I cannot emphasize how long we spend stuck in that courthouse, spending hours upon end frantically pacing and drawing up the occasional awkward conversation. None of us are in the mood for small talk, but at the same time we would have given anything to distract ourselves from the tension. Granted, we basically know there's no way Ghetsis is getting off the hook from this one. But I guess it's just the frustration we feel, being cooped up in a stuffy governmental building, over business we'd much rather forget. Eventually, once all of my nervous energy becomes exhausted, I lay my head on N's shoulder and doze off. It feels so easy to do, with his calm, gentle breathing, and the beat of his heart guiding me into a temporary peace...

"Hey, Rosa." His soft voice and gentle prodding rouses me from unconsciousness. "It's time."

"Nope," I grunt, snuggling deeper into his shoulder. "You're too comfortable." I earn a lighthearted laugh from him, which makes me smile.

"All right, all right," I comply, forcing my head up and stretching my arms. "Let's just get this over with."

"I think your Pokémon will be happy to see you more at ease, after this," N points out, gently pulling me to a standing position. "And I will be, too."

Let's just say the sincerity and energy of his words were enough to propel me back into that dreaded courtroom.

There are more boring procedures to follow before we hear anything about the verdict. We are all seated as before. As a show of solidarity, I whisper to the others, and soon the four of us have our hands joined in a chain of support. And I pray to Arceus that the outcome is as we're expecting.

Finally, McCortland delivers: Ghetsis Harmonia Gropius is guilty on all counts of domestic terrorism, attempted homicide, endangering the welfare of a child (I can only assume that means me, as I'm still a minor), and Pokémon abuse. He's earned not just one, but multiple life sentences without parole, in the most secure prison known to man. There would be heightened security to ensure he could never escape— or deceive the law enforcement— again.

I can't stop the half stifled cry of relief that escapes my lips. The expressions of relief on all of our faces are palpable. I pull Hilda into a hug, which encourages Hugh to surround her protectively, and then N completed our circle of solace.

Maybe now... we can finally gain some closure, and start the healing process.

*                      *                    *

It's evening when we came home, close to 6:00 o'clock. My mother is raving about the salad and lasagna she has planned for tonight before eagerly diving into the cooking.

"I just want to hide under the covers for the rest of my life," I mutter exhaustedly, putting my head on my arms at our table in the backyard. Of course, this isn't actually true; I just feel wiped from all of the emotional rollercoasters we've had to ride.

"Aw, c'mon Rosa," Hugh pouts, patting my shoulder. "We might have stopped Plasma, but we have the rest of Unova in front of us now, you know? Didn't you want to try your hand at the Elite Four? You've come so far from your first Gym battle with Cheren."

"Wait," Hilda suddenly interjects. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her grab his shoulder suddenly. "Did you say Cheren? As in...?"

"Um, yeah? He's the Gym Leader of Aspertia?" Hugh rolls his eyes. "I know you've been gone for a while, but get with the times, Hilda! Haven't you been here for a month?"

"Well, yes you idiot," she huffs in response, giving him a shove. "It's just that I don't think the topic ever came up!" I lift my head up again as Hilda shoots a dreamy look into the distance.

"N, you remember Cheren, right? My best friend... and one of my travel companions. He's grown so much since then." N responds to the affirmative before Hilda suddenly blurts out another thought.

"What am I doing?! He has my Pokémon! I can finally see them again!!" With a sudden surge of energy, she bounds through the gates, yelling, "Be back in a bit!" The guys laugh at her sudden show of enthusiasm. Sometime later, she returns with the entirety of her (rather impressive) team: Samurott, Braviary, Zoroark, Zebstrika, Volcarona, and Vanilluxe.

"Ohhhh, my babies! I'm so sorry I had to leave you for so long," Hilda coos as she wraps her arms around each and every one of them. I decide to let out my Pokémon as well, and before we know it, they are playing with each other like they were old friends. N has this huge grin on his face that just wouldn't go away.

"They're all just so happy to be here," he murmurs. "It never fails to blow me away... The authenticity and depth of their feelings towards you both."

