I stood there in front of him as he loaded the gun.
Is he really going to kill me? I felt my knees begin to knock together.
He'd finished loading the gun. but he walked pass me. In one swift movement he opened the door to the observation room and flicked on the lights. Sheba turned away from the window/mirror and stared at him. Mewtwo groaned from his corner and sleepily looked up. He pointed the gun at Mewtwo.
"NO!" I ran into the room and hit the gun just as he fired. The bullet ricocheted around the room several times before finally ending up in Giovanni's foot.
"Damn you, boy!" He cringed and put his weight on his other leg.
I stood there dumbfounded at what I had done. Is this how it's going to be? Do I really care more about the well being of two pokemon clones rather than my own father's safety? After all those years wondering if I had a real father? Could this really be where I belong? Is this my family?
I heard a whimper, but it wasn't my father. No, my father was now in the next room cursing his head off at me. I turned my attention to the Mewtwos. Sheba was sitting next to Mewtwo and there was dark, almost purple, blood on the floor. I came up behind Sheba expecting to see something horrible, but it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. Mewtwo had been shot in the shoulder and dislocated his arm. I stared at them for a while.
I'm so confused. I don't know what to do.
Mark.
Sheba?
What just happened?
I thought for a long while. Sheba waited patiently.
No. I can't let this go on. I. I have to.
Sheba puzzled.
I'll have to be a double agent.
Double agent?
I turned and went for the door. Giovanni was still there. He was still cursing me as he tried to get his foot to stop bleeding.
"You're right. father. I'm so sorry for my naive ness."
"What?"
"I said you're right."
He looked up at me suspiciously. I came closer and put my hand on his foot. The bullet was spat out and the wound closed, leaving a scar and a nice hole in his sock, not to mention his shoe. I stared into his cold, heartless eyes and let my mouth twist into an evil smirk.
"You've shown me the light, now I want to be immersed in it. Teach me your ways."
He glared back, searching me for any sign of a lie. I hoped my act was enough. "Very well. But, because of recent events. you will be under a watchful eye. You will have to earn your trust."
I nodded. "Tell me one thing, father. You won't kill the Mewtwos, will you?"
He half smiled. "I know you have a strange love for the poor creatures. Their well-being will depend on your behavior."
He carefully stood on his foot. He was relieved when it did not cause him pain to put his full weight on it. He went for the door. One of the scientists came in.
"I'll allow you heal Mewtwo for now. Sycamore, keep an eye on him. One more thing, Mark, I forbid you to visit Sabrina. If you wish to see her I will have her brought here."
He left, the door slamming behind him. Sycamore eyed me and twitched nervously.
"I'm not going to do anything to you. You're not worth my time."
He seemed a hint relieved and turned to the window. He stared, blinking and scrunching up his eyebrows. "What happened in there? All the blood." He said quietly to himself.
"Things got a little out of hand." I said. I went back into the observation room.
Sheba glanced over at me and started to sob. Mewtwo cut his eyes at me and put his arms around Sheba.
You're turning against us. He said with a hiss.
No, I'm trying to get him to trust me. Surly you know about mind games. Won't you let me help you with that shoulder?
Mark. you're turning evil, I can smell it. It's creeping up on you and it will take over. Sheba said.
No it won't Sheba. I won't let it.
She wiped her face on Mewtwos chest. I hope you know what you're getting into.
Mewtwo licked his wounded shoulder and growled when I tried to touch him. Leave me alone. I can take care of myself even if I do not have my powers.
Two, you don't have to be so mean to him. He did just save your life.
Humph. I believe I would have been less injured if he had not interfered.
Sheba sniffed and looked at me apologetically. I gave them a hurt look and left, looking back once. Sycamore stopped me when I got to the door.
"You. you don't want to see them hurt, do you?"
I gave him a questioning look.
"You've a big heart, I see. You're not Rocket material. I saw the whole thing. very brave of you, standing up to the boss like that. then convincing him not to kill anything. You've really got a way with him." The corner of his mouth lifted, like he was trying to remember how to smile. He was silent for some time. "I didn't come into this of my own will, you know." He said putting a hand in his pant pocket and leaning on a nearby table. "No, I was forced into this. most of us scientists were. Lot of'em were turned evil after a while. never got to me though. I try to hide it best I can. Yep. been working here for 40 years or so." He stared at the wall.
"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.
He looked at me. His eyes were not in the least bit cold like most of the people who worked here. He looked like the kind of old guy that lets little kids come into his house and he'd give them candy or tell them stories. "I don't know. maybe I'm trying to tell you to keep up whatever you're trying to do. You seem like a nice kid. Don't go getting yourself killed though, you hear?"
I smirked. "Right."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Where the heck is Mark? He said he'd only be gone for a night!" Sabrina fumed. Vynan slowly backed away. He could tell this woman was a raging volcano in disguise.
"Maybe something happened." Mikial suggested.
Sabrina paced. The two men watched her.
"Why don't you TPC him?" Mikial said, telepathically pouring himself some orange juice.
Sabrina glared at him. "What's that?"
"TPC stands for Telepathic Phone Call. It's just what we call telepathically talking over large distances." Vynan answered.
Sabrina sighed. Why didn't I think of that? She thought.
.Mark?
$$$$$$$$$$
I sat bolt upright in bed and clutched the bed sheets tightly. I swear I just heard Sabrina's telepathic voice. I looked about the room. "Sabrina?" I puzzled.
Mark?
It sounded faint and almost fuzzy. Sabrina? Suddenly my head began to throb with pain.
Mark? Are you all right?
