(a/n: I do not own Pokemon or whatever, or Nintendo Gamecube (although I am in possession of a gamecube and a nintendo 64. So sue me! Sheesh!) And Xifa helped write this story. She is Aera, Megumi, Brock, Cameron, Dennis, Edwin, and Frankie. I am everyone else. So please read and review!)

Iris

By: Xifa and Sefie Lynne Tilmitt

Chapter 2

Crap. Well, CRAP! This made -no sense-! What was i feeling?! I felt -guilty-, and what the heck did -I- do?! -She- was the one intruding! Well, at least she gave my goggles back. I looked down at the hand she had taken from my eyes, as if it was of any importance to her what I was feeling. What I was remembering. I walked out, my calm back in place and memories at the back of my mind once again in the firm place I had always kept them locked away.

I walked outside, going to the colosseum. Maybe battling could get it off my mind, and--

There they were.

I saw them. These weren't just any gang members, these were the one's who had done this to me. There was only one thing that scared me. And that were those four group members. I walked away as fast as I could without looking suspicious. I ran into any alleyway once out of sight, sank down against the wall... I looked into the puddle infront of me.

Who was I seeing, the reflection was distorted and I almost didn't know it anymore, it was nameless and faceless like everyone else in this world.... I hadn't changed. I had gotten taller, stronger, but really I was the same. And I had no doubt they knew me. I had no doubt they would do it to me again. Was the man I saw in the puddle really me? No, I decided. No, this is what they -made- me.

I felt a surge of anger, at the injustice of what had happened, at myself, at them. I let my fingertips brush the water, sending rainbow ripples over the image. This wasn't who I was. I was the simple aftereffect of any experiment. it was -my fault- they were dead too. I wish I hadn't even been born! I pulled my knees up, laid my head on my knees angrily and closed my eyes. I wanted the tears to come, and they waited readilly. But because of what they made me, I didn't cry. I couldn't cry. I wasn't even supposed to -feel-.... but oh, how I felt.

I wish I hadn't been born. I got up, almost through down the life work of Team Snagem, but something stopped me. Maybe it was my evil side, my fettish for all things dark. A fettish instilled in my against my will. I fell to my knees, letting the memory was over me. It was all so clear, so perfectly clear, like the water that ran in the fountains around me....

I was sitting in a cold room. Cold, hard steel was -everywhere-. I knew deep down what was happening, and what had already happened and why. It was my fault, wasn't it? I cried. I cried until I thought I could never cry again, using all my tears. Maybe that was why I never could find the ability to cry. I yelled for my mom, my dad, -anyone- to help me. To stop them. I couldn't move. They had me hooked up to this big, bulky machine. Attached everywhere to me. I was trapped, trapped with nowhere to go. I.V. in my arm, wires attached to my head, my arms, my legs, and especially my chest.

I knew almost what was coming. i just didn't know how much it would hurt or what it would do to me. They told me over and over what they were going to do, but it was empty of meaning because they refused to tell me anything more. So all the people left the room, and i was left alone. I tried to look around. I saw the man behind the glass flip the switch and-- I stuffed my fist in my mouth to shut me up. I screamed in agnoy, washing over me in great waves, with no words to describe it. I was alone, and I lost all I knew. Who was I? I felt myself panic, struggling, but that only made it hurt worse. I knew that, had I not put my hand in my mouth, I would have screamed again. It was just the way it went when I remembered it all.

Something very cold and very sticky dropped onto my head.

"Oh...cruds...dont'cha hate summer days?"

I jumped, then realized it was only Ms. Rose.

"Thanks..." I fished around for some money. "How'd you find me anyways?"

"Super-Aera-homing-sense," she shrugged. "I don't want your money. This is to make up for me stealing your goggles...or whatever it was you're always mad at me for...in any case, have an ice-cream cone! I've licked off of both of 'em, so you're screwed either way."

I blinked. "Oh." I cautiously took one. "Thanks..."

"Don't worry, I don't have cooties," she laughed. "So, whatcha planning on doing?"

