Pokemon: Blood Curse!
Chapter 20: Mel...
"Torch, you can't fight Kuro- try and handle the other Blaziken if you can! Makage, support Prince!" Meigu's smarts began to shine as he tossed his second Pokeball that he had taken out alongside Lucario's.
Out came Hops, the Breloom, who took a fighting stance and glanced at her trainer. "Hops, I need you to get the Liepard and Beedrill to safety, when they're distracted," Quietly he whispered and looked down at a very understanding Breloom. When he saw her nod, he watched her jump back to let the fight commence and hopefully give her an opening.
(Play: Lavender Town_Pokemon Tower – Metal Cover_ToxicxEternity! It's Kuro's final theme! :D)
"Prince, use Psycho cut on Kuro!" With a finger pointed out, Prince bolted after the Gengar and leaped to avoid a Shadow Ball. He was quick, for his amber eyes could hardly keep up when Kuro flew past and shot another one.
Against the Gengar's side came a Sucker Punch from the Lucario to his face and sent him high into the air, similar to a Sky Uppercut.
Why have you gone so low, as to do that to her and her other friends?! Furious, in his Pokemon language, Prince cried out and jumped into the air after the Gengar.
The next thing he knew, he received a Shadow Ball to his face and made him crash into the ground. However, he was quick to get back to his feet, for he flipped backward and regained his combat stance. Beside him, Makage joined up and gave the ghost type a strict stare that many would run from.
Why wouldn't I? They were going to get in my way... For the first time in a very long time, Kuro spoke in his Poke' tongue and answered. With haste, his eyes glowed and Psychic was used to send Makage off to the side. He quickly put his hands together to form a Shadow Ball larger than his own body.
Prince had to leap out of the way to avoid it and saw an explosion of black cover the ground near the base of the Treehouse. "Another Psycho Cut! Wait until he's about to charge his attack, then strike!" The orders from his Trainer were received, for the shiny Gallade nodded to him and continued to avoid smaller Shadow Balls that were thrown.
Close to the ground he sped through the other trees and weaved, like a ninja; images of an old friend soon filled his mind. His position, and the way he ran, reminded him of when he once watched an old friend battle it out against another. The old friend was a tall and green Pokemon, almost like a reptile, for he could still remember the look in his eyes.
However, Makage snapped him out of his memories when he saw him move. "Makage- Shadow Claw, while he's distracted by Prince!" The Gallade watched Lucario's paws become shrouded in shadow as violet outlined the shape of a claw. Whirling in place, he hit the Gengar and just barely missed another Shadow Claw that was on his foot when he went to drop-kick him.
Kuro flew out of the way and glared daggers at the new threat, his once natural grin fell into a frown when he felt weakness in his limbs. You are a disgrace for a Pokemon! You may love her but that gives you no reason to try and kidnap her! Makage, in his deep and clear Pokemon voice, fumed. Even though he hardly knew Marceline, he still understood how wrong it was for him to do that. Human or Pokemon, he felt a sense to protect her just as much as the others. Overhearing his conversation with Marce while he was still in his Pokeball, helped him realize the situation she was in.
None of you will ever understand! None of you... She is like the sunshine in my darkness. The only light in my Shadowy life. My... Marceline! I would rather die than let another male take her from me! Out came a Pokemon roar from Kuro when another large Shadow Ball formed. With both hands above his head, he flew into the air and made it expand larger than his body.
"Now- Prince!" There came Matsuo's command. Prince could see fury burn in his brown eyes when he saw his face and gave him a nod.
Through the trees once more, he jumped onto branches and climbed his way to the tops so he could reach the Gengar. With skill, he twisted his body about and swiped countless waves of psychic energy from his bladed arms. The strikes made Kuro stagger and lose control of his Shadow Ball, to which Prince took the chance and gave him a harsh Psycho Cut point-blank. His bladed arm which glowed from his energy, directly smacked the Gengar's face. Seconds after, amber eyes furiously watched him descend past the treetops and crash into the ground.
