Chapter 5. Regret

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon

He'd meant to escape the villagers, then immediately search for her, he really did. However, by the time he had stopped to notice his surroundings, he found himself to be lost. Dangit. This really isn't a good time... Bird Pokemon chirped, high overhead. Lush green overgrowth still littered the path, but he knew he was nowhere near Flash Forest anymore. The scenery was slightly different than it had been about half a mile ago, the static charge in the leaves and roots had disappeared.

Looking behind him, he thought briefly about attempting to return to the village. No... I can't do that... and shook his head. So, he turned back forward, resolving to find Pokemon and ask for directions. Hmm... this could be hard, I barely see any Pokemon around...

Unfortunately, he met Pokemon easier than expected. Stepping forward, he accidentally let off a web trap, causing firm string a to pull his leg up. He gasped, surprised, and let out a small yelp. He hung upside-down on a tree, helplessly. Groaning, he tried calling out for help, with no avail. Paws and tail flailing wildly, he was almost overcome by panic until he realized it would not benefit him. Taking a deep breath, he resolved to stay and wait...

"Oh dear, sssweetie, looks like we've got ourselvesss in a bit of a bind, don't we." The voice itself had hints of amusement embedded in it. "My, my, I've caught myself a handsssome Raichu, haven't I?" Kai turned around as well as he could, still stuck between vines, to face his new opponent.

Kai's attacker was revealed to be an intimidating Seviper by its sharp dagger-like fangs, dark green scales, and long, muscular body. Immediately, Kai cowered away, frightened by this larger and fiercer opponent. Kai whimpered to himself on instinct but then recalled Akira's words so long ago...

Splashing through the puddles on the border of Flash Forest, a cheerful young Eevee, in contrast with the dreary scenery around her, grabbed her best friend, a Pikachu, to come play outside with her. While raindrops splattered themselves across the muddy grass, a vicious Quagsire suddenly appeared and attacked the two young Pokemon. The Pikachu was paralyzed in fear, he was only able to watch as his friend faced the attacker unwavering. The little Eevee had not taken one step back from the Quagsire, although it was about 4 feet taller than her. She growled at it fearlessly, and the Quagsire turned tail, leaving the two Pokemon in peace.
"How do you manage to be so brave?" The Pikachu wondered, staring at the Eevee's light brown fur on her back as the two walked home.
And, as if she had heard him, she stopped, turned back to face him, and said, "Kai, even when you're up against a more fearsome opponent, you've gotta protect what's important to you, or you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Regret is what pulls people down, but it's also what drives me forward. I stand up for myself to avoid regretting anything, and to protect what matters to me, like you."

She had always been the more aggressive one, Kai thought. But in Kai's situation, he needed to gather up all his courage and do the same. Looking at his attacker, Kai said, "I haven't done anything to harm you, please let me go!"

However, the Seviper only chuckled and said, "I bet you sssmall Raichu would not harm me if you tried." She coiled around him, covering all of Kai's escape routes. "You mussst get passst me if you wish to leave." Kai made up his mind to fight this Pokemon. He wasn't very strong, but it seemed to be the only way. Using a firm Iron Tail, Kai freed himself from the vines and took a battle stance.

[Author: I'm sorry, I'm terrible at writing battle scenes so I'll skip a little here... Dx]

Breathing heavily, Kai rushed in for another Quick Attack at the Seviper, but she easily whacked him away with a simple Poison Tail. The Pikachu hit the ground with a thud, sore muscles aching for rest.

"N.. no... I still have to find Akira." was Kai's thought as the Seviper slithered closer towards him. However, Kai's vision began to blur, and soon, he blacked out.

Andddd finally, chapter 5 is complete.

:o

What will happen to Kai? Will he ever see Akira again? Find out in the next chapter... (which will hopefully be out sometimes early in September)

~Akira