To the reviewers (who I thank a hundred times over):

Smugleaf101: I'm glad you're enjoying it! Here's your next chapter!

trystrike: Thanks! And yes, there will be hints and possibly some moments, but, honestly, this story isn't based on romance (doesn't change the fact that SnivyXTepig is awesome, though!). I love your fic so far, by the way - if you hadn't noticed - and no problem with the review. It was totally worth it; I'm glad it helped! I can't wait for the next chapter!

I forgot to mention in the last post that this fanfiction - along with the other two - will reveal parts of what Snivy's past could've been.

Oh, and the beginning of this isn't supposed to make much sense. Snivy could be anywhere at just about any time in this chapter.

Well, enough with the blabbing; on with the fic!

(Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me!)

Snivy's POV

There was a distant humming sound. It didn't make any sense, but that's what it was. A humming sound.

It had been going on for a time, getting louder, quieter, changing tone, and, occasionally, other hums joined it. They didn't appear to have any origins - it was too dark for her to tell - it was just an annoying noise in the black. Snivy didn't bother to try and figure it out; it hurt too much. Wait… what hurt? My head… right? The throbbing ache returned, causing her to push her thoughts away. She knew three things: it was dark - not menacing, but a calm, almost comforting, darkness - the humming sounds wouldn't stop, and she was losing any feeling in her body… if it was even there. It remained that way for a while. Pain, but no feeling. Curious, but no questions. Active in sound, but not sight.

Then it all came crashing down.

Pain erupted in her body as new crashing noises - like glass breaking - erupted around her. Her eyes flew open and she saw, not black, but different, familiar, yet unfamiliar colors about her. Why is it hurting? I'm not thinking. Wait - I am! Is that why it hurts? Why can't I stop? Her thoughts kept rushing, as did the agony flaring through her long body that she could feel. Where's the dark? The humming sounds? She winced as something applied pressure to her… my chest. That's it. She saw a shift in the blur of colors - green, purple, pink, gray - hissing - not humming - noises now ringing in her ears. She pushed at the smooth, firm restraint on her with her relocated arms and legs, but it didn't release. In fact, it dug further into her chest. She heard a violent snarl, and the presence of a threat suddenly dawned on her. Whatever was there was not the calm of the darkness. It was the complete opposite - the light? - while it was causing her to feel, think, and see, it was also harsh and menacing. She didn't know it's exact intentions, but something in her screamed against it, warning her. Whatever it wanted, it wasn't good.

The Grass Snake attempted a threatening hiss, but it only resulted in a pathetic distressed whimper and a burning throat. She tried to fight it again, but that only resulted in more pain. Is there anything but pain?! She thought sourly as the sounds around her began to slur. Just then, she felt something trickle down her neck. Then she noticed it on her stomach… her sides. The metallic scent hit her nose, making her already dizzy mind spin.

Blood.

Again.

Tepig's POV

"(Will Sissy be okay, Iris?)" Tepig heard Axew ask his trainer for what must've been the millionth time. "(Nurse Joy will take care of her, right?)"

"Shh, Axew," Iris murmured, trying to comfort her Pokemon, though her own voice was laced with worry. "Nurse Joy and Audino are doing what they can to help."

"(But will Sissy Snivy be okay?)"

Several hours had passed, and they hadn't received any news. Other trainers in the Center had long ago gone to their dorms, some giving the group sorrowful looks as they left. The only ones who had spoken were Iris and Axew since the Dragon Type was childishly searching for an answer no one could give with certainty. When no one responded, the Tusk Pokemon always tried again, though he never got an answer.

… Until Nurse Joy reappeared. Tepig perked up from his position beside Pikachu, as did the rest of the group, waiting expectantly for the nurse's report.

"Snivy will be fine," there was a noticeable positive change in the atmosphere, "but-" the weight returned - "I have a question." She turned to Ash, "You said you were her trainer." He nodded. "For how long?"

"About two months," the trainer paused before hesitantly asking, "why?"

