battles-of-white:

 A smile stretched across Hilda’s face when she heard the invitation. It was nice. She had been alone on her travels on this time, it would be pleasant to finally have some company, especially with someone in which she could reminise with about their old times. Not to mention, they could catch up on what had happened during the time they were seperated. She didn’t mind being alone, it was nice. However, the girl couldn’t deny that she did miss having a friend by her side in which she could talk to and share laughs. It was sad to be walking and turn, having something to tell someone, only to find the spot next to her empty.

“I would love to!” she replied with a little more enthusiasm than needed. She tried to laugh it off, “Besides…” she pushed some of her hair behind her ear as her face turned a slight shade of pink, “I guess we need to get rid of them if we want to continue.” Another smile crossed her face as she looked at the ground for a split second then back up at Hilbert.

“We should probably get going.” she added soon after, trying to avoid the silence she had ust created. Hilda diverted her eyes away from the boy and looked around the warehouses, “Do you happen to know which one these guys are located in? Did the gym leader give you any idea whatsoever?”

[Being alone with her would be pretty great. He turned back to face Cold Storage and began walking, hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket. He glanced as Snivy fell into step beside him, smiling a little at him. Even that guy seemed all excited, now that White was here. It did remind him, though… What was Hilda using? Did Juniper have another starter for her? Or something else?]

No idea which way they are. Guess we gotta check everything. But that’s no problem. Sure we’ll come across some interesting stuff, no matter what we do. Hey, say, Hilda..

[He glanced over her, where Snivy had fallen back to poke around her shoes and examine her. He couldn’t help but vaguely notice that the happy, content, friendly noises the Grass Snake Pokemon made were similar to the ones he had made for N, when spoken to by the guy.. Shaking that off, he continued.]

What Pokemon are you using? What did Professor Juniper give you? Did she have another starter, or..?

[He dodged a youngster, who really shouldn’t be around here anyway, as the kid chased a dropped ball, and fell very close to Hilda. Just protecting her, though. Swear. Totally that..]

battles-of-white:

The mentioning of Cheren and Bianca made her smile. She recalled the fun times that the four of them used to share. However, to know that they all split up, it couldn’t help but sadden her some. She understood that each of them would in turn take a different path, she just didn’t expect it to happen to soon. “I guess they are doing their own thing…” her words trailed off as she thought about it.

Knowing Bianca, she was probably distracted by something that would cause her to fall behind, and knowing Cheren, he was probably striving to be the best. Yes, that sounded like him. A boy who was aiming to be at the top.

She sighed, looking back at Hilbert. “I had heard some stories about this group…I can’t deny that they are continuing to stir things up in some towns. Every time I stop to rest in towns, it’s as if people are glued to their television screens as they listen to what’s happening.”

Hilda placed her hands on her hips, “They sure are bringing up some turmoil. People have been arguing non stop about Pokemon liberation. I have seen people standing on the streets shouting at one another even though the goons had already moved on…” she looked towards some of the warehouses, “People have been rethinking their entire belief system…”

[The affirmations that Plasma’s work had been noticed threw a clench into his jaw. It was wrong, to force people to question something in such a harsh way. Sure, maybe that was for some people, but it wasn’t right to force people like that. Righteous rage, as opposed to brooding rage. At least it was a step up..?]

Yeah, they… I met their leader. It’s a long story, but he’s not much older than us. And there are Plasma guys in these freezer storage building.. things down here. That’s why I’m distracted. The Gym leader won’t let anyone else challenge until I take care of his problems.

[As long as he had been postponed, though, he knew that Hilda really must be a decent battler. Staring at her with careful consideration, he broke a small smile. She might even have a bigger party than him, who was being very careful only to catch the ones he felt like he ought to. Was that stupid to think..? That he wasn’t supposed to catch anything but certain ones..? Ah, whatever-]

Hey. Why don’t you come along? I’m sure you can help me handle them. They’re not the strongest guys, physically. It’s just their ideals and words that are strong.

[Besides, it would mean more catching up as they searched. And the still-there pink flush across his face still hadn’t dissipated, and going into the cold would be a good excuse to blame it on. Man, she looked like she’d grown, and they’d only been apart for a few weeks. Was it just the separation that had him noticing how shiny her hair was, or how nice her complexion was? Man, he felt like Bianca, or something.]

battles-of-white:

A confused look crossed Hilda’s face as she placed her hands on her hips. Had she actually caught up to him? No, that couldn’t be possible. She had definitely given them some time before she set out. There surely would have been some sort of large gap between their skills that she wouldn’t have been able to fill at such a short pace. He must have been joking.

