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.

123. Chapter 123: Yuki & Seth

Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 123: Yuki & Seth

Author's Note

It's been awhile, hasn't it. I'll get this straight, readers: I did NOT have Writer's Block, not for a moment. This is just a VERY VERY long chapter. In fact, this chapter alone is nearly 20,000 words. It's something that wasn't ABSOLUTELY necessary, but I had Yukiko explain this to Seth a couple of chapters ago, and decided against 'just putting it under the rug'. No no no, I would come off as a lazy writer if I did that.

With that said, this chapter DOES drag out, and some parts are a bit rushed because there was a need to put ALOT into one chapter. It's just another 'Chapter 99' case, if anybody has even the slightest what I said then. Still, I could very well make an entire fic based on the plot of this chapter, but not now.

~WeS RoYaL~

---

"My name, is Yukiko. I have been in this world for how long now? By this point, I've lost count. I live in the mountains, but like you, I come from an actual town that once flourished. I had a family, a partner pokemon…ha, a guardian…" These were the words Yukiko spoke as she revealed pieces of her past to Seth, "Let's just say I was a very privileged girl. So privileged, that I was referred to as 'Princess Yukiko'. The city of Meiji was one that ironically stayed true to its Edo period roots, and I remain in love with Meiji, even to this day. Even so, my love did not stop me from wishing to travel Johto and the rest of the outside world. With my partner pokemon, my guardian, and my father, I travelled the world outside of Meiji, until I eventually settled down in Aomori."

Location: Asleep

Yuki & Seth Part I: A Fateful Encounter

Seth's POV

The last thing I remember, was being hypnotized to sleep by a Draining Kiss. That Yukiko…

"Sno. Runt."

I opened my eyes, and I was well aware of the fact that this wasn't reality. I believe I was in some sort of coma induced by the Froslass.

"Snorunt?"

Within this coma, I found myself under a…a high ceiling?

"Huh?" I sat up and observe where I was. I was in a large, fancy hallway, suitable for only the most luxurious of manors. The rug was a rich red, the walls a glossy auburn. Statues of Doublade were lined up in uniform along the walls, about six feet apart from each other. In front of me, was a large glass window that went from floor to ceiling. This wind was one of many in this room. Outside, I saw…a rather large city, though it seemed rather dated my today's standard.

"Chico…"

"Chikorita?" I turned to see Chikorita was asleep right next to me. She stretched before rising to her feet and facing me.

"Chico!" She cheerfully greeted me, and I patted her head.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"Snorunt!"

My question did not come with an answer. Obviously, I was the only person in the hallway that could talk. Or…at least I thought I was.

"Runt!" Suddenly, a Snorunt came within my sight. This Snorunt was just as cheery as Chikorita, walking up to me and crying 'good morning'.

I didn't say anything to the Snorunt, but I acknowledged that it was here. Snorunt seemed dejected that I was excited, but Chikorita explained that I was just being me. Chikorita and Snorunt nodded in understand, and all was cheery between the two.

"Snorunt!" Snorunt looked to the end the hallway, and cried out. "Sno! Runt!" It looked to be calling someone. "Runt!"

Snorunt run ahead a few feet before gazing back at us.

"Runt?" What did it want?

"Chico!" Chikorita followed Snorunt, in walking a few feet and looking back at me. "Chico!"

"Snorunt."

They wanted me to follow them. I'll say, if Chikorita had not followed Snorunt, I more than likely would've passed on following Snorunt's direction. I would've turned the other way, and MAYBE, if I were to wander into this hallway again, I would eventually go in Snorunt's intended direction.

"Fine," I said as I started walking, "Lead the way."

This manor and its décor was commendable-this is what I was thinking to myself as we followed Snorunt. The only thing it was missing was a beachside view. Perhaps my old childhood home set the bar for my expectations regarding what a decent home should look like.

Chikorita was conversing with Snorunt, and didn't seem to take into thought her surroundings. Snorunt was just as in to the conversation. It was familiar with the place, so there was no reason for it to gawk at sights that it sees every day.

We made our way through a foyer that was empty. In front of us, were to cases of stairs that led to the ground floor. The ground floor was made of tile so clean, I could see my reflection from the top of the stairs. The ceiling was even higher than in the hallway, and on it was a chandelier. There were no windows in the foyer, allowing for the chandelier to keep a dim lit, special atmosphere.

"Chico."

"Sno." Snorunt and Chikorita conversed as they walked down the stairs, and their voices echoed.

After taking in the scenery that was the foyer, I started my way down the stairs. Each step echoed.

…

Little did I know, I was being watched.

As I neared the bottom step-

"!" A projectile, shooting by right in front of me…

My eyes grew wide, and we all paused.

The sound of footsteps echoing was no more. It was as if the entire foyer was muted…With the exception of cold steel falling to the floor.

"What was that?" I whispered.

"Chico?" Chikorita, Snorunt and I all looked to the ground. And there, just a few inches to the right, there lied a steel kunai. This kunai came within an inch of cutting my face open, and staining itself with my blood. Even the air around it was sharp…The force of the kunai was so great, it dug a small crack in the porcelain tile, where it stood upright.

"Ngh!" Another kunai passed me. It was so swift, so fast, I had no time to react or dodge. Instead, the kunai missed me again.

"Chico!" Chikorita quickly hopped back, avoiding a third kunai that landed right where she was standing.

"Snorunt?"

"Another man entering the mansion uninvited, just to blindly confess his love for me…Will the intrusions never end?" A voice, a female voice, coming from behind us.

I turned around, and was…flabbergasted…by who I saw.

She had long black hair, and light blue eyes. She wore a short-skirted kimono that was white in color, and an obi that was red. She wore black pantyhose, and black jika tabi that went just past her ankles. Black gloves covered her hands, and in her hands, were kunai that looked like the ones thrown at us.

This girl…she looked like, "Yumi?"

"Am I pretty? Am I pretty? Tell me I'm pretty!" I couldn't help but remember the question Yumi would constantly ask me as I looked into her eyes. This girl…she looked very…

"Close, but not quite. If you're going to propose to me, you might as well remember my name." The look in this girl's eyes was very strong, very confident. And there was a hint of authority that came from the tone in her voice.

"Yumi." She denied Yumi being her name, but how? Black hair, light blue eyes, the fashion choice…I was sure this was Yumi…Or was I? This girl didn't have Yumi's aqua blue bangs that made her stand out, and Yumi has never laid a finger on me for anything other than over the top displays of affection. She would never send a kunai my way.

Even so, against all counterarguments, I found this girl...I found Yumi…hypnotizing.

"The men who propose to me get more pathetic by the day…" The girl whispered under her breath. She then readied a single kunai. "My name is Yuki, but to a peasant like you, it's Princess Yuki: Heir to my father Tolbi's title as rule of Meiji City."

"Chi!" Chikorita braced herself as this Yuki got in a fighting stance.

"Men of Meiji who want to propose to me, men of Edo who wish to assassinate me…it makes no difference to me anymore. I'm going to make an example out of you. Once I defeat you, I'll imprison you. Maybe then, me and my family will be left alone, and we'll be able to live in peace!"

With a backhand throw, she launched the kunai, and it was headed straight for my face.

I couldn't dodge. Though I was dreaming, I still felt as if I was under some sort of…hypnotism, courtesy of an ice cold Draining Kiss in the real world…

"Chico!" Chikorita was able to cover for me though. She deflected the kunai by launching an Energy Ball. The Energy Ball crashed into the wall, and went it dissipated, the thrown kunai was seen hanging, like a sharp nail. "Chi!" Chikorita stood in my defense, letting the girl who looks like Yumi know that she won't allow me to be harmed.

"Sno! Snorunt!" Snorunt cried.

"Huh?" Before launching another kunai, the girl paused, staring at Snorunt, "Snorunt? What are you doing with this intruder?"

"Snorunt sno sno." Could Yuki comprehend what Snorunt was saying? Snorunt was communicating as is Yuki could. "Snorunt."

Whatever Snorunt explained, it was enough for Yuki to lower her kunai. "Is that so?" She asked Snorunt.

Now was the perfect time for me to take my leave. Without word, I turned around, my eyes set on the large double doors located at the end of the foyer.

"W-wait." Yuki was clearly caught off guard by me making my abrupt exit. "Where are you going?" She looked like Yumi, and her name sounded like Yumi, but her personality could not be any more different…with the exception of being curious as to where I was going.

"I have no intention of proposing to you." I replied, not turning around to face her, "You…look like a good friend of mine, but that's the only reason why I bother acknowledging you existence. It was a mere coincidence I ended up in this house in the first place…"

Based on the words that have come out of Yuki's mouth during this interaction, I'll venture to guess that this manor was in the city of Meiji.

"A man of Meiji who wants to marry you…a man of Edo who wishes to assassinate you…I am neither of those. Your Snorunt has my gratitude for showing me the door, but this is the last time we'll see each other."

She was curious as to where I was going, but she made no effort to stop me from leaving. My parting words were said. I…this girl, I felt, was as hypnotizing as Yukiko the Froslass. I felt the need to leave the mansion before my mind fell deeper within the hypnotism.

"Chico…" Chikorita gave one last look to Yuki, and then said her goodbye to Snorunt before following me.

I could hear Yuki say to herself, "That guy is weird." She went from a self-defending kunoichi to a seemingly normal young girl in a matter of seconds, as Snorunt jumped into her arms.

"Snorunt." Snorunt cried in agreement.

"He just amuses me, Snorunt. Men…so many men have poured their hearts out to me, that the words 'I love you' no longer carries any weight. For years, they've been so desperate, it's pathetic…Maybe he's just playing hard to get, but hey, at least he gets points for being original."

I wasn't playing hard to get. I had no genuine interest in the girl. I didn't say that out loud though, as I opened one of the huge double doors. I was anticipating some of the Meiji scenery and culture to greet me, and ultimately change the impression it has given me regarding being a bit dated. What greeted me was not what I anticipated, but something else.

"Princess Yukiko!"

"Huh?" I was greeted by a group of rather obstreperous men all calling for Princess Yuki. I guess Yuki was just short for Yukiko. Go figure.

"PRINCESS YUKIKO!" No…to call these men obstreperous would be an understatement, and an insult to the word 'obstreperous'. It was as if Yumi was transformed into the male gender, and cloned a hundred times. THAT'S how loud these men were.

Yuki gritted her teeth at the site of the men literally waiting at her doorstep, while Snorunt had an indignant look on its face.

It was as if I didn't exist, as one man walked right past me, a bouquet of roses and a ring in hand. This man was rather burly. His face was chiseled, and he had short, dark brown hair.

This man got on his knees, "Princess Yukiko," and he bowed his head, "Please accept these tokens, and accept me as your loving husband."

"Hey!" A second man came in, interrupting the first man's proposal, "My life as Meiji's future Prince is the ace in Princess Yukiko's hand. It is I who'll propose to the Princess!"

"That doesn't even make sense!" A third man made his way inside. He seemed to intimidate the first two men, being that he had a sheathed sword on him, "Only a skilled swordsman capable of guarding Princess Yukiko's life is deserving to wed her!"

"That's was her guardian Bishop is for!" A fourth man stepped forth.

And a fifth, "Besides, you're about ten years too late for that swordsman crap. Newsflash, the Edo Period is over."

One by one, the men stepped forth, uninvited.

"Chico!" Chikorita found herself having to move out of the way a few times, "Chico." She eventually just jumped on my shoulder.

"Princess Yukiko."

"Princess Yukiko."

"Princess Yukiko!"

"PRINCESS YUKIKO!"

In a matter of seconds everyone was arguing with each other. Minutes ago, I was about to deal with a fight, courtesy of Yuki. But now, Yuki's hands were going to be all full dealing with a brawl.

"Um…" Yuki, from the impression she gave me with her kunai, was a strong girl. Her kunai were still visible, and she could've easily launched one in order to scare off the men. However, these men were flat out ignorant. They didn't care about the kunai that were already sticking out of the ground and the wall.

From what Yuki complained about earlier, this was probably an everyday occasion, and this had Yuki visibly exasperated right now.

"Princess Yukiko, please! Will you marry me?!" One man was excited.

