Pokémon Black and White

Chapter Forty

Bonds Forged in the Light

Despite the sand billowing on the wind, the Desert Resort is quiet and calm. Even the exterior of the Relic Castle, usually a haunting reminder of days long past, stands as a beautiful, albeit deteriorated, work of architecture. The few columns and various blocks of stone shine in the dwindling moonlight, speaking to a great beauty.

The same cannot be said for the interior of the Relic Castle.

Despite the popularity associated with the Desert Resort - how, even though it's often blanketed in vicious sandstorms, people from all over Unova and even outside visit it in droves - not very many people have explored the deeper reaches of the Relic Castle. Only a fraction of the Relic Castle is open to the public, both for the safety of the general population and due to the creatures making the lower levels their home.

Yamask, Sandile and Krokorok and the rare Cofagrigus are surprisingly territorial.

(Rumors say the reason they're so protective is due to how they're guarding a veritable treasure trove. Others say they seek to keep intruders out, in accordance with a powerful Pokémon's wishes to keep their home safe from human hands.)

However, even the strongest among them are silent tonight.

(Inside the most extraordinary tale, there exists a kernel of truth.)

The Pokémon that make the Relic Castle their home do indeed guard a treasure trove of sorts. At least, they did before the might of Team Plasma was brought to bear down upon them. In a series of calculated maneuvers, they managed to not only drive the Pokémon out, but secure their glorious quarry.

The Silver Light Stone, fabled resting place of Reshiram, the Vast White Pokémon.

Within a large chamber - the most spacious they have access to - nearly every member of Team Plasma is in attendance. From the most inexperienced grunts to the Seven Sages—even N and his most treasured associates, Concordia and Anthea—were present for such a momentous occasion.

They may be several yards beneath the ground, but the tension thrumming to life inside the room was not unlike the air before a summer thunderstorm.

"Long has it been since we've been gathered in the same place." Rood remarks.

Giallo narrows his eyes, peering at nothing. "It is fitting that the discovery of the Silver Light Stone precipitated this reunion."

"To speak plainly, I was convinced such matters were of childish fancies." Gorm admits.

"How heartening," Ryoko says. "to be proven a fool."

Gorm offers a noncommittal hum.

"We should be grateful to Sage Bronius," Rood suggests. "It was through his tireless efforts that made this possible."

"Perhaps." Zinzolin says and no more.

"Our gratitude lies with Ghetsis." Bronius says, his tone unbothered. "He ordained such tasks for us all, did he not?"

Not a word is spoken in response to that, all of them focusing on what is taking shape on the opposite side of the room. Ghetsis stands across from N, Concordia and Anthea, the Silver Light Stone firmly in hand. In the intervening space separating them from the six sages, all manner of Team Plasma agents mill about. All of them, previously enraptured in private conversations and the intoxicating buzz of such an auspicious day, begin to fall silent and turn towards their beloved king and the most respected of the Seven Sages.

With his head bowed, Ghetsis says one last thing to N before turning to address the majority of Team Plasma.

"Members of Team Plasma!" he begins, his lack of expressive gesticulating proving to be more captivating than his usual antics. "Those of us gathered on this hallowed ground have one glorious objective in common: the complete liberation of Pokémon!"

"Pokémon Trainers must be stopped!"

"Liberation!" a few take to chanting. "Liberation! Liberation!"

"So many Pokémon are held captive," a shake of a head. "It's awful!"

Ghetsis smiles in light of such fervent conduct. He rakes his gaze, languid and methodical, over the gathered masses. His demeanor is nothing but pleasant, but a few agents shiver, as if the temperature in the room drops in the process.

"Thus, it is most fortuitous that I have discovered the key which will bring us that much closer to our goal." he continues, holding his prize aloft. "The Silver Light Stone!"

A reverential hush befalls the room for several fleeting moments.

"Ancient Unovan Myths say Reshiram rests inside." Ghetsis says. "With the aid of one of Unova's most powerful legends, our goal of Pokémon Liberation is one step closer to a reality. No longer will Pokémon have to suffer the absurd and cruel whims of Pokémon Trainers and…"

As Ghetsis continues his speech, capturing even the frigid Zinzolin's attention, there's one person whose attention is elsewhere. Arms crossed over his chest, head low and his eyes closed, is N.

