Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 157: The Valley Part 2
In this Rocky Valley, Rose had revealed to the world an emotionally broken side of her.
"MY CHILD!"
Whether or not she, her Brother, Chapel, and Yumi made it out of the valley didn't matter. Whether or not the others would be able to fend off the valley pokemon taking them for trespassers? Didn't matter to Rose.
"I know it is selfish, but…"
Selfish, and unselfish at the same time. It was selfish of Rose to take off like that, but the others would've wanted Rose to rescue her child.
"…"
Whatever emotional instability that was revealed to the world had promptly been put in check once reality hit Rose. No matter how strong she was with her virus power, this valley was Corviknight's territory.
"Corviknight…"
This was Corviknight's home. Corviknight's battlefield. Corviknight's playground. He knew the ins and outs of this valley, and had used this to escape Rose's pursuit…with her Egg in his talons.
Rose was no longer using the railroad tracks to guide her. In her rage, she'd strayed from proper path used to traverse this valley.
She was lost.
"I matters not, how far you try to run…" The little girl uttered to herself as she continued floating through the tunnel, "I will find you, and I will reclaim my child."
While Rose was on a quest to regain her child, she'd left behind a group of friends and enemies. It was a cliffhanger for everybody involved.
Somewhere deep within the valley, there lived a nine foot tall giant. On the surface, he looked hard as rock; as if he'd been through enough triumph and tragedy in the world to the point where nothing moved him emotionally. No. This giant has lived his entire life in the valley. You might even go as far as saying the giant has sheltered himself from the outside world. Since he was born, it was the same pokemon who lived in the valley. Every once in a while, a child would be born, while the elderly would pass away in their sleep. Foreigners? This giant was unfamiliar with them.
"…" This giant's name was Coalossal, and the events of today had him bewildered.
Coalossal had never seen a human before. To say he was shocked to see four foreigners trespass onto the mountain would be an understatement. On the surface, his face remained as hard and stagnant as rock.
"…" In his mind, however, he wanted to rid the valley of something as alien as a human.
And here he was, dragging one of the unconscious four, along with one of her Pokemon.
The black-haired, aqua blue banged girl started opening her eyes. "Umm…"
"Hrm." Coalossal made no attempt to stop dragging Yumi along the ground as she woke up.
Yumi's memory was hazy. First she and the others arrived in the valley. Then they road the mine cart on the railroad. They encountered enemy Pokemon, that weird 'Komala' used Yawn on everybody and…That's all she remembered.
"Hmm." All Yumi wondered about was why the tunnel ceiling above her was moving. At first, she concluded that she was still dreaming. "Huh?" That was, until her gaze wandered. It wandered until it found another downed figure right next to her.
"…" It was Braixen. Unconscious, she was being dragged across the ground like some sort of rag doll.
"What the…" Maybe this wasn't a dream after all. Realizing this, Yumi attempted to get up. "Huh?" But she couldn't move. Her legs were bound together.
"Hrm…" Upon sensing one of the foreigners to be awake, the Coalossal paused momentarily.
It was here that Yumi and the Coalossal made eye contact.
Coalossal had restricted the legs of Yumi and Braixen with stone cuffs.
Yumi kicked her legs in an attempt to get free. No use.
"Hrm…"
When the normally bubbly and playful Yumi couldn't free herself or blow this situation off as a gag, she began utilizing a bit more force. "H-hey. L-let me go! Get…o-off me!" She was being forcibly restrained by the giant. She tried nudging Braixen hoping to wake her up, "Braixen? Braixen! Wake up!"
"…" Braixen was fast asleep.
Unable to free herself or have Braixen free her, Yumi could only glare at the Coalossal. "Um?"
"…" But Coalossal's face…his body and spirit…they were as hard as stone. Being in his clutches and trying to threaten him wasn't going to work. Coalossal's stone cold presence was somewhat unnerving. It intimidated Yumi.
Yumi was being held prisoner.
Yumi's glare faltered until she found herself cowering back on the ground.
'So this is the true face of humanity', The Coalossal thought to himself, 'They exploit their power over the world without mercy, but beg the world for mercy when they are without power to exploit…'
Just where was the giant taking Yumi?