Nurse Joy glanced at the door to Snivy's temporary room, "Well, I just have some suspicions…" She returned her attention to the others, who were watching her expectantly. The pit of worry in Tepig's stomach grew larger when he saw the nurse's mixed expression - majorly containing negative emotions, "I was hoping you'd be able to confirm whether I'm correct or not, but you haven't been her trainer long enough to know." She composed herself, shaking away most signs of her distress before she spoke again, "To put it quickly, two years ago, a female Snivy was brought in. She was caught up in a serious accident - what, exactly, I can only guess. She was found in a condition like this. Same injury."

"You're saying you think they're the same one," Iris concluded, though she didn't seem completely focused. Her voice was somewhat distant.

Probably trying to imagine what could have happened, the Fire Pig thought, tail drooping. With the little information Nurse Joy was giving them, so much was possible. Like-

"We'll have to double check, though I think it's quite likely. I may get Elesa to be sure," the nurse's words abruptly changed his trail of thought.

Elesa? Isn't she the Gym Leader here?What does she have to do with any of this?

"Why Elesa?" Cilan asked, mirroring the Fire Type's confusion in his voice.

"More accurately, her Emolga," Nurse Joy said. She "Elesa was the one who brought

Snivy in, but she was… traumatized and rather reluctant to accept anything from us - fighting us sometimes. Emolga was the only one who managed to calm her and get what needed to be done, done. If this is the same Snivy, then she'll recognize her."

An Emolga calming Snivy down? Tepig would've laughed at the irony, had it been any other situation. He just couldn't picture it. The Grass Snake aggravated Iris's Emolga - and vice versa - so much that the thought of any of their kind getting along at all seemed impossible. Much less one calming the other.

"When Ash challenged Elsa, though, he used Snivy against her Emolga. Wouldn't they have recognized each other then?" Iris pointed out, bringing the Fire Pig's wandering mind back to the conversation.

"I'm not sure," Nurse Joy sighed, "but, then again, it might've been because of the battle that the connection wasn't made... Though, nothing says they didn't know. Emolga could've been testing her while Snivy was trying, unsuccessfully, to avoid being recognized. Of course, there are other explanations, but…" She paused before softly shaking her head. "Why don't you and your Pokemon have something to eat? You must be hungry," her tone was cheerful again as she changed the topic, trying to lighten the mood.

"That sounds good," Cilan nodded, also trying to sound positive.

"Alright, this way!"

Tepig padded after the humans. So, he thought, if she's the one from before, that would mean that she has an old scar. How did she get it? Why would it reopen? And why didn't we notice sooner? Sure, she tends to keep her distance, but she's been in some pretty rough battles. Why would it reopen during a training session? And it still doesn't explain that light… Tepig hissed, frustration filling him. None of this makes any sense! I guess I'll just have to wait to figure it out. I mean, we still don't even know if they're the same Snivy… though it's still pretty likely. After all, how many female Snivy get life-threatening scars like that?

An impish voice in the back of his head answered, just our good ol', cryptic girl. Who knows-

Oh, shut it. He didn't know where the obnoxious thought came from, but he wasn't in the mood to chat.

"You're welcome to anything you like," Tepig noticed they were already in a dining room of sorts. The humans had stopped near a table while Axew and Pikachu took their places beside the Fire Pig. Nurse Joy continued, "I'll get some food for your Pokemon. How many bowls will you need?"

"Tw- uh, eleven," Cilan replied, quickly covering himself.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

The trainers released their Pokemon. Each looked up at them expectantly. Iris's eyes flickered to the other two humans before she took a deep breath, "Snivy's going to be fine." There were many sighs of relief. "We're back in Nimbasa City, though I don't know how long we'll be staying," she paused before she decided she had said enough and took a seat at the table she was next to, Ash and Cilan joining her.

Pansage walked up to the trio of Pokemon out before them, "(Do you know what happened?)" He asked as the others followed him.

"(Not exactly, but, uh…)" Pikachu paused, and his eyes flashed to Tepig uncertainly for support - though not getting any, "(she has a pretty big… scar.)" He pointed to his left eye and trailed it diagonally to his right leg.

"(A-a scar?)" The Grass Monkey's eyes widened at the illustration. The Pokemon behind him shuffled uneasily. "(I… suppose that explains the… uh… How did it-?)"

