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.

125. Chapter 125:From Autumn To Winter-Ending

Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 125: From Autumn To Winter-Ending

Author's Note:

Another really long chapter. This is supposed to wrap up a certain portion of the story-A 'Story Within a Story'. From the beginning of Virus Version to the end of Ecruteak City was the first portion of the story, 62 Chapters long. From Chapters 63-125 is the next portion, a majority being in a winter setting. The winter has passed, and we will proceed to the next part of the story after this Chapter. Prepare for Neo Snagem to regain the heavy screen time they had during Chapters 1-63.

Read and review!

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Seth's POV

Froslass was mine. As Princess Yuki, she said she wanted to travel the outside world with me, and now, that was what she was going to get. In the end, her wish was going to come true.

The era of Froslass in the Icy Mountains was over, and it showed. As the sun made its way to our side of the horizon, the sky turned a light dawn color…It was warm...I looked around, to see the first of the snow begin to melt from the leafless trees. Maybe this was going to be the beginning of the end for Aomori's eternal winter as well…

Froslass was a pokemon I worked hard to capture, and I needed a lot of help in doing so. I savored the moment I had to stare at her new Pokeball, which had a shine on it, courtesy of the morning sun.

"Seth!" Yumi called my name with much glee. I could hear her footsteps in the snow on the ground, which was beginning to melt. "Haha!"

"Woah!" She literally jumped at me, wrapping her arms around to hug me, nearly knocking me to the ground in doing so.

For a few seconds, Yumi nudged me affectionately, before slowing down and eventually enjoying just having her arms wrapped around me. This wasn't the kind of embrace from Yumi that was hyper and bubbly. No, this was different. This moment, in the dawn of a new day, Yumi's embrace reminded me of Autumn Town, when she made an effort to be gentle. Since then, I've tried to comprehend why Yumi was such an affectionate person. Why did she place so much weight on hugs and kisses? Only in Autumn Town has she actually kissed me on the cheek, no matter how uncomfortable it made me…And now, she kissed me on the cheek again.

She pulled her lips away, and simply looked at me with warm eyes, and a smile on her face.

"What?"

"You called me pretty." Yumi answered. "I know, I know. Telling a girl she's pretty is common courtesy, but that's the thing: It's so common, the word 'pretty' loses its weight. But you…when you said it, it felt so special…I felt as if nobody could touch me, because I finally got the impossible to happen." Yumi then whispered to me, "Do you really think I'm pretty?"

What was I to say? Now that we weren't in the heat of battle, I was very uncomfortable answering this question. "I…" I didn't want to tell Yumi she wasn't pretty again…I guess it's been so long since the last time I discovered a new emotion on my journey. Remorse was the emotion I found after blowing Yumi off like that…I didn't ever want to experience that emotion again when it came to the girl who saved my life. So for the first time, I was able to swallow my pride, and the words slowly came from my mouth, "You're pretty."

"Eeeee!" Hearing those words come from my mouth had Yumi becoming giddy like a teenage girl.

"Chico!" Chikorita has been with Yumi and I from day one, so it was only natural for her to become just as excited as Yumi. They both made a complimentary dynamic.

"He said it, Chikorita!" Yumi squatted to Chikorita's level, and she shared a high five with Chikortia's leaf as they both celebrated, "He finally said it!"

How Yumi would look next would surprise me.

"Hm?"

As she cheered…tears were coming from her eyes?

"You're crying?" I asked.

Yes, Yumi was crying. But Yumi corrected me when I was about to mislead myself by jumping to the conclusion that she was sad. No…Yumi told me that she was crying tears of joy. She said that I filled her with so much bliss right now. I was told of how low I made her feel yesterday, and about how she couldn't stand to face me after I shot her down. She considered never talking to me again, though she would disguise it by at least acknowledging my existence, and smiling at me as we shared silent moments filled with merriment…like at the frozen wishing well in Aomori…Yumi was sad, but now she's happy.

"Ngh…"

Yumi's mood was rising, with the sun, and with Froslass' fallen victims.

"On…" Umbreon slowly rose to his feet.

"Zen?" Followed by Braixen, who blinked at Yumi and I, confused.

"Gli." The last of Yumi's pokemon to wake up was Gligar, a pokemon formerly surrounded by the dark aura that belongs to a shadow pokemon. Against Froslass was the first time Yumi has used Gligar, I'll venture to guess.

"Hey!" Yumi waved to her pokemon.

Braixen, Gligar, and Umbreon were defeated by Froslass, but they looked and moved as if they were fresh in battle. I guess that's just what a good night sleep can do. Yumi held her arms out for her pokemon, who all ran up to embrace her. They all shared a group hug.

"Zen."

"Umbreon."

"Gligar." They were all smiling.

"Haha, you three were amazing."

"Chi…" Chikorita could only watch in envy, the display of affection between trainer and pokemon.

"Ngh…" I was one who could only watch them as well, before my attention was shifted to the others who were rising from the ground of melting snow.

Morana opened her eyes as she rose to her knees, and rubbed the back of her neck, where she was struck by Froslass' kunai. "…"

"Abom…"

"Mamo?"

Morana didn't acknowledge the existence of her Mamoswine and Abomasnow as they attempted to comfort her. It was like Morana to play the victim, and she wasn't going to give us the benefit of seeing her in a pathetic predicament at this moment.

"Chico…" Morana's attitude didn't stop Chikorita from pitying her, as the Grass type walked over to the Gym Leader and offered her leaf in place of a helping hand. "Chico?" She meant to ask 'are you okay'.

"You'll get no sympathy from me." I whispered to myself.

Morana sighed, and then swatted Chikorita's leaf away. "Don't you have a dumbass trainer you should be celebrating with?"

"Chi?" Chikorita was confused. "Chico chi?"

"I'm no fool." Morana replied, "I last remember an ice-cold kunai getting the best of me. But now it's morning, and that Froslass is nowhere to be found. The conclusion is simple: Froslass was captured, but not by me…I've travelled all this way to add that pokemon to my collection, as a prize…I'll be damned if that dumbass capturing her stops me from trying make her my pokemon again…" Morana rose from her knees to her feet. She picked up her stray pointer-like wand that was left in the snow, and started walking. She was headed back to the abandoned Aomori Village.

Morana and I…we haven't seen the last of each other…

"Chikorita." I called.

Chikorita looked at me in response, and I started walking.

"Let's go," I said as I was also heading back to Aomori Village.

"Wait!" Yumi, in her excitement, wouldn't let me wander too far off without running to lock her arm in mine, "Let's go together."

"Brai!"

"On!"

"Gligar!" Yumi's pokemon all chirped in agreement.

….

POV: There is no POV at this time

It wasn't as if Seth and the others were following Morana riding her Mamoswine, they were all just headed in the same direction. After a long night, it was time to rest in regroup in the abandoned Aomori Village.

The forest of melting snow was coming alive. Spring had already arrived for Mahogany Town and its surrounding region, and with Froslass captured, Aomori Village's turn would come soon, probably by the end of the day. Better late than never, perhaps.

The snow was melting, on the ground, and from the trees…and the mountain rivers that had been frozen for the better part of the last century started to thaw out.

The Icy Mountains were about to be call 'the Icy Mountains, no more'.

The forest was coming alive with local Ice type pokemon in transit, migrating to the mountains' icy paths inside, which would remain frozen regardless of the change outside. While Ice types were making their exit, Flying types were making their entrances. Pokemon such as Pidgey and Pidgeotto were not prepared for the mountains to be hospitable. In fact, they were just passing by, returning north from their annual winter migration.

Cries of all kinds of pokemon could be heard. Even…

"Oonnn!" The cry coming from this pokemon was more dominant than any other pokemon in the melting forest.

"Oonnn!"

"Oonnn!"

The cries would continue as edged closer to Aomori Village. After making their way upstream, Seth took a mental note of the bridge he'd past by when venturing out of Aomori last night. It was where he found Mamoswine.

"Oonnn!" On this bridge, a Glaceon stood.

The Glaceon made eye contact with Morana and Mamosine, who were the first to pass.

"Hmph." Morana waved the Glaceon off as nothing more than 'a pokemon who wasn't the Froslass prize she'd longed for'. Morana proceeded without giving Glaceon the time of day.

"A Glaceon!" Yumi, on the other hand, was excited as she ran up to it.

"Gla!" Glaceon greeted Yumi casually, as if it knew her.

"You're so beautiful! And your fur looks so pristine compared to other Glaceon!" Yumi then took out a Pokeball.

Glaceon was pleased to hear the words come from Yumi's mouth. Without warning, Glaceon ran ahead a few steps, then looked back at Yumi and Seth. "Gla!" Glaceon was anxious.

"You want us to follow you?" Yumi asked.

Glaceon nodded before running ahead some more. Well, the Glaceon WAS running in the direction of Aomori Village, so there was no reason to decline.

Chikorita, Umbreon and Braixen raced with Glaceon, while Gligar remained at a normal walking pace. Seth remained indifferent, as they made their way back to Aomori Village.

Location: Aomori Village

Led by Glaceon, Seth and Yumi were greeted with the sight of a village that was a shell of its former self, and in all the right ways. Green wasn't in abundance, but it was making its first appears in Aomori in decades, or maybe even centuries.

"The snow's melting kind of fast, don't you think?" Yumi asked Seth, "I mean, the sun has only been up for a few minutes."

Yumi got no reply from Seth, but didn't mind. Seth was just being Seth. He WAS listening to what Yumi said, as he wordlessly stared at his surroundings to take note. "This'll be the last day we spend in the mountains," he said.

"We've spent so long in this part of the region. I'm sure going to miss it,"Yumi began to think to herself everything that's happened from Autumn Town until now.

Today was a big step for Yumi and her relationship with Seth, but it all started in Autumn Town. Yumi told herself AND Seth that she really liked him. She promised that she'd get Seth to return her feelings for him some day. It was a shame it cost them the life of baby Espurr to realize this. Enjoy the next life, little Espurr…

After leaving Autumn Town behind, she and Seth arrived in Mahogany Town. Aside from meeting up with her Pokemon Contest rivals, Yumi's first few night in Mahogany were rather uneventful. Chapel and Rose DID mention their run in with masked Volbeat and Illumise, as well as a powerful Gallade. They all were under the ownership of Lady Beatrice. They fought in the old hideout of the now defunct Team Rocket.

Speaking of Team Rocket, they tried to mount a revival in the form of Cassidy, Butch, a Drowzee, and an army of hypnotized pokemon. They almost took over Mahogany Town Yumi's relationship with Snivy had imploded. Yumi eventually made amends with Snivy, and took down Team Rocket, alongside Seth, Rose, Prince, and Mary-Elizabeth, to name a few.

…Mary Elizabeth was 'convinced' into accompanying Yumi on an adventure. Yumi was rash, and almost caused both herself and Mary Elizabeth to miss the Mahogany Town Contest. The two, while cutting close, made it on time, and fought each other in the first battle round. Snivy, who's relationship with Yumi had JUST started to take a turn for the better following the Team Rocket incident, had evolved into a Servine. This evolution was supposed to lead to a victory through the bond between trainer and pokemon, but Servine differed. Their relationship hit rock bottom once again, as Servine cost Yumi the Contest. Yumi would spend the next day depressed and in her bed, as aspirations of one day entering the Grand Festival were beginning to fade away.

Lost in all this early Mahogany drama, was the mystery of what happened to Pryce. The day after the Contest was the first time Seth had this vision of a mysterious woman. The same day, Seth MET Morana for the first time. They had a battle for the Glacier Badge. It was Morana's very first battle as Mahogany Town Gym Leader, and she made Seth look like easy competition. Seth was no match for Morana. Mawile getting seriously hurt by dry ice forced some maturation as a trainer on Seth's part. Seth went to bed that night just as deflated as Yumi, but the nightmares about Pryce and the mysterious woman wouldn't cease…

Where Seth failed, Chapel succeeded. She defeated Morana, and was given the Glacier Badge on the night of what was a very good day for the Pokemon Ranger. In the defense of a local shop, Chapel and Rose defeated Ghandi, the leader of Mahogany Town's 'mafia'. The shop owners were so grateful, they allowed for Chapel and Rose to obtain pokemon eggs from their nursery. Chapel and Rose nurse the eggs, to this day.

The nightmares about the mysterious woman continued for Seth, so he decided to skip the rematch with Morana and get straight to the bottom of the mysterious woman and whatever happened to Pryce. He, along with Yumi, Chapel, and Rose all ventured to the mountains…And after everything that's happened on the mountains, it all concludes here: Aomori Village.

Yumi was taken out of her daydreaming when Glaceon came to a sudden halt, in front of a Goshol house-different from the Goshol house she and Seth stayed in early last night.

"Glaceon." Glaceon sat down and waited.

Confused, Yumi stood beside the Glaceon and asked, "What? Is someone here?"

Glaceon nodded.

"Um, onii-chan?" Yumi was anxiously waiting to greet or be greeted by someone, but it was Seth who was the first to be greeted. By a stranger? No.

