When Two Are One 5

   "So…much…sand…" White groaned tiredly, slumping her body against Dexter. The electrified Pokémon neighed softly, easing his trainer's nerves. White curved a small smile, happy to see her Pokémon was doing his best to cheer her up. "Thanks boy." She hugged Dexter's neck, earning more happy coos and purrs.

   It was night time in Nimbasa City. White had finally reached her destination. She looked around. Amazement was the right word as she gazed at the blinking city lights and majestic buildings around her. "Wow. This place is awesome…"

   "I mean it old man! Give us all the Pokémon at your day care!"  

   The sound shook White, making her head snap forward. She could not believe her eyes. Standing a few feet away from her was an old man and two of the most hateable people in White's life: Team Plasma. The brunette sighed bitterly again. Blitzle wasn't that happy to see them too as the Pokémon growled acidly. "Come on, Blitzle. Let's wipe these asses out before we can check in." The electric-type nodded tenaciously and stomped forward.

   "Hey!" White shouted angrily, catching the three people's attention. She bent her torso forward, resting her arms on Dexter's head. "Seriously? Stealing from little kids, threatening innocent women, and now you're terrorizing old people? What the hell is wrong with you guys?"

   Both grunts eyed the young trainer. The female grunt snorted in disgust. "Go away, you lil brat! This is none of your business!"

   White's lips pursed in irritation. "On the contrary, it is." She hopped off Dexter's back. "You people are causing trouble here and there and it annoys me."

   Seeing his chance, the old man rushed to White. He hid behind the girl's back. "H-help me, little miss. These people have been harassing and threatening me about releasing the Pokémon at my day care…" The man muttered in fear. White scoffed bitterly, eyes sharp on the Plasmas.

   "You bunch of ugly people are really getting on my nerves." She flipped her hair in arrogance. Both grunts were stunned at her words. The female grunt was trembling in anger.

   "Ugly?!" the female grunt screamed. "How dare you call me ugly!" She plunged towards White. But her comrade quickly gripped her waist, stopping her from causing any catfight. "Miku, calm down." The male grunt, Kaito muttered to her. Miku growled sourly behind her gritted teeth.

   White laughed cockily. Her mind began to twist on a bitchy idea. She held her hips. "I mean, look at me. I'm sexy as hell. And you?" She led out a loud 'pfft'. "You're as fat as a Snorlax. Girl, at first I thought you were a Pokémon from afar."   

   Well, that snapped Miku. "Come here so I can tear you apart you little bitch!!" She struggled and wiggled harshly, hands frantically trying to remove Kaito's grip on hers. Kaito fumbled in panic. His comrade has a hot temper. And dealing with the young trainer's mouth was just the right thing to tick her off.

   "Let me kill her!" She snarled angrily as White laughed out loud. The ponytailed brunette held her stomach, her mouth cackling in glee. Her Blitzle snickered by her side. Miku had had enough. Just who does she think she is?! She quickly gripped her Pokéball and threw it up in the air. Patrat jumped out of his ball and stood in battle position.

   White grinned maliciously. Not a single fear was shown. She snapped her fingers, signalling Dexter to come forth. "Finish them."

---

   Miku clenched her fist in anger and defeat. The urge to scrape White's eyes out was still an option, but seeing White's intimidating Herdier, she retreated.

   Kaito was shocked at White's extremely strong and fast Pokémon. They were knocked out in minutes. "Gahh! Let's get out of here!" He quickly tugged his comrade and the two ran inside into the amusement park.

   'That's right! Ya better run!' Marcus barked triumphantly. The brunette groaned heavily. They got away again.

   "Thank you, miss." Hearing his voice, she turned around. White had almost forgotten that the man was still there. Smiling sweetly, she said, "It's okay mister. "I'm just fine you're okay."

   The old man chuckled amusingly. He too was impressed with the young lady's powerful team. Kids these days have powerful Pokémon. Marcus placed his paw on the man's foot, barking in joy at the person's safety. The elder laughed a soft tone and petted the Pokémon's head. "Well, to express my gratitude, here." He took out a small parcel from his pocket and handed it to White. Surprised, she took it and eyed the containment curiously. The small box was pink, with a big red button on top.

