Disclaimer: I do not own pokémon, or the song "Eclipsed" by Evans Blue.
Author's Note:A couple interesting points were brought up last time by blackwaterII (who I wish would give me his/her E-mail so I could respond to his/her reviews), things which I'd like to address. First, the reason Cassandra didn't bring Shadow with her is that Shadow is not highly trained. Cassandra isnota pokémon trainer…she trained him illegally, and she had to do such in the Viridian Forest. The amount of levels he could be raised on those low-level pokémon is only so far. Truth be told, Shadow's closer to a pet than anything else. And it's because of how much she cares for him that she would not allow him to join her on a potentially fatal mission. Having him around would just distract her, not to mention raise questions about her background that would only make her mission more difficult.
Then there was the possibility of his connection with Psyche. Though this was an idea I originally had, in truth, Psyche and Shadow have never met, and have no connections surrounding genetics, such as family ties or reproduction. The only similarity between them is that they were both once Eevee. That's all.
Suffice to say I love that type of speculation. Thanks blackwaterII!
All right, I know I said that italicized lines are lyrics, but they can also be messages over the phone/loudspeaker/ect. It depends on whether they're right-spaced or centered. Easy enough to figure out. I know you're all smart.
Previously:While Mewtwo was away gathering his thoughts, Cassandra attempted to escape via the stairwell…and as warned, was attacked by the hostile pokémon of the lower floors. As Mewtwo returned, finding this, he went against his own words and rescued the girl, remembering a time when he failed for someone else. Afterwards, they tended to one another's wounds, there was one faint false moment of ambivalence as the clone tested Cassandra's fears…with startling results.
CHAPTER 7: RAPTUROUS SIN
- Giovanni's Office -
"Signore Giovanni? Agent 009 is outside your office. She says she needs to speak with you."
"Send her in," the crime lord ordered, without even looking up from his desk. A steaming mug of black coffee was within arm's reach to his right, while various updates on an array of missions were spread out before him. Things, he couldn't help but think, were going well indeed. Even with certain lower-class agents putting ridiculous expenses on their accounts, even with the delay in his nephew's wedding, law enforcement was at a low, and deals were being sealed wherever he seemed to look. Yes, things were goingverysmoothly for the Team Rocket leader.
Having now been invited in, Domino walked into the room, scratching behind the ears of her boss's Persian as it came up to her, rubbing its head to her knee. As the guards closed the door behind her, she approached her superior, a thick vanilla folder tucked under her arm. She laid it on his desk over the rest of his papers…it was far more important than any other rudimentary internal affair of his organization. He sipped his strong beverage, the warmth of it sliding down his throat.
He flipped open the folder.
Classified.
The Gainesboro Project:
Progress Report 0028:
First prototype is nearly complete. Initial experimentations have proven promising, but varied. Chemical stimuli have been 60 successful in catalyzing the several of the desired results, though the matter of the counter-effect is still in development. Some subjects have experienced….
He read no further than the first few sentences. His second-in-command, the unofficial leader of the Elite Children, the Grigori Agents, was gazing down at him with a slight frown, apparently displeased with something. He was sure it was not about the update she had delivered to him, the subject contained within it only known to a select group, Domino included in that fold. She did not disapprove of it, and they had spoken about his grand design at length. No, something else was bothering her.
"What is it, Agent 009?"
She tapped her foot once, her lavender eyes narrowing, "…I heard about Agent Winters' request."
The man gave her a weary look, "I see…and what of it?"
"You don't think it's suspicious?"
His strong fingers intertwined, his elbows to the desk, "…I understand your contempt for my goddaughter, Domino. She has always been out of your control, and that makes you understandably uncomfortable. However, do not latch on to whatever incongruities to her behavior you may find, and then proceed to associate them with her past…mistakes-."
"You call it amistake?" A pale eyebrow was raised, the question incredulous. She knew how they had both responded to that incidentintimately! He was making far too light of averyserious matter!
He sighed, "Indeed. What else could it be called? She was a foolish child…it was fortunate that the problem ended as it did. That said, it isbecauseof that outcome that we can rest assured – there will not be a repeat of that occurrence."
Domino was not so certain. What happened once could happen again, and knowing Cassandra, the possibility was as likely as a coin landing heads-side up. "You put so much faith in her," the blonde commented with a slight hiss.
Giovanni gazed up at her, seemingly unconcerned with her envy. It would change nothing. "Indeed, as her guardian, I must," he stated, and then changed the subject, "Now tell me, what has Dr. Kitadake told you that isn't disclosed in this report?"
The spy that she was, the Black Tulip was happy to repeat all she had learned to her superior, betraying the trust of a fellow college with ease.
- Mewtwo's Residence -
The sound of music stopped Cassandra short of emerging from the bathroom. She had thrown her clothes into the washer, and scrubbed her suitcase clean of the urine and excrement that her enemies below had so deemed to give her, before Mewtwo had gotten a chance to retrieve her things. Fortunately, some of the items that were not made of fabric, her MP3 Player and her various bathroom supplies, had been left unsoiled. Still, the state of her clothes, some of which had been shredded, had horrified her, nearly making her gag. Of all the sick insults, this was probably the worst apokémonhad ever given her. Howcharmingthis place was…!
