Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 109: Feeling the Pressure Points
Location: Contest Hall
Yumi's POV
Thanks to Mary-Elizabeth, I was able to get to the Contest Hall in time to perform…
"Up next, we have another trainer from olivine City. She is a ladylike perfectionist hoping to win ribbon number 4: Mary-Elizabeth!" Those were the words announced once Braixen and I were finished with our performance.
I heard Mary-Elizabeth's entire segment as I was making my way to the changing room, Snivy right beside me.
"Oshawott, let's go!" Mary called as she threw her Pokeball in the air.
Like me, Mary-Elizabeth did not have the time to surround her Pokeball in a Capsule Cover, so it was Oshawott's job to make the entrance herself.
"Osha!" As soon as Oshawott was released from her Pokeball, she fired an Ice Beam on the ground below her.
Oshawott remained in the air(where she was released from her Pokeball), and the Ice Beam was beginning to form a solid ice pillar.
"Razor Shell!" Mary commanded.
"Osha!" Oshawott cried as she pulled the shell off her chest. "Wott!"
"Oshawott has now gathered ice energy on the tip of its shell!" Lillian announced, "This Razor Shell is literally in the form of a shining sword made of sharp ice!"
What happened next amazed me. Oshawott actually dove into the ice pillar with her Razor Shell ice sword. The rate of Oshawott diving in was so great, she had made it to the ground and totally disintegrated the ice pillar, and the pillar's debris didn't get too far.
"Let's wrap this up!" Mary was ready for her finale, "Swords Dance!"
This Swords Dance was unique. Oshawott began what looked to be a dance routine. I've seen Swords Dnace before, but up until now, I've NEVER seen transparent swords made of ice. There were several of them.
"Osha!" Once the dance was complete, Oshawott used her Razor Shell sword to direct the swords of Swords dance, like a choreographer. They were launched at the pieces of debris from the ice pillar.
"Incredible! The swords have stricken the shards of ice with pinpoint accuracy, showing off Oshawott's aboilities, as well as the very perfection that comes from her perfectionist trainer!" Lillian called, "Ladies and gentlemen: Perfectionist Mary-Elizabeth!"
The crowd applauded with much enthusiasm. Oshawott returned that enthusiasm with multiple bows, while Mary-Elizabeth was modest.
I was happy for Mary-Elizabeth, really. Even though I've apologized to her, all the apologies in the world wouldn't have stopped her from getting disqualified had she been slated to perform earlier in the lineup. We BOTH made it on time.
I thought I knew what I was doing today. Apparently, Mary knew more than me. Will she know how to claim the Lake of Rage ribbon tonight? We'll have to see. I can't wait for her and I to meet up in the dressing room.
…With my focus on the Contest and NOT on the path I was running, I had actually passed the dressing room without realizing it.
I ended up running into the open lounge area of the Contest Hall, which was used for consuming food and beverages.
…I stopped.
"Vy?" Snivy cried confused as he and I gave a second glance at…Was that Seth sitting at one of the lounge tables? He and Chikorita were the only ones in the lounge area, and they were wordlessly watching the Contest through the television screen mounted on the wall.
I got upset with Seth, because he refused to come with me to register for the Pokemon Contest this morning.
'He came after all…' I thought to myself. 'I wasn't really expecting him to show up…'
Both Seth and Chikorita looked at me.
"Chico!" Chikorita greeted.
"Vy!" Snivy hopped on the table and stood next to Chikorita. They were obviously happy to see each other.
"So you're alive." Seth remarked. It was never like him to joke around…Was he joking? No, he NEVER jokes around…
"When did you get here?" I asked.
"Earlier." He answered.
Oh, it was just like him to act all stoic!
"You know, Chapel said you we researching everywhere for me." I smiled as I put my hands on my hips, "Were you worried about me?"
"Hmph, I'm simply in debt to you. Chapel and Rose were looking for you as well."
"I still can't get you to blush…" I sighed, "I swear, nothing gets past you."
"Oh, was I supposed to pretend?" Seth remarked.
Ugh, what a jerk! He didn't have to go and say that! The ship has a long way to go before it sets sail, I guess…
"That's a wrap, folks!"
