Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 39: Gratitutde
So Seth's life before becoming a pokemon trainer continues, as well as the gym battle with Whitney. Not much else to say, but enjoy... BTW, another cover image I have here. This time it's of character Yumi. Made and owned by myself.
7 Years ago...
Many people were there to see my brother off on his journey. In the name of Rosen, Zero and I had high hopes coming from people all over. To the people, the beginning of a dynasty could be seen in the distant future, a dynasty that would have the names of Zero and Seth go right next to Rosen's as household names.
But to us, tohse people were just an endless sea of trivial spectators. The sea... I felt all alone in the sea, though I did not show it. This feeling of loneliness became what my very eyes saw once Zero was out of sight. I was the last person remaining, standing next to the edge of the sea- the real see- from morning until sunset. The day was dying down, and the sun was now only half visible from the top half. Zero and I were like half and half, and I could relate to the last half of the sun: That feeling when your other half is gone...
"I'll see you soon, Brother..." I said to myself as I turned my back on the sunset and started walking.
Soon, the other half of the duo was gone from the beach, as was the other half of the sun from my view. The day was now dead, and the emptiness of the dark night was upon us; an emptiness that personified the word 'lonely', the emotion that was concealed within myself just like the rest. The feeling of loneliness grew smaller and smaller over time, until the emotion itself just disappeared.
When I returned to the villa, my father Rosen was sitting on a leather black sofa that stood on the cream white carpet in our living room. The living room consisted of a flat screen television that stood right in front of a giant window with the sea in plain view. On the walls were pictures of my father and his team of Champion pokemon: A Charizard, Ditto, Absol, Empoleon, an Electabuzz that has since been given to Volkner after evolution into Electivire, and a Roselia that was given to Mom as a gift. Dad said Mom (Flora) was always very fond of roses, and she loved the fact that 'rose' was in his (Rosen's) name. The two fell in love, and father wouldn't tell me the rest of the story because 'I was too young'.
My mother was outside arranging the floral decor which of course, consisted of more roses. Flora was accompanied by her Liligant and the before-mentioned Roselia. My mother, while fond of flowers, always preferred darkness over light, which is why she rarely went outside during the day. The moon would be out to shine it's light upon the dark sea, and she would just stare into the distance, as I would during sunset. She and I never showed our joy, but we enjoyed the thoughts of illusion and mystery that often surfaces when wandering about at night.
Mother always left Roselia and Liligant outside of their pokeballs, so they were part of the reason why I didn't feel so lonely after Zero left. Well, them and Dustin, whom I'd finally open up to the next day.
The Next Day...
"So, what made you want to be friends with me all of a sudden?" Dustin asked. "I mean, I never see you talk that much, and you always have that same blank expression on your face."
I invited Dustin over to the villa, and we were getting to know each other on the way there.
"I don't have any friends..." I replied as I looked down with another blank expression. "Could you be my friend?"
"Dude, you talk so weird." Dustin said as he put a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, we ARE friends, because you look like you'd be pretty hopeless without me. I mean, you could at least smile every once in a while, then people won't think you're such a zombie."
"A zombie..." I said to myself. "Is that what people think of me?"
"Well, um-nevermind that." Dustin said. "So why are you bringing me to your house?"
"My brother told me to bring you." I said calmly. "He just left on a pokemon journey, and he promised he'd show us the pokemon he gets from Professor Rowan.
"Way cool!" Dustin's face lit up with excitement. "I've never seen a pokemon in person before."
And of course, Dustin was amazed to see Rosealia and Liligant greet him at the door.
"Real Pokemon!"
My mother had an indifferent expression as she led us to the monitor that let us talk with people who are far away.
"There you go..." Flora said calmly as she set up the monitor.
"Thank you, Mrs. Flora," Dustin said in gratitude.
When the monitor was turned on, a very happy Zero appeared on screen. He was still holding his Charmander egg, and was accompanied by what appeared to be a Bulbasaur and a Squirtle mixed together.
