Chapter 10: But There Is Room For Doubt

Clay had been telling the truth when he said he needed to get to Chargestone Cave. There had been reports of a Galvantula web blocking the entrance. Since that was the only way to get to Mistralton, it had to go.

With that said, he didn't mention that he'd be watching Hilbert's progress through the route. This is what he does every time he's the one to cause a casualty in his Gym fights - hand the trainer their Badge in Chargestone Cave and see if they learned their lesson along the way. Most trainers did, but that didn't take away from the gravity of what happened.

Thankfully, Hilbert hadn't noticed that Clay had been tracking him. That was usually a good sign; it was likely that he was really thinking about what Clay had said. That was only confirmed as he saw Hilbert battle the other Trainers in the area.

Before each command, Hilbert seemed to be taking time to think. He managed to catch himself a Deerling on the way; the grass/normal types were known to be skittish as all get-out, so catching them required some level of cunning.

Another thing he noticed was that Hilbert made no move to catch any other wild Pokemon he saw. Clay had heard that there were some trainers going through the Gym circuit while only catching one Pokemon per area; he suspected Hilbert was one of them (given the variety of Pokemon in his team), but he couldn't be sure until then.

Just when he was about to reach the Cave, Hilbert seemed to decide to do some backtracking to Driftveil. That caused Clay to change his plans; he wasn't about to walk all the way back to Driftveil, especially since he had seen enough of the kid's character anyways.

Besides, it gave him an opportunity to address the evil eye that Simon had been giving him the whole time. The Krokorok was a quiet one, but twice as expressive as most of the line that he's raised. Clay could tell right away what Simon was thinking.

"Don't think I didn't notice you givin' me that look," he huffed. "This ain't the first time I've tested a trainer like this, you know that."

Simon snorted and crossed his arms. In response to that, Clay said, "Hey, if you want to go back and help comfort Theodore, you're more than welcome to. You know how he gets when he ends up causin' a casualty."

The Krokorok took a minute to mull it over. He then shrugged, which caused Clay to snort.

"That's what I thought. Better leave that to Alvin, right?" Clay wasn't saying it to be malicious, because it was a fact. Simon was always no-nonsense and (sometimes) downright tactical in how he approaches casualties. He'd pay appropriate respects and then move on as easily as breathing. It was a total contrast to Theodore, who was devastated almost every time.

Thinking about Simon's antics reminded him. Hilbert's Krokorok was a tough one. Clay had raised several of the Sandile line over the years, and he saw right away that Jude had a stamina deficiency. Nothing wrong with that - in fact, it was part of the reason Jude's strength caught both Clay and Simon off-guard. Hilbert was obviously aware of that strength if he kept Jude on his team, but Clay wondered if he knew that his Krokorok's attacking strength simply couldn't be beat.

A few moments passed in silence before Clay saw Hilbert jog over to the cave's entrance, with that Maractus of his hopping to catch up. Right on time.

At least Hilbert finally got the Quake Badge, but did he really have to give advice about Jude? Not that Hilbert didn't understand why; he knew that his Krokorok was touchy about the subject of his size. He wasn't going to pry or ask about why, but seeing Jude side-by-side with Clay's Krokorok brought things into sharp clarity.

Compared to Clay's Krokorok, Jude did seem like he'd be a lot weaker. Like he could shatter if someone so much as looked at him wrong, but Hilbert knew that wasn't the case. In fact, Jude was the one who went up against Clay's Krokorok and won! Jude clearly caught him off-guard with his strength, which was probably why Clay felt the need to say something.

"That Krok o' yers is somethin', I'll tell ya what," Clay had said. "His strength caught Simon here off-guard, and that ain't easy. That said, if y'can find a way to work on trainin' his stamina, go for it. I'd be careful; y'got a real hard hitter here, but as he is now he ain't more than a glass cannon."

It took Hilbert everything he had to get Jude back into his PokeBall. He wasn't sure if the Krokorok was more angry or hurt at the Gym Leader's words.

Hilbert did get it. Jude was always pretty touchy when it came to his size and stamina. He didn't know much about IVs or EVs or whatever it was Clay was referring to, but he was implying that Jude had relatively low HP.

That was definitely a weakness...but Hilbert didn't care. Jude was Jude; not just Hilbert's Pokemon, but a friend as well. If there was a way Hilbert could think of that could help Jude with his stamina, he'd do it.