The television caught my attention. Snivy looked away from Chikorita, while Seth was just a spectator.
"The performance round of the Mahogany Town Pokemon Contest is complete! Now it's time to show the 8 talented Coordinators who have made it to the Battle Round!" Lillian announced.
One by one, the Coordinators' pictures appeared on screen.
Alice was in first place, followed by Marina. Mary-Elizabeth was third…And there I was!
"Haha!" I smiled.
"Chico chico!" Chikorita smiled as she gave me an energetic 'congratulations', Snivy joining in.
"What's wrong, Seth? I asked as I turned to see that Seth had a look of indifference on his face, "Aren't you happy for me?"
"…" That mean face did not change as Seth wordlessly watched the remaining Coordinators appear on screen.
Pheobe was in seventh place.
"Just you wait, I'll get you to smile someday!" I exclaimed.
Yes, a smile and a blush from Seth is still a goal of mine.
"Bye bye!" I gave Seth one last wave as I turned around and started walking away, Snivy jumping off the table and following me.
But, JUST before I left, I almost forgot to stick around and see who I'll be battling.
Match 1: Alice versus someone I don't know
Match 2: A passerby versus another passerby
Match 3: Marina versus Pheobe
Match 4…
"Oh my gosh…" My jaw dropped.
We've recently had episodes dedicated to us. Our friendship was tested by our different characters-which were worlds apart-and our friendship ultimately prevailed.
And now…we'll stand on opposite sides of the Contest stage.
Match 4: Yumi versus Mary-Elizabeth
"Snivy…" Snivy was almost as speechless as I was. He's been outside of his Pokeball and apart of all our adventures with Mary-Elizabeth. From the battle against Team Rocket to our trek in the icy forest, Snivy has been a central piece.
I looked down at Snivy and asked, "Snivy, are you ready?"
Snivy nodded.
We both gave each other another nod in understanding as we began walking away from Seth and Chikorita again.
"Chi, chico?" Chikorita asked us where we were going, since my match against Mary-Elizabeth was last in the lineup.
I gave the duo one last look as I gave them an answer that was straight to the point, "I'm going to see Mary-Elizabeth."
…
Location: Contest Hall-Dressing Room
There were people in the Dressing Room whom I've had more highlights in our rivalries than the rivalry I have with Mary-Elizabeth. Pheobe wishes to defeat Commander 03 and save her kidnapped father from Neo Snagem. Alice has a genuine love for Seth, and it irks me that, at times, her character tends to mesh better with Seth than mine. We really dislike each other. Marina? What more can I say? She's won Top Coordinator two years in a row, and I defeated her in an upset of the ages.
My point is, despite the fact that there are more 'colorful' rivalries I can build on right now, tonight is about me and Mary-Elizabeth. Plain and simple, simple and clean.
Rose, Piplup, and Banette were hanging out in the dressing room. They greeted me, and I gave the five year old a good hug before turning my attention to Mary-Elizabeth.
I ignored the presence of Alice, Pheobe, and Marina.
Without taking my eyes off her, I walked up to Mary-Elizabeth and gave her a big hug.
"Yumi…" Mary, for once, was at a loss for words. I don't blame her. I mean, she's hugging her opponent: The girl she's supposed to defeat tonight; Yumi…
"I just want to thank you, Mary," I said, "Thank you for getting us out of that forest, and thank you for giving us a second chance to win this Contest. I…haven't been the greatest friend in the world today. I wasn't the greatest friend back in Olivine City either." I started to tell the story of our friendship in the past, "A little over five years ago, and when we were still in school, you and Mienshao tried everyday to steer Pheobe and I on the right path, but we were defiant…I'm sorry for all the bad stuff I did to you in school(Chapter 14)…I'll admit, even though I'm travelling with friends who would give their lives for me, I was a bit jealous when I found out you and Prince were 'together' in Bonitaville. I'm sure Prince is here somewhere, cheering you on, just as my friends are cheering for me." I pulled away from Mary and put my hands on her shoulders, "Let's give them a good show!"
Mary stared at me with shining eyes before smiling, "Ha, you've really grown up since starting your journey. The Yumi I knew from five years ago was never this apologetic…While you still have some 'rough edges' to your personality, you really have matured into a wonderful person. You remind me of the little sister I never had."
