Dear asshole,

I hate you. I hate you I hate you I hate you! First of all how dare you! Spewing some shit then doing something shittier like falling off a thousand feet piece of shit castle? Honestly? What the hell? Fuck you you stupid idiot I never told you that I hha hate you but NOOOOOO you just HAD TO fucking disappear I hate fucking HATE

N,

WhyYou shouldn't have left you shitI neverArceus you're shit

Why are you doing this to me-

Dear Mr. King of Stupid,

You're stupid.

I HATE THIS I HATE THIS I HATE THIS I HATE THIS I HATE THIS ARCEUS FUCKING DAMMIT AS IF MY LIFE ISN'T SHITTY ENOUGH YOU JUST HAD TO GO AND PULL A FUCKING STUNT IT'S BAD ENOUGH I LOST MAR-

Hey

Fuck you. Just… Arceus why is this happening to me… To us… To my Pokémon… I miss him so much…

Marc Please…I'm not angry anymore… Please just come back…

Just…please…

Countless papers sprawled on the floor, the bed, and even beneath some shelves. Sometimes, even when her mother or Pokémon came to clean her room, it would be messy by the time night painted the sky. Some of the papers were rustled. Some were ripped to shreds. Scribbles could be seen written on it, though some were barely readable for most of it were just angry bolded lines that even drilled holes. Sometimes the surface of the crumpled letters felt wet. Sometimes they left dry dots, reminding her and the others of the sleepless nights that haunted her.

Almost 5 months had passed, and all she had gone through was emotional hell.

From grief to shock; from shock to heartbreak; and from heartbreak to anger; all of it corrupted her from the inside out. After he had left, she threw a terrifyingly manic fit that her Pokémon had to come out and use their powers to calm her down. Her friends came to her aid at the same night, and they were more worried than terrified to see her throwing bloody punches onto a crumbling pillar.

During the cold caress of the first month, she couldn't speak; she couldn't move. As if all her deranged anger had drained her whole, all that became of her was a puppet absence of its puppeteer. It was only late at night that they would receive a reaction from her; that reaction being either her broken screams or horrible wailing. Her nights continued to be sleepless, and it pained her friends, family, and Pokémon that they had to rely on the Lilligant's Sweet Scent to end her unbearable torment, even it if was for a short while.

The second month arrived. And it was relief enough for them to see her responding – even if it was a very few words or movement around her bedroom. She ate more, much to her mother's joy. Tears would still sometimes mix in with the food that she ate, but for now, they were just happy that the plates were given back empty compared to before.

In the first few weeks of the third month, her condition had gotten better. She spoke more words, and reacted rather normally. She still wouldn't open up about the topic of that dreadful night, and neither did anyone dare to ask her about it. It was only then that they would realize a few papers were seen sprawling on her bedroom floor. It had scribbles, holes even. Every time when she was asleep, her mother would come in and pick them up, silently reading the contents with a few tears of her own staining the letters.

By the final days of the third month, she would start to walk around her house and backyard. She didn't stray far, even if it was just a few steps off her lawn. Her friends tried to persuade her to come out for a few walks in the town and route nearby. Her Pokémon tried to comfort her for a little battling practice that they'd neglected for so long. But she didn't comply, especially when the topic of Pokémon battles were in mind. She would find reasons, one that was clearly irrational even to the most foolish. But her Pokémon respected her wish, and in the end decided to spar with her friend's Pokémon instead.

The final day of the fourth month kissed the sky, and she was naturally improving, much to everybody's joy. The nights she used for sleeping, and she no longer needed the aid of her Lilligant. The days she used for living, instead of merely existing. She still didn't want to stray far, and battling was still a very sensitive topic for her. But she now could walk, talk, and laugh easily. And for them, that was far important than anything else in the world.

Yes. For almost half a year she had gone through so much, holding on what's left of her bleeding heart. The torn picture was still close to her, placed under her pillow and sometimes tucked inside the pockets of her shorts or pants. The beautiful collar-bracelet was still wrapped around her right wrist; its blue starry pendant jingled and tapped her skin with soft, ticklish touches.

Although her smile was now sincere, sometimes it would be perfectly masked in hopes that she wouldn't bring any needless worry from her friends and family than she'd already did. Although her optimism remained grim and faint, she tried to hold on a small glint of hope. She clutched it, forcing it in her hands, blindly hoping that it would never go and leave her side.

And, although it felt like forever since she'd last saw him, the photo and bracelet were always close to her, hoping that one day, albeit impossible, she would meet him again, and only then that the two would truly realize the feelings that fate had made them to be.

The sun shined brightly on a wonderful summer's day. Green grass laid above the earth's ground. White clouds drifted lazily upon the wide blue sky. A few Pidoves flew to and fro every once in a while. And a couple of young trainers would play around with both caught and wild Pokémon, relishing on a wonderful morning that was nothing but the sun and sky.

The sweet scent of pancakes wafted around the Monochroma household. Their windows and doors were opened, giving them a sense of freedom despite being inside the house. A few of their Pokémon played and ran around in the backyard, while some took the time to nap in the living room. A man and a woman were cooking happily inside the kitchen, rekindling the spark that they had lost a few years back.

"Jasoooon!" Alexa whined and scoffed as she gently elbowed her ex-husband. The man only breathed out a laugh and he raised his hands in the air.

"Whaaaat?" He fought back a smirk to see the lovely brunette throwing a glare over her shoulder. "I was just trying to help."

"Tickling me is not helping!" Turning around to face him, Alexa swished the wooden spatula in front of his face until he had to take a few steps back from being smacked by it. "Besides, I'm cooking. It's dangerous to fool around near a fire and even though there are many Pokémon around us to douse it out, it will still be a hassle and it will ruin my beautiful kitchen." Her words ended with a huff; her left hand now held her waist.

The more Jason looked, the more he wanted to laugh. And his resistance only crumbled when his next words were, "You know what's funny? When you say that it's dangerous to fool around near a fire considering that we've fooled around a lot near some campfires- Ow!" Quickly he cupped his slightly throbbing nose after being hit by the spatula. Sharp blue eyes closed out of reflex, then blinked opened, only to see a very flustered woman standing in front of him.

"Quiet you!" A little pout tugged the tip of her lips. Sadly, the more she hid it, the redder her cheeks had become.

