Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 158: The Valley Part 3, a pokémon fanfic

Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 158: The Valley Part 3

"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?" He began brainstorming for another way to defeat Reuniclus and Komala.

"…"

'I'll have to defeat those two with some of my other Pokemon…'

"Rawwrrr!" The Reuniclus dragon prepared to launch another beam of psychic energy.

'Come on…I've gotta think of something fast!'

The beam of psychic energy was blasted in Seth's direction.

'Wait…that's it!'

Reuniclus' attack caused for the cavern to quake as an explosion was created. "Rawwwrrr!"

Komala smiled in its sleep. It was confident in Reuniclus' victory, with Chikorita and Gabite unable to protect their trainer.

When the smoke cleared…

"Krow."

There stood a single Pokemon before Seth: Murkrow.

"Krow. Murkrow."

Murkrow was released from his Pokeball…and his Dark Type was used to tank Reuniclus' psychic beam!

"In a fight as complex as this, it makes sense to get back to the basics regarding types and advantages." Seth may have been addressing Reuniclus as he said this, "As long as Murkrow is on the field, your Psychic attacks will be rendered useless."

Reuniclus became somewhat indignant. All that roaring, and it didn't even finish its opponent.

"This fight is over…but it will be me tasting victory…"

…Murkrow wasn't the only Pokemon released from his Pokeball from within the smoke. Seth had called upon another Pokemon, and she was about to make her grand entrance.

"Rrr…Grr?!" Reuniclus' gelatinous body began quivering, but why?

"If I'm unable to attack your core from the inside, I'll destroy you from the inside out…"

On cue, something appeared at the center of Reuniclus' body.

"Lass." It was Froslass. She'd used the smoke from Reuniclus' psychic beam as the perfect diversion to become intangible, and therefore unable to be seen by the enemy. "Lass." But now, she made herself visible right next to Reuniclus' core with an Ice Shard kunai in hand.

"Froslass! Finish him, now!"

Froslass pierced Reuniclus' core, leaving the kunai lodged in. She promptly phased out of Reuniclus' body in time for the kunai to explode on contact.

"RAWWWRRR! Rawwwrr! Rawwwrrrr…" Reuniclus' mighty roars became whimpers, as it reverted back to its normal form and fell to the ground.

"Reuniclus is unable to battle." Seth then turned his attention to Komala. He could've used pure power to defeat Komala, but there was a more efficient way of neutralizing it. "Murkrow, use Taunt."

Murkrow complied by flying to Komala surrounded by a red aura.

"Zzz…"

The sleeping Pokemon offered no resistance as Murkrow used Taunt, rendering all non-attacking moves in Komala's arsenal useless…

"Zzz…" Did Komala even have any attacking moves? It mattered not.

"Victory is mine."

'That was too easy' Yukiko communicated with Seth as she and Murkrow flew back to his side.

Seth recalled Yukiko, Murkrow, and Gabite to their Pokeballs. Once Chikorita wakes up, it will be time to get moving again. 'Need to find Rose…'

…

Yumi and Braixen were being dragged on the ground by Coalossal, but where were they going. Intimidated by Coalossal's sheer size, Yumi offered little resistance.

Braixen remained asleep.

"…" Coalossal didn't care for foreigners coming into his home in the valley. He had a way for dealing with those he didn't like…permanently.

This particular part of the rocky valley had a high concentration of heat, causing the temperature to rise. Coalossal didn't notice a thing, as one often did when in their home. If Braixen were awaken, she probably wouldn't have noticed as a Fire-Type.

"It's getting hot in here…" But Yumi noticed. The heat of this part in the valley was great enough for Yumi to feel it despite temperatures typically being lower the closer one was to the ground.

It was here that Yumi noticed small bits of grey stuff on the top of the cave.

"What's that?"

The grey stuff was on the walls and ground as well. Unlike her legs, Yumi's arms weren't bound. She was curious so she put a hand on the grey stuff while passing by.

