Pokemon: Blood Curse!

Chapter 26: Unlocking a Memory...

Over his head, a Pokeball was thrown, and within a beam of red light came a Pokemon that he called out, "Toxicroak, assist me!" When the blue-haired male commanded his Pokemon he jumped into some bushes to hide. I shouldn't need to give him any combat commands if my calculations are correct. I need a distraction to get inside that he pondered, he ducked further and peeked through the shrubbery to keep an eye out.

When he saw his Pokemon's poisonous stingers glow and charge after the Froslass, his attention moved to see approaching individuals. A buff, tan, male who carried himself like a professional martial artist, the Rocket trio, and some other Pokemon.

"Torch – try to hold that Toxicroak back to give Prince a chance to intervene! Prince, stop them when you get a moment!" The strong man directed his finger toward them with a command.

The hidden man watched the Blaziken run up behind Toxicroak and do a full nelson, giving the Gallade a moment to step between them. He listened to the Psychic and Fighting-type speak in his poke' language, as his head moved from the Poison type to the ice type.

Pokemon, trying to break up a battle? This is unusual.By a mere fraction, the mysterious man's eyes squinted.Now is my chance...With that, he quietly crouched and stepped along the sidelines with his blue eyes trained on the distraction. He didn't want to risk his plan falling to ruin, especially when the Froslass made for a perfect aid in his endeavors.

Now he was to their backsides, still undetected. When he came closer to the Team Rocket trio, he nearly held his breath to not be noticed. And finally, after what felt like two minutes of sneaking, he came across a rope that led to a platform above.Excellent.A brief thought occurred, full of momentary relief.

He ignored the comical whales of the Rocket trio and the hollered commands from the buff man when he climbed. However, after he made it to the top and stayed crouched, he halted at the sight of a brunette glaring dangerously at him with a Beedrill at her side.

"Who're you? I saw you sneaking around... And Hornet here- doesn't take too kindly toward anyone who invades our territory." Serious, hazel eyes stared into his blue ones and searched for any potential info they might give away. He could tell she was thinking.

"I heard the news about a woman who has Powers like that of a Pokemon. Is it safe to assume that you're her?" It was his turn to examine her. His gaze looked her up and down questionably trying to find any answers he could get.She looks like an ordinary human, but it's possible I'm being deceived.Pondered the mysterious man, just for the Beedrill to buzz and lift his stingers threateningly toward him.

When he didn't receive an answer, he hummed and returned his attention to the Bee. "Your Beedrill is awfully protective." He started, pulled out a Pokeball, and carefully let out a Bronzor. "I don't want anyone getting between us. Answer me and I'll be on my way." With words as cold as ice, his eyes narrowed by an inch. He knew that he'd have to change his plans a bit since capturing her right now would be out of the question.

"How about you 'be on your way', right now?" There was a spark of raw determination on her face when she pushed Hornet aside and clenched her fists. "I won't let Hornet fight you... I don't want him to get hurt." It was true, she had enough of Pokemon and people fighting in her stead. The last fight cost Mel's life and she didn't want anyone else to die.

"You... Would rather fight me in your Beedrill's place? Unless you wish to resolve this with conversation." He calculated with a subtle drift of his eyes to the floor, before returning to her.

"Leave. Or I will be the one to send you awaypersonally." Emphasis was added at the end when her head tipped down to express her increasing anger. He could see a bit of sweat on her face, which indicated unease or nervousness.

If I provoke her enough, she may reveal whatever it is she's hiding from me. I see a lot of distrust and caution.A telltale smirk played on his lips when he opened to speak with purposeful arrogance. "How will you send me away?"

"Hornet..." She began, moved her eyes to peek at the Beedrill in her peripherals, and saw the Bee look at her with a little poke' word of acknowledgment. "Can you carry this man off of the platform? I'll take care of that Bronzor." A dangerous glint reflected in her eyes when they returned to him.

What she said caught him off guard and was about to open his mouth to command his other Pokemon to defend him, when Hornet flew with incredible speed. He gasped loudly and grunted when the Pokemon grappled him from under his armpits and carried him off of the platform.

