A Smile and A Song (N x Serena was-supposed-to-be-a-Oneshot)
Part 2-Poison Apple #1
N was nothing if not punctual. However, he didn't seem to enjoy himself much, and when Serena asked about this, he shrugged. "I like modern art better-there isn't much of it here."
"Modern art?" said Serena, "You mean those pretentious splotches even a child could probably do?"
"I don't see the splotches," said N, "to me, modern art is like a visual expression of mathematical formulas. Most people see a green blob here, a blue streak there...I see angles, vectors, coefficients...it's almost like a rush, to me."
"Oh really? Do you paint modern art, monsieur N?"
"No...music is my area. Some say mathematics is the universal language, and if it is, I feel it's spoken through music. Not a lot of people can appreciate modern art...but hardly anyone can fail to appreciate a beautiful sonata or ballad. My most popular composition is actually a piece in one of the operas in the Kalos region-"Valse du Furfrou". I sent it in using a pseudonym. Other than improving quality of life for all Pokemon, I'd love to write a symphony someday...um, I'm going on a lot, aren't I? What about you...what are your dreams?"
"I...I do not know," said Serena, "when I first started out, I wanted to be a champion because I seemed to understand battling better than almost anyone. But...now that that is fini, I...I do not know where to go from here."
Sensing her obvious discomfort, N shifted subjects. "Something I'm not clear on with the League Champions," he said, "you defeated Diantha, but she is still a Champion with all the official League duties that go with it? Does this mean you're not a champion somehow?"
"Ah, yes, zat is not something most people know," said Serena, "but in truth, in most leagues, there are champions, and then THE champion-the one who fulfills ze duty of ze League, such as accepting challenges and keeping ze peace. If Diantha is defeated, ze one who does can replace her-but I have no interest in such an office, so I am A champion, rather than ZE champion."
"Interesting," said N, "so...back then, I had the option to refuse the formal office...ah, I became "a" champion of the Unova League briefly, years ago...not really for the right reasons, it's a long story."
"A champion? With someone like Zekrom by your side, it's no wonder," said Serena, "but...I am getting bored with the paintings as well. There is a new exhibit on the top floor-shall we leave after a quick look at it?"
With a nod from N, they reached the exhibit-a painting larger and more grand than any other there. "The King, the Pokemon, and the Key," said the voice of the audio guide, "A painter in later years portrayed a king from 3,000 years in the past. Many of the episodes depicted in this painting differ from historical facts. For instance, we know that the king's dearest Pokémon was not at his side when he had the key to the ultimate weapon. Nevertheless, the painter's technique is outstanding."
"Ze...ultimate weapon..." said Serena, lost in a recent memory, "let us leave. I...need to be away from here."
At restaurant Le Wow, Serena would say nothing except letting a disappointed maitre'd know that she wouldn't be ordering a battle meal today. N was concerned. "Serena...are you all right?"
"Not really. That painting...it reminded me of the leader of Team Flare, Lysandre. He was an insane, nihilistic man...he revived ze very weapon the guide spoke of, and tried to use it to wipe out all life on Earth except for his team! It vas only with the blessing of Yveltal that I was able to stop him, with some help from friends."
"I see," said N, saddened, "He sounds almost as bad as my father. I was once the King of a group in Unova called Team Plasma...but HE was the de facto leader. He manipulated me from birth to love Pokemon and hate humans, for his own twisted, megalomaniacal goals. It was only just before it was too late that I finally realized that most Pokemon do benefit from being trained by humans. But even after that, he didn't stop...I NEVER thought he would go so far as what he did next...I'm sorry, I...don't think I can talk about it anymore."
"I can't either...I am sorry," said Serena as their food arrived.
"Let's...just forget that this part of the date happened, maybe," said N.
"Oui, that is best," said Serena.
They talked about more benign things all the way through dessert. "It is nice," said Serena, "zey encourage all trainers to order a Battle Meal here, so I never get a chance to order from ze normal menu."
N finished first. "This was wonderful, certain words that were not actually said notwithstanding," he said, "I'm afraid I'm leaving for Unova late tomorrow, but...I'd like to see you again, when I can."
"As would I, monsieur N," said Serena.
Next Day-Kalos Interregional Airport
N had just gotten out of his taxi when a white-haired man, garbed in ninja clothes, appeared before him. "Greetings, former Lord N," said the Shadow Triad member.
"What do YOU want?" said N, preparing to defend himself if needed, "As you said, my days as King are long gone."
"Indeed...our loyalty has always been to your father. He instructed me to assassinate you, and the other two to assassinate Serena, but I have seen things in Lord Ghetsis that the others of the Triad have not. His behavior is...strange, as though he desires now to cause suffering for its own sake rather than for a higher purpose. I do not feel loyal to this...new Ghetsis. Destruction without purpose is a worthless act, but the other two have not listened."
