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The wind caressed his matcha hair. Lostlorn Forest felt the same as ever. N breathed in the crisp humid air. Ignoring the damaged trees, the forest was as alive as his time growing up here. Pidoves cooed in the trees. Sawsbuck pranced through the leafy bushes, Deerling clambering behind them. The cool of the night invited all the bug types to hum and sing. He missed the chattering of Pokemon from every corner. A stark difference to his room back in the Plasma base. Father always held him close during their initial attempts against Unova. Team Plasma created a cacophony of memories. His teeth started to hurt from clenching them. Ghetsis tried to apologize for his lies were they lies? about his true goals and promised to further the true goal of liberating all Pokemon. Releasing his jaw did little to help the strain on his teeth. He tried to force his tongue between them but it only caused more pain. Reshiram whisked him away from the castle, flying beyond the reach of Hilbert, Unova Champion and Hilda, the Champion of Ideals. Despite his father’s attempts, N hasn’t seen much of him since Zoroark started taking him to all the corners of Unova. He must continue his path with Reshiram and the remains of Team Plasma toward making the truth a reality. Pokémon shouldn’t be with humans.
“We’re nearly there.” Zoroark hummed slinking around a particularly sharp turn created by a nearby boulder. N trailed on the heels of the black fox, treading carefully. Passing the final curve, the brush thinned out. Trees became sparse as a railroad cut through the forest. Two tracks of human creation cut a straight line through the subtle curves and order of the forest. Young grasses and flowers hugged the gravel and concrete foundations trying to slowly claim its territory back. N never got to ride the Subway, but he detests it on principle. Why would you need a human-made contraption when you have Pokemon to help or your own two legs?
Zoroark and him traveled the region, befriending and freeing all manner of Pokemon along the way. Much like now, Zoroark leads him through the Pokémon paths of Lostlorn to their intended destination. This journey was a personal favor for his friend and his Pokemon kind. A brother that, Zoroark desperately needed to find and free. Elesa, the model Gym Leader, debuted the Revenant as the newest trend for high fashion. An endangered Pokémon splayed on the cover of a magazine as Elesa’s new exotic pet. News of an odd Zoroark traveled fast. An ancient breed only created through human affliction. High fashion’s newest darling created a scandal that every corner of the region and beyond had to know about. The local Zoroark population grew enraged at the hypocrisy. Living ancestors remembered a time when Unovans hunted Zoroark for their furs and their dangers to Buffolant populations. Humans coveted the Pokémon’s luscious black and red fur. Zoroarks were hunted and killed for nothing but fashion. Revenants rose to avenge its family and fur. To see a Revenant as the star of fashion, poured salt into the scars of every Zoroark. Why the Pokémon would allow themselves to be trapped and tortured by humans again baffles him. Reshiram grew intrigued hearing of its existence. His trainer probably overpowered him and forced him to do their bidding. The Revenant’s rarity used to advertise Pokemon outfits and compliment human clothes. The abuse was sickening.
“I hear the Revenant is allowed to roam the tunnels between Nimbasa and the Marvelous Bridge.” Zoroark muttered. N broke out of his revelry as his friend began sniffing the air. The harsh weight of iron and ozone overwhelmed the sweetness of the forest. His obsidian snout scrunched in distaste. N held a laugh. The humans and their machines were always rather smelly. Suddenly, the black fox reeled up. His paws were held tightly to his stomach, standing to his full height. He held his nose and ears high. Zoroark caught a scent. The Revenant was nearby.
N dashed off in the direction his friend pointed. Zoroark followed close second before his longer stride put him in the lead. They ran beside the human tracks, before the young grasses became older thorns. N stayed on the basalt gravel on the outside of the rails to prevent himself from tripping on the slats of concrete between them. Zoroark had no such fear, running on the tracks themselves. They barreled around a soft curve, where the trees revealed the gaping opening of the Subway tunnels. N slowed to a stop. The basalt crackled in protest. Zoroark continued a little farther standing in the mouth of the tunnel. N marveled at the size. It was larger than the entrance to the Great Chasm. Pipes and small lights lined the tunnel disappearing into the darkened expanse. The lights did little to reveal anything but the linings of silver rails. Why humans would carve something so large for their trains was a mystery N never hopes to understand.
Zoroark trotted up to him concerned. “The Pokémon is farther in, do you wish to enter?” Zoroark asked, hopping excitedly in place.
