I have a confession to make.

Once this fanfiction is done, I've just about run out of ideas for Cara. I've always had a story in my head for what Cara would do in each region. But I just don't know what she'd do in Kalos. Pokémon Conquest might be fun too, but I don't know what to do with that either.

The only other idea I have is a very old one, which I liked just because it sounds awesome. That is a battle between Mewtwo and Shadow Lugia. But even that doesn't have much of a story behind it.

Once the story of Cara and N is done, I may take a break from Fanfiction. Maybe I'll come up with some Kalos ideas. Or maybe I'll do something with my very old X-Men fanfic. But I also have a couple dozen of my own original ideas that I want to work on (they've been occupying most of my writing as it is XD). A couple of them are almost done– full novel-length works. Like any writer, I'm working on the dream of publishing, so wish me luck!

I know some of you guys have been following me for a long time. And thank you so much! Some of my older fanfic stuff is probably not very good. I don't want to look at it because I'll probably be embarrassed. XD Although it would be fun to rewrite it some day. I already did rewrite the first few chapters of my Midna fanfic.

Thank you all for reading my story! I still have a couple chapters left, so until then, I always look forward to reading your comments. ^-^

And I hope to see you in the future for a different project~

And on a completely random note, I never understood how or why Team Plasma could cause a castle to rise up out of the dirt around the Pokémon League. So I'm pretending like that doesn't happen. XD

Polaris–Ponyta, Tsuki–Serperior, Mamoru–Samurott, Tlaloc-Braviary, Lanfan-Mienshao, Croatan – Scolipede

...

To Defend the Truth

...

I sat up in my sleeping bag, and realized that I was shaking.

"Ooh, you're awake," Hari said, vaulting over a sleeping Croatan and crouching next to me. Ben and most of the Pokémon were still asleep. "Did you know Ben caught a Dieno last night? Are you shivering?"

"Ah, yeah. I guess so."

"Why?"

"Just a dream I had."

"A real dream?"

It took me a minute to process his words. "Yes. Mewtwo came and talked to me. I figured out why I was so afraid of fighting N."

"Will Mewtwo come and help fight N?"

"No. He just talked to me. Helped me snap out of it."

"Snap out of it? Oh, that means you're ready to fight!"

I looked up at him, my face setting in firm determination. "Yes. I think we're ready."

Hari grinned. "Great! So, how do we get out of this cave?"

Yes. We still had to get out in time to stop N from fighting Alder. But we hadn't had any luck yet in finding the exit. "You said Ben caught a Dieno last night?"

"Yeah."

"Maybe she can lead us out."

…

Our party burst into the late morning light and blinked as the sun shone down on us.

"Yaay!" Hari cheered. "We're out!"

"It's almost noon," Ben said. "Do you think N is fighting the Pokémon League yet?"

Yes, Said Lanfan. She had evolved into a Mienshao during our morning dash through Victory Road. You can feel the tension in the air.

"Then let's get a move on."

We'd already gone through most of the cave at a jog, with Ben carrying Dieno to give us directions. I kept out a couple of my Pokémon to battle any wild ones we met. But my team was thoroughly exhausted, so we needed to get to the Pokémon Center. As if we weren't pressed for time already.

So, although all of us were out of breath, we jogged across the summit of the mountain, towards the towering buildings of the Pokémon League.

We finally staggered to a halt in front of the Pokémon Center, and I returned Lanfan. The startled nurse watched us as we limped toward the counter.

"I need my team healed," I gasped. I dumped my Pokéballs on the table, and they began rolling in different directions. "As soon as possible."

"Yes, certainly," the nurse said, helping me pick up the Pokéballs and set them in one of the trays. "Are you that eager to battle the league?"

"Don't you know what's happening today?"

"Today? Does it have to do with that group of people in uniforms that have been walking around?"

I waved my hand, not wanting to explain. I'd rather have my team healed quickly.

She took my Pokémon into the back, and the rest of us sat down on the bench, to rest and try to eat something for lunch.

We seemed to be waiting for an eternity, but it was probably no more than twenty minutes. When we finished eating, I pulled out the White Stone and stared at it, running my fingers over the indents in its surface.

"Do you think you can get Reshiram to wake up?" Ben asked, looking at the stone.

"I don't know. I'm hoping when I see N, I'll be able to find out. Either from him, or from Zekrom."

