Disclaimer: I do not own the Pokémon franchise or any of it characters, locations, ECT.Everything else is of my own work.

With a hard shove he was tossed into the dark cold cell. The ringing sound the heavy metal door made as it was slammed shut had a finality to it that drove absolute terror into Trevor's heart.

"Hello? Is any one there?"

The only thing to answer him was water dripping from a crack in the ceiling. Trevor backed up into a corner and slumped to the ground. How had he gotten into this mess, he wondered as he sat there feeling sorry for himself. He knew how it had happened; he just didn't know why it had happened.He had collected him self after Devin and his tramp Professor had left him beaten and bleeding back by the lake side. He had stormed off up the path to take his vengeance on Devin. But his path had been blocked by an Absol. The opportunity was too great to pass up.

"Fuck that whore Zangoose!" he had thought as he drew Snakes ball to battle the semi legendary.

But the Absol had surprised the shit out him when it had stayed sitting on its haunches and raised a paw at him with one claw sticking up. He distinctly remembered the Absol smirking at him as it had slowly waved its paw back and forth in a "No, no" kind of way. He had watched in amazement as the Absol had than stood up and with a nod, indicated something behind him. Stupidly he had turned around to get hit square in the chest with a ball of absolute darkness that had expanded in an instant to engulf him. The rest was all nightmares.Now he sat in this cold and wet cell, hauled in here by a bunch of people in black uniforms. He was scared that they were some kind of Pokémon secret police. And nothing so far had dissuaded him from that belief.

"Isn't it amazing how one day you are on top of the world, and the next you are knocked down and out?"

His sense of dread increased as he watched a man in a black business suit materialize out of the darkness, a Darkrai floating beside him. Trevor could not identify the man but he was in his early thirties, and impossibly good-looking. When he moved forward it was like he was skating on greased ball bearings.

"It's not your fault that another trainer interfered with your business. It was not his place to stick his nose where it didn't belong."

Trevor sat up and took notice of what the man was saying.

"What are you talking about? How would you know anything about that?"

"Oh I have my ways." The man responded.

Trevor thought it was creepy the way that Darkrai was always floating just behind the man's left shoulder.

"Not all Pokémon are created equally, and as thus should not be treated equally. The weak should be culled to make room for the strong."

By this point that man was almost right next to Trevor, and was squatting down to look him in the eye.

"What are you talking about?"

"It was not Devin Kuroaki's place to judge you on how you were raising your Zangoose. She was the weakest link in your team and needed, no, deserved to be treated as such."

The man's words were becoming hypnotic in their deliverance. But Trevor remained skeptical.

"What is it that you want exactly, mate?"

"I want you to join my organization. I will turn your Seviper and Stunky in to shadow Pokémon, making them infinitely stronger. And together we will rid the world of weak Pokémon, and trainers. We will eliminate the League and its champions. We will destroy annoying trainers like Devin Kuroakai. Even the Legendaries will be brought to judgment. And when all is said and done we will rule over the world bringing peace and equality to all people and Pokémon."

The man extended a hand to Trevor. Trevor looked from the offered hand to the predatory like grin on the man's face. With out further hesitation Trevor took the offered hand and the man's grin got even bigger showing off his perfect white teeth.

"Welcome to the Void Trevor." The man said standing back up in one fluid motion.

"What is your name mister?" Trevor asked letting go of the man's hand.

"You may call me Void." The man said with another predatory grin.

With that the man glided out of the cell and the Darkrai disappeared leaving Trevor to ponder the possibilities of the world Void had described. Void made his way down the corridor to the nearest elevator. He was not at all surprised to see Saturn waiting for him on the elevator. Void entered the elevator and paid Saturn no attention as he pressed the button that would take him to the top floor. The machine was well on its way to its destination before Saturn spoke.

"Do you think that was wise, Master?"

Void shifted his gaze slightly to look at Saturn out of the corner of his eye before looking forward again.

"The secrets of creating stable shadow Pokémon died with team Snag'em. We have yet to successfully reproduce the process, and all the subjects have been unstable at best. Are you sure you want to send him after that boy like that?"

"It doesn't matter. We will not be handing that trainer any shadow Pokémon for a while. I want him trained properly, and cleaned up too."

Void finally turned to look at his subordinate. Saturn, like all his other minions, was a remnant from another organization. When Void had found him he was robbing trainers under the bicycling road along with his Toxicroak. Now he stood here trying his best to be his right hand man. Void would admit that Saturn had his uses, but they were far and few in between.

"Besides he is a contingency plan any ways. I have far better things planed for that trainer."

With a ding the elevator reached the top floor effectively ending the conversation. Void glided over to his desk and sat down in the over stuffed chair that sat behind it. When he was satisfactorily comfortable he tapped a sequence of numbers into an unseen number pad set into the desk.A short time latter an Absol pushed its way into the office through the heavy double doors, and Darkrai appeared. Void looked from his faithful companion Darkrai to the deceptive and tricky Absol. They were the ones that were going to be carrying out his plans for that trainer.

"Darkrai, Abby I've got a task for you two. I want you to go to Oreburgh. Once there I want you to observe and capture, alive, the trainer Devin Kuroakai."

"And what of his Pokémon?" Darkrai asked in a flat voice.

With out hesitation and in a tone that suggested no other meaning Void responded. "Eliminate them."

The Darkrai and the Absol both bowed and left the room. With a wave of his hand Void dismissed Saturn as well. Once the room was empty Void heaved a deep sigh and sunk lower into his chair. He so did love the feeling of a well laid plan coming together.

