Pokemon Virus Version

by WeS RoYaL

Join Protagonist Seth and his underdog Chikorita as they journey through Johto in a rebellion against a reborn evil organization on a journey of their own to rise to power. As you read, you'll find that some people in this organization aren't so evil, and that Seth isn't at all heroic. It's up to travel companions Yumi, Chapel & Rose to change Seth's cold character for the better.

111. Chapter 111: An Apology

Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 111: An Apology

Seth's POV

In the wake of a Solarbeam magnified by Unlocked Potential, Chikorita was victorious against the beast-like Mamoswine.

Mamoswine recalled, she stood alone on the ice field, waiting for Morana to release her next pokemon.

Before, Morana gave me a forlorn expression of despair as she knew Chikorita was going to defeat Mamoswine in an upset. The end result left Morana speechless…for a few insignificant seconds. That was then, and this is now. Now, Morana had a forlorn look of amusement, as if she was confident her next pokemon would bring her the results she desired. Morana smiled coyly at me, Pokeball in her hand. "Smart-ass, I won't deny it: That puny plant of yours made me eat my own words. But…" She readied to throw her Pokeball, "There's a difference between a victory being absolute, and beginner's luck…Your luck has run out. That fluke of a win over Mamoswine should be one you savor, because it will be your last!"

Morana threw her Pokeball with motivation, and on the field landed…nothing. That's right: nothing. Because Morana's next pokemon was floating in the air.

"Gla glai." I knew this pokemon. It was a Glalie; a formidable pokemon.

"Are you ready, smart-ass?" Morana asked.

"Of course he is…" Chapel whispered to himself.

"Hmph." I merely scoffed at the Gym Leader's question as I never took my eyes off Glalie, who was staring at Chikorita with cold eyes that could penetrate a mirror…or mirrors. Chikorita was not intimidated, she was just intrigued by the look given to her by the floating head encased in ice, "Chikorita, Energy Ball." I called a command, aiming for said floating head, and fully intent on riding the momentum gained during the bout with Mamoswine.

Chikorita was still glowing the white aura, and she her leaf was still that electrical green-blue color. She was stilling in her state of Unlocked Potential, and she used this as leverage to aim the ball of energy at the ice type.

"My my, move has become nothing but a bother so far here today," Morana said. She than smirked fiendishly, and that confident, coy smile of her returned as she said, "But now it's time for Glalie to offer his solution to the problem.

Glalie made no effort to dodge the incoming attack. Instead, Glalie acted on Morana's cue, swiftly surrounding itself with a barrier, made from its power. The barrier took energy ball like a bulletproof vest; NO damage seemed to be felt whatsoever.

I did not question the skill Glalie had performed. Instead, I opted to just accept the end result for what it was. The same could not be assumed for Chikorita, whose eyes were widened in disbelief. Impossible…She was in her Unlocked Potential state…meaning Energy Ball was supposed to deal a considerable amount of damage. What happened? How DID it happen? "Chico…"

"What you have just witnessed, is Glalie's Protect, puny plant." Morana was eager to answer all the question marks Chikorita's bewildered face was practically giving away. "This isn't just any old Protect that any pokemon can learn. No…Glalie and I...We've added a commendable twist to an otherwise ordinary move that in all honesty, has overstayed its welcome here in the Pokemon world, much to the annoyance of many. Tell me, what do you think of our Ice Barrier?"

Chikorita was reticent to reply, but not discourage from continuing the battle, confidence still withstanding.

"Chico!"

Chikorita fired one more Energy Ball, this time, at near full power. Across the ice field, this ball of energy was so fast and bright, it was actually heating up the cold air around it, leaving mist in its path.

Again, Glalie formed an Ice Barrier around itself to try and render Energy Ball useless. The ball of energy collided. Chikorita was hoping for a better result this time, with the added extra effort, but no. Energy Ball was once again, unable to penetrate Glalie's defense.

Chikorita's eyes furrowed in annoyance.

The Ice Barrier dissipating, Glalie eyed Chikorita with that cold glare one more time. Not even a second later, Glalie plastered onto its face, a coy smirk that managed to make Morana's smirk look like the smile of an angel by comparison.

Upon observing that her moves were of no effect against Glalie, Chikorita's confidence began to dip ever so slightly. Her look of annoyed anger could be seen performing a near nonexistent transition to a look of creeping worry. How was she going to penetrate such a defense?

"Use Frost Breath!"

