And now, for your reading pleasure, I give you chapter 37! Thanks to everyone who has read, reviewed and kept up with the story this long! Hope you enjoy! ^^
P.S. I do not own Pokemon. Drake, Reina, Rita and Cameron belong to their respective owners.
Previously, Hikari was summoned to Dragonspiral Tower by N, who seems to have already awakened the legendary black dragon Zekrom! Aided by Tatsuya and some new allies, she is nearing the top of the tower, ready to face the Team Plasma leader.
Peeking around the corner, I saw several Team Plasma grunts gathered before an older man in red robes. "Must be one of the Seven Sages," I whispered to the boys behind me.
Tatsuya nodded, then looked over at me and Drake. "So what's the plan?"
"N only wants Hikari, right?" Drake asked. "So you and I can distract these guys while she slips by and-"
"Forget it," I said firmly, cutting him off. "I'm not letting you guys do all the work. I'm fighting, too."
The two males looked at each other for a few seconds. "… She is pretty strong in a Pokemon battle," Tatsuya commented. "Maybe we should all go together."
Drake sighed. "Well, if there's no talking you out of it…"
"There isn't," I replied with a determined look, Dewott's Poke Ball already in my hand.
"Alright then, let's go beat those Plasma lackeys," Drake said with a smirk.
We all moved in closer, and we could hear the red-robed Sage speaking. "It's finally time. Our lord N will become the hero!" I chose that moment to let out a loud whistle, catching his attention. "What?! Someone made it clear up here?!" he exclaimed at the sight of us. "Now! Stop those Trainers! For our lord N!"
The three of us moved closer together as the grunts surrounded us. "Everyone got their Pokemon ready?" I asked.
"Yep," both males replied. Pikachu's cheeks were already sparking in anticipation.
"Anyone who isn't Team Plasma is an enemy!" the Sage shouted. "Use all your powers to take them out!" On his command, three of the grunts prepared to battle us.
Hikari is challenged by Team Plasma Grunt!
"Watchog, get 'em!" A Watchog appeared, ready to battle.
"Let's go, Dewott!" The Discipline Pokemon leapt out of his ball. "Use Razor Shell!" Dewott drew his scalchops and rushed forward, slashing at his opponent without fail.
"Hyper Fang!" Watchog chomped down on Dewott, making him cry out in pain.
"Hang in there, buddy! Use Aqua Jet!" Surrounding himself with water, Dewott launched himself at Watchog, hitting it and knocking it out.
The foe's Watchog fainted!
While my opponent was preparing to let out another Pokemon, I glanced over at Tatsuya and Drake's battles. Tatsuya was using an Ampharos to fight against a Liepard while Drake had just made quick work of his Krokorok opponent with a tall, dark blue Dragon Pokemon.
"You'll have to do better than that to beat Garchomp!" Drake said to the frustrated grunt.
"Garchomp, the Mach Pokemon. It is said that when one runs at high speed, its wings create blades of wind that can fell nearby trees."
"Whoa…" I muttered, my eyes wide with amazement.
"Don't get distracted, kid!" the grunt I was facing shouted as I turned around in time to see Dewott get thrown back by an attack from a Krokorok.
I couldn't believe this! "Attacking my Pokemon while I'm not looking?! What a dirty move!" I shouted as I gave Dewott a Hyper Potion. "Sorry bout that, Dewott. Hit 'em with Water Pulse!" Dewott nodded before unleashing a powerful pulse of water, strong enough to take out the Desert Croc Pokemon in one hit.
The foe's Krokorok fainted!
Hikari defeated Team Plasma Grunt!
"Sheesh… losing to a kid," the embarrassed grunt muttered as he recalled his Pokemon.
"Boy, I'd think you guys would be used to that by now," I taunted as another grunt took his place.
Hikari is challenged by Team Plasma Grunt!
The grunt sent out a Trubbish to go up against Dewott. "Aqua Jet!" Before the Trash Bag Pokemon could even move, Dewott slammed into it, knocking it back a ways.
"Why, you…! Take Down!" Trubbish charged forward, ramming into Dewott.
"That does it! Surf!" Dewott was about to respond to my attack, but Drake quickly stopped him.