His laughter ceased, but a huge smile was poorly bitten by his teeth. "I'm sorry." Suddenly, his tone took a much somber tone. His left hand moved to the side of his neck. The faint smile turned to one of an apology; spectacled eyes now trailed away from ever meeting her gaze.

Although he didn't say anything next, but Alexa got the idea perfectly.

"It's okay." She sighed quietly, hands now slowly twisting the wooden utensil. "Besides, that's all in the past now. You had your adventure to catch. It was no one's fault so…" She tapped his right shoulder with the spatula, catching his attention. A smile curved her aged yet beautiful face, further aweing Jason and making him wonder why he'd ever let go of her in the first place.

"What's important now is White," Alexa continued, unaware of the thoughts and guilt that spiraled in her ex-husband's head. "I'm really grateful that you've decided to come and make sure that she's alright." She giggled softly, faintly. "It really means a lot to us…to me…"

The man's electric-blue eyes widened in shock. "Of course I would come back!" he shouted, then quickly pursed his lips in realization and guilt. "I-I mean-" He shook his head once, twice before suddenly cupping her hands close to his face. "I know I was an idiot for being so selfish and leaving you and our precious daughter, b-but I'm here now!" Each word that he spoke only darkened the colour in his cheeks. The bridge of his spectacles slid down, enabling Alexa to see his eyes that glistened under the sun's light.

His lips quivered to a frown; lower lip then pulled by his teeth. "I'm here…" Slowly he brought her hands closer to his mouth, gently kissing the back of her palm and placing it there when he mumbled, "Even when I was out there chasing my so-called 'adventure', I still felt empty inside. It was until all this that I realized that you two were my a-adventure all along…" His voice was shaken, stuttered even as Jason soon realized the confession that was spewing from his mouth.

Alexa only blinked in confusion, cheeks now bright as the flames of her daughter's Reshiram. "O-oh…" was all she managed. The two remained in that position; her hands were still pressed and kissed by the taller man's lips.

His eyes trailed downwards for a few seconds, then finally slid back to see the flushed, most beautiful woman in front of him. "If you allow it…" He kissed the back of her hand again. "May I come back into your lives again…?"

Ba-dump! The sound of her heartbeat resonated right into her brain. Her lips parted to a small 'O' shape, drawing out air that felt thicker by the second. Gentle brown eyes only looked at him, just as his own sharp pairs of blues were focused on her.

As if the constant visit of her ex-husband ever since their daughter's breakdown and the thought that he still cared about them wasn't shocking enough, this took the cake.

She took another breath, holding it in before releasing to a faint sigh. Alexa didn't know how, but her lips felt like it had formed a smile. It felt light, and she herself didn't know that she could still feel this wave of happiness despite the past months – years – that she'd gone through.

Alexa didn't need to say a word, for Jason was more than ecstatic to see the joyful tears that began coating her eyes.

"Thank you…" He mouthed silently, once again pressing his lips to her hand. His eyes then closed as he resumed his little kissing fit. One by one he placed gentle kisses on her hands and wrists, silently thanking her of the chance fate had given them.

"Ahem."

Quickly their moment shattered like glass. Acting out of impulse, the two released their grip; one had his arms slapped to his sides while the other brought her hands close to her rapidly beating chest. Without waiting for a single blink, the two turned to the owner of the voice.

"White!" Both of them shouted in unison, voice thickened with complete embarrassment. Shades of red had occupied their cheeks; some slipped up to their ears even as the presence of their daughter appeared before their very eyes.

The girl's expression was quite deadpan; her lips formed to a straight line and a single eyebrow raised in boredom. "Morning," she yawned, her voice cracking inside the kitchen that it could make a lady cry. Fingers scratching the side of her neck, White pulled a dining chair and lazily thumped her butt onto the seat. Creak, creak, the chair grated against the kitchen tiles. Once she'd pulled herself closer to the table, White quietly took a fork and jabbed a few pancakes into her plate.

And by few, it was a stack of 10.

Their parents only watched as White drenched the stacks of breakfast delicacy with his father's homemade maple syrup. The plate was now flooded with its sugary sweetness, and it wasn't much of a wonder as to why their daughter could be easily restless after her breakfast.

Although, that being said, to watch her gobble down a stack of sugary drenched pancakes like there was no tomorrow, it truly sent a wave of relief into their hearts.

"What?"

The teenager's voice snapped them back to reality. Two sets of beautiful brown and blue eyes blinked in confusion, then shot straight at the owner of the voice.

It was odd enough to see her parents having a moment in the kitchen, but to see them standing ever so blankly as if she had grown a second head, in the end, White had to speak up again. Gulping down the piece down her throat, White jabbed another pancake and began shoving it into her mouth.

Her cheeks looked puffed up like a pair of balloons, and that was enough to emit a laugh from both the parents.

"Soooo…" Jason spoke up first, hands cupped behind his back and right leg slid forward to a single step. "How are yoooouu?" A wide smile curved his mouth as he stood in front of the dining table, facing her quietly munching – and grumbling – daughter.

He shouldn't be that surprised to receive a glare from White.

"I'll take that as a yes." He chuckled dryly, one hand now raised and fingers scratching the back of his head. Although winning his ex-wife's heart back wasn't as difficult as he feared, winning her daughter's was a far bigger challenge than he expected.

And judging by the traumatizing incident that she had experienced, Jason knew this would be a task far too difficult than anything that he had ever faced.

Alexa only shook her head slowly at the cold demeanor their daughter had given him. She took a few steps forward and stopped beside her ex-husband. "Now now honey," She slowly leaned forward and patted White's hand gently, "your father is just concern about you."

"If he's so concern, then he shouldn't have left us in the first place…" The young brunette's grumbles were grim, faint to a harsh breath.

Nevertheless, they both heard her. And it sent a jagged pang of guilt right into the man's heart.

"W-Well…" Jason stuttered, the movement of his hand now quickened to the side of his neck. His head turned left and right, eyes sliding and trailing everywhere as well as he tried to find a solution, an apology to his old foolish ways. His lips quivered, then broke to a heavy sigh filled with guilt and remorse.

"I'm sorry…" His head dropped forward, hands sliding down as well and pressed onto the table. A frown was bit back by his teeth, clutching it tightly as his own way of punishing himself for being such a fool.

