Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 108: Lights, Cameras, Action!
Author's Note: Alright, before you read, I just want to let you guys know that I did not mean for this Chapter to be as long as it is. Once a certain Chapel segment got a bit too long, I just decided to let the characters be themselves.
Now, back to the story!
Location: Lake of Rage Contest Hall
POV: There is no POV at this time.
This was it. Mahogany Town and its surrounding areas were under a twilight that has finally arrived.
The town was looking forward to the night's Pokemon Contest with excitement. Citizens and travelers alike were flocking to the Contest Hall like there was no tomorrow. Well, there WAS no tomorrow for this Contest since it was a one-time deal…sort of…There's always the ability to stream the event later. Speaking of which, those streaming the Contest right now were screen with a familiar celebrity face on screen.
"Greetings! I come to you live from Mahogany Town's legendary Lake of Rage!" Miss Rhonda greeted as she stood in front of the screen with a smile on her face. Right beside her was the frozen lake itself. Miss Rhonda walked along the edge of the lake as the cameraman followed. "This is the very Lake of Rage where Team Rocket was fended off, and the fabled Red Gyarados was captured by former Champion Lance. Many mysteries and legends still surround Lake of Rage today, and tonight, we will be adding this Pokemon Contest of the ages for its storied history!"
This Contest Hall was different from the others. The entire stage was outside, and Coordinators were permitted to use the frozen Lake of Rage as a playing field!
One of the Coordinators stood center stage. She had long, platinum blonde hair, and vivid pink eyes. She wore a black, sleeveless mini dress and long white gloves. She also wore white stockings, and black heeled boots.
Her name was Alice, and she hailed from Kalos' Camphrier Town.
Alice…has a score to settle with Yumi…Just thinking about the black haired, aqua blue banged girl had Alice narrowing her eyes as she took out three Pokeballs.
Dragonair, Swanna, and the blue Kirlia were on hand for some last-minute rehearsing.
"I choose you!" Alice called as she threw her three Pokeballs in the air.
…
Inside the Contest Hall's dressing, was another one of Yumi's rivals. Her name was Pheobe, and like Yumi, she is from Olivine City. She had short, sleek hair that was lavender in color, and she had magenta eyes.
"Magi?"
"Woahh!"
"Ha ha! Mis magius!" Pheobe's signature pokemon, Mismagius, loved nothing more than creeping up and scaring people, and that's just what it was going to do in tonight's competition, "Haaahahahaha!"
"Ugh!" One of Pheobe's many competitors decided to go up to Pheobe and confront her about Mismagius' antics. "You really need to put that 'thing' on a leash!"
"Sorry, sweetheart!" Pheobe sung with much glee, "You're gonna have to SHUT US UP! I WOULD suggest trying tonight during the Contest, but unfortunately for you, my chances of losing are about the size of a Flabebe!"
"MAGI!" Mismagius sung out in agreement with her trainer, and all while sneaking up on her presumable opponent too!
"GAH!" The competitor yelped.
Oh dear, it seems Pheobe has retained some of that 'stuck up' attitude of hers since her episode with Yumi and Molly Hale. Who knows? Maybe Pheobe's prediction will come true. We'll have to see, with Coordinators like Marina-who was currently off signing autographs-competing.
…
Meanwhile, in Mahogany Town's main city…
Seth's POV
The town was empty on this night, somewhat. Hmph, this town has ALWAYS been empty, since the moment I first step foot. Whether Mahogany was empty because of the late Mr. Pryce's funeral or because of Yumi's Pokemon Contest, I did not care.
I sighed while walking the near-empty street.
"Chico?" Chikorita cried as she looked at me. I believed she was asking me if something was the matter.
"Still no Gym Leader today."
Yep. Earlier today, Chikorita and I stood in front of the Mahogany Town Gym, waiting for the doors to open, or something else that would've hinted that a trainer like was welcome to try and test his strength. Anything would've been fine, but nothing…
…Yumi seemed upset when I refued to accompany her to the Contest Hall this morning. I don't get it. Am I supposed to care what Yumi thinks? I would've answered 'no' without hesitation, if I was not in her debt. Or maybe it's something else…Maybe I'd understand if I had more of a heart. Hmph, I shouldn't concern myself over that now.
However, concern about Yumi's whereabouts is a very different problem. I haven't seen her since this morning. Sure, I MYSELF haven't been to the Pokemon Center to see Chapel and Rose since this morning, but that's different. From what I've heard, my sister has been under the weather today, and Chapel has tended to her.
"Oh, Brother!" Speak of the devil.
"Chico?" Chikorita and I both turned to see Rose calling out to me. My sister was accompanied by Chapel and Piplup, of course.
"What are you doing?" Rose asked as she floated to me using her virus power.
"I could ask you the same thing." I replied.
