The Adventures of Team Marcus
Chapter Nine: Corruption
*Marcus' p.o.v (Three days later…)
Blastoise hired his good friend, Krookodile, to destroy the castle. Darkrai, Cresselia, Blastoise and I tagged along to watch the destruction. Blastoise was still upset over Azumarill's death and wanted the castle gone. We stood afar from the castle to avoid us getting hurt from the falling debris.
''FALL!'' Krookodile yelled using Earthquake on the queen's castle. The earth shook causing Blastoise and I to wobble back and forth while Darkrai and Cresselia were unaffected since they floated above the ground. The castle then began to crumble until it caved in. ''Heheheh, I love doin' that!'' Krookodile chuckled as the Earthquake ended.
''Thank you, Krookodile,'' Blastoise said gratefully.
''Happy to be of service! Demolition's my middle name after all!'' Krookodile said proudly.
''Oh, is it?'' Darkrai teased.
''Well, no, but you know what I mean!'' Krookodile replied laughing heartily. His infectious laughter caused us to laugh. ''What say we get some wine at Tropius' to celebrate? My treat!''
''Oh, you don't have to do that Krookodile. You've already done so much for us already!'' Blastoise said quickly.
''Nonsense! I insist!'' Krookodile said gesturing for us to follow him. We entered the Square and made our way to Tropius' store. After the attack on the castle, life returned to normal in the Square and everyone was starting to get over the deaths. Blastoise and Squirtle, on the other hand, haven't yet. We entered Tropius' and walked up to the counter.
''Was that Earthquake caused by YOU, Krookodile?'' Tropius asked somewhat annoyed.
''Yeah,'' Krookodile answered plainly.
''Well, you practically made my wine shelf fall!'' Tropius snapped angrily.
''Sorry, my friend. Hope no one was hurt,'' Krookodile said dropping sweat and rubbing the back of his head nervously.
''No, everyone and everything is okay,'' Tropius sighed. ''What can I get you?''
''I'll have some of your finest grape wine, please,'' Krookodile requested. Tropius plucked a bottle of grape wine from his shelf.
''That'll be 500 Poké,'' Tropius stated professionally. Krookodile placed the money on the table. ''It's been a pleasure doing business with you.''
''You, too. Take care now!'' Krookodile said cheerfully. We walked out of the store. ''What say we have a picnic in the woods?''
''Sounds great,'' Blastoise said smiling.
''Okay, meet me in the woods to the north of here!'' Krookodile said walking off.
''I'm coming with you!'' Blastoise said waddling after Krookodile.
''Darkrai and I will go grab some food and a basket,'' I said to Cresselia.
''Okay, I'll go meet Krookodile,'' Cresselia replied. Darkrai and I walked home to grab some food. We entered the house and Darkrai scooped up a basket and some fruit.
''Blastoise still seems upset over his wife's death,'' I stated sadly. ''Poor guy. He and Squirtle were devastated when that happened.''
''He was so furious when Bisharp killed her,'' Darkrai added. ''I've never seen him with so angry.''
''I could never imagine if I lost my precious Lily or if Lily lost me,'' I said somberly. Darkrai put his hand on my shoulder causing me to look up at him.
''Let's not think about that. All we can do is continue to support Blastoise through these hard times,'' Darkrai said trying to be positive.
''Right. Let's go,'' I responded. We walked out of the house and towards the forest.
''I have some good news, Marcus. A friend of mine, Wailord, said he can take you back to Kanto tomorrow,'' Darkrai said smiling.
''Really? When did you do that?!'' I asked excitedly.
''Yesterday while you were out,'' Darkrai said happily.
''You sly dog! Thank you, Darkrai!'' I exclaimed. ''But, my family won't recognize me in this body.''
''Yes, but maybe you can tell them somehow,'' Darkrai suggested.
''I guess that's my only choice,'' I admitted. ''Heh, I could give my children piggy-back rides like when they were younger!'' I said imagining the idea. Darkrai chuckled at my statement.
''True! Very true!'' Darkrai said smiling. We entered the forest glen and saw Krookodile, Blastoise and Cresselia sitting in the glen.
''Hey! There you are! We didn't want to start withoutcha!'' Krookodile laughed.
''We're here and ready for lunch,'' Darkrai said placing the basket on the ground and opening it up.
''Time to open up the bubbly then!'' Krookodile exclaimed merrily. Krookodile peeled the wrapping off the bottle's neck and tried to take the cork out. POP! The cork soared into the air and landed five feet away from us.
''NOW it's a party!'' Blastoise laughed.
*Darkrai's p.o.v*
Marcus and I stood below the starry sky outside our house. The sky sparkled with the millions of stars in the sky.
''It's so beautiful,'' Marcus said in awe. ''This reminds me of the night that I proposed to Lily.''
''What happened?'' I asked intrigued.
