Zekrom

"Why are you so insecure, Kaim?"

"For someone who keeps making mistakes and losing battles, that's one possibility. It makes me wonder whether I've made another mistake."

"Then why do you keep battling?"

"I hate losing. I'm a twisted person, so when someone tells me I can't do something, I try to do it. Besides, when my Pokémon are motivated to fight, I don't have the money to be a trainer."

"Really..."

"And thanks to Cynthia, I realized that even an ordinary person like me could do this."

Hearing Kaim's words, N drew a breath and began to speak.

"I still don't know you very well, Kaim, but I've learned a few things about you over the past few hours."

"Like what?"

"You're kind, and you care about those around you."

"Huh?"

"You're kind to both Pokémon and humans. You value those around you."

"It's nothing."

"Yes. I think that's wonderful. But why do you care about the people and Pokémon around you?"

At N's question, Kaim turned his attention to Cynthia, who was tending to the Pokémon.

"I'm not standing here today because of my own strength. The people I met through Cynthia are irreplaceable to me, too. So I at least want to give back however I can. That's all."

If Cynthia hadn't met him at university, the Kaim of today wouldn't have existed. The same went for Cynthia, but she was the one who had set things in motion.

That opportunity had allowed Kaim to grow considerably as both a trainer and a scholar. Cynthia's efforts alone hadn't brought about that growth. That was why Kaim never forgot to look after those around him.

"Kaim, you trust Cynthia and the people around you."

"Of course."

"Then have the people around you or your Pokémon ever once told you to give up?"

"They haven't."

The reason he could do his best was that they had never said it. If they had said it even once, he might have given up somewhere along the way as a trainer. "Every single one of them believed in me and said, 'Kaim can do it.'"

"What? Doesn't that make it simple?"

"Huh?"

Kaim tilted his head, unable to understand what N meant.

N smiled and spoke to Kaim.

"You trust your friends, Kaim."

"Yeah."

"Then why not start by believing the words your friends give you?"

"!"

"If you can trust your companions, can't you trust what they say?"

Kaim's eyes widened.

Until now, the people around Kaim had told him he could do it. Yet Kaim himself had thought, I'm not at that stage yet, and hadn't taken their words seriously.

But after his battle with Alice a few days earlier, Cynthia had said, "What Kaim needs now isn't technique or physical strength. It's heart." He had simply taken that to mean he lacked spirit, strength, and stamina, but conversely, he could take it to mean his technique and physical strength were already sufficient.

In other words, when Caitlin, Shikimi, and Iris told Kaim, "You can do it," they weren't expressing wishful hopes for the future. They were making a logical observation, fully aware that he already had the technique and strength, and that the rest depended on him.

"...I see."

"From what you've told me, I don't think someone who's blamed himself for as long as you have will find it easy to believe in himself."

"Haha, is it really that easy?"

"From my perspective, you've built very happy relationships with both Pokémon and humans. You're in a fortunate position. I think being conceited is better than running away or wasting away. After all, your friends believe in you. Even if you don't believe in yourself, you can believe what your friends say, can't you?"

N's words entered Kaim's mind as though a fog had lifted.

Kaim laughed inwardly, wondering whether it really was that simple. But it wasn't a laugh mocking his own foolishness. It was encouragement for a new version of himself.

"N."

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

I still can't say goodbye to the past. But I've found an important clue and made it over the wall in front of me. I never expected to get this opportunity from N, but if I stayed on guard, that important moment might never have come.

"Have you gotten stronger?"

"I messed up."

"Hehe, good for you."

"I thought you were just a weirdo, but I'm glad I talked to you."

"That's awful. Is that really what you thought of me?"

"Do you remember our first encounter? You were just a weirdo."

"Haha! Maybe I was!"

"Not maybe. You were."

Kaim poked N's arm and smiled faintly.

N genuinely found the time he spent with his new friend fun.

"Oh, yes. I have a favor to ask you, Kaim."

"Hm? What is it?"

After all their laughter, N spoke as though he had become a different person.

Then he handed Kaim a Poké Ball.

"I'd like to entrust this little one to you."

"Huh?"

Unable to understand what those words meant, Kaim asked reflexively.

"What did you say?"

"I said I'd like to entrust this little one to you."

"What?"

N continued, leading the bewildered Kaim elsewhere.

"Didn't I tell you? Listen to me again. There's something else I wanted to ask you."

"Oh, I think you did say that."