Where are you? Talking is making my head hurt.
I'm at home. I guess you're still quite an amateur.
I lay back down in bed. I'm sorry, Sabrina. I wanted to come back but. my dad kinda figured out what we were trying to do. So, basically I'm facing in-house arrest. He doesn't seem to have anything against you, though. Uhhhn. I gotta go. my head.
So. then. this is goodbye?
No, not forever. My dad said that if I wanted to see you he'd have you brought here. but. I don't think your way of getting here would be very comfortable.
She was silent for a long time.
Sabrina?
Silence.
Sabrina?
More silence.
I sighed heavily and held my head. There was a knock at the door.
"What do you want?" I called.
The door opened and Sycamore came in. He shut the door quickly behind him.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Shhhhhh!" He looked extremely paranoid. "Get dressed and come with me."
I puzzled at him, but obeyed. I got dressed and followed him out into the hall.
"Where are we going?" I whispered.
He put a finger to his lips and peeked around the corner. Then he waved at me indicating that the coast was clear. I followed him like this until we came to one of the sub-level floors that I thought was never used. We stopped in front of two huge rusted iron doors. Sycamore flipped open a hidden panel and pushed a few buttons on it. The humongous doors creaked and groaned as they disappeared into the walls. I followed Sycamore inside.
The room was very large, like a gym. Old out-dated machines I had never seen before lined the gray walls. Broken glass littered the floor and somewhere off in the distance was the sound of water dripping.
"What is this place?" I asked looking around in awe. Sycamore walked over to shattered tanks with several hundred wires coming from the mess. I came over beside him. He seemed to be having some kind of flashback. He reached out like he was touching the glass pane that used to be there.
"My career started here." He said. "In this tank a magnificent creature dwelt. and it was my own doing." He said proudly.
"Mewtwo?" I asked.
"No." He shook his head. "Something just as great, possibly greater." He looked around. "Many years ago when I first started my career. a couple other amateur scientist and myself all started here together. You may have heard of some of them. Oak, Elm, Ivy, and Cedar?"
I nodded.
"Ah yes. We wanted to make a super-human. Every scientists dream. Other men and women in this profession would laugh at us for actually believing it was possible. at first it was only experimenting with human and pokemon DNA. none of us ever thought that we actually could clone something and have it live for more than just a few hours."
"Are you implying that you actually made a super-human?"
He looked at the floor and kicked a piece of glass. "He started out like any other human child, except for the fact that he had purple eyes. We hoped that he could live a normal life like any other child, so we put him up for adoption. There was a very nice couple that already had one child, a younger one, that had accepted the responsibility. We told them all he was capable of according to our research. However they never reported that he had done something drastic, just simple telekinetic things like teleporting and moving objects around. oh, he was such a sweet little kid. then we were told that the poor thing was being tortured at school because he was quite small and had purple eyes. We did all we could but it didn't seem to help. the next we heard he had run away." He sighed. "After that. Team Rocket came. They forced us to work for them. They wanted us to make more of these super-humans. but our data was erased by a spy from a rivaling company." He became very quiet and withdrawn. He walked away and quietly made his way around the huge room, looking at things and sometimes smiling or became angry.
"Sycamore? What was his name?" I asked.
"Avyrian Onan. It means 'of two worlds'. Appropriate, no?"
I half smiled in agreement. "So, what was he capable of?"
"Just about every pokemon attack. He had enough strength to stop a semi in its tracks if it was traveling 60mph. oh, there was so much."
"Do you think he's still around?"
"Definitely. He was designed to live for 300 years and not to age a year older after he hit 20."
"How old would he be now?"
"Thirty-six."
"Hmmmm. very interesting."
"Yes, I knew you would be interested."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sabrina was out, so Vynan went out onto the back porch and leaned on the railing. He closed his eyes and felt the sun on his face. A warm breeze blew and he inhaled the scent of Sabrina's garden. He paid no attention to his hair wildly thrashing around his face.
"What a fine day." He said to the air. The wind blew a little harder. He closed his eyes once more and listened. There was a strange song on the wind. It was sad but beautiful. Vynan listened. It reminded him of when he was young. His parents smiling faces. watching Mikial from a distance. he never quite understood why Kial was so mean to him, when he had been so nice to him. As much as he knew, the big brother was supposed to be mean to the little brother, not the other way around.
He thought of how happy, how free he had felt when he'd run away from home, but at the same time he had felt guilty for leaving. He knew his parents would be worried.
Life was good now though. Mikial was with him, and they were happy together. He smiled and took off his shirt. He leaned back on the railing and examined the necklace around his neck. It was a sun with a cresant moon in front of it, made of genuine gold and silver, on a bronze chain. He held it tightly. There had never been a moment of his life where he did not have this necklace, as far as he knew. He didn't even remember when or who gave it to him, he'd just always had it.
"Whatcha thinking about?" Mikial limped onto the porch and made his way over to his brother.
"Mikial! What are you doing out of bed?"
"Do you know how nerve-wracking total silence is?"
Vynan rolled his eyes and smiled.
"And I suddenly had a strong desire to gaze upon my brother's perfect body."
"WHAT?????" Vynan turned sharply.
"I'm kidding!" Mikial held his hands up defensively.
Vynan gave him a suspicious look.
"Sorry. it was a joke, kay?"
Vynan leaned on the railing again. Mikial joined him.
"You really know how to ruin a good mood."
"I said I was sorry."
Vynan sighed.
"You were thinking about something deep. You only look at that necklace when you think about deep stuff."
"How do you know?" He asked looking out of the corner of his eye.
