DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN POKEMON. ELSE I WOULD'VE CHANGED THEIR FASHION SENSE A LONG, LONG TIME AGO!
Relic Castle, Desert Resort, Route 4. Unova.
White hummed a cheery tune as she led Scarlet and Jolteon down the stony steps that led to the lower caverns of the ruins. The day was Thursday and Scarlet had mysteriously felt well enough to follow his companion into the ancient city.
"We're lucky Drayden got us a flying pokemon," the girl chirped. "I should probably catch one one of these days."
"I wouldn't recommend flying unless you really had to," Scarlet replied, still scanning the ancient text and runes. "It'd be bad for your hair." True, no one was really a fan of the windblown effect flying had on them.
"I guess. When Reshiram used to fly us around Unova, we'd laugh at how crinkly and frizzy our hair and clothes got."
"Hm," was all her friend could reply. For now, he was more interested in their surroundings. The place looked to be about 2,000 years old. "Hey White. What's the story behind Relic Castle?"
White tapped her chin in thought. "Well...Black told me but he himself wasn't too sure so don't take what I'm about to say to heart. Apparently, this place used to be the very first centre of civilization built by one of the Twin Heroes after they destroyed their own land in a fight."
"Why were they fighting?" Scarlet asked and White shrugged.
"Can't really say. Something about pursuing either Truth or Ideals. All I know is that they once shared a powerful dragon that split in two when the heroes' beliefs conflicted with each other. As such, Reshiram and Zekrom were born."
"I can finish the rest from here, Reshiram followed the Hero of Truth while Zekrom followed the Hero of Ideals," Scarlet stated. "I read that in the book while I was researching back in Mistralton City."
"Well yeah. You're right. But after their big fight, Reshiram and Zekrom turned into their stone forms since they got really tired," the girl added and began walking again. "As such, the brothers felt that it'd be best for the world if their legendary pokemon were hidden away from humanity. That's why they buried the stones here."
The trio came down a long set of steps and found themselves in a dome-shaped cavern illuminated by a single morning ray streaming in from a large hole in the ceiling. Scarlet felt an odd wave of reverence for the Heroes for having constructed this section of the castle. Large text and paintings decorated the stony walls and ceilings and with the way the light illuminated the cavern, he couldn't help but notice how sacred this place must've been to the ancient Unovans.
"Nice place, right?" White asked and sighed as a brief sense of nostalgia flooded her mind. "The funny thing is, it looked so easy getting here but if Reshiram wasn't in me, we'd never have been able to get down here."
Scarlet tilted his head. "How does having Reshiram help?"
"Well, Black said this place was constructed in such a way that only the Hero of Truth/ Ideals could enter. It wouldn't matter if you made a map or even kept to the walls. If you're not the hero, then you'll always get lost and never find this place."
"So how come I'm here?" the boy asked. "Shouldn't I have gotten lost too?"
White turned and folded her arms. "That's why I held your hand each time we made a turn, passed through doors or rounded a corner, Scarly. If I wasn't holding you, you really would've found yourself somewhere far from me even if we crossed the same door."
"Oh." The ravenette stared at his hand before growing hot at the thought of how soft and small White's hand was. Slapping his distracted mind upside the head, he looked up to see White walking towards that single sunbeam.
"This is the spot where I swallowed the stone," she stated and made a face. "Didn't taste too good."
"You're weird," Scarlet chuckled and pocketed his hands, knowing that this was it. The time for the grand unveiling and the end of White's bargain. If only it could've come later...
White dropped her bag and took off her hat before tossing it to Scarlet. Slowly, she took hold of the hem of her top and Scarlet raised an eyebrow.
"What're you doing?" he asked and the girl looked down shyly.
"Reshiram shall stir from his slumber at the gentle touch of dawn's rays," she quoted and gestured to the runes. "That's what they say. I have to expose Reshiram to this kind of sunlight."
"So that's why we left early," Scarlet mused. "That still doesn't explain why you've gotta lose your top."
"You don't understand, Scarly. Reshiram's concentrated at a certain point in me." The girl thumped the centre of her chest. "When I first took the stone, my chest burned and before long, the skin started to bleed. Black told me not to be scared though as Reshiram was just getting used to my body. In time, the pain went away and all that was left was a scar..."
