~+*Time's Sweetest Illusion*+~

[ShadowCloud62]

This is my first actual pokemon work. I've never written a completed pokemon fic before, but if I get enough reviews I just might continue this.
This idea's been in my head for a long time. Here it is...

*WARNING. THIS IS THE PROLOGUE, AND IT IS VERY SHORT*

Prologue

Time is a very confusing thing. Very few people have messed with something so wonderful yet so deadly. People consider time to be like a river, always flowing in one direction and only one direction.

From experience, I've been to the dimensions of Time. Time is a lush green forest. For some, it is beautiful, and for others it is deceptively tranquil.

It is a place too good to be true, with the green trees, never dying or aging. The trees are so tall, yet they leave pleasant gaps in the cloudless sky, revealing sunlight as bright as Ho-oh's fire.

I often hear birds twittering, but I see no birds. I see no animals. The forest is empty, yet filled with deception, and the flow of time.

Between every tree is a crystal clear lake, flat as a board, I never see ripples disturb the relaxed, still water. Whenever I look into each lake...I do not see my reflection, I merely see events in time.

You see, time occurs all at once, although it seems to be event after event. It is all at the same time, I've known this since I was very small.

My name is Shadora.

And I am not a human.

I am a time traveler that happens to be a Gardevoir.





Told you the prologue was short....reviews are welcome....

 

[Xiang]

Ooh, you create a lovely tone and mood here. ^.^ That's a cookie for you! Especially this part (it stood out to me most):

From experience, I've been to the dimensions of Time. Time is a lush green forest. For some, it is beautiful, and for others it is deceptively tranquil.

Very lovely.

Shortness I don't mind, it was sweet, and sweet until the end. Here, you kinda made the mood scatter away:

I am a time traveler that happens to be a Gardevoir.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't have included it, but the way it was worded and so straightforward kinda broke it. Although I don't have any suggestions for this, sorry. xP

 

[ShadowCloud62]

Ratiasu: Thank you for your review. ^_^ I also apologize for sounding a little too straightforward at the end.

Anyways, here is chapter one (it is in third person narration now)

Chapter One: The Forest

The Illusion Tree, the Forest of Time

A twig snapping made her cherry-colored eyes snap open. It sounded like it was coming from behind her, and once she turned with a graceful shift of her head, she relaxed, noticing the smallest lake of time there was, just by the Illusion Tree. In the lake, she saw a young boy giggling and trying to sneak up on a little girl. It must've been a prank. The time period was in the 1700s.

Turning away, she rose from her sitting position. She was a graceful looking thing, a body shaped like that of a human. Besides her cherry colored eyes, she had light green hair on her head, shaped like a traditional bob. On the center of her chest was a patch of red, shaped like that of a triangle, and appeared to be like a corset that secured what looked like a gown. Her arms were green and appeared to sway in the breeze. Finally, another fascinating feature was that of the white bottom part of her body that looked like the bottom of a large snow-white gown. She looked human, but she wasn't.

Again she heard the birds twitter yet she saw no birds. This happened many times. What appeared to live in this place did not live here at all. All of these sounds came from things forever lost in time.

She turned to face the large tree. It was a cherry blossom tree, the only tree which held something other than green leaves. This forest also held trees that could not be in the same area. Maple trees with pine trees, hazelnut trees with cherry blossom trees, it was a very strange forest indeed.

There was more to this cherry blossom tree, though. Not only was it the widest, tallest, and most beautiful, it was also wickedly deceptive. As she had learned the hard way, looks were dreadfully deceiving.

She backed away a few steps to stare in wonder and sadness at what she called the Illusion Tree. This tree was the most horrible and the only tree that was capable of sealing your fate. This tree contained death, pain, sorrow, sadness, lies, deceit, and terrible memories from thousands of people.

She never liked being near this tree. But this tree was where she would sit, and let her mind take her into the psychic aura of time. This tree would often disturb her thoughts, but she knew this raised her stamina. It would make her more powerful....and also regain her forgotten memories.

She never did know what happened to her before and when she died. She didn't know how she died, or what happened to her mind to make her forget.

Why am I here? Shouldn't I be in the afterlife?

This was not the afterlife. It was not heaven, yet it was not hell.

The Forest of Time is the border between life and death, heaven and hell, truth and lies, good and evil.

"AHHHHHHH!" the scream pierced into her mind like a knife. Falling to her knees and holding her head, she let out a burst of psychic energy, accidently disturbing the still waters of the time lake by the Illusion Tree.

The water rippled furiously, and then suddenly stopped.

Once the scream died down, she rose again and looked up at the Illusion Tree.

What do you want from me?!, she yelled out in her mind.

Of course, the tree did not answer, it merely swayed restlessly in the breeze. To her, the tree seemed to be whispering her name in a singsong voice,

Shadora, Shadora, you can't get out of here, Shadora, Shadora....

