Destiny is a Funny Thing - Chapters 16 to 20

Lucario-

Chapter 16 - Zekrom

I left the gym with my sixth gym badge in my case. Only two more to go before I can head to the Pokémon League I thought to myself as I waited while everyone was getting healed at the Pokémon Center. I hired a room for the night and called mom, Grandpa Rowan and Grandfather Oak. They were thrilled that Lucario evolved and congratulated me on getting the Jet Badge.
"Good night." I said and they said good night as well. I went to bed that night but Lucario slept on the other bed while I slept on my own.
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I left Mistralton City the next morning and Lucario and I walked all the way to Iccruis City. As we were walking I heard some Team Plasma members talking. Lucario and I looked at each and hid behind a bush and eavesdropped on them.
"I heard Lord N was furious when he heard one of the grunts pushed that meddlesome girl off the tower in Mistralton City." One of them said and my eyes widened.
"Yeah, do you think he's fallen for her?" One of them asked and the other shrugged.
"Maybe," the other replied and I couldn't help but blush. Lucario elbowed me and I glared at him.

"I also heard that they found the location of where Zekrom is." One of them said and I covered my mouth. No way, N found where it is? I thought that it was impossible.
"We should be heading there soon," the other pointed out and they soon left. Lucario and I stayed where we were for about five minutes before Lucario said it was clear.
"He's found where Zekrom is?" I asked and Lucario nodded and looked concerned.
"Even though I am not from this region I understand enough to know that you should not mess with legendary Pokémon." He told me and I nodded in agreement.

"We have to stop him before he can revive Zekrom." I told him and we quickly ran all the way to Icirrus City. There was some kind of dance going on and people were dancing in circles.
"If you're looking for the gym then it's that way." Someone pointed out to me and I nodded.
"Let's battle the gym leader first then find out where N is." I said and Lucario agreed. I walked into the gym and challenged the gym leader. It was a guy around about mid-thirties or so with gray eyes and light blue hair.
"You appear ready to face a Gym Leader. Then... Bring it!" He announced and I smiled and grabbed Pansear.

"Vanillish come out!" Brycen shouted and a Pokémon that looked like an ice-cream cone appeared. My Pokedex beeped and I picked it up and opened it.
Vanillish, the Ice Snow Pokémon. It conceals itself from enemy eyes by creating many small ice particles and hiding among them.
"Vanillish use Frost Breath." Brycen ordered and ice-cold breath hit Pansear.
"Pansear use Flame Thrower on your body." I ordered and Pansear covered himself with flames and got warmed up again.

"Vanillish use Frost Breath again!" Brycen shouted and I smiled.
"Counter it with Flame Thrower!" I shouted but Pansear didn't use Flame Thrower instead an intense blast of all-consuming fire appeared from his mouth and wiped out Frost Breath and cause Vanillish to faint.
"Vanillish return" Brycen said and the fainted Vanillish returned to its ball. I high fived Pansear and he was happy with himself.
"What move was that?" I asked and Brycen answered it for me.
"That was Fire Blast, a very powerful move I might add. Your Pansear is well trained." He commented and I grinned.

"Thanks." I said and Pansear was ready for another round.
"Cryogonal lets go." Brycen said summoning another Pokémon. This one looked like a really evil snowflake. I grabbed my Pokedex and took a look.
Cryogonal, the Crystallizing Pokémon. When its body temperature goes up, it turns into steam and vanishes. When its temperature lowers, it returns to ice.
"Cryogonal use Aurora Beam." Brycen ordered and rainbow lights came from Cryogonal and hit Pansear. Pansear fell backwards but slowly got up. I could see he took a lot of damage from it. I grabbed my ball but Pansear shook his head, I could see the determination in his eyes and nodded. I put the ball back onto my belt and took a deep breath.

"Pansear use Flame Thrower." I ordered and huge amounts of flames came out and Cryogonal dodged it.
"Use Frost Breath." Brycen ordered and I knew Pansear wouldn't dodge it in time.
"Pansear use Fire Blast and spin around on your back." I ordered and Brycen's eyes widened. Pansear did what I said and spun around on his back with flames coming out of his mouth. The flames melted the ice and hit Cryogonal as well which cause it to faint.
"Cryogonal return." Brycen ordered.

"Pansear return." I said and kissed the ball as Pansear returned.
"Get some rest." I said to the ball and then put it back onto my belt.
"Impressive move, a very creative defense." Brycen commented and I smiled.
"Thanks." I said.
"Beartic let's go!" Brycen shouted throwing a Pokeball into the air and a giant polar bear like Pokémon appeared and I grabbed my Pokedex.
Beartic, the Freezing Pokémon. It can make its breath freeze at will. Very able in water, it swims around in northern seas and catches prey.

"Dewott come out!" I shouted throwing a Pokeball into the air and Dewott appeared. Comparing the size difference between Beartic and Dewott was huge.
"You ready Dewott?" I asked and he nodded.
"Let's do this." I said and Brycen smirked.
"Dewott use Razor Shell." I ordered and Dewott charged with shells in both hands and jumped up to attack.
"Beartic hold Dewott in your hands." Brycen said and Beartic caught Dewott and had a firm grip on him.

"Dewott!" I cried out as he tried to get out but failed.
"Beartic use Icicle Crash." Brycen ordered and huge amounts of icicles came out of Beartic's mouth and pierced Dewott. Beartic threw Dewott on the ground hard and I cried out to Dewott. Dewott got up slowly and glared at Beartic. White light surrounded Dewott and I realized he was evolving again and my eyes widened. When the light stopped a blue Pokémon on four legs and looked fierce. It had some kind of creamy yellow helmet on top of its head and I grabbed my Pokedex.
Samurott, the Formidable Pokémon. Part of the armor on its anterior legs becomes a giant sword. Its cry is enough to intimidate most enemies while a simple glare from one of them quiets everybody.

"Wow you're a Samurott now!" I said cheerfully and Samurott looked dead serious. It kinda scared me. I checked on the Pokedex and saw he learned Hydro Pump and Surf.
"Samurott use Hydro Pump." I ordered and huge amounts of water came out of Samurott's mouth and had hit Beartic so hard that Beartic fell backwards and crashed against the floor and fainted. Brycen recalled his fainted Pokémon and I cheered and hugged Samurott who rubbed his nose against my cheek. He was back to cheerful self. Lucario appeared out of his Pokeball and saw the newly evolved Samurott. Samurott said something which made Lucario chuckle.

"No, I'm still cooler than you." Lucario said and I giggled. Brycen came over and gave me the Freeze Badge.
"Congratulations on a wonderful battle." He said and I took it and grinned.
"Thanks." I said and left the gym and ran into Bianca and Cheren.
"Cheren can we not battle right now." I said tiredly and he held up a hand.
"That's not why I'm here." He told me.

"Then why are you here?" I asked and he looked at Bianca and then back at me.
"I've been talking to Bianca, and I'm wondering... Since we left Nuvema Town, has something about me changed?" He asked me and I bit my lip before nodding.
"I thought so." He said to himself and I felt bad.
"Thinking about what I want to do... Thinking about what I should do... it felt like there was nothing. Have I really gotten stronger? Or is it just my Pokémon that have? I don't know anymore!" He shouted and clutched his head and Bianca started fussing over him.
"You have gotten stronger, both you and your Pokémon." Lucario said and Cheren and Bianca looked at him.

"But the reason why you're becoming stronger has changed you completely. From what White tells me, you used to be a sweet, calculating boy who had big dreams but on your pursuit of strength, you've lost sight on what's important." Lucario told him and Cheren frowned and then nodded.