"(On that, we're as clueless as you are,)" the Electric Type sighed. Hesitantly, he added, "(Nurse Joy thinks it's an old wound though.)"

"(An old…)" Cilan's lead Pokemon shook his head. "(Snivy's just full of surprises, isn't she?)" There wasn't any humor in that statement. Pikachu just sighed.

Suddenly, a loud ring filled the air. Tepig's head shot up. "(The alarm?!)" He heard Oshawott shout over the noise. "(This day just can't-)"

Axew's eyes widened as he - being only a short distance from him - clamped a paw over the Sea Otter's mouth. "(Don't say stuff like that! In the movies Iris and I have watched, every time someone says that, something worse happens!)" The young Pokemon yelped in childish belief. Oshawott just gave him an incredulous look. Before they could do anything else, a bunch of cries filled the room from a hallway. Tepig turned to see a huge group of Pokemon flooding the place.

"What's going on?!" Cilan yelled over the intruders as well as the blaring alarm.

"I'm not too sure, but they don't look very friendly!" Iris responded.

No kidding! Tepig blew out a few embers from his nostrils as he prepared to defend himself.

It happened very quickly, starting with long range attacks. A dark, purple ball of energy flew at him. He leaped to the side and, upon spotting a colorful beam, quickly used Flamethrower to defend himself. While he was countering the Psyshock, a purple blur rammed into him, pinning him to the ground. Tepig quickly blew some embers into his opponent's eyes, distracting it long enough for him to bite onto the spotted, purple leg. An earsplitting screech was heard before the weight was lifted off of him. He quickly rose onto all fours again, spotting two Liepard targeting him, one trying to get embers out of its eyes.

When he began to unleash a Flame Charge, he felt a Psychic restraint - from a Gothorita, he noticed - lift him into the air. He was instantly launched into a nearby table which, toppled over with a "crack", and he violently rolled into a hard wooden booth. Before he could get back up, one of the previous Liepard pinned him to the same smooth surface. As he fought to relocate his fire while kicking vainly at his opponent's legs, he spotted a number of the invading Pokemon flood into the halls. His blood ran cold.

Snivy.

Anger coursed through him as he bit his opponent's paw with newfound strength. The cat-like Pokemon hissed, but it refused to recoil. However, when the Fire Pig found and released his flame, it quickly withdrew its leg. He tightly held on with his teeth, using the Dark Type's actions against it when it brought him close to its chest. He shot his hind legs out, digging them into the Pokemon's chest. The Liepard screeched. Tepig released his grip before darting towards the hall he believed led to Snivy's current room.

"(Wait!)" He turned to see Pikachu running towards him. "(I know what you're thinking,)" he slowed to a stop beside the Fire Type, his brown eyes hard as he watched him.

"(You aren't going to stop me,)" Tepig said curtly - he was surprised by the sharpness in his own voice, though he didn't show it - while he impatiently eyed the exit. Pikachu shook his head.

"(That's not my intention. I want you to take Dwebble with you,)" the Fire Type opened his mouth to object, but he wasn't given the opportunity to speak. "(Don't ask, just do it.)"

Tepig was once again interrupted when he suddenly hit the ground. Drops of water splashed onto him as he opened his eyes to see Pikachu leaping off of him. As Tepig sat up, the Mouse Pokemon whipped around to face a round blue Water Type, cheeks sparking threateningly. He had just saved him from an Azumarill's attack. "(Now, please!)" The Electric Type hissed before launching a super effective Thunderbolt. Tepig grit his teeth and reluctantly turned to search for the dual type.

Tepig ducked under a Liepard's claws, ignoring the attacker completely as he darted past it. Oshawott, Pansage, Emolga… he listed his friends as he passed them, irritation boiling inside him at the time being wasted, Dwebble, where are you?! Snivy could be in danger right now!

Just as he was about to whirl around and go off on his own, he spotted the Bug-Rock Type being cornered into a wall by a Durant and yet another Liepard. With an enraged battle cry, the Fire Pig rammed into the seventy-pound Steel Type using Flame Charge. It crashed into the Liepard beside it as well as one of the many wooden booths, breaking through it. While they were still stunned, he whipped around to face Dwebble. The Rock Inn Pokemon turned his gaze away from the two victims to look at him.

