Hilda keeps her eyes fixed upon the glowing blue Aura Sphere as it launches from Lucario's paws. It flies across the battlefield like a meteor and collides into Black Kyurem with a deadly force. Black Kyurem roars with anger in response and starts to discharge bright streams of electricity.

"Lucario, dodge it!" Rosa yells to her faithful 'mon, who proves quick to obey.

Hilda focuses intently on each and every movement involved in this battle. It's either that, or having to acknowledge the person standing right next to her. One whom she really didn't want to think about at the moment. Had she really been that happy when they finally reunited? Had it been real? It felt all too much so at the time.

But she isn't sure what to believe anymore.

"Hilda?"

She cringes as she hears the voice she hoped would remain silent. Poor, oblivious N doesn't seem to notice.

"You're awfully quiet. What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" she wants to snap at him impatiently. "You, of all people, should know."

But she couldn't do that to N, even if she's currently upset with him. Part of her wants to talk about what happened— to figure out what the hell was on his mind when he kissed Rosa. Maybe talking about it could help to resolve all the turmoil she feels inside. But, more likely, it would only further drown her in pain and misery if she dares to open her mouth.

Maybe she isn't quite ready yet. Which feels strange, since Hilda's the type who isn't afraid to voice her opinion about anything. But this feels like a more personal matter, one she hasn't ever faced before. Romance is relatively new for her— she had never fallen in love with anyone else before. She just didn't feel like she could deal with this right now without going off the hook on him. And he didn't deserve that. So instead, she brings up the one other thing that occupies her mind.

"This fight... is interesting, compared to our experience with Ghetsis," she begins in a slow and measured manner, trying to formulate the line of triviality she would feed N. Hilda continues to observe as Lucario fires a blue pulse of energy from his chest: Dragon Pulse. "I can't help but notice, you know? There are a lot of differences, and yet so many similarities, too."

She tries to collect her thoughts over the roars of the Pokémon and the angry, shouted commands of their Trainers. N's face portrays thoughtfulness, but also an air of relative confusion. He starts to raise his hand towards her, only for Hilda to firmly push it back down. Yet her hand never let go. She hesitates, uncertain about what she really wants in this moment. Hilda couldn't ignore the look of disappointment on his face, having to visibly stop herself from sighing.

I was such a damn fool. But I thought N would be the last person who could fall in love. Well... with anyone else, I guess. How selfish of me.

"What do you mean?" His soft voice resounds during the perfect interval of silence: a second earlier or later, and it would have been swallowed up by the raging battle beside them. Finally, despite the protesting cries of her heart, Hilda forces herself to pull away, reluctantly hugging her hands into her armpits.

"Well, in a way, the stakes are the same. The world as we know it is at risk. But it's endangered in a different way." Hilda brushes two of her fingers over the smooth and shiny surface of the sole Poké Ball in her possession. "N, you were pretty unique. At first, you appeared to be an antagonist, and then the anti-hero. But really, you fell into the gray area of both hero and antagonist. Your motives were ultimately innocent and your qualities easily redeemable." She pauses for a moment.

"I have no clue if I'm making sense to you right now."

"No, you are," N gently encourages her as Rosa shouts, "Lucario, throw out another Dragon Pulse!" Hilda releases a huff as she continues.

"Basically, what I'm trying to say is, you only did what you thought was best for the creatures you loved. But Ghetsis was nothing more than a power hungry bastard, and he always will be. So there's our constant. Here's our variable: he wants to use brute force instead of deploying his traditional, backhanded deception. Freezing every last living thing alive? That's pretty explicit." Her voice seems far off, in a dream-like state as she thinks back to two years ago.

N slowly nods. "The constant and the variable in this complicated equation... Fascinating." Somehow, she knew he'd approve of such terminology if she used it. With a bitter smile, Hilda continues, her voice barely audible over Ghetsis's shouted command for Black Kyurem to use Fusion Bolt.

"Here's another one for you. What she and I were— and are— fighting for is simply peace. Stability. To prevent the hearts of people and Pokémon from shattering when they lose each other. But this particular fight of hers is different. So different."

A sense of irony strikes her then, and she has to hold back a laugh. What started as a line of philosophical nothings is really starting to morph into something more meaningful. Perhaps she's doing a better job of distracting herself than she originally thought.

Meanwhile, the yellow glow from Kyurem's attack flashes in her eyes as Lucario doubles over from the pain. Hilda hears Rosa call out, "Lucario! I know this is tough, but hang on! All of Unova needs your strength right now!" The jackal dog, panting heavily and grunting in pain, slowly pushes itself back up, its fur scorched with fearsome burns.

