Pokemon: Blood Curse!

Chapter 23: Something Ominous.

In the Meadows where the team relaxed, Torch snored on a hot rock under the sun. A comical snot bubble inflated and deflated each time he'd breath, until a blue hand reached over and popped it.

The sound was loud enough to startle the fiery Pokemon awake and make him fall off the rock with a hysterical yip.Alright, who did that?!Fuming, standing, and whipping around, he saw a smug look on Prince that wished he could just wipe off with a rag.Prince? What's the big idea?!Fire engulfed his wrists when he took a comedic stance and glared daggers at the Gallade.

It's as I predicted. You were asleep instead of training.Prince answered as if it were obvious, and sighed.Honestly... A Skunktank could fart on you and you wouldn't notice, because you're too deep asleep.The classic sweatdrop trailed down his head at the ridiculous display.

Huh?! I'd love it if that Skuntank lifted their tail on you instead... The look on your face would be worth it.~Chuckling at the imagery, Torch stated, and the fire around his wrists disappeared. The thought of Prince stinking as bad as a sewer and trying to act calm and collected, made him almost fall from laughter.

It'd be funnier for you, though. Your angry fire would be put out by the spray... Then again, no. It'd only catch you more on fire from all of the fumes.A smirk played on Prince's lips after he folded his arms and closed his eyes.And you'll stink on top of that.He added, just to earn himself an annoyed cry and a blaze kick toward him.

You wanna go?!Exclaimed the Blaziken, as fire surrounded his legs upon each spin-kick. Alas, Prince kept ducking and stepping back despite Torch's efforts.

However, they both froze in utter fear when they saw an over-sized shadow loom over their heads. Slowly, they both looked to the side and what they witnessed was a very infuriated Poliwrath who cracked her knuckles threateningly.

You kids want to keep fighting or do I need to step in?Geyser's deep voice and authoritative tone made Prince and Torch straighten up with a nervous shake of their heads.Good. I believe 'now' would be the perfect time to train don't you agree?The happy close of her eyes indicated a fake smile when her arms folded.

Receiving nods from the two, they quickly scurried off to find some good places to train.

~~
Later, out on a rock, in the middle of some dense trees, Prince was meditating. His senses remained sharp as he kept his legs crossed and hands together, however, images from his past resurfaced.

Memories that would cross his mind on occasion. Amber eyes barely opened upon the image of a green Pokemon. He could still see the bulbs on his backside and the piece of wheat that would twitch every now and then. The bushy plant tail and sharp eyes full of wisdom, were as vivid as a wholesome dream.

His eyes squinted for a moment, for he compared Mel's death to someone who he once looked up to. Only until a kind voice drew his attention from the memories to his right side, and saw Marceline looking around. She looked exhausted, almost as though she was going to pass out.

"Oh. Well, I found one of you," Quietly, she spoke, stepped closer, and sat on the ground next to the large rock. "I couldn't find Meigu or anyone except Hops." Explained the brunette with a finger pushing a strand behind an ear. "So... How're you?" The soft breeze and the silence was wonderful, and to hear her quiet voice seemed to only add to the tranquility.

Meditating. I've been trying to keep my mind sharp and focus on everything. But... It's proving difficult.Sighing, closing his eyes, Prince spoke in his Poke' language and adjusted his position so his legs would dangle over the edge.

"How so?" Her genuine worry went unnoticed when the Gallade leaned back to look at the passing clouds.

No one knows this. So, please, keep this a secret. Just between us.Hesitance was evident in his amber eyes after he peeked down at her. When he received a nod, he continued with a close of his gaze.I was bullied a lot for my blue color when I was a Raltz. I didn't know where my Mother and Father were so I ended up wandering through a forest in search of them.He paused a moment to recall the green Pokemon before he continued.When I was surrounded by a pack of Poochyena and a Mightyena, a brave, old Pokemon came to my rescue; a Sceptile.A momentary breath and a glance at her worried eyes were an indication for him to continue.

My Master, Sceptile, was a very serene Pokemon who viewed the world differently. I was with him for a long time. He taught me many things and one skill that I refused my Trainer to make me replace.As he said this, memories of how he tried to use Leaf Blade, came to mind and the many times he failed to perform it.I guess you could say he was like, what humans call, a Samurai. He battled against other Pokemon with confidence and patience. He was very skilled and understanding. He was a wise, old one who enjoyed making sly remarks that would make me laugh.A smirk pulled on his lips at the thought until it fell when another memory returned.

