Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. That right is Nintendo's and Nintendo's alone. At least I own this fanfic!

A/N: Once again, I'm grateful for the reviews and the feedback I've received. I promise not to mention the color of White's eyes or N's hair and eye color as much.

A/N: All I've done is take the names of the characters in the Pokemon Adventure manga, so they virtually have no relation to their video game equivalents.

A/N: In case you haven't done so yet, cast your votes please!

N's PoV.

"N, you might want to take a look at this." White had a serious note to her voice.

I sneaked a peek at White's face, graver than usual, her eyes surveying the throne room.

Besides us, there were two occupants, one having his back to the throne, glistening in the rays of the artificial light barely discernable from the arched ceiling.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed White tear her eyes off the scene, biting her lip. She was anxious, almost apprehensive in a way. She gazed at me for a split second before lying down on her abdomen, wrapping her arms around Zekrom's back.

Now it was my turn to survey what White was observing.

I took in the form of the portly man, his grayish-blonde mane resembling a lion's. I could feel the aura of power, evil and intimidation he carried even from this distance. He had several of his fingers laced around a Poke Ball in its true form. Ghetsis, I realized.

However, he seemed different, troubled.

I found it very amusing indeed, but why would Ghetsis have such a troubled expression on his face?

It had to be his opponent.

I kept a composed face, darting my eyes at Ghetsis's challenger: It was a woman.

In order to capture White's attention, I gasped.

A moment later, I felt White's gaze. "What's going on?" she asked, although it sounded as if she was being demanding.

I swerved around, staring at her while trying to remain calm. "Look down," I suggested, "except you're not going to like this at all." I held her glare, counting to ten in my head while hoping she would listen to me just this once without questioning or challenging me.

Miraculously, White relented, craning her neck to see who was present in the throne room. First, she saw Ghetsis, giving a derisive snort, before peeling her eyes away from him, observing the newcomer.

Ghetsis sauntered forward, his robes slithering behind him. As he clenched the capsule, he growled, "If I win, then you will uphold your part of the deal." The woman glared back at him, hatred written all over her face.

As she swung her hand upward, the woman stroked her ring finger across the button embedded into the Poke Ball. "And if I win, then you will uphold your part of the deal," she said between her teeth, her wind-chime voice flowing with detest.

As I leaned closer, I caught the sound of gasping from White's direction. I considered talking to her, although I waved the thought aside. I was too hooked on what was about to unfold before my very eyes.

Despite my judgement, I asked, "What is it?" Does she know that woman?

The woman stepped forward into the thin stream of light coming from the almost discernable glass dome, heavily cloaked in the shadows. She was about in her mid-thirties, slender and slim in build. Her dark hair, sleek and straight, swept past her shoulders, resting against her elbows, the ends choppy.

What fascinated me were her eyes – a violent shade of gray. They reminded me of storm clouds.

I couldn't bear it anymore. Not bothering to glance at the brunette, I said, "Who is she?"

"My mother."

Chapter 6: Family Ties

White's PoV.

All this time, I'd believed my mother had participated in competitions in the faraway regions, such as Sinnoh, Johto, Kanto, Orre, Kalos, the Sevii and Orange Island and Hoenn. She'd told me my father was a strong Pokemon Trainer, and I'd believed her, since my mother was the motherly type, although there was always sadness in her eyes.

My mother had a silvery-white scarf wrapped around the base of her neck, an abstract drawing of a Poke Ball emblazoned on it. Her shirt was a soft shade of silver, void of any design, except the short sleeves were beveled. Unlike me, she didn't wear a vest, but she still wore her necklace locking a tiny Poke Ball in place, giving the feeling it was a pendant.

Her shorts, slightly longer than mine, were made from denim also, although a platinum white belt slithered around the shorts, holding them in place. Fastened upon the thin strand were four different Poke Balls, shining brilliantly. Her socks were a soft platinum white, melting perfectly into her shoes, edged with a violent shade of silver.

The dress was but a disguise, hiding her true identity as a Pokemon Trainer. Right away, I felt the aura around her radiating with confidence, wisdom and determination.