Glalie, on Morana's command, launched a move that I was actually unfamiliar with. I was a stream of ice that did not have enough transparency to be an Icy Wind, as well as not being solid enough to be considered an Ice Beam. Who knows what effect this move could have!

I told Chikorita to stay focused, and then commanded her to dodge Frost Breath. Chikorita nodded her head and tried moving around, but the ice was something she still was not one hundred percent used to. Her movements were slower than usual, and she actually nearly got hit. The Frost Breath missed by just the tip of her leaf. Chikorita continued to dodge, and little by little, as each second passed, she was begin to get used to the ice.

"Chikorita's getting the hang of this!" Chapel cheered.

"It appears so." Rose answered with a nod.

By the time Chikorita had become used to moving on the ice, she had created a bit of separation from the attack. This was the perfect opportunity for me to call an attack; while she was still dodging.

"Dodging is futile. WE WON'T LET UP!" Morana obstreperously yelled.

"Solarbeam." I elected to go with the move that won us the previous battle against Mamoswine. Maybe this would be enough to penetrate Glalie, even if it WERE to summon its Ice Barrier again.

Chikorita continued dodging Frost Breath, and as she did, she began to gather light energy. Powered up in her Unlocked Potential state, I anticipated a one hit knock out.

"Chico!" Chikorita finished gathering energy, and when she did, she jumped into the air and fired Solarbeam JUST when there was enough distance between her and Frost Breath to get the attack off on time. "CO!" She launched the beam, and it was headed straight for Frost Breath.

"Hnhm…" Morana chuckled as she closed her eyes and put her hands on her hips, chin up.

I narrowed my eyes. I was perceptive enough to observe that she knew something I didn't, but it was too late now. Solarbeam and Frost Breath collided.

Being in the air, Chikorita was to have the advantage, with gravity on her side. At least, that was what I anticipated before…

"No!" Chapel gaped in disbelief. Glalie had gained the upper hand, and Solarbeam was overpowered by Frost Breath!

Chikorita flinched in fear of the imminent Frost Breath now closing in on her. She knew she was going to take a sizable hit. She was right, as she was hit by the ice and sent flying, outside of the ice field's boundaries, and into my arms.

"Chikorita…" I called to my first pokemon while she lay in my arms, but she was unable to muster any more energy to battle further. Her eyes closed, this was the end of her. Chikorita, was unable to battle. But how? How could Solarbeam be overpowered? This was the first time Chikorita has lost while in her state of Unlocked Potential…

Chapel remained silent, while Piplup looked at Chikorita with a hint of pity in its eyes. Only Rose would muster up the question I was asking myself in my mind, "How did Glalie win?"

Morana chuckled, "I always knew you were a smart-ass," then she closed her eyes, "Apparently, that doesn't mean that you know EVERYTHING. By the look on your face, I'd say you were caught off guard by Glalie's Frost Breath, and unaware of what it was capable of doing. Is that right?"

I eyed Morana. I failed to express it out loud, but I she was right. Frost Breath overpowering Solarbeam filled me with a moment's worth of curiosity.

"See? I'm correct!" Morana pointed. "Alright then, since your stubborn ass won't simply ask, I'll tell you anyway. A man's only got SO much of a very fragile pride!" She teased. " Frost Breath isn't your average Ice type move. I guess you can say luck was on my side, because Frost Breath is a move that ALWAYS results in a critical hit. Your sweetheart Chikorita's Solarbeam never stood a chance."

My eyes narrowed. Frost Breath…

"As if I'd need luck to beat you anyway. After all, you struggled mightily with Glalie's Ice Barrier, yes?" Morana teased once more before giving me a look filled with determination in her eyes. "Who will your next pokemon be?"

I knew exactly what my next move would be. But before I sent out my next pokemon…

I eyed Chikorita with a hint of gratitude. While she was defeated by Glalie, she got past Mamoswine. Lately, we've been making significant progress. We've come a long way from losing every battle, and in such a short time as well…We won't always have the luxury of an ice field to cripple our opponent, so we've still got areas to improve on.

I allowed Chikorita to wake up in my arms and give me a slight but warm smile. I gave the proud grass type an Oran Berry that was just now given to me by a Rose who came to get her.

"I will take good care of her," Rose said as she grabbed Chikorita, holding her in a hug. As she walked back to where Chapel was, she smiled at Chikorita, and was very affection.

I turned my attention back to Glalie and Morana. Morana gave a wordless smirk to Chikorita, needing no words to let the Grass type know she was being teased.

I took out a Pokeball, "Chandelure, battle stance!" Now there was a catchphrase that hasn't seen the light of day often.

