Legal disclaimers: Pokemon, Game Freak, whomever else affilated with them,
own Pokemon, Not little *moi*. Wish I did, though. Imagine the millions
I'd have made....er, ahem. Anyways, Mystic Mewtwo owns the world of
"Between Two Worlds" and I only own Sharie, from "Of Moonlight Shadows and
Echoes Past". Here, that story never happened, but Sharie's essentially
the same. Yes, I have Mystic Mewtwo's permission for this venture, and her
support. No, it does not take place in her "official" time line or mine.
Since she's keeping me updated on the progress of her own sequal, I know we
are going to have quite a few differences :D
You know, sometimes I really *hate* this stupid Desktop Publisher I have to use. I had Chapter 6 ready and rarin' to go and just as I was converting it to .txt the stupid publisher decided to eat my disk for dinner. Yum yum. I swear it seemed to belch after it was done, too :P Lost everything on my disk as a result. Thank goodness I had a backup disk with most of the other chapters on it! But I still lost chapter 6, (and one I really liked, too!!) so this is my second attempt at it. Cross your fingers for me.
One last interruption: I've had martial arts on the brain lately, as I've considered returning to Taekwondo of late. A few years ago I took it for a couple of years, long enough to earn my purple belt. I guess thinking about it so much sort of wove it's way into the storyline, in a minute way.
Hwever, for the would-be creeps and bullies who think Martial Arts is just an easy beat-up tool, let me tell you this: I do NOT advocate the usage of martial arts for any way other than intended. Any good teacher will not only train their students in kicks, blocks, and punches, but also of self- control and self-discipline. It is never meant to be used for picking fights or manipulating others. Those who do are cowards who can't control themselves and have failed to learn the true spirit and achievement most martial arts training offers. I wanted to make this clear.
Shadowed Reflections, Chapter 6 By ZeoViolet ****
*Where in the hell have you *BEEN*?!* wailed Mew as soon as the palace doors swung open and admitted a very sore and exhausted Ki and Mewtwo. *I have been out of my MIND with worry.....*
Indeed, her eyes were red-rimmed and swollen, making it evident she'd been crying.
*Through hell,* answered Ki tersely, headed directly for the tower stairs.
*Through total hell, and it's a miracle we're here at all.* Echoed Mewtwo tiredly, dragging along behind as if he did not have the energy left in him at all.
*That's what I was worried about!* wailed Mew again. *And the babies--*
*How are they?* Ki demanded as she started up the steps frantically, a whimpering Aaryanna held tightly against her chest.
*They're all right in a sense that I've fed them the best I can,* answered Mew, shocked at Ki's attitude. *They're hungry again by now. I haven't had a moment's peace for hours because I could not give them the one thing they wanted most--their parents! And here you come--*
*Save it, Mew!* Ki exploded, by now racing up the stairs headlong. Her breath could be heard rasping in her chest, as if she was on the verge of sobbing. *Just shut the hell up!*
Mew's face crumpled in a miserable mixture of shock and pain at those words. Even Mewtwo, dragging along behind and barely hearing, did notice this and had to admit to himself that hadn't been very nice.
*I'm sorry, Mew,* he said over the nursury door above them banging shut. *I am sure Ki did not mean it. It's true, we've barely survived the day. She'll apologize once she gets her bearings, I am sure of it. She's been holding back all day--it's hitting her at once by now.*
Mew just stared at him. She did not say anything explicit--for once--but she looked into Mewtwo's eyes. In them, probably where he did not want her to see it, she could just discern gathering storm clouds. If his words were true, then it was't just Ki suffering at the moment.
*It's okay,* said Mew quietly, swallowing past the lump in her throat and bravely putting aside her hurt. Mewtwo simply turned and went up the stairs, dragging his feet and his tail as he went. *I raised Ki. It's just her nature.*
She floated, trailing up behind him, her own shoulders slumping at his dejected sigh. She let out her own as they reached the nursury door.
****
They found Ki in there, rocking in her rocking chair in a grave sort of motion, nursing Brianna and Morgan. Her head was bent and she made no indication she heard them come in.
Only her slumped shoulders, quivering ever so slightly, told them she was crying herself.
The other three babies were in their cribs, wailing in hunger. Only Aaryanna was mostly quiet, giving short whimpers because she sensed the intolerable mood in the room all too clearly.
Except for holding her babies in each arm so they could nurse, Ki did not move a muscle. Only her chest and shoulders spasmed with silent sobs. She made no indication she sensed anybody else in the room until Mew was right beside the rocking chair.
*I'm sorry, Mew,* Ki quivered, looking dejectedly ahead, seeing nothing, and tears streaming down her cheeks. *I had absolutely no right to say that to you. No right at all. I'm sorry.*
*It's okay, dear.* Mew scrubbed the tears from her own eyes and leaned over to kiss Ki lightly on the cheek. *I know you did not mean it. Today must have been bad for you, I can see it more than even Mewtwo has said.*
*That's no excuse,* said Ki, then gave a ragged breath. *Oh, gods, I just can't hold it back anymore.....*
*Please, Angel, don't cry,* said the soft mental tone of the one Ki loved so much. She felt a hand, quivering slightly, softly touch her hair. *We're safe now. You don't have to cry.*
Mewtwo crouched down beside Ki as he said this, his arm slipping around her shoulders.
Ki turned to stare up at him, her brilliant, unique green eyes shimmering. Through her tears she saw his own he could no longer hide.
*Don't cry, nothing,* she said, with a small smile that barely lasted a moment. *Yeah, right. We all have a right to cry. More than once today I saw you nearly killed; taken from me. Aaryanna, too. It's been hell holding it back.*
*I know,* he answered, gritting his teeth but unable to stop the salty flow of tears down his cheeks. *I thought I had lost you today, my Angel. Twice. But again, miracles proved themselves to happen, don't they? That we must be happy for.*
Ki smiled at him, her eyes no longer brimming over. He was right. The power of miracles had played in their favor once more, against all odds. She was still with those she loved the most, and the glowing look in her eyes proved it.
Mewtwo smiled at her tenderly. He brushed his hand across his cheeks, drying them, before leaning down to kiss Ki, their lips meeting and melding together in the very sweetest of gestures. In that moment, Ki sensed again their souls practically becoming one, it was so intense and so vivedly real.
Mew had the good grace to remain silent. Besides, something she suddenly noticed would have struck anyone dumb in sweet shock.
Ki and Mewtwo's kiss seemed to calm the turbulence in the room, and as if by magic, a sweet peace stole forth. The room became utterly silent and utterly content as each and every baby stopped crying. The power of love filled the room, in suffocating waves too strong to be denied, and Mew dared not make a sound, so as not to shatter this gentle, calming peace.
****
A short while later, all the babies were fed. Drowsily, in sleepy comfort, they drifted into dreamland, safe in the knowledge their parents were with them and nothing further was amiss in their world.
Ki kept lingering in the nursury, staring longingly at her children, Mewtwo by her side. He, too, could not bear to be parted from them again so soon.Only sharp pains of hunger in his own stomach urged them both down the stairs. They hadn't eaten for a long time, and with their powers so limited, food was more important than ever to speed them to full recovery.
Sharie had given them some very strict warnings, just before her own weary departure back towards Pallet Town. Their general power usage would return within days. However, for many weeks, she had strongly urged them, it would be highly dangerous for either one of them to strain themselves by pushing their powers beyond mild limits. Doing so, even a psychic attack even once, could cause them to suffer a relapse that would take even months to come out of, with the types of injuries they had suffered.
Mewtwo knew without a doubt she was right. He'd seen it in other psychic pokemon at Giovanni's hideout, and knew it wasn't pretty.
As hungry as they were, though, they found themselves with little appetite. Ki just picked at her food, only making herself eat because she knew she was not only feeding herself, but her babies, as well.