As Chapel walked to us without a smile, she answered to me, "We're on our way to the Pokemon Contest, now that Rose is feeling better."
"Ah yes, I owe Chapel my utmost gratitude for obtaining the correct medicine for me." Rose added.
"So, where's Yumi?" Chapel asked, crossing her arms, "I thought she was with you."
Why does Chapel think that? Now that I think about it, Yumi has always seemed to 'hover' around me.
"I haven't seen her since this morning." I answered as I started walking, Chikorita right beside me.
"Wait…" Rose was still floating in the air, "That's not the way to the Contest Hall."
"I was there earlier, and Yumi was absent." I replied.
"But you ARE going back there in case Yumi's there NOW, right?" Chapel had an expectant, yet irritated look on her face as she asked this question.
"I've no obligation to go. She probably doesn't expect me to be there anyway."
"So you're just going to leave her be?" Chapel asked.
I answered with, "What else do you want me to do?" as I stopped walking.
"It's not about what I want, it's about what Yumi wants. If she told you she didn't expect you to be there, she was probably just upset or something. She wouldn't say it out loud, but she wanted you there." Chapel explained.
"She IS your girlfriend." Rose added.
"Shut up." No, Yumi's not my girlfriend. I don't care how much everyone tries to exaggerate the two of us. Nevertheless, I knew Chapel, and I knew that she wasn't going to let a conflict go unsolved, ESPECIALLY one involving me.
I sighed. Maybe Yumi WAS at the Contest Hall. Maybe she wasn't. Chapel wasn't going to take 'no' as an answer from me.
...
Location:?
Mary-Eliabeth's POV
It seems like days have gone by since Yumi and I were teleported by the Elgyem and Snorunt.
Catching Snorunt was now the least of Yumi's worries, as something I've known all along was starting to creep into her brain: We were lost.
We seemed to be stuck on a snowy mountain, and Mahogany Town was not within my sight. The sun was going down, and I was beginning to think to myself: We're going to miss the Contest over THIS? Over a hasty attitude?
…That hasty attitude came from none other than Yumi…
"Snorunt?! Snorunt!" She called.
"Yumi, could you give it a rest?" I asked, "You've been at it for hours."
"Could YOU stop nagging me for once?" Yumi snapped at me.
At this point, we were wandering aimlessly, and I was becoming irritated by the attitude problem Yumi has had today. All I could do was put my head down as my voice slipped to an audible whisper, "Yumi, I only worry so much about because I care."
Yumi said nothing. "Snivy…" Snivy and Umbreon were still outside of their Pokeballs though.
I continued, "Need I remind you, YOU'RE the one whe dragged ME into this 'episode' today."
"I didn't ask for you to follow me."
"But I DID anyway, because like I said: I care too much." I replied.
Yumi crossed her arms as she started to walk ahead of me.
The aqua blue banged girl was disregarding what I was saying, but I wasn't going to allow her to get out of hand with it. I walked faster, catching up to Yumi while Umbreon and Snivy were trailing slightly. "Yumi, if you could just listen to me-" I tried grabbing Yumi's arm, but she immediately pulled away.
"Leave me alone!"
"No! You're getting mad at me when you SHOULD be mad at yourself! Had you listened to me JUST ONCE, we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place!"
Our argument was starting to become passionate.
"YOU'RE the reason why we strayed from the main path! You're the reason why we were Teleported by the Elgyem and Snorunt. You're the reason why we're going to miss the Pokemon Contest. YOU'RE THE REASON WHY THIS ENTIRE DAY HAD BECOME A DISASTER!"
"WELL IF I'M REALLY SUCH A INCONVENIECE TO YOU, THEN WHY DON'T YOU JUST FIND YOUR OWN WAY BACK!" Yumi…as she screamed, she actually pushed me to the ground.
"Vy?!"
"Breon!" The eyes of Snivy and Umbreon widened in disbelief.
Yumi eyed me with frustration as I remained on the snowy ground.
…Pheobe once told me that Yumi can lose herself when she gets frustrated. I was told that she actually slapped a girl named Althaea after losing a Contest to her. But to strike a childhood friend like me…
It didn't take long for Yumi to recognize what she did, and when she did, her eyes softened. "Mary, I…"
"…Do you really think I should just leave?" Our argument had escalated to nothing but yelling, so it was weird, yet somewhat calming when I spoke in such a calm and subdued tone.
Yumi shook her head.
I said nothing, and as a result, the only thing that could be heard was the stillness of our surroundings. I was waiting for Yumi to say something.
"Yes, you've kind of annoyed me today, but have I…annoyed you as well?" Yumi asked.
I haven't been as annoyed as I was worried about Yumi. She already knew the answer to her own question. "I believe the Snorunt is long gone now…" I answered out of the blue.
Yumi was about to make her case again…but then she took a look at the sky above he, "It's getting late…we've been at it all day…"
"So what do you suppose we do?" I asked.
