Chapter Text
“And that’s how the Pokémon Center works! Did you get all that?” Professor Aurea Juniper had finished lecturing new trainers Cheren and Bianca on how they could heal their injured Pokémon at a Pokémon Center in Accumula Town.
“Of course. It’s basic knowledge.” Cheren responded, earning a scornful look from his friend.
“Cocky as always!” She mocked him.
“What did you say?”
“I think I have taught you almost everything you need to know.” The Professor continued, ignoring the banter going on in front of her “Take care of yourselves out there. “
“Don’t worry about us, Professor!” Bianca assured her “We had been ready for this since we were kids!”
“I’ll take your word for it then. Still, be careful!” She said; ready to head back to her lab in Nuvema Town.
“Shall we also get going?” Cheren asked the blonde after their mentor was gone from sight.
“What’s the rush?" She asked "We’re starting a new journey! We can’t do it on an empty stomach!”
The next thing he knew, he was being dragged to the Center's cafeteria.
“I’m stuffed!” Bianca declared as the pair stepped outside after the hearty meal.
Cheren, however, was too busy looking at what seemed like a rally led by a man with priest-like clothes. He was making a truly intriguing speech in front of a rather sizable audience.
“My name is Ghetsis. I am here representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about Pokémon liberation.”
“Pokémon liberation?” Bianca finally started paying attention to what was happening.
"I'm sure most of you believe that we humans and Pokémon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other. However,” The man continued “Is that really the truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans... only assume that this is the truth?
“What in the world is he talking about?” Cheren’s eyes wandered to see the crowd looking just as confused as him.
"Pokémon are subject to the selfish commands of Trainers. They get pushed around when they are our "partners" at work. Can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying?”
“Well, he does have a point.” A voice spoke out.
“Are we really being selfish to our Pokémon?” Another spectator, a girl around 20 years of age, was looking at her Poké Ball in dismay.
“Cheren!” Bianca tugged at his shirt “They are starting to listen to him!”
The boy was too dumbfounded to respond. He stood there waiting for this strange person, Ghetsis, to utter his next words.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokémon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokémon?"
There was complete silence from the gathering. It was clear that an array of emotions was flooding in the minds of the people.
Ghetsis looked at them in satisfaction and started once again, “That's right! We must liberate the Pokémon! Then, and only then, will humans and Pokémon truly be equals. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokémon... and the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention."
And with that, the man and his followers went their way.
The two childhood friends stayed on their spots for a few moments as the crowd started dispersing. Not a word was spoken between them until Bianca let out a shriek.
“I don’t believe it!”
“What’s wrong?” Cheren asked, taken aback by the sudden change in the mood.
“Open your eyes and see for yourself!” She turned his head towards the direction of a young couple. There was a tall boy with long green hair holding hands with a much shorter girl. She wore a white tank top with a black vest and a pair of blue denim shorts. Of course, this wasn’t really a very interesting sight…if it weren’t for her wavy brown hair tied into a large and messy ponytail.
“I recognise that hair anywhere!” She yelled as she charged towards them.
“Bianca, wait!” Cheren was close behind, trying hard to keep up.
“It really is you!” Bianca couldn’t control her emotions as she approached her target “Touko!”
“Um..” The girl looked at her with a puzzled expression “I’m sorry. But, do I know you?’
“What!” Cheren was sure that Bianca’s voice could now be heard all over the town. “How could you not recognise me? I thought we were best friends!”
“Wait!” She started thinking for a moment and finally lit up “Bianca?”
Bianca nodded with tears in her eyes and proceeded to tackle her for a hug.
“I can’t believe I found you!” She said in between sobs “Where the hell have you been?”
“I’m so sorry for leaving you like that!” Touko was also not in short of tears “I was taken away!”
“What do you mean you were taken away?” She looked over Bianca’s shoulders to see who the source of the question was.
“Is that?” She didn’t even wait for a response before running towards him and locking him in an embrace “Cheren! I missed you so much!”