She was five years old, wore a black Lolita dress fit for a Lolita or Princess, and wore a big bow decorated with a rose on her head. Her eyes were beautifully deep in blue, her hair was long and blonde, and to Seth, she looked much like her mother.

"Brother." Yes, it was Rose. She was right beside Seth, floating a couple of inches from the ground using her virus power.

"Rose." Seth didn't expect to meet Rose here. He was surprised to see his little sister at such a random time.

"Glaceon!" Glaceon ran up to Rose, jumping in her arms to be held. "Gla!"

"Good morning, onii-chan." Rose kept her eyes on her brother as she greeted him. "I am delighted to see you alive and well." As always, the five year old was prim and proper, using not one contraction in her words.

Seth said nothing, though his facial expression wasn't as indifferent as it usual was. Rose wanted for him to say something though.

Rose was an emotionally fragile girl, and drooped when Seth said nothing, "You are, not delighted to see me?"

"No way. Seth is a changed person." Yumi approached Rose, "You'll never guess what Seth said to me."

"What?" Rose was curious.

Seth was having none of this. He tried to walk away before Yumi could tell Rose what he said. Seth wasn't giving them the cold shoulder, he was just discovering another new emotion. He wasn't going to say it out loud, but he was kind of embarrassed by how open Yumi was about him calling her pretty; You wouldn't be able to guess it, considering his facial expression remained as cold as the night before.

Yumi whispered what Seth said to her into Rose's ear. Rose's eyes widened and she even blushed. She was eager, for she HAD to get Seth to tell her the same thing. Using her power, she flew in front of Seth, blocking his path. "Brother, am I pretty?"

Seth sighed. Had it been anyone BUT Rose seeking an answer from Seth, they would've blown off the sigh as just 'same old Seth'. But this is Rose we were talking about. It was the five year old's turn to sigh. Would it embarrass Seth to tell Rose she was pretty? Why…would he be ashamed? Unlike Rose, Seth doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeve. Well, their relationship has always been 'up and down'. After all the distractions in Mahogany Town, the time should be coming soon when their relationship will be tested.

"Gla! Glaceon!" Glaceon stirred in Rose's arms.

"Oh?" Rose descended to the ground and let Glaceon roam free.

"On." Glaceon's hearing must've been spot on, as she could hear footsteps coming from inside the Goshol house everyone was standing in front of.

The door opened, and stepping outside was a familiar Pokemon Ranger with chin length pale blonde hair that spiked outward in the back of her shoulders, as well as maroon bangs that shaped her face. She wore a large, brown belt that was loose around the waist, as well as black short shorts. White, thigh high stockings were being worn, and then calf high boots that were brown in color and had beige soles.

It was Chapel, and Piplup was right beside her.

"Gla." Glaceon greeted.

"Glaceon, and…" She returned Glaceon's greet before drifting her gaze to Yumi and Seth. "You guys!" Compared to Rose and Yumi, Chapel wasn't over the top affectionate. However, she WAS one who's quick to express herself. She ran both Yumi and Seth into a hug, wrapping each of her arms around their necks.

"Haha, nice to see you." Yumi blushed as she smiled.

Seth had a bewildered look on his face as his mouth hung slightly open.

"Brother? Yumi? Whatever happened to you both once we were separated?" Rose asked as Chapel released the duo.

"Why don't we talk about it inside?" Yumi asked, "I'm kind of tired now."

…

And so, the groups told their respective stories to each other. Chapel and Rose told their venture through Icy Mountains' cavernous depths-from an entire town of checker board floors, to gingerbread houses, to riding a toy train that worked just as well as any old train in human civilization. They battled the Avalugg that separated them from Seth and Yumi, as Chapel's odd colored Eevee evolved into a beautiful Glaceon.

Chapel and Rose also ran into the masked Innamorati duo of Volbeat and Illumise, who belonged to a Commander of Team Neo Snagem; Commander 06 Beatrice was her name, as mentioned earlier.

Seth took a mental note of this. It's been some time since he last encountered a Neo Snagem Commander; Ecruteak City, to be exact. Admittedly, the mystery of Yukiko HAD taken his mind of Team Neo Snagem at some point. He knew that if the pokemon of the Commander was in the mountains, paths with their Commander would cross his very soon. But for now, he had 'something' he needed to do.

As Yumi started to explain her story from last night, Seth abruptly rose to his feet and headed for the door.

"Chi?" Chikorita and everyone else looked at him.

"Where are you going?" Chapel asked.

"I need to take care of something before resting." Seth replied without facing the girls.

"Then allow us to accompany you." Rose welcomed herself as she ascended from the floor using her virus power.

Rose was right behind Seth. Yumi, Chapel, and their pokemon were all rising to their feet, ready to follow Seth, but as they started walking, Seth turned around and looked Rose in the eye.

"Brother?" Rose said confused.

"I need to do this alone." Seth opened the door, and as he proceeded back outside, "Stay here." His voice was flat as he shut the door behind him.

Rose sighed. Once again, the girl deflated when her brother resisted her attempt the get closer to him.

"Don't worry about him Rose," Chapel said as she put an arm on Rose's shoulder.

Yumi added, "He'll open up to you when he gets to it. Trust me, I know." Yumi winked, "Besides, I think I know what Seth's going to do…"

…

Seth's POV

The sky was still a pinkish dawn color as I walked throughout the abandoned village of Aomori. When I was a distance away from the Goshol house everyone was staying, I took a moment to look intently at a single Pokeball in my hand. The light of the sun was visible in the Pokeball's reflection.

This Pokeball…the Pokeball containing the spirit of the woman who was in my dreams. The woman I journeyed with and was engaged to…the woman who gave her life dying to see the outside world. What should I called her? Yuki? Yukiko? Princess Yukiko? There were so many options…What did SHE want? She wanted to much to make me her trophy for eternity, but in the end, she has become MY trophy. This Pokeball was symbolic of my victory over her…Does she want things to end this way?

I tossed the Pokeball, releasing the human-turned-spirit witch of the snow.

…I've heard stories in ancient mythology about a woman getting lost in the mountains, how she died, and how her spirit continued to haunt the mountains for an eternity. This woman claimed many victims, and did so using deceit. She always came off as some sort of wicked witch in the end. Yuki-Onna was her name. Does Froslass wish to remain trapped in this 'Story of Yuki-Onna' forever?

"…" Released, Froslass' eyes were closed. I breathed slowly as she opened them, and for the first time, I was able to witness those icy blue eyes glistening in the sun…They weren't hypnotizing, just…captivating. It was as dawn as a Dawn Stone, and Froslass has appeared. She said nothing in this moment of silence we shared.

I needed to address Froslass, but she posed a danger to the girls. Back in the mountain caverns, she expressed a strong desire to kill Yumi, Chapel, and Rose before getting to me. Her desire was stopped from becoming reality…then. Who's to say she won't antagonize them in the future? This was the reason why I had everyone stay at the house.

"Froslass." Froslass finally cried.

"When I caught you, I told myself that you would get your wish-the wish from my dream in Meiji; the wish that could leave Meiji's castle walls and travel the outside world…" I started.

"Lass."

"You wanted to travel with me as well," I continued, "You're a powerful spirit capable of defeating many men and pokemon. But at the same time, you've still your memories from your life as a human. Your dries are that of a pokemon, but you're still one of us."

Froslass made no indication that I was right, but she also gave no hint that I was wrong. She just continued to listen, as the look on her face was indiscernible.

"You pose a threat to the lives of those who journey with me, but it doesn't have to be that way. Threats aside, I've every reason to take you on my journey to satisfy my thirst for vengeance." I held my hand out to Froslass, and got straight to the questions, "Will you journey with me? Will you abandon your bid to kill those I affiliate myself with? Do you still desire to see the outside world? You are no longer bound to Aomori Village and the Icy Mountains, and you are now able to fulfill every one of your life dreams."

"Lass…" Froslass' cold eyes widened as I held my hand out. She wanted to touch it, but was still hesitant. "Lass? Froslass?" It looked as if she was asking me something.

I didn't know what she was asking, but there was one more perk I had offered to Froslass in order to make her decision absolute. "I promise you, we'll visit Meiji City one day. It'll be on your terms though. No more struggle between Meiji Era Supremacists and Edo Period Radicals, no more castle walls, and no more being forced into the unwanted life of a Princess."

Meiji City was past Blackthorn. I was sure we'd step foot in that city again. We'd get to see how Meiji has changed over the past century. Perhaps it was met with a fate better than the one given to Aomori Village.

"Will you join me?" I asked one more time.

"Lass…" Froslass stared at my hand intently. For a moment, she seemed ready to nod her head, but hesitated. She turned her back and crossed her arms, gaze on the ground, "Froslass Fros. Lass…Froslass?"

"Yes, or no?" I asked.

"She needs more time to think it over, dumbass."

"Hm?"

"Lass?" Froslass and I both looked to see Morana approaching us from behind. She was riding her Mamoswine.

"Froslass hasn't made up her mind," Morana said to me.

I looked at Froslass, "Is this true?"

Hesitantly, Froslass nodded. "Froslass."

"See? She doesn't want to go with you…Yet. Just how long will you give Froslass to reach a decision?" Morana asked.

"I'm not sure." I answered.

"Hmph." Morana hopped of her steed Mamoswine. Landing on the ground, she crossed her arms and closed her eyes, "How disappointing. I traverse this entire mountain hoping to find a pokemon worthy of serving me, and I find Froslass. She's captured by the dumbass who stood no chance against me in battle, and now she doesn't even want to go with said dumbass." Morana paced back and forth, and then stopped right in front of me. "How? I'm the one who beat you…I deserved to have Froslass as a trophy more than you…No matter…" Morana hopped back on her Mamoswine, and rummaged through a rucksack, looking for something.

When Morana pulled out a certain item…

"!"

"Lass?"

It was a Snag Machine…

"You look surprised." Morana smirked. You could hear the sinister undertone in her voice as she wore the Snag Machine on her arm, pointing it at us. "Don't think for a second that I'm not below snagging a pokemon. You can bet that I'll make Froslass a permanent part of my team-whether or not she desires to be my trophy, I don't give a damn." I split second of silence passed before Morana spoke again, "Tonight, I'm coming after Froslass. You better be ready for a fight, because if not…Hnhmhnhmhnhnh…" Morana chuckled as Mamoswine started turning around. Her back facing us, she gave us one last look in the corner of her eye, "Let's just say, 'nobody will bother to look for broken travelers this high up in the mountains'."

So she's threatening my life...I'm well aware of the reason Morana won't try snagging Froslass now: She's not one hundred percent from her fight last night. Neither was I. I needed to get rest. Even if Froslass decides to accompany me, Morana will still put forth a final effort to retrieve Froslass…

I started walking, and was followed by Froslass.

"Froslass?" I couldn't understand what Froslass was asking as she floated right beside me.

"We'll need all the sleep we can get before tonight," I said.

Well, in a way, I'll get a long awaited rematch with Morana. It's much needed.

…..

It was a long night last night. Yesterday, I resisted everybody's plea to rest. But today…I believe a 'day off' was in order. Froslass, while undecided on my question, had chosen to accompany to the Goshol house.

When was the last time I decided to do absolutely nothing with my day? I don't recall. I believe this was the first time I've truly relaxed on this journey. We ALL needed to relax. Rose and Chapel, Piplup and Glaceon…Braixen, Umbreon, and Gligar…Chikorita…Yumi and I. All we did was sleep. Froslass stayed close to me, but not as close as Yumi. She truly believed that our 'relationship' had gone through some sort of evolution by me telling her she was pretty…When I called Yumi pretty, it was mainly as a means to break free from Froslass' hypnotism, because Yumi looked so much like Yuki. But…am I really starting to believe our relationship's evolution? Do I really think Yumi is pretty?

Well…after my venture with Yuki, I can honestly answer…Yes, I truly believe Yumi is pretty. Perhaps I'm JUST NOW realizing what every guy thinks when they see Yumi: Long black hair, aqua blue bangs, light blue eyes, and a bubbly character full of affection…Why is Yumi the way she is? Why does affection exist? Why does ANY emotion exist? Yes, I believe Yumi is pretty, but I don't like her in the way that she likes me.

I was greeted by the smiling face of Yumi as I woke up during sunset.

"Good evening, Seth." Yumi greeted.

"Did you sleep well?" Rose asked as she ascended to her feet.

I nodded as I stood up.

"Don't try to get too uncomfortable, hun," Chapel said, "We'll be resting through the night as well, before heading east in the morning."

I guess Chapel has appointed herself the unofficial leader, seeing how she was telling us and not asking. Best I not argue with her, not with a fight on the horizon…I opened the Goshol house's front door very slightly, and stared into the sunset.

"Froslass…"

"The snow…" Yumi started

"It's almost completely melted." Rose finished.

I opened the door a little more, and took a single step outside. The last time I stepped on an outside ground without snow…it's been a minute. It was refreshing.

"And where are you going?" I turned around to see Chapel. Her hands were on her hips, and she looked at me expectantly, with those maroon eyes that were complimented by the red of the sunset.

"Froslass." I didn't reply to Chapel directly as I called for Froslass to follow me. She was floated right behind me, as we made our way into the neighborhood street of Aomori.

