Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 113: A Determined Ghandi, and A Moreover Morana

Chapel is out on an adventure today, and this evening, she'll challenge Morana to a Gym Battle. 1800 is the exact time, but in the MEANtime, let us not forget the one who has a score to settle. He's Seth, and he has a rematch with Morana on the horizon.

Location: Mahogany Town-Lake Of Rage

Seth's POV

Following my trip to the local shop, I met up with Yumi. With nothing better to do, we decided, why not head to the Lake? Well, it was really Yumi's suggestion. I wanted to go back to the Pokemon Center, but she wasn't having it. She told me 'Spring is here now, so the weather is no longer an excuse to be stuffed up at the Pokemon Center all day!'. Like old times, she grabbed my arm and dragged me before I eventually complied, which didn't take as long as it usually does.

We were right outside the Contest Hall where Yumi's Contest took place. We were sitting at a table, while Yumi savored seeing Lake of Rage defrosted for the first time. She told me she wasn't bothered by the Contest anymore, and thanked me for helping her out of her depressed state.

"Mawile was the key to putting a stop to Glalie's Ice Barrier last time. Unfortunately, Mawile is still recovering from that battle, so I won't be using her this time." I explained.

Mawile has been in my care since then, and she's adored the attention. She sat right next to me as we took a quick look at my new book, 'A Guide to Pokemon Doctoring'.

"Chicori?" Chikorita had made herself comfortable, staring at the book from her sitting position on the table.

Yumi couldn't help but smile at me, "I think it's cute, how you care so much about your pokemon now."

"If you were there to see my battle, you wouldn't be surprised." I replied, "I learned a hard lesson that night."

"But now you've learned from your mistakes. You can use what you've learned to defeat this Morana girl." Yumi then asked, "Hey! I know Rose and Chapel would'nt like it, but you can use your Fear form. Your Shadow Pokemon are you most powerful anyway!"

"No." I quickly shot Yumi's proposition down. "Losing to Morana means that SETH has failed to become more powerful, NOT Fear. I need to prove myself without the need of Shadow Pokemon this time."

That's right. No Shadow Seviper, no Shadow Klefki, and no Shadow Tyranitar, even though they would easily lead me to victory.

As I said before, Mawile is out of action, so that left me with limited options.

…Would Murkrow be able to navigate the playing field with Glalie possibly freezing its wings? No…

Chikorita came up with my team's only victory last time, but she didn't stand a chance against Glalie.

Wow…my current team is very incompatible for this battle once I think about it. Maybe it's time to call upon some different Pokemon then…Yes! It was as if a light bulb lit up above my head, "Brick Break, and a hard hitting Ground Type…" I got up, and I began walking.

"Mawile, Chikorita, come on." I called.

"Wait, where are going?" Yumi.

"To the Pokemon Center." I then turned back to Yumi as I gave her my intention. "I'm going to call Volkner, and we're going to have a talk."

…

Update: Seth's Pokemon Team

Chikorita(Female)

Mawile(Female)

Elekid(Male)-Static

Gabite(Male)-Rough Skin

Chandelure(Male)-Flame Body

Shadow Seviper(Female)-Shed Skin

…

At Sunnyshore Gym

Murkrow(Male)-Super Luck

Shadow Klefki(Female)-Prankster

Shadow Tyranitar(Male)-Sand Stream

Note: Chikorita remains in Seth's party as a staple. Mawile remains in the party because Seth is taking care of her. Murkrow and Shadow Klefki have been switched for Elekid and Gabite, while Seviper remains in the party 'by default'.

…..

Location: Mahogany Town-Local Shop

Chapel's POV

And so the final flame falls…This shop and these eggs…they may burn in the flames that belong in the place not named Heaven…

Ghandi was determined to restore his reputation, but his calm expression would otherwise deceive a person from that fact. Despite the calm demeanor, a fire burned in his eyes.

I didn't have the reaction time to try and stop the falling match with the jammed switch, but Rose and the others might!

"Chiiimmmeee!" Chime, answered my call! He had to concentrate really hard to control the flame from a distance using his Psychic energy.

Falling flame was halted, but Ghandi was far from finished playing with fire. "Magmortar, get Use Flamethrower on that Chimecho!"

"Mag!"

Oh no! If Magmortar strikes Chime, he'll lose concentration, and the fire will fall to the ground!

Magmortar had just as much motivation as Ghandi to restore his reputation. He launched a stream of fire at Chime.

I'll save Chime the trouble of having to dodge Flamethrower while focusing on Psychic. "I've got you!" I pushed Chime out of Flamethrower's path, and was able to get out of the way myself. The only place Flamethrower landed was on one of the many glass doors, the Potions inside being unharmed.

