Hey everyone. I am so sorry I have been away for so long. I swear I will post chapters as often as I can. Life just gets away from us sometimes but I still have many chapters lined up and ready to post so this isn't over yet. I wonder what will happen to Yamaguchi in this chapter. Let's find out.

Hey all. My current beta reader,sweetlixes, has changed their username and contact information so you can now find them here ( /users/sweetlixes). Please give their work a look if you have time. They work very hard to help me get these chapters out.

Any artwork you may see associated with this fic (on AO3, or Tumblr) has all been created by my good friend SlothyClaws. That is their instagram also have a website ( .com). They do commissions and their commissions are open to anyone that is interested. Go and give their page a look if you are interested.

I choose you, chapter 121!

Sakusa

It was just past noon when they left the gym. The walk back to the hotel was quiet. Kageyama didn't look anyone in the eye as he walked between Yamaguchi and Yachi. Both trainers had done their best to console him on his lost battle but he didn't seem to pay much attention to what was being said to him.

Strangely enough, Tsukishima's mood had eased up a bit after Kageyama lost. Yamaguchi assumed it was maybe reassuring for him to know he wasn't the only one to lose. As selfish as it sounded, the truth was that Tsukishima just didn't want Kageyama to be the one to save Yamaguchi. It was indeed petty but what could you expect from a guy like him?

Once back at the hotel Yamaguchi joined Yachi and Hinata in the shared kitchen to prepare a quick lunch. Yamaguchi had a feeling that Kageyama and Tsukki probably didn't have much of an appetite but insisted they still needed to eat. They'd find some way around this mess with or without Sakusa.

"I don't get why Kageyama and Tsukishima are being such babies," Hinata pouted. "They can just go back and battle for the badge another day."

"Well, they are both quite competitive," Yachi pointed out. "Besides, this is the first time Kageyama's lost a gym battle like this since we started traveling back in Kanto years ago."

"That jerk has always been able to breeze through gym battles," Hinata grumbled. "It's good for him to experience losing every now and then."

Yamaguchi absentmindedly nodded as he grilled a cheese sandwich in a pan. He felt like their bad mood was mostly his fault. They had put everything into these battles to win Yamaguchi a psychic reading from Sakusa. Yamaguchi could feel the fear lingering in the back of his mind. He had been counting on coming here to get answers. He couldn't keep a Musharna sleeping by his side for the rest of his life. And he dumped all the stress of fixing this onto Kageyama and Tsukki. Yamaguchi didn't realize how loudly he had sighed as all this passed through his mind.

"Hey, at least we are going to have our showcase soon," Yachi said, picking up on Yamaguchi's mood. "Let's make up for today's lost gym battle with the best showcase anyone has ever seen!"

Yamaguchi couldn't help but smile at Yachi's enthusiasm. "What day is the showcase being held?" Yamaguchi asked, not being able to recall at the moment.

"It will be this Saturday," Yachi smiled seeing Yamaguchi perking up a bit. "That in just three days."

"I wonder what the theme is going to be?" Yamaguchi hummed, doing his best to take his mind off his worries.

"I guess it will be a surprise," Yachi shrugged. "But regardless, one of us has to win that key!"

"I'll give it everything I've got," Yamaguchi promised, meeting Yachi's hand for a high five.

"Man, why can't Kageyama and Tsukishima give me high fives, too," Hinata mumbled, jealous of the friendly rivalry the other two shared. "All my rivals just make fun of me."

"Bokuto and Kuroo give you high fives," Yachi giggled, giving Hinata a small playful shove.

"Those guys aren't the same as Kageyama and Tsukishima," Hinata grumbled. "They are both so stingy."

"Tsukki's always given me high fives when I ask for them," Yamaguchi shrugged.

"And by the marks on your neck I'm sure he is giving you a lot more than just high fives," Hinata mumbled.

Yamaguchi released a noise that sounded like someone had stepped on his toe. His cheeks turned bright red. He never expected something like that to come out of Hinata's mouth, of all people.

"Hinata!" Yachi eeped through fits of giggles.

"Is it really that noticeable?" Yamaguchi groaned, his face now in his hands.

"It feels like Tsukishima had marked you as his as if to tell others to back off," Hinata teased, enjoying for once not being on the receiving end.

Yamaguchi groaned once more.

"Hinata, you're embarrassing him," Yachi socled, though she couldn't hide her smile.

"Hey, we are all friends here, right?" Hinata shrugged, giving Yamaguchi a cheeky wink. "It's fun to be able to poke fun at friends who aren't going to bite your head off."

