Silence in Black and White: Chapter 4

Chapter Four

Superstitions are weird and unusual beliefs, I mean; who thought that by walking underneath a ladder, or breaking a mirror would conjure up years of bad luck? Well, in a normal, everyday life situation, most people could possibly overlook superstitions as nothing more than fabrication, made up to tease paranoid passer-by's, and to forever twist the fabric of that person's mind. Today was a different matter entirely.

Today was Friday the 13th, and as we all know; bared connotations to bad occurrences, or freak accidents, so forgive me if I wasn't just a little bit concerned here. It was also the dreaded day of my test results, and I had been a paranoid wreck all morning.

"Will you sit down, for Arceus sake?! You'll wear a groove into the carpet!" Touya cursed at me, as I paced around the living room, my hands furiously raking through my hair, and my heart thundering harder in my chest.

"I can't go…I can't go…" I mumbled weakly, trying to calm my breathing down to a more suitable level. Touya sighed, before he grabbed my shoulder's firmly, forcing my eyes to stare into his own; hard sienna eyes were almost consumed with concern.

"Nate, calm down, okay? You'll be fine. The results aren't the most important thing, remember that."

"Have you not SEEN the date, Touya?!" I cried, hearing my voice crack under the pressure, and I forced myself to look away.

"You don't really believe in that, do you? It's just a date, Nate; it doesn't mean the world is going to come crashing down around you." I wanted to believe him, really I did. If it would stop my heart hammering angrily against my chest, and calm down my overexert mind, I'd be up for that. Sadly, that was not an option.

"I'm scared…okay? I'm scared because I'm not ready for this…"

Touya's strong protective arms wrapped around me; hugging me as if he were trying to shield me from the cruel world. I clung desperately to his jacket, terrified to let go.

Why did it have to come around so fast? Why couldn't time have just stopped completely, and I could have stayed here at home, with Touya and Mom, and be happy?

Why did Arceus doom our world?

Were we beyond saving?

"Hey….I made you promise, remember? No-one is going to hurt you. I'd die before that happens…" Squeezing my eyes shut tightly, I buried my face into his chest, worried that if I let go he might simply disappear right before my eyes, and leave me to face the horrible poisonous world alone. That was something I couldn't handle, ever.

"Don't say those things…please" I begged, my heart literally tearing at the seams. The thought of Touya being taken from me was too much that I could take. If it happened…I just know I would not be living anymore, just merely existing; in an endless rut of pain and torment.

"You know I'd do anything for you…" He added in, his fingers gently teasing my hair in a subtle gesture to calm me down somewhat, and in a way, it was having an effect. My breathing wasn't shaky, or unstable, and slowly but surely, my heart was slowing down. That was a relief at least, the last thing we needed was a trip to the hospital due to an excessive anxiety attack.

"I…don't wanna go away for six weeks….I wanna stay here…with you…and Mom…"

"I know Nate, and we don't want you to go either…but it's something you have to do, and we will always be right by your side no matter what." I hated this. Why couldn't I just have a normal life like any other teenager? Why was I being thrust into an unforgiving world, making a life changing decision I had no idea about, with the threat of imminent war forever approaching?

Before I was fully aware of what was happening, I felt Touya gently lift my chin up with his fingers, forcing me to make direct eye contact. He flashed a supportive smile, and I swear I felt a little more of my soul break.

"You are strong, Nate. You just have to believe in yourself." How could I believe in myself? Self-doubt and paranoia had plagued my entire existence, so why would it magically disappear when I turned sixteen? It was okay for someone like Touya to say that I had to be strong, and get through this. He was always brave and resilient.

I wasn't strong….I was weak…a pathetic coward, who used to be scared of the dark, and had to sleep with a nightlight on. Who thought there were ghosts in the TV at night, and screamed if it wasn't covered up. Who foolishly believed that monsters hid under my bed, and wreaked havoc with my sleeping routine. So…how was I supposed to get through this?

