Pokemon: Blood Curse
Chapter 18: Pure Suspicion.
"Kuro? What brings you here and why did you follow me?" Several steps past the protective Pokemon, she tried to get close to him but was quickly stopped when she saw Meigu's hand lift in front of her. Forced to stay close to his side and pushed back, concern filled her eyes when she noticed his stern look.
Quiet, both men continued to stare each other down. The intensity between them made the air around the others thick and uneasy, for his Pokemon and Marce rarely ever saw that side of him.
Their heated silence soon came to an end when Kuro opened his mouth to speak and chuckled. "Hahaha, Matsuo. To tell you the truth- I was planning to walk her home. After all, I just recently returned and I think It'd be fun to hang around her more often. Especially... When she's surrounded by others," From a delighted smile, he emphasized as though the word was toxic. Disgust in his voice was barely noticeable to everyone else, but he knew by the look on Meigu's face, that he heard it.
Just as quickly as the wind, Matsuo's bright smile returned, and stepped backward so he could pull Marce close against his side. "If that's the case, then sure! The more the merrier! I was going to do the same thing and walk her home, she's pretty exhausted," He didn't seem to care that Marce was uneasy by his action, it was almost instinctive to keep her as close as possible and keep a fake energetic aura to convince.
"G- Guys! It's alright- really! I have Hornet, and we both have to go home so I'll have someone with me anyway. You can-" Marce protested and struggled against his hold. Thankfully he let go, however, it was Torch's turn to pull her back and stand in front of her.
"Don't worry, Marce. We just want to hang out together, alright? Let's get going then!" Cheerful, he was when he answered. A nod to his Pokemon reassured them and was an indication to push her along.
"A- Alright... Sure," Confused and worried, there was something wrong. Why is he acting like this? Why is everyone being strange? I don't mind them tagging along, but this whole thing feels off. Evident concern riddled her face, nonetheless, her feet trekked across the grass and followed the others.
She wasn't aware that the bright smile on his face had fallen when their backs were to him. Far behind his Pokemon, the brunette, and Hornet, he followed. To his side was the stranger he felt suspicious about, for a frown and a glance at the supposed man who walked with him proved it that much more. "How long have you known Marce?" It was barely noticeable, but he could've sworn he saw transparency around his feet or clothes somewhere.
"Since we were in school- actually.~ We're childhood friends. She had no luck making other friends in school, I was all she had to talk to," Soundless movement from his legs, as though he were skilled with stealth, he answered and kept with the buff man's speed. Not once did he make eye contact since his attention was heavily focused on Marceline and the other Pokemon.
"Thank you, then, for taking care of her in the past. She told me everything... I take it- she told you about her experiences in a lab and her upbringing?" With all seriousness, he too returned his gaze to the brunette ahead of them.
"There's no reason to thank me. She needed it, she needed me... She needed someone who cared. In this cruel world, someone as sweet and delicate as her would be a target. No one would protect her... No one would be strong enough to keep her safe," Mumbling, his words were barely audible the more he spoke and recalled something that made his eyes grow dark. Something that only he knew, that no one else would ever know and hopefully never will in the future.
With a swift glance to Kuro, brown hues saw the dark glint and mystery behind those red ones. More and more suspicious, Meigu felt about the man. Compared to him, Meigu towered over him by a few inches, which meant he was most likely five feet and eleven inches tall.
"I will keep her safe. Don't worry so much, she'll be fine! Besides- Marce is pretty smart, you know? I wouldn't put it past her if she managed to get strong enough to be able to protect herself someday," Cautious, he was, not even his usual energetic aura would appear. The vibes he received kept him on his toes the whole time, there was no way he would let his guard down around someone as suspicious as him.
"You'd keep her safe..." Quietly to himself, Kuro practically rolled his eyes at the mere thought and remembered how soaked the brunette was before. Marceline... My Marceline, she can't swim. He had to of pushed her into some water at that time. I'll make sure he pays for hurting her... For trying to drown her. Anger made his eyes sharpen and with a lift of his hand, the flick of his wrist made Meigu stop. He too did the same, both eyes were now connected, and his hues glowed and made the buff man stand frozen in place.