I wasn't sure whether to be enraged or glad at the revealed secret my mother hid from me for sixteen years. "She can do it," I said aloud, gritting my teeth. "Can you tell Zekrom to zoom in closer? I want to see the entertainment."

N, who was holding on to Zekrom's upper body, shook his head. "Zekrom makes noise," he reminded me, "so we have no choice but to watch the clash." He craned his neck, his countenance thunderstruck, less water-downed than mine. "Personally, I think this Pokemon Battle would be epic."

"Don't give me the excuse of ladies first," my mother snapped, her fingers trembling around the Poke Ball. "A long time ago, maybe."

Ghetsis had a faraway look on his face, which looked wrong. "After you brought down the organization, you went back home for the summer. It was then you met me."

My mother drew herself to her full height. "I had someone my age – or close enough – to share my experience of my travels with. I also told you my thoughts of Pokemon being confined against their will, and how I wished we could liberate the Pokemon in pain."

I clasped my hands to my mouth. She gave Ghetsis the idea of liberation? I said to myself, dumbfounded and horrified at this revelation.

Before I could digest her words, Ghetsis replied, "I did take it out of context, for the greater good."

"They knew each other?" N sounded stumped, mirroring how I felt.

Now that I think about it, Ghetsis did have a look of recognition on his face when he locked eyes upon my mother. If my mother gave him the idea of liberating Pokemon – which must vastly differ from Ghetsis's – then no wonder she didn't fall under the spell of his words. "I don't know, N," I replied, seeing my mother swing her hair around, her eyes as sharp as an arrow. "It seems Ghetsis is frightened of her."

N nodded in agreement. "I wish they would hurry up and battle," he whispered, cupping his chin in his hand, seemingly lost in thought. "All of this talking is boring me for once."

I hoisted myself up, in the stance of a push-up. "They have a lot to hide," I pointed out. "Whatever Ghetsis reveals to my mother . . . we might be able to use it against him later."

"You have evil thoughts for being the Hero of Truth."

I snickered. "Why, thank you," I said sarcastically, smirking. I managed to push myself up, positioning myself on my knobbly knees, while leaning a little closer to examine the scenario, rich with suspense, better.

"Why are we going down memory lane, Ghetsis?" my mother demanded, balling her Poke Ball-free hand into a fist, her countenance impatient. "I see you still view me as a potential threat, meaning you fear me, although I don't know why."

Ghetsis's face darkened. "Perhaps I was simply opening a conversation." He waved his hand around, his eyes aglow with malevolence. "Why fake your demise? Why change your name to Dawn? I want to know why."

My mother's chin jutted up. "I've had enough of memory lane." She did a pirouette, launching the Poke Ball out of her hand, where it dropped to the floor.

A Pokemon I'd never seen before materialized into being, leonine in appearance. Its coat was darker than the sky, its spiked mane jet-black, luxurious and elegant. The fur, also jet-black, dominated every part of its body except for its midsection, the back of the legs and most of the face. Instead of a long and swishy tail, a short, spiked tuft of fur extended from its rear. Atop the tuft was a shimmering star, crackling with electricity colored yellow, bluish-white or purple.

As it turned its magnificent head towards Zekrom, N and me, I noticed the golden yellow eyes, the crimson red sclera, intimidating and penetrating. "What Pokemon is that?" I asked myself for the umpteenth time, digging into my vest for my Pokedex.

"Luxray," replied N. "I've seen quite a few in Sinnoh, and a pride migrating into Johto."

Nevertheless, I gave the Pokedex a violent shake, seeing a depiction of the Pokemon stationed in front of my mother, its teeth grinding, its body lit up with electricity. "You're right," I admitted, "because it says here that they have the ability to see through walls, useful for stalking their pray, and handy for searching for their offspring."

N lowered his hands, his eyes aflame with knowledge. "I know the gender differences between Pokemon," he mused, "because Dawn here has a female Luxray."

"GO, SEISMITOAD!" Ghetsis roared, throwing his Poke Ball onto the ground, revealing Ugly Pokemon Number One, meaning there were five more hideous Pokemon raring to battle.

