This chapter was not supposed to be this long, but I so enjoyed writing Dawn and [redacted]'s interactions! ;)

Also, I am taking a few liberties here as I know the game plot differs from the anime plot of the Black and White Series.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

3. A Hero of Ideals

Dawn immerses herself in the vibrant world of Pokémon fashion, a path she's been exploring with growing passion since arriving in Kalos. Her journey has taken her from boutique workshops in Santalune City, guided by Lila and a close friend of Fantina, to advanced classes in the snowy elegance of Snowbelle City.

From Snowbelle City, she flew to Laverre City, where she entered her first fashion contest with her newly-evolved Lopunny. Though she finished as the runner-up, the experience - and the prize money - left her brimming with pride and motivation.

The last she heard from Paul was over a week and a half ago. He mentioned being in Coumarine City, aiming to challenge its Gym Leader. Before that, he had made his way to Anistar City, though delays there forced him to wait weeks for a chance to battle. When they last spoke, she was still in Laverre City, competing in the contest and attending a three-day workshop.

Part of her wishes he'd mentioned passing through Lumiose City - it would've been nice to meet for lunch or have him in the audience at her competition - but she knows it wouldn't have been practical.

After Laverre, Dawn had the incredible opportunity to attend a series of classes at the Lumiose Fashion Institute of Technology. It was there she reconnected with Hermoine, who had been invited as a guest lecturer. The two spent hours discussing Poffins, Pokéblocks, and the nuances of combining food preparation with Pokémon training. Hermoine even recommended Dawn visit Camphrier Town next, insisting it would be perfect for her.

And Hermione is right - the peaceful haven of Camphrier Town captivates Dawn in ways she didn't expect. The abundant berry fields, the gentle flow of the Rivière Walk, and the picturesque views all feel like something out of a dream. Route 7 has become her favorite spot, with its tranquil paths and pockets of flowers, and she often spends her mornings there sketching designs, training Lopunny, or experimenting with Poffin recipes using Kalos berries. The proximity to Parfum Palace only adds to the town's charm. It's the kind of place she could imagine herself living in one day.

But today, her thoughts are elsewhere. She's begrudgingly packing her bag, preparing for her journey to Cyllage City, when her PokéNav Plus begins to ring. She glances at the screen and smiles - it's Paul, calling from his brand-new Holocaster.

"I need your help," he says the moment she answers.

Dawn's brow furrows in concern. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing serious," Paul assures her. "Korrina's Lucario took a liking to my aura during our battle. After I won, she invited me to the Tower of Mastery for another match and showed me mega-evolution. I won again, and she gave me something as a reward."

"What was it?" Dawn asks, already intrigued.

"An egg," Paul says flatly, as though it's no big deal.

Dawn's gasp is audible. "Nothing serious? It's an egg! That's incredible! What kind of egg? Do you know what Pokémon it'll hatch into?"

"Calm down," Paul says, his tone as steady as ever. "I don't know yet, but it's close to hatching - probably in a couple of days. That's why I need your help."

Dawn blinks. "My help?"

"You're good with baby Pokémon," Paul explains, his voice tinged with mild frustration, as if it's obvious. "I could use your expertise."

The compliment catches her off guard, and a grin spreads across her face. "Alright," she says, her excitement bubbling over. "I'll head over as soon as I can."

"Good," Paul replies, and with his usual straightforwardness, he adds, "Don't take too long."

Dawn shakes her head fondly as the call ends. Trust Paul to downplay something as exciting as a Pokémon egg. Still, her heart races at the thought of seeing him again - and being part of such a special moment.

.

Dawn finishes packing her things, ready to head out to Shalour City to meet Paul. She and Piplup step out of their accommodation in Camphrier Town and head towards the outskirts, where Route 10 lies. The day is bright, and the air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers. As Dawn walks, she spots a vaguely familiar figure ahead.

Just as Dawn opens her mouth to call out her name, the figure turns and spots her first, her long ponytail whipping around from the movement. Before Dawn can say anything, the girl rushes over, placing a finger to her lips and pulling Dawn to a more secluded area among a field of flowers on Route 10.

