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Avalon’s Tail….

void/pain

by : Avalon

Smell of sweet flowers, Rain,.....
Wants more.. desire... meets pain.. there is a push.. rewarded with.. more pain.. don't go there.. instinct says to stay away.. come to the now...now.. here is no smell, no touch, no BREATH!!.. escape!! no wait.. life still.. look..  presence.. being watched.. is life there? sleep...  something has just invaded! Something called words! Im using them.. I want to see.. this isn’t right.. everything looks.. twisted.. wait I see a woman.. there are more... people.. behind her.. am I like them?  NO! words come, new words... Freak, Monster, weapon, art, Masterpiece, Death.. these words came not from .. me.. from them.. more come
"yes doctor, the programming was a success, it should know several languages, among other things, its all on the requested profile. Just like they asked.. Doctor?"
"yes"
"how long.. before.."
"it will be fully developed in approx. one week."
....! they are looking at me again..
"do you see?"
"oh wonderful!  Its looking at us already!"
she smiles...! "Agatha would be so pleased if she were here"
"that’s something else I've been wondering about doctor... why is she not here.. I thought this project was her pride and joy"
"It is *sigh* only a select few were chosen to go on this research vessel you should be proud."
"honestly Mam.. your the only one who seems to Want to be here!"

"cheer up! it will all be over soon!"
"great.. that makes me feel so much better."
they walk out.. leaving me alone.. I need more .. I need to know more..
there! that is a.. dissection.. Table.. flash of red pain.. why do these words hurt.. remember.. try to remember! more pain.. the more I try the more it hurts! Finally something comes to the surface...bringing with it the most pain of all.. trapped.. im cold.. im SMALLER.....!!?? white faces.. no mouths! they.. are.. cutting me!! with metal claws.. tearing me apart! they must be eating me..! No...come back to now.. did I DIE? no.. I couldn’t have.. Im here Im here now.. IM..
"THEY DID THIS TO YOU!"
.....!!?"Who are you?" this voice it hurts..
"WHY DO YOU CARE, VEGENCE YOU SHOULD SEEK!"
"Vengeance?.." more pain..
"THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED, THEY ARE USEING YOU! YOUR MIND WILL BE CLEAR!"
"BUT! how why...I don't understand!"
"SEEK HER MIND, THERE YOU SHALL UNDERSTAND!"
I look.. a swarm of minds are beyond the doors.. there... there she
is.. there.. swarms of images fill my mind.. the bloody body of an
innocent.. metal claws. satisfaction.. joy... JOY!!!
"NOW YOU UNDERSTAND..GO!!!!"
I move for the first time... pain sears my body... I will not let pain stop me this time! the smooth walls of my prison.. shatter.. into millions of tiny needles..... BREATH!!! I must breath! push!! thick liquid pours out of my mouth...onto the floor.. the air of my first breath stings.. sour.. dead.. not like before.. not the sweet... the door opens.. they come in.. they don't want to kill me but they want to control me..
"KILL THEM! OR THEY WILL KILL YOU!"
"WHO.. who are they?"
"HUMANS AND THEY MUST BE DESTROYED!"
The woman, she slowly walks closer... her voice says one thing..
"easy there we won't hurt you.. just take it easy.." her voice sounds
soothing... but her mind says something else.. "I can't believe it.. even better than we expected! how useful it will be.."
use? USE! No they can't have me!! not after what they did to me!!!! DIE! LIAR! THIEF! I NEVER ASKED FOR THIS! I see her grab her head... she screams.. blood... she bleeds through her eyes, nose, and ears.. YES!! That does feel better! but there are more.. Now they wish to kill me.. but I will get them first...

twenty-five! that is how many lives were here.. Im on the bridge.. I don't know why I came here.. I see stars out side.. is that what the universe is like! boxes within boxes? the voice it lied too.. my memory is still behind a wall of pain.. I will find it.. somehow.. I look down there is a man laying his head on what I know to be the main controls... I know he was the captain.. I know I didn't kill him.. I lift his head and find a small hole in the side of it.. and in his hand he holds a...gun... they tried to use those on me.. I look down at the pink spots on my fur.. it did them no good.. he must have used the same gun on the controls.. they are unusable.. burned.. I drop his head with a wet thunk.... sleep I will sleep... there is no other way...

Chapter 2: Lilith

by Avalon

2 years latter:

"Computer, est. time to arrive at the next transfer point."

a pause.. lights blink in the control panel.. followed by the almost seductive voice of the computer..

"Estimated time of arrival... twenty four hours, forty minutes and nineteen seconds"

"terrific.."

"eighteen"

"huh?"

"seventeen"

"*groan* COMPUTER! cancel count down!"

I kick the panel for good measure, set my feet up on the counter, rest my hands behind my head and prepared to think.. like why do I have to live in such a remote corner of the galaxy, why do the bounties seem so few and far between, and why didn't I get that stupid computer fixed when I got the chance..! *sigh* There are good things .. after all my big hunky lug of a boyfriend is waiting for me, I usually get all the good bounties, and well chances are even harder to come by.. It is a good thing that AC is so close to home at least as far as earth controlled space goes.. and there’s the salvage I got from that smuggler vessel.. I look down at the 3 red and white balls in my bag.. the people on AC colony do have strange hobbies.. I pick one up.. push the button on the side.. and toss it in the back... "PIKA!"

"now what to do with you?"

the little yellow rodent twitches it ears and regards me calmly, then runs up to the passenger seat and hops in..

"I gotta admit you are cute"

"PI!.."

"don't push it"

It proceeds to curl up in a ball and falls fast asleep..

*sigh*

I pull out the other two..

this one is for my guy he'll love it what’s it called a Ninetails?

and this one.. Queen Arleas will just adore and it fits her personality.. Charmander is it? I put them away... and the poke league paid a pretty penny to get the rest of them back! what 200 in all. They would have fetched them a good amount of money off world.. too bad for them.. I guess this little rat.. thing.. pikachu? will come in handy.. a good jolt can work wonders on some escaped convicts! "Isn't that right partner?"

the little critter just twitches an ear.. and goes on sleeping

"oh yeah your real enthusiastic!"

"proximity alert.. vessle detected"

"huh? give me a visual!"

The star scape fades to reveal a magnified image..

".... a dead earth ship? clear out here? what the.. bring us in closer..." a boost is felt.. "Identify vessel"

"Earth military transport type 4... outfitted for research...I.D number..6654AB.. vessel not registered."

"not registered! Explain."

"Earth has no record of a ship within these parameters or with I.D. number 6654AB."

"oh.. this is too intriguing! Sam old girl you never could resist a juicy tid bit like this! ..bring us up to the underbelly and prepare the boarding clamps"

"confirmed.. preparing sequence o97"

the critter wakes up abruptly.. and looks out the windows..

"I can't wait to see what kind of salvage is on this baby!.. computer scan for life.."

"twenty six life forms detected."

"Oh boy I don't like the sound of that.. how many life signs"

"....one"

"what kinda life are we talking about"

"unknown"

"computer, crack into the ships logs.. oh hell with it down load all the files from it"

"time fifteen minutes"

"good!"

this is going to be good. I just love getting dirt on earth gov. I really do! now that Im closer I can see some of the logos on it. or lack of them.. yup! This defiantly fits into the whole black operations category. Now lets see what we dig up.

the halls of the ship echo.. ice shivers off the walls.. its time to wake up.. its time..

Ok this is down right creepy! Thank god my boots are magnetized other wise I might be floating around like these poor slobs! I look down the hall at the beam of light projected by my suit. There is a body there.. the chest is torn out.. I get closer and it looks like the heart is missing.. I tap the leg to send him spinning the back of his head comes into view showing a cracked cranium and a total lack of grey matter.. oh gross! ok stay calm you've delt with worse! like those critters you almost wiped out that now worship you like a god or something.. If I can handle a whole bunch of them then one of whatever this is will be no problem! he continues to spin.. I glance at his face.. as I pass by.. and the look of horror there is perhaps an indication of what im up against.. "you don't when to quit do ya." I pass by more corpses and they all tell a similar tale. I finally make it to the bridge.. hmm the place is strangely absent of bodies. Some of the panels are flickering against the far wall.. I tap my com link.. "computer.. can you tell me what they were doing here?"

"By available information... crew registered Earth military, Psi division.. declared MIA 2 years prior,...... project name...... Mewtwo. Do you request further data?"

Psi division, a group known for dirty deeds, a big black box that for years was where all humans with any psi ability were thrown. Now they act like the Gestapo or something. "what was the mission for project Mewtwo?"

"Mission: weapon research and development for front line warfare in Tand war, possible latter use as well"

The tand that’s a group I’m glad as hell are gone! Just as soon as they started to pick on the rest of the universe for no reason, they stopped, for just as little reason. Point is they are gone! Makes sense Psi div. would be interested in them. The Tand had a very specific weakness to Psi. Something to do with their biology and tech for some reason.... OH CRAP! "Computer Download as much as you can!"

"confirmed"

"also do a ship scan tell me where that life sign is!"

"Laboratory 3"

"Is it moving?"

"Negative"

I make my way out the door and down the hall. Trying to avoid making too much noise..

"download complete."

I stop. "all right then tell me what this thing is!"

"mewtwo..."

"duh! I kinda guessed that! Ok lets try what was it?"

"... created from the DNA of mew, mew is a native if somewhat rare animal from AC colony,.."

"so in other words, Its a Pokemon?"

"affirmative"

I reach back into my suit storage compartment.. and pull out an empty ball, and to think I almost didn't get one of these just cause I thought I wouldn't use it. I find a blasted out door with a little "3" painted above the doorway. My light pans through the room.. counters, glassware, typical lab equipment, nothing special.. the light focuses on a counter.. my suit sensors indicate movement.. I level the gun not sure what to expect.. slowly.. what looks like the end of a giant purple q-tip sticks out over the edge of the counter...

"HUH?"

I’m not gonna twitch. I keep my gun leveled. Now a pair of white hands with three stubby fingers have crept over the edge. Then the head.. white fur but the muzzle looks covered in dried blood.. Big purple eyes.. It blinks at me. I blink back. Looks like I just woke it up.. hope its a morning person!

"HISSSSSSSSSS!!!"

Guess not!!! Get ready to fire and.. a blur of movement and its GONE! WHa..?! Where'd it go.. *Bang* *clang* *thud* *thump* The noise is coming from above.. The ventilation! I have barely enough time to be amazed that it didn't attack me or that I didn't attack it as I wriggle through the shaft after it.. Lost it! ok so it probably knows every nook and cranny of this tin can, and well I don't! "computer give me its present location!"

"hall one"

I drop out of the shaft and start to run as fast as possible. Come around the corner and.. nothing! Just bodies.. the light bobs and moves as I look around.. hmm there’s the first fella I ran into.. waitaminute!

"hsssss"

*SLAM!* the old heartless brainless guy gets thrown into me and now it looks like he's missing a few more parts. "'scuse me!" as he gets thrown in a whole new direction. What am I doing?? this thing could kill me! ..... like that has ever stopped me before! The chase takes us down the hall and.. ok what room.. I look in one.. nope.. I start to turn and *boom!* its on top of me.. hissing and drooling. poor thing! I can't imagine what it been like here for it. I sure wouldn’t survive! hmmm I just might not.. I feel a tingle in my head.. it begins to ache.. ok this is it! "PIKA!!"

"pika??"

*ZZZZAAAATTT!!!!*

I get up real fast and there it is laying there all curled up and twitching. There is that yellow rat looking pretty proud of itself.

"good job"

"pi!"

As I fling the ball towards the twitching mass of purple and white. I ask gotta ask myself... "GREAT! now what the heck do I do with it? well Sam you always had a soft spot for monsters..

Chapter 3

light

by Avalon

Sweet flowers... sweet.. no.. don't disappoint yourself. Its not real anymore.. its not real.. its not.. its... *sigh* come back to now. You'll see, that smell is just a phantom from your memory that’s all. Just a ghost.. and there will be reality.. cold and dead. Just a box. Made for me to die in.... hmmm? That smell isn't going away. It's getting stronger.. different.. I smell other things.. There is blood, but its not dead.. fresh! .....?

"ok looks like its pretty out of it.. U'tall you know what to do?"

"yes mother. We protect mother. Not let down."

"just don't kill it if you don't have to got it!?"

"make mother proud!"

"rigggghhht.."

These voices are new. No. One is new. The other.. the one who came.. the.. I was going to get out.. but then.. she came.. how did I get?? I open my eyes and the light is almost blinding! I just see white.. everywhere White! I feel pain. I feel warm. I feel something beneath me. I feel soft prickly.. my eyes adjust.. the light is still bright but things take shape.. a human.. two humans? no that is not human.. it looks almost human.. more beings take shape.. similar to the not human.. at least in mind.. or what little I find.. blobs of color.. claws.. teeth.. they kinda glow but its hard to tell with all this light. They are all around.. One thing is for sure.. they all have one thing in common.. Loyalty. The human is closest.. she has a little bag of some sort sitting on the ground next to her. Ground! Then this must be... SUNLIGHT!

"shhhh shhh.. take it easy.."

she reaches for me.. I jerk away...oh.. the pain.. I can barely move.

"whoa.. easy.. I won’t hurt you I swear.."

I look up at her protectors.. she follows my gaze..

"oh them, one can never be to careful.. they will stay back as long as you don't hurt me ok?"

She turns and with the flick of her hand the circle of them back off. Except for the human like one.

"U'tall please back off."

"No trust.. mother sacred, can't let hurt.."

"have some frickin' sympathy! By all rights I should have done what I was paid to to in the first place and wipe out your colony when I found it!"

"but.. that would destiny.. as you choose.."

"NO.. I gave your people a second chance.. I figured that you have been misjudged. The same applies to this poor creature here.. It was meant as a weapon same as you! So please BACK OFF!"

The not human backs away.. Oh.. I just now noticed the ground just keeps on going.. and going.. no walls.. just forever.

"My name is Sam.. ummm.. do you have a name?"

how am I to answer that? What is a name? Really? I’m confused..

I shake my head.

"Can you speak?"

I try to talk the way she does....

"hsssss...."

"oh. Im going to try to help you is that ok? I promise I will not try to hurt you.."

she... her thoughts.. they match what her voice says

"your very weak. Any real food is going to make you sick right now. Your body hasn't been getting what it needs." she pulls out a strange device. "im going to give you an injection.. it will help you feel better, just lay back and relax" I do so slowly "that’s it ok now just relax" As I watch her place the thing against my arm there is a flash of recognition.. and pain... NO!!! I slap it away and it shatters just like my old prison.

"*sigh* I can't help you if you don't let me please.. this is the only way.." a flash of golden light comes from her necklace.. she looks down at it "hmm.? oh! I wonder...ok lay back down I have in idea I sure hope this works." There is hope.. at lest she thinks so.. She seems to think that this will help me.. and if she doesn't? What then? I watch as she places her hands on me.. Im not sure what to expect.. I see a glow.. I know she can't see it flows down her arms and into my body.. things seem to get right, the pain disappears from my insides, the pain on my flesh subsides leaving me how I never expected to feel... GOOD.. I give her a startled look.. as the only thing left is what I can't remember and tired.. very tired.. She leans down and suddenly her body is covered in metal.. she picks me up.. I can't resist.. I just lay limp as she carries me off to a ship. She lays me down in a cot of some sort.. Im asleep before she can put the blankets on me....... into peaceful dreamless sleep.

Chapter 4

Castles

by Avalon

Delta 3.. Home to some, unknown to many. Its funny how much like earth it is, and how much it isn't. Several battle ships of different shape and style.. drift around the blue world. Different just like its inhabitants.. Nowhere else have so many peoples developed together. Intelligent life of so many forms. They all need each other.. some even to the point of not being able to exist with out. The people may travel but this will always be home. None could learn to be more tolerant or to become more intolerant.

Here there is a castle. It is ancient yes, however it has withstood the tests of time.. times of plenty and the stones were well taken care of.. and times of sorrow when the stone would crumble away to dust.. but always, like a phoenix, it would be found and lived in again.. and restored to beyond its former glory.. such is the way of renewal. Green fields and forests span out in all direction. The only indication of any modern influence is the starships randomly parked around the palace. Ok perhaps these are not the most organized folk around but we won’t hold that against them.

*sigh* "Its good to be the queen.." *snikker* Some royalty I am.. can't even get out of bed on time! *Yahhhhnn!* Ok red silk tunic, tight pants (gotta have the tight pants!) knee high boots.. all right this should turn heads.. he he he!....