Natural Harmonia Gropius is lost in thought. He isn't ruminating on Ghetsis' monologue nor their acquisition of the Silver Light Stone nor even his role to play in the liberation of Pokémon. Instead, his thoughts are consumed by matters of a much different nature.

He thinks of his time spent in Accumula Town and the cities of Nacrene and Nimbasa. How the desire to rescue his Pokémon friends drove his every action. How he had battled three different Pokémon Trainers, out of curiosity and the need to hear the voices of Pokémon held captive.

After all, what better way to prove the validity of Team Plasma's desires?

But what he heard gave him pause.

The information he had heard on his journey left him puzzled.

The fact that two Team Plasma agents left someone with serious injuries. The fact that the hearts of a captive Magmortar and a captive Electivire in Nimbasa City spoke not bitterly but with a great fondness. Moreover, they themselves corroborated such testimony. When he was in Nacrene City and battled a hot-tempered redhead, the hearts of her Pokémon weren't chained by fear, but decorated with an earnest joy. As if furnished with blooming flowers.

(Her Psyduck was a bit peculiar, but all Pokémon have their fascinating quirks.)

But what truly confounded N was what he heard in Accumula Town. The words spoken from the very depths of a Pokémon's heart. At the time, N expected nothing more than for that Pikachu to assert that being in a human's company, to be shackled to them day after day, is nothing less than a miserable existence.

The words of that Pikachu's heart couldn't have been further from N's preconceptions. His words did not speak of a resigned sadness, but a bright and powerful joy. The kind of brilliant happiness infusing Pikachu's heart was nearly overwhelming. It conveyed a very simple message.

Ash Ketchum is my best friend and the greatest Pokémon Trainer anyone could ask for!

Humans lie. This is a fact of the universe that Ghetsis taught N from a very young age. Humans care not for sentiments nor intentions, only for riches and popularity. How they don't hesitate to use Pokémon to achieve such ends.

Pokémon, on the other hand…

Pokémon are inherently honest creatures, their hearts truer still. Pokémon may verbalize one thing, but their hearts are an immutable glory. If a Pokémon's heart says one thing, that means that it's an indisputable truth.

So, for this Pikachu to say such things…

For him to be surrounded by such love and compassion, even when shackled to a human, a so-called "Pokémon Trainer"...

For the first time since he can remember, N's resolve…falters.

He falters, for if that Pikachu is truly so serene when in the company of this "Ash", what does that mean? The only thing more trustworthy than a Pokémon's heart is the ultimate goal of Team Plasma: the liberation of Pokémon from their human captors.

All their human captors.

Part of what made that sound so right was the knowledge that humans treat their Pokémon so poorly. How it's an absolute certainty that humans disrespect the talents and efforts of Pokémon at every turn.

That day in Accumula Town, that lone Pikachu contradicted this knowledge so utterly, it's almost laughable.

But N doesn't laugh, for if that Pikachu is so content, that than would mean—

"Lord N," a soft voice speaks at his elbow, freeing him from his malaise of thoughts. He looks up, seeing Concordia and Anthea's faces and upon noticing their frowns, their expressions pinched in worry, realizes they must've been calling him for quite some time. "Are you feeling well?"

"You look troubled." Anthea adds, lifting a hand to his shoulder. Her touch is light as a feather. "The Silver Light Stone is now in our possession, and yet…"

"You should be the one in the most celebratory mood." Concordia remarks, but there is no bite to her comment.

N feels a gentle tug in his chest, a faint smile soon appearing on his face.

Perhaps there is something in this world that he trusts just as deeply, existing in the space alongside Pokémon and Team Plasma's righteous mission…

"My apologies," he says, gingerly removing Anthea's hand from his shoulder. He places one hand on Concordia's shoulder, the other on Anthea's. "I had not meant to worry you. I suppose I find it hard to believe."

"It is staggering." Concordia admits, her features softening. After a moment, so do her sister's. "To think that we would find the Silver Light Stone buried amidst all this sand."

"Things can only improve from here." Anthea adds.

"And improve they shall."

N immediately drops his hands from Concordia and Anthea's shoulders. He looks away from his two closest confidants, peering at Ghetsis under the fringe of his hair.

