Pokémon White: The Heroine of Ideals

I don't own Pokémon in any form, but twists of plot, as well as made up characters, belong to my imagination. Enjoy!

Chapter 9: A Tale of Two Dragons

Sunlight cut through the tree branches onto the brunette's sleeping form. A groan escaped her lips in protest while she turned on her side, into what felt like a cloud made of the softest cotton. She snuggled into it, a content smile spreading her lips. "You got the softest wings…" she murmured, her tone heavy from sleep.

Her Altaria hummed a soft, lilting tune as she nuzzled Touko's thick, chocolate hair. Her eyes slowly opened. "Now that's good way to wake up," she stroked her Pokémon's face. "You sing prettily, Altaria."

After her encounter with N right outside Mistralton Gym the day before, Touko stormed right into the woods of Route 7 and finally let out an anguished cry. The exasperation of dealing with N and the dread of imagining a life without her Pokémon friends led her to a crying fit of bitter tears. Her Altaria stayed with her through the whole ordeal, wrapping a wing around her mistress in comfort. Her other Pokémon also came out of their Poké Balls, as if they sensed her distress.
Gardevoir joined Altaria in embracing Touko while Leviathan snuggled into her lap, Krokorok went behind Gardevoir, Flaaffy positioned himself right next to Leviathan, and Blaze leapt into the group hug as well. Feeling the love and devotion of her partners, Touko's tears subsided, replaced by a renewed sense of hope. Picking herself back up, she and her Pokémon found a spot to camp for the night.

Stretching, Touko looked around to her other Pokémon. Blaze was still snoring, his flaming tail curled around his body. Leviathan and Gardevoir were snoozing at either side of her sleeping bag. Flaaffy was stirring in his spot at the foot of the sleeping bag. And Krokorok was yawning, resting against a nearby tree trunk. The scene brought a smile to Touko's face.

They all look so cute sleeping like that, I hope they don't get mad at me for what I'm about to do.

"Wakey, wakey, Exeggcute and bakey!"

Her team startled awake; Leviathan and Gardevoir sat up, Krokorok opened one eye, Flaaffy yelped, and Blaze let out an annoyed roar along with a burst of flame towards the air.

Following a great breakfast, Touko gathered her team back into their Poké Balls and continued her trek towards to Twist Mountain.

-Twist Mountain-

Touko sprayed herself with a Max Repel shortly after entering the cave. She wanted to keep this part short and sweet, without wild Pokémon encounters. Satisfied, she only went in a few feet ahead when she noticed Cheren talking to Clay.

"Cheren?"

Her friendly "rival" turned around and welcomed her with a small wave. "Hey there, Touko!"

Clay grinned at the smaller teenager. "Surprise seein' ya here, little lady! And while I was inspectin' Twist Mountain too!"

His eyes darted from one Trainer to the other. "The two ya seem more rugged than the last time I saw ya." he noted. "A lil' bit anyway."

"Is that so?" asked Cheren.

Touko beamed. "Must be the woods and the caves we've been in as of late."

"Oh, by th' by…you folks seen that Team Plasma crowd lately?" the Driftveil Gym Leader questioned.

Cheren shook his head. "Not since Driftveil City."

Touko remained silent. Yeah…if you count their king.

"I see." Clay took off his hat to scratch his head. "After all the trouble, we Gym Leaders met up and had a chat. But we've got no clue where they are. It's like they're hidin' under a rock. Well, not much to do but wait for 'em to move. Anyhow, this's none o' yer concern. Squirts like the two of ya should just enjoy travelin' with yer Pokémon. Twist Mountain's a fine place to explore! You'll have some fun if you just leave this here path... Weeell... Better ya just see it yerself, 'stead o' listenin' to me yammer. Be seein' ya, sprouts! Feel free to train yerselves on my mountain fer as long's ya like." He walked past the two Trainers and exited the cave."

But this is our concern, Touko thought grimly, because if Team Plasma get their way…then we'll all be forced to live without our Pokémon.

Cheren studied his friend, noting her silence. "Hey," he poked her cheek, startling her. "Unova to Touko, hello?"

"Sorry…" Touko gave him a weak chuckle. "I drifted off into my own head."

