Journey of a Pokemon Master: Unova (Book 5) Chapter 22: Zoroark, Master of Illusion P I, a pokémon fanfic

Author's Note:

Here it is, happy new year. First thing, my keyboard has broken so my writing speed has taken a hit. Now it's the start of Unova's first movie arc and as you can tell... it's one from the Sinnoh era of the anime. I'm not adapting every movie, but when I do, I like for it to make sense. I'm gonna talk about the next few chapters as one for the point of them being the same story, so for this arc it's going to really be a changing point in the relationship between Drake and N. I've been building up to this point in the story so far and it'll really set in stone the paths as we lead into the second half. We'll see a new capture & evolution in this arc for someone in the main cast and we'll also see some returning characters. Think of this, like the Saffron Silph co arc in Kanto. The big explosive point in the story, but this one will be more driven by the plot (given how I've improved my writing ability) with the first part mostly being set up & getting everyone in place. Don't forget to vote in the poll & with that, let's begin!

Chapter twenty-two: Zoroark, Master of Illusion P I

Drake sighed as he took in the sight in front of him. The sandy desert floor came to an end with more concrete flooring. It was as noisy as Castelia but lacked the towering skyscrapers. Instead, they had large building and other structures with bright flashing lights. The screams of a theme park blew on the winds and large screens were displaying different sport matches.

"Ah, Nimbasa!" Cilan took a deep breath. "The sparkling city which never sleeps! Everything the heart contents right here!"

"What about a little peace and quiet?" he growled back.

"Maro-"

"What is wrong with you?" Iris asked. "Ever since we left saw Blair a few days back, you've been more moody than usual."

He turned to look at her but didn't respond. Biting his inner cheek, he took off into the city. He barely got a few steps in before Marowak growled an order. Turning on a heel, his ground type stomped the floor. A chunk of earth erupted from the desert floor and Cofagrigus flew up. Landing on his front with a thud.

"Cofagrigus?" he asked.

"What is he doing here?" Iris asked.

A cackling came from the ghost as he shot back up into a standing position. His eyes glew blue with psychic energy and he felt the familiar presence in his head. Glancing down to the side, he noticed Marowak give a nod, confirming he's also a part of the mental connection with the pure ghost type.

"You heard Iris-" Marowak started. "What're you doing here? We thought you'd be off with your desert friends."

"So-" He paused, his shadow hand rubbing what would've been his chin. "Before we met, I was like most wild Pokémon. Told horror stories of humanity and when they stole my mask it kinda confirmed it. Then I met you. You was logical, methodical, and made a pretty convincing argument for letting me join you originally. A complete opposite to what I thought humanity was all about-"

"Can you hurry up please or I'll hit you with my shoe." He rolled his eyes.

"Long story short... I changed my mind-" He turned to the side. "I wanna stay with you... as my trainer."

"Won't you miss those desert friends you talked about?" Marowak asked. "The Sandile?"

"They already started leaving the nest since I left... some have trainers of their own now-" He sighed. "And I'm not getting any younger... I need to expand out and see the world. I doubt I'll find another human I'd trust enough to call my trainer... so what do you say?"

"You wanna rejoin?" Drake asked, to which he nodded. "I'm not making the same promise as before... that one was fulfilled. Don't expect me to double back here every two weeks because you changed your mind again. If you rejoin, it's a permanent choice this time."

"I'm ready-" He nodded. Slipping his backpack off, he searched through it for the ghosts original Pokéball. Holding it out, Cofagrigus tapped it with his shadow hand and a red light engulfed his body entirely, sucking him inside. It instantly dinged in his hand. Bursting open, he let himself out once more. "Thank you!"

Next thing Drake knew, he had been dragged into the ghost types body with an eerie cackle echoing in his ears. Forcing himself out, he panted heavily as he returned to the real world. Trying to recompose himself, he turned back to the "newest" team member.

"Don't ever do that again!" He warned.

"It seems the spirits are high in the return of our friendly ghost type!" Cilan declared, as he recalled the desert dwelling Pokémon.

