EXT. POKÉMON LEAGUE FESTIVAL - DAY
Hilbert walks up a large amount of stairs, through large crowds of people. He reaches the top of the hill the stairs led up to. A massive crowd is gathered and cheering ahead. Tents are set up all over for the trainers staying, while there are some sideshows are rides and festivities.

Hilbert wades through the crowd and takes in the sights. Music is playing, people are playing games, and a few zoom overhead flying on their Pokémon. Hilbert peers up - it's a mid-air race.

He approaches a sign-up tent.

HILBERT (V.O.)
...But I felt safe at the Pokémon League. Or maybe at this point I didn't care. I just wanted this all to be over. I wanted to be with my friends.

There, Hilbert sees two faces he wasn't expecting.

His own MOTHER and PROFESSOR JUNIPER.

HILBERT
Mom?

The two embrace, his mother laughs.

MOM
You didn't think I'd miss this, did you?

HILBERT
And the professor?

PROFESSOR JUNIPER
I was curious to see how well my three stars would do. Have you seen Bianca and Cheren by the way? I know they're already here.

HILBERT
Not yet. Hopefully soon though.

After signing up, Hilbert leaves the tent, his mother and Professor Juniper following.

As the three move along the campsite, they finally meet up with CHEREN and BIANCA. The three friends have a happy reunion while Hilbert's mom and Professor Juniper watch the jubilant moment.

INT. POKÉMON LEAGUE FESTIVAL - TENT - DAY
Hilbert is stood inside this tent with Cheren and Bianca, all three ready to battle. Juniper and Hilbert's mom are seated nearby, chatting and sharing coffee.

HILBERT
Alright, losers. I came all this way, we're not just gonna stand around.

HILBERT (V.O.)
We barely had time to chat. I was confident when I finally met up with them and I was anxious. And for good reason. I mean, everything I'd been through? Their journeys must've been cakewalks in comparison. I wanted to kick some butt.

Bianca sends out her EMBOAR, a bulky pig that stands on both legs. As it stands on its feet, it looks into the skies and releases a FLAMETHROWER burst from its nostrils and pounds both fists together with a roar.

Cheren tosses out a Poké Ball and lets out SERPERIOR, a long grassy snake with a very smug, I'm-better-than-you expression on her face. She wraps around a pole to show off and then slithers back over to her trainer's side.

The three Pokémon and their trainers stand in a triangle against each other - Hilbert SMIRKS.

He looks over at his SAMUROTT. Who looks down.

HILBERT
I know you're not happy about losing to Haxorus, but it was a tough battle. You are a Samurott, you don't have to pretend or dream anymore, buddy. So get out there and show 'em all what you've got!

Sheldon smiles as Hilbert strokes the bundle of fur above its lips that resemble a regal white moustache. And he gives a proud roar. Hilbert laughs.

HILBERT (CONT'D)
That's more like it, Sheldon!

CUE - "RIVAL BATTLE" from BLACK & WHITE OST.

THREE WAY-SPLIT SCREEN - A BIG 'VS.' SIGN IN THE MIDDLE:
HILBERT/SAMUROTT.
BIANCA/EMBOAR.
CHEREN/SERPERIOR.

CHEREN
SERPERIOR! Use Dragon Tail!

Serperior whips around the room, her tail SWEEPING past Emboar and Samurott, smacking them onto their faces.

HILBERT
Alright, Samurott, get back up and use Megahorn on Serperior - and make sure it HURTS!

BIANCA
Emboar, show 'em what you got buddy! Use Heat Stamp on Serperior!

CHEREN
Hey, why are you guys ganging up on me? I knew a three way battle was illogical.

The music continues as the creatures exchange blows - Making the entire tent a mess. The beds are thrown around, shelves tossed about, and glass shattered. The dust is cleared and the battle's over -

All three trainers and all three Pokémon lay sprawled out on their backs, they all give sighs...

BIANCA
This is realllllly familiar.

Hilbert smirks, looking around the chaos in the room...

