The Adventure Saga, Part III: The Truth Behind Us

by Amy47101

"I never wanted to be a hero!" "But Hilda-" "That's the damned truth, Dad!" With pokémon now in hand, Hilda White has set out to do the one thing she's always wanted; become rich. But with Team Plasma apparently having caused problems on an international scale, Hilda finds herself sucked into a war of truth and ideals, with none other than the mysterious Black by her side.

72. After the War

o.0.o.0.o

The Adventure Saga

The Truth Behind Us

o.0.o.0.o

Start Date: June 2nd, X017

Current Date: March 20th, X018

o.0.o.0.o

"What's with all the sniveling for?" Hilda crossed her arms, shaking her head. Everyone paused, glancing at her. She threw her arms out with a grin. "Hello, morons! We're alive! And, well," she shot a glance at Lyra, who was still snoozing peacefully in Silvers arms. "Most of us are conscious, but we made it! Y'all should be HAPPY."

"For a girl who is always so irritable, I would have thought you'd be complaining about how incredibly inconvenient this was for you," Cheren sighed, shaking his head. "I suppose surviving a legendary battle makes you appreciate the little things."

"But Hilda's right!" Bianca popped up. "We should have a party! A big party! You're the Champion now, Hilda, just like you've always dreamed!"

Hilda blinked in surprise, mouth opening slightly in surprise.

"You forgot that defeating N made you champion, didn't you?"

The sardonic question came from Cheren, and Hilda found herself marching forward.

"After the hell I've been through? Did you see that battle with Ghetsis?! It was bad! Like bad bad, I almost lost the title as soon as I got it!"

"He's correct, Hilda." N finally spoke. He had ceased his crying, one hand gripping Vale's as if terrified of letting her go ever again."You're the Champion. I don't have any power here, not anymore."

"But we still need to celebrate!" Bianca insisted. She scrambled up, approaching Vale and N. "You'll come to, won't you Vale?"

"… If I have a get out of jail free, card." Vale muttered, averting her gaze and staring past Bianca. Bianca blinked owlishly, then, as if realizing who Vale was staring at, she whipped around.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Bianca had her fists to her chest as she took a step towards Blitz. "You aren't gonna arrest them, right? You heard Ghetsis, they're as big of victims in all this as anyone else. You can't arrest them, that's not fair at all- Wait wait wait, why are you coming closer-?!"

Blitz had slowly stood up, hands in her pockets as she approached Vale and N. Vale stood in front of N, meeting Blitz's gaze with acceptance.

"I'm the one you want. You recognize me from Johto, right?"

"Wait, Vale-" N began, stepping forward.

"I recognize you." Blitz cut him off. This didn't stop him from wrapping both his arms around one of Vale's, as if he was fully prepared to play a game of tug of war with Blitz if push came to shove. But Blitz smiled, hopeful as she pointed to her face. "What about me? Do you know who I am?"

"I think the implication is there," Vale let out a sigh. "Ghetsis knew about you and the older agent in Johto. You two were very sneaky and quite a bit annoying…"

Blitz's expression faltered slightly.

"Anything else?" she pushed, hopeful.

Vale looked a little confused. She glanced at N, and then at Bianca. Umbreon sniffed at Blitz's boot, then purred, rubbing against her leg.

"…No?" Vale asked tentatively as Blitz stooped down and stroke her hand across Umbreon's fur. "But now I'm not sure… Umbreon isn't normally so affectionate to strangers."

"It's fine." Blitz scooped Umbreon into her arms, smiling at the two as she stroked under Umbreon's chin. "You raised him well. He's so strong now."

"Thank you?" Vale took Umbreon back, still looking utterly baffled. "… Is this a ploy to get me to drop my guard? You are police, I'm willing to cooperate fully-"

"Your hand, please?"

"Hey listen, she's agreeing to cooperate," Hilda began, marching forward and grabbing at Blitz's jacket. "You don't need to handcuff her-"

"No, Hilda, there are consequences to actions, these are mine," Vale passed Umbreon to N, forcing him to let go and hold onto Umbreon. Irregardless, N looked about ready to burst into tears again. Holding her wrists aloft, she seemed to be waiting for the handcuffs.

But Blitz didn't handcuff her. Instead, she held up a flash drive.

"This, Vale, N… is a flash drive on missing children." Blitz explained simply. "It has information on all the children kidnapped by Team Plasma, including you guys. You deserve to know this information. Luckily for the both of you, you're both from Hoenn! So you can stay together, and avoid Johto waters," Blitz placed the flash drive in Vale's palm, then wrapped her fingers around it. "Just like you wanted."

"… You're not arresting us?" N whispered.

"I'm just a stupid rookie that's still in training. I just lost the missing person flash drive, what makes you think I can arrest people?" Blitz, wrapping her fingers around Vale's fist, smiled. "But you know… Whether you're hot to trot, or cool cat not, I hope you stop by my Papa's shop."

With that odd line delivered, Blitz turned on her heel and walked away, past the others. Vale was blinking owlishly, staring at the flash drive in her palm.

"Hey." Vale suddenly piped up, turning back to Blitz. She paused. "… Do you know who I am?"

"Of course I do, I was on your case. But anything further, Vale… It'll be a conflict of interest. Me loosing the flashdrive is already gonna get Looker in enough trouble. Now if you'll excuse me…" Blitz glanced over her shoulder, smiling broadly, but Hilda could see the tears forming around her eyes. "… I've gotta go and report that the leader of Team Plasma died in the fall, and the Destroyer was killed by Ghetsis. Couldn't find their bodies, but who knows…"

Blitz raised her arm, pointing to a large pile of rubble that fell from the ceiling.

"… Probably will take a while to clear this up to try and find them."

"Y-You're letting us go?" N asked with a quivering voice, as if he couldn't believe it himself. "You're really going to let us go? After everything?"

"What do you mean?" Blitz shook her head with a laugh. "You're dead!"

N lowered his head, eyes wide with shock while Vale stared at Blitz's back.

"… Thank you." Vale finally said. Blitz, however, didn't acknowledge her. Instead, she rose her hand in the air, waving goodbye with her back turned, punctuating her exit with the door shutting softly behind her.

"So that's really it?" Bianca seemed to whimper as Vale pulled out her pokeballs, beginning to recall her pokémon. "You're going to leave, Vale? N?"

"They don't really get a choice," Silver sighed, hooking an arm under Lyra's legs and standing. "They're 'dead'. If anyone sees them here, then they'll get arrested. Vale's confessed to committing crimes, and at best, they'll want to keep N under a microscope since he's an extreme person of interest, puppet king or not. Sa… Blitz gave them a massive out that not many people get. But thinking about it…" he cast a glance at Lyra, shaking his head. "You two got a lot of lucky breaks lately, huh?"

"Silver…" Vale trailed off, detangling herself from N's arms as she stepped forward. She hesitated, then gave him a quick half hug to accommodate Lyra. "I'm glad you're happy now, and you'll be okay. Looks like you don't need me much anymore, huh?"

"I'm not a little kid." Silver stepped back. "Don't make this weird. It's just a goodbye, we should be used to that at this point."

"Maybe. But I really wish us having heart to hearts wasn't when we were in dire danger or almost dying." Vale crossed her arms with a sigh. "Do you think we could stop doing that?"

"… I think it would be worthwhile, yeah."

"Aaaaw…" Hilda cooed mockingly. "He is capable of being sentimental."

Silver's ears went as red as his hair, head whipping around to them.

"Shut up." he muttered.

"Hilda, can I have a word with you? Just for a minute?"

As Silver tried to avoid getting teased and Bianca practically clung to Vale, N approached her. His voice was quiet and soft, completely lacking the aggression that he had just hours before. Hilda could only hope that, at least, the revelation of both Ghetsis not being his father and the true nature of his plan was enough to completely wipe any lingering bits of Ghetsis from N for good.

"Sure, man." Hilda met his gaze, then sighed. "Kinda sucks, doesn't it? I was prepared to really go a hundred miles to make this whole 'heroes changing their destiny thing' work. But there you go, running off with your girlfriend and leaving me with all the work."

"I-I'm sorry, but we were presented with a miracle." N murmured, face flushed. "We can't waste it."

"Not blaming you for going, just leaves me with a shit ton of work to clean up after."

"You… You seem awfully happy to converse with your predestined enemy."

"Well, I never put a lot of stock in that destiny bullshit anyways. And besides…" Hilda trailed off, glancing at her friends. Lyra was starting to come around, and Silver was fussing over her. "We all made it out somehow. I guess I'm happy we're alive. I don't have hard feelings, N. Life's way too short to hold a grudge. I just wanted you to acknowledge the truth."

"Do you remember when we first met?" N suddenly piped up, lifting his head. "In Accumula Town?"

"I mean, i remember your introduction being less than polite."

"I… wanted to test your ability as a trainer. You were not the first to have doubts in Team Plasma's mission, but you were the first to angrily storm after Ghetsis to tell him exactly what you thought. Additionally, when you were alone, I overheard what your pokémon was saying to you, and I felt compelled to battle you, to see if what they said was their true feelings. And I…" N lowered his gaze. "I was shocked because those pokémon said they liked you."

