Chapter 28 Battle Symphony

Hil heard the door click but didn't have the energy to jump up and greet Church as he normally wanted to. Curled against the couch with his knees folded to his chest and his chin resting atop his hands, he felt ill, stomach churning, and his mind was racing with everything N had said. Upon Church's return, a bolt of fear ran down his spine as well. He knew how intuitive Church was and he knew how bad he was at lying… He didn't like to lie… So viciously turning N away had left him feeling empty and tired. Being so worked up was exhausting, and the idea of explaining he had met N while Church had been out was hardly appealing to his weary mind. He didn't even budge when Noodle anxiously nudged him with his muzzle, or when Church's Arcanine bounded into the living room and jumped up, putting his paws on Hil's shins.

"Hey… everything okay?" Church asked quietly, almost hoarsely, as he rounded the couch and cocked his head at Hil knowingly.

"Just nervous," Hil answered lamely. That shouldn't seem too out of character. He was basically a walking bundle of nerves all the time, anyway. He did frown slightly in curiosity when he noticed that Church's clothes were muddied and scuffed. "Was it raining out there?" he asked, trying to force an amused tone.

"A little, yeah," Church laughed weakly. Then, he nodded slowly and ran a surprisingly gentle hand over Hil's head, ruffling his hair as he passed by the back of the couch, heading back for the stairs. He leaned into the warm, soft touch briefly until Church took his hand away. "I'm just gonna go get some clothes together for the weekend. Are you packed already?" Church asked softly.

Relieved at the lack of prying, though a little wary because of how unlike Church that was, Hil stiffly replied, "Yes… In my bag." Church could read him like a book. He could read anyone like a book. It seemed almost like he was choosing not to at that moment… That thought alarmed him some, but not enough to open his mouth and ask questions. Today just wasn't the day for that…

He swore he heard Church's voice choke a little as he said, "Okay. I really look forward to this weekend…" Hil unfolded his legs from himself and looked over the back of the couch at the stairs as Church vanished up them.

"I look forward to this weekend, too…" Hil mumbled after a delay, knowing full-well that Church couldn't hear him from there. I look forward to just getting time with you and forgetting all about N, all about this… To just be with you.

Noodle hissed and Hil jerked his head to look at him. "What?"

The Serperior shook its head and then curled into a tight ball on the couch. He didn't need to share N's ability to chat with his pokémon to know Noodle was… disappointed in him. The realization just annoyed him, though, and he curled his lip and retorted before he knew it, "Well, guess you never should have considered me a Hero to begin with. Nobody should have. Much less so Reshiram, or N."

Noodle just gave him a long, sad look. Hil shrank away and rested his chin on the back of the couch and waited for Church to come back.

Zeshi had led Nate to the Seasonal Research Lab. He had never heard of it before, but apparently, it was the hub of meteorological data in Unova, collecting data on temperatures and weather patterns across the region, as well as studying seasonal changes (most of which came from researching Deerling and Sawsbuck). None of that particularly interested Nate, though, even less so right then; he just enjoyed being somewhere dry and warm, relieved they had allowed him to rest in the lobby until the rain lessened, and he was too busy trying to grill Zeshi about how she was talking to him.

Gym Leader Cheren had been at the lab as well, though he was cagy and uninterested in talking to Nate. Still, Nate caught a few of his heated exchanges with the staff, and overheard them say something about how the temperature south of Driftveil had dropped to an icy, unbelievable -58* F. No wonder Cheren had come so close to freezing to death in mere minutes…

Nate, seated on a bench in the lobby of the lab, leaned forward and hissed quietly at Zeshi, "How are you talking?" He had asked her that a few times already and each time she didn't answer, instead seemingly finding something interesting in the lab to keep her one-track mind occupied. Furtively glancing to make sure nobody was paying him too much mind, he hit his heel against the floor to catch her attention.

The Zorua quizzically glanced at him and started waving her tail. Well… it's not so much talking as it is making you hear stuff. She bounded back over to him and leaned up on his legs, digging those tiny claws into him again. I'm a Zorua! We do the whole illusions thing! Remember?

"Yes, but, this is… this isn't an illusion, you're not making me see stuff," Nate impatiently whispered back.

Zeshi snorted and flicked her head. Auditory illusions are a thing!

"So, let me get this straight," Nate sighed, "you're not actually talking. You're just making me think you are? So, I am hearing things. And maybe seeing them. Was that… Cobalion, or whatever, was that real or did you make that up?"

