The Marked Feraligatr

Rated: M for Violence,Death, Self-injury Etc.

Chapter 2- Frantic Thoughts and School

"Lyra… It's okay. I'm here for you. I promise," Ethan said, patting Lyra's hand gently. She barely reacted to him. Ethan sighed and lowered his gaze to the floor. This was hard. Lyra had always been his bestfriend and he always promised he'd be there whenever she was down. He was here for her now – but he wasn't helping at all. He gazed at Lyra and started to cry.

"Lyra, please just smile for me! Please!"

Lyra's eyes popped open. She gazed around and noticed she was on the floor, meaning she slept there throughout the night. She looked over at her alarm clocked and noticed it was seven in the morning – time to get ready for score. As Lyra stood up, she grasped her aching arm. She ruffled the bandages a bit, trying her best to stop the pain. She shuffled over to her dresser and pulled out her usual outfit. She threw on her outfit, trying her best to not move her injured arm so much. She then walked over to her mirror, grabbing her hat and putting it on her head. After she examined herself for a few seconds, she walked out of her room an downstairs into the kitchen. She gazed around the place.

School started soon but her mother wasn't in sight at all. Lyra plopped down at the table and started to tap her fingers off the table top. She started to look around more frantically. Her mom was still not down here – and this wasn't normal. No matter how long her mom was out the night previously, she was always up and making breakfast at seven in the morning for Lyra.

Panic started to set in.

"W-What if something h-happened to h-her? W-what if someone k-killed her? What i-if she d-died in her sleep? W-what am I g-going to do?!" Lyra thought as she started to dig her nails into the palms of her hands. She bit her lip as her nails started to break her skin. She started to hyperventilate

What if she was all alone? What if her mom got tired of her and decided to leave during the middle of the night? Lyra wouldn't stand a chance on her own. Lyra stood up in utter terror. She turned to the stairs and ran straight up them and to her mother's room. She busted through the door and sighed in relief when she saw her mom passed out on the bed. Her mom was still dressed up in her outfit from last night and smelled of alcohol.

Lyra thought for a second about how she had another nightmare last night and ended up hurting herself. She examined her arm that her mom had patched up and felt tears forming in her eyes. He mom must have just gotten home and ended up having to deal with her. Lyra bit her lip, feeling the tears start to get heavier. She didn't like being a burden to her own mom. She wanted her mom to go out and live her life – but her mom was stuck taking care of her because she was crazy.

Lyra bit her lip harder and caused blood to drip down. She was devastated that she was holding her mom back – she didn't want to but at the same time couldn't help it. She was so weak – no one could truly help her. She looked at her mom and felt so guilty. She didn't want to hold anyone back – but at the same time she was happy that her mom hadn't left. She felt tears start to run down her face.

She ran straight to her room and continued to cry. She was happy her mom hadn't of left her behind. She was happy that her mom was still here for here – even though she didn't do much for her. Her mom was her mom and no one else could take that title from her. She may not have been supporting her in the way she needed but it was nice to know that her mom wasn't leaving her behind. Lyra straightened up her crumpled clothing and washed her face after crying for a while.

She made her way back downstairs and noticed nothing had changed, meaning her mom was still in bed. Lyra bit her lip and felt her eye twitch – she didn't want to bother her mom for breakfast. Lyra grabbed her bag with her school stuff and started out the door. She looked back, taking in the image of her house like she did every morning before she left for school. She loved how the trees near her house swept over and covered the house – as if was hiding her home away from the people who taunted her daily. The faded black paint echoed and resonated with her inner feelings of fear and sadness.

Her house wasn't the prettiest on the block but to her it was a place where she could escape from all the taunting and rude remarks everyone gave her. She blinked slowly and took a deep breath. She felt much calmer and started towards the path that she took every day to get to school. Not even halfway there, she heard her mom shouting at her.

"Lyra! Get back in the house so I can feed you damnit," Her mother cursed out, obviously hung over from the night before. Lyra grimaced as her mom's voice echoed throughout the town. She swiveled on her heel and made her way back to her house. Once inside, she saw her mother making pancakes. She sat down at the dining table, waiting for her mom to finish cooking. A burning sensation ran through Lyra's head and was followed by the taunting's of the Voice in her head.

"My, My, how motherly. She's actually giving a damn about you instead of drinking booze. What a shocker," The voice spewed out, causing Lyra to scream out in pain. She stood up abruptly, holding her head. Her mom turned around and raced to Lyra, grabbing onto her shoulders.

