This. Chapter. Took. Forever. To. Write.

But here it is!

P.S. Depending on my laziness, I should have this whole thing finished fairly soon (currently working on chapter 17, and I'm thinking there'll be about 18 chapters… so yeah…)

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Triforce to find! …Damn stupid evil skeletons, think theycanstopme and my elf-y ears…

Chapter Thirteen- Guilt

-N's PoV-

Silence enveloped the regal plaza-like building surrounding me, as a flame-headed man collapsed onto the floor with a quiet thump in the distance. A slick smile crept onto my face as a sudden gust whipped my unruly, tea-green hair behind me, the vast black creature before me letting out a shrill cry of victory as it towered high above everything else in the spacious arena.

"I guess you're not as powerful as you had thought, Champion…" I grunted slyly at the man, who could only attempt to push his exhausted body from the hard marble floor, sweat rolling from his face as he panted heavily.

How pitiful- defeated so easily in his own home, barely even putting up a fight as Zekrom and I shot down each and every one of his pokemon in succession, barely even breaking a sweat. Such a pathetic excuse for a trainer didn't deserve to call himself Champion… but that didn't matter anymore. Unova had a new Champion now…

"You can't do this, N!" Alder barked viciously from his position on the tiles, his face red and his eyes blood-shot and wearied.

Strolling forwards several paces to pat my beloved dragon approvingly on his massive leg, I snickered once more. "Oh, I think I can, Alder," I laughed, fixing my cap atop my head. "If I'm not mistaken, oh mighty ex-Champion, I've defeated you, which means, as current Champion, I now have power over the entire Pokemon League, and soon, all of Unova. How does it feel knowing you failed in saving your country?"

Pushing himself feebly onto his knees, he narrowed his eyes at me, his face crinkling as he glared at me with seething hatred. "White will defeat you. She has the Light Stone, and I'll bet she's on her way up here right now to stop you, you disgusting beast."

A calmer smile slithered onto my face, and I turned to face the entrance pillars of the plaza, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my sweet angel, who I knew would be here any minute.

I'd been furious when Father attempted to scare her away with a frightening news announcement, though I knew she was too headstrong to give up. "You're right, I must wait for my darling princess…" I purred, causing Alder to growl furiously with rage. "…you'd better say goodbye to her when she arrives, because after this, she'll be coming to live with me forever, where none of you sorry excuses for humans can hurt her anymore."

"Monster!" the failed-Champion screeched, his voice growing strained as he coughed out wheezy breaths, his body becoming weaker with every rasped one. So useless- he'd be one of the first I'd exile once Team Plasma gained rule over Unova…

Behind me, Zekrom roared wrathfully, his distressed screeches echoing loudly through the open-roofed arena and out across the murky sky surrounding the Pokemon League. 'She is coming, Master…" he informed me as he pounded his heavy claw against the marble tiles and stretched his enormous black wings out threateningly. My eyes widened as I focused my attention towards the entrance, the peak of a colossal set of stone stairs I now knew White was climbing, and grinned eagerly, desperately waiting for my princess to arrive and set her future in stone.

"You're despicable…" Alder snarled, clutching his side painfully, as he finally collapsed onto the floor in a pitiful heap, his breathing erratic and heavy. I ignored him totally, my heartbeat suddenly accelerating as my ears picked up the distant sound of thunderous footsteps storming up the stairway, coming closer with every second. I could feel Zekrom tensing from behind me as the Light Hero finally arrived at the summit of the stairs, her frail legs wobbling beneath her exhausted body and her face bright-red and sweaty. Her ponytail was a tangled heap behind her, with unruly strands of tousled chestnut strands poking up in all directions, yet despite her chaotic appearance, her amazing baby-blue eyes still sparkled with such eagerness and hope; although this time there was prominent fury evident in those shining crystal orbs.

"Hello, my beauty…" I greeted her, as she staggered forwards furiously, her angry eyes locked with mine. When she caught sight of Alder lying in a heap behind me, she froze instantly, her mouth flinging open and her eyes narrowing to slits. "I see you've made it passed the Elite Four. Do you like what I've done?"

"Y-you beast!" she screeched suddenly, causing Zekrom to growl lowly, eyeing her viciously with his penetrating crimson eyes. She continued to leer at me, the wind blowing her mane to the side as she stood strong several yards away. "You're a monster, N! A malicious monster for doing this!"