She growled and shook out all her fur. Didn't you listen to me earlier? When I was talking to you about the whole 'iron-will' and 'Swords of Justice are desperate' thing?

"You just said you're not talking—" He cut himself off in confused annoyance at how backwards and unbelievable this seemed. Pinching the bridge of his nose irritably, he more calmly said, "Sorry, I was a little distracted by the Zorua talking to me."

I can argue about this all day, Zeshi snorted, dropping off his legs and scampering away to explore some more of the lab.

His response to her was cut short by his Xtransceiver ringing. At first, he jolted with discomfort, not sure he wanted to see who was on the other end, but relaxed when he discovered it was just Rosa and Hugh. He steadied his breath for a moment and then answered. "Where are you guys?" he asked in a much less composed tone than he'd have liked. "I've been out here for hours."

"…You left an hour ago, maybe an hour and a half." Rosa just blinked at him.

Face heating up, Nate arched his shoulders defensively. "Well, it sure felt like hours." Boy, was that an understatement.

"It's raining like hell outside," Hugh interjected. Nate could hear rain from both of their lines, and it looked like perhaps they were cowering under the awning of the Pokémon Center in Driftveil. "So, is it alright if we just meet you at Chargestone Cave? That way, we can still train and make some progress, but we don't freeze to death in this rain doing it… Can't stop Neo Plasma if we're human popsicles."

Hugh sounded oddly anxious, unlike his usual angry fervor, and despite him and Rosa looking like they were standing right next to each other with the similar backdrop and the way their audio slightly echoed, they seemed to refuse to look at one another. Nate went to say something else to them, then fell silent, alarmed as he thought he understood the tension between them right then. Had… something happened between them while he had been away on Route Six? It took everything in his power not to gape at them and demand if now was really the best time. Still, he couldn't help the slightly pointed gaze he locked onto Hugh's screen. Not that they could see him, given his broken camera… Okay, so perhaps he outright glowered at Hugh's screen. Muttering, he said, "Yeah. We can meet at Chargestone Cave."

"Alright, sound good," Hugh nodded.

"Sounds great to me," Rosa agreed.

I bet that isn't the only thing that's sounded great today, Nate internally grumbled, forgetting all about Cobalion and Zeshi right then. He supposed he didn't know what he would tell them even if he wanted to… Oh, by the way, while I was out training, I met a legendary and a Zorua started talking to me. Or making me hallucinate. But with audio. Yeah, I don't know either guys. I swear I'm not crazy! He rolled his eyes. Yeah. "Alright, meet you guys there."

They waved and he went to shove the device back into his pocket, but it started to ring again. Apprehensively looking at the caller ID, he paled at his father's image and then curled his lip at it. "Yeah, fucking right," he growled, stuffing the Xtransceiver back in his pocket. Forget that, I'm going to Chargestone Cave to meet up with Hugh and Rosa.

Busy with the Xtransceiver, he hadn't noticed Zeshi had made her way back over to him. The… Xtransceiver, I think it is. It upset you. Why?

Nate checked to ensure nobody was too close to notice him talking to what would have seemed to be himself, and once satisfied, crossed his arms, and mutinously stared down at Zeshi. "That's a loaded question. And one I am not answering for you."

She unblinkingly continued to stare at him. Why?

"…Because I don't want to?"

Why?

He groaned and felt like banging his head against the wall. "Can you say anything else?"

Well, yeah, Zeshi said as she leaned the front end of her body down and then waved her tail in a classic 'play' posture. But… why?

Nate just stared at her. "I will send you back to Rood."

She rolled onto her back and kicked her feet up and out. Good luck with that!

It was unusually cold in the static air of Chargestone Cave, but that didn't stop the blue, gleaming rocks and crystals from flooding N with pleasant memories. He kind of missed that person that, a few weeks ago, would have been able to just sit there and be enamored with the delightful science that allowed the electromagnetic forces to suspend rocks in midair. Now, he had no such time to admire the little, beautiful details of life. He paced the length of one of Chargestone's passages with Zekrom lying down nearby and Zoroark watching him from atop a stone she had decided to perch on.

"The probability of us winning without Reshiram at our side is low," N distractedly said aloud. "Fighting them head-on is foolish without the Hero of Truths at our side."

