I've got this dislike toward writing Pokémon battles. At times, it's like writing a new chapter with a bad case of Writer's Block. It's rare that I'm ever enthusiastic about writing them, for some reason…

But it was driving me nuts, being unable to finish this chapter. It took far longer than I'm comfortable with.

Yet enough of that. Enjoy!

Chapter 32
Undefined Intentions

In the Ruins of Alph, sunlight shone before the ancient stone relics that were shrouded in vines. Lofty winds blew small bunches of warm-colored leaves, dried and breaking away from the trees. Fall was increasingly eminent. The changes it brought, such as the small chills in the air, did not grasp the attention of the Ruins' archaeologists that walked about the area.

Bugsy turned away from the windows inside the Research Center, centered on the outskirts of the ancient ruins. He picked up his green jacket from the coat rack, fitting him snugly with comfortable warmth. Along with this memorized routine, he picked up his bag of supplies and slung it onto his shoulder.

He sighed, narrowing his kind red eyes. "Okay…don't mess up today, Bugsy," he murmured to himself discreetly, "He said that the real Bugsy will be back soon. Just a little longer."

Before reaching the exit, he slowed to a stop and faced the table beside him. Sitting slouched at one of the wooden chairs was Marina's friend. The sight of Kenta's thought-filled, uneasy expression made Bugsy shiver solemnly in response, an inevitable side-effect of his sentiment-sensitive instincts.

Kenta had never fully explained what he was troubled about, or what had happened to him to sustain the minor injuries he had when the scientist had found him a few days prior. But Latios—under the guise of the Azalea Town Gym Leader—knew. He had also seen what had occurred on Lake Alph the previous Friday.

However, the real Bugsy had not. There was no way for Bugsy to know or explain to Kenta what happened, and the current condition and location of the girl he pondered endlessly about.

Latios grimaced at the situation, as he really wanted to help somehow. It was in his nature.

"Why don't you just call her?" he asked. Kenta looked up at him, surprised. Bugsy's eyes stared back patiently as he elaborated, "You know, your friend that you were separated from."

"I can't," Kenta said. The answer gave no privilege for a pressing response.

He made a grave smile, sensing another emotion wandering inside the boy. "You're worried, right? Don't make excuses; just call her already."

"I can't though."

"Why?"

"I don't have her PokéGear number," Kenta answered plainly.

Thanks to Jackson, he thought with slight frustration.

Bugsy blinked in response, having read those pronounced thoughts, and relaxed his shoulders. Oh, that's why. He scratched his head, stumped. A hasty back-up plan began stirring in his mind, but he shook his head in disagreement to the risky idea. I'll just have to think on it.

He turned for the exit once more. "I'll be out excavating of you need to find me."

Kenta raised an eyebrow, watching with curious confusion as the Gym Leader of Azalea left the building without another glance.

"Come out, Murkrow!" Marina called, throwing the bird's Poké Ball as soon as she stepped outside the Pokémon Center. The Pokémon chirped in a rough voice, flapping its wings until it landed on the ground before her.

Marina smiled at it. The folded piece of paper crinkled as she clenched it tighter into her palm. She brought it to eye level and carefully evened out the wrinkles and folds she had made. Her eyes skimmed the letter addressed to her older brother. Taking in a deep breath, she folded it once again.

Maybe Chris will know something. He's been to the ruins before, she thought. Hope struggled to bring out her confidence, and she formed a half-grin. If he believes me.

"I need you to send this to my brother, okay?" she asked the Murkrow. "To Chris."

The quirky black raven cocked its head and waited as Marina held out her arm. Its bright red ribbon flickered as Murkrow flapped its wings and perched on her jacket.

"What are you doing?"

"Ah!" Marina, still feeling rather jumpy, caused her startled Murkrow to take flight. It soared in the vacant sky above, circling her. The girl Trainer looked over her shoulder, nearly in disbelief rather than her usual blank surprise.

Silver had his arms crossed, and his gaze turned to the cautious crow Pokémon.

Marina took this time to take in his presence. Why is he talking to me again? It's like…he wants something.