"Meanwhile, you mature too fast, Mom." Cracking this joke, we both shared with each other, a moment of laughter and merriment. As soon as the laughter died down, I said to Mary, "If I'm your younger sister, than it's only natural I'd want to defeat you, and end our 'sibling rivalry' for on a winning note."
"But will you be able to do it?"
Just watch! Tonight, I'll win ribbon number 2!
….
"With the fourth match in the first battle round on our heels, let us take a look at the highlight of the night!"
Match 3: Marina versus Pheobe!
"It was a hard fought battle indeed, but in the end, Marina and her Misdreavus are now headed to the semifinals, as they've obtained victory over Pheobe and her Frogadier!" Lillian announced, "And now, it's time for Match 4!"
"YUMI! YUMI! YUMI!" Fans were already cheering my name when Snivy and I made it out of the passageway and onto the stage. This was a direct contrast to the last time I walked onto a Contest Stage for a Battle Round. Last time, the crowd was silent. Lillian and the judges were all underestimating me, counting me out before giving me a chance to show how talented me and my pokemon truly were.
Back then, I was carrying many burdens, from nearly giving up on my journey to nearly giving up on my friends and helping them save the world in the face of so much adversity.
…This will be the first time I win a ribbon while Seth, Rose, and Chapel all here cheering me on. I know it will.
For the first time, I was the fan favorite.
"They both hail from Olivine City! To my right, we have Mary-Elizabeth, who already has 3 ribbons!"
There she was. We both walked onto the stage at a perfectly identical pace.
"Next! While she may have only one ribbon in her collection, her numbers are deceiving, as she has proven to be quite the talented Coordinator! We have Yumi!"
We never lost eye contact.
…
"Are you ready?" Mary asked me.
"It's lights, cameras, action time!" I announced with energy.
I then looked at Snivy. Last time, Snivy and I weren't really interested in what each other wanted. He wanted to see Chikorita, and I wanted to win that ribbon. It wasn't until recently that Snivy and I began to accept each other's differences, and build our relationship off that. He's really changed for the better since we defeated Team Rocket. Our bond is stronger than it was in Bonitaville, and tonight, our bond will lead us to victory!
We gave each other an assuring nod, and Snivy needed no command from me to race on stage.
"Here he is, at last! We've waited for him: Yumi's signature Snivy!"
"YEEAAHH!"
"Let's go, Yumi! Win the whole thing!" I could hear Chapel from the stands.
Despite the crowd basically worshipping him, Snivy crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and kept his chin up high. I first guessed that Snivy was just trying to play it cool, but then realized he was used to this kind of pandering.
"These people are in for quite the predicament…When I defeat Snivy in an upset!" Mary yelled out.
Mary tossed a Luxury Ball into the air. I recognized that Luxury Ball, from when Mary and I were 8 years old. Living in Olivine City, this pokemon was ALWAYS outside of his Pokeball, standing next to Mary like some sort of ancient warrior who would bravely give his life in order to protect the princess he serves.
"Mmm!" Mienshao, Mary-Elizabeth's signature pokemon, gave me a curious look before narrowing his eyes. He recognizes me, but he's not allowing that to overshadow the fact that I now stand across from him as an opponent.
"Mienshao means business," I said.
"You remember Mienshao's style, right?" Mary asked, "Let's limit the talking. From here on out, the battle will be our primary focus!"
I nodded.
"This will be a one-on-one Contest Battle with no time limit! Begin!"
"Snivy, let's open up with Leech Seed!" I cheered.
Mary once tried capturing Snivy herself. Mienshao versus Snivy in Bloomingvale…Mienshao was caught up in Snivy's Leech Seed-Wrap combination, and Snivy ultimately claimed victory. I had confidence that the same combination would be the key to my victory tonight.
"Vy!" Snivy focused on Mienshao, launching a single seed at the Martial Arts pokemon with perfect aim.
Mienshao's eyes glinted.
"Mien!"
My eyes went wide. Mienshao struck the seed with a single jab that was so fast, in was almost completely invisible to the naked eye. The seed was cracked, and Leech Seed was rendered useless.
"What?"
"You're a fool if you think we'll fall for that combination twice." Mary remarked.
