Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. That right belongs to Nintendo.

A/N: Because I've been in college, I'm terribly sorry for the awfully long wait. Hopefully, this chapter is satisfying enough.

A/N: Once again, is it too much to ask for feedback and reviews?

A/N: This plot came from my imagination. Because of it taking place after Generations I, II, III and IV plus Pokémon Black, occasional references will be made. By the way, I still haven't played Pokémon White X)

A/N: After this chapter, the poll about White will no longer be up. So, cast your votes if you haven't already.

A/N: I think that's everything, so moving on to chapter 19.

N's PoV.

"I had a really good time tonight," White admitted. "Thank you."

As she took her arm off my shoulder, she cringed a little. However, that didn't stop her from viciously breaking free of the grip I had on her waist.

I nodded, thinking about how White seemed honest about the mere fact of having fun with me tonight. At least I know I did. It was then I heard a faint rustling sound coming from the direction where the flowerpots were at.

Not wanting White to notice my wary expression, I turned around and sauntered toward the sea of roses, all a whiter shade of pale and semi-transparent. When I reached the area, I quickly realized they were just as opaque as regular roses, despite their unusual ghostly white shade.

I darted one eye toward the vine-esque curtain, moving back and forth like a pendulum. Trying my utmost to remain aloof, I brought my eye back toward the floral sea of pottery, the brims gleaming with crystalline water. Without thinking, I plucked a rose. I was considering making a bouquet, but I'd decided against it. "One's enough."

Bringing my head down, I looked at the rose, absently twirling it about the tips of my fingers, take immense care not to prick my fingertips. Wheeling around, I gazed at a temperamental White, saying as arrogantly as I could, "I have to admit. You're a fast learner."

"Are you saying I can't dance at all?" Though her tone was testy, I could've sworn there was a faint trace of sadness. White brought her hands down to her sides, exploring the train of her dress.

White walked over to me, carrying fistfuls of her dress, expectant.

"I meant when it came to the bolero," I said hastily. "I honestly thought you were going to trip over your dress or something like that." Right when I'd finished my snide comment, White stopped in front of me, saying, "Is that for me?" She winced when she let go of the dress, but that didn't stop her from holding out her hand, her eyes glued to the rose I was still spinning around with my fingers.

I handed the rose over to her, seeing a blatant look of astonishment on her face. Eyeing it with blissfulness, she confessed, "I thought you were gonna tease me." Sighing, White continued, "By the way, why a white rose, N?"

I heard an inaudible sound coming from nowhere, albeit it stopped promptly. For a fleeting second, I wondered if Bianca had found the gazebo and was hiding amongst the shadows, snapping photos of us. I banished the thought from my mind, knowing both White and I would've heard CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

I glanced at White. "Do you know why I chose the bolero, White?"

She shook her head, half-frustrated, half-confused.

"In case you haven't noticed, the gazebo's on a circular platform. We were dancing in a circular formation. The bolero's a form of ballroom dancing, and I actually find ballroom dancing to be a metaphor for the circle of life, Pokémon or human.

"This rose is white, just like your name is White." Tearing my eyes off her, I gazed at the rose, wondrous yet fragile. "But it also symbolizes purity. White, you're one of the few people I know who has a pure heart. I think that's one of the reasons why Reshiram selected you to be the Hero of Truth if you ask me."

I don't think I'll ever admit this to her, I thought, but the notion of her being the Hero of Truth is intriguing in its own way. If I ever told her that and explained why I found it intriguing, she'd probably punch or slap me and Red would blame me for "provoking" her. God, my life was difficult enough as it was.

I heard the rustling sound yet again, louder this time around. I swiveled around, glancing at the evergreen curtain edging the deep blue horizon. "What's wrong?" I heard White ask me.

I blinked before I twirled around, seeing White staring at the rose in awe whilst raising a brow, her eyes inquisitive. "I thought I saw a shadow lurking behind there." When White didn't respond, I murmured, "Okay, I'm officially paranoid."

She spun the slender stem in the same fashion I did, misty-eyed. All of a sudden, I had this urge to add an accessory to her hairstyle, even though I knew full well I would be at her mercy. I used to fear her temper, but – I ripped the rose out of her unsuspecting hands, a cry of dismay escaping her lips, contrasting the stormy look in her eyes. I kind of enjoy teasing her.