Alexa merely looked, and as she did, pity began dripping right into her very soul. "White…" She turned to face her still munching daughter. A frown, mixed with stern and woe, was flashed before her. Her mouth parted, but before Alexa could breathe another word…

"Thanks for the syrup…Dad…"

Other than the sounds of their Pokémon frolicking in their backyard, the kitchen was silent as a vacuum. So the words they had heard couldn't have been a trick. Two sets of eyes blinked in shock. Two sets of them then pinpointed at the girl in front, who was still sitting idly with her breakfast.

Even so, the only difference they could make out was that her head had dropped so close to her pancakes, obviously hiding the shade of red that coloured the teenager's face.

It wasn't exactly the acceptance that Jason had hoped for, but it was a start. "You're welcome, my white angel!" Jason laughed happily, a huge smile now radiated on his face. Like the sun, he beamed joyfully and even clapped once, fingers tightly intertwined together. "If you want more, just ask! And let your old dad whip up some of his famous maple syrup for my baby!"

"Mmm…" was her only answer. The tone was just as languid, but Jason was more than relieved to obtain any response from her – let alone still acknowledging him as her father.

As the heavy atmosphere around them began to fade, Alexa beamed a thankful smile. "Eat up, dearie." She giggled, her eyes still wandered to the girl who was still hiding her face behind the growing stack. Suddenly, a thought came into mind, and her smile popped to a 'oh' sound, catching both Jason's and White's attention.

"White sweetie," she looked at her, "how are you feeling today?"

The younger brunette straightened up in her seat as the question slipped off her mother's mouth. A single eyebrow raised in confusion as she stared at her mother. "I thought we'd already established that?" She plopped another delicious treat into her mouth.

"Well, technically, you didn't answer your father's question." Alexa giggled softly, but then coughed once as she reached her daughter's left hand. "Anyways, the reason I asked you this is…well…" Her lips pressed to a straight line; hesitance flashed in her eyes as she considered her next words.

Jason could see that White was just as sharp as his ex-wife when the girl responded, "What is it?"

Her eating and chewing had ceased, and White finally looked up at her mother with hints of annoyance and suspense twitching her mouth. Her lips felt sticky from the sugary syrup, and she wanted nothing less than to lick it clean if it wasn't for the anxiety that began biting her skin.

She saw as her mother took a deep breath, further thickening the worry that clouded her brain. "Well…" Alexa spoke, though voice now faltered with hesitance. She didn't continue immediately, and her left hand started to slowly tap her cheek.

Suddenly, she felt her hand being grasped slowly, gently. Alexa turned to her left, only to see none other than Jason giving her a reassuring smile.

His smile was returned, the curve softer, brimming with love that was long kept inside her heart. "You see, my dear," she sighed again, head turned to face her quietly anxious daughter. "Since you seem fine enough, I think it's safe enough to tell you that," Her heart raced, "Mr. Alder is asking to see you."

Her youthful blue eyes widened in surprise. The fork that held the piece of the pancake hanged near her slightly gaping mouth. White only stared in disbelief, quite stricken at her mother's request.

Alexa and Jason only watched in anticipation – in nervousness even. They knew their daughter was faring well, be it physically or emotionally. But they also knew that it would take White more than just months for her to be fully recovered.

They knew her nights would be shrouded with nightmares. They knew her days would be tainted with trauma.

Alexa bit her lower lip in guilt. Maybe it was still too early to tell her. She watched as White dropped her head forward. Bangs of thick brown hair shielded her face, making it harder for both mother and father to tell her expression. She felt Jason's grasp on her hand tightened, silently giving her the support that she really needed.

A deep sigh slipped off her tongue. "White," Alexa gulped, "you don't necessarily have to see him." Putting the spatula on the table, she slowly walked around the table. Her right hand outstretched to touch her daughter's shoulder. "I mean, he was just asking. He said that if you are truly okay, he would like to meet you." Alexa held White's shoulder. The girl's brown locks still hid her face, and her ticking silence only strengthened the parent's worry.

"E-Exactly!" Jason exclaimed as he too began walking around the table, hands now stretched to reach White's right shoulder. "Besides, even if you don't wanna see him, it's totally fine by him. The man was just asking and if you don't want to go, he respects your wish either way-"

"When was this?"

Jason stopped, his fingers a mere brush away from her shoulder. The heavy silence that lingered in the kitchen was finally shattered by the crack of her voice. Both Jason and Alexa blinked at each other in shock, then their wide gazes dropped to their daughter.

White finally looked up; her expression seemed vague, showing neither woe nor discomfort. "When did Mr. Alder ask to see me?" Her voice wasn't as tedious as they expected, for it also actually hinted a dash of curiosity. She didn't meet their startled gaze, instead had her sights on the stack before her.

Alexa blinked once, then shook her head back to reality. "A-Ah well!" She stuttered, hands now raised and waving slightly. "A few months actually…" She dropped her hands to her sides, fingers nervously clutching the material of her pants. "I didn't want to bring it up yet since…well…you know…"

As the mother spoke, the daughter only listened. Her strikingly bright blue eyes gazed downwards. Faintly pale lips traced to a straight line. The fork was placed on the plate, then slowly traced and poked the flat delicacy at the bottom of the stack. Silence once again bit her tongue, etching out anxiety and worry that began rooting in her parents' hearts.

How long was it? Since she'd last seen the outside world? Since she'd face anyone other than her family, Pokémon, and friends? Ever since she came back home, White felt as if time had moved slowly, if not frozen completely. Most of the time she'd spent was in her room, and it wasn't until a few months later that White was able to move around the house without being stung by those painful memories.

Almost half a year had passed, and as much as White was happy that she was slowly rendering back to her normal self, 'normal' was never actually close to begin with.

Her heart suddenly felt heavy, and as her eyes trailed to the bracelet on her right wrist, White could feel her throat twitch in discontent.

The more they looked, the heavier guilt had brought them.

"White," Jason spoke first, hand now gently squeezing her daughter's shoulder. "Like we said, you don't have to go if you don't want to…" Slowly he leaned forward, trying to meet her crestfallen gaze. "He's not forcing you… Like us all, he's just worried about you…"

"Exactly…" Alexa agreed, head gently bobbing up and down. One hand softly on her daughter's brown hair, she leaned closer and added, "No matter what, we're all here for you. It's your decision to make and you take as much time as you need to-"

"Where does he want to meet me?"

