"Déjà vu," I said.
"Yeah, I suppose so," N said, smiling. "Welcome, Zeno, to Team Plasma's castle. And my throne."
"You don't sound too pleased by it." I had to test the waters. See what N thought.
He shrugged. "I may be a king, but it never sat right with me that I would have a throne. I would prefer to be down here with the Pokemon." As he spoke, five Pokemon appeared from behind the throne. A Carracosta lumbered to stand beside him as an Archeops settled on his shoulder. Vanilluxe and Klinklang hovered to either side while Zoroark regarded me with cold eyes as he stood at N's right hand side. Reshiram herself only seemed to look at me with some sort of expectancy.
"You know, I ran into these two lovely ladies on the way here," I jerked a thumb back towards the door. "Anthea and Concordia."
N looked surprised. "My sisters?"
"They-you're what?!" I blinked at him. "Okay, moving on. Anyway, I'm sorry."
N still had the look of confusion on his face. "For what?"
"They told me a bit about your past," I explained. "Your original blood family. I'm sorry you had to deal with that. I know from experience how terrible family can be."
N looked impassive. "That was in the past. I've moved on."
"Well I haven't."
I couldn't tell who was more surprised by that. N, or myself. But I couldn't stop now. I had to press on. "My father was cruel. One of the worst human beings by far. And because of what he made me, I made so many terrible mistakes. Mistakes I don't think I'll ever be able to make up for." I stared down at my hands. For a moment I could see them stained with blood. "You would have looked at me and saw the worst in humanity. It's why I can't fully disagree with your truth."
"Then-" N started, but I cut him off.
"Then I met Arcaneis," I placed on a hand on my long-time partner. "He was just a Growlithe then. He and his mother cared for me when I was injured. There were times when I thought they should have just let me die. Then hunters came and in the end only Growlithe and I were able to escape."
N looked disgusted. "This is why I fight for Pokemon. Humans only seek to enslave them. Sell them. And-"
"Look at us, N," I implored him. "Really look. He and I, we started out with nothing. He'd lost his mother and I was trying to leave behind the only past I ever knew. We began anew and we've worked hard to get where we're at. Together. Not as trainer and Pokemon. Not even as friends. As family." Arcaneis huffed, looking at me fondly. I smiled, ruffling his fur. "All my Pokemon are my family. I don't keep them in pokeballs to keep them in line or anything like that. They trust me enough to be kept inside them, to be kept safe by me. You've heard them speak before. So hear them again."
One-by-one I let out all the Pokemon that had chosen to follow me. From Alola there was Decidueye, Lycanroc, Gyarados, Kabutops, Mimi, and Mahina. From my time in Kalos Greninja, Lucario, Mawile, Corviknight, and Bisharp had joined our family. And then from Unova-
"Joltik," N breathed, eyes widening in shock.
The small Pokemon nestled himself into my hair. "You see N, they chose to be here by my side. We may have had some tough goings, and I'll be the first to admit I have wronged them once before." At that I gave my Kalos Pokemon a sad smile, but they all looked at me warmly. "And there are many out there who have the same relationship with their Pokemon. Not every human are as bad as the ones you've witnessed."
"I recognize the truth you speak of," I said, stepping forward a few steps. "I know that there are cruel people out there, who wish to do nothing but exploit Pokemon. But I also firmly believe in my ideals. That the majority of people are good and are kind to Pokemon." I spread my arms. "I don't wish to fight you, N. I may have mistrusted you back when we first travelled together, but you are a goodhearted person. You're my friend. So please, let's just discuss this peacefully. No more fighting. None of this hero of truth and ideals nonsense. Just talking between one friend and another."
N's head had lowered enough to where his cap hid his face. After a few moments, he raised his gaze. "Your Pokemon, they speak highly of you indeed. They always have. Even Joltik. Alex, Robert, even those I fought to become Champion, they cared for their Pokemon, and they cared for their trainers. However, I cannot simply turn a blind eye to those who bring harm to Pokemon. Zeno," he spoke, a new smile forming. "I have become Team Plasma's King. I am the Hero who has awakened the legendary Dragon of Truth. And you are the one in possession of the Dark Stone, chosen as the Hero of Ideals."
