Chapter 15: A Call to Motion

When everything was said and done, Hilbert lucked out - he and Roger found the Dusk Stone that Belle needed not long after they met Garfield. That didn't stop them from venturing deeper into the cave. There were still some Trainers that Hilbert figured would be good practice.

Roger knew Hilbert long enough to know that this was a diversion. After losing Captain and Matt so suddenly, the Stoutland couldn't blame him for not wanting to jump into challenging the Gym Leader just yet. Matt's death in particular was painful, and not just for Hilbert. Roger was still devastated, but he chose to keep a brave front about it. He wasn't a 'team leader' like Merlot was; that was just in his nature as a Stoutland. And one with a very impressive moustache, if he did say so himself.

Merlot and Michelle were devastated too, although each of them chose to cope in their own way. Merlot kept an eye on Hilbert while he rode through the worst of that grief; after comforting him through Jude's loss, Roger didn't think he could do that twice in a row.

And Michelle...she hadn't even come out of her PokeBall yet, not even to ferry Hilbert to the cave. Roger had to swim Hilbert to that cave. Normally that would annoy him, but if this was anything like how Hilbert retreated to a secluded part of Route 9 to grieve...well. Roger was willing to let it slide this time.

Michelle's seclusion meant that - now, more than ever - it fell to him to protect Hilbert from any threat that he could.

So, when the large teal Pokemon leapt at Hilbert (clearly looking for a fight), the Stoutland got between his trainer and this newcomer with zero hesitance.

(Oi, what's the big idea?!) the Stoutland barked.

The large Pokemon stared Roger down, and the Stoutland would be lying if he said he wasn't the slightest bit rattled. (I am Cobalion, of the Swords of Justice. I can sense that human carries the Light Stone. It's for this reason that I challenge him - I will not let Reshiram fall into the hands of those that would abuse their power!)

Cobalion. Roger remembered that name - this old man had informed Hilbert about the Swords of Justice when he and Roger entered this part of Mistralton Cave. He didn't pay attention to all of it, but he did pick up on the fact that the Swords of Justice held distrust for humans.

(Oh, is that right?) Roger growled. (Hate to break it to ya, but you'll not be touchin' a hair on his head!)

Cobalion seemed surprised at Roger's response - he didn't expect Roger to back down, did he?

(So you'd accept my challenge in his place? Very well!) Cobalion responded, launching a Retaliate at the Stoutland. Roger got knocked back a bit, and cursed the fact that he never learned Fire Fang. Something about Cobalion's scent practically screamed 'Steel-type,' which meant that Ice Fang would be next to useless!

That wasn't going to stop Roger from using it. With any luck, he'll be able to freeze Cobalion. So, he launched himself at the legendary and used Ice Fang. It didn't freeze, and Cobalion was able to get Roger off his back. Then he aimed a Sacred Sword at Roger, and the Stoutland braced himself for impact.

But it never came. He had been aware that a PokeBall had been opened, but Hilbert seemed frozen for whatever reason. So what-?

It was Michelle! She burst out of her PokeBall to meet the attack head-on, blocking it with one of her seamitars!

Michelle was clearly struggling against Cobalion's force, but clearly not enough to not be petulant: (Surprise! You didn't think that Roger here was the only one you'd be facing, did ya?)

Cobalion was clearly surprised by the sudden appearance. (How did you-?!)

(Don't think we can't hear you just because you can't see us!) Michelle barked. (I've heard about you. For someone calling themself a Sword of Justice, you're not really living up to the Justice part by picking on someone half your size!)

Roger knew what Michelle was doing. The Samurott wasn't above using any tactic she could to get the upper hand - and that included taunting her opponents. If her taunts had any effect on Cobalion, the legendary didn't show it.

(Y' just had to bring my height into this, did ye Michelle?) The Stoutland muttered, thankful for the opportunity to stick close to Hilbert. His trainer seemed completely shell-shocked at the turn of events, so it was best to remain close if he could. Michelle managed to glance back at the Stoutland with a small grin.