Once again, bafflement held them still. Once again, silence clouded their ears. Both parents flinched backwards, though hands were still on their daughter. Eyes of brown and blue only stayed on the girl, unblinking even as if the words that they had heard weren't from her at all.

They saw as White took a deep breath. They saw as White looked up, head turned left and right to meet their startled gaze.

For the first time after her many months of sorrow and despair, Alexa and Jason only froze to see a glint of determination on White's eyes when she asked, "Where does Mr. Alder wanna see me?"

The cold wind of autumn chilled in his bones. Slowly he took a breath or two, bringing in the cool scent that ironically sent warmth into his heart. His eyes were closed, drawing in the calm feeling that nestled in his body.

Suddenly, the wind became harsher, though not rough enough to throw him off balance. His hands that had been cupped inside the pockets of his jacket were pulled out. His hair was blown forward, ruffling out a few strands at the sides. A low growl slipped into his ears, easily prickling his skin despite his calm demeanour. The wind around him was blown back and forth, and yet his steps never faltered once.

Opening his eyes slowly, Alder turned around, seeing none other than White and the majestic legendary Dragon of Truth.

It had been months, but he still couldn't believe that the mighty Pokémon was very much alive and hovering right in front of him.

Slowly Reshiram lowered his head. As his nose touched the ground, White carefully slid her body until her feet stepped on the hard cement. The cold breeze sent chills down her spine despite wearing a black jacket and long blue pants. Her hands quickly hid inside the pockets of her outerwear, fingers wiggling for warmth. Her hair, finally being washed and shampooed properly after months of neglecting it, was tied to a high ponytail; its end swishing and tickling the side of her neck.

"Hello White."

Although her reaction wasn't as clear, White still flinched slightly at his voice. She turned her head to face him, a small, little smile slowly curved the edge of her lips. "Hello Mr. Alder."

He returned her smile. Calm purple eyes watched as White rubbed her neck and pushed the strands of her hair away. Her body seemed thinner, frailer than he last saw her. A pang of woe bit his heart, forming his mouth to a little frown at the thought that the young girl in front him had gone through what one would call 'hell'.

Her hand still on her neck, White lazily turned to face her loyally hovering Reshiram. "Do you wanna fly around town or you wanna rest in your Pokéball?"

Reshiram gave a little nod. I would prefer the latter please, Lady White.

Her faint smile twitched wider at the legendary. Without another word, White returned Reshiram and snapped the ball back onto the clip of her belt. She then took a deep breath, head tilting high at the cool clear sky. The gentle breeze somehow soothed her heart; something that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Well, one thing was for sure: Alder was thankful that White fared better now than the last time he had seen her.

"So," He broke the silence, one hand rubbing the back of his head, "How are you?" He saw her shrug, her hands still tucked inside her pockets.

"I've been better." Her smile turned quite bitter, one that fitted her tone and answer.

Alder only breathed a faint chuckle and shook his head. Well, at least it's a relief to see her out and about. "Anyways," he continued, taking one step closer to the girl, "I want to thank you as well for agreeing to come and see me."

She finally met his gaze. "No biggie. Besides, I figured I needed some fresh air sooner or later." Finally pulling her hands out of the pockets of her attire, White stretched her arms upwards and broke a short yawn. "Although…" Her eyes then looked around; her smile stifled a sarcastic chuckle. "I wouldn't count standing on top of a Pokémon Tower as a recommendation for 'fresh air'."

"Ah." Alder nodded again, then coughed an embarrassed chuckle. "Well, I wanted to see someone before meeting you. I hope you don't mind. I was afraid this place might bother you since…you know…" Silence hanged by the tip of his tongue. Guilt washed over his chest to realize that his choice of rendezvous might be a bad idea.

White didn't frown, but her expression remained vague, unreadable even, as her lips pursed to a straight line and electric blue eyes glancing away.

"If you wish to be somewhere else," Alder gulped, the hand on the back of his head clenched to a half-fist. "I totally understand. Maybe we can have this talk at a café or something or-"

"It's okay."

Her voice resonated in his ears, clear and crisp with the whistling wind. Alder stared at White in disbelief, which then turned to shock to see her smile growing wider and less bitter.

White scratched the back of her neck, mouth pursed in slight embarrassment before huffing quietly. "I uh…" She took a few steps toward him. "I'm seriously okay. Like I said, it's about time I get out and see the world again." The bitterness in her smile dimmed, showing sweetness that once disappeared from her life.

Alder remained quiet, wide eyes blinking and staring at the young Hero of Truth. Finally, her smile was returned; he shook his head slowly and looked down. "That is a relief…" His voice, low and sighing, mixed with the cool wind around them. Alder then looked at her, breathing in air before letting it out in a huff. "It's good to see that you're back on your feet far sooner than I had once been."

Surprise sparked in her gleaming blue eyes. "Excuse me?" She tilted her head to the side, a single eyebrow raised in faint curiosity. Her hands then tucked back into the pockets of her jacket, tugging the attire closer to her chest.

This time, it was his smile that turned quite bitter, albeit still as soft as a few fragments of sweet memories lulled in his brain. "Well…" He took another deep breath again. "You see, I know what it feels like to lose someone…" His shoulders slumped a little; his breath was kept inside his lungs for a brief second. "What is feels like to lose a Pokémon…"

Ba-dump!

Her lips parted, but words were nothing but a faint breath of air. She only watched as Alder averted her gaze, one that seemed to burn if she stared long enough.

He knew there was no turning back. He knew there was no changing the subject unless she insisted on it. "I'm so sorry for your lost," he mourned, "and I just want you to understand that I'm sure the ones you loved that had left this world would want you to move on." His head dropped again, lips tightly pursed by his teeth. Silence sang beautifully on top of the Pokémon Tower. There were no bird Pokémon passing by. There were no leaves rustling melodic sounds into their ears. Only a few clouds drifted above their heads, shielding the world from the sun's gentle, warm light.

Regret soon bit his heart. Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. His teeth gritted as they released the insides of his lips. Maybe she still needs time to-

"What happened to your Pokémon?"

Instantly he looked up after the question was voiced. Round purple eyes gawked at the girl in front of him.

After all these months, White finally cocked her head high and pulled her shoulders up. "I-I-" Although said, her voice faltered slightly, betraying her body language. Her shoulders dropped, and her hands were pulled out and wrists shaking to ease the anxiety. "If you don't mind, will you tell me what happened to your Pokémon?"