Not dignifying the outburst with a response, he turned and continued his walk into the city. While there were a lot of people and Pokémon wondering the streets just like Castelia, gone were the formal business types. Everyone seemed to be some sort of tourist or passing trainer.

His attention turned to a large plasma screen which showed two teams of Pokémon. One of the full Electivire line and one of a line he didn't quite reconsign, he'd presume steel type given the metal bodies, with the largest looking like a four-legged metal disc. He pulled out his Pokédex to check it out:

Metagross, the iron leg Pokémon. The final evolved form of Beldum. It folds its four legs when flying. Its four brains are said to be superior to a supercomputer. The magnetic powers of these Pokémon get stronger in freezing temperatures, Metagross living on snowy mountains are full of energy

Putting the device down, he watched the two teams whacking a diamond shaped floating object between them with some sort of prism disc flying around the open air. The field was a grassy one with large ramps adding in a third dimension, but the Metagross line seemed capable of flight regardless. It soon came down to the Elekid, who sent that diamond object into the prism. Cutting to the scoreboard, their points turned to sixteen while the other team had twelve.

"Say, I don't recognize that game that they're playing!" Iris' voice echoed from behind.

"It's Pokémon Baccer... a new competition!" Cilan declared. "Nimbasa is the home of stadiums & hosts the states competitions! This looks like a world series match between the Alolan-Beldum's and Unovan-Elekid's! I wouldn't mind checking out a game live while we're here! Nimbasa has so many amazing sights!"

"World series... let me guess, they only include the teams from different states?" He sighed. "Just when you think the states can't get a bigger ego."

"No need to be grumpy!" Iris lectured. "Nimbasa is known as the most lively city in Unova! I wanna check out the theme park whilst we're here!"

"I'd like to check out the subway station... it's the centre point of Unova's rail network!" Cilan declared. "Providing links to all corners of the state and beyond! I am somewhat of a train connoisseur myself! The remarkable feats of engineering and team worker to build the beautiful machines!"

"First things first we need to find the centre-" he muttered, setting off once more. "And then-"

"Yeah, yeah, gym and off to the next city-" Iris' sarcasm rang in his ears. "Why don't you ever wanna do something fun?!"

"You might have time to do that stuff after all-" he muttered, stopping in his tracks. Right in front of him, he found the familiar sight of a wooden stage, filled with Plasma knights and Ghetsis front and centre. Listening in, it seemed to be the same speech from Accumula town.

"Oh dear." Cilan pulled his attention away. "It seems no-matter where we go, Plasma are always right around the corner."

"We'll be staying her longer than normal-" he informed. "I gotta find out what they're up to."

"Trying to split people from Pokémon for the Pokémon's protection-" Iris shrugged.

"That's what they're saying but for what purpose?" he asked. "Who benefits from the separation?"

"The Pokémon?" she questioned.

"Try again... their argument relies on the idea that people force Pokémon to fight but Pokémon battles were created after seeing the wild interactions of the Pokémon." He countered. "People bring a knowledge and scientific understanding every none-psychic type benefits from. In the wild, the lack of resources mean only a handful of Pokémon fully evolve, and they end up being the protectors of their ground but a majority of Pokémon under human care become fully evolved due to the specific training regime and influx of easy to access resources. Look back to any point in history, it'll show we're strong united then not."

"Then why would Plasma push for it?" Iris asked. "What do they have to gain?"

"My guess... the same thing every narc-leader has to gain from divide and conquer... power-" he replied, "there's a reason the rest of the world got rid of the toxic legacy of capitalism. It pits everyone against each other, leading to a few to rise to the top and crush the rest beneath them."

Not wasting anymore time, he continued down the path. A quick glance behind show the duo following him but he couldn't wait any longer. Everything he knows of Plasma; something will be going down soon... he doesn't trust them to be here without an alternative motive.

It took around twenty minutes to find his way to the centre. It was larger than the average one from Striaton or Nacrene but not near the skyscraper in Castelia. Heading inside, he noticed Marowak looking up to him with a questioning look.

Not two steps in and he stops in his tracks. An all too familiar voice is echoing through the otherwise calm lobby, "-and if you're not sick of me by then, we can get fro-yo."

