Chapter Fourteen
The floor felt cold behind his hindquarters and his head a spinning viciously. The drug that numbed the pain was beginning to wear off and the constant throb in his shoulder was starting to burn. He had come off easy considering the state of the rest of the team.
Damon had three fractured toes and a sprained ankle coupled with body wide bruises. His face had been smashed leaving a slight indentation on his left cheek. He had been extremely irritated and short-tempered all week. He wasn't allowed to pace incase he worsened his foot injuries and without his usual steam-blowing activity no one had wanted to come near him. His bite was just as bad as his bark. It didn't matter whether you were in physical range, which meant he'd thrash you, or verbal, which would earn you a tongue-lashing. Either way you were screwed. The whole team had taken to the other side of the medical clinic to escape.
Not that they were much better. Jo had lost all the fur on her tail and the actual skin beneath the furry mane of warm-colored hair was charred from the electric bolt. It was a sickening black before Katy was forced to peel it, the screams from that would echo in their minds forever, and wrap the offended rat tail in clean bandages. She was surly, moody, and short tempered. Kolya was sure that losing her tail affected her pride and vanity just as much as the pain. Knowing her he wasn't sure if it wasn't more so.
Denzel was, as far as anyone could tell, he wouldn't let Katy examine him, perfectly fine. He watched everything with bland calm from the side. Occasionally he would ask a question, but mostly he watched in silence.
Karis had gotten off with little in the way of injury although Katy admonished her for overusing her elemental powers and for allowing herself to be hit full force with an electric attack. The shy vaporeon, still so terrified of the bossy woman, nodded shamefaced taking the scolding to heart. Kolya couldn't figure her out. It was like she had two different personalities. There was the Karis who hung around meek and quiet bowing to others and letting herself be swayed. Then there was the cold-blooded, levelheaded warrior that came out to play during battle. He wasn't sure whether he had any right to be leery of the latter when he had a dark side lurking inside also. One he had yet to come to terms with. Hence the uncomfortable position he was in at the moment.
"You have proved to be a very unique toy." Master purred, pleased, and Kolya tried not to flinch as the were-beast brush a clawed hand across his wounded shoulder, "I have never had possession of a berserker before. This should prove to be an interesting development."
Kolya didn't reply. His skin tended to creep around the strange half-breed and his gut wrenched, but he wasn't going to cower like Karis or defer like Denzel. This beast was holding him against his will and using him like a weapon. He deserved no respect and was afforded none. Kolya reverted to tactics he had learned growing up deaf. Bits of his memory had been floating back to him over the last week. It was uncomfortable at best and down right mind-blowing at worst.
He recalled flashes. His mother, a kind human man, a ralts, women, it was a jumble. Who were these people to him? Especially the one. She was prominent yet he couldn't recall a thing about her. Kolya also recalled places and other pokemon. Where and who? The memories were like a puzzle. One he hadn't the patience to piece together. The ragged recollections taunted and teased, promising relief. Yet all they gave him was a headache and more questions than answers.
"Your shoulder," Master said suddenly drawing up close, "It heals well I hope?"
Yes Master. Kolya answered. He knew that Master was well aware of his condition. He and Katy had held a length conversation in the hall that consisted of low voices.
"Excellent." Master replied heartily and Kolya stared at the wall uninterested. The shaggy hybrid seated himself again, satisfied with his activities. Kolya wasn't quite sure what he had been looking for in the first place. Maybe assuring himself of Katy's words?
The hybrid's cool eyes ran across Kolya's body slowly, "I always knew you would be worth something."
Worth something. As in he was property. Not a living, breathing being. One who had feelings, relations, and emotions. Simply a useful piece of property like a toaster or a car. One didn't name toasters or get attached to them.
"A new team member will be joining you at the end of this week."
So why haven't you informed Damon? Why me? Am I your new little pet now? Kolya thought bitterly.
"She is another umbreon. Hopeful a bit more traictable than the last one."
Yes Master. Kolya intoned, not really paying attention.