"I am set in my beliefs," N's gaze hardened. "If you want to change my mind, then face me not as Zeno, but as the Hero of Ideals."
"That's how it's going to be, huh," I sighed, resigned. "It's how you were raised. Your truths would always be law, unless the hero opposite you held stronger beliefs." Arcaneis padded up to my side without needing to be asked, snorting smoke from his nostrils. Zoroark flexed his claws, moving ahead of N.
"N, King of Team Plasma, and Hero of Truth," I matched his gaze. "I, Zeno, Hero Born of Darkness and the Hero of Ideals, challenge you, your truth, and your status as a ruler."
"I accept," N held out his hand and his Pokemon all stepped back except for Zoroark.
Both Pokemon moved in a blur, flames coiling around Arcaneis while Zoroark's paw swung toward him, darkness trailing off his claws like smoke. They met in the middle of the throne room, both repelled by one another's attack before Zoroark moved in close, raking his claws across his chest before Arcaneis exploded with fire and electricity. Zoroark slid back on all fours, smirking before a dark aura enveloped him, bright red eyes shining over his face from the darkness. He dashed forward, the darkness expanding as Arcaneis dived into a wheel of fire. They clashed in the middle again, but it didn't take long for Zoroark's shadow to rear up and consume Arcaneis. He was ejected moments later, tumbling across the ground.
The darkness faded into nothing as Zoroark shook himself, his eyes gleaming. But when Arcaneis heaved himself to his feet, Zoroark took an alarmed step back. Arcaneis growled low, his eyes crackling with electricity before he disappeared. Blurs shot past Zoroark from all sides, battering him with electrified attacks. He fell to one knee as Arcaneis skidded out of his extreme speeds, fire already blasting from his maw. Zoroark was engulfed by the flames before he was sent flying backwards, trailing smoke.
Arcaneis sped after him as Zoroark twisted onto all fours. He broke into a run, slashing along Arcaneis' side as he dodged his attack. Both turned and ran for one another again, only for Zoroark to dodge again as he slammed fierce dark winds across Arcaneis' legs, tripping him and flipping him onto his back. He leaped atop him, claws bearing down on his exposed belly.
Arcaneis heaved himself into a wheel of fire once again, launching Zoroark off as he made a sharp turn and zoomed towards him. Unable to dodge in time, Zoroark held out both hands as Arcaneis crashed into him. The ground began to turn black as Arcaneis spun with all his might. Zoroark was squinting against both the light and heat as the flames turned blue and his strength gave way as Arcaneis bowled him over as he zoomed across the room.
Arcaneis huffed, his breathing labored. Zoroark was in a similar state, holding one arm as he glared daggers at him. Both took steps toward one another before I felt the Dark Stone pulse in my pocket. Reshiram's head swiveled in my direction, her eyes practically burning a hole where it was located.
"Stop!" N raised a hand and both Pokemon looked to him, but N was staring at me along with the White Dragon of Truth.
Carefully, I pulled out the Dark Stone. It floated into the air, spinning faster and faster as dark energy swirled around it. A crackling sound filled the air as I felt the hair on my skin stand on end. The energy expanded outwards in a sphere before something began to take shape from within. It took form and grew larger as it curled in on itself. Then its crimson eyes snapped open and it gave a mighty roar as it uncurled, unleashing the dark energy surrounding it.
A huge black bipedal dragon landed on the floor with an earthshaking boom, still roaring. His tail began to emit blue light as it began generating energy. He gave another almighty roar as the electricity formed a sphere around him before blasting outwards in all directions. As the energy faded, he turned, staring down at me before letting out a third road, his gaze boring into my very soul.
"Ah, truly!" N's voice filled with awe as his eyes twinkled. "You are indeed the Hero of Ideals, Zeno! For Zekrom has chosen you! Don't you see now!? This is how it should be! People and Pokemon connecting through strength of emotions! Not some human designed cage!"
Zekrom took a few lumbering steps backwards, his eyes still trained on me. "I... see," I said, unsure as to how I could tell, but the trainer part in me fully understood what he wanted. "You're on."
"What are..." N lowered his hands, staring at me in disbelief.
"What he wants." I whistled and Arcaneis was back at my side in an instant. I held up a Hyper Potion, cracking it over his head. The healing particles washed over him, healing his various wounds. "Surely you can understand him. I mean, if I can, then you should be able to."
