Hey.

Wuh? Who is this?

Ah. Right. This is Mark.

Mark? Uh. hi.

Why do you sound guilty?

I. I sound guilty?

Yes.

I. I have a conscience? YES!!!

Alrighty then.

Sorry. what's up? I mean it's not like you talk to me like this all the time.

I know where your brother is.

What?!

I need your help to bust him out.

Buh. bust him out?

The DR has him in a meat locker. I heard he's been beat on real bad.

.where are you?

I'll meet you in front of the coffee shop.

Right now?

How soon do you want your brother back?

I'll be right there.

$$$$$

I lay there struggling for breath. These new wounds hurt worse than the last ones. That could have been because these were acid burns. but who knew. Even now, two days later, they still stung and burned. It was quite amazing, I must say, that I was still alive.

Mark had better hurry. I could practically feel my life slipping just out of grasp little by little. How I longed to see Mikial again. even if he was annoying sometimes. Consciousness was creeping away again..

When I woke I could here voices outside.

"Is it locked?"

"Of course it's locked. Help me bust it."

I could see a light though the barred window. Mark had come back for me. I smiled and closed my eyes. I listened as the door groaned and finally opened.

"Vynan. oh my." Mikial came in and sank to his knees. "What have they done to you?" He hugged me.

Mark came up behind him. "Wow. a lot worse than I thought."

"Where. where are your clothes?" Mikial choked.

"Kial. we really should hurry. Black Jack is waiting."

Mikial picked me up.

$$$$$

They arrived at Sabrina's house. Mikial took Vynan up stairs to the bathroom and put the damaged body in the bathtub.

Vynan groaned. "Please. don't take. me. to the. ha-hospital."

"Shhhhhh. I'm not going to. You're at Sabrina's house. We're going to take care of you." Kial said. He turned on the water and took the showerhead down from its roost. He sprayed Vynan off.

Vynan smiled. "That feels. nice."

"Sabrina and Mark are getting you medicine and bandages and, hopefully, something that will dull the pain."

Vynan stared at his little brother. "I love you Mikial."

Mikial smiled. "I love you too."

"No. I really love you Mikial."

Mikial started to cry. "I love you Vynianan. I really do."

Vynan reached up and hugged his brother. Kial didn't mind the blood staining his shirt.

"I'm sorry. I was so. insensitive when. you hurt your hip. I understand now."

"That was nothing. nothing compared to this."

Vynan let go and Kial continued to spray him off.

Later, Mark and Sabrina returned with Antibiotics (from Sycamore ^-^), rolls and rolls of gauze and "medical" tape, and Tylenol 3 (also from Sycamore ^-^).

Mikial got Vynan out of the tub and carefully dried him off. All three of them carefully bandaged him, and then fed him some medicine. Mikial carefully combed out his hair (that was a LOT of work), took him to bed and put some boxers on him. Vynan was grateful he was no longer naked. He fell asleep instantly. Mikial watched him for a few hours and then went downstairs and cooked up some soup.

Vynan woke up at the smell of food. He immediately reached for the bowl. Kial pulled it away.

"No, no. let me feed it to you."

Vynan put his arms down and let Mikial feed him the soup. Mikial didn't think this would be fun, but it was actually quite rewarding. Vynan sighed satisfied and looked up at his brother.

"That was the best soup I've ever tasted."

Mikial smiled and set the bowl down. He sat on the bed. Vynan just looked at him. Something told him that this was the beginning. but of what?

$$$$$

Sabrina and Mark sat on the couches in Sabrina's living room. The silence was a bit awkward. Neither knew what to say to the other.

Mark was depressed about the whole matter. Avalon had really made him think. At this rate, Sabrina was not for him.

Sabrina didn't know what to do. She was living with three men and all of them seemed to want her attention. Mark had come first and she did like him the best. but then there was Mikial. He seemed to be a better psychic than Mark and he definitely was more affectionate. or was he? She didn't really know. Mark hadn't really revealed his true colors yet.

"Sabrina."

"Yes?"

They stared at each other for a moment. Mark bowed his head. "Are we officially an item?"

Sabrina snorted. "Where'd that come from?"

Mark blinked. "Does this mean you're going to break up with me?"

"No."

"Sorry. you sounded agitated."

Silence again.

"I. I wanted to tell you I'm free again. but."

"Mark. are you saying you want to officially be my boyfriend?"

Mark hesitated. "Well. I thought we kind of agreed on that silently."

"Oh."

"Yeah. and I haven't really been doing too great of a job anyway."

"So, you want to break up with me?"

Mark got up and sat next to her. "I don't know. right now we're all on some pretty choppy water." He took her hands in his. "I mean. look at us. your parents gone. Sheba died. Vynan's battered beyond reason. and then there's this relationship we're so reluctant about. If you ask me, this relationship is like. well. a princess and a street rat. you know? It doesn't seem right to me."

Sabrina gazed into his eyes. She nodded. "I know exactly what you mean. but I still love you." She let herself fall over onto him and he caught her.

"I love you to, Sabrina." He stroked her hair. "But, I can't promise you I'll always be here for you."

"I don't care. One moment with you is better than a whole day without you."

$$$$$

Sycamore watched Mewtwo taking care of his child. He seemed to be getting on quite well despite recent events. It was going to damage him more when he told him about the two other children. He only hoped the pokemon's heart was as strong as his will. He went into the room and approached the pokemon.

"How is she?"

He smiled wearily.

Sycamore smiled. "Delightful."

How are the other two coming along?

Sycamore's face fell, as did Mewtwo's. Sycamore sighed. "We lost one this morning. We just lost the other a few minutes ago."

Mewtwo let Aiji suck on his finger. Thank you for trying. He looked down at her. When will she open her eyes?

Sycamore pulled up a chair. "In a few weeks."

Mewtwo stared at him. You are not a bad human compared to most I have met. You respect me, and I appreciate it. Why do you treat me as your equal?

