Notice: This is a long chapter. Also, my Inner Writer and Inner Fangirl got into a wrestling match about how this chapter was to be done, and unfortunately (or fortunately, depending) the Inner Writer won. I apologize. This chapter also contains spoilers. From here on, there will potentially be further spoilers. Just wanted to give the warning to anyone that wanted it. Also, I apologize about the math. If it makes you feel better, my brain melted when trying to incorporate it. If there are any math buffs and notice errors I made, please correct me. Thank you.
The seat on the bike was awkward, uncomfortable. The handlebars were bare, and if something soft wasn't used to cover them soon Touya knew he would have calluses developing from his fingertips and all the way down his palms. His heart beat was rising, his cheeks flushed, and he felt almost panicked as he rushed after the man and the woman. He didn't understand. Back in Castelia, with Burgh… hadn't that man agreed to concede to Burgh's opinion? Didn't Team Plasma return Munny to Bianca? So why… why were they here again, harassing the daycare man? Had they decided that what Burgh said was not compelling enough…?
…but didn't they all care about Pokemon? So why…?
His head hurt, and his fingers were cramping from holding so tightly onto the handlebars. He hadn't ridden a bike since he was little, and back then Touko had been with them. Neither of the two had been able to ride very well by themselves, but the two were there to support one another. "Those two are just so cute together…" Their neighbors had commented then. She held the bike for him, and he held the bike for her. But now, he was riding all by himself as he chased after phantoms that said one thing and did another.
He didn't understand.
So he was racing through Nimbasa City, using the worn bike given to him by the old man. The Team Plasma members had rushed off, strangely frightened of Touya. That was another thing he had not understood – why? Yes, his Pokemon had defeated theirs… so why were they afraid of Touya, the trainer? He did little more than guide his Pokemon's strengths and assist them in avoiding their weaknesses. Anyone could do it, so what made the brunet so different from everyone else…? Especially when placed in comparison to a man who raised Pokemon for a living? The friendship between Pokemon and people can be very touching. But, in order to liberate Pokemon from foolish people, we will revive the legend of Unova – and win the hearts and minds of everyone. It kept ringing in Touya's head, Ghetsis' words.
Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokemon… and the correct way to proceed. What was the correct way to proceed? He had to catch up to those two members of Team Plasma! Just to talk to them, to ask them to explain why… to explain everything. Their actions contradicted their words. Touya slowed down on his bike, eyes widening as he looked around in bewilderment. Slowing from his gallop at his side was Zebstrika, of who had evolved during the previous battle. In his hurry to chase after Team Plasma, he had simply asked the Pokemon to follow him – and with the loyalty the electric type never wavered in, Zebstrika did so. The creature snorted, nostrils flaring as it stamped a frustrated hoof on the ground. There were people everywhere.
"…do you see them?" Touya asked nervously, his eyes trying to scan over the crowd. There were so many people! So many things! His head spun, never having been to an amusement park – at least he didn't feel insignificant as he had next to the towering buildings of Castelia. Even so… the giant Pikachu bouncing tent, the twisting roller coaster, the twirling Pokeballs… and then there was the Ferris wheel. It was high – rose higher and higher and higher… the brunet immediately looked back down, concentrating on the ground while Zebstrika lightly pressed a soft muzzle against his cheek. Hot breath tickled against his face, and with a forced smile Touya steadied his bike so one hand could reach up and pat the creature on the thick neck.
"Th-thanks… and, I'm sorry… y-you probably want a rest, so I suppose we should…" He did not get a chance to finish, as with another snort Zebstrika left a small splatter of snot on Touya's own neck, before moving away to begin walking again – he refused to go to the Pokemon Center until his trainer's mission was accomplished. While no Audino, Zebstrika still felt the trembling of his trainer. If this needed to be done, this needed to be done. Awkwardly, the brunet got off the bike and began pushed it as he followed after his Pokemon. The two looked around, both of them trying to spot the token red hair and blue-gray uniforms of Team Plasma.
Zebstrika gave sharp glances at people as they walked by, particularly when they murmured or spoke. He snorted at them, or would jerk his head to get them to move out of his way. Hurrying to keep pace with him, Touya whispered, "It's okay… don't mind them… it's okay…" He tried to soothe the Pokemon. When a Blitzle, he had been a bit haughty – apparently with evolution he had gotten worse. One final snort, and the creature's muscles sagged a bit but the effort was there – he would settle if asked nicely, and he had been. "There you go…"
"…Touya?" A familiar voice called. Zebstrika whipped his head around, ears perked forward as he stood perfectly still to zero in on whoever called after his trainer. Recognizing the voice, Touya placed a hand on the creature's side while the other hand continued to support the bike.
