Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. That right belongs to Nintendo. At least I own this fanfic XD!

A/N: Between Cavaliershipping and Pearlshipping, I wonder who will win. I already know! In fact, I always did know who would father White XD

A/N: I appreciate the reviews/feedback. Constructive criticism is more than welcome, though. I just don't want flaming, because I find it downright offensive.

A/N: Remember, everything is fanon in this story . . . it came from my imagination :)

A/N: This is a very crucial chapter, so keep that in mind.

A/N: I think that's everything, so we're all moving into the next chapter! Enjoy!

N's PoV.

Reshiram chuckled, which translated as a snort. Do you love White?

I remained rigid, my fingers grazing against Reshiram's skull. Out of all questions, you ask me that? I hissed. Ask another question! I was blushing big time, though.

It's a yes or no question, Reshiram insisted.

Reshiram was as stubborn as White. I could see why Reshiram chose White as the Hero of Truth. Or would it be Heroine of Truth in White's case?

I'm not going to drop this, Reshiram warned. Hey, I know I'm obstinate, but that's the way I am.

I glanced at White, who was as white as a ghost. Obviously, she was afraid of something.

Like Trainer, like Pokemon, I pointed out. So, are you going to gossip about this to Samurott, Cobalion, Simisear, Zebstrika and Tornadus?

Reshiram responded with a gentle laugh. I'm a frank Pokemon, said Reshiram quietly. When I say in the name of Truth or something similar to that, I always, always keep my word. I know you don't believe me, but I really don't care.

Reshiram – no matter how I tried not to fall for her words – seemed serious and sincere about her intentions. However, I still didn't trust her at the moment.

I sighed, Well, Reshiram –

It must be difficult for you to love your one-time rival, Reshiram told me smartly.

I'm not in love with White, I denied. I don't love anyone, to be honest.

Reshiram possibly smirked, for she said sarcastically, I'm sorry, do you want to try that again?

Knowing Reshiram would take a leaf out of White's book, I withdrew my hand from the crown of Reshiram's head, gnashing my teeth.

Before I could answer Reshiram, or worse, Reshiram trying to extract the truth from me, she said, I'm not doing that. Anyway, we're reaching our destination.

Reshiram raised her body a couple of feet from the lake, no longer decorating the water with her clawed feet. Tell White to hold on to . . .

I wheeled around, staring at White. "Reshiram said for you to hold on to something," I translated. "Are you sure you're all right?" White was paler than she was a second ago, her eyes wider than usual.

White snapped out of her odd reverie, nodding vigorously. "I'm okay," she told me. "If I wanna hold on to something, Reshiram's the best choice. . . ."

I raised my eyebrows. "Admit it." Holding out my hand, I motioned for White to take it.

I was awestruck when she did so. "I think the world's going end today," I said teasingly, smirking.

White grimaced. "I might as well hold – AHHHH!"

I pulled White closer to me, while locking my arm around Reshiram's neck gingerly. "You could've given me a warning." My response was the Pokemon turning into some kind of draconic rocket, because our surroundings transformed into a blur.

I couldn't determine what was blue, green or brown. At least I could determine what color was the sky.

My face felt as if it were going to peel off, because of the incredible speed. Other than that, it felt exhilarating, although my hair became windswept. Now I need a comb, I thought.

Platina burst into being, raising her eyebrows. "I was wondering what had happened to you two," she admitted, staring from me to White. "Now I know. N and White, the next time . . . ."

White ripped herself free from my embrace. "It wasn't as if we were doing anything," she said heatedly. "Seriously, are we there yet?" Both women stared at each other, Platina displeased at White disrespecting her.

The lake melted into a shore line, which gave way to a flourishing meadow, greener than the forest atop the smooth cliffs tracing the unnamed lake. Uncomfortable with the tense moment between Platina and White, I directed my gaze over to a city sprouting from the horizon, the skyscrapers technological in appearance, along with the buildings and houses.

Cheren and Bianca were way ahead of us, so both Platina and White said in unison, "Pick up the speed a little." Reshiram and Drifblim obeyed them, the former causing White and I to lean forward.

When all five of us aligned with Bianca, Tornadus, Cheren and Unfezant, Cheren said breathlessly, "I can never stop being amazed by this city." Suddenly, Unfezant darted toward the sleek and smooth streets, where several citizens were walking to and from. Tornadus did the same as Unfezant along with Drifblim.

"Wait a minute," White said suddenly. "Is that . . .?"

Stationed in front of the street were two people I had encountered a while back. When we came closer, both of them advanced forward, their faces relieved.

One was a teenager, younger than me, with wild violet hair tied back into twin ponytails, her skin tone a darker shade of olive. A middle-aged man, with a chalky white beard matching his rumpled hair, was next to her.

Reshiram descended through the air slowly and dramatically, flapping her wings lightly. When she was level with the two people, Reshiram buckled her knees, allowing White and I to disembark.