Sycamore returned Mewtwo's gaze. "Because you are my equal, if not greater. I know what it is like to be mistreated, to have your rights taken away. Believe me, if I had the power to do so, I would free you."

$$$$$

Mikial settled beside me. For once I was actually enjoying his company. He wasn't so bad when he was serious.

"Vyn?"

"Hm?"

"You won't ever run away again will you?"

"Not without you."

Kial smiled. "Were you ever scared?"

"No. I was terrified."

"Why don't you ever fight back?"

"Because. I'll end up killing someone." I looked Kial in the eye. "You don't have any idea of how strong I am. that's why I never wanted you too close to me. I was afraid I'd hurt you."

He laid his head gently on my chest. "Am I hurting you?"

"No."

"What do you think of Sabrina?"

"She's really generous letting us stay here. I wonder how much we're costing her."

"No, I mean."

"Oh. well. she is cute. but I. I thought she liked Mark?"

"She does. but I think they're having problems."

I smirked. "You told her you would be there if things didn't work out, didn't you?"

"Yeah. was that a bad idea?"

"No."

Mikial sighed. "I like this. I never realized you were so easy to talk to."

My hand wandered up his back and ruffled his hair.

"Vyn?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you okay?"

I took my hand off of him. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. You just seem so distant. did something happen?"

"I'm fine Kial. just a little traumatized is all. I told you everything that happened."

"I can't believe you survived all that."

"Neither can I."

$$$$$

So. here I was, drunk again. Humph. Mark seemed to like working the Special Forces. He and Rowan got that mission complete really fast. Old Birch had even confessed to being a spy. That didn't happen often.

Why had I gotten drunk again? Oh yeah. the female Mewtwo died along with three of the four children. Such weaklings. Oh well, at least I didn't need to do something painful to Mewtwo for a while. I'll bet her death was pretty painful.

Hmmm. Sycamore is letting him take care of the remaining child. That could be used to my advantage. Yes, if he doesn't obey, I could take it away.

$$$$$

Avalon paced in his room. The cast on his leg was really bugging him. He hadn't seen Mark since they had rescued his friend. He stopped pacing.

What am I thinking? Mark. is. Mark. I don't need to see him. Is this what this is about?

He went into the living room and sat on the couch.

He grinned to himself. Yeah. somebody that can confuse me and drive me nuts. He leaned back and turned the TV on. But. HE is driving me crazy. AHHHRG!!! Why does it have to be HIM? There's an age difference of. of what? Like 20 years?

Avalon pulled his hair. "DAMMIT!!!"

$$$$$

Eventually, all three of them had ended up in the kitchen. They all had coffee and none were quite awake yet. No one had uttered a word, for it was obvious what had gone on the previous night. Of course, that obvious thing was. absolutely nothing. But, who would break the peaceful silence this morning?

"So. how's Vynan?"

Mark was the loser. He had lost the silence game.

"He's fine. still sleeping." Mikial answered. He was about to nod off again.

Sabrina stared into her coffee cup.

"What now?" Mark asked no one in particular.

Sabrina sighed and sipped her coffee.

"Well. I think I'm gonna go home, take a shower, get some fresh clothes, say hi to BJ. been three days, you know? Kay? Sabrina?"

Sabrina sighed again and nodded at Mark.

Mikial just sat there with a vacant expression on his face. He was probably sleeping with his eyes open by now.

"See ya'll later."

$$$$$

Avalon woke to the sound of the shower running. He absently got up and lumbered over to the bathroom door. It opened as it always had with a squeak, a creak, and then a groan.

"Mornin!" He said. "I didn't hear you get up. mind if I join you?"

"WHAT?" Came the voice behind the shower curtain.

Avalon jumped. That wasn't the voice he was expecting. He stood there and puzzled.

"Avalon? Are you okay?"

Now he realized who was in there.

"Yeah. I'm fine." He started laughing and shook his head. "Sorry about that!" He left and closed the door behind him.

My goodness! You are out of it Avalon. He thought. He made himself some breakfast and sat at the table. He didn't start eating until Mark came into the room.

Mark stared at Avalon for a moment. "Are you sure you're okay? If I'm not mistaken. I swore you just asked to take a shower with me."

Avalon put his head on the table and broke out laughing.

Mark raised an eyebrow and waited for Avalon to collect himself.

"Real sorry, Mark. I thought you were somebody else."

Mark sat down. "And who might that be?"

Avalon opened his mouth. then closed it. He seemed like he was suddenly having a fight with himself. "I.uhhhm. Had a dream last night."

"Oh?" Mark propped up his head with his hand.

"Yeah." Avalon looked away. "About that other guy you brought with you to save your friend."

Mark smirked. "You like him, huh?"

Avalon raised an eyebrow. "And you find that amusing?"

Mark shrugged.

Avalon put his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his hands. "How old is he? Doesn't look too much older than you."

"I don't know. I never asked him."

Avalon nodded once. "Hm."

"So, you thought it was Mikial in the shower?"

Avalon pulled his hair so it covered his face. "Tch. Yeah. I thought I was still dreaming. dream on Avalon."

"Well. do you want to come with me back to Sabrina's house? Mikial and his brother have been living there for a while."

"He has a brother?" He peeked though his hair.

"Yeah. that's the guy we saved."

"Oh. yeah, I'll come. lemme get dressed."

Avalon went into the bedroom and took out his clothes (leather, leather, and. more leather). He sighed and sat on the bed. No. he was too damn cute to be bi. can't be gay either. he's gotta be straight, who am I fooling?

He got dressed anyways and combed out his hair. Maybe I should go as Tanya. nah. he didn't seem interested even though I looked like a woman.

"What's wrong now?"

"He's straight, isn't he?"

"Are you getting cold feet?"

"My feet are fine."

"I don't know. He and his brother get a little weird sometimes."

"Question." Avalon stood in front of Mark. "I still feel weird about the other night. I can't help thinking that there MIGHT have been something there. Was your heart racing like that because you were scared?"

Mark's bottom lip quivered. It was obvious he wanted to respond but couldn't get the words out. This was pretty sudden.