"Keep using Flamethrower." Ghandi commanded.

Magmortar wasn't going to let up, as he launched consecutive Flamethrowers in an attempt to hit Chime. The first Flamethrower missed because Rose jumped up in the air, catching Chime and holding him in a hug. Rose landed on the floor only to be greeted by the sight of a second Flamethrower. Without letting go of Chime, Rose ducked, the flames just barely missing her the large black bow and decorative rose worn as an accessory.

Contrary to Ghandi, Magmortar was starting to lose his composure, and fast too. I guess he's really let himself down by underestimating us earlier. "Mag!" Magmortar aimed his arms and prepared a third Flamethrower.

I wasn't going to just stand by and do nothing though. I took a Pokeball from my belt and threw it into the air, "Magmortar, why don't we even up the score for you!"

When the Pokeball opened, "Raaawwrrr!" Ursaring materialized, and upon seeing Magmortar, he was ready to fight.

"Ursaring, use Slash!"

Ursaring did exactly as I said. He ran toward Magmortar, not touching a single item lined up on the aisle on his right.

Ghandi commanding Magmortar to use Flamethrower didn't cease. Magmortar aimed his arms at the incoming Ursaring.

The stream of fire closed in, but Ursaring was resourceful. He actually used his Slash attack to cut right through the flames, on route to striking Magmortar with a high-ration critical hit.

"Mag!" Magmortar was pushed back, staggering to one knee.

I wasn't going to give Magmortar and Ghandi the benefit to catch their breath. Being bullies, they were undeserving of a break. It was time to finish them.

"I don't have energy to be wasting on you, not with a Gym Battle tonight!" I then called out to Ursaring, "Ursaring, use Dynamic Punch!"

I had very little patience for bullies. There were A LOT more things Ghandi and Magmortar were undeserving of; they were undeserving of reclaiming their reputation, and they were undeserving of some climactic battle that would be the highlight of an otherwise great but underrated story.

Ursaring used his Dynamic Punch to strike Magmortar right in the stomach. That Dynamic Punch though…it impact was so powerful, that the ground they were standing on started shaking. I almost lost my balance, while Rose was keeping Chime concentrated on keeping the lighter from landing on the ground. A few Potions could be heard falling to the floor.

Besides Rose, nobody has a clue how much I've been training Ursaring and my other pokemon since declaring Seth my rival. That is why Ursaring is so much more powerful than he used to be.

The ground settled, and all Ursaring had to do was pull away, in order for Magmortar to slowly fall to the ground, where he didn't get up. Ursaring had one shotted Magmortar, making this the second time today that Ghandi has been defeated in a single hit.

Ghandi's eyes went wide, but with the way he kept his composure with an audible sigh, I'd say he knew this would be the end result. The short length came as a surprise to him though.

Ghandi dropped his head in defeat. "Defeated…by the Pokemon Ranger…and the little girl…again…"

…

…

"Should I admit my defeat here…?" … "No… I can't. My reputation is on the line. Even if my desired result seems bleak and unattainable now, I mustn't give up. Not now. The life I long for…it's on the LIIIINE! I WON'T LOSE!" This was it. Ghandi was pushed to the edge. But even when he seems down and out, he refuses to give up in despair.

Ghandi rushed at us with passion in his eyes. I scowled at him. While I somewhat admired his determination, it was simply too late for feelings. By refusing to surrender, Ghandi intended to go out in a bang. I almost feel sorry for the pathetic hun.

I decided to show the man my spicier side. I smiled at him and waved 'goodbye'. Why?

Wordlessly, Rose floated over our heads and landed right in front of me, her black maiden dress blowing in the artificial wind. Banette was being held in her arms. Their attention was away from Chime, as the lighter was place in the water-filled sink that was usually used to rinse berries. Rose and Banette eyed Ghandi calmly, as they readied the finishing blow.

Without the need of a command, the evil doll finished off Ghandi the same way she did last time; by unleashing and spread the aura of darkness known as Night Shade.

"As of today, you are a 'former' super power." Rose started. "Because you have lost, you are now vulnerable to the folks of Mahogany Town. Because you are now vulnerable to the folks of Mahogany Town, you are no longer as above the law as you were in days past." Ghandi fell to the ground, and Rose watch apathetically as she gave the leader of the Mafia some final words, "When you wake up, you will be in jail."

Ghandi was gone, once again trapped in a nightmare brought to him by Night Shade.

Magmortar was never struck by Night Shade, so we waited for him to get up. If he did, he was going to share Ghandi's fate…Magmortar DIDN'T get up. After a few empty moments, we all stood down.

