Author's Note: Huge thanks to @CrimsonLavender for working her magic on this chapter!
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"...And that's how you all ended up in my little cabin here. It's pretty deep in the woods, and no one ever comes out this far, so you should be safe now." Concern mixed with relief softened his tone. "I've been tending to your injured friends as well. They should be feeling better soon."

He really cares about Pokémon, doesn't he? That's a nice thing to see. I start to smile, but then the room begins to spin around me. I'm suddenly grappling at the sheets just to get my bearings.

Arceus, don't tell me I have a concussion. I didn't even want to begin dealing with something like that. Maybe I'm just lightheaded. It makes sense, right? Remembering something like that all at once presents quite the shock to the system, after all.

"I'm really sorry for panicking and lashing out at you," I say, managing a sheepish smile despite the blur in my vision. "Guess that's how I handle scary situations. But what a way to thank you for your help, huh?"

N laughs softly in response, and my shoulders relax a little. There is something lovely about his laugh— a clean, melodic sound— and I'm almost happy to hear it. At least he forgives me.

"I understand. You were hurt, and you were scared. And to top it all off, you had no idea where you were. I'd have reacted the same way, so don't worry about it." Rocking back on his heels, N changes the topic. "How are you feeling? Is your head still sore?"

I shrug. "Kind of?  I feel better than when I first woke up." Not that that meant much since I still feel pretty crappy. "Thank you, by the way. For saving us, I mean. They would've stolen my Pokémon for sure if you hadn't shown up. I dunno what I would do without them." My voice cut off as my mind drifted, and I have to clear my throat. There's no point dwelling on what could have happened. They were safe now. That's all that matters.

N seems to sense I'm getting teary, because he shifts his weight awkwardly and glances towards the ceiling like there's something really interesting up there. It feels like he is trying to give me the privacy to pull myself together again, so I'm not offended. Instead, I swipe the offending liquid from under my eyes and focus on trying to steady my breathing.

"I'm glad I happened to be around." N says, still looking skyward. "Team Plasma doesn't deserve to get away with something like that. Pokémon and people deserve each other, in the end."

"Do you know what they're doing?" I ask him curiously.

He shakes his head. "I wouldn't assume it's anything good. Some things never change, I suppose."

Unfortunately. "Oh! That reminds me!" I exclaim, suddenly remembering a detail I'd found odd. "You said Delcatty spoke to you? What do you mean by that?"

N stiffens a little, and his eyes fall from the ceiling to the bed sheets. He starts fidgeting with them. Have I overstepped?

"What I'm about to tell you is the truth," he finally says, locking me with a serious expression. "Though it may seem... weird."

Couldn't be any weirder than the day I've already had. "Try me."

"I... can speak with Pokémon."

A beat. Two. My brows tighten, and I stare blankly at him.

He can do what now?

Sure, I'm shocked by the apparent absurdity of his claim. And yet, there is something about it that seems genuine.

He scrambles to elaborate. "It's a gift I've had for as long as I can remember. It's probably partly why Ghetsis took me in in the first place. I know it sounds impossible, but I swear—"

"I believe you." The words fall out effortlessly.

"Huh?"

"I believe you." I repeat, realizing as I said it that it's true. I've never told him my name, yet he'd known it. Unless he'd stolen my trainer card, which I doubt. And there is something about him that seems so innocent. Innocent and familiar...

"That's it!" I whisper, shocked as my brain finally connected the pieces together. How did I not recognize him sooner? "You're the N! From two years ago... You... you..." I'm too astonished to finish my sentence, my hands covering my mouth in realization.

Two years ago, Unova media had exploded in a frenzy. I was fourteen when I heard of Plasma and their mission to persuade people to release their Pokémon. Something about "Pokémon Liberation" and how it was better for the progress of humanity. I'd scoffed at how ridiculous it was, but others questioned it at best or were thoroughly convinced at worst (though I wondered how that could be, given how inseparable Pokémon are to our way of life). But what started as seemingly innocent persuasion soon escalated into crimes of thievery, trespassing, and worse. They became a general menace to Unova. Many still feared them.

The height of their supposed greatness happened when their literal castle rose from the ground and surrounded the Unova League. Thankfully, a trainer named Hilda had just defeated the Elite Four at the time and was there to stop them.