"Well I'm happy you are comfortable enough to pick fun at me," Yamaguchi replied flatly, though he couldn't hide his growing smile. With all the drama he'd encountered on this journey at least he could fall back on Hinata and Yachi for a dose of normalcy.

It wasn't long before the three had finished preparing lunch. Hinata and Yachi took their lunch back to their rooms for Kageyama and Yamaguchi took his and Tsukki's to his own room. He wasn't surprised that Tsukki didn't want to be around the others. He always got this way after a loss and Yamaguchi was ready to comfort him.

The two ate in the comfortable silence of their room. Sylveon slept soundly on the bed as the two trainers silently ate. Yamaguchi badly wanted to make conversation with Tsukki but just didn't quite know what to say at that moment. The loss was still so fresh and the matter of what they should do next hung heavy on their minds. They had both silently been relying on Sakusa for answers to what had been interrupting Yamaguchi's dreams but now it seemed like consulting him wasn't an available plan anymore. Despite Kuroo's insistence that it had to be Sakusa, perhaps they could always ask Komori for his help instead. He also worked at the gym and was related to Sakusa so perhaps he had some psychic ability, too.

Even if they had been able to talk with Sakusa it's not like he would have for sure been able to help them. There was always the chance Sakusa wouldn't have the answers. Perhaps he'd tell Yamaguchi it was all in his head or that whatever it was wasn't a psychic pokemon and would have sent them on their way. Yamaguchi tried to convince himself that this would have been the case anyways so it didn't really matter. It didn't really make him feel better about his situation but it helped him find it within himself to get over not being able to talk with Sakusa.

"The showcase will be in a few days," Yamaguchi brought up as a way to both distract himself and Tsukishima.

"Are you feeling ready for it?" Tsukishima asked. It seemed as if he too was looking for something to distract himself.

"Well, the team and I haven't really practiced anything new but I think we can recycle an old routine and give it a show," Yamaguchi replied. He fiddled with a piece of tomato that had fallen out of his sandwich. "It's quite common for contestants to recycle routines so why not," he shrugged despite Tsukki not ever asking him for a reason why.

"Probably more efficient that way," Tsukishima agreed. "Why bother making something new every time if what you already have is working out."

"Exactly," Yamaguchi replied with more enthusiasm than needed. The conversation was not the most engaging but both trainers seemed to be able to relax a bit.

It wasn't long before both trainers found their way to the bed for a rest. To Yamaguchi's surprise Tsukki clung to him almost right away and before long was fast asleep. It made him feel bad to think the battle had exhausted Tsukki this much. Nonetheless he lay quietly as Tsukki used him as a body pillow.

The sun was already setting by the time Tsukki woke up from his nap. Yamaguchi had spent the time reading up on various things for his upcoming showcase as well as admiring Tsukki while he slept. It was quite rare for him to see Tsukki sleep as he was normally the one passed out. He half wondered if letting Tsukki sleep for so long would throw off Tsukki's sleep schedule but with how stressed Tsukki had been he just couldn't bring himself to wake him.

"Next time don't let me sleep past 3," Tsukishima mumbled as he sat up in bed. He looked quite groggy and in need of more sleep.

"But your sleeping face is just too cute," Yamaguchi teased before planting a kiss on Tsukki's cheek. It was still quite warm.

Tsukishima's face went pink as he gave a small 'huff'.

"I'm going to go see what the others are thinking about for dinner," Yamaguchi giggled as he sprung up out of the bed. Sylveon followed close after him as he made for the door.

"Do we really have to have dinner with them," Tsukishima groaned, flopping back down into bed.

"You can't stay locked up here forever," Yamaguchi joked as he left the room. Closing the door he heard Tsukki release a loud groan.

He wondered if Kageyama was just as down as Tsukki was. He wouldn't be surprised if Kageyama wasn't anywhere to be found. He imagined Kageyama was just as much a brooder as Tsukki could be. From what Yachi often said Kageyama often disappeared after any sort of loss only to show up again a few hours later.

Yamaguchi rounded the corner towards the elevator but had a great start at who he found standing there. Tall and menacing, looking at the floor map, stoody Sakusa. The guy radiated power and an energy that said 'leave me alone'. At first Yamaguchi stood stiff in shock as he tried to decide whether to go back or to join Sakusa at the elevator. He didn't have to think about it long for the next thing he knew Sylveon gave a happy yipp and skipped over to where Sakusa stood.

"Sylveon!" Yamaguchi hissed, stumbling after her.

Sylveon stopped just beside Sakusa, reaching her long ribbons up to take him by the hand. Sakusa didn't even jump as Sylveon touched him. He merely glanced down at her before looking at Yamaguchi as he clumsily made his way over.