"Our fight involved my truth versus your ideals. One legendary against another, fighting for what we each thought was right. But Rosa... She's simply fighting for survival right now. Not just for her own survival, but that of the entire region. And she is going against something completely different. A combined legendary Pokémon! Think about that for a sec. A brute power never before dealt with by any other Trainer... Can you imagine how difficult and terrifying this must be for her? But here she is, bravely fighting onwards anyways. I'm not saying our fight wasn't hard, but she almost died, N. I didn't have to worry about that... Not directly, anyways."

"Truly an impressive display of strength and resolve," he murmurs in reply, causing her to suppress a moan. Did he really think that highly of her? Meanwhile, N simply stares at her, trying to figure out how she's feeling. Admittedly, that is nowhere near an easy task for him, as he is still trying to understand the nuances of human behavior and emotions.

"There were so many layers to our fight," he continues, trying to hide his uncertainty. "So many different ideals, variables, and perspectives. That's what made it amazing. And you helped me accept that those gray areas are not only okay, but also necessary in our world. It gave us a lot to think about."

"There's not as many insightful forces at work here now," she points out. "It's just... a fight to the death. A fight for what's clearly and concretely defined as right." Discharging some of her frustration, she impulsively kicks a pebble that is laying by her shoe. It clatters away, the sound lost in the void.

"I just wish I could help her," Hilda continues. "It feels so wrong to just stand here, but there's nothing else we can do."

"I wish I could help, too," N says. "But I'm confident Rosa can do this. She has proven herself more than capable."

There lies a brief pause between them as the turmoil of the battlefield reigns.

"Do you believe in her?" she finally finds the courage to whisper with a broken heart. Oblivious to this, N nods slowly, his eyes fixed upon the harshly glowing lights produced from battle.

"Yes... I do. I haven't known her for long, but I've sensed the fire of her spirit. She has the strength and courage to overcome whatever lies before her... Even something like this."

Do you still believe in me?

Hilda's unspoken question lingers in the air. It creates a space of tension for her, one that N didn't— couldn't— notice. He isn't very good with social cues, after all, and it's not like he could read her mind. He also appears too acutely focused on the conflict on the battlefield, too concerned about his friend Zekrom— and Rosa— to notice the pain Hilda is stuffing deep inside.

No matter: it's a skill she has been perfecting for the past two years.

N watches intently with Hilda as Rosa orders Lucario to use Close Combat. Lucario deftly approaches Black Kyurem and wails away with a flurry of punches and kicks. N, unsure of what to do, lifts his hand again, slowly placing it around Hilda's waist. This time, she makes no move to stop him. Despite how he had hurt her, she realizes he couldn't possibly understand how she's feeling. He couldn't even comprehend the basic nuances of romantic human relationships. She couldn't blame him for that, with the way he was raised.

Hilda also decides that she would need any comfort he could give during this difficult time. Hell, she'd take it from anyone at this point.

*                      *                    *

Lucario has seen better days, that's for sure. His matted and torn fur looks like something out of a war film, the smell of singed fur and electricity tingling in the air. But I could tell he still has some fight left in him, despite his raspy breaths. It's impressive that he could hold his own against this monstrous beast, despite the pain. Black Kyurem also appears exhausted from all the damage its taken. If Lucario could just hold out a little longer...

But when I look into the eyes of my Pokémon, unyielding in their determination and endurance, I know he would move mountains to defeat this creature.

Ghetsis, meanwhile, holds nothing but pure rage in his eyes. "You stupid tool! You're supposed to be stronger than any other Pokémon!" he spits at his dragon. "Now stop being useless and weak, and finish off the rat with Freeze Shock!"

I would have been angry at his pathetic insult towards Lucario, but my shock overwhelms my thoughts instead.

Freeze Shock? I've never heard of that move before. Is it... Is it a result of the fusion?

"Lucario, we're almost there! I can feel it! Kyurem is looking weak! Just one more attack, and it'll be done for!" I vehemently encourage him. Lucario rises slowly, damaged but not broken. Another steadfast growl forms in his throat.

A turquoise ball of energy starts forming in front of Kyurem's chest. This sphere becomes encased by a giant crystal of ice, crackling with bright yellow electricity. It's clear I don't have long before this monstrosity of a move hits my Pokémon.

"Lucario," I say, my voice only a harsh whisper. "Use Aura Sphere with all of your might." As Black Kyurem's attack grows, Lucario harbors his own sphere within his paws. He growls with the effort it takes to hold onto this growing ball of energy.

It's then that I have an idea hit me. Maybe, just maybe, if I could time this just right—

"Kyurem, now!" Ghetsis roars. Black Kyurem mirrors the guttural yell of his master and releases his attack. The terrifying mass of electrically-charged ice launches towards us. We have only seconds to spare.