Still, as she heard the piano begin to play, she paused, leaning against the wall beside the door, unseen by the pianist. The notes and chords spilled over onto one another, rising and falling, soft, slow…bittersweet. She closed her eyes…and unbidden, images of moonlight and shadows entered her mind…her soul sensing what she thought might be the echo of a wistful heart. Why, she wondered, did such ideals conjure themselves in her thoughts? As a musician herself, she knew a piece sounded of the emotion of what the player was feeling, of the memory writ into its melody to their heart, despite what a composer might intend.
She pressed her knuckles to her lips. It sounded….
So…sad… Disconsolate…lonely.
Cautiously, she peered over the edge, to view who was playing….
Mewtwo…of courseMewtwo, sat on the bench, his fingers dancing along the keys…his eyes distant, entranced and enthralled by something he could not see, only feel. She watched him, a hand to the side of the oak doorframe…just listening, observing. She picked up the slow beat swiftly enough…began to predict the crescendos and varied dynamics. She…knew this piece, though its name and the name of its composer escaped her. The style, the sound of it soothed her somehow, quelling the fiery, false exterior she usually displayed, arousing something from inside herself, a piece of her that she usually kept buried. What it was, even she could not name.
With that transient alteration to her persona, she began to walk towards him, thus far unnoticed. She possessed no weapon…but then, her intentions were not to harm him, even though, in his distraction, now would have been a prime time to assault him. Yet, Cassandra wanted to know the name of the song…of the one who had created it. And she would have to hear it from him, as there was no music sheet in front of the clone…he was playing by memory. His eyes were even nearly closed…the climax died into singular notes that rang out, lingering, quiet as a fleeting bird. A dove, perhaps with feathers of ebony….
As the last note faded, he stared at his paws, still not aware of the fact that the human was standing behind him. Instead, he gazed at nothingness, his eyes glazed as he recalled something. Something very few people knew of…something he would not speak about even if a gun was held to his head. His face was blank; yet, in the past week or so, she had begun to be capable of detecting hints in his features of what he felt. Presently, he seemed…weary. Tired. Then, he did something that made her stare. He pulled out the cover for the keys, setting it down gently, resting his elbows against the surface…and buried his face in his paws.
The act struck her still. Any of the usual aversion she felt for him, and the new curiosity she held, died as something else entirely flooded her. The desire to…what? To comfort him? Within her thoughts, she berated herself. No! That was ridiculous. After all, she did not care for the clone in the least! But…did she want to know why he was like this? Certainly. After all, the answer might aid her in her assigned goal…which is why she suspected Mewtwo was reluctant to ever converse at length with her. He might give away something to could help her achieve her purpose here, no matter how he attempted not to slip up.
But before she could inquire as she'd planned originally, Mewtwo spoke, (What do you want, girl?)
The words, cold and unappreciative of her vague concern, made her bristle…but her response was civil, despite that, "I was just wondering what you were playing."
His eyes flashed, but in his mood, he answered her without a thought, (…It is an opus called "Moonlight Pondero". Translated from Latin, it means 'moonlight reflection'. It is supposed to be played on the strings, especially the violin, however, my fingers are not made for such delicate work,) he stated, holding up a paw. Indeed, the spherical tips would make it difficult to manipulate the sound in the desired manner. The piano, as he had found, worked far better for his purposes, and had a similarly beautiful tone. But it was not the same….
"Who's the composer? I think I've heard this song somewhere before, but I can't quite recall-."
Mewtwo's pupils narrowed into slits, and he stood up abruptly, (You must be mistaken. You cannot know this piece.)
That irked her, "I beg your pardon? I'm pretty damn sure I've-."
He glared at her, (No, you have not. It is impossible, Cassandra. This opus is a very private work…I was the only one who was ever allowed to listen to-.)
She brushed past him and sat down defiantly at the piano, pushing back the cover, revealing the keys. After a few fumbles, she found the right octave, and very slowly, began to plunk out the beginning phrase of the song. Some notes were mistaken, but as she went on, smirking at the expression on his face, she managed the play a single part of the song from memory, gaining confidence as she did. The depth of it went deeper than the previous minutes…sheknewthe song, but for the life of she didn't comprehend where she'd learned it before.
The woman did not realize the extent of the damage she was doing to Mewtwo's belief system as she played, increasingly without flaw, without the papers in front of her. She did not realize how intently he was staring at her, or the depths of his horror at what she was doing. It was not that he thought the composer had shared the piece, or that she had overheard it somehow, as she might suggest as an explanation. That was not it at all. So as a result, confusion swamped his brain. The thing she was doing…it should not be possible!
When he had said the song was a private matter, he had not been understating the matter. For though he would not tell it to Cassandra, the person who had created it…had dedicated it to him. Made it,thinking of him.
And still she played! As though she knew-.
No….She could not!Because if she did, then that would mean that-.
The assassin finished, giving him a triumphant look, "Ha! My god, you're such an arrogant prick, Mewtwo! Now if you want, I could play it again, just to-."
His paws were clenched into fists, (Do not. You have made your point.)
"Have I?" Her eyes flickered in surprise at his willingness to give in to her side of the argument.
The psychic looked away, (…Indeed, you have.)
As he walked away, the awkwardness of the moment seemed to strike her, and she called out, "…Mewtwo."
He paused, (Yes?)
"It's…a beautiful song."
He glanced back at her, meeting her eyes, (Yes…it is.)
