When Two Are One 20

  Darkness.

  Sheer, cold, darkness.

  No sound was heard. No voice echoed. Everything felt cold as ice. Not a single wind brushed one’s skin. Not a single peep caressed one’s ear.

  Darkness was all that could be seen. And while light might be the source of all that is good, darkness is eternal, for darkness is a cold truth that all must face upon death.

  ‘…Wh…ite…’

  But for some good fortune of the people, darkness holds a longer expiration date, allowing them to obtain the light they hungrily want before their time runs out.

  ‘…White…’

  A voice, a grumble shook her ears.

  ‘White…Wake up…’

  A nudge, one soft and gentle bumped her head.

  ‘White…Come on, wake up...’

  Another whimper whistled in her ears, finally earning a flutter from her eyelids.

  White groaned as she tried to stand up. The pain shot in her elbows as she propped against the cold, dusty floor. Finally, with the help of Isaac, the girl sat on her knees. “Ow…” A faint gasp breathed through her mouth. One hand moved to her head, fingers feeling the slight bump that occupied near her right ear. The other went to her back, feeling another lump right above her bum.

  It took her a few seconds, but White then remembered the whole ordeal.

  “Cheren.” That name caused her heart to stop. Immediately she jumped back to her feet, only to regret it as agonizing pain jolted her legs. “C-Cheren!” Ignoring the strain, White screamed loudly, body turning around as she called the boy.

  Her body felt cold as ice when all she could see were the fallen pillars.

  “Ch…” Her voice got stuck in her throat. Her eyes widening again, she gawked in total and fearful disbelief. “Ch-Cheren!!” Finally, a shriek cracked open her mouth. Horror thickened her frantic reaction, her legs about to dash and mind deeply wishing it wasn’t what she thought it would.

  But just before her feet could reach another step, just before her hands could brutally pound the sturdy hard concrete, and just before her mind could be tainted by any bloody negativity, White froze to hear another voice. “White! Are you okay behind there?!”

  The girl felt as if her brain had ceased functioning from the impossible sound. “Cheren…?” It felt like a dream; a ruse the moment she heard his voice. Quickly shaking her head, White stared at the broken pillars. “Cheren, is that you?!” Although she didn’t know why, White burst a dumb chortle or two as she placed her hands on the dusty piles.

  She heard a huge sigh of relief, and the next words from the other side actually made her want to cry: “Yes, it’s me!”

---

  “I’m fine! Don’t worry about us!” Cheren sighed in the utmost of reliefs that his friend was alright. “Thankfully, Serperior was able to push both of you out of the way with his vines.” He looked at his grass starter, who was busy kissing his vines repeatedly and loudly hissing that they weren’t squished by the impact as well. Posing a small smile, Cheren then looked at the giant rubble. “Thank Arceus too you both are okay. To not hear a sound from you for a few minutes after that terrifying incident scared me to death.”

---

  Okay, so ‘death’ wasn’t the appropriate word to use right now.

  White felt her fingers shake in terror. Her saliva felt thicker, making it harder for her to gulp or even breathe properly. “D-dude…” Forcing back a choke, White closed her eyes and exhaled slowly, “How are you going to get through…?”

---

  To hear this, Cheren cast a small frown. He looked upwards, only to see the ceiling being completed clogged up by the two ginormous pillars. “It seems going through is out of the question,” he mused, one finger tapping his chin. “And I’m pretty sure it would be highly dangerous to shatter these things. It might cause another tremor.” A small sigh of defeat slipped from his mouth. He then proceeded to look at Brycen, hoping to find a solution to their minor problem.

  “Maybe there is another way to get through,” The Icirrus leader spoke calmly, eyes back and forth between the posts and their previous entrance. The man then stopped his vision at Cheren, who was patiently waiting for an answer. “Tell your friend that she should go forth first. We will follow suit. The other route might take some more time than needed, but we have no other choice.”

  The boy firmly nodded, fists clenching together. With a sharp puff of air, he looked forward. “White! You and Isaac go on first! We’ll catch up to you!”

---

  As soon as she heard their orders, White gave a single nod. “Okay then!” And with that, she heard their footsteps fading away, leaving the girl and her Pokémon to continue forward.

  But she didn’t. All she did was stand there, looking utterly appalled and blank with total horror.

  “Shit…” Her hand moved to her eyes, forcing them from expelling any tears. To learn that not only her life, but her Pokémon’s life was also on the line; to learn that she had almost faced a future where her friend would have been forever gone, White felt like throwing up. Her whole body gave light shakes, legs almost giving away from the terrors of her overwhelmed thoughts.

  ‘White…’

  She froze. Immediately White looked to her right, eyes spotting none other than Isaac with a terribly concerned expression on him. “Thank Arceus you’re okay…” Teeth grinding together, she wrapped her arms around the Samurott’s neck.

  The act nevertheless shocked Isaac, eyes blinking twice in sheer confusion. ‘I-I’m fine…’ he grumbled and soothed his trainer down, one paw gently patting her back. The starter could feel her shivering in their hug. To know that his trainer – strong, hot-headed, bold, and cheerful – was actually petrified until she could be shaken this way, Isaac couldn’t help but to feel sad and mad at the same time.

  Sad that his trainer had to go through such a painful experience.

  Mad at the person responsible for hurting his trainer.