No one knows exactly what happened inside that castle. It was deemed too dangerous to enter, especially when all the gym leaders stormed the premises. Those close by claimed to see powerful, colorful flares erupting from the fortress, accompanied by booming, ground-shaking roars. Rumors circulated that the legendary dragons Reshiram and Zekrom, the white and black dragons of truth and ideals (respectively), may have been involved. It was presumed that Hilda, who had become well-known for her impressive victory streak and her numerous confrontations with the group, and Plasma were fighting it out to determine the fate of Unova.

After the commotion died down, a local resident caught someone flying on Zekrom out of the castle on camera. But its quality was fuzzy and unclear, so no one ever identified the rider. But the main ringleader, Ghetsis, was arrested. It was never determined why he had tried to manipulate people to release their Pokémon: if it was, the officials sure didn't release it to the public. I often wondered what his true motives were.

The few people who had been inside (Hilda, her friend Cheren, and the former champion Alder) refused to talk about what happened. All that was said was Team Plasma was disbanded. They mentioned that Reshiram and Zekrom were involved, but nothing about what happened to Reshiram, or who flew away on Zekrom. Nothing else has been said in the last two years.

At least, nothing that wasn't pure speculation and wild rumors.

Before the whole incident, Ghetsis had been the main focus of the media. However, Alder said that a tall, green haired boy who called himself N had not only clashed with Hilda on numerous occasions, but was also responsible for erecting the castle itself. He apparently dared Hilda to stop him.

But that was all we heard about him. N just... disappeared afterwards. Gone. Putting two and two together, I assumed that he was the one who'd flown away on Zekrom. It was possible that, despite his previous silence, he had been a major player with Zekrom in that battle— and in Plasma's whole plot in general.

Hilda herself only added one more thing when she had walked out of the castle with Cheren and Alder. "One day, I might talk about what really happened, but not yet. Not until Unova is ready for it."

Then, she walked away and disappeared as well. The media was abuzz with their new heroine, but there was no real confirmation about what happened to her, or why she'd left. A few months later, her mother reported that she was outside of the region... somewhere.

"Oh, I don't know where exactly... Maybe Johto? But she's always expressed an interest in visiting Kalos, too. She never calls, so I can't say for sure."

She seemed as clueless as the rest of us, which I found hard to believe. The other thing that bothered me was that, for some reason, everything about that incident was some big secret. Hilda hasn't been seen for over a year and a half, and Cheren and Alder have refused to say a word.

When Team Plasma decided to make a comeback (without any real official "leader," as far as I could tell), I remembered the anger I'd felt towards them. The frustration as well— at how helpless I was, nothing more than an observer on the sidelines. Just like Hilda, I was strong and, dare I say, talented. And I happened to be traveling around the region, too. So, I took it upon myself to channel my resentment and use it to stop them. No one else was going to step forward, it seemed. And, as it turned out, I was running into Plasma a lot throughout my journey, just like Hilda. I even managed to ruin some major schemes of theirs, which also flung me into the Unova media. I didn't care for the fame, though.

I just wanted to stop them from gaining power again. They wouldn't stoke the fear and chaos they wrought two years ago. Not into the hearts of the people and Pokémon I loved.

Hugh joined me every now and then, determined to get back a Purrloin they had stolen from his younger sister five years ago. But no one else dared challenge them, and it was obvious Hilda wasn't coming back anytime soon.

Nice time to take a vacation, Hilda.

N shifts himself on the corner of the bed near my foot, jolting me from my thoughts. "I'm a little surprised you didn't recognize me sooner. I don't know what you've heard about that... No doubt you see Plasma in a bad light. And, well, you should, but... that's not the whole story."

"I resurrected Zekrom to fulfill my ideal of two separate worlds for people and Pokémon. Growing up, I'd only known Pokemon to be abused and corrupted by Trainers, so I believed separating the two would somehow bring peace to both sides. But Hilda— that Trainer who stopped us? — she saw things in a different way. She believed Pokémon and humans drove each other to greater heights, and that they needed each other. So, she awoke Reshiram to 'shine the light of truth onto my soul'... That's how it was described by the brothers in the creation story of Unova, anyway. She defeated Zekrom and I, then went on to battle Ghetsis. And after Hilda won... I found out everything I had ever known was a lie." Bitterness laced his voice and he hesitates, perhaps trying to decide if he should continue.

"Ghetsis let it slip that he'd purposefully revived Zekrom for me to use, and I was nothing more than a pawn in some great scheme. Losing to Hilda ruined whatever relationship I'd had with him. Suddenly being able to talk to Pokemon made me a 'warped, defective boy' and 'a freak without a heart.'"