The Gardevoir named Shadora narrowed her eyes, and they glowed a bright amethyst. Closing her eyes, she hurled a burst of psychic energy at the tree.

The tree did not move, nor did the energy leave a scratch on it.

Why did you take me here?! Why am I here?!?! TELL ME!, Shadora's mind was like an endless abyss of nothing, not a single memory.

Shadora, Shadora, you can't get out of here, Shadora, Shadora....

Shadora turned quickly and began running as fast as she could from the tree. That tree was so evil, yet so inviting in looks.

Yet the tree was waiting for her...she would be back.

***

She was running, but it felt like she was getting nowhere. They had surrounded her but she didn't even know it.

She was screaming in horror and worry, her mouth made a sound as she screamed,

"KAY! KAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"

She tripped on something and fell to the ground, and the last thing she saw was that of something's sharp teeth.

***

"Kay!" Shadora blurted the strange name out as she stopped running, finding herself between a hazelnut tree and a pine tree.

Shadora was confused. Where did that come from? How did it go into her mind? And who on Earth was Kay?

Was this a memory? She was not sure. She had to find out who this Kay was, and whose memory this belonged to.

KAY!, screamed an invading memory from the forest.

"Damn!" yelled Shadora. She closed her eyes tightly and tried desperately to search for a memory, "Who is Kay, who is Kay....?"

Kay, whoever you are, please reach out to me....I need to know who you are and what happened in this memory...and whose memory is it?




End of chapter one....it's strange, I know....please review

 

[The Great Butler]

Ooh, very good! Lovely description and a very solid story. The part with the tree 'talking' stood out in particular, I found it spooky but fitting.

(gives a slice of Butler Empire banquet cake)

 

[whiteabsol]

You have nice description and the 1st chapter seemed kinda huanting but in a calm sence. I don't know how to explain it. I can't wait for the next chapter ^_^

~W.A~

 

[ShadowCloud62]

The Great Butler: Thank you for your kind review. ^_^ I actually didn't think TSI would be a huge success....well not huge but it's going somewhere...

whiteabsol: Thank you. I guess what you were trying to say was my first chapter was hauntingly calm. Calm to the point where it freaks you out. I've experienced it once when I was in a very quiet neighborhood. I thought I was in the Stepford Wives or something....^_^

Anyways, chapter two!!

Chapter Two: Kay

Shadora.....

Shadora widened her eyes at the new voice that had suddenly penetrated her mind. This voice was not her own, this voice sounded like that of a man.

Kay? Is that you, Shadora asked in her mind.

Unfortunately there was no answer. Shadora fell to her knees, frustrated as she leaned against the hazelnut tree. "Who are you?" she whispered aloud.

Her voice echoed in the forest, and it would always echo forever.

"SHADORA!"

The graceful Gardevoir rose quickly and turned to the time lake that was in between the hazelnut tree and the pine tree. In the lake she saw a time period that appeared to be in the new millennium. The thing yelling out her name in the lake was a blur, she couldn't see it, it was running too fast.

"KAY!" Shadora recognized her own voice, and she saw herself running like she had never run before.

"SHADORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

"Kay!" Shadora exclaimed aloud. She kneeled down to get a closer look at the running creature that seemed to be Kay.

It still wasn't clear. There was only one thing to do.

"Kay, whoever you are, I'm coming!" Shadora leaned forward on purpose, and she fell into the water. There wasn't a splash; it was as if she went through a mirror.

***

Shadora opened her eyes and looked around at this new forest she was in. The trees all matched, all were pine trees. The sky showed millions and millions of beautiful silver stars, sharply contrasting to the midnight blue of the sky.

From behind her, Shadora heard panting and running. Before she could even turn around something rushed right through her.

Widening her eyes, Shadora looked at the thing running and panting.

"KAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!" yelled the thing, tears falling freely from it's eyes.

Shadora took this moment to look at the thing. It looked like her, and her voice sounded exactly the--

No, it couldn't be....

"Me." Shadora whispered, horror replacing her serious expression, "This memory is...mine."

"KAY?! KAY! KAYYYYYYY!!!!!" Shadora heard herself yell. She saw herself break into a run.

Shadora followed herself, wondering what on Earth she was running from.

She suddenly heard a loud bark, and then another, and another, and another....

Shadora's eyes widened in terror as she saw herself trip, look up, and soon she was in the many mouths of possibly hundreds of Mightyena.

Shadora almost vomitted at the sight of seeing herself being eaten alive. This could not be true.

I was eaten to death?

Shadora had to look away, the sight was unbearable. If this was how she died, she never wanted to relive it.

She heard the violent barks of the Mightyena, and she shut her eyes tightly to prevent fresh tears from falling as she concentrated hard on the Forest of Time.