Only then did Mew dare bring up the subject she'd been dreading. *So....is it all right now if I ask what the hell happened to you both today?*
*Not really,* said Mewtwo, feeling his stomach twist with memory. He put down his fork, unable to even look at his plate of food. *We are only alive because of a true miracle.*
Mew's eyes widened, and as Mewtwo and even Ki began to talk, they grew big as saucers and continually bigger. By the time they finished, the poor pink pokemon looked about ready to faint.
****
*Are you mad?!* she demanded rightly enough. *If this girl is of the fouled bloodlines you say she is from then she's surely not trustworthy! She's been tricking you somehow!*
*I already told you what happened,* said Mewtwo tersly. *She's more than proved herself to us; and by her own actions told us her soul is good. She won't betray us.*
*Forgive me if I still have my reservations,* muttered Mew. *I have my own mind and my own opinion, thank you. I know you have wanted a friend again since that Maxi girl you told me about was killed out of her loyalty to you. A friend is a good thing, but if you actually do invite her over here some day she'll have to prove herself to me, as well. I won't abide having you or your family hurt again.*
*You'll do nothing to upset her,* warned Mewtwo darkly. *This is my home and not yours. You are right, your brain is your own and there's nothing I can do to make you think any way but your own way. But you'll be civil to her if you want to stay.*
*I never said I'd do anything of that sort, now did I?* Mew pointed out impatiently. *I'll just be on my own guard until I'm convinced for myself she's no threat. You cannot blame me there.*
*After all we've been through, no, I cannot blame your feelings,* he responded tightly. *But convincing yourself won't come at the price of hurting her, since she's been through enough already. Understand?*
Mew only nodded, conceding defeat for now. It was the best she could do until she could make him understand otherwise.
****
Ki and Mewtwo were already well awake with the dawn that greeted them the second morning after the attack. Caring for five babies around the clock left no room for the weary, but especially after what had happened, neither would trade these precious moments with their children for anything in the world.
Indeed, they felt much better. Their powers were almost back to normal, but they knew that their grip on them was still very fragile. They heeded Sharie's warning well and did nothing with their powers that was not absolutely necessary, except for telepathy and brief flying. It was much easier to get around by Teleportation in their own home. Since they knew it so well, the energy wasted was minimal.
Ki stared at the red sun as it began to rise over the horizon while absently cradling Anika on her shoulder and patting her tiny back in a soothing rhythm, encouraging sleep.
The first deep crimson rays burst over the horizon, pinkening the clouds around it in pleasant tones. Ki smiled, but also felt a twinge of pain. She remembered such sunrises at Professor Oak's place, with Maxi by her side in those days, her friend while she had missed Mewtwo, away building this palace.
In that moment, Ki really missed her friend like fire. It was so unfair she'd had to die like she did.
Their only loyal friend, until now. Sharie could never replace Maxi in Ki's heart, but she was her own person. The only one now that had showed them unquestioned loyalty and acceptance since Maxi.
Staring out the window, Ki had a thought that made her smile. She'd never had the chance to invite Maxi over, as she had promised to do that day about a year ago. Ki really missed having a female friend even close to her own age. Nor did she want to leave again anytime soon. She would not be keen on leaving her babies again for at least a few more days. No, she'd stay right here.
But Sharie should be feeling better now, should't she? At least be back on her feet?
Why not let her come over?
Ki liked the idea, but she also frowned. She had no idea if Sharie had made it home safely at all. Sharie had been far weaker than she let on, and Ki suspected her powers, due to that last psychic blow, had suffered as greatly as theirs, if not more.
What if she had given out and plummeted to her death in a watery grave?
That question had bothered Ki ever since, and she could not stand not knowing anymore.
Ki suddenly felt her spine tingle with sensation; she sensed Mewtwo teleporting in just a split second before he actually materialized, his hands down around her slim waist as he appeared, hugging her from behind.
*What troubles you, my Angel?* he inquired gently.
Without words, she let the mental pictures she'd been seeing flood his mind. He understood.
*I've worried about that, too,* he admitted. *Yes, I think it is time we invite her over, and see that she's okay.*
*Shall we invite her for breakfast, my love?* Ki asked, setting a sleeping Anika back in her crib.
Mewtwo reached down and gently stroked his daughter's soft cheek. *So early? Ki, she was so weak she was barely conscious. She strove to hide it from us but I could see it. Surely she'd be sleeping more.*
*I don't know,* answered Ki seriously. *She's too vibrant to stay in bed if she could possibly stand up. I think she'd be awake by now. She's sure to feel better.*
*Okay, my Angel,* he chuckled. *I will go and inquire as to how she is. If she is who I think she is she won't mind visiting around five tiny, four- and-a-half-pound infants.*
*Don't be gone long,* Ki answered with a fond smile, knowing she'd won.
Mewtwo understood. He wasn't too keen on leaving his family behind for even a few minutes, either, but he'd be back soon enough.
*I'll be back,* he assured her, leaning down to kiss her.
Ki shuddered violently at the first touch of his lips, for it ignited her pent-up passion all too easily. Damn! The babies were still two days shy of two weeks old! How could she *possibly* last another six?!
Mewtwo felt the same burning sensation rip straight through him. It'd been over three months! He had to let go before his hormones got to ruling his head, or he'd end up not controlling himself. He knew full well Ki could not, either, and if they did something they should't too soon, he could injure her, probably seriously.
So Ki only felt a shudder race through both their frames as they both wrenched themselves away.
*What bad timing,* he rasped. *Just when I'd rather be making love to you all day long....*
Ki flushed scarlet and gave him an affectionate push. *Oh, go on! There'll be time in the future to more than make up for what we've missed, I promise! Now go!*
*I'll hold you to that, Angel!* he vowed, vanishing abruptly in a rare display of flashy stars. His mental voice echoed over the room as he did this. *Believe me, I'll hold you to it!....*
****
Just as the first tinges of dawn also poured their life-giving beauty over Pallet Town, Sharie Triesta stepped out of her seaside dwelling as her fingers finished twisting her hair up into a knot on her head as usual. She was tired, but she could not do any more sleeping. Besides, Nurse Joy would not allow her to return to work for a few more days yet. The poor nurse had been horrified enough upon seeing her condition and hearing her story.
Professor Oak had been by to check on her twice a day now, instead of once a day like had had been doing. He did not know of her seeing Mewtwo, though. What did it matter? Sharie suspected he sensed it anyways. She felt guilty saying nothing to him; as her respect for the venerated professor was utmost.
She smiled to herself. She was not used to others caring. Ki and Mewtwo had made it plain that they could care, too, and she was privately grateful to have found such friends. Such friends were few and she sensed they were more than just the fair-weather type.
Suddenly, the prickles on the back of her neck rose. She heard a faint *whist* and her mental alarm system screamed at her silently but with full force. She wheeled about abruptly, holding herself in a defensive pose, ready to strike, something her matrial-arts training from her father had taught her to do.
She found herself staring at a very astonished Mewtwo, who was looking at her with wide, wary eyes. Seeing her defensive pose and knowing he'd startled her, he quickly raised his hands.
*Whoa! Sharie! I come in peace! Take me to your leader!*
Sharie's face, which had been pale before, had gone sheet-white. Seeing who it was and letting the thought penetrate her brain, she sighed and lowered her defenses.
"Sorry, Mewtwo," she breathed, forcing her pounding heart to calm. "I did not mean to do that, but know that martial arts is sheer instinct for me. I had it drilled into my head for my own protection, so please never sneak up on me like that. I could have floored you."
*I am sorry, as well,* he apologized, seeing her relax. *You were walking and I was teleporting, and I was trying not to hit you. I accidentally got in too close as a result.* A faint smile curved his lips as something she said occured to him. *Do you really think you could floor me?*
"Psychic powers aside, absolutely," she answered quietly, and without hesistation. "I might be small but I've floored people far bigger than myself with ease. In that area, psychic powers nonwithstanding, I have no fear of you."