Snivy and Umbreon stared at their trainer intently, and seconds passed before she let her reply be known, "Maybe…maybe that Snorunt really is beyond my reach now. Maybe it's time we head back to Mahogany Town now. But…I've gotten us all completely lost. I-I think YOU should decide on what we should do, Mary."
"Huh?!" I said confused. Did my ears deceive me?
"Yes, Mary, it's YOUR turn now! And to tell the truth, I should've given you a chance a long time ago…I'm sorry, Mary Elizabeth. Can you forgive me?" Yumi extended her hand, offering to help me off the ground.
Without word, I met Yumi halfway as she lifted me from the ground. I wiped the snow from my dress. Sure, it was going to need a washing to get it perfect again, but that was an issue to be dealt with on my own time.
"Now what should we do?" Yumi asked.
"Getting to Mahogany Town or Lake of Rage should be our itinerary. Those are both locations that we're familiar with." I answered with my arms crossed. I was beginning to brainstorm, "Let's see…oh?! Th evening is upon us! Surely Mahogany Town and the Contest Hall will have lights that will make them easier to see at night!"
"We'll be able to spot them in the distance!" Yumi added, "Wow, you're about as good a thinker as Seth!"
I nodded as I took out a Pokeball, "And I have the perfect pokemon to help. Let's go!"
I threw my Pokeball into the air, and upon opening, it lit up the night sky as my pokemon was released.
"La la la lamp." This was the Lampent used to help Yumi and Snivy fight Team Rocket.
"While it isn't a Flying type, Lampent can still float into the sky," I said as Lampent began ascending, "All it has to do is find the light's in the distance."
"Mmm…" Lampent was looking aroung, and it wasn't long before it found something. "Lamp! Lam lamp!"
"Yes, Lampent's pointing to something!" Yumi exclaimed as she smiled.
"I don't know about you, but I'd like to find our way before it gets REALLY late out here." This time, my worring DIDN'T annoy Yumi. Being out in the wilderness in the cold night was not what I considered pleasant. I took out another Pokeball, for I had a plan to get to Mahogany Town faster. "Oshawott, please help us!"
Oshawott was a Pokemon Yumi didn't know I had, which is probably due to the lack of encounters I've had with her compared to her other rivals, like Pheobe and Alice.
"Osha, wott!" Oshawott has always been somewhat of a show off, putting a lot of drama into her landing on the snowy ground. "Oshaaaahhh!" The show off turned to us, hoping to have left a good impression with Yumi, Snivy, and Umbreon.
"Vy." Snivy shrugged as he crossed his arms.
"Oshawott, do you remember the 'Ice Beam Routine' we've practiced?"
Oshawott nodded.
I then faced Yumi, "Hey, remember earlier today when we were skating across the icy patches to catch Snorunt?"
Yumi grunted, "How could I forget? I must've slipped and fallen, like, a hundred time." But then she asked, "Why do you ask?"
"Simple: We're going to ice skate our way back to Mahogany Town." I answered. "We'll ride the rail of Oshawott's Ice Beam!"
…..
Location: Lake of Rage Contest Hall
"Alright, we have returned from the commercial break, and if you're just toning in, welcome to the Lake of Rage Pokemon Contest!"
Yes, after the long wait, this Contest has finally come. Here to give the play-by-play to the audience and the millions of viewers watching from home was the Master of Ceremonies, Lillian!
Lillian stood at the center of the outside stage, and her energy lit up the fans, the lake, and the night. Cheers came from every smile. Only Lillian had the ability to light up everyone's spirits like this.
"Now, with the introduction of this Contest comes the introduction of our three judges who have graced us with their presence tonight!" Lillian announced as the camera shifted its focus to the first of the three judges, "First up, is the Director of the Pokemon Contest Committee, Mr. Contesta!"
The man in the red suit smiled, "It is an honor to be here tonight. With such a star-studded lineup, I expect nothing less than outstanding!"
"Up next, we have the Director of the Pokemon Fan Club, Mr. Sukizo, the Pokemon Fanatic!
The Poke'fan in the grey suit nodded, "Yes, tonight will be remarkable!"
"And last but not least, is Mahogany Town's very own Nurse Joy!"
"A Pokemon Contest is just the change of pace Mahogany Town needs! The energy here at Lake of Rage will be contagious tonight!"
Location: Lake of Rage Contest Hall-Passageway
Seth's POV
Chapel, Rose and I had split up to search for Yumi. I was initially against the idea, but Chapel couldn't help worrying. Upon arriving at Contest Hall, Chapel inquired on Yumi's whereabouts. She met up with a girl named Marina, but Marina said she had no idea where Yumi was. That was when Yumi began to peak my concern, and I agreed to split up with Chapel to find her.
And now, here I am walking through this passageway. I couldn't help but watch the television mounted on the wall as Chikorita and I passed by. MC Lillian had just finished introducing the three judges.