"I watch you when you're thinking. It's so cool to watch you go through all those emotions. There are a lot of faces you make when you're thinking that I never see you make anywhere else."
Vynan gave him a "you're weird" look.
"You didn't know that I watched you, did you?" Kial looked at him smugly.
"I do now."
"What do you think about?" He asked curiously.
"When I was little. not too long ago the wind was singing."
"And you think I'm weird. you think about how mean I was. don't you?"
"Yes, but I don't hold grudges against you."
Mikial's eyes grew large and filled with tears. "What's the matter with me? Why do you always make me cry?"
Vynan pulled him close. "I don't know."
Mikial snuggled into his bare chest. "I could never apologize enough for what I did to you. it hurts so. badly. how do you forgive so easily?"
Vynan put a finger to Mikial's lips. "It doesn't matter Mikial." He whispered. "Let's get you back to bed." He carefully picked up his brother, as to prevent hurting his hip. Mikial wrapped his arms around his brother's thick neck. The two of them went up the stairs and into the bedroom. Vynan carefully laid Kial on the bed.
"You will stay awhile, right?" Kial asked giving Vynan the puppy eyes.
Vynan sat on the edge of the bed.
"It wouldn't be too weird if I asked you to come nearer, would it?"
Vynan swung his legs onto the bed (well about from his knees down still hung off the end of the bed since he is so long) and settled down beside his little brother. Mikial laid his head on his brother's massive chest. Vynan sighed and stroked Kial's hair. Kial shivered a little.
"Are you okay?" Vynan asked.
"Yeah." Kial closed his eyes.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I was in my room again. Dad had found me wandering around the lower levels in my p.j.'s and got mad. He was on the verge of killing poor Sycamore, and probably would have if I hadn't been there to stop him. Poor Sycamore. he really was a cool old guy. I sighed and sluggishly got dressed. Then I began to wonder if I'd be going to school this year. The end of August was approaching.
I went out into the hall feeling that I was dressed good enough for my father. Nana had certainly been right about how he was so uptight about appearance. I went to his office and knocked on the door.
"Come in." He barked from inside. When I came in he immediately looked me over for any flaw.
"The inside of your pocket is sticking out." He grumbled.
I stuffed it in quickly.
He seemed satisfied and leaned back in his chair.
"Having a rough day?" I asked.
"Everyday is a rough day."
I nodded.
"So, what is it that you want?"
"I wanted to know if I'd be going to school this year."
He took a sip of his wine. "No. You would have only gone to school for one marking period anyway. Your senior year?"
"Yes, sir."
He nodded. "Collage is not needed for this job. Though it has its days this job is very rewarding. You will see. Now do you need anything else? I'm afraid I don't have much time right now. In a couple of days I'll have Olaf give you some assignments."
I raised an eyebrow. "Assignments?"
"Yes. You'll learn more later."
I studied the floor. "Am I allowed to see the Mewtwos?"
"Ah, yes, that reminds me. Sycamore has something for you. Make sure you see him first."
"Yes, sir."
"Now be on your way."
I went out into the hall and found Sycamore's office. I gave him quite a surprise when I came in. Apparently he hadn't been expecting me.
"Mark! You frightened me. Not many people will come in here."
"Really? Why?"
"I don't know. I guess they figure I'll do something odd."
I raised an eyebrow. "Giovanni said you had something for me?"
He sighed and frowned. "Yes, I'm afraid I do, but it's not something you're going to like." He shuffled over to a file cabinet and took out and interesting-looking necklace. He gave it to me and I examined it. It was a silver triangle with a green gem in the middle on a silver chain. As I held it, I felt strange. Sycamore grimaced as I put it on.
"Weird. it makes me feel strange."
Sycamore looked away from me and took a loud breath. "It would be very cruel of me not to tell you why. but please, remember that I am only doing what I am told for the sake of my own life."
I looked down at the charm lying against my chest. Then I realized what he was about to tell me. He watched my face fall.
"I don't need to tell you, do I?"
I tried to take the necklace off, but it only made my fingers numb and unable to move.
"I'm sorry, Mark. but you're father has control of your powers now." He swallowed hard.
"It's alright." I sighed. "I should have seen this coming."
Sycamore looked relieved. "Well, if it makes you feel better, I'd be happy to show you to the Mewtwos. They've been moved to another room." He smiled. I thought that was odd. I'd never seen him smile before.
He motioned for me to follow him. We ended up on the 5th sub level. I followed him into one of the rooms. It was an observation room like the one the Mewtwos had been in before. I looked trough the window. The Mewtwos were lying on a mattress each with their own blanket and the floor was carpeted. There was even a table in one of the corners.
Sycamore watched my face lighten up. He sighed. "It took quite a lot of begging and it came out of my own paycheck, but I think it'll be worth it."
"Yeah." I said.
Sycamore's smile slowly dispersed. "You wish you could talk to them, don't you?"
I nodded and leaned on the glass.
"You can go in if you want."
I looked back at him and half smiled.
He took out his keys and unlocked the door. I went inside and quietly approached the mattress. Sheba's ears twitched and she lifted her head.
What do you want now? She said with a yawn. She opened her eyes. She blinked when she saw me.
Mark?
I smiled. "Hi."
She sniffed at me. You are silent? She squinted.
I looked elsewhere. "Yeah. my dad doesn't trust me."
Mewtwo sat up and didn't hesitate to glare at me. I glared back.
"What are you staring at? I just lost my powers because of you."
He snorted and got off of the mattress. Sheba watched him.