"Bulbasaur, or Squirtle?" I asked as I looked at the green shelled pokemon.
"You're not even close, little bro." Zero chuckled in a reply. "This is Turtwig, and I got him from Professor Rowan."
"That's awesome!" Dustin was still very amused at seeing many different pokemon.
It wasn't everyday that Igot to speak with my brother, but it was always special when I got the chance. Zero would always show me any new pokemon he caught, and he would always introduce me to new friends he made like a pokemon called Riolu, or a guy named Reggie and his unnamed younger brother who lived in Veilstone City. I would still have a blank expression on my face listening to the stories he would tell me, which often caused me to ignore a Liligant and Roselia always seeked my attention.
But one day, Zero once again brought up the idea of having a battle with me in the future.
"So if you could choose your started right now, which would it be?" Zero asked while being accompanied by Charmeleon and Riolu"
I looked Zero straight in the eyes, and gave him a firm reply.
"Cyndaquil." I said. "Cyndaquil would be my first pokemon."
My first pokemon... I wasn't exactly upset the day I found out Cyndaquil was stolen (Chapter 2) I wasn't even upset that Cyndaquil settled for my rival trainer in Noah, or the fact that Chikorita was basically a consolation prize handed down to me (Chapter 3). I never showed it to Yumi, Noah, or Professor Elm that day, but what bothered me was the thought of battling Zero as an enemy, rather than a brother.
My first pokemon...my first pokemon was about to do battle.
Location: National Park
When Rollout and Dragon Claw collided, both Miltank and Gabite were pushed back. Both pokemon were breathing heavily and we all were waiting to see which pokemon 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. Overcoming an opponent's evolution to win a battle was quite uncommon. This I know because I've done it myself (Chapter 19).
I guess evolving didn't excuse the fact that Gabite was running low on health. Miltank was breathing heavily, but had still won the battle when all was said and done.
"Gabite..." Chapel whispered.
"Gabite, you were... alright." I said as I calmly recalled the newly evolved Gible.
Sure Gible lost, but Whitney's infamous Miltank was on it's last legs. I guess this is what Dustin meant earlier when he congratulated his Gurdurr after losing (Chapter 38). I must add on the my established friendships with the few I choose to have connections with, like-
"Chikorita," I said.
Chikorita nodded in agreement as she returned to the battlefield.
"I have to say Seth, this battle has certainly been entertaining, although only one pokemon has been defeated." Whitney said. "Miltank, let's keep using Rollout!"
"Seth, you have to do something! Rollout will only keep getting stronger!" Chapel yelled.
She's right, but how is Miltank STILL able to battle like this? "Chikorita, use Reflect!"
Sure, Reflect was successfully summoned again, but Rollout as still able to critically damage Chikorita with just one hit.
"Get up!" I said. "Use Solarbeam!"
I knew Solarbeam took time to charge, but I needed to eliminate Miltank before Rollout could completely overwhelm us.
"Alright Miltank, let's end this with one more Rollout!" Whitney commanded.
"Lower your head!" I attempted to use the strategy that Gible failed to execute earlier.
"Chico," While charging for Solarbeam, Chikorita simply lowered her head. Miltank had basically launched itself into the air, and it was right where I wanted it.
"Drop in and use Rollout!" Whitney commanded.
Miltank was closing in on Chikorita like a guided missile.
"Solarbeam!" I was desperate to land a final attempt to put an end to that Rollout.
"Chico!" Miltank fell right into the Solarbeam that Chikorita launched at point blank range.
"Miltank, no!" Whitney yelled concerned.
Miltank was sent flying across the battlefield. It landed like a dart, and a cloud of dust was created on impact.
I was waiting for the cloud of dust to disappear to call Chikorita the victor. "What?!" But when the cloud disappeared, Miltank was still up on one knee.
"But how?"