If he had looked behind the Beedrill amid the assault, he would've been able to see the brunette tackle the Bronzor.

~~~~
"Stand – STILL!" Marceline wrestled the Bronzor in the air, with her arms and legs tightly wrapped around its metallic form. She listened to his surprised cry as they whirled uncontrollably, her Psychic conflicting with the Bronzor's.I won't let anything else happen to my friends!Sheer anger and determination were evident, there wasn't going to be a moment for anyone to attempt to hurt her friends and she was going to make sure of it.

Black with purple rings in her eyes, showed, and finally, after wrestling with the Pokemon, she managed to chuck it to the ground with a heavy crash.Crap!Marce quickly realized that she was floating and moved to the platform before the odd stranger saw her.

Heavy breaths escaped her when she bent over and pressed her hands to her knees. Yet that didn't stop her from turning around and grasping the rope.I need to seem convincing! I can't show my power to just anyone! Team Rocket was a mistake on my part... I can't let it happen again.Frowning at the thought, she slid down the rough rope and landed below.

When she looked to her side, Hornet flew to her immediately and floated in front of her protectively.Don't worry, Marceline! I'll keep you safe while the others are busy!Exclaimed her friend in his Pokemon tongue. The Beedrill's stingers repeatedly and threateningly jabbed at the air, but she made sure to ease his worries with a gentle touch to his hand's stinger.

Watching the blue-haired man stand with astonishment on his face and seeing him glance at his Bronzor who flew toward him dizzily, she spoke to her friend. "No. That's a Psychic type... I can't remember what its secondary type is, but I know for certain that you don't do well against Psychics. Please, Hornet," This time her strict stare softened when she looked at him. There was no reaction to her words so she gave him a sweet smile, which was plenty for him to lower his stingers.

"So, you can understand Pokemon? Interesting... There are very few people on this planet who do." The strange man spoke, albeit impressed as he folded his arms with a minuscule smirk. "Toxicroak, come back!" His head turned in his other Pokemon's direction, and after she followed where his eyes looked, she saw the said poison type leap away from an Ice Beam and land next to him. "I'll leave now. Thanks to you, I've gathered a bit of information. Return you two!" From her to his Pokemon, he used his Pokeballs to call them back in and they did as ordered.

"Who are you?" Her anger spiked when she gritted her teeth and glared intensely at the stranger.

"I hardly believe introductions are necessary... At least, for now." With that, he ran into the dense trees and wasn't seen again.

"Oh, that Team Galactic jerk! He ruined everything! Our perfectly delicious meals are probably cold now!" Jessie on the sidelines fumed with a clenched fist close to her chest.

Marce sighed, she felt she could relax knowing that the stranger was gone. But now that Jessie spoke of what he was, she blinked and rubbed her forehead. A small headache began to form when a hazy memory appeared. An airy grunt let her lips after she closed her eyes, and there in her mind, was a shady silhouette wearing a lab coat.

Inaudible murmurs filled the area with an evident mention of the nameGalactic. Violet, pinkish hair, was barely noticeable when a few other scientists barged into the room and tugged on her tiny form. Her screams and calls for her Mommy were left unheard as they hauled her out of a padded room. But after a sudden weight on her shoulder was felt, she snapped out of it and gasped.

It wasn't an ordinary gasp, it sounded like she was startled awake by a nightmare she couldn't break away from. Sweat coated her now shaking limbs, staring at the grass near her feet and the quivering fingers she decided to look at.

"Marce? You don't look so good," Meigu's worried voice was heard but it wasn't enough to calm her down.

No, she was starting to go into shock. It felt as though someone unlocked a vault of memories and pulled one out for her to remember.Who... Who was that? Why did he seem familiar? The pinkish hair... And the other scientists. I was terrified and I wanted my Mom! I... Can't remember.Pondering the past, it was painful to recall any further so she gulped and took deep breaths. "S- Sorry... I... Just..." It was hard to find the words to speak when she just remembered something traumatic. "L- Let's... Go. Okay?" With a bit of a dizzy spell, after she looked toward Team Rocket, Meigu, his Pokemon, and a visibly worried Froslass, she tried to walk.

The moment Marce was about to pass Jessie, her vision began to darken and a subtle breath left her before she fell unconscious into her arms. This startled everyone, unbeknownst to her.

