"If you were to start over, what would you like to do?" Willow's amber gaze was filled with curiosity, so I felt compelled to answer.

"Well... to be perfectly honest I never really thought about it," I admitted, scratching the fur between Growlithe's ears as I lounged on the couch. Outside the cabin a storm brewed, the wind and rain slowly picking up.

"Oh c'mon," she implored me, eagerly leaning forwards, her blonde bangs swaying in front of her face before she pushed them back. "There has to be something."

"I dunno..." I shrugged while smiling. All of a sudden, a thought came to me. "Maybe... A Pokemon trainer."

"Oh?" She looked intrigued now. "Any particular reason?"

I rubbed Growlithe's head for another minute, thinking of how to put my thoughts into words. "Team Rocket was a powerful criminal organization, y'know. But they were beaten pretty badly by some trainer way back. A kid. I've always used weapons to fight against others, but that wasn't... it wasn't right. I did terrible things. But maybe, if I caught more Pokemon, trained, forged a connection with them, I could become even stronger. But in the right way. A better way."

Willow clasped my hands gently while giving me a soft smile. "Then you do that. If you get the chance to just start over, then that's what you should do. And maybe one day I'll get to see you battle in one of those big stadiums. Oh what a sight that would be..."

A mountainous plateau resides in the northern most part of Unova, the path up a winding set of tunnels set within the cliff face. But once you reached the top, you could see across the vast region. But the true destination for any aspiring trainer lies not with the sights, but the towers that housed the renowned Elite 4. Once defeated, further ahead lies a temple where the Champion awaits those strong enough to overcome the first hurdle.

I stood in front of the gate that led to the main plaza. From here I could see the four cobblestone paths that led to the each tower, but my gaze focused on the center of the plaza. A statue of a robed man stood there atop a pedestal. I had a strange feeling about it.

"It suddenly feels very real," I murmured, taking in the grandness.

"Hey, you earned this," Alex bumped my shoulder gently.

"Remember, there's a healing center with every Elite 4 member," Robert said. "Once you beat a member, you're allowed to heal your Pokemon and move on to the next one. And once you beat all of them, stand on the pedestal there and you'll be able to access the Champion's throne."

"What Pokemon did you decide on using?" Alex asked curiously.

"Arcaneis was a no brainer," I said, tracing a finger across his pokeball. "Then Greninja, Mawile, Lycanroc, Decidueye, and Lucario. Oh, and Joltik." I held up his ball. "Not for battling of course. I want him to be able to see us battle and maybe gain experience from it that way."

"Good idea," Robert nodded. "And I'm sure the Elite 4 members will let you. They're all pretty chill."

"Once you beat them, what then?" Alex questioned. "N's the Champion now. And he's waiting for you to come to him. How is this going to play out?"

"I'm not entirely sure," I admitted. "He wants to face me, one hero to another. Whether that's a proper battle or not, I don't know. So we need to be ready for anything. That's why I'm going to need you two to do something for me. Contact the gym leaders, our allies, whoever you can think of. I can't give any concrete evidence, but N is planning something. I can feel it." I stared through the gate in the direction where N must be. "Team Plasma are technically in control of the region with their King as Champion. Whatever they're planning next, it has to be soon. And it makes sense that it would be during our 'fateful' encounter."

"With our track record, I'd say you're guess is spot on," Robert nodded. "We'll get on it once you enter."

"Hm..." Alex looked thoughtful. "It would be nice if this was the last day of Team Plasma. When you reach him, give him hell, Zeno."

I grinned. "Count on it."

The first thing I noticed when stepping into the first tower was the darkness. Then ghostly blue orbs sparked into existence around me, circling me and levitating me up. I resisted the urge to struggle, instead letting them lead me around in a circle. Lamps lit up with the ghostly flames as I passed, revealing the large pillar I circled around and the broken wooden staircase that flew by below me. The surrounding curved walls were filled from top to bottom with books.

Finally, I reached the top, my feet landing gently on the soft purple carpet. I raised an eyebrow at that and the piles of books arranged haphazardly along the edges of the arena. They were going to get ruined rather easily. Ahead across the large circle platform was the first member of the Elite 4. She was exactly as Alex had described her, dark purple gothic dress with a large black flower-like collar, black tights, and purple bob cut hair. She turned, peering out from behind wide glasses.

"Well, you are quite the mysterious trainer, aren't you?" She tapped her chin with the pen in her hand, book in the other. "A hero of Kalos and one of the trainers who bravely fought against Clarity in the heart of Unova. I sense there's quite a story to tell there."

"A long one," I agreed.