I only smirked, tugging the visor of my cap over my eyes. "Oh, I think you'll begin to see differently once Team Plasma takes over…" I hissed, to which she ground her teeth tenaciously, a snarl emanating from her throat. Yes, after so long, she would finally see what was right, because I was going to make her see.

"NOW, ZEKROM!"

At my signal, the legendary black dragon let out a ferocious roar, stretching its enormous body as several bolts of bright-blue lightning shot from its wings and a deafening roll of thunder rumbled in the suddenly black sky above. A tremendous gust thrashed through the arena, causing White to skid back several paces on her heels as she attempted to shield herself from the vicious wind, her hair whipping behind her face as my dragon continued to scream irately.

"It will soon be time, White…" I shouted through the wind, stretching a long arm in the air and pointing north-east at a massive grey building looming in the distance. "That's my castle, darling, our castle. That's where we're going to have our final battle, the battle to end all battles!"

"I'll destroy you!" she shrieked crossly, trying in vain to charge through the harsh wind as I slowly mounted Zekrom, another roll of thunder reverberating across the sky.

"You can try, princess, if you really think you can defeat me without Reshiram, like The Shadow Triad has informed me…" I chuckled darkly, tightening my grip on Zekrom's enormous body. "But once you step inside that castle, you won't get to leave… ever…"

"I'LL WIN, YOU PIG!" she screeched defiantly, rushing to the collapsed Champion as Zekrom quickly propelled into the thunderous sky, emanating stinging sparks of electricity as it did so.

As the figures disappeared beneath me, I couldn't supress the fiendish grin that was slowly growing on my face. It was unbelievable- for the first time, everything was coming together nicely; my plan to save the pokemon was in full bloom, the Pokemon League was impendingly crumbling to dust right before me eyes and White, the one I needed the most, was quickly falling into my arms, where she would stay forever. In a matter of hours, the perfect world I'd worked so strenuously to create would become a reality, and all of Unova would fall before their new king; me.

'I have done well, yes, Master?' Zekrom asked, zooming through the murky, black sky towards the enormous castle in the distance, an even stronger gust of harsh wind lashing against his sturdy body as he flew.

"Of course, my friend…" I assured him approvingly, stroking the back of his neck lovingly. "You've done exceptionally well, and now you must rest for our next battle…"

The giant black dragon nodded his enormous head, as the stone roof of the castle appeared beneath us. Suddenly swooping low, the pokemon let out another fierce roar to notify the inhabitants of the castle we'd arrived, and, with a deafening thump, quickly landed itself on the concrete landing area to the west of the castle, designed mainly for helicopter's use. As arranged, a large group consisting of Father, several sages and dozens of grunts, were already lined up along the edge of the runway, patiently awaiting our arrival. There were several claps as I quickly dismounted Zekrom, and with a final reassuring pat, withdrew him to his pokeball.

As I began to stroll towards the group of cheering followers, the first thing that struck me was the erratic, approving smile on Father's face as he took several steps forward to greet me. Ghetsis Harmonia didn't smile, not out of happiness. Ever.

"Excellent, my son…" he hissed proudly, his arms folded beneath his elaborate robes. Although he should have been pleased with my obvious victory, it wasn't very long before his smile twisted into an amused smirk, that haunting, brazen glint flickering in his eye. "I trust your little princess is currently on her way over…?"

I nodded mutely, growing agitated that he was once more discussing her like he knew her. I hated hearing him say her name or talking about her as if he actually cared about her, when I knew all too well he only saw her as nothing more than a toy to keep me happy, just another pawn in his never-ending game.

He exhaled grumpily, annoyed with my lack of communication, and tossed his robe over himself tighter. "You must be tired, my son. You must rest for your next battle."

Stuffing my hands inside my pockets casually, I began strolling through the crowd of followers, my eyelids growing heavy as a result of the last three arduous hours I'd endured at the League. "Send Anthea and Concordia to care for White when she arrives," I called to my father, who was now following slowly behind me. Glancing upwards at the remaining sages and grunts, I narrowed my eyes threateningly. "Every single one of you is to treat your future queen with respect when she arrives, do I make myself clear?"

There was an instant chorus of "Yes, your majesty!" as I quietly slipped through the glass doors leading into my castle.

Inhaling the familiar aromatic scent of my home, I glided through the glistening marble hallways, wiping away beads of sweat as I did. Beneath me, mud from my shoes was trailing on the regal, cobalt carpet, but I had more important things to worry about now than stains.