Cobalion seemed more confused than anything at this point, which reminded the Stoutland of what the old man said; The Swords of Justice only know the old world. They don't know that the world has become a place where people and Pokemon try to understand and help each other.

He supposed that was natural, if Cobalion had been in this cave for so long. That only upped his drive to protect Hilbert, though. Maybe Cobalion would understand if he realized that their priority wasn't defeating him, so much as protecting Hilbert.

And it did seem like Cobalion saw that right away.

(Why do you protect this human?) Cobalion questioned. He swung and landed a Sacred Sword on Michelle, who retaliated with Revenge. (Do you not know how destructive and cruel they can be?)

Michelle always had a temper. Roger knew that, but this may be the first time that he had seen that temper go from annoyance to pure anger.

(Do you really think we're that naive?!) she shouted. She swung one seamitar at Cobalion, which the legend blocked. (We are completely aware of that! But that doesn't mean they're all bad! Do you think that if Hilbert was anything like the cruel people we've faced, we wouldn't just up and leave?! Roger and I have been with him the longest, we would've left long ago if we didn't trust him! Hilbert's not even the only good human we know - there are so many others we've met that treat Pokemon with respect!)

With her free seamitar, she swung at Cobalion with a Razor Shell. (So, don't compare my experience with humans with yours!)

Anyone with eyes could see that Razor Shell was a critical hit, and it managed to knock Cobalion back a little. The legendary seemed shocked (although Roger couldn't tell if it was because of what Michelle said or the fact that the Razor Shell was a critical hit), but he righted himself in little time.

(Enough!) Cobalion boomed. That caused Michelle to stop, and Hilbert seemed to snap out of whatever seemed to freeze him since Cobalion's appearance. He went right over to Michelle to heal her up. Michelle started to tear up, and diverted her eyes to the ground. Hilbert gave her a hug after healing her up, and that was when the waterworks came.

Cobalion watched this quietly, and then he approached the Stoutland.

(I...apologize. It seems I've misjudged your human,) the legendary admitted. (My brothers and I...we are all too aware of the destruction that humans can bring. I never imagined there'd come a day where humans and Pokemon can work together.)

Roger nodded, but didn't say anything more for a moment. So his hunch was right after all. It was still strange that he wasn't taking with Hilbert directly, but he supposed that distrust doesn't immediately disappear.

(I'm no' keen on acceptin' yer apology just yet,) he responded. (Gimme time to let the bruises heal, aye?)

(I suppose that is fair,) Cobalion snorted. After a pause, he continued, (I will inform my brothers of you. I am sure they will be eager to test your human's resolve as well.)

Roger lifted an eyebrow. (Somethin' tells me we're no' gettin' a choice in this.)

(Do not misunderstand; the choice to meet them is completely yours,) Cobalion responded. (But I would still appreciate it if you and your brothers-in-arms met with them. I'd like them to see for themselves what kind of world this has become.)

Roger fell silent at this. He really wished Merlot was out right now; the Musharna was more eloquent than he ever could be.

(...I'll talk it over wit' them,) he finally said. (I cannae make any promises, though.)

Knowing Hilbert as well as he did, though...he was almost certain that he'd take up the opportunity.

Zekrom was not blind to what their surroundings were. They were always willing to support those who followed their ideals (which may have led them to making a hasty decision sometimes), but there was a difference between idealism and naivety.

When N awakened them, and asked for their help in upholding his ideals of a world where Pokemon could live in peace, of course Zekrom accepted. They never would have chosen him as their Hero if his beliefs were anything less than genuine.

They were all too aware that beliefs could be manipulated, though. They learned that lesson in the wake of Amias' death - assassinated when he no longer held use for his advisor. Zekrom had been blind to the level of deceit surrounding their former Hero, but not this time. The way Ghetsis looked at N...it wasn't unlike how Amais' advisor would sometimes look at him when he wasn't looking. The only thing that kept Zekrom from striking the man down was N - it was clear that their Hero cared for him for some reason. They didn't want to do anything that would hurt their Hero.

