AN: Hey everyone sorry for the late upload but I've been busy getting ready to go on mission. I most likely wont be able to upload anything for the next week or two although I will be able to type if I have any free time. I'm posting this chapter with only a few hours before my flight so you might be able to tell that I was rushing to finish this chapter. I did intend for it to be quite a bit longer but I didn't want everyone waiting another month after all the awesome reviews I got. So I put in some late night and early morning to get this chapter done I hope you all enjoy it.
Chapter 9Marcus slowly stirred from his slumber, the feeling of a soft mattress beneath him and warm sheets around him threatening to drag him back to dreamland. With no small amount of will power Marcus managed to crack open one eye and smiled as he saw Angel fast asleep in his arms. Her back resting against his chest as her smaller frame fit nicely with his. He was feeling much more refreshed after a good night's sleep, and wanted to try to hit the hotel weight room before starting his Aura training.
As he made his move to slip out of the bed unnoticed, he found himself being held in place by a set on smooth flawless arms. Turning backwards he saw Sabrina sleeping behind him, her breast large squished up against his bare back. He could feel her long shapely legs intertwined with his as she clung to him in a loving embrace. Marcus smiled and went to lay back down he figured, that if everyone else could sleep in than so could he.
'Wait a second how the hell did she get in my room' Marcus sat up quickly and looked a Sabrina only to see her smirking.
"Finally noticed me sleepy head" Sabrina teased.
"I had a rough night" Marcus grunted.
"From the sound of it your Kirlia likes it rough" Sabrina said slyly.
Marcus raised an eyebrow. As he figured Sabrina was the type of person that like to be on the teasing end of things. He wouldn't let her fluster him so easy however "Oh, was someone eavesdropping".
"Maybe…" Sabrina smirked when she saw that Marcus wasn't going to back down from her teasing.
"Or Maybe you just like listening to imagine it was you instead of her" Marcus whispered next to her ear, sending a small tingle down her spine.
"Maybe…or maybe I wanted to make sure you were trying to overcompensate for something with your aggressive battle-style" Sabrina whispered back, her lips only a few inches away from Marcus's.
"Touché" Marcus smirked after staring into her eyes for a few seconds. He could feel a mix of emotion emanating from them but their newly formed bond wasn't strong enough to allow for him to decipher them.
"Are you going to let me up" Marcus asked seeing that Sabrina was still clinging to him.
"What you don't like it" she faked pouted pushing out her bottom lip and making her eye widen.
'Damnit I know she's faking it but she's just so damn cute' Marcus blushed a bit.
"Okay you got me, I like it. But I also want to work out in the weight room before everyone else wake up" Marcus said.
"Hmm fine I guess I can allow that" Sabrina nodded.
"Allow?" Marcus questioned.
"Make no mistake, even if our bound is still in its infancy. You belong to me" Sabrina stated.
"I don't know whether to be afraid or turned on" Marcus said half sarcastically, half truthfully. Getting himself out of bed dressed only in his boxers.
"I think both would be appropriate" Sabrina licked her lips as she watched him get dressed in his workout attire. Most trainers usually stayed in decent shape, with all the traveling it was not to. Marcus was like a most regards a cut above the rest. He wasn't just in shape, he was built. After training at Brawly's gym he has built up a new layer of muscle overtop of what he'd already develop through years of harsh training with Flannery. His chest and arms were more developed and muscular, while his mid-section was more trimmed than it used to be. Thanks to Brawly he'd also gotten into a more strenuous physical routine for himself and decided to hit the weights whenever he could. While he didn't want to be massive, he did enjoy the new strength and muscles he'd developed, and Sabrina did to.
The violet-haired psychic licked her lips as she eyed Marcus body, she'd never been into guys with huge muscles. She preferred brains over brawn every day of the week, but with Marcus she had to admit the way his tank top hugged his upper body made her heat up slightly. It was a good thing he had brains as well otherwise she'd have her work cut out for her.
"See you in an hour or so…just tell Angel where I went if she wakes up" Marcus said grabbing Bella's Pokeball. She had taken to doing his morning workout routine with him in order to deepen their bond through shared training and he saw no reason why he should stop now. Marcus went to leave the room before stopping and grabbing Absol's ball as well, she might hate his guts but he didn't like the idea of leaving her in the room with Sabrina. Not because he didn't trust Sabrina but because he wasn't sure what would happen if Absol decided to let herself out. Making his way to the elevator which split the hallway that separated the two room on the floor down the middle he pushed the lobby button and released Bella. The penthouse suites had a sperate elevator from the normal room, so he didn't have to worry about anyone complaining or trying to get overly friendly with her.
"Morning Mr. Kale, you're up early" The receptionists that checked him in yesterday asked.
"Ah yeah, I was just heading to the weight room…Bethany" Marcus said reading her name tape.
"Sorry Mr. Kale but the weight room doesn't open for another hour. But I can open it for you if it's for research purposes" Bethany said quickly assuming Marcus was doing some kind of study since Bella was released.
"Yeah I want to measure Bella's new strength since she just evolved and compare it to other Lucario. The data will be a good indicator to see if Anthro's strength levels differ from the norm" Marcus explained, as he thought of a reasonable reason why he'd need the weight room for research. "And please just call me Marcus, calling me MR. Kale just makes me feel old" Marcus chuckled.
"No problem, Marcus-kun. Would you like for me to close off the weight room until your studies are complete" Bethany asked with a small giggle.
"That's would be fabulous" Marcus smiled.
"As you wish follow me please" Bethany said leaving her Wigglytuff to watch the desk.
Marcus nodded following the amber-haired woman down a long hallway adjacent to the main lobby. He took the time to admire the hotels décor as expected by a hotel sponsored by the Pokémon league it was outfitted with the newest technologies and luxuries. Large hallways designed to allow bigger Pokémon to move around freely, walls and carpets made from reinforced fabrics to prevent being shredded from Pokémon with claws or jagged scales, yet still being soft to the touch. There were vending machines stocked with tasty treats for trainers and Pokémon lining every hall and climate controlled rooms or large kennels for Pokémon that preferred certain temperatures or environments.