Now he was getting a vague inkling as to why no one really paid attention to him when he first came in. They were waiting. Waiting to see if he would make it. Tynan was probably the first of their team to be lost, but he wouldn't be the last. Kolya knew that Master would want Denzel back eventually. Despite the little eevee's stand offish nature he had seemed to take a liking to the younger espeon. Kolya thought of him as a caring big brother figure, one who took the time to explain the world and lend a hand during the confusion.
He wondered what poor creature was before him. Who did he replace? Was that one especially close to Jo, is that why she's so bitter? Maybe Damon. He shook his head in a subconscious gesture and drew the attention of Master.
"You disapprove?" The male inquired politely even though his tone was ice cold. The aura around him shifted dangerously.
No. Kolya snapped. He didn't care. Didn't care if they brought in a new team mate. They would just die anyway.
"No what?" Master practically purred in a silken tone. Kolya realized not only had he left off the customary honorific, he had also been unhelpful with no explanation. He had skidded onto very thin ice. Frozen water wasn't the strongest material know. He plunged into the icy water headfirst. "You seem to think that your abilities merit special treatment. Perhaps they do. You shall be given your own living space away from the others. You will see them at meals and during your training, no other times. Your special privledges will be in effect until the new fighter arrives, in which you will bunk with her."
Kolya bowed his head secretly broken. Master always found the most appropriate ways to punish his team. Somehow this was relevant to his thought that Kolya didn't want a new member. What hurt the most is he needed to be around others. He couldn't be locked up. Not by himself… with himself. Introspect was fair more painful that Jo's ill-tempered barbs or Damon's heated sparks.
Denzel appeared silently, as if he had been called. His chocolate eyes roamed over Kolya briefly before he bowed to Master awaiting his assignment.
"You will take Reidar to your old quarters. He is not to associate with the team unless it is at mealtime or during training."
"Understood Master." Denzel replied flatly showing no emotion, but with a pleasant expression. Kolya had noticed he did that whenever he was around the hybrid. Like his face was set that way, stiffened so he couldn't show any other expression.
"Good. Leave." Master said waving his clawed hand before rising to his feet. His eyes didn't bother to seek their faces out before he strutted out the side door.
The two eeveelutions walked in mute silence. The only noise was their blunt claws clicking against the tiles lightly.
"You will like my old place." Denzel said sudden, perhaps to comfort him. Kolya didn't know what to make of this abrupt display.
I suppose so. He replied.
"It is not too big, but it is comfortable." Denzel continued, still not looking at him.
What is wrong?
The eevee hesitated before turning to face him. His face was crumpled into a concerned frown. Something Kolya had yet to see ever grace the brown fox-like creature's face. Usually Denzel was so… neutral.
"It is located right next to Master's rooms. I am afraid you will get yourself in trouble if you stay there. As for the one who is to share it with you… I do not know her. She was acquired from a trainer, like yourself. It makes me nervous." For the eevee to admit that he must be more than nervous. Kolya started wonder what was so special about this umbreon that they would steal her from a trainer. Or did they?
Growling lightly at himself he decided he was tired of all this internal thought. He didn't use to think so much about things.
"Well, I suppose I shall have to tell the others." Denzel said heavily. He didn't look thrilled at that prospect and Kolya wondered why. As if the eevee had heard his train of thought Denzel answered, unexpectedly, "They do like you. Even Jyotika, although, your loss of temper makes her far more wary around you now. No one knows what to make of you to be honest."
They told you that? Kolya asked, confused. They started walking again keeping an easy pace.
"No." Denzel gave a short laugh, "I am some what of an empath, and very intuitive. It aids me in battle, but it also has its uses outside as well."
Kolya chewed this over slightly before storing it for further dissection. What he didn't understand was why the eevee chose now to be so chatty. Unless what he was facing was far worse than the light face Denzel was putting on it.
"Here we are." Denzel announced. By then they had walked to the other side of the compound. The clinic was closer than the team's living quarters. It really was as far away as one could get. Did Master truly despise them that much? To make his living quarters at the furthest corner from theirs?
The room was small and furnished simply, but comfortably. The colors were muted neutrals mixed with dull golds and coppers. Denzel gave a small, apologetic smile and Kolya assumed that he had decorated it himself.