"GIVE THAT BACK, YOU INDIAN GIVER!" White thundered, reaching for the rose.

Unfortunately for her, I brought the rose high into the sky, well out of her reach. I smirked while feeling the nape of my neck prickle madly. Even though I knew my intuition was telling me we were being watched, I ignored it, intent on teasing White. I brandished the rose for a bit before snapping the stem cleanly in half, no effort required.

White gasped, mortified. "That's mean!" she cried. "I already hate the fact you'd taken away my gift . . . but now I'm pissed off you've damaged it as well!" Her hand slightly twitched, an indicator she was about to slap me.

I sighed halfheartedly. "Calm down, will ya?"

Even though she was grumpy, I started ruffling her hair, seeing the hairdo unravel a bit. Was it me or did White seem to be appeased by the merest touch?

"I think fate brought us here, you know?" Right when I said that, I knew that was silly of me to say.

White laughed at that. "You were probably hoping to find somewhere where we could dance in peace, right?"

I didn't want to smile at her shrewdness of the situation, so I just nodded. "That too," I acknowledged. My hand was shaking whilst I wove the rose through her mane meticulously. "It suits you rather well, White."

To my slight surprise, she planted a kiss on my cheek. As usual, I felt a shock from the kiss, thus causing me to rub my cheek. To be honest, every time White touched me, I felt as if a thunderbolt struck me.

My turn, I told myself, feeling a sense of foreboding. I took several deep breaths before leaning over her shoulder, feeling the coolness of her breath tickle my skin.

Our moment was shattered by an all-too familiar cool, deep and calculating voice saying:

"Do you really want to associate yourself with her?"

White and I gasped. Inadvertently, I snapped back to my original stance, angered and annoyed at the intrusion. Judging from the source of the voice, it was behind the veil of vines. The problem was . . . I knew that voice.

I chanced a glance at White, her face drained of color. As if on whim, she grasped my hand. Normally, I would've been embarrassed, but it didn't take a genius to know why White did what she did: She wanted reassurance.

The veiled curtains swung back and forth as two men ambled into the gazebo, darkening the place with their malevolence (the lights seemed to extinguish by the work of their auras). "We have Gourmet Food," I heard White mutter, though her wisecracking tone was diluted by fright.

I gazed at the robed man, realizing it was indeed Gorm, because who else would have strawberry blonde hair with white highlights? He obviously heard White's comment, for his beard was quivering dangerously, his face twisted with spleen.

"Why, you -" he began to say, but the other man silenced him with a glacial expression.

That's the man who gave away the hat to me, I realized as he came toward White and I.

There were those same eerie indigo eyes and pulled-back blonde hair. As he walked toward us, he dug his fingers into the holes of his mask, extracting the indigo contacts, closing his eyes. As fast as thought, he reached behind his neck to let down his hair.

I felt animosity course throughout my body, accompanied by fury, disappointment, bliss and so many other emotions, all tangled together. All of these emotions felt like too much to bear and I wanted nothing more than to give into my emotions. I can't do that, I berated myself, because I need to be strong for my sake. White's sake. I've got to suppress them. It was a Herculean effort, but I'd found the willpower to maintain an emotionless expression.

To my horror, White took her hand out of mine. "If you want N, then you have to go through me first!" White announced bravely. "You're not getting away with abducting either of us this time -" White fell silent at the look Ghetsis threw at her: One of absolute loathing.

In the blink of an eye, Ghetsis loomed over White, causing me to grit my teeth. "Leave her out of this," I spat.

Ghetsis gave no sign he heard me because he said coolly, "The abduction was merely the beginning." He fixated one eye on White, the other on me. "I must admit how noble you were to offer yourself in the abomination's place, White."

Abomination, I thought sadly, feeling my heart sink heavily. At the same time, I heard White snap, "Don't call N an abomination. AND DON'T CALL ME BY MY FIRST NAME!" Her hand was reaching toward the gaudy purse she was wearing, no doubt wanting a Pokémon Battle.

"Anyway, how did you avoid our-?" I began to ask.

"Guard?" Ghetsis finished. "Advanced planning, you may say. Did I ever tell you how much you resemble Platina, White?" he added gleefully, reveling in White's revulsion. "I know Platina Berlitz better than you do, my child."

