Mark opened his eyes and blinked them into focus, but he didn't get up. He
lay there against Avalon's warm body, feeling his muscles twitch in a
dream. He turned over to look at the man next to him. Avalon's hair was
spread out like hairy spider legs over the pillow, tangled from being
played with. He reached over and pushed Avalon's hair out of his face.
Avalon's eyes opened halfway, and he sighed with a smile.
"Morning." Mark whispered. He let Avalon pull him on top of him.
"Morning." He whispered back, brushing Mark's bangs out of his eyes. He pulled Mark's head down to kiss him. They began pushing their tongues in and out of one another's lips.
"Ouch. what was that for? You bit my lip!" Mark said, rather passively.
Avalon licked Mark's blood off of his lips. "Morning breath. had to get rid of the taste somehow."
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Now I know why that one guy called you a vampire."
Avalon giggled. "No, that's my part time job."
Mark snorted. "Whatever you say, Avi."
Avalon shuddered. "I love it when you call me that."
"Shouldn't we be getting up soon? Didn't you say we have another mission?"
"Oh yeah. I almost forgot."
"What do we get to do this time?"
"We're going to Celadon City on a man hunt." Avalon said, his eyes sparkling.
Mark pulled away from him. "You scare me sometimes."
Avalon smirked. "What time is it?"
Mark looked at the clock. "Dammit. 9:43."
"What was that about?"
"Those numbers. they've been haunting me. it was the room number of a guy I killed, only backwards, the room number of the hospital room Vynan and Mikial were in when they tried to take on Silph Co, whenever I look at the clock it has those three numbers. and I think that was the cell number of an Arbok, named Slithers. a lot of bad things have happened with this number."
"Nine forty-three is our apartment number." Avalon added. "That's kinda freaky."
Mark sat up. "Maybe we should pass on this mission?"
Avalon shook his head. "Let's just go to Saffron today and stop by Sabrina's place. I wanna see if Mikial is okay. We'll go to Celadon tomorrow."
"But. Sabrina told me to stay away from her."
"Maybe she changed her mind. you can never tell with women."
Mark half smiled. "All right. but. you won't get jealous, will you?"
Avalon studied his hands. "I have Mikial."
Mark patted Avalon's head. "You're a really great friend, you know?"
Avalon shyly let his hair fall in his face. "I do the best I can. thank you for tolerating me."
Mark chuckled. "No problem. hey, before we leave today, I wanna go see Mewtwo. He needs a blanket and the scientists won't give him one."
Avalon made a face. "Man, that's kinda harsh. but I don't think we have any left."
"Blankets?"
"Yeah. I thought you took the last one somewhere."
"Hmmm."
Mewtwo sat on the edge of the mattress, holding his head in his hands. He felt worthless, there was nothing left now that they had taken Aiji away. Giovanni was going to force him to battle again. He was going to make him murder the poor pokemon who would come to show their trainers their strength. What a cruel end. He heard the door open, but didn't bother to look up. He didn't care what happened to him now.
Mark approached the pokemon silently. He looked extra depressed today. When he was close enough he put a hand on the bony shoulder. Mewtwo looked up and turned his head.
Mark.
Mark smiled slightly. "I brought you a blanket." He handed Mewtwo the blanket.
Mewtwo took it and a smile almost broke through. Thank you. but I will not be needing it.
Mark puzzled. "Why not?"
Mewtwo stood up to his full height. Giovanni will make me fight again. I shall be put into that armor, never to escape from it again. A slave I shall be. forever.
Mark gazed up at him. "Where's Aiji?"
Mewtwo looked away. They've taken her from me. they will learn her in their evil ways. My own kin shall destroy me. It was foretold in a dream. but you have been kind to me. There is only one other human who tops your kindness.
"Who?"
Mewtwo turned away from Mark and looked over his shoulder at him. Ash Ketchum. he taught me that pokemon were to work together and without each other the world would be chaos. he also saved my life once, as you have.
"I've saved your life?"
Mewtwo sat back down on the mattress. Do you remember when I was in the alleyway? I'd been shot in the leg. I did not know how to treat it, but you found me and helped me even though I was so stubborn. You've also saved me from Giovanni's gun twice.
Mark looked thoughtful. "That reminds me. what was in that little brown bag in the alley?"
Mewtwo smirked. Ah yes. lemon drops. I had quite a sweet tooth.
Mark snorted.
Mewtwo scratched his neck, which brought Mark's attention to the metal collar around Mewtwo's neck.
"If you could get that collar off, you'd blow this popsicle stand, right?"
Mewtwo nodded.
"Would you literally blow it up?"
Mewtwo smirked at the idea. It certainly would solve most of my problems, but no. it would destroy too many lives, even if they were evil ones. Even I am not completely heartless, even if I like to think of myself that way. Would it not be destroying your only family, your only home? I'd imagine it is the same for many young people here. They only reside here because it's the only place they can.
Mark stared at Mewtwo; he was pretty wise for a pokemon.
Do you know of a way to remove this bothersome thing?
"I was just thinking. what if you tried using all of your power at one time and it couldn't take it?"
I think they may have anticipated that.
"Let me look at it." Mark sat on the bed behind Mewtwo. "There's like a little keyhole. hmmm. maybe I can."
There was a little click. The collar fell away from Mewtwo's neck.
"Whoa. it worked."
Mewtwo stared at the metal half circles now in his lap. Mark. you. thank you.
"Don't thank me. thank Avalon. He taught me how to pick locks with my powers."
You. you've freed me.
"Yeah. but. can you wait just a little bit after I leave. so they don't suspect me?"
Mewtwo smiled and nodded. Yes.
"Well. I guess this is good-bye then?"
Mewtwo reached over and gave him a big bear hug. I won't forget your kindness.
Mark felt Mewtwo's tail wrap around his waist. "Uh. Mewtwo. I need to go now."
Mewtwo let him go and gave a scolding glance to his tail. We shall meet again. I am forever in your debt.
"Bye, Mewtwo."
Mark left and rejoined Avalon.
"So. did he like the blanket?"
Mark smiled. "He loved it."
Mark and Avalon walked down the streets of up-town Saffron. Soon Sabrina's house came into sight, but something wasn't right. A number of SPD cars were parked outside.
Mark and Avalon looked at each other and then made a mad dash down the street. As they neared, they could see the yellow "crime scene" tape around the house. An ambulance was also parked by the curb, it's lights flashing.
When they finally got to the house a policeman stopped them. A couple of medics came out of the house with a stretcher. A white sheet covered the person on the stretcher, declaring them dead.
Mark and Avalon jumped to conclusions. Both immediately positive it was their lover. But as the stretcher came closer they doubted themselves. The person on it was far too large to be Mikial or Sabrina.
Sure enough, Mikial and Sabrina emerged from the house. Both their faces wet and stained from crying. They both spotted Mark and Avalon at the same time and ran to them without thinking.
As Sabrina slammed into his body he figured out whom the dead person was.
"What happened, Sabrina?"
She was crying hysterically. "I. I heard. the window shatter. I grabbed the phone. and. ran into my room. locked the door. ran into my closet. locked the door. I called. 911. I heard gunshots. I heard him scream. then there was. silence. then I heard. Mih. Mikial. he was calling for me. then he screamed. oh my god. then I heard the sirens. I came out. Mikial was on the floor. he was crying. then. I. I saw. I saw Vynan." She sobbed louder. "I'm so sorry, Mark. I told you to leave. I was so scared. I didn't think you would ever come back. It's not your fault."
"Shhhhh. Sabrina. I'm here now." He held her tight. "Be quiet now. you're not making much sense to me."
She put her full weight on him. "Don't. ever. leave me."
"Gym Leader Sabrina." A policeman said as he approached the two.
Mark looked at him as Sabrina began to sob even more.
"Who're you?" He asked Mark.
"I'm her boy friend."
"Did you know the man who was murdered?"
"Vynan? Yeah. he was my friend."
"Do you know who might have been out to get him?"
Mark nodded sadly. "Team Rocket. he and his brother got mixed up with them at Silph."
The policeman nodded and took out a little notebook. He jotted some things down. "We've made some reservations for her at the Marriott downtown. We'll escort her there and post a guard outside her door."
"That's very considerate, thank you officer." He looked down at Sabrina. "Come on, hon. The police are going to take you to a guarded hotel room. You'll be safe there."
Sabrina pulled away from Mark and wiped her face on her sleeves. "Okay. can all of them come too?"
"Who are they?"
"Mikial and Black Jack. Mikial is Vynan's brother and Black Jack is Mark's friend."
"I guess it's all right. Get into the car."
The four got into the car, even though Avalon was a little nervous about it.
Mark and Avalon stayed at the hotel over night for moral support. In the morning they were given an update on what was up at the house. They had found a couple of clues. The policeman said that the murder weapon was an assault rifle. Avalon asked if he knew what the bullet looked like.
"Sure." He reached into his pocket and took out a bullet in a baggie.
Avalon examined it. "Hm." He turned and looked out the window.
"Are you supposed to have that with you?" Mikial asked. "I mean, don't they usually have a special place to keep evidence?"
The officer wasn't paying attention to him and put the bullet back in his pocket. "I'll be back to check on you later and give you another update Ms. Sabrina." He left.
Mikial looked to Avalon. He scratched his chin in a thoughtful way.
"I think I know who it was." Avalon said.
Mikial's eyes widened. "You DO???"
Avalon turned around and looked at Mark. "And we've been assigned to kill him, Mark. Grey said he'd been hanging out around here and he didn't know why boss wanted him killed. He usually says why."
"So, who is it?" Mark asked.
"Blind Eye."
Mikial and Mark looked at each other.
"He has this really weird looking eye that he can't see out of. Mikial, do you remember the three guys that attacked you the other day?"