Well, I am happy to see you. but now I have the feeling that you're not going to be able to get us out of here.
"I don't think I could have from the start."
She looked down at her stomach. I'm scared, Mark.
I sighed. "So am I."
She puzzled.
"I'm afraid that the two of you may be right. Giovanni was making sense to me. I'm becoming evil against my own will."
You have to fight it, Mark. You were our only hope. You can't give up on us, yet! She traced my jaw with her large, round fingertips.
I closed my eyes. Her hands were so soft.
Mewtwo snorted from the table.
Never mind him. She said softly.
I gently took her hand off my face. "What are you trying to do, Sheba?"
She looked into my eyes. Don't give up on us, Mark. Don't give up on yourself.
I let go of her hand. It immediately reached up and stroked my hair. "Sheba."
Shhhhhh. She cooed.
Alright! That's enough! I get it now! Stop fondling him will you? Mewtwo fumed, stomping over to the mattress where we sat.
Sheba calmly looked up. For some reason this didn't seem like her. What's there to get?
Mewtwo squinted at her. You're trying to make me jealous.
Sheba got up in one motion and seemed to glide across the floor. Why would I want to do that? You don't even love me. You feel you have to love me because of what happened. Her gaze rested on me. She smiled warmly. There was someone else who made my heart start pumping whenever I saw him.
My stomach churned. Is she implying that she loves *me*?
Mewtwo scowled at her more if that was even possible. He crossed his arms.
No. I took what I could get. (OH! BURNT!!! I'll bet he feels real crunchy now)
I went as quietly to the door as I could. Sycamore was there waiting for me. I got out of there as fast as I could.
"What was going on in there?"
Both of us when to the window and watched the Mewtwos through emotions at each other, since neither one of us could hear them.
"Sheba told him that she knew he didn't love her."
"He doesn't really love her?"
"That seems to be the case. Sheba said that he's making himself love her because of what happened."
Sycamore looked ashamed.
"I think she was hinting that she loved me."
Sycamore started at me. "Actually that doesn't surprise me much."
"Why not?"
"When you came in here that first time. her ears really perked when you telepathically spoke to her. She always seemed so happy when you came here to visit."
Now I felt bad. I stared at the floor.
"You love Sabrina, though, don't you?"
I turned my attention to him. "How did you know?"
He smiled. "Things get around."
"She's a pokemon though. even if I did like her like that."
"It's impossible?"
"Yeah, isn't it?"
Sycamore sighed. "She does have quite a bit of human DNA, both of them do. I think she may very well be 'compatible', so to speak, with humans."
I blinked, and then shook my head. "No. that be really weird."
Sycamore and I looked back in the window. The Mewtwos were now on separate sides of the room.
"A very interesting thing to think about. I'll have to do some research on that." Sycamore concluded.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I sat in my corner with my back to her. How could she say such things to me? But, then again, was she right? Was I only loving to her because I felt I had to be? I was. I had no other evidence to prove I was wrong. I remembered thinking to myself about the child. that was the only part that mattered. I'd even considered killing Sheba, to rid the earth of that child, for surly Giovanni would shape it to his ways. But wait, I had decided not to. Why? Was it because I didn't want bloody hands or did I love her?
I looked over my shoulder at her.
I became angry when she was fondling Mark. I was being protective of her, like I had done after Giovanni had shot me. That boy had a slight smell of evil and I was protecting her from it. But, now. after all of these hateful words. was all she said true? She doesn't love me, either? Wait I said that wrong. I do love her. do I not? I'm so confused!
Sheba?
What do you want?
Is it true? Do you really love that human boy?
She was silent for a moment then began to cry.
I bit my lip and looked elsewhere then decided I would go comfort her. To my surprise she let me hold her.
Was it just an act, Sheba? You wanted to know whether or not I did actually love you?
She choked and nodded. But I do care for Mark. He's given me hope, and that is such a precious gift to me.
I sighed. Sheba.
Yes?
I think I really do love you.
She looked up at me through her tears. You. do?
I nodded. A corner of her mouth lifted.
I'm sorry. She said.
I pulled her close. Don't be. It was my fault.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sabrina came home and set the groceries on the kitchen table. I wonder where the guys are. She went upstairs and peeked into Mikial's room. Vynan lay on the bed, his shirt missing and his legs dangling off the end of the bed, with Mikial sleeping on his chest. She had to admit, they did look pretty cute lying there together like that. Vynan spotted her.
I hope you're not getting any ideas. Vynan said telepathically as to not wake his sleeping brother.
Well, it is hard not to wonder. You two are up here a lot together.
We're not gay, we're brothers. We're allowed to be this close.
Sabrina snickered. Right.
Vynan raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
He carefully took Mikial off of his chest and came to the door. Sabrina couldn't help checking out his eight-pack (yes, eight pack this guy is unbelievably buff).
Vynan snickered. "Checkin' out the gay guy now, huh?"
Sabrina glared at him. "Keep on dreaming."
"Alright. I will." He went down the stairs and got his shirt off of the porch. He put it back on. "You really don't mind us staying here, do you?" He asked as he came back inside.
"It's better that being here alone, I suppose."
"What's up with Mark?"
"He's in house arrest."
"Dad keeping him there?"
"Yeah, I think he found out."
"Oh. that's not good."
"Nope." Sabrina started putting the groceries away.
$$$$$$$$
"Ah! Mark. How do you like your necklace?" Giovanni asked, a smirk on his face.
"A fair punishment I suppose."
Giovanni nodded. "Yes, it was hard to believe that you would betray me, even if you did oppose me."
I smirked. "Yes, it is."