If Reshiram were here, they would probably say something about how Zekrom was always too sentimental.

The day was full of activity; N had been placed in charge of supervising some of the Knight's work in the castle. From their position, Zekrom noticed N staring off into the hallway. It took a little maneuvering to follow his line of vision, but Zekrom eventually noticed one of the Plasma Knights interacting with a Watchog. Both of them seemed really sad for some reason...a sight that seemed to bother their Hero.

Neither of them said anything. Not until the two of them were alone in the throne room, anyway.

"Zekrom," N started. He took a deep breath, as if trying to find a way to word his thoughts. "I don't know what to do. Hilbert found the Light Stone, but he doesn't look like he's awakened them yet. Could I be wrong about him? If he's not the one to awaken Reshiram..."

Hilbert...Zekrom heard that name several times since Dragonspiral Tower. It didn't take them long to connect the name with that young boy that N had spoken with before they took off. He had asked why N was telling him about Reshiram in the first place...and Zekrom found themself wondering the same.

"You say that like you want him to awaken Reshiram," Zekrom observed. "Even though you are aware that would put him on equal ground with us, you still told him about them. Why?"

"I just-" N seemed so conflicted as he thought of the answer. "My entire life, I was raised on stories of Amias and Rainier. How they came together to create the Unova region, how they clashed, and how that clash brought about the Unova we live in now. Ghetsis told me that I could change Unova with your power alone...but I'm not so certain now."

"So, awakening Reshriam would be a test for this Hilbert?"

"Yes and no," N admitted. "It's not a test for just him. It's more like...a test of the world, as it is now. Hilbert's Pokemon genuinely love him; something I've never seen before. If anyone in this world is able to disrupt my formula for changing this world, it would most likely be him."

"That doesn't completely answer my initial question."

"I know it doesn't!" N's frustration was evident in how he finally sat down in the throne. And he seemed to be...panicking? "I just...I don't know what to do! Since meeting Hilbert, I've met so many Pokemon that are genuinely happy with the humans they care about. If I am able to separate Pokemon from humans...those Pokemon would be sad, wouldn't they? How could I ease their pain, when I'm the one that caused it? I know I shouldn't be doubting my beliefs like this, but-!"

"I'm gonna stop you right there, because you got one thing wrong," Zekrom interjected. "Belief and doubt go hand-in-hand. It's impossible to have one without the other."

Zekrom wasn't a Psychic-type, but from N's expression it was clear that the idea never occurred to him before. "But...I always thought-"

"Were you under the impression that blindly pursuing your goal without questioning it is 'pursuing ideals'?" Zekrom questioned. N didn't have an answer for that; he just looked down at his feet. The dragon sighed, "Look. Amias had his doubts too - no matter how much he wanted to ensure his subject's happiness, he knew that hurting others to get there was inevitable. Amias was my first Hero and a king. Beyond all that he was human - just as you are."

Zekrom sighed as they continued, "To be honest, I've never understood why humans fear doubt; asking yourself questions only opens the door to figuring out what you truly care about. Going forward with your chosen path, and working to improve yourself along the way despite adversity and opposition - that is what it is to pursue ideals. Honestly, I would have reconsidered your Hero status if you didn't ask yourself questions like this."

N looked up at Zekrom now, with wide eyes. "You...you really mean that?"

"Of course I do."

The smile on N's face was small, but it wasn't like the smiles he gave to the Plasma Knights. It was genuine. Zekrom was glad for that; they didn't consider themself nearly as eloquent as Reshiram.

Zekrom watched as N pulled his knees to his chest. Sitting like that, he seemed a little less like a king and more like a small child.

"...Zekrom?" N asked quietly. There was an almost innocent tone in his voice. "Are you hoping Hilbert awakens Reshiram, too?"

Zekrom considered N's question for a moment. The last time they saw Reshiram, their clash all but obliterated the Relic Resort. They wondered how Reshiram would react to discovering that their former Hero's home was nothing more than a desert now. They wondered if Reshiram was even aware of that fact.

