Pokemon: Blood Curse!

Chapter 22: Memories...

Mewtwo stared at Matsuo who conversed with Team Rocket and slurped some tea. The sandwich and cookie crumbs were all over the blanket they sat on, as the rain cascaded past the platform high above their heads. The area they sat in was dry, but when he saw Torch look at him and nod, Mewtwo hovered closer to the group cautiously.

He wanted to keep them distracted so they wouldn't bother Marceline.Torch mumbled in his Pokemon language, which the Legendary heard and soon stood behind the fiery Pokemon.

When the three saw him, they panicked and comically stood backward, across the wet grass with hysterical wails of fear.Good. Now allow me to see them off.Mewtwo's anger spiked, for he lifted a hand and used Psychic to make the trio levitate.

It wasn't long until they were blasted off into the clouds, with a "Team Rocket's blasting off again!" as if they had said it many times in the past and was a habit to do so.

"Thanks, Mewtwo. At least they didn't take advantage of the food, except for when they asked for snacks with the tea," Annoyed, he was, but relieved nonetheless. The legendary saw it in those brown eyes and noticed the weight lift off of his shoulders when he took care of the situation.

You needn't thank me. I was merely taking out the garbage, in Marceline's place...His violet hues darted between Matsuo and a relieved Torch after he spoke to them telepathically.Perhaps some training is in order. Today was going to be her last day with me to train. After all, I found the perfect Teacher for her Electric power. Will you allow me to carry everyone there? It would be an easy trip for me.Offering them a ride to wherever he had plans to train her a bit and introduce her to a new Teacher. However, his hands tightened at the thought of parting from Marceline.

She was small but powerful. Mistreated by society, a Pokemon similar to him but in a human body and human behavior. Through and through, she was a Pokemon made to look the way she does. It plagued his mind how precious it was to meet a new species and how cruel life was to her because of it.

"Ah... Yeah. Some training might help. She needs something to do that won't let her think about yesterday," Explained the buff man, with a hand behind his head. The worry on his face was proof to Mewtwo that there was no way to help her recover, for they both knew that only time could heal her pain.

It took them about as long as it had last time, to reach Mewtwo's island. Marceline stood where she had before in the sand and across Mewtwo, for she blankly stared at his stomach area for a while. "Focus, Marceline. Focus on the training," Marce's hazel hues barely lifted to see his face and her eyes changed to their black and purple forms. It was a lot easier than before, the force she used made him gasp after he was shot across the small bit of land and the water.

He was quick to catch himself in time, hovering above the water's surface and straightening up to see her from the distance.You've gotten stronger. Good. Now... Try to break past my barrier and push me again with your force.As she saw him cross his forearms and form a spherical barrier of sorts around himself, she sighed.

"But you're a legendaryPokemon... How am I supposed to break past that?" Quietly, she asked, with little to no motivation in her eyes.How is this supposed to help me? I can't stop thinking about Mel...She pondered a moment. Slowly, her eyes dazed, they became clouded with depression once she lowered her eyes to the sand.

Meigu, his Pokemon, and Hornet, all watched on the sidelines and munched on snacks. Unbeknownst to her, they were purely concerned over her mental health.If you cannot stop thinking about her then use what you said before, to give yourself the means to keep going! Mel wouldn't want you to be like this... She knew you wanted to become stronger so you could protect your friends. So, do not let yourself go when you still have a goal to achieve. Keep moving, train, and become stronger.Mewtwo's telepathic ability reached her as she pondered more about Mel's kind face and their deep friendship.

"I wanted to become stronger... To protect my friends... And prevent my friends from having to fight in battles. I want to fight my own battles so no one else has to anymore," Whispering, her throat tightened when she recalled the fight from yesterday and the horror of it all.

Then do it. You have the power, you have the capacity to learn and improve! Do not waste it away by dwelling in the depths of despair. And if you don't... You will never be able to see who your real creator is.Upon his words, Marce gasped and her eyes lit up in astonishment.

Tears trickled down her cheeks when she bit her bottom lip to try and hold them back. Her body began to shake the more she thought about Mel's death, how still and limp she was in her arms. Her hands didn't ease up in the slightest when she tried to cover her mouth, nonetheless, she nodded and lifted her teary eyes to Mewtwo. "F- For Mel..." As she whispered, a newfound determination glinted when she bore her stern gaze into purple ones above the water and lifted a hand.

With a close of her eyes and swallowing her spit, she did her best to focus on the odd power she had before. The white blast she used to wipe the floor with Rash, the surge of energy, she could almost remember the feeling. Her fist clenched when she pulled it back and opened her gaze to the Legendary who looked about as confused as the others.