"He sounds like a kind person. So, I'm guessing, he was like a Father to you?" Knitted brows and a few curious blinks, told Gallade that she was intent on learning about his past.

Yes. But... One day, he met his end. He took me to a city and protected me. He told me that he knew someone he could trust, to take care of me better. He didn't want me to live a life of survival and death. Not like him...Sighing, he paused a moment to think back on the image of some sort of ice Pokemon that glued his Master against the wall of a building.His last words to me were, 'Your dreams do not accomplish themselves unless you take the first step.' The ice Pokemon had flown away and... My Master passed away that day. So...His eyes closed a moment and remembered the night when he walked along the sidewalks of the city.

I kept true to his words. Continued my training even though I wasn't as strong or fully evolved.Again he paused before continuing.When I saw a window to an Electronics store, I watched a workout ad on a television. I wanted to copy and learn what I could from it, but that's when I met my Trainer. I was scared at first... He was trying to talk to me but I was too small and inexperienced with humans, so I tried to run a few times. Eventually, he offered to train me to become stronger and that's what interested me.As he recalled what Meigu told him that day, it almost felt unbelievable, but at the same time relieving.He said nearly the same thing, as my Master's dying words, when he pointed to the television.He finished and opened his gaze to the brunette, who looked emotionally moved by his story. The faint but kind smile and gentle pat on his shoulder after she stood, brought his own smile along.

"Meigu told me how you two met. It's sweet to know you had someone take care of you and you didn't let anyone bully you anymore. I can relate," Her sigh and gaze averting to the sky, made him do the same. "I'm sure it was painful to see your Master die in front of you... Pokemon or Human, it doesn't matter. No one should have to witness the death of a loved one in such a gruesome way." This time he spotted a frown on her lips when he glanced at her again.

I agree. And... About Mel. I'm so sorry you went through that. She was like a sister to you, wasn't she?Curiously blinking, there was still a hint of pain in his amber eyes at the mention of her, and saw her nod with a more visible ache on her face.

"Yeah. She and I grew up together. We were inseparable. We teased each other, chased, were there for each other, and had our moments of bickering before. We were much closer than friends or best friends, I guess you could say? Yeah... Sisters is the right word then." It will take a long time for Marce to recover, the pain was still great but not as unbearable now.

He could see it. Her eyes hazed with pain, spiraling into a pit of depression. He could feel it radiating from her, so he did the only thing he could do. An arm wrapped around her shoulder to reel her in and hugged her.Then do not let that cloud your mind. My Trainer helped me overcome the trauma, he was always there for me too when I was just a Raltz. So, let us be here for you too.With a close of his eyes and a sweet smile, he reassured the best he could.

"Thanks, a lot." Her head leaned on his shoulder for a moment, before straightening up and stretching.

No... Thank you, Marce. I've never told anyone about my Master. And it felt good to tell someone. Like... A weight that I didn't think I could get off of me.This time, Prince stood tall on the rock and stared at the clouds that began to turn gray. It was almost like he could breathe again because, for the first time, he told someone about one of his deepest traumatic moments. He breathed in the fresh breezy air that pushed the distant gray clouds in their direction. The smell of rain flooded his nose and thunder rolled on the horizon.

"Sure. No problem. Um... Maybe, when I go back home... I could whip together dinner and stuff. I'd like to watch a movie or something. It could help get our minds off of things," Her offering made the Gallade look down at her and stare in momentary silence.

Of course. I'd like that.Nodding, he hopped down and stood next to her.Let's find some shelter, it'll storm soon.With that, he and Marce trekked the dense trees and back to the clearing where they had landed before.

On a phone, a stylus tapped and made the screen scroll. Large, round fingertips held tightly onto the pen as a pair of violet eyes scanned over the screen and explored.

What is this?His nonexistent brows furrowed when he saw a music icon on the main screen. With the stylus, he tapped it and brought up only a select few sample songs he didn't understand. The first one was instrumental and the second one was a demo with lyrics.

Cocking his head, his tail flicked and a smile curved happily at the delightful tune it made. He played with the phone for a while now and finally decided to call it quits. However, thoughts of Marceline soon clouded his mind and the potential danger she could be in.

When he lowered his phone, the stylus was clicked into its holder on the side of it, and used his Psychic to send it over to the table.Perhaps... While she is away, I could safeguard her home. Surely, that Gengar won't return. It wouldn't be wise for him to.With that, he hovered for a moment and floated to his door.