Once they arrived at the weight room which was separated by another hallway with a door that Bethany had to unlock with her employee key card, Marcus saw the no expense was sparred on workout area. Large speakers were mounted across the walls along with wall length mirrors. The weight room itself was one large open room filled with all the newest workout equipment for cardio machines like treadmills, cycling bikes, and stair-steppers to weight lifting machines that could be customized for each user, racks full of various free weights and classics like the traditional bench press and squat rack. There was even a sparring octagon tucked away in the far corner.
"I hope this facility will be able to serve your needs" Bethany seemed amused by Marcus's stunned expression.
"This is more than enough for what I have in mind" Marcus nodded.
"That's good, as you wished I will lock the door to the hallway that leads here. Only myself, other employees, or V.I.P's such as Gym Leaders, Champions or Professors will be able to access this room" Bethany informed. "Please find me when you're done with the facility so I can open it to the public" she bowed before exiting.
"Master did you really intend to use this room for researching me" Bella said with a slight blush. Her imagination running wild with images of Marcus giving her various sexual checkups and examines.
"No, but since she brought it up this would be a good time to make my first report to Professor Birch" Marcus said pulling out his Pokedex synching it with his Pokenav while activating the A.I that Professor Birch had installed for the first time. "Issue voice command 'A.I' online" Marcus said in a clear voice.
'Command recognized…A.I active. Primary objective assisting assigned professor with furthering studies of Anthro Pokémon. Greeting Professor Kale my name is 'Tech' I will be you assistant 'A.I' it's a pleasure to meet you"
Marcus jaw dropped as his Pokenav's built in projector began, to project a 3D image of a young girl dress in a skin-tight revealing one-piece pink and blue suit. Complete with a blue half-helmet with a pink visor and some sort of floating tail like protrusion that floated behind her lower back.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too" Marcus managed to say after Bella nudged him to bring him back to reality.
'What can I assist you with today Professor' Tech asked.
"Oh, um can you record and catalogue Bella's and my training session to observe if there are any significant difference between her and other Lucario of similar level" Marcus asked.
'Of course' Tech nodded.
"Okay awesome, are you ready Bella" Marcus asked getting pumped up.
"Let's do it" Bella smiled mirroring Marcus.
"How about we start with a spar to get us loosened up and to get you used to your new strength" Marcus suggested.
"Are you sure master I don't want to hurt you" Bella asked worried that she might accidentally hurt Marcus because she still wasn't used to her new stats.
"It's fine I trust you not to break anything important" Marcus grinned.
"Alright than" Bella smiled. Sparring with Marcus was one of her favorite things to do. It was a way for them to bond and increase their skill at the same time. While Bella was obviously much faster and stronger than Marcus, he was still very skillful and would add different restrictions to her as the match went on forcing her to have to adapt.
Marcus sat Absol's ball on a small stand outside the ring, before he and Bella began their usual stretching routine. After they both felt limber and ready to go they nodded to each other and entered the ring. Absol chose that moment to release herself, Bella immediately took a defensive stance in front of Marcus.
"Looks like you finally evolved eyy pup" Absol stretched.
"That's right, thanks to masters training" Bella nodded not taking her eyes of Absol who had begun walking back and forth like a predator that had just cornered her prey.
"If you say so…talented Pokémon can excel even if they have a shitty master" Absol sent a hard glare towards Marcus.
"Still as friendly as ever huh" Marcus said unfazed by Absol's comment. "Is there a reason you released yourself or did you just feel the need to insult me"
"I wanted to workout. While I have no intention of ever battling for you I need to keep myself in peak condition. When you finally decide to be done with me, the next trainer that the Professor gives me to may not be as much of a pussy as you are. If they are dumb enough to try to use force to bend me to their will, I want to be able to destroy them easily." Absol answered not even sure why she explained herself to him in the first place.
"You know I don't plan on abandoning you right. I'm not a cruel person, even if you hate me I've done nothing but treat as I would any of my other Pokémon. We are all equals." Marcus said his tone warm, and holding no trace of deceit.
"Humans don't need to plan to be cruel, they simply are. We are just tools for own ambitions whether they be innocent or malicious" Absol said before walking off.
"I think she's starting to warm up to me" Marcus chuckled.
"What makes you say that" Bella asked only sensing dark and painful emotions from Absol's Aura.
"She didn't threaten me today, just insults I'd call that progress" Marcus smirked.
"Master you are really something else you know that" Bella shook her head.
"What can I say, I'm just weird that way" Marcus shrugged taking up a fighting stance.
"That's one of the things I admire about you" Bella smiled slightly taking her own combat stance.
"Ready" Marcus asked.
"Ready" Bella barked.
"Restriction 1, no kicking" Marcus smirked rushing forwards. He knew Bella could still easily handle him with such a simple restriction. He whipped his right leg towards her head with all his strength, only for her to easily duck under the kick and counter with several quick jabs.
Marcus crossed his arms defending against the punches, noting that while they were extremely quick, Bella toned down the power so they didn't hurt too bad. Marcus side-stepped away from Bella trying to get more space, his punches had almost no chance of landing, but because of his legs augmentations he could force her to keep her guard up with his kicks.
Bella knew what he was trying to do and stuck to him like glue peppering him with punches from all angles. "You really aren't making things easy on me today are you" Marcus grunted doing his best to protect his body from Bella's assault.
"You're making things too easy for me" Bella smirked lunging forward.
"And you're getting too cocky" Marcus smirked as he quickly side-stepped the opposite way that Bella was expecting, causing her lunging punch to miss. Seeing her mid-section exposed Marcus quickly hit her with a powerful side-kick sending her skidding backwards. He wasn't worried about hurting her, she was tough thanks to her dual-typing.