"I can see that, I thought if we had a stampede of Rhyhorn coming our way, you wouldn't budge!"

She gave him a playful smack on his arm. "Hey, now! I wasn't that far out!"

Cheren laughed. "Right…well how about this? We'll have a nice battle at the exit!"

Touko liked the idea, it had been a while since her Pokémon sparred with Cheren's. "You got yourself a challenge!"

"Good!" Cheren said. "Now, better start training so I can finally beat you! See you there!" he waved as he ran off.

…..

The exit was close now, Twist Mountain was certainly something else. The whole place was like a mine with several, complex series of tunnels. There was even an Ice Rock in the lowest level of the mountain. Touko's Pokémon had their share of battles, and healing. A Nurse Trainer named Sheila was more than obliged to heal them…once they beat her in battle. Best part of all…both Blaze and Leviathan evolved into Charizard and Samurott after an epic double battle with two Ace Trainers. Touko was so proud of them, and saw they were happy about it too. The two of them fought very well together, despite their contrasting Type differences…almost like they were brothers.

Whistling a happy tune, Touko spotted Cheren from far away.

"Hey Cheren!" she waved, sprinting towards him. "Better be ready for that battle!"

But he didn't turn around.

And as she grew nearer, she saw why.

The brunette slowed herself to a walking pace. Cheren stood with his Servine, she was hissing at a Team Plasma grunt.

The female backed away from Cheren, biting her lip in disdain. "Pretty strong…" she grumbled. "But you're only strong because you Trainers are controlling Pokémon!" she pointed an accusing finger at him.

Cheren cocked his head, eyebrow raised. "So you want to set Pokémon free…if that's what you truly want, you should start with your own." He fixed the woman with an intense glare. "But taking people's Pokémon by force is not right! That is not real strength at all!"

A second lackey, a man, entered the cave and immediately went to his colleague. "There you are!" he snapped at the woman. "We found that thing that we were looking for, we should head for the tower now!"

His cold eyes turned to Cheren and Touko. "Get this!" he announced. "Team Plasma has obtained the power to change this world and end people's control over Pokémon!"

His announcement made Touko's blood run cold.

What are they planning now? N…what are you thinking?

The female minion gathered herself and stood tall. "That's right!" she added. "We must use force to right the wrongs of the world! Now, let's gather around our king…our lord N!" they ran off, leaving the teens alone again.

"N!?" Cheren cried in disbelief. "That strange guy from Accumula Town is the king of this crazy lot!?"

He then noticed not only Touko was next to him, but her face showed no surprise by this piece of news. "Wait…Touko…you knew!?" he said outrage, very much unlike his usual cool demeanor.

Touko nodded slowly. "Yes…I knew."

"Since when?"

She said nothing.

"Touko…" he prodded crossly, "Since when?"

"…Since Nimbasa City. He told me himself."

Cheren all but exploded. "And you didn't tell me, why!?" he yelled.

Touko shot him a heated scowl. "Cool your damn jets, Cheren! I didn't tell you because I knew you would get like this!" she sighed. "It's…complicated."

"That's a lousy excuse, Touko, and you know it." He retorted, but not pressing the matter further. "So, now what? You heard those goons, they found something. And by the way they were gloating, I wager it's nothing good."

"I'm going on ahead to Icirrus City." Touko replied. "N told me I was chosen for something…I don't know what it is, but all I can do is keep moving forward. And to do so, I need the remaining Badges so my partners can continue to grow."

Cheren was silent, still processing.

"What are you going to do?" her question almost seemed like a dare.

"I'm going to stay here and reflect for a bit." The boy replied. "I want to think a little bit about what the Champion asked me…What do I want to do when I become stronger? And why do I even want to become strong in the first place."

She nodded in understanding. "I respect that." She came over to him and rested a hand on his shoulder. "I'll be seeing you on the road ahead, my friend…" she bade a gentle smile. "And when we meet again, I'll be expecting you to be good on your promise and battle us."

-Icirrus City-

The senior Professor Juniper was waiting for Touko at the entrance to the city. "Well hello, Touko!" he greeted cheerfully.

"Good to see you again, Professor."

"I was waiting for you, young lady. Have you heard of the Dragonspiral Tower?"

