The sound of Bel's voice roused me from my sleep.

"Are you awake?" she asked.

"I am now…" I replied quite sluggishly. I was about seconds away from dozing off again before a bright light penetrated my retinas, momentarily blinding me in a manner that felt much more painful than it probably was. "Gaaah!"

Oh god, is this what it feels to be a Mogwai?!

"Turn that damn light off!" I exclaimed as I pulled the blankets over my head. C'mon, leave me alone—I got attacked by a pack of Patrat the other day! Let me sleep, dammit!

"Oh no you don't!" That's all I heard before someone pulled the blankets off of me none-too-gently. I didn't even need to open my eyes to tell that it was Touya. "Get up!"

I groaned and used my pillow to cover my face from the light. "I'm up! Just turn off that fucking light!"

I can't see for crying out loud!

"Oh for the love of…" I could practically see Touya face palming…except I didn't, because the light hurts. "Bel, turn off the light—there, it's off!"

I hesitated for a moment and then slowly removed the pillow off my face. I sat up in bed and rubbed at my eyes. "Well that's was a thing…what's going on?"

What time is it? It better be a reasonable time, otherwise, I'm going to kick something…or someone. Preferably, Cheren—because why the hell not?

Ahaha, he'll kick my ass good, that's for damn sure!

Cheren is a martial artist and he doesn't hold back when he's forced into a fight. A would-be-bully at school learned that the hard way when he tried to steal Cheren's lunch money. I mean, I can probably hold up well against him—but the guy has a huge advantage in me in height and reach. Like, fuuuuck that, I ain't messing with him.

And yet, I continue to do so anyways…I should reconsider my life choices.

They're poor enough as is, so it might be a huge improvement if I at least try. Speaking of trying, I ain't even gonna try to pretend I was paying attention to what Touya was saying. "Can you repeat that for me, Bel?"

I rather take my chances with her—she's gentle and nice, unlike Touya.

"There's something going on outside!" Bel replied as she hopped around the poorly lit room, trying her best to put on her orange tights as quickly as possible. "Touko and Cheren are outside, we gotta hurry up before—whoa!"

Thud!

"I'm okay!" Bel was quick to pipe up underneath the pile of books that were now on top of her before Touya and I could react. She just crashed into a bookshelf—how the fuck is she okay?! The bookshelf sure as hell isn't—man, how are we gonna explain this one to Nurse Joy—cross that bridge when we get there, Bel! "I'm used to this—it's fine!"

I stared at Bel in disbelief. I know she's clumsy, but freaking heck, that had to hurt!

"They're mostly paperback—just give me a moment…" Dammit, Bel—that's not the point! "Can you turn on the light again?"

"I will as soon as Gizmo over here gets out of bed." Man, just for that Touya, I'm not getting out.

I laid back down and turned onto my stomach before hiding my head under a pillow. Maybe if I stay still, they'll forget about me…

"For the love of—GET UP!" Whoa, Touya sounds uncomfortably close—SHIT!

"Touya, what the fuck!" Let go of my legs, asshat— "Waugh!"

Thud!

Okay—okay, I'm definitely awake now, but I think most people would after hitting their head against the bedframe, fucking ow!

"Shit!" Oh, now you care, Touya! "I didn't mean for that to happen!"

"Too bad it did!" I snapped as I kept my hands tightly over the bump that was forming on my forehead. Not the first time I've bumped my head against things, but I do consider myself lucky that the bedframe was made out of wood. Still doesn't make it hurt any less. "I think…I'm gonna cry."

"Aww, don't cry!" Bel, worry more about yourself, you just crashed into a bookshelf! "Here, I got something for you!"

I was on the verge of tears when Bel finally walked over to me with a first-aid kit she pulled out of her bag. Touya was by my side, doing a rather shitty job at trying to console me while trying not to touch me because I told him not to when he tried. Usually, I'd laugh something like this off, but it's too damn early for me to be making any jokes and I want nobody to touch me right now.

Of course, that was a short-lived situation because Bel slapped a medicated ice patch onto my forehead and gave me a hug. "You're gonna be okay!"

"Hmmm…" I couldn't really think of anything to say that wasn't snarky, because I like Bel and I can be such a pushover when it comes to her. I mean, she's nice and sweet and doesn't deserve any of my sarcasm. Also, the ice patch feels really nice on my forehead—like an instant cold compress, minus the need for actual freezing, at the cost of being a one-time use. Such are the wonders that can come to be when Pokémon and humans work together…

On my way out of the Pokémon Center with Bel and Touya, I noticed that it was eerily empty. Like, it's never this empty—especially for a Pokémon Center that had as many visitors as yesterday. Even Nurse Joy seemed disturbed, with how her Audino was trying its best to cheer her up.

What's going on?

Outside, it was the exact opposite as to how it was in the Pokémon Center. A huge crowd of people had practically swarmed the plaza. I didn't think Accumula Town could have so many people. Of course, looks can be deceiving at times. Even small towns, such as Nuvema Town and even Pallet Town can have a sizeable population. Not a lot like in cities like say, Castelia City, but still a lot more than you can count on one hand.