XXX

"This is breaking news just in! There have been various other sightings of the two wanted teenagers, fleeing the scene of another suspected petrol bomb attack, at the Battle Subway, in Nimbasa City. According to reports, there were no casualties, and International Police have sealed off the subway, until further notice.

"An eyewitness report states that the two teenagers were seen going towards Route 5, heading in the direction of the Driftveil Drawbridge. The Police have now issued a code red warning; do not approach these people, if you see them call the authorities. It is recommended that the civilians of Driftveil City stay indoors at all costs. We will keep you up to date on any other news that is obtained. Cerise Winters, reporting outside of the Battle Subway, Nimbasa City."

XXX

"Did you guys see the news?" Rosa practically squealed down my ear, as I involuntarily flinched at the excessive noise. From the expression on Hugh's face, he didn't seem too pleased either.

We were currently sitting in a coffee shop, wasting precious time before we had to collect our results. Of course, it was Rosa's idea, as usual. The hot-headed blue haired male had protested once or twice, but backed off when his manhood was threatened.

"I did…it's getting worse with these rebel forces" Hugh mused, taking a sip from his glass of orange juice. I sighed, once again noticing that my heart had begun it's decent down into the sea of despair. News about rebel forces did little to lift my spirits, in fact; I became deeply concerned about what my future held in a world that was torn apart by war.

"I just wonder why the rebels are choosing such weird places, I mean; if they want to hurt Team Plasma, why don't they attack the damn castle?" Rosa suggested, looking at me from under her thick dark eyelashes, as she sipped her cappuccino.

"Perhaps it's to make a statement," Hugh interjected, not even giving me a chance to speak. "I mean, the rebels want to be noticed, so to get noticed they need publicity. By attacking important landmarks or places where a lot of people gather, it's only a matter of time before the media start realising what's going on."

"You know Hugh, you make a valid point. With reasoning like that I'm surprised it's not you who is doing the bombing~" Rosa teased, bobbing her tongue out at the blue haired male, who seemed deeply offended by her words.

"Don't you dare try to blame this on me!" I sighed heavily, not even touching my drink, and continued to gaze at the ice-cubes slowly dissolving. The banter between Rosa and Hugh was normality, and even though right now it was a saving grace, in the back of my mind it did little to offer any sort of comfort. Soon enough that banter would disappear from my life, and then things would never be the same again.

"Nate?" It was Rosa's concerned voice that pulled me from my reverie, and I was greeted with concerned glances from both parties. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah…I'm fine…" I lied, not even considering telling them about my stupid fears about Friday the 13th. The last thing I needed right now was more torment and grief.

"It's hardly a good day, is it? I mean, we get our results, and Monday we are whisked away to Castelia City, to make a life changing decision that could either destroy us completely, or be the best thing that has ever happened."

"Hugh! Depending on what specialism we choose depends on if, we will EVER see each other! If we all choose differently, then…oh my…it doesn't even bear thinking about!" The conversation continued to destroy my soul, with every cursed word that escaped into the atmosphere. Right now, all my fears were being thrown around so casually, and that was something I was not comfortable with.

"Do you still want to choose Grass?" Hugh asked, sipping from his glass. Rosa furrowed her brow in thought, clasping her hands together, so she could rest her chin on them.

"Hmmm…I'm undecided. I guess I'll wait and see what my results say first."

"That's odd, the other day you were all for the Grass specialism" Hugh had a point. She had told me that was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life, but now the time was quickly approaching, obviously it was a bigger decision that she first realised.

"It's a big decision…it's likely that all of us will constantly change our minds until we are actually standing outside the doors…" I mumbled, swirling my straw in the glass, watching the liquid create a tiny whirlpool.

"Urgh…WHY does there have to be so many types?!" She cursed, bowing her head down, so she was resting her forehead on her hands, sighing heavily.

"I overheard someone talking about yet another type being found on an offshore region, that hasn't been revealed yet." Hugh mused thoughtfully, and this piece of information grabbed Rosa's interest immediately.