"(Dwebble, I need you to come with me,)" he nosed toward the hall leading to his destination. "(Pikachu's orders.)" The addressed Pokemon didn't comment, instead nodding for him to take the lead.

He arrived back at the hallway in considerably less time than it took to find Dwebble. When Tepig turned to make sure the dual type was still behind him, he spotted him observing a wall near them. "(What are you doing?!)" The Fire Type growled impatiently.

"(Snivy's in the emergency room, right? That's where we're headed, isn't it?)" Dwebble ignored his question, instead asking his own. The Fire Pig released a few embers irritably.

"(Yes!)" He snapped curtly, answering both questions. Hurry up!

"(Well, then, I've got us a shortcut,)" before Tepig could respond, the dual type shot a white liquid at the wall. It quickly melted an opening into the next hallway. "(Cilan showed me the basic outline of a Pokemon Center,)" he explained. "(It'll take a few melted walls, but it's faster.)"

The Fire Pig nodded, stepping over the heated material. Pikachu, I owe you one, he thought as the dual type prepared to victimize another wall.

It took some time, though not nearly as much as it would have originally - the place was huge! Tepig just realized how lost he undoubtedly would've had gotten, had he gone alone - another thanks for Pikachu's quick thinking. They made it to the door of the emergency room, which also got melted down by Dwebble's amazing ability, and hoped that Snivy wasn't relocated to another room while they were eating.

The Fire Pig leaped through the opening, tensing for battle. He spotted three Liepard - those were really getting on his nerves - one of them carrying a slender, limp, green body. Blood was beginning to puddle on the floor underneath it. Anger coursed through him.

He charged.

… or tried to at least. Something gripped his tail, restraining him. He whipped around, stifling a growl as Dwebble lessoned the grip on his tail. The dual type was glaring at the three Pokemon, fury burning in his eyes, but he remained in place, watching strategically and observantly. "(What are you doing?!)" He hissed venomously. "(They've got Snivy!)"

"(Exactly. Do you want to risk hurting her further?)" The dual type's eyes didn't leave the feline Pokemon. "(Think, Tepig! I know you're angry, but we can't be reckless!)"

The Fire Pig was about to argue, but he quickly realized Dwebble's point. He shuffled uncomfortably, diverting his gaze. He spotted the Liepard again. They hadn't noticed them yet, surprisingly. The scent of blood must've been overwhelming their noses, and they were too busy speaking amongst themselves to notice the two. It was only because of Dwebble that they weren't in a fight right then. Tepig would've just charged right through, likely causing more trouble instead of helping. He whimpered at the thought, "(Sorry.)"

"(I see we're on the same page now,)" the Bug-Rock Type's voice remained calm. Tepig glanced back at him to see him slowly exiting his rock home, careful not to make any noise. "(I think I have a plan,)" he said, a small stone forming in one pincer, "(but it's rather-)" he was cut off when a fourth Pokemon rammed into him. They crashed into a cabinet of medical supplies, making it collapse on top of them.

"(Dwebble!)" Tepig exclaimed as he darted towards the rubble, only to feel a Liepard's claws rip at his right cheek and force him sideways. He was still stumbling from the Slash attack when it made contact twice more, on his right shoulder, and again on his nose. Spotting the Dark Type about to strike a fourth time, he quickly ducked, though he was threatening to tip over from being unbalanced. Luckily, the Liepard was the one who swayed, giving Tepig the chance to unleash a Flamethower on its exposed underside. It screeched and jumped back, spitting furiously at both the burns on its sensitive underbelly and the Fire Pig. He took this chance to steady himself before releasing flames and charging at his opponent. Still adjusting to the stinging agony from his fire attack, it was unable to evade his Flame Charge as he rammed it into a wall. He spotted the black burns and cracks on the surface behind the Liepard when he leaped back, I should at least try to keep this place together. Snivy- he stopped himself and searched for the Grass Snake. He spotted her still in the jaws of a Liepard trying to make a decision - stay and fight or flee. With a few commands from its remaining comrade, it leaped out of an open window, quickly followed by its partner. Tepig jumped to follow them, but his earlier opponent crashed into him, pinning him to the ground with a thud. He rolled to dodge the enraged Pokemon's snapping teeth. Eventually, it used a paw to restrict him, his back on the cold ground, and used the other to Slash his head. It repeatedly did this, and he couldn't locate his fire fast enough before the next hit. He couldn't reach it with teeth or legs either; it made sure of that. He kept taking each attack, unable to fight back. When he felt himself about to black out, the weight suddenly lifted. He moaned and rolled onto his stomach, head throbbing painfully. He fought to lift himself up, his legs buckling underneath him repeatedly from the lack of balance. He hissed and tried to still the spinning world around him before standing up again. The Fire Pig was still shaking, but he was up. Turning his head slowly, he spotted an orange blur multiply a few times. He took a step towards it, but it was uneven. He stumbled forward, getting caught by a cold body before hitting the ground.