*Flashback (Marcus' p.o.v)*
Lily and I were at Unova's Nimbasa City's ferris wheel. Lily was 26 and I was 28 at the time. It was a beautiful summer night and all the stars were out in the sky giving light to the land. Lily was looking out at the city's neon lights.
''It's so beautiful,'' Lily said in awe. ''I love looking out at Nimbasa at night time.'' My heart pounded like a drum as I prepared to make my move. I put my hand on top of Lily's causing her to look at me.
''Lily,'' I said seriously. ''I need to tell you something.'' Lily looked at me puzzled.
''What is it?'' she asked curiously cocking her head to one side.
''I love you. I love you with all my heart and all my soul,'' I said staring intently into her sea blue eyes. ''How much do you love me?''
''W-why I love you the same way you love ME, Marcus. With all my heart and soul,'' Lily replied as her eyes sparkled. I smiled happily.
''Then I have one more question for you,'' I said getting down on one knee. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small black case. I popped it open and displayed a diamond ring. Lily's eyes widened a few inches as she gasped and covered her mouth with her free hand. ''Will you marry me?'' I asked hopefully. Lily's eyes watered with tears.
''O-oh Arceus. I-I-I can't believe this is happening,'' Lily said in shock as she placed her hand over her chest. ''YES!'' she suddenly shouted hugging me. ''Yes, I would love to!'' she said sobbing. I rubbed her smooth brown hair lovingly. Lily then pecked me repeatedly with kisses while sobbing hysterically.
''Thank you, Lily,'' I said kissing her back.
''No, thank YOU, Marcus,'' Lily corrected.
*End Flashback (Darkrai's p.o.v)*
''How wonderful! How was the wedding?'' I asked further.
''It was wonderful,'' Marcus replied reminiscing happily. ''We were married at Nimbasa's park. All our families were naturally very excited for us and our parents were especially excited for the possibility of grandkids.''
''Enter Napoleon and Anthony,'' I commented.
''Yes,'' Marus laughed.
*Flashback (Marcus' p.o.v)*
Four years passed since Lily and I were married. Lily and I were driving towards the Pokémon Musical Theater. Lily was nine months pregnant with our first child. We decided to wait and see what the gender is going to be for the sake of surprise. Personally, I was hoping for a boy to take fishing and do all sorts fun things with. Lily giggled as we drove beneath the starry sky.
''The baby's kicking so much. It feels like it wants to get out of me right now!'' Lily said caressing her swollen stomach. ''Maybe we should go home. I have a feeling it could come any time now.''
''Don't worry, Lily. The baby isn't due for another seven days,'' I reassured her. We parked in front of the Musical's main entrance. ''Now, let's go in and have a good time dear.''
''If you say so, Marcus,'' Lily said still with a hint of nervousness in her voice. I opened my door and went around to let Lily out. Lily grabbed my hand. I hoisted her up and Lily held her stomach with one hand. ''Oof, I feel so heavy carrying this baby around. But, I'm so proud and excited to be a mother.''
''And I'm proud and excited to be a father,'' I smiled as we walked up the stairs. We kissed each other on the lips before we got to the ticket booth. We made it through the worst of the pregnancy including the morning sickness and the mood swings and were looking forward to our future as parents. It was all downhill from here. I showed the tickets to the usher and we were allowed inside. The musical we were seeing was a Pokémon adaptation of Grease. ''Let's sit in the fourth row.''
''Sure,'' I replied. We sat in the middle of the fourth row as the Musical started. Pokémon in costumes came out and did the opening number.
''They're so cute,'' Lily squealed. ''This is going to be good!''
''Yeah, I can't wait. Grease is one of my favorite films,'' I responded. Lily retired from show business and I from Pokémon battles so that we could settle down and raise children. We've been trying for kids for several months to repeated disappointment. We were just about ready to give up when one day, at a visit to the doctor; we found out that Lily was pregnant with our first child. Lily sobbed as we saw the baby's image on the monitor. Even I felt like crying in happiness. At the musical's thirty minute mark, Lily started to cringe in pain and clutch her stomach. ''Lily, what's wrong?''
''Marcus…t-the baby's…coming,'' Lily panted. Lily then exclaimed in pain causing the audience to look at us. Some were annoyed and some were concerned.
''I'll call an ambulance,'' a woman offered pulling out her cell phone.
''Thank you,'' I said trying to comfort Lily. ''Come on Lily, we got to go.'' I picked up Lily bridal style and carried her down the aisle. The woman followed behind us.
''Hello? There's a woman here at the Musical theater. She's going to give birth. We need an ambulance NOW!'' the woman said as we walked out to the main hall. ''Good, we'll be in the main hall! Thank you!''
''My wife's ready to give birth! Someone, please help!'' I shouted.
''Here! Place her here!'' an usher said clearing off a table. I placed Lily on the table and took off my jacket to prepare for the baby's birth.