"Even if you're stronger and faster than your opponent, you should never leave yourself exposed like that. If I can exploit an opening like that than so can anyone you battle against" Marcus said seriously.
"Right" Bella nodded.
"Alright let's make things a bit more challenging restriction 2 you can only use your left arm and can't place both feet on the ground at once" Marcus stated. Bella nodded putting her right arm behind her back and lifting her right leg off the ground. Marcus rushed forwards once her saw she ready, he sent multiple jabs at her changing positions and aiming for different areas of her body. Even with the new handicap Bella was still able to easily deflect his attacks with her one useable arm. Marcus and Bella were so caught up in their match that neither noticed Absol watching from the corner of her eye.
X
'That's an interesting training method' Absol had to admit as she began to lose interest in her own workout routine. She gave Marcus credit, not many trainers trusted their Pokémon enough to train with them without fear of injury. That level of trust and understanding was something Absol was unfamiliar with. Watching Marcus train with Bella brought up various emotions inside her that only soured her already bitchy mood. While she could give Marcus points for thinking outside the box when it came to Bella's training, she couldn't stand the smile that constantly seemed plastered to his face. It was kind, encouraging, slightly cocky, and warm. The way he looked at Bella made her feel sick to her stomach, it was like no matter what she did, he could only be proud of her.
Absol hated that look, what had Bella even done to earn such a look. She didn't train in secret, working herself to the point of collapsing. She didn't endure hellish training to toughen herself up to her type-weaknesses. She didn't spend hours upon hours with moves that her species usually couldn't learn, blowing up in her face in order to prove herself. Absol gritted her teeth as painful memories she thought long buried surfaced.
Memories of a young foolish Absol struggling to make the trainer of her affections notice her, to have him praise her for her hard work, to embrace her lovingly. Her heart started to beat painfully as she remembered the burning sense of betrayal as he traded her away for a perfect IV's Absol egg without a second thought. He tossed her away without a second of hesitation for something her thought was better. He never noticed her efforts at pleasing him. How she forced herself to become stronger, almost dying several times in the process. All she wanted as his attention, his love for him to look at her the way Marcus was looking at Bella.
Jealousy welled up inside her. She wasn't jealous that Bella had Marcus's affection and love, she was jealous that a weak Pokémon like Bella was able to accomplish something that despite all her hardship she was unable to. Without noticing what she was doing she ended up walking to the edge of the cage her eyes staring at the two inside it who were now grappling for dominance on the floor. 'Pitiful'
"I can't stand this anymore…if you're going to train than actually train. You two have been dry humping each other for the last five minutes" Absol growled ripping open the cage door.
"Calm down Absol, we're just having a bit of fun" Bella laughed as Marcus tickled her sides. Though her expression quickly hardened when she noticed the malicious Aura that Absol was giving off. "Master get behind me now" Bella quickly took up a fighting stance.
Marcus could feel it too, even if he could freely use his powers something about Absol just seemed…dark.
"Training isn't supposed to be fun" Absol growled. She vanished and reappeared after using Extreme Speed and struck Bella with a Dark Pulse empowered fist.
Bella crossed her arms while activating Iron Defense her body took on a metallic sheen as she was pushed back by Absol's powerful attack.
"So, you managed to block that attack, I guess I've improved a bit" Absol said while coating both her claws in Shadow claw.
"I've been training with Master it only makes sense that I would continue to get better" Bella said coating her own paws in Aura.
"The way you talk about him, the love and warmth in your voice…it makes me sick" Absol growled before lashing out.
Bella rushed forward clashing her Force Palm attacks with Absol's Shadow Claw. Over and over the two of them clashed with Absol managing to force Bella back despite the fact that she should be at a disadvantage against fighting-type moves. "If this is all you've got you might as well give up now" Absol growled hitting Bella with a small Flamethrower in order to weaken her, before following up with Sucker Punch sending Bella down to the mat with a badly bruised cheek. "You'll never be able to achieve your master's dream…you're useless" Absol said cruelly.
Bella looked up at Absol with hateful tears and growled as Aura infused her entire body. She was tired of Absol calling her pathetic and weak, she was tired of her insulting her Master, and she wouldn't stand for her being called useless. "I can see it now…" Bella said lowly.
"What was that pup" Absol frowned.
"I can see why your previous trainers abandoned you. You love to talk about how strong you are but you've already been beaten." Bella said louder.
"Don't make me laugh, did I knock a screw lose with that last attack" Absol laughed.
"Keep laughing, it won't work anymore I can see you for what you are. You're a sad little girl who let a trainers cruelty twist her into something ugly and foul. You want to blame the world for all the hardships you've been through because you don't want to admit that you've never allowed anyone to help you. You're a victim of your own design…and the trainer that made you this way is probably off laughing at how pathetic you are right now" Bella growled.
"Shut up, shut up, shut up, SHUT UP" Absol screamed. She rushed forwards with a crazed look in her eyes. Marcus yelled for them both to stop but neither paid him any mind as they attacked each other destroying large sections of the ring in the process. Bella being fueled by anger and indignation and Absol by emotions she'd suppressed for years. Both of them lashed out at each other with their full power.
Bella dodge a Shadow Claw aimed at her throat and countered with powerful Force Palm. Absol was sent flying back into the cage denting the metal, but she quickly recovered and sent out a flurry of Psycho Cuts. Bella dodged using Extreme Speed while also covering her body Iron Defense. Growing frustrated at missing Absol's eyes glowed blue as she activated Future Sight. Bella wasn't going to give her any breathing room however as she closed the distance and battered Absol with punches and kicks using Close Combat before igniting her right leg with Blaze Kick and slamming it into Absol's stomach.
This time Absol crashed through the cage and slammed into the wall behind it cracking it. Bella tried to capitalize but was sent flying backwards by Absol's Future Sight Attack and slammed against the opposite side of the cage before being hit by a powerful Fire Blast. With all the destruction and fire the sprinkler system went off along with the fire alarm.
"Damn it, Tech can you lock this room down" Marcus asked. The last thing he needed was for a bunch of rescue workers becoming collateral.
