Not too much to say this chapter, I think I'll let it speak for itself. Really happy with how this one turned out. Hope you like it!
Dawn's point of view
"What… what is this?" I asked as I looked around the new landscape I found myself in.
Sapphire smirked "It's my subconscious Dawn. What? Not impressed?"
"No… its just that I didn't expect it to look so much better than mine." I replied as the lush green fields filled my view. A healthy blue sky shown above me with a bright sun that was just warm enough to be comfortable to reside under. In the distance a lake cleaner than anything I had ever seen. Everything was so alive, something I didn't expect the dark and bizarre Delcatty to have within her.
"Don't get too jealous, I spend a lot of time in here. And honestly I'm not even the reason this place looks to amazing." Replied the cat as she looked around unimpressed with her surroundings.
"You don't look too thrilled." I observed.
She shrugged "Like I said, I spend a lot of time here."
"Why? What's so important about visiting here so often?" I asked honestly.
Sapphire smiled and looked up at the sky "Her of course."
Turning to see what the Delcatty was talking about I was astonished at what I saw. Floating down from the sky was the Legendary Pokémon Cresselia in all of her brilliance. Her sharp pink eyes glared at me as she floated down. Ribbon appendages flapped around her and even though she represented the moon she looked more than brilliant in the sun.
"Sapphire, you did as I asked?" she spoke in a calm voice, but never kept her eyes off me.
"Yep, you thought I wouldn't be able to?" she blew a quick raspberry "Don't underestimate Dawn just because she's of Darkrai."
My memories caught up to the lore behind Darkrai and Cresselia. I was under the impression that they hated each other and the look Cresselia was shooting me verified that. If I was scared of angering a Delcatty before, all of that was nothing close to evoking the fear of the Legandary of the Moon.
"You… you wanted to see me?" I asked trying to keep my terror under wraps as Cresselia settled down next to me.
"For longer than you've been alive. Do you understand how long Darkrai's been trying to summon one of you?" replied the Legendary in a biting and spiteful tone "But I suppose his intentions for you aren't your fault." She inhaled deeply, then exhaled, and said "You know who I am correct?"
I nodded violently as I hugged myself "Y-Yes ma'am."
"Good, we have things to discuss Purrloin. Your name is Dawn?" I nodded quickly "Excellent, then my abilities haven't failed me yet. Tell me Dawn, do you know of the influence of the Legendary Pokémon that run the world?"
What kind of question was that, of course I didn't. I was barely keeping myself from cowering in fear and she expected a coherent answer to that question? No chance. Not wanting to risk sounding even more terrified I simply shook my head no in silence.
Cresselia sighed "You're afraid of me aren't you. There's nothing to fear Dawn and if you just listen to what I have to say I promise you'll come out of this situation more prepared for what's coming to you. Understand?"
"Yes." I replied quickly.
Cresselia nodded "Good. Now then, do you know of Darkrai and I's rivalry?"
"Yes I do… it's been going on longer than basically anything." I said spouting what I had remembered from various stories I had heard.
"It's been going on before Arceus gave us forms. There's always been two sides of the moon from the Earth's perspective, a Light and a Dark. I am the light and provider of comfort, he is the dark and the maker of nightmares. I have no ill will towards my other half, he is simply doing what he was made for… until recently."
Sapphire looked unimpressed "You're gonna tell her about the-"
"Centuries ago there was a conflict, many Pokémon rose up against us in violent rebellion. We tried to quell them, but nothing would sate their fury except blood. So we gave it to them. Many thousands died, none of them were us. But that isn't important, because death is pitifully common. What is important is what Darkrai did. He saved one of them and he brought it over to the Dark."
"Not to be rude… but what does this have to do with me… I don't care for a history lesson and-"
"You actually interrupted me? How pretentious." Said Cresselia looking genuinely offended "But alas I doubt Darkrai has taught you much of how to speak to us… so I can let it slide." She bowed her head "I apologize for not well versing you before this conversation began, I expected Darkrai would have done his part."
"You keep talking like we're close. I've seen him maybe twice and all he's done is bug me. I have zero feelings to him, okay? Just… what was the point of Darkrai saving that one Pokémon?" I asked trying to get the conversation back on track.
"You were just afraid of me… what happened?" questioned Cresselia before smirking "You really are of Darkrai, I can see is arrogance in you."
I brushed off her comment "I'd like to stay focused. I'm trapped in a cell in a prison guising as a hospital, I'd like to get out."
"Geez… she's really brash with you… maybe your theory was right?" said Sapphire as she looked at Cresselia.