His thoughts were interrupted as he noticed the familiar figure just up ahead. Oh no...why'd N have to be here? Hilbert really didn't want to bring down his team's mood more than it was, so he immediately stopped to turn around. The minute he did that, three cloaked figures surrounded him. Two of them grabbed his arms and the other pushed him along by his back.

As Hilbert struggled to get out of their grip, one of his PokeBalls dropped from his belt. This went mostly unnoticed by Hilbert, who had been dragged into N's direction almost effortlessly.

"Milord," one of them spoke. "We brought the one you wanted."

Then the three disappeared, leaving the two alone. N seemed captivated by a nearby boulder - surrounded with static electricity. He placed a hand over the smooth stone, marveling at the static that danced around his fingertips. Hilbert took a few steps back, only stopping when he felt Merlot bumping into his arm. The Munna had used some of his psychic power to keep his PokeBall close to him, but curiously never made an effort to put himself back. Knowing Merlot as well as he did, Hilbert knew that the Munna was probably interested in what N might have to say.

"Chargestone Cave...I like this place," N mused. "Formulas express electricity and its connection to Pokemon...if humans did not exist, this place would be ideal. Do you not agree?"

"I dunno about that. I can say it would've been ten times better without the welcoming committee," Hilbert spat. N withdrew his hand, stuffing it into his pocket as he faced Hilbert and Merlot.

"Ah, yes. That was the Shadow Triad. Ghetsis is the one that enlisted them into Team Plasma. They serve as my bodyguards."

N paused a moment before saying, "Hilbert Bailey...you've been chosen, you know. Does it surprise you to hear that?"

Hilbert's answer was immediate: "Uh, yes?! Chosen for what?! And how do you-"

N seemed to ignore Hilbert's question; "Ghetsis and I asked the Shadow Triad to follow you and your friends."

"You fuckin' what?!" the trainer shouted. "So it's bad enough that we have to put up with Plasma's shenanigans, now you have people stalkin' us?!"

"Only to get a better idea on how you three approach training, and Pokemon as a whole," N responded, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Cheren, for example, is pursuing the ideal of strength. On the other hand, Bianca has faced the sad truth that not everyone can become stronger. You are not swayed either way. You're more like a neutral presence."

"...And that's a good thing?"

"It seems so, if Ghetsis is willing to test you as a trainer. Team Plasma will be waiting for you up ahead, so I suggest you prepare yourself."

He paused, and a flash of something flickered across his face. Did he just realize something? "Although, I would be careful. Joltik is a rather small Pokemon, after all."

Hilbert blinked as N turned on his heel and walked off. Joltik? Why mention that Pokemon specifically?

"Merlot, do you know what-" Hilbert started, when he realized the Munna had been looking at his shoulder. He followed Merlot's gaze and nearly choked. Because there was a Joltik, looking very comfortable on his shoulder. If he listened carefully, he could hear snores coming from the little bug.

He would have screamed, but he somehow managed to stop himself. Joltik was sleeping, after all. Bug-type or not, he supposed he had to consider that.

He thought it was strange how quiet things had gotten after N's departure, but it was only when he officially caught Joltik - named Dodger because he couldn't think of anything else - that it occurred to him.

Dodger's PokeBall wasn't sent to the PC. But he had six Pokemon on him the last time he checked?

Hilbert frantically checked the PokeBalls he had on his belt. Michelle, Roger, Merlot, Matt, Jude, Dodger...oh no.

"CARMEN!"

A king must be aware of his surroundings at all times - even the most minute detail can be the difference between life and death. That was why N saw the Joltik on Hilbert's shoulder, as small as she was. She was actually much larger than average for her species; she must have very high stamina compared to others. That was a minute detail, though; even a larger-than-average Joltik was still rather small by human standards.

This keen eye of N's was also why he was able to notice something moving from within one of the bags that the Shadow Triad brought with them. At first he thought that they brought them over to bring samples from this cave to examine; Zekrom was considered an electric-type, so perhaps there was a connection between them and this cave? But the rocks don't move that frantically...

"Shadow Triad," he called. "What's that moving in this bag? Show me."

The Shadow Triad shared a glance before obeying; one of them showed a Great Ball. It was still twitching frantically, as if whatever was inside was trying to get out.

"Why is this Great Ball shaking like that?" N questioned. The Shadow Triad didn't answer, and it filled N with a strange sense of dread. None of them had Pokemon in Great Balls...but he knew that Hilbert had caught at least one of his Pokemon in one.