'Yes, because this is a league facility I am able to access its safety program network' Tech answered.
"Lock us down than" Marcus ordered.
'Lock down initiated' Tech said as the metal blast proof doors closed off the gym from the rest of the hotel.
"I've have to do something to stop them" Marcus grit his teeth as he watched the two continue to fire off powerful attacks despite their injuries.
'That course of action is not recommended' Tech stated.
"Not like I have much of a choice at this point" Marcus closed his eyes. He remembered reading how to activate his Aura from the books Professor Birch had loaned him. Taking a deep breath, he focused his mind until he could feel a small barrier that subconsciously kept his Aura from manifesting. With a mental grunt he shattered the barrier and immediately his body thrummed with power. Unfortunately, he didn't get to read how to control his Aura so he did the only thing he could think of. He rushed between the two raging Pokémon and released as much Aura as he was capable of. The result was a massive shockwave threw the combatants away from each other while completely destroying the gym.
"Enough!" Marcus roared once again collapsing to his knees as his Aura faded. "Bella stand down" Marcus ordered. Bella gave him a defiant look she was covered with cuts and bruises but was still seething, after a few tense second however she lowered her guard. Absol saw this a quickly fired a Hyper Beam, while it was charged to full power it was enough to send Bella flying backwards.
"Bella are you okay" Marcus screamed.
"I'm going to rip that bitches horn off and shove it up her ass" Bella growled.
"Bring it on I'll rip you apart" Absol hissed.
"I SAID ENOUGH!" Marcus managed to release another shockwave.
"Absol what the hell is your problem" Marcus yelled storming towards the offending dual Dark and Steel type.
"Oh did I hurt your wittle play thing" Absol sneered leaning down to be eye level with Marcus. Marcus clenched his fist at her uncaring attitude, something that didn't go unnoticed. "Did I finally manage to piss you off…you going to do something with those fists or are you going to just stand there shaking like a pussy" Absol smirked as she saw Marcus fist swing. Instead of feeling the sting of a punch however she felt a hand placed gently on the side of her face.
"I don't know who hurt you, or what they did to fill you with this much pain. I hate them with every fiber of my being, and I don't even know them. That's not an excuse though you can't keep doing this, pushing everyone away because one person wronged you. You keep trying to get me to abandon you, just like you've tried with everyone before me. I'm not them…and I'm not the one who hurt you, I still haven't hurt you." Marcus said forcing her to hold his gaze. "You can't keep everything bottled up inside you. I don't know if you were betrayed, cast aside, hunted, or caged but I do know when someone's been hurt as bad as you were they need to let it out. So, stop holding back, stop letting whoever hurt you guide your actions, break free and let it out" Marcus said passionately. His Aura slowly traveled from his body and engulfed Absol.
Absol couldn't help but become breathless, not only from his words but from his Aura. It swallowed her filling her with so much warmth that she almost felt as if she would catch fire. In a second she was exposed to Marcus's very essence, the core of his being. Kindness, caring, passion, power, raw energy, lust, love, hate, joy, pain, despair, and hope. She could fill it all everything that made him who he was, all of his hopes, his fears, his dreams. Memories of those he loved and those he hated along with a shadowed silhouette that seemed to be the target of all his rage. In an instant she was exposed to his soul.
Absol didn't even noticed that she had broken down and tears until she felt Marcus arms wrapped around her body. She told herself to push him away, to degrade him. She told herself that she didn't need anyone, she told herself that she'd be better off with him hating her. She had told herself so many lies that she couldn't even see the truth. She gently wrapped her arms around Marcus putting Bella on edge as she expected nothing but the worse. Bella lowered her guard however as she felt Absol's Aura brighten and the malicious feeling she felt earlier completely disappeared.
Absol cried into Marcus's shoulder, she cried harder and harder until her entire body shook. She wailed as she let out all her grief, her sorrow, her pain, and hate. Everything that had plagued her all these years, everything that had made her isolate herself, and twisted her into a violent creature. She held onto Marcus tightly, and he didn't let go even when her claws dug into his back, he only hugged her back tighter. Absol didn't know how long they stayed like that, at some point she must've blanked out because Bella see saw Bella nod and walk through the now open blast doors.
"Absol I need you to return to your Pokeball for a bit, emergency staff are on their way and I have a lot of explaining to do" Marcus said gently only getting a nod in return.
Marcus gently tapped her horn with her Ultra ball right as a rescue team arrived along with Officer Jenny and Bethany. Marcus did his best to explain everything that had happen and after hours of questioning Officer Jenny decided to chalk it up as a research session that got out of hand. Bethany said that the Pokémon League would cover the repair cost, but he would most likely be hearing from a representative in the near future. After the final verdict was rendered Marcus waved off the medic as they tried to treat him for some minor burns, bruises and the new claw marks that Absol had inadvertently given him.
'Well that went as well as could be expected' Marcus sighed as he took the elevator back to his penthouse.
"You want to explain to me what the hell happened down there" Sabrina hissed as he walked through the door. "I could feel your Aura skyrocketed and go crazy. Then I kept getting all these mental flashes of emotions and memories, Your memories." Sabrina looked at him seriously.
"So, this whole bonding thing is legit huh" Marcus sighed scratching the back of his head.
"Yes, I can only imagine because of my powerful psychic powers and your Aura abilities that it is advancing much more quickly than normal. It should usually take a week or so before I'm able to get a read of your emotions let only flashes of your memories." Sabrina explained.
"Well sit back because I don't even know where to begin" Marcus sighed again.
'Perhaps I can help, I did record the entire ordeal as instructed' Tech materialized making Sabrina jump in shock.
"What the hell-"
"Just let her explain and everything will make sense." Marcus said cutting her off. "Before we start, I think everyone should see this come on out girls" Marcus said knowing that Absol, Lilith and Goodra were more than capable of releasing themselves, and Angel, and Bella were still released. "No questions until Tech explains everything" Marcus said in a tired but stern voice. "Now one more thing Sabrina can you stitch" Marcus asked.