He spoke in a whisper, but his voice wasn't shaking like he was about to cry. Hilda couldn't see his gaze over the brim of his hat.

"Oshawott wanted to defend you. Petilil was waiting for you. Eevee would never abandon you. All of them said they wanted to be with you. You were the first outsider whose pokémon said that to me. And it was… the first hint that things weren't as it seemed. That I was wrong. But I blinded myself to it. Excused it that of course your pokémon would say that, you're special like me. You're a hero! But…the longer my journey continued, the more unsure I became."

Slowly, he lifted his gaze, turning his head to their friends.

"All I kept meeting were pokémon and people who communicated with one another and helped one another. And I thought, maybe they're an exception, tried to make excuses, because in every experimental group, there is always exceptions. But it was always the same story, the same words, the same promises. And even when fighting you, hero-to-hero, I was determined to push my dream into reality, even if I was starting to doubt there was really a problem to begin with…"

He sighed, a depreciating smile on his face as he kept his gaze down.

"There's no way a person like me, someone who understands only Pokémon— No, actually… I didn't understand them, either." he corrected himself, shaking his head. "I could never-"

"But you do understand them." Hilda cut him off. "You heard the cries of the most hurt and only wanted to help them. Granted, you went about it in the, er… less than optimal way, and were totally manipulated by a psychopathic piece of shit, but even still… You only heard all the bad, whereas I heard a whole lotta good. I think we both could learn to listen to the bad and the good, and I think we both afford to do so much better for the pokémon we coincide with."

Hilda put a fist over her heart, grinning up at him.

"You go and find the good, N. I'll stay here and clean up Unova, it's my duty as Champion. I won't forget your ideals, but you can't forget my truth. Understand?"

N looked at her with awestruck eyes, then lowered his gaze with a wistful sigh.

"It… It's like I was saying. As a hero, as a King… There was no way I could ever measure up to you, when you had met so many Pokémon and were surrounded by so many friends… But…" N met her gaze, and maybe for the first time since she ever met him, there was relief in his eyes. No animosity, no anger, no confusion. Relief and the comfort of knowing that things would be okay while he was gone. "I won't forget. I promise you I won't."

Lyra suddenly let out a groan, still leaning heavily on Silver as she swiped at her ear, pulling an earbud out.

"Looker's coming." Lyra muttered. "He's shouting, wants to know why he found Sara crying."

"… N, it's time to go." Vale reached out, having returned most of her pokémon, grabbing his hand.

They both stepped back, towards the thrones that were once meant for them. Grabbing one pokéball, Vale's Gallade appeared behind her, standing at the ready.

"Vale… N…" Bianca still looked hesitant, stepping forward with worried, tearful eyes as Gallade started to glow a soft white, with purple edging his form. "Will… you ever come back?"

"Bianca…"

Vale trailed off as their hair drifted off their faces, clothes shifting in response to the psychic power. The teleport was being held off, trying to give them a few, fleeting moments to say goodbye. Reaching for her belt, Vale grabbed a pokéball, and threw it in the air. Mienshao appeared.

"Mienshao!" Vale called out. "I'm going to be gone for some time. Your duty now… Is to look after my friends!"

"As you wish!" Mienshao agreed without hesitation. Vale hurled the ball at Bianca, who caught it, fumbling to keep it in her grasp.

"Everyone…" N glanced between all of them. There was a soft smile on his face, as if he were at peace, as if he knew that Unova would be in good hands. "You all have your own dreams, I know this. Those dreams… make them come true! Wonderful dreams and ideals give you the power to change the world! Follow the path of truth to make that dream a reality, and someday you will achieve all that you dreamed of! If anyone can… Certainly, it is all of you!"

"Bianca! Everyone!" Vale's voice rose as N tugged her closer. "No matter what road lies ahead, I promise…" the light began to shine brighter, nearly engulfing the two. "We all will meet again!"

"Well then…" N trailed off, smiling brightly beside Vale as the light completely took over their forms. For a fleeting moment, Hilda swore that N met her gaze, and nodded. She nodded back, knowing that the future of Unova was in her hands… in the hands of the new 'King'. "…Farewell!"

And with that, the two disappeared in a flash of light, leaving them in silence. Truly, everything seemed to have worked out almost perfectly. Ideally. Hilda could feel her ears ringing, vision blurring, her body as light as air while the room seemed to sway as the relief washed over them.

No, wait, that wasn't relief.

"…Fuck."

Hilda blacked out!

o.0.o.0.o

March 29th, X018

o.0.o.0.o

Hilda heard her alarm going off, but she didn't want to wake up. It was a slow, purposeful beep, and she hated it. Her mouth was drier than the Desert Resort, like she was chewing on cotton. That she hated even more.

There were hushed whispers.

"Fuck… please…" Hilda cracked open her eyes, trying to move her hands, but both were numb. "I need some goddamn water…"

Unable to scrub her eyes, she blinked, glancing around. A plain room, with generic decorations. Over her head, on mute, was the TV. She squinted her eyes as she read the headline; King of Team Plasma dead; Champion, Hilda Veritas, is still in hospital. What fate awaits Unova?

"Hilda White." she muttered, blinking again. She reread the headline, then decided it was too complicated to deal with right now. First priority, that legends be damned water…

Glancing down, she blinked. Slowly, her irritation ebbed away to a small smile. Her friends were flanking her, each gripping her arm in anticipation, but asleep. On her left was Cheren, glasses askew. On her right was Bianca, a bit of drool dribbling from her mouth.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty."

Hilda blinked, turning her gaze to the left, and saw Black, sitting vigilantly near the window, practically guarding their things. Hilda thought she would be annoyed, seeing him, but somehow…

"They tried to stay up all week for you, but Cheren clocked out at ten on the first night. Bianca did surprisingly well! Made it exactly… eighteen hours before she gave up and had to turn it in too. They've been sleeping in shifts, and that first night they were out for almost a whole day like you." shooting them both a glance, he grinned. "But it looks like they are still exhausted."

"What time is it?" Hilda asked.

"Shouldn't you be asking what day it is?" Black cocked his head, parting the curtain slightly. Hilda hissed, squinting at the sunlight. "It's the dawn of March 29th, you've been asleep for almost ten days."

"I've been asleep for what now?!"

"Yes yes, but don't worry," Black waved his hand through the air. "Drayden, Alder and a certain prince charming have been handling the media. They've been focusing on Team Plasma, moreso than you, but irregardless, they're quite persistent!"

"… You didn't catch a case, did you?"

"Me? I would never!"

Hilda narrowed her gaze. She didn't know what he did, and she didn't wanna know, but he was smiling so sweetly that at this point she didn't care. He didn't seem to be lying, but that just meant he didn't get caught. She laid back on the pillows with a groan.

"… What even happened?"

"Well, Hilda," Black's tone suddenly shifted, worry lacing his words. "I won't lie, you really scared me for a second there. I was cleaning up the Team Plasma grunts with Looker and the gym leaders, and the next thing I know, I see you and Bianca and Cheren. They each had one of your arms over their shoulders and were dragging you to us. You were unconscious… Considering you're the freshly new reigning Champion, it caused a bit of a panic."

"Didn't think I'd be treated like royalty for winning a battle." Hilda sighed, closing her eyes. "I wanna go back to sleep…"

"I mean, the legend does say that whichever 'brother' defeats the other becomes king of the land." Black crossed his arms, leaning back. "So, technically…"

"This sounds like a pain in my ass." she cracked open an eye. "What'd the docs have to say?"

"They're probably going to check you for concussion once they come inside, but the reason you were asleep for ten days is that, well, you were poisoned."

"Ghetsis's Cofigrigus knew Toxic. Got my one arm."

"Yeah, they had to put you in a medically induced coma to purge the toxins. Did some brain scans, some X-rays…"

"Huh." Hilda stared at the ceiling. "Is the scar cool?"

"… What?"

"On my arm, that is currently acting as a pillow for Bianca. I can't see it. Is the scar cool?"

"… The scar is very cool, Hilda." Black amused her. He pointed to his forehead, over his left eye. "This scar is pretty cool too."

"Sweet." Hilda laid back, closing her eyes.

"Are you still high? Don't you want to yell about the bill or something?"

"Black… I don't wanna think about depressing shit." Hilda turned back to him, the sun finally rising, painting the sky bright pink. "I'm just happy we're alive right now."

Black blinked in surprised, then averted his gaze.

"You've grown."

"So have you."

"Well," Black lowered his head slightly. "It's been three hundred days since we've met…"

"Yeah, it really…" she trailed off. Suddenly, it clicked. "Oh shit. Oh SHIT."

"Waah!"

As Hilda jerked upright, Bianca let out a yelp while Cheren grunted. Both their heads hit the hospital bed before the shot upright. Hilda was hissing, shaking her right arm back and forth, her hurt skin having shifted under…

"Bandages?" she muttered, whipping around. "You lying son of a bitch, how could you see if the scar looked cool if it-"

"Hilda! Hilda you're awake!"

"Oh thank Reshiram…!"

Hilda gasped as two sets of arms wrapped tightly around her, practically squeezing the breath out of her. Gasping, she shifted, kicking her legs.