It was a lot to take in, for someone who just woke up. Like, how am I supposed to even react to something like this? Should I be concerned? I just woke up and…wait—I'm forgetting something….

"Where's my Oshawott?" I remember sharing my bed with the little otter thing, but what happened to her? I don't remember her being in bed when I was rudely woken up—seriously, what the fuck?!

"Touko has her," Touya was quick to reply as he looked around, his gaze focused intently on the crowd. "Where are they…?"

"Over here!" Cheren called out to us, waving an arm in the air to catch our attention. He stood next to Touko in the outer area of the crowd. While it was kinda nice to see him, I was more interested in Touko because she had a little someone I needed to see.

"Kairi my love!" I made a beeline for Touko, completely swatting Touya's hand away before he could tell me to stay calm. I ignored the strange looks directed at me as I took Kairi from Touko, with the exception of Cheren, who I just tapped on the nose and said, "Morning loser."

"So Cheren told you?" Touko asked a little too harmlessly.

"Nooope—I guessed." A wide grin crossed my face when Touko started laughing. She has such a nice laugh… "Ow!"

Motherfucker—Cheren just flicked me on the nose! "Can you at least try to wait a bit before you start something?"

Splash!

"Shaaa…" Kairi hissed at Cheren after splashing him in the face with a very weak water gun.

Cheren's expression was blank as he looked at both Kairi and I. "Yeah, you two are certainly more alike than I thought you two would be."

I snorted. "Not my fault you're a sore loser…"

"He's just grumpy because this is the second time Kairi has done that!" Bel gave Cheren a few reassuring pats on the head. I'm surprised Cheren even let Bel to do that, since he's the type to take advantage of the fact that he's the tall one in this group.

"You'd think he'd learn, though," Touya remarked. He smirked when Cheren elbowed him in the side. "Yeah, fuck you too."

"Looks like we're all together again!" Bel clapped her hands together.

"Okay, but real talk—what the hell is going on?" Like really, what's with the crowd?

Cheren was about ready to answer my question, but then he stopped for a moment and motioned at us to quiet down. "Quit talking, I think they're starting—just pay attention and look!"

"Look at what?" I wanted to ask, but then I actually did look and what I saw made my stomach churn.

Standing at the front of the town, was a group of people, dressed all too similarly in uniforms that resembled a medieval knight. They had the same hair and eye color, varying only in height, build, gender, skin tone, and age. They stood together in a straight, horizontal line, with a flag—no—a banner at each end. The banner had a shield-like shape, which was rather fitting the more I think about it. It was half-white and half-black in color and held a strange blue insignia in the shape of a 'P' on it.

That's their coat of arms…

It certainly looks like it, with the way their uniforms had a matching symbol emblazoned on their chests…

It can't be…could it?

I had my suspicions and they only grew as I watched a tall man with long, pale-green hair walk out from behind the line of people dressed so similarly in uniform. He had red eyes…or at least, I would assume both of his eyes were red. A red eyepiece (a monocle, maybe?) obscured his right eye, giving him an almost ominous appearance. He was dressed quite strangely—far stranger than the people standing behind him. Though what he had in common with them was the coat of arms that was over his chest. He was definitely with these people…

This can't be good…

Suddenly, the man spoke.

"My name is Ghetsis." His voice was loud and clear, keeping a steady tone as he continued to speak. "I am here, representing Team Plasma."

I fucking knew it—it's another cult!

Of all the times to be a Trainer…why now? Why?

"Today," Ghetsis began, a wide smile crossing his face, "I would like to talk to you about Pokémon liberation."

I am so going to bitch about this to Mom and Dad and—Pokémon liberation?

Where the hell did that come from?

I wasn't the only one who was confused as other people in the crowd began to talk to one another. I heard Bel whispering to Cheren, asking him if there was any issues regarding that as of lately.

"Not that I know of…" Cheren adjusted his glasses, his gaze focused completely on Ghetsis. "From what I know, this is all news to me."

Cheren keeps up with recent events regarding Pokémon in Unova. It gives him something to do and now, it's something that has prepared him as a Trainer. He knows which places have the better deals, how far humans and Pokémon have come, where crime is most prevalent—the list goes on. The point is Cheren would know if something suddenly came up in Unova regarding Pokémon liberation. The fact that he doesn't says a lot about what this guy, Ghetsis, is saying.

"Keep in mind that some news tends to fall under the radar," Touko pointed out. "It happens…"

"But don't you think it'd make news if it was something that sounded as important as that?" Bel asked, looking questioningly at Touko.

"You'd be amazed at what can fly under the radar until it's right in front of our faces…" When you think about it, this is how Team Rocket and Team Galactic managed to get as far as they did. This doesn't seem to be any different, which is why it bothers me.

"I sure most of you believe that we humans and Pokémon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other." I don't like where it is that Ghetsis is going with this…there's just something about him…

"I don't like this…" I tightened my embrace on Kairi, feeling far too protective of her all too suddenly.

"However…" Ghetsis paused for a moment, looking over the crowd. "Is that really the truth?"

What?

"Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans…only assume that this is the truth?" Ghetsis waited for an answer, but his question had stunned everyone into silence. "Pokémon are subject to the selfish commands of Trainers…"

No…

"They get pushed around when they are our 'partners' at work…" A look of anger crossed his face.

Shut up…

"Can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying?" He waited again for an answer. "Well…?"

Shut the fuck up!

"That's bullshit!" I blurted out.

Immediately, Touya clapped his hand over my mouth before I could say anything else. He held me close, his eyes looking left to right as the people around began to search for who it was who said that. I don't think they figured out that it was me, because of how quick Touya had acted. I decided to stay quiet and wait to see what else Ghetsis had to say.

I felt rather sick when I noticed that Ghetsis was looking in our direction—almost as if he was looking at…me.

He knows, doesn't he?

I shuddered, feeling rather anxious that Ghetsis might say something. He didn't, though…he just looked amused and continued on with his speech. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokémon are different from humans."

That's debatable, but at the end of the day, it can be agreed that Pokémon and humans do have their differences—physically, most definitely.

But I doubt that's what he's talking about…

"They are living beings that contain unknown potential." Maybe Ghetsis is onto something, then…bummer. "They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn."

Dammit, now I feel like I overreacted over nothing…

"Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokémon?" Ghetsis looked at the crowd again, waiting for yet another answer to a question he had asked.

I heard a small child in the crowd, with a voice that was so uncertain and small, answer, "Liberation?"

Ghetsis's expression brightened at the mere mention of the word. "That's right! We must liberate the Pokémon! Then, and only then, will humans and Pokémon truly be equals."

I stand corrected. It looks like I was onto something as well…

"Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you consider the relationship between people and Pokémon…" He was looking at me again, with that same fucking smile on his face as earlier… "And the correct way to proceed."

He's taunting me…

I felt something within me snap at that moment. My face felt hot with anger as I bit down on Touya's hand. Touya yelped and removed his hand from my mouth, allowing me to finally speak what it is that was on my mind. I don't know what I was thinking—I know I wasn't thinking—I just spoke.

"Bullshit!" Ghetsis might have made a point, but the way he said it—everything that he said…just pisses me off so much. "That is complete, utter bullshit!"

Everyone's eyes were on me, with people whispering to each other amongst the crowd. My face heated up from embarrassment, but it still wasn't enough to get me to stop.

"If we liberate the Pokémon, what good does that do us?" I don't like the message in Ghetsis's speech. I hate it. "If we do that, are we really making Pokémon equals? Or are we just making them miserable?"

"Miserable?" I heard a few people repeat.

"Have you ever thought once about your Pokémon's feelings?" We learn more and more about Pokémon each day, the closer we are to them. "Or do you act without their consent?"

I can hear people muttering to each other as they question my words. I don't care about this. What I do care is that people aren't responding at all—they're just listening, accepting information so easily without even questioning the source from which it comes from. What is wrong with them?

"Maybe they don't like being caught in Poké Balls, but we would know that, wouldn't we?" If there's one thing I've learned from Pokémon, it's that they have as much of a voice as we humans do. "Because they show us how they feel…right?"

The voices are getting louder. People are no longer whispering—they're talking to each other now.

"I'm not exactly the type of person who should be talking about things like this, as a new Trainer…" My experience and knowledge is still so limited… "And yeah, maybe you are right when you say that humans and Pokémon are different…but at the same time, we're not that different either, are we? Don't we share some similarities?"

While acknowledging that these differences exist is important, so is acknowledging the areas where we are similar.

"Don't do what you think is right…do what you feel is right." I'm the last person who should even be giving such advice, but at the very least, people will think about it. "Let your Pokémon decide instead of deciding for them!"

I wanted to cry…I really wanted to cry. I had never felt so worked up about something that I usually wouldn't get involved with—but hey, it seems there's first time for everything. My heart is pounding so hard within my chest that it feels like it's going to explode. My palms are sweaty and it feels like something is stuck in my throat. My eyes are burning and my body is shaking…

Why did I do that?

Why couldn't I shut up?

I'm so stupid—I should have just shut up!

Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid

Everyone is looking at me, talking about me…everything that I don't want happening. He's looking at me again—he's mad. He's really mad and I wouldn't blame him, because I'm sure he wasn't expecting some random teenager to fucking hijack his speech like that. I didn't even mean to do that—it just happened.

Even though I wish it didn't…

"Osha!" Kairi's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked down at my Oshawott and was greeted with a reassuringly smile from her as she patted my arm. Did she understand everything I had just said?

Ahahha, I should probably listen to my own advice, then…

"What do you think?" I asked her as I held her up. I tried my hardest not to cry. It was already hard enough as is to ignore the fact that everyone was looking at me. "Do you want to leave…or stay?"

I'm sure you must miss your mother.

I know I miss home…

Kairi closed her eyes and smiled happily at me as she loudly exclaimed, "Shaaawott!"

I froze for a moment…and then brought Kairi closer to myself. It was surprising to find that Kairi was nuzzling against me so affectionately. Her soft cries sounded far too pleased to be a simple act she was putting on. She likes me…

She actually likes me…

Tears rolled down my cheeks when I realized that this was her way of saying that she wants to stay with me. She wants to stay with me, even though we've only known each other for a day. We barely even know each other…but she trusts me enough to give me a chance.

