page=A_rough_analogy%2C_but_it_will_do.) He exhaled. [I am Okemos. The Psychic Pokéman.](/?page=I_am_Okemos._The_Psychic_Pok%C3%A9man.)

His emphasis suggested that he was on a level far beyond that of any Psychic Pokémon; that, or he was unique.

Or both.

"Are there more of you?" I asked, kinda wanting to learn more despite the damn weirdness of the whole situation.

[Yes.](/?page=Yes.) His upper torso swayed a bit, as if he wanted to move closer to speak. Despite her 'blindness' to him, Rina was doing an excellent job of staying between us. [Long ago, we were all that existed... now, only seventeen of us remain.](/?page=Long_ago%2C_we_were_all_that_existed..._now%2C_only_seventeen_of_us_remain.)

"What happened?"

I could have sworn his grip tightened on his staff. [It is not an account that we retell lightly. There was much loss, much agony...](/?page=It_is_not_an_account_that_we_retell_lightly._There_was_much_loss%2C_much_agony...) He paused for a long moment, his head shaking a little from side to side. [And there is still much suffering.](/?page=And_there_is_still_much_suffering.)

"Oh," I said, not quite sure how to respond. The sudden tension in his coils made it obvious that this was a painful subject. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you or anything."

[It is enough that I can see you.](/?page=It_is_enough_that_I_can_see_you.) He inhaled through his mouth now, two fangs showing in contrast to his otherwise human-looking teeth. [I have not met one of my blessed in a long time... the last time, I believe, was when the land was still one.](/?page=I_have_not_met_one_of_my_blessed_in_a_long_time..._the_last_time%2C_I_believe%2C_was_when_the_land_was_still_one.)

Land was one? Wait, Pangea?! That must mean...

"How old are you?!" I exclaimed, just as a second realization struck me. "Wait, blessed? Me? Whoa, whoa, whoa... what?!"

His head tilted to the side, as though examining my behavior and finding it interesting. Or amusing.

[You are one of the few humans truly blessed by my gift. As my other siblings bless humans and Pokémon alike, so too, do I. However, it rarely manifests among humans, and a certain level of power is necessary before any human - or Pokémon - can see me.](/?page=You_are_one_of_the_few_humans_truly_blessed_by_my_gift._As_my_other_siblings_bless_humans_and_Pok%C3%A9mon_alike%2C_so_too%2C_do_I._However%2C_it_rarely_manifests_among_humans%2C_and_a_certain_level_of_power_is_necessary_before_any_human_or_Pok%C3%A9mon_can_see_me.) He bowed his head towards me. [And fewer still are those whom I would trust with my presence.](/?page=And_fewer_still_are_those_whom_I_would_trust_with_my_presence.)

This was all big. Very big. As in, redefine everything you thought you knew about the world, big. I'd probably be in headache territory for weeks trying to figure it all out, but it still felt like I was missing something. Again, slowly, enunciating every word, I asked:

"Who. Are. You?"

[I am Okemos. The Psychic Pokéman.](/?page=I_am_Okemos._The_Psychic_Pok%C3%A9man.) A low growl reverberated from his throat, the only sound I'd heard him make that wasn't in my head. [Through me, all beings are gifted with thoughts and dreams. Some are further blessed with the ability to call upon the innate power of thoughts and manifest them into Psychic energy. Pokémon...](/?page=Through_me%2C_all_beings_are_gifted_with_thoughts_and_dreams._Some_are_further_blessed_with_the_ability_to_call_upon_the_innate_power_of_thoughts_and_manifest_them_into_Psychic_energy._Pok%C3%A9mon...) He 'looked' down at me, the growl dying down but still quietly rumbling. [... and human. You, Kari, are one of my truly blessed.](/?page=..._and_human._You%2C_Kari%2C_are_one_of_my_truly_blessed.)

