A new home and a new dawn as Topaz awakens to- hmmm. Something appears to be amiss… excuse me, dear reader. Something of great concern has come to my attention.

~x1x~

Date: December 1st. Morning.

Location: Topaz's room.

It has been a few weeks since Jade and Violet had their little feud, but otherwise they've kept their distance. She spends most of her time isolated in her room, coming out to tend to herself or Pokemon. We have had a couple conversations about Pokemon though. Nothing long or personal, but it's progress.

As for me, life as a gym trainer has been mostly uneventful. I still have to attend school and considering I'm very much still a minor, I can't legally work all that long so it feels more like an afterschool club that I've been attending all my life than anything else.

Volkner and the gym trainers have slowly begun showing me the ropes of how the gym runs such as having me help out at the gym reception desk, aiding Zachary train new electric starter Pokemon and learning how to keep inventory. On occasion one of the gym trainers is called away for official business, but as a junior trainer I can't help as it's above my clearance levels.

Being a junior trainer was mostly an avenue for youngsters and lasses to become more involved in their Pokemon training for the future. I've been going to the gym all my life, so frankly it wasn't all that special for me, but for anyone else it would. Thankfully, Volkner stayed true to his word and helped my team and I out more often with training and I got to tag along with him whenever he needed to attend to something in the city.

The tagging along could be boring sometimes, but thanks to his expertise Donut and Lou were able to refine some of their newer techniques. Donut has been able to manipulate thunderclouds more easily and we're wondering how far that can go exactly.

Lou and I have noticed his exceptional aim and have been working on maintaining more focused shots with his ranged attacks for maximum pressure.

Both of my team's power levels have jumped significantly in such a short period of time that the training we used to do before barely even bothers them now. Even they are shocked by their newfound strength, meanwhile I'm living for the excitement.

After the battle with Benedetto, it took some time for me to notice that Donut had learned Thunder and Lou Thunderbolt. Before then we'd been in a rut with training, but according to my research Pokemon grew best through extreme adversity and what we all went through was very extreme. Their electric output had increased and their movements in battle more precise. It had taken a while, but we were finally back to making progress.

Lou's general mood had also picked up now that his protege Zenara was living with us and Cenza's personality always brightened up the room. Donut on the other hand has been distant. Really distant with our new roommates, mainly Amethyst. The others he was fine with and he enjoyed Cenza's company, but I've never really seen him speak to Amethyst since we all moved in. Amethyst had notably lightened up since I had last seen her, so we've been able to have ample short conversations since then.

Today I had planned on pushing a bit more to ask what was wrong, but…

"Ughhhh," I groaned, my head pounding. My alarm had just gone off to go to school, but I couldn't find the energy to leave my bed. My limbs felt as though they were filled with lead and with each subsequent ring the sounds began to echo and blur.

Donut took it upon himself to turn it off before he nudged me to get up, yawning the whole time. This had been the routine for the last few days. I would wake up feeling exceedingly lethargic, but after I took a shower and collected myself I'd be fine for the rest of the day. Volkner had questioned me asking if I was feeling undermotivated or exhausted despite getting ample rest, as he experienced that around my age, but I dissuaded his concerns and told him neither was true.

I think what I have may be worse. I can barely get up.

Somehow I managed to haul myself out of bed. Donut was looking at me with eyes filled with concern, but I simply patted him on the head. Lou was still asleep. I reached for my school uniform and made my way to the bathroom.

When did the bathroom get so far away?

I managed to open the door to the hallway to find Volkner in his pajamas talking to Roland when they each turned to me. Volkner said something to me, but I could barely make it out.

"Topaz? What's wrong? Hey-"

Unlike every other day my head refused to stop spinning and I could not find the strength to move my body another step. There was a loud buzz in my head and a familiar pain akin to how I felt when I first experienced telepathy. "Volk… ner…" Was all I managed to stammer out before my head made its quick descent to the floor. All I could feel were the rough, furry hands of Roland who had caught me. The last thing I saw was Donut grabbing my face squeaking at me to wake up…

~x2x~

It was raining and dark. Cold, wet, dark and familiar... the last night I saw my mother. I was a little boy again, leaving my home for reasons I did not know. I turned back to go back to dad, so he could tell me what's going on, but someone gripped my arm.

