The Purest Of Children

By: Jackie Almasy

Chapter 3

Light And Dark

~*~*~*~

I often thought to myself after those series of events what had happened to my mind, my judgment. Never before in my life had I made such reckless decisions nor such quick actions with ever thinking it through, seeing all the bumps and bruises, soothing and smoothing out the path we chose to take before trailing it.

I thought I knew myself fully, ever bit of my personality, the deep regions of my mind and then...I was stopped dead in my tracks. Like a Stantler caught in the blinding rays of a car heading straight for it in the dead of night, I....was almost....afraid of my actions.

Had I done the right thing? Saving this girl from the clutches of death and shown her sanctuary in the light of our fair home. Sanctuary....a word we so wish to say, to hear that word roll so blissfully off of our tongues but yet....we can't. We look at ourselves every day and see our physical forms, out bodies...and wonder. Exactly...why, were we so different? We looked like other Pokemon, behaved like other Pokemon, yet...we were treated differently, treated as outcasts.

We has lungs just like them, enabling us to breathe the very air they did, almost the very source of life on this planet. We had brains just like them, allowing us to explore the subject of thought and free will but then again, how can one fully explore the joy of free will...when one is shunned, treated such like a derelict that we had to hide from the rest of the world. Confined to this one small corner of the world, too scared....too afraid to challenge the hatred of this world.

We had hearts just like them, pumping the blood and nutrients of our bodies all over, jetting through the small passageways of our veins, arteries. Bringing us the very key of life, we were so much alike other Pokemon but yet...there was a difference in the patterns of our simplest forms. Our DNA, the building blocks of our forms, the very being we are, was not pure enough.

Cloning...it seemed like such a vile word, so evil and dirty. Even the thought of this new idea seemed to make people cringe, the mere thought of a being not being created by nature, made....by machine. Created by the thoughts of almost mad scientists, and genetically altered from the smallest hair of a Pokemon, they wished to create us. In the hands of some, we were only saw as lab experiments, mere tools of war and destruction.

They sought to rip our bodies of the subject of free will, of strand thoughts. So many men were like this, so many sinister minds plotting an army of us, men like Giovanni. The twisted mind behind the very reason we exist, we were born from this mans senseless thoughts of world domination and darkness. Wanting nothing but total control of everything, he sent wished to create...the ultimate Pokemon.

Hearing of scientists that were setting out on expeditions, expeditions of top secret things. Intrigued by this, Giovanni sent out his minions, Team Rocket, to retrieve info on this, whatever the cost. Blood had to be shed upon the pure earth to retrieve this info, lives had to be wiped out from this world...just to achieve a few files. The earth had been saturated by the desires and wants of evil. Just how far...could man fall?

As he read these files, I could almost picture the twisting grin spreading upon his face. The look of evil flaring in his eyes, the look that could almost make the bravest Pokemon cringe with fear. The flaming passion of desire in his heart, it added more darkness to his mind. His secret wish...could soon become achieved. The very thought of this though, scared almost ever sane person alive. The impure thoughts of having the ultimate pokemon, an all powerful and invincible being, a being to have power over all.

It was this, that he set out to find the scientists and offer than a proposition: If he funded the expedition and all experiments, the he only asked for one thing in return, a replica of Mew, the most powerful pokemon alive. Reluctantly and full of fear, they agreed upon this bargain. Fearing the man, it was the man was the walking devil himself, having no soul.

Soul? This man had probably ever even heard of the word, spitting upon even the mere thought of good and pureness. Of all the man I have ever met, he is the closest thing to true evil I have ever known. The cold aura that surrounded that man was so bone chilling, so icy, it was as if the man could freeze an entire city over with his mere thoughts if he wanted too.

Setting out, the scientists traveled to the deep regions of the rain forests and jungles, venturing out into the lush and full of life world, they traveled. Days passed and no signs of their destination, an ancient ruin believed to have been a shrine to the all powerful Pokemon. Bodies saturated with seat, their skin almost burned, they pressed on under the scorching sun. Finally, almost not believing their very eyes and thinking their minds were playing tricks on them, they reached their destination, the ruins.