Against the wall, she, Prince, and Torch waited. Hornet didn't seem the least bit pleased that Kuro chose to tag along, for he pouted with his back to the brunette and the others.
"They should've been out by now... They were right behind us," Mumbling, to her it was concerning since Meigu had been showing a different side to himself all of a sudden.
Maybe they're caught in a conversation. In his pok'e language, Prince spoke. His steps closer to Marce took him away from the wall and the thought of Kuro made his amber eyes view the double doors with suspicion.
He's your childhood friend? The last time I checked, humans didn't have transparent feet. Unlike the shiny Gallade, Torch's back remained against the wall with folded arms, the unhappiness in his stern eyes was enough proof that he didn't like him.
"I-... I um... Yeah, I know. He's very secretive too, but I can't hold that a- against him because he's been... I don't know how to explain it. Anyway- I should probably go in and check on them," Seeing their eyes on her, full of concern and suspicion over her male friend, her nervousness spiked. Past them and into the Dojo, she ran.
Her eyes looked everywhere for the two, behind, up, and over things. But when she saw them further ahead from the exit, it was at that moment that she witnessed his eyes glow and faint waves around them. She didn't know what gave her the push she needed, but it might have been the fact that Matsuo was in some kind of danger. As fast as her feet could, she sprinted to their side and her hand pushed Kuro's down.
The action caused both of them to flinch and stare at her, nonetheless, she gazed upon her childhood friend with disbelief and caution. "What are you doing?" Unsettled, and worried, she looked back at Meigu to see if he was alright and saw how he just blinked curiously in return.
"Sorry," Kuro, with his Cheshire cat grin, his hand reached toward one of the buff man's bangs and plucked a piece of dry food that was stuck. "He had something in his hair, that's all.~" Although he smiled at her and gave her his best chuckle, behind it was anger that almost made one corner of his mouth twitch. "Come, now!" With his eyes closed and as his feet trudged past, their stares were ignored.
At a loss for words, the two watched him leave through the double doors and lingered for a minute to ponder what happened. "M- Meigu... He was going to do something... I swear. I thought I saw his eyes glow for a minute! I don't know if it was a trick of the light, or if it did happen- but I..." As soon as she whipped her head to look at the said man, her lips rambled on and her eyes full of worry met his astonished ones.
"I'm sure it's fine. But Marce... I want you to stay close to me as much as possible. Something about him doesn't feel right and I don't want you to get hurt. Let's just say it's a gut feeling," The corners of his lips tightened into a frown when he thought about the mysterious man, knowing that he stayed with her since they were kids only added the air of mystery around the brunette.
"Okay..." With a nod of her head, she watched him walk past her. Close to his side, her feet tried to keep up with his strides until they reached the double doors, which he stepped aside to let her through first.
"Ladies first," Kind and genuine Meigu gestured with his hand.
Her small smile that she tried to hide behind her hair, on her way out, failed. His excited chuckle reached her ears and his feet skidded against the floor when he followed, she did her best to ignore it.
It wasn't long until all of them walked back to the forest area and trekked the path. The awkward silence in the air made her feel worse, even more so when she caught sight of Matsuo and his Pokemon watching Kuro like a hawk. To the sides, other wildlife scurried away as he walked. Like a moving shadow that could scare hikers during their camping nights, none of them wanted to be too close.
Carefully, pale hands laid on Kuro's shoulder and hazel eyes watched red ones blink down at her. "Kuro? You don't look so good... I can tell when s- something's on your mind. Y- You haven't changed much at all," Her hand lowered when she frowned and gave everyone else a glance.
