Author's Note: What is this? A quick update?! Never! Well, don't expect them all the time xD right now I'm bursting with ideas and just had to get this chapter done! I hope you all enjoy it and please read and review! Makes a girl very happy face!

Chapter Two

Don't you just hate it when your leg won't stop bouncing up and down because you're that freaking nervous? Yeah...that! I swear I must have chewed my pencil to ribbons by now, and my eyes kept glancing at the large clock that hung lazily on the wall.

Two hours...two hours and this would all be over with.

I stole a glance at Rosa, who had taken to a desk two rows ahead of me. I could see her head bowed, as she scribbled furiously on her paper, determined as ever to follow her dreams. Hugh sat to her right, his mass of dark navy hair easily recognisable. He too was busy writing down on the paper, oblivious to everything.

Most of the other students copied their actions, not even daring to look up to break their concentration. So why the hell was I just sat here, staring at the paper like I was signing my life away?

All the different questions were multiple choice, just like I had been told, but the first one was just plain ridiculous. 'Question one: If you were faced with the choice of jumping into a river to save your Pokemon, or your best friend, what would you choose?' I mean how could they justify this? Both were EQUALLY as important! I frowned at the question, noticing that their wasn't an option to save both of them.

My options were to save my Pokemon, and let my friend die. Save my friend and let my Pokemon die. Do neither and call for help. Or find a way of blocking the flow of water so getting to them would be easier. None of these applied to me. If I was in this situation I'd probably either cry, or get help.

I sighed heavily, taking this time to wonder about my friends. I wondered what Hugh wrote for this question. If he had to choose between his sister and his Pokemon I doubt it would be the easiest choice in the world, but he would save his sister everytime.

Did that make him a bad person for not saving his Pokemon? Fuck...this was ridiculous.

In the end I chose the get help option and swiftly moved onto the second question. It consisted of; 'If you were being attacked by a ravenous Houndoom in the middle of a forest, what would you do?' Once again I chewed on the end of my pencil, feeling my heart speed up in my chest. One of the options was to kill the Pokemon, which was wrong on so many levels. Others included using food to lure him away, crouch down into a submissive position, create a diversion or shout for help.

I stared at the option for crouching down into a submissive position, knowing that was probably what I would do in that situation. How could I hurt a Pokemon, even if they wanted to hurt me? I wasn't that cold hearted, or malicious.

With a soft sigh I chose the submissive position and moved onto the next question, which was different from the others I encountered. It wasn't a situation question, more of an emotional one. 'How would you react if you found out your Pokemon was pregnant?'

I didn't see the point to this question personally...I mean who didn't like baby Pokemon? They were adorable as hell! Obviously I chose the happy option, because it would be amazing to find something out like that! A new life to fuss over and treat like a baby, it would be great!

Next question. 'Your rival whips out his new Pokemon and challenges you to a battle, where your Pokemon is at a disadvantage. What do you do?' I didn't have a rival so this question completely went over my head. Even so, the idea of fighting anyone spooked me a little because everything was so new right now. I had never battled before, and had no idea what to do. My options were; to battle, to turn him down because you're at a disadvantage, or battle because you'd win regardless of types.

So...not much choice then. Battle, or not to battle. In the end I chose to battle, just so I didn't seem like that much of a sissy compared to the rest of the candidates. The last thing I wanted was people laughing at my choices.

Taking a deep breath I moved onto the next question, which was just as ridiculous as the rest. 'You are caught in the middle of a territorial battle between Beedrill and Ursaring. What do you do?' I'm sorry but, there in no way in hell I would be caught up in this, and if I was I'd run for the hills. There was an option of backing away slowly, but not running like my life depended on it.

I frowned reading the rest of my choices. These were beyond stupid. Attempt negotations...? Hell no! Join a side? Not really my style if I'm being honest, or catch them all? My only option here that was anywhere near normal was the backing away slowly one.

God...if the examiner looked back at these answers I swear I would probably be unfit to train any type.

