Wake, human. It is I, Arceus.

Arceus . . . ! Why are you here appearing before me?

I have come to ask of you to go on a mission, and it is for you to become a Pokémon and travel back to the past.

But why and how?

I cannot answer the question "why" because you will know, but you can go to the past using the power of Celebi and Dialga. Let me ask you . . . will you accept it?

I will do it for you Arceus but why not the other one? Why am I chosen to do your mission? It doesn't make sense.

The other human you say? You two are the only humans in this time, but I do not trust him. His loyalty seems to be with the Dragon League.

The Dragon League! I can't believe it! No, Arceus. He is not the type to switch his loyalty to the Dragon League! Maybe you're wrong!

I am not, human. The Dragon League is powerful in this time, while the Pokémon of the Hero Base has steadily declined in morale, thinking it is impossible to overthrow them; however, in the past, the Dragon League was equal in strength with them until two more powerful forces that once fought for dominance joined them, which I think, they were tricked by the powerful king behind the Dragon League. To defeat them, there is one quality I seek in your heart that the other human does not have.

And what's that?

First, answer these questions honestly and instinctively. One: What two words do you describe yourself as?

Let's see . . . serious and a loner.

You described yourself not only as serious but a loner. Tell me what do you mean you are a loner.

I don't have any friends to be with, but I tend to wish for one; I'm quiet mostly all the time, only thinking. I am the type to work alone, to work independently. I believe that I work better by myself when I am in groups. Being in a group just makes me . . . left out.

Interesting. Let us say you and a stranger are stuck in a landslide. Would you run to save yourself or risk your life to help the stranger you do not even know?

Of course I would save the stranger! He or she would have gotten hurt!

Are you a leader or follower?

I'll have to think about that. Maybe I'm not a leader and I'm a follower.

Do you forgive those whom you heavily begrudge?

Yes, but it depends on how much they have done to make me carry a grudge on them.

What hurts you the most?

Anyone getting hurt in a physical or emotional way. My anger bursts out when that happens.

Are you confident enough in yourself or are you feeling that you lack confidence, even trust in yourself?

I definitely lack confidence and trust in myself. My mind is always clouded with doubts when I try to do the serious stuff.

Now this is the important question of all. Consider your answer carefully. Which do you value the most, human? Friendship or power?

. . .

Well?

I'm afraid I can't . . . answer.

Human, I have chosen this answer for a reason. You are a loner who have had no friends you could have a friendship with, and power . . . seems to be in your favor . . . is it not?

Y-yes, Arceus, power . . . I have no friends, and I am a loner in the dark with nobody on my side to comfort me.

I understand. I have given you the questions and listened to the answers. Your personality, behavior, and reactions will affect history, and the future of the past in the becoming of a Pokémon. And, your one quality I see in you has a great role in changing history forever.

Is it a good thing Arceus?

Yes, and that one quality is kindness. Your kindness to help with honesty captures others' attention, but although you are a loner who has the characteristics of a leader, but you seek no friends to befriend. Your seriousness and quietness seems too serious in their eyes, therefore, moving away from you, leaving you deep and dark in the shadows. Even if you do have a friend, it wouldn't last long, so you seek a worthy companion. However, you also have a personality that has been formed from your experiences. It is power to prove yourself worthy and wanting love from others.

I-it's true. I want everyone to notice me . . . I want them to show that they really do care about me . . .

But yet like others, you have a great flaw. Your flaw is not only your weakness but it is also your strength.

Tell me what is my greatest flaw if I am to know more about myself!

This great flaw of yours is kindness, which is also your strength. Although you want to help those in need, enemies will take advantage of your kindness for you to help them.

So I'm guessing you're saying I should control my kindness? What if I can't?

. . . I shall now see inside you to see what your aura looks like. Think of nothing: do not try to move or strain your mind.

I am, I am . . .

I am done. Your aura, human, is stormy gray, which it is in the color of gray and personality of a serious loner.

Why not like blue or green? Or the rarer ones?

Listen. Your aura is not just in the color of gray and personality of a serious loner but has a tint of kindness blending in as the core, just like a perfect match to your personality! Consider it special, not rare. I have also determined you have a special link to this Pokémon, and you will be its loyal and good friend and companion forever. But first, I must know what Pokémon you will be.

Do I get to choose or do you have to?

I am sorry, but I have to choose, which you will be a Pikachu.

A Pikachu, hm? Alright.

Now, as for your future partner, pick any of these Pokémon and then confirm your choice.

. . .

Very well. I knew you would choose this Pokémon. I am sorry to say but it is now time to part . . . I see that Dialga and Celebi are coming for you to take you back to the past to begin your mission sent from me. Remember about what I said about the Dragon League and Hero Base! They will be clues to how history will change in you and your partner's hands!

I will, Arceus! I won't let you down! I shall change history . . . for the past and all Pokémon!

Good luck human . . . for I fear even I could not see what lies ahead of your shadowed path.