"No...was that from Hilbert's-?!" Again, the Shadow Triad didn't answer, which was its own confirmation. It was strange how N felt angry on Hilbert's behalf, despite the fact that they were meant to be enemies. "What has gotten into you?!"

"I apologize, milord. This was an order from Ghetsis. He believed this would serve as motivation for the boy."

"Ghetsis may be a Sage, but I am the king!" N shouted. "Outright stealing makes us no better than the fire-starters of ancient Unova! How are we going to achieve our goal if we agitate the people we're trying to convince?!"

The Shadow Triad shared a glance with each other before they spoke up again, "Apologies, milord. It won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't." N reached out his hand expectantly. "Give me the PokeBall and go. I wish to speak with the Pokemon inside."

"As you wish." When the Great Ball was placed in N's hand, the Shadow Triad disappeared. N inhaled through his nose, exhaled through his mouth. A king needed to be calm, and not to lose their temper...but it was hard not to. Perhaps it was because he could detect the Pokemon's distress, even from within the PokeBall. Yes, that had to be it.

When he released the Pokemon inside, he was only mildly surprised to find that it was a Maractus. Only mildly - at least it further confirmed his theory about Hilbert catching only one Pokemon per area. If she had been in his party for a while, perhaps she could tell him a little more about Hilbert as a trainer?

Maractus looked around until her gaze settled onto him. She gave a little wave of her hand and said, "Uh...hi. Thanks for getting me out of there. I was gettin' kinda cramped."

N blinked, as if trying to process what he heard. Usually when he heard a Pokemon's voice, there was a kind of echo in the back of his mind. That wasn't the case here, yet he could still hear words coming from the Maractus' mouth. That could only mean-!

"A Pokemon that can talk like a human," he said, crouching to meet her eye level. He held a hand out in greeting. "I've heard stories about talking Pokemon like you, but I've never met one myself. It's very nice to meet you, Maractus. My name is N."

Maractus' surprise was evident on her face, and she glanced between N's outstretched hand and his face. The sight made N worry a bit; Hilbert must have told her about him and Team Plasma, then. What could he have said?

Despite whatever misgivings she might have had, though, Maractus reached her hand out to shake N's. "You don't need to call me that, Carmen is fine! Nice to meetcha too...I think."

"You think?" That didn't sound good. N frowned; normally he would object to a Pokemon having 'nicknames,' but if Maractus introduced herself as Carmen...perhaps it would be best to adhere to the request? That wasn't the main issue, anyway. "You're not certain?"

"My teammates and Hilbert told me about you and Team Plasma," she responded. "Well. Mostly about Team Plasma. I've been told that they steal people's Pokemon, so they sound like the bad guys? Not you, though! You seem nice enough, so it's weird you're working with them."

An unfamiliar sensation coursed through N's system at that time. It was hard to pinpoint if it was anger or hurt. Perhaps it was a strange mix of both. "I'm very sorry for how they've treated you. Rest assured, their treatment of you does not reflect Team Plasma's goal. The members responsible will be dealt with, I promise."

"Is that really true? Because from what Michelle told me, this isn't the first time it's happened."

Michelle...it took N a moment to remember which of Hilbert's team had that name. It was Dewott, wasn't it? If Hilbert had been the one to tell Maractus - no, Carmen - about this, he would have reason to doubt the validity of her statement. Unlike Pokemon, humans were capable of lying to suit their own benefit. N had heard several stories about it before.

But it was a Pokemon that told her this. So, if Dewott had told Carmen that Team Plasma had stolen Pokemon before...did that mean it was the truth...?

N didn't have time to push the thought out of his mind, because he could hear Hilbert shouting his Maractus' nickname from the distance.

As he watched the subsequent interaction between Hilbert and his Maractus, N found that he couldn't stop the question from crossing his mind (is there a chance that I've been wrong this whole time?).

A king needed to be ready to face any obstacle...but he found that he wasn't ready to face that possibility.

As Hilbert stormed over to N and Carmen, all he could think about was how he wanted nothing more than to punch N. Having one of his Pokemon stolen from him was a terrifying experience, and the fear that something would happen to Carmen had fueled him and his team through the trials that Team Plasma had in store for him. Seeing Carmen with N after all of that only added fuel to the fire, and fear turned to anger.

Before he got the chance to confront N, Carmen immediately rushed over and gave Hilbert's legs a tight hug. Hilbert yelped when he felt her thorns digging onto his calf, and the pain caused him to fall over (taking Carmen down with him).

"Carmen, what the hell! Why are you-!"

