Returning to Unova took longer than expected but I arrived shaky but determined. My mind raced a thousand miles as I made a slight detour on the way to Kyle's home. As I stood on the sacred ground that Lula, my sister and he had trained on, I reminisced on all the memories Kyle had shared with me. The connection….the bond I had created was one worth longing for. Desiring. Taking a step forward, my body stiffened as a threat presented itself opposite of me. A Pokemon familiar to me barred my access, her imposing silhouette standing out among the night. Her blue mane waved in the air, as I leisurely crossed the dirt expanse. As I approached within striking range, she fired a warning shot of water that slammed into the earth just shy of my position.
"That's far enough, Rose."
"Hello, Lula," I said, trying to keep any hostility out of my voice. I wasn't here to fight the Starter. Not unless she intended to dispute my claim. Water from above poured in a light sheet soaking us both in cold liquid.
"What are you doing here? Why are you still alive?" she demanded, her voice a hiss. Her usually melodic tones came out like a whip snapping in the air. I grew defensive as I stared at her. She was overly tense, and I was surprised she knew how I would show up here.
"Not like I didn't try to kill myself," I joked, only for her to not respond to my statement. Despite my knowledge that she wouldn't let me, I still tried to reach the girl who loved Kyle.
"Lula. I'm not here to fight. I just...I would like to speak to him if he's alive. Please?" I begged. She scoffed at my request as she stared me down.
"Talk? After what you did to him? No. You have one right...the right to leave without any scars from me. I'm only doing that because its what he would ask of me.," she snarled. Her words shot a bullet of relief into my heart. He had survived. While part of me had expected and hoped as much, there was always the chance that he had bled out on that battlefield. With that confirmed, getting past her was the only obstacle in the way of seeing him.
As our eyes met again, I noticed something. The way she hadn't said Master once this entire conversation, meant the dynamic had changed between the two. I had been around her enough to notice the drastic change in attitude. She seemed almost afraid of upsetting him.
"What did he do Lula?" I asked, taking a step forward. She tensed as I approached her muscles on edge, as her eyes fell to the floor.
"I-I don't know what you are talking about."
"You do and I need you to tell me. What did he do?" I demanded, in a soft voice. I moved closer until we were a breath away. I didn't understand what harm he had inflicted, but I needed to know what I had changed him into. IF I had made a monster, I wouldn't forgive myself for that. She shivered, and I could tell she wasn't willing to tell me what happened.
"Nothing that I didn't deserve," she replied, before staring at me. "And it's your fault. You took his dreams away and-"
"I know.," I said, shutting her down. Then it hit me. I knew what act he had committed. Her word. Deserve. My mind revolted at the thought, but I instinctively knew. Something I never thought him capable of. I had spoken with a few victims in that cave and it was a term they used to describe the abuse.
"Did he hit you, Lula?" I asked.
"H-how could you know that?"
Her question confirmed my fears. My stomach flipped and I felt the urge to throw up but knew that I had caused it. With his heart in pieces, he had lashed out in his anger. I understood without even having been there, as I had lived that way. My rage had been a tool to direct at anyone who got close to me. Myself included.
"How many times?" I asked, in a sad voice.
"Does it matter?"
"To me it does. Please, Lula. I know you kept count," I said, watching as her eyes watered in memory. I was opening a scar that would never go away, but I had to.
"Three."
My eyes widened and I audibly gasped leaning forward.
"He's changed, Rose," she continued, her muzzle tipping back and to the building, she knew as home. "After the fight, he grew depressed. He doesn't eat much. He's lost weight and strength. He's lost his will to keep living and blames himself for everything that's happened. Bry still hasn't recovered from the fight. In fact, he's still in the ICU trying to relearn gliding. Our family has been irreparably broken because of that fight. And YOU. YOUR BETRAYAL WAS UNFORGIVABLE. YOU TOOK HIM FROM ME!"
Her hurt gaze swept back to me, her eyes pouring tears. The anger was familiar and I didn't avoid it knowing I was solely responsible for the hurt. I remained motionless as the weight of everything fell on my shoulders. It was a heavy burden, and yet internally I was happy for it. It was a familiar feeling that filled me with nostalgia. Robert had been right. I had denied them happiness by running. Nonetheless, I was here and now facing my accusations without fear or doubt.