He stared at her, dumbfounded. Her conviction was absolute. He knew it was the truth, too, for he'd seen fighting pokemon take down pokemon many times their size with a few movements. Even little Mankey or Machop he'd seen do the seemingly impossible against their opponents.
If Sharie had such skills, and it was apparant she did, he'd feel very sorry for anybody who dared to cross her path. She was an incredible girl, he could see. Almost as incredible as Ki.
Sharie smiled at him. "Well, now that my fright of the day is over, what brings you here?"
*I cannot just drop in?* he teased her. She gestured towards a lawn chair and bade him to sit, while she settled on the stone porch steps.
"If you do, don't hurt yourself," she responded smartly. "Of course you can. You and Ki are welcome here anytime."
*Thank you,* he responded, glad to know. *I am here on Ki's behalf. She does not want to leave the babies alone again for awhile, as you can understand.*
At this Sharie nodded.
*But she is wondering if you'd like to come by and visit today,* he continued. *We did say you'd be invited sometime. That is, if you don't mind visiting around the babies.*
Sharie's eyes widened; she'd clearly not expected this of them. Again she'd underestimated them.
*We've both been worried, to tell the truth,* he confessed. *I am glad to see you made it home all right. You were far weaker than you tried to lead us to believe.*
A faint flush *did* creep into Sharie's face at that, but only for a moment.
"I made it, no cause for worry there," she whispered.
Mewtwo shook his head. *Just the fact that you are the type to hide such things means I'm not convinced,* he stated.
She heaved a sigh, raising a hand to her forehead to absently weave her fingers through her curly bangs. "Really, I am fine. Just some power weaknesses and limitations left, honest. I scared poor Nurse Joy half to death when she did see me. She, Professor Oak, and Officer Jenny had been looking everywhere for me."
She saw the look in his eyes at that statement. "I only told Nurse Joy the truth. Officer Jenny just left after I told her I had met up with a bunch of Fearow who gave me trouble. I told Professor Oak that, too. He pretended to accept the explanation, but I could see he wasn't really convinced."
Here she hesistated. "It....it isn't really my business, but I understand he has met you before."
Mewtwo looked startled. *How do you know about that?*
"Because Nurse Joy mentioned Maxi to me, and of his own will, for I would not have dared to ask him, he told me in detail what happened to Maxi. I'm sorry, Mewtwo." Sharie saw the sudden pain in his eyes.
"But Professor Oak--never underestimate that man and his power. After he met me he did some digging on his old colleague and friend, my Da, and managed to get into some files that were supposed to be top secret. He found out that Da was the one who created you. I'd not been here long when he voiced his concern about my safety if I ever met you again. Your reputation precedes you."
*That man does not know his right from his left,* said Mewtwo darkly. *He did not even speak directly to me--he consulted a pokedex first!*
Sharie gave him a pained look. "Professor Oak is one of the most caring people I met. He didn't know you could talk, even telepathically. He's hurting enough over Maxi's death, so please, give him a break?"
Mewtwo put talk of the Professor aside. Out of respect to Maxi he'd say nothing degrading about him, but that was all.
So he changed the subject. *Unpleasant talk aside, Sharie, do you wish to come?*
"Oh, that," Sharie smiled, suddenly remembering. "Yes. I'd love to come. But--" she frowned and looked down at herself. "That psychic blast I took-- it affected me in ways both similar to and different than yours. I strained myself too much trying to get home on top of it. I can do some things but teleportation or flying is, almost without exception, out for awhile. And," At this Mewtwo saw her flinch; she hated admitting to any weakness, "I feel much better, but my strength isn't fully back yet."
*We've been careful, as well,* Mewtwo assured her. *But Teleportation is safe as long as I know where I am going. Since you can't fly, I'll teleport us both back. How does that sound to you?*
"Great. Just great." Sharie smiled at him. "I've got a gift I want to give the babies, anyways, if you don't mind."
The interested look he gave her amused her. "It's a surprise. You'll see it when we get there."
Reluctantly he nodded. *Do you need to get ready?*
Reflexively Sharie looked at herself. She was already dressed; in a purple button-down shirt that ended just above her shorts. She was wearing rather modest knee-length jean shorts and obviously-new sandals. "Hardly. But Professor Oak has been in the habit of swinging by each morning. If he comes and finds I am not here, he'll go bonkers. Especially after the blows I took and all the blood I lost. We'd better wait."
No sooner had she said this than the sound of a bicycle bell could be heard. Some happy yips also came towards them from around the bend of the path, beyond some hedges.
"Disappear or don't, but be quick," said Sharie quietly. "Since you two have met before, it's up to you, Mewtwo. Forgive me for any presumption you might think if I say this. Maxi's uncle is a fine man, and from what I've understood she took after him a lot."
Mewtwo was so surprised he could not move. The mention of Maxi hurt, but Sharie's words had an impact on him. He did owe it to Maxi to speak to Oak, didn't he? It was only right.
He squared himself and did not move.
Sharie smiled at him.
"Es! Es! Espeon!!!" came a series of happy little yips.
"Slow down, you rascal! You'll get there soon enough!" came a breathless voice both recognized.
"Espeon!" A purple blur came flying around the edge of the hedge, where Sharie had gotten up and walked to. It did not even pause to look around before the blur jumped straight into Sharie's arms.
"Espeon! Espeon!" she yipped happily.
Sharie started laughing. "Oh, hello, there, my little friend. So you're also better, aren't you?"
"Espeon!" agreed the little psychic pokemon.
Sharie smiled and hugged her tightly.
"Sharie? That you?" came Professor Oak's voice, raspy and out of breath. "Espeon got--away from me, the little rascal---I'm getting too old--for this--"
He appeared around the hedge, dragging a bicycle with him.
"It's okay, Professor. I have her right here," Sharie said, holding up the little Espeon whose life she had saved a week prior.
"Good. She's been wanting to see you, and I let her out of her pokeball to run alongside me like she wanted, but she tore off--oh, my."
Professor Oak's eyes riveted past Sharie to Mewtwo, who had quietly come up behind her.
Professor Oak swallowed a bit nervously, shaking his head in astonishment. "I'm not seeing things, am I?"
"No, Professor." Sharie said quietly. "He is here."
Professor Oak nodded dumbly. "Ah, then, Sharie, your little adventure the other day *WAS* a bit more than Fearow, wasn't it?"
Sharie nodded, her cheeks flushing with a thin color as her eyes lowred. "I am sorry I had to lie to you, professor. Nurse Joy knew the truth. I felt it necessary. Because of--"
"--Of Maxi?" Professor Oak finished. "Nothing to forgive, Sharie. I understand, and also I now know why our dear nurse has vanished on occassion--oh, well..."
He straightened and looked Mewtwo in the eye. "Hello, Mewtwo. Nice to see you again."
Mewtwo looked surprised at the direct comment. Last time the Professor had spoken around him as if he could not understand what was being said.
"I never thought I'd see you again," continued the professor bravely. "I've been wanting to say some words to you for awhile."
Mewtwo closed his eyes in pain. *That is why I remained here when we heard you coming. I owe it to Maxi.*
"And so do I," said Professor Oak in a serious voice. He gave a shudder. "Because I never did thank you for avenging her death as you did. You got revenge on her murderers, so her soul is at peace. For that I can't thank you enough."
Mewtwo's eyes flew open in astonishment. Professor Oak, despite the pain he also obviously felt at remembering that dark day of Maxi's murder, noticed the look.
"Mewtwo, sometimes I may be dense in some areas, but I am nowhere near blind. I know of the special friendship you had with my niece. I saw her loyalty to you. The only true friends she'd found at that damnable Team Rocket place. Team Rocket betrayed her, and I know it was you who destroyed her murderers. Nobody else could have done it in the fashion you did."
