Pokemon: Blood Curse

Chapter 16: A Shiny Encounter

It was later that night after Kuro left, when Marceline went to bed. Her wavy, dark brown locks lay sprawled gracefully all over her pillow and her lips remained parted from the deep slumber.

The night air was fresh and cool, which made it comfortable enough to wear a gown to bed. As she slept, the window next to her jiggled and eventually loosened enough to creak open. Subtly, quietly, a breeze pushed it open.

Although it would be soothing to most, for her it enticed fear. Her eyelids flickered and moved as her head turned from side to side, clearly, there was something causing a stir in her mind.

~~~~

"Mommy, don't go!" A tiny, pudgy hand reached for a shaded silhouette's backside. The child who cried out, felt hot tears on her face when her mother hardly paid attention. The silhouette's backside continued to grow further and further away, only until another, more masculine form stood in front, in her way. "MOMMY!" This time her screams and pleas for her Mother intensified. The child couldn't see through her teary, blurry eyes, but she didn't want to give up and thrashed about in the man's hold. "Mommy! Mommy!" It wasn't long when her final scream caused a burst of white light in the almost dark void around her, which seemed to have brought her to another nightmare she wanted so badly to wake up from.

"It hurts... It hurts. Where's my Mommy? Where's my Daddy?" Again, through the eyes of her child self, she could see her own chubby legs criss-crossed on a hard cold floor. The little girl could see her own tears fall onto her plain white dress and dampening it, there was little to no care that they fell. The room she sat in, was as black and empty as an abyss, but the wall she was leaned up against was soft; firm padding that she couldn't understand.

"Marceline. Marceline... My child," There it was again, a deep and clear voice she always heard during intense nightmares. The room itself lit up so bright, that her tiny hands could barely block it all. Once the light's sharpness lessened, her hands lowered and she could see a whole new environment. The dark room was replaced with soft grass and flowers, as her plain dress changed to a beautiful sunshine yellow. Cute brown sandals adorned her feet as soon as her tiny legs lifted her up. She was so much in awe at the beautiful clear sky that she nearly forgot about where she was before.

"Pretty!" Cute and pudgy, her cheeks puffed which could be seen in her own lower peripherals. The bright sun, or so she thought was a sun, grew dimmer so as to not harm her eyes and lowered itself closer to her form.

"Indeed. Not as pretty as my child," This time the soft light that lit up the sky, drew closer and closer until she was within arms' reach.

Her small hands stretched out toward the ball of light, where gentle warmth welcomed her into comfort and enveloped her form to provide a sense of security.

"Marceline... Marceline," The deep and clear, masculine voice echoed softer and softer until she felt her dream world begin to fade. The more she listened to the voice, the stranger it started to get, however, it wasn't a scary change.

~~~

Marceline... Mel's Poke' words sweetly called out, as her snout scooted closer to the woman. There they both lay in bed, Liepard knew that she had to come to the brunette's aid when fearful mumbles echoed throughout the top floor. She had a nightmare again, I see. Coming over to snuggle her always seems to ease her distress. This time, instead of her Pokemon language, her thoughts echoed with concern and nostalgia. Soon enough she felt the woman's arms brush over her side and pull her closer into a hug, a hug that any child would normally give to their stuffed animals at night during their sleep.

Content, relief, or any of those words would be perfect to describe how she felt at that moment. Mel hardly paid attention to her tail that curved and coiled over Marceline's waistline, even a soft purr resonated like a sweet melody until she too fell asleep.

It wasn't long until the sunshine beamed through her window and woke her. The grogginess was as evident as anyone who wasn't a morning person, for her eyes fluttered tiredly open and saw the golden light. "That was a weird dream... And that voice- I heard it again," Mumbled the brunette as she remained under her blanket. The strange nightmare that turned into a happy dream, confused her greatly.

What did it say this time? On top of the woman's legs laid Liepard's head with one paw over her shins. She too was tired and sluggishly scooted off of the brunette, not once did those feline eyes avert.

"I heard- 'Marceline. Marceline... My child' and I can barely remember but I know I said something about the environment I was in and the voice said ' Indeed. Not as pretty as my child'. What in the world was that all about? What did it mean by 'my child'?" With a sigh of annoyance, Marceline found herself more confused and frustrated but knew dwelling on a dream that she always believed had no meaning would just ruin her mood.

