Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 92: Catching Up
Author's Note:
Okay readers, so what we have here is a more subdued chapter. Alot of characters will be re-introduced because you know what I realized? The Dominion of Shadows Arc was finished over A YEAR AGO, and not everyone is going to remember every character. So, this chapter kind of does more than one thing: It's a 'recap', a farewell to a one-off character introduced a while ago, AND the beginning of my attempt to rewrite a certain major character who I've tried to get you readers to like on more than one occasion only to fall short...
It is here, we begin this day with grave despair. We have lost one own to a metaphor of freedom: A metaphor where you are finally free from the struggles of this world through final judgement…
…When a life has ended, it is those still among the living who feel the most pain. It is with THAT pain that we bid you our final farewell, Mr. Pryce…
Location: Mahogany Town
Seth's POV
Yumi, Chikorita and I had just arrived in Mahogany Town, at long last. The sky was as dark and cloudy as yesterday…and the day before, with snow sprinkling, but not sticking to the ground.
Mahogany Town was foggy, very foggy. So foggy in fact, that seeing into any sort of distance would prove to be a near-impossible task.
"Chico…" Chikorita, who was on my shoulder, was uneasy as she looked around the Mahogany Town streets.
"Where is everybody?" Yumi asked.
The streets were empty and devoid of any people. It gave us visitors the impression that this town was abandoned, or closed off. I mean, Autumn Town wasn't even half the size of Mahogany, yet Yumi and I still saw more people out and about in there.
"Hmm…" I didn't even bother to answer Yumi's question out loud as I took out my Pokegear.
"Oh? What are you doing?" Yumi asked as she looked at me.
"Looking for the Pokemon Center," I answered, "Chapel and the others should be waiting for us there."
Even if we were to pinpoint the location of the Pokemon Center, this thick fog could easily have us miss the building. It was advisable that Yumi, Chikorita and I stay close.
From what I observed on my Pokegear, Mahogany Town was located between two valleys, the first of which Yumi and I have travelled, passing through Eggseter and Autumn Town along the way. The second valley was actually a bunch of snowy hills and mountains located in the distant east. This valley is often referred to as 'Ice Path' due to its year-round winter climate. Beyond Ice Path lies a 'misty' region located at along Johto's northeastern edge, and then a long plateau with a gradually rising temperature as you get closer to Blackthorn City.
We were going to be in this cold climate for a while…
…
It wasn't until about one hour later, when we were further into town, that Yumi and I finally saw someone walking about. Yumi and Chikorita were somewhat relieved upon seeing this person.
"Huh?" This guy, along with Yumi and I, all paused as we made eye contact. "Yumi?" I've seen this guy before, but I never knew that he met Yumi as well. Yumi was the first he named.
His black, gladiator mohawk was unforgettable.
In the Dominion of Shadows-or Ecruteak City-I once defended the fifteen year old. I used the power of Fear to crush the neck of a Neo Snagem member threatening to kill him. Later, he housed me, Rose amd Chikorita, and then he led me to the Dominion of Shadows' Neo Snagem stronghold.
"Kashius?" Yumi replied.
Kashius Kleigh, the leader of the fallen Johto Region Restoration Committee.
Yumi, excited to see Kashius, ran up to hug him. While surprised, Kashius blushed slighty.
"Good to see you again!" Yumi said as she let go.
"You two!" Kashius then looked in my direction. His mood was no longer merry, and he walked up to me with a serious look on his face. "So she was able to save you…"
"Where is everybody?" I asked, looking at our surroundings.
"Oh, about that. The entire town, locals AND travelers, over at the cemetery for a funeral," Kashius started, "This town's Gym Leader, he's…"
"Chico…" Chikorita sighed in despair, obviously knowing what a hesitant Kashius was trying to say.
"Pryce…" Well Yumi seemed to know the Gym Leader's name, "I knew he was old, but not THAT old. Please tell me he didn't die of old age."
"He didn't." Kashius answered, "The town in unsure of how exactly Pryce died, but investigators have at least come to the conclusion that his death was NOT natural. Based on what I've heard from locals, Pryce had apparently went missing two weeks prior to his death. Everybody was quick to say that Neo Snagem probably kidnapped him. But those rumors were proven to be false. Just a few days ago, Pryce's body was found in the valley of Ice Path. He wasn't moving."
"So he was killed," I said to myself.
"Possibly. Either that or he froze to his death."
"So, are Chapel and the others at the Pokemon Center?" Yumi asked. Was she not paying attention to what Kashius was saying?