She tried to shake the thought. It could have been possible, she just didn’t expect it to really happen. “I decided to mull it over.” she replied, crossing her arms. “At first, I was a bit reluctant to start a journey, but then I realized…” Hilda paused for a moment and looked at the grass around them, taking in the foreign landscape. She hardly had been out of Nuvema. It had simply become boring for her, she needed something else.

Her attention went back to Hilbert, “It’s boring.” she finished. “I never thought that all of you leaving would effect me so much, but I realized that without you guys around, I had no sense of adventure. I was just wasting my days sitting around doing nothing, no one to really talk to that got me like you guys. I figured that maybe if I set out, even if we never crossed paths again, I may meet someone that would let me see that adventure.”

She smiled at the thought of her reasons, but she couldn’t deny that most of her smile belonged to the nostalgic face. She shook her head, chuckling a bit, “Anyways, what have you been up to since you left?”

[He swallowed hard against a wave of inadequacy. Maybe he was finally overshadowed, may— But, wait. He *had* been distracted by Plasma a hell of a lot. It’d taken full days, every time they showed up, to deal with them, so. Maybe it wasn’t that they all sucked, compared to Hilda. His pace had just been spat all over.]

Well.. I’m really glad! That you joined up and all. Been kinda lonely without you, I guess. We’re all split up, I mean. Cheren’s.. Somewhere, and I think Bianca might still be in Nimbasa.

[He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at her with a rather meek smile. He didn’t want to explain just how bad it had really been. That would have made him seem stupid or something. He pulled his laces tighter, falling a bit back into his newer routine of half-stoic deadpanning.]

Stuff’s been crazy, though. I guess I’d be further ahead, but.. You know those news stories we hard all the time growing up? About stuff going on all the way in Kanto and Sinnoh and all those places? Where there were these ‘Teams’ trying to screw stuff up? Apparently Unova has one, now… And we’ve been targets, I guess.

battles-of-white:

A wide smile crossed the girl’s face when she saw the boy turn. She had been right, it truly wasn’t an illusion that she was seeing her childhood friend in front of her. Had she really managed to catch up to him? She didn’t expect herself to have progressed that fast to have met up with him so quickly. Hilda presumed by the point he would have been at his 7th gym considering the pace she was moving. Perhaps he had just come back to stop at the market?

But who cared. The reunion between her and Hilbert made her happy enough to not continue questioning as to why they were both here in this place. Despite that she loved the liberation of doing something on her own, she could never deny the fact that she missed her friends, and most importantly him. Even with Bianca and Cheren growing up with them and the bond they shared, there was something different about the way she connected with Hilbert.

Maybe it was the fact the two got along so well, maybe it was the fact they did so many things together, maybe it was the fact that since I child she had liked him. Then again, she tended to shake that last part off, act as though it didn’t exist. He was her friend, and that was probably all that he saw her as. They just were exceptionally close. Although, she couldn’t deny that she felt a flutter in her heart when she saw the excitement of the boy coming in her direction.

She embraced her friend tightly before she pulled away to look at him, “I actually am here to challenge the gym leader!” she replied, “I can’t believe I ran into you! Are you revisiting or something?” she asked, her bright blue eyes staring into his brown ones. Her eyes were sparkling with joy and excitement.

[Shamelessly, he embraced her back. Though he was very conscious not to hold her too tightly, because, well. That was awkward, wasn’t it? Once they parted, he crossed his arms and grinned just as wide. Well, just as wide, until his expression snapped into dumbfounded shock once he processed her words.

Challenge? The gym lead—!?]

You’re challenging gyms!? I thought you said—!

[And that also meant, if she was, in fact, going after Gyms, herself, that Plasma had slowed everyone down a lot worse than he’d thought. Now that N was ahead again, he could be all the way to the last Gym! Of course, Hilbert was not about to allow the possibility that, maybe, Hilda was just better or something. Not that he rejected the thought, it just didn’t cross his mind naturally.

He’d been so busy beating everyone and hating it that he hadn’t really considered that, maybe, someone else could finally match him that wasn’t the enemy. Could Hilda finally be someone who he couldn’t make angry with him by battling?]