"Er…" I gritted my teeth.
Looked like my combination wasn't going to be my ace in the hole after all…So what! Snivy and I are still competent enough to win!
"Snivy, forget Leech Seed! Let's just skip to your Wrap attack!"
Snivy nodded. "Vy!" Vine protruded from the Grass type, and then started on their way. Target? Who else but Mienshao?
Mienshao's eyes glinted again.
"Ah!" And once again, I was astonished.
Mienshao, with his amazing skill, was able to grab the vines with relative ease. Snivy's Wrap attack never had a chance.
Mary closed her eyes, "Did I not just tell you that you shouldn't be using old tactics Yumi? I have my eyes set on the prize, and since you seem unwilling to try something new, you'll be paying the price." Mary then opened her eyes as she commanded to Mienshao, "It's time we give ourselves homefield advantage. Toss Snivy onto the frozen lake!"
"Snivy!" There was nothing Snivy could do to get his vine out of Mienshao's grip. He was helpless.
Mienshao jumped high into the air, and then threw Snivy with authority. Snivy was falling uncontrollably, at the speed of a missile.
"Agh!"
"Snivy!" Mienshao was strong…The force of his throw was so great, that the ice of the frozen lake itself cracked once Snivy came crashing down. I called Snivy's name in worry, but the martial artist wasn't done yet.
"Force Palm!"
"Mien!" Mienshao remained in the air, where a full moon served as his background. He then targeted Snivy with his palm as he began descending like a shinobi!
"Astounding! To call this an upset would be an insult to Mienshao's skill! Mary and Mienshao are diving straight to victory as they're about to nail the finishing blow on a helpless Snivy!"
"No, the battle won't be finished this soon!" I yelled, "Snivy, used Leaf Tornado!"
I was not late on giving Snivy a command…Mienshao was just EARLY executing Mary's order.
"Hah!" Mienshao swiftly made contact with Snivy. His Force Palm was straight on Snivy's head.
When Force Palm followed through, an explosion was created.
"Snivy!"
The smoke from the explosion prevented me from seeing what's become of Snivy.
Mary Mienshao…so this is the kind of power it possessed all this time. Even though I've encountered Mienshao several times throughout Olivine City and throughout my journey, I've NEVER see him battle like this. It made me wonder: How did Mienshao fall victim to Snivy during their previous battle? Could Mary have been holding out on showing the world Mienshao's true power all this time?
I could see Chapel in the crowd. She had a look of disbelief on her face, because SHE WAS THERE when Snivy defeated Mienshao in Bloomingvale.
What now? What's happened to Snivy?
When the smoke cleared, we witnessed a crater that had been created in the frozen Lake of Rage. Snivy laid motionless at the center of said crater, while Mienshao stood tall.
"It looks like this battle might already be over…" Lillian thought out loud.
"What do you think, Yumi?" Mary asked, "Do you wish to call it quits now?"
I switched my gaze from Mary-Elizabeth to Snivy and the huge crater.
'SHOULD I?' I thought to myself.
"Ngh…"
No!
"Vy!"
Yes! We all thought the battle was over, but Snivy…he was slowly rising to his feet!
It was then I answered to Mary, "Please! The battle's not over yet! We were just getting warmed up!"
Snivy was breathing heavily, but he met Mienshao's stoic expression with a face that read 'I refuse to go down so effortlessly'.
…He knows Chikorita is watching him tonight, and he probably doesn't want to give her the impression that he's the 'beta male' in this battle. "That's not the impression Snivy wants to give ANYONE!" I thought out loud.
"Vy?" Snivy looked at me confused. I guess he was asking me' did you say something?'.
"We need to gain some form of momentum…Snivy, let's use our signature combination: Dancing Leaf!"
This was going to make the crowd restless, Snivy going into the signature move that won us the Bonitaville Contest.
"This technique, huh?" Mary asked rhetorically.
Mienshao watched Snivy expectantly, never blinking.
"Vy!" Snivy jumped into the air and protruded his vines.
Now this was using my head. There was no way Mienshao could speed his way through Snivy's attacks now!
In the air, and vines protruded, Snivy began spinning and using Leaf Tornado simultaneously.