White narrowed her eyes. "I used to think my mother was maternal, kind, smart and beautiful," she began, "but now I can see she's a powerful and decent Pokémon Trainer. There's no way she'd ever be best friends with you and your goon squad when all of you were young." Though she tried to sound defiant, a spark of doubt danced in her eyes.

Gorm strode over to me. I retreated a few steps backward in response. "Lord Ghetsis wishes to converse with you two," he stated flatly. "He desires for the hostile environment we all are in to become peaceable."

"I wonder what kind of peaceable environment that is." Glaring at Ghetsis, I said icily, "If peace is what you desire at the moment, how do we know you'd keep your word?" I chanced a glance at White, hoping she'd back me up. It was in her nature to do that sort of thing.

"This is going better than we'd expected," said Gorm. "Lord N, why you're in the company of the daughter of the woman who humiliated myself and your father-"

I shut Gorm out, seeing Ghetsis conversing with White in a persuasive voice, completely winning her over.

"Leave her alone," I growled. "Gorm and Ghetsis, may I remind you I'm no longer a Harmonia? Ghetsis may be my father, but I'll never be his son."

Ghetsis regarded me with a cryptic look, no sign of paternal love left. As much as I tried to deny it, I knew I probably never had a father to begin with. Just a soulless man who brought me into this world with an ulterior motive.

"Believe what you want to believe, my son," Ghetsis said. "However, what's life without a little risk?" Placing his hands behind his back, he started to walk back and forth before staring at Gorm. "Find them," he ordered. "You know the plan."

Gorm walked away, his robes swaying through the gazebo as he pushed the vine curtain apart, sliding through it before disappearing into the night. Intuitively, I knew White was afraid and needed reassurance so I decided to take her hand. "We have to trust him," I told her unwillingly. "If he betrays our trust, then I'll protect you. I must protect you."

I wondered how I would be able to when I was so afraid myself.

Chapter 18: Barriers Fall Down

White's PoV.

I never expected for Ghetsis to find us here. Here I was, having the time of my life with my frenemy King N Harmonia when my worst enemy appeared, along with Gourmet Food. I kind of wished Gourmet Food didn't leave, because making fun of him would've definitely lightened up the situation. Then again, having N here was kind of comforting and unsettling. Half of me still disliked him whereas the other half was fond of him.

But I had to cast aside my mistrust of him because there were worse things coming after us, namely Ghetsis. This is so confusing, I thought. Every moment I have to question and contradict myself and I hate that. I gotta get that under control. "You don't scare me," I said as bravely as I could. "Besides, why would you volunteer information about my mother and you? You're nothing but a liar, Ghetsis."

Ghetsis stopped in mid-stroll. Bowing his head down, he rumbled, "You spout such nonsense about me because you know nothing about me, White Electra." A smile crept across his features, one of a psychopath. "You deny your very surname because of how Red -"

I snorted in derision. "Red can go to hell," I interrupted. "He hasn't been around for years, and then he expects . . . I thought you were going to volunteer information about my mother." I tapped my foot against the floor, having half a mind to fold my arms, except I was clutching N's hand. The only thing I could do was glare at Ghetsis with defiance.

"You look so much like your mother," said Ghetsis. "When she was your age, she was . . . unlike any teenager I'd seen or spoken with. A genius and true strategist." He brought his head up, his expression nostalgic. I could've sworn I saw pain flit across his face. But when I blinked, it vanished, leaving me to question whether if he did have a heart or not.

"I saw that," N and I said at the same time, forgetting we weren't supposed to admit we'd seen and eavesdropped on the battle between Platina and Ghetsis. The damage is done, I thought, squeezing N's hand tighter.

Ghetsis wheeled around to face us. "I know you did see me battle against Platina," he said softly. "As I said, the abduction is only the beginning. But back to Platina . . . I met her in Sinnoh a score ago . . . at a place called the Battle Zone. I came from Unova, in search of stronger and worthier Pokémon Trainers and to research about the Legendary Pokémon hidden throughout Sinnoh -"

"You sound as if you had an ulterior motive," I murmured under my breath.