"Shh!" the girl hisses urgently.

Dawn follows her lead, curious and slightly alarmed. Once they're hidden among the flowers, the girl formally introduces herself. "I'm Touko. Sorry, I didn't want to draw attention to myself."

Dawn nods, her suspicions confirmed. She remembers the pictures Bianca showed on her Xtransceiver of her friends. "I'm Dawn."

The caution melts momentarily as a pleasant smile graces Touko's face. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice meeting you, too," Dawn greets, her curiosity piqued. "So, what's going on? You don't want to be seen by anyone?"

Touko hesitates, glancing around nervously before lowering her voice. "It's . . . complicated. I've been trying to keep a low profile. Too many questions from the wrong people could mess things up."

Dawn tilts her head, intrigued. "Mess what up?"

"Let's just say I'm looking for someone important," Touko replies cryptically. "Someone who doesn't want to be found."

"Sounds intense," Dawn says lightly, trying to gauge how much Touko is willing to share. "Is it a friend? Family?"

Touko's lips press into a thin line. After a moment, she lets out a long sigh. "He's . . . someone I need answers from. His name is N. Have you seen a guy with long green hair around here?"

Dawn shakes her head slowly. "No, I haven't. Sorry. Is he a - "

"Trainer? Not exactly," Touko interrupts, her tone softening. "He's more . . . connected to Pokémon than most people. He can understand them in ways we can't. But he's also been caught up in some bad stuff."

Dawn remembers Bianca's stories about Touko and N and nods. "Oh, yeah! Bianca did told me a bit about him. She showed me some pictures of you guys on her Xtransceiver a while back."

Touko's eyes flicker with recognition. "You know Bianca?"

"Yeah, I met her and Cheren last year," Dawn says, smiling warmly. "She mentioned you. Said you were like family."

Touko's tension eases further, and a faint smile returns. "Yeah. Bianca's great. I miss her. And Cheren. I should probably call them . . . when I'm not in the middle of a wild goose chase."

Piplup, sensing Touko's distress, waddles closer and nuzzles her leg. Touko crouches down, her smile widening as she strokes his head. "You've got a great partner here. He reminds me of back when my Samurott was just a little Oshawott."

Dawn's smile grows. "He's been with me since the start of my journey. Couldn't imagine traveling without him."

Piplup chirps happily in agreement.

Straightening up, Touko brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. "So, where are you headed?"

"Shalour City," Dawn replies, her voice brightening. "I'm meeting a friend there. What about you?"

Touko's face lights up at the mention of Shalour. "Same here! I'm planning to check out Reflection Cave. I'm hoping to find some clues about N there."

Dawn's expression softens with understanding. "Why don't we travel together? It's safer, and I'd love the company."

Touko nods, gratitude evident in her eyes. "That sounds like a good idea. Thanks, Dawn."

So, they set off together toward Route 10, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. Dawn tells Touko about her travels in Kalos so far - her fashion workshops, Lopunny's evolution, and the contests she's participated in. Touko listens intently, occasionally sharing her own experiences with Pokémon and her journeys through Unova.

Then, they start to pass by the grave sites and towering stones scattered across the landscape. The air feels heavy, almost mystical, as if the ancient rocks hold secrets long forgotten. Dawn pauses for a moment, taking in the quiet reverence of the place, her eyes tracing the carvings on the stones.

"Wow," she murmurs. "It feels . . . otherworldly here."

Touko nods in agreement, her gaze scanning the stones. "Yeah. It's almost like this place remembers something we've forgotten."

They soon encounter a Backpacker with an eager expression, his eyes lighting up when he spots them. "Ah, visitors! Did you know these stones aren't just decorations? They've got a story to tell."

Dawn smiles politely. "Really? What's the story?"

"A few years back, this really strange guy in a lab coat named Colress," the Backpacker begins animatedly, gesturing toward the stones, "told me these rocks emit some kind of special energy. Something about how they connect to Pokémon or the environment."

"Special energy?" Dawn repeats, intrigued.