"Sleep, my child, sleep," My mother whispered to me, moments before the Hypnosis hit. A large blue metal spider creature with a gray X across their face began glowing and the psychic manipulation pressed into my mind further. I tried to resist and I thought I was until the pokemon pressed a bit too hard and I could feel something snap in my head. Then everything after became a blur...

~x3x~

Location: Sunyshore Hospital

I opened my eyes once again to find myself in an unfamiliar, white room. There was a window to my right showcasing the rest of the city, so I was sure I was still in Sunyshore. I raised my hand to touch my face to note that I had been sweating and crying, but otherwise I felt okay.

I slowly propped myself up and observed my surroundings. I noted the medical equipment and machines by my bed. The plain walls and tiles surrounding me, but with a few pops of color to bring life to it. On the corner table was a vase filled with fresh yellow roses.

I remember Jade mentioning yellow roses can be presented as get well gifts.

"This is… a hospital room?" I asked aloud.

"Pika?" A familiar squeak drew in my attention. "Pika!"

I leaned over the side of the bed before Donut hopped onto it and began nuzzling me. I was still a bit groggy, but I had enough sense to hug him back as I could sense the anxiety dissipate from his little body. A few seconds later, Lou made his way onto the bed as well buzzing affirmingly.

"Bzzzt zzt buzz." I petted him on the head and he leaned in, pleased to see I was alright.

They both seem so worried. They usually aren't this openly affectionate. What happened to me? And why does my head feel funny?

I began rubbing my temples in an attempt to decipher whether the feeling in my head was pain, stress or some kind of new release. I felt much more awake at the very least. Donut and Lou kept staring at me with eyes mixed with concern and happiness until Jade, Violet and their Pokemon companions entered the room, along with Cenza.

As soon as Jade's eyes fell upon me his facial expression went from sour to sweet as he made his way over to my bed.

"You're already awake, thank Cresselia… you feeling alright? Any head pains? Are you mentally challenged yet? You're sweating and crying; is it too hot in here? Did you think you were dying? We can get you lighter blankets," Jade began rattling off in a similar way as I do when I am animated about a new topic. I gripped him by his arms and shook the tangent out of him.

"Jade. You're starting to sound like me. Don't steal my thing. I worked really hard for that schtick and I can't lose it after just one nap," I joked. "Anyway, I feel fine enough. A little lightheaded, but not in a bad… way? I think? Also it might actually be a bit too cold for my tastes, but these clothes they've got me in are so flimsy."

"You're right, you're right. But when Volkner told me you just randomly collapsed, this time I had to make it over. Crazy stuff seems to happen to you when I'm not watching, but this time we're ready!" Jade pounded his chest in determination, followed by the tiny Flax who had managed his way onto my bed. Shizu barked in solidarity.

Cenza hopped onto the bed and gave me the biggest hug she could muster. Which was still incredibly tiny, but I returned it all the same. Zenara ran up and nuzzled me, though Amethyst was oddly quiet and standing a bit away from the bed.

Violet then spoke up. "It is good you are no longer comatose. You were unresponsive for over twenty nine and a half hours."

Oh goodie she kept count.

"What happened?" I asked while patting Zenara on the head.

Jade and Violet gave each other a look before turning back to me. Jade spoke first. "Maybe we should wait-"

"Jade," I stopped him. "If you know, tell me."

Jade made a face before starting again. "Well, I don't know everything, but from what we know a few weeks ago you experienced a severe mental attack that reinjured your already damaged brain."

"A mental attack?" I whispered before I came to a realization. "October... Meowstic used Extrasensory on me! It was like all my senses were on fire! And by damaged brain, you mean from what happened to me when I was six. That mental manipulation?"

Jade snapped his fingers. "Look at you, honor student, correct. According to the docs you're sensitive to psychic manipulation. Sort of like poison and fighting types, except you don't bounce back as easily. So, the Extrasensory assaulted your already psychically frail mind."

"But that was over a month ago, how is it affecting me just now?" I was well read on many topics, but medicine is a bit complex. Especially neuroscience.