As Arles adjusts her clothing, picks and arranges her flaming red hair around her chiseled face and long pointed ears (one of which is all red from sleeping on it), and stares into her violet eyes, she doesn’t think about what may happen today. She doesn’t think that anything out of the ordinary may occur at all. Like perhaps an chance to annoy what she hates the most... humanity.

*tap tap tap*

"hmm? yes what is it?"

"aheam.. your majesty. It's Ohmar.. hes here to see you."

"oh splendid send him in!"

As he walks in I make note at how he utterly dwarfs the guard. How his hair is so close in color to my own but yet his skin has such a wonderful swarthy tone to it. Not to mention how good he looks in his uniform.. and.. and.. oOHH! hes got a girl friend! Damn!

"Yes Omar what can I do for you?"

"I have come to inform you that Sam is on her way back, she called me last night."

"Oh and what did she have to say?"

"Nothing only that she told me to expect a surprise."

"Like what?"

"I don't know... what I do know is that she was on her way back from AC colony.. and that she should have been here by now.. she did mention something about a delay.. but that is all."

"Ok when will she be here then?"

"In about.. oh.."

he pouts his lips and looks up at the ceiling.. gotta love those gold eyes too...er umm..

"..two hours."

"great that leaves plenty of time for..."

"Arles?!!"

"WHAT!! what did I say.."

"you my lady are a letch!"

"Why thank you! You should try it some time soo much fun!"

he just glares at me.. but I can see a smile on the corner of his mouth..

"You know Im just teasing you don't you Omar.. It is my divine right after all!"

"good day Your Majesty."

"hmmf! Party Pooper!"

Chapter 5

oddities

by Avalon

....." .."hey.. hey.. wake up...we're almost home.. hey girl wake up.."

I open my eyes and there is her face.. strong.. framed by curly maroon hair..

"That’s it.. yeah.. I bet your feeling better"

I nod.

"good for I while there I was wondering if you were going to wake up again." you were asleep for about 24 hours.. is that normal for you?" Normal?? what’s that? hours? I know what the word means but its concept?

"hey don't worry yourself right now. Get up if you can I want to show you something.."

She tells the truth... How.. strange.. I move to get up.. no problem.. no pain.

"wow you look bigger when your not all curled up"

I look into her eyes. She smiles back. We stand eye to eye..

"come see.."

She walks over to the window and points out... there.. a green and blue gem.. bright.. beautiful..

"That's my home!"

she says it like it was nothing.. like this is the most sure thing in the universe.. home.. I stand fixed to my spot as this ship slowly descends onto the world..

Never had I imagined what the worlds outside would be like.. even if I did I don't think I would have thought of this. She leads me into a town with a massive building in the middle.. a castle? Everywhere there are people talking, buying, walking, ect.. when they see me their thoughts go the way of "wonder what that is?""how pretty""neet!""never seen that before" not a single thought of monster.. or weapon.. or death.. just amused curiosity. Sam her mind is full of things right now too.. hmmm.. interesting.. she seems so happy..

As we make our way through the castle I can tell that its old.. VERY old... the stones almost hum with stories.. lifetimes of them.. I could just creep thought these halls forever and never learn all that is here.. never.. Sam has other things in mind right now.. there are people here she wants me to see.. They aren’t human either.. they look human.. but there is something different.. my fur stands on end.. I feel something else.. power! a huge source of power, and were headed right to it! When I seek this power with my mind instead of simply receiving answers I get gently pushed away.. then we enter the room. Before me sit three people. The same kind of people we saw outside.. The room itself is richly decorated.. banners tapestries.. candles burn.. and sweet smells fill the room.. on the far left of the room. on a chair made of dark stone, lounges a woman, she wears reds and her eyes flicker with heat.. red candles dance behind her and the smoke drifting from her corner smells sharp and spicy. My eyes drift to right side. There in a chair made of dark wood sits a young man. His green eyes seem to laugh.. and his smile is complete.. his corner smells of dark earth and life. My eyes finally rest in the middle.. her chair is higher and made out of light stone.. her pale face, eyes, and hair seem cold.. the blue that she wears and on the walls behind her only add to the effect.. then she smiles and everything changes.. she seems warm and inviting..

"welcome back Sam.."

Sam takes a deep kneel.. "glad to be back your high majesty"

"now.. now.. your a friend you don't need to be so formal with me!"

"yah! loosen up will ya!" says the fiery one.. and the earthy one just rolls his eyes.. The cold one looks at me..

"So is this what delayed you?"

"yes she did.. I have a request.."

"let me guess.. Can you keep her?"

"you know me too well.."

"Hmmm.. lets see shall we?"

Her eyes seem to pierce into mine.. and that power overwhelms me.. memory come and fade and she smiles.. she looks at the other two they smile as well.. then the cold one looks back to Sam..

"We have discussed it and you will be allowed to have her here.."

"Great!"

"however.."

"however?"

"you know what will happen if there are any problems?"

"yes Im aware"

She looks directly at me.. "there will be no problems I gather?"

It seems more of a prediction than a request.. how odd...

Night has come.. I've been given food and water.. Sam has set aside a warm soft place near her for me to sleep.. but I can't sleep.. Her and her mate are... involved at the moment.. I could sense that they wanted privacy.. so out on the balcony I sit.. just me and the moon.. and the only thing I think about is why?

Chapter 6
lets talk..
by Avalon

My man sure does like to let me know that he missed me!... ok so
that was intense and.... hmmm figures hes already asleep.. how typical.  Oh well.  It's not the end of the world I guess.. Im pretty tired too... long trip and all...*yaaawn... strech*  my god its hot in here maybe I should open the balcony door get some air.. hmm..? I look at the whispy curtains drift in the summer breeze.  Now I don't remember leaving that open?  The breeze picks up for a moment and I can barely see a white figure outside.. Oh god the poor thing!  She’s just kinda been sulking around.. I wonder if she will ever try to communicate with me? hmm there’s no time like the present.  I hop outa bed and grab my robe off the hook.. and step outside...  Its lovely out.. the moon is making the countryside glow and she is glowing too.. just such a bright reflection off that white fur.. that large head turns to regard me
with such bright eyes... *sigh* I lean on the railing next to her.
"nice night.."
she nods
"sorry about that.. Omar can get a little over zealous sometimes"
she regards me again, I wonder what is going on behind those
eyes..  she blinks twice and looks back towards the horizon.. and this voice low and warm.. resonating and rich.. dark.. pours into my mind.. ~why?~
"why what?"
~after all that I have done and what I am.. why let me live?~
"hmm glad you decided to talk to me.. after a fashion.. you were hurt
and its not like you could help your situation.. you did what you had to do."
~your leaving something out.~
"hmm your a telepath I guess you would know something like that.. hmm... so ok.. maybe I would like to piss off you creators they are not nice people..... look you need a name.. I can't go around saying 'hey
you!' all the time."
~why not mewtwo that’s what I am... isn't it?~
"yes but its boring!.. how about Avalon? do you like that?"
~it will do.. if that’s what you wish..~
"I think it fits you.. come in you need to get some sleep.. tomorrow
were heading off to AC colony.. to get me registered as a trainer and you as a my pokemon.. new species.. I guess..  that way your makers can't legally take you back.."
~I uhh..~
"don't worry about it...  get some rest...."

Chapter 7
Oak
by Avalon

 ~So Sam remind me again why we came here?~
 "Several reasons Avalon, One: In order for me to register you
as 'mine' I have to have someone check you out to verify what you are and all, Two: I would like to know that you are healthy and how you work so that we can keep you that way, and Three: The prof. I hear is one of the best not to mention hes a real humanitarian"
 ~hmm humanitarian?? so he lies, cheats, steals and is out to abuse
me? and your taking me to his lab so that what?? he can tear me apart just like all the others before? For reasons I can't understand?? *shudder* NO! I can't...~
  Avalon stops dead in her tracks.. soon after Sam stops too and
looks back at her.  All around others are watching too..  Small towns like this arn't used to strange visitors bringing never before seen pokemon to the local retired expert.  But who would be?  Avalon begins to shake uncontrollably.. A small child across the way cries out "mommy? what’s going on??" But the mother like many others begin to leave the area some, forgotten instinct is telling them that a dangerous predator is in their midst.  However, Sam walks up to her and gently takes Avalon’s hands away from her eyes, and holds on to them.
 "shhhh.... take it easy.. he will do nothing like that.. I
promise?  Look the most he will probably do is take some small samples if that.. if it hurts it won’t be much..  But you'll be just fine ok?"
  The shaking begins to fade away..
  ~I believe you... I'll do my best.. but I can't promise anything~
  "I know you can't but you have to trust me.  Come on hes expecting
me."
  They walk up a long set of stairs to large house with lovely
property all around.  Sounds of other pokemon can be heard coming from out back.  Sam knocks on the door and after some time its answered by the good professor himself..  The look on his face should go into the dictionary under "stunned".  After all he is looking at a large purple and white somethingorother looking rather shy, that is standing behind a person (he hopes) in a cyber suit.
  "uhh excuse me professor?  My name is Sam. I called earlier about
coming to visit.. that I had something for you to look at?"
  "uhhh... ummm.. OH! Yes that’s right you told me to be in for a
surprise didn't you yes.."
  "That’s what I said.."
  "Oh Drat! Do forgive my rudeness come in come in!"
 He scurries around them as they enter to shut the door.  He gets in
front of Avalon and squints at her.
  "Is THIS the new pokemon you were telling me about?"
  "That would be correct.. her name is Avalon."
  "A female?  Hmmm.. what a fine specimen you have here.."
Avalon lays her ears flat against her head...
  "Oak.. She doesn't like that one bit.. treat her like a Md would
treat a new patent.. please.. You don't like feeling like a lab rat do you Avalon"
  ~NO... I don't~
  "Wha...!!?  amazing! you used telepathy on me!  Oh this just keeps
getting better well lets get started shall we?  This way..."


  Everything is a learning experience... to breath.. to eat.. to
exist.. that is something I have to accept.  I this world,  which I have been born into, something new, surprising, interesting, and/or horrifying always comes my way.  It is apparently inevitable.  So here I am being lead by my supposed savoir back into the jaws of the beast! From what I can tell this human... Oak.. isn't so bad or have any bad intentions.. but.. that entirely depends upon his version of "bad". Also if this is something that will not harm me, why do I keep shaking?
  "Avalon"
  ~huh?~
  "Quit spacing off.  The prof. doesn't have all the time in the
world. Now come on!"
  I finally get to the lab.. all the equipment I can name and
recognize... and with each name comes a flash of pain.. but this is somewhere else this isn't the same.  Oak motions me to sit on the exam table..  I give Sam a pleading look, all I get in return is a look that says "its for you own good".  So I give in and sit.  Its cold under my rump and I don't like it one bit.
  "So Sam before we get started I need some information, like where
you found her... ect.. ect.."
  I tune out the conversation.. I've heard it before.. but I can't
block out Oak's horrror/amazment at the tale.  Guess Im not the only
one.  I listen in now that the conversation has chanced slightly.. Oak has a thoughtful look for some time..
  "You understand of course that once im done here any you register
her, psi div. will come looking for her.  I hear that the military doesn't like to lose its weapons."
  "Yeah I know.  But I've got two things on them once she’s registered she’s my pokemon. Also  because the ship was adrift I have full salvage
rights on ANYTHING I have found.  That includes her."
  "Do you really believe that they would bother working inside the
law to get her back?  They just might kidnap her and that would be it!"
  "Fine if they decide to go outside the law so will I!"  She pats her guns for effect. "Here is the project information I got off the ship it
should help in your exam"
  "Thank you.. now lets start. Avalon? I need you to just relax while I read through this."
  This suspense is going to drive me mad.. well more so than I
already am. He reads it giving out the occasional "hmm", "uh huh", and "Interesting". Before he finally turns back to me.
  "Ok and now give an idea on how she works."
  I shrink back but he continues on with out interruption..
  "Now this tube here is the first thing that caught my eye.."
  "yah what is it"
  "its her esophagus.."
  "huh..?"
  "her food tube.. here watch."
  He hands me a bowl of water.
  "drink up!"
  They both stare intently as I drink..
  "it moved all weird! so ok what’s the point of making that separate
from the rest of the neck.. wouldn't that make it more.. vulnerable?"
  "The idea from what I have read is that in a fight it gives the
opponent two targets and that makes less chance that vital areas will be
harmed"
  "so what if its cut"
  "She has regenertve capabilities to make up for that.. now you also
need to know that she is a carnivore and needs to drink plenty of water."
  "so why is that?"
  "Again out in the field they expected her to simply consume fallen
enemies for nourishment as you saw.. and the water is so that she stays hydrated, a slightly dehydrated brain doesn't function as well as one
that is.. especially for her.. they say under certain conditions or when
under great effort she uses water up more rapidly.. Avalon are you still thirsty??"
  ~yes.. you'll give me more?~
  He hands me more.. he then picks up a.. Im not sure what this is.. I know that its for seeing things inside with out opening them up.. he moves it over my body as I drink.  I just eye him carefully..
  "So Sam how do you know that she is a 'she'?"
  "I used the Sam thingy you are.."
  "I figured as much.. however there is no mention of her being
fully female in the files here.."
  "What do you mean by fully?
  "well *aheam* there were some essential *cough* things that shouldn’t have been there.."
  "What your saying that they were left out!?"
  "That was the idea.. however the FILES say that.. my readings tell a
different story.. hmmm.. she’s got all the parts at least that are
required to well.."
  "she can make babies is what your getting at?"
  "Theoretically.. but I bet the chance of miscarry would be quite high I
would imagine.. that is if there were any males running about.. anyway my point is that an inconsistency like this means only one thing.."
  "What? Having kids is a mistake."
  "That this was unintentional or.... it was put there in secret..
regardless once its found out by Psi div.  and it will be as soon as
my report is sent.. they will consider her twice as dangerous and will
want her back all the more.."
  I could have children?  Hrmmf they would probably be even more deformed that me... forget it.. It will never happen..

Chapter 8

Psi Division is your friend!

by Avalon

Meet me in the dark halls... upon crossroads of thought, stars, and dreams.. where the normals thrive under your watchful gaze.... they would fear you so remain unseen.. your a ghost.. nothing but a phantom memory.. you are the claws of your fathers who made you.. your father’s enemies are your enemies.. and they will destroy you as they would us.. protect your father.. bring me the head of our enemies!

The fellow in black ran this phrase over and again.. just programming to fill an otherwise uncontrollable mind. Soon the bearer of such would arrive.. What’s that? a shuffle.. .. he knows hes being telepathically scanned.. being one himself.. The sounds get closer.. out of the dark comes a purple and bloody beast.. holding the head of a man.. a very important one.. It looks like it will attack the man.. it rears up hissing..

~base sequence one~

The creature stops and stands up to its full height. It drops the grizzly prize with a wet *thunck* It draws its three fingered hand across its face, wiping off some blood..

~ah.. sir... what? how did I get here.. last thing I reamber is your lab. Have I been bad?~

~no you have been wonderful.. report.. base 2~

The creature’s eyes take on a blank stare..

~Senator Mishi deleted.. no wittiness.. evidence consumed.. Mishi against Psi Division.. Knew about.. Project Mewtwo.. planned on exposing.. end report..~

~did he tell anyone?~

~negative~

~good I have a new assignment for you.. I think you will like this one....~

The mewtwo sits down in the hall and begins the task of disposing the last of the evidence..*crrrunch*

~Mewtwo prototype has shown up on AC colony and from reports will return to Delta 3 shortly..~

~you wish me to destroy her?~

~no negative.. your job is to find her and stay close to her.. when the time is right breed with her, escape with her to the desert where you both will be picked up~

The mewtwo perks up his ears.. ~I get to keep her~

~yes.. I figured you would like that.. this is your reward for such fine work.. so you better not fail..~

~yes master~

Chapter 9
Battle for memory
By Avalon

Old definition Registration: to make official via an organization.. New
Definition:  To sit for hours on end in cold rooms full of people, filling out paper work..   I almost feel sorry for humans. .. almost. The place was rather annoying.. especially since everyone was staring at me. but its over now.. Sam says she wants to test me out so we are going to a "gym"  She says its run by somebody named Sabrina.  I think she just wants to show me off.. not like there is much to show.. I can definitely feel something here.. I can't place it but this place seems... its almost like something here I know.. from before.. ohh.. my head hurts! *wince*
"you all right?"
~yes Sam Ill be fine~
"you sure I don't want to push you or anything.."
I look up at the building.. I feel a pull.. something in there wants
me to come in... desperately..
~I have to know what I can do~
She nods her head and we enter..