"Scar...?" The thought of seeing a scar on her flawless skin made him feel uncomfortable for a moment. But then again, it couldn't have been anything compared to his. Come to think of it, the day he and White had made their pact, he remembered seeing her naked and didn't recall a scar. "But-"
"I know, it's only visible when I want it to be," she replied and lifted the shirt off. White never wore bras as she had once felt them to be too much of a hassle to undo. As such, she usually wound bandages tightly round her chest to keep comfortable when moving. That was probably why Scarlet hadn't nosebled yet as she rolled the shirt into a ball and tossed it to him.
It was a stupid question but Scarlet just had to ask. "I should turn, right?"
Jolteon got ready to punish him an electric shock but stopped and gawked as White shook her head.
"I don't mind," she elaborated and started unwrapping. "I'm a little scared since I haven't tried releasing Reshiram before so I'd feel more confident if a friend is watching me. Besides, I never really got why boys go gaga when a girl is undressing."
Someone obviously hasn't given her The Talk yet, Scarlet and Jolteon deadpanned in unison. As the linen wrappings unravelled, White's irises began to flicker purple and her pupils slowly turned to cat-like slits.
"It's starting," she whispered and the coverings fell completely at her feet.
Then he saw it.
Scarlet's mind went blank. Totally blank. Not even a tiny flicker of embarrassment passed through him as the situation suddenly felt too serious for that. His eyes were too busy focusing on the glowing scar just above her breasts and Jolteon suppressed a gasp at how oddly familiar it looked. Where had he seen it before? Slowly, the pokemon remembered and halted in shock.
It was the same one. The same one as Scarlet's. Down to the ancient symbol in the centre of the triangular mark.
"Half," the stunned ravenette whispered to himself and chewed his lip. How come they shared the same scar? Why was it exactly like his?
"It's weird, right?" White asked as the air around her started to spin. "Black said it was a sign that I was destined for a big event. Never really understood but what can I do about that?"
Scarlet only nodded and put up a hand to shield his face from the heavy wind. Jolteon dug his feet harder into the ground and held on as the air threatened to carry him away. Suddenly, the mark shimmered loudly and large pillars of fire encircled the area where White was standing.
"White!" the ravenette called, hoping that she didn't get burned.
"It's okay!" she called from the fiery blaze. "I won't get burned. It's just Reshiram's aura manifesting."
True to her words, the fire didn't so much as sing her frame and Scarlet sighed in relief. Seconds later, White's eyes changed to that familiar electric blue hue and she gripped her chest as a burning sensation flooded her heart. A good sign, she assured her frightened mind. Reshiram is coming out smoothly. Blood slowly trickled from the corners of her stinging eyes and Jolteon made a move to stop her when she held out a hand reassuringly.
Soon, the red flames around her turned the same shade of blue as her eyes and danced wildly around her as her radiant scar grew into a sizeable black hole that made the onlookers widen their eyes in surprise and slight fear. Instantly, the flames reared up magnificently and converged before forcing themselves into the mark rapidly. It was then that White let out a terrible scream as the fire coursed through her veins.
"White!" Scarlet yelled again and dashed towards her.
"Stop!" she barked, voice terribly strained. "It's part of the process. The flames will kill you if you come too close!"
Hesitantly, the boy stopped and watched as her body swallowed the flames painfully. It was only after the last flame was devoured that her pained expression dulled and she stumbled a bit before regaining her balance and giving Scarlet a thumbs up.
"Here's the finale," she stated and at once, the light from her scar blazed violently and enveloped everything in its light, sending wind and energy whipping past her companions. Scarlet could barely make out White's shape anymore but he did see some energy converge behind her silhouette. Slowly, the radiant light dimmed and Jolteon gaped at the damage done to the entire cavern. Its pillars had crumbled, the walls had suffered large holes and the very floor was scorched.
Scarlet kept his eyes on the retreating light and let out a ragged breath as he saw White intact and alive, although in a shallow but extremely wide crater that would take some time to cross out of. But there was an enormous shape behind her and it wasn't until her scar stopped radiating altogether that he saw the mythical pokemon that had led him to the most bizarre 3 months of his life.
