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

Chapter 25

Two days after the battle, I meet up with the Shadow Triad with Anthea and Concordia. Dia says, "We have managed to save our father's dark self, which is something that we're not a pleasure to do."

"I see... although his words still sting, but it is for the best. Two years later, we'll eventually deal with him. But before that, I want you three to stay by his side and make sure he doesn't do something as big as this one until two years' time."

"We understand." Gina says as they all leave. Concordia says, "So we just need to find the other six sages..."

We head to Route 18, where Rood is located. And it seems that Hilbert and Hilda are also there, perhaps working with Mr. Looker to arrest them. Rood says, "It smells of the sea here. This place has the same ocean smell as where I was born..."

"Grandfather... I still can't believe that you're a part of Team Plasma..." Hilbert says. "I know you tell us that you're just spying because of the request of Team Alpha, but still..."

"Ghetsis wandered the lands of this world all over, collecting knowledge of all kinds while searching for like-minded people. From the moment we met, he understood what I desired." He turns to them. "The ability to understand the minds and the needs of others... This is an ability that everyone needs to survive. My lord N is a kind and excellent person who understands the hearts of Pokémon. But, conversely, perhaps his ability to understand the hearts and feelings of people is not developed enough."

He sighs, "But... Even that was part of the perfection of Ghetsis's plan. When it comes to Ghetsis, I cannot separate the truths from the lies. Someday, if my lord N develops the ability to understand the feelings of people as well as Pokémon, I would like us to gather again. More than anything, I want to see N confront Ghetsis."

"We will like to see that as well, Grandpa..." Hilbert says.

Looker says, "Ah... And now, about Team Plasma... I am an officer of the International Police, and there are so many things you must tell me at once!"

"If that is what you desire..." Rood says with a nod.

"Accept my thanks! Now, Ghetsis notwithstanding, there yet remains but five of the Seven Sages still at large. What is it they are thinking, what it may be they are hoping, this is the information I pursue! Until we meet again!" And then Looker brings Rood into custody, and Hilda says, "So what is going to happen with Grandpa?"

"Don't worry, he will get out. I'm sure of it. Right now there are five more to find." Hilbert says.

In Dreamyard, Gorm decides to jump-scare both Hilbert and Hilda. Gorm says, "Were you surprised? Oh, Trainer-who-destroyed-our-castle, I was quite surprised by you!"

"So you're here.. Gorm..." Hilbert says.

"If you surprise them, both Pokémon and people leave themselves open. While they're in a state of surprise, they can't use their powers like they normally would. Our intention was to surprise people by making our castle appear and showing off the legendary Pokémon... At that moment, we planned to deeply impress people's hearts with the awesome power of Team Plasma and the brilliance of our new world."

"But that doesn't seem to work." Hilda says.

"Now that I've seen the strength of spirit in you and the Gym Leaders, I wonder how effective that strategy would have been, after all. Maybe that strength of spirit is what's needed to take Pokémon to the next level? Hm... I'm sorry to have wasted your time with this silly conversation." He looks up in the sky and says, "My lord N's dream... You were the one who put a stop to that. Please don't ever forget that."

Looker arrives and says, "Regarding Team Plasma... I am an officer of the International Police, and you must satisfy the request for certain information!"