"Why does everyone think I'm Psychic?" I pulled the necklace chain over my head and held it out, the medallion warm but no longer glowing. "This thing's the only reason I knew you were here! Without it, I'd be-"

I was about to start giving him a piece of my mind, pun not intended, about the nightmares his presence have been giving me, but he threw off that train of thought by using the tip of his tail to pull the medallion out of my hands. Despite its effects on my dreams, its absence didn't turn him invisible or anything. Rina growled a bit at what must have seemed like a levitating piece of metal, but otherwise didn't make any moves.

[An amplifier?](/?page=An_amplifier) His tail lifted the medallion towards his face. He seemed to examine it, sniffing, then suddenly going tense as it flared. He cast it to the ground, the growl descending into the deepest snarl I've ever heard.

[Get out of here.](/?page=Get_out_of_here.)

"What? Why?" I looked down at the medallion, wondering what about it caused such a strong reaction from him. I made to pick it up, but another snarl stopped me.

[You must leave at once.](/?page=You_must_leave_at_once.) He spun his head towards me as I hesitated, opening his mouth wide as he hissed. [Do it! Now!](/?page=Do_it_Now)

I started to back away, but it was too late. Bright lights snapped on from overhead, their harsh glow blinding me. I stumbled, almost falling, but one of Okemos's coils was there to steady me. It was interesting, his scales felt rather warm against my back...

"Get him!" a female voice yelled. "Use the Dark Nets! Don't let him escape!"

I heard an odd sound, and the coil I was leaning against jerked away from me. Thankfully, my eyesight was coming back in time to regain my balance and finally see what was going on. On the edge of the basin were men and women dressed in mostly black outfits, clustered around several large spotlights. They were a respectable distance away, but I could still make out the large, red 'R' emblazoned on their shirts.

Team Rocket.

Many of them were calling out Pokémon, mostly Poison-types. Those that weren't busy with their Pokémon were using their bazookas to fire these black nets at Okemos. The first volley missed by a wide margin, with Okemos simply shifting his coils to dodge the ones that came close. For a moment I thought they had terrible aim until I realized they were 'blind' to him like Rina was. That female voice called out a few directions and their aim tightened. As I watched, a couple of the nets hit him, sending an odd ripple over him.

Somehow, I knew that they were now able to see him.

"Rina!" She had been frantically looking about, unsure of what to do, but quickly snapped to attention at my call. "Toxic Spikes, aim for wherever they're coming down!"

I cursed myself for not teaching her Smoke Bomb, or Haze, or anything else to give us some cover. I tried going down my mental list, but the only effective moves I knew were for close combat. At the very least, the spikes would buy us some time.

For my part, I went over to try and help Okemos with the nets. I grabbed the corner of it and tugged... only to swear at the sharp, lancing pain in my palms. The bastards had put barbs in the netting! Unlike my hands, at least he had the advantage of scales to protect him.

[Run!](/?page=Run)

He launched a shimmering 'wave' of what I assumed was Psychic energy towards the largest group of Rockets. It was all I could do to keep my jaw from dropping: most of the group was flung back, taking a small chunk of the rim with it. The rest dove for cover as rocks, dirt, and shards of glass from the shattered searchlight rained over them. The momentary respite gave me a chance to pull one of the nets off of him.

Unfortunately, there were plenty of Rockets to replace the fallen.

A group of Zubats and several Golbats started to harass me, dive-bombing close by and tugging at my clothing and hair. They were trying to get me away from Okemos and it was working. I lashed out at them, landing a few ineffectual punches, only to be buffeted by their wings in return. For a moment I thought they would actually start attacking, but a wave of energy knocked them away. I looked up to see Okemos moving in, his glowing staff raised high.

[I will protect you!](/?page=I_will_protect_you)

For a fleeting moment I thought that Okemos would be able to overpower the Rockets, given his overwhelming display of power. Another net struck him at that moment, and the glow from his staff dimmed. Not by much, mind, but enough that I realized that the nets were somehow weakening him. I had to think fast, had to...

"Teleport!" I shouted as soon as it came to mind. "If you teleport out, they won't be able to get to you!"

[No. I cannot leave you at their mercy.](/?page=No._I_cannot_leave_you_at_their_mercy.) His coils shifted as he rose up in the air, raising his staff high once again. [I no longer have the strength to transport three.](/?page=I_no_longer_have_the_strength_to_transport_three.)