HILBERT
Yeah, well at least it's not my room that was destroyed this time...

He looks over at a shelf that's on fire.

HILBERT (CONT'D)
Or my butt that's on fire...

BIANCA
(laughs)
We can fix that, right, Emboar?

Emboar gets on his feet and sprays a small ember of fire from his nose with a determined look on his face. Hilbert gets on his feet, with a nervous chuckle.

HILBERT
Nooooo, that's okay... Sheldon, use Surf!

Samurott unleashes a powerful WAVE of WATER from his open mouth and it smashes into Emboar.

The loudest noise ever INTERRUPTS them. They all stop. Stand straight and still.

ON Hilbert,
Who suddenly springs into action - returns Sheldon into his Poké Ball and moves for the entrance of the tent. Opens up the flap and exits -

EXT. POKÉMON LEAGUE FESTIVAL - DAY
Hilbert steps out to see TEAM PLASMA grunts attacking the campsite. Professor Juniper, his mother, Cheren, and Bianca follow. They see the Team Plasma grunts are chanting and storming the grounds with torches. In the sky, there's much action and Hilbert peeks up - to see A MASSIVE CASTLE IN THE SKY.

ANCHORS FALL TO THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS, CRUSHING TENTS AND TABLES AND PEOPLE IN THE PROCESS.

Hilbert stares up in complete awe. And then he snaps back to the reality of things -

The horror. The fear. The panic.

And the swarming Team Plasma grunts coming his way. People are fleeing. Hilbert's mother returns for him.

MOM
Hilbert! Come with us!

HILBERT
I can't. I have to stop them. I have to get in that castle.

MOM
What are you talking about? You can't do that. You got a big heart, kid, and I love you for that, but don't be stupid!

HILBERT
I'm the only one who can stop them, mom. If I don't, they'll change everything. Ruin the world as we know. I can't let them do that!

And with that he rushes toward the grunts.

Hilbert's mom tries to grab at him, screaming and hollering in pure panic, but Professor Juniper grabs her by the arm.

PROFESSOR JUNIPER
Let him go. He knows what he's doing.

MOM
He's my son! He's just a CHILD!

PROFESSOR JUNIPER
(yelling)
We have to leave NOW!

Grunts are everywhere, people fleeing. Hilbert's mom is trampled by the crowds, but Hilbert is so far ahead he doesn't even see what's happened...

BIANCA
We have to help her!

Bianca and Cheren are hesitant, but they go back, rushing after Juniper back through the crowds and helps Hilbert's mom back on her feet. His mother is weak, bloodied, beaten and completely worn out. Juniper is forced to drag her along, her arm slung around Juniper's shoulder.

PROFESSOR JUNIPER
Come on...!

BIANCA
I'm not leaving Hilbert behind!

She looks at Cheren -

BIANCA (CONT'D)
And he isn't either. Right?

CHEREN
Right. We're going with him.

PROFESSOR JUNIPER
Don't get yourselves killed!

ON HILBERT
He's rushing TOWARD the castle. He sees Plasma grunts dropping from ropes. He pulls out a Poké Ball - ARCHEOPS's - prepares to throw it.

GRUNT (O.S.)
LIBERATE THE CREATURES OF THIS WORLD AND THE NEXT...!

A PUNCH connects with Hilbert's face. He falls.

ARCHEOPS'S Poké BALL ROLLS AWAY INTO THE CROWD.

HILBERT
NO!

GRUNT
LET THAT POKEMON FREE...

Hilbert's FIST collides with the grunt's face. He flies back like a ragdoll, knocked out.

He pulls out another Ball, sending out his LEAVANNY.

HILBERT
Tie him up with String Shot, Leavanny. We don't want him getting away!

Leavanny nods gruffly. The grunt squirms a bit, READY TO POUNCE the large Bug, but Leavanny's SHADOW CLAW SLASHES across his face, managing to knock him into complete unconsciousness. TIGHT on her face as she spits a spraying ray of STRING from her mouth, tying him up completely.