"Hold it! Not a good idea!" he told me. "Surf is a wide-spread attack, and my Garchomp is half-Ground. I wouldn't risk using it in here."
"Oh," I muttered before changing the attack. "In that case, use Razor Shell!" One hit from those scalchops, and Trubbish was down for the count.
The foe's Trubbish fainted!
Hikari defeated Team Plasma Grunt!
We each fought a couple more grunts before they finally started to wear down. "I'm only saying this once: Get out of our way!" Tatsuya shouted.
"I'd suggest doing what he says," Drake added, his Garchomp growling next to him.
One of the grunts looked at us in amazement. "I don't understand… Why do you keep trying so hard? W-Well, we'll let you through for now!" He and the other grunts finally stepped aside so we could move forward.
As the three of us and our Pokemon walked past the red Sage, he said, "The hero will open up the way to a new world! Which means you Trainers can all prepare to lose your Pokemon!"
I paused and looked back at him. "Not gonna happen, gramps. I'll make sure of it!" I retorted before walking away with Tatsuya and Drake.
We eventually reached the top of a staircase, and I turned to face the others. "Hey guys, I think I better go on alone now," I told them.
"Hikari, we don't know what N wants with you," Tatsuya said with a concerned expression. "I should go with you, at least."
"We also don't know what N will do if I have company," I replied. "Besides, I've got Dewott with me. I'll be fine."
There was silence between us for a few minutes. Tatsuya glanced over at Drake, who just shrugged. "It's up to you."
The younger boy sighed before looking at me. "At least let Drake and me wait by the doorway, just in case." Victini landed on his shoulder, nodding in agreement.
"Alright," I said with a nod. "Thank you, Tatsuya."
"N-No problem," he said, blushing a little. "Just… be careful, OK?"
"I will," I said with a smile, feeling my own face heat up. Then Dewott and I started back up the stairs and stopped in front of the door. "Ready, buddy?"
"Dewott dewott! (Ready when you are!)" the Water Pokemon said with a determined nod. And with that, we opened the stone door and stepped through.
We were standing at the top of the tower, which was surrounded in dark clouds with the occasional violent flash of lightning. N stood a ways away, his gaze fixed onto a huge, black Dragon-type Pokemon who was growling softly, returning the man's gaze with fierce red eyes.
"Zekrom…" I whispered in awe. No way… N really did befriend it!
"Zekrom, the Deep Black Pokemon. Concealing itself in lightning clouds, it flies throughout the Unova region. It creates electricity in its tail."
As if he sensed my presence, N turned to face me. "What do you think, Hikari?" he asked, gesturing to the legendary Pokemon. "How do you like the powerful form of the Pokemon who appears before and fights beside the hero that will lead the way to a new world?"
"I admit, I'm impressed," I said, crossing my arms. "But if you think a legendary Pokemon is gonna keep me from taking you down, you've got another thing coming!" I got into a battle stance, and Dewott drew his scalchops in anticipation.
N shook his head. "Sorry, but we won't be battling this time. As it is, you don't stand a chance," he said before looking back at the black Dragon. "Now, Zekrom and I will head to the Pokemon League and defeat the Champion! This will be the last of the Pokemon battles that hurt Pokemon so. A world for Pokemon alone… It's finally going to be a reality." A harsh wind blew as Zekrom slowly rose into the air. "If you want to stop me, you must become a hero as well!"
"What are you talking abo-?" I cut myself off when I remembered what he said in Chargestone Cave. He told me that I was chosen, but he never told me the purpose or even why. "That's why I'm chosen, isn't it? Because I'm supposed to be a hero, too!"
"That's right!" N replied, his eyes lit up. "When Zekrom's counterpart, Reshiram, recognizes you, we will finally be even, and then you can try to stop us! Well, what will you do?" His eyes closed, a thoughtful smile on his face. "My prediction… If the future I see is true, you will meet Reshiram. The Pokemon with you believe in you so strongly… Will you be the one who interferes with my formula for changing the world?"
"You bet I will!" I answered, glaring at the Team Plasma leader. "I'll find Reshiram and stop you for good!"