There were many creatures in Mewtwo's life that he despised: humans, for the most part, and a few pokémon as well. One group had treated him as an experiment, a slave, a thing to be used for their personal lusts for knowledge and power. The other had viewed him as a freak, a mutation, a creature to be avoided and shunned. Oh yes, there were exceptions to the rule. There always were. Ash Ketchum and his companions were enough proof of that, as was Psyche. To him, their opinions counted where those of his fellow clones, his family, could not. For those creatures had been like him – shadows…copies…so-called "soulless" beings. But in general, all had, whether forced to or not, left him behind, utterly alone. Had left his presence as an unfriendly acquaintance or a grown adolescent would, in time.
But notthishorrific being; who currently floated before him with a saccharine smile.
No,Mewwould not allow him his solitude, his peace. To make matters worse, Mewtwo's kin, his brother only through the shared genetics of a species, had deemed it fit to try to end the clone's "sorrowful" state of being by forcing another onto him. The irony of this did not escape anyone who had ever been in Mewtwo's presence, for the last thing that would likely solve the clone's issues would be a female. For while he understood many things, like most males, the opposite gender made little sense to him at most times.
So of course, Mew's solution was ludicrous. A female was not going to help matters at all! And in truth, what were the issues with his life he lived? The clone was content with it; content to wander, content to leave attachment and the pain it spawned behind him. To do otherwise was to invite suffering and betrayal to oneself, to position a knife over one's own heart. That declared, if there had ever been a time in his life where Mewtwo would have dropped a sarcastic remark, a gesture, as simple as the roll of the eyes, he would have done so the moment that the kitten had first suggested this concept, nearly two years ago. However, he was not a teenager but a fully grown male, and a cynical one at that.
And he had no desire,whatsoever, for a mate!
Yet, when Mew had appeared with the Gardevoir named Lilah in tow, a face which he recognized and would have groaned at if he had been the type to vocalize his dismay, he could not say that. Not without having the flighty, dancing female start to weep and wail, annoyances he did not wish for. However, worse would have been to go along with the idea, for he did not want to have the adolescent throw herself onto him. He understood to some point that there were those who found his form attractive, a thing he did not agree with. He seemed to be a disturbing hybrid of human and feline features, giving him a rather ugly, demonic appearance in his own eyes, a thing which amused him with a twisted sort of humor. But all the same, he knew what taking a mate entailed – and the concept of pressing himself to another being repulsed him.
So what was the lesser of two evils? What could he do…?
Very suddenly, a perverse little thought entered his mind as they gazed at him expectantly. It gave him no pleasure to think about, but if it would solve his issues for one night, and make these two horrendous beings leave his home, then it might be worth the wrath of a certainotherfemale to go through with it. For as had been said before, Mewtwo excelled at lying, at wiggling his way out of troublesome situations with false words. Acting in itself was not far off from it.
So he told Mew and Lilah a thing which made their eyes widen and stare at him in disbelief. He shielded his mind from both of their telepathic probing as they tried to invade his thoughts to learn the validity of his words, rebuking their rude attempts with practiced ease. Then, bracing himself for what was to come, he turned away…and headed straight towards Cassandra's room.
The woman was awake, listening to her downloaded music, the selection a mixture of modern rock, alternative metal, and a few Japanese instrumental songs, the vocals of one tune screaming in her ears. There were of course the few oddballs in the fray, but she was content with it in general, not minding the fact that she had the tunes loud enough to block out any other sounds from the apartment. Yet, even so, she sensed the clone approaching, and opened her eyes, her gaze narrowing as he entered her room without her consent. There were two new psychics in the abode she knew, an "old" male and a younger female, but that gave him no excuse for being in here. She settled back into her bed, her eyelids falling as her hand rose, shooing him away like an unwanted pet, continuing to listen to the rapid beat of the percussion and harsh sounds being torn from an electric guitar, the male vocals quickening at the chorus-.
He plucked the electric earwigs from her ears by tugging the cord away with his telekinetic powers, the act arousing a growl from her. She sat up, glaring coldly at him, cursing at him in various tongues, most prominently in Japanese, English, and Latin. Latin especially. He quickly covered her mouth with a paw, sitting down on the side of her bed, telling her to be quiet.
(Be grateful – I could have broken your little device. Now if you would listen quietly, this can be over with as quickly and painlessly as possible-.)
She snapped her white teeth at his fingers, making him swiftly withdraw his hand, "What in God's name are you talking about?" she hissed.
He seemed reluctant to go on, his pride warning with his common sense. However, speak he did, his logic winning out, (I need you to do me a favor. You see, there are two incredibly irritating pokémon out there, one of which is trying to force the other onto me-.)
"Oh really? Are you going to get laid, kitty cat?"
Slowly, he smirked, not looking at her directly, (I suppose that depends on ones point of view. However, it shall not be with that creature out there.)
…Then, very suddenly, Cassandra began to understand what he was saying.
She began to shake her head, "Hell no! I won't-."
The door began to 'creak' open, two pairs of eyes peering through.
Mewtwo acted.
The clone could move surprisingly fast. Before Cassandra could even blink, even comprehend what was happening, she was in his arms, his mouth to hers, his tongue sliding past her lips. She jerked at the sensation, eyes wide, before he whispered to her to play along…though not in those exact words. Her eyelids fell, her arms trapped against his chest; a lucky thing for the feline, or else he would have been slugged upside the face. Anger grew in her chest, confusion dying, curses beginning to form in her mouth, acidic and burning, none of which Mewtwo's slightly rough tongue felt. This was not as raspy as Shadow's, but nowhere near as tender and slick as a human's. She wasnot happyat all with this discovery, or at the sudden fiery heat that was beginning to form in her chest. Yet, she forced her emotions down until the two pokémon had darted away, closing the door fleetly. As they did, Mewtwo released her as swiftly as he had grabbed her, withdrawing before she could get a chance to lash out at him.
