When Two Are One 13

  “Well, that was easy as pie. Don’t you think, Dex?” White stretched her arms as she walked out of the gym. Dexter happily trotted by her side, neighing in pride at his splendid victory. Though her back still ached from the numerous blasts of cannons she had to endure, the glistening Mistralton badge pinned inside her vest made her forget all the soreness. Radiating a proud smile, White patted Dexter’s head, earning her a loving whine.

  “Congratulations.”

  That voice. That stoic, cold voice that brought an unpleasant shiver down her spine. It whistled through hear ears; entering right and exiting left. Her patting stopped, fingers twitching to a half-clench. Her teeth lightly dug the insides of her lower lip, stifling a nasty growl of discontent.

  She heard a low murmur, Dexter comforting her as he sensed White’s fume. With eyes closed, she took one deep breath. As she turned her heel, her eyes were opened and a forced smile curved her lips, dripping with sarcasm as she acquainted with the sweetest tone possible, “What the hell are you doing here?”

  N gave no immediate response, seemingly as he was getting used to her rude behaviour. A small smile pursed his lips, proving the same amount of irony to how she felt. “I am merely here to congratulate you on your battle. Isn’t that what you always wanted?”

  A low mumble emitted from Dexter, issuing N of the consequences if he ever pissed her off even more. Crossing her arms, White cast a frown and scoffed. “Wow. Somebody learned the meaning of ‘sarcasm’ today. Bravo.” She gave three slow claps, posing a sly smile.

  It was good to say that her impoliteness turned his smile upside-down. “I wasn’t being sarcastic,” he spoke through gritted teeth. N flinched to see White rolled her eyes in disregard, not even showing a hint of belief in his words. “Would you stop that?”

  “Oh do not tell me what to do.” White pointed a finger at him, aqua eyes stabbing at a pair of emeralds. Dexter stood beside his trainer, blowing a heavy sigh at their encounter. It hadn’t been 5 minutes and the two were already starting to bicker like Meowths and Growlithes. Taking one hoof forward, he snatched N’s attention. ‘What are you doing here?’

  N returned the Zebstrika’s gaze, somewhat cooling him off from the rage that slowly boiled inside of him. One fist close to his mouth, N let out a single cough. “Like I said, I am only here to congratulate you on your triumph. I bear no mockery in my words.” Staring at White, his mouth was then back to a frowning state. “Unfortunately, your mind is just too stubborn to accept my sincere compliment.”

  A sour huff blew from her mouth. “Well thank you for that sincere compliment in which I will cherish forever until my last damn breath- Oh wow did you feel that?” White stopped, mouth parting and hands held forward as if something had struck her mind.

  Pushing the fact that he felt slightly hurt at her behaviour, N couldn’t cease the curiosity that bit him. “Feel what?”

  “I think I just felt some sort of religious epiphany thanks to your sincere compliment oh wow I feel like I’ve been reborn!” White inhaled a loud gasp, hands pressed to her chest. With a smirk flashing for the boy that seemed confused and obviously annoyed, she lovingly cooed, “Thank you for saving me with your sincere compliment.”

  Arceus helped N that he had never met someone so rude in his entire life.

  “I-” He stopped, collecting the patience that slowly slipped from his mind. With eyes closing, he took one slow breath and shook his head. “See it as you wish. I do not have time for your childish ways.”

  “Good.” Arms crossing yet again, White looked away in disgust. Dexter sighed quietly, in a mix of amusement and disappointment at his trainer.

  N switched his glance over to the Zebstrika. Compared to how he felt when talking to White, N knew he would feel more than relaxed every time he conversed with a Pokémon. “Congratulations on your battle. You, Isaac, and Marcus all provided such amazement to your skills and strengths.” Shoulders jumping at a carefree chuckle, his smile widened as N added, “I am delighted to see when you aided the fallen Swanna back on her feet after you won the battle. That is a far astounding success than any winning competition.”

