A/N: And so, I return. I've finished remastering the first ten chapters now, they've all been edited and neatened up, as well as having any errors fixed. Thanks to all who've stuck with me along the way, I might only update once or twice a month until the end of the year from now on, but I'm not giving up. Uni is my priority right now, and I'm flat out busy, but I will endeavour to keep at this! So, pretty much, I'll update when I update. Love to my reviewers, you guys are awesome.

Learning the Art of Friendship

...

Chapter 11: A Painful Farewell
N

He let the water run over his head, moaning in satisfaction. He'd never been so dirty in his life! The tumble down the cliff had given him a nice collection of bruises and scrapes as well, but they were all just minor, and well dressed by Lenora.

They had returned to Nacrene City that night, deciding that it was better to get cleaned up and rested before continuing on. Now he was in his room at the Pokemon Centre, enjoying the simple pleasure of a shower.

You done being rained on yet, N? Chikorita's voice intruded on his comfort.

Rained on? He blinked, and then understood. It's called a shower, N told his friend. And no, I'm quite happy to stay here a lot longer.

Aww, c'mon! I'm hungry! White and Blitzle are already downstairs eating dinner! Why are you so slow? His voice was whiny, and N had to resist the urge to sigh.

Was it too much to ask for some peace and quiet? He was tired, hungry and sore after falling down a cliff. All he wanted to do was enjoy this shower.

Nnnnnnnn! The Grass Pokemon's voice was like a siren.

Alright, fine. Give me a minute. N gave a sigh that seemed to come from his toes. His now clean toes. Along with every other clean part of him. I hate being dirty, he thought to himself, adding it to the list of things he'd discovered about himself so far on his journey.

After drying and getting changed back into his tattered shirt and pants, N picked up Chikorita and they went downstairs.

"Hey, N! Ready for dinner?" White greeted him as he walked up, waving at the array of food spread out. There were sandwiches for the humans and an assortment of berries for the Pokemon.

N nodded and sat down, stretching out his arms, ignoring the twinges from his protesting muscles. "Sounds good."

Blitzle re-entered the Pokemon Centre suddenly, and perked up when he spotted N. Oh, N, you're back! I'm glad, I missed you. I went to get some berries, but I couldn't find any. He sounded downcast, until N pointed at the bowls in front of him. Yummy! He tried to grab a berry, but Chikorita snatched it out of the way.

N munched quietly on a piece of bread as they started arguing. Chikorita was sitting on the table in front of him, jealously guarding a plate of berries from Blitzle's questing nose.

Won't you please share? Blitzle asked unhappily. The zebra had faithfully stood at the top of the cliff until N told him they were coming up. Then he had bolted as fast as he could to them, almost knocking N to the ground when he found them. Now he pretty much refused to leave N's side, saying that he'd rather know what was happening than be left behind, even if it led to problems.

They're mine. Get your own. Chikorita said grumpily.

You guys, N sighed mentally, wondering if this was how White thought of him sometimes. A little like a mother pokemon guards her young. He smiled at the image, as Blitzle nudged his arm.

May I have some of your food, N? he asked politely. Since that green meanie over there won't give me any berries. He stomped unhappily, his ears laid back as he snapped the air in front of Chikorita. The other Pokemon just ignored him.

Fine, here. N passed over his plate, making sure that the sandwiches had no meat in them, since Blitzle were herbivores.

Thank you so much, my friend. The sandwich disappeared in a manner of seconds. May I have another?

Instead, N grabbed a handful of berries out of Chikorita's bowl and placing them on the very edge of the table. "There you go," he announced.

Blitzle dug in straightaway, not willing to miss his chance at the berries. Human food is nice, but after all, berries are for Pokemon. So next time share! The last bit was directed at Chikorita, who just grunted and moved further away.

"So," White said, shrugging slightly. "Did you want to do anything else tonight, or would you rather just finish dinner and go to bed? I'm exhausted; taking tumbles down cliffs isn't something I enjoy. It's up to you though." She waited, lacing her fingers behind her head.

"I think I will just go to bed. I'm tired too, and Chikorita's cranky. I think it's best if we wait until morning to continue on our journey." He felt his eyes begin to droop closed.