Jade gave a swift glance back to Amethyst who remained quiet and a good distance away from me. It was very much so unlike her. Jade sighed and continued once again. "It seems… the male Meowstic was not the only one responsible for your condition. A familiar female one-"

Violet gave him a glare. "Your brain is incapable of handling extended bouts of telepathy. Which, for some reason, neither Amethyst nor I were made aware of within the past several weeks. Nonetheless, she is refraining from speaking telepathically to you for the moment." She paused. "She is also apologizing for putting you through undue stress, though I am loath to say this is remotely her fault."

I noticed Donut gave Amethyst a surprisingly dark look before immediately turning away. As I was still processing and this was definitely not the time for this, I ignored it and turned to Amethyst who looked apologetic. She was facing towards me, but not actually looking at me. She was holding her arm in a demure fashion and her expression was unusually sad.

"So, the telepathy was the tipping point," I whispered. I touched my head once again. It still felt like my mind was swirling, but I could finally discern that it was more pleasurable than painful. I focused my eyes back on Amethyst. "I suppose I should thank you then. Not so much for the brain damage, although it's good to know my limits now."

She gave me an odd look, more pained than anything, before going back to how she was before. Jade had a flabbergasted look.

"Oh uh sorry, that came out wrong, I should explain." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Whilst I was unconscious I had a dream or at least, I had thought it was a dream. In reality, it was a memory. My memory…"

"Anything we should be worried about?" Jade asked.

I considered what I saw and what I could actually do about it in this moment before shaking my head. If anything could be done, it would've been done already. Satisfied, no one pressed.

Moments later, Volkner walked in with Roland and Froberge. All three relaxed upon seeing me up and talking with seemingly no trouble. The two Pokemon immediately made their way over to me to voice their happiness followed by Volkner who ruffled my hair.

"Good to see you're not gorked," He joked before he tilted his head, giving me an odd look. "You've got a different look in your eyes. Experience enlightenment while asleep?"

"Uhhh, something like that. I'll explain later. Anyway, I feel great. When can I go home?" I asked.

"Not so fast. The doc has to give you the clear first. They are going to be more thorough this time as it seems your psychic sensitivity can't go as ignored as they thought. Luckily, there are newer, safer treatments for you to take. Eventually, you'll be able to communicate via telepathy without issue, but after two major brain screw-ups, I'd cross off 'becoming a psychic' from your bucket list," Volkner explained.

I hadn't intended on it, but I'm a little sad.

"To ensure everything goes right this time I've brought an expert and a personally close friend of mine to aid us," Volkner smiled.

Close friend? Volkner doesn't have any that aren't a coworker, so they must be a League member.

A thin man in a maroon suit with blue, wavy hair and glasses walked in with a Gallade and Espeon right behind him. "Hello Topaz," said Lucian calmly, "it's good to see you are awake."

I leaned forward in shock and glee trying to gather my words. "Lucian! Um… hi!"

Smooth.

This was not my first meeting with Lucian. I am not as close with him as Cynthia and he's rather busy in his own right considering how many responsibilities he has. Nonetheless, I believe we are on friendly terms. It does not stop me from completely gushing when the strongest elite four member waltzes into my room.

"Are you here to help me?" I asked. Despite not being a psychic himself his Pokemon are among some of the most adept in the world. It is unheard of to be so strong and yet have average or below psychic talent despite being a psychic specialist, but Lucian is a man of many accomplishments without any psychic talent at all.

He nodded. "I'm here to determine the nature of your ailment, and to assist in working out treatment. The better we get at properly handling these occurrences, the better we can help those affected."

Volkner turned to me. "Your situation is relatively tame. Your psychic sensitivity does not seem to hinder your intelligence, but more so it seems to be a tight seal of your memories from what I can understand. Whatever Pokemon did this to you is well versed in manipulating human minds. Which means it's highly likely they have a trainer who did not mean to harm you, just shut memories out. Whether they meant so many memories, I dunno, but others have tried in the past and they… don't end up so lucky."

"You mean gorked?" Jade spoke up. Volkner sighed deeply.

"That's one symptom, yes."

"Now, Topaz," Lucian began, "The way to ascertain what Pokemon did this is going to seem very monotonous at first. However, given the time since the incident it's the best way we have to determine how to help without causing any undue harm to the person in question. So bear with me, alright?"

Jade looked around. "Is it alright for us all to be here?"

He glanced at him. "That depends. How interested are you in psychic type Pokemon?"