My mother murmured underneath her breath, "Seismic . . . earth. A toad lives in water, meaning Seismitoad is a dual-type Pokemon." She brought her neck up, triumph alight in her eyes. "I've faced Ground-type Pokemon with Luxray, so this one isn't any different."

Ghetsis smiled cordially, albeit it didn't suit him. "Quit bragging, and . . ." Pointing one finger at Luxray, Ghetsis yelled, "SEISMITOAD, ATTACK LUXRAY WITH EARTHQUAKE!"

"LUXRAY, USE CRUNCH!" my mother shrieked, unfazed by the type disadvantage.

Unfortunately, I was.

Fear taking hold of me, I cupped my face in my hands, muttering, "Mother . . . EARTHQUAKE is too strong for an Electric-type Pokemon!" I started shivering, unable to see whether Luxray or Seismitoad was stronger.

N's PoV.

I tasted the nervousness, the suspense and of course, lavender. "Zekrom, aren't you tired of being airborne?" I said, trying to keep my voice free of emotion. Between White and I, I had to be the stronger one.

A moan rippled through the air, forcing me to look upon White, her face hidden behind her gloves. "I c-can't watch," she sobbed, "but she has to win."

Instinctively, I rushed over to White, embracing her gingerly with one arm. For one wild moment, I expected for White to flare up, except she seemed too worried about "Dawn" to even care about my gesture.

If "Dawn" was even White's mother's real name.

Luxray pounced off the ground just as it was shaking, her eyes stormy. As she was glaring at Seismitoad, the Pokemon lunged at Ghetsis's Pokemon, its straight white teeth glistening.

Seismitoad tried to evade Luxray's attack, but was too slow and heavy. As Luxray sank her teeth into the Pokémon's skin, Seismitoad aimlessly danced around, trying to throw Luxray off.

Ghetsis seemed enraged while "Dawn" appeared satisfied. "I should've known White was your daughter," he said, "but you're not going to beat me again."

"Dawn" smirked. "I never taught White how to battle," she addressed Ghetsis. "The way a person battles reveals their personality, goals and aspirations."

As Luxray retracted her teeth from Seismitoad's skin, she bounced back, landing on all fours.

I heard a rumbling in Zekrom's throat. If I had a mirror, I was pretty sure my face would be drained of color. "Zekrom's exhausted."

White gave no indication she heard me. Apparently, she believed her mother might not stand a chance against Ghetsis, which I doubted. However, bringing "Dawn" here to battle in this very throne room aroused my suspicion. What devious idea did Ghetsis have in mind?

I intended to find out, even though my instincts were warning me to be careful, for what I might find out might hurt me. I didn't want to be fueled with bitterness and resentment, but at the same time, another side of me embraced this newborn darkness.

Before I could open my mouth, Ghetsis thundered, "SEISMITOAD, USE MUDDY WATER!"

Seismitoad flexed his muscles, regarding Luxray – so calm and collected – with a heartless look. After he finished flexing, Seismitoad unleashed the dirtiest water I've ever seen – hence MUDDY WATER.

Luxray stretched out her paws, having a sly countenance. Quickly, she surveyed "Dawn", who said, "USE HYPER BEAM!" Dawn motioned over to Seismitoad, an all-knowing expression on her face.

It wasn't only White who had such a strong bond with her Pokemon. She must've inherited that from "Dawn", along with the timeless face representing traditional beauty. Timeless beauty? I couldn't believe I'd compared beauty with those two. I'd never thought of women as beautiful, although they were attracted to me like bees were attracted to honey.

I sensed the loyalty and faithfulness radiating from Luxray, who loved "Dawn" passionately. Probing her face, I detected it was proud of protecting and loving "Dawn".

I felt White wriggle around a little in my embrace. Hurriedly, I kneeled down on my knees, withdrawing my arm from White's back simultaneously. "Luxray has the upper hand," I informed White, tearing my eyes away from her because I did not want to be at the mercy of her glare.

White slid her hands off her face, her eyes rimmed with light red. Whether she was seeing red or was crying, I didn't know. "So I'm worried for nothing."