"Alright. In that case, I'm going now." She yawned, stretching her arms in front of her. "Because otherwise I'm going to crash." She waved goodbye and left. Blitzle and Chikorita finished off their berries and moved to stand next to him; Blitzle on the ground and Chikorita still on the table.

I'm tired, Chikorita announced, staring at him.

"Do you want to sleep in your pokeball?" N asked. Chikorita shook his head but Blitzle nodded.

Yes please. There isn't really that much room for me in your room, so I'll sleep in my pokeball, the lightning zebra said slowly, his eyes half closed.

N held out a pokeball and recalled his second Pokemon, before picking up Chikorita and heading upstairs. He settled Chikorita on the end of the bed, and then collapsed, asleep before his head touched the pillow.

He woke up sore. Owww, was his first thought, and possibly his second. Why do I hurt so much? He groaned when the memories of the past day returned. Oh, that's why. I fell down a cliff. He slowly sat up, his body turning into a mass of aches.

Chikorita lazily opened one eye and hummed. What's wrong, N?

Oh, nothing. I'm just sore from yesterday, he answered. Carefully getting out of bed, he took inventory of all his injuries. There was a scrape on his face, two on his neck, and a collection of cuts and bruises on his arms and legs. His clothes were a mess, since he'd torn straight through the fabric. He decided it might be a good idea to buy some new ones before they left.

At least your skin was covered; White has no sleeves and short pants, Chikorita commented, causing N to look up.

It was true, he realized, and wondered why he hadn't thought to check on her earlier.

Chikorita picked up his thoughts and quickly said She's fine, the woman who smells like dirt helped her before.

That's quite rude, Chikorita, N scolded gently.

Chikorita huffed and blew a raspberry. Wasn't being rude he said primly, kneading the bedspread. She digs in dirt like Pokemon. So she smells like dirt. In a nice way. Old dirt, like the earth we walk on. She's nice; she gave me a berry before, the Grass Pokemon defended himself.

When did she give you a berry? N blinked, unable to recall Chikorita even meeting the Gym Leader.

Oh, she's downstairs talking to White, Chikorita said blandly, ignoring N's glare.

"You could have let me know sooner." He picked up Blitzle's pokeball from the bedside table and walked over to the door. "Are you coming?" he threw over his shoulder.

Chikorita sighed and stood up. Yes, wait for me. He hopped off the bed and walked over to N.

Together they headed downstairs, and N released Blitzle the minute they were in open space.

"Hey, N! Over here!" White called when she spotted him. Next to her, sitting at the table was Lenora.

"Good morning," Lenora said cheerfully when he reached them and sat down.

"Morning to you, too." He found a large plate of toast suddenly pushed in front of him.

"There you go, kiddo. We've eaten our share, so you can have the rest." The older woman grinned.

"Thank you." N picked up a piece and started eating. It was still warm, and covered in some type of fruity spread that tasted sweet. He decided he liked it and made a note to ask White if they could have it more often.

"Hey N, do you mind if we kind of...go shopping before we leave? My clothes are kind of...trashed," White said sheepishly, plucking at her torn, dirty vest. "I'm sure you'd appreciate new clothes as well." She indicated his now off-white shirt.

"I was going to ask if we could go shopping, because I don't want to walk around like this." She nodded agreeably and absently picked up another piece of toast.

"Well, there's a lovely little store on the outskirts of town that opened up a few months back. It's mainly for trendy kids like you two. I'm sure you'll find something to wear. Anything has to be better than rags, right?" Lenora snickered, waving a finger at them.

"Yeah," White drawled in response. "So first things first, we go shopping," she said to him, and he nodded. "Have you finished eating yet?"

He looked down and pushed away the plate. "Yes, I'm fine. Would you like to go now, then?"

She stood up and made a fist. "Definitely! I'm sick of looking like a scrub."

"You are sick of looking like a small plant?" he asked, scratching his head in confusion.

"Uhh...never mind. It's just a silly saying. Means I look dirty or messy," she explained and motioned for him to stand up. "But if we go get new clothes, I'll stop looking like a scrub."

N considered this. "Okay then." He figured it was best to just go along with her.

"Well, if you two young ones are heading off, I might get back to my excavation then. I hear the old bones calling me," Lenora grinned, moving over to the door.

"Old dirt," N chuckled, unable to help himself as Chikorita's earlier comment came back to him.