Leaning on the counter in front of Nurse Joy was none other than the Viridian city gym leader. While a tint of red in the nurses cheeks, she covered her lips with a supressed giggle. "Oh Green."

Walking forward over the floor, his footsteps must've drawn both of their attention as they turned to face him. His face broke out into a wide smile as he stepped closer to him. "There you are champ!"

"Sorry Green, I didn't realise you had a son-" Nurse Joy replied.

"Oh no, he's not my son-" he turned back with a more panicked tone. "Nephew! I prefer to sticking to practice."

"Uh huh-" She turned and walked back further into the centre, leaving an Audino on the front desk.

"Smooth-" He chuckled at the fumble. Heading up to the desk, he asked the Audino for a room and received a key.

"Laughing!" He exclaimed. "Is that anyway to treat your favourite uncle?"

"Your my only uncle." He deadpanned.

"Still your favourite-" He smirked. "And who're your friends here?"

"You don't remember Marowak?" he asked, gesturing down to the ground type.

"Of course, I do-" he smiled and reached down, scratching his head. "I more so meant these two."

"Nice to meet you, sir-" the green-haired boy held his hand out. "I'm Cilan from the Striaton gym and a connoisseur."

"And I'm Iris!" the purple haired jumped in. "And this is my partner Axew!"

"Ax Axew!"

"Nice to meet you both-" He smiled. "Names G and I'm also a gym leader of Viridian city!"

"Now that's done-" Drake turned and started walking towards the videophone section. "I have some rotations to make. If you'll excuse me."

Finding his way to the video phone, he dialled the lab and made several exchanges within his team. His new line up being: Charizard, Jolteon, Machamp, Marowak, Xatu and his Piloswine. Clipping the last of them to his belt, he turned to see his Uncle leaning against the wall.

"Quiet the line up you've got there-" He noted. "Is it time for your first league match already?"

"What're you doing here?" he asked.

"Can't I spend time with my nephew just because?" he asked.

"No!" He bluntly replied.

"Fine-" He held his hands up. "You got me. I was heading out on a vaycay anyway and your mum asked if I'd check in. She's really concerned about you. You've not called her in weeks, and do you know how much stuff comes out of just this one state? She didn't know if anything happened to you"

"But this is the land of the free. Perfectly safe-" he sarcastically replied, "the biggest lies are the ones we tell ourselves, I guess."

"I learnt from the Professor that you just earnt the Castelia badge, so I knew this'll be your next stop," he explained, "so I've hung out here."

"Speaking of next stops-" he uttered, turning on a heel.

"Your heading off to the gym, already?" he asked.

"Just to schedule a match and find out the format-" He ensured. "So, you just so happened to be holidaying in Unova?"

"Alola, actually-" He shrugged. "But got a flight over when you left Castelia. The states could really use a rail network like back home."

"Rail network!" Cilan exclaimed, as he and Iris approached. "I've heard the Kitakami high speed rail connects from the north tips of Sinnoh down to the southern beaches! The subway exhibit in Nimbasa connects to the corners of Unova but our other states seem to be lacking in comparison."

"Oh, so your into trains... Cilan? Was it?" his uncle asked.

"Oh, I am sir-" He nodded. "I'm hoping to visit the subway exhibit while we're here."

"Don't let me stop ya-" Drake encouraged. "I'mma just schedule a gym match."

"Then you'll join us?" Cilan asked.

"Yeah, yeah, unless we see something more interesting-" He waved him off. "Like watching a freshly painted wall dry or freshly cut grass grow."

"Actually, I'mma skip out on it too..." Iris stepped to the side. "There's over a hundred different rides in the city! I wanna ride 'em all!"

"Guess we'll meet up back here later-" his uncle declared. "Say six, then we can get something to eat. I want to spend a little time with my nephew."

With the two agree-ing, they all headed off on their own direction. Inwardly deflating, he thought about his uncle. He's always been upbeat and the life of the party. His exact opposite but he also had time for them... he probably spent more time with him then he did Red growing up. Yeah, his extrovert-ness could be annoying, but he'd be lying if he said he was angry or disappointed seeing him... the worst part of his visit is the reminder of his dad.