It was his turn to gape silently, breathing neither a single word that could breeze into her ears. "Right…" He then breathed; slight hesitance bit his tongue. "Well," As he spoke, memories of his childhood began dancing inside his brain, "he was my very first Pokémon. I knew him when he was in an egg." His voice was gruff, yet a little smile began tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You can say that I see him as a brother rather than a Pokémon."

Images began rolling in his memory, both twisting and soothing his heart. "His name was Maxim." A single chuckle dripped at the tip of his tongue. "He and I did everything together. Where I was, Maxim would always be there. And after he'd evolved into a Volcarona, no matter how high Maxim flew, I would always find a way to be at his side." Slowly he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "We were both inseparable. And like me, Maxim loved to pursue strength and victory. Because of him, I was able to obtain the 'Champion' title from the Elite Four."

White only stood quietly, listening to the story that she knew must have been hard for Alder to reminisce.

"But because of me, he had lost his life…"

His voice strained, frailly hiding a sob that showed signs of cracking. Again he took a deep breath. Again he pursed his lips tightly. The pain in his chest still lingered despite the dreaded years that he had gone through. Alder looked to his right, eyes now glistened with woe and guilt. "We were in the deep woods that day. Since the new generation packed much more of a challenge the ones in my time, I and Maxim decided to train harder. And despite the fact that we both knew the part of the forests that we went to were filled with powerful, terrifying wild Pokémon, we were too stubborn to realize before it's too late…"

"And then it happened…" He stopped for a brief moment, voice shattered, releasing the sob that tried to break free. "We found and battled a Victreebell. Although Maxim had a perfect advantage against it, the wild Pokémon was proved to be tougher than expected." He could still remember his late Volcarona battling against the strong Victreebell. Alder remembered how long it took for Maxim to defeat it. He remembered how strong-willed his Pokémon was despite being excruciatingly tired.

Alder shook his head slowly. "I was a fool…" He finally sobbed. "Maxim was finally able to defeat the wild Pokémon, but it came with a price." His trembling hands moved to his hair. "Before Victreebell was down for the count, he was able to spat out Toxic. And to make matters worse, the attack was thrown at me."

To hear this, White could feel her chest tighten. Faint memories that were forcedly kept away from her mind slowly crept to her brain. But she only stayed still, hands however rolled and clenched inside her pockets.

She then felt a certain warmth inside her beating heart. It felt calm. It felt soothing. It felt like a hug that she so desperately needed.

Lady White… That voice gently belled in her mind, reminding her that the pain that she had gone through would not be her journey alone.

Unaware of the emotions that ran through her, Alder continued. "I was stunned in shock. I didn't know what to do." His head slowly shook left and right. "It was then that I felt someone pushing me from the side. My vision became blurry back then, and it felt like my whole world was spinning."

"And when I opened my eyes, all I could see was Maxim, drenched in purple gush and terribly writhing in pain as the poison took his life."

His fists trembled. His voice rattled. "I…" He hissed sharply as a tear trickled down his cheek. "It felt like my whole world came crashing down. I was too arrogant to pack myself a Full Heal or an Antidote or anything at that time so I…" His head dropped low, letting down a few tears that dripped to his shoes. "All I can do was kneel and wail like a fool, pathetically hoping that all that we had gone through was a vicious nightmare…"

Silence once again robbed the atmosphere when he finished. One faced down in sorrow and regret while one looked away in empathy.

Alder took a few deep breaths or two, calming himself and reminding him why he called her in the first place. Slowly he pulled his shoulders back and looked up, eyes back on the girl who broke her gaze from anything.

"That was the reason I decided to drop my 'Champion' title." He explained, "That was the reason I decided to go on a journey. But no matter where I went or how far my steps had taken me, the images of how Maxim sacrificed himself and died in front of my eyes still played in my mind." His fists broke slowly as they stayed by his sides. "I felt guilty even to this day. I thought that my life was worth nothing compared to the life of my precious Pokémon…"

White only listened. And the warmth in her heart only strengthened.

"A year had passed, and Brycen confronted me again." Finally, a faint shine of a smile tickled his mouth. "This time, he bought me something; another Larvesta egg. I was shocked and quickly denied taking care of it, for the thought of another Volcarona could drive me crazy with despair." Without him realizing, his hand had already touched Solar's Pokéball. "To be honest, I was thankful that Brycen was a persuasive, and by persuasive I meant persistent, buddy." He chuckled once, that smile finally widened slowly. "As much as I still felt guilty over Maxim's lost, Solar's presence somehow eased the pain…"

His thumb gently caressed the Pokéball. "Brycen said that Maxim wouldn't want me to be sad. He said that my late Volcarona wouldn't want me to waste my life with despair. I knew he was saying all that to make me feel better, but I also knew a part of it had its truth." He chuckled again. "And I was very thankful to be given this chance…"

That warmth in her heart purred softly, and it somehow tugged a little smile at the corners of her lips.

"So White," Alder locked his gaze back to her. His tears were dry, but his voice shook even the faintest bit despite the even tone. "I just want you to know that…that even though we can never go back and retrieve what was lost, what we can do now is move on and protect and cherish what we still have in this world." The gentle wind danced around him, giving him a sense of ease after all that he had told.

Alder smiled, for he felt as if a huge burden had been released from his chest.

"The road to recovery might take months, years, decades, even." He flashed a warm smile as the image of his late Volcarona fluttered in his vision. "But in time, wounds heal and even if the scars are still there," He could see Maxim's smile, "there will always be someone by your side to ease the pain and to make sure that you're back on your feet…"

She didn't know how. She didn't know when. But even as White stood perfectly still with Reshiram silently comforting her, she flinched slightly as a single tear soaked her left cheek.

Both of them remained silent, lost on what to say or respond. Finally, a single chirp was heard above the sky; a baby Pidove flew happily as it chased after its mother.

Lady White…? That calm, soothing voice belled in her ears. Her hands on her pockets rolled into fists. Her eyes looked down, blinking once or twice as tears faded sooner compared to months before.

"The road to recovery might take months, years, decades, even." The man's voice played in her mind. "But in time, wounds heal and even if the scars are still there," Unwarily, her hand moved to the bracelet on her right wrist, "there will always be someone by your side to ease the pain…"

Not only White, but Reshiram flinched as well as the image of N suddenly fluttered into her mind.

"…and to make sure you're back on your feet."