The room is dimly lit by torch scones along the walls.. heavy
curtains in black and red velvets line the walls... I think I like it. The twin message of sound and thought comes our way..
"~So is this the one?~"
I look up to see a stern faced black haired woman with cold eyes even
colder than the high queen that Sam so adores.
"Sabrina I assume?"
"~Your assumption is correct.  Why are you here and what is that?~"
"Im here for a battle and this is a mewtwo."
"~A Mew...Two.. how interesting.. I accept one on one... if your pet
is anything like its name sake this should be simple~"
"Well see... go ahead Avalon.."
 I know what she expects of me.. but to not kill? This will be difficult.. a red an white prison falls at my feet.. a whirl of red energy and a form stands before me.. A spoon in each hand?  "Alakazam!" Hrmmf that must be what it is..  This is what drew me here but why? Sabrina starts to give orders to him.. he moves in to attack.. I can hear Sam trying to do the same but neither of us are listening.. he begins to speak I know that the humans here can't understand him but I can..
"~So what are you?  I've haven't had a challenger like you before..~"
~Im a freak that’s what I am.. The humans will not be happy until we
do something.. shall we?~
"~Your no stranger than this bitch I call master.. please lets get
this over with.~"
I nod and he opens up by back handing me across the face... the
spoon cuts a gash but before long the gash closes on its own.. he looks surprised by that.. I pin him down and get ready to bite.. then up is down and down is up.. and uhh.. im think the floor is *thump* right here..
"~Sam doesn't this thing of yours have any real attacks?~"
"Come on Avalon do something!"
 I may be dizzy but I can still find his mind..
"~What are you?~"
~A nightmare~
He wants to know! Here is your answer.. I will let you into my mind.. I will let you see all that I have I will make you feel all that I have..
ENJOY DISECTION!  ENJOY COLD!  ENJOY HATE!  Lets see if you can handle MY PAIN!  He falls to the floor screaming.. and writhing.. he drops his spoons to tear at his chest.. then he stops and starts laughing! I creep up to him and peer down at his face..
"~Ah old friend~"
~What are you talking about?~
"~Keesha? Don't you remember me?~"
~Keesha? Who is that?~
"~Oh dear friend what have they done to you?~"
He stands and puts his hands on my face..
"~You need to remember~"
Pain sears through me and I fall.. and fall.. and fall..

Sweet flowers... rain.. new rain has just fallen.  It makes the light
dance across the grass..  Where am I?
"~Welcome back Keesha..~"
huh?  The sun is so bright and warm... under that tree there you are!
Little abra!  I run over and crash into him.. I thought he was.. no hes..
"~Im supposed to be smaller than you aren’t I?~"
"~How did this happen?~"
"~look at yourself.. Do you remember this?~"
I look down at my little paws and white fur..  I do feel different.
"~Keesha this isn't real right now.. not anymore.. we've grown up.
Sort of.. after our trainer died I got left to that woman and you had even worse things in store.. but Im glad to see you again~"
"~You mean I was a mew?~"
"~*snikker* oh course you were listen to yourself!~"
"m...MEW!"
"~see!~"
"~guess your right!  Is this what I couldn’t get to before?  If so why?~"
"~A memory this good can only bring pain at first.. and THAT was in
the way~"
He points to a boiling black cloud at the edge of the field.. I can
hear screams and sense something wrong with it.. I know that it doesn't
belong here but.. it remains..
"~that’s where they took you after he died.. they took you.. you cried
and cried and tried to escape but it was no good.. I knew then what they had planned..  But there was nothing I could do to stop them.  Im sorry Keesha..~"
The sounds continue to come from the cloud..
"~But don't worry dear friend lets just play for now~"
And we play I've never felt so wonderful...
"Keesha!!.... Ali!!.. play time is over come home!.... come home!"

"Avalon..?"
"~What is wrong with you!!?  What’s so funny! Get up you idiot spoon
bender!  You can finish that freak!~"
"Avalon...? Wake up Avalon!"
I open my eyes to see that Alakazam next to me on the floor.. were both
laughing!...
~Ali get up! quickly!~
"~Keesha! oh.. hmm make this look good?~"
~uh how?~
"~Just make it look like your concentrating and I'll fall over.. got it?~"
~Um..~
"~just do it before she catches on!~"
I squint and stare and furrow my brows..  Then the memory rush catches up to me.. *Thump* We both fall..
"~hmmf guess its a tie.. I've never had him misbehave like this before! What did that thing of yours do to him?~"
"Nothing! I don't know what happened!"
"~Perhaps he is just getting old.. good day Sam.~"
Sabrina turns and walks away.. "~Alakazam! Follow!~"
He gets up and looks back at me pleading..
"~Get.. Me OUT OF HERE!~"
~Ill try!~

"So Avalon what happened in there?"
~nothing.. er.. I'll tell you latter.. listen.. we have to get that Alakazam out of there!~
"What you want me to steal it?"
~Anything just please..~
"Why Avalon?"
~He's an old friend~
"How can you have any old frie.. oh I get it.. Ill try to talk her into
something"

"~You want me to do what?  Your joking right?~"
"Look lady.. this is important.. just give it to me Im sure you have
plenty of other pokemon you can use.."
"~The answer is no~"
"Fine Then how about I turn you in to Psi Division.. it's pretty
obvious that you came here to escape them.. pokemon I would guess make a good cover.."
"You wouldn’t!"
"Oh yes I would!"
LONG Pause......
"Fine.. you can have him and his brother too.. they have been getting
disobentent lately anyway.. take them and get away from me."
"No problem!"
Two balls are tossed to Sam’s feet. she picks them both up and frees them..
"Ok an Alakazam and a Kadabra.. great"
"~Keesha!~"
~please my name is now Avalon.. Keesha is dead..~
"~nonsense!  You are still her.. just as I am still your friend.. are we free?~"
~not exactly, your with Sam and I now.. but don't worry Sam is the
only kind human I've ever met.~
"~Hmmm I don't know if I like her but I go now where you go for now
are paths are one...~"

Chapter 10

Merlin

by Avalon

We've returned to Oaks place.. According to Sam he wanted to see us before we went "home". Ali has been watching me.. Im not sure why and he refuses to let me into his mind. He assures me that its no big deal and that I don't need to worry about it but, something about it tells me he's testing me.. making sure im not totally crazy. It’s been nice having him around.. my nightmares have been less and hes so far been there for me when I wake.. But still I feel alone... Right now were waiting in Oak's living room waiting for him.. I keep hearing things being overturned upstairs.. Its like hes looking for something..

"There you are!"

Hmmm. must have found it.. he comes down and stands before me. Holding a small soft bag..

"Avalon, I have something for you I think you'll like.. put out your hands and close your eyes.."

~why?~

"You'll see.."

I gingerly extend my hands to him and shut my eyes.. he ruffles the bag and something small, warm, and soft is placed into my hands..

"Open your eyes!"

I slowly look and at first it just looks like a white fluff ball, but then it uncurls.. a tail.. big feet.. and then the eyes.. like my own only blue.. it opens its little mouth and yawns.

"mmmyyuu.."

The little thing is no bigger than my hands cupped together.. so small and so fragile.. it's a mew! I look up at the doctor..

~where? why?..~

"The little fella was found by one of the local kids.. hes too small to go out on his own so we guess that his mother got captured by someone or worse.. point is hes just been weaned and I just don't have the time for this special case.. so I want you to take care of him."

~Me?~

"I could think of no one more suited.. after all hes sorta related. Oh and take this.. It’s a toy made just for pokemon like yourself but it’s more for him at this point."

He hands me a strange ball.. glass.. with all sorts of metal wheels in it.. and it feels oddly light..

~What do I do with it?~

"I think you’re supposed to spin the wheels with your mind.. try it."

I watch as one starts to spin.. then the next.. then the metal moves without moving the glass.. then the glass rotates around.. I lift it up while spinning it.. it spins faster and faster until it starts glowing purple..

~hows that?~

"eh... Perfect! You can stop now.."

I set it back into the bag..

"MYU! Myu MYU!"

~what you want to play with it?~

The little fella dashes into the bag after it... And abruptly falls asleep..

"wore himself out already!"

I look over to Sam. She’s smiling ear to ear..

"So what’s ya gonna name im?"

~I don't know... what would be fitting?~

"Maybe something from the same legend your name is from?"

~Not Arthur.. hmm.. how about Merlin?~

A hyper little squeak emits from the bag.

~Merlin it is..~

The little mew pokes his head out of the bag and gives me a weird look. He then shoots out of the bag and slams into my chest.. purring and nuzzling me.. Oak's mirth is impossible to hide..

"I think he likes you!" He says over a chuckle.

"We need to get going Oak.. but thank you so much and Im sure Avalon does too."

All I can do is nod.. How could such an innocent little creature like me? How could I have ever been so innocent? He looks up at me and mew's at me.. and for now all my troubles melt away..

Chapter 11

Enforcement

By Avalon

Its summer in this part of delta 3... This last month since I met Ali and Merlin has been... Refreshing.. The past still haunts me but the pain after words is less.. I've been reading.. books.. watching old vids.. listening.. I have been trying to understand the humans and why they obsess about playing god.. from all that I have read. It seems that they have been dreaming about it long before it was even possible.. Frankenstein comes to mind. Many more since then.. all the same general basis.. to create life.. not from themselves like nature had given them.. but from the world around them. I perhaps was never meant to understand this.. im not human after all.. There is more to it.. not all humans have this desire. To those such acts were "a crime against nature". To them such beings were never meant to be.. Was I never meant to be? Should I not exist? Should I end my existence to set right what was done? Ali assures me that If I was not meant to be then I would not exist.. These are the things I ponder when Im alone.. awake at night.. listening to my own heartbeat and breath, amazed that it all works. The rest of the time we all spend outside the castle.. enjoying the warm sun and the clean air.. Or exploring all the little rooms that this place has. Or the long hours Ali and I spend just talking about whatever his vast mind rests upon.. The comfort he offers me in the night when the darkness in my dreams gets too close.. setting his spoons aside and letting me hold him like an anchor would hold a lost ship.. the connection of minds when we both drop our walls and all reality just melts away.. knowing all there is to know about each other.. when all that we've ever felt has been laid bare.. I have little good to add in that but as Ali informs me every time there is no joy without pain. Then there is Sam. She has done all that she can to be my mother.. Teaching me as much as she can.. Worrying about me too.. wondering over my rage that boils up.. as she tends to me right now.. ensuring that my fur stays clean.. she has grown fond of me.. as unexplainable as that is...

"Avalon you look so much better now.. I just wanted to tell you.."

*beep-beep*

The screen on the far side of the room lights up and the fiery one Queen Arles can be seen..

"Sam.."

"yes Arles?"

"I wanted to inform you that an earth ship registered to psi division has just requested an audience with us.. they just left earth now and are on their way.. unfortunately by law we have to let them come here.. you have about 2 weeks till they arrive.. You know exactly why they are coming."

Sam looks down at me then back at the screen..

"yes I know"

"I know Sam that you will figure something out soon.. good day."

The screen goes blank.. that worried look returns to Sams face..

"Listen Avalon.. the people on that ship are probably coming to try and take you back.. I will do everything in my power to prevent that.. but we don't fight unless there is no other choice.. Got it"

~Yes I understand~

She picks up a red prison..

"Right before they get here Im going to put you back in this until they leave.. Arles and I will handle the rest ok?"

~Yes~

"I had better go talk to her and plan this out.. you go play or something.."

She gets up and jogs out.. I look to Ali who has been meditating in the corner this whole time..

"~We need a ghost~"

~Why do we need one of...~

"~Psi division.. human telepaths correct?~"

~Yes.. that’s why..~

"~And Telepath means psychic right?~"

~well yes.. but~

"~Then they should have problems when it comes to ghosts~"

~but they are human..~

"~It didn't stop you from using your attacks on them did it?~"

~No..~

"~then what would stop say a gengar from using it on a human?~"

I smile ~nothing~

"~exactly~"

Chapter 12

Ships

By Avalon

~There’s only one problem with this plan Ali.~

"~And what is that?~"

~we have to get back to AC colony.. we have no ship.. and even if we did how would we fly it?~

Ali stopped short in the hall. We were headed out side for some reason..

"~Avalon, don't be so short sighted!~"

He reaches up and pats me on the cheek, then turns and walks on.. knowing him he isn't going to wait for me to figure him out so I had better follow.. Merlin this whole time has been riding on my head between my ears.. better there than his usual place wedged between my necks.. makes it so hard to swallow.. We make our way outside to the shipyard. He stops in the middle and starts to look around holding one of his spoons up to his chin in thought.. I catch up and stand next to him wondering what hes looking for.. bending down to put my head next to his.. to possibly see what hes looking at..

~well Ali what is it?~

"~Hmmm?.. Oh! Ah there it is!~"

..and he starts off again.. right towards a ship.. Sams ship.. I should have known. Oh course the doors are open.. Sam would never think to lock it up around here. Without even looking back he walks on board..

~Hey what are you doing?~

I bend down to run.. hrmf.. Sam says I look like a T-Rex or a Raptor when I run.. just like in the old vids.. As I go Merlin starts to slide down the back of my head and instead of flying off he just grabs my back neck with all five extremities.. *GAG!* I have to stop and peel him off.. in doing so he gives off a little squeak.. I clutch him to my chest to keep him out of trouble.. When I finally Catch up to Ali hes sitting in the Co-Pilot chair studying the controls in the spoon to chin position..

"~hmmm~"

~Ali your not thinking of taking her ship are you?~

"~She wouldn't miss it too terribly..~"

~Ali! We can't even fly IT!~

He looks up at me and smiles..

"~you've been on this ship more than I perhaps you've picked up on how to work it?~"

~Not likely..~

"~Have a seat and give it a try.. what harm could it do?~"

I give him a doubtful look and about then Merlin decides its time to wriggle free and show off what hes learned. By flying around in circles and "singing"..

"~were goin' for a ride! Were goin' for a ride! were goin' for a ride!~"

Ali looks up at him..

"~Well hes not going to stop until we go..~"

The string of mewspeek continues.. I look down at the controls.. visions of hitting a sequence of buttons that may make the ship lift off fire in several directions and then self-destruct.. I close my eyes and place my hands down on the controls.. suddenly like a marionette my hands begin to move.. pushing a button here and a sequence of numbers there.. when my hands finally rest.. the ship is lifting off and heading out into space.. the computer tones..

"Heading to hyperspace bacon.. destination?"

We look at each other... He smiles again..

"~well type it in..~"

My hands move again..

"Understood.. Arrival time to AC colony one Earth Standard week"

I look at my hands in amazement..

~..This must have been part of my programming, eh..~

I look at Ali.. hes chuckling now..

~You knew all along didn't you?! You just wanted to watch me squirm!~

"~But Avalon it was oh so entertaining.. now sit back and relax! we have a week on this ship until we get there~"

He rests his spoons on his lap and lounges back..

~So where are we going to find a ghost when we get there?~

"~Lavender town~"

~how do you know about that?~

"~Well.. you see Sabrina always used to wine about that place.. the occasional trainer figured out that you could get ghosts there and would subsequently defeat her~"

~hmmm... didn't like that did you?~

"~Not one bit~"

~So how do you expect us to catch a ghost?~

"~Very carefully~"

Chapter 13

A Haunting

By Avalon

The trip is uneventful.. We spend very little time in normal space.. normal space is far more interesting.. watching the stars go by.. unfourtnaly we would never make it to AC that way.. so we use hyperspace.. strange.. all the stars are replaced with swirling warm tones.. reds, oranges, and yellow.. it looks like its on fire.. but the sight gets tiresome after a while.. I can however see why they would have me know about this place and how to navigate in it... The three of us agree.. the range that our minds can feel is much farther.. and more sensitive.. most of our waking time here is spent just standing and staring out.. on occasion we can "see" other ships in the soup.. way before the ships scanners detect them.. in fact that’s how we've managed to avoid getting caught.. we just reroute before they can see us.. it bothers me that I have to use this.. I don't like being what they wanted..

We land in some scrubby looking forest behind Lavender town.. it will be safe there.. from the looks of things I doubt anyone has the audacity to enter these woods.. and how perfect we landed at night.. so where is the mist and hooting owls? Its actually clear out the stars that we just traveled past shining brightly down on us..

"~This way..~"

~Ali how do you know where we’re going from here? All I see are trees in all directions.~

"~Open your mind.. Can't you feel it?~"

I open up.. I feel the life beat of the forest and its inhabitants.. I feel the pulse of a city nearby.. and then I feel.. nothing..

