Chp 41: Regret 
 
The first thing Seth heard upon opening the door to their room was the shower running. “Filthy... Filthy. Disgusting.” A voice said from inside the bathroom. 
 
 He quickly released everyone, after having gone to the pokemon center. He gave Fluffy to Sky and the pair went for the bedroom while he opened the bathroom door. “Mewtwo?” He guessed.  
 
“Yes...” She said nervously.  
 
He turned lucario, merging his clothes into his body before he pulled the curtain aside and got in. 
 
“What are you doing!?” 
 
“You seemed pretty upset. Need a hand?” He offered as he grabbed a bottle of shampoo.  
 
She said nothing and looked away, facing the water again. Seth squirted out some soap, aided by his thumbed paws, and began to rub it into her back. She jumped a bit at the contact, but accepted it. Despite her appearance, she did have fur, though it was incredibly short and nearly invisible.  
 
“Not a fan of bugs I take it?” He asked.  
 
“They... disgust me.” Her muscles tensed. 
 
“Yeah, you really lost your cool.”  
 
"Do you think I’m weak?” She asked after a long pause. 
 
“No, not at all. Everybody has a weakness. I’m terrified of bats. That’s why we work together, we can overcome our weak points.” His hands went up and began to rub her shoulders. 
 
“Yes, that does make sense.” She stayed quiet for a while as Seth changed from cleaning to massaging. “I was created by evil humans. After I escaped, I was on my own. I spied on humanity for a long time and learned much. Now, I need a hybrid like you to continue my species, artificial though it may be.” 
 
“I understand.” Seth said. “It’s nice to know there’s a person in there.”  
 
“In... me?” She asked in confusion. 
 
“That’s more like you. You don’t have to be so cautious.” He said, reaching down and giving her butt a squeeze, causing a gasp. “One more battle. See you later.” He turned around and climbed out of the shower.  
 
+++ 
 
After drying off, Seth returned to the bedroom. “How you feeling now?” Seth asked Sky. She, Soul, and Fluffy were on the bed. 
 
“Better. Still a little headache, but... Latias taught me how to use Draco Meteor when we were training together. I guess I overdid it, but I wasn’t going to lose after coming that far.” Sky explained. 
 
“Draco Meteor? A dragon type move? But espeon can’t learn that.” Seth said.  
 
“That’s what I thought too.” She gave one last lick to Fluffy head, finishing cleaning him. He quickly broke free of her grasp and jumped off the bed. “But I can.”  
 
“Now Soul, we need to talk about your power.” 
 
“I told you, I dunno nothin.” She said, not even looking away from the TV. “It just works.”  
 
At that moment, Mewtwo entered the room, still dripping with water. “It was I who trained Soul. Allow me to answer your questions.”  
 
“Okay, first, can she use aura?” 
 
“To a degree.” Mewtwo held up a paw, forming an aura sphere. “I can. The place I dwell is a special location. There are areas in this world strong with life energy, where being in their presence can empower anyone nearby. She must have enough latent talent to weave it into her attacks without realizing it. The drain of using too much of her life force must have weakened her in battle.” Mewtwo explained.  
 
“Dumb!” Soul groaned and rolled onto her back. “It’s not about how the trick is done, it’s the result.”  
 
“Ah. And her golden aura?” Seth asked. 
 
“That has nothing to do with me. It was not my influence that created that ability, though I do understand it. The humans of Alola first discovered it when portals to another world opened. It was originally theorized that energy released from these portals caused pokemon to undergo a power spike. However, the ability was discovered elsewhere soon after. In truth, it had existed for a long time, the same as mega evolution and z-moves. I can use it as well.” Mewtwo closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. Her body exploded with golden light, steam rising from her as the water evaporated. “It is proof of evolutionary potential. Only achieved with both time and strife. Suffering and experience. It is only seen with pokemon who have reached the peak of their power and life.”  
 
“You really are emphasizing that age part. So I couldn’t use it?” Seth asked. 
 