"No. They're at the funeral too. And me?" Kashius asked out loud, "I'm just here to pay my dues before leaving."
"Leaving?"
"I've been thinking about what's next for me, and journeying to Mahogany Town provided me with more than enough time to find an answer. I'm returning to Ecruteak City. My mother and the rest of the Johto Region's Restoration Committee…I can't just leave everybody behind. It's been a couple of weeks since what happened at the Dominion of Shadows, so I'm guessing that Neo Snagem MUST'VE eased up on everyone by now." Kashius then paused.
As I stared at him, I began to wonder what could've happened on the day I first met him. If I didn't meet Kashius, I probably wouldn't have killed that Neo Snagem grunt. And if that killing were to never happen, so much conflict could have been easily avoided…but then Kashius might not be alive…
"Yumi, Seth, this is goodbye." Kashius started in the direction opposite of where Yumi and I were headed, giving me a clue that this funeral might be further east. "Let's hope that we'll meet again someday, when this Neo Snagem Saga is over…"
I didn't forget those last words Kashius said to me. At this point in my journey, my hope for defeat Neo Snagem was mere 'just enough' for me to keep going. Not encountering the organization for a while has allowed me to right whatever wrongs I've done as far as getting stronger is concerned. My attempts have failed so f ar. I brought up the subject of Chikorita evolving very seldom, and thought that her evolution would happen once she nailed the final blow to Espurr. No luck. More importantly, I've yet to win a single Pokemon battle since Ecruteak City. That's 30 chapters and counting. I hope Kashius comes up where I've continually fallen short.
Goodbye, Kashius Kleigh…
…..
Location: Mahogany Town Cemetery
It is here, we begin this day with grave despair. We have lost our own to the metaphor of freedom: A metaphor where you are finally free from all the struggles of this world through final judgement…
…When a life has ended, it is those who are living who feel the most pain. It is with pain that we bid you our final farewell, Mr. Pryce…
I've heard those words more than one time today…
By the time Yumi, Chikorita and I arrived at the cemetery, everybody was already clearing out. Most of these people were crying. Was it 'the pain' that the tombstone of Mr. Pryce was referring to? I never understood the point of showing such emotion when a person 'leaves'. The crying and despair…Yumi told me that I didn't understand too. She told me that if I were to 'leave' her, she'd cry too. Chikorita agreed. Were they like this when my mind was almost crushed by 10? They were more affectionate than usual when I woke up that day. And then there was the death of Espurr, which was still very much fresh.
"You never know," Yumi said, looking at the tombstone, "Maybe this man will meet Espurr."
Yumi and I waited until the cemetery was empty. We were hoping Chapel would be here. But I guess she was among the first to leave following the serving. It's been so long since I've seen Chapel. I wonder where she ventured when she was in Ecruteak.
"I wonder if I'll be able to challenge this town's Gym." I said out loud.
"How can you think of something like a Gym battle at a time like this?" Yumi asked.
Without facing her, Chikorita and I started away from Pryce's grave, "It can't be helped now, whatever happened to Pryce. Whatever he's done when he was alive apparently left a lasting impression, but no matter how much we want to remember him or any other person who has died, they're all just memories now…" It seems to be a revelation that only I understand. Yumi DID seem somewhat depressed by my words as she began to follow me, but it was a lesson she was going to have to learn somewhere down the road. Who knows? Maybe I'll be the one dying in her arms, and maybe THEN, I'd stay dead…
Location: Mahogany Town Pokemon Center
The optimistic attitude of Yumi returned by the time we arrived at the Pokemon Center. In fact, she was kind of energetic as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to the front desk.
"One room to stay, please!" Yumi cheerfully said to a Nurse Joy waiting for us.
…The Nurse Joys I've seen in the past all had a cheerful demeanor similar to Yumi's. But this Nurse Joy…she was different. Probably depressed from Pryce's death, just like the rest. Idiots, they can't learn to just let a person go…
"Audino?" Nurse Joy called as she looked as her assistant.
Audino was depressed too. "Aw." The two exchanged a nod in agreement.
It was as if Audino and Nurse Joy had to force smiles on their faces as they handed Yumi the room key. With Yumi's Pokemon Contest and my Gym battle-which isn't even guaranteed now-we were going to be staying in Mahogany Town for more than just a couple of days.
"Thank you, Miss," Yumi said to Nurse Joy, bowing her head in gratitude. She turned to me and asked, "So, wanna look for Chapel now?"
"She'll turn up eventually if we just stay nearby." I replied.