…

"It's gone quiet…" We could here whispers from the behind the door that led into the nursery. It sounded like the elderly woman.

"I wanna go see! I wanna go see!"

"SORA!" The elderly man could be seen trying to stop Sora, who opened the door and hastily ran into the shop's main room, the little boy energy in abundance.

Sora's grandparents chased after him.

"Aw! Look! Grandma, Grandpa, look!" Sora stopped right in front of Rose and Banette, "Ghandi's sleeping! Why is he taking a nap?"

Rose smiled warmly at the boy whose ignorance was so full of bliss; so innocent. I smiled as well. Just when the room had fell into a subdued state of 'after the battle' Sora was able to singlehandedly revitalize the positive atmosphere.

"Well I'll be, you girls saved the shop." Sora's grandfather walked up to me.

"What fine heroines you two make." The grandmother added with a smile. She turned to me and asked, "How are you able to make it easy?"

Usually, I'm cheery and spicy when it comes to answering questions. Not this time though. I looked at a downed Ghandi as I calmly replied, "It's the desire to save the world and everyone on it. That desire burns strong. The road is long, but I know the goal will be achieved." I'll sacrifice myself doing so. After all, once the Missingno virus in me, I'll…

"Chapel…Rose. You two might very well be the most selfless people I have ever met. You'd be surprise how few people display such altruism, especially in this day and age." The elderly woman walked toward a window and looked outside, into the trees being brushed by the wind. "…I predict very special things in store for you two. Even though the world continues to descend into the depths of oblivion, you'll find a way to return in to the world of yesterday that seems so happy and perfect in hindsight. The world of yesterday was a world we all took for granted. I guess it's true what they say: You don't know what you have until it's gone…Later today, before your Gym Battle, we will wish you the best on your journey. Be sure to let your friend and his Mawile know I give them my regards."

My eyes shot wide open "Oh? How did you know we knew each other?"

She chuckled, and then decided to give an answer that wasn't so straightforward, "Humility teaches you to wordlessly give the benefit of the doubt."

That saying is going to stick with me. Perhaps I'll unlock the true meaning of the word 'humility', as the journey continues…

….

Later…

With the last two hours of the working day in the books, the mess made from the fight with Ghandi was cleaned up, and Ghandi was taken into the hands of Officer Jenny.

All that remained was to say goodbye to the elderly couple who gave us such great hospitality. Even though I've only known them for a day, I felt a little sad. They were the parental figures I've longed for since Mother Chiyo's death.

…I wonder whatever happened to my father then? I…don't recall Mother Chiyo ever mentioning him…

"I guess this is farewell." Rose and I stood just outside the shop, facing the elderly couple and Sora. Our respective Pokemon Eggs were in our arms. Banette and Piplup stood beside us, while Liepard and Herdier stood with Sora.

The sunset was crisp.

"Will we ever get to see you again?" Sora asked.

I smiled as I looked into said sunset. To tell the truth, I wasn't sure we'd have any reason to return to Mahogany Town. If these weren't such great people standing in front of me, I would've answered with a hint of doubt. I decided to answer with hope for a chance encounter, "Maybe our paths will cross again someday, in a world that will be even better than the world of yesterday."

"Once the world is saved, you could come visit us." Grandpa said.

I chuckled.

Piplup and Banette started the official farewells, saying their goodbyes to Liepard and Herdier.

After the moment slipped into silence, I felt now was the perfect time to turn and start walking. Rose followed me, while Piplup and Banette followed Rose.

"Goodbye!" Sora called.

"Our warm memories with you, I will cherish," Rose said as she turned around and waved goodbye, and smile on her face.

"Take care of those eggs," Grandma said, "They will share your greatest ambitions…"

…Ambition…my ambition to save the world. Right…I swear, this pokemon will be raised to make your prediction come to fruition, Grandma…

I give you my final farewell…

Location: Mahogany Town Gym

Here we were, the site of Seth's previous Gym Battle. For as long as this journey has gone, Seth has challenged gyms in order to gage his progress on route to putting an end to Neo Snagem. He said that if he couldn't beat a Gym Leader, he would no doubt stand no chance against the organization, namely his stepfather.

But now, for the very first time, I enter a Pokemon Gym as a challenger myself. I had a mix of emotions about the challenge that lied ahead. I was eager to shut Morana up once and for all, but at the same time I felt uncertain because her victory over Seth was so convincing, and it wasn't even close.

"Have you prepared yourself?" Rose asked me.

I nodded as I entered the Gym.

…

I then I halted, and gaped.