His eyes glanced down to the dark type beside his feet. She excitedly barked as he took in the city in front of him. Hundreds of people and dozens of Pokémon filled the noisy entertainment central of Unova. He never did understand the attraction to such a place. The world is falling to pieces, Pokémon being trapped and abused yet people would rather spend their days watching the helpless creatures compete in sports for their own amusement.

Not just the cruel and undignified Pokémon league battles but baseball, baccer, soccer. You name it and its being held in Nimbasa. This city amplifies everything which is wrong with humanity. All their worst traits present in one package... it makes perfect sense that his father would launch their intentions here.

"Just think, Zorua... by this time tomorrow we'd have Unova listening to the truth-" He told the dark type. "It'll be our next big push for Pokémon protection."

"Zor-" She turned back to look at him, cocking her head to the side. Narrowing her eyes, it ruffled some of the fur on her face. "Zorua!"

"I don't like this city either-" He reassured. "But if we're too get new people on side, we need to speak from within their domain. No use in preaching to those who already understand the truth. I know it's difficult but if we get what we desire in the end then it'll be worth it... for Pokémon to be free."

"Zor Zorua!" She frantically shook her head back and forth. Growling through gritted teeth.

Understanding her frustrations, he leaned down and picked her up. Holding her in his arms, his hand slowly lifted to glide through her silk fur. Stepping further into the city, she quickly calmed under his touch. Wondering around, it didn't take long for him to find what he was looking for.

His father was on a stage surrounded by loyal plasma guards in traditional armor. While he felt the ceremonial robes were a bit much, he had to admit the theatrics were attention grabbing. It's another of those sacrifices they must make to ensure the war for Pokémon is won by those with their best interest at heart. It was the same speech he's heard given at several rallies in the past. Although the crowd size was disappointing given the number of people in the city.

"Ah, master N-" He turned to see one of the sages dressed in green robes beside him. "I've been sent to escort you. We have much to discuss."

"Thank you, sage Ryoku-" He bowed.

Following the older man around the edge of the crowd, he looked back as a brown blur caught his attention. It was mixed in with the other sounds in the bustling city and his eyes only caught a glimpse, but he could've sworn he saw that brown, skull-head Pokémon from Accumula town. The one who follows that other hero for some unknown reason. While they have barely interacted since his reveal in Nuvema, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't intrigued by the boy.

First, he claims to stand for the same thing in protecting Pokémon but believes that unity between people and Pokémon is the way to achieve it. Obviously, his eyes might've been opened since their last encounter but part of him doubts it. He does remember hearing about the assault on Plasma at liberty island.

While never confirmed to have been the boy, he couldn't shake the feeling it was. After all, he challenged one of the sages in the dream yard. It seems recently, wherever Plasma try to spread their message, he's there. Its past the point of coincidence now, although it seems fitting, he's in Nimbasa for this reveal. Maybe they'll be able to debate and finally bring him around to the enlightened side. If they could, then everyone would be possible to convince.

It didn't take long for the rally to finish and for his father to join them back stage. He waited patiently while his father discussed something with Ryoku. He couldn't be sure how long it took but he eventually walked over to him with a stack of papers stapled together.

"Welcome back son." He greeted. "I trust that you've experienced the real world in your travels."

"It's only confirmed everything you've taught me." He nodded.

"Excellent-" He smiled. "Because tomorrow is when we stop hiding from the world. If we wish to make further progress, then we need to move onto the offensive. Which is why we'll release this tomorrow. Feel free to read it but it's our physical manifesto. I presume you still know the key points?"

"Close down all facilities related to trainer endorsement. Including laboratories; Pokéball factories; league facilities and other battle locations." He listed. "Return all Pokémon back to the wild. Prevent people from intruding on their land and destroy the different devices used for Pokémon oppression, mostly his Pokéballs but also Pokédex's; nets. Ending with the outlaw of any Pokémon capture."

