Chapter 0641：Darkrai: I've Been Fooled

"There's no concrete evidence yet that N is Team Plasma's 'king,' but his influence in Unova is growing."

The aged detective stroked his chin with a frown. "I'm worried this might lead to another 'new world' incident..."

Receiving no response, 'Handsome' glanced at his lost-in-thought superior and tentatively asked:

"Sir? Consultant Natsume?"

Snapping back to reality, Natsume studied the old man. "Does your Unova mission fall under my jurisdiction?"

"Technically, I'm part of your task force. Any arrests require your approval first."

Natsume gave a firm nod. "Then continue investigating N. No unnecessary actions until I give the order."

After a brief pause, the detective complied. "Understood."

His professional demeanor then cracked into a smile. "In that case, I'll await your guidance in Unova?"

Natsume's expression soured, but he managed a stiff nod.

The N situation involved the Opelucid legend—a threat capable of wiping out all of Unova. Letting 'Handsome' handle this alone was asking for trouble.

Plus, with Cynthia and her friends currently in Unova, he needed more intel first.

"Then I'll keep tailing that green-haired youth and submit regular reports!"

Saluting sharply, 'Handsome' ended the call.

As the screen went dark, Rotom Dex blinked. "What was that about, Rotom?"

The night outside was serene. Natsume sat cross-legged on the sofa, gazing through the window.

"Still processing it myself..."

The name 'N' conjured an image: a lanky, cap-wearing green-haired youth with hollow eyes and an air of melancholy.

Rumors claimed 'N' was born from both human and Pokémon blood—a speaker of Pokémon tongue. In Black & White, he saw humans as Pokémon's natural enemies. Yet by Black 2 & White 2, travels and bonds with protagonist Hilbert had softened his views.

N wasn't a true villain, just a victim of Ghetsis' manipulation. Fed extremist ideals since childhood, he'd been a pawn in Ghetsis' scheme to exploit the Opelucid legend and conquer Unova.

Compared to Giovanni—a "fatherly" figure with his Viridian aura—Ghetsis was pure scum. Trainer bonds, even his adoptive son N, were mere tools to him.

"Cyrus and Lysandre genuinely wanted peace. Even idiots Archie and Maxie teamed up to save Hoenn."

Natsume's interlaced fingers gleamed faintly in the lamplight.

"But Ghetsis? He's Team Rainbow Rocket's trash."

A trip to Unova was unavoidable.

Even at risk of betrayal, Natsume wanted to meet N. Maybe it was just a teacher's whim—but he needed to hear the green-haired idealist's thoughts on humans and Pokémon.

The world wasn't black-and-white. Heroes existed in shades of gray too.

That said, given the dangers...

Natsume planned to meet N, grab his Moe-Moe!, then bolt—

Leaving Team Plasma for Alder to handle.

Free labor? Not happening. Not even for extra pay!

He sighed at the ceiling.

"Gotta avoid Ash... and Gold."

Those two were walking disaster magnets!

Better stock up on supplies too: Full Restores, Revival Herbs, Max Revives, status-healing Rage Candies...

"Think there's an herb shop in Lumiose!"

Natsume recalled group chat mentions of a century-old establishment. Surviving in Lumiose's cutthroat business district proved its credibility—

Taking Blastoise tomorrow to check their quality!

With his plans finalized, Natsume gave a slight nod and closed his eyes, sensing the beams of The Power of One.

Faint white light extended like threads into the distance—

A message transcending time and space reached the towering spires of Alamos Town and the lush Pokémon gardens.

Amid swirling black mist, Darkrai's cold, baby-blue eyes slowly opened.

Natsume: "Yo. Time to clock in."

Darkrai: "?"

I did agree to visit Kalos... but now I'm having second thoughts...

Natsume: "Be here before dawn. I’ll prepare employee meals."

Darkrai: "!"

The murky fog churned as Darkrai's dark ribbons fluttered in the wind, gradually dissolving into the shadows.

Gotta move fast while it's still dark!

Then—a sudden realization. Darkrai froze mid-motion, delicate mood.

First meeting: fought Palkia and Dialga.

Second meeting: Giratina.

Third time? Freaking Arceus showed up.

What fresh hell awaits this round?!

Darkrai pursed its lips.

"Third time's the charm... Yeah. Should be fine."

Nodding to itself, Darkrai vanished into the shadows, speeding toward Kalos.

……

July 1st, Thursday.

Dawn's first light crept over Lumiose City.

Fletchlings darted between the tree-lined streets as Prism Tower's glass facade caught the morning sun.

