"C'mon, just a little more. You can do it!"
Robert watched as Zeno and Alex were attempting to get Joltik to battle Cubchoo. With any other Pokemon this would have been a bad idea, but with Cubchoo being close to Joltik, Joltik would trust him more easily. It was a good plan. In theory at least.
Robert grimaced as Joltik let out a weak spark that just grazed off Cubchoo. The little guy couldn't bring himself to attack his friend seriously. He just sat there, quivering.
Robert lay back, staring at the blue cave ceiling. He watched electric currents run along the craggy rocks between charged crystals. They'd been in Chargestone Cave for most of the day doing battle practice. Not just with Pokemon, as Zeno had insisted on more hand-to-hand combat training. He'd been alright, but he knew he would never be able to pull off the acrobatic-like moves Zeno was able to do. Alex though seemed to be learning quickly from him. She'd always shown good fighting form in fights, surprising even Zeno. He didn't know where exactly she learned to fight, and he didn't know if she'd told Zeno either, but based on her usual fighting stance with open hands, it was probably some sort of martial arts dojo.
But now Zeno wanted to try and bond more with Joltik. And as just hanging out and feeding didn't seem to do the trick, Zeno figured learning how to battle might do the trick. Well, seeing as how Joltik was now huddling beneath Greninja again was a good indicator as to how well the plan was going.
A shadow fell over Robert and he looked up again to see Swampert staring at him. He grinned, reaching up a hand to rub beneath her large chin. "Hey girl." Swampert melted at his touch before bending lower and nuzzling his head with her own.
Finally he heard Zeno sigh. It sounded more defeated than frustrated. "Alright, let's pack our things up. We might as well get out of this cave and get to Mistralton City."
Robert caught Alex's eye and she shrugged, glanced at Zeno picking Joltik up carefully and returning him to his pokeball, and shook her head sadly. Zeno's attempts to bond with Joltik had failed yet again.
Robert opened his mouth a few times, but warning glances from Alex kept him shut up as they walked through Chargestone Cave in silence. With nothing else to do, Robert allowed himself to ponder recent events. The criminal organization known as Clarity was secretly trafficking items, likely drugs, across Unova. They also had a plan to attack Castelia City, but there was little other information to go off of. Looker and the rest of the International Police would be all over this, but Robert had a bad feeling he and his friends would likely get dragged into it.
Then Team Plasma and N, their so-called king. He could understand N's feelings and why he was sticking to his beliefs, but his methods... Or rather, Team Plasma's methods, were cruel. And Ghetsis... That man plays a much larger role than he would suggest. N may very well be the king, but Ghetsis feels more like the mastermind behind some grander plot.
Robert looked up to stare at Zeno's back. If N was fixated on the truth of the state the world was in regarding Pokemon, then Zeno was focused on an idealistic future. Alex was very much like Zeno with the same opinion, but Robert... While he found truth in what N spoke of and what his friends' ideals were, he couldn't help but feel that they were all missing the bigger picture, too focused on the issue of Pokemon being black and white.
Then, Robert thought heavily. What do I believe in if neither truth or ideals?
Robert found himself thinking back in time, back to when he used to sit in front of his Grandmother's fire, listening to her stories. He couldn't remember many of them, but one that came to mind that he could remember a small amount, was something about twin heroes and the birth of Unova. One stuck alone to the truth, while the other wished to stick to his ideals. He knew a war of sorts broke out because of their different views and that many suffered.
Maybe it was due to all the prophecies and myths and legends he and his friends were caught up in since their journey began in Alola, but Robert couldn't help but wonder if destiny was once again at work. N was fixated on the truth, much like how the hero in the story had been. Perhaps a hero of ideals would be his main rival...
Robert found himself looking at Zeno's back again. He had been the Hero Born of Darkness in Alola. He was the one who forged the strongest of bonds in Kalos with Greninja and awakened a foreign legend in the form of Arcaneis. Was it possible...
