Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon
That which can be destroyed by the truth should be- P.C. Hodgell
As we enter Accumula town, I am surprised at its size. I've seen bigger, but I wasn't paying as much attention. Now, though, I am aware that it is much, much bigger than Nuvema. After checking in at the Pokémon center for the night, our group heads to meet the nurse joy. When we ask about the stands we saw, she tells us of a big speech in the town green tomorrow by Team Plasma. Intrigued, I flip open my laptop to do some research.
Okay, Team Plasma is a major Pokémon rights activist group. There's not a lot known about them, but what there is is legitimate. It seems like it's on the up and up, but there are a lot of tinfoil hats making claims. No one seems to have any proof, though. Their leader is some guy named Natural Harmonius Gropius. They've been around for years, but it's only recently that they became a major player. Huh. Seems worth looking into.
Cheren must find something about it interesting, because he asks if we want to attend. Bianca and I are both quick to agree, but I don't know why she said yes. She has not even opened her laptop. Maybe she just trusts our judgement? I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the idea is here. Seeing that it's past nine, I wish them goodnight and get ready to go to sleep.
I wake up at 5:30 in the morning. Seems like I'm still on my school time schedule. As I get up, I realize that the speech isn't until 11:00. Seems I'll have to kill some time.
I'm just settling down for a huge breakfast when Bianca enters comes into the dining area. It seems she couldn't sleep either. After a tired greeting, I go back to eating. Neither of us can really think right now.
It's twenty minutes before Bianca breaks the silence.
"I was just wondering. What does the someone in someone's PC mean? I mean, someone can't be someone's name… uh, no one would name their kid someone. "
I admit similar confusion. All I can think of is that they didn't want to advertise their name, but didn't want to use a pseudonym. I don't think it's a good idea, either.
"Huh. Well, I was just curious. Anyway, what do you think I should buy? I mean, Potions and Poké Balls are definitely important. Um, thinking…"
I respond that it depends on what she wants. She already has two Pokémon, so she might not need more Poké Balls. However, it might be a good idea to have some on hand, just in case she finds a Pokémon that she wants. Why is she asking this? She knows that.
"I suppose you're right…"
In an attempt to alleviate some boredom, I wander around the town. They are still setting up the pavilion, so there's nothing to see there. On the north end of town, a girl quizzes me on Snivy, and, after acing it and revealing that I own one, hands me a grass gem. Talk about nice! A man in the gate handed me Poké Balls. I guess it does pay off to interact with people.
Wait, look at the time! It's already 10:20. I'll have to get there soon if I want good seats.
I suppose it's too late for good seats. This area is already packed. Wait, there's Cheren and Bianca! They're waving me over!
"What took you so long? I heard you've been up since early in the morning, but it took you forever to get here."
I sheepishly respond that I had expected to be early. He sighs and explains that if you want good seats, you have to be there at least an hour before it starts.I
We sit in silence after that, all waiting for the presentation to begin.
"My name is Ghetsis. I am here representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about Pokémon liberation.
I'm 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. However... Is that really the truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans... only assume that this is the truth?
Pokémon are subject to the selfish commands of Trainers... They get pushed around when they are our "partners" at work... Can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying?
Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokémon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokémon?
That's right! We must liberate the Pokémon!"
As I hear him speak, I can't help but realize that he's good at this. He's charismatic, which helps, but a lot of it is what he's saying. It seems to strike a chord with everyone here. We're all caught up in his speech, myself included. I'm so caught up, in fact, that I don't realize until half way through that what he's saying is bullshit.
When I do, I rise up. He seems shocked that I have something to say, but he does allow me to speak. When he hears what I am saying, though, he seems almost astonished.