"Seth!" A mistake on my part. Yumi was used to me giving her the cold shoulder, Chapel on the other hand…She wasn't going to let me get away.

I stopped as I gave Chapel a look with just the corner of my eye. Froslass faced her completely. "I'm expecting one last fight here on the mountains. I'll be back tonight.

"We're coming with you." Chapel, once again, didn't allow me a say in the matter, as she stepped outside the Goshol house, ready to follow me. Brash, isn't she? She doesn't even know who I'm fighting.

Yumi, Rose, and Piplup all exited the Goshol house as well. It was clear that even if I said no, they weren't going to stay here.

Oh well…I sighed as I began walking again, Froslass right beside me.

….

Rather than wander aimlessly throughout Aomori Village. I thought it would be more fitting for Froslass and I to wait for Morana to come to us. Chikorita, Piplup, and the girls had no idea where Froslass and I were going. We strolled through the neighborhood, and down the long hill that led into the main part of the village. From there, we stood at the foot of the small lake that was still frozen despite the end of winter.

Despite the fact that I told them I was expecting a fight, Yumi, Rose, Piplup, and Chikorita were able to make light of being here at the lake. Yumi watched as Piplup put on display, skillful ice-skating skills…if you could call 'ice-skating'. Chikorita jumped in, wanting to have fun as well. She was okay, but not as flashy as Piplup. Yumi, at times, was what I would call a 'daredevil'. She raced onto the frozen lake and decided to skate with Piplup. She failed miserably, falling constantly. She was certainly a daredevil, 'risking' looking like a fool in front of everybody. Still not as bad of a risk as 'jumping off a building, hoping Seth will catch you in a hug'…That DID happen…Hmph, the girl has a knack for laughing off her failure when it comes to lighthearted risk-taking. Her falls were so frequently, Rose found herself floating onto the ice, offering Yumi a hand to stand on. Of course, Yumi accepted.

All Froslass and I did was watch…

"…So," And just before a moment of silence was about to befall this evening on the horizon, it was Chapel who spoke to me, "This fight, what is it?"

"…"

"Froslass." I didn't speak, letting Froslass speaking for me. Chapel was grateful enough to smile at the Ice type, but didn't detract from wanting an answer from me.

"Don't be shy, hun." Chapel certainly had more spice added to her words now. She put a hand on my shoulder, "We're rivals whose truths and ideals clash, but doesn't mean we're no longer friends." She looked to the sunset with a warm smile on her face. Her pale blonde hair and maroon bangs brushed against a slight breeze, "Let's enjoy the days where we don't have to worry about Team Neo Snagem. We've traveled for quite some time, but I still feel as if I don't know you. Open up to me the way you've opened up to Yumi. I know you'd tell Yumi about this fight, and even Rose if need be. Tell me: What is this fight?"

I watched Chikorita and Piplup come to a halt as they watched Rose escort Yumi off the frozen lake.

"Morana wants to snag Froslass." I answered. "Whether Froslass chooses to accompany me on this journey is irrelevant. Morana WILL be here momentarily, Snag Machine in hand."

"Well, DOES Froslass want to go with you?" Chapel asked.

I looked to Froslass, who stared back at me. The question needn't come from my mouth, as it was just asked by Chapel.

"Lass…" Froslass was still hesitant.

"The answer to that question depends on whether the dumbass can defend her, see?"

"Huh?" Chapel looked on the other side of the frozen lake, just outside the fenced hot spring where I searched for Yuki the night before.

Rose and Yumi looked in that direction as well.

There she was.

"Swine." Her Mamoswine was in top form.

And there, worn on her arm…the Snag Machine glistened in the sunset. Her smirk could as her Mamoswine closed the distance on us.

"Hnhnhm-Oh?" Morana's smirk had disappeared when she and Mamoswine caught sight of Chikorita and Piplup, both of whom were just stepping off the frozen lake.

"Chico!"

"Piplup!" Chikorita and Piplup both greeted Morana.

"Hmph." Morana, while she had in fact defeated me last time, was rather annoyed by the fact that her Mamoswine fell to Chikorita.

And Piplup? Well, before we left Mahogany Town, Chapel flashed to me, a Glacier Badge. Maybe Piplup was the one who stood victorious.

Morana turned her gaze back to Froslass and I, "You ready, dumbass?"

Froslass narrowed her eyes.

"You wanna fight, huh?" Chapel was quick to respond to Morana. In fact, the bold girl was the first to ready a Pokeball, and even allowed her left eye to turn the purified light color of Missingno.

"Chapel." Chapel was ready to fight, before I intervened.

She looked at me, and gave her a silent headshake in disapproval.

"Seth…" Was all she could say.

"Hah! You have the Pokemon Ranger fighting your battles now, dumbass?" Morana asked as she hopped off Mamoswine.

"You will be afforded the opportunity to snag Froslass, but only if you agree to fight on my terms." I replied.

"Lass?" Froslass questioned why I would risk losing her in battle…but she was also questioning why she should accompany me on this journey. If we were to never see each other again after tonight, it wouldn't make a difference my actions would be tonight.

"Hmph." Morana scoffed, "Name your terms. If they're up to par, I'll go ahead and play along."

"This will be a three on three pokemon battle-a battle which features prizes on both ends," I started, "If I win, I get your Glacier Badge, and prove that I am superior to you. If you win, you'll be given a chance to capture Froslass, as well as bragging rights."

"A bold wager." Morana replied.

"Froslass?" Froslass still looked at me questioningly.

"Your terms and conditions are awfully burly, Brother," Rose said.

"You want to go through with this?" Yumi asked.

My eyes narrowed. "I won't lose."

"Of course. Because when I snag Froslass, it'll be a no contest. Technically speaking, you won't be able to lose, dumbass," Morana said as she and Mamoswine started walking to the other side of the small frozen lake. She stopped and faced me, "Our battlefield will all ice, got it?"

I stepped up to the edge of the lake opposite of Morana. Yes, like last time, the battlefield was completely clad in ice, but now there wasn't a pit of dry ice below to cause any worry.

Froslass floated right beside me, waiting to see what I was going to do. I looked at her and told her, "Stay back." While she was still undecided on accompanying me on my journey, she was still bound to me by Pokeball. I may need Froslass in this battle, but not this early.

"Mamoswine!" Morana was first. She had that wand-like pointer in her hand, and pointed it at Mamoswine, motioning for the Ice type to make his way onto the battlefield.

"Swine!" Mamoswine jumped onto the battlefield, landing on the ice with authority. The ice under him cracked slightly. "Mamoswine!" It let out a battle cry.

"She is opening with Mamoswine again," Rose said.

"Chi." Chikorita cried in agreement. Notice that I have not called for Chikorita to stand here with me. Though she could have taken initiative, she chose to sat in Rose's arms until I needed her. She was one of, if not the weakest of my pokemon. Ironically, she was the only one to achieve victory in our previous battle. That battle came against Mamoswine.

I took out a Pokeball. There was no plan to use Chikorita, despite her momentum. Her battle against Froslass last night was exhausting, so I decided to sit her tonight. Chandelure had battled Froslass' illusion with his own illusion, but Froslass eventually prevailed. I still have Mawile in my party. She fell into the dry ice during our previous Gym Battle, and is still nursing her burns. Yes, Mawile, Chandelure, and Chikorita were resting now, that left just three pokemon for me to use.

"Battle stance." I threw the Pokeball onto the field, releasing a pokemon I was using for the first time in a while.

Once the white light surrounding him wore off, he opened his eyes, looking at the Mamoswine staring him down. "Grm…" He was calm.

"Gabite!" Yumi cheered.

"How long has it been since Seth's used Gabite?" Chapel asked.

"Lup." Piplup answered.

"Using a Gabite in an ice battleground?" Morana smirked as she crossed her arms, "Dumbass, if you're throwing the match, just tell me."

Maybe Morana's taunt was supposed to get to me. It didn't, I just didn't have the emotions available to react. However, on my behalf, Yumi did, "She doesn't know when to shut up." She gritted her teeth before raising her voice at Morana, "Hey you! You don't even know what Seth's planning!"

Morana closed her eyes as she fiddled with her wand-like pointer, "What's that I hear? Background noise?"

Yumi grunted, but then looked at Rose as she added a comment, "Morana must not be blamed for thinking the way she does. Ordinarily, a type disadvantage can be overcome with the right moves. But Gabite must not be accustomed to fighting on an ice field."

"Gabite is also twice as vulnerable to Mamoswine's ice type moves." Chapel remarked.

"You guys?!" Yumi was letting blind faith cloud cold hard judgement as she questioned Chapel and Rose.

"So sue me if you for acknowledging facts, Yumi." Chapel sassed Yumi.

"Do not mislead yourself with our words, Yumi. We wish for Seth to win just as bad as you." Rose added.

I had hint as to whether or not Gabite would be able to properly operate on the ice battlefield, and I didn't wish to find out as an attack from Mamoswine was incoming. I elected to attack first, "Use Flamethrower."

"Bite!" Gabite jumped in the air, and fired a stream of fire at the large Ice type. The stream of fire was strong.

"Mamoswine, let's dodge that fire display." Morana called.

"Swine!" Mamoswine was playing with home-field advantage on the ice field. As nimble as a Weavile, and as effortlessly as a Piplup, Mamoswine slid on the ice, successfully avoiding Flamethrower.

One detail to note, is where Flamethrower landed after Mamoswine's successful evasion. Flamethrower struck the battlefield of ice, and some of the ice started evaporating into mist at a somewhat rapid rate. Interesting note, it was, but I decided against noting it out loud to prevent Morana from getting any ideas.

"Bite-ah-ah-ah…Bite!" Gabite landed. For a moment, he seemed put out of balance by the ice. He fell victim to slipping on the ice, but was able to regain his composure before falling completely over.

"Mamoswine, use Ice Fang!"

"Swine!" Mamoswine allowed for its tusks to be cloaked in an icy aura. It was like in our previous battle, the icy aura proved to be extension of Mamoswine's tusks, extending the range of attack. Mamoswine jumped into the air, and aimed straight for Gabite.

"Flamethrower." I called for a counter to be executed by Gabite.

A stream of fire was launched, and Mamoswine seemed destined to suffer super effective damage.

"SWINE!" Super effective damage was what I was expecting, but it wasn't what Mamoswine got. Mamoswine roared. The Ice type's offense was fiercer than the flames as he continued to drive down to Gabite.

"What?!" Yumi, Chapel, and Rose were all astonished by how Flamethrower was rendered ineffective, and watched as Mamoswine struck Gabite.

"Swine!" Mamoswine's fangs struck a Gabite too caught off guard to react in time. The impact was great, making a crater in the melting ice as Gabite was driven through.

"Hahahaha." I looked at Morana, who's blue eyes glistened. "Are you wondering what happened, boy?"

"How did Mamoswine escape unscathed?" Chapel asked.

"That Flamethrower did nothing…" Rose added.

"If you're looking for answers, here's one…" Morana's glistening eyes narrowed as she answered, "Neither you nor your pokemon are any match for me."

Gabite, twice as weak to ice, was rising to his feet while still in the crater. Already, Gabite was on the verge of losing. Perhaps sending him into battle WAS a big a mistake as Chapel and Rose hinted, but what choice did I have? My options in this battle were very limited, considering the damage done to half my team last night. Hmph…No excuses. It was never me to do so. In order to satisfy my thirst for vengeance, advantages will have to be made irrelevant to me. I won't lose to Morana…

"Bite…" Gabite gritted his teeth, smirking.

"Swine…" While Mamoswine looked in slight pain.

Yes, Gabite's Rough Skin ability had dealt Mamoswine some damage. This detail went unmentioned by both Morana and I, but it was a note I would keep to myself. Rough Skin was going to be the factor that prevents Mamoswine from gaining too much momentum. In fact…perhaps some close combat in needed.

"Gabite, get in close." I commanded, "Use Dragon Claw, and don't allow any separation between you and Mamoswine.

"Bite!" Gabite allowed his claws to glow a light teal aura that protruded, extending his attack range. Ready, Gabite jumped from the crater and into the air. "Gaarr!"

"Please." Morana scoffed, "Mamoswine, Ice Fang."

"Swine!" This was a head to head showdown. Gabite was coming in to deal damage with Dragon Claw, while Mamoswine stood there, ready to intercept using those protruded tusks of Ice Fang.

Dragon Claw and Ice Fang collided, and the impact was felt by both Gabite and Mamoswine.

"Bite…" Ice Fang sent Gabite sliding back on the ice. He used his claw the keep him from skidding any further, and gritted his teeth at Mamoswine.

"Swine." Mamoswine was a heavy pokemon, so it was expected for Dragon Claw not to send him back…much. Yes, his Ice Fang dealt big damage to Gabite, but Dragon Claw was paired with Rough Skin, allowing for the damage to stack. Mamoswine was uneasy.

"Garr…" Gabite wasn't much better. Heated mist could be seen coming from where he was standing. I narrowed my eyes at this detail.

…That Ice Fang came close to freezing Gabite. Even so, I had to keep the assault on.

"Dragon Claw!"

