[Vinnie didn't move, he didn't say a word. There was only a slight pause in his breathing as Bulba hugged him, before sinking back into its slow, brooding rhythm.

Even bathed in the Ivysaur's scent, there was little sign that it was doing anything for the Venusaur. He continued to stare into the dirt, his eyes filled only with sullen loathing.

He'd already emptied his rage into the mountain, and now there was simply an empty hole in his chest, devoid of meaning. As much as he wanted to hate, who was he supposed to blame? Everything, even his soul felt tired.

Eventually, in a low, hoarse voice, he managed to mutter, "What's the point...?" before weakly trailing off into self-doubt.

Of being here. Of getting stronger. Of trying to work so hard, all the time. Of anything.