"A Pokemon Contest is just what Mahogany Town needs, huh?" I repeated the words Nurse Joy said just seconds ago.
"Chi?" Chikorita asked as she looked at my face.
Chikorita asked, but I didn't reply, as I kept my thoughts to myself. By 'change of pace', was Lillian referring to the state of depression Mahogany Town has been in since Pryce's death? Or maybe the fact that Team Neo Snagem has a firm grip on a Midwestern Johto that seems so close by?
…
"Oh, Seth?" A voice calling my name. Was it Yumi? No…Yumi doesn't sound like that…
"Hm?" Chikorita and I focused our gaze on who was coming our direction.
It was Alice, and…She had on new clothes, She wore a black, unzipped dress coat with big, long sleeves. This coat only went down to the top of Alice's chest, and it was being worn over a white leotard that actually buttons up. Wearing a leotard didn't stop Alice from wearing really short shorts that were black in color and on the slim side. Last but not least, Alice wore white, thigh high stockings, and black knee high boots.
Excuse the reference to a character from an obscure JRPG, but Alice was wearing a Cliora Replica outfit, with a black and white color scheme. (Look up 'Cliora Replica', the console that the JRPG is on will tell the entire story of why this game is obscure).
I haven't seen Alice since Autumn Town…
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Alice asked, "Do you think I'm beautiful in my Contest outfit?" She then paused and looked at me with a warm smile, "I'm still in love with the fact that you once called me 'beautiful'…"
Yes, that was back during our adventure in National Forest.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, changing the subject.
Alice put her hands on her hips, "I should be asking YOU that question. MY Contest performance is up next. What about you?"
"Hmph." I've never really had an issue with Alice, and every time we've crossed paths, she has aided me at my convenience. I felt like I could let Alice in a little, as a friend. "I'm looking for Yumi."
"Hm?" The thing with Alice though: She's always seemed annoyed by Yumi, or even the mere mention of her name. This time was no different, though the change in her facial expression was almost nonexistent.
"I haven't seen her since this morning, neither have Chapel or Rose." I added.
"Chapel and Rose?" Alice's eyes went wide, "Wait, so you're NOT the only one searching for Yumi?"
She seemed relieved, though she and Rose have never met. And if I remember correctly, while she and Chapel HAVE met, they've never interacted with each other, let alone formally introduce themselves.
Alice closed her eyes and smile, "All this effort for that lowly peasant…"
"Chi?" Chikorita cried confused.
Maybe Alice was expecting me to speak up next, but I didn't. And because I did not speak, a split second of silence fell upon up in this passageway.
We heard Lillian on the television screen again.
"Wow! Top Coordinator Marina and her famed Jigglypuff never fail to impress!" Lillian said.
"The way Jigglypuff's Sing was used in combination with the Pokeball Capsule's musical notes was certainly something unique!" Mr. Contesta said.
"Remarkable!" Mr. Sukizo cheered.
"I found the performance a bit sleep-inducing," Nurse Joy yawned, "But it was in all the right ways."
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give one more round of applause to Top Coordinator Marina!"
Her fanbase was dedicated as they roared.
"And now it's time for the next Coordinator: The Royal 'White Alice' wonder from Kalos' Camphrier Town…well, I call her 'White Alice', but her name REALLY IS ALICE!"
"Well, that's me," Alice said as he started walking again, "Cheer for me to win, okay Seth?"
"Chi." Chikorita nodded.
"But wait," I turned to face her as she walked past me, "You never answered my question. Have you seen Yumi?"
"Sorry, haven't seen her since Autumn Town."
I groaned, my annoyance beginning to show, albeit slightly.
More than likely, Alice heard me, since she stopped one last time. Without turning to me, Alice told me, "Why don't you have a seat and relax? That lowly peasant will be here by the time it's her turn to perform, I'm sure of it, if it'll make you feel better…Besides, it's really hard to get away from her and that obstreperous attitude she has."
Alice was right. I've found myself trying to get away from Yumi on several occasions throughout our journey. Every effort was in vein. Even when she left us and presumably gave up on her Pokemon journey, she STILL found her way back.
Hmph. Getting rid of that annoying girl was easier said than done.
Has Alice instilled a little hope in me?
…Maybe settling down and watching the Pokemon Contest wasn't a bad idea.
…
Location: Lake of Rage Contest Hall-Dressing Room
In our search for Yumi, we've encountered another problem of sorts.
Enter: Detective Piplup, and her 'assistant', Marionette Banette!
Chapel's POV
Rose and I entered the Contest Hall's dressing room upon hearing a disturbance.
"AAAHHH!" This was the same girl we heard shrieking earlier, when we passed by.
While we WERE on our search for Yumi, I wasn't going to pull a 'Seth' and ignore a cry for help. It was time to take action!