It was here...they did not realize they were being watched by the very thing they saw to create.

As if by a stroke of luck, the scientists felt like celebrating for their wildest dreams had come true. The very thing, the key to life had been found, a survive DNA sample of the legendary pokemon, Mew. Little did they know, this was beginning of what could of been an Apocalypse, the very end of the humankind as we knew it. Over vast and long years, they worked day and night, countless hours trying to achieve their goal. Finally...after long and hard years, they created the very first clone that survived.

Me....

Like a raging bull and out of control animal, I let out my rage upon my creators, applaud that they even thought of controlling me and using my hands to do their dirty work. Soil MY hands for doing their wrong deeds, their corrupted thoughts. How dare they...but....then again, how dare I think...the thoughts I did so long ago.

Thinking I would enslave the human race, make them feel what they made me feel...I did not fully see...what I had almost destroyed. The very thing that makes humans and pokemon alike, emotions and hope. These simple things had kept us going since the beginning of time and I....I sought to destroy them. Ash...taught me so much on that day, that day...I felt a stirring inside me. My soul...my heart....it felt compassion for the first time. This compassion...so indescribable, so....warm.

Trying to right my wrongs., I took the clones and fled to the spot we are in today but it was not until now...I truly understood how strong compassion and emotions could run until this day. The day I brought her into our world, saving her from the clutches of darkness...I changed dramatically. This simple bundle of life...her fate was now in my hands.

What I wonder is...how...would I raise her? As she grew, she would want to get to know the other Pokemon, though, sadly...they seemed to despise her, not except her. After that incident by the lake, I grew so much more protective and cautious of her. She reminded me of when I first awoke, except...she is pure.

This child that sleeps in my arms now, her green eyes, they reflected so much purity, so much goodness. The eyes of a child, they see the world so simply yet again, with so much understanding. They see all the good things in man and pokemon alike and they too, see the evil. Like light and darkness, they seem to balance everything out and decide what inhabits their own hearts. Too see the world through the eyes of a child...how I wondered how it felt to look through those eyes. Krista...how I wondered....how you would see the world, how you would see man? Seeing man...and how they treated clones, how they treated things they do not understand. Will man...ever stop judging by looks and how things are on the outside, taking a look at the being within. Yes...will man...ever obtain...such purity?

~*~*~

Since that day, the Pokemon had been more cautious how they approached Mewtwo and Krista. The child grew quickly, drinking the nutritious water filled with such minerals. Eating the lush fruits and berries from the forests, added strength to her body. Mewtwo had watched her proudly growing, swearing to himself that he would protect her from anyone as the girl always tried to stick by him, though, her heart was as wild and free as they came.

~*~

The night sky slowly spread across the vast heavens as the small glittering lights started shimmering over the bright and shimmering lake of Purity Mountain. The stars shown proud and majestically in the blanket of darkness as they slowly spread their light over the top of the mountain. As the light immediately touched the lake surface, it was almost as if magic had arisen.

As silver sparkles suddenly sparked up and danced happily across the water surface, the night time Pokemon slowly started arousing from their sleep, yawning and slowly stretching. A pack of Houndooms and Houndours slowly emerged from a den in the side of a hill, as the smaller Houndours popped their heads out of the den. Their flaming red eyes slowly emitting a scarlet color.

Standing up to their full height, three Houndours let out a happy growl and pranced out into the cool night air. As the soft breeze blew by, waving the long blades of grass mystically, the scent of the fresh and spring time flowers filling the air. Barking playfully, the Houndours pounced on one another, rolling over the grass as the accidentally scared a pair of sleeping Pidgey. Tweeting in anger, the two small birds took off into the night sky, their cries slowly fading in the wind.