"See, N? I told you people were good deep down," Hilda comments, stroking the mane of her Illusion Fox. He releases a content purr in response. Soon, Hilda and N are sharing stories of their encounters from two years prior, Hilda laughing away the feelings of resentment she used to feel for him. I'm laughing along with everyone else, but I would be lying to say my heart didn't ache with every word. I could have sworn I still detected a hint of longing in their voices...

But N also makes a point of showering me with smiles, and he gratefully accepts my attempts to hold his hand. It's enough to soothe my worries for now. But I know, sooner or later, that these confusing signals just have to stop. Until then, though, I scold myself for being so jealous, and push my fears aside. After all, we were all here safe and sound, right? That's what really matters right now.

The yard begins to feel cramped with our dozen Pokémon running about, so Hugh decided to hold off on releasing his.Throughout the evening as the sun set, we laugh, tell each other stories, eat dinner, and generally have a great time. It's probably the most fun I've had in a while, and definitely a good stress reliever after what we went through.

Once it grows late, Hugh and Hilda say goodbye and went home for the night, promising to be back tomorrow. My mother, N, and I gather inside my bedroom— I sat on my bed with my arms around N, while Mom claims bean bag chair.

"Mom, I've been thinking... Well, I should really get back to my journey," I eventually venture, somewhat hesitantly. "I've already defeated all of the Gym Leaders, and now I just need to challenge the Elite Four and the Champion. I want to finish what I've started... I just wouldn't feel right otherwise."

"Rosa... Are you absolutely sure you're feeling okay now? I don't want to send you out there if you're still hurt," she frets.

"Mom, I've been cooped up in here for almost a month. I've been going crazy. The sooner I get back to my travels, the better I'll feel," I assure her firmly. I could feel the truth in this statement; I really would feel better the moment I step out on the road again, once I feel the breeze flow through my hair.

"I have to agree with Rosa. She should head to the Pokémon League and put her ideals to the test. This will help her determine what she and her Pokémon are striving for." N gives me a smile and a quick peck on the cheek. He's finally becoming more comfortable showing physical affection, and his progress is greatly encouraging. He pauses for no more than a beat before continuing.

"Honestly, I used to think that Pokémon battles did nothing more than brutally injure Pokémon, all for the sake of personal and selfish glory. That's how I understood it, and that's why I hated battles. But it's not that simple. Pokémon battles decide winners and losers, it's true. Yet they do so much more. Your Pokémon! You! Your opponents! And their Pokémon! Everyone can see what wonderful things the others have to contribute! Accepting different ideas— different beings— transforms the world like a chemical reaction! Pokémon battles are like a catalyst: a small component that leads to big changes! My friend Zekrom taught me that... And it's the formula I've derived from traveling the world."

"Wow, N... Beautifully put," my mother replies with a tone of respect. "You could be a poet with that kind of language!" I can't help but agree with her there.

He develops a small blush on his cheeks. "Thank you." With another brief pause, I decide now is the appropriate time to pose my other pressing question into the air.

"N... I know you have Pokémon back at your cabin that you're looking over, but..." I bite my lips, then blurt the rest out in a hurried rush before I can lose my nerve. "Would you like to come with me on the rest of my journey?"

N actually seems surprised that I asked. He thinks it over for a minute, his hand unconsciously playing with the void cube attached to his keychain (which is, in turn, attached to his belt). It's one of his most prized possessions, and it's a keepsake I've grown to like as well. Still, his hesitation makes me nervous, and a little sick to my stomach. Would he say no? Despite our developing closeness, the needs of his friends may certainly take priority...

"Well, I would want to check in with my friends first... But of course I'll go with you," N finally answers with a smile. "I want nothing more than to see you finishing your journey and accomplishing your goals. I've come to admire the person you are, and I want to be with you until the end."

My heart warms, and I can feel the pure joy soaring within my chest. How could I have questioned him, after the way he's been there for me?

"Ohhh, thank you, N!!" I squeal, pulling him close. "I'd love so much to have you with me!" He laughs into the embrace as my mother watches on with a small smile.

"N, do me a favor and watch out for my little Rosa, okay?" she says as we pull apart. "I've always worried about her, but especially now, after what's happened."