"N?" The brunet blinked. And there he was – Zorua on his shoulder as usual, getting up off a bench next to the giant Pikachu bouncing tent. Children were running around, piling in and out of the inflated attraction and paying little mind to the green-haired man. There was something… off, about him though. The brunet's brows furrowed, trying to make out his expression. It was a smile… but it wasn't the same kind he saw in Castelia. This one as different… not reaching his eyes, and not as warm. Had something happened? "Are you… are you okay?"
He was such an idiot. What kind of greeting was that? The other trainer's face quickly changed to surprise, followed by bewilderment. "I'm fine Touya. I was actually about to ask you that… he seems very… did something happen?" He? Oh – right. Zebstrika.
"He just evolved… and there were these people, and I… we…" Touya trailed, trying to organize how to explain what had happened without explaining anything at all. He did not want to drag the other into this. The other merely nodded, and reached out with a hand to the electric-type. Zebstrika sniffed his hand, flared his nostrils again, and then looked to the brunet. "H-he's fine. Don't you remember him from last week? Castelia, with the ice cream?" That was all it took, and Zebstrika leaned forward to nuzzle the offered hand.
"Zebstrika's can be ill-tempered sometimes. You should probably work with him more in an open space. You just evolved, and you have all this power and energy… you just want to stretch your legs, don't you?" N inquired, his other hand reaching up to lightly rub between the creature's ears. The Pokemon gave a heavy sigh, head lowering slightly in the gentle caresses. As he petted the Pokemon, N's own eyes were half-lidded and his lips were pulled into a thin line of restraint. The man leaned forward, and whispered something softly. Zebstrika snorted, gave a short neigh before jerking his head away with yet another snort.
"What'd you say to him?" Touya asked, only to flush slightly realizing how nosy he sounded. "Oh, uhm… but if it's personal, y-you don't have to…"
"It was just a little question. Don't worry so much." N said softly, and watched as the electric zebra checked around himself to make sure he did not step on anyone as he backed up to stand more firmly next to his trainer. "What were you trying to say? I'm sorry, there's quite a bit on my mind at the moment…" And he still wanted to talk to me? Touya tried to ignore the small spark of hope in his chest, and the giddy sensation at someone actually wanting to speak with him as a person. Since traveling on this journey, the only people he met seemed more interested in either Pokemon battles or stealing Pokemon. He wondered if Cheren and Bianca were having better luck making new friends…? He swallowed, throat suddenly dry and he felt all the more nervous now. He couldn't ruin his chance…!
"There were these people… they uhm, I have some questions…" Touya continued to trail. And all at once, N seemed to relax – his shoulders lowering slightly, just so slightly and if the brunet did not know any better he seemed relieved. Why? Had he been worried about Touya?
"I see. Who were they? Perhaps I can help you find them." N offered, and tentatively offered his hand to the other. "It's a large park. I'm sure if we work together, we can track them down." Zebstrika let out an indignant snort, and stomped his hoof down in annoyance. "I don't have to, if you don't want me to…"
"No, uhm…" Stammering, almost panicked he looked up to the electric type. "C-could he please help us…?" The brunet asked, giving the creature his most imploring eyes. Passerbyers clucked their tongues at seeing a trainer begging his Pokemon for something, but he ignored them and N did little more than stiffen at their comments. With a final snort and slump of his own shoulders, Zebstrika relented. Casting an annoyed glance in N's direction he gave a small whinny, I'm free enough, and WE don't need your help. You're just lucky he wants human friends, too. Touya's Pokemon said interesting things indeed. "Thank you!" Still holding onto the bike with one hand, the brunt gave Zebstrika a quick hug before eagerly taking N's still outstretched hand. "W-we would appreciate your help! Thank you so much, N…"
The older male nodded slightly, and he let his hand slowly fall to let go of the brunet's. But instead of his arm falling to his side, Touya had not let his hand go. Curiously he glanced back to the other and raised a slight brow in silent inquiry.