I took my eyes off White to see Luxray panting, seemingly exhausted all of her energy when unleashing HYPER BEAM. In fact, she slumped a little, although those eyes of hers were more intimidating than ever. "Dawn" was unfazed, meaning she had a trick up her sleeve.

"That was a foolish move," Ghetsis berated "Dawn". "You know your Luxray would have to survive EARTHQUAKE." He was trying to convince the woman she had made a blunder, even sounding condescending.

But I had the impression "Dawn" was cleverer and smarter than Ghetsis, White and I. "True," she admitted. "I know the risks are high, although I have faith in Luxray." She gazed adoringly at her Pokemon, gentleness and affection exuding from her eyes. "We've been through a lot together, and no matter what happens, you're still a winner to me."

Ghetsis raised his hand up, a malevolent expression implanted on his rough features. "Love is an overrated word," he said coolly. "It is but a word invented to justify mankind's heinous acts against Pokemon. Should you uphold the mantle of friendship and love, or shall you listen to reason?" Ghetsis swung his hand in one fluid stroke. "Seismitoad, finish Luxray off while she's recovering."

Suddenly, I heard a rumbling in Zekrom's throat, followed suit by a snort.

I knew it was a way of getting my attention. Having grown up with Pokemon – neglected by Ghetsis – I'd learned how to empathize and sympathize with them. Their sounds and growls . . . I could translate them into words. It was as if I were attuned with Pokemon, and on a different wavelength from humans.

Bearing this in mind, I closed my eyes, pressing my palm against Zekrom's head in order to hear what it wanted from me.

White's PoV.

N had lied to me. Luxray was down on the ground, struggling to get up while Seismitoad was waddling towards her, his enormous belly reminding me of a water balloon.

What disturbed me was the fact my mother seemed so sure and confident, almost as if she had a strategy, and was waiting for the perfect moment to surprise Ghetsis with it. She appeared unfazed while I felt the opposite.

"Let me ask you something." Ghetsis had a gleeful glint in his bottomless eyes. "Your family ties to not only Sinnoh, but of that of Unova and Johto, am I right?"

I looked at N, wondering if he knew anything about my family. Instead, he was applying pressure to Zekrom's head, relaxing. The expression on his face mirrored the innocent one he usually wore three weeks ago, free of stress and worry.

I reflected back to when I marched out of the Mistralton Gym, inserting the Jet Badge into the slot designed to hold it, colliding straight into N. As with many of our encounters, his velvety, serene voice was carefree, albeit his way of speaking was almost as if he was punching someone with words.

I remembered the friendly tone of voice, the soulfulness in his eyes, which seemed to magnetically draw me in. With each word he spoke, a sturdy chord in my heart was easily struck, as if recognizing N's voice. After I let him see Larvesta, N had pressed his palm against her forehead, communicating with Larvesta through growls before he fluidly rose up, and informed me Larvesta was attached to me.

Right now, Simisear, Tornadus, Cobalion and Zebstrika were with the Shadow Triad, thus making me sad and enraged at the same time. I had to keep my mind off that, because I will get my Pokemon back. I may also need my other Pokemon soon.

"Are you sure?" N responded, hesitant. "You do remember the last time I've tried that, right?"

My mind was putting two and two together, creating a painstakingly painted portrait of me embracing N by the waist. In spite of myself, I found myself blushing while feeling mad at the same time. "No way," I said between my teeth. "Hang on," I paused intentionally, pretending to remember N's words with a pensive expression. "Aren't you the one who told me Zekrom might make noise while it soars through the sky?"

N rolled his eyes. "I think it would," he confirmed, "although Zekrom seems to be thinking along the same lines as you are." He shuddered with mock revulsion. "I'd never thought I would see the day where a Pokemon disagrees with my way of thinking."

I folded my arms, childishly sticking out my tongue before withdrawing it back into my mouth. "Just admit I'm right and you're wrong," I insisted, "because when Zekrom walks, it makes noise. It might've flown in just as we reached the throne room, arguing with one another."