"Nothing." I shrugged. "There isn't really anything left for me to do. I blew up the headquarters, ergo getting my revenge. So I have nothing left."

"So I see...whatcha gonna do with that snatchit machine?"

"Destroy it. Most--" Likely.

"No!"

"Why not? That thing is all evil."

"Well, how about I just...take it off your hands for ya?"

"What for?"

"Because...I kinda need it...maybe I wanna be a..." she posed. "Pokemon master!"

"Goody goody."

"But...I kinda need that thingy to do it with. Or..." she grinned. "Y'know, I never was too good at fighting pokemon. I have no sense of strategy when it comes to fighting...just on how to avoid it. However..."

"However?"

"You have to help me! It's your fault that he's gone anyway!" she frowned. "Your ignorant team of morons were taking innocent pokemon from people to lock their hearts up or whatever it is they do. Yeah, I know what they're doing! I forced that guy just so he'd tell me! Hehe...so evil...too bad he couldn't tell the nunchuks were foam...er...ANYWAYS...that's a horrible thing to do to anyone! So, um, I think you need to help these pokemon! Because if you catch them, you can unlock their hearts, savvy? And, I mean...they've....they've got one of my pokemon. My only pokemon," she stared at the ground miserably. "They took the only pokemon I ever had...and it's your fault, because you were with them! You owe it to those poor pokemon to unlock their hearts and spread love and peace to the entire world!"

"There is no such thing as 'love and peace' but I'll try. Because I agree. it's a horrible thing, to lock someone's heart." I turned away. I felt like she could see right through my goggles. And she could see what was surrounding me.

"I can see pokemon-aura-type-thingies, so I'll be able to tell you whether this is one we're looking for or not," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "And you...you're strong, and you can fight, and you know how to work that thingy on your arm. We're the perfect team!"

"....Yeah, I guess we are." I said quietly.

"I knew you'd have to admit it sooner or later!" she cheered happily, more chocolate ice-cream dripping on my head. "Er..."

I didn't look at her, couldn't make make myself. she -knew- to much. I felt like she saw right past all I had done to conceal myself, who I was and why....

"Uh, sorry...it's...er...melting...hang on..." she quickly licked all of what she called 'the melties' away, then grabbed a napkin out of her pocket and tried cleaning out my (now-sticky) hair. I scooted over four or five inches, out from under the dripping hazard of doom.

"It's fine. I don't think anyone is dumb enough to laugh and say I have chocolate ice cream on my head."

A little kid ran by.

"Haha! You have choclate ice cream on your head!" he laughed as he ran out.

I cursed, put my head in my hand and shook it. "...Cripes. Well, that's obviously the way it goes, eh?" I sighed, looking at the end of the alley, trying to find something to distract me.

"It's about the luck I have," she smiled. "Well, more like exactly the luck I have...but whatever. Hey, maybe I'm just bad luck...and me being around you is making you have bad luck!"

"No. I've just had it all my life."

"I," she said informationally, "am cursed as well. You see, I have not one, not two, not even three, but FIVE little brothers. ...no joke. I'm dead serious. Little kids buzz to me like bees to honey...I thought after I left home there wouldn't be a problem. Know what the first job I got outside of Lavendar Town was?"

"What?" This was actually somewhat amusing.

"...babysitting."

"Why is that not surprising?"

"All of them had a pet clefairy. I don't care if I ever see a clefairy again. Between screaming kids and 'clefairy! clefairy!' for about three hours straight...it's a miracle I'm not suicidal by now..."

I nodded. "Poor Ms. Rose."

"It's Aera."

"Hey, I thought you were picked off at me, and that calls for formality, does it not?"

"All right, Sir Storm, whatever you want to say!"

"Whatever."

"...I oughta throw the rest of this ice cream on you..."

"Ep." I stood up, backed off a few feet. "I'm already chocolate. I'm already wet. Don't add any more."

She held the ice-cream cone threateningly, grinning.