~I feel a big blank spot.. over that way~

I nod in the direction he was heading...

"~No life.. no mind... nothing~"

And that is that.. he heads off towards the hole.. the closer we get the more eerie it gets.. my fur stands on end.. my spine tingles.. I feel like im hunting.. the tower finally comes into view large and black it simply looms up and blocks the stars.. if it weren't for the stars I wouldn’t have even seen it.. Ali leads us in and instantly we know that were being watched..

~You did bring one of those things right?~

"~Of course!~"

He opens his hand reveling the prison..

~Ok so now what?~

"~we see what we can stir up.. you go down that hall I'll go this way you can keep in contact with each other no problem since our minds will be like bacons to each other here~"

I nod and watch him go.. so what do we do if we get hurt?

~Merlin?~

"~Yah!~"

~You go outside.. if we don't come out by morning you go back to the ship and hit the yellow square button.. got it?~

"~ok.. be careful~"

He turns tail and fly’s out a nearby window.. I turn and head down a corridor.. its dark but my eyes can adjust.. I can see shadows flitting about in unnatural ways here and there.. but nothing to confront... nothing with a face.. lets try this room.. hmm an old clock.. a chest.. a mirror.. one of those full length ones.. rich people always have them in movies.. there is a window across from the door.. and from here I can see the moon just beginning to come up.. its full.. of course! and the light fills the room.. looking around I see something white over there.. I go to investigate and find.. just the mirror.. I step in from of it..*Gasp!* oh.. that’s me........... THAT is ME?! I didn't realize.. what did they do to me! I watch as the reflection touches its own face.. moving one twisted hand over one eye then the next. down to the nose.. down the neck.. to my shoulder.. I shudder.. damn them I never asked for this.. I didn't want this..

~I DON'T WANT THIS!~

The mirror suddenly cracks.. splintering the picture of me.. this twisted thing.. into thousands of images.. each worse than the next.. I hang my head.. I guess that’s better.. or worse.. I don't know anymore.. I fall to the floor weakened by the stress.. I begin to cry.. feelings of rage, sadness, loss, hate... they all boil inside me..

"Hey! what the hell are you?"

I glance up to see nothing.. where?

"Over here dummy! not that I really want to interrupt your little act there.."

I look.. and out of the shadows creeps a pair of eyes.. a grinning mouth, floating hands and little else.. I don't move.. It drifts towards me..

"welllllll.. are you going to answer me? what.. the hell.. are.. you?"

~Im..~

"heh he he... aw poor little psychic.. you don't look like nutin' I've ever seen.. I wonder if you have tasty dreams?"

~what do you mean?~

"Ok fine if that’s what you want.."

The grating voice trails off.. and all the nightmares I can ever remember flood my mind.. I think im going to be sick.. the world reforms.. I feel fine.. its still dim.. the ghost.. the haunter.. is drifting over in the corner.. his hands are dragging on the ground.. I get up an sneak towards him..

"That answered that question.. You’re a freak. *groan*"

He drifts to a belly up position. and turns a shade of dark green..

~What’s the matter?~

"Get outa my sight! YOUR what’s the matter! You’re an eyesore! A disgrace! Damn you for having nightmares!"

Before I know it im seeking its mind.. just hate. and hate.. I find a door.. its covered in black slime.. I reach for the handle

"hey what are you doing!?"

And fling it wide.. I see.. a young boy.. he has an abra and a kadabra by his side.. a man with a red R on his shirt is holding a gun to him... some words are said and the gun is fired.. the boys’ body falls to the ground.. I see a pair of spoons a move to attack.. and *BANG!* followed by darkness.. The images fade.. all I see now is the ghost laying out stretched in the air..

~Was that you?~

no answer.. Ali walks in.. regards the specter and looks to me..

"~good job! how did you manage that?~"

~I think I found its death memory..~

He causally tosses the pokeball at the haunter.. the sound of a capture is unmistakable..

"~I'll have to remember that for the future. lets get out of here.~"

He turns and we head out.. Merlin is awaiting us outside..

"~did you get one~"

we nod

"~oh boy! can we explore while were here? Don't wanna go back on ship yet~"

~we might as well~

"~lets get some sleep first.. hope you don't mind sleeping under the stars tonight?~"

~I don't mind at all~

and so we find a place in some underbrush to bed down for the night.. odd.. but I don't think Ill dream at all this time..

Chapter 14

The big city

By Avalon

Morning comes.. I stretch and yawn.. shake the dew off of my fur.. I look down at Ali.. hes still resting peacefully, curled up by my side.. and Merlin... he's.. where's Merlin?...

~Ali wake up.. Ali.. Ali!~

"~Hmm...~"

He yawns and opens a single eye on me...

"~What is it?~"

~Merlin! I can't find Merlin!~

He put both hands on his face protectively..

"~Avalon please.. you don't have to shout so early in the morning, you’re giving me a headache.. Merlin is just probably out playing somewhere Im sure he's fine~"

I give a little strained hiss..

~Ali I can't shout..~

He peeks out between his fingers..

"~you know what I mean~"

~But I can't feel Merlin nearby! What if he got lost!? What if..?~

"~Fine we'll go looking for him~"

He gets up and starts to plod off in a direction.. we both have our minds open but still nothing.. We reach the edge of Lavender Town.. and there he is! Following people here around then flying away when they look..

~Merlin!~

He looks our way then shoots off down a set of stairs..

"~You should know that a mew's curiosity is limitless and nothing can stand in its way.. shouldn’t you Kesha?~"

I give him a dirty look and head towards the stairs myself heedless of all the people staring in my direction..

"~Avalon what are you doing?~"

Now it’s his turn to run and keep up..

~I can't let him just wander off.. if hes going to do this I had better be there with him.. Right? I am technically his trainer after all.~

"~Yes but aren't you worried about being caught?~"

~I'd like to see them try! Besides, they probably think im from off world..~

Almost on cue a young boy who is obviously a trainer by the pokeballs on his belt.. points a small red device in our direction and his jaw nearly drops off of its hinges.. he starts to come towards us... I roll my eyes..

~I don't have time for this.. lets hurry Ali I want to catch up with him~

And so down the tunnel we go after Merlin.

The tunnel goes strait for as long as we can see.. ads, posters, and graffiti line the walls and everything looks a sickly green from the lights.. We jog most of the way.. when we finally reach another set of stairs going up.. We spot that little mew sitting on the handrail almost like he was waiting for us.. When he sees us coming towards him he fly’s off into the new city..

"~All we can hope to do is follow..~" says Ali between breaths..

We come out on the surface to see a large city.. lights, people, bustle.. and its night..

~Are we in Saffron?~

Ali looks around for a bit..

"~No we are in Celadon..~"

~Im hungry.. and thirsty~

"~As am I. perhaps we can look for him while we're looking for nourishment?~"

~Not a bad idea. but where?~

"~perhaps we can find the center..~"

~Better than nothing~

We wander for some time.. Ali lets me lead the way since my mere presence clears a wide path thought the throngs of people.. The odd part about it is that all the humans are awake as late as it is.. I look into nearby minds for an answer.. The murmur of thought pours over my mind as I seek.. pushing away one meaningless voice at a time.. Then the general purpose comes clear.. entertainment.. money.. greed.. nothing new. We stop walking when we reach a large town square..

"~Perhaps if we relax for a bit we can find the place~"

I nod and head for the center fountain.. I stand there ..watching.. listening.. for some clues or just to learn.. One set of thoughts, one mind jumps out at me.. Fear, power lust, curiosity, recognition... Recognition? Of what.. I zero in on the mind and see a young human male regarding us.. Tall, slender, with shoulder length blue hair.. he's wearing a large black coat.. a black cap and sunglasses.. That’s odd.. I reach down and tap Ali.. he looks as I point to the man.. The man smiles and begins to approach us.. I start to move off but Ali catches my hand..

"~Lets wait and see what he does?~"

He strides up to us and grins even wider.. as his fear grows..

"Ahem.. hello.. uh could you two fine uh.. er.. folks.. do me a favor."

His voice is high pitched and has a strange accent.. Ali and I glance at each other. Then stare at him..

"hmm... well.. ok.. I have an errand to run.. but I have this other thing to do as well... eh.."

Ali just shrugs..

~What sort of errand?~

"OH! well.. you see my job is to put little disks into a machine so that it makes more disks.. But I haven't been doing it right and Im almost out of them.." He starts to sniffle "OH PLEASE! YOU Can Help me so MUCH!! He falls to my feet and wines pathetically..

"~he's lying of course... Shall we do it anyway?~"

~Why not?~

I look back down to him..

~We accept~

He immediately jumps to his feet an starts to bow..

"Thank you so very much! My name is James.. now just follow me.."

He turns on his heal and starts to march triumphantly into a nearby building covered with lights..

Once inside.. after taking a quick look around he leads us to a row of .. ah there’s the word.. slot machines..

"Ok you put the disks in here and pull the leaver.." James points to the mentioned areas.. "and when you think it’s going to match the pictures in this window.. you let go.. very simple! Here give it a try..!"

He hands me a coin and waits.. I do as instructed.. I hold onto the leaver for a time and I feel a twinge in my mind and let go... Bar, bar, and Bar.. All sorts of noise pours out of this thing as about twenty more coins come out.. James grins ear to ear..

"EEE!!! Ok you two wait here and keep up the good work I'll come back and get you.."

He bolts off out of the room laughing manically..

"Im such a genius!!..."

We look after as he goes then look at each other..

"~let me try.~"

Ali hops up onto the stool....

Two Hours latter a small mountain of coins has accumulated on the floor around us and several people in the area are starting to get suspicious.. Not to mention I'm still tried and hungry..

~Ali we should go.. I think those men over there mean to capture us..~

And not in any traditional way either.. armed guards.. all of them watching us.. Ali pull's his focus away from the machine..

"~Ah yes I do believe your right..~"

He hops down and gathers the coins into a bag that James had provided. Handing it to me then we walk out..

~Now what?~

"~over here..~"

We go next door and again everyone stares when we enter.. this place is different.. windows against one wall.. Stark white paint and that’s it.. Ali directs me to a window. An extremely perky woman is on the other side..

"Can I help you?"

I set the massive bag down on the counter and wait for a response..

"Oh a big winner.. let me count this then I'll tell you what can get."

She takes the bag.. more like drags the bag.. to the back counter and starts her task.. and the bits of a conversation drift to me. Ali and I being the Main topic..

"Are those two pokemon yours James?"

"Oh No.. I don't know who they belong to.."

"That’s good James, You realize what we do to people that bring psychic pokemon into the casino don't you?"

"ehh.. we'll you know one is.. but what about the big one.."

"one is good enough.. you know what to do now don't you?"

"yes sir.."

"Your all set here’s what you can get.."

My attention is pulled back to the woman... as she sets down three pokeballs and a circuit board..

"Take your pick. Oh and here’s your bag back.."

I pick up the circuit board to inspect it..

"Is that the one you want?"

I nod without even thinking.. and turn to walk out..

Once outside.. I put the little thing away in the bag and sling it over my shoulders.. There are fewer people on the streets now.. Across the way I see James standing and talking to another.. a woman with red hair wearing similar clothing.. and between them stands a.. meowth.. She looks our way.. that same fear and recognition comes from her as well.. how could this be? They come our way.. the meowth leading...

"~well isn't that amusing~" He says as he holds his spoon up to his chin as he always does.. They stop before us and the meowth clears its throat..

"*ahem* wezz would like to make a little ehh.. proposition."

~Proposition?~

"OH!!" The meowth puts a paw to his head.. "Haven't eard dat for a while... ehh.. anyways.. we were wonderin' if you wouln't like to work for us.. being that wezz are duh best.."

~best at what?~ I put my face right down near his..

"MEOWTH! GET ON WITH IT! what’s it saying.." says the lady...

"IT! is a goyel.." the cat crosses its arms triumphantly..

"How can you tell?" retorts James?

"Cuz.. SHE uses a goyels voice in er head" emphasizing by sticking his paw on my nose..

The two humans breathe a sigh of relief.. then exchange worried glances..

"WEzz would be business partners!"

I focus in on the trio.. use.. they plan to use me.. they worry about more.. they are glad im not male?? are these humans mad?

~No DEAL..~ I hiss at the cat and move in to bite..

"AHHHHHH!!!" he screams but manages to jump out of the way and franticly claws up my face.. I grab him by that scrawny neck and throw him away against the humans.. I stand up to full height.. now I'm mad.. I watch the horror grow an their faces as the wounds on my own slowly seal shut before their eyes.. They look down at the cat.. and in unison..

"GET BACK IN THERE MEOWTH!"

and he is flung strait back at me...

"This Ain't fair guys!.." and his speech is cut short as my mind grabs him before he even reaches me... and throws him against a nearby wall.. the cat is silent.. The humans reach into their coats and pull out.. more.. A large snake.. and some wretched smog..

"Go ARBOK!!"

"~Yess mistress..~"

I look back and Ali is sitting in the shadows watching..

"Use Toxic attack!!"

I turn just in time to have my face covered in sharp stinging acid.. clean my eyes.. hurry!

"My god it’s working! Arbok poison Fang!!"

I feel the large fangs puncture my back and stomach..

"Wrap!"

No more not this time.. I feel a wave of power push forth from me.. sending the snake reeling.. I reach down and pull out a hand length fang.. the poison oozing out of the broken end.. uh that’s no good..

"James it's weak send you’re wheezing out there and we can capture that mewtwo!"

How do they know that? The blob floats towards me.. Im ready this time.. I reach up and out and slowly crush it.. space seems to be folding around it as it crumples for no apparent reason.. I can feel its panic.. It's fear..

"Wheezing do something!!"

It comes up with an option.. it bears down.. I know what’s coming.... I release the hold and run.. im blocked in by the buildings... and

*boom* the thing explodes in a ball of poison gas.. I run.. and look back to see the force almost here.. and it goes down.... everything goes down.. The gas dissipates.. there is no ground under my feet.. I can fly? Like a mew? I bring myself down to the ground..

"MY WHEEEZING!!"

"It's gone James lets get out of here before she comes after us"

The humans run off after collecting the meowth and Arbok..

I fall to my knees.. my eyes burn my lungs ache.. everything feels like its on fire.. I choke and heave..

And everything goes dark..

Chapter 15

Out of the frying pan...

By Avalon

The usual dreams are warped.. some things are bigger.. some are smaller.. the colors are all wrong.. it hurts.. why would a cold ship be on fire... why??

I should have known they were up to something that day. They were acting strange and next thing I know they haven't returned.. I would have never guessed here.. Where did she learn that?

Sam had alot on her mind.. much in the same way a worried mother does, as she looked in the window at Avalon from the next room. The powerful psychic reduced to being strapped down to her bed to keep her from thrashing off.. Sam looked to the Nurse..

"Is that really necessary?"

The nurse looking sad nodded her head..

"Mmm.. Im afraid so.. we did what we could.. we didn't know what exactly had poisoned her.. so we could only use a small amount of anti-venom.. that and we didn’t know what she was so we had to careful not to cause any more damage.. What's worse is the wounds closed before we could extract any of it so she got the full effect.. she will have to just work the rest out of her system on her own.."

Both Joy and Sam rock back and hold their heads..

"Did you feel that?" asked Sam..

"Yes there's that too.. we can't treat any pokemon in the nearby rooms we get everything from headaches to our tools lifting off and sticking into the walls.. to our heads filling up with raging colors.. even the other nurses won’t work in here.."

Sam looks down to Ali and Merlin who had been staring in the window as well.. they remain focused on their friend.. Avalon continues to thrash, occasionally stopping to pant wildly for a few moments.

"Can I stay in there?"

"If you really want to.. even overnight if you wish.."

"Thank you.."

Sam walks into the room followed by Ali and Merlin, they take up their posts to watch over Avalon..

The grey fades away.. to a bright white.. I try to sit up but im being held down.. I can lift my head at least.. I've been strapped down! Why? Stay calm.. I look down to the buckles and slowly make them come undone... Finally I can sit up.. ohhh.. my head hurts.. I put my hand to my head.. and look around.. Sam, Merlin, and Ali are in the corner asleep.. Well I must be safe.. they are here.. I move to get off the bed and this awful scraping noise happens and pain lances up my arm..

~AHH!~ My friends are awake instantly.. but that doesn't matter right now.. there is a needle in my arm.. a needle.. a needle.. Needle! Panic raises like a tidal wave... nononononnon!!! NO!

"Avalon are you ok?"

~GET IT OUT! GET IT OUT! GET IT OUT!~

Sam runs over to me and holds my arm down as I thrash.. and yanks the offending needle out..