"Moooom," I whine, rolling my eyes. "I'll be fiiinnee. This thing with Plasma was a freak occurrence."

"I don't care, missy. Your injuries were no joke, and I'm saying this as a former Pokémon Center employee. I'd actually prefer to have N go with you, to be honest. It was hard enough to let you go alone the first time, but after this? Part of me wants to imprison you here for the rest of your life. But I know holding you back like that would be impossible. You love the freedom too much." She gives me a thin smile. "How soon do you want to go out?"

"Um, I don't know... Maybe tomorrow?" I suggest. "Unless that's too soon."

Though I hope it isn't. I just really want to get back to traveling and battling with my Pokémon!

"Not at all," N assures me with a laugh.

"All right... Well, rest up you two. I'll make a big breakfast before you leave tomorrow. Good night, and sweet dreams," Mom says, giving me a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room.

I shift my eyes towards the clock. It's a little after 10:00 p.m. I feel a sudden pang of longing— a desperate craving for companionship— and I really don't want N to leave.

"N, could you maybe... sleep in bed with me tonight?" I ask quietly, shocked that I have to courage to even say those words. "I just... I feel kind of lonely and I want some company." It's been hard for me to wake up after a nightmare and to have no one, not even my Pokémon, to immediately console me. Of course, N was usually quick to arrive, but the minute between my screams and his hugs felt too torturously long.

"I mean, unless that's too awkward for you," I quickly amend, feeling my heart rate jack up. What am I thinking, suggesting something like this? Is it too risqué?

N smiles gently. "Of course not. I'd love to. Would your mother mind?"

"Maybe. I don't care though. She can just deal with it." It's not like I have the intent to go any further...

I can feel the blood rush to my cheeks at the thought. Good grief. I'm really not interested, though. Even if I was, I want to take things our own leisurely pace.

"What's the matter? You're blushing." N tilts his head curiously. He noticed? Does he even have a clue of what I'm thinking?

Probably not, but still. Ugh, how embarrassing! Just play it cool, Rosa.

"Nothing," I mutter, ashamed. "It's stupid."

N gapes at me in surprise. "Rosa, don't say that. Nothing you think or feel is stupid."

Aw... how sweet of him. "Thanks N," I murmur in appreciation, working my way under the covers. As we crawl into bed together, he put me in his arms lovingly, and I return the gesture. We've grown to love our cuddle time, the way our bodies wrap around each other and simply lay still. The company is just so nice...

"Are you relieved everything is over now?" he asks, stroking my hair.

"Definitely. And I'm glad you're with me, N..." I reply, burying my head into his chest. We just lay there without a word, simply enjoying each other's presence.

The last thing I remember before drifting off to sleep is him whispering, "I love you."

*                      *                    *

We wake up the next morning to the enticing aroma of waffles and bagels, the sun shining through the window. I moan and hide my head under the covers as N pokes at me.

"C'mon, Rosa! I thought you were eager to get going!" N says with a laugh, throwing the covers off of me. He seems more excited than usual.

"But my beauty sleep, though," I mutter, using my arms to hide my eyes from the light.

"And beautiful it was. That's the first night you didn't scream out in your sleep."

"Really? That's good, I didn't want to bother you." I yawn and force myself to get up. While I'm still groggy, I have to admit his eagerness is contagious.

"It wouldn't bother me, honest. Now, let's go," N urges me, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. My heart soars at the contact, which instantly helps me to awake.

We already changed back into our normal outfits once we got home yesterday, so all we need is some breakfast, and a quick pack of my bag. Once we finish the delicious meal, I brush my teeth, put my hair up into the twin buns, and clip my Poké Balls to my belt. My mother bids us a tearful farewell.

"Oh, you know your mother. She always cries when she has to be away from her sweetie," she sniffles as I embrace her in a long hug. "Take care out there, you two. Please be careful. And don't forget to call me every so often!"

"Yes Mom, will do. Love you lots," I promise, stepping away and out the door with N. She keeps waving and blowing kisses, and I return them while N smiles. Once the door is shut, we begin to stroll through town together, his arm around my waist. But I pause once a thought hits me.

