Chapter 0644: Ideals and Truth! Natsume and N's Philosophies(Two-in-One)

Mistralton City in the Unova region was famous for its airport. The expansive runways and thriving air cargo industry made it a hub of activity.

The city's Flying-type Gym Leader, Skyla, was also a pilot who operated a cargo plane.

When she heard Natsume-sensei was heading to Opelucid City, Skyla invited him to travel aboard her aircraft.

However, considering Skyla needed to attend to Gym challenges, Natsume opted for a nearby flight—one that would reach Opelucid City in just an hour.

"Aww... I was hoping to learn your 'Tailwind' Pokémon Contest techniques from you."

Skyla looked slightly disappointed but soon smiled. "Next time you visit Mistralton City, you should try ringing the bell at Celestial Tower, Natsume-sensei!"

Natsume and Gengar simultaneously turned their gaze toward the distant tower, its spiraling stone structure reaching high into the clouds—ancient and solemn.

"Is it a memorial tower, like Mt. Pyre?" Natsume asked.

Skyla nodded, clasping her hands behind her back.

"Celestial Tower is where departed Pokémon rest. The bell at the top was specially placed to purify spirits. They say the sound of the bell reflects the heart of the one who rings it."

Natsume closed his eyes, sensing the tower's tranquil pulse.

"Celestial Tower is seen as a symbol protecting Mistralton City. Every year, couples climb to the top to ring the bell together," Skyla added.

Dong... Dong...

A gentle breeze carried the tower's chimes across the airport runways, their echoes drifting through the city.

Skyla closed her eyes. "Whenever I hear that sound, I feel strangely at peace. Even though it's a memorial tower... Even when Trainers and Pokémon are separated, the bonds they share never fade, do they?"

Hidden in the shadows, Darkrai stirred slightly, Alicia's smiling face flashing in its mind before it fell silent again.

Natsume recalled the Gastly at Girl's Cape in Kanto, the ancient Ninetales waiting in the old mansion—Pokémon who had lingered for their Trainers' return.

That went beyond mere pets. It was like the Akita dog who waited at Shibuya Station. At that point, distinguishing between humans and Pokémon no longer mattered.

At his waist, minimized Poké Balls held his quiet companions.

Sensing their emotions, Natsume gazed at Celestial Tower in the distance and said softly:

"Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it."

Skyla gave him a surprised look but didn't press further, simply smiling.

"Have a wonderful journey through Unova, Natsume-sensei!"

"Gengar~ (￣▽￣)／"

Gengar floated beside Natsume, raising a tiny hand in farewell.

……

Unova Region, Opelucid City

The green-haired young man in a cap sat upright on the Pokémon Center sofa, hands resting on his knees, observing the passing Trainers.

Some rushed by in a hurry, cradling injured Herdiers while shouting something to Nurse Joy.

N heard the Herdiers—how they pushed themselves to battle for their Trainers' dreams.

Others released plump Pidoves from their Poké Balls, letting them perch on their arms as they walked.

N listened to the Pidoves' hearts—how they adored their Trainers.

The green-haired young man remained still, closing his eyes as childhood memories surfaced.

A windowless room. Boredom with wooden blocks and creaking toy trains.

Only Pokémon companions kept him company: a wounded Sandile, a disabled Scraggy, a wingless Sigilyph—all victims of human cruelty.

N embraced them with kindness, enduring scars and pain... yet cherishing these companions all the same.

That was why he despised Trainers who forced Pokémon into Poké Balls.

Hated humans who ignored Pokémon's wills.

To others, Pokémon were just tools or pets. To N, they were his entire world.

This fragile belief shattered when his adoptive father, Ghetsis, tried to control Reshiram.

The man he loathed most—one who saw Pokémon as tools—had cursed him as the "monster."

Reshiram's flames consumed Team Plasma. N left, wandering Unova to heal injured Pokémon.

Over two years, he heard countless Pokémon whisper "I love my Trainer"—shattering his black-and-white worldview.

'The world isn't so simple. For every human who hurts Pokémon, there must be many who love them.'

The capped young man lowered his gaze, recalling yesterday's meeting with Meowth—its wish to "stay with those I love." A faint smile touched his lips.

'So I must keep searching... until I find the answer.'

"I'm late."

A calm voice. Someone sat across from him.

N looked up.

Color flooded his gray world. A symphony of Pokémon voices surged like springwater.

He stared—transfixed—at the black-haired young man before him.

Bonds swirled around him like ribbons. Stories unfolded in vivid flashes:

A wandering Gastly. An Eevee's misunderstandings mended.

A fateful Squirtle. A Growlithe dreaming of heroes...

Why did his Togepi radiate such joy, as if raised on sugar and cream?