"Garr!"

"Why is he using Dragon Claw again?" Yumi asked.

"What is he up to?" Chapel was just as confused as Yumi, "Gabite's just going to get hit with Ice Fang again."

Rose said nothing.

Morana closed her eyes and shook her head. "Dumbass…" She whispered my name, and in doing so in a tone that insults one's intelligence, she underestimated me. "Mamoswine, use Ice Fang. Why not make it a critical hit? Hit a weak spot, will you?"

"Swine!" Mamoswine, tusks extended one more time, readied to intercept Gabite. Unlike last time, though, Mamoswine was looking for a weak spot on Gabite.

When Gabite closed in, Mamoswine was able to pinpoint a location: Gabite's legs. Gabite would be completely immobile with injured legs; He wouldn't be unconscious, but he would technically be rendered unable to battle.

Mamoswine readied for a tackle, tusks ready to end this battle.

"Grrn!" Gabite was perceptive though. His eyes glinted, and without command, he jumped into the air just as Mamoswine's Ice Fang was about to hit him.

"Chi!" From the sideline, Chikorita cheered. She, Chapel, and Rose knew what was going to happen next.

"Huh?" Yumi, the only one here who wasn't at our previous battle, was more surprised than anyone…even Morana.

Previously, Chikorita exploited Mamoswine's blind spot as a weakness, and achieved victory. This time, it was Gabite's turn, as he landed on Mamoswine's head.

"Swine!" Mamoswine growled.

"Again?!" Morana scowled.

"Once again, Brother has been underestimated," Rose said, "Mamoswine is helpless now."

Whatever room for error Mamoswine had against Chikorita was nonexistent against a powerful foe like Gabite. Callously, I called for Gabite to use, "Flamethrower."

Gabite, with authority, did as he was told. Directly on top of Mamoswine, he launched a stream of fire that quickly spread to surround the Ice type's entire being.

"Maammm!" Mamoswine, eyes shut, started screaming in a panic. He tried running around, just like last time.

"Get it off you!" Morana yelled, talking about Gabite.

"Mamoswine was unable to get Chikorita off before," Chapel said, "He'll have no chance against Gabite."

She was correct. Mamoswine was unable to shake off a Gabite who resisted his own flame.

"Swine…" Mamoswine's downfall was slow and painful. Flamethrower, coupled with the damage from the burns and Rough Skin was too much for the Ice type. The frozen lake we were battling on had defrosted quite a bit by the time Mamoswine was unable to continue.

"The first round goes to Seth!" Yumi cheered.

Gabite jumped off the downed Mamoswine and back to my side of the field. "Gabite."

"Hmph." That scowl remained on the face of Morana as she recalled her pokemon. She stared at her Pokeball intently before putting it away. Then she gazed at me. "That wasn't supposed to happen."

"She fell for the same trick twice." Rose added.

"Hm?" Yumi questioned, "Twice? You mean, Seth defeated Mamoswine like this before?"

"Morana may be a Gym Leader, but she isn't immune to mindsets that often hinder any ordinary trainer," Chapel explained, "Maybe she underestimated Seth. Or perhaps she overestimated herself and Mamoswine…"

"Brother, IS her very first challenger as a Gym Leader…" Rose said, "The title of Gym Leader was given to her while we resided in Mahogany Town."

"It was a rookie mistake on her part," Chapel explained, "Mamoswine was defeated due to her lack of judgement."

Morana could have taken a mental note from the constructive criticism being conversed among the girls, but it was as if she couldn't hear them-maybe on purpose.

"So you caught Mamoswine off guard…again…" Morana took out a Pokeball, "Whatever. Like last time, Mamoswine was defeated. Let's see if we can replicate another part of our previous match…" Morana smirked, "In which you fail to defeat another one of my pokemon."

That wasn't going to happen again.

"Abomasnow!" A Pokeball was tossed, and on the field appeared an Ice type, while not as large as Mamoswine, was sizable in its own right.

"Snow!" The large pokemon from last night landed on the ice, and as it did, I noticed a rather lack of stability with the ice.

"What's wrong with the ice?" Yumi asked.

"Abomasnow is that heavy?" Rose added a question of her own.

"No." Chapel seemed sure of herself as she answered Rose's question, "This Abomasnow, I battled on route to my victory over Morana. Abomasnow cracked the ice not once." Chapel then turned to Rose, "You remember, right?"

Rose, after thinking about it, nodded.

"Flamethrower's burn on Mamoswine made contact with the frozen lake," Chapel continued, "If you've noticed, Aomori Village and its surroundings have been in the process of defrosting ever since Froslass was captured."

"I see," Rose began to conclude the point Chapel was making, "Naturally, the lake has a longer defrosting process than, say, a tree, or the snow on the Goshol houses."

"If Seth doesn't defeat Morana soon, he'll have to worry about doing battle on a lake with actual water," Chapel said.

Rose looked on, "Brother must adjust his approach to this battle."

The process of the lake's defrost would have to be halted temporarily, because…

"Snow!" Abomasnow, with his Snow Warning ability, summoned a storm of Hail onto the battlefield.

I had to cover my eyes, as the storm began to pick up, blowing tiny shards of ice in my direction.

"Abomasnow, use Wood Hammer!" Morana was wasting no time, making haste with giving Abomasnow a command.

Gabite showed no signs of exhaustion, aside from quivering from the Ice attacks from his previous battle.

"Snow!" The quivering was the only sign Abomasnow and Morana needed. They knew Ice Fang's damage was significant. The amounted damage-coupled with Hail's effect and Abomasnow's Wood Hammer-gave away the fact that Gabite was at a handicap ready to be exploited.

"Flamethrower." I called.

"Aarr!" Gabite launched a stream of fire…but...

"Flamethrower's weak…" Yumi commented.

The hailstorm blowing against Gabite, Flamethrower was sure to be weakened. But THIS Flamethrower, it wasn't just weakened, it was minimized to that of a small stream comparable to that of water coming from a defective water hose.

Abomasnow cloaked his arm in the green aura of Wood Hammer and used it to swat the fire away as if it were nothing more than a fly. Despite Flamethrower being minimized, Abomasnow still looked somewhat irritated by making contact. Even with the conditions and details surrounding this battle, Abomasnow was still crippled by a massive weakness to fire.

"Snow!" Abomasnow closed in on Gabite, taking down the Dragon type with a clothesline.

Gabite was sent to the icy ground that cracked some more. While downed, Hail did its part in adding more damage dealt.

"Snow…" Meanwhile, Abomasnow was irritated again, this time by Gabite's Rough Skin.

"So THAT'S it, eh?" Morana thought out loud.

"Hm?"

"So maybe I WAS overconfident when Mamoswine was on the field. It prevented me from accurately scouting the battle's intricate details, as a Gym Leader is supposed to do." It's not the first time she's done so, "That dragon seems to have a means to damage my pokemon on contact. Yes, it damaged Mamoswine, and now Abomasnow's suffering the same fate, despite landing a clean hit."

So, for the first time, she's given credit where credit was due…Or maybe she was discrediting her character from earlier in the battle.

"Don't get me wrong, my fight with the Pokemon Ranger girl made me eat my words, and through that I've discovered the concept of humility-a concept that is still a work in progress. However, a dumbass like you doesn't deserve my humility."

Yumi, could be seen gritting her teeth. "Here she goes. She just keeps talking…"

"Shut up." I told Morana.

"You couldn't make me shut up before, and to be quite honest, I don't think you can shut me up right now, dumbass." Like so many times in the past, that foul mouth of Morana's was getting on the nerves of everyone.

"You have no right talking to Seth like that!" Yumi exclaimed, "You don't even know him!"

Morana couldn't help looking at Yumi. She stared into the eyes of the girl defending me, and sneered. "I don't know him?! Hah! I don't know this dumbass! Hahahaha!" It took a few seconds for Morana to get all the wry laughter out of her. Her voice descended into a calm tone, as cold as the hailstorm surrounding us. "I know of your Seth. I've traveled the world outside plenty. You'd think I'd have heard of some tall tales along the way."

I narrowed my eyes.

"Did you hear what happened in Violet City? Some rookie trainer was able to stop Team Neo Snagem. Who IS this 'Team Neo Snagem'?" Morana was quoting what must've been stories she's heard during her travels. "His name was Seth; A mysterious Pokemon Trainer who lacks emotions and a heart. It's rumored that he got a hold of some mysterious Shadow powers shortly after Violet City, you know, the SAME Shadow powers used to capture a man-killing Seviper in the Bug Catching Contest."

So events in my journey have been documented compiled…by who else than passerby trainers who know how to put two and two together…

"That mysterious trainer…it's HIS fault Johto is falling in the hands of Team Neo Snagem…He killed one of Neo Snagem's members in Ecruteak City, and forced their hands. Neo Snagem controls almost every city in mid Johto…DAMN IT! That piece of crap is the reason why hundreds of thousands of innocent people are suffering right now…! That guy…I heard he was killed in Ecruteak City. Commander 10's Mind Crush finished him…Rumor has it that he's actually alive."

I paused… "I'm THAT notorious?"

"No!" Yumi answered my question, which was really just me thinking out loud. "You're not notorious, Seth!"

Morana chuckled, proceeding to take shots at Yumi, "That Coordinator who defeated Marina? She's Yumi, and I heard she travels with that mysterious trainer…I pity the girl. She has the talent of Marina and the looks of Valerie, yet she chooses to fall in love with HIM of all people. She melts of the hearts of men who've met her, while that mysterious trainer probably doesn't have the heart to love her back."

"I…" Yumi went quiet for a second, "They don't know what they're talking about. He called me pretty…"

"Please, is that the best you can come up with?" Morana asked before swiftly shifting her attention to Abomasnow, "Abomasnow, use Blizzard!"

I cared not, what other thought about me. I've seen more than my fair share of insults hurled my way over the course of this journey, but one insult never fired was that I was some sort of 'weakling child who had no business being a trainer'. While this is my first journey, I had the battlefield knowledge of a veteran.

"Arrghh!" When Abomasnow launched Blizzard, I knew the damage was unavoidable. Flamethrower was hindered by the Hail, the very weather condition that prevents Blizzard from failing. I couldn't have Gabite Dig to safety, because the battlefield was made of ice. I didn't say it out loud, but Gabite was a sure 'unable to battle' announcement in the making.

Gabite was blown into the icy ground, where he didn't move.

"Gabite's been defeated," Yumi said.

"Chi…"

"Seth didn't even put the effort into forming a resistance," Chapel took issue to how I didn't handle Blizzard, "He gave up on Gabite. So what if Blizzard was unavoidable, he should've at least TRIED." She was sugar-coating her argument with 'He should've at least tried'.

Hmph. Chapel knew that I was correct.

I recalled Gabite, and then took out another Pokeball. Like Gabite before, this was a pokemon a have not used in some time.

"Battle stance," I said as I threw the Pokeball.

Yumi, Chapel, and Rose were all taken aback by the black and yellow pokemon that stood on the ice. Mawile? She was black and yellow, but not quite the pokemon I was talking about.

"El!" Elekid, he emanated electricity as he was ready to battle.

"Chicori!" Even in the midst of battle, Chikorita cheerfully greeted Elekid.

"Who's this? You're Mawile?" Morana asked sarcastically, already knowing the obvious 'no' answer, "I don't get it. Why use an Elekid when you have a Mawile? That Chandelure a type advantage, and even that puny Chikorita squeaked out a victory last time. Why use Elekid? Maybe you're more of a dumbass than I thought, and THAT'S saying something."

My previous battle with Morana was the reason why I called Elekid into my party…

"Glalie's ice shield is impenetrable!"

I remember the struggle against Glalie and his icy Protect wall. It was a move that depleted my team before I could truly counterattack. Brick Break has the power to destroy Light Screens and Reflects…I wonder if it can do the same against Glalie's personalized Portect? Yes, Elekid will be the key to defeating Glalie. However, there was a new twist: Froslass more than likely won't be a member of my party after tonight, but I can at least use her in this battle. Confident, I moved Elekid in my line up, ahead of when Glalie is placed on the battlefield.

Elekid can defeat Abomasnow and force Morana to send Glalie out right now. But…

"El? El elelel el!" Elekid was handicapped by the slippery ice.

"Oh no!" Yumi called as Elekid slipped to the ground.

"Elekid is unable to tread on the ice!" Rose exclaimed.

'And the Hail storm is blowing him back…' I thought to myself. 'But perhaps I can wait for Abomasnow to come to Elekid…'

"Abomasnow, use Blizzard!" Morana called.

"Snow!" Just like against Gabite, Abomasnow launched a move that was unavoidable in the Hail.

"Hmph." Unlike Gabite, Elekid had a means of defense against the ice, "Protect."

"Kii." Elekid crossed his arms in front of him, entering a defensive stance as a green protective barrier surrounded him. This barrier completely nullified any damage Elekid would've received.

'A surprise to see a Protect used against you, Morana.' I thought, 'Glalie will not be victorious in this battle…What will you do now?'

"Whatever," Morana was nonchalant, "Abomasnow, get in close and use Wood Hammer."

