Pokemon: Virus Version
Hey, guys, so Chapter 14 is here. This Chapter is kind of a bonus because I will also be posting another one later this week. I'm finally ahead in my writing and I'm ready to start typing more. So, enjoy.
Chapter 14: How Long Is Forever?
When you...have lost everything...
Yumi's POV
My world...has caved in, as depression sets in my heart. I was labeled many nasty things: choker, sore loser, and jusst plain helpless. Two days have past since the Marion City Pokemon Contest, and those labels have stuck with me. I've kept to myself. My hatred for being alone had dissolved, for alone was all I wished to be right now.
We had stopped in a stone path decorated with Redbud Trees to regain some of our energy. Fennekin and Eevee were calmly lying by a Redbud Tree where they too remained silent. Seth and Chikorita kept to themselves as usual. And then there's me, who went from a princess to nothing more than a laughable fool.
"While the world readies, to spring up, I've fallen down," I said to myself calmly, trying my hardest just to smile. "I remember getting depressed a while back as well...when I was younger..."
Flashback
Location: Olivine City, five years ago
My parents and I were in an empty classroom, discussing my behavior with my teacher. It was basically detention because school was already over for the day...
"The bottom line is, Yumi's antagonizing behavior toward the other students has got to stop," My teacher said.
"Is it too late to try and fix Yumi's academic standpoint?" My father asked.
"I'm afraid so," My teacher replied.
After about an hour or so, the conversation between my parents and teacher had ended. It was a silent walk home because I knew all to well how my parents would discipline me. I was no stranger to THAT situation.
"You are on punishment, young lady!" My mother yelled.
"You will take part in no activities outside of school whatsoever, until further notice, Miss," My father said.
"I don't have to do what you say okay! What's school gonna teach me that I don't already know?!" I yelled.
We bckered like this very often. My parents labeled me a delinquent child and a 'spoiled little kid'. My behavior was atrocious, until the next day, that day that began the knew me.
School was in session, and a new student was prepared to introduce herself.
"Well, um..." The new student said.
She's a shy one...
"Come on, don't be shy," My teacher said.
"Pheobe...My name's Pheobe," The new student said with reticence in her voice.
"Well. Pheobe, there's a vacant desk next to the girl with the black and blue hair," My teacher said.
I was the girl with the black and blue hair. The other students were gossiping about me, about how I might treat Pheobe since I was labeled a bully. I became upset with the whispers, so I stood up and spoke.
"Can all of you just be quiet?! I haven't even said anything to the girl and I'm already viewed as the enemy!" I yelled.
Pheobe then approached her desk and looked at me funny, just as the rest of the class did.
"What are you looking at?" I asked coldly.
"It's just...well...are you okay? You seem... uh-upset..." Pheobe said with reticence in her voice.
"And since when did I want you know how I was feeling?" I asked bitterly.
Pheobe had same, unconfident look on her face as she said nothing...
"In fact, don't even talk to me, geek," I said.
"Oh come on! Why do you have to be such a jerk to everyone?!" A female student said as she stood up.
Her name was Mary-Elizabeth. She had short, maroon hair that went down to her neck and wore a flower in her hair as an accessory. She wore a red dress dress with black boots on.
"Oh shut up! I wasn't even talking to you!" I yelled.
"Sit down, both of you," My teacher said.
"But, teacher, Yumi is always bullying our fellow students. Someone needs to take action toward her attitude," Mary-Elizabeth said.
"I have no patience for bickering today, Mary-Elizabeth. Both yourself and Yumi shall be reprimanded in detention today," My teacher said.
Mary-Elizabeth just sighed as she followed the teacher's order. The day passed by awfully slowly. Pheobe was so silent, it was as if the seat next to me was still empty. Mary-Elizabeth and I were in a empty classroom, serving detention that afternoon. The teacher had just exited the classroom, readying papers for tommorow's lecture. Mary-Elizabeth and I remained silent as we glared at each other. The moment was so silent, Wingull could be heard from the distant bay. I've established quite the reputation at this school for bullying everyone, but Mary-Elizabeth was the first to openly speak against me.
"I hate you..." I said with bitterness.
"Honestly, why must you be so sour all the time?" Mary-Elizabeth asked.
"What's is to ya?" I asked.
"Well, I opposed you as if I was actually going to change you...so I'll concede to those words if I must," Mary-Elizabeth said.
I lacked a reply because I didn't understand Mary-Elizabeth's words. I would speak, but Miss Proper would probably lecture me about my imperfect grammar.