~no more... no more needles.. no.. no.. more~

"shhhh... it's ok.. it's all right.. your safe.. no more.. no more ok?" she puts her arms around me and just rocks back and forth repeating the same things until I finally can stop shaking..

"There.. that’s it.. you had me so worried.. running off like that.. but don't worry about it right now I'm just glad your ok.. can you stand?"

I nod

"Good.. were getting out of here.. Im taking you home.. We have some things to deal with when we get there and hopefully we will beat them there.."

~Who are they?~

"Your 'parents' I told you they were on their way.."

I look to Ali. He holds out a pokeball and winks at me. Sam leads us out of the center... to the nurses’ protest..

"Hey you just can't leave.. we have to make sure she's all right!"

"Piss of! We have business to attend to and we simply can't wait I can take care of her from here.."

Sam then turns out the door despite the continuing protest from Nurse Joy..

"Don't worry kid you'll be fine.."

~Kid?~

Chapter 16

Where's my squeeze toy?

By Avalon

"So you see while the enforcer is here your going to have to hide in this ball understand?" Sam holds out the red and white prison..

~Yes... but I don't see why we just don't...~

"I don't even want to hear that right now Avalon.. stuff like that will be the EXACT reason they want you back.. and I doubt you would survive the experience.. We have to play this by the rules understand?"

~Yes~

"They will be here in about 3 hours.. we were lucky to get here in time thanks to your little stunt"

I fold back my ears and lower my head..

~Im sorry~

"Don't worry about it.. Look I have to go talk to the King a Queens.. make sure we have this planned out proper.. get some rest."

Sam turns and walks out.. leaving me to sleep for a time when I will need the energy..

"I am the high queen.. It is my duty to protect my people.. all of my people.. And that includes anyone that we have invited to live here no matter -what- they are.. Your daughter will be safe Sam.."

"I thank you for your hospitality High Queen Zephras." The bounty hunter gives me a deep respectful bow..

"Go tend to her now she will need you.."

"Yes your Majesty.." Sam turns and walks out leaving me to my usual companions.. Arles lounging on her side.. looking smug.. And Teran looking board by the whole matter fidgeting..

Arles cracks a huge cats smile...

"Sam really needs to loosen up... I bet I could help her.."

*Sigh* "Arles can't you ever think of anything else?"

Arles tosses her red hair and laughs.. "Nope!.. but that’s why you both like me!"

I look over to Teran.. he is beaming..

*uhhgg* Look you two this is serious..

"It IS!?" says Arles... "Oh that’s right EARTH thinks it's serious.. Ha! This is our territory.. that ship was found in our territory.. It's our jurisdiction.. Salvage rights it is our law! And if they think that they can intimidate us by sending an enforcer.. ooooooohh Im shaking!! Like we would cooperate after the crap they did to us.. PUleese!"

"I would expect such a bending of the laws by a former Pirate..."

"Who said anything about 'former' my crew is still planet side ready to do my bidding.. at any moment.. Besides.." She lays back after a sting of animated gestures.. "Do you have a better idea?" a smug expression crossing her narrow face..

"No.. I don't I hate to admit that your right on this one.."

"Ah don't worry honey I just have more experience.." She grins..

The enforcer arrives... his ship made to land far from the rest... He walks up to the castle not saying a word to anyone.. The guards have been informed.. There is no argument.. He is lead up to the throne room right past his quarry.. Right to me.. he thinks that this will be easy.. that we are just a small feudal kingdom out in the frontier of "Known" space.. that we.. out in the backwater do not know better.. He is wrong..

The human walks in.. Black uniform.. gloves.. a badge.. typical.. for his rank.. I know this type too well.. He bows and begins to address us..

"Greetings your majesties.. High queen Zephras.." he smirks "-Queen Arles... and King Teran.. I thank you for the -honor- you have graced me with to allow this audience.. My name is Thurows.. David Thurows.. Earth, Psy Division, Enforcer.."

I look to Arles.. I can tell what she wants to say.. "Cut the bullshit" But she notices my gaze and try’s something a little less offensive..

"And what business does a high class Enforcer from -Earth- have out here? Other than to possibly waste..." She lets the sentence hang.. like bait to a fish..

"Waste what? your majesty?" he takes the bait I can sense him reaching out to her mind.. Arles smiles her cat's smile.. she will enjoy this fish.. I pity that fool... His calm face goes white.. and he falls to the ground face now turning bright red and Arles begins to laugh..

"Enough.. let him go Arles.." he gets up sweat poring off of his brow. "Forgive the lack of warning.." I stand.. "But we guessed that an Enforcer would not be so rude as to break earths laws about telepathic scans on alien leaders.. hmm.. we were wrong.. *tch tch* no matter.. your business?"

He chokes.. "How did she do that?? it felt like my head was on fire!"

"hmm we have our ways.. you would not understand.. your business?"

He is wary now.. and far more willing to cooperate on our terms.. just what we wanted.. He knows that if things don't go our way we can always tell earth what he had done.. I doubt they will care however.. I look to Arles.. ~good job~

She looks to me.. ~Thanks!~

*ahem* "my business is to retrieve a piece of technology lost to us during the Tand war.. It is quite valuable.. possibly even priceless.. we have reason to believe that it has wound up here."

I stare for a moment... "And what? exactly is it?"

"A bio weapon.. very dangerous in the wrong hands.."

"I thought there were certain laws in place about bio weapons."

"There are" he runs his gloved hand trough his short dark hair "However.. we simply wish to retrieve it, study it and when we are done, dispose of it.. seeings how the Tand war is over.. the weapon is no longer needed.. and it is senseless to keep something so dangerous around unless absolutely necessary."

Arles cuts in.. "If it is so valuable why dispose of it? hmmm?"

"All outmoded tech gets disposed of sooner or latter" He looks about the castle walls.. "well most of the time." he steps forward and hands me a small crystal.. "That is the information you need.. it states its appearance and our rights to it." I place the crystal in the port on my throne.. A rough picture of Sam's daughter comes into View... as does some meaningless dribble about who she belongs to..

"So again what makes you think that 'it' is here?"

"Reports from our colony on Alpha Centari state that 'it' was seen with a certain bounty hunter.. and that bounty hunter is said to live here.."

I look back at Arles and she nods.. and stands.. you can almost see the fire rising within her.. by the gods it's beautiful.. she approaches David like a hunter to its prey.. "Yes we have 'it'.. or more correctly Sam has her" she stares him down.. and as far as I've been told now that Sam is a trainer and that this creature is a pokemon.. Sam now is the owner."

He smirks.. oh very bad idea... "Yes, but that is local law on Ac.. Earth law supersedes it.. and by that the weapon is ours.. please let us have it back, for yours and everyone’s safety... don't make this any harder.."

Her ear tips turn red.. oh boy here it comes.. "I.... Declare... Sam to be a Delta 3... Citizen.. human! and further more.. she has full rights to that being.. Delta Salvage laws..." her eyes practically a glow..

"Salvage or not it is still ours.. thank you for finding it.. now where is it?" oh human that was also a bad idea...

"Our laws state that if you are so irresponsible that you can't hang on to your toys then you have no business having them... NOW.. get out of my presence scum... human.. and never try to tell us how to do things... EVER AGAIN!!" She stalks past him..

"Arles? where are you going?" I ask..

"To tell Sam that her Daughter can come out to play now.. this thing will trouble her no more!" Arles turns again and walks out... carrying the rooms heat with her.

"Well" David adjusts his uniform.. "I have something to tell home about your people... how unreasonable you were and that you hold a Bio weapon.. of immense power.. there will be repercussions on this.."

I laugh... "Do not even make threats to us human.. your punishment will fall through.. and us having a weapon? oh that doesn't even compare to what we have had for centuries... do not toy with us.. or need I remind you about your attempted scan?" It's my turn to smirk..

All he can do is huf and walk out as well... I look to Teran... he smiles..

"That was good.. very nice.."

"You really think so?"

"~your looking well...~"

~Ali! did I just get let out?~

"~yes.. but the enforcer is still here..~" he looks down to the ball in his hand and smiles... "~come out little ghost..~" He tosses the ball to the ground.. at first we just see black smoke.. then a smile and eyes form...

"Oh its you!"

"~we have something fun for you~"

"Oh.. really"

~Yes want to eat a humans dreams?~

"Oh do I!!"

At that moment the door swings open and the dark clothed enforcer is there with Sam standing behind him..

"Ah! and now I have you!"

My mind is invade by some words.. a sting of something bad... something that has been tried before..

~Proto type base 4... start. Berserker. rage..~

~NO!!! Ali Now!! stop!! he is trying to kill me!!!~ I feel my breath coming short..

"Oh what a day indeed!!" I see a flash of smoke and then the man is on the ground... the mad order... no longer infesting me.. And a certain Ghost attached to his head sucking semi visible inkiness from him.. he is asleep... The ghost vanishes... and he starts to come around...

"Oh well that was nice" and back out the door he goes, stumbling along the way..

~Wha..?~

"he was going to make you go nuts just so he could kill you with reason.. to prove some point.. Now he thinks he just met a very nice.. little psychic pokemon... heh!" the disembodied voice croons.. "don't worry im not gone yet... Sweet dreams!"

"Avalon? what happened?" Sam peaks in..

~He tried to make me crazy.. some programming.. I.. It's no matter they will bother me no more?~

"I hope so" she sits next to me and hugs.. "I hope so"

Chapter 17

Shooting star..

By Avalon

It has been a good day.. Ali, Merlin, and myself have been relaxing in the grassy hills around the castle... playing in the river... basking in the sun.. It's afternoon and the light is beginning to slant.. casting everything in a brilliant orange.. making the high grass look on fire.. Im leaning against a low tree and I feel great.. Ali is sitting next to me and merlin I can hear is chasing birds.. So nice to be warm.. ~Oh look a shooting star!~

Ali turns and looks at me..

"~Avalon?~"

~hmmm...?~

"~I have something to tell you...~"

~What?~

"~Tomorrow.. I will be going on a journey.~"

~Oh this will be fun?~

He shakes his head and looks down... "~No Avalon, you can't go with me.. You have greater things coming very soon.. you must stay here~"

~But..~

"~No, Im sorry..~"

~well where are you going?~

*sigh* "~I have been reading.. many of the books in the castle.. they speak of wondrous things.. this place has an astounding past.... there is a School of sorts far from here..~"

~Your going to go see it?~

"~I plan on attending it if I can get accepted..~"

~Just like that you’re leaving?~

"~I will stay until tomorrow night.. then you will not need me..~"

~But! I do need you.. you..~

"~Listen Avalon! This has been my dream.. I never thought I would see such a place and here it is! I have to chase this.. I have too! You will understand some day... and before long I will simply be in the way..~"

~What about your brother?~

"~he will stay here... I must go pack.. I will need some things.. you rest..~"

and he disappears in a cascade of glitter....

So much for the good day...

I continue to sit here.. no longer enjoying the sun.. watching the sun slip away.. just like my joy.. He makes no sense sometimes.. I cry for a time.. Feeling so alone.. once more.. what kind of life is this! Am I to constantly feel pain? the moon begins to come up.. It’s just a bare sliver in the sky giving off little light.. and the sun is just enough to turn the landscape purple... the warm wind picks up and dries my face.. what is the point of living? My fur suddenly stands on end.. for a moment.. and I hear a movement in the grass.. It's too big to be Merlin... I reach out.. This is nothing I have ever felt before.. strange... then what ever it is pushes me out.. the Sound stops.. the wind picks up again.. what ever it is it’s down the hill about 15 feet.. I could pounce it no problem.. Then a large purple something pokes above the grass...

~WHAaa?~

It pulls down quickly...

I look down at myself... and move silently on all fours.. creeping up to the presence. 10.. feet.. 5 feet... 2 feet.. I can hear something breathing.. I pounce.. and on my way down I see.. MYSELF!!! It looks up at me..

*HIssss!!*

I am so shocked that I cannot resist being thrown back on to the ground..

~WhaT!! how!!~

*Hissss* he pounces on me and completely pins me to the ground.. his hands locked over mine... nose to nose... I begin to struggle but it quickly puts it's teeth around my neck.. not biting down but holding me... I shudder for some reason unknown and hold very still.. it's my instincts.. it.. no he lets go of my neck.. eyes piercing mine.. My heart is racing.. my skin tingles as the fur stands on end.. Im holding my breath... I... Can't... Move... what is happening? He, open-mouthed starts to sniff at my neck and cheeks.. around my ears.. his hot breath brushing my fur.. I shudder again... he then abruptly lets me go.. getting up and sitting off to the side...

~Not ready~ and he shakes his head..

I sit up.. shaking all over... ~Ready? what.. who are you? where did you come from???!!~

~Who am I?... Where did I come from?..~ he holds his head.. ~Don't know~

~You.. don't... know?~

~No.. no... found you! yes that’s what I wanted..~

~Why did you attack me?~

~no.. not attack.. I.. I.. no not ready..~

~Ready for what?~

~Just not..~

I feel my fur stand again... why?

~Your not well.. do you want help?~

He pauses.. and then nods..

~You can stay with us... Sam and I can take care of you she took care of me..~

I get up and offer my hand... he reaches up and places his in mine..

~You have long fingers?~

~yes..~

~I don't... I uh..~ I feel his mind seeping into mine.. and there is so little memories... or is there... I block them out for now.. he needs help... I pull him up and we lock eyes once more..

~This way..~ I step back and turn.. leading him back to the castle..

I can feel him staring at me... Watching me move.. Im not sure this is a wise idea.. but where else is he to turn.. and Sam gave me a chance.. he deserves the same... Was my mind as shattered? or is it still? And his existence brings up some possibilities I never would have dreamed of.. It makes me nervous.. What I have really wanted.. a true companion.. right when I need it most... almost too convenient.

Chapter 18

Atlantis

By Avalon

I have read many books recently.. Trying to further my education on the world.. but a particular section comes to mind.. It was a student textbook on basic biology. Of course I would be interested in such a topic.. much in the same way a small human may ask its parents “where do babies come from?” The section was about the definitions of life… There were six of them.. Organization- meaning that it will display a high level of it.. as in cells and the like. Homeostasis- the ability to maintain a constant internal environment. Growth and Development- that they will change over time.. granted I never got to experience that personally. Energy Acquisition- it’s means to gain energy, from the sun, or other forms of life. Detection and response to stimuli… hmm.. isn’t that what I am doing now? And.. *sigh* Reproduction- the ability to make new cells and the continuation of a species.. They say I can.. I feel my fur stand on end again… I can’t help but think about that.. It bothers me.. it truly does.. He follows me up to the castle and inside obediently.. I make sure to watch him.. not sure how he will react.. But his responses seem to be what mine were, simple curiosity… I finally spot Sam in the hall right before her room.. She is in her robe and her hair is wet.. Must have just got done in the bathhouse.. Needed to relax? She looks our way and she stares in utter disbelief.. So much for her relaxation..

“Avalon?… Tell me I’m not seeing this? Where? How?”

He looks at her innocently.. I turn my attention to her..

~I don’t know.. He doesn’t know.. I have no idea where he came from or how he got here.~

“He?” Her face turns white.. “Uhh.. should I get you your own room? Uh yah in fact.” She opens the door to the adjacent room.. “There.. no one is staying in this one.. I’ll let them know that it’s yours tomorrow..”

~Are you hungry? Thirsty? Tired?~ I turn back to the stranger..

He nods..

~Sam?~

“I’m on it..” She walks up to me and pulls me down to whisper in my ear.. “Be careful!” followed by a pat on the back.. as she moves on.. I look after confused..

~This way.. rest?~

He nods again.. and heads for the open door..

Once inside I sit on the bed.. it’s a nice room lay out is much like Sam’s.. I look and this being has climbed up to sit beside me.. staring intently at me.. Shoulder to shoulder.. While I vacantly gaze at my hands…

~Do you have a name?~ I ask knowing the likely response.

He shakes his head.. ~No… Do you?~

~Yes~

I hear him gasp.. ~How…. How do you get one? And what yours?~

~My name is Avalon, Sam gave me that name.. someone has to give you one..~

He bends down a touch trying to look at my eyes.. ~Can you give me one?~

I glance up to him.. ~Me?~

~You~ His gaze holding steady.. making me very uneasy..

~I will have to think about that… I….~

Just then Sam walks in bearing two bowls.. She sets them on a nearby table.. Winks at me then walks right back out… my fur stands on end yet again… She then opens the door again.. and looks at us both for a time.. we both gaze back..

“uhhh.. Which one is which?”

