Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. That right belongs to Nintendo and Game Freak. I'm proud to say that I totally own this story.

A/N: I'm so sorry for the hiatus. I've been busy with schoolwork so I haven't had time to update. Well that's not exactly true since I've also been playing Pokemon Black Version 2. Once I finish this fanfic, I'll delve into my own interpretation of the video games if you guys would like that.

A/N: And this is a chapter only in White's PoV. I deliberately made it this way because of the poll on my page. If you haven't done so already, vote! After the 11th of November, the poll will be nonexistent.

A/N: Okay, I think I've said everything so here goes the next chapter! Remember to review! Constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated.

White's PoV.

I turned on my heel and bolted out of the living room, bowing my head down. In no time at all, I found myself traipsing up the stairs, using the brass railing to support me. I was silently relieved it was supporting me since I couldn't wrap my mind around yesterday's events.

A lot had happened. Ghetsis and my parents knew each other. N had returned along with Red. Bianca, Cheren, N, my mother, Red and I were basically on the run from Ghetsis. Finally, Ghetsis had another master plan up his sleeve relating to the Nameless, Void and God Stones and the Houses of Berlitz, Parthenos and Levesque. I had failed to mention that the first partner of Reshiram was my namesake, White. Then, N and I had a couple of moments bordering on friendship and something else. Well, none of this was necessarily in order of importance.

I made a sharp left, absently brushing the area on my forehead where N had planted his lips. Whatever that kiss meant, it really had an impact on me. You're reading too much into this! I told myself, feeling my facial temperature going higher.

I was so engrossed with my thoughts that I had walked into the wrong room, even though the door was ajar. As still as silence, I slid my lithe body through the narrow crack, miraculously managing not to move the door backward. When I came to the other side, I took a deep breath, relieved.

Suddenly, I heard the shuffling of footsteps. Then to my horror, a blunette appeared into the midst, ruffling his spiky hair with a towel. I couldn't help but notice he was shirtless, his exposed chest smooth, glinting with droplets.

"Do I have the wrong room?" I said unthinkingly. In spite of myself, I couldn't help but admire his physique, my cheeks turning scarlet. Embarrassed, I snapped my head down. "If you're gonna undress in front of me, then I'll just leave." I did a pirouette. Or at least, I attempted to.

A white hand shot out, clapping itself on my shoulder. "White, it's me," the boy said in an all-too familiar calculating, methodical feathery voice.

"C-Cheren?" I spluttered, whirling about.

Right when I turned about, Cheren drew his hand away from my shoulder.

Chapter 24: Cheren

White's PoV.

As Cheren draped his shoulders with the electric purple towel, I just stood there dumbly, feeling like an absolute idiot. I haven't been a very good friend lately, I thought guiltily. I should've shown much more concern about Bianca and he being taken by Gorm.

While I studied his face, I saw how calm and composed it was. His midnight blue eyes were clouded with numerous thoughts, some abstract, others fully formed. As I looked deeper, I discovered they were all jumbled.

Cheren wheeled around, glancing at his queen-sized bed, the sheets creamy white and sepia. An oak dresser was adjacent to the bed, an antique lamp and glasses belonging to Cheren atop the flat surface.

"No, I'm Gorm." Cheren maneuvered over to the dresser, plucking the glasses from their resting place, sliding them on the bridge of his nose. Lightly, he tapped the lens, as if ensuring they were in satisfactory condition. He swerved around, staring at me in such a way with those distinctive eyeglasses of his. Without them, Cheren was absurdly handsome. Though I used to harbor feelings for him, they were solely based on his keen intellect.

"Of course I'm Cheren!" he said, shrugging his bare shoulders. "By the way, White, what are you doing in here?" His tone was light, crisp.

Cheren swiveled around, approaching his bed, where a pair of lurid green pajamas were laid out.

"I thought you left those at home," I said unthinkingly, glancing down at the silk pajamas Iris had loaned to me. They were sort of tight, although they were much more comfortable than the dress I had worn last night.

"I'm always prepared," he reminded me, "and if you were thinking clearly, then you'd realize your mother packed some clothes for you. And I need to get dressed."

I made to leave, although Cheren suggested, "You don't have to leave. I mean, you can turn the other way." Both of us were blushing out of sheer embarrassment.

Sighing, I whirled around, folding my arms against my chest. There were noises emitting from Cheren while he was in his dressing ritual. "I'm decent," he announced.

I wheeled about, seeing Cheren sitting atop the bed, peering at me. "Sit down next to me."

Reluctantly, I did so, unfolding my arms in the process. "So, it's a coincidence I happened to walk in your room," I said softly, trying to force the image of Cheren's half-naked body out of my mind. It wasn't my fault he was well-toned. I inclined my head, gazing deep into Cheren's eyes.

Cheren regarded me with an unfathomable countenance. Then, he sighed. "Well, it's about M," he said finally.

"N," I corrected automatically.

Cheren casually waved his hand as a sign of dismissal. "I know you two were prisoners," he began, looking at me as if I were a detonator about to explode at any moment, "but I couldn't help noticing you two had . . . bonded."

