► 0 // application post :: road to viridian
• player •
Name/Alias: Essay
LJ: skorupion
Contact Info: aim // horribee :: msn // lunarwingit@hotmail.com // e-mail // youressayisdue@gmail.com
Previous Characters: Lieutenant Surge and Winona
• canon character •
Name: N Harmonia
Age: 24
Hometown/Region: Formerly a castle surrounding the Pokemon League, Unova. However, he has now finally settled down in a small house in Nuvema.
Class: Team Plasma member. He was sort of their leader in a strange sense, but technically... not. That's gone in detail in the backstory as it is a little complicated. Just in case, I'll basically classify him as a Team Leader.
Team:
Main Team:
Zoroark - ♂ - Grew up with N ever since it was merely a young Zorua. They are tight-knit in a sense, almost like brothers, and N 'recaptured' it once he rose his castle from the Pokemon League once again. It has since never left his side.
Klinklang - Genderless - Caught by N and raised for battle, intended to be released later after his plans came to fruition, but never was. Since the events reached his heart and mind to the point of him even questioning his ideals, he's kept Klinklang as his own Pokemon.
Vanilluxe - ♂ - Same as above.
Carracosta - ♂ - Summoned from a fossil located by Plasma for his own 'temporary' usage. Like Klinklang and Vanilluxe, it was intended to be released after his plans were realized, but never was.
Archeops - ♂ - Same as above.
Boxed, but frequently alternating:
Zekrom - Genderless - Captured during the events of Pokemon Black. [Gone into more detail in backstory as this Pokemon is very important. Considering Zekrom's status as a legendary Pokemon, Zekrom will only be used VERY SPARINGLY and only if necessary. Zekrom will only be used in battles if it was necessary for, say, a big event or something, but otherwise, it is mainly just there for N's traveling.]
Darmanitan - ♂ - Grew up with N alongside his Zoroark (formerly Zorua) and Woobat. They were reunited shortly after the events of B/W.
Swoobat - ⚴ - Same as above, formerly N's Woobat.
He isn't very keen on shoving his Pokemon into a computer unless it's absolutely necessary, or unless he'll be taking them out often. (As mentioned above, he frequently alternates them.) The previous Pokemon he had years ago (Purrloin, Tympole, etc.) were thus released for 'their own sakes' as he went along with the game's events, as N felt that they would be better off in the wild. He is quite alright with his current team anyway.
History:
Let me tell you a story, the story of a boy and his Pokemon.
N was born into a family he is not able to remember as we speak. While it is all a mystery to him, here it is all laid out: he was an Opelucid boy. He was born to a single mother who had just recently broken up with her boyfriend, the mother being only nineteen years of age. She didn't want a child, yet N, this little mistake of hers, came into this world. She was too late to abort him.
She kept him anyway, but it didn't last too long. N grew up with her for five years of his life, and just before he could get into kindergarten, his mother decided that she wasn't going to deal with him anymore. She got rid of the boy, the boy who was once not named N, but rather, a name that he yet cannot remember. All he could possibly pronounce or recall about his name was letter 'N'.
N was left all alone. He wasn't left alone in an orphanage, a foster home, or anything of the sort. Goodness no. He was left alone in the woods where absolutely no one could possibly find him, or so one may think. All N had left from his mother was the clothing on his back. He had nothing else to remember her by.
N was still young. He couldn't fathom what happened to him except that mommy wasn't with him. He wandered aimlessly around the forest, wailing and calling for the mommy that never really cared to find him again. He was alone with no one to love or support him. He was in a hopeless spot. One would think that any child left out in the woods would surely die if they weren't found by another human being.
A human wasn't the first living being to find young N, however. He managed only a day and a night alone. He woke up the next day in a place he didn't recognize: a small cave somewhere near the forest, yet still within the deep wilderness.
N was confused, but didn't oppose to being out of the dirt. He looked around to find out the source of what brought him here. He was quick to find said source nearby, picking off some leaves and twigs from fresh-picked forest berries. They were none other than Pokemon, specifically a Woobat, a Darmanitan, and a Zorua. N had never seen such creatures before, and so he was naturally hesitant.
It was only once Zorua approached with a Pecha berry on his head that he finally felt at ease. N accepted the berry and shared it with the other three Pokemon. He was glad to have food in his stomach, let alone the idea that he met three new friends! He felt very happy. He did love making new friends, after all. Not only that, but they were now his new family if they were going to be helping to take care of him.
From then on, the group of four proved to be inseparable. Darmanitan, Zorua, Woobat, and N all journeyed through the forest together, finding shelter, eating berries, and drinking spring water to take care of themselves. They bathed in ponds and showered under the occasional waterfall, dealing with what nature had to offer them. They even met new Pokemon along the way, such as the likes of some Minccino, Patrat, and Blitzle.
N felt surprisingly... okay. It was like being on a constant adventure with his new friends. However difficult it was living in the wild without his mommy, he felt like he could survive if he had these new Pokemon by his side. His friends, his family, and his loved ones.
That is, until they reached a nearby city.
N and the gang found themselves immediately at the hands of discrimination. Children laughed and poked fun at N for being a 'dirty little forest monkey', and then proceeded to try to hit his friends, his Pokemon with twigs and rocks. The children in the city drove them off, back into the forest to go in a different direction, hopefully to some place a little more accepting.
Once they finally ran out of sight, N fell to his knees and started to do what any child naturally would when they were hurt and scared. He began to cry. The first to approach was his precious Zorua. He walked up to N and nuzzled at his cheek, wiping his tears with his fur. Darmanitan approached next to ruffle his hair cheerfully, as if it was never even hurt at all. Woobat then pressed its nose against N's forehead, as if giving him a kiss. It was like his face was being piled with Pokemon, and...
He felt better. He loved it. He slowly began to smile, and then began to start laughing as Zorua licked his cheek. He huddled closely to his friends and snuggled together with them. He was... happy. He was very happy.
And so, it kept on like this. They wandered, they found cities, they left cities, rinse and repeat. N was finding himself interacting less and less with humans, but he didn't think badly of them. Surely there were good humans out there, right? I mean, there just had to be. Unless there really weren't, but... who was he to judge?
