When Two Are One 19

  Sun brightened lively as it stood proudly above the blue skies. Pokémon chirped and squeaked in joy as they ran around the city and nearby forests. Humans laughed and talked peacefully with one another. The event of last night didn’t stop them from pursuing their everyday lives. Some were still cleaning up their stalls. A few children and baby Pokémon were seen playing around with the festival’s games that still lingered around.

  A girl came out of the Icirrus gym. A full, wide smile painted her rosy, sunny face. “Well that was fun,” she commented to herself, right hand holding the city’s badge as proof of their victor. Chuckling once, White pinned the badge under her vest, smile growing wider to see the row of trinkets that resembled her one step closer to victory.

  “White!”

  Like their previous encounters, before she had any time to turn or think, White felt her neck being wrapped around by a pair of arms. “Ack- Air…!”

  A giggle followed suit, showing no sense of guilt over strangling her ‘victim’. “Oh silly billy. You and your jokes.” Giggling like a little girl, Bianca released her hug. She hopped and stopped in front of White, watching happily as the taller brunette coughed lightly.

  “Hey B…” White gave a small, sympathetic smile. Feeling that she was able to breathe right once again, the girl looked at her dear friend. Her eyes soon caught yet another figure behind Bianca. And when she did, her smile turned into one of coy. “Hey there, Cheren.”

  Sensing the teasing sound that coated her voice, Cheren showed the faintest of scowls. “Drop it, White.” Coughing once, he shook his head and eyed the badge under her vest. “I’m guessing you have defeated Brycen?”

  His answer was given with her hands holding her waist and her mouth exhaling pride puffs of air. “Heck yeah I did!” Giving a wink, White blew a few more huffs of air at her right fist and playfully rubbed her chest. “It wasn’t easy, but me and my team got through the simple cold.”

  Cheren rolled his eyes. Bianca giggled joyfully.

  “Congrats, White!” The blonde chirped happily, hands giving fast little claps. “I’m just so happy that all of us three get to pursue our dreams. It makes me so happy!” Another burst of cheers popped her pretty pink lips. Both her friends were quite amused by her reaction; never bored with Bianca’s optimistically enthusiastic personality. “You and Cheren are striving for the ‘Pokémon Champion’ title. And well, since I’m not that strong like both of you…”

  “Bianca…” Cheren broke the almost sad atmosphere, little frowns now curved on his and White’s lips.

  “Shush, shush I’m not done!” Before any comfort could happen from any of them, Bianca quickly flapped her right hand at Cheren, surprising him into silence. Taking one deep breath, she exhaled through her mouth and flashed a beaming smile. “But, I now know what I want to do: Become a Pokémon Professor!” She laughed with such joy, cheeks growing rosy tints. “I mean, when I hang around with Professor Juniper as her bodyguard, I realized how fun it is to learn about Pokémon! All the fun facts and the joy of meeting new Pokémon, I realized that this is my call, my dream all along!” The more she explained, the wider her smile, showing sincerity and excitement in her every word.

  “I wanna help Pokémon, too. I love seeing them healthy and happy.” Index fingers on the edges of her lips, she formed a cute smile as if her fingers were stretching them. “So I wanna learn more about them so I can make sure their precious little smiles stay on their faces!”

  White and Cheren were in silence, both quite shocked at their dear friend’s declaration. They watched as Bianca giggled merrily, the girl bouncing lightly by the balls of her feet. The two exchanged glances, eyes blinking at one another as a form of communication. Finally, they broke a smile, shock replaced with proud and happiness for their friend.

  “That’s great Bianca!” White cheered gleefully, hands giving one big clap.

  “If that’s what makes you happy, then it makes me happy as well.” Cheren supported with a much slower tone, poorly trying his very best to hide the abash that splashed his cheeks.

  The support Bianca gained merely strengthened her resolve. Her smile grew wider. Even her eyes brought faint tears of joy, knowing that her friends always have her back. “Thanks you guys. You guys are the best-”

  “Who are you?!”

  Suddenly, their joyful news was interrupted by someone – Brycen to be exact. Before any of them could notice, the gym leader had barged out of him gym and stood right next to White. His presence, nevertheless, startled White, causing her to jump and squeal in shock.

