Lesson 17: The more I see the less I know, the more I like to let it go
A small green haired boy stood behind a huge window, millions of stars twinkled brightly, and for a second he was convinced of the fact they shone for him only,
soon he would be the center of everything, a blazing sun surrounded by stars.
Inching closer the child's hot breath fogged the glass. He felt happy, the long red robe that covered his body made it feel more real to him, its fabric felt soft, and he liked the reassuring weight on his shoulders. It reminded him of how his father would place his hands on his shoulders while introducing him to a new Pokémon.
"You promise to be quiet?" he whispered to something that appeared to be hiding in the folds of his cloak.
"How can I be quiet if you keep asking me questions?" The owner of a high voice answered from his hiding place, sniffing the dazzling amounts of scents that hung in the air.
"Just checking." The child replied offended while looking over his shoulder peering at the people crowding the hall.
"When the sages spoke of a people-only gathering they really meant it." He mused aloud, his face a blank mask despite the Pokémon's sudden movement.
"Hush now Zero, they can't hurt you." He spoke to the quivering ball of black fur, trying to sound as brave as possible. Being in the presence of so many adults scared the boy too, they had woken him in the middle of the night, separating him from the warmth his friend Darmanitan provided. He must've fallen asleep somewhere along the way because the next coherent thing the boy remembered was waking up inside of the Coronation Room, which was known to him as off-limits.
"My Lord."
The boy whirled around, clutching a handful of his friends fur. The two goddesses studied him with narrowed eyes.
"Oh I'm sorry, we're looking for our friend but he isn't as tall and handsome as you are." Althea said with a smile that only grew in brilliance when the boy grabbed the hem of her dress stopping her from moving away, with a loud, "It IS me!"
Placing her hands on her hips Concordia circled the little boy, "You are our little N?" she asked secretly winking at a giggling Althea.
Ignoring the 'little' comment N drew himself up to his full height, frowned and said "Don't be foolish, name me one other child inside our organization."
"You are no fun my Lord." Concordia said with a pout.
"No I am not." He confidently replied turning away from her to hide Zero's pointy ears from peeking out.
Rolling her eyes at her sister Althea couldn't help the sudden urge to smoothen the boy's bed head. "It's time my L- my King."
"King." N muttered to himself. Testing the word in his mouth the lordling decided it had a nice ring to it. He had met other Lords on several occasions, the sages all went by the title 'Lord', and there were seven of them! Being called a King would separate him from all the others.
N's chest puffed out, the two women gave him a small smile before stepping aside.
Outside thick raindrops had begun to fall, black storm clouds shrouded the full moon, darkening the aisle that lead N towards the throne. All eyes were on him, the crowd murmured with a whispering sound like the wind outside.
Taking a deep breath N faced the man standing in front of the altar, he searched his face for a hint of reassurance, a smile maybe, but got nothing. Green eyes travelled higher and came to a halt. A huge stained-glass window was shrouded in darkness, the images all dull and black without their artificial illumination. Flashes of lightning lit up the whole building with a blinding light and the mosaic seemed to come to live. Vibrant colors splashed the surrounding walls, shades of fiery red, sea blue and gold.
The Tao Trio surrounding the Team Plasma crest became visible. Including them all four living creatures N wished to impress were present.
His father, who's hand didn't even linger a second when placing a golden crown on his son's head.
Zekrom, it's red eyes gleaming in magnificent contrast to his deep stark black scales. It's limitless power would be N's ideal as a King.
Reshiram, angelic fur and feathers, it's coloring so bright it made N's eyes water. Piercing blue eyes that saw nothing but truth.
Kyurem, the complete opposite of Zekrom and Reshiram, who were like yin and yang. The Pokémon that arrived from outer space like a meteor. He had always been curious about space.
The thought of meeting and speaking with all three of them made his heart skip a beat. Zero had been nagging about flying, maybe Zekrom could carry him?
And Darmanitan had been having some trouble with learning flamethrower, Reshiram might be able to help with that right?
The crown practically slid down over his eyes. A tall sage that stood behind him took a step forward, spreading his arms wide he spoke to the crowd, his voice echoed throughout the hall growing louder until it was drowned out as a tumultuous cheer erupted from the crowd.