"Yes…why" Sabrina raised an eye brow as Marcus took off his tank-top and laid face down on the bed exposed his cut and burnt back.
"Master are you okay" Angel screamed seeing the blood leaking from the cuts. Her concern was mirrored by all his other Pokémon except for Absol who walked away to the farthest corner she could find and crossed her arms putting on an uncaring expression like she normally would. Marcus could feel her Aura and knew that she was different than before but she just refused to show it.
"I'm fine, Bella did you get what I asked for" Marcus wondered.
"Yes master" Bella nodded bringing forth a sterilization kit along with the appropriate needle and thread for humans.
"What the hell happened to you Bella" Lilith asked seeing the bruised jackal.
"Enough questions, Sabrina can you stich these up" Marcus groaned.
"Yes but we don't have any local anesthetic, it's going to hurt like a bitch" Sabrina said.
"It's fine I've had worse" Marcus grunted, Sabrina nodded and took everything that Bella was holding.
"Angel get me some clean towels, Bella get me a small bowl of rubbing alcohol, these some in the bathroom. Lilith find me a tray to put everything on there was on in the hallway earlier" Sabrina said while tying her hair up in a bun so it wouldn't get in the way.
"Is there anything I can do" Goodra asked wanting to help out.
"Yes, actually your slime works wonders on healing burns could you apply some to the burns on his shoulders and lower back" Sabrina answered.
Goodra nodded and slowly started to produce slime on her right paw. Most people didn't know that Goodra's could consciously control their slime output. Most of the time they just felt smooth and cool to the touch. The only reason they covered their trainers in slime when hugging them was as a way of marking their territory.
"Ah, that feels nice" Marcus moaned in relief as Goodra's slime coated his burnt skin.
It didn't take long for everything to be gathered and Marcus told Tech to play everything that had been recorded while Sabrina began to stitch close the cuts while Angel used Heal Pulse to stop the bleeding. There were various reactions as the video began to play, at first Lilith, and Angel were jealous about Bella's special training while Goodra was confused why Absol seemed to be glaring at Marcus and Bella while they trained. Sabrina split her focus between stitching and watching the video.
Anger became the more prevalent emotion as the video continued. Glares of rage were sent Absol's way when the video showed how she attacked and degraded Bella. Shock was added to the mix when they saw Bella surround herself in Aura and start to fight Absol on nearly even ground. As the destruction continued to accumulate, and the battle became fiercer some began to wonder if it would ever end.
Sabrina sent a hard glare at Marcus when she saw him unleash his Aura and completely destroy the gym. Finally everything seemed to have calm downed when Bella dropped her, only to get cheap shot by Absol which sent another round of glares towards the Dark/Steel type. Marcus had Tech cut the video after everyone watched as his Aura engulfed both himself and Absol. He didn't think that anyone needed to see her breaking down like she did, she was prideful and obviously still felt the need to put on a distant front.
"Are you an idiot" Sabrina asked through clenched teeth.
"I don't think so" Marcus frowned.
'Studies would suggest otherwise' Tech commented making Marcus roll his eyes.
"Do you even know how dangerous your Aura is, you could've killed Absol, Bella and yourself with that little stunt you pulled. You're lucky you got away with just destroying the gym with that unfocused blast, if you had willed your Aura to be more destructive it could've destroyed the entire first floor. You can't just go around randomly unleashing it and hoping for the best" Sabrina chastised him. "I don't even recognize the last technique you used"
"It's a technique that only full realized Aura Masters are supposed to be able to use. It's called 'Aura Soul Link', hundreds of years ago an Aura master used it to quell a raging Giratina. It links the Aura master's soul with another in an attempt to calm their soul, at great risk to the user." Bella explained.
"What do you mean great risk" Angel asked.
"If the person or Pokémon that the Aura master attempts to link with is strong enough to resist or destroy the link. It can cripple or kill the Aura Master who initiated it." Bella revealed.
"Well I guess it's a good thing it didn't work" Absol spoke up for the first time from the corner she had secluded herself in.
"What do you mean, we saw Master's Aura engulf you" Lilith growled still pissed about what she had witnessed.
"Like I said it didn't work. All I felt was some tingling, I have no idea what that whole soul connection bullshit is. Maybe if he wasn't such a weakling, things would've been different"Absol said in her usual harsh tone, though her eyes betrayed her.
"Just drop it for now. Whatever happened, happened I'm not dead and everything turned out okay" Marcus winced as he sat up feeling his skin pull against the stiches.
"Barely" Sabrina said frowned.
"Anyway, you said you were going to train me in Aura today so let's get to it" Marcus said sliding off the bed and putting on his usual traveling outfit.
"Master are you sure that's wise. You need time to heal" Angel said worried for Marcus's health.
"I'll be fine you can use heal pulse on me every few hours to help the cuts and burns heal. I'll be good as new before the new of the week" Marcus assured.
"Let him be Angel. Master's as stubborn as they come, might as well give in on this one" Lilith shrugged.
"Don't worry about him I'll make sure his training is relatively easy for the next few days so he can heal properly" Sabrina promised. While Marcus's girls had been skeptical of her presence at first, they had to admit that she fit in rather well. She could be playful, but was forceful enough to real Marcus in when he went overboard.
"Goodra, Angel and Lilith I'd like you two to escort Bella and Absol to the Pokémon Center and get them healed. After that you can return here or go play in one of the parks nearby, but only if Goodra is okay with supervising. Bella if you feel up to it you can still help with my Aura training" Marcus instructed. He could tell that Bella was upset with him, he could guess several reasons why but decided to wait for her to address the issue.
"I'll keep an eye on them don't worry" Goodra smiled.
"I know you will girl…keep everyone safe for me. Never know what kind of perverts are out there" Marcus rubbed her head.
"Can't be as bad as the one in here" Sabrina joked making everyone chuckle.