   The old man chuckled again. "Press it."

   She looked at the smiling elder, but quickly pressed it. In seconds, the box unwrapped and flipped itself open; transforming into a pretty red bicycle!

   White was speechless beyond words. Her mouth was hanged open. Aqua eyes stared shockingly at the joyful old man. "That, my dear is a bicycle. It is now compatible and pocket-sized so you can bring it anywhere you like."

   White blinked her eyes in dumbstruck. Marcus hopped and barked in glee at the sparkly transportation. "B-but sir, what about you? Don't you need it to get back to the day care?"

   The old man shook his head. "It's okay. I have my Tranquill to carry me home. Besides, I'm not one to ride bikes anyways."

   She has never been so happy to receive a gift. "Thank you thank you thank you!" White gripped the man's hand and shook it vigorously. The elderly couldn't help but laugh at the teenager's behaviour. What a cheerful girl.

   "Well, I better go chase those idiot grunts before they cause any havoc." White winked playfully and rode her brand new bike. Marcus flashed a furry smile and skipped alongside his trainer. They dashed off into the amusement park, their minds determined on finding the culprits.

---

   N stood in front of a huge Pikachu doll, eyes focusing on the blinking lights. He then looked around, only to see a juggler entertaining Pokémon and human alike. Ever since he reached Nimbasa, all he can see were lights, happiness, and entertainment. People were laughing enjoyably. And what's more surprising, even Pokémon were flashing cheerful smiles and showing joyous expressions.    

   It confused him each ticking second.

   "Hello child."

   N turned around, seeing an old lady sitting on the grass with a mat and items in front of her. Cautiously, he walked towards the elderly, eyes on her. "You…You were referring to me…?"

   The woman nodded, her lips curved into a sweet smile. "What a handsome young lad. Are you waiting for someone? A girlfriend perhaps?" A Minccino hopped onto the old woman's head, chirping a happy welcome to their customer.

   N was surprised and confused at the woman's words. "Girlfriend?" His head tilted slightly, trying to decipher the words. "What is that?"

   The old lady and her Minccino were shocked to hear that from N. "Eh?" Her mouth gaped open. "Don't you have a girlfriend, my dear?"

   Still confused about the term, N managed a single shook. Suddenly, the word 'friend' came to his mind, somehow trying to connect with the new word. "A…friend…?" he said unwarily. This time, the image of a certain brunette popped in his mind. Do I consider White my friend? He thought. The two have been bumping into each other quite a lot. And White certainly gives him an odd feeling he never felt before. He tapped his lips, her face boggling in his thoughts. "I…guess…I do…" He finally answered subconsciously.

   The old woman clapped her hands in joy. Minccino squealed in excitement and jumped off her trainer's head. "That's great then!" The elder picked up a silver bracelet from her mat. The bracelet was made out of faux leather and it almost looked like a collar. Hanging from it was a blue star-shaped pendant. N froze at the beautiful carving. The pendant glistened under the bright moonlight. It shined like the stars above, catching his only attention.

   Just by the sight of it, it reminded N of her eyes.

   "It's…beautiful…" N bent down, hands wanting to touch the pretty bracelet. The old lady smiled a soft smile and handed the bracelet to Minccino. Understanding the situation, the chinchilla Pokémon took it in her mouth and scampered to N. The green-haired teen was surprised to see Minccino jumping into his arms and placing the bracelet in his hand. Emerald eyes stared at the carved beauty, then at the smiling elderly. "Err…"

   "It's for you," she said in joy. Minccino scurried back to her trainer and plopped on the woman's shoulder. "Give this to your girlfriend. With this bracelet, the person you care about will be so happy."

   N blinked dumbly. But the thought of White's smiling face immediately brought a smile to his face. He looked at the bracelet. If I give this to White, she will be happy?

   "And because you're such an adorable boy, I will give you free of charge."

   He looked at the lady, who was grinning cheekily. N didn't know much when she said "free of charge" but to him, it was a good thing. "Thank you, madam." He bowed down, his smile wide enough to reach his ears. The young man turned around and walked away, eyes fully on the shining bracelet.