"That's why I need to talk to him. I want to help," I said, holding up a paw. "If you couldn't heal those wounds, I need to."
"By killing him?" she replied, her eyes narrowing. Her posture shifted forward and I anticipated that she would attack at any second. Blinded by anger, I knew she wouldn't listen to reason unless I revealed some of what happened now.
"By keeping my promises to your friend. Kat wanted me to be here," I stated, as a soft breeze rippled across the field.
"Promises to Kat? You keep saying that. You keep using that as a cop-out-"
Before she could continue I interrupted her and let myself be vulnerable in front of the Primarina. I owed her an explanation.
"Kat knew I could be happy here. I want to be happy. I want...I want to feel like I belong. And he...he's given me that," I said, quietly. She stared into my eyes before a nasty laugh came from her maw. Indignation at her actions filled my chest but I pushed them down.
"That's a good joke. You don't belong anywhere. Now leave, before I get nasty-" Cutting her threat short, I blindsided her with a question to prove my intentions.
"How far would you go to protect him?" I asked, turning the question to promise number one.
"I'd kill anyone who threatened him?"
"Mewtwo?"
Her eyes widened before she let out a low growl.
"Don't twist things. You killed him-"
"Because I wasn't given a choice. Do you think between the two of us we could protect him if he had come back for revenge? I knew I was breaking my promise to him, but you would have done the same, Lula," I said, watching as she tried to counter my logic. She remained silent for a minute before she responded to her hot temper abating if only temporarily.
"If that's true...what about his arm? You took away all chances of him being a Ranger," she asked cautiously. "And...almost killed him."
"His arm or his life. I could never have forgiven myself if the poison had reached his heart," I replied, stalwart in my reasoning.
Silence consumed the small distance between us before she shook her head.
"How do I know you won't turn on us again? If I lose him-" she said trailing off. Knowing my words would hurt and agitate her, I pushed forwards. She needed to know the true reason I was here.
"You're going to lose him because he's mine, Lula. " I said, letting my claim be known with a low growl.
"How dare-"
Her anger was strong but my will was stronger. Before she could move, I activated Pressure full force, making her bow before me.
"Lula. I will not show you any mercy. Move," I said, my coldness returning. I had given her a chance. I had tried peacefully to resolve this. However, if she wanted a fight, she'd watch as her grasp faded to nothing. Despite my side still healing I had more than enough knowledge and moves to seal my victory. Surprise shut down my desire to fight, and I released Pressure allowing her to move. She scooted aside, bowing her head. Remaining wary of a trick, I took another step towards Lula. To her credit, she remained deferent and I relaxed my guard entirely.
"You win, for now, Rose. I can't beat you at your current level," she said with a tearful look into my eyes. Her demeanor of submissiveness spoke volumes to my heart, and without regret, I pulled her into my arms.
"Lula. I'm sorry. It was never my intention or desire to hurt you. I promise to do right by you. Just give me the chance okay? I keep my promises," I said, wiping her tears. She returned my embrace and we remained like that for a minute, before she pushed me away gently.
"He's waiting. I don't know how bad he is today, but I would be on guard. There is one more thing you need to know."
The next sentence wasn't a surprise to me, and I sighed as Lula looked baffled at my nonchalance.
"I know. I heard them. Eon wasn't the source of that premonition though. Look at his Pokemon. They aren't Psychic types. Regardless, that's not something to concern ourselves with now. Kyle is safe. His future isn't set in stone," I replied.
Lula appeared lost in thought as my words affected her mental state.
"But-"
"It's fine, Lula," I said, smiling warmly. Placing a paw on her shoulder, I spoke confidently. "Nothing is ever set in stone."
To her credit, she piped down and held a hand up waving me forward. The bright lights from the patio greeted my approach. Stopping at the threshold to the house, my mind turned dark as I considered something else. How did Lula know I was going to be here tonight?
Accepting that I didn't have the answers, I focused on the task ahead. The easy part was done. Now came the hard one.