  She heard a growl, finally drawing her attention from her woe. Breaking the hug, White looked at Isaac. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Her hand patted his cheeks, head, and neck, checking for any possible injuries.

  To see how concerned she was of his condition, it brought a smile on his face. ‘I’m fine.’ Isaac took her hands, halting her from the constant petting. Placing her arms by her side, he gave two thumbs-up and flashed a wide grin on his face.

  To see how cheerful he looked, it actually washed her worries away. “Good…” One hand on her chest, White breathed a huge sigh of relief. Upon realizing how she felt a few minutes back, she felt embarrassed. White stared at Isaac, her cheeks soon painted a nice shade of red. “Sorry about that…” She awkwardly waved her arms around, “whole thing, by the way…”

  He chuckled, his long whiskers swishing up and down as he nodded. ‘Nah it’s okay.’

  White returned his smile with one of her own. “Thanks,” she mouthed, one hand gently caressing the top of his head. Taking another deep breath, she looked at the next exit. Thankfully, it wasn’t blocked, enabling her and Isaac to move ahead; closer to the peak.

  Closer to N.

  Her heart missed a beat. Her fingers clenched to an almost fist. “Right then.” Words sharply puffing through her mouth, White took hold of her three remaining Pokéballs and threw them up in the air.

  Three lights danced from its buttons. Three solid figures formed rapidly as they touched the ground. In a matter of seconds, Dexter, Marcus, and Lillil stood before their friends, each baring emotions of their own.

  But, as soon as they saw the whole place, only one emotion was shared between the three; Confusion.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Dexter asked, eyes quizzically staring at his trainer.

  ‘Ew. Dirt.’ Lillil cringed in disgust at the sight of the filth. Without waiting for an invitation, she hopped onto Dexter’s back, earning a good gasp of surprise from the Zebstrika at the sudden weight.

  ‘Lillil, need I remind you that you’re not a Petilil anymore.’ Dexter grumbled as he glared over his shoulder. However, instead of seeing or hearing an apology, Lillil only gave him a shrug of her shoulders as she sat by the side. ‘Shut up.’

  Of course there wouldn’t be an apology. It was Lillil he was talking about. Blowing a defeated neigh, he shook his head and rolled his eyes.

  Marcus, who was more interested about the scene they were in, intently focused on White and Isaac. ‘Oooo, where are we?’

  ‘Dragonspiral Tower,’ Isaac explained, ‘We have a situation right now and we need to get to the peak of this building as soon as possible.’

  ‘And why is that?’ Lillil asked, tone not even bothering on hiding how uninterested she was.

  However, all that changed when Isaac continued, ‘Because the world might be in danger. And N is involved in all this.’

  Three pairs of eyes were round at the name. The Pokémon then moved their heads to White, who only stayed quiet with eyes shrouded in disturbance.

  ‘N? What do you mean he’s involved in all this?’ Dexter broke the silence with a question of his own.

  ‘Ooo Bushy Hair Man’s here!’ Regardless of the heavy atmosphere, Marcus was still excited about his other human friend. ‘Where is he? Are we having a party at the top?’ He jumped and skipped, eyes shining with exact glee.

  Although it was obvious that Marcus would feel that way, White still felt a twinge of pain if he ever knew the truth about what he was causing. “Marcus, sweetie, I think this situation isn’t something to be cheering about.”

  Her voice was quiet, but since the area was silent as death, everyone could perfectly hear her. And Marcus, especially, was taken aback at her words. ‘Eh?’ He stopped jumping, confusion once again written on his furry little face. ‘Why not?’

  ‘Because right now, the outside world is having one hell of a shitstorm.’ Isaac answered his question, now sounding sterner with growls slipping in between. ‘And like it or not, something tells us N is causing all this.’

  The more Marcus heard, the more he couldn’t believe it. ‘Are you serious?’ He gaped, big brown eyes now focusing on White. ‘White, what’s going on? What did Bushy do?’

  The girl didn’t give an answer, and that honestly worried Marcus. ‘White…?’

  Finally, she shook her head, then flinched to feel the swell on her head. “I just…” she breathed and looked away. She heard whimpers of woe from the Stoutland, further breaking her heart that was beating so heavily.

  At that very moment, for Marcus’ sake, White wished so hard that whatever was happening up there, it wouldn’t be N’s fault.

  “Come on.” She said. After recollecting her patience and removing her anxiety, White looked at her team. “To be honest, I don’t know what’s happening up there. But one thing’s for sure,” Her eyes dropped to Marcus, her mouth pulling to a soft, comforting smile, “everything is gonna be okay.”

  Although her words seemed convincing, although a smile was given to her team, her Pokémon knew; White was pulling an act just to cheer them up.

  Wasting no time, White walked toward the only exit. “Come on, guys.” Averting her eyes from meeting any of their glances, she ran forward, all the while fighting back the urge to punch a wall or drop to her knees.

  Everything’s gonna be okay. Everything will be okay.

  Everything is okay.

---

  After minutes of navigating through the tough maze, White and the others finally reached the final floor. Pants and huffs were heard from them, but determination and slight anger washed their fatigues away, enabling them to reach toward their needed destination.

  Yes. White was almost there. She was almost close to meeting N. Each step she took only strengthened her courage. Each door she entered only sparked the rage that began fuming inside her.

  Yes. They were so close, until…

  “Starting to his very day, the day that we shall soon call it a miracle, all of our hopes and dreams will come true!”