Touko remembered her mother telling her about it numerous times, it was her favorite spot in all Unova. "Yeah, I've heard of it."

The older man was pleasantly surprised. "OK. Give this story a listen. Dragonspiral Tower is said to be the Unova region's oldest building. Stories say it's the place where legendary Pokémon came to life or where they remain in deep slumber. I know it's just past this city, but that's all I know about it. That's all anyone knows, because no one has ever been inside. My daughter has wanted to investigate that tower for a long time. "What! There's something I don't know?!" That kind of feeling is pure adventure. And I'm not too old for some adventuring. Away I go to have a look at Dragonspiral Tower! Catch you later!" he ran into the city.

Touko couldn't help chuckling to herself. He's so like Bianca…carefree and always on the go. I wonder how she's doing now?

She decided would go check out Dragonspiral Tower, after she got the Gym's Badge first.

…..

Following a quick trip to the Pokémon Center, Touko noticed it was getting a bit nippy. She immediately dug into her bag and pulled out her white winter jacket along with her blue scarf. Sighing in relief, she made her way to the Gym.

Thank Arceus she decided to put on her jacket, the Gym was freezing cold! Cheren would abhor being here for even a minute! Touko thought amusingly.

The whole Gym looked like a giant ice staking rink with large ice boulders to boot. Carefully, Touko skated her way around the Gym, beating the Black Belts and Battle Girls on the way. The cinnamon-haired Trainer steadied herself as she skated towards the platform where the Gym Leader waited her. Reaching her destination, she gave herself a small pat on the back for not falling on her behind, and climbed up the steps.

The Gym Leader was oddly dressed, like a Ronin out of an action movie. But the frosty look in his navy eyes told Touko he meant business.

"I bid you welcome, challenger!" he bowed. "I'm Brycen, an Ice-Type Pokémon specialist and the Gym Leader of Icirrus City Gym."

"Pleasure!" Touko stood tall and gave him a two-finger salute. "I'm Touko White from Nuvema Town!"

"You seem more than ready to face a Gym Leader."
"You have no idea, sir."

"Then…" Brycen brought out his Poké Ball. "Bring it!" He flung it into the icy arena. A large, blue Pokémon that had the appearance of an oversized snowflake materialized. It was a Cryogonal.

Good thing I took time to go through my Pokémon's moves, Touko took in the opponent's Pokémon, I have three Pokémon that can take on his Ice-Type Pokémon…I think Blaze might like to start things off!

The teenage girl unclasped his Poké Ball and lunged it. "Go, Blaze! Bring on the heat!"

The gigantic, dragon-like Pokémon emerged, roaring his eagerness to fight.

"What a fantastic-looking Charizard you have there, Touko." The Gym Leader stated.

"Thank you, his name is Blaze." She said proudly.

"Let's see how his wings fare the cold…Cryogonal, use Aurora Beam!"

The Ice Pokémon started to spin rapidly, its mouth glowing in an eerie, green light.

"Blaze" Touko commanded. "Get ready to meet that with your Flamethrower!"

Blaze growled in approval, the flame on his tail flaring even stronger than before.

Cryogonal fired a black and green beam of light at Blaze.

"Now!"

Blaze roared and opened his jaw, releasing a strong stream of fire. Both attacks met and exploded in a thick mist of water vapor.

"Impressive power, but it's not enough. Use Frost Breath!" The blue snowflake Pokémon unleashed blue, sparkling, snowy wind from his mouth.

"Blaze, use your Flame Burst first! The flames should get you past its attack and land a hit with a Flamethrower!"

Following his mistress's command, Blaze shot out a fiery volley into the cold wind. The attack penetrated through, creating a tunnel to Cryogonal. Then, out came fiery torrent through the opening and hitting the Ice-Type Pokémon. It hissed in pain as the flames showered its hexagonal body. It floated barely above the ground, the light in its mouth and eyes weak from little energy left.

"You've fought enough, Cryogonal. Return, my friend." Brycen praised it as he withdrew the weakened Pokémon. "You're up next, Vanillish!"

Touko decided it was time for Blaze to rest. "Blaze, come back! You were marvelous!" she recalled him. She sent out her next Pokémon.