"Zekrom, what are you doing?!" N was looking at the legendary with undisguised shock. Reshiram merely looked on with curious interest, her gaze settled firmly on me.
"Arcaneis," I stepped back several feet, reaching for an empty pokeball. "Get me an opening."
Zekrom watched my movements before focusing on Arcaneis when he growled at the legendary Dragon of Ideals. His tail began to glow again, generating electricity. Arcaneis responded by lowering into a crouch, storm clouds gathering around him as both flames and lightning coursed through his body.
"Zeno, you-!"
"He wants to test me!" I looked N straight in the eyes. "To see if my ideals are worthy of his power. Tell me I'm wrong." When he didn't answer, I turned my undivided attention on Zekrom. "Alright then. I'll show you what it means to be a Pokemon trainer. Arcaneis! Burning Tempest!"
Arcaneis rocketed forwards, crashing into Zekrom's middle with an explosion of fire and electricity. I ran around the throne room in a wide arc, keeping my eyes trained on where they should be. When the smoke began to clear, it showed Zekrom having blocked Arcaneis' attack with one arm, before hurling him away. I took my chance, hurling the pokeball with all my might. His eyes swiveled in my direction as an arc of lightning shot from his tail and shattered the pokeball. He turned to me, roaring as draconic energy bubbled in his open maw.
My eyes sharpened and my feet moved well before my brain had thought to dodge with such perfect precision. I slid into one knee as the Dragon Pulse carved its way through the floor and into the wall, blowing a hole straight through the castle. Greninja appeared at my side, already having transformed.
"All together now!" I shouted as Decidueye flew overhead, raining down a storm of leaves. Zekrom ducked his head before turning with astonishing speed and swiping his claws up, his talons trailing draconic energy. Shadowy hands shot out and wrapped themselves around his arm, barely managing to stop Decidueye from being hit. More shadow tendrils shot out from beneath Mimi's ragged Pikachu costume and planted themselves in the floor as she held Zekrom at bay. Lycanroc and Kabutops dashed ahead of her, both Pokemon striking on either side of the Dragon/Electric Legendary Pokemon.
Zekrom's tail hummed even louder than before as the whole throne room darkened as storm clouds brewed overhead. He roared, huge bolts of lightning crashing down from above all around the room. I ran with Greninja at my side, moving to one side to just barely avoid being struck. I heard a loud caw as Corviknight was nearly struck and was forced to break off from his attack.
Mawile leaped up from behind Zekrom, bashing her back jaw down on his head while Mahina actually managed to knock the Dragon off balance as she barreled into his legs with all her might. Gyarados surged down on him, wrapping his tail around his neck, pulling with all his might.
Seeing my chance, I jumped. Greninja, our thoughts as one, shot out his tongue, wrapping it around me. He twirled, spinning me around and launching me towards Zekrom. Corviknight's talons shot out, gripping the back of my shirt and we soared toward Zekrom. The battlefield was alight with lightning and the earth shattering booms of thunder as I heaved myself atop Corviknight's back in a standing position, a pokeball held within my grasp.
Zekrom roared, the echoing of his voice almost ripping up the floor as most of my Pokemon were forced off of him. Huge fossil chunks formed midair before shooting towards us. Lucario and Bisharp suddenly came flying out from nowhere, each of them shattering the two largest pieces while Greninja leaped from overhead, wrapping his tongue around the third fossil and launching it back towards Zekrom. It crashed into his chest, forcing him back a step.
I shifted my stance on Corviknight's back as we flew through the storm. Just as lightning flashed overhead, Joltik leaped from my head where he'd been hiding, letting the lightning hit him directly. He cried out and I quickly caught him before he could fall, holding him to my chest before hurriedly returning him to his pokeball.
Raising my gaze as I switched out Joltik's ball with an empty one, I drew back my arm and hurled it with all I had. Zekrom raised his head just in time to see it coming and swung out his arm, knocking it to the side. Then Arcaneis was there, thrusting his head out and hitting the pokeball. Electricity shot up his body just as his forehead made contact with the ball, charging it with energy. It shot forwards at insane speeds and hit Zekrom in the side before he could react.