"Nervous?" Father piped up from behind me, causing me to slouch forward further at the sound of his chilling voice.

"Of course not…" I muttered groggily, occupying myself as I walked by staring blankly at the ornate paintings hanging on the walls. He grunted from behind me, and I could tell that arrogant smirk was plastered on his face. "…good…"

I turned a corner leading into yet another gleaming hallway, this one crowned by a decorative, shimmering river encrusted with golden lining, which ran along the edge of the hall and gave view into the corresponding hallway on the other side. Huffing in exhaustion, I continued striding towards the lounge in the distance, hoping for my father to stop asking stupid questions and just leave.

No such luck, of course, as, dissatisfied with my reactions, he sauntered forwards until he was walking right beside me, that arrogant smirk plastered all over his face. "Well, then you must be excited. This forthcoming battle should be… interesting…"

I nodded blankly, arriving at my destination and briskly yanking the heavy, ornate door open, my arms becoming weaker as I did so. "I must rest now, Father…" I mumbled half-heartedly, avoiding his gaze as I stepped half-way between the doorway and held the large door inwards so he couldn't follow. Thankfully, he didn't push conversation any further, and with a final amused grunt, he stepped backwards casually.

"Of course. You must regain your energy, my son…" he uttered grumpily, his robes swishing as he turned to head back down the grand corridor. "Do take care, then…"

Before he'd even finished his sentence, I'd already dived into the room, slamming the door shut and swiftly locking it behind me. I sighed heavily, yanking my cap off and tossing it into a corner as I breathed in the welcoming air of the lounge, which was a wide, cozy room decorated with plush, pastel sofas and completed by a homely fire flickering in the hearth at the top of the room. Murky light from the dim sky outside seeped in through an enormous panel of windows that stretched the entire eastern wall, and, like the hallways, elaborate paintings were decked perfectly along the other walls, the haunting eyes of the portraits seeming to actually stare into me.

Suddenly remembering how the windows on this side of the castle gave a view of the castle entrance, I instantly dashed to them, pressing my hands against the glass as I peered out onto the

shadowy depths below. Sure enough, there she was, cautiously edging closer to the enormous entrance door with her fists clenched, anxiously eyeing the many guards stationed there, who, following their previously-given orders, did nothing to stop the soon-to-be queen in her in her path towards the doorway.

And then, a sudden, foreign emotion rippled through me, lingering in my gut like a heavy rock as I staggered backwards in disarray from the window. It was as if part of me was screaming out for White to run away while she still could and not to step foot inside the castle, as if this side of me actually wanted her to leave and not destroy he life as she knew it by coming to be with me. The feeling in my stomach was sickening, and worsened with every step she took towards the doorway, her eager eyes examining the great, golden-inscribed doorway, so unsure of what to do next.

I watched on, the emotion crippling me, as the door was opened from the inside, most likely by Anthea or Concordia, and White suddenly disappeared into the castle. Before I knew what was happening, I'd already collapsed back onto the soft, pale-blue sofa behind me, my face buried in my hands and immense pain flowing through every inch of me.

I'd done this to her… I'd condemned her to a life of imprisonment inside these castle walls, all because I was a selfish brute who wanted her for myself. I'd put the one I loved the most through unbearable anxiety, and now I'd trapped her here for the rest of her life because I really was a monster; a sick, defective monster who didn't deserve someone as amazing as her…

My head throbbed as I clutched it between my hands, desperately trying to shake this repulsive emotion that was weighing me down and tainting the flawless future I'd spent so long planning out. Why were these depressing thoughts coming to me now, when I'd already calculated everything perfectly? Everything was just beginning to fit nicely together now, yet the lingering pain inside of me still begged for it all to stop. The future I'd envisioned was becoming a reality, but instead of feeling overjoyed, I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. This was all because of her, because I'd listened to my father's plans, and now I was being forced to hurt her. She was going to despise me forever, because I'd taken away all that was precious to her.

Because I was selfish.

Unable to withstand the stress, I slowly sank back against the sofa until my body was lying limply against the soft fabric. Clasping my eyes shut, I tried to fight off the excruciating pain in my temples, failing instantly as it practically consumed me. I wheezed out a heavy, wearied breath as my body slowly and gradually immersed into the comforting sanctuary of sleep.