"Child, do not interrupt," snarled Ghetsis. "I cannot tolerate insolence and ignorance of children!" He balled his hands into fists, his face red. "Of course I had an ulterior motive! I wanted to wake the Sinnoh Legendary Pokémon from their slumber along with the Unova Pokémon, but for different reasons back then."

"Liberation?" N guessed.

Ghetsis nodded.

"What does this have to do with my mother?" I couldn't understand how my mother gave Ghetsis the idea of liberation. I mean, I knew she was highly intelligent, but an evil genius?

Ghetsis was toying with me. My mother was the most selfless, caring being in the world.

Your mother sure isn't proud of it, Red's voice said inside my mind.

"If you had black hair and gray eyes, you'll be Platina's doppelgänger," Ghetsis stated. "It was true Platina saved Sinnoh from Team Galactic and became Pokémon Champion. However, the salvation of Sinnoh warped her mind for many years. One day, your grandmother handed that book and the Nameless Stone to Platina. Shortly after, Platina went to lived in the family villa at the Battle Zone. I met her there.

"Or rather, a besotted Gorm introduced us to one another." There was definitely emotion in Ghetsis's voice, but he masked it well. "Platina and I battled against one another, but I could not beat her. None of the other Pokémon Champions could defeat Platina either for some reason. Before I knew it, Platina and I had forged a friendship.

"Then, one day, your saintly mother said something that indefinitely enraptured my attention," Ghetsis said ominously, smirking.

"I find it hard to believe Platina was warped mentally," N said viciously. "I actually find it easy to believe she could beat you."

Ghetsis dropped the smirk. "You're just like your mother," he mused. "Naïve and trusting . . . Not to mention imbecile." He swerved around and gazed at the roses, which were pure, unlike him. "Learn to forgive and forget, N," he said pleadingly. "We're family . . . But we'll resolve this wedge between us later. You, White, need to hear about your mother's past."

"The past doesn't matter," I insisted. "That was then. This is now."

"Your heart believes in a false image of your mother," Ghetsis told me. "I can't let you run away with a false image of Platina Berlitz. The woman who brought you into this world once told me, 'Pokémon are seriously misunderstood creatures. From what other Pokémon Champions have told me, all Pokémon have been used wrongly by crime syndicates. But the Pokemon Champions themselves have traded their Pokémon away for stronger ones. In fact, all who have done this are unworthy of being partners with Pokémon. They'd abandoned the ones they have raised, thus emotionally scarring them and vice versa. The Pokemon Champions are just as guilty as the crime syndicates they'd fought. There are times where humans could've healed them or kept them or left Pokémon alone. The Legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh have chosen me, because they see me as a future messiah who would harness the powers of time-space and dimensions to set things right. That is my destiny. Surely that is yours as well because Pokémon must choose their partners, not become confined through harmful means or to be called upon for wrongdoings. I guess those who see this know Pokémon must be liberated in order to prevent pain, loss and abuse from humans. And that, my friend, is our destiny.'"

As much as I hated to admit it to this monstrosity, those words would likely come from a wise and intelligent individual such as my mother. But even though I had a strained relationship with her at the moment, Ghetsis had no right to indoctrinate me into believing my mother was the same person he knew a score ago. It seemed that no matter where I went, Mr. Ugly followed me. My mom changed, I told myself sternly. She probably was twisted mentally years ago, but she's not anymore. I still don't understand why she fled from Ghetsis . . . but maybe I should trust her instead of questioning and challenging her all the time.

"A house divided against itself cannot stand," Drayden's voice said through my mind, as fresh as a daisy. I could literally hear him utter them again.

"Why did Platina run from you?" said N, causing me to start. He had let go of my hand, much to my disappointment. Ghetsis briefly stared at us before turning his back towards us again, stroking a meaty finger along a flowerpot's brim. In another hand, he held a rose, eyeing it with disgust.

Then one by one, he pulled the petals apart until a rain of petals flowed from his palm, twisting and turning as they descended downward. "The House of Berlitz was the real reason I went to Sinnoh, because they had the Book of White and the Nameless Stone. But at that point, I had not found either House Parthenos nor House Levesque, even though both house were said to live in the Kanto-Johto region. The House of Levesque should have the God Stone and the Book of Black with them but I've heard rumors that they don't. As for the House of Parthenos, they were said to have the Void Stone and the Book of Gray.