"HAIL TO THE KING!"
N turned and faced his loyal followers. All of them bowed in front of their King. His eyes shifted towards the two goddesses who gave him a small nod before graciously lowering their heads.
Several grunts whistled, some female recruits cried, everyone cheered and applauded.
Hidden in his cloak Zero nuzzled the boy's chest, triumph in his aqua eyes.
"ALL HAIL KING N!"
Another flash of lightening followed an inaudible thunder. Team Plasma's crest shone. Zekrom, Reshiram and Kyurem seemed to be looking at him, recognition in their majestic eyes.
"Stupid N, makes walking feel like work. Stupid Munna." Grumbling under my breath I dragged a blissfully sleeping N along with me, legs trembling with effort.
After Purrloin's subtle approach when it came to handling a hypnosis addicted Munna the both of us had come to the conclusion (Purrloin's sharp claws might've influenced my opinion a tiny bit. Democracy my ass) that it wouldn't be very nice to leave a nearly comatose teenager in the middle of nowhere, by himself.
Some wild Pokémon might mistake him for an easy meal or a nice scratching pole, he could freeze to death, or choke on a leaf judging by the way he slept with his mouth wide open. You catch my drift, the guy was in mortal peril.
So I had resigned myself to carrying N on my back, performing a what had to be the most clumsy piggy back ride in the whole universe.
Sadly the guy seemed to come in a package, and the extra weight that creepy eyed Pansage provided me with might just snap my spinal cord in half.
That's probably his intention. The paranoid, tedious part of my brain whispered before I delicately pointed out I'd be drinking a gallon of milkshake brain freezing myself if the voice didn't shut up.
N didn't seem to carry any Pokéballs, which meant I had to carry the monkey the old fashioned way. Add the fact that the guy was as incooperative as a boulder and some people would be inclined to award me with a Nobel Prize for dodging overhanging branches instead of bashing his head against them.
I'm such a stupid idiot.
Readjusting the weight on my shoulders I focused my attention on my feet, Purrloin who was leading the way gave me a solemn look when I paused near an exceptionally thorny shrub. "What!" I exclaimed, amused by his condescending glare, "if that doesn't wake him up nothing will!"
You'll be the one plucking him out of there if your plan backfires. Purrloin replied swiping at a wisp of smoke, hovering in front of his nose.
"Maybe if I throw a Pokéball on his big airhead." I countered, dismissing the feline's irritation with a wave of my hand, while staring at my feet.
"What is this stuff anyway?" I mused aloud following Purrloin along the grassy path that led towards a particular rundown part of the Dreamyard.
The strange pink mist hovered over the grass like a dense cloud. It ran down the path Munna had taken and I soon realized said Pokémon was the one behind the strange smoke like strands.
"Does it do something?" I asked putting N down, wincing as my joints snapped in protest.
Side from annoying me? Purrloin hissed placing a paw on N's chest, lowering his face so they were close to eye level.
"Don't wake him. I think I like him better when he's asleep." I sighed checking Marron's Pokéball. The capsule's bright red color had turned a deeper shade of red, signaling the Pokémon inside suffered some form of status ailment. "Great, should've listened to Cheren when he tried talking me into buying some awakening potions. Should've known my walking apothecary would disappear on me." I growled aiming a kick at the pink smoke, watching in awe as the substance coiled and fluttered.
I blinked. My brain was getting revenge for the milkshake treat, or maybe a confused assistant in the pharmacy had swapped my heart medication with… I dunno drugs?
Maybe I'm being punked. Cheren wearing a wig could be impersonating N while Bianca filmed everything. No no, Cheren wasn't the type to waste his time like that, and by now Bianca would have exploded from Suppressed Laughter Syndrome.
"Please tell me you just saw that too?" Purrloin gave me a puzzled stare, after a moment of hesitation he nodded his fury head.
We gasped in unison when an image seemed to flicker within the strange substance. A boy stood gazing at a huge glass stained window.
"Holy shit." I gasped crawling closer to the mist peering into it.