One would've expected Chapel to put up a better fight against the mountain Pokemon, but she was defeated just like the rest.
"…" Bouffalant traveled in silence, an unconscious Chapel laying on his back.
Where was Bouffalant going? The wild buffalo had strayed away from the cave and was now trekking up a mountain in the rocky valley.
"…" He looked like a goat trying to make it to the top of the mountain – the top of the world. You could call Bouffalant a 'Capricorn' of sorts.
But did the Capricorn have what it took to make it to the top and dethrone Corviknight as the leader of the valley? Bouffalant entertained the notion long ago, but those days are long gone. It was an endless uphill battle, but one Bouffalant was willing to brave.
"Erm…" The girl he was carrying was beginning to stir.
"Brou." Bouffalant huffed calmly, as he could sense the girl was beginning to wake up.
"…Huh?" Chapel opened her eyes. The light of the sun in the open valley had her shielding her eyes until they could adjust. When she took a look at her surroundings, "!" She was shocked to see that she was halfway up a mountain and riding the very mountain Pokemon that opposed her.
Bouffalant stopped.
Chapel could've questioned the Pokemon, but knew better. There's no way she could understand a thing Bouffalant says. "Ha!" Instead, Chapel immediately took action, hopping off the wild Capricorn. She took extra caution to keep her balance on the mountain's slope.
"Brou." Slowly, the Bouffalant turned around to face Chapel.
The two exchanged a stare down.
'Where are the other mountain pokemon?' Chapel questioned to herself, 'Where's Rose? And Seth? And Yumi?' However shocked Chapel was at being here and separated from the rest of the group, she was not helpless. The Bouffalant gave Chapel and intense stare as he started glowing a red aura.
"Brou…Brou!"
Chapel's eyes focused on Bouffalant, as she immediately recognized the move.
'Head Charge.'
Bouffalant charged at Chapel with intent to impale or kill her.
"Hah!" Chapel acted with haste, quickly jumping out of the way. Landing on a ledge located higher on the slope, the blonde-haired maroon-banged girl looked down upon her attempted murderer. "An outsider like me has trespassed onto your home, and for that you have every right to be upset. However…" Chapel paused, "That's no excuse to try and kill me. So sue me, if you don't agree.'
Rather than taking out a Pokeball and attempting to battle Bouffalant, Chapel grabbed something else – her stylus.
Enter: Pokemon Ranger Chapel!
"Capture, on!"
How long has it been since Chapel last used her Capture Styler? She's only used it once this entire journey – the night she joined Seth.
The Capture Styler was launched. It circled Bouffalant at a speed that was almost imperceptible to the human eye.
Bouffalant, bewildered, was unsure of what to do. His silent cries carried a visible reticence.
"Now!" Chapel called for the Styler to make her capture.
For a split second, Bouffalant flashed a white aura, indicating Chapel's capture.
The Capture successful, Bouffalant would now follow Chapel's command. "Hmph!" Knowing this, Chapel jumped from the ledge and onto Bouffalant's back. The afro aside, Chapel took hold of Bouffalant's horns. "CHARGE!"
"BROU!" In response to Chapel's battle cry, Bouffalant's roar echoed throughout the valley.
Bouffalant was now Chapel's stead.
Chapel victorious and having joined forces with the Capricorn, it was now time to find the others.
"Lets go." With a warm smile on her face, Chapel stroked Bouffalant's afro, to which Bouffalant cooed in pleasure, "The others need our help."
As he felt asleep, his vision completely whited out.
Seth…he dreamt of being completely surrounded by a white light. As far as the eye could see, only smothering white light stood.
This felt too real to be a dream.
This is what was going through the mind of Seth as he came to. "Ngh…" He was laying on his stomach as he lifted his head from the ground. "…" He slowly opened his eyes.
"…"
Standing before him was a familiar little girl with long blonde hair and wearing a black maiden dress.
"You…"
Yes. This little girl was Seth's sister, and she was facing away from him.
Hearing Seth's voice, his sister turned to him. "Brother…" She looked to be giving him one last glance. "I'm sorry." She then turned her back, and began walking away.