I opened my mouth. "You say that as if it's a bad thing." I could detect the hurt in my voice.

"Would you stop jumping to conclusions?" Cheren said, flicking his bangs. "How do you even know whether I'm saying is bad or not?"

He'd scored a point against me. I didn't know if the thoughts he were about to divulge were positive or negative. Despite his aloof, intimidating demeanor, Cheren wasn't a jerk. Underneath that cold exterior was a warmhearted being, which only Bianca and I were able to see.

"I'm worried about the way you've been acting lately," Cheren confessed. "I know you've always been a bit selfish and -"

"Thanks for the reminder," I said under my breath, earning an irritated glance from my friend.

"Do you even think before saying anything?" Cheren said between his bared teeth. He broke eye contact with me, fixating his eyes on his lap. "I hate it when you interrupt me. It's rude!" He brought his head back up in order to look at me. "You're still a good person, White. It's just sometimes you can be sidetracked easily. Such as with N," he tacked on.

"Are you suggesting that I'm choosing him over you and Bianca?" I was outraged. "We're childhood friends, Cheren! I'd never forget that as long as I live."

Cheren raised his eyebrows. "How come you didn't ask how we escaped from Gorm?" he demanded. "It's not like you to ignore that!" He curled his hands into fists, bringing them on his lap. "I was thinking maybe N is a bad influence on you."

"I was worried about you guys," I argued, "but Black got all of you back from Gorm safe and sound. And we were held up by Team Plasma grunts!"

"You still could've asked us," Cheren spat. "I mean, what do you know about that kid, anyway?"

I told him what I knew about N and his past. Or what he had volunteered to share with me. Until now, I thought it was fair enough information. But once I thought about it, N's voice and facial expressions had contradicted his words. "He's awfully secretive," I admitted, "but if he has lied about his past, then surely there must've been a very good reason for him to do that."

Cheren averted his eyes. "I don't trust the guy," he said flatly, "and I don't think you should either unless he proves to be trustworthy."

"He's been trustworthy so far. Please trust him, Cheren," I begged him.

Cheren shook his head. "Trust. Is. Earned." His face was hardened. "Not given. I can't just magically hand it over to him. I'm more worried about you getting hurt from associating yourself with him. He's tried to take over the world once."

"That was Ghetsis influencing him," I said swiftly, "and since we're on the subject of the Seven Sages, what did Gorm do to you?"

Cheren's face darkened. Putting his chin into his hand, he said, "When Bianca and I were on the Tunnel of Love ride, two people from Team Plasma ambushed us. Before they took us to him, I contacted you. Then, they threw my phone into the water." With disgust, he motioned behind me, causing me to turn around and view the X-Transceiver. "It doesn't work anymore. And Opelucid doesn't have a repairment store, so I'm screwed for now.

"Gorm and one of the Shadow Triad were holding Platina and Red, Gorm demanding for us to hand over the Nameless Stone in exchange for letting your parents walk free. 'I really wish White was here to see this.'" Cheren had mimicked Gorm's voice to perfection. "That's around the time Black, Drayden and Iris appeared with a guy named Looker. Black battled Gorm and won flawlessly. Looker apprehended Gorm, so he won't be causing any more trouble."

"Well, I'm sorry I didn't show that much worry," I said apologetically. "It had nothing to do with N. But honestly, I'm thankful for Black saving you."

Cheren sighed. "As I said, I can't trust N. I don't know which side he's on, so I'm advising you to tread caution."

"I'm fine," I said briskly. "N and I are always arguing, but I think we've made good progress last night." I could tell Cheren was unconvinced at this. "I thank you for your concern. Is that all that's on your mind?"

Cheren gazed at me. "Next time, just show a little bit of worry," he told me. "Bianca said there were other things on your mind, but I wanted to make sure it wasn't about N. As for your apology, I accept it."

I got up and made to walk out. Right when I flung the door open, Cheren said, "And one more thing, White!"

I wheeled around, looking at Cheren, who was slipping underneath the covers, taking his glasses off. "What may that be?"

"Did you see how jealous N was when Black was talking to you?" Cheren noted.

I raised my eyebrows. Then, I started to roar with laughter, doubling over, clutching the stitch in my chest. "N jealous?" Once I regained composure, I smiled warmly at my best friend, saying gently, "Cheren, thank you for looking out for me."

Cheren threw his head on the pillows, shifting himself towards me. "I'll always look out for you," he promised. "Don't ever forget that." He reached for the lamp, turning off the light. "Good night, White."

"Night."

I wheeled around, intending to march out of the room.

It was then the door was swung open, followed by a disapproving voice:

"And just what do you think you're doing, young lady?"

A/N: "Cheren" is finished. I'm sorry for the short chapter, but I wanted to show the friendship between Cheren and White! Remember to review and vote.

This chapter has been reedited for grammatical and spelling mistakes. Content has been removed but enough to significantly affect the plotline. More elements have been added to the plotline, thus enriching it. All of this reediting is being done in order to promote For the Love of a King: Eventide.

Edited on: 11/05/15