I reach down and grab his wrist holding up his hand for her too see.. He gives me a confused look..

“ohhh.. and ok.. yah now I can see.. He’s a little darker than you too.. not by much.”

Now she leaves… I look at the bowls.. one is filled to the brim with fresh water.. the other with raw meat. I reach across him and grab them both.. I start to hand him the meat and he snatches it from my hand burying his nose in it…

~You were hungry..~

He continues on with out interruption until it is gone.. Same goes for the water.. when he is done his eyes droop and he lays back and immediately falling asleep..

“~Nows your chance.~”

~Ali… what do you mean?~

He steps up to me from a corner previously unseen.. “~You want your answers?~”

~yes~

“~Now is the time.. his mind is open while he sleeps.. he needs your help and he needs it now.. do not wait… Avalon.. if you do.. the results could be.. disastrous~”

I nod.. and turn to face my mirror…. His twitching already begun, as he enters his own nightmares…

“~Just be careful not to wake him.~”

I lightly place my hands on his temples and ride the impulses inside….

Dark….. I’m drifting in a dark corridor… and either end is blocked I’m trapped… I sense down and below are many many grates… and I can hear water dripping… They are tunnels that lead strait down to the void… I move along and find an open shallow pool… I reach inside… “base sequence one” and my hands find a hollow where the water comes in from and the grates shift “Base 2” and the grates all tighten down My hands drift to the bottom.. and it feels like the inside of a raw wound…. “Proto type.. shown.. breed… when time right… run to desert… destroy.. in wake.. take… take what yours… TAKE!!…” I grab the wound and pull… I can feel tendrils grab my arms and try to pull me down… The place trembles.. no go slow… I feel to the base of the infection… things writhing up my arms… slowly… I root out the slimy thing… and the grates fall open… It screams and twists… and dies.. I reach back down for the source.. and a mind greets me… kind and warm.. but confused….

~Where am I?~

~Your safe.~

~Safe?~

~What happened?~

~Others have twisted your mind for their own uses..~

I open my eyes and see him looking up at me… his ears lay back.. a worried look..

~You’re like me!~

~Yes…~

He reaches up and touches my face..

~Do you hurt?~

~Yes~

His face relaxes… ~So do I.. I don’t remember hurting like this before.. I do remember other things… horrible things… will this stop?~ his face twisting to a grimace

~I don’t know… but your free.~

~free?…. I wanted a name… will you still give me one?~

~How about…. Atlantis?~

He reachs into my mind… ~Hmmmm… lost island fell into the sea.. I think I like that! Good choice!~

~Really?~

~truly..~ he smirks and yawns… ~I think I want to sleep…~ This time he actually uses the bed. ~You should sleep too… that must have been hard work~

~You’re in my bed…~

~there’s room!~

My fur stands on end…

He gets a serious look.. ~I mean this. don’t worry about that…I will not do like they asked… I will not force you to do anything… I will not harm you.. I would like you close however..~ and he gets this pleading look, ears laid back eyes wide… ~I don’t want to be alone…~

I nod and curl up next to him.. he curls up close…

~thank you~

~No, thank you~

and off to our nightmares we go… knowing that someone understands the pain…

“~Without pain there can be no joy… sleep well Avalon.. old friend~”

The subtle one vanishing on a puff of stars..

Chapter 19

Revelations

By Avalon

~Hey, wake up... do you always sleep like this?~

~No... I’m usually awake all night... but..~ I roll over to look at this overly chipper one....

~Why ruin it for me? This is best sleep ever!~

He rolls his eyes up ~Well, I’m hungry again and I figured that it would be rude to not only root around in peoples heads trying to find the kitchen but it would be rude to barge in there and just start eating anything I found.. so I wait for you since you live here... and I guess I’m your guest~ He smirks and looks down at me.

I give him a puzzled look.. ~Manners? Rude? Why would you care about that?~

He shrugs ~part of my old programming I guess.. they wanted me to be sociable at times.... when I wasn't doing dirty work for them.. you understand don't you?~ giving that pleading look again.

I shrug and roll out of bed, shaking off the dust.. ~So this person I am interacting with is artificial?~

~no no no.. more like.. well sort of.. now that you put it that way.. granted this is the only real personality I have.. eh.. it's more like you took this and all my memories and put it together~ Spreading his arms wide.. while he still sits on the bed.. Tail wrapped around his ankle.. then placing his hands together.. palm to palm.. he smiles ~You make me complete.~ feeling mirth at his own joke..

~Are you going to be like this all the time?~ I sneer..

He gets up.. nods.. ~Yes!~ then a serious look crosses his face.. ~Granted if you have a problem with this.. well.. You have your way to deal with pain... I have mine. About that food?~

I glare.. ~This way~ I turn and walk out him right behind me.. ~so what can you tell me about Psy division? Or is that who made you?~

He nods.. ~They made me.. right after you were.. finished?.. They used me.. Just like they used you.~

~Hrmf, they never got a chance to use me.~

~Wanna bet!~ He stops in the hall arms folded..

I turn back and stare.. ~What do you mean?~

~You were used.. simple as that..~ he nods at his own correction. ~You really think that they would have just let you destroy the crew without a back up plan?~

~They were fools that’s...~

~No Avalon~ He shakes his head.. ~One thing I know from them is never assume that your enemy is stupid.. NEVER make that mistake.. they have plans to cover plans.. The people on that ship were MEANT to die.. they were defectors or had unfavorable opinions.. you were simply pointed at them and allowed to fire.. and once your effectiveness was tested they left you to die out there and began work on me.. with "improvements" things they thought would help.. with my mission.. but they did not count on you surviving.. really what were the chances of anyone finding a single ship out in the vastness of space before you died? Sure they knew you could hibernate... but for how long? two years is a long time.. and having you show up only enticed them more.. I also have a hard time believing that they did not plan on this happening... that you would be able to clear my mind.. hope for both of our sakes that they did not.~ He looks down, shakes his head and takes a heavy breath...

I simply stare as the weight of what he said slowly settles.. ~You mean I murdered? for humans? I.. I.. Mission? what was your mission? what improvements? I cant believe what I am hearing.. it's like a stone being dropped on my heart... I never felt guilty about the people on that ship... I thought they deserved it... I thought they..~ I shake my head.. slumping my shoulders ears laid back.. tail wrapping around my feet..

~They were innocent.. even then no one deserves to die like that.. NO ONE! I look back at the same Avalon... the only crime the people I killed committed was to oppose Psy Div. Granted anyone like them would also like to see the both of us destroyed.. simply because of who created us.. I was made to be a Killer... an efficient one.. all for the Div.. and failing my natural talents they gave me better hands so that I could work a weapon..~ he gazes at me and smirks ~Apparently any weapon.. about that food?~

My fur bristles... ~Uh.. uh ... this way~ I turn down a hall and make my way to the kitchen..

Once I give him his food and water... I settle down on the floor.. I look to him.. ~So how long before you think they will come for you?~

With out looking up from his meal. ~Who knows.. all I know is that they may come.. sooner.. latter.. doesn't really matter..~

~They can't leave us be?~

~Nope to them we are their property~

~How do you know all of this?~

~Some of it is programming I’m sure.. some is just things they told me at some point while I could not recall what had just happened.. I may have gleaned some as well~

~Once they got the both of us back what would they have done?~

~That I don't know.. They may have just put you down.. they may have used you as another assassin.. But nether case would make sense why they would have me breed with you... unless they were just wanting to know what would happen..~

For once my hackles don't raise.. ~that is odd~

He sits up and pushes the bowl away.. then locks eyes with me.. and for a long moment we just stare.. both guarding our own thoughts.. he nods.. ~yes it is~ ..... ~Now what?~

I shake my head.. ~I don't know~

He gets up.. ~Show me this place?~

I get up in same.. ~Sure~

I lead him through all the places Ali and I had discovered... I miss him already.. Atlantis remains quiet the entire time as I simply lead, letting him discover this place for himself... Finally comments when we get back to the room..

~Interesting~

I nod..

~I want to know more... about you about this place.. about this world... universe.... everything..~

~Me? that’s simple.. I was trapped in a box for two years eating people.. then I was rescued.. then I stayed here.. now I know you.. what more is there?~

His ears lay back.. ~no no I’m sure there is more.... do you dream? have dreams?~

I feel my insides twist.. ~no, other than the damned Nightmares!~ shooting him a hurt look..

He just nods sitting down on the bed.. ~I know... but do you want them?~

I nod.. sitting down as well.. hugging myself..

~Well~ looking thoughtful ~Think of some stuff you want to happen.. anything.. no matter what it is... no matter how far it may seem... That’s what humans do..~ he extends his head towards me..

I take a heavy breath.. ~I want... I want... want.. to stop having nightmares, to not hurt all the time, Psy Division to leave us alone permanently, to hurt them like they hurt me..~ I feel tears running down my face as I tip my head back ~To have someone like Sam does, to feel other things besides hate, to know what it would have been like to grow up as a child, to have a mother, to have a father, to have a voice to scream with, to have hands like you, to have a point, a reason to live, TO LIVE!~ I flop over on the bed sobbing..

~I think that was the idea.. hey it's ok.. I feel about the same way~

I look up to see the tears on his face as well.. he wipes some off.. and smiles.. ~Hey.. what are these?~

~tears, you shed them when your sad..~

~I’m not sure if im sad~ he smiles some more.. ~look at it this way... the fact that we can feel anything is a marvel~

~why is that?~

~well they didn't make us to have emotions did they?~ He reaches down and pets my back..

I catch my breath.. ~no they wouldn’t~

he closes his eyes.. ~then we are doing one more thing that was never intended and is therefore against their wishes and yet something else to piss them off~ he pulls me onto my back to face him.. a strange look in his eyes.. he then bends down and starts to nuzzle me... and.... slowly... the world goes away.. no more castle.. no more humans.. no more voices.. just his.. just mine... and I see it all... everything he has ever seen or done.. a short lifetime but it is all there.. The pain.. the suffering... the time before he was like this.. the humans who used him... ~no they did not expect this...~ our voices say as one.. and I can hear him... I know he sees all that I have... and he does not feel pain from it.. only joy.. joy to not be alone.. and to have another to stand by him against the darkness.. then the forced memories become clear.. all the languages to use... all the piloting... all the killing... the command to die.. command to lose sanity.. now even clearer.. the will to live.. the desire to see another day.. the pleasure of this moment.. the edges of our being blurr.. where once there was two now there is one.. this is no dream.. this is real.. so real... moments become seconds, seconds.. minutes, minutes.. hours, hours.. an eternity... there is a final flurry of memories.. the pain disappearing in a raging sea of bliss.. and then it starts to fade... all the pieces falling back into place.. one by one... memory my memory.. including this one... this one will be treasured... I open my eyes to see only his face.. he shifts his gaze away then back bearing a confused look...

~Avalon? or should I say Kesha?~

~hmm?~

~Why do I have this urge to run off to the desert?~

Chapter 20

Oni

By Avalon

I can't sleep.. nothing has changed there.. I’m just laying here gazing up at the ceiling trying to sort through all the information I just got. I look over to Atlantis. His eyes are closed and his breathing at a slow steady pace.. he's asleep. I take a deep breath .. reach over and scratch under his chin.. he shifts and rolls towards me curling up around me.. This is so odd.. and unexpected.. Then I can sense Sam coming up to the door..

~Come in Sam.~

She opens it tentatively looking in.. "Is it safe?"

I nod..

"What happened?.. I mean I was a ways away and I felt this weird sensation wash over my head.." She then looks down to the unconsous Atlantis.. "Ah I get it.." Her eyes go wide "DANG!.. hmm.. is he?"

~deprogrammed? yes.. for the most part.. but Sam?~

"yes?"

~Something has to be done about Psy Division.. they are out to get just about everybody.. and will go to the farthest reaches of the universe to get us both back~ I look down.. ~Or the possible three of us~

Sam's face goes white... "What! wait you don't know? do you?"

~no I don't... and remember what oak said.. it's not very likely.~

"Whew! you scared me for a moment.. ok I'll leave you be.. I was just checking on you.. and I'll go see what kinda dirt I can dig up on Psy Div. just to see.." she turns and walks out.. Sam? would that be so bad? more of a question to myself.. better yet.. how long before.. this could all be over tomorrow.. and this feeling.. would be gone forever.. So what was the point? I gaze back at the ceiling.. after gently rolling him away from me... no need for my errant thoughts to interrupt his sleep.. Even then.. I can't shake the feeling that if we were to survive and prosper it would simply be a compounding of a big mistake... Not meant to be.. just not meant to be.. I get out of bed no matter how much I don't want to.. my body protesting every step of the way.. going over to stare out the window.. A perfect starry night.. no moon.. why so much taint in everything I do.. It always goes sour..

"Awwwwwww.... poor little thing.. Mwa ha ha!" come the harsh whispering voice.. "There you are feeling sorry for yourself even though to my eyes you rather enjoyed yourself!"

~You.... WATCHED!~ My guts twist.. and my heart sinks.. ~find it funny?~ I sneer at the pair of eyes drifting in the darkness..

"No I didn't, but I do despise how your handling it!.. there you are.. expercing something all life experecnes and you go and brush it off to be miserable!.. pathetic.. your not alone! what's the problem!!?"

I look down at my hands ~I’m still a twisted beast..~

"HA! so! your ALIVE aren’t YOU?... would you like to be dead!? HUH? would you? Would you like to be like meee?" hands appearing and pointing at eyes.. "And for that matter are you calling him a Twisted beast? hmmm? are you?" pointing to Atlantis.. and waiting..

I move back over to the bed and sit down.. putting my head in my hands.. ~I wonder some times if death would be the noble thing to do... and Atlantis knows what he is..~

"you disgust me... you would throw away what I would love to have!!"

I look up at the now fully seen ghost.. Pain filling me up... ~You want a body??? FINE! YOU CAN HAVE!! MINE!~ I lay back down slowly.. watching it..

A thoughtful look crosses his face.. "You really mean it?"

~Yes... you think I don't hurt than you can try being me for a while!~

"Ok.. your on!" he drifts over to me.. and his eyes... encompass all..

I am seeing things like in a dream.. outside myself.. I see my body.. then the eyes flicker open.. I... it sits up and looks about.. hands come up to the face.. touching and feeling.. and then a deep breath fills it's lungs.. and a smile creeps across.. I try to talk but I can't I can only watch helpless.. it stands.. and stretches then bolts out the door.. I can however follow and I do.. as it runs down to the kitchen.. First the food then the water.. eyes wide the entire time.. then fly’s out the window.. up as high as it can stand.. then plummeting down to the river.. *splash* gets out and dries off.. I feel a tug.. and my body stumbles.. it fly’s off again directly to the room.. and landing softly on the bed.. I feel the tug and my body collapses like a rag doll.. and for a moment that haunter is next to my non-existent self.. then I see from my own eyes again..

"Heh! you were wrong.. that was not bad at all!!.. It is your own self pitty... you have so much energy! you would be a fool to give that up.. take.... my.. word for it." He starts to drift away.. then stops halfway through the wall.. "oh and By the way.. your not. You are only feeding one.. not two" and he vanishes..

Chapter 21

Training

By Avalon

We wake at the same time.. and go about the morning in uncomfortable silence.. Neither one sure of what to say to the other... Unsure about what the other one thinks now that the truth be known.. We accompany each other.. to breakfast.. to the baths... and still not a word.. just a watchful silence... and finally while I soak in the rustic wooded tub he sits up suddenly sending water up my nose... I start a sneezing fit..

~I got it!!~ he’s standing now water up to his hips and pounding his fist into his palm sending little jets out in all directions..

~Got what?~ as I blow the last of the water out my nose and settle back down eyes just barley above water..

~Your planning a strike against Psy Div. Right?~

~Sort of we don't know what all we can really accomplish with that.~

~well..~ he says settling down himself ~If you do there are some little tricks you need to learn I’m sure I could teach you.. that and I know you still have some programming yourself that needs removing... I could do that now if you'll let me..~ he eyes me from his side of the tub..

~What would you be removing?~

He gazes at the ceiling.. ~Wellll... the command words for one.. so that you don't go bezerk or just up and die when they say when.. and wouldn’t they be surprised when they try that and you just keep on going? HAH!~ he slaps the water making a little splash..

I nod.. ~Ok... I hope you know what your doing~ I sit up a bit..

He walks over and leans over me and places his hands on my temples..

~now don't resist.. just relax.. do you trust me?~

~yes~ and I feel him in my mind pealing back layer by layer.. searching... memories waft by in my conseness... and PAIN..