Maybe... Do you miss your father? It could be anything, really. I rarely have dreams, but when I do- I never remember them. Answered the cat, albeit disappointed, and inched her way across the woman's legs to jump off of the bed. She knew Marce had dreams with the same kind of pattern all her life after they both became very close, during their innocent years.

"Ah... Yeah, I suppose. But my dad was- you know... Not the best," When Marce spoke those last three words, an image of her father's sympathetic expression lingered in her mind. She could still hear her bedroom door slamming shut and leaving her alone with Mel, however, the sound of the lock to her door clicking brought her back to reality. In fact, it was Mel who accidentally knocked something over, which sounded just like the clicking of the lock.

The woman never realized how dull her hazel hues became when she recalled the said memory, for they lightened up with surprise and looked over at what fell. "What did you do?" Curious, slowly, she moved her legs out of the blanket and stood to the side of her bed.

Sorry, my tail knocked over the small key on your dresser. From knitted brows, Liepard looked at the key and realized something strange. It looked like it was made of pure gold, but it was so small that it seemed like it'd fit in a tiny keyhole on a box.

"A key? That small, too?" Puzzled by the occurrence, the brunette came over and picked it up. Flipping it to see both sides, there weren't any patterns or intricate designs on it save for some initials carved onto the base of it. "I've never owned a key as small as..." Suddenly, her face lit up with astonishment. Dumbstruck by the few words she recalled her mom saying decades ago. I remember her saying- 'This key won't open the box we found you with.' So maybe... For a moment, she pondered and tried so hard to recall what box she was talking about.

"I... Thought she threw this away. No- this doesn't make sense. I was small when she threw this away! I also remember her saying that the key goes to a box that she found me with... I was a baby when they decided to take me in. Did they throw the box away, too?" Even more puzzled, Marceline peeked at the dresser next to her bed and examined it closely.

I don't know. I am just as confused as you are, I've never seen you with a key or a box before. But of course, this was probably before we met so that may be why I never knew about this. Mel gently sat down with her curved tail swaying left and right, she never knew the brunette had such a thing when she was small.

"Well, whatever. If I run into the box someday, I'll make sure to open it. There had to have been a reason why the box wouldn't open and why I had it with me in the first place... But- again, why is the key here, of all places? I've never seen this before, especially since I've lived here for a long time now," mumbling, thinking, Marce frowned at the thought of possibly waiting all her life to run into it. However, it didn't stop her from shrugging and opening her dresser to search for something to wear. "By the way, you were asleep for a long time after I sang to you and Hornet. Did you manage to do your nightly hunt, at least? I'm sure you woke up when it was still dark out," The woman questioned her friend and paid Mel no mind as she dressed herself in a black tank top. Next, it was black, soft cottony pants that were tight enough to capture the shape of her thighs and calves. Then black socks to match her shoes that she would put on later.

Yes, actually! It was satisfying Happily trilled Liepard in her poke' language with a flap of her tail and a delighted smile on her lips. Although I kept getting this strange feeling as if I was being watched... Suddenly, her gaze sharpened at the mention of having eyes on her last night. I don't think Kuro went home last night. With those words, she saw her best friend gasp and whip her head at her, dumbfounded.

"So... Another hint," This time Marce mumbled to herself, for she recalled the moments during her observation last night and how parts of him appeared transparent. "We can't jump to conclusions just yet. Anyway- let's eat some breakfast. Can you stay home this time, please? I know you don't like being home alone for a long time, but I really want someone to watch over our Treehouse and Hornet has to come with me. Meigu said he was going to let one of his Pokemon spar with him or at his dojo," Explained the brunette as she made her way downstairs and kept the key in her hand.

Reluctant, and hesitant, the feline remained quiet for a few seconds. Staying home alone to watch over the Treehouse was fine but something didn't sit right with her, the thought of Kuro possibly following her worried her the most. Of course. While you're away, I'll take a stroll around to check on some of the Pokemon that keep the generator from dying and make sure no one's intruding. In her poke language, Liepard answered with a twitch of her tail and watched her friend's smile broaden.