The flick of his wrist made the door fly open and without another moment to spare, he took off; of course, closing the door on his way out.She does realize, that she can telepathically speak to me and that a phone is not necessary.Now that he thought about it, the whole idea of a phone was odd. Telepathy would have to be something he'd suggest for her to try. Since her Psychic power is strong enough to maintain a proper wavelength and not drain her as much.

As he soared across the ocean at high speeds, the waters split and made waves upon its surface. It took him roughly ten minutes considering how easy it was for him to travel, compared to Marceline. But he finally made it and remained afloat above the Treehouse.

Slowly he descended, brushing past the branches and leaves. The murmurs of forest Pokemon filled his ears after he halted a few inches away from the platform.

There he stood, looking over the forest and taking in the view. It was quite a sight to him.I can see why she prefers it here... There's a certain beauty or charm to it.A smile pulled on his lips, for he let his feet touch the wood beneath him and let himself relax to the surrounding sounds of nature.

He watched Pichu hop around in the grass and some bird Pokemon nestle in their nests. A few Wormadams hung high and Scatterbugs crawled up tree bases. The songs of the bird Pokemon and soft breezes from the clouds were accompanied by the sway and rustles of leaves.

However, something disturbed the peaceful atmosphere. His senses picked up something ominous, to which his head whipped around to see.Strange... What was that?Narrowing his gaze, he gradually hovered until he was above the roof of her Treehouse and examined the surroundings better.

But what caught him by surprise was when he saw something red fluctuate behind a tree. He was quick to fly toward it and around it, yet nothing was there when he managed to check it out. Had he known that a particularly odd creature was near the clouds, watching him intently, he would've been on his guard a lot more than he is now.

Are my eyes playing tricks on me?Asking himself felt rather stupid because he knew better than to assume his senses would pick up on something false. His psyche was sharp and focused. However, that didn't relieve the strange ominous, eerie feeling in the pit of his gut that something was amiss.

"Mewtwo?" His ears soon picked up on a kind voice, feminine and familiar. When he looked down, he saw Marceline and the others return thanks to Mew's assistance. She looked exhausted and wet, probably from the storm he saw brewing over the ocean on his way to the Treehouse.

Marceline, are you well?Slowly back to the platform, he flew. His eyes were trained on her but his senses remained on their guard. He watched Hornet plop onto the brunette's head, which made her groan and sigh. The Beedrill happily nuzzled into her hair with comedic hearts above his head. Mewtwo hummed questionably and began to poke at the hearts to make them pop, nonetheless, she answered him.

"Yeah, sort of. I'm tired... Thundurous had me run everywhere doing multiple tasks at once. He told me that everywhere I go, I have to jog and multi-task. I don't know what kind of training this is supposed to be," Mumbling the last bit, he smirked at her disheveled state.

"Haha, no kidding! He might as well have been cracking the whip on her." Meigu chuckled and patted the woman's shoulder, which earned a protective poke from Beedrill's stinger and made him wince.

So, it's a little harsh? Thudurous is not an easy Teacher. But he will train you properly, that I can promise.Reassuring, nodding, he answered them.

Torch yawned and Prince stretched when they were walking into the Treehouse. Hops and Geyser were returned to their Pokeballs moments later, and now that everyone was there, Mewtwo followed behind them and went inside.

Marceline. There's something I need to tell you. You may not like it...Violet eyes squinted slightly at the thought of an unknown creature lurking about. He and everyone else stood around the Kitchen, as he telepathy reached them with his gaze locked with hers. He watched her tired eyes glint worriedly at the tone of his voice and nodded nonetheless.

"What is it, Mewtwo? Did something happen?" Crossing his arms, Matsuo leaned against the wall, followed by Torch who did the same. It was evident that the air around them became tense from the mention of them not liking it.

Yes. Well, in a sense.Began the Legendary, for he looked at them all momentarily before returning his attention to Marce.I felt an ominous presence when I arrived at your Treehouse, Marceline. I don't think you're safe here.His ballpoint fingers clenched, he didn't know what that eerie sensation was but he knew it wasn't by any means harmless.

"N- Not safe? This is the safest place. No one knows where my Treehouse is except you guys and the forest Pokemon." It was odd to her for him to say it wasn't safe considering how secluded her home was and how no one knew of her hiding place.

