Pokemon: Blood Curse!
Chapter 24: Another Guardian?
I don't want to hurt her again... Not again. But the one from Space always intimidates me until I do it. I was promised that she would be mine after it reached its goal. Kuro's contemplative stare at the floor was a sign that he thought carefully how to explain, 'the one from Space' to them. No. It wants me to piece together a plan and it's going to send new spies. But, what if I don't want to anymore? Kuro mulled over his freedom and the threat from the creature that would plague his mind with various Pokemon cries.
"Well?! What do you mean by- 'the one from Space'?" This time, Meigu guided Marceline behind him, got into Kuro's Gengar face, and pushed him against a wall.
The Gengar didn't care to put up a fight this time. Instead, he remained tight against the wall where he was pushed and kept his guard down to show no hostility. "It speaks to me telepathically. Using other sounds and cries from Pokemon to make words. It's too powerful for anyone to fight." He didn't know how to explain the creature, other than it being a Pokemon he's never seen before. Its emotionless stare would always send shivers down his spine and the words it would craft out of cries made him uneasy each time he heard them.
"This creature... If it's not human then it must be a Pokemon. What else could it be?" Matsuo's query made everyone just as confused. Their skeptical gazes were proof that they pondered Kuro's answer and didn't much like the idea of it being a powerful Pokemon.
What does it want from Marceline?! This time, it was Torch who yelled and stepped to his Trainer's side to intimidate further, if the flames from his wrists meant anything.
Powerful or not, we will fight to the death if it means to protect each other! Hornet fumed in his poke' tongue and buzzed, as he zipped side to side in the air with a few jabs of his stingers.
However, there was something no one expected. Phasing through the walls of her Kitchen, an Ice Pokemon emerged with subtly. The red sash around its waist and beautiful blue eyes, stood out in contrast to its snow white body.
Do not be alarmed. Its kind feminine voice resonated, a female; it started to glare at the Gengar next to her. My name is Sui... And I will tell you. He will not be able to. She added with a momentary sigh and looked at Meigu. A hand was lifted to hide a naughty smile and a faint giggle, but continued nonetheless. I have been observing on the sidelines because a powerful Legendary asked me to watch over, to ensure her safety. Blue eyes looked at hazel ones next to the buff man with a sweet smile and bowed deeply.
"Sui? You're a..." Marceline's brows knitted confusedly at the sight of a ghost and ice type in front of her.
"Froslass," Meigu finished for her and sighed. It was evident that the Kitchen was starting to become crowded.
"Ensure my safety? I'm assuming... You were the one that told... Mel? That's one of the reasons why we've been on our toes more," Explained the brunette as she stepped closer. Kuro on the other hand, with eyes downcast, turned his head from them and sighed.
Yes. She tried to attack me too, but it was worth enduring. I managed to spread the message. Did you truly think Mel was the only guardian of your home? I have not made myself known to anyone and protected you while you carried on with your life in this forest. Kuro's attention returned to watch Froslass float closer and touch Marceline's hands, lifting them near her chest. Listen carefully... She began, her kind voice hardening with seriousness as her blue gaze bore into hazel ones.
Of course, Kuro was able understand their conversation, he knew everyone else couldn't but he didn't care to translate either. Especially when they didn't trust him.
From inside the frost pokemon's sleeve, came a small golden box with a lock on the front. Marceline gasped when it was placed into her palms and let go of her hands. If you still have the key... Then open it. Sui explained before she hovered backward with both hands clasped together. Believe me. If you stray from your home or go missing, the one from Space will find it suspicious. So, allow me to protect your home. The Gengar may do so too, if you deem his explanation and apology appropriate. With a sweet smile and a subtle tilt of her head, Kuro had to avert his gaze once more from the two.
"No. I don't want Kuro anywhere near my house." The Gengar didn't need to know that Marce shot glares in his direction, for the tone she used was enough of an indication. "You can watch over it if you wish. Without a doubt, I'm sure Mewtwo w- wouldn't mind," A single glance at the brunette and Kuro saw her peek pleadingly at the Legendary who still shot nasty glares in his direction.
Of course. I wouldn't mind at all. If it means that he does not come near here again. When he saw Mewtwo inch toward him, he watched the Psychic Pokemon's eyes glow with energy before being lifted into the air. As I said! Second chances don't come often... And if you want that second chance, then leave us alone. Only time will be able to heal the damage you caused and possibly allow redemption. With that Mewtwo released him and walked away, with his tail flicking on occasion.
Alright... Kuro sighed and slowly hovered. Soon, he phased through the walls of her Kitchen and left the group. Albeit saddened, but still appreciative that they spared him. That alone brought a tinge of hope in his eyes and in his heart.
~~~~
On the platform outside her home, Marceline was sitting with her legs crossed, and thinking about what Sui and Kuro had said. The golden box in her hands and the small key remained in her lap, with a contemplative stare to it.