***

When Shadora opened her eyes, she was actually relieved to be standing in front of the Illusion Tree. She had never been so happy to actually be here.

"I couldn't have been killed like that...." Shadora remembered every detail. This was horrible. Falling off a cliff she could understand, getting hunted by poachers was fine enough, but getting eaten?!

What a way to die.

What's worse, she never figured out who this Kay was.

"Shadora," a voice spoke behind her.

Widening her eyes yet again, Shadora whirled around and gasped at the sight she saw.

The voice was that of a male. The creature was orange all over, and it had a long, lightning-shaped tail. It's feet looked like that of a rabbit's, and it's arms were small and pudgy. It's ears were awkwardly shaped, as if they had been chewed on, and on it's stomach there were huge bite marks. It's cheeks were round and yellow, and it's beady black eyes showed relief.

Shadora wanted to run away from this terrible sight. But her legs would not move, she stood rooted to the spot, somehow recognizing this deformed pokemon.

The pokemon smiled weakly and said in a slightly deep voice, "Shadora. I'm glad I found you."

Shadora squinted her eyes and cocked her head to one side, "Who are you? And how do I know you?"

The pokemon looked hurt as he said desperately, "Shadora, don't you recognize me?!"

Shadora shook her head.

"It's me, Shadora. It's me. Kay."





That's all I have so far. Next chapter will be based on who Kay is. And just guess what type of pokemon Kay is.

 

[The Great Butler]

This has a strong quality of getting in your head and playing with your mind. Not that that's a bad thing, in fact it's very good. You feel Shadora's confusion in this chapter, almost as if it's happening to you.

As for Kay, I will bet that he is a Raichu.

(gives out more cake)

 

[whiteabsol]

You did a wonderful job at describing the Raichu. I would've honestly prefered that you described the part where Shadora get's eaten a little better but I like (some) gore in good fics like these but ...that's just me 83

I always though of Kay as a girl's name and during the first chapter, I was kinda betting that Kay was Shadora's trianer. BUT YOU PROVED ME WRONG!!XD

~W.A~

 

[ShadowCloud62]

The Great Butler: Indeed you are correct, Kay is a Raichu. The story will be explained as to who he is in this chapter.

whiteabsol: I'm not a very gory person....however I do write a bit of it. This chapter explains only who Kay is to Shadora, not what happened to them before death.

Chapter Three: Climbing the Power Plant


"Please tell me you know who I am." the deformed Raichu named Kay pleaded, his eyes gleaming with unshed tears.

Shadora shook her head and spoke sympathetically, "I apologize, but I do not believe I have met you before."

Kay looked away, however Shadora could see tears falling down on his dirty cheeks.

"Please don't be sad. I'm sure that with your help I can figure out who you are." Shadora said quickly, trying to reassure the Raichu.

Kay turned back to face Shadora, tears still streaking down his cheeks, "You'll remember me. Tell me, is there a lake of time that shows a power plant in the time period of 1999?"

"Oh, there's tons of lakes about that," Shadora said, though deep down she didn't know where this Raichu was going with this, "however, you need to be more specific, like where this power plant was."

"It was just built in '99 in the region of Hoenn, just past Rustboro City."

"Oh! I've never been inside that lake, I've always meditated here in the Forest of Time. Tell me, what is your name again?"

"My name's Kay. Shadora, can you take me to that lake? Together we can see your lost memory."

Shadora blinked, "My lost memory?"

"Yes. Please take me to that lake, Shadora."

Shadora took a deep breath. She didn't know whether or not to trust this Kay guy. It was rather strange. This Kay seemed to know her, but how come she did not recognize him?

....Could she have known him in the times before she died?

Shadora nodded, "Very well. Come with me."

***

The lake wasn't very large, it was behind a boisonberry bush. It was more of a pond, since it wasn't too deep and it wasn't wide.

"This is it?" Kay raised an eyebrow, crossing his short, scarred arms, "It's a rather small lake."

"I prefer to think of it as a pond. Shall we go inside?" Shadora offered a tiny, slim-fingered hand.

Kay seemed a little surprised at this gesture, but he grinned and took her hand, "Yes." he said with determination.

At the very same time, both Shadora and Kay leapt into the still water.

***

Once Shadora opened her eyes, she found her hand tightly squeezed by Kay's. The two were sitting high atop a tree branch, overlooking a large tower, lined with red and blue cables.

Shadora assumed this was the power plant, due to the many electric phone poles aligning the plant. The shocks of electricity crackled loudly as the wires connected.

Shadora squinted her eyes, and Kay whispered, "See that little creature over there?"

Shadora looked closer, and at the middle of the 100-foot tower was a tiny little creature, with a green, unorganized bob of hair, and two red horns on either side of it's head. The body was slim and slender, and the white bottom of the body looked a bit like her own...