Mikial nodded.
"The one who actually landed a hit on you was Blind Eye." Avalon took something out of his jacket pocket. A bullet. He studied it. "Yep.it's the same exact kind of bullet."
Mikial's face hardened. "We don't need the police then, do we?"
"Mikial, you stay here with Sabrina. Mark and I will take care of this."
"No, I want to come with you. I want to watch my brother's killer suffer. I want to kill him myself."
Avalon stood in front of Mikial. "I know how much that would make you feel better. but. I don't want you to get hurt. Leave this to me. Mark and I know what we're doing. Besides, we're psychics. We can play the whole thing back to you when we return."
Mark nodded in agreement. "I'll bet he's the one that's been causing us all this trouble."
Mikial made a face. "You think I'm weak?"
Avalon sighed heavily. "No. I don't, but you've been banged up enough. Besides, I don't know if I'd be able to get you into headquarters that easy."
Mikial dropped his shoulders in defeat. "Fine." He grumbled.
Avalon smiled. "Thank you. We'll make sure he feels a great deal of pain."
They left.
"I've never been to Celadon before. this place is pretty crowded." Mark said.
They came to the game corner. A drunken man exploded from the doors raving about how he hit the jackpot, his coins flying everywhere.
Avalon tried not to laugh. "The entrance is in here. There's a bar down the way that he goes to all the time."
"The entrance to what?"
"Shhhh! Not so loud! The entrance to the best Rocket resort around these parts, second to only the one in Fuchsia City." He said pushing the door open.
They went inside. At the nearest slot machine three kids were gathered. Avalon started walking to the back of the joint. Mark watched the kids curiously. There was something that intrigued him about the one sitting down in the red and white official Pokemon League cap. The other two, a redhead girl and another boy, stood on either side of him. They seemed to be having fun. The girl stood back.
"I think you better pocket some of this cash. Our dinner is counting on it, you know?" She said. Mark could tell she was irritating ALL the time by just listening to her voice once.
"Aw come on, Misty. I won't waste it all. This is fun."
"Fine! But don't complain when we don't have any dinner, Ash."
Mark watched them. So. that must be the Ash Ketchum Mewtwo was talking about.
Misty spotted Mark. She turned to the other boy and whispered something. The boy glanced over at him. Ash wasn't paying attention; he was having too much fun.
Someone poked Mark's shoulder. "Come on slow poke." It was Avalon.
Mark brushed him off. "I'll catch up with you later."
Avalon made a face. "You're the sight seein type, huh? Okay, meet me back here in a few hours. I've got some stuff I need to do anyway. There's a good artillery shop around here somewhere." He stalked off whistling something.
Mark approached the three kids. "Hey, aren't you three a little young to be hangin out in a place like this?"
Misty and the other boy spun around.
"Wow! I got BAR!" Ash squealed. The machine beeped a whole bunch as it spat out coins.
Misty blushed and the other boy sweat dropped.
"Yeah, I guess we are." Misty said. "But we can handle ourselves. well. I can handle these idiots."
The other boy fell over.
Mark chuckled. "I see. Is your friend there Ash Ketchum?"
Misty nodded. "Unfortunately."
"Why is that so unfortunate?"
She shrugged. "Who are you?"
Mark smirked. Finally, someone he could tell his code name. "Jarohkhan. Who is that?" He pointed to the boy on the floor.
"Oh. that's Brock."
Ash turned around. "Are you guys talking about me? Who're you?" He looked up at Mark blankly.
Misty hit him. "He JUST said his name was Jarohkhan."
"Ow! What was that for?" He asked glaring at Misty.
"So, you're Ash Ketchum? Hm. I thought you'd be taller and maybe not so scrawny. but hey. You guys wanna go get something to eat? On me?"
The three looked at eat other. "Sure!"
They went to a diner down the way and found a booth. Ash's Pikachu hopped off of his shoulders and scampered across the table. He sat in front of Mark, his nose wiggling.
"Pika?"
Mark chuckled and extended his hand for Pikachu to sniff.
"Pi kachu?" He blinked at Mark.
"What did you smell, little guy?"
Pikachu took hold of Mark's fingers with his tiny paws. "Pi pikachu!" It exclaimed making a happy face.
"I guess he likes you." Misty giggled. The little yellow furball jumped onto Mark's shoulder. Mark petted him.
"Are you a pokemon trainer? You must be a good one." Ash said. "Is that why you were looking for me? Do you want a battle?" He started getting excited.
"No, I not a trainer. I always wanted to be though." Mark said. Pikachu relaxed on his shoulder.
The food arrived and they stared eating.
"So. why were. you looking. for me then?" Ash asked in between bites.
"Ash! DON'T talk with your mouth FULL!" Misty scolded.
Ash brushed her off.
"A friend of mine said you saved his life once." Mark replied, giving Pikachu a piece of his sandwich.
Brock laughed. "Ash saved someone's life?"
Ash laughed too. "Yeah, I don't remember saving anyone's life. if I did anything to someone's life I probably ruined it."
"Yeah, like mine." Misty mumbled.
Mark snickered. "Well. then I guess you wouldn't be able to answer my questions either."
"Who's you're friend?" Brock asked.
Mark sighed, finishing his sandwich. "He's not someone you can just talk about in a public place, you know? Here." He leaned over the table. The other three also leaned in. "I'm talking about Mewtwo."
All four leaned back in their seats. The three kids looked at each other.
"How do you know about Me- Ash started to say. Misty and Brock hit him before he could finish.
"He's a FRIEND of yours? I didn't think he'd ever trust anybody." Misty remarked.
"Yes. quite a lot has happened to him. things I can't tell you about, but I will say he's traveled a rocky road and I don't know if it's gonna get any better." Mark said. The waitress came by with the bill.
"So, how did you meet him?" Brock asked.
Mark stroked Pikachu, which was sleeping on his shoulder now. "It's kind of a long story." He looked at his watch. "I really ought to be going though. Maybe some other time? I'm sure we'll meet again."
Pikachu woke up and jumped onto the table as Mark stood up.
"Where are you going?" Ash asked.
"I've gotta meet my partner at the Game Corner. We have some business to take care of."
"Can we go with you?" Ash asked. He would do anything to get back to the Game Corner.
Mark smirked.
"You just want to play those stupid slots again." Misty spat.
"I don't care if you just want to go back to Game Corner." Mark paid the bill. The three followed him out the door.
Avalon was waiting at the door.
"Hey, BJ what's up?"
Avalon blinked at Mark who had three kids following him. "BJ? And who are these kids?"
"Oh. these are Ash, Misty, and Brock."
"Hi!" Misty said with a big grin.
"Hello." Brock said plainly.
Ash was too busy eyeing the door. He was trying to see if anyone was at the "lucky" slot machine. Misty camel-kicked him.
"Huh? Oh! Hi."
Avalon leaned closer to Mark. "Where'd you pick THEM up at?" He whispered.
"Oh, Mewtwo was talking about an Ash kid saving him one time and I heard the girl call the short kid Ash. I just wanted to meet him to say I did."
"What are you sa- Ash started to say. Misty grabbed his ear and smiled nervously.
"We should be GOING now." She said dragging him inside the Game Corner. Brock followed.
The two men watched the kids leave.
"Okay then. how about we get to business?" Avalon asked, turning around and opening the door to the Game Corner. Mark followed him inside. They red head waved at them and made a peace sign with her fingers as they walked by. Avalon went to the back and looked around to make sure no one was watching. He lifted up a poster on the wall and opened a small door behind it. There was a large red button, which he pressed. Then he went to his right, where a hidden door was. The button had unlocked it. Behind the door was a stairwell. As the two descended down the stairs, Mark heard noises like you would hear in a city, only without the rattle of car motors.
When they arrived at the bottom, Mark discovered that this place WAS, in fact, an under ground village. The place was well lighted with actual streetlights, a couple neon signs flashed here and there, and people were either ridding bikes or walking.
"Isn't it great? This place used to be just a little hide out for the people who ran Game Corner. Come on, you're gonna love where we're staying."
They started walking.
"Avalon? What do you call this place? Doesn't it have a name, like any other city?" Mark asked.
"Yep, sure does. They call this place Rocket Nation. It's our biggest underground organization."
After walking for quite some time. The two stopped at an impressive looking building. Avalon smiled and looked at the building.
"THIS is our hotel. It's probably better than a five star."
They went inside and were immediately greeted by a girl wearing a leather tube top and a short leather skirt. She had black bracelets ALL the way up her arms and a big red nametag in the shape of an "R" that read "Jen."
"Lon-Wan! Long time, no see!" She said giving Avalon a hug. Mark wasn't at all surprised at this; she looked like Avalon's type. "Who's your cute little friend?" She asked.
Avalon smirked. "This is Jarohkhan, my new partner."
"What happened to old Barty?"
"He had to be terminated. caught giving info to the DR."
She frowned. "He shoulda known better. Anyway! I'll be your guide/bartender/waitress/maid for the remainder of your stay! Ain't that just peachy? So! Whacha wanna do first?" She looked up at Avalon and batted her eyelashes.
Mark leaned over and whispered in Avalon's ear. "Perky little thing, isn't she?"
Avalon chuckled. "Yeah. well. Jen. how about you pick for us?"
She grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that! This way boys!"
She led them down very elegantly decorated hallways. She opened a door in the final hallway and beaconed them inside.
"I'll be waiting on the deck!" She giggled and left.
Mark looked around the small room he was in. "What are we supposed to do here, Avalon?" He turned around to see Avalon undressing. Mark turned pale. Avalon started laughing.
"I guess I should've told you." He said taking off his pants. Mark covered his eyes and turned around. "There's a spa through that door."
"But I didn't bring a bathing suit." Mark whimpered.