"Guys…! Guys, I can't breathe like this! C'mon, I was comatose, not dead!" she shifted again, skin pulling on her arm. "Ow, crippled arm! Crippled arm is aching!"

"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry!" Bianca stumbled back. "I'm super sorry!"

"Excuse us, Hilda…" Cheren readjusted his glasses, sitting back, glancing her up and down with concern. Bianca was gently gripping her arm, looking it up and down to see how badly they hurt her. "We were just… very excited."

"It's fine, I'm fine. Anyways, Black…" she trailed off, glancing over at him. His head was looked forward, and there was a soft snoring coming from his little corner. "Black?"

"If it's anything," Bianca glanced back at her with a soft smile on her face. "He never left."

"He lied," Cheren crossed his arms. "Showed his old police badge and said he was your 'personal police guard'. I don't even know how he managed to stay vigilant. Every time we came, he was awake."

"You can't seriously be claiming he stayed up all, what?" Hilda lifted her fingers counting. "Ten by twenty-four…"

"Listen, a guy staying up for that long isn't the craziest thing we've seen recently." Bianca put an arm around her shoulder, hugging her gently. "… I'm glad you're awake, Hilda."

"I am as well." Cheren gripped her hand, his smile almost looking pained. "When we first came to visit, they had you hooked up to all manner of things… I just…"

Hilda gripped his hand back tightly, closing her eyes.

"Group hug!" she declared, throwing an arm around Cheren and yanking him close. Bianca let out a squeal, hugging her and Cheren tightly while Cheren let out a garbled shout, glasses pressing cold to Hilda's cheek. "Y'all so depressed, I'm alive, right? We're alive? We're good. We'll be fine. And that being said…"

Cheren managed to worm his way out of her grip, readjusting his glasses with a grumble, while Bianca sat back in her chair, eyes bright and at attention. Hilda crossed her arms, glancing back and forth between them.

"I need you to tell me exactly what's going on outside and what kinda hell I'm in for once I'm up and walking again."

o.0.o.0.o

It's been a bit since I got out of the hospital. A lot has happened since then.

As it turns out, with me defeating Ghetsis and Black arresting him, the rest of Team Plasma crumbled soon after. Most of the sages and grunts surrendered, but some were still on the run. Jail sentences were handed out swiftly and justly, ranging from community service to life sentences.

o.0.o.0.o

Anthea wrung her hands in her lap, trying to calm down as she waited in a large, cafeteria-like room. To the left was a prison guard, who stood at attention in his blue uniform, arms behind his back, at the ready in case of emergency.

She was the only one who was here, no one else came this early for visiting hours.

Since being arrested, herself, Concordia, Saburo, and Rood stood for trial in tandem with other members. Rood cooperated entirely and begged anyone who would listen for leniency. Not for himself, but for Concordia, Saburo, and her. He told them everything, anything, if he could, throwing himself to the maws of justice in exchange for their necks. He testified, over and over, and would be forced to testify, over and over and over.

Surprisingly, their trials were held first.

Rood's cooperation must have bought him some favors. He was sentenced to a year long house-arrest in a home right next to the gym. Hers and Concordia's trial was rather brief as their only "crime" was being parts of Team Plasma. But there was extensive records and investigations that they never knew of the corruption or crimes of Ghetsis, and were to terrified to dare step out of line.

Irregardless, they were put on "town arrest" in Driftviel, in case an agent or police need to find and speak to them. They were not to leave the city for the next year, and had to do bi-weekly checkins with Clay, the sheriff, along with Rood.

The door suddenly opened. Saburo was being brought in with one guard holding his arm, wearing a bright orange jumpsuit and his long silvery-white hair pulled off his face. His hands handcuffed in front of him and ankles chained together. Anthea stood as he shuffled forward.

"… Aren't you going to take those off?" Anthea glanced at the officer who brought him. The officer gave her a long look, like she asked the most moronic question possible.

"He's a high profile inmate. Those don't get removed with visitors."

Then, he walked away and shut the door. Anthea brow furrowed in worry as Saburo continued to shuffle forward. She stretched out her arms, hugging him tightly.

Saburo, of the good members of Team Plasma, got the worst sentence. But that was only because for every accusation he got, he admitted guilt to. Saburo didn't want a flashy trial, he wanted everything to be over and done with. Terrorism, kidnapping, assaults, thievery… the only thing they couldn't link him specifically to was murder. Irregardless, he pleaded guilty to save them the trouble.

Anthea gave a witness speech at the trial, as did Concordia and Rood. Even with their testimony, even with Looker and Blitz noting his cooperation, even with the gym leaders noting how he was fighting with them and not against them, even when Hilda went out of her way to note that she forgave him and wanted him to have a better future, Saburo still got the harshest sentence.

Ten years in prison.

Anthea knew it could be much worse. Saburo certainly got a light sentence due to not just his cooperation and continued cooperation in jail, but his age. Anthea herself had lost track of how old she was, and Saburo never bothered to keep track to begin with. They suspected he was close to her in age, but they hadn't the slightest idea if some of his crimes fell when he was a minor.

But still… all this work to be free, only for him to be locked in a cage again.

"Hey, it's okay." Saburo pulled back with a smile, a smile she could see clearly now, without the mask of his Team Plasma uniform. "It's all just a part of the motions here, they're not mistreating me. Would you believe me, Anthea, if I said this place actually treats me better than Ghetsis did in Team Plasma? Three square meals, I get to play basketball and kickball in the yard, I have a cot to sleep on, and sometimes they let me go to workshops. Oh, and sometimes a psychologist comes to talk to me, so that's been interesting."

Court-mandated psychotherapy, Anthea and Concordia had gotten that as well. He spoke so casually as he tried to reassure her, sliding into the bolted down chair in front of the bolted down table. His blue eyes lit up at the tupperware in front of her.

"Did you cook?"

"I did." Anthea pushed it forward with the plastic silverware. "Rood helped me. He's really gotten into gardening since he was put under house arrest."

Saburo almost seemed to bounce as he tore off the lid and took a big scoop of food.

"Tell him he's doing great!" Saburo spoke around a full mouth, beaming. "You did too, it's really good. How're you and Connie adjusting to civilian life?"

"It's been difficult, but we're getting there."

"Are you happy?"

"It's better than Team Plasma. I wish…" Anthea trailed off, closing her mouth as he stared at her with bright, hopeful eyes. She averted her gaze. "… We miss you, that's all."

"Hey, ten years will pass before you know it. And besides, Clay has been visiting me a lot." Saburo lowered his head. "I think it's because the president and the champion are encouraging him too, but he's helping me get my life on track."

"Us too." Anthea lowered her gaze. "It's almost insane. Children walk by our house every day, going to school…"

"I can't even imagine…" Saburo's gaze went to the skylight, smiling slightly. "I don't know if Clay is helping me willingly or because the leaders of the country are telling him too, but he's making sure I'm taking classes here. Says that I need to get my G-E-D and "learn a trade". I don't understand what that means, but he says if I do all this and I don't act up and I don't do this or that or that or this…" He trailed off, grinning, and Anthea couldn't help but smile. "Clay has a lotta things I can't do. But if I do well here, then they'll approve me for outside community hours. Then he said if I prove myself, once I get out, he'll consider hiring me at the mines. And also…"

He lowered his head.

"I hear inmates talking about getting out on good behavior. I have a possibility of parole… And you know, if it'll make you happy, I'll have more good behavior than a legend!"

And there was Saburo, so optimistic about the future, willing to put in the work if it meant something better. Somehow, in prison, his personality seemed to bloom more and more. She reached out, placing a hand over his. He wrapped his fingers around hers.

"We'll be fine," Saburo continued to reassure her, nodding his head. "Don't look so sad. Hey, wanna know what I think about, when I'm sad?"

His eyes glittered with amusement, and he almost seemed to bounce in his seat to deliver the punchline of the joke. Anthea cocked her head.

"What?"

"Can you imagine Ghetsis," his voice dropped to a mock whisper, as if Ghetsis could still hear them despite bing in a maximum prison. "Wearing this jumpsuit? I've never seen him outside of his robes, so all I can think about is how he probably looks like a big old pumpkin!"

Anthea blinked, Ghetsis's scowl of disapproval, his sagely plasma robes dyed a bright orange, with his green hair on top. Placing her fingers to her lips, she blinked, and Saburo began to snicker. That broke her.

They were both howling with laughter, with Saburo trying to interject more jokes, but the image was enough to make Anthea's sides hurt.

She left that day with newfound hope that things would be fine. As she got closer to her home, the child across the street waved to her, and she waved back. Coming around the front, she paused.

The first thing Rood hand planted here, was a memorial to Natural and Vale. White lilies and forget-me-nots, with pebbles spelling their names in dirt until they could afford a real memorial stone.

They were told they had died in the chaos, and that itself had shook the four of them so hard that Rood and Concordia hadn't left their rooms for days. They didn't deserve to die like that, but it meant Ghetsis well and truly would be gone forever, locked in a jail cell or perhaps even…

She trailed off, closing her eyes. Natural would be horrified that she wished for Ghetsis's death. Folding her hands, she quietly prayed for their spirits, hoping they would find peace in an eternity together.