*They murdered our only friend, and also tried to kill Ki and myself. We felt her die,* said Mewtwo tightly. Sharie, who did not say a word, was not surprised to see his eyes well with tears, like Professor Oak's did. *It was partially self-defense, but far more it was exacting revenge.*
Despite his brimming eyes, Professor Oak managed a sincere smile at this point. "And I'm grateful, to you and the young miss who went with you. I do hope you are both happy together."
All color fled Mewtwo's face at these words. Puzzled, Professor Oak scratched his head. "Was it your wish I not know that? Been in love myself, Mewtwo. I know how it feels and I can see it in others, including you two. You're both very much alike at any rate, and your feelings were too deep for my objection. Nothing wrong with that."
Sharie kept quiet, but smiled to herself. Now Mewtwo would know how seriously he'd underestimated the Professor. The truth was out.
*I....thank you, for understanding,* Mewtwo just managed, barely.
"No, thank YOU for being Maxi's true friends when she had no others," stated Professor Oak firmly. "How is the girl--Ki?"
*She is fine. She's at home with our babies.* Mewtwo said simply, gauging Professor Oak's reaction. So far, with them really talking for the first time, he was seeing how right Sharie had been.
There was a flash of surprise, but nothing too major. "Babies? How wonderful. I figured it'd happen. How many? Two?"
*Five. Two boys, three girls.*
Now he DID look astonished. "Five? My goodness. All healthy? All happy? Good," he said around Mewtwo's nod. "I wish you both the best. And--good luck."
Sharie stiffened slightly when Professor Oak screwed up his courage and held out his hand to Mewtwo, more of a gesture of peace and trust than anything.
Mewtwo stared at the proffered hand for several seconds, until Sharie started to feel nervous. What if he--
Slowly Mewtwo extended his hand and grasped Professor Oak's with it. *Thank you,* he responded truthfully, glad to be able to see past an outside facade in the professor he'd not seen before, and grateful that one more human out there supported him and Ki.
More lessons learned, and more friendships forged in the wake of the last traces of bitter mistrust, which had evaporated and blown away in the wind.
****
After telling Professor Oak she'd be leaving for awhile, and assuring him she was all right, she waved the professor down the road as he left, Espeon with him.
"You really can trust him, you know," she said quietly to Mewtwo, when Oak was out of earshot.
*Yes, and I see that now. It'll please Ki, as she's been wanting to do this herself ever since Maxi was killed.* Mewtwo stared down the road in the distance, his eyes damp, remembering.
"Maxi would be happy, too, I am sure," Sharie said quietly. "She sounded like a rare, loyal person."
*She was.*Mewtwo nodded, shaking himself out of sad thoughts. He promised himself that from now on, he'd do his best to remember Maxi in the best moments of her life, and not let her death sadden him anymore. She'd want to be remembered with joy.
*Are you ready to go?* he asked instead.
"Let me run and grab something," Sharie responded, turning and going up the steps. "I'll be out in a minute."
She was back a moment later, pack in hand.
It looked just as heavy as it did last time, and considering that Sharie wasn't very strong at the moment made Mewtwo wonder how she could carry it at all.
*Would you let me take that for you?* he was careful to phrase it as a request. Sharie, by some strange quirk to her nature, would take offense otherwise. *It looks heavy.*
"I have it," she said, startled. She then looked up into Mewtwo's eyes, and her own softened at once.
"Sorry," she said quietly, giving him an apologetic smile. "I just don't like others doing things for me as if I can't do it myself because they underestimate me."
*I have seen how tough you are,* Mewtwo conceded. *Stubborn, but tough.*
"I know you are only concerned about me," she said quietly. "And I appreciate your caring, more than you could know. But I'll be fine. This isn't heavy today, and I am used to it."
He smiled at her, conceding defeat. *I'll take your word for it. Ready to go?* he held out a hand to her.
She smiled and took it. *Ready.*
His smile turned serious. *I dare not teleport casually at the moment, for obvious reasons,* he told her. *I'd feel safest holding you for that reason as we did it, so I could make *sure* my grip on you was extra tight. But as I doubt you'd want that* (he had fast learned how she hated anyone helping her) *I want you to hold on to me *tightly* and don't let go. I *must* make sure I can get us both back safely without doing anything dangerous to my powers.*
Sharie flushed, but considering the alternative--his carrying her--she stepped closer.
*Put your arms about me and *don't let go*!* he warned softly.
Still blushing, her arms slid around his waist, where she clamped her hands tightly together in back. His arms came down around her, gripping her slender body as tightly as he dared.
*Don't move!* he warned.
She didn't.
With a rush, she felt a roar in her ears and saw sparkles before her eyes, and for an instant, she could only sense a sweeping sensation.
****
For only an instant, though. A moment later, Sharie was aware of her body again, and of Mewtwo holding her securely.
However, she could feel nothing beneath her feet but air.
She opened her eyes in astonishment, looking around quickly down below, where the ocean waves beckoned them.
"Where are we?" she asked.
*Right above New Island,* he said, beginning to lower them both.
Suddenly, Sharie blinked, and rubbed her eyes, then blinked again. To her amazement, a blur appeard on the ocean waves, and took on it's own form. A moment later, she could see a magnificent palace come into view.
"Oh, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed in awe. "Is that it?"
He looked at her, dumbfounded. *You can *see* that?*
"Of course I can," she said, shaking her head in awe. "Those are some clever, and very powerful, psychic suggestions you have around the place. It took me a while to haze through it. Most pokemon, even the most powerful, would never know to see it. A good idea."
*You are amazing,* he could not help but marvel. *That was their point, to hide us. You really *are* skilled.*
She smiled, but then began wiggling away from him. "I think I can fly briefly under my own power," she said simply. "You can let go. Thank you."
Reulctantly, in fear of her safety in case she could not, he let go. A vague glow, weaker than usual, surrounded her body, but her own telekenetic force kicked in, wavered, but held her alofti n the air.
They descened like that, Mewtwo keeping a wary eye on her in case she should fall. Within moments, they touched the sand and the full magnificence of this palace came alive to Sharie's view.
"It's so beautiful," Sharie breathed. "What a place...."
They had landed right in front of a set of doors, and they swung open when Mewtwo waved his hand.
*Will you come inside?* he asked, leading Sharie into the interior. *Welcome to New Island.*
****
Ki was there, eagerly awaiting her friend. She stepped out of the shadows the instant she could see Sharie by Mewtwo's side.
Sharie saw her and gave a genuine smile. Ki said nothing, just ran over and hugged her tightly.
*I am so glad to see you're all right!* she exclaimed. *Mewtwo and I have both been worried about you, afraid you hadn't made it....*
"I made it, never fear," Sharie said, her pale face flushing a thin color. "I am glad to see you, too, Ki."
Ki let go of her and took her arm, leading her off into the palace. *Mew's dead tired and still snoozing away. We'll have breakfast as soon as she gets up. But you don't mind visiting around my caring for the babies?*
*Not in the least,* Sharie responded, unobtrusively switching to telepathy herself. This place was so devoid of sound at the moment she did not want to break the silence by speaking aloud. *I'd love to see them. I have something for them.*
*Mew was up late last night, helping us with the night feeding,* said Ki. *She deserves to sleep in. Let her. She's so stubborn she'd complain if I did not.*
*Mews can be like that,* Sharie smiled, picturing a grouchy Mew. *But not too often. Most are happy-go-lucky.*
Ki looked at her, but did not pause as they went up the stairs. *How do you know that?*
Sharie smiled and did not answer. If they only knew....but they'd find out soon enough.
They reached the nursury door, and Ki tiptoed to the door and quietly opened it, holding a finger to her lips.
Sharie understood. It must be hard having all five asleep at once.
The nursury was large, with an adequate amount of space. It was well stocked and beautiful as well.
Against a wall were a row of cribs. Ki quietly led Sharie over to them so Sharie could see all five of her treasures at once.
Sharie's hand flew to her mouth to stifle her gasp of delight.
There, down in the cribs before her, not only lay Aaryanna, sleeping peacefully, but five other tiny little bundles, a variety of colors and without a doubt the most beautiful babies Sharie felt she'd ever seen.