"No!" His excitement had Yuki stressed. "Don't you stupid men ever learn your lesson?! I won't marry you!"

"Why not?" The man countered, "You always say no, but you've never provided a legitimate explanation."

"I don't love any of you." Yuki replied.

"But WE love you." The man wasn't going to give up.

Those words don't mean a thing, but that didn't stop another one of Yuki's admirers from getting curious and asking her another question, "Is there someone you DO love? Is he me?"

"No, Princess Yukiko loves me."

"SHE LOVES ME!"

"I…I…" Yuki was frantically looking around, but why? Was she looking for a way out? Going back through the manor's hallways would be useless, given the men would just follow her. Perhaps Yuki was looking for an explanation. She looked from one man to another, "I…" She looked up to the chandelier on the ceiling, and then to her Snorunt.

"Snorunt." Snorunt cried.

"I…" Suddenly, Yuki's eyes drifted to me. "I…"

"Chico?" What was she thinking? Chikorita was asking this.

"Yes?"

"Yes?" The men were getting restless. Answer needed to come out of her mouth now.

"I…" Her gaze stayed on me. A hint of desperation could be picked up in her exasperated voice as she calmly answered, "I'm engaged."

She's already engaged? Is that why she despises the pointless marriage proposals? Who was she engaged to? Why was I asking these questions? It's not like I cared about who she was engaged to. Yuki could be referring to any person in the world. Was her lover a man? Was her lover a woman?

The men all paused. It was as if they were petrified by the words coming out of Yuki's mouth. Those words…'I'm engaged'…those words were like venom poisoning the men, rendering their efforts to achieve total victory futile.

"You're engaged?" One man asked nervously. All confidence was drained from his voice, and he trembled at the thought of Yuki wedding a man that wasn't himself.

Yuki nodded, but she never took her eyes off me. I looked at Chikorita, and we exchanged a look of bewilderment. But why?

"Chico?"

Yuki was lying. The more her cold eyes remained static, the more I realized this. I had a creeping suspicion about who she was 'engaged' to. This suspicion was confirmed as she calmly walked down the stairs. Around and past all the men, Yuki made her way to the manor's front door, where I was standing.

Still holding Snorunt, Yuki returned her gaze to the men, addressing them. "My father, Lord Tolbi, has made him my fiancé. When we marry, he will be next in line for the title 'Lord of Meiji City' once Lord Tolbi dies."

"Chi?!" Chikorita's extreme astonishment spoke for the both of us. An excited smile was now on her face. "Chico!"

Every man in the foyer glared at me. Jealousy…Even a person as oblivious as me could see the jealousy written on their faces. They all looked like they wanted to murder me. They looked like cold blooded assassins-some of them probably WERE assassins, given the sheathed swords they possessed.

At any moment, I could've destroyed Yuki's illusionary engagement by telling everybody she was lying. The disappointment expressed by Yukiko would ironically bring smiles on the men's faces. Chikorita would be disappointed too. What reason did I have to go along with this little white lie? I was about to say something. "This isn't-"

Yuki grabbed my wrist, and wordlessly shook her head in disapproval. She then addressed her admirers one last time, "I have waited for my fiancé to arrive for such a long time, and now the time has finally come. Do you understand that I was not playing hard to get? Do you understand that now Meiji has their future heir to the throne? Perhaps you all understand that with me already engaged, you no longer have any right to trespass into my home. Leave, all of you. Leave and never come back."

Yuki was strong. Despite her lying, her words carried authority, as well as enough weight to have the men all second guess their purpose for confronting her today. Those words, they were ice cold. The men stood frozen, devastated, defeated, and ultimately, rejected. The one whom they admire has gotten away, and the chance of living out their 'happily ever after' with Yuki had disintegrated into nothingness.

Yukiko had won. Her admirers lost, and this would be the moment where they split. Each man eyed me with passionate resentment as they respectively left the manor and into the inner city of Meiji, where they would go on with their lives and never see me again…

The doors to the outside world closed, leaving us alone together. Me and Yuki, Chikorita…Snorunt…

"Thank you." Yuki said to me. She scratched her head as she remarked, "I never got your name. It's amazing I managed to say what I said without anyone asking who you were."

"It's because your words are powerful," I said.

"Chico." Chikorita cried in agreement.

"While we're on the subject, what IS your name?" Yuki asked.

Because this girl looked so much like Yumi, it was strange hearing her ask for my name. I guess I've travelled with Yumi so long, she's become like family to me. She's like…an annoying little sister, and I've told her this once upon a time.

"I'm…" Now that I think about it, I've never really introduced myself to someone before. People and pokemon alike have always been told my name by those around me. "The name is Seth. I don't know why I'm here in Meiji, but I'm on a journey to become stronger than I am now."

Sunlight made its way through the window, and showed off the eyes of Yuki, which glittered upon my introduction. Yuki looked to the ground, smiling as she said, "I've always wanted to go on a journey…"

"Chico?" Chikorita asked why.

"It's complicated." Yuki took a step toward the window, "I'm a strong, independent girl who can handle herself in the outside world. Even with that said and done, I find myself unable to set out on a journey of my own."

Yuki sighed, while Snorunt looked at her with pity in its eyes. But then, as if a lightbulb went off in her head and gave her a revolutionary idea, Yuki lit up. She gave me an extremely focused look in the eye.

"Let me go with you…"

There was no reason for me to allow Yuki to accompany me. She was 'excess baggage' that was an unnecessary concern. I did shoot Yuki down, but like Yumi, she was persistent. While Yumi straight up shot down the word 'no', Yuki seemed to repel the word, asking me countless times.

Did I eventually cave? I'll leave the world to guess what I said to Yuki…

Yuki & Seth Part II: Bishop

Location: Meiji Manor-Lord Tolbi's Study

Lord Tolbi was a man of great power and wealth. This man had long, charcoal hair, the streaks of grey giving away the fact that he has spent more than a fair amount of years in this life. In contrast to Yuki's blue eyes, Lord Tolbi's eyes were dark brown in color. He wore the finest kimono that was royal blue in color, worn under a white kamishimo.

"I forbid it." Lord Tolbi retained a demeanor that was stern, and rather blunt. This is the result of having to deal with people's problems, whether they be supporters of the Edo Period or Meiji Era. The man has grown to spare nobody's feelings, not even his daughter.

Yuki slammed her hands on the table in a protest. "But why?!" The table was low to the floor, and Yuki was on her knees. "It's not fair! I'm sick of having to deal those men proposing to me!"

"Snorunt!" Snorunt cried in agreement.

"Yuki, you are the heir to my throne. It could be today, tomorrow, or decades from now; you will be ruler over Meiji, as well as its hundreds of thousands of people. Though the endless propositions are rather irritating, you could always simply say no."

"I have." Yuki remarked. "I've even found a way to ward them off, hopefully forever." Yuki started explaining as she pointed to me, standing at the room entrance, "He and I are engaged."

I don't remember ever agreeing to that.

"How long have you known the young man?" Lord Tolbi had an expectant look on his face.

"Chico…" Chikorita, Lord Tolbi, and I all waited as Yuki paused. We were waiting for a reply.

"It doesn't matter how long I've known him. Your previous 'arranged' marriage proposals have already fallen through, so I thought I'd finally take matters into my own hands. He doesn't shamelessly get on his knees and beg for my heart like a dog, AND he's on a journey. I've always wanted to go on a journey."

Lord Tolbi turned to me. His gaze was stern, but kept my usual face. "You asked my daughter to accompany you on your journey?"

"No."

"I asked him, Father," Yuki answered, "I'm sick of being boxed in at the mansion. Hell, I don't even know what it's like past the city limit. This is my chance. With him, Snorunt, and Guardian Bishop travelling with me, rest assure, I'll be unharmed by the outside world."

She's also decent with a kunai.

"Guardian Bishop?" Lord Tolbi said confused.

"Bishop IS my guardian for life. It is his duty to protect me, and follow my every order. If I order him to accompany us, he will." Yuki answered.

"Your explanation is only half true. While Bishop is your Guardian, my order takes precedence over yours. Should I order him to return you here, he will do so without hesitation." He was right. While Yuki apparently had power as Meiji's Princess, Lord Tolbi trumps her authority.

Lord Tolbi had risen from his sitting position, walking past his daughter as he said, "The life of a Princess is a sacred one, Yukiko. I forbid you from journeying with this young man…Perhaps if you weren't heir to my throne, you would be allowed to venture to the outside world. But it can't be helped…"

Lord Tolbi spoke in a tone that was final. This was the final say in the matter, and there was nothing Yuki could do to sway him. Yuki knew this. Her hands were shaking as the remained on the low table. Snorunt looked up at Yuki, but was not met with a gaze. Yuki's bangs covered her eyes, while her teeth were gritted.

Before Lord Tolbi exited his study, he stopped right in front of me. As we made eye contact, he sternly said, "You don't have the look of a fool, but at the same time, that Chikorita keeps you from coming off as inhuman. My daughter would be fortunate to have you as her fiancé. However, we know nothing about you. Who are you? Where do you come from? What is your name? Of course, you could answer these questions right now, but we've no idea as to whether or not you're lying. We can only assume the worst: You might very well be an Edo Period radical who wishes to assassinate me…or her."

I said nothing. Have I ever met a person like Lord Tolbi outside of my dreams? Lord Tolbi had this distinct pattern of speech that made a person sink into deep thought. When asking me these questions, I began to think about how much of a burden it would be to have Yuki accompany me. It would be a burden to me, to Lord Tolbi, to everybody…except Yuki herself.

"I have a meeting with the Meiji Government Officials, and by the time I return, I'll be expecting you to be gone and out of our lives." Just like that, Lord Tolbi exited his study, allowing the double door to close.

This left me, Yuki, and our pokemon.

"Co…" Chikorita was visibly bothered by the way Lord Tolbi spoke to us. I would say Lord Tolbi was just rubbing Chikorita off the wrong way, if not for Yuki's body language in response to him.

Yuki sighed.

"Sno? Snorunt?" Snorunt attempted to comfort Yuki.

"Chicori?" Chikorita walked up to Yuki, asking her if she was okay.

For a moment, Yuki was unresponsive. Her eyes remained concealed behind her bangs, which worried a waiting Snorunt.

Yuki sighed once more. She took a deep breath, then faced me as she said, "Do you see why I can't set off on a journey?"

"Your duties…" I answered.

She looked outside of the study's window, and into the inner city of Meiji, "Hundreds of millions of people in this world, and I just so happen to be a Princess with an unrequested duty. Why me?"

What does she see in journeying the outside world? Maybe it's something I don't see. Yuki genuinely wants to see the outside world, while I only travel to satisfy my thirst for vengeance. Would I be travelling the outside world if I didn't have this thirst for vengeance? I don't want to know the answer to that question. Why? On one hand, I would still have a mother, brother, and family living at home with me. But on the other hand, I would never have met Chikorita…Wait, what am I saying? Have I started to care enough about Chikorita to think something like that? Or maybe…she acts as my FOIL, a lot like how my brother used to…

…

…

"Let's go."

"Huh?"

Yuki was looking at me, along with a Snorunt now in her arms. Chikorita looked at her curiously, as did I.

"So what if we leave? What's the worst Father can do to me? I'm the Princess of Meiji City! What's the worst punishment I'll get when I return?" Yuki explained. She then walked up to me, "Let's go on a journey! Let's leave, and see the outside world!"

"Chi! Chico!"

"Snorunt!" Snorunt and Chikorita cheered.

"Now, where should we go…" Yuki pondered to herself.

I've no intention of straying from the path I set for myself. I was about to open my mouth, before Yuki spoke up, grabbing my hand.

"I've always wanted to visit the water. Let's go to Lake of Rage." Yuki suggested.

"Why should I go out of my way just for you to visit that lake? It gets nothing accomplished." I remarked.

Yuki smiled coldly at me. "Because we're engaged. Remember?"

"Are you still playing along with that white lie?"

"It's not a lie." Yuki replied, "I have declared you my fiancé, and as Princess of Meiji, you've no position to oppose me."