Avalon bit his lip.

Mark turned away. "I. I. I can't believe this."

"No. I'm sorry. it. it was a. r-random question."

The next thing either of them knew, they were hugging.

"I'm beside myself Avalon. I think there was something there. but something else made me say no. and. well.can't we put this back in the freezer and poke it later?"

Avalon let him go. "Yeah. I. I just wanted to know before I went looking for something else." His face hardened. "No. I told you I wouldn't touch you."

Mark sighed. "Truthfully. Avalon. all you were trying to do was comfort me, right? Didn't you say that?"

"Something like that. yes, I guess."

"Then that's all it was. you were trying to be the big brother I never had."

Again they hugged.

"So, how about we go now?"

$$$$$

"Hey guys! I'm back!" Avalon and I went into the kitchen. Mikial and Sabrina were still sitting there.

"Wow. lively little bunch, aren't they?" Avalon leered.

I smirked. "Yeah."

Sabrina looked at Avalon. "And who might you be?"

Avalon looked at me like, "what should I tell her?"

"He's. uh. a co-worker of mine."

Sabrina eyed him. "All right, but if he does anything I'm holding you responsible."

What's the matter with you? I asked her.

You've brought a full-fledged Rocket into my house.

I looked at Avalon. What do you want your name to be?

Black Jack, of course.

Isn't that what.?

"So. does he have a name?" Mikial asked, still looking pretty dead.

"Yeah. it's Black Jack." Avalon replied.

Mikial nodded. "Another Black Jack. hmmm. a guy and a gal."

Avalon looked around. "Pretty nice place you have here."

Sabrina grunted. I gave her a disapproving glance.

"Why don't you sit down?"

Avalon and I sat at the table.

Maybe you should spike that coffee. Avalon said.

I stifled a laugh.

"So. Black Jack, what do you specialize in? Shoplifting? Hi-jacking stuff? Raping innocent girls?"

"Sabrina!"

Avalon started laughing. "Actually I haven't done any of those things."

Sabrina ignored me and sloshed her coffee around in its mug. "Really?" She said, sarcasm in her voice.

"Well, actually I have hi-jacked a semi before. but that was quite a while ago."

Sabrina glared at me. Avalon noticed.

"I've never raided a house before, and I'm not about to begin a career in robbery. I like what I do."

Mikial seemed a little more awake now. "So, what do you do?"

Don't tell him you're a spy.

"I work on the Special Forces. Mark's my partner."

"What do the Special Forces do then?" Sabrina asked.

"Anything." I said.

Avalon smirked. "Right, but I specialize in assassination. Don't think I ever told you that, did I?"

I gave him a surprised look. "No, you didn't."

"Which reminds me." He pulled a paper out of his jacket. "We have another mission. in Celadon."

Sabrina got up and went upstairs. She didn't look so well. I ignored Avalon and followed her upstairs.

$$$$$

"Sabrina?"

She didn't answer. She collapsed onto the bed and erupted in tears. I stood there dumbfounded. Why were women so weird?

"Sabrina what's the matter?"

She sat up and looked at me through her tears. "The police investigation." She choked. "They found out that my parents 'accident' was staged. by Team Rocket."

I sat down next to her and held her. "I'm so sorry. I."

"Mark. maybe it would be better. if you stayed away from me."

$$$$$

Mikial and Avalon sat in silence. Avalon was wondering why the other two had left so suddenly. He decided to break the silence.

"So. you have a brother, right?"

Mikial suddenly looked alarmed. "He's probably awake by now." Mikial got up and headed for the stairs. Avalon followed since he didn't have anything better to do.

Mikial quietly opened the door. "Vyn? Are you awake?"

"Yeah."

Mikial went inside. Avalon peered in. Vynan noticed him.

"Who's that?" He asked Mikial.

Avalon let himself in. "Black Jack." He said extending a hand to Vynan.

Even though Vynan was weak from his awful experience, he still had a strong firm handshake. It rather surprised Avalon.

"Black Jack." Vynan repeated. "Thank you."

Avalon puzzled. "For what?"

Now Vynan puzzled. "Aren't you the guy that was stuck and told Mark where I was?"

Avalon thought about that for a second. "Uhh. yeah. that was me."

Vynan smiled. "In the wrong place at the right time, huh?

Avalon smirked. "Yeah."

"I owe you my life for it."

Mikial stared at Avalon with a hint of admiration. When Avalon looked at him he glanced away.

"Really nice meeting you. I didn't think I'd ever get to thank you." Vynan said. "Would you mind leaving for a minute? I wanna talk to Kial a sec."

"Sure thing." Avalon stepped out side, closing the door behind him. He could hear Mark and Sabrina talking down the hall.

"Kial, did you read that guys mind?"

"No, why?"

Vynan looked out the window. "Never mind."

Kial sat down on the edge of the bed. "I know he's a Rocket. but what if he like Mark? You know, an undercover agent for the police or something."

Vynan laughed. "I don't know about that, but he knows Mark's secrets. I hope he's a loyal guy and doesn't rat on him."

"Is that what you were going to say."

"No. but I think you're gonna find out soon. You can leave now. I don't need anything. I could probably go get a drink or something to eat if I really need it."

Mikial got up. "You better not. I want you to heal up nice and fast. It won't help if you reopen those gashes."

Vynan smiled. "I'm really rubbing off on you, aren't I?"

Mikial glared at him, but smiled. "Be good."

Vynan smirked. "I think I should be telling you that."

Mikial went back downstairs. Avalon was sitting on the couch in the living room.

"Sorry about that. this place is just a home for misfits. somebody's always hurting or alone."

"Sounds like I'd fit right in."

They both laughed. Mikial sat next to Avalon and put his elbows on his knees.

"So, you and Mark knit pretty close?"

"Yeah, he's the best partner I ever had. even if he is just a kid."

Mikial nodded. "Does this mean we'll be seeing a lot of you?"

Avalon smiled. "If Sabrina will let me come back."