"I am concerned for you. I have observed your lack of intelligence, as well as your frequent acts. We may only be eight years of age respectfully, but young aged mischief tends to carry on through adulthood. You need change," Mary-Elizabeth said.
"Did you just call me stupid?" I asked pointing out that Mary-Elizabeth said I have a 'lack of intelligence'.
Before Mary-Elizabeth was aloud the chance to reply, our teacher had returned, ensuring our silence for the time being...
Dusk had arrived, and we were released from our detention. We had exited campus, and I was ready to fight Mary-Elizabeth.
Hey," I said as Mary-Elizabeth turned toward me.
I allowed no reaction time for Mary-Elizabeth to defend herself as I slapped her.
"Ow," Mary-Elizabeth said as she fell to her knees. "Y-Yumi, what has come upon you?"
"You have, you idiot," I said as I kicked her.
"Please, listen to me!" Mary-Elizabeth yelled. "I only wish to help you!"
"I've listened to you enough already, and you can help me by sitting there as I beat you to a pulp, loser," I said as I slapped Mary-Elizabeth.
"I..." Mary-Elizabeth's dress was ruined. Her face was red from all my strikes, and tears were falling from her face as I pulled her hair without mercy. "I-I am no loser..."
"Sorry, but this is reality, where I'm a winner, and you ARE a loser," I said as I left a ruined Mary-Elizabeth to herself.
I started to wander around Olivine City for the rest of the afternoon before evening had arrived, and I came come. As I approached my house, I spotted a moving truck next door. I walked toward the moving truck to examine the situation.
"Our old neighbors moved months ago, so that means-," I said before I was interrupted by a voice.
"Ive, uh, moved in... And uh, I'm your new neighbor," Pheobe said with reticence as she approached me.
I was astonished. The geek? My neighbor? That's absurd.
"Well-" I was interrupted once more.
"Mis Mis," a pokemon said as it approached Pheobe.
The pokemon was a dark blueish green, ghost-like pokemon with no arms or legs. I has a red gem necklace and purple flowing hair.
"Oh, this is Missy, my Misdreavus," Pheobe said.
Misdreavus...it's pretty...
"Well, back to what I was saying. Y-" I was interrupted once again. But this time, by a familiar foe who had brought reinforcements.
"Please, listen to my words. I do not wish to resort to violence," Mary-Elizabeth said as she was accompanied by a white, long bodied pokemon with a small head and small, triangular ears.
"I told you, Miss Prope, I don't need your help, and I don't need you!" I yelled.
"Honestly, it is troublesome that even a lady like me is to resort to such violence. Mieshao-," Mary-Elizabeth said as she signaled her pokemon to attack.
Gasp. That pokemon was going to...
I flinched, but no punishment was inflicted a I reopened my eyes. I had become aware of the situation; Pheobe and Missy had saved me.
"What the?" I said confused.
The situation had become ironic. Pheobe, whom I didn't even want to be associated with, was at the right place at the right time, helping me.
"Don't worry, sorceress Pheobe is in the flesh," Pheobe said.
What was up with that? Pheobe has been the shy type all day today, but she comes up with that introduction and suddenly has all the confidence in the world.
"Now Missy, time for Act I," Pheobe said as she threw a black handkerchief and Mienshao.
Mienshao easily tore through the handkerchief with Force Palm.
"I ask you, what exactly did that handkerchief get accomplinshed?" Mary-Elizabeth asked.
"Well, I've gotta question for you: Where's Missy?" Pheobe asked.
"Hmm," Both Mary-Elizabeth and I said as we were suddenly aware the handkerchief was used as a distraction.
Missy then suddenly phased through Mary-Elizabeth. Mary-Elizabeth was frozen in fear after Missy creeped her out with her sudden appearance. Mieshao then turned it's attention away from us to comfort a distressed Mary-Elizabeth as the duo retreated.
Pheobe was amazing. I've never seen a magic show that actually worked before. I was fascinated by the two faces of Pheobe: The anti-social introvert, and the magical sorceress.
"That..That was great, Pheobe," I said.
"Well, uh, it was no big deal," Pheobe said as she suddenly went bakc to being shy.
"Uh, yes it was. What makes you do those trick?" I asked in amusement. "Wait a minute, I'll ask my parents if we can spend time together," I said as I started getting excited.
I tried to conivnce my parents to let me spend time with Pheobe, but the process was more difficult than I thought.
"Do you remember our talk last night, young lady?" My father asked me.
"But, Daddy-" I said before I was interrupted.
"No but, young lady. You are on punishment," My father said.
"We could introduce ourselves, at least..." I said as I let my head down with a frown on my face.
