Hi! Sorry for the delay! This chapter took a while to sort out...
For one, it has been split into two chapters, because it was too big to be just one chapter. These are pretty much the aftermath chapters, where things are both wrapping up and being set up for the next fic...
That's right, there will be a Black 2 sequel to this fic! It will be posted separately, as it's got a POV change and will be fairly large itself. You also won't be seeing it for at least a few months, for I have other stuff I'm working on. Plus I want to write rough for several chapters first before I start posting it - that method worked well for this fic. When it is posted, however, I'll let everyone on alert + favorites know about via PM.
Chapter 7 - The Spring: The Malady of Truth
Nuvema Town-(Layla is loafing around! Layla has no energy left to battle! Wild Looker appeared!)
The truth cannot be told.
That was the message that greeted Layla on her Xtransceiver the next day. The sender was unidentified, but the number suggested someone in the government. The cunningly simple text was soon followed by a long email, detailing events at N's Castle as they did not happen. There was a battle between legendary dragons, but it was not potentially world-rending. It was in fact a simple affair, as the true hero defeated the false one quickly and decisively. All damages and injuries were entirely the fault of the many hostile Plasma Grunts and Sages present.
Layla read over the email with rising disbelief and outrage. They're covering it up!
But, as Layla thought about it, perhaps that was best for now. She didn't know if people could handle the truth yet - that their prized legends were irresponsible playmates who could have easily destroyed the region with their games, that the so-called heroes were just extensions of their joyful madness. She could hardly bear that truth, much less the general public. It would be miserable if even just if her friends knew what really happened…Would they be her friends anymore if they knew the truth about it? If they knew the truth about her?
No, it was best that the truth stayed buried. No point in dwelling in the past. It couldn't be changed.
She stayed in bed at first, examining everything in her room as if belonged to someone else. Faint light filtering through the window was tainted by dust particles. In fact, the whole room was dusty, even the stuffed Deino on her dresser. She heard cries from Reshiram outside, the great white dragon apparently awake and wanting to know why she wasn't up yet.
It was that stuffed Deino that eventually spurred Layla to get up. She slowly ambled over to the little dragon plushie, picked it up, and gazed at it silently for a while. Then just as quietly and carefully she set it back down on her dresser, and left to go get properly dressed. Reshiram continued to pull at her vocally and emotionally.
She saw how badly sunburned she was when she looked in the mirror. Well of course she was sunburned - it had been so sunny on her long flight back to Nuvema Town, and it never occurred to her to put on any sunblock…She absently picked at some skin that had already started to peel, and then began to get ready for the rest of the day.
Though…what was she going to do today? For so long so much had happened to constantly dictate her schedule, and she had hated that. But now that she was free…
Upon reaching downstairs, Layla was greeted by her Pokemon (including another loud needy cry from Reshiram outside) and her two moms in casual conversation with each other.
Layla stopped mid-step. Two moms?
One of the moms then proceeded to reveal themselves as Looker, international detective extraordinaire. He had barely introduced himself when an enraged Layla kicked him outside, his motherly disguise still half-on. He landed in one of the few snow-slush piles remaining from the rapidly retreating winter. Reshiram, who was curled up beside the house, growled at the strange investigator.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Layla snapped. Reshiram also barked at Looker, who finally noticed the great white dragon and skittered back with a yelp. "You get off from dressing up as other people's moms?"
"…Yeah, that is kinda wrong," Hilbert remarked, as he and Bianca walked onto the scene. "Even I'm not that peculiar. I hope not all you Sinnoh people are like that."
"H-Hello," Bianca said, apparently intimidated by Layla's furious expression.
"Oh hey guys," Layla greeted, her anger evaporating now that her attention was diverted. She pointed to Looker, still on the ground. "So, you know this weirdo?"
"Yeah, he stopped by our houses too, though he wasn't pretending to be our moms or anything," Hilbert replied. "He's here to track down the other Sages, apparently."
"And I desire your help in doing so!" Looker added, now getting up. "You, having defeating Plasma and its king, would be the most suitable one for the job! You are, after all, the hero of this region!"
The hero of this region…thought Layla. It echoed so oddly in her ears and mind. I'm the hero…I did it…
She felt a rush of pride from Reshiram, and a moment later Reshiram howled loudly to share its sentiments with everyone else. The other people jumped at the boastful sound.
"Anyway, good to see you up! Thought you might sleep all day," said Hilbert, smiling. "You must have been really tired if you outslept me. Though I suppose it isn't that surprising, considering everything…By the way, can I pet Reshiram?"
"Yeah, it looks so soft and pretty," Bianca added with a shy grin.
Reshiram snarled at both of them, and both Layla's friends backed up. The white dragon let out an insulted huff.
"I don't think it wants to be petted right now," Layla replied. She was abruptly nuzzled by Reshiram, who nearly knocked her off her feet. She laughed despite herself and petted Reshiram back. "Well, besides by me, anyway."
Reshiram cooed happily as Layla stroked its snout, and then growled at a random passerby that got too close. Said passerby scurried away hastily.
Layla looked around, frowning. Something still wasn't right. "Where's Cheren?"
Hilbert and Bianca's faces grew more serious.
"He's at the hospital in Opelucid City," Bianca explained, as more and more worry bled onto her features. He's…He's hurt pretty bad."