He pointed his staff towards another grouping of Rockets, the top part opening up like a flower bud before unleashing a brilliant ray of power. The basin wall crumbled under the impact, sending more of the Rockets falling and scrambling. It was like a supercharged Hyper Beam and I shuddered to think what a fully powered one would look like.

Despite his powerful counterattacks, Okemos was on the losing end of the battle. For every net he blocked, dodged, or shrugged off, another one or two would arc towards him. Few hit, but each one weakened him further. I tried my best to get them off, but he kept moving out of reach every time. I finally gave up, not wanting to distract him any further.

Unable to do anything, I watched Okemos try to ward off the nets.

For a minute he put up a valiant defense, deflecting nets with energy blasts or blocking them with barriers. But every net that got through weakened his next shield or attack, until finally one struck his humanoid torso, knocking him to the ground. He flailed around, pinned, hissing or shrieking, crying out in my mind in such an agonized way that I reflexively covered my ears, as if the action would somehow muffle the mental screams...

I felt two men grab me as Okemos flailed about, the mental cries becoming less disabling after a moment. My own struggle was equally fruitless, the two men had a strong hold. I tried to look for Rina, hoping for any sort of rescue, but my best guess was that she was somewhere in the mass of Pokémon at the far side of the basin.

I was alone.

Despite my hopeless situation, I looked around for the source of the voice I had heard earlier. How had they known where Okemos would be? I hadn't even known until I had arrived! Looking up, I saw a large Venomoth descending with a rider. The wings blocked my view of the person's face until the moth Pokémon had landed. Then it all became very, very clear.

"Why?" I asked, trying even harder to break free from the iron-hard grip of my two captors. "Why, Sabrina?"

Her eyes barely touched on me before looking over at Okemos. "He is strong enough for what we need." Her smile was frigid, not even reaching her eyes. "I knew he would be perfect when you described your dreams to me. Such vivid detail, no matter your impressions, and for such a long period of time. The medallion confirmed it and led us straight here."

I stopped struggling for a moment, both wanting and dreading to hear what she had to say. "Strong enough? What do you mean?"

She took a languid step closer to Okemos, watching as his tail lashed. He tried flapping his wings to no avail, and instead turned his close-eyed stare towards her. He gave a low snarl, lips pulling back to display his fangs. Sabrina gave no outward reaction to the display, glancing sidelong at me instead.

"He will be the next step in our cloning process."

[You do not comprehend the powers you toy with, child.](/?page=You_do_not_comprehend_the_powers_you_toy_with%2C_child.) The Rockets holding me stiffened a bit, and I could guess that he was projecting his mental voice outwards. [With such an act you will damn not only yourself, but all life as you know it.](/?page=With_such_an_act_you_will_damn_not_only_yourself%2C_but_all_life_as_you_know_it.)

"Perhaps," she casually replied, pressing the button to expand a dark purple Poké Ball with a pink design on the top half. A Master Ball. "But I highly doubt it. With your genetic code we may finally be able to create a true human/Pokémon hybrid. Any other consequences are minimal in comparison."

All I could think of was Okemos strapped to some laboratory table, faceless scientists cutting into him, sticking him with needles, ignoring his cries of pain. An anger built up inside me, feeling like a building pressure, as I imagined this wondrous being silenced... forever.

"NO!"

I felt something leap out of my body, a wave of force knocking away both the men who were holding me and the Master Ball moments before it struck Okemos. Whatever I had just done left me tired, trembling, and it was all I could do to keep from collapsing.

Sabrina narrowed her eyes. "I knew you had potential. It is a shame you chose now to exhibit your power." Her eyes flashed and I felt some unseen force slam into me, throwing me back against the rocky incline of the mountain. Her power held me several inches off the ground and I could feel the sharp rocks digging into my back. After a moment she closed her eyes and released me.

"Stay out of this." she said, her tone callous as she lifted her arm. The Master Ball rose from where it had fallen. "You have no hope of winning against me."