The way she doesn't take no for an answer reminds me of Yumi…

"Chicori…" Chikorita giggled.

"Why me?" I asked.

"Because you're hard to get." Yuki replied, "I'll admit, I used to entertain myself by toying with the heart of the countless men who proposed to me. Eventually, that got repetitive, so this is a nice change of pace."

"Snorunt."

"As Princess of Meiji, I declare the you-my fiancé- and I, travel to Lake of Rage," Yuki then pointed to a map, located on the wall of Lord Tolbi's study, "We'll travel north, to Blackthorn City. Then we'll stop by Aomori Village in the Icy Mountains-"

I gasped, and my eyes grew wide.

"Aomori Village…" I whispered to myself.

It was at the mention of Aormori Village that I had a change of mindset upon having Yuki and I going to Lake Of Rage. Yuki told me that she lived in Meiji back in the day, meaning that this dream of mine must be in the past. Maybe Aomori Village is alive and thriving in this dream. I had to go and confirm this theory. Perhaps I'll find the answer to defeating Froslass by the time I wake up.

Fine, I was all in on Yuki's proposition. Whatever punishment Lord Tolbi had waiting for us once we returned was irrelevant to me now.

"Let's go." I didn't hesitate to cut Yuki off before she could give any mention to Mahogany Town being the last stop en route to Lake Of Rage. In an effort to rush off before Lord Tolbi and Yuki's Guardian Bishop could catch on, I pulled Yuki while she still held my hand, "We're leaving Meiji right now."

Of course, Yuki noted that she needed to return to her room to gather a few needed practical supplies for the journey that has begun unceremoniously. Everything was packed in a small bag, and outside of the mansion, we were headed.

…

Location: Meiji City-Departing

By the standards of the world during the Meiji Era, the city of Meiji was a metropolis filled with life and hustle. Being a Princess bound to attract seemingly infinite unnecessary attention, Yuki was clever enough to bring a straw hat that would help her hide in plain sight. Children played with each other and their pokemon in the small but spread out neighborhoods, while the adults wandered the inner city with purpose. The city of Meiji was predominately green, with plenty of wooden bridges, bodies of water, and landmarks.

A Starly could be seen perched on a statue of a Lucario.

"Starly?" Starly eyed us.

"Chico!"

The Lucario statue meant nothing to us, but that didn't stop Chikorita from greeting the small bird as we passed by.

Next, we passed by several taverns, all filled with adults acting the fool. The men appeared to have nothing better to do with their days, while the women appeared to be 'working' on the men's wallets. Yes, these were prostitutes, but we paid them no mind.

In wasn't until we passed a tavern located toward the northern edge of the city that our attention was grabbed.

"You Edo Period has-beens are a waste of space here in Meiji!"

"I'd like to hear you say that again, bastard!"

"Huh?" A verbal disagreement. We turned to see two groups of men making their way out of the tavern.

"How long has it been since Edo was renamed Meiji City? Long enough for you Edo Period scum to leave Meiji and never come back. But wait! You Edo Period scum are brainless swordsman who like to let their swords speak for them! You guys are too stupid to have found a way out of Meiji by now! TEN YEARS! Teeennn yeeaarrs." This man was clearly a New Era supremacist. By the way the words were ignorantly coming out of his mouth, it was obvious: This man was drunk.

The New Era supremacist was being cheered on by his group of Meiji Era followers, standing right behind him.

Opposing the Meiji followers, were a group of Edo Period radicals. Though they were drunk as well, they didn't seem nearly as intoxicated as the New Era supremacist.

I was not entirely sure what was going on, so I looked to Yuki and Snorunt.

"Chico?"

"Sno…" Chikorita and I could only watch as Yuki and Snorunt remained silent, growing uneasy as the conflict was escalating.

"The Meiji Era is sham…" The Edo Period radical whispered before raising his voice, "They can ban the use of swords on paper, but the spirit of a swordsmen never dies…."

The radical was supported by one of his cohorts standing behind him, "The spirit of a swordsmen can never die, but the Meiji government can."

"One day, my sword will taste the blood of Lord Tolbi. The Lord of Meiji will fall, and the rest of the Meiji government will follow."

The Meiji Era supremacist snorted, "Hah! When I say that you swordsmen are morons, it's an insult to the word 'moron'. That a swordsman's spirit never dies speech is bullcrap! Grump old men with their heads stuck in the Edo Period have tried to assassinate Lord Tolbi for the last ten years. When will you losers learn…"

This scene was gathering attention from people and pokemon passing by. Some people slowed their pace, while others stopped altogether. All eyes were on the Edo Period radical, whose fist was clenched.

The drunk Meiji supremacist, somehow, was able to spot this unspoken sense of provocation. "What, you wanna punch me, don't you? Hah!"

"Chi?!" Chikorita gasped as the Meiji supremacist struck the Edo Period radical square in the cheek.

Subtle reactions could be heard from the spectators, as well as the women watching on from inside the tavern. The Edo Period radical was a swordsman, so there was no doubt he'd be able to take that punch. Though his face was red, he showed no verbal signs of being hurt. A single punch would be far from enough to win this battle…or would it?

The physical pain dealt from the punch was nonexistent. However, a person's mind can be dealt damage in much easier ways.

"Edo Period has beens…I bet you'd love nothing more than to punch me back right now. HAHA!" The Meiji Era supremacist was expecting some sort of reaction from the Edo Period radicals. Everyone was expecting some sort of reaction from the radicals.

The spirit of a swordsman can never be broken…this saying came into full effect when the Edo Period radical revealed a sheathed sword that was concealed by his arm. He unsheathed the sword and held it at the drunken Meiji's face.

Everyone immediately gasped.

The Edo Period radical was touched on his shoulder by one of the men in his group, "Put it away!"

"What?!" The radical questioned.

"The spirit of a swordsman never dies. But don't give this guy the benefit of being right about us!"

The radical lowered his sword, and the look on his face seemingly calmed when seeing the situation from the bigger picture.

It was too late though.

"Hands in the air!" Marching to the scene, was a Meiji Police official, riding a Rapidash.

I expected the Meiji Era supremacist to be reprimanded for things such as assault and public intoxication. This whole time, the drunk seemed to be antagonizing the Edo Period radicals, and the radicals were defending their honor while resisting the temptation to strike back. The way this who thing played out…maybe there was some sort of double standard set against favor of 'Edo relics'.

I was right. The man had a pistol aimed at the Edo Period radical.

"Hah!" This prompted the drunk to start taunting the Edo Period radicals, "Serves you right!"

"He's drunk in public, and he punched me. YOU SAW him punch me. Yet I'M the bad guy here?!" The Edo Period radical protested.

"You have the right to remain silent-"

"No! It's because of people like YOU that people like us exist!" The Edo Period spat at the police officer, "You used to be an Officer under the Edo regime. But what did you do once the Meiji Government started coming in and corrupting everything? YOU. SOLD. OUT. Now you're nothing more than Lord Tolbi's lapdog!"

The Officer tried to exert his authority, but it was no use. The Edo Period radical is already being labelled as the bad guy, he might as well let out all that hatred while he can. "YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN-"

"ARREST HIM! ARREST HIM!" The Edo Period radical was passionate in pointing the finger at the Meiji supremacist, "ARREST HIM, AND I'LL GO WITH YOU!"

This argument was turning into a shouting match, a match in which neither side wanted to hear what the other was saying. Who was the good guy? Who was the bad guy? Could the Meiji Police official be viewed as a legitimate stabilizer to absurdities that threaten the peace? That was up to the spectators-Spectators like me. I do not live in this city or time period, therefore I have no right to form an opinion without better judgement. But…like me, the radicals actively resist new world order brought upon by a government they never asked for. Would I side with the Edo Period radicals because the Meiji regime basically equals Team Neo Snagem in the real world? If I were, then what would become of my association with Yuki? For all intents and purposes, she's Meiji government blood.

"Hey." I felt a tap on my shoulder, which snapped me out of my thoughts. It was Yuki, "Let's leave now, before any spectators get involved."

The Princess of Meiji had every right to be uneasy. She was basically watching swordsman threaten her life, with claims to assassinate Lord Tolbi and all. One day, that could be her, but today isn't that day. Today was the day Yuki finally left on a journey to the outside world.

I gave Yuki no argument as we started walking away from the scene. Before we got too far away though, I gave the men of Edo and the men of Meiji one last glance. I saw…the Meiji Police official commanding his Rapidash to use Fire Spin on the Edo Period radicals…after promising them the Meiji drunk would be arrested in exchange for their cooperation. The smug look that the Meiji drunk gave the trapped Edo Period radicals personified this era's double standard…

Location: Outside Meiji

My mind lingered on that scene as we made our way outside of the city lines and into a forest path that led north. Chikorita said nothing, even when Snorunt attempted to lighten the mood with a little greeting. It was easy to tell Chikorita was disturbed by what had happened.

"Hey." Yuki didn't seem phased by the situation behind us. However, she showed concern toward my silence as we walked the path. "You're awfully quiet. Are you okay?"

While I was thinking about the scene behind us, I was also a person who didn't do small talk. I was silent because that's just who I was. That didn't stop me from answering Yuki's question with a question of my own though. "Were the Edo Period radicals truly the villains? All they were doing was defending themselves from new world order. If anything, the Meiji extremist and the Meiji Policeman deserve to be jailed."

There was a pause, as Yuki was finding the correct words to answer me.

She sighed, "That's just the way things are…"

I looked at Yuki, "But you're Meiji's Princess. What if you were spotted?"

It was not often I was genuinely curious about the thoughts of another person. This curiosity piqued the interest of Chikorita and Snorunt, who both perked up, waiting for an answer from Yuki.

"I never asked to be a Meiji Princess. I'm running away from being Meiji Princess so that I can see the outside world, remember? Even if I were spotted by the Edo Period radicals, the Meiji Policeman would've come to my aid." Yuki then looked back and nudged me, "Besides, I have a fiancé who would surely defend my life."

Even though she's a kunoichi who can hold her own?

"We aren't in Meiji anymore," I said as I put my hands in my pockets, "You can drop this façade that we're engaged. It's…weird."

In her attempt to lighten the mood, Yuki pulled a 'Yumi' by pulling my hands out of my pocket and grasping them as she looked me in the eye and said, "Me declaring my engagement to you was no joke. Wedded, we'll be able to travel the outside world WITHOUT hundreds of men pathetically trying to ask for my hand in marriage. Think about it…" Yuki's eyes went half closed, "You and I are going to be married."

I had to resist sighing as I realized: I was stuck with this girl.

Chikorita laughed, trying to tease me. But her joke fell flat when I refused to dignify her behavior with a reply. Meanwhile, Snorunt seemed to welcome us.

"By the way…" Yuki asked one more question-a question that confounded me because it had not already been asked, "We're engaged, and I don't even know your name. What is your name?"

How have we gone this long without her knowing my name? Perhaps with all the attention being paid to the oddities and controversies in Meiji, there was never a chance for us to formally introduce ourselves.

"Seth." I answered with an indifferent look on my face.

"Seth…" Yuki gave a very satisfied sigh as she said my name, "Yuki and Seth…Think about it: When we meet people in the outside world, they'll be referring to us as Yuki and Seth."

"Chico."

"Runt." Snorunt and Chikorita both chirped, letting Yuki know that they were in tune to what she was saying.

I, on the other hand, remained indifferent. This upset Yuki. "What's wrong?" She asked.

"IS there anything wrong?" Did she find something wrong with me acting the way I always do?

"Of all the men in the world, I choose you as my partner. But…you're different…" Yuki answered, "You're kind of hard to get. Yes, a challenge!"

Chikorita giggled as she couldn't help agreeing with Yuki.

"By then end of this journey, this challenge will be conquered. And maybe you'll even give the first hint to you thinking I'm pretty."

I remained silent as Yuki gained a certain lust that could be seen in her subtle change in facial expression. I think I could predict the next words to come out of Yuki's mouth. A subatomic's worth of anxiety creeping up, I was hoping my prediction was wrong.

"Am I, pretty?"

"!" At that question, I froze.

'Am I pretty?' I recall myself being asked this question by the mysterious Yukiko in the remains of an aged Aomori Village.

