Chapter One

The First Meeting

I stepped out of the Pokémon Center, my Snivy at my side. He was my first and only Pokémon so far, but we had beaten ever trainer we had faced so far. Our journey had started two days ago when I left my home town for my Pokémon journey. I left with my two friends, Cheren and Bianca and we were already in Accumula town. I suddenly heard a loud ruckus coming from the center of town.

"White, come over here." I heard Cheren shout from the group of people. I stared at him for a moment before picking up my Snivy and walking over to stand behind Cheren. It seemed to be a rally of sorts, with a bunch of strange men in strange uniforms. However, one person in front caught my attention immediately.

He had strange gray green hair and one red eye. The man also had a long cloak, touching the ground beneath him. However, that wasn't the odd part about the cloak. It had two large eyes on either side of the cloak, painted blue and gold. Finally, he began to talk.

"My name is Ghetsis. I am here representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about Pokémon liberation." He paused, looking around the crowd. Suddenly, the group of people surrounding the center began mumbling."

"I'm sure most of you believe that we humans and Pokémon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other. However, is that really the truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans... only assume that this is the truth? "Pokémon are subject to the selfish commands of Trainers... They get pushed around when they are our "partners" at work... Can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying?" I heard someone in the crowd say, 'Maybe he's right… Have we been treating them badly?'

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokémon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokémon?" I heard a voice in the crowd say something quickly and quietly.

"Liberation." I looked around for the source of the voice, but it sounded like it came from the other side of the group. However, Ghetsis looked very pleased.

"That's right! We must liberate the Pokémon! Then, and only then, will humans and Pokémon truly be equals. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokémon... and the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention." He finished. The group of uniformed men picked up the signs they had placed in the square and filed down the street. With some final words, the group dissembled.

"Now what was all that about?" Cheren asked quietly. I shrugged, looking at the square where only moments before the men had been standing. I then heard quiet footsteps walking towards us. At first I thought it was Bianca, but it was a boy. He had long, tea green hair and blue grey eyes. He approached us, standing in front of us.

"You're Pokémon… Just now it said…" he said quietly. Cheren looked at me and my Snivy, puzzled. I also looked at Snivy, and it cried back to me. I smiled, placing it down. It stood by my legs, but slowly crept over to the boy in front of me. He looked at it, faintly smiling. My Snivy then walked back to me, standing between my legs. I stared at it, puzzled. It had never been so friendly with anyone, not even the professor.

"Stop talking so fast. And what are you talking about?" Cheren said, looking at him strangly. He glared at Cheren, then back to me.

"Yes, it is talking. Oh. Then, you two can't hear it, either... How sad. My name is N." He said, extending his hand to me. I slowly took it, looking at him cautiously. When he let go, Cheren extended his hand as well, but N didn't take it. Cheren slowly placed his hand back to his side, looking a bit annoyed.

"Who are you?" N asked, looking over the two of us. Cheren jumped at the chance to talk to N. He couldn't stand the fact that one person in the world doesn't find him absolutely brilliant and amazing.

"I'm Cheren, and this is my friend White. We are new trainers. Professor Juniper gave us each a Pokédex. So, I guess you could say we are her assistants." He said proudly. I looked at him disapprovingly. He was over exaggerating this too much. N looked at us with raised eyebrows. Then, he picked up a charm around his neck. It was what seemed to be a planet with a single ring around it. He rolled it between his thumb and forefinger.

""The Pokédex, eh? So... You're going to confine many, many Pokémon in Poké Balls for that, then. I'm a Trainer, too, but I can't help wondering... Are Pokémon really happy that way?" he said, staring intently at his necklace. He then looked up at me. I stared back into his eyes.

""Well, White, is it? Let me hear your Pokémon's voice again!" He said, Taking a Pokeball out of his pocket. I looked at him, confused. Then, he released his Purrloin and we began to battle. After a few moments, his Purrloin was knocked out. He picked it up, looking at it sadly.

""I never expected to hear Pokémon say such things..." he mumbled to himself. I looked at him, still confused. He drew what I think was a revive out of his pocket, using it on his Purrloin. Then, he returned it to its Poke ball. He smiled, mumbling something to it in a quiet voice. He then stood up slowly, staring at me.

"As long as Pokémon are confined in Poké Balls... Pokémon will never become perfect beings. I have to change the world for Pokémon, because they're my friends." He said, turning and walking off. I raised my hand as if to make him come back, but he was already gone. Cheren huffed softly, turning to look at me.

"Weird kid." He said. I looked off into the direction N had gone. Yes, he was indeed weird. But everyone was a little bit weird.

"Well White, I think I'll head off to the next town. I'll see you later." He said. I nodded, taking Snivy to the center. It was going to be a while until I got to the gym. I didn't want to take any chances.