Oreburgh City

Devin looked up at the sign hanging above the Oreburgh City Gym. He knew Rio was reading it too.

"Welcome new trainers. New trainers, you're not a new trainer and we are not a new team. So why are we here?" Rio mused with such a smug attitude that Devin couldn't help but get a little annoyed by it.

"We are here first because as far as the league is concerned we are a new team. Also since we have not done any thing but battle wild Pokémon and Trainers I'm not entirely sure we are ready for any thing but the beginner Gym."

Rio gave him a hurt look. "What? Have no faith in us all the sudden?"

"That's not it at all, Dear. Gym battles are different from trainer battles. They are longer, and harder. Gym leaders are supposed to go out of their way to bring out the best in every challenge they accept."

Rio looked from the sing to Devin with a smug look on her face.

"So were going to send this guy home crying tonight aren't we?"

Devin looked sternly down at her.

"With an attitude like that Rio you may be the one leaving here crying."

Rio gave an audible bark of laughter. Apparently she was not going to take this seriously. He could see why she would be though since the Gym leaders rock type Pokémon have a natural weakness to her fighting type moves. But He knew not to underestimate Gym leaders; they tended to be very sneaky. The rest of his team might have a little bit of a harder time.

"So what three of us are you going to use, not that you will need more than me."

Devin heaved a deep sigh, mainly because he hadn't thought about it too much. He had just planned to wing it and see what the Gym leader was going to use first. Devin was about to say as much, but Rio beat him too it.

"All right let's get this party started!"

With that Rio started to march into the Gym, head cocked back and high-stepping like she had already won and was on parade. Devin just shook his head and followed. He knew that Rio was going to be in for one hell of a surprise.

"So you going to come in and watch, or go and do some shopping for our supplies?" Devin asked turning to look at Amaya.

"No I'll come in and watch, it will help me prepare for my Gym battle. That and we are out of money now, so we can't get supplies until you win."

"No pressure right?"

"Nope, none mate. Hope you like berries if you lose."

Devin was going to say more but a movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Sitting some distance away in a little grassy park was an Absol. It was just sitting there, its tail slowly waging. Devin could have sworn that it was looking right at him. It didn't help at all when the Absol Smiled and winked right before it trotted off. Devin was still looking after the Absol when he felt something tug on his arm. Looking down he found Zhen looking back at him.

"You okay?" Zhen asked looking up with concern.

Devin gave her a reassuring smile while scratching her behind the ear. Zhen smiled and leaned into the petting with a purr. Her left paw was still healing, but the claw was growing back nicely. However she didn't seam to be getting any fatter. Oh she ate very well, and had put on some weight, but she still had a very feminine figure.

"Yeah I'm fine Dear; something just caught my eye is all."

Zhen looked out where Devin had looked; when she saw nothing out of the ordinary she turned her good eye back to Devin. Devin smiled again and offered her his hand.

"Let's get going before your sister gets too far ahead of herself. Do you feel like battling today Dear?"

Zhen blushed a little putting her paw in his offered hand.

"I guess I could. Don't want Star or Mocha battle?"It was a well-informed question, Zhen was new to the party and Devin and her were still getting used to each others battle styles.

"I will be using Mocha, she should do fine, however Star will have far too many problems. All the Gym leaders Pokémon are rock based."

"Okay, let's go shall we."Hand in hand they entered the Gym. Devin found it enduringly cute that Zhen was always concerned about his well-being when it was her that was still recovering. Stepping through the front door they were confronted by the sight of the League official that recorded every match the leader excepted. He was looking mildly annoyed by Rio, who was bouncing excitedly in front of him.

"Are you this Riolu's trainer?"

"Yes, sorry she is very excitable."

"She should be in a regulation Pokéball, and not running unsupervised."

"Yeah, good luck with that."

The league official looked over his sunglasses at Devin.

"Are you here to challenge the Oreburgh City Gym Leader, Slate?" He asked sticking his hand out for Devin's Pokédex.

"Yeah, I was in town, a little broke, had nothing better to do, oh and the bouncing Riolu really wants to try a Gym battle." Devin replied handing over his Pokédex.

The official placed Devin's Pokédex in a slot reader on his council. A short while latter it gave a few beeps and spat it out.

"Trainer Kuroaki you are now registered and may challenge the Gym Leader."

Devin caught Rio in mid bounce and swung her up on to his shoulders and proceeded to walk into the Arena. He chuckled when he got through the double doors. The entire place was completely decorated with gravel, boulders, and other rocky things. Giving the Gym Leader an over whelming advantage.Devin had studied Oreburgh Cities history the previous night at the Pokécenter. The entire city was a mining town; almost every one who lived here had at one time or now was working in the mines. Even the Gym leaders throughout the town's history had worked the mines. And this one was no different. And like the last Gym leader this one too inherited the Gym from his father.

"Devin Kuroaki welcome to the Oreburgh City Gym. I am Slate, leader of this gym. Do you wish to challenge me?"

"Why else would I be here?"

Slate did not have an answer right away.

"Yeah I see your point."

"I'll make this really easy for you Slate. You don't need to be so formal with me."

"Oh good, I can't tell you how annoying that can get. So yeah you're here to challenge me, I accept the challenge. Lets say we make this a 3 on 3 battle."

"Sounds good."

Slate reached for his belt and tossed out a dusty looking Pokéball. From it a Geodude came forth. Devin let go of Zhen's paw, and took Rio off his shoulders, reaching for his own belt Devin tossed out Mocha's ball.