"Indeed," She stowed away her book. She snapped her fingers and the ghostly light zoomed around the arena, the books along the sides floating off the platform and over the surrounding abyss. "You've places to be I'm sure. For now, we have a battle to write. Let's make it original now, we don't want to get copyrighted~" She produced a Dusk Ball, the curve of a creepy smile etching its way across her facial features. "I am Shauntal of the Elite 4. Try not to die now before the final act~"

The next tower I entered smelled of the sea. Stairs split a dune as I trooped my way up the sandy steps. Waves lapped at a shoreline, a stretch of sand crossing the large circle of artificial ocean leading to a large rocky battlefield. The water crashed up against the sides of the dark rocks, spraying the tanned bare chest of a blue haired man. He lounged atop a flat rock, waving to me like an old friend.

"Alola!" He greeted, hopping off. He wore the bottom half of a blue and white striped wetsuit with fins on his calves along with dark blue open toed sandals. His feet were pale while his upper body was heavily tanned.

"Alola," I said, returning the proper hand signs.

"Ah, so you've been," He grinned excitedly. "Tell me, how did you like my home islands?"

Memories of the soft crystal clear waves, the relaxed vibe of the cities and towns, the humidity of the deep jungles, and for the most part friendly people, came back to me as I crossed the sand bridge. I smiled. "It was lovely. It would be nice to go back. It felt like... home."

"I'm glad," the Elite 4 member set down the fishing net he was carrying. It was full of Diving Balls. "Alolans are rather welcoming. It pained me to hear about the disaster that occurred there not too long ago."

"It wasn't... pleasant," I said, those memories replacing the happy ones.

"Dude, you were there?" He raised an eyebrow. "Man, you must be made of sterner stuff than I initially realized. I mean, you did triumph in the Vertress Conference." He rummaged around in the net before deciding on a Dive Ball. "Show me then all that you've learned on your travels. Both the tenacity that one must possess as a trainer, and the perseverance one gains from hardship." He twirled the pokeball around in his hand. "I am Marlon of the Elite 4. Dude, let's have a sick battle!"

My feet made sloshing noises as I made my way up the steps of the third tower. I was soaked completely, but that didn't stop me from taking in the sights around me. Beautiful lights speckled the void around me, forming what looked to be celestial objects. Suddenly the lights moved towards me, spinning rapidly as high pressure winds blasted me from all sides. I covered my face, unable to breathe for the five seconds it assaulted me before it ended. I sucked in a breath, blinking in surprise. I was completely dry. Shaking my head in wonder, I continued climbing.

Once I reached the top, the giant white rose blossom in the middle of a large galaxy covered circular platform caught my eye. As I approached, it bloomed, depositing the sleeping form of Caitlin onto the floor.

I blinked, unsure of what to do. With a sleepy moan, Caitlin slowly picked herself up, blinking drowsily as she tried smoothing out her frumpled pink nightdress. After a fair amount of time of her trying but failing, she gave up, regarding me with a tired look as she straightened her currently lopsided nightcap.

"Oh, it's you again," she said before breaking out into yawn. She smacked her lips as her eyes threatened to close. I snapped my fingers rather loudly and she snapped to. "Oh!" She blinked, still looking rather drowsy, but not like she was about to fall asleep.

"Sorry about that," I said. "But we kinda have a battle to perform."

"Oh, no worries," she said, yawning again. My fingers were at the ready, but she merely went to grab a Dream Ball from the inside of her gown. "I've just been catching up on all the sleep I missed when watching the tournament." She blinked. "Right, you were the one I rescued in the Dream Yard. When was that again I wonder..."

I sighed internally. She was an odd one, that was for sure. But she was an Elite 4 member for a reason, so I couldn't underestimate her.

"Hm, no matter," she yawned for a third time before clutching the Dream Ball in both hands. "I am Caitlin of the Elite 4. Let's hurry up and finish this so I can go back to bed please."

Climbing the final tower felt like I was about to enter a death match. Large metal mesh gates lined the walls, spotlights turning on as I went higher. Once at the top and I stepped onto the square platform, bars shot up from the corners, thick ropes connecting them. In just a few seconds, I found myself on one end of a wrestling arena.

"I know a fair bit of fighting moves," I said, grabbing and testing the rope's durability. "But I'll admit, I never got into wrestling."

"I can tell," Marshall huffed as he backed away from the punching bag he'd been wailing on in the corner. He wiped his forehead before grabbing a bottle of water, crushing it as he gulped it all down. "You're lithe and fast by the looks of you. You take on your enemies by being faster than them, and for those larger than you you use their size against them. I know an experienced fighter when I see one," he said when I have him a surprised look.

"Can I ask you something?" I said.

"You did," He grinned at my eye roll, crossing his arms. "But continue."

"Back in Aspertia, when you helped us out in the alley," I said. "You weren't there on just a stroll, were you? You were looking for Clarity."