Then… what do you think you should do if Churchill can't convince him to help us? Zekrom asked curiously, almost anxiously. I… I still would fight Kyurem if that was our last hope. It may not be great odds, N, but you must remember, that doesn't mean it's impossible. You must hold onto hope… the ideal outcome.

There is no reasoning with Ghetsis. You know this, N. Zoroark's eyes glittered in the reflections of light in the cavern. Listening to Zekrom… may not be a bad idea.

"Why cause undue suffering?" N demanded, whirling on them. "If we aren't going to win through battle, why attack and injure our friends and allies in a fruitless endeavor? Why injure this… this… ancient pokémon that has been through so much already? What if I'm wrong? What if we still can get through to Ghetsis?" He paced more and shook his head desperately. "What if I'm wrong? What if… what if Father is just…" He paused. Recalling a time long ago outside of Mistralton's gym, following a disturbing run-in with Professor Juniper alongside the Shadow Triad, he softly said, "What if Hil was right all that time ago? What if he's just… hurting?"

N… you can't be serious… Zoroark chuffed and sat upright. He had me manipulated as well for a long time… You can't be falling for his tricks again! She staggered to her feet, holding her gimpy leg up for emphasis. N, he refused to help with my leg, gave me to you as broken and injured as I was, and then I lied to myself and said he was a nice person. Because he refused to treat me and wanted to make you see humans as evil, my leg is ruined. He's not reasonable! You must listen to us!

Zekrom similarly growled and shook out its head. I like to keep a hopeful outlook, N, but… I don't think Ghetsis is one you can reason with… I don't think anyone could reason with him… I just… I don't know about this…

Hugging his arms tightly to himself, he suddenly swept a contemptuous, distrustful look over them both. "What if you're wrong?" he growled. Frustratedly, before they had a chance to answer, he stamped his feet. In a sick, twisted way, it was almost amusing, like an angry toddler in the early stages of a tantrum. It would have been much more hilarious to Zekrom and Zoroark if both of them didn't know why N was like that.

N… Zekrom shifted and started to stand.

"No!" N scowled at it and shook his head, bitterly adding, "What if you—what if everyone is just trying to manipulate me to their needs again? To what they think Unova needs? I'm the Hero of Ideals! Nobody else!"

Zoroark growled. So, you think Victini is lying, that Ghetsis is no threat, or that Unova isn't in danger? We should just go hug Kyurem and sing Kumbaya? She barked, a sharp sound that ricocheted around the walls of the cave, and shook her fur out. N, listen to yourself. You know that's not right. We're your friends… Let us help you.

"Are you?" N asked a little too sharply. Both Zekrom and Zoroark shrank away from his question with visible shock. "I thought Hil was my friend, too. He went through much to save Unova and to help me, and yet, he is the same as the rest of them! Perhaps if I can appeal to Ghetsis' nature, perhaps if I can talk to him enough… Perhaps if I can talk to Kyurem…"

Zekrom's throat rumbled as it ambled closer to N, leaning its muzzle down close to his face in that friendly gesture. N… Churchill explained. Remember? Hil was not trying to turn his back on you or Unova. He is afraid. He is human… This is a lot to ask of someone… He is likely just… frightened…

"You say he's human like it's justification for shortcomings," N contemptuously muttered. "Well, I don't accept it! Regardless of whether that's an excuse or not, he was very clear that he did not care with how he kept insisting I leave!" N stopped and looked Zekrom directly in its scarlet eyes. "Perhaps if I can't get through to Hil, perhaps if Churchill can't get through to him, even if I can't get through to Ghetsis, then maybe I can get through to Kyurem. Maybe I can—"

N, that's enough, Zekrom snapped its jaws and pulled away, growling as electricity sparked from its head and its tail started to light up. You cannot reason with Kyurem. It will not understand you and it will not care even if it did.

"How would you know?" N hissed furiously. "You're scared of it and always have been! You helped make it what it is!"

The lights on Zekrom's body started to fade and it just looked… so sad… N… Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to isolate yourself further? It blinked at him and softly added, Was fourteen years in that castle not enough time alone for you?

N shook his head violently. "I have to go!" he exclaimed. "I have to go to save pokémon, and to save the very friend that I have to stop!" With or without your help, with or without anyone's help!