"No. -Oh- no you don't." I backed away. "C'mon. I got you outta the bag."

She started rapidly advancing towards me, still holding the ice-cream, grinning evilly.

"But you took too long getting it done."

"So?! At least you didn't die!"

"Had you left me in there thirty more seconds I prolly would have!"

"Er... Ms. Rose... don't look at me like that..." Gulp... "Um, ditch the evil smile?" Please?

"AERA!!!" she charged at me, grin still there, ice cream in hand.

I said several things under my breath, which I won't add for everyone's benifit, turning and running. I remember some of the wiseguys telling me I should try out for track because i was a fast runner. But obviously I wasn't fast enough to lose Ms. Rose. I swear, I tried to lose her in every tight spot I could think of! I STILL couldn't get rid of her! Finally I ducked into one of the dark allies. And it was a dead end. My own downbringing. A saw a three hour shower in my future, and even then sticky residue in my hair or on my outfit for a week. And then I noticed it was gone.

"You little--!" I decided not to finish that particular thought. "How long? How long have you not had it?"

"Oh, since you took the first three steps."

&($&(#&!(#&!(

"God...." I shook my head.

"You didn't notice?"

"I was to busy trying to save myself from being a chocolate dipped fudgebar, thank you very much." I glared at her.

"Aww, isn't that sweet?"

"... Bad pun."

"Sorry...I couldn't stop myself."

I turned around, my eyes narrowing. "Ms. Rose, stay behind me. I mean it."

"Not until you accept the fact that my name is Aera. Maybe I don't like my last name! Maybe it brings up things that make--"

"Fine, whatever, Aera, just -stay behind me-!" I said urgently as four men rounded the corner, smiling. No, not a happy smile. Not a happy smile at all.

"So... is the door still closed, my cold, bitter friend?"

I twitched, but didn't say a word.

"Ah, I guess so. And lookie here. The girl, too! What a catch. i have a feeling -everyone- wants you, miss. And what a great added bonus.... we found our little missing experiment, too---"

"Shuddup!" I yelled.

"Yeha, I know, everyone wants a piece of me. Comes from being so famous!" she flipped her pigtail cheesily. "Lemme guess, you're here for an autograph, right?"

The guy rolled his eyes. He seemed to be the leader. One of them I almost recognized further. Almost. He looked sad to find me, like he knew and pitied me. Who was he? All I knew was he was one of my tormentors... Black hair, blue eyes. Familliar. The memories teasingly danced out of reach.

"Whatever. Just come peacefully and we won't have to hurt you all." The leader grabbed my shoulder, but the sad-looking man stopped him.

"Hey, careful with this one. I know him. He's useful. Let me try to talk to him."

I gave Aera a 'just shuddup and run or you won't have the chance' look, pleading almost.

"Hey," the sad man said softly. "Storm, 'member me?"

"No." I said bitterly, the added sarcastically. "Oh, nevermind! Of COURSE I do! You're one of them that -ruined my life-!"

"No... No, it made you forget me..." he shook his head, disappointed.

"Wait. Lift those goggles." ordered the man in charge.

"No. No." I yanked away, started to back away. But he grabbed me, pulling the goggles off.

"Our perfect little experiment is ruined, and all by this little girl." he growled, throwing me to the ground, looking at me like I was dirt. "Now we have to start all over again."

"NO!"

"HEY!" Aera yelled, reaching over and grabbing the man's shirt collar. "Who are you callin' little?! I think i'm the only girl here...well, I can't tell about you, but I doubt you'd refer to yourself that way, you strike me as the arrogant type, but in any case...you can't judge power on size!" she scowled, slapping her hand against the man's forehead and staring into his eyes. A strange purple aura surrounded them. "Am I STILL LITTLE NOW!?!? Go away! Nobody messes with me OR my friends! You leave him alone too!"

He grabbed me by the shirt collar and started to drag me off. There was nothing I could do about it, either. This man held complete control over me. I reached for my knife helplessly. If I couldn't kill him, I could prevent myself from having to deal with the life-wrenching pain.