N stepped back a little, still facing me. "Good. If you want to protect the bonds between Pokemon and people, you must search for Reshiram! I'm sure it is waiting for you in the form of the Light Stone." And with that, he turned and started running before jumping high into the air. Zekrom then swooped down and N grabbed onto its leg before climbing onto its back. I could only watch as N and Zekrom disappeared into the dark clouds.
Suddenly, Tatsuya and Drake ran up to me, followed by Brycen, Cheren and Cameron. "I can't believe it," Drake muttered. "Was that really Zekrom…?"
"How could this happen?" Brycen said to himself.
Cheren walked up to me. "Why? That was that guy N, right? Why was he with the legendary Pokemon?" he asked, demanding answers. "He couldn't really be the hero, could he?!"
"Also, did I hear him tell you to search for the other legendary Pokemon?" Cameron pressed.
I looked back and forth between everyone, unsure who to answer first. I was already overwhelmed by the thought that I was supposed to be this hero, at least according to N.
"Hey guys, give her some room!" Tatsuya said, standing between me and the other boys. I could feel my face flushing again.
"Calm down!" Brycen's voice said firmly, causing everyone to become quiet in an instant. "First, we go back! It's more important to decide what to do next than analyze what just happened."
We all headed to the bottom of the tower, safe from whatever lightning was still flashing. We were reunited with Reina and Rita, who were relieved to see that Drake was unharmed, and we rejoined Cedric and Bianca outside.
I told Cedric what had happened. "Astounding…" he muttered to himself. "I never would have imagined the legendary Dragon-type Pokemon would return now…"
"That guy called N… Team Plasma's boss apparently reawakened the legendary Pokemon," Cheren explained.
"He told Hikari to look for the other legendary Pokemon, then flew away…" Cameron added.
Bianca's eyes widened with interest. "Huh? There are two legendary Dragon-type Pokemon?"
"Yes! Yes, there are!" a familiar voice answered. We all turned to see a certain red-headed champion walking up to us.
"Hey, Alder!" Tatsuya and I greeted simultaneously.
Cedric smiled at the sight of Alder. "It's been a while! Have you been well?"
"No time for chit-chat!" Alder replied, his expression more serious than before. "Those violent flashes of lightning that shot from the tower… That Pokemon has the power to destroy the world!"
"I still don't get it," Cameron said, running a hand through his spiky hair. "Why would they go this far?"
"If Zekrom is on Team Plasma's side, and Team Plasma tells everyone to release their Pokemon…" Alder's eyes closed as he continued. "No matter whether it comes from fear or admiration… The world can't help but change. It will become a world where we are separated from Pokemon…"
Tatsuya nodded solemnly. "N apparently said to look for the other Pokemon, Reshiram."
"I think I read about this myth once," Drake piped up, and everyone directed their attention towards him. "If I remember correctly, Zekrom's powerful electricity, along with the other Pokemon, devastated ancient Unova in an instant."
"Even knowing that, N is still wanting to awaken the other?!" Reina asked in disbelief.
"H-Huh?! Isn't it dangerous to bring back a Pokemon that powerful?" Bianca said, her eyes filled with concern.
Alder smiled and placed a hand on Bianca's shoulder. "Miss, you are a very kind person," he said, causing the blonde Trainer to look away bashfully. "Still, I don't know if other Pokemon will be able to stand up to it. Because, no matter what, it is a legendary being…"
I had been quiet for the most part, but at that moment I decided to speak up. "I hate having to take orders from N, but I'm gonna search for the Light Stone no matter what anyone says."
"It's not a bad idea," Rita agreed. "We certainly can't let Team Plasma reawaken both of them!"
"Since I've traveled all over Unova, I have an idea of where it might be," Alder said, standing up. "Let's head to the Relic Castle."
"Relic Castle?" I asked, tilting my head.
"We passed it on our way to Nimbasa City," Tatsuya explained. "The Relic Castle is in the Desert Resort just off of Route 4."
"Very good, Tatsuya!" Alder said before tossing a Poke Ball into the air. A Braviary appeared and hovered in the air above the champion. "Hikari, everyone, I'm going!"
Cedric smiled at the red-headed man. "I see. We'll leave that to you. I'm going to investigate inside the tower. Hopefully, I'll find something. Drake, are you and your cousins still willing to help me?"
