Glass Heart
By: Minty-Fivestar (aka LadyLatias)

My submission to 2023's Snagged! A Pokémon Colosseum Anniversary Zine on Tumblr! A collection of Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD fanart and fanfiction submissions! Please look it up and download the free PDF to enjoy all the entries!

A piece centered around my favorite Colosseum character, Nascour. This version of the story varies slightly from my original submission to the fanzine, in that while I originally wrote it to feature Nascour's original team from the game, this version reflects his team in my personal fanfiction universe (his Dusclops and Xatu are replaced with Froslass and Gliscor). Aside from that, this story generally fits into Pokémon Colosseum's plot and features my personal take on the character. Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: Pokémon and all related characters, places, concepts, etc. belong to Nintendo, Game Freak, Genius Sonority, and all other rightful owners. I do, however, own this story and my original characters and concepts. Do not attempt to copy or plagiarize from my stories without permission.

Notes: This story is rated K+ due to mild profanity and blood.


"Relax. The environment will be highly controlled. When we constructed the simulation chamber, we spared no expense. There's nothing to be concerned about."

Nascour exhaled pointedly, his only response. He felt a tinge of annoyance, at what seemed like condescending words, but it did not matter. This was all part of the process. The experiment. The plan.

And yet… at the same time, Nascour wanted very much for this to be personal. To him, Pokémon had always been something private. He rarely discussed his Pokémon with others or exhibited them much. In fact, the upcoming tournament would be the first time his Pokémon ever battled in front of a large crowd. He wanted them to be prepared, but he needed to prepare as well. For handling his Pokémon in what would be a stressful environment… and to see just how successful this experiment really was.

And whether he could control it.

As if noticing Nascour's distraction, Ein approached and handed him an earpiece, which Nascour absently accepted. "This will allow us to communicate while you're in the chamber," Ein explained, his gaze calm behind his glasses. "Just let me know when you're ready to proceed."

Nascour nodded curtly, before letting his eyes wander the room. Unlike the brightly-lit, sterile white atmosphere that characterized the rest of the Shadow Pokémon Lab, this room felt dark and enclosed, illuminated only by rows of computer terminals upon two long desks that faced a conspicuous electronic door on the opposite wall. Numerous tangles of cables snaked across the bare floor to the framework of this elaborate door, and various lights and symbols marked across its surface all glowed rhythmically in a soft white.

"I've been ready," he said to Ein, voice sharper than he intended. "Let's get on with it."

Hardly perturbed, Ein turned his head briefly to nod at a single assistant standing nearby. The young man immediately typed some commands into a computer console; in response, several nearby monitors displayed scrolling text and flashing images, a dizzying torrent of information that all meant nothing to Nascour. After several moments, a light above the doorway blinked green.

"The simulation is preloaded and ready for you to begin, Master Nascour," the assistant announced.

Nascour's eyes flickered toward Ein, who gave a respectful bow. "As I've cautioned before, sir," the chief scientist began, with only the briefest hint of concern in his voice, "while we have extensive data on most of the Shadow Pokémon we've created… our tests with your own are limited. And seeing as it was already incredibly powerful before we converted it…"

"Yes, I know," Nascour said, already striding over to stand before the doorway. "It could be dangerous. But I knew that going in, and it is my own responsibility to bear. One should not wield Pokémon in battle without being prepared for the consequences."

Ein chuckled and moved to stand next to Nascour. "Wise words, sir," he murmured. "If only others in our organization could heed such wisdom. Such as our fearless leader…"

A short laugh escaped Nascour as well, though he kept his eyes forward. "I suppose we shall see in due time whose strategy is best," he mused, before gesturing to the door. "I appreciate your concern, Master Ein, but if you please?"

"Of course, sir."

Ein signaled for his assistant to push a button. The door before Nascour beeped and parted down the center, sliding open to reveal what appeared to be a large empty chamber. The blackness of the chamber was crisscrossed with faintly-glowing lines in a grid along the walls, floor, and ceiling. Ein bowed once again, waving his boss inside, but just before Nascour could take a step, the scientist placed a hand on his shoulder, making him pause.

"If you need aid, do not hesitate to say so," Ein warned, again with that hint of concern in his voice. "This is no laughing matter. Shadow Pokémon—"

"—Will hold back nothing. I know. Thank you."