"He did not," I whisper rhetorically, knowing all too well that Ghetsis did. "That's not true at all. How can you be without a heart if you saved me? If you can communicate with Pokémon?" If you've treated me with nothing but kindness so far...?

A shrug. N is picking at the bedsheets again.

"It's fine. I never really took what he said to heart. But sometimes it does..."

"Hurt." I finish for him, offering a sad smile. "Of course it would. But he's a cruel man. You shouldn't blame yourself."

He nods, and for the briefest moment a ghost of a smile flashes across his face. Had I really seen that, or did I imagine it?

"Anyways..." N says, clearing his throat in a way I knew meant he didn't want to talk about it anymore, "It turns out Team Plasma's plan to liberate Pokémon was all just an act. Ghetsis manipulated me, and all of Team Plasma, to ensure he was the only person in Unova with Pokémon. That cliché of world domination you hear about in storybooks? It was almost a real thing. At the time, I'd believed with my whole heart and soul that what I was doing was right and necessary... That there could be no other justifiable way to let this world keep existing. Funny how the truth always hurts more than the lie."

His voice falters, and N closes his eyes. My heart aches for his guilt, but I doubt anything I have to say would help. All I could do was listen.

"You know how I mentioned that I only knew the spirits of Pokémon that had been broken while I grew up? For as far back as I can remember, that was always the case. In fact, Pokémon were responsible for raising me in the woods. Many of them were abused or abandoned by people they thought loved them. I was also completely isolated from human contact. Though I later learned I was an orphan, abandoned by the birth parents that feared me for my gift. So you can only imagine what that made me think of human beings as a whole.

"One day, a man found me in the forest. He called himself Ghetsis. From the moment he took me under his wings, he only let me see Pokémon that had been exploited by humans, as part of his painstaking and carefully calculated plan. I often wonder whether or not he was the one who left me there in the first place. It doesn't make sense that so many wild Pokémon that far from civilization would fear, and even hate people, does it?"

The way he asked me that question told me that even he didn't know the answer. I simply shake my head.

"No, it doesn't," I breathe in mystique. N seems to perk up a little, encouraged by my confirmation.

"Because of my gift, then, I could only ever hear the tortured and abused voices of the only friends I had ever known. As a result... I grew to despise humans for their despicable and harmful actions. Ghetsis only cemented this idea for me, being the very one who harped on the evils of humanity during our history lessons."

Seriously? That hypocritical bastard.

I give a snort. "Pot, meet kettle." N offers an amused breath before continuing.

"Ghetsis educated me on all sorts of matters, but, most importantly, on the creation myth of Unova. He knew I wanted to create an ideal world, the one I ached for my friends to have, so that they could never feel hurt ever again. So he told me that I could only awaken Zekrom if I agreed to be the king of his organization. Of course, I didn't know any better. This is ultimately why I sided with Plasma and crossed the region, searching for Zekrom and allowing that castle to rise. For the sake of my friends and their futures.

"But this is all what Ghetsis wanted, in the end. Not so I could truly have my two separate worlds, and bring peace and happiness to Pokémon everywhere. But so that he could turn around on me, and be the only one with Pokémon, putting himself in utter control as he wiped out everyone for the sake of power. If it wasn't for Hilda defeating him or myself, I would have lost everything I fought for within an instant. Ghetsis lied, twisted, and manipulated me for his own will. He was no better, if not worse, than the people he taught me to hate..."

Silent tears run down his face, and he bows his head as he recalled these events. I, meanwhile, struggled to even absorb all of this incredible information. I'm shocked beyond belief, going over all of these details in my head over and over again with a sense of awe. My heart resonates with sadness and sympathy for all of the struggles this poor boy had to overcome. And for all of the betrayal and heartbreak he went through. No one deserved such hardships, or such cruel, backhanded puppeteering. 

And now... Now I finally know what truly happened. I'm now the first outsider from Unova to learn everything that happened with Plasma, and in that final battle in the castle.

But why would he suddenly spill all of this to me? It's obviously a touchy and intimate subject. What is so special about me, a random girl he just met?

Still, with the media being so vague and speculative, I simply assumed that N was in cahoots with Ghetsis. But that isn't the case at all. Instead, he was unwittingly manipulated throughout his whole life. In reality, though, he wanted nothing more than to change the world for the better...