End of this chapter!
Is he really going to kill me? I felt my knees begin to knock together.
He'd finished loading the gun. but he walked pass me. In one swift movement he opened the door to the observation room and flicked on the lights. Sheba turned away from the window/mirror and stared at him. Mewtwo groaned from his corner and sleepily looked up. He pointed the gun at Mewtwo.
"NO!" I ran into the room and hit the gun just as he fired. The bullet ricocheted around the room several times before finally ending up in Giovanni's foot.
"Damn you, boy!" He cringed and put his weight on his other leg.
I stood there dumbfounded at what I had done. Is this how it's going to be? Do I really care more about the well being of two pokemon clones rather than my own father's safety? After all those years wondering if I had a real father? Could this really be where I belong? Is this my family?
I heard a whimper, but it wasn't my father. No, my father was now in the next room cursing his head off at me. I turned my attention to the Mewtwos. Sheba was sitting next to Mewtwo and there was dark, almost purple, blood on the floor. I came up behind Sheba expecting to see something horrible, but it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. Mewtwo had been shot in the shoulder and dislocated his arm. I stared at them for a while.
I'm so confused. I don't know what to do.
Mark.
Sheba?
What just happened?
I thought for a long while. Sheba waited patiently.
No. I can't let this go on. I. I have to.
Sheba puzzled.
I'll have to be a double agent.
Double agent?
I turned and went for the door. Giovanni was still there. He was still cursing me as he tried to get his foot to stop bleeding.
"You're right. father. I'm so sorry for my naive ness."
"What?"
"I said you're right."
He looked up at me suspiciously. I came closer and put my hand on his foot. The bullet was spat out and the wound closed, leaving a scar and a nice hole in his sock, not to mention his shoe. I stared into his cold, heartless eyes and let my mouth twist into an evil smirk.
"You've shown me the light, now I want to be immersed in it. Teach me your ways."
He glared back, searching me for any sign of a lie. I hoped my act was enough. "Very well. But, because of recent events. you will be under a watchful eye. You will have to earn your trust."
I nodded. "Tell me one thing, father. You won't kill the Mewtwos, will you?"
He half smiled. "I know you have a strange love for the poor creatures. Their well-being will depend on your behavior."
He carefully stood on his foot. He was relieved when it did not cause him pain to put his full weight on it. He went for the door. One of the scientists came in.
"I'll allow you heal Mewtwo for now. Sycamore, keep an eye on him. One more thing, Mark, I forbid you to visit Sabrina. If you wish to see her I will have her brought here."
He left, the door slamming behind him. Sycamore eyed me and twitched nervously.
"I'm not going to do anything to you. You're not worth my time."
He seemed a hint relieved and turned to the window. He stared, blinking and scrunching up his eyebrows. "What happened in there? All the blood." He said quietly to himself.
"Things got a little out of hand." I said. I went back into the observation room.
Sheba glanced over at me and started to sob. Mewtwo cut his eyes at me and put his arms around Sheba.
You're turning against us. He said with a hiss.
No, I'm trying to get him to trust me. Surly you know about mind games. Won't you let me help you with that shoulder?
Mark. you're turning evil, I can smell it. It's creeping up on you and it will take over. Sheba said.
No it won't Sheba. I won't let it.
She wiped her face on Mewtwos chest. I hope you know what you're getting into.
Mewtwo licked his wounded shoulder and growled when I tried to touch him. Leave me alone. I can take care of myself even if I do not have my powers.
Two, you don't have to be so mean to him. He did just save your life.
Humph. I believe I would have been less injured if he had not interfered.
Sheba sniffed and looked at me apologetically. I gave them a hurt look and left, looking back once. Sycamore stopped me when I got to the door.
"You. you don't want to see them hurt, do you?"
I gave him a questioning look.
"You've a big heart, I see. You're not Rocket material. I saw the whole thing. very brave of you, standing up to the boss like that. then convincing him not to kill anything. You've really got a way with him." The corner of his mouth lifted, like he was trying to remember how to smile. He was silent for some time. "I didn't come into this of my own will, you know." He said putting a hand in his pant pocket and leaning on a nearby table. "No, I was forced into this. most of us scientists were. Lot of'em were turned evil after a while. never got to me though. I try to hide it best I can. Yep. been working here for 40 years or so." He stared at the wall.
"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.
He looked at me. His eyes were not in the least bit cold like most of the people who worked here. He looked like the kind of old guy that lets little kids come into his house and he'd give them candy or tell them stories. "I don't know. maybe I'm trying to tell you to keep up whatever you're trying to do. You seem like a nice kid. Don't go getting yourself killed though, you hear?"
I smirked. "Right."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Where the heck is Mark? He said he'd only be gone for a night!" Sabrina fumed. Vynan slowly backed away. He could tell this woman was a raging volcano in disguise.
"Maybe something happened." Mikial suggested.
Sabrina paced. The two men watched her.
"Why don't you TPC him?" Mikial said, telepathically pouring himself some orange juice.
Sabrina glared at him. "What's that?"
"TPC stands for Telepathic Phone Call. It's just what we call telepathically talking over large distances." Vynan answered.
Sabrina sighed. Why didn't I think of that? She thought.
.Mark?
$$$$$$$$$$
I sat bolt upright in bed and clutched the bed sheets tightly. I swear I just heard Sabrina's telepathic voice. I looked about the room. "Sabrina?" I puzzled.
Mark?
It sounded faint and almost fuzzy. Sabrina? Suddenly my head began to throb with pain.
Mark? Are you all right?
Where are you? Talking is making my head hurt.