  Cheren and Bianca, whose distances weren’t as close to the man, blinked in surprise at the leader’s presence. “Hello Mr Brycen! It’s nice to see you!” It was Bianca that cracked the awkward silence. Flashing her shiny white teeth, she introduced herself. “I’m Bianca and this is Cheren-”

  “Reveal yourselves!”

  Again, that silence increased tenfold.

  Brycen’s loud, sharp voice stunned Bianca, her instinct immediately telling her to be quiet. To see such a reaction, to hear such a strain tone, Cheren and White were now confused.

  White stared at the older person. His eyes were round and wide, pupils dilating as he scanned left and right. His mouth was pulled to a menacing scowl; teeth were seen grinding against one another out of force.

 The girl saw rage fuming from his face, and it only thickened her confusion. “Um…Mr Brycen, are you oka-”

  Before she could say anything, red light zoomed from her belt. “Whoah!” In less than two seconds, Isaac barged out of his ball. The water starter quickly stood on his hind legs with swords out and gripped tightly in his hands. He positioned himself in front of White, body crouching slightly as he guarded his baffled trainer.

  And as one came out, so did another.

  Cheren flinched as Serperior zoomed out of his Pokéball. Bianca squeaked out loud as Cupcake burst out of his.  

  “Serperior, what is the meaning of this?!” The spectacled boy gawked as Serperior swiftly coiled his body around him, protecting Cheren from whatever that was bothering him. The Regal Pokémon lifted his upper body and hissed acidly, sharp eyes glaring at an empty space.

  “Cupcake, what’s wrong?” Worry entered Bianca’s mind as her Pignite stood in front of her. His arms were stretched and spread by his sides, fingers clenching into fists. Heavy growls could be heard from Cupcake. Black puffs of smoke were exhaled from his nostrils, air growing thicker as he breathed.

  The sudden change of environment now startled the three teens. Their Pokémon guarded them from nothing, yet their growls and hisses shook in their ears. Worry prickling into fear, the three eyed at each other, wanting the answers none of them could give. White then looked at Isaac, then back at the man that started the thick atmosphere. “Mr Brycen, what’s-”

  “For a Pokémon to notice our presence, it would be quite expected especially with one’s keen as sharp as ours. But for you, Brycen, a mere man whose age has taken your tool, it brings us a surprise that you were able to sense us even from inside your gym.”

  A voice rang out of nowhere. And it stunned White that she realized the bearer of the voice.

  “You live to your name, Ice Master.”

  Before anyone could react, three black shadows appeared around them, forming a triangle. One stood near White, one near Brycen, while the last one emptily stared behind Bianca and Cheren. Bianca’s shocked scream filled the area, while heavier growls and sharper hisses occupied her petrified tone.

  “You!” White spat, face immediately changed into one of hate. Upon seeing the three figures, she scooted one foot forward. Her fists clenched, one hand opted to take another Pokéball.

  The ninja standing on her right saw her intention. “Before you could condemn any bloodshed, need we remind you that we are not here for a battle.”

  Her hand flinched a stop. Aqua eyes blinked in confusion, yet teeth clenched tightly inside her mouth. “What are you idiots doing here…?” Breaths of rotten detestation wavered as she asked. Although the triad were surrounding them, White knew their presence was only meant for her and her alone.

  And she was right. “Lord N.”

  That name. That one single letter. Her nerves loosened. Her teeth relaxed. Her eyes were wide at the sound of his name being slurred from his minions. “W-what did you say?”

  The farthest ninja, one that stood behind Bianca and Cheren, spoke next. “He has requested your presence.”

  “Cherry…White…what’s going on…?” Bianca shivered in fear, hands cupping each other. To feel her fright, it only infuriated Cupcake. The Pokémon barked at one of the ninjas, a ball of fire swirling and ready to be exhaled from his mouth.

  They ignored the threat, and soon the one near Brycen continued the message. “A new era shall be awakened in the tower. Come to the peak, and your future shall be revealed there.” And just like that, they disappeared.

  All were stunned. All were baffled.

  “What…?” The brunette gawked incredulously, confused about the message given by the triad.

  “What just happened?” Cheren finished her sentence as he quietly ordered Serperior to release him. While Bianca, still holding the shock from their unpleasant guests, gently patted Cupcake to calm herself down.