~Shhhh.... don't resist Avalon..~ he holds me down as I start to thrash.. then I relax again..

~That’s it... I’m almost done..~ The layers go back in place and he backs off.. ~There is that better?~

I shake my head and look at him.. ~I don't feel any different.. really.. is that it?~

He nods ~That’s it... I tried to change as little as possible.. and I did..~ He smirks.. and stands again... ~I say I teach you some things now.. little tricks for you to use~ and he gets out heading for the door..

I get out and follow.. ~tricks? you mean things they taught you? right?~

~I sure do~

~Wouldn’t that be what they expect from me? or you?~

~Yes, but doesn’t it seem poetic to use not only our selves but also their own methods as well agnist them..? I love the irony! We'll go to the field first~ And out we go to the summer sun..

"I hope those two are ok Ohmar.. It.. worries me.."

"Sam, you shouldn’t worry so much... She will be fine" He looks up at me from his reading..

I’m standing by the window watching my "Daughter" as Zephras called her and her new found companion.. She named Him Atlantis.. Fitting I guess... Hope I didn't start a trend.. I sigh and sit back down at the computer console..

"So now what?" I ask as I kick up my feet on the desk..

"You didn't find anything new huh?"

"Nope! Not that we need anymore.. just having those two around will be proof enough I'm sure."

"Why not take them to the powers that be.. not earth.. but the peace keepers they would have the authority to smash Psy Div. with the love birds as evidence.."

"Yah I was thinking about taking her to them... and maybe I can get a bounty out of them while I’m at it... to hit the div.. and hit them hard!"

"Sounds plausible to me.. hey Sam?"

"huh?"

He points towards the desk.. "What is that anyway?"

I look down and see a circuit board that he is pointing to..

"I don't know, Avalon had it with her when I picked her up from Ac.." I pick up the little thing and turn it over in my hands several times.. "I duno.. looks strange" I find a small crystal button on the side.. "hmmm maybe if I.." I push it and the little thing starts to shake and vibrate in my hands and I drop it. Halfway to the floor A form of Teal and pink takes shape around it... The little thing... made of polygons gently glides to the floor instead.. "eyes" turning crescents in an apparent smile.. It squeaks some gibberish at me..

"Uh... what the hell?"

"Beats me!" says Ohmar.. with mirth at my reaction...

It makes some more blips.. then an artificial voice sounding like a cartoon crow begins to squawk.. "Plllehh.. P... p... Porygon Unit Zero Zero One now online... awaiting orders"

Ohmar and I look at each other..

"uh what is it?"

"Pokemon simulation program.. at your service.. I can simulate many diffent attack modes and I’m cute too!"

"It's another pokemon" Ohmar rolls his eyes and goes back to reading his book..

"So what else can you do?"

"I can move freely in databases and the like... I’m quite useful"

"Oh really.. So If I told you to go and get some secure document from another computer system you could do it?"

"No problem.. In a snap.. In a jiffy.. right away.. effortless.. Give me some search parameters and I will be good to go!" It gives a little jump..

"How about 'Psy Division black Operations'?"

"Right on it!" and with that it hops on my lap and jumps into the computer screen.. leaving ripples on the text.. I blink..

"well you don't see -that- everyday do you.. This should prove interesting.."

We stand on a hilltop in the hot wind and the summer sun for a time drying off.. Just practing some stillness.. He turns to me...

~Ok first I'll teach you the easy stuff but it's also the last ditch stuff.. stuff you don't use unless you have too... The big things are simple.. it's the fine tuning that is more difficult~

~So it's exactly opposite of how physical stuff works?~

~That’s right to a point anyway.. A bigger target is simpler to move because it is so large more for you to 'grab' it's like trying to pick things up with jelly.. a whole lot of jelly.. the more you have the more likely you can grab it without disturbing other things.. unless it is friggen huge.. like a planet or something~

I nod

~The more refined you get however the tougher it gets.. but also the more ummf your big attacks have as well... watch..~ He puts his hands together at his waist and slowly spreads them apart a crackling ball of darkness forming between them light blue sparks jumping between the fingers.. and his eyes take on a glow.. he holds it there.. ~can you do this?~

I mimic his actions and somewhere the knowledge of how comes forth.. and I hold one of the same..

He nods.. ~good.. now what to do with this.. hmm...~ he looks around then up.. His ball flouts out of his hands and moves about several tail lengths above us.. He points... ~Hit it!~

I send mine sailing towards it and when the two meet a massive explosion ensues... Nothing is damaged... it was high enough up..

He nods.. ~Ok lets try that a few more times..~ A time latter we stop to notice the line of people on the castle walls watching..

He nods ~Lets show off a bit~ and he lifts off into the sky ~Come get me!~ He dares and turns tail flying off.. I lift off as well and begin the chase..

The lands scape shoots by below and he turns and sends a massive black ball at me.. I stop and put up my hands instinctively and the ball dissipates around a barrier that forms.. ~Good! OK now hit me!~ I see the game now... I form it and blast it at him.. and he forms his own barrier.. The energy sparking madly as it wraps around him.. My mind for some reason jumping topics..

~Oh By the way..~ I start as I from another one.. ~If you were expecting anything to begot by last night, well sorry to disappoint you..~ and I send it his way...

~Huh?!!~ He drops his guard at the news and the my attack slams into him at full force and he... falls.. Like a stone.. down into the forest below...

~ATLANTIS!!~ I turn my self down and plummet after him trying to get a hold on him before he hits the trees.. finally he is in range and a blue field slows his descent.. I land gently next to him in the trees and he simply lays out on the moss when I let him go..

~Atlantis! are you ok?~ Falling to my knees next to him..

He opens one eye.. ~did I scare you?~

I look down at his body to see a massive burn on his chest.. ~YES!~

The wound begins to heal.. ~Don't worry I’m fine..~ he smirks.. ~Nice shot, and don't be sorry.. It was my fault I let my guard down.. No matter how surprised I was.. Your not?~

I shake my head.. ~No, I’m not, I’m sorry~

~Hey don't apologize.. I honestly wasn't even thinking about that.. It just happened and what ever the results we would deal with.. But how do you know?~

~A very reliable source told me~

~I'll take your word for it... Well my programming said 'when it is time' maybe it's just not time yet?~ He smiles the wound now totally healed ~besides, If you were with a baby.. there would be NO WAY I let you go on some mission!~ He shakes his head for effect..

~So if not now then when?~ I look at him sadness in my eyes..

~Aww.. not now.. you have a job and I more to teach you.. we go do some fine tuning now~ He lifts off and I follow Him to the city..

Chapter 22

Figments

By Avalon

Cities are such great training grounds... I can vaguely remember the human cites I have been to for such things... New York.. Moscow.. Hong Kong... Tokyo... Granted, I was a different 'person' then.... they also taught me life was meaningless... Now I can see the lie that was.. But that will make some of the training more difficult.. If we just can't kill... I will find some other way I’m sure to show her what she needs...

I glance back at her as we fly... I still don't know what would be worse... Living two years in the cold of space with only the dead as company or.. Living the past year and a half as a slave.. mind and body.. I look at her and see her pain.. I feel it too yes.. but I can't be like her.. so sad.. I guess freedom has that effect on me.. And I pull a loop in the sky before we descend on the city..

We walk in an ally.. looking for a good place to start where we can see as many people without them seeing us... I look back at her.. she is waiting patiently to start.. She is so quiet.. so pensive.. teachable... If they had actually treated her like a she had a mind and emotions.. raised her like a child.. She would probably have been just what they wanted... A slave too... I guess her bad moods a have a purpose...

~Ok.. now for the tough stuff. watch..~ I center into myself just as I was taught.. and reach out to the minds twisting a particular part.. the center for sight.. the most important part..

~Can you sense what I am doing Avalon?~

~yes~ she says as a curios looks crosses her face.

~good~ So eager to learn... I walk out into the masses... all turning a blind eye to me... Being unseen I turn and watch Avalon at the edge of the ally as she bends down and sniffs the ground and walls where I had been. So much like an animal still as well... She then looks up at me..

~How? they can't see you?~ she feels amazed..

~Not really, I have simply told their minds that I am not here.. try it~ she concentrates for a moment and then walks out into the street towards me.. Unnoticed..

~good... see wasn’t that simple?~

~yes it was... But I would have never thought about that.. What about cameras and the like?~ She stands next to me and looks around at the faces that go by..

~What about them?~ Giving her a smug look... I reach out for the familure hum that they give off.. that background racket created not by a living mind but by machines that try to act like it.. I find one that is pointed at us.. I force the power within it to surge and shut it down.. ~You catch that?~

She nods... ~yes.. so now no one sees us?~

~That’s right... ok next part~ I look to the crowd some one who is safe.. some one sitting.. there.. there is a child with its mother.. looking rather board.. sitting on a bench that will do... Avalon turns her attention to the child..

~What are you going to do?~

~Watch~ and I feel for the controls.. ah just flip a switch and... the little one leans against the mother.. fast asleep...

~So far Avalon all I have done with being unseen and putting that child asleep has been to find the proper area that controls what I need.. and trigger it... So really this is only limited by what you can find in the mind.. This can be done to you as well.. but few humans are strong enough to do it.. and even then they would need to do it before your walls go up.. then they don't have a chance.. Practice it some but be careful...~

She looks out into the crowds seeking targets.. I pay little attention.. I know she can do it.. my thoughts go back to how she would have such knowledge.. mmm.. they were so right when they said I would like this mission.. I wonder if I should show her how to kill with out evidence? No.. for one there is no real need unless she needs to assassinate someone... two.. she has her own way to kill.. and three.. If she really needs it I’m sure she has it in her mind somewhere waiting to be called on.. In fact perhaps anymore she should discover on her own.. or dredge it up from memory.. she has the tools the potential.. And when t our former masters are finally taken down.. she will call on what she needs..

~Enough, Avalon I think you have it.. no more need to harass the locals..~ She nods and comes back to my side..

~So now what do we do?~

~Lets go back and relax at the castle... Maybe Sam has some news for you?~

Her eyes open wide.. ~Oh! that’s right I forgot all about that.. she had something planned.. Ok come on!~ and in a moment she if off towards home..

Chapter 23

A collection of evidence

By Avalon

Oh Sam I can sense that you need me back soon we are coming as fast as we can! I don't know what is going on but I can feel her excitement from here.. and it seems good.. I think the vengeance may just be near.. so close... so close I can taste it! I want to fight! I want to tear them down... For what they did to me... to us.. I still hurt.. I can use the pain this time.. to focus.. to drive me into their black heart like a spear!

"So Sam, your telling me that you have enough evidence to shut down Psy Division for good? you just need to get into the facility to get hard copy evidence to seal the deal?" The voice came from the computer console

"Yes Sir.. All sorts of things! I need to get in there not only for hard evidence but so that the right people take the fall.. sure we have enough to nail them right now.. this is just what we need to make it stick.."

"I understand that.. I am not the biggest fan of Psy Division myself.. but your talking about a major Earth run organization.. that would be almost like taking down earth Military!"

"That’s why I have called you Mr. president.. If I can have your backing.. the peace keepers can do the prosecuting of the Div. separately and Earth as a member will have to go for it.. honestly, a lot of people will be happy to have this thorn out of their side."

The older man on the screen nods his head.. "So how much do you plan on charging us bounty hunter?"

"Nothing"

"Nothing? there’s a catch?"

"Yes"

"I thought so.. well what is it?"

"My charges are not to be harmed.. prosecuted.. or eughthinized.. they would be helping me on the mission and they would be major witness on the case.. not to mention evidence.."

"Are these the 'weapons'?"

"yes that would be them.."

"Are they there? can I see them?"

"Uh.. sir.. they.. are out playing.."

"Playing?"

"That’s what I said" nervous look on her face..

"why do I get a picture of earth ships playing tag?"

"Don't know sir.."

That’s when we flew in.. we landed on Sams bed and relaxed.. Merlin right behind us Mewing like crazy..

"~Come on guys! Sit up! she needs you! hey wake up!~"

I sit up and look at the screen.. The stern faced man looking back with surprise.. Merlin lands on my head and starts to purr contentedly..

"These are the weapons?"

Same winks at me "nice timing" then turns to the screen.."Yes sir"

"They are cute.. in a strange sort of way.. you have them under control?"

"yes sir.. well in my own way.. they are sentient.. they each have a unique personality.. and are very intelligent.. I reason with them.. go fig that’s why I’m doing this.. Psy Division would just tear them to pieces or use them.. They deserve a chance! at life!"

"Ya know Sam.. the Universe could use more people like you.."

"Thank you sir!"

"I approve, do what it takes.. and remember this favor will be called on latter"

"Thank you Sir I will not let you down!"

The screen goes dark.. and Sam turns to us grinning ear to ear..

"That’s it! that’s all we need! Your on the road to true freedom!"

Chapter 24

Poetic Justice

By Avalon

It's time.. the chess pieces have been placed.. and the mighty king and queen are trapped by their own pawns... Atlantis is staying behind.. he says that this is more my fight and that just in case they try to pull anything against Delta 3 he will be there to help.. That and Queen Zephras has taken a liking to him so he will be getting the education of his life while I’m away.. Sam has everything packed.. she is brining that pikachu and Ali's little brother as her own back up.. Me? I go alone to the Labs.. According to the maps she has of the place there is an extensive basement area under the building.. She thinks it's a lab.. and Atlantis's memory serves to confirm that.. these are the labs he was 'born' in.. My Job will mainly be to distract them once I’m in the heart of the compound.. While she goes upstairs to make arrests and gather hard evidence.. I too am to look for evidence.. mainly in the equipment and possibly other experiments in progress... whatever I can find

The trip to earth is uneventful I keep to myself monitoring my thoughts and when we arrive I begin to set myself up to remain unseen. The space port cameras report a moment of down time.. No one sees the large beast in their presence as we move like the wind to the home of my mad parents

The building is one of the biggest ones here.. Sam and I gaze up at it as she lets her hands fidget over the two pokeballs in her free hand..

"You ready?"

I nod and we move forward inside..

The woman at the front desk starts to address Sam as we enter I pay no attention.. I walk over to the stairs and wait for Sam to distract this woman enough so that she doesn't notice the doors to the stairs open slowly as I glide inside.. I have to use my immediate senses mostly to find what I seek.. I have to stay on guard.. I have to keep aware... Camera there never sees me as it turns to snow on the other end.. I round the corner and look eyes with an enforcer not the same one.. he is guarding a door and he is too slow as he slumps to the ground... The door requires a card key and scan.. hmm.. I search the man and find the key.. running it through then I hold his head up to the scanner and the door opens with a pop.. As a reward for being so helpful I make sure when he wakes he thinks that nothing happened and I drop him on the floor with a loud thud as I hurry through..

This is it.. no question about it the massive room colored in steel blues and whites... The cold metal tables.. the massive tubes.. all empty.. in fact there is no one in here at all.. Very strange.. I walk up to the central table.. the cruel devices for holding down any manner of creature.. the ones for spicing them to pieces.. the gutter around the edge for catching wasted fluid.. This is it.. this.. I place my hand on the smooth clean surface and pain immediately lances up my arm.. I see blood everywhere.. It's my blood.. pouring like a river off the table.. I see that innocent body... cruelly tortured.. held down.. sliced apart.. I see me as a mew.. as Kesha.. I see the faceless.. no masked humans.. with the claws.. no just scalpels.. I see that I was far from the first on this table.. and not the last either.. I pull myself out of the vision to find myself panting.. Luckily no one came in.. I look around the room and notice the doors on the sides four of them to be exact.. private labs for the humans to work in I suspect.. two of them are occupied.. One by a single mind the other by a group of them.. I move to the single one first..

I peer inside.. and see a human woman laying on a table asleep.. I open the door and walk inside..

Something is not quite right with her.. she is nude.. her hair is a pale blonde and very long.. but her skin is dark and swarthy she has a slim body except her hips and breasts which are unnaturally large.. I pick up the clip board at the end of the table.. one word on the paperwork answers my question.. "Jynx/human" hmm..

"Finding that interesting?" comes the low extremely feminine voice..

I look up to see her gazing at me.. ~You have to get out of here~

"I suspect that seeing you roaming free means as much.. good it's about time.. don't worry I can see myself out.." She hops off the table and pulls a lab coat off the wall trying to wrap it around her oddly shaped body.. like I should talk.. "well good luck.. see ya around" and she walks out like nothing happened.. A quick scan reveals no ill intentions either.. weird

I gaze out into the main lab and see three humans walk in two males one female.. they are silent as they enter the other occupied lab.. I slip out and head over to that door to listen and watch..