"Excuse me? What was that, young man?" Lenora said dangerously, raising an eyebrow.

N blinked and help up his hands in surrender. "No, no, it wasn't supposed to be an insult. I'm sorry if it sounded that way. Chikorita said before that you gave him a berry, and that you smelt like the earth. He meant it as a compliment." N realized he sounded stupid and stopped talking.

Lenora burst out laughing, holding her sides. "That's adorable! Smells like the earth, indeed. I believe it's because I dig a lot?" At N's confirming nod, she laughed again. "Oh to be young again, and to be travelling with Pokemon," she said, winking at them. "I'd love to journey around again, but my days of adventuring are over. So I will wish you young ones well. Good luck and have fun!" She disappeared outside.

The two cleaned up and walked outside. Chikorita was in his usual perch on N's shoulder, and Blitzle was racing around them, happy to be with the group.

Where to? Where do we go? To fun, to fun! We go to fun! Blitzle sang as he pranced around, flicking his mane out happily.

"Someone's enthusiastic this morning," White commented. He nodded, studying his newest friend. The Electric-type was far healthier than he had been when they met; his coat now nicely filled out and shining with good health.

"He likes seeing new things." N smiled, as Chikorita nuzzled his neck.

We both do. You two carry adventure with you, and we want to be part of it! Your world is so large, and full or strange new things. There's so much to see, so many new friends to meet. I don't want to go home. Chikorita started preening his leaf, but nearly fell off when N suddenly stopped.

"What do you mean, go home?" White gave him a curious look, but didn't ask.

Chikorita rubbed his paw in a circle. Well, the Professor-lady said I was supposed to go home when I was better. I'm better now, but I want to stay with you. You're fun, the other Professor isn't this much fun. He sighed solemnly, looking at N mournfully.

"White, is that true? Is Chikorita supposed to be going back to his own region soon? He doesn't want to go; surely he can stay here with me?"

White frowned and shrugged. "I don't know. The Professor didn't say anything about bringing him back at all, did she?" She thought for a moment, and then laughed. "It's alright, I'll just ask her!" She pulled out her Xtransceiver and pressed a couple of buttons. The machine on his wrist started beeping, and he hit the answer button, remembering that more than two people could be in the conversation.

"Hello, White! And you too, N!" Juniper's cheery voice greeted them.

White beamed. "Hey Professor, just got a quick question."

"Shoot away." The Professor didn't seem worried about the sudden call.

"Well, apparently Chikorita told N he was supposed to be going home when he was healed. But Chikorita wants to stay with N. So what happens now?"

Juniper laughed and shook her head. "Oh you two. Chikorita can stay with N, of course! They're partners, much like you and your Oshawott were at the beginning. I wouldn't dream of separating two best friends like that. Besides, I rang Elm, the professor friend of mine, and he said it was perfectly fine for Chikorita to stay here, as long as he was looked after." She waved at the little Pokemon as she spoke, and he hummed in happiness.

"That's a relief!" White clapped her hands together, momentarily disappearing from the screen as her arm tilted.

"Thank you very much, Professor Juniper," N said, and Chikorita waved at the screen.

"No problem! You guys are good together. Keep working on your partnership, hmm?" She winked at him, and then focussed her attention back to White, having taken in their dishevelled appearances. "White!" She exclaimed, making him jump.

White looked confused. "Yeah?"

Juniper narrowed her eyes, staring intently at the screen. "What have you done to yourself? You're a mess! N, you look no better. Have you two been in a war or something?"

The other teenager started giggling. "No, Professor. We fell down a cliff, and were actually just about to go buy new clothes when we rang you," she said, running a hand through her hair and grimacing as it caught on a knot.

Professor Juniper raised an eyebrow. "You fell down a cliff," she said slowly, and then smiled ruefully. "That sounds about right for you."

White scrunched up her face in consternation. "What do you mean, 'that sounds about right for me?' How hopeless do you think I am?" She crossed her arms in a huff.

"Well, anyway, I've got to get back to my research, and I should probably let you two go get dressed. So I'll talk to you later." Juniper ignored her comment, smiling at White's expression.

"Whatever." White shrugged, a smile of her own crossing her face. "Tell Bianca I said hi!" she said, waving goodbye.

"Will do. Later you two," the Professor said cheerily, before cancelling the call.