Layla's breath caught. No, don't tell me-
"But don't worry! He's not dying or anything," Hilbert quickly added, upon seeing the anxiety on Layla's face. "But…yeah, he'll have to stay there for a few more days, at least. We were actually about to go see him. You wanna come?"
Layla glanced down guiltily. "Yeah, I do…" She turned to Reshiram, who gave her a puzzled rumble. "But first…"
Layla took out Reshiram's Pokeball, dropped it limply onto the grass, and shattered it with a few well-aimed stomps. The red and white fragments lay jagged in the new green grass.
Everyone else, including Reshiram, cried out in surprise.
Layla gazed mutely at the fragments scattered like discarded confetti, and then turned her head up to Reshiram. "We've served our destinies. You're free to go now, Reshiram. It's been an honor, you know, but you should live your own life now. That's way better than being an old white rock, right?"
Reshiram stared at her, making a soft crooning sound. It wasn't as upset as Layla expected it to be, judging by its rather calm if confused feelings. Then it nudged Layla with its massive snout, causing Layla to fall over despite the gentle touch.
"Hey!" protested Layla, as Reshiram began sniffing her all over.
But Reshiram wasn't paying attention. Instead it was nipping at Layla's new purse, as if looking for some treats. Then it picked up the bag with its mouth and shook it wildly, pelting all nearby humans with random items flying out of the pocketbook.
"Reshiram!" Layla scolded, before getting hit in the face with a Super Potion. The bottle's healing contents sprayed all over her, leaving her hat and hair soaked with the substance. Its strong medicinal smell reeked.
Reshiram spat out the bag, but not because of Layla's orders. Instead it headed over to an empty Pokeball shaken loose, tapped the button with one of its claws, and turned into light as it got sucked into the capturing sphere. The ball never even shook before the confirming click was heard.
Everyone, including Layla, gaped at the now-silent scene.
The quiet was broken by an abrupt laugh from Hilbert, who was covered in now-squished berries. He turned to Layla with a grin. "Looks like you're the hero whether you want to be or not."
Layla smiled, brushing back some of her now-sticky hair. "I honestly didn't think that would work, but it was worth a shot." She got up and dusted herself off, and then went over to pick up Reshiram's new Pokeball. "Oh well. I do need to deposit Reshiram for a while though. Don't need it causing riots at the hospital."
"But you will look for the Sages as well, right?" asked Looker, rubbing a spot on his head where a Ground Gem had struck him on the forehead.
Layla had almost forgotten he was there. So had everyone else, judging by the mildly surprised looks on their faces.
Oh right, I never answered his question. "Yeah, I will," Layla assured. "But this comes first."
Opelucid Hospital - (Layla is hit by recoil! Cheren used Healing Wish! Cheren needs to recharge!)
Cheren wasn't the only one at the hospital. All the Gym Leaders were also housed there, except for the currently-absent Striaton Triplets (whom Bianca couldn't find in time for the battle at N's Castle). None of their injuries were life-threatening, or even that serious, but they had various hospital Pokemon flocked around them as sentinels. The Gym Leaders were communicating with each other on their Xtransceivers, since they were each confined to their own private rooms. They seemed unexpectedly cheerful, as they chatted on about trivial things. Not one said hello to Layla as she and her friends passed by, looking for Cheren's room. Layla knew Looker was prowling around somewhere, and wondered if he was cross-dressing as one of the nurses.
The Gym Leaders seemed to be in their own little worlds, but the many Plasma Grunts were well-rooted in reality and noticed Layla immediately. Some cringed away, some stiffened in alarm, and some even hid and quivered under their hospital blankets like little kids. Others sat up alert, subconsciously groomed their frazzled appearances, and even bowed their heads to Layla. Many simply stared, as if she was an enchanted entity instead of a fourteen-year-old girl. Unlike the Gym Leaders, or even many regular people, they were crowded to three per room, with no hospital Pokemon companions in sight.
"Wow, you scared them good, huh?" Hilbert quipped with a grin, upon seeing the Grunts' reactions himself.
You have no idea… thought Layla. And it's probably best if it stays that way…
Cheren's room was at the very end of the hall, to the left side. Cheren himself was lying on his back, swathed in white patient clothes. Peeking from beneath the shirt were mostly-white bandages with some red seeping through. He was smiling, but also looking like he wanted to doze off. Despite his obvious tiredness, he was taking turns between conversing with the visiting Professor Juniper and talking to various Gym Leaders on his Xtransceiver. A black-and-yellow fox-like creature, an Umbreon, was curled up at his feet.
Layla couldn't look at Cheren for more than a moment. She clenched her fists tightly, barely noticing Bianca and Hilbert leaving her to greet Cheren. This - Cheren, the Gym Leaders, the Plasma Grunts - this was all because…No. Never again.
A humanoid blue-and-black dog Pokemon, a Lucario, was carrying a tray of food to Cheren's room. It abruptly stopped when it was passing Layla, its red eyes staring at Layla like it had never seen a human before. Layla stared back, half puzzled and half grateful for the distraction. Staying perfectly still, the Lucario began growling softly at her. Its expression, however, was more bewildered than threatening.
"Lucario!" one of the nurses scolded. She took the tray from the Lucario. "Don't snarl at our guests! Go chill out in the back." She then turned to Layla. "Terribly sorry about that. This is a busy time, for…obvious reasons, so things are stressful right now. Enjoy your visit!" She walked into Cheren's room with the tray.