   For some reason, thinking about giving the bracelet to White was making him brim with excitement. His heart pounded each second. His mind envisioned White's face when she will receive the starry item. Girlfriend… His minds stopped, and so did he. N didn't know why, but the word 'girlfriend' seemed…fitting for White. "She is a girl. And she…is my friend," he mused quietly. "So, that makes her my girlfriend…right?"

   'Bushy Hair Man!'

   Before N could face upfront, something pounced on the teen, making him tumble to the ground. "Oof!" He snapped his eyes open, shocked to see a Herdier sticking his tongue out and panting in joy.

   "Marcus!" He heard a voice – a very peculiar voice. "Did you find those Plasma- N?"

   He cocked his head up, now even more surprised to see the girl in his mind was now right above him.

   "N?" She said his name again, quite baffled too. "What are you doing here? And Marcus, get off."

   Groaning in disappointment, the loyal dog Pokémon jumped off N and to White. The green-haired teen grunted in soreness and sat up straight. His hand rubbed the back of his head. Even so, his eyes were never away from the elegant brunette. The minute he just thought about her, the next she appeared.

   Somehow, it made N flutter inside.

   "Sorry about Marcus," White chuckled, unaware of N's rapid heartbeat. "He's a bit hyper when around people. You okay, N?"

   It took him a few minutes to gather all the reality in him. "Y-yes, I'm fine." He mumbled, eyes down. N bit his lip, now annoyed by his unknown discomfort. The same discomfort the last time he met her.

   "By the way, you haven't seen any Plasma grunts, have you?"

   Well, that was unexpected.

   N shot his head upwards, emeralds round in complete shock. His mouth opened wide, speechless as to what to say. White held her hips, eyebrow raised in curiosity. "What?"

   "You…" He muttered slowly. "Why are you looking for them?"

   White led out a loud sigh. "Because they terrorized an innocent citizen and I'm planning to kick their butts before going to bed."

   His eyes blinked in dumbstricken shock. White seemed irritated by stating the Plasma grunts. They…terrorize innocent people…? His head downcast, his hands lay on the grass. "Do you…" His lips mumbled, barely an earshot to White. "Do you hate Team Plasma…?"

   The girl stared at N. Now she was in a state of confusion. Never would she expect such a question from him. "Well…" She scratched the back of her head, eyes closed. An annoying feeling came to her as she imagined the people dressed as knights. "They steal from children, hurt innocent women, and practically harass old people. So yeah, they're pretty much in my list of people I hate." Another sour sigh escaped her mouth. "I swear, when I find them, I will make them pay. Heck, when I find out who's behind all this, I will definitely make sure he gets his ass kicked."

   Even though N didn't know the term for it, but he can feel his heart getting a sharp pain; like a knife just stabbed him right on the core. His hands balled into fists, gripping the bits of grass – and the silver bracelet. "You hate their leader then…?"

   Oblivious at N's spiteful rage, White nonchalantly answered, "Yes I hate their leader."

   That heartache he felt just now – had multiplied into a hundred.

   N gulped heavily, feeling like he was swallowing rocks rather than his own saliva. She…hates me… The young man didn't know why he even cared. He didn't even know why the thought of White hating him bothered him so much. His teeth clenched inside his pressed lips. She hates me…

   'Oooo, what's this?'

   The sound of Marcus' voice snapped him back to reality. He looked at his hand, which held the bracelet. The loyal dog Pokémon sniffed it excitingly, his tail wagging in bliss. The starry pendant shined majestically under the full moon's light. 'This is pretty!' The Pokémon barked. He nuzzled his nose closer, trying to push N's hand so it opened. 'What a pretty pretty collar!'

   N froze in stupor. White groaned in disbelief. "Marcus, how many times have I told you? Don't pester the poor man."

   Marcus made a face and pushed N's hand harder. Finally, N gave up and opened his hand, revealing the shiny pendant. White stopped and gawked in awe at the elegant beauty. "Oh wow…"

   'Yayy pretty collar!" Marcus let out an amused howl. He took the silver in his mouth and hopped up and down. 'Pretty collar pretty collar! It's so pretty!'