Mikial snickered. "She'll come around. say, what's Team Rocket like anyway?"

Avalon thought for a second. "Well. you can do just about anything. I mean, I'm assuming you're looking for something to amuse your self with. so, we've got an amusement park, a ski resort, who knows how many pools and spas. anything you want."

"Any pretty girls there?"

Avalon erupted with laughter. "Oh yeah, there's plenty."

Mikial studied the floor, slightly embarrassed. Avalon put his hand on Mikial's shoulder.

"Having girl trouble?"

Mikial nodded. "I've only had one relationship. we were going to get married, but. the day of the wedding she was killed in a car accident." He shook his head.

"Oh. I'm sorry." Avalon rubbed his shoulder.

Mikial smirked, forcing away the memory. "It's all right. at least I still have my brother." He looked up at Avalon. "Thanks to you."

Mikial was extremely surprised when the man pulled him into a hug.

"You're very welcome." Avalon said. Mikial listened to his words rumble in his chest. Avalon let him go and went outside on the balcony. He leaned on the railing and waited for Mikial to follow him.

Mikial sat on the couch and tried to figure out what had happened. Why had Black Jack just hugged him like that? He stood up and went to the glass door that opened out to the balcony. He stared at the man outside and opened the door.

"Excuse me. can I ask you something?"

Avalon looked over his shoulder at him. "Sure."

Mikial leaned on the railing beside him. "If you are a member of Team Rocket do you HAVE to steal stuff and junk like that?"

"You mean things that get you in trouble with the law?"

"Yeah."

"Man, it's hot out here." Avalon took off his jacket. He didn't have a shirt on underneath. "Well, there are some people who just live there. There's no rent or anything and you can get basically anything you need there. so plenty of people just use it as an alternative apartment complex." Avalon turned his head to look at Mikial. Mikial shut his mouth and looked away.

"Are you okay?" Avalon asked.

Mikial blinked. "I don't know what's gotten into me."

Avalon turned toward him and leaned on his left side. "You look like you've seen a really hot girl and she caught you staring at her. Oh! Did I just say that out loud?!"

"Do I really look like that?" Mikial covered his face.

Avalon snorted. "I was just kidding, but you did kinda look guilty in some way. I mean, you were looking at me, weren't you?"

Mikial looked away. "N-no."

Avalon put his hand on Mikial's shoulder. Mikial jumped and looked at him.

"It's okay." Avalon said. Mikial stared at him, and then looked at the hand on his shoulder. Avalon took his hand away.

"You and your brother are pretty close, I sense it." He turned and leaned back on the railing, really sticking his chest out, like a peacock in *ahem* mating season. Mikial looked him over again. Avalon laughed at him, and Mikial blushed.

"Mikial. do you find me. how to say. attractive?"

Mikial swallowed.

Avalon moved closer to him. "Hm?"

Mikial screamed and ran away.

Avalon leaned back on the railing again. "Yep. he's crazy about me."

Mark and Sabrina heard a scream come from downstairs. Then they heard someone running upstairs. They looked at each other.

"Be right back." Mark said. He went into the hall. The door to Vynan's room was open, he looked inside. Vynan was looking over the side of the bed.

"Mikial? What the heck? Are you okay?"

Mark went inside. "What is going on?"

Vynan looked back at Mark. "Just what I wanna know."

Mikial crept over the side of the bed. "B-black jack. s-scary."

"What did he do?" Mark asked.

Mikial shook his head and put his face in his hands. Mark left the room and went down stairs. He found Avalon sitting on the railing of the balcony, shirtless. He was kind of hard to look at; he was so pale he reflected a lot of light. He went outside.

"What the heck did you say to him? He's hysterical!"

"I only asked him a question."

Mark's jaw dropped. "Tell me it wasn't THAT question."

Avalon crossed his arms. "Define THAT question."

"Did you ask him if he.? Never mind I don't wanna know." Mark turned to leave, but stopped when he felt Avalon's hand on his shoulder.

"Yes, you do. You're upset about this whole thing."

Mark turned back around. "Yeah, that's right BJ. I'm SO upset about you drooling over Kial. Can't you see it in my eyes? I'm about to collapse at your feet and beg you to screw me, 'cause my girlfriend just dumped me!" His voice got louder and more sarcastic with every word. Avalon backed away, a very hurt expression mixed with shock on his pale face. Mark stomped away.

"M-mark. I." His hand hung in the air. He pulled it back and folded his arms as a chilly breeze blew. He looked up and took note of the purple-ish gray clouds looming overhead. He found his jacket and put it on. He sat on the railing once more and found an old pack of cigarettes in his pocket along with a lighter. He stared at it. He never smoked unless something was bugging him. and that wasn't very often.

He took a cigarette out of the package and put it in his mouth. He brought the lighter up to it to light it. The lighter flickered on. but he didn't light the cigarette.

Man. what the heck is wrong with me? I never remember being so. soft? That doesn't seem the word for it. or maybe it is. Why am I doing this though? Making people mad at me. is it maybe because. Domino broke up with me? And now I've made Sabrina break up with Mark. Plus, I made my feelings a little TOO obvious to Mikial. dang. I've really wreaked things this time. He thought to himself. He finally lit the cigarette and took a VERY long drag.

Mark left the house in a fury. He didn't have any idea where he was going, but he was bound to find out.

Of course, he found himself heading toward Viridian City, but he wasn't about to go home. He knew that was the first place Avalon would look for him, and he didn't want to deal with Avalon right now.

When he got to the HQ he wandered down the halls in a rage. People stayed out of his way; apparently he was giving off quite an angry vibe. At last, he was standing in the empty observation room, except for an old man in the corner. The old man turned and looked the boy over.

"Mark? Whatever is the matter?"

Mark tried calming himself, it didn't work very well, but it at least brought him down enough so he could speak without yelling or cussing. "I've just had a bad day."

Sycamore looked into the other room. "Well, I'm afraid I can only make it worse. The other two babies died."

Mark's fury suddenly released and left him with a hollow sort of sadness. "Have you told him?"