Marshal nodded. "I was. We of the Elite 4 aren't just the strongest trainers for show. That comes with certain responsibilities. We work with Unova's police force to help take down those who intend harm on the people and Pokemon of Unova. Now, don't ask, I already know your next question." He frowned. "Where were we during Castelia's crisis?"

I shrugged. "Something like that. We could've used the help."

"Hm," Marshal hummed in agreement. "While things worked out well this time, it should have been corrected sooner. Because we work with the police, we are subject to certain legalistic restrictions. As such, we were held up the International Police. We forced our way into the city eventually, top brass be damned, but by that time you and your friends had already fully engaged the enemy and had them defeated before we could come and help. We mostly did clean-up, but this is something that should not have happened." He fixed me with a stare. "I hope you understand what I'm getting at."

I did. It was basically confirmation for something I had been fearing about for a while. Because if my suspicions were correct, there was something bigger at work here. Clarity had always been a step ahead, usually evading both Unova's police force and the International Police. One had to wonder if there was someone behind the scenes leaking intel somewhere. At the moment it didn't have anything to do with me or my friends, but if we got dragged further into it, then we could be in for some real trouble.

At my nod, Marshal enlarged a Luxury Ball. "Win or lose, we'll still fight to protect this region. I hope you understand that as well?"

I quickly got over my surprise before enlarging a pokeball. "Yeah, I understand. Let's do this."

"Heh," he grunted before he slammed his right fist into his open left palm, his booming voice echoing off the walls. "I am Marshal of the Elite 4! Now show me the strength that has brought you here to me!"

I stepped out of Marshal's tower, the statue in the center of the plaza alit by four blue glows. I made my way to it, and as soon as I neared its center, something shifted below. It began to lower into the ground and into a natural ravine.

Decidueye cried out as the Fire Blast scorched his feathers, burning him badly as he fell to the ground. He stood on shaky legs, letting out a weak, yet defiant coo as Chandelure spun towards him, fire wreathed around her. He stuck an arrow in the ground, thick vines sprouting and wrapping around him as a shield. Chandelure crashed into it, setting the greenery ablaze. It took a few seconds for the vines to burn away completely to reveal Decidueye had disappeared.

He reappeared atop a floating book, perched on one leg, firing an arrow before vanishing back into the darkness surrounding the arena as a ghostly orb whisked past. He landed atop another book, firing yet another arrow. Chandelure burned through it, only for two more arrows to come flying towards her. She blasted them apart with shadows, looking around for her opponent.

Decidueye struck from above, striking his ghostly powered wings atop Chandelure's head before kicking off and soaring back down to the ground. Chandelure began heating up, her flames turning blue. While she began charging her attack, light began pouring out of my Z-ring and connecting to Decidueye.

Ghostly energy filled me as I locked eyes with my target, who had just shot a powerful Fire Blast towards my Pokemon. Finishing the Alolan dance, I shouted, "SINISTER ARROW RAID!"

Decidueye let out a horrifying wail as he shot upwards, wings extending as he flew straight for Chandelure, the Fire Blast in-between them. Dozens upon dozens of spirit filled arrows flew around Decidueye before shooting forwards. They shot through the flames, the ghostly energy eating away at the flames, allowing Decidueye to soar straight through without so much as a singe.

Chandelure tried powering up a Shadow Ball, but the arrows struck her off balance, cutting off the attack and letting Decidueye to crash into her before soaring back up. The rest of the arrows slammed all around the fallen Chandelure before blowing up. Decidueye touched back down, wiping at his feathers as the smoke cleared to reveal our victory.

THUD

The elevator ride came to a stop, kicking up a cloud of dust. I stepped out onto the cracked earth, the path ahead a straight-shot through the canyon. At the far end large stairs led up to a temple that sat atop the edge of the ravine, half a dozen marble pillars lining the entrance.

I began to walk. I could feel the responsibility slowly weighing down on my shoulders. First had been the Alolan League. It had been all fun and games then, a nice break after the hell everyone had been through concerning the Ultra Beasts and the Shadow.

The rocky ground froze as Lycanroc sped away from the beam of ice Mantine shot from his mouth as he flew after the Rock type. Sharp stones broke free from the ground around Lycanroc, shooting upwards. Mantine flew around them, a few slicing at the edges of his wings, but he ignored the pain as wind gathered around him. He swooped, unleashing bursts of air that slashed at the ground, knocking Lycanroc off his feet.

Just as Mantine prepared to fire a scalding shot of water, a huge rock burst from the ground, hitting him in the stomach and cutting off his attack. Lycanroc's claws elongated as he tore his way up the rock, howling as he leaped off the top. His sharp claws tore at Mantine, making him cry out in pain. Winds gathered around him again, but something flashed in Lycanroc's eyes. He disappeared in a flash before headbutting Mantine with the sound of a rock breaking. Both Pokemon fell, crashing to the ground.