Ba-dump!

Whether she realized it or not, her left hand went to her chest. A silent gasp broke her lips apart. Round blue eyes finally sparked a surprise at each blink. Her pose remained static for a few seconds, making both dragon and Alder worry if her condition suddenly worsened.

White only stared at the ground, her thoughts then wandered to memories that was kept locked in the back of her brain.

She remembered Marcus's gleeful barks. She remembered N's soft laughs. She remembered how the cheerful Stoutland would keep her warm under a chilly night. She remembered how the enigmatic boy would make her both frustrated and amused.

How Marcus would make her smile and laugh even when she was crying her eyes out. How N would strangely enough make her feel just as happy and loved when he found out she was his friend.

One by one by one the memories came flooding into her mind. One by one by one they danced in her eyes like a rolling film. And as they did, much to her and Reshiram's amazement, instead of hot tears that once burned her cheeks, a soft smile was curved, showing pure happiness that was long gone ever since they'd left.

White missed them. She missed them so much. And even though one of them had left this world for good, she knew he would always remain close in her heart until her last dying breath.

And even though the other one had left her to a faraway place that she didn't know where, she knew, no matter how far he went, or how long he had been gone, in the end, they would be reunited again.

White smiled wider.

"Thank you, Mr. Alder." The brunette looked up, her smile still flashed on her face, stunning Alder in shock at the sight. She took out her hands and stretched lightly by the sides. Her palms then clapped each other with a brief Pap! before gently swinging them to her front.

"I…" Faint colours of red tinted her cheeks. Her eyes felt wet again, but White felt like laughing as well to feel a smile tickling her face. "Thank you, really. It's true that these past few months had been…unbearable. And like you said, it might take years for me to be alright again, but I guess that's good." Images of her parents, friends, and Pokémon popped in her mind, and a soft sigh of content breathed through her mouth. "Because I know I'm never alone, and I never was in the first place…"

White swore she could hear the purrs of her Pokémon from their Pokéballs.

She giggled. "So, yeah, thanks…" Once again her hands hid inside her pockets, and White flashed a silly grin with cheeks as bright as her legendary's flames.

To see this, to see her finally radiating a smile and laugh that was sincere from the heart, Alder laughed in relief.

However, his joyful laughter quieted to a gape when Alder exclaimed, "Oh!"

Upon hearing his tone of voice, White blinked in confusion. She didn't utter a single word, but her head cocked to the left.

"White," Alder ruffled his hair with his left hand, "before you go, I was wondering if you're interested to ring the bell of this tower."

If she wasn't confused then, she was now. "I rang it before, though."

"Yes true." He shrugged casually but then walked to the left side so that the girl faced the huge bell of the tower. "But I'm sure you wouldn't mind ringing it once more. Besides, they say that when the person with the purest of hearts rings the bell, it soothes the souls of the departed Pokémon, and-"

"It gives off a really beautiful sound." White grinned lazily.

But her grin twitched to a tiny curve of a confused frown when Alder shook his head. "That too but," He coughed quietly, "well, there's something else if you ring it."

He bit back a bigger smile once he saw slight irritation biting the corners of her eyes.

"And that 'something else' is…?" she asked, a strain of annoyance pulling her tone. White didn't know whether to stomp her foot or groan when the ex-champion shrugged again.

Oddly enough, once Reshiram felt what his hero was feeling at the moment, honestly, he was overjoyed.

"You'll see." Alder stretched his hand toward the direction of the bell. As much as he was amused to see the young trainer feeling irritated at the mystery, a part of him was worried as well as to what would soon happen.

It annoyed her, alright. But thanks to it, she was highly curious as well. "Fine…" she grumbled sourly, her feet finally moving and shuffling toward the huge bell. Just as White took four steps closer,

"You might want to take your Pokémon out too."

Electricity finally sparked in her eyes. "I-?" Her teeth gritted back the question for she knew it would be pointless asking. Breathing a low sigh, she held three Pokéballs – except Reshiram's since he telepathically asked her not to – and released Isaac, Dexter, and Lillil.

The three Pokémon blinked and gawked at their trainers in confusion. White answered their silent puzzlement by pointing at the huge bell tower an explained, "We're going to ring that giant-ass bell."

Like Reshiram, they were quite relieved to see that White was slowly reverting back to her old self. 'Uh…okay?' Isaac gaped, his mouth curved like an idiot. Their heads turned from the bell to the girl to the bell again. They watched as White walked toward it, only to follow a few steps behind.

Alder only observed quietly, his heartbeat pacing at every waking second.

As she stood near the bell, White held the thick rope that was connected to it. "Well," She looked at her team, "ready to hear some pretty music?"

Out of the three, Lillil actually jumped and nodded in enthusiasm.

Another groan silently popped through the trainer's lips, but a little smile tugged the corners as well. "Here we go!" Taking one sharp breath, White held the rope with both hands and began tugging it downwards. Reacting from her rough pull, the giant bell began swaying back and forth, and in less than seconds, loud melodious sounds resonated around the top of the tower.

If she was irritated before, she wasn't at all now the second she heard the beautiful sound.

It chimed wonderfully. Like a fresh breath of air on the first windy morning; like a warm hug on a cold chilly night; like a cup of hot cocoa under a quiet winter evening; White sighed peacefully as the sound belled into her ears. She tipped her head high and took a deep breath. Heh. Guess Pokémon Tower is kinda a good place for fresh air-

Her thoughts screeched to a halt once the wind whooshed around her. Quickly her hands tugged the collars of her jacket, body then bent slightly to reach stability. Never mind. Her eyes shut tightly. Her lips thinned as she tried to endure the suddenly howling wind. Before White could have half a mind to hide under the giant bell,

'White…'

The harsh wind stopped the second Lillil's voice was heard. The girl stood up straight, then turned to look at Lillil – only to realize that all three of them flashed an expression of great bewilderment.

"Hey-" Panic quickly rushed into her brain as she turned to face them. "Hey you guys are you okay?"

None of them said a single word, and it thickened the worry and paranoia that kept haunting her. "H-Hey guys-!" White waved her hands in front of their faces, hoping – desperately pleading – to get their attention. She could see their eyes widening. She could see their mouths gaping. "Hey-!"

Suddenly, before she could scream or cry, Isaac gently, quietly, pushed her left waist, signaling her to turn. He glanced at White for a second before gawking back at the shock that lay before his very eyes.