"This feels like iron…"

Yumi's eyes lit up in panic as she remembered what the Pokedex read.

Coalossal, the Coal Pokemon: Coalossal are usually peaceful, but the vandalism of its mines enrage them. Offenders will be incinerated with flames that reach 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit.

The rising temperature, and the iron-like substance…no…it couldn't be…Was Coalossal going to throw Yumi and Braixen into lava?

The question was confirmed when Coalossal entered the rocky valley's expansive underground. This path was straightforward and gave a perfect view of the lava which lied below.

The imminent reality of getting incinerated alive was beginning to settle in on Yumi. "Let me go!" She no longer had the option of laying down like a dog, as she began to struggle once again. "LET ME GO!" All the effort in the world couldn't break the stone shackles which bound her feet together.

"Hmph." The cries of selfish humans were insignificant to Coalossal. It was just as he said: When humans have no power, they are quick to ask for mercy…But humans rule the world. Why should he show mercy to any human?

"Please…No! Please! I don't wanna die!" Yumi began crying when she realized none of her efforts offered any form of resistance.

It was here that Coalossal reach the edge of the land. All that lied over the edge were that would end the life of this poor, poor girl. But do not worry. Hopefully the girl's soul would have a great afterlife once her entire body was burned to ash.

Tears in her eyes, Yumi began thinking to herself, 'Seth…Rose…Chapel…I'm sorry I couldn't meet back up with you…it looks like my journey is coming to an end…' She closed her eyes, hoping for the worst to happen before she realized it.

"Coalossal."

"YUMI!" The screaming of Yumi's name echoed throughout the entire underground.

Yumi opened her eyes to see someone waving at her from the other side of the cavern. It was Chapel, "Chapel?" Yumi wanted to smile. Chapel was here to save her…but how was she going to reach Yumi? Only small patches of land lied between the two, where the lava rested in the middle.

Coalossal looked to the Bouffalant Chapel was riding with contempt. 'You desire to become king of the mountain, yet you ally with foreigner humans…Fine, I will release you from your self-destructive desire.' It was here that Coalossal released the shackles on Yumi and Braixen and threw them over the edge.

"HELP ME PLEASE!" Yumi, tears in her eyes, screamed at the top of her lungs.

"Bouffalant, yip yip!" Chapel directed her stead to take action.

"Brou!" Bouffalant leapt off the edge, landing onto one of the small patches of land. The rock was stable…

Riding Bouffalant, Chapel had to hold on for dear life and avoid falling into the lava. It was just the same for Bouffalant to avoid the lava as well, each jump after another…

"Brou!" Bouffalant acted quick to make a jump for Yumi and Braixen.

"Got ya!" Chapel grabbed a falling Yumi by the hand. "Don't worry…"

Bouffalant made another jump for Braixen, who landed on his afro. With Yumi and Braixen in tow, Bouffalant jumped back to the edge of the land where he'd made his initial jump. The Normal type then stopped, allowing for the girls to gather their bearings.

Yumi fell to her knees, tears still in her eyes, "I…I almost died!" She cried.

Chapel gave Bouffalant a slight nuzzle in gratitude before kneeling down to Yumi's level and giving her a hug to ease her mind. "There there…everything is alright now…"

Yumi had always been the one to ease other people with hugs when they were in distressed. She never thought that she'd be on the other side of this. "Thank you, Chapel…" She allowed for her and Chapel to remain embraced, savoring the moment.

'Foolish humans.'

Taking Yumi and Chapel out of there moment was Coalossal. Still on the other side, he jumped into the air. His massive weight made everyone feel the impact when he landed on the ground. It was like there was some sharp shift in the land.

Just then…the lava began to rise.

The eyes of Yumi and Chapel went wide.

'Enjoy burning in Hell.' Coalossal began walking away from the scene.

"The lava's going to flood this chamber!" Chapel's voice was firm, but not with panic.

"We need to get out of here!" Yumi rose to her feet and recalled Braixen before waiting for Chapel's direction.