White jumped off first, turning around to survey Reshiram.

I followed suit.

White produced both a Master Ball and Timer Ball at the same time Bianca trudged over, her hair disheveled big time. In fact, several strands of it were sticking up in many directions.

"You owe me a new hairstyle, a manicure and pedicure," Bianca snapped. "I'm never riding on Tornadus ever again! I might as well challenge the Gym Leaders and -"

White smiled. "Seriously, this is a new fashion for you. Maybe you should show it off," she suggested. "TORNADUS AND RESHIRAM, RETURN!" White tossed both of the capsules into the air, Reshiram and Tornadus boomeranging into their containers. "Both of you did well." White clipped the Timer and Master Balls onto her belt.

"I disagree, White," said the girl. "Bianca, I'm more than happy to escort you to the salon," she paused, gazing at the older man, "That is . . . if you don't object, G- Drayden. After all, you know more about the dragon legends than I, meaning you could help Platina – just as he suggested –"

Drayden shook his head. "Bianca must wait," said Drayden hollowly. "Platina, Bianca, White, Cheren and . . . although Alder has pardoned you - N - I'm not as forgiving as Alder is."

The girl frowned. "Okay," she conceded. "Platina Berlitz, I welcome you to Opelucid City."

She gazed at me, cocking her head.

I thought she was going to berate me for my crimes.

Fortuitously, she broke her gaze. Twirling around, she announced, "Now, let's see what our Opelucid City can do for you, Platina."

Chapter 14: Research

White's PoV.

I glared at my mother, who flanked Iris and Drayden. Every now and then, she would look at me, before tearing her eyes off me, chattering with the most prominent people from this futuristic city.

I was horrified when Iris mentioned a he. Maybe I was jumping to conclusions, but I was sure Iris was referring to my father. I wonder if Drayden and Iris know my father, I thought, a flame of fury igniting inside my heart.

If that were true, why didn't Iris or Drayden say his name? I was sure neither of them had met my mother, because they'd never mentioned to me that I was almost the spitting image of her.

What intrigued me more was the fact my mother, Iris and Drayden wouldn't mention his name. Was my father really that secretive? I mean, did he really want to know his daughter, the Pokemon Champion of Unova? I knew my mother was the Pokemon Champion of Sinnoh, but was my father a Pokemon Champion as well?

"Iris!" I shouted, unable to bear this musing anymore.

Iris, who was chattering animatedly with Bianca, looked back at me. "What is it, White?" she asked politely, but I could detect a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Who suggested for you to help my mother?" I asked her.

"Drop it, White!" my mother said flatly. "That's not important right now."

I was about to open my mouth again when somebody clasped my shoulder, stopping me. Instinctively, I tried to shake the hand off when Cheren said quietly, "White, leave it be."

Cheren withdrew his hand from my shoulder, looking intently at me. I stared back at him, before gazing at the sunset, which had transformed into dusk, the sky painted a faint purple, bluish-black, dark gold and a deep orange. The sun had completely sunk into the horizon, although a bright yellowish hue marked the spot where it was originally.

N came into the midst, examining both Cheren and I, his countenance emotionless. "White, are you saying what I think you're saying?" N asked, extremely curious.

Cheren raised one eyebrow. "Stay out of this," he said cuttingly. "This is between White and I." The atmosphere around Cheren became heavier than usual, meaning he was furious at N's intervention. "Talk to someone else."

I stared at Cheren in disbelief. Was N telling the truth about Cheren? I couldn't help wondering. Seriously, if they both are crushing on me . . . No, Cheren is only being Cheren.

N frowned. "You're in no position to tell me what to do," he shot back. "If I want to join your conversation, shouldn't White . . .?" He fell silent, for Cheren stormed over to him.

"YOU TWO, ENOUGH!" I bellowed, shielding N from Cheren. "I'm not getting into this," I added quickly, in case Cheren was thinking I went over to the dark side. "N asked me a question, okay? If you two have something against each other, then let it go! We're on the same side, remember?" I had one eye on Cheren and the other fixated upon N.

Cheren halted in front of me, biting his lip.

N stiffened.

"You mean his side," Cheren growled, drawing himself up to his full height. "I see how it is, White." Tapping his glasses, Cheren walked around me, purposely shoving his shoulder against N's, who gasped with horror.

Wheeling around, I gaped. "Cheren, please listen to me," I begged him.

Cheren ignored me, delving his hands into his pockets, picking up his walking speed, weaving in and out of a crowd of teenagers, all backing away from him. Eventually, he disappeared, no doubt following Iris, Drayden, Bianca and my mother to Iris's and Drayden's home.

He was so going to regret storming away from me while we were having a conversation.