"That's you," Kay whispered fondly, "that's you when you were only a tiny Ralts."

Shadora gasped, and found herself clutch Kay's hand tighter as she watched a younger version of herself climb higher and higher on the tower.

"You were very young back then," Kay continued, "you lived by the power plant alone and one day you decided to go on an adventure aboard the tower here...."

Shadora only widened her eyes as she watched herself reach the top of the tower. The top of the tower was the end of a long antennae, and she watched herself balance perfectly on the tip of the rod.

"You were in a trance," Kay said, "you were very powerful even when you were a Ralts."

Suddenly Shadora noticed a yellow rodent poke it's head up. She only noticed it now, it had been laying down peacefully on the roof. The mouse was yellow all over, yet on it's back brown stripes aligned it's back. The tail looked a bit like Kay's now, lightning-shaped. The beady black eyes looked the same as Kay's, and the cheeks were round and red instead of yellow. It's feet were pointed and it's arms were as stubby as Kay's. The pointy ears twitched, and she noticed the rodent look up, and it widened it's eyes as he saw her, balancing atop the rod.

"That Pikachu is me." Kay was smiling widely, "I was pretty young myself here..."

Shadora heard the younger Kay yell out,

"HEY! GET DOWN FROM THERE, KID! YOU'RE GONNA GET YOURSELF HURT!"

The little Shadora didn't hear him, she merely had her red eyes narrowed, as if she was sleeping with her eyes open.

"Hey, kid! Don't make me come up there!!!" Younger Kay shouted.

Again the little Ralts didn't answer, she merely stared out into space.

The younger Kay sighed loudly and began climbing the rest of the tower gracefully. The adult Shadora couldn't help but feel a speck of admiration for the younger Kay. He was very brave to climb atop something so high just to save her.

"I'm gonna regret this...." the younger Kay grumbled.

The adult Kay chuckled, "I don't regret it now," he whispered in a low voice, but Shadora could hear him.

The younger Kay finally managed to get onto the rod, and he held on for dear life with his left arm as he reached out to the Ralts with his right.

"Kid! C'mon, get down!!!" he yelled frantically.

Apparently the younger Shadora got out of her trance, because she blinked and looked down at him with large, curious eyes. Suddenly she shrieked when her feet slipped atop the rod, and she began to fall.

"ARGH!" the younger Kay grunted as he managed to snatch her from midair, his right arm wrapped around her tightly.

The little Shadora was whimpering in terror, she did not move a muscle.

"Don't look down, kid! I gotcha! It's okay, I climb this tower all the time!" Younger Kay yelled, smiling a little as he began climbing down slowly.

The little Shadora stopped whimpering and looked at Kay with admiration.

The adult Shadora smiled a little, tears brimming in her eyes. What a brave pokemon Kay was, what a kind being he was to save her at a young age.

As Kay and little Shadora made it to the roof, he gently let her down. She didn't run away, she simply stared at him, her eyes still wide with wonder.

Kay dusted off his hands and began to speak, "Hey, kid, ya could've gotten y'self hurt. What were ya thinkin', anyway? Who are you?"

"Sha--Sha--Shadora," the little Ralts said in a voice as sweet as honey, "I was....meditating, I want to become the bestestest psychic pokemon ever!"

Kay smiled a gentle smile and said, "Well, Shadora, there's no such word as 'bestestest'. It's either 'bestest' or 'best', okay?"

The little Ralts nodded.

"Ya have a home, kid?" Kay asked.

The Ralts sadly shook her head, "No, sir. I just wanted to climb the tower."

Kay sighed and paused for a minute, then replied, "You're welcome to live here in the power plant with me if you want."

Ralts' eyes widened until they were the size of cup saucers. Shadora didn't think she could widen her eyes that big back then, "Really?!" she squeaked.

"Eh, sure, why not? I need some company anyway."

Shadora smiled as the little Ralts hugged him tightly around the waist, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!"

Kay sheepishly smiled, "Eh, no prob, kid....my name's Kaytorin by the way. But just call me Kay, all right?"

"Okay, Mr. Kay!"

"Uh...just Kay."

"Okay, Kay!!!"

Kay laughed and said, "I have a feeling you're going to be a pain in my arse..."

Before the adult Shadora could even blink she and the adult Kay were back in the Forest of Time.

Letting go of the Raichu's hand, she turned away, trying to hide her tears, her voice wobbly as she spoke, "I'm afraid the memory still doesn't ring a bell. I apologize greatly."

Kay noticed her tone of voice, "It's all right. If you let me stay with you I promise I will help you regain your memories."

Shadora turned, and saw the look of determination in Kay's eyes. She nodded and said confidently, "Okay."

 

[soul of legonds]

wonderful

You can realy set the mood of a story. You made things seem so peaceful yet I sense a underlieing of adventure.