The supercharged pokeball opened, red light shooting out and enveloping Zekrom. The last I saw of Zekrom before he got sucked inside were his gleaming crimson eyes shining with what I registered as approval. Then he was gone and the ball dropped to the ground. The storm overhead ceased as Corviknight flew low to the ground, allowing me to hop off. I stumbled forward, coming to a stop in front of the pokeball. It had become charred black with glowing zigzagging blue lines etched across it. It shook a few times before the indicator pulsed green. I stooped, picking it up gently.
"He... let you catch him," N sounded as if he couldn't believe what he'd just witnessed with his very own eyes. "But... why?"
"I told you already," I rose, turning my head to look at him. "These balls aren't used to enslave them. It's a sign of the ultimate trust between trainer and Pokemon. Zekrom chose to trust me with his power. And I don't intend to betray that trust." I raised the black pokeball. "You wanted a battle between heroes, to see which was greater; My ideals, or your truth. So let's go. Zekrom vs. Reshiram. I'm going to make sure that you feel every ounce of my conviction!"
N spread his arms and his Pokemon all moved further behind him as Reshiram flew up and landed beside him. "Very well. I'll be sure to prove to you, once and for all, that my truth is the path we must walk. Reshiram!"
"Zekrom!" I yelled as I threw his pokeball. The Dragon of Truth appeared in all his splendor, electricity already coursing through his tail as it hummed with power.
"One strike, that's all we'll need!" N shouted, thrusting out his hand. "Give him your most powerful attack! Show him the truth!"
"If our ideals are truly worth more than his truth, then we can take it!" I stood my ground beside Zekrom as flames wreathed their way up from Reshiram's glowing tail to the space in front of her open maw. "Let's show him that the bond between people and Pokemon isn't worth giving up just yet!"
"GO!" N roared as Reshiram finished charging up a massive spinning fireball. It shot towards us and it exploded upon contact, my vision becoming obscured by the smoke before it was all blasted away as a huge surge of blue lightning blasted from Zekrom's tail. He roared before flying upwards, becoming totally enveloped in a blue orb of pure energy. Rings of blue shot outwards before he zoomed down towards Reshiram, slamming into her with a mighty explosion of energy that resembled a massive bomb being detonated. Arcs of lightning spread upon contact, ripping up the ground, walls, and ceiling around us. When the energy and smoke finally faded, Zekrom stood over a fallen Reshiram. She stared at him for a few seconds before lowering her head in clear submission as Zekrom sunk to one knee, clearly exhausted with burn marks covering his body.
N fell to his knees in despair. "But... this shouldn't... the Pokemon, they... need to be freed."
"N," my tone was gentle as I crossed the battlefield over to him. "They are free. There are those who enslave them, but there are many more who are like me; people who live alongside their partners in harmony. What you have seen isn't wrong. Your truth isn't wrong. But it isn't the full picture either." I stopped in front of him, holding out my hand. "N, those who harm Pokemon, I wish to stop them as well. Surely you can see that the Pokemon Team Plasma has stolen doesn't only hurt the trainers, but the Pokemon as well. This world you seek to create, would it really bring more good than harm?"
"I... I don't know anymore." Tears fell from N's cheeks. "Truth and ideals... Dammit, which one is truly right?"
"Do they have to be right?" I knelt, still keeping my hand held out. "You and I, we're not so different. We both had terrible childhoods. Now we fight to prove our convictions are correct."
"Perhaps..." N raised his head, his hand grasping mine. "Perhaps you are right. Our beliefs are so different, yet... rejecting them would be wasteful. Maybe by accepting them could we truly move forward."
I grinned. "There we go." I stood, helping him up along the way. "Maybe now we can-"
"Ridiculous."
I started, turning to see Ghetsis striding towards us, his face set in a scowl. "Truly ridiculous."
"What are you-?"
"SILENCE BOY!" Ghetsis interrupted N. "Don't you even dare to think you have the right to share the name Harmonia with me. You are a despicable creature, whose only use to me thus far has been to bring forth both Dragons for me."
"Ghetsis." My tone held a warning note. "Don't even think about it."