  Her tracks immediately screeched to a halt. White almost fell forward, but was immediately lifted through the back of her shirt by Marcus. Quickly they stopped and hid behind a wall. Pants broke through their chest, but their mouths were pressed shut, preventing them from being heard and noticed by the nearby enemies.

  “There are lesser doubts that King N will be our hero; our saviour!” She heard his voice; an old, deep tone as it echoed around the walls. “For years, our dedication has brought us to this! From this day onwards, the world shall soon realize the strength of our clan and the intelligence of our wise king!”

  Her hands rolled into fists as he spoke. Her whole body began to shake, but now, it was anger that took control of her motion. White quickly closed her eyes and mentally counted to ten.

  Triumphant cheers were heard. The man, Sage Bronius bared a huge smile. He raised his arms in a form of a prayer. “Let this day be cherished into your minds! Because as of today, our king has fulfilled his promise! He has fulfilled his duty to protect and give the Pokémon their desired freedom! No longer will there be spilled blood! No longer will there be torture amongst others!” His eyes brightened as if he had witnessed a miracle. “Yes, from this day onward, our beautiful future will reach its glorious reality!”

  “Like hell it will!”

  He jumped to hear an unfamiliar voice. All heads turned and all eyes stared at the person responsible for interrupting his speech. There, standing before his very eyes was a girl, looking ever so infuriated.

  The second he cast his eyes on her, the sage recognized her instantly. “W-what are you doing here?!”

  She didn’t answer, for she was too busy casting a deathly glare on him. Realizing that their cover had been blown, the Pokémon rushed over to her side, each posing their respective battle stances.

  After a few heavy breaths or two, White finally snapped. “No blood? No torture?” She mocked the words spoken by the man. “Are you fucking kidding me? For the past months since I bumped into you guys, all you ever caused is the exact opposite!” Her screams reverberated and banged against the walls. White could literally feel the anger boiling inside her heart. If life was a cartoon, she could actually spat fire right from her very pink lips.

  To see such a wrathful reaction, it caused shivers in the man’s body. “G-guards, protect your sage!”

  In a heartbeat, grunts began standing in front of the sage. Their swords were out. Their Pokémon crouched defensively around them. Feeling that he was heavily secured, a small smile crept up Sage Bronius’ face.

  However, to see that the girl gave no reaction whatsoever, that smile lessened to a scared frown.

  “You…” White growled, one foot stomping forward. “You’re all fakes. Saying that you’re strong and nice while instead, you’re all the exact opposite…” Her rage reached its critical limit, seething into her every nerve. Bright aqua eyes were round in fury. Lips were pulled back to a scowl, baring a pair of white, tightly clenched teeth. “You people…”

  The more he looked, the faster Sage Bronius shivered. “G-guards-”

  “...are complete-”

  “-For the s-sake of our king-”

  “-FAKES!”

  “-ATTACK HER!”

  With a mighty shout of “PLASMA!” shocking the room, the grunts and their Pokémon plunged forward.

  With feral barks and savage snarls, her Pokémon boldly clawed toward their enemies.

  Three grunts and their Krokoroks dashed for their speediest target. The grunts’ swords were raised, tips pointing directly at the fast approaching Samurott. But, instead of halting and running away from the threat, Isaac only ran faster. Quickly as he hopped on his hind legs, he drew out his swords and gripped them by his sides. As they reached a step closer, his pupils shrunk.

  In a blink of an eye, his whole body was coated in water and his speed maniacally increased. A powerful roar escaped from his mouth. Without hesitation, Isaac used Aqua Jet and rapidly zoomed for his enemies. Seeing that they were no match for his speed and were completely caught off guard by his move, the Formidable Pokémon crashed onto them like they were pins to a bowling ball. His body twisted and turned like a tornado, crashing each and every one of his opponents. The humans took the attack more viciously; their bodies thrown against the wall and sharp painful shrieks bursting from their chests.  

  Finally, Isaac reached a single halt. He bent on one knee, head down and eyes emptily looking at the ground.

  And as one battle ended, another erupted.

  Watchogs and Liepards darted toward the calm Lilligant. Their fangs and teeth were viciously bared, ready to bite and chew the Pokémon like a simple leaf. However, as each step they took only looked like it was dragging her closer to her doom, Lillil only stood still, eyes closed and nose calmly breathing in and out.

  And, before any of them could even touch her, a blinding bright yellow light brutally tackled some of the attackers.

  A few Liepards and Watchogs crashed to their left, bodies painfully sliding against the cold hard floor, while some who were able to evade the sudden attack only froze in aghast, utterly dumbfounded by the assault that easily knocked their comrades down.

 And, taking advantage of their stupor, Lillil opened her eyes and gave an intimidating smirk.

  Immediately, vines sprouted from her back. Twenty or so moved and slithered on her body, acting like extra arms. The vines thickened and elongated, eerily creeping its ways toward the baffled Pokémon. Giving them no time to adjust and make a run for it, Lillil effortlessly grabbed them by their necks and waists.

  Chokes and gasps were heard next. A little, almost sadistic giggle skipped from her mouth.

  Gracefully lifting her arms, Lillil threw them at the grunts. The brute force not only pushed them backwards, but also caused them to be flung like dolls and knocked them cold.

  As for Sage Bronius, all he could do was gawk in complete numbness.