At the Pokémon Café on Southern Street, the first official employee breakfast was served.

"Gengar~(￣▽￣)／"

Gengar floated toward the table with a steaming pizza—golden cheese stretching between pepperoni slices—and set it down with pride.

The gathered Pokémon's eyes sparkled in unison, tiny voices chirping excitedly.

"It's a café, but we'll cook anything," Natsume declared, arms crossed.

The drinks were fresh-squeezed Nomel Berry juice—the citrusy berries being this world's equivalent of lemons.

Every imaginable fruit had its berry counterpart in this world, all obtainable through the System's exchange function—

The versatility of berries truly knows no bounds!

Sirfetch'd brought out plate after plate: Combee honey pancakes, Alcremie petit fours...

Delibird's eyes widened comically at the spread. Covering its beak, it squeaked: "Delibird~~"

Best career decision ever, hehe~

Darkrai glanced sideways and scoffed. "This is it?"

Natsume's eyebrow twitched. With a snap of his fingers, Gengar presented Golden Razz Berry tarts.

These ultra-rare berries from Let's Go Pikachu made Pokémon easier to catch—and served as key ingredients for Natsume's signature golden Pokéblocks.

Darkrai's throat moved visibly as it stared at the pastries. "Ahem... adequate, I suppose."

With two employees now onboard, the café's grand opening remained weeks away.

Between tart bites, Natsume outlined their upcoming Unova trip and Darkrai's potential combat support.

Crumbs dusting its muzzle, Darkrai waved a shadowy hand. "No problem~ You've seen what I can do!"

Natsume: "What if two Legendaries fuse...?"

Darkrai: "..."

The nightmare Pokémon suddenly regarded its half-eaten tart with suspicion. Was this breakfast... a bribe?

"Delibird~~" Delibird swayed happily, pink sparkles floating around it as it nibbled syrup-drenched pancakes.

Behind its rocky mask, Pupitar watched the others eat with quiet longing.

"Pupitar..."

It turned to find Sirfetch'd standing guard, its leek resting on one shoulder like a knight's lance.

"Sirfetch'd! ( -'`-)"

No matter what, I've got your back!

"Shaa~ (〃ω〃)" Pupitar's eyes shimmered behind its shell.

I'll evolve stronger—for everyone's sake!

"Oh, Blastoise," Natsume added. "We're heading out later."

"To the herb shop."

Click— The words triggered something primal.

"Blastoise…ヾ(■_■)"

Blastoise adjusted its sunglasses with one flipper, giving a rare thumbs-up.

"Togepi doo-ee~(｀▽｀)" Togepi bounced, demanding inclusion.

Natsume nodded.

Normally, Blastoise stayed behind as café security (since trusting Arcanine alone was... unwise).

But now—

Exchanging glances with the impassive Darkrai, Natsume reconsidered.

...Who'd be stupid enough to rob me now?

……

Lumiose City, Spring Avenue.

A Gogoat ambled down the street, carrying a kind-eyed old man on its back.

Clutching a large pair of sheathed pruning shears, the elder wore military-green cap, jacket, and leather boots, his cheeks framed by white whiskers.

He chuckled into his communicator:

"Erika? Just arrived in Lumiose. Left at dawn—early risers live longer!"

"Wise as ever," Erika replied warmly. "Ramos, your pruning techniques have been invaluable."

"Hah! Plants need clarity, same as people."

Ramos's gaze drifted to the herb shop ahead.

"Talk later—my stop's here."

Erika nodded thoughtfully. "Incidentally, a friend of mine is in Lumiose. Quite the botany enthusiast."

After all, only someone like Natsume-sensei could create a Pokédex-style game like Plants vs. Zombies.

"Ah, Natsume!" Ramos grinned. "Half the region's mentioned him. But this trip's for herbal texts... I'll visit him if time allows."

"Then I'll begin my lecture," Erika said with a bow.

Ending the call, Ramos dismounted, leaning on his shears as he shuffled toward the shop.

As Kalos's eldest Gym Leader, Ramos divided his time between books and tea—sometimes traveling to source leaves personally.

His sprawling ranch in Coumarine City connected him to Galar's Grass-type Leader Milo, earning universal respect among botany experts.

Morning sunlight draped comfortably over the street.

Pausing at the entrance, Ramos tilted his face upward, basking.

Unnoticed until now, a sunglasses-wearing Blastoise stood rigidly beside him.

"Oh? Sunbathing like this old man?" Ramos teased.

To his surprise, Blastoise nodded gravely.

"Blastoise ヾ(■_■)"

UV rays promote calcium absorption... for a sturdier shell!