Ein nodded, but his hand remained where it was. "Sir… if I may."

"Yes?"

"I have to wonder. Why your own Pokémon? A personal one that you've had for years? I never cared to wonder before, but… you know what the process entailed. Why did you do it at all if…?"

This time, Nascour did bristle. He whipped his head around to glare at Ein, who fell silent under his leader's furious gaze. Still, out of respect for his chief scientist, Nascour forced himself to breathe, to compose himself. It wouldn't do to lose control now.

"…Again, I knew all the risks beforehand. The rewards and the consequences are mine to bear. Now… if you would be so kind, Master Ein."

Ein nodded and finally stepped away, allowing Nascour to continue into the room. The door slid shut behind him, and for a few moments, everything was still. At least until a feminine, robotic voice cut through the silence:

"Initializing: Outdoor Enrichment simulation."

The lines on the walls blazed to life in bright blue, and as the light faded, an environment seemed to render into existence around Nascour. The dark, empty room gave way to a vivid, colorful world underneath a beautiful blue, sunny sky. Nascour found himself standing in a large, grassy space, with the boundaries of a battling field drawn in white around him, in preparation for any Pokémon battles. The grassy space was framed by a lush forest, along with a small bubbling stream running parallel to the arena. Here and there several large boulders jutted from the ground, all producing the illusion of an area to train Pokémon in the midst of a cozy natural setting. If he took a deep breath, Nascour thought he could almost taste fresh air.

"Simulation fully loaded."

"You're welcome to proceed, Master Nascour." Ein's voice, though on low volume, still startled Nascour in his earpiece.

He didn't respond; instead, Nascour took the time to gaze about, fascinated by the seemingly-natural landscape around him. If the Shadow Pokémon project had not succeeded, Nascour felt that Cipher would have had an alternate avenue in this incredible technology. With much of Orre being as desolate as it was… perhaps Cipher could charge money for people to experience flowing water, the shade of trees, a breeze that was not so dry or harsh as the desert winds…

Breathing a deep sigh, Nascour smoothed his hand back through his wild mess of grey-blue hair, before reaching for the Pokéballs on his belt. In several sharp bursts of light, the Pokémon within appeared, and Nascour looked over each of them with a slight smile. Blaziken flexed his claws and struck a fighting pose in anticipation of training. Gardevoir spun gracefully and made a gentle curtsy to Nascour. Walrein clapped his flippers together happily and bared its tusks, pleased to see his trainer again. Gliscor flew in circles and grinned brightly to be out of his Pokéball again. And Froslass made a haunting, yet melodic sound, hovering just behind all the other Pokémon.

It had been so long…

"Hello, everyone," Nascour greeted, with an elegant bow. "It's good to see all of you again."

The Pokémon all gave happy cries in return, looking far more excited than Nascour would have thought. It had been some time since he'd spent time with any of them, even in battle. If he were them, he'd be furious.

But it seemed like no matter how much time passed, his Pokémon were always delighted to see him again. Like nothing between them had changed, or would ever change.

"Gardevoir!" The Psychic-type danced forward joyfully, and before Nascour knew it, she had given him a big hug. And despite himself, he couldn't help but hug her back.

"I am happy to see you too, my dear," Nascour told her, petting her head kindly. "All of you." His smile at seeing his Pokémon again quickly faded, as his thoughts went to the sixth Pokémon on his team. He couldn't help but wonder what the other five would think when they saw it.

Picking up on his thoughts, Gardevoir came to him, looking puzzled. "Gar? Gardevoir?" she asked, pointing to the last Pokéball on his belt.

Nascour grabbed the Pokéball quickly, and took a step back. "Ah… yes," he murmured, trying to think of what to say. "I must tell you all something. Metagross… has changed."

His Pokémon looked puzzled. They didn't know a thing about the Shadow Pokémon project…

"Metagross assisted Cipher in an important experiment we conducted, to see if Pokémon could be strengthened," Nascour continued, not bothering to look at them as he spoke. "We concluded that it was indeed possible. And so Metagross has become stronger. Much, much stronger."

His Pokémon perked up in interest. Was there really a way to become strong so easily? How lucky Metagross must be!

Gardevoir, however, seemed to sense the rest of Nascour's thoughts. She came to his side and touched his hand. "Garde… voir?"