"To enjoy life," Cheren said and Lucario nodded and then suddenly tensed.
"Lucario what is it?" I asked him and Brycen came out.
"Who are you?" He asked and I frowned and looked at him as if he were crazy. I looked at Lucario and saw he stood closer to me protectively and I frowned. Suddenly the Shadow Triad appeared.

"Impressive, Gym Leader of Icirrus City. We, the Shadow Triad, are beings of shadows and not easily noticed. Our mission was to speak only with White Rowan." They said and I glared at them.
"I'm White Rowan, so what do you want?" I demanded.
"Ghetsis has a message for you." One of them said.
"Come to Dragonspiral Tower." Another one said.
"It is there that our lord N waits for you." The third one said and for some reason my heart started beating when he said N's name.

"Now our mission is complete." They said together and disappeared. Lucario relaxed after they left and I sighed.
"Dragonspiral Tower!? What's going on? Hey! Tell me." Brycen demanded and then looked at Cheren.
"Young man, if you're here for a Gym challenge, hand on for a bit. I've got to head to Dragonspiral Tower!" Brycen said and ran north.
"I'm going too. Dragonspiral Tower is to the north of here right?" Cheren asked and ran off north as well.

"Whooooa! Whoa. Wh-what should I do? F-for now, I have to go to Dragonspiral Tower. I'm heading north!" Bianca announced and ran after Cheren. Lucario and I stood there processing everything that has happened and I swallowed hard.
"What are we going to do now?" Lucario asked me and I took a deep breath.
"We might as well go since they've so kindly invited us." I said sarcastically and Lucario studied me for a bit.

"You're worried about N." He said and I nodded.
"I knew it would happen sooner or later but I didn't think it would happen so soon." I whispered and Lucario nudged his paw against my arm.
"You're the only one that can stop him, whatever happens remember we're all by your side." He told me and I nodded. I quickly healed all my Pokémon and headed towards Dragonspiral Tower. I ran into Brycen and Bianca and they saw me coming with Lucario.
"Where's Cheren?" I asked.
"He went ahead, the foolish boy." Brycen muttered.

"Don't worry Brycen! White and Cheren are both really, really strong and they're beaten Team Plasma before." Bianca reassured him.
"I know she is but I'm not sure of Cheren. What about you? Why didn't you follow Cheren?" Brycen asked Bianca and she became embarrassed.
"I'm not all that strong, actually. I admit it. I'm not very strong, so I was thinking... it would be nice if, maybe, I could... Stay here and be your bodyguard?" Bianca asked and Brycen looked at me and I nodded and he thought it over.
"Sure," he said and Bianca grinned in delight.
"I'm going to go ahead, I need to finish this once and for all." I said and started running but Bianca grabbed my wrist.

"White... Please don't do anything crazy." She said and I grinned at her.
"No need to worry, I'll be fine." I told her and she didn't look convinced but had let go of my wrist and I ran ahead. I entered the tower and saw the stairs were gone and Cheren was already at the top of them.
"White! You can walk on the fallen columns, too. I'm going after Team Plasma." He told me and left as Lucario grabbed me and jumped up really high and landed on the top of the stairs.

"Ok that was seriously cool." I grinned and he nodded and then looked serious. We ran into the other room and saw members of Team Plasma and Cheren fighting them. He was completely over-whelmed by them and Lucario already ran into action.
"Use Aura Sphere." I ordered and Lucario launched blue spheres at each of the Team Plasma's Pokémon, causing them all to faint. Cheren turned around surprised as I ran towards him and Lucario.
"You alright?" Lucario asked and Cheren nodded.
"Thanks to you and Lucario coming in time." Cheren said and I smiled.

"There sure are a lot of them... Oh, what a complete bother." Cheren sighed and I agreed.
"Let's keep going." I said and as we continued to climb up more and more members of Team Plasma waited for us. Soon I went ahead of the others as they dealt with Team Plasma and I saw a huge black creature stand behind N. It was so scary and held a deadly gaze at me which cause Lucario to growl at it. I immediately knew it was Zekrom.
"What do you think, White? How do you like the powerful form of the Pokémon who appears before and fights beside the hero that will lead the way to a new world?" N asked me and I shook my head.

"N you don't have to go through with this. You can stop this madness right now and come with me." I said holding my hand out to him and he shook his head.
"It's too late for that White, Zekrom and will head to the Pokémon League and defeat the Champion! This will be the last Pokémon battles that hurt Pokémon. A world for Pokémon alone... It's finally going to be a reality." N announced.
"If you want to stop me, you become a hero as well!" He told me and I frowned.
"You want me to be a hero?" I asked and he nodded.

"That's right, when Zekrom's counterpart, Reshiram recognizes you as a hero as well then you will be able to be on the same level as me." N exclaimed.
"N... you know I don't want to fight you." I told him sadly as pain after pain went through my chest. N looked at me sadly as well.
"Neither do I, believe me White but I have to do this." He said and I bit my lip as tears came to my eyes.
"Go to the Relic Castle and find the Light Stone, you'll need it to revive Reshiram and you'll need Reshiram to beat me," he instructed me and I nodded and he walked over to me and took my face in his hands.

"Good luck." He whispered and kissed away the tears that were falling on my face and then kissed my lips. I kissed him back and then N kissed my cheeks and stared at my eyes before getting on to Zekrom's back and flying off. I fell to my knees and Lucario stood next to me as we watched them fly off. We heard some footsteps and voices coming closer but I didn't need to turn to know who was coming.
"White, did you see what flew off just now?" Cheren asked me as he ran into the room. I was lost for words, I couldn't trust myself to talk so I only nodded.

"Why? That was that guy N right? Why was he with the legendary Pokémon? He couldn't really be the hero, could he?! Also I heard did hear him tell you to search for the other legendary Pokémon?" Cheren asked and I nodded.
"Reshiram," I said and stood up and looked at him. I saw Bianca and Brycen were already there.
"How could this happen?" Brycen asked in disbelief.
"Huh? There are two legendary Dragon-type Pokémon?" Bianca asked
"Yes there are." A new voice said and we turned to see Alder and a man with cream hair walking towards us.

"Cedric Juniper, I'm surprised to see you here." Brycen said and Cedric just smiled.
"So it seems Team Plasma have awoken Zekrom." Cedric said and we all nodded.
"That guy called N... Team Plasma's boss apparently reawakened the legendary Pokémon. He told White to look for the other legendary Pokémon and then flew away." Cheren filled them in and everyone looked at me surprised except for Alder, he was grinning and had a sparkle in his eyes.

"Isn't it dangerous to bring back a Pokémon that powerful?" Bianca asked and Lucario nodded.
"In the wrong hands yes it is but with someone with a pure heart no." Lucario told her.
"Did Zekrom who awoke here see something in this N?" Brycen asked and nobody could answer that but me.
"Zekrom is the Pokémon of Ideals, N's idea is to bring peace among Pokémon so of course Zekrom would choose him." I said quietly and they all looked at me.
"Makes sense but why ask you to find Reshiram?" Cedric asked and I shrugged my shoulders.

"I've been asking myself the same thing." I told him.
"I don't know if other Pokémon will be able to stand up to it. Because no matter what, it is a legendary being and I don't like the idea of taking orders from N, but searching for the dragon and the stone might not be a bad plan. We certainly can't let Team Plasma reawaken both of them! Since I've traveled all over Unova, I have an idea of where it might be. Let's head to the Relic Castle. White, everyone I'm going!" Alder said and left and Cheren followed but then looked back at us.

"Be safe." Bianca told him and he nodded and left.
"I see, well we'll leave that to them. I'm going to investigate inside the tower. Hopefully, I'll find something." Cedric told us and left to explore more of them tower.
"I have to get back to my gym, if you'll excuse me." Brycen said and left and soon it was just Bianca, Lucario and I. Bianca came and hugged me tightly.
"White this has turned into a big deal. Are you gonna go to Relic Castle?" She asked me and we broke apart.