Chapel got on Bouffalant and directed for Yumi to do the same.

"Broouuu!"

"Yip yip!" Chapel directed.

Bouffalant made his escape from the cavern with great haste, as his life was on the line too.

"The lava!" Yumi was alarmed when she looked behind her.

The lava was trailing them from behind.

Bouffalant knew this valley like the back of his hoof. Right now, he was dashing through a narrow path with many twists and turns. Honestly, if their lives weren't on the line, Yumi and Chapel would probably be enjoying this as some action packed 'Great Escape' sequence. Nevertheless, if they ever made it out of here alive, this would make a great tall tale to tell everyone.

There were many rocks and boulders which represented a tripping hazard, but Bouffalant was careful to avoid them.

"Geo."

There was even the occasional group of Geodude. No doubt they'd be able to survive a lava overflow. Bouffalant soon found the way out of the valley's deep depths. It was a winding uphill path which circled like a spiral staircase.

"Bou…"

It was tough for Bouffalant to keep his current pace while running uphill. This allowed the lava to gain ground on its pursuit.

"We're in the valley's middling depths now!" Chapel had to talk over the sound of the pursuit.

"How do you know?!" Yumi asked.

"Bouffalant and I went through here on our way to the deep depths!"

"Coal."

The middling depths were home to a colony of Carkol.

"Coal!"

Bouffalant, was wary of the Carkol. In past encounters, he knew that they shared Coalossal's apathy toward foreigners. This was confirmed when the Carkol started launching great balls of fire at him.

"Coal!"

The pressure was on for Bouffalant to avoid each and every attack.

"The Carkol are using Incinerate!" Chapel remarked.

"But why?" Yumi questioned.

Before Yumi's question could be answered, one of the Carkol colony's attacks made contact.

"Brou!" This caused for Bouffalant to fall on the ground.

Chapel looked back to see the lava quickly gaining ground.

"Get up!" No matter how hurt Bouffalant was, Chapel knew that he needed to grin and bare it until they were safe.

"Brou…" Bouffalant rose to his feet, his toughness remaining. If he were gonna be king of the mountain, he couldn't show any vulnerability to the mountain Pokemon. "BROU!" He continued charging forward.

"Coal!"

Bouffalant had decent agility, but his overall pace was slightly slower from having to avoid the continuous Incinerate barrage.

"Coal!"

"Damn it, if Boufallant gets hit one more time, it's over for us…" Chapel took out a Pokeball and released Piplup, who landed on Boufallant's afro.

"Lup!" Piplup, while not expecting the chaos of Incinerate upon being released from her Pokeball, braced herself for the fight in front of her.

"Boufallant, we need you at full speed!" Chapel gave Bouffalant a slight pet on the afro. "Don't worry about Incinerate, we've got you covered." She then called for Piplup. "Piplup! Counter Incinerate with your Water Gun!"

"Coal!"

It was a task that was easier said than done, but with lives on the line, Piplup needed to step up. "Lup!" As Bouffalant kept running, Piplup fired streams of water to nullify the incoming Incinerate attacks.

"Coal!"

As Bouffalant ascended from the depths of the valley, the Carkol attacks became less frequent. And by the time they ceased completely-

"Look!" Yumi pointed to what was up ahead, "The mine tracks!"

"Hopefully we'll be able to find the others!" Chapel added.

The mine tracks were followed until Bouffalant was able to catch a huge break

"Brou?!" Bouffalant skid to a halt.

What lied before him was a ravine filled with water.

"That's a long way to the other side…" Yumi

Yumi's remark caused Bouffalant to smile. The incoming lava came within a fingernail of making contact with the Normal type as he heaved himself to the other side of the ravine. This caused for Yumi, Chapel, and Piplup to fall onto the ground.

They all watched in awe as the lava ran off the edge, pouring itself into the lake below. This caused for loads of steam to be created. Nevertheless, the water was able to hold, demonstrating that the lake had much depth.