"Oh, nothing." She faced him. "I'm just sending a letter to someone."

Silver didn't seem interested in the least. "How did you catch a Murkrow? Very few live in Johto."

"It belongs to my brother," she replied with a soft grin.

"Brother?" Silver watched as the girl retreated a few paces away from him. Marina raised her other hand, and Murkrow cawed as it hopped to the other side. "Chris Shimizu?"

Marina nodded. "Yup."

"You're lying," he smirked smugly, skeptical. "Chris Shimizu is a strong Pokémon Trainer."

She fabricated a grin that wiped the sneer off his face. "And who has beaten you in each battle you challenge her to?" she asked teasingly, leaning closer to him.

"…Shut up," Silver snapped, "You won only because my Pokémon were weak." He scowled again as Marina giggled.

"Yami!" Murkrow roughly squawked. Its dark wings flew away, following a figure that its wandering eyes had been entranced by. Marina turned to the Pokémon with a horrified gasp.

"Hey, I didn't give you the letter yet! Wait!" she called. She pursued the crow, but not for long as the Pokémon landed on the shoulder of a woman.

Uh oh, Marina thought with dread, imagining the woman screaming in terror at the sight of the bird. Yet to her surprise, the young woman looked at Murkrow with only mild surprise. Her eyes reached Marina's as the girl approached hurriedly.

"I'm sorry," Marina said. She paused, recognizing the stranger's eloquent purple cloak and glittering ice-blue hair. "Oh, you're the lady I met in front of the theater!" She bowed and apologized again. "I'm so sorry! It just flew off."

Cilice smiled and patted her on the head once, causing her to look up. "Don't fret. I happen to know this Murkrow. The ribbon isn't hard to mistake; I tied it myself."

"Huh?" Marina stared open-mouthed at the lady, who watched back with a thoughtful gaze.

"Yes?" Cilice encouraged her to speak. "What is it?"

"Does that…Does that mean you know him? You know Chris? Chris as in Chris Shimizu? You must know, don't you?" the girl asked in one quick breath.

Cilice laughed softly. "Yes. Then you must know him too, if you know this Murkrow." She leaned a little closer to Marina. "Who might you be, then?"

"Marina," she could feel herself relax for the first time since Friday, "Marina Shimizu."

"Ah, no wonder." Cilice's eyes filled with a polite delight. "He always did say his sisters hardly resembled him."

"Oh, well, Chris's hair used to be brighter than mine when he was younger!"

"Is that so?" the woman asked, smiling sweetly.

The image of the first time Marina had seen Chris with his starter Pokémon remained ingrained in her memory. The boy had held his Cyndaquil tightly in his arm, flashing a confident toothy smile, and his bright blue hair untamed until his mother forced him to fix it. It was the last time she had seen him personally, and with the changes in his hair and choice of clothing, she barely recognized him on the television. His defining feature that still remained to this day—the thing that had not changed—was his trademark grin he always seemed to wear.

Marina nodded in response to Cilice, filled with positive nostalgia.

Cilice's eyes drifted over Marina's shoulder. In the near distance was Silver, who glared impatiently despite listening in on the conversation. His long, red hair shifted in the gentle wind, the only animated thing in his stiff pose. The woman's smile slipped away. She continued to eye the boy, then Marina, then back at the boy.

"My word…him too?" she muttered.

"Cilice?" Marina looked at her innocently, even as Murkrow returned onto her shoulder.

Cilice returned to her senses, making polite eye contact with the girl. "I see that you're quite busy." She curtsied. "Good day, Marina." At that, she turned and walked away with a quick stride, her overcoat billowing but not quite showing the intricate dress she wore underneath.

"Um, goodbye!" Marina blinked once, and then once more with a clueless gaze. Her Murkrow followed her example, tilting its head in its curiosity.

Marina shifted her head to the Pokémon with a start. "That's right! The letter!" She held out the slip of folded parchment. "Please, send this to Chris, okay?"