Nascour frowned at the Pokéball he held, but didn't respond to Gardevoir's inquiries. Instead, he tossed the ball forward in a quick flourish. "Metagross, come out!"

In a flash of light, Metagross appeared with a deep rumbling sound, gazing over the Pokémon and its trainer before it. It looked just as Nascour expected, and he relaxed a little to see nothing out of the ordinary. That was the beauty of the Shadow Pokémon experiment—the transformation was nothing perceivable to the naked eye.

But then he turned to his other Pokémon—and stopped short.

Froslass had already phased out of sight, and Walrein was puffing himself up, attempting to look bigger. Gliscor clicked his claws pensively, eyeing Metagross with obvious distrust. Blaziken stood in a defensive position, the flames on his wrists flicking on and off. At his side, Gardevoir grabbed Nascour's arm, one hand over her mouth in obvious fright.

Nascour felt a shiver go down his spine. The Pokémon could sense it, then… But more importantly, they were afraid of it.

Surely that could not be good.

Metagross rumbled again, taking a step forward and glowering down at its trainer with fierce red eyes. There had once been a time when those same eyes had elicited pride in Nascour, showing a trust built over years through evolutions and numerous life events. He could remember the same Pokéball at his side being presented to him by his parents years ago, with big smiles and even bigger hopes for their son.

All of those things were now vague recollections. Even the trust he remembered in Metagross's gaze.

"We've experienced everything together, my friend. Victories, losses, joys… and the greatest of pains. Now, are you ready to experience the next step with me? Together?"

The echo of Metagross's unflinching agreement still rang in his memories.

Swallowing the sudden tightness in his throat, Nascour attempted to speak to Metagross without his voice cracking. "Metagross… hello, my friend," he said softly, moving forward as he usually did, to touch the Pokémon's leg. "It's good to see you." He placed a hand on Metagross' cool, metallic surface, trembling only slightly.

But perhaps that was all it needed for Metagross to know his fear.

With a hollow roar, the Pokémon recoiled back from Nascour's touch, and before he could even think to react the Pokémon had swiped forward with an enormous, clawed leg, an attack that would have no doubt ripped Nascour in half… if it weren't for Gardevoir.

With a cry, the Psychic-type Pokémon sprang forward, holding out her hands to erect a Barrier attack and placing herself between Nascour and Metagross. The attack smashed into the Barrier with so much force that Gardevoir was thrown backwards into her trainer, and the two were flung several feet away.

Nascour gasped as the air was knocked out of him, both from hitting the ground, and from Gardevoir landing on top of him. He tried to sit up, cradling his Pokémon in his arms. Even with the Barrier, the force of the blow must have been tremendous. "Gardevoir… are you all right?"

"Garde…" She opened her eyes and smiled weakly at him.

Only somewhat relieved, Nascour suddenly became aware of the urgent voice in his earpiece—Ein, attempting to contact him. "Master Nascour! Can you hear me? Answer me or I will begin suppression protocols!"

"No," Nascour snapped back, firmly. He gazed up at Metagross again, who raised its leg again and charged up a Meteor Mash attack. Then, with a rattling bellow, the Steel/Psychic-type slashed with its claws through a nearby boulder, crushing it in a mighty blow. Blaziken quickly sprang to the attack, realizing the situation was critical, and forced Metagross backwards with a powerful Blaze Kick. The attack only seemed to fuel Metagross's fury, however, and it countered with a fierce Psychic attack that knocked Blaziken away.

"Dammit…" Nascour hissed, turning to his other Pokémon. "Walrein! Ice Beam, quickly!"

With a bark, the walrus Pokémon clapped his flippers once as he charged up the attack, then let loose with a beam of frigid cold. Metagross was quick to react, however, and countered the Ice Beam with a Hyper Beam. The attacks canceled one another out, causing a brief explosion.

"Metaaaaaa…" Rumbling in displeasure, Metagross glanced at Nascour again, with a look that made Nascour's heart leap into his throat. Certainly a Metagross had little in the way of facial expressions, but those eyes… they were not the trusting eyes he remembered from when it was a Beldum, or a Metang. They were not even full of anger. Metagross looked… frustrated. Confused.

