DPA: Rivals

Chapter 41: Your Fate...

"So, you don't believe in psychics," Daryon asked.

"No, I do not," Ero answered. "Yes, there are clear phenomena pointing to the science of telekinesis. But there is a massive difference between making a Pokéball float and being able to see the future. Are there Pokémon that can see the future? Maybe. It's not fully determined. But can a human see the future? No." Ero opened the door to Mr. Psychic's Stay, the hotel the Silph President was talking about.

Behind the front counter, an older man, bald, in a white tank top and jeans, twirled a twisted spoon between his fingers.

"Hi, my name is-" Ero said.

"Your name is Ero," interrupted Mr. Psychic. "A few hours ago I had a vision of you arriving here."

"Or, more likely, you were notified by the Silph President of our arrival," Ero scoffed. "I know you do your so-called 'readings' for each resident upon arrival, so do mine already so that I can go to my room and get some sleep."

Mr. Psychic laughed. "A skeptic! I saw this as well. So be it. Hold this spoon." He held out the twisted spoon he had been holding. Ero rolled his eyes before taking it. Mr. Psychic closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath.

"Yes, it is clear," Mr. Psychic said softly. "I see much traveling in your future. You will always be searching, there will always be more to find..."

"Okay," Ero put down the twisted spoon. "I'm a researcher. You can see my lab coat. Obviously I travel in my research, a quick search on the PC would show that. I've done your silly readings, now I'm going to go to bed." He stormed past the front desk, and up the stairs to his room.

"Sorry about that," Skye said to Mr. Psychic. "He isn't normally that irritable."

"It is not a problem, my dear," Mr. Psychic replied. "I've met unbelievers like him my whole life. They are scared of what they cannot measure, and so they denounce it as mere fiction. I've come to accept that some people are just too set in their ways."

"Can I give it a try?" Skye asked, picking up the spoon.

"Of course, my dear," Mr Psychic replied, closing his eyes, and taking in a deep breath. "I see...I see colors. Lots of colors, very light, festive colors. Many people. The lights are bright, though, I cannot see exactly where you are at-"

"Contests!" Skye blurted out. "Am I at a Pokémon Contest?"

"Ah, yes, I see more clearly now," Mr. Psychic smiled. "Yes, you are in a Pokémon Contest, surrounded by excited viewers. You will work hard, and whether or not you will be content with your placement depends upon whether or not you can accept it."

Skye gaped at Mr. Psychic, amazed.

"Me next!" Max jumped, grabbing the twisted spoon.

"Oh, this one is very clear," Mr. Psychic said, scratching his nose. "Some day soon you will feel trapped, as though you cannot make your own choices. But if you are willing to be patient, the future holds freedom unlike anything your young mind can imagine."

"So, he'll grow up," Cameron said. "That seems a little obvious."

Mr. Psychic looked at Cameron. "Alright, take the spoon."

Cameron looked at Mr. Psychic for a moment, before leaning forward and taking the spoon.

"Oh..." Mr. Psychic began. "That's quite a shame. You recently went through a traumatic experience, and you aren't sure how to handle it. You don't believe your friends are helpful, and you are haunted by memories. However, where your friends are failing you, your Pokémon are not, and you are better now than you were a few days ago, not because of anything your friends have done, but because of your connection to your Pokémon."

Cameron bowed his head. The reading was dead on. He tossed the spoon onto the table, pushing past a worried Daryon and Skye on his way to the stairs.

"I guess it's just me then," Daryon shrugged, picking up the spoon. Mr. Psychic closed his eyes.

Silence.

His face shifted from calm concentration to slight concern. Then a hint of fear. Then pure terror. He screamed as he fell back in his chair, hitting the ground.

"Are you okay?" Daryon went over to help the man up. Mr. Psychic held up his hand.

"Stay back!" he yelled, crawling away. "Stay away from me!"

"What?!" Daryon asked, confused, surprised, upset.

"Your fate is not your own," Mr. Psychic cried out, his voice getting hoarse. "It is being guided by a force of unspeakable power. Wherever you are, danger will follow! And I want no part in it! Get out!"

"What is this?" Ero demanded, running down the stairs after hearing all the screaming.

"I didn't sign up for this!" Mr. Psychic struggled to stand up. "People will die, worlds will end, time itself will change, and this boy will be a part of every moment of it! Leave!"

"I will be letting the Silph President know about our treatment," Ero growled. "He practically owns this place. He will shut it down." He turned to the others. "Let's leave, I have an alternative overnight arrangement," he said as he slammed open the front doors.

Everyone else followed Ero out, with Daryon being the last one, taking a final look at Mr. Psychic's bloodshot eyes.

Whatever Ero said about psychics, the fear that Mr. Psychic explained was real. Daryon had no doubt about it.