HELLO! Vynan woke up with a full fledged headache. He turned to see his
brother sleeping peacefully. He blinked. Now why is he in here? He looked
around. Wait a second. this is. Mikial's room? He jumped out of the bed.
Okay. where is my shirt? He looked down and sighed, relieved. Oh good.
my pants are still on. only a dream. thank the Lord!! He yanked his shirt
off the bedpost. Man, what a nightmare. He slipped his shirt on and made
for the door.
"No, don't go yet."
"You're awake?"
"No, I'm talking in my sleep."
"How did I get in here?"
Vynan raised an eyebrow. Mikial sat up and looked at the sheets.
"I'm sorry. but I was scared."
Vynan puzzled at him.
"I brought you in here because I was scared."
Vynan pulled his hair behind his ears, letting the long line of stitches down the side of his face be seen. "Why was my shirt off?"
Kial made a confused face. "I didn't take it off of you."
Vynan looked at him suspiciously.
"I didn't do it!" Mikial said angrily.
Vynan sighed. "All right." He started to leave.
"Wait! Please! Don't leave."
Vynan turned around. "Mikial, I'm tired and all this is going to wake Sabrina. Why do you want me in here? Hm? Tell me."
Kial looked away. "I'm at a weak point right now. I'm damaged and my powers aren't working correctly. I. I just don't feel safe."
Vynan snorted. "All these years I've tried Mikial. all those fucking years and only now are you starting to give a damn about me? Well guess what? I don't give a rat's ass! You didn't give a damn when I was at my weak points. Why the hell should I give a damn? All those fucking years I tried to be the brother I was supposed to be and all you did was turn me away, you bitch! You never did anything for me! I'm not giving you gold for shit anymore!" He stomped out of the room and slammed the door.
Kial slumped in the bed and watched Vynan leave. He must have really ticked him off. He'd never heard him cuss so much in one breath. In fact he'd never known him to cuss, ever. Kial started to cry, he couldn't help himself. He didn't cry because Vynan had left or because he'd rejected him; he cried simply because Vynan was angry with him. As far as he could remember this was the first time Vynan had actually truly gotten mad at him. He closed his eyes and hugged his pillow tight. He didn't like how this felt. It felt as though his heart was being ripped within him and. there was no one to save him.
No, he couldn't take this. Vynan was right, and he had to apologize. He got out of the bed and went to Vynan's room. He opened the door and peeped inside. The window was opened and the curtain swayed.
"Vyn?"
No answer.
He went inside and looked around. Not a single trace of his brother. He went to the window. On the windowsill lay a bloody knife and faint psychic residue. What could this mean? He stared at the bloody knife then out the window to the grass below. What did he do? Where was he?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I inhaled deeply. The smell made me dizzy, but I loved it. I found myself purring. Sheba giggled.
Feels good to let go, doesn't it?
Hm hm. oh yes.
She leaned against me and pulled my arms around her. She sighed. Do you think we'll ever get out of here?
Well, I never liked the fact that I may have to put my life in the hands of a human, but I fear it may be the only way. That boy is our only hope.
You really think so? She looked back at me. Her eyes were so innocent and full of hope. I knew it would crush her if I told her there was probably no possibility we'd ever get out of here.
It's fates choice.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I went to the wharf below Fuchsia. It was the only place I could think of to go. I sat down at the tip of a cliff and watched the waves below. Watching and listening to the peaceful sound of the waves always calmed me down. I looked down at my feet in front of me. When I'd gone back into my room my knife that I'd accidentally left open on the table rattled off because of my stomping. It fell and stuck right in my foot, and believe it or not, pulling that thing out hurt worse than when that Rocket slashed the side of my face. Then I realized that was probably going to scare whoever went in there next and discovered the bloody knife and my absence. Most likely Mikial.
I breathed in the salty air. The wind blew my hair out of my eyes. It was dusk now and the sun was setting. I sighed remembering how the family used to go to the beach in the summer and watch the sunset at about this time. I smiled lightly. Those times were about the only moments Kial was actually kind to me.
Yes. Kial. I sighed. My dreams would never relieve of those horrible memories. I shuddered. Just thinking about it was giving me goose bumps. It did seem that he truly was sorry for what he had done. Maybe I had been a little hard on him just now. But I'd given him so many chances. did he really deserve another?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I looked at the piece of paper. "Exercise Slithers."
"Slithers?"
The man smirked at me. "Yep, you got a problem with it?"
"No, but what is it?"
"What does it sound like?"
"A snake?"
"Well done." He whacked me on the back. "Now get your butt moving."
"Right." I made my way to the pokemon holding center not far from the gym. I went inside and immediately covered my ears. It seemed like every pokemon in there was screeching its name at the top of its voice. I fumbled around in my pocket for the piece of paper, one hand still on my ear.
"Okay. number 349. what? 349? Oh man, not again."
I found number 349 and opened the door expecting to find a little Ekans, but no. there was a giant Arbok inside.
"I knew this wasn't going to be good. Stupid number."
"Tchaaabok!" The Arbok said. It almost looked delighted to see me. It slithered out of the little room and blinked at me. It seemed to ask, "What are we going to do today?"
"Uh. Slithers, right?"
It nodded.
"So. what do you feel like doing?"
"Tchaa?"
"Yes, I'm asking you."
It got excited and beaconed me to follow it with its tail. I followed it around the building until we came to the front doors. It pressed its face against the glass door.
"Tchaaa! Tchaaaaabok!"
"You want to go outside?"
It made a happy face. "Tchabok tcha!"
I chuckled at it. "Okay." I opened the door and it went outside.
"Tchaaah." Its eyes sparkled.
"I'm guessing it's been a long time since you've been out here, huh?"
It nodded its head rapidly.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Mikial? What's the matter?" Sabrina cautiously approached the man sitting in the chair by the window.
Mikial looked back at her and tried to wipe away the tears streaming down his face. He showed her the knife. "I found it on the windowsill." He started to choke on his tears. "I think h-h-h-he sssssstabbed h-h-h-h- himself. a-and f-f-f-flew away." His voice trailed away and he put his head in his hands.
Sabrina stared at him concerned and confused.
"It's all my fault." He said quietly. "I was so. I HATE MYSELF!"
Sabrina pulled the sash on her robe tight and sat on the corner of the bed. "What's going on Mikial?"