I'm…happy

"Kairi…Thank you," my voice cracked under the strain of my emotions. It was a bit embarrassing to be this way in front of so many people, but I was just…so happy. "I…I need to go."

I couldn't stick around any longer—whatever business I had here, if any, was done. I kept myself from heading straight to the Pokémon Center. Now wouldn't be a good time, with so many people nearby, so I went in whatever direction had the least amount of people…and just kept running and running and running.

I'm surprised Touya didn't follow me, but considering that I left my stuff back at the Pokémon Center, I guess he knew that I wouldn't go too far. That's probably why Cheren, Touko, and Bel didn't follow either.

I'll be fine.

I finally stopped running when I got to empty alleyway. There was nothing there, with very few people around. It was still rather early in the morning, after all. I waited for a while, letting myself a moment to catch my breath. My legs hurt from running—they're not so used to going far distances in such a short amount of time. A consequence of my unhealthy lifestyle…the most I can do now, is try to improve my athletic ability from here on out. Otherwise, I'm in for a bad time the farther I get into my journey.

I sighed and looked up at the sky. The sun was shining brightly—a typical sight during the summer, where the days are long and the nights are short. The summer heat isn't as intense as it usually is, but later on…hoo boy.

At least the breeze feels nice…

I hope it stays… "I wonder what I'm going to tell my parents…"

Wait a second…

They kicked me out—why should I care about what they think right now? I'll give that journey thing a try if it means I don't have to talk to them…I might miss home, but I'm still mad.

"At least I have you, Kairi…" I held Kairi up again, making sure that she was facing me. "Heeeey, who's a cute girl?"

"Osha~!" Kairi squealed.

"Why you're a cute girl!" It feels so embarrassing, doing something like this, but I can't help it. Kairi's reactions are so adorable to me. "Yes you are!"

I'm glad I'm not alone…I'm glad I have you, Kairi…

"Are you okay?" Hello, it looks like we're being watched.

"Uhhh…yeah?" Why wouldn't I be? "I'm fine—who are you?"

There was something about being put on the spot so suddenly, making you sound a bit ruder than what you intended. This situation is no different, when I turned and found myself face to face with a young man who was far too close to my face for comfort. He seemed a few years older than I was—maybe a bit more—and wore clothing that seemed rather simple. He had long, tea-green hair that was tied into a low, fluffy ponytail and had gray eyes that were staring rather intensely into my own. He was taller than I was, but he had bent down slightly so that our eyes could meet.

"Hey, we kind of match—don't we?" The young man tapped at the black and white baseball cap he wore, using his other hand to lightly tug on mine. "Except yours is blue…like your Oshawott."

"Shaaa!" Kairi cried out.

The young man nodded his head. "Ha…that's interesting. Say, I heard what you said back there."

My face started to heat up from embarrassment. "Oh, uh…about that…I'm sorry, I was just really, really tired."

I'm also rather impulsive by nature, but why should I be telling that to a stranger that I just met? Why am I even talking to a stranger in the first place?

"My name is N!" the young man suddenly said. He was a rather fast talker, but not too fast that I can't understand him.

"N…" I stared at him. "Your name is N…"

The young man nodded. "That's my name!"

"I didn't think people could be named after letters—is that really your name?" I looked questioningly at N. "Huh?"

"No, it's something else," N replied rather calmly. "Everyone just calls me N for short—so I thought it would be easier if I just introduced myself like that."

"Okay, that explains it…" Honestly, I shouldn't be asking questions like that when I have a color for a middle name. "So why are you talking to me?"

"Because your Pokémon intrigues me…" N smiled widely, taking a moment to pet Kairi on the head. "And by that extension, so do you!"

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I find N's behavior rather adorable. On the other hand, he's still too close for comfort.

Growl…

"Was that you?" N blinked as he looked at me before looking down at Kairi. "Or was it you?"

Growl.

"Ahh, so it's both of you!" N nodded his head, as if it was something so obvious. "I can help you out if you want—I have money."

This guy is just too damn friendly for his own good. "And why should I take up your offer?"

Growl.

"Because I'm hungry too." N stood up straight after that, taking a moment to stretch out his arms. "Hm…do you know any places where we can eat?"

"H-How…How old are you?" I found myself asking.

"Old…that's…hmm…" N took a moment to count his fingers a few times. After about a minute, he gave me an answer. "Sixteen—I should be sixteen this month!"

Should be?

"What about you?" N asked. "How old are you?"

"I'm fourteen as of two months ago," I replied… "Wait…you're sixteen?"

"Yes!" N nodded his head. "Why?"

"You look…" I wanted to say he looks older than he says he is, but the way he acts… "You know what—never mind… Let's go get something to eat."

"Okay!" N clapped his hands together. "So we're friends now, right?"

"I…guess?" I have no idea how to react to something like that. "I don't see why we can't so yeah…I guess we are."

Gotta start somewhere, so this seems like a good place as any…

N and I had breakfast at a nearby diner that was somewhat empty. At the very least, no one seemed to recognize me and I am completely fine with that! While we were waiting for our food to arrive, N and I talked. We talked about little things—nothing too complicated. Though, it did take me a bit to convince N to slow down.