"Did...you say Serena will be killed?!" said N, eyes hardening.
"She will...unless you can save her. If you go to Vaniville Town by flight, you may have a chance. Before that...I must not be discovered. I ask that you...inflict some damage, to me."
Without further warning, the Triad member attacked-a purposely clumsy attack. N evaded and delivered a right hook to his gut, doubling him over. "Good luck, former Lord N. If I need your assistance again, I will contact you, using the name 'Hypotenuse' I will away now, to try to find the truth behind the change in Ghetsis."
With that, he vanished-and N called Zekrom. "To Vaniville, friend...and with all speed!" he said.
Vaniville Town-Serena's House
Serena was in trouble. She'd barely managed to detect her attackers in time to dodge a pair of throwing knives, and could only run and hide from them-she'd noticed those knives were poison soaked. She knew nothing about them, but one thing was certain-they weren't interested in battling with their Pokemon, but battling themselves-to her death. She dare not risk a Holocaster call for help, or they would find her from the dialing tone alone.
This hope lasted only a couple minutes-at which time they found her. There was now no escape-she resolved to do her best to take them down with her even if they got her with the poison-then she heard a voice from above. "ZEKROM! BOLT STRIKE, NOW!"
The two Triad members had no time to react as they were struck with approximately one frajillion volts.
"N?!" said Serena, "Wh...what is going on?"
"My father sent them. I don't know why...and I suspect THEY don't know why either," said N, dismounting from Zekrom. "They're called the Shadow Triad...only something seems to have fractured the three of them now." He explained his encounter with the other member at the airport. "So...I think I should extend my stay. I'll contact Alder and have him launch an investigation in Unova, and madame Diantha can spearhead the same in Kalos with our assistance. If my father is back and more psychotic than ever...I have a responsibility to help stop him."
"I...I am not sure I am up for zis," said Serena, "I am sorry...defeating Lysandre took a toll on me. I do not think I can help vous against Ghetsis, yet."
"I understand," said N, "It took me a while too, after my father's deception was laid bare to me. Don't worry...I'll protect you, Serena. From my father...from anyone."
Serena gave N a slightly teary hug at this gesture. As the sun set, N turned his thoughts toward what might lay ahead...and Serena desperately tried to turn her thoughts away from that same thing.
A Smile and A Song (N x Serena was-supposed-to-be-a-Oneshot)
Part 2-Apple #1
N was nothing if not punctual. However, he didn't seem to enjoy himself much, and when Serena asked
about this, he shrugged. "I like modern art better-there isn't much of it here."
"Modern art?" said Serena, "You mean those pretentious splotches even a child could probably do?"
"I don't see the splotches," said N, "to me, modern art is like a visual expression of mathematical
formulas. Most people see a green blob here, a blue streak there...I see angles, vectors,
coefficients...it's almost like a rush, to me."
"Oh really? Do you paint modern art, monsieur N?"
"No...music is my area. Some say mathematics is the universal language, and if it is, I feel it's
spoken through music. Not a lot of people can appreciate modern art...but hardly anyone can fail to
appreciate a beautiful sonata or ballad. My most popular composition is actually a piece in one of the
operas in the Kalos region-"Valse du Furfrou". I sent it in using a pseudonym. Other than improving
quality of life for all Pokemon, I'd love to write a symphony someday...um, I'm going on a lot, aren't
I? What about you...what are your dreams?"
"I...I do not know," said Serena, "when I first started out, I wanted to be a champion because I seemed
to understand battling better than almost anyone. But...now that that is fini, I...I do not know where
to go from here."
Sensing her obvious discomfort, N shifted subjects. "Something I'm not clear on with the League
Champions," he said, "you defeated Diantha, but she is still a Champion with all the official League
duties that go with it? Does this mean you're not a champion somehow?"
"Ah, yes, zat is not something most people know," said Serena, "but in truth, in most leagues, there
are champions, and then THE champion-the one who fulfills ze duty of ze League, such as accepting
challenges and keeping ze peace. If Diantha is defeated, ze one who does can replace her-but I have
no interest in such an office, so I am A champion, rather than ZE champion."
"Interesting," said N, "so...back then, I had the option to refuse the formal office...ah, I became "a"
champion of the Unova League briefly, years ago...not really for the right reasons, it's a long story."
"A champion? With someone like Zekrom by your side, it's no wonder," said Serena, "but...I am getting
bored with the paintings as well. There is a new exhibit on the top floor-shall we leave after a
quick look at it?"
With a nod from N, they reached the exhibit-a painting larger and more grand than any other there.