'Tell me I pretty! Please! Am I pretty?' And I recall Yumi harassing me with this question until I raised my voice at her…for the very first time…

'No, you're not.' In my disgruntled state, I told Yumi she wasn't pretty. Since then, things have been different between us. In hindsight, I basically shoved away the girl who saved my life, and when outlining it that way, I began to regret telling Yumi she wasn't pretty.

If someone as bubbly as Yumi wasn't able to take not being called pretty, just imagine how a kunoichi like Yuki would react? I'd be causing a conflict that could've been avoided.

I didn't want to tell Yuki that she wasn't pretty, but what was I supposed to say? Chikorita seemed to have read my mind when I asked myself this question, and gave me a nod that basically said, 'What are you supposed to say? Isn't it obvious?'

"A question like that seems petty compared to the trouble you'll be in once you truly begin this journey."

This did not come from my mouth, nor did it come from Yuki. This voice cut me off right as I exhaled and was preparing to answer Yuki's question.

"Hm?"

"Chico?"

Chikorita and I didn't know who this was, but Yuki and Snorunt halted. It was as if Yuki forgot all about the question, as the lust quickly disappeared from her eyes. She, along with Snorunt and Chikorita started looking around.

I narrowed my eyes. Though we didn't blink, it felt as if we did. A man suddenly appeared in front of us, as fast and blinding as a Teleport. This man looked powerful. He had long, brownish black hair, and he wore a black long coat on his back, like some sort or cape or cover. He also wore beige trousers, and brown boots. He had a scar located on his right eye. This scar looked to have come from a sword.

"Bishop?" Yuki called.

Bishop? The man whose name had escaped the lips of Yuki, Lord Tolbi, and the many men of Meiji up until this point? This was the man I heard people gossiping about in the city as we passed by. They said Bishop was a swordsman unlike any other. His skill was unrivaled, and he was without peer. His sword has slain many people, years ago. After the Edo Period caved in in place of the Meiji Era, the spirit of the swordsman became a thing of the past, with the exception of a few. Bishop's name was-and still is-legendary. So legendary, that Lord Tolbi himself granted him the honor…of being Princess Yuki's Guardian.

"What are you doing here?" Yuki asked.

"I can, and will, ask you the same question." Bishop's voice was heavy, and it commanded authority. "What are you doing here, Princess Yukiko?"

Yes, Bishop was strong, but so was Yuki. She didn't answer Bishop's question, but she wasn't about to be intimidated by her Guardian. She maintained eye contact, as well as her competence.

"Lord Tolbi is aware that you are away Princess," Bishop said, "Take one more step, and I will carry out his order for me to deport you back to the city."

"Bishop…" Yuki whispered.

"And you-" Bishop suddenly faced me. His eyes were cold. Not like freezing cold, but a different kind of cold. As cold as steel. He had the face of a hardened warrior as he unsheathed a sword and pointed it to my face.

"Sharp!"

"Oh?" And Bishop wasn't alone. Unceremoniously insert itself into the scene in the same flashstep-like manner as Bishop, was a pokemon whose body was clad entirely of steel.

"Busha." It was a Bisharp. While Bishop held sword steel to my neck, this Bisharp held cold steel to the back of my head.

Bishop and Bisharp; Together, the pokemon and trainer duo was unstoppable during the Edo Period. The way the city folk talked about Bishop and Bisharp, would it be right to say Bishop was Bisharp's trainer? Bisharp was so powerful and intelligent, that putting it in a category below that of a human would be an insult.

"You are a stranger who Lord Tolbi and I have never seen in Meiji. You are an alien, and for that reason, Lord Tolbi has rejected Princess Yukiko's engagement to you." Bishop explained, "Leave us now, or you will be executed."

"No, Bishop!" Yuki raised her voice, exerting her authority over her guardian as Princess, "As Princess and heir to the Meiji throne, I forbid you from harming Seth." Her eyes narrowed, "Kill him, and I'll have you killed, under my order."

"Chico!"

"Sno!" Likewise, Chikorita and Snorunt made their threat to Bisharp. Honestly, while Chikorita and I have a connection, I believed that she was a fool in this moment of time. She and Snorunt didn't have unique shadow powers like me. And even with my shadow powers, I knew that if I were to fight a legendary swordsman like Bisharp, the showdown would be very difficult, perhaps one of the most difficult I'd ever have.

"Hmph." Bishop didn't flinch, "Forgive me, Princess Yukiko. But Lord Tolbi's order takes priority or yours. This 'Seth' you've engaged yourself to…he poses a threat to you being deported back to Meiji. In short, he's kidnapping the Princess set to rule an entire region." He then forced his sword even closer to my neck, "It's time for my sword to take your blood."

Threatening my life? Hmph. Bishop was really intent of fighting me, for the sake of Princess Yuki and the entire Meiji Era. If that was the case, then I guess it couldn't be helped.

I closed my eyes, and began glowing a dark aura.

My opponents in the past have all flinched and somewhat let their guard down upon seeing this dark aura appear. Bishop was different though. He didn't flinch, nor did he lose focus. There was no change in facial expression as I opened my eyes.

"Huh?" Yuki wasn't intimidated when she saw that my left eye had changed from deep blue to a shadow lavender color. In fact, she was intrigued. Snorunt was speechless, while Chikorita knew what was coming next.

Both Bishop and Bisharp readied their steel, and proceeded to thrust forward. In response, the dark aura surrounding me grew stronger. In a matter of seconds, the dark aura had enough energy to act as a solid thrust in its own right. Performing a counterthrust in both directions, both my opponents' attacks were parried. They were strong, being able to stand their ground without being pushed back too far.

Bisharp kept the offense coming, as he quickly stepped forward and started swinging at me again.

"Sharp!" It was the same result as before, as I parried Bisharp's thrust again. However, now that Bisharp was able to gauge the dark aura surrounding me, he decided not to just hold his ground, but to actively push back. He came at me again, this time attempting to hit me with a clothesline. I was able to react by dodging to my left. "Shar!" Bisharp followed close behind and he swung at me again and again. This time I didn't use my feet to dodge, maneuvering my head from his striking range. "Sharp!" One last attempt to strike me would fail as I rushed the dark aura to Bisharp's fist and held it in place. "Shr…" This Bisharp grunted, not reacting in an excited naïve fashion that would be typical in either little children or grown men astonished by how they overestimate their ability.

"I have no reason to fight you. If you force my hand, however…" I trailed off, allowing the sentence to end on a cliffhanger.

"You're good…" Bishop remarked. He would respond to his own words by switching to a more grounded fighting stance, knees closer the ground. Yes, he knew a struggle with the dark aura would be my offense, and he was ready to conquer the struggle by simply paying more attention to detail regarding his technique. Bishop finished his remark my uttering, "But you're not good enough."

Bishop closed in on me, and when he did, I allowed for darkness to rush to his sword, rendering him as immobile as Bishop…or so I thought.

"Hmph!" Bishop, with his knees closer to the ground, was able to thrust on. "I've slayed countless men, weak and strong, and you're next. For the entire Meiji Era, now you die!"

We were both holding back; me with the dark aura, and Bishop with his thrusting technique. Bishop won, and cold steel was now in my face. Death was literally an inch away.

"Chi?!" Chikorita reacted.

Yes, cold steel's death was an inch away, but not the steel Bishop was holding.

"Hm?" Bishop paused, as a flying kunai separated his sword from my face.

Once again, Bishop was not taken aback. He was quick to accept the fact that his attack was parried…as he slowly turned to his Princess.

Princess Yuki made contact with her guardian, and held her gaze as she calmly walked this way. She stop right in front of me, completely blocking my view of the sword.

"Chico?" Chikorita was confused, as was Snorunt.

"Princess, please move." Bishop said.

"No." Yuki was firm, standing her ground, with a kunai in her hand. "I've made up my mind who I want to be engaged with, and I won't have you take that away from me. If you harm my fiancé, I will fight you. If I'm unable to go on this journey, I'll do everything in my power to resist ever returning to Meiji."

What Yuki did next astonished everyone. Bishop was still in the grasp on my dark aura, but that didn't stop his eyes from shooting wide open, as Yuki held the kunai to her throat. That kunai being held to her throat heavily implied HOW Yuki would never return to Meiji.

"If I never return to Meiji, then you'll have failed to fulfill a command from Lord Tolbi." Yuki remarked.

The spirit of battle in Bishop's eyes was starting to fade.

"I have a command for you Bishop, and if you wish to follow through on Lord Tolbi's command, you'll obey me right now."

Reluctantly, Bishop lowered his sword, "Name your terms."

"Accompany Seth and I, as my Guardian. I give you my word that I'll return to Meiji once our journey to the outside world is complete."

Better late than never, I guess.

Much persistence was needed to get Bishop to join us. I didn't bother to add comments on the side for Yuki, who had forced Bishop's hand. Bishop didn't appear to be torn between obeying Princess Yuki or Lord Bishop, but if it meant Yuki staying alive, he and all of Meiji were going to have to await Yuki to return, on HER terms. Bishop knelt in front of Yuki, giving her a formal bow as he swore loyalty to keeping Yuki alive. And thus, our journey to the outside world began.

Yuki & Seth Part III: Lord Tolbi's Pursuit

Location: Meiji-In The Presence of Lord Tolbi

Lord Tolbi was no fool, and was very perceptive of the subtle behavior expressed by his daughter Yuki. From the moment Lord Tolbi opposed Princess Yuki's engagement, Lord Tolbi had been observing her. Watching and waiting, now was the time for Lord Tolbi to make his move.

"Men of Meiji." Lord Tolbi, calm and collected, addressed his audience.

Lord Tolbi and his men stood in front a large stone figure visible to almost all of Meiji. This statue was in the shape of Lord Tolbi himself, and it served as a symbol which signified the end of the Edo Period, and the beginning of the Meiji Era.

"Yes, Lord Tolbi." The men summoned by Lord Tolbi were five Meiji officials, each in possession of a sheathed sword. They were all sitting on their respective steads: Rapidash that were high level.

"An unfortunate event has transpired: Meiji's very own heir to my throne, Princess Yukiko, has been kidnapped." Lord Tolbi explained. "This young man she's run off with-the one she's declared her fiance…his look is cold…as cold as a swordsman…who kills. I expect he and my daughter have fled Meiji by now. You men and I will all shadow the couple. Guardian Bishop has already been assigned this task, but I feel a little reinforcement is needed for a mission as delicate as this. When we find Princess Yukiko, we will have her deported back to Meiji. As for her 'fiancé'…I want him executed."

…

Seth's POV

Location:…

The first leg of our journey was rather uneventful, aside from the occasional complaining coming from Yuki and her tired feet. After leaving Meiji City, we travelled north and through Blackthorn City. I remember, in reality, visiting Blackthorn City near the beginning of my journey. Though this dream is set decades and maybe even centuries before the events of my journey unfolding, Blackthorn looks like it it's destined for little or no change. I was told that this was lore-filled haven for dragons, where tradition lasted forever…

I inquired on a Pokemon Center, which sparked bewilderment from Yuki, Bisharp, and Guardian Bishop. They told me they had no idea what a Pokemon Center was. After I explained it, Guardian Bishop scoffed-he said that such a haven for pokemon didn't exist. For weak pokemon, a Pokemon Center catered. Weak pokemon didn't belong in this time. In a crossroads between the periods of Edo and Meiji, you lived if you were strong, or died if you were weak.

Chikorita gazed at Bisharp and Bishop gesturing toward their steel, and then toward Yuki gently tapping her kunai in response to Bishop's explanation. She looked to the ground, becoming somewhat depressed by the harsh reality of this world. It was nobody's fault but her own that she failed to assess the similarities shared between this dream, and our reality. I became a trainer for the purpose of getting strong, in order to live. If I'm so weak that I can't satisfy my thirst for vengeance, then I might as well be dead…

Instead of the Pokemon Center that didn't exist, we settled for a mere inn. As we walked in, I was prepared for to pay for my own room, while Guardian Bishop more than likely had himself, Bisharp, and Princess Yuki covered. Princess Yuki voiced her opinion against me having my own room. Even though we were far from Meiji, she was still vocal about us being engaged. Yuki almost reminded me of Yumi, with this engagement…But Yuki was far from the bubbly character that was Yumi. Yuki wasn't smiling, and neither did Guardian Bishop, who only added to the weight that came with Yuki's authority. Was there any reason for me to say no? I'll probably return to reality once I fall asleep…

But that night…

We all shared a room. Guardian Bishop was sitting in the grass, next to a tree, while Bishop sat crisscross, just outside the sliding door. Snorunt and Chikorita were fast asleep, which left Yuki and I.