That line of thinking was soon to be miserably warped.
N and his Pokemon managed to travel to the city of Icirrus, where they were found on the streets by none other than Ghetsis. N was a little frightened at first, expecting for this big, scary man to start hitting him and yelling at him, yet he did not. Ghetsis took him in instead. He accepted him. He was going to take him as none other than his own son.
Ghetsis wanted to know the boy's name. N, of course, could only remember and pronounce the 'N' part of his name.
It wound up being the name that would stick with him for the rest of his life.
Ghetsis took N and his Pokemon in to his home: a castle surrounding the Pokemon League. It was Ghetsis' surprisingly overwhelming home. He had no one else but himself in those dwellings, although now with N and the Pokemon in the expansive setting, surely that was soon to change.
N grew up for the first few years alone in this castle with no one but Ghetsis and his Pokemon to accompany him for now. His new father always brought new Pokemon to him, which made him feel more than happy. All of these Pokemon, however, had a certain pattern about them: they were all abused by humans. Ghetsis instructed N about how humans could be to Pokemon, how some people could possibly abuse them.
Oh yeah, but Ghetsis made one teeny little change to the fact. Instead of teaching him that only some people were so cruel, he stated that all people treated Pokemon poorly. Humans and Pokemon shouldn't even possibly mingle. To make it all worse, N believed those tales. The fact that N was treated badly by a few humans along his previous travels made him feel that his father was telling the truth. Besides, he trusted him. He was, in fact, his precious daddykins, right? Right.
When N was only 10, Ghetsis began to bring along people to live in the castle. People who believed in Ghetsis' goal. The young N was told of this goal being to protect Pokemon. However, that was all a lie: the real plan was a long, thought-out plan of domination. Ghetsis was going to use his son for this, but he would need to perform some preparation and wait for N to come of age.
N was blissfully unaware of the havoc that was soon to be wrought years from that time. For now, he just continued to play basketball and skateboard in the safety of his home, constantly surrounded by Pokemon abused by humans. Ghetsis' plan was working so far, at least the part of getting N to fall for the ruse that all humans were cruel to Pokemon. N began to adapt to this belief, feeling that it was the right thing to do to protect Pokemon from vile humans.
He grew up, sheltered for the most part, rarely contacting humans at all, if ever. He reached 21, becoming a full-fledged adult, and by then, everything was ready. N walked down that carpet, walked to that throne where his father awaited him, and felt that shining golden crown get placed on his head.
He was being crowned for the newly-formed Team Plasma. He and his father decided on the plan of freeing Pokemon from humans. How? Using the power of the legendary Pokemon Zekrom, the electric dragon of myth.
Plasma's first move was to head to Accumula Town to begin their first 'seminar' of sorts to speak of their supposed mission. N followed, yet remained acting as if he was one of the ordinary townsfolk. N had a plan to follow. He needed to be a little sneaky about it, or else those terrible humans would put a stop to his mission to protect his friends.
Soon enough, Ghetsis concluded his speech and Plasma dispelled, heading for a new area. N was just about to leave himself to continue his part of the plan. That is, until he caught a glimpse of someone that would change the fate of his ideas forever: a novice Pokemon Trainer named Whitlea and her Snivy. Oh, and Cheren, I guess. He was quick to notice something about her Snivy. It actually seemed... alright being around her. He was getting curious. He wanted to see and hear more of what Snivy had to offer about its trainer.
The two battled. Of course, Whitlea came out on top. N was amazed, having seen something in her Snivy that he hadn't seen in a Pokemon in his life. He saw... dedication. Happiness. A love for its trainer. He saw a Pokemon content with being commanded rather than suffering. It was a new feeling, a different feeling. Weren't all humans cruel to Pokemon? Then why was this Snivy looking so happy with this girl?
... He wasn't going to dwell on that. He tried hard not to. He still had a mission to fulfill.
He left. As some of Team Plasma did, he headed for his next destination, the next phase of his plan: Nacrene City. He was rushing for the museum. He wanted to find the one item that would summon the Pokemon he sought. Would the museum have the precious item he was looking for? Everything seemed to point to the idea, yet he still wasn't sure. Maybe he would get lucky, maybe not. It was worth a try.
He was proven to be unlucky. The Dark Stone wasn't here. Pity. All that remained was the Light Stone, and that... that was not meant to be. Zekrom was meant to be his. This Whitlea... he wondered what power she could possibly contain. To make him feel as if his ideals were softly shaken... perhaps there was something important to her. Was this Light Stone meant for her?
Hm. Maybe this did resemble something from the past, something so very prophetic, considering the ancient heroes and their roles with Reshiram and Zekrom.
That just meant that he needed to search for another area for his own half of the deal. In the meantime, he sent a command to Plasma: retrieve the Dragon Skull inside of the museum. The skull is a showcasing of a Pokemon's death, something that he found ghastly and terrible. He felt that it must be 'rescued' immediately, even after its perishing.
After N issued his command and left the museum, he caught sight of that girl again. That girl, Whitlea, was here again. He grew curious. He wanted to know if she, too, wanted to see a world where Pokemon could remain in peace without suffering. He initiated another battle with her, only to sadly lose a second time. This girl... This girl was a good trainer. Good at battling, at least, but was she truly good? Her Snivy and her other Pokemon contradicted his beliefs, and yet his ideals felt so solid. He couldn't see it any other way.
At the same time, he was beginning to feel them crumble. He still shook his head and refused to let go, however, and continued on his way. His next destination was in Nimbasa with some of his grunts. He demanded for the rest of Plasma to head to Castelia City next, and asked his father if he could possibly oversee them while he headed in a different path. They agreed and parted ways from there.
N stayed at Nimbasa and took a seat for some cotton candy, a food he certainly enjoyed. He needed a small break, but only a small one. He had a plan to enact. At the same time, though... he wanted to wait for this Whitlea girl. If she was after gym badges, surely she'd be heading here after Castelia. He didn't know how long that would take, though. If it took too long, he would abandon the idea of trying to meet with her here.