"I'm usually not wrong… Anyway. Darkrai gave some of his essence, the Dark, to this Pokémon. It killed him in a way, but kept him alive for Darkrai. He made an immortal familiar for himself, a puppet that did his bidding. That is forbidden, but he didn't care. Now I'm worried he's trying to do the same thing with you and I'm here to warn you." Said Cresselia "His intentions are always selfish and you must never doubt that. Everything he does is a ploy to get you more and more under his control."
"So you're saying he'll make me into a zombie?" I questioned. Catching myself I felt a change in attitude. I wasn't afraid anymore… which was amazing. I mean, I was talking with a Legendary Pokémon and I was barely uncomfortable. In fact, I felt kinda invincible. It was a foreign feeling to me but a part of me loved it.
"It's even starting now, he's changing you in ways you can barely feel. Making you seem stronger, dashing away your fear. It feels good now but I promise you Dawn, let Darkrai take you and he will destroy you."
I nodded "So your message is to stay away from him? He's in my thoughts, in my dreams… I can't really do that."
"Then succumb to yourself and not to him. Be who you are and not what he wants you to be. You can break free and make your own choices." She nodded "I've got to go so you'll be able to go back to your subconscious very soon. When you awake from that I promise that arrangements will be made to get you out."
"What about Pyro and Night?"
"Those are… nouns? What… what are you talking about?" questioned Cresselia.
"Her friends…" mumbled Sapphire "I'll see what I can do for them, but Mars has her own plans. Can't promise anything but I'll put a good word in for them."
I smiled "Thank you."
"Thank you for listening Dawn, I wish you luck." Said Cresselia as the environment started to fade. The light was slowly being replaced with the dark and Cresselia and Sapphire became dashed away shadows as the sun blacked out. It was turning into my mind, my subconscious.
Just before I lost grip of the reality within myself a single thought crossed my mind. Cresselia told me to be myself. The person that had betrayed her friends and gave up their families for sacrifice. I had stolen and lied to keep myself alive. Selfish choice after selfish choice tainted my memories and I showed little sign of improvement. Above all I was a coward, a person that always chose to run instead of facing her problems. I ran from Pallet Town, I ran from my mother… I even ran from Ruby when I saw her again. I'd done dark deed after dark deed for years…
What if embracing the Dark was being myself?
Night's point of view
"You mind telling us where we're going?" I asked in the most annoying voice I could muster for the Kadabra.
"Someone important wants to talk with you, its' the whole reason you were brought here." Replied the psychic as he followed closely behind Pyro and me.
"Well, if it means anything, I'm super happy you pulled us out of that cell…" said Pyro in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"We're here to escort you, not to entertain your ideas of friendship." Said the Absol bluntly. He sighed "Not that your mood isn't a welcome change, we just have a job to do."
"How do we even know we can trust you guys? What happens when you do whatever you want with us?" I asked cynically.
"The moment we don't need you to be here you will be released." Responded the Absol quickly "We aren't here to cause anyone unneeded anguish. You'll talk with someone, answer her questions, then be allowed to leave shortly after. Okay?"
"That sounds great!" quickly said Pyro before I had the chance to say anything skeptical "Let's go then, no need to keep whoever needs us waiting!"
I kept silent for the rest of the walk trying to keep myself together. Azelf had been trying to help, and appreciated that, but the Asylum was starting to get to me. Being a Dark type I found some amount of solace in the shadows, but the overbearing darkness of the place was too much. There was never enough light to truly see everything, even with Pyro's beacon-like tail lighting the way. There was also the humbling moment of getting my ass handed to me by one Delcatty when I had two people beside me. I'd lost fights before, but that was shameful… we didn't even touch her. I wasn't in a good place mentally, so I kept my silence and did my best to let my arrogance take over and guide me back to a happier place.
"We're here." Said the Kadabra, Alexander.
We had stopped at an unassuming door that looked more like a part of the walls than anything else. A thick lock kept it closed with a clashing modern bright touch pad next to it.
"I don't have clearance for this door…" spoke the psychic before turning to the Absol "Pale?"
The Absol nodded and placed a paw on the scanner. After a second the door unlocked and popped open just enough for us to see some light on the other side.
"Go on in, Mars is waiting. We'll be right outside so don't try any funny business." Said Pale with a strangely apathetic voice.
Pyro smirked and gave a salute "Wouldn't think of it boss."
I took the lead and nudged the door open enough for both of us to get through. On the other side was a bizarrely regular room for the black iron hellhole the Asylum had proven itself to be. Gray walls adorned the small room and in the middle of it was a table with a human woman sitting at it and on her shoulder was a Chatot.