The Backpacker nods emphatically. "Yeah, and then there was that whole mess with Team Flare. Their secret HQ was in Geosenge Town, not far from here. After Lysandre was arrested, the police raided the place and uncovered all kinds of weird tech."

Touko furrows her brow. "Team Flare? What were they up to?"

"Oh, you know, typical villain stuff - trying to take over the world," the Backpacker says, shaking his head. "That Lysandre guy wanted to create some 'beautiful world' by wiping out everyone who didn't fit his vision. Crazy stuff."

Dawn's mind flashes to the newspaper article she'd read about Ash and the Lumiose Conference. "That must've been around the time Ash helped stop them," she muses aloud, piecing it all together.

Touko turns to her, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Who's Ash?"

Dawn blinks, momentarily stunned. Then, to her great surprise and relief, she laughs. "Finally! Someone who hasn't heard of him or met him."

Touko raises an eyebrow, confused but amused by Dawn's reaction. "Is he someone important?"

Dawn waves her hand dismissively, though there's a fondness in her tone. "He's just . . . Ash. You'll meet him eventually. Everyone does."

.

As the girls enter the surprisingly tiny Geosenge Town, they spot a blond man standing by the ancient stones. His presence seems to command the area, his figure almost blending with the mysterious energy that the stones are said to emit, in spite of his stark, white, lab coat. Is this Colress, the man the backpacker mentioned?

As they approach, the man gives them a lingering look.

"It's been a while since I've been in my home region," he murmurs, more to himself than to them. He turns to leave, muttering a quiet, "Excuse me," as he moves past the girls.

"My, my. What a strange man," Dawn hears a voice say, feeling a familiar chill creeping up her spine.

Before she can process the encounter, she feels a presence behind her. Dawn chokes, while Touko screams. With the sun casting a light on his glasses, Conway chuckles ominously.

"Dawn," he says, his tone dripping with his characteristic eeriness.

Sweat-dropping, Dawn replies exasperatedly, "Hi, Conway." Although Conway had to be the last acquaintance she missed from Sinnoh, she can't help but smile in relief. "It's nice to see you again."

"You as well, Dawn!" he replies, eyes gleaming behind his glasses.

Dawn remembers Touko's presence and quickly introduces her. "Oh, yes, this is Touko."

Touko sweatdrops and chuckles nervously. "Oh . . . he's your friend?"

Dawn chuckles sheepishly. "No need to worry, that's just the way Conway is."

They decide to head to the Pokémon Center to catch up. Over some refreshments, Conway continues the conversation.

"So, tell me, Dawn, what brings you to Kalos, a land with no contests? Are you here on a vacation or traveling around the region?"

Dawn smiles, feeling the excitement bubble up. "Kalos doesn't have any contests, but it's the birthplace of fashion."

Conway grins. "A smart move, considering your victory at the Hearthome Collection" he says, pushing his glasses up so they flash with light. "It will give you an edge in the next Grand Festival."

Dawn falls silent. Truth be told, she has taken more of an interest in fashion than she had expected. She barely registers Touko enthusing about contests and then wishing she had registered for them when she was in Unova. It's not until she hears Conway chuckle darkly that she snaps out of her thoughts.

Touko turns to Dawn, sweat-dropping. "Is he always like this?"

Before Dawn can nervously chuckle and reassure her, Conway speaks up again. "And, wait, you won the Rubello Pokémon Contest, yes? A riveting battle between you and Paul."

Dawn is surprised to hear that he watched it. "Y-Yes."

"So you must have a Key Stone." He smiles at Dawn, pleased. "You will be an unstoppable force in the Grand Festival."

Dawn's eyes look pensive. "I haven't gotten around to using it yet, actually." Her eyes are downcast as she comes to a realization. "I think . . . I've been putting it off." And so has Paul. Her eyes close as she pictures his face in her mind. Then, with resolve, her eyes snap back open, now hard with determination. "But I won't anymore. I am ready to connect my heart with Lopunny's and have her finally mega-evolve."

Conway smiles. "That's wonderful! I must admit I'm quite jealous of your Key Stone. May I see it?"