"Ngh…!" Seth tried to call on his sister. He'd risen to his knees. Holding his arm out to his sister, he attempted to call her. He was going to tell her to stay, but the words wouldn't come out. But just as Seth was about to call her name, he paused.
Slowly appearing in the white light, were a few familiar and figures. There was an unfamiliar woman with long, cherrywood hair, but aside from that…There was the Commander that Seth heard his sister call 'Uncle Bastion'. He was accompanied by Volbeat, Illumise, and Lairon. The next figures to appear…
"…" Seth has never been one to express his emotions, but these figures… "Mom."
When Flora – Seth's Mother – appeared, his eyes widened. Appearing with Flora were the very Lilligant and Roselia who treated him like a brother when he was younger.
It's been five long years since he's seen his Mother. She, Roselia and Lilligant…Uncle Bastion, Volbeat, Illumise, Lairon, and the woman with cherrywood hair all held their hands out to Seth's sister.
"Rose." They called out to his sister, urging her to join them. She was attracted to the loving 'family' like a magnet.
In in attempt to rise to his feet and run after his sister, Seth stumbled, falling back onto the ground. His sister didn't turn back to help him. She continued closer toward her family. "…" Seth could only rise back to his knees and look on as his sister now stood in front of everybody holding their hands out.
It was only when his sister extended her hand to join them that Seth finally raised his voice, calling her name. "ROSE!"
It felt too real to be a dream. But alas, it WAS a dream…
All that was on Seth's mind was his vision of Rose. This didn't change as he slowly came to.
"Hm."
Seth was laying along the mine cart tracks, just like before. It appeared as though this was the same place where he fought the mountain Pokemon.
"…" Gabite was asleep as well.
"Chi…" As was Chikorita.
"Where did everybody go?" Seth wondered how everybody else got separated.
…Normally, Seth was indifferent as to whether or not the girls would willingly follow him. He was always determined to stay the course of his journey, no matter what. However, now…
"Rose…" Seth couldn't get his sister off his mind. "Where is she?" He wanted to find Rose, and he didn't know why. "Hey, get up." Before he would search for Rose, Seth approached Chikorita and Gabite, shaking them awake.
"Chi…"
"Rrr…"
When they awoke, they looked at Seth confused. Seth was just as confused as them. He didn't even know where Rose was, but that didn't stop him from beginning his search. But as he turned around to start walking, "It's you." He halted, almost startled at what he saw.
"Zzz…" It was that sleeping pokemon from before – Komala.
Seth narrowed his eyes. How could he allow such a seemingly harmless Pokemon to put him to sleep like that? Komala was the driving force behind the group being defeated despite all the other mountain Pokemon looking capable enough to be leader of the pack.
Komala defeated him once, but that wasn't going to happen again. "Gabite. Chikorita." Seth knew better than to underestimate Komala this time.
Gabite stepped up. Despite fighting Komala before, Gabite still didn't know what to make of the sleeping koala. Chikorita was just as cautious.
"Gabite! Chikorita!" Seth called their names again, albeit with authority. He threw his arm to the side, urging his pokemon to make an attack.
"Raa!"
"Chi!"
Gabite readied his claws, while Chikorita was tackling head first.
"Zzz…" In the face of two attackers, Komala remained asleep and steady. "Zzz…" Komala are known to possess the ability to fight even while asleep. This was especially true for this particular Komala who started glowing before Gabite and Chikorita could close in on their attacks.
As Komala was glowing, the entire tunnel started glowing as well. Around Chikorita and Gabite. And around Seth!
Seth took a natural cautious step backward as the glowing field extended to him. He looked around wondering what was going on.
The aura surrounding the field grew stronger. Pillars of energy arose from the ground.
"Chi?"
"Rrr!"
Chikorita hesitated, while Gabite growled menacingly as a pillar of energy arose in between them and the sleeping Komala.
"Zzz…"
This pillar turned green, and something began to emerge from it. It looked like jello…No. It looked as if a translucent, green gelatinous membrane was surrounding a light green body mass. The green body mass had an ovular head, short stubby paws, and equally stubby feet. This pokemon opened its eyes, and Seth immediately recognized it.
Reuniclus.
Reuniclus was an opponent capable of great power. It used its arms to intercept Gabite and Chikorita, launching them back in Seth's direction.