"Yes. This is why."

"No, wait."

"It's all right. She's already agreed to go with you."

"What am I supposed to make of this?"

"Why not consider it the price for the advice I gave you?"

"You bastard."

When N put it that way, Kaim couldn't say anything. After all, N had taught him something very important. It had taken only a short time, but it had meant a great deal to Kaim.

"At least tell me why."

"Right. Then let's start by introducing this girl."

With that, N released a Pokémon from the ball.

What emerged was a Pokémon that looked like a blue sea cow, a sea dragon.

"A Zweilous, right?"

"Yes. This girl was my friend when I was the king of Team Plasma."

After emerging from the ball, Zweilous gazed at Kaim's face and placed her slimy-skinned hand on his.

Kaim took N's hand and asked him a question.

"So why me?"

"You'll cherish your Pokémon. When Team Plasma stole Pokémon from people, this little one was separated from her trainer. Back then, she was a Shellos, but while Team Plasma was using her, she evolved into Zweilous. After Team Plasma disbanded, I found her wandering lost in the streets."

"So some Pokémon were abandoned when the team disbanded?"

"Yes. It would be nice if I could become her guardian, but I don't have the right, because I'm partly responsible for what happened to her. Besides, I still can't find an answer. It's much the same with her staying with me in my current situation."

N was currently traveling with Zekrom on a journey of self-discovery. He must have felt that staying with him wasn't good for her, since he had no clear purpose and his search was still continuing in the Isshu Region.

But judging by what N had said earlier, her original trainer must still have been there. Kaim wondered whether returning her to that trainer was an option.

"Who was her original trainer?"

"Well, it seems she wasn't treated very well, and she doesn't want to go home. That's why I've kept her with me until now. But I want her to be happy, because she's been through so much."

"I see."

"That's why I want to entrust her to someone I'm certain can make Pokémon happy. So when I met you on the beach, I followed your example."

His reason for first calling out to Kaim had been vague and instinctive. But after only a brief conversation, he had understood that Kaim was a good person, and that Kuroki, who was with him, trusted him completely.

It was obvious that Kuroki was happy to be with his trainer. That was why N had decided that if he could meet Kaim again and find someone trustworthy, he would entrust Zweilous to him.

"She wants to see the outside world, too. What do you think?"

"I wonder if I can."

"Cynthia."

Cynthia, who had come to his side without him noticing, suggested that he accept N's request.

"N said this after getting to know you. I think you can accept."

"Is that all right with you, Zweilous?"

Zweilous, who had been shaking her head at Kaim's feet, heard his question and gave an affirmative cry.

"Well done."

"Honestly, I wish I had a Zweilous."

"Kaim, when you asked what to do about another Pokémon, I'm pretty sure you mentioned a Water-type. Besides, I think Zweilous, who can use Ground-type moves, would fit your team well. What about your team composition?"

"I don't know. The only reason to refuse is how you feel."

With every avenue of escape completely cut off, Kaim sighed softly. Even he had no reason to refuse so firmly, and he had no objection to taking in a Pokémon with such a past.

But because he didn't trust his own character, he felt, Isn't there someone better suited than me? He thought that Zweilous wouldn't be happy coming to someone as untalented as him.

Then Kaim remembered what N had said earlier.

"Believe the words of the people you trust, rather than yourself."

To put that into practice and change in the future, Kaim decided to take in Zweilous as his first step toward that change.

Besides, as Cynthia had said, he hadn't been able to decide what to do about another Pokémon, so honestly, N's offer was a lifeline. Having come this far, there was no reason to refuse.

"I surrender. I'll accept your request."

"Good. I can leave her with you without worrying."

"That's right. Nice to meet you, Zweilous."

Zweilous gave a howl and bowed to Kaim.

"This Zweilous looks like an East Sea one."

"Cynthia's Zweilous must look like a West Sea one."

"Yes."

"I couldn't do anything about that one either. It was an emergency, so I didn't think much about it."

When Kaim turned his attention to the sea dragon, his Pokémon had already gathered around her and were touching one another, welcoming their new companion.

"I think she'll fit in well."

"That's because my Pokémon have good personalities."

"Just like their trainer."

"That's a relief."

"You two really are good friends, aren't you?"

The two exchanged a glance.

Then Cynthia smiled a little awkwardly, and Kaim shrugged. It would have been fine to reveal their relationship privately, but Cynthia thought it would be wrong to go out of her way to mention it unasked, so she comfortably brushed the matter aside.