"Alright, just don't wander too far, and be careful. Do you want your usual or something different this morning?" As Marce made her way down the spiral staircase, her hazel hues spotted Hornet near the screen part of their house. His red insect eyes focused on one particular spot that she hadn't realized was being occupied until she stepped closer. "What's up?" Her hand gently patted his head and avoided his antennae so as to not make him feel discomfort.

No answer, not even a buzz from his wings, for he stood there silent and caused curiosity to fill the brunette's mind. Concerned now, Marce peeked through the screen, and down below was a ghost Pokemon. Its cold effects were enough to freeze over the grass and trees around it only for it to fade when it saw her. "The hell..." Mumbling, it was confusing she thought it was weird that a ghost Pokemon appeared and left just like that. "Weird... What Pokemon was that? It had a red sash around its belly and a big head," quietly pondering Marce hummed curiously and stepped away from the screen. "Come on you two, let's grab some breakfast," With that said she and the two carried on with their morning.

The brunette prepped herself for the day after breakfast was made and potions were stashed into her belt pockets. Small snacks were packaged into lunch boxes that were stored away deep within her cupboards and stacked on top of one another in a large bag since carrying them all at once would be tiresome.

Alas, Mel was left alone after Hornet and Marce exited the Treehouse. Liepard twitched her tail at the thought of being alone with a mysterious ghost Pokemon, nonetheless, she wandered for a good ten minutes until she decided to leave. Through the front door, clever she was when her mouth opened and twisted the knob. Her paws pushed the door open and used her lengthy tail to wrap around the knob and close it.

Down the base of the tree, across branches, she scaled with such speed it would almost be blinding. Now that she was on the ground, her body shook to be rid of any leaves that attached to her fur, and sprinted through the forest. If that ghost Pokemon is around, then there's bound to be something it's after. It was looking at Hornet and ran away as soon as it saw Marce. Over rocks, she did parkour through a small cluster of boulders and up onto a cliff edge where more of the forest spread.

However, a delicious smell filled her nose. Something sweet, as if apple pie was made and placed outside somewhere to cool off. If there were any intruders or neighbors near the Treehouse, she was going to look into it to make sure they weren't dangerous and therefore, began her search. Where is this coming from? Cautious, and curious, Mel hunkered down in the much taller grass and inched through it like a tiger in the wild.

Smoke lifted into the sky that she noticed coming from a chimney. It was enough to tell her that someone made a fire considering the wonderful scent welcoming her nose. Upon each movement, a faint rustle would echo and the tall grass would shiver, every once in a while the gentle gusts would cause it to wave. Carefully, as she made her way through it all, eventually a clearing appeared and a small manually made cabin was seen. All of her animal instincts kicked into overdrive when she realized it was a trainer who had set up a living space there. In her peripherals sat curious Pokemon intently watching the cabin and a Pokemon they had never seen in the forest before.

The closer Mel became, the more noticeable the Pokemon was, for she noticed how it laid out in the sun on the cabin's front porch and flailed its many tails. But, something caught her senses, something hostile. With a twitch of her lengthy tail and a flick from one of her ears, she leaped high into the air to avoid an incoming strike from a wild Pokemon heading towards the one on the porch.

Her high leap sent her several feet across the clearing and her speed was faster than the eye could keep up. Night Slash, the move she commonly used to perform quick hits, left and right against a Krokorok she hit.

Its Pokemon cry echoed after it fell face-first onto the ground, obviously pissed that it was taken by surprise when it tried to use Sand Tomb on the said Pokemon on the front porch.

Why are you out here? You're not even supposed to be in this kind of environment. Mel was quite angry at the Krokorok when she faced her back to the front porch and prepared herself for any other strikes. In her peripherals, her slits peeked at a white... Ninetails? Its many graceful tails flailed while she noticed its astonished red eyes on her, nonetheless, she was glad she made it in time and faced the offending Pokemon once more.

Oh... It's one of you. Haha! I've just been wandering, little kitty! I just so happened to smell something delicious and I wanted it but that Ninetails is in the way. I'm hungry so it'd be best if you stay out of my way too! Furious, the Krokorok's voice was rough and light, which indicated a female and the sound of its tummy echoed with a great roar.