"Pip!" Piplup was displaying quite the egotistical side. Why, she'd just volunteered herself as 'Team Leader' for this mystery. "Pip?" Piplup asked the shrieking girl.
"Hm?" The girl looked at Piplup confused.
"Piplup means to ask what's wrong." I said as I stopped right next to Piplup.
"Yes, and might we be of assistance?" Rose asked. Inside the Contest Hall, where there's a lot of strangers, it was obvious that Rose was not floating in the air using her virus power.
"It's that stupid ghost!" The girl answered, "It won't go away!"
Rose, Piplup, and I all turned to see try and find what the girl was talking about. There were no ghosts in sight. From the lockers, to the telephone monitors, to the television displaying the Pokemon Contest, to the changing booths.
"MAAAGGGIII!"
Eeeekkk!" Speaking of changing rooms, from one of them, there was another shriek!
Rose, Piplup and I all ran to the scene, but stopped right in front of the curtain.
"Um, should we go in there?" I asked.
Rose gasped, "Chapel, honestly…How could you concoct such a dishonorable idea?!"
"So sue me," I shrugged, "Do you have any better ideas, honey?"
"Pip pip! Piplup!"
"Aw, Piplup!" Rose and I both gritted our teeth. Just what was Piplup doing? It was as if Rose's scolding echoed through Piplup's empty head as she rushed through the curtain without a second though.
"Piplup, what are you doing?" I rushed in after Piplup, which prompted another gasp from Rose. Oh well, so sue me for invading someone's privacy. Now that it's too late, I might as well get to the bottom of this 'Detective Piplup' led mystery.
"Piplup!"
"What's going on here?" Luckily for Piplup and I, this red-haired Coordinator was clothed, for the most part.
As she answered my question, she put on the last of her outfit: A choker to compliment her white dress. She was visibly annoyed, "It's that darn Mismagius! It's been creeping up on people all night. I didn't think it would stoop low enough to peep in the changing rooms. I feel so violated! Like I'm being stalked by some lecherous old man, or like video cameras were placed in the booths for the enjoyment of perverted teenage boys!" The girl started quivering as she went on her little tangent.
"My, my, you possess…quite the active imagination." Rose tried, in a successful effort, not to insult this girl for her vivid hysteria. Rose walked right next to me as she said this.
"Pip piplup?"
"Where'd the Mismagius go?" I clarified what Piplup was trying to ask the girl.
"Now that's another problem," the girl started, "Before anyone can catch it, the Mismagius disappears like a ghost!" She sighed, "Seems like justice may never be served…"
"Piplup!" Looked like Detective Piplup was on it before Rose and I could get to it. The Water type walked out of the changing room and then stopped. She stood still, scanning the entire room for Mismagius.
From Piplup's point of view, only Coordinators decorating the room could be spotted.
I've gotta say, her impression of Detective Kun-Kun isn't half bad. She's determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, even if she's only in it for the instant gratification once the case is closed.
"Pip…" She looked to the left, "Lup." She looked to the right, "Piplup," And then to her left again.
Piplup repeated this until she spotted something strange about a mirror in the corner of the room.
She walked up to the mirror.
"What's up?" I asked as I walked behind her, Rose following suit.
"It is just an ordinary mirror." Rose commented.
Piplup narrowed her eyes as she stared at her reflection intensely.
Based on that girl's story, I'd say that Mismagius loves scaring people. So…what if her next victim was onto her? Piplup had the right idea.
"Mis-MAGI!" Correct! Right there, where Piplup's reflection was, that ghostly prankster phased through and tried to startle all of us!
"Piplup!" Detective Piplup wasn't having any of Mismagius' antics. Prepared, the Water type launched an Ice Beam at point blank range.
The entire mirror was frozen, but Mismagius?
"MAAAHAHAHA!" That shady magician was taunting Piplup as it laughed at her. After sticking its tongue out at us, Mismagius phased back into the now-frozen mirror.
"How can we catch that thing if it keeps getting away like that?" I asked.
"Please…"
"Huh?" I faced Rose, who had her eyes closed as she had a Pokeball clasped in her hands.
"It takes a ghost to know a ghost…" Rose opened her deep blue eyes, "This is a little girl and her favorite doll. Allow us to be of assistance!"
Rose tossed her Pokeball, releasing…
"Taste my dark Night Shade!" Rose's pokemon was…bizarre. Coming out of the Pokeball, it had the appearance of a broken Mime Jr doll with stuffing oozing out of its many tears. Immediately after landing on the floor though, the broken doll transformed into the doll of darkness, Banette.
"What an entrance…" I commented on the evil doll.
The talking Banette didn't even need Rose's command to take action. Immediately, Banette began to produce a dark aura that surrounded her.
Night Shade, just as the Marionette Banette said…It began to spread around the entire room.
