Ash's Story (Part 4: Kanto and Unova)

Chapter 11

After staying at Team Plasma for a long time, I think it is time to talk to Rood. But when I find him at Liberty Garden, I am surprised to find two people who I can't believe are members of Team Plasma.

"Lord N, it is an honor to meet you here. I shall introduce you to my grandchildren Nate and Rosa here." Rood says.

"It is nice to meet you." Nate and Rosa bow to me, and I can't believe this... Nate and Rosa's family are one of the 18 influential families of Team Alpha, but now they're Team Plasma members?

I say, "Rood, I never knew you had two grandchildren. But it sure is nice to meet you."

Rood says, "Lord N, our goal from Ghetsis is tasking with find information on the Mythical Pokémon Victini so that its power may be used to bring victory for Team Plasma."

"I see. Victini is known as the victory Pokemon." I say, "And this island. Liberty Island... is an island symbol of hope for a world where humans and Pokémon live free."

I close my eyes and say, "Though I've been pondering our mission and Ghetsis's vision for a world without Pokémon trainers. Do you ever question if there's another, less painful way to achieve our goals?"

Rood nods thoughtfully and says, "N, you've always had a deep empathy for Pokémon. It's one of your most admirable qualities. I've had similar thoughts, to be honest."

I look at him with an eager face, "You have, Rood? It's just... seeing trainers part with their Pokémon in Accumula Town and the turmoil it causes them—it doesn't sit right with me."

"I share your concern, N. While Ghetsis believes our methods are necessary to free Pokémon from human exploitation, I wonder if there's room for more compassion in our approach." Rood nods.

I sigh in relief, "I'm glad to hear you say that, Rood. I want to find a way to help trainers and Pokémon understand our cause willingly, without causing pain."

"Your desire for a gentler path is commendable, N. But we must tread carefully. Our loyalty to Ghetsis and Team Plasma is essential, but perhaps we can work to influence our leader in a more compassionate direction."

"While I'm also searching for a way to help trainers and Pokemon understand our cause, I also found something interesting." I say. "Back at Castelia City, I assume you've encountered Burgh? After researching about him, I find that he's a member of a group known as Team Alpha."

Both Nate and Rosa flinch after I mention it, while Rood seems not to be fazed. I say, "Team Alpha has a similar goal to ours, but their methods are quite more aggressive compared to ours."

Rood says, "Why are you asking about this? Are you suspecting me a member of Team Alpha?"

"Of course, not. Rood. Of all the Seven Sages, you are actually the one that I feel like I can get close to, other than Ghetsis of course." I say. "I just want some information about the group."

"Team Alpha is a group formed in a region known as the Sevestar Region. Like we have seven sages, they have 18 families as their watchers and they fight every crime. There isn't any death of Team Plasma, but I heard that other teams have a lot of deaths caused by them."

"And why is Team Plasma not their target? Doesn't that seem fishy?" I ask, and then I notice a Chandelure behind me. I ask, "Rood? What's the meaning of this?"

"Lord N. I'm sorry, I do not wish things to turn out to be this way." Before Rood can have his Chandelure attack me, I say, "Rood, before you attack, I want to ask you, are you really a part of Team Alpha that is spying against Team Plasma?"

Rood closes his eyes and says, "If you want the truth, my family is a part of Team Alpha. Lord N, I'm sorry that I disappointed you."

I say, "You're not disappointing me, Rood. Even if I was adopted by Ghetsis a few years ago, I actually came from a family of Team Alpha."