Everyone was inside, save for Torch who was leaned against the wall near her door. His foot was against the surface and his arms were folded. "Mel..." soft whispers left her lips as she recalled those same, sweet memories as she had before. She couldn't get over it, after seeing Rash kill her friend right in front of her it had left her traumatized. "Please..." She trailed again in a murmur and gulped spit. She could feel her throat tighten and tears that threatened to fall, but she was quick to wipe them away.
Envisioning Mel being kicked when she was already down from one k-o strike, made her fingers clench the box and key tighter. The memory was deeply burned into her brain, she can still hear her voice and almost feel her soft fur. Soon her fingers began to quiver and her limbs started to do the same and then her lips.
The gradual rise of pain in her chest made her curl into herself and place the objects aside. She couldn't take it. As her fingers tangled into her brown locks and her bangs obscured her face, faint whimpers escaped her. Her shoulders shook harshly when she tried to hold it back, but her body betrayed her, and made choked cries leave her muffled mouth.
Marceline? Torch's pokemon voice reached her but she didn't care to look up. Her face was a red and wet mess already, and if she were to speak her words would sound cracked. Soon, she felt warm feathers around her shoulders, and the silence from him was rather comforting despite her crying.
You know. I don't usually do this... But... The Blaziken paused momentarily as she felt him adjust into a sitting position and prop his arm over a knee. I never knew my sister, Rash. He began, but she still didn't care to look up and if she had she would've seen him look at the sky in thought. Finding out I had a sister made me question if I should fight her or not. But if I had known her before all of that started, I'd probably feel the same as you do right now. He tried. He wanted to help ease her pain a bit even though he knew he wasn't that good at comforting people. However, deciding to stay quiet after his comment, seemed to have aided her a bit.
One minute, two minutes, eventually it came to sitting there for ten. When she managed to calm down and slowly raise her head to see him, she saw him sleeping like a Bear during hibernation. A comedic bubble in the one nostril of his beak made her smile and almost giggle.
"Thank you, dude." Carefully, she wiped her wet face with her sleeve and straightened up. He's such a kid. An appreciative smile replaced her small one when she gently patted his head and stood up.
However, when she looked over at the edge of the platform, there she saw Sui with a kind smile and her hands clasped in front. "Sui?" Whispering, she stood, and strode over to the railings of her platform. An arm's length away, she stared at the Froslass, and blinked confusedly. Why's she here? Did she want to watch me open the box? Once she saw the pokemon's hand being offered to her, her thoughts were cut short.
It was a pleasure meeting you my lady. You're growing rapidly and it's nice to watch. Watching her eyes close happily, she wiggled her hand as an indication for her to take it.
"My... Lady?" Awkwardly, she grasped the icy cold limb and gave her a handshake. That's right... She mentioned earlier that she watched over my Treehouse in Mel's and my absence; saying that Mel wasn't the only Guardian. A subtle smile crossed her lips at the thought and gave her a nod.
Yes. When the day comes, you will realize why I've called you that. I'll be calling you that for a long time. So, please, don't mind me. Once she released the brunette's hand, Powder Snow was blown from her mouth into her own hand and a icy flower was made. It was soon placed into Marce's fingers before she floated backwards. I will be watching you from afar, so if you ever need me, do not be afraid. Take my flower as a gift of our friendship.~ It may melt so put in somewhere cold. Giggling and bowing at Marceline, she vanished from sight.
"Sure. Okay. Thank you, Sui, it's beautiful.~" Another appreciative smile, much broader this time, shined on her face. Not too much longer did the brunette enter her house and approach the Fridge. The left side was opened and revealed the freezer, and inside sat a frozen mug. She was careful about placing it into the dish and stared at it momentarily before closing the door.
"Wow, pretty. Where did you get that?" Whipping around, she gasped, and was caught off guard upon the sudden voice in the otherwise quiet Kitchen.
"Sui." She started and faintly giggled. "Sui made me the flower as a token of our friendship." As she sighed and collected the golden box and key once more, she made her way upstairs.
"I hope it doesn't melt then." As Matsuo followed behind her, his feet made the steps creak under his weight and she could hear it.
"Hopefully. Um, I'm going to bed early. I've had a long day," Over her shoulder she saw a sympathetic look cross Meigu's face. The kind of look a lover or partner would give, and it made her cheeks flush a bit. He... He's following me? Why? Her gut twisted and her face burned more at the thought of him possibly entering her bedroom. However, with a shake of her head, she trudged forth and tried her best to dismiss those thoughts.
"I think I'll bunk here with you, for the night. I don't want anything happening to you, Marce." The sudden warmth on her hand had caught her breath a moment, so when she looked behind her again she could see his face as red as hers. "Please. I'll even sleep on the couch. I can't just leave any of my Pokemon here by themselves over night, so I think it'd be best if I were to-" Before he could continue, Mewtwo's words overran him from behind and there she saw the said Legendary approach.