"You, Zeno, have proved to be much more interesting than that freak of nature," Ghetsis stopped just short of a dozen meters away. All my Pokemon, as battered and bruised as they were, formed a defensive line between us and him. "I'm honestly surprised he came as far as he did with what garbage I fed him growing up. But you, you truly earned your victories. But I'm afraid this is where you shall lose."
A muffled explosion sounded off in the distance before another one, much closer was set off. The whole castle shook violently as several more explosions were set off. Then the ceiling overhead was blasted apart, raining down chunks of rubble. Ghetsis released a Cofagrigus that shielded him while both Zekrom and Reshiram moved to cover N and I, along with our Pokemon.
"My true goal was to never liberate Pokemon," Ghetsis spoke as the dust settled. "If Pokemon are meant to be tools used by humans, then I am the only one who should be given that right. I will rule the weak hearted people of this world, and they will bow before me! With both Dragons of Truth and Ideals at my disposal, conquering this world will be child's play!"
"But why!?" N was wild-eyed. "Weren't you the one who always went on about how we should be saving the tormented Pokemon!?"
"I lied," Ghetsis said simply. "It's all been a lie. Everything you ever thought you knew, freak, has been a lie so I could get what I wanted. Now step aside. I'll be taking those Dragons with me." Several rope ladders fell from the hole in the roof, followed by dozens of black military uniformed Team Plasma grunts. They quickly got into formation with Ghetsis at the forefront. He shrugged his regal cloak off, allowing a grunt to drape him with a black cloak with creepy eye patterns.
"Not a chance in hell," I growled. "You weren't as clever as you thought you were. And not everyone you thought was loyal to you are."
He snorted. "Of course they aren't. That's why most of the rabble here can die for all I care. Only those truly dedicated to my cause are fit to stand beside me." As he monologued, I held an empty pokeball behind my back. I met N's gaze for a brief moment and I hoped he understood. By the dawning look in his eyes and the dread that followed it, he understood perfectly.
"And don't bother hoping your friends will come running to help you," Ghetsis went on as he chuckled darkly. "They're being kept busy even as we speak. And as for you two, if you continue to stand in my way, then I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to kill you both where you stand."
"Fat chance!" I spat. Arceus he reminded me way too much of Giovanni. It sickened me.
"Have it your way then," Ghetsis said, raising his hand. But none of the grunts moved. Then the back wall exploded behind us, toppling the throne. I found myself laying prone, my ears ringing. I coughed, lifting myself as all my Pokemon were struggling to do the same.
The wind began to pick up, blowing my hair in my face. I turned, grimacing at the pain in my side as I moved, to see that the entire back wall had been exposed to the outside. There, hovering outside, was a massive frigate with the Plasma insignia blazoned across the side. I saw Ghetsis approaching out of the corner of my eye, so I scrambled to find Zekrom's pokeball. Gripping it, I held it up and returned the fallen behemoth. I brought it to my lips, whispering something before I felt Ghetsis grab me by the hair and hold me up. A strangled cry escaped my lips and I glared at him.
"I'll be taking that," he ripped the pokeball from my grasp before throwing me back down. I tasted blood, my head pounding. Yet I forced myself to try and get back up, forcing myself through the pain, just in time to see Ghetsis backhand N.
"Foolish boy," he stooped to pick something up. "You couldn't even stick to your beliefs." In his hand he held another pokeball. The one I gave N moments before the wall had exploded. "No matter. Now it just makes taking the Dragons that much easier." Another explosion rippled its way through the castle and I felt the entire structure lurch slightly. "Now it's only a matter of time until the entire place comes crashing down over your heads. If you somehow survive, don't bother coming after me. Because if either of you do," he turned his head, his one visible eye gleaming with madness. "I will kill you myself."
A gangplank shot from the frigate, crashing into the throne room, letting Ghetsis and his troops to board. Through the dust cloud being blown around by the wind and my foggy vision, I could see a familiar figure bowing to Ghetsis as he boarded.
"Colress," I hissed through gritted teeth. Our eyes met for a brief moment as a smirk crossed his features before he turned, his lab coat swishing behind him. The frigate's engines hummed louder as it turned and flew off.
I felt my vision begin to fade as darkness crept in on me. I tried to power through it, but it was no use as my head slumped forward. Even the castle's shaking faded from my senses as I blacked out.