I'm at home. I guess you're still quite an amateur.
I lay back down in bed. I'm sorry, Sabrina. I wanted to come back but. my dad kinda figured out what we were trying to do. So, basically I'm facing in-house arrest. He doesn't seem to have anything against you, though. Uhhhn. I gotta go. my head.
So. then. this is goodbye?
No, not forever. My dad said that if I wanted to see you he'd have you brought here. but. I don't think your way of getting here would be very comfortable.
She was silent for a long time.
Sabrina?
Silence.
Sabrina?
More silence.
I sighed heavily and held my head. There was a knock at the door.
"What do you want?" I called.
The door opened and Sycamore came in. He shut the door quickly behind him.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Shhhhhh!" He looked extremely paranoid. "Get dressed and come with me."
I puzzled at him, but obeyed. I got dressed and followed him out into the hall.
"Where are we going?" I whispered.
He put a finger to his lips and peeked around the corner. Then he waved at me indicating that the coast was clear. I followed him like this until we came to one of the sub-level floors that I thought was never used. We stopped in front of two huge rusted iron doors. Sycamore flipped open a hidden panel and pushed a few buttons on it. The humongous doors creaked and groaned as they disappeared into the walls. I followed Sycamore inside.
The room was very large, like a gym. Old out-dated machines I had never seen before lined the gray walls. Broken glass littered the floor and somewhere off in the distance was the sound of water dripping.
"What is this place?" I asked looking around in awe. Sycamore walked over to shattered tanks with several hundred wires coming from the mess. I came over beside him. He seemed to be having some kind of flashback. He reached out like he was touching the glass pane that used to be there.
"My career started here." He said. "In this tank a magnificent creature dwelt. and it was my own doing." He said proudly.
"Mewtwo?" I asked.
"No." He shook his head. "Something just as great, possibly greater." He looked around. "Many years ago when I first started my career. a couple other amateur scientist and myself all started here together. You may have heard of some of them. Oak, Elm, Ivy, and Cedar?"
I nodded.
"Ah yes. We wanted to make a super-human. Every scientists dream. Other men and women in this profession would laugh at us for actually believing it was possible. at first it was only experimenting with human and pokemon DNA. none of us ever thought that we actually could clone something and have it live for more than just a few hours."
"Are you implying that you actually made a super-human?"
He looked at the floor and kicked a piece of glass. "He started out like any other human child, except for the fact that he had purple eyes. We hoped that he could live a normal life like any other child, so we put him up for adoption. There was a very nice couple that already had one child, a younger one, that had accepted the responsibility. We told them all he was capable of according to our research. However they never reported that he had done something drastic, just simple telekinetic things like teleporting and moving objects around. oh, he was such a sweet little kid. then we were told that the poor thing was being tortured at school because he was quite small and had purple eyes. We did all we could but it didn't seem to help. the next we heard he had run away." He sighed. "After that. Team Rocket came. They forced us to work for them. They wanted us to make more of these super-humans. but our data was erased by a spy from a rivaling company." He became very quiet and withdrawn. He walked away and quietly made his way around the huge room, looking at things and sometimes smiling or became angry.
"Sycamore? What was his name?" I asked.
"Avyrian Onan. It means 'of two worlds'. Appropriate, no?"
I half smiled in agreement. "So, what was he capable of?"
"Just about every pokemon attack. He had enough strength to stop a semi in its tracks if it was traveling 60mph. oh, there was so much."
"Do you think he's still around?"
"Definitely. He was designed to live for 300 years and not to age a year older after he hit 20."
"How old would he be now?"
"Thirty-six."
"Hmmmm. very interesting."
"Yes, I knew you would be interested."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sabrina was out, so Vynan went out onto the back porch and leaned on the railing. He closed his eyes and felt the sun on his face. A warm breeze blew and he inhaled the scent of Sabrina's garden. He paid no attention to his hair wildly thrashing around his face.
"What a fine day." He said to the air. The wind blew a little harder. He closed his eyes once more and listened. There was a strange song on the wind. It was sad but beautiful. Vynan listened. It reminded him of when he was young. His parents smiling faces. watching Mikial from a distance. he never quite understood why Kial was so mean to him, when he had been so nice to him. As much as he knew, the big brother was supposed to be mean to the little brother, not the other way around.
He thought of how happy, how free he had felt when he'd run away from home, but at the same time he had felt guilty for leaving. He knew his parents would be worried.
Life was good now though. Mikial was with him, and they were happy together. He smiled and took off his shirt. He leaned back on the railing and examined the necklace around his neck. It was a sun with a cresant moon in front of it, made of genuine gold and silver, on a bronze chain. He held it tightly. There had never been a moment of his life where he did not have this necklace, as far as he knew. He didn't even remember when or who gave it to him, he'd just always had it.
"Whatcha thinking about?" Mikial limped onto the porch and made his way over to his brother.
"Mikial! What are you doing out of bed?"
"Do you know how nerve-wracking total silence is?"
Vynan rolled his eyes and smiled.
"And I suddenly had a strong desire to gaze upon my brother's perfect body."
"WHAT?????" Vynan turned sharply.
"I'm kidding!" Mikial held his hands up defensively.
Vynan gave him a suspicious look.
"Sorry. it was a joke, kay?"
Vynan leaned on the railing again. Mikial joined him.
"You really know how to ruin a good mood."
"I said I was sorry."
Vynan sighed.
"You were thinking about something deep. You only look at that necklace when you think about deep stuff."
"How do you know?" He asked looking out of the corner of his eye.