Still feeling uncomfortable, Layla glanced back to see one of the Plasma Grunts giving the Lucario a cheerful pep talk. It seemed to be working. Then another nurse chased the Lucario away, and then lectured the Grunt on hospital protocol. Turning away, Layla silently joined the others in Cheren's room.
Her quietness only seemed to attract the attention of everyone else. Cheren, who had been trying to talk to both his visitors and the Gym Leaders at the same time, abruptly shut up and stared at her for a bit. Then he said a brisk goodbye to the Gym Leaders and turned off his Xtransceiver. The only sounds were the medical equipment near Cheren and the occasional nurse or companion Pokemon walking outside.
Cheren smiled. "Hey Layla."
Layla tried to speak, but the words stuck fast in her throat. Her eyes began to burn as she staggered over to his bed. "Cheren…"
"Don't worry, it's not as bad as it looks, honest," Cheren went on, as the others made way for Layla. "I'll have some scars probably, but hey, that makes me a man now, right?"
Layla stopped at his bedside, still wordless, and collapsed onto one of the nearby still plastic chairs. Then she laid her head in her arms on Cheren's bed, fighting to hold back tears.
Cheren's face grew concerned and a tad panicked. "L-Layla, i-it's okay. It's all gonna be okay now. It's all over." He reached over carefully and somewhat stiffly to pet her head.
Layla felt Bianca rubbing her back to comfort her, and heard Professor Juniper offering her reassurances. Layla also heard Hilbert's footsteps nervously moving away from the whole situation. She didn't lift her head to check how far he had gone.
Layla knew she shouldn't be so upset. It was humiliating. At least she wasn't outright crying, like she was afraid of. Cheren was hurt, but he was going to be fine after he got some rest. Everything was going to be fine, once the dust settled some. Team Plasma was defeated. Disaster was averted. N - She thought of his tear-streaked face - N would be much better off now, because he was finally free of the lies and bonds of Team Plasma. N could be himself…and Cheren…Cheren, he-
"Hey, is it okay if me and Layla…can have a moment?" Cheren asked, his tone unusually demure.
Layla raised her head, now that she felt a bit calmer. Cheren was still looking at Layla, caressing her.
The others nodded, murmuring about seeing Gym Leaders and other convenient excuses. Hilbert, who looked like he was feeling more awkward by the second, was the first to leave. Bianca lingered the longest, glancing back at them before finally making her exit.
Layla sat up once everyone else was gone. "I-I'm sorry."
Cheren just shook his head. "Don't be. It was all just…so crazy. I'm just glad you're okay. I mean…is Reshiram with you?"
"No, I deposited it in the PC system," Layla explained. "Tried to release it first, but it just went into another Pokeball. So…yeah."
"I see," Cheren replied. "Probably just as well, really. Don't want it just roaming around and doing…whatever…"
Layla nodded, knowing what he really wanted to say. "Yeah, I suppose it's best." She paused. "So…what do you think of…uh…the government's response to all this?"
Cheren sighed. "A necessary evil. It'll make repairing everything a lot easier in the long run. And…" He held one of her hands. "It'll make your job as hero of Unova a lot easier too. You really are a hero, you know, and everyone should be able to believe in you without doubts."
Layla nodded. She knew what he was saying, and wanted to believe him, but… "Weren't…Weren't you scared? I mean, when you went after us and all?"
"Of course I was," Cheren answered somberly. "I did it because I was scared. Scared of what would happen to Unova, scared of losing everyone I ever cared about, scared of losing you…" He squeezed Layla's hand. "I-I couldn't let any of that happen…"
"Cheren…" Layla began, glancing away.
"But in the end, it was my choice," Cheren continued. "And I'd gladly do it again, if it meant saving you and everybody else. So don't blame yourself for what happened, because it's not your fault."
"But…" Layla said, still not making eye contact with him.
Cheren reached up and touched her cheek. "Layla, please believe me. You're Unova's true hero. Not because of Reshiram, but because you took down Team Plasma almost single-handedly. Because you're an amazing person who never backs down." He smiled. "And that's…That's why I love you, Layla."
There it was, the inevitable confession, yet it still sent a tremor through Layla. This was Cheren, who she had known since kindergarten, who had always been there for her, who had fought the legendary dragons for her, who-
"I…" Layla started to say, forcing herself to look at Cheren. "I love you too, Cheren."
Cheren's weary eyes brightened. "You…You really mean that? I-I don't want you just saying that out of pity or anything…I m-mean, I doubt want to doubt you, or, uh, don't mean to doubt you…uh, ah…"
Layla's laughed at Cheren's ever-reddening face. Finally, some normalcy. "Don't worry, I mean it. I would kiss you, but I don't think you're in the condition to handle it right now."
Cheren chuckled, still blushing. "Probably not. How disappointing."
They both laughed.
"But seriously," Cheren went on. "Just knowing that…that you love me, that alone makes me feel so much better."
Layla smiled coyly and nodded, even though the humming in her head…the humming in her head? She suddenly sat up straight, wide-eyed, face paling. "Can't be-"
Cheren frowned and pushed himself up to a sitting position. "What is it?"
There was a howling steadily growing louder outside, followed by a forceful thud somewhere down below. Layla rushed to the windows, tossed the curtains open, and yanked up the blinds.