"Do you mind if we let Hugh know I'm going back out again?" I ask him as he gives me a questioning glance.

"Sure. I was going to ask to go to his place anyway... I'm hoping to see Hilda again." The longing in his eyes is so fierce that I nearly fall over. I can't help but feel an overwhelming sorrow threaten to dash away my happiness.

How long will this competition of affections go on for? How long will I continue to be inadvertently hurt? I know he probably doesn't mean to do so, but...

Anxiety rises in my chest as we cross the road, and I knock on Hugh's blue door. Actually, I should say I attempt to, because the door opens as I'm bringing my hand down, and I nearly knock out his face.

"Oh, Arceus! Sorry Hugh!" I laugh, as he exclaims, "Hey, watch where you place that fist, Rosa!" Hugh steps out onto the landing, followed by Hilda. Both are back in their usual outfits as well. We exchange our greetings, and Hilda hugs N a little longer than I would have liked.

"So you seemed to be heading out the door, Hugh. What for?" I ask as we all stand on his doorstep.

"Knowing you, I figured you'd be heading out again as soon as today. I wanted to see you at least once before you took off—"

"And I wanted to discuss when I could visit N and how," Hilda buts in.

"—So we were going to see you," Hugh continues, sweeping on like Hilda never talked. She gives him a light punch on the shoulder for his transgression. "At least, that was the original plan. But then..." Hugh opens the door and leans his head back to call out.

"Yo, sis! Come out and tell Rosa about that strange dream you had!"

I raise my eyebrows. "Dream? Hugh, I hope you haven't been reading those psychic tabloids again."

Hilda snickers. "Things like that exist? What the hell Hugh, you didn't seem like that type!"

"Er, well, that was a grievous mistake from my past, one we are going to immediately forget about," he growls sternly, while I release a giggle. "Seriously though. Rosa, I think this means something. Hilda said this dream appears to be strongly associated with N."

That elicits a puzzled look onto N's face as Hugh's little sister stumbles out the door. She had only been five when her Purrloin was stolen, and she's now ten years of age. Her sandy brown hair is curled around her shoulders; normally it's held up in a miniature bun. Her eyes of the same color squint shut as she yawns.

"Hi, Miss Rosa. Big Brother told me you know what my dream means," she says as she stares up at me plaintively, like I already have all of the answers.

"I will, once I know what it's about," I prompt her gently, wondering if my initial suspicions are correct.

"Um, well... These past few days I've been having dreams about the same Pokémon. A Pokémon called... Zor... Zora... Zoru..." She pauses and bites her lip, struggling to pronounce its name.

"Zoroark," Hilda helps her gently. "I have one, myself. Tell her what else you saw."

"Rosa... It always seemed to be calling your name," Hugh's sister says quietly, staring me straight in the eyes. "From a cave that was surrounded by these large, steep stone walls."

"Calling... my name?" I repeat dumbfounded. That is certainly strange. Why would she be the one to dream about a Pokémon calling out to me? It doesn't really make any sense.

"Well, I didn't really get it at first, either," Hugh confesses. "I was even ready to dismiss it altogether. But then Hilda told me..." He gestures for her to take over.

Hilda takes a deep breath. "After the incident two years ago, Unova did not want to see any remnants N's castle. At all. They were desperate to forget what happened. To the point that they had Pokémon help them completely bury it under Victory Road. Or so I've heard. How they managed to do that, I'm not quite sure. Maybe they took advantage of the rock slide that happened a while ago, the one that Hugh told me about. But that's why Route 10 is closed, and why they had to carve out other paths to Victory Road."

"Well, I knew about the rock slide," I reply with a frown. "But what does that have to do with this dream?"

"Well Miss Impatient, if you would let me finish," she counters with an eye roll. "N had a Pokémon that was very close to him as a child. It was, you guessed it... A Zorua. And after Team Plasma scattered for the first time, one of the sages who had a change of heart gave me that Zorua to raise as a parting gift. Mainly in the hopes that it would help me find N again. This sage was—"

"Rood!" I exclaim in sudden realization. "He's a heck of a guy. But you're also saying... Rood gave you the same Zorua that N had befriended?" The pieces are suddenly snapping together in my head. So that's why Zoroark had such a penchant for N during our little party yesterday!