So all the assassin was able to do was sink down into her bed, replaying the moment in her head, nausea beginning to churn in her stomach. Shereallywanted to say it had been foul…but then she would be lying to herself; hence her disgust. For some reason that completely escaped her, the kiss had not been completely inept or even that bad – though just how Mewtwo knew what he had been doing was beyond her ability to imagine…. At the thought of the creature, her eyes flickered to him. He stood by the wall, his eyes distant, his brow furrowed, as though he too was musing on what had just occurred…but he did not seem so utterly horrified, just irked at the thing he had needed to do to get rid of the annoying Mew and Gardevoir.
Then, Cassandra's voice came to her, "What thehellwas THAT?"
She kept her voice low, just barely, but it seethed with a depth of hatred that would have impressed her godfather. She was shaking now with fury at the violation, and fought the desire to start spitting at him. The clone regarded her quietly for a moment, and then answered in an aggravatingly calm tone, seemingly unconcerned with her anger:
(Evidence. I told them you were my mate. This way, I can reject that female and not allow Mew the chance to argue against me,) he told, thinking of the stress that the ancient's bothersome, stubborn attitude could cause him if the clone needed to talk his "brother" down.
Yet Cassandra couldn't believe this...! Of all the insane, idiotic ideas for him to have come up with to solve his problem,thatwas his master plan? She voiced her opinion promptly, spitting out the words, "Oh right, but who would be stupid enough to believe you? I'm human, you dolt – your fucking story makes no sense!"
He was tempted to correct her curse, for only organic beings commit such an act, but thought better of it. The telepathic would allow her to rant. It was not doing him any harm…and perhaps if she released some of her aggravation now, than she would not become nearly as irritated once she heard that her task was not complete. Though, in a rather corrupt sort of way, that idea was actually quite comical to his mind. Undoubtedly, she was not going to be happy at all once she heard it.
Yet for now, he commented on her words, (Your view is flawed. You would recognize such if you gave the matter some thought. After all, we are both humanoid and mammalian. The type of intercourse is the same between us. Furthermore, as I was created by humans, I would have naturally acquired some of your species' ways. Language is but one example, and as far as my visitors know, this includes…human preferences.)
That was not an easy thing for him to admit, that he could haveanysimilarities to those who had created him…however, it followed a reluctant sort of logic, and the look that came over her face was priceless, well worth such a confession on his part. The assassin stared, her face contorted in a disbelieving way…before the fact that he hadn't left yet fully clicked into her mind. She drew away from him slightly. Oh, Christ, no….
"And just what are you planning to do now?" She inquired, with a subtle edge to her tone as she crossed her arms in a displeased manner.
Infuriatingly, his smirk widened, (Ido not plan to do anything. Perhaps Icouldemit an aura that resembles two beings craving carnality, as I came across it enough when around your kind…however, I do not essentially have to contribute anything vocal or physical. For one, the first is not an attribute I may readily use, and for another, movement on my part is never completely necessary. You, on the other hand, are one who unavoidably depends on both of those attributes.)
Her silver eyes flashed with suspicion, "…So just what are you trying to say?"
His eyes shown with complacent mirth. (Enunciate.)
She stared…and then recoiled from him, "There isno wayyou're going to make me-."
He cut her off flatly, (First off, I shall not touch you. As I have said before, you have nothing beneath those clothes of yours that would intrigue me. Second, if you do this for me, I shall give you back one of your weapons. Your choice of which. Is that compensation enough for you to move around on your bed and moan a little?)
Cassandra drummed her fingers on her right arm, thinking about the pros and cons of this situation, "…And when would I get my right-hand dagger back?"
(In the morning, after Mew and Lilah have left,) he answered promptly, having thought the situation out thoroughly.
She seethed, her decision reluctantly made, and raged under her breath, "…You're an evil bastard, do you know that?"
He heard. (Yes.)
Several hours later, with midnight soon to arrive, the two lay on either side of the queen-sized bed, with as much distance between them as possible. So far, the scheme seemed to be working in Mewtwo's favor. He repressed a smug, satisfied grin as Cassandra gave her rather amusing performance with startling convincingness, muttering she would murder him in the most painful manner she could think of as soon as she got the chance for revenge. As a result of her admirable acting, the two visitors gave them a wide berth, and while it concerned the clone that Mew was speaking with Psyche after Lilah had fallen into disappointed, pouting dreams, he was certain that at least, after tonight, the obnoxious pink ancient would leave him be.
But the young woman beside him was not soothed in the least by this evident information. If she was going to humiliate herself in this horrendous manner, then she intended to bring Mewtwo down with her. It did not matter to her that he was broadcasting some rather lewd material for the psychics to "hear", nor that the little episode was almost complete. Without warning, she turned over onto her elbows, rising onto her knees. He paid her little mind until she spoke.
"You know, if you just had a TV in here, then we could just put on a porno on maximum volume. That would be far simpler! But asthat'snot possible, clone, it strikes me that you growl with that telepathic voice of yours. I think you could groan at least once with it too!"
(That is unnecessary.)
Her gaze could freeze marrow, "That's crap, and you know it. Especially consideringyou'rethe one who thought this idiotic thing up! If this was real, you should be making some sort of release about now-."