I'm so glad, Chikorita said quietly, pressing his face against N's cheek. I like being with you. He looked down. Even if I seem ungrateful sometimes. He fiddled with a piece of N's hair, obviously uncomfortable with the display of emotion.

N reached up and stroked his leaf, smiling to himself. I like you just the way you are, he said. Even when you're being a pain.

Chikorita hummed and rested his head back against N's neck. Thank you, N.

Finally, they arrived at a small, artfully decorated store. It was obvious that, like most of Nacrene, it had once been a storage warehouse. However, the owners had done an excellent job of turning it into a tasteful little boutique. The walls were a buttery yellow, edged in light green, and there was a neat garden of light purple flowers in front of the store. The overall effect made the building seem very welcoming, N noted.

"Where to start?" White asked in amazement when they walked in, awed by the sheer amount of clothes. They covered the entire store. There were racks of clothes in pretty much every square of floor space; there were rows of clothes hanging off the walls, and large bins of leftover clothes from sales anywhere they could fit.

N shrugged. He had no idea. In this, he had absolutely no experience; he'd never been shopping for his own clothes. Anthea or Concordia had always materialized with clothes whenever he needed them. He'd thought it would be easy to just walk in and find something to wear, but he was overwhelmed.

Eventually though, he managed to find a nice black sleeveless shirt he could wear, and another white dress shirt to wear over the top. The black shirt had a much lower neck than his current one, and the dress shirt's collar was shaped differently, but he decided he didn't care. He found a pair of black pants that turned out to be really comfortable, and added them to his pile. He glanced down at his shoes and grudgingly admitted that he should probably get new ones of those as well. The ones he was wearing were worn out from his travels, and the soles no longer supported his feet properly. There was a rack of shoes over in the corner, and N went to browse the selection, eventually deciding on a pair of simple, black and white runners.

He paid for everything, and once again received –what he thought- was a ridiculous amount of change, but shrugged it off. He asked if he could get changed in the store, and upon confirmation, went to get dressed.

He studied his appearance in the dressing room's mirror. The clothes fit well, and his new shoes were a lot nicer to wear. He brushed the hair out of his eyes and went to see if White was done yet. She wasn't, so he just drifted around the store, until he found a selection of jackets. The winter air was still cool, and he didn't want to end up freezing, so he grabbed a black jacket and went to pay for it.

He thanked the cashier again, and turned to find White, almost running into her when she appeared behind him.

"Oh, sorry N. I'm done now," she said, sidestepping him to dump her clothes on the bench. The cashier began scanning them through, and N frowned when White paid and received far less change than he had. He made a mental note to ask her about it later. "Mind if I get changed here?" White asked, and the cashier waved her towards the dressing room.

She came out, and N blinked. Gone were her white singlet, black vest and short shorts. Now she was properly dressed for winter; with a long sleeved black shirt with yellow flowers embroidered around the edges, a medium blue vest that was thicker than her old one, and flared, three quarter-length chocolate brown pants that matched her hair. These were tucked into her boots, which were still the same.

"I like those clothes," N said, frowning when she looked away.

"Uhh, thanks. You look good too," she muttered, and quickly departed the store. N followed her, enjoying the feel of his new clothes.

Chikorita and Blitzle met them outside.

Nice, N. Very cool, Chikorita complemented, though his nose wrinkled at the scent of new clothes. Blitzle complemented him as well, but kept his nose out of reach.

Do my clothes really smell that bad? N asked curiously, casually sniffing his shoulder.

Chikorita gave a giggle as Blitzle shook his head. No, N. The lightning zebra shook his head. It's just our noses are better than yours. Soon it will smell like you, and it won't be bad at all.

N laughed as they finally left Nacrene City. Now they were back in Pinwheel Forest, this time sticking to the path that went straight through to Skyarrow Bridge.

N! a powerful voice suddenly roared through his mind.

"Zekrom?" he said, immediately searching the nearby trees for his friend.

White looked at him. "Zekrom?" She frowned. "Is he here?" N nodded joyfully as the black dragon appeared out of the sky.

It is good to see you, my friend. Zekrom moved closer to them, his gaze sweeping over the others. And I greet you, little ones, he said to Blitzle and Chikorita. They nodded bashfully, awed at meeting a legend. And you too, great Hero of Reshiram. He bowed his head slightly towards White, and then returned his attention to N.

