New chapter time. Time to start to really get into the main part of the Asylum, also a couple of returning themes that haven't been discussed very much for a few chapters. I'm actually really excited for what I have planned and I think you'll like it.

Anyway, question of the chapter time!

What do you think of Dawn so far. Do you like her, hate her, don't understand her? I keep dropping more and more hints about what happened in Pallet Town, what do you think she did?

Okay, chapter time! I hope you enjoy it!


Dawn's point of view


"This area's a little brighter I guess." I said nervously as the large door closed behind us. Looking to my two companions I saw that they appeared to be in fairly high spirits for the situation we all found ourselves in, something I envied greatly.

"And that's always good!" exclaimed Pyro happily.

"I'll try not to take offense to that." Said Night with a sly smile.

Forcing myself to smile at their jokes I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. Seeing Pale again… it was too much. The farther I got away from it the more at peace I felt, but seeing that Absol again just reminded me of all the lives I destroyed. I turned them in, my friends… the Pokémon and humans that accepted me and my mother for who we were. Razor's sister looked me right in the eyes and I still remember them …

"What's that up ahead?" questioned Night as he took a step forward.

There was another hall in front of us and a few meters down I could see duo of humans and their Pokémon standing at attention. The two humans look unremarkable, light skinned and very androgynous looking. Next to them stood a Mudkip and a Treecko, both looked like they were not in a happy station in life.

The Mudkip caught sight of us and motioned to what I realized was a glass door "Go on through, it's unlocked on this side." She said calmly.

"What's stopping us from just kicking your asses?" asked Night with a smile and in a very sardonic manor.

The Treecko didn't look impressed "These humans will summon much stronger Pokémon to put you down then, like the group that you just left." He said before sighing "So just go through the door, it's the way to the general area you're going to be a part of."

"General area? Sounds nifty." Spoke Pyro as he walked towards the glass door. I quietly wondered how long their positive spirits would last. As we made our way through the checkpoint I couldn't help but think that things were going to get worse. This place had to be called the Asylum for a reason.

Instantly a strong and terrible stench entered my nose. I could taste it and my eyes started to water in its presence. It was awful, the smell of everything horrible the body could produce.

Night and Pyro quickly went silent as they smelled the same thing as well "That's… terrible." Said the Umbreon in disgust.

"We have some new blood!" shouted a male voice, which was bizarre because in front of us just seemed like a dark abyss with Pyro's tail and Night's rings being our only source of real light.

"Who's there?" I asked nervously to the dark.

The sounds of metal clanging against metal panged against my ears as the form, that was now slightly visible, came forward. I instantly recognized him as a Bisharp, a very intimidating Pokémon from my home region of Unova. He was the height of a shorter human, but still towered over the three of us. He walked with a swagger that said he was in charge and that no one was getting in his way.

"Two darkies and a fire type huh? Athena will want to meet you." He said. His voice made him sound young, but it was dry and cracked a bit like an older person's would.

"I guess you're another guard?" asked Pyro.

The Bisharp smirked "Do I look the part, that's almost insulting." He looked behind us at the transparent gate "I'd never join those freaking loons. I'm a prisoner, same as you now. If you do what you're told you might end up living a little while."

"Mr. too cool for you here…" mumbled Night.

"What was that Umbreon?" asked the Bisharp loudly "If there's one thing you need to know is that there is a system here, a hierarchy, and right now you are at the bottom. I'd shut up with that mouth of yours before it gets you in trouble."

"In trouble? I'd say you're a bit late on that rust bucket. It's kinda the reason I'm here in the first place. How's about you just show us what you want and leave us on our merry way." Replied Night sharply.

I shot the Umbreon a look of confusion, but he wasn't looking at me. Pyro kept switching between the Bisharp and Night staring each other down and Night wore a confident smile on his face.

"Just… follow… me…" said the steel-type angrily as he tightened his fists so much I could hear the metal scraping together.

The moment of male aggression passed and the three of us followed the Bisharp through the room we were in. Mind you, it was so dark the only way I was able to see our guide were the reflections of dim light bouncing off his shiny body. In the darkness it was impossible to tell how large the room was, but I could feel the presence of other Pokémon. It was unnerving.

"So Mr. Steel guy, you got a name?" asked Pyro interrupting the awkward silence. He stared up at the taller Pokémon with his bright blue eyes, but the Bisharp didn't even turn around.