"Hmm. Yami, this is the first time Yumi has opened up to anyone. Right now, she's talking about magic rather than how much she hates us," My mother said.
Yes, my father's name is Yami.
"Hmph, a girl by the name of Mary-Elizabeth had a conversation with us not too long ago-" I interrupted father.
"I know, but Pheobe's changed me, I swear. Please, I'll study everynight and I'll stop bullying, anything for you to let Pheobe and I be friends," I said with tears in my eyes.
"Hmm," my father said as he stared at my eyes for a moment. "You shall abide by the conditions which we'll discuss later."
"Oh, father," I said as I hugged my father.
"My, Yumi, you've never been so affectionate toward your father," My mother said with a smile.
"Well, you can invite Pheobe and her family as guests now," my father said.
"Oh, and here. You two can share these," My mother brought out a little pink box from the kitchen.
"Sweeth Hearts? Alright mother!" I said as I hugged my mother.
I ran back outside to tell Pheobe my parents' decision, with the box of Sweet Hearts at hand.
My mother gave us Sweet Hearts to share," I said.
"Sweet Hearts?" Pheobe said confused.
"Yeah, they've recently gone global because of their great taste. But my mother gets the very best Sweet Hearts imported all the way from the Kalos Region.
"Hey, I'm from the Kalos Region. Lumiose City to be exact," Pheobe said.
"Really?" I asked.
"I've got a pokemon form Kalos as well." Pheobe said as she brought out a pokeball. "Spritzee, I choose you!"
Spritzee was a pink bird like pokemon that smelled alot like perfume.
"Wlecome to Johto. This is our new friend Yumi," Pheobe said to Spritzee.
Friend? I've never had any friends before...I guess it's because I was so busy bullying everbody all the time. This was the night I had quit my old ways as I began life anew.
"To new friends," Pheobe said as she grabbed a Sweet Heart.
"Best friends" I said.
We both ate the Sweet Hearts...
"So, how is it?" I asked Pheobe.
"Mm! It's only the greatest cookie in the world!" Pheobe said in joy as she finally found her confidence again. "May I have another please?"
"No problem. We'll share the box," I said with a smile.
That night, both Pheobe AND I bonded with my parents. And of course, I studied my school work, knowing that starting next year, Pheobe would always be a full year ahead of me.
The next moring, Pheobe and I walked to school together, still getting to know each other. We both got funny looks from everyone. Students were astounded that I actually got along with someone. I remember the promise I made to my father last night, so I had stopped with the bullying. I was actually nice to everybody. Well almost everybody.
"I must say, you have taken a turn for the best today as far as your behavior is concerned." Mary-Elizabeth said as she approached us with a smile.
I made no reply whatsoever...
"What might be the matter, must Iask?" Mary-Elizabeth asked. "I believe you have recieved last night's issue from your parents?"
"I was never told to start being nice to you, I was just told to STOP being mean to you," I said as I turned my head away and continued toward the classroom.
Pheobe was by my side as well.
"But, wait!" Mary-Elizabeth said as she started following us.
"Can't you see she has nothing to do with you? Now leave us alone," Pheobe said.
Wow, I guess some of my confidence has rubbed off on Pheobe...
Class was in session, and yet another new student has enrolled in our school.
"We have a new student, class. Please allow him to introduce himself," My teacher said.
"I am known as Prince, young ladies and gentlemen." Prince said.
I couldn't believe what I saw. I had become infatuated by the way Prince speaks, which is as good as how he looks. He had fine blonde hair that went down to his ears with a bang that covered the right side of his face. He wore a black collared t-shirt and white slim fit pants with black high top boots.
Another slow day had come accross me, for I was staring at Prince the whole time. Pheobe and I were on our way home and had spotted Prince heading in a different direction.
"Hey, that's the new boy you told me you like," Pheobe said.
I paid no attention to what Pheobe was saying. I had approached Prince, ready to tell him how I feel.
"Uh, hi," I said.
"What is it that you desire, ma'am?" Prince asked.
"You." I replied as I started hugging Prince affectionately.
Pheobe was smileing at my actions that even I thought were embarrassing.
"My sincerest apologies ma'am, but you disappoint me," Prince said.
"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked as I stopped hugging Prince.
"The lady never makes the first move. When you become more 'lady-like' , I might just latch on to you," Prince said.
My jaw dropped with my eyes wide open as Prince continued toward wherever he was going. I was heartbroken, but it wasn't the end of the world.
"Um, Yumi, are you okay?" Pheobe asked as she walked up to me.
I then grabbed Pheobe's shoulders.