"Marce!" Matsuo was devastated. Seeing her collapse all of a sudden right after she acted as though she witnessed some sort of nightmare, had him worried.

Watching Jessie freak out and gradually lower herself onto her knees, supporting the brunette in her arms, made him rush over to her and hold out his hands. "Give her here, I'll carry her inside!" He offered, to which the pinky reluctantly agreed and carefully shoved her into his embrace.

"Why did she fall unconscious?! Doesn't she know how rude it is to fall on someone?!" She hysterically complained, but he could tell by the look on her face that she was a little worried for Marce despite her words.

"You and I both know, she didn't mean to! Marce is..." Growling beneath his breath, his brown eyes looked down at the brunette when he held her bridal style. He thought long and hard. The day when they shared their pasts and opened up. How she was experimented on, tortured, and neglected by her parents. Everything crashed down on him and it ticked him off to know some individuals he hardly knew, would be rude like this.

"Marce is... What?" Meowth stepped closer and looked at her slumbering form. Torch, Prince, Hornet, and Froslass, all stayed behind Meigu when he was expected to answer. The Pokemon didn't much care for the idea of the buff man possibly talking about her uniqueness.

"Nothing..." Trailing off to end the conversation, he walked away and handed her to Torch, which he accepted without hesitance. "Can you take her inside, please? I won't be able to carry her up the rope." Almost with authority, he asked and saw his Pokemon nod with understanding. "Thanks," There was a relieved smile when he accepted the small task.

Once he saw Torch walk to the Rope and jump high to the platform, Prince was right behind him and joined him inside. Hornet remained with a suspicious Poke' buzz, staying close to Meigu in case he was needed.

Turning to face the duo once more, he gave them the most strict stare he'd ever given anyone. The last time he had that expression was when he yelled at Mewtwo for his carelessness. It sent chills down the Rockets' backs until he spoke with a tone that you'd hear from a bodyguard. "If I were you... I'd keep your mouths shut about what you've seen. I know you saw her eyes when she threatened Meowth's life. Marceline doesn't deserve her life to be torn apart by a couple of Pokemon Thieves." Fists clenched and crunched at his sides, and soon enough Prince hopped down from the platform to hang around his Father figure; to be there for the same reason as Hornet.

What he said, for once, quieted them. Their silence lasted roughly an entire minute before James cut in with a nervous smile. "Don't mind Jessie, she's not used to this sort of thing! How old is this woman and who is she?" Considering they didn't have a proper introduction, the violet-haired man pushed a bit in hopes of knowing her name.

"Marceline Shade..." He began with suspicion in his eyes and sighed. "I'm Meigu Matsuo, current exercise trainer, and battle teacher for man and mon at my public Dojo. Marceline is a dear friend of mine and she is to my Pokemon as well and the wild ones in this forest." Once he explained, he lifted a brow when they stared at him confusedly. Thankfully he didn't give away her age, he didn't know it either, but he was pretty sure she was in her twenties.

"I see. Why does she live away from people? Is it because she has strange powers?" Meowth folded his arms and waited for an answer. It wasn't just him, but James, and Jessie as well, they stepped a bit closer at the mention of it.

"That's not for me to tell. You'd have to get your answers from her. It took me a long time to get her to open up. The things she's been through would leave a person speechless..." With that, he walked toward the rope and ignored the concerned stares from the trio.I need to figure out what happened. She wouldn't faint out of the blue like that... And I certainly don't want these three meddling in our business too much.Frowning at the thought as he climbed, eventually, he made it and entered the Treehouse.

When he came in and saw her unconscious on the couch, everyone huddled close and pondered silently. How she acted had everyone worried, even Sui who hovered above her like a concerned Mother.

His brown eyes full of sympathy lingered on her form for a long time, that was until Prince poked at his pocket and caught his attention. "Hmm?" Blinking out of the trance he fell into, he looked at the Gallade and saw him mimic a phone call. "Are... You asking me to call someone?" He trailed a moment and when he put two and two together, it clicked. "Oh! Mewtwo! Sure!" With that, he pulled out his phone and trudged out of the Treehouse to stand on the platform.