"Chi…" Chikorita's cry had Seth taking a step forward to see if she was okay.
"Grr…" Gabite was down, but not out.
Reuniclus was another one of the Pokemon residing on the mountain, and he was working with Komala to fend off Seth.
"Zzz…"
"Uuu…"
Komala and Reuniclus both started glowing again. This time, Reuniclus appeared to be using its Psychic power. Seth, Chikorita, and Gabite were going to find out – the hard way – just how devastating a sleeper of a team Komala and Reuniclus were.
"Uuu…"
Komala focused all of its glowing energy on Reuniclus.
"What?" Seth's eyes widened at what happened next.
"Uuu…" Reuniclus, surrounded by Komala's glowing aura and it own Psychic energy, began changing. The translucent, green gelatinous membrane surrounding its body started growing in size. Seth had never seen something like this happen to any Reuniclus he's ever faced.
"Zzz…"
Reuniclus was using its Psychic energy to materialize Komala's dream, in turn, creating a new form!
Chikorita and Gabite watched as the gelatinous membrane grew wings, claws, and a tail. "Uuu…Uuuu…UUUU! UUURAAAAWRRR!" Reuniclus had taken the form of a ferocious dragon, seemingly capable of deadly attacks.
Even after Reuniclus' transformation, the glowing aura remained around the field. "Zzz…" While Komala remained asleep.
And so the battlefield was set.
Seth called for Chikorita to launch Energy Ball, and for Gabite to strike Reuniclus with his Dragon Claw.
"Har!" Gabite extended his claw in the teal aura of Dragon Claw and charged at the dragon.
"Chi!" While Chikorita launched Energy Ball.
The ball of green energy wisped past Gabite
"…" Seth imagined the ball of energy would deal decent damage. Not enough to down Reuniclus in one shot, but at least enough to chip away at its expanded membrane.
"Raaawwwrrrr!" But Reuniclus roared.
"Hm?" Just as Gabite was closing in with Dragon Claw, he hesitated.
"Raaaawwwrrrr!" The Reuniclus dragon roared, and Gabite watched. Chikorita's Energy Ball wasn't just ineffective, it was worse. The green membrane absorbed the ball of green energy, which actually made the psychic dragon's form expand even more. "Raaawwwrrrrr!"
"Chi?!" Chikorita was astonished.
Reuniclus roared once more as it launched a beam of massive Psychic energy at Gabite.
"Dig!" Seth called.
Quickly, Gabite burrowed itself in the valley ground to narrowly avoid the green dragon's powerful attack.
Seth thought to himself that the dragon opposing him was powerful. It wasn't just Seth, but Gabite and Chikorita were recognizing Reuniclus' strength as well. If anything, Chikorita's Energy Ball made this fight much more dire. And had Gabite been struck by that Psychic beam, that certainly would've been it for him. Perhaps Reuniclus was able to render all long range moves like Energy Ball useless. All of Chikorita's attacking moves were long range. Meaning that as long as that gelatinous membrane surrounded Reuniclus, Chikorita was unable to fight.
"Chi."
Seth gritted his teeth. With Chikorita unable to attack and Reuniclus waiting for Gabite to emerge from underground, what was going to be his plan of attack now? Could he turn into Fear and use his Shadow powers to fight? Perhaps, but there's a chance Reuniclus could absorb his dark energy. If that were to happen, it would definitely be unstoppable. Seth couldn't risk it. And so, he was left brainstorming for a way to combat his opponent with his Chikorita and Gabite pieces already in place.
"…" Komala continuing carrying on this dream in the background.
"Maybe…" If he couldn't attack with Chikorita, maybe he could use her as a decoy so that Gabite could land a clean strike. Yes, Dragon Claw would certainly slice away at that membrane! "Chikorita!"
Chikorita was told to get Reuniclus' attention. "Chi! Chicori!" Chikorita called out to the membrane.
The membrane turned to the Grass type and was greeted with some rather insulting taunts. "Uuu…" To Reuniclus, this weak Chikorita couldn't hurt a fly even if she tried. Not attacking her would serve no consequence. "Uuu…" However, with Gabite burrowed underground, this fight was turning into a stalemate. The last thing Reuniclus wanted was to grant these foreigners more time on the mountain than they deserve. "Raaawwwwrrr!" The green dragon roared as it pursued Chikorita.