As the Houndours continued playing, four tall and proud looking Houndooms trotted their way out of the dirt den, the soft padding sounds filling their ears. The proud and broad black bodies of the Houndooms shined in the moonlight, their sleek skin reflecting. Their bright red eyes gleamed with amusement as they walked over to the playing Houndours and growled slightly, stopping their play.

The Houndours looked up and seemed to grin a toothy grin, as they lined up in a line and paid attention to the Houndooms.

" Tonight young ones is the night you have waited for. You have come upon the age of adulthood and soon, after much training and battles you shall evolve into a proud and brave Houndoom." The tallest and most buff Houndoom said to the little ones, their faces starting to beam with happiness.

" Come, we hunt." Houndoom said proudly as he turned to the other Houndooms. Grinning, the leader raised his head to the night time sky and let out a howl. The passion and emotions running wild through the proud Pokemon as the others joined with him. Their howl carrying in the wind as they slowly stopped and took off into the night, swiftly running through the field like black blurs.

Not too far away in the dark forest, the air was still and quiet. A few crickets chirped and then suddenly, a red light blinked. There was silence....then it was followed by another and another. Soon, the small section of trees were brightly lighted up and flashing like Christmas trees. In the tree tops and lush branches, hundreds of little figures slowly stirred. Their small black eyes slowly opened to see the silvery moonlight shinning down on their world as they started rising. The sound of beating wings suddenly started filling the air with a soft hum as the Ledyba and Ledians suddenly started taking off into the air.

Rows after rows of red flashing object took to the starry sky as they jetted through the air, soon coming upon the soft cries of flying Butterfree's. As they flashed through the air slowly, little blue sparkles suddenly fell from the air, giving the night sky a glimmering show. The white holy color of their wings reflected beautifully in the sparking glory. Their red eyes shimmering passionately as their cries continued to carry through the wind.

Back down on the ground, a pack of Umbreon rushed out of the bushes, their bodies whisking and running through the trees with ease. Thrusting their front legs foreword, their feet gripped into the lush Earth and pushed off it, giving the Pokemon more speed. The bright yellow on their skin showed brightly through the night sky as suddenly stopped in a small clearing near the woods. Their red eyes looked around in the darkness slowly, scanning for any signs of movement.

Suddenly a low rustle caught the ear of the leading Umbreon, his red eyes glared down as he let out a small cry. Quickly taking off into the forest once again, a speeding shadow caught the eyes of the leader as it tried to flee into the night, the Umbreon grinned. The shadow rushed through the forest with ease, as its panting breath could be heard. Jumping over roots and large logs, dodging through trees and bushes, the shadow jumped over a large stream.

As the shadow landed gracefully on the bank across from the other side, it glanced back to see the pack was still pursuing it. Getting up on its two strong and long legs, it continued to run as the Umbreon's followed close behind. Coming upon the large stream, the leading Umbreon saw its length and called back to the others too stop. As its followers looked confused, they slowly stopped as the leading one continued to run.

Narrowing its eyes, the Umbreon gained speed and ran faster, its heart and mind pumping and rushing with adrenaline. Nearing the edge of the ground, its back legs pushed with all their might foreword as the Umbreon launched into the air. Crossing the stream it landed on its paws and continued running, the scent of the shadow filling its nostrils, leading the way it went.

The shadow's breath began to tire as it pushed on, its legs pounding as the blood sped through it, its heart beat thundering in its ears. Suddenly the shadow felt its foot caught on something as its emerald eyes suddenly widened. Falling to the rough dirt, a sudden gasp sounded through the air as it tried to get up, it suddenly froze in fear as it heard the Umbreon gaining on it. Its muscles refusing to respond, it looked up shocked as the Umbreon suddenly jumped up and landed on top of it.

Both legs on either side of the shadow's body, the Umbreon growled, showing its fangs as the shadow locked its emerald eyes with its red orbs. Time seemed to slow as she Umbreon slowly lowered its head and sniffed the shadow. The shadow closed its eyes and waited for the Umbreon to strike...and it did. Suddenly feeling a soft and warm skin rubbing against its lower stomach, the shadow looked up to see the Umbreon rubbing its head up and down, crying out happily and with delight.