"Brou…brou…" Bouffalant was breathing heavily.

"We did it…" It was hard for Yumi to believe that they escaped that ordeal unscathed. "We did it…WE DID IT!" She gave Bouffalant a big hug, "Thank you, Bouffalant! You saved my life!"

Chapel gave Bouffalant a light pat on the horn, "You were great, Bouffalant."

Bouffalant was a Pokemon hardened by the trials of life. He wasn't a sap for Yumi and Chapel's praise the way other Pokemon were. Still, the aspiring mountain leader gave a slight smile.

"Time to find Seth and Rose."

…..

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, "Lady Beatrice?".

Lady Beatrice smiled, "In the flesh."

Corviknight hands the Pokemon Egg to Lady Beatrice.

"My child…" Rose shifted her gaze between Corviknight and Lady Beatrice several times. "Lady Beatrice…is Corviknight your Pokemon?"

"No. Corviknight is a wild Pokemon." Lady Beatrice answered, "Throughout the land, the name of Lady Beatrice is feared, as I can slay over 100 enemies with a single swing of my sword. I used the power I have on Corviknight. By downing Corviknight, I had conquered this entire valley.

"You were the one who sent those mountain Pokemon after us?" Rose couldn't find it in herself to hold any grudge against Lady Beatrice if she was behind the attacks.

"I gave Corviknight an order to lure you right here, to the valley's peak." Lady Beatrice gazed around at the clouds and mountains stretching for miles, "The mountain Pokemon followed their leader to execute this order." It was here that Lady Beatrice digressed, "…I know Lord Bastion tried to bring you home to the organization."

Rose expected as much.

"And it wasn't just Lord Bastion. You were given another chance to come home when you fought Haru, Saki, and Mura. Our only wish is for you to come back into our family, Rose."

When Lady Beatrice offered her hand, Rose began thinking back to their meeting in Mahogany Town, when she did the same thing

"Godmother…" Rose stared at the hand offered to her. What did her heart desire? She had a loving family waiting for her back home. They would all be the perfect family in which to raise her Pokemon Egg when it hatched. "I…" But she also had a new family – the friends who took her in after leaving the organization. "I…" The thought of having to face Father Atticus again had Rose uneasy. "I…" But she was also beginning to doubt her relationship with Seth. "I…" There was an abundance of hesitation and reticence as Rose's hand start moving to meet her Godmother's hand halfway.

Lady Beatrice could sense it – Rose's desire to remain on her journey was beginning to waver.

"Corviknight!"

"Hm?" Before Rose could decide, she her the echo of a familiar voice incoming.

"CORVIKNIGHT! WHERE'S ROSE?!"

"BROU!"

Lady Beatrice returned Rose's Egg without word before walking up to the peak's edge. "The Pokemon Ranger…" Lady Beatrice eyed Chapel, whom she'd previously defeated in Mahogany Town.

Chapel and Yumi both got off their stead in Bouffalant. They were unable to see Rose or Lady Beatrice due to Corviknight's frame and the valley's peak being so high.

"Brou…" Bouffalant was free to do whatever he pleased following the escape from the valley's depths…but now was the time to challenge Corviknight to become leader of the valley.

"Your friends are here." Lady Beatrice turned to Rose.

Rose…she remained where she was.

"I sense darkness here…"

Rose became uneasy.

Also entering the doorstep of the valley's peak was Seth.

"…" Lady Beatrice stared at him for a moment. 'So that's Rose's other brother…' She thought that Seth shared Flora's blonde bangs and deep blue eyes…but his black hair couldn't have come from Atticus. 'Seth…we've come to know your name from the organization, from eliminating our Commanders, to becoming the manifestation of pure evil, to using that evil to kill one of our members in cold blood…the organization continues to pay this guy no mind, but the threat he represents will inevitably become deniable.' She looks to Rose one more time.

"…" Rose didn't wish to confront her Brother while in the presence of Lady Beatrice.