"I need to return to my Island. Marceline..." Nodding to her, the Pokemon lifted the phone for her to see with a kind smile in hopes to reassure her. "Contact me through here, or through telepathy if you need me. Besides, I have to agree with Matsuo. It'd be best if he stayed over night." Agreeing with the buff man, Mewtwo turned on his curved feet and made his way to her front door.
"O- Okay. Um... Sure?" It was confusing, since Mewtwo stated he'd watch over the Treehouse with Sui but then again he probably had to inform everyone on his island about what he needs to do. "I'll look for some blankets and a pillow. It's supposed to be cold tonight." Nervously, she smiled and moved her gaze to her feet, trying to hard to hide her flushed cheeks. How am I supposed to sleep tonight? He's going to be here and- and- before she could continue her flustered thoughts, rough fingers gripped her chin and tipped her head back. Deep pools of chocolate brown sternly stared into her hazel ones that worsened her already beating heart.
"Remember. We're all family here, all friends. Now, go ahead and get some sleep!" A toothy grin and a chuckle from him caused her to whip her head out of his grasp and away from his gaze. The proximity made her heartbeat skyrocket so she nodded and trudged up the stairs, with a quiet 'thank you'.
Once everyone settled in for the night, Marceline was wide awake. Hazel eyes full of painful thoughts kept her from falling asleep, as her gaze was glued to the ceiling. Mel. I miss you... She began and rolled onto her side. There she imagined how she used to sleep next to her and purr.
The very image of her doting sister-expression she'd make every time Marce couldn't sleep, resurfaced. She can almost see her laying there, as if she had never died, and her imagination made it look so real that she could've sworn she was palpable.
A stray tear trickled as her hand lifted to pet the air where Mel's head would've been. Mel. You can't be dead. It doesn't feel right. What if she was still alive? My bones and guts are screaming that she's not gone... The same hand was used to pull the blanket off of her, so she could sit up. Yet, it was believable that she was gone too. She can still feel the dead weight in her hands when she held her in her arms and the lack of breath from her maw.
However, when a knock occurred on her door, Marce tiredly stood. The house coat was swiftly grabbed from the chair to her desk nearby and wrapped it around her. "Come in." Whispering loud enough for them to hear on the other side, she sat down on the edge of her bed.
In came Matsuo who yawned and carried two steaming cups of liquid. "It's twelve in the morning. Figured I'd give you something to help you sleep!~ I've noticed the bags under your eyes." Despite how late it was, he still managed to don a bright smile and chuckle.
This surprised her. Mouth agape and eyes wide, she wasn't expecting anything like this especially in her own home when she's the one hosting their stay-over. "T- Thank you. Really." Shyly she smiled and hugged her torso, embarrassment evident on her cheeks considering she was in her nightwear.
Once she received the cup, she saw him sit next to her and sigh. "No problem. To tell you the truth- I can't sleep either, haha.~" He was being considerate for keeping his voice down, but it didn't stop him any for trying to give off positive vibes. "You know... They say when you can't sleep, you should exercise to wear yourself out. Maybe after this we could-" Listening to him talk even if it was for a moment, made her comfy, and leaned her head on his thick shoulder with a faint smile.
Had she been looking at him, she would've been able to see the deep crimson and astonishment on his face. "Thanks, again. I just need peace of mind." Feeling his warmth against her, hearing his breaths each time he'd breath in, and his smell, all but lulled her into drowsiness.
"Ah. Some company and some silence. Gotcha.~" Chuckling, he sipped his hot drink and she did the same, smiling each time she'd take a small slurp.
It wasn't but ten minutes later after she finished her drink that she passed out. It moved him to see her willingly sleep on his shoulder. Staring at her soft lips that barely glistened under the moonlight, caused him to avert his gaze nervously and take a moment to breathe.
She needs this. Smiling, he was careful to take her cup and place it on the floor between his feet. Meigu tried to be gentle when he guided her to lay on her back onto the bed and pulled the blanket over her. This time, instead of the couch, he rested on his side facing her and propped his head against his arm.
The comfortable mattress and the silence all but welcomed him to drowsiness as well, soon causing his eyes to flutter slightly. Eventually, he too passed out. Watching her chest rise and fall subtly, seeing her peaceful face, it encouraged him to do the same.
From there he fell asleep, listening to her soft breaths and the murmurs outside from the night life. However, a peculiar silhouette outside her window floated down and stared through the pane.
Fluctuating tendrils and pointy bits on their body, if they were awake they would've panicked. The silhouette's details would've been difficult to see from the surrounding darkness. But what made the figure fly away was an Ice Beam that zipped past and missed the figure.