"You don't need one. you can turn around now."
Mark slowly turned around. Avalon was in a white fluffy robe. "Skinny dipping? That doesn't bother you?" Mark asked.
"It's just gonna be me and you. well. Jen'll pop in every once in a while, but there are plenty of bubbles if you like to be modest. Besides, if anyone else was here and you were wearing a bathing suit, they'd laugh." He went to the door and opened it. "I'll wait out here while you undress." He went out and closed the door behind him. Mark stood in the room for a moment. He spotted another fluffy robe. He undressed while muttering to himself and put on the robe. He went through the door that Avalon went through and found himself at the edge of a large spa. To his right were some enormous closet-like doors.
"Well! I thought you'd be in there a lot longer than that." Avalon said, relaxing in the water. He was right, there were lots of bubbles. "You gonna get in or not?"
Mark went around to the stairs and untied his robe, but he held it shut when he saw Avalon watching.
"You're sick, you know that?" Mark said.
"What? You want me to cover my eyes while you get in?"
Mark stared at him.
"Come on Mark! We're grown men! Not kindergarteners."
"Well, you could at least make it not so OBVIOUS you WANT to see me naked!" Mark stated, rather annoyed.
Avalon started laughing.
Mark flung his robe off and jumped in while Avalon was laughing. "Ha!" He said.
Avalon snorted. "I can always pull you out of the water."
"Oh no you can't!"
"Is that a challenge?"
Jen popped in. "Hey, boys! Can I get you something ta drink?"
Avalon glared at Mark. Mark stuck out his tongue at him.
"You want anything Mark?" Avalon asked.
Mark thought for a moment. "What do you have?"
Jen popped the bubble she'd blown with her gum. "Anything you want sweetie."
"Okay. hmmm. I'll have a strawberry-banana smoothie with a touch of Dr. Pepper."
Jen scribbled on a pad of paper. "Never heard that one before. how about you, sugar?"
Avalon scratched his chin. "How about White Zinfandel?"
She scribbled on the paper with a smirk on her face. "I thought you were done with guys?"
"Well."
"Uh huh, be right back." Jen left, bouncing a little as she walked.
"What did she say?" Mark asked when he heard the door close.
"Oh nuthin." Avalon lied.
"You have code drinks, huh? When you get that one it means she should knock before she comes in, doesn't it?" Mark said in an accusing tone.
Avalon smirked. "You're a lot smarter than I thought you were." He raised his hands and pulled them away from each other. The closet doors opened revealing a wide screen TV. It turned on and flipped through the channels until it found a football game.
"Do you like football?" Avalon asked, leaning back.
"Never really watched it. seems kind of pointless to me."
"Oh. you want me to change the channel?"
"No, I don't really mind."
"Well. why don't you come over here so you can see better. You're gonna get a sore neck if you have to twist it like that."
Mark stared at him for a moment. Knowing Avalon, his expression told him there was a hidden reason in his words, and he had a good idea of what it might be. Nonetheless, he waded over to him and sat down. Of course, he eyed him suspiciously the whole time. Jen came back and gave them their drinks. Mark was very impressed with his.
"This is really good!"
Jen smirked. "Only the finest ingredients! You boys want anything else? Food? Special services?"
Avalon raised his hands and arched his back, supposedly stretching. When he went to put his arms back down one of them "happened" to fall right across Mark's shoulders. "Are you hungry?" He asked Mark.
Mark shook his head.
Jen grinned slyly. "All right then! I'll be back in a little bit in case you change your minds." She skipped out of the room.
Mark threw Avalon's arm off of his shoulders. "Not in public."
"This isn't public."
"You know what? I'm getting really fed up with this! I don't care if YOU want to be like THAT but leave ME out of it! Please! You promised me you wouldn't touch me and that seems like ALL you're doing.
Avalon looked around, his face contorted with thought. He looked like he had two pieces of a puzzled that looked like they should go together, but just wouldn't. "Mark, there's this thing called 'mixed signals', have you ever heard of it?"
Mark gave him a disgusted look for changing the subject. "Yeah." But, then he got was Avalon was trying to tell him. "You think I'm giving mixed signals?"
Avalon didn't respond. He only put his chin in his hand and focused on the TV.
Mark could tell Avalon was frustrated with him. He admired how Avalon would never raise his voice when he was angry; he was always so calm. But right now he hated the fact that he was so quiet, he wished he would just yell at him. Then it would be all over. But no, Avalon wanted him to think and he soon figured out what he meant by mixed signals. He took a couple long sips of his smoothie until it gave him brain freeze. He set it down and turned to apologize when suddenly he felt faint. He started to say Avalon's name but couldn't finish; he'd passed out.
Avalon smirked and watched Mark slump into the water. He thought maybe he was playing a joke on him as his apology.
"Very funny Mark." Avalon said, hiding his smile and trying to concentrate on the TV screen. He glanced over as Mark slid underneath the water. Avalon started to worry when he didn't come up for a minute.
"All right! Fine! I'll play along." Avalon dove under and found Mark. He pulled him to the surface. "Okay! You can stop playin around now!"
There was a knock and Jen came in. She saw Avalon holding Mark.
"Oopsie! Sorry!" She turned to leave.
"No! Jen wait! Did you put something in Mark's drink?"
She grinned slyly. "Same thing we always put in the newbies drink!" She giggled.
"Oh my gosh! I've killed him!" He yelled leaping out of the water. He laid Mark on the floor and started mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Jen realized what must have happened. She rushed in. "I'm so sorry! I should have reminded you! Can I do anything to help?"
"Get me my robe! I'm freezing!"
She ran and got his robe and draped it over him. Mark started coughing up water. Avalon sat back and watched as Mark opened his eyes. He sputtered a little more water. Avalon pulled his robe off of his back and covered Mark.
"I'm sorry. Avalon." He croaked. "I guess. I WHA-as (cough) leading you on."
Jen handed Avalon the other robe. "Don't worry about paying me. It's on the house." She said softly and left.
Avalon picked up Mark and teleported their clothes to their room so didn't have to try and carry all of it. He started down the hall.
"What happened? Why do you look so worried?" Mark made a face. "You look funny with your hair wet and all stuck to your head."
Avalon sighed and smiled. "Jen put a tranquillizer in your drink and you fell asleep. I thought you were playing around and you almost drowned. but you're right Mark. I need to keep my paws off you. I mean, that's what I have Mikial for, right?"
Mark sighed and put his head on Avalon's shoulder. "I'm soooo tired."
"I'll bet, it's like 11 at night and you've got a tranq in your system."
"So, you finally got to see me naked, huh?" Mark said with a drunken-like smile.
"No, I was more worried about saving your life."
"Oh. I see." He yawned. "Well. I don't think I'm gunna be awake when we get to the room. I guess you'll. just hafta. put me in my. pj's."
Avalon found their room and unlocked the door. He went inside and laid Mark on the first bed.
"Yeah right. I'm not gunna dress you. You're gunna give me a load a crap in the morning if I do." Avalon got some pants out of a bag by the bed. "I know you're not sleepin, you dress yourself." He tossed the pants at him. They landed on Mark's head.
"I just wanted to see if you'd really try it. Congratulations. You passed with flying colors." Mark said slipping on his pants and throwing the robe away. He pulled the sheets back and climbed inside. He fell asleep in seconds.
Avalon got in bed and looked over at Mark. A few days ago that boy had chased him around his apartment trying to tickle him. but now that laidback feeling was gone. They'd slept beside each other, but nothing happened. He pulled his knees to chest and rocked back and forth as he thought. Maybe since they were so close it had brought Mark remorse. He knew that's how he felt when he first started this way of living. He smiled. Mark just need a little more time.
Now he thought about their mission. Blind Eye. He frowned. As far as he knew, Blind Eye had always been very loyal and committed to Team Rocket. What could he have done to make the boss so angry?
Mikial sat in the hotel room looking out the window. Sabrina hadn't woken up yet. It was so boring here. He wanted to go out and do something, but Avalon had told the guards to make sure he didn't leave the hotel. He started pouting and talking to himself, which woke up Sabrina.
"Who're you talking to?" She asked sleepily.
"Me, myself, and I. The only others in this dang room."
"Really?" She asked sarcastically. She went into the bathroom and washed her face.
"It's not like I have anything else to do." Mikial grumbled.
"Why don't you go swimming? Or to that exercise room? Or hang out at the bar?" She suggested, wiping off her face.
"Don't feel like it."
"I see. You're still mad you didn't get to go with Mark and Black Jack?"
"So what."
"Hey, I don't want to be cooped up here either. But it's better than being at home wondering if you're gonna wake up in the morning. At least we know we're safe."
"If we were back at your house and Mark was there you'd feel safe, and we'd actually be able to go take a shit without asking."
"No cussing please."
"Yeah whatever."
Sabrina hit him. "Come on! Quit being such a sour puss."
"How can I not be? My brother was murdered and I'm not even allowed to LOOK for his killer. Not allowed to do anything but sit here on my a- butt. I'm on the verge of just bustin out of here."
Freedom! Sweet freedom! Mewtwo was free. The only problem was: he didn't know where to go. Sooner or later Team Rocket would look for him again. He couldn't go back to Purity Lake. That would be the first place Giovanni would look.
As he flew he scaled the surface below and comforted Aiji in his arms. She was crying because it was rather cold at this altitude. He spotted some islands below. They weren't very far of the coast, but it would have to do for now. He descended to find a cave entrance. He went quickly inside and wandered deep within until he found a dead end. He stopped here and sat down. He held Aiji close and tried to get her to quiet. Then he remembered all the stuff he had gathered and put into the blanket Mark had given him. He unwound the bundle and wrapped Aiji in the blanket. She still cried, so he decided she must be hungry. He opened a packet of formula he'd brought and emptied it into a bottle. He had to do quite a bit of searching to find a fresh water spring, but he did eventually find one. However it turned out Aiji wasn't hungry after all. She started crying even louder when he tried to feed her. He sat down once again in the dead end and tried to quiet her, but she just seemed to cry even more. Now she was screaming and Mewtwo was getting frustrated.