"Oh, s-sorry…!" Touya flushed, and quickly detangled his fingers from N's. "I just… it's so busy, and there's a lot of people and… I'm really, really sorry… I'm sorry, I just didn't…"
"Want to get separated?" N finished for the other, and the brunet nodded hurriedly in response. "That's fine. I'll stay close, then." He assured, and when receiving a grateful smile from Touya he gave his own. Softly he reached forward, and took the brunet's hand into his own again. Fingers wrapped tightly around his hand, and the green-haired trainer briefly wondered if Touya was always this nervous or simply nervous around him. And then there was that feeling again – that slight fluttering, wriggling sensation in his stomach. N took in a deep breath, trying to do so as subtly as he could while walking next to the other. The goal was to suffocate that sensation, let that feeling curl up and fade into nothing but a passing memory. The four began to walk through the crowd, Zorua clambering on top of his head for a better view of their surroundings.
You won't actually take him to them, will you? She asked softly, bending down slightly to whisper into his ear so that Zebstrika would not overhear. N said nothing in reply, but gave a mild roll of his shoulders. So he had a plan then. She had no idea what this plan entailed, but she trusted her friend if nothing else. He did what he had to do while keeping who would suffer and who would benefit in mind at all times. Just so happened that he kept the Pokemon's benefit in mind more than a human's. In a way, she almost felt sorry for the brunet. He seemed like a nice human, friendly enough… and Zorua believed that N needed some human companionship as well. Yes, N claimed to be content enough with Pokemon… but there were moments where she was unsure. Yes, he had interaction with the Grunts and Sages. But speaking to a person as a king to a subordinate was not the same as just plain being a person.
He wanted someone to be a person with, even if he wasn't aware that he did.
And he could not be a person to a Pokemon, especially one that had been abused by a person.
All four were now near one of the rides, the spinning Pokeballs. "So, Touya… I was wondering… who exactly are we looking for?" N inquired, and glanced down at the other. The brunet tensed, and began worrying his lower lip as he tried to think of a way to respond to that.
A pair of people, Zebstrika snorted ominously while eyeing the green-haired male. Or more. Hearing this, Zorua repressed a grin. Apparently this electric-type was onto them. Probably put two and two together when N asked if the creature felt free where he was earlier. He was having an awfully violent reaction to them, though. What silly blunder had the grunts committed this time to upset a Pokemon so much?
"Uhm… you know…" Touya's voice lowered, and he looked down with a tinge of shame. He kept making stupid mistake after stupid mistake. How could he just drag N into something like this? This was a person that could potentially be his friend, and here he was taking advantage of his good nature. Team Plasma was… what they did to Pokemon, it would hurt N! The man was always communicating with his Pokemon, treating Touya's with such kindness and respect… surely he was a breeder, or something along those lines. He would be devastated to hear of people like Team Plasma! "A-actually, N… you mentioned earlier there was a lot on your mind, and maybe I shouldn't…"
"It helps keep my mind off of things I would rather not think about. It is fine, Touya." N assured him again, and gave the brunet's hand a gentle squeeze. "You should worry less about what I think or how I feel, and worry more about what you should say and do that is best for your Pokemon and yourself. Start there, and you will just… automatically do what is best for all involved. All right? Now…" Rubbing Zorua's ear he looked to the small line before the ride. "I realize you are looking for person or two, but… do you think perhaps you have time for a quick ride? It might help you calm down. Maybe then you can tell me what I'm supposed to help you look for." He offered.
Touya looked at the little line, and then looked to Zebstrika. He opened his mouth, closed it, before opening it again while looking away almost shyly. "H-he won't fit in there…" He finally admitted. Hearing this, Zebstrika stood proud and did his best to look down on N. That's a no, in case you didn't catch it. N smiled lightly at the creature's words, both amused and confused.
"That's all right. Perhaps we can find a ride he can fit in as well…" N offered, and then released the brunet's free hand so he could take the bike from the younger.
"Hey, wait…"
"Though I think I should carry this for you, so your Pokemon can have more of your attention. Besides, if you see them and need to rush after this would just slow you down." N reasoned, and began to push the bicycle ahead. Touya and Zebstrika immediately followed, the brunet issuing apologies and thanks while his Pokemon gave derivative snorts. "Touya… have you ever considered how much goes into riding a bike?"
"Wh-what?"