"Luuuurrrrrrr…" The fire burning inside Chandelure was as hot as a Blast Burn, but its cry was a cold as…ice, along with the atmosphere its ghostly presence created.

Both Pokemon floating, the icy field will prove to be completely irrelevant during this bout.

"Will-O-Wisp." I called this move first to address the Ice Barrier issue I've been dealing with. If the flames manage to make contact, Glalie will continually take damage, regardless of whether its attacking of defending.

"Glalie, use your Ice Barrier!"

At Morana's pointer, Glalie once again used its modified Protect, summoning ice to encase itself entirely.

To my knowledge, the ice was not going to last against the blue flames. Glalie, with his Ice Barrier going to be melting soon, was finished.

"Gla glalie!"

"!" An unfazed result, just like before. My eyes shot wide open. Glalie withstanding my attempted assaults, and Will-O-Wisp being unable to penetrate Glalie's ice barrier…they were alarming.

"Your attacks are useless, smart-ass-Oh wait! You didn't know that your attacks are useless! You ALSO didn't know Frost Breath and the effect it came with. You ignorance cost Chikorita the battle! You're NOT a smart-ass after all! Maybe I should start calling you DUMBass! Sounds right, huh dumbass!"

I gritted my teeth.

"That woman has no right to talk like that…" Chapel's fist was shaking. She genuinely wanted to fight Morana, and knock some sense into her. There's no shutting up a loud mouth with foul language, but Chapel insists on teaching Morana a lesson in humility. Morana's ill words about price still sting. "Come on Seth! You can't let her keep talking like that!"

Morana smiled at Chapel and slowly said to her, "SO. SUE. ME." Chapel's catchphrase was used against her.

Chikorita and Rose looked worried.

"Enough!" I called to Morana before addressing Chandelure, "Flamethrower!"

"Luuurrrreee!" Chandelure launched a stream of fire at the Glalie still encased in its ice barrier. Chandelure's attack was NOT going to fail this time. Flamethrower wasn't a simple status move like Will-O-Wisp.

The fire was intense.

"Exit defense mode!" Morana called.

At Morana's command, Glalie called off his ice shield.

Morana gave him another command, "Frost Breath!"

Glalie once again launched the long ranch attack that lack transparency, yet wasn't a solid.

Frost Breath and Flamethrower collided, leaving a cloud of mist blinding everyone's vision.

This was it. This was the moment to go in for a finishing blow up close. Catching Glalie off its guard will allow me to defeat it in one attack before it can summon its Ice Barrier.

"Chandelure, close in on Glalie." There was little doubt in my mind Chandelure, with its bright flames, would have perfectly normal vision while in the mist.

Catching my opponents off their guard by charging through the smoke is a tactic I've used multiple times before.

"Lure!" Chandelure broke through the mist.

I readied a Flamethrower command, "Use Flame-"

"Hnhm." Glalie smirked.

Morana's eyes glinted, "You've walked into my trap like a sucker!"

"What?"

"This mistake will be your last with Chandelure!" Morana then commanded, "Glalie, use Sheer Cold!"

No!

"Gla…" Glalie started to emit an icy aura, and all while Chandelure was close in range. Chandelure was SO close, the window I had to react and give it a command was nonexistent.

Because of me, Chandelure fell into Morana's trap. Because of me, Glalie released the power of Sheer Cold, and I knew all too well the effect this move had. Because of me, Chandelure was caught, hit, and frozen.

"Hmph." Morana chuckled at Chandelure.

Because of me, Chandelure was unable to battle.

"Dumbass, did you ever stop to think you WEREN'T the first person to ever come at me with a fire-type pokemon?" Morana asked. "Oh, well I'll just melt the ice using fire. Fire ALWAYS beats ice! Well congratulations for thinking that. MANY people have come before you thinking the same thing….It's said that Fire type pokemon are the most prevalent type of pokemon on teams of trainers around the world…Lucky me, because it gives me the chance to embarrass them in a one-sided yawn of a battle."

I was astonished. My tactic of surprising my opponent by getting in close…just backfired. Morana used my own idea against, and Chandelure paid the price. Once again, I made a mistake. Chandelure is a competent pokemon; one of my most powerful, actually. Sheer Cold was just an outlier of an opponent used to take it out, because Chandelure COULDN'T have been defeated any other way.

I recalled the defeated Fire-Type.

"Brother only has one pokemon left." Rose said.

"I've seen Seth perform a comeback once before in a Gym Battle. Maybe he can do it again today," Chapel said. She sounded kind of unsure though.