Growling, with her ears turning down, Mel hunkered down like a cat that was about to pounce and saw how the offending Pokemon was heavily weakened by her move from moments ago. The Krokorok's slightly trembling form proved that she wasn't at all experienced enough in battle, so once more, Mel used Night Slash.

Left, right, from behind, and from the front, she cut at the Ground/Dark type Pokemon until she fell on all fours. Mel moved with such grace, skill, and precision, that many would mistake her as a well-trained Pokemon that a trainer might own. Leave, now! This isn't your territory and it certainly won't be even if you attack that Ninetails! With a paw heavily slammed onto the ground and a dangerous glare from her eyes, she watched the Krokorok stand.

Reluctant, from what health she had left, she hurried through the clearing and ran away from the Cabin without another word.

It was her victory, Liepard managed to save a Pokemon from being ambushed and it relieved her to know that. When her head turned to see the Ninetails, its red bewildered eyes wavered in awe as its many tails fluctuated gently behind. I hope your pretty fur didn't get dirty from all of that sand. Mel noticed how clean and kept its fur was and decided to be sarcastic, only for it to puff out its chest.

Pridefully, with its head turned and its eyes closed, it sat up. It takes a long time for my Trainer to groom me! It's easy to notice my beauty when there's a Trainer who knows how to take care of my appearance and strength! Masculine, muscly, the Ninetail's voice was when he answered the Liepard.

Mel had to roll her eyes at the response and continued her way, for she headed toward the forest with an annoyed flick of her tail.

He saw that, for just a second, her leaving in silence. Carefully he stood up and looked over the wood railing on the front porch, watching her form grow more distant by the minute. His pride kept him from wanting to admit to himself, that she was in fact, graceful in her own way and beautiful. Whoever her Trainer was, must have just as much skill in Beauty and Training as his did. She called my fur pretty.~ Faint pink tints dusted his fuzzy cheeks when his eyes closed in delight, unaware of his giggling trainer behind him.

"Looks like you're going to make a new friend! Come in, the pie cooled off just enough!" Cheerful, the girl behind him whose details weren't really that important, called for him to come in.