The storm outside had been a minor inconvenience. It had masked my entrance, and it gave me time to observe Kyle in silence. I snuck in through the window and sat in the corner. He was dressed in a black hoodie and grey tight-fitting boxers. Unable to contain my lust, I found my examining his body as he passed by me. My eyes stared at the empty sleeve, and a pang of guilt filled my stomach overcoming the other desires. He picked up the plate, and I watched him struggle to take it to the table. I wanted to help him. I wanted to reach out and tell him, yet I knew that at this time he saw me as the enemy. I waited patiently in the shadows staring into his green eyes. The pain and misery were sketched all over his face. I could only imagine what was going through his head, however...unlike Lula I had been in that pit. I had been pulled out of it by him and now it was time for me to return the favor. Remaining quiet, I waited until the next lightning flash before I addressed him.
"You're far worse than Lula let on," I whispered, to myself. However, it appeared to reach his ears because his head snapped to my general direction. I stared at him, fear running through my chest.
"Who's there?"
I chose my words carefully and then spoke loudly so he knew I was addressing him.
"A friend."
I stepped into the light and watched as anger grew over his face. I needed to confront whatever issues he had and try to help him through it. It's why I was here. That and to maybe take Lula's desired position of the mate. The idea made me blush slightly, but I shoved it down as I heard him speak.
"The traitor."
He was right and yet wrong at the same time. I had stayed loyal to him but betrayed myself.
"I guess so," I responded, hopping up to his bed. I sat there for a minute before looking to the window sill. Inside of the black backpack was the brown paper bag with the gift I had picked out for him.
"Here to finish the job?"
What job? His words were like a curveball. It bothered me to no end, but I decided to remain inconspicuous.
"Maybe," I hesitated, accidentally biting my tongue. I internally swore and prayed that Katherine would help me through this awkward situation. I didn't know how to proceed. Looking outside, I grew nostalgic. The rain held sway over my emotions and now it helped calm me down enough that I could try to focus on the task at hand.
"I miss the rain," I said to him, trying to him I wasn't here with hostile intent.
"Enough beating around the bush. Just do what you came to, and leave."
His words held an angry weight to them that rattled me to my core. However, I had to face the consequences of my actions without regret. Curiosity got the better of me as I looked back at my bag unable to tell if it's contents had been viewed.
"Did you open my gift?" I asked.
"What does it matter if I did?" he snapped back at me.
"I see," I said, disheartened that this would be harder than I thought. Moving forward slowly, I waited until we were face to face. I inhaled his musky scent and reveled in it, taking a claw to his throat. The soft tissue gave under my pressure and I backed off. I didn't want to hurt him. I needed his attention to be entirely focused on me.
"I'm sorry."
He trembled against my touch, as his eyes shut.
"You aren't," he replied, and I knew that I wasn't getting through.
"Kyle. Look at me," I begged, putting my entire palm on the side of his face. The warmth radiated through my pads and rubbed the skin lovingly. His emerald eyes met mine.
"I kept my promise to you. I'm your friend," I whispered, before pressing my head to his. He was motionless for a minute before his digits wrapped around the soft flesh of my throat.
"LIES!" he growled. The iron grip on my windpipe cut off oxygen. I could strike him to free myself, but I preferred to let the action speak louder than words. Placing both paws on his one arm, I pressed into his chokehold.
"On Kat's life, I'm your friend," I rasped out, my voice unable to fight the constriction. My vision started to blur as I grew limp in his grasp. Before I could faint, he let go, staring at me hurt. I had uttered his trigger word, and I hadn't done it to cause him pain. Rather, it was to keep true to my promises.
"Why would you use that? How could you?"
I hesitated to confess everything right here and now. I grew conflicted by how it would be best to put my emotions into words but I knew I had to start at the beginning.
"What did you promise me, Kyle?"
I watched him struggle for a minute before I supplied the answer.
"You promised that if I did something wrong you'd give me the chance to answer for my crimes. That's why I'm here. Will you give me that chance? Please? If after I tell you everything, you still aren't satisfied I will leave and never return." I asked, backing away and letting him have the space I knew he needed. For a minute my hope faded bit by bit until at last, he gave me a firm nod of his head.
"Thank you, Kyle. Let's start with the last promise I told you. Before we entered the fight, I owed you the promises I made her. Number one…"
I hesitated as the moment I had feared was fully upon me. The mere thought of revealing my deception was enough to give me pause. Inhaling deeply, I forged my path ahead aware that a single mistake would lead to losing him forever.