Sycamore nodded.

"Can I see him?"

Sycamore shuffled over to the door. "He just laid down not to long ago, he might be asleep."

Mark went inside and silently stalked over to the bed. The pokemon's ears twitched. He stood at the bedside and studied the seemingly sleeping pokemon's face. It still held his scowl even as he slept, but in almost a questioning way. Like he was asking to be taken away in his sleep. but then it also seemed determined, he had to live to take care of his child, which he was holding close to his chest. It looked quite content, still so oblivious to the world.

Mark reached out to touch Mewtwo, when his eyes fluttered open. He didn't sit up, just turned his head and looked at Mark in a miserable way.

Mark pulled his hand back and Mewtwo sighed, checking on the little one in his arms.

Mark, have you ever felt so alone that you wished your life would end?

Mark nodded. "I feel like that right now."

Is that so?

Mark nodded. "And yet, I still feel like I should go on. but it doesn't seem possible."

Mewtwo looked somewhat surprised. I see exactly what you mean. hm. I never thought I would agree with a human on this sort of matter. He sat up sluggishly.

"Have you named her yet?" Mark asked glancing at the baby Mewtwo clutched.

I have. Her name is Aiji.

"Cute."

Mewtwo smirked slightly and gently stroked the little thing's tummy.

Mark sat on the edge of the bed and scooted back a little so just from his knees down hung off of the bed. Mewtwo watched him.

Do you still believe you can rescue us from here?

Mark sighed, hating himself. "I guess I was a little too optimistic."

Mewtwo grunted. You had me going there for a while. I thought you might just pull it off. but in the end you are just a mere human that I, once again, cannot rely on.

Mark sighed again, hating himself more. "You couldn't wait to rub that in, huh?"

Mewtwo gave him a pitiful glance. Not at all. I've begun to like you, but I can stop if it bothers you.

"I noticed you were cooling off a bit. but I only thought it was Sheba forcing you to be nice."

Mewtwo flinched at the sound of his late mate's name.

"Sorry." Mark whispered.

Mewtwo closed his eyes for a moment. It is all right. she liked you a lot, you know.

"I haven't forgotten."

Mewtwo snorted, remembering the time she'd thrown herself at Mark to make him jealous. It was almost comical to him now. He lay back on the mattress.

If you don't mind me asking, will you scratch my left ear? It itches so, and I don't want to wake Aiji.

Mark fought a smile. He knew Mewtwo was just making an excuse for him to scratch his head. Sheba wasn't here, so he was the next best thing. He crawled over the mattress up to Mewtwo's head. The pokemon closed his eyes as Mark lightly scratched him between the ears. Mewtwo groaned and leaned into it, beginning to purr softly.

Mark marveled at the softness of the pokemon's skin. It felt slightly like worn leather only silkier.

Come closer.

Mark hesitated. "What?"

Mewtwo pushed Mark closer to him with the psychic powers he could use. He sensed that the boy was confused and just a bit frightened, especially when he but his head on the boy's chest. He found it amusing, but he didn't really care to torture the poor thing. He just wanted something warm to lie against.

"Mewtwo?"

Just keep scratching.

Mark did as he was told. "Why are you doing this?"

I'm desperate for warmth. Imagine lying here in this cold room naked. Not that I envy your clothing, it looks far too constricting for my likes.

Mark chuckled. "I see. I'll sneak you a blanket next time."

That would be very well appreciated.

Aiji woke up and whimpered. Mewtwo reached for her bottle. It was just out of his reach. He grumbled. Now I have to MOVE.

He sat up and hastily grabbed the bottle. He stuck the nipple up to Aiji's tiny mouth. She latched onto it and suckled contently.

Mark rolled off the bed.

Are you leaving? Mewtwo asked. He actually sounded disappointed.

"Uh. yeah, I guess."

Before you leave, will you tell me what was bothering you? It was not Sheba, was it?

Mark looked away. "No. that's only part of it. My girl friend, Sabrina, broke up with me. Then I took out my anger on my closest friend, who was all ready moping because his girlfriend broke up with him not too long ago. and another of my friends was banged up pretty bad by the Dragon Riders." He sighed. "Why is there so much pain and suffering in this world?"

I wish I knew the answer to that. never the less, I thank you for coming. It seems as though we are in the same boat.

Mark smirked. Mewtwo was trying to be his friend. "Anytime. Just call me."

I will remember that.

Mark left. He didn't even say good-bye to Sycamore.

Avalon was wandering around Saffron City. He didn't want to go home. Mark would be there for sure.

He decided he was thirsty and went into a market. He grabbed a Coke and went to the counter. He checked his watch as the clerk rang up the Coke. It was almost 9.

"Rocket's only pay for soda pop, huh?"

Avalon looked over his shoulder. It was Mikial. He had a package of gauze and antibiotic ointment.

Avalon paid for the Coke and waited for Mikial. "Sorry about earlier today. I was a bit carried away. did you run out of stuff for your brother?"

Mikial paid and they walked outside together.

"Yeah. thanks to Mark we didn't have to take him to the hospital. He hates the hospital."

Avalon snorted. "Who doesn't?"

Mikial smirked. "Yeah."

The two headed towards Sabrina's house.

"Hey. you're not really like that, are you? You were just playing with me, right?"

Avalon bit his lip. "Does it really matter to you?"

Mikial shrugged. "Not really. I mean, I just wanted to know so I won't be so surprised if." His voice trailed off.

Avalon nodded knowingly. "I see where you're coming from."

"HEY! That's the guy who stormed in on us a couple months ago!" Came a gruff voice from behind them. They turned around just in time to see a group of men whip out their guns and fire away at them.

Avalon jumped and rolled out of the way, but Mikial got hit.

"Hey! You JACK ASSES! Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?!" Avalon yelled, suddenly popping out of the darkness behind the men. He attacked them with his bare hands. Within seconds they were all sprawled out around him, unconscious. He ran to Mikial's side. His eyes were shut, his face contorted with pain. His eyebrow was bleeding because he'd banged his head on the ground when he fell.