"Ghetsis of the Seven Sages." N says, an amicable smile pulling at his lips.

"This is a day that shall live on forevermore." Ghetsis says, running a hand over the surface of the Silver Light Stone. "The Silver Light Stone - and Reshiram - shall be a valuable asset to our cause."

"I look forward to hearing Reshiram's voice." N asserts, his smile growing. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath. "Even now, I can hear Reshiram's heart."

Ghetsis lifts a hand to indicate the crowd milling about, interspersed with the six other sages of Team Plasma as well as several figures dressed in black. "Our associates are thoroughly enthused. That will prove indispensable in the trials to come."

"It is heartening to hear them so invested." Anthea says. She opens her mouth to say more, then closes it.

"If I may," Concordia says. "How do we awaken Reshiram?"

"It appears to be entirely inert." Anthea adds.

Ghetsis dons an enigmatic smile. "Given how the Silver Light Stone is in our possession, this will serve to accelerate our plans dramatically."

N, Concordia and Anthea nod in agreement.

"You've planned our next move." N surmises.

"There is an upcoming competition in Nimbasa Town." Ghetsis says without preamble. He hands the Silver Light Stone over to N, his shoulders dropping in the process. He brings forth a Poké Ball, regards it speculatively for a second. "I plan on giving another speech. To encourage the local populace to willingly relinquish their hold on their Pokémon companions. The concept of Pokémon Liberation, fresh in the minds of all those spectators amidst so many battles…"

There's a sharp edge to Ghetsis' smile as he trails off; it fades quickly.

"I must speak with the other sages posthaste." he says, quickly turning away from N, Concordia and Anthea. "Privately. The Silver Light Stone is safe in your hands, King of Team Plasma."

Ghetsis disappears into the crowd.

The trio is silent: Concordia and Anthea sharing a glance; N staring at the Silver Light Stone.

"Reshiram…" he murmurs.

The members of Team Plasma are positively aglow. With the festivities inside the Relic Castle launching into full swing, their attention is firmly on their procurement of the Silver Light Stone. They're intent on talking amongst themselves, savoring the taste of victory.

It's simple, then, that no one notices the man standing along one of the walls.

He ducks around a corner, out of sight.

Casting a look around the corner, content in the knowledge that he hasn't been spotted, Xavier lets loose a deep breath.

"The Silver Light Stone…" he murmurs, bringing a black Pokégear from his pocket. "Accelerated plans. Nimbasa Town. Speeches. Reshiram ."

He sucks in a breath, fiddling furiously with the gadget in his hands.

"This is more dire than we thought." Xavier says. "I must inform the International Police at once."

"I'm afraid that report will be delayed." a soft, yet calculating voice asserts.

Xavier pockets his Pokégear just as a figure materializes in front of him.

The monochromatic man, dressed in black and white, is soon joined by two more.

Xavier feels a brief jolt run through him.

Three? But if what I saw is correct…

"You would think that members of such a respected organization would be wiser than this." the man on Xavier's left says, releasing a Bisharp.

"Especially after our prior confrontation." the man on Xavier's right says, releasing a Bisharp. "Your associate should've informed you of the forces at work."

"I think he merely underestimated the skills of his foes," the man in front of Xavier says, releasing a Bisharp. "Wouldn't you agree, Xavier of the International Police?"

Xavier visibly starts; the only indication he even registers anything that the Shadow Triad members are saying. He gives each of them a tense, even stare. He says nothing.

"Your training's reputation precedes you." the man in front, the leader of the Shadow Triad remarks. "Cool and aloof, much like a Unovan winter."

"Much like Bisharp." the right-hand man says casually, his Pokémon of choice gazing balefully ahead. "In a way."

The left-hand man is quiet.

"It's a matter of improper etiquette," the leader of the Shadow Triad is saying. "to intrude upon an intimate gathering of close friends."

That manages to elicit a response from Xavier. "The Sandile and Yamask here would disagree."

"Alas, only our King could know for sure." the left-hand man remarks.

The three Shadow Triad members fall silent as they - and their Bisharp - advance on Xavier.

"But if you simply must be in attendance…" the right-hand man says.

"Then by the grace of our King," the leader is saying. "We, the Shadow Triad, cordially invite you as a guest of Team Plasma."