It was a stark contrast from his previous room. Before it had been bright violets mixed with a sunset of colors. Kolya had never bothered to change it, thinking it didn't matter. This muted room attested to the fact that it did. That he really liked the bright, wild design of his old room.
"You can find your way back." Denzel almost seemed to ask, although it came out like a statement. Kolya nodded. "Anyway, do not go in that door. It leads to Master's rooms. Your bedding is off to the side, in that corner over there. We will see you at dinner then."
Thank you. Kolya said suddenly earning a curious glance. Thank you wasn't something that was said out loud very often. Especially from the rather silent espeon, For telling me all of that information. It will give me some things… things to think about.
Other than yourself you mean? He questioned himself.
"You're welcome."
A/N: And EEEP, that was my last pre-made chapter. Shoot. This will be updated once a week from now on, sorry. I just can't keep up with all my fics at the same time, especially since it's the holidays (that means MORE work).
Three A's, two C's, and PDBF: Maybe he's just messed up period? Hehe, no, his puppyhood (?) did a number on his mentality O__O And being deaf didn't help. Writing boards are ev- good, very good. *stares vengefully at hers* BSR, you're a pain.
Pheonix Rising: Beserk, nuts, very similiar. You may have Tynan now, I don't need him anymore ^^;; *hopes others won't expect Damon or Denzel to be killed off so they can have him* You can write him into your stories if you'd like, just give me a bit of credit, that's all I ask ^^;; *makes mental note to read new chapter*
Coffee Luv: I have Todd and Richie, they were cloned. I think Todd was the original O.o but I'm not sure. I loved using them to play pokemon Stadium mini-games against my brother. I kick butt at the eevee game! *pats back, careful not to get snapped at* It will be okay ^^
Paladin Dragoon: I'm none too nice to my characters sometimes O__O;; Thankies about the battle scene, and no problem.
Melchior the Mewthree: She ^^ Glad it helped with writer's block *shakes sharp stick at WB threatening*. It's been bothering me too. I find reading other people's stuff helps, oh, and Evanescense too ^^; Altho it's so dark O.o Evita works well too. *is music origented* The vees are cute ~.^ I'll see what I can do.
The floor felt cold behind his hindquarters and his head a spinning viciously. The drug that numbed the pain was beginning to wear off and the constant throb in his shoulder was starting to burn. He had come off easy considering the state of the rest of the team.
Damon had three fractured toes and a sprained ankle coupled with body wide bruises. His face had been smashed leaving a slight indentation on his left cheek. He had been extremely irritated and short-tempered all week. He wasn't allowed to pace incase he worsened his foot injuries and without his usual steam-blowing activity no one had wanted to come near him. His bite was just as bad as his bark. It didn't matter whether you were in physical range, which meant he'd thrash you, or verbal, which would earn you a tongue-lashing. Either way you were screwed. The whole team had taken to the other side of the medical clinic to escape.
Not that they were much better. Jo had lost all the fur on her tail and the actual skin beneath the furry mane of warm-colored hair was charred from the electric bolt. It was a sickening black before Katy was forced to peel it, the screams from that would echo in their minds forever, and wrap the offended rat tail in clean bandages. She was surly, moody, and short tempered. Kolya was sure that losing her tail affected her pride and vanity just as much as the pain. Knowing her he wasn't sure if it wasn't more so.
Denzel was, as far as anyone could tell, he wouldn't let Katy examine him, perfectly fine. He watched everything with bland calm from the side. Occasionally he would ask a question, but mostly he watched in silence.
Karis had gotten off with little in the way of injury although Katy admonished her for overusing her elemental powers and for allowing herself to be hit full force with an electric attack. The shy vaporeon, still so terrified of the bossy woman, nodded shamefaced taking the scolding to heart. Kolya couldn't figure her out. It was like she had two different personalities. There was the Karis who hung around meek and quiet bowing to others and letting herself be swayed. Then there was the cold-blooded, levelheaded warrior that came out to play during battle. He wasn't sure whether he had any right to be leery of the latter when he had a dark side lurking inside also. One he had yet to come to terms with. Hence the uncomfortable position he was in at the moment.