"Let go. Now." She pulled out a pair of scissors... Oh. My. God.

"I'm so afraid of a kid's scissors. He's far to important to us!"

"I know...I know they're just scissors...but when I get mad enough...they become...scissors of doom!" she frowned slightly. "I gotta stop watching anime so much," she scowled as she tossed the scissors (pointy end) at the man.

"And Storm likes you -why-?" one of the others rolled his eyes. "God, he's supposed to be emotionless and he befriends a geek."

"She's not a geek! Just leave us alone!" I tried to stab my knife into the guy, and it appeared to work. But then I felt something hot rushing down my arm. I knew better.... I KNEW better!

"fat chance."

"Storm?" she said quietly, worriedly. She frowned, whatever rage holding her earlier regaining itself, and then grabbed my pokeballs. "Hope they're high levels," she flinched, tossing them both out. "Please be strong...and smart..."

Umbreon and Espeon. Thank God! They lept on the man, who bellowed and screeched. I stood up unsteadilly.

"Remind me to thank you. If we make it out of this."

I recalled my Umbreon and Espeon, grabbed her hand and dragged her along with me, running as hard and fast as I could into the pokecenter. I sank down onto one of the couches, scowling and taking off my coat, now stained with blood. I tore a long strip off the bottom of my trenchcoat and tied it around the wound that should have belonged to D'Atri, the leader of the Experiment team. I looked up at her. "Thankyou, Aera. I owe you big time."

"Not your typical street-idiots. Most of 'em either get confused when I give 'em my autograph or at least freak out when I pull out the scissors...no idea why...guess I underestimated them," she said glumly.

"They've been trained for years and years. Even the most expert bull crapper in the world couldn't fool them."

And what they said.... was my mind really openning?!

"Obviuosly," she nodded. "I mean, if I couldn't get past 'em..." she grinned.

I didn't say anything, grimacing. If they were back, and they wanted me, then they had a new machine. A new machine meant more experiments. More vengeful, purposeless experiments like me. But they had to have me first, just to make sure the new improved one worked. As far as I figured. New and improved meant.... that it couldn't be undone....

"What did they want you for, anyways? I figured they wouldn't ever want to see you again, after the whole bomb incident and all."

"They did some.... experiments on me when i was young." I held out my hand, looking sadly at it, feeling like I was contaminated, almost guilty for some reason. "Now they want me back, because the experiment's effects are wearing off and I'll be.... most useful to them. If they catch me."

"Y'know what?" she reached over and took my hand, squeezing it in hers. "They're not gonna catch ya."

I smiled sadly. Not a cold, bitter smirk. When had I last smiled? I couldn't even remember.... "Whatever you say."

"What's that supposed to mean? I am totally serious. I am, y'know, like, the master battle evasion type person. We'll stay away from 'em."

"You don't understand." I put my head in my hand. "You haven't a clue what they did to me. There's no escaping. There are bases -everywhere-. Placed all over Orre and speading as we speak to Jhoto and Kanto. It's all happening to fast to prevent, and what they want to do to me.... maybe it would be better for everyone if they just did it...."

Then I wouldn't put anyone in danger. I was like an internal tracking device. They could always find me. They instilled that in my head when they instilled my infatuation with all things dark and evil. But if i just let them have me, no one would be in danger anymore.

"But it wouldn't be better for you. Or me. And let's be selfish for a day, mkay? Besides...right now, we kinda have to be. 'Cause far as I know of, I'm the only one who can see those thingies...and you're the only one with the snatchit thingy...so we have to stay alive to save the world!"

No one would want me saving their world. I was a closed door. Couldn't she see that? I know she saw me for what I was.

"Whatever."

I leaned my head against the wall, closed my eyes. It would be best for everyone else. Here, between the three only friends I had, I didn't have room to be selfish. I was a danger to all of them. I was a danger to Espeon, Umbreon, and especially Aera. And yeah, I admit it! She's my friend. I think... Maybe.