Don't you dare sticking your head in that Dream Mist. Purrloin, who's fur stood on end, hissed loudly yanking me back by my hair.
Girl has no common sense, she'd stick her head in a Druddigon's mouth if he asked her nicely.
'Muuuun!'
My eyes met Purrloin's for a split of a second before I snapped them shut and sprung to my feet.
"Is it close?" I asked straining my ears as the feline scouted the area.
Sounds of a struggle emanated from the remains of the roofless factory, a loud cry of pain followed by a startled hiss had me running closer. Two people dressed as knights stood looming over a cowering Munna. I'd recognize that ridiculous attire from anywhere, Team Plasma, the one's fighting for Pokémon liberation we're ganging up on a defenseless Munna. Dangling by the scruff of his neck Purrloin's emerald eyes flashed dangerously.
"Give us the Dream Mist you useless piece of shit!" The man spat, kicking the psychic Pokémon that whimpered in pain.
Purrloin arched his back in every possible angle, biting and scratching the grunts gloved hand, "You keep quiet!" the grunt snarled angrily, shaking the feline in warning.
This was too much. Gritting my teeth I could practically feel my anger rising, the female grunt was yelling now, insulting the Pokémon she accentuated every word with an aggressive kick.
Munna had grown silent, the kicking and screaming continued. The male grunt vented some of his frustration on the feline by pulling the dark type's long purple fur, Purrloin produced a blood curling shriek that set my hair on end.
Enough. Anger seemed to fill my chest like some monstrous weight, writhing and raging.
"ENOUGH!" I screamed so hard it felt like my throat would tear, glaring at the two Plasma grunts who paused their kicking.
The female grunt scanned me from head to toe, fanning my raging anger, "Don't get yourself into situations you don't understand, little girl. We are Team Plasma we fight to liberate Pokémon from foolish humans like you!" She said with a sneer, aiming a kick at the Munna, staring at me in challenge while doing so.
"You keep that up and I'll show you how little my fist can be you hypocrite bitch!" I spat rising to my full height.
"B-bitch?" she spluttered kicking the Munna aside and taking a step in my direction.
"Yeah that's what I called you, should I say deaf bitch? Aren't you all about Pokémon liberation? Kicking the crap out of them is a funny way of showing that!"
She asked for it, and so did I, in my anger the male grunt had been sizing me up, the lone Pokéball on my belt didn't go unnoticed, the fact that single Pokémon was weakened neither.
"You can take her on Lena. She's a nobody, the single Pokémon she managed to enslave is hurt, we'll free him after beating her. That Dream Mist will be ours." He said to his ally, who's grin widened.
Purrloin hissed, his eyes sent me a silent message. Run.
My own message consisted of a fierce glare.
Loosening Marron's Pokéball from my belt I shoved it inside my bag, hiding him from view. "You bring it on!" I sneered mockingly at the two grunts who released their Pokémon.
Purrloin scratched and bit with renewed vigor, from the corner of his eyes he could see how one of his own kind cornered his trainer.
His trainer.
"Purrloin use assist! Don't hold back!"
His eyes widened. Of all the attacks she asks that one.
The feline didn't like surprises and using assist was all about the risk. Purrloin never used it, he didn't need others to help him, he didn't need assistance and others didn't need his…He was a feline for god's sake, a lone stray!
Then why were his claws glowing with the white light of that wretched attack?
That girl will cost me all of my nine lives. He thought with a toothy grin.
A vine whip appeared out of thin air and hit the grunt restraining him in the face.
Oh that's just wonderful. Purrloin could practically see the grass type's smug face, even asleep the lizard meddled in the fight.
A second assist materialized as a water gun, the Patrat standing in his path didn't know what hit him.
Saya wielding her shell with fluid grace flung it at the flabbergasted grunts, Nice water gun! She chirruped fending off two Patrat at once.
"Cheren! Bianca!" I yelled, a huge smile forming on my face as my friends appeared after their Pokémon.
"Thank god!" Bianca squealed flinging her arms around my neck, shouting instructions at Oreo while chocking me.