I promise, Natural, Vale, our second chance on the back of your deaths will not be in vain.

o.0.o.0.o

Blitz and Looker didn't stick around long after the battle. They did some final interviews, rounded up the sages that escaped, then I guess went wherever international agents went.

I wonder if I'll ever see them again.

o.0.o.0.o

"What do you mean you lost the flashdrive?!"

Looker tensed as Sara kept her head bowed. The chief of the international police was screaming at her, nearly frothing at the mouth.

Dominic Burns, a man who accepted no less than perfection, was on one hand pleased with the dismantling of Team Plasma. But he was equal parts enraged that Vale and N, two of the three biggest targets in the organization, had died. Looker had worked many long years under Dominic. He always loathed the criminals who took their lives, hated that they couldn't deal with the punishment.

Granted, Dominic was never one to go easy on them…

"Where you helping them?!" Dominic went around his desk, standing right in Sara's face, spit flecking her cheeks. "Did you give wanted criminals such sensitive information?"

"Of course I didn't! They're dead, I watched a piece of the ceiling crush them, you absolute-!"

Looker suddenly grabbed Sara's shoulders, yanking her back, out of Dominic's reach. Sara suddenly snapped her mouth shut as Looker spoke.

"We have witness testimony that the two had died." Looker began counting off on his fingers. "The champion, Hilda White, secondary dexholder Silver-"

"Former Agent Pitch Black." Sara muttered under her breath. Looker squeezed her shoulder tightly. He knew that particular barbed sentence was meant to get under Dominic's skin. Looker had no clue what she was thinking, standing up to this man, but now was not the time for righteous indignation.

"What we are trying to say," Looker spoke over Sara. "Is that there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for Blitz to have lost the flashdrive. We were in the midst of a battle, she had it in her pocket and it was lost. And irregardless, all that was on it was the files on the kidnapped children connected to Ghetsis. We've collected most of them with the exception of the deceased."

"Just disconnect and wipe the drive." Sara muttered. She met Dominic's gaze boldly. "That shouldn't be so hard, right?"

"Please, ignore my subordinate." Looker stepped in front of her.

"Looker-!" Sara began, indignant, but Looker shot her a scathing glare. She ground her teeth, then averted her gaze.

"You must understand, Chief Burns, that she is still suffering from the death of Vale-"

"Why would you be hung up on worthless trash?" Dominic spoke the words degradingly, glaring at Sara over Looker's shoulder. "She's a criminal, irregardless of anything else. If she'd dead, then the world is better off for it. You," he pointed to Sara. "Unpaid suspension for three months. Your behavior is unacceptable, you need to learn how lucky you are to have this job."

"You…!" Sara shoved Looker aside, snarling. "You're not better than the criminals you look down on!"

"We're leaving." Looker dragged her back.

"Do you think I don't know?! Black-"

"Six months." Dominic snarled. "Looker, get that child in line."

"… I will."

"Blitz, you're dismissed. Looker, stay."

Sara gladly left, slamming the door shut behind her, muttering and mumbling under her breath. Dominic, seemingly satisfied, turned back to his desk, plucking a cigar from his box and lighting it. Lookers stomach turned at the smell.

"You know I have my doubts about the truth regarding Vale and Natural." Dominic sat in his chair, staring Looker down. "What do you think?"

"If Blitz and everyone else suspect they're dead, then they're dead." Looker glanced at Dominic. "… You didn't expect a group of injured, traumatized teenagers to dig out a bunch of bodies to prove a point, did you? Irregardless, DNA tests showed Vale's blood at the scene…"

"Have any bodies been uncovered?"

"… How would you expect me to know that?" Looker glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. "Clay has people there, excavating the area. They're pulling bodies out every day. On top of still excavating Nuvema, last I checked. If they haven't found all the bodies yet, then they haven't found them yet."

"So until the bodies are found, I'm going to consider them alive, and Blitz, at worst, an accessory to allowing them to escape."

"You have no proof." Looker shook his head. "And even if they somehow survived, how on earth are you going to indite Blitz on any charges?"

"Wouldn't it be a shame if I found that flashdrive on them?" Dominic glanced at Looker, then turned in his chair. "Looker, tell me, how much did Pitch Black tell you about his training?"

Looker wasn't sure how he was expected to answer that question, so he didn't. But…

"Chief Burns," Looker met his gaze, sternly, warily. "…Were you really trying to create a Destroyer for the International Police Force?"

"Are you in a position to ask me questions?" Dominic's tone was dangerous, warning. Looker held his breath, hoping his silence was enough to keep him from poking further. "… I have a new mission for you, Looker."

"Yes?"

Dominic held up some papers, waving them back and forth.

"I have a new mission for you."

"Now? So soon?" Looker reached out, taking the papers, then narrowing his gaze. "What on earth…?"

"Yes. I want to know for certain if Vale and Natural are alive or dead. Then I'll decide my next move."

"You don't honestly think Sa- Blitz would lie about something like this? You want me to investigate my subordinate?!"

"No, I want you to investigate the supposed deaths of Vale and Natural. First, go and interview the Champion of Unova, Hilda Veritas. The former Pitch Black informed me that she has an ability that prevents lying, if Vale and Natural are dead and the story is as the witnesses say, then ask her. She'll surely-"

"I will not." Looker firmly placed the papers down. "Hilda has gone through enough as it is. You have the testimony of two dexholders, two civilians, and two agents-"

"One of whom is a former agent and the other who is now suspended."

The words hit him like a slap in the face, and he stared down at the printed-out article of Hilda being released from the hospital. Firm in his convictions, Looker continued.

"Irregardless, I will not be pressuring the Champion on such matters. She has just woken from her coma, she has to deal with a million problems plaguing Unova, we can easily find out if the claim is true or false by waiting for the bodies to be uncovered."

"Why are you blocking the path to justice, Looker?" Dominic leaned forward. "Are you obstructing the investigation?"

"This," Looker spread out the papers, revealing not just the article, but snapshots of Hilda across Unova. Looker knew some of them were prior to her waking up, when she was still traveling with Black. "Is in no way legal. Hilda is not a criminal, she has not withheld anything from us. Why are you compiling these pictures?" his hand rested on a list of addresses. "These locations?"

"Would it not be beneficial to have a literal human lie-detector under my wing, Looker?"

"You cannot…!" Looker swallowed his yell, then exhaled. "… If you want to interview her, then speak to her yourself. You cannot continue this, irregardless of how 'useful' a persons abilities may be."

"… Heh. You're rather bold, telling me what I can and cannot do in regards to how I investigate crime. But I always admired that in certain people, those who stand for what they think is right." Dominic blew out some smoke. "Fine then, you can do this the hard way. I need you to go to Hoenn. The two were originally from Hoenn, and I need you to see if they returned to the addresses that were their last listed residences. Report back to me on if they're alive, even if you have to turn every stone and pebble in Hoenn over. I want confirmation."

"Then wait for the bodies to be uncovered." Looker insisted.

"Trying to get out of a mission? Where is that passion and bravado, Looker?" Dominic was smiling, cigar dangling from his fingers. "You share a similar sense of justice to me, these criminals cannot slip away. Therefor, I will be certain by sending one of my best and most adaptable agents out to investigate."

"I have a single question, Chief Burns."

"… Very well, then. But only if you will answer mine in return."

"Are you looking into Hilda simply because of her abilities," Looker's index finger fell right on a single picture of Hilda, but she was not alone. She had a large grin on her face, and beside her was Black. His smile was less prevalent, but there. Both looked happy. "Or to get back at your son?"

"Heh. Someone as useless as him cannot possibly be my child. If there is some emotional or sentimental attachment to Hilda, how he responds to her joining my ranks is his problem, not mine."

That… didn't answer his question at all, but Looker was starting to get a lingering feeling that he was pushing Dominic. Swallowing his retort, he waited for Dominic to finish puffing on his cigar. Finally, Dominic lifted his head.

"That girl, Blitz…" Dominic met his gaze. "She was the top of her class in athleticism and hand to hand combat, was she not?"

"… She was."

It took Looker a moment to respond, reeling from the whiplash of the conversation suddenly turning to his subordinate. Dominic didn't wait for him to ask, continuing.

"And she's quite charming. Very good at getting information from witnesses."

"She gets ahead of herself, but yes, I suppose so."

"And supposedly, a mysterious benefactor paid her way through the academy because Sara Knight…" Dominic trailed off, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. "… Is estranged from her family."

"… And?"

"I am also in need of a new Pitch Black. I'm just pondering if Sara would be a good… potential candidate."

A shiver shot up Lookers spine, a shiver that unsettled him to his core. In all the investigations, the criminals he's faced and apprehended, the tension, the stress, the terror, he's never felt that unsettling feeling of despair settle into his stomach as it did just now. He narrowed his gaze, standing straighter.

"Is that a threat, Chief Burns?"

"Now, now…" Dominic trailed off, a sickeningly sweet smile on his face as he cocked his head slightly to the side. "What would make you think that? Just do the same fantastic job as you always do, Agent Looker."

Looker didn't respond to that, taking it as his official dismissal. He hurried to the stairs to the roof, knowing that Sara would be heading there.

