Disclaimer: I still don't own Pokémon, or the creatures, or the characters of this story. I own the story itself, and Touko's Pokémon, but that's it.

Well, I meant to address reviews at the end of the last chapter. But I forgot. So, I'm going to reply to a single review right here:

Hanon Diethel: Thanks, but it only looks cool? :O Man, looks like I have some work to do. I'll try to make it cool.

Thank you, I really worked on that. But it was mainly because I couldn't remember the game dialogue specifically. :D Ha, he's going to be a little fierce in this. And, yes, poor Bianca does not have a sense of time. :D And would you want to wait around if this was your one chance to go on your dream adventure? I most certainly want it. And, perhaps! You'll have to keep reading to find out. ;)

Eclipsewings: Ah, that's where we differ. I never truly liked N, mostly because he was the main antagonist. I'm not the type that believes the main character will hook up with the main enemy. Though, once he comes into picture, I'm thinking of adding some one-sided N/Touko. To give this story some character. :D And, thank you! I wasn't sure if I was doing that properly. And yes, I know. I'll work on that.

PastaLiberation: Ah, good, at least you like Checkmateshipping! :D Thank you, but I truly never considered following the script. I hate how the hero (in this case, heroine) rarely talks. I'll take your suggestion, and work on lengthening my chapters. And actually, I really don't. :D Once again, thank you!

I hope to hear more from you!

Beginnings

Touko's POV

It was horrifying to watch them leave. I'd protected Bianca since kindergarten, how would she make it without me? And, Cheren . . . no one understood him. I'm not even sure if I do.

I would never forget that day I met him. I closed my eyes and just decided to dwell in the past.

I found my eyes getting drawn away from Bianca. I just couldn't focus today. There was that boy again – the one that wouldn't play. All I ever saw him do was read, against the big oak tree at the edge of the playground.

Bianca shook my shoulder. "What's happening over there?" she asked, pointing in the exact direction I'd been staring at. I'd been so focused on the boy I hadn't noticed the football players had abandoned their game. They had even left the football on the field. That couldn't be good.

"Let's check it out," I whispered back. "That boy might need help."

Bianca's eyes were dim with fear, worrying me further. I gripped her hand, pulling her forward to rest nearby. Within hearing distance.

I sat down in the grass, tense and ready to pounce. If they made the slightest move to hurt him, they'd have to deal with me.

"Whatcha readin'?" the quarterback asked. The boy looked up; apparently he hadn't noticed them stalking him, either.

He held the book out, giving him a clear view of the pages. "This is called a book," he explained. "It's filled with words, and made for my entertainment!" I snickered.

"I knew that! I'm not stupid!" His saliva splattered across the boy's glasses, but he didn't flinch. He calmly removed them, wiping the disgusting stuff off with his jacket sleeve.

He muttered something; I could see his lips moving. The quarterback stepped forward, grabbing and lifting him by the collar.

"I'm going in," I hissed to Bianca, ignoring her protests.

I stood and sprinted forward, kicking the football player in the shins. He yelped in pain and dropped the kid.

I eased onto my knees, fixing the boy's glasses and wiping dust off his face. "You okay?" He nodded slowly, eyes wide with shock. I wasn't sure if it was from being attacked, saved, or being talked to.

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and held him protectively. "What did he do to you?" I hissed at the oversized second graders.

The quarterback shrugged, meeting my cold gaze evenly. "He's a freak, Touko! Can't you see it? He doesn't play, he's too smart, and all he does is read!"

I nodded once. "It would do you good to be more like him, idiot. Read a book for once, why don't ya? You might learn something."

Another boy whispered something in the quarterback's ear, and I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "I just figured out what's wrong with him!" the boy yelled.

I bit my lip. This couldn't be good.

"He's gay!" they all yelled, and the boy in my arms drew in a hissing breath.

He jumped to his feet, throwing me against the tree. "I am not, you simpletons!"

My eyebrows rose. Was I the only one that had no idea what they were talking about?

Wait, I just knew I'd heard that word before. Arceus, what did it mean?

And then I remembered.

I reacted before thinking, standing slowly and clutching his hand. I leaned forward slowly and kissed his cheek. "He's not gay," I said quietly.

The boy smirked, snaking an arm around my waist and pulling our hips together. "I suggest you leave, at least until you get more material."

The quarterback stomped off, defeated. Bianca ran forward, and the boy let go of me. The place where his hand had been, the curve of my side, was now freezing. Why the heck was he so cold?

"Are you okay?" she asked both of us. We nodded numbly, both in shock. I'd kissed a boy. One I didn't even know. Was that bad?

"What's your name?" I questioned suddenly. The boy's dark blue eyes flashed behind his glasses. "Why do you care? You don't have to talk to me anymore. You're a hero now. You can forget about me. They all do."

I let my shoulders droop. "It's going to drive me nuts if you don't tell me." He seemed taken aback.

"Since when do I care about your sanity?" he said halfheartedly. I flashed him the Lillipup eyes, knowing at that moment I'd had him wrapped around my finger.

