Author's Note: Yep, that's right, Light's Adventures is back. A loud shout out to wolfman32 for sending me the missing chapters I needed to reupload this after my account crash. Anyway, the story is back up and I writing it again. I guess I'll have to wait on my new story ideas for a little longer and focus on this and "Silver". Thanks to all you who believed in me. Plus, this chapter has a first: bad language. I have a conscious, though, and have blocked the two words, though you'll never guess who'll end up using them. Now, as promised, the next chapter, written until four a.m. I will promptly be getting some sleep now.

Light's Adventures

Chapter 34: Hurt

Light blinked open his eyes, the morning light just reaching him. When Light heard a quiet, watery sound nearby, he was confused for a second, unsure of where he was. Then he remembered what had happened. He looked down fondly at Cream, still curled up against him. He smiled at the content look on her face.

Light didn't know how long it he was lost looking at Cream before she slowly began to stir. Light nuzzled her softly before getting up. After stretching and getting a drink from the small stream, Light and Cream were ready to go.

Light led Cream into the undergrowth. Cream had a skip in her step and seemed extremely happy. Light enjoyed watching her smiling and looking around as they headed back toward the Pokemon Center they had been staying in.

However, Light kept an eye out for anything suspicious, not wanting something to happen like last time. Luckily, Cream didn't seem to notice his anxiousness and frolicked along beside him, enjoying the early morning air.

Soon, they were coming back into the small, village-like area around the Pokemon Stadium. Light relaxed some as they got back on the paved streets bordered by shops and buildings of all sizes. Cream stayed a little closer to Light as a children started to pet her as they went by. The adults seemed to not even notice them, though.

After a little, Cream started to look around a little worriedly. "Shouldn't we be getting back to Nick? It's starting to get late," she said.

"Nick won't be awake, yet. Come on, let's look around," Light said, turning onto another street. This street was slightly different, flowers having been here and there as decorations.

"Oh, those are pretty flowers," Cream said, darting over to a patch of blue and yellow flowers and sniffing them. Cream promptly sneezed, sending pollen flying along with a petal or two. Light came up beside her and laughed. Cream tried to say something and sneezed again, her head bouncing with it. Cream backed up a little from the flower patch, wiggling her nose to try to stop sneezing.

After that, Cream was more cautious about approaching the flowers, though she still smelled almost every flower patch along the winding road. The road slowly curled around, leading them back to the main square in front of the Pokemon Stadium, not too far from the Pokemon Center. In the square, a large, circular, stone fountain stood erect. A stone statue of the trio starter Pokemon of Kanto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, stood, each one squirting out water into the fountain below.

"Oh, that's pretty," Cream said, starting to approach it.

Light stayed beside her, starting to laugh. "Remember what happened last time," he warned.

Cream giggled, but went up to the fountain. She was just tall enough to look over at the clear, blue water. Her face was reflected onto the water, Light's soon joining hers. Tentatively, Cream reached over and touched the surface of the water. Ripples went out in circles, getting larger and larger, as her paw brushed the water. The image of their faces was distorted for a moment, becoming clear again after a few seconds.

Both Light and Cream jumped at what they saw. When the image had become clear, a large, purple ear had been above each of their heads. Light and Cream turned around to see who it was, Cream instinctively moving closer to Light.

A large, feline-like creature stood there, its fur a mixture of white and dull blue. Its two large ears were purple explaining what they had seen in the pool. Two long whiskers that frizzled on the end were on each side of its face. The creature did not, however, have the shape of a feline. It was rather large, being slightly bigger in height but looking like it had much more mass.

The strangest part was that it staring intently at Light, not even acknowledging Cream beside him. Suddenly, it smiled, literally sending chills down Light's back. The smile was definitely not a nice one, but rather devious looking. Normally, Light would have asked something, but something inside was telling him to leave and not talk to it. It wasn't his seer ability, but it was more instinct, which had never let him down before. If it wasn't for the fountain at his back, he would have already walked away.

"My, my, I never thought I would see you again," it said, a definite feminine sound in its voice. The feline leaned a little to look more at Light. "My, you have grown, cutey," she said, still eyeing him.

The sentence sparked something in his memory, though he didn't know what. He did know it was important, though. Cream started to bristle up beside him, a spark of anger appearing in her eyes, going unnoticed to the Pokemon in front of them.

"The muscle you've put on and the sleek fur. You're evolution did you well," the Pokemon said, purring slightly.

Cream bristled even more beside him and the anger in her eyes was unmistakable. Light took the moment to speak up. "Excuse me, but not only do I not know you, but Cream is the only allowed to speak to me like that," he pointed out, his frown becoming a slight smile as he saw Cream instantly relax a little out of the corner of his eye and felt a strong feeling of love go through their connection.

The Pokemon seemed hurt, though the emotion looked fake liked the rest of them. In fact, Light thought he saw a glint of relief in its eyes. "Oh, well, I guess I didn't tell you my name before, did I, cutey?" she replied, winking at him. She glanced at Cream and Light saw a familiar glint of fury enter its eyes for half a second before changing to normal and looking back at him.