"What if Reshiram doesn't wake up?" Hari asked.

"Then I'll have to fight him with the rest of my Pokémon."

The nurse returned to the counter, and I pocketed the White Stone. I took my Pokéballs back, and hooked them to my belt.

"Thank you," I called over my shoulder, and dashed out of the front door.

Ben and Hari were at my heels as I cantered to the arching entrance of the League. But the moment we were through the doors, I skidded to a halt. A moment later, Ben plowed into my back and we stumbled forward.

I managed to keep from falling on my face, and stared at the chaos in front of me. The entrance hall was a cacophony of bellows, shouts, and calls, from both people and Pokémon. It took me a few seconds to piece together what I was seeing.

It was the gym leaders, with their Pokémon out and I full battle. They were fighting people Team Plasma uniforms. Team Plasma had swarmed the Pokémon League.

A cloud of gas caught my attention, and I saw Koffing, and Roxie.

One of the Plasma grunts charged at us, and Ben quickly let out Tauros to keep him occupied. Hari and I dashed through the melee towards Roxie.

"What's happening?" I shouted to her, dodging a Simisear.

Roxie glanced up at me. "Once N went in to challenge Alder, we started gathering here in case we needed to stop him. But then all these guys showed up! None of us can get through to Alder and N. The battle must be almost over by now!"

I turned and took off across the battlefield, vaulting over a Stoutland.

Hari followed me, and when one of the Plasma grunts sent a Liepard after me, Hari and Gro moved between us.

"Ben and I will try to keep them off your tail," Hari said, grinning.

I nodded, smiling, and dashed on towards the stairs. Another grunt stopped in front of me, but I plowed straight into him, shoving him to the side. I continued on, charging down the stairs and nearly tripping over a Whirlipede that rolled after me.

A couple more Pokémon chased me down the stairs, but I managed to beat them to the bottom and slammed the door behind me. I turned the bolt, locking it.

I stood there, my back to the door, gasping for breath. But I immediately stood up straight, because there were people ahead of me.

"Who are you?" I demanded. There were two of them. Women.

One of the women bowed. "I am Concordia."

"And I am Anthea. We have helped to watch over N since he was small."

I narrowed my eyes at them. "Oh, is that so. So you're some of the people that have turned him into a pawn to destroy Unova?"

Concordia lowered her head. "N was raised away from humans. Ghetsis had him grow up among Pokémon – Pokémon that were hurt and betrayed by humans. Ghetsis saw to it that N saw only the suffering that people caused to Pokémon. And because of this, N grew up seeking an ideal world where Pokémon would be free from that suffering. His heart is still pure and innocent. And while this makes him strong, it makes it very easy for Ghetsis to manipulate him."

"I'm going to stop him," I said, stepping forward. "Let me through."

Anthea bowed her head. "As you wish. I think deep down, N is already starting to realize the truth. His time with you started to weaken the ideals that had once been so strong. That is why Ghetsis called him away. It's up to you, whether or not you can bring the truth to N."

The two women stood aside and let me walk past them. I eyed them wearily as I moved down the hall. I could hear the din of the battle behind me. And ahead of me, at the other end of a long corridor, was another noise. A loud bellow – the same one I had heard at the top or Dragonspiral Tower.

Zekrom.

I paused for a minute, taking deep breaths to calm myself. I reached out telepathically to my Pokémon.

How are you feeling? Are you ready?

We're ready to go, Tsuki replied.

Are you ready? Polaris asked.

"I am," I said aloud. And I stood up straight and faced the doors at the end of the hall. I glanced back once more at Concordia and Anthea, whose heads were lowered sadly. I opened the door and peered through.

A burst of light made me take a step back. Electricity rippled across the stadium before me, and a hulking black dragon dove down from the sky. Ahead of it was a Volcarona, who looked so small and fragile as it fled the great dragon.

Entranced by the two Pokémon that wove and dodged between the pillars, I stepped quietly inside and moved towards the field.

Volcarona made a sharp turn and doubled back, striking Zekrom with a plume of fire. Zekrom whirled to face her, but Volcarona was smaller and more maneuverable. She dodged the snapping jaws and hovered at Zekrom's back, where neither claw or tooth could reach her.