Gliscor flew to the attack next, lashing out with a Night Slash, while Froslass phased back in to unleash Shadow Ball. Metagross recoiled painfully from the effective attacks, but simply responded with another Meteor Mash. Froslass phased away again to escape, and Gliscor managed to flit aside at the last second. Nascour watched as Metagross slashed through thin air—only to collide with an unseen wall. The area under Metagross's claws screeched in a tearing of metal, and the illusion gave way to torn and damaged circuitry beneath.

"Sir! Metagross's power has increased far more than anticipated, now that it's in Hyper Mode!" Ein shouted in his ear. "If this continues, the simulation chamber won't be able to contain its attacks any further, and the lab itself could be in jeopardy!"

Metagross turned on Nascour again with a roar, as if it no longer knew what to do, who to unleash its power on. A strange, black aura flared around it, and it began to charge forward at top speed. Shadow Rush. A devastating move that only Shadow Pokémon knew. One that would hurt Metagross… and cause tremendous damage to its target.

Nascour stared, fascinated and horrified as his own Pokémon rushed toward him. Even at the pinnacle of its power, Metagross still had nothing but frustrated confusion in its eyes. Shadow Pokémon were creatures that had their hearts closed off to emotion, so what looked like rage and anger could not be these feelings. Instead, Nascour realized… Metagross was violent because it couldn't feel anything. No love, no hate, no fear, no fury… nothing.

"No…" he whispered, in stunned realization.

This wasn't what he wanted…

"Gar… devoir!" Despite her injuries, Gardevoir struggled to her feet and leapt in front of Nascour, holding her arms out to try and block the Shadow Rush coming right at him. She couldn't muster another Barrier, but that did not matter. Even if the attack hurt her, even if it should cost her life… she had to protect her trainer, unconditionally.

"No!" This time, Nascour felt a flash of fear. If he should fall to his own Pokémon's attack, that would be his own fault. But his Gardevoir should not suffer for his own mistakes! "Gardevoir, don't!" He wrapped his arms around her from behind, attempting to pull her back, but she would not budge. He then looked up at the imminent Pokémon closing in, shouting desperately.

"Metagross, that's enough! You must stop! Metagross!"

And as if its name was the magic word… Metagross halted its attack, stopping just feet before the frightened pair. The Steel/Psychic-type blinked at Gardevoir for a moment, and then at Nascour again, a slight gleam of recognition apparent in its red eyes.

"Meta…"

Nascour took a shaky step forward, holding out his Pokéball. "Metagross, return," he said, voice cracking as he recalled his Pokémon. Once done, he fell to his knees in exhaustion, trying to catch his breath and process everything. His failure to keep Metagross's Hyper Mode under control… his inability to protect his own Pokémon… and the horrible realization that he had betrayed Metagross's trust.

I promised you we'd do this together… but you're the only one suffering.

Ein's voice was in his ear again, and this time, the chief scientist sounded uncharacteristically frantic. "Sir. SIR. Are you there? Can you hear me? Tell me you're all right!"

Gardevoir collapsed to the ground weakly, but still managed to look up at her trainer. She pushed herself up into a sitting position, enough to offer Nascour a hug, her concern for him overriding any injury. She petted his hair and nuzzled his arm and spoke in her own language words she thought would be soothing. Nascour bit his lip hard, trying to force back the pang of defeat and helplessness in his heart, until he could taste blood in his mouth.

"Yes, Master Ein," he lied, collapsing into Gardevoir's forgiving embrace. "I'm all right."


Notes: Gardevoir was a Psychic-type in Generation 3, so I kept her that way for the story. I am perfectly aware it is a Psychic/Fairy-type currently. :)

The title of the story was inspired by the song of the same name by Caskets.

Before anyone asks: yes, I'm working on Pokémon Colosseum fanfics. No, they won't be published soon. Yes, progress is being made. But slowly. As usual, lol. My ultimate goal is to finish a Pokémon Colosseum sequel that has been in the works for years, then after that, if I'm feeling it, maybe rewrite my original novelization of Pokémon Colosseum. Beyond that, I have more stories planned, where the characters of Colosseum meet my own OCs and go on further adventures. I do not have a timeline for any of this, sorry.

As always, reviews are always appreciated, and you are welcome to PM me with any questions. Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you all again in the future!