Please stop crying. He pleaded when he saw a faint light coming toward them. Then he got quite a surprise. Aiji started glowing. He stared at her and unwrapped the blanket, trying to figure out what was going on. Soon she was glowing so bright he couldn't look at her. She'd stopped crying now though. The light started to fade. Mewtwo looked at the baby in his arms. Her white skin now had a light green color and her eyes had opened. She blinked at him, puzzled.
What was that? He asked her, not expecting an answer.
"Mew?" She said.
Mewtwo smiled slightly and then looked around. The light he'd seen was gone now.
We went into the bar. Blind Eye was supposed to be here. Avalon and I stood at the door and he looked around.
"Hey! If it isn't Black Jack!" Said a voice from the right side of the room. Almost everyone turned and looked at us. Apparently, Avalon was pretty well known.
"Hey man! Over here!" A man with his silver-blue hair pull back into a ponytail, except for a shock that hung over his left eye, raised his hand and waved it at us.
He smiled when we came over. "It's been awhile! Have a seat!" He said. "So, what are you doing here? And who's this little tagalong of yours?"
Avalon smiled. "This is my new partner, Jarohkhan. We've got a job here."
"Oh really? What's the boss got ya doing?"
"Man hunt."
He raised his eyebrows. "Man hunt, huh?" The waitress brought him a drink. He took a sip. "You know. I've heard that the boss has put a bounty on my head." He looked around nervously. "I'm not the one you're after. am I?"
I looked at Avalon. He didn't return my glance.
"Actually. you are."
"You're kidding." His eyes widened.
"I wish I were."
Blind Eye set his drink on the table. "We were best buddies! You're not really gunna kill me. are you?"
I could tell he was terrified. Avalon didn't say anything, he just put his elbows on the table and bowed his head so neither of us could see his face.
Blind Eye sighed and sat back in his seat. "Man, he must really want me to suffer if he sent you after me."
"Why does he want you dead, Blind?" Avalon asked.
He seemed to relax a little. "Well. there's really only one reason I can think of. but, I'm wondering, why would he kill me for it? You and I both know I'm one of his best men. I mean, I did it on accident too. I didn't know that guy was from the DR until I told him what I did."
"What did you tell him?"
"Tipped him off on one of our secret weapons. but I didn't do it on purpose."
"Hmmm." Avalon said. That seemed to make Blind a little more nervous. "Blind, were you working at the Silph Co.?"
"Yeah, I was doing some guard duty cause there wasn't anything else to do. We actually got some action though."
"Tell me about it."
"These two guys attacked. This little guy with psychic powers and then this really huge guy. The little guy killed One Shot."
"He killed One Shot?"
Blind looked a little angry. "Yeah. she was my girl, ya know?"
Avalon looked up. "You don't say?"
"I do say. I been looking for them two. A couple nights ago I saw the little guy with some other dude, and so me and two of my buddies attacked them. I landed a hit on the little guy but the other one disappeared and then came out of nowhere. Knocked us all out. Then I found out where he lived. I think I killed the bigger guy." He looked hard at Avalon. "Are you okay? You look a little sick."
Avalon shook his head. "I can't believe it, Blind. That guy, that knocked you and your buddies out, was me. And that was Mikial's brother you killed."
Blind was confused. "You know the guy I'm talking about?"
"Heck I do. he's my lover." Avalon growled.
Blind's bottom lip began to quiver, so he bit it. "Well. I'll be damned. If I had known. Ja-jack. I-I. I'm sorry."
Avalon sighed. "I'd say you're even now. He killed your girl, you killed his brother. Leave him alone now, and I'll let you slide."
"Oh! Yes sir! You got yourself a done deal!"
When we left I decided to go back to Saffron and check on Sabrina and Mikial. Avalon was going to stay at our hotel for a bit longer.
Avalon lay on the bed wondering what to do with himself. It was almost time for bed, but he wasn't tired yet. It was now he realized how much he hated being alone. He'd always thought he worked better alone. well, he did, when he WORKED. He heaved a heavy sigh and sat up to look out the window when there was a knock on the door. He guessed it was probably Jen, at least he'd have someone to talk to. He got up and opened the door, but it wasn't Jen. Blind stood there with his back to the doorway, hands in his pockets.
"What're you doin here?" Avalon asked.
Blind turned around. "Well. I thought maybe you'd heard all the commotion. my apartment complex is up in flames. spent all my money on drinks and stuff. I figured you'd be stayin here, so I got the clerk to tell me which room you were stayin in. Sure enough. I found you. so, I was wonderin. if you'd let me stay with you guys tonight."
Avalon pondered that for a moment. "Come in."
"Thanks buddy. I knew I could count on you. I'll pay you back as soon as I can."
"Don't worry about it."
"No, I want to. This is the second time today you've saved my butt. I mean, you're pretty righteous compared to some people. Not killing me even though my dead body is worth a pretty sum, plus I was trying to kill someone close to you. Why the heck are you letting me go anyway? Am I really that great of a friend to you?" Blind sat on the closer bed.
"Blind, you were the only person that ever gave a rip about me when we were younger. You helped me settle in when I first joined up."
Blink smirked. "Yeah, too bad we never got to be partners. You and me, now that would be an unbeatable team." He lay back on the bed.
"Do you have a partner right now?"
"No. he was killed in a raid not to long ago. I haven't gone to Grey and asked him for another one yet. I don't see what the point is. I don't need a partner. You wouldn't need one either, why do you keep that kid around?"
"I like him. He keeps me company, ya know? I like having someone to talk to." Avalon got onto the bed with Blind and leaned over him. He brushed the lock of hair away from his left eye and looked at it. The orange iris made the pink pupil shrink at the sudden light.
"Are you sure you can't see out of that thing?" Avalon asked.
"Well." He said as the strange eye wandered over to the left of the socket, his other normal blue eye continued to look up at Avalon. "I can see with it sometimes. but I tell people I can't because they wouldn't believe the stuff I see with it."
"Like what?" Avalon asked. He settled down next to Blind and glanced over at his weird eye. From this angle, the iris was bright green and the pupil was light purple.
"At night time I can see as if it were daylight. Which is why it was so surprising for me when you attacked that other night and I didn't see you, and that's why I shoot so well in the dark. Sometimes I can see stuff that's happening really far away. I don't really know how to explain that. And lastly, if I look into someone else's eyes for a while, I can see what they're thinking."
"Must be pretty hard to do. your eye keeps wandering around. It's really freaky."
"Yeah, I know. That's why I cover it up. I hate having people stare at me all the time."
"Know what you mean."
"How so?"
"Oh come on! Why do you think I wear all this leather? I'm white as chalk! If I didn't have black hair people would think I'm albino."
"Oh yeah. I remember now. Remember when Scat Cat wrote all over you with the dry erase marker?"
Avalon snickered. "Yeah, it took a week for that stuff to come out."
Blind chuckled and it was silent for a little while.
"Say, did we ever tell each other our real names?" Blind asked. "Or have you always been called Black Jack?"
Avalon smirked. "I got that name at school. We'd always play black jack on recess. I won every game I played."
Blind raised his eyebrows and his eye wandered over to look at Avalon. "Pretty impressive. I never showed you my eye then, did I?"
"No, today was the first time. Before you always had a patch over it and wouldn't talk about it. You coulda showed me, though it wouldn't have changed anything. I think that would be pretty fun to scare people with."
Blind laughed. "Yeah."
Avalon leaned over him again. Blind squinted up at him.
"Wha- Blind started to say, but his words were lost as Avalon kissed him. Blind struggled a little until Avalon released him.
"You just kissed me." Blind said, stating the obvious.
"I did." Said Avalon. "Why do you look so surprised?"
"Because. I've never been kissed by a man before."
Avalon raised an eyebrow. "Really? You've never.?"
"No, I'm straight. but that doesn't mean I'm unwilling to put a kink in my chain."
Blind kissed Avalon.
"Laurell." Blind said when they released.
"What?" Avalon asked.
"My name is Laurell Del Monte."
Avalon smirked. "Avalon Rowan."
"Oh! So that's why they call you Lon-Wan?"
"Yep."
"Gee, I feel dumb."
Avalon reached for the hair tie that held Blind's hair captive and took it out. His hair spread neatly over the pillow.
"Does your kid know you're bi?"
"Yeah." Avalon said, playing with Blind's hair.
"You've done him??" Blind asked.
"Oh, no! When I told him I promised him I wouldn't. He'll let me get real close to him sometimes though."
Mark went into Sabrina and Mikial's hotel room. Sabrina practically ran and pounced on him. She gave him a big kiss, too.
"Did you find the guy yet?" She asked for Mikial.
Mark sighed. "Yeah. it was Blind Eye as Black Jack suspected."
"So he's gone? We don't have to worry about him anymore?" Mikial asked, getting up and walking over to them.
Mark was reluctant to answer. "Well. we found him. and we talked to him. he's actually one of Black Jack's good friends."
Mikial's face hardened. "You didn't kill him???? He KILLED MY BROTHER!!!!" He started toward the door but Mark caught him.
"Kial, listen to me." Mark said gripping Mikial's shoulders. Mikial flinched when he called him by his pet name. "The reason he was after you was because you killed his girlfriend."
"So what, she was a Rocket. All of them deserve to die." Mikial said darkly.
"Even me? And Avalon?" Mark asked calmly. Mikial tensed.