"Seems like I've got no choice." I told her and she nodded.
"It's past Route 4, in the Desert Resort." She told me and I shivered. After my first experience on Route 4 I really didn't want to go back.
"We should get going then." Lucario said and I nodded.
"Good luck." Bianca said and I nodded and Lucario grabbed me and jumped out of a window and landed on his feet. We looked at each and started running as fast as we could towards Route 4.
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Chapter 17 - Relic Castle

White goes in search for the Light Stone. But will she find it?
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Yes there was a sand storm and yes I got sand in my eyes, which is not a good thing. We finally managed to get to the entrance of the Relic Castle to see Cheren running towards us.
"White!" He shouted and Lucario and I turned around and saw him.
"That's the entrance to the Relic Castle. You're impressive, making it here before I did. Dealing with the Desert Resort's Pokémon took longer than I would've thought." Cheren told us and I frowned and looked at Lucario who was frowning at Cheren.

"We didn't encounter any Pokémon." I said and he frowned and just shrugged his shoulders.
"Lucky then." He said and then turned serious again.
"Alder went ahead, let's hurry." He said and we nodded and entered it. First thing I saw was holes in the ground.
"Careful, you don't want to slip in one of them." Lucario warned and I nodded.
"We'll go on ahead, you better heal your Pokémon." I told Cheren and he nodded. Lucario and I walked away and found some stairs and went down them. We suddenly ran into one of the Seven Sages of Team Plasma.

"I am Ryoku of the Seven Sages." He began and I sighed.
"Yes I know who you are." I said impatiently and Ryoku raised an eyebrow.
"Ghetsis told us that once again we should test how much power you have. We will see if you can defeat Team Plasma!" He said and I nodded and walked past him and encountered many members of Team Plasma.
"Seriously how many more of them are there?" I asked to nobody in particular after we defeated what felt like the fifteenth.

"Lucario you can sense auras right?" I asked him as an idea formed into my head.
"Yeah what abo-oh I get it." He said realizing my plan. He closed his eyes and the black things on the back of his head lifted up. It took one minute later before he talked again.
"This hole leads to Alder and Ghetsis" Lucario said pointing to it and I nodded and fell down it with him. Sure enough, Alder was there glaring at Ghetsis. They turned when they saw that I had arrived and I could feel the tension in the air. I moved forward a bit and suddenly Cheren fell behind me. I screamed in surprise.
"Whew! I finally caught up." Cheren said and Alder looked at the both of us.
"You two. Come here... Come by my side." Alder commandeered and we walked over to him and Ghetsis had an amused smile on his face.

"My, it looks like everyone is here. It seems you are working hard to resurrect Reshiram, the other Dragon-type Pokémon aren't you? But it appears the Light Stone you seek is not here." He said disappointedly. He suddenly clapped his hands and walked towards me which cause Alder, Cheren and Lucario to stand by me protectively.
"Well then, congratulations are in order! White, you were chosen by our king." Ghetsis told me and my heart started pounding against my chest.
"If you truly desire to keep the world as it is, where Pokémon live alongside people, you must bring the other Dragon-type Pokémon spoken of in legend and battle our king." He informed me and I shook my head.

"I don't want to fight N!" I told him and Ghetsis chuckled.
"Sorry to inform you my dear, but if you don't Team Plasma will steal every Pokémon from every person in the world and release them all!" He informed me and a stabbing pain went through my heart.
"Release them you say? Do the Pokémon who live with their Trainers actually want that? Is the liberation you talk about really just stealing Pokémon from people?" Alder asked in disgust and Ghetsis looked at him.

"What's this? Champion Alder, even though illness took both your Pokémon that had been your partner for many years and your dear friend Lucas Rowan, and you haven't had a serious battle in all that time...Even you, who ordered the Elite Four to protect the Pokémon League and left to wander the Unova region alone. Even a Champion like you now wants to protect a world where Pokémon and people live together?" Ghetsis asked and I saw with every word it just hurt Alder more and more.
"Wait, you were friends with my father?" I asked him and he gave me a look that said 'not now'.

"Team Plasma's king will show the people of Unova that he is stronger than a Champion who keeps Pokémon bound!" Ghetsis continued and then looked at me.
"And just like the hero who founded Unova, he will be accompanied by the legendary Pokémon. He will give this order! 'Trainers, release your Pokémon!' For this, we have prepared a suitable castle for the legendary Zekrom and our king!" Ghetsis exclaimed and my eyes widened.

"I won't lose! I'll fight for all Trainers who love their Pokémon, and for all Pokémon who believe in their Trainers!" Alder vowed and Ghetsis chuckled.
"Our king has no interest in you. He has already determined that victory against you is assured." Ghetsis told him which caused Alder to get mad.
"So you stayed behind just to tell me that? Just to make a fool of me?" Alder asked him and Ghetsis simply smiled.

"Of course not. I'm doing this out of kindness. Yes, kindness, I'm making sure the Champion doesn't get hurt for no reason. Granted, the moment when someone loses all hope... I really do love to watch that moment." Ghetsis sighed happily and I glared at him.
"You monster." I snarled at him and he smiled at me.
"Well then, farewell." He said and disappeared. Cheren looked at Alder concerned.
"Alder... What are you going to do now?" Cheren asked him and Alder turned to him, his face in deep thought.

"Hmm, it seems my only choice is to return to the Pokémon League and battle N. But it bothers me to do exactly what Ghetsis wants... More importantly, what should we do about the Light Stone?" He asked.
"Alder... Why don't we go outside for now?" Cheren suggested and Alder nodded.
"Yes that's a good idea; it's hard to breathe in here!" Alder nodded and we left Relic Castle and stood at the entrance to it.
"It's hard to put it into words... but I'll never forgive them for this!" Cheren swore I shot him a concerned look.

"What could that guy called N possibly want? Could he be trying to prove he is right by winning the battle of the two dragons?" Alder asked and I shook my head.
"He just wants Pokémon to be free and happy, he doesn't clearly see that there are Pokémon who love being with people." I said quietly and Lucario nodded in agreement.
"His mind is clouded but his heart is pure." Lucario added. Suddenly my Xtransceiver started ringing and I answered it to see Professor Juniper's face.
"White! White!! Hello? White!! Oh!" She said realizing I was there.
"Hey White. Come to the museum in Nacrene City immediately! Right away, got it? I mean right now!" She exclaimed and then hung up.

"I could hear Professor Juniper's voice clear from over here! Seems like something big is happening. I wonder what is waiting at the museum in Nacrene City. I'll go on ahead!" Alder said and suddenly flew on a Pokémon and left.
"I'll look around here once more. I don't want to believe what that Ghetsis says... You should head for the Nacrene City Museum." Cheren told me and I nodded.
"Be careful." Lucario said and Cheren nodded before leaving. I grabbed Swanna and put Lucario back into his ball.

"Swanna, to Nacrene City." I told her and she nodded and I flew towards Nacrene City in a matter of minutes. As soon as I arrived there Lucario jumped out of his ball and we headed towards the museum. I saw Alder, Bianca, Professor Juniper and her dad waiting there for us.

"Alder told me what's going on. White, you got caught up in something serious it seems." Professor Juniper said as I arrived. Lenora came out from the museum and looked serious.
"Is this it?" Lenora asked holding something in her hand. We all looked to see some weird stone which I recognized as one of the displays from before.
"That's, um. That's the old stone you found in the Desert Resort." Bianca said.
"Yes that's right, but this is really a Dragon-type Pokémon?" Lenora asked.