"Y'know what? You just take a nap, that's a good idea. You got hurt and you prolly oughta rest. Me and my two new buddies'll keep an eye out, right guys?" she looked down at Umbreon and Espeon.

Espeon nuzzled her hand, and Umbreon laid by my feet.

"No... No, I don't need a nap. We should leave, we're all in danger here...."

"Okay, fine. We'll leave, and then we'll be safe for a bit, and then we'll take a nap," she beamed.

"Why are you bent on naps, for heaven sakes?" I had to admit, I wasn't feeling quite well, and I guess a nap would help, but I didn't need it.

"I was a frequent class sleeper. I don't function well without naps," she shrugged, grinning.

"Then take a nap on the way to the next city. I won't drive to fast, and I'm sure I had a helmet somewhere..."

"Or I'll drive," she grinned. "Then you can take a nap!"

"I don't -need- a nap!" Bull crap.

"Liar liar," she teased.

"Just let me drive, take a nap on the way there, and I'll -think- about taking a nap. How's that?"

"Good enough."

"Okay." I called back Espeon and Umbreon, healing them in the machine I had earlier used for support.

It had been a long day. I turned to her. "And Aera?"

"Yes?" she smiled happily, happy mainly at the fact I'd finally called her by just her first name.

"I'll help you find your pokemon if it's the last thing I'll do. I won't submit myself to them till you get it back, okay?"

"Okay!" she grinned. "Well, not about the submission part...but we're gonna get my Pichu back! Yay! I'm so happy!" she beamed, hugging me and running out to the 'motorcycle'. "C'mon! No time to waste!"

I rubbed my sore arm and walked out after her, hopping on and handing her my helmet. "There. now you can take a nap and function correctly, right?"

"No, I can't take a nap! Let's sing car songs! Mama...oh-lala...I'm just a poor boy, nobody loves me..."

"NO! NO QUEEN!"

"Okay, so classic rock's not your thing...let's move on...All my exes live in Texas...and texas is where I'd love to--"

"Can you please not sing? Please? I hate country, ergo whatever -that- was, and I hate Bohemian Rhapsody. Sing something... I dunno... Normal, if you must sing."

"Take me away, take me far away from here, I will run, with you, don't be afraid....lalala...."

I listened intintly to her sing. I hated romance songs, but it wasn't so bad, hearing her sing this... 'love song'. But love wasn't real. Love was a lie, something that can never really be felt. Her voice was pretty, I thought vaguely, my arm hurting a little.

"And in our minds it comes so easily, I wanna show you but there's no way we can really be free...lalala..." she paused, looking up to me. "If my voice is too horrible, I'll stop."

"No. I... like it. A lot."

"Thanks," she smiled, continuing to sing.

I listened, captivated by how perfect the notes flowed when she sang them, and it seemed like we were there to fast. I sat there for a second, then took out the key and shoved it in my pocket.

"Ah, we're here," she nodded sadly. "I was enjoying the ride."

"Me too. you... you have an excellent voice." i hopped off, my face hot for some reason.

"Aw, y'really think so? I'm a kareoke fiend," she admitted sheepishly. "Someday, if we're ever in a place that does kareoke, you'll have to sing with me."

"No--" Thanks, but I really can't and--

"You'll have to sing with me," she repeated.

"I can't sing to save my life."

"It doesn't matter. It's all about the love," she beamed. "Even if you can't sing, if you enjoy yourself it's all the worthwhile."

"...Maybe someday. Just not in front of anybody, okay?"

"Well, whatever you're comfortable with..."

"I'm comfortable with listening to you. And not singing."

"Well, sometimes we have to get un-comfortable," she said simply, hopping out. "Anyways.... ew....this place sucks."

"But there are pokemon here that need to be saved. Right?"

"Of course," she nodded. "So we're just...stuck here for awhile."

"Yeah...." I reached into my coat pocket (I was carrying my coat, keeping it off my arm so it wouldn't hurt worse), I dug around for some money. "How much do two hotel rooms cost?"