“No, I suspect not. Maybe in twenty years.” Mewtwo guessed.  
 
“Soul? Anything to add?” 
 
She took a deep breath. “Are you going to drop it or keep prying?” She asked, her aloof tone gone.  
 
“Uh...” He wasn’t used to her sounding so serious. “I mean... I do care.”  
 
“Fine. Sky, Mewtwo, get out.” 
 
“But...” Sky started, but the harsh glare she got from Soul stopped her. “Come on Fluffy.”  
 
All three filed out. “Soul... Are you feeling okay?” 
 
“No. No I’m not.” She grunted angrily. “I’m only going to tell you all this once. And you can’t tell anyone, ever. Even Sky.” 
 
“Okay. Lemme go lock the door.”  
 
“I am the oldest member of this team. Besides Mewtwo at least. I have had three other trainers... All of them are dead now. My first was a young boy. He was full of energy. I was a young girl then, just old enough to leave the den. He wanted to be the next big trainer, just like the heroes he saw on TV.”  
 
+++ 
 
“Yay! I got another one!” Todd yelled happily. “Good job Bitey!” He pulled out his pokedex to examine his new catch. “An absol! Those are super rare! Professor will be happy. Let’s name her... Horny!” The boy smiled happily at his fitting choice of name, too innocent to catch the extra meaning... 
 
The coughs of Todd echoed through the halls, coming every minute now. They sounded hollow, the only noise in the deathly silent house. “Can I do anything for you honey?” His mom asked, barely able to keep herself from bursting into tears. 
 
“Can...” His voice was faint, barely audible. “You get my pokemon?”  
 
His mother went over to the dresser and released the four pokeballs there. Bitey the poochyena, Zaggy the zigzagoon, Taily the skitty and Horny the absol. All three of the smaller pokemon climbed onto the bed, gathering around the sick boy. Horny stayed off, as she was too large. But she was right by his side nonetheless. The boy might not have known what was happening, but the pokemon all sensed it. He was dying.  
 
+++ 
 
“Three? Exactly how old are you? And how don’t you look that old?” 
 
“I’m not some granny. Now shut up and let me tell the story.” 
 
“One day, he fell ill. It was a fast and brutal sickness. He was dead within a month. His parents put all of his meager team up for adoption. Then I was picked up by an older man. He wanted a show pokemon, something to look pretty and be adored. I was pretty happy with that. He was also rich and alone, so I ended up being his protector too.” 
 
+++ 
 
“You really are a beauty.” Beauregard said, petting the absol’s neck. “Would you like me to take you home?” She barked in agreement. “How about... Moon? You like that Moon?” She nodded... 
 
“Yeah, I hear this old fool has millions, just held up in his mansion.” 
 
“Really? And he lives all alone?”  
 
“Totally. It’s the perfect crime. Poor old man probably can’t even walk...” 
 
The howl of a pokemon pierced the night. Suddenly, a white specter leapt from the roof, pouncing the would-be robbers. A few flashy moves and they were running in fear... 
 
“Moon! Where are y-AH!” Beauregard’s yell tore through the usually calm house, followed by a crash. She found him in the hallway a moment later, lying on the floor. His hand clutched at his chest. He would not or could not say anything. Despite the concerned mewling and nudging of Moon, he couldn’t move. 
 
+++ 
 
 “Things were good for a few years. But then, he had a heart attack. And I couldn’t do anything.” She grimaced and growled. “I didn’t know what a phone was. I didn’t know how to help him. I was too stupid to do anything. So he died there. I hung around for a few days, until I destroyed my old ball and escaped into the wild.” 
 
“I think I know where this is going. You’ve told me what happened before.”  
 
“I know. But you want the whole story.”  
 
+++ 
 
“A human? What’s she doing out here?” Absol raised her head, getting a better view through the brush. It was a human. For some reason, she was out here alone, this deep in the woods this late in the night. “Is she stupid or something?” Driven by curiosity in this strange visitor, Absol began to follow her.  
 