Acrobatic skills shone when he fell and caught himself by the branches. Flips and twirls, flexible he was, until, he landed next to the ghost Pokemon. No amount of words was worth wasting on him, his infuriated stare was enough. For a few moments, he stood there and waited for any signs of defeat, until he nodded to himself. However, when he saw the Gengar's head lift with a nasty grin and watched his eyes glow, Prince knew what he was going to do.
Good night, Prince! Kuro still had the strength to go on and used Hypnosis.
W- What?! Taken aback, the Gallade cried out. He wasn't expecting to pass out from the said move and fall flat onto his back.
Now it's just you and me.~ Lucario... As a stare-down commenced between the two, behind Makage he spotted Hops carrying Mel and Hornet away. However, his short glance provided an opening to which the Lucario took.
"Prince, wake up! Makage- Sucker Punch and stall him if you can!" The Lucario didn't need to be told twice, for he sprinted with incredible speed with his paws behind his back and took the Gengar by surprise. Straight at his mouth, his Sucker Punch went and with a battle cry, he gave him another when he whirled behind him to deliver it at the back of his head.
His strike was powerful enough to make Kuro bust through a distant tree and out the other side. On his feet with precision, he landed. Neither he nor anyone else wanted the Gengar to keep going, and surprisingly, he saw him slowly stand back up with weakness in his legs.
Panting, heavy breaths left Kuro's lips and gradually floated an inch from the ground to stay in the fight. "You're lucky... To have a trainer as young as him. Because at least... He won't die on you too soon," Sorrow reflected in his eyes when he spoke human and stared at the buff man who ran to help Prince.
Die? You mentioned your master died before... How? Makage was genuinely curious and figured it wouldn't hurt to ask questions because he knew it'd help stall until Matsuo was finished.
"He died of old age. I was but a Ghastly when he found me. But enough of this!" His crimson eyes darted to the female Blaziken for a second to see where they were and saw how much trouble Torch was having. Again, he did it, another Hypnosis but something stopped him. No, it was someone. A nasty Night Slash as blinding as a flash, was zipping back and forth until the Pokemon appeared off to the side. The Gengar's Pokemon cry of pain reached the sky and made bird Pokemon take flight to the clouds.
Makage and Kuro peeked over to see Mel who howled with rage and bore slits that were as intense as Meigu's furious eyes. No words, no amount of speech would be enough to express how she felt, for her actions alone would be and the glare she gave. Marceline! As fast as her paws could run, she sprinted past the Pokemon and scaled the tree's base to the platform.
Hornet wasted no time either, for he used Twin Needle to tackle Kuro and pierce his ghostly body. Despite how childish he was, his protective instincts over his territory kicked in and took Makage's place. I will tear you apart! Cried the Beedrill and saw the Gengar fly out of his way.
With Torch on the side, he ignored the fight between Kuro, Prince, and the others. His blue hues dangerously and cautiously bore into a similar pair. Taking more of a defensive battle stance, he glanced at Matsuo before using Bulk Up.
You... You! So- we finally meet! Rough, harsh, angry, the female Blaziken simply stood at the top of the platform, spoke in her poke language, and watched him beef himself up for defense and physical attack.
Who are you and what do you mean by that?! Furious, Torch was, when he continued to crank up his defenses, just to earn a flash of speed from the female. It was far too swift for him to register, for he barely caught a glimpse of Acrobatic moves before he received a kick to his beak. Grunting, he crashed through several trees and stopped at a third one, sliding down the bark.
Oh, my Brother. You should know who I am! I am Rash! The one who outclassed you and received more affection! I was the one who was favored more, while you were tossed out and left to fend for yourself! Furious, she stalked closer, stood on one leg, and moved her clawed hands about to form a combat stance.