Turning around, I looked up, scanning N's face. "I dunno what Cheren's problem is," I admitted, befuddled. "He never acts this way when it comes to warming up to people." Trying for a smile, I said brightly, "We should ask him."

N stepped aside, allowing me to advance forward, pursuing after my childhood friend.

"I messed up," said N guiltily. "I always do."

I blinked my eyes, hardly daring to believe N was blaming himself for his intervention. I wasn't sure whether to be upset or unhappy at N needlessly blaming himself for Cheren's weird behavior. "Don't be ridiculous," I said between my teeth. "The last thing I need is for you to blame yourself for Cheren's actions, and as for you messing up . . . It's not your fault, so don't feel guilt-ridden at all."

N said nothing for a little while. The only way I knew he was still around – and I didn't want him to leave again – was because we were walking side-by-side. For a fleeting moment, I was considering to break the silence between us. Either way, I was pleased I had N near me.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Yeah, you're right," N said finally. "I'm sorry, White."

I had half a mind to look at N, save a Purrloin crossed in front of us, almost causing me to trip in shock. "Did you apologize?" I waited for the Purrloin to cross the street, save it was patiently strolling, its head raised into the air. The way this Purrloin moved was as if it were royalty.

"Stupid Purrloin," I murmured. "It reminds me of you, N."

"Perla!" a young girl cried, skipping after her pet Pokemon, her flowing flaxen hair dancing through the air. "Wait up!"

"Yeah, I did apologize," N huffed. "Is there something wrong with that? And why would a little girl's parents allow their daughter to -" I gripped N by the arm, dragging him effortlessly through the street, flooded with humans and Pokemon. "If she were abandoned . . . that would be awful."

I pursed my lips. "She wasn't abandoned," I remarked. With my head, I motioned towards the child, her father holding the Purrloin in his arms, a fatherly expression implanted upon his face.

At least she knows her father, I thought. I barely remember mine, and if he came into the picture . . . I'm not letting him into my life, because he abandoned my mother and I! He failed us. I felt my eyes watering, and I knew I wanted to break down and cry.

"I envy her," N sighed. "White, both of our fathers let us down, and how sad is that? By the way, when you were confronting the Iris girl, were you thinking about your dad?"

His astute observation had taken me aback. As I blinked the tears away, I said sarcastically, "How about a round of applause -?" I couldn't finish my remark.

We reached the end of the street, N and I looking both ways. "I only went to Iris's and Drayden's house a couple of times, so I think we should go this way." Letting go of N's arm, I made a sharp left turn, almost bumping into Bianca and Iris, both livid. "Hi," I managed to say, thoughtlessly cracking a grin.

Bianca's eyes flashed. "Seriously, you almost gave me a heart attack," she said, worried.

Iris frowned. "For a moment, we were thinking Ghetsis kidnapped you again."

"Iris," I said suddenly. "Why are the streets flooded? Is there some festival going on or something?"

"There's a festival going on," Iris confirmed, "but even though I want to stuff myself with food, my mentor doesn't want me to wander off while Bianca, Cheren, you, Platina and your boyfriend are here."

"What makes you think I like N?" I said disbelievingly, shaking my head.

"I don't feel anything toward her," N replied to Iris. "Look, what about Cheren and White?"

Bianca bristled. "You're trying to pair them up?" she said. "I'm the matchmaker, okay? I say you and White! No exceptions!" Laughing, Bianca grasped hold of me, much to my surprise. "Let's separate the lovebirds, Iris!"

I rolled my eyes. "We're not together," I insisted, knowing Bianca was going attack me about my feelings for N. Seriously, what was the big deal?

"N, I might not like what you did," Iris said from behind me, "but you're a really good person who was done wrong by Ghetsis! In fact, I think it would really, really, really awesome if you faced off against Ghetsis and defeated him."

N seemed confused at this. "I think Platina and Ghetsis – mortal enemies – should handle the fighting, not me," he said sadly. "I can't . . . All I want to do is find out what he's scheming and put an end to it before he ends up hurting innocent humans and Pokemon, or worse, try to rule the world."

Bianca grinned. "You know, maybe we should go to the festival after this meeting, Iris!" She seemed delighted at this fact. "I hope Platina agrees, because it would totally be unfair if she wants to continue the journey without us spending the night here!"

N rolled his eyes. "We should -"

I nodded. "If Ghetsis wants to abduct us, we should blend into the festival," I pointed out. "It would be harder for him to send his Shadow Triad, the Sages or Team Plasma out to find and take us away without facing Mother and everybody else."

Iris smiled. "If he wants to abduct you, then he better think again because Platina, Drayden, Cheren, Bianca and I will fight him. I really, really hope you can stay." Iris jogged up and down, N unsure what to do.

The difference between N and I at this moment? I was Bianca's prisoner while N was free from Iris. "Lemme go," I told Bianca. "I mean it, Bianca."