"I-I'm so sorry," Yamaguchi apologised as he bent down to pull Sylveon back. He had no clue what had gotten into her. She rarely ever approached strangers like this.

"It's you," Sakusa quietly replied as his cool eyes studied Yamaguchi.

"Huh?" Yamaguchi whispered, looking up from Sylveon to find Sakusa looking at him quite intensely.

"I've been looking for you…" Sakusa cooly replied.

Yamaguchi, still crouched down, only stared at Sakusa in utter confusion. "M-Me?"

The elevator dinged as it arrived on their floor. Sakusa reached down, grabbed Yamaguchi by the arm and pulled him up.

"Come with me," Sakusa flatly said, pulling Yamaguchi into the elevator with him.

Still quite shocked, Yamaguchi let it happen. The next thing he knew the elevator door had shut and was making its descent down to the first floor. Sylveon stood beside Yamaguchi looking as happy as a shellder. Yamaguchi didn't know what Sakusa was up to but if Sylveon seemed okay about it then maybe it was fine.

It was only when they had exited the hotel that Yamaguchi found his voice. "W-Where are we going?" he asked as he stumbled after Sakusa. Sakusa had yet to let go of his arm.

"Back to the gym," Sakusa replied. His eyes were set forward. He didn't even bother to look at Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi half wanted to yank his arm away and demand a better explanation but at the same time maybe this was the chance they had been after. He couldn't risk turning Sakusa away so he followed after him, this time with less hesitation.

Yamaguchi didn't bother making conversation with Sakusa as they walked. He found himself looking at Sylveon to see her reaction and each time she seemed happy to follow after the Elite Four members. So far every Elite Four member he has met has been a good person, so, despite his menacing looks, Sakusa was probably the same.

Once entering the gym they were met by Komori. Sakusa, still dragging Yamaguchi behind him, marched right up to his cousin. "You never told me he had been in contact with such a powerful psychic energy," he almost sounded accusatory as he snapped as his cousin.

"What are you going on about!?" Komori replied, looking from Sakusa to Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi smiled at him awkwardly, giving a small wave with his free hand.

"Hey, aren't you…" Komori mumbled.

"I guess he decided to talk with me after all," Yamaguchi gave a small shrug.

Komori gave a small sigh. "Kuroo told you he thought this kid was being tailed by the evil team. Sometimes you're just so stubborn."

"We will be in my office!" Sakusa replied, ignoring his cousin's comment. "Don't let anyone in. I don't want to be disturbed."

"Whatever you say," Komori sighed. "Don't worry, he won't hurt you," he quietly reassured Yamaguchi. "Psychic Pokemon just excites him."

"R-Right," Yamaguchi mumbled before Sakusa yanked him out of the lobby and down a hall.

Yamaguchi stumbled after Sakusa as they entered through a door to a long hallway. The hallway was dimly lit and dead silent. The sounds of their footsteps echoed through the silence. The walls were lined by several doors but no sound seemed to be coming out of any of them. Yamaguchi felt a shiver run down his spine as he recalled a similar hallway in a horror film he had watched as a kid. Despite this he still followed after Sakusa.

It wasn't long before Sakusa stopped in front of a rather large door at the end of the hall. The sign on it read Gym Leader Olympia. It confused Yamaguchi for a moment before he recalled that Sakusa was just a substitute gym leader. The next thing he knew Sakusa had practically ripped the door open and threw Yamaguchi into the room.

Yamaguchi stumbled into the room and tripped over the back of a chair. He caught himself in time, preventing his face from slamming into the chair's seat. He turned around quickly at the sound of the door being slammed shut and locked. Behind him Sakusa stood menacing and tall. He loomed over Yamaguchi, his eyes glowing yellow in the dym light of the room.

Sakusa's eyes lingered on Yamaguchi for only a moment before he silently strode across the room. It was at this moment Yamaguchi took in his surroundings. The room was just as dark as the hallways except the ceiling was decorated which looked to be a projection of the night sky. The walls were lined with shelves stuffed with books. In the center the room lay what looked to be an uncomfortable looking bed piled with all sorts of junk. At that moment Sakusa was throwing the junk on the bed to the floor. In the far corner of the room, standing as still as a statue stood Sakusa's Hatterene. It's eyes glowed from the shadows as it studied Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi unconsciously backed aways towards the door. He only stopped when he felt something take his hand. He looked down to see Sylveon's eyes shining up at him. She didn't seem to be intimidated in the least. She gave her trainer an encouraging yip as if to tell him it was fine. Yamaguchi swallowed a lump that had been stuck in his throat.

"Ummm, Sakusa, what is-" Yamaguchi started before being cut off.

