Keith: *Nervously stares at the mostly frozen set* Oh man, IMN is going to kill me!
Rhythmi: Hey Keith, it's time to start the chap-WHOA! *Nearly slips on the ice on the floor*...WHAT DID YOU DO?!
Keith: I wanted to practice using my Blessed Mark but I kinda-sorta-maybe-accidentally froze the set...
Rhythmi: IMN is going to kill you when she sees this! And the chapter will start -*Noticing the audience*-soon. *Turns to the audience* Hi guys and welcome to chapter 27 of Mewmans: Story of the Dark Ice Maiden! Sorry that it has been a while but it was a crazy last few weeks for our author. None the less, the show must go on!
IMN: *Runs to the set, dripping wet* SORRY I'M LATE! I was giving Diggie-Wiggie his bath! Do you have any idea how hard it is to give a water-hating Garchomp a bath?! It's like Mission: Impossib-*Slips on the ice and slides across the room* AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
*CRASH!* *BOOM!* *SMASH!*
Rhythmi: Ohhhhh that's got to hurt! If only someone hadn't frozen the set. *Glares at Keith*
Keith: *Looks away* You should start the story and go help IMN, while I'll find Kate. BYE! *Runs off*
Rhythmi: KEITH! *Turns to the audience, with a smile on her face* Anyway, Infusion Masters Nightmare doesn't own Pokémon or its characters. She only owns the idea of Mewmans and her characters. On with the show! *Carefully goes over to IMN* IMN, don't move, I'm coming!
Chapter 27: New Bonds and Old Fears
Kate's Pov
"Ahhhhh, it's great to finally have a family meal in our new home. It's about time!" Mum cheered as she cleared the dirty dishes from the dining table.
"Honey, you know that Kate and Crawford were busy being Rangers so let's not start on the ship incident," Dad explained as he stood up from his chair to help Mum with the dishes.
"I know, but it's really nice to be together again as a family. I wanted to do it after the Ranger School Graduation but they had dinner there. Too bad my future in-laws weren't able to make it," Mum sighed in dismay.
"Mum, I told you; Keith went to the Ranger Union to spend time with his parents. They're coming to Almia to meet Keith. You know that he rarely spends anytime with them because of how busy they are. He needs to take every opportunity he can to be with them. Also Keith is not my boyfriend, much less my future husband," I retorted. Even with my back turned to her, as I cleaned the table, I could feel my mother pouting in my direction.
It's been three days since the ship incident. After countless interviews, investigations and meetings with the members of the Ranger Union, everyone in the Vientown Ranger Base finally got a day off. Everyone else stayed at the Vientown Base to chill while Keith went to the Union to hang out with his family. Meanwhile Crawford and I spent time with our parents having a nice dinner.
"It would be nice to have Keith and Luana over next time for dinner. Oooohhhh! I could plan the weddings with them!" Mum squealed as she dances around the room in excitement. I heard Crawford stumble a bit and turned my head to see that his face redden.
"M-Mum! What does Luana have to do with any of this?" Crawford stuttered. I raised an eyebrow. This is news to me.
"She's going to be your wife one day, Crawford! I want to have some bonding time with my daughter in-law!" Mum told him as she wiggled a finger at my big brother. Crawford looked really embarrassed, especially as his green Mew ears and tail pop up. Yep, Mum hit the nail on the head.
"No she's not! Luana and I are Ranger Partners! She's my friend. Mum, you're making a big deal out of this!" Crawford denied. Mum smirked at her son's stuttering and red face.
"Don't lie to your mother, Crawford~! I saw what you have in that head of yours and it tells me that I'm dead on~!" Mum spoke in a sing-song voice.
"YOU READ MY MIND?! That's an invasion of privacy!" Crawford howled.
"I can't help it! I'm a Psychic type Mewman! What is the point of having these powers if I can't use them to get juicy details?!" Mum retorted. I just sighed at the scene.
If there is anything that Mum loves the most in the world, besides her family, it's getting details of a person's love life. Arceus must have found it entertaining to give someone, like my Mum, the power to read minds. Also the fact that Psychic type Mewmans can't tell a lie makes things a bit more difficult for my mother not to meddle in people's love life. By 'people' I meant mostly my cousins, siblings and myself. I pray to Arceus that Remi won't act like Mum in the future for our sanity. One gossip loving-mind reading-meddlesome-hyperactive relative is enough in our family.
