Author's disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any Pokemon-related trademarks. Pokemon and all related trademarks are the property of Nintendo. The only things I own are the original characters. This is purely for fun and entertainment purposes and not for profit.

Author's note: This is rated M for some strong language, some violence, some emotionally disturbing elements involving death, and possibly a Pokemon X Human lemon or two. Reader's discretion is advised.

Words in italics are the thoughts and such of Pokemon.

CHAPTER ONE

As the airship touched down on the landing strip, Micah looked out his window at the dark tarmac and the terminal in the distance. The shuttle bus was waiting to carry the passengers to the terminal as the luggage was unloaded by the Machokes and Machamps that worked at the airport.

Micah turned away from the window and glanced over at the Gardevoir sitting next to him. The beret that she was wearing had slipped partway down her face, and she was fast asleep. Micah gently shook her shoulder. "Gardevoir, wake up!" he whispered. "We're here!"

Gardevoir let out a short, sleepy groan, opened her eyes, and yawned. She blinked a few times, then leaned forward and looked out the window.

"How long was I asleep for?" she asked telepathically.

Understanding what she had said, he looked at his watch. "About four, five hours. Something like that."

Gardevoir straightened her beret and sat up a bit straighter in her seat.

"So we're in Blackthorn City now?"

"Yep, just in time for the start of the research expedition," said Micah.

"The research expedi- oh, wait, never mind. I remember now. Stupid of me to forget it after you spent weeks talking about it."

Micah smiled wryly.

"Yeah, I know. I guess I've been looking forward to this for so long I haven't been able to shut up about it," he said.

"Don't feel bad about it, master. You've been so excited to be asked on this trip. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, Gardevoir. That means a lot."

Gardevoir smiled and snuggled up close to him instinctively.

Micah and Gardevoir only had to wait a short time for their bags to arrive on the baggage carousel. Micah had packed a few changes of clothes, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, hairbrush, hyper potions, max elixirs, and full heals as well as several different types of berries. Gardevoir had only taken the beret and a few extra gowns.

Gardevoir looked around the terminal at the other trainers and their Pokemon. Many of them were there to try their luck at the local gym, renowned for its tough Dragon-type Pokemon and their trainers. Many of them were there to go a different route through the Ice Path. And many of them were there to just visit friends and family or to find new Pokemon.

It felt so different here compared to the towns in Hoenn. She had never known any other place after she was first caught so long ago as a tiny Ralts. Since then, she had fought many battles, evolved into a Kirlia, been traded to Micah, evolved into her current form, and ultimately helped Micah to win the championship. It seemed at times like such a whirl.

But then there were the quiet times, the times where Micah would fall asleep in front of the television at home, surrounded by some of his other Pokemon. Gardevoir would sometimes stay awake and watch the happy bunch snoozing on or around the couch, as Swampert was much to big to be sitting on the furniture. The times where they would spend sunny afternoons searching for berries as the birds in the trees sang. The times when-

"Gardevoir?"

Micah's voice brought her back to reality as she realized that she was still standing near the carousel.

"I-I'm sorry, master," she stammered. "I must have wandered off in my mind for a minute."

"Eh, don't worry about it," he consoled her. "I do that all the time. I was just about to leave for the hotel. Are you ready?"

"Yes, let's go."

Micah picked up his bags, while Gardevoir insisted on carrying her own, and together they walked through the doors of the terminal and began walking towards the hotel.