He shifted uncomfortably under my gaze. "Ugh! My name is Cheren, okay? Quit looking at me like that!"

I laughed, along with Bianca. "I'm–"

"I know who you are, Touko." I pursed my lips at that. He'd known me, why hadn't I talked to him before? He seemed okay.

"Do you know me too?" Bianca asked hopefully. He smirked. "Hmm, nope, I don't think I've heard of you." Her face fell, and I chuckled.

"He's kidding, Bianca," I informed her. She pulled her hat over her eyes. Cheren and I shared a smile.

And, while she wasn't looking, he mouthed, "Thank you."

The three of us had stayed outside the rest of that day, not noticing P.E. had ended. We'd eventually gone inside, of course, happier than ever. Our teachers, however, were not. They'd had to call our parents to notify them we'd been found.

It took me a second to realize first, I had yet to move, and second, Cheren was staring at me from the tall grass.

Then, to my surprise, he waved. A huge grin lit my face, but I wasn't sure if he noticed. He sneered and ran after Snivy.

Did I ever mention how much I hate it when he sneers? To me it just doesn't suit his features. I'd take his smile any day. Though even I, as his best friend, don't see it much.

I sighed into the crisp winter air, adding a spot of warmth. Tiny snowflakes brushed my cheeks, feeling like kisses. I laughed as Oshawott came out of its Pokéball.

It pulled on my bootlace, chirping. It too was eager to leave.

I lifted it up and allowed it to sit on my head. "Let's go win this, Osha!" (A/N: He he, I forgot to mention that she nicknamed her Oshawott "Osha". I'm a simpleton when it comes to nicknames.)

Osha and I shared a victory dance as our newest friend joined the team. Fang the Patrat stared at us, bewildered.

"C'mon, you two, let's go meet up with Cheren and Bianca!" They both jumped onto my shoulders, one for each. I was a sucker for keeping them out of their Pokéballs.

Cheren found me first, at the entrance to Accumula Town. And, being as blunt as ever, immediately grilled me for how many Pokémon I caught. And I, as stubborn as ever, refused to tell him.

It ended with Bianca finding us tangled together in a heap on the ground, the argument having turned playfully physical. "I can't leave you two together for five minutes!" she yelled through giggles. Blushing, I staggered away from my childhood friend.

"He started it!" I accused childishly. He snorted.

"But I won it, too."

I scoffed. "Did not!"

"Did too!"

Did I ever say we couldn't get along most of the time? (Most meaning all) If you ever wanted to see Cheren debate about something stupid, lock the two of us together in a room. I've gotten him to throw a fit about nail polish and how useless it is.

"Okay, guys," Bianca placed a hand on both of our shoulders, holding us at a distance. "How many did you catch?"

I pointed at the two Pokémon resting against a tree. They'd jumped off me when the argument turned into a game of Twister.

"Isn't it obvious?" Cheren sighed, waving toward two more Pokémon sitting across from mine. A Purrloin and his Snivy.

Bianca giggled again. "So we're all tied!"

Cheren and I groaned harmoniously, still not meeting each other's eyes. Would you after you'd been caught wrapped around your best friend?

"You two are so cute!" Bianca shook her head, startling us. I wrinkled my eyebrows together.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Cheren also sounded shocked at the statement. It actually showed in his voice.

"It's just that you're so dense!" she chirped, reminding me slightly of Osha. I looked at Cheren then, mouthing, "Dense?" Was it bad that I didn't know what that meant?

Note to self: add "Dictionary" to Birthday Wish List.

"Um," Cheren interrupted my next question, "shouldn't we be heading into Accumula Town? Professor Juniper is waiting."

I was irritated now. "Are you two going to wander off and leave me again? I'm starting to think you're sneaking off together." Cheren flushes a deep scarlet and runs his hands through his hair.

But unfortunately for me, he recovers quickly. "Then explain how Bianca always gets to places hours after we do? All you had to do was ask and we'd wait."

I snorted, mumbled, "Yeah, right," and stalked past them. They exchanged a small shrug behind me and followed, a safe distance behind.

I found Professor Juniper in the doorway of the Pokémon Center. She led me straight in, forgetting Cheren and Bianca.

But they didn't show up. Arceus, I was only kidding about them sneaking off together! I didn't expect them to go out and do it!

Bianca came rushing in – as late as ever. But no Cheren. Ugh, had they traded places? Cheren was never late. I assume he wasn't coming.

Professor Juniper instructed me on how to politely ask Nurse Joy to heal my Pokémon, and I managed to buy five Pokéballs and about ten Potions. Sometimes winning battles actually paid up, especially when you overcharged your friends.

I left Bianca contemplating – okay, more like stressing – over what to buy. As soon as I exited the center, people began talking. Something about people giving a speech.

And guess what? There was Cheren, standing quietly in front of a large group of strangely-dressed people. It was kinda sinister, and sent a shiver racking down my spine.

Two simple words ran through my head:

Oh, crap.