“I missed you too, Touko!” He replied with the biggest smile on his face. The hug lasted a few seconds before he pulled away and started asking questions.
“You have a lot of explaining to do!”
“What do you want to know?” Touko’s companion, who had been watching the emotional reunion silently, finally spoke up.
“Who’s this?” Cheren asked her “And why does he talk so fast?”
“Cheren! That’s rude!” Bianca scolded “Besides, didn’t you see them holding hands earlier? He’s obviously her boyfriend!”
“Boyfriend?” Touko blushed at that word “Actually, he’s my…”
“I’m her King.” The person in question answered for her.
“King?” The reply only left Cheren in further doubts “What does that mean? Is he holding you hostage or something?”
“It’s nothing like that!” She defended him “Lord N is one of the few people who are good to me.”
“Lord N?” Bianca felt bad but she couldn’t stop giggling. After all, who addresses someone by the term ‘Lord’ these days?
Touko shot her an annoyed look before continuing, “I am working under him to carry out an important mission.”
“What mission?” Cheren asked.
“I’m sorry. I can’t tell you that now.”
“That’s enough, Touko.” Her King intervened “Allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is N.”
"My name is Cheren, and this is Bianca. We were asked to complete the Pokédex, and we just left on our journey. My main goal is to become the Champion, though."
N looked at him in disapproval.
"The Pokédex, eh? So... you're going to confine many, many Pokémon in Poké Balls for that, then. I'm a Trainer, too, but I can't help wondering... Are Pokémon really happy that way?"
“What are you talking about?” Bianca asked in confusion.
“We are not in favour of Pokémon being used as tools for battling and confining them in Poké Balls.” said Touko.
“Excuse me?” Cheren couldn’t believe her claims “Touko, it has always been your dream to become a trainer and win the Pokémon League! What the hell happened to you?”
“That was before she joined us.” N explained “She knows better now.”
“You mean you brainwashed her!” His temper flared up.
Touko knew she had to do something before a fight broke out. She turned to N.
“Lord N, please let me have some time with them. It has been too long. And we were supposed to go our separate ways from here on anyway.”
“Alright.” He agreed and started stroking her hair “Don’t forget, I expect great things from you.”
“I know.” She smiled, getting lost in his affection.
“Now, can you please tell me just what in the world is going on?” Cheren started once N left.
“I cannot tell you the entire details just yet. This is something very important to me and Lord N.” Touko replied. She knew her answer would generate disappointment.
“But Touko,” Bianca chimed in “today is the first time we have seen you in 8 years and you seem like a totally different person. Don’t tell me you actually believe what that Ghetsis person said in his speech!”
“I know you guys are concerned but can we please not talk any more of it?” She pleaded.
“Okay then.” Said the boy “Let’s talk about the weird role-play thing you have got going with your boyfriend. Lord N? Seriously?”
“Cheren, you are such a prude!” The other girl mocked him “Don’t listen to him, Touko. I think it’s sexy!”
Touko was getting visibly flustered.
“Role-play? Sexy? I don’t know what you guys are thinking but please stop!”
Cheren finally let out a laugh. He had missed teasing her. Without her around, he was left being the only victim of Bianca’s ‘childish’ shenanigans.
“Do you know we got our starter Pokémon from Professor Juniper today?” He asked excitedly.
“Really?” She remembered her younger days when Professor Juniper promised the three of them that they would begin their journey to complete the Pokédex once they turned eighteen. Since then, all she could do was think about getting her first Pokémon and she had already decided which one it would be. That all seemed like a dream now.
The two called out their Pokémon from their balls to show them off to a very interested Touko. Cheren was paired with the grass type Snivy while Bianca was with the fire starter Tepig. This was exactly how they had planned it back then.
“Oshawott is still up for grabs, you know.” Informed Bianca “I’m sure the Professor would give it to you if you visit her. It was a promise.”
“We purposely chose our starters thinking of what we had already decided in the past.” Cheren said “That Oshawott is probably in the lab waiting for its trainer. And we had a feeling that you might come back to us and that we would start our journey together.”