  His grunts were down. Their Pokémon were out cold. Even with them outnumbering the single girl and her team of four, he couldn’t believe his eyes that all were perfectly beaten down like ragdolls.

  He then slowly looked to his right, only to have astonishment stuck in his throat to see a happy looking Stoutland standing beside a pile of his fainted army.

  “N-no…” Sage Bronius shook his head, the speed of his shake increasing as he looked around. “No…T-this can’t…b-be…” Everyone – every single person and Pokémon – all sprawled on the floor, motionless and weakened. His arms began to quiver. Sweat began trickling by the sides of his face. Finally, without reflex, his head turned and stopped to a certain girl who had been standing quietly ever since she intruded.

  And this time, her head was up and her eyes were directly at him.

  His trembling only maximized to see the sheer madness flaming in her eyes.

  Legs almost giving away from the intense fear, Sage Bronius clumsily spun around and made a run for it.

  Unfortunately, for that certain girl, her eyes watched him leave and her mouth calmly commanded, “Marcus, sic ‘em.”

  As if someone had triggered a switch on his body, Marcus removed all joy from his face – and gave a look that only a wild, savage beast could bestow.

  His big brown eyes were fuelled with anger. His smile that was once so well-lined on his lips was quickly pulled back to a ferocious, demented snarl. Crouching on the floor, Marcus spotted his escaping target. With claws deeply digging and even cracking the tiled floor, the Stoutland sprung at the speed of light.

  Sage Bronius heard the ruthless bark, and he felt like his soul had left his sweating body.

  In a flash, just as he glanced over his shoulder, Marcus pounced on the man. The heavy impact caused him to fall backwards, back giving a good slam on the thick, hard floor. “Argh!” he wailed painfully as a sprain cracked his bones. Sage Bronius opened his eyes, only to quiver in utmost fear at the ferocious sight of a Stoutland on top of him. A deadly growl emitted from Marcus, the sound perfectly squeezing its way through his sharp fangs. His front paws pressed the human’s chest, tightly holding him in place.

  For a moment there, the wise sage actually thought that Death was already knocking on his door.

  Footsteps – silent and slow – echoed inside the silent hall. The growls of the Pokémon mixed with the tapping sound, intensifying his fear that had been balling inside his heart and mind. Finally, the eerie noise stopped, but that didn’t mean his fright had already ended. As the Stoutland released his grip, another replaced its role and took hold of the collars of his robe.

  Furious, White clutched his robe and brought him closer. “Talk,” she spat coldly, teeth still tautly clenched and bared.

  Sage Bronius squinted his eyes. Their distances were terrifyingly close, with his face being able to feel the harsh air that was her breath. “You wouldn’t hurt an old man.” His words were slurred carefully, yet slipped in a form of a threat. He saw her eyes widen in disbelief, as if what he had just said was a mere joke.

  “Are you kidding me?” White retorted angrily, the grip on his collars tightening. “Oh, I would never, in my life, hurt old people, children, or just anyone in general.” She shook him at each word, voice even rising to an even higher pitch. “But, when it comes to old people who threaten the world and bring chaos like a bullshit thunderstorm and even dream of creating an apocalyptic world, then I’ll give my morals a fucking exception!” Anger now seethed in her veins. Anger now took control of her heart and mind. Fury: that would be the perfect description of her face. Yes, White was a bit stubborn and hot-headed on certain occasions. And she did have a temper to match. But she had morals as well, one that was fairly educated from her mother and father since birth.

  But now, judging that she, her beloved friend, and Pokémon had almost face near-death, White was ready to drop some morals and draw an exception.

  “Now…” Her voice reached a quieter tone, yet still filled with stern irk, “you better tell me what’s going on,” She brought him closer, her nose almost touching the tip of his, “and most of all, tell me where the hell is-”

  “ZEKRROOOAAAAARRRRR!!!”

  Her heart stopped for a nanosecond.

  Gone was the expression of wrath, replaced with the look of bafflement. Quickly, White looked in front, eyes spotting a single room with stairs connecting to the peak. Her mouth parted slightly, collecting the air that her nose had forgotten to breathe. What… What was that? The question danced in her mind without an answer. Eyes still wide as plates, White looked at her Pokémon.

  Her ears didn’t fool her. They were shocked by the sound as well. Four pairs of eyes stared back at their trainer, hoping to find the answer of the sudden, frightful intrusion.

  White then dropped her sight on Sage Bronius, and it wasn’t a surprise that he was the only one that looked exceptionally happy.

  “Our king will rise…” He slowly muttered; a small, smug smile forming his mouth. “And you…will lose.”

  To hear such a mocking provocation, White felt like landing a good fist on the man’s face.

  However, like it or not, she still had her morals.

  “Come on!” With her order being held, White dropped the sage and ran toward the final room. Nodding once, Isaac, Marcus, Dexter, and Lillil followed their trainer, off to the top and finally meet what they were facing against.

  A few minutes later, they finally reached the top.

  And – oddly enough that it brought an assured feeling in her heart – White saw N.

  But, apparently, the boy wasn’t alone.

  “Oh-” White gasped out loud, body almost falling over due to the clear amazement, “-my Arceus!”

---

  Her Pokémon caught up behind her. And as they proceeded upwards, a sense of imminent distress hustled over their minds the second they heard White’s shriek. ‘White!’ Isaac shouted, growing more and more agitated for his trainer. ‘White, are you ok…ay…?’ Just as he and the others entered the last room, all they could do was stop and gawk in total bewilderment.