…This battle was breaking down before my eyes. I got off to a decent start, but one pokemon is singlehandedly sending me to the brink of defeat. It reminds me of…Commander 10 and that Mega Gengar.

…No, I can't let that happen again. If I lose….I WON'T lose. My last pokemon-the one in the Pokeball I was right now-performed a miracle comeback of her own. She wasn't there when I was defeated by 10. I have confidence that she'll lead me to victory today.

"Mawile, battle stance!"

Coming out of her pokemon, was the Futakuchi-Onna inspired Deciver pokemon. She stood still on the ice with no problem, which let me know that her transition to the ice field wouldn't be a rocky as Chikorita's.

"Mawile." The Deceiver pokemon looked at Glalie, and then back at me.

My eyes were on her. The outcome of this entire battle now rested on Mawile's shoulders. After all, Mawile if the unofficial leader of my pokemon team. She's not my starter pokemon, and she's not one of my Shadow pokemon. She's not my most powerful, but she knows how to take charge; something I've yet to see from the likes of Gabite, Elekid, Chandelure, or any of my Shadow pokemon.

"It all comes down to you, Mawile." Rose cheered.

"Chi!" Chikorita cried in agreement.

"Really?!" Morana's face adopted a smug look as she 'inspected' Mawile. "Honestly, this little doll is almost as bad as the puny plant. How many times are you going to send out these 'baby' pokemon?"

"You underestimate Mawile, Morana." I replied as my eyes narrowed.

"Mawile maw!" Mawile, predictably, was just as flabbergasted as Chikorita upon hearing Morana's insults. She then became worked up, as well as excited.

Mawile has always had a bit of a nasty side to her whenever angered, which hasn't happened too much; not compared to how much people have mocked Chikorita.

"Mawile, calm down." Rose tried to comfort the Steel type.

"Mawile!" I called.

"Maw?" It was as if Mawile's attitude suddenly disappeared as she twirled around to face me with excitement. This is nothing new to me. Morana calling Mawile a 'baby' wasn't too far off. She's wanted me to 'baby' her in the past, despite being a leader.

"This will be our first battle since Ecruteak City," I said as Mawile nodded, "Use Power-Up Punch!"

Mawile cloaked her hand in a brownish white aura and charged at Glalie.

Morana remarked, "How boring…How many times are you going to try and attack Glalie when you KNOW what we're going to do?"

No. I KNEW what I was doing this time.

"Glalie, time for you Ice Barrier again."

"Glai!" Once again, Glalie surrounded itself with that near impenetrable barrier.

"Wile!" Mawile struck the shield. "Ma?!" Mawile gaped. Her move failed to even scratch the ice barrier.

"Ugh…" Rose was fed up with Morana constantly using this tactic.

"That Ice Barrier is beyond troublesome," Chapel said, "Ever since Morana sent out Glalie, Seth has been unable to get any offense going whatsoever."

"But what can he do?" Rose asked. "Solarbeam didn't do a thing, and even fire couldn't melt it."

"Do you realize, as much as your friends do, the amount of trouble you've been in the entire time Glalie's been battling?" Morana asked me. "My Glalie has the ultimate defense, in addition to an attack that can hold its own! Any strategy you've tried to concoct, I've been able to neutralize. The look on that puny plant's face before I defeated it said it all."

I gritted my teeth.

"Your emotionless face doesn't show it, but your confidence is plummeting by the second." Morana continued before suggesting, "…Surrender the battle. You're down to your last pokemon, and she's already proven useless thus far."

"Never!" I replied. "You're not unbeatable. In fact, you're little more than an insignificant pebble that I step on on my journey…to satisfy my thirst for vengeance."

I don't know how I'll manage to defeat Morana. I just have to keep on the defensive while trying to find a new strategy.

"Mawile, Power-Up Punch."

"Again?" Rose questioned.

"Seth, Power-Up Punch isn't going to work!" Chapel was annoyed, "Why is he sending his pokemon to charge in recklessly like that? Ugh he's using Mawile as a throwaway pokemon!"

No, that's not the case.

"Maw!" Mawile started charging at Glalie once more, her fist covered in the aura of Power-Up Punch again.

Come on, think! What can I do!

"Hehe…" Glalie chuckled as his Ice Barrier once again absorbed Mawile's hit.

"Wile!" This time, Mawile bounced back, sliding more than just a few feet back thanks to the ice.

"Well, I guess there's no use having this battle go any further since you can't do anything," Morana started, "Glalie, use Sheer Cold!"