"The Gym. What's up?" The ice battlefield was in the same condition it was after Seth lost. The ice was completely shattered, and all that lied below was the dangerous dry ice.

Morana was not here.

"My my, it appears I have unwanted guests."

Scratch that. You could hear the sound of her boot heels clicking against the floor behind us.

I turned around to see Morana having pointed her wand-like pointer in my face.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Morana asked coldly. "And while you're at it, give me one reason why I shouldn't push your sorry butt into the dry ice right now."

I glared. "Our Gym Battle. Remember?" I questioned.

"A Gym Battle?" Morana repeated to herself. She put one hand under her elbow and began thinking. It was obvious she was trying to recall having promised a Gym Battle. Hell, she was whispering the words 'Gym Battle' to herself repeatedly. "Oh, right!" She had an infuriating sense of sarcasm as she smirked at me! "You're that twerp who has issues with me. Sorry, but as you can see, there's no field for us to battle on. I guess I forgot to tell you…or did I?"

"You troll! You've just wasted our time!" I yelled.

"Did I? From where I'm standing, it looks like you're wasting MY time. You're looking at me like something's wrong. NOTHING'S wrong with me. Something's wrong with you, smart-ass."

Not even a minute has passed, and I'm already prepared to punch Morana in the face. I gritted my teeth, and my fist was clenched, shaking.

"Chapel, do not allow your emotions to immorally cascade, not now." Rose grabbed my hand in an attempt to calm me. She then addressed Morana, "Your façade is over, now we may proceed to the main subject. Chapel challenges you to a battle. Will you accept?"

"I have no problem accepting." Morana was amused as she crossed her arms. "As I just pointed out though, the battlefield is in need of repair, so our battle will be held at a different location, with an alternate condition.

….

I have to say, THIS idea, I liked.

We followed Morana all the way out of Mahogany Town, to the east. This was the first time we've headed east since arriving in Mahogany, and though spring was here, we could feel a slight chill coming from the snowy mountains containing what many called 'Icy Path'. We stopped in the middle of Route 44.

"We will wage battle right here," Morana said as she faced me.

The sunset was gone, and night had arrived. This battle was going to feature stars appearing in the night sky, one by one.

"Fine by me." I replied. "Show me your best!"

"I don't take orders from you. As if you'd be strong enough for me to give you my best anyway."

I was ready for Glalie and the Ice Barrier that gave Seth so much trouble. I was ready for the Mamoswine who fell in the first round, to Chikorita of all pokemon. I was ready to shut Morana up and beat some respect out of her. I was just…just ready.

"Here's a pokemon I've yet to battle with in Mahogany Town. Go…" Morana tossed a Pokeball into the air.

Glalie…Mamoswine…

"Aawwrr!" Neither of those pokemon appeared before me.

My opponent stood tall and stocky…He reminded me a lot of the Snover who inhabited Lake of Rage during the winter, but larger. He was white, and did not have any brown on him, just green on the ends of his hands and forearms.

That wasn't all though. I thought we were going to enjoy a nice battle under the stars. Perhaps I was getting ahead of myself. No…I simply wasn't prepared for the mess that would come with this pokemon being released from its Pokeball.

Clouds covered the sky, and Hail began falling in a rush.

"Hail…" I held one of my gloved hands out, and allowed a single shard to make contact.

"An Abomasnow, and the ability Snow Warning is taking effect." Rose explained.

"By that explanation, I take it you two were ill-prepared for me to call upon Abomasnow." Morana started, "Were you expecting me to bring out the Glalie and Mamoswine I used to destroy your smart-ass friend?"

Yes, but I wasn't going to give Morana the benefit of being right.

It was time for a change of strategy. Had Morana used Glalie, I surely would've chosen Ursaring or Skarmory, since they had brute strength matching Mawile, who was able to shatter the Ice Barrier. Had Morana went with Mamoswine, I would've went with Eevee. She had the right moves to exploit Mamoswine's weakness even better than Chikorita did.

Abomasnow though…It was time for a change up.

"Piplup!" Piplup was standing right next to me, and I was calling for her to step up to the plate. "You've stood beside me every time we've crossed paths with Morana. Do you want to shut her up as much as I do?"

"Luuuuuaaawww…" Instead of being eager, Piplup let out a yawn!

Well, it WAS kind of late for a battle…Nevermind! So sue me if bed time will have a wait a few minutes!

"Excuse me, Miss? You were supposed to say yes." I happily pushed Piplup 'front and center', where she looked back at me with an obvious 'what's the big idea' look. "I'll cook you some tasty yellow tail tonight, win or lose!"