Xavier has just enough time to push an emergency button on his Pokégear before everything goes black.

"Whoo!"

That excitable exclamation manages to startle a nearby flock of Pidove out of a tree. A Tranquill is the last to emerge from the foliage. It gives the culprit a disapproving glare before flying after its friends.

"Sorry about that!" Bianca shouts, both hands cupping her mouth. She lifts one hand away, waving at the departing figures. "Have a safe flight!"

Sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck, Bianca turns to her Pignite.

"Pignite?"

"I guess I got a little carried away." Bianca remarks with a chuckle. "Again."

"I wouldn't pay them any mind." the man standing across from her says, a grassland betwixt them. He pushes his glasses up by the bridge, his Dewott mimicking the action. He smiles. "Besides, our battle would probably scare them off."

"I guess." Bianca murmurs. She plays with her hat; using one hand, she bats at one side before moving to the other. Letting loose a sigh, she grips her hat with both hands, brings it down to cover her eyes and pushes it back to the top of her head. "Okay! Get ready, Cheren! I've been training on my own since the last time we battled!"

"Likewise." Cheren says. "You'll find that I've gotten even stronger since last time!"

Bianca giggles, the two of them performing some minor stretches to prepare themselves.

Between the two, Bianca's determined gaze puts Cheren's to shame.

"You can have the first move." Cheren says.

Bianca needs no further prompting, crying out: "Pignite, use Heat Crash!"

Following its trainer's commands, Pignite jumps into the air. Engulfed in a sphere of yellow-orange fire, Pignite makes directly for Dewott's position.

Dewott is ready for that.

Jumping out of the way, Dewott lands a good distance away from Pignite's new position.

"Attack using Razor Shell!"

Dewott touches both scalchops on its waist, the items glowing yellow then blue. From them, Dewott produces curving blades of bright energy and rushes at Pignite. Dewott slashes in a wide arc, managing to wound Pignite with the super-effective attack. Pignite is sent reeling, wincing in pain.

"Pignite!"

"Impressive." Cheren remarks. "You have been training, Bianca."

Bianca feels warm at the praise. She opens her mouth, wanting to say something in response. However, when she meets Cheren's even gaze, she pauses. She can only mumble out a weak "thanks", her cheeks dyed pink.

"Follow up with another Razor Shell!"

Bianca stammers, sweeping an arm through the air. "Dodge it, Pignite! And use Tackle!"

As Dewott charges at Pignite with elongated weapons, Pignite manages to dodge at the last second. With his target gone, Dewott stumbles. Pignite uses that as its opening, charging into Dewott with its full weight.

The attack has a pleasing effect; Dewott looks almost as winded as Pignite had in the wake of the Razor Shell.

"Great work, Pignite!" Bianca cheers, an arm thrust forward. "Now use Heat Crash!"

Cheren pushes his glasses up by the bridge, saying: "Dewott, attack with Aqua Jet!"
Surrounding itself in water, Dewott charges for Pignite the same time it does the same with fire. A brief explosion ensues when Dewott using Aqua Jet collides with Pignite using Heat Crash. The smoke lasts for a second, revealing a panting pair of Pokémon pugilists.

And a familiar blue hue.

"Pignite, are you…?" Bianca starts, trailing off with a giggle.

"Interesting." Cheren remarks, the same joy evident in his expression.

At the same time, Pignite and Dewott's forms begin to morph and change. They change, as they both evolve into their final evolutionary form.

Bianca practically vibrates with excitement, her hands fists near her face. Her smile is so large, it's almost painful. As for Cheren, his smile is of a more secretive nature. The sun glances off his glasses, the young man consulting his Pokédex. When she sees her friend doing that, Bianca does the same.

"Emboar, the Mega Fire Pig Pokémon and the final evolutionary form of the Tepig line," Cheren's Pokédex recites, displaying the Pokémon in question. "Ability: Blaze. Emboar cares deeply about its friends. It uses this care to become adept at using many different moves."

"Samurott, the Formidable Pokémon and the final evolutionary form of the Oshawott line," Bianca's Pokédex recites, displaying the Pokémon in question. "Ability: Torrent. Samurott has an intense, quieting gaze, intimidating foes for miles around. With one swing of its seamitars, it can easily dispatch its opponents."