"Scarlet," White said airily and stepped aside. "Meet Reshiram."
And the Vast White entity of Truth let out the most magnificent roar Scarlet and Jolteon had ever heard.
...
Reshiram purred in delight as White scratched his feathery chin. Scarlet simply stood there and took in the pokemon's form. Standing at 17 feet, the dragon was no doubt intimidating with fierce blue eyes and large claws. Even so, his white sheen, long wings and slender mane gave him an elegant aura. Then the tail. It was just like what White had vividly described back on the train-turned-hell-ride back in Nimbasa as it resembled a massive turbine.
"He's beautiful," White said, voicing Scarlet's opinion. "Powerful too. But he's very friendly and gentle if he trusts you."
Reshiram purred again and nuzzled against White's shoulder, earning a small laugh from her as she nearly fell over from the weight of his head.
"Touch him," White offered and beckoned to her companions. Jolteon came over first and sniffed at Reshiram before relaxing as the dragon brought his hand gently against Jolteon's fur, stroking him like his human counterpart would often do. "C'mon Scarly. He's tame."
Slowly, Scarlet strolled over to the pokemon and stretched a cautious hand out to Reshiram who stared at him for a brief moment. Quietly, the pokemon brought his head forward and rested it against the boy's palm. Sighing at Reshiram's heavenly feel, Scarlet scratched the pokemon's head and smiled as he purred in response.
Thank Arceus he can't hear my thoughts, the ravenette inwardly remarked in relief. Else he would've burned me to a crisp by now.
That's where you're wrong, ginger. Truth is an entity of the mind after all.
Green eyes widening, Scarlet looked up to see Reshiram staring at him with a thoughtful smile on his solemn face.
I know what you've been thinking all along and although I strongly disagree with your occupation, I'm glad to know that you have accepted White and won't do anything to hurt her. That's why I won't burn you to a crisp.
Phew, Scarlet sighed. So that makes us friends?
No. You'll have to tell White your occupation sooner or later and I'd prefer if one such as yourself did it sooner. The sooner you go, the better for White.
That was blunt, the hunter sweatdropped before putting up a serious expression. Don't worry. I'll leave and you guys won't see me again.
What about the confession?
...I can't. I don't want her to hate me.
Better that than having to live the rest of your life guilt-ridden at the possibility that she might find out from someone else.
"What are you guys doing?" White asked, clearly oblivious of the the ongoing mental conversation. "You've been staring at each other for, like, forever."
The two turned to her and Scarlet finally felt the blood rushing up to his nose. For the fire had burnt her shorts to ash and now that the situation was a lot freer, the hunter realised that she was practically nude now.
"C-cover yourself, pervert!" he shrieked and threw her shirt into her face before turning away in embarrassment. Reshiram on the other hand gave the boy a blank stare before suddenly sweatdropping.
Is White really the pervert here? Really, you human males can be so-
STOP READING MY FUCKING MIND, DAMMIT!
Ten minutes later, White was fully dressed and she slung her bag strap over her shoulder before calling out, "It's okay, Scarly! You can look now."
"Geez, learn to have some decency next time," he muttered before turning and walking up to her. "We should probably head back to Opelucid."
"I know! Let's fly on Reshiram!" the girl offered and scurried up the pokemon's large back. "You should really try it, Scarly! He's as fast as a rocket!"
"Thought Reshiram was supposed to be kept secret," the ravenette asked sceptically. "Wouldn't it be better if we just went on the flying-type Drayden gave us?"
White pouted and extended an arm. "Reshiram blends in well with the clouds so we won't have to worry about that. Besides, it'll be more fun."
Scarlet paused to consider it before shrugging. It didn't look like anyone else was out to get Reshiram so a little flying around wouldn't hurt. Plus, White was right. The pokemon would blend in quite well with the clouds and they would probably land a good distance away from Opelucid so they could recall the pokemon into a suitable pokeball and come back like nothing had ever happened.
"Have it your way," he stated and picked up Jolteon before taking her hand. "Just not too fast. Doctor said I shouldn't do anything that'll make me dizzy."