Mikial calmed himself as best as he could. "I had a girlfriend once. We were engaged and everything. I was so sure we were going to be married. Then a drunk driver killed her. on her way to the wedding. I was about to kill myself, and then Vynan came home. Some way or another he convinced me to keep on living. We started this little pokemon training thing and we grew very close. Whenever I got hurt, he babied me. I mean, he really babied me. Even when we were kids. He wouldn't let me out of his sight. I don't think he even slept until I was well again. That always really hit me hard. It made me realize how much he actually cared for me and I was really being a bitch about it. How much I'd taken him for granted. Now I got hurt again. I guess I was expecting him to baby me again, but he didn't. now that I think about. I think. I think this is the first time I've ever seen him truly mad. He cussed so many times in just one breath." He was silent and stared out the window.
Sabrina watched him. He was motionless. She wondered if he was still breathing even.
"After my girlfriend died he was all I had left." He looked back at Sabrina again. "I brought him in here. it's only because I feel weak and vulnerable right now."
Sabrina stared back at him, directly in the eyes. "Did you do something to him?"
Mikial hesitated. "I just wanted to be near him. to know that he was there."
Sabrina looked disgusted.
"No, it's not what you're thinking!" Kial looked horrified. "Why would you even.?" He didn't finish his sentence. He looked out the window again and seemed to be thinking about something. "Oh. that older boy I remember." Kial turned white. ".he. he." He shuddered. ". and I let him."
Sabrina put her hand on his shoulder. He'd started crying again.
"You must think I'm a really big baby."
"No. not at all."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I felt a whole lot better now. The waves had done their magic. Now it was time to go back to Sabrina's house and apologize for the outburst. I stood up and stretched then took off back toward Saffron.
I wasn't at all surprised to see Mikial sitting at my window. The moment he saw me he stood up and yelled out the window at me.
"Vynan!"
He waited for me to come inside. He looked me over and sighed with relief. "I found the knife and it really creeped me out."
"Knife?"
He held up the bloody pocketknife.
"Oh! Yeah. I dropped it and it got stuck in my foot."
He didn't seem to hear me. He was looking somewhere else. "I'm sorry, Vynan. I. I could never express it enough. I remembered that older boy. what I let him do to you." Mikial was crying yet again. He choked and sputtered.
I sighed. I knew what he was taking about. "Come here."
He reluctantly came closer and I pulled him close.
"I bit that kid. Did you know that?"
Mikial looked up at me, his eyes wet and puffy from crying. "You bit him?"
I nodded. "He screamed like a girl."
We both started laughing.
"Let's forget all of this, huh Kial?"
He held out his hand. "Let's."
I took it. "For brothers we are."
"And brothers we'll be!"
"Never far,"
"But close to me."
"Through toil and snare?"
"You'll always be there!"
"For brothers we are,"
"And brothers we'll be!"
Mikial leaned on me, trying to get the weight off of his hip. "Let's get to sleep huh?"
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Well, exercising Slithers wasn't too bad. He was very obedient. Now I went to find Olaf again which was quite an assignment all its own. This time I found him on the floor dedicated to Special Forces. But, before I approached him something (or someone I should say) caught my eye. A man clad in black leather with long jet-black hair was talking to two other men. I looked at him as I walked, swerving over that way. He was very pale; making his lips look a very bright crimson. His eyes were small, dark, and somewhat menacing. They appeared to be. purple? Could it be? Or were they just a very dark blue? I had stopped now and the man noticed me staring at him.
"Hey, kid! What you staring at?"
I shook when he spoke. His voice was deep, like Vynan's, but it seem light and feathery at the same time.
"Sorry, it's just that you remind me of someone. Hey, could I ask you something?"
One of the smaller men whispered something and they all chuckled.
The man waved me over. "Come' ere kid."
"You're name wouldn't happen to be Avyrian Onan, would it?"
The two other men suddenly looked interested. The dark one laughed heartily.
"I'm real close but not quite, kiddo. My name is Avalon Rowan, but you can't tell anyone or I'll have to kill you. Round here they just call me Lon-Wan or my code name: Black Jack."
The man that had whispered poked my shoulder. "Say, how'd you know 'bout the Supa Human anyway?"
I smirked. "Sycamore."
The other man barged in. "That old coot is still livin?"
I nodded. "Yeah, he's in charge of the Mewtwos."
"Mark!" Olaf had spotted me and was making his way over to us. "What are you doin' over here bugging Jack?"(that's short for Black Jack if you didn't figure it out)
"Oh Olaf, he ain't buggin us. Actually he was quite entertaining, givin us news from upstairs. Ya know, they ain't treatin us like they used to. We used to be worshiped, now all's we get is busywork so we don't complain." He looked beyond Olaf now. "Hey! Domino! Long time, no see!"
A blonde haired girl probably not much older than me came running over and slammed into Jack. "Oh! I missed you Lonny!"
He bent over and picked her up like she was just a little kid. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
One of the other men interrupted them. "How's the mission going?"
Jack put her down.
"Silph Co. is ours! There's no way anybody can break our security. Not even that annoying Ash kid and his two stooges, that ditz and nerd, of his will be able to do anything."
Jack hugged her. "That's my girl!"
She grinned from ear to ear when he gave her a noggie.
I stifled a giggle and turned to Olaf. "So, what do I get to do next? Get a Rhyhorn ready for a beauty pageant?"
Olaf sighed and shook his head but smiled. "No, sorry to disappoint you. You get to work with Domino."
I looked at the blonde girl. She smiled and waved at me, then ran over to me.
"What a cutie!" She giggled and messed with my hair.
Jack laughed at me. "Don't go stealin my girl now!"
"Right." I said. "So, now what?" I asked looking to Domino.
"Hmmmmm." She grabbed her chin in thought and looked me over. "I guess we'll start you off with basic karate, then we'll get into the fancy stuff. You look like you're in pretty good shape, but we'll just have to see, won't we?" There was a malicious glint in her eyes.
I puzzled. "You mean. you're going to teach me the Kung Fu stuff like on TV?"
She smiled. "Yes, silly! Now come on! We must get started right away!" She grabbed my wrist and dragged me off as Jack and the two other guys laughed.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
3 months later.
Sheba! What did they say? Mewtwo asked eagerly waiting for her to reply. She didn't look happy. She went straight to the mattress and turned her back to him. He immediately went and sat next to her. Please, Sheba, tell me.
She looked him straight in the eye. Do you really love me?
Mewtwo returned her gaze. With all my heart.
She smiled slightly and leaned on him. He wrapped his arms around her.
Is there something wrong with the baby and you're afraid to tell me?
No.
Then why such a long face?
I can't tell you.
Why?
Because.
Mewtwo sighed.
You'll find out soon enough.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Mark, meet me in my office."