"You have proved to be a very unique toy." Master purred, pleased, and Kolya tried not to flinch as the were-beast brush a clawed hand across his wounded shoulder, "I have never had possession of a berserker before. This should prove to be an interesting development."
Kolya didn't reply. His skin tended to creep around the strange half-breed and his gut wrenched, but he wasn't going to cower like Karis or defer like Denzel. This beast was holding him against his will and using him like a weapon. He deserved no respect and was afforded none. Kolya reverted to tactics he had learned growing up deaf. Bits of his memory had been floating back to him over the last week. It was uncomfortable at best and down right mind-blowing at worst.
He recalled flashes. His mother, a kind human man, a ralts, women, it was a jumble. Who were these people to him? Especially the one. She was prominent yet he couldn't recall a thing about her. Kolya also recalled places and other pokemon. Where and who? The memories were like a puzzle. One he hadn't the patience to piece together. The ragged recollections taunted and teased, promising relief. Yet all they gave him was a headache and more questions than answers.
"Your shoulder," Master said suddenly drawing up close, "It heals well I hope?"
Yes Master. Kolya answered. He knew that Master was well aware of his condition. He and Katy had held a length conversation in the hall that consisted of low voices.
"Excellent." Master replied heartily and Kolya stared at the wall uninterested. The shaggy hybrid seated himself again, satisfied with his activities. Kolya wasn't quite sure what he had been looking for in the first place. Maybe assuring himself of Katy's words?
The hybrid's cool eyes ran across Kolya's body slowly, "I always knew you would be worth something."
Worth something. As in he was property. Not a living, breathing being. One who had feelings, relations, and emotions. Simply a useful piece of property like a toaster or a car. One didn't name toasters or get attached to them.
"A new team member will be joining you at the end of this week."
So why haven't you informed Damon? Why me? Am I your new little pet now? Kolya thought bitterly.
"She is another umbreon. Hopeful a bit more traictable than the last one."
Yes Master. Kolya intoned, not really paying attention.
Now he was getting a vague inkling as to why no one really paid attention to him when he first came in. They were waiting. Waiting to see if he would make it. Tynan was probably the first of their team to be lost, but he wouldn't be the last. Kolya knew that Master would want Denzel back eventually. Despite the little eevee's stand offish nature he had seemed to take a liking to the younger espeon. Kolya thought of him as a caring big brother figure, one who took the time to explain the world and lend a hand during the confusion.
He wondered what poor creature was before him. Who did he replace? Was that one especially close to Jo, is that why she's so bitter? Maybe Damon. He shook his head in a subconscious gesture and drew the attention of Master.
"You disapprove?" The male inquired politely even though his tone was ice cold. The aura around him shifted dangerously.
No. Kolya snapped. He didn't care. Didn't care if they brought in a new team mate. They would just die anyway.
"No what?" Master practically purred in a silken tone. Kolya realized not only had he left off the customary honorific, he had also been unhelpful with no explanation. He had skidded onto very thin ice. Frozen water wasn't the strongest material know. He plunged into the icy water headfirst. "You seem to think that your abilities merit special treatment. Perhaps they do. You shall be given your own living space away from the others. You will see them at meals and during your training, no other times. Your special privledges will be in effect until the new fighter arrives, in which you will bunk with her."
Kolya bowed his head secretly broken. Master always found the most appropriate ways to punish his team. Somehow this was relevant to his thought that Kolya didn't want a new member. What hurt the most is he needed to be around others. He couldn't be locked up. Not by himself… with himself. Introspect was fair more painful that Jo's ill-tempered barbs or Damon's heated sparks.
Denzel appeared silently, as if he had been called. His chocolate eyes roamed over Kolya briefly before he bowed to Master awaiting his assignment.
"You will take Reidar to your old quarters. He is not to associate with the team unless it is at mealtime or during training."
"Understood Master." Denzel replied flatly showing no emotion, but with a pleasant expression. Kolya had noticed he did that whenever he was around the hybrid. Like his face was set that way, stiffened so he couldn't show any other expression.
"Good. Leave." Master said waving his clawed hand before rising to his feet. His eyes didn't bother to seek their faces out before he strutted out the side door.
The two eeveelutions walked in mute silence. The only noise was their blunt claws clicking against the tiles lightly.