Because the sliding door was open, the moonlight allowed for the cherry-wooden floor to glisten. And despite the moonlight, we still kept a single lantern in the middle of the room.

You'd think I would be asleep after days of travelling, but I was far from tired. My eyes were open as I stared at the ceiling, thinking…There was tension in the air-tension between Guardian Bishop and I. I didn't speak to him, and he didn't speak to me. Why? Bishop has at least conversed with Yuki, and has expressed disdain toward me for being a 'kidnapper'. He told me that had I been killed when we first met, Yuki wouldn't have been encouraged to strayed this far from Meiji. If Lord Tolbi ever ordered him to execute me, Bishop would do so without hesitation. His threats didn't come without a reaction on my part. I expressed that I would not hesitate to kill Bishop with my dark aura, should I need to defend myself. Whether or not Yuki and Lord Tolbi would agree with my action, I did not care. We would watch as Chikorita, Yuki, and Snorunt would make light of every time there was a stare down between us. It was an effort to ease the tension-a vein effort.

Such tension, and being on the road for as long as we have, made our stay at the inn much more relaxing.

"Seth."

"Hm?" I was pulled from my state of mind when my name was whispered…by Yuki.

I sat up, looking at the black haired, ice-blue eyed girl.

"We're engaged, remember?"

I said nothing, continuing to stare at her. Her eyes were so cold, they looked to be glowing in the dark. So cold…so blue…almost hypnotizing…Yuki…right now, she's looking very…That word…What was that word she's wanted me to call her? Perhaps I'm tired, more tired than I realize…

"When are we going to get engagement rings?"

I sighed, laying on my back as I stared into the ceiling. I asked Yuki, "Why me?"

I blinked. My words were becoming half-hearted as I was growing sleepy.

"Out of every person who lives in Meiji and beyond, why did you choose me?...You announcing an 'engagement' to me was half-assed."

Yuki paused, finding her words before answering me. "At first, it WAS half-hearted…Until I had time to think about it. The benefits really outweigh the drawbacks, you know. No more men showing up on my doorstep, and all for a guy who's just as half-hearted as the engagement."

"I have no heart." I remarked.

"Then why did you accept my request to journey with you? You say you don't have a heart, but you've SHOWN that you care."

...Earlier in this dream, I said to myself that there was no reason to decline Yuki's proposal. But really…Yuki looks like Yumi, and that plays a role in how a view her.

"You remind me of a girl who saved my life."

"Earlier during your journey?" Yuki asked.

I nodded.

Yuki closed her eyes for a split second. She then curled up, her arms wrapping around her knees. "How special was this girl to you?"

I scoffed. Yumi, the girl who saved my life, was someone I've grown to tolerate, but that didn't mean I wasn't going to be honest about her. "She's loud and annoying. She's over-the-top affectionate to a fault, and I'm the target of it all, unfortunately. Let's see…at one time, she fractured her ankle, halting our journey for a few weeks. She halted our journey again, in an episode that involved waking and saving her from the spell of an Espurr and its citadel."

Since the episode with Espurr, Yumi has been less 'comedic' when expressing her affection…

"Sounds like she's an opposite who compliments very well…" Yuki trailed off before speaking again, "But…she's not with you anymore, right?"

"I said some things to her that I've second guessed, even to this very moment."

"Like what?"

I called her ugly, but I wasn't going to say that word to Yuki. Through second guessing me calling Yumi ugly, I'd discovered the emotion known as remorse; or perhaps, regret.

"She kept asking me if she was pretty, and I said no."

Yuki's face lit up. "You don't think she's pretty?"

I sighed, finding Yuki's question very difficult to answer. A moment of silence was spent finding the proper wording for an answer, but I found nothing. All I could find was a memory of Yumi once calling me oblivious…But I have no heart…how can I be oblivious if I don't know what being oblivious is like? AM I being oblivious right now? Am I NOT being oblivious right now?

"I don't know." That was all I could say.

"Do you think I'M pretty?" Yuki asked.

I paused at THAT question. How did I walk myself into this corner?

"Am I pretty?" She asked again, "You and I are engaged. It's only right to know what you think about me."

IS Yuki pretty? For as long as I've had visions of her, those ice blue eyes have suggested to me that Yuki looks very…

"-I like you, Seth."

I was surprised. Yuki asked me if she was pretty, and then interjected before I could even answer the question.

…I was growing more drowsy. How was it possible for me to become sleepy if I was already asleep? I guess the mind has its way of making dreams be perceived as reality…

"I can't believe we're already in Blackthorn, and I can't believe I'm finally seeing the outside world. It's all thanks to you. Just you wait: By the time we reach Lake of Rage, I'll get you to tell me I'm pretty."

I yawned, and from here, I allowed silence to set in for the night. Yuki followed with a yawn of her own, and decided to lay down and call it a night. By the end of this night, a dynamic was established between all of us. Yuki was taking her engagement with me so seriously, the thought of being legitimately engaged even creeped up in my mind…only to be overshadowed by the conflict between Bishop and I. Yuki wishes to adore me, while Bishop wishes to kill me…How much more different could those two dynamics be? Would Bishop's self-proclaimed destiny to kill me triumph over Yuki's desire to stick with me? Her desire to see the outside world is strong, and Bishop realizes this.

…I wonder if Lord Tolbi is aware by now that Bishop wasn't going to return to Meiji with Princess Yuki anytime soon? Will we ever see Lord Tolbi again? We'll just see what the future holds…

The Next Morning…

Yuki was the first to wake up in the morning, maybe. Bisharp was still outside, laying against a tree that was just beyond the edge of a puddle of water. Bisharp was using this water to clean and shine his steel. Meanwhile, Bishop remained in the same sitting position he was in last night.

While the rest of us were idle, Yuki took it upon herself to start getting ready for the day ahead. She walked outside the sliding door and past her Guardian Bishop. She made her way to a hot spring bathing house that was complimentary with a stay at the inn. What she did in the bathing house, I'll let you take a guess…

She put her normal clothes back on, and had just finished washing her long black hair. Just as she exited the bathing house, she was greeted by-

"Snorunt!"

"Oh? Snorunt?" Yuki was surprised to see her Snorunt. She was delighted to see Snorunt nonetheless. She lifted Snorunt and held the Ice type in her arms as she rhetorically asked, "So you followed me to the bath?"

And so, Yuki walked, Snorunt in her arms, and her stocking-covered feet making next to no sound on the Cherrywood floor. They were ready to return to the room…but not without an unexpected stop.

There was a few minute gap between Yuki's room and the bathing house, so naturally, she'd pass by a few rooms along the way, including the lobby in which they checked in. But when she passed by the lobby, it was as if she was at the wrong place at the wrong time…or the right place at the right time, depending on if you see this inquiry as 'glass half empty' or 'glass half full'.

"I am Lord Tolbi, ruler of the city of Meiji and its surrounding region."

"Sno?"

Yuki paused. 'Lord Tolbi? My father is HERE?!' She thought to herself.

Was it not obvious? The voice she heard was all too familiar-the calm and calculating tone, and stern impression it gave every person he talked.

Yuki was hiding behind a wall that shielded her from her father's view, and she listened in on the brief, but crucial exchange between him and the innkeeper.

"It is an honor to have you here, Lord Tolbi," The innkeeper said, "How can we be of assistance?"

Yuki knew why he was here. She could just imagine the sound of her father pulling a portrait of her from his sleeve, and flashing it to the innkeeper.

"I am inquiring on if this girl-my daughter and heir to the Meiji throne-has been seen here," Lord Tolbi said, "Me and my men have scoured every other inn in Blackthorn, so this one must be positive. Am I correct?"

"Oh, her? She's a customer of mine. Just checked in last night." The innkeeper answered, "She had an impressive party though. She and her Snorunt were enjoying her 'fiance' and his Chikorita. And her 'Guardian' looks formidable."

Under his breath, Lord Tolbi muttered, "So Guardian Bishop is here too, eh?" He then asked the innkeeper for directions to the room we were staying in. Once the innkeeper complied, he welcomed himself in the inn as he said to the innkeeper, "I thank you for your cooperation."

This was when Yuki took to a run in the other direction, in an effort to not be seen by her father. She would have to go around to the other side of the inn and enter her room from the outside.

…

By the time Yuki and Snorunt made it back to the room, it was too late.

"No." As soon as she stepped in the room, she was greeted by Lord Tolbi, Guardian Bishop, Bisharp, and Lord Tolbi's Meiji Police all surrounding Chikorita and I.

"Young man, where is my daughter?" Lord Tolbi asked.

I narrowed my eyes.

"Chi…" Chikorita followed suit.

The lead Meiji policeman-the one on a Rapidash right now-was next to speak up. "Kidnapping the Princess, going against Lord Tolbi's direct order, striking a Meiji official in Guardian Bishop, and evading capture…you have quite the resume, boy. Realize that as of right now, you're lower than any Edo Period scum who speaks against the Meiji government." The man unsheathed a sword, and the flames on his Rapidash grew strong, "Return Princess Yukiko to us now, and face your final judgement."

I wasn't shocked to see Bishop opposed me, as well as Bisharp. Bishop and I had given each other the benefit of the doubt up until this point. But now, in the presence of Lord Tolbi, he is to obey his every command, even if it means going against Yuki's wishes.

I went to sleep last night, and still haven't returned to reality. There must be a reason why I'm still dreaming. Could it be because of Yuki? Is there something I need to see before I can finally break from this hypnotism?

…Maybe I need to play along with this 'engagement' for a while longer…

For this reason, my left eye turned purple, and I began to glow a dark aura again. This earned a look of bewilderment from the Meiji policeman and his Rapidash.

"What's with you, boy?" he asked.

If these men were ready to kill me, they surely, they should've been ready for me to kill them.

Wordlessly, I rushed the dark aura to the Meiji Policeman.

"Gah!" He was astonished, to the point of standing his sword down as he began to panic. "What the hell?!"

"Raaahhh!" The man's panic caused for the Rapidash to panic.

The once calm situation was beginning to take a turn for the chaotic. Lord Tolbi, Guardian Bishop and the others all spread out and watched as the Meiji Policeman would fall to my hand.

The dark aura I had rushed to the man focused on his neck.

"Gaahhhh! Ngh! Ugh!" I've used this technique before, in the real world. I was reckless then, and the price is still being paid to this day, as everyone is against me using Fear's shadow power. However, this was a dream. Any punishment that would've happened in reality wasn't going to happen here. "Aahh!" The man struggled and struggled.

It was a futile effort to gasp for air, because I wasn't going to let this man live. Hmph, arresting the Edo Period swordsmen…this Meiji official deserved to die, especially when the drunken Meiji Supremacist was the clear antagonist.

The dark aura around the neck of the man grew even stronger; TOO strong for the man to handle. Only a few more seconds passed as he stopped struggling…and his suffocated, lifeless body fell to the Cherrywood floor.

"Chi…" Chikorita was frightened by this power. But like I said; this being a dream prevented any real damage from being done.

"He's dead." Lord Tolbi kept his calm demeanor. I assume he's seen the sight of dead men many times, considering the frequent mentions of Edo Period radicals' failed attempts at assassinating him. He has been desensitized from the sight of dead bodies.

Guardian Bishop and Bisharp? They were indifferent. The spirit of the swordsman in them have killed many men, including a number of those Edo Period radicals just mentioned.

The Rapidash dashed to the grabbed our attention as it rushed to the open sliding door and outside.

…

…

…

Yuki walked inside seconds later. She looked at the dead body for a second. Her reaction was subtle, her mouth hanging open for just a split second.