"Blitz!"

He called her name, spotting her marching up the stairs with her gaze downcast.

"Leave me alone!" she snapped back at him, quickening her pace.

"No, Blitz! Stop! Stop right now!" he took the stairs two, sometimes three at a time as he sprinted up the stairs. Reaching a landing, he darted around her, breathing deeply with his arms outstretched. She averted her gaze, fists clenched.

"I don't need a lecture right now, Looker." Sara muttered. "I wasn't going to smoke, I just wanted fresh air."

"I'm not here to yell at you about smoking," Looker lowered his arms. "I need you to be honest with me, Bli- No, Sara. Please. Are you certain Vale and N are dead?"

"Of course I'm certain! There was blood across the floor and the others were sobbing around a pile of rubble. They told me that Ghetsis poisoned Vale, she died in N's arms, and then both were crushed under the caving-in ceiling." Sara snapped at him. "You heard Ghetsis admit it, didn't you?"

"And N?" Looked reached out and stopped her as she tried to dodge around him. "Sara, I need you to tell me the truth right now, did you confirm they were dead?"

"How was I supposed to do that?" Sara shoved him back, trying to put distance between them. "Ask a bunch of traumatized teenagers to dig out the corpses with me? There's no way they… no way that they…!"

Her lip quivered, and she clenched her jaw, bowing her head.

"There's no way that all those witnesses could give the same story so consistently." Sara whispered. "Cici is dead… I…" her voice cracked. "I failed…"

Looker was quiet, recognizing the look in her eye. It was one he saw in many cops, the gleam that shone so bright in the early days had faded. Sara was becoming jaded… but with that was a difference with her. While most officers became jaded and despondent to the violence constantly happening around them, Sara had a new spark. She was angry.

"What are you going to do now… Blitz?"

Sara lowered her head, chin nearly to her chest. Then, she brushed by him.

"I'm going home, Looker."

The words were mumbled, quiet and almost inaudible, but Looker heard it. He whipped around, but Sara had raised her head and was continuing up the stairs.

"Home?" he echoed. Whether she chose to ignore him or didn't hear him was unclear, but Looker never got a response.

He took his chin in his hand in thought. What would drive her to go home after she ran away all that time ago? It couldn't possibly…

No. It couldn't be possible. He was certain they would uncover the bodies of Vale and N soon enough. And even if they didn't, that didn't mean Sara had helped them. The very thought was ludicrous. Sara was grilled relentlessly about being ready to arrest Vale, about being true to justice and the international police. She valued this job, valued justice and his mentorship far too much to possibly aide Vale and N. The two were good as dead, Ghetsis confessed himself to killing Vale, and Sara was right, the witness testimony was consistent.

She probably only wished to return home because, as an international agent, there was limited options. Maybe she was estranged from her parents, but perhaps there was other family. She was from Hoenn, it wouldn't be out of character for her to take this suspension with optimistic stride and treat it as a vacation.

Looker contemplated following her, but settled on turning on his heel and going back down the stairs.

There was an unsettling feeling in his stomach, but he wrote it off as stress from the prior conversation with Dominic. Sara was his subordinate, and his friend. It was his duty to protect her as the senior officer.

o.0.o.0.o

Silver and Lyra basically used their own fame to act as a distraction from my complete lack of acclimation to fame and fortune. Once things settled, they returned to Johto. Silver promised Bianca, if Vale ever returned, he would jump the first boat, ship, whatever her could to come and see her.

Meanwhile, Professor Oak wanted to list Cheren and myself as the "Tertiary Dexholders", but it was just… too much. Far too much, with everything going on.

Politely, we rejected the titles, needing to take the time to rebuild ourselves. Unlike me, who completed her dreams, Cheren and Bianca's had changed from the first day. Now, they're grown, taking on apprenticeships, moving on and up in the world.

Maybe later, we can take on our official titles and become a true part of the dexholders, but for now…

o.0.o.0.o

"Don't you dare think," her father hissed, pointing a finger right in her face while her mother dejectedly but silently cried next to him. "That when I die, I'll leave a lick of my fortune to you. I hope you rot, you ungrateful little brat."

"You aren't legally obligated to now." Bianca held her gaze firm, holding copies of emancipation paperwork in her grasp. "Thank you for finally agreeing to this."

"Bianca…" her mother began, but her father cut her off.

"Don't. If she wants to crash and burn, let her flounder like the idiot she is."

He turned on his heel and stormed away. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Bianca's gaze moved to her mother. Her lip quivered for a moment as she glanced between her daughter and her husband. Then she broke down into tears, sobbing as she followed after the man she married.

As if all the strength had left her, Bianca slowly sat down on the bench. People all around her bustled and hurried by for various court cases. The only reason she was even here was to get a simple signature notarized by a judge. Finally, finally, Bianca felt as if she would be able to live her own life.

Once things had settled, she and Cheren had gained a brief stint of fame for their work in taking down Team Plasma. When news of her, admittedly small, part of the operation reached her parents ears, immediately her father tried to welcome her back with open arms.

But she wasn't as foolish as her father thought she was.

It took some time, but eventually, Bianca agreed to meet with her parents. When her father greeted her with a saccharine smile and declarations of his pride in her, she laid out emancipation forms on the table. In the high end restaurant, she calmly explain how she was going to change her name, and wanted nothing further with the Steele company or name.

Surprisingly, her father hadn't exploded, but it was probably only because they were in a nice restaurant and it would certainly make at least a single headline.

After the fact? Her father screamed at her. Called her at any and all hours, tried to call her bluff, threatened her with anything he could. But she stood her ground, knowing what her end result of this all would be, even if he didn't.

She wasn't going to be Bianca Steele anymore.

"Hey, there you are."

She lifted her head, blinking slightly.

"Oh wow." Bianca let out a laugh, averting her gaze. "Almost didn't recognize you there, Cheren. You look suuuuper different without your glasses!"

"Well, I figured if my prospective students are… anything like our dear Champion, then perhaps contacts was the best way to avoid pranks involving an expensive set of glasses."

"There you go, always thinking so far ahead." Bianca let out a sigh.

Cheren's hand went up, almost instinctively to adjust his glasses, but instead, he just ran a hand down his face.

"That will…" Cheren sighed. "Take some getting used to. Old habits, I suppose."

"Oh, um, speaking of which…" Bianca averted her gaze as she stood. "I'm really sorry I missed your battle with Hilda. I just… with all this…"

Bianca lowered her gaze, mumbling under her breath. Cheren had quickly beat Drayden and immediately headed for Hilda's throne. Bianca was so caught up in her legal battle with her father that she missed it. Apparently Cheren managed to knock out two of her pokémon before his team was wiped clean with the final four of Hilda's.

"It's not a big deal." Cheren shook his head slightly. "I think I always knew, no matter what happened, Hilda would have always had the throne. It feels like… a formality at this point."

"So you already had a plan if you lost."

"I actually never expected to win to begin with," Cheren kept his gaze forward. "Hilda is just… a whole other level above myself. I'd be pressed if anyone managed to defeat her. Besides…" his ears suddenly turned a slight pink, turning away from her. His next sentence was mumbled. "… I don't think I want you to see me get defeated like that."

"I'm sure you still looked super cool, Cheren!" Bianca affirmed. "And now you're on a new path, so everything will be great!

Cheren glanced at her, then, a smile tugged at his lips.

"I think you're the only person who could possibly be proud of a defeat."

Bianca wasn't sure if that was the right thing to say, but judging on his expression, Cheren seemed happy.

"Are your classes going all right?" Bianca asked as she stood. "Are you going to teach history and archeology like Lenora?"

"Not quite." Cheren kept up with her stride. "I've decided I need to get into work immediately. Lenora has been incredible as a professor, but something else may have popped up…"

"Oooh?"

"W-Well…" Cheren trailed off, lowering his head. "I will still be a teacher, but the trainer school in Aspertia… They scouted me out. The Flocessy Ranch used to provide ample tourist traffic to that and Aspertia, but with Virbank City on the rise with the night scene, they're seeing less and less people moving into Aspertia, or even visiting. So… They want one of the "Knights of Unova" to teach at their trainer school, and basically cater the city around having families move into the surrounding rental houses to send their children there. But also-"

"Wait there's more?!" Bianca stopped, bouncing on her feet. "What else… This already sounds like an incredibly opportunity!"

"Well, yes, but the big part is that Lenora is seeking to retire."

Bianca gasped, heart swelling because she just knew what Cheren was about to say.

"And Drayden felt that, with Nacrene having the art scene and the museum and Lenora, that her retirement and abolishment of the gym wouldn't cripple Nacrene's stability. So on top of me teaching in Aspertia, it would be best if we set up the new normal-type gym there, which would force tourist attention from trainers…"

"OH MY GOSH, you're gonna be a-"

Cheren smacked a hand over her mouth.

"Don't yell." he glanced around. "This is still very on the down low, but likely, yes. Drayden doesn't want to make an announcement until after Hilda's official Champion Address."

"I can't believe it!" Bianca grabbed his wrist, practically jumping for joy. "Well, actually I can, you've always been so smart and studious, I knew you would be destined for greatness!"