  Upon hearing such nice words, a blush tinted Dexter’s cheeks. ‘Aww thank you,’ he replied meekly, head tilting and hoof sheepishly digging the ground. ‘I’m glad you enjoyed that- Wait.’ Just as he halted, White also held the same shocked expression as him. Realization hit both trainer and Pokémon, making them snap their heads directly at the boy.

  As if White read the Zebstrika’s mind, she dully asked, “How did know Dexter helped Swanna back to her feet when we won?”

  N blinked blankly at the slip of words. “Oh…” he muttered thoughtfully, one hand rubbing the back of his neck. Averting their confused stares, N chewed the inside of his cheek. “I have my ways…”

---

  He stood before the proud gym of Mistralton. His hands tucked inside the pockets of his pants, fingers clutching the threads within.

  ‘Battling is like a game for us. It makes us stronger. When I battle, it’s like I’m communicating and making new fwiends. And every time I battle, I feel like I understand my partner more.’

  Marcus’ words lingered in his brain since last night. It tugged the strings of his belief, slowly pulling them away from his strong heart and mind. His lips pursed and nibbled by his teeth, lost in thought as he stared at the gym.

  “Friend…” Unwarily, his mouth muttered that one single word. It tugged his heartstrings again, this time twisting annoying knots in his stomach. Before he could be lost in a daze, N shook his head, irritated at himself for being so clueless during the past few days.

  He came here to stand his point. He came here to correct Marcus’ words. He came here to prove to them that White was nothing but a ruthless, selfish trainer.

  However, in order to do that, he would need to witness the actual battle.

  “Hmm…” Tapping his lower lip, N watched the closed doors. He wouldn’t want to enter mindlessly. It might attract White’s and her Pokémon’s attention, thus being a distraction. Besides, if N remembered correctly, if one entered the gym, then that person was inclined and prepared for a gym battle.

  And that was something N solely hated.

  His eyes wandered on the top of the building. There, positioning at least 15 feet off the ground was a window. “Perfect,” he mumbled with a smile, as if a bulb had lit on top of his head. N looked left and right, searching for possible trees or anything that could be used as ladders. To his dismay, none were present or at least leaning near the window.

  “Let’s see…” He mused silently, fingers tapping his lips. Finally, as a minute swooped by, an idea had slapped N on the face. “That’s it!” He snapped his fingers, face beaming a smile. “The Shadow Triad.”

  As if they heard him, three black figures appeared from behind. “Yes, my lord?” One of them voiced out, stoic and colder than N. All bent on one knee, head down in sign of utmost respect over their young king.

  N didn’t turn nor look at the triad. His eyes remained glued on the single window. With a sure smile, he pointed one finger upward. “I wish to see the battle through that window.”

  Though the ninjas were famous for not showing any hint of emotion, that certain request certainly gave a miniscule glow of shock in their eyes. “Excuse us, my lord.” The far right nodded once. “But would it be better if we snuck you in rather than putting you at harm’s risk?”

  They saw him shake his head in disagreement. “No. I do not wish to interfere with White’s battle with the leader. In fact, it would be much more efficient if she didn’t sense my presence.”

  Slowly doubt was seen in their empty eyes. The middle one responded with a quick short sigh. “My lord, please listen to our advice. It will fare better if we help you enter the gym-”

  “I said-” They reached a sudden silence as N’s voice spat in their ears. “I wish to see through that window. Did I not make myself clear?” With one turn of his heel, N glared at the kneeling triad. Gone was the passion in his eyes, replaced with icy stares of power. His presence contained such a regal presence, silently intimidating the three dark beings.  

  All bowed their heads to the ground, not even meeting their king’s gaze. “…Very well.” Finally, the middle ninja break their silence, emotionless and calm as ever. The three stood up at the same time, their white bangs shielding their dead eyes. Without a single word, they walked toward the building. One bent on all fours, head emptily staring at the ground. Wasting not another minute, the second ninja climbed on his comrade and bent down as well. And lastly, the final member did the same; climbing on top and kneeling on all fours like a four-legged Pokémon.

  In a blink of an eye, the Shadow Triad became a Triad Ladder Deluxe.