"Chi." It was easy to miss, but you could see Chikorita crack a smile on her face for a fraction of a second. Her taunts worked. Reuniclus was charging straight for her. "Chico!" She just hoped Seth and Gabite knew what they were doing!
Reuniclus' pursuit of Chikorita moved toward Seth, and then away from him. Chikorita, somehow, was able to circle around the sleeping Komala without waking it, though it probably wouldn't have woken up anyway.
"…" Gabite watched and waited for the chance to strike.
The green membrane swung its arm, Chikorita ducking to avoid the attack.
"Zzz…" The chase eventually made its way back in the direction of the sleeping Komala.
Reunicle attempted another swing of it fist.
"Chi!" Chikorita was able to avoid the attack again, this time sliding under the sleeping Komala.
"Urr?!" Reuniclus quickly retracted it attempted attack, careful not to strike the sleeping pokemon.
"Rrr!" With Reuniclus mentally recoiling, this was the perfect time for Gabite to strike. "Bite!" Gabite launched himself from the aura-surrounded ground with his claws cloaked in the aura of Dragon Claw.
"Alright! Slay Reuniclus now!" Seth called as he threw his hand forward.
Gabite swung his claw. Reuniclus' gelatinous membrane was destined to be slaughtered. "Grrraaa!"
"Urrr…"
Dragon Claw slashed through the dragon's gelatinous wing, as well as its right arm.
"Chi…" Chikorita watched as the two mutilated body parts fell to the ground with a splat. They both lost their form, becoming a regular pile of stray jelly.
Seeing Reuniclus not as invulnerable as initially thought instilled Seth with confidence that this fight was shifting in his favor. "…" It wouldn't last though, as the pile of mutilated jelly began to stir. "Hm?"
The aura surrounding the battlefield smothered the mutilated jelly with energy. "Zzz…" The jelly immediately began gravitating back to Reuniclus like a magnet.
"What?" Seth gritted his teeth…as the severed wing and arm began to reform.
Gabite couldn't believe it. So, in addition to long range attacks being ineffective, Reuniclus was able to regenerate from any damage received from close range attacks as well?!
The Reuniclus dragon readied another beam of Psychic energy to launch. "Urrr!"
"Chi!"
"Arr!"
Chikorita and Gabite both managed to avoid the attack.
"Hmph!" The attack even came in Seth's direction, to which he swiftly sidestepped. That Psychic beam was more powerful than the last. "What can we do?" Seth was on the verge of cursing inwardly. Reuniclus has rendered every one of Chikorita and Gabite's attacks ineffective.
…If their attacks didn't work, maybe Reuniclus could be defeated by one of its own attacks!
"Urr!" Reuniclus began swinging at Gabite repeatedly, hoping to land a strike.
"Gabite, use Dig!"
Gabite continued to avoid Reuniclus' repeated attempted strikes, waiting for the perfect opportunity to execute Seth's command. "Rar!" He dug his way underground.
"Chikorita! Jump in the hole now!"
"Chi!"
"Urr?" Reuniclus was confused. Just what were they doing? In addition to Gabite hiding again, Chikorita has gone underground as well. Was this fight headed toward another stalemate? "Urrr!" Reuniclus didn't think so. Gabite and Chikorita didn't have the luxury of Reuniclus' patience to buy time underground this time. The gelatinous dragon prepared another beam of Psychic energy. This time, it was aiming for the hole.
Seth's eyes narrowed. Perfect.
Just as the gelatinous dragon prepared to launch the Psychic beam, another hole appeared right behind him.
"Rrr." Gabite hopped out.
"Chi." Followed by Chikorita. "Chi?"
"Rrr?"
Chikorita and Gabite looked at each other. They nodded in understanding as they both made a run from the hole.
Reuniclus was completely unaware of the hole behind it as it launched the Psychic beam into the hole. The Psychic beam traveled to the other hole, which was placed right behind Reuniclus
"Zzz…?!" The sleeping Komala stood alarmed, as the hole behind Reuniclus started glowing.
"UUURRRRR?!"