Emboar breathes out through its nostrils, faint plumes of smoke coming out. Anxiously, it hops from one foot to the other. Meanwhile, Samurott bares its teeth, doing not much more. And yet, the two actions in question have all the subtlety of a neon sign hanging over a busy establishment in Kanto's own Neon Town.

"So cool!" Bianca cries; eyes full of stars, she has a hand lifted to her mouth. "Emboar, you've evolved! You've learned a new move, too!"

"Samurott has as well." Cheren says. "Our Pokémon seem determined to continue the battle. What do you think, Bianca?"

Bianca says nothing, a downright dangerous glint in her eyes.

Cheren smiles, the two shouting out their commands in near-synchronicity.

"Emboar, use Flamethrower!"

"Samurott, Hydro Pump!"

Emboar takes a deep breath. Letting it out, it releases a stream of scorching red-orange fire from its snout directly for Samurott. Likewise, Samurott glows a deep blue. Taking a step back, a sphere of undulating water appears in Samurott's jaws before unleashing it directly for Emboar.

The two attacks collide in the middle. From the onset, it's clear that neither the Fire-type attack nor the Water-type attack have any intention of surrendering. Emboar and Samurott both continue their onslaught, the stalemate persisting for several moments.

An explosion erupts from the confrontation between such powerful attacks. Obscuring Emboar and Samurott from sight, sand and dirt are tossed everywhere, the sheer volume of the debris a testament to the two Pokémon and their newfound strength.

When the smoke clears, Emboar and Samurott are panting and covered in dirt, but still standing. They regard each other with grins, Samurott lowering his head in a nod.

"I believe that's enough for now." Cheren says, recalling Samurott.

"Wha-?!" Bianca cries out in outrage. Nonetheless, she's glowing, returning Emboar to its Poké Ball. "And we were just getting started, too!"

Cheren puts his hands in his pockets. He closes the distance, standing a few paces away from Bianca. "I agree. The only way for Pokémon - for us - to get stronger is to be pushed to our absolute limits. However, even the strongest and most determined among us need their—"

A loud gurgling sound cuts through the air.

Bianca flushes a deep red whilst Cheren looks on; lips parted and eyebrows raised.

"Actually," Bianca drawls, tapping the tips of her fingers together in a frenetic rhythm. "I am getting pretty hungry. It's awfully close to lunchtime."

Cheren looks to the sky, shielding his eyes from the sun. "Indeed. I'm a little peckish myself."

"Oh!" Bianca shouts. Clasping her hands together, eyes alight, she says, "There's a nearby restaurant that I really want to try! People say that the staff use berries and spices so well, it's like each bite is a taste of happiness!"

""A taste of happiness'..." Cheren echoes carefully. "Do you really believe that?"

"C'mon, c'mon!" Bianca shouts as if her friend hadn't spoken. Grabbing him by the hand, oblivious to the way Cheren's calm façade cracks, Bianca starts pulling him to their destination. "That food won't try itself; I must have a taste! I must !"

"Very well." Cheren says. He allows himself to be dragged away, trying to will away the warmth in his face. He says nothing. His lips a thin line, he's utterly transfixed by Bianca's hand in his.

"Sorry." the Officer Jenny stationed in Vermillion City says for the third time since the interview began over videophone. In the background, it looks as though another Officer Jenny is in the midst of processing a criminal, his most striking characteristic the white bow around his head.. "I always get a little emotional thinking about that day."

Vermillion City's Officer Jenny blows her nose. Sniffling, she puts her handkerchief inside her vest pocket.

Audino Town's Officer Jenny nods her head compassionately. "I understand. To think that such young lives would be lost."

"I was so concerned when they went missing." Vermillion City's Officer Jenny admits. "You can imagine my joy when I learned they all survived!" she takes a deep breath, giving her fellow officer an even stare. "But you didn't call about that."

"I did not." Audino Town's Officer Jenny admits. "There was a news article a short time back that said Team Rocket hijacked the St. Anne."

"Team Rocket."

Whatever emotionality evaporates at the mention of such malicious miscreants.

Audino Town's Officer Jenny nods, waiting for Vermillion City's Officer Jenny to speak next.