Quiet! Zoroark abruptly interrupted, leaping from her perch. She landed with a yelp and a grimace next to N and Zekrom, and a flash of violet light enveloped them, informing N that she had created an illusion around them to likely make them invisible or perhaps appear as just part of the cavern itself. Distantly, he heard some voices, like some trainers were nearing their location. Forgetting all about his anger, N concernedly looked her over, frantically examining her leg.

You shouldn't jump like that, N wordlessly chided her. You could get hurt!

She just glared at him. Hissing lowly so the passersby couldn't hear her, she said, N, this is madness. You can't do this. You need to wait and be patient, to see that the Hero of Truths really isn't going to assist, and if he isn't, then you need to come up with a plan with all of the legendaries willing to help—not go on your own to try to talk sense into Ghetsis or Kyurem. You say your chances are low without Hil's help… and that's true, but they're nonexistent if you try to handle this on your own and with words alone. You know Zekrom's story. You know this is foolish. Why can't you trust us? You've trusted us before and for so long…

N stroked her mane distractedly and looked down, to the floor of the cave. I trusted many people before and for a very long time. I… I have such a hard time understanding what is real, Zoroark… I want to believe Hil will make the right choice. I want to believe that Kyurem can be saved. And… and I want to believe that the man that raised me isn't a monster… He hugged her tightly then and took a deep, shuddery breath. I'm so tired of trying to figure out what's real and what isn't… I just want to believe in something… I hate having to wonder whether everything I learn is what it seems or if there's something more sinister beneath it… What if everything isn't so dark? What if there's something kind beneath all of it?

It was Zekrom who answered, its voice steeled with conviction. Then believe, N, and I will be beside you. It is that belief in ideals that makes you strong. Even in the face of so much opposition, you want to have hopes and you want to believe… That is admirable. Zekrom nudged him on the shoulder. Whatever you choose, N, I am by your side.

He felt Zoroark tense under his hold. Zekrom, I understand you mean well, she tensely muttered, but you are filling his head with false hopes. He will march to the rhythm a lonesome defeat at your words and then Unova will suffer the consequences. Is it blind faith you want to have binding our plan together? She anxiously nuzzled N when she felt his hold tighten uncomfortably at her discouraging words. I'm sorry, N, just… this isn't realistic. You must understand that!

With all due respect, Zekrom huffed, blind faith is what allowed the Hero of Truths to rise victorious the last time he faced N and Ghetsis… Perhaps we should take a leaf out of his book. Perhaps we should give N a chance, Zoroark.

N ran a hand through Zoroark's mane again. I know you're scared, Zoroark… I am too. I just… I don't want this to end in senseless bloodshed and destruction…

She sagged beneath him and shook her head. For Unova's sake and yours, I hope you are right, N… But like Zekrom, I am with you to the end. No matter your choice.

Feeling overwhelmed with emotion, N almost cried, "Thank you… thank you, Zoroark. Zekrom. Both of you."

"Did you guys hear that?" Hugh asked as he faltered, cocking his head.

"You're not a Stoutland. You can't cock your head to try to hear better," Rosa teased as she sauntered ahead of him.

"W-well! Did you?"

Nate was lagging behind them and wanted to gag at the way Rosa seemed to tease him. Hugh had also been pressing her, almost irritatingly, with constant chatter about anything and everything, like he wanted her to tell him something, but he didn't know what. It was sickening and gross and part of him wanted to hit Hugh over the head with something to make him just stop. He was feeling that familiar, sharp feeling of aggravation he had used to feel for Hugh constantly.

Of course, he wasn't entirely certain yet if he was misreading the situation—they had clearly talked about something in his absence prior to heading to Route Six and Chargestone Cave, but there was no guarantee it was what his mind was honing in on—but he couldn't help but feel he was right. Blissfully unaware of the borderline jealous tension in the electrified air of Chargestone, Zeshi skipped happily at his side, but had also paused and flicked her ears as if listening for something closely at Hugh's words.

He had tried to tell Hugh and Rosa about Zeshi when he had met them at Chargestone's entrance, but after listening to them playfully banter, he had moodily decided to just tell them Rood had just asked him to take care of Zeshi for him, that he felt he didn't get out enough to keep her entertained. That was partially true, at least. He had balked at the idea of explaining his confrontation with Cobalion or that he was hearing voices at Zeshi's doing, and decided he'd perhaps tell them about that another time… Or maybe never. He was still considering how ridiculous it all sounded like he had back at the Seasonal Research Lab.