He never abandoned it. She was quick to show her face and even defeat some of his companions. He was somewhat expecting that. Of course, that would surprisingly play in his favor. He did want to talk to her, after all.
He approached her and tried to convince her that he noticed Plasma heading for the center of the park. He lead her there, only to find that- according to plan- they weren't there. "Let's ride the ferris wheel and look for them there," he offered. He enjoyed ferris wheels, not to mention that Whitlea would have no choice but to sit down and listen to him there anyway.
He explained it all from there: he's Team Plasma's king. He and Ghetsis aimed to save Pokemon together. The gist of his plan was now revealed to Whitlea, and deep down, he was hoping she would understand. Of all humans, he didn't feel like he minded her too much. She seemed... nicer than most humans, which was a welcoming sight.
The ride ended, and Plasma grunts were quick to approach to check on their king. N ordered for them to leave, stating that he would protect them. He and Whitlea battled yet again, and again, he lost. So be it. He still felt he could gain the power to change everything. He told Whitlea everything: he would surpass the champion. He would take the Pokemon League under his wing so that no one could stop him from liberating Pokemon from all trainers. The only way Whitlea can possibly stop him? Collect all of the badges and reach the Pokemon League.
Maybe his earlier thought of the heroic relation really held some water.
He turned tail and left. A nagging part of his soul told him to turn back, and yet most of him refused. He kept on walking. After sending orders yet again to Plasma and Ghetsis to head near Driftveil, he left. His next destination? Chargestone Cave.
He didn't have to be inside waiting for far too long. His Plasma cohorts, the Shadow Triad, quickly lead Whitlea over to him upon her entry into Chargestone. He spoke with her, informed her that Ghetsis and his grunts were now awaiting her challenge after the Driftveil encounter, and told her of his and Plasma's investigations of her and her friends. He'd grown curious about Whitlea and her band of friends, not to mention that they were threatening to throw a wrench in their plans.
He left her again to battle his grunts, left for the end of the cave. He awaited her there, expecting her to make it, but hoping that she would at the very least give up. He sensed something positive in her, and yet having his plans ruined... he couldn't exactly have that happen either.
She made it after all. Again, they battled. Again, he lost. Again, he felt the confliction he kept on feeling every time he'd encountered this girl. How, oh how was this girl making him feel like he should abandon his ideals?! He was not going to do that under any cost. He refused. He was going to stick to it for his friends. He couldn't let those dastardly humans hurt Pokemon anymore!!
And how... how was he losing so much on his quest to free them?!
His thoughts were interrupted once Bianca and Professor Juniper entered the area, to N's surprise. So this was Unova's professor, the maker of Unova's horrible Pokedex. Mistaken beliefs, arbitrary rules that humans place Pokemon within... it was terrible, and he verbally opposed to that in front of her. He was clearly upset. He couldn't stand to let this world of humans remain as idiotic as it was now, to keep Pokemon under such confinement within the hands of these people!
He finally left the cave. Hmph. He had more important things to be doing than meddling with the professor anyhow.
N commanded for Plasma to head for Icirrus City. Maybe there, he would find what he was seeking.
Of course, he himself proved to be a little too slow. He'd entered Mistralton City just as Whitlea had left the gym. An inevitable confrontation, it seemed, and he stepped over to initiate it.
He asked Whitlea's Pokemon specifically: what kind of trainer is Whitlea?
The Pokemon believed in Whitlea. It enjoyed her company. It liked her. He was honestly astonished, yet pleased to see a Pokemon left unabused, but rather, loved by a human. At least one Pokemon was spared the awful fate of being treated cruelly. He even admitted this to Whitlea: it pained him a little to know that when he'd separate Pokemon, he'd separate people like her who treat her Pokemon fairly.
Yet he had to continue with his plan. There was no other way. The Dark Stone was what he and Plasma sought. He was going to awaken the legendary Pokemon and befriend it- specifically, Zekrom, the electric Pokemon of deep black yin. After defeating the Champion and uniting with Zekrom, nothing would stop him. Not even Whitlea, Light Stone obtainment or not.
He left, a deep frown on his face, his heart heavy. Whitlea... did he really want to do this to her? She seemed to love her Pokemon, and her Pokemon seemed to love her. To separate them would be terrible. But what else could he do? He had to save the Pokemon. He had to save the Pokemon. He had to save them.
... Icirrus. Beyond Icirrus. That's where he was going. He still had to keep on his path. He wouldn't stray from it, no matter what. He needed to go to his destination: Dragonspiral Tower, where the legendary Pokemon Zekrom slumbers!
He was quick to reach the tower and commanded for Plasma to keep guard of the place. He was so close to Zekrom that he could just taste his dream becoming a reality. He felt his heart pump within him. He was so thrilled, so excited. He didn't know what else to think anymore except for that his plan was coming to fruition.
He retrieved the Dark Stone. The stone was quickly enveloped in a deep shine, surprising N just slightly, yet thrilling him much more. He grinned happily as Zekrom awoke from its slumber and landed before him with a thunderous roar. Zekrom, at long last...
And here came Whitlea. Typical. He explained to her all that he needed to: if she wished to battle against him, he and she should become equal. She should find Reshiram, the counterpart to Zekrom, and find him at the Pokemon League. Only then will he challenge her, and only then will they battle like the prophetic heroes before them!
He hopped onto Zekrom's back and took off. Next stop: the Pokemon League. He had to battle the Elite Four and the Champion, Alder, to rightfully take the position of champion. With Zekrom at his side, surely he wouldn't lose.
He didn't. He defeated Alder with the legendary Pokemon by his side, just when none other than Whitlea had shown up. Yes, he expected this. He truly did. And now it was time for destiny to take effect. It was time... for the final battle.
He summoned his castle. With a great rumble, the palace surrounding the league rose, the skies growing dark and dreary. It was time. The final battle was going to happen here and now. The two trainers with two different goals... it was finally time to see who would come out on top! Whose ideals would prevail and become reality? N's or Whitlea's?
He waited for her. He knew she would come. He knew that if she had Reshiram, it would all be as planned, and it would all be as fate should have it.