"Hmm…" For a second, Yumi crossed her arms, thinking to herself before proposing an idea to me, "Nobody's using the battlefield outside. You can help me prepare for my contest!"
"It's a deal." I put my hands in my black jacket pockets as Yumi and I turned in the direction of the Pokemon Center's exit. But before we could get a few steps in…
"Yumi!" Yumi's name was called. The voice came from one of the lobby's tables-the table closest to the window, to be exact.
Yumi's POV
The girl who called my name was one of my best friends. This self-proclaimed 'sorceress' had short, dark lavender hair and pink eyes. She wore a white jacket with black trimming over a pink shirt. She also wore a black skirt, and boots.
"Pheobe!" My face lit up as I saw Pheobe.
"Sweetheart!" Smiles on both of our faces, we ran each other into a hug like there wasn't a care in the world, "It's been so long!"
"I know!" Last we saw each other, we made up, putting aside our childhood grudge at long last as we helped Mr. Spencer Hale in Greenfield. Speaking of which… "So, have you found your father or Commander 03 yet?"
Pheobe's voice calmed down, but she was still smiling, "No luck…"
"Commander 03?" We both looked at Seth and Chikorita, who were both suddenly intrigued by our reunion.
"We'll run into her eventually," I said. I then elected to change the subject, "So have you won any ribbons lately?"
"As a matter of fact…" Pheobe took out a pink ribbon, "It's my third ribbon. I won it at the Lake Lucid Contest. But YOU! I saw you win your first contest!"
I blushed.
"Well then…" Seth sighed. I didn't say it out loud, but I felt like saying sorry to him for blowing off our training. I didn't stop him though, as he and Chikorita continued to the battlefield on their own. I'm sorry Seth, it's just that I have a lot of catching up to do!
"Come on, Sweetheart!" Pheobe said as she put her arm around me and started walking me to the table she was sitting at.
…..
I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't bother to see who else was sitting at the table. I grew excited when I fixed my gaze on the couple.
The male had green eyes and golden blonde hair that went down to his shoulders. He wore a black, collard t-shirt, light blue pants, and white shoes. I used to have such a crush on him. His name was Prince, and it was the first time I've seen him since I started my journey.
"Long time, no see." The voice of Prince was so tinder…
The female had blue eye and magenta hair that went down to just below her shoulders. She wore a black, long sleeved shirt to go with her rose colored skirt that went down to just below her knees, where she had on knee high, brown heeled boots. Her name was Mary-Elizabeth-Mary for short. She is who Prince accompanies on her journey. Mary…It was the first time I've seen her and Pheobe get along. I mean, Pheobe used to always get annoyed by Mary and her 'lady-like perfectionist' type of attitude. I guess everybody was just happy to see each other.
"It's a pleasure to see you, Yumi," Mary said with a smile. The way she talks made me wonder what would happen if she and Rose were to start talking to each other. I would probably laugh as I say 'Look, it's lady-like in stereo!'
"So the gang from Olivine City is ALL here!" Pheobe said with much excitement.
Location: Outside Mahogany Town Pokemon Center
Seth's POV
"Sky Attack!"
"Murkrow!" It was a training session between Murkrow and Chikorita. It's been some time since I first came to the conclusion that Chikorita needed to evolve. But like before, I'm having no luck.
"Chico!" Chikorita braced herself for an incoming Murkrow cloaked in a harsh light.
"Chikorita, jump!"
"Chico!" Chikorita jumped and was able to avoid Murkrow's head-on attack. Landing on the ground, Chikorita looked back at me with an accomplished smile, "Chico!" She seemed proud of herself.
"…" Well, Chikorita HAS made 'some' progress since battling Justice and Bayleef. She learned Aromatherapy, and she's slightly more agile. I gave Chikorita a nod.
Then I looked at Murkrow, who was roosting on the other side of the battlefield. Murkrow was slightly slower than usual, and Sky Attack wasn't as powerful as it was in the past. Probably because I have him practicing in cold weather.
…
"…I heard what happened." There was a decent sized time gap in which I didn't call an attack from neither Chikorita nor Murkrow, and it was during those few seconds that I was addressed by HER.
She had ruby red colored bangs to go with her ruby red eye color and short, golden blonde hair that went down to her shoulders, where the ends spiked(see Akiza Izinki's similar hairstyle). She no longer wore a Pokemon Ranger hat, but she DID wear her Pokemon Ranger jacket, which was red in color. She black short shorts, black knee high socks, and red boots that went up past her ankles.