"I watch you when you're thinking. It's so cool to watch you go through all those emotions. There are a lot of faces you make when you're thinking that I never see you make anywhere else."
Vynan gave him a "you're weird" look.
"You didn't know that I watched you, did you?" Kial looked at him smugly.
"I do now."
"What do you think about?" He asked curiously.
"When I was little. not too long ago the wind was singing."
"And you think I'm weird. you think about how mean I was. don't you?"
"Yes, but I don't hold grudges against you."
Mikial's eyes grew large and filled with tears. "What's the matter with me? Why do you always make me cry?"
Vynan pulled him close. "I don't know."
Mikial snuggled into his bare chest. "I could never apologize enough for what I did to you. it hurts so. badly. how do you forgive so easily?"
Vynan put a finger to Mikial's lips. "It doesn't matter Mikial." He whispered. "Let's get you back to bed." He carefully picked up his brother, as to prevent hurting his hip. Mikial wrapped his arms around his brother's thick neck. The two of them went up the stairs and into the bedroom. Vynan carefully laid Kial on the bed.
"You will stay awhile, right?" Kial asked giving Vynan the puppy eyes.
Vynan sat on the edge of the bed.
"It wouldn't be too weird if I asked you to come nearer, would it?"
Vynan swung his legs onto the bed (well about from his knees down still hung off the end of the bed since he is so long) and settled down beside his little brother. Mikial laid his head on his brother's massive chest. Vynan sighed and stroked Kial's hair. Kial shivered a little.
"Are you okay?" Vynan asked.
"Yeah." Kial closed his eyes.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I was in my room again. Dad had found me wandering around the lower levels in my p.j.'s and got mad. He was on the verge of killing poor Sycamore, and probably would have if I hadn't been there to stop him. Poor Sycamore. he really was a cool old guy. I sighed and sluggishly got dressed. Then I began to wonder if I'd be going to school this year. The end of August was approaching.
I went out into the hall feeling that I was dressed good enough for my father. Nana had certainly been right about how he was so uptight about appearance. I went to his office and knocked on the door.
"Come in." He barked from inside. When I came in he immediately looked me over for any flaw.
"The inside of your pocket is sticking out." He grumbled.
I stuffed it in quickly.
He seemed satisfied and leaned back in his chair.
"Having a rough day?" I asked.
"Everyday is a rough day."
I nodded.
"So, what is it that you want?"
"I wanted to know if I'd be going to school this year."
He took a sip of his wine. "No. You would have only gone to school for one marking period anyway. Your senior year?"
"Yes, sir."
He nodded. "Collage is not needed for this job. Though it has its days this job is very rewarding. You will see. Now do you need anything else? I'm afraid I don't have much time right now. In a couple of days I'll have Olaf give you some assignments."
I raised an eyebrow. "Assignments?"
"Yes. You'll learn more later."
I studied the floor. "Am I allowed to see the Mewtwos?"
"Ah, yes, that reminds me. Sycamore has something for you. Make sure you see him first."
"Yes, sir."
"Now be on your way."
I went out into the hall and found Sycamore's office. I gave him quite a surprise when I came in. Apparently he hadn't been expecting me.
"Mark! You frightened me. Not many people will come in here."
"Really? Why?"
"I don't know. I guess they figure I'll do something odd."
I raised an eyebrow. "Giovanni said you had something for me?"
He sighed and frowned. "Yes, I'm afraid I do, but it's not something you're going to like." He shuffled over to a file cabinet and took out and interesting-looking necklace. He gave it to me and I examined it. It was a silver triangle with a green gem in the middle on a silver chain. As I held it, I felt strange. Sycamore grimaced as I put it on.
"Weird. it makes me feel strange."
Sycamore looked away from me and took a loud breath. "It would be very cruel of me not to tell you why. but please, remember that I am only doing what I am told for the sake of my own life."
I looked down at the charm lying against my chest. Then I realized what he was about to tell me. He watched my face fall.
"I don't need to tell you, do I?"
I tried to take the necklace off, but it only made my fingers numb and unable to move.
"I'm sorry, Mark. but you're father has control of your powers now." He swallowed hard.
"It's alright." I sighed. "I should have seen this coming."
Sycamore looked relieved. "Well, if it makes you feel better, I'd be happy to show you to the Mewtwos. They've been moved to another room." He smiled. I thought that was odd. I'd never seen him smile before.
He motioned for me to follow him. We ended up on the 5th sub level. I followed him into one of the rooms. It was an observation room like the one the Mewtwos had been in before. I looked trough the window. The Mewtwos were lying on a mattress each with their own blanket and the floor was carpeted. There was even a table in one of the corners.
Sycamore watched my face lighten up. He sighed. "It took quite a lot of begging and it came out of my own paycheck, but I think it'll be worth it."
"Yeah." I said.
Sycamore's smile slowly dispersed. "You wish you could talk to them, don't you?"
I nodded and leaned on the glass.
"You can go in if you want."
I looked back at him and half smiled.
He took out his keys and unlocked the door. I went inside and quietly approached the mattress. Sheba's ears twitched and she lifted her head.
What do you want now? She said with a yawn. She opened her eyes. She blinked when she saw me.
Mark?
I smiled. "Hi."
She sniffed at me. You are silent? She squinted.
I looked elsewhere. "Yeah. my dad doesn't trust me."
Mewtwo sat up and didn't hesitate to glare at me. I glared back.
"What are you staring at? I just lost my powers because of you."
He snorted and got off of the mattress. Sheba watched him.
Well, I am happy to see you. but now I have the feeling that you're not going to be able to get us out of here.