"Yes, father." I grabbed a doughnut from the kitchen and ate it on the way to his office. I swallowed the last of it and went inside. He was there waiting for me.
"Have you completed your training with 009?" (that's Domino)
I nodded.
He smirked. "Good. You'll be working with the Special Forces for now. Your partner is." He flipped through some papers and stopped on a particular one. He raised his eyebrows. "Well. I didn't expect Gray to put you with him. nonetheless, your partner is to be Avalon Rowan, code name: Black Jack."
I felt my jaw drop. "You're kidding."
My father looked surprised. "Oh, so you've met him?"
I nodded. "I mistook him for Avyrian Onan."
My father stared at me. It made me uneasy and I squirmed in my seat.
"How do you know about Onan?"
"Doesn't everybody in Special Forces know about him?"
"Only ex-spies over the age of 35."
"Oh." I studied the floor.
"Who told you?"
"Sycamore."
He sat back in his chair.
"You're not going to do anything to him, are you?"
"No."
"So. does this mean. I get to go where I want again?"
"We'll see after your first mission. For now I suggest you go talk to Tom Gray about getting you a code name."
I smirked. "Right."
"You're dismissed."
I got up and left. I didn't go straight to the Special Forces floor though. I went to see Sycamore and the Mewtwos first.
"Ah, Mark. Sheba was just asking for you." Sycamore said just as I walked in the door. He unlocked the observation room.
I went inside. To my surprise Mewtwo approached me.
Mark.
"Yes?"
Mewtwo looked like he was having and argument with himself. I wanted to ask you something.
"Ok."
Sheba is hiding something from me. something about the baby. I was wondering if you would be so kind as to find out what it is.
I looked up at him. "Sure. I'll see what I can do."
His eyes were darting all over the place. You have my gratitude. He walked away.
Sheba was looking at me expectantly from the mattress. She had gotten so big she didn't want to move unless she had to.
I sat down and she smiled wearily at me.
"So, what's up Sheba?"
Sycamore's little henchmen did a little examination today.
"Oh, how did it go?"
They had this machine that could see the babies.
"Babies? As in more than one?"
Shhhhhhh! She hissed and looked over at Mewtwo.
I leaned in closer and whispered. "Why don't you want him to know?"
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Vyn, why exactly are we still living here?" Mikial asked sipping his coffee.
"Because, we can't get out of this city 'cause of Team Rocket and Sabrina said we could stay here as long as we wanted."
Sabrina stomped down the stairs. "Who left the toilet seat up AGAIN?"
Vynan and Mikial pointed at each other.
Sabrina fumed. "You better not do it again!"
Vynan nodded, and Mikial saluted her. "Yes Ma'am!" They said in unison.
She squinted at them and got herself some coffee.
"But Vyn, we can teleport remember? I think she's sick of us anyway. heck she's sick of us. She's about to kill us." His voice got softer and softer as he spoke.
"You know, you've got a point there." Sabrina whirled around and twitched at Vynan. Vynan gulped. ". but what about Mark? We gotta bust him outta Team Rocket."
Sabrina sat down at the table with the men and put her head on the table. Vynan and Mikial looked at each other puzzling. Soon sniffling sounds could be heard.
"Sabrina?" Vynan asked touching her arm.
"What?" Came her muffled voice.
Mikial got up and left making a bunch of noise. Sabrina took the hint and raised her head. She swatted her tears away. Vynan looked sympathetic.
"I'm sure he's alright, Sabrina." He said, soothingly.
Sabrina shook her head. "He hasn't been answering when I call out to him. I'll bet his dad killed him or at least beat the stuffing out of him. Or maybe even worse: turned his heart cold and made him evil. They are capable of that you know." She started sobbing.
Vynan scooted his chair next to hers and tried to pull her close. She pushed him away, but he tried again. She gave in this time and let him pull her onto his lap. Vynan held her and let her cry on his chest. He talked to her softly.
"Mark's a smart kid, I'll bet he's playin them like cards. The first chance he get's he'll be coming for you, and it'll be just like in the movies. He'll sweep you off your feet and ask you to marry him."
Sabrina started laughing. "You've got to be kidding! If he does that I'll kill him. even if it is romantic."
Vynan chuckled. "Oh, go on Sabrina. Kial and I both know you like him."
Sabrina swatted at him playfully. "I've got to get ready and get my butt in the gym." She slid off of Vynan's lap and went to the doorway where she stopped. She looked back at him. "Do you really think he likes me that much?"
Vynan smirked. "Even as little as I know him; I'll bet he's being tortured by not being able to see you."
$$$$$$$$$$$$
"How many are there?" I asked in a whisper.
Four. I'm having quadruplets.
"Why don't you want him to know?"
Her face fell and she drew in a long breath. The scientists don't think I'll be able to make it through the pregnancy.
"If you have the children you'll die?"
She nodded. They doubt even the children will survive.
I put a hand on her shoulder and rubbed her soft skin. "You don't want him thinking you're weak or getting all worked up about you dying."
She nodded again. That's exactly it. just when we were getting so close to one another. just when he started softening up.
"Sheba, you have to tell him or he'll be angry that you didn't."
I know but. I don't want to see his reaction.
"They only THINK right? They don't know for sure?"
They sounded pretty sure.
I sighed and looked around. "I can tell him for you. Would you like that?"
Would you, really?
"If you want me to."
She thought about it. Yes. Tell him for me, please.
I got up. Mewtwo's ears immediately perked and he turned around to eye me. I walked over and sat down at the little table with him. The moment he saw my face he looked worried.
It's not good, is it?
I shook my head.
Well, out with it.
"Sheba's having four children, quadruplets."
Mewtwo looked shocked. Four?
I nodded.
He blinked at me then stared at the wall. Four?
"That's not all, though."
His head snapped back around and he stared at me anxiously.
"The scientists don't think she'll be able to make it through. as well as the children."
He just stared, motionless, not even blinking.
"She didn't want to tell you because she was afraid you'd be angry with her for not being strong enough. But, Mewtwo, this only an assumption. There is still hope."
Mewtwo got up from his seat and went to Sheba. Sheba stared up at him looking frightened.
Your sorrows are mine and mine are yours. I will be here for you. He took her in his arms. You will not perish without me at your side.
I quietly slipped out the door and shut it noiselessly.
"She told you, didn't she?" Sycamore asked.
I nodded.
Sycamore sighed. "I wish I could do something."
$$$$$$$$$$
"Hey Kial?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm gonna go out for a while. you wanna come?"
"Nah, I'll stay here. Some pretty cute chicks come to the gym, ya know?"