"Maintaining the right velocity for keeping balance while you ride along on two wheels, the design of the bike to keep your weight centered so that you don't have to worry so much about falling off. Did you learn how to ride when you were young?" At the nod, N continued. "The human mind is amazing in how much calculations it performs without knowing any of the formulas. Most children can ride a two-wheel bike before they even know their multiplication tables. They don't even know what algebra means, or geometry… oh, they know about shapes. But most children don't know what A=π · r² is. Do you?" A shake of the head. "That's the area of a circle. Very important to keep in mind when designing the wheels for a bike and the size of the person the bike is intended for. The area is also important in use for the design of something like a Ferris Wheel…
…do you see what I am getting at?" N finally finished, and tilted his head slightly at the brunet. Touya simply stood there, staring wide-eyed at the other. The older male frowned slightly, and looked ahead realizing that no – Touya had no idea where he was coming from with that speech at all.
"Y-you want to go on the Ferris Wheel?" The brunet asked tentatively.
"Perhaps." N's lips gave a small quirk. "I'm not sure."
"If I'm keeping you and Zorua from having fun, I'm so sorry… just… Zebstrika and I can find Team Plasma on our own, I'm really sorry I don't… oh…"
"So that's who you are looking for." N's eyes twinkled, almost mischievous. Touya wanted to shrink away in sudden shame, but at the same time he was… intrigued. The more he thought about it though, he had met the other for the first time at Ghetsis' speech a few towns ago. Perhaps he was curious as well. Maybe that was what was on his mind.
"Y-yes." Touya nodded, a bit hesitantly. Zebstrika stamped an annoyed hoof, and flared his nostrils threateningly at N and Zorua.
We won't hurt Touya, don't worry. Zorua said gently, trying to soothe the creature.
I'll crush you if you dare. Someone was overprotective… and Zorua wanted to think unnecessarily so. But then again, she did not know much about this Pokemon other than the basics.
"So… you're looking for Team Plasma, right? Come with me." And N began leading the way with purposeful strides and Touya followed after filled with curiosity. The Pokemon came along as well, though one was more resistant to the idea. Had N seen them without Touya? It was possible… his insides turned into a mess of mixing emotions. They would both be getting the answers they sought, and then what? When the two reached the Ferris wheel, both looked around as they tried to pierce through the crowd. Trying to find someone, anyone. "They're not here." N paused, and he turned to the brunet. "Let's ride the Ferris wheel then, and see if we can spot them." His voice was becoming more hurried, faster.
Touya looked to Zebstrika, who was glancing at the small boxes. He snorted, and violently shook his head. No. No, he is not going on that without me he is not going alone you'll hurt him I know you will…!
"What if he were to let another Pokemon out, and accompany him? You can take a moment to explain to your friend what worries you so, as well." N suggested, and smiled slightly. Interesting things… he was starting to become intrigued by this Pokemon as well. These types were generally Pokemon who had been abused and then taken in by a kinder trainer, but became particularly unfriendly to other humans. Paranoid, almost. He wanted to speak with Zebstrika alone, but at the same time… "Zorua, would you mind remaining with Zebstrika?" He asked. She nodded, and looked up at the creature. He snorted, but relented.
"D-do you want me to let anyone out in particular?" Touya inquired, looking at the electric type. Zebstrika lightly nudged his face, and gave a soft lick. He didn't care – he knew the others well enough that they would protect the brunet regardless of the circumstances. Touya laughed softly, and nodded. "Okay, okay…" And he let Dewott out, who gave a yawn and a stretch. Spotting N, the creature gave a friendly wave and hello.
"Are we set then?" N asked, already having set the bike to rest against a trash can. Dewott was listening to Zebstrika neigh his warnings, while Zorua patiently listened and occasionally offered her own two cents in regards to the creature's opinions.
"Almost, it looks like…" Touya nodded.
"Very well. You know… I love Ferris wheels. The circular motion… the mechanics… they're like a collection of elegant formulas." N started, before silencing himself. He seemed almost giddy. The brunet found himself smiling despite how awkward he felt, and the fluttering in his chest and stomach. He was going to be riding a Ferris wheel with N. Just him and N (and Dewott, of course). Why did that make his heart beat so much? Why was he so hopeful about this…?
"You must be a math person. You've been talking about formulas and stuff…" Touya flushed, wondering if using such a vague word as 'stuff' was really such a good idea to someone who knew so much about the subject. That was about the equivalent to stapling a sign to his head that said, "I know nothing about math. Not even the formula for finding the area to a circle."