"Rose…" Seeing this deterred Lady Beatrice from confronting the group right there.

Seth approached Chapel and Yumi. They, Bouffalant, and Chikorita all eyed Corviknight.

'An opponent with enough sense to fight in numbers, eh?' Corviknight thought to himself. 'An admirable tactic, indeed. However, this isn't the first time I've been challenged for my throne in numbers.'

Corviknight created a strong gust of wind as he flew off his perch and slowly descended upon his challengers.

'So, you've finally worked up the nerve to challenge me.' Corviknight eyed Bouffalant.

'Let's get straight to the fight.' It was as if Bouffalant read Corviknight's mind.

"Coorrr!"

Seth, Chapel, and Yumi all readied Pokeballs.

"We don't have time for this." Chapel remarked.

"We saw Rose go after Corviknight," Yumi said, "Was Corviknight able to lose Rose in her pursuit."

"It doesn't matter now." Seth narrowed his eyes, "If Corviknight wants an opponent, I will accommodate."

"Coorrr!" Corviknight allowed his roar to echo all throughout the valley, even it's outer reaches.

Lady Beatrice and Rose watched as Seth, Chapel, and Yumi waited for Corviknight to attack. But as Corviknight's battle cry continued to echo, there were sudden vibrations in the ground where Seth, Chapel, and Yumi stood.

"Chi?"

"Brou…"

Chikorita questioned Bouffalant, who knew what was coming.

The vibrations grew in impact to where the ground was shaking. Something was coming…

"Coal…"

Yumi went pale hearing that cry. "No…"

It was Coalossal, and he approached the scene allying with Corviknight. Coalossal was the only surviving Pokemon who ambushed the group. Komala and Reuniclus were defeated, while Bouffalant stood with the opposition. One would think Seth, Yumi, and Chapel would have the numbers advantage.

"Coal."

Chapel stood her ground, "Coalossal's brought reinforcements this time."

While Corviknight was the ruler of the valley, Coalossal oversaw the Pokemon residing in the dark depths. These Pokemon were brought to the summit and made haste to surround the Pokemon Trainers.

"Coal."

Carkol and Rolycoly.

"Coal!"

They all launched orbs of Incinerate at the trainers.

Seth, Yumi, and Chapel all dodged. Chikorita took cover behind a Bouffalant bracing for impact.

"Cooorrrrr!" Corviknight created a violent gale which altered the trajectory of the Incinerate orbs.

"Ngh!" Chapel was struck.

"Ack!" As was Yumi.

"Hnh…!" Seth and the girls were collectively sent to the ground.

"Coal."

From the ground, the trainers watched as more Carkol and Rolycoly came to oppose them.

"Coal."

More…and more…and more…and more…

"Coal."

It was an entire army of Carkol and Rolycoly. There were hundreds of them.

"Croooo!" Corviknight once again took to roaring.

"We're surrounded…" It was here that the group realized that they'd underestimated the Pokemon in the valley. Whenever trouble arose against wild Pokemon, they'd always fought their way to the end of the day and wake up tomorrow morning. Seth, Chapel, and Yumi…they'd gotten complacent. This was the second time they were about to lose to Corviknight and his army.

Lady Beatrice was intrigued. She wondered if Rose still valued the lives of her friends. Allowing them to die here would free Rose of any reason not to return home. Rose expressed her desire to return home but was hesitant on leaving her friends behind to do it. "Rose." Lady Beatrice turned to Rose, who sat on the nest and held her Egg while staring blankly at the ground. "Rose, will you help your friends?"

"…" Rose used her virus power to ascend into the air. No matter how much she wanted to return home, leaving her new family to die was something she would never consider doing. No matter how much she began to fear the dark power her Brother possessed…

"Coal…" Coalossal opened his mouth, and lava began flowing.

"No way…" Chapel was bewildered, "Coalossal can produce lava?"

'I have no sympathy for you foolish humans.' Coalossal thought.