She arrived. Reshiram would not awaken. N was admittedly surprised, yet felt that reality had sunk in: she was not the fated hero meant to combat him. He gave Whitlea two choices: fight a hopeless battle or give in to witness N's plan come to life.
Zekrom entered the room in a flash of electricity. Just then, the Light Stone finally began to react. Reshiram awakened at long, long last, and with a mighty roar, it stood at Whitlea's side. It was time at long last.
They battled a ferocious battle. It was fierce. Fiery. Close. It was everything N had imagined that it would be.
What he didn't imagine, however, was that he would... fail. He lost to her. His plan had crumbled all before his very eyes, and even Zekrom fell to her hand. He felt disheartened. He'd tried to save his precious Pokemon, and yet...
It was then that Ghetsis entered the room. His father, the father he grew to love, scolded him, belittled him, called him worthless and useless, and overall made him lose so, so much faith. N's feeling of being disheartened turned into a feeling of being overall crushed. His father was so upset with him, and not only that, he revealed the real truth: Ghetsis was using him. Ghetsis wanted the legendary Pokemon. He wanted to manipulate the fearful populace and take the world in the palm of his hands.
Ghetsis never wanted to save Pokemon. His ideals, everything he was taught as a child... everything was all a lie. N couldn't understand. He didn't know what to think, what to do. What was right anymore? What was the path he needed to take? Who could he ever trust anymore? All of these questions battered against his mind as Whitlea and Ghetsis initiated the REAL final battle.
Ghetsis lost. Whitlea remained victorious through everything. The Champion and Cheren entered the room. It was then, for the very last time, that N saw his 'father'. Alder made sure to whisk Ghetsis away to get him handed over to the authorities. Alder told him this: humans don't quarrel for the sole purpose of determining who is right. N needed to think about that. N needed to think about a lot of things, he realized.
Whitlea remained. N motioned for her to walk with him. He admitted his feelings as he met her time and time again, how his beliefs began to falter as she reconvinced him that humans and Pokemon could co-exist in harmony. Not only that, but he saw all around him what he never got to see due to Ghetsis: Pokemon and humans all over the region loving each other and protecting each other. They were friends. They were all friends.
He knew what he had to do. He had to take the time to himself and think. He had to find his answers. His life was in his own hands.
He left Whitlea with this: she must follow her dreams. If anyone could achieve their goals, he believed that she would be the one to do so. Her dreams and ideals have the power to change the world.
N disappeared into the sky with Zekrom. He had one place he needed to go before he completely left: a certain forested area he remembered from his childhood. Were they still there, he wondered? Zoroark was at the Pokemon League, yet Darmanitan and Swoobat were nowhere to be found. Where were they?
They were there, after all. He was right. They were enjoying a meal of berries, just like they were when he first met them. He hopped off of Zekrom and ran to tackle them in a big hug, a single tear dropping from his cheek.
He... He still had his friends. He'd lost his father, but he wasn't alone.
And now he had a new journey to begin.
His next stop was to travel farther than before. He needed to see new lands. Maybe there, he would find more that would teach him of how humans were. The first land he happened to encounter on Zekrom was none other than the region of Hoenn, very, very far away from Unova. It was a long, difficult ride to get there, but oh-so-worthwhile. He landed in the city of Slateport specifically. Even here, the people and Pokemon were so happy together, prancing about and going through the booths to look for food and items. The Pokemon here were so new to him, too. It was very interesting.
N then came to the grim realization that he had to place to stay, nor did he have very much money. Well. That proved to be a bit of an issue. He'd be homeless for the time being until he found a solution. At least the one good thing about it was that this wouldn't be the first time, and perhaps it wouldn't be the last either. He brought his Pokemon along with him and took advantage of berries from the routes and water as he did as a little boy. It wasn't the best out there, but it would suffice for now.
N slept for one day in the adjacent, northern route. He then returned to Slateport the next morning, looking for a way to solve his little issue. Upon arriving, he met a man with a little booth of fruits pitched up. With a slight head tilt and a positive comment about the fruit, the man was quick to offer N some... but only for a price. N definitely wanted that fruit, too, and it seemed to be cheap! He dug into his pockets, only to realize that he actually hadn't a single dime.
He frowned upon realizing that, and the man noticed. "Hey. You need some cash, boy? Battle some trainers, they'll give you something."
N paled immediately at the idea of sending his Pokemon out to battle for fun and money. The only times he battled with his Pokemon was in his quest to save them. Was that even right to do?!
Then again, he didn't really know what else to do, and his ideals had already crumbled before him, as did his 'family'. Maybe his Pokemon would want to battle, even. Whitlea's Pokemon sure seemed enthusiastic about her, after all, and she sent them out to battle many a time. Maybe it was worth one try?
After giving thanks to the man, he headed on his way, but not without the man stopping him and giving him some fresh strawberries. "Here, kid. This ought to help you on the road. You don't owe me nothin', you hear?" N froze in his spot, astounded that this human would be so generous. Before he even gave his thanks, he asked him why he would consider to do such a thing for him. The man only replied with, "Hey, you've gotta eat somehow, kid. Can't let you go starving!"
For the first time in a while, N cracked a genuine smile, his heart filled with joy after the generosity this human showed to him. He finally gave him his heart-felt thanks and headed on his way. He did notice some trainers at the northern route. Maybe they'd still be there, or at the very least, more would be there. He headed in that direction.
Route 110 would be the area he would have his first battle as not only a protector of Pokemon, but as an 'average' trainer. Well, as close as he could get to average. The first one to spot him was a cheerful youngster. "Hey, you look big and strong! You've gotta be a good trainer, huh?! Let's battle!" N showed some reluctance, but managed to accept the boy's offer. The battle began, and to his surprise, Zoroark seemed happy to be battling. This was for fun. It wasn't a battle of cruelty. It was also a battle to help his master on top of it all.
N was amazed at what he sensed from his Pokemon. They... They were happy? They truly didn't mind a battle like this? A battle that felt more leisurely than necessary? At least, it didn't have to be necessary to them, but they wanted to help him. His friends really wanted to help him earn some money to have a roof over his head and food in his stomach.