~~~~
Marceline...A familiar voice filled the white space of her mind.Marceline.This time, the voice was more parental, Fatherly, full of love and it was enough to make her hazel eyes flutter open.

My Daughter...Again, the voice spoke, but almost with some sort of emotional pain. Everything was blurry, it was difficult for her to focus on the environment, but when everything cleared, a field of flowers welcomed her sight.

A soft breeze combed through her locks when she sat up and looked around. Beautiful yellow flowers danced in the soft wind as petals trailed along, giving the surroundings a serene and warm feel.

When she looked down, a gorgeous yellow and white dress with brown sandals was seen. It took her breath away for a moment, because of a past dream she had that was similar.This... Dress. I wore this before in a dream! What... I mean – why am I...She couldn't find the right words in her mind. Regardless of the confusion, she decided to stand and inhale deeply, the wonderful scent of flowers filling her nose.

My Child... From here on...The deep voice resonated as if he were in her ears, yet as she looked behind her and around in search of him, there was no sign of the guy.You will encounter many trials and errors.He began with a slight pause. A bright golden light before her caught her off guard, there wasn't an ounce of danger coming from it as it trekked toward her slowly.Grow stronger... Collect the plates, and you will finally be able to see me. I...He trailed for a moment and shifted warm streams of light around her form in an attempt to hug her.Want to finally be with my Child... After this is all over.He added and sighed.

Who... Are you? Why do you keep calling me your child? Your daughter?A momentary thought occurred in her mind and didn't expect him to hear it, but he did when a chuckle left him. His warmth, the amount of unconditional love she felt from his embrace made her crave more of his hugs.

You will receive your answer... When we finally meet. Until then- I will continue to watch you with bated, worried breath. It scares me, but this is the only thing I think will work. You will fulfill your purpose in time.With that, she felt him nudge the top of her head lovingly and nuzzle before her eyes closed in contentment.

It wouldn't matter how strong a person's will would be, she succumbed to sleep as fast as someone would against Hypnosis. When she came to, she gasped, sat up immediately, and panted heavily with small beads of sweat down her forehead.

"Marce, you're really warm! Do you have a fever?" The moment Matsuo inched close to her face and pressed a hand to her forehead, she lit up like a Christmas tree.

"N- No! I... I – Uh... Had a strange dream!" Sputtered words left her lips, purely nervous over the proximity, and scooted away from his hand.

"But you acted like you saw a ghost before you fainted!" Now it was his turn, he inched back and slightly panicked at the closeness.

"I just... Remembered something morbid. Team Rocket mentioned something about Team Galactic. When he did, I remembered... Scientists came in and grabbed me, screaming for my mom. T- Then... Behind those Scientists, I saw..." Trailing at the end, her eyes dimmed in thought when she recalled the pink-haired man. "- a guy with pink hair or something. He terrified me the most and I don't know why." Lowering her head, lifting her knees close, and wrapping her arms around them, she gulped uneasily at the recollection.

A... Guy with pink hair?Next to her came Mewtwo's telepathic question. When she looked at him and saw him step closer, she was able to see the concern on his face.

When did he get here? Did Meigu... Yeah – he probably did.A small sense of relief filled her mind knowing her friend called Mewtwo and informed him, putting his new phone to use. "Yeah. It's hard to explain..." As if on cue, Prince walked up to her and placed a hand on her head, catching her by surprise, but she didn't protest either.

Once he was done, he placed it on Mewtwo, and then everyone else. They all got to see the memory. To say it left a good impression would be a lie, everyone looked disturbed and worried. The screams for her mother and being dragged out of a padded room, made utter silence in the living room.

"W- Why... Did you show them that?" Marce stood with a frown at Prince, who acted like he wanted to hug her.

Please, forgive me, Marceline... Things that are too hard to explain - I thought would be easier to show.With his amber eyes downcast and visibly ashamed, he spoke in his poke' language.

"Well... Thank you. I appreciate it, but I didn't want anyone to see that. It's... I don't know." The brunette shook her head before sighing. "Anyway... I didn't get to make you guys breakfast and since M- Mewtwo's here... He can have some too." A shy and appreciative smile graced her lips before turning around and heading to the Kitchen.

I would love some.The Legendary returned a similar grin when he answered.

"Yeah, thanks! My Pokemon and I are famished!" Matsuo chirped happily and beamed his signature aura of golden light, with a laugh. His Pokemon cheered happily and accepted her offer with several nods and a chorus of growling stomachs.

Hornet on the other hand hovered close to Marce's head when she began to get to work at the stove. A quiet and nice conversation started behind her like a family visiting for a bite to eat and waiting for the food. It broadened her smile and made her heart flutter happily to hear them talk. Even though what they spoke of was mostly common stuff like – favorite foods, drinks, or places they've been. It was still pleasant to hear compared to the ruckus and the previous events. Yet unease replaced her delighted expression when she cracked some eggs in a skillet and pondered,It really does feel like a family now.~ But... Team Galactic... And that creature in my dreams...

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Who are they?