"(D-Dwebble?)" He asked uncertainly, trying to find his limbs again.

"(Yes,)" he managed to pick out a voice.

"('You 'kay?)" Tepig's word's slurred. "(You're s'cold…)"

"(Can you stand?)" The dual type asked, ignoring his question. The Fire Pig forced himself to his feet. His head throbbed again and his legs wobbled slightly, but he managed to stay upright. "(That's good,)" Dwebble's freezing pincers slowly released him. The dual type then disappeared, a few crashing sounds following. When Tepig's vision cleared, he spotted Dwebble trying to fight the last stubborn Liepard back. The Rock Inn Pokemon was still missing his rock home, his body wet and covered in wounds and shards of ice. His pincers glowed brightly and he slashed at the Dark Type with a super effective X-Scissor. The cat-like Pokemon crashed to the ground due to the impact. It tried to stand, but it collapsed to the ground. It settled for glaring at the two.

Dwebble eyed it as he made his way to the Fire Pig. "(D-Dwebble,)" he took a few steps towards the dual type. "(You're injured,)" the Fire Pig nosed one of his friend's pincers, "(and freezing. We need to-)"

"(There's no time for that,)" he interrupted. "(It looks like you've recovered yourself. Go after Snivy; I'll keep these two busy.)"

"(But-) Tepig jumped when many shards of ice tore at him and Dwebble. Thinking fast, he unleashed an uneven Flamethrower. The once threatening ice melted and splattered to the ground, useless. He spotted a Glaceon glaring at them with critical eyes. He blew a few more flames threateningly. The Ice Type wisely kept its distance.

"(Leave, Tepig!)" Dwebble hissed.

"(Why aren't you coming?)"

The Rock Inn Pokemon laughed bitterly before wincing and slightly recoiling. "('Took too much damage fighting that Glaceon,)" he admitted. "(I rely on my home for defense. Without it…)" he left off and forced himself upward, glaring at the Liepard who had risen once more. "(I'd only slow you down. Just go.)"

"(But-)"

"(Go! Snivy need you more than I do!)"

Tepig hesitated before obediently turned towards the open window. "(Be careful,)" he murmured, guilt piercing him as he left the defenseless Pokemon to fend for himself.

It wasn't difficult to tell which way they had fled. Occasional droplets of blood were scattered on the ground, and the scent was strong. He travelled using Flame Charge in order to go faster and to block out most of the sickening smell as he followed the crimson liquid's trail. He knew that at this point, his chances of catching up with the speedy Pokemon were slim, but he had to try. For Dwebble. For Snivy.

A green shape emerging from behind a nearby tree caused Tepig to skid to an abrupt halt, narrowly avoiding rolling for the second time that day. He watched, wide-eyed, as the missing Grass Type stopped in front of him, "(Snivy?)"

The Grass Snake rolled her eyes. "(Who else?)" She retorted. Tepig looked over her again. She had managed to stop most of her bleeding with some blue cloth, and, despite the obvious effort, she was standing upright. An amused smirk made its way onto her face, "(Quit staring; I'm not as helpless as you think I am.)"

"(H… how-?)" he didn't remove his gaze. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the situation.

"(Attract,)" she said simply. "(Luckily, they were both boys.)"