"Um, well, thank you." Cheren pulled his hand back and coughed into his fist, clearing his throat. Quietly, with his head bowed and rosy cheeks, he reached for the handle of the door.

The door to the courthouse creaked open, Cheren holding it for her as they stepped outside. Immediately, Biacna smelled flowers and saw flashing lights. Stratiomus City was more or less like two separate places in and of itself. One half was filled with tall, reflective buildings, shining with neon lights even during the daytime, while the other was circling a tall tree that reached for the heavens, surrounded by wooden buildings that somehow seemed built into the trees.

Though the Stratiomus is a collective one, more often than not, the two places were called by nicknames; "Black City" and "White Forest". The city has been a draw for tourists for forever, mostly in part to the two completely different halves somehow making a perfect whole. And right in the center of the city, was the Supreme Courthouse of Unova.

The building was made up of white and black brick. The White Forest side adorned with lines of flowers and a large hedge trimmed to the shape of the Justice Trio. Meanwhile, on the Black City side, was black bricks and blue lights lining the wall, a hologram of the Justice Trio mirroring the hedge. Right in the center, just before the doors, was a large statue of Keldeo, lights and flowers adorning a black and white mix that made the statue. The perfect symbol of the peace between the two different areas of the same city.

"It's kinda fitting," Bianca found herself laughing. "You being on the city side, and I'm on the forest side… Wouldn't you say, Cheren?"

"I suppose. I just can't believe," Cheren heaved out a sigh. "Your father threw enough of a fit to get such a simple procedure done here, only for things to go against his favor. As if you are some child still…" Cheren shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It could have easily been handled in Accumula…"

"It feels… different." Bianca murmured to herself.

Somehow, the world feels brighter, even the air felt cleaner, more fresh. With her new name and no ties to her fathers stressful legacy, she felt like a new person, like she was seeing the world for the first time.

I wonder if this is how Vale and N felt, free of their troubles and worries…

"Did everything go all right?"

His voice switched to concern, brow furrowed. Bianca's shoulders finally relaxed as she nodded.

"It was so tense. My father simply dismissed me, but my mother cried."

"Nothing else?"

"… No." Bianca lowered her head. "But I wasn't expecting anything else, anyways."

There was a small silence, and Bianca could feel Cheren't pitying gaze on her. Her voice dropped to a quiet whisper.

"I almost wish I had done this the moment I turned sixteen. The world feels so different when you're a new person, with no worries about what to do if you have to go home. Or the anxiety of being forcefully dragged back home. Feels like my journey was a waste."

"Well, you did take that apprenticeship under Professor Juniper and Doctor Fennel, right? You've seen Professor Juniper, both of them, in fact, traveling across Unova. You'll likely experience this region again, in new ways you never imagined before."

"I suppose so." Bianca smiled up at him. "Professor Bianca Wayland, traveling Unova in search of the way to understand pokémon! That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

"I always knew you would go far." Cheren let out a chuckle, smiling at her. "You were destined for just as great of things as the rest of us, Pokédex or no."

Huh…

"What is it?"

"Huh?" Cheren's expression went from happy and pleased, too confused. He blinked at her. "What is… what, exactly?"

"What are you holding out on? What aren't you telling me?" Bianca turned to him, arms crossed behind her back with a big grin on her face. "Come on, tell me! Is there something else?"

"But… in front of the courthouse, Bianca…?" Cheren trailed off, face scarlet while he fiddled with the collar of his shirt, readjusting his tie. Again, his hand drifted to his face, for his glasses, but there was none there. He let his hand drop.

Bianca caught it, gripping his fingers tightly.

"Come on." Bianca insisted. "You can tell me. I always would cry about my struggles to you. What's wrong?"

Cheren was quiet, averting his gaze.

"There is… a girl that I like."

"Really?!" Bianca gasped, her papers dropping from her arms as her hands flew to her lips. "Oh, shoot! One minute! T-Tell me what she's like! Is she pretty? Nice?"

She dropped to her knees to start gathering things, and Cheren lowered himself as well, gathering wayward documents while he spoke.

"She's very pretty." Cheren mumbled. "She's a little ditzy, but her heart was always in the right place. She knows how to make everyone smile, how to make friends with everyone, even villains. Honestly, she kind of reminds me of those protagonists in those silly romance stories you like reading."

"They are not silly!" Bianca huffed. "They are wonderful and this girl sounds like a dream. I'm sure you've got a great chance with her! When did this start? Why didn't you tell her sooner?"

"Well, I knew her for a long time, but she fell in love with someone else-"

"Oh my gosh, Hilda?!"

"No!" Cheren quickly corrected her, looking horrified. "Zekrom, no. No, it's not Hilda. She's incredibly intelligent and patient. Smart enough, in fact, to get an apprenticeship with the professor."

"Oh, like me!" Bianca beamed at him. Cheren looked relieved.

"Yes. You-"

"I hope I get to meet her. Seriously though…" she stopped gathering her papers, tapping a finger to her chin. "Pretty, kinda ditzy, good-hearted, friendly, smart, and is a protagonist to a story…" Bianca reached out for another wayward paper. "Man, you must've found a good one! I can't think of a single person-"

"Bianca, do I truly need to spell it out, just like when we were children?" Cheren sounded exasperated as he placed a hand over hers, stopping her from moving, forcing her to look him in the eyes. His gaze was serious, face dusted pink, and Bianca could tell that he wanted to avert his gaze, but was doing everything in his power to not do it.

"… Huh?"

"Oh, by Reshiram's sake." Cheren released her hand, running his fingers down his face. Bianca blinked as he started at the sky, hand over his mouth as he seemed to take a deep breath. "It's you, Bianca. You're the girl I like."

Bianca blinked at him.

"What? Really?"

"Really."

"Me?" she pointed to herself. "Me?"

"Yes."

"You think I'm pretty? And smart? A romance novel protagonist?"

"Yes."

"I… what?" Bianca's brain was trying to catch up with that statement. "Since when? Why? How…?"

"Since we were kids. I always thought you were cute and fun to be around. I could never tell you though, because I was afraid of how your father would react. Especially after the front-tooth incident. And then Black showed up, and I just felt like… I couldn't measure up."

"Oh my legends, that explains that tension." Bianca averted her gaze, hand over her mouth.

"Yes… And then things just got progressively worse and worse with Vale, Team Plasma, and just when I thought we had peace, you went ahead and decided to emancipate yourself from your parents. I didn't want to add onto that stress in the slightest." Cheren sighed, reaching for more papers while she slowly stood. "I was hoping to tell you at some point, but I wanted to be… worthy. Reliable. And not have it be a spur of the moment type of thing. And definitely not in front of the Supreme Courthouse of Unova, of all things…"

"Cheren…"

She trailed off as he continued muttering to himself, as if unable to look her in the eye. Bianca's mouth opened, but she couldn't figure out what to say.

Bianca had never even thought to consider… She just always believed they were too different. That after the front tooth incident and her father pressing charges over it… she just assumed she should count herself lucky that Cheren still considered her a friend. Beyond that she never thought…

Cheren mustered the courage to glance at her, then averted his gaze abruptly. Softly, Bianca found herself smiling. Thinking about it now, she couldn't remember Cheren ever really talking about any girls he liked, and she had again assumed that it was because he was the only guy in the trio.

But Cheren was always reliable. Whereas Hilda overtly stood up to her father, screaming like a woobat out of hell, but Cheren always held her hand and helped her covertly, no matter how ridiculous her request. That's just how it was, even when they were little. While Hilda was trying to figure out if she could get her mud pies through the window to her fathers office, Cheren sat with her under the trees and held her hand. He was always there, and Bianca knew she could rely on him.

But they were kinda like Stratiomus City. Cheren was refined with his finger on the pulse of a growing future, destined to move forward, become a pinnacle known for his continued growth while inspiring it in others. Meanwhile, she was going to evaluate the past, nurturing the world so it would reveal to her secrets that would have remained hidden.

Then and now, white and black…

Suddenly, there was a flash and a snap. Cheren snapped his head to the side as Bianca stumbled back. She saw a frantic photographer waving his camera, beaming.

"I got a picture! Two of the Knights of Unova are engaged! TO EACH OTHER!"

"Wait, wait-!" Cheren stumbled to his feet, face crimson and papers sliding from his grasp. While he struggled to maintain his grip, Bianca's own cheeks lit up scarlet as she hid behind her papers, the photographer whooping with joy as he bolted. "You…! Stop right-"

"Cheren." Bianca grabbed his hand. he glanced back at her, gaze frantic.

"Listen, Bianca, I'm sure I can have this cleared up momentarily-"

"N-No, it's okay. It's fine." Bianca lifted her head slightly, laughing. "Let them talk. I don't mind. Rumors are going to spread about everyone anyways, at least this one isn't super scandalous or anything."

"But we aren't even dating!"

"Well, we'll just have to change that then!" Bianca darted around him, beaming. "I don't know if you realized, but this place is a hopping tourist destination. I'm sure there's somewhere we can go!"

"Wait, wait, are you doing this because you want to go along with the rumor or are you…" now it was Cheren's turn to point to himself. "Do you want to… to date me?"