"Pheobe, teach me how to be more 'lady-like'." I said.
It was situations like theses that Pheobe and I changed for better or for worse over the next four years. I did accomplish becoming more feminine, but my efforts were in vein. Over those four years, Prince became a hopeless romantic who actually was hopelss whent it came to romance because he could never get a girlfriend. Pheobe told me that she wanted to become a top coordinator one day, so she often asked me to see her magic shows. Those magic shows eventually inspired me to become a coordinator to be a Pokemon Celbrity. Pheobe had developed an obsession with my Sweet Hearts and even started using 'sweetheart' in every sentence. We were best friend forever, until one night...
Pheobe was rehearsing one of her magic shows with me as her assistant. I was a training partner using Pheobe's Spritzee, while Pheobe used Missy, of ocurse.
"Alright Missy, that's enough for the night," Pheobe said.
Pheobe had recalled both Missy and Spritzee, and the young night had silenced...
"..." Pheobe had remained silent, probably thinking about something.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"...Will we always be together like this?" Pheobe asked.
"Where did that come from?" I asked with a serious face.
"Oh, uh, I was just thinking out loud..." Pheobe said.
"Don't worry, we'll be best friends forever," I said.
"Well, how long is forever?" Pheobe asked.
Silence had consumed the night once again.
"I know, we'll go on a journey together." I said. "We'll both be top coordinators."
"Well, if one of us goes away for a long time, then what?" Pheobe asked.
"You're just thinking too hard," I said as I put my hand on Pheobe's shoulder.
Later that night, my house was quiet and dark. My parents has went to bed, In my room, the lights were off, and the window was open as the moonlight beamed down on me. I was in bed, awake, thinking about Pheobe's question.
"Was there...something she wasn't telling me" I asked myself.
I then heard a faint, but sound knocking on Pheobe's house next door.
"Guests, this late at night?" I said to myself as I grew worried.
Without turning on my light, I quickly changed into a black jacket and blue shorts. I case Pheobe was going 'far away', I would at least want a chance to say goodbye. So I quietly hopped out the window and behind a bush nea the front of Pheobe's house. I saw that two bald men were accompanying a woman with long, silver hair. She wore a grey, slim fit jacket with the initials N.S located on the left brest of her jacket. She wore blue skinny jeans and black high heel boots. The woman knocked on the door one more time before Pheobe's father answered.
"Gasp! 03!" Pheobe's father said.
03? What kind of a name is 03?
"It's been quite some time since we last met in Lumiose. And I see you and your family aren't prepared to be transported to headquarters either. How does it feel knowing you've only driven yourself further into Neo Snagem's debt relocating to Johto?" 03 asked.
"It's too late to be discussing this," Pheobe's father said.
"At least if you were in Kalos, you'd still be aligned with us," 03 said.
"Let's have a little talk inside," 03 said as the two bald men forced Pheobe's father inside.
The night was silent again as I was all alone outside...
Hmm, could 03 be talking about the same Neo Snagem that recently relocated to Johto? Who is Neo Snagem? And could Pheobe's secret have sometihng to do with them?
After a few minutes, I heard fighting, and the window glass above me had shattered. I peaked throught the window and saw Pheobe's father was on the ground as it seems a Salamance was standing by him. I bet that Salamance hurt Pheobe's father.
Pheobe and her mother the walked onto the scene. They both were still half alseep until tey looked at their defeated man, the strangers, and the mess in the house.
"Father, Pheobe yelled as she was about to rush to her father's aid.
"I assure you, I won't hesitate to annihilate a kid like you. Take one more step and you're dead,!" 03 said as Slamance steeped up, ready to attack.
"Father..." Pheobe said.
"Why would you do such a thing? My husband said he was done with Neo Snagem years ago," Pheobe's mother said.
"But apparently, WE weren't done with your husband." 03 said. "Grunts, be sure this man arrives at headquarters."
The two grunts were forcefully taking Pheobe's father...Pheobe...was expecting to never see me again after tonight...But, we were...best friends forever...
"No, please, don't take father away from me!" Pheobe yelled as she started running after her father with tears in her eyes.
03 then punched Pheobe for ignoring her orders as Pheobe fell to te floor. Tears continued to run down her eyes. She was trying to get back up before 03 said sometihng.
"Do you honestly think tears will change a thing? How pathetic." 03 then turned to Pheobe's mother, who was frozen with fear. "Does your mother really love you, Pheobe? She just stood there as I struck down both you and your father."
"Sh-shut up," Pheobe said faintly.
"I think not," 03 said with a sinister smile.
"Father..." Pheobe said as she got to her knees.