Vermillion City's Officer Jenny sighs, bringing a hand to the side of her face. "From the trainers I've talked to, most of them had no desire to see if they could board the ship. But all that changed when someone dressed in a sailor uniform offered them tickets to the St. Anne."

"The story mentioned something about that." Audino Town's Officer Jenny says. "How Team Rocket agents masqueraded as tourists, offering as many trainers tickets to the St. Anne as they could."

"All so they could gather as many Pokémon Trainers in one place as they could and poach their Pokémon." Vermillion City's Officer Jenny says. "Fortunately, they never got the chance."

"Oh?"

"Did the news article happen to mention any outstanding trainers?"

Smiles find their way to the faces of both officers.

"It did." Audino Town's Officer Jenny answers. "The news article said a young man from Pallet Town led the charge."

"Eyewitness testimony corroborates that." Vermillion City's Officer Jenny says. Her eyes swim with tears, albeit of a different emotion. Nevertheless, she maintains her composure. "They said he was the first to act, commanding his Pikachu to attack an agent that threatened to steal his Pokémon."

Audino Town's Officer Jenny looks to the side, an amused chuckle on her lips. "The first to act…"

"I'm glad he's on our side!" Vermillion City's Officer Jenny remarks. "With him leading the charge, Team Rocket doesn't stand a chance!"

The two officers share a laugh at that.

"I do have one last question." Audino Town's Officer Jenny admits. She picks up her notebook. "Using disguises, Team Rocket operatives offered several trainers free tickets to the St. Anne cruise ship. Once they were aboard and the ship set out to sea, that's when Team Rocket set their plan into action.

"With suction-capable machines, they sought to purrloin as many Poké Balls as possible. This was put to a swift end when the passengers, with Mister Ketchum serving as the leader, worked together with their Pokémon to combat this nefarious element."

Audino Town's Officer Jenny clears her throat, peering at Vermillion City's Officer Jenny over her notebook.

"That is correct, sir!"

Audino Town's Officer Jenny nods her head, setting the notebook aside. She brings her hand to her forehead, mirroring the salute. "Your assistance has proven most useful!"

"I'm glad I could help!"

The two talk briefly after that. They discuss cruise ships—the many that find the harbors of Vermillion City and Castelia City home, their amenities and construction process. It's just as Audino Town's Officer Jenny mentions relaxing together on the Royal Unova that they agree to end the transmission.

The transmission ends, leaving Audino Town's Officer Jenny in silence. She says nothing, her face reflected by the black screen of the videophone.

Bianca emerges from the restaurant, thrusting her arms high into the sky.

"Oh my gosh~!" she singsongs, a pleased smile on her face. "The food was even better than I thought! I don't think anything could've prepared me for that!"

"Except, perhaps, a Pokémon Battle." a voice says at her elbow.

"Exactly!" Bianca cries, turning to face her friend. "Doesn't matter where or when; it's always great for working up an appetite!"

Cheren huffs out a soft laugh, the sound like music to Bianca's ears.

Bianca blushes at the thought, but she doesn't take it back.

A smile just as soft as Cheren's laugh makes its way to Bianca's face. Standing next to her friend like this, Bianca is content.

Bianca sighs. "Too bad they didn't have any desert. You can't have a full meal without something sweet!"

"Is that so?" Cheren remarks. Smiling, there's something cautious about his words.

"It is!" Bianca shouts. Standing so she's facing straight ahead with Cheren on her side, she points a finger in his face. "Sometimes, the best part of dinner is getting to eat the cake that comes out afterwards!"

Cheren laughs again, louder, but no less soft.

"Truth be told," Cheren ends up saying after a few moments of companionable silence. "I'd like something sweet, as well."

"Of course!" Bianca cheers. She whips her head around so fast that, to Cheren, it looks more like a feuding Dodrio than his most treasured friend. "But there wasn't anything in the restaurant. Oh! Do you think there's a food stall around here somewhere?"

"There is." Cheren answers patiently. He raises a hand, indicating a space further down the street. "I noticed an ice cream stand on our way here and—"

Cheren sweat drops: the space Bianca previously occupied is nothing but dust as she sprints down the street. Sighing around a smile, Cheren follows after her.

Cheren opens his mouth, at first to advise Bianca to slow down, then to warn her to watch where she's running. Bianca appears so excited at the prospect of refreshing ice cream that she doesn't notice the young man in her path.

