He stands at the end of a mountain trail. Up here it is calm, even the air seems to be still. He takes the final steps towards the ledge, peers down. It should be windy. Somehow this bothers him as he relaxes his shoulders forcefully. It is fine. He is alone. Safe.

Reshiram is flying free, somewhere. It must be nice not to be cooped up in a cave, like they've done all of last month during the rainy season. Now the sky is empty of clouds. He had asked Reshiram to bring back some fruit, if possible. That's the only thing he can stomach, now. After months of running, trying to escape his past and the guilt. N shakes his head, nonplussed. This was his earned freedom. He wasn't supposed to keep reminding himself of his own failures.

He sighs. He wonders how Toya is doing. Probably exploring some other region, already. Far away. He is not sure what this makes him feel.

His thoughts are interrupted by footsteps. There is someone behind him, coming from the same direction he had climbed before. N tenses. Had someone seen him fly to the mountain with Reshiram? He doesn't want to know. He keeps staring straight ahead, and the steps slow and come to a stop. Still behind him. He gets chills up his back. The presence feels somehow.. wrong. Wh-

" Boy. "

The voice almost makes him stumble as he straightens his back violently. No. No - this is impossible. There is no way.

"...Ghetsis."

His voice is a mere whisper, and he is not sure if he is heard or if that even matters.

" I came to see you. "

See him? What? He cannot speak. Something is constricting his voice, and N stands there motionless, mouth slightly ajar. Still looking straight ahead.

Now identified as his father, the presence suddenly grows stronger, stifling. And then he catches a glimpse of the same shade of green as his hair is a few meters left of him. When did Ghetsis get next to him? He dares not to turn his head, but he manages to close his mouth at least. How unbecoming-no, it does not matter. It should not. It does not. Anger. It threatens to choke him, the amount of anger he is feeling. He is not sure whether is directed at himself or at Ghetsis. He just knows it is anger, this red haze that takes over.

It is silent for a moment. Then:

" We lost. All of it. The empire is gone, the people hiding like the weak scum they are. "

His breath escapes his lungs in a big whoosh. When had he started to hold his breath?

" I assume you know this. You seem to enjoy that rascal and his company, after all. What a waste. "

The cruel tone of voice has turned into a defeated one. He had never heard this tone before, usually the voice was full of distain or fury, cool anger. Or months ago, despair and insanity mixed together to commemorate the loss of an empire.

" Stop.."

He hates how weak his own voice is. Compared to the man - monster - next to him, he seems pitiful, even though he is the one that is free now.

" I have. Foolish boy. Have you not noticed?"

The man's arms are thrust onwards, widening as if to reach something unattainable. Yes. N has noticed. He still does not answer, in fear of sounding too frail.

" At least they still have their king. "

There is a warm hand now on his shoulder. He can feel the warmth seep into his skin. Did monsters have warm bodies? Unable to hide the flinch, he starts to back away, shaking his head violently.

" NO! No, no, I'm free, I'm not..! "

He starts screaming, eyes now locked on the red eyed monster that calls himself Ghetsis. He looks the same. Through his panic he can not see the tired, slightly hunched outline of a man, he only sees red eyes fixated on himself.

He stops, gulps at air like he could die if he didn't. Panic. He is having a panic attack.

" Reshi-ram."

That is all he can say, still trying in vain to breathe. Why is it so hard to breathe? Where is Reshiram?

" Boy. Stop this nonsense! Insolent brat - how useless have you become?! "

The scorching anger is back in the previously defeated voice. Now it sounds like a bark. He is not sure why, but this calms him down instantly. It is familiar. He can handle this.

N takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. Another moment passes as he steadies his breath, the monster also silent for the moment. N's legs give out, and he falls to his knees. The immediate pain makes him open his eyes, and he sees dirt all around him. It feels like he is bowing. But he was to become king, he shouldn't be the one to kneel, it is unbecoming, he has to get up before-

" It is fascinating how human behaviour can be conditioned. " What?

" I made you to obey commands and gave you a castle. You were never to see other human beings before reaching adulthood. Of course, that failed due to circumstances. However, you had learned not to trust humans and got attached to animals instead. " A humorless laugh.

Ghetsis speaks tonelessly, now. As if reading a sample from a book. He does not come closer.

" Then you were made to believe you would become the leader of our empire. If that boy and his group had not interfered, you would still be a promising tool for me. "

A pause. " I made you. You obeyed my commands even under the delusion that you would become king. You are mine. "

Too much speech. N trembles, knees now cold. He is cold all over. Perhaps Ghetsis intends to kill him now that he is of no use to him.

A piercing shriek from the skies shakes him from his horror. " Reshiram!" With a pained yell, N gets up. He stumbles to the ledge and jumps. Cool air whips him from all sides as he falls rapidly, but he can't think right now. He lets go of fear, and then he hits something solid. Air leaves his lungs. Reshiram. He is safe.

"Go. Anywhere."

Reshiram picks up speed. N does not look back. He knows the monster's eyes will follow them until they are out of sight.