"Come on Mocha, let's dance!"

"Geodude use tackle, let's go!"

The Geodude launched its self at Mocha.

"Mocha dodge and use Pound."

Mocha bounced aside and let the Geodude sail past her. When it was past her she spun around and went to hit it with Pound. As her ear unfurled though and hit the Geodude in the back, her ear glanced off of it. It was not a clean hit. More than likely no damage was done to the rock type.

"Geodude use rock throw!"

Devin watched as the Geodude coughed up a rock and hurled it at Mocha.

"Mocha duck!"

Mocha dove to the ground without looking at what was coming at her. The rock went sailing over her head and disintegrated against another rock. Mocha was just recovering when a second rock crashed into her back sending her sprawling again.

"Come on Mocha, on your feet you can do it!"

With some effort Mocha got back to her feet. With a smug expression Slate yelled out his next command.

"Geodude she's almost had it, tackle one more time!"

The Geodude once again launched itself at the little Buneary. Devin's mind was racing; Mocha couldn't take another hit like she had. Than he had an idea.

"Mocha quick use "Jump Kick"." Devin yelled.

Mocha staggered a second and then leapt into the air feet first. The charging Geodude met the Buneary's jump kick about mid field. There was an audible smack as the kick connected and sent the Rock type flying in the opposite direction.

"Way to go Mocha, it felt that one. Quickly one more time while it is still recovering."

Mocha charged down the field and took flight one more time.

"Geodude, look out behind you!"

The Geodude didn't have time to turn about as Mocha came crashing into the back of its body. Again it went flying down the field; it came to a rolling stop in front of the wide-eyed Gym leader.

"Geodude no!"

"All right Mocha, you can do this. Lets try one more time!"

Mocha once again dashed towards the Geodude again. However instead of concern Slate just smiled. It wasn't until Mocha was nearly upon the Geodude that Devin noticed the Gym leader smiling.

"Mocha hold up!"

But it was too late; Slate had her right where he wanted her.

"Geodude grab her and use "Self Destruct."!"

The Geodude popped off the ground and caught Mocha in a bear hug. Mocha struggled against the Geodude's hold, but could not break free.

"Mocha no!"

Devin watched in horror as the Geodude flashed bright white and then blew up. Devin knew that the Geodude didn't actually detonate. Self destruct was an expulsion of energy equal to how hurt the Geodude was. The force of the "explosion" was enough to knock out both of the Pokémon.

"Way to go Geodude, you did a great job." Slate said recalling his Geodude.

"Mocha I am so proud of you. You did your very best" Devin said complimenting the unconscious Buneary as it was recalled.

Devin and Slate stood there looking at each other. Slate smirked as he grabbed his second ball and tossed it high into the air.

"Onix lets rock!"

Devin kneeled down and motioned for Zhen to give him her paw. Zhen put her injured paw in Devin's hand without hesitation. Gently Devin unwrapped the paw and watched as she flexed it.

"Are you sure Devin?"

"You will do fine Dear, I have faith in you."

Zhen looked to where Rio was standing waiting her turn. Zhen flashed a weak smile. Rio flashed a giant smile and gave her two thumbs up. As Zhen made her way on to the field a flash of white caught Devin's eye again. Turning his head Devin spotted the Absol from earlier sitting in the stands some distance off from every one else that was watching. Devin didn't have time to think about the Absol though; he had a rock snake to deal with.

"All right Zhen, you have nothing to be afraid of. It only looks big and mean."

"Onix lets show this little girl what she has to be afraid of. Use Tackle now!"

The giant Onix dove at Zhen, who was momentarily frozen stiff by the sight. But Devin kept his cool.

"Zhen roll away and then use Quick Attack!"

Zhen snapped out of her stupor and dove rolled away from the Onix. As its nose hit the spot where Zhen had been she dashed in and scratched it quickly across the face. The attack had little effect, but Zhen's four razor-sharp claws left four very nice grooves in the Onix's cheek.

"Good girl Zhen, one more time now, Quick Attack!"

Slate was going to have none of that though.

"Onix use harden, and then use Rock Tomb!"

Devin watched as the Onix's skin got even harder causing Zhen's claws to spark as the bounced right off. Than it coughed several times and several wet sticky rocks flew towards Zhen. She was hit hard by the rocks and they stuck to her slowing her down. But Devin and Zhen had discovered that she had developed a great amount of fortitude from her past abuse, and she was able to get right back up and continue to fight.

"At a girl Zhen, they will fall off shortly, till then tough it out and use Scratch!"

Zhen ran up to the Onix as fast as she could, which wasn't very fast considering she had four heavy rocks stuck to her, but she managed to get in close and strike a mighty blow to the Onix's side. Again it didn't do much damage, but it helped.

"Onix, Tackle, let's go!"

The Onix dove once again at Zhen, who was helpless to dodge this time, and took the full brunt of the attack. Devin watched as Zhen slowly staggered back to her feet. She was tough, but she just wasn't doing enough damage to the rock type.

"Onix she only has one eye, use Sandstorm and attack from the haze!"

Devin grimaced, it was a legal move, but it still sucked that he would exploit her damaged eye like that. Than an idea hit Devin.

"Zhen when the Onix attacks again take the hit and hang on to it. I want you to climb on to its back!"

The Onix started to shiver and shake sending dust, dirt, and sand into the air making it difficult to see and breath. Zhen was terrified; she stood there shielding her good eye as best as she could. Devin had done a great job in boosting her confidence, but she doubted she was going to make it out of this one. Then she heard it, the Onix had stopped moving. She realized that even though she couldn't see him, she could still hear him. So Zhen waited like Devin told her.