By no means did Robert feel jealous that fate seemed to be swirling around Zeno. What he did feel, however, was useless. He was great at a lot of things, but when it came down to a straight fight, Zeno was the one he'd place his bets on. So if N ended up being a hero of truth and Zeno the hero of ideals like from the story in some stroke of twisted destiny, Robert only hoped that things could resolve themselves peacefully.
He'd been so lost in his own thoughts that he hadn't noticed Zeno and Alex had stopped moving. Alex grabbed Robert by the shoulder and he looked up, surprised. There, standing by the cave exit was none other than one of the people on Robert's mind; N. And standing beside him was Zoroark.
Zeno had stiffened. "N."
Robert didn't know if he should feel surprised, or if he should have expected this.
N gave a genuine smile. "Hearing your Pokemon is always a treat. They speak so highly of you all. Well," he looked at Zeno. "Except for one."
"Why are you here, N?" Zeno asked, ignoring the jab. "Don't you have an evil organization to run?"
N sighed. "We are not evil. We only seek to free all Pokemon. How is that evil?"
"The end may be nice and all," Alex said, crossing her arms. "But it's how you go about it that defines it as evil."
N shook his head and looked at Robert. "I told you that I would ensure that members of Team Plasma would not go around stealing people's Pokemon. I have done so." He looked back around at Zeno and Alex. "Now I will ensure that people realize the truth of the world. By awakening the great Dragon of Truth, they will come to realize that only by freeing Pokemon can they truly be happy."
"Dragon of Truth?" Zeno raised an eyebrow while Alex groaned.
"Here we go again," she muttered.
Guess my theories are already being proven, Robert thought. I hope that's not a bad sign. Aloud, he said, "What exactly will that prove, N?"
"The people of Unova know the story of the Dragon of Truth," N answered. "A legendary dragon that responded only to a hero who held truth in his heart. When the same dragon recognizes me as the next Hero of Truth, people will finally listen and free their Pokemon."
"N-" Robert started, taking a step towards him, only to be immediately surrounded by three figures. They wore skintight black garb, their long white hair sticking out behind them. Only their eyes were visible, but they too appeared dark. Zoroark growled beside N, eyes glaring daggers into Robert.
Alex had backed up quickly, already going for a pokeball while Zeno appeared startled, but only momentarily. He looked ready to fight, but N raised his voice.
"Shadow Triad! Zoroark!"
The three figures all stepped back from Robert before spring backwards, disappearing into the darkness. Zoroark's growl faded away, but he still glared.
"I'm sorry about that," N apologized. "Ghetsis believes that I should be protected at all times as King of Team Plasma, so they have been watching over me for a while now."
"So that's why none of your grunts are hanging about," Alex said sarcastically.
"Maybe once you all see the power that the Dragon of Truth holds, you will be more inclined to consider freeing all Pokemon," N said, turning away.
"So you're just going to bully people into freeing their Pokemon?" Zeno asked, glaring at N.
N stopped and turned back around. "No. Once the dragon awakens and recognizes me, people will come to accept what is the truth. That is what I hope. However," his gaze darkened. "If they do not, then the power of the Dragon of Truth will convince them to free their Pokemon. If force becomes the answer, at least in the end people and Pokemon will be living in a better world."
N spread his arms wide. "I am the King of Team Plasma. I have come to realize that simply asking people to free their Pokemon isn't an effective solution. Team Plasma will work to ensure that all Pokemon are freed and allowed to live to their truest potential. If humans refuse to see the truth when it's right in front of them, then I will respond in the only way this species knows how; Through acts of force."
"Then you're no better than the rest of us!" Zeno snapped. "The only difference is that you don't keep your Pokemon in pokeballs!"
"I've heard your ideals, Zeno," N replied. "Believing in the possibility that humans and Pokemon can coexist as they do now for the rest of time. But that is just a dream. Pokemon are suffering every day and it is my duty to free them."