"The King, the Pokemon, and the Key," said the voice of the audio guide, "A painter in later years
portrayed a king from 3,000 years in the past. Many of the episodes depicted in this painting differ
from historical facts. For instance, we know that the king's dearest Pokémon was not at his side when
he had the key to the ultimate weapon. Nevertheless, the painter's technique is outstanding."
"Ze...ultimate weapon..." said Serena, lost in a recent memory, "let us leave. I...need to be away
from here."
At restaurant Le Wow, Serena would say nothing except letting a disappointed maitre'd know that she
wouldn't be ordering a battle meal today. N was concerned. "Serena...are you all right?"
"Not really. That painting...it reminded me of the leader of Team Flare, Lysandre. He was an insane,
nihilistic man...he revived ze very weapon the guide spoke of, and tried to use it to wipe out all life
on Earth except for his team! It vas only with the blessing of Yveltal that I was able to stop him,
with some help from friends."
"I see," said N, saddened, "He sounds almost as bad as my father. I was once the King of a group in
Unova called Team Plasma...but HE was the de facto leader. He manipulated me from birth to love
Pokemon and hate humans, for his own twisted, megalomaniacal goals. It was only just before it was too
late that I finally realized that most Pokemon do benefit from being trained by humans. But even after
that, he didn't stop...I NEVER thought he would go so far as what he did next...I'm sorry, I...don't
think I can talk about it anymore."
"I can't either...I am sorry," said Serena as their food arrived.
"Let's...just forget that this part of the date happened, maybe," said N.
"Oui, that is best," said Serena.
They talked about more benign things all the way through dessert. "It is nice," said Serena, "zey
encourage all trainers to order a Battle Meal here, so I never get a chance to order from ze normal
menu."
N finished first. "This was wonderful, certain words that were not actually said notwithstanding," he
said, "I'm afraid I'm leaving for Unova late tomorrow, but...I'd like to see you again, when I can."
"As would I, monsieur N," said Serena.
Next Day-Kalos Interregional Airport
N had just gotten out of his taxi when a white-haired man, garbed in ninja clothes, appeared before
him. "Greetings, former Lord N," said the Shadow Triad member.
"What do YOU want?" said N, preparing to defend himself if needed, "As you said, my days as King are
long gone."
"Indeed...our loyalty has always been to your father. He instructed me to assassinate you, and the
other two to assassinate Serena, but I have seen things in Lord Ghetsis that the others of the Triad
have not. His behavior is...strange, as though he desires now to cause suffering for its own sake
rather than for a higher purpose. I do not feel loyal to this...new Ghetsis. Destruction without
purpose is a worthless act, but the other two have not listened."
"Did...you say Serena will be killed?!" said N, eyes hardening.
"She will...unless you can save her. If you go to Vaniville Town by flight, you may have a chance.
Before that...I must not be discovered. I ask that you...inflict some damage, to me."
Without further warning, the Triad member attacked-a purposely clumsy attack. N evaded and delivered
a right hook to his gut, doubling him over. "Good luck, former Lord N. If I need your assistance
again, I will contact you, using the name 'Hypotenuse' I will away now, to try to find the truth
behind the change in Ghetsis."
With that, he vanished-and N called Zekrom. "To Vaniville, friend...and with all speed!" he said.
Vaniville Town-Serena's House
Serena was in trouble. She'd barely managed to detect her attackers in time to dodge a pair of
throwing knives, and could only run and hide from them-she'd noticed those knives were poison soaked.
She knew nothing about them, but one thing was certain-they weren't interested in battling with their
Pokemon, but battling themselves-to her death. She dare not risk a Holocaster call for help, or they
would find her from the dialing tone alone.
This hope lasted only a couple minutes-at which time they found her. There was now no escape-she
resolved to do her best to take them down with her even if they got her with the poison-then she heard
a voice from above. "ZEKROM! BOLT STRIKE, NOW!"
The two Triad members had no time to react as they were struck with approximately one frajillion volts.
"N?!" said Serena, "Wh...what is going on?"
"My father sent them. I don't know why...and I suspect THEY don't know why either," said N,
dismounting from Zekrom. "They're called the Shadow Triad...only something seems to have fractured the
three of them now." He explained his encounter with the other member at the airport. "So...I think I
should extend my stay. I'll contact Alder and have him launch an investigation in Unova, and madame
Diantha can spearhead the same in Kalos with our assistance. If my father is back and more psychotic
than ever...I have a responsibility to help stop him."
"I...I am not sure I am up for zis," said Serena, "I am sorry...defeating Lysandre took a toll on me.
I do not think I can help vous against Ghetsis, yet."
"I understand," said N, "It took me a while too, after my father's deception was laid bare to me.
Don't worry...I'll protect you, Serena. From my father...from anyone."
Serena gave N a slightly teary hug at this gesture. As the sun set, N turned his thoughts toward what
might lay ahead...and Serena desperately tried to turn her thoughts away from that same thing.