W- What? Taken aback, Torch gradually stood back up and was thankful he beefed himself a couple of times. Otherwise, her Acrobatics move would've torn him asunder. I have a sister? Stunned in place he was, for he couldn't bring himself to believe it was true.
Yes. And I am the best between us! I was asked to assist that Gengar... And I saw my chance to rub my strength in your face! Survival of the fittest was always our goal, to not get tossed aside like you were! Now... Brother- Fight me! Headstrong, infuriated and determined, the female roared out a Blakizen cry and her wrists fumed with flames.
It was every Pokemon's instinct to fight, to protect, to evolve, and get stronger. However, if what she said was true, how could he possibly fight his sister? The mere thought befell Torch's mind as he watched her roar to the sky. Nonetheless, he beefed himself up once more with Bulk Up and crossed his arms to protect himself from an incoming strike.
He could feel it. The fury, her rage, her attempt to show who was better, all from her strikes when he grunted upon each hit. I was bred by my ancestors to be the most powerful! You are weak! You are nothing! With a Sky Uppercut from beneath his crossed forearms, her fist socked his chin and sent him into the air.
Again, as he soared into the sky, he could feel his wounds throb from her swift strikes but it wasn't enough to make him stagger thanks to his increased Defense. In mid-air, before he fell back down, he did it again. Bulk Up, and when he came back down his clawed fist pulled back. When he saw her leap after his descending form, her claws grasped his neck while his fist performed a Sky Uppercut at the same time.
Hold still! This time it was Torch's turn to yell, for his anger was getting the better of him, and gave her a nasty headbutt to her face. However, it wasn't enough to knock her out or make her stagger, for he watched her flip about and land in a crouch. He too did the same, landing in a crouch but soon stood to his full height and used Focus Energy.
You think you can handle me? Do you really think- those two moves will help you in our fight? When she asked, a faint glow to her body occurred and disappeared. A kind of glow that Meigu on the side, noticed, and jumped into action.
"Torch! This Blaziken has Speedboost! It'd be best to time her speed just right, so keep using Bulk Up and avoid her as much as you can!" With his hand outstretched, Torch saw him and gave him a nod.
I will admit- Brother. Using Bulk Up gave you a bit of an edge in damage and defense... But how long will you keep that up before you keel over?! Through her beak, she cried out and took another battle stance.
Long enough until I can hit you again! Crouching low, Torch's hand moved out while the other was up and behind him. His one leg stretched out before him while the other remained bent, his focus was on one point of her body that he dared not lose sight of.
Once more, she charged after him with a battle cry, by a hair's width Torch stepped to the side and used another Bulk Up. They repeated this little dance of strike and dodge, but the more they kept it up, the more the female's ability increased her speed.
When she leaped again to use another Acrobatics, it was blindingly fast. But surprisingly, Torch lifted his leg with a Blaze Kick to catch her in her abdomen and sent her across the clearing back onto the platform. The force behind his strike almost ruined the front deck where the rope was, if the female hadn't flipped and skidded to a halt.
~~~~
Groaning, fingers twitching, a pair of hazel hues opened to see the floor of her platform close to her face. She nearly jumped and squealed when she saw a Blaziken fly over her head and land just a few inches behind her.
"W- What's going on!? Who are you?! You're not Torch!" Scooting as far away as possible from the Blaziken who slowly stood back up, a flash of purple got into her line of sight and blocked her view. "Mel!" From behind she hugged her best friend, just to earn herself a howl of protectiveness from the cat.
Marceline! You need to hide inside the house, now! Over her shoulder, she saw those feline eyes peek, to which the brunette's head shook in refusal.
"I'm not leaving you!" Snapping back at the Liepard, pure concern for her reflected in her eyes when she held on tighter.
You need to! This female Blaziken is teamed with Kuro! They're going to try and take you away! Leave! Quickly, around she saw Mel bare her fangs and hiss at the brunette. If she hadn't moved in time, though, with a mighty leap into the air, she would've been hit by the female Blaziken's Blaze Kick. However...