Her heart contracted, triggering her own maternal instincts. They were so precious, and she knew without a doubt Mewtwo and Ki were indeed among the luckiest of parents out there.
For who could ask for more than this?
****
End chapter 6. Chapter 7 coming soon.....
You know, sometimes I really *hate* this stupid Desktop Publisher I have to use. I had Chapter 6 ready and rarin' to go and just as I was converting it to .txt the stupid publisher decided to eat my disk for dinner. Yum yum. I swear it seemed to belch after it was done, too :P Lost everything on my disk as a result. Thank goodness I had a backup disk with most of the other chapters on it! But I still lost chapter 6, (and one I really liked, too!!) so this is my second attempt at it. Cross your fingers for me.
One last interruption: I've had martial arts on the brain lately, as I've considered returning to Taekwondo of late. A few years ago I took it for a couple of years, long enough to earn my purple belt. I guess thinking about it so much sort of wove it's way into the storyline, in a minute way.
Hwever, for the would-be creeps and bullies who think Martial Arts is just an easy beat-up tool, let me tell you this: I do NOT advocate the usage of martial arts for any way other than intended. Any good teacher will not only train their students in kicks, blocks, and punches, but also of self- control and self-discipline. It is never meant to be used for picking fights or manipulating others. Those who do are cowards who can't control themselves and have failed to learn the true spirit and achievement most martial arts training offers. I wanted to make this clear.
Shadowed Reflections, Chapter 6 By ZeoViolet ****
*Where in the hell have you *BEEN*?!* wailed Mew as soon as the palace doors swung open and admitted a very sore and exhausted Ki and Mewtwo. *I have been out of my MIND with worry.....*
Indeed, her eyes were red-rimmed and swollen, making it evident she'd been crying.
*Through hell,* answered Ki tersely, headed directly for the tower stairs.
*Through total hell, and it's a miracle we're here at all.* Echoed Mewtwo tiredly, dragging along behind as if he did not have the energy left in him at all.
*That's what I was worried about!* wailed Mew again. *And the babies--*
*How are they?* Ki demanded as she started up the steps frantically, a whimpering Aaryanna held tightly against her chest.
*They're all right in a sense that I've fed them the best I can,* answered Mew, shocked at Ki's attitude. *They're hungry again by now. I haven't had a moment's peace for hours because I could not give them the one thing they wanted most--their parents! And here you come--*
*Save it, Mew!* Ki exploded, by now racing up the stairs headlong. Her breath could be heard rasping in her chest, as if she was on the verge of sobbing. *Just shut the hell up!*
Mew's face crumpled in a miserable mixture of shock and pain at those words. Even Mewtwo, dragging along behind and barely hearing, did notice this and had to admit to himself that hadn't been very nice.
*I'm sorry, Mew,* he said over the nursury door above them banging shut. *I am sure Ki did not mean it. It's true, we've barely survived the day. She'll apologize once she gets her bearings, I am sure of it. She's been holding back all day--it's hitting her at once by now.*
Mew just stared at him. She did not say anything explicit--for once--but she looked into Mewtwo's eyes. In them, probably where he did not want her to see it, she could just discern gathering storm clouds. If his words were true, then it was't just Ki suffering at the moment.
*It's okay,* said Mew quietly, swallowing past the lump in her throat and bravely putting aside her hurt. Mewtwo simply turned and went up the stairs, dragging his feet and his tail as he went. *I raised Ki. It's just her nature.*
She floated, trailing up behind him, her own shoulders slumping at his dejected sigh. She let out her own as they reached the nursury door.
****
They found Ki in there, rocking in her rocking chair in a grave sort of motion, nursing Brianna and Morgan. Her head was bent and she made no indication she heard them come in.
Only her slumped shoulders, quivering ever so slightly, told them she was crying herself.
The other three babies were in their cribs, wailing in hunger. Only Aaryanna was mostly quiet, giving short whimpers because she sensed the intolerable mood in the room all too clearly.
Except for holding her babies in each arm so they could nurse, Ki did not move a muscle. Only her chest and shoulders spasmed with silent sobs. She made no indication she sensed anybody else in the room until Mew was right beside the rocking chair.
*I'm sorry, Mew,* Ki quivered, looking dejectedly ahead, seeing nothing, and tears streaming down her cheeks. *I had absolutely no right to say that to you. No right at all. I'm sorry.*
*It's okay, dear.* Mew scrubbed the tears from her own eyes and leaned over to kiss Ki lightly on the cheek. *I know you did not mean it. Today must have been bad for you, I can see it more than even Mewtwo has said.*
*That's no excuse,* said Ki, then gave a ragged breath. *Oh, gods, I just can't hold it back anymore.....*
*Please, Angel, don't cry,* said the soft mental tone of the one Ki loved so much. She felt a hand, quivering slightly, softly touch her hair. *We're safe now. You don't have to cry.*
Mewtwo crouched down beside Ki as he said this, his arm slipping around her shoulders.
Ki turned to stare up at him, her brilliant, unique green eyes shimmering. Through her tears she saw his own he could no longer hide.
*Don't cry, nothing,* she said, with a small smile that barely lasted a moment. *Yeah, right. We all have a right to cry. More than once today I saw you nearly killed; taken from me. Aaryanna, too. It's been hell holding it back.*
*I know,* he answered, gritting his teeth but unable to stop the salty flow of tears down his cheeks. *I thought I had lost you today, my Angel. Twice. But again, miracles proved themselves to happen, don't they? That we must be happy for.*
Ki smiled at him, her eyes no longer brimming over. He was right. The power of miracles had played in their favor once more, against all odds. She was still with those she loved the most, and the glowing look in her eyes proved it.
Mewtwo smiled at her tenderly. He brushed his hand across his cheeks, drying them, before leaning down to kiss Ki, their lips meeting and melding together in the very sweetest of gestures. In that moment, Ki sensed again their souls practically becoming one, it was so intense and so vivedly real.
Mew had the good grace to remain silent. Besides, something she suddenly noticed would have struck anyone dumb in sweet shock.
Ki and Mewtwo's kiss seemed to calm the turbulence in the room, and as if by magic, a sweet peace stole forth. The room became utterly silent and utterly content as each and every baby stopped crying. The power of love filled the room, in suffocating waves too strong to be denied, and Mew dared not make a sound, so as not to shatter this gentle, calming peace.
****
A short while later, all the babies were fed. Drowsily, in sleepy comfort, they drifted into dreamland, safe in the knowledge their parents were with them and nothing further was amiss in their world.
Ki kept lingering in the nursury, staring longingly at her children, Mewtwo by her side. He, too, could not bear to be parted from them again so soon.Only sharp pains of hunger in his own stomach urged them both down the stairs. They hadn't eaten for a long time, and with their powers so limited, food was more important than ever to speed them to full recovery.
Sharie had given them some very strict warnings, just before her own weary departure back towards Pallet Town. Their general power usage would return within days. However, for many weeks, she had strongly urged them, it would be highly dangerous for either one of them to strain themselves by pushing their powers beyond mild limits. Doing so, even a psychic attack even once, could cause them to suffer a relapse that would take even months to come out of, with the types of injuries they had suffered.
Mewtwo knew without a doubt she was right. He'd seen it in other psychic pokemon at Giovanni's hideout, and knew it wasn't pretty.
As hungry as they were, though, they found themselves with little appetite. Ki just picked at her food, only making herself eat because she knew she was not only feeding herself, but her babies, as well.
Only then did Mew dare bring up the subject she'd been dreading. *So....is it all right now if I ask what the hell happened to you both today?*
*Not really,* said Mewtwo, feeling his stomach twist with memory. He put down his fork, unable to even look at his plate of food. *We are only alive because of a true miracle.*
Mew's eyes widened, and as Mewtwo and even Ki began to talk, they grew big as saucers and continually bigger. By the time they finished, the poor pink pokemon looked about ready to faint.