Zhen closed her eye and listened. Out of the fog she heard the sound of rock on rock as the Onix tried to sneak up on her. Zhen dug her back claws into the ground and braced for the hit that was about to come. Then she heard it, the sound of something large flying through the air. Zhen through her arms wide and waited. All at once something crashed into her. Zhen winced through the pain and dug all eight of her claws into the Onix. With a mighty roar the Onix reared its head back tossing both of them high in to air above the dust. Zhen saw the she had a hold of its nose. Quickly she dig her hind claws in and scampered up to the back of its head.

"Way to go Zhen!"

"Onix, toss her off!"

The Onix started to thrash about in an attempt to get Zhen off. But Zhen had a good hold.

"Zhen hang on and use Fury Cutter."

Realization struck her. Fury cutter got stronger with each consecutive hit. So she reached back with her good paw and struck the Onix in the back of the head. It screeched loudly and redoubled its effort to shake her off. Again Zhen reached back and drove her claws into the same spot on the back of the Onix's head. The Onix threw itself to the ground and rolled over a couple of times, but Zhen held fast and struck a third time. Again the Onix reared back bellowing. Zhen reached back and buried her claw a fourth time into the Onix's head. Zhen was feeling great about this now, she was conquering her foe. Zhen reached back a fifth time, but the Onix jerked its head back and hit Zhen in the face. Zhen let go and covered her bloody face with both paws. Heaving a mighty shiver the Onix sent Zhen flying. Slate saw his chance.

"Onix hit her in mid-flight with your tail!"

"Zhen! Grab its tail and hit it in the head again with slash!"

Devin and Slate both watched in almost slow motion as the Onix curled up to smack Zhen. Zhen reached out with her injured paw and grabbed a hold of the tail and start to run up its back. The Onix shacked and shimmied trying futilely to get the Zangoose off its back. But Zhen had it. Devin watched as she gave one last mighty bound and drove her glowing claw into the wound she had previously inflicted.The Onix's eyes rolled into the back of its head as it lost consciousness. In slow motion the Onix pitched forward and came crashing to the ground. Zhen who had used up all of her strength rolled with it and came to a rolling stop in front of Devin. Zhen looked up with a weak smile.

"Zhen do good?"

"Zhen did very good."

"Zhen good girl."

Devin scooped up the tired Zangoose and hugged her close.

"Zhen is a very good girl and did a very good job."

Zhen relaxed into Devin's embrace.

"Zhen very tired."

Devin produced her Pokéball and put her in it.

"Zhen deserves a good long rest. Rio, it party time!"

"Finally!"

Rio entered the field and started to bounce lightly on her feet. Slate was tossing a Pokéball up and down in his hand.

"I must say man that this has been my best challenge so far, but I knew that you would save that Riolu for last. A tough challenge for a rock type trainer like me. So that is why I saved my best for last as well. Cranidos lets Rock!"

Devin watched as the little blue and black rock type materialized from the red light. He had expected this. Every leader of the Oreburgh city gym has had one. It came with the territory. They mined coal but had an extensive lab for revitalizing the fossils that they found while digging. It was primarily a rock type, but for the life of him he could not remember its sub type. They were notoriously hard to train though and tended to not listen.

"Cranidos, use Take Down!"

The Cranidos reared back and launched itself head first at Rio.

"Rio dodge it and use Quick Attack!"

Rio expertly dodged to the side and rushed in to land a hit. It wasn't very damaging, but the way that Rio danced away told Devin that Rio still wasn't taking this seriously. The Cranidos recovered quickly and turned to face Rio, its nostrils flaring in agitation.

"Cranidos use Head butt!"

This time the Cranidos was quicker and with a slight jerk of its head it smacked Rio squarely in the nose with its super thick skull. Rio reeled back holding her nose with both paws.

"Owe that hurt!"

"Well pay attention than and stop being cocky, this is serious Rio. Now use Force Palm!"

Rio glared daggers at Devin but she did as she was told and rushed the Cranidos, palm stretched out to the side glowing with energy. She telegraphed the move too much though.

"Cranidos side step and use Focus Energy!"

The Cranidos easily stepped out-of-the-way and as Rio went sailing by the look of surprise couldn't have been more clear. Devin watched as the little dinosaur glowed orange for a second as it built up its power.

"Cranidos now use Take Down!"

Rio was still recovering from her failed attack and took the full brunt of the attack right in the middle of her back. Her breath rushed from her lungs as she was nearly folded in half from the force of the attack. Devin watched with great concern as Rio tried to struggle to her feet."Cr

anidos use "Head butt" again while she is still down!"

The Cranidos leapt into the air and came crashing down head first into Rios back. Rio couldn't help herself and let out a scream of pain. Devin could feel Rio's pain as if he himself had been hit. His back hurt like hell.

"Rio, spin out using Quick Attack and try to use the momentum to get to your feet."

Rio did as she was told and lashed out with her feet pin wheeling. It looked like a bad dance move but it did the trick. In one fowl swoop she kicked the Cranidos's legs out from underneath it and used the momentum and her arms to push herself up on to her wobbly feet.

"Rio while he's down use Blaze Kick!"

Rio winced as she flipped over and used Blaze Kick like a heel drop.

"Rio while its stunned save your breath."

Rio bent over resting her paws on her knees, her lungs heaving. This was turning out to be a lot harder than she had originally thought it would be. Damn Devin for being right. She knew she was going to get an ear full later.