 

[ShadowCloud62]

soul of legonds: Thanks, here's the next chapter...

Chapter Four: Carry Me Home

Kay picked two fresh apples from the apple tree and handed one to the still crying Shadora, "You should eat." he said.

Shadora took the apple as Kay took a huge bite out of his, "Thank you very much, Kay...."

Kay smiled and sat down on the ground beside her. Again they both heard birds twittering and children laughing, yet they saw nothing.

"This forest gives me the creeps," Kay said, tugging a little as his chewed up ear, "I don't know how you live here, kid."

Shadora wanted to reprimand him, she never liked being called 'kid', since she was a Gardevoir, a full adult. But she said nothing, she felt a sense of sudden familiarity when he called her that.

Kay threw his apple aside, "Well, you should eat, you and I need to go to your next lost memory." he rose, "Ready?"

Shadora paused, and rose, "Let's go."

***

It was yet another tiny pond. Once Shadora and Kay jumped in, they found themselves hiding behind a bush, by the same power plant they saw in the last memory.

Shadora instantly recognized the Pikachu, the younger Kay, however he looked about a year or two older, since he appeared to be taller than before and his face looked somewhat aged.

"Kid?!" Shadora heard the younger Kay yell out. He was frantic, on all fours, his eyes gleaming with worry. He must've been looking for her back then.

Kay rose, and cupped his hands to his face, and he screamed at the top of his lungs, "KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDDDDD?!"

A flock of Taillow flew past in the sky in fear of Kay's loud voice.

When Kay heard no other sound, he sighed, but the look of worry did not leave his face, "C'mon, Shadora, where the hell are you....?" he whispered to himself.

"Kay! Kay! Kay! Over here!!! Look at me!"

Kay instantly turned once he heard the little Shadora's voice. He turned towards the bush the grown Shadora and Kay were hiding in.

Something rushed through the adult Kay and out, the thing standing in front of the younger Kay.

The grown Kay took a deep breath, "Man, when that went through me, I thought I'd have a heart attack!"

The adult Shadora giggled a little, and she watched the thing spread out it's arms and smile widely, "Ta-daaaa!" it shouted.

The grown Kay smiled, "That was when you evolved into Kirlia."

Shadora instantly recognized herself, her green hair in a style that was like two little pigtails with red horns on either side of her head. Her arms were green and slim, and the white bottom of her body was like a little mini dress, revealing slim green legs. The only thing that never changed was Shadora's cherry-colored eyes.

The younger Kay widened his eyes and smiled widely, "Shadora, wow....! You...you look great, kid!"

The Kirlia form of Shadora bowed politely and said, "Why thank you, Kaytorin."

Kay narrowed his eyes a little, but the smile didn't leave his face, "I thought I told you to call me Kay."

Shadora stuck out her pink tongue and began saying his full name in a singsong voice, "Kaytorin, Kaytorin, Kaytorin, Kaytor--AAAHHHHH!"

She never finished her teasing, for Kay had began chasing her around the area by the power plant, leaving Shadora to run for her life as she continued yelling frantically, "KAYTORIN, KAYTORIN, KAYTORIN!!!!!"

"SHADUP! IT'S KAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!" Kay's voice echoed throughout the forest.

***

After the adult Shadora and Kay watched minutes of the chase, the younger Kay had finally caught the little Kirlia, his arms tightly wrapped around her.

Little Shadora giggled, "Hee, hee, it was fun saying your real name!"

Kay narrowed his eyes again and pursed his lips, saying, "I don't like the name Kaytorin."

Shadora stopped giggling, "Why not?"

"Eh, I don't know. My parents named me Kaytorin...before they left me in Mauville City to rot."

Shadora remained silent as Kay continued, his tone becoming deadly serious, "When I became about a year old(1), my parents just got up and left me. We lived in Mauville City with different people--we were wanderers. They never really liked me much, I don't know why, they probably didn't want me at all....once they knew I was independent, they left me. I was left to wander Mauville City all alone....and then I just left the city and once they finished this power plant here....I decided to live here. I was all alone for about five years ....then you came along. I'm actually glad to have ya here, kid...I always wanted a friend."

"Oh...I'm sorry I called you Kaytorin....if it bothers you then I won't say it anymore." Shadora said as Kay let go of her.

Kay shook his head, sighing heavily. It was a very sensitive subject for him, "It's okay, kid....c'mon, we're gonna get us some food for tonight, okay?"

Kay was about to go through the adult Kay, but in a flash both the adult Kay and Shadora were back in the Forest of Time.

Shadora stood silent as Kay turned to look at her, "So you know about my past." he said.

Shadora nodded, "If--how old were we when we--you know--died?" she wanted to know.

Kay bit his lip in thought, a single tiny chipped fang hanging from his mouth as he did so, "Well...I was about six when you evolved....you were two years old....then....I was eight, you were four."