"To you, I'm Bisharp. Just like to me you are all Charmander, Purrloin and Umbreon. Most of the folks you'll meet in here will go by their species." Replied the Bisharp with a stern voice.

"Except for this Athena person you're apparently taking us to." Said Night "Also, what the heck is up with the lighting in here. I can barely see anything."

"It's the way the wardens like it, so deal with it." Grumbled the Bisharp "And keep quiet, it's sleeping hours and some Pokémon are trying to get some shut eye."

"I'm talking just as loud as you are though-" started Night.

"Last chance Umbreon, stop it with the smart talk okay? In here you need friends, a lot more than just two. You don't wanna be on Athena's bad side, hear me?" the Bisharp was seething after only a few off hand comments from Night and I wasn't about to have him erupt.

"Night, cool it. Please?" I asked quietly.

He smiled at me and sighed "Okay, since you asked."

I didn't know what to think about Night. He was funny and came off as a little bit of a jerk, but he was weirdly charming. He carried himself with importance, even though there appeared to be nothing special about him. I assumed he liked me enough since he actually listened to my request, while taunting everything Bisharp said.

"See, we can all be buddies after all." Said Pyro with a smile.

"You're on thin ice too Charmander." Commented Bisharp.

The lizard nodded "Got the message chief."

We kept walking in silence throughout the dark room for a minute or two. In the time it took us to walk I noticed we really weren't alone in the dark room. I could hear quiet snoring and little bits of chatter. I couldn't tell if it was just a large area or if there were few Pokémon in it, but the place seemed sparsely populated.

"We're here." Noted Bisharp.

My vision snapped ahead to see a large doorway, one clearly meant for a human. It shared the same black iron look that the rest of this place seemed to have. The horrible lighting didn't make the dark entrance look any more inviting though.

Bisharp kept walking, so the three of us kept following him. He came off as little cold, but being with him was better than being lost in that darkness. Even as a dark type I could say that there was something uneasy about that place.

'Oh, we'll just have to change that won't we Purrloin?' boomed a dark voice in my head. I jumped a little, I knew it was Darkrai, but kept it low key so the others wouldn't notice. I brushed it off best I could, I wouldn't want to look like a weirdo.

'You're embarrassed by me, how ungrateful…' said the voice again.

'Leave me alone.' I thought sternly, hoping the voice in my head could hear me think.

By the time my mental episode had run its course we were fully inside what turned out to be a much smaller room than before. It was still hard to even see Bisharp, but I could make out various figures about the place.

"Fresh detainees?" questioned a strong feminine voice, it came from the largest figure there.

"Yep, I thought you'd wanna see them." Replied Bisharp as he crossed his arms.

"I do, good job bringing them to me." Spoke the female voice again.

"So… are you Athena?" I asked in the weakest voice I could muster, didn't want to come off as offensive in any way.

"I am… what do you three call yourselves?" questioned the figure.

"We have names, but we were told by your lackey here that no one goes by names in here." Said Night in a slightly accusatory tone.

"What did I just finish telling you Umbreon? Are you looking for a fight? We're trying to help you but you and your friends can go piss of if you're going to act like that!" shouted the Bisharp as he turned to face Night.

"Geez, sorry buddy." Said Night with a laugh "From the smell in here I bet I can guess that you're so mad 'cus someone pooped in your food. Am I right?"

There was a swift movement and a thud and before I knew it Night was gripping his belly with a paw and glaring up at Bisharp in anger.

"I can't believe he's starting this." Said a soothing male voice.

"Night!" yelled Pyro before spitting an ember at Bisharp's feet "I don't think you wanna take on a fire type Mr. melting point."

"And I don't think you wanna take on a water type flame tail." Said an aggressive voice. One of the figures got closer, revealing a Dewott. Even though she wasn't evolved she had the look of someone that lived a hard life.

"How about we all just calm down…" I said nervously, knowing that if a fight broke out we'd be on the losing side.

"I agree." Said the male voice again. Straining my eyes I could see that it was another Dewott, but male "Sis, Anvil, get over yourselves."

"You're the one that hit me!" yelled Night before quickly smiling "But I think I can be the bigger person and not hit back."

Bisharp's (or Anvil I guess) eyes went wide with anger, he was going to attack again. Almost on cue a large green paw was placed on his shoulder.