"Where'd you get hit at?" Avalon asked calmly, even though he was frantic. He didn't want Mikial to get excited and go into shock.

"M-my. left side."

Avalon found the incision and then looked around him. They had taken the long way to Sabrina's house, but going there wasn't going to be much help anyway. The Saffron hospital was downtown, he wouldn't make it in time he feared. The closest place he could think of was the Rocket base underneath the park that was only two blocks away.

He scooped up Mikial and ran for the park. Mikial moaned.

"Wha-where. are you. taking me?"

"A Rocket base. It's very close to here. I'm almost there. Just hang on."

He stopped in front of a monument of an Arcanine and opened a hidden panel. "Hello? Anyone there?"

/Rodger that. Who is this?/

"Black Jack, open up please! I've got an injured person."

/Rodger./

The monument slid backward revealing a flight of stairs. Avalon hurried down them and turned down a hallway, nearly running over a few people."

He found the hospital wing and stopped at the reception desk. The girl looked up.

"Oh dear! I'm so sorry! But all the doctors are busy right now. There was a shoot out this morning and quite a few were wounded."

"Dammit!" He growled at the girl and took off down a hall. The girl yelled at him, but he ignored her.

Avalon found an empty room and flicked the lights on. He laid Mikial on the bed. He didn't think of doing this the "professional" way, and just ripped Mikial's shirt to get it off of him. He looked around the room for a towel or something to stop the bleeding, but couldn't find anything in the confusing organization of the room. So, he rolled up Mikial's ruined shirt and pressed it on the wound.

"Do you. know what you're. doing?" Mikial asked.

"Sort of."

"Very reassuring."

"Are you feeling dizzy or light headed?"

"Not really."

"Good." He pressed harder and scanned the room again for anything that might help.

"You know. that really hurts."

"I'll bet." He spotted one of those stupid smocks the make you wear at the hospital. "Can you hold that on there? I just wanna run and get something."

Mikial grabbed and held his T-shirt in place. Avalon made a dash for the smock. He tied it around Mikial.

"Is it too tight?"

"No, it's good."

With a little bit of pressure off of his back, he searched through all of the cupboards and drawers, collecting stuff that could be useful. He found a couple giant-sized cotton pads (not THOSE kind), a large roll of cloth gauze, scissors and medical tape. Mikial was a little nervous about the scissors.

Avalon took off the smock and carefully lifted the T-shirt. "Not bleeding too bad now. Are you all right?"

"I am feeling a little dizzy."

"Okay, hang on just a second. I'm gonna wrap you up first. Sit up and hold that."

Mikial held the pads in place while Avalon wrapped it tight, taping the end. Then we went and got Mikial a glass of water and some crackers.

"Have a drink and eat those."

"I really don't feel like it."

"Do it, or you'll pass out."

Mikial blinked. "Ah! I got blood in my eye."

Avalon took a cracker and shoved it in Mikial's mouth. He cut a square from the cloth gauze and dipped it in alcohol to clean the cut on Mikial's eyebrow.

"Ah! Mat mings!" He said, his mouth full of cracker.

"Sorry." Avalon whispered. He found a band-aid and stuck it over the cut.

Mikial drank the water in only a few gulps and lay back down. "Uh. thanks for saving me."

Avalon pulled a chair up to the bed. "You're welcome, but I'm not done with you yet."

Mikial sat up a little. "You're not getting weird on me, are you?"

Avalon made a face. "No. What I meant is that I've gotta stitch you up next. You can't expect something like that to just heal itself."

Mikial put his head back down. "Great. Can't you find a pain killer?"

"I did find some. but unless you trust me with a syringe."

"Never mind."

Avalon smirked. "That's what I thought."

"You know how to sew, though. Right?"

"Yeah, I've stitched myself up a million times. You don't have anything to worry about."

"When are you planning to do it?"

"After I do this." He placed his hands on Mikial's side. They began to glow purple and held for a minute, then the light faded.

"You're a psychic?"

"No, I just go around healing people. Of course, I am."

"What did you do?"

"Healed it as much as I could." He started unraveling the cloth gauze. "Good, I got it to clot." He found the supplies he needed and threaded the needle.

"Are you sure you know what your doing?"

Avalon nodded. "Just relax, it'll hurt less."

Mikial shut his eyes. Avalon started stitching; he was finished in only a couple minutes. When he was done, he taped a pad over it.

"Now, what I do is put antibiotics on the stitches. It's always worked for me, but I don't know for sure if that's what you're supposed to do."

Mikial sat up slowly. "Geeze, now you've saved me AND Vynan. We're gonna be in your debt forever."

Avalon smirked. "Don't mention it. Want me to take you home?"

Mikial stared at the floor and shook his head. "No, Sabrina gave me that little errand to get me out of the house. She doesn't like me too much. and I think she's gonna go for Vynan since Mark is now out of the picture."

Avalon helped Mikial get off of the bed. "Does that mean you're pretty much kicked out for the night?"

"Yeah."

Avalon looked to the side. "Well. you could come stay at my place."

"Really?"

"Sure."

Mikial smirked. "And yet the debt is increased further."

"Hey, don't worry about it. Can you walk?"

"I'm a little stiff, but I think I can manage." Mikial took a few steps, limping a whole lot since he already had a permanent limp.

"Here, why don't you lean on me?" Avalon suggested, taking hold of Mikial's arm. Mikial let him put it over his shoulder. "You limped very heavily."

"Well, I already have a permanent limp from the first time I met up with those guys."

"Really? I didn't notice."

They started down the hallway and came to the reception desk again. The girl looked up at them.

"Everything okay?" She asked slightly flustered.

"Yep." Avalon said, not even glancing over. When they got outside they stopped. Mikial was all ready pretty tired.

"You wanna teleport?" Avalon asked.

"That would be great."

Avalon teleported in front of a door in a dimly lit hallway. He took a key out of his pocket and stuck it into the keyhole.