You're jealous, Zeshi's voice sang in his head suddenly. Apparently, she wasn't as blithely unaware as he thought.

"Am not," he growled under his breath at her without a second thought. "Shut it."

Rosa put her hands on her hips and interrupted his thoughts by loudly sighing. "I'm assuming you guys are in a hurry to get to Mistralton to take on Gym Leader Skyla, right?"

"Well… yes," Hugh answered immediately, cutting Nate off before he had a chance to answer. He pressed his lips to a thin line and cut his eyes at Hugh, who pressed on, "Why? I mean—I have some time, in case you want to… explain something." Hugh pointedly looked to Rosa as he said the last line.

She raised a brow at him. "Nope," she answered with enough fake sweetness to choke on. "I just wanted to hang out here and train a while longer. Maybe catch a Joltik or maybe even a Galvantula if I'm lucky. I'll catch up with you guys."

"Are you sure?" Hugh anxiously pressed, getting a little uncomfortably close to her face.

"Yes, Hugh," Rosa rolled her eyes.

"I'm just saying, if you need any—"

"She said she's fine," Nate snapped, marching past them both. Maybe in Mistralton they can even share a room together, Nate thought bitterly, might resolve some of the tension in the air because I feel like it's not all just electricity. "Come on, Hugh."

Reluctantly, Hugh followed and tossed over his shoulder, "Alright… Just… Rosa? Call if you need anything, okay?"

"Gotcha. Seeya, Hugh."

After a few awkward minutes, where they neared the end of Chargestone Cave, Nate abruptly turned to Hugh, unable to hold his tongue any longer. Zeshi whimpered defeatedly from his heels and Spacey, who had been asleep on his shoulders, woke and shook her head at him almost disappointedly. "So. What did you two talk about in Driftveil while I was away?" Nate asked bitingly.

Yeah. No jealousy there, Zeshi snickered and raced ahead of him.

Nate glared after her. I will make her into a Zorua-skin rug at this rate.

Of course, Hugh's response slapped all the jealousy out of Nate's mind and replaced it with a flood of defensive worry. "She told me something a little worrying, if I'm honest," Hugh admitted quietly, hands stuffed into his pockets. Ivy was following at his heels, eyeing Zeshi cautiously. "She… she asked a few weird hypothetical questions. Like, said she was dealing with a dilemma where… if she did something, someone else might get hurt, but if she didn't, she might get hurt instead. I'm really worried about her, but she won't tell me a thing…" He nervously surveyed Nate for his reaction. "I keep trying to offer to help, but… she just tells me to leave her alone."

"She's… she's in trouble? With what?" Nate asked worriedly, slowing to a stop. With a pang of guilt, he thought back to her claim that she was just stressed over the Neo Plasma situation with Hugh… Had they been so enthralled by that adventure that they had failed to notice something obviously wrong with her? What… sort of dilemma could cause that situation that she had described, though…?

"I just said I don't know," Hugh said glumly. "And… I think maybe she is right… I should just leave it alone." He looked to his shoes.

"What are you talking about?" Nate shot a look over his shoulder, back where they had left Rosa, suddenly feeling the itch to return to her side. "She's—she needs help with something, and you think you should just leave it alone? What sense does that make?"

"She told me to and…" Hugh clenched his jaw and shook his head frustratedly, pausing just a few paces ahead of Nate. "Do I need to keep reminding you of what happens to people I try to 'help?' If she needs help, then it's not me she needs to get it from. You'd probably be better." He scuffed the toe of his shoe against the rock underfoot. "She likes you more anyway, I'm sure, and… and I've got my own problems!" He stamped that foot suddenly and looked toward the exit of Chargestone. "I've got to take care of Neo Plasma and find my Trapinch, and my sister's Purrloin!"

Nate wanted to rip all his hair out. "And we're back to the Purrloin," he muttered to himself. Louder, he sighed. "Alright, look. Let's just… go to Mistralton, settle in, and I'll try and talk to her at the hostel."

"I'm gonna head straight for Gym Leader Skyla," Hugh said matter-of-factly. "I don't have time to waste."

Whatever, Hugh. Nate wearily nodded. "Alright."

Nate felt a little gross for the sense of relief he felt at the news. Rosa was in some sort of trouble… He shouldn't have felt that upon learning it… Of course, he secretly knew that wasn't the reason he was relieved.

It was because he was glad he had misunderstood Hugh's sudden interest in Rosa.