"How much of this did you see?" Yuki was address by Lord Tolbi, and in a manner so casual, the fact that she ran away against his orders could've been forgotten.

"I was standing here the whole time." Yuki answered.

"Snorunt…" Snorunt was quivering at the sight.

Guardian Bishop was the first to return his attention to me. My dark aura killing the Meiji Policeman intimidated him not in the slightest, "You've stricken and defeated a government official."

"Don't lay a finger on him." Yuki voice trembled slightly as she gave a direct order to Bishop.

Yuki spoke, but Lord Tolbi would address Bishop as if Yuki never said anything, "Guardian Bishop, you have my permission to execute this kidnapper. Right here, right now."

Bishop's face remained static, but the body language in swiftly unsheathing his sword showed off a side of Bishop that was eager to obey Lord Tolbi's command.

"Sharp!" Bisharp readied himself as well.

Bishop and Bisharp weren't alone. The remaining Meiji policemen all unsheathed their swords as well. All weapons were pointed at me, and they were prepared to take my life. They must really believe I'm dangerous if they're willing to kill me on scene rather than risk taking me into custody. I was outnumbered.

"SHARR!" Bisharp was the first to charge at me, the blades on the sides of his arms protruded.

"Chikorita!" I quickly called for Chikorita, "Intercept Bisharp!"

"Chico!" Chikorita cried.

Chikorita was determined to defend me, as she has always been. She jumped in Bisharp's path, and then jumped in the air as she prepared a ball of green energy to launch at the Steel type.

"Sha…" Chikorita's method of intercepting Bisharp would've worked…if Bisharp wasn't as percetive as he was. He halted, and a fraction of a second, his eyes glinted as he faced Chikorita.

"Co!" The Energy Ball was launched, and Bisharp was wide open.

"Sharp!" Being wide open was completely different that being vulnerable though. Bisharp was INVULNERABLE, slicing the ball of green energy in half, using his protruded steel.

"Chi?!" Chikorita was astonished. Her Energy ball was neutralized, and rendered completely ineffective.

Bisharp followed up by swiftly charging at Chikorita, rather than me.

"Sha!"

"Chi?!" In the blink of an eye, Bisharp had closed the gap between himself and Chikorita. He was so fast, Chikorita had no time to react. "Co…" Chikorita was stricken. With minimal effort, Bisharp sent Chikorita flying straight into the wall. She was to the ground, and didn't get back up.

Was Chikorita unable to fight? No…not from just one move…

Bisharp then turned his attention to me.

"For someone the Meiji government views as a threat, your Chikorita is surprisingly weak," Guardian Bishop said, "So weak, it's pathetic."

"Unlike you, the Chikorita looks to be an innocent soul." Lord Tolbi added.

"Hmph. The Chikorita's so weak, it would be a pity if it's worthless blood stained my steel." Guardian Bishop remarked, "You, however, don't half that luxury. Through your body, my sword will pierce!" In a rare instance, Bishop raised his voice as he charged at me.

He was determined to kill me…just not determined enough. He immediately skidded to a halt, once Yuki jumped in front of me, raising two kunai in her defense.

"Runt." Snorunt was ready to fight as well.

"Why do you defend him?" Lord Tolbi asked his daughter as he took a single step forward.

I wondered about this question as well. I could understand defending me before, when she had unquestioned authority. But now, when Lord Tolbi's word supersedes hers…Why? Unlike Bishop, Lord Tolbi doesn't necessarily HAVE to hold back for fear of harming Princess Yuki.

"I told you: We're engaged." Yuki answered. Was her answer REALLY that shortsighted and simplistic though?

"You say he's your fiance, but in reality, you've placed an unnecessary burden on him by making him worry about you and the Meiji government's pursuit of him." Lord Tolbi explained, "Because of you, this kidnapper will pay with his life."

Lord Tolbi's words seemed to have an effect on Yuki. When Lord Tolbi explained this, Yuki's eyes widened, as if she was suddenly having a revelation. Lord Tolbi was right. I didn't plan on getting to know the Princess of Meiji of ANYBODY for that matter. I thought that I would be waking up in reality before morning arrived in this dream. But this is a dream, I CAN'T die in a dream…can I? Well, I did lose consciousness…

Yuki eyes remained in a widened state. For a few seconds, she looked as if she was pondering her options, before finally coming to a conclusion, as she narrowed her eyes and clutched her kunai tighter.

"No, father. I won't go with you." Yuki replied, "You're right: One day, you will relinquish the title of Meiji Leader to me. But it's that very reason why decided I want to travel the world NOW, before I'm truly forced to become the adult that everyone in Meiji wants me to be. Before I'm condemned to the sedentary life of a Meiji Leader, I want to see the outside world while I can."

One of the Meiji policemen whispered under his breath two words that easily summed up this whole conflict, "Rebellious teenagers…"

Lord Tolbi closed his eyes as he said to his daughter, "You've become a spoiled child, haven't you?" He then called for the four remaining Meiji Policemen, "Men! Seize Princess Yukiko at once!"

Yuki's eyes glinted. She knew now was the time to take defensive action. "Snorunt, use Blizzard! Now!"

Snorunt could sense the amount of panic and urgency that was in Yuki's voice as she gave the command. Quickly jumping in the air, she summoned, inside this room, very cold weather. "Runt!"

In snowed, and it snowed hard-some places harder than others. I was caught off guard by that Snorunt knowing a high-level move like Blizzard, and was even more surprised by the end result. Everyone who opposed us was frozen…

"Shh…" With the exception of Bisharp, who resisted the Ice type attack.

"They're all frozen?" I questioned out loud.

There was no time for Yuki to answer my question. She grabbed my hand and started pulling me, "Come on. We've gotta run, fast."

"Just wait a second." I pulled my hand away, and ran to get Chikorita, who was just waking up.

"Chi?" She looked around, confused by the snow in the room.

"Let's go." That was all I said to Chikorita. It was only a matter of time before Bisharp would defrost everyone, so Yuki and I had to create some separation while we could.

As we made it outside, I had to ask Yuki, "Do you have a plan? Where are we going?"

"To the Icy Mountains. We can lose them by the time we make it to Aomori Village."

…

From that point onward, we were wanderers on a long journey. Leaving Blackthorn City, I asked Yuki about when she'd return to Meiji City. She allowed my question to become a cliffhanger, never coming with an answer. How much separation did we put in between ourselves and the Meiji government? We weren't sure. Maybe a few days, because that's how long it took for us to make it to the foot of the Icy Mountains. In between Blackthorn and the Icy Mountains was nothing to note; MAYBE a bridge that lead nowhere, but even that wasn't an attention grabber. There was nothing but grassy plains, gradually becoming covered with more and more snow the further we travelled.

With her ice-blue eyes, Yuki stared into the Icy Mountains.

"Seth?" Without looking at me, she called my name. A lot was on her mind.

"Hm?"

"What would you think about me not returning to Meiji?" She asked.

"Chi?"

Chikorita and Snorunt both raised eyebrows.

"I…" Yuki blinked slowly, "I don't want to go back there."

"Are you sure that's what you want?" I asked.

"I've given it thought ever since we left Blackthorn. I don't want to go back there. I don't want to return to the life of a Princess trapped in her castle walls. I don't want to return to men proposing to me nonstop. Seth, I don't want our engagement to end at the hands of my father."

"Runt."

"Out of the millions of people who exist, why did I have to be a Princess?"

"It's not in your place to question these things, dear."

"What?" It wasn't me who replied to Yuki, it was someone else. Someone approaching us from behind.

"Father." Yuki knew who it was, as she turned around.

It took a few days, but they caught up to us. Guardian Bishop probably told Lord Tolbi where we were going.

The wind blew, and clouds were gathering in the sky. Despite the wind and the conditions the clouds might bring later on, this was the perfect battlefield-In plains decorated with patches of snow. Formalities were already made in Blackthorn, so it was only natural for us to get straight to the point.

"You have one last chance to turn back, Yukiko." Lord Tolbi stepped up, "Decline now, and I'll command these men to use force on you."

"No. Seth and I are engaged."

This was the first time that Guardian Bishop and the Meiji policeman were given permission to fight Yuki-without using excessive force, of course. If something tragic were to happen to Yuki, Lord Tolbi knew that this journey to the Icy Mountains would be all for naught, and that Meiji would have no heir to his throne.

The men all raised their swords, aimed at Yukiko. Yukiko didn't flinch though, as she readied her kunai. I readied the dark aura as my eye turned dark purple, which didn't go unnoticed by Lord Tolbi.

He was fortunate enough to have seen Fear's power, and live to see another day. Fear was a threat, and Lord Tolbi knew it. For this reason, he took from his pocket…some sort of grey capsule?

I look at the capsule, intrigued.

"It's called as Pocket Monster Ball, sonny. Pokeball for short. A rare and revolutionary item only given to those with high power and nobility." Perhaps the Pokeball was first invented in this period of time…Wordlessly, Lord Tolbi unscrewed the cap placed at the top of the Pokeball, and released a pokemon that materialized in front of us.

It was a snake, but it was not a Seviper like I was used to. Like Lord Tolbi, this pokemon had the look of nobility written all over him. Its red eyes could pass as jewels, and it was green in color. It looked a lot like Yumi's Servine, but bigger and taller. Its tail rattled.

"Serperior." It cried.

Serperior's eyes were on Yuki, and it was confused as to why they were opposing each other.

"Focus, Serperior," Lord Tolbi said, "Turn your attention to Princess Yukiko's kidnapper: the young man with the Chikorita. Guardian Bishop and Meiji police, apprehend Princess Yukiko."

The men all surrounded Yuki, who's battle stance didn't waver. Bishop led the pack, while Bisharp was the one most ready to do battle.

"Sharp!" Bisharp pointed his steel at Yuki.

"Snorunt!" But Snorunt came to Yuki's defense.

Yuki was outnumbered…But the men had no choice but to hold back, if they wanted to bring Yuki back alive. I, on the other hand.

"No need to worry about your 'fiance', sonny," Lord Tolbi said, "She was never yours to begin with. Serperior, use Leaf Blade!"

"Ser!" Serperior did as he was told. He cloaked his tail in a green aura, then rushed at me. This Serperior was really fast though-his speed was near blinding.

"!" I was so unprepared for how swift Serperior was, I flinched, shielding my face with my arms as Leaf Blade was a second away from hitting me.

"Chico!" I don't know how, but Chikorita was able to react fast enough to parry the Leaf Blade using her own leaf.

"Ser…" Serperior was thrust back. His eyes remained glued on us as his tail continued to rattle.

"Energy Ball!" I called.

"Chi!" Chikorita produced a ball of green energy and launched it at Serperior.

This Serperior was different than the Servine Yumi had. While Yumi's Servine was quick to cross its arms and hold his chin up high, this Serperior was more conservative. By conservative, I mean that Lord Tolbi's Serperior has the humility that Yumi's Servine lacks. Serperior knew he was skilled, and he didn't need to show off to prove it. Serperior waited until the very last second to effortlessly slither out of the way.

Serperior needed no command to follow up his dodging with another Leaf Blade. He was not going to be caught off guard by Chikorita again, because Chikorita is his main target this time.

"Chi!" Chikorita tried to use her leaf to parry Leaf Blade again, but Serperior was perceptive.

Serperior halted his attack…and waited…

"Ch…Chi?" Chikorita was waiting as well-waiting for the attack to make contact, but it didn't come. Confused, Chikorita lowered her leaf.

Big mistake.

"Ser!" As soon as Chikorita exited her defensive stance, she was struck by Leaf Blade. She skidded backwards, on the grassy plains heavily decorated with snow.

I see…so Serperior is able to utilize deception in battle…

"Deception…" I whispered to myself.

This was a first for me. Who master's the art of deception in battle? Maybe I should be taking notes on this. Manipulating the minds of human and pokemon to gain an edge in battle…I might be able to use this tactic someday…

I needed to cut the significance of Leaf Blade, and Chikorita knew the appropriate move for this situation. "Use Reflect." I called.

"Chi!" Chikorita rose to her feet, and summoned a near-illusionary sphere around herself. Now that Leaf Blade was effectively neutralized, I had an opportunity to take the upper hand.