He didn't deserve this. No one did.

How could Ghetsis do something like this to him? It was so cold hearted! Not that he was a good man, by any stretch of the means. But... by Arceus, this is the kind of stuff you see in novels and movies, not real life.

"That's... really unfair. I'm so sorry." I look away, unable to meet his eyes. It must have been heartbreaking, discovering everything he'd believed in and cared about to be a lie. I couldn't even imagine it.

But it worked out in the end. Knowing that made me strangely happy.

My impulse control went straight out the window. One moment I sat there, feeling this tremendous grief with N. And then the next, my arms are around him in a reassuring hug. I couldn't just sit there and let him suffer alone, right after he poured his heart out to me. I know I would sure want a hug after all of that!

...And then I remember what he said about hating people, the moment he stiffens at the sudden contact.

"Oh Arceus, I-I'm so sorry," I stutter, beginning to pull away. "That must have been really awkward—"

My words fail me though when he hesitantly uses his arms to pull me back to him.

"Yes... I mean, no. I mean... Well, I actually kind of needed that. So... thank you for your kindness." He looks more confused than anything else. "I'm just not used to people... touching me like that, I guess."

I could feel my cheeks become flushed with color. "My bad," I confess with a sheepish laugh. "What can I say, I'm an affectionate person." I pause for a moment, considering.

"And, honestly? You deserved that. Not only for what you went through but also for saving us." He gives me a puzzling look, one I couldn't decipher, before it transforms into a small smile. This time, I am certain of its passage.

"And you have proven yourself deserving to know the rest." He takes in a deep breath and continues.

"After Ghetsis was arrested, I decided that I needed to leave Unova behind... at least for a little while. I wanted to be alone with Zekrom to think, really think about everything Hilda had taught me. About the nature of personal ideals versus universal truths. About different perspectives, and the different depths behind their meanings. About why things are more than just black and white.

"Not only that but... Hilda irrevocably changed my life. She opened my eyes to a wonderful truth I could have never dreamed of. She was bold, compassionate... yet also kind. I wanted to thank her for everything she had done, so I tried to find her. I searched far and wide over many regions, but it was all in vain..." His voice drops to a mournful octave as he pauses once more.

How could I respond to something like that? Do I try to say 'sorry' again? N is really starting to delve into personal territory here, regarding a subject I had little to no involvement in. Maybethe poor guy just needed to get all that trauma off his chest, and I happen tobe the first person around to hear it. While I'm touched to be considered worthy of such a confession, it's hard to know how to comfort him...

Before today, I just naturally assumed that N and Hilda were rivals (if not downright enemies) with opposing goals and ideals. But now, given what I know, I can see that whatever barrier they had between them fully dissolved when she had opened his eyes to the truth in such a meaningful way. He no doubt viewed her as someone extremely special and extraordinary.

It must be nice to be valued that way. A flare of hurt clouds my mind for a moment. Sure, Hugh and I were best friends, but our bond is nowhere near as intimate as this one. That's partly because of his prickly and flighty nature... But I digress.

The point is, I've been single my whole life. I know, I know— I'm 16, and I still have plenty of time. But to have someone as thoughtful and caring as N chasing after Hilda? And she was shallow enough to simply leave him without a word? What's up with that?

Then again, maybe she had no idea.

Either way, what else really went on in that castle? ...I don't think I'll ever know.

"Almost two, long years went by without success." N interrupts my thoughts after his pause. "I decided to... discreetly return here. Because... I like Unova. I wanted to settle in the place that changed my life for the better. But not in the limelight. There's no way I could live like that. So, after finding this secluded place, I built this cabin with the help of some local Pokémon. And I've been living in this forest ever since, taking care of any injured or isolated Pokémon along the way. I almost never make contact with people... Old habits, I suppose. But this is how I live the happiest."

"Wow. That's quite the story," I whisper in sympathy. I really want to find a way to support him after he divulged such a hefty history. But it proved difficult to do. This is far too much for anyone to take, especially an innocent boy like him...

I try to look him in the eyes, but they were such a storm of mixed emotions that I simply couldn't hold his gaze.

"Do you still believe me now?" His voice lingers in the silence, pleading for my understanding.

"Yes," I murmur sincerely. "Of course." I wanted to curse my eyes, as they wouldn't stop wandering. If only there was something— anything— that I could do...

The impact of a sudden thought actually ceases my breath.