Vines, spinning, and a powerful Leaf Tornado…Those three things were key to my success, as now it was Snivy's turn to descend, his aim on Mienshao.
"Will Yumi's ace in the hole lead her to victory again?"
Yes…Yes! YES!
…
"No!"
"Shao! Shao! Shao! Mien!" Mienshao shifted to his left, and then to his right. He sidestepped, ducked, did a handstand, and then used his hands to jump, all in a successful effort to dodge every vine and leaf headed his way. Every dodge was swift and perfect, about as agile as a ninja, or a Ninjask.
"No way…that Mienshao's too fast…" I whispered out loud.
"Should you be surprised?" Mary asked as Mienshao dodged another vine.
"What?"
"As someone who aspires to become Top Coordinator, you should've seen this coming," Mary started, "Expectations for you have risen Yumi, and so far you've failed to deliver."
I gritted my teeth as Mieshao slapped one of the Dancing Leaf's vines out of his way.
"Opponents are now looking to equip themselves with strategies that will counteract your pokemon, and that's something you should've planned around since you've gained fame. You're going to have to think of something fast, because…"
What came out of Mary's lips next, Mienshao was proving to be true.
"…Your Dancing Leaf has failed."
After a while, without need of a command from Mary-Elizabeth, Mienshao made a transition from traditional dodging, to ice-skating.
Looks like Mary and her Oshawott weren't the only ones who could skate on ice. If anything, Mienshao's ice-skating ability surpassed his trainer.
"Mien!" Mienshao twirled, avoiding a double stream of leaves coming his way. "Shao!" Then he dodged a vine by performing a somersault.
As each second passed, Mienshao was gaiing more separation between himself and the Dancing Leaf's path. Eventually, Mienshao swiftly closed in on Snivy.
"Mienshao, give Snivy a good jab." Mary commanded.
A jab? Now what? Is Mary going to stop using actual attacks now?
Carrying momentum from the ice skating, Mienshao jumped at Snivy.
I questioned what Mary was trying to accomplish in telling Mienshao to perform a simple 'jab' on Snivy.
…I now regret not knowing the answer to that question.
With that Ninjask-like speed, Mienshao targeted Snivy's right arm, and then, something weird happened.
Snivy's eyes went wide, as did his mouth. "Vy…" All of a sudden, Dnacing Leaf was cancelled, and Snivy fell out of midair, landing back down on the frozen lake.
'What happened?' I'd second the question Lillian just asked.
Mienshao watched as Snivy tried to get up. What we all saw was a struggle, as it appeared Snivy's right arm was completely numb.
"V…" Snivy fell back to the ground.
Everyone was bewildered.
'How is a single jab capable of this result?' I thought to myself.
"I see it in your face: You're wondering what just happened," Mary said.
I watched as Snivy struggled greatly. Though Snivy was fully conscious, I was starting to question whether he could rise to his feet. If not, then…
"There's a reason why Mienshao is my signature pokemon. What you've just witnessed is something FAR from just an ordinary jab." Mary began to explain in further detail, "What Mienshao possesses is a fighting style that goes beyond use for just Pokemon battles: Chi-blocking. Every little jab to the opponent comes with a calculated, precise aim to specific pressure points located on pokemon AND humans. Once contact is made, the circulation of chi from the stricken body part is gone, and said body part will become completely useless."
My jaw dropped. Chi-blocking? Pressure points?
This has turned into a one-sided battle, with Mary seemingly on the cusp of winning it all. As Snivy continued to unsuccessfully struggle to his feet, I began to feel the pressure starting to mount. This may be the toughest battle I've ever had. I didn't think Mary would be THIS strong an opponent. Is this how she already has three ribbons?...Mary could probably battle the likes of Seth, or his brother Zero…I'm usually an optimist, but now I find it hard to believe I can somehow overcome Mary and Mienshao.
How can I compete with chi-blocking?
"Vy…" Snivy was finally able to make it to his feet, but he was breathing heavily while holding his chi-blocked arm.
I had to call some attack-ANY attack-or else Snivy's struggle would be a waste of effort, "Use Iron Tail!"
"I thought so!" Mary grew excited upon hearing me call Iron Tail.
"What?" Mary confused me.