He talks fast, but I think it's because he gets excited all too easily. He also likes to mess around with the cube he carried on himself. He explained that it was a void cube, that it was similar to a Rubik's Cube, but more…difficult than one. I'll take his word for it, considering I can barely even work my way around a Rubik's Cube without feeling the need to throw it against a wall after like fifteen minutes.

"You sure know how to use it…" was all I can say as I watched N work around the void cube in such fluid motions, with little to no interruptions.

"I've had it with me since I was a child," N explained with a smile. "You want to try it?"

"I…guess?" Not like I have anything better to do and Kairi's taking a nap (so precious). "Just don't expect much from me."

"I won't!" N detached the void cube off the chain attached to his hip. "Try to be gentle, okay?"

"Okay…" I guess I better stay calm, then… So while I was trying my best to learn the motions of the void cube, N just watched. It was a little unnerving, but he didn't say anything.

After a while, I felt Kairi tug at my shirt. It seems she finally woke up. She seemed a bit distressed, mostly from the fact that there was now a Tepig standing right next to her.

"Ganon?" I found myself asking. "Wait…no…"

Kairi would recognize Ganon—she doesn't recognize this Tepig. And now that I've had a closer look, it certainly isn't Ganon—Ganon doesn't have an X-shaped scar on the yellow stripe over his snout.

"That's my friend!" N held up a Poké ball. "I thought that maybe he would like to be friends with your Pokémon. I didn't mean for him to wake her up, though…"

"Ahh, so that's why…" Kairi's probably a little grumpy from being woken up so suddenly. "Be nice, Kairi—he just wants to be friends."

"Shaa!" Hey, there's no need for that attitude.

"She's young, isn't she?" N asked. "She acts young…"

"Yeah…she is." I guess N must have been around enough Pokémon to know from observing behavior only. "She's only three months old and according to my sister, she packs a punch for such a young Pokémon. Well, that's breeding for you."

For a brief moment, N made a face. Before I could ask, he reached out and removed my baseball cap. "We match again with our hair—except yours is brown…and in a braid."

"Haa…?" Match…ohhh—our hair length! "Yeah, I guess we do…although, your hair looks nicer…and fluffy…"

N frowned. "Is something wrong?"

"Can I touch your hair?" It's been bugging me the moment I saw it. It just looks so fluffy and soft and… "Am I weirding you out?"

N shook his head. "No, I just…no one ever asks me questions like that."

"That's because it's not a question you go asking everyone…" I honestly wish I had more self-control so I can keep my mouth shut. "It's okay if you don't want to let me touch your hair—"

"But I didn't say no!" N remarked, looking slightly annoyed. "You can touch—I trust you."

Well, then—I'm certainly going to enjoy this. A wide smile crossed my face as I reached out to touch N's tea-green hair. It really was soft to the touch and my fingers—they glided through his hair with such ease!

"What kind of hair products do you use?" There has to be a secret to that—I'm hoping, because if it turns out to just be genetics (as it usually seems to be), then I'm shit out of luck.

"I don't remember…" Damn! "Are you going to stop touching my hair?"

"Just give me one more minute…" It's been a while since Touya let me touch his hair, so I'm trying to enjoy this while it lasts. "Thanks, by the way…"

"No problem…" N smiled. "Say, you're a Trainer, right?"

"Not by choice, but yeah…" I'm still mad about that, by the way. "I got kicked out of my house the other day and all I really have is Kairi and a backpack full of items. So how about you? Are you a Trainer?"

"Teepiiig!" N's Tepig hopped onto the table and walked over to him. "Tee!"

"I guess?" N was rather uncertain as he held up his Tepig. "It hasn't been that long ago that my father sent me off with this little one. I guess we match again."

"Do you have any siblings?" I found myself asking. "How's your mom?"

"I think I'm an only child, but there are these two girls who have been around since I was a child…" N furrowed his brow after setting Tepig down. "I don't think I have a mom."

I have no idea what to say about that—like…does that mean he's adopted or are those girls he's with his adoptive sisters…? Is that even what he means?

I don't know…

N is a really complicated person. He's nice and everything, but the way he talks—it's somewhat confusing. Ironically enough, N is the only person I could easily talk to, for someone I had just met. Usually, I have hard times striking up conversations with people I don't know or people who are older than I am. Though, with N, the thing about him is that he acts almost like a child.

It's not bad or anything, it's more that I have to go a different way talking to him. And it's just strange, in that I've had such an easy time adjusting to that. It's interesting.

"Can I have my void cube back?" N held out his hand. "You can have your hat back when I get it back."

"Oh, sorry!" I gave N back his void cube and in turn, accepted my baseball cap. "So how's the Trainer life been for you?"

"I'm okay with it!" N was smiling as he went back to fixing the mess I made out of his void cube. "I get to see the world this way!"

"You're sheltered, aren't you?" It sounds that way, from the manner he talks.

N tilted his head to the side. "Is it that obvious?"

I rubbed the back of my head. "Well, sort of…you just have that vibe."