"Ghetsis would come himself, because he's obsessed with Platina," N said knowledgeably. "But I don't know how all of you can be so sure this idea of yours will work."

Bianca chortled. "Oh, sure it will," she promised him

"Here we are," Iris announced brightly, slowing down.

She made a right turn, staring at her humble home, Drayden leaning against the open door. "Iris, Bianca, White and N, get inside, please," Drayden said, furrowing his brows.

N's PoV.

We waltzed inside, the Gym Leader of Opelucid City shutting the door behind us. "An acquaintance of mine informed Iris and I of the dire situation you're in," he told White and I. "As of now, he's doing research on the Nameless, Void and God Stones."

Iris gave a derisive snort. "They shouldn't even exist," she put in nastily. "We must destroy them, especially the Nameless Stone." Iris ambled over to a corridor, peering into it. "Our home is much bigger than we let on."

White stiffened. "You live in a regular home, with the normal . . ."

"We have a library," Drayden cut across her. "It may not be the largest library in the world, but it contains the information you seek. And Iris, the Nameless Stone cannot be destroyed, according to -"

Iris stomped her foot. "I know that," she said seriously. "It was just in my head, so I had to say it." Twirling around, Iris stepped afoot into the corridor. "Are you coming or not?" She was glancing at Bianca.

"I hate reading, but why not?" Bianca laughed, rushing over to Iris, cheery.

"What an energetic girl," Drayden observed. "I can see why Iris and she get along so well. Iris needs a friend like Bianca, because Iris's a young girl and she shouldn't have to act so independent and serious all the time."

White gulped. "Drayden, are you related to Iris?" she asked him. "I mean, Iris is way too young to be just some apprentice of yours, and you love her as if she's a daughter or something like that."

Drayden bowed his head. "She's my granddaughter," he confirmed. "When I pass on, Iris will become Opelucid City Gym Leader. Now come, White and N," he added sternly.

Drayden ambled over into the library, his face nostalgic.

White and I exchanged nervous looks. "We should hit the books," I said nervously. "I really want to know the importance of this Nameless Stone." Without waiting for White, I went over to the library, wondering why Iris, Drayden and Platina were frightened about some stones.

Cheren, Bianca, Platina and Iris were almost immersed in a sea of books, precariously stacked atop one another. "These are all the books we've found that might help with your plight, Platina," Drayden told White's mother. "They focus on the Nameless Stone."

Remembering I had a book inside my knapsack, I shrugged my shoulders several times, feeling the thin strands slide down my arms. Plopping the knapsack on to the floor, I unzipped the knapsack, extending its width. I immediately spotted the book. "What about this book?" I said, brandishing the bound tome.

Platina's eyes widened. "Give me that."

I zipped my knapsack up, throwing it upon my back again. "I don't know what it's for," I admitted, sauntering over to the White look-alike, relinquishing the book to Platina, who relieved me of the enigmatic volume. "Apparently, you know what it's for."

White and Drayden came over, Drayden swerving to the left whilst White swerved to the right, where Platina, Cheren and I were stationed. "Don't you run off from me again," White said.

Cheren shrugged his shoulders, plucking a forest green tome from the nearest pile. "What was that?" Cheren flipped the cover open, his eyebrows knitting into one. Lazily, he flicked through the pages, humming.

I followed his lead, much to my displeasure. As soon as I clasped my hands on a jet-black volume, I saw White grasp hold of the other side. "I call it first," I said seriously, curling my lips slightly.

I tugged on the book, White doing the same. "Ladies first, remember?" She raised one of her eyebrows, smiling.

I shook my head, uncurling my lips. "Not this time," I responded. "For God's sake, choose another book, White." I attempted to rip the book free from White, who was trying not to laugh. "What's so funny?"

White tried to pry the book free from me. "I seriously have no idea," she admitted, grinning from ear-to-ear. "N, I just find it hilarious."

It was my turn not to laugh. "Are you flirting with me?" I asked, thoroughly amused.

White dropped the sunny smile, much to my disappointment. "Ugh!" She looked mortified at my statement, which was true. "I was -"

"Yes, you were," I replied patiently. "I may be socially awkward, but I think I can definitely tell the difference between a flirtatious smile and a regular one." I tried to wrestle the book from her, albeit she pulled it toward her. "See?"

White smiled in spite of herself. "You've gotta be kidding me," she told me. "Seriously, I'm smiling and trying not to laugh, which is hard . . . Oh, just let go of the book." She tried again, but I held on even tighter.

You won't win, I reminded myself. You'll let White win.

"You flirted with me," I insisted.

White shook her head. "Actually, you were!" she huffed. "If you want the book, just go on and say it, okay?" She let loose a chortle.

"Both of you are flirting," Bianca chimed in. "It's so cute, too!" She and Iris roared with laughter, although Cheren hissed. "What's wrong, Cheren?" Bianca seemed worried.

