Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 38: Family
Okay, so the next few chapters will feature quick flashbacks of Seth's life back in Sunnyshore City. Seth's mother and real father (Not Atticus) will finally have a proper introduction and will be given names. And Seth's relationship with Zero will finally be explored. Though these flashbacks won't cover the whole chapter, I believe it is time to finally put some details about Seth's life that will hopefully serve as hype whenever he finally confronts his brother.
Flashback
Location: Sunnyshore City 7 years ago...
I sat on the edge of the beach, staring st the orange sunset that shined down on the sea AND the both of us. But who is the both of us?
Well as for me, my name is Seth, and I am 6 years old. And the one right next to me, his name is Zero, and he is my older brother. At the end of everyday, the two of us would come to the beach to watch the sunset. But today...today would be the last day we'd do that.
"So are you ready?" I asked as I stared at my brother.
"You know it!" Zero replied with excitement.
Ready for what you ask? My brother was turning 10 years old tomorrow... He'll set off on a journey with a pokemon of his choosing, he'll have adventure and visit new places. And then there's me...what about me? It'll be just me, Mom, and Dad.
My mother's name is Flora, while my father's name in Rosen. But I shared many characteristics with my mother.
Flora had very long, blonde hair with deep blue eyes. She had a floral accessory lined up behind her right ear (Rose takes a lot after her mother as well). My mother was always one to conceal her deepest emotions, so we would never see her express her feelings throughtears or rage. Instead, she always just listened to everybody else talk. I guess her attitude has rubbed off on me.
My father, Rosen, was once the Champion of the Sinnoh League for quite a few years before losing his title to some woman named Cynthia. He had fame, fortune, and great family. Despite Zero being older than me, I was Rosen's first child since Zero belonged to Atticus. But Rosen still raised Zero like a son. He owned the home we currently live in, which was a decent sized beach side villa. Living his life would be the desire of any who crossed paths with him. He had blackish navy blue hair the was very similar to mine. He wore a black polo t-shirt, with blue denim jeans and black shoes.
Zero has wanted nothing more than to follow in my father's footsteps and become Pokemon League Champion. He often let excitement surface, which often annoyed my mother and I, but amused us at the same time.
I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw a blue Shellos approaching Zero and I. Zero went to pet the rather curious pokemon as I simply looked on.
To think, when Zero leaves, he'll be caring for pokemon like this everyday... Which leads me back to what I'll do once he's gone. I was unsure...
"Big Brother..." I asked calmly as I walked toward the Shellos. "Will we ever get to stare at the sunset together like this again?"
"Seth..." Shellos was in Zero's arms as it embraced the feeling of my hand petting it. "Seth, I'll be back, I promise. And after I beat Cynthia and become Champion, I'll tell you all about my adventures. The pokemon, the places, the people... you'll know everything. And when you get your first pokemon in a few years, you and I will battle to see who's Champion.
My brother gave me a big smile, as did Shellos. I simply nodded in agreement without much facial expression.
"You know," Zero put his arm around my shoulder ,"Maybe if you smiled every once in a while, you'd have friends to keep you from feeling lonely when I'm gone."
"Mom said expressing emotion is pointless, and this it is a sign of weakness. So I am never happy, nor am I sad. Just lonely, and sometimes, angry." I said as I let go of Shellos and looked down at the Sunnyshore sand. "I used to get picked on when I let my tears show. And I got the nickname 'Crybaby'."
"Well," Zero returned Shellos back onto the Zero. "Let's be honest, you WERE quite the crybaby. But when did they stop picking on you?"
"A boy named Dustin, who had just moved to Sunnyshore, stood up for me. Sure he got bullied too, but it was him and Mother who said to control my emotions at all costs." I said. "So now I act like Mom."
"See? Now there you have it." Zero said. "Do you ever talk to Dustin?"
I kept a straight face without a reply...
"Then you and him can see me off to Sandgem Town tomorrow. I'll even show you guys my first pokemon when I get the chance." Zero said as he started back to the villa. "...It's getting late..."
The light of the sun was slowly fading away as a twilight was soon to come. The Shellos was gone, I calmly followed Zero back to the villa.
What Zero didn't mention was that the pokemon waiting for him in Sandgem Town wouldn't actually be his first. My father, Rosen had given Zero a Charmander egg to care for. Rosen said it would be a perfect opportunity for Zero to learn how to care for a baby pokemon.
And so it began: The Tale of Zero.
Location: National Park Pokemon Center
Seth's POV
As the confrontation between my brother and I nears, I began to slowly regain the memories and connection that I once shared with my brother. I wished I could go back to that part of my life. Back when life was simple and I did not have a care in the world. But also, I wished that I would never set foot in that world again. Back when I was a weak 'crybaby'. But in the end, being a crybaby was the reason why I've gotten stronger as a person. The sunset that bonded my brother and I was dead and gone, but I do remember him saying he'd like to battle me once I got my first pokemon, and couldn't help but become upset. This emotion, being upset, is one I've never really shown until my brother's betrayal and onward.