N hesitated. “Could you call them out?” N answered. Revenant held a dangerous territory, intent on keeping away from prying eyes or malicious hearts. The darkness of the mouth felt imposing, encompassing, ready to swallow him whole.
Zoroark nodded, his excitement tempered. “They should already know we are here. We haven’t been silent.” His friend stood near the mouth of the cave and barked into the yawning abyss. The sound echoed into the depths. Each reverberation strengthened his decision to stay put. Distant horns of trains and the illusionary noises of the tracks held N in place. Zoroark wagged his tail. The teal bead glinting with each sway. Zoroark landed at his side, confident in his job being done.
N shuffled listening to the gravel rumbling into the night. The comfortable chirping of the Swaddle were much farther standing at the entrance. Pokémon retreated from this place, N was tempted to follow suit.
Curling tendrils of fog trickled out of the entrance, giving long fangs to the tunnel’s mouth. Softer scratches in gravel bounced out accompanying a lone ghostly figure. The Pokémon wandered out of the mouth with a sure gate. The Revenant’s mane was a pristine white, resting in soft clumps. Each wave glittered as if fresh snowfall got threaded into hair. The purity stained by crimson. Revenant breathed with a haunting sheen from the fading blood accents. Mist rose from the snow, twisting into the air an extension of the shortened hair. N stood tall as the Pokémon paused just before the mouth of the tunnel standing squarely between the ingoing and outgoing tracks. The only part of it that resembled his fellow Zoroark was his body shape. The stark white color and scar-like lesions over its body stood enlightened from its dark tunnel back drop.
“Vistors on these tracks are prohibited.” Rolled off the white Zoroark’s maw. The proclamation repeated by the echoes behind him. His eyes’ yellow glow became more pronounced.
Zoroark stepped up first, an excited twitch to the movement. “You shouldn’t be here, brother.”
Threatening clicks sounded out as the Revenant rose to his full height. His shadow eclipsed N and Zoroark melding with the tracks below. The chopped ends of the Revenant’s hair floated in a non-existent wind, brought to life by the thickening mist. The vapors held a character of their own, moving to close around N and his Zoroark.
N asserted. “We are here to set you free, great Zoroark.” Piercing eyes focused on his. Zoroark nodded beside him.
A low chattering was his only response. The white fog began to curl at his feet, winding around his ankles. The jaws of the tunnel grew wider the edges of the forest disappearing all around them.
Zoroark stood to attention, his head moving into a submissive pose. Subtly, N’s friend leaned in front of him in anticipation.
“I understand Pokén. I can hear you.” The gravel whined as N shifted his weight from foot to foot. Setting his stance, N continued. “You can tell me about the abuse humans give you. Chained to a tunnel and exploited in captivity. The Subway Boss shouldn’t keep you here. That Model is manipulating you as well. Pokemon like you are meant to be free, able to go to their home.
“I am home.” The Zoroark’s red sclera deepened, the color bleeding out into the fog. N stood still, honing on his friend in his periphery. This wasn’t going well. Yet, they needed to convince the Revenant to run for safety. They couldn’t leave now.
Zoroark dared to try again, arms reaching out to his fellow Zoroark. “Brother, I know you were killed by humans. Your rage brought you back. Your white coat—”
“Don’t call me brother!” The Zoroark roared its silhouette somehow becoming larger, its mane floating with an unseen power. “You aren’t him.” Hissing out the words, a thicker smoke poured out of his mouth. “I search for him in these tunnels!” A snarl fills the air, the thick gas clinging to the Revenant’s mouth. A mighty shake dispelled the smoke out of his face. Bleeding red eyes searched them with unshed tears. N couldn’t identify the cause. His voice quivered. “You don’t know my story.”
“You are kept here by the humans!” N yelled, certain of the truth. “Trapped in a Pokéball. Mane cut short, and your power weakened. Slaughtered by the humans, you serve now!”
N’s truth flooded the corridors. Time seemed to pause and listen. The mist stopped its curling tangles. With the stillness of a corpse, Revenant stood in a trance. N held his own breath, his Zoroark no doubt doing the same beside him. Hope blossomed in N’s chest. The rest of the forest itself waited silently for his reply. Pokémon quieted all around them. Faraway a train whistle sounded.
Once.
Twice.