"Krokorok, it's your turn!"

…..

Touko adjusted her scarf. It was one gutsy gamble, that's for sure. By technicalities alone, Krokorok was at a Type disadvantage since Ice-Types moves are super-effective against him. But remembering that Krokorok's speed is high, both Touko and Krokorok used it for the advantage. Krokorok subdued Vanillish with a crushing Rock Tomb, for Touko remembered that Rock-Type moves were effective against Ice Pokémon.

Brycen seemed to enjoy the battle quite a bit. He sent out his last Pokémon, Beartic. Touko called Krokorok back and released Ampharos. Using his Thunder Wave, he paralyzed the polar bear Pokémon. Beartic still managed to land a Slash attack on Ampharos, but remained paralyzed when it tried using Icicle Crash. Touko ordered Ampharos to strike back with Rock Gem, it took two turns of the attack to bring Beartic down.

Impressed by the young Trainer's approach, Brycen was more than happy to give her the Freeze Badge.

Touko put it in her Badge Case. "Thank you!"

"You gave me quite the show, miss." Bryce shook her hand. "I should be the one thanking you."

…..

Touko exited the Gym in an elated mood, when she saw Cheren and Bianca standing in front of the entrance. Overjoyed to see her blonde friend, Touko ran up to her and hugged her tight.

"Bianca! It's so good to see you! It's been too long!"

Bianca chuckled weakly. "Your grip has gotten tighter, Touko." But Touko could tell she was happy to see her too.

"How have you been?" Touko asked.

Bianca adjusted her big hat with a smile. "I've been doing great! Besides being a bodyguard for Professor Juniper, I've been training my Pokémon! You should see my Tepig now…it evolved into Emboar! He's still very sweet though."

"I'm glad to hear that, Bianca! Good for you!" Touko turned her focus to Cheren, who was just standing there sullenly.

"Cheren? What's the matter?"

"Touko…" he sounded unsure, very uncharacteristic of the Cheren she's known since childhood. "Bianca and I were talking and I couldn't but wonder…ever since the three of us left Nuvema Town, has anything about me…changed?"

Touko eyed him quizzically. "Why, yeah…you started off as a pretty cocky guy, but I think that talk with Alder did you some good. You're not as arrogant or Pignite-headed anymore."

"I kept thinking, back in Twist Mountain, about what I should do and what I could do…" his dark eyes mirrored his inner turmoil. "But in the end, I came up with nothing."

The blue-eyed girl touched his arm in worry. "Cheren…"

"Have I really grown stronger? Or is it just my Pokémon that have?" The young man's face twisted with stress. "I don't know anymore!"

Bianca joined Touko in comforting Cheren, she wrapped her arms around his free one. "Cheer up, Cheren! Focus on the upside of things, we're together right now, aren't we?"

Touko noticed his faint blush and fought a silly grin.

If Bianca only knew the effect she has on him.

The three friends were interrupted by the Gym doors opening. Brycen came out, his ice-blue eyes looking over the Trainers.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"Who? Us?" Cheren replied.

Brycen seemed to ignore him. "I know you're there, show yourselves!"

On cue, the three ninjas of the Shadow Triad appeared around everyone. Bianca shrieked in fright, clinging on to Cheren tighter. He glared at the ninja behind them. Brycen just stared frostily at them. Touko bristled, her hand flying to her belt.

"…Impressive, Gym Leader of Icirrus City. We, the Shadow Triad, are beings of shadows...and not easily noticed." The one next to Touko spoke, his frigid stare shifting to the brunette. "Our mission was to speak only with Touko, but so be it. Ghetsis has a message for you: come to Dragonspiral Tower. It is there that our lord N waits for you. ...Now, our mission is complete."
The three men vanished from sight.

"How…did they do that!?" Bianca was still afraid.

"Dragonspiral Tower?" Touko muttered under her breath. What the hell does that old creep want with me now!?

Brycen's eyes widened. "Dragonspiral Tower!? What's going on there!?"

"One way to find out, I guess." Touko said. "We have to head over there!" She broke into a run.

"Then, let's go!" Cheren tugged Bianca along.