"You know his real name?"
"Of course I do."
Mikial dropped his head. "But he killed my brother. and he shot me. and he tried to shoot Avalon."
"Yes, I know. But I was there and he was down right sorry."
"Morning." Mark whispered. He let Avalon pull him on top of him.
"Morning." He whispered back, brushing Mark's bangs out of his eyes. He pulled Mark's head down to kiss him. They began pushing their tongues in and out of one another's lips.
"Ouch. what was that for? You bit my lip!" Mark said, rather passively.
Avalon licked Mark's blood off of his lips. "Morning breath. had to get rid of the taste somehow."
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Now I know why that one guy called you a vampire."
Avalon giggled. "No, that's my part time job."
Mark snorted. "Whatever you say, Avi."
Avalon shuddered. "I love it when you call me that."
"Shouldn't we be getting up soon? Didn't you say we have another mission?"
"Oh yeah. I almost forgot."
"What do we get to do this time?"
"We're going to Celadon City on a man hunt." Avalon said, his eyes sparkling.
Mark pulled away from him. "You scare me sometimes."
Avalon smirked. "What time is it?"
Mark looked at the clock. "Dammit. 9:43."
"What was that about?"
"Those numbers. they've been haunting me. it was the room number of a guy I killed, only backwards, the room number of the hospital room Vynan and Mikial were in when they tried to take on Silph Co, whenever I look at the clock it has those three numbers. and I think that was the cell number of an Arbok, named Slithers. a lot of bad things have happened with this number."
"Nine forty-three is our apartment number." Avalon added. "That's kinda freaky."
Mark sat up. "Maybe we should pass on this mission?"
Avalon shook his head. "Let's just go to Saffron today and stop by Sabrina's place. I wanna see if Mikial is okay. We'll go to Celadon tomorrow."
"But. Sabrina told me to stay away from her."
"Maybe she changed her mind. you can never tell with women."
Mark half smiled. "All right. but. you won't get jealous, will you?"
Avalon studied his hands. "I have Mikial."
Mark patted Avalon's head. "You're a really great friend, you know?"
Avalon shyly let his hair fall in his face. "I do the best I can. thank you for tolerating me."
Mark chuckled. "No problem. hey, before we leave today, I wanna go see Mewtwo. He needs a blanket and the scientists won't give him one."
Avalon made a face. "Man, that's kinda harsh. but I don't think we have any left."
"Blankets?"
"Yeah. I thought you took the last one somewhere."
"Hmmm."
Mewtwo sat on the edge of the mattress, holding his head in his hands. He felt worthless, there was nothing left now that they had taken Aiji away. Giovanni was going to force him to battle again. He was going to make him murder the poor pokemon who would come to show their trainers their strength. What a cruel end. He heard the door open, but didn't bother to look up. He didn't care what happened to him now.
Mark approached the pokemon silently. He looked extra depressed today. When he was close enough he put a hand on the bony shoulder. Mewtwo looked up and turned his head.
Mark.
Mark smiled slightly. "I brought you a blanket." He handed Mewtwo the blanket.
Mewtwo took it and a smile almost broke through. Thank you. but I will not be needing it.
Mark puzzled. "Why not?"
Mewtwo stood up to his full height. Giovanni will make me fight again. I shall be put into that armor, never to escape from it again. A slave I shall be. forever.
Mark gazed up at him. "Where's Aiji?"
Mewtwo looked away. They've taken her from me. they will learn her in their evil ways. My own kin shall destroy me. It was foretold in a dream. but you have been kind to me. There is only one other human who tops your kindness.
"Who?"
Mewtwo turned away from Mark and looked over his shoulder at him. Ash Ketchum. he taught me that pokemon were to work together and without each other the world would be chaos. he also saved my life once, as you have.
"I've saved your life?"
Mewtwo sat back down on the mattress. Do you remember when I was in the alleyway? I'd been shot in the leg. I did not know how to treat it, but you found me and helped me even though I was so stubborn. You've also saved me from Giovanni's gun twice.
Mark looked thoughtful. "That reminds me. what was in that little brown bag in the alley?"
Mewtwo smirked. Ah yes. lemon drops. I had quite a sweet tooth.
Mark snorted.
Mewtwo scratched his neck, which brought Mark's attention to the metal collar around Mewtwo's neck.
"If you could get that collar off, you'd blow this popsicle stand, right?"
Mewtwo nodded.
"Would you literally blow it up?"
Mewtwo smirked at the idea. It certainly would solve most of my problems, but no. it would destroy too many lives, even if they were evil ones. Even I am not completely heartless, even if I like to think of myself that way. Would it not be destroying your only family, your only home? I'd imagine it is the same for many young people here. They only reside here because it's the only place they can.
Mark stared at Mewtwo; he was pretty wise for a pokemon.
Do you know of a way to remove this bothersome thing?
"I was just thinking. what if you tried using all of your power at one time and it couldn't take it?"
I think they may have anticipated that.
"Let me look at it." Mark sat on the bed behind Mewtwo. "There's like a little keyhole. hmmm. maybe I can."
There was a little click. The collar fell away from Mewtwo's neck.
"Whoa. it worked."
Mewtwo stared at the metal half circles now in his lap. Mark. you. thank you.
"Don't thank me. thank Avalon. He taught me how to pick locks with my powers."
You. you've freed me.
"Yeah. but. can you wait just a little bit after I leave. so they don't suspect me?"
Mewtwo smiled and nodded. Yes.
"Well. I guess this is good-bye then?"
Mewtwo reached over and gave him a big bear hug. I won't forget your kindness.
Mark felt Mewtwo's tail wrap around his waist. "Uh. Mewtwo. I need to go now."
Mewtwo let him go and gave a scolding glance to his tail. We shall meet again. I am forever in your debt.
"Bye, Mewtwo."
Mark left and rejoined Avalon.
"So. did he like the blanket?"
Mark smiled. "He loved it."
Mark and Avalon walked down the streets of up-town Saffron. Soon Sabrina's house came into sight, but something wasn't right. A number of SPD cars were parked outside.
Mark and Avalon looked at each other and then made a mad dash down the street. As they neared, they could see the yellow "crime scene" tape around the house. An ambulance was also parked by the curb, it's lights flashing.
When they finally got to the house a policeman stopped them. A couple of medics came out of the house with a stretcher. A white sheet covered the person on the stretcher, declaring them dead.
Mark and Avalon jumped to conclusions. Both immediately positive it was their lover. But as the stretcher came closer they doubted themselves. The person on it was far too large to be Mikial or Sabrina.
Sure enough, Mikial and Sabrina emerged from the house. Both their faces wet and stained from crying. They both spotted Mark and Avalon at the same time and ran to them without thinking.
As Sabrina slammed into his body he figured out whom the dead person was.
"What happened, Sabrina?"
She was crying hysterically. "I. I heard. the window shatter. I grabbed the phone. and. ran into my room. locked the door. ran into my closet. locked the door. I called. 911. I heard gunshots. I heard him scream. then there was. silence. then I heard. Mih. Mikial. he was calling for me. then he screamed. oh my god. then I heard the sirens. I came out. Mikial was on the floor. he was crying. then. I. I saw. I saw Vynan." She sobbed louder. "I'm so sorry, Mark. I told you to leave. I was so scared. I didn't think you would ever come back. It's not your fault."
"Shhhhh. Sabrina. I'm here now." He held her tight. "Be quiet now. you're not making much sense to me."
She put her full weight on him. "Don't. ever. leave me."
"Gym Leader Sabrina." A policeman said as he approached the two.
Mark looked at him as Sabrina began to sob even more.
"Who're you?" He asked Mark.
"I'm her boy friend."
"Did you know the man who was murdered?"
"Vynan? Yeah. he was my friend."
"Do you know who might have been out to get him?"
Mark nodded sadly. "Team Rocket. he and his brother got mixed up with them at Silph."
The policeman nodded and took out a little notebook. He jotted some things down. "We've made some reservations for her at the Marriott downtown. We'll escort her there and post a guard outside her door."
"That's very considerate, thank you officer." He looked down at Sabrina. "Come on, hon. The police are going to take you to a guarded hotel room. You'll be safe there."
Sabrina pulled away from Mark and wiped her face on her sleeves. "Okay. can all of them come too?"
"Who are they?"
"Mikial and Black Jack. Mikial is Vynan's brother and Black Jack is Mark's friend."
"I guess it's all right. Get into the car."
The four got into the car, even though Avalon was a little nervous about it.
Mark and Avalon stayed at the hotel over night for moral support. In the morning they were given an update on what was up at the house. They had found a couple of clues. The policeman said that the murder weapon was an assault rifle. Avalon asked if he knew what the bullet looked like.
"Sure." He reached into his pocket and took out a bullet in a baggie.
Avalon examined it. "Hm." He turned and looked out the window.
"Are you supposed to have that with you?" Mikial asked. "I mean, don't they usually have a special place to keep evidence?"
The officer wasn't paying attention to him and put the bullet back in his pocket. "I'll be back to check on you later and give you another update Ms. Sabrina." He left.
Mikial looked to Avalon. He scratched his chin in a thoughtful way.
"I think I know who it was." Avalon said.
Mikial's eyes widened. "You DO???"
Avalon turned around and looked at Mark. "And we've been assigned to kill him, Mark. Grey said he'd been hanging out around here and he didn't know why boss wanted him killed. He usually says why."
"So, who is it?" Mark asked.
"Blind Eye."
Mikial and Mark looked at each other.
"He has this really weird looking eye that he can't see out of. Mikial, do you remember the three guys that attacked you the other day?"
Mikial nodded.
"The one who actually landed a hit on you was Blind Eye." Avalon took something out of his jacket pocket. A bullet. He studied it. "Yep.it's the same exact kind of bullet."