Jade ran his fingers through his hair once again in mischievous thought. "Well, there's a particular bug psychic type from my homeland I have vested interest in. Otherwise, they are fine enough."

He nodded slightly before looking back at me. "The way this will be conducted is I ask you the name of a psychic Pokemon, and you tell me everything you can think of about that Pokemon. Unless things are extremely complex, that should narrow down the suspects relatively quickly. My partner Pokemon will keep watch of any notable signs."

"Oh this sounds fun, I can do this easy!" I smiled back on all the hours I've spent on the Pokedex. I also remember there's a lot of psychic legends, so who knows. Maybe Azelf did this to me. "Good thing this isn't electric types or Volkner would take over."

Volkner folded his arms pretending he hadn't been called out while Lucian chuckled before adjusting his glasses. "Let us start with Pokemon native to Sinnoh. Alakazam."

With each Pokemon I rattled off the first things I thought for them. To save the time of everyone else more than anything I'm not gonna list everything, although it was a fun test. Jade as expected did not share much interest as Lucian did not seem to name the Pokemon he was interested in.

Violet was paying extra close attention to every statement I made. Whether she was taking mental notes or looking for errors, I was unsure. She wouldn't find any errors though. Not to toot my horn… okay, toot toot, but I love Pokemon. I know what I'm talking about.

~x4x~

"...that covers Reuniclus then. Next, Meowstic."

"Native to Kalos, Meowstic is unique in their drastic gender differences. Females are known for more offensive roles befitting their moveset, while males are more equipped to be supportive. Amethyst and Benedetto's male Meowstic are key examples, although I vastly prefer the females over the males after recent events-"

Considering one tried to kill me and the other I live with, I have much to say about Meowstic off the top of my head. I cannot simply live with a Pokemon and not learn even the most obscure details about them. I got a tiny headache thinking about them all, but I guess that's supposed to happen? Lucian didn't seem surprised, anyway.

"Malamar."

"Native to Kalos, this Pokemon is unusual as they are currently the only non water type in the Water 2 egg group in the Pokedex. Not forgetting their odd evolution method by turning upside down after reaching an agreeable level of power makes them quite memorable to scientists. I've read reports that they were formerly water types-"

And once again, I went off about a Pokemon I barely even think about. I wasn't even entirely sure if there was a Malamar at Benedetto's smuggling base. Definitely some Inkay at least. My head barely tingled at the thought.

"Metagross."

Oh this'll be fun.

"Native to Hoenn, they are one of the most powerful Pokemon in the world that associates with humans. The most famous of them all is Champion Steven's shiny Metagross, Palladium, whose destructive force and battle prowess rivals even Reginleif."

They prolly gave me brain damage as a child... I don't feel like going into this anymore.

Lucian sighed. "At best arguably, but continue."

"Despite being discovered in Hoenn, the population there is incredibly small. It has been noted the largest colonies inhabit colder sections of the world as the freezing cold stimulates their brains. Their brains are said to be on par with supercomputers and upon their 'death' they split apart into several Beldum-"

I went on for much longer than I had for say Grumpig or Malamar. Meeting Palladium and Steven himself would be a great honor and I had considered asking Cynthia to introduce me, but I don't want to be a bother. Once I began to finish my head started hurting more than any other Pokemon. Even more so than male Meowstic.

Lucian caught my wince and took out his purple Pokedex, typing away until he brought up a picture of a Metagross. Suddenly the pain grew more intense, causing me to rub my temples.

He looked much more serious now. "Is there anything you can tell me about Metagross that isn't in the Pokedex?"

"People think because they have brains on par with supercomputers they are robots. While they may not bleed the same blood or think the same as we do, they still have emotions. They can experience happiness and grief. They can be cruel and kind. They can… give you rides… when you ask…"

I experienced a sudden case of vertigo, my eyes losing focus for a moment before everything became clear. Likely Lucian's team fixing any anomalies. Donut was looking up at me with concern before I turned to Lucian. Volkner stood sternly in the corner, his expression grave.

Lucian nodded. "One final question then. At any point in time do you remember having been close to a Metagross?"

I rubbed my chin and for some reason I was drawn to Volkner. The familiar blonde hair… no. It was lighter than that. She had it.

"Volkner… didn't my mom have a… Metang? Or Metagross?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I think she had an assistant with a Metang? Maybe she borrowed them."