"All THAT and Miltank's STILL up?" Chapel questioned.
"Let's finish this," I said "Use Energy Ball."
"Miltank, use Milk Drink," Whitney said with a smile.
"Milk Drink?" I said confused.
"Oh no..." Chapel whispered.
Miltank used Whitney's said attack and looked energized again. And on top of that, it was able to take Energy Ball like it was nothing.
"Body Slam!" Whitney yelled.
I didn't give Chikorita another command because my reaction was too slow... Chikorita was down and unconscious by the time Miltank finished it's attack.
"Chikorita..." I slowly walked onto the battlefield and calmly picked up the Leaf Pokemon. I held her in my arms, and as I was on my way back, she looked at me with a saddened face.
"Chico chico?" Chikorita's cry was faint, but she had regained consciousness.
"Miltank is tough," I said to Chikorita as I got out an Oran Berry. "For you."
Chikorita was too tired, so I had to feed the Oran Berry to her. After a few bites, she had just enough energy to finish the rest of the berry whole. I placed Chikorita right next to me, and faced Whitney with one more pokeball at hand. At this point, I've most likely already lost the match, but I can't just give up like that.
"I've got all three of my pokemon left, while you're down to your last one," Whitney said.
"Seth, will you continue?" Chapel asked.
"I'm not going down without a fight!" I replied as I threw my pokeball, releasing my last pokemon in Mawile.
"Mawile." Mawile cried as she stared at Miltank.
Of course Mawile was the leader of my team, so it was up to her to keep us from getting swept by Miltank.
"Awww, so cute!" Whitney said to Mawile as she hugged herself affectionately.
"Mawile, you must win," I said.
Mawile nodded in agreement.
Miltank couldn't have recovered all of it's health...
"Miltank, let's use Rollout!" Whitney yelled.
"Mawile, counter with Iron Head," I said.
"Mawi mawile!" When Mawile started toward Miltank, Miltank suddenly stopped in it's tracks.
"What the?" Whitney said confused as Miltank was hit. "What happened?"
"A combination of Iron Head and Intimidate? No surprised Miltank flinched." Chapel said.
"Use Iron Head again!" I said.
"Mil..." Iron Head's secondary effect was once again successful as Miltank was still frozen in fear.
"Good," I said as Iron Head hit once again. "Finish with Power-Up Punch!"
"Come on, Miltank, move!" Whitney was in a state of panic.
"Wile," after Miltank was downed, Mawile let out a smile at the fact that Miltank failed to land a single hit on her.
"Finally..." Chapel let out a sigh of relief as I was finally able to defeat Miltank.
"Miltank, great work," Whitney said as she recalled her pokemon. "Well, there goes recording a shut out..."
With Mawile stil lat full health, I may still have a chance should things go right. Our leader shall lead us to victory.
"Never give up...I like you attitude, Seth." Whitney said as she got out her second pokeball. "Now, I choose you!"
I stood without a reply, awaiting my next challenge. When Whitney tossed her second pokeball, a pokemon known as Clefairy was released.
"Clefairy," the fairy pokemon jumped up and down as if it were performing some sort of dance. I honestly did not see the point in Clefairy's much uncalled for movement.
"A fairy type eh?" Chapel exclaimed as she crossed her arms.
Mawile should be be able to gain another victory just by hammering away, putting type advantage into the current situation.
"Clefairy, use Metronome!" Whitney commanded as the battle between Clefairy and Mawile had begun.
"Metronome..."
Clefairy began the process of waving it's fingers, preparing an attack at random.
Who knew what move Clefairy would use? I had to make my move before I could find.
"Mawile, use Iron Head!" I called to the Deceiver Pokemon.
A nod in agreement was followed by swift pursuit of the fairy type who desperately tried to get Metronome done in time.
"Cle..." The Clefairy caught sight on the incoming Iron Head and hesitatted.