With one last glance in the Liepard's direction, his red eyes watched the end of her tail leave the clearing and disappear into the tall grass.

~~~~Marce~~~~

There they were, Marceline kept up her meditation. Standing on one foot to sharpen her focus so as to not fall, she and her friends traveled to Mewtwo's place to continue her training. "I'm happy she called me on her way out of the forest, Mew even came by to pick us up. Hey- Prince, Torch?" From the side Matsuo questioned his Pokemon and turned to look at them, he was against the outside wall of Mewtwo's house with folded arms. When both Pokemon curiously stared in return, the buff man's lips curled up. "Do one of you want to help train Hornet after Marceline's done here?" Hope sparkled in his brown eyes after he asked, for he surely hoped it'd be one of his preferred Pokemon that helped train the Beedrill and not any of his others that weren't as patient or skilled. Hornet who flapped his bug wings quietly hovered in place and looked at Meigu's Pokemon, as expectation filled his red eyes.

Neither of them would answer, save for their heads that averted and awkwardly rubbed the back of their necks. "Come on, guys, don't be that way," With a careful hand reaching toward them, a voice came booming next to where Marceline stood and caught their attention.

Very good, now- Marceline... From the side Mewtwo stepped closer, telepathically spoke, and watched the brunette move her hazel hues to his six-foot frame; both of her feet now on the ground. Your friend told me what happened yesterday. He began, slowly, it felt as if he was about to tread across thin ice that could break, for he sensed a stir in emotion from her and knew something was up.

You pushed him by accident, with your Psychic power? His purple hues watched hers downcast. At that moment, he used his psychic powers to read her mind but all he received were memories of how she reacted to Meigu's mischievous behavior and pushed him harshly against the wall. He could feel it, her guilt, shame, and a small hint of fear of... Why are you afraid of yourself? Concern shrouded his mind a bit like a cloudy day hiding a clear sky. He wanted to understand more, to learn more about her despite how she grew up, it felt like she was somehow similar to him in some way and it pained him.

"H- How... Oh, r- right you can read minds," Nervous, her feet shifted and her head averted, Marce didn't want to tell him why. The fabric on her jacket was clenched tightly when negative thoughts began to swarm her mind about the previous events.

Push me, then. Show me how you managed to push your human friend. Shove your fear away... There is no reason for you to be afraid. If you lost control over stimulation and panic, then you should be able to recall that feeling and use it to fuel yourself so you can use your Psychic power. It was as if he hit the nail on the head, for he noticed astonishment light up her eyes and her mouth gape wide.

Confused, taken aback, Marce was still dumbfounded by how keen he was with observation. Wait... If he can read minds, is he able to connect to a person's memories too? I remember him stating that he would erase my friends' memories before, wouldn't that mean he could see them as well? Finally, in her mind, the brunette put two and two together. Nonetheless, she did what she was told with a clench of her fists. The sensation she felt before, how her heart raced and her body felt warm, maybe it wasn't that feeling after all that pushed her to use her Psychic power so harshly. Perhaps... If I remember how much force I put into my power before, I could try and do the same again. Once more her thoughts echoed, pondering the previous transpired events when she used Psychic.

At long last she felt it, that surge of power from her mind. It felt so vast and free, for she felt herself lift off of the ground just barely after her hand reached toward Mewtwo.

Her Teacher certainly wasn't expecting to endure a force strong enough to push him back as far as it did. He had to use his own Psychic to keep himself still to avoid the water at the edge behind him, it was astonishing. He felt the spot where she pushed, his entire torso and belly, which soon eased after she watched her power fade; he watched her frame return to the ground with a close of her eyes. Good! Very good... Your progress is incredible, especially for someone who hasn't battled or trained in their life. However- that only applies to your mind, perhaps from your flying you've strengthened your mind and that is how you were able to push me back this time. Subtly, his feet landed on the soft grass and patted across to reach the woman.

"I- I guess. How's your day going, anyway?" With a sigh of relief and embarrassed tints on her cheeks, she stared up at the six-foot Pokemon. Her hand that rubbed her other arm hadn't gone unnoticed by the Legendary, nor did she care.

Relatively well. I'm afraid though, that there will be some changes after your next Psychic training. For a moment his purple eyes closed to ponder, for what he was about to say next would most likely leave questions.

"Changes? After my next session? Are you saying... I'm going to-" Before Marce could continue, she watched Mewtwo's hand flick out and pull a small piece of paper from an open window around the corner of his house.

Yes- since you've unlocked more of your potential, using an electric move before, I will have to go find another Pokemon relating to it. I have some ideas but... They will need to be contacted. So before your next training session with me, I want you to delay a little while. I'll have Mew come and get you once I've found the perfect Pokemon to train you. After he explained, there was a reluctant movement in his hand when he lifted it and patted her head full of soft brown hair. You are always welcome to come see me. For once he gave her a kind smile and stared into her curious hazel eyes.

"O- Okay, then. Thanks! Really..." For a moment she trailed to ponder, for a small smile was given to him in return, and awkwardly lifted her fist close to him. "Thank you, for this," Not once did her grin falter, however, confusion set in when she saw him simply stare questioningly at her limb. "I- It's a human thing. It's called a fist bump. Something people tend to do when... They part ways, congratulate, greet, or even say their goodbyes," Marceline was rather happy to have him as a Teacher, a Legendary Pokemon that she could look up to as a more skilled Psychic and friend.