Waddling over to the two, Dewott announced he was ready to go on a ride. Yes, he had listened to Zebstrika's warnings but… he failed to see how or why the other just assumed N was part of Team Plasma. That was a silly thing. Team Plasma hurt people. N would never hurt a person. And then the trio headed towards the line, and like a proper gentlemen N even let the brunet get on first. Dewott still failed to see the man as threatening, except perhaps in receiving Touya's attentions. Perhaps that was what got under Zebstrika's tail – jealousy.
"Have you ever thought about how these work?" N asked, looking out the window with Touya sitting across from him doing the same. "So much engineering went into designing this so it would work. And even then, sometimes it breaks down… " He paused, noticing the brunet tense at the mention of 'breaking down.' He smiled lightly, and reached forward to offer his hand as a small source of comfort. "It won't. Don't worry so much." He assured. Touya gave a forced smile, but awkwardly took the hand regardless. The grip was tight, and the brunet's palms were sweaty… but he seemed to calm down again thanks to the simple offering. Dewott hopped onto the seat next to his trainer, making the Poke ball shaped box sway and Touya tense further. N chuckled at him, while Dewott latched onto his trainer becoming nervous from the swaying motion as well. "As I was saying… we're fine. You see, physics are involved, both the math and the reality.
There's even geometry – look, the Ferris wheel is circle shaped, but has triangular attachments between the outside and center, making each branch a radius of the circumference… and in each triangle, there's a square shape. They use Ferris wheels in trigonometry, you know." He chuckled softly. "If two people and a Pokemon get on a Ferris wheel, weighing a total of one-hundred and thirty-eight kilograms with the Ferris wheel moving at a speed of…"
"A-ah… please… don't…" Touya whimpered, clutching at his head. Noticing, N smiled softly but did as requested. The two fell into a comfortable silence, each looking out the window into the amusement park below for different reasons. The two were still holding hands, even though Touya seemed more comfortable. N sucked in a deep breath. This was the defining moment. There was no further avoiding what needed to be done. The brunet was growing and blossoming as a person. He was learning, and wanting to learn. He treated his Pokemon kindly. He was a good person. He was…
…N shook his head, needing to desperately stay on-topic. At length, he spoke knowing what he had to say – regardless of what his response would be… but at the thought of receiving a negative reaction, his chest tightened. That thing he tried to suffocate earlier tried to suffocate him in return. "Touya, about the formulas… where I was going with it is… everything works in a specific way." Though the brunet was not looking at him, he knew Touya was listening and was interested. "Pokemon… and people… we have all evolved alongside one another. Pokemon respond to nature, and we respond to Pokemon. Just as what numbers you put into a calculation determine the outcome, what one does to the other affects what happens to each.
I wanted to ask you… you see…" He was nervous. In this situation, he could not afford to be nervous. Touya stopped looking out the window, and tilted his head lightly at the other. N took a deep breath, calmed himself, and plowed on ahead. "First, I must tell you…" His hold on the other's hand tensed slightly, and he felt a small squeeze in reply. The other was trying to comfort him. Make him feel better, encourage him to continue. There was nothing to be afraid of – Touya was there for him, as he had been there for Touya. The sensation of warmth traveling from where their skin touched and traveled up his arm was the more frightening of what N was feeling, and he wanted to stop feeling it entirely.
And Touya just stared at him with wide eyes, hope-filled. Touya watched the other, as he switched from nervous to serious. The brunet's throat constricted, catching everything and holding it inside. He could not speak. What did N have to tell him? Between the heights of reaching the apex of the Ferris wheel, and the way N was acting he felt dizzy. Light-headed. And full of hope. His head was putting words into N's mouth that the brunet did not quite understand but he wanted the other to say more than he had ever wanted anything before. It ached. Seconds were taking an eternity, because the other was about to say something and had yet to say it.
"I am the King of Team Plasma." And then everything shattered and crumpled because that was not what the brunet had anticipated on hearing, in the past or even after actually hearing it. The voice was N's, the rushed and factual manner of speech was N's… but that could not be N. Distantly, the brunet was aware that his face fell but he was too busy trying to make sense of this new information to realize how insensitive that was. From afar he realized his hand had let go of the others, the brunet's hand falling limply to his side while N's briefly clutched at something that was not there before slowly retreating to his own side. "Ghetsis asked me asked me to work with him to save the Pokemon. I wonder how many Pokemon are in this world…" N had to change the subject, regardless of how abrupt. He had to distract himself, but still remain on topic.