Tepig blinked before he shook his head rapidly, hoping to clear it - only succeeding in a new throb and a short loss of balance. He staggered briefly before recovering. He quickly made his way to the Grass Snake's side, "(Need some help?)"

"(No, thank you,)" Snivy walked past him, in the direction he came from. "(I can't risk flexing my body to lean on you. It could reopen the wound.)"

"(And walking won't?)" Tepig pressed, giving her an even stare. He matched her pace as he continued to speak, "(C'mon, Snivy, you're smarter than that.)"

"(My point still stands,)" she pointed out, not allowing any of her fatigue to be heard. She eyed him when he kept looking at her expectantly. Her eyes narrowed as she spoke again, her voice dry, "(If you expect me to ride you back, think again.)" When the Fire Pig kept watching her, she continued, "(I'm not the only one injured, you know. You look like you're about to fall flat on your face.)"

His head began to buzz obnoxiously as if to agree with her. Tepig let out a sigh of defeat. "(Fine,)" he gave her a stern look, "(but if you start having trouble-)"

"(Sure, sure, I'll keep in mind that I've a piggy back awaiting me,)" she said sarcastically. Suddenly, she gasped and hugged herself, halting altogether. Tepig watched, ready to help as she evened out her breathing. When he was positive she was going to recover, he took a step closer.

"(You're piggy back awaits,)" he couldn't help a smug tone leaking into his voice.

Snivy gave him a half-hearted glare before recomposing herself. She then pushed past him in order to continue onward, "(Piggy can wait another day.)"

Tepig, despite himself, chuckled and followed after her.

Tepig felt a wave of relief wash over him as the two walked through the building's doors - windows obviously weren't an option. Snivy had not accepted any assistance the entire way and was currently panting with effort. The Fire Type himself was beginning to feel the effects of the Liepard's attacks once more. His head was beginning to throb, and his balance was beginning to get unsteady again.

Remembering the Pokemon that were once there, he tensed. He couldn't hear or see anything, but it was better to be cautious.

"(So… what's the plan?)" Snivy whispered. Tepig blinked and glanced at her sheepishly. He had been so focused on getting back and making sure the Grass Snake didn't hurt herself that he hadn't thought of what to do when they actually did arrive. "(... You didn't think this one out… Did you?)" She said between breaths. He chuckled nervously, and she sighed. Looking forward, she observed the room, "(It doesn't look like those Liepard are... here. I vote we find… the others.)"

"(After you rest, maybe. I'm not-)"

"Tepig! Dwebble!" Tepig jumped at the familiar voice. Iris. She called out again, "Where are you?"

"Iris, Snivy's gone, too!" Quick footsteps were heard as Cilan burst from the emergency room. He spotted them, "Wait, nevermind! Tepig and Snivy are over here!"

Where's Dwebble? Tepig thought, alarm rushing through him. Is he not here? He- As Cilan rushed towards them, he spotted a rock in his arms. Dwebble's. A shock rippled through the Fire Pig's body.

"You two are okay!" Ash's voice woke him. He turned to see his trainer kneel down beside the two. The boy picked up Snivy, grimacing at the blood that had leaked through the blue cloth covering her wound, "Or mostly, anyway." The Grass Snake grunted at his last comment. He turned his gaze to Tepig, "You don't look too good yourself."

Suddenly, all of his earlier fatigue crashed into the Fire Pig as his trainer spoke. He held his ground, though his head throbbed harder, making him dizzy all over again. He glued his eyes shut and focused on standing.

"I'll get Tepig," Iris said, nearing him. He felt her arms wrap around him and bring him to her body. The shift in motion caused his head to spin. The trainers bounded into the hallways. Up and down, up and down. Tepig stifled a groan at the pain that came from each movement. He tried to focus on settling the throbbing, but it didn't calm. The calls for Nurse Joy or Audino and the sudden movement of running or taking a turn weren't helping any. He hissed and tried to block out the noise, the movement, doing anything that would hopefully help soothe his head, even slightly.