For a moment, her eyes flashed white, as soon as she punched, and sent a much smaller, thinner blast of pallid energy at him. Thankfully it was blocked, but when the light ceased, she saw a nasty crack in his barrier that took Mewtwo by surprise.

That... Was a strange power. I have never seen it before.Taken aback, the Legendary used his power again to restore the cracked barrier he had, when he crossed his forearms.

"I- I'm sorry. I just wanted to... Try it. Are you okay?" Worry etched onto her face when she saw his expression. Nonetheless, he nodded, and it relieved her enough to make a sigh leave through her nose.

This time- focus on your Psychic.Mewtwo instructed and prepared himself. Of course, he didn't want to think about what kind of Type she was, he only wanted to focus on her last training session so he could guide her to her next Teacher.

When Marceline gulped and sharpened her focus on his belly, her eyes changed, and a force much stronger than before sent him several feet back from where he floated. This newfound strength caused everyone on the sidelines to gasp and Mewtwo to stare in surprise at the swift progression.

Had he not used his Psychic to halt and keep himself afloat, he would've smashed into the large cliff edge a few more feet behind him.Incredible... You've improved drastically since I last trained you.Marce saw the Legendary smile approvingly and chuckle.You are like a prodigy. Amazing.~He continued and slowly made his way back to stand in front of her.

"Thanks..." Trailing off, her eyes returned to normal and were soon clouded by depression. She barely saw him fly back to her but didn't get to see him close the distance and stand before her, for sorrow began to return.

Now. Before I take you to your new Teacher, I'd like you to meditate to sharpen your mind more.Suddenly, the balls on his fingers were used to pet the top of her head and it made her hunker down a bit with an embarrassed grumble.

"Okay... Um. And, before we do leave, I have something for you," From her jacket's pocket, she pulled out a cell phone and a stylus in a small box. When she handed it to him and watched him confusedly take it, she continued. "D- Don't worry. W- With how smart you are, you'll be able to figure out how it works. But... If you need some help, you can ask Meigu. He's the phone nerd," Barely, a smile formed, but it fell as soon as it did.

"A gift?" Mewtwo was completely puzzled that someone gave him something and by the tone of his voice, Marce could tell he didn't know how to respond to it.

"Yeah. I- It's for communication. Meigu got me one too and I asked if he could get you one, so we could stay in touch. I'd like us to chat every once in a while, or invite you to my place to hang out- if that's okay. W- We're friends after all," Her voice carried a monotone that reflected how much grief she still had. Nonetheless, she tried her best to look at the people around her and not at the trauma she faced yesterday.

Thank you. I appreciate it.~To say he was tickled about the idea and being able to stay in contact with a friend, excited him a bit. She'd never realize just how much meaning the gift had to him, it was more sentimental than anything.I will do my best to explore and learn how to use this device.With a nod and a delighted smile, his tail flicked a couple of times.

"Alright. I- I'll get back to training now," Her shy grin barely showed itself before she returned to her meditation routine.Receiving calls from him would be pretty cool. The first Legendary Pokemon to use a phone and live as a human would.The thought was amusing, to say the least, nonetheless, she stood on one foot and concentrated on her balance as she had many times before.

An hour later, she flew across the ocean next to Mewtwo, who carried everyone else with his Psychic. Marceline's eyes perked up at the sight of a part of the mainland, where she saw the edge of a forest come closer by the second.

Across the ocean, they closed the distance and eventually flew above the treetops that stretched for miles. "Are we there yet?" Meigu's bored tone didn't help how tired Marce felt from using her power to keep up with Mewtwo. Nonetheless, she remained at the Legendary's side and sighed.

There came a wave of dizziness that was all too familiar. It wouldn't be long until a severe headache would occur, so she knew she had to take a break before she passed out. "C- Can we stop for a minute, please? I'm starting to feel a bit dizzy," Her hand was placed on the side of her head as she kept her eyes forward.

Relax, I have a hold on you now. You'll need to save your strength for your new Teacher.When the brunette looked to see him, she saw a kind and reassuring smile. With that, she nodded and ceased her power, just to feel herself be pulled along.Yes, Matsuo. We are close. There is a clearing up ahead, a meadow, that we agreed on for the meeting place.He answered the buff man once he moved his attention away to keep an eye out for the vast open space.