N shook his head. "Ghetsis might've lured it -"

I rolled my eyes as well. "Zekrom has probably been searching for you while keeping its distance from you at the same time." Feeling Zekrom descend slightly, I continued, "It's exhausted from being airborne for so long."

"That's my point," N snapped. "Here we are, not seeing eye to eye, while you're not considering the fact Zekrom is being pushed to its limits." Flicking his bangs, he wheeled around, conversing with Zekrom.

I pressed my knees against my torso, watching Luxray getting to her feet, those eyes of hers penetrating and intimidating. All of a sudden, Seismitoad unleashed his EARTHQUAKE attack, taking advantage of Luxray's condition.

"No!" I cried. "Mother, recall Luxray back to her Poke Ball before she faints!"

Luxray must've been expecting a Ground-Type move, for she leaped into the air, avoiding the destruction EARTHQUAKE had left in its wake. There was something elegant and refined about Luxray, since her movements were carefully planned, her mind appearing to be analytical.

Seismitoad tackled her, shocking both my mother and Luxray. As the two Pokemon rolled onto the ground, Seismitoad seemed infuriated at how Luxray could easily avoid all of his attacks, with calmness and collectiveness. Seismitoad loomed over Luxray, lowering one knee against her throat.

My mother regarded Ghetsis with disapproval. "That was a dirty and cowardly trick!" she protested. "In the art of battling, you need to be fair and possess sportsmanship. Something that you've always lacked and something I always dreaded."

Ghetsis sauntered over, his belly as large as life. "There's no such thing as fairness," he said to her coldly. "If that were the case, why didn't you tell White of your accomplishments? Are you scared your daughter would judge you, possibly hate you?"

He was trying to fill my mother's head with doubts, although I knew my mother would see through his feeble attempts to force her to falter in whatever resolve she made.

"The love of my daughter, husband and Pokemon is all I have," said my mother. "You of all people don't know the true meaning of love and friendship. In fact, I find it easy to believe you were born heartless, even then. I refuse to see you impose a tyranny upon Unova."

Luxray's face was strained, albeit I knew she hadn't lost hope. With one fluid movement, Luxray lunged at Seismitoad's throat, a growl rippling through her mouth. The thunderstruck Seismitoad didn't have time to defend himself, because Luxray slammed him against the ground, her frame crackling with electricity.

N tapped me on the shoulder, causing me to start. Inadvertently, I slapped his face with the back of my hand. "What was that for?" he demanded. "What did I do, White?"

I couldn't tear my eyes off the scenario, the battle too epic and unpredictable to turn away from. "You scared me, that's what you did!" I defended myself. "Anyways, I'm wondering why my mother never told me any of this."

"Maybe she wanted to when you were ready," N theorized halfheartedly. "Do you think your family history has anything to do with Ghetsis's scheme?"

I didn't answer.

Suddenly, I felt two arms snake around my waist. "Take your hands off of me," I said, blushing at the same time. This feels kinda good at the same time, I couldn't help thinking. "That's not the way how to treat a lady!"

N came into view, pokerfaced. "Well, the last time I checked, you're a tomboy, not a lady," he said emotionlessly. "By the way, do you know you're blushing?"

For the first time, N smiled, albeit a faint one. "Cooperate with me or -" N's face darkened, as if he were thinking of something unpleasant.

"What's up?" I asked him.

"It's not important," he assured me, although he sounded bothered. "You either ride on my Pokemon's back -"

"Gee, I wonder how it can be your Pokemon when you haven't recaptured it yet," I muttered.

"Or you can fall, because Zekrom flies like the wind," N finished, ignoring my sarcastic remark. "Your choice."

I turned around, looking at the battle once again. "Look," I breathed.

Luxray was poised on the ledge, her short tail swaying in the wind. A thick fog of earth was shrouding Seismitoad, who obviously used another Ground-type move. It was difficult trying to discern Seismitoad from Ghetsis, because both of their stomachs were like the invincible bumper car fenders I've seen in Nimbasa City.

Ghetsis appeared out of the nebula, shaking a bottle I instantly recognized as a Full Restore. "It's not over yet," he said confidently. "You're not going to win."