With a haughty nod, Murkrow lowered its beak and snapped the paper from her hands. It jumped onto her head, catching her by surprise while the bird flapped its black-feathered wings at a rapid pace. The wind embraced and carried it along, Murkrow gliding further and higher into the current. Its crimson ribbon could barely be seen waving vigorously in the breeze as Murkrow soared away.

"Thanks!" Marina called after it perkily, waving in farewell.

"You done yet?"

She turned around, smiling slightly. "You're still here? I thought you left."

"Ugh…" Silver rolled his eyes, but he retrieved a Poké Ball from his jacket pocket without complaint. "I want to battle you," he said bluntly.

"Oh…again? Well, okay. Are you fine with three-on-three this time?" she asked and plucked a Poké Ball of her own from her belt.

"Whatever," Silver replied. He kept at a distance from her and threw his sphere. "Sneasel!"

"Great! Phany, go!"

"Goma!" The Phanpy called out as he appeared from his container, facing the small black feline-like Pokémon that licked its sharp white claws as it stood on its hind legs. The Sneasel smirked darkly at Phany. The little elephant was joyfully shaking his trunk, paying no mind to it.

"A Sneasel!" Marina quickly took out her Pokédex. "Hold on, Silver."

Restraining himself with a "Humph", Silver crossed his arms in wait.

"Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon. Type: Dark/Ice
Sneasel's paws contain sharp claws. If attacked, it suddenly extends them and startles its enemy. This cunning Pokémon hides under the cover of darkness and waits to lay a surprise attack on its pray. It is vicious in nature, and commonly drives Pidgey from their nests for feasting on the eggs left behind."

Wow, I wonder if Silver caught this Pokémon just because of its Pokédex entry, Marina pondered when the device had finished. She stowed away the thought, looking at the snickering cat Pokémon. It's an Ice-type…that means Sneasel has an advantage over Phany…But there's no harm in trying.

"Tackle, Phany!" she ordered.

"Icy Wind," Silver commanded, wearing an underlying sneer.

With a small shout, Phany charged toward Sneasel, who inhaled the air around it. Ice sparkled at the tip of its tongue, and it spit a breath of bitter, chilling coldness. Phany was sluggish at evading, pivoting only to be stopped in his tracks as the Ice-type attack hit him. Frost grew on his body, and the grass beneath his feet drooped in defeat.

"Phany! Can you move?" Marina called out. The pale gray elephant almost toppled over, and his eyes remained tightly closed even as Sneasel halted its attack. Sneasel spit a final glob of ice at Phany, who quietly whimpered in pain.

That was worse than I thought, the girl Trainer observed with a worried frown. He can't take another hit like that!

"Humph," Silver snickered, "Too easy. Sneasel, Scratch!"

"Nyuu!" Sneasel cried energetically. With great agility, it sped toward Phany and its lethal talons extended in length.

"Flail, Phany!" Marina ordered.

Phany whined in response, and as soon as Sneasel launched its strike onto him, the Pokémon wildly swung his trunk as well as the rest of his quivering body. The Sneasel attacked regardless, but shrieked and leapt back. It licked its right arm, nursing its keen injury.

Silver's frown returned, and he cursed under his breath. "Icy Wind!"

Sharing his frustration, Sneasel was hasty to bring out another blow of wintry wind. Phany, panting and trembling, collapsed within seconds.

"You did good, Phany! Return!" Marina held out the Poké Ball and sent Phany back within it. She made a small smile and lightly rubbed the surface of the sphere. Putting it away, she took out the Poké Ball containing her next Pokémon. "Prince, let's go!"

"Prince?" Silver mocked. He raised a cynical eyebrow as he twisted his face at the name. His expression was furthermore emphasized as Marina's Eevee appeared and stood in a calm, polite pose. "What kind of nickname is that?"

"Well, there's King the Quilava," Marina explained, hands on her hips. "So here's Prince the Eevee!"

"That's just stupid, naming your Pokémon after royalty," he criticized. He eyed Prince's composure, which was perfectly immune to Sneasel's malicious taunts. "Next thing I know, you'll be naming them 'Pharaoh' or 'Duchess'."