"Oh! Good! Alright. Do you think this other Pokemon will let me and my Pokemon flex a bit? A new open space like that would be wonderful for some warm-ups," If Marceline had looked, she would've seen him smile with a glint of excitement in his dark eyes.

That will be up to the Teacher.The brunette watched Mewtwo give him a side glance, until, they halted above an open space as he mentioned before, and looked around.We're here.As usual, through telepathy, he announced.

She and everyone else stared in awe at how beautiful the place was. Flowers and tall grass danced in the breeze, as thunder rolled through gray clouds on the horizon.Wow... It's been raining a lot, lately. There's another storm brewing.Marce could see the distant lighting light up the clouds for mere seconds, before disappearing. It was enough to make images of Mel's soaked face flash through her mind, however, a stern voice snapped her out of it in time.

Marceline. Do not let the past shackle you... I understand that thunderstorms may be a trigger to the trauma, but you need to focus on your task and try to push forward. It will be painful and we are all here for you.The weight on top of her head, made her gasp a bit, and realized that Mewtwo patted her.

"I'm sorry... You're right," It took her several blinks to try and will the agonizing images away. But, when another voice occurred, everyone looked over and saw a humanoid Pokemon who folded their arms.

It is, as Mewtwo stated! Whatever is troubling you- do not let darkness cloud your judgments and slow you down!A deep voice, stern, booming, and strangely angry, reached her ears. She could only assume it to be a male, for he had white hair, pectoral muscles, and a masculine build.

Why does he look like a genie?Dumbstruck, Marce pondered the appearance, only for the buff man near her to point out her very thoughts.

"Hey... It's the genie Pokemon I've read about before. Is that Thundurus or Tornadous? I can't remember," Matsuo thought aloud with a finger to his chin, just to earn himself a growl from the new Legendary and a Thundershock that would normally knock a regular person out. "Ah! What did you do that for?" Comically, the buff man cried in pain and licked his fingers, so he could put out a tiny flame at the top of his hair.

He does not appreciate being compared to his most hated enemy.Mewtwo chimed in with a sigh. Marceline was too awestruck to say much of anything, for she simply observed and quietly listened to their conversation.

"S- Sorry! I didn't mean to insult you," Matsuo began with a sympathetic frown, which he quickly replaced with a friendlier, more outgoing smile. "My name's Meigu Matsuo and my Pokemon here, are Torch, Prince, Hops, Geyser, and Makage. But the others were kept in their Pokeballs for easier travel," With a hand outstretched, he offered the new Pokemon a handshake, who seemed to glare daggers and refuse.

He, his Pokemon, and Marceline's Pokemon will be accompanying her to each Training session. Purely to ensure her safety and to support her if she needs it.Mewtwo reassured as he flew closer to the Legendary, and hovered next to the brunette.I assure you, your time won't be wasted. She has progressed far faster than I had anticipated. A prodigy... All I ask is that you don't put her in any kind of danger. I wouldn't want any wildfires spread while she's here or powerful storms that could whisk her away.Protectiveness radiated from Mewtwo like a heater in a cold room, Marce couldn't help but smile.

You speak as if I would ruin such an opportunity! How dare you...!Thundurus roared angrily through his Poke' language at the Psychic Legendary but kept his arms folded despite his fingers noticeably clenching on his biceps.Fine. No wildfires... But I make no promises about the harsh thunderstorms! It feels good to have electricity from storms flow through me! It's invigorating!Cooing, with both hands on his waist, Thundurus stood proudly with a triumphant smirk and a close of his strict eyes.

Good.Mewtwo gave the brunette a reassuring smile and a nod before Psychic was used to lower them to the large space.Rest assured, Marceline. You are in good hands.Once they landed, everyone huddled around her, save for Thudurous who simply kept his arms folded and observed a few feet above them.

"Alright... Thank you," Returning the smile, albeit a sad one, she pushed her hands into her jacket pockets, and looked at the other Legendary. She was quick to avert her attention when a surge of nervousness filled her, for she never did well with strangers even if they were a Pokemon.

Matsuo. Keep an eye out for any danger while she's training. I'm going to return to my island. I'll come back in an hour to check on her, to make sure Thundurus kept his word.Mewtwo didn't like the new Legendary too well, his reputation for destruction amid storms and such unnerved him. But he knew the Electric and Flying Legendary was roughly the only one capable of teaching her. He spoke to a few other Electric Legendaries, yet none were interested in having a pupil. Thundurus was the only one to accept and unfortunately was the only one left on his list.

"Sure, thing!" With that, Meigu popped out Hops, Makage, and Geyser, to which they expressed their delight through their Pokemon cries.