Somehow, his mind came to Dwebble. The missing Pokemon. The one I left behind. Why did I leave him alone? Snivy was doing just fine on her own. She could've gotten back on her own. She didn't need any help from me. It was Dwebble who needed me, and I left him because I was trying to assist the wrong Pokemon. What was I thinking?! Sure, he had an type advantage over both of them, but he was outnumbered. He didn't even have his rock. He was so cold, so weak, yet I left him to face two Pokemon on his own. He whimpered, and his long ears fell guiltily.

"Don't worry, Tepig. We'll find Nurse Joy soon," he heard Iris say. He looked into her big brown eyes, and she gave a warm smile. Axew grinned beside her.

"(Uh, huh. We'll find her, so you and Sissy can get better,)" he said in his cheerful voice, though Tepig could identify a note of worry in it.

The Fire Pig flicked an ear and looked away, resting his head against the top of her arm, staring at the walls as they rushed by, ignoring the nausea it caused. No, that's not it, he thought. It's my fault Dwebble's now missing. I hope he's safe. He has to be.

He dimly acknowledged the humans locating Nurse Joy and bring him to some room. Iris lay him down on a bed in there before kneeling down. "Tepig," she whispered into his ear, "Nurse Joy's going to look at Snivy, and then she'll come here, okay?"

He just blinked and stared at the visible wall in front of him. Stared straight through the bright green and orange colors on it. Snivy. It didn't occur to me before… It also went downhill for her as well when I was with her - it's like misfortune's attacking anyone near me today. Is there something wrong with me? Maybe… maybe that's why Shamus left me. It happened right after I lost to that Deerling. Did something happen then, too? He lowered his gaze to the white sheets underneath him. He didn't get a chance to dive deeper into his thoughts because someone prodded him.

"(Tepig? Tepig?)" He turned to see Pansage. The Grass Monkey eyed him warily, "(Are you feeling alright?)" Tepig hummed in response, and, though it was meant a yes, it didn't sound very positive. Pansage curled and uncurled his tail. He seemed troubled, but quickly hid it, instead showing his concern, "(Are you sure?)" The Fire Pig flicked an ear, no longer trusting his voice. The Grass Type's eyes were on him, but Tepig didn't feel as if he was looking at injuries at all.

Pansage stared at him for several moments before continuing, "(You don't mind if I ask if you know where Dwebble is, then? Pikachu said he was with you.)"

Tepig looked away, guilt flooding through him again. "(... He was,)" he croaked, "(but I left him to try and help Snivy… I don't know where he is now.)"

From the corner of his eye, he saw Pansage turn to face his trainer, shaking his head. Cilan looked down at the rock in his arms, bringing it closer to his chest. Iris touched his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him, but sadness was written on her face as well. Guilt flared through the Fire Pig again. Pansage turned back to him. "(Tepig-)"

"(I'm sorry,)" he interrupted, ignoring his buzzing head. "(I shouldn't have left him to deal with those Pokemon. I should've helped him against the Glaceon, at least. He-)" Tepig yelped in shock when a loud smack was heard beside him. He jerked himself up, staggering slightly, to stare wide-eyed at the Grass Monkey who had just slapped a spot near Tepig. He found him glaring at him angrily, Cilan and Iris dumbstruck behind him. The fire raging in the Grass Type's eyes caused him to look away.

"(Look at me!)" He growled. When he didn't, Pansage grabbed the sides of his head - it protested painfully again - and forced him to look at him. The Fire Type winced at the rage rolling off of him. "(Tepig! Listen to me!)" He shouted.

"Pansage, stop!" Iris pleaded as Axew hid in his trainer's hair, but the Grass Monkey ignored her.

"(Stop blaming yourself! I know that a lot has happened for one day, but this isn't your fault! None of it is! You can't make things glow or make scars appear! Nobody can duplicate and help two Pokemon at once! Not you, not me, not even Mew or Arceus! Do you understand?!)" Tepig stared wide-eyed at the Grass Type, unable to respond, still trying to absorb his words. "(Well?!)" He hissed, still glaring at him.

"(Y-yes!)" He managed to say. He was still frozen when Pansage sighed and backed away.