"And here I was, thinking you'd be better off without us weighing you down when we separated in Ecruteak. I thought I was the one who needed YOU! Apparently I thought wrong."
Chapel's arms were crossed, and she was by herself.
"How could you, Seth?" I could just feel the volume of Chapel's voice rise with every word that came out of her mouth, "How could you?"
I sighed, "What? Did I do something?" And of course, I remained in my typical, calm state. This provoked more emotion from Chapel.
"Did you forget?! It's ALL YOUR FAULT the fall of Ecruteak City..."
"There seems to be a problem here, and if I'm correct, YOU'RE the only one getting worked up. So what if I'm to blame? It can't be helped now."
"Seth-" But I didn't allow for Chapel to finish.
"You DO want to defeat Neo Snagem, right?"
Chapel paused.
We DID have the same goals, didn't we? We also had a few 'side quests' to attend to along the way, like my gym battles, or her search for Celebi. We're both willing to do whatever it takes, right?
Chapel's fist started to shake, "Please tell me your goal one more time."
I sighed, "To defeat Neo Snagem. That is our goal, right?"
"No." Chapel answered, "To defeat Neo Snagem. That is YOU'RE goal. But my goal…"
Chapel's POV
The difference between the goals of Seth and I were starting to surface. This difference has been there throughout our entire journey, and I couldn't that I was only beginning to notice it now.
Serious to a fault, Seth will stop at nothing to achieve his goal of defeating Neo Snagem. Obsessive amd on the brink of callous, his goal will at times blind him from seeing the damage he causes to those around him in order to achieve his goal. Sure, he cares a lot for Yumi and Chikorita, but those two are lost causes.
"My goal is TO SAVE THE WORLD by defeating Neo Snagem. This isn't JUST for me. I want EVERYBODY to be happy. I can't just go around killing grunts and starting riots like you did."
Kashius told me everything…
"Am I supposed to care?" Seth asked, "It's not like we're gonna see those people again. I personally would like to put Ecruteak City behind me..."
He relies so much on logic, he neglects emotion, and ends up becoming 'short sighted' in the heat of the moment.
"Really? Really!" I yelled, "Don't you see that ALL of those innocent people are 'walking dead' right now?! All those people suffering…the city's fall into the hands of a less forgiving Neo Snagem…it ALL YOUR fault! And you don't have enough of a heart to give a damn!"
Murkrow's eyes widened, while a quivering Chikorita cowered in fear as she kept looking back and forth between me and her trainer.
"If you don't like it, it's nobody's problem but you own," Seth said as he took out a Pokeball and recalled Murkrow. As he started away from me and back into the Pokemon Center though… "If there's anything I learned from Zero, it's that caring too much is too painful, it'll only lead to disappointment. Or at least, most of the time…" Chikorita and Yumi were the exceptions, like I said.
He and a still-quivering Chikorita walked into the Pokemon Center, leaving me alone on the foggy battlefield.
So maybe I WAS just starting trouble with Seth. It was for the greater good though. If I just let things remain the way they are, Seth would probably begin to think that killing Neo Snagem grunts would solve all his problems…I refuse to let that happen. I have to get Seth to see things my way. If only he wasn't so obsessive about his goal.
Maybe…Maybe it's time for me to get stronger. Stronger than Seth. And with the power of Missingno now inside me, getting stronger than Seth is now possible.
I sighed.
I don't have forever though. The day will come when the virus of Missingno inside me crashes. Let's just hope the can be saved before what I call 'my death'…
To Be Continued…
Author's Note:
Yeah, the character I was referring to in the earlier Author's Note was Chapel. I've sightly changed her design, giving her two hair colors, like Seth and Yumi. I'm rewriting her character to become more brave, bold, outspoken, and sometimes impulsive yet serious and strong at the same time. She's also gonna be more argumentative and bossy. Maybe I can just call her 'a mix of some of Yumi's and some of Seth's characteristics. And to top that off, I do plan to rebuild her pokemon team pretty much from the bottom up, with the exception of Chime(For reasons involving future plot) and Eevee.
Are you guys hyped for Pokemon Sun and Moon? I go to Navy Boot Camp November 10th, so I won't be able to get the games right away. But hey, that's what my very first paycheck will be for. One thing I don't understand is the hate Popplio seems to be getting. I mean, I know Rowlet's gonna be my starter, but in my opinion Popplio seems to have a better design...
Chapel's Pokemon Team
Chime(Male)-Levitate
Ursaring(Male)-Guts
Skarmory(Male)-Keen Eye
Eevee(Female)(Shiny)-Anticipation