"Why didn't you just teleport inside?" Mikial asked.

Avalon opened the door. "Just in case Mark was home, the sound of the lock being opened would warn him and he could retreat to where ever he wants to. I know he's going to avoid me for a while."

Mikial looked around. "Not bad. I thought this was gonna be kinda shabby, but this. it's almost like a hotel apartment."

"Yeah, now it's actually clean sometimes since Mark lives here." Avalon snickered.

"Mark's a clean freak? That's kinda hard to believe."

"Why?"

"I dunno. Just is." Mikial limped over to the couch and carefully sat down. "It's cold in here."

"Yeah, I know. The heaters broken."

"But usually it feels good in the summer. you have to run the heater ALL year?"

"That's why it's broken."

"Well that makes sense. How far underground ARE we?"

"Pretty far."

Mikial sighed. "Man, I hope you've got lots of blankets."

"Except for the ones on the beds already. I think we only have one more." Avalon went to a closet and opened it. "Nope. but if worse comes to worse you could use the towels."

Mikial laughed and tried to get up, but failed. "Hey, a little help?"

Avalon hurried over, stepping over the coffee table. He extended his hand. Mikial took it and Avalon helped him up. The space, however, between the coffee table and the couch was not very wide. The two men ended up chest to chest. They stared at each other in and awkward silence for a moment and then tried to get out of the others way. This didn't work very well, since they kept trying to escape the same way.

Finally, after doing this for several minutes, Avalon stopped Mikial.

"Okay, I'll go left and you go right."

"Yours or mine?"

"Yours."

"Dang it. I thought you were gonna say yours."

"I did say yours."

Both of them puzzled at each other.

"Which way do I go?" Mikial asked.

"Go that way." Avalon pointed.

"Okay."

At last they escaped from the evil coffee table and couch. Mikial laughed.

"Well, that was exciting." He followed Avalon to the bedroom. "Do you think Mark will come back tonight?"

"Probably, I don't know where else he'd go."

"So then, what's the deal here?"

Avalon took his coat off. "Hm?"

"Is one of us gonna sleep on the couch? Are we kicking Mark out? Or do you have some other fantastic idea?"

"Well. I guess I could put on a couple layers of clothes and sleep on the couch. I mean, we can't just kick Mark out. And I do have another idea, but I don't think you'd like it."

"Try me."

"All right. we both could sleep in my bed. It WOULD be warmer that way, but judging by the pop-eyed look you're giving me that's a 'no way', am I right?"

"Uh, no. actually. that look was 'he's actually asking me this?'"

Avalon nodded slowly. "Right. is that a yes or a no?"

"It's an okay."

Avalon pulled the sheets back and got in. He watched Mikial carefully sit down and swing his legs up onto the bed. He lay down on his back and sighed, blowing his bangs out of his face. Avalon watched as Mikial's bangs settled on his face again in a heart shape on his forehead. He then, slid his gaze down to Mikial's brown eyes.

Mikial returned his gaze, peering into his dark blue, almost purple eyes. He couldn't even begin to fathom the amount of loneliness he saw there. He had no doubts that this man had seen and felt pure agony. These eyes were begging for comfort, for something to relieve him of all the pain and suffering which he had so diligently come through.

Like Vynan. Mikial thought. He turned his attention to Avalon's jet-black hair. It was long, also like his brothers, and he liked how it framed his pale face like a picture. It had a glossy shine, even in the dark, that made you want to touch it. Mikial was about to reach over and touch it but restrained himself. He focused on his face once more. He liked how his eyebrows seemed to rest on top of his eyes, though he didn't know why. He moved his gaze down to Avalon's lips. They were very thin, but were a bright crimson and stood out against his pale skin.

I. I think. I. Mikial tried to think but he got distracting by a hand tracing his jaw, Avalon's hand. He went to swat away the hand. but his hand refused to move.

Avalon's hand moved down Mikial's neck and grazed his chest. Then he brought it back up to Mikial's face. Mikial closed his eyes. Avalon moved closer so they were chest to chest and rested his chin on Mikial's head.

Why don't I just make him stop? Mikial asked himself as he felt Avalon's breath in his ear. Avalon lightly drew his nails down his back, making him shiver. He felt him pull away slightly. Mikial looked up at him trying to anticipate what the heck he was going to do next.

Avalon leaned down and his lips brushed Mikial's. Mikial found himself leaning into his kiss. When they released, Avalon pressed closer to Mikial and put his arms around him.

"Be careful." Mikial whispered.

"Sorry."

"It's alright, you haven't hurt me yet."

Avalon dragged his hand lightly down Mikial's back, making him shiver. "Tell me if I do."

Now Mikial understood. He'd been long for this. He'd thought being close to Vynan would be enough, but it wasn't. He needed intimacy, and Vynan would never be THIS intimate with him.

Mikial reached up and twisted his fingers in Avalon's hair. Avalon closed his eyes and pulled Mikial even closer, being a little more careful. Mikial listened to Avalon's heart beating against his ear, and the steady rhythm of his breathing. The sound was comforting to him. He dragged his hand down the pale, hairless chest.

"Hey Black Jack, why are you so white?"

"Been living down here too long." He said. Mikial liked how his chest rumbled when he talked, tickling his ear.

"You won't tell anyone about this, right?" Mikial asked.

Avalon opened his eyes and smiled. "Never, I've got a reputation for keeping secrets." He traced Mikial's jaw again. "Can I trust you with one of my secrets?"

"Yes."

Avalon looked into Mikial's eyes. The innocence in them said, "I'll do anything as long as were like this." It made him wonder if Mikial wasn't still woozy from the incident earlier.

"My real name is Avalon Rowan."

"Avalon Rowan." He repeated. "That has a nice ring to it."

Hmmm. that sounds like a dark dreary city somewhere. Mikial thought. I guess it suits him.

Avalon stroked Mikial's hair. "I used to have a little brother.you kind of remind me of him."

"Really? What happened to him?"