Abomasnow cloaked his arm in the green aura as he ran to Elekid. "Snow!"

"Intercept. Use Brick Break." I countered.

Elekid, unlike me, smiled. He was anxious for doing close combat. His arm turned into a reddish-brown aura, and he swung it with authority, hitting an Abomasnow who closed in.

Wood Hammer and Brick Break collided, so who would win? Abomasnow had leverage, while Brick Break was a super effective move. It was a struggle.

"Err…" Elekid was the first to be pushed back, but the electric type with an energy for fighting wouldn't waver. "Kid!"

"Snow…" Now Abomasnow was being pushed back.

Morana smiled, suddenly calling to Elekid, "Watch out, kiddie!"

"El? Ack!" Elekid, fixated on his showdown with Abomasnow, was suddenly struck by some of the Hail within the storm. "Kii!" This caused for Elekid to give ground.

"Abom…Snow!" Thanks to the Hail, Wood Hammer ultimately prevailed over Brick Break. Abomasnow punched Elekid right in the gut, sending him into the air.

"Kid-Egh!" Elekid was able to rebound quickly while still in the air, but was pelted by the Hail again.

Gravity is sure to aid Elekid if he uses Brick Break while descending…

"Brick Break." I called again.

Elekid gritted his teeth as his arm was surrounded in the reddish-brown aura again. As he descended, he gained great velocity, even in the hailstorm.

"Snow!" Abomasnow didn't know Elekid could do such a thing, and was too astonished to react in time.

"El!" Elekid hammered Brick Break right into the head of Abomasnow. The super effective damage was great, as was the impact. Abomasnow was not sent back, but instead, a crack was made where he stood. "Kii!" Elekid the fighter didn't stop there though. Right after landing Brick Break-and while still in the air, he cloaked his other arm in the reddish-brown aura, and struck Abomasnow. This hit did a better job at signaling a momentum shift, as it caused Abomasnow to slip.

"Agh!" Abomasnow landed on the ground. He was not unconscious, he was just knocked off his feet.

"Kid-Agh!" Elekid landed on the ice, but was still not use to the slippery surface. He slipped to the ground.

"A fluke of a showdown that simply caught Abomasnow off guard," Morana said.

It was a bit of an oddity to see two pokemon on the ground, but still fully conscious. Despite being knocked down super effective damage, Abomasnow was able to rise to his feet first.

"Snow!"

"Eerr…Ack!" Elekid tried rising to his feet, but slipped back to the ground.

"No…!" That slip up was the very thing preventing us from finishing Abomasnow right now…!

"Hah! Let's beat 'em while they're down!" Morana was excited, "Use Leech Seed!" Her eyes grew wide.

"Leech Seed?!" Chapel was surprised.

"Abom…Snow!" Abomasnow, while not as flashy as Yumi's Servine, launched a Leech Seed that was just as effective.

"Get up!" Yumi voiced the sense of urgency that worked both Elekid and I. "Come on, get up!"

"Elekid!" I called, "Use Protect!"

Elekid rose to his feet.

"Yes!" Chikorita and the girls cheered.

There was nothing stopping Elekid from forming a protective barrier.

…

…

…

"Egh!"

"NO!" The girls all flinched.

"Hah!" Morana laughed.

Elekid was pelted by the Hail just as he was about to cross his arms in front of himself. His concentration was detracted for just a split second, but that was all the time needed for Leech Seed to hit its target.

"Eeehh!" Elekid was surrounded by a red aura causing him pain. He fell to one knee, as the energy was being drained from him.

"Elekid, no!"

"There's no hope for Elekid now!" Morana yelled, "Abomasnow, finish the kiddie with Blizzard!"

"Snow!" Abomasnow smirked. It was his time, as an opportunist, to take advantage of the many field and status conditions hindering Elekid. He launched a Blizzard that looked more powerful than the ones used previously.

Unlike Gabite, Elekid had a fighting chance to survive this attack.

"Elekid, use Protect!" I called.

This time, the effort was there. But…Elekid…with the damage from Leech Seed, coupled with the continuous Hail, Elekid couldn't focus enough form the barrier. He was struck by the raging ice, and sent back to the ground.

Elekid was unconscious, and it all came down to a simple run in with bad luck.

I stood there, frozen.

…

How? Elekid was supposed to be one who could stop Glalie…I was confident in his ability to overcome this Abomasnow…perhaps too confident.

"You look surprised, dumbass," Morana said, "The look of someone who underestimated Mamoswine…"

She was half right. I didn't underestimate Mamoswine as much as I overestimated Elekid. I was caught looking ahead of the battle that was in front of me, and paid the price…In an ironic twist, it was I who underestimated Morana, just after she'd underestimated me…

"Elekid, looked to have something going," Yumi said.

"Lady Luck favored Abomasnow on this night." Rose added.

All Chapel could say to herself was, "…Abomasnow didn't know Leech Seed when I battled it."

"Regardless of whether or not this is my first challenge, I AM a Gym Leader, Pokemon Ranger," Morana was addressing Chapel. "Abomasnow will not lose another battle." She then called me out, "Isn't that right, dumbass?! First Gabite, and now Elekid. One more pokemon before I complete a sweep, just as I predicted." Her eyes narrowed, "The world knows who your third pokemon is going to be…"

Froslass…she'd been relatively quiet since the battle started. She was floating right behind me.

...

…

…

"I am Morana, an elite trainer/traveler of the world. In my travels, I have obtained only the finest pokemon worthy of serving me. Every city of every region, I eventually stumbled upon the small town of Mahogany. Little did I know, I would manage to become Mahogany's strongest trainer WITHOUT having to take it from Old Man Pryce. His death concerned me little, but his CAUSE of death was a different story. Rumors and speculation flooded the town, and I was eventually led to believe there was some sort of pokemon in the mountains…No human could have THAT many victims disappearing in the mountains. It HAD to be a pokemon. And so, I traversed these snowy mountains, and came across a 'Yuki-Onna' spirit that was really a young girl who lost her way and died in these mountains centuries ago. This spirit had become a pokemon…a pokemon that would be my most powerful should I catch her. Hmph…Why did YOU capture Froslass? I don't get it. The idea of HER going with a dumbass like you is absurd. Believe me, there's salt between me and you, dumbass…" Morana allowed the Snag Machine on her arm to shine in the setting sun, as it was giving way to twilight, "Come! Summon Froslass so that I may take her from you!"

"Froslass?" I turned to face the girl who used to be Yuki. I…was always a person with few words to say, never initiating a conversation on my own. But now, I was gonna have to come out of my comfort zone.

How was I not at a satisfactory level of comfort? As a human, Yuki looked so much like Yumi. We journeyed together, and Yuki even declared me her fiance. The 'engagement' was one-sided, but in the end, I still started to dignify it by acknowledging its existence. It was a shame, the way her life ended. But now, her spirit is right next to me, with an opportunity to see the outside world like she's always wanted. Whatever she wished to do with her existence after tonight was her decision, just like it was her decision to fight side by side with me, her 'fiance', for the first time.

"Last night, we stood as opponents to the death," I started, "But tonight, we can fight together. Will you do battle?"

"Lass…" Froslass was still conflicted. Those once-hypnotizing eyes looked to the ground.

'Would you rather Morana take you with her?' This question never escaped my mind.

"Just for tonight…" I added.

Yes, the future beyond tonight was in question. But tonight itself? That was different. Perhaps in this moment in time, it was a good thing to have a short-sighted mindset.

"Lass!" Froslass didn't nod, but she did prepare for battle.

In the Hail, small star-like sparkles began to surround Froslass. She closed her eyes, and literally 'in the blink of an eye', the star-like sparkles had all but consumed her being.

In front of Abomasnow, the sparkles appeared. Following a few seconds, they dissipated, revealing Froslass to be floating on the battlefield.

"Lass…" Froslass calmly stared at Abomasnow.

"Snow." Abomasnow did likewise.

"So it all comes down to this: Froslass, your final pokemon." Morana spoke.

Froslass gazed at Morana, the atmosphere around her turning ominously cold.

"You two seem to share some deep connection-one that seems too ludicrous to have been forged over the course of a single day. Froslass is no ordinary pokemon, to you or to me," Snag Machine equipped, Morana readied a Pokeball, "A shame such a connection isn't meant to last. By the end of the night, your connection will have been broken by me!"

Morana, as her voice escalated to that of an excited, passion yell, threw the Pokeball.

"Aw!" Rose gasped.

"Chi?!"

"She's trying to snag Froslass?!" Chapel questioned.

"Already?!" Yumi added.

"Lass." Froslass' closed her eyes, and as the Pokeball closed in, she nonchalantly ducked to avoid the ball, and then ascended to the air. "Froslass." She retained her calmness as she produced a familiar kunai made entirely of ice.

Ready to strike, Froslass swiftly rushed to Abomasnow.

"Abom-ack!" Froslass was fast…VERY fast. Perhaps she was TOO fast. Too fast for Abomasnow, Morana, and even me. We hadn't a clue of what happened until the end result. Froslass flew past Abomasnow, and a light blue light could be seen on Abomasnow's side. The light faded, and suddenly, a stream of blood could be seen making its way out of Abomasnow's skin.

"Blood…"

"Lass." Froslass calmly stood up, holding the icy kunai now covered in blood, like the point of a pen.

"Ack-aahh…" Abomasnow fell to the ground.

Seeing this, Morana's smirk disappeared. She gave an astonished gasp, along with Chikorita and the girls. They couldn't believe what they saw, because it COULDN'T be seen…

It took a few moments for Morana to take in what had just happened: Froslass made short work of Abomasnow, rendering him not only unable to battle, but possibly extensively injured.

"Froslass defeated Abomasnow, just like last night…" Yumi whispered.

Morana recalled Abomasnow before he could lose an amount of blood substantial enough to be as extensively injured as speculated. As Morana put her Pokeball away, she glared at Froslass disbelievingly. For the first time, Morana's obstreperous attitude was halted, as she remained worldless.

Froslass' calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the energetic, battle hungry attitudes of Gabite and Elekid. Quite frankly, it was a culture shock to Morana.

Until the end of the night, Froslass was still my pokemon. Could she be the most powerful pokemon I have though? The likes of Chandelure and Klefki have never defeated their opponents with such ease and finesse. Tyranitar? Maybe. Seviper was a Shadow pokemon whose sole desire is lay waste to every living thing through genocide, blood staining his sword-like tail. Even Seviper needed more than one move to finish an opponent though…

Morana was finally able to speak, "Wonderful…FANTASTIC!" Her smirk had returned, "THIS is the infamous Yuki-Onna mankiller I desperately seek. You're the most challenging pokemon I've ever had the fortune to capture. This is the second time you've defeated MY Abomasnow with such ease. I suppose I should be impressed, but at this point, THAT kind of battle skill should be expected. That's right, Froslass; expectations have risen." Morana took out one more Pokeball, "I have one more pokemon, right here in this Pokeball. Unlike Mamoswine and Abomasnow, you've never fought this one, but I'm sure your trainer can let you know what he's like."

I narrowed my eyes. I knew my next opponent. Her Glalie was never one to be defeated by the likes of Chikorita. In fact, Glalie swept my entire team…I believe Glalie was Morana's signature pokemon. With its many tactics making it strong in its own right, Froslass has herself an opponent that's not as easy to defeat as the ones before. Glalie must not be underestimated…

"Gla…" Glalie was released, without saying a word. She knew I was aware of what was coming.

My eyes narrowed as I stared at Glalie. This pokemon…the pokemon I stood no chance against during our last encounter…I never even made it to Morana's third pokemon. Furthermore, a pokemon of mine was extensively injured. To think that a Glalie was capable of doing such damage…How could he? I am a person with an eternal thirst for vengeance, journeying for the power to overthrow an organization on the brink of ruling the entire world. The Gengars and Charizards, and the millions of shadow pokemon are all enemies who belong to the highest level trainers I've met. Commander 10, Zero…How could I defeat them tomorrow if I couldn't manage to down a single Glalie today? I had to defeat Glalie, no matter the cost…

"Glalie."

"Lass."

Glalie and Froslass both hovering in the air, the icy lake was no longer a factor in this battle. The two ice types stared at each other, neither's gaze wavering.

"Gla…"

It looked as if Glalie was about to fall for the icy eyes of Froslass, just like the countless men that have come and gone years before him. He looked, hypnotized… Perhaps I could command for Froslass to hypnotize Glalie, the way she hypnotized me.

She used this move only once, and it was on me… "Draining Kiss."

Yumi, Chapel, and Rose seemed awkward as Chapel noted, "Seth of all people, calling out a move like Draining Kiss?"

Don't underestimate Froslass…

"Lass."

"Glalie…" Glalie was helpless as Froslass took her sweet time floating to him. The eyes of Froslass were just too much. He was immobilized by their stunning color…

Froslass started to glow a pink aura, and it appeared Draining Kiss was imminent to land. Was the entire fight between Froslass and Glalie going to be this simple? Glalie seemed destined to not land a single move against the former Meiji Princess…

Seconds later, Froslass was mere inches away from Glalie…

"Pokeball!"