-Black's PoV-

My legs were too slow, too weak. They were practically useless lumps of flesh beneath me that seemed to totally ignore the instructions my brain was so sternly issuing them to go faster, only dragging my body down defiantly, unwilling to trudge on through the consuming darkness that surrounded me. But while my body demanded me to stop, my head directed otherwise. My mind was witlessly screaming for me to keep going, to keep pushing myself until the light finally appeared to signal the exit of Victory Road, where I could finally stop, if only for a short minute. But there was no light in the distance, not even a speck of brightness to tell me I was nearly there, almost within reach of my sister. We'd been running senselessly for 4 hours now, and still, no light.

"Is… is he… mad… or… something?" my ears picked up a very-exhausted Iris whispering from several paces behind me, her voice dry as bark and her breathing rugged.

"I... think so…" That was Bianca, whose voice was as equally drained and shattered, as she and the other two, Iris and Cheren, all lagged behind, desperately trying to keep up pace with me and failing.

"He's… way past the point of… just mad…" Cheren muttered inaudibly, as I managed to summon an extra ounce of strength and pushed my body a little faster, a large bead of sweat dropping from my forehead and splattering onto the ground. "…he's a freaking lunatic…"

The thumping of my pulse rang in my ears and my bag thudded against my body with every stride, though I ignored these frustrating distractions. I had to keep focused, I had to keep driven, for White's sake. I wasn't going to leave her to face a life-changing challenge alone, not ever. I was going to get to her as soon as I possibly could, and stop that evil ass from stealing her. I'd failed my sister once before, 11 years, 3 months and 2 weeks ago, when she'd tripped over those rocks because I wasn't looking after her, and there was no way in hell I was going to fail her again.

My chest heaved up and down roughly, my breathing coming in short, quick pants as I sprinted on through the jagged cavern, tired, brown eyes desperately scanning the distance for any sign of light. Slowing my pace only briefly to wipe away a bead of clammy sweat, I allowed myself to think back over the gruelling past day and a half I'd endured under this perpetual, immense pressure.

I hadn't slept last night, not one wink. For eight and a half harrowing, never-ending hours, I'd rolled around in my uncomfortable, tiny bed in the Pokemon Centre, roughly kicking off covers and burying my head between pillows, trying to avert my thoughts from the dark possibilities that consisted to seep into my mind. Before the dim, morning rays of the sun had barely even risen from behind a grey covering of thick clouds, I was up, forcefully shoving clothes into my bag, ready for departure once our final gym badges had been earned.

I'd been training my team harder than ever over the last three days, and it must have been working, because we eventually managed to defeat Drayden, earning us the final and most sought-after gym badge in the Pokemon League. Under normal circumstances, I'd have exploded with happiness over the fact that I, who up until just a few months ago had been an idiotic teen who spent most of the day playing video-games, had beaten Drayden, the strongest gym-leader in Unova, but instead of being ecstatic, I failed to feel even the slightest bit of pride in my accomplishment, as if the whole thing had been nothing more than a necessary step in helping my sister.

Our entire journey had been ruined, all because of that green-headed freak. Instead of it being the eye-opening adventure I'd spent all my life waiting for, like it was supposed to have been, the whole thing had mutated into a grim nightmare, our previously-tiny worlds blown up right before our eyes. Though a large part of me ached at the thought, I wished the four of us had never even set out on the damned thing, that maybe our lives would be so much easier right now if we hadn't. Maybe this was the universe's way of telling us we just weren't meant to leave our hometown, that our lives' plan was simply to stay in that tiny village all our lives and spend each day slowly rotting, the same monotonous routine day after day. Maybe we just weren't meant to have interesting lives, and maybe I'd prefer that to this torture...

"LIGHT!" Bianca suddenly shrieked, racing forward eagerly to grab my elbow and jerk me along, determination set onto her face. Pulling myself from my thoughts at the sound of her voice, I was hit by a flood of relief at the sight of a faint, silver glow looming in the distance. My face lighting up instantly, I charged forwards, startling the petite blonde and causing her to stumble behind me, still clutching at my arm, as I dashed ahead uncontrollably, the fatigued clenching in my throat and chest seeming to fade away.