They watched as the Cranidos got back on its unsteady feet. The Cranidos once again flared its nostrils and started to angrily scratch its claws on the ground.

"He looks kind of pissed."

"Yeah he does."

Slate either hadn't noticed or thought he had it still under control.

"Cranidos use Ancient Power!"

The Cranidos gave Slate a sideways glare and charged Rio. Rio was shocked and didn't know what to do. Devin was just as shocked but hadn't lost focus.

"Rio he's gone berserk, stay out of his way!"

Rio dove out-of-the-way at the last second, the Cranidos's head leaving a decent indent in the ground where she had been. Not even waiting for her to get back to her feet the Cranidos continued to smash its head in to the ground as Rio continued to roll away.

"Cranidos what are you doing?" Slate yelled at the enraged Pokémon.

The Cranidos just reared it head back and bellowed before going back on the attack. Rio was starting to get panicked as she was quickly running out of ground to roll on.

"Rio, roll backwards and use Blaze Kick at the same time. Get back on your feet!"

Rio laid out flat, and then quickly tucked herself backwards. As she did this she also used Blaze Kick catching the Cranidos right under the chin. As Rio stood there panting she kept a wary eye on the downed Cranidos. As it got back to its feet she heaved an exasperated sigh. Devin was out of ideas too. That didn't stop it from charging yet again.

"Slate! Why aren't you recalling that crazed Pokémon?"

"I've been trying, it won't come back!"

Devin was starting to panic now. He couldn't think of much else to do to bring the rampaging rock dinosaur down.

"Rio do... SOMETHING QUICK!"

Rio herself was startled to hear Devin say such a thing. This was a very scary first. Devin always knew what to do when it came to Pokémon. She didn't have time to think about it any more as the Cranidos was upon her. So she just reacted.

Reaching out with both paws Rio caught the Cranidos in mid charge by the shoulders and used its own momentum to toss it to the ground. Quickly it rolled to its feet and rushed again. Rio caught it in a head lock and used its forward momentum to roll them both forward. As they were tumbling Rio gathered energy into her palm. Completing their forward roll, they were once again standing. Rio used the Cranidos's temporary dizziness from the tumble as an opening and drove her energy filled palm into its throat.

As it staggered back gasping for air Rio leapt forwards with a Blazing Split Kick that caught it up along side its thick skull. Rio thought she had broken her foot on its head but could not give up her forward momentum. While it was still reeling Rio crouched really low and once again leapt forward. This time it was Sky Uppercut that caught the Cranidos under the chin. Rio grit her teeth as her fist made contact with the Cranidos's rock hard chin. Both Pokémon were launched into the air by the force of the attack.

For a fourth time Rio flipped over and delivered a devastating Blaze Kick. She had never used the move so much in one battle let alone one day. The Cranidos hit the ground hard and did not get back up. Rio landed hard on her feet and sagged to her knees.

Devin rushed the field and scooped Rio up in to his arms. This was done, he was done. He didn't care about anything Slate might have to say for himself or his Pokémon's behavior. This fight was over and his girls needed help.

"Devin wait!"

Devin stopped to glare at the Gym leader. Slate took the hint and didn't get any closer. Instead he tossed two things at Devin. The first was the Coal Badge; the second was a Credit card that would contain Devin's winnings. Devin pocketed them both and charged from the Gym. As he stormed towards the Pokémon center he couldn't help but notice the Absol from earlier was across the street from them going in the same direction.

A Short Time Later

Devin walked out of the Pokémon center very tired. Rio, Mocha and Zhen were all doing fine. Zhen and Mocha were just over exhausted where as Rio actually had broken her foot. Hours ago he had sent Amaya out shopping, he supposed by now she was back in her room at the center with all the supplies.

Devin walked a short distance to a small park that was just basically a fountain, a bench and a street lamp. Sitting down on the bench Devin took out Stars ball and set her loose. Giving his lap a little pat Star jumped up in to it, curled up and began to snooze.

"So are you going to come out where I can see you, or would you rather stay in the shadows and spy on me?"

The Absol that had followed him all day made its way into the pool of light and sat on it rear haunches. Its face was almost pitch black and its fur was the purest of white. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and beauty. Something else lingered in those eyes too, and Devin couldn't quite place his finger on it either. Was it just a hint of lust, a touch of intrigue, a whisper of danger?

"So what can I do for you Miss?"

"I've been observing you for a while trainer."

Her voice was like silk as it crawled it way over Devin mind.

"I've been watching you since Sandgem Town."

"Oh really?"

Devin watched as the Absol stood up and walked towards him, very seductively he thought.

"My name is Abby, and I am looking for a trainer worthy of my talents."

Devin watched as she slowly walked a full circle around him, sizing him up. Finally she came to a stop right at his feet and sat back once again on her haunches. Devin felt really tired all the sudden. It felt to him like a fog was creeping over him.

"And what are your talents?" Devin asked as the fog in his head thickened.

"I guess you will just have to find out." Abby replied in a very seductive way.

With that Abby stood up and turned around. Lifting her tail in a very suggestive way as she started to slowly walk away. Devin pulled Stars Pokéball and recalled her before getting to his feet and starting after the mysterious and alluring Absol. He was so caught up in the hypnotic way that she was moving and the heavy fog that was pressing down on his consciousness that he didn't notice that he never put Stars ball back on his belt, or let it slip through his fingers.