"Lass?!" Froslass' eyes grew wide.

Morana smirked as Froslass quickly focused on the Pokeball coming her way.

"Lass!" Draining Kiss had to be swiftly abandoned. The pink aura around Froslass disappeared as she hastily fazed through the icy ground. On the surface, the Pokeball landed, and there it stood, with nobody bothering to pick it up.

I stared at the Pokeball, and then past the Pokeball, into the near defrosted lake.

"Consider yourself lucky." Morana called out to me, "Had Froslass reacted just a second later, she'd be in my collection, and you'd be out of pokemon to fight with, dumbass." She fiddled with her wand-like pointer, "You've already made the mistake of underestimating me once, I'd suggest you not do it again."

I gritted my teeth.

"I'm well aware of Froslass' ability to hypnotize helpless men," Morana continued, "I witnessed the display when she rendered your dumbass unable to defend yourself last night. While I DO intend on taking her from you, the Pokeball was merely a means to deflect her attention. At the moment, Glalie was defenseless to her eyes, but until Draining Kiss hits him, he ISN'T helpless."

"Glai!" With Froslass now in under the ice, Glalie came to his senses.

"Glalie, destroy the ice!" Morana commanded.

Glalie's eyes glistened in the twilight slowly giving way to the moonlight. He ascended not even an inch before slamming into the ice ground. The crater created was large, cracks in abundance.

You could see the water under the ice, being moved by the vibration from Glalie's impact…but no sign of Froslass.

The cracks in began to grow and grow.

"The ice is collapsing…" Rose commented.

She was right. Like a cracked mirror, the ice began to give way once enough damage was done. When the quaking from Glalie's impact stopped, the whole lake halted for a moment.

"Chi?" Chikorita and the girls were perplexed, unsure of what was to come.

We watched and waited.

A small piece of ice fell, and when it did, drops of water could be seen. A second shard gave way, and then a third. The girl all stood agape as the rest of the ice caved in, seemingly simultaneously. It was a sight, all the water being splashed into the air. Glalie didn't mind the contact, but Morana and I had to respectively take a step back to prevent the water from reaching us.

One more moment passed, as the awakened water came to a rest. We all continued to wait.

Where was Froslass? She had yet to resurface.

"I know how you work, Froslass," Morana said, "Though I strive to become an Ice ace, an ice battlefield ironically proves to be a hindrance when fighting against you. The ice…it helps you more than it helps me…I learned that lesson the hard way last night. But now…the ice is gone. There's nowhere to hide, Froslass. You can't stay underwater forever…"

Still no response from Froslass.

Morana smirked, "Fine, if that's how it's going to be…Glalie, dive into the water. Find the ghost woman and capture her!"

"Glaii!"

"But can Glalie stay underwater long enough to find Froslass?" The girls questioned.

Glalie complied with Morana's order. He took a deep breath before diving deep into the water with a bang. The impact was just as great as when he charged into the ice…

"Glaii?" Glalie floated to my side of the lake-no Froslass. He then floated to the Morana's side-still no luck.

The lake, abandoned with the rest of Aomori for centuries, was devoid of any pokemon. Might one have expected any ice type from the Icy Mountain's caverns to be residing in this lake? No. Even for an ice type, this was an extreme climate. This once thriving village was devoid of any pokemon, making Glalie's effort to find Froslass seem futile…But she had to be in the lake somewhere.

Glalie swam to the bottom of the lake. Once again, Froslass was nowhere to be seen. Could Froslass have fled the fight? No… "Glai?" Just when Glalie was starting to doubt his underwater trek, he felt the presence of a shadow, swiftly floating past him from behind. "Gla!" Glalie turned around. His eyes narrowed, for his reaction was too slow. He was ready to launch an attack that would span the entire lake…until began to gasp for breath. His face was rather comedic-looking as he swam back to the surface.

From the center of the lake, Glalie ascended at the speed of a rocket. He savored the long breath he awarded himself, and then readied to return to the water.

"Glailie…" His returned his gaze to the water, but then, "Glai!"

"Froslass?!" Morana was surprised.

"Lass!" Froslass had an ice shuriken in her hand as she ascended, aiming to slit Glalie.

My eye glinted. Froslass waited until Glalie needed a breath of air to attack. Glalie can't be blamed here. What he did was simply a means to prolong his pursuit to victory. Froslass was perceptive enough to take advantage of this.

"Protect!"

I gritted my teeth, while Rose and Chapel grunted in frustration. We needn't wait for Glalie to execute Morana's command to know what was coming.

Morana smirked, as just before Froslass could strike Glalie, Glalie formed that Protective barrier with that familiar twist of seemingly impenetrable ice.

"Lass?!" Froslass was surprised, as her Ice Shard kunai was deflected.

This was the first time Morana called for that damned barrier…

"You knew this move was coming, right? I could see the looks on your face." Morana smiled as she turned to Chapel and Rose as well, "The Pokemon Ranger and that little girl were there last time as well, am I right?"

"What's going on?" Yumi asked. "Why does Froslass look surprised? Her Ice Shard kunai are supposed to be unbeatable."

"Glalie's unorthodox Protect style is unbeatable too." Chapel replied.

"In their previous fight, Glalie's Protect sent Brother into a downward spiral in which he never truly recovered." Rose added, "The battle was over before the final result was realized."

"Those Ice Shard kunai were literally a pain in my neck," Morana said to Froslass, "Had I not been pierced in the back of my neck, I would've sent out Glalie right then and there. You wouldn't have made through to the morning as a free pokemon, Froslass." Morana took out another Pokeball, hoping to capitalize on Froslass' astonishment. "Pokeball, go!"

"Lass?!" Morana must've been confident she would capture Froslass on this try, considering she said the words 'Pokeball go'. However, Froslass was able to look in Morana's direction just in time to react. Again, she was able to avoid the Pokeball, this time, gliding toward Morana's side of the field.

"Watch yourself." Morana smirked at Froslass.

"Gla!" As if on cue, Glalie appeared in front of Froslass.

Once again, the ghost of Yukiko was taken off guard. "Lass?!"

Glalie was swift to launch an attack up close. It was an attack that was sure to be a critical hit: Frost Breath.

"Lass!" Froslass was stricken by Frost Breath, and sent back into the water.

This was a surprise, considering Glalie was able to do this without gazing into Froslass' eyes long enough to be hypnotized.

As Froslass descended into the water, her body seemed to fade, like an illusion…Hmmm…I can launch an attack. With Froslass invisible, Glalie won't be able to see where the attack is coming from, not until the last second.

"Shadow Ball."

A ball of dark energy surfacing from the water would've been enough to suffice, but Froslass decided to take my command a little further. The entire lake went from blue to shrouded in darkness.

"…" Glalie was bewildered, for he couldn't even utter a cry in response.

"…Lass…" Froslass' cry devolved into that of a transparent echo, similar to how she communicated to me through my dreams. "Lass." Without a warning, a ball of dark energy came from the body of water which now looked to be a pit of darkness.

"Gla?!" Glalie's eyes widened. He did not expect such strong retaliation from an enemy just knocked into the lake. He dodged. When the ball of shadows passed, you could see the leftover stream of darkness in its wake.

"We're not done yet." My eyes narrowed. I wasn't going to let Glalie and Morana rest from dodging Shadow Ball.

"Lass…Froslass…" The transparent echo of a cry coming from Froslass became hauntingly ominous…as several more balls of darkness surfaced from the dark pit. The many Shadow Ball ascended at a very slow rate, giving Glalie an undertone of creeping premonition, for what was to follow… "Froslass…"

The extent of Froslass' power…it remains unseen, even now…

The many ascending Shadow Ball were halted in the air, and as they did, a figure of light began emerging from the dark pit. "…" It was Froslass. Her eyes were closed, and her arms were crossed over her body.

…The pit of darkness could be seen, reflecting from the crystals on her head…as well as her eyes, when see opened them. Slowly, Froslass looked up to Glalie.

"Froslass." Froslass spread her arms. Doing this, the dark energy surrounding the many Shadow Ball grew strong.

Morana, perceiving Froslass' action to be threatening, called for Glalie to take defensive action, "Be on you guard, Glalie. Ready your Protect."

"Gla." Glalie began to glow a green aura.

"Hmph." Perhaps using what I learned while journeying with Froslass in my dream will help me neutralize Protect.

Flashback…

It was the dream I had last night. Journeying from Meiji, Yukiko and I were fighting Lord Tolbi and Guardian Bishop.

"Ser!" Serperior charged at Chikorita with Leaf Blade.

"Intercept it with your leaf!" I called.

Chikorita tried to use leaf to parry Serperior's Leaf Blade, but Serperior was perceptive. Serperior halted his attack…and waited…

"Ch-chi?" Chikorita was waiting as well-waiting for Serperior's 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…

-End Flashback

That same deception could be used to render Glalie's unbeatable Protect useless.

"Lass." Froslass looked back at me, and we both exchanged knowing nods. She knew what to do. "Lass!" She launched the first of the Shadow Balls hovering over the dark pit.

Reacting fast, Glalie quickly summoned his barrier of ice. The ball of darkness collided with the ice barrier, but Glalie remained unaffected…Protect had served its purpose…for the last time.

"…" A smile found its way upon Froslass' face as she guided the remain Shadow Ball within close rang of Glalie, making no sound in doing so.

Rose, Yumi, Chapel, and Chikorita all looked at each other. They exchanged nods similar to the one Froslass and I just shared.

Smiling, Yumi called, "Oh no!"

"Shadow Ball has been rendered useless!" Rose added. Her smile was just as big as Yumi's.

"How can Seth beat that Protect?" Chapel commented.

"Chi!" It was clear that the girls were lending some aid by adding some deceptive legitimacy to Glalie's defense(They were pretending Glalie's Protect was successful). They knew that acting like Froslass couldn't damage Glalie would cause him to let down his guard, once the attack is done and the dust has settled.

"Glalie." Glalie's ice barrier began to recede. Not even a millisecond into this recession Froslass' eyes glinted, as did mine, Chikorita, and the girls.

"Lass!" As soon as the barrier was gone, Froslass fired the many Shadow Ball at point blank range, and a huge cloud of darkness was created in an explosion.

Morana was taken aback.

"Gla! Gla…lie…" Glalie lost focus, and started descending, into the pit of darkness.

The girls could've celebrated the perfectly executed maneuver, but it would be a grave mistake to underestimate Glalie prematurely. In this moment of time, we waited for Glalie to surface. Why had a winner not been declared yet? Hmph…Ridding the world of an evil organization is so much bigger than some simple contest…We continued to wait…From dusk to night, whatever red hue that remained in the distance past the trees was gone, and stars began appearing in the sky…

"Glalie hasn't surfaced," Chapel said.

"Brother is victorious?" Rose questioned.

"He has to be." Yumi answered as she crossed her arms, "There's no way Glalie would survive that many Shadow Ball. Froslass…Nobody saw it, but I fought her myself. I threw all my pokemon at her, but I still wasn't victorious."

Yumi was right. It wasn't until she said what she said that I addressed Morana.

"Glalie is defeated." I called.

Morana crossed her arms, in an irritated motion as she scowled at me.

"It was last night that Froslass laid waste to everyone, and now, she's laid waste to your team," I narrowed my eyes, "Will you continue to pursue her? If you've no pokemon left to fight then…"

"Shut up." Morana, while standing surprised this entire time, had not expressed doubt when it comes to taking Froslass. Doubt certainly didn't start to surface now, but why? She wasn't reaching for another Pokeball with her Snag Machine-clad arm, and she wasn't motioning to any more pokemon she might've had.

Wind brushed up against Morana's hair, which glistened under the stars. She closed her eyes, took her wand-like pointer, and held it prominently. It was pointed at Froslass and the lake of dark energy.

"You're the first opponent to ever push Glalie to the brink of defeat, Froslass. Why, it would be unsurprising for Glalie not to surface, as he drowns in the darkness." Morana explained. "You've earned my respect. It would be a shame for the battle to come to an unceremonious end because of a mere Pokeball. That is why…"

Morana eyed her wand-like pointer multiple times, as if motioning for us to look at the very tip.

…There was a reason why she carried that pointer around. I gave the point a closer look…nothing notable, at least, not until my eyes adjust to this night. Chapel, Yumi and Rose looked at the point of the pointer as well, but said nothing.

"Chi?!" Chikorita was the only one to give even a hint at a reaction, as her eyes widened. Why? What was she able to spot before my eyes could adjust?

The wind brushing on Morana grew somewhat strong, like the rage of a small Gust attack. And there it was…the point of her pointer began to glow a light blue energy, in the shape of a small orb.

"…Wait…" Inside that orb…there was some sort of symbol…It was one I've seen just once before, and only Chikorita was there as a witness.

The next words to come out of Morana's mouth gave me the answer as to why Chikorita's mouth widened.

"Mega Evolution."

I paused.

"Mega Evolution?" I questioned in my head, "Could this be the same 'transformation' as…"

Flashback-

Location: Dominion of Shadows-Neo Snagem HQ

Seth versus Commander 10

Chikorita, and I all stared down a Gengar with a new form Commander 10 called 'Mega Evolution'. Mega Evolution was something I'd never heard of, so I had to ask.