Reshiram was staring up at her from the ground, amid many startled and awed passersby. It was sending out feelings of longing and happiness about finding her at last. The white dragon let out a long cooing sound that Layla felt resonating in her blood and bones.
"It's here, isn't it?" asked Cheren quietly. Layla glanced back to see the black-haired boy had an icy glare on his face. She knew the cold leer was not aimed at her, but at the white dragon he knew lurked outside. It gave her chills anyway. She had never seen him look like that before.
"B-But I deposited it in the PC Box," Layla said, increasingly anxious as her fingers dug into the windowsill. "H-How it is here?"
"Well, it's not like the Pokemon sent to the PC are put in stasis or anything," Cheren said. "It must have escaped when someone let it out to eat or exercise…or it forced its way out."
Oh Arceus, don't tell me you've hurt even more people, thought Layla with dread. She felt Reshiram send her a cheerful reassurance, a there-was-no-trouble-and-I-was-good type of feeling. This made Layla feel a little better.
Bianca and the others hurried in, crowding around Layla at the window. They were just as surprised as her to see Reshiram outside, now curled up and obviously comfortable. The people on the ground awkwardly walked far around the big white dragon blocking the entrance.
"I-I'm sorry," Layla said, backing away with a forced smile, face still pale. "I'll get Reshiram out of here."
"Will you be okay?" Cheren asked, cold gaze still fixed outside. The others turned to Cheren and noticed his frozen glare for the first time.
"Cheren?" Bianca asked uncertainly, clutching her bag-strap tightly.
Cheren's eyes grew softer and more tired. "Sorry. Everything's been so…stressful." He looked over to Layla. "Especially on you. I don't want you straining yourself more after all that."
Layla smiled back. "And I don't want Reshiram stressing out you and everyone else trying to recover here. It just wants me to go out and give it some attention. I'll come back to visit more later, once I've got it back in its Pokeball. You about ready for a nap anyway, Cherie."
"Oh, right! We haven't been letting you get much rest, have we?" said Bianca worriedly.
"Neither have the Gym Leaders, with all their blabbing. So it's okay," Cheren answered, before yawning loudly. "Besides, I'm not that tired."
Layla shook her head, still grinning. "Well, you got these guys for company for now. I'll see you guys later."
"Later," the others said. Bianca was smiling brightly. Professor Juniper was smiling too, but there was something troubled about her expression. Hilbert's grin was smaller than usual, and his brown eyes were full of curiosity and suspicion.
"Call," said Cheren, his face stern. "If not me…someone."
Layla nodded somberly. "Right." She left Cheren's room.
She wished she hadn't. The hospital, previously full of activity and chatter, was now unnervingly silent. Both Grunts and Gym Leaders stared at her like she was a Zoroark in disguise, and they knew it. They had heard the calls of Reshiram loud and clear, and were either huddled in their beds or shooting accusing leers at her. Even Skyla, the carefree one, and Iris, the youngest one, looked at Layla anxiously as she passed. Each of Layla's footsteps sounded like a bomb in the unnatural silence.
I'm changed now, and always will be, thought Layla. I wonder how long I can pretend to be normal around those who don't know the truth yet. Can you really bury the truth with silence?…N, is this how you felt all along?
N's Castle- (Go Layla! And Hilbert! Layla is Poisoned! Hilbert is Poisoned!)
While Layla was at the nearest Pokemon Center, trying to receive Reshiram's Pokeball from the PC, Hilbert met her there. He said he wanted to see N's Castle himself, before before it inevitably got torn down or blocked off by the League. Layla herself didn't want to go, really didn't want to go actually. But at the same time she felt she should go back, so she ultimately agreed.
They rode Reshiram to the now-abandoned bastion. Hilbert was fascinated by the sheer size of the place, and babbled on about how amazingly well-built it was. Layla listened absently and gave vague answers to his questions about the battle she and N had waged there. Mostly she focused on mentally scolding Reshiram, who was still proud of the power it and Zekrom had proved here.
Eventually they entered through the same gash that Layla and Cheren had used before to avoid the fighting. The thick dust from before had settled, making the destruction much clearer - Making the body, just a few feet away, all too evident.
It was a Plasma Grunt, crushed under a large piece of fallen ceiling. It was hard to tell whether the body was male or female. Now-dry blood was spattered over the dirty purple tiles, forming a crown-shaped ring radiating from the corpse.
Layla clamped a hand over her mouth, trying not to be sick. She knew people had been hurt, but it never occurred to her that anyone had been…But it had happened. This wasn't a kid's show. Someone had died during the rampage…during their rampage. Her rampage. Someone was dead because of her!
And, for the first time, Layla felt shame and terror from Reshiram. No, it hadn't meant to do this. It only wanted to have fun with Zekrom. She heard it whine.
Layla staggered back, and bumped into Hilbert. He was just as stunned and horrified as she was. He looked at her, brown eyes wide with disbelief and shock. He said nothing.
There were other footsteps. At first Layla thought it was the footsteps of the Grunt's ghost, or the Grunt's living friends coming to avenge their comrade. But it was only Alder, along with several policemen. They stared at the unexpected arrivals mutely. The police in particular watched Reshiram tensely.
Alder, who already seemed to have aged ten years since Layla had seen him yesterday (just yesterday?), seemed to grow even older upon seeing them. "…Why are you here?"
There was only painful silence at first, as the words refused to come out of Layla's mouth. What was she supposed to say?