Abby cast a glance over her shoulder. The human was hers now. She had only used attract on him, but apparently it worked differently on humans. But it really didn't matter as long as he followed her. At any moment Darkrai was going to attack Devin's room at the Pokémon center. And she just couldn't allow that.

Devin was a good man and a great trainer. He loved and cared for his team like no other trainer or breeder she had ever observed before. He was the kind of man she wished she would have found while she was still in the wild, before she started working for The Void. Void wasn't her master, or her trainer, but she lacked the strength and fortitude to oppose him.But maybe he did. She wished she would have had time to save his team, but the important thing was that he was following her to safety. She hoped he would forgive her for that. Maybe they would be lucky and when Darkrai didn't find Devin there he would just leave.

"Where. Where are we going? Abby?"

"Just a little farther, my love."

Abby was momentarily confused, why had she said that. She didn't love him, this human man who in her own eyes was utterly perfect except for the fact that he was human. Was that so wrong though. Abby remembered her mother telling her when she was younger about how trainers and Pokémon used to be. Back before there were Pokéballs, and Pokémon centers. Back when trainers actually had to work for their team's devotion and respect. Was it possible that she was developing feelings for this human?

Abby hadn't realized that she had stopped walking or that Devin had walked up besides her. His touch was electric when he laid his hand upon her head. She was at a loss for words for a second as Devin's hand slid from the top of her hand to the base of her horn. For a few seconds her brain stopped functioning as she was drowned in unexplainable feelings.

"How much further darling?"

Devin's drunken question brought Abby back to her senses.

"Yeah, yeah it's not much further." Abby said in a near whisper

Silently Abby lead Devin in to the night.

Devin's room at the Pokémon Center

An inky blackness crept over the already pitch dark room at the Pokémon center. Slowly the blackness started to come together and took form, and that form was a nightmare for most people in the Sinnoh region. Slowly Darkrai rose from its own shadow. It's white vapor like hair blew about by its own unseen wind. Its blood-red teeth like horns pulsed around its head. Slowly Darkrai's bright blue eye scanned the room.

When the eye finished sweeping the room it shot open in surprise. frantically it made its way to the bed and tore the covers from it. The bed was empty, as was the bathroom, and closet. The trainer and his Pokémon were not here.

"Abby!" Darkrai exclaimed in its approximation of outrage. It still sounded rather dead pan, but it was loud.

"So it would seem."

Darkrai spun in mid-air to face the unseen speaker, it arms raised to unleash an attack.

"Calm your self Darkrai." Void said emerging from the shadows.

Darkrai let its arms drop to its sides as Void looked the room over.

"It would seem that Abby has betrayed us and warned the trainer."

"So it would seem, I wondered how long it would take her to do so. I always had a sneaking suspicion that I never totally broke her will. Such a naughty girl."

With that Void turned on his heals and left the room. As soon as he was gone Darkrai gave the room one last sweeping glance, and then melted into its own shadow.

Early the next morning

Rio woke with a start. Something wasn't right, she could feel it. Looking about she realized she was still in the hospital bed she had been put in after the gym battle. Looking over she realized that Mocha and Zhen were still there as well. Devin had never reclaimed them last night.

Rio was about to wake one of her sisters when Amaya came rushing through the door. She looked panicked.

"Oy, have you girls see Devin, he never came back to the center last night and his room has been trashed."

Rio apprehension grew ten fold as she realized that she could not feel Devin in the near vicinity. Quickly she got to her feet, her injured foot the furthest thing from her as she jumped over to Mocha's bed.

"Mocha wake up! Devin is missing!"

As Mocha was starting to stir Rio jumped back to her bed than over to Zhen's.

"Zhen, Zhen wake up! Devin is missing!"

Zhen was up and out of bed instantly. Very quickly she started to sniff the air as well as the rest of the room. Mocha never was good at getting up and going, but Rio was impatient.

"Mocha get up! Devin is missing!"

Mocha finally started to stir as Zhen finished sniffing around the room.

"Devin not here all night."

Without another word Zhen tore from the room they had been recuperating in. As quickly as she could she followed her nose up the main stairs to the rooms that trainers were allowed to use. She was running so fast that she was running on all fours.

She was so wrapped up in following the scent that she ran head first into the door. Looking up Zhen sat back on her haunches and whimpered as if doing so would make Devin appear and open the door. She could already tell though that Devin was not in there.

It was at that point that Rio and Mocha showed up. Rio looked at the pitiful sight of Zhen sitting there whimpering and shook her head.

"Here watch carefully sis, this is how it's done." Rio said calmly.

She too could already tell that Devin wasn't in there; she could also tell that he was no where near Oreburgh City. But if it calmed Zhen down to investigate the room than Rio would open the door for her. As soon as the door was open Zhen was back on her feet and in the room. Rio wanted to find Devin just as badly as Zhen did, but she needed to be calm for her sisters. Speaking of her sisters where was Star?Rio started to go through Devin's bag and possessions looking for Stars ball, though look as she might she could not find it. All she could do was find Devin's Pokédex.

"Devin not here either last night."

"I know, Star isn't here either."

Zhen took another deep breath.

"Zhen smell something though, something scary."

Rio closed her eyes and bowed her head concentrating deeply. Her tiny little dread locks stood out on end shaking as she concentrated on the room. It was faint but she felt two dark auras that had been in the room several hours ago. As she was about to say something Amaya busted in on them again. She was getting very good at that.

"Oy, girls Officer Jenny may have found something."