"Hilbert, before you try pummeling him, you gotta listen! N didn't tell those guys to take me away, he rescued me from them!"

Hilbert paused as the words sank in. He looked between Carmen and N, as if trying to prove to himself that what she said was true. After a moment, he gently hoisted Carmen off him and got to his feet. It was always an accepted truth that Pokemon didn't lie. Besides, he trusted Carmen. "In that case...I guess I can't. Thanks."

Did he say that to N, or to Carmen? He wasn't sure. Both of them?

Carmen hopped over to N and took the Great Ball from his hand. She reached out for Hilbert to take it, and there was a moment of hesitation before he accepted the Great Ball.

"I'll see you later, okay? You need a rest after what just happened," he said. With a reluctant nod, Carmen let Hilbert put her back in the Great Ball. Hilbert and N watched as the Great Ball disappeared, indicating that she had been transported to the PC's Storage System.

A moment of silence passed between them before N spoke up: "Many different values mix together, and the world becomes gray...That is unforgivable! Once I separate Pokemon from people, black and white will become distinct! Only then will Pokemon become perfect beings! That is my dream, and I must fulfill it! Hilbert, do you have a dream of your own?"

That was a weird conversation starter. Hilbert had come to expect that from N. He wanted to say 'yes' to spite him - after all, it was partly because of N that he went on a mad scramble through Chargestone Cave to rescue Carmen.

Unfortunately for Hilbert's petty side, his parents didn't raise a liar. "No, not really."

For a moment or two, N seemed stupefied at Hilbert's simple answer.

"I should have expected that from someone who doesn't understand me! I suppose I'll have to crush your will here!" N said as he called a Boldore into battle.

"Like hell you will!" Hilbert responded, sending out Michelle in response. N stood no chance - most members of his team were just as pissed as Hilbert about what happened, and they expressed it in their battle. Jude was especially pissed.

As the battle ended, N only seemed more frustrated. "If it's impossible for me to win while feeling bad for being a trainer, then why do I bother?! As if I could pursue my ideals with something so meaningless! How is this going to help me befriend the legendary Pokemon?!"

"I really hope you're not asking me, dude. I wouldn't be able to tell you," Hilbert responded. N was about to say something when they both heard Bianca shouting, "Hey! I heard Hilbert's voice! We're not far from Mistralton!"

Sure enough, there they were. Hilbert did suppose that, out of the three of them, Bianca would be the one to work with Professor Juniper. What N said about her facing reality did sting a bit, but it was nice to see that she didn't let that get her down.

N seemed to focus on Professor Juniper the moment she entered the scene.

"Professor Juniper," he said slowly, "what are you doing? You don't seem to consider the relationship between people and Pokemon. You put Pokemon into categories using these arbitrary rules and think you can understand them that way...the very idea of it disgusts me. What do you have to say for yourself?"

If N had been trying to be intimidating with his 'kingly' aura, it didn't seem to work on Professor Juniper. She still had a smile on her face (albeit a sheepish one) as she said, "Oh my. Looks like you're not a fan. I do understand your opinion. It just happens to be different than mine, which is just as valid. Why don't we just let people decide for themselves how to relate to Pokemon?"

From watching N's expression, he clearly thought that the very idea was inexcusable. "You're saying I should just...allow people to think whatever they want and treat Pokemon however they want? No matter the Pokemon's suffering? Whether or not they die?! I refuse to tolerate the existence of that kind of world!"

With that, N stormed off into Mistralton City. The three watched him go, with Hilbert turning to Professor Juniper once he was out of eyesight.

"Professor, why did you say that?" he asked. "You've never talked with him before, but the guy's stubborn as a Mudbray!"

"Well, I didn't expect to change his mind right away," she admitted with a sheepish chuckle. "I do hope he spends some time trying to understand how others feel."

Hilbert didn't have an answer for that. He wasn't sure if it was concerning or sad that he found himself agreeing with her.

Later that night, Jude couldn't sleep. Normally he had no problem with it, but too much happened today. When Carmen was gone, he had been furious. Jude may as well have been the trainer, with how he led the charge through the cave to beat Team Plasma. Carmen was his best friend back in the wild, and he'd be damned if anything happened to her on his watch. He'd never forgive himself.

Even that aside...now Hilbert knew about his weakness.

Jude knew in the back of his mind that Hilbert would find out eventually; he was far from the only Krokorok in Unova, of course he would at some point be measured up to one. But...a glass cannon? Seriously? Could he really be that frail, even with how strong he was?