"This…" Hilbert began, his voice barely more than a croak. "Something…went really wrong here, didn't it? That's why everyone's scared."
Yes, Layla thought dumbly, that was why the Grunts were scared of her, back in the hospital. That was why the Gym Leaders were scared of her too. That was why things were being covered up by the government. If the public knew that their hero…
Reshiram growled at the policemen, who backed up warily. It was not being aggressive, but rather trying to hide its fear and shame.
"Stop," said Layla, laying a hand on Reshiram's chest.
The white dragon calmed, nuzzling Layla gently in return.
Layla didn't look at Reshiram, instead keeping her eyes on Alder and the policemen. She was extra careful not to glance in the direction of the body. "…Are there others?"
Alder was silent at first. "There were seven deaths total…eight, including the one here. There were also thirty-seven injured, including the Gym Leaders and Cheren."
Thirty-seven injured and eight dead. Layla had feared worse casualties, but the true numbers still chilled her.
Reshiram let out a sad cry behind her, feelings of guilt and mourning radiating from the ivory beast.
"Is this going to be public?" asked Layla. "Or…"
"Yes," said Alder, before sighing. But it will be…as marginalized as possible."
"…Ah," Layla said, She was both relieved and angered by the further cover-up. She didn't want everyone that she was at least partially responsible for the Grunts' deaths, but to pretend those deaths didn't matter…Those Plasma Grunts were people too! How long it had taken her to realize that.
"I do not control the law. I am merely a figurehead representing it," Alder went on tiredly, as if reading her thoughts. His pseudo-psychic tendencies were almost infuriating.
Layla nodded. She knew how it worked - The Champion technically had a place in the Unovan government, but no real political power. Instead the Champion's only purpose in the government was to be a mouthpiece for them, whether it be a local announcement, or traveling to other regions for political representation. The Champion was the face of the government, not the brain. It was rumored the higher government members were Trainers with far more skill than any Champion. Layla didn't doubt it - how else could they keep a Champion in line?
"Layla," Alder began, stepping toward her. "You are the true hero of Unova, chosen by Reshiram. Everyone in the region looks up to you. Therefore you cannot afford a sullied reputation. Do you understand?"
Layla nodded once again, though her face turned more grim. It was the same thing everyone else was telling her. And she understood alright - Team Plasma's actions had greatly shaken up the people of Unova, and they needed something stable to cling to - her. She couldn't be anything else other than perfect from now on, otherwise…
Alder turned to the still-quiet Hilbert. "You understand that much as well, correct?"
"…Right," Hilbert answered, nodding to the ground. He gave Layla a wan smile. "Let's go, Layla. I've seen enough."
Unova-(Layla is hurt by poison! Reshiram is hurt by poison! The Gym Leaders are hurt by poison!…What? Cheren is evolving!)
Layla tried many things to get rid of Reshiram. She tried burying Reshiram's Pokeball (it burst out in indignation), duct-taping the Pokeball shut (same thing happened), putting it in one of those Pokemon dreaming machines (its dreams apparently fried the computer and it woke up), tossing the Pokeball in a lake (this might have worked, but she felt so guilty that she had to send her Simipour to retrieve it). Nothing worked, but perhaps she didn't want it to work. After losing both connections to N and Zekrom, she couldn't stand losing Reshiram's bond too. And N wouldn't have wanted that…
I'm changed, Layla thought. And I can't go back to who I used to be.
But she didn't really want to be who she used to be, at least not entirely anyway. The old her had been rude and selfish, and because of that people had been hurt, killed even. But she missed the easy joy and recklessness of back then, too. Now, aware of everything that could, and did, go terribly wrong…She didn't really like this new self either.
"Reshiram, why did you choose me?" Layla asked the white dragon one night, lying against it in the fields near the Village Bridge. A purple-and-gold dusk smeared the sky, with a few stars peeking out of the growing darkness. "I know I'm not the hero type…never was. I'm too bloodthirsty for that. Were you just that desperate to fight against N and Team Plasma?…I mean, that would have been really bad, if they had won…N still wouldn't…"
Reshiram gave a soft cry and nuzzled Layla, sending feelings of almost overwhelming reassurance, though some sadness laced those emotions too. Then again, Reshiram was often sad nowadays. It badly missed Zekrom, just as Layla badly missed N. What was it that Drayden had said? That the dragons were meant to exist together, not separately?
Well, that's why I'm looking for the Sages, just like Looker wants me to, thought Layla. If anyone knows where N might be, it's them. And Ghetsis… Layla scowled, hatred bubbling up like magma.
Ghetsis had escaped, thanks to the Shadow Triad. Just who were those three, anyway? Now no one knew where he was either, much less what he was planning next…
Would he go after N? Layla wondered with considerable anxiety. But she highly doubted it - Ghetsis was clearly disgusted with N, and thought of him as a failed experiment he had heavily invested in, nothing more. Ghetsis going after N would suggest he actually had some attachment to the boy, and that required some scrap of soul. Layla couldn't understand how N had any mercy for the man, if Ghetsis could even be called that much.
A thunderstorm rumbled in the distance. Layla remembered how N had cringed at lightning back at Nimbasa's Ferris Wheel. Was he out there somewhere, hiding from the incoming thunder?
Layla laughed at herself. He had Zekrom now, a legendary of lightning. He would hardly notice thunder anymore. The boy would be one step closer to being a man, anyway.