  The final room was absent of a roof. Its ceiling was completely demolished, showing darker skies and violent thunders. Pillars, giant and were once sturdy, had crumbled into halves, giving piles of dust and rubble. The wind danced its vicious dance, blowing and punching on anything it could grasp. Tiles were cracked to long lines, even showing little holes that could break apart in any second.

  But, what terrified them the most of all wasn’t the scenery, but the large Pokémon standing in the midst of it.

  Its body was pure black, darker than the shades that haunted the skies. The size itself was ginormous than any of the pillars stacked together. Its legs were bulky. Its arms and claws were heavily built as well. The dragon spread his black, robust wings, showing its power and magnificence. Despite the loud and crackling weather, its brutal growls could perfectly be heard, further alarming the Pokémon present.

  And, as if its figure wasn’t terrifying enough, they saw its eyes.

  It was red; blood red and piercingly sharp. Irises and pupils were absent from its bearer, only flashing a pair of crimson, almost demonic eyes. The dark Pokémon looked at nothing, yet they knew it was alive and breathing. It gave no lucid expression; a look that was completely blank compared to its red, howling eyes.

  “W-what…”

  A sound, fainter if they hadn’t stood near her, entered their ears and snapping them from their fearful trance. Four heads looked at White, who did nothing but stand and flabbergast with a wide mouth.

  What was standing before her? What kind of creature was it? How did a Pokémon like this could even exist in the real world? All those questions twisted her mind, only causing another headache if not for her complete astonishment. After what seemed like forever, White shook her head. Hissing a low curse, she looked forward, only to see a certain green-haired teenager standing with his back facing her.

  “N…” To see him, to finally being able to witness his presence, it shouldn’t give her such bliss; it shouldn’t make her feel at ease. But it did. When her eyes met his body, White felt a smile slowly pulling the corners of her opened mouth. “N- Dude!” She called his name, voice tuning a tone of light happiness. “N! Hey!”

  However, her joy that was starting to fuel began to dissolve once N didn’t move a muscle.

  “N…?” Confusion and slight irritation bit her tone. The boy didn’t budge from his stance. His arms remained by his sides, fingers seen clenching and twitching. His head was tipped slightly down, though eyes unknown as to where he was staring. His legs were apart and firm, giving perfect balance from the intense wind.

  “Hey…N?” she called him again, but like before, it was to no avail.

  The Pokémon soon saw the teenager as well. ‘Bushy!’ Marcus barked in glee, brown eyes sparkling at the sight of his friend. ‘Bushy! Hey, hey! Bushyyyyy!’ He jumped in one place, a smile growing wider at each hop.

  However, like White, the Big-Hearted Pokémon received no response.

  ‘Bushy…?’ Realizing that his call of mirth wasn’t returned, Marcus ceased hopping. ‘Bushy? Are you okay?’ A frown of concern replaced his smile. ‘Hey Bushy! Can you hear us?!’ He barked and barked out loud, legs bending as he was about to dash over to N.

  But, before any of that could happen,

  KACHAAAAUUWWW!!

  Another thunder erupted from above, stopping Marcus from reaching any further.

  The wind intensified. Cringing, White and the others crouched down and shielded their faces. A curse breathed from her mouth as she felt her hat about to be blown away from the invisible impact. The faster the wind, the quicker her irritation began to fill inside her brain. Hands balling together, she looked forward, squinted aqua eyes right on N. “N! What’s going on?” she screamed a question, hoping to snatch his attention from the uproar. “N!”

  N didn’t listen. But that didn’t mean he didn’t hear her.

  “Yo N! Can you even hear me?!” White shouted louder, one hand on her cap while the other gripped her vest. “N!”

  The more he heard her, the more he felt furious.

  “N!” Again, her shouting occurred, increasing louder than before. “N! Oh my Arceus, what is going on?!”

  His arms began to shake. His teeth began to clench. “…Si…lence…”

  “N! I know you can hear me!”

  “Silence…”

  “N!” Patience was wearing thin for White.

  And for N, his patience was rapidly draining.

  “N! Dude answer m-”

  “I SAID SILENCE!!!”

  Nothing.

  His tone that was finally heard was sharp and stern to an angry scream. At the same time, the wind faded in a blink. Although the storm was present, no thunder or lightning erupted the moment N’s voice cracked open. Everything was falling to an eerie silence. Everything stayed perfectly still. Upon hearing his reaction, White did nothing but to freeze in utter aghast.

  Nothing. That was the perfect description to their surroundings. And that was the perfect description to his feelings.

  Breaths echoed inside the open hall. A deep, savage growl vibrated from the black dragon’s chest.

  “What a nuisance…” A voice was heard. And, although faint, the others knew it was coming from the boy in front of them. “What utter…complete…nuisance…”

  Bafflement brought her back to reality. “Wait what-”

  “Did you not hear what I just said?!” N shouted, again stunning the brunette to a shut. He turned his head slightly, enabling the corner of right eye to see her dumbfounded face. “Or does my vocabulary bring you to a stupefaction state?”

  White knew her ears weren’t deceiving her. Believe it or not; like it or not, N was actually taunting her. “What did you just say?” Her mouth broke into words, shaking and fuming to hear such mockery.

