Chapter 22: The Sound of the End

Garfield remembered his time in the wild more vividly than anyone else in Hilbert's team. The transition between life in the wild and life with a Trainer can be a difficult one, but the Excadrill liked to think that he did a good job so far. He hadn't caused any casualties yet, anyway.

This was different. The six Pokemon Ghetsis sent out...looking at them sent chills down his spine. The Hydreigon especially; it was like there wasn't anything in that thing's mind other than the instinct to kill. It brought him back to his time in the wild, so using Sandstorm was a matter of instinct.

He had an easy time seeing what was going on through the sand; Roger intercepting Bouffalant and Dodger doing everything she could to occupy Bisharp. She looked like she was doing a good job, so Garfield didn't see a need to intercept. He was going to look for the others when he was blindsided by a Shadow Ball hitting him from behind. It didn't take long to figure out which of them launched that; one of Cofagrigus' hands had been outstretched in his direction.

(Hitting a mon from behind,) Garfield muttered. (Should've expected that.)

(You really should have.) The Cofagrigus nodded, examining Garfield with a calm demeanor. Compared to some of Ghetsis' other Pokemon, the ghost-type seemed somewhat rational. (You clearly recognized right away that this is no ordinary battle. I presume you were caught recently as well?)

Garfield's eyes narrowed. (What's it to you?)

(I just find it strange that you seem so eager to protect them already,) Cofagrigus responded. (In my short experience, being with a human is the same as life in the wild. Tell me, what is it that motivates you?)

(...Just because your trainer is a piece of shit doesn't mean every human is,) Garfield shot back. (Time's a factor here, so why don't we just agree that I got lucky and you didn't?)

(Fair enough.) Cofagrigus held his arms out, creating a brilliant barrier covering him. Garfield didn't attack straight away; the Ghost-type's eyes widened as he realized that his opponent chose to go for Swords Dance instead of attacking outright.

Cofagrigus tried to Protect again, but failed to create another barrier. Garfield saw his chance and used Earthquake. The Ghost-type fell to the ground, and Garfield was about to go for another Earthquake when he heard a scream. Was that Dodger?! He cursed; he didn't have time to waste!

Garfield pointed a claw at the Ghost-type as he retreated. (You better stay down if you know what's good for you!)

The Excadrill knew he would; the Ghost-type seemed on the brink of collapsing from that one Earthquake. If he found the strength to so much as get up after that, Garfield would frankly be impressed.

But that didn't matter! As he ran, he felt another Earthquake shaking up the area. He wasn't the one that used it, so he had to assume it was the Seismitoad. That was the only other Ground-type in the area that he recalled, so it made the most sense.

(Dodger!) Garfield shouted, rushing over to the Galvantula. She could be seen climbing onto the platform, and Garfield noticed that part of the floor had collapsed. Oh, right...that part of the floor had been crumbling apart from the last battle, hadn't it? (I heard shouting! You okay?!)

(I'm fine,) Dodger responded. (I was fighting the Bisharp, and the floor collapsing surprised us. I was able to help myself up, but Bisharp-)

She looked over the edge, and Garfield followed her gaze. Bisharp could be seen lying on his back. His face seemed frozen in a surprised expression; as if he didn't have time to comprehend what was happening before he landed on his back. And that didn't seem like a natural position...

(...Holy shit,) Garfield muttered. (Fuck.)

Both of them were so shell-shocked from the realization that Bisharp had died that they were oblivious to the shadow looming behind them, three mouths open to launch an attack.

Hilbert hadn't given the command for Garfield to use Sandstorm, but he was still glad for it. He kept a hand on Michelle's side as he tried to see through the sand; all he could make out were large blurs. It was scary not knowing what was happening around you, but Hilbert guessed he had to trust his Pokemon's judgement.

There was only one Pokemon in his team that he could keep track of in the chaos, and that was Belle - her flames made it easy to find her through the torrent of sand. She was fighting what looked like the Eelektross. Belle seemed to use a Flame Burst before Eelektross lunged at her and used Crunch. The Electric-type tossed Belle aside like it was nothing, and she righted herself not very far from where Hilbert was situated.

"Belle!" Hilbert called, rushing over to the Chandelure with a Full Restore in hand. "Hold still really quick."

Healing Belle took little time, and she was back to fighting Eelektross.