"Ah, beats me. You can stay in one if you want. I have trusty Mr.-Sleeping-Bag. I shall just stay outside tonight."

"Do you want to stay in one of the rooms? Are you sure?"

"I've camped out every night now for the last two years! Wouldn't want to get myself spoiled, now would I?"

"C'mon. A coupla nights won't kill ya."

"Nope. I'm like, the outdoor queen. Yep, me and the ground...great buddies."

I shrugged. "Then I guess I'll be staying outside too." I stuffed my coat into my large backpack. My coat was long but thin, so it fit well inside. It wasn't a 'keep-me-warm' coat, it was a 'add-to-the-scariness' coat.

"You and the ground buddies too? I just think it's a waste of money to stay in a bed for what, six hours? It's free out here!"

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes. "It's dark, so do you wanna get a fresh start tomorow?"

"Not until I've eaten," she blinked a few times, surprised. "I have to have my midnight snack!"

"Whatever. C'mon then, let's go into town. What do you want to eat?"

"No, I have popcorn. Popcorn's good. Cheaper, too. Hehe...no, seriously. Anyways, you start a fire. I'm scared of the dark and I get cold easily, so we'll need one for that too, and then I'll pop popcorn!"

"...You are the ultimate penny pincher."

I looked for a good spot, made a big circle of stones, and dug in my pocket for matches after I gathered firewood. Which, in the process of, I got attacked by a sudowoodo, thinking it was a tree. my bad. I found my matches alright. When I was feeling all miserable and sat down in that stupid alley, they had gotten very wet and very useless. Crap. It was times like these I wished I had elemental pokemon, like -anything- that could use ember or flamethrower. Looked like I was gonna hafta do this the hard way.

I made sure that when this got going, it would last. I advise no one else to do this, but I siphoned a little gas out of my 'motorcycle' and soaked the wood in it. I attempted to use stones to create a spark. A wasted ten minutes and three curses later, I had absolutely NOTHING ACCOMPLISHED.

"You're priceless," she laughed, walking over to it, reaching into her bag and pulling out a box of matches. She lit it on the first try, lighting a fire.

I scowled, muttering something very rude and standing up. "Wow, aren't you the eighth world wonder."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

"That's supposed to mean thanks for letting me make an idiot outta myself, Oh Goddess of Fire."

"Goddess of Fire...I like that!"

"Do you wanna be a damsel again? It's either Aera or damsel, take your pick. Not Goddess of Fire."

"I'll just take Aera. Sheesh...you really do need a nap."

"Thanks."

I sat down next to the fire. She plopped down on the other side of it, yawning.

"Kum-by-yah, mi Lord...kum-ba-yah..."

I leaned back on my elbows, closing my eyes, arm throbbing. I enjoyed hearing her sing, however annoying she got.

"That's it, I'm going to sleep. You should to. You're really grouchy. Keep that up, and your Umbreon and Espeon just might run away," she winked.

I blinked. That wasn't even funny. I rummaged through my pack, got my coat, and walked slightly away. I was not the ground's buddy. I was the trees' buddy. I climbed up into it, sitting and staring up at the moon. I guess she'd forgotten that she was hungry... I leaned my head against the bark, gazing at the landscape. It was peaceful. I had never thought that before. Never.

I had to face it. I had changed. That was a good thing, I guess. But the more human I became, the less experimental I was, the more danger I put others in. I didn't want that... no, not at all. As soon as we found Aera's Pichu, back I'd go. Maybe it wouldn't be painful this time. Maybe I wouldn't scream like a kid again. Who knows. I sighed, draping my coat over me like a blanket.

"G'night." I called. I knew that the fire wasn't to far away, and she wouldn't go to far away from that, because she said she was afraid of the dark.

I closed my eyes. I was afraid of the dark too, in my own special way. I wondered if they had experimented on anyone else, or if I was the only one of my kind. If they had been brave enough to create another person so powerful, so rebellious he or she would bring them to their downfall. I fell asleep drowning in the memories again.