"I did some investigation in Dragonspiral Tower; I found elements that were dated to the same era as this Light Stone!" Cedric informed us and Professor Juniper nodded.
"I looked into that." She added.
"Impressive as always." Lenora complimented.
"Um, whatever the case... It's a really good thing Team Plasma didn't notice this old stone before." Bianca said and I couldn't agree more.
"That's a good point. It's clear to me that they were trying to steal the Dragon Skull so they could revive the legendary Pokémon." Lenora said and walked towards me and held out her hands.

"White, take this." She said but Alder held up his hand.
"Wait a moment White." He said and walked over to me.
"If you take this Light Stone, that means you'll be the one to battle N if anything happens to me. Are you really ok with that?" Alder asked me seriously and I bit my lip and crossed my arms over my chest. I knew Bianca was looking at me worriedly and I didn't dare look at her. Was I really going to do this? Accept responsibility if Alder loses to N? Can I even win against him? What happens if Reshiram doesn't choose me as the hero? What happens if we can't even find Reshiram? What would my dad tell me if he was here? I grabbed the note from my bag and read it again. It was from my dad, he wrote it in his last days and I've treasured it ever since.

My dearest White,

Even though I may never get to see you grow up into the beautiful, kind girl that I know you will be I want you to know I'll always be with you. I know you'll follow your own dreams and that your mother and I will be right behind you to support you along with your grandfather and grandpa. You may run into some troubles along your journey and that's normal for anyone. You might feel that you can't do anything but you're wrong. You're a Rowan and we Rowan's can overcome anything if we set our minds to it. Follow your heart and do what you think is right. Remember, you have friends and family who will support every step of the way. My little princess, I know you'll do your best in everything you try. Be yourself and believe in what you can do. I love you from the bottom of my heart and I'll always be watching over you.

Love you forever and always,
Lucas Rowan

"Follow your heart and do what you think is right." I read those words to myself and placed the note back into my bag and looked at Alder with determination in my eyes.
"If I can stop Team Plasma and protect the bonds between Pokémon and people then count me in." I told him and he nodded and smiled.
"I understand. You're very determined to take on this duty. Prepare yourself and be strong." Alder told me and I nodded and grabbed the Light Stone from Lenora.
"Your father would be proud of you." Lenora said and I smiled.

"If things don't go as planned, you'll use this Light Stone. You'll protect the ideal future for us and Pokémon. White, we're counting on you. Please take care of yourself." Lenora said and I nodded while Cedric frowned.
"So how do we wake the Dragon-type Pokémon from the stone then?" He asked and it suddenly became awkward.
"Oh?" Professor Juniper said in surprise.
"Umm..." Bianca frowned while Alder stayed silent.
"That's it!" Lenora exclaimed and I jumped and looked at her.

"We've got them, don't we?" Lenora asked Alder and he understood what she meant and nodded.
"Ah yes, there is them." Alder said and then turned to me.
"White go to Opelucid City. The Gym Leader of that city uses Dragon-type Pokémon. The Gym Leader could know something, I'll go ahead and wait for you there!" Alder said and summoned a bird and flew off.
"Oh yeah there's going to be a ball there soon!" Bianca exclaimed and I remembered.
"That's right! Opelucid City's Drayden might know something!" Professor Juniper said and Bianca nodded.

"Or Iris." Bianca added and I remembered her from Castelia City.
"Hey White, never forget that you always have Pokémon right by your side." Cedric told me and I nodded.
"I'm going to head back to the lab and do some research... I'll see if I can uncover what kind of beings these legendary Dragon-type Pokémon are and if there is any way to awaken them." Professor Juniper announced and both her and Cedric left.
"Don't worry! If we have something for you, we'll come running to find you!" Lenora promised me and I nodded.
"I can't tell what's going on other than major bad news, but..." Bianca said and then looked at me.

"You'll be careful right?" She asked me and I nodded.
"Don't worry I'll be fine, Lucario wouldn't dare to let anything bad happen to me." I said and Lucario nodded in agreement.
"You look so much like your mother but you act so much like Lucas." Lenora mused and I blushed in embarrassment.
"We're going to head to Opelucid City." I told them and they nodded.
"Good luck." Bianca said and put Lucario back into his ball and called out Swanna.
"Since we've never been to Opelucid City we're going to have to walk from Icirrus City." I told Swanna and she nodded and I grabbed one of her legs and she flew to Icirrus City in a matter of minutes.
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Chapter 18 - Ghetsis's Message

White discovers Ghetsis's real plan for N and decides to do something about it.

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Lucario and I arrived at Tubeline Bridge and I took a sip of water and handed the bottle to Lucario who had a sip as well.
"What are we waiting for?" Lucario asked me and I frowned. My stomach tightened and I could feel something was wrong.
"I don't know, I guess I expect Team Plasma to show up or something." I told him and he chuckled. I shrugged off the feeling and walked along the bridge. There were trains going past underneath us and I could feel the vibrations. We kept walking until suddenly out of nowhere the Shadow Triad crowded around me.

"Seriously?!" I exclaimed as they dragged me along and I saw Ghetsis was there. My heart started pounding in my chest and the tight feeling in my stomach returned. They disappeared from my side and went behind Ghetsis.
"What do you want Ghetsis?" I glared at him and he held up a hand to me.
"I am here in the name of peace." He told me and I snorted.

"Yeah I'll believe that when Tepigs fly." I said sarcastically and he ignored this.
"It seems that you have obtained the Light Stone. I congratulate you on a job well done." He said and I rolled my eyes.
"Tell me the real reason why you're here? It'll make things a whole lot simpler." I told him and he chuckled and then turned serious.
"It is my lord N's thought that the two holders of the legendary Pokémon should put their beliefs on the line and strive to find which who the true hero is." He explained pacing and then looked at me.

"This is not necessary, however. From his infancy, I provided him with the education required to become the hero of legend. Indeed, he has been so acknowledged by the legendary Pokémon. Such purity of purpose is his," he said and stood in front of the Shadow Triad.
"The liberation of Pokémon of which I." He started to say but quickly caught himself.
"Of which Team Plasma speaks is the separation of Pokémon from foolish people! That's the truth! All Trainers will become helpless to resist us! We alone will be able to use Pokémon!" He exclaimed.

"When my perfect plan is set in motion, first a few gullible Pokémon Trainers who are unable to resist Team Plasma will release their Pokémon. Then that number will become a hundred, then a thousand. In no time, even the Gym Leaders and the Champion will become unable to fight us. Having a Pokémon will be considered a bad thing! Even people like the sad little Bianca, whose Pokémon was stolen in Castelia, will be unable to face public opinion and will release their Pokémon! That's the kind of world we'll make!" He vowed and then smirked at me.

"You may have the Stone, but there's no chance whatsoever that the legendary Pokémon will accept you as the hero. So, if you're not willing to hand over your precious Pokémon, I suggest you search for some courage-because you're going to need it!" He told me and then disappeared along with the Shadow Triad.
"White are you ok?" Lucario asked me and I lowered my head and clenched my fists.
"He's using N." I said angrily.
"He's using N, saying that it's all for Team Plasma and N's dreams but really he's doing it for himself." I continued and Lucario placed a paw on my arm and I looked at him.
"We'll stop Ghetsis, before it is too late." He promised and I nodded.

"Then we better get going." I said and we ran across the bridge and arrived at Opelucid City. The first thing that came to mind was peaceful and huge! I took it all in and smiled.
"White, Lucario, this way." Alder called out to us and we walked over to him and we went over to the huge crowd that had gathered.
"Ghetsis... what a liar! Desperately trying to con everyone with his speech." Alder said in disgust and I couldn't agree more.
"That's correct! Our lord N has combined his power with the legendary Dragon-type Pokémon and intends to create a new world. We herald the return of the hero of Unova, founder of this region" Ghetsis exclaimed and I could see the shock, surprise and fear on people's faces.