He kept a hand on Michelle's side, flinching as he heard a loud bellow of pain. He wasn't even sure if it was one of Ghetsis' Pokemon or one of his own. It didn't help that there was a violent rumbling - Garfield using Earthquake? Or was it Seismitoad…?!

This was the worst! What the hell was going on?!

Hilbert must have jumped a foot into the air when he felt something nudging his side, until he felt something licking his fingers.

"Roger!" Hilbert exclaimed. He crouched to get a better look at his Stoutland's face. He looked pretty beat up, and the Rocky Helmet seemed to be hanging onto his head by a thread. But he was still alive! "Man, am I glad to see you! Do you know where everyone else is?!"

Roger nodded, glancing back at where two large blurs - one of them floating in the air - could be seen clashing. The floating one started to glow with an ethereal light (was that Merlot using Calm Mind?).

The blur that Merlot was facing moved, and the earth started to rumble again. Okay, that had to be the Seismitoad that Merlot was facing.

While he couldn't be sure who Roger had just battled, Hilbert could at least be certain that he won. Hilbert winced when he realized that there was blood on his fangs - whoever Roger beat must have given him a hell of a fight. Then again...this wasn't exactly a normal battle, was it? This was just like Dragonspiral Tower...wasn't it?

There was one other blur that caught Hilbert's notice; floating in the air and with three light surrounding it. That couldn't be Belle…was it the Hydreigon?!

Michelle acted before Hilbert could say anything, using Aqua Jet to close the distance between her position and the Hydreigon's targets. Was she going to take the hit for them?!

"MICHELLE!" Hilbert didn't hesitate to run into the sandstorm after her.

Michelle had chosen to stay by Hilbert's side when the sandstorm started. She could barely see anything through the sandstorm - she could make out shapes of her teammates and Ghetsis' team, but that was about the extent of it.

One of the larger blurs was easy enough - it seemed to have three limbs, with a light appearing on each end. Was that the Hydreigon? Then those two blurs it was heading for, were they-?!

The Samurott didn't give herself time to think; despite Hilbert's protests, Michelle used Aqua Jet to give herself the speed she needed to intercept the attack. The Dragon Pulse hurt, but she pushed through it to deliver a swift Revenge. Hydreigon shrieked and was pushed back from the force of her attack. Not long after, she felt hands on her side and the familiar sting of a Full Restore on her. It didn't surprise her that Hilbert ran through the sand after her, but he needed to be out of this thing's way now.

(Michelle, what the hell?!) Garfield shouted. (Are you out of your mind, that thing could've killed you!)

(You just make sure Hilbert's safe!) Michelle shouted back. (I'll take care of this creep!)

Normally Garfield would protest and make some quip about being bossed around, but not this time. He nodded and stayed close to Hilbert.

"Michelle," Hilbert called. Michelle couldn't make out her trainer's facial expression, but she knew from his voice that he was worried. Conflicted. It wasn't long before she felt a gentle hand on her head; not unlike how Hilbert would pat her head when she was an Oshawott. "...Please be careful."

Michelle knew Hilbert couldn't really understand her words, but she said it anyway; (Don't worry. I'll keep you safe.)

The question was how.

(Dodger, keep an eye on our fight,) Michelle instructed. (…Just in case.)

Dodger slowly nodded. For a moment, Michelle wondered what she was thinking. Did Dodger come to the same conclusion as Michelle? (Just in case.)

It was strange how Hydreigon hadn't attacked them in all that time, but it became clear soon enough. Ghetsis must have taken the chance to heal his own Pokemon while Hilbert healed her; what else could explain how revitalized Hydreigon had been when it launched another Dragon Pulse her way? Michelle hit back with Revenge, and she knew that she wouldn't get healed this time; Hilbert was too far away this time. Hopefully the same could be said for Ghetsis, otherwise she was done for.

Who was Michelle kidding; she knew she was done for anyway. Hydreigon was faster than her, and Dragon Pulse already packed a punch. If she got hit by another one of those, she was dead.

The realization should have brought a sense of pride. There was honor in dying in battle, wasn't there? That definitely wasn't what she felt at that moment; it felt a little more like regret.

Not that Michelle would ever regret dying to protect Hilbert and the others. What she would regret was leaving them behind, especially with that thing on the loose. If she went down, who could take that thing on?!