The girl walked slow, looking around often. Suddenly, she locked eyes with the absol in the bushes. “HAH! There’s one!” She shouted happily. She tossed a pokeball from her belt, releasing a large male houndoom. “Go, Fang!” After a fierce battle, Absol was defeated and captured.  
 
The freshly named Abby was at first quite angry about the beat down. She was just minding her own business when this girl, Sara, kidnapped her. But as time went on, she got to know the rest of the team and their trainer. Fang the houndoom ended up being the one to draw her in. He was attractive, and though he could be an ass at times, he was good at heart. Sara however, had a dream. She was gonna fill out her pokedex, catch one of every pokemon in the world. An ambitious goal, but she was the kind of person that seemed like they could do anything they put their mind to.  
 
The bonds grew fast, perhaps because she was eager to fill the holes in her past. Sara and Fang became her best friends. They always ended up fighting together, the both of them defeating anyone who got in their trainer’s way. Abby also became a core catcher for the team. Her ability to use false swipe was invaluble. For almost eight years, they travelled the world, visiting many different places and catching many pokemon. But throughout all of it, the main six stayed with Sara, including Fang and Abby. 
 
Until one day, Sara was stopped on the road by a trio of black suited men. “Hand over all your pokemon or else.”  
 
“Yeah right!” Sara spat back. She reached for her belt, but one of the men drew a gun. 
 
“Now.” 
 
The outside world is blurred when inside a pokeball. One often gets something, but never the full picture, much like a dream. But she remembers that moment, in grisly detail. The man shot, the bullet tearing through Sara’s chest. As she fell to the ground, she managed to touch one of her pokeballs, releasing Mama, the powerful kangaskhan. Upon seeing the monster of a pokemon materialize, the men fled. But Sara was gravely wounded. One by one, she released the rest of her team. “Everyone, listen.” She whispered as blood flowed from her mouth. “I’m sorry, but... I’m not gonna make it. Go and...” Those were the last words she spoke. Her eyes drifted shut as she passed on. 
 
The entire team was in shock. They travelled together for a time, pondering what her final message was. One by one, they scattered. Abby and Fang were the last two together.  
 
Fang came back into the cave they were staying in for the night, a bundle of berries in his mouth. He found Abby huddled in a ball, crying. “Hey, come on, cheer up.” He begged.  
 
“How can I?” 
 
“Can... can I try something? It’ll feel good, I’ve heard...”  
 
That was her first time. And he was right, it did help her forget. It dulled the pain of loss. Sex became her drug of choice, one way to stop the sadness. 
 
+++ 
 
“The other way came later. After Fang and I split up, I was still mad as hell. Humans had caused me so much suffering. They were weak and frail and murderers. So when I found one alone... I killed him. It was so easy. And then I did it again, and again and again! And not just men. I killed women and children, just for revenge. Or maybe fun. I don’t know anymore. One hundred and eighty-four. I remember each and everyone one of them now. And you know what? I didn’t even find the ones who killed her.” 
 
“Soul...” 
 
“I became the murderer. I wanted them to suffer, just like I had. For four years, all I did was kill humans and rape the weaker pokemon to satisfy myself. They both learned to avoid me. So, then I found you. But does it really matter? I’m a fucking monster! No one can forgive the things I’ve done!” 
 
Seth moved across the bed, coming closer to her. 
 
“GET AWAY!” She shouted, tears in her eyes. She swung her horn, slashing a deep bloody line across his chest, just a few inches below cutting through his neck. He didn’t even flinch as he came forward and pulled her into a hug. She quivered and sniveled as his blood stained her fur.  
 
“Shh. It’s okay.” He hugged her even tighter. “I don’t know how to fix your past. I can’t. But we can move on to the future.” He gave her on kiss on the forehead. “You aren’t a monster, not anymore. You’ve changed, can’t you see it?”  
 