"Mum, I was wondering when is Big Brother Luke going to come visit? I want to talk to him about all the fun things I did in school," Remi asked as she pointed to the empty chair next to her. The room went silent; Luke had always been a sensitive subject in the family ever since that day two years ago. The only person in the room who doesn't know what happened was Remi since she's too young to know.
"Remi, it's just that Luke is very busy. He's traveling around the world to become a great trainer," I said to Remi with a smile on my face. I felt bad for lying to Remi but its best that she doesn't know the truth.
"Really? Then does he know that we moved to Almia?" Remi asked innocently. I nodded my head and Remi smiled, believing in the lie. Thank Arceus that my little sister didn't learn how to read minds or else we would be in trouble. Later everyone went to bed but I couldn't sleep so I went to my family's private beach that ran alongside the farm.
Sneaking past our family's Pokémon, who fell asleep after having a party of their own on the farm, I finally reached the beach. As I sat on the sand in nothing but my pink Mareep themed pyjama bottoms and buttoned up top (it was a present from Remi), I stared at the waves. Before I knew it I started to remember the time I was seven years old.
I was walking home from school and I was wearing my brand new white sundress dress Mum got me. Fro the Snorunt was at home because Pokémon weren't allowed in our school. I started humming the song that had been in my head for as long as I remembered. I didn't know the source of the song then but every time I sang it, my spirit always lifted up. Just then I heard some boys laughing from around the corner.
"L-Leave me alone!" wailed a familiar voice. I went around the corner to see a group of boys ganging up on someone on the side of a sweet shop. In the middle of the circle was a boy my age and when I got a closer view I saw that he looked like me but he had light brown hair with a tint of pink.
"Luke! HEY! What are you doing to my brother, you bullies?!" I shouted. All the boys stopped what they were doing and eyed me. Luke glanced at me with tears in his eyes and curled into a ball.
"Heh, you Scardy-Skitty. Think you can get away just because your sister is here? WIMP!" one of the boys said before he kicked Luke. I didn't know what happened after that but before I knew it; the boys were running away, crying while they were covered in bruises and bite marks and my new dress was covered in dirt.
"Kate, you did it again! Remember you can't get angry in front of people. Your eyes are black!" Luke exclaimed. I gasped as I looked in the window to see my reflection but my eyes turned black. I shook my head and rubbed my eyes until they went back to their normal icy blue colour. It was silent for a bit. Luke was wiping away his tears as I moved to help him stand.
"Why did you do that? Mum will be mad at you now because your dress is ruined and you almost revealed your powers to humans," Luke pointed out as he tried to wipe away his tears but more came out. I pouted at my twin and finally pulled him up from the ground.
"I don't care about the dress or my powers. I care about you, Luke! We're twins, we should stick together! Plus we're Icecias, we help others in need no matter what," I told my brother. Luke just looked down, as if he found his shoes interesting.
"How can I help others when I don't have powers? Our parents are Mewmans. You and Crawford are Mewmans. If we have any younger siblings I bet they'll be Mewmans too. I'm just a Bleak. The only thing I can do is talk to Pokémon and get in trouble. Plus you almost exposed your powers because of me! I'm basically useless compared to everyone," Luke whimpered before he started to cry again. I felt sad seeing my twin like this, so I grabbed Luke's hands and looked at him in the eyes.
"You're not useless! Luke, you're super helpful! Whenever I have problems with homework, you help me find out the answer. You got me to meet Fro when we went to Wintown for the winter holidays! You always tell me stories and get me to sleep when I have nightmares! Not even Crawford knows what to do when I have nightmares. You even calmed me down when I almost exposed my powers. You don't need powers to be helpful. You're the greatest twin-no wait- the greatest person ever!" I cheered. Luke stared at me in shock by my speech. Slowly he started to smile and patted my head.