The girl was touched by her friends’ gesture and was close to bursting into tears. But she had to maintain her stance. That was her duty.
“I appreciate the offer. But I told you, I’m against the idea of owning Pokémon.”
“But, Touko!” Bianca protested “What about your dream?”
“I have a new dream now. I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologising so much and just tell me what’s going on!” She was starting to lose her patience. She was about to question her some more until Cheren stopped her.
“Let it go, Bianca. I’m sure this is hard for her too. Let’s give her some space.”
Touko was thankful that he stepped in. She felt dreadful that their reunion almost turned into a bitter conflict. She wanted to let it all out and tell them what’s happening. But it was too soon. It wasn’t time for them to learn the truth. Not yet.
“We’re going to Striaton City.” He continued “I’m going to challenge the gym there. If you run into any trouble, you can always rely on us!”
She gave him a smile and then looked at Bianca who seemed to have lost her liveliness. Regret filled her heart once again.
As soon as they were about to leave, she asked them one final question.
“Wait! Where’s.. Where’s my Mom?”
“In Nuvema Town, obviously.” Bianca answered bitterly “I’m glad you at least seem to care about her.”
Touko said nothing.
“You should visit her.” Advised Cheren “Imagine how worried she must have been to lose her daughter!”
8 years ago
Touko had snuck out from her house to Route 1 to find some Pokémon on her own. Her mother had warned how dangerous it was for a non-trainer to go out into the world alone but she paid no heed. It was only for a little while and she would come back before the sun set. That was the plan. Little did she know she had made the biggest mistake of her life.
She was wandering around the route when she heard a loud whimper. She followed the sound to see a brutally beaten Lillipup drenched in blood. She was horrified at the sight and panicked. She rushed towards the poor creature and took it in her arms. She had to take it to a Pokémon Center quick or it might prove to be fatal. She looked around for help but to no avail. She felt helpless and started to cry until a figure approached her. It was a middle-aged man dressed in strange clothes. He took the Pokémon from her.
“Selfish Humans.” He said.
“What’s going to happen to this Lillipup, Mister?” She asked, relieved that someone had finally come to her aid “I think there’s a Pokémon Center in the next town.”
“That won’t do.” He dismissed her suggestion “Pokémon Centers only encourage such cruelty. Humans believe that no matter how much they injure their Pokémon, it will all go away with a single visit to such places.”
“What do you mean?”
“Look at his wounds, child. This was done by a human; most likely its trainer.”
“That’s terrible!” She cried in horror "Who would do such a thing?”
“Unfortunately, that’s reality. Humans only see Pokémon as tools. They don’t care about their well-being. This is not the first time I have encountered such Pokémon who suffered in the hands of their trainers.”
He began to walk away from the girl who had been standing there in shock.
“Wait! Where are you going?” She asked.
“I’m going to a place where it can live a happier life. It will be with lots of other Pokémon who had gone through the same thing.”
“Where is it?”
“I can’t tell you that. We don’t allow ordinary humans there. It’s a utopia for Pokémon.”
“Please!” She begged “I’m worried about this Lillipup! I want to help it!”
He smiled.
“Fine but you should promise me you will not tell anyone about that place.”
“I promise!”
The man let out a Hydreigon from his Poké Ball and said, “It’s quite far. We will fly there.”
Touko hesitated for a bit but decided to get on. Lillipup’s safety was the priority.
They had been flying for almost an hour when he began, “Since this place is top-secret, I’m going to have to ask you to put this blind-fold on.”
“What?” There’s no way she was going to do that “That’s silly!”
“If you don’t comply, I would have to kick you out in the middle of nowhere.”
He was right. She looked down and there was not a soul in sight. She cursed herself for getting into this mess. How could she trust a complete stranger, even if it was for a Pokémon? She realised she had to do what was told if she wanted to go back home. She let him blind-fold her for the rest of the journey.