Vynan laughed. "Yeah. I'm surprised they opened the Saffron gates with Team Rocket still infecting Silph Co."
$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Hey! It's Mark right? I just got word that you're my new partner." It was Avalon. His pale skin seemed to glow in the darkness of the hallway, like snow in the moonlight.
"Yeah. I was just going to see Tom about my code name."
Avalon smiled. His teeth were whiter that his skin. "Ah yes! The commemorative code naming." He cackled. "Come on I'll take you to him. Grey can be pretty scary when you're alone with him.
Avalon was right. Grey was pretty scary. He looked like a drill sergeant only twice more intimidating.
"Hmmmm, yes. a code name." The way he said that made you think he suddenly had an evil idea. His eyes didn't help much either. They looked like they were constantly plotting something against you.
"What would you like to be called, Mark?" He smirked in a menacing way.
I looked to Avalon.
"Hmmmm. how about.Jarohkhan. It means hidden power."
Grey raised an eyebrow. "And why does he deserve such a name?"
Avalon smirked. "You're the head of Special Forces and you don't know why I would say that?"
Grey didn't look amused.
"This kid possesses psychic powers! They're strong, too. I can feel them."
Grey pursed his lips. "Jarohkhan it is." He scribbled it on a piece of paper. "You can leave now."
Avalon and I left quickly.
"Jarohkhan? That sounds pretty cool. How did you know about my powers?"
Avalon smirked. "I'm a psychic too."
"Really?"
"Yeah. but yours are being blocked right now, aren't they?"
I nodded. "My dad had it done so I couldn't free the Mewtwos."
"You're playing him, aren't you?"
"Yeah, you won't tell anyone will you?"
He shook his head. "Secrets are my business."
I smiled. "Thanks."
He stopped and stood in front of me. "You're too trusting. You have to stop that. I'm not saying you shouldn't trust me, but you can't trust everyone."
I blinked at him. "Okay."
He squinted at me. "Hmmmm. you still have lots to learn." He smiled. "First things first, you and I are partners. You look out for me, I look out for you. You don't tell anything to anyone about me, or what we're doing, same for me. Are you getting the picture?"
I nodded. "Good. I can trust you and you can trust me. We put our lives in each other's hands. It's like we're a married couple, you get me?"
I nodded again.
"Excellent. Now the next thing you need to do is get your stuff from your old room. You'll be moving in with me." He started walking again. I followed. "I think you'll like it."
We went down a couple of hallways until we stopped at a door labeled 943.
Its that stupid number again, only backwards. I thought.
Avalon took out a key and unlocked the door in a very strange way. He stuck the key in all the way then pulled it halfway out. He jiggled it twice pulled it out a little more and turned it a fourth of the way. Next he pushed it all the way in again and turned it all the way. The door opened.
"Were you watching? That's the only way the door will open. Safety reasons you know? Like I said can't trust anybody."
He let me inside. This was definitely better than the living quarters I had. Mine was just a bedroom and a bathroom. This was like an apartment. There was a small living room, a kitchen, and a bedroom with two double beds in it.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"What happened to your last partner?"
"Boss had him killed. He was a traitor they say."
"What did he do?"
"He was getting info for one of our rising competitors. They call themselves Dragon Riders."
I nodded. "So, what exactly do we do?"
"Spy, build bases, take out DR bases, track people, pretty much anything the boss wants us to do. Lately he's been giving us Grunt work, though."
"That would be?"
"Robbing people, hi-jacking trucks, stealing pokemon, simple stuff."
"I see."
He sat up. "How about we get your stuff now? Sound good?"
"Sure."
We went up to the Grunt quarters. My ex-neighbors were trying to get their door open as usual. Avalon listened and laughed at the two teenagers.
"JAMES! Why don't you ever remember how to get the stupid door open?" The girl with long red hair yelled. She whacked the purple hair boy over the head.
"OW!! Hitting me isn't going to help, Jesse!" The door came open. The boy sweat-dropped and smiled. "Heh, maybe I was wrong."
The girl stomped inside. "It's a mess in here! Don't you ever clean this pig sty?"
"Well. it's not like we're ever here anyway."
They disappeared into the room, but we could still hear the girl yelling at the poor boy.
We went into my room and gathered my stuff. It was quite entertaining listening to the neighbors quarrel.
Avalon chuckled. "They sound like a classic married couple."
"Yeah. this is only the second time I've seen them around here."
Avalon nodded knowingly. "They probably don't have much luck on their missions so they just don't come back. They're probably afraid to show their faces here."
"Do you know them?"
"Well, they were yelling each others names. Jesse and James." He laughed. "Yeah, I've heard about those two. They're just about the most pitiful of Grunts around here. They haven't done anything but get in the way."
Once we had got my stuff together we went outside and stopped in front of Jesse and James' open door. We watched Jesse beat on poor James for a while.
"Hey, why don't you give the poor guy a rest, huh?" I called into the room.
Jesse sweat-dropped and stopped hitting James with whatever that was she had in her hand. James fell on the floor several bumps sprouting from his head.
"Mind your own business!" She yelled.
Avalon and I laughed and continued down the hallway. We met Giovanni on the way back to Avalon's apartment. He greeted us and pulled me aside for a moment.
"I hope you know that your partner is the best on our Special Forces. You're very lucky."
I smirked. "Well, I know now."
He looked me straight in the eye and squinted. He tilted his head. "You've changed somehow." He smirked. "You make me want to trust you. very odd. but that is a good trait." He reached out and did something to the necklace I was wearing. I felt some of my powers return to me.
"We'll see about getting rid of that thing after you're first mission." He continued on his way.
Sweet! I can talk and read minds again!
Avalon looked confused suddenly.
"What's the matter, Jack?"
"I heard a voice. a voice I've never heard before."
This voice?
He stared at me. So it's you? I shivered. Psychic voices were always darker than your physical voice. Avalon's sounded like a serpents voice. It was deceivingly coaxing and smooth. You had to force yourself not to give in to its hypnotic power.
Yes! It's me, Mark.
He smiled. "You don't like my psychic voice, do you?"
I shook my head.
"Nobody does. I like it though. I've used it to control the weak-minded before. It's rather effective."
"I don't doubt it."
"You won't be influenced though. You've got a strong mind, that's why you are able to use psychic powers and the like."
We got back to the apartment and Avalon had me unlock the door. I passed with flying colors.
"My. you catch on pretty quickly." He said.
"Always have." I said taking my things to the bedroom.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sabrina came into the living room where Mikial was sitting on the couch reading a magazine.
"What time is it?" Mikial asked.