"Lyra! Calm down! Stop it. Just take a deep breath, everything is fine!" Her mom shouted. Lyra opened her eyes and start to hyperventilate. Her mom hugged her and hushed her, trying her best to calm her. After a few minutes, she sat Lyra down and gave her a plate of slightly burned pancakes. Lyra took a deep breath and started to eat the food her mother made for her, ignoring the burned bits to the best of her ability. She raised her glass of milk and chugged it. She felt so thirsty and didn't know why – but this milk was just the thing she needed.

Lyra stood up and dusted herself free of crumbs and picked up her bag. She placed it around her shoulders and said goodbye to her mom. On her way out her mom called to her.

"Lyra… If this keeps up, I'm going to tell the doctors you need something stronger… And did you even replace your bandages? Come here," Her mom spat out, irritated at the fact of her not changing her bandages. Lyra glanced and noticed her bandages were pinkish and needed to be changed. She plopped down in a nearby chair and watched as her mom skillfully put the new bandages on. Her mom then sent her out the door and off to school.

As Lyra started walking down the path to school she heard someone calling for her. She turned and looked, seeing Ethan trailing after her. She stopped and waited for him to catch up. Once he did catch up, he took a minute to catch his breath before speaking.

"G-Good morning, Lyra!" Ethan chimed out happily, patting Lyra on her back. Lyra felt herself grimace at his touch, not sure why he was so happy. Ethan smiled.

"So, your birthday just passed – what's it like to be fifteen now, Lyra?" Ethan asked as they started to walk again. Lyra sighed and looked ahead, not to sure why he was so excited about her birthday. She was just another year older – it wasn't anything super special or anything. Ethan tapped her shoulders, wanting a response from her. Lyra froze up. The voice was back. It cackled loudly, causing Lyra to scream and drop to the ground.

"Death. That's all he'll ever bring to you. Death, death, death…" The voice kept chanting, getting louder. Lyra pushed Ethan away as he tried to calm her down.

"Run. RUN, LYRA. RUN. RUN –"

"S-Stop it!" Lyra screamed out as she scrambled to her feet. She raced forward, leaving Ethan behind. As she ran to school, People from her school saw her and called out to her, insulting her and threatening her. Lyra took on all the words on her shoulders and started to cry halfway to school. When she got to the front of the school, Manson, a rich kid, noticed Lyra and approached her.

"Well, well, well. Look who's crying – I bet she misses the comfort and warmth of the strait jackets," Manson cackled, making a huge scene. Lyra glanced down to the ground, digging her nails into her palm. Manson grabbed ahold of her bandage arm and squeezed it hard, causing Lyra to cringe.

"What'd the hell you do this time? Try to kill yourself? I mean, It's not like anyone would care anyways – you're a fucking freak and no one would shed a single tear. Not even your whore of a m-"Was all Manson got out before a black school bag smacked right into the back of his head causing him to fall forward. He fell down and almost took down Lyra with him. Lyra grimaced and when she looked back up she saw someone she never saw walking away. He had deep red hair and matching red eyes that made him look really menacing. The way his posture was made him seem like a guy who gave little to no fucks and wouldn't back down to any situation – he seemed fierce and would gladly take on the would if he had too. He turned back around and glowered at Manson.

"Well aren't you just fucking annoying, messing with a weak girl like her. Why don't you get some real balls and challenge someone actually worth it." the guy called out, waving off the stares of everyone. He continued into the school building, while everyone else ran to Manson to 'aid' him. Lyra watched the guy until she couldn't see him anymore. Lyra couldn't help but feel a bit relieved and happy.

Someone else other than Ethan had stood up for her – and he was a total stranger too! Lyra glanced around and decided to slip away into the school's garden before going to class. She made her way down the small hill and plopped down. She rummaged around in her bag and pulled out all her Pokémon. She watched them all run around, having fun and playing. Lyra let them have fun until the bells rang, signaling class as starting. She summoned them all back and made her way to her first period.

On her way to her class, she saw Ethan. He waved at her, beckoning her over. She joined him and felt her head start to ache. The voice crept up and was whispering for her to get away.

"He's evil, Lyra. Pure nasty evil. Run, Lyra. Run!" The voice kept saying, repeating it the whole time Ethan walked her to her homeroom class. Lyra cringed with each step, slowly feeling her senses fade.