A laugh filled the air as the shadow stood up.

" Okay, okay Umbreon! You caught me, your faster than I am, I give up!" the shadow laughed as the moonlight suddenly shot through the leaves and branches. As it shown down, the ground suddenly lit up as a eight year old girl was shown on the ground. Her light pale skin and brown hair shinned brilliantly in the moonlight as she sat up, her long hair tied up in a pony tail. Her pale black shirt and shorts covered her young form as though it was quite the opposite of her eyes.

The emerald orbs shinned brightly as it seemed to emit a mystical glow. Grinning, the girl sat up and the Umbreon immediately yipped in glee and brought its face to hers. Licking the sides of her face fast, the young girl laughed again and then gently pushed the Umbreon to the ground.

" I can't believe how fast you have gotten! How you been training again?" the girl laughed as she stood up.

" Bree!" the Umbreon cheered gladly as it jumped around the young girls feet, she couldn't help but grin. As she slowly turned and began to walk through the forest, the Umbreon followed at her side. Eight year old Krista grinned into the night as she exited the forest and came upon the lake shore line. Her eyes widened in awe at the sight of the beautiful landscape in front of her, she let out a slow breath.

Looking at the center of the lake she saw the small island, the rock formation standing out completely as part of the moon remained hidden beneath it. Catching a glimpse of something, Krista looked curiously at the top of the rock formation, she saw a figures standing silently on top. Its back was turned to them as she grinned.

" Mewtwo..." she whispered with a almost evil grin. Looking down at Umbreon she bent down and pat its head gently. Stroking the top of its head gently, she smiled as the Umbreon shut its eyes slowly and smiled happily, enjoying all the attention it was getting. As it opened its red eyes slowly, it watched Krista stand up to her full height, her eyes beaming.

" I'll see you later Umbreon!" she said winking as the Umbreon nodded its head and let out a happy cry. Turning its body back into the forest, like a sudden Pidgeot it took into the forest. Disappearing into the shadows, Krista stood there and smiled gently. Turning back to the water, she slowly walked up to the waters edge. The sound of the water gently running up onto the sandy shore filled her ears as she looked around the water, her eyes scanning the surface.

Bringing her lips together, she let out a soft whistle. The sound passed her soft lips as it echoed in the air, sounding like a sweet song, the notes slowly carrying through the air. In the darkness under the water, bubbles slowly started to rise through the watery world. A sudden current of water rushed through the liquid, a soft roar rushing through the space. Another rush of notes went through the water as a pair of bright red eyes suddenly opened.

Krista looked around the water grinned as she suddenly saw a large shadow heading towards the surface. Standing up slowly, the shadow got bigger and bigger until a rush of water rose from the lake. Grinning, Krista watched a long blue body covered with scales emerge from the water. The head rose from the lake as a small roar spread through the air, as the head of a Gyarados appeared.

" Hello Gyarados!" Krista said proudly as the large water creature locked its flaming red eyes with her gentle green ones. Grinning she slowly raises her hand as the Gyarados slowly lowered its head and put its smooth wet skin against her gently touch. Smiling brightly she slowly began to run her hand up and down the side of its face, the Gyarados closed its eyes in happiness.

" Think you could give me a ride over to the island big fella?" Krista asked questionably as Gyarados without wasting time, lowered its head low enough for Krista to get on. Smiling she climbed onto the giant Pokemon's head and top part of its neck. Sitting herself securely down, she gently grabbed the sides of his head as Gyarados slowly raised its head.

Turning its body in the water, Krista kept her eyes focused on the island ahead as she felt droplets of water splash from the water and hit her leg. Turning her attention to the water, her green eyes softened as she watched it slowly spread ripples along its surface. As if looking into another world, Krista kept her eyes on the water and seemed mesmerized.