He interrupted her using a rather bored tone, (You may not like the situation, but I will not submit to your will just because you feelembarrassed,and only wish to makememiserable to sooth your own discomfort.)
Cassandra snarled at him, very much as a panther might, "Too damn bad!"
He cocked an eyebrow at her, peering at her, (You cannot make me-.)
"You want to bet?"
Of course, he did not, but the situation was not in his hands, but now in Cassandra's. These, however, were swiftly enough at his chest, her legs straddling his hips, her mouth on his. While the rest of her movements against him were somewhat awkward, though effective enough to make the clone shiver, the kiss, like the one before it, was shockingly smooth, and this time not so forceful. It explored, heating the both of them in a way that defied nature and moral alike. However, matters of instinct and physical touch were an identical between the two different species…and as had been proven countless times before between pokémon races, the feeling was indiscriminant of their forms.Notthat either became lost in the sensation. One was doing it out of the desire to retaliate at the other in spite, and her partner all too aware of how very disturbing the act was. But his mind…it began to crumble. Cassandra…she….
She was playing; in her own messed up way. The girl had been deprived of such interactions that most teenagers had, to simply screw around without meaning with the opposite sex. Unfortunately, she had forgotten one thing – Mewtwo was a fully grown adult, and a pokémon at that. A beast. An animal.Not human.This made what she was doing, her hips grinding into his, her stroking fingers, her tongue against his lips, a very, very,riskything. Because human males, despite the common stereotype, could stop themselves from going further than was wise. If they wished, they could use their minds to evaluate the outcome of what might be done, and decide, if painfully, not to go through with it. And while Mewtwo had this ability, in being what he was, a beast,instinctran him on a far greater level.
It was fortunate he moaned when he did, a low, rough sound that made Cassandra pull away immediately, laughing in triumph.
He proved this to her by wrathfully taking her arms, swinging her below him, shaking with rage, his face close to her, the iciness of his glare making her still. She had, in her own way, been joking. But Mewtwo was not amused. His anger went deeper than her own had as he had pinned her down not two days, pretending to approach her with the desire to mate in mind. He seethed, trembling with the longing to remove the smirk from her face in some violent manner. He was, after all, a pacifist bychoice. But the truth was that the clone was a very hostile creature. Had he not killed his makers, destroyed whole facilities in confusion and fury alone?
His paws about her wrists were tight, crushing enough to bruise. As he began to hiss, she sank back into the pillows beneath her head, eyes widening a fraction as she listened to his words.
(Never do that again!Never.I am not someteenage boyfor you to tease for your amusement! You may joke now, but I assure you, if you continue such taunting, my body will eventually take that as an invitation toyours. And know this:if that happens, it will be very hard, andveryrough. You will be left bruised, bleeding, and likely limping fordaysafterwards! That you are human would matter little,) he snarled, his pupils remaining thin, dark slits.
He furious shaking stilled, but his grip did not relax as he continued, (Understand Cassandra, I am accustomed to keeping my strength in check…but in such an activity, control is not something that you may expect. Remember wellhuman: I am not of your race. My mind, no matter how strong, can only stand so much before instinct overrides it. So if you wish to avoid somethingvery unpleasantfor yourself, I suggest you do nottouchme. Otherwise, the consequences of your actions will be entirely your fault.)
He released her roughly, turning over, and did not look at her again. No sarcastic comment came to Cassandra's lips. He had been serious. Deadly serious. It left her a little shaken, the idea. With his civil ways, his scholarly words, she had forgotten that this was an animal; perhaps one who possessed no soul because of the circumstances surrounding his conception. Indeed, there would be consequences to tempting such a beast. In fact, if what he had said was accurate, than the old style of punishment for one who committed bestiality might be preferable to the act in itself – death to violent rape. One, due to her upbringing, did not matter to her. But the other….
She turned over as well…and for quite some time, neither spoke. Then, the assassin's brow furrowed as she mulled over his words. He had been socertainof what would happen…but how did he know…?
"Mewtwo…you would have sex like a human, correct?"
There was a pause so long that she thought he was either ignoring her, or had fallen asleep…she could not tell. Then, he answered her, (…Yes. Being bipedal, it would be the most comfortable way. However, due to the build of my lower limbs, there would be some awkwardness no matter what the position my partner or I took.)
From his tone, she could tell that the question had delved into some rather edgy territory, but still, she pressed onwards, "But you have no external genitalia. Are you like a bird-?"
(I am not.Like any other feline, I would have to be aroused before I…"unsheathed", as we shall put it.)
She stared up at the ceiling, "I see…but how do you know that? Did you experiment alone, or-."
By now, he was becoming quite aggravated with her rather personal questions surrounding his private anatomy, and so wryly spat out, (Why doallwho meet meassumethat I am a virgin?)
…What?
This inquiry was reasonably startling, and she turned over, staring at his back, "You're not?"
(Answer my question, and I shall answer yours.)
Now this was difficult for Cassandra to actually explain, for it was more a feeling than anything else. All the same, she tried, "You…just don't seem like someone who would engage in such activities. I have a very hard time imagining you with someone like that…no matter which gender. I cannot see you as one who is comfortable with touch…or intimacy. With letting someone get close enough to share some form of sexual experience with you."
(Sex does not have to be between lovers. Surely, you know that.)
Her finger twisted at the sheet beneath her, "Yes, but…I do not believe anyone could truly arouse you without your express consent. You would stop them beforehand if it was a violation. Furthermore, I have a hard time seeing why anyone would…."