"Was that I never tell you about her final wishes. Katherine knew that if either Fang or myself told you about the plans she had made, you wouldn't let us join your group. I did tell you about this earlier but you were so upset I knew it would blow over your head. Not only that but they would tarnish your memory of her. If our relationship had been based solely on my dead sister's words you would have made me return to the pack. Am I wrong?"
He shook his head, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Two. She wanted an Absol to accompany you in her place. She asked for Fang but I took it upon myself to place myself in your care. I think she knew I would, and had intended for me. Third and finally, she wanted me to protect you against Mewtwo no matter the cost. She knew that Mewtwo would eventually come back after you, and I swore on her life that I'd do everything to prevent that. I made her one final promise that I'm working on right now but I'm afraid it's impossible," I said, waiting patiently for him to absorb my words.
"Why did you kill him?" he asked, his voice choked up with emotion.
"I tried to spare him. The fight would have ended but he gave me no choice like when he poisoned your arm. I'm sorry I took being a Ranger away from you. I regret it, but it was that or your life."
He gasped and looked down at his arm before whispering his next words.
"That's...that's why they couldn't save it. Not because of what you did, but…the poison. Why Rose? You could have stayed and told me this."
I wanted to believe him. Yet I knew that he would have ridden my confessions off as mere deception. Mewtwo had played us both like fools. Tearing us apart had been his final gift to me, and it hurt to realize how well it had worked.
"Mewtwo did something I could never forgive him for. It wasn't my sister's death. He almost killed me and I'd have been happy with that. But he tore you away from me. You are my one and only friend. I tried so hard to keep my promise to you. I'm sorry Kyle. I just couldn't...I couldn't bear losing you," I finished, defeated, and downtrodden. Unable to hold it back the bitter salty tears flowed down my muzzle as I prepared myself for his wrath. I wanted to believe he would forgive me. I hoped he would. Yet I knew that the hurts I had inflicted ran deep. It was done. I had told him everything. Fear took root in my heart as I accepted that he would probably send me away. He would make me depart with nothing but a broken heart. And then I felt it. I heard it. Sobbing. Looking up I noticed that his eyes were red, and he ached. Reaching for him, he fell into my paws, unable to hold his tears back.
"All...for me?"
"Always. Loyal to you until the end, Kyle," I replied urgently. He shivered against me, and I knew it. I had reached his heart. I had reached him. It was a shot of relief to mine, but I knew that I still had to redeem him after everything that had happened after the fight.
"I'm sorry Rose. I'm sorry...I should have never doubted you. I should have never-"
"I didn't give you much of a choice," I said in hushed tones. Kissing his forehead, I held him protectively unwilling to move from this spot no matter what happened. I contemplated revealing my feelings. I wanted to claim him here and now as mine but knew the fear of rejection halted me. I bit my lip as I fought an internal war trying to decide what to say.
"I'm sorry about your arm. Truly I am. If there's anything you want to take from me in retaliation, I accept it," I said, only for him to chuckle.
"Revenge is for fools," he responded, taking me back. I tried to contain the mirth but failed miserably before giving his head a light scratching.
"Not funny."
As our eyes met again, I sensed his storm had calmed down, but he was still disturbed. Pulling out of his reach, I moved away from him. He watched me retreat in confusion.
"It's your time to decide," I said, jumping to the table and pulling the paper bag free from the backpack. Jumping back to the bed, I laid it gently on the blankets before I spoke again.
"Whatever you decide to do with me, I will respect," I said, bowing my head. Closing my eyes I listened to the paper rustle as he felt around. I knew exactly what lay at the bottom of the bag, and I hoped that it was to his liking. It had cost quite a bit, including one of my canines. But I had willingly given it. In the hope that it would show him how I felt.
A gold locket. The exact shape as my tooth. On the front, it was engraved with something simple
I'm your friend.
Inside was a picture of both of us. It had taken some convincing but Kyle's mother had taken a picture of me smiling and printed it out for me while at her job.
And on the back of the locket in small print, were four small words, which accented the front.
Loyal to the end.
His sobbing increased in volume before he spoke in a weak voice.
"Thank you, Rose. This means a lot to me. I believe you but I think you need to go," he spoke up. My eyes widened, and I found myself reeling from his words. My reality shattered as he dropped the words I was most afraid to hear. Go? Why? No! Was this all for nothing? I tried to catch my breath as what felt like a wooden stake was driven deep into my heart. I was falling back into despair as my eyes started to water again.