****
*Are you mad?!* she demanded rightly enough. *If this girl is of the fouled bloodlines you say she is from then she's surely not trustworthy! She's been tricking you somehow!*
*I already told you what happened,* said Mewtwo tersly. *She's more than proved herself to us; and by her own actions told us her soul is good. She won't betray us.*
*Forgive me if I still have my reservations,* muttered Mew. *I have my own mind and my own opinion, thank you. I know you have wanted a friend again since that Maxi girl you told me about was killed out of her loyalty to you. A friend is a good thing, but if you actually do invite her over here some day she'll have to prove herself to me, as well. I won't abide having you or your family hurt again.*
*You'll do nothing to upset her,* warned Mewtwo darkly. *This is my home and not yours. You are right, your brain is your own and there's nothing I can do to make you think any way but your own way. But you'll be civil to her if you want to stay.*
*I never said I'd do anything of that sort, now did I?* Mew pointed out impatiently. *I'll just be on my own guard until I'm convinced for myself she's no threat. You cannot blame me there.*
*After all we've been through, no, I cannot blame your feelings,* he responded tightly. *But convincing yourself won't come at the price of hurting her, since she's been through enough already. Understand?*
Mew only nodded, conceding defeat for now. It was the best she could do until she could make him understand otherwise.
****
Ki and Mewtwo were already well awake with the dawn that greeted them the second morning after the attack. Caring for five babies around the clock left no room for the weary, but especially after what had happened, neither would trade these precious moments with their children for anything in the world.
Indeed, they felt much better. Their powers were almost back to normal, but they knew that their grip on them was still very fragile. They heeded Sharie's warning well and did nothing with their powers that was not absolutely necessary, except for telepathy and brief flying. It was much easier to get around by Teleportation in their own home. Since they knew it so well, the energy wasted was minimal.
Ki stared at the red sun as it began to rise over the horizon while absently cradling Anika on her shoulder and patting her tiny back in a soothing rhythm, encouraging sleep.
The first deep crimson rays burst over the horizon, pinkening the clouds around it in pleasant tones. Ki smiled, but also felt a twinge of pain. She remembered such sunrises at Professor Oak's place, with Maxi by her side in those days, her friend while she had missed Mewtwo, away building this palace.
In that moment, Ki really missed her friend like fire. It was so unfair she'd had to die like she did.
Their only loyal friend, until now. Sharie could never replace Maxi in Ki's heart, but she was her own person. The only one now that had showed them unquestioned loyalty and acceptance since Maxi.
Staring out the window, Ki had a thought that made her smile. She'd never had the chance to invite Maxi over, as she had promised to do that day about a year ago. Ki really missed having a female friend even close to her own age. Nor did she want to leave again anytime soon. She would not be keen on leaving her babies again for at least a few more days. No, she'd stay right here.
But Sharie should be feeling better now, should't she? At least be back on her feet?
Why not let her come over?
Ki liked the idea, but she also frowned. She had no idea if Sharie had made it home safely at all. Sharie had been far weaker than she let on, and Ki suspected her powers, due to that last psychic blow, had suffered as greatly as theirs, if not more.
What if she had given out and plummeted to her death in a watery grave?
That question had bothered Ki ever since, and she could not stand not knowing anymore.
Ki suddenly felt her spine tingle with sensation; she sensed Mewtwo teleporting in just a split second before he actually materialized, his hands down around her slim waist as he appeared, hugging her from behind.
*What troubles you, my Angel?* he inquired gently.
Without words, she let the mental pictures she'd been seeing flood his mind. He understood.
*I've worried about that, too,* he admitted. *Yes, I think it is time we invite her over, and see that she's okay.*
*Shall we invite her for breakfast, my love?* Ki asked, setting a sleeping Anika back in her crib.
Mewtwo reached down and gently stroked his daughter's soft cheek. *So early? Ki, she was so weak she was barely conscious. She strove to hide it from us but I could see it. Surely she'd be sleeping more.*
*I don't know,* answered Ki seriously. *She's too vibrant to stay in bed if she could possibly stand up. I think she'd be awake by now. She's sure to feel better.*
*Okay, my Angel,* he chuckled. *I will go and inquire as to how she is. If she is who I think she is she won't mind visiting around five tiny, four- and-a-half-pound infants.*
*Don't be gone long,* Ki answered with a fond smile, knowing she'd won.
Mewtwo understood. He wasn't too keen on leaving his family behind for even a few minutes, either, but he'd be back soon enough.
*I'll be back,* he assured her, leaning down to kiss her.
Ki shuddered violently at the first touch of his lips, for it ignited her pent-up passion all too easily. Damn! The babies were still two days shy of two weeks old! How could she *possibly* last another six?!
Mewtwo felt the same burning sensation rip straight through him. It'd been over three months! He had to let go before his hormones got to ruling his head, or he'd end up not controlling himself. He knew full well Ki could not, either, and if they did something they should't too soon, he could injure her, probably seriously.
So Ki only felt a shudder race through both their frames as they both wrenched themselves away.
*What bad timing,* he rasped. *Just when I'd rather be making love to you all day long....*
Ki flushed scarlet and gave him an affectionate push. *Oh, go on! There'll be time in the future to more than make up for what we've missed, I promise! Now go!*
*I'll hold you to that, Angel!* he vowed, vanishing abruptly in a rare display of flashy stars. His mental voice echoed over the room as he did this. *Believe me, I'll hold you to it!....*
****
Just as the first tinges of dawn also poured their life-giving beauty over Pallet Town, Sharie Triesta stepped out of her seaside dwelling as her fingers finished twisting her hair up into a knot on her head as usual. She was tired, but she could not do any more sleeping. Besides, Nurse Joy would not allow her to return to work for a few more days yet. The poor nurse had been horrified enough upon seeing her condition and hearing her story.
Professor Oak had been by to check on her twice a day now, instead of once a day like had had been doing. He did not know of her seeing Mewtwo, though. What did it matter? Sharie suspected he sensed it anyways. She felt guilty saying nothing to him; as her respect for the venerated professor was utmost.
She smiled to herself. She was not used to others caring. Ki and Mewtwo had made it plain that they could care, too, and she was privately grateful to have found such friends. Such friends were few and she sensed they were more than just the fair-weather type.
Suddenly, the prickles on the back of her neck rose. She heard a faint *whist* and her mental alarm system screamed at her silently but with full force. She wheeled about abruptly, holding herself in a defensive pose, ready to strike, something her matrial-arts training from her father had taught her to do.
She found herself staring at a very astonished Mewtwo, who was looking at her with wide, wary eyes. Seeing her defensive pose and knowing he'd startled her, he quickly raised his hands.
*Whoa! Sharie! I come in peace! Take me to your leader!*
Sharie's face, which had been pale before, had gone sheet-white. Seeing who it was and letting the thought penetrate her brain, she sighed and lowered her defenses.
"Sorry, Mewtwo," she breathed, forcing her pounding heart to calm. "I did not mean to do that, but know that martial arts is sheer instinct for me. I had it drilled into my head for my own protection, so please never sneak up on me like that. I could have floored you."
*I am sorry, as well,* he apologized, seeing her relax. *You were walking and I was teleporting, and I was trying not to hit you. I accidentally got in too close as a result.* A faint smile curved his lips as something she said occured to him. *Do you really think you could floor me?*
"Psychic powers aside, absolutely," she answered quietly, and without hesistation. "I might be small but I've floored people far bigger than myself with ease. In that area, psychic powers nonwithstanding, I have no fear of you."
He stared at her, dumbfounded. Her conviction was absolute. He knew it was the truth, too, for he'd seen fighting pokemon take down pokemon many times their size with a few movements. Even little Mankey or Machop he'd seen do the seemingly impossible against their opponents.
If Sharie had such skills, and it was apparant she did, he'd feel very sorry for anybody who dared to cross her path. She was an incredible girl, he could see. Almost as incredible as Ki.