"Shadupp" Marcus slurred as he yawned.
X
'Extraordinary' Both Sabrina and Bella couldn't believe their eyes. Marcus was sitting down cross legged on the ground, his crimson and white outlined aura coated his body infusing it with power as he carefully managed the output. In his hands he held two empty soda cans the one in his right was crumbling and collapsing while the one in his left was shining softly. Taking a deep breath Marcus reversed the way he was using his aura, the can in his left hand began to collapse while the one in his right was restored to normal.
It had only been three hours since they had begun Marcus training and already he was able to not only control his aura output significantly, he was able to harness two out three of the known types of aura. Destruction and infusion were the types of aura that Marcus was currently working with. He would will his aura in one of his hands to become chaotic and it would start to crush and destroy the can he was holding while in the other he would infuse the can with aura strengthening it and returning it to is previous condition. The fact that he could use both even slightly let alone at the same time was nothing sort of prodigal.
After a few more cycles of this time of training Marcus let his aura fade. Beads of sweat coated his face and body as he took a few labored breaths. While he could now willing unleash and seal his aura without any backlash effects, the physical toll from continuously using it even at such a low output left him dead on his feet.
"I think that's enough for today" Bella said seeing how exhausted her trainer was.
"I agree the progress that you made in the last for hours is nothing short of astonishing. I wouldn't expect anything less from my future husband" Sabrina grinned handing Marcus a small towel.
"It still takes too much concentration when I switch between natures. I feel like I should barely have to think about it." Marcus frowned still feeling like he could do better.
"It will get easier in time master, there's no need to push yourself" Bella said in her normal tone, though she had yet to look him in the eye.
"None of your cuts reopened either a few more days of Heal Pulse treatments and you won't even have a scar to show for it" Sabrina smiled checking his wounds to make sure they were healing properly.
"Awesome…better check up on Goodra and the others" Marcus went to stand but found that what muscle he did have in his legs had fallen asleep and fell flat on his face. "Oww"
"How about you just focus getting yourself together and I'll go get the others my Espeon is with them so it won't be hard to track them down." Sabrina laughed giving Marcus a peck on his now bruised forehead before heading off with a sway in her hips.
Marcus watched her go admiring her figure until she disappeared before turning his attention to Bella who still refused to meet his gaze. "You want to talk about it" Marcus asked looking at the setting sun.
"Talk about what" Bella feigned ignorance.
"Whatever is bothering you…I might not be a pro at it yet but I can sense your aura now. I know something is troubling you" Marcus sighed when she still wouldn't look at him.
"It's about that technique I used with Absol isn't it." Marcus said watching as Bella flinched telling him his guess was correct.
"That technique…was dangerous" Bella finally said after I few moments of silence.
"I know but that's not the real issue is it…you aura dims slightly whenever you're being deceitful" Marcus frowned.
Bella let out a frustrated growl as she realized that she wasn't going to get away from this conversation. "That technique…is sacred among my kind. Lucario's, at least those that follow the path of aura will only ever mate with a single lover. Once we have chosen a life partner, we use that technique to bond our souls together." Bella started to tear up as she finally looked at Marcus with eyes full of hurt.
"Absol's soul is now intertwined with your own, she been marked as yours for the rest of her mortal life. She doesn't deserve you…she doesn't deserve to be bonded to you in such a way. Even after undergoing such a sacred ceremony she still treats you so coldly…if it was me I'd-" Bella paused as a dark blush spread across her tear stained cheeks. "If it was me I'd cherish every moment I had with you"
Marcus quickly wrapped Bella in a tight hug "And I'd cherish you too…I do cherish you. I cherish Lilith, Angel, Goodra, Sabrina and even Absol, I'd put my life on the line for any of you at a second's notice. You know that I couldn't chose one of you over the others" Marcus cupped her cheek. "Bella you don't need some aura ceremony to know that I care for you" Marcus gazed into her eyes. He knew what she wanted, for her it was more than just an old ceremony. He eventually sighed giving in to her needful stare.
"Master I know you care for us all deeply, and would never place one of us above the others but…just for now is it okay for me to be a little selfish" Bella placed her forehead against Marcus's.
"To be honest I don't even know if I can do it again" Marcus sighed.
"I'll guide you" Bella smiled before closing the gap between them and sealing their lips together. Their aura both unleashing and intertwining, Bella's dark blue mixing with Marcus's crimson and surround both in a dark purple. Emotions flowed freely between the two as the boundaries between them melted away. The bound that they already shared was deepened as they marked each other's very souls.
"Now we are mated for life" Bella whispered barely breaking the kiss.
"How sweet" Goodra cried.
"I liked you better when you were too timid to make a move…don't think you've won just because you evolved first." Lilith smirked although she was happy for her friend/rival.
"I just can't leave you alone with any female can I…oh well" Sabrina shrugged.
"I can see why you like him mistress" Emmy Sabrina's Espeon purred.
"Good to see that you two have reconciled" Angel smiled.
"Where's Absol" Marcus asked noticing they were short one.
"She said she wanted to be alone…and that she'd come back 'whenever the fuck she felt like it'" Lilith said making air quotes with her claws.
"Well I'm sure she can handle herself, anyway we've all had a pretty exciting day and I for one can't waiting to try the huge bath in our room. Who wants to join me" Marcus was answered by several cheers of excitement.
"Alright you guys head up and get the bath started I'll be right behind you" Marcus smiled widely. Sabrina and Bella glanced at him but he gave them a small nod and they let him be.
"Are you gonna keep hiding or what" Marcus asked after everyone had left.
"How'd you know I was there" Absol emerged from the shadows.
"You just because you lied about the Aura soul link not working doesn't make it true. I could sense you following behind the others for a distance" Marcus answered.
"So, you can sense where I am…how inconvenient." Absol crossed her arms. "I have some questions" Absol stated.
"I have some answers" Marcus replied making Absol growl in irritation.