Her laughter faded, as she continued to gaze into the dimming sky. N…She had to find him.
IIIIII
Layla tried to hide her dragon madness, she really did. For the madness was definitely still there - It had never really left. It had been subdued at first, thanks to Reshiram's own fright and sorrow, but then it began to rise again.
It started with dreams, or rather twisted nightmares, of N - she could never remember them well, but they scared her when she had them. It was so bad that she tried avoiding sleep altogether for a few days, but that only caused the anxiety and chaotic feeling of the nightmares to blend into her waking hours. So she eventually settled for quick naps, which seemed to dull the sick feeling in her heart without as many bad dreams.
Then Reshiram's playfulness started to resurface. It played by battling and by destroying things, though it was more careful about it now and stuck to rural areas. Still Layla would get swept up in its desires for fun, and liked to go and see it attack things. Sometimes she would even go wreck some things herself.
And she loved hunting with it, for Reshiram was a very big and very hungry dragon Pokemon, and had no interest in PokeFood whatsoever. Even if it did, it would have cost a fortune to feed. But she had been letting her Pokemon hunt their own food for a while anyway, so it was no big deal. And with Reshiram she could ride along as it chased down and roasted its prey, usually Bouffalant or Sawsbuck with the occasional Unfezant. And it offered her some of the kill each time too, once it was thoroughly cooked by Reshiram's flames. This was much better than fast food or bunches of berries, and a lot cheaper too. She had to be wise about what she wore to these meals though, because the blood ruined her nicer clothes…
Layla didn't dare tell anyone of all this, least of all Cheren, now recovering at his home. This was her problem, that she would keep under control. She was the chosen hero, after all, the one who everyone looked up to. She couldn't afford to be weak now.
She became mostly nocturnal. It was an easy transition, since Layla always loved nighttime anyway, but she didn't do it solely for her own enjoyment. She did it because the darkness and its inherent chaos made it simpler to cloak the frenzy in her eyes and in her mind. After all, everyone acts a little crazier at night, right? And people couldn't see her as well at night either. It also made it easier to avoid too much direct contact with her friends, who were mostly daytime people. Already she noticed signs of worry from the others, even Bianca…And if Bianca was noticing something…
Of course the Gym Leaders already knew the truth, though they weren't allowed to speak of it. Not directly anyway.
("You can come here anytime!" Chili announced with a toothy grin, as he stood in the doorway of the Striaton Gym. Inside of the Gym, his brothers Cilan and Cress looked less enthused. "After all, you're the fiery hero of Unova! Your blazing victory saved us all! If only we could have seen it in action ourselves! We were out when Bianca came to find us…")
("Ah! The bearer of Reshiram!" Burgh exclaimed in surprise, when Layla ran into him outside the Castelia art museum. "Sorry I cannot stay, but it appears my muse has fled away from me as of late, and I must search for her!" His smile was strained as he hurried past her. His new paintings inside the museum were far moodier than his usual joyous works: a black and a white dragon fighting, a girl silhouetted against flames and lightning, pieces a broken Golurk statue scattered across a cracked purple floor…)
("Oh, hi Layla," Skyla said awkwardly, smeared with black streaks of oil from working on one of her planes. Her smile soon turned sad. "I wish…I wish things had worked…had worked out better…for the both of you…I hope it really can work out someday…But wow, everything lately…It's just so messed up…I don't know what to think anymore…")
("Youngin'…No, Layla," Clay began, when he and Layla met in the heart of Twist Mountain. "You're a good kid. I know that…But don't go bargin' in with Reshiram in my town. I'm th' sheriff 'round here, and it's time I really started actin' like it…")
("So you've taken to the night life, have you?" asked Elesa near the Nimbasa Ferris Wheel. She didn't bother with a smile. "I suppose it has always suited you, and him too. I saw you two together that night, you know…Didn't mean anything to me then, but…Well, I hope you've learned something since you attacked Alder, since…everything…" Then she briskly walked away.)
("It's you," said Brycen, gazing out to Dragonspiral Tower. "To think that Team Plasma and the old legends could cause so much havoc to Unova…Tell me, do you think all of this was really fate's plan, as claimed by so many? Well, I think not.")
("This was destined," Drayden began, as he and Layla walked around Opelucid City. "Yet…It shouldn't have happened this way. Something went wrong. If only more ancient texts had survived…as it is, you must find the true meaning of being the hero of Reshiram…and N must discover his proper role as well…Yes, I am willing to say his name. They haven't condoned that to silence…yet.")
("You gotta be yourself!" exclaimed Iris, soon after Drayden had left to deal with mayor business. "Grandpa…well, he's not really my grandpa, but still…He thinks everything's destiny. And I love my gramps, but I don't agree with that at all! You gotta be yourself, and learn how to control yourself! Cause…back there…that was really scary…")
The Unova Gym Leaders, once known for their exceptionally strong bonds, were now constantly feuding. They disputed over everything, from proper Gym protocol, to the age of hired Trainers, to Gym Badge designs. But they were really only arguing over one thing - were the hero and the legends to be revered or feared? Those petty fights only covered up the real wounds, the ones that couldn't be revealed to the public. But the one who was by far the most injured was-
("Layla! Oh, it's so good to see you!" greeted Lenora cheerily at the Nacrene Museum. There was a sincere smile on her face, and equally real bags under her eyes. "How are you doing? And Cheren?…Ah, I see, he's still recovering…Layla? You look…nevermind…" She suddenly seemed to age several years, as her mouth sagged and her gaze slipped down to the floor. "Layla…For everything that's happened to you…I am truly sorry…If…If I hadn't given you the Light Stone…If I had understood what it really was, had researched it properly…like a museum curator like me should-" Her teeth gritted as her voice broke, and she abruptly retreated into the heart of her museum. Layla did not follow.)