"What's that form?"

"This is what we call, a Mega Evolution." 10 answered. "Thanks to the glove I wear, and the Gengarite stone on Gengar's forehead, the fully evolved ghost pokemon was able to undergo an all new transformation. Searching far and wide, I was finally able to stumble upon this 'Gengarite'. And now, you'll be the very first to witness the power of Mega Evolution, first hand."

End Flashback

The pit of darkness that was the lake serving as our battle ground began to glow a white light with a pale rainbow texture to it.

"The light of Mega Evolution…it's extinguishing the darkness!" Chapel was correct in summarizing what was happening.

We all were wide-eyed, Froslass and I included.

It was thought that Glalie had been defeated, when really, it was us being led to believe such a lie. The blame was on me, not Froslass; once again, I had underestimated Morana. To think she had such power, dormant for all this time…Glalie's Mega Evolution, allowing him to attain never before seen power, culminated into one convincing return to the battleground.

"Lass!" Froslass had to quickly distance herself, for the force of Glalie's resurfacing caused the pale rainbow-hued water to roar into the air, with great impact.

"GLAAIII!"

Once the light of Mega Evolution wore off, the water returned to its blue self, as opposed to the dark pit brought about by Froslass' power. The water calmed, and I gazed at Glalie.

"GLAAIII!" Glalie had broken through the ice that naturally surrounded his face. His mouth was gaping open, and his roar echoed throughout Aomori and the surrounding mountains.

"Glalie's armor has been broken," Morana smirked, "New power has been attained. And you, Froslass…you will be the first to experience my control over Mega Evolution…Mega Glalie, use Frost Breath!"

"GLAAIII!" Glalie appeared to be gathering immense power, and in such little time.

"Lass?!" Froslass, unsure, braced herself. She knew that this was going to be a very powerful attack.

"Froslass!" I called, "We shouldn't allow that power to strike us. Take evasive action!"

"Lass!" Froslass immediately exited her defensive stance and took my order. She glided close to the water at a high speed, in an attempt to get Mega Glalie confused.

"GLAA!" Mega Glalie launched Frost Breath, and I could only stare in awe at the amount of power it had.

It was like watching Arceus turn heel and lay waste to an entire city with a Hyper Beam…Frost Breath was so powerful that it didn't matter if Froslass was taking evasive action. Frost Breath was able to cover THAT much ground.

The water in the lake was blasted into the air, and it was all frozen. From the now empty crate make-shift ice pillars stood nearly a hundred feet in the air. Inside one of the pillars, Froslass was frozen.

"GLAAIII!" Mega Glalie flew high in the air and dove, head first, into where Froslass was frozen.

Froslass was tackled out of the ice, falling at the speed of a missile. She landed right in the center of the empty patch where all the lake water would be if it weren't frozen. Froslass landed with such high impact, there was a shock that could be felt even where I was standing.

All the frozen water shattered, and was headed straight for a downed Froslass.

"Lass…"

"Froslass!" I called.

"Lass?" This was enough to get her to regain herself quickly. Her eyes focused on all the shattered water, falling in her direction. She needed to avoid every shard, for these could be as sharp as shattered glass.

Froslass rose from the ground and maneuvered around the seemingly thousands of pieces of shattered water while simultaneously ascending to our level.

"She's avoiding every shard…" Chapel and the others stared in disbelief. The display of agility on Froslass' behalf was astounding.

Like Glalie with his Mega Evolution twist, Froslass also had a few abilities yet to be displayed in this fight. She didn't wait for Mega Glalie to launch another attack. As soon as the very last shard of frozen water fell into what was now a pile of shards, Froslass was quick to stretch her arms out.

Every shard of the shattered ice was going to be used for a something Froslass used against me…and against Morana: Froslass' room of ice mirrors. The shards all began floating in the air…

"Ngh." Morana gritted her teeth. I could observe her touching the back of her neck. She's still feeling the effect of getting pierced in the back of her neck by an ice kunai… "Don't let her set those mirrors."

"GLAI!" Mega Glalie didn't understand the sudden sense of urgency that was in Morana's voice. He wasn't involved with the fight against Froslass last night, so he didn't HAVE to understand. He didn't question Morana though, as he quickly dove at Froslass. "GLAAIII!"

"Lass." Froslass scowled, sending a few shards of ice at the incoming Mega Evolution.

"Gla." Glalie was stricken by the shard's sharp edges. The Mega Evolution having half his head/body exposed left him slightly vulnerable. Glalie stopped for a quick second, as the shards seemed to do nothing more than annoy him, like flies or mosquitos. Glalie shrugged it off and continued to Froslass.

Hmph. A minor annoyance such as the shards shouldn't be underestimated. That fraction of a second was all Froslass needed for the ice to start clumping together into groups. These groups were all in the shape of ice mirrors, and these mirrors formed 'Froslass' Room' around herself and Glalie.

"Lass…" The pace of the fight was slowing dramatically, as Froslass' cry once again became a transparent echo. Glalie, bewildered, halted, and observed as Froslass slowly phased into one of the mirrors behind her.

Morana needed to stop the ice mirrors before they could become an overwhelming factor. It was a clever idea to attack Froslass before her illusions had the chance to appear on every mirror, "Use Hidden Powe-"

I interrupted, "-A wasted effort."

"What?!"

I remained calm, speaking in a tone that was near-indifferent, yet cold and ghastly at the same time, "Glalie is a formidable foe. With or without Mega Evolution, it consistently reveals unknown power that intrigues. However…All the power in the world is useless if one doesn't know what to do with it. I was told that you failed to defeat Froslass within these ice mirrors, though you had her outnumbered. She laid waste to everyone…"

Morana gritted her teeth.

"…And she will lay waste again tonight…" I finished. "Froslass, fly in and gash Glalie with an ice kunai."

"Lass…" Mega Glalie watched. One of these mirrors contained Froslass, readying her kunai which glistened under the stars. Every other mirror contained the illusions of Froslass doing the same thing, at the exact same time.

Which was the real Froslass? Even I wasn't sure.

"Glalie, use Hidden Power!" Morana called in a panic, "Shatter every mirror!"

Mega Glalie inhaled, ready to use Frost Breath, but not before Froslass and her many illusions left their respective mirrors, all ready to slit Glalie with the point of their respective kunai.

"Lass…"

"Lass…"

"Froslass."

"Glai…" Glalie paused…For the first time since the start of the fight, he made eye contact with Froslass. Froslass' near-hypnotizing ice blue eyes caused Glalie to inadvertently subdue his own attack before launching it, much to the dismay of Morana.

"Lass…"

"Lass…"

"Lass…"

…

…

…

Mega Glalie was defenseless as each illusion rushed in. He flinched, only to realize that each illusion did no damage, simply fazing through him…Until…

"LASS!" With few illusions left, the real Froslass finally struck, slashing Mega Glalie on the side.

"Gla…" I was right: All the power in the world is useless if you don't know how to use it. Glalie had not an idea how to use his newfound power in the face of Froslass' illusion.

Mega Glalie fell all the way to the bottom of the lake where the water used to be. He was down, and almost out.

"Lass…" Froslass descended to Glalie's level, waiting for him to rise.

"…G-Gla…lie…" It was a struggle for him to rise, with the side of his head slashed. What had him rising to his feet though?

…

…

…

He couldn't take his eyes off Froslass. She was very…

…

Very…

…

"Am I pretty?" Those words…those familiar words coming out in the form of transparent echoes…Froslass began to glow a pink aura-the same pink aura as the one from the start of the fight. Froslass was ready to put Mega Glalie to sleep, with one hypnotizing Draining Kiss. "I must know, if you think I'm pretty."

Mega Glalie was being seduced. His life was going to be drained by Froslass, and there was nothing he could do to help himself…

…

"Pokeball!"

Froslass felt something hit the back of her head.

"Lass…" Her pink aura disappeared.

We all questioned, 'Could it be? Has Morana really?'

Froslass slowly looked above her head…to find a Pokeball having just bounced off her.

"Chi?!"

"No!"

Chikorita and the girls all stood agape.

Just like that, our momentum was killed…as Froslass was forced inside of the Pokeball.

Morana smirked wryly, while I closed my mouth.

The Pokeball fell to the ground, and Mega Glalie ascended about one foot in the air, watching the rolling Pokeball intently.

Has Morana snatched victory from the jaws of defeat? Perhaps…This was the exact same countermeasure used to ward off Draining Kiss at the start of the battle…only this time, the Pokeball successfully hit Froslass.

If Froslass if snagged, I lose the battle.

One roll.

Two rolls.

Three rolls.

…

"Lass." The transparent echo…

Froslass reappeared from the Pokeball. Surprising Mega Glalie.

"Glalie…"

"Close…" Was all Rose could mutter as the girls shared a collective sigh of relief.

"Froslass…" Froslass calmly looked to Morana, questioningly.

Morana chuckled, "Hmhnhmhn. Oh my, I almost caught you," She returned Froslass gaze with a gaze of her own, "I know what you're thinking: About whatever happened to 'It would be a shame if this battle ended with you being snagged'. Well, I call it bullcrap. What the hell was I thinking? I'll admit, had I not thrown the Pokeball, you would've won this fight right here…I don't intend on losing the chance to capture you, and I don't care if I have to cheat, or go back on my word."

Morana readied multiple Pokeballs, with her Snag Machine.

The first Pokemon was thrown, and the second.

"Lass!" Froslass had to abandon what should've been the conclusion of her fight with Glalie. She flew swiftly, avoiding the Pokeballs.

"Gla!" Despite being on the brink of defeat, Mega Glalie was able to muster the energy to launch another Frost Breath with jaw dropping power. While failing to damage the many ice mirrors, the Frost Breath brought about a gust the reach all the way to where I stood violently blowing my black hair and blonde bangs.

"Lass!" Like before, Frost Breath covered so much ground, it was impossible for Froslass to avoid damage…or so I thought.

Froslass flew just outside of her room of ice mirrors. Looking inside to see the power Glalie was still capable of.

"Lass…"

"Pokeball!"

"Lass?!" Froslass eyes widened. Slowly turning around, she saw Morana holding three more Pokeballs.

"Pokeballs, go!" Two were thrown.

With ease, Froslass avoided the two Pokeball. Morana was not deterred, as she launched the third Pokeball.

Froslass didn't try to avoid the Pokeball. Instead, she produced one Ice Shard kunai and threw it right at the Pokeball's center. Sparks flew out of the Pokeball, before it fell silently to the ground below.

The rage of Frost Breath from within the room of ice mirrors died down, leaving Morana staring at Froslass.

What was exchanged between the two was…

"Would you really rather journey with him than with me?" The thought had just crossed Morana.

To ask Froslass such a question at this moment in time was intriguing. She seemed so hesitant to accept my offer to her. She was even thinking it over right now, her arms crossed.

…She wanted me all to herself-to make me a trophy she could stare at and admire forever. I was her prize…Seduction, deception…she put forth an undeniable amount of effort just for me. Why would she hesitate? Perhaps she was thinking about this herself…

"Lass…" Thinking to herself, Froslass slowy looked behind her. For a moment, the ice mirrors became transparent, revealing to Froslass, the image of the one she was engaged…

"Glai…" Halting the fight for the convenience of internal struggle would not come without consequence though, as the Mega Evolved Glalie had ascended, blocking Froslass' vision of me. Mega Glalie was ready for his last stand.

Froslass returned her gaze to Morana, who smirked as she took out a single Pokeball…It was an Ultra Ball.

"This is my last Pokeball, Froslass. If I don't capture you here and now, this venture through the icy mountains will have been for nothing." Morana explained. "This is the last ride."

This was the climax. Either me, or Morana, it was up to Froslass to decide her own fate. The decision weighed heavily on Froslass, she failed to notice Morana AND Mega Glalie.

"Lass…"

"I swear, I'll capture you before you can defeat us," Morana then called out to Glalie, "Your most powerful Frost Breath! Use it on Froslass, and don't stop until she's down. End the battle now!"

"This is it," Yumi said.

"If Froslass can survive their final assault, the battle is won," Rose added.

"Glaiii…" This was the last stand of Mega Glalie and Morana. One last attack. One last Pokeball in the form of an Ultra Ball. And one last battle cry. "GLAAIII!"

This Frost Breath was one last hoorah for Mega Glalie, and it was stronger than the previous ones like it. Frost Breath bounced off every single mirror. The damage…repelled from one mirror to another…this would prove to be the ice mirrors' undoing…after many refractions, the first ice mirror cracked…followed by the second…and the third…the night was lit up by all the mirrors shattering into crystal-like fragments that glistened like the stars in the sky above…

The mirrors shattered, there was nothing shield Froslass from Frost Breath. She was physically devastated by the impact, being manhandled like a ragdoll.

Morana calculated the perfect time to launch her Ultra Ball. It was when the rage of Frost Breath culminated into one final explosion. Smoke filled the battlefield. Wind blew against both of us.

"Pokeball!" Morana's last Pokeball, she tossed it against the raging gust.