Sharie smiled at him. "Well, now that my fright of the day is over, what brings you here?"
*I cannot just drop in?* he teased her. She gestured towards a lawn chair and bade him to sit, while she settled on the stone porch steps.
"If you do, don't hurt yourself," she responded smartly. "Of course you can. You and Ki are welcome here anytime."
*Thank you,* he responded, glad to know. *I am here on Ki's behalf. She does not want to leave the babies alone again for awhile, as you can understand.*
At this Sharie nodded.
*But she is wondering if you'd like to come by and visit today,* he continued. *We did say you'd be invited sometime. That is, if you don't mind visiting around the babies.*
Sharie's eyes widened; she'd clearly not expected this of them. Again she'd underestimated them.
*We've both been worried, to tell the truth,* he confessed. *I am glad to see you made it home all right. You were far weaker than you tried to lead us to believe.*
A faint flush *did* creep into Sharie's face at that, but only for a moment.
"I made it, no cause for worry there," she whispered.
Mewtwo shook his head. *Just the fact that you are the type to hide such things means I'm not convinced,* he stated.
She heaved a sigh, raising a hand to her forehead to absently weave her fingers through her curly bangs. "Really, I am fine. Just some power weaknesses and limitations left, honest. I scared poor Nurse Joy half to death when she did see me. She, Professor Oak, and Officer Jenny had been looking everywhere for me."
She saw the look in his eyes at that statement. "I only told Nurse Joy the truth. Officer Jenny just left after I told her I had met up with a bunch of Fearow who gave me trouble. I told Professor Oak that, too. He pretended to accept the explanation, but I could see he wasn't really convinced."
Here she hesistated. "It....it isn't really my business, but I understand he has met you before."
Mewtwo looked startled. *How do you know about that?*
"Because Nurse Joy mentioned Maxi to me, and of his own will, for I would not have dared to ask him, he told me in detail what happened to Maxi. I'm sorry, Mewtwo." Sharie saw the sudden pain in his eyes.
"But Professor Oak--never underestimate that man and his power. After he met me he did some digging on his old colleague and friend, my Da, and managed to get into some files that were supposed to be top secret. He found out that Da was the one who created you. I'd not been here long when he voiced his concern about my safety if I ever met you again. Your reputation precedes you."
*That man does not know his right from his left,* said Mewtwo darkly. *He did not even speak directly to me--he consulted a pokedex first!*
Sharie gave him a pained look. "Professor Oak is one of the most caring people I met. He didn't know you could talk, even telepathically. He's hurting enough over Maxi's death, so please, give him a break?"
Mewtwo put talk of the Professor aside. Out of respect to Maxi he'd say nothing degrading about him, but that was all.
So he changed the subject. *Unpleasant talk aside, Sharie, do you wish to come?*
"Oh, that," Sharie smiled, suddenly remembering. "Yes. I'd love to come. But--" she frowned and looked down at herself. "That psychic blast I took-- it affected me in ways both similar to and different than yours. I strained myself too much trying to get home on top of it. I can do some things but teleportation or flying is, almost without exception, out for awhile. And," At this Mewtwo saw her flinch; she hated admitting to any weakness, "I feel much better, but my strength isn't fully back yet."
*We've been careful, as well,* Mewtwo assured her. *But Teleportation is safe as long as I know where I am going. Since you can't fly, I'll teleport us both back. How does that sound to you?*
"Great. Just great." Sharie smiled at him. "I've got a gift I want to give the babies, anyways, if you don't mind."
The interested look he gave her amused her. "It's a surprise. You'll see it when we get there."
Reluctantly he nodded. *Do you need to get ready?*
Reflexively Sharie looked at herself. She was already dressed; in a purple button-down shirt that ended just above her shorts. She was wearing rather modest knee-length jean shorts and obviously-new sandals. "Hardly. But Professor Oak has been in the habit of swinging by each morning. If he comes and finds I am not here, he'll go bonkers. Especially after the blows I took and all the blood I lost. We'd better wait."
No sooner had she said this than the sound of a bicycle bell could be heard. Some happy yips also came towards them from around the bend of the path, beyond some hedges.
"Disappear or don't, but be quick," said Sharie quietly. "Since you two have met before, it's up to you, Mewtwo. Forgive me for any presumption you might think if I say this. Maxi's uncle is a fine man, and from what I've understood she took after him a lot."
Mewtwo was so surprised he could not move. The mention of Maxi hurt, but Sharie's words had an impact on him. He did owe it to Maxi to speak to Oak, didn't he? It was only right.
He squared himself and did not move.
Sharie smiled at him.
"Es! Es! Espeon!!!" came a series of happy little yips.
"Slow down, you rascal! You'll get there soon enough!" came a breathless voice both recognized.
"Espeon!" A purple blur came flying around the edge of the hedge, where Sharie had gotten up and walked to. It did not even pause to look around before the blur jumped straight into Sharie's arms.
"Espeon! Espeon!" she yipped happily.
Sharie started laughing. "Oh, hello, there, my little friend. So you're also better, aren't you?"
"Espeon!" agreed the little psychic pokemon.
Sharie smiled and hugged her tightly.
"Sharie? That you?" came Professor Oak's voice, raspy and out of breath. "Espeon got--away from me, the little rascal---I'm getting too old--for this--"
He appeared around the hedge, dragging a bicycle with him.
"It's okay, Professor. I have her right here," Sharie said, holding up the little Espeon whose life she had saved a week prior.
"Good. She's been wanting to see you, and I let her out of her pokeball to run alongside me like she wanted, but she tore off--oh, my."
Professor Oak's eyes riveted past Sharie to Mewtwo, who had quietly come up behind her.
Professor Oak swallowed a bit nervously, shaking his head in astonishment. "I'm not seeing things, am I?"
"No, Professor." Sharie said quietly. "He is here."
Professor Oak nodded dumbly. "Ah, then, Sharie, your little adventure the other day *WAS* a bit more than Fearow, wasn't it?"
Sharie nodded, her cheeks flushing with a thin color as her eyes lowred. "I am sorry I had to lie to you, professor. Nurse Joy knew the truth. I felt it necessary. Because of--"
"--Of Maxi?" Professor Oak finished. "Nothing to forgive, Sharie. I understand, and also I now know why our dear nurse has vanished on occassion--oh, well..."
He straightened and looked Mewtwo in the eye. "Hello, Mewtwo. Nice to see you again."
Mewtwo looked surprised at the direct comment. Last time the Professor had spoken around him as if he could not understand what was being said.
"I never thought I'd see you again," continued the professor bravely. "I've been wanting to say some words to you for awhile."
Mewtwo closed his eyes in pain. *That is why I remained here when we heard you coming. I owe it to Maxi.*
"And so do I," said Professor Oak in a serious voice. He gave a shudder. "Because I never did thank you for avenging her death as you did. You got revenge on her murderers, so her soul is at peace. For that I can't thank you enough."
Mewtwo's eyes flew open in astonishment. Professor Oak, despite the pain he also obviously felt at remembering that dark day of Maxi's murder, noticed the look.
"Mewtwo, sometimes I may be dense in some areas, but I am nowhere near blind. I know of the special friendship you had with my niece. I saw her loyalty to you. The only true friends she'd found at that damnable Team Rocket place. Team Rocket betrayed her, and I know it was you who destroyed her murderers. Nobody else could have done it in the fashion you did."
*They murdered our only friend, and also tried to kill Ki and myself. We felt her die,* said Mewtwo tightly. Sharie, who did not say a word, was not surprised to see his eyes well with tears, like Professor Oak's did. *It was partially self-defense, but far more it was exacting revenge.*
Despite his brimming eyes, Professor Oak managed a sincere smile at this point. "And I'm grateful, to you and the young miss who went with you. I do hope you are both happy together."