Almost as if she was lost in her reflection in the water, she snapped back to reality as she felt Gyarados lower its head again, signaling they were at the island.

" Well that was fast." Krista muttered under her breath as she slipped her right leg over the side of his neck and jumped off, landing on the ground with a thud. Bending her knee's a bit upon the impact she forced herself up again and brushed off her knees. Looking up at Gyarados she grinned.

" Thanks Gyarados, we'll go swimming first thing in the morning!" Krista said as she turned and waved goodbye over her shoulder. Hearing Gyarados slowly immerse himself in the big lake once again, she slowly walked into the dark passage way. Gasping from the sudden light change she waited in the dark for a minute until her eyes adjusted to the light change.

Now seeing a gray and lone staircase leading upwards into the island, she felt her body slowly respond to the actions her mind wanted her to do. Walking up the stone steps slowly, she felt her right hand make its way along the cool stone wall slowly, she squinted her eyes at the sight of an opening, the silvery moonlight slowly showing through. Smiling and sighing in relief, she slowly made her way up the rest of them.

Near the top, she stepped through the opening and again awed at the source of the vast lake. The moonlight shined through the top of the rounded dome of rock, as it seemed to radiate the light proudly. The silver sparkles once again shimmered in Krista's emerald eyes as she looked around her at the what seemed like a secret world. The lush green trees and bushes of the small area stretched out into the air, covering some of the areas.

Lush green grass was slowly reaching up proudly towards the sky as it seemed to wave hello to her, she grinned. Slowly moving along the grass, she walked along side the lake and looked into it proudly, proud to call this her home. Krista slowly stopped near the middle of the lake as her eyes glistened with emotions.

" Home?" she muttered under her breath. This was the only place she had ever known, the was where she grew up, where she took her first steps, her first word...of course this was her home! Wasn't it? Her heart and soul seemed to long for her to say it and mean it with ever ounce of her spirit but...something seemed to be holding her back. Her mind....questioned her place here, even though she did not want to at heart, she could not help but wonder.

Her thoughts were distracted as she heard voices behind her, she turned her head and lifted one eyebrow. She squinted her eyes as she saw two Pokemon sitting in the shadows and talking. They sounded like they were having a pretty seriously conversation and even though she did not mean to eavesdrop, she listened on their serious tones even though she could not understand what they meant.

A Pikachu and a Mewoth were talking amongst themselves happily and with glee as the Mewoth laughed at something the Pikachu had said. As the Meowth slowly stopped and moved his eyes towards the right he caught a glimpse of Krista and stopped moving, his attention frozen on her. Pikachu slowly turned its head too and eyes widened a bit as it looked at her.

" Hi!" Krista waved and smiling as the Mewoth turned its gaze away and said nothing, Pikachu narrowed its eyes and glared at Krista, the look almost stunned her. As she looked into the black eyes, the emotions running through them were easy to spot. Hatred, shun, annoyance...they all gleamed in its eyes as she just looked at them confused. Pikachu suddenly turned its head and walked off into the darkness with Mewoth slowly behind him.

Looking confused, Krista stood there for a minute and then slowly looked towards the ground and sighed.

" What did I do?" She muttered under her breath as she looked at the now empty spot. Sighing once again, she pushed herself up into a standing position and turned back to the cave on the other side, slowly heading for it as she disappeared up the steps.

~*~

Mewtwo silently stood on top of the dome structure as his eyes searched the moon slowly rising in front of him. A small smile spread across his face as he let out a small breath of air. The light of the moon seemed to dance across his eyes as the starts light seemed to reflect them. His thoughts were distracted though as he heard footsteps coming up the side of the dome.

He turned around to see who was coming as a small smile spread across his face. Krista slowly made her way up the steps as she turned her head up to his and smiled back, her body and smile trying to hide the fact that something was wrong. His smile faded as he turned completely around, his eyes locked with hers as he looked at her worryingly.