"Hmph." A plot twist is in order…

"Lass?!"

"What?!" Everyone gasped as they heard the sound of a Pokeball making contact, as the smoke began to fade.

The smoke dissipated, we were all greeted with the sight of at the Ultra Ball descending to the ground, and Glalie watching.

"Glalie put everything on the line for that final attack…" Chapel's heart was beating fast. She was anxious to a dangerously pessimistic degree. Praying to Arceus that Morana's prediction wouldn't come true.

"Is Froslass really taken away from us?" Water began creeping into visibility from within Rose's eyes.

The Ultra Ball landed on the ground, where it was not rolling. Indicating that a critical capture had occurred, finalizing the capture at a quicker rate than usual…

"Froslass is mine." Morana had a satisfied smile on her face.

…

…

…

"A plot twist is in order…" I said out loud, the words that were floating in my mind just seconds ago.

…

…

…

A normal Pokeball landed on the ground.

If I were any normal human being right now, I'd be smiling from ear to ear…

"Hm?" Morana's satisfied smile was replaced with a look of genuine curiosity. Why?

Because the normal Pokeball which landed on the ground was not rolling.

"One of my stray Pokeballs that failed, I see." Morana quickly returned her attention to the Ultra Ball, "Finally…this venture's grand prize. I've searched far and wide, and fought countless enemies, just to add to my collection, a pokemon like you…"

Chikorita and the girls drooped, all sharing collective despair.

"Glai…" Glalie was victorious. The last one standing in this fight, he calmly returned to his default form.

"Glalie, bring me my prize." Morana called.

"Glai!" Glalie was excited. This was the first time we've seen him smile…THIS was Morana's most powerful pokemon-capable of Mega Evolution, defeating enemies who are cold blooded murderers…

Glalie was able to forget all of his pain, and swiftly deliver the Ultra Ball to Morana, who held it up in ultimate triumph. Her eyes, under the starlight, were silver in color.

"…She's mine…" Morana closed her eyes, whispering to herself as she savored this moment. She then slowly reopened them, pointing them at me. "…I told you you couldn't beat me. I also told you that I was going to take Froslass from you."

"…" I had no words.

"Don't look at me like that. It's not like Froslass wanted to be with you in the first place," Morana continued, "This whole saga…her only desire was to take your life. She treated you like nothing more than the many men she's murdered in the past. The Heavens were the only thing keeping you from being the next victim to be displayed in her room of mirrors. Hey, at least you can watch ME carry her away from you, and into the night." Morana wasted no time readying to release Froslass from her Ultra Ball, "Come on out, Froslass!"

The Ultra Ball was thrown into the air. The girls and I could only watch and wait for Froslass to be released, as the Pokeball descended…It went down, and down…

"?"

"A plot twist is in order…and a plot twist has been made." I uttered.

"Hm?" Morana watched the Ultra Ball fall to the ground, where mysteriously, no pokemon was released. She then looked at me and questioned, "What kind of crap are you talking about, dumbass?"

With Froslass nowhere to be seen, there was nobody who could go on to the battlefield and get the other Pokeball. So, for a brief moment, my left eye turned purple, and my hand started glowing a dark aura as I pointed at said Pokeball. The Pokeball was surrounded by the dark aura, and lifted into the air before floating right into my hand.

"This Pokeball doesn't belong to you, Morana. It belongs to me…" As I said this, Morana and Glalie, and Chikorita and all the girls froze. They were putting together missing pieces of the puzzle.

"…"

"…" Morana and Glalie said not a thing.

"Froslass was indeed captured…" Rose started.

"…But not by Morana." Yumi finished.

"Chi…"

"That's…that's no fair…" Morana uttered these words as her eyebrows furrowed. "That's a load of crap! Recalling you pokemon during battle is illegal!"

Under normal circumstances, Morana would never resort to calling foul against the rules. She was a trainer who was powerful enough to overcome illegal acts performed by her opponent…But to call me out for recalling Froslass when she herself tried to take Froslass away…Morana was nothing more than a hypocrite in my eyes.

"So sue me if no one cares." Chapel was a very bold and vocal person. She did not hesitate to call Morana out on her hypocrisy. It was the first time I WASN'T on the receiving end of her 'speeches'. "You're a Gym Leader, and you utilized the Pokeball BEFORE Seth in this fight. That Snag Machine…It's a controversy that I've despised since day one. It should never have been created…Calling Seth a cheater makes you a hypocrite!"

"When you're on a journey to satisfy a thirst for vengeance, utilizing any and every tactic transcends the need for playing by the rules." I swiftly countered Chapel's argument with and argument of my own.

"You're siding with her?!" Chapel asked.

"I never said that." I decided to end my exchange of words with Chapel before conflict would arise…again. I faced Morana, and a Mega Glalie that was on its last legs. "Froslass, emerge and attack."

This was the nail in the coffin that would seal my victory. I tossed the Pokeball, and out came Froslass.

"Lass…" Her eyes were closed as she made quite an ambiguous entrance, but they swiftly opened as she produced a single ice kunai. "Froslass!" She began to glow the pink aura of Draining Kiss, and focused its energy onto the tip of the kunai, and started charging at Glalie.

"It's over…The last Pokeball I had-the Ultra Ball-it failed…" Morana couldn't find herself to command another attack.

"The will of Morana has been broken…" Rose uttered.

"Without any Pokeballs left, there's no reason for her to continue." Yumi added.

Froslass slashed Mega Glalie with the pink aura-surrounded kunai. "Ngh…" Mega Glalie felt the sting, and he felt the remainder of his energy being drained.

The last words uttered in the battle came from Froslass, "The heart of a man can be won with one passionate kiss. Even if the man is a pokemon…"

"…" Mega Glalie was surrounded by a white aura for a split second. When the white aura faded, he had reverted to his normal form. Unlike Abomasnow, Glalie was encased by ice, so blood wasn't drawn. The damage was still done though. Glalie fell to the ground, and didn't move. The exclamation point was made.

This fight that transcended simple sport competition, it was won by Froslass and I… "Lass." Froslass slowly turned to me, her icy eyes sporting my reflection.

"He won…" Yumi whispered to herself.

"And after all this time." Rose added, a smile on her face.

"…"

"Glalie…" Morana's eyebrows remained furrowed as she took out Glalie's Pokeball and recalled the downed pokemon. Holding the Pokeball, she stared at it intently.

Working as an apprentice at the Sunnyshore Gym before this journey, I've heard many stories about the joy and merriment that comes with a trainer earning a Gym Badge. The trainer is happy. The Gym Leader is happy. And a celebration is in order on the trainer's part. Everything about emerging victorious in a Gym Battle made the atmosphere so energetic. THIS was supposed to be a feeling every trainer experiences on their journey…Not me. My Pokemon Gym triumphs were anything but energetic. I remember initially rejecting Falkner's Zephyr Badge in Violet City, much to Yumi and everyone's confusion. Maybe my victory over Whitney in National Park for my second badge was quietly optimistic considering it was a comeback, but that's about all she wrote on the positivity. I defeated Morty in the Dominion of Shadows, but was promptly swept by Commander 10 and his Mega Gengar; I should've died that day. And now, here we are. This was my fourth victory, and there was nothing energetic about, aside from Yumi's cheers. Why?

There was much uncertainly between Froslass and I as we stared at each other. What was next for Froslass from here on out? Only time will tell, before the night passes…

…..

Morana's First Appearance…

Walking in my direction, was a woman with long, periwinkle-silver hair, and eyes that were a shade of blue reminiscent of Yumi's. One of those eyes was sporting a white eye gazer. She wore a blue jacket that, strange enough, went down past her waist and served as her same colored short shorts. The skin of her arms were not visible, being covered in long, light blue gloves. Her boot heels that went above her knees were the same color. This woman's most notable feature though, was the wand-like stick she was sporting in her right hand.

This woman stepped right in front of me, "I'm here trying to pay my dues to the late Pryce, and standing in my way is some riff raff."

"You ARE aware that you're a waste of my time, right?" All she had to do was walk around me, and I wouldn't have had to say anything. Too late, for I walked around her as I let her know that her presence wasn't worth my time, my eyes closed and hands in my black jacket pockets.

I left the woman who gave me the impression that she had a foul mouth.

End Flashback

To think such a casual encounter would've culminated into a battle as climactic as this…

Morana was very prideful. Until crossing paths with me for the first time, she never lost a fight-you could tell by the way she carried herself. Chapel let me know that she'd defeated Morana before I could, but that didn't stop Morana from talking as much trash as she does…She doesn't address Chapel in any sort of fashion anymore…

Now, Morana was going to give me the same treatment. Her shame in defeat was noticeable through the disgust written on her face. Her teeth gritted, her fists clenched, and she quivered in silent fury.

A sigh came from her as she stepped away from her side of the battlefield. Simultaneously, Froslass glided to where she was now right next to me.

"Froslass." She and I watched as Morana approached us, her periwinkle hair brushed in the slight breeze.

We all locked eyes.

…

…

…

"Well…" It can't be helped if Morana refuses to admit defeat.

…

…

…

The wind blew.

"…Dumbass."

"Froslass?" Froslass narrowed her eyes.

As I suspected: Morana hasn't changed.

Morana closed her eyes, "Here-"

"Hm?" I questioned.

She produced, in her hand, a badge. It was the same badge Chapel boasted to my face the morning after she won it-the same badge that was flashed to me by Dustin, when everyone was summoned to their respective dream worlds, by a cunning Commander 17, in the disguise of some 'tournament'. This was the Glacier Badge.

"Froslass." The wind blew my black hair, blonde bangs, and black collar as I watched Froslass approach Morana to claim the badge. "Lass." She held the badge up, in the light on the midnight stars. There, she stared. "Froslass." Seconds passed. The ghost of Princess Yuki looked at me and smiled, holding the badge with both hands.

"If we ever meet again…"

"Huh?" We looked to Morana.

Morana continued, "…If we ever meet again, rest assured, I WILL take Froslass from you…"

I was ready to counter Morana's words; to tell her that this word be the last time we ever see each other. But I had to ask, "…How do you have a Snag Machine?" I was ready to interrogate.

Morana fiddled with her wand-like pointer, nonchalantly replying, "You're aware of who operates the Snag Machine, right? Put two and two together: If I have a Snag Machine, then that must mean…"

Is Morana with Neo Snagem? As I did what Morana said and 'put two and two together'…

…Morana smirked, putting her hands on her hips as she said, "It'd be wise to not jump to conclusions. Maybe I'm a Neo Snagem Commander. Maybe I'm not. Whether you paint me as a bad guy or anti-hero has no impact on me going forward. I will return to Mahogany Town and feast on the pathetic trainers who dare to challenge me as I train. And then…you'd better be ready for our paths to cross, and for me to make Froslass my own…"

Morana left my question on such a cliffhanger, so open-ended. The darkness in me told me not to take any chances and attack her…but what if she wasn't in Neo Snagem? But…she has Mega Evolution…The only other trainer I've ever battled with Mega Evolution was in Team Neo Snagem. If she was in Neo Snagem, the organization would've come with her to Mahogany Town, and taken over the city…But she showed no signs of being infected by the virus of Missingno…

All Chapel told me was, "Leave it be, Seth. It's not worth it. Once we leave the mountains, it'll be a while before we reach the next town. We need to rest while we can."

I was reluctant, but this saga in Mahogany Town; From before in Autumn Town, to arriving and finding out Pryce had passed…Yumi had a Pokemon Contest just after Team Rocket's attempted comeback, and there was the dream about a tournament-with a girl named Twilight, and an Espurr that belonged to us in its previous life. When the Contest lights dissolved, everyone passed on to the next town, and I was left with dreams and visions about Pryce and a mysterious woman. The woman's name was Yukiko, and her saga only ended just tonight…I was exhausted, from everything. It was at this moment that I decided to leave Morana be.

This would be the last time we see Morana. She would end up resting in the Goshol house for the night, allowing her stead Mamoswine to rest before embarking on the journey back to Mahogany.

All who remained, on this night, were Froslass and I.

"…" I waited for Froslass to do something; to float to me, allowing me to receive the Glacier Badge.

Froslass said nothing. She was waiting for me to do something. We were now at a potential crossroads. With the final battle in Aomori Village behind us, it was time for me to take initiative, and ask Froslass for a final time.

"Froslass." I called.

Chikorita and the girls were all watching.

"Will you journey with me." It was the exact same request she'd given me, as Princess Yukiko.

Froslass stared into my eyes intently. It appeared as though she was lost in my gaze, like how I've lost myself in her gaze many times.

"Froslass." She held the badge close to her.

...

…

…

A chance for Princess Yukiko to accompany me-a journey, and an 'engagement'.

She smiled, floating closer to me, and gently placing the Glacier Badge in my hands. There, she clasped my hand, giving me her final answer. Was the smile genuine? Or was it masking the expression that comes with a painful decline?

"Will you join me?"

"Am I pretty?"

Her final question. It was thanks to her that I developed enough emotion to answer that question. Will you join me? Is she pretty? I only needed one word to answer both questions.

Simple.

And So It Ends…From Autumn to Winter…