''Marcus…I-I'm scared. I don't know if I can do this,'' Lily said sweating profusely.
''Don't worry. I'm right here. I know you can do this,'' I said reassuringly. The room was filled to the brim with Lily's screams of anguish and crying. Ten minutes later, paramedics came into the room.
''How is she?!'' one of them asked.
''I'M HORRIBLE! WHAT DO YOU THINK?!'' Lily shouted angrily. Lily then screamed in pain and sobbed. ''I'm sorry. This just hurts so much!''
''It's okay, Lily. The paramedics are going to help you,'' I said grabbing her hand.
''Okay miss, you're fully dilated. Start pushing!'' the other paramedic ordered holding my jacket. Lily did as she was told panting in between pushes.
''This is so hard,'' Lily complained.
''Lily, you have to push. Try to imagine the joys of parenthood. You can do it!'' I encouraged wincing at Lily's hand squeezing mine.
''OKAAAAAAYYY!'' Lily cried through one more push. Then, there was the sound of gentle crying coming from the other end of the table.
''Here he is,'' the paramedic said smiling. ''Congratulations! It's a boy!'' I held the baby in my arms. He was swaddled in my jacket.
''Aw, he's so cute,'' the woman near said.
''Hi there, little man,'' I cooed. ''It's me, your father.'' The baby opened his eyes. His eyes were violet just like mine and he had short brown hair (Lily's color). He smiled and grabbed my nose causing me to chuckle. ''Here, let me show you your mother,'' I said kneeling down to Lily's level. However, she was passed out and sweating like mad. ''Lily?!''
''Don't worry. She's only asleep,'' a paramedic consoled. ''She worked really hard to bring your baby forth. She needs to rest. We'll take her to the hospital to make sure she's healthy.''
''Okay,'' I said. The paramedics lifted Lily onto the stretcher and took her away.
''We should also make sure your baby's healthy, too. Just to be safe,'' the other paramedic said. I sighed and handed him the baby and watched them walk off. I just wanted to hold him a little longer, I thought sadly.
*Darkrai's p.o.v*
''I'm sorry about that,'' I said sympathetically. ''I imagine that I'd feel the same way.''
''But, it was worth it. Napoleon left the hospital a happy and healthy baby and Lily, our families and I couldn't be prouder!'' Marcus beamed.
''What about Anthony?'' I inquired.
''Well…'' Marcus began.
*Marcus' p.o.v*
One year later after Napoleon was born, Lily and I decided that we were ready for another baby. This time, Lily got pregnant with little difficulty. I will never forget the day that little Anthony was born. It all started on Nimbasa's ferris wheel. Lily, Napoleon and I were riding the ferris wheel one beautiful winter afternoon. There was a brisk chill in the air. Lily was again nine months pregnant with Anthony.
''Here we go!'' Lily said as the ferris wheel started to move. Napoleon looked around fearfully as we got higher and higher up. Napoleon clung to me closely for support.
''Don't worry, Napoleon. We're safe. Just relax and enjoy the ride,'' I reassured. Napoleon looked around and calmed down. He started to really enjoy the ride and giggled in delight.
''He's so cute,'' Lily cooed. She then giggled and rubbed her pregnant stomach gently. ''The baby's kicking. It must feel the ride moving.'' I chuckled and rubbed the stomach that was housing our next child.
''Hello in there,'' I said quietly. The baby kicked at my palm.
''Stop. That tickles,'' Lily laughed. Suddenly, Lily got a pained expression on her face and fell to the floor of the ride. Napoleon looked in shock and waddled up to his mother.
''Lily!'' I said concerned as I moved to her side. ''Is the baby…?''
''Y-yes. C-call an ambulance,'' Lily said strained. I instantly pulled out my cell phone and dialed 9-1-1.
''9-1-1, what's your emergency?'' the woman on the other line asked.
''It's my wife. The baby is coming! We're on the Nimbasa ferris wheel! Please hurry!'' I answered quickly.
''I'm sending a paramedic right now!'' the woman responded. We then hung up.
''I'm scared, Marcus. The chill in the air might kill our little one,'' Lily said lying on her back and holding her stomach.
''Don't worry. Everything'll be fine. Paramedics are on their way right now!'' I said reassuringly. I then ran to the edge of the cart. ''STOP THE RIDE! MY WIFE IS GETTING READY TO GIVE BIRTH!'' The man operating the machine went wide-eyed and nodded understandingly. The ride stopped near the ground and the door opened.
''Should we move her?!'' the man asked.
''No, she's too far into labor. She'll have to give birth here,'' I replied. ''Take my son away from here. He shouldn't see this.'' The man did as he was told and took Napoleon to the day care across from us.