Only one of them got back up.

I reached the foot of the stairs. I looked up. It was a long ways to go. Already dreading the climb, I marched onward.

There hadn't been much at stake during the Lumiose Conference in Kalos. Sure, there had been the threats of both Team Flare and the Cult of Chaos, but those hadn't been real until the very end of the tournament. This time though, it had haunted me throughout every battle. I had to win in order to make it this far. Not like the past leagues where I just wanted to grow stronger and win beside my Pokemon. I had to win this time, not for the glory, not to show how far I've come, but in order to face him and stop Team Plasma's plans.

The wall cracked as Greninja slammed into it, the breath driven from his body. He pried himself out just as Metagross came slamming down, its metal claw driving its way further into the material. Greninja's tongue shot out, wrapping around one of the Steel/Psychic type's legs and swinging him back up. Twin dark blades forming in his grasps as he slashed along his opponent's sides. Metagross let out a metallic roar, ripping its leg out and pulling back his other leg sharply, taking Greninja long with it. Greninja recalled his tongue just as all four of Metagross' legs fired in a blur of attacks, each one impacting different parts of his body.

With a cry of pain, Greninja hit the ground. Metagross gave him no time to recover as he crashed down atop him, triggering a powerful earthquake that ripped its way across the battlefield. The bubbles that made up Greninja's cloak that he'd covered himself at the last moment expanded before bursting apart in a multitude of hydro explosions that sent Metagross skywards.

With a cry, Greninja tore two water blades from his legs, snapping them into long water whips that he used to grapple Metagross by the legs and swing him back down with a heavy crash. He then ran for him, dozens of copies forming as dark winds gathered around them. Metagross spread his four legs, anchoring himself as he blasted a metallic beam that swept across the arena, annihilating every copy while the real Greninja leaped over the beam. He came down slashing, the dark winds clattering against Metagross, before following up with a brutal Sucker Punch as Metagross attempted to retaliate. With a heavy groan, the Iron Leg Pokemon collapsed

I now stood at the threshold of the temple. He was just inside. I took a moment to just breathe. This may be a duty I have to perform, but I couldn't let it rule me. I had to be calm. But most importantly, I had to see if we could settle things without a fight. He may be the King of Team Plasma, but what he was doing he did for the right reasons. He was just going about it the wrong way. But if negotiations failed, then...

My mind made up, I made my way into the temple to confront the Champion of Unova.

The huge stone pillar crashed into the ground, tearing up the concrete as Mawile dodged to the side again as the other pillar impacted the ground where she'd initially landed. She rolled into a crouch, both her mouths growling as Conkeldurr leaped for her. She leaped backwards, landing on the side of one of his concrete pillars before launching off it. Her back jaw glowed a fierce pink as she twirled in the air, smacking the Fighting type in the side of the head. He crashed down, but when he did, dozens of sharp stones shot upwards and towards Mawile.

A pink wind gathered around her before she expanded it outwards, flinging the shards of stone in every direction. As she landed, Conkeldurr had ripped both of his pillars from the ground and proceeded to launch himself towards Mawile. He slammed them into the ground, shards of concrete battering the small Steel/Fairy type as she leapt backwards. She narrowed her eyes before taking off again, dodging beneath one of her opponent's lumbering swipes, and jumping to plant a kiss on top of his forehead. Conkeldurr looked weakened while Mawile looked rejuvenated. As another one of his pillars swung up, Mawile was hit by it and the force of the swing swung Conkeldurr around. When he looked to see where his smaller opponent had went, he couldn't see her.

Mawile's iron grip on the pillar loosened just enough for her to flip onto its topside and begin running the length. Conkeldurr noticed her too late, his eyes widening as she launched herself at his face, bashing him with her fists, biting down with her back jaw, and driving her knees into his eyes. She flipped off him and the very earth shook as Conkeldurr fainted backwards.

I stepped out of the grand hall into the main temple room. Everything was gold here, from the intricate wall patterns to the stairs. And there, up the steps, standing with his back to him, was-

"N," I spoke, my voice cutting through the silence that had followed the end of my footsteps.

He turned, his long ponytail swaying behind him as he moved. He wore the same clothes he'd worn since the day I'd met him. Those beige pants paired with a black undershirt and white overshirt. He looked like an everyday ordinary guy as he smiled beneath his black and white cap. "Hello, Zeno. I knew you would make it." He stretched out his arms, his bracelets jangling against one another. "You have successfully managed to defeat the Elite 4 and made your way to me, Unova's Champion. I'd say it's time we've finally had our long awaited battle of truth and ideals, don't you?"

I tightened my fists at my side before relaxing. A genuine smile made its way to my lips as I met his gaze. "Yeah, I guess it is. Let's do this, N."