"About time you guys came to save the day." I said aiming a wink at a scowling Cheren.
Taking in the scene Bianca's eyes came to a halt on the injured Munna. "Cover me." She whispered before dashing through the battlefield towards the pink Pokémon.
"Idiotic, reckless fool!" Cheren growled tossing a Pokéball up in the air, releasing his newly caught Pansage.
The monkey tackled the male grunt blocking the blonde's way. Scooping up the dream eater Pokémon, Bianca turned and found herself face to face with an extremely pissed of female Plasma member, "Oooooh dear." She whimpered eying her Patrat. Judging by the looks of it the rodent seemed to be suffering from a severe toothache, he looked angry enough.
"Where do you think you're going blondy?" the ugly clad women asked, cackling madly when Bianca tripped and fell. "Don't laugh at me! You meanie!" she sputtered shielding the shivering Munna with her arms.
"You clumsy girl." The Plasma member spat, her face scrunched up with disgust, "I bet your poor Pokémon suffer simply from being with you."
Shrinking under her beret Bianca lowered her eyes, this was the conversation with her father all over again. A single tear splashed on the Munna's snout.
"Muuuun?"
Teary green eyes met soft beady red ones, inching closer to the insecure blonde the Pokémon gave her a reassuring smile.
It depends on me, the realization hit Bianca like a sledge hammer on the head. Snapping her eyes upwards she gave the women a stubborn glare, "I'd rather be a bit clumsy than mean like you. You walking fashion disaster!"
Lena's eye twitched, first that loud brunette had called her a bitch, and now this klutz insulted her sense of fashion. She'd had her fill of insults,"The nerve of these little bra- GAH!" Unable to finish her insult she comically hopped and stomped the end of her smoldering cloak.
That's for making my trainer cry!
"Oreo!" Bianca cheered, eying her snorting fire starter. The piglet barked proudly, his happiness ended rather abrupt when the bad tempered Patrat snapped at him.
"Dodger help Oreo!" A quickly tossed Pokéball freed a pumped Dodger. The pup took one look at his surroundings, spotted the Patrat and rammed his opponent head first.
Bianca's sigh of relief turned into a chocked "Eep!" when a hand lifted her off the ground by her collar. Munna aware of her vulnerable position squeaked and hid behind the remains of a concrete wall, the humans she encountered there stopped her short.
"Father's cloak has a darker color. Details, Zero." N whispered circling the green haired man that stood in front of him, scrutinizing his friend from every possible angle. "And he shouldn't be this tall, you're still accustomed to my height, he should be a few inches shorter."
The fox changed said features, his face pursed with concentration. The illusionary Ghetsis gave N a wide smile, "Don't smile or you'll give them a heart attack." N hissed barely containing a loud snort at the sight of his father doing the unthinkable. Smiling.
Yes yes I have to look like there's hell to pay. The fake Ghetsis replied rolling his eyes,N tell me why exactly are we helping humans?
N's mouth opened and closed, and with a chagrined glance at Zero he shrugged his shoulders, "I'm repaying her. "
You don't owe her anything N.
The green haired teen stared into Zero's human face, the resemblance was evident and the chance she might notice the family traits was a huge risk.
Was it worth it, would he allow his cover to be blown? How would she react if she knew…
His expression shifted into a wry smile, "Tell her Purrloin wants to be named. If I don't owe her I owe him."
Zero who didn't like the sad look in his friend's eyes quickly changed the subject, What are you going to do about those two grunts?
Green eyes came to rest on the shivering Munna, the Pokémon noticing his gaze curled into a tight ball.
Dark anger rumbled under his voice when he replied, "They'll be repaid in kind."
The female grunt smiled wickedly, the blonde was practically whimpering with fear. "I'll describe you in a single word." She growled wickedly, raising her free hand,
"Failure."
Squeezing her eyes shut Bianca braced herself for the impact, Munna had gotten away, that was all that mattered to her. Oreo and Dodger had been amazing, she had managed to protect them.
"Nobody asked for a description of your life story." I snapped. Using all of my strength I slammed my fist against her jaw, "That's for insulting my friend." I growled cracking my knuckles.