There was absolutely no strategy put into calling Iron Tail. I was simply desperate to show that I'm not throwing in the towel.
I was panicking, and this was exactly what Mary wanted.
"Vy!" Snivy, with his tail turned into iron, leapt at Mienshao.
Mienshao's eyes glinted. "Mien!" Once again, without the need for a command from his trainer, Mienshao went in to intercept Snivy.
Mienshao jabbed Snivy's tail, and then his left leg, sending the Grass type back to the ground.
Now that Snivy knew Mienshao's power, he didn't bother to get up. He knew his chi being blocked in his right arm and left leg was a crippling combination.
Another few seconds passed.
"Looks like this is over," Lillian said, "Even if Snivy rises again, I don't see any way he and Yumi can win it."
Snivy was still awake, but Mienshao's chi-blocking may have ultimately rendered him unable to battle…
Come on, Snivy. All the growth our relationship has been through…is it really going to amount to THIS kind of result?
…..
Yumi & Snivy
Bloomingvale…
"So that's a Snivy, huh?" I said as I stared at a Snivy standing on the edge of the fountain, being admired by the many Sunflora, "It looks elegant and all, but I don't get tit. What's so special about standing around all day?"
This was the very firs ttime I met Snivy. Him and his ego took offense to what I said, and ultimately used his vine to pull me into the fountain.
"Nooo! My hair!" I yelled at the smirking Snivy, "Who do you think you are?! You rotten little thing you!"
Our relationship was off to a rocky start from the get go.
"Pokeball, go!" Moments of movement from the Pokeball passed before it clicked shut.
Mary-Elizabeth was there when I caught Snivy.
Bonitaville…
I remember when Snivy's disobedience led to me being laughed at by everyone in the Contest Hall.
"You're really a stuck up snob!" I was annoyed at Snivy, "Why won't you listen to me?"
"It's because you're a sore loser…"
…
"Oh, so you DON'T want to see Chikorita again?" Snivy's eyes shot wide open, and he immediately ran over to hug my leg, begging me to change my mind, "Now, will you enter tonight's Contest?"
"Vy!" Snivy nodded as he buried his face in my leg.
"Now that's more like it!"
Little did Snivy know, he would be adding to his resume, a win over Marina and her Jigglypuff, using our newest Dancing Leaf technique.
"It can't move…Jigglypuff can't move…" Lillian's eyes were glued to the sight of 'Underdog Snivy' standing tall over 'Fan Favorite Jigglypuff'.
At that moment, I won my first ribbon.
Mahogany Town, versus Team Rocket…
"Snivy?" After Team Rocket took Chikorita, I could tell that my presence annoyed Snivy very much. His tolerance was wearing thin, "Snivy, are you oka-AHH!"
All I wanted to do was comfort Snivy. Approaching him while kneeling on the ground to his level accomplished one thing: It allowed Snivy's pent up frustration to boil over as he slapped me with his vine.
It was as if I could understand the passion behind Snivy's screams, "YOU! I HATE YOU! WHY DIDN'T YOU DO ANYTHING?!" On the ground, I was on my back as Snivy jumped onto my stomach and eyed me with bitter rage. I held the red slap mark on my face with my hand, "Chikorita…SHE WAS IN DANGER! SHE NEEDED YOU! I NEEDED YOU! WE ALL NEEDED YOU! YOU! You! You. You…" A tear fell down Snivy's face.
"Snivy, won't you listen to me?" I asked, and Snivy ignored, "Let's rescue Chikorita together!
…
Slowly but surely, Snivy calmed down, and began to warm up to me. By the end of the day, the relationship between me and Snivy was at a complete contrast compared to when we first met.
End Flashback…
Snivy, with the use of his vines, made it back to his feet, but with chi-blocked in Snivy left leg, Snivy was literally standing on his LAST LEG. He began to glow the aura of Overgrow, which alone was something notable.
"Overgrow…" Mary whispered to herself.
"Overgrow might be able to help, but I'm afraid Snivy's about reached his limit…" Lillian said.
Lillian was right. Mienshao has outclassed us in every way possible.