Mikial's face hardened. "We don't need the police then, do we?"
"Mikial, you stay here with Sabrina. Mark and I will take care of this."
"No, I want to come with you. I want to watch my brother's killer suffer. I want to kill him myself."
Avalon stood in front of Mikial. "I know how much that would make you feel better. but. I don't want you to get hurt. Leave this to me. Mark and I know what we're doing. Besides, we're psychics. We can play the whole thing back to you when we return."
Mark nodded in agreement. "I'll bet he's the one that's been causing us all this trouble."
Mikial made a face. "You think I'm weak?"
Avalon sighed heavily. "No. I don't, but you've been banged up enough. Besides, I don't know if I'd be able to get you into headquarters that easy."
Mikial dropped his shoulders in defeat. "Fine." He grumbled.
Avalon smiled. "Thank you. We'll make sure he feels a great deal of pain."
They left.
"I've never been to Celadon before. this place is pretty crowded." Mark said.
They came to the game corner. A drunken man exploded from the doors raving about how he hit the jackpot, his coins flying everywhere.
Avalon tried not to laugh. "The entrance is in here. There's a bar down the way that he goes to all the time."
"The entrance to what?"
"Shhhh! Not so loud! The entrance to the best Rocket resort around these parts, second to only the one in Fuchsia City." He said pushing the door open.
They went inside. At the nearest slot machine three kids were gathered. Avalon started walking to the back of the joint. Mark watched the kids curiously. There was something that intrigued him about the one sitting down in the red and white official Pokemon League cap. The other two, a redhead girl and another boy, stood on either side of him. They seemed to be having fun. The girl stood back.
"I think you better pocket some of this cash. Our dinner is counting on it, you know?" She said. Mark could tell she was irritating ALL the time by just listening to her voice once.
"Aw come on, Misty. I won't waste it all. This is fun."
"Fine! But don't complain when we don't have any dinner, Ash."
Mark watched them. So. that must be the Ash Ketchum Mewtwo was talking about.
Misty spotted Mark. She turned to the other boy and whispered something. The boy glanced over at him. Ash wasn't paying attention; he was having too much fun.
Someone poked Mark's shoulder. "Come on slow poke." It was Avalon.
Mark brushed him off. "I'll catch up with you later."
Avalon made a face. "You're the sight seein type, huh? Okay, meet me back here in a few hours. I've got some stuff I need to do anyway. There's a good artillery shop around here somewhere." He stalked off whistling something.
Mark approached the three kids. "Hey, aren't you three a little young to be hangin out in a place like this?"
Misty and the other boy spun around.
"Wow! I got BAR!" Ash squealed. The machine beeped a whole bunch as it spat out coins.
Misty blushed and the other boy sweat dropped.
"Yeah, I guess we are." Misty said. "But we can handle ourselves. well. I can handle these idiots."
The other boy fell over.
Mark chuckled. "I see. Is your friend there Ash Ketchum?"
Misty nodded. "Unfortunately."
"Why is that so unfortunate?"
She shrugged. "Who are you?"
Mark smirked. Finally, someone he could tell his code name. "Jarohkhan. Who is that?" He pointed to the boy on the floor.
"Oh. that's Brock."
Ash turned around. "Are you guys talking about me? Who're you?" He looked up at Mark blankly.
Misty hit him. "He JUST said his name was Jarohkhan."
"Ow! What was that for?" He asked glaring at Misty.
"So, you're Ash Ketchum? Hm. I thought you'd be taller and maybe not so scrawny. but hey. You guys wanna go get something to eat? On me?"
The three looked at eat other. "Sure!"
They went to a diner down the way and found a booth. Ash's Pikachu hopped off of his shoulders and scampered across the table. He sat in front of Mark, his nose wiggling.
"Pika?"
Mark chuckled and extended his hand for Pikachu to sniff.
"Pi kachu?" He blinked at Mark.
"What did you smell, little guy?"
Pikachu took hold of Mark's fingers with his tiny paws. "Pi pikachu!" It exclaimed making a happy face.
"I guess he likes you." Misty giggled. The little yellow furball jumped onto Mark's shoulder. Mark petted him.
"Are you a pokemon trainer? You must be a good one." Ash said. "Is that why you were looking for me? Do you want a battle?" He started getting excited.
"No, I not a trainer. I always wanted to be though." Mark said. Pikachu relaxed on his shoulder.
The food arrived and they stared eating.
"So. why were. you looking. for me then?" Ash asked in between bites.
"Ash! DON'T talk with your mouth FULL!" Misty scolded.
Ash brushed her off.
"A friend of mine said you saved his life once." Mark replied, giving Pikachu a piece of his sandwich.
Brock laughed. "Ash saved someone's life?"
Ash laughed too. "Yeah, I don't remember saving anyone's life. if I did anything to someone's life I probably ruined it."
"Yeah, like mine." Misty mumbled.
Mark snickered. "Well. then I guess you wouldn't be able to answer my questions either."
"Who's you're friend?" Brock asked.
Mark sighed, finishing his sandwich. "He's not someone you can just talk about in a public place, you know? Here." He leaned over the table. The other three also leaned in. "I'm talking about Mewtwo."
All four leaned back in their seats. The three kids looked at each other.
"How do you know about Me- Ash started to say. Misty and Brock hit him before he could finish.
"He's a FRIEND of yours? I didn't think he'd ever trust anybody." Misty remarked.
"Yes. quite a lot has happened to him. things I can't tell you about, but I will say he's traveled a rocky road and I don't know if it's gonna get any better." Mark said. The waitress came by with the bill.
"So, how did you meet him?" Brock asked.
Mark stroked Pikachu, which was sleeping on his shoulder now. "It's kind of a long story." He looked at his watch. "I really ought to be going though. Maybe some other time? I'm sure we'll meet again."
Pikachu woke up and jumped onto the table as Mark stood up.
"Where are you going?" Ash asked.
"I've gotta meet my partner at the Game Corner. We have some business to take care of."
"Can we go with you?" Ash asked. He would do anything to get back to the Game Corner.
Mark smirked.
"You just want to play those stupid slots again." Misty spat.
"I don't care if you just want to go back to Game Corner." Mark paid the bill. The three followed him out the door.
Avalon was waiting at the door.
"Hey, BJ what's up?"
Avalon blinked at Mark who had three kids following him. "BJ? And who are these kids?"
"Oh. these are Ash, Misty, and Brock."
"Hi!" Misty said with a big grin.
"Hello." Brock said plainly.
Ash was too busy eyeing the door. He was trying to see if anyone was at the "lucky" slot machine. Misty camel-kicked him.
"Huh? Oh! Hi."
Avalon leaned closer to Mark. "Where'd you pick THEM up at?" He whispered.
"Oh, Mewtwo was talking about an Ash kid saving him one time and I heard the girl call the short kid Ash. I just wanted to meet him to say I did."
"What are you sa- Ash started to say. Misty grabbed his ear and smiled nervously.
"We should be GOING now." She said dragging him inside the Game Corner. Brock followed.
The two men watched the kids leave.
"Okay then. how about we get to business?" Avalon asked, turning around and opening the door to the Game Corner. Mark followed him inside. They red head waved at them and made a peace sign with her fingers as they walked by. Avalon went to the back and looked around to make sure no one was watching. He lifted up a poster on the wall and opened a small door behind it. There was a large red button, which he pressed. Then he went to his right, where a hidden door was. The button had unlocked it. Behind the door was a stairwell. As the two descended down the stairs, Mark heard noises like you would hear in a city, only without the rattle of car motors.
When they arrived at the bottom, Mark discovered that this place WAS, in fact, an under ground village. The place was well lighted with actual streetlights, a couple neon signs flashed here and there, and people were either ridding bikes or walking.
"Isn't it great? This place used to be just a little hide out for the people who ran Game Corner. Come on, you're gonna love where we're staying."
They started walking.
"Avalon? What do you call this place? Doesn't it have a name, like any other city?" Mark asked.
"Yep, sure does. They call this place Rocket Nation. It's our biggest underground organization."
After walking for quite some time. The two stopped at an impressive looking building. Avalon smiled and looked at the building.
"THIS is our hotel. It's probably better than a five star."
They went inside and were immediately greeted by a girl wearing a leather tube top and a short leather skirt. She had black bracelets ALL the way up her arms and a big red nametag in the shape of an "R" that read "Jen."
"Lon-Wan! Long time, no see!" She said giving Avalon a hug. Mark wasn't at all surprised at this; she looked like Avalon's type. "Who's your cute little friend?" She asked.
Avalon smirked. "This is Jarohkhan, my new partner."
"What happened to old Barty?"
"He had to be terminated. caught giving info to the DR."
She frowned. "He shoulda known better. Anyway! I'll be your guide/bartender/waitress/maid for the remainder of your stay! Ain't that just peachy? So! Whacha wanna do first?" She looked up at Avalon and batted her eyelashes.
Mark leaned over and whispered in Avalon's ear. "Perky little thing, isn't she?"
Avalon chuckled. "Yeah. well. Jen. how about you pick for us?"
She grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that! This way boys!"
She led them down very elegantly decorated hallways. She opened a door in the final hallway and beaconed them inside.
"I'll be waiting on the deck!" She giggled and left.
Mark looked around the small room he was in. "What are we supposed to do here, Avalon?" He turned around to see Avalon undressing. Mark turned pale. Avalon started laughing.
"I guess I should've told you." He said taking off his pants. Mark covered his eyes and turned around. "There's a spa through that door."
"But I didn't bring a bathing suit." Mark whimpered.
"You don't need one. you can turn around now."
Mark slowly turned around. Avalon was in a white fluffy robe. "Skinny dipping? That doesn't bother you?" Mark asked.