"The very same one. N, if you want him back, now that I've found you..." I could see the shock that floods his face.

"No, please Hilda, keep him. After yesterday, I know he's happy with you," N insists with a small, yet sad smile. Despite the touching exchange, I'm resisting the urge to clear my throat and keep the topic moving.

"But you're saying that this Zoroark is doing what exactly...?" I push on.

"I think it is essentially calling out to us, as it were. In the dream, it seems like this particular Zoroark is from Victory Road. Which, as I mentioned, is where Plasma's castle should be buried. The Pokémon Hugh's sister saw isn't that same one that I have, obviously. But it has something to do with N nonetheless. I-I think..." Hilda offers a nervous laugh.

"It sounds crazy, I know. I realize I have absolutely zero evidence backing this up."

"No. It's not crazy at all," N chimes in. "The timing of all of this is rather peculiar. See, I was actually going to ask if I could bring you two with me to that castle..."

"You what?" Hilda and I exclaim in shock at the same time. This is a lot for me to take in. Beyond what N already told me, I never did find out what exactly happened to that castle two years ago. But now all of the sudden, not only is N going to take Hilda and I there, but Hugh's sister also has a dream about it? What is going on here?

Hugh lovingly pats his sister on the shoulder. "You can go back to bed now if you want to, sis. Thanks for sharing."

"'M'kay... Good night..." She offers another loud yawn and started lumbering back into the house. I want to chuckle at the fact that it's morning right now, not night.

"Thanks for your help, sweetie!" I call after her.

"Why did you want to bring us to the castle, N?" Hilda inquires suspiciously as the door closes shut. Looks like I'm not the only one with reservations.

"Um, well... " N shuffles his feet awkwardly. "You'll see." Hilda looks just as confused as I feel.

"Well, I'd go with you guys, but I want to help Liepard get familiar with my sis again," Hugh interjects. "I'll call you later, Rosa."

"Huh? Yeah, sure, see you," I reply distracted, waving as he gives us all quick hugs and speeds into his house.

"Well, this is new. He seemed free when I talked to him this morning," Hilda mutters in annoyance. All of the sudden she seems irked, and I'm not really sure why. Has he ditched us just for this special plan N so happened to arrange?

"Hey, so uh... How do we want to get to Victory Road? It's quite a travel from here," I say after about a minute of awkward silence.

"Girl, please tell me you have a Pokémon that knows Fly," Hilda replies haughtily, crossing her arms. Hm, she's definitely agitated at the prospect of going back to the castle. But why? Does it bring up too many painful memories? Does she not want me to intrude on a place that means so much to her?

Am I nothing but a roadblock in her way of having a relationship with N?

This last question is enough to rub me the wrong way. All of the cheerfulness I held this morning promptly evaporates.

"W-why, of course I do!" I argue back, trying to keep the venom out of my voice. "You think I carry around my Swanna for its good looks?" She seems taken aback at my harshness and returns my glare. I could practically see the electricity between our gazes. Now both of us are pissed off.

Is this really the same girl I laughed with last night? Is this the same person who stood beside me as I fought Ghetsis? All of this resentment towards this complicated relationship disaster suggests otherwise. Is it hormones? Is our mutual anger at this situation finally slipping out?

But at the same time... How could I be so petty and let something like this destroy us? In the grand scheme of things, it's such a trivial matter. But my feelings are also extremely intense and all consuming...

"Rosa, Hilda, please don't fight," N nearly pleads, stepping between us. "Just come with me, please."

Hilda blinks a few times. "I-I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me there. I think there's enough room for all of us to ride on Braviary." She pulls out her Poké Ball and releases the magnificent bird. We all climb on: Hilda at the helm, then myself, with N holding on from behind.

"Braviary, please take us to the top of Victory Road," Hilda instructs the bird. The Pokémon trills in response and lifts off the ground, taking to the beautiful blue skies.

As we glide through the clouds, all I can think about is the anger and pain felt by the both of us on this problematic and emotional topic.

If we don't resolve things soon, it will probably tear our newfound friendship apart.