It was a great strategy by Seth, defeating the gelatinous dragon with its own attack.
"UUURRRRR!" Reuniclus roared as it was struck by its own all powerful beam of Psychic energy.
That beam was more powerful than any attack Seth had used up until that point, and it was effective.
"UUURRRRR!" The entire mine cart tunnel lit up as Reuniclus roared in pain. It was a rather grand defeat sequence. As the Psychic beam was too much for Reuniclus to handle, it gelatinous membrane exploded.
"Chi!" Chikorita smiled.
"Raawwrr!" While Gabite roared in triumph.
Clumps of the gelatinous membrane flew everywhere, leaving its light green body mass completely unprotected.
Seth realized that now was the perfect opportunity to strike. "Kill that pokemon!" Seth was a trainer who lacked compassion for his opponent. He called for Chikorita and Gabite to render Reuniclus unable to ever get in their way again.
"Chi!"
"Bite!"
And they were obedient, as Chikorita readied Energy Ball and Gabite charged in with a murderous Dragon Claw.
"Uuu…" This was it. Reuniclus was defenseless.
"Zzz!"
If Seth had a heart, it would've skipped a beat. Just when it appeared he would be victorious against Reuniclus, his other enemy – hiding in the background for the entire battle – took to the front lines.
"Zzz!" Komala appeared in front of the Reuniclus core and started glowing the same aura surrounding the battlefield.
Chikorita and Gabite's attacks were both intercepted. The aura surrounding Komala grew stronger, to the point where it was able to repel any and all damage.
"Zzz…"
"…" Seth wanted nothing more than to curse that damned Komala to Hell. No matter what he thought, it was his own fault for not accounting for the Sleeping Pokemon in the first place.
"Uuu…" Komala's interference was just enough time…for the Reuniclus core to regain focus. Its gelatinous membrane reformed right before Seth's eyes.
"Zzz…" Komala then launched its Yawn attack. Hitting Chikorita and Gabite while their guard was down.
"Chi?"
"Ga?!"
As Chikorita and Gabite were forced asleep, Seth fell to one knee, "Is there any way to defeat that thing?"
With the foreign Pokemon Egg now its possession, Corviknight was on its way to its perch, which lied at the top of the mountain.
"Rrrr!"
Rose remained in close pursuit using her virus power to float in the air like a fairy.
"My child…" Rose uttered, "I will save my child."
Corviknight finally laid rest on its perch. The Steel bird was the undisputed emperor of the mountain. From atop its perch, it rules over all who inhabit its dominion. "Rrr…" As Corviknight began its Roost, it took a look at Rose.
The five-year old girl was staring at Corviknight with a calm but icy ferocity. Rose was determined to save her child and shower it with the love she's longed for throughout her life.
"Mmm." Corviknight shrugged. In the eyes of the mountain's emperor, Rose was just some weak little human girl who wanted to act tough. Corviknight didn't consider Rose enough of a threat to give her its full attention. In fact, Corviknight dared Rose to come up to its perch and prepare to lose her life, if she had the courage.
Without another word, Rose calmly ascended to Corviknight's level. She and Corviknight eyed each other before Rose shifted her gaze to the Pokemon Egg held in its talon. "Hand me my child."
Was she willing to risk her life for this Egg? Corviknight was beginning to sense the tension coming from Rose. Her gaze became cold yet determined. Corviknight remained still. If Rose decides to strike even once, Corviknight would kill her then and there.
…
Rose was physically and mentally superior to the average human. Corviknight might be the one defeated should it keep underestimating Rose. She narrowed her eyes as she readied to strike.
Corviknight's eyes glinted with anticipation.
"I never thought of you as the type who would strike first." But before Rose could attempt her attack, she was addressed by someone else.
Who? Rose's eyes widened. She didn't need to see this person's voice in order to recognize their voice. "You…"
It came from behind Corviknight. Appearing before Rose, was the woman with long, chestnut hair and a white, sleeveless, cape-like duster coat which almost reached the ground. This woman…
"Godmother?" Rose called out to the unforgotten face, "Beatrice?"
Lady Beatrice – Team Neo Snagem's Commander 06.
Beatrice smiled, "In the flesh."
To Be Continued…