"Ah!" Marceline screamed when she received a Blaze Kick to the face and felt herself soar harshly into the ground below.
"Marceline!" Matsuo cried out, ran toward her with fear in his eyes, and saw everyone stop their fight. To her side, he helped her sit up, but what he saw horrified him. A giant burn mark on her cheek and tears on her face, the swelling already started to appear.
Mel fell and landed behind the female Blaziken, who showed no care at all that she missed and hit the woman by accident. She whipped around to see the infuriated cat use Night Slash countless times.
Of course, it had no effect, but she tried regardless. Night Slash, pause, Hone claws, dodging a Sky Uppercut, Hone Claws again, avoiding a Blaze Kick when she saw her whip her leg around close to her face, and another Hone claws when she landed on the ground.
Not once did Mel take her eyes off of her opponent. To her side came Torch, who accompanied her and took a stance. They all watched the female Pokemon skillfully land in front of them and send sharp glares that could kill them if possible.
Two against one? I like those odds! A dark type Pokemon and my Brother, hah! This will be fun. If Rash could smirk, she would, for she took another stance and bolted after the cat. However, she halted when her Brother did a Sky Uppercut to her chin and sent her into the air.
They were both exhausted, panting, nonetheless, behind the male Blaziken came a Thunder Wave from Mel that struck their opponent. Next, a Sucker Punch, just when the female landed and tried to use Acrobatics that appeared slower than normal.
Finally, after several minutes of repeating Sucker Punch and Torch's Sky Uppercut, she fell to one knee. The brother stood in front of her, while Mel watched closely from the other side of her.
You think you have me figured out, do you? Holding her neck and struggling to stand back up to which she managed, her blue hues glanced in her peripherals to see the feline stalk around her. However, the second she saw the cat leap, was when she twirled in place and used Blaze Kick to Mel's face.
"Mel!" Marce saw it, despite the Breloom who stood next to Matsuo and kept up her guard, she tried to get out of the buff man's grasp but he was too strong.
"No, Marce! Don't!" She felt the tug and pull, his words reached her ears but she refused to listen. It was a one-shot strike, for Mel flew across the clearing and rolled about to a slow stop.
"Meeeeel!" Over and over the brunette tried. Legs thrashing about, her hands trying to pry thick forearms off of her waist when she was being lifted. Her scream made everyone stop, even Kuro who was struggling to keep fighting. Hornet was down for the count, as he sat against the base of the Treehouse wounded and watched the whole display.
With what strength he had, his wings buzzed and flew to her side to try and calm her down. Marceline, she'll be okay! Don't worry! He did his best to soothe her, with the cute nuzzle of his head to hers it at least made her thrashes stop.
"H- Hornet! Look at her! She's not moving! She's not moviiingg!" A terrified scream filled the air as her eyes darted between the bug type, to her best friend. "Let go of me!" Suddenly, her voice grew quiet, when she saw the female Blaziken walk over to the cat and kick her so hard that it made Mel tumble into the center of the clearing.
The rain was relentless and poured much heavier than before. A headbutt with the back of her head to Meigu made him stumble, Marce broke the silence and caused him to grunt. As fast as her legs could run, she sprinted after her best friend and crouched at Mel's side. "Mel! Mel, come on! Wake up!" Her hands pressed into her soft fur and shook her body, but no matter how many times she tried she didn't get a response.
Mel's eyes were still closed, her jaw parted when she turned her friend over to face her and froze. Lightning flashed throughout the cloudy sky and when she saw no response at all, devastation filled her eyes. No one moved, no one dared to speak, for the particular moment they were witnessing was something they'd never seen.
Everything started to churn in the clouds, to which they saw and stepped back as far as they could. They could all feel that something was bound to happen and it was almost instinctive to watch.