"Gla!" Glalie roared as he used the move that singlehandedly eliminated Chandelure from the match.

"HAHAHAHA! It's over!" Morana cheered.

No! There isn't anything I can do. Come on, call something! Anything!

Think outside the box!

…

That's it!

"Mawile, Power-Up Punch on the ground, quickly!"

I was in a hurry getting that last command off, and Mawile was just as desperately fast pounding on the ground with a third Power-Up Punch.

"Wile!" Mawile launched herself in the air, but in doing so, I noticed something.

'Wile!' It was as if Mawile using Power-Up Punch on the ground replayed in my head, very slowly. Something I noticed was the ice slightly cracking upon her fist's impact.

'The ice…it's not broken, but it at least cracked…'

That's it! And that's how I'll defeat Glalie!

My confidence in this battle had plunged, and it was because of that fact that I was beginning to panic and stray from my usual battle style that is, smart and meticulous while giving my opponent minimal reaction time. I am always able to think of strategies before the first attack is fired, this battle was different. I was forcing myself to think of a strategy, and ended up becoming more focused on the THINKING itself. I lost myself…

But now I know what to do. I've used Power-Up Punch one too many times to ensure I'll go down without fighting. I know what to do now! That Ice Barrier may have SEEMED impenetrable, but that was because I was becoming impatient. But now, with enough Power-Up Punch's under Mawile's belt, it's entirely possible to believe that Ice Barrier is not as invincible as it seems.

Mawile was still in the air as I said, "Mawile's Attack stat has risen enough for me to turn the tables! Mawile, dive in with Iron Head!"

"WIIILLLLEEE!" With gravity on her side, Mawile was giving Morana nothing short of the best.

This move will set the tone for the rest of the battle.

Morana's smile disappeared, and she scowled at my growing confidence, "Glalie, use your Ice Barrier again, then finish the battle with a close up Sheer Cold!"

Glalie summoned its Ice Barrier again. Morana was no longer smiling, but that didn't mean that she wasn't as confident as I was.

"It's no use. Your effort is all in vein! Once Sheer Cold hits, this battle is ov-"

The sound of cracked glass.

"GLAAA!" Mawile had pierced Glalie's Ice Barrier, inflicting major damage.

This was the first time ANY of my three pokemon were able to strike Glalie. So the answer to Ice Barrier wasn't a warm Solarbeam, or a blazing Flamethrower. The answer to my problem lied within cold. Hard. Steel. I get it now. This Glalie has a weakness against PHYSICAL attacks.

"But how…" Morana stared blankly into the shattered pieces of ice, falling onto the icy battlefield in slow motion. Between the shards of ice falling, she could see Mawile giving her a satisfying smirk. "My ultimate defense…it's gone."

"I've figured out the concept to your Ice Barrier." Earlier in this battle, Morana noted that Ice Barrier was REALLY just a Protect with her own twist put into it. Well, if used in succession, Protect is a move that will eventually fall apart, break, and fail. And with that, I've turned Morana's strategy against her, and landed a momentum shifting Iron Head. "Your Glalie can no longer hide from me!"

"Brother seems to have something going!" Rose commented, receiving a nod in agreement from Chapel.

Mawile smiled at a Glalie struggling to get up. She was excited. Glalie was no longer able to hide behind Ice Barrier, making this an all out offensive battle.

"Lie…" Glalie was slow ascending back into the air. Looking at the smug expression Mawile had, it grunted.

"Of all things…" Morana whispered to herself. As she spoke again, the tone in her voice ascended to that of a loud battle cry, "Of all pokemon, that MAWILE destroyed MY shield?!"

"It seems YOU'RE losing your confidence now." Chapel remarked with a smile.

"You're talking as if Ice Barrier is the ONLY trick Glalie has." Morana replied. "Well you're wrong. You're ALL wrong! Whether or not you COULD take out Ice Barrier is completely irrelevant, because now it's too late. Your entire team is in shambles, and all that remains is a Mawile that has NOTHING on me! Glalie, charge at Mawile with everything you've got! Keep pushing!"

Forcing Morana's hand has gotten her more excited now than when the battle was in her complete control.

Glalie was weary from Iron Head, but that didn't stop it from charging at Mawile, following a command from Morana that wasn't even a named attack.

"Glai!"

"Wile!" Mawile dodged by using Power-Up Punch to on the ground again. She launched herself into the air again, safe from harm.

"That's it!"

"Hm?!" I was alarmed when Morana spotted a chance to hit Mawile in the air.