"That isn't true! Pokémon do need humans! Scientists have studied it- Pokémon raised by humans live for up to twice as long as wild ones. Absol, for instance, have been known to live for 100 years in the wild. Just last month, though, there are records of the death of a 193 year old raised by trainers. Besides, trained Pokémon get into less deadly fights and get better medical treatment. Access to a dependable food source is the kicker, though- 60% of wild Pokémon deaths are due to lack of food. While there are only 3 known cases in Unova in the last year among trainer Pokémon. While Pokémon may not have the best life with humans, wild life isn't all sunshine and roses." Even as I say it though, I know it is useless.
"Still, how could we allow such things to happen to our Pokémon? How could we force them to do what we are unwilling? Despite any advantages Pokémon may gain, ours is far greater. We pay Pokémon such as Gurdurr pittances in food compared to what we pay human workers. We must liberate them from our tyranny. Then, and only then, will humans and Pokémon truly be equals. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokémon... and the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention."
And wow, I just got played. Humans only remember introductions, peaks, and endings. He introduced himself, took control at the peak, and ended it off before I could reply. I'll be lucky if people remember a word I said. If it weren't me on the other side of the argument, I'd almost find it funny. Whoever Ghetsis is, he's good at what he does.
Suddenly, a young man? Boy? pushes his way out of the crowd.
"Hello. My name is N. Were you the one speaking earlier?"
After my affirmative response, he states that he cannot imagine confining his friends. I look down at his feet, only now seeing the Purrloin sitting there. Has it been there the whole time? How did it not get stepped on?
N: "Do you have Pokémon? May I see them?"
After I release Kusanagi, N turns to address it.
N: "Hello. What do you think of your trainer? Is he nice?"
"Snivy. Sni Sni Snivy vee."
"Oh. I did not expect that answer."
I look at him like he's crazy. What did he expect? It to start talking back? I must have said that last bit out loud, because he starts to respond.
"Your Pokémon... Just now, it was saying..."
And, never mind. Either he's crazy, a dedicated Snivy fan, faking for attention… or the most amazing thing in recent history. He doesn't seem to be faking it, but that's only mild evidence. The preponderance of evidence is still against it, even-
"Yes, they're talking. Oh. Then, you two can't hear it either... How sad. My name is N."
Whaaa? Who the heck names their kid N? Is it a nickname? Or maybe he is coming out of some kind of governmental project. I'd always dismissed them as conspiracy theorists, but it fits the data. Still, that's not enough evidence to make a conclusion. Still, I need to say something. "Hello. My name is Black." And, that was way too awkward. Luckily, he speaks before I can embarrass myself further.
"You're working on the Pokédex, eh? So... You're going to confine many, many Pokémon in Poké Balls for that, then. I'm a Trainer, too, but I can't help wondering... Are Pokémon really happy that way? Well, Black, is it? Let me hear your Pokémon's voice again!"
"All right, then", I say. "Kusanagi, trip it up with vine whip!"
"Don't move! Let it hit you, and stand strong. Now, growl!"
A bit of a smirk flits to my face at that. I guess he doesn't know everything, despite his incredible ability. "Scratch attack, now!"
"Growl, once more, and then scratch as well. You should be able to defeat it!"
To his evident surprise, my Kusanagi overcomes it. In the next clash, Kusanagi again proves victorious. Another boosted vine whip proves too much, and the Purrloin collapses, fainted.
"How did you win? My Pokémon's growls should have lowered your attack, even if it is a powerful Snivy. What caused this?"
I explain exactly what the contrary nature is. He seems even more surprised at my knowledge, but it doesn't seem to bother him particularly.
"Even though I can understand their voices, it appears I still have much to learn about Pokémon. I never expected to hear Pokémon say such things... but as long as Pokémon are confined in Poké Balls, Pokémon will never become perfect beings. I have to change the world for Pokémon, because they're my friends. Farewell, Black. I hope to see you again."
With that, he walks up. This seems to be a signal, because Bianca and Cheren walk over and query me.
"What was that about?", Bianca queries.
Predictably, Cheren is more interested in learning his name.
As a response, I can only say that he called himself N, and that I understand as little as they.
A/N- I hope it is obvious who is speaking. Let me know if, at any point, it is not.