"ANOTHER type?!" She bellowed, and I winced in response to the overpowering loud noise. Hugh's expression contorted to that of slight anguish.

"Must you shout? The whole café has probably heard everything now."

"This is serious, Hugh! If another type has been found, that means the rules of Plasma dictatorship is bound to change! It will literally alter the balance of everything!"

I stopped twirling my straw, allowing my mind to process the information. A new type? Was that even possible? Surely we would be notified by now if any of this was true. However, Rosa did have a point; a new type would set the Meowth amongst the Pidgey's.

"I guess all we can do now is just wait for any news about it…" I mumbled weakly.

"Nate, a new type could seriously alter our choice at the ceremony! It would affect type matchups, weaknesses, strengths, everything!"

"It hasn't been approved as of yet, so we don't know anything about it, or where it has been found. It could be years before they make a breakthrough and decide to tell the world about it."

"Then, why don't we all do our best to find out more information? Surely, someone must know something!" Rosa beamed, seemingly excited about this new revelation, however the emotions and feelings that were consuming me were not positive in any way.

A new type would surely be a hindrance than a help to our cause. Added pressure at exams, and on results day, another factor to consider when at the choosing ceremony, all of it was just necessary; something I didn't want to be part of.

"You do realise that even if anyone DID know anything, they wouldn't tell us. I mean, what if Plasma found out that a group of teenagers were getting smart to their plans? They might take drastic action to ensure we keep our noses clean, and don't interfere in their business ever again." Hugh piped up, his crimson eyes flaring with concern. Rosa sighed; obviously unhappy with the fact Hugh had once again burst her metaphorical bubble.

"He's right…I mean, Team Plasma aren't known for their empathy, or their kindness." I added in quietly.

"Urgh…why does growing up suck so bad?!" Rosa complained dramatically, flopping down on the table, her arms spread out, and her forehead touching the wooden glaze of the furniture. I sighed heavily, knowing exactly what she meant. Growing up did suck, in fact, I just wanted to stay at home forever right now.

"Too true, but, we have each other, right? What was it you said, Rosa? Best friend's forever, right?" Hugh said aloud, smiling a little to offer the brunette some form of comfort. Rosa raised her sparkling azure eyes, and ended up flashing a pained smile in response.

"Yeah…so no matter what happens we will always have each other, even if we are miles apart." My chest heaved in pain, as I fused my eyes closed. I desperately wanted to believe their words, that no matter what specialism we chose, or if we wouldn't get to see each other for months at a time, we would still remain best friends till the end.

However, my gut was churning with uncertainty and the oppressing fear that somehow things would never be that simple; especially under Team Plasma dictatorship. No, life as I knew it was crumbling right in front of my eyes, and I was powerless to prevent the outcome.

XXX

Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply, attempting to steady my nerves, as I prepared myself for my results. Rosa's hand held my own firmly, refusing to let go, and giving it a reassuring squeeze every now and then. Her azure eyes sparkled brightly, indicating without words that everything would be alright. I wanted to believe her..

The staff at the Pokemon Trainer's school thought it would be beneficial if instead of receiving our results at the assembly, that each and every one of us were to be called into the meeting room, and be given them in a silver envelope. Hugh had been called in first, whilst Rosa and I waited in the hall, surrounded by other nervous students, who furiously chewed at their fingernails, or bounced their legs up and down in anticipation.

My eyes focused on the clock once more. Hugh had been gone for well over ten minutes, and deep inside I was starting to become concerned. Had the results been bad, and that was why he was taking so long?

"Nate…relax, will you? Everything will be fine." Rosa assured me, smiling softly.

"Hugh's been gone for a long time…what if something has happened?" I murmured pathetically, resenting my own cowardice nature.

"He'll be fine! He's as tough as old boots! Give him some credit, cupcake~" My ears perked up to yet another student being summoned to one of the rooms. It was a short girl, with blonde hair and glasses. She nervously got up from her seat, smoothed down her skirt, and plodded cautiously over to the door. 'Not long now…soon it will be my turn'

"What type do you want your results to confirm?" Rosa asked quietly, as I turned back to face her. I shrugged my shoulder's a little, unsure of her question. Right now, I had no idea. The only thing I was concerned about was that my results were so bad that I would be rejected from every single type, and be a failure.