"Hero?" One asked.
"Dragon?!" Another said.
"Legend!" Someone exclaimed. Ghetsis started pacing and then looked at everyone.
"Pokémon are different from people. They are living beings who contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. They are beings whose greatness we should acknowledge! Beings who should be freed from our oppression!" He continued pacing and then stopped in the center.

"We, Team Plasma, invite you to join us! We all want to create a new world where people and Pokémon are both free! Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you now... please, release your Pokémon. And so I end my plea to you today. Thank you one and all for your attention" he concluded and left with Team Plasma grunts.
"So we've been torturing Pokémon?" An old man asked. Soon the crowd left and a man and a girl were left.

"What was that about? that speech was off-the-charts strange!" Iris exclaimed. Alder, Lucario and I walked up to them.
"It has been quite a while, Iris and Drayden." Alder said and they turned to look at us in surprise.
"Oh! Mr Alder! And the girl who helped out that time" Iris said and I smiled.
"What is it? What could the Champion who left the Pokémon League to wander the land want from me?" Drayden asked Alder and Alder simply smiled.
"Briefly, my request is this. Tell us about the legendary Dragon-type Pokémon." Alder said and Iris's eyes widened.

"Are you talking about Reshiram? Or Zekrom? What's the sudden interest?" Iris asked curiously.
"That shady Ghetsis mentioned them before and that a character name N has revived Zekrom." Drayden added and Alder nodded.
"Yes that Trainer called N apparently told White here to search for the other Dragon-type Pokémon." He told them and they looked at me.

"Let me check that I have this straight. This N, or what have you, presumes to set the two Dragon-type Pokémon against each other in battle to test his convictions?" Drayden asked and it sounded stupid coming from his mouth.
"He's already made friends with Zekrom?" Iris asked and Alder nodded.
"That's right, Iris. The ones who make Pokémon battle are the Trainers and it's so the Trainers and the Pokémon can get to know each other better." Alder said and Lucario nodded. Alder turned to me and I looked at him, I could see the sadness and the regret in his eyes.

"I'm going to the Pokémon League." He told me then smiled at himself.
"No, I guess in this case I should say 'returning' to the Pokémon League! Of course, I'll defeat N! I'll teach him about the beauty of this world, where Pokémon and Trainers live together in harmony!" He told me and then turned to Drayden and Iris.
"Farewell. I'm counting on you, Drayden and Iris." Alder said and started to walk away but I ran after him as Lucario stayed behind.
"Alder wait!" I shouted and he turned around.
"Please don't be too hard on N. Ghetsis is using him as a puppet for his own schemes. He doesn't know what he's doing. He's just trying to help his friends." I told him and realized there was a tear coming down my eye. Alder smiled and wiped it away and looked at me warmly.

"White you may have you mother's looks but you have your father's heart. I had a feeling that Ghetsis was really pulling the strings and I promise you that I will take care of N so you won't have to," he said and I nodded.
"I'll await your arrival. Once you've obtained the Opelucid Badge, come to the League. Drayden is tough so take care." He said and kissed my forehead before leaving. I watched him go until I couldn't see him anymore before returning to Lucario, Iris and Drayden.
"Aww... he's gone. Is he ok? He looked kinda sad." Iris commented and I sighed.
"Don't worry Iris. He is the strongest Trainer in all of Unova." Drayden reassured her and then looked at me.

"Well White is it?" He asked and I nodded.
"Come to my home. As Alder asked, I'll tell you everything I can about the legendary Dragon-type Pokémon. Iris please show the way." Drayden asked and then walked away. Iris looked at Lucario and then smiled.
"Your Riolu evolved!" She said and I nodded.
"I can take you anywhere. As for the story of Reshiram and Zekrom, we'll tell you all we know about it! This way." She said leading me past some buildings and then stopped at a massive one.

"Here we are." She said and we walked in. Drayden was there waiting patiently and Iris stood next to him.
"I'll explain. What you are holding is the Light Stone. Reshiram, who will probably awaken from the Light Stone, and Zekrom, who is already awake, were once the same Pokémon." He began and I nodded.
"One day, however... the twin heroes, the older brother who sought truth, and the younger brother who sought ideals, began to argue about how to decide which one of them was right... the single Dragon-type Pokémon that had been with them all that time split its body into two." He said.

"Reshiram and Zekrom." I said and he nodded.
"One sided with the older brother and the other with the younger brother." Drayden told me.
"In its pursuit of truth, the white Dragon-type Pokémon sought to usher in a new and better world and the other, the black Dragon-type Pokémon, sought ideals and to usher in a new world-a world of hope." Iris added.
"Because the two of them were once the same entity, their battle raged endlessly and neither one could be declared the winner. They simply exhausted themselves. The twin heroes proclaimed that there was no one side that was right and ceased the conflict." Drayden continued.

"But the two heroes' sons started the battle again! And an instant later, Reshiram and Zekrom destroyed Unova with fire and lightning! Then, they disappeared, but if people work with Pokémon in the right way, we don't have to worry anymore about the world being destroyed. I mean, Reshiram and Zekrom worked hard for everyone and made a new region! So, it should be alright I think." Iris added.

"Sorry, we got a little off topic at the end. That is everything we know. Unfortunately, we don't know how to wake up the legendary Pokémon." Drayden apologized and I sighed.
"It's fine, I guess no one knows how to." I told them and Drayden nodded.
"I made a promise to Alder. You must win the Gym Badge from me. I'll be waiting for your challenge at the gym." Drayden said and left the house.
"Hey White, after you get the badge are you going to stay around for a bit?" Iris suddenly asked me and I frowned and looked at her.
"Why?" I asked and she giggled.
"Because tonight's the ball! Bianca told me she was coming with Cheren and to make sure you stay here for it." Iris said and I sighed.

"Since when do you keep in contact with Bianca?" I asked her.
"Since we got to know each other well in Castelia City." She explained and I really didn't feel up to going.
"I really don't want to go Iris." I told and she started pouting.
"But I promised Bianca you would come." She said and Lucario nudged me and I looked at him.
"You should go, take a night off from all the worries and enjoy yourself." He told me and I bit my lip.
"Fine." I said giving in and Iris cheered.
"Good luck." She said and I went to challenge Drayden.
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Chapter 19 - A Night To Remember

White has all the gym badges and decides to leave for the Pokemon League. But not before going to the ball
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I looked at my badge case and saw all eight badges shine. I can't believe it, I got all eight badges. I was buzzing with excitement as my Pokémon were getting healed.
"White!" Bianca shouted and hugged me when she came in.
"Hey Bianca, hey Cheren." I greeted them both and my Pokémon were all healed. Lucario came out of his Pokeball and saw Bianca and Cheren were here.
"So did you get the badge?" Bianca asked me and I nodded and showed it to them.
"Congrats." Cheren said and I smiled.
"You excited for tonight?" Bianca squealed and I nodded and shook my head at Cheren and he laughed.

"Iris said we can get ready at her house." Bianca said and we all went back to her house which turns out to be Drayden's as well. Cheren went off to get dressed while Bianca and Iris dragged me to Iris's room. I grabbed Bianca's dress she made for me and put it on. It felt comfortable and I couldn't see my feet, the dress covered them. I grabbed the white slippers and put them on as Bianca placed the arm thingys on me and I did my hair in the ponytail and placed a white ribbon in it. When we were all done, we went downstairs and saw Cheren in a nice tux. Bianca was wearing a simple green dress while Iris was wearing a pink one.

"Let's get going." Cheren said and we left and headed to some ballroom place in the city hall. As we were walking Lucario smiled at me.
"You look very beautiful." He said and I smiled.
"Thanks." I replied and we entered. Soon the dance was in full swing and people were getting up to sing.