The sound of swift footsteps clinking against the stone ground echoed through the tunnel as the four of us, with me stampeding determinedly ahead in a sudden burst of energy, rocketed towards the approaching light, our exhausted minds solely focused now on our impending destination; the gateway of the Pokemon League. Feeling the last of several beads of sweat trickle down my temple, I forced my worn-out body forwards with a final, severe push, the darkness of the cave suddenly becoming replaced with all-consuming light as I yanked a startled Bianca in my wake through the exit of the tunnel.

Letting go of the blonde and sinking quickly onto my knees in pure lethargy to gather my breath and calm my racing heartbeat, it wasn't long before the flash of brilliant, white light slowly began to fade to an ominous greyness as the depressing sky above was revealed, the darkness of its murky black stormclouds seeming only to add to the overall atmosphere. Pressing my arms against the rocky floor beneath me, I indrew sharp, husky breaths, my head spinning having run for so long. Both my pokemon and I were well and truly worn out, and, I realised, these few precious seconds would be the most time I'd get in the next few hours to compose myself. Blinking rapidly to adjust my eyes to the light, I glanced upwards at the awe-inspiring sight before me.

The Pokemon League was everything and more I'd imagined it to be. Sitting proudly atop a regal, marble stairway, its majestic walls glistened, even in dull weather, and the tall, imperial arches surrounding the imposing towers shimmered, reflecting off green-tinted light. The building itself consisted of several lean towers centred around a large courtyard, itself crowned by an amazing marble statue of some sort of knight, (a grim reprepsentation of current dilemmas, though beautiful no less.) Ever since I was a child, I'd dreamed of this moment. The day I reached the Pokemon League.

Although, in the many childhood fantasies I'd had, I'd never have imagined this astounding moment would ever be under such hectic circumstances. Glancing at the trio behind me, I could see instantly in their sullen faces they felt the same way. For Cheren especially, I knew, this must be a hard blow. As kids, we'd prattled on incessantly to each other about how we were going to defeat the Champion when we grew up and become the most powerful trainers in all the world. Who'd have ever known that the day we eventually got there, it would be to stop an evil organisation, not fulfil the dream we'd shared for so long?

Meeting my gaze, Cheren nodded knowingly, his eyes flickering behind the frames of his glasses. "Okay, Black?" he asked, as I turned away and gritted my teeth in thought, trying to decide on what to do next.

"Of course…" I muttered noncommittally, taking a few unsure steps forwards towards the massive building in front of me.

"So…" Bianca whistled, scratching the back of her head as she surveyed the desolate sight before us. "…where exactly is White supposed to be?"

I opened my mouth, only realising several seconds later I had no idea myself. I figured she would have set out to take on the League fairly early, and as it was now nearing half-seven, I could only imagine what had happened to her. As there were no signs of Team Plasma to be seen anywhere, I guessed (and hoped) that she might just be with Alder, safe and away from N or anyone else from that Arceus-forsaken organisation.

"Hey…" Iris noticed, stepping forwards to point out the faint outline of something colourful beneath one of the many arches in the courtyard. "…Isn't that… Alder?"

Crap.

Squinting, I could about make out the shape of the Champion's bright-orange hair as he appeared to be leaning limply against one of the pillars, his face clenched in a distressed scowl. Double-crap. Biting my lip anxiously, I let out a low moan. Of course White couldn't have stayed with him. That wouldn't have given me a sufficiently painful migraine.

Glancing sideways quickly at each other, we took off into a gentle sprint up the enormous stairway, but as Alder's full, afflicted figure came into closer view, it wasn't long before we were full-out pounding our ways up to the top of the stairway. A harsh wind suddenly picking up, we skidded to a halt several paces away from the Champion, whose face was sunken and a ghastly-pale as he leaned awkwardly against the arch, the life seeming to be drawn out of him.

"ALDER!" Iris shrieked, dashing towards the collapsed older man and grabbing him forcefully by the neck of his bright, woollen shirt, shaking him madly as his eyelids began to droop. "Wake up! It's me, Iris!"

His mouth flapping open limply, he blinked several times, only noticing after a couple of seconds who he was talking to. "Iris...?" he mouthed, his eyes seeming glazed over in a dull glassy coat. "…Iris… Drayden's girl..."

"Yes!" Iris uttered, a little perplexed as to why he was acting so strangely. "Alder, come on, wake up! What happened?"