  He looked forward again. And, like a cold-hearted person, he completely ignored her. “For years, I dream a wonderful dream. I dream of a world where humans ceased to exist.”

  Silent gasp echoed inside their minds. ‘What?’ Isaac chimed in, also growing quite angry at N’s odd behaviour. He slowly walked and stood beside White, claws giving small jerks as if he was ready to pull out his swords. ‘What are you talking about?’

  N didn’t answer. “It is quite ironic, I must say.” A dark, jeering chuckle coughed between words, “Considering I was born as one of this accursed beast. Every day, every night, I question my life. I question as to why I walked into this world as someone I hate.” They saw his hands clench into fists, nails hidden and digging inside his palms. “Humans are cruel. Humans are monsters. Humans brought nothing but death and demise as they took their step into this once beautiful world.”

  As he spoke, as she listened, White couldn’t feel her heartbeat. W-what…

  “Humans are nothing but soulless, heartless, lying monsters!!”

  The wind may have ceased, but White felt like it was impossible to breath. His words echoed wickedly. His scream – one that she had never heard of him before – banged into her eardrums like a sadistic bell. The Pokémon were stunned as well, completely taken aback at N’s behaviour and statement. Not even anger or sorrow could fit through the full shock that conquered their minds.

  Another chuckle; empty and in pain. “But that never stopped me. That never faltered my dreams of living in a perfect world.” N looked up. “I’ve met Pokémon, my true friends. They are honest. They are true. They never lie. Nor do they harm without reason. They are gifted with such amazing powers, each with their own special traits.” His lips fidgeted to a sad smile. “But, these poor creatures are manipulated by monsters. They are being used. They are being tortured.” His breathing hitched as a vision of the Rufflet meddled his mind. “And even with their merciful cries piercing through the skies, no one can help them, for no one can even care about how they actually feel.”

  Their hearts dropped to hear such a statement. Marcus, especially, felt crestfallen like he had never before. ‘Bushy…that’s not-’

  “And that is where I seek a vision,” N continued, unaware of Marcus’ plea. “A vision where Pokémon can lively freely and happily without suffering. A vision where Pokémon can roam the land without any fear of these monsters. Yes…” His eyes felt wet. His heart felt heavy. “A vision where my friends can be forever happy…”

  N knew he shouldn’t feel this way, but no matter how he endured it, the pain still lingered. “Friends who love me. Friends who truly care for me. Friends who trust me. Friends who take me as I am.” He stopped, lips shaking that he had to use his teeth to hold still. “Friends who never use me.”

  White didn’t know why, but his last sentence felt like a knife to the chest. “N…what are you talking ab-”

  “And that is where, in order to fulfil my dream, I must seek help from another friend.” Blank, emerald eyes gazed upon the giant dragon. “Zekrom, the Dragon of Ideals. He shall assist me to achieve my dream. At long last, he has approved of my ideal world and revived in order to change this manic present.” The smile was back on his face, the line only stupider and sadder than before. “Yes. With the help of Zekrom, this formula that I have created will be solved. This world that is complicated with its bloody matrix shall soon be erased!”

  N didn’t know why, but the more he spoke, the more he stood, the more he knew White was standing behind him – looking ever so confused and hurt – his heart wanted to snap and drop into the bottom pit of his stomach.

  “And soon, there will be no more traitors. There will be no more humans that can harm my innocent friends.” Taking one sharp breath, he turned his head again, eyes glancing over his shoulder, meeting White’s stricken vision.

  “And rest assured: there will be no more monsters.”

  Crack!

  She felt as if reality had shattered right before her very eyes.

  White hoped that it was a lie. She hoped that it was a ruse. But the way he looked at her, the way his sight dropped to her, she could only see one thing: Hate.

  And that seriously pissed her off.

  “Why…you…” Trembles happened around her body. Confused anger gurgled inside her every nerve. Her eyes seethed in rage as it met the boy’s hateful gaze. “What-” Her foot stomped one step forward. Time ticked its clock, and soon enough, “-is WRONG WITH YOU?!”  Her body began acting on its own. Completely ignoring the panic screams of her Pokémon, White ran straight to N.

  But as she did, pupils suddenly appeared from Zekrom’s eyes – and they quickly dilated the second he saw White.

  And when he did,

  “ZEKRROOOAAAARRR!!!”

  ‘WHITE WATCH OUT!’ Horror painting their every faces, Lillil immediately summoned her vines and rapidly zoomed to White. The thick vines caught hold and tightly wrapped around the human’s waist. And, without a moment to spare, Lillil quickly tugged her body.

  …Right before a giant, monstrous thunder boomed and violently smashed the floor – almost hitting White.

  The brunette crashed to the ground a few feet away from the disaster. A sharp, agonizing scream broke through her clenched teeth. “ARGH!” Her hat flew off her head, landing a few plops away from its wearer. The ache that still lingered from her previous accident only made it worse as White held her shoulder and slowly rolled to the side.

  Although N didn’t see her, he perfectly heard her. And, even if he didn’t want it, the sound only brought horrible pain to himself.

  The Pokémon immediately rushed to their trainer’s aid. ‘White! Oh shoot, can you get up?’ Dexter neighed in panic, head softly nudging on her back. However, he flinched and immediately retreated once another groan burst from her mouth.

  To see her in this condition, it only enraged the other two. ‘HEY!’ Isaac belted as he glared at Zekrom and N. ‘What the fuck is your problem?!’