  “…No…”

  Another voice – one that was heavy and shaking – reverberated around them. Six heads turned to look, only to see the gym leader himself shaking in stricken horror. “No… This can’t be…”

  “Mr Brycen,” White called out softly, “Sir… Are you okay?”

  The man didn’t answer. And that didn’t make her feel any better.

  “The tower…” he mumbled with gasping breath. “The tower. It can’t be…”

  “Mr Brycen, can you hear-”

  KACHAUUUWWWW!!

  Suddenly, her voice was rudely interrupted by ruthless thunder. All heads looked up, eyes round in shock to see dark clouds enrapturing the once clear sky. “W-wait a minute, where did those black clouds come from?!” Bianca gasped, one mouth covering her parted mouth. Without their notice, the sky had taken its dark toll. Black swirls danced above their heads, painting the blue field a gloomy colour. Thunder and lightning burst maniacally, roaring their anger and demise.

  To see such a sudden and drastic change in weather, White felt cold to the bone. “Shit…” Shivers ran down her bare arms. Quickly she rubbed the cool air off, only to feel the cold crawling to her legs. The clouds grew darker, soon preventing the sun from giving its natural warmth and light.

  It was then that she remembered what the triad had spoken. N…What…

  “Wait! Mr Brycen!”

  Her thoughts popped like a bubble once Cheren’s voice rang out. Her eyes went to Brycen, only to see him frantically running off in a distance. “Wait! Where is he goi-”

  KACHAAAAUUUWWW!!

  “Eek!” Bianca frighteningly yelped as another thunder cracked to the ground. Quickly she clung to Cheren’s arm, head hiding behind his shoulder. Although no rain dropped to the ground, the thunder and lightning alone alarmed the citizens below.
 
  White hissed breathlessly. Wind began to pick up, rushing and pushing whatever it could grasp on. “Come on!” she ordered, voice a sharp shout. Wasting no time at all, Isaac and the others – even Bianca – nodded and dashed after Brycen; after the source of their manic problem.

---

  Just as they arrived, it was worse than what anyone had expected.

  Clouds were darker. Thunder and lightning were harsher. But most of all: an ancient, yet grand tower stood before them. A huge hole gaped in front of the entrance, its rubble threatening to fall and drop to the ground.

  “What the…” The words hanged in White’s mouth. The single tower was gigantic and bulky; the enormous structure itself seemed like it could pierce the sky. As soon as they caught up to Brycen and arrived at the needed destination, all six froze in awe.

  “The Dragonspiral Tower…” A mumble was heard albeit the strong and loud weather, “No… This can’t be happening…”

  Six pairs of eyes turned to look at Brycen, whose face was drained from all colour. “Mr Brycen,” Whiten called out, softly yet loud enough to be heard, “Sir, seriously, as much as this is shocking to you, please tell us what is going on?”

  He shook his head, but it wasn’t because he denied answering. “Something – something horrible is happening at the peak. If we don’t stop it now, it might mean the end for all of us.”

  To hear such a cruel, blood-curling premonition, White couldn’t stop the gulp that slipped through her throat. “Wait, what do you mean?”

  “Brycen!”

  The explanation stopped as another voice joined in. All turned around, only to see the Junipers rushing toward them. “Professor Junipers!” Bianca beamed at their sight. Despite the heavy weather, a sense of relief washed over her to see and know that the two were unharmed.

  Unharmed; yes. Relieved; no. “What is going on?” Mr Juniper stared at the fragile tower. Clouds were zooming toward the peak like it was magnet. Wind was getting faster, even tampering with his sight.

  Professor Juniper was quiet, but she wasn’t happy with the surroundings either. The woman stared at the teenagers and leader, hoping to find the answer of their horrid situation.

  “The dragon…” Finally, Brycen answered her mental question. “The dragon is about to be awakened.” The man – famous for its stoic personality and icy tone – actually showed fright in his words. Gone was the mask of apathy; flashed were the flesh of emotions.

  “‘Dragon’?” Cheren asked, eyes on the gym leader. “What do you mean by ‘dragon’?”

  “It can’t be…” It was now Mr Juniper’s turn to verbalize his thoughts. “Don’t tell me…” He looked at Brycen, “You mean to tell me that someone is reviving the dragon?”

  Although White didn’t fully understand the whole story, she somehow hoped that Brycen would say ‘no’.

  To her dismay, “It seems so…”

  KACHAUWW! KACHAAAUUUWWW!