"N… N was too strong… and Z-zekrom…" He winced at the mention of the legendary dragon, clutching painfully at his side as he sank back further against the pillar. "Too many… sparks… so much pain…"

N must have ordered Zekrom to paralyse him. That much made sense, I realised, as I watched the once-powerful man crippled over on himself in a distraught wreck. A low growl emanating from my throat as that green-haired monster's face appeared in my mind, I rushed closer to the man, concern for my sister's wellbeing now taking over me.

"White! Where is she, Alder?" I demanded a little vigorously, my teeth ground together in a painful clench. He took a few seconds to register my face, before slowly opening his mouth to reply.

"She… she left… for… that castle…" he groaned, pointing a feeble arm to the distance, where an imposing, majestic palace stood tall atop a steep mountain, crowned by a veil of thick, ivory storm-clouds. "…she's going to…fight…him…" Alder just about finished his sentence before blurting out a shrill grimace, his face clenching as he gripped his side. "…j-just go, children, l-leave…me…"

"We can't do that…" Cheren declared, crouching down to his knees until he was level with him as the Champion lay crippled on the stone floor. "We won't leave you, Alder."

"Just go you idiots!" Alder spat in reply, his face reddening as it twisted into an even deeper scowl. "This is more important than me!" Puffing out an exhausted breath, he allowed himself to lie completely limp on the stone ground, the only movement that of his chest swiftly rising up and down.

The four of us glanced horrifiedly at one another, disillusioned that the man we'd once seen as amazingly powerful and wise was now utterly destroyed, all thanks to the monster who was about to do the same to White. Inside my chest, my heart pounded vigorously against my ribcage as I gazed from the distraught man to the castle in the distance, another hard lump catching in my throat.

"I… I'll get him to safety…" Bianca announced after many moments of silent uncertainty, moving forwards to carefully shift the burly man from the floor. He winced, propping himself against her, as she shakily clambered to her feet, his muscular arm wrapped around her tiny shoulders.

"You can't do that!" I exclaimed, only realising moments later that what I was saying sounded incredibly selfish. Brushing off the sharp glares Iris and Cheren shot me, I gulped. I didn't exactly know why I wanted Bianca to stay so badly, but one thing that was for sure was that I didn't want to leave anyone else behind, not when danger was so heightened. For all we knew, N could have already sent out an order to his mindless drones to capture us, how could we leave Bianca to fend for herself if that was the case? "I…I mean…" I muttered lamely, looking away as she staggered back several paces under Alder's weight. "White needs you…"

"That doesn't matter!" she insisted gruffly, gaining her balance as she began to shuffle awkwardly towards the Pokemon Center used by trainers preparing to challenge the League in the distance, her frail body seeming to weaken with every step. "She needs as many of us as possible, and if I stay, that means you three can go on ahead, so just go, okay! Stop N, and bring White back safe. Please…"

I opened my mouth to contest, but stopped once I noticed the newfound headstrong glint smouldering within her emerald eyes, somehow convincing me she knew what she was doing. I nodded, letting her know I approved, before she turned away and continued to hobble off towards the Center, leaving Iris, Cheren and I alone with the forceful breeze whipping against our faces.

"I think that's the noblest thing I've ever seen her do…" Cheren uttered, his raven-black hair shrouding his face as the wind knocked it about crazily. I nodded, pausing for a few seconds to inhale before my eyes darted back towards the large, grey palace lingering atop the cliff edge in the background, like a stormcloud itself as it loomed hauntingly over us.

"That's where White and N are gonna battle, isn't it?" Iris questioned, biting down on her lip, an identical uneasy feeling no doubt lingering in her stomach also, as her wide eyes scanned the threatening building above us.

"I guess it is…" I mumbled, dipping my hand swiftly into my pocket to remove my Braviary's pokeball. "And that's where we're going right now…"

-N's PoV-

The quaint, cosy lounge on the opposite side of the castle was eerily quiet as I gently pushed the heavy door open and shut it gingerly behind me, being careful not to disturb the utter silence in the tranquil room. Breathing in the soft, warm air, my eyes darted towards the fireplace flickering against the wall, before finally landing on the back of the sofa at the opposite side of the room, which was faced away from me. My body becoming motionless as my ears picked up the gentle sound of calm breathing emanating from behind the seat, a familiar pang of guilt rose in my chest, though this time accompanied by a soothing feeling coursing through me at the fact that White was peacefully resting and unaware that I'd entered the room.