Rose continued to ascend into the air. From where Lady Beatrice stood, Rose looked like she was ascending to the heavens.

"I will save you, Brother…" Rose closed her eyes and began glowing the aura of the virus.

Flashback

Location: Rose's Manor

This room seemed endless, like the walls stretched for miles. It was empty, with no décor to add any homeliness. The marble floor alternated between large tiles that were black and white in color, like a chessboard. The chessboard-like floor was as pristine as the rest of the manor. On the endless walls, were endless windows. All that lied on the outside was the pitch-black night, with an ominous fog accompanying. It was dark and nightmarish.

"You will…hand over my child."

It wasn't as if Rose was bottling her emotions in favor of anger that was cold and calculating. No…her anger was being channeled…elsewhere

The white wing.

The black wing.

Rose's passionate anger was being channeled into both her new wings.

"Wrah…!" The white wing changed shape, to that of a feathered, pristine dragon head.

"Wrah…!" The black wing changed as well, into that of a feathered, ferocious dragon head.

How was Rose able to sprout wings that could be turned into dragon heads used as weapons? And when did she acquire such an ability?

The dragon wings on Rose's back had minds of their own. Rose remained in place, as the wings grew and extended

Illumise was stricken by the black dragon, Volbeat stricken by the white. They were pushed back like ragdolls. If looked closely, the Innamorati masks donned by Volbeat and Illumise cracked. It was as if the masks were about to shatter. They had yet to hit the floor or any walls, but Illumise and Volbeat were rendered defeated and unconscious upon immediate impact.

"…" Rose stood there, motionless. As Volbeat and Illumise descended closer into the endless black abyss Banette had waiting for them, the black and white dragon wings moved closer to her.

Who would've thought that Rose housed such a world? Nobody. Not Seth. Not Chapel nor Yumi. Not the family she had back in the organization. Nobody. Every person Rose has ever come in contact with knows that she's a very passionate and emotional person, but to manifest that passion and emotion into a world in which those emotions come pouring out…Who is Rose? She is someone who has been trained to be physically and mentally superior to the average human…Was there more to her story than that? If there are deeper depths to Rose's character, it remained a mystery to the world.

End Flashback

Rose was tapping into the power she used that night, as a black wing and white wing sprouted from her back. She used these wings to speed down to the level of the battlefield.

Seth started glowing the aura of dark evil, while Chapel emitted the aura of purity's light. The lava was fast approaching, but before they could force their way out…

"Coal."

The army of Rolycoly and Carkol started using Rock Tomb to bind the Trainers' hands.

"Coal!"

Seth and Chapel were knocked back to the ground.

"Can't move…" Seth muttered.

"Is this how it ends?"

The trainers could only watch as the lava being produced by Coalossal made it way closer.

"We're going to burn to death…!" Yumi was still frightened from Coalossal's attempt to throw her into a pit of lava.

"Coal."

The Carkol and Rolycoly cooed in pleasure as the lava touched each and every one of them. When the lava touched them, they glowed red. This let Seth, Yumi, and Chapel know how close the lava was.

'So, this is how it ends?' This was question Seth refused to ask himself until he saw the writing on the wall. 'Who would've thought our journey would end in a place that was supposed to be a mere footnote…' Seth remembered the vision he had when he was put to sleep by Komala – The vision of Rose with her back turned as she face Mother Flora and a bunch of people they didn't know. Who were they? "Rose…" Rose's name was the last thing to escape Seth's mouth before his presumed end.

Seth, Yumi, Chapel, Chikorita, and Bouffalant…they all braced for death.

…

A feather fell before Seth. "A feather?" It was white as white as the heavens. Another wing fell, this one as black as death.

The lava stopped. No…it wasn't just the lava. It was as if time itself stopped.

"What's going on?" Seth didn't know what to make of this, as everything seemed to adopt a blueish hue.

"Brother." The way Rose descended upon her Brother, one would think she was a guardian angel of some sort.

Seth stared at the Rose's wings. "Rose." He questioned if Rose was behind this.