Uh-oh. That would be a rather insulting, nasty thought to finish. However, Mewtwo knew exactly what she had refrained from saying, and so threw it back at her in a tone that was permeated with anger, (What? You cannot imagine that any creature in this world would accept me into their bed, the monstrosity that I am? Is that what you are trying to say, human?)
She squirmed…he had hit the matter on its head, "Well, yes. At any rate," Cassandra edged away from that dangerous ground, "I can see you reading about mating, Mewtwo…but I don't see you exploring it."
"Of course," she admitted, feeling the mood lessen in intensity, "I could always be wrong."
He did not answer.
She drummed her fingers in the folds of the blanket, "So what of it? Are you a virgin?"
Again, no answer.
She rose herself on her elbows, miffed, "Now don't act childish! You said you would tell me after-."
(Your analysis is quite accurate to what I suspect is in the minds of others. That because I am unnatural being, such natural experiences are something I would deny myself, or take no interest in. To that extent, you are correct, at least in the present time.)
'Present time'…? "So what about in the past?"
(…I see no reason to tell you,) he said, rather slowly.
Cassandra growled at the hint of evasion, "Stop dodging the question, you coward."
Abruptly, he sat up, still not looking at her. His held himself…stiffly, (I am no coward, girl. If you truly want to know, fine. I will answer your inquiry.)
There was a long pause, before he found the words, (Mew…Psyche…you…and yes, even me, have all committed the most rapturous of sins. Lilah is the only innocent in this place…. And do spare me the argument where you attempt to deny your lack of purity, woman. The scarring between your legs proves otherwise, though I will not openly speculate on how you received them. I do not wish to know what was done to you.)
The agent's mouth was a little agape, whether at Mewtwo's unbelievable proclamation that he wasnota virgin, or at his inferences into the circumstances surrounding her own lack of virginity. She ignored the latter subject, shoved it aside…it was none of his concern. That was a private matter, and she did dwell on the hypocrisy of that thought considering her recent inquiries. Instead, she asked:
"Fine…but tell me, who in the world let you screw her? Or was it a him?"
Mewtwo bristled, (I am heterosexual, human. That remark was unnecessary. As for who allowed me into herself…that is my personal business alone.)
Cassandra stared at his back. "Did she pity you?"
(No.)
Confusion sprung in Cassandra's mind, her expression contorting with bewilderment. "Did you abduct or hire her-."
(No.)
"Well, was she some sort of sick pervert who-."
A very strange sound rose from him, a bark of bitter laughter that cut off her words, (Cassandra, for your own sake, Ihighlysuggest that you refrain from insulting her memory.)
She smirked, not caring about his vaguely warning tone, "Why? Will you hurt me if I call her something nasty, even though it would probably apply?"
For several moments, he did not respond to that jib. And when he did, it was not about what he might do to Cassandra if she insulted the nameless female, or anything which the Team Rocket agent might has expected. No venomous words, no frightening glare…. It was nothing less than a request, and one that was not business in base, but rather…personal. He murmured, rather softly, (…Woman, would you justleave me in peace?)
The tone he possessed shocked her, the emotion he allowed to be displayed unlike anything she had heard before from him. There was no edge of malice, or disgust, or twisted amusement. Mewtwo…seemed honestly upset, exhausted. She lay back down, turning away…suddenly feeling a hint of remorse for managing to delve so far past his aggravating personality. To have managed to hurt him, somehow, by tormenting him on the subject of some being who had apparently been so willing, accepting, generous to this clone, was shocking.
It indicated something even more unsettling, because in truth, Cassandra could not see him having a mate, or falling in love. That was not likely at all, was it? For when would he have had such an opportunity? Yet, no matter what the circumstances, he had obviously been affected in some manner by whomever, orwhatever, the female had been. As Cassandra thought on that, her mind formulated the most disturbing question of all when concerning this matter:
Had he taken a pokémon bitch…or a human girl?
For some reason, both seemed probable answers.
She shivered, and then asked quietly to the dark, "Mewtwo…what happened to her…?"
Minutes passed…a steady rain had begun to fall outside, battering against the shuttered window. She watched the shadows of the droplets slide down the glass, and from the pokémon's breathing, believed she would get no answer; that he had fallen asleep. She rose then, and just in case, told him not to turn around, that she was getting into an outfit more suited to support their mock union in the morning, and to sleep in. An overly baggy T-shirt, going down to her knees, and panties. That was all. Sighing, she slid beneath her own blankets, curling up on her side of the bed. She snuggled into the soft warmth of the fabric, beginning to close her eyes, letting her thought processes shut down for sleep….
Then, so softly that she almost didn't hear it, Mewtwo answered her question.
(…I…killed her.)
For a very long time that night, neither could get to sleep. They pretended, but they both knew the truth. And in Cassandra's mind, those words reverberated, making her heart shudder. For no wonder…no wonder he had beenso sureof what would happen to a female he mated with. No wonder….
Mew awoke a little past three-thirty in the morning, human time. He stretched, gazing towards the room Mewtwo and his so-called 'mate' were sleeping in. He had to admit, their act had been rather convincing…but he had seen through his brother's ploy. It had been clever of the clone, he would admit, and he was shocked the woman had gone along with it, considering what her "partner" was. In truth, Mew felt there was a deeper explanation than he could comprehend with the limited information he possessed. So, he commented on the situation to Psyche, in the hope to get a greater view of the occurrence. She was awake now, while Lilah still lay suspended in the depths of her dreams.