"I…uh…I'm not sure, you?" Her body leaned forward, eyes flickering to the window, before once again meeting my own.

"I wanted Grass…but with what I chose in the exam…I think it might be something like Electric, or even Steel." There was not a slight hint of disappointment in her voice, so I assumed that even if she received that as her result she would be okay with it. Then again, like Touya had said; the results were guidelines, and not set in stone.

The sound of the door opening to our right alerted my senses, and in unison, we both turned around, our eyes greeted by the sight of wild blue hair, and a confused expression. It was Hugh, and in his hands was a silver envelope.

"What did you get?!" Rosa practically screamed at him, watching as he walked casually closer to our seats, and plopped his figure down beside me. He sighed, allowing his head to rest back against the headrest, crimson eyes obviously pained.

"…I got Fighting…" He muttered weakly. "I don't know how though…I mean, I assumed I'd get Fire, or Ground…"

"That's great! Fighting is a great specialism!" Rosa enthused, and even though she was only trying to make Hugh feel better about his results, she had no idea that it was probably making the issue worse to deal with.

"I don't think I'll choose Fighting as my specialism though."

"Oh?" Her large eyes blinked in confusion, whilst I continued to feel evermore awkward about the apparent situation. I just wanted this to all be over, so I could go home and forget about reality for a little while longer.

"Molly loves Purrloin, and I can't get one for her if I choose Fighting. So, I think I'm going to choose Dark."

"You're…going to choose a specialism…because of your sister?" The brunette asked, her voice sounding a little unsure about the idea, after all; Hugh had to live with this for the rest of his life. He nodded, a flash of determination lighting up his features.

"It can't be that bad, right?" As soon as those words escaped into the chilling, and surprisingly suffocating atmosphere around us, my ears perked up to the distinct sound of another door opening; to my left this time, and a woman peering from beyond its depths.

"Nathan Black!" She bellowed, and as if on command, I shot to my feet, releasing Rosa's grip on my hand. My heart started its heavy assault in my chest, causing each breath to literally burn in my lungs. This was it. There was no going back.

"Good luck, cupcake!" Rosa beamed, smiling brightly. Hugh nodded his head in affirmation, deciding against voicing his thoughts, not that I minded. I just wanted to get this agonising thing over with, and then attempt to build my fragile future around it.

Mechanically I trudged over to the open door, where the lady smiled kindly, much in the same manner I was used to seeing at home from my Mom. She held the door open for me, as I nervously stepped across the threshold, into a rather small room.

It bared resemblance to a cluttered storage room, without the clutter. There was a tiny foldaway desk, that sat in the middle of the room, with a chair situated in front and a chair behind. The lady wandered over to one of the chairs, and sat down silently, her murky grey eyes burning into me.

"Please, sit down." With a wave of her hand, she gestured to the empty seat, and without any hesitation I complied, stuffing my hands into my pockets for comfort. The room was deathly silent, apart from the sound of a ticking clock on the wall, agonisingly passing every second, every minute.

My eyes focused on her actions, watching as she pulled out a large black folder, and started to aimlessly flip through the pages, obviously searching for my name. A lump congealed in my throat as my eyes skimmed Rosa's name, only it was highlighted in red, unlike the others. I wondered what that meant.

With a smile the kind lady came across my name, and pulled out the pure silver envelope from the plastic wallet, and gestured for me to take it. I did so, albeit it nervously. One path to my future was concealed behind this shiny material, a path I could choose to follow, or dismiss completely.

"Congratulations on your result, Nate. I'm sure you'll be pleased." She beamed at me, that smile remaining on her features, as my eyes trailed down to the seal of the envelope. I wanted to rip it open, but at the same time I was apprehensive of doing so. Then again, the lady seemed enthusiastic, so maybe the result was good? With that thought in mind I ripped open the seal, rushing to empty its contents and just get it over with.