"Lay down!" Sakusa commanded, ignoring Yamaguchi and pointing to the very uncomfortable bed.

Yamaguchi stood stiff for a moment as he looked from Sakusa to the bed. "Wh-what-?" he barely got out.

Sakusa rolled his eyes. "You wanted a reading, didn't you?" he sighed.

Yamaguchi sent Sakusa a skeptical look. Sylveon gave another encouraging yip as she pulled Yamaguchi towards the bed. "O-Okay," Yamaguchi reluctantly replied as he followed after Sylveon.

"I need you to lay still and flat on your back!" Sakusa explained as Yamaguchi kicked off his shoes and hoisted himself onto the bed.

Yamaguchi gave a nod as he lay himself down. The bed was hard and the pillow lumpy. He shifted uncomfortably as he tried to settle in only to find that there was nothing he could do to relax on such a hard bed.

"W-Why are you helping me?" Yamaguchi finally asked. "You said you'd only see me if Tsukki or Kageyama won."

Sakusa didn't reply. At first Yamaguchi thought he hadn't heard him or was ignoring him.

"Hey-" Yamaguchi made to sit up to see what Sakusa was doing only for Sakusa to roughly push him back down.

"I said lay down!" Sakusa snapped.

"I asked you a question," Yamaguchi retorted, pouting where he lay.

"I get all sorts of people asking me to use my abilities to read stuff," Sakusa explained, his tone annoyed. "Usually it's just petty crap so I assumed you were another one of those people."

"W-What changed your mind?" Yamaguchi craned his neck back to see Sakusa.

"I said to sit flat!" Sakusa grumbled, scowling down at Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi gave an annoyed sigh as he repositioned himself.

"I could sense something from you," Sakusa explained once Yamaguchi was lying correctly. "I need to know what it is."

"S-Sense something?" Yamaguchi's voice cracked.

"Something more powerful than I could have expected from such an ordinary trainer," Sakusa carried on.

Yamaguchi didn't know if that was meant to be an insult or not but he felt a sense of relief knowing he may get some answers. "Thank you for helping me"

"I'm not doing this for you. I simply want to know what's going on," Sakusa snapped.

"Oh, r-right," Yamaguchi mumbled.

The room went quiet once more. Yamaguchi couldn't see Sakusa but he could hear him shuffling around the room. He looked up at the ceiling. Above him was a projection of the night sky except the planets looked much larger and moved around the room slowly as if they were following the rotation of the earth. Lying on this bed knowing Sakusa was here to help him, sort of, he felt calmer. He couldn't see Sylveon but her calming presence was close by helping him keep calm.

Yamaguchi hadn't a clue if anything could come out of this but just knowing that Sakusa sensed something powerful about him was enough to set his heart to worry. He had been in denial for so long. He thought for sure that all his run-ins with Team Serpent had just been bad luck and that those dreams were manifestations of his worries but now he wasn't so sure. Deep down he knew there was more to it than just that but a part of him had hoped it really was all in his mind. He knew he'd get his real answers soon.

"Now, I need you to lay still and try to keep your mind blank," Sakusa explained, back at Yamaguchi's side. "The less you think the easier it will be for Hatterene and I pick up on any external psychic activity going on with you."

Yamaguchi gave a nod. He wasn't too good at not thinking about things but he'd try his best.

"Taking a swig of this should help relax you," Sakusa said, placing a bottle to Yamguchi's lips. "It won't put you to sleep but it will calm you down. It's effect will only last a few minutes."

Yamaguchi normally would have freaked out if someone had asked him to take a drink of something strange but he did as Sakusa told him. He parted his lips as Sakusa poured the elixir into his mouth. The drink was fizzy and quite sweet. As he gulped it down he almost instantly felt himself relax even more.

"Now lay still and don't say a word," Sakusa said.

Yamaguchi nodded, he felt his mind go a bit fuzzy. His arms and legs felt heavy now but he didn't bother to try and lift them. He heard Sakusa move around the table. A moment later his body began to glow a soft pink. His eyes wandered for only a moment before looking up at the projection of Pluto floating above him. He felt an odd sensation in his head, almost as if someone was trying to open him up. He fought it for only a moment, allowing whoever it was in. His breath hitched as a surge of energy rushed through him. He heard Sakusa say something but couldn't make out what it was. The next moment his vision went white.

Author Note:

Will Sakusa be able to help Yamaguchi find answers? What could it be drawing him to Yamaguchi? What will Tsukki think of this after all the effort he put into his battle? Stay tuned to find out that and more!

Since it was Yamaguchi's birthday 11/10 this week and Tsukkiyama day 11/12 I will post one more chapter to celebrate! See you very soon in the next chapter!