Mary and Mienshao were waiting for us to do something, but what could we do with chi blocked in Snivy's right arm, left leg, and tail? Wrap and Leech Seed don't require the use of said body parts specifically, but Mienshao has already rendered those attacks useless, with relative ease.
"Is there nothing we can do?!" This was my final battle cry, "Come on, Snivy! This battle may seem bleak now, but it's not over yet! As long as we keep standing up, we can still fight! We can still win this!"
"Snivy…" Snivy closed his eyes and gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Your spirit is something I admire about you, Yumi," Mary-Elizabeth said, "I have enjoyed this battle, but now it's time for the finishing blow," She looked at Mienshao, "Mienshao, block the rest of Snivy's chi!"
"Mien!"
There was nothing I could do, Mienshao was in full blown Martial Arts mode, and Snivy was as helpless as a Magikarp.
Call an attack!
"Snivy, use Leech Seed!"
"SNIVY!"
Everyone's eyes went wide.
Snivy…as he returned my battle cry, he began to glow, lighting up the entire night.
"Snivy…it's…" I whispered.
It was enough for Mienshao to stop right in its tracks, where it readied a final jab right in the face of a glowing Snivy.
"An evolution…" Mary couldn't have said it any better.
Yes, Snivy was finally evolving.
When the Grass type stopped glowing, it was revealed to the world that he was taller. His body was longer and more elegant than it was before. His eyes were naturally narrow, and red in color.
"Serr!"
"Who's that pokemon?" I've never seen the evolution of Snivy before.
There was no time to pull out my Pokedex, for Mienshao still held his fist right in my pokemon's face, ready to block his chi.
He stared at Mienshao, and Mienshao stared at him.
He smirked, which irked some confusion on Mienshao's part.
…
Without word…
"Aaaooo!" Mienshao winced.
Mary's eyes widened.
Why did Mienshao wince? Even I was caught off guard.
"Ser…" My evolved Snivy crossed his arms and closed his eyes.
He launched a Leech Seed at Mienshao from up close! For that split second in time, Mienshao let down his guard because he was too focused on waiting to deliver the finishing blow.
"Incredible! Yumi's signature Snivy has evolved into Servine! A Leech Seed was launched on the down low, and now we suddenly have a competitive battle!"
"Wow!" I cheered as 'Servine' continued to stand there with his eyes closed and arms crossed.
Snivy heard my call, and has responded by obtaining new power.
"Shao…" Mienshao was down, but not out. He quickly regained his focus on a Servine who has his chi back now.
"It was such a narrow time frame, yet still long enough for Mienshao and I to become complacent." Mary explained to herself, "But that won't happen again. Mienshao, block all of Servine's chi!"
"Shao!" Mienshao complied and was now headed straight for Servine!
"We can win this! Dodge and use Iron Tail!" I called.
Servine shrugged.
Mienshao had closed the distance, and what happened next, I couldn't believe: Mienshao's swift jabs were coming, only this time, Servine, with his eyes closed, was successfully dodging Mienshao's attacks.
An attempted jab to the left.
An attempted jab to the right.
An attempted low sweep.
Dodging Mienshao's low sweep was when Servine jumped out of Mienshao's range. After that, he was just standing there with his arms crossed.
"Where's the Iron Tail?" I asked myself, "Servine, use Iron Tail!" Servine has regained the chi in his tail, so he should be able to use Iron Tail.
Mienshao was running at Servine, this time, with the authority of Force Palm cloaking his fist.
"Shao?"
Mienshao stopped.
"Vine." Servine turned away from the Martial Arts pokemon.
"What the?" Mary was confused.
"Hmph." Servine scoffed.
"Servine is refusing to battle…" Lillian said to herself.
"Come on! Iron Tail! Leaf Tornado! Anything!"
"Yumi, is everything okay?" Mary asked.
"I don't know." I replied as I became uneasy.
"Servine isn't listening to Yumi…" Lillian said, "I guess…I guess Servine is not going to battle, which means…"
Match 4 Winner: Mary-Elizabeth and Mienshao!
I was stunned. My stare became blank and aimless, and I fell to my knees in disbelief.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
"And now, with the last match of the first round complete, we will now determine who will face who in the semifinals!"
Match 1: Alice versus Jason!
Match 2: Marina versus Mary-Elizabeth!