"(Sorry,)" he said, calming his voice. "(I didn't hurt your head too badly, did I?)" Tepig shook his head. "(Good. I tried to make that as brief as possible,)" the Grass Monkey coiled his long tail uncomfortably. "(I've seen some Pokemon who were doing the same thing as you. They blamed themselves for things they couldn't possibly control, and it…)" his eyes grew distant as he looked away. "(... I just wanted to make sure you didn't get too far in because, once you do, it's hard to get out. Trust me,)" his eyes narrowed, "(I know.)"

Tepig continued to stare at him, … Pansage is right. Though I happened to be with both of them… there really isn't any way I could've prevented either thing from happening. Not that I can think of anyway. I can't get depressed over it. Besides... he shook his head rapidly - though the action was cut short as it began to irritate him again. He steadied himself and beamed, "(Thanks, Pansage - I needed that!)" The named Pokemon jumped from his trance to look at him, "(I'm not helping anyone if I'm gloomy, now am I?)" He wagged his tail. I'll be better off trying to help everyone else - Snivy, Cilan, Ash... and maybe even Dwebble.

Pansage gave a small smile, "(I'm glad you're feeling better. Now we just have to take care of our trainers.)" He glanced at Cilan, whose eyes had returned to the rock.

Tepig nodded, "(Can I help?)"

"(You should rest. Nurse Joy should be coming soon, and perhaps you can see Ash afterward. I can take care of Cilan.)"

"(I can live with that,)" the Fire Pig settled back into the bed, feeling much more lighthearted than before. I'll see if I can stay with Ash overnight. He'll need some company… well, other than Pikachu, of course. He chuckled, "(Well, Nurse Joy better hurry up, then.)"

Ash is hurting right now, and I'll do anything I can to help him. I may not be able to do it overnight there's only so much one Pokemon can do, after all, but I can help. I know it.

Snivy's POV

"Nurse Joy! Nurse Joy!" Ash's voice rang over the Grass Snake's head, making it pound further. He cradled her against his chest - which, oddly, was missing the usual jacket, instead bearing a plain black shirt. She ignored her headache and glanced at Pikachu, who was on the boy's shoulder. The Mouse Pokemon was looking at her with his deep brown eyes filled with… worry. She stifled a sigh.

Can I come across one Pokemon - or human - that won't worry about this? At least try to act normal. It's utterly embarrassing, she gave him a hard stare. "(Can you tell Ash this isn't an emergency? I'm not dying,)" she made sure her voice was strong, though some of her exasperation leaked into it.

"(W-well,)" he flicked an ear, "(I think he has a good reason to worry. You're pretty injured; I'm surprised you're even conscious.)"

So am I, Snivy thought. The agony erupting from her injury was incredibly strong. Rippling through her every second, and they only seemed to intensify. That, combined with all the lost blood made her weak - she knew that. Despite that, she was still conscious, and she didn't even feel faint.

"(Not you too,)" she rolled her eyes - instantly regretting it. She hissed as a sharp pain washed over her left eye, and she closed both eyelids tightly. It didn't help much; the pounding of Ash's feet along with the movement was irritating it to much. The Grass Snake squinted her right eye open, adjusted to the bright lights and colors again, and glanced at Pikachu once again. The Mouse Pokemon was still watching her carefully.

"(You should try to relax; you aren't looking very good,)" he said. Snivy grunted in annoyance, but didn't say anything. Regardless of her hurt pride, she was glad for the break. Her whole body was flaring now, constantly rushing over her and agitating her left eye. She shut her right eye again and leaned her head against her trainer's chest, near his left shoulder. She could hear his pounding heart as he ran. It was irritating her head, making it pound harder - and much more painfully - than his heart itself, but it was comforting, too. It proved he was there. That he cared. That he was trying to help. It's so different from before. She listened to each "thud", managing to somewhat divert her attention from the agony.

Thud, thud, thud.

Poor Dwebble! Why?! ... Oh wait, that's my fault. Sorry... Who expected Dwebble to get a role in here? Honestly, when I first came up with this ficcy, I wasn't expecting it. :P

"Sissy" is Snivy's nickname from the children of the Pokémon. I figured since she was known as the "big sister" of the group, she could have a nickname that related to it!

Anyway, expect the next chapter to be out Friday or Saturday. I might do it earlier... it depends.