"Hey is everything okay, Lyra? I mean, you ran off in such a hurry this morning…" Ethan said, trailing off at the end. Lyra shook her head frantically, telling him that she was okay. Ethan sighed and patted her on her back.

"Alright, Lyra I believe you. Just don't push yourself! Relax when you need to okay?" Ethan said, concerned about Lyra. Lyra just shook her head again and entered her homeroom. She sat down in the back – just like she did every day and wasn't surprised when the teacher ignored her for roll call. None of the teachers liked her because they considered her a 'distraction'. She sighed and laid her head down, trying her best to sleep. She didn't feel like learning today – and besides, the teachers didn't care if she did or not. They would pass her on anyways - why would they want to deal with her for another year?

Lyra sighed once more and thought back to this morning and how a total stranger defended her. She honestly couldn't believe it. Ever since the event happened, no one else cared about her but Ethan. Visitors from other towns could tell something was wrong with her and they'd make sure to stay away from her – but he didn't. He stood up for her. Lyra sighed again.

Maybe he didn't get a good look of her – maybe it was a once in a life time thing. Lyra bit her lip. At least she was able to experience it once – and that was enough for her. She knew nothing would change. She knew no one would come and change her world for the better. She was broken beyond total repair. She had gotten better but she highly doubted she'd be back to the way she used to be.

The school bell rang, startling Lyra. She stood up and made her way to her next class – and she shared it with Manson. Oh joy. Lyra sat down in her usual seat and started to dread seeing Manson again – he'd surely get her back twice as much now. As soon as Manson walked into the room, he made his way straight to Lyra and glowered at her.

"You know what, Lyra? You're a messed up bitch. And just because someone defended you means nothing, you punk ass bitch. So don't get fucking cocky – you know that guy is new and has no fucking clue what you're like. You're still gonna end up in the loony bin and no one, including Ethan and your skanky mom, will be there for you," Manson spewed out, making sure to see Lyra's eyes water up before feeling content. He stomped off to his seat and plopped down, mouthing, "Fuck you" to Lyra. Lyra put her head down and started to cry, trying her best to stay quiet.

The next two classes flew by, making Lyra anxious for lunch. A lot of people who were friends with Manson shared her lunch time and they would be sure to heckle and abuse her. Lyra sighed as she made her way into the lunch room – she could just skip and go to the garden but then she'd leave Ethan by himself and at the mercy of Manson's cronies. Lyra shuffled to her usual table and halfway there noticed Ethan talking to someone – and she froze.

He had red hair – the same color as the guy she defended her. She slowly walked up, trying her best to be sneaky and catch a glance of his face. He was facing away from her so she couldn't see his face at all. She tried a few more times and ended up catching Ethan's attention. Ethan met Lyra's gaze and smiled.

"Ah, Silver! I want you to meet my friend, Lyra! She was the girl I was te-"was all Ethan got out when Silver turned and spit out some of his water. Lyra backed up, scared of his reaction – and was one-hundred percent sure this was the guy who saved her earlier. Silver sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Of course she'd be your friend, Ethan. Of course…" Silver mumbled out, gliding his hand over his whole face in an irritated manner. Lyra frowned and started to back up some more. She felt intimidated.

"Yo, you're that girl from earlier – why were you letting that douchebag fuck with you?" Silver asked, growing irritated with her skittish attitude. Lyra mumbled and fiddled with her hands. She was feeling the pressure of his straightforwardness and confidence.

He really would take on the whole world if he needed too – Lyra could tell this just by being a few feet away from him. Lyra gulped and started to answer when she was cut off by Silver.

"Look, it doesn't fucking matter. Just sit the fuck down and eat your lunch. Geeze, she's annoying as hell, Ethan," Silver spat out, glowering at Ethan and Lyra. Lyra quickly sat down next to Ethan and started to dig around in her bag for her lunchbox. She ended up not finding it and mentally slapped herself for forgetting to pack herself a lunch.

"Something the matter, Lyra?" Ethan asked with his mouth full. Lyra shook her head 'yes'.

"I-I f-forgot my l-lunch at h-home," Lyra mumbled out with a large frown. Ethan patted her on the back in a reassuring manner and pulled out an extra sandwich from his lunchbox. He handed it to Lyra and smiled.

"I'm always prepared, Lyra. Now you don't have to go hungry!" Ethan chimed out. Lyra mumbled out a thanks and started eating. She absolutely loved Ethan's cooking – he was a pretty good chef. She started to wonder in thought until Silver broke her thoughts.