Laughter tore out of the Revenant. Retreating, the mist rested upon the Zoroark’s white mane looping lazily upon his head. The tendrils twisted into a tapestry of the creature’s mirth. It filled every part of the tunnel, shaking with its own amusement. The white creature doubled over with his laughing. Lurching up, the Revenant’s mane flopped back into place behind its gleaming eyes. One strand stayed stubbornly in front of its face. N marveled at the one smooth movement it took to fix its mane. Moving their claw up to its face, its laughter turning into a sinister chuckle. “You know nothing!”
Zoroark flinched seeing the Nasty Plot the creature completed. N shifted his feet into a wider stance. A fight was familiar. Zoroark followed close behind hunching over into a protective stance. He fluffed up his own fur in preparation for an attack. N set his focus to the creature, prepared to direct his Zoroark.
The beast huffed. With practice, a claw lowered down to ruffle through its fluff. “Trapped by the very thing, humans allow me to wear?” The Revenant removed an item from its chest. A Luxury Pokéball in a minimized form swung snuggly from the end of a necklace. “Something they can only use when I give it to them.” The white creature moved forward a step, its body completely revealed. “Humans respect me.” The Zoroark stopped and stood taller replacing the necklace around its neck. “My mane is a hinderance to my own wellbeing. The power I wield is plenty.” Red markings shine in the moonlight, glowing softly with a hidden power. “And my home, you speak of, with the humans you so dread. I don’t plan to leave these tracks.” N ground his teeth together, as yellow eyes bore into him. “I find more Pokémon hurt by the people you supposedly rule over than the ones you attack.”
Rage flared through N’s core. Illusions of warmth and care deceived this Zoroark from the dangers humans made. The flames roared out of his stomach and filled his mind. “You don’t know humans. Your grief has blinded you!” The corners of the Revenant’s snout pulled into a facsimile smile.
Zoroark flexed his claws. Flattening his black ears against his head, he fluffed his mane to a threatening size. He attempted to push N farther from the tunnel’s entrance. With gnashing teeth, his friend growled out. “N, he has made his choice.”
The movement drew the beast’s eyes. Tilting his head down, the Revenant sank his arms to the ground. With eyes only for his friend, a startling question rolled out:
“Why does he stay?”
“What?” N blurted.
In a slow calculated movement, the Revenant tilted his head. One white ear twitched. “Why does your Zoroark stay?” He repeated with a certainty in his eyes.
“I know N! He won’t hurt me.” Zoroark barked out. His friend was a sparking, lit fuse waiting to attack the ancient Pokémon.
N hesitated. His heart raged in his chest before asserting: “I care for Zoroark and he cares for me. I would never hurt him, he knows that.” N could barely hear himself over the pulse beating in his ears.
The Revenant took a steady step back, a solid frown marring his face. “If your ideals were truth, N, you would stand here without Pokemon. Or are you so blinded by a narrative to see that the majority keep their Pokemon in the same way you do.”
Zoroark froze, a concerned gaze flickering towards him. N wouldn’t be here without his Pokémon. Would the truth only lie in the absence of them? Or were his ideals too heavy for his reality to bear?
Revenant stood tall, his eyes squinting in delight. “There is someone I would like you to meet.”
A growl rumbled out of his friend’s throat, seeing the mist roil around them again. It encompassed its master, hiding him from view. The Revenant’s glowing eyes remained the only thing that could be seen. The most curious thing happened. The eyes changed from a unnatural yellow to the faint shade of moonlight, the red sclera disappearing entirely. Two soft pinpricks fell into the crawling fog. A sudden wind from the tunnel forced the Revenant’s illusions into the night. N covered his face preventing the foreign material from entering his mouth or eyes. Zoroark held steadfast, the wind ruffling his fur.
His friend bowled towards the hidden Pokémon with retaliation on its face. “How dare you run away from us! From your fellow Zoroark!” Zoroark yelled, a growing energy forming on its claws. The curious fog scattered out the way of the charging fox. N flicked his eyes back to the Revenant, to find a man. Every muscle in his body called for him to move, but his feet remained firm. N’s arm responded reaching out toward his friend. A warning lodged in his throat. Narrowly the man stepped back out of the way of the attack. A single claw of his Zoroark connected with a edge of the man’s cheek, sending a strand of silver hair flying. His friend returned to his place in front of him satisfied to see the illusion clear. A smirk plastered to his dark snout. The illusion fell.