"It's just gonna be me and you. well. Jen'll pop in every once in a while, but there are plenty of bubbles if you like to be modest. Besides, if anyone else was here and you were wearing a bathing suit, they'd laugh." He went to the door and opened it. "I'll wait out here while you undress." He went out and closed the door behind him. Mark stood in the room for a moment. He spotted another fluffy robe. He undressed while muttering to himself and put on the robe. He went through the door that Avalon went through and found himself at the edge of a large spa. To his right were some enormous closet-like doors.
"Well! I thought you'd be in there a lot longer than that." Avalon said, relaxing in the water. He was right, there were lots of bubbles. "You gonna get in or not?"
Mark went around to the stairs and untied his robe, but he held it shut when he saw Avalon watching.
"You're sick, you know that?" Mark said.
"What? You want me to cover my eyes while you get in?"
Mark stared at him.
"Come on Mark! We're grown men! Not kindergarteners."
"Well, you could at least make it not so OBVIOUS you WANT to see me naked!" Mark stated, rather annoyed.
Avalon started laughing.
Mark flung his robe off and jumped in while Avalon was laughing. "Ha!" He said.
Avalon snorted. "I can always pull you out of the water."
"Oh no you can't!"
"Is that a challenge?"
Jen popped in. "Hey, boys! Can I get you something ta drink?"
Avalon glared at Mark. Mark stuck out his tongue at him.
"You want anything Mark?" Avalon asked.
Mark thought for a moment. "What do you have?"
Jen popped the bubble she'd blown with her gum. "Anything you want sweetie."
"Okay. hmmm. I'll have a strawberry-banana smoothie with a touch of Dr. Pepper."
Jen scribbled on a pad of paper. "Never heard that one before. how about you, sugar?"
Avalon scratched his chin. "How about White Zinfandel?"
She scribbled on the paper with a smirk on her face. "I thought you were done with guys?"
"Well."
"Uh huh, be right back." Jen left, bouncing a little as she walked.
"What did she say?" Mark asked when he heard the door close.
"Oh nuthin." Avalon lied.
"You have code drinks, huh? When you get that one it means she should knock before she comes in, doesn't it?" Mark said in an accusing tone.
Avalon smirked. "You're a lot smarter than I thought you were." He raised his hands and pulled them away from each other. The closet doors opened revealing a wide screen TV. It turned on and flipped through the channels until it found a football game.
"Do you like football?" Avalon asked, leaning back.
"Never really watched it. seems kind of pointless to me."
"Oh. you want me to change the channel?"
"No, I don't really mind."
"Well. why don't you come over here so you can see better. You're gonna get a sore neck if you have to twist it like that."
Mark stared at him for a moment. Knowing Avalon, his expression told him there was a hidden reason in his words, and he had a good idea of what it might be. Nonetheless, he waded over to him and sat down. Of course, he eyed him suspiciously the whole time. Jen came back and gave them their drinks. Mark was very impressed with his.
"This is really good!"
Jen smirked. "Only the finest ingredients! You boys want anything else? Food? Special services?"
Avalon raised his hands and arched his back, supposedly stretching. When he went to put his arms back down one of them "happened" to fall right across Mark's shoulders. "Are you hungry?" He asked Mark.
Mark shook his head.
Jen grinned slyly. "All right then! I'll be back in a little bit in case you change your minds." She skipped out of the room.
Mark threw Avalon's arm off of his shoulders. "Not in public."
"This isn't public."
"You know what? I'm getting really fed up with this! I don't care if YOU want to be like THAT but leave ME out of it! Please! You promised me you wouldn't touch me and that seems like ALL you're doing.
Avalon looked around, his face contorted with thought. He looked like he had two pieces of a puzzled that looked like they should go together, but just wouldn't. "Mark, there's this thing called 'mixed signals', have you ever heard of it?"
Mark gave him a disgusted look for changing the subject. "Yeah." But, then he got was Avalon was trying to tell him. "You think I'm giving mixed signals?"
Avalon didn't respond. He only put his chin in his hand and focused on the TV.
Mark could tell Avalon was frustrated with him. He admired how Avalon would never raise his voice when he was angry; he was always so calm. But right now he hated the fact that he was so quiet, he wished he would just yell at him. Then it would be all over. But no, Avalon wanted him to think and he soon figured out what he meant by mixed signals. He took a couple long sips of his smoothie until it gave him brain freeze. He set it down and turned to apologize when suddenly he felt faint. He started to say Avalon's name but couldn't finish; he'd passed out.
Avalon smirked and watched Mark slump into the water. He thought maybe he was playing a joke on him as his apology.
"Very funny Mark." Avalon said, hiding his smile and trying to concentrate on the TV screen. He glanced over as Mark slid underneath the water. Avalon started to worry when he didn't come up for a minute.
"All right! Fine! I'll play along." Avalon dove under and found Mark. He pulled him to the surface. "Okay! You can stop playin around now!"
There was a knock and Jen came in. She saw Avalon holding Mark.
"Oopsie! Sorry!" She turned to leave.
"No! Jen wait! Did you put something in Mark's drink?"
She grinned slyly. "Same thing we always put in the newbies drink!" She giggled.
"Oh my gosh! I've killed him!" He yelled leaping out of the water. He laid Mark on the floor and started mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Jen realized what must have happened. She rushed in. "I'm so sorry! I should have reminded you! Can I do anything to help?"
"Get me my robe! I'm freezing!"
She ran and got his robe and draped it over him. Mark started coughing up water. Avalon sat back and watched as Mark opened his eyes. He sputtered a little more water. Avalon pulled his robe off of his back and covered Mark.
"I'm sorry. Avalon." He croaked. "I guess. I WHA-as (cough) leading you on."
Jen handed Avalon the other robe. "Don't worry about paying me. It's on the house." She said softly and left.
Avalon picked up Mark and teleported their clothes to their room so didn't have to try and carry all of it. He started down the hall.
"What happened? Why do you look so worried?" Mark made a face. "You look funny with your hair wet and all stuck to your head."
Avalon sighed and smiled. "Jen put a tranquillizer in your drink and you fell asleep. I thought you were playing around and you almost drowned. but you're right Mark. I need to keep my paws off you. I mean, that's what I have Mikial for, right?"
Mark sighed and put his head on Avalon's shoulder. "I'm soooo tired."
"I'll bet, it's like 11 at night and you've got a tranq in your system."
"So, you finally got to see me naked, huh?" Mark said with a drunken-like smile.
"No, I was more worried about saving your life."
"Oh. I see." He yawned. "Well. I don't think I'm gunna be awake when we get to the room. I guess you'll. just hafta. put me in my. pj's."
Avalon found their room and unlocked the door. He went inside and laid Mark on the first bed.
"Yeah right. I'm not gunna dress you. You're gunna give me a load a crap in the morning if I do." Avalon got some pants out of a bag by the bed. "I know you're not sleepin, you dress yourself." He tossed the pants at him. They landed on Mark's head.
"I just wanted to see if you'd really try it. Congratulations. You passed with flying colors." Mark said slipping on his pants and throwing the robe away. He pulled the sheets back and climbed inside. He fell asleep in seconds.
Avalon got in bed and looked over at Mark. A few days ago that boy had chased him around his apartment trying to tickle him. but now that laidback feeling was gone. They'd slept beside each other, but nothing happened. He pulled his knees to chest and rocked back and forth as he thought. Maybe since they were so close it had brought Mark remorse. He knew that's how he felt when he first started this way of living. He smiled. Mark just need a little more time.
Now he thought about their mission. Blind Eye. He frowned. As far as he knew, Blind Eye had always been very loyal and committed to Team Rocket. What could he have done to make the boss so angry?
Mikial sat in the hotel room looking out the window. Sabrina hadn't woken up yet. It was so boring here. He wanted to go out and do something, but Avalon had told the guards to make sure he didn't leave the hotel. He started pouting and talking to himself, which woke up Sabrina.
"Who're you talking to?" She asked sleepily.
"Me, myself, and I. The only others in this dang room."
"Really?" She asked sarcastically. She went into the bathroom and washed her face.
"It's not like I have anything else to do." Mikial grumbled.
"Why don't you go swimming? Or to that exercise room? Or hang out at the bar?" She suggested, wiping off her face.
"Don't feel like it."
"I see. You're still mad you didn't get to go with Mark and Black Jack?"
"So what."
"Hey, I don't want to be cooped up here either. But it's better than being at home wondering if you're gonna wake up in the morning. At least we know we're safe."
"If we were back at your house and Mark was there you'd feel safe, and we'd actually be able to go take a shit without asking."
"No cussing please."
"Yeah whatever."
Sabrina hit him. "Come on! Quit being such a sour puss."
"How can I not be? My brother was murdered and I'm not even allowed to LOOK for his killer. Not allowed to do anything but sit here on my a- butt. I'm on the verge of just bustin out of here."
Freedom! Sweet freedom! Mewtwo was free. The only problem was: he didn't know where to go. Sooner or later Team Rocket would look for him again. He couldn't go back to Purity Lake. That would be the first place Giovanni would look.
As he flew he scaled the surface below and comforted Aiji in his arms. She was crying because it was rather cold at this altitude. He spotted some islands below. They weren't very far of the coast, but it would have to do for now. He descended to find a cave entrance. He went quickly inside and wandered deep within until he found a dead end. He stopped here and sat down. He held Aiji close and tried to get her to quiet. Then he remembered all the stuff he had gathered and put into the blanket Mark had given him. He unwound the bundle and wrapped Aiji in the blanket. She still cried, so he decided she must be hungry. He opened a packet of formula he'd brought and emptied it into a bottle. He had to do quite a bit of searching to find a fresh water spring, but he did eventually find one. However it turned out Aiji wasn't hungry after all. She started crying even louder when he tried to feed her. He sat down once again in the dead end and tried to quiet her, but she just seemed to cry even more. Now she was screaming and Mewtwo was getting frustrated.