Then it hit her; she was a dead Samurott no matter what she did.

If her dying really was the inevitable result, why not go all-out? She wasn't going to roll over and accept her fate now, of all times. Michelle was going to go down swinging, and she was going to do whatever it took to bring Hydreigon down and make it easier for Dodger to finish it off.

What she had in mind may be considered a cheap shot...but if protecting Hilbert and the others meant risking her life to see it done, so be it.

(Hey, Dodger!) Michelle called. (Cover me!)

Then - as the sandstorm faded away into rain - she used Aqua Jet.

It couldn't be certain whether it was the rain strengthening Aqua Jet or Michelle's sudden proximity that took the Hydreigon aback, but she used it to her advantage anyway. She managed to tackle the dragon to the ground, biting as hard as she could onto his shoulder - where its left arm connected with the rest of its body. Hydreigon thrashed and bellowed beneath her, biting back at Michelle's arms. Despite the pain, Michelle didn't let go until she could taste blood in her mouth. Then she grabbed one of her seamitars and swung down hard.

Michelle expected another Dragon Pulse, but it never came. She hadn't realized that Hydreigon had fainted until he disappeared in a burst of red light - signaling that Ghetsis had returned him.

The realization hit her like a revelation: she survived.

What made this even better; if Ghetsis had returned Hydreigon, that meant he saw what she had done. The revelation filled her with an exhilarating sense of pride.

Michelle wanted him to remember how he could do nothing to stop it from happening. Just like how she couldn't do anything to stop her friends from dying.

She hoped that Ghetsis would remember that powerless feeling every time he looked at where Hydreigon's left arm used to be.

Seismitoad had used Rain Dance to get rid of the sandstorm. That much, Ghetsis knew for sure.

He didn't see a need to issue commands to his Pokemon - they learned long ago that any method should be used in order to achieve victory against his enemies. As long as they didn't fail him, Ghetsis didn't see a point in knowing which of his Pokemon did what.

He only gave three orders to his Pokemon, long before he ever stormed into the throne room. The first was to wipe out Hilbert's team; none of those creatures were to remain alive. The second was to leave Hilbert alive; just so Ghetsis could kill the boy himself. The third was for Hydreigon to target Hilbert's Samurott specifically. The others could do with Hilbert's team what they wanted, but Samurott was Hydreigon's to kill. It only made sense to target Hilbert's beloved starter with his strongest Pokemon.

Ghetsis knew that most Samurott stuck to a code of honor, which made this one laughably easy for Hydreigon to predict. Of course a Samurott would rush in to protect its teammates. Revenge was one of the few moves that Unovan Samurott had that could hit Hydreigon's weaknesses, and he doubted that the beast had Fury Cutter or Megahorn. Ghetsis knew that it was only a matter of time before the Samurott went down, and Hilbert's sickening hope along with it.

He was quickly proven wrong as he watched the Samurott launch herself at Hydreigon using Aqua Jet and tackle him to the ground. And then - What did that Samurott think it was DOING?!

Ghetsis had to be quick in order to ensure his Hydreigon's survival - not out of pity or love for the beast, but because raising another one from a Deino was far more work than he was willing to put in. Once he finally managed to return the beast, he seethed as he caught sight of the arm that was left behind. It just flopped there, in a puddle of blood and rainwater, and the head let out a pathetic wail before the arm stopped moving for good.

As he took in the sight of the Samurott - blood on its fangs and seamitar, and an almost cruel glint in its eyes - Ghetsis was suddenly reminded of a Samurott he encountered not even a year ago. It had pure-white armor, and the same look in its eyes when it cut down Beheeyem without a shred of mercy. That monster cost him what was arguably his most useful tool, and replacing it wasn't easy! He had only recently caught Cofagrigus!

Speaking of Cofagrigus...since the sandstorm had alleviated, Ghetsis could finally see what became of his team. What he saw shocked him. Four of his Pokémon - Cofagrigus, Bouffalant, Eelektross, and Seismitoad - were all unconscious. Not just that, Bouffalant's front left leg was absolutely mangled. Hydreigon and the other three would recover and still be of use to him in the future, but the same could not be said for Bouffalant.