After landing, he continued to lead her to this supposed ‘paradise’. They walked for a bit until she was finally allowed to regain her vision. She opened her eyes to see the interior of what looked like a castle. She looked around and suddenly wished the blind-fold was still on. What greeted her were a group of Pokémon who looked almost half-dead. A lot of them were disabled; some missing one of their legs, some having their ears cut off and some even blinded. The scene was so sickening, she was fighting the urge to throw up.
“Disgusting, isn’t it?” He commented “These were all the results of the greediness of human beings.”
“I thought you said this was a utopia.” She couldn’t even bring herself to look him in the eye.
“It is. This room is where we treat injured Pokémon.” He pointed to the direction of a group of women taking care of a Pidove. “After they get better, they are free to roam around the castle and live a life free from the evil clutches of trainers.”
“Are trainers….really that bad?” Touko had never had any personal contact with Pokémon Trainers. The only one she ‘knew’ was her father who wasn’t even present when she was born. For him, getting stronger was more important. She had sworn to never be like him. However, it still didn’t stop her from dreaming of a life filled with Pokémon Battles. She grew up watching the different Leagues taking place in various regions and was determined to be like the heroes she idolised. But now, she found herself doubting her very existence. Was everything a lie?
“You can already see the answer for yourself.” He replied indifferently.
“I want to go home.” She wanted to get out of there as fast as she could.
“I’m afraid you can’t do that.”
“What?”
“You followed me on your own accord. I made you promise to never tell anyone about this place. I have to protect the Pokémon here. I can’t let you go for their sake.”
“That’s not fair!” She cried “I don’t break my promises! I won’t tell anyone, I swear! Please, let me go!”
“I’m sorry.” He said “But humans are not to be trusted. My men will now take you away. However, I assure you that you will be treated well here. There will be people who will keep an eye on you. And once you are ready, you will help us in our mission to liberate Pokémon from all trainers.”
Before she could resist, three men clad in black appeared and took her away.
The man could hear her screams as she was dragged out of the room.
“Kids are really so stupid.”
Memories of that fateful day came rushing back as she built up the courage to knock on the doors of her old house. Her heart was beating fast waiting for it to open. And when it did, she saw the face she had been dreaming of for the past eight years. Her mother, who looked just as beautiful as she remembered, stood still. Her precious daughter was finally home.
“Touko…” She couldn’t think of anything else to say. But for the girl, that single utterance of her name was more than enough.
“Mom!” Touko couldn’t hold back her emotions any further. She hugged her tight and cried. All the pain and heartache she had suffered seemed to slowly disappear.
“My Touko…” The woman patted her back; trying to comfort her “You grew up so well!"
With every reunion, came a new set of questions.
“What happened to you? Do you know how hard I tried to find you? How could you leave me like that?”
“I’m…I’m sorry.”
Touko sat on the couch ready to face all the anger her mom was going to throw at her. That was only fair.
“What is sorry going to do? Will it bring back lost time?”
“I don’t know!” She finally broke “I hate myself for only being able to say ‘Sorry’! That’s all I can do! I can’t give anyone the answer they want. I am completely useless to anyone other than the people I work for!”
She was crying again. She was busy wiping her tears when she felt a gentle pat on the head.
“Touko” The mother sat next to her “These people you said you worked for. Are they the ones who took you away from me?”
She nodded.
“But you’re free now! It’s not too late to start over!”
“I don’t want to.” She said quickly “Although they kidnapped me, I fully agree with their ideals. And… I will always be devoted to my King. I want to make his dreams come true.”
“Your King? What is it that you people do?”
“I said I can’t tell you that, mom!”
They sat in silence for a moment. Touko got up.
“I know I have disappointed you in the past but I am asking you to trust me on this. I believe what I’m doing is right. Please have some faith in me!”
Her mom smiled. She caressed her left cheek and said, “I always believed you would be fine no matter where you were. You must have suffered a lot. I am not asking you anymore questions. But that doesn’t mean I’m letting you go without any conditions.”
“What do you mean?”
“You have to promise you will contact me whenever possible. And similarly, you should always answer my calls. If you don’t, I’ll come wherever you are and drag you home myself.”