Why did his Sirfetch'd, while crying "I hate battles," hide a blade-sharp resolve in its darkest depths?

N's breath caught. Lips pressed thin.

"...Is there something on my face?" Natsume blinked.

"No..."

The green-haired young man smiled gently—then twin tears streaked down his cheeks. His voice cracked.

"It's an honor... to meet you, Natsume-sensei."

Natsume froze.

Why is he crying? I didn't even do anything.

Suspecting the worst, he leaned in and whispered:

"Did... Detective 'Handsome' rough you up?"

N stared blankly.

"Tell me the truth. You're safe now."

Natsume straightened, thanking the Audino who brought tea. He blew on the steam.

"The organization won't tolerate misconduct!"

"No... It's nothing like that."

N clasped his hands, sheepish.

"Gengar~" The ghost tugged N's sleeve.

A tissue was thrust into his hand. N hesitated—then murmured,

"Thank you, Gengar."

"Gengar~(◕‿◕✿)" It grinned, tongue lolling in a playful gag.

N's eyes softened. His Zorua loved making faces too. A genuine smile surfaced.

Natsume set down his cup.

"So. Why did Team Rocket arrange this meeting?"

Silence.

I'm not mistaken...

But will his answer differ from Champion Alder's?

What if even he fails me?

The green-haired young man inhaled. Met Natsume's gaze—and the radiant tapestry behind him.

He gambled everything.

He didn't trust Natsume-sensei... but he trusted the little ones who did.

A flicker of light sparked in N's dim eyes as he stared intently at Natsume, speaking rapidly:

"I want to understand how humans and Pokémon should coexist. I want to free Pokémon from the confines of Poké Balls, to create a world without battles, harm, or conflict—yet I fear such a world may not be as ideal as it seems. What truly are ideals and truth? Please... tell me the answer."

His voice cracked with desperation. "I beg you, Natsume-sensei!"

The Pokémon Center buzzed with noise as people turned to stare at N, his fervent speech momentarily freezing the world in place before time resumed.

Natsume fell silent.

Memories surfaced—the reason he'd once refused to let his little ones battle.

"Back in Tokyo..."

Natsume paused, glancing at Gengar before continuing:

"At the time, I believed battles would only hurt them, so I avoided fighting altogether. More than battles, I wanted a peaceful life with my Pokémon."

"But."

He rested a hand on Gengar's head.

"Gengar~" Gengar squinted contentedly.

Natsume smiled faintly, the scars of countless battles etched into his back—proof of their journey.

"Battles aren't so simple. They're not just about winning or losing. They're about Trainers and Pokémon meeting, understanding each other's strengths."

He thought of the bonds he'd witnessed: Ash and Pikachu, Cynthia and Garchomp, Leon and Charizard...

Natsume and Gengar.

"Even if it means getting hurt, even if defeat is certain... some things are worth fighting for."

Natsume met the green-haired young man's stunned gaze. "That's the reason for Pokémon battles."

"Worth fighting for... even if defeat is certain..."

N repeated slowly, a glimmer of light piercing his dull eyes.

"But have you considered—Pokémon trapped in Poké Balls aren't truly free! They might not be happy! Maybe... maybe we can be companions without forcing them into captivity—"

He trailed off.

The little ones inside Natsume's Poké Balls shimmered with vibrant hues.

"Poké Balls, huh."

Natsume examined the minimized ball in his palm.

"The fault lies with the user, not the tool. Some refuse to keep Pikachu in one. Others have Pokémon that pop out constantly—"

Poof!

A Premier Ball burst open, revealing a stern-eyed Sirfetch'd brandishing its leek and shield.

"Sirfetch'd! (╬ Ò﹏Ó)"

As N stared in shock, Natsume recalled it without batting an eye.

"To me, a Poké Ball is more like... a promise."

"A... promise?"

"When you catch a Pokémon, you accept the risk of heartbreak. That's the price of forming a bond."

Memories flashed—the tsundere Eevee caught mid-tears, the Delibird that crossed oceans. A smile tugged at his lips.

"Even if rejected... the weight of that promise remains. Right?"

He patted the ball at his waist.

Inside, Sylveon lifted its head proudly.

"Sylveon! o(｀^｀)o"

N gazed at the black-haired young man, transfixed.

This was the most extraordinary Trainer he'd ever met.

Alder remained drowned in grief over his departed partner. Iris was still too inexperienced.

Yet Natsume-sensei seemed to possess some inexplicable magnetism.

Brainwashing?

N recalled Ghetsis' words, removing his cap with a quiet, gentle smile.

No... This was simply the harmony of truth and ideals.

"I should take my leave, Natsume-sensei."

N rose with a soft smile. "I believe I've found my answer."

"What answer?"

N shook his head. Though uncertainty lingered, he now trusted the Dragon Stones would accept him.