Taken aback, I loosened my hold on the book, White frisking it away at long last. Sighing, I grabbed a thick smoky gray book, plopping it upon the table. I slid into the seat, prying the cover away from the first page.

"This passage is ridiculous," Cheren snapped, pointing his finger at the book he was skimming through. "'Out of all stones, legendary and evolutionary, there are none more dangerous and terrible than the Nameless, God or Void Stones. I shall not mention their deadly properties. . . .' This author wasted a perfectly good piece of paper." Cheren slammed the book closed. "Why mention them, then?" The teenager produced a tome with an old gold cover, held tight by a leather belt.

I nodded. As I flipped open the book, I poured over the words, which had a certain pull to them. Before I knew it, I was pouring over the pages instead of skimming. Unlike Cheren, I stumbled across a promising paragraph. "How about this one?" White and I said simultaneously.

Looking at White, I said, "You first."

White beamed. "You're so nice," she whispered.

I flicked my hand. "Tell us what you found," I pressed her.

White cleared her throat. Leaning her elbows against the table – her face agonized – she read, "'The Nameless, Void and God Stones are rumored to have existed ever since the dawn of time, yet their origins and usages are shrouded in darkness, deception and lies. The legends revolving around them are garbled and conflicted, although all historians can agree when the twin brothers fought over them, and with their views vastly different, the Nameless Stone resonated to their beliefs and separated their unnamed Pokemon into Reshiram and Zekrom.'"

Drayden frowned. "That legend doesn't really explain anything," he pointed out. "I suspected the Nameless Stone (though graphed by historians) was a metaphor for the disaster both brothers had started, leading to the almost-apocalypse - until today."

"N, your turn," Iris piped up. "With your views, you just have to be smart!" Iris tore her eyes off me, searching the yellowed pages of an olden book, the language I recognized to be written in the Hoenn tongue.

Was it just me or did White glower at Iris, apparently peeved? She wasn't flirting with me, I thought, shaking my head. "Okay, here goes nothing," I said dramatically.

Allowing the finely printed words to suck me into their world once more, I read, "'The Nameless Stone, a stone rumored to bring about an apocalypse, has been sought after by many scholars, scientists, mythologists, treasure-seekers, thieves, historians, archaeologists and fame-seekers, along with the noteworthy Light and Dark Stones. Some have said it never existed, and the ancients had crafted the Nameless Stone's existence as a metaphor to represent the almost-destruction of the world caused by the twin brothers and their descendants.

"'Others say it was hidden in regions such as Kanto, the Sevii Islands, the Orange Archipelago, the Decolore Islands, Johto, Hoenn, Orre, Kalos or Sinnoh, yet no sign of such a stone has ever been found. The resting place was said to be in the mausoleum housing the Hero of Truth and his descendants or the mausoleum containing the Hero of Idealism and his descendants, even going as far as to say it rested in their coffins deep within the Desert Resort, hidden beneath the Relic Castle, along with the Light and Dark Stones, albeit another legend says it rests with the Light and Dark Stones.' Well, Team Plasma never came across the mausoleums, so of course that's dis-proven." I was wondering about the God and Void Stones as well. Why was the Nameless Stone more important than them?

"You found the Dark Stone," White remembered.

"Team Plasma did," I reminded her.

"'The Nameless Stone, the stone said to have been responsible for the corruption of the twin brothers and the creation of Reshiram and Zekrom, represents the Void, the absence of Light and Darkness. According to a garbled legend, the Nameless Stone contains a malevolent spirit that even Reshiram and Zekrom fear, although the God Stone or Void Stone were said to house the abomination as well. Because of the God Stone and Void Stone being mentioned very little in the ancient scriptures, it remains questionable whether they're the same artifact as the Nameless Stone or not,'" Cheren read, slamming the book atop other books he had failed to gather useful information from. "We all know Platina's family protected the Nameless Stone, although you have to know something about its origins."

Platina said nothing.

She glanced at the tome I had given her, wild-eyed. Instantly, I knew Platina was lying back at the castle, and whatever secret she was holding back, it had to be bad. Platina knows the origins, yet whatever she knows, she wants it to be dis-proven, I observed, although I caught White looking at me, frowning.

Wordless communication erupted between White and I, White absolutely certain that Platina was hiding a very deep, dark secret she dreaded revealing. Both of us gazed at the tome Platina's fingers were laced around, knowing the answer had to be inside there.

Platina glued her eyes to the book – the fifth one she was skimming through. "'The accursed Nameless Stone holds many legends, all appeal-able and one simultaneously dark and bloody. Throughout the course of history, many legends have been passed down, all agreeing the Nameless Stone is the negation – also known as the Void – to the Light and Dark Stones confining Reshiram and Zekrom, and was responsible for splitting apart the draconic Pokemon Black and White commanded yet were friends with. According to a garbled legend, the House of Berlitz guards the Nameless Stone but so do the House of Parthenos and the House of Levesque. None of these families have been found, suggesting their lineages are extinct or conjured up.'"