Dodger's addition to the roster didn't help at all; how could such a small bug be such a persistent fighter?! It didn't take Jude long to figure out why that could be, and that only soured his mood.

He didn't want to be jealous of a bug that was about the size of his claw, but he couldn't help it! The kind of stamina that he could only dream to have, and it was wasted on a sleepyheaded bug!

(Can't sleep?)

And of course he wouldn't be left alone. Not when Merlot is pushing his snout where it didn't belong. The Munna seemed to consider himself the 'leader' of the team - always keeping things in line and nagging him about being too reckless.

(What do you think?) Jude said bitterly. (Not every day your friend gets endangered like that, on top of having your biggest weakness exposed.)

(I'm glad Carmen is safe, too. But the second thing can be improved on, Clay said so.)

(Not much good that knowledge does if we don't know how. Besides, I have my strength. I'll just take my opponents down before they take me down.)

(Jude, at some point that isn't going to work out-)

(Oh, I'll make it work. I'm the strongest one in the team!)

(You are, but you can't let that get to your head!)

(Shut up! It's not like any of you have this kind of weakness in the first place!) Jude shouted. (Michelle, and Roger, and everyone else in the team? Yeah, I could overpower any of them in a heartbeat, but that doesn't change the fact that they could still run circles around me! Even you have more stamina than me, and you're always floating!)

The Krokorok turned away, not wanting to let Merlot see the tears that were surely starting to form. (When I joined you guys and found out how strong I could be, I thought I could finally overcome that weakness. I even made Carmen promise not to tell because I was worried that Hilbert would take me back to the castle if he found out.)

(He's not that kind of-)

(Yeah yeah, I know he's not! I just-!) Jude inhaled through his snout, finally opting to just curl into himself. (Just leave me alone.)

A moment of silence passed before Merlot spoke up.

(...Back in the Dreamyard, I was the slowest out of all the Munna there.)

Jude didn't say anything as Merlot continued, (Granted, my line isn't exactly known for its speed...but the wild Munna always played games like tag or hide-and-seek. You can imagine how often I was 'it' during those days.)

Jude finally snorted. (Are you just saying that to make me feel better?)

(That depends. Is it working?)

(After what you said about your line not being known for its speed? Not even close.) Despite what Jude said, the two exchanged a chuckle. While Merlot's speed wasn't the same kind of deficiency that Jude had...it was almost comforting to know he wasn't the only one with that kind of thing. (...Thanks. Might take me a while to bounce back.)

(That's fine. Just as long as you bounce back eventually.)

There was a moment of silence that passed before Merlot spoke up again. (Jude...that wasn't the only reason I came here. I came here to ask you something.)

That got Jude's attention. He cracked a small smile. (The team's illustrious leader, asking me for something? Not an outright demand? That's rare.)

(Har har. But seriously...Team Plasma is going to come after us more, and I can't guarantee anything because of them.) Merlot's voice took a gravely serious tone. (I've asked this of every other member of the team, so I'm asking you. If something happens; to me, to anyone in the team - the priority should be to keep Hilbert safe. Can you promise me that?)

For Jude, this was the kind of thing that should go without saying. (Absolutely. You're promisin' the same, right?)

(Of course I am. If anything happens to you, I will do everything in my power to keep Hilbert safe. That's what a leader does, no?)

The conversation ended there. While Merlot's words couldn't completely alleviate the hopelessness that Jude felt, most of the sadness was replaced with something akin to comfort.

After seeing the extent Hilbert went to rescue his best friend, Jude was convinced. Up until that point, Carmen was the only one who had his loyalty - an honor that was now shared by their trainer.

New Captures

Honey / Deerling / Female / Careful / Scatters things often / Sap Sipper /Met in Route 6

Dodger / Joltik / Female / Modest / Often dozes off / Compoundeyes / Met in Chargestone Cave

Ending Note: Hi there! I don't usually put these notes while cross-posting, but I do want to put one here that explains Jude's insecurity with his stamina!

It's in his IVs: having a 'stamina deficiency' translates to having a 0 IV in HP, which belies the fact that he has a perfect Attack IV. Since Clay is a ground-type specialist, I feel like he would've raised a lot of the Sandile line. So he'd know like right away.

More IV info for you: Merlot's Speed IV is 0, where Dodger's HP IV is the total opposite of Jude's (meaning she's got a 31). Pokemon Home is a godsend for headcanon building.