  Upon seeing what the triad had given him, N posed a satisfied smile. “That’s more like it.” Carefully he walked and climbed the human ladder. The boy sat comfortably on the ninja’s back, his tall weight providing him enough space for the sight of the battle. To his luck, White was about to start the battle with the respective leader; releasing her Samurott first as the opponent released her Swoobat.

  And as he sat there watching, his mind took a whole new perspective.

  He watched as Isaac dodged and zoomed toward his opponent. A long gust of water was formed on his tail as he spun, his Aqua Taill attack knocking the Swoobat down in a flash. He watched White quickly switched from the starter to Marcus, the Pokémon happily crouching before a Tranquill. He heard White shout a command. And with that, Marcus immediately jumped up in the air, teeth baring for the Wild Pigeon Pokémon’s wing. The attack pulled the Tranquill down to the ground, resulting with a loud crash. As dust cleared from the air, N saw the second opponent; down and out.

  The more he looked, the painful it felt in his chest. There was nothing beneficial in the battle. There was only pain and suffering. Even if he saw smiles from the Pokémon, the other party would still lie fainted and weary. There is nothing good in seeing this, he grimly thought, a disapproving growl shaking his lips. The Pokémon is suffered and fainted. There is nothing fun in this-

  He stopped as he saw Marcus happily nuzzling Tranquill’s head, preferably comforting her from her loss. The Tranquill cawed in abash as she slowly stood up, clearly touched by his caring personality.

  And suddenly, he saw a bright red light flashing from White’s belt. In less than a second, Lillil was seen standing between the two giant Pokémon, angrily growling at the stunned female.

  N saw White returned both her Pokémon, she herself covering her own face in embarrassment.

  Finally, all were down with their last Pokémon; White’s Zebstrika and Skyla’s Swanna. It was a clean victory, per say. He heard White command an attack to the Zebstrika. N saw the determination in her eyes. He saw the sparkling passion radiating in her presence. He saw the trust echoing in her commands.

  White defined strength and confidence. But at the same time, she grasped such love and care for her Pokémon.

  And for that, N felt his heart beat faster than ever.

  The Swanna fell in seconds. Like Marcus a few minutes back, Dexter aided to the fallen opponent, checking if she wasn’t completely hurt. Unlike Marcus, however, Lillil didn’t pop out and snarl between them.

  “Huh,” was all N could muster. He himself was lost and baffled. Words from the Stoutland came knocking in his mind, making him rethink the whole thing completely. He didn’t feel sad. He didn’t feel intimidated. In fact, confusion wasn’t even invading his mind. To be precise, a blank stupor enraptured him. He stared as White received a badge. He stared as she happily hugged Dexter’s neck. Though he couldn’t hear her, N knew White was showering the Zebstrika with congratulating words.

  Upon seeing such a scene, N’s eyes softened to a longing glow. His lips unwarily formed a gentle smile, blissful to see such a relationship. White…

  As N continued to watch the whole incident, another incident was happening below him. And as strong as they were, a man’s strength could only do so much. The first ninja began to shake, head touching the soft grass. Oh Arceus…

  “Oh!” They heard their leader snap his fingers. N looked down, hands on his crossed-legs. “Triad.”

  “Yes my lord…?” The third ninja replied. Though he himself was only carrying the weight of their king, N was proved to be quite heavier than he looked.

  As N watched the cheerful scene, his mind suddenly brought him to the memories of Chargestone Cave. For no reason, he was reminded of Bianca’s words; about the term ‘boyfriend’ and how to be a proper one. Though that topic still perplexed N to this day, he had another topic that conquered all curiosity since he first heard it.

  “Triad,” N spoke, voice showing a tone of inquisitive. “What does ‘fuck’ mean?”

  Needless to say that N successfully broke the Shadow Triad of their cold appearance.

  Their shock got the best of them. All three men fell flat on the floor, hands slipping and face kissing the ground. Thankfully, N was still sitting safely on one of their backs, holding a confused stare at the ninjas.

  “Did I say something wrong?”

---

  “Hello. Earth to N.”