But it was a fatal mistake. Because as Zekrom spun again, he realized Volcarona's strategy. Zekrom's body ignited with flickering electricity, which burst forth and engulfed Volcarona.

Volcarona let out a screech, and crumpled to the floor.

"No!" Cried Alder, stepping forward and reaching out a hand.

"It's over," N said, spreading his arms. "Your team is beaten. Beaten by the legendary Zekrom. In the end, your title of Champion wasn't enough to stop me. Now that I've won, I can order trainers to free their Pokémon. Never again will they be made to suffer and be held captive by humans."

"You mustn't," Alder implored, kneeling beside his fallen Volcarona.

N shook his head. "We each fought, putting our beliefs on the line. And I won. You don't have the right to say another word."

"N!" I shouted, stepping out onto the field.

N turned to face me, as did Alder and Zekrom.

N's face lit up. "Aah, so you came. And did you find the White Stone?"

"I've got it," I said, my voice low and dangerous.

N cocked his head. "Have you? But then is Reshiram still dormant?"

"Not for long," I growled. "Tell me how to wake Reshiram."

N sighed and sadly shook his head. "Ah, if you have to ask, then it's no good. Reshiram hasn't recognized you as the hero. It's disappointing. I think you truly cared for Pokémon. I thought we might be friends. But I suppose I was kidding myself."

"You are kidding yourself," I shouted, walking towards him. "You're kidding yourself, because you think that ripping people and Pokémon apart will make this a better world. Well, I have news for you. It won't. It will only make everybody miserable.

N shook his head, giving an exasperated smile.

"You don't' believe me? Just look at my Pokémon." I waved a hand around myself. 'Just like so many other trainers, I have a strong bond with my team. We are family. We've been through everything together. We've seen pain and joy, and we've become stronger with everything we accomplished, or failed. My team would never leave me."

Red lights burst around my body as my six Pokéballs sprang open. A moment later, my team was standing around me, standing defiant at my back. I turned to Polaris and put a hand on her neck, smiling.

She nuzzled my shoulder. Cara is right. We would never leave her. Not for you, or for that dragon that supposedly makes you a hero.

I patted her neck once more, and took another step towards N. "You think that because I can talk to Pokémon that I have a better relationship to my team than any other trainer. But that's not true. Trainers don't need to know the words of their Pokémon. Trainers without telepathy can love and understand their Pokémon as much as I do. I admit that things aren't perfect between humans and Pokémon. But nothing is ever perfect. I wish that humans would never hurt Pokémon again. Heaven knows I've seen more than my fair share of that. So have you. But it's because there is darkness in the world that we find the bright things so wonderful. I would rather have an imperfect world, where trainers like me can share joy alongside Pokémon. That is far better than one person's false idea of a perfect place. And I-I will do anything I can to defend that truth!"

Suddenly blinding white light illuminated me. I gasped, raising an arm to cover my eyes. A moment later, I felt something hot against my thigh. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the White Stone. It was glowing brilliantly, sending waves of light over me and my Pokémon. I held it at arms length, my mouth open.

A low, smooth sound echoed from the stone and reached across the field. A voice.

"Your truth has been deemed worthy."

The White Stone rose from my hand and the light condensed around it, solidifying and growing. Glowing wings spread wide, and Reshiram threw her head back, letting out a keening call. She tilted her wing forward and touched down on the earth in front of me. Dazed, I walked up to her side. Reshiram leaned down in front of me. I reached out and placed a hand on her nose.

"Your name is Cara," Reshiram said, in the same audible telepathy that Mewtwo used. "And my name is Shira." She stood up. "And it is time for us to fight for our truth."

I nodded. "Yes. Yes, you're right." A grin spread across my face and I faced N. "You can't hide from the truth forever. If it takes a battle to make you come to your senses, then that's what we'll do."

Shira gave another keening bellow, and her tail burst into a burning torch of flame. Embers rippled across of her body.

N faced me, Zekrom at his side. He was smiling, and breathing heavily from excitement. "Ah, Cara. This is one battle I have looked forward to. Did you know that Reshiram and Zekrom were once the same Pokémon? But they spilt, to follow two different heroes. And now two heroes face each other once again. My ideals and your Truth. Let us fight for them indeed!"

N threw out his hand, and Zekrom sprang forward, wreathed in lightning. Shira leapt to face him and the two dragons met in the middle of the stadium, clashing in fire and lightning.