"I don't think I could have from the start."
She looked down at her stomach. I'm scared, Mark.
I sighed. "So am I."
She puzzled.
"I'm afraid that the two of you may be right. Giovanni was making sense to me. I'm becoming evil against my own will."
You have to fight it, Mark. You were our only hope. You can't give up on us, yet! She traced my jaw with her large, round fingertips.
I closed my eyes. Her hands were so soft.
Mewtwo snorted from the table.
Never mind him. She said softly.
I gently took her hand off my face. "What are you trying to do, Sheba?"
She looked into my eyes. Don't give up on us, Mark. Don't give up on yourself.
I let go of her hand. It immediately reached up and stroked my hair. "Sheba."
Shhhhhh. She cooed.
Alright! That's enough! I get it now! Stop fondling him will you? Mewtwo fumed, stomping over to the mattress where we sat.
Sheba calmly looked up. For some reason this didn't seem like her. What's there to get?
Mewtwo squinted at her. You're trying to make me jealous.
Sheba got up in one motion and seemed to glide across the floor. Why would I want to do that? You don't even love me. You feel you have to love me because of what happened. Her gaze rested on me. She smiled warmly. There was someone else who made my heart start pumping whenever I saw him.
My stomach churned. Is she implying that she loves *me*?
Mewtwo scowled at her more if that was even possible. He crossed his arms.
No. I took what I could get. (OH! BURNT!!! I'll bet he feels real crunchy now)
I went as quietly to the door as I could. Sycamore was there waiting for me. I got out of there as fast as I could.
"What was going on in there?"
Both of us when to the window and watched the Mewtwos through emotions at each other, since neither one of us could hear them.
"Sheba told him that she knew he didn't love her."
"He doesn't really love her?"
"That seems to be the case. Sheba said that he's making himself love her because of what happened."
Sycamore looked ashamed.
"I think she was hinting that she loved me."
Sycamore started at me. "Actually that doesn't surprise me much."
"Why not?"
"When you came in here that first time. her ears really perked when you telepathically spoke to her. She always seemed so happy when you came here to visit."
Now I felt bad. I stared at the floor.
"You love Sabrina, though, don't you?"
I turned my attention to him. "How did you know?"
He smiled. "Things get around."
"She's a pokemon though. even if I did like her like that."
"It's impossible?"
"Yeah, isn't it?"
Sycamore sighed. "She does have quite a bit of human DNA, both of them do. I think she may very well be 'compatible', so to speak, with humans."
I blinked, and then shook my head. "No. that be really weird."
Sycamore and I looked back in the window. The Mewtwos were now on separate sides of the room.
"A very interesting thing to think about. I'll have to do some research on that." Sycamore concluded.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I sat in my corner with my back to her. How could she say such things to me? But, then again, was she right? Was I only loving to her because I felt I had to be? I was. I had no other evidence to prove I was wrong. I remembered thinking to myself about the child. that was the only part that mattered. I'd even considered killing Sheba, to rid the earth of that child, for surly Giovanni would shape it to his ways. But wait, I had decided not to. Why? Was it because I didn't want bloody hands or did I love her?
I looked over my shoulder at her.
I became angry when she was fondling Mark. I was being protective of her, like I had done after Giovanni had shot me. That boy had a slight smell of evil and I was protecting her from it. But, now. after all of these hateful words. was all she said true? She doesn't love me, either? Wait I said that wrong. I do love her. do I not? I'm so confused!
Sheba?
What do you want?
Is it true? Do you really love that human boy?
She was silent for a moment then began to cry.
I bit my lip and looked elsewhere then decided I would go comfort her. To my surprise she let me hold her.
Was it just an act, Sheba? You wanted to know whether or not I did actually love you?
She choked and nodded. But I do care for Mark. He's given me hope, and that is such a precious gift to me.
I sighed. Sheba.
Yes?
I think I really do love you.
She looked up at me through her tears. You. do?
I nodded. A corner of her mouth lifted.
I'm sorry. She said.
I pulled her close. Don't be. It was my fault.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sabrina came home and set the groceries on the kitchen table. I wonder where the guys are. She went upstairs and peeked into Mikial's room. Vynan lay on the bed, his shirt missing and his legs dangling off the end of the bed, with Mikial sleeping on his chest. She had to admit, they did look pretty cute lying there together like that. Vynan spotted her.
I hope you're not getting any ideas. Vynan said telepathically as to not wake his sleeping brother.
Well, it is hard not to wonder. You two are up here a lot together.
We're not gay, we're brothers. We're allowed to be this close.
Sabrina snickered. Right.
Vynan raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
He carefully took Mikial off of his chest and came to the door. Sabrina couldn't help checking out his eight-pack (yes, eight pack this guy is unbelievably buff).
Vynan snickered. "Checkin' out the gay guy now, huh?"
Sabrina glared at him. "Keep on dreaming."
"Alright. I will." He went down the stairs and got his shirt off of the porch. He put it back on. "You really don't mind us staying here, do you?" He asked as he came back inside.
"It's better that being here alone, I suppose."
"What's up with Mark?"
"He's in house arrest."
"Dad keeping him there?"
"Yeah, I think he found out."
"Oh. that's not good."
"Nope." Sabrina started putting the groceries away.
$$$$$$$$
"Ah! Mark. How do you like your necklace?" Giovanni asked, a smirk on his face.
"A fair punishment I suppose."
Giovanni nodded. "Yes, it was hard to believe that you would betray me, even if you did oppose me."
I smirked. "Yes, it is."
End of this chapter!