"Absolutely," Drake said with a nod before turning to me. "Don't worry. Once we're done here, we'll keep an eye on Team Plasma's activities."
"Hey, do you have a Pal Pad? We can keep in contact!" Reina piped up. Nodding, I handed my Pal Pad over to Drake and the twins so they could enter their info.
"I will go with you, Cedric," Brycen said as he and the professor stood up and started walking away. But then he stopped and looked back at Cameron. "Are you coming?"
The boy's eyes lit up. "Are you kidding?! Investigating a tower with Brycen? Of course I'm coming! Hikari, Tatsuya, see ya around!" And with that, he followed his idol to the tower.
"Bye for now, Hikari," Drake said, handing back my Pal Pad.
"Pika! (Good luck!)" Pikachu squeaked as it waved good-bye to me.
"See you around!" Reina and Rita said as they followed their cousin back toward the tower.
"Bye, and good luck with your investigation!" I called after them as they left. Now it was just me, Tatsuya, Alder, Bianca and Cheren.
Cheren suddenly stood up and walked up to Alder. "I think I understand better now. Being able to do something for Pokemon - for somebody at a time like this – is strength… I'm sure of it." He glanced over at me before continuing. "And my strength is something that is given to me by Pokemon."
I shot him an approving smile. "Sounds like you were able to figure it out. Right, Alder?"
"Ha ha, indeed," Alder chuckled, ruffling Cheren's hair.
After quickly straightening his hair out, Cheren called out his Unfezant and hopped onto its back. "OK Champion, let's hurry!" he shouted as Alder climbed onto his Braviary's back and the two of them flew off.
I watched as the two of them disappeared before Bianca tapped my shoulder. "Hikari, this has turned into a big deal. So confusing… I dunno what to do…"
"It's OK, Bi," I said, smiling at my friend. "You don't have to get too involved if you don't want to. Tatsuya and I are heading to Relic Castle."
Bianca returned my smile and gave me a quick hug. "Thank you, but I'll try to support you whenever I can. Good luck at the Relic Castle!" And with that, she began walking back towards Icirrus City.
Tatsuya walked up to me and put a hand on my shoulder. "So, you ready to fly to Nimbasa City? We can stock up on supplies there before heading for the Desert Resort."
"Sounds like a plan to me!" I said with a grin. I called out my Unfezant while Tatsuya called out his Braviary. I was about to climb onto Unfezant's back when I remembered I was still wearing the dress. "Uh… Hang on one second, OK?" I said before hiding in some bushes. When I came out, I was back in my usual clothes. "Now that's more like it!"
"I agree, definitely more suited for flying," Tatsuya said with a light laugh. "Just follow me, and we'll get there in no time!"
"Got it," I said as I jumped onto Unfezant's back. This was gonna be my first time flying, so I was just a little nervous, but Tatsuya's smile made me more confident. "OK Unfezant, let's Fly!"
"Unfezant! (Hold on tight!)" the Proud Pokemon said as she spread her wings and took off into the sky.
"Whooaaaa!" I shouted as we flew higher and higher, the trees and the city below growing smaller and smaller. My initial fear turned into joy as the wind blew through my hair. "Whoo-hoo!"
"Hikari!" Tatsuya called to me, steering Braviary closer to me. Victini was flying right next to them, amazingly keeping up with the large bird Pokemon. "Having fun?"
"This is awesome!" I shouted back to him. Unova seemed so small now; it was just us, flying high in the sky with no one else around.
Then gathering up all my courage, I called to him, "Tatsuya! I like you!"
"What?! I can't hear you!" Tatsuya shouted back over the wind.
"Never mind!" I replied, slightly disappointed, but still smiling from the fact that I was even able to say the words. Inside, I knew that if I had the courage to say it under these conditions, then I'd be able to tell Tatsuya for real. But for now, we had to focus on reaching the Relic Castle and finding the Light Stone, so I figured my true confession could wait a while.
Hikari and Tatsuya leave Icirrus City behind with a new task at hand: the search for the second legendary Dragon-type Pokemon, Reshiram. Only when they find it will they stand a chance against N and Zekrom. Stay tuned!