"Right!" White replied and pulled him up before placing her arms on Reshiram's shoulder blades. "Now it's your turn to hold on to me!"
After stuffing Jolteon into White's bag, the grumbling teen moved up to his giggling companion before slowly wrapping his arms round her waist.
"You ready?" she asked and Reshiram's tail began to glow a fiery red. A low hum filled the air as the Vast White pokemon gathered energy.
"Not too fast, okay-"
"BLAST OFF, FULL SPEED AHEAD!" White yelled and with a boom loud enough to destroy the cavern completely, Reshiram shot through the hole in the ceiling at blinding speed. In five seconds flat, they reached the top floor and the pokemon opened his jaws to fire off an large stream of fire that blew an opening in the roof. With a scream of excitement, White pumped a fist as they shot out of the ruins and into the cool morning skies.
"I think..." Scarlet mumbled as his stomach lurched. "...I'm gonna hurl."
Opelucid City, Unova Region.
"Welcome back!" Aqua yelled and flung herself at White who gladly accepted the brunette in her arms. Behind them, Scarlet had his face buried in the nearest trash can and he was gladly retching away his troubles.
"Hi Aqua. Shouldn't you be practising right now?" White asked and Aqua smiled.
"Of course I should. In fact, I was just on my way to our rehearsal when I saw you guys coming through the exit terminus. Where were you at this time of the day?" she asked before her expression turned sly. "Unless you liked doing it outdoors."
"Doing it?" White asked and tilted her head innocently. "What d'you mean by that?"
"You know," Aqua pressed. "It."
"We did no such thing!" Scarlet comically screamed before holding his mouth again and retching into the trash can.
Aqua pouted and put up her hands as if in mock wonder. "Geez, two healthy young people and they haven't screwed each other senseless yet. One can only wonder just how much of a virgin someone can be."
"Hey! Quit bashing what little dignity we virgins have left!" Scarlet snapped and slumped into his seat before massaging his bandaged forehead. "If you've got anything important to say then out with it already."
"Well," the brunette replied and folded her arms behind her back. "Tomorrow's White's birthday, right?"
The ravenette arched an eyebrow. "How'd you know?"
"She told me, duh. Anyway, with the concert clashing on the same day, I felt it necessary to give her a suitable present!" And with that, she whipped out two golden tickets from behind her back. "Front rows, guys! How d'you like me now?!"
Squealing, White virtually crushed the brunette in her Beartic hug and accepted the tickets proudly. "Thank you!"
"Don't mention it," the woman coughed out, trying to regain the air that had been squeezed from her lungs. "I'm also gonna sing a special number to congratulate you on getting your final badge. After that, we'll paint this town red as we go on a shopping spree, courtesy of Aqua Mareen!"
Barely able to contain her joy, White pumped both hands into the air and accidentally sent the two passers-by behind flying straight to Mistralton City.
"I'm so happy, I think I'm gonna burst!" she declared and stretched her arms wide. "I love you, Aqua! Please hug me!"
"And that's my cue to leave," the woman piped up sharply and quickly saluted. "See ya!" And she dashed enough with enough speed to outrun a Rapidash. Sighing dreamily, White plopped down next to Scarlet and grinned widely as her eyes sparkled comically.
"She's the best..." she cooed.
"I hear you. Must've taken a lot of persuasion to get those tickets," Scarlet chipped in and slouched on the bench. "She's acting a little too nice though."
"You're just jealous cos you can't get rich and famous," the girl joked, earning a playfully glare from her companion. He was famous... at least in the eyes of police, rangers and the Pokemon League heads anyway. In terms of riches, well, he wasn't feeling up to it to lapse into Haughty Bitch mode like most successful hunters and huntresses.
"Hey White," he piped up after some minutes of silence. "Thanks for letting me see Reshiram. It...means a lot to me..."
"It's okay!" she chirped happily and shifted closer to him. The only thing separating them now was the yellow dog pokemon between them. "So...that makes you free now."
The hunter stifled a bitter laugh. Free? Yeah right. It was back to ORPH for him. All he needed to do now was just call Boss and tell him that Reshiram didn't exist. Then White would be safe. "Free huh? Somehow, saying that makes me feel like an animal that's just been sent back into the wild."