"You can't do this! Leave him alone, Sabrina!" I tried to stand. I had to fight... but my limbs weren't working too well. My left arm hung from my side, useless, while my right hand held onto the mountainside for leverage.

Sabrina didn't even acknowledge me as she mentally lifted the Master Ball, a single gesture sending it sailing towards Okemos once again. I tried to reach for it with the same power I had before, but nothing came to me or aided me in any way. For his part, Okemos gave a hiss that sounded like acid dripping on metal. He had turned his head aside, as if not facing the ball would negate its hold on him. We were both helpless to stop it.

Thankfully, someone else was able to intervene, albeit not of their own volition.

Rina, my mother's Pokémon, had been pinned down on the other side of the basin like I presumed. Despite her predicament, she had still been holding her own throughout my exchange with Sabrina. She must have come into contact with a Moon Stone, because she was no longer my mom's Nidorina. In her place was a very large, very pissed Nidoqueen.

And when I say pissed, I mean 'hide the kids, this is going to be messy.'

I stood in awe as she suddenly went on the offensive, sending her opponents flying around like rag dolls! The Master Ball was intercepted by an airborne Rocket grunt, knocking it off course once again. She gave a Roar, all the Pokémon in the basin promptly scattered. I watched several Arboks slithering away to whatever crevice they could hide in. The Zubats and Golbats that had been harassing me took to the skies, even the Arcanine someone had brought turned tail and ran. Without their Pokémon to protect them from Rina, the Rockets started running off.

With Sabrina and the rest of the Rockets handily distracted, I was able to make the short dash to Okemos. Each step sent lances of pain through me, but I ignored them, knowing he was in far more danger. I hoped that removing a couple of the nets would allow him to Teleport out. Thankfully, I managed to reach him without anyone noticing, what with Rina monopolizing their attention.

Without knowing how long she would keep their attention I started working on the net on his upper torso. The barbs were already leaving cut marks on his unprotected skin. I tried to be as gentle as possible, but I figured getting the net off quickly was better than protecting him from a few scratches. And the way he was looking at me didn't help...

His eyes were open. He was looking at me.

Time doesn't stop. Even in a potent moment such as this, I could still hear the Rockets crying out behind me, the commotion of the battle. It was fainter, muted, but still present. I could hear my heart beat, then a second beat that I assumed was his for some reason. His golden, jade-flecked eyes were like nothing I'd seen before. I felt myself sway without moving at all, felt my entire body go warm and almost numb, almost like I was about to pass out or something. Was I hurt more than I realized?

No... Oddly enough, his gaze made me feel weaker and yet stronger at the same time. And now, I simply felt stronger. The pain from my injuries was gone. I felt different, too... a lot different, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Well, it seems there's an easier way to make a hybrid than we thought."

I turned and immediately jumped to the side, dodging a blast of Psychic energy that pulverized the dirt where I was standing. My adrenaline must be hitting a new high, 'cause I don't think I've ever moved that fast before.

Sabrina stood about fifteen feet away, suddenly looking very interested in me. "The two of you will make excellent subjects, once we deal with the minor inconvenience of your Nidoqueen."

"Me?" I felt my ears lay flat back on my skull. "What the hell are you talking-"

Oh, shit. Since when do I have ears that could move?

She fired another blast at me, one that I easily dodged. My priorities shifted back towards psycho woman trying to kill or capture me, as opposed to the fact that I now had ears on the top of my head. And a tail.

Did I mention my fucking paws?

Surprisingly enough, the first thought that went through my mind was: Oh my god, mom is going to kill me when I get home.

This was immediately followed up by: Wow, this next blast is going to hurt, isn't it?

My hands went up by reflex, trying to protect myself... but the attack never hit me. I looked past my arms to see a shimmering barrier in front of me. I'm not sure whether it was an actual Pokémon move or just a random shield of psychic energy, but either way it had protected me. At least I wasn't completely helpless anymore.