"Very good, son-" He closed his eyes. "And this is why you'll also be crowned as Plasma's new king. Who'll lead Plasma into our golden age."

"Me?" he asked, taking a step back.

"Of course, you." He placed both hands on his shoulders. "We'll need a young, inspirational leader to capture the next generation to our truth."

"But you've built Plasma from the ground up." He stuttered. "Without you, plasma wouldn't even exist."

"I'm not planning on just abandoning you or Plasma. I'll take on a role of one of the sages and advice our new king through the political waves ahead," he explained, "but I've progressed Plasma as far as I can, and we need a pure soul if we're to pull of the unthinkable."

Chewing on his inner cheek, as his browls pulls together. His eyes darted back and forth over the area, but he couldn't focus on anything specific.

"If you believe this is what's needed then count me in." He nodded. "I'll be Plasma's new king."

"Thank you, son-" He smiled. "Now for the rest of tomorrows festivities. Once your crowned, your first action shall be releasing Zorua to the wild."

"Zor!" The dark type shot up from his arms.

"To convince the people of this land of following your lead, you must lead by example-" His father explained. "The leader of Plasma can't plead with people to free their Pokémon while having one of his own. It'll be hypocritical. We'll have both state and nation-wide news broadcasters ready to show your release."

"I-it makes sense-" he nodded. "So, what will we do after Zorua has been released."

"To begin with, you'll need to build up your public profile," he explained, "this is easily done through media appearances. Public rallies. The more you speak to the public, the more you'll grow in confidence and the more you'll pull onside. Meanwhile our loyal followers will be chasing down leads for our endgame."

"Endgame?" he asked.

"We believe we might have the location of the resting place of the legendary dragon Reshiram-" His face fell into a serious stoic look. "Just like the hero whom founded this region centuries prior. You'll awaken the dragon of truth and with them by your side, you'll take your rightful place as leader of the land. With your new position, you'll enact our manifesto throughout Unova, we can then turn to enforcing it across the rest of the states."

"And once we have the united states placing people and Pokémon on even footing?" he asked.

"The states are already a global superpower-" He smirked. "Enforcing our will over the rest of the world will be far easier at that point."

Nodding in understanding, his father bid him goodbye. Leaving Ryoku to escort him away, he was taken into a limo. Sitting the back, he fastened his seat belt, and the pure dark type jumped down onto the seat next to him. Looking out of the window, the flashing lights of Nimbasa past by as the bustling noises travelled on the wind. Holding his head near the open window, the rushing wind blew against him with a mixture of smells overloading his senses.

His thoughts travelled down to the dark type beside him. He always knew this day would come... so why does it feel so wrong that its finally happening?

Walking through the streets, he had just left the massive flashy building which made up the Nimbasa gym. Turns out the gym leader is quite busy, so he'd had to take his challenge in about a week's time. While annoyed by the wait, sometimes it can't be helped. Off to the side, his uncle was talking but he wasn't really paying attention. Taking a deep breath, he turned to face him.

"What're you doing here?" he asked.

"I told you-" he replied, "your mum was scared so I said I'd drop by."

"Well, you have done now so-"

"So quick to get rid of me..." He dramatically put his hand on his heart. "You hurt me... your favourite uncle."

"You'll get over it-" He grumbled. "Its only pain."

"Only pain?" Green asked, straightening himself up. "Wanna talk about it, champ. Might make you feel better."

"I doubt it-" He sighed. "Out of sight, out of mind."

"Drake..." He sighed. "Everything you've ever done is to avoid pain... jokes, sarcasm... keeping everyone at arm's length so no-one can hurt you."

"I suppose everyone else in the world goes looking for pain like its buried treasure." Drake sneered.

"Pain happens when you care-" Green replied, squatting down so they were eye level. His hand rested on his shoulder, forcing their eyes to meet. "You can't love someone without opening yourself up to their problems... their fears... you've gotta be willing to do that. Do you know what I think?"

"What?" he sighed.

"You're afraid to be happy-" Green frowned.

"What do you care if I'm happy?" he asked.

"If you continue down this path-" Green sighed. "Your gonna end up alone."