"He died when I was 14. Mom and dad always liked him best. The three of them all died together. They were taking him to some amusement park and a resort somewhere down south. The plane crashed. The funny thing was, I'd hoped the plane would crash. But, then I was all alone and I wished he'd still lived. the more I think of him the more I hate myself. He was always trying to get my parents to include me. He knew they hated me."

"Is that when you joined Team Rocket?"

"Yep."

"Hm. we're a lot alike."

"How so?"

"Well. Vynan's my older brother, but when we were younger, he was smaller than me. Everybody picked on him at school, and sometimes I even joined in on it. Sometimes I can't believe he survived all the stuff we did to him."

"Geeze. What DID you do to him?"

"One time this kid burned one of his eyes out. This group of kids beat him to a pulp almost everyday. That varied a lot though. Sometimes they'd kick him around, sometimes they'd break off willow branches and whip him. one time they stole his pants and hung him by his ankles from a tree, then used him as a piñata. Man, we were so mean to him. he ran away until he was like 20. I remember opening the door and he was standing on the porch. I didn't know who the heck he was. He told me it was him, but I didn't believe him. until he showed me all of his scars."

"Hm. sounds pretty brutal. But, I don't remember him missing an eye."

"No, being the smart cookie he is, he discovered they hadn't burned the retina, so he made a substitute for the other parts using an old camera."

"Wow."

"Yeah."

Mark wandered around the Rocket HQ. He didn't know what to do with himself. One part of him wanted to go home, knowing Avalon would be there; the other didn't want him to go home, meaning he would have to apologize to Avalon. He sat down in the hallway and put his head in his hands. He wanted to cry so badly. but he couldn't just start bawling in the hallway. He took a shaky breath on the verge of tears. Maybe he should go home. He got up slowly. He knew Avalon wouldn't be mad at him. All he'd have to do was walk in the door and make eye contact with him. He'd understand, Avalon always had. Now they were at the point where they didn't even have to say anything to tell what the other was thinking.

Before he knew it, Mark was standing at the door to his apartment. He took the key out and stared at it. Something didn't seem right, so he opened the door noiselessly. He stalked inside and got a drink. He noticed the bedroom door was closed. Avalon usually left it open if he went to bed before him. He thought for a minute. Avalon must have convinced Mikial or someone to come home with him. He paused at the door and listened for a few moments. He could hear voices inside.

"Sounds like Mark's come home."

"Should I leave?"

"I don't think he'll mind as long as we're quiet."

"So he KNOWS?"

"It's not exactly something I could HIDE from him." Mark touched the doorknob and they were quiet. He opened the door slightly and poked his head in.

"Should I sleep on the couch?" He asked.

"No, you can sleep in here." Avalon said.

Mark went inside and got ready for bed.

"Mark?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you all right?"

"Just fine." He lied. He could tell Avalon knew he was lying by his silence. Mark got in bed.

Avalon looked beyond Mikial at the lump in the other bed.

"Are you sure I shouldn't leave?" Mikial asked again.

"It's the middle of the night Mikial and I'll bet those guys are looking for you. It's a long way back to Saffron."

"That's what teleporting is for."

Avalon sighed. "Fine. If you really want to."

Mikial leaned closer. "I don't. but it's too awkward with someone else in here." He whispered, getting out of the bed.

"Bye." Avalon said.

"G'night." Mikial said, as he evaporated.

There was silence for several minutes.

"Mark? Was it my fault she broke up with you?"

Mark didn't answer. In a couple of moments Avalon could hear him crying. Avalon hauled himself out of his bed and sat on the edge of Mark's. He rubbed Mark's back.

"Come on kiddo, what's up?"

Mark looked back at him. "Her parents 'accident' was actually staged. by Team Rocket. so she wants me to stay away from her."

"Do you want me to find out who did it?"

"No. just leave it alone, Avalon. I don't want to hear anymore about it."

"You don't want revenge?"

"Sure I do. but it's not worth it."

"Why not? What if they go after HER next?"

".it doesn't matter. if I save her, she'll avoid me forever. and I'll have to avoid her forever."

"So you're saying she's better off dead?"

"She IS dead to me. I can't see her, I can't hear her voice, I can't smell her, I can't touch her. she doesn't exist in my world anymore."

Avalon lay down next to him.

"Love REALLY sucks."

"Don't I know it."

"Did you feel this depressed when Domino broke up with you?"

Avalon flinched. That was a good enough answer for Mark. He turned over and laid his head on Avalon's chest.

"So, are you and Mikial official?"

"I think so. as long as nobody else finds out."

"Who else is going to care?"

Avalon shrugged. "I don't think he wants his brother to know. or Sabrina."

Mark absently dragged his nails down Avalon's side. Avalon started laughing and squirming around.

"Stop it! That tickles!"

Mark lifted his head. "I wouldn't expect you, of all people, to be ticklish."

Avalon smirked. "Really?"

Mark made a plotting face and started tickling Avalon. He started squawking with laughter and flailing around screaming, "STOP!" whenever he could. Mark stopped in a little while so Avalon could catch his breath.

"I knew you'd be able to cheer me up somehow." Mark said.

Avalon was still gasping for air. "Why do I feel like I've just given you a power over me that you're going to abuse?"

"Because. you did?" Mark said, reaching for Avalon's side to tickle him again. Avalon jumped out of the bed.

"No you don't!"

Mark got out of the bed and lunged at Avalon. Avalon ran out of the room. Mark chased after him until he cornered him in the kitchen. Avalon tried to protect his bare sides. Mark went for his stomach. Avalon erupted with laughter again. Mark stopped when he started falling over and held him up.

"Are you all right?"

Avalon coughed a couple times. "I'll bet. the neighbors. are wondering what the h. heck is going on over here." He started falling forward.

Mark caught him. Avalon looked at him and kissed him deeply holding his head still so Mark couldn't get away.

"You did that on purpose." Mark said when Avalon let go of him.

Avalon smiled sheepishly. "Of course I did."

"Won't Mikial get mad if he finds out you're two timing him?"