“Yes, but... what if something happens? What if I go back to the old me?” 
 
“I won’t let that happen.”  
 
She pushed him away. The serious look she gave him hit harder than any attack. “Then you can never die.”  
 
“Heh...” He chuckled nervously. “You’re stronger than me. If anyone can keep me safe, it’s you.”  
 
“That’s just it. I’m at my peak. I’m only going to get weaker.” 
 
“So... how old are you really?” Seth asked, eager to calm her down by changing the topic. 
 
“Twenty-five.” 
 
+++ 
 
“Zip? Do you mind if I ask you about something?” Sky asked as she entered the room.  
 
“What?” 
 
“While we were fighting... I heard you think something. About-” 
 
“My son. He was born while I was in captivity, but I suppose he’s free now.” Zip said nonchantly. 
 
“Don’t you want to find him?” Sky asked in confusion. 
 
“Not particularly. There was never any connection. He was taken away nearly as soon as he hatched. 
 
“I think you should, once we part ways.”  
 
“Seeing you with your son... maybe I will.”  
 
+++ 
 
“Daim?” Mewtwo asked. 
 
“Huh? What is it?” 
 
“What is love?” 
 
Daim went wide eyed. “Oh dear... uhm... how do I answer a question like that?” 
 
“Exactly. Most human words have a meaning. But that one seems far more abstract. I have heard many different definitions over the years.” 
 
“I guess... it’s when you’d do something for someone, even if it hurts you. When you care for somebody else so much that you don’t care about yourself. Does that help?” Daim explained, struggling to simplify the complex topic. 
 
“Yes. I think I get it. It’s much like any other irrational want.” 
 
“I suppose, but I wouldn’t be so pessimistic about it. It’s a good thing.” 
 
+++ 
 
“Are you okay?” Seth asked. Soul had been crying for a good ten minutes now, her chest hitching uncontrollably. She was calmer now, but still sniffling. 
 
“I... I think so.” Her voice was hoarse. “I’ve never... ever told anyone all of that. It feels... good?”  
 
“Just let it all out... I’ve got you.” He held her tighter, rubbing his chin into her head.  
 
“I miss them so much!” She cried out, starting up again.  
 
+++ 
 
“Sky, before you leave... can we talk?” Tiff asked once Sky and Zip finished. 
 
“Shoot.”  
 
“Has Seth... talked about me?” 
 
“Kinda. If you’re asking for gossip, I’ve got nothing. We’ve been pretty busy with Fluffy and the battles. But he does worry about you.”  
 
“That’s good...” She blushed and looked away.  
 
“Right. I’ll leave you to it. Though it does get cold at night. A living heater might help.” Sky joked. 
 
+++ 
 
“Alright, try this one!” Drew taunted. A series of leaves formed on his back and launched out toward Fluffy. The attack was magnitudes weaker than a normal one, little more damaging than leaves in the wind. Fluffy took it seriously though. He ducked and dodged around the ten or so leaves that blew across the room. He even jumped up and smacked the last one out of the air with his tail. “Good, good, now this!”  
 
A pair of vines extended from his back and lightly tapped at Fluffy’s paws. He reared up and smacked them away. But at the same time, another snuck up and tied up him suddenly. Drew disconnected and deadened the vine, causing it to turn brown and stiff. Fluffy squirmed around on the ground, his paws pinned to his body, before he began chewing through the dead plant. 
 
“Heh, little guy is unstoppable. Almost makes me worried.” Drew laughed while Dust watched with a smile. 
 
+++ 
 
“If you ever... EVER tell anyone I broke down like that, I will rip out your tongue.” Soul threatened. 
 
“Right. Should I unlock the door yet?” 
 
“No, let me fix up first.” She brought up her paws and began to clean her face.  
 
“Soul, thank you. I know that must have been hard.” 
 
“Will you shut up?” 
 
“Alright. I love you.” He said, petting her flank. 
 
“Shut up!”