"Sure." She slides her backpack off her shoulder and digs through it to pull out the Key Stone. But the Key Stone is not there. She frantically searches through her backpack, emptying the items out one by one, but cannot find it.

"My Key Stone!" Dawn laments, rummaging frantically through her bag. "I swear it was in here!"

Conway's expression morphs into one of shock and disapproval, while Touko furrows her brow. "You lost your Key Stone? Dawn, this is careless even for you."

"I didn't lose it!" Dawn protests to Conway, though her panicked movements suggest otherwise. "I just . . . can't find it right now."

"When's the last time you saw it?" Touko asks sharply, her concern cutting through Dawn's frantic energy.

"After I landed in Lumiose," Dawn replies, her voice trembling. "I unpacked my bag there. I swear it was with me."

"Maybe Paul would know?"

"Yeah, let me call him," she adds hastily, grabbing her PokéNav Plus. Her fingers fumble as she rings his Holocaster, but there's no answer. Frustrated, she bites her lip and excuses herself, rushing to the Pokémon Center's video phone. Taking a chance, she rings the Pokémon Center she suspects he is at.

"Nurse Joy," she says urgently, "can you leave a message for a trainer named Paul Rebolledo if he stops by? Please ask him to call Dawn."

"Of course, Dawn." Nurse Joy nods kindly, and Dawn ends the call. The screen goes black, leaving her staring at her frazzled reflection in the glass.

Not long after, her PokéNav Plus buzzes with an incoming call. She scrambles to answer it, and Paul's face appears on the Holocaster's screen.

"Hey," he greets, his tone neutral.

"Paul, my Key Stone is missing!" Dawn exclaims, her voice teetering on the edge of hysteria. "I've lost it!"

Paul looks on strangely, before he lets out a sigh. "Calm down, Dawn. It's probably just misplaced. We'll find it."

"But what if I left it in Lumiose?" Dawn cries. "It would take forever to get back there!"

"Dawn, listen," Paul says, his tone firm but not unkind. "If it's lost, it's lost. Panicking won't help. We'll find you another Key Stone if we have to."

"We don't even know when another meteor will fall, Paul!" she counters, her voice rising. "And I didn't even get it polished! I haven't used it once!"

Paul's expression remains impassive. "Nothing will be accomplished by freaking out."

Dawn doesn't seem to hear him. "No need to worry, no need to worry," she murmurs under her breath, as if chanting the phrase will make her Key Stone appear. "I'll call every Pokémon Center and hotel I stayed at. It has to be in one of them."

Paul's blank expression softens for a fleeting moment, but then he looks away, distracted. "Don't stress yourself out. I'll see you soon."

"Wait, Paul - "

But the screen goes black before she can finish her sentence. She stares at the empty screen, frowning. He seemed preoccupied, as if his mind was elsewhere. Maybe he's dealing with that egg Korrina gave him, she muses.

True to her word, Dawn spends the rest of the evening calling every Pokémon Center and hotels she stayed at recently, leaving messages and pleading with staff to check for her missing Key Stone.

The next day, Dawn and Touko make their way toward Reflection Cave after bidding farewell to Conway. The sun is high, and the landscape around them is serene, but the air feels charged with tension.

"Dawn! Touko!" A familiar voice shouts from behind them.

They turn to see Looker running toward them, his face uncharacteristically pale.

"Looker!" they exclaim in unison as he approaches, slightly out of breath. It occurs to Dawn that Touko and Looker must have worked together while trying to put a stop to Team Plasma.

"Have you seen a strange man in a lab coat around here?" Looker asks urgently.

Touko narrows her eyes, trying to recall. "You mean Colress? We saw him yesterday in town."

Dawn nods. "Yeah, he was talking about energy and those ancient stones."

Looker's expression grows darker. "You know that Ghetsis has been captured, correct?"

Touko's face hardens, her hands clenching into fists. "How could I not know?"

Looker exhales sharply. "Well, thanks to Colress, Ghetsis and several of the sages have escaped custody."

The color drains from Touko's face. "No," she whispers, her voice trembling. "It can't be . . ."