Layla knew that Lenora couldn't be blamed for giving her the Light Stone - Layla knew the Light Stone would have found its way to her regardless of circumstances - but she didn't know how to explain that to Lenora. The black museum curator believed in the concrete - fossils, bones, relics, stones, visible and undisputable forms from visible and undisputable results. Something intangible like fate was little comfort to her.
Layla hoped Lenora could forgive herself soon. She was a little worried about what might happen if she didn't. Nowadays she always looked tired, haunted, as she buried herself in her museum studies…Sometimes she didn't even bother with the Gym challengers, ignoring their calls to battle.
But there was one thing that united the quarreling Gym Leaders, and that was their respect and protectiveness of Cheren. They constantly called him, hung out with him, even invited him to Gym Leader meetings and dinners. He was good at settling disputes between them, because he understood the true cause of their reckless anger. Cheren was both their kid and their hero at once…yes, Layla knew he was the true hero, the brave one who could not be sung of because of the official story.
They even gave him a title.
Driftveil City - (Congratulations! Your Cheren evolved into Dragon Slayer!)
"Dragon Slayer?" asked Layla, a bit incredulous. She leaned back in her chair at Bob's Bouffalant Burgers, which was currently very busy. It was always busy nowadays, because the Hero of Unova came here on a regular basis. At least there was enough chatter to drown out the outdated music that always played in the place.
"It is rather ridiculous and overblown," Cheren agreed, though he also seemed a little smug about it. He drank some soda while his Pokemon finished their meals on the floor beside him. He had ordered them human food, saying that they were his partners and therefore deserved to be treated equally. He would have gotten them a booth, except that most of them wouldn't have fit.
"So where'd that come from?" asked Layla.
"Burgh started it."
"Ah," Layla replied, finishing up her fries. That explained it. "Well, Dragon Slayer Cheren does have a nice ring to it. But personally I think Dragon Slayer Cherie sounds even better."
Cheren blushed a little at that, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, a lot of times they just call me Dragon Slayer, but, uh, thanks…"
Layla giggled. Mighty Dragon Slayer Cheren, brave enough to face off against legendaries, still easily flustered by a simple compliment. It was so cute.
Cheren chuckled a bit, before his expression became more serious. "Speaking of dragons, has yours been behaving itself?"
"More or less, yeah," Layla replied, still smiling. "Reshiram's been more careful since it realized the…consequences of everything. Anyway, aside from busting out of its Pokeball at the most inconvenient times, it's been good." To prevent such an incident from happening here (and to comply with Clay's wishes), Reshiram was currently staying on Route 6 just outside of town. Judging by the weak emotional readings, Layla guessed it was sleeping.
"You've been feeling alright?" asked Cheren, touching her hand.
Layla paused, and then nodded. "Yeah…" Strange how simple contact like that made her nervous…Now that she thought of it, did this count as a date? This was the first time they had met in a public place in awhile. Previous visits had either been at the hospital or at his house, where his parents had been constantly fussing over him.
Cheren squeezed her hand. "Just remember, we're all here for you. You're not alone. Everything's been a bit crazy lately, but we'll get through it. Just as we always have."
Layla nodded again, more enthusiastically this time. "Yeah, we've gotten through worse. We'll get through this too." She said this even as she felt Reshiram stirring in her mind, the white dragon now awake and growing impatient.
After Cheren paid for his meal (and Layla's, despite her protests), they weaved around the lunch crowd to get outside. It was a perfectly warm spring day, the abundant sunshine mingled with a pleasantly cool breeze. The scent of freshly-blossomed flowers and the dust of new construction coasted on the wind.
It was there that Cheren kissed her, a sudden but light motion that caught Layla off-guard. And soon Layla let herself fall into that kiss, embracing him and pulling him close to her. Cheren mirrored her movements, the kiss growing deeper. Layla wasn't sure how long it lasted, but it didn't feel like it was nearly long enough. It shocked her, the amount of desire that one kiss caused. She looked up to Cheren (Up? Since when did he get taller than her?), the two of them still holding each other.
"I've been wanting to do that for so long," Cheren said, a shy yet proud smile on his face. "So…uh…thank you? I love you."
Layla laughed. "I love you too," she answered, despite the rising disagreement and protest coming from Reshiram. For she did love Cheren. How else could she feel so strongly for him right now?
By then a swarm of people had gathered around them. Some had stopped to watch the mushy spectacle, while others were simply waiting to enter Bob's Bouffalant Burgers. Clay was among the spectators, giving a nod of approval before walking away. Layla thought she might have seen Hilbert too, but she wasn't sure. He generally avoided her these days.
Upon seeing the crowd, Layla and Cheren quickly pulled apart, said their goodbyes, and went on their own ways. It was just as well, Layla thought. Reshiram seemed on the verge of charging into town after her.
But Reshiram was going to have to learn that this was her life. She wouldn't let it control her anymore.