He was so proud of them and so blessed to have Pokemon like them.
In the end, they won the battle. The trainer he faced even showed such sympathy for his Pokemon that had just gotten injured, and that reached to him and touched his heart. N felt... awful about hurting the boy's Pokemon and apologized profusely, only for the boy to tell him, "It's okay! They'll be fine after a trip to the Pokemon Center. Oh yeah, here's your money!"
The boy gave him 300 PD. In the Pokemon world, that was really only enough for a Poke Ball or some water, but it was something! It was a start. N couldn't help the nagging feeling of guilt after having hurt other Pokemon with his, but Zoroark was quick to lick his cheek with comfort. It was fine. It was going to be fine.
He was just having a difficult time letting go.
N continued on his journey throughout Hoenn, battling trainers and earning some money. His amount was building up nicely, and soon enough, he may even have enough for a house of his own! He dearly hoped so. He would have loved to return to his home region of Unova and finally settle down to be happy. Besides, he did have a certain friend of his that he longed to see again. A certain friend whose Pokemon and spirit opened his eyes and changed his line of thinking. The very girl who touched his heart like no other.
N kept on this journey for the next three years. He needed to build up a lot of money, after all, and yet had to spend even more just to eat, drink, and stop at hotels to spend a night or two. It took him a long time, but he finally cranked up enough cash to be able to move into a small house. It was only really fitting for one person, but that was fine enough for N. He wasn't particularly picky. He didn't need much.
That house just so happened to be back home. Even better, it was in Nuvema Town, the home of the friend he so dearly wished to be reunited with.
He moved into the house with little to no issue. He still had some money to spare, and with that, he had to buy appliances and other things to make a living with. As he did, one little item also caught his eye: a little object called a PNG, one that could be used to contact far beyond simply the Unova region. Of course, it also proved to be good for short-distance messaging, too, and surely he'd need a device like that.
N wasn't the best with technology, but hey, it was worth a shot, right?
Personality:
Idealistic would likely be the best term to describe N in a nutshell. He's a dreamer, and when he dreams, he definitely takes it seriously. He will stop at nothing to accomplish what he feel he must, and it's tough to get him to change his beliefs unless the evidence is truly that solid. If he has firm beliefs in something, he will stick to them no matter what. It takes something powerfully believable to cause N to think otherwise. In some cases, this can be a pleasant quality as N will try his best not to give up when it comes to something right, but it can also be a bad quality on the flipside. Why? Well, when it comes to something catastrophic, he also will try his best not to give up.
Oh yes, and to top that off, if you're against N's beliefs, especially if they're relating to Pokemon in any way, he likely won't be very happy with you. He can quite easily become upset over these things. He's not the type to violently rage at anyone or anything- rather, he's usually quite calm. He still does, however, show when something has made him sad or disappointed, whether it be in words or noises. "Grr... have you no heart?"
On top of that, N's view of the world is misconstrued. Having grown up with Ghetsis as a father and having very little teaching of what's right and what's wrong apart from his kind of did that to him. Humans treating Pokemon well instead of the opposite still has yet to fully register, although he has definitely made long strides in that. In fact, in general, he still isn't quite as comfortable with humans as he is with Pokemon. However, since Black and White's events, he has made leaps and bounds.
Because of his views being a little more odd than most, he is prone to making mistakes and holding a bit of a naivete. He still has a lot to learn, and while he's certainly not dumb at all, he isn't exactly the most knowledgeable about human nature in general. He also doesn't know a lot of things as of yet, even some simpler things such as cooking for himself and other things. (Who lives off of frozen meals? N does, that's who.) He's still learning, although he has certainly improved and will keep on improving.
N is innocent and warm-hearted like a child. From the beginning, his intentions were nothing but exceptional, albeit for the wrong causes with the wrong methods at first. He is a truly caring and collected human being, and he does hold a youthful love for those he considers his 'friends'. When he's with his friends, he's nearly as carefree as any little kid on the playground would be, thinking not of issues for once, but of fun. Happiness. Glee. Everything a child could ever possibly want. He still has the heart of a little boy after having been so sheltered for so long.
Because of this and his naivete, however, he is especially unfamiliar with one certain thing about human nature: romance. He has a lot of issues understanding love and what deep emotions it entails. He doesn't know what the feeling is supposed to be like. He doesn't know what to do if he ever develops these feelings. He may, in fact, even be blind to these feelings entirely. He is also very sexually inexperienced to boot. While he does know what sex is and its reproductive purposes, that's just about the end of it.
Basically, N wouldn't be the biggest expert of love and intimacy on the planet, that's for sure.
If there's any living being N is most familiar with, it's Pokemon. Surely he wouldn't know how to reach out to every kind, but he can communicate better with them and understand them better than he can with humans. He's lived mainly with Pokemon throughout if his life with barely any human contact- that is, sans Ghetsis and Plasma, but we all know how that turned out. Basically, to N, Pokemon are his best friends, and no other living being could possibly warm his heart much more than they can.
If anyone wanted the most to change for the better after Black and White's events, it just may have been N. N's main motivation and drive at this time is to better himself. He's looking forward to getting more answers to how he should live, how to socialize with human beings, and how to restore his life to some semblance of normalcy. He wants to be a good person in society, as a defender of Pokemon and perhaps even a good friend of other people. He wants to improve after the mess he made, and while it's going to be a long ride, he's hanging in there. It's a dream of his to reach that point, after all. Like with any dream, it's one he will stick to like glue.
N is also the type of person to adore physics, mathematics, and anything and everything arithmetic. Even when it comes to things like a ferris wheel, he may just comment about how the formulas are so dynamic and how wonderful the machinery displays them. ... Right. Along with that, he's into sports (namely basketball), skateboarding, playgrounds, and even silly little child-like things like playing with blocks. Once a child, always a child in the case of N. That is one thing he likely will never change about himself.
In short, N's mind is like that of a child. He has a kind and carefree temperament, yet with an innocence and idealistic manner that can surely cause problems for more than just himself. Despite this, however, his intentions are good, and while he isn't the best at human socialization, he is trying his best to get better. He, as a sheltered Pokemon lover, may not have much experience with people, but his main goal in life is to be at least a little more like an average human being.