The last thing they wanted was to cause destruction like that again.

But at the same time...it would be a lie to say that Zekrom didn't miss their sibling. Two thousand years of slumber can put a lot of things into perspective.

"...Yes."

Pinwheel Forest was as peaceful as the first time Hilbert had left it. At least, it didn't seem like anything had changed since then. Chasing Team Plasma the last time, he didn't really get a chance to really appreciate how quiet it could be.

Which may have been a blessing in disguise; he felt like he needed some semblance of peace after Virizion's test.

Dodger and Belle worked together to pass Virizion's test. Because it really was more of a test than a battle - Virizion had tasked them with trying to hit him once, and used his blinding speed to dodge swiftly evade every Shadow Ball that Belle sent his way (Hilbert didn't dare command her to use Flame Burst).

That was where Dodger came in. Sticky Web and Electroweb were a huge help in lowering Virizion's speed, and eventually it slowed him down enough for Belle to hit him with a Shadow Ball.

Carmen was a witness to all of it, and it seemed like she had something to say about it. She allowed Hilbert a few moments of peace before speaking up.

"Virizion said that Terrakion is gonna be in some place that people call 'Victory Road'," she said. "How do we get there?"

"Victory Road?" Hilbert groaned. "That's right before the League, and I can only get there if I have all the badges."

"So if you wanna find and pass Terrakion's test-"

"I gotta get Drayden's badge first," Hilbert finished with a sigh, "which means we gotta head back to Opelucid. Nacrene's closer, so let's head over there and get Turtle to-"

It was then that they found their path blocked by an Arcanine. Its yellow fur caused it to stick out in the lush greenery of Pinwheel, and it seemed to be looking at Hilbert with particular interest.

It seemed that Hilbert recognized the Arcanine as well, because he stared back with wide eyes. And if Carmen didn't know any better, she would say that he lost a little color in his face.

"Mango?!" Carmen glanced over at Hilbert, confused as anything.

"You know this Pokemon?"

"Yeah, and if he's here, then that means-!"

Hilbert turned on his heel and went in the direction of Skyarrow Bridge, only to freeze when a harsh voice rang out; "Hilbert Dean Bailey, you stay right there!"

It was only then that Carmen noticed the woman as she jumped off the Arcanine. She landed no problem and went right for Hilbert, who just stared with wide eyes.

"U-Uh…hey, Mum. Fancy seeing you here-!" he started when he was pulled into a tight hug. Carmen could only watch the interaction. This was Hilbert's mommy?

"You're not hurt?!" the woman asked. "Team Plasma's not chasin' you or anythin' of the sort?"

"N-No, not right now…"

"And what of your party? Are your Pokemon okay?"

"Yeah…we're all okay…"

The woman let out a sigh of relief as she stepped away from the hug. "Good, good."

And then, it was like a switch had been flipped; the woman scowled and reached over to pinch Hilbert's ear.

"Then what," she demanded, "the flyin' bloody hell were you thinkin'?! I come back from Galar and immediately get flooded with texts from yer relatives! And then Whitlea and I see the video wit' that Maractus o' yers, you've been puttin' yerself in danger fightin' those Plasma wankers this entire time and didn't think t' tell me?!"

"Ow! Mum! You're the one that always said to do something when I see something bad happening, I couldn't sit by and do nothing-!"

"I'm no' mad about you confrontin' Team Plasma, so much as I'm pissed 'cause you never said anythin' about it!" Hilbert's mother released Hilbert's ear and made wild gestures with her hands. "What happened to writin' letters?! Emails?! The Pokemon's Center's got phones and computers by the dozen, Hilbert! It never crossed your mind to use one of those?!"

Hilbert rubbed his ear as he watched his mother's ranting. "Everything happened really fast, though! Especially the last few days-"

"Yes I know, I heard! I just…" Hilbert's mother let out a short noise (somewhere between a growl and a scream?) and then sighed. "Just. You try comin' back from a trip to find that yer kid decided to pull a protagonist stunt and confront Team Rocket Lite, and maybe then ye'll see where I'm comin' from!"