"Of course!" Bianca continued to smile. "You've been by my side since… forever. I wish you had told me how you felt sooner. I would have been happy to date you!"

Cheren's jaw dropped. His entire face seemed to go red, and he turned his head away, hand over his mouth.

"Just like that? It was that easy, this whole time? All I had to do was just… say it?"

Bianca wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear that or not… but in the end, it didn't matter.

"So what're you feeling? White Forest, or Black City?"

"I feel like you and I could benefit from the peace of the forest, frankly…"

"Then lets go!"

Bianca grabbed his hand, tugging him forward. Cheren was almost completely at ease, and Bianca… she felt excited. She didn't have to worry about her fathers disapproval, she didn't have to worry about a lawsuit, or being tracked down, or a single thing now. She was Bianca Wayland, and she was going to date Cheren Haku!

Fingers intertwined, they walked forward to a new future, finally at peace, smiling together.

o.0.o.0.o

As for N and Vale, I don't know where they went. The two haven't gotten in contact with any of us yet, but it's only been a short amount of time.

I know N wasn't close to us, but there was something of an understanding, I guess. And Vale was our friend. I believe in her promise, she'll meet with us once again, in some for or another. Eventually, I know the truth will be uncovered once the castle is thoroughly cleaned. At that point though, N and Vale will be long gone.

Still, I just hope they know we wish them the best.

o.0.o.0.o

Vale had awoken with a slight migraine and the feeling of N's arms around her. Her eyes felt dry and swollen, and she cursed slightly to herself. Not only had she cried herself to sleep, but she forgot to take her contacts out.

Half blind, she blearily began to scrub at her eyes until one contact came loose, rolled up and nearly dried in her palm.

"Vale…" N slowly got up with a small yawn. "What time is it?"

"It's morning." Vale spoke softly, the light of the morning sun peeking through the leaves. Their meager funds couldn't be wasted on a tent, so they opted to sleep in the grass while sharing a blanket.

The eye that still had the contact in it remained closed as she dug through the bag for the solution and the case. Slowly managing to get the other contact out, they both met a watery fate in their case while she swiped away the discomfort.

N was still half asleep, slowly waking up as Vale began to tie her now lilac-colored hair back into a braid. Arriving in Hoenn was surprisingly easy, mostly because they had smuggled themselves onto a cargoship heading straight for Slateport City from Castelia. Double bonus was the cargo haul apparently held supplies for a Contest Spectacular, and they were able to snag a few pieces for their disguises. A quick walk through the Slateport shops and Vale had clothing for them, enough to hide who they truly were. With new hair colors, hair styles, new clothing, and her contacts, they were almost unrecognizable from who they were.

With Hoenn's rather lax laws on trainer licenses and records, they also got licenses with new names. They didn't even need to provide a birth certificate, they just gave them a licenses when they claimed their licenses had been stolen by a pokémon.

Now they were Nate Irino and Rose Ortiz.

"Hey…" N reached out, grasping her hand. "… You okay?"

Vale lowered her gaze. Last night had been another… difficult night. Upon returning to Hoenn, they realized Slateport was simply a bike ride from where her last known address was. Vale couldn't help but be excited, because certainly this meant that she would finally have at least someone to call a family.

But as they approached Mauville, they were met with a large, almost dome-like place. When asking around and showing the address, people gave them confused looks. Slowly, a sickening feeling started to twist her stomach, clinging to her lungs until they were finally taken to the chief city surveyor, Wattson.

He had confirmed that yes, such an address did exist, but it was an orphanage that housed almost every orphan or unwanted child in Hoenn. After one child went missing and a couple others were injured or died in accidents, the orphanage was investigated and found to be out of compliance with code and was massively overpopulated with little or otherwise inexperienced staff barely caring for the children.

So when they began drafting plans for reconstructing the city, the orphanage was closed, the children dispersed to multiple foster homes, families, and smaller orphanages across Hoenn. N had asked about records of the missing or dead children, asking if there was any way to get a lead she was looking for, Wattson informed them that most of those records were destroyed by the staff as a means to cover their tracks.

At that point, Wattson was getting suspicious of why they were poking about this address. Vale put together a feeble lie through her shaking voice that she had a friend she had met while on vacation, but only remembered the address of the orphanage. When they returned to the hotel room, she was shaking and as close to inconsolable as she could be.

She didn't leave bed or eat for three days. All she could think about was how Ghetsis was right. In regards to her having no one to go back to, he wasn't lying. And every time she recalled those words, a sickening feeling arose in her, and she wanted to vomit.

By day four, N was practically frantic with worry. He was pacing, mumbling on what he could do, but to scared to give away who they were. Vale finally came out of her emotion-clouded state and ate the toast and water N had brought her.

"I'll be fine." Vale reassured him, though N didn't look convinced.

As with few night between their journey from Mauville to here, Vale had found Ghetsis's words haunting her. And every time they did, she began to quietly cry anew. She had tried to hide it, but every time she did, N never said a word but instead would roll over and hug her tightly.

She appreciated that. Vale didn't want her weaknesses highlighted and soothed, but knowing he was there brought all the comfort in the world.

As Vale went to put her contacts in, N suddenly reached out, grabbing her shoulders.

"… Awake now?"

"Yeah." N was staring into her eyes, pouting. "I know you have to wear the contacts, but I miss your blue eyes during the daytime."

"And I miss your long hair." Vale reached up, swiping a hand through the now blond locks on N's head. "But look, it's already been six months, and it's to your shoulders again. Soon enough your hair will be back to long and green, and my eyes can remain blue."

N smiled slightly, reaching up and grasping her hand tightly. Meeting her gaze, he smiled softly, maybe even innocently.

"I love you."

"I know." Vale smiled slightly. "Me too."

She knew what he was trying to do. He was trying to reassure her that, even if she had no family, that he still loved her. It certainly helped, but it didn't feel the gaping void in her heart, nor erase Ghetsis's taunts from her brain.

No one wanted you. No one is waiting for you.

"We should be just outside Petalburg," N spoke up, helping her pack as they emerged from the tent, the lapping of the ocean welcoming them. "I, um… I'm sorry I didn't want to sleep in the city. I still have faint memories of my mother, but I don't remember my real dad at all… I'm worried they might have seen me and I-I just… didn't know if I was ready."

After the crushing disappointment of Mauville, they went back down to Slateport and ran into a happy-go-lucky sailor with his Wingull named Peeko. He agreed to take them back to his dock, which was just a brief walk away from their destination; N's original home, Petalburg City.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Vale asked as she began to fold up their blankets. "Still nervous?"

"I think… I'll be fine." N suddenly paused pouring water on the embers of their fire, carefully making sure a blaze didn't start from a wayward spark. Vale could feel him staring at her back. "… Are you okay?"

"I told you, I'm fine."

"I know that…" N trailed off, coming around to her. His hands halted her movements, gaze wavering, worrying. "But I-I know you're upset. Because it's likely… they're there. And I have… a family, but you… You're still reeling, and I don't want you to-"

"N, listen," Vale spoke his name softly, knowing she should probably use his assumed name, but choosing otherwise. Her hands cupped his face, forcing his focus on her. "My story has never been a happy one, so it's only fitting my true origins are sad as well. But I don't want my tragic tale to keep you back from your own happy ending. You deserve it. And no matter what, I promise you that with you… I've never been happier."

N was quiet, slowly lowering his head and wrapping her in a tight hug.

"Don't worry about me." Vale insisted, feeling the tension radiating off of him. "Just relax. This is going to be a good day today."

"You're okay?"

"I told you, I'll be fine."

The conversation drifting to silence as they parted and finished cleaning up their campsite. Once done, they began the short trek to their destination.

As the outline of houses began to appear in their vision, Vale could tell N was becoming more and more jittery. He was wringing his hands, mumbling under his breath while his gaze anxiously flicked about. His puzzle cube was tucked away in their bags, another main identifier of who N once was.

Cresting the hill of the route, they looked over the city. People were opening windows, welcoming the nice weather while pokémon scurried along the streets. The city was small, but calming. Like there was a certain balance in this place that no one else had.

"Th-Thinking about it…" N muttered as a wild Zigzagoon crossed his path. Kneeling down, he scratched the pokémon's head. "Fa-Ghetsis always said it was my mother who inherited the Harmonia name… And I know that pokemone always felt comfortable around me, even those who were hurt. So I wonder if pokémon seem so… at ease, here, because she's present."

"Perhaps." Vale agreed as N coaxed the pokémon into his arms. "But I also feel at ease around you, so maybe it's less your mother, and more you, Nate."

"M-M-Maybe…" N murmured, ears red. He whispered the address to Zigzagoon, then held him aloft with a small smile on his face. "Could you show us the way, my friend?"

Zigzagoon chirped, giving something of a salute as N set him down, and he scurried off. They both followed, with Zigzagoon glancing back at them every once in a while so they could catch up.

Eventually, they ended up right in front of a small little cottage, with wide-open windows and a porch with comfortable looking furniture. The lawn was pristine, and the flowerbeds were in full bloom with what seems like a hundred varying colors of flowers. Taillow were perched on the railing, while Poochyena and Zigzagoon were curled up on the steps. A Wurmple was inching up the gutter while a Lotad was floating in a small pond right in front of the house. Water from a small fountain rolled into the pond and next to the house was a huge, fenced in garden, blooming with herbs, berries, and vegetables. All combined, it creating a rather relaxing atmosphere.