"Is that bad?" N frowned.

"No…it's nothing, really." I gave N a reassuring smile. "I'm kind of the same—at least, here, in Unova."

It's funny how I've seen so much, yet still know so little.

"I've never been outside of Unova," N admitted. "But I wonder if it's the same outside as it is here."

"It isn't—you can trust me on that." I know from experience. "Of course, you can always see for yourself when you have the time."

"I'll consider it…" N started scratching his Tepig behind its ears. "I've been thinking—about what you said back there."

Dammit, I was hoping he would forget… "I-Is that so?"

"I've been thinking…are Pokémon really happy that way?" N looked at his Tepig.

"Do you actually think Ghetsis is right?" I really don't want to talk about that guy… "I get his point, it's just… If he's really thinking for the Pokémon, then he should let them answer instead of speaking for them without their input. Whether or not they're happy with their Trainer—it's up to them. If a Pokémon isn't happy with their Trainer, they'll just ignore them or even attack them. There are Pokémon that have been known to leave their Trainers."

It's something that happens and from what I've been told, it has happened to Touya's mother. Though, in her case, her Pokémon came back…but to most others, they never do.

"I see…" N nodded his head. "So that's what it is…say—will you let me hear your Pokémon's voice?"

"Huh?" I looked at N with a smile on my face, somewhat confused with what he asked me. Before I could say anything, the server finally arrived with our food. N's expression lit up as the server placed a stack of fruit-topped pancakes in front of him. It was rather adorable…

It was a lot like how Kairi looked when she saw the server place an order of crêpes in front of me. I smiled when I grabbed the cutlery and cut off a small piece for Kairi to eat. She made the most adorable sounds I have ever heard…

N stared at me for almost a minute after that before deciding to do the same with his Tepig. After a few issues with the cutlery, N finally managed to cut his pancakes and give a small portion of it to his Pokémon. Tepig seemed to be enjoying himself, much like Kairi was, despite the two of them being given their own bowl of food. If there's one thing I'm quite happy about, it's that Pokémon are capable of consuming food made for humans.

To me, it just feels nice to share something I like with a friend…

We left the diner shortly after we finished eating. N had covered the tab, reiterating what he said earlier to me, "I have money."

"You sure do…" It's been nice getting to know N. "Say…what was that you said about my Pokémon's voice?"

N blinked a few times and nodded his head. "I want to hear their voice—that is to say, Kairi's voice."

So, what I'm getting from this is, "You want to challenge me to a battle?"

N shrugged. "If that's what it takes…"

"How many Pokémon do you have?" I only have Kairi on me and I don't really have her Poké ball on me right now.

"Two…" he replied, taking out another Poké ball. "Is that fine with you?"

"I only have Kairi, but I'm fine with taking up your offer if you use your other Pokémon." It's far too soon for me to take on another Tepig. "My Oshawott knows Water Gun and I don't think it's fair to put her up against your Tepig."

"That's fair—this little one knows Smog and I don't want him hurting your friend with poison." N frowned. "Not after what happened earlier…"

I'm guessing that N challenged someone else already. "I understand."

"Okay, little one, you're sitting this one out…as for you—come on out!" N released the other Pokémon inside his Poké ball. A purple-furred, green-eyed feline came out of the Poké ball, meowing loudly a few times before standing on its hind legs.

"Oh nice—a Purrloin!" I have a soft spot for cat Pokémon…not enough to ignore the fact that I've had some differences with Enzo's Glameow, but enough to acknowledge that they're cute. "Now let's see what the Pokédex has to say about you…"

I might as well get used to using it, after all. I had only intended to check on Purrloin's entry after taking the Pokédex out of my pocket. What I didn't expect was for N to practically attack me upon seeing the Pokédex in my hand!

"Ow, what the fuck?!" N had a rather harsh grip on my right wrist—that came the fuck out of nowhere! "N—what the hell?"

I froze when I saw the glazed look in N's eyes. They looked so…cold.

"Many, many of my friends were shut up in Poké balls." Gone was the emotion in N's voice as he spoke. "For the sake of the Pokédex—a machine made for collecting data on Pokémon."

"No shit—please let go of me…" Holy crap, N—if I'd known you had such bad experiences with Pokédexes, I would have avoid whipping mine out! I get the feeling I'm going to get a bruised wrist from this… "You're—hurting me!"

Kairi didn't like this at all, yelling out in such a distressed tone as she repeatedly tackled N's leg. "Osha-Oshawott! Shaaa!"

N didn't react much to it, only looking down to see what it was that Kairi was doing. He didn't show any signs that he was hurt, but he did released my wrist after that. He still had that glazed look in his eyes and his voice was still as emotionless as ever. "Pokémon get captured just to fulfill the desire of completing the Pokédex…They are then 'locked up' in those Poké balls. Isn't that what happens?"

Kind of?

"I really don't know…" I admitted. "I just started out—I'm not doing this for research or anything. I just want to earn the right to go back home…I'm sorry if I brought up some bad memories."

N stared at me for a moment and then nodded his head. The glazed look in his eyes disappeared and the emotion returned to his voice when he spoke. "Sorry about that."