"What'll you do now?" White asked and the boy looked to the skies.
"I'll...just disappear...I guess."
Silence.
Silence.
"Hey," they both called and paused at the awkward moment.
"You first," Scarlet offered and rested his hands along the top of the long bench. "It's probably more important."
White's smile grew smaller and she looked to her thighs in slight embarrassment. "I-I'm not sure if it's that important...but thanks anyway. So...we might never see each other again a-and I really have to say this before we split."
I think I know where this is going, the teen inwardly sighed. Somehow, he hoped he was right.
"W-we've really come a long way together a-and I really appreciate all the things you did for me," she stuttered meekly and played with her fingers. "You put in so much effort to making me into the trainer I am now. If it wasn't for you...I wouldn't have come this far...or I'd most likely be dead..."
"You're very welcome," Scarlet chipped in and turned away. "Please get to the point."
Swallowing, the girl nodded quickly and grabbed his arm. "I...I think I..."
Say it, say it, the ravenette mentally pressed. The suspense is killing me so just say the three damned words!
"I..." White stuttered and gripped his arms before taking a deep breath. "I l-"
"WHITE-CHAN!"
The voice was deeper but it was still annoyingly recognisable and Scarlet felt his heart practically burst as those damned hands wrapped around her shoulder from behind the seat.
"Gilbert?!" White stammered.
"I'll kill you, catboy!" Scarlet comically roared and launched himself at the surprised and badly confused cowboy. The hunter's anime rage was cut short however as his head split again and he passed out halfway towards Lightning with a silly look on his face.
"Nya...?" was all the boy could blurt out and looked from White's flustered expression to Jolteon's enraged one. "Did I...interrupt something-de arimasuka?"
...
Lightning fanned the unconscious ravenette's face with his new bandana and looked to his childhood friend.
"Gomen'nasai-de arimasu," he muttered apologetically. "I guess I came at a really bad time. Will Scarlet be okay-de arimasuka?"
"Yeah, he should be up soon," White nodded and sighed. "I finally felt confident too..."
Lightning blinked. "Confident? About what?"
Putting her chin in her palms, the trainer blushed and turned away. Instantly, Lightning felt his heart hammer and he prayed to Arceus that she wasn't going to-
"I like him."
CRACK!
"A-as a brother, right?" he stammered desperately, turning his head stiffly and giving an expression that any normal person would call a rape-face. "Right?"
"Well, no...not like the way I like you."
'SHOT DOWN BEFORE I COULD EVEN CONFESS AGAIN-DE ARIMASU!' the cowboy's conscience screamed but the only word that flew through his mouth was, "Nya?"
"It's a lot deeper than that," White continued and held her face at the growing heat she was feeling in her cheeks. "I mean, he's a mean baldie who teases me and all yet he always looks so cool when he's doing it. I mean, he's not afraid of anything and he always stands up to the toughest of bad guys without so much as a flinch. Even his voice makes me go all squishy inside and he's so tall and manly now."
Each adjective was like a bullet to Lightning's now-tattered pride and like the anime character that he was, he simply paled and nodded stiffly with each comment.
"He never backs down from a fight and he always does his best to protect me and Jolteon while saying, 'It's not like I wanna protect you or anything' like the cute tsundere he is. Oh Arceus! I just called him cute! What is up with me?"
She was swooning now and Lightning had long since stopped fanning Scarlet, letting the cloth dangle aimlessly in his twitching hands.
"So...you love him-de arimasu...?" he asked and White's head bobbed up and down. Cat ears flopping down, he looked down and his expression suddenly got unreadable as the hair shielded his eyes.
"Gilbert?" White asked, noticing his silence. "Something up?"
The boy's teeth ground sharply and Jolteon noticed his shoulders trembling visibly.