"Energy Ball."

Chikorita launched a ball of green energy a Serperior once more.

"Fool. Reflect may render Leaf Blade ineffective, but Serperior's speed still overwhelms your eyes," Lord Tolbi said.

With this, Serperior dodged Energy Ball once more.

"'Fool' is the right word to call you, sonny. Only a fool would continue to fight on, and resist the fate that awaits," Lord Tolbi's eyes narrowed, "You'd better hope I kill you right here, because you won't like the living Hell I'll send you to in Meiji…"

….

Meanwhile, Yuki and Snorunt were fighting Guardian Bishop, Bishop, and the Meiji policemen in a resistance.

Bisharp had stricken Snorunt, who skidded across the snow-patched plain.

"Snooo…Sno?" Snorunt wanted just a moment to breath and rise to her feet, at the very least. However, Bisharp wouldn't afford her the opportunity.

"Sharp!" Bisharp was high in the air, diving at Snorunt with his blades protruded.

"Runt!" Snorunt had to think fast. She reacted fast enough to launch a Blizzard at the diving Steel type.

Bisharp was met with freezing cold wind, but that didn't stop him.

"Shaaah!" Bisharp roared as he powered through the resistance, never losing focus on Snorunt. Bisharp was showing off how determined he was.

Blizzard may not have stopped Bisharp, but it at least slowed him down, even if it was just a fraction of a second. Snorunt rolled out the way, narrowly avoiding Bisharp's cold steel by not even a fraction of an inch.

"…" Bisharp quietly stared at his steel, which effectively created a sizeable crack in the ground.

Snorunt rose to her feet and had observed this. She and Bisharp knew each other for a long time. With Snorunt being associated with Yuki and Bisharp being associated with Guardian Bishop, Bisharp was basically Snorunt's guardian. For years he guarded Snorunt with his life, but now…Snorunt knew Bisharp wasn't holding back. Being what could be considered an 'extended family' didn't stop Bisharp from wanting Snorunt's blood.

"Sha!" Bisharp pulled his steel from the ground with authority, removing a piece of the land in his process. This piece of dirt landed right in front of Snorunt.

Up against a Bisharp, Snorunt was at a type disadvantage…But being in climate currently in a flux in favor of winter weather, Snorunt was also had an advantage. But Bisharp was a strong swordsman who's slain many of people with Bishop. How was Snorunt going to overcome this? Was this going to be her last gasp?

"Sha!" Bisharp cloaked the ax on his head with the aura of Iron Head, and began charging at Snorunt.

"Snorunt!" Snorunt followed suit. She used a unique move-Mimic-to cloak herself in the aura of Iron Head as well, and at Bisharp, she charged.

Iron Head versus Iron Head. Who was going to prevail?

….

Yuki was using her kunai to fend the swords coming her way.

"Yahh!" A Meiji policeman was charging at her.

With ease, Yuki twirled away like some sort of dancer, avoiding the policeman's attempted assault.

"Ha!" With the man caught off guard by Yuki's skill, Yuki was given an opportunity to strike. She didn't blindly throw the kunai, hoping it would do damage wherever it struck. No. She was cold and calculating, aiming below the man's Adam's Apple.

Yuki needed to be brought back alive, so it was common sense that these men would hold back…Just because they're holding back doesn't mean that Yuki should. Her kunai killed the man as he struggled for breath. Blood rushed from his neck, and he fell to the ground, never moving again.

One down, three to go.

"Who's next?" Yuki goaded as she returned to her battle stance, more kunai in hand.

The policemen were aggravated. Not by the death of a comrade, but by how difficult it was to defeat Yuki without actually killing her…Even if they weren't holding back, Yuki would still have the upper hand. She's no damsel in distress.

The policeman all ran to surround Yuki, as if in a tactical formation. One of the policemen raised something in his hand, as if to show it off to Yuki.

"Hmph." Handcuffs. The man had handcuffs in his hand.

Yes, they had handcuffs. One problem though: To use them against Yuki, they'd have to get in close…and risk Yuki slashing them with her kunai.

In the name of Meiji, these men were willing to take that risk. The other two policemen took out handcuffs, and the all charged at Yuki. This was an attempt to confuse her. Sure, her attention would be focused solely on one policeman, making him the scapegoat, but one for all, as they say.

"You guys have used this tactic so many times on men who've tried to assassinate my father and I. You'd think I wouldn't know how to stop it by now," Yuki said.

As the policemen closed in, Yuki ducked.

"Huh?" The men all halted as they were in danger of crashing into each other.

Like father like daughter, as they say. Yuki took a note from Lord Tolbi's playbook, using deception to trick the minds of her opponents and gain the upper edge. The men were holding back, and they paid for it. In this split second in time, Yuki thrusted two kunai against the necks of two policemen, effectively slitting their throats. They fell to the ground, defeated.

The third Meiji policeman would think Yuki left herself wide open by focusing on his two downed comrades. He couldn't be blamed, for it was natural. However, that didn't mean he thought wrong.

"Oof! Ngh…" This man wasn't dealt a kunai to the throat like the others. Instead, he got off rather easy. Yuki found it amusing how frail 'down there' was for men, and kicked the last policeman in said area.

The policeman was paused, that was, until Yuki let go, allowing the man to fall to the ground.

"Attacking a girl from behind, eh? If I hadn't experience in fending off marriage-hungry men, you would've gotten a lucky shot." Yuki remarked.

These four fallen men, they served as nothing more than empty shells at the disposal of the Meiji government at any time. They were pawns-no…they were nothing more than tools at best. Their existence meant nothing for Yuki. Their existence also meant nothing for the Meiji government. They were going to the place that wasn't Heaven, and nobody was going to care. That is the life of a Meiji official…These men were just Halloween decorations on a battlefield more suited for Christmas.

Yuki stood calm as her pitch-black hair blew in the wind, realizing her battle was won…or at least, part of it…

"Runt!"

Yuki's attention was grabbed by the sound of an old friend in distress.

"Snorunt?" She turned to face the battle occurring between Snorunt and Bisharp.

Snorunt was being manhandled in a battle that seemed like a mismatch from the very start.

"Runt…" Snorunt was good, but no human or pokemon could keep up dodging dangerous attacks forever.

"Sha! Sha! Sharp!" Bisharp was repeatedly swinging at Snorunt with cold steel.

Snorunt was beginning to struggle against Bisharp. Her movement was slower, and somewhat fatigued. Meanwhile, Bisharp was an experienced killer of hundreds of men, just getting started. From here, one can only assume that Snorunt's defeat was only a matter of time.

"Sharp!" Bisharp decided now was the time to strike Snorunt with an attack not yet used in this fight. He stood as his cold steel began to cloak itself in sharp darkness.

"Runt…Runt…" Snorunt was aware of this move. She had only seen Bisharp use it so many times.

Night Slash: A move that granted Bisharp a longer reach and wider spread when attacking.

"Sharp!" Bisharp wasted no time going at Snorunt again.

Snorunt tried to dodge, but it was no use. Night Slash simply covered too much area. Snorunt, for the first time, was stricken by Bisharp. This was a wake-up call for Yuki. While she was protected by the order of her father, Lord Tolbi, everybody else was not to be given such mercy.

"Sha!" Bisharp quickly followed Night Slash, with another attack with his plain, cold steel.

"O-ngh…" Snorunt, downed, was stricken by the cold steel. Literally, the breath was knocked out of her…as blood began to drip from the top of her head. "!" Bisharp followed by striking Snorunt with the steel on his other arm.

"Snorunt!" Snorunt was in deep trouble, and I felt the need to take action, with my battle done. My face became worrisome as Bisharp continued to slash Snorunt. I ran in an effort to save Snorunt, because now her life depended on it.

I gasped. My effort meant nothing once he jumped in front of me, blocking my path.

"Your comrades aren't as priviledged as you are, Princess Yukiko. Did you not give this thought when you ran away from Meiji?" It was my own guardian, Bishop.

He and Yuki have both taken note of the fact that Guardian Bishop had yet to participate in the fight, and this was not unintentional. Guardian Bishop, while a ruthless swordsman who belonged to the years of yesterday, was not as zealous as Bisharp. Since Guardian Bishop first fought me just outside Meiji, he'd held off on combat of any kind, for the sake of keeping Yuki physically and mentally healthy, and keeping her from doing anything rash. But now, under the order of Lord Tolbi, he had no choice but to fight the girl he has guarded since she was a baby. On the outside, Bishop seemed his cold, usual self. But on the inside, he dreaded the idea of fighting the one he considers 'the child he never had'. Even more, he dreaded how he and Yuki's relationship would be effected going forward…

"Get out of the way." Yuki raised her kunai, "That's an order."

"My apologies, Princess." Bishop raised his weapon, which all but gave away the fact that he was holding back: A sheathed sword. He was NOT going to risk steel piercing the Princess. "Lord Tolbi's orders supersedes yours. Your capture is imminent!"

Guardian Bishop thrusted toward Yuki, and Yuki braced herself for battle. Unlike the other fights, this wasn't going to be a battle to the death, but it was going to be critical in saving the life of Snorunt…

….

Yuki & Seth Part IV: The End

The fight between Seth and Lord Tolbi was hard fought indeed, and the conclusion was on the horizon.

Chikorita wasn't a very strong pokemon in her own right, and there was no way she could keep pace with Serperior. Seth knew this, and used it to his advantage. He allowed for the fight between Serperior and Chikorita to drag on without using Fear's power, to give the impression that he was going to fight fair. Deception, a tactic he learned from Serperior in this very fight.

Chikorita's Reflect had worn off, allowing for Serperior to use Leaf Blade effectively again. Serperior wasted no time utilizing that green sword of a rattling tail he had.

Chikorita dodged here and there, and on occasion, was actually struck. While she resisted the move, Leaf Blade still did decent damage, due to the level gap between the two.

"Hmph." My left eye began to glow the familiar dark purple color. Yes, I was using Fear's power now: somewhat later in the battle, when Lord Tolbi is fully concentrated on his opponent; the most random and opportune moment.

I rushed the dark aura to Lord Tolbi very swiftly.

"Ah?!" The ruler of Meiji City did not see what was coming, just as I suspected.

The dark aura surrounding Lord Tolbi grew stronger as my left eye intensified. Like Yuki defeating the four Meiji policeman, I defeated Lord Tolbi.

"…" The surrounding darkness became too much for him, it was suffocating. It was a losing struggle to breathe, and moments of desperation, his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

"Ser?" Serperior exited battle mode, his attention grabbed by Lord Tolbi's struggle.

Lord Tolbi, when all was said and done, fell to the ground…

…

…

…

Lord Tolbi was dead…Did Serperior have enough resolve to continue the fight? He was without his leader. ALL of Meiji was without a leader, though they didn't know it. Would they simply go about their everyday life as they have before? Would the Meiji Era supremacists hold their ground, or will they lose it the to the bitter Edo Period swordsman who've endured what I would consider to be a 'double standard' over the last decade? I wasn't sure. This is a period of time before political correctness was being exercised. Maybe all these questions fall on the one who is next in line to rule Meiji: Lord Tolbi's heir to the throne: Princess Yukiko.

I looked at Chikorita, and then at Serperior.

"Ser…" Serperior stared right back at me. Perhaps he was unsure of what to do, with his master gone. Sure, he could try to avenge his death by fighting me, but Serperior appeared to be a pokemon beyond fighting JUST for the sake of fighting.

"Will you concede defeat?" I asked the pokemon.

Serperior remained unsure, leaving my question on a cliffhanger.

My fight was over…However, the fight between Yuki and Bishop, as well as Snorunt and Bisharp continued.

"Sharp! Sharp! Bisharp!"

"…"

The fight between Snorunt and Bisharp was reaching its conclusion, with Bisharp slashing Snorunt, who was unresponsive to Bisharp's response at this point.

"Snorunt!" Yuki, this entire time, was trying desperately to rush to Snorunt's aid. She was always held off by Guardian Bishop every time.