"It's good to see you too," N could only whisper, not having realized how much he missed his friend. "Have you been alright?"

Perfectly fine, N. You worry too much. I am a great dragon; I am perfectly capable of looking after myself. The dragon gave his rumbling version of a laugh, and N admitted he may have been fretting too much.

All of a sudden, there was a flash of red light and Reshiram appeared in the clearing.

White caught his questioning gaze and shrugged. "I thought they might like to catch up," she said, meaning the two dragons. And indeed, they immediately drew away to begin their own conversation, the words flowing too fast for N to catch. They seemed to be speaking a different language, one that was much older. "But, N..." White trailed off, trying to organize her thoughts. "What do they do?"

He didn't understand her question. "Do what?"

She shook her head, pursing her lips. "I mean, they've been awoken out of a very long slumber. Isn't this a whole new world for them? It's like, everything's changed for them. What do they do now, since there's no need for them to fight?" He blinked, the thought having never crossed his mind. "You only woke up Zekrom to force trainers and Pokemon to separate, and Reshiram only woke up for me to stop that. So...what now? I don't think it's fair to just...keep them with us. Don't they have their own lives or whatever to live?"

"I...I think you may be right. Perhaps we haven't been fair to our friends." N turned to ask the dragons themselves what they thought, when two pairs of glowing eyes greeted his gaze; one pair shining blue, the other a reddish-orange.

You worry needlessly, little one, Reshiram's bell-like mental voice informed him. We have contemplated this problem at large since we awoke from our slumber, and are seeking our own solution. In the days of old, there was a magnificent tower we dwelled in. That tower is long gone now, yet my counterpart says there is another that may suit us both.

Zekrom moved slightly closer, his tone soft. It is the tower we met, do you remember? Reshiram and I have discussed at length our purpose in the world, and have decided that we are no longer needed.

"What? You can't leave!" N cried, suddenly distraught, having picked up on the undertone of the dragons' conversation. "You're my friend! Our friends!"

"Leaving?" White echoed, her voice sounding horrified.

Fear not. We will always be with you. If you need us you have but to summon us with your hearts. However, you will find our presence hard to explain should we follow you, and we have no validation in doing so. You no longer need us, your battles are now your own. We shall retreat to the tower known as Dragon's Spiral, and watch over the world from there. Our battle once split the world apart. Now, many, many years later, we can begin to heal the wounds we inflicted. Your world has changed much from the time we last wandered, but our powers can still be used to influence the world- this time for the better.

"But Zekrom," N begged brokenly. "I need you!"

No, little one. You and my Hero are no longer in need of us. Together, you are far stronger than you know. The white dragon turned to face White directly. My true friend, I shall miss you. It was truly an honour to fight alongside you. Farewell.

"Goodbye," White whispered, a single tear trailing down her face. Somehow, she'd known what her dragon was saying.

N felt his throat constrict as Zekrom caught his gaze. "Until next we meet," he managed to say around the lump in his throat.

And we will meet again. Do not despair; this is only a temporary parting. True friends can never be separated as long as their hearts remain one. Zekrom moved back and both dragons began beating their wings, slowly rising into the air.

N, White, Chikorita and Blitzle waved and cried out goodbyes as both dragons flew up and up, becoming nothing more than specks in the sky until they disappeared completely.

...

It was some time before they were willing to move.

White wiped a hand under her eyes, brushing the rest of her tears away. "Right. I'm glad, you know? I was worried Reshiram wasn't happy being stuck in a pokeball all the time, so this is good. She's off to do great things, and she'll be happy now. She has a purpose. That's good?" she asked him, attempting to reassure herself more than anything.

"Yes. I too was worried that Zekrom was unhappy. Now, he and Reshiram will be fine." His voice got stronger as the recent events caught up to him. "This is what they wanted, and we as Heroes should be very glad that they have now found a reason to exist." She nodded emphatically, and managed a small smile. His answering smile was tentative, but he was grateful he could summon it to his face at this time.

Lucky things, Chikorita muttered under his breath, causing N to look down at him.

"Lucky things?" he repeated. White glanced at them and waited.

Yeah. They can fly!

He blinked and burst out laughing.

White looked concerned, and took a step towards him. "N? Are you okay?"