So I was right-nya. You eventually fell for that stupid slanty-eyes when I was away...dammit! It's not fair! Why does the hero always have bad luck with women-de arimasuka?! I mean, I got taller too! My voice is even better now and I swear I've even gotten way stronger! Strong enough to beat anyone who so much as touches you-de arimasu! If you ended up falling for scarface here then what was the freaking point?! What did I live for?! Was I just that random cowboy who got in your way-de arimasuka? Dammit! I wanna be loved too-de arimasuka! It's no fair-
"Well I'm happy for ya, White-chan!" his mouth erupted and he clapped his hands over her shoulders before smiling broadly at her. "I'm sure you two'll make the purrfect couple-de arimasu."
"You really mean it?" she cooed happily and Lightning's expression faltered for a second at her hopeful smile. He was gonna need some ice cream after this.
"Of course! When have I ever been wrong-de arimasu?" he laughed and pulled her close with a serious gaze. "But if he hurts ya in any way, I'll punch him so hard, he'll lose a tooth."
"Gilbert..." she whispered and he hung his head before putting up his smile again.
"It's Hilbert-de arimasu..." he corrected and stepped back as Scarlet began to stir. "I should leave. I initially came cos Aqua Mareen was sighted here and I really need an autograph-de arimasu."
"Wait," White called. "Please keep all I said a secret, 'kay?"
Third wheel. That was what he slowly realised he would be if he stuck around any longer with them. Though he loved White, he was mature enough now to respect her decision and he made up his mind to move aside for the sake of her happiness. With new-found resolve he gave a thumbs up and grinned.
"Of course, White. What're best friends for-de arimasuka?"
And he ran. Sure he bumped into a streetlight but he didn't care about stopping to attend to the bump on his forehead. All he needed now was a big bottle of ice-cream soda and a large amount of space for self-wallowing. But another small side of him hinted that maybe, just maybe, White wasn't the one for him and that he needed to change his one-track mindset. He knew he would bounce back in no time. For now, his heart just needed a moment to mend. He even suppressed his silly hero senses that tingled endlessly as he quickly brushed past the oddly familiar dark-skinned young man with the top hat.
"Oh dear," Draco sighed and looked at Lightning's retreating form. "So he did make it after all..."
"Bronius must've had the Shadow Triad check on him due to his overwhelming potential," the man on the bench beside him replied and dropped the newspaper to eye Lightning.
"The newspaper disguise never fails, does it Terra~" Draco chuckled and playfully sat near the scowling injun before looping an arm round his muscular neck and looking into the paper. "Whatcha looking at anyway?"
"Unlike you and your destructive sister, I try to keep my missions clean and efficiently done without so much as a single piece of property damage. I'm simply checking the papers to make sure it's kept that way," Terra huffed and dragged the newspapers to his face again.
"So...you're just checking to make sure you're not on the wanted list like me and Alphy?" his colleague guessed and smiled coyly. "Well, you did have that failed mission three months ago at the hands of you-know-who. That really made the headliners and you're lucky no one really saw you and all. Also I can see that that nasty present is still on your face."
All Terra did was growl and push the newspaper closer to hide his face and possibly blot out Draco's mocking smile. He could've lashed out but he didn't want to risk losing a limb or two especially as Draco's taste preference wasn't exclusively limited to humans. Speaking of which, his mouth stank of bad blood. No ordinary human would've noticed but being a part-human, part-dragon tended to help point out such things.
"Did you eat someone lately?" he asked.
"My mouth smells that bad?" Draco gasped and folded his arms in thought. "Stupid Bert. I knew his blood was rotten but not that rotten. I should really consider Listerine mouthwash. By the way, Ghetsis called and gave us the go ahead to start the retrieval. I'd have said we should start now but Aqua's got her concert and all."
On cue, the brunette came from behind and shielded Terra's eyes, earning an exasperated sigh from the Native American lookalike.
"Guess!" she declared.
"Aqua. Grow up, please."
Pouting, she moved her hands and leaned against the park seat. "So, what're you guys talking about?"
"Ghetsis said it's time to do the retrieval-"
"But that's not fair!" she objected. "I've still got my concert-"
"We know," Terra butted in, silencing her instantly. "That's why we'll do it after your silly concert tomorrow. I've pretty much set the grunts in position for any unexpected hindrances."
Sighing, the brunette jumped between the two men and slouched. "What're we gonna do about Drayden? His pokemon were quite tough and he himself might be a problem tomorrow."