Sabrina looked at her watch. "Quarter to nine. Where's Vynan?"
"He said he was going out for a while." He said turning a page.
Sabrina put her hands on her hips. "When did he leave?"
"This morning."
"And he isn't back yet?"
"No, don't go yet."
"You're awake?"
"No, I'm talking in my sleep."
"How did I get in here?"
Vynan raised an eyebrow. Mikial sat up and looked at the sheets.
"I'm sorry. but I was scared."
Vynan puzzled at him.
"I brought you in here because I was scared."
Vynan pulled his hair behind his ears, letting the long line of stitches down the side of his face be seen. "Why was my shirt off?"
Kial made a confused face. "I didn't take it off of you."
Vynan looked at him suspiciously.
"I didn't do it!" Mikial said angrily.
Vynan sighed. "All right." He started to leave.
"Wait! Please! Don't leave."
Vynan turned around. "Mikial, I'm tired and all this is going to wake Sabrina. Why do you want me in here? Hm? Tell me."
Kial looked away. "I'm at a weak point right now. I'm damaged and my powers aren't working correctly. I. I just don't feel safe."
Vynan snorted. "All these years I've tried Mikial. all those fucking years and only now are you starting to give a damn about me? Well guess what? I don't give a rat's ass! You didn't give a damn when I was at my weak points. Why the hell should I give a damn? All those fucking years I tried to be the brother I was supposed to be and all you did was turn me away, you bitch! You never did anything for me! I'm not giving you gold for shit anymore!" He stomped out of the room and slammed the door.
Kial slumped in the bed and watched Vynan leave. He must have really ticked him off. He'd never heard him cuss so much in one breath. In fact he'd never known him to cuss, ever. Kial started to cry, he couldn't help himself. He didn't cry because Vynan had left or because he'd rejected him; he cried simply because Vynan was angry with him. As far as he could remember this was the first time Vynan had actually truly gotten mad at him. He closed his eyes and hugged his pillow tight. He didn't like how this felt. It felt as though his heart was being ripped within him and. there was no one to save him.
No, he couldn't take this. Vynan was right, and he had to apologize. He got out of the bed and went to Vynan's room. He opened the door and peeped inside. The window was opened and the curtain swayed.
"Vyn?"
No answer.
He went inside and looked around. Not a single trace of his brother. He went to the window. On the windowsill lay a bloody knife and faint psychic residue. What could this mean? He stared at the bloody knife then out the window to the grass below. What did he do? Where was he?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I inhaled deeply. The smell made me dizzy, but I loved it. I found myself purring. Sheba giggled.
Feels good to let go, doesn't it?
Hm hm. oh yes.
She leaned against me and pulled my arms around her. She sighed. Do you think we'll ever get out of here?
Well, I never liked the fact that I may have to put my life in the hands of a human, but I fear it may be the only way. That boy is our only hope.
You really think so? She looked back at me. Her eyes were so innocent and full of hope. I knew it would crush her if I told her there was probably no possibility we'd ever get out of here.
It's fates choice.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I went to the wharf below Fuchsia. It was the only place I could think of to go. I sat down at the tip of a cliff and watched the waves below. Watching and listening to the peaceful sound of the waves always calmed me down. I looked down at my feet in front of me. When I'd gone back into my room my knife that I'd accidentally left open on the table rattled off because of my stomping. It fell and stuck right in my foot, and believe it or not, pulling that thing out hurt worse than when that Rocket slashed the side of my face. Then I realized that was probably going to scare whoever went in there next and discovered the bloody knife and my absence. Most likely Mikial.
I breathed in the salty air. The wind blew my hair out of my eyes. It was dusk now and the sun was setting. I sighed remembering how the family used to go to the beach in the summer and watch the sunset at about this time. I smiled lightly. Those times were about the only moments Kial was actually kind to me.
Yes. Kial. I sighed. My dreams would never relieve of those horrible memories. I shuddered. Just thinking about it was giving me goose bumps. It did seem that he truly was sorry for what he had done. Maybe I had been a little hard on him just now. But I'd given him so many chances. did he really deserve another?
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I looked at the piece of paper. "Exercise Slithers."
"Slithers?"
The man smirked at me. "Yep, you got a problem with it?"
"No, but what is it?"
"What does it sound like?"
"A snake?"
"Well done." He whacked me on the back. "Now get your butt moving."
"Right." I made my way to the pokemon holding center not far from the gym. I went inside and immediately covered my ears. It seemed like every pokemon in there was screeching its name at the top of its voice. I fumbled around in my pocket for the piece of paper, one hand still on my ear.
"Okay. number 349. what? 349? Oh man, not again."
I found number 349 and opened the door expecting to find a little Ekans, but no. there was a giant Arbok inside.
"I knew this wasn't going to be good. Stupid number."
"Tchaaabok!" The Arbok said. It almost looked delighted to see me. It slithered out of the little room and blinked at me. It seemed to ask, "What are we going to do today?"
"Uh. Slithers, right?"
It nodded.
"So. what do you feel like doing?"
"Tchaa?"
"Yes, I'm asking you."
It got excited and beaconed me to follow it with its tail. I followed it around the building until we came to the front doors. It pressed its face against the glass door.
"Tchaaa! Tchaaaaabok!"
"You want to go outside?"
It made a happy face. "Tchabok tcha!"
I chuckled at it. "Okay." I opened the door and it went outside.
"Tchaaah." Its eyes sparkled.
"I'm guessing it's been a long time since you've been out here, huh?"
It nodded its head rapidly.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Mikial? What's the matter?" Sabrina cautiously approached the man sitting in the chair by the window.
Mikial looked back at her and tried to wipe away the tears streaming down his face. He showed her the knife. "I found it on the windowsill." He started to choke on his tears. "I think h-h-h-he sssssstabbed h-h-h-h- himself. a-and f-f-f-flew away." His voice trailed away and he put his head in his hands.
Sabrina stared at him concerned and confused.
"It's all my fault." He said quietly. "I was so. I HATE MYSELF!"
Sabrina pulled the sash on her robe tight and sat on the corner of the bed. "What's going on Mikial?"
Mikial calmed himself as best as he could. "I had a girlfriend once. We were engaged and everything. I was so sure we were going to be married. Then a drunk driver killed her. on her way to the wedding. I was about to kill myself, and then Vynan came home. Some way or another he convinced me to keep on living. We started this little pokemon training thing and we grew very close. Whenever I got hurt, he babied me. I mean, he really babied me. Even when we were kids. He wouldn't let me out of his sight. I don't think he even slept until I was well again. That always really hit me hard. It made me realize how much he actually cared for me and I was really being a bitch about it. How much I'd taken him for granted. Now I got hurt again. I guess I was expecting him to baby me again, but he didn't. now that I think about. I think. I think this is the first time I've ever seen him truly mad. He cussed so many times in just one breath." He was silent and stared out the window.