"They can fly," he answered out loud, pointing at Chikorita. "He said...he said they can fly!" This just seemed like the most random comment he'd ever heard, and couldn't stop laughing.

The other trainer frowned, until understanding dawned on her face. "He was talking about the dragons." She bit her lips and started giggling, until her giggles became full-fledged laughter.

Now they were both gasping for breath, repeating 'they can fly' every few seconds.

Chikorita blew out air angrily, swishing his leaf in a combination of embarrassment and annoyance. Humans, he thought disgustedly. Make a simple statement and they start laughing like a Mankey!

What is a 'Mankey'? Blitzle asked curiously.

It's a Pokemon from the region next to mine. Professor Elm was looking after one once. They are a cream colour and screech really loudly. Chikorita sniffed in disdain. Noisy, dirty creatures.

N took a deep breath and regained his control. "That was the strangest thing," he grinned, the mood far lighter than it had been.

"Yeah, but it was good. I feel much better now." White tucked back a strand of hair, tilting her hat back. She'd washed it when they'd been at the Pokemon Centre, and it had turned up as good as new. N decided that next time they stopped at a Pokemon Centre; he was going to wash his hat as well. Right now, his was looking less than stellar. White checked the clock on her Xtransceiver and lifted a shoulder. "Well, it's about 11:30. Did we want to have an early lunch now, or keep walking and eat later? I suppose we could eat just before we get to Skyarrow Bridge. There are some chairs in the info-area. We can check what news is on the bulletin board, too." She smirked at him, remembering his fascination with the one outside Accumula Town.

"I would like to have lunch later. It wasn't that long ago we had breakfast." N turned his attention to his Pokemon.

I'm not hungry, Blitzle piped up. Let's keep going!

Agreed. Chikorita investigated a pile of leaves on the side of the path.

"The others want to wait," N said to White.

She nodded and kept walking. "Sounds like a plan."

After another hour or so of walking, they left the forest and entered the waiting area –the ground floor building before Skyarrow Bridge.

"Here we are. Who wants sandwiches? And I have berries for you guys," White said as she pulled food out of her back. Lenora had given her enough food to make it to Castelia City while N was sleeping.

They made quick work of the food, and White stood up.

"Hey..." She looked thoughtful.

Her voice startled him. "Hmm?" he queried, not paying attention.

"Oh, I was just thinking...there's now an opening on my team. I only have five Pokemon again. So I was wondering if I should look for another one. It's always nice to meet new Pokemon." She grinned, packing up the bag again and disposing of the rubbish.

N looked at his two Pokemon. Now that he was travelling with a real team, a group of Pokemon that would stay with him for a long time, he could finally understand why so many people because trainers. "That would be good," he said truthfully.

White rocked backwards, completely taken aback. "Wow, I never thought I'd hear you say something like that. That's great! Now you can help me choose." She punched a fist in the air. "Alright! Now, what Pokemon should I choose? Maybe a Scraggy, they're adorable. Or what about a Beartic? They're kinda nifty, and I don't have an Ice-type Pokemon," she mused to herself, muttering other Pokemon names under her breath.

N just smiled to himself, knowing how she felt. He watched his team. Chikorita was walking along a nearby bench and Blitzle was prancing around, excited by the prospect of a 'floating platform'. He'd never seen a bridge before, and N had found it difficult to explain something as big as Skyarrow Bridge. It was just something you had to see for yourself, he thought.

White whistled, getting their attention. "Shall we go now?" She shouldered her bag and held out a hand.

The four of them walked up the stairs and emerged into fresh air.

Incredible, Blitzle breathed, as he caught sight of the bridge.

Towers of shining steel rose to amazing heights, as strings of metal looped through the towers to form a safety net of sorts spanning the entire length. Great, monolithic pillars supported the bridge above the water. There was a collective gasp of awe as they took in the seemingly never-ending mass of criss-crossed steel that was Skyarrow Bridge.

We've got a long way to go, Chikorita sighed, sending a mental request for N to pick him up.

...

And so, the whole Reshiram/Zekrom mystery is solved, for those who kept asking me what happened to the dragons. Don't worry, they'll reappear later.

Also, I've allowed anonymous reviews for all my lovely lurkers. Now's your chance to tell me what you think, what works, what doesn't. Bits that make you laugh (always my favourite comments to read!).

-Aerococonut