"My choices don't matter here. There's someone else pulling the strings. I can't play the game knowing that I'll never be free of them," he whispered before raising his gaze to mine. I thought I had seen the depths of his pain, but now realized that there was something far worse than losing his dreams. He had lost his future. Forcing my emotions to still, I listened with great intent. I needed to be there for him if he was to find peace.
"Eon. Eon knew everything that would happen in that fight. Arren and Pene said that-"
"I know," I replied quietly. His eyes met mine, and I knew I had made a mistake. Before he could question my thoughts, I interrupted him.
"I promised to tell you everything. Eon told Pene and Arren that he was aware of the ending. Those things had been preordained since the fight on the beach with my sister. At first, I was furious with him. How could he play with your life? With Kat's?" I stopped as I composed my thoughts, his anger rising again in a flash.
"Why didn't you say anything!" he screamed, his fist slamming on the mattress. I bounced a little as his strike reverberated through the soft material.
"Because I thought I could protect you. To be honest, I didn't believe him," I said, staring into his emerald eyes. I could hear him audibly grinding his teeth, and prepared myself for him to lash out.
"HE. TOOK. KAT."
" Don't let him tarnish her memory. Your memories of her are yours," I stated moving closer.
"She didn't have to die. Mewtwo didn't-"
"Blame Mewtwo. Stop looking at Eon," I interrupted, forcing him to look at me. "If Eon had wanted to cause you pain he would have him win. Instead every step of the way he cared for you and your family. I don't know what plans you think he may or may not have but-"
"Mew told me the truth. The cold reality of everything. Katherine's death was unavoidable. In any future."
His words hit me like a bucket of cold water. I didn't want to believe them and found myself choking on my own air as I fought the urge to scream at him. It can't be true. Why would Arceus take her from me?
"Mew. Mew told me that no matter what situation I had chose things would have ended with her death. If she had died later, then bad things would have happened. If she had died in the fight against Mewtwo, humanity would have ended. Her life had been a necessary sacrifice. Just like Elaina's," Kyle finished in a broken tone.
I was lost for words. What was I supposed to say? Thinking to Lula, I realized why she hadn't been able to fix this gap. She thought it was the loss of just his dreams. To know that uncertainty and loss of decisions had been rotting his mental state, was beyond shocking. Thinking about everything, I knew that I couldn't just play this off. I'd have to be the person who I had been. Hurting him further was something I was loathed to do, yet knew it was necessary if he was going to move forward.
"So what? Of course, she would have died. How she died was entirely her choice and nobody else's," I replied, watching as his eyes narrowed. The tension in the air was palpable as he started to counter my words in anger.
"How dare you! She was your sister! Don't-"
"I realize it may seem harsh but stop."
He started to argue, but fell silent, and sat back glaring daggers at me.
"Lula will die. Emily will die. YOU. WILL. DIE…" My words echoed back and my heart skipped a beat at the thought. If I could give him my life I would in a heartbeat. He had to outlive me, or I'd hurry to join him. Pushing my emotions down, I ground my teeth in frustration. Meeting his gaze, I exhaled slowly before continuing with my points.
"The situation was engineered and I don't know what outcome they wanted. I can promise you that I thought about it long and hard the past couple of days. If your future is being manipulated, and you are the target of someone, why now? And what do they need you for? I don't have the answers but your choices have an impact on the future they desire. You need to stop running from your responsibilities. Lula needs you."
"So what now then?" he asked. I could see it in his beautiful green eyes. He was lost. He didn't know what to do or where to turn. As much as I wanted to help him, I knew that it wasn't my place. He had made his choice, and it was my job to respect it. Shifting my weight, I jumped off the bed and made my way towards the door. Glancing over my shoulder, I sighed loudly. I had known this was a possibility but it didn't make the decision hurt any less. It killed me, and I wavered on a metaphorical knife's edge for a minute.
"I go. You move forward with lifelike Katherine would have wanted. Just promise me...promise me you'll be happy? The bad things didn't happen because of you. They happened regardless of you. I wish this wasn't goodbye, but I respect your wishes."