  Another thunder cracked open the dark sky. Another squeal burst from Bianca’s mouth.

  “I need to stop this!” Brycen turned around, legs ready to sprint inside the tower. But before he could give another step, “Wait!” another voice stopped him. Hesitating, he glanced over his shoulder, seeing a female brunette looking ever so determined with her Pokémon by her side.

  “I’m coming with you.” White declared, eyes sharp on the man.

  The words surprised Brycen, shock drawn all over his face. “The peak up ahead might be fatal-”

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m still following you.” Persistence strained her tone. “Besides, you heard what those ninjas said. ‘Lord’ N-” Her breathing hitched as that name slurred from her mouth, “-wanted to see me. So that just gives more than enough reasons to go to the peak.”

  “I’m coming with you, as well.” Cheren said next as he stood beside White. “If it’s true that you say the journey to the top is fatal, then I cannot let my friend or you at risk getting hurt.”

  “We will stay here, then.” Finally, as minutes passed by, Professor Juniper was heard. “I and my father will alert the citizens and guard the outside perimeter. I’ve already contacted Alder. He will be here as soon as possible.”

  Cheren and White gave a single nod at her explanation. To hear that the champion would be here any moment soon, it somehow eased them even the slightest bit. At least when the champion’s here, hopefully he would know how to solve this mess.

  “I-I’ll stay with the Junipers, then…” A timid voice entered their ears. All eyes looked at Bianca, who flashed a guilty look with fingers twiddling one another. “I will stay and guard them if anything dangerous comes and attacks us!” Although afraid, that last sentence was filled with confidence. Bianca fisted her palm, bright green irises shining in tenacity. And as she did that, Cupcake mimicked her move with a positive grunt.

  Even at crucial times like this, Cheren and White couldn’t fight back the smiles to see their dear friend’s courage.

  “Very well, then.” Brycen nodded once, a hint of a relieved smile finally appearing on his face. “Follow me.” And just like that, the three humans and two Pokémon ran inside the tower; off to the peak, off to the supposedly awakened mystery dragon.

  And for White – heart-clenching as each step took her – off meet N.

---

  White wouldn’t lie. If it wasn’t for the eerie weather outside and the horrible feeling that twisted in her gut, she would groan like a baby at the amount of stairs present inside the tower.

  “There,” Brycen pointed forward as they reached into another room, “There is our next roo-”

  Another small quake shook at their feet, cutting off Brycen’s sentence. Serperior and Isaac hissed at the tremor, both standing close to their trainers to protect them. The shaking didn’t last, and everything seemed fairly normal like minutes ago. An annoyed scoff slipping from her mouth, White stood properly and looked around the area. The room – a hall – was quite bigger than the last one they entered. It was mostly empty, except for a few tables and chairs scattered due to the quake. Two giant pillars stood tall and proud at each side. Rubbles were seen on the floor with dust and soot collected at every corner.

  After their brief scan around the room, White then saw the door to their next entrance. “Come on!” Shouting in triumph, she and Isaac ran forward. When suddenly…

  KACHAUUUWWW!!

  Another thunder. Another tremor.

  Only this time, it was far more powerful than before.

  The reaction took White off guard. Her legs giving away, she dropped on her bum, inflicting a short pain on her hips. “Ow!”

  Upon hearing his trainer’s cry, Isaac halted immediately and turned around. ‘White!’ He quickly dashed toward his trainer, mouth whimpering in panic over her safety. ‘White! White, are you okay?’

  “I-I’m fine, Isaac… It’s just my butt’s a little bit numb…” She grumbled sourly, one hand rubbing her aching hip. As she spoke, the floor continued to shake wildly, longer than it usually did. And because of this, it caused the tables and chairs to jump and flop madly, bouncing even as if the floor was made out of rubber.  

  Creak…

  Something caught White’s and Isaac’s ears, and they immediately shot their heads up.

  Only to freeze completely to see two giant pillars zooming and falling right above their heads.

  Both fear-stricken eyes were wide as plates. Both pupils shrunk until it became the tiniest of dots. Both were stunned to their farthest bone. Both didn’t move, for both couldn’t feel any blood flowing inside their veins.

  They gaped as strong gravity pulled the crumbling pillars to the ground – right above their heads – right toward their impending doom.

  “WHITE!!”