"Stay down and shut up, you stupid kid!" 03 yelled as she kicked Pheobe repeatedly. "Salamance, we return to headquarters now."
03, the grunts, and Pheobe's fahter were on their way out. "Next time, we'll take action when there isn't a spy outside the window."
What? She knew I was here the whole time? I thought to myself.
Pheobe struggled once again to stand on her feet.
"Wait, pleas, don't leave me!" Pheobe said as she ran after a retreating 03.
It was too late once Pheobe exited her house. 03 and her company had retreated and disappeared into the night sky... Both Pheobe's mother and I went to comfort Pheobe, who had despaired.
"Pheobe..." Pheobe's mother said.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
Pheobe never realized I was watching the whole time. She looked at me with an angry face and pushed me away.
"So, you were here the whole time, and you didn't even help me or my father?!" Pheobe asked.
"Pheobe?" I said confused.
"You could've at least helpd me when I was getting beat to the ground!" Pheobe yelled.
"Pheobe, there were three adults in that house and in case you don't know, I can't fight a Salamance by myself," I said.
"It's not about the numbers. Best friens are always supposed to be there for each other, no matter what!" Pheobe yelled.
"But we ARE best friend," I said.
Pheobe then turned away from me, which signaled the beginning of the end of our friendship.
"Pheobe!" I said as I touched Pheobe's shoulder, only to have my hand shaken off immediately.
"I'm sorry, but someone who is not there when I need them most is not whom I consider a friend..." Pheobe said.
I grew angry as I could no longer deny the obvious.
"Well, fine then! If all those dream we wanted to do together means nothing to you now, then I'll just journey on my own!" I yelled as I walked away from Pheobe.
Ever since that day, Pheobe refused to associate with me, the target of her frustration. The last thing Pheobe was that she wanted to put both me and the night behind her. She's even distanced herself from her mother, whose reaction were similar to that of mine that night. Pheobe developed a nasty attitude toward me, and I returned the same feelings as I reverted back to bullying. Only this time, Pheobe was my only victim. This rivalry remained one sided, until the day we both started our journey...
I was in the middle of bullying Pheobe as usual.
"Come on sorceress, use your dumb magic to make yourself disappear. You'll be doing the whole world a favor," I said as I snatched Pheobe's wand.
"Hey, give it back!" I said.
"What are you gonna do?" I said as I pushed Pheobe.
"Pheobe then reacted and pushed me back. Before I had a chance to strike back, Pheobe kicked my knee, knocking me to the ground. She then repeatedly stomped on my stomach, without mercy. I was unable to move when Pheobe took her toy wand back and spoke.
"Oh, how the mighty have fallen. When I finally snap, the victim finally gets her payback," Pheobe said.
The power in our rivalry began to shift. I was humiliated as everyone mocked me for losing a fight that I started. My depression had began to set in, knowing that I had lost the commanded respect given to me over the years. I felt alone... As I despaired, a hand was place in front of me.
"Are you in need of assistance, must I ask?" Mary-Elizabeth asked as she offered to help me up.
Althought my friendship with Pheobe had come to an end, it was really Pheobe herself who had changed me for the better. My temporary depression had died within me. As I look back over the years, Mary-Elizabeth was only trying to save me from myself. I was never alone, and I had finally made up with Mary-Elizabeth as I grabbed her hand. Energy, and happiness were born inside me, while at the same time, a developed a hatred for being alone.
The next day, Mary-Elizabeth and I went our separate ways for the time being. We both wanted to become top coordinators, so she stayed in Olivine City one more day to participate in the Olivine contest, while I headed to New Bark Town to obtain my first pokemon.
End Flashback
"You know, being alone drove me into my first temporary depression. But when I was down, I got back up, just like I must do now. I've matured since Marion City, and I'll just have to improve myself and my pokemon until the next contest," I said to myself.
I looked ar the Redbud Trees and caught a pedal that had fallen off one of the trees.
"The Redbud Tree let's go of it's past, and looks forward to the future..." I said calmly with a smile.
I then walked up to Seth who has kept me from feeling alone onmy journey. My hands were on my hips as I spoke.
"We've rested enough, can we go now?" I asked.
I then grabbed Seth's arm, without giving him a choice, and started dragging him. I promised myself that I would try my best to keep my friendship with Seth.
"Once we arrive in Violet City, it'll be my turn to support you," I said.
To Be Continued
So, Yumi's history with Pheobe has finally been revealed. New OC's 03, Mary-Elizabeth, and Prince will all appear in later chapters. So be sure to write a review letting me know how I did and stayed tuned for next time, later...