"Huh?!" The ENTIRE room meant that Night Shade was engulfing me, Rose, and Piplup too.
Everything went black and white. This Banette was strong…
Being engulfed in Night Shade, I couldn't really recall anything once the nightmare was over. I felt like I had just gotten out of bed, as did Piplup. Rose, on the other hand, looked like she had seen much worse. It was like she was used to that Night Shade. Has she been under Banette's spell before?
"Look," Rose said calmly, pointing at the Banette.
I gaped as I looked.
"MAGI!" I couldn't believe it, Banette actually caught Mismagius. The evil doll was holding the magician by the point of her ghostly hat.
"Piplup!" Piplup approached the Mismagius and proceeded to give her a chew out, "Lup! Piplup lup!"
"While Mismagius has angered many people in here, she is but an innocent prankster. I would go as far as to compare Mismagius to a little kid…or those insufferable masked Volbeat and Illumise…" What was Rose talking about? The Volbeat and Illumise that belinged to Beatrice? "What Mismagius has is nothing compared to the dark evil Banette commands. Mismagius never stood a chance."
"Pip pip piplup!"
"Magi! Mismagius!"
"HEY! Just what do you think you'r edoing to my precious sweetheart?!"
So, this Mismagius belongs to a trainer…Should I be surprised?
A lavender haired trainer came running up to us. Her eyes were pink in color, and she wore a black wizard's hat on her head. Her whole Contest outfit was reminiscent of a witch/anime idol girl.
…Wait…Have I seen this girl before?
"…Ah! Bloomingvale!" I figured out as I said, "You were at the Bloomingvale Contest!" If I remember correctly, SHE lost to Alice in the final round. "Yeah, your name is Pheobe!"
"Who the heck are you?" Pheobe asked coldly, "And what are you doing to my Mismagius?"
"Excuse me, Miss Attitude Problem!" I crossed my arms, "YOU'RE Mismagius has been terrorizing everyone!"
"And what of it, sweetheart?" Pheobe replied, "Mismagius always does that!"
"Sweetheart?!" Did this witch REALLY call me 'sweetheart?'
"You poor, poor disgrace of a trainer," Rose said as she closed her eyes.
"Crawil back into your crib, stupid baby!" It was pathetic, how Pheobe was trying to take shots at Rose. Rose was only five years old…
The emotionally frail Rose opened her eyes, "Honestly. Who leaves a pokemon to do such debauchery? Tell me," Rose was becoming intense and critical, "Why do you allow this?"
"Well, I-we-ugh…" In her tantrum, Pheobe was trying to find a reply to Rose's question, but she stuttered. She took a deep breath, calming herself down as she answered, "Mismagius pulling pranks of people used to be just for fun, nut now? Heh, things have changed." Pheobe's eyes grew soft.
"How so?" Rose asked expectantly.
A sense of seriousness began to overtake Pheobe as she looked us in the eye, "Do you guys remember how the world was a year ago?"
I nodded, "While the world wasn't perfect, at least it was peaceful back then."
"It's that darn Team Neo Snagem. It seems like they have a firm rule over everything these days. Neo Snagem is a reminder to us that this is a cold and unfair world filled with corruption." Pheobe looked away from us and around the room, "…I've met people who have taken their own lives, because they couldn't bare the thought of spending the rest of their lives under Neo Snagem's tyranny. Here's one thing that HASN'T change since last years…Pokemon Contests. Even in our nightmare that is Team Neo Snagem, we're STILL able to witness and talk about Pokemon Contests. Enjoying Contests allows people to escape reality, even if it's just for a few hours…One day, I'll rescue my father from Commander 03, but until then, Mismagius and I will always make an effort to lightn the mood, through pranks or anything else."
This girl…so her mischievous attitude is just a mask that hides the real Pheobe-The Pheobe who has been carrying a burden just as heavy and mine or Seth's.
AND she personally has a score to settle with Team Neo Snagem, just like me…At least she HAS a father to rescue. It's been five years since Neo Snagem took my mother's life.
"If it makes you feel any better, Rose and I are trying to save the world all together," I said, "We can save the world together! You, me and Rose, and Seth! AND Yumi!"
Yumi?" And just like that, Pheobe came alive once again, "You know Yumi?"
"Wow!"
Hm? The television screen, as Lillian spoke up, grabbed everyone's attention, including a Banette who let go of Mismagius.
"This performance was certainly a treat! So much, in fact, that our judges have given Alice a perfect score!"
The camera shifted to the same Alice that Seth and I have encountered on more than one occasion.
"Waahhmm!" Alice was accompanied by a Dragonair who was basking in the glory as much as she was.
"Hi Seth! I know you're watching me right now!" Alice waved to the camera before it shifted back to Lillian.
"Performing next…you've waited for her! This bubbly beauty has made herself known to the Pokemon Contest world by pulling off a stunning upset over Top Coordinator Marina recently. With her signatur Snivy by her side, she is Olivine's very own, Yumi!"