Hilbert was silent for a moment, before he went over to hug his mother. "…Sorry."

As the two hugged it out, Carmen looked up at the yellow Arcanine. Was this one of those 'shiny' Pokemon Hilbert told her about? Because she had only seen Arcanine in pictures, and none of them were yellow. "Um…that's Hilbert's mommy, right? Is she always this scary?"

(Molly can be a bit intimidating, even for humans,) the Arcanine responded with a sigh. (She's gotten good at hiding it, but she was really worried about your trainer. We came here all the way from Nuvema, and I've lost count of how many Team Plasma people we've come across on the way.)

"…Could you tell me how far away Nuvema is from here? Because I dunno."

(Ah…I'm not a good judge of distance, but it did take roundabouts a day to get here on foot. If Oberon was out right now, he'd probably give you a better answer.)

Carmen didn't know what an 'Oberon' was, but she supposed she'd have to take Mango's word for it.

"Mum! Hilbert!" Whitlea's shout caught everyone's attention, and they watched as she jogged over. "Good, they haven't reached you guys yet!"

"Whitlea, what's goin' on?" Molly demanded.

"And where were you?" Hilbert questioned.

"I was at the entrance to the forest until like ten minutes ago," Whitlea gasped. "Malbec warned me that there's a group of Plasma Grunts coming over here on both sides, they're trying to corner us!"

Carmen was thrown for a loop: Malbec...that was what Whitlea named her own Musharna, wasn't it? And he said that Team Plasma was coming here?! Carmen hopped over to Hilbert at the very thought.

Molly cursed, motioning everyone to follow her to the outskirts of the forest. "Did he say how many there were gonna be?"

"Three of them on each side!"

"That's...actually better than I thought it'd be," Molly admitted, placing a hand to her chin. "I wonder if that video is causin' morale to drop for them."

It was then that the word clicked in Carmen's head. "Hey, what video?"

"Can we discuss battle tactics and videos when we're not in danger of getting trapped?!" Hilbert exclaimed as they reached the outskirts of the forest. "I gotta get to Opelucid ASAP!"

"Right," Molly nodded. She then pointed at Whitlea. "Whitlea, that Braviary I helped you catch. He's in your party, aye?"

Whitlea nodded, and Molly continued, "Good. Have him fly you, Hilbert, and Carmen to Opelucid. I'll take care of Team Plasma and catch up with you when I'm done. Alright?"

"You're the best! Thanks, Mum!" Hilbert said, giving his mother another hug as Whitlea released a large Braviary. Once Hilbert, Whitlea and Carmen got comfortably situated, the Flying-type took off.

As their view of the forest got smaller and smaller, Carmen found herself worried. Was she really going to take on six Plasma Grunts by herself?! How was she going to do that?

"Hey!" she shouted. "Are you sure it was a good idea to leave your mommy to deal with Team Plasma?!"

"Don't worry!" Whitlea shouted back. "You know she used to be a Champion, right?"

"You've obviously met Mango! He was part of her team as a Champion!" Hilbert added. "If Mum brought him with her, she probably has the rest of her Champion team with her too!"

Carmen needed a moment to let the information sink in. It was true, Mango was probably one of the strongest Pokemon she had ever met. Pokemon had a way of knowing these things. So if Molly used him against those Team Plasma Grunts...

"Wow," she whispered. "Champions are so cool!"

It took a few hours for Whitlea's Braviary to fly them over from Pinwheel to Opelucid. During that time, Hilbert and Whitlea discussed what the Gym was like, and what the best approach was. Hilbert found it almost comforting to have Whitlea's insight - she could think of things that he completely missed. The brainstorming continued when they finally arrived in Opelucid, and looked through the Pokemon in Hilbert's PC Storage.