This whole exam was starting to make me feel depressed about how I was as a person. All these brave and herioc answers just were not me, and I felt like a failure already. Most of the answers were the running away or cowardly options...did that mean I was weak?

Once again I glanced at Rosa, seeing just how determined she was. I bet she wouldn't even dream of picking the easy way out. She would battle till the end, because she was brave and resilient.

Why couldn't I be like her?

The next questions on the test were those to determine which Pokemon type your personality best fitted, to determine what type you would be better suited for. There were many different things I had to answer with a simple yes, or a no. Taking a deep breath I decided to give it a go. It couldn't be worse than the last questions.

The first question asked; 'Would you rather be evil?' Naturally I chose no, because evilness didnt even register in my mind. 'You are into mythological creatures' This question I was unsure of, mainly because I hadn't really thought about it. In the end I circled no and moved onto the next one. 'You like to sneak up on your enemies using covert techniques'

Sneaky was far from my personality. If I tried to sneak downstairs to steal food from the fridge my Mom always knew, mainly because I had a habit of bumping into things, or breaking stuff. Naturally, I chose no for that question. The next one read; 'Defence prevails over anything' I looked at the question for a while, thinking it through. They always said defence was the best offense, so I chose yes for that one.

'You'd say you have a dark side' Yeah right, I was probably opposite to that in every way known to man. Easy choice. 'You work well under pressure' Considering I managed to wind myself this much over an exam, that was highy unlikely so I chose the no option. Once again another question that read; 'You are a mysterious and dark person' Why couldn't they have questions about good things? Why was it all related to dark and mysterious things? Frowning I circled no once again, realising I only answered yes for one right now.

'You love to see your opponents suffer' Oh man...I wasn't that horrible! I didn't like to see anyone suffer, even if they hated my guts. Touya always said I was too soft and too forgiving, but that was just who I was. I chose the no option once again.

The next question was quite nice, completely different to the others I had seen so far. 'You like the smell of the ocean' Well, I guess I did. I always loved the sea and the beach, so that was a yes from me. 'You try and predict your opponents actions' I frowned. Yeah right...if I even tried to I would probably be wrong. I remembered when I tried to predict Rosa's next move when we played chess once, and got it completely wrong, and she ended up checkmating me. So, I circled no.

'You love to lay in the grass' It was nice to do that on a hot day and just stare at the clouds, so I decided to pick yes for that one, hoping there were more nice questions to come, and no more horrible choices. The next question read; 'You are different and unique' I guess I could be called that at times, Rosa had said I was one of a kind many times, so that was the same as being unique. I decided to circle yes anyway.

There were only two questions left which were; 'You love ice cream' and 'You are impatient' Both of those were true. I had a thing for chocolate ice cream ever since I was a kid, and everyone has said at one point or another that I'm impatient about things, so I decided on yes for both of them.

Once I scanned through the paper to make sure I hadn't missed out any of the questions, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Finally, it was done and dusted and once the bell rang to signify the end of the exam I could forget about this whole ordeal for a week. They said we would receive our results at the end of the week, and then we would take the boat to Castelia City for the choosing ceremony.

Six weeks away from home...away from Mom...away from Touya.

All because we had to train intensively and learn everything there was to learn about our chosen speciality. I just didn't want to be alone when I chose. If I knew no-one in my group it would make things so much harder to deal with. At least if Rosa or Hugh were with me I had someone to talk to and hang around with.

I looked at the clock, not quite believing that so much time had passed. It didn't seem like I spent so long answering the questions, and now there was only twenty minutes remaining. Absent-mindedly I tapped my foot against the leg of the table. Professor Juniper was stood at the front of the hall, idly watching all the students, making sure no-one cheated, or stepped out of line.

Glancing over the array of students I noticed that some, just like me had placed their pens and pencils down, and were now re-reading their answers. Deep within I wondered what they had chosen.

Did anyone choose to kill the rabid Houndoom? Was anyone in this room that evil? Did Hugh or Rosa choose that option, or did they pick the same as I did?