It was just like with Chandelure and Sheer Cold. Morana turning my tactic against me when she called her next attack, "Frost Breath!"

I had to react faster this time, "Use Iron Head to dive!"

The goal was obviously to perform a diving headbutt. With Ice Barrier no longer in effect, I knew this next hit would be the finishing blow…

…Or that would be the case, IF Iron Head managed to make contact.

"Wile!" Frost Breath was strong. Despite Mawile resisting the attack, the wind stopped her from descending at Glalie.

Mawile ultimately landed on the ice field, but this time, there was a twist. "Wile…" The wind from Frost Breath sent Mawile sliding backwards, and because she was on a field of ice, she didn't have as much control over her momentum as she would've wanted. "Wile?!"

Mawile stopped…On the edge of the battlefield.

"Ma…wile…" Mawile was unnerved as she took a glance over the edge of the field. She was looking into the dry ice.

"Mawile's in trouble…" Chapel gritted her teeth.

"Now now, the dry ice has been waiting all match to have its very first victim." Morana smiled as she waved her finger, "This will be my victory celebration! Glalie, use Earthquake!"

Earthquake?!

Mawile gaped, while Glalie prepared the most powerful ground type move.

"That Glalie knows Earthquake." Rose said, "This is jaw dropping…"

"On the ice field…Mawile doesn't stand a chance…" Chapel said to herself. She then took a coupld of steps forward and hurriedly said, "Seth! You have to recall Mawile! Earthquake will destroy the battlefield, and this match isn't worth losing Mawile to dry ice!"

"Maw…?" Mawile looked at me expectantly.

What was I supposed to do? If I recall Mawile…

"If you recall Mawile, you surrender the battle AND any chance at finally shutting my mouth!" Morana stated.

If I surrender, I lose…And if I lose, I'll be no closer to defeating Neo Snagem than yesterday. If this was a fight against Neo Snagem…would I surrender the entire thing just like that?

Glalie smashed the ice battlefield like a missile, and immediately, the entire foundation began to crack.

"Either way, you've lost." Morana said, "I think I'll just stand here a see whether or not you surrender by the time the ice comes crashing down."

I would NEVER surrender against Team Neo Snagem! Therefore I can't surrender now! "Mawile, jump on Glalie quickly!" Maybe I could defeat Glalie the same way Chikorita defeated Mamoswine. It all depends on if Mawile can make it to Glalie on time…

Seconds went by, but in my eyes, these few seconds felt like hours. Mawile ran as fast as she could, but in my eyes, it was as if she was in a tape being played at a mere fraction of its actual speed.

One…

Two…

Three…

These were the first of just a few footsteps Mawile would take in her race to Glalie.

…

She's almost there. She was determined.

Morana had a look of disbelief on her face. Mawile was actually going to make it…

…

…Not.

Mawile did NOT make it.

Just before she could reach out for Glalie, the ice below her caved in. As the shard of ice she was standing on began to descend, she made one last leap of faith, in an effort to grab Glalie. Diving…

She narrowly missed Glalie; mere fingertips away.

Morana smiled with her mouth open, while Glalie's eyes met with Mawile's as she descended. Chapel shouted a single profanity, while Rose, Chikorita, and Piplup all found the inevitable end result too much to look forward to. The three of them turned away in a hurry.

And me? I immediately took out my Pokeball, desperately trying to recall Mawile before she could make contact with the dry ice.

…

How could I have let this happen?

I should've surrendered when I had the chance, otherwise…

Mawile wouldn't have been in as much pain as she was when she landed on the dry ice. She screamed at the top of her lungs as the dry ice immediately began to burn deep.

It was just as I feared: the burn from a flame isn't the same as a burn from dry ice…

I used the Pokeball to recall Mawile before she could be in the dry ice for too long.

It was then I fell to my knees…

"And so the damage has been done," Morana teased as she recalled Glalie.

Rose, Chapel, and the pokemon all ran to me.

"Chico?" Chikorita called.

"Brother…" Rose put a hand on my shoulder.

Chapel got on her knees so that she'd eye-level with me.

This was new. I could feel something unusual coming from the shambles of what used to be my heart. It's been a while, but I think…I think I have discovered another new emotion I never knew I had. This…This is called remorse.