Wow, this open space is amazing!Hops bounced a few times and chirped happily, with her red paws close to her elated smile.

Indeed. I could take a nap in a nice shady spot and enjoy the breeze.Makage smirked and looked at the passing clouds. Marceline almost chuckled at their reactions, she would've giggled more if she wasn't a depressed mess.

It's a shame there's no water source. I could get some laps in and warm myself up!Geyser lifted her fists to the sides of her head. The brunette smiled when the other three around her awkwardly stepped away and sighed.

I think I will meditate for a while. Torch...Prince's amber eyes looked to the said Blaziken and saw the fiery Pokemon do the same to Gallade.I am assuming... You're going to laze around and sleep? I would use this time to sharpen your senses or train somehow.A glint of annoyance sparked in Prince's gaze before they closed and turned his head away.

What?! I'm not lazy! You're lazy! All you do most of the time is meditate or cook, whenever our Trainer's not training us!Fire blazed from Torch's wrists when he took a hysterical stance with comedic sharp, white eyes.

I would be lying down or sleeping a lot, if I were lazy. At least I clean and cook, unlike you- who sits around and eats snacks most of the time or lifts simple dumbbells on occasion.Prince folded his arms and huffed, not once had his eyes opened to see the inflamed Pokemon.Ah- wait.Amber eyes looked Torch up and down.I guess you're doing the best you can... Since Dumbbells suit you.A sly smirk crossed his mouth.

You wanna go?!Torch's fire worsened and comically made the other Pokemon step back, save for Meigu.

Suddenly, two, strong, tan fists punched the bickering duo hard enough that it made them almost fall face-first into the ground. "Alright- you two! Enough of this! I know you guys are like siblings but that gives you no right to act like this! You two should be ashamed!" Standing with both hands on his hips, Meigu scolded with a disapproving, Fatherly look, and sighed. "Geyser, please, keep them in line when I'm not around," Marce watched as the buff man asked his Poliwrath and saw the strong female salute to his request. "Thanks," From there, he strode over to the brunette, to which she nervously stepped back and lowered her eyes.

"Well, I guess... Let's get started?" When she looked at Hornet, she saw him glaring at Thundurus, lifting his stingers protectively at his side. "Hornet, come down here, please. Nothing will happen, I promise," It was difficult to keep pulling off her smiles, but she did nonetheless and saw him look at her with a nod.

Okay... But I'm keeping my eyes on him!Comically, Hornet used his stingers to point at his eyes and back to Thundurus repeatedly as emphasis, before he buzzed down to her. His insect head nuzzled against hers before most of his weight was plopped on top and a satisfied hum escaped.

"Come on... You're too heavy to be up there! You're too big!" When Marce tried to pry him off, it was quite the struggle and after roughly a minute of it, an exasperated sigh left her lips. "I give up," Slouching her shoulders and sweatdropping at the predicament, she nearly reddened when Matsuo busted into a fit of laughter next to her.

~~~~
In the vast clearing, Marceline was watching the Legendary grumble irritably at her from above as her friends stood on the sidelines. Prince who was meditating in the distance, was the only one she could see as she was staring at Thundurus expectantly.

Now! Let's see you wield lightning! Mewtwo told me that you used Thundershock as a means to defend yourself. Show me!Through his Pokemon cry, he demanded and outstretched his arms.Show me how you did it, so I can see!His fingers wiggled as a gesture for her to do so and waited.

"I- I don't remember how I did it. It just... Happened," The lack of confidence made her head lower and her eyes avert to the side, which seemed to have annoyed the Legendary. When she heard a growl under his breath, her nervous gaze lifted to a pair of angry ones.

He never told me that it was by chance.He began, lowered his arms, and hovered closer to the ground to be near her.Where is that determination that Mewtwo was fond of? Your friend's death is clouding your determination despite what he told me!Grumbling, glaring, and folding his arms, the brunette could tell his patience was much thinner than Mewtwo's and it made her more nervous than before.

"I- I'm sorry! Yeah, um... All I remember was that I reached out and kept saying that I had to try- that I had to do something. I felt the nerves in my body tingle before I used that move on the Tentacruel," Explained the brunette, for she recalled the sensation of her lungs begging for air and when Mewtwo jumped in to save her.

Then try to use that to draw the electricity out of you.Demanded the Legendary, for he lifted a hand toward her as a gesture for her to listen to him.

Nodding, and sighing, Marce closed her eyes and focused on it. She tried to find the source and the tingling sensation she felt before soon became evident. Her eyes shot open to peer down at her hands, taken aback by the faint sparks around her fingers and forearms. Again, she closed her eyes, to try and concentrate. It felt strange but at the same time, it didn't hurt, for she thought it would since it affected the nerves in her body.

Focus. Focus!Her brows furrowed and not too much longer did electricity coat her skin and spike her hair as if she placed her hands on an electro orb. Of course, this went unnoticed since she was concentrating on the surge of energy, but the stifled laughter from her new Teacher disrupted her focus.

As soon as she saw Thundurus laugh and hold his gut, she blushed and dismissed her electricity. Had she known her eyes changed to an Electric yellow, she would've questioned it. "What?" Averting her eyes and irritably groaning, his continuous fit of laughter was unnerving and embarrassing to her.

You! Your hair! Hahaha! Your hair is all spiked!He almost fell backward had he not been in proper control of his flight.

Quickly, Marce touched her hair and froze. Indeed it was. Frizzed upward and flailed in the gentle breeze, she squeaked and flattened it as fast as she could. "I can't help it! Human hair is static-y!" Groaning again, her cheeks burning from embarrassment, she held her hair down to make sure it didn't do it again.

Then move the coverage from your jacket onto your head!His laughter hadn't stopped. Amid his fit, he pointed at her hood that he saw dangle behind her. It was quite a sight to behold and her friends thankfully missed out on it.

With deft hands, she yanked the hood over her head and tugged on the edge to hide her eyes.