Upon seeing us she put on a welcoming smile "Pyro, Night… good to have you with us"
Both of us stared at her awkwardly not really knowing how to respond effectively.
The human sighed "I'm sorry, I should tell you about how we're going to talk." She stood up and gestured at the chairs across from her "Please, take a seat."
With hesitation Pyro and I made our way over to the human chairs, climbed onto them, and sat down across the table from the red haired human.
"Good, now then. I'm sure you're wondering how we're going to talk." She looked at the Chatot on her shoulder "Rhyme here is going to help us out with that. He's one of our best translators, and just happens to be one of my best Pokémon. "
The bird bowed his head slightly "Stop flattering me Mars." Said the bird in a distinctly human sounding voice "You two have nothing to worry about. Just answer her questions honestly and we will see that you are let out."
I nodded, wanting to see what these questions would involve while Pyro responded in a peppy tone of agreement.
"Good then. Lets begin. For some of these questions I would only expect one of you to have info so don't feel nervous if you don't know what we're talking about." Said Mars "Do any of you know of the existence of a group called Team Rocket?"
Both Pyro and I nodded.
"Team Magma or Aqua?"
I had no idea what she was talking about, so I shook my head in the universal symbol for no. Pyro on the other hand responded with "Yep, both of them"
The Chatot translated and Mars seemed surprised "Really? How did you cone to learn about them Pyro?"
The Charmander smiled "I'm well-traveled. Been a mercenary of sorts for a long time, I go where my heart tells me to and I make money any way I can."
"Hmmm... Interesting. Let's move on." Mars paused for a moment before asking "Do either of you know of Team Plasma or Team Flare?"
Once again I had no idea what she was talking about and once again Pyro did "I know who Team Plasma is, same reason I know about Magma and Aqua."
Rhyme quickly translated and Mars nodded in an understanding fashion "Okay, now that I know that I need to get a little bit more specific. Night I know that you've had contact with a Leafeon. How well do you know this Leafeon?"
She was talking about Fern, and I wasn't sure about spilling my guts on her. I tried to keep the information limited "I've only seen her twice, once near Pallet Town and yesterday… or whenever I got put in here. She's cool though, saved my life every time I've seen her."
After the translation Mars looked satisfied "So you like her, as in, respect her?"
"Yes." I answered quickly "Who wouldn't respect someone who saved their ass?"
"No translation needed for that one Rhyme." Said Mars with a smile "I don't need much on her, just needed to know the extent of your relationship. You've only met her twice?"
I nodded truthfully.
"Very well then…Pyro, I have a question for you." Spoke Mars.
"Ask away." Responded Pyro with a smirk.
"Do you know anything about the Pikachu Claire?" asked Mars.
"Claire from Team Rocket? More than the regular merc I'd hope. She's dangerous, but I'm sure you already know that... Oh, I also was taught by the same master as her." The Charmander seemed very relaxed even though he was spilling a lot of info.
Mars, understandably, was a little shocked that Pyro was being so open. She cleared her throat "Um… master?"
"Yeah. You know how Claire uses bladed weapons and how there are a few Pokémon around that do? They all got taught by someone, the master." Answered Pyro in a peppy tone, like he was happy to share.
"Wha-what? Would this include…" started Mars.
"White? Yep, I'm surprised he hasn't told his superiors yet." Said Pyro.
The Chatot frantically translated and Mars seemed more than shocked. She gripped the table hard but didn't seem angry at all. "What can you tell me about this master of yours?"
"Just that you'll never be able to find him unless he wants you to. If you think White and Claire are good he's beyond that. Far beyond them and me." He coughed and casually looked at his hands "Is there anything else you needed to know?"
Rhyme translated and Mars nodded "Just one more, how do I know you aren't lying?"
"Honestly, you don't. You have to trust me until you can get White to confess to it."
After the translation Mars sighed, nodded and looked us both in the eyes "We're done here, thank you both for your time. I'll talk to the right people and you two will be allowed to leave soon."
"What about Dawn?" I asked, glaring at the Chatot to translate.
Rhyme relayed my answer and Mars frowned "She has her own purpose here, when that is accomplished I'll be sure to release her."
I wasn't sure if her word could be trusted, but I had nothing else to go on. Dawn was by herself and I hoped she was strong enough to handle that.
Dexter's point of view
"Where's your friend Fern? Not that I'm terribly busy but I like it when people are punctual." I said trying my best not to sound annoyed.
"He wasn't precise on the timing, so sorry if I wanted us to be early." Replied the Leafeon before yawning "Besides, is waiting in the Pokémon Center lobby really a huge deal?"