Not only does he want to improve for himself, but... wouldn't it make his friends, his Pokemon, proud, as well? He could only hope and try.
Sample I:
Minimum: 100 words.
[Prompt IV: You have just had an epiphany that may or may not be life-changing.]
It has been a while since I'd stopped at a cafe, no? Vanilluxe enjoys the atmosphere, although not so much the young children wanting to eat him. He does resemble ice cream more than anything, doesn't he?
[Of course, typical of N to be rambling on and on in a PNG post about such insignificant little happenings. With a grin only a young kid could sport, the man showed himself on video, a happy little double-scoop Pokemon floating just above his head. A crazy smile played on its face, as well, as it shook back and forth happily.
The location? Oh, just a plain old little park. Where in the world has N traveled to this time?
He gestures to the Pokemon hanging above him.] I would say that they don't call the species 'Vanilluxe' for nothing then. If he wasn't a Pokemon, he would be quite appetizing, but... I couldn't possibly imagine the thought of... that.
[Vanilluxe seemed to be uncaring about the babbling. He was just having fun with his little dance.]
One child, though... He almost reminded me of myself. He was talking to his father in a way that I'd spoken to mine many years ago. [His smile quickly dissipates. He isn't exactly frowning, but he is definitely not smiling anymore either.] About the Pokemon... and wondering if it would hurt to take a taste of him.
[He looks over to Vanilluxe idly, his attention no longer on the PNG. Yet he kept on talking.] When he'd been told that it would harm him, the look on his face was upsetting. He cares for Pokemon nearly as much as I do. They are wonderful creatures, and I could never, ever harm them either. It was very endearing.
[He glanced back to the PNG, and then back to Vanilluxe, who was now floating in front of him. Suddenly, he blinks with a bit of a head tilt. The look on his face makes it seem as if something just dawned on him.]
I still am this way today. I wonder... I wonder still how much I have really grown? Being exposed to this world in new ways has taught me very much over the years, yet... would people still say I am like a child? Am I of age to be considered as mature as the numbers say? [He watched Vanilluxe as he swirled around a little.]
What say you?
[Vanilluxe finally stops moving around and looks over to N. They bounce up and down happily, as if saying that he's just fine the way he is. N's lips curl upward and a small chuckle can be heard. His sweet Pokemon... he knew he could depend on them for support. He gave the ice cream creature a stroke on the rightmost head.]
But I suppose that doesn't matter. Whatever may be, I realize that ones like you are my reason for thinking this way. Even if I remain childlike to others... [His smile grows.] It is no matter. I have you and the others... my friend.
[In response, Vanilluxe only squeaks. N reaches over, his eyes still on his cheery buddy, and ends the feed right there.
He feels that no matter what, as long as his Pokemon are at his side, he will be the happiest man- or child in a man's body- on this Earth.]
Sample II:
Minimum: 200 words.
[Prompt II: You have encountered a rare or otherwise desirable Pokémon, but have no Pokéballs on hand.]
This was it. The Giant Chasm, a frigid and well-talked about landmark, especially in the poorly-populated Lacunosa Town. The townsfolk speak of a Pokemon terrifying enough to cause the building of a great wall around the small city. The Pokemon spoken of in legend, the one that supposedly landed near Lacunosa on a meteorite, one that wanted to eat any and every living being in its sight: Kyurem.
N silently, cautiously stepped through the once-beautiful land outside of the cavern. The land no longer contained lush green grass and viridian trees. Anything and everything green and beyond kept a coating of sheer ice. All of it must have been Kyurem's doing, he supposed. Was it to mark its own territory or to capture prey? The legends did speak of it being a vicious hunter, after all.
It was no matter. Regardless, N felt prepared. More than prepared. He was going to help this Pokemon see the light so humans and Kyurem could get along in harmony. Kyurem deserved to eat, yes, but it was a Pokemon. If someone- say, he himself- captured Kyurem, he could supply it with all of the nutrients and treats it would need, just in the form of berries. It would suffice, hopefully.
N may not succeed, but he was going to try anyway.
He stepped inside daringly, yet carefully. He felt himself subconsciously tip-toeing his bangles clanking ever so gently on his wrist. It may not be enough for a human to hear immediately, but Pokemon are sometimes known to have much better hearing.
N smiled softly when he heard of a hungry rumble from within. He climbed up a couple of rocks, trying to get a better look around. From there, he was able to see what he was looking for. It was none other than Reshiram and Zekrom's more violent counterpart, staring hungrily and defensively in his direction. It was clear that it wanted his cold, drooling maw around this delicious mint-haired morsel. To Kyurem, N was like the best salt water taffy a Pokemon could have. Chewy and satisfying.
The young trainer would not be deterred from the rather heavy implications. He took a few more steps forward and gave a friendly nod. Kyurem didn't change its threatening position in the slightest, yet he continued.
"Hello there. I would assume that you're Kyurem, yes? The one Lacunosa's mythology speaks of..."
Kyurem made a move and stepped ever so slightly closer like a panther on the hunt. It grumbled and licked its lips, its appetite becoming hard to control. N saw this. N knew this was risky. He even found himself taking a step back or so. It wasn't time to give up yet, though. This was daring, risky, and overall dangerous, but this Pokemon wasn't a bad Pokemon. To N, bad Pokemon did not exist. It was just trying to eat what it knew to eat, what it liked. He understood that.
He chuckled. "I see. Do you perhaps want to... eat me?" He shoved a hand into his pocket idly. "I understand. You must be hungry, are you not? I could get you some food, if you'd like, if you won't eat us humans." Of course, N had to phrase this in a way that would keep this precious creature from being harmed by the humans who weren't so friendly. "I am your friend. Other humans may like to be your friends, as well, but not all humans take to ones like you so kindly... which is a dear shame."
Kyurem tilted its head slightly. It at least seemed to refrain from attacking, but that could only be for a time. It was listening to him, though, so he hoped.