~~~~
High above the island floated Kuro. Red eyes intently watched as Thundurus encouraged the brunette. Pain weighed on his heart at the remembrance of what he had done. The scream, the tears she shed, and the deadly stare she gave him, plagued his mind and kept him in a state of depression.

Her once happy and beaming aura as a child was ruined by the experiences she went through in life. To protect her, was his objective. To love her, to hold, and care for her. All he ever wanted was her.

Images of his smiling old man who once trained him, resurfaced and haunted him. The way the old man would pat his head and tell him he did a good job. How often he'd play with him and reassure him, that he will get stronger.I can still hear his voice like it was yesterday.Kuro pondered as he stared into space, eyes clouded with grief.

He still remembered how he would fetch the old man's coat in a poor attempt to keep him warm. The hot tea the elder would make for himself and the iced tea for Kuro. The picnics they had, the laughter they shared, and how wholesome it felt to just be around him.

Then came the battles they won together and how he was given comforting hugs and pats on his head for doing a good job. The Elder's quiet nature was well respected. He was like a Father he never had, but when he came out of his Pokeball one day to see why his old man hadn't set him out for the day, he grieved at what he saw.

Kuro's eyes closed in the recollection of the memory. The image of the Elder's paled features, hazed eyes, and lack of movement still poisoned his mind like it was just a few days ago when it happened.

However, after he abandoned his old man's home in Sinnoh and traveled, he eventually stumbled upon the northern region near Snowpoint City. Ican still remember how kind she was to me when we met.Afflicted he was, as a brief thought occurred.

He recalled the day when they met. How he was in search of an abandoned structure of some sort to live in and passed up many that were occupied by unwelcoming Pokemon. However, a cave close by was what he chose and it was near a small human house. Kuro's heart was tinged with longing when he remembered the brown-haired child happily skipping out to play in the snow and powdered her parent's vehicle when she kicked at the frost.

The memory brought a small smile to his Pokemon lips. Especially when she waved and giggled cutely at him. They would throw snowballs at each other, tackle one another, and tumble about in the snow. "My Marceline... I love you." A stray tear trickled down his Gengar cheeks before it was quickly wiped away.

His heart clenched when he felt his throat tighten. Crying was inevitable, for he silently sobbed and grasped at his chest. The sheer hatred that he saw in her beautiful hazel eyes tortured him. "What am I supposed to do?" He questioned as pain laced his words. Marceline was very similar to his old man, and protectiveness overwhelmed him after that day when they first met. She reminded him so much of his old man, that he devoted himself to getting stronger.

"This... Entity. This other Pokemon wants me to bring you to them. But how can I? I can't bring myself to hurt you again. Not my Marceline..." His words fell into a whisper full of regret. He could still recall the silly faces that made at each other between the windowpanes and the giggles they made at how silly they looked.

"My sweet... Sweet Marceline. What am I supposed to do to keep you safe from..." He trailed a moment, before drifting back and flying away. "That Pokemon," Whispering again, soaring across the treetops, he headed in the direction of her Treehouse and decided it would be best to wait for her at her house.