"If you asked me," Vale glanced around. "This is definitely the right place."

"This place reminds me of the sanctuary." N seemed in awe, but was still shaking from his nerves. Zigzagoon suddenly circled his legs, tail wagging. "Um, good job. Thank you, Zigzagoon."

Zigzagoon barked, then bounded onto the edge of a step and curled up.

"Well," Vale nodded towards the door. "I'll wait here. Go on."

"I'm so nervous." N muttered.

"You'll be fine. I'll be right here."

N exhaled, then carefully climbed the steps to the door. Some of the pokémon glanced at him, but most remained undisturbed. Swiping his sweaty palms on his shirt, he reached out to ring the doorbell.

"Excuse me!"

N practically jumped out of his skin, stumbling back to the point where he tripped down the stairs. Vale leapt into action, catching him under his arms and keeping him from falling completely. N scrambled to get his footing to stand, but gave up as she eased them both to the ground.

"Are you okay?" Vale asked, kneeling beside him as N caught his breath. Before he could answer, his eyes whipped forward, wild, nervous, and frenzied. However, the minute his gaze focused, his lips parted, surprised, and yet…

"Oh, my! I didn't mean to startle you!"

Vale lifted her head, following his gaze as a woman approached. There was a large sunhat on her head, hands, arms, and her clothing smudged with dirt. She had a warm smile, but most importantly…

She's a spitting image of N…!

Vale was honestly taken aback, the similarity was so close that it was almost uncanny. Long, green hair that wavered between curly and super wavy, gentle, soft blue eyes, even their smiles were the same. Vale couldn't blame N for the shock, if it weren't for the lines around her eyes, then it was probably as if N was looking in a mirror, the resemblance was that close.

The gate slamming shut broke the moment. N suddenly scrambled up, stumbling over his words.

"I, um, I-I…" N stood a good couple inches over her as he scrambled through his pockets. "I, uh, I don't know where to start, um, are y-you…" finally pulling out the file, he unfolded it victoriously, holding it out to her. "Y-You're M-Miss- Mrs.! Mrs. Alaina M-Mitsuru, r-right?"

He pointed to the name on the paper, looking at her with hopeful eyes. She cocked her head.

"I am, and this is…" she trailed off, taking the paper and glancing it over. Immediately, her face fell. "… Ah."

"I-I'm not a reporter!" N blurted out. "O-Or anything! Or, well, I-I am someone, b-but… but…!"

Vale quietly reached out, taking the cap off N's head. Though his hair was blond, his green roots had started to come in a week or so ago. His hair held something of a gradient that was only hidden under the cap. N glanced at her, then back at Alaina. She was staring at his head with wide eyes. Slowly, her gaze drifted down, to his face. Her hands reached up, cupping his face in her hands, eyes practically bearing into his soul.

"…Nathaniel?" she whispered. "Is that really you?"

N's lip quivered, tears welling around his eyes as he nodded. Alaina's own lip trembled as tears rolled down her cheeks. Then, as if someone had cut the strings holding her up, she collapsed against N, sobbing.

N was fumbling, becoming overwhelmed himself as he lead Alaina to the steps of her porch, easing them both down. She didn't unwrap her arms from around him, incoherently mumbling things between her sobs that Vale couldn't quite pick up. N gripped her hand tightly, crying himself as he tried, and repeatedly failed, to explain what was going on. The pokémon surrounding them began to murmur and chirp, curling on their laps and nuzzling into their sides, as if in response to their emotions.

"I'm so sorry, I… I promise, now that you're home, I'll never let you go ever again!" Alaina suddenly jolted upright, glancing at N. "Wait, I need to- Tom! Tom!"

She scrambled up the steps and threw herself towards the door leaving N baffled as he hesitantly stood after her. As she reached the doorknob, a tall, lanky man with grey eyes and soft blue hair cut close threw open the door.

"Alaina, what's wrong?! What are you…" he trailed off as he met N's gaze. He connected the dots far quicker than his wife, mouth dropping open wide. "No way…"

"Mom? Dad? Is everything all right…?"

A quiet, raspy voice echoed from inside the house.

"Wally! Wally, come outside, dear…!"

"Wait, Alaina, his condition-"

Alaina ignored her husband, grabbing a small, thin boy by his wrist and yanking him onto the porch. To Vale, he couldn't have been older than eleven, but there was a definite resemblance to N. Immediately, his gaze went to the pokémon, blinking at them while they growled, chirped, and yipped in excitement.

"Wally, you remember, those pictures I showed you?" Alaina cupped Wally's face in her hands, staring him in the eye. "All the stories, about your big brother? He's home. He's home."

Alaina began to cry again, scrubbing at her face while Wally glanced between her and N. Tom left the trio, the tallest of the group, the only one who was able to meet N's gaze.

"By Groundon, you look just like your mother." Tom glanced N up and down, smiling slightly. "But you got my height, huh? I… I, excuse me…"

He fanned his face, as a tear streaked down. Then, he pulled N into a tight hug. N was crying new tears, struggling to maintain any composure. Finally, they pulled back, and N glanced at the boy, Wally.

"I-I have a brother?" he asked hesitantly.

"You do!" Alaina seemed excited. "I'm sure you'll get along, we've got so much to catch up on…! Oh, Nathaniel… Wally…!"

Vale found herself awkwardly lingering staring at the touching scene. Alaina and N continued to practically bawl, while Tom was struggling to keep his composure and Wally looked to be a mix between confused, surprised, and in awe.

Lowering her gaze to her shoes, she felt… envious, in a way. She hated herself for feeling this way, as this was all she ever wanted for N from the very start. But she couldn't help it. It was a cruel twist of the dagger, that she couldn't even find solace in a family. She should be happy for N, and in a way, she was… But was she always going to be stuck awkwardly watching other people be happy? Was she just going to suck away N's joy with her depressing story, depressing life?

He didn't even want to try to do this, because he didn't want to hurt me…

Vale exhaled through her nose, but smiled, pushing her negativity aside. She shouldn't be harping on emotions like this. This was all she ever wanted, N's freedom, N's happiness. Everything else… was just a bonus with that.

No one. No one is waiting for you. No one wanted-

"Nathaniel…" Alaina cut into Ghetsis's monologue that arose unbidden in her head. She stepped away, arms around N's as he stepped away from his family. "You, miss… Did you find my son?"

"I…" Vale trailed off, unsure how to answer the question. Yes, but also no?

"This is, uh…" N trailed off, stumbling on her fake name as he detangled himself from his mothers grasp. Stepping down, he wrapped his fingers around hers and tugged her close. "She's someone that I… that I cherish. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here, and I know this is-is in-n-ncredibly f-fast and, uh, a lot… But I love her very much."

"Oh, you're just as poetic as your father." Alaina suddenly beamed like a ray of sunlight over a field of daisies. "To think I would reunite with my son and be introduced to his girlfriend all in one day! So many milestones…!"

"Don't embarrass the boy, he might fly off again." Tom shook his head.

"Absolutely not!" Alaina whipped around. "Never again!"

"Dad, you shouldn't joke about that…" Wally whispered, before he coughed into his hand. "Uh, forgive Dad. He's not good at reading the room when it comes to his jokes."

Placing a hand on Wally's shoulder, Tom gently guided him to the door.

"Wally, get inside before your symptoms flare up to much."

As Wally retreated with his father, coughing more into his fist, Alaina lingered. N had flushed scarlet, bowing his head. Somehow, his parents commentary only seemed to make him more embarrassed, but Vale… She could feel her bitterness ebbing away slightly. She couldn't imagine N telling Ghetsis that her cherished or loved her, N was initially terrified of even saying she was still alive.

Yet, he only knew these people for mere minutes…

"So," Alaina stepped forward, hands behind her back as she looked her up and down, then smiled gently, warmly. "Does this person you cherish and love have a name?"

"Uh…" N trailed off. "I-It's a little complicated… And a really, really long story…"

"That's all right." Alaina wrapped her arms around N's, tugging him forward. N didn't release her hand, pulling her along up the steps. "We have nearly fifteen years to make up for lost time, I'm sure we can sit down and hear this long, complicated story."

Vale let out a small sigh she hadn't known she was holding. Alaina stepped forward, holding open the door for them. Smiling, she cocked her head to the side and gestured to the home that just seemed to radiate a welcoming and happy atmosphere.

"Welcome home, you two."

And with those words, somehow… Vale, who never relied on hunches or feelings, she just knew that everything would be okay.

o.0.o.0.o

And as for me, Hilda Veritas-White, Champion of Unova…

Well…

o.0.o.0.o

I PROMISE THE NEXT CHAPTER IS THE LAST CHAPTER. THIS ONE IS ALREADY ALMOST 15K WORDS LONG IF I WENT ANY LONGER IT WOULD BE LIKE 40K WORDS LONG OR SOMETHING RIDICULOUS.

We're in it for the long haul my friends! Almost there!