Don't you recall the Gengar, 'Kuro'? I've yet to meet him... But logically speaking, he is dangerous. He put you and everyone else in danger. However, that wasn't the ominous presence I felt.Mewtwo took a moment to sigh before he continued.This is another Pokemon and I think they've been watching you. I believe, this Kuro, pales in comparison to what I've sensed. There was an evil in that presence that made me feel uneasy.After he finished, he glanced at the others and watched Meigu step away from the wall with seriousness knitting his brows.

"If it's not safe here... Maybe she should live with me, then? She could live at my private Dojo among my other Pokemon." Matsuo offered with a gesture of his hand and stepped closer, not once did his frown relax.

That would be wise, yes. But I feel, that her living with you and the Pokemon at your Dojo, would put everyone in danger. It'd be best if she stayed with me for the time being. Only until we figure out who the ominous presence I felt, belongs to.His protectiveness shined brighter than usual when his violet hues sharpened and a hand stretched toward the buff man.

"I... Guess that would make sense. But then who will watch over my Treehouse?" Mewtwo watched Marce blink confusedly and saw her hazel eyes dart between everyone in the room.

"Will you let me do it?" Everyone jumped and looked around the Kitchen, save for Mewtwo who narrowed his gaze at an invisible Pokemon near a wall. "I want to apologize... I want to show you how much I regret ever hurting you, Marce." There it was, the all-too-familiar voice.

When the Pokemon appeared, it was Kuro in his Gengar form. Pain reflected in his eyes when he stared at the brunette and was quick to lower them away from everyone else's.

"You..." Venom laced Marceline's voice when she bared her teeth and held back an increasing anger. However, Meigu's hand was swiftly placed in front of her to hold her back. The look on his face proved how much he wanted to run and punch Kuro in the face, probably enough times to knock him out.

You are Kuro, I take it? You're the one who made her go through such pain?Mewtwo felt it. The surge of anger and protectiveness made his limbs shake before he made his way in front of everyone to be face-to-face with the murderer. The simple nod, full of shame, pushed Mewtwo into using his Psychic with a lift of his hand and choking the Gengar.What makes you think- that I and everyone else, would ever let you come near her again?! I was told everything! Everything that you said to her before the whole mess began. Second chances... Are rare.His aggression spiked. He dared not let anyone who he deemed a threat, near his friend.

"I... W- Wanted to..." Kuro tried to sputter words, but the hold Mewtwo had on him made it difficult to so much as speak. "Make up for everything. I don't care... H- How I have to... D- Do it. I want to sh- show my... Apology! P- Please... F- Forgive me." Through a struggling breath, he soon fell to the floor with a thunk.

Mewtwo released him reluctantly but did nonetheless when Marceline patted his wrist. He watched her step around them all and move closer to the gasping Gengar, nothing but anger swelled behind her eyes.

A long and hard stare between her and a pleading Kuro lasted for a good while. She was thinking, Mewtwo could tell, and chose not to eavesdrop on her thoughts. "You... Killed Mel! You killed my parents. You killed those doctors. You've killed people and Pokemon! You lied to me and kept things from me! Why should I give you another chance?!" Tears cascaded down her cheeks, as anger made her body shake.

"Because... I... Love you, Marceline. You'remyMarceline. And I want to show you that I can change," Once more his red eyes lowered in shame. "I never killed Mel. It wasn't my intention to kill anyone. Rash went too far..." Explained the Gengar. Depression clouded his mind the longer he sat there with guilt clutching his heart.

"Then whatwasyour intentions?" Mewtwo asked, he and everyone else stepped closer with their guards up ready to strike if needed. Rage was evident on everyone's faces including Torch, Prince, and Hornet who lifted his stingers just in case he needed to protect her.

Finally, the moment of truth. They could tell Kuro was pondering carefully and trying to find a way to explain without receiving much fire.

When his red eyes met hazel ones, sorrow flooded his expression. "To confess to you. And... To tell you everything, before the one from Space takes you away." There it was, there wasn't an ounce of lies in his words since his frown remained present and his eyes lowered in guilt once more.

This took everyone by surprise. Their anger subsided for a moment at the mention of someone from Space. How dire is the situation, now that a new threat loomed over their heads?So, he is not the only one? Who is this one, that's from Space?Mewtwo pondered and kept his thoughts to himself. He and everyone else pretty much summed it up that Kuro wasn't the only danger they were meant to face in their journey for the miniature-type plates.