"There will be a good break for the Coordinators to catch their breath! So until then, get up, grab a snack, and get ready for Round 2!"
Everyone took Lillian's advice to heart, and slowly but surely, the audience began to clear out.
Only Chapel remained in the stands.
All who remained on the field were me, Mary, Mienshao, and Servine.
It was like Servine abandoned me, and after all the growth we had to. I felt so alone…
"Yumi? Mary-Elizabeth quietly walked up to me.
I was still on my knees, and I stared at Mary. My eyes began to water, but I held my tears back. I'm down here, while Mary is up there, having risen to new levels. Had Snivy not evolved, the gap separating our levels would've been much more apparent.
Mary held her hand out, offering to help me up, "It was a great battle."
Did she really think so?
I looked at the ground, my aqua blue bangs covering my face, "You don't have to lie by telling me what I want to hear…This was a one sided battle-a complete disaster on my part."
Leech Seed aside, we were never able to land a hit on Mienshao…
"It was far from great." I rejected Mary's hand, and got up by myself.
This sparked a hint of disdain from Mary. Her smile disappeared, and calmly, she said, "Looks like you still don't take losing too well."
What?
I said nothing to Mary. All I did was stare at a Servine still on the frozen lake.
"I saw the Marion City Contest. Although you've grown a lot since then, you've yet to mature when it comes to facing defeat. You also have to learn how to become more adept to 'situational battling'…As a Coordinator, you have a lot more improvement to work on, but your journey has only just begun."
Despite my effort to resist, a tear quietly fell from my face and hit the ground. I sniffled.
"Who know? Maybe we'll battle again someday…and maybe it'll be you holding up that prized ribbon when the day comes."
Those were words of farewell as Mary-Elizabeth started away from the stage, Mienshao accompanying her.
All who remained on stage were Servine and I.
What happened between us? What happened to the relationship we worked so hard to build up? I 've had Fennekin and Eevee evolve in the past, but they never 'turned heel' as Braixen and Umbreon respectively. I've heard of instances where once loyal pokemon start disobeying their trainers after evolution. That may be the case with Servine.
It looks like I'll have to pour more time into building our diverging relationship, just as I've done before.
One day, Servine and I will be friends again…
…
"I can't believe it! After defeating Contest-favorites Yumi and Marina, Mary-Elizabeth has claimed victory over Alice, in the final round to obtain ribbon number 4 here at the Lake of Rage Contest!"
That's Mary-Elizabeth-4 ribbons,
Marina-4 ribbons,
Alice-3 ribbons,
Pheobe-3 ribbons,
…
Yumi-1 ribbon…
Mary-Elizabeth being declared the Contest's victor played in my head over and over again. As I walked alone in the passageway, I began comparing myself to the likes of Mary-Elizabeth and Alice.
I held my lone Contest ribbon in my hand and stared at it. Room to lose any more Contests was almost nonexistent. I've fallen too far behind… "From here on out, it's win, or miss out on the Grand Festival. That means I'll have to work harder than everyone else."
I took my eyes off my ribbon and focused in on Seth, Chapel, and Rose, who were all waiting for me at the entrance of the Contest Hall.
"I have great friends here who will help me train hard enough to win down the stretch. With them training me, I'll get Servine to obey me, and I'll make it to the Grand Festival."
I approached the group, and with that, my night ended on a quiet note…
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: I hope you guys realize how important this chapter is. This was overall, Yumi's worst night, and I may have went overkill on her. Think about it: Not only did she lose the Contest, but she failed to make it past the first Battle Round, she failed to land a single hit on Mienshao, she was BLOWN OUT by Mary, she now has a disobedient pokemon, and now she finds herself almost TOO far behind in the race to make it to the Grand Festival. Yes, we're at the stage of the season where it's time to talk playoffs. Yumi has lost 4 of the 5 Contests she's entered since beginning her journey(including her no-shows in Cherrygrove and Bloomingvale), and now she finds herself on the brink of elimination.
Yumi now has a sense of urgency that will drive her to train harder and perform better, but...it's going to take a WHILE for her to start getting her desired results.
...9 of the next 10 Chapters WILL be Seth-centric. And after those 10 chapters, expect MORE of Seth.