Marina smiled. "Oh! Those sounds like good ones too!" At this, Silver smacked his hand against his forehead in disbelief, and she laughed. "But I won't be naming all my Pokémon that sort of thing."

"Humph, you're ridiculous," Silver said. "Quick Attack, Sneasel!"

"I'm not, Prince deserves his nickname! Prince, use your Quick Attack, too!" Marina ordered a second later.

Sneasel bared its teeth, and Prince shifted his paws in the mixture of ice and grass below. Both stretched into a ready pose and, seemingly at the same exact moment, they bolted, their figures turning nearly invisible by their surprising speed. They crashed headfirst into one another, digging their paws into the ground as they pushed at one another.

"Bite, Prince!"

"Vui!" Marina's Eevee sunk his fangs into Snease's bruised arm. The ebony cat let out a scream, the sound so acute that Prince released his jaws instantly with his ears flattened.

"Sand Attack!" Marina ordered, which Prince carried out without hesitation. Lifting his paw, the little fox kicked forcefully at the dirt in Sneasel's direction.

"Quick Attack!" Silver yelled.

Sneasel turned back to Prince, squinting from the sand, and blindly charged. Prince jumped out of the way and, as Sneasel passed, knocked it aside with a Tackle. The angered feline Pokémon tumbled, but stood and pivoted around for another Quick Attack.

"Quick Attack back, Prince!"

Prince took off, bolting in a zigzagging pattern to force the hissing Sneasel to a stop. With a hurried stance, it rapidly approached Prince. The little Eevee ducked low under the Pokémon's claws. Sneasel's narrow eyes winded as Prince jumped upward, hurtling into his opponent.

Sneasel coughed as it flew into the air and fell onto the ground. It lay still on the chilled grass, stunned. Silver frowned and turned away in disgrace, holding out Sneasel's Poké Ball with nothing but spite in his voice.

"Humph. Return."

"Good job, Prince!" Marina praised, clapping in a small applause. Prince turned to her and seemed to make a cute smile in gratitude.

"Houndour, go!" Silver called.

"Deri!" the Doberman puppy barked, growling at the sight of the fox. Prince turned to his new opponent, self-assured. He bent down as a bow, which Houndour took with an off-guard blink. But the canine grew arrogant and turned away, spitting a small ember.

Prince glanced at the red-haired boy pensively. A dark spark shimmered in his eyes, as if he had finally figured out what kind of Trainer he was. He turned back to the snarling Houndour, facing it as balls of fire soared out of its jaws and fell toward Prince like rain.

"Prince, evade it!" Marina commanded.

In his zigzag pattern, Prince dodged and narrowly avoided the flames, tackling its opponent's side. Houndour howled and fired another flurry of embers. It paid no mind to the spectators that had gathered nearby to watch the battle, and several backed away in order to avoid being scorched. Prince's dodging pace seemed to improve at their cheers. With increasing speed, the Eevee approached his adversary.

"Bite!" Silver commanded. "Stop it in its tracks!"

Prince bashed into Houndour, wincing as the canine nipped at its fur. He retreated a few paces and stood in a dignified manner, placidly beaming as he waited for Houndour to stand and face him. The fire Pokémon gave him another snarl.

"Alright, Prince!" Marina cheered, pointing at the dog. "Use another Quick Attack!"

Prince barked and confidently ran, picking up speed by the second.

"Smog!" Silver ordered.

Houndour turned its head upward. A hissing sound sputtered from its muzzle, and a thick, violet cloud of gas filled the air, concealing the Pokémon in its grasp.

Prince dug in his paws, stopping in his tracks before the cloud.

"Ember!"

The Eevee turned and dashed away as a stream of fireballs fired at him, some of the flames pelting his fur. He slowed to a halt near his Trainer's heels and glared at the menacing toxic mist camouflaging his foe. Though Prince maintained his cool poise, his ears were twitching at every sound and his eyes darting at any hint of movement within the smoke.

"Keep using Smog, Houndour," Silver casually said, "This might take a while. The little Prince is thinking."