''What are you all looking at?!'' the man snapped to the crowd gathering. ''Give them some privacy!'' The crowd backed off and went on their way. I unzipped Lily's pants and pulled down her underwear to prepare her for the birth. Lily screamed in agony as the contractions continued. I took off my jacket to keep the baby to be warm. Soon, two paramedics appeared ready to help.
''When can I start PUSHIIIING?!'' Lily yelled looking over her swollen stomach as she suffered more from the contractions.
''Now! Start pushing now!'' a paramedic answered. Lily started to push as hard as she could and caught her breath. ''Keep going!''
''No need to tell me twice!'' Lily shot back as she pushed again. Lily pushed harder and the head popped out of her body.
''You're doing well, sweetie! Keep it up!'' I said encouragingly. Lily gave one last push and the baby came out and landed into the jacket that caught it. ''He's here! It's another boy!'' I yelled happily. But something felt wrong. Very wrong.
''How is he?'' Lily asked as if she felt something was amiss as well.
''He's not crying,'' I answered worriedly. My heart raced in fear. Lily gasped in horror.
''Let me see him,'' Lily said holding out her hands. I handed her the baby and she examined him. ''The umbilical cord is wrapped around his neck!''
''We got to get it off of him!'' a paramedic said. He pulled out a surgical knife, pulled the umbilical cord out and cut it. The baby's eyes widened and started to cry.
''Thank Arceus,'' Lily sighed relieved. The baby stopped crying and looked up towards us with beautiful blue eyes. ''Hello there, my son. I'm your mother and this is your father.''
''Hello,'' I said kissing him on the head. His hair was black like mine but his eye color comes from Lily.
''I love him,'' Lily said nuzzling him with her cheek.
''Do you have an idea for a name?'' I asked.
''Anthony,'' Lily answered. ''It means 'highly praiseworthy.' And that's what he is; highly praiseworthy.''
''I love it,'' I said hugging her gently.
''We should get him to the hospital to make sure he's healthy,'' the paramedic suggested.
''Right,'' Lily said standing up. She handed me Anthony and pulled up her underwear and pants. Lily walked towards the ambulance and got in.
''I'll see you at the hospital, sweetie,'' I yelled waving. Lily waved back out the window before being driven away.
*End Flashback (Darkrai's p.o.v)*
''Thank Arceus your son lived,'' I said smiling.
''Yes, I'm blessed to have such wonderful children,'' Marcus said happily. ''And thanks to you, I'll see them again! I can't stress how thankful I am to you for helping me get home!''
''It's no trouble at all,'' I responded. ''I'm more than happy to help. Maybe I can come visit you in Kanto?''
''I would like that very much,'' Marcus grinned. Marcus then yawned. ''Well, I'm going to bed. Good night, Darkrai.''
''I'm with you,'' I said as tiredness came over me. I followed Marcus home and we laid down in our beds.
''Good night, Darkrai,'' Marcus said tired.
''Good night, Marcus,'' I said just as tired. I then fell into a deep sleep.
Three hours later…
CRASH! I woke up with a jolt and saw a purple explosion in the distance. ''What is that?'' I asked quietly. I got up and floated towards the explosion. The explosion was in the mountains. As I made my way towards the source, I felt a chill go up my spine as I felt a sinister presence. I made my way through the mountains when I saw it. It was a purple meteorite that gave off an evil aura. ''A meteorite?'' I asked myself. I moved closer towards it until I got arms length from the meteorite. I slowly reached out to touch the meteorite. I made contact. A surge of energy came into my body. ''Wha-what is this?!'' I shouted. ''Th-this energy! Th-this power!'' My heart raced so fast that I thought it would burst. ''Why am I having these evil toughts?! NOOOOO!'' I put my hands on my head in pain. ''I must…fight it!'' The energy then stopped flowing towards me and the meteorite dimmed to a black color and it stopped smoking. ''YES! THIS POWER IS AMAZING!'' I screamed flexing. ''I HAVE THIS UNSTOPPABLE URGE TO DO WHATEVER I FEEL LIKE!'' I noticed my voice got a more sinister tone to it. ''My voice has changed. I like it! Now, what evil shall I do now?'' I asked as I put my hand under my chin. ''I know! Marcus! I think I'll kill him.'' A pain suddenly came to my brain.
''NO! No, I can't do that to my friend! I promised to help him get home!'' I said as my good side came back.
''SHUT UP!'' I screamed angrily. ''I will do whatever I like!''
''Hey, buddy. You alright?'' a Gogoat asked coming up to me.
''Oh, I'm fine,'' I reassured. I then floated up to him and picked him up. ''In fact, I feel GREAT! Here, let's have some fun!''
''No no, put me down!'' the Gogoat said panicked as I made my way towards the cliff's end.
''Bye-bye!'' I yelled as I threw the Gogoat over the cliff as I heard him scream. I then chuckled sinisterly. ''You're next, Marcus. You're next.''