"Maybe I like being alone-" he muttered. "It's easier to convince myself I'm better off that way."

Something whacked him in the back of the head. His hand flew up to hold the impact as he turned to see Marowak catching his bone.

"What was that for!" Drake yelled, rubbing the back of his head.

"It seems Marowak disagrees with you-" Green laughed before it faded with the tension between them. "Drake, do you know what your dad's job is?"

"Travelling trainer-" he replied, "living off the funds won from competitions-"

"No." Green cut him off. "He did compete but only in the world tournament which is held every four years... he retired from competitive battling when you and Ash took part in the Indigo League. He wanted to take have more time to spend with you boys."

He bite down on his inner cheek, kicking a pebble on the floor. Looking at his feet, he wondered how he couldn't notice the change at the time.

"His main job is that of a ranger-" Green continued. "Specialising in rescue missions and legendary encounters... given the aura though, it's not a surprise."

"If he's not competing anymore-"

"It means the next PWT will be crowning a new top trainer-" He continued. "You know, Unova is gonna be the house of the competition next year."

"So, I'd get to see something else he'd rather do then spend time with me," he mumbled, looking at the floor. "No thanks."

"I know it doesn't feel like it, but your dad does love you-" His hand landed on his shoulder. "He's just bad at showing it."

"Right-" He rolled his eyes. Having been told the same thing by his mum over the years. Only thing is, actions speak louder than words and they aren't even his own words. "He could show it enough to Ash."

"If that's what you think then you might need to open your own eyes-" Green chuckled. "He's hurt Ash just as much but in different ways. And just to be clear, what you're feeling is valid."

"I don't feel anything." He growled. "I'm a high functioning sociopath."

"There's a difference between not feeling anything and not wanting to feel it," Green replied.

"What're you trying to say?" he asked, turning to the side.

"I'm asking who your trying to convince with that statement..." He sighed. "Me? Or yourself?"

"Maro-wak."

"Don't you start-" He sneered at the nodding ground type. "Traitor."

"I get it... being the unchosen aura twin-" Green continued. "It makes you feel like there's something wrong with you... like your brother is the real one and your just... there. But really, we're freer then they'll ever be. We get to pick our own paths, not forced into the role they're burdened with. We're actually the lucky ones, when you think about it. We're free to pick our own path and I believe we owe it to our brothers to fulfil our freedom to the maximum extent."

"Easy for you to say-" He mumbled.

"Come on, champ-" He gestured over to a large open field, some trainers were battling but most of the area was free to use. "Let's do a little training. I haven't seen your fighting first hand since you challenged for the earth badge."

Nodding in agreement, he followed him and released their teams. He recognized some of his uncle's team but there were a couple Pokémon which stood out to him. The first being one he referred to as Persian but instead of the tradition cream fur, this one was a silver-black colour with the head being in the shape of a water melon. Obviously, it was some sort of regional variant, probably from Alola. If he were to guess, one which is the dark type.

The second Pokémon was far more interesting. One with similarities to Blastoise such as being a bipedal, shelled Pokémon but without canons and instead jagged spikes sticking out the back. His skin was aa muted green but only visible on the limbs, tail, head, and neck. On the top of his head was an additional shell with many points around the brim. The shell had a black centre, yellow in the middle, and a red outer rim. Looking to his face, his eyes had black markings around the bottom, and a tubular, yellow snout with a single, large nostril. With a wide mouth underneath, with the lower lip marked by a jagged yellow line extending from the nose. On each side of his long neck were two short, triangular projections. The front legs have mitten-like hands, while its hind feet have claw-like red growths around them. Most of the tail was covered by red plating, which had fin-like projections. The shell that encased his body had a red underside with a star-shaped, yellow-rimmed hole in the centre. He pulled out his Pokédex and scanned it:

Turtonator, the blast turtle Pokémon. It gushes fire and poisonous gases from its nostrils. Its dung is an explosive substance and can be put to various uses. The shell on its back is chemically unstable and explodes violently if struck. The hole in its stomach is its weak point

"I see my friend here has caught your attention." Green smiled.