"Well isn't she just amazing – weak and forgetful. She must be the dream girl everyone wants," Silver spat out sarcastically. Lyra frowned while Ethan glowered at Silver.

"Hey, don't say that. You're being a dick, Silver."

"Bite me. I don't care, I'm just being honest. I mean, for the love of God, she couldn't even tell some dude to 'fuck off' when he was messing with her."

"You don't understand, Silver."

"And I don't want to. I don't care what's wrong with her or what's going on – she should be able to voice to others to fuck off. Geeze."

"Not everyone is like you, Silver. Not everyone has the attitude like you do, where you're able to tell off anyone you like and feel no remorse."

"Why should we feel remorse? Everyone is out for themselves and is fucking rude as hell. She needs to get used to it and defend herself," Silver seethed out, getting angrier with 'Ethan. Ethan started to argue back some more while Lyra tuned it all out. It was stressing her too bad and she decided to focus on other things.

She took a bite and wondered about her mom. Why did her mom always go out and not come back till the late hours of the night? Was it to get away from her? Was it so she could stay sane? Lyra swallowed and took another bite.

Another thing is how she gave up her dream of being a Pokémon master. After the attack, she just stopped everything Pokémon. She remembered the last look her Feraligatr gave her before she put him back in his pokeball.

Regret.

She didn't know how a Pokémon could feel such emotions. Only humans were supposed to feel that right? Lyra shook her head and took another bite. It wasn't like Lyra didn't love her Pokémon. She loved them it was just that she couldn't stand the thought of going through the same thing again. If it can happen once, it could happen again.

She finished eating her sandwich and looked at Ethan and Silver. The two seemed to still be arguing. She sighed and just watched the two. She then grabbed onto her head as the voice started back up, saying Ethan was evil and that he'd leave her behind like her father had.

"L-Lyra, are you okay?" Ethan asked, patting her on the back. Lyra shook her head 'no' and glanced up at Silver.

"T-This voice is m-making me go …" Was all Lyra said until Manson butted in.

"Well, is she going to admit it or not?" Manson asked, as a girl hung off his arm. Silver rolled his eyes and snorted while Ethan glowered at Manson.

"Shut up Manson. Why don't you go screw that slut on your arm," Ethan hissed out as he turned his back to Manson and focused back on Lyra. Manson pushed the girl off of him, grabbed Ethan's shoulder, turned him and punched him in the face. Ethan grimaced and held his face as Manson walked off screaming curse words left and right.

Silver stood up and helped Ethan up, irritated at how weak Ethan was. He couldn't even defend Lyra properly against others. Silver sighed loudly and glowered at him. Lyra wiped away tears from her eyes and glanced at Ethan. It was all her fault.

Lyra sat up straight and looked at Ethan. He let go off his face and shook her head clear of the shock of being punched. He grimaced then looked at Lyra. He wiped his face off and smiled lightly.

"I'm s-sorry for c-causing that, E-Ethan," Lyra whispered as she wiped her face. Ethan chuckled lightly

"I'm alright Lyra. Don't worry about it. Manson is a dick to everyone," Ethan said as he stood up and stretched. Silver sat down and huffed, still not happy by how the two in front of him were so weak.

"I hate people, especially people here," Silver said as he stared off in the distance. Lyra twitched and looked around the room. Most of the people left which meant lunch was over. She poked Ethan and started to walk out. Ethan waved by bye Silver and joined Lyra.

Silver shrugged his shoulders again and walked out the other doors. He didn't want to be included in their walk anyways.

On their way down the hallway, Ethan kept thinking about how Lyra was. She, being brutally honest with himself, was weak. She didn't have the nerve to defend herself against others and let them all treat her like dirt. Ethan frowned and glanced at Lyra.

She looked so beaten and broken it broke his heart. He looked down at the floor and noticed his shoe was untied. He quickly stopped and tied it as Lyra continued to walk ahead.

"Wait up for me, Lyra," Ethan shouted.

Ethan smiled at Lyra when he caught up with her and only received an empty look. He felt his heart sink and looked at the ground with a frown. He was going to make her everlasting smile come back and make her back to her old self. It was his mission.

A/N- So this is the new and updated Chapter 2! If you've read the old one before, leave a review and tell me what you think of the new one! I think I've done better and as I've said before, I just feel like I haven't fleshed out the story like I originally wanted to and now that I'm much better at writing, I can and attract new readers! So please leave a review and tell me if I've improved and made the story more interesting! Thank you very much and I hope you all have an amazing day!