"Espe. Espeon, espe," She told him, "I suspect he made a deal with her. Most likely, it has something to do with weaponry. The only reason she's here is to murder him…so I doubt she has many morals concerning lesser matters; such as bestiality."
"Me mew, mew," He cocked his head, "Oh, I wouldn't be so quick to say that. But I do agree with you. Mewtwo must have appealed to her in some way for her to agree to his scheme."
"Espe?" Psyche responded, with some subtle wry humor, "So they didn't fool you?"
"Me-me mew, me mew," The legendary chuckled, "Well, I will admit, the kiss shocked me…but there was no affection there. Tension in the best of ways, perhaps…but no warmth. Though I must say, that act in itself was interesting…because if anything, it lacked a fair amount of awkwardness. It wasn't perfectly smooth, true. However, having studied human displays of fondness, it would have been considered a rather excellent, full kiss."
"Mew me," he grinned humorlessly, "I'm just wondering how Mewtwo got that experience is all."
"Espe?" she asked, tilting her head at him, "What are you getting at?"
"Mew me, me mew-mew," the pink kitten continued, munching on a carrot, "Nothing specific…it's just, there's a lot that we don't know about that clone: what his time in the labs was like; what exactly he did during the year he was under Team Rocket's control; what occurred during the construction of his palace. Such matters are blank spaces in his life to us – we just don't know what went on. We assume that nothing important happened during that time…but now, I'm beginning to think that was a grave error on our part."
"Mew-mew, mew me mew," he said, "After the New Island Incident, I did spend a bit of time with him during the months he traveled to find a home for his fellows…that was when I first suggested Lilah to him. But he rebuked, rather fiercely, any attempt I made to pair him up. I suppose I see where such antics are wrong…but still, with his intense curiosity, he might have tried without allowing himself to be bound, per-say. I think his discomfort of intimacy can only explain so much of his refusal."
"Espe, espeon," Psyche's eyes grew dull with sorrow, "You know Mew, I asked him once, about why he didn't want a mate. As you say, he denies close companionship forcefully, unwilling to even try. He turned frigid when I inquired about it, and wouldn't answer me. But…I sensed a lot of pain in him, despite how he tried to hide it."
"Me…mew," the male feline commented, "That's…interesting."
"Es?" she inquired, licking at a paw, hearing a change of tone in his voice, "What do you suspect?"
"Mew. Me?" He shrugged, "I don't know. What about you?"
"…Espe. Espeon." She admitted, "…I don't know either. Though, what I do sometimes muse upon is not comforting in the least."
"Mew. Me-mew," he sighed, "I'll leave it to you to figure out then. I have to take Lilah back to her home in the morning."
Mewtwo's companion nodded, and then curled up around her unborn kits, falling back asleep. Her time would come soon enough.
And staring at the door of the assassin's room, the legendary feline wondered….
Just what are you hiding, Mewtwo…?
Later that night, Cassandra awoke from her light doze to the sounds of labored breathing beside her, of fitful movements against the sheets. Rising from laying position, she gazed at the clone silently, watching as he grasped at the blankets, his body in a cold sweat, his breathing coming in sharp, quick pants. Something was clearly wrong with him, and from his medical files, the agent knew he did not have asthma of any sort. His body, despite the fragile base used to create him, was quite healthy. Oh, he would not live as long of his predecessor was reputed to, more than likely having roughly a human's own lifespan, but still…this trouble breathing could not be health related. Tentatively, she extended her senses. The wave of heavy turmoil that dispersed from him crashed over her violently, leaving her feeling nauseated. She withdrew from her probing immediately, but proceeded to grasp his shoulder, shaking him.
"Hey…Mewtwo, are you okay? Are you having a nightmare?"
Now there was a strange thought. Yet, perhaps he had more of a right to them than most, considering the circumstances surrounding his existence. Soon however, as he continued to gasp and entangle himself in the sheets around him, her frustration began to mount. Come on…he had to wake up! He wasn't a deep sleeper, of that his fileshadshown. He was acutely aware of his surroundings atall times, unless drugged, and so her touch should have been enough to startle him awake. Yet here he was, still held within a fit of nightmares as she whispered at him to open his eyes.
Suddenly, he turned over, as though comprehending her touch, and reached out…dragging her into his hold. The act startled Cassandra enough to make her cry out an indignant squeak, before she felt Mewtwo's turbulent mind calm…replaced by something else which struck her as even stranger, coming from him. His chest rumbled, a soft sound coming from his throat, not his mind…and completely shocking her, he nuzzled at her hair. Now feeling extremely uncomfortable, she struggled to release his hold on her, only to have his arms tighten their grip…for the sake of her own ability to breathe, she went still, aggravated to realize that the sound he was making was nothing less than his version of a purr. As that thought came to her, she struggled again.
"Hey, do I look like a fricken plush doll? Let – me - go!" She growled, her fists beating against his shoulders and back.
However, her fighting against him had no use whatsoever. Realizing the pokémon had far more physical strength than she in his muscles, she admitted a very awkward forfeit…comforted only be the fact that his hands had no grasped anything intimate of her anatomy. She supposed she could knee him between the legs, but there was no telling what type of reaction he might have to that, if any at all. For a few minutes, she snarled at him to wake up and release her…but he did no such thing. He now slept soundly, holding her to his chest, and eventually, she too, began to calm. It was futile, after all, to continue resisting. Besides, it could be a whole lot worse. At the very least, he wasn't a smelly creature. In fact, he had a sort of pleasant scent. Musk…and mint.