"Only four?! How old would we be now?!" Shadora demanded.

"Well, two years have passed since we've died and you've been here. Two years since I began trying to find you. I would be ten now. You'd be six."

Shadora bit her lower lip, then said, "When can we go to the next memory?"

"I was thinking tomorrow. We need rest." Kay said, scratching his head.

Shadora smiled a little, "Kay, there is no tomorrow, today, or even last year in this forest. It's now or never here."

Kay blushed a little and placed a hand behind his neck sheepishly, "Oh, right...heh, heh...okay, how 'bout we take a break for a bit and then we'll head for the memory I remember the most of. How's that?"

Shadora smiled wider at Kay, "That's fine."






(1): Think of dog and cats' ages. I used the Pokemon's ages in that aspect. I didn't use human age.

 

[Fire Suicune]

I love this story! A Gardevior and a Raichu-what a funny combonation (in a good way, of course!). ^_^;

 

[soul of legonds]

wow

It never occured to me that such a sad thing as that would ever had happened to such a jolly person as Key. But still a very good chapter!

 

[The Great Butler]

Very good! You're an expert at setting the mood and pace, and your descriptions are the punch that fires off the whole thing to make it work.

(gives *multiple* slices of Butler Empire cake)

 

[ShadowCloud62]

Fire Suicune: Heh, heh, wow, I didn't think I was that good of a writer. I kinda thought Gardevoir and Raichu would be a nice change instead of a Pikachu and a Pichu, for example. Next update's right here!

soul of legonds: Thank you. ^_^ Kay is a very jolly character, and his character will build in this next update, which is his most vivid memory.

The Great Butler: Yay! *takes cake and starts pigging out* *speaks with mouth full* Well, ish very nice ofh you choo chay such chings....

*swallows* NOW, LADIES AND GERMS *cough*...Gentlemen....the next chapter!

Chapter Five: Run Away

"This is your most vivid memory?" Shadora raised an eyebrow at the tiniest lake in the forest. It wasn't even a pond. It was more of a rain puddle.

Kay sheepishly placed his arm around his neck, "Yeah. I expected it to be bigger...."

"Me too. Vivid memories are usually as big as oceans, depending on how big they are," Shadora said, "are you sure this is vivid in your mind?"

Kay became serious, nodding so furiously Shadora thought his head would fall off, "Yes. Very sure. This was where our bond grew tighter."

"Just one quick question before we leave..." Shadora turned a bright shade of pink, sharply contrasting to her white complexion, "....were we ever in love when we were alive?"

Kay raised an eyebrow, then laughed, "Ah, no way, kid. Our bond was more like a big brother, kid sister thing. Don't worry, we weren't any more than that. C'mon, I'm too old for you, especially now, since I'm kinda ugly...."

Shadora giggled, but disagreed, "No, Kay. I think you're very handsome."

Kay blushed a bright crimson, but Shadora couldn't tell since his complexion was orange, "Eh...heh, heh....thanks..."

Both grasped each other's hands and only tapped their toes into the tiny puddle, and before they knew it they were standing in a memory.

This time Shadora and Kay were standing by a large lake, just a few feet away from the power plant. It was at a safe distance, so Shadora didn't worry too much.

Shadora instantly recognized herself as a Kirlia, giggling while she waded in the shallow end of the lake.

The younger Kay, who was still a Pikachu, stood by the shore, and he cupped his hands to his mouth and called out, "Kid, don't wander too far!!"

"I won't, Kay! Besides, even if I do, you'll get me, right?" Shadora called out sweetly.

Kay smiled softly, "Eh, sure, kid. But I won't be happy when we get back in the power plant!"

Shadora ignored this comment as she reached into the water and began picking up rocks and skipping them in the water.

Shadora reached down after using five stones, and picked up a rather large and awkwardly shaped rock. Shadora gasped and admired it for a few moments. It was a brilliant shade of vibrant green, as bright as an emerald. Inside the emerald, it seemed, was a yellow zigzag that looked like a lightning bolt.

"Hey, Kay!" Shadora called out, "Look at this! I think it's a crystal!"

"Eh?" Kay squinted his eyes, "Uh, great! You can come back and show it to me here!"

"No, Kay!" Shadora whined, but in a cute way as she pouted, "I want you to come in the water with me! I want you to see the crystal!"

Kay sighed in surrender, and began wading in the water towards Shadora, "Man, I'm gonna regret this...." he said. Truth was he just didn't like getting wet.

He made it to Shadora after a while, "All right, Shaddy, lemme see your crystal...."

Shadora handed over the strange looking stone.

As soon as Kay grabbed it, he suddenly dropped it into the water, a blank stare on his face.

"Silly Kay! You dropped the stone!!!" Shadora giggled, looking up at him.