In the end, his team going into challenging Drayden was going to be similar to his team for his first challenge of the Gym...except for Napoleon and Dodger taking the places that Captain and Matt used to occupy. Michelle, Roger, Merlot, and Belle took the other four spots.

It still hurt to think about how Captain and Matt were gone, but he had to keep going...for their sakes. And not just for them, either.

There's a lot riding on me. No matter what happens, I have to do this.

Hilbert inhaled through his nose, exhaled through his mouth...and opened the door leading into the Gym. Since he had beaten all the Gym Trainers in his first challenge, he made his way to Drayden with no trouble.

Drayden was already waiting there, nodding in acknowledgement of Hilbert's arrival.

"Welcome back, Hilbert," he greeted. "Before anything else; let me offer condolences again for your Beartic and Zebstrika. Under normal circumstances, I would've given you more time to grieve, but-"

"I know. Don't worry about me. I mean, I gotta catch up with N, right?" Hilbert responded, unclipping his first PokeBall. "I'll grieve a little more after I've won the Legend Badge."

Drayden chuckled, and nodded again. "In that case, we better not delay. As mayor of Opelucid, I've dedicated my life to developing the city. As a Trainer and Dragon specialist, I simply pursue greater power. And as Gym Leader of Opelucid City, I accept your challenge!"

With that, Hilbert and Drayden both tossed their PokeBalls into the battlefield.

Just because Reshiram was still asleep did not mean that their awareness had faded any. In fact, their mental acuity seemed to sharpen with the loss of their physical form.

Reshiram was aware that two millennia had passed since they became the Light Stone. They were aware of being buried within sand until rather recently - the Light Stone had been dug up and put in a glass case. A museum. A place of learning.

Tens of thousands of humans passed by Reshiram in the years since the Light Stone had been placed there, but there was only one that stood out. The spark in his Aura had resembled Rainier's to a certain extent, but it wasn't refined enough to warrant them awakening. Not yet.

Since then, things changed again. The Stone had been placed in that one's care - the same one that had Rainier's spark, although now Reshiram had a name for that person.

Hilbert. A name that meant 'brilliant in combat'...and that was true. Reshiram had since learned that humans and Pokemon had come to battle for sport during their long slumber. Hilbert held a strong bond with his Pokemon, forged from happy times spent together and the glory of battle. Had he been alive in Rainier's time, Hilbert would have made a fine knight...albeit one that was rough around the edges.

At the same time...Hilbert had known grief. To the point where his first priority was revenge for a fallen friend. The boy never lied about that being his priority in confronting this 'Team Plasma,' so that wasn't the issue. Reshiram appreciated honesty in their potential Heroes, but they weren't willing to awaken for someone that prioritized revenge above all else. Not after Rainier's downfall. The desire for revenge can make monsters of humans, and that was made clear when Rainier vowed to find the one who was truly responsible for his brother's death.

As Hilbert faced Cobalion and Virizion's tests, however...Reshiram noticed something within the boy's heart shift. It was subtle, but change usually is at first. Slowly but surely, he's started to recognize the gravity of his situation...and the sacrifices that helped him get to where he is now. It wasn't enough for Reshiram to awaken right away, but with a little more time...

There was a real chance that Hilbert would recognize his truth by the time he reached Zekrom and the Hero of Ideals.

Whether that would make him worthy of the title 'Hero of Truth'...

Well, that remained to be seen.

Author's Note: In my Nuzlockes, I don't catch legendaries that aren't storyline-required. I KO them for the free EXP. In-game, Michelle really did KO Cobalion with a crit Razor Shell. Dodger and Belle worked together to take down Virizion. The only creative liberty I took was Roger's involvement with fighting Cobalion - I didn't use him at all in-game because of the Fighting-type.

Also, Hilbert's mom! I don't think it was ever made clear whether Leon had to beat Mustard specifically to become Galar's Champion. Given that he used to be one of Mustard's students, I find it a bit unlikely. I feel like it makes more sense that there was at least one Champion between Mustard and Leon's reigns, where Molly would fit.