White was still worried nevertheless. But she finally turned around.

And when she did, the next thing White knew, her hands had slapped her widely gaping, loudly gasping mouth.

She couldn't believe her eyes even if she wanted to, for what was standing a few steps away, wagging his tail and flashing the most adorable grin , was the ghost of the Pokémon she – they – so missed and loved.

"M-M…" Her lips trembled terribly. "M-Mar…" Her palms felt cold to the touch, thickening the echo of her chattering teeth. "Mar… Marcus…"

The Stoutland didn't say a word, yet his smile still shined brightly as ever. Bright brown eyes twinkled to them, to see his little family. No bruises marked his body. No blood tainted his fur. He was free from any scars as if he was never harmed. His little tail wagged left and right. His front paws tapped and twitched in excitement. Although the colour of his figure was a tad faint, literally, and his paws were an inch off the ground, it was truly Marcus that stood – hovered – before them.

All four pairs of eyes remained on their deceased friend. All four pairs of eyes were glued, coated with tears at the sight of someone that they thought would never see again.

And as for a certain pair of round blue eyes, she actually felt that she was living in a dream. "Y-You… You're here-" Her voice was barely audible, terribly faint even to the ears of her baffled Pokémon. Her legs began giving out as White hopelessly tried to stand still. Even with the jacket around her body, she felt terribly cold, and Reshiram soon realized this as he tried to warm and soothe the girl's rapidly beating heart.

Marcus only smiled wider; not a single peep was heard from his mouth. One by one he looked at them, relishing the images that he so missed and loved.

He saw Dexter, whose eyes were wide in shock and tears, whose mouth had dropped so low that Marcus silently giggled at the thought that a Sewaddle could fit in it. He then turned his gaze at Isaac, who froze perfectly still with wet tears soaking his cheek and fur. The Samurott's chest was seen moving rapidly, and his mouth panted harsh breath, obviously holding back a scream that gurgled in his throat. The Stoutland swished his head a little, trying to cheer his friend that suffered more than they could had ever imagined.

Marcus then saw Lillil.

Their eyes met; one soaked with tears while one gleamed with silent regret. Slowly he nodded once, his smile softened to see the Pokémon who had stolen his heart. The Stoutland then opened his mouth, however all that was heard was silence and the faint purrs of wind.

Although said, Lillil finally managed a small, meek smile as she knew the words that danced from his mouth: I love you…

"M-Marc…us…" His ears perked upright as soon as he heard White's voice. Marcus focused his gaze back on his trainer, who was now wobbling frailly until her legs almost gave out. Her palms pressed against her mouth. Tears soaked her cheeks and hands, trickling right down her shaking arms.

Oh how he would do anything to make her stop crying.

But alas, he knew he couldn't be in this world for so long. But to appear here, floating before his family, seeing and knowing that they were doing well without his presence, it was enough for Marcus.

Slowly he dropped his head and laughed softly, albeit soundless like the cold breeze. Marcus then looked up, giving one last look in hopes that his emotions got through them: I love all of you so much…

All were then shocked as he slowly faded away, but one took it quite worse than the other.

"W-Wait!" White suddenly shouted, her tone cracking through parted lips. Upon seeing that her deceased Stoutland was vanishing, panic began boiling up to her brain. "Wait!" Whether or not she realized it her, her legs had given motion toward the ghost. As tears slid from the corners of her eyes, White reached out her right hand, fingers hopelessly grasping for his presence. "Marcus WAIT-!"

And just like that, with Marcus's lovely smile as the last thing she saw, he disappeared.

"NO!" Unable to control the grief that overtook her whole body, White dropped on her knees and pressed her palms against the cold tiles of the tower.

Silence hanged heavy in the air.

From a few steps afar, Alder only watched in caution as her Pokémon tended to her, barking and neighing sounds of great comfort.

White only stared at the dusty ground. Crystal clear tears still trickled like rain, and all she could do was stare incredulously as the image of her smiling Stoutland danced in her mind.

Her heart was still warm, though it now beat rapidly even with Reshiram's aid.

"M-Marcus…"

A few months had passed since the incident in the Pokémon Tower. At first Alder felt guilty for he tore open a memory that she so pathetically kept locked. However, much to his surprise, after an hour of rendered in silence and woe, White shocked him by saying her thanks. She missed Marcus terribly, yes, but she was also happy to see him, to see his smile for the last time, to give one finally goodbye before he lived in their hearts forever.

Now, since that incident, her wellbeing had surprisingly increased, much to her parents' and friends' joy. She was able to smile easily. She was able to laugh at the simple things around her. Nightmares haunted her still, but she knew the reality now she lived in wasn't as horrendous as the ones in her thoughts.

"Man!" White yawned loudly as she stretched her arms upright. A lazy smile still curling her lips, the girl leaned against the tree and gently swished her head. "What a great day to have a picnic! Don't you think, Lils?"

'Hmm…' The Lilligant only nodded as she calmly finished the berries in her bowl. Bright sunshine eyes scanned the area around them. The meadow was beautiful, that she couldn't lie. Even when autumn kissed the ground and sky, the grass was still green, mixed with brown and golden leaves that splashed like an ocean. The sun shined peacefully above, and the ladies breathed a sigh of deep content at the serene feeling washing over them.

Her hands folded behind her head, White gently bonked her head against the tree and closed her eyes. "If only it was like this every day…" she mused silently, lips twitching a small hint of a frown. However, she only chuckled again and shook her head.

She was better than this, is what she had thought, and intended to keep thinking until the very end.

Lillil only laughed softly and focused her attention on her teammate that stood a few feet afar. The three males were seen talking, or rather, she sighed to see Isaac jumping in front of Reshiram, obviously asking for a battle while Dexter tried to break them off. 'Males…' She sighed faintly and resumed eating her berries.

'For the last time,' Reshiram groaned heavily and looked away, 'I do not wish to battle you. You are small and I doubt that your power would harm even a tuff of my fur.'

As much as the legendary tried to say the words out of concern that he might harm his teammate, Isaac still heard it as an arrogant offense. 'Don't be a sissy and fight me!' Again he jumped, acting more like a baby Oshawott rather than a mature Samurott. A loud huff of dissatisfaction popped from his cheeks to see Reshiram shaking his head again.