Was that what the formulas had to do with all of this, Touya wondered? How many Pokemon there were? But, no… that did not make sense either. He was still trying to swim through this knowledge, but instead Touya felt like he was drowning. Dewott put a paw on his leg, tiny fingers clutching onto the fabric to gently ask, Are you all right?
"Touya?" N began softly, and reached forward with a hand to pull the brunet out of his shock. The other flinched slightly before fingers ever made contact with a knee. The green-haired king pulled his hand away, recognizing when his touch was not wanted. Years of working with the abused and abandoned had taught him that much. "I realize this is a bit of a shock… and I apologize for keeping it a secret from you." He continued, his voice closer to a whisper. "But… your Pokemon were interesting, as were you. I wanted to learn more about you and your Pokemon, and as I did…" His eyes slid to their corners, watching the world from the side as he tentatively made his next few steps.
"Touya… would you like to join us? You are very kind to your Pokemon. You treat them well, and they care deeply for you. You work so well with them… and I know as you learn more, and understand more you can do so much for Pokemon. Please… join Team Plasma. Help us make this world a better place for Pokemon." His speech finished, he silently waited for the brunet to respond. The other remained quiet, and N felt the most distant stirrings of panic. Why was Touya hesitating? Why did he say nothing? Moments ago, he had been so hopeful… eager…
…what had he expected the other to say instead? What had the brunet wanted to hear that was better than what N just did? He personally invited the other to do something for the greater good. This was something he thought Touya might understand, and wish to partake in. What else was there? He thought he understood the other, but now… N straightened his back, and shoved the panic into a corner so roughly with luck he would metaphorically knock it unconscious.
"Touya?" He repeated.
"…I don't… N… why?" Touya asked, his voice cracking slightly. He was trying to ignore the tears, the burning in his eyes and his heart. The ache that replaced the hope.
"Because you're a good person, Touya." N replied, no hesitation or question in his voice. "I think you would be a wonderful addition to Team Plasma-"
"No. No, I mean… why?" The brunet pulled tighter into himself, not wanting the other to see him cry. This was a silly thing to cry over, wasn't it? Silly. Silly and stupid. Just like him. What had he been expecting, anyway? Of course N was not being nice to him and helping him because he wanted to be friends. He just wanted to know more about Touya as a person. Know if he was a help or a hindrance. He shuddered. All of his experiences with Team Plasma, they had not been kind people. Or at least, not kind to people. Ghetsis seemed… potentially kind. Was it just the grunts? Was there someone else? How much was and was not under direct orders of N? Was N behind the abuse of that Munna? Was he behind stealing Bianca's Munna, or that girl's Pokemon?
How much of Team Plasma was N?
"I apologize, Touya. I am not sure what you are asking why in regards to." There was a genuine remorse in not knowing how to answer. Hearing that from N, Touya at least had that. At least he knew that N was still a kind person, and that was not just a figment of his silly imagination.
"Why… Team Plasma…? Why do…" His throat clamped tight again, and he had to take a deep breath through his nose before he could continue. "I understand… what drives you. It's noble of so many people trying so hard to help Pokemon. To make the world a better and safer place for Pokemon. But why do…" He finally brought himself to look the other in the eye, because no matter how ashamed he was of crying in front of N…
…he would have been more ashamed of wanting to hide from reality. He wanted to hear the answer, and look the other in the eyes to know whether he was telling the truth or not. "…why do you do things… the way you do?"
"The way we do things?" N repeated, and furrowed his brow slightly. "…ah. Mmm." He nodded. "I think I know what you mean, now. Why do we steal Pokemon from their 'trainers?' We don't steal Pokemon from every 'trainer'…" He trailed, tensed slightly, before forcing himself to relax and continue. "When we catch a 'trainer' abusing their Pokemon, we rescue that Pokemon. It is cruel and senseless to just watch someone continue to harm an innocent creature. Just watching…" His hands tightened into clenched fists. "It's as wrong as the act itself. You are passively encouraging such behavior. I… we… Team Plasma, we won't stand for that.