Resting my head on my hand I looked out of the window, wondering how Lily was coping at home without me. She was probably being spoilt rotten by Touya and Mom, but I missed having her with me. Her energetic vibe is what I needed right now, and we were a team. Together we would venture into this cruel, unforgiving world, attempting to put right everything that was done wrong.

If we could...

XXX

I didn't realise that twenty minutes had passed so soon until the class bell resounded in my ears, and everyone put their pens and pencils down on their desks, all their attention consumed by the foreboding figure of the Professor. I watched as she walked down the aisles, collecting the papers as she went.

"Your results should be confirmed by the end of the week, but you shall all receive a phone call when they are here, and ready for collection." She announced, wondering past Rosa's desk, and picking up her exam paper. She turned in her seat, and smiled supportively. I bet she was worried over me the entire time because of how het up I became earlier. Now it was over, I was fine.

It was as if a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders, but now I had to wait until the end of the week. I hoped the examiner didn't laugh at my choices, or make judgements about me. I know I wasn't the bravest student in the world, but they said we had to be honest, so I did exactly that.

Professor Juniper walked up to my desk and picked up my exam paper, before flashing a kind smile my way. I returned it, grateful that now I could relax for a while, and forget about the agonising decision that was yet to come.

My specialism...joy.

As I packed my things away into my pencil case, I noticed that the Professor had collected everyone's papers and now was walking back down the aisle to the front of the hall.

"Okay then. Well done to all of you! You should all be extremely proud of yourselves, and I shall see you in a weeks time. You are dismissed."

Just like that hordes of students practically leapt up from their seats, all too eager to leave and go back home. I stayed in my seat, waiting for the majority of people to leave. I wasn't overly keen on overcrowded places.

Rosa and Hugh got up from their seats and approached me, as I placed my pencil case back in my rucksack, zipping it up. Rosa smiled at me as she walked up to my desk, Hugh tagging along at her side.

"So...how did it go?" She asked, as I stood up, pulling my rucksack on my back. I shrugged a little.

"It went okay I guess..."

"Don't you think some of those questions were uncalled for? I mean...killing a Pokemon? What the actual fuck?!" Hugh cursed and I glared at him to be quiet. The Professor was still in the room, and would probably tell him off for using bad language.

"If anyone chose that option they should be banned from working with Pokemon full stop! It's just heartless!" Rosa noted, her face looking pained. I nodded, eternally grateful I chose the submissive option.

"Did you read the one about the Ursaring and Beedrill fight? Whoever thought up these questions needs to reconsider their choices in life."

"Hugh, they weren't THAT bad! They were just...different." I sighed softly as they conversed about the exam, making sure I told absolutely no-one what I chose. I didn't want people thinking I was some weak pathetic coward, unable to defend myself.

Soon enough the three of us were being ushered out of the room, and outside. Once we got outside into the fresh air I noticed that the majority of the students had already gone home by now, not wanting to stick around a minute longer.

"I really hope my results come back as Grass." Rosa mused, linking her arm with mine, then doing the same with Hugh so she was in the middle.

"I have no idea what mine will be. Some of those questions were laughable and completely unrealistic." Hugh was right, and I was glad it wasn't just me who spent the majority of the time frowning at the questions.

"Did you read the one about saving your best friend or Pokemon?" I added in finally, deciding to engage in the conversation a little. Hugh snorted at my words; looking displeased.

"I swear...Team Plasma must make up these abysmal questions, because sane people wouldn't even dream of choosing a side."

"What did you choose?" Rosa asked, her large azure eyes looking up at the taller male.

"I chose to stop the water, because then it might be possible to save both of them."

"Awww damn! I chose to get help!" Rosa squealed, pouting a little. She had no idea we chose the same thing, so we were more alike than I first realised.

"What about you Nate?" Hugh asked me, and suddenly both of them stared at me. Feeling a little nervous I decided that it wouldn't be so bad telling them what I chose. They wouldn't judge me...considering Rosa picked the same option.

"I um...chose to get help too."

"Man...they are gonna think I want to be some sort of Pokemon superhero with what I chose." Hugh groaned, and Rosa laughed at his words.

