N's reluctance to become Xia Chi's enemy stemmed not only from his admiration for Xia Chi's ideals, but also from his recognition of Xia Chi's strength.
The earth-shaking spectacle of last night's God War at the Abyssal Ruins still replayed vividly in N's mind.
The power Xia Chi and his Pokémon had displayed had stirred an involuntary trace of fear deep within N.
[N, are you afraid?]
A deep, powerful voice interrupted his thoughts.
N fell briefly speechless.
He reached out and gently stroked the cold, hard, jet-black wings of the dragon beneath him. He did not deny it. "Perhaps... a little."
But then he lifted his head, his gaze piercing the biting wind as he looked toward the rising sun that would soon drive away the darkness entirely.
"But this is my ideal, the path I chose myself and believe in. Whether thorns or a bottomless abyss lie ahead, I will follow it to the end!"
Sensing the strength deep within its Trainer's heart, the dragon beneath him raised its head as well, thunder seeming to brew within its scarlet eyes.
[My hero, none who stand before us can prevail!]
Hearing Zekrom's bold declaration ring out in his mind, N's lips curved into a faint, complicated smile, but he said nothing.
He understood perfectly.
The power he currently commanded was far from enough to realize that lofty ideal.
Beyond the Deoxys he planned to "borrow" from Giovanni, he needed something stronger-a force powerful enough to shock even Xia Chi and his Pokémon.
N's gaze flickered as he looked down at Lacunosa Town, its outline gradually emerging in the faint morning light.
My dear father. Lord Ghetsis.
Let me see what other trump cards you have hidden away through all these years of careful planning.
Setting aside his tangled thoughts,