"You wouldn't make someone you didn't trust your assistant, would you?"

"That's true."

"Enough chatter. Let's hurry back."

Kaim checked his watch. A long time had passed since he had begun exploring the tower. Feeling that it wouldn't be good to keep Shaka and Iris waiting any longer, he suggested they head back.

Cynthia felt the time was right and agreed.

"Yes, shall we head back?"

"What are you going to do, N?"

"I'll continue my journey with Zekrom."

"I see. I hope we meet again somewhere."

"We can meet again. We're friends, aren't we?"

"Oh, that's right."

"Yes. See you later."

"Oh, right. I'm going down the tower with Zekrom. Would you like to come along?"

"Uh, is that all right?"

Honestly, getting down from this tower would take quite some time. It was dangerous here, too, so Kaim was grateful that Zekrom would take him down.

"Yes. Zekrom likes you too, so I don't mind."

"Then can I take you at your word?"

"Of course."

With N's approval, the two held on to Zekrom's shoulders, just as they had when looking out over the Isshu Region earlier.

After confirming that they were ready, N stood on Zekrom's shoulder as well and spoke.

"Let's go."

Zekrom took flight at N's call.

With the three of them aboard, Zekrom plunged into the thick clouds. Wind whistled through the cloud cover, but Zekrom's power protected them, leaving them almost unaffected.

"Zekrom is protecting you."

"Yes. I can handle this weather."

"What an incredible Legendary Pokémon."

As they spoke, Zekrom landed.

The three climbed down from Zekrom and faced one another.

"Thank you for your help."

"It's all right. We're friends."

"Yes."

"Well, I'll be going. I don't want to stay too long."

"Blue."

"Yes?"

Kaim tossed N a piece of paper as N tried to climb back onto Zekrom's shoulder.

N caught it effortlessly. When he looked at the paper, he found Kaim's contact information written on it.

"I don't know if you have a communication device, but you can use the computers at Pokémon Centers now. Get in touch once in a while."

"Are you sure?"

"Come on, it'd be strange not to have your friend's contact information."

"Oh, right. Yes, of course."

"That's that, then. You're leaving."

"Yes. I'll be off."

"You don't have any human friends, do you?"

N looked a little confused by Kaim's question, and Kaim let out a deep sigh.

N didn't think he had said anything wrong, but Kaim had clearly grown displeased.

"?"

"We're friends, right?"

"Then what do you say?"

"See you."

Two simple words. Yet they carried Kaim's wish to meet N again.

I want to see you again. When N understood that, he couldn't help smiling with delight.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing. I didn't expect you to say that to me."

"Shut up."

"All right."

"Yeah. See you."

"You too, Cynthia. Let's meet again. I'd like to talk with you more."

"Yes. I'd like to hear more of your story, too."

"Yes. Thank you. See you later!"

With that, N departed.

Cynthia and Kaim watched N and Zekrom until they disappeared from view.

"He's gone."

Cynthia spoke as they stood there, left behind.

Cynthia and Kaim would return to the Sinnoh Region the day after tomorrow. Unless N came to Sinnoh, they wouldn't see him again until next year at the earliest. The thought alone left her feeling a little lonely.

"This isn't goodbye forever. We'll see him again."

"I like how you can separate things like that."

"I can't match you."

"But did you get anything out of your conversation with N?"

Cynthia knew Kaim and N had been discussing something. She didn't know what it was, but once their conversation ended, something seemed to have been resolved.

"Well."

"What were you talking about?"

"It's simple. I can't break this bad habit overnight. So I'll start by trusting the people around me. That's all."

"That's the first step toward change."

"Exactly."

"I believe you can do it. You, of all people."

"I'll take your word for it."

Cynthia took Kaim's hand, and he swung hers back.

They walked over to where Iris and Shaka were waiting.

After they left, the now-silent Dragonport Immortal Tower stood quietly overlooking the Isshu Region.

Two hours had passed since they came down from the Dragonport Immortal Tower.

Cynthia, Kaim, and Alice were preparing to return to Saba Town.

"Thank you for making time for us today."

"Not at all."

Cynthia thanked Shaka, the manager of the Dragonport Immortal Tower, and shook his hand.

Kaim's Staraptor and Salamence stood by, ready to fly at any moment.

"Kaim."

"Ah, yes. What is it?"

Shaka called out to Kaim, who was stroking Staraptor.