Sabrina watched him. He was motionless. She wondered if he was still breathing even.
"After my girlfriend died he was all I had left." He looked back at Sabrina again. "I brought him in here. it's only because I feel weak and vulnerable right now."
Sabrina stared back at him, directly in the eyes. "Did you do something to him?"
Mikial hesitated. "I just wanted to be near him. to know that he was there."
Sabrina looked disgusted.
"No, it's not what you're thinking!" Kial looked horrified. "Why would you even.?" He didn't finish his sentence. He looked out the window again and seemed to be thinking about something. "Oh. that older boy I remember." Kial turned white. ".he. he." He shuddered. ". and I let him."
Sabrina put her hand on his shoulder. He'd started crying again.
"You must think I'm a really big baby."
"No. not at all."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I felt a whole lot better now. The waves had done their magic. Now it was time to go back to Sabrina's house and apologize for the outburst. I stood up and stretched then took off back toward Saffron.
I wasn't at all surprised to see Mikial sitting at my window. The moment he saw me he stood up and yelled out the window at me.
"Vynan!"
He waited for me to come inside. He looked me over and sighed with relief. "I found the knife and it really creeped me out."
"Knife?"
He held up the bloody pocketknife.
"Oh! Yeah. I dropped it and it got stuck in my foot."
He didn't seem to hear me. He was looking somewhere else. "I'm sorry, Vynan. I. I could never express it enough. I remembered that older boy. what I let him do to you." Mikial was crying yet again. He choked and sputtered.
I sighed. I knew what he was taking about. "Come here."
He reluctantly came closer and I pulled him close.
"I bit that kid. Did you know that?"
Mikial looked up at me, his eyes wet and puffy from crying. "You bit him?"
I nodded. "He screamed like a girl."
We both started laughing.
"Let's forget all of this, huh Kial?"
He held out his hand. "Let's."
I took it. "For brothers we are."
"And brothers we'll be!"
"Never far,"
"But close to me."
"Through toil and snare?"
"You'll always be there!"
"For brothers we are,"
"And brothers we'll be!"
Mikial leaned on me, trying to get the weight off of his hip. "Let's get to sleep huh?"
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Well, exercising Slithers wasn't too bad. He was very obedient. Now I went to find Olaf again which was quite an assignment all its own. This time I found him on the floor dedicated to Special Forces. But, before I approached him something (or someone I should say) caught my eye. A man clad in black leather with long jet-black hair was talking to two other men. I looked at him as I walked, swerving over that way. He was very pale; making his lips look a very bright crimson. His eyes were small, dark, and somewhat menacing. They appeared to be. purple? Could it be? Or were they just a very dark blue? I had stopped now and the man noticed me staring at him.
"Hey, kid! What you staring at?"
I shook when he spoke. His voice was deep, like Vynan's, but it seem light and feathery at the same time.
"Sorry, it's just that you remind me of someone. Hey, could I ask you something?"
One of the smaller men whispered something and they all chuckled.
The man waved me over. "Come' ere kid."
"You're name wouldn't happen to be Avyrian Onan, would it?"
The two other men suddenly looked interested. The dark one laughed heartily.
"I'm real close but not quite, kiddo. My name is Avalon Rowan, but you can't tell anyone or I'll have to kill you. Round here they just call me Lon-Wan or my code name: Black Jack."
The man that had whispered poked my shoulder. "Say, how'd you know 'bout the Supa Human anyway?"
I smirked. "Sycamore."
The other man barged in. "That old coot is still livin?"
I nodded. "Yeah, he's in charge of the Mewtwos."
"Mark!" Olaf had spotted me and was making his way over to us. "What are you doin' over here bugging Jack?"(that's short for Black Jack if you didn't figure it out)
"Oh Olaf, he ain't buggin us. Actually he was quite entertaining, givin us news from upstairs. Ya know, they ain't treatin us like they used to. We used to be worshiped, now all's we get is busywork so we don't complain." He looked beyond Olaf now. "Hey! Domino! Long time, no see!"
A blonde haired girl probably not much older than me came running over and slammed into Jack. "Oh! I missed you Lonny!"
He bent over and picked her up like she was just a little kid. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
One of the other men interrupted them. "How's the mission going?"
Jack put her down.
"Silph Co. is ours! There's no way anybody can break our security. Not even that annoying Ash kid and his two stooges, that ditz and nerd, of his will be able to do anything."
Jack hugged her. "That's my girl!"
She grinned from ear to ear when he gave her a noggie.
I stifled a giggle and turned to Olaf. "So, what do I get to do next? Get a Rhyhorn ready for a beauty pageant?"
Olaf sighed and shook his head but smiled. "No, sorry to disappoint you. You get to work with Domino."
I looked at the blonde girl. She smiled and waved at me, then ran over to me.
"What a cutie!" She giggled and messed with my hair.
Jack laughed at me. "Don't go stealin my girl now!"
"Right." I said. "So, now what?" I asked looking to Domino.
"Hmmmmm." She grabbed her chin in thought and looked me over. "I guess we'll start you off with basic karate, then we'll get into the fancy stuff. You look like you're in pretty good shape, but we'll just have to see, won't we?" There was a malicious glint in her eyes.
I puzzled. "You mean. you're going to teach me the Kung Fu stuff like on TV?"
She smiled. "Yes, silly! Now come on! We must get started right away!" She grabbed my wrist and dragged me off as Jack and the two other guys laughed.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
3 months later.
Sheba! What did they say? Mewtwo asked eagerly waiting for her to reply. She didn't look happy. She went straight to the mattress and turned her back to him. He immediately went and sat next to her. Please, Sheba, tell me.
She looked him straight in the eye. Do you really love me?
Mewtwo returned her gaze. With all my heart.
She smiled slightly and leaned on him. He wrapped his arms around her.
Is there something wrong with the baby and you're afraid to tell me?
No.
Then why such a long face?
I can't tell you.
Why?
Because.
Mewtwo sighed.
You'll find out soon enough.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Mark, meet me in my office."
"Yes, father." I grabbed a doughnut from the kitchen and ate it on the way to his office. I swallowed the last of it and went inside. He was there waiting for me.
"Have you completed your training with 009?" (that's Domino)
I nodded.