  He flinched as N heard a snap in front of him. With a few blinks, he gaped forward, only to see White impatiently tapping her foot. “Dude, space out any longer, and you’ll lose all your hair.”

  Out of reflex, his hands jolted to his green locks. Fear washed over his face. N saw as the girl chuckled, amused that he was easily tricked. Lips giving an annoyed frown, N shook his head once. “Your humour is not the very least enjoyable.”

  “Not to you.” White snorted as she held her waist. His annoyance slowly melted into puddle as he saw her smile. Though she was laughing at him, N couldn’t fight the fact that he felt…warm at the sight.

  His frown deepened. Sorrow glistened in his eyes. “Am I the only one? Am I the only one who sees how painful this is?” He mumbled by himself, though voice steadily heard by White and Dexter.

  “What?” White gave an uninterested stare, eyebrow raised on her forehead.

  “You reach an understanding with Pokémon through battles. That I could perfectly see. But even with the Pokémon smiling in endearment, not all Pokémon enjoy this savage activity.” He stared into her eyes, filled with intensity and curiosity. “As much as I would like to believe that you care for them, I still cannot accept the fact that battling is a requirement to understand one another.”

  White huffed sourly, fingers massaging her temple. “Look, I already told you once, N. Just because you don’t agree with how I treat them, doesn’t mean you have the right to-”

  “No matter.” N held out his hand in front of White, stunning her to a silence. “I came here to seek information from your Pokémon. Not you.”

  Well, look who’s rude enough to care. “Excuse me?” She felt as if her buttons were pushed yet again by the tall boy. Fists clenching by her sides, she aimed her finger at N and accused, “Are you calling me a liar?”

  He shook his head, an expression of calm masking his face. “I did not state such a thing.”

  “It sounded like you did.”

  “Well I did not.” He convinced the petite brunette, growing quite fond of their childish bickering. Before she could deny it altogether, N once again raised his hand in front of her face. “I am merely here to talk to your Pokémon. I am far more comfortable around them. And besides,” The last sentence was quieter than before, “I know Pokémon can never lie.”

  “AHA!” White stomped one foot forward, infuriated that N would accuse her so blindly. “I am not a liar, you jerk!”

  “I did not state that.” N stubbornly denied, head looking away from her cold dead glare.

  Luckily, before White could even think of sending a good roundhouse kick on N’s crotch, Dexter immediately intervened. ‘White, White, calm down,’ Dexter comforted as he stood between the teens. The brunette let out a hefty scoff. With a sharp scowl, she spun around and took a few steps away.

  Concern was shown on the Thunderbolt Pokémon’s face. However, as he turned to face N, his emotion became one of utter discontent. ‘What did I tell you about making White mad?’

  He knew her Pokémon would be mad at him. And yet N couldn’t stop the crestfallen feeling that stabbed his heart. “You did not.”    

  ‘Well now I am. Stop pissing her off.’ Dexter stomped one hoof down, standing his ground.

  A childish frown curved his lips, removing the emotionless stance from minutes ago. “I only wish to seek knowledge from you.”

  ‘Like what?’ Dexter asked indifferently, his white tail swishing impatiently.

  “About White.”

  Eyes were round at the suggestion. ‘Wait what?’ Dexter cocked his head in surprise, shock obviously painted on his face.

  “I wish to know more about your trainer.” N explained through shaken breaths. Anxiety shook his skin as he spoke of her. Fists rolling in and out to prevent the unwanted trembles, N took one deep, short breath. “If you may, I wish to know more about White.”

  Dexter gawked as if N had asked for the impossible. Quickly he shook his head, disapproving of the request. ‘No! Why would I wanna yap about my trainer’s life to you?’

  N had a feeling he might deny it. Nevertheless, he wasn’t about to give up. “I am only curious. I just want to know what kind of trainer she is. If she’s not as bad as you say, then I would like to know more about your reasons.”

  ‘N,’ Dexter tapped his hoof restlessly. ‘If you wanna know more about her, why don’t you ask her yourself?’