"Cool it, all of you. If we fight the guards win." Said the powerful female voice that belonged to this Athena person. Looking at her figure in the light that Pyro's tail gave off I saw that she was a Tryranitar. She stood tall over all of us and even though she wans't being aggressive she emanated power. Her green plate-like scales shimmered in the dull light and a large, jagged scar shown on her torso.

"You, must be Athena…" I said before smiled "Sorry about this whole mess. My name is Dawn. The Charmander is Pyro and the Umbreon is Night." I kept my voice kind and light to gain her favor a bit. A little kindness goes a long way.

The Tyranitar looked at me. Her eyes were sharp and piercing. Even in the darkness I could see them glaring at me "Diplomatic of you Dawn. I like it." She smirked a bit "That attitude will help you in here." She turned to the Bisharp and the Dewott "Now you four get over yourselves, I won't have you fighting in here."

"I will the moment this Umbreon tells me what his problem is!" shouted Anvil

Night's red eyes glowed in the darkness with his rings as his mouth was strained in a mix between a scowl and a grin "Because I got taken by some idiots in the middle of minding my own business only to get thrown in here with a douchebag that things he's too important to give us the time of day!"

"He did talk to you…" said the quiet Dewott that was still leaning on a wall with his arms crossed "Most of the other Pokémon in here wouldn't just let you fend for yourselves. When they don't get help it usually takes them a day to figure out where to get food. I'm not expert on being grateful, but I'd say that Anvil here was trying to help you."

"Would've fooled me!" shouted back the Umbreon.

"He could've let you stay out there. Theres some in here that haven't had a full meal in months. I bet they'd love to have a bite of you and your friends. Guard would step in, but by then you'd be dead. If you want to leave the door's the other way, just know that Anvil was looking out for you." spoke the Dewott again.

Night's eyes went wide and he closed his mouth. Glaring up at the Bisharp he knew that the otter in the corner had a point. He gave a smile, but one that lacked the sarcasm and arrogance that his other ones did "I guess I've been a bit of a jerk then…" he lowered his ears and looked down "I'm sorry… it's just been a long day, I get very stupid when I get cranky."

Anvil relaxed himself and gave an understanding nod "It's alright… let's… let's get you acquainted with your new home."


Fern's point of view


"How long have you guys had problems with Team Rocket? In this city I mean."

My question fell upon deaf ears as the three Pokémon I was with ignored me for a moment. The Machoke, who went by the afterthought of a name Choke, was the head of this search party. He still had the bandages that were used to wrap around his wounds on, but looked as healthy as ever. Next to him was the Scyther, Sickle. He was a quiet Pokemon, but was aggressive in wanting revenge back at the Resistance quarters. The third was a Meowth, a spunky looking guy that carried himself confidently.

I'm sure you're wondering, where the heck is Zain? Well, Zain apparently works alone and left me to work with these three while he went all lone wolf er-fox trying to find the Pidgeotto we were on the hunt for.

"They've been bothering us since before I joined up." Answered the Meowth seconds after I asked. Granted a late reply was better than none "Call me Clay by the way, didn't get a chance to introduce myself."

I smiled "It seems like you guys have them basically under control around here though. I've been around Kanto but I've never seen so few Rockets than in Cerulean."

The four of us paced around the Cerulean city alleys, I guess their plan was to just brute force it and cover as many streets as possible looking for the bird and the Eevee evolution.

At that the group went silent again. Quiet types I assumed. Hopefully we could find the Rockets before it got too far into the morning hours. I really didn't think I could handle a night of boring searching.

Either way, I had a long night ahead of me.


Ruby's point of view


"You talked with Team Rocket?!" I yelled, fuming at the news that our new Espeon had been sneaking out to have deals with Rockets.

The blue eyed bastard glanced at Razor "You told them?" he asked in an exhausted manner, like explaining his actions was above him.

"He told us at least." Said Spark. With his arms folded and with a slight frown on his face the Pikachu was looking uncharacteristically moody.

It was late, very late. All the good Pokemon and humans had all rushed off to bed hoping that the police would get somewhere finding Night. Razor had just come to me and Spark with this information about our new psychic and I had to confront him.

Dexter shot Razor a harsh glance, but the Bulbasaur simply shrugged "They're my friends, I had to tell someone. And it wasn't to shame you, just so you could explain yourself before they found out another way."

The Espeon sighed "I'm glad you think that this will work Razor, I suppose I could give it a shot."