Rio patted Zhen's shoulder, and followed Amaya out of the door. Zhen dried her eye and gathered Devin's bag. Before she left the room she gave it one more sniff. Walking back to the bed Zhen found Devin's bandana under the edge. Tying it around her neck she hoisted his back pack onto her back and ran out the door. Zhen found Rio with Amaya at the front desk. They were all gathered around a TV watching something.

"Okay here it is. Last night at about 10pm the trainer in question left the Pokémon center and headed to a park across the street." An Officer Jenny was saying.

"Now this is from an ATM across the street. Here you can see the trainer sitting in the park with his Shinx when they are approached by an Absol."

Rio, Mocha and Zhen tuned the humans out as they watched their beloved master and the Absol converse. They watched as the Absol became blatantly seductive in her movements and body language. When she turned around and lifted her tail while walking away Rio and Zhen became furious. It was Mocha that actually saw what was going on.

"I never knew attract could work on a human." Mocha said looking at the screen.

Rio and Zhen looked at her and then rewound the footage, much to the surprise of the humans that were still watching it. When Rio hit play Zhen and her paid attention to Devin this time and not the harlot Absol. Mocha was right, the more they watched Devin the more they realized that something wasn't right with Devin. They than watched as Devin got up and followed after the Absol and her raised tail.

"Mocha right, Absol used attract." Zhen said.

Rio sniffed at the screen before storming towards the exit.

"That maybe so sis, that doesn't change the fact that I am going to put my flaming foot up her dark ass when I find her."

The doors had hardly begun to sigh open as Rio, Mocha, and Zhen rushed through them. Amaya was trying to keep up with them but they were moving to fast for her. They had already made it to the park bench and were sniffing around by the time Amaya joined them.

"You know I wish I could understand you girls like Devin can. This would be so much easier."

Rio pretty much nodded at her in agreement before returning to sniffing about.

"We already know she lead him off in that direction, so why are we sniffing around the bench?" Mocha asked.

"Am I smelling this right?" Rio asked.

"Zhen confused too. Zhen think Absol was affected too by attract."

Rio was worried that Zhen smelt the Absol's arousal as well.

"What's going on here you guys?" Mocha asked with a whimper.

"Nothing Mocha, Zhen was just pointing out something she smelled in the room that is also here." Rio replied lying her ass off.

"Zhen did?" The Zangoose was truly confused.

"Yes Zhen did." Rio said pointing to a random spot near the bench.

To Rio's surprise it did smell like something from the room. It was Zhen's scary smell, and it was going in the direction that Devin had gone. Rio shut her eyes and concentrated really hard. She was unaware of it but as she was sweeping her head slowly left and right, she had brought her right paw to her chest just above her heart. Rio felt the aura all around her as she concentrated. She was aware of Mocha finding Stars ball some distance away under a bush.

Rio concentrated harder in that direction. She let her mind soar as she searched out her beloved Devin. She was about to give up when she felt him. It was faint, but she felt him. He was a very long ways away sleeping in a cave, that Absol bitch was curled up at his head. His head was comfortably resting on the side of her body, and her head was laying on his right shoulder. Rio's shoulder.Rio's eyes snapped open and she took off as fast as she could in the direction she had felt Devin. Zhen was hot on her heels. They had left Amaya standing in the park with Mocha and Star.

Some Cave. Early Morning

Devin slowly became aware of his head slowly raising and falling. His head and upper shoulders were also very warm. He also became aware of the smell of mint leaves and spring rain.Devin opened his eyes and for a moment was confused. It took him a while to realize that his head was still raising and falling, and that he was looking at a rock ceiling. Sitting up he was surprised at how stiff he was. But looking around some more it was no wonder. He had fallen asleep in a cave and had rested his head on an Absol. Where had that come from? Rubbing his head he tried really hard to remember what had happened last night. But try as he might he couldn't.

"What is the matter my sweat?"

Devin looked down at the Absol that he had been laying on, and it was looking back at him very loving and tenderly. Devin realized it was a female Absol and began to worry that he might have done something regrettable the night before.

"I'm sorry miss, but who are you and where am I?"

Abby was shocked, Devin didn't remember her. Maybe this was another side effect of using attract on a human. Instantly she thought of lying to him and telling him they were deeply in love and had spent a wonderful passion filled night together. But as she was thinking it she was also becoming keenly aware that she did love him, and could not lie to him.

"I'm Abby. We met last night and I brought you here to save your life."

Devin became concerned.

"Why what happened? Where are my girls and where is Amaya?"

Devin was on his feet so fast that Abby almost missed him getting up. However she panicked as He started to leave the cave.

"Where are you going Love?"

"My girls are looking for me; I have to go to them. You are welcome to join me and we can than sort this all out. But now I have to get back to them."

Abby's panic grew and was drawing a blank about what to do. She could tell Devin what was going on, but he would more than likely hate her for it. Or she could use attract again, and be in the same spot she was in now when the effects wore off. Abby chose for the latter and began to exert "attract" on to Devin.He instantly started to show signs of "attracts" effects. His steps faltered and he shook his head to clear the fog. Still he kept moving towards the mouth of the cave. Abby redoubled her efforts, but she too was starting to feel the effects of "attract", a very strong wanting feeling started to over tack her, and she felt her arousal return. Devin fell to a knee and grasped his head, the fog starting to become too much.

"Abby, what's happening to me?" Devin said in a strained whisper.

Abby rushed to Devin and looked him longingly in the eye. Devin could really smell the mint leaves and spring rain sent now. Its strong scent was intoxicating and stirred an intense longing in him.

"Abby?"

"I'm so sorry my love."