   N had never seen such happiness from a Pokémon before. The Herdier was literally jumping for joy at the sight of the silver bracelet. The Pokémon's eyes shined like the pendant itself. N could see that Marcus was enjoying the littlest and simplest things in life.

   And things like this, made him realize how much he loves Pokémon.

   "Marcus baby," White said softly. "Give the man back his brace-"

   "Keep it."

   White quickly stared at N, who was smiling at the hopping Herdier. "What?"

   The teen looked at White. Their eyes locked. Their heartbeats began beating in an uneven rhythm. "Keep it. Herdier loves it. So he can keep it."

   "Really?" White asked.

   'Really?!' Marcus barked in enthusiasm.

   N looked at the joyous loyal dog. A soft smile curved his lips. "Yes, I insist."

   'Oh wow yayy! Thank you thank you thank you Bushy Hair Man!' Marcus licked N's face, in which N responded with a funny, surprised expression. 'White! Look! Bushy Hair Man gave me a collar!' The Pokémon ran towards his beloved trainer. White looked at N, then at Marcus. The boy just gave her Pokémon a gift. Even though she didn't know the true intention of N having it, but deep down, she was touched by it.

   'White! Look! Pretty collar!' Marcus placed his paws on White's knees, tail wagging in joy at his new gift. The girl giggled and crouched down, taking the collar in her hands. White wasn't going to lie. The bracelet-collar was breathtaking. Its silver colour was mesmerizing, but what took White's attention was its starry pendant. The blue gem sparkled under the stars and the brunette couldn't help but gawk in awe.

   'I wanna wear it! I wanna wear it!' Marcus barked impatiently, still hopping like a Lopunny. White laughed, her sweet tone chimed in N's ears. Carefully, she unclasped the silver hook and wrapped the bracelet-collar around Marcus' neck.

   "There," she said. The trainer smiled to see the blue star dangle on the Herdier's neck. White giggled amusingly. "D'aww baby, you look like a star."

   Marcus huffed in pride. His tail was wagging nonstop. 'Yeah! I'm a star!' The loyal dog Pokémon marched in front of White and N, flashing his brand new collar. White couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was so cute that she took Marcus in her arms and tickled the fluffy being.

   N froze to see the beautiful trainer-Pokémon bonding moment. The scene was priceless in his eyes. If he were to see it the first time he set foot into the outside world, he will think twice about his mission. Other than that, his eyes were glued to White's laughing face. Her face shined elegantly under the moonlight. To him, she was the most beautiful human- no, the most beautiful creature ever. Each waking second. Each waking minute.  His heartbeat was pounding in his chest. But this time, N didn't feel agitated about his discomfort. No. He was oblivious to it. His mind, his sight, his sound, him: All were focused on White Eve Monochroma.

   But then, just as things were rainbows and sugar for him, he remembered her words.   
   
   "Yes I hate their leader."

   That was the first time he felt like his heart just dropped.

   "Thanks N. Me and Marcus love it!" White cheered, still hugging her cuddly loyal dog. But her smile slowly disappeared to see the boy's head was downcast. His body shivered slightly, and it wasn't because of the cold. "N…" She scooted her feet forward but cautiously. White had learned her fair share of personal space the last time they met.

   Suddenly, N looked up. "Let me help you look for them."

   She stopped her tracks, a few feet from N. "Huh?"

   Without a word, N stood up and dusted his pants. "I'll help you look for Team Plasma. I just saw them went around the park a few minutes ago." His eyes were everywhere, but not on White. He couldn't dare to lock eyes with the girl, not when he was feeling angsty himself. His lips were pressed together to form a tight line, waiting for her answer.

   Finally, a few minutes later, she happily answered, "Alright then."

   N hid the disappointment in his face with the tip of his cap. His clenching fists were getting tighter, his nails digging in his palms. "Very well then."

   White found it odd as to why N acted strange. But she then took it as his normal behaviour and put Marcus down. "Come on. If you help, we can save time and I can finally get some sleep," White sang in a singsong tune and skipped past N.

   The green-haired teen took one deep breath and followed suit. He had made his choice. He had decided on what he will do next. Hands shoving roughly in his pockets, N stared down, trying to cool himself off.

   I have to tell her.