"But things have changed since then..." I was thinking out loud as Chikorita looked at me confused.
A crowd seemed to be gathering just outside the Pokemon Center, so Rose covertly dissolved back into my heart. Mawile and Gible were recalled, while Chapel was still having her 'alone time'. So it was only Chikorita and I quietly sitting at a table in the lobby.
"Oh. My. Gosh!" A pink haired girl was on her way to the crowd as she squealed in excitement. "It's HIM!"
"HIM?" I was still thinking out loud.
"Chico?" Chikorita questioned.
"Do you really not know who 'HE' is?" The pink haired girl said to me.
"Why should I care?" I asked calmly.
"Man, you're such a downer," The pink haired girl said.
"You don't even know me." I replied calmly.
"But you will know HIM once you see him." The pink haired girl pointed toward the center of the crowd. "Come on! I show you) The girl suddenly grabbed my arm and started dragging me.
The pink haired girl shoved her way through the crowd, me still being dragged and Chikorita following. As we got through the last wave, I caught sight of a very familiar red head. The black cape... I was sure he was none other than former Pokemon League Champion, Lance. He was accompanied by a black haired woman who was petting an Espeon I believed to be hers.
"Lance..." I said calmly.
"See, I told you you'd care!" The pink haired girl said to me.
"Whitney..." Lance called the pink haired girl. "You're not at the gym?"
"Whitney?" I said to myself. "You are the Goldenrod gym leader, right?" I asked.
"Why yes." Whitney replied.
"Then I would appreciate it if you accept my challenge in an official pokemon battle," I said as I bowed my head.
"Oh, so now that you know who I am, you wanna act formal." Whitney was amused. "You know, I've been away from Goldenrod for a while now. I've been spending time on whether or not I should change my gym to a fairy type facility. After the discovery of the new type, many of the gym's employees have fought with each other, because not everyone wants this change to happen.
"Well, if you two are talking about 'fairy' types, I'll take my leave." Lance said as he started away. "Naoko, we're staying here for the day." Lance gestured to the black haired woman who was still comforting her Espeon.
"Then I'll get settled in." The woman called 'Naoko' said as she and Espeon followed Lance into the Pokemon Center.
Chikorita, Whitney, and I watch the crowd follow the two into the Pokemon Center.
"Well, there he goes,,," Whitney put her hands on her hips. "I would've expected him not to be a fan of fairy types."
"Ahem." I crossed my arms growing impatient. "Our gym battle?"
"Man, you're certainly a 'different' trainer. But still, a challenge would be nice right about now. "Whitney said with a smirk. "Three on three. And if you win, I'll give you this." Whitney held out a badge that didn't have anything on it...
"It's just a plain badge." I said annoyed.
"Well that's what it's called: a Plain Badge. You'll receive it if you beat me.
As we stood on opposite sides of the battlefield, I thought to myself how random and on short notice this battle was. There was no referee, nor was this battle inside a gym. It felt more like an exhibition match.
"Hey Seth!" a familiar voice called from behind me just as we were about to begin.
I turned around to see Chapel, who was accompanied by Ursaring, Chime, and a dirty blonde haired guy I was sure to have met before.
"You..." I stared at the blonde haired guy with an annoyed look.
"I believe we have met before (Chapter 9), Seth is it?" The guy said.
"Are you Wes?" I asked.
His name... I remember his name to be Wes. He was with Team Neo Snagem, and he along with Commander 25 attempted to take over Sunnyshore City through the lighthouse, but that wasn't my biggest concern at this point.
I also spoke to Wes in a dream called Utopia (Chapter 26)... There was a distant voice we all heard in Utopia. It was a girl's voice who once said that she was the reason Wes created Neo Snagem. This girl's name was Rui, and was also once infected by the virus Missingno. Could this 'Rui' be linked to what Rose was trying to tell me about 'who our true enemy is?' I remember Rose's three hint-
"Hellooo?!" I'm still here you know," Whitney waved her arms in a successful attempt to capture my attention.
I looked at Whitney, and then back at Wes and Chapel.
"You may go ahead," Wes said as Chapel nodded in agreement. "We will address any and all issues later."
Wes then started inside the still crowded Pokemon Center, while Chapel remained to watch my battle.
"Can we start the battle now?" Whitney asked.
"Hmmm," Chapel was thinking ,"Seth-?"
"It's a gym battle," I said calmly as I turned to Chikorita. "I'm sending you out first, okay?"
"Chico Chico!" Chikorita was anxious to start our battle as she raced onto the battlefield.
"Well, aren't you the cutie." Whitney said affectionately to Chikorita. "Sorry, but looks won't be enough for me to hold back." Whitney pulled out a pokeball and tossed it.
The pokeball released a Miltank, which I've never seen in person, but have heard much talk that has given this pokemon a bad reputation. I specifically had to be on guard for Miltank's Rollout attack.
"I'll let you have the first move!" Whitney yelled as our battle had unofficially began.