Did you just walk out the next day after we left or something? How are you this far?

bbattles-of-white:

 Hilda stretched her arms as she looked at Driftveil city lying before her. It was amazing, she couldn’t believe that she had come thus far in her travels, after already deciding to head out on her own. She sometimes debated as to whether or not she should have left with the others, but there was something about the fact she chose to go on her own that was liberating. Maybe it was the independence. Even though she had seperated herself from her friends, it felt good to do something for herself for once.

 

She smiled at the city before her, “Amazing.” she whispered to herself till she suddenly was greeted by a rather flustered cowboy. Oh wow…that’s the gym leader. she thought as she heard him speak, ranting about something and the Cold Storage.

It was worth checking it out. Besides, she might as well help with the comotion that Plasma had been creating lately.

Hilda made her way to the center of the town, scanning it with her eyes as she searched for a direction to move in. It was then when she noticed several warehouses in the southern direction. “That seems right…” she said aloud as she made her way southbound.

She scanned the area, searching for some sort of clue as to where to go next. It was suddenly when she spotted a familiar brown haired boy with a familiar physique. “…Hilbert?” she called out, almost unsure as to whether or not it was really him. She hadn’t seen him in ages, but she was fairly certain it was the same Nuvema born child.

[That voice. There was no way to mistake that voice. He wheeled around, eyes wide and mouth open in shock. Murky brown eyes widened in shock and excitement. The crusted surface of a boy growing up into a bitter and angry man cracked away, if only just from his face. He broke into a beaming smile and nearly tripped in his effort to get closer to a girl he overlooked his universe-given resemblances to.]

Hilda!! Oh, my God! You’re— When did you get here? How? Did you need to go to the market, or did you..?

[He was grinning like a fool. A friendly face that wasn’t angry or hurt or a turncoat. But he wouldn’t let himself fully ask if she were, in fact, here for the same reasons he was. She had shrugged, when they left, and just said she didn’t want to or whatever. That she wasn’t ready. Gosh, if that hadn’t been one of the saddest moments of his life.

She’d always been so prett—Er. Kind. And smart, fast, the only one close to his athletic level. Cheren has always been smarter, yeah, but he couldn’t run as fast or as long as he and Hilda. And she was so funny, so great..

He grinned wider, still, his face feeling like it might split, hands balling so that he wouldn’t make a fool of himself, though the light flush was already giving him away.]

[Battling had cleared his head well enough, that and the bridge’s surprises and view. In fact, he had been in a good mood by the time he was done leveling via Duckletts and dropped feathers. Up until the screaming, spitting cowboy barked him to do a job that he wasn’t at all obligated to do in the first place. But, the order had involved Plasma, kicking ass, and being allowed into restricted areas, so the boy in him really couldn’t say no, could he?

He’d wandered the city shortly, in search for that Cold Storage place, not bothering to head south quite yet. There was a neat market, that-a-way, and some freak cruising around on a motorbike. But no storage place or trucks, or anything, honestly.

Finally, he turned a full circle and faced the buildings ahead. Oh, well. There it was, of course, Just where he hadn’t been looking. He managed a snort, heading forward with a glance to the Snivy wandering at his side. (Who had insisted to be released to walk, which Hilbert wasn’t about to argue with. He made great exploring company) He did, however, pause just as he passed the chain-link fence to look around.]

Man, guess we get to do this alone. Should be fun, right, Snivy?

the-nth-power:

[N watched the pair warily, his expression softening. This certainly wasn’t the first time he’d witnessed the kindness Hilbert showed to his Pokemon; it was apparent from the start. N was very glad that he had that demeanor— it was part of what made him so compelling.

And, as soon as he faced N again, it was gone. And that was perfectly understandable. Promptly, he closed the distance between them and handed the Potion in his hands to the other trainer— a Super Potion. Team Plasma’s grunts kept him well-stocked. His fingers left some unsightly splotches of red on the outside of the container. He drew away quickly, his hand again placed over the wound. Well, he’d have to get it cleaned and bandaged somehow… and would probably end up having to return to Nimbasa to do so. How troublesome…

He glanced briefly over his shoulder in the direction of Nimbasa, then turned back to Hilbert, speaking haltingly.] … What you did… was reckless and exceedingly foolish. I’m not even sure I fully understand why you took the risks you did. [A pause.] But… Thank you. To both you and Venipede. [He could have been injured much worse if the Liepard hadn’t been distracted, after all. His eyes darted around uncertainly for a moment. Was that okay? To show his thanks to an enemy? Eventually, he gave a slight nod.]