When he didn't answer and continued staring out into space, Shadora grew worried, "Kay? Kay? Answer me! KAYTORIN!!!"

Even when she said his full name Kay did not move.

However, he spoke in a serious tone, "Shadora, do you know what that stone was...?"

Shadora shook her head, "What was it?"

"It was a Thunderstone--AAAAHHHH!" Kay suddenly began to glow a brilliant white.

Shadora shielded her eyes and screamed as Kay glowed. She backed away, and stumbled over a rock, making her fall on her rear as she watched in horror, hoping Kay was all right.

The glowing subsided. Shadora saw many colors at first, but when her vision returned to normal, she looked up at the new orange rodent standing there. He had Kay's eyes, except his cheeks were yellow, his ears were different and his tail! His tail was almost the same! And those pudgy arms and legs! And the white tummy! This wasn't Kay!!!!

Shadora widened her eyes as the Raichu sheepishly smiled. Well, he smiled like Kay, too, "Er, that Thunderstone makes Pikachu change." he said.

Shadora's eyes widened even more, to the size of five cup saucers. He didn't sound like Kay!!! His voice was much deeper!!

Rising, Shadora took a huge breath and screamed at the top of her lungs. She began to run as fast as her legs would carry her, hurrying to shore.

"Hey, wait! Wait!!! It's me, Shadora!!!" the Raichu, much to Shadora's dismay, began to follow her, and he seemed much faster than her.

"STAY AWAY!!!" Shadora screamed as she hurried towards the doors of the power plant. Once she made it past, she could use her psychic ability to lock the doors and...

...she screamed when two pudgy arms wrapped around her, holding her back. Shadora's eyes brimmed with sad and angry tears. She was so damn close to the doors....three feet away!!!!

"LET ME GO!!!" Shadora yelled, struggling in the imposter's grasp.

"No! Shadora, calm down!"

"HOW DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?!" Shadora yelled, "AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO KAY?!?!?!"

"It's me, kid! Shaddy, it's me, Kay!!! That Thunderstone makes Pikachu evolve! Shaddy, I evolved!!! I'm a Raichu now!"

Shadora froze. Only the real Kaytorin would call her 'kid'. And only Kaytorin knew of her nickname, Shaddy.

She whirled around when Kay released his grip on her, and hugged him tightly, "Kay!!! I'm sorry, I got scared, I didn't recognize you, and--!"

"It's okay, kid, it's okay, it was a natural reaction...don't be scared....see, don't I look great?" Kay pulled away a little so Shadora could look at him.

She giggled and said, "Yeah, you look really great!"

"You've got another evolution to go yourself, kid," Kay said proudly, "once you keep practicing with your psychic energy, you'll change into a beautiful, fully formed Gardevoir."

"A Gardevoir? Will I be great?" Shadora asked, her eyes widening in wonder.

"Shadora," Kay smiled and kneeled down to the Kirlia's height, "you're great when you say you are. Don't let anyone tell ya different."

Shadora nodded, a determined grin on her face, "All right, Kay! I'll practice even more! Will you help me?"

"Eh, sure, kid. We'll even do some sparring later after dinner, okay?" Kay winked.

Shadora nodded proudly, "Okay!"

***

Shadora, she's finding out too much from that Kay....

Then what do we do?

Once they return from that memory...we will kill him.

But's he's immortal.

No, Shadora's immortal. Kay is not....as a matter of fact...

....he was the sole survivor.





I know, a really confusing ending. Only gets you guys thinking, who is the real villain here? Could it be Kay, who might not be a survivor and just an ILLUSION. Maybe it's Shadora even, her mind does do strange things. Or it could be another power at work here? Next chapter, you will read about Shadora's evolution to Gardevoir, Kay's explanation as to why he's scarred, and of course, the death. Another question: Is Kay truly a survivor? Find out next time.

 

[The Great Butler]

Oops, double post ^^

Good chapter again, I'm looking forward to more.

 

[ShadowCloud62]

*looks* Aw, crud. That was because something was up with my computer it took too long to load...I'll definitely not do that again, sorry!

 

[The Great Butler]

You can always delete it through the edit option.

 

[soul of legonds]

but...

But, hay, a great chapter up twice is an honist mistace, that can be easily forgiven.

 

[ShadowCloud62]

Anyways, okay, thanks for the reviews. Now, we're going to get things straight.
The reason I update so quickly is that I've already completed this story on WordPerfect...so I can just copy, paste and do the necessary changes. Now here--is where SOME--not all--questions will be answered. You are free to speak your mind about Kay after this, he will be building great character here.

Chapter Six: Back in the Day.... (this chapter is rated R)

Shadora took a deep breath as they returned once again to the Forest, "I can't believe it. Why is that your most vivid out of all memories?" she asked.

Kay sheepishly shrugged his scarred shoulders, "I guess it just sticks out the most. It basically made us trust each other even more."