My mother sauntered forward, smiling triumphantly. "I believe I have," she said pompously. Directing her eyes at Luxray, she shouted, "LUXRAY, USE STRENGTH!"

Being amazed at my mother's raw talent made me forget about the uncomfortable moment and exchange I had with the moody, brooding and serious N, but traces of his original personality had resurfaced from time to time, no matter how much he tried to deny that.

"She's worthy of being a Pokemon Champion," N marveled. "Maybe she should challenge Alder or maybe you." N seemed delighted at the mere thought, leaving me to seethe. "Time for Plan B," he muttered.

As the dust cleared, Luxray jumped on to the carpet, the electricity encircling her body drastically fading away. She crawled on the ground like a predator stalking its prey.

Meanwhile, Ghetsis was lacing his fingers around the nozzle of the Full Restore, glaring at my mother. "Your style of fighting is unpredictable and terrifying," he admitted, also fiddling with the monocle in his right eye. In fact, I heard a whirring noise coming from Ghetsis's direction.

My mother didn't respond, looking at Luxray instead. Suddenly, Luxray broke into a run, her paws moving in front of her at incredible speed. "You can do it!" my mother encouraged Luxray, cupping her hands around her mouth.

All of a sudden, I felt my body being swooped by N's arms. "HEY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" I bellowed, my voice rising up a couple of octaves. "YOU'RE NOT GOING TO SWEEP ME OFF MY FEET -"

N smiled, albeit it faded away quickly. "You're blushing again," he noted.

The hold he had on me was stronger than I expected, because no matter what I did, I couldn't break away. "This isn't funny," I growled. "Let me go this instant, N!" I balled my fist, wanting nothing more than to punch him square in the face, although at the same time, I was hesitant to do so.

"NO! NO!" Ghetsis roared, seeing Luxray sprinting towards him at the speed of light, her eyes alight with the prospect of victory. "I'M NOT GOING TO LET MY POKEMON FAINT, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?"

My mother started laughing. "You better hurry up with that Full Restore, otherwise . . ."

As I saw Luxray heave Seismitoad on to her back, she twirled around, glaring at Ghetsis. Then, she hurled Seismitoad off her back, sending him straight towards the steep stairs, Ghetsis somehow sprinting with incredible grace.

Luxray darted back to my mother, who stroked her fur with her bare hands, a smile on her face.

I sighed. "You can go ahead and carry me, N," I told him, thinking about how my family history tied in with Sinnoh, Johto and Unova. Was it possible I came from a long lineage of powerful Pokemon Trainers? Something told me Ghetsis wasn't interested in that part of my ancestry.

Slowly, N and I made our way to Zekrom's neck, my heart pounding against my chest at breakneck speed. "When will we know Zekrom -?"

My question was answered when Zekrom grumbled, N nodding at what the Pokemon had to say. "He's fine with this position, so . . ." N wrapped his arms around my waist. "Hang on tight, because I don't want to be responsible for your death." The atmosphere around N darkened before disappearing again.

"N?" I said as calmly as I could.

"What?" he answered impatiently.

All of a sudden, the anger rushed to my brain, making me see red once more. I opened my hands up, feeling the sweat clinging onto the flesh. My other hand was sweat free.

But did N really deserve this? Maybe he did. Maybe he didn't. Maybe . . . Forget it! His attitude was annoying the hell out of me, and I couldn't vent to Bianca, Cheren or my mother, which made me angrier.

"What?" N repeated coolly.

With immense difficulty, I wheeled around, knowing I was going to regret this. But N was making me feel so damned frustrated!

I took a deep breath, hoping I had an expressionless face.

N stared at me, befuddled.

One . . . two . . . three! I swung my arm back, and with all the power I possessed in my body, I aimed my fist straight and true towards it target.

SNAP!

A/N: "Family Ties" is finished. Read and Review! Anyway, there's a poll up, so vote! I would love more feedback, and I hope you liked the chapter. By the way, I'm evil for having White punch N :D

This chapter has been revised and edited by me. The reason being is to correct the grammar mistakes without affecting the plot. Also, History is being edited in order to promote the upcoming sequel, Eventide.

Edited On: 11/01/15