'Yellow tail? YELLOW TAIL?!' Piplup's eyes grew wide and glistened as when she heard those two words. We all witnessed her daydreaming as she pretended to help herself to some imaginary yellow tail. Perfect motivation. Piplup was wide awake, and eager to fight Morana.

"Now that's more like it!" I put my hands on my hips. I was really proud of myself.

"My, what a motivational speaker you are." Morana remarked sarcastically. "Arlight, so here are a couple of rules. This will be a one on one gym battle for the Glacier Badge I have on me. I don't care what the Pokemon League rules say, choking, cutting, crushing, and 'knocking into dry ice' are legal. If somehow, a tragedy befalls your pokemon, you have nobody to blame but yourself, or else I'll tell you 'you shouldn't have challenged me' yada yada yada. Got it?"

One on one huh? I see she's trying not to completely emulate her battle with Seth. Morana…doesn't like playing by the book.

I smiled, for I was confident in getting things started. "Piplup, use Drill Peck!"

"Pip!" Piplup was eager to get the battle started. Her beak began glowing white, and it extended in reach due to the collected energy. "Piplup!" She charged at the idle Abomasnow.

"Boma…" Abomasnow watched and waited.

"Abomasnow, Bullet Seed."

Abomasnow took a deep breath, and launched a stream of seeds surrounded in green aura. This was Abomasnow's counterattack.

Wordlessly, Piplup jumped up into the air, avoiding Bullet Seed. "Lup!" She dove, landing Drill Peck right on Abomasnow's face.

Abomasnow recoiled, covering his stricken face in pain while Piplup landed back of our side of the makeshift battlefield.

"LUP!" By the time Abomasnow regained his composure, PIPLUP was the one who was stricken, by the falling Hail.

I better get used to the effects of Hail, because I know they're not going away any time soon! No matter, I just had to end the fight before Piplup could take too much damage. Sure, Piplup stares an Abomasnow that towers over her but like I said: I have confidence.

"Use Blizzard!" Morana commanded.

"Aboooooo!" Abomasnow launched a powered stream of wind and snow, and it was formidable in size.

"Dodge!" Blizzard was nothing that couldn't be solve by a little dodging. After all, I've observed in the past that this move can be notoriously inaccurate.

It was a repeated of our last response to a move of Abomasnow's, Piplup jumping into the air. "Lup!"

Morana's eyes glinted, "Nice move, smart-ass. Now let me show you a better one."

The Blizzard changes course!

"LUP!" Piplup was CLEARLY out of Blizzard's range, but somehow, Blizzard abruptly changed course and struck Piplup while she was in the air.

Piplup was sent to the ground, and after she landed, she was stricken by Hail again.

"But how?!" I was bewildered, and I felt cheated. Was Morana cheating somehow. I thought even she would be above manipulating the outcome of a battle in her favor. "You cheat! Blizzard wasn't supposed to hit Piplup!"

"Chapel." Rose called my name, "I have read my fair share of books, including guides to Pokemon Battling. One obscure detail proves Morana was not cheating."

"What?" I turned to Rose.

"Morana knows how to manipulate Blizzard using this weather," Rose said.

"You should listen to the little lady, smart-ass," Morana said as she crossed her arms, "While under the weather condition Hail, Blizzard has a 100 percent accuracy. No ifs, ands, or buts."

What?! I thought that was only video game logic! So, what they're saying is, Abomasnow could purposely misfire Blizzard 15 feet in the air, and because of this Hail, it'll still hit Piplup? I sighed.

"Alright, so maybe you caught me off guard with a small detail. So sue me for not knowing! We're still going to render you and Abomasnow defeated!" This was a battle cry.

Piplup charged at Abomasnow with Drill Peck one more time.

"Strength!" Morana called.

"Aammm…" Abomasnow began glowing a red aura, and waited for Piplup to close in so he could execute Strength. I'll make Morana regret that decision.

Time for a different move. Piplup was still diving at Abomasnow when I commanded, "Piplup, spin and use Scald!"

Drill Peck combined with and spin and scalding water…not a bad combination, if I may say so myself. Piplup was surrounded in a veil of hot water, and she eyed Abomasnow.

Abomasnow attempted to strike Piplup as she closed in…"Aaahhhh AAAAHHH!" Foolish decision. To say Strength failed would be an understatement. Strength was neutralized, as Abomasnow was burned by the heat of the water veil surrounding Piplup. That wasn't all. Abomasnow was sent to the ground by a super effective Drill Peck.