"I hope we'll meet again."

As he spoke, Shaka held out his hand.

Kaim, a fellow Pokémon Gym trainer, seemed troubled.

"Yes."

"Let's have a battle the next time we meet."

Kaim's eyes widened.

Cynthia hadn't told Shaka about Kaim's troubles. Iris probably hadn't, either. Iris had a childish, talkative side, but she wasn't so immature that she would blurt things out without permission. That was why Cynthia doubted she would casually discuss something so important to Kaim.

Yet Shaka had seen through Kaim's worries at a glance. As expected of someone who had spent many years as a Gym Leader, his insight surpassed even Cynthia's.

"...Yes."

"Good. You look much better. Let's both keep working hard."

"Yes."

Kaim took Shaka's hand and shook it.

Just as Iris finished saying goodbye and prepared to leave, she sensed an immense presence approaching.

The other three sensed it immediately as well and turned their eyes in that direction. Then a huge white shape appeared.

"Reshiram."

"?"

Just as Cynthia tried to make out what Alice had said, a gust of wind blew through, and she instinctively shielded her face with her hands.

When she opened her eyes again, a great white dragon stood before her.

"Are you serious?"

"Wow, it really is Reshiram."

While Cynthia and Kaim stood speechless, Iris rushed over to Reshiram and shouted.

"Tuya!"

At Iris's call, a boy appeared from behind Reshiram. He was about thirteen or fourteen, wearing a red-and-white cap and a blue jacket.

"Long time no see, Alice!"

The boy called Tuya climbed down from Reshiram and began chatting warmly with Iris.

"You startled me! You came out of nowhere."

"Sorry, sorry. It's been a while, Shaka."

"...You look well."

"Yes!"

Then Taoya noticed Cynthia and Kaim and walked over to them.

"Um, sorry for showing up so suddenly. My name is Toya."

"Thank you for being considerate. It certainly surprised me, but I'm fine. I'm Cynthia, and this is my assistant, Kaim."

"N, nice to meet you."

"Yes, likewise."

"So, what happened? You seem to be in quite a hurry."

It seemed they had flown over at Reshiram's top speed. Was there something urgent, or some other reason for their haste?

"That's right! Reshiram sensed Zekrom nearby just now, so we flew over! If Zekrom's here, I thought N would be here, too!"

N. Tengya had indeed said that name.

"N? Why?"

"Kaim, do you know N?"

"I don't know. He's my friend."

"Really?! Do you know where N is now?"

Kaim answered calmly, while Tuya looked desperate.

Cynthia was startled by his expression for a moment, but she quickly guessed that this was the boy who had brought the Team Plasma incident to an end, and began to speak.

"Sorry, but we don't know where he is."

"I see..."

Cynthia felt a little sorry for the visibly dejected Taoya, but there was nothing she could do. It was the truth. Kaim continued.

"He did head south with Zekrom, though. I don't know if you'll catch up with him, but he hasn't been gone long. You might be able to find him."

"South! Got it!"

Tuya immediately jumped onto Reshiram, ready to head south.

"Hey."

"Yes?"

Kaim called out to the impatient Tuya.

"I'll let you know if I hear anything, though I don't know when he'll contact me."

"Oh, that's all right. I'll tell him myself! Thanks for your concern."

"All right. Good luck, then."

"Sorry for rushing off! See you somewhere else! Let's go, Reshiram!"

With that, Tuya departed.

He had stayed for less than five minutes. What could she say? The boy was like a whirlwind.

"Incredible. He's definitely a hero."

"Heh, that's right. And it seems he still has a great deal of untapped talent."

"Tuya really is strong! I wonder if I could beat him now."

"That boy is extraordinarily gifted. I still remember our battle vividly."

Once their conversation ended, Kaim put on his goggles and mounted Staraptor. Seeing this, Iris and Cynthia climbed onto Salamence's back.

"Shall we head home, then?"

"Yeah! See you later, little brother!"

"Be careful. Cynthia, Kaim, you're welcome back anytime."

"Thank you very much. We'll meet again someday."

"Until next time."

"Goodbye!"

Salamence and Staraptor took flight together and headed toward Saba Town.

Left behind, Shaka waved as he watched the young people who would shoulder the future fly away.

Two days later.

After a stay of less than half a month, the two returned to the Sinnoh Region.

For Kaim, it had been a new step forward, a resolve to overcome the highest wall standing before him.