"Platina was an obstacle in more ways than one," Ghetsis said with half-anger, half-admiration. "She got distracted for a while and -" He seemed delighted at the memory, but there was remorse as well. When I blinked, whatever emotions he showed were gone.

"You took both the Nameless Stone and the Book of White," N surmised, "but Platina'd realized what else you needed from her and fled." His face was beyond disgust: It was hatred of the worst kind. "But you're holding something back from us."

"You already heard enough," Ghetsis growled. "Now I should leave before -"

No way in hell is he gonna leave without telling us the full story! I thought grimly. He gave us information that raised more questions! He obviously has an ulterior motive here. I flipped open my purse and eyed the Poke Balls nestled comfortably against another like Poke Eggs. "Your story's too sketchy," I accused him. "There's gaping holes everywhere. You either tell us the true story or your ulterior motive."

Ghetsis sneered. "You really need to watch your tongue, girl," he snapped. "Didn't anybody tell you to respect your elders? Maybe if you did, then I wouldn't have to resort to Plan B. I wanted a peaceable environment, which I had maintained this entire conversation."

"What is Plan B, anyway?" N pressed Ghetsis, who stared at him intently. "White, a Pokémon Battle isn't the best idea at the moment. He's offering us a chance to leave."

But seeing that devious smile made me want to punch Ghetsis square in the face. I mean, what person in their right mind would want to be congenial, when it was blatantly obvious they had their own agenda? After all this time, N should've learned Ghetsis was not to be trusted. He had hurt N several times already, and N - out of love for his father - was trying to take him back with open arms.

I couldn't afford for this to go on any longer. Ghetsis was to go down right here, right now.

Ghetsis rolled his eyes. "You remind me of your dad. But that may be because you're your father's daughter. You're just like him," he added, chortling. "You really must be seething at the comparison."

I balled my hands into fists, bowing my head down. "I'm not his daughter," I protested. "Everything's awkward between us . . ." Before I knew it, my eyes started to water. "I realize you're telling me this because my mother is an equal in your eyes." Did Reshiram choose the wrong Hero of Truth? I couldn't help but question internally.

"Reshiram and Zekrom definitely chose the wrong people," Ghetsis drawled. As I looked up, I started to see Ghetsis walk away. "You're ruled by your emotions and are selfish, White. I can never understand why Reshiram chose you as the Hero of Truth. If you feel emotion, you're therefore weak. You allow yourself to identify with humanity and Pokémon, both of which anchor you.

"Love is but a word, dear White. There is no Truth to it, only illusions and lies. Love stems from human Idealism to encompass the fact that it's a weakness. If you learn how to separate your emotions from Truth and Ideals, then you are indeed truly strong. You'd come to realize Pokémon are better off liberated."

"You're wrong," N snapped. "Because of White, I've realized Idealisms are important in all areas of life. I know deep down you feel some sort of love. You can't be that far gone from where reason can reach you." Ghetsis stared at him, narrowing his horrifying eyes. "There has to be humanity inside you. There has to be!"

Ghetsis grasped hold of the veiled curtain, sighing. He tore his eyes off us before squeezing through the curtain and disappearing into the night.

N's PoV.

I thought he was going to abduct us again. But Ghetsis actually took the confidence right out of White. I wheeled around to stare at White, who was crying nonstop. For once, I didn't know what to do. I just want to take her pain away, I found myself thinking. Besides, she looks much better with a smile and attitude to her, even if she's a little selfish. But Ghetsis took it too far and I feel like a failure. "I said I'd protect you," I voiced.

White looked over at me, crestfallen. Suddenly, she fell onto the ground, her dress pooling out. Worried, I lumbered over, kneeling down on one knee to better survey her. Her eyes were unfocused, glistening with tears. "I failed you," I whispered. "I'm a horrible friend." Large tears welled up inside her eyes, on the verge of falling. I don't know how to handle women bawling, but I've got to do something. White was completely out of it, so I made to peel the mask off her face, my breath almost being taken away by her visage.

Her lashes were being weighed down with layers of tears. A single one fell, splashing her cheek. Unable to stand more tears falling down, I cupped her chin in one hand whilst placing the other upon her cheek. "Don't cry," I tried to soothe her. "He had no right to hurt you like that." I instantly took my hand off her cheek to wipe her tears away with my fingertips.