"Chikorita, use Reflect!" I commanded.
"Chico!" Chikorita nodded in agreement as she formed a protective barrier around herself.
"Not bad," Chapel said. "So I guess Seth knows about Miltank's infamous Rollout."
"Nice choice, but that's not going to stop us from using Rollout!" Whitney had given Miltank the cue to make it's first move.
"Miltank!" Miltank began spinning it's body forward as it started toward Chikorita with a Rollout attack.
"Co!" Chikorita was struck by a relatively weak attack that was weakened even further due to Reflect.
"Chikorita, get back." I called for Chikorita to come back with me. With Rollout being a physical move, Rough Skin would work very well in combination with Reflect.
"So you send out Chikorita, and then recall her without even using an attack?" Whitney questioned as she put her left hand on her right elbow.
"Hmph," I said as I took out a pokeball. "Gible, battle stance!"
Gible took field ready for battle. I did not concern myself with whether or not Gible would meet my expectations, considering this WAS a gym battle.
"Come on, Gible!" Chapel cheered.
"Don't lose..." I added.
"Alright Miltank, use Rollout once more!" Whitney yelled.
"Rock Smash, quick!" I said.
Both pokemon collided. With Miltank taking damge from a super effective Rock Smah AND Rough Skin, and Gible suffering minimal damage due to his rock type resistance AND Reflect, I could tell I was quickly gaining the upper hand.
"Rock Smash, once more." I commanded.
"I guess we'll repeat as well," Whitney said as Miltank went for another Rollout.
Miltank still sustained much damage, but the amount of damage Gible took seemed to be increasing. Despite much resistance, Gible was overpowered and sent to the ground.
"Rollout, Miltank," Whitney yelled.
"Gible, lower your head!" I said.
I though my plan to send Miltank flying would work, but Gible's reaction was too slow and wasn't able to follow my command on time. Gible was sent flying as Rollout's damage was once again increased.
"Gible..." I said calmly.
Gible struggled to get back to his feet, but fell back down, not moving.
"Is it, over?" Chapel asked calmly.
"Hmph," I said as I was about to recall Gible. "I should've known bett-" I was interrupted.
"-Gible!" Gible once again struggled to get back on his feet.
Gible then let out a roar and started to glow white. It started to grow and change size.
"Can it be?" Whitney asked.
"Yes, it is." Chapel replied.
"It's evolving." I added.
We all awaited the moment Gible would stop glowing. When it did, Gible's new form was revealed. He wasn't stubby anymore, and he was now a darker shade of blue. He had a red abdomen and he had four fins: one on each arm, one on his back, and one on his tail. Gible had evolved into Gabite.
"Well it certainly lost whatever cuteness it had." Whitney said.
Cute? This is a battle in case you don't remember.
"Are you ready to resume?" Whitney asked.
Taking my pokedex out right now would've proved to be an unnecessary distraction, so I nodded in agreement.
"Gible might be stronger, but that's not gonna save it from Rollout! Let's go Miltank!" Whitney said as Miltank readied a Rollout that was more powerful than ever.
"Counter with Rock Smash!" I commanded.
But rather thatn Rock Smash, Gabite's claws started to glow a light blue.
"What IS that?" I asked annoyed.
"Dragon Claw!" Chapel shouted. "Gabite learned Dragon Claw!"
(Note that I don't do game mechanics as far as what levels moves are learned are concerned).
When Rollout and Dragon claw collided, both Miltank and Gabite were pushed back. Both pokemon were breathing heavily and we were all waiting to see which one would collapse first.
"Mil Miltank Miltank," Miltank cried.
"Gab..." Gabite collapsed on the ground and remained there unconscious.
Shock was written on the faces of Chikorita, Chapel, and even Whitney. Miltank was breathing heavily, but had won the battle.
I guess evolving doesn't excuse the fact the we were initially on the verge of losing...
"Miltanl, you were great," Whitney complimented Miltank with a big smile. Overcoming an opponent's evolution to win is quite uncommon. This I know because I've done it myself (Chapter 19).
"Gabite..." Chapel whispered.
"Gabite, you were...alright." I said calmly as I recalled my newly evolved Gible.
Sure Gabite lost, but Whitney's infamous Miltank was now on it's last legs. I guess THIS was what Dustin meant when he congratulated Gurdurr after losing. I do not want anymore friends, but I would like for my connections to grow with those who are already my friends.
Like I said: Miltank was on it's last legs, and I now believe Gabite may have the power to prove my doubts about him wrong...
To Be Continued...
Okay, so I had Gabite lose even after evolution because I often find the 'evolving leads to certain victory' plot often repetitive. I know that I'm guilty of that too, and I probably will do it in future chapters, but sometimes I like to just change it up a bit.
I hope you guys liked how Seth's family is portrayed, now next chapter we will finish the gym battle. I will also reveal some of Zero's pokemon team, and what pokemon Seth originally was going to choose upon arriving in New Bark Town. So I hope I didn't spoil it too much. Please be sure to write a review.