I was not on my knees because I was defeated by Morana. I was on my knees because of ME. Mawile suffered because of me. I had the opportunity to save her the pain, and I shoved it away…

From Chapel, I didn't get the same remorse I was receiving from Rose. Instead, I was given a cold, hard stared from the angered girl with maroon bangs. She was breathing heavily before…

…I said nothing as Chapel gave me a huge slap across my cheek. She grabbed me by the collar of my jacket and began to shake me violently as she yelled, "I HATE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW! I TOLD YOU TO RECALL MAWILE! WHY DON'T NEVER LISTEN TO ME, SETH!" I bothered not to put a hand on the red mark that was now there. It stung.

"Trying to add a little spice after the end result is already set in stone, I see," Morana said. She was without a smile. "What a bore. Almost as boring as the one-sided yawn of a battle we just had. Certainly more entertaining than visiting the grave of an old man I'll probably forget in a week."

An angered Chapel rose to her feet and passionately yelled to Morana, "WILL YOU SHUT UP! I swear, I'd like nothing more than to defeat you in a battle and MAKE you shut up!"

"Would you like to bet on it?" Morana asked.

She and Chapel stared each other down. This lead to a tense moment of silence that said a thousand words.

Chapel versus Morana? If I couldn't defeat her, I doubt Chapel will fare any better. Chapel versus me? I've discovered what it means to be remorseful for those I consider close, but I would NEVER surrender if I was ACTUALLY battling Team Neo Snagem…I do owe Mawile a genuine apology though. I…I need to take Mawile to the Pokemon Center.

With Mawile's Pokeball in hand, I wordlessly turned around and began walking away from what used to be the icy battlefield. I gave Morana no last glances.

"Have fun in the infirmary!" Morana mocked.

If I had a heart this would be where I let my anger boil over, taking my frustration out of Morana MYSELF.

I'm NOT angry right now. Just, sorry…I'm sorry, Mawile.

Rose and Piplup began to follow me, Chikorita still being hugged in Rose's arms.

Chapel gave Morana one last look before following suit. Morana even blew Chapel a mocking kiss goodbye.

"Back at you, sweetheart!" Chapel said. She was able to go with the act for just a split second, catching the kiss and waving goodbye to Morana in a teasing fashion.

…

Location: Mahogany Town Pokemon Center

Our new current location: The Pokemon Center's Infirmary.

I rushed into the Pokemon Center with a sense of urgency that could only be rivalled by a scenario in which I'm in a hurry to catch Team Neo Snagem. Nurse Joy questioned me, noting that 'I'd been here for a while, and have never seen me so vivid'. She took into the ER, the Pokeball containing Mawile.

Upon releasing Mawile from her Pokeball, it was discovered that Mawile was still in great pain. She winced as soon as she materialized onto the table standing in front of Nurse Joy.

"She is in pain because of you." Rose said.

"How could you let something like this happen?" Nurse Joy asked.

Chapel gave me an unnerving expression. It was the first time I've ever felt true regret for something I've done. Chapel was so frustrated…But she also didn't understand. Who I am, and the way I go about defeating Neo Snagem…there's a reason why they're set in stone.

I wordlessly stared at Mawile. Nurse Joy needed time for this one. She said that Mawile's burn was so severe, she'd have to have all her attention on this one operation. Healing Chikorita and Chandelure, who were also defeated, would have to wait.

Chikorita was worried about her fellow sister, while Piplup had a hard time grasping the same sentiment due to the fact that she hasn't known Mawile long enough to become closely acquainted.

…..

The day was young when we first entered the ER. And by the time Nurse Joy was done, the day was on the brink of twilight, the sun setting from under the clouds, giving off a reddish hue under the sky. Chapel, Rose, Piplup, and Chikorita were all gone. I was by myself.

Nurse Joy came out of the ER, Mawile in her arms. Mawile's torso was complete wrapped in bandages…

Nurse Joy seemed tired, "Treatment for burns coming from dry ice are rare. Your Mawile is lucky to have only gotten off with minimum damage. MINIMUM does not necessarily mean good though." Nurse Joy was expressing ANYTHING BUT joy right now, and seemed irritated by my presence. "…Sometimes, a trip to the Pokemon Center just isn't enough. You're gonna need to pitch in for Mawile's recovery. Her rehabilitation will be somewhat lengthy. The bandages on her torso will need to be changed from time to time, and you will need to give her regular bubble baths. That isn't the worst of it though…That fall into the dry ice you told me about…It wasn't good for Mawile. In addition to the burn treatment you'll be giving her, you'll also be tasked with helping her rebuild the strength in her back. I have written instructions that will aid you. Mawile should be back to full strength in 15-21 days."

"M-Maw…" Mawile was barely awake. She was groggy, and she slowly, but barely lifted her head to get a glimpse of me. "Wile…" Even after everything I caused, she was able to crack a smile…I hated it, because at that moment, I pitied myself almost as much as I pitied Mawile.