Cheren and Bianca rush through the crowd, Cheren scoops up Hilbert's fallen Poké Ball and handing it over.

Other grunts approach. Leavanny spits the string at them too. Until five or six grunts are left knocked out and tied up in a matter of seconds.

HILBERT (CONT'D)
Thanks, Leavanny!

He recalls Leavanny into her Ball. He sends out Archeops and climbs on her back.

HILBERT (CONT'D)
C'mon, Archeops, Fly me up there.

Archeops gives a mighty roar, spreads her wings, and swoops into the sky, carrying Hilbert on her back along with her. Cheren and Bianca ride on Cheren's UNFEZANT.
Hilbert reaches for his Cross-Transciever and dials a number. We don't see who he's calling, just his face as he speaks into it -

HILBERT (CONT'D)
(into Cross-Transceiver)
Hey. Plasma has attacked the League. Bring all the help you can.
(pause)
Thank you.

And then he hangs up - his eyes locking onto the castle that is just a few feet away now -

INT. N'S CASTLE - GHETSIS' QUARTERS - DAY
GHETSIS stands by the window of the castle. Looking down at the destruction below. His face hard to read -

N appears behind him. His female companions ANTHEA and CONCORDIA at his sides, caressing him. N is distressed, though. Not in the mood for pleasure.

N
Is this neccesary? All this destruction? This madness?

GHETSIS
If the new world is truly what you want, then yes, prince. Yes it is.

N
There are Pokémon down there that we're hurting, killing...

GHETSIS
That wasn't our intention, but with fantastic plans come sacrifices. Sacrifices needed for the greater good of all.

N
I am the prince. The leader. You elected me. If I truly have power, then tell everyone down there to stop. The kid is making his way in soon, we can call everyone back and then leave the area.

GHETSIS
But this is where we need to be, my lord.

N
Your lord? If I truly am your lord, you'd listen to me. So call them off.

He looks at Ghetsis seriously. He's giving Ghetsis one final chance to prove his loyalty. Even Ghetsis seems intimidated by this young leader.

N (CONT'D)
I won't ask again. Call them off!

GHETSIS
As you wish, my lord.

And with that, N turns on his heel and leaves.

ON GHETSIS
He continues to stare outside - pulls out a walkie talkie.

GHETSIS (CONT'D)
The Great Lord N desires you to proceed with the plan, in full force. We are taking over the Pokémon League.

Whatever he's planning is behind N's back. And the pieces are falling into place, and it's coming to life. And Ghetsis beams, CONFIDENT.

INT. N'S CASTLE - GREAT HALL - DAY
HILBERT, CHEREN and BIANCA have entered the GREAT HALL. They're on high alert - rushing through the castle. Surprisingly, no GRUNTS are attacking.

BIANCA
Hey! Hellooo!

Bianca waves her hands in front of one of the guards. He doesn't respond. She frowns -

Suddenly, the entire castle shakes. Three BLURS appear in the air and in their place, within a split second, are the SHADOW TRIAD. Surrounding Hilbert.

TRIAD LEADER
...Come.

The leader signals for Hilbert to follow. Cheren and Bianca stalk behind him. The triad seem to not take any notice to them.

TRIAD LEADER (CONT'D)
In this castle, you may rest your Pokémon and access your PC. Fear not. First, have your Pokémon rest in that room. When they are healed, it is our lord N's wish that you be moved to the innermost part of this castle.

HILBERT
And what does N want with me?

TRIAD LEADER
A battle between you and our lord N will reveal whether our lord N is a true hero. It will also reveal how you feel about protecting the current world, where people live with Pokémon.

They signal for Hilbert to step into a nearby room. Hilbert opens the door and peers back at Cheren and Bianca.

HILBERT
What about my friends?

TRIAD LEADER
They can do what they wish. They mean nothing to us.

Hilbert gestures for them to follow him. He heads inside -

INT. SPA - DAY
Hilbert, Cheren, and Bianca enter a SPA. It's a steaming bath where two women - ANTHEA and CONCORDIA, N's female companions - stand. They're in bikinis. As if they were waiting for Hilbert's arrival.