  The boy gulped as the words echoed in his ears. Without realization, his cheeks began to form light pinks. “I…I trust Pokémon more than any human!”

  ‘Oh really?’ Dexter flashed a sneaky smirk, amused to see the human fluster out of the blue.

  From a few feet afar, White watched as N and Dexter spoke to each other. “What the hell are Dexter and N talking about?” she muttered to herself, arms crossed and foot tapping the hard ground. Suddenly, she felt her body shake. Her belt trembled on her waist, making her flinch forward. Quickly White looked at her belt, aqua eyes round in shock. “What the-”

  ‘BUSHY HAIR MAAAAN!’ Before White could finish her sentence, one of the Pokéballs snapped open. A bright red light zoomed forward – or rather, zooming toward the green-haired teen. A solid figure rapidly formed as he reached N, sending the boy thrown backwards and on the ground.

  “Oof!” N gasped as he felt pressure on his front. He gawked upwards in fear, only to see none other than Marcus pinning happily on top of him.

  ‘Bushy, Bushy, Bushy!’ The Big-Hearted Pokémon cheered as he licked the boy’s face. ‘Bushy Hair Man you came yay you did come did you see me fight did ya did ya did ya?’ He hopped as his paws rested between his head. N had his hands close to his chest, still recollecting from his shock that Marcus had given him.

  White and Dexter stood in stupor, startled that Marcus had popped out without notice. She breathed a low sigh as White dropped her head backwards. “Marcus baby,” she cooed softly, finger rubbing her forehead. “Get off N. You’re scaring him.”

  Realizing that he had burst out without permission, Marcus mouth a low ‘oops’. Quickly he hopped off N; wide, apologetic eyes staring at White. ‘Sorry White.’

  No matter how handful her Stoutland was, White could never stay angry at him for too long; if ever. “Say sorry to the strange tall dude.” She bit back a snicker to see the priceless expression from N. Beaming his usual sunny smile, Marcus twirled around and faced N. ‘Sorry for startling you, Mr Bushy Hair Man.’

  N sat up slowly, hand rubbing his sore back. “It’s okay.” He responded calmly, hiding the ache that snapped in his muscle. He smiled at Marcus, assuring him from his guilt. Taking one short breath, N stood back to his feet, left hand now moving to his hip.

  ‘Yayy!’ Marcus gave a single hop, forelegs wagging as if he was cheering.

  Suddenly, an idea struck N. He looked at Marcus, who merely flashed him a welcoming smile. “Stout- Marcus,” he corrected with a cough, half-fist touching his lower lip. “Could you do me a favour?”

  Marcus didn’t need to answer for the excitement practically sparked in his eyes. ‘Oh, oh, oh I would love to help!’

  N laughed softly to see such enthusiasm on the Big-Hearted Pokémon. His hand reached for his head, fingers tenderly caressing the fluffy brown fur. His eyes quickly wandered to White, who gave nothing but a stare of indifference.

  Even with one single glance, N felt his heart beat with rapid intensity.

  Taking one sharp breath, he immediately averted his eyes toward Marcus. “Marcus, can you tell me what kind of trainer White is?”

  His ears straightened upwards. His eyes were round in pure joy. ‘Oh you wanna know about White?’ Marcus jumped in one place, tail wagging excitingly at the question. His zealous reaction made N chuckle, amazed to see the completely different reaction compared to the Zebstrika.

  Dexter, who was only observing the pair, posed a worried frown. ‘Marcus, I don’t think that’s a good idea-’

  Marcus didn’t listen. ‘Well, White lives in Nuvema Town. She lives with her mother. She has two best friends, Cheren-’

  N swore he felt like growling once that name ticked in his ears.

  ‘-and Bianca and they’re really super duper nice! White got her Pokédex from that nice lady in white. She can cook too and they’re super delicious! Oh, oh, and White is really ticklish and she laughs really loud, Pidoves get scared! And she may be scary sometimes, but she’s actually really, really nice and loving and a really good cook! She always pets us and hugs us and makes us feel super special!’ Marcus yapped and jabbered without stopping.