"I can totally picture you in a superhero outfit, with your underpants on the outside~" She teased, making the blue haired male blush furiously. I chuckled at the thought, finding the image very amusing. Hugh's hot headed personality wasn't really cut out for fighting crime, but it was still a hilarious idea.

"Oh hell no! I haven't got the face for that. If anything Nate would be better suited." Hugh stated, and it caught me off guard.

Me...a superhero? No way. I was a coward!

Only of course they didn't know that...only me and the examiner would know.

"N-no way..." I stammered, hating the attention. Rosa clicked her tongue and hit Hugh's arm playfully.

"Oh stop it, you big meanie. You're the one who chose to save everyone in your answers. Nate and I chose the SENSIBLE option!"

"Of course going to get help is sensible, I mean what if they both died while you were away? Wow, what a great choice that turned out to be."

"Do you always have to see the bad side to everything?" Rosa groaned, hugging my arm. I smiled, watching the both of them banter together. I never usually got involved with disputes or arguments, even if they were of the playful kind.

"Hugh has to be the voice of reason," I added in, feeling so much better now all the stress was gone. "Otherwise we would both get carried away."

"Thank you!" The taller male cried, his crimson eyes flaring. "At least someone around here speaks sense."

"Oh hush you, I am the only girl here, therefore I am always right~"

"...you think you're always right..." Hugh mumbled as we walked, causing Rosa to puff her cheeks out angrily, like a pissed off Jigglypuff.

"I dare you to say that again!" I laughed, when Hugh's face literally went pale right in front of my eyes. It was so great to have two great friends like these two. It made life so much more easier to bear, and get through. I'd be totally lost without them.

XXX

After a while of aimless chitchat and banter we all decided that it was getting late and should all head on home. Rosa wanted us to meet up and do something before we got our exam results, and that seemed like a great idea. We had no plans as of yet, but she said she would call us once she had figured something out.

My house was the first one we approached, and both Hugh and Rosa walked with me down my garden path and to my front door. It had been nice just chatting with them about the exam, and laughing it off. Rosa and Hugh spent the majority of the time bickering like an old married couple but, it made me laugh, and that was what I needed.

"Here's my stop." I announced, turning to smile at them.

"It sure is. We are definitely meeting up before results day. All of us." Rosa finalised, smiling warmly.

"I'd like that."

"Knowing Rosa we'll end up going for a coffee and a croissant at some fancy cafe somewhere, where people speak with terrible accents." Hugh whined, before receiving a jab in the ribs by Rosa's elbow.

"If you want to survive the rest of the day I recommend you keep your trap shut. Clear?" I smiled and shook my head, watching as Hugh nursed his rib from Rosa's attack. She always did have rather sharp elbows...

"Just call me and let me know." I muttered, perfectly okay with anything she chose. Rosa always did pick nice places to go, or great things to do. I noticed that Hugh had stayed silent since his recent injury, probably for the best.

"Okay then! I shall see you soon!" Her arms hugged me tightly as she pressed a soft kiss on my cheek and bidded me a farewell.

"Yeah, take care."

Her azure eyes rolled in amusement, as she and Hugh walked back down my garden path. Smiling to myself I opened my front door, thankful that my Mom had left it open for me. Before I even got properly into my house Lily had bounded over to me, and leapt into my arms, wagging her tail.

"Hey there, did you miss me?" She started licking my face, and I laughed at the tingling feeling. How could she love me so much after only being here with me for a few hours? It was like I had been with her for years.

"How did it go?"

The voice of my half-brother entered my ears, and as I looked towards the stairs I saw his tall figure walk down towards me. I shrugged a little, trying not to feel negative about what I had chosen. Touya had told me to go with my heart, and I did.

"It was okay...some of the questions were a bit stupid though."

"I had that when I took the exam. If I remember correctly one was something like; if your Pokemon and your friends were trapped in a burning building what would you do? They didn't give sensible choices and made you choose to save either your Pokemon or your friends. Absolute bullshit." I nodded weakly, thankful that Touya felt the exact same way about the questions that I did.