"Yeah, that's right," Zeno took a step forward, ignoring Zoroark's low growl. "I have encountered many kinds of people and Pokemon. Yes, there have been many that were cruel and didn't care for their Pokemon! But guess what!? There have been many more that do love their Pokemon, that treat them as family! You can't destroy that! You have no right!"
"That's where you're wrong," N said, his voice rising. "I have every right. As the Hero of Truth, I will seek the power of the Dragon of Truth and then the world will accept what needs to be done."
Zeno took another step forward and Zoroark rushed towards him. A pokeball opened on Zeno's hip and Greninja leaped forth, getting in-between him and Zoroark. He deflected the Dark type's claws with a water blade, forcing the Pokemon back."
"We'll stop you," Zeno said in a low voice. "And don't think for a moment that we'll lose."
"How can you stick to these idealistic dreams of yours instead of seeing the truth?" N asked, now visibly confused. "You said yourself you've seen Pokemon suffer at the hands of humans. You yourself are guilty of that very thing."
That knocked Zeno back a step. "What do you mean-?"
"I can hear him," N said, staring at the spot where one of Zeno's pokeballs was still hidden in his coat. "He's scared, always scared. Humans have left him with memories of violence and pain. The longer he's with you, the worse it'll get. If you truly love Pokemon, if you truly believe in an ideal world, then you'll let Joltik go."
"But-" Zeno choked on his words, unable to respond.
N stepped forwards, waving his hands at his grunts to stay put. He nodded to Zoroark and he backed away as well. N stopped before Zeno, staring him straight in the eyes. "Surely you've seen how he behaves? I left you and your friends a while ago and still he's not any better. You say Humans and Pokemon can live together like family? Then tell me, Zeno. Can you say that for Joltik and you as well?"
"I..." Zeno swallowed. N could see doubt in his eyes. Clearly he hadn't wanted to think about this, about how Joltik wasn't happy and never would be.
"If you care for him," N held out his hand. "Then you will let him go."
"To someone like you?" Zeno took a step back. "Sure you're good to Pokemon, but what you're doing here... It's evil."
"I don't intend to make him stay with me," N shook his head. "I don't believe he'd truly be happy with that either. No, I will return him to his own kind where he can live his life away from humans." He extended his hand further. "It's a simple question, Zeno? Do you care for Joltik or not?"
Zeno looked away and when he didn't answer, N nodded. "Then how about we let Joltik decide?"
Zeno's head whipped back up. "What?"
"We let him decide," N said simply. "To choose to stay with you or to come with me to be allowed to live with his own kind. If you care for Pokemon, you'll respect whatever decision he makes."
Zeno's fingers twitched. For a moment, it looked as if he had no idea what to do. Then he reached into his coat and brought out Joltik's pokeball.
"Zeno-!" Alex said sharply.
"It's fine," He said, cutting her off, only looking at N. "He's right. It should be up to Joltik. This... is something I should have done a while ago." He took a step back, opening the pokeball. Joltik took in his surroundings while bunching his legs together, shivering. Greninja knelt beside him, seeming to help calm him as he placed a webbed hand over him, sliding downwards across his bristles.
"Joltik," Zeno's voice caught. Robert wanted to do something. Anything.
"N, I've seen Zeno bond with many different Pokemon before," He said desperately. "Some more angry than others. Some who had given into despair and given up. If anyone can bond with Joltik, it's Zeno."
"Robert."
It was Zeno who'd spoken, not N.
Swallowing, his friend said, "It's alright. I've done all I can. Now... this is the only thing I can do. The best thing I can do for him."
But it wasn't alright. It must be tearing him up inside to do this. To admit defeat.
"Jolitik," Zeno said, looking at the tiny Pokemon. He smiled, voice becoming softer. "I... I hope I've been good towards you during our time together. You've been through so much, and I only want the best for you. This place," he gestured around the cave. "Even if it wasn't your home before, it might be the best place for you."
N moved closer and knelt as well. "There's a colony of Joltiks and Galvantulas that live here, deep in the cave system. I'm sure you could find a happy home among your own kind."