"That's how Ghetsis found out," I realized. "He must've came across a book saying your family was the one who guarded the Nameless Stone."

White glared at Platina. "That means you'd lied to all of us about your past!" she said angrily. "You lied to me."

"White, it's rude to disrespect your mother," Drayden admonished. "As a matter of fact, is all of this true?" Drayden adopted a voracious expression, his eyes alight with knowledge.

Platina grimaced. "Most of it," she confessed.

All of a sudden, White swept the books from the table, her face contorted with rage. "That's why Father abandoned you," she accused her. "To be honest, he should've taken me with him! YOU'RE A LIAR AND A -"

Platina stared coldly at White. "DON'T TALK TO ME THAT WAY!" she snapped. "YOU FORGET THE FACT I'M YOUR MOTHER!" White got up to her feet, her hands shaking uncontrollably. "SIT DOWN, YOUNG LADY!" Platina yelled, "AND HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT DRAYDEN'S AND IRIS'S LIBRARY?"

White started to cry. "YOU'RE A LIAR!"

Immediately, I stood to my feet, unable to bear seeing White cry. "White, Platina said back at the castle there was too much for her to explain, and that we should escape," I reminded her. "She did lie about it, although what she was told . . . she wanted to make sure that it wasn't true."

White blinked, tears tracing her cheeks. "How can you side with her?" she wanted to know. "She lied to Cheren, Bianca, me and – and – you!"

As soon as I marched over, White's knees buckled, causing her to collapse on to the floor. "C'mon," I pleaded. "She was only trying to protect you from the life she had when she was young. Even now, she runs from Ghetsis, and -"

White's hair pooled on to the floor, her hands cupping her face. As tears burst between the fleshy cracks, she said to her mother, "I want to hear your story."

I pried White's hands free from her face, taking extra care not to damage her broken hand further. "We should pick up this mess," I whispered, seeing another tear well up into being. "White, don't cry. You're too pretty . . ." I blushed, clearing my throat.

Fortunately, White didn't pay heed to my words.

"White," Bianca breathed, kneeling down on the floor. "Your mother loves you very much. Sometimes, the truth hurts. And all I think she and your dad ever wanted was for you to live a normal life, and to be happy. I like it when you're happy, 'cause you smile so brightly, and I mean - it's kinda like the sun. I don't like seeing you unhappy."

"Nor do I," I agreed.

"Yeah, White." Iris knelt down. "That smile of yours should show right now, especially if you want to stop Ghetsis. I bet everyone would be very, very happy if you smiled, even when there's no hope! Just as you smiled when you were about to face N. You gave Bianca, Cheren, Grandpa and I courage and hope. I was so afraid of losing to the Sages, but when you smiled . . . Unova was in danger, yet I was . . . Just . . . I can't comfort her," Iris admitted, crestfallen.

"She'll cheer up," I assured her.

"How do you know?" Iris asked uncertainly. "I've honestly never seen her behave in such a way."

"I hate seeing her sad," I admitted. "Look, when she smiles . . . you always know she will make it through. White's kinda . . . I just know she'll . . ."

Bianca smiled. "Okay, lover boy . . . we get it!" She gave me the thumbs-up.

I bristled. "Don't call me lover boy."

"White, we're in this together," Cheren called from the table. "We're all on the same side, remember?"

I looked at White, pokerfaced.

White's PoV.

Iris, Cheren, Bianca and N were right. I had to smile, because times ahead of me were anything but easy. Although I was so furious at my mother, I knew she had my best interests at heart. To be honest, I was being kind of selfish and unreasonable.

Drawing strength from everybody's words, I hurriedly picked the mess of books up I had created due to my tantrum, N, Bianca and Iris assisting me. "I'm sorry about the breakdown," I said to Iris and Drayden solemnly.

"Next time, control your emotions," Drayden advised me.

Still, was my father aware of any of this? Did he really leave to protect me or did he seriously abandon me? I could remember his smile, the adoring eyes he had whenever he glanced at me, yet his face was so blurry. All I could gather from this memory was the warmth and how good I felt.

"You're right," I said to everybody, nodding. Holding my share of books, I stacked them atop the mahogany table, feeling tears slide down my cheeks. "Iris and Bianca, thanks for helping," I told them brightly.

My mother reeled in the anger visible on her face, adopting a stony facial expression. "Are you sure?" she said carefully. "White, I never wanted this life for you. In fact, I think you know why Ghetsis was looking for me the past twenty years."

I said nothing.

"Ghetsis did more than just take the Nameless Stone and the book I had written concerning the House of Berlitz." My mother seemed saddened, as if immersed in horrible memories.

"Wait . . . you wrote that book?" N piped up. "And you created the recess?"