This, however, does not change our stances. But you understand that already, don’t you? We cannot be allies, even if you attempt to aid me. Our views are too different. [It almost felt like an apology would go here… Under different circumstances, perhaps they could be… friends. But that was not how the world worked. He refrained.]

[He felt the worst urge to chuck the Super Potion back, the moment it fell into his hands with the little scrapes of blood over the plastic container. But they were enemies. And enemies didn’t care for each other’s safety. But N had given him this, hadn’t he? Hilbert drew in a deep breath, rummaging in his pocket and calling out.]

Well wait. Okay? Here. I have some money. Use it. To pay back for this. Okay?

I don’t know what’s going to happen. Or what you’re up to, N. But I know I’m going to stop you, if you and Plasma do what I understand that you want. You can’t rob people. it makes you a thief. A criminal. Kings shouldn’t be criminals, should they, N? We could h-… [He shrugged his bag onto his shoulder and sprayed Venipede twice, where the little bug trilled a happy note and squirmed closer to him. He turned from N and began to walk in complete silence. Words weren’t worth it.]

the-nth-power:

[N stayed rigid, though Hilbert’s words did make him scowl. A retard? For wanting to handle the Liepard himself? For choosing to stay and ensure the Pokemons’ safety instead of fleeing? This didn’t make him idiotic, did it? Yes, he was injured, but not so badly as to drop his concern. He shifted his gaze away, focusing on the ensuing battle.

The Bug Bite did hit its mark, and the Liepard shrieked vengefully. It took a step backward, baring its fangs, but it was becoming apparent that it was on its last legs. Its eyes moved rapidly, scanning the two trainers and the Venipede a final time. N watched its movements carefully, picking up on its behavior. It was considering fleeing. Thankfully, it seemed to have enough sense to back down before it was rendered helpless. When its eyes landed on N, he locked gazes with it.]

Go. Return to them. [The Liepard hissed indignantly, but reluctantly slunk back into the grass. N watched until it was entirely out of sight before he moved, taking a few steps back, distancing himself from Hilbert. It seemed that the incident was quickly put behind him, and he automatically moved on to the next subject of concern.]

… Your Venipede. Get it healed as soon as possible. [He paused.] Do you require a Potion? [Of course, his only offer of help would be extended to Pokemon. But a part of him was uncertain. Hilbert rushed in when N was attacked because of… worry? N’s automatic assumption would be that Hilbert wanted the Liepard for himself— as one of his battle slaves or as an experience donor. But that seemed not to be the case. That was a foolish decision to interfere… They were not friends; in fact, Hilbert should want to kill him and end his reign, not try to save him from harm. So… Why?

Should he thank the boy? He debated the thought as he rummaged through one of his pockets for a Potion. Even if Hilbert declined it, perhaps he could use it on his own wounds. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d had to make use of one in such a way.]

[Hilbert sighed in relief as the wild Pokemon stalked off. He turned his immediate attention to Venipede, who purred up at him. Proud of its work, it wiggled to his side, where Hilbert scrambled in his bag for a potion.] I should be fine. I think I have one. [Was it rude to deny? Well, N deserved it, didn’t he? He turned all of his attention, instead, to the little bug pokemon at his ankles.]

You were amazing. We’ll get you healed up, and then we can go forward and actually get some experience. I’m sorry you didn’t, that time. Heck, maybe you’ll evolve or something. Wouldn’t that be neat?

[It was like a different part of him spoke to the Pokemon. Not the cynical, unamused part that had a good heart that he usually presented, and had this whole journey. His voice was more caring, there was less need for masculinity, and he was smiling freely. This was more of the Hilbert that he had been before all the mess had started. The Hilbert that walked around with Cheren and talked about really dumb stuff, just to annoy him, when Bianca had been ill. The Hilbert that had always been his nicest to Bianca, and let her win at card and board games.

At least there was a bit of happiness left. Which was good, and something he realized. Even if he hadn’t wanted thi—… Even if this wasn’t the way he had planned on growing up, he still had a way to be him. These guys wouldn’t hate him, right?]