With that Abby put more effort into her "attract", and for added effect leaned in and kissed Devin deeply. Devin's momentary surprise almost broke "attract", but the physical intimate contact made its power grow exponentially, for both of them. Slowly they separated.

"My love must you go? Stay with me, keep me company." Abby said in a near whisper.

"For you my love, any thing." Devin said leaning in and embracing Abby once again.

Abby's very human like face was flushed when the separated. Devin was confused for a second as Abby stumbled about until she facing away from him. His confusion evaporated though as she bent forward and lifted her tail presenting herself to him.

"Take me my love; don't make me wait any longer."

Devin could not deny her. Standing up Devin removed every last stitch of his clothing. Seeing Devin's naked body got Abby even more aroused. Abby waved her rear very seductively as Devin approached her.

"Are you ready my love?"

"Take me."

Some where else

Rio fell forward in mid stride as the most powerful sensation of wanting desire struck her. It started as a warm tingling sensation in her lower stomach and started to spread throughout her body in waves. She knew what the cause was, it had happened in Sandgem too. But she didn't want to think that Devin was mating with that Absol, or any one else for that matter.

Rio tried to get up but another intense wave of blissful pleasure tore through her body making her fall back to the ground gasping and moaning. What ever was going on it was vastly more intense than it had been in Sandgem town. So intense she would have sworn that she was the one being mated.

Amaya had finally caught up with Rio and Zhen some time ago on a rented bike. As she looked on Rio rolling and moaning on the ground she couldn't help but feel a little bit embarrassed for the Riolu.

"Rio, this is no time for that. Get control of your self girl."

Rio gave her an annoyed glare. If she could control her body right now she would. She would be running faster towards Devin so she could really kick that Absol's ass. All at once Rio's eyes got really wide and her body locked up, her back arching in an impossible angle. Rio's loud moan of absolute bliss told every one present that she had reached her peak.

Every one watched as Rio laid very still on the ground panting and heaving. Tiredly she tried to get to her feet, but her legs lacked the strength to support her. Rio just laid there and started to sob uncontrollably. Some one else now had gotten what she wanted. What made it worse was that Devin more than likely wasn't even aware of what he had done.

Amaya got off her bike and knelt beside the crying Riolu. Gently picking her up, Amaya placed Rio in the bikes basket by her other sisters. Mocha wrapped her arms around Rio and did her best to comfort her sister. Amaya got back on her bike and looked to the very confused Zangoose that was still sniffing the ground where Rio had been.

"Zhen, take us to Devin."

Zhen stopped sniffing the ground, and put her nose back to the wind. After a few sniffs Zhen took off, Amaya close behind.

Cave

Abby laid there on the floor of the cave, Devin's arms wrapped around her has as he peacefully slept beside her. She felt fulfilled and terrible at the same time. She had never intended to completely seduce him. She never knew that actual physical contact with "attract" would increase its potency for the used and the user. Softly Abby started to cry. Every thing had gone so wrong.

"What's the matter Dear?"

Abby was surprised she didn't know Devin had been awake. Maybe it was her crying that woke him. She had to tell him the truth, he deserved the truth. Getting on to her unsteady feet Abby turned to face her human lover.

"Devin, there is something I really need to tell you, but I don't know how."

Devin brought a hand up to cup her face tenderly. Abby was lost for a second, but she needed to tell Devin what was going on.

"Just tell me Dear."

Taking a deep breath Abby just decided to come right out and say it.

"Devin the truth is...""The truth is..."

Abby's heart was breaking just looking at him; she hoped he would forgive her.

"Devin the truth is..."

With that a black shadow spread through out the cave and Darkrai was suddenly in their presence. Abby was stunned, she was sure she had given him the slip. But if Darkrai was here than so was Void.

"The truth is trainer Kuroaki that Abby works for me."

Sure enough, right at the mouth of the cave in a black business suit was Void, and he was wearing the most malicious grin she had ever seen. Devin on the other hand was on his feet facing Void, his modesty completely forgotten.

"Her mission was to capture you alive, and she has done an outstanding job."

It took a second for Void's words to sink in to Devin's still foggy head, but as they did he got a stunned look on his face and turned towards Abby. The questioning look that he gave her made Abby's heart break.

"Abby, is it true? Do you work for him?"

Abby couldn't keep her sorrow from her voice as she spoke."It is true, that was my mission." Abby said casting her gaze to the ground, tears streaking her cheeks.

"You betrayed me!" Devin exclaimed hoarsely.

Abby's face shot up to look him in the eyes.

"Its not true, I..."

What ever Abby was going to say was lost. Darkrai chose that moment to attack. Winding up it launched a vicious "Dark Pulse" at Devin sending him crashing into the cave wall. As he bounced off of it Darkrai hit them both with "Dark Void".

Devin was instantly knocked out. Abby being a dark type as well was still conscious long enough to look at Devin one last time.

"Its not true, I love you."

Abby fell into oblivion.

Not too far Away

Rio shot to her feet clutching her chest. Her eyes were once again as wide as they could be. She had just calmed down when all the sudden she had felt a very sharp pain in her chest like she had been shot again. Than nothing, less than nothing in fact. There was a gaping void in her heart and mind where Devin's presence was always present. Suddenly it just wasn't there anymore. Silent tears started to fall from her eyes. Amaya stopped peddling and looked at the terrified Riolu.

"Rio what's wrong?"

Rio suddenly threw her head back and wailed.

"NO!"

She continued to scream until she had no more air, and than passed out. Leaving the rest to wonder what had happened.