"It is when I want to get started on my plans tomorrow… Who is this friend of yours anyway, would I know him?" I said before scratching my nose.
The Pokémon Center lobby was empty save for Fern, I, and a nurse that seemed more interested in her book than anything else. It was late, much past the point I would normally be asleep so my slight annoyance was excused.
Fern shrugged "Not sure, depends on what you've been up to these past view years. He's higher up in the Resistance, if you've had extended contact with them you might know him."
Just as I was trying to think of the faces I saw when I met the Resistance in the forest before I was caught the Pokémon Center's automated glass doors slid open.
As I met eyes with the black fox I clenched my teeth tight, of course it was the Zorua from the road. He looked at me and I could instantly tell that this was going to be an awkward exchange of words.
"Fern…" said the fox before frowning at me slightly "Requiem."
I smirked "I'm glad we aren't going to pretend like we haven't met Zain. You've been keeping well since the road?"
Fern sighed "So you know each other."
"Honestly I wish I didn't know him, it'd make my life a little bit easier." Said Zain "You've been laying low at least."
"If it makes you feel better, that was the plan before I met you. But right now I'd say that the both of us have similar intentions, saving someone from the Asylum." I was trying my best to bring the fox over to my side. Having a long list of enemies was something I wasn't proud of, and I wasn't going to attempt to add anymore.
I hoped that Zain was the type to put purpose above anything else and the two of us exchanging passive aggressive quips wasn't going to do anything productive. The fox frowned and turned to Fern "What do you know of this Asylum place?"
"We know that it is an ex-Rocket facility that Galactic took over a few years ago. They've turned it into a prison of sorts for Pokémon that they deem troublesome. I've come to the conclusion that Night's been taken there." I answered.
Zain looked suspicious "What reason would you have to help this Umbreon Requiem?"
"I've changed, things are different now and my purpose is different. Night saved me when he didn't have to after I was aggressive to him. He needs help now and I'm not willing to abandon him." I replied with the flick of my ears "If you're willing to help, I'd greatly appreciate it."
"I'm sorry if I'm a little apprehensive of your intentions Requiem. We haven't been blind to the Pokémon that have been losing their memories lately." Responded Zain.
I frowned "I've been trying some things, not all of them have turned out the way I wanted."
Zain's eyes got wider "So you're saying you've been wiping people's minds again!"
I sighed "I've been reading their minds with the intent to gain knowledge. Some of them experience some memory loss. I'm working on curing them-"
"You haven't changed at all Requiem, I never thought the stories about you were true. I thought that no one could actually do the things people said you would… You're a monster." Spoke the fox with rising anger.
On the other hand I kept calm and sighed, maybe I was wrong about Zain. He was quite idealistic, used unneeded language to describe his feelings.
"Can you two try to focus? You can argue about ethics later, right now I want to talk about how we're going to deal with the Asylum." Said Fern as she looked at the both of us.
"I agree. Can we focus on the task at hand?" I said directing my question to Zain.
The fox's hard glare stayed on me as he said "Fine, we have other things to worry about now." He turned to Fern "So, this Asylum place… do either of you have a plan of figuring out where it is?"
"I know where it is for obvious reasons but I think it's important that I do a bit of recon before we take any real action. I'm not willing to risk anything before I can be sure about my assumptions." I answered.
"Hmm… and when do you plan to do this reconnaissance? I don't know how many covert actions you've taken but getting caught is always a danger." Replied Zain.
"I appreciate the concern, but I know my way around a situation like this. I'll take a look around the area more tomorrow." I paused for a moment "I know that you and Fern have indispensable skills, if you can contribute to the effort I'd be very grateful."
"He's already agreed to help Dexter." Said Fern.
Zain looked confused "Dexter?"
"The name my new trainer gave me, I quite like it." I answered.
"Well… I came here to make sure that the person masterminding this effort knew what they were doing, and clearly you do. I don't like what you've done in the past but that doesn't matter right now. I'll be back tomorrow when you have more to tell me." Said the Zorua "Right now I have another problem, a Rocket got himself captured near our headquarters, I need to have a talk with him."
"Oh, you said you had something to deal with earlier today, how did that go?" asked Fern "It sounded important."
"It was, Claire's in the city and I needed to talk to her." He answered "She doesn't know that her Pidgeotto friend's been taken though, that might complicate things."
'Ace got himself captured?' I thought 'I'll check up on Crystal as soon as I can.'
"I'll be on my way. This was interesting, but don't think you're off my radar Requiem." Spoke Zain.