Peeking through her eyelashes Bianca gave me a weird look, her eyes flitted between me and Lena. Her mouth opened and closed making her look like a stranded fish.
"You in shock?" I asked waving a hand in front of her face.
Big tear filled eyes focused on me, "Uh-Oh" I snickered, already aware of the impending doom and the fact my gravestone might say 'hugged to death'
"Ashe! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" carefully avoiding the unconscious pile of Plasma member, Bianca threw herself at me and locked me in a bear hug.
"Air, B! Oxygen!" I laughed pushing the teary blonde away.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I was just so relieved that –" The sudden tense atmosphere silenced the both of us. A man with long grey green hair, clad in luxurious robes stood in the middle of the clearing, the male Plasma grunt started babbling something, bowing at the same time.
"How did he get here, we are blocking the only entrance." Bianca whispered in a shaky voice exchanging a glance with Cheren.
She was right, the roofless site only had one entrance, Cheren who stood facing us would have seen him coming, however the raven haired teen looked just as shocked as we were.
A telltale tingle at the back of my head had me turning around. This was starting to remind me of Cheren's horror movies that had ghosts in them.
Oreo, Dodger and Purrloin huddled closer. Cheren gattered the other Pokémon and stood in front of them.
I don't like this one bit, that mister doesn't smell human! Dodger jipped hiding behind Bianca.
Shhh, be quiet or he might hear us! Oreo snorted sneaking a peek at the stranger, using his big nose to sniff the air.
Turn around if you're up for a real scare. Purrloin who had followed my example hissed. A second Ghetsis had materialized behind us.
Bianca gripped my hand, "You keep an eye on that one, Cheren and I are watching the other." She whispered tightening her already painful hold, breaking at least two or three fingers.
"M-My Lord!" the male grunt stuttered tolling around, unable to decide which Ghetsis he should be focusing on.
"You incompetent imbeciles." The one blocking the entrance hissed in anger.
The Plasma grunt paled, his fear to turn his back on the second Ghetsis evident on his face. It wouldn't surprise me if he turned into a puddle of goo that instant.
"F-forgive us my Lord these children it's- it's their fault!" pointing in our direction he dropped to his knees, groveling in the dirt.
Now that was a mature thing to do, blame the children.
"There are NO excuses!" the eerie man barked, not satisfied with the lame excuse.
The Ghetsis standing closest to Bianca and me seemed to function as the spokesperson. He was the menacing one of the duo, the second just kept staring, his silence was starting to freak me out. "How difficult can it be to extract Dream Mist from a Pokémon? The two of you are a failure!"
A third Ghetsis came to existence, two of them moved in on the trembling grunt.
"P- please don't punish us." He whimpered, not so tough anymore when his opponent was someone his size.
"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!"
Pulling his stunned accomplice to her feet he ran for his live, still begging for forgiveness.
"I didn't know those guys had an off-button." I whispered through clenched teeth, fiddling with my wristband when cold blue eyes met mine. Crap… Hey! Strange, I expected green eyes…or eye... why DOES he wear that weird glass thingy anyway? Maybe he's an old perv and he uses that to see through clothes. Ugh, gross, I'll have to wash my brain after this!
Shaking my head from thoughts that made me want to plunge my head into a bucket of water I returned the weird man's glare.
After what felt like an eternity Ghetsis' eyes came to rest on Purrloin and I positioned myself in front of the feline.
Did you enjoy your little nap Zero? The feline hissed haughtily, ignoring the loud gasps that came from the others when two out of three illusions disappeared.
Zero graced the feline with a cold glare, the blonde was making her way towards Munna, its supporting illusions had been useful, the serious looking boy was returning his Pokémon, the brunette was still staring at him.
Better get this over with.
"The cat," he began, pronouncing the word as if it was something dirty, while turning his back on the humans and Pokémon, "wants to be named."
Don't come crying when she names you Mr. Tibbles. He added in a voice too low for humans to hear.
I'd like to thank all of you for reviewing, I don't get reviews very often and I'm always nervous to read them!
Not too sure about this chapter, I don't like some parts, had a hard time describing some stuff...