"You'd better. You sneak away in the middle of the day to organize some meet and greet with the freaking Rockets we just fought on the road?" I seethed with fury. Being new and all he was already on thin ice with me, but if he was planning something with Team Rocket… he was a snide comment away from me kicking his ass.

He raised a paw in defense "It didn't happen like that, I was approached by them. Their trainers have been missing since we fought them and they asked me if I knew anything about it."

"What did you tell them?" I asked aggressively."

Dexter's eyes widened for a second, like he got angry for a moment, but it subsided and he answered "I told them I would be willing to trade information later in the day and that it would be in their best interests to come. Of course I had no idea that they're trainers had been taken by those Resistance individuals."

Spark glanced at Razor "You told him what we heard Raze?"

"In passing… look guys, I didn't tell you this for you to gang up on him-"started the grass-type.

"What did you tell them and what did they tell you?" I asked, well, more like demanded. If I was going to have to travel around with this guy I needed to know his deal.

Dexter straightened his back and looked me right in the eyes "I told them what I knew about a place called the Asylum and they told me about Team Rocket's Alpha team."

"You're gonna have to elaborate on what both of those things mean." Spoke Spark with gaining interest.

The Espeon frowned at that comment and even looked a little worried "I… I suppose I'd have to tell you at some point. The Asylum, as of tonight, is where I think Night might be if he isn't still in the city. It's an old compound that used to be run by Team Rocket, but is now run by a group of people that call themselves Team Galactic."

I raised a brow "And how do you know all of that?"

"I know a lot of things." He said smugly.

"What about this Rocket Team Alpha then? You told them about the Asylum, what did they tell you?" questioned Spark "Was it at least a fair trade?"

Dexter smirked "Yep. I heard you, Night, Razor and Fern were all attacked by a Pikachu from Team Rocket today? She's a part of this team."

Spark nodded "So you basically had an information trade then?"

The Espeon smiled "Yes, no harm done."

"Except for the part where you tell us why you thought having a secret meeting with Team Rocket was a good idea." I said not wanting to let him off easy "We literally just fought them yesterday and rush to have a pow-wow with them? Tell me that doesn't look suspicious."

"I can't because it does, but let me ask you this. Night's been taken and I might have a lead on where he is. If I can meet with those Rockets again I'll be able to confirm the location of where I think he is. Are you okay with that, or is it above your moral code?" demanded the Espeon.

I took a step towards him "I don't like your tone."

"But do you get what I'm saying?" asked Dexter.

"Okay wait." Said Razor stepping in between us like a diplomat "No fighting, not now."

Spark nodded and walked up to Dexter "I can't say I agree with your methods, but if the police don't come up with anything then your intuition might be all we have." The Pikachu turned to me "We are all tired and I think it would be smart for us to go to bed and sleep on this."

Basically on cue I hear Jack's voice "You guys still up huh?" asked the human from behind me. Turning to look at him I saw the human sigh and stuff his hands into his very tight pants "Spark, Dexter… I don't know if you were just heading off to bed, but I'd like to have a chat with you before you do. If you're tired I get it though."

I frowned, freaking Jack was going to give that freaking Espeon the chance he needed to slip away. Honestly, I wasn't surprised when the pink bastard smiled and nodded. Spark, of course being way to nice, also smiled.

"We'll finish this conversation later Rubes." Said Spark as he walked to his trainer. I kept my face calm, but snorted out a quick puff of smoke to show my displeasure.

"Yeah whatever…" I said dismissively. Jack waved goodbye to Razor and I, but I ignored him. I'd known the human through pure coincidence for years and I was tired of looking at him. He was a nice guy, but jeez what he an annoying human.

"I think you're giving Dexter a hard time… was it because of something that happened today?" asked Razor once they were out of earshot.

Something had happened, I saw Dawn for the first time in years, but I really wasn't in the mood to talk about it "No… I just have a bad feeling about him."

Razor looked fake surprised "No? Nothing of import happened? That's weird, because Dexter told me that you had a run in with Dawn today."

My jaws clenched at the mention of her name "He told you… of course he did."

"I'm kinda disappointed you didn't bring it up Rubes, it's something I'd like to know about… how… how did she look?" asked Razor.

I rolled my eyes "She looked like she always did. I was a second away from really pummeling her but the others got in my way."

The Bulbasaur looked shocked "You attacked her?"