"What? Again?" Iron Head's flinching effect once again had my opponent unable to do anything as Mawile landed a super effective move on the bewildered Clefairy.
"Iron Head, once more." I repeated as Mawile duplicated her previous action with greatly rising confidence.
"Clefairy, focus!" Whitney attempted to get Clefairy to resume it's Metronome.
Relying on luck to win a battle is never a proper technique...
"Wile!" Mawile landed another Iron Head on Clefairy, but Clefairy was able to stand it's ground as Metronome was now complete.
"No!" I said annoyed.
Mawile was in close range, too close to create enough distance between herself and Clefairy as Clefairy's fingers began to glow.
"Now what?" Chapel questioned.
The only that happened though, was a pink glow that started to emit from Mawile. We were all lead into a false sense of suspicion as the light didn't seem to pose any threat.
"What WAS that?" I asked.
Mawile and I were confused. Whitney's jaw dropped for a reason I probably did not know, while Chapel smiled in my direction.
"Talk about luck!" Chapel exclaimed. "That was Heal Pulse, Seth. Mawile's been healed."
Mawile's health was already 100 percent, but 'lucky' was right... I did not want to sound like a hypocrite, but 'luck' had probably made my improbable comeback in sight.
"Mawile, finish with Iron Head," I called.
"Wile!" With Mawile better than ever, she made short work out of what was left in a cowaring Celfairy.
"Fairy..." Unconscious, Clefairy was unable to battle, and Mawile was standing tall, STILL at full health and then some.
"Mawile..." I called out the Deceiver Pokemon and bowed my head in gratitude. She waved to me and nodded in agreement. "You ARE this team's leader."
Whitney recalled Clefairy without word. Her shoulders drooped for a few seconds before returning to her stance as she pulled out her last pokeball. "Well...I'll admit losing two pokemon in a row is quite upsetting. My signature pokemon in Miltank is already down for the count. But Seth-" She looked over at me with a big smile. "-You do know that even gym leaders have room to grow as pokemon trainers.
"And?"
"And...like your deceiver pokemon, I've also learned a bit of deception myself.!" Whitney tossed her last pokeball onto the battlefield. Her talk of deception was on point when her last pokemon was revealed to be a Nidoqueen. "Surprise, surprise."
"A Nidoqueen?!" Chapel was in a state of shock.
Nidoqueen was not a normal OR fairy type.
"Oh, she was the most adorable thing as a Nidorina," Whitney hugged herself with affection one more time as she appeared to be reminenscing about 'an adorable Nidorina'.
"Mawile Maw!" Despite the obvious size difference, Mawile did not back down. Hell, she didn't even blink.
"Do!" Nidoqueen roared.
It was now a one on one battle. Both pokemon were at full health, and the final victor would be decided by whomever was the better trainer.
As far as types were concerned, the two were about even considering they both have resistances and immunities to each other. But Mawile's endurance wasn't the best in the world, and who knew the level of power Nidoqueen had?
"Iron Head now!" The final battle was officially underway with my command.
"Counter with Skull Bash!" Whitneey yelled as Nidoqueen quickly lowered her haed.
"Skull Bash?" I whispered to myself.
Mawile should definitely have the advantage this time...
But when both moves collided, Mawile was overpowered despite having a resistance to normal type attacks and Nidoqueen having a weakness to steel type attacks.
"But how?" I said annoyed.
"Not only does Nidoqueen have more power, but her attacks deal even more damage thanks to her Rivalry ability." Whitney explained.
I believed Whitney had a point given the fact that Nidoqueen were always female.
Mawile was on the ground as Whitney was on the verge of regaining her previously lost momentum. Chapel continued to cheer for Mawile, despite this battle just getting started. I was busy trying to generate a blueprint to defeating Nidoqueen, but the task would prove to be quite daunting if Mawile was to contiually be overwhelmed.
Maybe Mawile COULD overpower Nidoqueen...