Sabrina was glaring at me, her eyes glowing once again as some unseen force wrapped around me. Panicking, I tensed up and braced for a pain that never came. She was getting increasingly annoyed, and I couldn't really blame her. Hell, I had no idea what I was doing; I was wishing I could activate some attack powers or something right about now. My fur - yeah, by the way, I'm apparently covered in fur - stood on end. I dodged to the right before I even saw the rock flying at me.

Screw it. Something had to give and it sure as hell wasn't going to be me.

I ducked under another large stone, practically a boulder, and sprinted the short distance to Sabrina. I didn't know how to go-go-gadget-Psybeam, but I did know how to get up close and personal with her face. To my surprise, I managed to get a good right hook in before she threw me back with her powers. I heard - and felt - a growl rumbling in my throat. This bitch was pissing me the hell off, now that I could actually fight her.

"You won't win," she said, her eyes flashing as one of the Dark Nets on the ground lifted into the air. "Your new form gives you power, but I have honed my skill since I was a child! You stand no chance against us! Against me!" She raised her arm as if preparing to throw something. "And now, despite your best efforts, the two of you are ours."

The net flew towards me at her gesture. As it came closer, the image of Okemos as each net had struck him flashed in my mind... how he now lay helpless on the ground. The images of his likely future, of being cruelly tested upon. Once again, I felt a burning anger welling up inside of me. Only this time, I knew what it was.

And what it meant I could do.

The power that erupted from me was incredible. Fueled by my newfound potential, the incoming net was tossed aside along with every other net in the area. The blast kicked up dirt and loose rocks like some massive shockwave. I heard Sabrina scream in surprise and pain, but my eyes were already closing.

I wondered why the ground was taking so long to meet me... but darkness came long before the impact.

=*=*=

I felt something rubbing against the side of my head. It was probably Rina being impatient, so I pushed her away, wanting to go back to sleep. My head hurt, and my bed felt really comfortable...

[Awaken, Kari.](/?page=Awaken%2C_Kari.)

The voice. The voice was from my dream, right? Dammit, I thought I was done with those.

[Kari.](/?page=Kari.)

Wait, I wasn't in bed, was I? It took me a moment to slowly, reluctantly open one of my eyes, and another to orient myself. I recognized that someone was holding me, cradling me, but my brain was a little slow catching up with what I was seeing.

"Okemos?"

[Yes.](/?page=Yes.) He nuzzled my neck again, his head lightly brushing against mine. [I am glad you are safe.](/?page=I_am_glad_you_are_safe.)

I tried to sit up, but I figured it was better to wait a minute for the dizziness to go away. "What... what happened?"

[Your gift. It was unrealized, untrained, but your protective instincts are very strong. Perhaps too strong.](/?page=Your_gift._It_was_unrealized%2C_untrained%2C_but_your_protective_instincts_are_very_strong._Perhaps_too_strong.) I felt him exhale, warm air brushing over my shoulder. [The power was ripped from your body twice, completely raw. You are fortunate that a short period of unconsciousness was the worst consequence.](/?page=The_power_was_ripped_from_your_body_twice%2C_completely_raw._You_are_fortunate_that_a_short_period_of_unconsciousness_was_the_worst_consequence.)

I tensed up, suddenly remembering the battle. "Sabrina! What happened to her?"

[The gifted, if misguided, one and her followers are back where they started, with no recollection of the events that transpired.](/?page=The_gifted%2C_if_misguided%2C_one_and_her_followers_are_back_where_they_started%2C_with_no_recollection_of_the_events_that_transpired.)

"She gets off, just like that? She doesn't get punished or anything?!" Privately, I wondered why he hadn't done something like that in the first place.

His answer was fairly simple. [Without any memory of us, their crimes are not mine to judge. Arceus will judge all, but until then, it is humanity's responsibility to account for their actions.](/?page=Without_any_memory_of_us%2C_their_crimes_are_not_mine_to_judge._Arceus_will_judge_all%2C_but_until_then%2C_it_is_humanity%27s_responsibility_to_account_for_their_actions.)

It still seemed like a cop-out, but I could kind of understand where he was coming from. Anyway, I didn't feel like arguing the point. "Where's Rina?"