To say that Ghetsis didn't wonder where Bisharp had disappeared to would be a lie. He thought that perhaps Bisharp was lying in wait to prepare for an ambush.

He soon got his answer; that Arceus-damned brat looked over the edge of the platform - where a significant portion of it had crumbled away - and his jaw dropped. His entire team gathered around him - Musharna, Chandelure, Stoutland, Galvantula, Excadrill and Samurott.

Six Pokemon on Hilbert's side. None of them were dead.

And Bisharp - one of HIS Pokemon - most likely was.

Not only did his team fail to kill any of Hilbert's Pokemon, but one of then had the audacity to die on him?!

At that realization, something within him snapped.

The battle was chaotic - Ghetsis' whole team practically launched themselves at Hilbert's party, which left no time for them to figure out what to do. Since Hilbert was caught in the middle of it, he probably had no idea of anything that was going on around him.

N, on the other hand, saw everything.

He saw how Roger had challenged Bouffalant, bravely launching himself at the Normal-type with an Ice Fang. Bouffalant broke through the ice and used Head Charge, but not before Roger worked himself up. A Crunch was aimed at Bouffalant's front left leg, and Roger seemed to shake off Bouffalant's second Head Charge before using Last Resort. It hurt N to see Bouffalant in that much pain, even though he couldn't shake the feeling that he would have killed Roger otherwise.

Cheren and Alder were holding their own against the Shadow Triad's Pokemon as well; the Triad's Pokemon were woefully outmatched, which made N wonder if they were there just to keep anyone from helping Hilbert. Upon their defeat, the Triad disappeared without a trace. N was half-tempted to command them to tell him where they were going...but their loyalty was to Ghetsis, wasn't it?

Stop it! he wanted to shout. Stop fighting, please!

But no words came out.

He could only watch as Seismitoad and Merlot clashed. Their battle was just as short as Roger's with Bouffalant; Seismitoad only paused in his Earthquakes to perform a Rain Dance, which Merlot used as an opportunity to KO the Vibration Pokemon.

The more he saw of the fight (how brutally Ghetsis' Pokemon fought, and how brave Hilbert's had been in facing them head-on), the more he hated himself. So, everything that Ghetsis had done for him - every bedtime story, every lesson, even the coronation ceremony - was all a lie? It was all part of a plan to separate Pokemon from people so that Ghetsis could take over Unova for himself?

N thought about Hilbert's Krokorok, and wanted to cry all over again. Even if Ghetsis was the real mastermind, he had just admitted to using N to try to get to Zekrom! N followed every order, and for what?! This isn't what he wanted!

Zekrom didn't say anything, but they stayed by his side. That fact alone should indicate his status as a Hero, but N certainly didn't feel like one right now.

It didn't help that he saw what happened to Bisharp; how the edge of the platform had collapsed with him and Dodger standing on top of it. Bisharp hadn't been as fortunate as Dodger. It was hard to say if it was one of Garfield's Earthquakes or one of Seismitoad's that caused the platform to collapse. It probably didn't matter in the long run, but it mattered to him.

He looked up at Zekrom. The dragon had taken to watching him carefully, as if acutely aware of his turmoil. They probably were.

"Zekrom," N started. "Why?"

There were a lot of questions behind that one word. Why was this happening? Why did Ghetsis do everything just so he could rule the world? Why use him to get to Zekrom? Why target Hilbert and his Pokemon so ferociously?

Why would Zekrom still stand by his side, when they knew that everything was a lie?

"What is this?!"

N flinched when he heard Ghetsis' screams. Ah, so the battle had ended. Hilbert's team won...and from the look of things, it was an overwhelming victory. There was a concerning amount of blood on Michelle and Roger, but at least Hydreigon and Bouffalant were still alive.

"No! NO! My careful schemes and calculations, undone by some nobody from Black City?! I refuse to accept that!" Ghetsis shouted. N couldn't ignore how his heart felt like somebody had stabbed it, and he couldn't stop the tears from pouring out anew either. "I created Team Plasma with my bare hands! I am the ruler of a perfect new world! I AM PERFECTION!"

"N," Alder called. N snapped to attention; he hadn't expected someone to address him now of all times. "What do you think now? Do you still think people and Pokemon should be separated?"