"Use Power-Up Punch, back too back!" I commanded.
Mawile readied both of her fists as she was headed straight for Nidoqueen.
"Flamethrower," Whitney was determined not to let Mawile's power get a huge increase.
"Nido!" Flamethrower would've put Mawile in a tough spot, but Mawile dodged on instinct by ducking under Flamthrower's path.
Chapel cheered as Mawil closed in on Nidoqueen and landed nonstop Power-Up Punches, with the damage dealt being increased with every blow.
"Come on Nidoqueen, Flamethrower again!" Whitney yelled.
"No!" Mawile was at point blank range, she couldn't avoid the attack.
Getting hit with a super effective Flamethrower, Mawile was actually able to stand her ground for a moment before being pushed away and sent back on the dirt. Mawile was struggling to slowly get up as-
"It's all or nothing now..." I calmly said to myself. "Mawile, Iron Head full power!"
"Wile!"
"Nido!"
Mawile went straight into the Flamethrower cloaked in the silver aura that was Iron Head. It was a struggle, but the determined Deceiver Pokemon was inching closer and closer to Nidoqueen as Nidoqueen and Whitney were taken aback.
"No way..." Whitney made no additional comment.
"Come on..." Chapel cheered calmly.
Á type of determination that has cliched itself in the wprld of pokemon... I never understood what difference it actually made. I even despised the fact that there was a struggle in the first place, but I never thought that would be working in my favor.
Nidoqueen could only stand there and watch Mawile fight through Flamethrower and close in on her. Iron Head was successful, and when both attacks were finished, both pokemon were down.
"Is it, over?" Chapel asked.
"The first one to get back to her feet win..." Whitney said calmly.
Both pokemon were hit with multiple super effective mover. So it was no surprise the tow were downed.
"Ma..." Mawile pressed her hands to the ground, attempting to do a push up to get off her stomach. "Wile..." She then pressed her maw (second mouth) to the ground for extra support.
"Are you kidding?" Whitney started to become upset. "No no no no, we can't lose. We just can't!" Mawile was soon standing up and staring at a downed Nidoqueen who's level wasn't as high as I initially thought. "We just lost... sniffle." Tears were seen being held back in the eyes of Whitney.
"Mawile..." I whispered as I approached a Mawile who stood there, but fell back on the ground in exhaustion. She was still very much awake, her red eyes fixated on my face as she couldn't help but smile proudle. "You won..."
Chapel and Chikorita also had smiles on their faces as they approached the tow of us.
"You should at least return her smile," Chapel said. "Come on, you never smile."
"But YOU have my personality, remember?" I shot back at Chapel, who made no further comment.
I didn't smile, but I did walk up to Mawile and pick her up in my arms. Mawile just swept Whitney's entire team. I was on the verge of losing, but the 'leader' in Mawile had led us to victory. This emotion...this emotion was called gratitude.
Holding a Mawile who retained her smile, I approached a saddened Whitney who just recalled a downed Nidoqueen.
"I won-" I looked at Mawile, and then back at Whitney as I corrected myself. "WE won."
"Mawile."
Err..." Whitney was still upset, and she was about to start away from me like a sore loser (sound familiar?", but she stopped. She looked at Mawile and I with a warm smile. "I'm a big girl now...so here."
Whitney presented us with the Plain Badge, which I allowed Mawile to reach for and grab. "So what now?" Whitney asked.
"You two will get your pokemon healed." Chapel, Chikrota, Chime, and Ursaring all approached us. "Then we'll all meet up with Wes to discuss some issues. And 'we' includes you, Whitney."
"Me?" Whitney pointed to herself. "Why me?"
I too wondered about that.
"Being from Goldenrod, I believe you'll eventually have to fight this organization called Team Neo Snagem." Chapel replied.
Without question, we all nodded in agreement and started inside the Pokemon Center. It seems we've gotten yet another new ally in Whitney...
To Be Continued...