Light's instincts were really going off now. "Umm, we've got to-" Light started.

However, the Pokemon interrupted him. "Yes, you look much better in your evolved form. Plus, you're the perfect size, now. I think you'll do nicely," she said, the devious smile back.

Light saw the unmistakable glint of lust and instantly realized who this was. Uh oh, Light thought, quickly trying to look away.

However, it was too late. Right before he turned his head, his eyes made contact with hers, the barely familiar feeling from the Day Care of being mesmerized came upon him and his eyes locked with hers. This time, though, instead of blacking out, he found that the move was different than before. The differences were most likely because of his innocence and young age as he realized what was now happening. Instantly, an attraction for the Pokemon came upon him, and the strange aroma of the Pokemon became pleasant. His thoughts were also a mess.

Wow, what sleek fur. What magnificent eyes. And that amazing form ending with those hips. I wonder-, Light was thinking. Light heard a slight gasp beside him, giving him something else to think about, also making him realize what he was thinking. Light quickly stopped that train of thought. However, the thoughts were pressing against him and he couldn't move. Light bit his lip out of frustration and found the pain distracted him. Using all of his willpower, he covered his eyes with his paws and crouched against the ground, trying to block out the thoughts. Without making eye contact, the strength of the move weakened, but it still took all of Light's concentration to stop it.

Suddenly, all bombardment of the strange move stopped as a loud shriek went through the air. Steeling himself, Light got up and saw Cream growling and standing protectively in front of him, while the Pokemon was backing away slightly, six angry claw marks on its face, even with a little blood starting to appear. The Pokemon looked even more furious than when she had been stopped at the Day Care. Hissing, the Pokemon lunged at Cream, her front claws getting longer.

Cream hissed with great fury, launching up with a great speed and hitting the Pokemon in its broad chest, dodging its dangerous claws. After being pushed back some, the Pokemon got traction under its feet on the stone paved street and came to a stop, sending up little clouds of dirt and dust as it skidded. It leered at Cream with a face that somehow even scared Light. Cream continued to hiss, seeming oblivious of the move.

Seeing it had no effect, the Pokemon started to lunge at Cream again, its claws getting longer and turning white again. Cream matched it with her own claws, using Slash to deflect the attack. A sharp ringing sound was made as the claws collided, pushing both Pokemon back. Both opponents landed skillfully, facing each other determinedly with no signs of backing down.

Light tried to step forward, but the Pokemon once again looked at him and he had to quickly look away. There was no way he could get close and not make eye contact without leaving himself dangerously open. When Light looked away, he saw that several people had showed up to watch, cheering quietly as they observed the clash of the Pokemon as though it was an everyday occurrence. A circle was soon formed, the fountain creating part of it. Light heard many of them exclaiming Eevee and Purugly. That must be the species of that Pokemon.

"So are you the tramp that he picked up?" the Purugly taunted. "I can't believe he would have such bad taste." The Purugly tossed its head, though it quickly looked back at Cream grinning wickedly.

Light had just gotten over the shock of her words and realized its new strategy, when he saw Cream. She seemed to be so angry, that it was vibrating the very air around her. Then, Light realized the air was vibrating. The air around Cream seemed to be rippling as though Cream was emitting out raw power. Light gasped as he saw a slight pink glow start to appear around her.

"But then, I guess, you were probably the only choice when he needed an outlet," the Purugly continued, the smile broadening even more with the sharp, barbed edge of her statement. She didn't seem to notice what was happening to Cream.

The statement Purugly made infuriated Light so much, he was just about to risk being mesmerized just to try to attack, when Cream let out a scream, "You f****** b****!" Suddenly, a pink, translucent light surrounded Cream as she charged at Purugly. The pink light trailed behind her, making her appear to leave a short tunnel as she gathered speed. Light could feel the energy of the attack from where he was and he could only watch in amazement as Cream used the new move.

The Purugly seemed to have been preparing for an attack, but didn't seem to have expected this one. Cream leapt rammed into the Purugly at top speed. The Purugly was blown back into the side of a building, breaking off a chunk of the wall, before Cream even landed back on the ground. Purugly was out cold.

There was a complete silence before everyone's shock faded and they realized that the Purugly was defeated. A cheer went up from the human observers as though it had only been a planned battle. Light quickly came up to Cream, concerned about her.

"Are you alright?" Light asked, checking her over.

"Yeah," Cream said quietly, not looking at Light. His ears and tail was slightly lowered, also.

Not expecting that response, Light started to really worry. "Come on, let's get back to the Pokemon Center," Light suggested, leading the way toward the edge of the crowd.

The crowd instantly split for the victorious Pokemon, leaving them an aisle through. Some were even taking pictures of the event, while others were talking in small, excited groups. A few dared to reach toward them to pet Cream, but Light's threatening growl stopped them. Once outside the crowd, Light quickly led them down a short street to the Pokemon Center.

Light stopped in front of the Pokemon Center, seeing no one around. The battle must have drawn everyone close by to the square. "Thanks, Cream," Light said, standing in front of her. "How did you know something was wrong?"

