Prologue

Pidoves chirped in the trees. Realizing that it was morning already, Hilbert woke with a start. Sighing, he rose from his bed and did his usual morning routine: brushing teeth, changing etc. Then he remembered that Hilda had just returned to Nuvema Town, and decided to visit his childhood friend.

Entering Hilda's room, Hilbert raised a hand in greeting. "Hey, welcome back, Hilda!"Then he faltered, seeing no reply from Hilda, who sat by the window, chin cupped in her hand. Her face betrayed no emotion.

Someone sighed loudly. For the first time, Hilbert realized that Cheren and Bianca were also in the room. Hilbert stole a glance at Hilda. Still, there was no reaction. She didn't even move a muscle. She seemed to be grieving. Hilbert started. In his memory, Hilda wasn't like this. She was an optimistic girl. "Bianca, what's wrong?"He asked, concern and puzzlement in his voice.

Bianca sighed. "Hilbert, Hilda's been like this since N left." At the word 'N', both she and Cheren's expressions darkened. "N? Who's N?"Hilbert asked. Cheren and Bianca quickly explained who N was and his connection with Hilda.

From their explanation, Hilbert understood that N was a strange young man who had been used by his evil father, Ghetsis Harmonia, to become the lead figure in Team Plasma. However, his soul was pure and kind, and slowly, Hilda and N had fallen in love with each other. But in the end, N had to leave. Heartbroken, Hilda had been in a state of depression since then.

After hearing the story, Hilbert clenched a fist. Somehow, he now hated N for making Hilda sad. He vowed to do whatever it took to reignite the fire in Hilda's heart.

Chapter 1

Footsteps disappeared down the flight of stairs. Hilda closed her eyes. A picture of N Harmonia appeared in her mind. Tears sprung into her already reddened eyes. It wasn't that she couldn't hear their concern. It wasn't that she didn't know that she would probably never see him again. It was just that she couldn't forget that angelic, innocent face of his, his kindness, his care… So to keep the grief from overwhelming her, she had chosen to bottle up all her emotions.

A few hours later, she heard footsteps again. Calming herself, Hilda stared out at the window. "Hilda."A familiar voice said. Hilda ignored him. "Hilda."Hilbert tried again. This time, Hilda responded. "What is it?"She asked coldly. She saw Hilbert's face fall as he took in her emotionless eyes. Emotions rose in her, but she pushed them down.

"Hilda. You can't stay like this. You're not only hurting yourself, but the people around you!"Hilbert stated, determined to make Hilda snap out of her trance. He glanced at Hilda. No reaction. But Hilbert wasn't giving up. "Hilda, N isn't everything. If he's left you, you should-"Hilbert's words cut deep into Hilda's heart.

"Shut up!"She suddenly screamed, and lunged at Hilbert. Startled, Hilbert was caught off guard. Hilda's punch hit him square on his chest.

Tears slid down Hilda's cheeks as she gradually calmed down. Hilbert stared in shock at his crying friend. In all his years, Hilda had never hit him before. Jealousy stung at him. Could that boy, N, really have caused such a change to her?

Hilbert put an arm around Hilda. "Hilda, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."He said. Sniffing, Hilda shook her head. "No. It's my fault. I shouldn't have hit you. I know that you were just trying to make me snap out of it."She said. Then after some hesitation, she added, "Stop criticizing N, okay? It's not his fault."Hilda said it as gently as she could, but still, Hilbert flinched as if stung. Then, slowly, silently, he withdrew his hand and walked out of Hilda's room.

After he had left, Hilda cried her heart out. She couldn't stop herself anymore. She knew very clearly how Hilbert felt for her, but she couldn't accept his feelings.

Just as Hilda was about to revert back to her emotionless state, her room door burst open and Hilbert appeared for the third time that day. Hilda stared in shock at Hilbert's grim, determined face.

"Let's go find N, Hilda."

Chapter 2

Above the Unova clouds, Hilda shivered. She and Hilbert were mounted on their Pokémon, Hilda's Reshiram and Hilbert's Kyurem. Hilbert had suggested that they search from the skyline for any sign of N's Zekrom. However, so far, there was no sign of the black coloured Dragon-type.

"Here, take my jacket."Hilbert tossed his blue jacket to Hilda. Shrugging it on, Hilda smiled gratefully at her childhood friend. She was really grateful for Hilbert's suggestion. The prospect of having a true friend to search for N together warmed her, and her cold demeanor had gradually worn off.

After an hour of flying around the skies of Unova, Hilbert decided to land. So, the two landed in Castalia City. Hilda had chosen this city because it was a major port and many people went there, especially in the mornings and afternoons.

Checking in at the Pokémon Centre to heal their tired Legendaries, Hilda took the chance to ask Nurse Joy if anyone had seen a Pokémon Trainer with green hair. However, this proved futile. Too many greenheads turned up each day and N wasn't the type to do things that would attract people to him… A thought suddenly struck Hilda.

"Wait. Nurse Joy, have you heard rumors of a green haired young man with an ability to talk to Pokémon?"Hilda asked immediately.

Nurse Joy brightened. "As a matter of fact, I have."She said, "Officer Jenny told me about it." Excitement coursed through Hilda. Could it be that it would be so easy to track N down?

Hilda and Hilbert rushed to the nearest police station. After some explanation, Officer Jenny told them that the green haired youth had been seen in Driftveil City, boarding a ship headed for Sinnoh.

Hilda was disappointed. She had thought that she would be able to see N soon. But Sinnoh… Sinnoh was unfamiliar terrain. Who knew how long it'd take to find N there?