Crap, come on-. [He frowned, shaking the bag and then overturning the medicine pocket, where a single Paralyze Heal fell to the ground.

He stood there, really not wanting to give in, before pulling back on his angry, ‘I hate you, you lied to me’ face and glancing at N.] I guess I need one.

the-nth-power:

[The Liepard gave a cry as it took the brunt of the attack. It straightened itself quickly, shaking itself off and readying another attack.

Meanwhile, N’s eyes darted back and forth between the battle and Hilbert’s hand. He shied away from the boy’s hand as if it were something offensive and seemed to snarl.]

No. [Apparently, no trainer could be trusted to battle without his supervision. Stubbornly, he got to his feet himself, gaze moving past Hilbert to the Liepard. The cat Pokemon dashed toward the Venipede before leaping over it, attacking from above— Pursuit.

But it was still at a disadvantage; N could tell the battle likely wouldn’t last much longer. He took a glance down at his arm, lifting his hand from it long enough to see the smear of red across his palm. It’s been a while since a Pokemon last injured him like this.

He brought his arm closer to his body, holding the wound against his shirt, trying to better stanch the bleeding. He glanced sidelong at Hilbert.]

It’s territorial— likely protecting its young… You cause it to faint, you are restricting its ability to protect itself and them from predators, disrupting the natural course of things. [Battles were disgusting. He turned away.] Why did you interfere? [Geez… Talk about ungrateful.]

Are you freaking retarded? Of course that’s why it attacked you. I’m trying to buy you time to get out of here. [He braced himself as Venipede took another hit, a sound of pain rumbling in his throat. As if he understood and felt it just as much as his Pokemon.]

I’ll flee when I can. Just leave! [However, Hilbert was at something of a disadvantage. The Venipede was under-leveled for this sort of match, if only by a few. It had also refused to evolve, its stats subsequently suffering.] Protect, Venipede!

[Worry drummed in his heart. N’s words were viral, taking over his whole mind. Protecting its young. Disrupt. He’d changed, and disrupted his own habitat, was it like that for every Pokemon in every battle?

Hilbert withdrew his hand from N’s reach entirely, the bitter taste of anger and near-hatred pulling him to do such. Fine. If it didn’t back off, he’d flee and let it do whatever to N. If he was too good for Hilbert’s help, and if Hilbert was such a villain, why shouldn’t he let N have that illusion?

Well, because it would be wrong. Wouldn’t it? Did he care? Damn it, it was so confusing]

Now go for Bug Bite again this time! Scare it off!

[He gave the command, knowing that Liepard would attack first, anyway. After all, its speed was naturally out the roof, and even moreso against a weaker Pokemon. Swarm ought to kick in any moment, anyway. It’d make the attack just powerful enough to hurt where it counted.]

the-nth-power:

[The Liepard seemed to notice Hilbert’s approach first, its eyes averting from N and its ears twitching, pinpointing the rapid movements. N didn’t dare move for fear of it lashing out at him again, even as he heard the call of his name. Soon enough, the Liepard’s fangs were withdrawn from his arm as it leapt away to combat the Venipede. It stepped into a battle stance, baring its fangs, fur bristling.

Only then did N move, quickly turning over and pushing himself upright, ignoring the protest of the now bleeding wound. He clamped a hand over it and turned his gaze to Hilbert, his expression distressed and urgent.]

No! Leave her be! You’ll only—

[“—make things worse.” The Liepard gave a hiss and lunged at the Venipede, claws drawn. Liepard used Fury Swipes!]

Cease this! You don’t have to fight! [What they should be doing is running. … Then again, it’s probably too late for that.]

[His stance was unwavering. Pure courage flared in his eyes, trust in his glance to the Venipede

Hit 3 Times!

The Venipede flinched, but gathered itself into its widest possible form, attempting to look intimidating to the far-larger feline. A purring growl rumbled from it’s dark head. Hilbert swept an arm froward, pointing to the Liepard.]

Bug bite, Venipede!

[The centipede pokemon lunged, attacking as told with no second thought. It trusted Hilbert with an obviousness that N could not attempt to overlook. Hilbert, himself, side-stepped to N’s side and extended a hand towards him without looking around.]

What’s wrong with you!? Go. Run. To a Pokemon Center or something. I’ll take care of this.

[I shouldn’t help you.]

And be careful of its claws, Venipede!