Blood trickled down the mans cheek. His pale hand reached up in an attempt to wipe away the ruby beads clinging to his face. Instead, crimson streaked his skin. The man stood straight compared the Revenant’s previous hunch. Only his silvery hair glistened in moonlight. The tufts of curled side burns fluttered in the wind. Wearing a matte black trench coat, he nearly blended into the dark void of the entrance. A gray scarf with red tinged tails paid the only homage to his previous form. Oddly, the man clicked his heels together, his feet mimicking a Pidove’s. His other hand held firmly behind his back. The frown stayed ever present, as a gleam entered the man’s eye. “Bravo, Zoroark. Your strength is quite impressive!” A human voice said. The declaration filled cavernous space. His abrupt loudness scaring the Pidoves from the surrounding trees. Zoroark’s ears flattened trying to ignore the sudden change in volume. The sound rattled in N’s pounding brain. Shining silver eyes honed into his. N refused to be intimidated, trying desperately to get his heart under control. N was the exKing of Team Plasma. The Revenant wouldn’t scare him.
“She is going to be upset seeing the state I am in.” The man tutted. A thin hand reached into the his coat. Pulling out a glinting red object, the distinct sound of a Pokéball growing and releasing a Pokémon reached N’s ears. Skeleton frames stuck out first hugging panes of blue glass in place. A glass globe filled with a violet glow. Two sunflower-stained circles made for eyes. Bulbs of indigo flames blossomed on iron-wrought arms. A Chandelure materialized at the mouth of the cave with a haunting croon.
“Ingo?” The delicate question held the tone of sleep. Chandelure twirled looking at her trainer, her glassy orbs landing on the vibrant crimson contrasting his ashen face. “Ingo!” Whatever Pidove remained in the nearby trees were leaving now. The chandelier’s movements grew frantic. “Why are you bleeding?! Is there more? Good heavens, are you hurt anywhere else?” She flitted up and down the man checking for other damage. Ingo held still watching as his Pokémon swiveled and swerved. The motherly concern dripping from the ghost fascinated N. Wisps appeared and fastened themselves to his black coat with each round the Chandelure completed. After her third rotation, Ingo relaxed into the loving concern and twittering chimes. The Revenant’s glowing eyes fluttered closed ignoring the threat of his opponents. N bristled at the disrespect.
“This is Hyacinth. If she wasn’t a ghost type, I would say I give her too many heart attacks.” Ingo chuckled replacing the Pokéball to the depths of his coat. Hyacinth stole the now empty hand for inspection with her candles. The man sobered as he carefully pulled the fretting creature into a hug. “She makes sure I take care of myself, when I fail to.” Metal arms wrapped around Ingo. Her frame bent into a faint smile at the touch, a light tilt still displaying her concern. With a flourish, Ingo released Hyacinth allowing her to hover above the gravel floor. Impatience crawled into N’s mind.
Hyacinth floated beside Ingo as he kept one of his hands on her glowing glass. The other hand retreating behind Ingo’s back. She hummed with a disappointed lilt. “You are supposed to be with Elesa, my candle, not galavanting in the subway. You swore to me—” Finally, the Chandelure registered the onlookers.
Ingo took this moment to introduce them. “Hyacinth, this is N and his friend, Zoroark. I was hoping you could win an argument for me.”
Warm flames of concern flickered out, a violent edge overtaking it. “I apologize for my rudeness. Ingo failed to inform me we had visitors.” Hyacinth’s words whistled out in a threatening song. N felt his hair stand on end, seeing fiery wisps flee from Ingo to litter the vacant tunnel. Zoroark held steady; a new target placed in his sights. “I hope you can explain my trainer’s state.” The Chandelure's flames grew with the final exclamation, a Will-o-Wisp on her lips.
With a hand pressed to his friend, Ingo continued. “Chandelure stays with me through it all, even my newest derailment.” The light of the tunnel brightened with a royal hue. “My other Pokémon are also very supportive. I hear their comforts. They share their routines. I see things through their own eyes.” With his hand, Ingo traced gentle circles around the sentient globe. Few violet wisps returned to clinging to the black trench coat. A quiet lullaby poured from Hyacinth. The corners of Ingo’s mouth tugged into a Purrloin smile. “Battles are just as invigorating on the other side. I must say.”