"Thanks Kate, I don't know what I would do without you. I think you're the greatest twin ever for not giving up on me. I wish I could be as good as you," Luke told me. I pouted at my brother for ruining my hair and thinking that way about himself. Did he just hear anything I said about him?
"Luke, you're cool the way you are. I don't want you to think you're bad because you're not. I like you the way you are. I'll always be by your side no matter what," I replied. Luke was surprised but then suddenly he held up his pinkie finger to my face.
"It's the same with me, Kate. Let's make a promise. No matter what we have each other's backs and will always be on their side. We'll protect each other from any bad guys!" Luke declared with a huge grin, showing his dimples. I copied that grin and hooked my pinkie finger with his.
"Yeah and we'll tell everyone how great each other is! Everyone will know how cool the Icecia twins are!" I replied. Luke nodded his head and couldn't stop smiling about the thought of us being the most awesome twins ever.
I was snapped back from memory lane when I heard my styler ringing, signalling a voicemail. What? I always bring my styler with me; you never know when you'll need it. I took my Ranger styler out of my pocket in my pyjama bottoms. Who would call me at this hour?
At the same time-Keith's Pov
"LUUUUUU!"
"GAAAAAH!" Jet screamed when MK jumped from around the corner and tackled the Buizel to the ground. Jet got out of MK's grip and started running around the cafeteria with the baby Lugia on his tail. I watched all this from a table in the empty cafeteria at the Ranger Union.
Usually the sight of my Pokémon getting along always makes me smile but not tonight. I just sighed and stared at my mug of hot chocolate I got from the kitchen. I've been sitting here for over five and a half hours and I lost the feeling in my butt for the past hour. The food in front of me had gone cold and I didn't feel like moving to throw it out.
"Keith, what are you doing up? It's 12:30 am and everyone else went to bed a while ago." I glanced up from my mug to see my cousin Wendy, in her sky blue pyjamas, by the door. She walked up to me and sat in the chair opposite me.
"Hey Wen, what's up?" I asked trying to pull a smile.
"Don't 'Hey Wen' me, Redhead. Something is up with you. You should be happy. I mean you got MK under the Union's protection and get to keep her as a Partner Pokémon along with Jet. You're a hero because of that boat incident a few days ago and now you're sitting here all gloomy in the presence of hot chocolate? You always have a smile on your face when you have your favourite drink in your hands. So stop frowning and start talking," Wendy demanded as she crossed her arms and let her gaze drill into my soul, trying to pull the answer out of me.
I turned away from Wendy and stayed silent, hoping that she would take the hint to leave. She didn't.
"Wendy, I really don't feel so good. I'm going to bed. Night," I mumbled as I poured the hot-or should I say cold- chocolate down the nearby sink, threw away the meal in the bin and went to my room. I felt Wendy giving me a look of sympathy; I guess she figured out why I'm like this.
Finally reaching my room, I changed into my pyjamas, which was my green wife beater top and a fresh pair of boxers before I lay down on my bed, facing the ceiling. Jet and MK entered my room and rested their heads on my stomach. I stared up at the ceiling, trying to get some sleep but I couldn't. I didn't know how long I was like this but I heard my Pokémon softly snoring.
I looked over at my bedside table and saw my Ranger styler next to me. Automatically I took my styler into my hands and started voicemailing the one person that was on my mind at the moment.
"Hey Keith. I didn't expect a call from you at this hour. What's up?" greeted Kate from the styler. I felt myself smile a little just by hearing her voice. Just listening to Kate lifted my spirits, if only I could see her face or be near to her.
"Hi Kate, I couldn't sleep so I just wanted to talk to someone. Sorry for calling you this late. Did I wake you?" I greeted.
"No, you didn't. I couldn't sleep either. I was just sitting on my family's beach doing nothing. How's it going at the Union?"
"It's fine. I talked to Chairperson Erma about MK and she decided to place MK under the Ranger Union's protection. Not only that but I get to keep her as a Ranger Partner."
"That's great! Now she won't be on the Hunter's radar!" I heard Kate cheer and I couldn't help but laugh a little at her enthusiasm, quiet enough not to wake the sleeping Pokémon.
"So how's it going at your end?" I asked Kate.