(The young man - his most striking characteristic being his mane of golden hair - doesn't appear that observant either. He seems more concerned with window shopping than avoiding the human Hurricane on a collision course.)

Cheren has just enough time to utter Bianca's name before she runs into the window shopping young man. He's worried and just a tad impressed when she hits him with enough force to send him flying several feet into the air and into a nearby fountain.

Cheren slows, watching the unfolding scene from a few paces away.

The young man with golden hair, now dripping wet, takes to shouting and aggressive gesticulation. He punches the air repeatedly with one hand whilst slicing the air with the other. Meanwhile, Bianca takes to bowing, presumably muttering out apology after apology.

When the young man with golden hair pulls out a Poké Ball, Cheren decides that that is a good time to intervene.

"Bianca, you should be more careful about charging ahead like that." Cheren chides.

"So sorry!" Bianca says, half facing the guy in the fountain, half facing Cheren. "I was just so excited to have some ice cream and I guess I wasn't watching where I was going!"

"You got that right." Blond Guy huffs, pocketing his Poké Ball. He gets out of the fountain, checks his watch. He frowns.

"She really is apologetic." Cheren adds. He moves behind Bianca, places both hands on her shoulders. "But we really should be going. Have a good day. Farewell!"

And Cheren begins speeding away with Bianca in tow, an acrimonious cry of "Run into me again and that'll be a thousand Poké Dollar fine!" at their heels.

"This should be fine." Cheren is saying, rounding a street corner. Coming to a stop, he examines the immediate area for the ice cream stall. "I know it's—Bianca?"

He stops talking when he notices the thoughtful demeanor of his friend. Bianca doesn't say anything; staring down at the ground, she has both hands on her face. Her fingertips graze the top of her cheeks.

"Huh?" Bianca stammers. Shaking her head, she looks to her friend. "Did you say something, Cheren?"

Nearly overcome with a thoughtfulness of his own, what Cheren says is, "The ice cream store should be nearby. Shouldn't take long to find."

Bianca's smile is blinding, taking one of his hands in hers.

The two settled on plain vanilla and a nearby bench.

"They're not quite Casteliacones," Cheren says after taking a bite of ice cream. "But they're still quite delicious. With the materials at hand and overall craftsmanship, you can tell a lot of love was put into them."

"And they're so pretty, too!" Bianca remarks. She takes to her treat with such enthusiasm, it's gone in three beats of a Butterfree's wings. "Yummy!"

"That's high praise." Cheren remarks with a faint grin. "That vendor will be happy you've enjoyed it so much."

Bianca giggles. Bringing her hands together, she interlaces her fingers. "I did! And you better get to eating, otherwise it's gonna melt!"

"R-Right!" Cheren stammers. He looks away from Bianca, staring at his ice cream with a grave expression. "Here I go."

Bianca only smiles, the two of them enjoying nature and each other's company.

"This really is quite good." Cheren remarks, mostly to himself.

Bianca nods her head. "Mhm! And it's thanks to—" she pauses, staring at Cheren with a grave expression of her own. "Cheren, look over here for a second."

Cheren hums, complying. "What is it, Bianca?"

Cheren feels two things in that moment.

The first is how a sudden gust of wind blows on through, buffeting Cheren with cold. But all Cheren can focus on is warmth. Warmth, and the pad of a thumb on his cheek.

Bianca smiles at him. Eyes falling shut, she brings her hand back. A smudge of white stands out. "Looks like you really enjoyed the ice cream, too!"

"I did suggest it, after all." Cheren says, turning away.

Bianca laughs, stretching her arms above her head. "Today has been so much fun, Cheren! We should try and get some training in later, what do you think?"

"I think," Cheren begins deliberately. "that sounds like an exceptional idea."

It's a paradox, how Bianca's resulting cheer quiets his mind yet antagonizes his heart.

"Just you wait, Emboar!" Bianca continues, staring down at Emboar's Poké Ball with cheeks aflush. "We'll get stronger yet! No doubt!"

"No doubt…" Cheren echoes, lips curving up into a smile.

At this point, in this moment, it's but a foregone conclusion that Cheren and Bianca will become some of the strongest Pokémon Trainers Unova has ever seen.

Originally Added: November 7th, 2023.