"LUCARIO, THROW IT AS HARD AS YOU CAN AND AIM TOWARDS THE ATTACK!!" I scream, adrenaline pulsing through my veins as I pray to Arceus that my strategy would work. Thankfully, he seems to understand what I'm aiming for. With a loud cry, he lets it loose, the blue sphere speeding to meet its target.

Somehow, amazingly, it actually works. The measly Aura Sphere proves the stronger of the two forces. Instead of resulting in an explosion, which I initially feared, this combined attack gets pushed backwards, causing both of the moves to land on Black Kyurem instead. The dragon bellows in anger and agony as the ice shatters and pierces its body, the electricity frying its nerves. I hold my breath, resisting the urge to cover my eyes in fear. My crazy idea may have pulled though, but would it be enough?

As the light dies away, I can see Kyurem slowly swaying in place, its footing unstable. It didn't take long for it to fall forward and collapse. A thunderous boom echoes within the cavern as its massive body struck the floor.

YES! My risky gamble paid off big time!! I actually did it. I defeated Black Kyurem...!

"LUCARIO, WE DID IT!!" I scream happily, joy and relief filling my whole being. It's over. It's all finally over. I did it. We did it!

Lucario stumbles his way over to me with a considerable effort. I immediately take him into my arms, supporting his shuddering frame.

"Take it easy now, boy," I coo into his ears comfortingly, holding his head to my shoulder. "You were super awesome out there. I love you so much."

Though weak, he still manages a smile.

*                      *                    *

N nearly stumbles over at the amount of joy and relief radiating from Lucario. His voice proves strong within his mind, deep and resonating in tone.

"I... I did it. I defeated my opponent, against all odds. Just like a warrior should. All because of my dear Rosa. My exhaustion did not win. She rallied me on when I wanted to fall. I'm... I'm so... happy to have someone like her."

N's smile blossoms at such a sentiment, as he watches Rosa cradle Lucario lovingly in her arms. A stifled sob escapes her as she holds her Pokémon close. She whispers something he couldn't hear at first, but Lucario soon repeats it within his mind.

"I can never thank you enough. I'm just so relieved you made it out of this alive."

Those words really resonate with him. This... This was what he needed more of; to see more of in this world. His initial instincts about her have been completely right.

"She's just like you," N whispers to Hilda in awe. "She loves her Pokémon with all of her heart. She really believes in their potential. And because of that, they respect her and are able to fulfill that potential." Hilda, feeling swells of bitterness rise within her, bites her tongue, wondering if Rosa has become her permanent replacement. N apparently sees them so alike that Rosa could be one.

"I'm assuming you wouldn't have expected anything less?" she finally questions him rhetorically, trying to keep her voice from becoming dry. N didn't respond, his face lighting up in a frantic realization.

"Wait. I have some healing remedies. I should make sure Lucario is okay..." Without so much as a glance in her direction, N speeds off, rushing towards his new savior. Hilda's mouth hangs open, shocked at his social and emotional cluelessness. She has never felt so brushed off and trivialized in her entire life. Such a rejection stings her deeper than anything else ever could.

Sometimes, N could be the smartest and most insightful person in Unova. Other times, he's just a special kind of dumb.

Even if Rosa had just saved Unova, Hilda still felt the need to ask why she had to become involved with everything in the first place. Sure, she may have helped them avoid certain doom. But Hilda felt that, at the same time, she has just unwittingly destroyed Hilda's relationship—or any hope of it— with N.

It's all just so damn unfair.

*                      *                    *

"Thanks, N!" I sigh in relief as he sprays the last of the Max Potion on Lucario. The surface wounds, while still there, are less palpable now. Only a Pokémon Center could truly patch those. But the potion is at least enough to revitalize Lucario's spirit. He appears more perky now, smiling as he triumphantly raises his first in the air.

"Of course," N replies with a small laugh. "I'm glad you're feeling better, my friend." N puts his hand on Lucario's shoulder, and the Pokémon dips his head slightly in respect. Remembering N's gift, I couldn't help but wonder if the two are communicating telepathically right now. A sweet smile dons on my face at the thought.

N turns to me, his face gentle and comforting. "He's proud of you, you know."

"Really? Well, I'm the one proud of him." My voice dies as N sweeps some of my loose and wild hair out of my eyes, my heart suddenly racing.

"I'm glad you're all right as well," he whispers."I would have never forgiven myself if you had gotten hurt."

I want to tear up at the extent of his concern for me. It's all I can do to not pull him into another embrace. But three things interrupt that plan.

The first is the disgruntled appearance of Hilda. She breaths a mumbled, "Good job," seemingly trying to inch her way between us. Or is that just my imagination? Either way, she looks pretty upset— probably by the whole kiss situation, even though that feels like an eternity ago.