Water overflowed my eyes as bitterness consumed my heart. I knew what lay at the end of this path, and though I wanted to do right by my family I couldn't accept this loss. It had all been for naught. I only hoped my explanation had given him some solace. Facing the dark hallway, I started to move, only for movement behind me to make me whirl around in fear. A single-arm engulfed me as he pulled me to his chest, sobbing loudly.
"I don't want you to go. Please! PLEASE STAY!" he wailed, squeezing me tighter. My breath grew labored, but his words sent a shot through my nervous system. My heart restarted as he nuzzled my neck fur, and continued sobbing. Tilting his head I was unable to hold back my own smile. Wiping what I could away, I waited patiently for him to calm down, as his good hand stroked my fur lovingly. Time drifted along lazily as we remained in an embrace. I waited for him to speak but he refused to give me any insight into what he was thinking.
"If my future is out of my hands, where do I go from here?" he asked, looking at me. "I want to do the right thing by everyone. I've hurt the people I love," he whispered. His words tore at the part of me deep inside. I could identify and understand how he felt.
"So have I," I replied smiling as I inhaled his scent deeply. "How about we start with the first thing? You owe Lula a sincere apology. She'll forgive you. I know it. However, let me be clear. Your promise to her is off," I stated. He turned his head which was written entirely in confusion.
"Which promise?"
"You can't date her. Not because of anything she did. No…"
I hesitated. It was now or never. I had earned his forgiveness. I had faced his wrath. I had returned to him. I had explained everything. The final step was so hard, and I envied my sister's bravery all the more as my body and mind locked up. Sweat poured down my face, as I grew more fearful of exposing myself fully to him.
"Rose? You're shivering really bad...what's up?" he asked, placing a hand to my face. The touch was light and pulled me from the dark depths of my mind and into the present situation. If she could face the truth so could I. Consequences be damned. It was time for me to choose happiness and not loneliness for once. Forcing myself to relax, I pushed the truth out with a shaky breath.
"I want you."
"I'm not making you leave. I changed my mind." His naivety was funny, and I snickered a little before getting serious.
"No, Kyle. That's not what I mean."
Pushing all doubts away and down, I for the first time in the past ten years, I allowed my guard to be let down entirely. I let every single emotion that I felt melt away until only one remained. The one that I had denied for the past three months with this male. Tilting his head to meet mine, I closed my eyes and pulled him forward until our mouths met. He tasted good, and I fought the urge to mate him here and now. Instead, I wanted to take things at a leisurely pace. I had him, and I wasn't going to let him get away. My prey. My mate. Slowly, I opened and entwined my tongue with his. At first, he hesitated, but I took command, determining the pace for both of us. Hungrily I pushed him against the door frame, mounting his hips with my own, as I held him in place. I groaned happily as his hand found my hip and he pressed back. We moved in concert back and forth, until we had to stop for air. He rasped loudly, as I stared at him lustfully.
"You are mine. Lula can wait. I'm claiming you…" I said, growling possessively. His gaze shifted before he spoke words that sent a jolt down my spine.
"I'm still not sure if what you feel is real. I wonder...if this isn't just some sick game to you?"
Smirking, I leaned in and captured his lips with a chaste kiss the opposite of the one before it.
"It's not a game to me. I want you. I hated you because you were human. Who you are though, is what matters. Not what you are. And who you are...is amazing," I declared in a slow deliberate manner.
"Why did you hurt me all throughout training? And torture me if you felt this way?" he accused, in a curious voice.
"Why do you think? I was afraid you wouldn't be able to protect yourself against Mewtwo. I used that as my motivation to push you every day to new heights. It killed me to hurt you, but I needed you to survive the coming fight. Then I thought it was just vengeance, but it was a much deeper emotion I didn't understand. When you asked me to get you where you wanted to be, I made that an excuse to push harder. Your mother eventually confronted me about it one night. Despite my best efforts, she saw through my armor. Through my facade. She knew how I truly felt about you. You wanted my approval, yet you didn't have to do anything. I approved of you after the event in the plaza. I told you that nobody protects me. Well, you have. More times than I can count."
He exhaled softly, and I waited patiently for his next question.
"If this is destined to happen, what do I do?"
He was still worried and I knew that despite my best efforts, he would continue to. Anxiety was eating him from the inside out and I didn't have the answers.