"Vui~!" Lily purred happily into my ear, once she finally calmed down. At least she had stopped frantically licking my face.

"Yeah...it kinda puts you in a difficult position." Touya had now reached the bottom of the stairs and smiled supportively.

"I don't think anyone knows what to do in those situations, so don't feel too bad about it." I nodded weakly. Why did I still feel like a coward? I was probably the only student in the hall who consistently chose the easy options, not even daring to pick a brave choice.

"Your test came back as Fire...right?" He nodded, as his fingers started scratching through Lily's fur, and she purred in delight.

"It did...but Fire just didn't suit me. I'm not hot headed or quick to temper. I thought that Psychic would be more useful and interesting, so I chose that. I'm glad I did, because I made some really good friends. I'd be lost without Musha." He was referring to his Munna, who had helped him a lot through the years. I wondered if Lily and I would have the same connection some day. Right now she seemed so content, cuddling up in my arms.

"I see...so...even if my test results come back as something...I don't have to choose it?"

"Not if you don't want to. Like I said, it's just a basic guideline, that's all," My brother smiled at me, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Anyway, enough about exams, I'm taking you out."

"Huh?"

"Hello? Did you forget today is still your birthday? I'm taking you out for a meal, my treat."

I couldn't help but smile in joy. I guess I had forgotten that it was my birthday, after all the stress of exams and being a failure. It would be nice to have some down time to relax and forget about everything for now. After all, its not everyday you turn sixteen.

"Veeee~!" Lily cooed enthusiastically, liking the idea of food also, which made me smile.

"Is Mom gonna be there?" Touya shook his head lightly, whilst grabbing his signature blue jacket from the coat rack.

"She had to go into work. Apparently there was some emergency with a sick Pokemon, but she told us to go without her."

I wished that she could have joined us, it felt weird celebrating without her. Either way, if food was on Touya there was no way I was missing out. I had to make the most of these times together, because soon enough I would be whisked away for six weeks, and that thought petrified me.

XXX

Touya had chosen a new restaurant that had opened in the village, which I had been going on about trying for the past few months, but never had the money to do so. They served food from all over the world; Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh. Foods that I'd never get to try unless they were imported.

Lily sat on my shoulder, large innocent brown eyes gazing at the tastefully decorated building. It was perfect in everyway, and it was so nice that Touya had thought of this for my birthday. He really did spoil me.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Lets go inside." He noted, walking towards the large stained glass doors. I followed, feeling a little nervous. It wasn't everyday I got to eat in nice restaurants and not have to pay anything at all. This was alien to me, but I reckoned soon enough the nerves would settle down.

As we walked inside, soft ambient music could vaguely be heard, and various waitresses, dressed in black and white flitted about the tables. There were large rotating fans on the ceilings, with sepia paintings on the walls for added décor. It really was beautiful. Lily stayed on my shoulder as we walked up to the front desk, and waited for someone to show us to a table.

The nerves increased as I continued to look around the place, seeing that it was mainly couples who were dining, not two half-brothers for a birthday celebration. I felt out of place, but did my utmost not to show it. Touya had gone to a lot of effort and I didn't want to ruin anything.

A blonde haired girl showed us to our table after a few minutes, and took our orders for drinks. Obviously I was too young to drink alcohol so Touya ordered a Coke for me, and a fizzy water for him. Not that I minded. None of our family indulged in alcohol.

"This is nice~" He commented, taking his jacket off and placing it at his side. We sat opposite each other so we had more room around the table, and so Lily could snuggle in the corner if she became tired.

"I wasn't expecting this..." I murmured weakly.

"Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?" Smiling to myself I took my rucksack and my jacket off, to try and settle my nerves. Lily jumped off my shoulder and went to snuggle in my jacket for warmth.

"It's not bad...I'm just not used to this."

"Well, get used to it. From now on until you leave to go to Castelia, we are having special brotherly bonding time. Deal?"

It was so nice of him to want to go to this much trouble for me. Still, spending as much time with him as possible until I had to leave sounded good right now. I knew that when that day came rolling by, I'd miss my family terribly, and I had no idea how I'd cope without them.