"I would like to help you. Kyurem, I ask you... do you want friends? I hope it isn't too lonely in here." N nodded and took another step forward again, resuming his original position. "If you are lonely, though... you do have a friend in me. I would like to be your friend, Kyurem. Would it make you happy? It mustn't be easy to trust a human, but I assure you that I don't bite."
Kyurem took a step back. It still seemed to be defensive, but it didn't seem to be ready to eat him yet. Maybe this was a chance. N grinned. "If you wish to accept me, then I'll accept you."
He reached for a Poke Ball and threw it, or... that was the intention. However, ocne he felt for the balls on his belt, he realized a terrible thing. He was not as well-prepared as he once thought. He had no Poke Balls.
"... Ah. What a misfortune." N seemed pretty flustered. Of all things, he showed such a display of terrible memory around such an esteemed and stunning creature! That was simply disagreeable and settled uneasily within the pit of his stomach. He felt like he failed to Kyurem.
Kyurem didn't seem to be very joyed with this turn of events either. It snarled bitterly and flapped its mighty wings with warning. Get out, or you will be my supper, imbecile.
This mission for Pokemon peace proved to be a failure, that's for certain. Now N just had to focus on getting out without getting harmed. He turned heel and ran out of the cavern before Kyurem could attack, leaving behind an agitated Pokemon with a monstrous appetite.
Next time, he wasn't going to triple-check his supply. He was going to quadruple-check.
Name/Alias: Essay
LJ: skorupion
Contact Info: aim // horribee :: msn // lunarwingit@hotmail.com // e-mail // youressayisdue@gmail.com
Previous Characters: Lieutenant Surge and Winona
• canon character •
Name: N Harmonia
Age: 24
Hometown/Region: Formerly a castle surrounding the Pokemon League, Unova. However, he has now finally settled down in a small house in Nuvema.
Class: Team Plasma member. He was sort of their leader in a strange sense, but technically... not. That's gone in detail in the backstory as it is a little complicated. Just in case, I'll basically classify him as a Team Leader.
Team:
Main Team:
Zoroark - ♂ - Grew up with N ever since it was merely a young Zorua. They are tight-knit in a sense, almost like brothers, and N 'recaptured' it once he rose his castle from the Pokemon League once again. It has since never left his side.
Klinklang - Genderless - Caught by N and raised for battle, intended to be released later after his plans came to fruition, but never was. Since the events reached his heart and mind to the point of him even questioning his ideals, he's kept Klinklang as his own Pokemon.
Vanilluxe - ♂ - Same as above.
Carracosta - ♂ - Summoned from a fossil located by Plasma for his own 'temporary' usage. Like Klinklang and Vanilluxe, it was intended to be released after his plans were realized, but never was.
Archeops - ♂ - Same as above.
Boxed, but frequently alternating:
Zekrom - Genderless - Captured during the events of Pokemon Black. [Gone into more detail in backstory as this Pokemon is very important. Considering Zekrom's status as a legendary Pokemon, Zekrom will only be used VERY SPARINGLY and only if necessary. Zekrom will only be used in battles if it was necessary for, say, a big event or something, but otherwise, it is mainly just there for N's traveling.]
Darmanitan - ♂ - Grew up with N alongside his Zoroark (formerly Zorua) and Woobat. They were reunited shortly after the events of B/W.
Swoobat - ⚴ - Same as above, formerly N's Woobat.
He isn't very keen on shoving his Pokemon into a computer unless it's absolutely necessary, or unless he'll be taking them out often. (As mentioned above, he frequently alternates them.) The previous Pokemon he had years ago (Purrloin, Tympole, etc.) were thus released for 'their own sakes' as he went along with the game's events, as N felt that they would be better off in the wild. He is quite alright with his current team anyway.
History:
Let me tell you a story, the story of a boy and his Pokemon.
N was born into a family he is not able to remember as we speak. While it is all a mystery to him, here it is all laid out: he was an Opelucid boy. He was born to a single mother who had just recently broken up with her boyfriend, the mother being only nineteen years of age. She didn't want a child, yet N, this little mistake of hers, came into this world. She was too late to abort him.
She kept him anyway, but it didn't last too long. N grew up with her for five years of his life, and just before he could get into kindergarten, his mother decided that she wasn't going to deal with him anymore. She got rid of the boy, the boy who was once not named N, but rather, a name that he yet cannot remember. All he could possibly pronounce or recall about his name was letter 'N'.
N was left all alone. He wasn't left alone in an orphanage, a foster home, or anything of the sort. Goodness no. He was left alone in the woods where absolutely no one could possibly find him, or so one may think. All N had left from his mother was the clothing on his back. He had nothing else to remember her by.
N was still young. He couldn't fathom what happened to him except that mommy wasn't with him. He wandered aimlessly around the forest, wailing and calling for the mommy that never really cared to find him again. He was alone with no one to love or support him. He was in a hopeless spot. One would think that any child left out in the woods would surely die if they weren't found by another human being.
A human wasn't the first living being to find young N, however. He managed only a day and a night alone. He woke up the next day in a place he didn't recognize: a small cave somewhere near the forest, yet still within the deep wilderness.
N was confused, but didn't oppose to being out of the dirt. He looked around to find out the source of what brought him here. He was quick to find said source nearby, picking off some leaves and twigs from fresh-picked forest berries. They were none other than Pokemon, specifically a Woobat, a Darmanitan, and a Zorua. N had never seen such creatures before, and so he was naturally hesitant.
It was only once Zorua approached with a Pecha berry on his head that he finally felt at ease. N accepted the berry and shared it with the other three Pokemon. He was glad to have food in his stomach, let alone the idea that he met three new friends! He felt very happy. He did love making new friends, after all. Not only that, but they were now his new family if they were going to be helping to take care of him.
From then on, the group of four proved to be inseparable. Darmanitan, Zorua, Woobat, and N all journeyed through the forest together, finding shelter, eating berries, and drinking spring water to take care of themselves. They bathed in ponds and showered under the occasional waterfall, dealing with what nature had to offer them. They even met new Pokemon along the way, such as the likes of some Minccino, Patrat, and Blitzle.