"Neither have you, Marceline.~ Yes- I've been thinking about your parents. How poorly they treated you... Even the students in your school have kept away from you. It angered me and it still does. What's more... How can I trust the other man? I saw before that you were soaking wet. Did he do that? Does he know that you can't swim?" The more he asked the more visible his anger became. It was as though he recalled something, for his brows furrowed and his fingers clenched tightly.
"N- No... He didn't. My Teacher saved me. And also- I electrocuted a Tentacruel who tried to drag me underwater," The light beaming through the treetops caught her attention, and found the sight as beautiful as ever.
"Y- You what?!" Taken aback, with an arm lifted and eyes as wide as dinner plates, he jumped.
Through the grass, paws thudded against the ground and leaped from tree to tree. Heavy breaths left her cat lips when Mel climbed up the trees, to make her way onto the platform of their house. With lovely proportion, she sat and moved her paw about to bathe her face. A full tummy was always welcoming, especially when it came to her favorite outdoor meal. However, after one sniff, or two, a particular smell caught her attention. Many did and she could tell they were getting closer.
Marceline, Hornet, Matsuo, Prince, and Torch are coming here... And so is her other friend. Her annoyance made her tail flick when she stood and in less than a minute she saw the group make their way to the Treehouse. She didn't care too much if the others visited, but Kuro was another matter. Her slits watched the shady male walk alongside her best friend, it was hard not to notice the looks on her other friends' faces since they all seemed to glare at him. The moment when everyone stopped to look up at her, her sharp eyes bore into distant red ones. I'm the guardian of this house... And I'll guard it with my life if I have to. The more she dangerously stared at the shady friend, the more visible his nervous sweat became.
"Hi, Mel," Marce's voice was reassuring to hear, for Liepard gave her a simple nod and quickly turned to sprint down the tree. She ignored the others as they made their way up the rope since she planned to visit the Pokemon who kept the generators fueled.
On the complete opposite side of the Treehouse's base, she scaled the bark with her claws and landed on a branch not too far from the ground. Below her sat a generator and attached to it were cables that weaved through the leaves and other branches, all the way up to the house. It looks like it's fine for now, the Pichus and other electric Pokemon must be out eating their food. Marceline needs to live up to her deal and give them a hundred berries or they may not fuel the generator... Marce, you're so forgetful sometimes. With a shake of her head and through her Poke' language, she spoke.
Hm? Her head perked up when she saw a frosted Pokemon hidden behind a tree. It was just as Hornet said, a Pokemon is watching Marceline! Who is it? It has a red sash around its waist. Her tail flicked and instead of her Pokemon tongue, her thoughts echoed. Caution clouded her mind when she watched it peek around and stare at Marce. However, there was a dangerous glint when it saw Kuro. Mel hopped off of the branch, landed gracefully on all fours, and sprinted toward the Pokemon who dared spy on her best friend.
She wasted no time, as she ran she dug her claws through the ground and honed them along the way. Sheer intent to get rid of the trespasser plagued her mind, it drove her into a protective instinct as the Guardian of the Treehouse. The Pokemon hardly had a moment to breathe when its blue eyes saw the speeding feline using Night Slash. From side to side, violet light stretched across as her claws cut at the Pokemon's waist. Hearing its cries of pain was enough to know that it wasn't going to go anywhere now, so she quickly pounced onto it and pressed her weight onto its head.
Why are you trespassing?! Who are you? On all fours, back feet held down the Pokemon's arms while one front paw pressed against its head and the other lifted, to intimidate.
Liepard... So y- you're... The one who's been protecting the Daughter? I was just... Wanting to make sure... That it won't capture her. She is important. She n- needs protection. She'll need you at all costs. Keep her safe... Keep her from the enemy that's from space. Its voice, feminine and soft, nearly begged Mel. Despite how much pain the Pokemon was in, she endured it, even if it meant reaching one of Marceline's most trusted companions or friends. There was no sign of hostility in her blue eyes, just mere sympathy and desire to watch over someone so different than anyone else.