[Resting.](/?page=Resting.) He paused, looking almost a bit guilty. [I... I wanted this time to say goodbye.](/?page=I..._I_wanted_this_time_to_say_goodbye.)

Part of me wanted to say this was unexpected, but I kind of figured it was going to happen. After a moment, I summed up the biggest issue on my mind. "So what am I now, a Pokégirl or something?"

A ripple of what I could call amusement ran through my head. [Again, a rough analogy, but it suits you.](/?page=Again%2C_a_rough_analogy%2C_but_it_suits_you.) I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not, so I didn't respond. His mental tone became somber. [You are the first... Pokégirl... to be created in a very long time. Your path will be hard, harder than most, and I am sorry for that...](/?page=You_are_the_first..._Pok%C3%A9girl..._to_be_created_in_a_very_long_time._Your_path_will_be_hard%2C_harder_than_most%2C_and_I_am_sorry_for_that...) He squeezed me a bit tighter to him. [But I do not regret doing it.](/?page=But_I_do_not_regret_doing_it.)

In some way, I could understand that too. I was somewhat annoyed by my lack of choice in the matter, but when I thought about it, there wasn't much of a choice to begin with. Part of me wondered how much of this "understanding" that I was doing was based on my own comprehension. For all I knew, I could be doing some unconscious psychic skimming of his person or whatever.

[I want you to come with me, but for now it would be impossible.](/?page=I_want_you_to_come_with_me%2C_but_for_now_it_would_be_impossible.) His mental voice was a bit strained, as if he'd give anything to take me with him. [You are too new to your powers to make the journey, and there are tasks that you must first accomplish here.](/?page=You_are_too_new_to_your_powers_to_make_the_journey%2C_and_there_are_tasks_that_you_must_first_accomplish_here.) One of his claws gently traced my cheek, his golden eyes reflecting an image that was both familiar and foreign at the same time. Me. [Know that one day, I will return for you. This is meant to be.](/?page=Know_that_one_day%2C_I_will_return_for_you._This_is_meant_to_be.)

Yeah, you don't have to be psychic to see what happens next.

He kissed me; a gentle, lip-to-lip kiss that held a hint of restraint on his part, as though if he gave in to the moment he'd never be able to let go. A side of me wanted to see him give in, wanted to lose control with him... while the other side was more than glad he was holding back. Both sides still felt the strange, bubbling warmth I felt from his kiss, and the sting of knowledge that it couldn't be.

Not yet.

After a moment he pulled away, leaning forward to set me down. Reality was sinking in fast, and I felt a bit of panic welling up. There was no way in hell I could keep my transformation hidden from anyone, let alone my family or the Rockets. How exactly do you explain, "Yeah, I'm part Pokémon now" anyway?

I realized that Okemos had been reading my mind the entire time, because he chuckled. The bastard actually laughed at me! He leaned in close, lips beside my ear, before actually whispering out loud in the most delicate voice I've ever heard:

"Transform."

Then, he was gone. I was left standing on Mt. Moon; I looked the same on the outside as I had upon arrival, but on the inside, I was filled with far more questions. More turmoil.

More power.

"Nido?" Rina hobbled out from behind a rock, looking as if she had just woken up from a nap. She shook the dust off herself, stretching a bit, then looking towards me. She made the same noise, and while I knew it sounded like "Nido," there was an echo of sorts that sounded like, "Well?"

"Well, what?" I replied, thinking it was just some trick of the wind. She rolled her eyes in response.

"Well, what are you going to do now?"

I sighed at this newest addition to my 'revelations that require me to completely rethink everything I thought I knew about the world' list, which was probably bordering on several pages by now. A gleam caught my attention, and I moved to see what it was.

The medallion.

I picked it up, looking it over as I had many times before to see what was so special about it. I didn't sense any malicious properties or whatever, so I rubbed the metal a bit and hung the item around my neck. To keep as a token, I suppose.

Or a reminder.

I turned back towards Rina. "I guess we tell mom that our journey is going to take a lot longer than we thought."