The only sound that of my feet trailing across the soft carpet and White's gentle breathing, I quietly edged towards the sofa, my throat tightening as her still body came into view, totally limp as she lay sound asleep, a soft, baby-blue pillow wrapped firmly between her arms. Her chocolate hair was fluffy and fell in soft curls around her peaceful face, as opposed to the unkempt mass of wild brunette locks from earlier. Anthea and Concordia had been taking good care of her, I could see, transforming her back into the perfect princess she truly was. A sigh escaping my lips, I gently sat myself down on the sturdy wooden table opposite the sofa, simply staring at her as she momentarily stirred, only to sink back more comfortably into her pillow.

Why did I have to do this to her? Why did I have to put her through such pain, when all she wanted was simply to live a normal life with her family and friends? She didn't deserve to be put under such pressure, yet I continued to do so day after day, by pushing her into fighting back, convincing her that she actually stood a chance, even when Reshiram refused to stand next to her and all hope was lost. Even through all of this, she still stood, still determinedly charging forwards, refusing to believe for one second that she would lose. She was a perfect angel, a bright light on a grim world, but I was a selfish monster; because I wanted her to be my perfect angel.

Outstretching my hand carefully, I tenderly ran my finger along her rosy cheek, a smile forming as I watched her twitch her nose quirkily. Yawning sluggishly, she tucked her legs in closer to her chest, nestling her fluffy head deeper into her pillow as the smile on my face was replaced by a remorseful frown, my mind suddenly filling with thoughts of the difficult hours lying ahead. Biting my lip, I withdrew my hand and used it to wipe the beads of sweat off my exhausted face. I knew that coming here would only worsen the unbearable guilt lingering like a rock in my stomach, but after awakening from my restless sleep almost an hour ago, I couldn't take it knowing she was so close, and eventually gave in to my weakness, making my way towards the lounge where the goddesses of Team Plasma had been caring for her and preparing her for the impending battle.

My attention was drawn as the door at the opposite end of the room slowly creaked open, and a woman with long, violet hair dressed in angelic white robes entered, her face sinking instantly as she caught sight of me.

"My lord!" Anthea called, her voice dry, as she scurried frantically into the room, still being careful as not to awaken the sleeping teen. "Sincerest apologies, my dear king, I'd only stepped put momentarily to tend to other matters. I've been taking care of her, I swear…" Her normally warm and comforting eyes were strained and weary as she spoke, leading me to wonder why. Anthea, along with Concordia, had always kept calm and collected through even the tensest of situations for the last 18 years, which led me to believe that events to come were having just as much an effect on them as they were having on me.

I flashed a reassuring smile at the woman who'd cared for me all my life. "I can see that. Thank you very much, Anthea."

The older woman sighed in relief, before cautiously tiptoeing towards where White lay, checking on her before gingerly taking a seat next to her sleeping body. "You should be resting, my king…" she lectured with a tired sigh, taking a cloth from the table and gently dabbing it across White's forehead. Still, the sleeping girl did not stir, only continuing to breathe in and out peacefully.

"I couldn't…" I sighed dispiritedly, slouching forwards as Anthea stared across at me strangely.

"Are you worried, my lord? Because you need not be anxious over the battle to come, for you shall win for sure. Reshiram has not yet even awoken."

"I'm not nervous…" I insisted, glancing across at White as she mumbled in her sleep. "Just…" I began, before falling silent as Anthea stopped to gaze into me, her lip bitten. Anthea didn't bite her lip, not ever.

"Guilty…" she whispered, almost inaudibly, her melodic voice cracking as she spoke. I rested my chin between my hands, feeling Anthea's eyes on me as my frown deepened. I nodded in silence, unable to avert my gaze from the sleeping girl opposite me.

Anthea sighed again, placing the cloth back on the table and picking up a brush before, for what must have been the tenth time that day, running it softly through White's hair. "Please do not be sad, my king…" she murmured, an identical frown crossing her face.

I shook my head, my eyes flickering shut as I buried my face in my hands. "I'm destroying her life, Anthea. She never wanted any of this, this is all my doing."

"This is her… destiny…" Anthea assured me, though the downtrodden tone in her soft voice suggested she didn't have as much faith in her words, her voice wavering as she spoke. "It's her destiny to be… your queen… and r-rule Unova…"

I in-drew a sharp breath, stopping to gaze from the bleak view beyond the window, to Anthea and finally White. I would give anything to be in the sanctuary of sleep right now, blissfully unaware of current events. "But…" I mumbled, swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth. "…she… she won't be happy as my queen… will she?"