Yumi? She's here right now?!
"YEEAAHH!" The crowd went crazy…Wow, Yumi has really become popular since Bonitaville. Boys were even yelling out 'I love Yumi'.
"I love you, Yumi!" See? I wonder if Seth finally realizes how lucky he is that Yumi likes to latch on to him?
"Yumi! Yumi! Yumi!"
…Minutes passed, and slowly, the cheers began to dissipate.
The confusion was all summarized into one simple question asked by Lillian, "Where is Yumi?"
"Shoot, I thought she'd be here," Pheobe said as she scratched her head, "I haven't since Yumi since she came here to register for the Contest this morning."
"Wait, so YOU don't know where Yumi is either?" I asked.
Pheobe managed to answer my question before it even came out of my mouth, and I began to worry about Yumi even more now.
"This isn't the first time Yumi has failed to show up to a Pokemon Contest despite registering…" Lillian was right. Yumi HAS a history of doing this. She's already missed the Pokemon Contests in Bloomingvale and Cherrygrove City because she was a no-show.
For about five more minutes, I stared into the television screen.
We all waited…
And waited…
And waited…
Still no Yumi…
Is Yumi really going to be disqualified again?
…No, not if someone can buy her time…
I narrowed my eyes as an idea came to mind.
"Maybe I can buy her time." I thought out loud.
It was then, I took off without warning. Rose, Piplup, Mismagius, Pheobe, and Banette all looked at me.
"What are you doing?" Pheobe asked.
"Where are you going?" Rose asked a question of her own.
"I'm going on stage right now!" I didn't bother to stop running as I answered Pheobe and Rose, "If I get in trouble, so sue me!"
Whether Rose and Pheobe had something else to say, I did not know, for I left the dressing room and made great haste.
On my way to the stage, I passed by Alice, who had just finished her performance. She and I have not interacted enough for her to know who I was, so she said nothing. She just stared at me…as I ran on stage.
Location: Contest Hall-Stage
The crowd perked up upon seeing 'someone' run up on stage, that 'someone' being me.
"That's not Yumi," A female audience member said.
"She's kind of cute though." A male audience member added. If I wasn't in a state of urgency, Iwould've giggled and blushed slightly at the comment.
"You're not Yumi," Lillian was simply repeating what the female audience member said, "We're live on national television, and I don't think you should be on stage right now-"
I swiftly walked up to Lillian and grabbed the microphone from her. She was surprised, and unable to finish her sentence.
I looked straight into the camera, where millions of people were looking at me through their television screens at home.
"YUMI!"
….
Location: Arriving at Lake of Rage
"YUMI!"
"Huh?!"
At long last, after a stressful day out in that wilderness of an icy forest, Mary-Elizabeth and I made it back to where we started our adventure.
I really owe a lot to Mary-Elizabeth. She and her Oshawott were pretty much holding my hand as we slid across the icy path made by Oshawott's Ice Beam.
I was JUST about to thank Mary-Elizabeth for everything she's done, that was, until I heard my name being called.
"Yumi, that call is coming from the Contest Hall," Mary said.
"Snivy?!" Snivy asked.
"My, Arceus must've somehow worked a miracle," Mary-Elizabeth said, "Yumi, you've arrived just in time for your performance!"
Who would've thought I would actually make it to the Contest in time to perform, after all the trouble I've caused today? This was a second chance. I know I kind of don't deserve this stroke of luck, but it's not like anyone in this world is perfect…
I rushed into Contest Hall, Mary and Snivy following close behind me.
The words of Chapel as I made my way through the Contest Hall's passageways… "Listen Yumi, you can't go out like this again! This Contest…it's different from the ones in the past. Look at all the fans in attendance to see you tonight. Their expectations for you have risen, and you MUST rise to the challenge! The energy you give everyone is something the three of us wish we had." By 'three of us', Chapel meant herself, Rose, and Seth, "So come on, Yumi. I know you can hear me; no more no-shows! You're the rookie who defeated Top Coordinator Marina! For your fans, prove that your win was no fluke, and defend you title of 'Champion-In-The-Making'!"
"It's a promise, Chapel!" This was my response as I ran my way onto the outside stage neighboring the frozen Lake of Rage.
"YEAH!"
"YUMI! YUMI! YUMI!"
This was it, the dream that has plated in my mind day in and day out for my whole life: for the first time, fans were cheering my name like I was some sort of superstar! My name is Yumi, and it's official: I have become a celebrity.
"And here she is at last! The lovely, bubbly beauty: Yumi!" This Contest was certainly something special! I couldn't believe that Chapel was ACTUALLY taking it upon herself to commentate my performance just as Lillian would.
"This is it!" With a smile on my face, I jumped in the air, making for an impressive entrance as I took out a Pokeball, "Braixen! Lights, cameras, action!"