The blonde haired waitress returned with our drinks, and smiled kindly at the both of us. I thanked her nervously as she gave us more time to order our food. We hadn't even bothered to look at the menus yet.

"I will guess what you're gonna have," Touya said aloud, furrowing his brow in thought. "...the double decker Cheeseburger!" I blinked.

Seriously...had he been stalking me, or watching my eating habits? It was un-nerving he knew that!

"How the hell did you know?" He smirked, before taking a sip of his water.

"Brotherly instinct, never fails~"

Yeah right, he was a total stalker. Nevertheless I smiled, because whatever the reason, he knew me so well. Not even Rosa knew me as well as he did.

"What about you? What are you eating?" I watched as he picked up the menu, and spent about five minutes staring at the different things to eat. Then, he placed the menu down and smiled.

"Same as you."

"Oh...okay then." Nervously I sipped my coke through a straw, that the waitress had strangely given to me, but not Touya. Probably because she thought I was a kid...

"So...do you feel better now the exam is over?" He asked me, seemingly interested. I shrugged weakly, unsure. Right now I did, but at the end of the week I'd be a nervous wreck once again.

"I'm just worried about my results..."

"Relax Nate, it doesn't change your life. If your not happy with the result you don't have to go with it. It's your choice." Sighing to myself I knew he was right, that I could choose anything I wanted to even if it was the complete opposite to what I was capable of.

"What would you suggest?" I asked, trying to get a second opinion. Touya looked thoughtful, tapping his chin lightly with his finger.

"Hmmm...tough choice," He mused. "However, if I were you I'd go for something out of your comfort zone."

"Like what?" Out of my comfort zone? I doubted anything would be IN my comfort zone right now...especially with how I had answered those questions. Touya shrugged a little as he sipped at his fizzy water.

"I dunno, be reckless. Go for something mysterious and dangerous, something that will teach you good life and battle skills. Ghost or Dark perhaps?" I blinked at his words. Ghost or Dark? I was the complete opposite to those types, and to be honest being in the Ghost specialism freaked me out a little.

"I don't think it's really for me..."

"Then...what about Ice? Or Fire?" I frowned as I absent-mindedly twirled my straw between my fingers.

"Maybe..."

Our conversation was thankfully cut short when the blonde haired waitress returned, asking for our orders. Touya ordered our food, because I didn't fancy talking to strangers right now. My mind was all over the place, and all I wanted to do was forget.

Once the order was written down on her tiny notepad she bowed slightly, and once again left our table. I sighed, hoping to Arceus that the conversation wouldn't pick up where it left off. It seemed Touya noticed my nervous disposition and didn't mention anything about it again, thankfully.

"Who knows, this six week break away from home might do you some good. You'll meet new people, make new friends, learn life skills, and who knows...you might even get a girlfriend~"

Immediately I felt my cheeks flush pink, and bowed my head shyly. The whole girlfriend thing wasn't something I wanted to discuss with my brother, especially because, well...I didn't know many girls. The only girl I ever got on well with was Rosa.

"I-I...um...dunno..."

"Oh come on, Nate. You're a sixteen year old boy. Now is the time to think of having a relationship of some kind, even if it's not for keeps." Truth be told, I didn't really want a relationship right now. Things were too complicated in my own head to bring someone else into it too.

"Touya...I'm happy as I am right now. I don't want a relationship..." I thought that he might have judged me, or continued to pester me about the whole issue, but he didn't. He just smiled at me.

"That's okay. I guess not everyone wants that."

"I mean...you're not with anyone either." I murmured, taking a sip through the straw. Touya never seemed interested in anyone enough to date them. He had many friends, just nothing ever materialised from that.

"True that. Lets forget I said anything then."

We both smiled at each other. It was nice that things didn't get awkward between us, no matter what the issue was. Touya knew it was something I didn't want to discuss, and he just dropped it straight away. The last thing I needed was more pressure right now. I just wanted to enjoy my final week of being footloose and fancy free, before my life would drastically change.