"When you stopped by attack the first day we met…you no idea that you would've been able to actually stop it. So why do it" Absol asked.
"To save Lilith, it was worth it even if I had lost a leg" Marcus answered.
"Why, I thought being a trainer was your dream. Is one little Zorua worth your entire dream" Absol questioned.
"Your right my dream was to become a trainer, I've already accomplished that everything else after that is just a goal. As for Lilith being worth it, that should go without saying all of you are worth more to me than you can imagine." Marcus replied.
"Why try so hard to save me from myself." Absol frowned.
"Like I said your all precious to me…I lost my mother when I was young. She was an amazingly kind woman yet I hardly spent any time with her, I thought I always had something better to do than hanging out with my mom you know. I never even noticed she was sick until it was too late. I want to cherish those I still have as long as I can" Marcus answered."To put it simply, to me you were worth saving"
Absol turned away from him slightly as she felt her cheeks heat up slightly.
"Who was that shadowy figure I saw in your mind" Absol asked finally.
"Someone who I hate with every fiber of my being, someone I wish to utterly destroy" Marcus said with malice.
"That doesn't answer my question" Absol frowned.
"It does just not in the way you were hoping" Marcus said simply not ready to reveal that piece of information.
"I thought you said you had answers" Absol said pointedly.
"I thought you hated my guts…yet here we are having a conversation where you haven't insulted or threatened me once" Marcus smirked.
"Touché" Absol couldn't help but smirk slightly at Marcus's attitude.
"So where do we go from here" Marcus said looking at the raising moon.
"I don't know" Absol said honestly.
"Well no need to stress about it now. We have plenty of time…besides I don't know what I'd do if you just suddenly stopped trying to kill me" Marcus laughed.
"What are you a masochist" Absol wrinkled her nose.
"Who knows…I don't know about you but I'm ready for a hot bath" Marcus groaned feeling how sore his body was. "You're welcome to join if you'd like" Marcus offered.
"Don't get carried away…I know you're not an asshole that would toss his Pokémon aside like common trash. I also know that you're a good person who'd put his life on the line for those he cares about. That doesn't change the fact that I still despise you, you may be a good person now but you could always change for the worse" Absol huffed.
"That's true…but I'm not the only one that can change" Marcus smiled. "You know where the room is, I'll leave the door unlocked come in whenever you feel like it" Marcus waved as he walked away.
"Bastard" Absol cursed though her voice held no actual malice.
X
"You sure took your sweet time, everyone else has already gone to bed" Sabrina announced as Marcus walked into the room.
"Geez I didn't think I took that long, I'm guessing no one wanted to sleep in their Pokeballs tonight" Marcus sighed seeing various sized lumps under the blankets of the huge bed.
"Can't blame them for wanting to enjoy some comfort while they can" Sabrina chuckled.
"I guess not…and here I was hoping to be able to bathe with a bath full of beautiful women" Marcus said with a forlorn expression.
"Well I haven't bathed yet so I guess you will just have to settle for me" Sabrina ran her fingers down his chest before giving him a small peck on the lips. It was the first kiss the two of them had shared and even though it was brief both could feel a sudden spark ignite within them.
"I think I can deal with that" Marcus grinned allowing Sabrina to lead him by the hand into the bathroom.
Marcus went to remove his shirt but hissed as his skin pulled against his stiches. "Here let me help you with that" Sabrina said helping him to remove his long sleeve button down and undershirt.
"I think I can handle my pants by myself" Marcus said as Sabrina started to fiddle with his belt buckle.
"I don't remember giving you a choice" Sabrina gave him a playful smile before yanking his pants and boxers down. 'Nice…very nice' Sabrina said noting the length and thickness of Marcus's limp member.
"Two can play at that game" Marcus ginned. He quickly stripped Sabrina of her shirt and bra, taking a few moments to admire her large breast and firm, toned stomach.
"I don't think I need your help with those" Sabrina teased as Marcus started to play with her leggings.
"I don't recall giving you a choice" Marcus smirked yanking down her leggings and panties. "I see the carpet matches the drapes" Marcus said noting the neatly trimmed triangle of lavender pubic hair above her slit.
"D-do you like it" Sabrina asked shyly.
"I think it looks good enough to eat" Marcus smirk widened.
"Not tonight" Sabrina shook her head.
"But I'm hungry" Marcus whined.
"Poor baby…in that case order room service" Sabrina teased cupping Marcus face. "Now sit down so I can wash your back, we have to keep those wounds clean"
Marcus groaned but complied sitting down on a small stool with a pout as Sabrina started the bath and gathered things like body wash, shampoo and conditioner. After everything was set up she proceeded to dump several buckets of pleasantly hot water on Marcus on order to properly rinse his body off, before lathering up her hands and proceeding to wash his back gently. "You know I could really get used to this" Marcus groaned in satisfaction. He hadn't had an experience like this since he and Flannery bathed together when they were younger.
"You never had any of the girls back home do anything like this for you. I find that hard to believe considering you're such a catch" Sabrina asked curiously. They had each spoken to each other about some parts of their past in order to get to know each other better when they first met. She knew things about him like what had happened to his legs and his challenging upbringing with a father although loving was barely around, his step-mother, and asshole of a step-brother. In turn Marcus knew of her isolation because of her psychic powers, her troubled relationship with her own mother, and usually cold personality towards others.
"Please the only girl who was ever close to me back in Lavaridge was Flannery and we only ever bathed in the hot springs together when we were younger. If I really think about it the only reason she might've even hung out with me back then was because she was such a hot head. She challenged everyone to fights and beat up half the kids in town." Marcus laughed.
"Including you" Sabrina asked.
"Nah I was never stupid enough to get on her bad side, at least at first anyways. I don't know why but I was never scared of her, and after I started training with her and her grandfather in martial arts I got more confident and we ended up becoming sparring partners and best-friends" Marcus said in a warm tone.