"Let me see. Hmmm... Well, Mum made a delicious homemade meal for the family. Dad and Crawford made some horrible jokes and puns that were not funny. Like father like son." I couldn't help but let out a chuckle imagining Kate suffering at Crawford's bad puns. "Mum was being her usual self by trying to do her matchmaking with Crawford and Luana. Apparently Luana is going to be my sister-in-law in the future."
"Damn, I feel sorry for Crawford. I can imagine the look on his face when that happened."
"It was entertaining, I'll tell you that. Anyway, how are the others doing? I was so focused helping my parents that I forgot to call them. Have you heard anything?"
"Yeah, I called them earlier. Rhyth went to visit Isaac, she said it wasn't a date but I bet it was. Barlow was swarmed by a group of ladies when they heard about the boat incident on the news. My parents didn't come see me. Luana nearly set the kitchen on fire by trying to make a cake and Elaine was-"
"Wait, wait, wait! Hold on! Your parents didn't come visit you? I thought they were free to spend time with you for the day. What happened?" Kate asked. I let out what felt like the billionth sigh of the day and explained what happened.
"It turns out that my parents were on their way to the airport when they saw these crooks kidnapping some Pokémon. They went into full Ranger mode and went to get the crooks arrested. Meanwhile I just sat in the cafeteria with their favourite dinner and waited for them like a good son. I waited for them from 7 pm and they called me at 12:15 am to say they missed their flight."
"Oh my Arceus, I'm so sorry. I'm sure they'll visit you next time. You just have to have hope!"
"They didn't make it this time. Last time, the one before that and the one before that and the one before that! Face it Kate, they're just too busy for their own son. I'm starting to think that I'm not a priority to them-"
"Don't say that! Keith, you know your parents love you. They just want to protect you and everyone else from harm. Just because you rarely see your parents doesn't mean they don't love and support you. I know your parents are proud of you and wish to see you with all their hearts, Keith. You just have to give it time," Kate spoke calmly. If it was anyone else I would have probably exploded in their face by now but with Kate I felt calm, happy even. Damn, she is good.
"Thanks Kate, what would I do without you as my Ranger Partner?"
"You'd probably never have gotten your Blessed powers and would never call yourself Iceman the Super Ranger."
"W-What?! Who told you that?!"
"Ha ha! Rhythmi tells me a lot of stories about both of you growing up. By the way, I didn't know you were afraid of Caterpies, Keith."
"They're the most evil Bug type Pokémon there is! They almost killed me!"
"I though Rhythmi said that it was a guy in a Caterpie costume, from an amusement park you went to, that tripped and landed on you."
"Any type of Caterpie is evil!" I whispered, trying not to wake up my Pokémon, as I felt my face heating up. I can't believe that Rhythmi told Kate about that! This is so embarrassing! HOW COULD SHE DO THAT TO ME?! DAMMIT RHYTH!
"Ha ha! Don't worry your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone about your Caterpie-phobia. I promise!" Kate reassured me. I let out a sigh of relief knowing that Kate won't tell anyone my fear (unlike a certain blonde Operator I know!).
"Thanks Kate, I don't want the others to tease me about it. This is really embarrassing!" If Rhythmi told Kate then who KNOWS, who else knows about my fear?!
"It's fine, Keith. Rhythmi and I were talking to each other and it just slipped. She felt guilty about that and swore that it won't happen again," Kate said.
"Well, at least it was an accident. I'm glad you're not going to tell anyone about this. You're the best, Kate."
"...My hair..."
"What?"
"You know how my hair is spikey just like my Dad's? Well, when I was six years old my Dad was teaching me some ice type moves. I was really excited to learn the 'Freeze Shock' attack because I saw my Dad using the move before and it looked really cool. However, while I was charging up the attack, I slipped. The 'Freeze Shock' attack hit the ground near us and our hair turned into electrically charged icicles. It took us almost two days to get the ice off our hair since we're both Ice types but the electricity made our hair permanently spikey... I've just been telling everyone that it was natural for years..." Kate explained nervously, I could practically imagine her blushing at that moment.
I slapped my free hand over my mouth, trying to stop myself laughing but a few chuckles slipped through my fingers.