Before I knew it, White flung herself at me, embracing me tightly. "A-Aren't you hurt by what he said?" she asked me. "He c-called you an abomination and everything." I could tell White was trying to steady her voice, although it was hard for her. "I'm not w-w-weak," she insisted. "Feeling emotion – emotion – it's part of what b-be-being human's a-a-all a-ab-about! I-I'm s-s-sorry for a-always being like this. I j-just can't convey w-what I f-feel to others properly." She buried herself into my chest, shaking uncontrollably.

"I-I don't know w-who to trust anymore. M-My whole life . . . I've been i-independent to an extent. E-Even though Cheren and B-Bianca a-are my b-best friends, I keep m-most of my emotions hidden from them. I d-don't want to burden others with my problems because they have lives to live. M-Maybe it has to do with Red and Mother . . . Or it's probably p-part of who I am."

I held her closer, drinking in every word she said. White looked up, her eyes rimmed with red. "I've n-never b-been able to a-act myself around a-anybody. I-I mean, truly act myself. I-I wish I was -"

I pulled her closer to me, positioning her under my chin. "You and your mother are different people," I told her. "You'll forgive her eventually, and Red, too." I used to think White was insane and selfish, but in reality – events shaped who she is. "You have to learn how to truly depend on others for help, just as I need to." I looked ahead at the curtains, unable to think or feel anything but sadness. "I'm the one who should be feeling bad," I admitted. "Right now, both of us are venturing through a thunderstorm."

"A-Another c-comparison?" White asked weakly, although I sensed amusement in her voice.

"Yeah," I confirmed. "When our storms clear up, we'll see the rainbows waiting for us. What I'm saying is we'll get through this together." In order to reassure her, I ran my fingers through her hair. "When my mom was alive, the world was picture perfect. But when she died, the world came crashing down. Ever since then, I've known nothing but pain and suffering, afraid to feel happiness. If I let myself be happy for one moment, then I think Ghetsis would ruin that . . . and I don't know if I can handle that, White. I don't mean with Pokémon," I added quickly, seeing White gaze at me curiously. "It's humanity I don't trust. You're the only one I trust, even if I don't act as if I do.

"I know one thing," I continued. "Even though I fight with you, I'm still here for you."

White looked down. "I don't want you to protect me," said White solemnly, "because I don't need you to protect me or anybody else for that matter. I should protect everybody, not the other way around. I k-know I'm harsh, but I'm n-not g-gonna use my past as the reason for my behavior. Because that reason is an excuse and the truth is . . . I'm afraid of letting anybody in all the way. My true e-emotions would be known."

I looked up. "You're confusing," I confessed. "If you think this makes you weak, it does not. You shouldn't let Ghetsis get to you because of what you've been through. That's what he wants. I may be damaged, but I'm not going to let him damage your confidence."

"What about yours?" she sobbed.

"Eh . . ." I had no answer for that. The truth was, I'd lost my confidence when Ghetsis had betrayed and disowned me. Whatever confidence I had left, it was stolen from me. I'm not any good with humans, I reminded myself for the umpteenth time. But even though I try to deny it, I'm not that much different from White. We were brought up differently, but drastic changes happened in our life, thus shaping who we are today. Like White said to Ghetsis, that was then. This is now. Right now, I have to believe in White and the others, even that idiot Cheren.

"How do you know I'll forgive Red and Mother?" White inquired. "What about Cheren?"

"Red and Platina are your family," I replied. "You'll forgive them one day. As for Cheren, do me a favor and punch him," I tacked on as an afterthought. "No, you two seem like good friends, so Cheren will forgive you one day. Or is it you who needs to forgive Cheren?" To my disappointment, White extricated herself from my embrace.

"I forgot who started the fight," White admitted, "but maybe I should apologize. After all, Cheren has helped me on my quest to be Pokemon Champion of Unova. We're better friends than that."

For some reason, whenever she mentions Cheren, I get angry, I noted. I don't even like Cheren being around her. But then again, they are childhood friends. I should respect that, but the fact that she's closer to him than me makes me feel kind of uncomfortable. "I like it when you hold me," I heard White say, making me blush.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked her.