There was a hopeful gleam in Kay's eyes. Shadora recognized it. Sadly, she looked away and spoke, "I'm afraid that, even though I see the memories, they still do not ring any bells in my head. I do wish I could remember you, Kay, I really do, I just--can't for some reason."

Kay looked away once Shadora turned to him. There was something else in his eyes that she could not quite decipher. Was it...guilt? Why on Earth would Kay of all beings be guilty?

"Kaytorin..." Shadora couldn't help but say his full name.

Kay turned his back to her, "It's fine," he spoke in a suddenly jolly tone.

Shadora could tell he was faking happiness, "Kay--" she hurried forward.

Quickly Kay took a few steps away from her, "Shaddy," he said, "I'm gonna get us some food okay? Stay right by the willow tree over there. I'll come back soon, 'kay?"

Shadora sighed, "All right, Kaytorin."

"Shaddy," Kay turned only his head, and Shadora noticed the glint of tears in his eyes, "it's Kay."

He turned back, sniffled, and began walking away.

(A/N: Before I continue, let me just warn you beforehand. Kay will be in the remainder of these next chapters. Shadora will not be seen until after the next chapter)

***

Kay angrily walked up to the cherry blossom tree in the very center of the forest. Clenching his fists angrily, he yelled, "She doesn't remember a thing! You *******! You swore she'd remember once she saw me! What did you do?!"

I did nothing. It was you, Kaytorin. You, you, you...

"Shut the hell up! Get out of that goddamn tree and face me, you coward! You always have to hide behind a damn tree, now come out, you son of a--!"

Kaytorin, Kaytorin, relax, boy...see the gap between those two roots?

Kay looked down and in front of him he saw the roots, and a rather large gap that led underground.

You come to me, Kaytorin. We have many things to discuss.

Kay sighed angrily and went on all fours, crawling into the gap.

It was a short walk, he only walked for about five minutes until he faced the creature in the shadows. All you could see were those wicked blood red eyes. They weren't a peaceful cherry color like Shadora's, much to Kay's dismay.

"What do you want?" Kay snarled, "She should remember everything we had together!"

"Kaytorin," the voice spoke aloud instead of through mind speak. The voice was loud and a male's voice, only it was louder, deeper than Kay's, eerily echoing throughout the hollow entrance of the Illusion Tree.

"There's a reason I'm part of the Illusion Tree," the voice said, "it's because I'm stuck here. Stuck because of Shadora's last act of cowardice before she died."

"What Shadora did was right, you *******!" Kay yelled, "You deserved what the hell you got!"

"Kaytorin, how do you think she would react if I made her remember that day? And then your deal with me? What would you do then? Shadora would hate you."

Kay looked away.

"You were the one that made this deal," the voice snarled, a sudden burned hand emerging from the shadows with long silver claws, scratching Kay across the face.

"YA!" Kay yelped, falling onto his rear. He placed a hand on the three parallel cuts on his left yellow cheek. The cuts were bleeding madly.

"You should be happy you can still bleed, Kaytorin," the voice replied seriously, "that you can still breathe. That you still have a heartbeat....unlike Shadora, my boy."

Kay rose quickly to his feet, "I'd rather die than have her suffer!"

"Technically you did."

"But--I can still breathe!"

"Kaytorin, Kaytorin, Kaytorin," The voice laughed, making the tree shake a little, "you're not alive. You're not dead. You're....both, basically."

Kay widened his eyes, "What?" he whispered.

"That means you can never leave the Forest of Time. Shadora could, if you offered yourself to me, but you cannot, no matter what. Either way, you've lost your chance to be with Shadora."

Kay tried to fight the frustrated tears in his eyes, "No! You can't do this! Goddamn it, I love her!!!"

The blood red eyes appeared to widen, then upturn as if whatever was in the shadows was smiling, "So you finally admit it."

Kay let the tears fall, "I--I felt guilty after she died. It was my fault. Dammit, I should've protected her. I fell in love with her the day she....." he trailed off.

The voice spoke, "Well, Kaytorin, would you like to see the longest and most vivid memory that I have?"

Kay took a deep breath, ".....No."

"Oh, come now, Kaytorin, it won't be bad," the voice didn't sound so convincing, "technically, it's your memory too. Wouldn't you love to travel down Memory Lane?"

Kay gritted his teeth, and spoke boldly, "Take me back. Take me back to the day Shadora died. I need to see for myself. I need to remember my mistake. I need to see....to face my past...."

The voice sounded thrilled, "Excellent. Kaytorin, I will take you back...back to the day you sparred with Shadora....and then that fateful night."

Kay angrily yelled out, "Just do it!!!!"




I will not be able to post the death of Shadora yet. Next update, I promise. Also, what do you think of Kay now? Do you still have questions? If so, you may post them. They will be answered in the next update.