Piplup was struck by the falling Hail again. The many increments of small damage will add up eventually…

But I was given a good break, "Aaahhh!" On the very first try, Scald managed to leave a lingering burn on Abomasnow, who caught on fire for a few seconds.

"You're kidding…The smart-ass ACTUALLY got a burn on the first Scald?" Morana was dumbfounded.

The move Strength will be weakened significantly. For all intents and purposes, I've completely eliminated one of Abomasnow's four moves. So sue me for jumping to conclusions, but I doubt Morana will call the move anyway. And despite Blizzard's 100 percent accuracy, Piplup is still resistant to the move. "I say this match is inevitably mine."

"Riiight! And I supposed YOU MUST be Champion of the Timbuktoo Whatchamacallit region!" Morana's foul mouth couldn't help but throw in a bit of sarcasm with her retaliation. "Abomasnow, make her pay for underestimating Blizzard!"

Morana's words had Abomasnow unleashing another Blizzard attack. This time, I was prepared. I knew that Blizzard was unavoidable in this hailstorm. That meant I had to match Blizzard, attack for attack.

"Piplup, counter with Scald!" I called.

Which attack would win: A Blizzard that has the potential to melt Scald, or a Scald with the power to melt Blizzard?

"Lup!" Piplup launched a stream of boiling hot water. THIS Scalding water wasn't going to turn man into a bipedal panda, or change a teenage boy into a red haired teenage girl, but it was at least going to overcome Blizzard's advantage courtesy of Hail. The collision lasted for a moment, but in the end, Scald's heat was able to overpower Abomasnow.

"Aahh!" Abamosnow was once again stricken by Scald. This time, because the attack wasn't being backed up by Drill Peck, it wasn't very effective, but it still got its job done.

Burn damage was once again inflicted on Abomasnow. He was able to take the attack fairly well. "Snow…"

"Lup…" Meanwhile, Piplup was stricken by Hail. "Lup…" I was right about the Hail damage beginning to add up. This was the first time the Hail caused Piplup to drop to one knee.

"Piplup, are you okay?" I asked.

"Bullet Seed!"

"Snow!"

"Er!" I gritted my teeth. Morana commanded her Abomasnow to use Bullet Seed before Piplup could answer my question and rise back to both feet.

Abomasnow fired the seeds covered in a green aura, and just as Piplup was able to regain her composure, she was struck.

"Luuuupppp!" Piplup was sent flying by the super effective attack.

"Piplup, I got you!" I had to make an effort to catch Piplup to prevent her from flying further. I held her cradle style. As she opened her eyes, I asked her, "Are you alright?"

I believe the battle was over…was it? Piplup was out of bounds…

"Are you done yet?" I stand corrected. Morana's ignorance keeps her from caring about that rule.

The night was fully upon us now. The sun was gone, as was any lighting in the sky that came with it. That's right, the Hail had subsided. I could see the many stars in the sky from the reflection in Piplup's bright eyes.

"Luuaawww…" Piplup yawned as she smiled at me.

I chuckled. "You really want that Yellow Tail, don't you? I know you're tired, but now that the Hail has subsided, I propose an easier battle from here on out."

Piplup's eyes were growing heavy, but that didn't stop her from giving a slow nod, another yawn coming from her beak.

"I TOLD you not to underestimate us. The Hail subsiding leaves more vulnerabilities to Abomasnow, but he's not helpless…" Morana said quietly. She was waiting for Piplup's reentry onto the battlefield.

"We won't, sweetie," I said to Morana as I gently placed Piplup on the ground in front of me, "Trust me."

Piplup stretched her body out before slowly rising to her feet. She stared at Abomasnow, who despite the damage he has taken, still looks somewhat strong.

The match was heading into its second and possible last stretch.

I commanded Piplup to use Drill Peck. After a third yawn, she was able to store energy into her beak once more. She charged at Abomasnow, this time, remaining on the ground.

"Prepare to intercept." Morana called.

Abomasnow braced himself. With no attack to focus on in order to counter, all Abomasnow had to do was catch Piplup.

"Luuuppp!" A strike was there for the taking…

…Until Abomasnow's eyes glinted. "Snow!" Abomasnow ducked.

Our eyes went wide. We were not aware Abomasnow could be this maneuverable.

Morana smirked as Piplup charged right passed Abomasnow. "Bullet Seed!"

Piplup had too much momentum on her side, leaving her with no choice but to take the Bullet Seed from behind.

Piplup screamed as she was sent to the ground. On the other side of the battlefield, Piplup remained down, right in front of Morana.

"It's time to finish this!" Morana pointed her fist in the air, "Use Sheer Cold. Freeze Piplup and this entire field."

"Sheer Cold?!" Rose said out loud.