"Is there anything else I should know about you that you don't like?" Seeing as we're talking the things we don't like… "I don't like Ghost Pokémon, for the record."

"Not that I know of and that's a shame…" N frowned. "Ghost Pokémon aren't that bad…"

"I know…but…it's complicated." I'd rather not talk about it just yet—not now. It's far too soon… "So are we going to battle or what?"

N nodded his head. "Sure…Purrloin, use Night Slash."

My eyes widened as I watched N's Purrloin unsheathe its claws. Its claws glowed red and the first thing Purrloin did with them was attack Kairi.

Fucking hell!

That Purrloin knows Night Slash…why does it know that?! That means Purrloin has either been through some serious training…or it's been bred to inherit that move. Either option sucked, though the former earns my hatred the most as Night Slash had a high critical-hit ratio!

"Survive, survive, survive!" Please, for the love of Arceus, survive that hit!

Of course, Kairi didn't survive the attack—instead, she avoided it, countering afterwards with her own attack—a simple tackle. It's not a strong move, but it still got the job done.

"You can also do that!" Oh, you glorious little otter thing…you are so getting a treat after this! "Uh, what other moves do you know?"

Ya know—Alvaro would so face palm at me for asking that question during a battle. Why? Because this is something I should know beforehand, as he would so lovingly point out. Okay, if my memory recalls, I can use my Pokédex to figure out my Pokémon's moves and—

"N, do you mind if I take out my Pokédex to figure out my Pokémon's moves?"

"Yes…" he said, his voice taking on its emotionless tone.

"Okay then, I guess that means it stays in my pocket." Where it rightfully belongs while in the presence of N—seriously, what the hell happened for him to get that way? That's not exactly normal…but I guess that's trauma for you.

Trauma fucking sucks!

I guess I have to BS my way through this! All right, let's see how my luck fares—wait…my Oshawott is the spawn of my brother-in-law's Samurott.

I wonder…

"Night Slash!" Let's see if Kairi knows any good breeding moves!

Luck be with me and let this confirm the identity of Kairi's father!

I bit my lip and watched in awe as Kairi removed the shell on her chest and held it out as it began to glow red.

No fricken' way, I was totally fucking around!

That means my brother-in-law made his Zoroark the father! "Kairi, we are so giving your father the best father's day present ever for this!"

Poor Kairi looked so confused from that comment… I wouldn't blame her. She wouldn't know why I would be excited over something like that. To her, I was just bringing up her father…what did my brother-in-law name his Zoroark—Morgan? Man, it's been a while…but that's not important!
"Kairi, I believe in you!" And your genetics, because it's what got you that move in the first place, holy fuck, breeding is amazing!

"Oshaaa!" Kairi used her shell to slash at Purrloin. Purrloin took that hit, but if I can recall my knowledge of this purple cat thing…the move was not effective since Purrloin is also a Dark-type. That was a pointless attack…but still! It was worth it and the discovery was just awesome

"Prraow!" Purrloin's fur bristled as it stared at Kairi.

Okay, I know that look—it's pissed off and it's ready to attack… "Kairi, for the love of god, dodge!"

Kairi blinked and exclaimed as she barely dodged a sharp Slash. Kairi stared at Purrloin nervously, small beads of sweat rolling down the sides of her face. "O-Osha…"

"Uh…uh…what moves…moves—Water Gun!" I am definitely going to earn hatred from this Purrloin, but I don't care!

A powerful jet of water shot out of Kairi's mouth at Purrloin, drenching the feline completely in water. Purrloin hissed loudly, showing its obvious dislike for the attack. The first reaction out the feline Pokémon was to start grooming itself as soon as Kairi had finished her attack—why did I expect this?

I have seriously been messing around with Enzo's Glameow too much…or I just watch too many videos—yeah, maybe both. Either way, this is good—this gives Kairi an opening! "Okay, Kairi, use Tackle!"

I'm hoping for a hard hit, here!

Whap!

"Shaaa!"

Unfortunately, I was surprised with an attack on Kairi in the form of a Sucker Punch. That Purrloin's move set is waaay too high…and that's bad for Kairi and I. Okay, just gotta keep BS-ing this battle!

"Night Slash!" I called out.

Kairi moved towards Purrloin for a Night Slash and earned another Sucker Punch in response. Kairi kept her ground and managed to initiate a successful Night Slash. Now I just hope for the best and see if that was a critical hit.

We need a hit! A critical hit! We need a hit! A critical—okay, I think this is a sign that I need to take my medication.

I bit my lip as I kept an eye on N's Purrloin. I waited a few seconds and practically screamed when I saw his purple cat thing hit the ground with spirals in his eyes. We won…

Holy shit, we won!

"Oh, my god, Kairi, we won!" I dashed over to Kairi and picked up the little loveable otter thing in an embrace. "We won! We won~! That was awesome! You were like all strong and everything and you know Night Slash—your daddy's a Zoroark!"

Kairi blinked. "Osha?"

"I'll explain the whole breeding process when you're old enough, sweetie." I rather not corrupt this little otter thing's innocent little mind…oh, you're so cute, yes you are— "Yes?"

I looked at N as he stared at me. "What?"