"Bra! Zen!" Now obviously, there wasn't time for me to put a capsule cover of Braixen's Pokeball, but she and I weren't at all alarmed. In fact, this nugget never came out of anyone's lips. Braixen and I were only focused on our performance itself, which should warm the fans up for Snivy and the main event later.
"So Yumi hopes to get off to a fiery start by having Braixen as her opening act!" Chapel announced, "Let's see what they have in store for us!"
"Alright Braixen, use Will-o-Wisp, just as we've rehearsed!"
"Zen!" Braixen nodded as she grabbed her wand-like stick. She began to spin around, along with the small blue flames being navigated by her wand.
"Time for some fireworks!" I commanded.
With her Psychi power, Braixen navigated the many small flames of Will-O-Wisp into the night sky.
This crowd was in for a treat, especially with the performance stage being outdoors.
Once high enough in the sky, the blue flames each explodes, one by one. The explosions made for very nice, makeshift pyrotechnics.
"Amazing! Yumi's made great use of the lack of roofing here!" Chapel exclaimed, "Fireworks are being made just above the frozen beauty we call Lake of Rage. What more could we ask for?"
My answer to Chapel was easy. Even though the fireworks were visible, explosions typically don't come without smoke. The was JUST enough smoke for the finale!
"Braixen, it's time for the showstopper! Use Psychic on the smoke!"
We were confident, and momentum was on our side.
"With Braixen in full control, this smoke will GO! ALL! THE! WAY!" Chapel's commentary was legendary as Braixen put an exclamation point on the smoke, using Flamethrower to dissipate it like a lit candle.
Braixen closed her eyes and gave the crowd a formal bow.
"TADAA!" I cheered.
Did I expect anything less than every person in the audience giving me a standing ovation? Kind of. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I certainly see the Yumi bandwagon as full, maybe even overflowing.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for Top Coordinator-in-training, Yumi!" Chapel handed the microphone back to Lillian, and then made her way toward me.
Chapel and I talked. I was happy to see her, and she was happy to see me. I gave her a hug, and she embraced me. Looking over Chapel's should, I could see Mary-Elizabeth and Snivy standing in the passageway, just outside the camera's view.
Through the roars of the crowd, I expressed my gratitude to Mary-Elizabeth with a simple whisper, "Thank you."
Despite the events of today, as of now, I consider Mary a rival in this Contest.
To get the prized ribbon, I will defeat you, Mary-Elizabeth!
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Now do you guys see what I mean? The Chapter being excessively long is the only reason why Chapel had as big a role as she did. About next Chapter though...You guys will be surprised what the end result will be, ESPECIALLY considering how far into the fic we are.
Good news: I got a new laptop. Not only do I have every Post-Mahogany Town thought out, I have it ALL written down. Everything from Pokemon Evolutions, character development, ships, AND major fights have been outlined. I hope you guy notice that I've kind of been switching it up in Virus Version for a good time now. This is all an effort to keep Virus Version fresh, and to avoid 'Seasonal Rot'. That's why you'll see occassional 4th wall breaking, and references to other video games. Remember Autumn Town(A town that is completely original?)? Remember the tournament in everyone's Dream Worlds? Remember Team Rocket's return? YEAH...While defeating Neo Snagem has never changed, I've always tried to pull some twists to keep Virus Version from getting too predictable. That's why I chose for Seth NOT to go on the Traditional route on a typical Johto journey(Beating the Gyms in the correct order). That's why I chose to add spice to Chapel's character. THAT'S WHY I ACTUALLY HAVE THE VILLANOUS TEAM SUCCEEDING AT THEIR GOAL TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD. It's been over 100 chapters, and Chikorita still being unevolved is a subject that has only surfaced once or twice...in dialogue. Did ANYONE see the debut of Detective Piplup and Marionette Banette (Which is the chapter you guys just read) coming?
Here's some spoilers to look forward too: After Blackthorn City, I'll be trying something different AGAIN. There will be an arc dedicated to JRPGs. This Arc will feature characters who KNOW that they are the typical character tropes in JRPG. They will have the Job System, unique weapons despite being in the pokemon world, AND I will state which JRPG series they are based on. Location? Illusion Village.
...Commander 06 Beatrice will be back following Mahogany Town.
There will be another original location literally called 'The Bridge That Leads Nowhere'.
In a nutshell: Arcs focusing on Neo Snagem will retain what makes you guys keep reading Virus Version. Aside from that, there will be Arcs that will have you guys saying WTF, and Arcs will will be a little more on the traditional side.
One last thing...I would like to request some ideas for a shipping arc from you: the readers. I actually had one in my featuring Munna and Musharna, but I feel I have overdone the 'Dreams' concept, and ultimately scrapped the idea. Please think of something for dedication to Yumi and Seth. NO, Seth will not smile.