Brown hair stuck to her wet face, pupils were shrunk in fear and disbelief. The silence continued like this for roughly two minutes, until Matsuo opened his mouth to speak. However, it closed the second a bloodcurdling scream reached their ears.
From her came an unseen force that parted the clouds, with a sound of thunder, and forced the sky to clear. All of the rain stopped, and her eyes glowed solid white when she lifted her head to the female Blaziken. Of course, she wasn't aware of the change, the only thing on her mind was to wreck the female who hurt her best friend to the point of possible death.
Onto her feet, wobbly, she slowly made her way towards the Blaziken and bore her eyes dangerously into astonished blue ones. "Y- You... CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HEEEELLLL!" With a fist pulled back, pure white light glowed from her knuckles. When she sprinted and jumped to punch her in the face, a straight beam of condensed energy blasted across and engulfed the Blaziken's upper body.
Panting heavily, Marce wasted no time and ran back to Mel's body. To her knees, she sat down, picked up her friend's head, and held her close into her arms. Unbeknownst to her the female Blaziken was down for the count, for she was too busy to notice or care about what remained of the female and kept cuddling Mel.
"Mel... Mel! Wake up- please!" Her eyes returned to normal as she rocked her friend in her arms back and forth. Heavy tears, cries of pain, and curling over the cat with her head low, she didn't notice the dumbfounded faces of the others. "P- Please- Please, don't leave me like this!" Shaking, she didn't want to let go.
Prince who stopped in the middle of a Psycho Cut, lowered his blue arms and stood astonished at the display. Kuro's Shadow Ball disappeared as he struggled to stay afloat and observed speechlessly.
Hops, Torch, Matsuo, Makage, Hornet, everyone, even the people who escaped in their giant balloon earlier, stayed undetected and watched from afar the grand display. Team Rocket had decided to return with plans of kidnapping Marceline but stopped to watch the intense fight that went down. Now just as speechless as the others, they stared with jaws dropped at Marceline who refused to move from her spot.
"I HATE THIS! I HATE IT! NO MORE FIGHTING! JUST STOOOOOOOP!"More and more she shook, her face drenched in tears, and the water from the rain started to dry on her face. Closer to her torso she pulled Mel's entire body and curled the cat fully into her arms. Very slowly, dangerously slow, came a glare so unsettling that every Pokemon nearby watching the fight from the treelines, all ran away. A glare that could kill, sharp enough to pierce one's very soul, was directed at Kuro in the distance.
"M- Marce," Whispering, she could hear Matsuo call to her and the faint taps of his shoes splashing puddles as he drew closer.
"I HOPE YOU GO TO HELL, YOU BASTARD! YOU DID THIS! YOU DID THIS! YOU DID!" Screaming relentlessly, she tried to stand up and chase after the Gengar when Matsuo whipped her around and buried her in his chest.
They both fell on their knees, but the buff man never let go. She was so busy crying in his chest to notice the intense stare that he directed at Kuro.
Hornet, Makage, Torch, Prince, and Hops, all gathered around Mel to grieve in silence. Pain filled their eyes as they stared at her, Torch crouched close to her head while Prince walked over to Marce to try and comfort her. Hornet was crying and poking its stinger gently on Mel's shoulder in hopes of some miracle but there was still no movement.
The death of a Pokemon, a life taken, caused much pain in everyone. The harsh crying from the brunette didn't help the situation either, for even Meowth in the air balloon felt strong emotion and was affected by the scene. However, Jessie and James were too stunned to register what just happened.
Kuro, on the other hand, stared at the woman. He wasn't expecting Rash to do that, in fact, it wasn't a part of their plan. To defeat was their goal, not to kill and it made anger bubble up inside. The words he received felt like a knife to his chest and the glare she shot was that of pure hate he didn't want to see directed toward him.
"Shh, I'm here... We're all here," Matsuo quietly spoke with a soft rub to her head. They spent a good hour in that clearing. Kuro had already fled the scene but Team Rocket remained, however, they dared not to come closer.