Please stop crying. He pleaded when he saw a faint light coming toward them. Then he got quite a surprise. Aiji started glowing. He stared at her and unwrapped the blanket, trying to figure out what was going on. Soon she was glowing so bright he couldn't look at her. She'd stopped crying now though. The light started to fade. Mewtwo looked at the baby in his arms. Her white skin now had a light green color and her eyes had opened. She blinked at him, puzzled.
What was that? He asked her, not expecting an answer.
"Mew?" She said.
Mewtwo smiled slightly and then looked around. The light he'd seen was gone now.
We went into the bar. Blind Eye was supposed to be here. Avalon and I stood at the door and he looked around.
"Hey! If it isn't Black Jack!" Said a voice from the right side of the room. Almost everyone turned and looked at us. Apparently, Avalon was pretty well known.
"Hey man! Over here!" A man with his silver-blue hair pull back into a ponytail, except for a shock that hung over his left eye, raised his hand and waved it at us.
He smiled when we came over. "It's been awhile! Have a seat!" He said. "So, what are you doing here? And who's this little tagalong of yours?"
Avalon smiled. "This is my new partner, Jarohkhan. We've got a job here."
"Oh really? What's the boss got ya doing?"
"Man hunt."
He raised his eyebrows. "Man hunt, huh?" The waitress brought him a drink. He took a sip. "You know. I've heard that the boss has put a bounty on my head." He looked around nervously. "I'm not the one you're after. am I?"
I looked at Avalon. He didn't return my glance.
"Actually. you are."
"You're kidding." His eyes widened.
"I wish I were."
Blind Eye set his drink on the table. "We were best buddies! You're not really gunna kill me. are you?"
I could tell he was terrified. Avalon didn't say anything, he just put his elbows on the table and bowed his head so neither of us could see his face.
Blind Eye sighed and sat back in his seat. "Man, he must really want me to suffer if he sent you after me."
"Why does he want you dead, Blind?" Avalon asked.
He seemed to relax a little. "Well. there's really only one reason I can think of. but, I'm wondering, why would he kill me for it? You and I both know I'm one of his best men. I mean, I did it on accident too. I didn't know that guy was from the DR until I told him what I did."
"What did you tell him?"
"Tipped him off on one of our secret weapons. but I didn't do it on purpose."
"Hmmm." Avalon said. That seemed to make Blind a little more nervous. "Blind, were you working at the Silph Co.?"
"Yeah, I was doing some guard duty cause there wasn't anything else to do. We actually got some action though."
"Tell me about it."
"These two guys attacked. This little guy with psychic powers and then this really huge guy. The little guy killed One Shot."
"He killed One Shot?"
Blind looked a little angry. "Yeah. she was my girl, ya know?"
Avalon looked up. "You don't say?"
"I do say. I been looking for them two. A couple nights ago I saw the little guy with some other dude, and so me and two of my buddies attacked them. I landed a hit on the little guy but the other one disappeared and then came out of nowhere. Knocked us all out. Then I found out where he lived. I think I killed the bigger guy." He looked hard at Avalon. "Are you okay? You look a little sick."
Avalon shook his head. "I can't believe it, Blind. That guy, that knocked you and your buddies out, was me. And that was Mikial's brother you killed."
Blind was confused. "You know the guy I'm talking about?"
"Heck I do. he's my lover." Avalon growled.
Blind's bottom lip began to quiver, so he bit it. "Well. I'll be damned. If I had known. Ja-jack. I-I. I'm sorry."
Avalon sighed. "I'd say you're even now. He killed your girl, you killed his brother. Leave him alone now, and I'll let you slide."
"Oh! Yes sir! You got yourself a done deal!"
When we left I decided to go back to Saffron and check on Sabrina and Mikial. Avalon was going to stay at our hotel for a bit longer.
Avalon lay on the bed wondering what to do with himself. It was almost time for bed, but he wasn't tired yet. It was now he realized how much he hated being alone. He'd always thought he worked better alone. well, he did, when he WORKED. He heaved a heavy sigh and sat up to look out the window when there was a knock on the door. He guessed it was probably Jen, at least he'd have someone to talk to. He got up and opened the door, but it wasn't Jen. Blind stood there with his back to the doorway, hands in his pockets.
"What're you doin here?" Avalon asked.
Blind turned around. "Well. I thought maybe you'd heard all the commotion. my apartment complex is up in flames. spent all my money on drinks and stuff. I figured you'd be stayin here, so I got the clerk to tell me which room you were stayin in. Sure enough. I found you. so, I was wonderin. if you'd let me stay with you guys tonight."
Avalon pondered that for a moment. "Come in."
"Thanks buddy. I knew I could count on you. I'll pay you back as soon as I can."
"Don't worry about it."
"No, I want to. This is the second time today you've saved my butt. I mean, you're pretty righteous compared to some people. Not killing me even though my dead body is worth a pretty sum, plus I was trying to kill someone close to you. Why the heck are you letting me go anyway? Am I really that great of a friend to you?" Blind sat on the closer bed.
"Blind, you were the only person that ever gave a rip about me when we were younger. You helped me settle in when I first joined up."
Blink smirked. "Yeah, too bad we never got to be partners. You and me, now that would be an unbeatable team." He lay back on the bed.
"Do you have a partner right now?"
"No. he was killed in a raid not to long ago. I haven't gone to Grey and asked him for another one yet. I don't see what the point is. I don't need a partner. You wouldn't need one either, why do you keep that kid around?"
"I like him. He keeps me company, ya know? I like having someone to talk to." Avalon got onto the bed with Blind and leaned over him. He brushed the lock of hair away from his left eye and looked at it. The orange iris made the pink pupil shrink at the sudden light.
"Are you sure you can't see out of that thing?" Avalon asked.
"Well." He said as the strange eye wandered over to the left of the socket, his other normal blue eye continued to look up at Avalon. "I can see with it sometimes. but I tell people I can't because they wouldn't believe the stuff I see with it."
"Like what?" Avalon asked. He settled down next to Blind and glanced over at his weird eye. From this angle, the iris was bright green and the pupil was light purple.
"At night time I can see as if it were daylight. Which is why it was so surprising for me when you attacked that other night and I didn't see you, and that's why I shoot so well in the dark. Sometimes I can see stuff that's happening really far away. I don't really know how to explain that. And lastly, if I look into someone else's eyes for a while, I can see what they're thinking."
"Must be pretty hard to do. your eye keeps wandering around. It's really freaky."
"Yeah, I know. That's why I cover it up. I hate having people stare at me all the time."
"Know what you mean."
"How so?"
"Oh come on! Why do you think I wear all this leather? I'm white as chalk! If I didn't have black hair people would think I'm albino."
"Oh yeah. I remember now. Remember when Scat Cat wrote all over you with the dry erase marker?"
Avalon snickered. "Yeah, it took a week for that stuff to come out."
Blind chuckled and it was silent for a little while.
"Say, did we ever tell each other our real names?" Blind asked. "Or have you always been called Black Jack?"
Avalon smirked. "I got that name at school. We'd always play black jack on recess. I won every game I played."
Blind raised his eyebrows and his eye wandered over to look at Avalon. "Pretty impressive. I never showed you my eye then, did I?"
"No, today was the first time. Before you always had a patch over it and wouldn't talk about it. You coulda showed me, though it wouldn't have changed anything. I think that would be pretty fun to scare people with."
Blind laughed. "Yeah."
Avalon leaned over him again. Blind squinted up at him.
"Wha- Blind started to say, but his words were lost as Avalon kissed him. Blind struggled a little until Avalon released him.
"You just kissed me." Blind said, stating the obvious.
"I did." Said Avalon. "Why do you look so surprised?"
"Because. I've never been kissed by a man before."
Avalon raised an eyebrow. "Really? You've never.?"
"No, I'm straight. but that doesn't mean I'm unwilling to put a kink in my chain."
Blind kissed Avalon.
"Laurell." Blind said when they released.
"What?" Avalon asked.
"My name is Laurell Del Monte."
Avalon smirked. "Avalon Rowan."
"Oh! So that's why they call you Lon-Wan?"
"Yep."
"Gee, I feel dumb."
Avalon reached for the hair tie that held Blind's hair captive and took it out. His hair spread neatly over the pillow.
"Does your kid know you're bi?"
"Yeah." Avalon said, playing with Blind's hair.
"You've done him??" Blind asked.
"Oh, no! When I told him I promised him I wouldn't. He'll let me get real close to him sometimes though."
Mark went into Sabrina and Mikial's hotel room. Sabrina practically ran and pounced on him. She gave him a big kiss, too.
"Did you find the guy yet?" She asked for Mikial.
Mark sighed. "Yeah. it was Blind Eye as Black Jack suspected."
"So he's gone? We don't have to worry about him anymore?" Mikial asked, getting up and walking over to them.
Mark was reluctant to answer. "Well. we found him. and we talked to him. he's actually one of Black Jack's good friends."
Mikial's face hardened. "You didn't kill him???? He KILLED MY BROTHER!!!!" He started toward the door but Mark caught him.
"Kial, listen to me." Mark said gripping Mikial's shoulders. Mikial flinched when he called him by his pet name. "The reason he was after you was because you killed his girlfriend."
"So what, she was a Rocket. All of them deserve to die." Mikial said darkly.
"Even me? And Avalon?" Mark asked calmly. Mikial tensed.
"You know his real name?"
"Of course I do."
Mikial dropped his head. "But he killed my brother. and he shot me. and he tried to shoot Avalon."
"Yes, I know. But I was there and he was down right sorry."