So Abomasnow knew Sheer Cold, AS WELL as Glalie?

"Aaahhh!" A huge battle cry came from Abomasnow as he started glowing a crystal white color. From where he was standing, the battlefield was starting to freeze over.

If Sheer Cold manages to make contact, this battle is over! "Piplup, you have to get up!"

Easier said than done...When Piplup was struck by that last Bullet Seed, she was struck in her blind spot. Meaning: the super effective Bullet Seed was a critical hit, leaving Piplup just barely hanging on to consciousness.

Piplup just barely got up, but that was only half the battle. She looked like she could stumble back onto the ground at any time.

"Piplup, use Ice Beam on the ground."

I hurriedly commanded Piplup, and the tone in my voice instilled in her a sense of urgency to get the move off before it was too late.

"Luuu…" Piplup fired Ice Beam on the ground, which launched her into the air just as Sheer Cold was inches away.

Had I made Piplup use Scald to launched herself in the air, Sheer Cold would've been strong enough to freeze the water, causing a chain reaction that would reach Piplup. We would've lost the battle.

However, since Ice Beam is a move that's already frozen, Piplup had nothing to worry about. Sheer Cold was avoided, and Piplup landed on the battlefield that was now made of ice.

Abomasnow was hurt by its burn.

"I DO miss the ice battlefield at my Gym, don't you Abomasnow?" Morana asked, "It's as if we're at home again."

Morana then focused on me, "You've avoided Abomasnow's strongest attack. I congratulate you…" Morana's eyes then grew at cold as the icy mountains in the distant east, "But with this ice field, I now have homefield advantage. I'll keep ordering finishing moves until that Piplup fall over. Abomasnow, use Strength!"

Using the battlefield, Abomasnow began sliding at Piplup at a very high speed. Abomasnow's size combined with his momentum in comparison to Piplup, the burn status ailment cutting its Attack didn't even matter.

Homefield advantage, eh?

Piplup looked back at me, and I gave her a smile. We knew very well what each other was thinking. Piplup was ready as she faced Abomasnow.

"Aaahhh!" What Morana didn't know was that Piplup had a real knack for ice skating. That was the whole reason why I wanted to add Piplup to my team.

No need for a command here. "Lup!" Piplup proceeded to start skating, and in doing so, she avoided Abomasnow's oncoming assault with ease.

"What?!" Morana was astonished.

Piplup was behind Abomasnow before Morana could take in what had just happened.

"Now it's our turn to deal a critical hit!" I called. "Use Drill Peck from behind."

Piplup's ice skating picked up speed as she stored energy in her beak, homing in on Abomasnow.

"Abomasnow, behind you!" Morana called, but in a vain effort.

Piplup, on the ice, was too fast for Abomasnow to take in Morana's command. "Agh!" He was struck by Piplup in his blind spot: right in the center of his back. The critical hit managed to send Abomasnow to the icy ground, skidding a few feet toward me.

Abomasnow tried to get up, Morana calling a command as he was doing so. "Use Bullet Seed!"

There was absolutely nothing wrong with Morana trying to call for a super effective attack in a state of panic. "Agh!" Except for Abomasnow being inflicted damage by what Morana would call 'that annoying burn'. At the absolute worst time, Abomasnow was sent back to the ground.

The burn couldn't have had a better cue. With Abomasnow down on the ground, Piplup an I had the perfect opportunity to deal our finishing blow.

"Piplup, let's finish this! Jump and dive with a Drill Peck and Scald combination!"

"Piplup!" Piplup jumped high up into the sky. She closed her eyes, and energy began to store in her beak. She opened her eyes, the reflection of the stars once again present. She shifted her body motion, and began diving at Abomasnow. She proceeded to spin and surround herself with the Scalding hot water.

Abomasnow…didn't really get up. I guess after being crippled by the burn, he just sort of gave up. I didn't mean to overkill him, but by the time I realized he'd conceded, Piplup was already in the middle of her attack.

Piplup made contact, and an explosion of steam was created, warming up the night that continues to get cooler with each passing minute.

This battle was over, and we all knew it.

The steam dissipated, and our assumptions were confirmed. Abomasnow was down, while Piplup still had enough energy to casually and slowly skate throughout the ice field.

"Chapel won," Rose said.

"Piplup." With a smile on my face, I called Piplup. She skated to me, jumping into my arms.

"Pip piplup!" Haha. Piplup motioned for me to hold her cradle style again. It was cute, the way she fell fast asleep. I guess her Yellow Tail WOULD have to wait until tomorrow.

"You were great, sweetie." I then turned to Morana.