-Dragonspiral Tower-

To Touko, it looked like an old fortress, but she could feel something powerful dwelling within its aged walls. It somehow made her restless. Across the old, crumbled bridge, was a large gap on a wall.

"They must've entered through that opening." Brycen noted. He gazed at the brunette Trainer next to him. "Touko…do you know the legend of the two legendary dragons?"

Touko remembered Ghetsis talking about it, but just recalled her mother telling it to her as a bedtime story when she was a child.

"Yeah…" she reminisced the old tale. "A long time ago, there was a powerful Dragon Pokémon that resided in Dragonspiral Tower. It once fought alongside two heroes, twin brothers, to create Unova. But, the brothers sought different goals: one fought for truth and the other for ideals. When they began to fight each other to prove whose goal was superior, the Pokémon split himself in two. Reshiram sided with the older twin while Zekrom was with the younger twin. The brothers soon learned they couldn't outmatch each other, so they put their differences aside and declared a tie. Afterwards…the two dragons just faded away with time."

"That's right." Bryce nodded. "It is said the dragons changed form so they could slumber peacefully. I have a hunch Team Plasma's presence in there has something to do with Zekrom and Reshiram."

"We have to get in there!" Cheren spoke up. "We can't just stand here with our arms crossed!"

"And we won't." Bryce assured him. "But, you heard those men from before. Their leader is seeking Touko." He looked at her again. "What does Team Plasma want with you?"

"Trust me…" Touko shrugged. "I wish I knew, myself."

Bianca marched up and squeezed Touko's hand in an encouraging gesture. "We'll back you up, Touko. We always will." she smiled at her.

Touko squeezed back in gratitude. "Thanks, Bianca. I guess there is only one way to find out once and for all."

With her friends and the Gym Leader behind her, Touko strode towards the tower.

…..

Pools of water and the scent of musk greeted them upon entering. Unexpectedly, a loud roar echoed through the old tower, vibrating in the pillars holding it together. "What was that?" Bianca shifted nervously.

"It came from the top of the tower!" Touko raced towards the staircase.

In the second floor, debris from the ceiling and the cracked columns lay all over it. Cheren easily jumped over a few fallen columns leading to the next set of stairs. Touko helped Bianca since she wore a long skirt. In the following floor, platforms connected to stairs spiraling upwards to the top. Several members of Team Plasma awaited the group.

"Shit!" Touko swore softly.

Brycen stepped in front of her, Poké Ball in hand. "I'll hold them off, you go on ahead!" he said to her.

Cheren positioned himself in front of four more grunts. "We'll buy you time! Go, Touko!"

"Cheren…!" Touko started to protest when Bianca tapped her shoulder.

"Here." the young blonde Trainer handed her a few bottles of Hyper Potions. "You'll need these. You never know what may be up there." Her emerald eyes were bright with concern for her.

"Bianca…" Touko began.

Bianca held up a hand, silencing her. "There are many of them here, but the three of us can handle them." she walked over to another small group of Team Plasma underlings. "Please…go now!"

Touko swallowed hard. With a curt nod, she took the Hyper Potions, ran past the mob, and up the spiral stairs.

Several platforms later, Touko was panting. At least she wasn't out of shape; her love for sports, as well as her journey, sure helped with that. Grabbing a Revive she found on the ground, she saw one last flight of stairs. Even though she had slowed her running two floors back, her pulse started racing again from the rush of adrenaline beginning to course through her veins.

What will be waiting for me at the top?

Her palms started to sweat in anticipation.

Taking one slow, deep breath, she willed herself to move.

Time to face the music.

…..

The top of the tower felt scorching hot, as if it was the hottest day of summer. Beads of sweat speckled upon her face. Wiping them away with one arm, her eyes found N right away…facing a large dragon Pokémon.

Stunned, her breath hitched in her throat.

The massive Pokémon stood on its powerful two legs. Its mane was pure white and a wisp of it stuck out from the top of its head, similar to a Rapidash. Its majestic wings were spread, pale gray plates adorned the joints of the wings. The tail was rimmed by rings of the same pale grey as its plates. Its eyes were azure blue, just like hers, and they moved from N to her.

It roared, its tail glowed red like a jet engine.