"My friend would like to sing!" Bianca shouted pushing me forward.
"Again?" I hissed at her but she ignored me. All of our Pokémon were watching curiously as I took the stage. I took a deep breath and stared at the crowd.
"Um this is a song I wrote when I was a little girl. It's called Skyscraper." I said and the music started playing.
"Skies are crying, I am watching, catching teardrops in my hands." I sang softly gradually getting louder.
"Only silence as its ending, Like we never had a chance. Do you have to make me feel like there's nothing left of me?" I looked at Bianca and Cheren and they smiled, Bianca had some tears in her eyes.

"You can take everything I have. You can break everything I am. Like I'm made of glass, like I'm made of paper. Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground. Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper."
"As the smoke clears, I awaken and untangle you from me. Would it make you feel better, to watch me while I bleed? All my windows are still broken, but I'm standing on my feet."
"You can take everything I have. You can break everything I am. Like I'm made of glass, like I'm made of paper. Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground. Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper." I sang and everyone had tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces.

"Go, run, run, run I'm gonna stay right here. Watch you disappear. Go, run, run, run Yeah it's a long way down. But I'm closer to the clouds up here." I sang and started slowing down and so did the music.
"You can take everything I have. You can break everything I am. Like I'm made of glass, like I'm made of paper. Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground. Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper. Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper!" I sang out with all my heart.
"Like a skyscraper." I sang softly and the music stopped. People cheered and clapped and I felt proud of myself. I went back to the others and Bianca was sobbing and hugged me.
"That was so beautiful." She sobbed and I giggled and patted her back.

"Geez stop crying Bianca or else your make-up will run." I said and she did. All my Pokémon came around me and hugged and cheered me. Soon everyone was dancing with each other and I went outside and took a deep breath. I felt someone tap on my shoulder and I turned to see N wearing a tux but had a black mask on.
"N? what are you doing here?" I asked and he placed his hand over my mouth.
"Shh, Ghetsis and Team Plasma don't know I'm here." He said and I saw red eyes in the dark bushes and knew it was Zekrom. A shiver went up my spine at the thought of Zekrom staring at me. I turned back to N who was looking at my dress.

"Seriously what are you doing here?" I asked him and he led me to a gazebo that had small lights all around it.
"I heard that Opelucid City was having a ball to celebrate its founding and I thought you might be here." He told me and I frowned.
"How did you know I would show up at all?" I asked and he chuckled.
"Because I know your friend Bianca." He said and I cracked a smile. N held his hand out to me and smiled.

"May I have the honor of this dance?" He asked me and I giggled and nodded. I placed my hand in his and the other on his shoulder. N placed his hand on my waist and we started dancing slowly. I rested my head on his shoulder as we continued to dance in a slow circle.
"White." N whispered in my ear and I looked at him and saw he had a smile on his lips.
"You look very beautiful, not that you don't always." He said and I blushed.
"You don't look so bad yourself." I told him and he blushed as well.
"But this mask is in the way." I said and slowly took it off and his green eyes sparkled. I leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. His lips were ever so gentle on mine and we continued to kiss. He pressed his forehead against mine and he stared into my eyes. Zekrom made a noise and we both looked at it. I had no idea what it said of course but N replied.

"Yes this is her." He told it and I frowned. Zekrom made another nosie that sounded like a grunt and N looked at me.
"What's wrong?" I asked him and he kissed my lips once more before stepping away.
"I'm sorry but we have to go." He told me sadly and I grabbed his sleeve.
"N there's something I have to tell you." I said and he looked at me then at Zekrom.
"What is it?" He asked and I took a deep breath.
"Ghetsis is only using you for his own schemes." I told him and he frowned.
"Ghetsis would never do that, he believes and supports my dream." He said and I shook my head.

"He may have told you that but your wrong. Ghetsis plans to take over the Unova region and then other regions." I explained but N shook his head.
"White your wrong." He told me and stepped away.
"Please N, you have to believe me!" I pleaded but he didn't want to hear anymore.
"I can't believe you would say such lies to me, I thought you were better than that." N said in disgust and my eyes widened.
"I'm not lying N!" I cried out but he started walking away.

"N!" I cried out but he was already on Zekrom's back and he looked back at me.
"Enough! I will see you at the Pokémon League and from there you will witness a new age." He told me and flew off. I fell onto my knees and started crying my heart out. I sobbed into my hands and I soon left because I didn't want to be there anymore. I went back to the Pokémon Center and got out of the dress and pretended I was asleep when Bianca and Lucario came in.
"I can't believe she left without tell us." Bianca complained and Lucario sighed.
"She had a lot on her plate right now." Lucario reminded her and Bianca left. I could feel Lucario staring at me and then he sat on me.

"Hey get off!" I complained and he got off and I looked at him.
"So why did you leave?" He asked me and I really didn't want to talk about it.
"Cause I was tired." I muttered and went back to sleep. Lucario went to sleep afterwards as well. I got restless in the middle of the night and got out of bed and went and looked out the window. As I stared at the night sky I wondered what N was doing right now.
"N." I whispered and placed my hand on the window and it was cold.
"I'm sorry." I whispered as a tear came down my face.
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Chapter 20 - A Walk On The Victory Road

White challenges the Elite Four and beats them. But one thing keeps crossing her mind. Will Alder be able to beat N?
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I was glad to leave Opelucid City behind. Too many bad memories for me to deal with. Though I realized something as we walked, with each step means I'll be closer to battling N.
"What are we going to do?" I asked as Lucario and I were walking towards the Pokémon League.
"You mean about N? Or Reshiram?" He asked me.

"Both, I can't bring myself to battle N and I can't even fight him without Reshiram. Which we still don't know the location of where she is." I sighed and Lucario looked at me.
"She? I thought it was genderless." He said and I smiled.
"I've seen pictures in stories of Reshiram and it looks like a girl." I told him and he nodded.
"Even Grandfather Oak and Grandpa Rowan have no clue as to where she is." I added. I remembered N's hurt look on his face when I told him about Ghetsis and a pain went through my heart.
"We better hurry if we want to get to the Pokémon League." I said shrugging off the pain and we started running.
**************************************************************

We soon arrived at the Victory Road and passed through it while battling other trainers. We soon reached the gate of the Pokémon League and I went to the Pokémon Center they had there. I healed my team up and had something to eat before challenging Shauntal.
"Eyes brimming with dark flame, this man rejected everything other than himself in order to bring about on singular justice" She said and then saw I was there.

"You're a challenger right? I'm the Elite Four's Ghost-type Pokémon user, Shauntal and I shall be your opponent." She told me and I nodded. I battled her and she was easy. I next challenged Marshal and all his Pokémon lost against Swanna. I then went onto challenging Grimsley who was a little hard but I managed to pull through. Last was Caitlin and she mastered in Psychic-type Pokémon. I walked into the room and saw a massive bed that looked like the one a princess would sleep in. The curtains around it disappeared and a woman with blue eyes and light brown, blonde hair woke up and saw me.
"Who are you? How impudent you are to disturb my sleep." She said a little annoyed and then sighed.

"You appear to possess a combination of strength and kindness. Very well. Make your best effort not to bore me with a yawn-inducing battle. Clear?" She asked and I nodded and smiled. She grabbed a Pokeball and threw it into the air.
"Reuniclus lets go." She shouted and some kind of alien like Pokémon appeared. I grabbed my Pokedex and pointed it at it.