'I refuse.' Reshiram tilted his head high. 'And I am not a sissy. I am merely stating the obvious- YEOWCH!' He suddenly flinched and flapped his wings as a sharp, cold pain struck his left foot. Wide, strikingly blue eyes shot down in bafflement, then turned to deadly glares at the sight of a snickering Samurott.

'Still say that my powers wouldn't hurt you?' Isaac jutted out his tongue and scoffed proudly. Ignoring Dexter's advice, he trotted around in circles and laughed in a rather contentious manner.

It definitely added Reshiram's insult to injury. 'You will pay for that, you ill-mannered Samurott!'

In a matter of seconds, with Dexter dropping his head and sighing in shame, the battle had begun.

Both White and Lillil jumped at the sound of something exploding. Both pairs of eyes gawked forward, only to see Reshiram and Isaac battling it out on an open field.

'Those idiots!' Lillil grunted heavily as she hopped to her feet. Without waiting for a single command, she stomped toward the males. And while she did, flowers and leaves began to swirl around her; her leafy fronds rolled into fists as she prepared a Leaf Storm.

White only sat in her place in silent shock. Her mouth slightly parted, and bright blue eyes blinked dumbly as Lillil soon enough intervened and sent Isaac flying off to a nearby tree. Roaring laughter was heard next, the sounds coming from Reshiram and an obviously relieved Zebstrika. Her eyes stayed glued as Isaac was seen gripping on one of the tree branches, now barking madly and shooting deadly glares at a clearly irritated Lilligant.

Suddenly, a soft giggle chirped from White's mouth.

Her cheeks felt hot, and her smile widened at the melodious sounds of her lively Pokémon. The corners of her eyes felt slightly hot, but White only cupped her cheeks and bit back another laugh.

She was happy. After all that she had been through, after all that they had lost, she – all of them were happy.

A gentle sigh rolling off her tongue, White looked up. "It really is a beautiful day, huh Marcus…"

"I'm home!" White declared as she entered her house. The brunette however almost tripped as Isaac accidentally pushed her hip; the scent of her mother's cooking excited the Samurott until he thought of nothing but eating – again.

"Sheesh Isaac at least let me in first…" She dropped her head and groaned quietly. Knowing very well that her water starter didn't even listened to her, White blew a short puff and stepped inside the living room.

"Welcome home, White."

Upon hearing Jason's voice, she looked up. A lazy smile curved her lips. But before she could even return her father's greeting, she quickly brought her attention to the stranger sitting across him.

"Um," Cautiously she turned to Jason, "who is this guy?"

The dark-haired man didn't respond, though merely flashed a fatherly smile. Before White could repeat her question or asked her mother in the kitchen, the mysterious man stood up and slowly walked toward White.

"Hello White." The man nodded once, his mouth curved a friendly, yet serious smile. "I am Looker."

Dear N,

How are you? It's been a while since you've dropped down a 300 feet building. I hope you hadn't gone bald from all those constant 'Get fucking bald you pine tree piece of shit' that I've wished for you. I mean yeah, what you did was terrible and it could put me to cardiac arrest for a 16-year old. But still, I think you being bald would be a terrible look for you. Although, if you already are bald, wear a bush. It's basically the same thing.

The reason I'm writing this letter isn't because to mock your fashion sense; I can do that in front of you. No, the reason I'm writing this is because just in case we haven't met yet but you've found this letter, then at least you got a heads up. You see, I've been assigned by the International Police to track down your 7 evil grandpas-in-robes. So far I've taken down 5, and they're surprisingly cool about living behind bars for the rest of their lives. Hopefully, by the time you're reading this letter, I've already caught all 7 of them – including the mega piece of shit that turned your life into shit. Don't worry, once I'm done with him, I'll guarantee you that you'll live a happy life again with a dream that is clearly wonderful.

Speaking of dreams, remember when you told me to make my dream a reality? Well, that's what I'm planning to do and am doing right now. Right after I'm done searching all these yahoos, you're the final yahoo I'm gonna find. And I know I will find you. So stop running around, alright? You don't need to be scared. You don't need to be afraid. Hell, there is nothing to feel guilty at all. Things happen and I'll command Isaac to douse you good if you're still stubborn in believing that all of this if your fault.

So wait for me, alright. Don't go anywhere. Honestly, I miss you. Besides, Reshiram once told me that the heroes have a special, powerful bond that will never break no matter how dreadful their relationship is, just like he and Zekrom. So…heh, at least that gives me a sense of ease.

N, I sure hope you now know the word 'numbskull' because you are one.

Love,

White

END

0.0.0

FUCKING. FINALLY.
HERE IT IS
HEEERERERE IT IS
HERE IT FUCKING IS TAKE IT TAKE IT ALL HERES THE EPILOGUE OF WTAO HERE IS THE ENDING OF WHEN TWO ARE FRIGGIN ONE
FINALYL
AFTER ALL THESE YEARS SINCE I WAS IN MY DEGREE TILL INTERNHIP TILL DOING NOTHING AT HOME
I
AM
FINISHED

oh god
oh my god
ohhh my god
this is the longest piece ive written ever in my life i swear i didnt know how it got to be so long hOLY SHIT LOOK IVE DONE IT IVE WRITTEN IT IM SO HAPPY!

GOD!
HEAVY BREATHING ok now befre i get emo heres a few songs i listend to kick myself up to write beCAUSE
listen to regina spektor - the call when white ding a ling the bell n saw ghost of marcus
listen to imperial mammoth - requiem of water when white chillax with her pokemon
AND LISTEN TO SUPER SMASH BROS - N'S THEME MEDLEY AFTER YOUVE READ THE WHOLE CHAPTER GODBYE

god i...wow...first of all i wanna thank everyone who actually read n followe this series...truly im grateful n honoured n happy to know...im sory for all the emotional pain ive given. im sory for all the character torture ive inflicted. im also sory coz im gonna do it again in other fics ecstatic requiem n when one is just cough

but srsly tho. without u guys, i would never have the audacity or motivation to actually finish this. im a lazy piece of human being and for me to actually finish a thing is...wow...you guys are amazing...

so thank you. so much. i hope that this epilogue did justice for all the emotional hellhole that ive given u. i hope that you remain reading n loving my works n supporting me. i hope that you continue giving me ideas n motivations coz it helps A LOT.

so yea. thank you. terima kasih. ありがとう . 谢谢 . u guys are truly the best /w\\\\ !