Nurse Joy gently gave her to me. "Make sure she gets a good night sleep."

I nodded, "I will." Looking down at Mawile, the only thing I could say to her was, "Looks like you'll be getting a lot of attention now."

…..

I made my way to my room for the first time since early this morning, but not without crossing paths with Chapel one last time. She was still mad, but as soon as she saw Mawile in my arms, she looked away, suddenly saddened. All she said to me was that she didn't want to say anything in front of Mawile while she's on the road to recovery. I walked on, not saying a word to the Pokemon Ranger. The slap she gave me still stung.

Just as I made it to the room door, I felt a tug on my pant leg. I was Chikorita, and she was with Piplup.

Rose, from just a few feet further down the hall, and she asked me, "Have you learned nothing, Brother?" I could see her tear up, but why? "I remember when you struck me in Ecruteak City. I thought you might have changed since then, apparently, I thought wrong…Why did you allow such a disastrous end result? Brother…" The five year old put her white gloved hand on her cheek, "You strike still stings me, just like how that slap still stings you."

I had nothing to say to my little sister. I've taken note that this was the first time she has openly spoken against me since Chapel started calling me a rival. Every time Chapel and I would get into a verbal agreement, Rose would refrain from saying a thing. I guess she simply didn't know how to take sides. But now…

Whatever else Rose had to say, I elected not to hear it as I went into my room and closed the door, Chikorita following me.

…

There she was, on the bed. Yumi was as unusually silent as she was when I left this morning.

'It's not my fault Yumi doesn't know how to take a loss.' This was what I said when I was encouraged by everyone to try and cheer Yumi up.

'Unlike Yumi, I don't dwell on losses. I simply get stronger and look forward to tomorrow.'

Chapel called me out. "Then what about your loss to 10? What about your loss to Zero?! The whole reason you're on this journey is because of what happened in the past!"

I wasn't going to openly admit that Chapel was right earlier today.

…What a fool I've been. Mawile is the embodiment of me dwelling over a loss right now. I didn't understand where Yumi was coming from then, and when I finally realized it, I began to feel that new emotion again.

I put Mawile on the top bunk of my bed, and she watched as I walked up to Yumi and suddenly said to her, "I'm sorry."

"Huh?" Yumi was facing the wall, and upon hearing those words come from my mouth, she turned around.

"When the day started, I failed to see why you were so depressed, and frankly, I didn't care. You lost the Contest, you're almost too far behind to make the Grand Festival, and now Servine won't obey you. You were embarrassed in front of the whole world. I just couldn't relate, so I wasn't going to waste my time on you. Everyone wanted me to talk to you, and I resisted."

I lost the Gym Battle, and it wasn't even close. I never got to see Morana's third pokemon. I'll have to work with Mawile, almost as hard as Yumi needs to work with Servine.

Yumi shifted from her position of laying down to that of a sitting position on the bed. Her feet that were covered by her black leggings, or pantyhose, touched the ground.

"I chose not to help you, even though I am in debt. If it wasn't for Chapel and Rose, I honestly would've skipped out on the Pokemon Contest, and I wouldn't have bothered to look for you when we all thought you were lost. Now, at the end of the day, I give you my apologies."

I held my hand out to Yumi, hoping she would meet me halfway. It was her decision.

Hmph, we all know the end result here, given that this is Yumi we're talking about. A hug was on its way.

But now I have to ask: Everything is said and done, so where do I go from here?

To Be Continued…

Author's Note:

Alright, so this is the first piece of development for Seth is A WHILE. How long has it been? As the writer, I have to keep track, so I'll go out on a limb and say that around…Chapter 91 was the last time Seth has had growth in his character. I'll be honest though: IT ONLY HIT ME RECENTLY that we've been in Mahogany Town for this long. REALLY, I ONLY JUST REALIZED HOW MUCH I'VE BEEN WRITING.

Oh well, the gang will be out of Mahogany Town anyway. But for now, Seth goes to sleep with a hard lesson learned.

Also, I've said that I'm ahead in Chapters, didn't I? Well, THIS is the first chapter in THIS ENTIRE FIC that I did not write on paper beforehand. Yup, I just went straight to typing this one. And you know what? I LIKE! I feel some kind of freedom knowing that I DON'T have to look forward to typing 5,000+ words once I've finished a chapter, because I've already typed it. Expect a faster rate of chapter submissions from me, and be sure to let me know if I have any spelling errors.