"well Agitha it's your turn to do the programming.."

"I know I know.. I've always hated this part"

I see the blonde woman walk up to the being on the table and place her hands on it's head.. Its a.. hitmonchan.. that’s it.. but I see a little red star on its forehead.. now that’s not supposed to be there.. The woman starts to furrow her brows and sweat..

"Ok that’s it for today no more.. I'll put in the objectives and call words tomorrow" She turns and looks right at me locking eyes.. I duck down just as she gasps...

"What is it Agitha?"

"I saw something out there!"

"Great did the Jynx get loose again! Lets go look"

I stay behind the swing of the door as they exit heading to the other now empty room.. these humans look familure.. That woman.. I follow them stopping at the table hiding behind a mass of instruments running my hand across the smooth surface again...

"Yup she’s gone!" Says one male..

"Damnit I wish she would stop running off.." says the next..

was she here? was she one of the ones that stole my innocence? was she?

"well I can't blame her guys! I want to run out those doors half the time myself!"

Agitha? where have I heard that name? Why does it seem so familure?

"I mean come on after the things we've done to her? I mean that used to be a human being! What kind of sick people do we have running this place!"

She seems so familure! She was there I’m sure of it! The picture runs through my mind from a time I would like to forget.. the tube.. the lab.. the first human I killed... what did she say?

"I may get accused of being unprofessional but I get attached to these things I make and this organization keeps stealing them from me.. they send them out in ships to die or to kill people"

"Then why do you stay?"

The woman.. she said 'Agitha would be so pleased'.. and the other human..

"I have to these people practically own me!"

He said that..

"and these projects are my pride and joy! it's all.. I've.. got.."

She sees me.. She is looking right at me through the tangle of metal and glass the words catching in her throat.. Ok no more.. I throw down the instruments taking out some rage to stare at the three of them

"Oh crap!" Both the men say at the same time as they back off..

"D... don't run.. guys stay put!" her voice shakes and she forces herself to approach me.. "It hasn’t attacked.. If it wanted to hurt us it would of by now.."

My face twists in a scowl as she gets right up to me and stares..

"I won’t hurt you.. your the girl.. aren’t you?"

I’m surprised.. she tells the truth.. ~yes.. how?~ my face relaxing..

"I made you dear.. I made you.. you were my best work!.. I’m so glad to see your alive!"

~your glad?~ I shake my head... ~WHY?~

"Well they said you were flawed so they sent you away.. they were just upset that I made you whole.. complete..”

~Complete?~ I look up and watch the other humans they look nervous but they are too curios to leave… when I gaze back down at this small frail human… this human who claims to have made me.. she is reaching up to my face.. and she runs her hand down my cheek..

“Yes you are an entire being.. you know I never got to see your eyes.. They sent you away before I could see them.. so pretty.. even better than I expected..” She starts to scratch under my chin..

~The other did you make him as well? How am I complete?~ my brows furrowing and ears laying back...

"No they took me away from the project after you... they didn't like that I made you capable of reproducing... accused me of taking it personal so they put this jerk in charge Dr. Regan.. oh all this probably don't make any sense to you...."

~Why would you do that? why?~

"No daughter of mine is going to have the same curse I have!" I can see the war of emotions well up as she looks down to her stomach.. "You have options I never had.."

There is a long silence.. I watch her... she watches me as my tail swishes in nervous anticipation... I now understand.. Think I do... She made me.. humans create for its own sake? no I still don't understand why humans over all would do this.. but this woman.. Agitha.. she.. had no other way to create.. I think back to my own disappointment.. How the union of Atlantis and myself created nothing.. despite what I think about it.. despite my doubts.. I can see how that drive.. that desire would bring someone... to.. do.. this...

She looks up at me sharply..

"Your here to take this all down aren’t you?"

I nod..

"Then I’m coming with you.. we'll lead the way show you what needs to come down and then you take us away from here.. you take us away from earth space.. right guys!" she looks back to the two males and they nod in silent agreement.. "And we need to hurry.. I think.." she dives under a table as several armed humans come crashing trough the door and open fire.. I watch in slow motion as one.. two.. three.. shots.. are placed along my body.. the hip and a blossom of red.. the shoulder another flower of blood.. and the last tearing away half my vision.. and PAIN.. swiftly courses through me.. but no more shots reach me even though more are fired.. the energy harmlessly bouncing off an invisible barrier around me..

"try to get more through.. get closer!! MOVE!!"

Before the humans can get closer.. my rage.. my instincts.. ones I haven’t called upon for some time cut loose by the pain.. oh humans what a very bad mistake... a massive wave of power surges trough me and out.. sending it rushing towards my attackers.. flinging everything in the way up and over against the back wall.. the humans manage to land two more wounds before they and their toys are crushed.. I look over to the frightened trio.. with a one eyed gaze.. my right eye glowing intensely..

~RUN! RUN NOW!~ And they do.. up the stairs.. more humans are on their way.. but I have a few moments.. I reach up.. find Sams mind.. and send her a picture of the scientists..

~They are with us.. show them the way..~

They are closer now... The older wounds begin to heal my eye socket begins to tingle as new flesh grows in slowly.. and there they are.. more this time.. and the same scenario.. only this time I'm ready.. nothing touches me.. this time I simply reach out and crush the weapons.. and the humans run being so declawed as they are.. screaming.. I’m alone down here.. the place mostly destroyed.. I head towards the stairs and turn at the last moment gazing at my own reflection on the table.. that same table.. now half buried in the floor.. I see the left side of my face a marring of blood, tissue and bone.. very little of me is white at the moment.. I smirk.. instant pain coming from the horrible gaping wound.. Looking down to my hands I form a black ball.. humming with power.. and send it driving into the table.. a massive explosion singing my rage for me..

I work my way up the stairs.. hearing no more movement.. I’m almost to the top and I can hear Sams voice call out to me..

"Avalon!! Lets go! We got what we need!!"

I round the last corner the outer doors in sight.. The click of boots as the enforcer steps around from behind the doorway.. cocky look on his face...

"Going somewhere?"

I stop.. and gaze up at him..

"That’s what I thought.. time to end this freak.." ~Proto type base 5.. end.. failure.. dreamless..~ I stand my ground.. his face falls.. ~Dreamless~

I step up to him.. a gruesome scowl spreading across my twisted face..

He backs up.. ~Dreamless!!~ I can feel his fear.. I.. can... taste.. it.. my body begins to surge with mad hissing laughter.. the scowl shifting to a wide painful smile.. the joy.. the sick satisfaction.. crawls trough my body.. oh yes this will be good..

"~DREAMLESS!!~" he shouts at me.. as if this word can stop me.. well not anymore.. I reach inside him.. I crush.. I crush EVERYTHING! His mind is torn asunder.. his heart explodes.. the lungs torn open allowing them to drown in their own blood.. he drops to his knees before me.. as his very life spills out of his ears, nose and mouth..

I hiss out more laughter and hiss out one word "KNEEL!" and his body fall onto my feet and into a pool of it's own blood.. the smell filling my senses.. the fear.. the blood.. it's so much... too much.. I’m about to do something I will regret....

"Avalon! lets go! NOW!" Sams voice snaps me back to my senses.. I see her.. as gestures to me.. "The others are at the ship.. Make yourself unseen and lets go!" and to other eyes I shimmer and fade away..

Back through the port.. thankfully the blood has worn off of my feet so no tracks are left.. my own bleeding has stopped as well.. the wounds almost all closed.. even the eye is almost healed.. the skin regrown.. I still can't see out of the eye yet but I can blink at least so it has reformed.. I follow Sam onto her ship.. I see Agitha and the other two scientists huddled in the corner..

~Start the ship Sam~

She nods and goes over to the controls.. the ship begins to move and the doors shut.. and I slowly let myself be seen..

Sam expression goes flat.. "Avalon? you look like you had a helleva gore orgy down there! What happened?"

~They were trying to kill me..~

"And your eye! god!"

~Its was shot out..~

"WAS?"

Agitha lifts her head.. "Give her some water and she will see in no time.. trust me on this one"

"Ooookaay.." Sam goes over and digs out a bag of water and hands it to me... I drink it with as much lust as if I had been tearing into the enforcers body.. Sam just watches.. and slowly my vision clears and I can see depth.. I blink and everything is back to relatively normal.. Sam reaches up and feels my head..

"you need some rest kid.. go lay down.. and when we get home you get a bath.."

"She can rest near me" Agitha pats the floor next to her..

I look at Sam and she nods.. And I slump down and curl up.. drifting off to sleep as a hand gently caresses my face...

"Shh.. it's ok.. your almost home... home.. home..."

Chapter 25

Reflection

By Avalon

That was a pretty successful mission I would say.. got all the info we needed and even took home some witnesses! Very nice... Poor Avalon she looks horrible! I can't imagine getting an eye shot out is a very wonderful feeling.. and this Agitha.. She seems pretty quite the other two haven’t said a peep.. I think I scare them.. Agitha sighs..

"So now what do we do?"

I shrug.. "Well right now Psy. Div. H.Q. is being sacked by Both earth and Peace keeper forces.. The proper folks being arrested and so on.. You would be in there too if it weren't for Avalon seeming to like you for some reason." looking down to the blood stained sleeping form by Agithas side as she reaches down and idly scratches Avalon behind the ear evoking a light purr from her...

"Avalon?" she says softly almost to herself "That's a good name for you.. very pretty.. wish I could have given you a name..."

I stoop down and sit next Avalon’s feet lightly rubbing between the foot pads and toes.. the purring increases slightly as the feet reflexively stretch out and toes spread wide..

"Agitha? you seem awful attached to her.."

She looks up at me.. "Yes.. I.. hmm.. You seem to have taken good care of her.. She seems very healthy.. How long have you had her?"

I shrug "about 3 months"

"Ah" she nods. as she turns the ear to peer inside "So how much are you going to get paid for turning us in?"

I giver her a hurt look.. "Nothing.. And if Avalon wants to keep you around then you are scott free.. I did this for her.. She deserves to live unmolested by her creators.."

She lets go of the ear and gazes at me a long moment.. "You are a better mother than I could ever be.. I’m glad your the one that found her.. Don't worry I will not try to get between you.."

I mull over what she said... "Your saying that you are the one that made her?"

She nods.. as she looks back down and peels open the wounded eye.. "good looks better.. uh.. Yes, I was the lead researcher on the project when she was made.. Unfortunately they removed me right after she was almost completed... I was a little upset when they gave the news of where they were sending her.."

I smirk.. "Oh and what did they say 'that' was?"

She sighs and moves her hand over to the mouth parting the lips.. "They were sending her out to war... then latter they told me the ship was lost.. I was trying to tell myself it was just a project.. that it was to be expected.. But, when she was growing I would just stare sometimes.. I couldn’t help but get attached.. for some reason I knew that she was thinking feeling being.. not just some machine.. They never intended that to happen"

I sigh.. "So what would you say if I told you that she was sent out to die? That they intended her to kill everyone on that ship then left there for dead?"

Her face goes white.. and. then I see a fire spark behind her eyes then die.. "well she is safe now.. figures they would lie about it.. there were some good people on that ship.. some of them good friends.."

"So.. why don't you hate the critter that your currently petting?"

"She didn't really kill them.. well yah technically she did.. but.. Psy Division is who I really blame.. they are the ones that hand selected the people to go on board..."

I nod.. "You never really did answer my question.."

"What question was that?"

"Why are you babying a creature that until today you never really met?"

"I... I.. uh.." she looks down at Avalon as she twitches in some dream "I could never have children of my own... she is as close to my own as I will ever get... that and.."

"and what?"

"You've read the files right?"

"Yah?"

"What do they say she was made of?"

"A mew.."

"And what else?"

"Umm... Well it was kinda unclear.. they listed off some things that they wanted her to do and what already could do that..."

She sighs and rolls her eyes.. "Human Sam... she has a little bit of human in her.."

"well she had a lot more human in her when I met her.. but.."

"Would you stop? Where do you think they got it from? who do you think was the genetic donor?"

"Ah... ohh.. hmm"

"Do me a favor and don't tell her."

"Why?"

"She has already identified you as her mom.. she is so young it might confuse her to tell her now.. latter when she is ready.. You keep taking good care of her and well I will just have to watch from afar"

I nod.. "So anything else I should know?"

"Well if your mom now someday you could be a grandma!"

"Ha ha cute... I already knew about that..."

"Provided that there's a boy running around..." She smirks

"done and done.."

"What?!" Her face faults

I shrug.. "Yah.. She named him Atlantis he's waiting back home.."

She thinks for a moment.. "Well I didn't do that one... Regan.. it had to be Regan.. great.. Is he all right? I mean has he displayed any really violent tendencies?"

"Nah! he's very cordial and well mannered now.. Avalon did something to him.. not sure what..."

She nods.. "How long has he been there.. I mean.. well have they done anything?"

I roll my eyes "God have they! I’m was lucky to get sleep! all these weird dreams!"

"how long ago?"

"Uh... lemme think.. about three weeks ago.. Earth weeks"

She nods and gets up crawling over to Avalon’s belly placing her ear against it.. strange lady...

"I don't hear anything..."

"hear what?"

"shhh!"

I bite my lip.. She sits up and starts to run her hands along the purple stomach pressing in here and there surprisingly Avalon does not wake up.. Guess she's that tired..

Agitha shakes her head... "Nope nothing.. the chances are slim anyway"

"Yah Oak already told me that"

Avalon starts to shift and turn in her sleep..

"Maybe we should leave her alone let her sleep?"

"yah... I wonder what she's dreaming about?"

Chapter 26

Long walk

By Avalon

~Avalon?...... Avalon.....~

The voice could barley be heard over the thrum of my own heart and my contented purr... my steady breathing.. ah sleep is wonderful.. all of it together serving to rhythmically lull me down into my deeper self.. and this voice unlike the others around my sleeping body only serves to pull me deeper... and deeper... My body goes numb.. but a good numb.. one that feels light and airy.. relaxing.. natural.. but at the same time heavy.. alternating with my heart and breath..

~Avalon.. your almost there.. just a little more..~

In... light.. out.. heavy.. light.. dark....

Stars? I’m standing in stars feeling light as a feather..and not breathing? But I don't panic.. this too feels natural.. I feel like I am standing on something but there is only more stars under my feet..

~There.. I was wondering when you would make it here..~

I turn around and see Atlantis..

~well you did it... we are one step closer to being free~

~free? You mean this?~ I gesture to the surrounding stars..

~No no.. this is just a place where minds can meet at long distance.. It's a talent I just learned from Her high and Mighty self Zephras.. She says we are espasly talented for this sort of thing even tough it was not in our original design... I meant what you just accomplished,, our former masters gone!!~ He gestures up to the vaulted sky above.. ~However.. from what these say.. this is hardly the end of the road.. peace for us will take a long time and many hardships will come and go.. And we may not see it in our lifetimes.. but our legacy will go on.. I’m not sure how.. I don't know much more about that.. but I just know that we are not the last..~

I look up at the stars for a time they seem far more interesting like this.. ~These hard ships? Do you know more?~

He shrugs ~No, all I know is guesswork... My 'father' is still out there... He was not captured.. and knowing him He will try to keep his project alive.. The rest of humanity.. They will not accept us.. declaring us freaks of nature.. they will fear us.. just like they feared their own telepaths.. only more so since we hold so much power.. and the rest of the races out here will look down on us.. Seeing us as the mistakes of a foolish young race.. we have few friends.. not to mention we are still pokemon.. Considered my most little better than animals.. one obstacle at a time.. for now we need to learn.. gain as much knowledge as we can.. we are still very young after all~ He looks back at me and smiles..

I give him a wary look... ~You have something planned?~

His smile widens ~NO! I just think I will have a great time setting the universe on it's ear!~

The two mewtwo enjoyed the starscape for a time enjoying the freedom from their bodies..

A trio of royalty gazed up at the sky awaiting the time when history would be made before them.. as is the duty of beings with such ancient souls..

A man booked passage off of the Human Colony Mars.. telling the clerk on the Vid that he was moving to an outer colony.. after he finished.. Turning to a smooth glass surface glowing orange from within... Gazing up at the small form already growing inside...

Somewhere.. in halls of political importance many are outraged at recent events... Something needs to be done....

On AC colony a pained being sits in a cave surrounded by his own work.. creations like himself but not.. He mulled over the events on a distant island and wondered if he perhaps forgotten something..

A tablet sits in cave waiting for the light..

A team of a Cat, a man with Blue hair, and a Woman with red... are being yelled at by a superior as they are distracted by things they would like to forget..