"There…must be some kind of mistake…" I murmured, as I stared at the words on the page. These couldn't have been my results…maybe there was a mix up with someone else?

"No, no, I assure you, all the results were verified by an independent adjudicator. There would be no mix up." My hands started to tremble as the information was still furiously trying to burrow into my brain cells, and make it stick.

I hadn't failed! No…in fact, I somehow managed to get the EXACT result as Touya did.

"I…I really got Fire?" I stammered, and the lady nodded, smiling sweetly.

"Nate, you don't always have to choose the bravest options in the exam to receive the Fire specialism. Sometimes choosing the safest option can be the best solution in the long run."

"I-I…but, I was a coward!" I cried, still staring at the piece of paper, unable to contemplate how the hell this even happened.

"You associate Fire with bravery don't you? Well, see it this way- Fire is also determination, passion, and also devotion. A specialism doesn't cover just one type of person," She answered, leaning back in her chair. "If it worked that way, the world would be a very boring and mechanical place. Besides, you don't have to choose Fire if you don't think it's for you."

She was right. Touya had got the same result as I did, and he chose the Psychic specialism. I guess I could do the same when the time came around. Still, I got a great result, and it relieved a lot of stress in such a short amount of time.

"Yeah…thank you!" I rose to my feet, stuffing the piece of paper back into the envelope. I needed to tell Rosa and Hugh the good news! Now, I just hoped Rosa got a good result too.

"Don't thank me, thank yourself." I nodded, and rushed out of the room, with a spring in my step. All my fears, and anxieties about failing were gone, like that heavy weight on my heart was now lifted and finally I was free.

As I wandered back into the hall, Rosa and Hugh noticed me immediately, and smiles spread across everyone's face. It was obvious they knew my results were positive. The brunette bounced to her feet, before literally crushing me in the biggest hug I had ever received.

"Was it good news?" She squealed, and when I nodded, she practically bounced up and down on her toes, overjoyed. Hugh smiled, genuinely happy but obviously, he wasn't the sort of person to bounce up and down in joy over something like this. It was just NOT his style.

"What did you get?" Hugh piped up, watching the both of us, as Rosa finally released her vice grip, so I could actually breathe.

"I got Fire!"

"Oh Nate! That's great news! I'm so proud of you!" I smiled at hearing Rosa so happy. Now, I just prayed that her results her good, and not bad, after all; her name was highlighted in red. I decided against telling her that right now to ruin the mood. Unfortunately, I didn't even have to say a word; a loud authoritative voice boomed over the crowd, silencing everyone.

"Rosa Mei, can you please report to room 1-A please, thank you." Her azure eyes scanned around curiously, wondering why she had to 'report' to somewhere, and wasn't being summoned like everyone else.

"That's odd," Hugh mused, thoughtfully. "Has something bad happened?"

"Don't say that…" I murmured weakly, holding Rosa's arms gently, offering as much support as possible. For the first time in my life, my childhood friend actually looked worried; scared even. Then again, if I was in her position I'd be terrified.

"Come on guys! It's probably nothing!" She painted on a smile, which was obviously fake, but I decided against saying anything. Just mentioning it might make the whole thing worse.

"Well…good luck."

"Thanks cupcake~" She ruffled my hair playfully, before pulling away, smoothing down her clothes. She took a deep breath, and made her way over to the ominous door, labelled 1-A. My eyes followed her, feeling nervous. I hoped everything was okay, and that nothing bad was going to happen.

Deep inside I desperately needed answers to what the red highlight meant. Did it mean something, a symbol perhaps? Was she top of the class? Did she need to retake the test? Had she…failed?

My heart sank as I slumped down into my seat, allowing my eyes to drift out of focus for a few minutes, trying to remind myself to breathe. No…Rosa wouldn't fail the exam…she was so clever! She was bound to get a great specialism! It was Rosa…! She had to…right?

XXX