Dawn places a hand on Touko's shoulder, unsure of what to say as Touko's expression crumbles into a mixture of fear and anger.

.

Dawn agrees to help Touko retrieve a Reveal Glass from a scientist within the Reflection Cave for her Tornadus to be able to change forms.

"With the return of Team Plasma, I need it more than ever," Touko explains to Looker and Dawn before they part ways with him.

As they step into the glimmering cave, Dawn's attention is drawn to a beautifully designed Poké Ball in Touko's hand. The shimmering purple and pink surface glows faintly under the reflective light of the cave. "What kind of ball is that?" she asks, awestruck.

Touko glances at it, her expression softening. "It's a Master Ball," she replies. "Professor Juniper gave it to me to capture Zekrom when I was chosen as the Hero of Ideals."

"Zekrom?" Dawn's eyes widen, her thoughts immediately flashing to Ash and the tales of his Kalosian exploits.

Touko nods, a faint smile tugging at her lips before it falters. "At the time, I wasn't ready to accept Zekrom. I didn't think I deserved him, so I let him go." She pauses, her voice turning wistful. "Fortunately, he found someone else."

Dawn realizes what she means. "Ash."

Touko's faint smile returns. "Ash . . . It makes sense, doesn't it? Never crossed paths, but tied by our connection to Zekrom." She glances at the Master Ball again. "I ended up using this Master Ball to catch Tornadus instead. That stubborn Pokémon kept escaping from me, and it left raging storms everywhere it went in its wake. I had no choice."

Dawn marvels at the story. "A Master Ball, though. Wow. That's so amazing."

"Yeah, but catching Zekrom with a Master Ball would have been too easy," Touko adds, her tone more reflective now. "When I was finally ready to accept him, I wanted him to choose me - not because of the Ball, but because I truly embodied the Hero of Ideals. I wanted to prove to myself that I was worthy, no matter what N said about us being chosen together."

Touko's voice grows quieter as her gaze drifts around the cavern. "This place . . . It reminds me of Chargestone Cave. That's where N and I talked about our paths and how our truths and ideals connected. It feels like it was just yesterday."

Her voice breaks, and she drops to her knees, placing her palm flat on the cold stone floor. Her head bows as she whispers, "I haven't even found my truth yet. I don't even know if my ideals are worth this endless search."

Dawn crouches beside her, hesitant but determined to offer comfort. She places a gentle hand on Touko's shoulder. "Touko . . ."

Touko looks up, her tear-filled eyes wild with despair. "I've been searching for so long. I thought I was finally starting to find some hope, but I'm still no closer to finding N."

Dawn takes a deep breath, then asks softly, "Touko . . . do you truly care for N?"

Touko's eyes widen as fresh tears spill down her cheeks. Slowly, she nods, her gaze a mix of pain and longing.

Dawn squeezes her shoulder gently. "Then don't give up on him. You can't let yourself get discouraged. You should keep searching for him . . . but not like this. Go home first. See your mom, Bianca, and Cheren. They've been waiting for you. They love you and miss you so much."

Touko blinks, Dawn's words sinking in. "Mom . . . Bianca . . . Cheren . . ."

"They care about you, too," Dawn continues, her voice warm and reassuring. "You owe it to yourself - and to them - to visit. Who knows? Maybe they've heard something about N. Either way, you're not going to find him by isolating yourself like this." She gestures toward Touko's Pokémon. "And don't forget about your team. They need you, too."

Touko looks down at her Samurott, her expression softening as she reaches out to pat its horn. "I've been so unfair to all of you, haven't I?"

Samurott lets out a sound that Dawn can't understand, but the reassuring tone is clear. Touko wipes her tears and nods. "Right," she says softly, then turns to Dawn. "Let's get out of here."

The two girls exit Reflection Cave together, stepping into the warm sunlight outside. Touko closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, the fresh air filling her lungs. The weight she's been carrying feels lighter, if only a little.

Dawn watches her with a supportive smile. "You've got this, Touko."

Touko nods, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile. "Thanks, Dawn. For everything."