The Chandelure’s song flickered into a falling chime. Hyacinth sagged in annoyance, ghastly fire still lit for an attack. “Always the bloody battles with you, Ingo.” She muttered.
Ingo huffed a laugh. “I am a human with an unusual set of rails before me. Those rails allow me to understand my friends more than ever before.” Soft marble eyes meet N’s for a final time. “You are too narrow minded, N. Ghetsis steered you wrong. His intentions never seemed to take the same track as your own.” If N’s own hair could puff like a Purrugly, his head would be a circle.
Saying the man’s final peace, something clicked into place. Ingo straightened and pulled his hidden hand up to his face revealing a technological watch. Whatever it told caused Ingo to nod resolutely. “Now, do leave these tracks. A train will be coming soon. Arrival to Undella is anticipated in 20 minutes.” Ingo sharply replaced his hand to his back and tapped his heels against the gravel. Hyacinth floated steadily, relief clear on her face. “I wouldn’t want you or your Pokémon hurt here.” Turning in a swift motion, Ingo walked deeper into the cave. Hyacinth buoyed to Ingo’s side back facing the enveloping darkness. Ingo stopped. His partner however didn’t stop, riding along the tracks. Facing N again, Ingo called. “ALL ABOARD!” With that final touch, the man retreated into the darkness chasing a faithful lavender glow.
N lowered his hackles as his friend stood tall in front of him. Zoroark’s ears remained pricked before he took a hesitant glance at N. A deep concern welled in his eyes. N waved him off and turned to make his own retreat.
Musical echoes flickered out of the cave. “—showed yourself to the King of Team Plasma! I raised a Jynx. A ridiculous Jynx!” Hyacinth’s laments bounced through the empty tunnel landing into their waiting ears. N paused intrigued. Zoroark stood, every muscle taut. Each word grew steadily fainter but their impressive voices made it despite their growing distance. “Ingo, why do you do this to me?”
“I know, Hyacinth. He is a hurt boy with a terrible conductor.” N reeled at the comment. He wasn’t a hurt boy. He could conduct himself. N patted the outrage down and returned his ear to the mouth of the railroad.
“Boy? Oh no. N is a grown adult.” Thank you, Chandelure. N preened under the incredible Pokémon’s praise. “Ah, yet I can understand your concern, Ingo. The turmoil of N’s soul is so loud I sense it from here.” N grumbled hearing Hyacinth’s assessment. Zoroark gaze locked in on him worried. “Nonetheless, I remedy my judgement. You are a Slowking idiot.” N guffawed at her language, though his feelings grumbled at her own agreement. Zoroark smirked. “Haxorus has tainted you with her stray-taking! I guided you and this is how— ”
Ingo pressed on. “The least I could do is point him in the direction of truth.” The mention of truth ached. The rawness of his discussion with Ingo failed to overshadow his confusion at the man’s lack of response to his friend’s nasty language.
Sharp cries shot out of the cavern. “Oh, where did I go wrong?” Hyacinth warbled into the night.
Ingo sung back. “Love you too.” N prickled at the realization. Ingo lost his understanding of Pokén with his transformation.
A deep sigh floated out of the cave. “Love you, dear one.” Hyacinth’s chimes held a contentment and love, N couldn’t disregard. He felt a connection between the two. A strong bond built upon years of living and caring for each other.
Zoroark tugged his shoulder. N raised his eyes to his own friend. Seeing his hidden distress, Zoroark looped around him gently. “We better return to the den.” Two calls of distant horn fell from the darkened mouth. Pokémon calls filled the surrounding air again from the close embrace of the forest. The gravel creaked under his friend as he shifted. N enjoyed sound’s presence.
Glancing to where Ingo once stood, N imagined which were his tracks among the shapes in the shifting foundations. Zoroark sauntered to the underbrush, to begin carving a path to their den. With a silent pondering, N disappeared into the woods behind his friend. His feet and heart ached from the moonlit adventure. The shadows of damaged trees grew larger. Young vines crossed and tangled in the ashes of forgotten trees. Dunsparce trilling quieted as the night grew older. Their latest den cried with a Meloetta’s call. N and Zoroark nestled a stone’s throw away from the divide in the landscape. The rumbling of a punctual train lulled them to sleep. A peculiar night to observe in Lostlorn Forest.