Reuniclus, the Multiplying Pokémon. These remarkably intelligent Pokémon fight by controlling arms that can grip with rock-crushing power.
"Samurott I choose you!" I shouted throwing the ball into the air. Samurott appeared and ready for battle.
"Reuniclus use Thunder." Caitlin ordered and huge thunder bolts aimed at Samurott.
"Deflect it with your armor." I shouted and Samurott grabbed one of its amour swords and sent it right back to Reuniclus which caused it to faint.

"Return." Caitlin said and the fainted Pokémon returned to their ball.
"Musharna lets go." Caitlin said and a Musharna appeared.
"Samurott return." I said and Samurott returned to his Pokeball.
"Emolga let's do this." I shouted and Emolga appeared.
"Emolga use Attract." I ordered and Emolga blew kisses at Musharna and Musharna fell in love with Emolga.
"Musharna use Shadow Ball." Caitlin ordered but Musharna ignored her.
"Use Thunder." I ordered and Emolga hit Musharna with huge amounts of lightning bolts. Musharna fainted and I could see Caitlin getting mad.
"Gothitelle help me out." Caitlin said summoning a new Pokémon which looked like a gothic Loli to me.

Gothitelle, the Astral Body Pokémon. They can predict the future from the placement and movement of the stars. They can see Trainer's life spans, my Pokedex said.
"Gothitelle use Shadow Ball." Caitlin ordered and a purple ball came out of Gothitelle's hands and shot at Emolga.
"Dodge it and use Energy Ball." I ordered and Emolga dodged it in time and threw a green ball at Gothitelle which hit it and made it fall backwards.
"Use Thunderbolt." Caitlin ordered and Gothitelle tried to hit Emolga with electricity but failed since Emolga absorbed it all.

"Emolga use Thunder." I ordered and Emolga hit Gothitelle with huge amounts of thunder and Gothitelle fainted.
"Even at a time like this, I should stay cool and collected." Caitlin said returning Gothitelle to their Pokeball and summoning another one.
"Sigilyph lets go." She said and I smiled.
"Wrong move." I said and her eyes widened.

"Emolga use Thunder and hit it with everything you've got." I ordered and Emolga used huge and huge amounts of electricity and Sigilyph fainted and Caitlin sighed.
"You've beaten all of us. You are very talented and you have a good aura." Caitlin said returning her fainted Pokémon.
"But it seems you have a troubling destiny awaiting for you." She said and I nodded and left. I healed all my Pokémon before taking a deep breath. Lucario appeared out of his ball and saw I had defeated all the Elite Four.

"It's time." He said and I nodded and walked down the stairs. It was dark and mysterious when I arrived at the end of the stairs case and didn't see anyone or anything. I walked up the massive stairs and past some pillars.
"How many stairs does Alder want?" I complained as we got up the last flight. I walked into a room and saw N and Alder standing there. Alder had a horror look on his face while N had a triumph one.

"It's over! Never again will Pokémon be made to suffer or be held captive by humans. It's all thanks to my friend, Zekrom! You may have the title of Champion but you can't stop me with just a title. Your soft heart has left you weak. Years ago, you lost your friend Lucas Rowan and your Pokémon, your partner to sickness. In order to forget the pain in your heart, you wandered Unova... who knows how long it's been since you've had to fight with your full strength? I actually kind of like that about you, though. As a Trainer who far outmatches the Champion, I shall issue an order across Unova: Trainers of the world free your Pokémon!" N announced and I ran in and shielded Alder.

"N stop it!" I shouted at him and his eyes widened and then he glared at me which pierced my heart.
"I've been waiting for you White. In the future I envisioned, you obtained a stone. Indeed you have the Light Stone... Reshiram is responding to it. Stop, this is not suitable for the legendary dragons! From the ground, rise up! The castle of Team Plasma! Surround the Pokémon League!" N shouted and the ground started moving.

"What's happening?" I shouted as the ground continued to shake like a bad earthquake. I looked up and saw a castle surround the Pokémon League and black staircases appeared and crashed into the building. Soon it all stopped and I looked at Alder.

"You're ok?" I asked him and he nodded. I looked up at N who was smiling victoriously.
"What has just appeared is Team Plasma's castles. The king's words will resound from the heights to all below. You must come to the castle, as well. Everything will be decided there. Whether Pokémon will be liberated from people, or whether Pokémon and people will live together... we will see, whose belief is stronger... and our results will change the world." N said and walked up one of the staircases and disappeared into the castle. Cheren soon appeared at my side and saw the state Alder was in.

"Mr Alder, you're a wreck. It's not fitting for the Champion." Cheren said and Alder looked at him.
"You made it here too, kiddo?" He asked Cheren and Cheren nodded.
"Somehow, I beat the Pokémon League, but it wasn't easy." Cheren told us and I frowned. It was easy for me.

"I have to congratulate you." Alder said and Cheren shook his head.
"I became stronger because I understood what I want to do." Cheren told him and then turned to me.
"White! Tell N this... some people grow stronger by being with Pokémon. My Pokémon and I are proof. Together, we learned and became stronger." Cheren said and I nodded and smiled.
"I never thought I'd see the day when Cheren has wise words coming from his mouth." Lucario commented and Cheren grinned.

"I lost. I should have been able to demonstrate the bond between me and my Pokémon. That would have shown that brat the worthlessness of his outrageous dreams. So, his convictions were the real thing... be careful. The ones who change the world are always the ones who purse their dreams. White, I ask this of you. Even if Pokémon and people are separated, nothing good will come of it. Please let him know that." Alder begged and I nodded. Lucario and I quickly ran up the stairs and entered the castle. When we got there six of the Seven Sages were there waiting for us. One of them stepped forward and looked at me.

"Those in accord with Fate are preserved, and those who rebel against Fate perish." He said to me and I frowned. Another one stood forward and looked at me with curious eyes.
"When the Way is forgotten, duty and justice appear." He told me. One after one they all came forward and said something to me.

"One can lose the forest for the trees." One of them said.
"If you make a mistake and do not correct it that is a second mistake."
"Superior men understand what is right. Inferior men understand what will sell."
"There are not two suns in the sky, nor two sovereigns over the people," the last one said.
"Well is anything happens to our king, it would be disastrous. It would ruin Ghetsis's perfect plan! Our lord N will be disappointed, but the six of us shall defeat you here!" One of them vowed.

"Six against one! That's unfair!" I protested and they just smiled at me.
"Can ya really do that?" A voice asked and I turned around and saw Clay running towards me and stood next to me.
"Clay?" I asked and he looked at me with a smile.

"Still standin', are ya White?" He asked me and my eyes widened. The Seven Sages all took a step back and I could see the shock on their faces.
"The Gym Leader from Driftveil City?" One of them asked and Clay glared at him.
"Hmph! Ain't just me!" He said and I frowned. I turned around and saw all the Gym Leaders except Chili, Cilan and Cress arrive and stand next to me.
"So sorry... Not only are we stronger than you, but there are a lot of us!" Lenora grinned and the Seven Sages faces became even more shocked.
"Gym Leaders?" One of them asked.
"Ignoring Team Plasma that would be a terrible thing for us Gym Leaders to do." Elesa said innocently.

"Bianca asked us to come too." Burgh told me and I grinned.
"I'm fine! Don't worry!" Skyla reassured me.
"No need to worry!" Iris also reassured me.
"Holder of the Light Stone, please proceed." Drayden commanded and I nodded.
"Good luck guys." I said before Lucario and I ran off. Lucario and I ran up the stairs and suddenly I was surrounded by the Shadow Triad.
"Seriously?! Will you guys stop appearing out of nowhere?" I asked them but they ignored me and dragged me to a door.

"In there you can heal your Pokémon before proceeding. That is Lord N's desire for you." He told me before disappearing. I walked in there cautiously and saw a woman with pink hair and a woman with yellow hair waiting for me. The pink hair woman stepped forward and grabbed my Pokémon.
"I am Anthea... White. Before you go to confront my lord N, please take a moment to rest," she said healing my Pokémon. The yellow hair woman came over and took my hands in hers.