All color fled Mewtwo's face at these words. Puzzled, Professor Oak scratched his head. "Was it your wish I not know that? Been in love myself, Mewtwo. I know how it feels and I can see it in others, including you two. You're both very much alike at any rate, and your feelings were too deep for my objection. Nothing wrong with that."
Sharie kept quiet, but smiled to herself. Now Mewtwo would know how seriously he'd underestimated the Professor. The truth was out.
*I....thank you, for understanding,* Mewtwo just managed, barely.
"No, thank YOU for being Maxi's true friends when she had no others," stated Professor Oak firmly. "How is the girl--Ki?"
*She is fine. She's at home with our babies.* Mewtwo said simply, gauging Professor Oak's reaction. So far, with them really talking for the first time, he was seeing how right Sharie had been.
There was a flash of surprise, but nothing too major. "Babies? How wonderful. I figured it'd happen. How many? Two?"
*Five. Two boys, three girls.*
Now he DID look astonished. "Five? My goodness. All healthy? All happy? Good," he said around Mewtwo's nod. "I wish you both the best. And--good luck."
Sharie stiffened slightly when Professor Oak screwed up his courage and held out his hand to Mewtwo, more of a gesture of peace and trust than anything.
Mewtwo stared at the proffered hand for several seconds, until Sharie started to feel nervous. What if he--
Slowly Mewtwo extended his hand and grasped Professor Oak's with it. *Thank you,* he responded truthfully, glad to be able to see past an outside facade in the professor he'd not seen before, and grateful that one more human out there supported him and Ki.
More lessons learned, and more friendships forged in the wake of the last traces of bitter mistrust, which had evaporated and blown away in the wind.
****
After telling Professor Oak she'd be leaving for awhile, and assuring him she was all right, she waved the professor down the road as he left, Espeon with him.
"You really can trust him, you know," she said quietly to Mewtwo, when Oak was out of earshot.
*Yes, and I see that now. It'll please Ki, as she's been wanting to do this herself ever since Maxi was killed.* Mewtwo stared down the road in the distance, his eyes damp, remembering.
"Maxi would be happy, too, I am sure," Sharie said quietly. "She sounded like a rare, loyal person."
*She was.*Mewtwo nodded, shaking himself out of sad thoughts. He promised himself that from now on, he'd do his best to remember Maxi in the best moments of her life, and not let her death sadden him anymore. She'd want to be remembered with joy.
*Are you ready to go?* he asked instead.
"Let me run and grab something," Sharie responded, turning and going up the steps. "I'll be out in a minute."
She was back a moment later, pack in hand.
It looked just as heavy as it did last time, and considering that Sharie wasn't very strong at the moment made Mewtwo wonder how she could carry it at all.
*Would you let me take that for you?* he was careful to phrase it as a request. Sharie, by some strange quirk to her nature, would take offense otherwise. *It looks heavy.*
"I have it," she said, startled. She then looked up into Mewtwo's eyes, and her own softened at once.
"Sorry," she said quietly, giving him an apologetic smile. "I just don't like others doing things for me as if I can't do it myself because they underestimate me."
*I have seen how tough you are,* Mewtwo conceded. *Stubborn, but tough.*
"I know you are only concerned about me," she said quietly. "And I appreciate your caring, more than you could know. But I'll be fine. This isn't heavy today, and I am used to it."
He smiled at her, conceding defeat. *I'll take your word for it. Ready to go?* he held out a hand to her.
She smiled and took it. *Ready.*
His smile turned serious. *I dare not teleport casually at the moment, for obvious reasons,* he told her. *I'd feel safest holding you for that reason as we did it, so I could make *sure* my grip on you was extra tight. But as I doubt you'd want that* (he had fast learned how she hated anyone helping her) *I want you to hold on to me *tightly* and don't let go. I *must* make sure I can get us both back safely without doing anything dangerous to my powers.*
Sharie flushed, but considering the alternative--his carrying her--she stepped closer.
*Put your arms about me and *don't let go*!* he warned softly.
Still blushing, her arms slid around his waist, where she clamped her hands tightly together in back. His arms came down around her, gripping her slender body as tightly as he dared.
*Don't move!* he warned.
She didn't.
With a rush, she felt a roar in her ears and saw sparkles before her eyes, and for an instant, she could only sense a sweeping sensation.
****
For only an instant, though. A moment later, Sharie was aware of her body again, and of Mewtwo holding her securely.
However, she could feel nothing beneath her feet but air.
She opened her eyes in astonishment, looking around quickly down below, where the ocean waves beckoned them.
"Where are we?" she asked.
*Right above New Island,* he said, beginning to lower them both.
Suddenly, Sharie blinked, and rubbed her eyes, then blinked again. To her amazement, a blur appeard on the ocean waves, and took on it's own form. A moment later, she could see a magnificent palace come into view.
"Oh, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed in awe. "Is that it?"
He looked at her, dumbfounded. *You can *see* that?*
"Of course I can," she said, shaking her head in awe. "Those are some clever, and very powerful, psychic suggestions you have around the place. It took me a while to haze through it. Most pokemon, even the most powerful, would never know to see it. A good idea."
*You are amazing,* he could not help but marvel. *That was their point, to hide us. You really *are* skilled.*
She smiled, but then began wiggling away from him. "I think I can fly briefly under my own power," she said simply. "You can let go. Thank you."
Reulctantly, in fear of her safety in case she could not, he let go. A vague glow, weaker than usual, surrounded her body, but her own telekenetic force kicked in, wavered, but held her alofti n the air.
They descened like that, Mewtwo keeping a wary eye on her in case she should fall. Within moments, they touched the sand and the full magnificence of this palace came alive to Sharie's view.
"It's so beautiful," Sharie breathed. "What a place...."
They had landed right in front of a set of doors, and they swung open when Mewtwo waved his hand.
*Will you come inside?* he asked, leading Sharie into the interior. *Welcome to New Island.*
****
Ki was there, eagerly awaiting her friend. She stepped out of the shadows the instant she could see Sharie by Mewtwo's side.
Sharie saw her and gave a genuine smile. Ki said nothing, just ran over and hugged her tightly.
*I am so glad to see you're all right!* she exclaimed. *Mewtwo and I have both been worried about you, afraid you hadn't made it....*
"I made it, never fear," Sharie said, her pale face flushing a thin color. "I am glad to see you, too, Ki."
Ki let go of her and took her arm, leading her off into the palace. *Mew's dead tired and still snoozing away. We'll have breakfast as soon as she gets up. But you don't mind visiting around my caring for the babies?*
*Not in the least,* Sharie responded, unobtrusively switching to telepathy herself. This place was so devoid of sound at the moment she did not want to break the silence by speaking aloud. *I'd love to see them. I have something for them.*
*Mew was up late last night, helping us with the night feeding,* said Ki. *She deserves to sleep in. Let her. She's so stubborn she'd complain if I did not.*
*Mews can be like that,* Sharie smiled, picturing a grouchy Mew. *But not too often. Most are happy-go-lucky.*
Ki looked at her, but did not pause as they went up the stairs. *How do you know that?*
Sharie smiled and did not answer. If they only knew....but they'd find out soon enough.
They reached the nursury door, and Ki tiptoed to the door and quietly opened it, holding a finger to her lips.
Sharie understood. It must be hard having all five asleep at once.
The nursury was large, with an adequate amount of space. It was well stocked and beautiful as well.
Against a wall were a row of cribs. Ki quietly led Sharie over to them so Sharie could see all five of her treasures at once.
Sharie's hand flew to her mouth to stifle her gasp of delight.
There, down in the cribs before her, not only lay Aaryanna, sleeping peacefully, but five other tiny little bundles, a variety of colors and without a doubt the most beautiful babies Sharie felt she'd ever seen.
Her heart contracted, triggering her own maternal instincts. They were so precious, and she knew without a doubt Mewtwo and Ki were indeed among the luckiest of parents out there.
For who could ask for more than this?
****
End chapter 6. Chapter 7 coming soon.....