"Hey! Are you laughing? Stop that!" Kate demanded. That only unleashed another round of laughter in my body.
"S-Sorry Kate. I just find it funny, I mean, I didn't know you were so clumsy. Guess Fro had to get it from somewhere." I teased. My lips curved into a huge grin even though Kate couldn't see it.
"I can hear you grinning, Keith Adams." Cue the chuckle from me. "It's just that... I thought that since I know your secret that you should also know mine, just to be even... I know it's ridiculous but at least you're happy."
I paused and stared at my styler. She actually told me her secret so I could be happy? I felt a smile slowly spread across my face at the thought.
"Thanks Kate for cheering me up and your secret is safe with me."
"Heh heh. Same with your secret. We better go to bed since we're both back at the Base tomorrow. Goodnight Keith."
"Sweet dreams Kate." I whispered before the voicemail ended. I put my styler on my bedside table and took a peak at my sleeping Pokémon before sleep took over.
...
...
...
"-Re-ber... -mem-er... Remem-..."
"...The Heart of- ... -End of the- ... the Traitor! ... danger ...You must find the-...too late... Remember your role! REMEMBER!"
"GAAAH!" I woke up with a jolt. I felt cold sweat over my body and I panted as if I ran a marathon.
"What the hell was that?" I questioned myself, thinking about that dream I had. The sunlight was peeping through the curtains so it must be morning. My Pokémon weren't in the room (probably having breakfast) so after I calmed myself, I got up, had a shower and changed into my Ranger uniform. I walked to the cafeteria to see it was packed with people and Pokémon.
"Hey Redhead! Quit daydreaming and get your ass over here!" shouted Wendy as she waved her arm, directing me to the table she was sitting at along with our Pokémon. I quickly moved over to the table and sat opposite my cousin.
"Morning Keith, it's about time you got up. Breakfast is nearly over. Good thing I got you the good stuff before they ran out," Wendy commented as she ate more of her toast and shoved a second tray of food towards me. I nodded as I nibbled at my breakfast and looked as Wendy's Staraptor was telling a story about one of their missions to my Pokémon. Jet sat in silence, absorbed in the story, while MK sat in confusion as she was too young to understand what the Flying type was saying.
"Hey, Earth to Redhead! Earth to Redhead! This is Skyknight speaking, come in, over!" Wendy called out as she clicked her fingers in front of my face. That jolted me back into reality.
"What's up with you today? You're spacing out, this is so unlike you. Did something happen last night?" Wendy questioned. I'd instantly thought of last night with Kate and my face heated up.
"N-Nothing, I just had a nightmare last night," I told Wendy leaving out the 'Kate' part. Last thing I need to be teased all morning about it, especially now that I know I have a crush on my Ranger Partner.
Suddenly my styler beeped, signalling a voicemail. I picked it up and pressed the answer button. "Hey this is-"
"KEITH DAZZLE ADAMS! GET YOUR BUTT BACK TO THE BASE NOW! THERE IS SOMETHING YOU NEED TO SEE SO RETURN TO THE BASE ASAP OR I WILL DRAG YOU DOWN HERE MYSELF! GET OVER HERE NOW!" bellowed Rhythmi before ending the call. She was so loud that the whole room stopped what they were doing and stared at me. I waved at the crowd, silently telling them it was nothing, and they went back to their business.
"I have to go, Wendy. Sorry to cut breakfast short," I apologised as I walked over to Jet and MK. They noticed me standing and they started to run at me. MK was fast and landed on my shoulders before Jet had the chance. The Buizel glared at the baby legendary as she rested her head in my hair.
"Don't worry, Jet. You'll sit on my shoulders halfway to Vientown, okay?" I told Jet as we headed towards the door. Jet was quiet before nodding his head. We said 'bye' to Wendy since she had to patrol the north of Almia this morning. We walked towards Altru Park when MK jumped off my shoulders and started to hug Jet. The Water type got out of the Lugia's grip and started to run around the park.
I absently walked around the park to keep an eye on my Pokémon but then the nightmare from last night came back. 'Remember my role', what does that mean? What role? As a Ranger? I didn't know why this nightmare is getting to me but- UGH!