Joltik switched from looking from Zeno, to N, Greninja, then back to Zeno, who spoke again. "If you wish to remain with me, then I promise you that I will try my best to make sure you're happy. But if you'd rather live here, then that's okay. I won't force you to stay with me."
"If you choose to leave, just come with me," N held out a hand. "I can take you to your new home."
Zeno stuck out his hand hesitantly, eyes filled with sadness. Even though Zeno had reached out, he'd known what Joltik would choose. Robert knew, but it still hurt even him when Joltik gave Zeno one last long look before turning and scuttling slowly towards N.
Zeno's hand faltered, and he retracted it, gripping it into a fist. His gaze was cast downwards, so Robert was unable to see what kind of face he was making. Then, "Just... Just make sure he'll be safe."
N nodded, taking Joltik up in his palms. "I promise. We don't need to be enemies, Zeno."
The sound of another pokeball opening came from Alex. Cubchoo stepped towards N, looking at Joltik. The small Electric type turned to look at his friend. A small exchange seemed to pass between them, because Cubchoo lowered his head, looking sad as he returned to Alex.
N nodded to both Alex and Robert before walking past them, opposite of the exit and deeper into Chargestone Cave. A long moment of silence followed where Robert just stood there, looking at the direction where N had disappeared while Alex went and knelt next to Zeno, putting a hand on his shoulder. Then Zeno stood, looking in the same direction as Robert.
"We don't need to be," Zeno said softly. "But we both know we can never agree with one another. So when we finally face each other, I won't lose. Not to you."
Robert closed his eyes. Somehow, it felt as if something had fallen into place. As if the wheels of destiny had locked into place and they were now set on a collision course. For what Robert wasn't entirely sure, but it usually was never good.
I sat up in the darkness, quietly slipping out of bed. I stood still, listening for the sound of Alex and Robert's soft breathing in the small Pokemon Center room. Good. Both were asleep. A shadow detached itself from the wall, joining me by my side. Greninja hadn't slept either it seemed. And we both had the same goal in mind.
Together we silently dropped from the second story window, Greninja grabbing me and landing softly on the ground. We were already on the outskirts of Mistralton City, so it was a quick run to Chargestone Cave. We gave each other one last glance before heading inside. It was light inside the cave thanks to the blue crystals, but our way would not so easily be discoverable.
Placing a hand on the ground, a quick surge of water rose up around Greninja, forming his cloak and water weapons before disappearing.
"Can you find out what direction they took?" I asked him.
Greninja placed his palm next to mine and after a moment he shook his head. Not about to give up, I let out Lucario. Relaying the plan to him, he growled and nodded, placing both palms on the cave floor. His aura pulsed, bouncing off the walls and resonating through the passages. After a minute his eyes shot open and he looked at me. One look was all it took.
"Lead the way," I ordered and the three of us were off. This was most definitely off the beaten path, and only someone who knew what they were doing would have been able to find their way. It took close to half an hour for Lucario to finally cease his movements, crouching at the end of a passage. Greninja and I knelt, creeping forwards. There was a hole and looking into it revealed a cavern below. There I saw hordes of Galvantulas and Joltiks crawling about. Electrified webs hung across walls and hung from the ceiling, where many Joltiks either crept along or slept.
I scanned what little I could see. Finally, I spotted him. Nestled between two other Joltiks on a small web, he looked so... content in his slumber. Smiling to myself, I backed away from the hole. I'd done what I had come for. Joltik was safe. And most importantly, he was happy.
As I turned to walk away, a clicking sound made me freeze. A Galvantula had appeared behind us, in the direction we would need to leave. I didn't even have time to utter a sound before it fired an Electroweb towards me. Greninja appeared in front of me, slicing upwards with his blade. The electrified web shorted out, but the Galvantula was fast. It managed to get right in front of Greninja before any of us could react and blasted him point blank with an Electro Ball. His body was slammed into mine and we both went falling into the hole.