The siblings had many unanswered questions as they stared at each other intently.

'Rose…what is that power? Since when have you had the ability to sprout wings and stop time? Were you here this entire time? If so, why didn't you come out earlier? Are you hiding something?' Seth's eyes narrowed. 'Is the Commander 15 you called Uncle Bastion here? Or maybe that Haru, Saki, or Mura? Rose…do you conspire to return to Team Neo Snagem?'

'Brother, why are you looking at me like that? That is the same look you gave me when you faced Uncle Bastion. Why do you always act short with me? All I've ever wanted was to love you. Why can't we love each other? If I told you I was homesick, and wanted to see Mother Flora again, how would you react? Brother…will our relationship be forever compromised by where I come from?

So many questions. So little answers.

White wings started descending everywhere. With each and every enemy momentarily flashing white as said feathers made contact. The lava being produced by Coalossal receded, and the shackles of Rock Tomb shattered, freeing Seth, Chapel, and Yumi.

Rose and Seth could've been staring at each other for eternity...but Rose abruptly broke eye contact, flying back to the valley's peak.

'Why would she leave after dispelling the lava? She IS hiding something.' Seth's eyes narrowed. He gave off a heavy sigh before uttering her name. "Rose." The thought of Rose conspiring against him wasn't going to leave his mind.

The blueish hue faded, and time went back to normal. Rose was gone, but all the Rolycoly, Carkol, Coalossal, and Corviknight suddenly fell asleep.

'Rose…what did you do?' Seth thought to himself.

"What happened?" Yumi questioned. "We're...alive?"

Seth's eyes landed on Chapel, who gave him a knowing look.

'Chapel…you saw what Rose did too, right?'

His eyes narrowed upon fixing his gaze on the nest where Rose flew.

Rose and Lady Beatrice stood across from each other.

"So, you elected to save your friends, despite your inner turmoil…" Lady Beatrice extended her hand out to Rose. This was right where they left off before being interrupted. "Come with me Rose. Return to your family."

"…" Rose was just as conflicted as she was before. "I…"

Previously, Rose had resigned to Haru, Saki, and Mura bringing her home by force..and Rose was content with that. Lord Bastion gave the exact same extended arm that Lady Beatrice did, only for her Brother to fight on her behalf. Rose always had a choice in the matter. Her choice was that she didn't want to choose, and that a decision would be made for her so she wouldn't feel guilty about which side she left.

"I…" Rose was still unsure. She took her gaze from Lady Beatrice and focused on the Pokemon Egg she was holding, "I will have an answer next time I meet you and Lord Bastion."

"I understand where you're coming from, Rose. Major decisions like these take time." Lady Beatrice crossed her arms. "You're my Goddaughter. I won't rush your decision. I just want what's best for you…but it's your life. You're free to return to your friends."

"Thank you…" Rose was grateful for having Lady Beatrice as a Godmother. Despite Lady Beatrice promising that there would be no mercy next time she and Rose met, she elected not to fight. Rose gave her Godmother one last glance before proceeding to descend back down to the battlefield.

"Rose!" Yumi greeted Rose with a hug.

"What happened?" Chapel asked.

"Yes, what happened?" Seth repeated Chapel's question with greater emphasis, giving Rose an unwavering gaze.

"It was nothing." Rose smiled, "I was going to save my child no matter what."

Seth's eyes narrowed as he remained skeptical. Why did Rose save him only to retreat again? From Commander 15 to HaruSakiMura, they all talked about Rose returning to Neo Snagem…With all the talk of Rose returning to the organization, Seth suspected there was a Commander in the valley. That Commander may have been behind the ambush executed by Corviknight and the mountain Pokemon.

Once again, Rose and Seth stare at each other. The tension was heavy enough to weigh down the positivity brought about by the rest of the group.

Seth's suspicions…start causing him to lose trust in Rose as an ally, but he doesn't reveal this out loud.

As the journey continues…

To Be Continued…