  N merely listened without interruption. Word by word brought wonder to him. Every word, every sentence was crystal clear in his ears. The more he listened, the faster his heart raced. Everything. All the things that he thought of her were beginning to sound completely wrong. All the ideas N had of her were the complete opposite. His eyes wandered to White, who seemed to have a confused expression than before; preferably to the fact that she was highly curious at the conversation.

  White… That name brought a ring to his heart. He was relieved. He was at ease to see the happiness bursting from her Pokémon. The edges of his lips pulled to a small, gentle smile. N didn’t know what he felt. He didn’t know how he was able to feel such a thing. But one thing was for sure, the brunette standing before him was the cause. She was the cause that N could feel his heart pounding manically in his chest. She was the reason N felt knots twisting in his stomach.

  And to be honest, N didn’t mind feeling like that.

  ‘Oh and she hates sleeping in the cold. She likes warmth and something to hug and cling to. Oh, oh! And she also likes sugary sweets!’ Marcus continuously barked his explanation, unaware of the fondness N was wearing for the girl. Suddenly, Marcus stopped. Another answer came to his mind, and it only made his smile grow wider. ‘Hey Bushy Hair Man!’ He stared at N, whose shoulders gave a little jump at the voice.

  “Yes Marcus?” N asked calmly, lips forming the most sincere smile he could ever muster for a Pokémon.

  Marcus’ eyes sparkled like the star of his bracelet. His mouth formed the widest smile known to Stoutlands. ‘I know White doesn’t say it, and I know she says you’re annoying and stuff, but actually, White really cares for y-’

  ‘MARCUS!’

  Suddenly, another flash of bright red light burst from White’s belt. She screamed at the unexpected jolt. In a blink of an eye, Isaac dashed and pounced on Marcus from behind, pushing him and shushing him before he could say any further.

  N froze in his place, wide emerald eyes blinking dumbfoundedly. Three pairs of eyes went to the two giant Pokémon; Isaac glaring and snarling at a very confused Stoutland.

  ‘Oh hi Isaac!’ Marcus waved his head left and right in acknowledgement. The Samurott before him didn’t seem amused, however. ‘Don’t “hi Isaac” me! You’ve slipped information for the enemy more than enough!’

  ‘Bushy Hair Man’s not an enemy,’ Marcus chuckled as if he was joking. ‘Bushy Hair Man’s a nice man. And he smells like twees. And therefore twees aren’t evil. Besides,’ Sitting on his hind legs, he merrily blurted, ‘he’s White’s fwiend. And White likes-’

  ‘Don’t say it!’ Isaac silenced the Pokémon as he leaned closer and jabbed his finger at his nose.

  From a few feet away, White only got more and more baffled. “What the-”

  And just like that, another burst of light zoomed from her belt.

  ‘Don’t yell at him!’ Out of nowhere, Lillil landed on Isaac’s head, bumping him and causing him to retreat backwards. The Bulb Pokémon hopped to Marcus’s head, giving a soft land compared to what she had done to the water starter.

  ‘Ow!’ Isaac yelped as he rubbed his head. His eyes sharply glared at Lillil, who merely stuck out her tongue like a child. ‘Nobody asked you to come out, Lils!’

  ‘Well next time don’t hit and yell at him, you big dummy!’ Lillil retaliated stubbornly. Her tongue remained jutting out of her mouth, simply intimidating the Samurott even more.

  Marcus, being the simple-minded being that he was, only responded, ‘Yay everyone’s out!’

  White gawked as she saw her team of four out of their Pokéballs. “Are you kidding me?” she said sourly. “Sure why not? I’m happy that all of us have no boundaries over our own balls.” Hand covering her face, she mumbled and grumbled grouchily. Dexter stood beside his trainer, smiling a comforting smile as he cheered White up.

  N, standing in between the ruckus, simply stared in amazement. He looked as Isaac and Lillil argued over something so minor, while Marcus flashed a cheeky smile as if what he was witnessing was a show. His eyes then strayed to his left, seeing as White hid her face and shook her head while her Zebstrika nudged his head on her shoulder as a sign of solace.