N noticed the dragon's change in manner and turned around. His silvery eyes were vibrant with childlike joy when they found hers, his smile triumphant. He reminded her of a young Trainer receiving his very first Pokémon.

"What do you think, Touko?" he gestured towards the snowy-white dragon. "How do you like the beautiful form of the Dragon Pokémon of Truth, Reshiram, who appears before and fights beside the hero that will lead the way to a new world?"

Touko could only stare. In her wildest dreams, she had never imagined such a graceful yet foreboding Pokémon existed.

Reshiram growled softly. So, young king, is this the girl you speak of? A deep voice echoed in her mind. Touko's cobalt eyes went as wide as the moon, choking back a cry of alarm.

"It…I heard it speak…!" her voice was relatively shaky, bewildered by the fact she just understood what a Pokémon said.

N's smile grew broader. "Yes, Reshiram, this is her. Her name is Touko." He was obviously excited as he introduced the brunette to his new friend.

I sense…something distinctive about her, Reshiram stated, I feel the dark one stirring in response to her.

"My hypothesis was right after all!" N exclaimed gleefully. "She is the other hero!"

Miraculously, Touko found her voice once more. "Wait, what?" she cried incredulously. "Me? Hero?"

"Yes, Touko." N was suddenly in front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders ever so gently. "You are the other hero in the legend. You and I are destined to battle for the ideal world."

Touko paled. "Is…is this what you meant back in Chargestone Cave?"

It was starting to make sense now.

N nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving hers as he stepped back towards Reshiram.

"Now, Reshiram and I will head to the Pokémon League and defeat the Champion!" his declaration rang with fervor. "This will be the last of those despicable battles that hurt Pokémon. A world for Pokémon alone... It's finally going to be a reality!" he rejoiced in a dream so close to fruition.

Dread seized the younger teen.

He's really going to use the legendary Pokémon…I don't know if even Alder can stop him! And if he wins, he won't hesitate to force his will on everyone! She bit her bottom lip tensely.

Can I really stop him? her mind voiced her hesitation.

Then…she remembered the words she threw at him back in Nimbasa City. She had promised a fight to protect her friendship with her Pokémon.

No! I won't allow it to happen! her mind raged, evaporating the icy fear with its blazing heat.
Hands clenched, she raised her gaze to the young king, azure eyes pulsating with conviction.

"Like hell it will!" she hissed through gritted teeth. She would knock some sense into the boy, she still believed in the purity of his love for Pokémon. "Not if I can help it, N!"

Her remark pleased the young king.

"If you want to stop me, you must prove that you are the heroine of ideals!" he said, now standing next to Reshiram. The white dragon lowered himself to the floor, laying his wings low for his new master. N climbed onto the dragon's back in one, fluid move.

"When Reshiram's counterpart, the Dragon Pokémon of Ideals, Zekrom, recognizes your own conviction, we will finally be even, and then you can try to stop us!"

Reshiram lifted off the ground, hovering in front of Touko. N's piercing gaze didn't leave Touko's scorching one.

"Well, what will you do?" he challenged her. "My prediction is…if the future that I see is true, you will meet Zekrom. The Pokémon with you believe in you so strongly, Zekrom will acknowledge the strength of your beliefs. Will you be the one who interferes with my formula for changing the world, Touko? If you want to protect the bonds between Pokémon and people, you must find Zekrom! I'm sure it is waiting for you in the form of the Dark Stone. I await your challenge!"

With an earth-shattering roar, Reshiram's tail flared once more, taking off into the clear sky. Touko heard the calls of her friends a few floors below. Now that she knew what she was in for, she knew her next destination: Opelucid City.

Author's Note:
Man, that was intense! Now that N is on the loose with Reshiram, it's getting much closer to the first major peak in the story! Oh, Toxic-Mind-Honey, I sincerely appreciate your feedback! And regarding the end result of the final battle between N and Touko, I have a different approach in mind, as I've read fanfics on both scenarios when she has won and she has lost. I think your idea will prevail the best in your own fanfic!
J Please keep reviewing this story, it sure helps and keeps the motivation going! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and anticipate the next one, the final Gym and the search for the Dark Stone!
-Mistress Ness