But… it isn't enough. I… Team Plasma can't be everywhere, all the time. We need more strength. More eyes. More people. More…" He stopped, his busy stream of speech halting briefly in an almost train wreck of rushed words. "Touya. Will you join Team Plasma, or not?" The Ferris wheel was almost at the end. In a few more seconds, the two would exit. N, though he had been talking and distracting Touya, noticed the two members catch sight of him. Naturally, they were worried. Naturally, they were going to expose themselves in front of the brunet for the sake of ensuring the safety of their King.
He had never asked for such loyalty, but there it was. But in return, he had to ensure their safety. If Touya was not going to join them, and refuse to listen… there was that tightening, that sudden pang and suffocation. It didn't matter. If Touya was going to refuse, then N would just… he did not want to, but there was not much of a choice he had.
"I… don't understand enough." Touya finally answered in a small whisper. "What I've seen Team Plasma do… they don't match what any of you say. Your actions contradict your words… N, I just… I don't understand. I can't join a cause if I don't understand it. I'm… I'm so sorry…" The brunet's voice kept getting smaller, trailing away into a nothingness of apologies.
"…I see." N took a deep breath, and nodded. "Very well." And the ride stopped. Politely, he let Touya and Dewott exit first. Zorua bounded over to him, huffing and puffing with information while the Zebstrika practically ran people over in a hurried rush to see what was wrong with Touya. The green-haired man could feel the creature planning his demise. What did you do to the boy? Zorua clucked. "I offered him a choice." N replied softly. She clucked again, but said little more.
"My Lord N!" A female grunt cried, tears in her eyes as she rushed over with her male partner accompanying her.
"You're safe, sire!" The male grunt exclaimed, relief on his face as the two approached the man. The two looked between one another, before sharing a nod and standing between their king and the brunet.
"There's no problem." N sighed, and gently nudged the two away from him. The grunts looked from their king, and then to the Zebstrika – death written clearly on his face for the man. Understandably, they were dubious about there being 'no problem.' He cleared his throat, becoming more authoritive with their presence. The mixed emotions from seconds ago were abandoned, ignored and unwanted in the presence of N's calling. Of what he had to do, and not what he wanted to do. "You're part of the people we brought in to help us save the Pokemon. So, you're under my protection, as well. Go, quickly, and let my battle cover your retreat… Now then, Touya, do you follow my logic?"
The brunet looked from trying to restrain his Zebstrika, and felt the pang as he was reminded – again – of what just happened. "I… no… I'm sorry…" Why did he have to keep rubbing it in? Zebstrika roared – actually roared – and if he could get around his trainer without having hurt him, he would have. Touya ignored the growing fear in his chest as the heavy Pokemon tried to get around him and to his target.
And N… N was the perfect model for restraint. He nodded his head, unbothered by Zebstrika's threats. "So that's how it is… That's unfortunate. Ah." His eyes lit up, as if struck by a sudden realization. The face, briefly, flickered a feeling of regret but it was gone quickly as it came. "Then… the future I envision…" He shook his head and reached down to one of his Pokeballs. Zorua sighed, ears drooping as she watched the events unfold before crawling into his ponytail. She didn't wish to watch. "My friend, please provide some help!" He requested and threw the Poke ball – a male Sandile came out, eyes flickering and taking in his surroundings before giving a decisive nod. A snap of the jaws.
"Wa-wait, N…" Touya began, only to stumble backwards as Zebstrika finally sidestepped around his trainer to charge forward towards the green-haired trainer. Dewott's eyes widened, as the electric type barreled forwards in an angry rage.
This won't end well…
Zorua didn't want to watch.
A/N: AUUGGGHHHH. Yes. You read that correctly. NO WORRIES! Things get better next chapter! After things get mildly worse. But only mildly. This piece is geared more towards fluff stuff, and unfortunately for fluff we need DRAMA! DRAMA-LLAMA-RAMA. Or something. I don't know. Anyway... Currently Touya's final team is looking to be a Reuniclus, Emolga, Zekrom, Samurott, Scolipede, and Chandelure based on votes. Someone suggested a Pokemon that can learn Fly, of whom will probably take Zekrom's place until that point in the... story? So! Cast in your votes, ladies and gentlemen! Next chapter we have a Touko sighting, but first... POKEMON BATTLE TIME! DUN DUN DUN...! (Due to popular request I actually write out the battles)
Disclaimer: I do not own nor have any affiliation with the Pokemon franchise. If I did, however, you can be sure there would have been an excessive amount of philosophical ethics and some transcendentalism as well. This is probably for the best.