N couldn't answer. If he had been asked that question a few months ago, he wouldn't have hesitated to say 'yes.' But now he wasn't so sure. After meeting so many people and Pokemon who were happy together...after meeting Hilbert and Michelle...

Ghetsis' laughter was cruel - unlike the soft chuckles that N had been so accustomed to. "I couldn't become the Hero and obtain the legendary Pokemon for myself, N was prepared specifically for that purpose! He's just a freak without a human heart! Do you really think you can get through to a warped person like that?!"

"Like you're one to talk, old man!" Hilbert shouted. "If anyone in this room is a warped freak with no heart, it's you! N's more human than you'll ever be!"

N's jaw dropped, and he stared at Hilbert with shock. It was the same shock he felt when he heard Michelle saying she liked Hilbert, all those months ago.

After everything that happened...everything that N put Hilbert through...why would he stand up for him?

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Cheren agreed. "Alder, it's a waste of time and energy listening to him ramble on. I'm getting a headache."

"You're both right," Alder responded. "N...for what it's worth, I know your heart was in the right place. I believe that Zekrom wouldn't have chosen you in the first place if they didn't see that. Ghetsis' manipulation had nothing to do with it."

In the back of his mind, N knew that Zekrom had told him that themself before, but he finally voiced his sentiment; "But...if I caused as much pain as I think I have, I have no right to call myself a Hero!"

"Is that what Zekrom thinks? Maybe you should ask them," Alder said. "Their input is important too, isn't it?"

N felt a nudge at their side, and he looked up at Zekrom. They nodded, which brought him some measure of comfort...but not nearly enough. Zekrom may still wish to stay by his side, but that didn't explain why Alder and Hilbert were being so kind to him.

"Why are you saying all of this like you understand?!" N didn't intend to shout, but the question had been burning him on the inside for the past five minutes. "Up until now, we've been fighting over our beliefs! After everything Team Plasma's done, you have every right to curse my name and hate me!"

"So, you want us to ignore the fact that you were also lied to?" Hilbert questioned.

"Besides, there's no such thing as a viewpoint that has all the answers. Just because our beliefs are different, that doesn't mean we should reject each other," Alder responded. "In fact, that's all the more reason to listen to each other."

N didn't know what to say to that. He didn't have the words; just like when Hilbert told him about his Krokorok, Alder's words felt like a Mega Kick to the stomach. His whole life, N had dreamed of a world that was neatly separated into black and white - where Pokemon and humans were separate for the good of everyone. That was the ideal that he so strongly believed in that it earned him the title 'Hero of Ideals'.

Now that he knew that the dream was formed from nothing but lies, it felt hollow. It didn't feel real to him anymore.

He then recalled what Zekrom had told him; ("To move forward in spite of doubt, and to look back on your past actions in order to improve yourself - that is what it means to pursue ideals.")

So...how does he move forward from here? How does one move forward when their entire life was built on a lie?

N didn't know what to do now, but there was one thing he was certain of; he couldn't bear to stay here a moment longer.

From looking at Zekrom, they seemed to be thinking the same thing.

"Zekrom!" Zekrom obeyed the silent command, flying towards the throne - towards the large hole they had formed with their entrance. After returning his party to their PokeBalls, N ran after the legendary.

Hilbert called his name, Cheren and Alder protested, and Ghetsis laughed...but N didn't pay heed to any of that. He needed to get away now.

N jumped onto Zekrom's back, and they immediately took off. The fallen king spared a glance back towards the castle one more time...only for him to see that Hilbert chased after him. N knew that he didn't have a flier of any kind on his party, so he could only stand on the edge and watch as they got further and further away...and that did break his heart a little.

("...Not even a goodbye?") Zekrom questioned. N winced.

Hilbert showed him kindness that he didn't deserve, and this is how he repaid it? Part of him wanted to go back, to explain everything and properly apologize...but another part of him knew that leaving was the best thing. If he came back, who's to say he ever could?

"...Not yet," N promised. "I just need to clear my head first. Too much has happened. I'm sorry."

Zekrom nodded. ("Fair enough. But it isn't me you should be apologizing to, you know that.")

N did know that. One day - whether it be a month from now, or a year - he'd have to be able to think of the perfect apology. If it was even possible to convey his remorse for all the pain he caused, he would do it at the drop of a hat.

Unova deserved that much. Hilbert and his team deserved that much.