  It was truly a rare spectacle. A human trainer who possessed such an honest and loving bond with her Pokémon. A human girl who loved her Pokémon unconditionally; letting them become the individual they wanted to be.

  She was the true nature of trainers.

  And just like that, his pupil shrunk. His smile gone, jaw hanging as he gaped.

  White was the truth.

  “You hold the belief of truth…” N muttered to himself, staring blankly without direction. Though the air was mostly surrounded by Isaac’s and Lillil’s bickering, White could hear his voice. Hands falling to her sides, she eyed the boy with a single raised eyebrow.

  “Did you say something?” she asked, puzzled to see bewilderment staining N’s face.

  The boy didn’t respond. Neither did he meet her gaze. N stared at nothing, freezing as if he had seen a ghost.

  “N?” His name was spoken again, gentler with a hint of concern. Slowly N cocked his head up, looking straight into White’s eyes. “You shall be the hero…” he whispered wisps of breath. “You shall be one of the heroes that will ensure this future.”

  “Wait what?” White stared as N babbled like a fool.

  “I see.” He shook his head, breathing a chuckle through his uncertain smile. “You shall be the bearer of the Light Stone. You shall awaken the mystical Pokémon that is now in deep slumber.” His hand moved to his head, spurting a dumb laugh yet again. “Why did I not see this before?”

  “N? You’re being freaky again-”

  “White!” His sharp tone not only silenced White, but also caught the attention of her Pokémon. White felt her skin prickle up to the back of her neck. Unlike a few minutes ago, N’s eyes were now sharp as knives; cold as ice. He glared at her as if he was drilling into her soul. “I have a vision, White. I have a vision that will change the world without force. And though it might seem impossible at first, but I will change this world to a better future!”

  Winds of awkward silence blew around them. White’s mouth twitched slightly, unknown on whether to smile or frown. “Um…”

  “I shall resurrect the dragon in order to achieve my ideals. I will prove to the world that I am the next hero.” His sudden burst of dedication caused his legs to move automatically, sliding each step toward the brunette. “I will become its friend. And though you may have the traits of resurrecting its other half as well, I will not back down without a fight.” He stopped a few steps away from White. Sensing the danger, all the Pokémon crouched and growled. Only Marcus stood in caution, showing a frown at both the human’s safety.

  White didn’t feel fear for she had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. She felt annoyed, though. N was back to his enigmatic stance, a behaviour that was ticking her off. “What are you talking about now?” she hissed sharply, showing no alarm at the distance N was closing in.

  He watched her. He eyed her thoroughly. There it was; the spark and dedication in her eyes. The passion that burned like two beautiful blue flames. The tone that proven her authority and stand.

  N couldn’t help but to smile.

  "You hold such a strong belief; unlike other people. Not only do you seek strength, but you also provide love for your Pokémon. And for that...” He took one slow breath, her scent unwarily inviting itself into his nostrils. Oh how it sent a perplexed shiver down to his toes. Oh how it caused his heart to drum maniacally like never before. “I sort of respect you.”

  He saw her eyes widened in shock. N wanted to laugh, to picture such a rare moment. Hiding his eyes through the visor of his cap, he spun his heel. “Though it shall be a pleasure liberating Pokémon from humans, it does break my heart a little that I will be separating you from yours.” His head tilted to the side, corner of his eye casting a hopeful peek at the stunned White. “If only there are more trainers like you.”

  Without waiting for a response, N walked away, leaving a group of much dumfounded creatures. As he disappeared from her range of vision, White shook her head, hands raised at eye-level. “Wait what?”

  ‘Aww, he left.’ Marcus mourned as he sadly tapped the ground. However, it wasn’t even 6 seconds and his smile bounced back to his face as he cheered, ‘Bye Bushy Hair Man!’

  Isaac rolled his eyes and shook his head. Lillil giggled adorably, happy to see that the Stoutland was happy. Dexter switched glances from White to the others, completely speechless at the situation.

  As for White? Her mind was all kinds of twisted tangles. N what the hell are you up to…?