The second is the fact that Kyurem proceeded to disappear. With a weakened snarl, it retreats into the shadows of the cavern, escaping to somewhere unknown. Soon, all grew quiet again. To my utmost relief, Zekrom has returned to N's side. The two dragons managed to separate after all. Thank Arceus.

"Zekrom!" N murmurs in a panic relief, his voice choking up. He places a hand to the legendary's bowed head, with awe reflected in his eyes. After a moment, he faces me again.

"Rosa... Thank you so very much," he says to me solemnly, tears welling up in his eyes. "How could I ever...?"

"Consider it my payment for your help from earlier," I reply, using a finger to tip my visor down in respect. In any other situation it would have been facetious, but I truly mean the gesture right now.

The third and last thing is Ghetsis. His face appears strained, painted as red as a Magby's skin. His eyes are nothing but whirlpools of pure hatred, sending daggers straight into our souls. I have never seen someone so outraged in my entire life.

Oh, Arceus. He's really going to lose it, isn't he?

"I can't believe it! The Black Kyurem I went to all the trouble of preparing!" His voice is cracking with limitless frustration. "How irritating! Now I have to go recapture Kyurem, don't I?"

"Forget it, Ghetsis! It's over! Just accept the fact that you lost, and it'll make things easier for all of us!" I spit at him, all of my patience— and with it, what had been left of my cool and calculated demeanor— gone.

"NEVER!" Ghetsis screeches like a mad man. "I WILL NEVER GIVE UP! I'll take down your disgusting being with my own hand! This time I WILL succeed! No matter what you try, NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO STOP ME!!!"

With that, he angrily throws out a Pokémon of his own— a Cofagrigus, to be exact. The Ghost type, blue and yellow sarcophagus with ebony-colored hands shoots us a glare that rivaled his master's. Those creepy red eyes paired with that evil toothed grin promises a world of suffering and pain for what we had done.

"Seriously?!" I couldn't help but blurt out loud. I just want to scream. I am so done with today. I have to fight him now? Of course he would have Pokémon— for me to assume otherwise would be idiotic.

"Well, I had to battle him too, so I'm not surprised," Hilda mutters, putting a hand to her forehead. "Arceus, talk about déjà vu." Lucario eyes his new opponent, seeing another battle at stake. He growls and gets himself into a ready stance.

"That Cofagrigus is terribly unhappy," N laments sadly, putting a hand to his mouth. "He wants anything to get revenge on Ghetsis's behalf. The poor, suffering creature..."

I barely even register his statement into my head, however. I'm already too focused on the battle ahead of me.

"Lucario, you sure you can do this...?" I ask shakily. He nods eager and willing to fight again. I'm not sure I felt that ready, or even close to it. Hey N, could I have a Potion, too?

Seriously though, my adrenaline from the battle earlier has died down completely. I'm just exhausted from all of my previous ordeals. My head is, irritatingly, pounding in pain again. I also haven't really eaten since the day before, what with all that's been going on. I didn't notice it until now, but my stomach feels like a giant pit of emptiness that just proceeds to claw at my nerves. N must have noticed something, because he gives me a concerned glance.

"You look worn down, Rosa. Are you sure you can handle this right now?" At any other time, I might have been offended, as he seems to be questioning both my ability and endurance. But candidly, I know he's just concerned over my well-being.

"Truthfully? No," I mutter. But I couldn't give up, not now. Not when I'm so close...

But it better just be this one last battle. Because I seriously question my ability to stand after anything more than that.

"I'm sorry I can't help you more. Just do your best to hang in there." He takes my hand, and I follow through my immediate impulse to give it a kiss. He blushed, rubbing his thumb comfortingly along my fingers. Hilda gives a loud and exaggerated sigh.

All right, enough with that already. I wish she'd stop destroying our little moments here.

"Good luck... again." She seems devoid of the spirit she had shown when she first came here. "Stay safe, don't die, and blah, blah, blah." Hilda turns away with Zekrom as they give me room yet again for another battle.

N looks ready to join her, but he spends a few moments more staring into my eyes, squeezing my hand in comfort. Thankful, I gaze back into his, trying to display my exhaustion, my weariness, my sadness, and my overwhelming desire for this giant mess to just be over. He gives me an emphatic look that seems to say, "I believe in you. Just as I did before, and you pulled through."

Well... I'm glad someone does. Still.

With that unsaid sentiment, he walks away and joins Hilda and Zekrom. N offers me a single nod of confidence. I return a weary smile before turning back around towards Ghetsis. I'm honestly mildly surprised he allowed us to exchange those last few words.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," I sneer, all of my patience once again null and void. "Lucario, don't waste any time. Ice Punch!"

"Shadow Ball!" Ghetsis counters aggressively.

But before Cofagrigus can form its ball of darkness, Lucario is already punching it in the chest with the power of ice.