Mel didn't have much time to question her words, for the frosted Pokemon fazed through the ground and left the feline alone. The enemy from space? The Daughter? I'm very confused... I'll need to inform Marceline, this sounds very serious. With no hesitation, she hurried back to the Treehouse and climbed her way back up to the platform.
There inside floated Hornet and next to him stood Prince who was closer to the door. Her clever self as many times as she had before, used her paws to open it and push her way inside. Hornet... I need to talk to you and Marceline! It's urgent. Prince could come along too if he wants, he could relay the messages to Matsuo. He may not be able to speak human but he could give him images similar to what we talk about. We mustn't involve Kuro in this conversation. Mel explained as quickly as she could, for she knew if Kuro picked up on it things could get ugly pretty quickly. Prince heard and Torch watched from behind Hornet intently.
What is it? I want in on it too. Close to Matsuo's backside, Torch moved around the Beedrill and glued his blue eyes strictly to a pair of slits.
Fine... But we can't discuss it here. He's within earshot so he would be able to pick up on our talk. Later- when Kuro leaves, we can. Her swift glance at the mysterious and shady figure close to Marce held caution that any close friend would have, in this kind of situation.
Okay. I can sense how serious this is. Torch and I already felt something strange about Kuro. He and I surrounded Miss Shade when he appeared, he's certainly ominous. Prince already understood the gravity of this, since he and Torch were pretty good at distinguishing the bad from the good in others. Tomorrow is the last day of her training. Mewtwo is going to find and introduce her to another Pokemon that could train her how to use her Electric power. She unlocked it when a Tentacruel tried to reel her under. With a fold of his arms, he informed her and glanced at Marceline. He watched the brunette talk to Matsuo and Kuro while she prepared dinner.
Alright. The nod of her head proved she understood and carefully made her way past so she could sit by to watch Marce prep food.
"I can't Remember... Kuro, what was it you said you liked? I'm making sandwiches, but I can't remember if you liked those are not," Over her shoulder, Marce asked, as her hands pushed a Turkey Sandwich to the side. Into the bread bag, her attention returned, and pulled out two more slices.
"I'll love anything that you make me, Marceline.~" It was a little comedic to see animated hearts around his head after he turned to look at her. He wasn't aware that Meigu slapped at them and tried to make them go away. Faint hints of red dusted the mysterious man's cheeks when he saw her head nod without so much as another glance.
"Right... U- Um, Meigu? I'm having a Turkey Sandwich, do you and your Pokemon want some? I- I haven't tried these with Hornet and I think Mel would only eat the lunch meat," Another sandwich was placed to the side, on the counter, then two plates were pulled out from a top cupboard and resat the food on them.
"Prince, Torch, do you guys want Turkey Sandwiches?" Matsuo snapped out of his distaste for the animated hearts and looked at his Pokemon. A nod was received from his Gallade but a shake of his Blaziken's head told him no, which caused the buff man to smirk. "Alright- just Prince, then. Torch doesn't seem to be in the mood to eat right now. Thank you for your hospitality, Marce! Especially when you're giving us protein, I love meat- hahaha!" Joyous, with both hands on his hips, his positive energy radiated like sunshine on a hot day. To say he was thrilled to bits to eat meat, would be an understatement.
"O- Okay! I'll just make some Tea or give him a drink if he wants one," Nervous, Marce shyly smiled at the group in her house when she looked over her shoulder at them all. This was the first time she'd ever seen her home so full of life before. Watching Meigu laugh at Torch's sudden embarrassment over an offered drink, Prince facepalming at the display, and Mel suddenly growling like a protective cat at Kuro's strange affection. It all made a giggle slip and made the time fly by faster than she realized, for sandwiches were made and put on separate plates. When she put Tea bags in a pot to boil and added sugar to the Pitcher, Tea was made not long after.
Late in the afternoon, the sun was beginning to go down, so she knew they spent a while at her home. However, she, and everyone else, weren't aware of a particular Pokemon who stared through the screened-in part of the Kitchen. It was the same frosty Pokemon as before with a dangerous gaze directed at Kuro.