XXX

As expected the food was absolutely amazing, like nothing I had ever tasted before. It might have had something to do with the fact I didn't have to pay for anything, and you know what they say; food tastes better when its on someone else. I also figured out why they named it the 'double decker cheeseburger', because it was huge! I had never seen anything like it!

Lily had by this time woke up, and helped herself to some of my fries. Not that I minded, I needed help eating this anyway. Touya was completely unaffected, and it baffled me. How someone could eat so much, and yet still remain in great shape?

"How is it?" He asked me, as he munched on one of his fries.

"Great! Thanks Touya!" He smiled, until I saw his face frown slightly, almost as if he had just remembered something.

"Oh yeah, I know I said we wouldn't discuss about the exams, or Team Plasma today...but I remembered something," My interest piqued at his words, and I stared into his eyes, clearly seeing pain behind their stare. "On the news today they said that Team Plasma is clamping down on rebel trainers...and taking drastic action."

"Rebel trainers?" I asked, not quite sure what he meant by that. It was the first time anyone had mentioned this. Touya nodded, munching absent-mindedly.

"Trainers that refuse to be dictated to, and train whatever types they want, and train multiple types, even though it's against the law. Any trainer found with other Pokemon that isn't in their specialism... will be executed..."

"Wh-what?!" I cried out, almost choking on my drink when those words casually spilled out into the atmosphere.

"A bit drastic...but that's what they are going to implement. I fear for those trainers, you know? How can you justify ending someone's life just for training more than one type of Pokemon? It's absurd!"

Deep within I became very nervous, more nervous than ever before. There were people out there who willingly chose to disobey the rules? Still...exectution was a bit too much, but if Team Plasma wanted to make a stand against it then this was probably the best way to go.

"They're...really going to kill people?" Touya nodded, sighing softly.

"Apparently so, they wanted to make it so severe that it would scare up and coming trainers into staying within the laws, and not to even consider disobeying them. Thing is...I doubt that their plan will stop anything, in fact; it might make it worse." I frowned as I swirled my straw around my glass, watching the ice-cubes start to dissolve.

"...you mean war...right?"

Again, he nodded, and the thought terrified me. I didn't want to live in a world where war ravaged the lands, and people who I loved and cared about could die in the process. Lily noticed my change in demeanour and pined quietly, licking at my hand.

"If more and more people join the rebels it will only be a matter of time before all out war breaks out."

"I-I...don't want a war..." I murmured sadly.

"I don't think anyone wants a war, Nate; but do you want to live like this? Dictated to by power hungry no-bodies, forced to live a way of life that no-one is happy with? It will only be a matter of time. People will just snap..." I tensed and bowed my head a little.

Was that really how people thought? Did Touya feel the same way? Would he join the rebels if it came down to it?

"T-Touya...?" I stammered, trying to steady my nerves once more. His sienna eyes focused on me in an instant, and I knew he could tell I was scared.

"Yeah?"

"...would you join the rebels? If it ever came down to it...?"

I hoped that he said no, because then I'd have no reason to worry for his safety. There would be no cause for concern, and no chance of him being executed for going against Plasma dictatorship. However, when he was forced to look away from me I just knew. I knew that his intentions were to join the rebel forces in the end...ultimately ending in a war.

"Nate...it's been my job to protect you, ever since you were a baby. I don't want you to grow up in a twisted world like this, where you have no free will. It's not what I ever wanted for you. So, if joining the rebels helps change the world for the better then yeah...I'm on board."

I felt Lily gently pawing at my hand, her large brown eyes staring at me. She must have known I was upset, and was doing her utmost to show me she was there for me. I smiled weakly, happy for her attempt, but right now how could I be happy?

I just discovered that Team Plasma planned to execute people who went against their rule, including the rebel forces. That Touya wanted to join them if it meant changing the world for better, and still the agonising dread of my exam results hung over me like an ominous black cloud.

Was there anyway out of this horrible twisted fabrication, known as reality?


Author's Note: End of chapter two! Let me know what you guys think! It makes me very happy!