Unova - (Layla is in love with the opponent! Layla is immobilized by love! Layla became confused!)
Layla quickly began to realize something. It wasn't just Cheren who seemed to be twice as attractive - it was almost every male that came into her sight. She began to get suspicious when Hilbert was alluring to her. Not that he was ugly by any means - he did always have a sort of boyish handsomeness to him - but it was Hilbert. She never had any kind of interest in him ever, and she knew he would drive her up the wall as he always did. She wondered if that was another reason Hilbert was steering clear her. He seemed downright uncomfortable around her the past couple of times…
I'm like a goddamn Pokemon in heat, thought Layla, as she passed by a pack of blue-haired male CoolTrainers. A few of them gave her lingering looks. And others are noticing…or are affected by it? I don't even know anymore. It made her wonder about Cheren and his new bold affections, and her own feelings. She knew at least some of the infatuation was real, but how much of it was inflamed by this amplified lust?
And where did this leave N? He was her Other, the one she was supposed to be destined with. And yet now she was being attracted to so many others, and others were being attracted to her…But she loved N! Only she loved Cheren too! It was all so unnerving and confusing. What was wrong with her?
Well, at least there were some things that Layla was figuring out. For a while, she wondered why every Riolu and Lucario growled and barked at her when she was nearby. Now, thanks to a Psychic with a Lucario, she finally knew why: apparently her aura was a strange color, a ruddy red, and was directly mixed with Reshiram's own aura. There was an "umbilical cord" of sorts connecting them to each other, along with two other "cords" broken and drifting behind them like streamers. In other words, what she and Reshiram shared was not a psychic connection as many believed, but an aura one.
That explained a lot, actually. For example, it explained why no psychic power was detected from either her or Reshiram during tests at Professor Juniper's lab (Layla had volunteered herself to the research). It had puzzled both Professor Juniper and Bianca (now her assistant) greatly, since Reshiram could learn Psychic-type attacks.
It also explained the apparent healing ability Reshiram had. Once Layla had gotten a nasty cut on her knee, and Reshiram insisted on keeping her in close physical contact. The next day the cut was completely gone, without even leaving a mark behind. Layla had never known a psychic to be able to heal like that, but she had heard of aura-users doing something similar. She didn't remember the exact details, something about transferring extra aura to the other person to boost their energy and immune system to speed up the healing process. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't suffered any colds or other illnesses lately either.
But there were still some things that made no sense to Layla. She could never explore the Giant Chasm near Lacunosa Town, for example, because Reshiram absolutely refused to let her go there. It would break out of its Pokeball, pull Layla under its wing-arm protectively, and would snarl in the direction of the cavern. Reshiram would emit a strange cocktail of emotions: anxiety, respect, disgust, loyalty, defiance, alarm.
As Layla was ultimately carried or pushed away each time, she wondered just what bothered Reshiram so much.
Twist Mountain -(Layla seems somehow unhappy. Layla is hurt by poison! Layla howled loudly! Cheren used Block! Bianca fled! Hilbert fled!)
Layla really missed N that day. Well, she was always missing N, but now it ate away at her mind like a Arbok's Acid attack. Reshiram's longing and loneliness was stronger that day too. Or was that because she was feeling like that? Or was Reshiram making her that way? Layla didn't know and didn't care.
Layla wasn't sure how, or why, she ended up in Twist Mountain. There was never anything associated with N there, no physical or mental relics to salvage. So she knew there was no point in getting frustrated when she found nothing there. Nor was there any reason for her to snap and rant at Hilbert and Bianca, who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Where is he? Layla wondered blindly, anger and anxiety spiraling upward like smoke sucked into a tornado. Where is he Where is he Where is my Other Other Other Where are you Other Where are you Other Other Other-
She didn't remember much after that, only fragments of memory. Fire and debris, her laughter and screams, people and Pokemon fleeing as caverns crumbled, Hilbert and Bianca fleeing with them, three strange deer-like Pokemon appearing and challenging her and Reshiram, Cheren appearing and challenging her and Reshiram. Cheren and the three strange deer uniting to fight against her. Reshiram falling after a combined hit from the strange deer. The strange deer lunging straight at her before she could summon another Pokemon. Cheren defending her against the strange deer, enraged. Her remaining Pokemon joining Cheren's Pokemon, and ultimately driving off the strange deer.
Her world came back into focus. Rubble was everywhere. Bits of flame were everywhere. Life was nowhere, except for Reshiram, lying unconscious behind her, and Cheren, who was holding her close. Layla couldn't see his face, but he was shaking.
Layla tried to speak, to apologize, to comfort, to utter something, but all she could do was bury her head into his shoulder and cry.
IIIIII
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and that it didn't drag too much. Final chapter is pretty much ready to go and just needs to be sent to betas. It should be posted in the next week or two!
Btw, I've got a couple of ffnet forums to recommend! They are the Pokewrite Forum ( forum/PokeWrite/116243/) and the Pokemon Fanfiction Challenges Forum ( forum/Pok%C3%A9mon-Fanfiction-Challenges/121140/)! Both are great places for prompts, contests, and writing games, and general fun! You may have to eliminate spaces put in by ffnet to get the links to work.
Also, I'm currently also working on a dark oneshot featuring the Striaton Triplets, called Famished/The Famished. So keep an eye out for that as well!
Cya!