Lucian put a hand on my shoulder as he got up. "That is more than sufficient. Thank you, Topaz."

"Oh uh, I should be thanking you and your team. Volkner says you're like the busiest person in the League and yet you're still the second strongest. It's amazing!" I gushed.

He smiled gently. "I must keep up with my Pokemon somehow, after all. I can't simply let them do all the work."

Violet gave him a long look before she seemed to go back to staring off into space.

"Flint says you stress yourself out with how much you do, actually. Maybe that's a sign for an actual break?" Volkner brought up in a surprisingly teasing manner.

Lucian rolled his eyes. "Flint would say I stress myself out leafing through my bookcases."

"Sure, sure," Volkner slyly said, reframing from saying anything more. Now Jade seemed to be interested as he had begun to space out, only listening to what I had to say about grass or poison psychic types. He must've smelt drama or some inside League joke.

"Moving on," he continued, "you will need to stay in the hospital a while longer. However, you have given us a much better idea as to what your treatment plan should be. It shouldn't be anything that gets in the way of your life, though you will have to come back for regular checkups in the future."

"How long will I have to stay here?" The checkups were fine, I just wanted to sleep in my own bed.

He looked at his watch. "Likely overnight, but no longer. Don't quote me on that, I'm not a doctor, but your case is much more straightforward than it could have been."

I nodded thankfully. Not too long, thank Arceus. I gave a wide yawn, rubbing my eyes as the mental exhaustion was beginning to come back.

Lucian looked at Volkner. "I believe it would be best if we left him in peace to rest. Jade, Violet and company. You may do as you will. Volkner, if you could accompany me?"

Volkner got up to follow him out of the room. Jade gave me a fist bump before him and his team followed after him. Violet gave a quick nod before she left. Amethyst a soft smile, Zenara a bright one. Donut and Lou seemed like they wished to stay, but I urged them to go and get some food, Cenza helped convince them. After a few moments, I was all alone and drifting back to sleep. While the whole event was really unwanted, it was nice to see everyone come look after me. Violet and Amethyst hadn't been here long and don't like humans, but I was touched they cared. For now though I wanted a proper regular sleep.

Okay brain, save the traumatic memories for later. I'm too tired.

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Dreamscape

I woke up once again in an ethereal state. My immediate thought turned to this being another memory, but when I looked down I could not even see my own body. I had no hands, legs or even voice. Yet somehow… I wasn't perturbed. Mostly. I was getting a bit tired waking up in weird places.

The world around me was a cascade of peaceful, beautiful colors. Greens, blues, reds, yellows and more. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the colors besides to sooth my mind. A pleasant tune passed through my ears. It was simple, yet I could listen to it forever.

After an unknown period of time I noticed a pulsing circle of light in front of me. My instincts pulled all of my focus towards it. I could feel my mind reaching out like a hand to go touch it. The circle was warm, pulsing like a heartbeat. Its waves moved throughout the world. My mind danced carefree until a new voice disturbed my peace.

"It seems I can finally reach you…"

I began looking around for where the voice could be.

"Worry not, I mean you no ill will. Ease your cerebrum for it has endured much."

The circle of light pulsed each time the voice spoke. I noted it had a masculine, formal tone and an archaic parlance. I was unsure how I was supposed to communicate with the strange being. I tried to relay to that issue as best I could.

"Your thoughts and feelings are clear to me here as we are within your mind. Verbal explanation is not required from you."

Gladdened by that weird revelation I asked them why I was here and who they were.

"The seal on your mental quarters has been loosened and thus now we may converse. I am simply a guide. That is all I am capable of now."

I asked him why he was even here. What did he know?

"...I am simply a guide. My purpose is to aid the narrative you choose. My limited influence will bear no burden to you. One day I shall explain, when your mind is more at peace. Until then, sleep and recover. There is more to be done out there, than here."

With those last words, the colors around me began to brighten and encircle me. I allowed the calmness to embrace me and carry my mind back to my consciousness. The pulse of light in the center began to dim until there was nothing left.

~Chapter 22 Fin~

Fun Fact: The final scene is a reference to the personality quiz experience in the Mystery Dungeon titles.

Question: Have you ever thought about incorporating the dream world into a fanfiction?