"What is your trip to the states really about?" he asked. "I can't remember the last time you went out of your way to catch new Pokémon."

"The league deemed my usual team too strong for even an eighth badge challenge-" He shrugged. "Not just Venusaur, who they'd have to put a good game up against. Either I put together a new line up together or they find someone new to run the Viridian gym."

"I thought that was just a holding position while they found a replacement." Drake countered. "Someone to keep it running after evicting Giovanni."

"Eh, it pays well, and I get good holidays from it-" He shrugged. "And how could they ever replace me? It'll be a step down regardless."

"You really are full of yourself-"

"It's why I'm so great-" He smirked. "Now let's get down to it... You can pair 'em up however you like."

"Jolteon with Venusaur, I want him to work on speed & reaction. Pinsir with Piloswine, working on physical strength. Machamp with Gyarados on an all-out power battle. Xatu with Persian, she needs more experience handling dark types. Marowak and Rhyperior fight with ground manipulation."

"You saving Turtonator for your starter?" Green asked. "He really has peaked your interest. I'm guessing you wanna expand upon his dragon skillset."

He stood in front of the mirror and twirled his necklace through his fingers. It was a black marble with two thin rings orbiting around, a blue one going from the top to bottom and a golden one which goes left two right. His father's words from yesterday echoed in his head.

"Zor Zorua!"

He looked back to see the small dark type. She is stood on his bed, gesturing to the window with her head. Barking her little head off. Smiling at the sight, he moved forward and squatted down so they were eye level. His hand lifted up and gently stroked the top of her head.

"I know your excited about finally being free-" he muttered. She stumbled back, escaping his gentle head stroke. "You just need to hold on a little bit longer."

She continued bark, hopping back and forth. N smiled once more when there was a knock on the door. Standing up, he turned in time to see Ryoku.

"Lord N." He bowed. "We must leave if we wish to make it on time for your coronation."

"Thank you-" He returned the gesture. Looking at the dark type, he scooped her up and followed the sage out of his hotel room.

Walking through the building, he only saw loyal guards of Plasma within it and some of the other staff. Walking outside, he was escorted into a limo and just like before he took a seat in the back and let Zorua go once more. His head drifted to the window as they set off through the city of entertainment.

Closing his eyes, the thoughts of the boy from Kanto filled his thoughts. He is the only person he's seen with the skull-head Pokémon from what he's seen, and he was certain he saw them yesterday. He had to wonder if he'd show up... he has encountered Reshiram, after all. Surely, he's the hero chosen by the legendary dragon and the one who'll reveal their truth. Could his role just be that to help him understand the truth of the world himself?

It seemed all too quick before they arrived at the rally. Ryoku escorted him and Zorua to the back of the stage and he stood there with just the dark type.

Taking a deep breath, he place a hand on his chest, and he felt his heart thumping against it. Closing his eyes, the first images which came to mind was that of his small dark type. Opening them again, he looked down to see her biting the bottoms of his trousers. She was growling and tried to pull him away.

"I know your excited to be wild again-" he whispered, reaching down to stroke her head. "It won't be too much longer. I promise."

"My name is Ghetsis. I am here representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about Pokémon liberation. It is the future for the good of society but to achieve it, we need a leader. Someone who could inspire our next generation. Which is why it's my honour to introduce to you the person who'll from this day shall take over the Plasma operation. Under his guidance we will achieve our goals. Please welcome, my son, Natural Harmonia."

With a deep breath, he stood straight and began to move forward. Upon entering the stage, he struggled to make anything out due to the blinding lights.

"As our new king, Natural shall lead us into the golden age of Pokémon liberation. Thus, we crown him with the great burden!"

The audience erupted in the sounds of applauses and cheers.

"Now we'll follow our new king out to route sixteen where he'll set the example for us to follow-" Ghetsis continued. "He'll release his Zorua back into the wild and we invite everyone here, if you so wish to join our revaluation to follow suit. This is our first step towards Pokémon liberation!"

Taking the device off his belt, he placed it onto the floor. Lifting his foot, he slammed it down and crushed the Pokéball under his foot. The world froze in the moment it hit. His memories of Zorua from being brought in by the sages, to their travels across Unova, flashed in front of his eyes.