He smirked. "Good. You'll be working with the Special Forces for now. Your partner is." He flipped through some papers and stopped on a particular one. He raised his eyebrows. "Well. I didn't expect Gray to put you with him. nonetheless, your partner is to be Avalon Rowan, code name: Black Jack."
I felt my jaw drop. "You're kidding."
My father looked surprised. "Oh, so you've met him?"
I nodded. "I mistook him for Avyrian Onan."
My father stared at me. It made me uneasy and I squirmed in my seat.
"How do you know about Onan?"
"Doesn't everybody in Special Forces know about him?"
"Only ex-spies over the age of 35."
"Oh." I studied the floor.
"Who told you?"
"Sycamore."
He sat back in his chair.
"You're not going to do anything to him, are you?"
"No."
"So. does this mean. I get to go where I want again?"
"We'll see after your first mission. For now I suggest you go talk to Tom Gray about getting you a code name."
I smirked. "Right."
"You're dismissed."
I got up and left. I didn't go straight to the Special Forces floor though. I went to see Sycamore and the Mewtwos first.
"Ah, Mark. Sheba was just asking for you." Sycamore said just as I walked in the door. He unlocked the observation room.
I went inside. To my surprise Mewtwo approached me.
Mark.
"Yes?"
Mewtwo looked like he was having and argument with himself. I wanted to ask you something.
"Ok."
Sheba is hiding something from me. something about the baby. I was wondering if you would be so kind as to find out what it is.
I looked up at him. "Sure. I'll see what I can do."
His eyes were darting all over the place. You have my gratitude. He walked away.
Sheba was looking at me expectantly from the mattress. She had gotten so big she didn't want to move unless she had to.
I sat down and she smiled wearily at me.
"So, what's up Sheba?"
Sycamore's little henchmen did a little examination today.
"Oh, how did it go?"
They had this machine that could see the babies.
"Babies? As in more than one?"
Shhhhhhh! She hissed and looked over at Mewtwo.
I leaned in closer and whispered. "Why don't you want him to know?"
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Vyn, why exactly are we still living here?" Mikial asked sipping his coffee.
"Because, we can't get out of this city 'cause of Team Rocket and Sabrina said we could stay here as long as we wanted."
Sabrina stomped down the stairs. "Who left the toilet seat up AGAIN?"
Vynan and Mikial pointed at each other.
Sabrina fumed. "You better not do it again!"
Vynan nodded, and Mikial saluted her. "Yes Ma'am!" They said in unison.
She squinted at them and got herself some coffee.
"But Vyn, we can teleport remember? I think she's sick of us anyway. heck she's sick of us. She's about to kill us." His voice got softer and softer as he spoke.
"You know, you've got a point there." Sabrina whirled around and twitched at Vynan. Vynan gulped. ". but what about Mark? We gotta bust him outta Team Rocket."
Sabrina sat down at the table with the men and put her head on the table. Vynan and Mikial looked at each other puzzling. Soon sniffling sounds could be heard.
"Sabrina?" Vynan asked touching her arm.
"What?" Came her muffled voice.
Mikial got up and left making a bunch of noise. Sabrina took the hint and raised her head. She swatted her tears away. Vynan looked sympathetic.
"I'm sure he's alright, Sabrina." He said, soothingly.
Sabrina shook her head. "He hasn't been answering when I call out to him. I'll bet his dad killed him or at least beat the stuffing out of him. Or maybe even worse: turned his heart cold and made him evil. They are capable of that you know." She started sobbing.
Vynan scooted his chair next to hers and tried to pull her close. She pushed him away, but he tried again. She gave in this time and let him pull her onto his lap. Vynan held her and let her cry on his chest. He talked to her softly.
"Mark's a smart kid, I'll bet he's playin them like cards. The first chance he get's he'll be coming for you, and it'll be just like in the movies. He'll sweep you off your feet and ask you to marry him."
Sabrina started laughing. "You've got to be kidding! If he does that I'll kill him. even if it is romantic."
Vynan chuckled. "Oh, go on Sabrina. Kial and I both know you like him."
Sabrina swatted at him playfully. "I've got to get ready and get my butt in the gym." She slid off of Vynan's lap and went to the doorway where she stopped. She looked back at him. "Do you really think he likes me that much?"
Vynan smirked. "Even as little as I know him; I'll bet he's being tortured by not being able to see you."
$$$$$$$$$$$$
"How many are there?" I asked in a whisper.
Four. I'm having quadruplets.
"Why don't you want him to know?"
Her face fell and she drew in a long breath. The scientists don't think I'll be able to make it through the pregnancy.
"If you have the children you'll die?"
She nodded. They doubt even the children will survive.
I put a hand on her shoulder and rubbed her soft skin. "You don't want him thinking you're weak or getting all worked up about you dying."
She nodded again. That's exactly it. just when we were getting so close to one another. just when he started softening up.
"Sheba, you have to tell him or he'll be angry that you didn't."
I know but. I don't want to see his reaction.
"They only THINK right? They don't know for sure?"
They sounded pretty sure.
I sighed and looked around. "I can tell him for you. Would you like that?"
Would you, really?
"If you want me to."
She thought about it. Yes. Tell him for me, please.
I got up. Mewtwo's ears immediately perked and he turned around to eye me. I walked over and sat down at the little table with him. The moment he saw my face he looked worried.
It's not good, is it?
I shook my head.
Well, out with it.
"Sheba's having four children, quadruplets."
Mewtwo looked shocked. Four?
I nodded.
He blinked at me then stared at the wall. Four?
"That's not all, though."
His head snapped back around and he stared at me anxiously.
"The scientists don't think she'll be able to make it through. as well as the children."
He just stared, motionless, not even blinking.
"She didn't want to tell you because she was afraid you'd be angry with her for not being strong enough. But, Mewtwo, this only an assumption. There is still hope."
Mewtwo got up from his seat and went to Sheba. Sheba stared up at him looking frightened.
Your sorrows are mine and mine are yours. I will be here for you. He took her in his arms. You will not perish without me at your side.
I quietly slipped out the door and shut it noiselessly.
"She told you, didn't she?" Sycamore asked.
I nodded.
Sycamore sighed. "I wish I could do something."
$$$$$$$$$$
"Hey Kial?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm gonna go out for a while. you wanna come?"
"Nah, I'll stay here. Some pretty cute chicks come to the gym, ya know?"
Vynan laughed. "Yeah. I'm surprised they opened the Saffron gates with Team Rocket still infecting Silph Co."
$$$$$$$$$$$$
"Hey! It's Mark right? I just got word that you're my new partner." It was Avalon. His pale skin seemed to glow in the darkness of the hallway, like snow in the moonlight.