We hit a web and tore straight through it, electricity shocking me and making me black out for a second. I knew only seconds had passed when I opened my eyes because Lucario had just leapt from above, landing beside us.
"This is not good," I said as the Galvantulas began firing at us. Greninja pulled me along, going for the nearest tunnel. I risked a glance back, seeing just about every Joltik and Galvantula pursuing us.
Just as we were about to reach the mouth of the tunnel, an electric web sprung in it, blocking entry. Skidding to a halt, we turned, but found no escape. Lucario began firing up an Aura Sphere, but I shouted, "No!" I grabbed his arm. "You could hurt him!"
Lucario stared at me, then a web caught him in the middle, sending him crashing into a wall. Greninja moved to free him, but more webs were fired. They caught him around a leg and chest, forcing Greninja to one knee, but he still tried to rise. A Galvantula sprung towards him, fangs glowing, intending to finish him off while he was vulnerable.
Pain erupted in my arm as I dove in front of Greninja, raising my arm to block the attack. I gritted my teeth as I felt my energy getting sucked away. I fell to both knees, my vision swimming. I gazed up, looking at the crowd of Pokemon. A sea of yellow and blue mixing together. Still, I focused in on a single Pokemon. One of many, yet so distinct in his own ways.
I opened my mouth, struggling to speak. "I... I'm sorry, Joltik." I didn't feel myself hit the ground as darkness overwhelmed me.
I stirred. I could feel movement around me. The sounds of scuttling, as if hundreds of-
I opened my eyes in alarm. I took in my surroundings. We were still in the cavern. The Galvantulas and Joltiks were still going about and to my surprise I wasn't covered in webs. Or dead.
A hrr made me look right to see Lucario sitting down, looking at me. He nodded and Greninja appeared to my left. I rubbed my eyes. Somehow, none of us were dead. I looked at my arm. There was no wound nor any remnants of pain. Just some sort of webbing covering where I had been bitten. Peeling it back, I saw smooth skin.
"Did they..." I looked at both of my Pokemon. "Did they heal us?"
Greninja nodded and pointed a webbed finger. I looked and saw two Galvantulas coming towards us. One of them was much bigger than the other, at least double the size. In-between them was Joltik.
"Thank you," I said, bowing my head. "For healing us. Though... I don't know why."
The biggest Galvantula nudged Joltik forwards. He scuttled towards me and I knelt. I smiled softly, reaching out a finger. He didn't flinch, not even when I rubbed his head. "Thank you, Joltik. I... I had to make sure you were alright. But it looks like I had nothing to worry about. I'm glad you found a place to call home."
Greninja nodded in agreement, kneeling beside me. I rubbed Joltik's fur one last time before standing. "We should leave. I'm sorry about intruding on your territory."
Galvantula made a clicking sound before turning around and leaving. I smiled and said one last goodbye to Joltik. "Stay well. It may have been short, but I was glad to have been able to know you."
I looked to Lucario. "Are you able to sense a way out of here?"
He nodded, standing. Taking a deep breath, Greninja and I followed him. We'd reached the mouth of a tunnel when I heard a loud chirping sound. I whirled around to see Joltik in front of me. He was staring up at me, an unfamiliar, yet heartwarming determination in his eyes. I didn't dare hope. But as I knelt, he scuttled closer.
"Do you..." I whispered, voice faltering. I swallowed. "Do you still want to come with me?"
Joltik planted his legs, a small jolt of electricity sparking from his tiny body. I choked back a sob, smiling. I reached back to my belt, unhooking his pokeball. "Then welcome back, Joltik. This time for sure, I promise to be a trainer worthy of you."
He chirped, planting his tiny leg on the ball, allowing himself to be sucked inside by the red light. I looked down at it, a sudden feeling of elation filling me. Standing, I turned back to the tunnel with Lucario and Greninja by my side. Narrowing my eyes, I thought of N.
Next time we meet, I thought. I'll prove to you that my ideals are worth more than your so-called truth.