White and I got up in synchronization, me carefully examining White for any symptoms of weakness. The only thing I saw was an extremely somber girl who was the Hero of Truth. Ghetsis did this! I thought angrily. He's right. I am fighting a losing battle, but I'm not going to let him get inside White's head anymore.

"I'm fine, thank you," she told me.

"Is that what you say to Bianca? Your mother? Cheren?" I pressed her.

"Yes."

"But you never mean it," I assumed. "You're not fine. White, please stop being that way."

White bowed her head, her body as still as night. "I have to be emotionally distant, especially now." She started to amble toward the curtain, which was swaying back and forth.

I looked around the gazebo one more time before following White, who was engulfed by the vine-esque veil. As they swung back and forth, I clasped one of my hands on to the vine, which was thicker than I anticipated. I wanted to make sure the plant wasn't going to crash down on me so I gave it a good tug in order to ensure my way forward was secure. Satisfied at how sturdy it was, I pushed my way through the vines, emerging into the area where the dais was. White was sitting down on the bottommost step, the rose in her hand whereas her hairdo was undone, more rumpled than before.

I traipsed down the steps until I was level with the brunette. "If anyone has to battle against Ghetsis, it would be me," I stated seriously. "I'll make sure of that." White merely nodded as acknowledgement, although I knew full well she fell into a period of depression. "So snap out of it and smile, because -"

"You should be doing the same thing, N," White said, "because you know Ghetsis isn't gonna change. I know you try to hide it, but you really want him back. But he's beyond the point of salvation." She got up and looked at me. "I told you how I felt. Please let me in, even if it's just a little."

She knows me better than I thought, I told myself, thoroughly impressed. As much as I hate to admit defeat, White has it right. I should stop thinking, "What if?" I can't save him from himself because he's too far gone already. But he hurt White and I cannot forgive him for that. He has to be stopped before he launches his plan.

As White leaped off the step, she paused for a moment. "Are you coming or what?"

I blinked, seeing the brunette intently staring at me, her eyes inviting me forward. For a moment, I was dumbstruck before I ultimately regained my senses. "I guess," I managed. "Yes I am." I marched down to the sidewalk, where White was waiting for me expectantly. "We have to find Gorm before he finds everyone else."

White nodded with agreement. "I can't dwell on what Ghetsis said," she told me. "I have to keep moving forward for everybody's sake. Right now, Gorm has to be stopped."

But there was one thing I'd decided not to inform her of.

I had broken my promise to her about acting as if today never happened.

It wasn't because of Ghetsis. Well, partly.

But it was mostly because White had opened me up, despite my efforts to appear withdrawn and aloof.

I also knew White couldn't pretend tonight also had a major impact on her part. For the first time, her mental barriers fell down, if only slightly. And for once, she showed her innermost feelings, which she had worked effortlessly to bottle up so no one would worry about her. I thought I knew White, save tonight I'd realized there was more to her than meets the eye.

I knew right then and there that I crossed the line I'd carefully drawn for myself when I came back to Unova.

There was probably no turning back.

Suddenly, White's X-Transceiver rang. "I didn't know Bianca packed it inside my purse," she said, shocked.

White flung her purse open to pull out the X-Transceiver. Quickly, she flipped the phone open, positioning it close to her ear. "Hello? Yeah, it's me. What's up?" Although she sounded cheery, I saw the hurt Ghetsis dealt her etched upon that face of hers.

All of a sudden, she froze. "What did you say?" There was animated talking coming from the phone, but White's facial expression shifted into panic and worry. "What happened?"

Judging from White's voice, this wasn't good news.

A/N: I think my writing skills are kind of rusty. Yeah, I know this chapter was pretty short, but review anyway. And some feedback would be nice as well. I apologize for the long wait, but I'm hoping the next chapter would be more exciting than this one. Anyways, I hope you had fun reading it.

This chapter has been reedited. Some content has been removed for grammatical reasons and some additional sentences have been added into this chapter. The plot since Chapter 15 has a new element to it, but the original plot remains largely unchanged. Surnames have been changed and White's initial characterization has been watered down subtly. All of this reediting has been done in order to promote this novel's sequel, Eventide.

Edited On: 11/04/15