Sabrina could feel jealousy well up inside her. She knew that she wouldn't be able to keep Marcus to herself for long, hell she was already sharing him with three of his Pokémon. She also knew that he had traveled and been involved with another girl named May already, as he had told her. She wasn't too bothered by that as he told her that while he cared for May they had been fueled by lust more than anything else. Hearing him talk about his past with Flannery however she could her something in his voice that irritated her.
It was the same tone that he had started using with her recently one of warmth and caring instead of his usual friendly playful tone. Sabrina doubted that he even noticed how his tone would change depending on who or what her was talking about, but it was something she had picked up on right away. "How do you feel about Flannery" she asked pausing her scrubbing.
"Like I said she's probably my best friend. I owe a lot to her and she's one of the people I want to overcome the most" Marcus stated.
"I never expected someone as open as you to be so thick headed with something so simple" Sabrina sighed. It was obvious that he was in denial with his true feelings for Flannery and if what she had heard about the fiery redhead was true then the same was probably true for her as well.
"What's that supposed to mean" Marcus raised his eyebrow.
"Don't worry about it…for now" Sabrina said as she finished washing Marcus back. Avoiding the temptation of washing the rest of him she allowed his to finish washing himself, there would be plenty of time for them to grow closer as they travelled together and she didn't feel the need to rush things. Their bond was obviously growing very fast as she could already feel certain urges start to well up inside her, while sex was among them she mostly desired for simple shows of affection such a kissing and cuddling.
Marcus offered to wash Sabrina back which she accepted before rinsing himself off and allowing her to take his place on the stool. Marcus followed the same process of dumping buckets of water on Sabrina before washing her back with her lavender and vanilla scented body wash. Sabrina had to admit feeling his rough hands roaming her untouched body felt amazing. She could feel his fingers delicately tracing her curves gliding over her skin as he memorized the feeling of her soft smooth skin under his touch.
After they had both finished bathing they sank down into the large tub to take a well-deserved soak. They leaned against each other and spent half an hour talking and trying to get an even better understanding of each other. Once they were done soaking, they dressed in their night wear and cuddled up next to each other in the already crowded bed. Kissing each other goodnight they feel into a pleasant slumber.
X
Marcus woke up early in the morning, a habit he had developed as his Aura training continued to advance he found himself needing less and less sleep. 'Geez it's only the fourth day of training and I already only need six hours of sleep. If this keeps up I'll be lucky if I don't end up nocturnal' Marcus thought to himself as he slid out of the bed skillfully to avoided waking its handful of other occupants. Extending his Aura sense he was able to tell that everyone was sleeping contently, and that Lilith and Goodra were having very enjoyable dreams if the way their Aura was flaring was any indication. As his training continued he advanced at an outstanding rate learning and becoming proficient at techniques that should've taken weeks to get the hang of. Sabrina said he was a prodigy and was curious if either of his parents had been Aura wielders as well. Marcus didn't know much about his mother but he knew for a fact that his father wasn't…unless he has been keeping it a secret. Walking over to the large couch that sat in front of the T.V he wasn't surprised to its usual occupant fast asleep underneath a large blanket.
Marcus gently rubbed Absol's head careful not to wake her as that had not ended well the last time she'd woken up and found him stroking her head. Checking his Pokenav he realized he had a missed call from Kairas and made a mental note to call him back later in the day. He turned the T.V on and turned the volume down as he searched for something to watch. He didn't have to search very far as all the channels were taken over by a breaking news report. Apparently, Team Magma had taken over a docked research ship that was stocked with rare Pokémon and items and was holding it ransoms at the Slateport docks. Marcus watched as Team Magma members forced Pokémon down into the hull as the news helicopter flew overhead. From the brief glance he managed to see of the various Pokémon, he was able to spot a few anthro's that included a Nidorina and Gible.
"What the hell are they thinking there's no way they are going to get away with this." Marcus frowned. 'I wonder if Kairas knows anything about this' Marcus thought pulling up Kairas number. Marcus called his number but began to worry when he didn't pick up. The miss call he had recived from them were in the early hours of the morning and knowing Kairas if he was still in Slateport he would've found some way to get involved. To Marcus it was just too much of a coincidence for him not to take action. "Tech you there" Marcus asked.
'Of course' Tech appeared.
"Can you trace the location of Kairas Pokenav" Marcus asked.
'Give me one moment' Tech nodded. It took her a few minutes before she began to list off longitude and latitude coordinates. 'Those coordinates correspond with the Slateport docks'
"Of course they do" Marcus facepalmed. There was a chance that Kairas had gotten in over his head and needed help, in which case Marcus wasn't willing to sit back and do nothing. He sent out an out a strong pulse of Aura which instantly stirred everyone from their slumber.
"We need to go" Marcus stated once everyone was awake.
"Master what's going on" Angel asked.
"You remember Kairas right" Marcus asked
"Yeah I've still got a bone to pick with his Snivy" Lilith said.
"Well Kairas might be in some trouble…Team Magma captured a research vessel in Slateport which is where Kairas is. Knowing him he found some way to get involved" Marcus stated.
"So, you want to go help or rescue him" Goodra asked.
"That's right. Sabrina, I could really use your help but I understand if you can't because of your position" Marcus looked at the beautiful psychic.
"It's not like I can let you do this alone, besides because of my position I'm expected to help out in situations such as these. Luckily we bought those Motorbike huh otherwise it would take us a week to get there by foot." Sabrina smirked still remembering the excited look on his face when they had visited a motorbike store and priced out bikes that they were able to afford.
"Told you they'd come in handy" Marcus grinned.
"We should hurry, Team Magma is stuck for the moment by the local police but they are crafted and once they get what they came for I'm sure they have some sort of way to escape." Sabrina said seriously.
"Alright let's go" Marcus yelled.
AN: So I'm starting to add more elements to the story but hopefully they will all make sense by the end of things. I want to give everyone who reviewed and voted a shout out, I love you all everyone that fav's follows and reviews. I can't tell how happy I get when I get a new notification for any of my stories it honestly does make my day. So until next time Sin out