Bishop held Yuki by her wrist. Yuki tried striking Bishop with a swing of the kunai in her other hand, but Bishop effortlessly parried the attack with his sheathed sword.

"Let go!" Yuki continued trying to pull away. As the seconds passed, her screams started turning into cries, and then whimpers. "Please, Bishop…Tell Bisharp to stop!"

"The moment Snorunt first launched an attack, it became a criminal. It's no better than the kidnapper." Bishop replied.

Snorunt was in trouble, and Yuki was unable to come to her rescue. Now was the time for me to act. Maybe Guardian Bishop had caught sight of Lord Tolbi's defeat. Maybe he didn't. Maybe he believed we were still fighting…But Bishop is a very observant swordsman. His name as a swordsman didn't become famed in this fabled land for nothing…But…Fear's power didn't exist in this time either. Maybe Fear and I can change history…

Wordlessly, I rushed a dark aura at Guardian Bishop. In the most random of times, this was in a similar manner to how I operated the dark aura against Lord Tolbi.

"!" Bishop's eyes glinted, and then narrowed. Just as the dark aura neared him, he jumped out of its path.

Because Bishop had seen this power used before, he knew that he couldn't simply deflect the attack using his sword. No. This power was alien to him, and truth be told, it's still alien in the time I'm from.

I was not surprised Bishop was able to avoid the dark aura. Bishop, however, was surprised when Yuki was opportunistic enough to break free of his grasp while his attention was diverted.

"No!" Bishop cursed, and tried running after Yuki.

"Snorunt!" There were tears in Yuki's eyes as she closed in on Bisharp assaulting Snorunt.

"…" Snorunt was unresponsive…unconscious…and maybe even-should the word even be said?

"Shar! Shar!" Plenty of blood decorated Bisharp's cold steel.

Yuki was fast, but not fast enough. She wasn't fast enough to come to Snorunt's aid in time, and she wasn't fast enough to outrun Bishop, who stepped in front of her, blocking her path once more.

"Get out of the way!" Yuki's eyes were intense as she raised her kunai once more. She care not about how powerful her Guardian Bishop was, she was ready to pierce a hole in his body if it meant getting to Snorunt.

Quietly, I rushed another stream of dark aura at Bishop.

Before Bishop was given an opportunity to reply to Yuki, he perceptively jumped in the air to avoid the dark aura again.

Perceptive…TOO perceptive…It was only natural for me to counter Bishop's perception with DEception, using the tactic Serperior used against me. I halted the dark aura just below him, and waited for him to land before allowing the dark aura to climb his leg.

"A bluff?!" Bishop cursed once again. He tried to move, but it was no use. The pressure from the dark aura had him completely constricted. "Damn it!" He struggled and struggled, before calmly realizing his defeat. He slowly turned to me with narrowed eyes that could only belong to someone who has murdered many men. "I'll greet you at the front gate when you arrive in Hell, kidnapper. But for now…" Bishop allowed for his head to drop, "It's been ten years since the days of Edo. I've killed many men and committed many crimes during those days. But now, as I die…my debt to society, and the Meiji government…has been repaid…"

Bishop fell to the snowy ground, like a true warrior-sword still in hand. His long, brownish black hair blew in the wind, as did the long black coat he wore like a cape. He remained on the snowy ground, motionless. And if no person bothers to travel a remote path like this, that spot is where his remains will be, presumably for eternity…

"Snorunt!" Yuki took the last steps to saving her childhood friend, but was it too late?

Bisharp was the last of the Meiji government that was against us. Regardless of whether it was insulting to regulate him to the title of 'pokemon', his trainer in Bishop just died, and he's still focused on Snorunt as if nothing has happened. Perhaps its true: Bisharp really is more overzealous than Guardian Bishop.

"You!" Yuki took both of her kunai, and began to stab Bisharp repeatedly. "Get off her! GET OFF HER!"

If he were any other pokemon, Bisharp would probably have dropped dead, and his blood would've stained Yuki's white furisode. But Bisharp's body was made of steel, and he resisted Yuki's interference.

"Sharp!" Sharp!" Bisharp continued striking Snorunt until it was Yuki who intercepted his arm using one of her kunai. "Sharp!" Bisharp turned to Yuki, and it was as if he was telling Yuki to get off.

"Get off Snorunt!"

Bisharp was telling Yuki to get off, while Yuki was telling Bisharp to get off. This quickly turned into bickering. Yes, Bisharp was overzealous, but even he had enough sense not to kill Yuki, his Princess. They struggled back and forth, until I felt it was time for me to take action again.

I rushed the dark aura to Bisharp.

"Get off her, or I'll kill you!" Yuki made one last effort to save Snorunt, by rushing a kunai to Bisharp's face.

Bisharp's eyes grey wide, and in response…

"Shar!"

"Chi?!"

"Ser!"

What Bisharp did next would stun me, Chikorita, and even a Serperior who was now looking on. It was also stun Yuki, but in a different, more painful way.

Bisharp, in his frustration, pierced Yuki with the ax on his head.

Yuki was slashed in her stomach, and from then on, she started falling. As Yuki fell, I began to think: Yuki was the last of the Meiji government family…She knew becoming Meiji's ruler was inevitable, she just wanted to use what time she had to see the world. Being a Princess, it has weighed her down, and it all escalated to this…Why did she have to fight? Hmph…She resists the Meiji government in a similar sense to me resisting the government of a certain evil organization in the real world.

It felt as though a forever passed by the time Yuki landed on the ground, seemingly lifeless.

Bisharp's eyes remained wide, and he was panting heavily. "Sha…" It took a split second for the adrenaline to where off, and when it did, Bisharp began to realize what it was he did. He killed Princess Yukiko-the heir to Lord Tolbi's throne.

Bisharp, if he were given the opportunity to live longer, would've mourned over the loss of Princess Yuki. He WASN'T given the opportunity though.

"Sha?! Ack-Ngh…" The darkness I'd rushed to him had done its job. Bisharp was engulfed and suffocated, going down without a struggle.

…

…

…

Bisharp went down on purpose…He refused to live knowing he failed Lord Tolbi. He failed Guardian Bishop, he failed the entire city of Meiji, and most importantly, he failed Yuki…In conclusion, this was suicide. Bisharp fell to the ground, and didn't move…

The entire Meiji power was officially dead.

"Chi! Chico!" Tears in her eyes, Chikorita rushed to Yuki and Snorunt.

I followed suit, as did Serperior.

"Ser?"

I took a look at Yuki before glancing at Snorunt. 'Snorunt's been more than defeated,' I thought to myself, 'It's entire body has been gashed, and blood is in abundance. Any treatment that could be offered would involve a long and difficult recovery,' emphasis of COULD, 'But, Snorunt's no longer breathing. She's been dead for a minute now. Yuki…her dying effort to save Snorunt was meaningless…'

Was I supposed to feel a certain way over the death of Yuki? I've been told so many times that I come across as heartless or inhuman, because I fail to express enough emotion in given situations. But this is just a dream. Everything I see here is an illusion.

"You fool…" I couldn't help but voice my mental commentary out loud, aiming at Yuki and the emotion that clouded her poor judgement.

"…I'm…not…a fool…"

Now I was hearing voices in my head…Or was I? I looked at the Yuki…She was weak, her breathing was faint with movement that was near imperceptible. But, her eyes were half open, and staring at me. She was on the brink of unconsciousness.

"I'm your…fiance…"

"Yuki." I knelt down beside her, while Chikorita step closer to provide comfort.

"Chico? Chico chi?" Chikorita was calm when asking Yuki if she was alright. Her tone was an unnerving variety of calm, because she already knew the answer was one that was less desired.

Yuki was barely clinging on to life, which was due to end soon.

Yuki, while weak, was able to slowly reach and grab my hand.

"I am Yukiko, Princess of Meiji City, and heir to the throne of Lord Tolbi…After years of being forced love at my doorstep, I finally found the one I love enough to be engaged with: He's the last person I'll ever see alive, and for that, I am happy. Even if it cost me my life, I don't regret getting a glimpse of the outside world for the first time in my life. At least I won't live rest of my life under conditions I never asked for…" Yuki was talking to me, but not through her mouth. I could hear her voice echo throughout the foot of the Icy Mountains. It was then that I realized: This dream was forcefully induced by the Yukiko I was fighting in the real world. This dream was used to tell me her life story, similar to how my dreams were used to tell me what happened to Pryce… "At the foot of the Icy Mountains was where I began to fall at the hands of the grim reaper. It was a slow process though. I knew Aomori Village lied somewhere in the Icy Mountains, so I struggled onward. I limped, which turned into crawling, which turned into immobilization. I didn't make it to Aomori Village in time, as my death would be official during my trek. I was never properly put to rest, leaving my spirit to wander these mountains for eternity…"

As the echo of Yukiko in the real world faded, the downed Yukiko holding my hand could only whimper one final question.

"Am I…pretty?"

…

…

…

"…" Is she…pretty?

"Chi?" Chikorita and Serperior both looked at me expectantly. Were they expecting this circumstance to allow me to give Yuki the answer she desires?

How many times have I been asked that question? More than ten? Maybe closer to one hundred? Yuki…with the way she looks and how she asks that question…she reminds me so much of Yumi.

Long black hair, a short-skirted furisode, black pantyhose, and those eyes that were a light shade of blue-those same eyes that have hypnotized me in and out of consciousness for weeks passed…Looking like Yumi is the only reason why I chose to associate with Yumi in the first place. This whole time, all I saw was Yumi…Yuki wasn't bubbly and overly-affectionate to the degree Yumi was. Unlike when Yumi asked me that question, I'm able to act with a calm mind as I reply.

"Chico." Chikorita saw the small change in facial expression. I was ACTUALLY going to dignify this question with a rational answer for the first time, and Chikorita was encouraging me.

"Am…I…pretty…" The thought of Yumi surfaces again.

'Am I pretty?' As does the persistence and ambiguity of Yukiko in the real world.

The dream was about to end, as Yukiko had shown to me everything I needed to know about her. As I was about to answer the question, I whited out…

…At long last, I was awakening…

But one last thing…How do I truly free myself from Yukiko's hypnotism? I need the 'find all to end all' answer.

Awakening…

Location: Icy Mountains-Aomori Outskirts

Seth's POV

'Am I pretty?'

How long was I asleep?

It was still the dead of night, in the snowy forest. The night sky was clear…but my view was obstructed…by mirrors made of ice…the same mirrors Yukiko had summoned before putting me to sleep with that Draining Kiss…

'Am I pretty?'

Come on, there must be some way to keep her voice out of my head.

"Ngh…" As I was thinking to myself, something or someone slid next to me.

I moved, and as I did, this someone faced my direction.

"You're awake?"

It was Yumi…the girl who looked like Yuki.

I sat up, to see a battlefield of defeated people and pokemon. Mamoswine and Abomasnow lay unconscious in the snow, while I questioned to myself whether or not Morana was alive due to having a kunai lodged in the back of her neck. Yumi's pokemon-Braixen, Umbreon, and Gligar were defeated as well…

'Am I pretty?'

That question…

"Seth?" Yumi called.

"…" Still partially asleep, I wordlessly stared at Yumi, and into her eyes.

'Am I pretty?'

It was THEN…I finally hatched an idea on how to break Yukiko's hypnotism.

"Yumi!" I hurriedly crawled close to Yumi, and sat on my knees.

"What?" My suddenly exclamation had Yumi startled. "What is it?"

The entire time I was dreaming, I was comparing Yukiko to Yumi. They look like each other, so maybe I could break through Yukiko's hypnotism by deluding my mind into thinking I'm hypnotized by someone else-someone who's an ally.

"Yumi." I kept my gaze on her not-as-hypnotizing, sky blue eyes. "Yumi, you're pretty."

To Be Continued…

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Seth's Pokemon Team

Chikorita(Female)-Overgrow

Chandelure(Male)-Flame Body

Mawile(Female)-Intimidate

Elekid(Male)-Static

Gabite(Male)-Rough Skin

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At Sunnyshore Gym

Shadow Seviper(Female)-Shed Skin

Shadow Klefki(Male)-Prankster

Murkrow(Male)-Super Luck

Tyranitar(Male)-Sand Stream