"Live life one moment at a time. I thought my future was to always cause pain to those around me. You changed that. Maybe I can do the same for you," I said. I hesitated, before leaning into his chest. As I rubbed against him, I sensed a stirring from below at my nether regions, I blushed hard as I recognized the organ which ground against me.
"Ummm….Rose…. I-"
"Shhh. It's fine. Sorry to make things awkward for you.,"I replied, moving off him, and walking to the bed. "As much as I'd love to mate with you, I am content to simply be your friend again. Let's get some rest. I hope this will be the first time I get some sleep, where I don't have nightmares."
"Nightmares?" he questioned as he plopped down on his side beside me.
"Yeah."
"About what?"
I hesitated to answer the question but accepted that honesty was the best policy from this moment on. No more secrets.
"Dreams about hurting you. About you dying. Dreams about Mewtwo torturing you over and over again."
As the words left my lips I felt the fear creep back into my mind, taking root. My eyes squinted as I waged an internal war to keep reality and fantasy in check. The sadistic thoughts lingered in every inch of my brain and tortured my psyche.
"I still have trouble believing this is real. A chance at happiness...my sister would be so proud. So happy," I whispered, glancing back at him.
"I wish I could be strong for you, but I'm not even capable of taking care of myself," Kyle said, in a conflicted tone.
"I don't need you to be. I just need...I would like to help you. If you'll let me," I replied. My eyes started to droop as exhaustion from the run set in. Despite my best efforts, I was getting tired and needed rest.
"I'm weak Rose."
His words stopped me from drifting away, and I sat up. Righteous anger filled my limbs, and I grabbed his arm pulling him until our eyes were level.
"Strength is not about how much power you have. It's not about how well you can fight or how much you can lift. Strength comes from your heart. My sister saw that in you. She knew that her death would devastate you, but that you would grow stronger from it."
He remained quiet before showing me his watch. At first, I couldn't believe what I was looking at. It should have been impossible, but I knew that the devices were set to read things honestly. His level was so low I was astonished to see the drop. Level 35. He had lost almost 40 levels in the blink of an eye. At first, I thought perhaps the device was faulty but I knew the true reason for his decrease in level. While he had grown stronger during the fights, I realized the significance of losing his limb. My eyes met his, and he looked away. The shame and disgust were so apparent on his face I was at a loss for words. But only for a minute.
"It means nothing," I stated.
"HA. Tell that to Diantha-"
"Shut it." I snapped. "She doesn't know what you've done. What I've seen. You saved me from Mewtwo's final blow. I didn't realize he had been aiming at me until it was too late. You've impressed me time and time again. We will deal with what you desire eventually. For now, hold off on your fears until tomorrow. We still have to explain this to your sister, and mother…"
"Sis left without me to go on her Pokemon Journey. Mom's been doing a good job of keeping me fed and not letting me waste away to nothing."
While the news was surprising, it wasn't entirely unsuspected. Emily and I had had a few discussions where the prospect of going on her journey was always in the air. Shaking off the information, I sighed as I realized how much work we had ahead of us.
"I know how that feels. After the fight with Mewtwo, I hoped to bleed out. I was suicidal if I'm, to be honest."
His face grew aghast at my words but I didn't stop. I offered the full story.
" I didn't think you would ever forgive me. So I know how you feel. A nice couple nursed me back to full health and strength over two weeks. I would have been here sooner, but-"
Raising a claw, I pointed at the twisted and knotted flesh which was now a part of my hip.
"This damned injury is holding me back too. I'm much stronger since killing Mewtwo boosted me another ten levels. However, at the same time, I'm still acclimating to it. We have each other and for now, that is all that matters. We can go visit your sister after we both...heal. I'd rather have this discussion with Delilah and your Mother present."
He nodded solemnly, before curling around me. His warmth pulled me down to earth and steadied me. Before I could fight the sensation, I was being hurled towards sleep at a dizzying rate. Just before I hit the shadows of unconsciousness, I heard him speak one final time.
"I'm happy you chose to stay."
His words filled me with a neverending joy that I couldn't express to anyone. The warmth my sister had spoken of finally made sense. A stupid grin written all over my face, I drifted off to sleep. We would face tomorrow together and any challenges it would bring.