He needed to awaken the slumbering dragon—to atone for his mistakes through the ideal-seeking legend.

"Will you continue traveling through Unova?"

"I will. Perhaps we'll meet again someday."

Natsume exhaled inwardly.

Since Ash isn't here, I had to talk N down myself.

A proper conversation should keep him from extremism.

Natsume partially agreed with N's philosophy. Raised alongside abused Pokémon and indoctrinated by Ghetsis, N's fanaticism was inevitable.

Yet the one chosen by Opelucid's dragon was, at his core, a hero.

Had Ghetsis not adopted him, he might have become an exceptional Trainer—his Viridian Aura-like abilities proving invaluable.

But now, N had to carry his ideals alone.

"Come find me at Lumiose City's café if it gets too hard," Natsume said suddenly. "I'll buy you coffee."

N stiffened.

"...Why?"

Shunned since birth, labeled a "monster"—N had only ever known Pokémon as companions.

Like Meowth scorned by its herd, humanity had feared him.

"Why?"

Natsume repeated softly before answering:

"Because between the wall and the egg... I'll always stand with the egg."

Light—real, vibrant light—flickered in N's eyes.

"I'll look forward to our next meeting," he said sincerely. "Natsume-sensei."

A nod. Then—

"Now that personal matters are settled... let's discuss business."

The atmosphere shifted abruptly as Natsume turned to the green-haired young man, steepling his fingers in the classic "Commander Ikari" pose.

"Let's discuss your involvement with Team Plasma."

N blinked, momentarily stunned before replying with surprise:

"You're... the International Police's consultant?"

"Just a temporary employee."

N: "..."

Do you actually believe that yourself, sensei?

"They're still tracking my movements," N sighed. "Additionally, the current leader of Team Plasma is Colress. He'll be executing Ghetsis' remaining plans."

"What plans?" Natsume already had an inkling.

"If I'm not mistaken... Colress intends to freeze an entire city to pressure the Unova League," N stated.

Natsume recalled the events of Black and White 2 where Opelucid City was frozen solid, giving a slight nod.

"This matter doesn't require your intervention. The International Police and Champion Alder will handle it."

If Alder slacks off... I'll just have to call in Boss Giovanni for backup.

Natsume's expression turned pensive.

I wonder if the Storm Plan would be effective against blizzard conditions...

N nodded silently before adding:

"There's one more thing. Detective 'Handsome's' partner Pokémon is currently receiving treatment at this Pokémon Center. If possible, I'd like to attempt healing it myself..."

Natsume paused momentarily.

'Handsome's' Croagunk... According to the Pokémon XY timeline, this should be near its time of passing.

"That's simple enough," Natsume said, catching himself. "I'll handle Croagunk's... ahem, treatment personally!"

If Aura of Ripple could heal even the Tree of Beginning, curing a Croagunk should be trivial.

That afternoon

The operation proved remarkably successful. Now sporting a police cap, Croagunk stood beside its brown-trench-coated partner, saluting Natsume and N.

"Croagunk~!"

"No thanks necessary..." N smiled genuinely, looking up at 'Handsome.' "Officer, your Croagunk says it's very fond of you."

The aged man's weathered face softened, eyes glimmering. "I'm just a washed-up cop... relying entirely on my partner and my superiors' goodwill."

Without another word, he turned and bowed deeply to Natsume.

Natsume accepted the gesture solemnly.

For over a decade, 'Handsome' had solved numerous major cases yet remained unpromoted due to office politics. Still, he continued upholding justice in his own way.

After retiring during the Pokémon XY era, he would open a detective agency in Lumiose City, maintaining order there simply out of personal conviction.

The world contained pure villains like Ghetsis—and pure heroes like him.

Moved by the sight, N smiled at Natsume and waved.

"I should take my leave now, Natsume-sensei."

Natsume nodded slightly.

Watching the capped figure disappear into the distance, Natsume finally exhaled in relief.

As long as N doesn't do anything reckless, we should wrap up the Colress situation quickly.

Another Unova-saving crisis averted.

With everything settling down safely, Natsume nodded in satisfaction.

Next destination: Undella Town, for a vacation with Cynthia!

"Gengar, let's go get ice cream with Cynthia!"

"Gengar~（`▽`)"

……

The green-haired young man in a cap lifted his gaze, piercing through the clouds toward distant Icirrus City.

There lay the ruins of an ancient kingdom, where beneath the "Sword of the Vale" Castle rested the Dark Stone capable of awakening the "Dragon of Ideals" - Zekrom.

'I must go there.'

N's eyes burned with determination.

Now, he finally possessed the ideals and conviction needed to awaken Zekrom.

Lowering his eyelids slightly, N murmured softly:

"The mistakes I've made... I must atone for them myself."