This is going to be a series of one-shots. Most will be as short as this one, but some may be longer.

The main character does not and will likely never have a name (hence the first person, as it's easier to work without names). Her gender isn't mentioned in the story, but I think of her as a female, though, if that helps you.

Warnings (for the entire series, may be amended later): Violence, death, acts some people may or may not consider torture, and potential swearing.

Disclaimer: This isn't affiliated with Pokemon, as I don't own any of it. I also feel the need to mention that this fic doesn't necessarily reflect my views on things - just the fact that I love exploring a franchise's darker side.

Spoink

The little grey Pokemon bounced excitedly up and down, its tiny black eyes constantly adjusting themselves so it could continue looking in my direction. Its spring clinked incessantly against the metal slab of a table, a constantly repeating sound that I felt would most likely drive a lesser person insane.

"Did you know," I began, and the Spoink slowed its jumps as it registered my voice, "that your heart doesn't beat on its own?"

It fixed its eyes on me, and I fancied that its expression was almost questioning.

"Your circulatory system isn't that well developed. But I have a theory as to how you manage to pump your blood."

"Spoink?" it asked, its voice tinged with curiosity.

"You need to bounce."

I rapped my knuckles against the silver table, and the Spoink watched with interest as Violet hopped gracefully onto the metal, her pale purple tail swishing as she landed. Our eyes met, and she read my thoughts for her instructions - there were perks to owning a psychic Pokemon, after all.

The Spoink was lifted into the air and held in place, its body glowing a helpless sort of purple-blue. It wriggled and squealed, its movements becoming more erratic the longer it floated.

After roughly a minute of struggling, the Pokemon relaxed and its pearly black eyes glossed over and grew progressively more dull. Violet let it fall and watched impassively as it thumped against the table.

"Right again," I said aloud, not really caring that I only had four - now three, I supposed - Pokemon for audience members.

As an afterthought, I plucked the pearl off of its head before tossing the body towards Kaz, knowing he'd dispose of it.

Briefly, I wondered where the pearl came from.

"It apparently dies if it stops bouncing about. It carries a pearl from Clamperl on its head."

- FireRed and LeafGreen

A/N: You'll eventually get the backstory and more information about Kaz and Violet, along with the unmentioned third Pokemon (who is, ironically, probably the most important).

I tried to make it clear that Violet's an Espeon, thought I'd imagine you're confused by Kaz. He's a Victreebel.

Lastly, the attachment / lack thereof of genders to certain Pokemon is intentional.