My mother nodded. "Ghetsis obviously didn't want anyone knowing about the House of Berlitz, so naturally . . . my name had to be obliterated from a book I never planned to publish." Hatred flashed in her eyes. "Ghetsis and I share a history, with much pain and suffering."

"So, have the Harmonia and Berlitz families been quarreling since the time before time?" I inquired her carefully.

"I believe so," she said sadly. "Are you sure you want to know? Because everything I say . . . it's nothing next to the research we've been doing. Honey, what you know can hurt you."

"I may be angry at you," I began. "But if we're gonna stop Ghetsis's master scheme, then you have to tell me everything, so I can shoulder your burden. After all, family does help one another, right?"

My mother started tearing up. "You sound so much like your father," she said softly. "He was right all along. You can handle the truth, no matter if it hurts you or not. I suppose that's why Reshiram chose you."

"I won't allow Ghetsis to hurt you," I vowed to her.

"This scheme of his . . . I must stop," N said seriously. "Something tells me he may be going after the God and Void Stones, whatever they are. But he's Ghetsis, so I can never be too sure."

My mother nodded. "You can never let your guard down around him," she agreed heartily.

"I wonder what the book says," Drayden mused. "Platina, I beg of you to remain in Opelucid City tonight, because even heroes need rest. I know I cannot be of much use to you besides the research, although I do want to know what role the House of Berlitz plays in all of this."

I flipped through the pages, eventually coming across the family tree, painstakingly drawn on a spread page. "'The House of Berlitz and Their Notable Members,'" I read aloud.

Everybody moved forward, exchanging looks of nervousness.

"'The House of Berlitz, along with its sister houses the House of Levesque and the House of Parthenos, has been around since the dawn of time – occurring millennia ago, when the twin brothers were around. All three houses descend from a Hero, but the arguable better one passed down the Nameless Stone to his son, who gave it to his son. Throughout the line, father passes the Nameless Stone to son, mother to daughter. The oldest Berlitz always inherits this artifact when they turn fourteen, and learns about how it was responsible for splitting apart Black's and White's brotherly friendship and birthed Zekrom and Reshiram, cursing both Pokemon. This curse tied them to the Nameless Stone, the Void Stone and the God Stone, the latter two owned by both the House of Parthenos and House of Levesque until they left Unova.

"'The Void Stone contains an incomplete, malevolent entity who is not of this world, a living paradox. It would only respond to an amoral person - evil of heart to be more precise - thus allowing it to unleash its wrath upon the world. The Nameless and God Stones are the seals to the entity's apocalyptic powers, able to freeze the corners of the world, bringing nothing but emptiness and death with it. The only way its power will be unleashed is if the amoral person drains Truth and Idealism, with Reshiram, Zekrom, Dialga and Palkia present at midnight of the winter solstice at the birthplace of White and Black, therefore causing Light and Darkness to be lost, and the time-space continuum to collapse, leaving nothing but the Void left. The entity is now free to finish what it started unless Giratina is found beforehand to prevent Doomsday from happening.

"'The House of Berlitz are the remaining descendants of White.' Wait a minute, am I reincarnated or what?" I asked my mother.

"He's your namesake," my mother informed me.

"What else?" Cheren said faintly.

"That's it," my mother and I said in unison.

N and I looked at each other, knowing he was supposed to be drained of Idealism and me of Truth. Since Reshiram and Zekrom were awake, they were endangered as well. My mother had Dialga, who was also in danger. But where were Palkia and Giratina? Most importantly, where were the Houses of Parthenos and Levesque?

"Oh my," Bianca said, clapping her hands to her mouth.

Iris and Drayden stared at each other, both unsure whether to believe what I had read or not. I wanted to believe it was a lie, but with legends coming true around me, I was pretty sure this was the real deal.

"Platina," Iris piped up. "You can't run from Ghetsis. As much as I hate to say it, you have to find Giratina, Palkia, Dialga and the remaining stones before he does! I wanted you to spend the night and to enjoy the festival. . . ."

My mother smiled. "One night might do us some good," she agreed. "Drayden, I agree to stay here with you, because . . ." Her eyes darted unmistakably towards the clock, her face paling. "White and N, you need to protect each other and your Pokemon while I protect Dialga."

Drayden stood up. "Dialga is a Dragon/Steel Pokemon – the Pokemon who was said to control the flow of time itself. In spite of all of this, I want to see the legendary Pokemon for myself."

"So do I," Iris agreed.

"Iris, you must go to the festival with Cheren, Bianca, N and White," Drayden insisted. "Once Platina and I welcome our visitor, then we would accompany you ourselves. If all of us stay together, then it would be much harder for Team Plasma and Ghetsis to abduct N and White."

Iris chuckled. "Oh, I thought you would let me go," she said cheerily. "That means Bianca, White and I need to look nice if we're going to the festival!"