"Yeah. I was just going to see Tom about my code name."
Avalon smiled. His teeth were whiter that his skin. "Ah yes! The commemorative code naming." He cackled. "Come on I'll take you to him. Grey can be pretty scary when you're alone with him.
Avalon was right. Grey was pretty scary. He looked like a drill sergeant only twice more intimidating.
"Hmmmm, yes. a code name." The way he said that made you think he suddenly had an evil idea. His eyes didn't help much either. They looked like they were constantly plotting something against you.
"What would you like to be called, Mark?" He smirked in a menacing way.
I looked to Avalon.
"Hmmmm. how about.Jarohkhan. It means hidden power."
Grey raised an eyebrow. "And why does he deserve such a name?"
Avalon smirked. "You're the head of Special Forces and you don't know why I would say that?"
Grey didn't look amused.
"This kid possesses psychic powers! They're strong, too. I can feel them."
Grey pursed his lips. "Jarohkhan it is." He scribbled it on a piece of paper. "You can leave now."
Avalon and I left quickly.
"Jarohkhan? That sounds pretty cool. How did you know about my powers?"
Avalon smirked. "I'm a psychic too."
"Really?"
"Yeah. but yours are being blocked right now, aren't they?"
I nodded. "My dad had it done so I couldn't free the Mewtwos."
"You're playing him, aren't you?"
"Yeah, you won't tell anyone will you?"
He shook his head. "Secrets are my business."
I smiled. "Thanks."
He stopped and stood in front of me. "You're too trusting. You have to stop that. I'm not saying you shouldn't trust me, but you can't trust everyone."
I blinked at him. "Okay."
He squinted at me. "Hmmmm. you still have lots to learn." He smiled. "First things first, you and I are partners. You look out for me, I look out for you. You don't tell anything to anyone about me, or what we're doing, same for me. Are you getting the picture?"
I nodded. "Good. I can trust you and you can trust me. We put our lives in each other's hands. It's like we're a married couple, you get me?"
I nodded again.
"Excellent. Now the next thing you need to do is get your stuff from your old room. You'll be moving in with me." He started walking again. I followed. "I think you'll like it."
We went down a couple of hallways until we stopped at a door labeled 943.
Its that stupid number again, only backwards. I thought.
Avalon took out a key and unlocked the door in a very strange way. He stuck the key in all the way then pulled it halfway out. He jiggled it twice pulled it out a little more and turned it a fourth of the way. Next he pushed it all the way in again and turned it all the way. The door opened.
"Were you watching? That's the only way the door will open. Safety reasons you know? Like I said can't trust anybody."
He let me inside. This was definitely better than the living quarters I had. Mine was just a bedroom and a bathroom. This was like an apartment. There was a small living room, a kitchen, and a bedroom with two double beds in it.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"What happened to your last partner?"
"Boss had him killed. He was a traitor they say."
"What did he do?"
"He was getting info for one of our rising competitors. They call themselves Dragon Riders."
I nodded. "So, what exactly do we do?"
"Spy, build bases, take out DR bases, track people, pretty much anything the boss wants us to do. Lately he's been giving us Grunt work, though."
"That would be?"
"Robbing people, hi-jacking trucks, stealing pokemon, simple stuff."
"I see."
He sat up. "How about we get your stuff now? Sound good?"
"Sure."
We went up to the Grunt quarters. My ex-neighbors were trying to get their door open as usual. Avalon listened and laughed at the two teenagers.
"JAMES! Why don't you ever remember how to get the stupid door open?" The girl with long red hair yelled. She whacked the purple hair boy over the head.
"OW!! Hitting me isn't going to help, Jesse!" The door came open. The boy sweat-dropped and smiled. "Heh, maybe I was wrong."
The girl stomped inside. "It's a mess in here! Don't you ever clean this pig sty?"
"Well. it's not like we're ever here anyway."
They disappeared into the room, but we could still hear the girl yelling at the poor boy.
We went into my room and gathered my stuff. It was quite entertaining listening to the neighbors quarrel.
Avalon chuckled. "They sound like a classic married couple."
"Yeah. this is only the second time I've seen them around here."
Avalon nodded knowingly. "They probably don't have much luck on their missions so they just don't come back. They're probably afraid to show their faces here."
"Do you know them?"
"Well, they were yelling each others names. Jesse and James." He laughed. "Yeah, I've heard about those two. They're just about the most pitiful of Grunts around here. They haven't done anything but get in the way."
Once we had got my stuff together we went outside and stopped in front of Jesse and James' open door. We watched Jesse beat on poor James for a while.
"Hey, why don't you give the poor guy a rest, huh?" I called into the room.
Jesse sweat-dropped and stopped hitting James with whatever that was she had in her hand. James fell on the floor several bumps sprouting from his head.
"Mind your own business!" She yelled.
Avalon and I laughed and continued down the hallway. We met Giovanni on the way back to Avalon's apartment. He greeted us and pulled me aside for a moment.
"I hope you know that your partner is the best on our Special Forces. You're very lucky."
I smirked. "Well, I know now."
He looked me straight in the eye and squinted. He tilted his head. "You've changed somehow." He smirked. "You make me want to trust you. very odd. but that is a good trait." He reached out and did something to the necklace I was wearing. I felt some of my powers return to me.
"We'll see about getting rid of that thing after you're first mission." He continued on his way.
Sweet! I can talk and read minds again!
Avalon looked confused suddenly.
"What's the matter, Jack?"
"I heard a voice. a voice I've never heard before."
This voice?
He stared at me. So it's you? I shivered. Psychic voices were always darker than your physical voice. Avalon's sounded like a serpents voice. It was deceivingly coaxing and smooth. You had to force yourself not to give in to its hypnotic power.
Yes! It's me, Mark.
He smiled. "You don't like my psychic voice, do you?"
I shook my head.
"Nobody does. I like it though. I've used it to control the weak-minded before. It's rather effective."
"I don't doubt it."
"You won't be influenced though. You've got a strong mind, that's why you are able to use psychic powers and the like."
We got back to the apartment and Avalon had me unlock the door. I passed with flying colors.
"My. you catch on pretty quickly." He said.
"Always have." I said taking my things to the bedroom.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sabrina came into the living room where Mikial was sitting on the couch reading a magazine.
"What time is it?" Mikial asked.
Sabrina looked at her watch. "Quarter to nine. Where's Vynan?"
"He said he was going out for a while." He said turning a page.
Sabrina put her hands on her hips. "When did he leave?"
"This morning."
"And he isn't back yet?"