"N. When did you say you brought me here?" He cocked his head, still seemingly dazed.

"Maybe about an hour ago... Why?"

"Well, if I was chasing Plasma, and they were left to go about their merry way..." His face instantly drains as he realizes the implications of my statement.

"Wait. You weren't just some random victim? You were actually going after them?" he whispered in shock.

"Well, I am now!" I exclaim nervously, as I begin to force myself up and out of bed. Plasma may have been left alone for at least an hour. That gives them plenty of opportunities to take over the region using their frigate— or, at the very least, it gives them a sizable head start. As much as I'd rather stay here to get to know N better, I cannot waste a minute if there is to be any hope left for the survival of the Unova region.

"N, I'm going to need my bag and my Pokémon, now!" I command in a wavering voice, as I start to make my way towards the door. I force myself to ignore the fresh wave of pain that such a sudden action brought to my poor forehead. "If Team Plasma has been alone for that long... Arceus knows if Hugh actually made it! And even if he did, no offense to his great abilities as a Trainer, but I'm not sure he could handle the whole organization by himself. Plasma could be dominating as we spe—"

"Woah, slow down a second," N interjects, actually blocking me from the doorway (much to my annoyance). I didn't even notice he had gotten up. "I understand your panic. Really, I do. But let's take things one step at a time. Hysteria won't do us any good here." My breaths are rapid and hitched, and I almost growl in frustration. But I nod anyways, knowing deep down that he only wants to help.

"First of all, is this 'Hugh' a friend of yours...?"

"Yeah, he's a Trainer like me. He's helped me fight off Plasma sometimes. We split up to pursue Plasma. He's strong, but there are way too many grunts for him to fight off at once," I explain quickly, my words nearly tumbling over each other.

"Okay. I'm sure he will be able to handle himself. Just breathe for a second, Rosa. I will grab you your bag and your Pokémon. Serperior, Lucario, Delcatty, Swanna, Liepard, and Flareon, right?" I nod in affirmation before N disappears behind the doorway. I wait anxiously with my arms crossed. Every passing second feels like an eternity. But in reality, it must have only been a minute or so when he returned with my pink bag. In the meantime, my mind ran through every worst-case scenario. My relief only comes when I see my belt with my Poké Balls in his hands.

"Thank you," I sigh in relief, fastening my belt and slinging my bag over my shoulder as fast as humanly possible. "Thank you so very much for your hospitality, and for taking care of me. I truly hope we meet again. But for now, I really must get going—"

"Wait!" N exclaims suddenly, blocking me from opening the door. I feel appalled by his action until I notice the sense of panic in his eyes. "Um... Could I possibly go with you?"

"What?" I reply, unable to determine if I heard him correctly. "Go with me? Why?"

N's reply is dark in tone, and even a little bitter. "You know what Ghetsis did to me, and how he made this region suffer two years ago. And now the remnants of his evil are trying to take over again? Do you think I could just sit by and watch it happen all over again, completely outside of my control? No way! I need to go with you, Rosa. I need to help you stop him, because I care about the Pokémon— and, yes, some of the people— here far too much. Please, let me come with you."

I bite my lips as I consider. Have him come with me? Well, why not? I could definitely use a helping hand in the challenge I am about to face. And maybe it would let me get to know him better as a person. Maybe— assuming that everything goes well— we could become friends after such an experience. That would be pretty neat. I really like the person I've gotten to know so far.

"All right, I can agree with that. But be careful, okay? I'd hate myself if something happened to you. Just stick with me, and you can battle using my Pokémon, if necessary. Do you have any of your own?" I think I already know the answer to my own question, though. The way N talked about and regarded Pokémon? No way he uses them for battle or owns them in Poké Balls.

"No, but I have Zekrom still," he replies quietly.

"Well, that will help, I guess. But do you really want to whip out the Hyper Beam right away, so to speak? It'll give yourself away... if your hair won't first. Trust me, you do not want to be identified, or Plasma will be no doubt looking for your blood. And Arceus knows what will happen then! No, this situation is bad enough as it is, and I'd prefer to not make things worse. Anyways, I promise you my Pokémon will battle with you, if necessary. They've always listened to me, and they will trust you if I do."

But who could it be, if Ghetsis is still incarcerated? I wonder as we head out the front door of the cabin, tossing a strand of hair behind my ear. I guess we were bound to find out. I take a deep breath and allowed myself to venture into the unknown with him.