Oh yes…it could be worse. It could be far, far worse….
(…Dove.)
Her drooping eyes went wide at the unexpected word from him. 'Dove'? What was that?
However, Mewtwo gave no indication of what he meant…for that was the only word he spoke in his sleep.
Pondering that mystery within the following minutes, as unconsciously as a nervous person cracking the knuckles of their fingers, her hands came to stroke his shoulder blades without a thought. Had she realized what she was doing, she would have stopped immediately…but as she did not, she did not cease to continue those soothing touches. What shediddo though was wonder, vaguely, who Mewtwo must think she was in his dreams. She evidently reminded him of someone from his actions. Yet, on another matter, who could have made the clone have those nightmares? Stalking those thoughts, she asked herself if they might have the same answer.
If so, then whose memory could make the clone both purr and feel such great turmoil, if that was the reality of the matter?
The most likely answer to that inquiry was obvious:
Did he dream now about the female he had mated with, and killed?
It was a similarity between them Cassandra did not want to think about, the pain that came with being responsible for the loss of someone you desired no harm to come to. And so, she could only sigh, "Fool…what do you think you're doing? You're supposed to be a monster, not some walking tragedy."
Yet oftentimes, what is supposed to be never is. And really, if she gave it a thought, she would have realized that Mewtwo was both of those things.
Eventually, she too, fell asleep….
And for the both of them, it had been years since they had slept so soundly.
When the morning came, Mewtwo awoke before she did. It took him a moment to make sense of his surroundings, and once he had established such, seeing the new position he was in with the girl, he stared into her face for a time, before disentangling himself from her gently, not wishing to wake her in the process. He did not know that he had been the one to initiate the closeness, nor did he remember what had been contained in his dreams. Out of the corners of his eyes, he watched as she curled up on her side, shivering at the loss of his warm pelt…but she did not stir awake at the chill. Turning his thoughts away from her, he sat on the edge of the bed, peering at the dark shadows near his feet, noticing that dawn had arrived, and Mew and Lilah had left.
However, what did that matter, in honesty? By god, he would have been better off saying 'no' to those two andarguingwith them. It was what he was good at after all! At least he would have been left without a headache…. But he had sowantedto scheme his way out of the situation…and now, even though he had won against his "brother", he knew that his plan had backfired completely. The truths he had revealed to Cassandra during the twilight were not ones he had disclosed to anyone before. Oh yes, he understoodwhyhe had told the human them…he knew the reason behind it as clearly as he did for the whole of his actions in the last several days. Still, he wanted to take the words back. He wanted to have decided to sleep on the cold, hard floor, instead of finding himself in the woman's warm embrace, her legs bare against his.
Closing his eyes, he vaguely reached over to the bedside table, picking up the unused MP3 Player…turning it on, he pressed the electronic earwigs to his horn-like ears to listen to the music after the device had loaded. That complete, he pressed 'Play'. The first song began, and he let himself be lost in it, trying to forget….
ECLIPSED – EVANS BLUE….
"We love our tragedies.
We're both broken in our own little ways
We're broken, but we fit together just right
You know I saw the black inside your eyes
I saw they were eclipsed by mine, and they looked just right.
When our lips meet, will you know me then
And will you want to know it?
It feels like I've known you for so long.
When our lips meet, will you love me then
And will you ever know it?
It seems like you've known me for so long.
I love your analogies.
We're both crazy in our own little ways
We talk about the future and our past lives.
I know I loved you then.
I know I'd love you now.
I know I'll love you then.
I know I love you now.
When our lips meet, will you know me then
And will you want to know it?
It feels like I've known you for so long.
When our lips meet, will you love me then
And will you ever know it?
It seems like you've known me for so long.
It seems like I've known you for so long.
But you can't have everything you want when you want it.
I will be everything you want, when you want it.
Wait for me. Trust for me.
Fall for me. Even when you don't know you fall for me.
Will you fall for it? If it should it'll come around again.
But don't wait for me. And don't trust in me. Don't fall for me.
Even when you know you're falling for me.
When our lips meet, will you know me then
And will you want to know it?
It feels like I've known you for so long.
When our lips meet, will you love me then
And will you ever know it?
It seems like you've known me for so long.
When our hearts meet, will we make it then?
Will we even notice that they are eclipsed?"
He turned off the music player, and took the earwigs away from his ears.
There was no need to worry any longer.
She…was truly dead.
Author's Note:Review please!This was the most I've given as an explanation for one of the big secrets of this fic, and probably the most you'll get until the actual answers come. In fact, I'm quite interested to see if anyone makes the jump and guesses what's going on.
Also, some might recognize the idea of this chapter from one of my earlier works…but if not, ah well.
At any rate, one may have questions about the intro to this chapter. Presently, I will only explain the allusion of Dr. Kitadake's name. In the anime, many scientist names have a basis in plants. For Dr. Fuji however, an example in nature would be the tallest mountain in the Akaishi Mountains of Japan. So, I decided to take a name from that range to fit the trend. Befittingly, the one that I thought closest to a believable name (in English) was Kitadake, thesecondtallest mountain of the Akaishi Range.
Also, I attempted to update yesterday. However, did not load it on properly…the song had chunks cut out of it…and in truth, I was a bit hasty in putting it up. However, now it's sufficient to my tastes.
Well, that's all for now. See ya'.
- WiseAbsol