"Hold on!" A voice called out. Squinting as a shadow charged forward, he soon noticed the boy who jumped up onto the stage. With the familiar ground type by his feet. "You claim to be all for Pokémon but you outcast them into the wild? Why not give them the cities if you want true equality between us?"

"Drake-" N whispered.

Walking through the cafeteria of the centre the next morning, he glanced down to the usual breakfast of tea and toast. His ground type was by his feet but stopped with his ear turning towards a table. Focusing his attention on their conversation by pointing his ear towards them.

"-what time is this Plasma thing meant to start?" one of the people at the table asked.

"Nine, sharp!" another answered.

Picking up speed, he couldn't help but realise most of the room were discussing the same thing. With just using his ears, he was able to learn it was meant to be the reveal of their manifesto and was taking place at the base of Nimbasa's ferris wheel. Setting his tray down, he sat at the table of his friends.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Green asked.

"Plasma's ferris wheel thing-" He answered, picking up his slice of toast.

"Why do you want to get involved with them again?" Cilan asked.

"Because if I go, then I can probably learn something to stop them-"

"Stop them?" Green asked.

"He's always getting involved with trouble-" Iris munched through her fruit breakfast, taking a big swallow. "-I'm tired of trying to convince him otherwise."

"You really are your father's son." Green smirked, picking up his coffee cup.

They finished up their breakfast and made their way across the city to the ferris wheel. Arriving about twenty minutes before it started but it was still massively fact. A crowd of a few hundred easily stood in front of a stage with Plasma's logo on the background. Opting to stand on the edge, out of the crowd, he couldn't help but notice his ground type looking out over the roads nearby. He couldn't help but feel like Marowak's on edge and not because of Plasma.

"What've your sensing..." he whispered, "if it becomes real, focus on drawing the danger away."

"Maro."

Soon some trumpets began to play in the background. His eyes glanced to the front of the stage, and he notice a slight pink tint in the mist. His eyes widened and he quickly moved further back from the crowd. Luckily, the others noticed and followed suit, while Ghetsis walked out onto the stage.

His head tilted to the side as the teen with long green hair walked on stage. His Zorua was by his feet, seeming to hid from the crowd. Ghetsis continued his spew about N, or Natural and the role he'll play in Plasma's future. Seeing one of the sages bring out a crown, he placed it upon his head.

Hearing the crowd cheer, he couldn't help but roll his eyes. Have none of them a clue of the state's history with the Galarian monarchy?

"Hold on!" He called out as they stopped from leaving the stage. Running up to the stage, he climbed up and faced them down. "You claim to be all for Pokémon but you outcast them into the wild? Why not give them the cities if you want true equality between us?"

"Drake-" N whispered.

"Do you see Pokémon creating cities where they still roam free?" Ghetsis asked. "Of course, not! They don't damage the environment like humanity!"

"Every city on the planet was built of the labour of both people and Pokémon-" he replied, "there's no-one alive, on either side, whose known anything other than us working in tangem together. Your just talking out your backside with this whole liberation movement. Everyone will suffer, including Pokémon!"

"To be so young yet so blind!" Ghetsis shook his head. "Its common sense that they'd be happier in the wild. In their homes! Untainted by humanity."

"My Pignite, he's never lived in the wild. Being released would be a death sentence! My Blitzle lost both her parent in the wild, she'd be left alone! Shelmet was nearly killed by your Plasma lot when they released him back in Pinwheel forest! Hell, my Cofagrigus came running back to me after releasing him!"

"Lies! All these people listening and you can't bring anything but fake news!" Ghetsis spat. "And as for-"

A roaring engine echoed and silenced the old man. Turning on a heel, he saw a massive red jeep swirling around, turning up the grass next to the crowd and in a flash of light, a massive Tyranitar and Fearow materialised. Glancing behind the two Pokémon, he saw the Pokémon poacher from the day he met Blitzle.

"Shit!" He looked down to the ground beside him. "It's Rico!"

Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...