"I never expected to hear Pokémon say such things…" N seemed so surprised.

I looked sternly at Kairi after hearing that comment. "Kairi, what have I told you about language?"

"Osha…" Kairi tilted her head to the side.

"That's right—nothing!" Because I don't really give a shit about language, as long as it isn't hateful and offensive. "I hope she didn't say anything too bad."

"I wasn't talking about that…" N scratched the back of his head.

I looked at N, somewhat perplexed. "What?"

N reached into his pocket and pulled out a few bills. He counted the bills before reaching into his pocket to pull out a few more. After counting seven bills in total, he handed them to me.

"Huh?" Why is he handing me money? "Seven-hundred Pokédollars?"

"You beat me, fair and square," N replied with a smile.

That's right—the winner of a Pokémon battle gets paid. However, I handed N back his money. "Keep it…you paid for our food."

I kinda feel indebted from eating food I didn't pay for, as nice as N's offer was in the first place. At least now, I feel a bit better about it.

N nodded and pocketed the money. "As long as Pokémon are confined in Poké balls…Pokémon will never become perfect beings."

"Perfect?" I repeated. "N, there's no such thing as perfection…it's just a word."

N didn't seem to be listening to me, from the way he continued talking. "I have to change the world for Pokémon—because they're my friends…I have to go. See you around…I guess."

N returned his Purrloin it back into its Poké ball. He then knelt down to pick up his Tepig, who had stayed by his side this entire time throughout the battle. Afterwards, N started to walk away from me.

"Good luck with that!" I exclaimed as I waved goodbye at N. "See you later!"

"There you are!"

I blinked and turned to see Touya, whom looked very distressed. "What is it?"

"Where have you been? Are you hurt? Who was that man?" Geez, Touya, what's wrong with you?

"I'm okay and that was my friend, N!" I'm somewhat ignore the fact that he grabbed my wrist—I mean we talked that one out and he apologized. He's a nice guy overall, with an intense hatred for Pokédexes and he got me food, so…yeah.

"He didn't do anything funny to you, did he?" Touya asked, looking at me with such a concerned expression on his face.

I stared blankly at Touya—what even? Is it because he looks older than he is? "He's not like that, Touya…he's a nice guy! Plus—he's a good battler!"

Ignoring the fact he grabbed my wrist

"Oh, never mind, then…let's go back to the Pokémon Center." Touya rubbed the back of his head.

"By the by—what happened while I was gone?" I need to know that.

"Uh, nothing much…and Touko, Cheren, and Bel already left." Touya tugged down on his cap.

"Oh…by the way, I won that battle with N and guess what?" Touya looked questioningly at me. "Kairi's father is a Zoroark!"

"…Oh, breeding—right!" Touya nodded his head. "Almost forgot—how was that?"

"I'll tell you on the way back, but you'll never believe how I found out!"

"Try me."


A/N Here we have chapter three and in this chapter, we meet N! Yaaaay! And here we have an actual battle! As well as some friendship at the side, since N and OC seem to get along rather well, ignoring the Pokédex incident, but N's react was a bit… Anyways, let's talk about how OC has the balls to do something when pushed to.

Of course, that could also be the ADHD having an influence in that, considering that OC has combined type ADHD, combined type being having both the predominantly inattentive subtype (formerly known as ADD) and the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype. ADHD has three subtypes, by the way—look it up if you want to get a clue on what else the ADHD life entails.

I'll tell you one thing, having it myself—it's annoying as fuck when you're trying to get shit done. But that's enough about me, how are you guys doing? Yeah, I'm not the type to usually bring up real-life events into my fics, but considering what happened this week in the US…yeah. Just know that you always have a safe place, here, with my fics…I mean it. So hang in there, we got just a few more days until Pokémon Sun and Moon come out and I am excited!

So the thing about Kairi knowing Night Slash—it just suddenly came to me and then I looked at Oshawott's page on Bulbapedia…yeah, imagine the look on my face when I found out! It was hilarious, cuz I totally was fucking around. Anyways, Night Slash is a breeding move for Oshawott and Zoroark just so happens to be on the list of potential fathers to pass on this move onto their spawn! :D

I love the way I use the word spawn, here! XD

Also, N…I kinda like the way I portrayed him in this chapter. He's nice, but he's also got a dark side…anyways, if you've been keeping up with the times or at least taking a gander at Bulbapedia, you would know that N isn't his name—his full name, at least. Also, I used Pokémon Adventures Black and White as a reference for N's reaction towards the Pokédex…

I honestly would imagine a character like him to have an almost conditioned response to a device such as that…

Anyways, I hope you guys are enjoying this fic so far! Feel free to tell me what's on your mind in the form of your review! I read every review I get, so just know if I haven't replied, it's not that I didn't get it—it's that I haven't found the time to respond (or even the right words, sometimes).

That being said, a recent reviewer left me a bit amused when it comes to OC, like…to those who have known OC pre-reboot, I want to say that OC might not be the same before. I won't say how just yet, but do keep an eye out for it.

And keep in mind that this fic is AU-ish, so it differs in places from the games, anime, and manga! So until next time everyone, KD out! XD