  ‘HOW DARE YOU!’ Lillil, being the most short-tempered of them all, didn’t think twice and released Magical Leaf at Zekrom.

  KACHAAAUUUWWW!!!

  …Only to be perfectly demolished like dust right before it could even reach him.

  Her bright orange eyes were widened in horror. Her attack was absolutely pointless. Her mouth dropped to a silence, body almost falling backwards at the simple counterattack Zekrom had fallen.

  The wind grew harsher again. Thunders ruthlessly echoed as the Deep Black Pokémon bellowed the haunting roar.

  N stood still, body unmoving ever since they reached him. He only stayed quiet. He only stayed in silence as Zekrom protected his hero. There is nothing I can do, he selfishly thought, betraying his heart that was threatening to break, She deserves this – every single moment of this. She has brought this treachery to herself. She has tainted and strayed me far enough from what I truly want. His eyes closed, trying to fend off the roar of his dragon. I will not succumb to her lies. I will not yield to someone who knows nothing about friendship and Pokemon. I will not-

  ‘Bushy…’

  His eyes snapped open. His heart halted for a second.

  As if an invisible force was pulling him, N finally turned around, fully facing the team that cast deadly glares at him. However, only one didn’t look at him in sheer hate.

  On the contrary, the look he gave him was even worse: Sorrow.

  ‘Bushy…’ Marcus wept slowly, eyes forming wet circles. ‘Bushy, why did you hurt White…?’ He woefully whimpered, ‘Why did you hurt our fwiends? Isn’t White your fwiend? Aren’t I your fwiend? Aren’t we your fwiends?’

  ‘Marcus…’ To hear such a pitiful plea, it truly broke Lillil’s heart. ‘Marcus sweetie, stop…’

  ‘Why are you hurting our fwiends?’ Marcus ignored the Lillilgant and continued casting his crestfallen eyes at N. ‘We care for you. We love you. We would never use or hurt you…’ The more he spoke, the more it sounded shaken and croaked. ‘We accepted you, Bushy. Coz you are our fwiend. You’re my fwiend. You’re White’s fwiend. So why…’ His lips shook, and a single tear trickled down his cheek.

  ‘Why did you hurt White…?’

  Crack!

  If N didn’t know the true meaning of heartbroken, he definitely knew it now.

  To see that he had brought devastation to the Pokémon; one that he held dear as a friend. To see that he had given hate upon himself from the Pokémon. To see that he had harmed the person who accepted him as a friend.

  N couldn’t breathe. And he felt like someone had ripped his heart out.

  Quickly he looked away, unable to meet the Stoutland’s gaze. Breathing seemed impossible, even with his mouth’s assistance. His hands formed into fist, arms and legs wobbling like limp noodles.

  “I really meant it when I say I trust you. So…I’m just hoping that you could trust me when I say…that…everything’s gonna be alright…”

  It was impossible. It was utterly impossible for a human to feel and endure such tragic, unbearable pain inside his chest.

  “If…” He choked on his words. “If…you wish to put a stop to me…” He tipped his cap closer to his eyes, visor hiding his grief. “Seek out the Light Stone. Seek Zekrom’s other half in order to challenge me and obtain what is right.” His fingers that gripped the visor shook like a rattle. A gulp was stuck in his throat. “If you wish to preserve your bonds between humans and Pokémon,” Zekrom lowered his right hand behind N, “then I highly suggest-” With one turn of his heel, N calmly walked toward the dragon’s huge hand, “-you find it.”

  And with that, Zekrom slowly lifted his arm, bringing N closer to him.

  But just as he did, Marcus had a plan of his own.

  ‘BUSHY WAIT!’ Fearing that N was about to leave, he quickly picked up speed and dashed toward him.

  To realize where Marcus was going, the others – especially White – felt cold as ice. “MARCUS NO!”

  However, it was too late.

  Sensing his presence, Zekrom’s pupils dilated once more. Looking at the upcoming opponent, he unleashed another manic roar.

  And just like that, three thunders boomed toward its victim.

  Their eyes were about to pop out in sheer horror. ‘MARCUS STOP!!’ Lillil shrieked in stricken fear, arms ready to summon another branch of vines.

  But, as one was about to hit Marcus, the Stoutland nimbly moved to the side.

  The first thunder cracked the ground, causing a mini quake. But the tremor didn’t falter his swift steps. Marcus only ran faster, teeth baring a determined scowl.

  The second one targeted its victim, but like before, Marcus easily shifted its direction and avoided the second blow.

  And lastly, the third one – faster than the two – aimed a perfect target just as Marcus reached closer to the dragon and N.

  Time seemed to move slowly. White and her Pokémon were seen screaming as they saw the last lightning about to brutally kiss their friend’s body.

  But, as time then reverted back to its original pace, Marcus’ pupils shrunk and his hind legs gave one strong push, enabling his body to rocket directly at N – and perfectly dodging the final blow.

  His eyes were sharp on N’s back. Although the wind was tampering with his vision, Marcus could see something sticking from the back pocket of N’s trousers. With a heavy growl, he opened his mouth, ready to take hold of the mysterious item.

  Luckily, he was able to grab it.

  Unluckily, the very close distance left him unguarded – enabling Zekrom to easily slap the Stoutland away with the back of his left hand.

  And then, RIP!

  The item ripped into two; one in Marcus’ teeth while the other still placed inside N’s pocket.