"I am Concordia. I give peace and comfort to N. N has been separated from people since he was young. He was brought up with Pokémon... Pokémon that were betrayed, mistreated and hurt by bad people." She told me and I gasped.
"Ghetsis deliberately brought only those poor Pokémon closer to N. N was touched by their plight, and started pursuing ideals, thinking only of Pokémon." She continued and I nodded.
"I knew it!" I said and she smiled and then looked sad.
"N's heart is pure and innocent. But there is nothing more beautiful and terrifying than innocence." She said and I nodded.

"I know that, N is someone who doesn't really care about himself, he puts Pokémon before himself and he's so childish and cute." I smiled and then blushed. She had let go of my hand and I left the room and continued to search for N. I ran into one of the Shadow Triad but he didn't grab me. Instead he just stood there staring at me.
"Is Lord N the hero of ideals? In your fight with him, you will know. Does he want to protect this world where you now walk with Pokémon? That too you shall know." He said and then disappeared. I walked up the stairs and another one appeared.

"That room is the world Lord N was given... even if I entered I would think nothing of it... but perhaps you would feel something." He said and disappeared. I walked in and saw it was a child's room. There was a train track moving and a mini basketball court.
"He never really had a proper childhood." I whispered. I looked over and saw a green diary and saw it was open. I looked at it and saw N wrote some things when he was a kid. Mostly they were about how much the Pokémon suffered and what he learned. I landed on a page it had my name on it.

During the speech in Accumula Town there was a Trainer that had intrigued me. She did not fall under Ghetsis's spell and fought back at him. I never thought anyone could do that. The way she stood right by her beliefs made me feel something which I cannot name at the moment. Maybe it'll come to me. I couldn't help but stare at her ocean blue eyes that sparkled with determination and her dark brown hair that made me want to run my fingers through it. What is this feeling? I learned her name was White and it seemed she was a new Trainer. Her Oshawott spoke the strangest things to me. He said that he loved her. I have never met a Pokémon that has said that before. I must learn more of this White.

I turned the page and saw another entry a couple of days later.

I told her. I told her who I really was and she was shocked. For some reason though, she started crying. I tried to comfort her but she jumped out the Ferris Wheel. She survived thankfully but I knew that things would never be the same between us ever again. But I just can't stop remembering her scent. The overwhelming scent of lavender and how soft her lips were.

I started blushing and turned a couple more pages until I saw one that was written last night.

I sneaked out of the castle with Zekrom last night in hopes of seeing her at the dance. Thankfully she was and she sung the most beautiful song I had ever heard. Zekrom agreed with me as well and we watched and listened. I couldn't help but notice how her dress made her look like a beautiful swan. Zekrom said it made her look like Reshiram. When we danced I wanted time to stop right there but Zekrom sensed that Team Plasma were nearby. I regretfully had to leave her but then she said the strangest thing. She started blurting out that Ghetsis was using me for his own plans of world domination. I didn't believe her and I left her crying. I hated doing that to her. But when I got back I've been watching Ghetsis with new eyes. Somehow he looks pleased with himself, before I thought that was because I was almost at my goal but now I'm starting to believe what White said. It just pains me to think that she believes I hate her. I have to stop feeling this way or else she'll get hurt in the end. Tomorrow will decide it all, whether she hates me or loves me, whether I will win or lose.

I just hope tomorrow's outcome will be for the better of Pokémon...

I closed the diary and felt tears come down my face. I quickly wiped the tears away and placed the diary in my bag. Lucario and I left the room and continued searching for N. I soon found a single, huge door and Ghetsis came out and looked intrigued.

"Welcome, holder of the Light Stone." He greeted me but I glared at him.
"The castle that appeared as if it were enveloping the Pokémon League is a symbol. It means Unova will change. The king of this castle is the strongest Trainer in the world. He is accompanied by the legendary Pokémon. He has defeated the Champion. Added to all that, his heart burns with the desire to improve the world. If that's not what makes a hero, what more do you need?" He asked me.
"You need good intentions and a pure heart." I told him and he chuckled.

"Now that the stage is set, we can seize people's minds and hearts. We can bring the world that I - no, that Team Plasma - desires more easily than you can imagine! We and only we will use Pokémon, and we shall rule the powerless populace!" He exclaimed.
"Over my dead body." I growled at him and he smirked.

"I've been waiting so long for this! I've kept my silence so no one could piece together what I planned. Now, those painful days are at and end! Go! Onward! Discover whether you have what it takes to be a hero" Ghetsis said and I walked past him but not before stopping beside him.
"You really are a twisted monster, manipulating your son like this" I told him and walked past him and saw N waiting for me in the throne room.

"What I desire is a world for Pokémon, and Pokémon alone. I will separate Pokémon from people, so Pokémon can regain their original power." N said and then came closer to me but still standing 3 meters apart.

"You came all this way to battle me... but Reshiram is not responding. You haven't yet been recognized as the hero, have you? How disappointing. Through our many battles, I got the feeling that you might be a Trainer who truly cares for Pokémon." He told me.
"I do care for Pokémon N. I can't believe you would say this to me." I said in disbelief and he gave me a small smiled and then shook his head.

"I was kidding myself. The idea of Trainers getting to know each other through battles is ridiculous! You have two options White. Challenge me to a fight you can't win or leave this place and watch the birth of a new world where Pokémon are free of people. Zekrom! Come to me!" N shouted and Zekrom crashed through a wall and flew behind N. It looked at me with eyes that could pierce a soul and I glared back at it. Suddenly the Light Stone in my bag started glowing and it flew out into the air. The room was filled with a bright white light and then it stopped.

"Your Light Stone is... I mean Reshiram is..." N was lost for words and so was I. There was a huge noise and from the Light Stone appeared a giant white Pokémon that had a fox type head and ice blue eyes. It landed right in front of me and roared. It surrounded itself with huge flames and then the flames disappeared as it let out another roar.

"Oh my God." I whispered and Lucario looked at Reshiram curiously.
"You really are a hero too. I'll tell you what Reshiram is saying to you White. 'I want to battle with you. Try to make me your friend and ally'. It plans to test you to see if you are really pursuing truth. I, too am curious to see how powerful you are" N told me and I looked at Reshiram in amazement. Reshiram watched me closely and studied me for a bit.

"Reshiram, I don't know what to say to you. I know that whatever I say will be useless and stupid. But there is something I want to do, I want to protect the bonds between people and Pokémon. I want to protect the strength and weakness we share with Pokémon. And." I said looking straight at N.

"I want to show those I love that I can protect them." I said and Reshiram looked at me and then indicated to my belt.
"She says that she knows your heart is telling the truth and that she is willing to help you." Lucario told me and I nodded and grabbed a Pokeball. I threw it at Reshiram and she disappeared into it. The ball moved for a bit and then made a sound. I picked up the ball and held it in my hand.

"Ah... I see. Reshiram who is said to lend its power to the hero who searches for truth, has recognized your power and now agrees to stand by your side. I will create the future I desire! I shall sweep you before me!" N vowed and I knew this would be the battle of my life. I had to win this one
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Note:
Betrayed might be at least 30 or 29 chapters since it wasn't a planned story. Betrayed was born from a writer's block I had with Full Moon around chapter 10 or 12. I really don't remember. and it might be a while before I post up chapter 21, I've been talking over it with my friend Gemma and we've agreed that I shouldn't drag the ending out any longer and finish it. By the way... since I'm stuck (and lazy -_-) I can't come up with a proper name for the second book in the Betrayed series... any ideas?
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Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or the song Skyscraper. I love that song!