"You will like my old place." Denzel said sudden, perhaps to comfort him. Kolya didn't know what to make of this abrupt display.
I suppose so. He replied.
"It is not too big, but it is comfortable." Denzel continued, still not looking at him.
What is wrong?
The eevee hesitated before turning to face him. His face was crumpled into a concerned frown. Something Kolya had yet to see ever grace the brown fox-like creature's face. Usually Denzel was so… neutral.
"It is located right next to Master's rooms. I am afraid you will get yourself in trouble if you stay there. As for the one who is to share it with you… I do not know her. She was acquired from a trainer, like yourself. It makes me nervous." For the eevee to admit that he must be more than nervous. Kolya started wonder what was so special about this umbreon that they would steal her from a trainer. Or did they?
Growling lightly at himself he decided he was tired of all this internal thought. He didn't use to think so much about things.
"Well, I suppose I shall have to tell the others." Denzel said heavily. He didn't look thrilled at that prospect and Kolya wondered why. As if the eevee had heard his train of thought Denzel answered, unexpectedly, "They do like you. Even Jyotika, although, your loss of temper makes her far more wary around you now. No one knows what to make of you to be honest."
They told you that? Kolya asked, confused. They started walking again keeping an easy pace.
"No." Denzel gave a short laugh, "I am some what of an empath, and very intuitive. It aids me in battle, but it also has its uses outside as well."
Kolya chewed this over slightly before storing it for further dissection. What he didn't understand was why the eevee chose now to be so chatty. Unless what he was facing was far worse than the light face Denzel was putting on it.
"Here we are." Denzel announced. By then they had walked to the other side of the compound. The clinic was closer than the team's living quarters. It really was as far away as one could get. Did Master truly despise them that much? To make his living quarters at the furthest corner from theirs?
The room was small and furnished simply, but comfortably. The colors were muted neutrals mixed with dull golds and coppers. Denzel gave a small, apologetic smile and Kolya assumed that he had decorated it himself.
It was a stark contrast from his previous room. Before it had been bright violets mixed with a sunset of colors. Kolya had never bothered to change it, thinking it didn't matter. This muted room attested to the fact that it did. That he really liked the bright, wild design of his old room.
"You can find your way back." Denzel almost seemed to ask, although it came out like a statement. Kolya nodded. "Anyway, do not go in that door. It leads to Master's rooms. Your bedding is off to the side, in that corner over there. We will see you at dinner then."
Thank you. Kolya said suddenly earning a curious glance. Thank you wasn't something that was said out loud very often. Especially from the rather silent espeon, For telling me all of that information. It will give me some things… things to think about.
Other than yourself you mean? He questioned himself.
"You're welcome."
A/N: And EEEP, that was my last pre-made chapter. Shoot. This will be updated once a week from now on, sorry. I just can't keep up with all my fics at the same time, especially since it's the holidays (that means MORE work).
Three A's, two C's, and PDBF: Maybe he's just messed up period? Hehe, no, his puppyhood (?) did a number on his mentality O__O And being deaf didn't help. Writing boards are ev- good, very good. *stares vengefully at hers* BSR, you're a pain.
Pheonix Rising: Beserk, nuts, very similiar. You may have Tynan now, I don't need him anymore ^^;; *hopes others won't expect Damon or Denzel to be killed off so they can have him* You can write him into your stories if you'd like, just give me a bit of credit, that's all I ask ^^;; *makes mental note to read new chapter*
Coffee Luv: I have Todd and Richie, they were cloned. I think Todd was the original O.o but I'm not sure. I loved using them to play pokemon Stadium mini-games against my brother. I kick butt at the eevee game! *pats back, careful not to get snapped at* It will be okay ^^
Paladin Dragoon: I'm none too nice to my characters sometimes O__O;; Thankies about the battle scene, and no problem.
Melchior the Mewthree: She ^^ Glad it helped with writer's block *shakes sharp stick at WB threatening*. It's been bothering me too. I find reading other people's stuff helps, oh, and Evanescense too ^^; Altho it's so dark O.o Evita works well too. *is music origented* The vees are cute ~.^ I'll see what I can do.