Thunder And Flames (N x Reader)

Truth Route [8]

So Reshiram isn't at Dragonspiral Tower.

You had searched pretty much the entire tower just in case N had been wrong, but there wasn't even a clue.

Let's see...where else to look? The museum in Nacrene City might have something, but there's construction on Skyarrow Bridge, and the Gym Leader has requested that nobody tries to approach from the sky.

The Gym Leader in Opelucid might know a thing or two, but he surely wouldn't give out that kind of information to just anyone.

Still, it's better than nothing, so you decide to go to Opelucid. It isn't far from where you are now, so why don't we walk?

You're crossing Tubeline Bridge, a unique bridge built above a railroad. As a result, the bridge rattles a bit whenever a train goes by.

The people around you are upbeat, looking down at the trains and smiling with their Pokémon.

Hm...when you see people and Pokémon interact like that, it's hard to believe they'd need liberating. They seem so happy.

You think about what Zekrom told you.

"You should think about what you believe, not what others want you to believe."

It seems like everyone's got advice for you.

You make it across Tubeline Bridge and through the short Route 9 in order to get to Opelucid City.

Opelucid is a modern city with tall skyscrapers made of slick steel and neon lights. The only rustic building in sight is the Gym, which resembles a small castle. And atop a mountain, looming over the city and the destroyed Route 10 is the Pokémon League itself, where Team Plasma fell two years ago.

The Gym Leader, Drayden, is probably at the Gym, but if you go in he might expect you to battle him.

Still, he's the only lead you've got, being a dragon-type master and all that, so you head over to the Gym.

The inside is like a noble's home, with marble flooring and large, stone dragons climbing up the room until they reach a platform at the top.

However, as much as you'd like to wander around this magnificent Gym, a man with sunglasses tells you the Gym Leader is elsewhere.

That's probably a blessing in disguise, since you are not there for a challenge. You decide to wander around the city in the hopes of finding Drayden.

Luckily, you find him quickly, standing by the gate to Route 10, even though the route is inaccessible.

"Um, excuse me," you say, carefully approaching the man. "Are you the Opelucid Gym Leader?"

The man turns around, bearing a gruff expression and a beard that looks like it could stab someone. (He's also preeeetty toned but we're not gonna talk about that.)

"Yes, that would be me. What do you want?" He turns around, crossing his arms tightly over his chest.

You feel a bit more nervous under his sharp gaze than usual; it's like talking to Ghetsis.

"I...wanted to ask a question-"

"What is it." He sounds accusing and irritated with you, even though it's only been a few seconds.

Ok Y/N, get it together. You've got this.

"About Reshiram, the Pokémon of Truth," you say, more confident thanks to my awesome encouragement. "Whereabouts would I find any information about it?"

Drayden narrows his eyes. "Why do you seek such information? As the Opelucid Gym Leader, it is my responsibility to keep all track of all the legends and stories of the Unova Region. As such, I cannot give out what I know to just anyone. I must test you first."

Great. A battle. Just what we wanted.

He pulls out a Pokéball and tosses it into the air, a Haxorus coming out.

The large Pokémon is green, with razor-sharp scales and axe-like horns. It roars, and Drayden waits for you to send out your Pokémon.

More than a little uncertain, you let Liepard out, and the battle begins.

Haxorus is strong. Crazy strong. As expected from the final Gym Leader.

Liepard is strong too though, and she's doing her best to fend off against the larger Pokémon.

"A Liepard, huh?" Drayden stands beside you, nodding at your Pokémon. "Is that your only Pokémon?"

"I have an Unfezant with me, but it isn't mine," you say without thinking.

"Borrowing a Pokémon, hm?"

Haxorus slashes at Liepard, who dodges.

"So, why do you wish to know about Reshiram?"

What would you even say to that if you didn't have to keep it a secret? For a friend? For a boss? For world domination?

"I have my reasons."

He narrows his eyes again, and you think that might have been the wrong thing to say.

"Your own reasons, you say." The gears in his mind click and turn, until he realizes.

He turns on you. "Your Pokémon is Liepard, and you're borrowing another Pokémon... Are you part of Team Plasma?"

You stumble back, surprised at his astute observation.

"You are, aren't you? That's why you want information on Reshiram!" He grabs the collar of your clothing and throws you back.

You land on the hard ground, feeling your knee scrape under your clothes.

"I thought Team Plasma was finally gone, but I was wrong. Let me tell you I have no tolerance for you grunts." He looks to Haxorus, who had stopped battling to listen to its trainer. "Haxorus. Crush them."

All you can do is sit there and watch as Haxorus fires attack after violent attack at your poor Liepard, who manages to narrowly dodge a few attacks.

Liepard can't dodge the last chain of Hyper Beams though, and flies back with a loud cry.

It sends pain all through you to see your beloved partner get hurt like that. You try to get her Pokéball to return her, but Drayden grabs your arm and prevents you from doing so.

Haxorus finishes her off with a harsh slash, leaving Liepard collapsed on the ground.

Only then does Drayden let go of you, walking away with his Haxorus like you're the lowest of peasants.

"Liepard!" Tears in your eyes, you run up to your Pokémon that's barely breathing.

Her eyes are squeezed shut with pain, and she's bleeding through several wounds all over its body.

You carefully take her in your arms, though she's a little heavy. "I'm sorry Liepard. This is all my fault."

But that's not important right now. You can't go to the Pokémon Center here in Opelucid, there's no way Drayden would let you get there. Your best bet is to try to run to Village Bridge.