"Noted." I replied with a smirk. Zain was a tough one to figure out, and the fact that he was dangerous didn't make me feel any better either. He knocked out everyone on the road before, although I'd seen an attack like that before it was still amazing. The concentration it would take to charge up something that powerful is admirable. I needed to brush up on my fairy moves in case we ever came to blows.
As the fox left I resigned to falling asleep. I wanted Crystal to be alright, but I'd been focusing on her well-being for too long. Night needed me and I needed some rest to have the energy to look around the asylum the next day.
I just hoped Crystal could hold it together until I could find her again.
Crystal's point of view
"He must've been captured, there's no other way he'd still be gone." Said Claire.
I frowned deeply "I think you're right. The Resistance must've done it."
"Yep, and I was just there too. They did a good job making sure I didn't know until I left." Said the Pikachu "They aren't the type to bring him to the police until they've questioned him and I bet that's what Zain's up to right now."
In the past few days my life had taken a tailspin and I wasn't sure when it was going to stop. My trainer and her brother were missing for over a day and my childhood friend was captured. I wasn't one to get too sad about things, but the events of the past several days were starting to get to me.
"I… you've been sleeping in the streets the past couple of days right?" asked Claire as she crossed her arms.
I nodded "Yeah." I looked down at my dirty fur "Is it obvious?"
Claire smirked "A little. Look, I don't feel good about getting involved with you two and not following through. So hear me out. I'll set you up with a room in the Pokémon Center. Team Rocket still has some sway in this city so I'm sure I can set it up. The Resistance is strong here, but they wouldn't dare try doing anything when you're in a public place. Stay there, get cleaned up and I'll focus on finding Ace."
I was honestly shocked "You'd… do that for me?"
Claire rolled her eyes "We're on the same side and you need help. I'm free until my team finishes up an operation and I'd rather do something helpful instead of hanging around all day."
"You're serious? I don't want to be a burden…"
"You are one right now, I'm trying to make you into an asset just like Ace. Team Rocket wastes too much manpower by not supporting their members." She started to walk out of the alleyway "Follow me, let's see if we can't get you a room."
"This is the Pokemon Center Dexter's staying at." I said as I stepped into the building.
"Does that bother you?" asked Claire as she casually walked up to the desk.
"No." I answered honestly. Present company and Ace aside Dexter was the only other person that really helped after my trainer went missing. I still barely knew him, but there was a benevolence about him that I couldn't ignore.
Claire jumped up on the desk and looked at the tired human reading a book. Clearing her throat the Pikachu got the attention of the human.
"Ugh… what is it?" asked the male human as he put the book down and looked at Claire, how promptly tapped the Rocket insignia on her chest.
He sighed "If you need a room go down the hall, special room's the last door on the right."
Claire smiled as she turned around "You heard him, that's your room until you leave. We basically own this place… Well, Giovanni owns it but we get to use it. Get some rest, I'll worry about finding Ace."
"Thank you Claire, really. You don't have to do this." I said trying my best to display my gratitude.
Claire shrugged "Don't worry about it, just focus on getting some rest."
I waved goodbye to the Pikachu and made my way to the room. It felt weird knowing that Ace was out there somewhere getting questioned by someone, but I knew that there was nothing I could realistically do to help. What I needed was to get my strength up.
"Hey." Spoke a female human voice that jumped me out of my thoughts. I turned to the sound to see a darker-skinned human, the same one I had been fighting against on the road to this city "You're that Team Rocket Glaceon aren't you?"
Not knowing what else to do I nodded nervously. She could blow this whole thing and turn me in to the police if she wanted to.
The human smiled "Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything to do." She knelt down to get on eye level with me "You're a mess, where is your trainer?"
I shook my head "You don't want to get involved with me." I fully knew she couldn't understand me but I still tried.
She frowned "Do you have a room here?"
I nodded.
"Well… okay then. Have your wounds healed from the other day?" she asked as she reached for one of the ribbons hanging from my head. With hesitation I let her touch me and it actually felt good. A human's touch was something I hadn't felt in a while and it reminded me of my trainer.
"We'll be in this city for a little while so if you ever need something just let me know." She pointed to a door "I'm in there okay?"
Why was she helping me, I couldn't figure out why. She seemed to notice my confused look and smiled "I know you're with Team Rocket, but you're still a Pokémon. I don't know where your trainer is but if you're here you must need some help." She stood up "You're name's Crystal right?"
Nodding again I was surprised she remembered my name.
"I'm Katherine. Take care okay?"
Smiling I waved as she entered her room. Even when everything was falling apart around me there were still people willing to help me. I walked into my room and felt comfortable for the first time in a long time.
"Things might be looking up Crystal."