I have defeated her. I wonder though, how is she going to take the loss? Will she fall to her knees in defeat? Will she be speechless as she awkwardly stares at me? Perhaps she'll scratch her head, or finally give me the respect I have now earned…

She closed her eyes, and wordlessly returned Abomasnow to its Pokeball.

"Morana." Rose calmly called her name.

Morana opened her eyes and stared at me.

…

"Your Piplup looks wiped. Does the little baby need some sleep?" She asked. "Do you think I'm going to change my ways just because you beat me? I've seen you around. You walk around acting like you're some sort of savior who'll change everyone for the better. I've got some news for you kid…"

…

"You can't change everybody. I don't have to respect you if I don't see fit, and I don't have to acknowledge the fact that this MIGHT'VE been a different story had I called for a three on three battle."

I guess there are some people you just can't shut up…

"But…" Morana was not finished. Her tone of voice became slightly less disrespectful as she pulled out a small object that was hard to make out from where I was standing. "At the end of the day, you've earned the right to carry this Gym Badge."

Morana flicked said badge to me at a high speed. I quickly snatched it out of the air.

I've defeated Morana…

I looked at Morana once more. She turned away and started walking west, in the direction of Mahogany Town's Main Street.

"This won't be the last time we see each other." These would turn out the be the last words I spoke to her, for the night.

"Of course. Be sure to let your boyfriend know you have that badge. I'm sure he'll be jealous."

And just like that, Morana was out of our sight.

"Chapel!" Rose, with Morana no longer here, used her virus powers to float over to me. A warm smile was on her face as she calmly spoke, "Morana…she certainly has a way with words. Admitting that you have earned her Gym Badge is her way of admitting that she just might have a hint of respect for you."

"Rose." I called, "Do you think what Morana said is true? Can some people really not be changed? If so, what about Seth?"

Rose descended onto the ground and had to think to herself before giving a reply.

"…At one time, I did agree with that statement. My days in Team Neo Snagem had me reading many works of literature. Character development was in abundance, but I always thought that brand of development was reserved for fiction alone…that was, until I changed. Chapel, we ALL have changed in one way or another, since the start of our journey. I used to fear the outside world and the strangers belonging to it, that I hid myself in solitude. Those days are behind me. Yumi is no longer the ditz she used to be. You? Honestly, you are the complete opposite of the person you used to be. You are bold and brash, and you have, might a say, 'spicy' dialect."

Remind me to make an argument about me being brash later.

"What about Seth?"

"Brother? I am not sure. He seems to resist change at every corner," Rose started, "He has a very cold character. Sometimes I am elated to hear him express positivity toward me, but other times, he makes me want to cry. Things between us have changed since he struck me. He has complimented me since then, but I see him argue with you all the time. Your fights make me think that the way he is right now is how he wishes to stay. Chapel…because Brother struck me, I considered going back to Team Neo Snagem. When Brother distances himself from me, I feel as if Beatrice is the closest thing I have to family."

…Something happened to Rose in our fight with Commander 06…That aside, Rose and I practically have the dynamic of sisters now.

But never mind that. Me questioning Morana's words revolves around the issue of changing Seth for the better. I have the Glacier Badge and he doesn't. Will that be a stepping stone for our relationship evolving? I could get Seth to see things my way, and embrace the change I try to give him. We'll see what he has to say about my victory in the morning…

To Be Continued...

Author's Note:

About the ending...Chapel should NOT be underestimated. Morana just downplays the battle because it's in her character. Speaking of Morana, here's something some of you might not know...Morana ISN'T an OC. She's ACTUALLY canon, and she HAS attempted to take over a Gym. Black and White: Adventures In Unova, to be specific. She battled Cilan in a failed attempt to take the Striaton Gym and turn it into a primarily Ice Type facility. I liked her character alot, and sometimes even consider it a crime that she was just a minor character. So here she IS. Why? There's a reason why Pryce is gone, and you guys WILL WANT to read it. It'll be Mahogany Town's final arc...also featuring Morana as a major character.

And let us not forget Commander 06 Beatrice: the woman who defeated over a hundred pokemon with a single swing of her sword. Chapel was unconscious when 06 tried to convince Rose to join Neo Snagem again. It's been nearly 30 chapters, but she and Rose will have a lot of build up soon.

Chapel's Party

Piplup(Female)-Torrent

Chime(Male)-Synchronize

Ursaring(Male)-Guts

Eevee(Shiny)(Female)-Adaptability

Skarmory(Male)-Keen Eye

Pokemon Egg...

Rebuilding Chapel's Pokemon Team will start to really pick up soon.