From the moment I saw you, I knew that you were different. The memory of our first meeting left a lasting impression, something that I would never truly forget. I remember the way you stood outside of the crowd, listening to our teachings, our purpose. Ghetsis's voice vibrated through the plaza, proclaiming that Pokemon will be freed from human oppression. While others were questioning their resolve with fervent whispers, you remained silent, refusing to take part in the useless prattle. Your eyes were focused on the man, as if you were unaware of the others surrounding you.
I could always determine what others were thinking…until I saw you. Your emotions were hidden well behind those dark brown eyes, as if there was a barrier preventing anyone from getting too close. A stoic expression remained set on your face, an expression that did not change even when Ghetsis was reaching the climax of his speech. And yet, I sensed a bemused skepticism behind the emotionless front, as if you considered our ideas to be the ridiculous utterances.
I considered you, then, to be the same as the other humans: selfish, overconfident, arrogant. I considered you to be the same as the other trainers who thought only about their own benefits while ignoring the repressive conditions they create for their Pokemon. While my anger burned against you, I decided to search for your Pokemon's voices. It did not matter if they were in capsules or if they were hidden inside your bag; my gift of hearing cannot be stopped by such obstacles. Muffled, perhaps, but not completely blocked.
You had only one so I assumed that you had just started the so-called journey that every human child embarks. The path towards "adulthood." The path of "enlightenment." The path that usually ends in bitter tears and cruel disappointment. With these thoughts in mind, I caught the Pokemon's attention and began asking it a series of questions. I had to know more about you, and what better way than to ask your Pokemon? He told me that he was a Tepig and that he had been chosen recently out of a group of three. He told me that he was getting accustomed to his new master. He told me that he had participated in a number of battles. As I continued to ask questions, I began to realize that there was no fear or hate in his voice. Rather, he seemed hopeful, as if he acknowledged your potential and wished to remain at your side.
Anger changed to curiosity; I wanted to see for myself what Tepig was telling me. When Ghetsis finished and left the area with my subjects, I decided to remain behind. I could catch up with them later; after all, it is not as if they could leave without me. The crowd continued to whisper, but the humans soon parted to go about their daily businesses. Only when the plaza was empty did I approach you.
Your friend seemed perturbed, but I paid him no heed. I already knew his thoughts; he was a human who believed that strength was everything, that satisfaction is only found by becoming the strongest. And in order to get that strength, he was willing to use his Pokemon. Just like all the others. No, I was only interested in testing you. The one whom Tepig had put his faith in.
After introducing myself, I told you about my doubts as a trainer, that I did not think it right to keep Pokemon in such conditions. Unlike other people, you did not show disbelief at my words. Unlike other people, you did not look at me as if I had lost my mind. Instead, you held my eyes with a firm look, neither approving nor disapproving. It almost seemed like a challenge, as if you wanted me to show my passion in my views.
The battle was nothing like I had expected. Other than concise instructions to your Tepig, you remained silent. There was no screams of excitement when Tepig managed to connect his attacks with my Purrloin, no cries of anger when Tepig failed to carry through your instructions. There was a sense of cold calculation in your mannerism, as if you were thinking through your moves, deciding which course of action would be the best. You kept your feet in reality rather than being tossed by the waves of uncertainty.
The match ended too quickly; I almost suspected that you were not giving your all. But I looked at both of our Pokemon, at how both were injured because of our battle. Purrloin could barely lift his body while he cried piteously into the air; he did not have enough energy to lift his drooping ears or to move his legs. Purple fur was unkempt because of the constant battering; certain areas were charred into a coal black because of the fire. Tepig was the victor, but I could hear the fatigue in his voice. A number of scratches etched across his midsection, some showing signs of blood.
As I noticed these details, I felt my anger rising because of you…and because of my own actions. I had let my desires cloud my judgment. My curiosity had brought harm to the very beings I wanted to protect. No, I told myself that it had to be done. I have to rely on Pokemon so that they can be free. I needed their help, just like they needed mine. For in the end, I would make sure that Pokemon will no longer be used for human desires, that Pokemon will be able to live without human influence dictating their every move.
Firm in my resolve, I asked for your name; it took you more than a minute to give it, but I did not mind. There was something different about you, and as I went to join my subjects, I repeated the name of the one who fate had deemed would cross my path again.
Touya.