With his eyes now meeting hers, his smile broadened, and the ball points on his hand curled into his palm to connect his fist to hers. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow after I've located your next Teacher. Be safe... And don't go swimming. As if on cue, he stepped back to avoid the buff man charging after the brunette. It was touching to him, to see that she gained trustworthy friends considering what she was.

"Likewise- Mewtwo. Is it okay if we can be friends?" Nervous, Marce didn't know how to really ask but nonetheless she did and endured a large embrace from her towering friend Meigu.

Of course. I like you... After all. From a nod of his head, he approved and shifted his feet. When he saw her eyes light up with bewilderment, he knew she was taken aback and continued despite Matsuo's call to gain his Pokemon's attention. You're only one out of few humans I'll ever accept. You have a friend in me and always will. With that, his feet left small thuds in the grass as he made his way toward his house's front door.

"M- Meigu? Do you think... Mewtwo would like it if I bought him something?" Curious now, she blinked up at the tan man who watched his Pokemon walk toward them and faced her not long after.

"I don't know, he doesn't seem to be the type to like that sort of thing. Who knows, I might be wrong! I don't see any reason not to!" His bright, toothy grin and laughter felt contagious to the woman unbeknownst to him.

"Cool. Um... Do you think, since he knows how to search the internet and such- he'd be able to learn how to use a phone? I'd like to keep in touch with him. Strangely enough... I feel indebted to him. I don't know, it's weird," Her hand lifted to scratch at her scalp when she thought long and hard as to why she felt that way, but it was all shoved away when Meigu's next words came out.

"Don't be! If you'd like, I can buy him a phone and show him how to use it!" Not once did his bright sunshiny smile fade, he wanted to make sure the vibes were kept positive and energetic.

Marce was finally getting used to his brightness, no more was she finding herself too awkward feeling every time he'd do that. If anything, it was almost addicting to be around him as if his own light would pour into her and lighten her up. Like a candle that had gone out and someone used a lighter to spark a new flame, or maybe like how something cold warms up when heat touches it. He as a person, his personality brought a smile to her lips and a few giggles. "Thanks. We should get going though- I don't want Hornet to miss out on the training," Feet shifted and her hand lifted to play with the hem of her jacket's sleeve, a nervous habit she adapted after years of social anxiety.

"Sure thing!" Plain and simple he answered, there was no hesitance this time at the mention of Hornet's training. Nonetheless, with a careful step so as to not slip on the grass, he hurried over to his Pokemon. "Guys- it's time to head back!" Teasingly his arm wrapped around Torch's neck and pulled him down so his knuckles could rub the top of his head.

His attempt to anger his Blaziken seemed to have worked considering how hysterically pissed off he was. Torch's sharp, furious eyes and large irk mark on his head were a sign that he was going to burst. From his wrists, flames erupted and his mouth opened to roar angrily at his trainer only to be released.

"Hahahaha! Just like old times! Come on, let's get going," This time his rough hand patted at his Pokemon's shoulder before he passed him, to say he wasn't relieved that Torch was caught off guard would be a lie. To be caught off guard showed how much his Pokemon trusted him, it was a secret test he'd give to anyone he'd train.

It wasn't long after that when they arrived by Mew's Psychic transportation where they usually land. Torch and Prince both were carried by the pink Legendary Pokemon, save for Hornet who had simply flown along its side.

After their goodbyes to the friendly pinky ball of cuteness, it soared into the sky with incredible speed. Torch walked by Meigu's left, as Marce did the same to his right side, however, the tall fiery Pokemon's comedic and annoyed features proved how jealous he was. His blue eyes kept glaring at Prince on the brunette's other side, clearly hating the smirk playing at his lips.

"I'll pick out a phone on our way to my private Dojo. You two will have to stay out here with her and Hornet," During their trek, he explained and gave them all his toothy grin. With the sun as bright as it was today he was surprised it wasn't anywhere near hot, for he could still feel the cold nip in the air from the Fall season. There wasn't an ounce of reluctance when he saw his Pokemon approve with a simple nod, it relieved him to see their enthusiasm.

Although... Under a tree, the same spot as before, Kuro watched them head down the road toward the town and his fingers dug deep into the bark of the tree's base. A frown was evident, his eyes full of anger, he hadn't noticed the crimson color change in his eyes, which was the cause for a couple of Pokemon behind him to flee.

There he is again... With her. No- he and his Pokemon. There's something she's not telling me. I trust that she will in time, but- she chose to trust them over me? With a sigh, his red eyes faded after he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. I think it's about time I start tagging along with her. After pondering for a while he was about to step away from the tree and head towards them until an eerie voice resonated through his head. Something that sounded as though recordings of multiple Pokemon cries were put together to form some kind of speech. His feet were frozen in place, eyes lit up with fear upon the strange telepathy he received and the words that were spoken.

Bring... Her. Me- n0ow. Bring her tO me, na0w. It was about as creepy as a Rotom trying to communicate using a television.

Those very words caused Kuro to gulp and quiver in his place, nonetheless, continued toward the girl who was accompanied by her friends.