Tired of that non-violence game I had been playing with everyone I snapped "Yeah I did Razor. I wanted to kick her sorry, scrawny ass so hard she wouldn't be able to breathe without thinking of me. She used… she used me and you and all the others that supported her and her mother to get what she wanted."

Razor sighed like I knew he would, we've had this conversation before "You and I both know it wasn't like that Ruby. She had to do-"

"She didn't have to take your sister from us." I said angrily "She took your sister and my best friend from us Razor along with a dozen other Pokémon."

Sadness quickly crept onto Razor's face, I knew mentioning his sister would hurt but he needed to hear it "You bring her up like I forget about her. Are you really that selfish to think that I don't remember her Ruby." Said Razor with biting spite. Guilt flooded me as I started to second guess my choice of words "You need to get some sleep, we all do… so I'm going to let that one slide."

Feeling ashamed of myself put a paw on his shoulder "I'm sorry I… I get angry when I think of that day and I lash out. I shouldn't've brought her up Raze…" I sighed and looked at my feet and then back up at him "The nightmares keep getting worse… I can barely bring myself to lay down anymore."

Razor's face went from angry to empathic, and that was the kind of person he was. He'd never stay angry at me for long and would throw away everything to hear what was bothering me. A perfect friend if there was one.

"Is Night still in them?" he asked.

"Every single one in some form or another." I shook in fear thinking of them and that black… thing that tormented me in my sleep "I don't know what to do Razor. It's beyond me."

"Tell me about them, what happens?"

"They differ in form, but they always end with this entity. A black head with large red eyes that knows how to hit my buttons. She says things and they get me to the core. It's like she knows me better than I know myself and it's terrifying." I paused "She… she brings up my parents says that they hated me, that I was a demon to them. She clouds my memories and I don't really know what's true sometimes."

"Ruby…" mumbled Razor as I spoke. I wasn't crying… just scared of what that thing was doing to me.

"These aren't normal nightmares, they can't be. Maybe I should ask Dexter about them but… I don't think I can handle them alone anymore." I pressed a paw against my face "They're breaking me."

Razor moved his head closer to mine and touched his forehead with mine "You won't have to. Understand? You've got me and you've got every Pokémon in this group." He smirked a bit "If you think I'd become friends with the gray Vulpix no one talked to, join her on a journey across Kanto, and have her push me around just to give up on her because of some stupid chick in her dreams was messing with her then you don't know me."

I smiled and wrapped my arms around him "Thanks you stupid oaf."

"No problem, let's see if we can get to bed."


Azelf's point of view


"Azelf? I thought you were in Kanto?"

I crossed my arm as I levitated in the air "I've made a short trip home to ask you some questions Dialga."

The controller of time raised his brows "Hmm, and you thought this merited the trip?"

He did have a point. Not only did I have to get myself all the way the Sinnoh I needed to get up to Dialga's mountain range. On top of that I had to hope that the guy was even there. Call it short sided, but I needed to know some things.

"We've always had a fruitful relationship Dialga, I'm just hoping I can get some good answers." I said calmly followed by a yawn.

"Tired?" boomed the voice of the legendary.

"A little bit… but look." I paused to ponder how best to say what I needed to "Have you, by any chance, been keeping tabs on Darkrai?"

Dialga was silent for a few seconds before replying "No. Well, not actively. Why?"

I nodded "I think he might have his claws into my group, or, at least a certain Pokemon in my group."

"Nightmares?"

I shook my head in dismay "The worst kind I've seen in years and they're on a constant basis. Right now I'm stuck, I don't think this is a good time to reveal myself to her but if I don't I won't be able to help in a meaningful way." I paused "Not to mention the Umbreon I'm tasked to protect is in all of them and I can't figure out why."

The warden of time nodded slowly "I sympathize Azelf, but I don't have the ability to keep track of everyone at once. I can try to get in touch with Darkrai, but right now it's all I can do. With Arceus' situation I need to make sure nothing more happens to her."

I clenched my fists thinking of the condition she was in, the mother of all Pokemon reduced to needing us to protect her "I get it." Smirking a bit I said "I'm sure you'll find the time."

Dialga chuckled a scarily deep laugh at my joke "I suppose you'll be visiting your sisters while you're here."

"Quickly, I want to get back to Kanto as soon as possible. My group's run into a bit of trouble, they might need me to get them out of it." I replied.

Dialga respectfully nodded "Well then, farewell for now Guardian of willpower."

I smiled and bowed to my oldest friend "Farewell, Warden of Time."