Chapter Text
The day was beautiful, the sunlight warmth hitting just right. After years of wait and preparations, purposefully postponing when you'd go out on an adventure, you were ready. You had recently moved from Castelia City all the way to Nuvema Town. Your parents wanted a quiet life away from a city's constant noises, and you couldn't deny the appeal.
But what you really saw in this new start of sorts, was to become a trainer. You had spent your life running on a rather average lifestyle. You never had gotten the attractive of Pokemon battling, but as of recent, you couldn't help but think that maybe it was worth a try. It would also be a great way to bond with your family's Pokemon, a little Zorua you had found some time ago by mere chance.
And just like that, you embarked on a fresh chapter of your life. The path of a Pokemon trainer.
You made your way through the tall grass with little worry, trusting your partner Zorua as much as she trusted you. Soon enough, you reached Accumula Town, and were quick to recognize all the commotion you were so used to back in the big city. Near the center of town, there stood a man in overly ominous robes, along with some guards of sorts with even more strange clothing. You were hooked instantly, itching with curiosity on what all the yapping was for. As you became one with the crowd, the man continued his speech.
Ghetsis: "My name is Ghetsis, I am representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I'm here to speak to you about Pokemon liberation."
Everyone was silent, either because they were awaiting the man, now known as Ghetsis to keep speaking, or because of astonishment about such an idea. You yourself couldn't help but wonder what he was on about, so you listened.
Ghetsis: "I'm sure most of you believe humans and Pokemon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other. However... Is that really the truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans... only assume that this is the truth?"
This time, the crowd couldn't help but talk among themselves. It sounded crazy, some didn't bother to entertain the idea and left, but most stayed to know what he meant.
Ghetsis: "Pokemon 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 to what I'm saying?"
There was silence. People started to doubt themselves. You yourself couldn't help but be a bit worried. You pushed your doubts away, looking back at Zorua in your arms. Was it really selfishness...?
Taking the silence as a cue, Ghetsis continued.
Ghetsis: "Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokemon 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 beautiful beings called Pokemon?"
There was silence once again. Ghetsis spoke with confidence, as if understanding the hardships of coming to sense with this newfound knowledge.
Ghetsis: "That's right! We must liberate the Pokemon! Then and only then will Pokemon and humans truly be equal. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between humans and Pokemon... And the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention."
With his speech being finished, the funny-looking guards gather around Ghetsis and escort him out of town. You can feel people's doubts about their lifestyles, and you aren't any different. You quickly head out of town and into the following Route, just wanting to wind up from this. It shouldn't affect you this much, you do not know why it affects you this much. You were just a new trainer, you haven't done anything yet. Were your intents really only fueled by selfishness?
The stress kept you pacing around the route, and because of that you bumped into a young man. Luckily, neither you nor him got knocked over or injured in any way. You looked up to him with embarrassment for such foolish actions, but he replied with a kind smile.
(Y/N): "I'm so sorry for that. I was just a little shook from..."
His eyes lit up as he assembled the pieces of the situation.
N: "Oh, was it Ghetsis' speech? I imagine it is kind of shocking to be showed an ugly side to what you've interpreted as the norm. My name is N, and that Pokemon you have there..."
N looks at the Zorua you still had in your arms. Zorua woofs at him to show her nonchalance. N's expressions turns to a pleasantly surprised one.
N: "Your Pokemon... She really loves you."
You are in a bit of shock from the little situation that just played out, and decide to simply nod. Despite things, hearing that from this stranger made you feel a bit better. You always believed Zorua loved you and you loved her back, but a little reminder doesn't hurt.
N: "You know, I myself am friends with both a Zorua and a Zoroark. Very beautiful creatures, just like any Pokemon."
(Y/N): "Yes, Zorua is really cute, isn't she? I see we both share a special attachment to Pokemon."
N: "Is that really so? You say that, yet you are a trainer, aren't you...? Don't you think we should liberate Pokemon?"
N's accusatory words make a knot in your throat, you can't muster any words to retaliate.
N: "That's a shame. I thought we could get to know each other. But I guess you're no better than any other trainer of the region."
(Y/N): "I don't think Pokemon need to be liberated."
N is surprised by your sudden answer, and you yourself are, too. You didn't feel right just standing there and getting disrespected. But most importantly, you couldn't stand how wrong what he said felt.
(Y/N): "If Pokemon really needed to be liberated, don't you think we would have done it sooner? Or rather, they would have done something? How often do you see a Pokemon despise their trainer or be uncooperative?"
N goes silent. Ultimately, he smiles as he shakes his head.
N: "I see. You don't have any idea what you're talking about, do you? You are fairly entertaining, but I must go. May we meet again."
N departs from the route, leaving you standing there with your Zorua. Your first day was already getting pretty intense, and you hadn't even had your first battle yet...
One thing is clear, however. You are decided to prove your point now.