  A pair of emerald eyes widened in shock at the sound. A yell burst from afar, making him flinch slightly. Quickly he turned his body, eyes dropping to his behind.

  How stunned he was the moment he realized what had just happened.

  No! Like a robot, his hand dug inside the pocket and took its ripped half. It was torn to a clean line, now showing only one person that brimmed the brightest of smile.

  To see such a radiant smile, N finally dropped to his knees.

  He gasped hollowly. His eyes formed tears, the amount more than before. With shaken breaths, N moved his eyes to Marcus. The poor Stoutland was seen lying on the floor and close to a newly cracked wall. He saw as White and the others rushed to Marcus’ aid, the girl then screaming another painful gasp and fell to her Pokémon’s side.

  His heart thanked a thousand prayers once he saw that Marcus’ legs were twitching and kicking.

  No… That single words interrupted his mind. No… That single sight was able to break him from the cold, cruel mask. No… That single photo was able to drag him into a black abyss of guilt. N-no…

  “ZEKROOAARRR!!”

  With a tremendous roar, Zekrom spread his black wings and rocketed up into the black sky, piercing through the thick clouds.

  And as for N, all he could do was kneel in utmost devastation.

---

  “What was that?” Cheren almost tripped as the sound got louder. Bending his legs, he gazed up the stairs.

  “We are almost there.” Brycen spoke calmly, yet tone still hinted with panic of his own. Eyes meeting with the boy’s and his Regal Pokémon’s, the three males rushed to the peak, reaching closer to the solution of their problem.

  And as they did, all they could do was gasp for all they saw was a wide, open space.

  “W-what happened?” Cheren dumbly asked as his round spectacled eyes scanned the area. The place was a complete mess, filled with rubble and dirt. He looked up the sky. Thankfully, the dark clouds were fading into absence, revealing the sun that was hidden from the grim weather.

  ‘Massster! You need to come quick!’

  Serperior’s frantic hisses caught his attention. The boy then looked to the left – only to exclaim a loud, “White!”

  There, sitting near the walls and surrounded by her Pokémon was White. Without a second thought, Cheren frantically run toward his friend. “White!”

---

  The moment she heard his voice, the moment she heard her name, White felt as if someone had dragged her from a nightmare.

  Her head snapped upwards, meeting a certain boy’s face. Her vision was still blurry, hazy and disturbed by the images she had just witnessed. Her mind that was so dishevelled a few minutes ago started to function and grind. She watched as the boy moved closer, pushing over her Pokémon and stooping to her eye level.

  “White!” the boy called out, “Are you-”

  Cheren was silenced once White threw her arms around his neck.

  Taken aback by the hug, he fell on his bum. “W-White?” Panic thickened his tone to feel the cold shudders on her body. One hand pressed against the floor for support, his free hand carefully caressed the frightened girl’s back.

  He froze once Cheren felt a huge swell on her shoulder.

  “White…!” Petrified, he pushed the girl from her hug and fully focused on her face. His fear only increased to see little red lines on her left cheek and dusts all over her face and neck. “White, what happened??”

  But what startled him the most were the sorrow that coated in her eyes.

  “White…?” Cheren called again, softer and slowly this time. Never would he think that he would see the girl looking so heartbroken. Never had Cheren imagined seeing White in such an alarmingly faint state. “White, hey…” Lifting himself up until he was on his knees, he carefully held her shoulders. “White…what happened here?”

  She didn’t answer, but her eyes told him everything.

  A whimper entered his ears. But it wasn’t coming from White, oh no. With a concerned frown tugging his lips, he looked behind her. The spectacled trainer only breathed another “Oh Arceus” to see Marcus lying weakly against the wall. Its condition was slightly bad than White, with dry blood seen behind his left ear and a purple bruise resting on his left foreleg. Lillil sat closer to the Stoutland, hands carefully wiping off the blood and aiding to his wounds. Her face gave no emotion. Or rather, it was quite unclear seeing that the female was avoiding any eye contact.

  Cheren then focused his gaze back at the crestfallen girl. “White, say something. You’re worrying me…”

  Once again, she didn’t answer.

  And once again, he could see it all in her eyes: Sorrow. Crushed. Dejection. Lost. Grief.

  All of it cruelly gleamed inside her empty eyes.

 A frown stayed on his lips. Concern remained in his heart to see her condition. “Come on…” Mentally counting to three, Cheren placed her left arm behind his neck and slowly lifted her body. Thankfully, White was able to stand on her own, although her legs were still shaking from the swell. “I got you…” He gave a supportive smile to her, hoping to see a ray of sunshine in her eyes.

  White didn’t utter a word, but the faintest of smiles did touch the corner of her lips, and for the time being, Cheren was fine with it.

  With the help of Serperior, he returned all of White’s Pokémon and placed it inside her satchel. With careful moves so he wouldn’t harm the human girl, Serperior took her bag and held it by his tail. ‘All ssset to leave,’ he hissed beside Cheren and flashed a small smile. Even though his trainer didn’t actually understand him, Cheren still gave a single nod. The boy’s eyes then spotted Brycen, who was done scanning the area with an unnerving expression. Lastly, he cast a little peek at White, who – to his dismay – was still mute as a Whismur.

  With one last look of the now clear sky, Cheren breathed a short sigh and slowly walked out of the shattered tower. What happened here…?