Cream shifted her gaze from her feet to his, still not meeting his eyes. However, as she had shifted, Light was sure he saw the glint of tears forming in her eyes. "Because . . . you looked like you were struggling . . .," Cream started slowly, her voice low, "and the psychic channel was up." Her voice broke slightly on the word 'the.'

Light instantly realized what that meant. His ears and tail lowered significantly in shame. "Cream, I'm so sorry. I tried not to, but," Light started, taking a step toward Cream. He stopped when she took a step back.

"Light, that hurt, a lot," Cream croaked, her voice now responding to her emotions. Tears started to slowly trail down her face. "And right after you had been so adamant," Cream continued, now making eye contact.

The hurt in her eyes pierced Light's heart thoroughly. It hurt more than any other wound Light had received. Almost in tears himself, Light tried to find some way to make it right. "Cream, I know I shouldn't have thought those things; I should have tried harder. Please forgive, Cream. I love you, and only you. Please," Light pleaded. He took another step, but this time, Cream didn't move.

Cream numbly nodded her head, her eyes now closed and tears still trailing down her face. Her body was shaking slightly, showing the signs of her sobbing. "But it still hurt, though," Cream said, sounding as though it was forced out. "And what that Pokemon said." She sniffed and Light knew she would completely break out crying soon.

As Cream collapsed, finally fully crying, Light quickly weaved around her so that she fell against his chest and not the hard pavement stones. Light hugged her tight, as Cream began to cry into his chest. Light didn't know how long it they were like that before Cream's crying slowly stopped. Light and Cream still kept their position with Light gently embracing Cream as she slowly relaxed.

Eventually, Cream pushed herself a little away and looked up at Light in the eyes. Sniffing, she asked, "Was all that true? What she said about me?" Cream seemed to be ready to be on the verge of tears again. The look she gave him made her look so vulnerable as she awaited his answer, that it almost broke his heart.

"Cream, never think for a moment that you're some tramp. You're the most wonderful, beautiful, kind hearted Pokemon I've ever seen. There couldn't have been anyone better for me. I love you, Cream, truly. Don't listen to a word that trouble making Pokemon says at all," Light said, pulling Cream into another embrace.

Cream licked him on the cheek and whispered into his ear, "Thank you." She tightened the embrace for a moment longer before slowly getting up.

Light had just gotten up also, when the doors to the Pokemon Center opened, revealing a stretching and yawning Nick. "Oh, there you two are. Did you guys have a nice time?" Nick asked happily, knowing what Light had planned.

Don't ask, Light told him, leading Cream into the Pokemon Center.

Nick watched them enter for a second before he realized something. "Wait, what about training?" After a moment's pause, Nick sighed and came back in. He followed the two Pokemon back to the room before promptly going into the bedroom and closing the door. Light knew they would soon hear snoring soon.

Light and Cream jumped up onto the single couch, not seeing anyone else here. Light wondered for a moment where they would be before his attention went back onto Cream. "Cream, I'm so sorry about what happened today," Light said, lowering his head.

"Let's not think about that anymore," Cream said, scooting closer to him.

"Actually, I do have one question: what was that pink attack?" Light asked.

Cream looked down at her paws and blushed. "I don't know. I just thought about you and then . . . poof, I was attacking."

"Amazing; I wonder if that is a brand new move or something," Light said, excited.

"Can we stop talking about it, now?" Cream asked.

"Oh, sorry," Light apologized.

Cream suddenly yawned and blinked her eyes rapidly. She curled down next to Light, scooting as close as she could to Light. Light laid down, himself, allowing Cream to position herself more comfortably. They cuddled closer to each other, thrusting the thoughts of that morning far away. Light glanced out the window and realized that we going back to sleep at noon. Maybe they were starting to pick up the habit from Nick.

(0)

A shadow moved outside the Pokemon Center. Having just arrived, it already knew what it had come to find out, having seen Light and Cream go inside the building before Nick. So that is its trainer. I will get revenge, and I know just who will help me to do it, it thought maliciously. It quietly moved away, careful not to give itself away.

(0)

The next few days were hectic as the preliminary rounds started. Light had learned that because the large amount of trainers, the preliminaries would be the way to lower the contestants down to the final sixteen.

Nick had insisted on using the others besides Light to challenge the preliminaries. He told Light that he wanted to save Light as his secret weapon against the final opponents. Light thought him crazy, but Nick was his trainer. Besides, for some reason, Light wasn't feeling as enthusiastic to battle as normal.

After a week, the final participants had been announced. Light had to give credit to Nick that he had beat the preliminaries without his help. For a second, Light thought he was starting to mature . . . until he started his victory dance. It actually was caught on camera and became a pretty hilarious thing to watch, if you weren't associated with Nick.

However, Nick didn't mind and was fully pumped as they announced the match-ups. Nick cheered as he got the first match, though to Light's displeasure, he had forgotten who he was fighting. But, Light was glad that he was finally able to battle.

Light, along with Nick's Pokemon and his parents, followed Nick down the short tunnel to the arena. Light felt his heartbeat start to increase as they prepared to start the official tournament.