ANTHEA
...Oh, you must be Hilbert.

CONCORDIA
Our lord's challenger. I am Concordia, I give peace and comfort to N. Before you go to confront my lord N, please take a moment to rest...

Anthea gestures to the spa. Hilbert pulls out his Poké Balls and lets out all of his Pokémon - SHELDON, RAICHU, LEAVANNY, ARCHEOPS, KROOKODILE, and MINCCINO all land in the spa. They're bathing, relaxing. They look at ease - and then after a few moments -

ANTHEA
Trainers battle to practice their skills and to grow in experience, but never to hurt their Pokémon. My lord N has realized this, deep down in his heart... but he has spent too much painful time here in this castle to admit it.

HILBERT
Painful time?

CONCORDIA
N has been separated from people since he was young. He was brought up with Pokémon... Pokémon that were betrayed, mistreated and hurt by bad people... Ghetsis deliberately brought only those poor Pokémon closer to N. Never showed him the goodness in the world. N was touched by their plight, and started pursuing truth, thinking only of Pokémon. N's heart is pure and innocent. But there is nothing more beautiful and terrifying than innocence.

Referring to the spa -

ANTHEA
It is finished. You may go. We wish you luck, challenger.

Hilbert returns his Pokémon into their Poké Balls except for Sheldon, who follows him.

As they leave - he turns around to watch them for a second. Amazed by their beauty. And yes, they are breathtakingly beautiful. Cheren suddenly GRABS Hilbert by the ear and drags him for the door. Hilbert gives an "Ouch" with every step Cheren takes toward the door, his grip on Hilbert's ear tight. He and Bianca roll their eyes.

CHEREN
Think with your mind, remember! I've always taught you that!

BIANCA
Yeah, not with your-

The door SLAMS shut, interrupting Bianca's sentence. But it's pretty obvious what she was going to say.

INT. N'S CASTLE - HALLS - DAY
HILBERT, SHELDON the SAMUROTT, CHEREN, and BIANCA follow the SHADOW TRIAD down the hallways of the massive castle. It's decorated very clasically, a mixture of medieval and gothic styles. Undeniably beautiful...

They pass by a room with wide-open doors. As they pass it - Hilbert stops in his tracks. His eyes glued to what's inside.

HILBERT
Stop. Wait.

The Shadow Triad each turn around - as do Samurott, Cheren and Bianca.

CHEREN
What is it?

HILBERT
It's...

INT. N'S CASTLE - N'S ROOM - DAY

HILBERT
...A play room.

It is a room decorated in a childish manner, with cloud wallpaper and floor covering as well as there being many toys strewn about the area. Some of the toys show sign of recent usage, such as the train set, and some of which denote usage by Pokémon as well as humans, such as the skating ramp which upon inspection is covered in claw marks and scratches. There is a home basketball hoop installed on the west wall of the room. Hilbert approaches closer to it - and inspects the inscription written on the base of the hoop.

"HARMONIA"

HILBERT (CONT'D)
A child named "Harmonia" lives in this castle?

TRIAD LEADER
This is our lord N's bedroom... I don't feel anything, even when I go into the room... But you may feel something.

Hilbert's eyes fall on the Triad's leader.

HILBERT
I do feel something. Pity.

TRIAD LEADER
(spiteful)
Our lord doesn't need your pity.

Just trying to piss off the Triad Leader:

HILBERT
You're right.
(beat)
He needs to grow up.

The other two calmly place a hand on either shoulder. He sighs - Down boy. The triad leader stifles his anger.

TRIAD LEADER
Come. We keep going.

The triad, Cheren, and Bianca leave. Hilbert and Sheldon give one last look around the room -

HILBERT (V.O.)
In that moment, I knew this was more complex than it seemed. It wasn't just bad versus good. Right versus wrong. There was a man out there who had been manipulated and held captive his entire life, to the point where he still believes he is a child...

Ending his last glance, Hilbert follows the others. Sheldon follows obediently.