I rolled my eyes. "I don't wanna go to the salon," I protested.

"Parties and festivals don't go well with me," N muttered. "As long as I don't have to dance, that's fine with me."

"Well, we should all get our minds off these stories," Cheren pointed out. "For once, I want to have fun."

"Maybe N should dance with me," Bianca said purposely.

Immediately, anger coursed through me, eventually causing my brain to go on lock down. "Bianca, you dance with Cheren," I suggested. "N's my partner, so he follows my lead."

"She was just kidding, White," said Iris, wearing a knowing smile. "You don't have to get all jealous, you know."

My mouth popped open. "Seriously? Me jealous?" I said disbelievingly. "I don't think so."

"White, you don't want to dance with me," said N quietly. "Me and dancing? Not pretty at all."

I wheeled around, laughing. "C'mon, you can't be that bad," I said. "You're probably just being modest." Looking at Bianca and Iris, I said quickly, "Fine. I'll stop being a tomboy for one night and enjoy the festival, okay?"

Bianca jumped up and down, clapping her hands with joy. "First, we needa get that ugly cast off you," she informed me, "and I needa change out of this hideous costume."

Suddenly, there was rapping at the door.

My mother stood up, rigid.

"Platina?" Drayden asked. "Iris, can you answer the door? Please?"

Iris gave Drayden the thumbs-up before departing the library, leaving all of us behind.

"We should hurry up and -" I began.

"No," my mother interrupted. "That can wait."

I glared at my mother. "Do you want me to meet this visitor and friend of yours? I mean, who are they, anyways? Mother, is -?"

Iris stepped afoot in the library, followed suit by a man, about in his mid-thirties.

Immediately, I felt a connection with this man, and a good one at that.

He was slight, with spiky, untidy and glossy jet-black hair, tufts of it plastered to his forehead, shielded by a simple crimson hat. His skin tone was the same as mine, except it was tanned. His eyes, large and wide in setting – were a violent shade of red, almost black.

A dark red windbreaker was hugging his upper body, with a beveled magnolia collar protruding outwards, a hint of a flat black shirt under the windbreaker, which resembled a vest more. Around his wrists were black bands, snug. He was wearing denim jeans, pooling almost completely to the library floor. His sneakers were the same color as his eyes, the accent colors jet-black and stormy gray.

Digging his hand into his shirt, he held a Heal Ball, showing it to my mother. But just then, a plump yellow mouse with pointed ears materialized on to his shoulder, its circular bright red cheeks crackling with electricity.

Immediately, my mother rushed over to him. The man held his arms out, just in time for my mother to leap into his embrace.

"Oh, I've missed you so much," my mother was saying, breaking down in his arms.

"OH MY GOD! THAT POKEMON IS SO, SO, SO CUTE!" Bianca shouted at the top of her lungs, making all of us jump.

Cautiously, I stepped forward. "It's a Pikachu," I said unthinkingly, not sure how I knew this.

Pikachu jerked his ears, looking at me with utter happiness. "Pika, Pika, Pikachu!" he was saying happily. "Pika, Pi?"

The man ran his hands through my mother's hair, his face youthful and content. "So did I," he admitted. "We can be together now – all of us." Releasing my mother, he advanced over to me, smiling guiltily. "You used to be best friends with Pikachu, just as I am."

N stared at Pikachu, obviously impressed at the bond Pikachu had with the man.

I didn't know what to feel.

The smile told me who he was, because it was as warm as the sun.

I felt a surge of annoyance.

Nostalgia.

Happiness.

Awe.

All of these emotions were intertwined together, positive and negative.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

"White, this is -" my mother began.

"Platina, she needs to hear it from me," he said sadly. "I already feel horrible enough as it is, and she has every right to be upset with me, even though -"

"Who are you?" I repeated, my tone firmer than before.

That's when I realized why I was feeling all of this.

I knew who he was.

"I think you know the answer to that, White," he addressed me, crestfallen.

"I want to hear it from you," I said, fighting to keep my intense emotions in check, and not go berserk.

The man took a deep breath, his Pikachu looking at him imploringly.

"White," he breathed. "You're my daughter."

Taking a step back, I snarled, "You're my father?"

He nodded.

"Well, Father, you have some serious explaining to do."

A/N: "Research" is finished. Read and Review! Okay, too much excitement for one chapter, even for me LOL. Constructive criticism and feedback are more than welcome. By the way, I went by the manga appearance of Red, as I promised. I also promised I would name the following chapter after him. I know this chapter was shorter, yet I hope it was enjoyable. Have a happy 4th of July, my U.S.A. readers!

This chapter has been edited enough to implement another element into the plot line. It has also been corrected for grammar mistakes and additional scenes have been inserted in here as well. The reason this chapter has been edited is to promote the upcoming sequel, Eventide.

Edited on: 11/02/15