"Oh, don't worry about him," Draco smiled. "I can't let Camille's inventions go to waste now can I. As for the old excuse for a Dragon Tamer, I think I'll teach him a thing or two about trusting too much in the younger generation."
"Just say you'll kill him already," Terra groaned. "I hate it when you try and fail to sound so dark. Have you been reading cartoons again?"
Draco folded his arms and huffed. "They're called DGrayMan. And its a manga not a cartoon. Yeesh, you adults never get the difference between those two."
"At least I don't read fiction on Magical Boys and Girls in my spare time," the older man grumbled.
"They're Exorcists!"
"Boys!" Aqua exclaimed loudly and the men calmed down. "Let's save that debate for later. In the meantime, let's remind ourselves of our current roles in this mission. Draco."
"Take out Drayden and activate G-factor when the time comes," he recited like a scolded child.
"Terra," Aqua called, turning to the man.
"Make sure no outsiders interfere. And bring down Scarlet when you give the signal," he replied coldly and smiled through the newspaper. "Though I see that more as a reward rather than a punishment."
"Good," she sighed and looked to the bushes where a white-haired, barefooted boy in manageable clothes chewed the dead Pidove in his pale arms.
"Joid," she called out. "Your mission is?"
"Grraaaargh..."
"Close enough," she deadpanned.
"And yours, little lady?" Draco and Terra asked in unison.
Smiling, Aqua looped an arm round the two men's shoulders before pulling them close.
"What else does a wicked witch do..." she sang and dark smiles illuminated their faces. "My mission. To break the innocence of course."
...
"Ne, Scarly. You're staying for my birthday right?"
"Duh. Can't let those tickets go to waste. B-besides...it'd be stupid of me not to stay for your own birthday."
"That's good. I'm glad."
"...What were you gonna tell me before Lightning came along?"
"...I'll tell you tomorrow...when we separate. What were you planning to tell me initially?"
"...Heh. Guess I'll tell you tomorrow too. It'll add to the surprise present."
"Surprise Present?! What is it?!"
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. Man, that comeback never gets old."
"Meanie! I'm going to bed!"
"Whatever. You'll just crawl back into mine anyway. Wow...that sounded wrong on so many levels."
"G'night Scarly."
"Yeah yeah. See you in the morning. C'mon Jolteon. You're at least helping me pack."
Minutes later...
"Scarly...? You awake?"
"...I am now. What d'you want at this time?"
"..."
"..."
"...I can't sleep and your bed looks comfortable..."
"It's the same beds that everyone uses in the hotel, ditz."
"..."
"..."
"Can we share...?"
"...Fine. But don't snore."
"Thanks! G'night Scarly!"
"Hmph. Goodnight."
"...I love you..."
"Sorry, didn't quite catch that?"
"Zzzz..."
Author's Corner.
Violet: She finally said it! My baby brother's finally found someone who wants to marry him!
Scarlet: MARRIAGE?!
Vann: Congratulations, Scarlet! I honestly thought you'd be those androgynous power-drunk protagonists who were too straight for love-OW! Quit hitting me Lelouch!
Boss: So, when're the babies coming in?
Scarlet: BABIES?! BUT I HATE KIDS!
White: I love babies! When are they coming in, Scarlet? In fact, where do babies come from?
Scarlet: Somebody help me...
Slybill: O-kay...that was awkward. Anyway, Radiant Sunrise is drawing ever closer and the Red Moon Ball is almost underway. All that just remains is the BIG fight that's gonna start in the next chapter and- WHOA! I AIN'T SPOILING IT ANYMORE! Wait for the next bit and find out on White's birthday!
Preview:
How did things come to this?
Hero time-de arimasu!
Let's paint Opelucid red!
Rot in hell, Scarlet!
Is this the end for me?
Graaaargh!
Sweet dreams, old man Drayden.
As mayor of Opelucid, I will protect it with my very life!
Dammit! DAMMIT! I was too late!
Would you like an apple, White?
It's Breaking time!
WHITE!
Next Chapter: W.H.I.T.E. ( Let's see Omega solve that abbreviation!)