Touko wanted to laugh but she knew the woman was serious.
“Mom, you’re still the same as ever.”
“I really wish you didn’t have to go so soon.” The mom sighed as she was sending her off at the door.
“Me too.” She smiled weakly and gave her one final hug before departing.
“Remember to call me on the Xtransceiver I gave you!”
“Of course!”
And with that, she was on her way once again. After walking a couple of steps, she turned back to look at her mother.
“Mom! I promise that I will make you proud!”
“I have always been proud of you, my darling!”
Touko was determined to go back to Route 1 as fast as possible but it wasn’t long before she was distracted by the building that served as Professor Juniper’s Lab. She remembered what her friends had said. Ever since she was little, she had been fond of the Oshawott line and had already decided to choose one as her partner when she started her journey. Now, she was stuck fighting a mental battle with herself. One part of her brain ordered her to keep moving while the other told her to stop by the lab.
It couldn’t hurt. It might even help me in my mission.
She knocked on the door and was greeted by the surprised Professor whose eyes widened at the sight of the girl who had gone missing years ago.
“Touko!” She put her hands on her shoulders and shook them vigorously “We had been looking all over for you! Where have you been?”
This was getting tiresome. Having people ask about her whereabouts and having to deny them the answer were taking a toll on her.
“I’ll explain it to you later, Professor.” She tried to keep her composure “It’s good to see you!”
“I should be the one saying that!” She finally put away her hands and calmed down “Why don’t you come on in and have a cup of coffee?’
“Oh that won’t be necessary.” She declined politely “I have to get going soon.”
“That’s too bad.” Disappointment filled the room “I really wanted to talk with you more.”
“Um..” She tried to get to the point “I ran into Cheren and Bianca.”
“Oh!” She got excited once again “Did they show you their starters? They just started their journey today!”
“Yeah. They told me.” She replied and shyly called out to her “Professor?”
“Yes?”
“I heard there was a starter left. I was…wondering if I could have it.”
Professor Juniper looked at her for a moment and then burst into a smile.
“I’m so happy to hear you say that!” She took out a Poké Ball from her lab coat “This little guy had been feeling pretty lonely after his friends left!”
She released the ball to reveal an otter-like creature whose big black eyes immediately turned to Touko.
“It’s so cute!” The girl couldn’t contain herself “Oshawott!”
“Everyone knows how much you love this species!” Juniper laughed “I think that’s one of the reasons Cheren and Bianca didn’t choose it.”
Touko was grateful for that. She held him close. This Pokémon was everything she had ever wanted as a kid. It was supposed to be pathway to her victory at the Pokémon League. That dream may have vanished but her love for the water starter had always been constant.
“It looks like he has already taken a liking towards you!” The Professor commented as she watched the two of them cuddle each other.
“Thank you so much for this, Professor!” She said enthusiastically with the Pokémon in her arms.
“I’m sure both of you will have great adventures! Let me just get you some Poké Balls and the Pokédex. Wait here!”
Touko tried not to wince at the mention of the Pokédex. She knew how much N disliked them. But she was also aware that the only reason the childhood trio were promised Pokémon in the first place was to complete filling the data on this cursed device. Nevertheless, she waited for the Professor to come back and hand it over.
He doesn’t have to know. And it’s not like I’m going to fill it anyway.
“Please try your best to complete the dex! I am rooting for you!”
Touko felt bad for deceiving her. Professor Juniper was a nice person and she certainly did not deserve to be tricked like this. But it couldn’t be helped. The Pokédex was evil.
“I’ll be off now. Thank you for everything!”
“Good luck! I’ll register my number in your Xtransceiver so you can call me anytime!”
Everyone was trying so hard to help her that it only added to her already heavy burden of guilt.
They went through their final formalities and she was about to officially start her journey.
“Oshawott!” She said as they stepped out of the lab “Let’s do our best to liberate all the Pokémon in the world!”
The sea-otter could only look at her in bewilderment.