Suddenly I bumped into someone and nearly fell flat on my ass. I thought I bumped into a huge wall but when I looked up I was surprised that it was a skinny guy. He looked around my age from what I could tell by height and body. He looked skinny but lean. He wore a pair of black jeans and a black top but I couldn't see his face or hair colour because of the black Baseball hat he was wearing.
"Are you okay? I'm so sorry I bumped into you. My head was on another planet," I apologised as Jet and MK ran over to see if I was okay.
"It's fine. No harm no foul, right?" The guy replied. Jet turned towards the guy and froze at the sound of his voice. Jet started to turn pale and shook a bit. I never saw him like this before. I bent down and picked up the Buizel so he could rest on my shoulders. He's calmer when he's on my head but I could still feel him shiver.
"Hey, aren't you that Ranger guy who saved the Pokémon on the boat?" asked the guy. I nodded my head as Jet started to growl at the guy. Even MK started to get nervous as she hid behind my leg. Something is up with this guy but I can't put my finger on it.
"I can't take all the credit. Barlow, my partner Kate and the other Pokémon helped as well," I corrected the guy. I saw him flinch at the sound of Kate being mentioned before he smiled.
"I see... Well, we can't keep your 'partner' waiting now can we? Better get going, you don't know what trouble she might get into. See ya later," The guy said before he walked past me. I glared at the guy before heading straight to Vientown. That guy spells 'bad news' in big, bright neon lights. I hope I'll never see that guy again.
Normal Pov
The mysterious boy walked past Keith and continued on until he was a safe distance from the red haired Ranger. He turned around to see the Ranger's figure walking away from the park.
"So that's your little boyfriend, Kate? Heh! He doesn't look like much to me. I wonder how long it will take until he finds out the truth about you. Should I let him find out himself or give him a helping hand?" the guy thought out loud. He walked over to a tree and leaned on it, shielding himself from the crowd.
"I can't wait to see the devastated look on your face again when I take another precious thing from you. Heh heh. First I took away your beloved friends, destroyed your pride and joy and leaving a mark so you could never forget me. Finally we can be together again after two years." The guy reached for his hat and took it off to reveal his short light brown hair that was tinted pink and his icy blue eyes.
"I'll be making my reappearance soon. I'll make you pay for what you did to me. Wait and see, you're twin brother isn't finish with you yet, Kate Icecia," the guy vowed with an evil smirk on his face and his eyes turning pure black.
IMN: EVERYTHING HUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTSSSSSS!
Rhythmi: That's what happens when you crash into crates! *Bandaging the injured author*
IMN: I don't get it. How did the floor freeze? My Ice types were in my Winter Room in the middle of Snowball War 10!
Kate: *Walks in with more bandages* Don't you mean Snowball Fights and why 10?
IMN: If you add my Pokémon plus snowballs, it always equals the playing field becoming a battlefield! That's the tenth Snowball War! ... Of this month!
Keith: They do this all the time?!
IMN: My Pokémon are competitive, that and we lost count after the 153rd battle so we restart the battle number per month. Anyway, why is my set frozen?
Keith: *Starts to sweat nervously* Uuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhh... LOOK! *Points towards the audience* The audience is still here! We better finish up this chapter. Ha ha ha!
IMN: Okay? *Turns to the audience* Good news everyone: I'm not dead! Things have been crazy for me the last couple of weeks but I'm here and I'll update soon!
Rhythmi: That is if Keith doesn't freeze the set again.
IMN: *Glares at Keith* YOU DID WHAT?!
Keith: *Slowly walks away from IMN* Listen, I can explain everything! ...OH MY ARCEUS! IT'S STEVEN STONE! *Points in a random direction*
IMN: *Looks in direction Keith is pointing with hearts in her eyes*STEVEN-SAMA! ... Wait a minute, I don't see him any-*Turns to see Keith running away*... YOU COWARD! *Smiles towards the audience* Hope you all like this chapter and I'll see you next time! BYE! *Runs after Keith* COME BACK HERE, YOU EEGIT!
Rhythmi and Kate: IMN the floor-! *CRASH!* *BOOM!* *SMASH!* Oooooooooohhhh!