The older woman paused for many seconds, her eyes focusing blankly on the hairbrush she held between her fingers. "…Maybe not at first…" she all-but-whispered, exhaling exasperatedly. "….but eventually… Eventually she'll realise that she's lucky to be our queen, and she'll accept her new life. We'll just have to wait till that day…"

"And she'll cry, won't she? Because she'll be heartbroken when she loses, and she'll be heartbroken when she can't see her family. I just can't stand to see her cry, Anthea. What am I supposed to do then?"

"You'll just have to wait until she comes to terms with it all…" she whispered, tucking a wisp of the young girl's hair out of her face carefully. "S-she'll be happy soon, my lord. Because she loves you…"

I shook my head angrily, my brow furrowing. "She doesn't love me, not anymore," I stated coldly, my heart seeming to gain a pound in weight with every word. "How could she still, after all I've done? I'm a monster, Anthea…"

"How dare you say such things!" Anthea snapped, only realising seconds later her sharp tone could've awoken White. Glancing sideways, she watched the teenager only twitch momentarily before falling sedentary once again. "I-I won't allow anyone to speak like that about my dear king…" she snarled, this time in a much lower voice. "…no less he himself, for my king is a beautiful young man with a true, innocent heart. My king is deeply in a love with a kind, young girl, and would never do anything to hurt her, because my king is a noble and caring person."

I only snapped my eyes shut as she spoke, wishing, for the first time in my life, that I could just tell Anthea to stop talking. I didn't want to listen to her lies anymore, I just couldn't take it. Since I'd set out on this journey, I'd changed into an almost unrecognisable person, my old self, so childish and innocent to the ways of the world seeming only a shadow against this new-born beast of a human being. Over the last three months, I'd discovered the true darkness of jealously, greed, hatred, and so many more sickening emotions, and their pain had transformed me into a person I despised, a sickening person who brought only hurt and suffering to the heart of the one he loved.

My eyes flickered open as I felt Anthea's warm fingers gently intertwining with mine. She smiled caringly at me, her kind eyes seeming glazed over in a still, misty veil as she took firm hold of my hand. "You are a beautiful person, N, no matter how you might feel inside. White can see that, that is why she loves you…"

"She'll despise me completely, after this…"

"She won't, I know that…" Anthea insisted, the tiniest of silver tears slowly trickling down her cheek. "For no matter the outcome of this battle, win or lose, what's meant to happen will still happen, N… and you two are meant to be happy together. I-I know this for sure."

I stared at her for many agonising moments, playing the words over and over inside my mind and trying to make sense of them. I longed more than anything for her words to hold truth, yet still, the illogicality of the statement worried me.

"Thank you…" I whispered meekly, as I slowly ascended to my feet, Anthea squeezing my hand a final, soothing time before letting go. I exhaled heavily before gently turning to crouch down to where White lay motionless on the elaborate sofa, puffing out soft breaths. I took a second to simply stare at her, to take in her amazing beauty and to hate myself just that little bit more for doing all of this. In a few hours, I was going to have to see her cripple before me, her eyes overflown with stinging tears, then force her to watch as I stripped away all that was important to her in the world. She was going to scream out her brother's name desperately as I approached her and tried to take her away, then rebel by forcefully punching and kicking me until I had no choice but to let the guards take her to the dungeons, where she would spend the night tasting the bitterness of her tears in her mouth and listening to her distressed wails echo across the castle as the world outside her began to change. She was going to despise my very insides, till the end of time.

Fighting back tormented tears, I slowly and carefully leaned forwards to plant the gentlest of kisses on her forehead, silently begging for her to forgive me, as if she could actually hear my thoughts. "I love you…" I whispered softly, taking a second to breathe in her sweet aroma before pulling away as I brushed a stray strand of hair out of her angelic face. Rising to my feet once more, I sighed, realising she was never going to understand just how much I meant that.

"Please rest, my lord…" Anthea murmured as I began to make my way towards the doorway leading to the other side of the castle, a prominent frown lingering on my face. I cast a final glance back at her and the sleeping teenager, before huffly opening the door and shutting it quietly after myself, leaving myself alone in the empty corridor.

Outside the nearby pane of shimmering glass windows, the distant tower bell tolled loudly, resonating across the courtyard below to signal the arrival of 8 o'clock.

It would soon be time. Time for this era to end.

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