Marina pouted and stared at Prince for a moment before setting her gaze on the purple cloud. Prince is fast, but how can he fight if he can't see or touch his opponent? One step into that gas and he'll be poisoned. She closed her eyes, and her ears picked up a faint sound. Small as it was, hissing from Houndour emitting the gas could be heard.

The Eevee craned his head up at his Trainer, immediately taking notice at Marina's unusual gesture. Prince turned forward and shut his eyes, perking his long ears. "Vui," he softly spoke, easily hearing it as well.

If Prince had an attack that could hit others at a distance, then he wouldn't need to come close. It's probably hard for Houndour to see, too, so a far-ranged hit would catch it off-guard, Marina thought, opening her eyes.

She looked down at Prince. "But how? You don't have a move that's long-distance, like Ember is."

A small smile replaced the frown formed on the Eevee's face, and an intense confidence sparked in his eyes. The look was similar to the one he had made back in the Goldenrod City Gym, only more reassuring. He stared back ahead of him, getting into a battle stance.

"Prince…? Do you have any ideas?"

"Vui eivui!" Prince paced about, showing eager readiness.

"Okay then. Prince, use your Quick Attack!" ordered Marina with a trusting smile.

Silver smirked, cynical. "Seeing you think looked so painful, and after all that you still go with the same attack?"

"Hey!" Marina retorted. "We've got a plan!"

At least, I think we do…

"Vui!" Prince cried and ran toward the poisonous fumes.

"Ember!" Silver ordered his Houndour.

"Just keep going, Prince!"

A shower of flames streamed down on the Eevee. He bared his teeth in pain as a couple seared his fur. Even as the amount of fireballs continued without pause, Prince strode with unrelenting speed. He made no effort to evade, and the smoke around Houndour began thinning.

Before reaching the toxic mist, the Eevee slowed a little. Then, opening his mouth and releasing a powerful cry, Prince released a sharp explosion of glittering golden stars, which shot and fell into the cloud.

Houndour's distressed call erupted moments after. Marina, Silver, and those watching gazed in amazement as Prince then dived into the smoke. A final whine and thump was heard.

Marina stared; too astonished to even process Prince's daring leap. That's a Swift attack! Prince knew it all along?

When the smog completely vanquished, Houndour was collapsed on its side, unconscious. Prince stood over it, standing in his dignified pose despite the few charred battle scars that now blotted his glossy fur. The spectators, Trainers from the Pokémon Center and ordinary citizens alike, cheered at Prince's performance, which made the little fox glow with pride.

Marina smiled widely. "How cool, Prince! You put on such a show!"

"Vui!" Prince barked and trotted back to Marina. He had a look filled with gratification, especially that his Trainer placed trust in his confidence. The girl giggled and knelt down, hugging the Eevee tight.

"You were fantastic!" she praised as she picked him up. She paused, but carried on with her carefree laughter. "The battle's not done yet, but you were awesome!"

"Eivui!"

"Return," Silver spat and recalled his fallen Houndour. He put it away and reached for his third Pokémon of choice, scowling. "You're putting up a better fight than your friend, Kenta, at least," he said aloud.

Marina froze still. At her sudden rigidness, Prince looked up at her. The girl's smile had vanished, and her once-tight and enthusiastic grip on him loosened. Her eyes fell to the ground rather than anyone else.

That's right… What have I been doing? It's only a couple days after that night. How could I forget about it, even for a second? And Kenta…Kenta is…I don't even know if he's okay.

She slowly looked at Silver, a gaze which he took notice of.

"What?" he asked. Marina stared downward without a word. Confused as to why the cheerful girl suddenly turned gloomy, Silver's cold expression yielded to bothered perplexity.

Marina's lip trembled without her consent, and she closed her eyes and bowed. "Sorry!" With a concerned Prince held tightly in her arms, the girl turned and ran through the crowd.

"Hey! We're not done yet! Where do you think you…?" Silver asked, but he stopped as he saw it futile. With a frown, he tucked away the Poké Ball which contained his Croconaw and watched as Marina rushed back inside the Pokémon Center without looking back.