" Krista?" Mewtwo asked as he walked foreword and questionably looked at the young girl below him. She looked up slowly.

" Yes?" Her soft voice asked as she acted like nothing was wrong though her emerald eyes said something else. Her body posture gave off her feelings as she seemed to slump over, instead of being up straight and happy with the way she was.

" Is something the matter?"

Krista looked shocked, " No of course not! Why?"

Mewtwo sighed as he crossed his arms and looked at girl before him. Gently raises a paw, he rested it against her shoulder, he felt her sigh as he gently squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

" Look at me Krista...." Mewtwo's voice spoke gently as Krista slowly rose her gaze to his. He smiled reassuringly and spoke.

" Don't lie to me, I know when something is wrong with you. I've raised you since you were a baby, I think I would know when something was wrong, don't you?" Mewtwo questioned Krista. She smiled a small smile and nodded, her brown hair shifting behind her as she shook her head.

" I just....I'm just...confused..." Krista said as she shifted her position and walked to the edge of the dome. She looked out towards the water, her emotions running wild and passionately through her eyes.

" Some of the Pokemon obviously hate me here....," Krista sighed solemnly. " And I don't know why...I mean, what did I ever do to them?"

Mewtwo stiffened a bit as he heard this, he sighed slowly and turned his attention down to the hole in the dome below. He looked through into the small forest below him and knew what she meant. Some of the Pokemon here still resented her, even though it had been 8 years and no one had come for her.

" I know Krista...they are just afraid of humans..." Mewtwo said slowly as he turned his attention back to the girl in front of him. Krista looked back at him.

" Why are they afraid? What did the humans ever do to them?" she questioned as Mewtwo closed his eyes. He so wanted to tell her everything but he knew she was far too young to comprehend what he had to explain and tell her. Instead of putting on a frown, he smiled and walked up to the girl.

" I shall tell you when you are older...I know it seems unfair Krista but you are still young and naive. When I know you are mature and ready to handle it, I shall tell you everything." Mewtwo replied as Krista's eyes just turned down to the ground. She couldn't believe what she was hearing...

Too young? Still naive? What was he saying?! She felt a bit of anger and frustration rise in her as she remembered those words. She was not as naive as he thought she was and even though she was only 8, she was far more mature than her age deceived. She felt her emotions run through her, building and building...

Mewtwo looked down at the girl silently, his senses stirred a bit as his eyes widened. Out of the corner of his eyes, Mewtwo gasped a bit as he thought he saw a crystal blue light flash in Krista's eyes. He couldn't believe what he saw seeing! Closing his eyes and shaking his head slightly, he locked his eyes with her again...this time...he only saw emerald orbs.

He questioned himself...had he been seeing things or was that...possibly....Mewtwo shook his head and scolded himself.

" Of course it wasn't that, don't let your senses get the better of you." He thought to himself as he looked down at the girl. Wrapping his arms around her, he brought her close and hugged her tightly. Krista sighed slowly and felt a small smile spread upon her face, he always knew how to cheer her up....after all...he was like her father. Slowly separating, Mewtwo backed up and smiled.

" Now...its late and the moon is high." Mewtwo said as he watched Krista nod. Slowly turning and walking down the steps, just before she came out of view she turned her head and smiled.

" Good night...." Krista whispered just before disappearing down the steps and into the cave.

" Good night....", Mewtwo said quietly before finishing the sentence in his mind " my daughter...."

~*~

After that night, I knew right then...that Krista was special in some way. Somewhere deep in her mind, a secret remained hidden from everyone, even herself and that is what scared me the most. What could possibly be hidden in the deep regions of her mind? What happened next....should of happened to no one....especially to you, Krista.

~*~*~*~*~

Author's Note: God I am so god damn sorry this took forever to write!! I just lost the motivation to do anything about writing for awhile and then after watching a beautiful play I just felt my motivation and inspiration flare up again. I spent all day on this, I hoped all of you liked it! Please review, they might help make the next chapter go faster too ^^.