N felt surprisingly... okay. It was like being on a constant adventure with his new friends. However difficult it was living in the wild without his mommy, he felt like he could survive if he had these new Pokemon by his side. His friends, his family, and his loved ones.
That is, until they reached a nearby city.
N and the gang found themselves immediately at the hands of discrimination. Children laughed and poked fun at N for being a 'dirty little forest monkey', and then proceeded to try to hit his friends, his Pokemon with twigs and rocks. The children in the city drove them off, back into the forest to go in a different direction, hopefully to some place a little more accepting.
Once they finally ran out of sight, N fell to his knees and started to do what any child naturally would when they were hurt and scared. He began to cry. The first to approach was his precious Zorua. He walked up to N and nuzzled at his cheek, wiping his tears with his fur. Darmanitan approached next to ruffle his hair cheerfully, as if it was never even hurt at all. Woobat then pressed its nose against N's forehead, as if giving him a kiss. It was like his face was being piled with Pokemon, and...
He felt better. He loved it. He slowly began to smile, and then began to start laughing as Zorua licked his cheek. He huddled closely to his friends and snuggled together with them. He was... happy. He was very happy.
And so, it kept on like this. They wandered, they found cities, they left cities, rinse and repeat. N was finding himself interacting less and less with humans, but he didn't think badly of them. Surely there were good humans out there, right? I mean, there just had to be. Unless there really weren't, but... who was he to judge?
That line of thinking was soon to be miserably warped.
N and his Pokemon managed to travel to the city of Icirrus, where they were found on the streets by none other than Ghetsis. N was a little frightened at first, expecting for this big, scary man to start hitting him and yelling at him, yet he did not. Ghetsis took him in instead. He accepted him. He was going to take him as none other than his own son.
Ghetsis wanted to know the boy's name. N, of course, could only remember and pronounce the 'N' part of his name.
It wound up being the name that would stick with him for the rest of his life.
Ghetsis took N and his Pokemon in to his home: a castle surrounding the Pokemon League. It was Ghetsis' surprisingly overwhelming home. He had no one else but himself in those dwellings, although now with N and the Pokemon in the expansive setting, surely that was soon to change.
N grew up for the first few years alone in this castle with no one but Ghetsis and his Pokemon to accompany him for now. His new father always brought new Pokemon to him, which made him feel more than happy. All of these Pokemon, however, had a certain pattern about them: they were all abused by humans. Ghetsis instructed N about how humans could be to Pokemon, how some people could possibly abuse them.
Oh yeah, but Ghetsis made one teeny little change to the fact. Instead of teaching him that only some people were so cruel, he stated that all people treated Pokemon poorly. Humans and Pokemon shouldn't even possibly mingle. To make it all worse, N believed those tales. The fact that N was treated badly by a few humans along his previous travels made him feel that his father was telling the truth. Besides, he trusted him. He was, in fact, his precious daddykins, right? Right.
When N was only 10, Ghetsis began to bring along people to live in the castle. People who believed in Ghetsis' goal. The young N was told of this goal being to protect Pokemon. However, that was all a lie: the real plan was a long, thought-out plan of domination. Ghetsis was going to use his son for this, but he would need to perform some preparation and wait for N to come of age.
N was blissfully unaware of the havoc that was soon to be wrought years from that time. For now, he just continued to play basketball and skateboard in the safety of his home, constantly surrounded by Pokemon abused by humans. Ghetsis' plan was working so far, at least the part of getting N to fall for the ruse that all humans were cruel to Pokemon. N began to adapt to this belief, feeling that it was the right thing to do to protect Pokemon from vile humans.
He grew up, sheltered for the most part, rarely contacting humans at all, if ever. He reached 21, becoming a full-fledged adult, and by then, everything was ready. N walked down that carpet, walked to that throne where his father awaited him, and felt that shining golden crown get placed on his head.
He was being crowned for the newly-formed Team Plasma. He and his father decided on the plan of freeing Pokemon from humans. How? Using the power of the legendary Pokemon Zekrom, the electric dragon of myth.
Plasma's first move was to head to Accumula Town to begin their first 'seminar' of sorts to speak of their supposed mission. N followed, yet remained acting as if he was one of the ordinary townsfolk. N had a plan to follow. He needed to be a little sneaky about it, or else those terrible humans would put a stop to his mission to protect his friends.
Soon enough, Ghetsis concluded his speech and Plasma dispelled, heading for a new area. N was just about to leave himself to continue his part of the plan. That is, until he caught a glimpse of someone that would change the fate of his ideas forever: a novice Pokemon Trainer named Whitlea and her Snivy. Oh, and Cheren, I guess. He was quick to notice something about her Snivy. It actually seemed... alright being around her. He was getting curious. He wanted to see and hear more of what Snivy had to offer about its trainer.
The two battled. Of course, Whitlea came out on top. N was amazed, having seen something in her Snivy that he hadn't seen in a Pokemon in his life. He saw... dedication. Happiness. A love for its trainer. He saw a Pokemon content with being commanded rather than suffering. It was a new feeling, a different feeling. Weren't all humans cruel to Pokemon? Then why was this Snivy looking so happy with this girl?
... He wasn't going to dwell on that. He tried hard not to. He still had a mission to fulfill.
He left. As some of Team Plasma did, he headed for his next destination, the next phase of his plan: Nacrene City. He was rushing for the museum. He wanted to find the one item that would summon the Pokemon he sought. Would the museum have the precious item he was looking for? Everything seemed to point to the idea, yet he still wasn't sure. Maybe he would get lucky, maybe not. It was worth a try.
He was proven to be unlucky. The Dark Stone wasn't here. Pity. All that remained was the Light Stone, and that... that was not meant to be. Zekrom was meant to be his. This Whitlea... he wondered what power she could possibly contain. To make him feel as if his ideals were softly shaken... perhaps there was something important to her. Was this Light Stone meant for her?
Hm. Maybe this did resemble something from the past, something so very prophetic, considering the ancient heroes and their roles with Reshiram and Zekrom.
That just meant that he needed to search for another area for his own half of the deal. In the meantime, he sent a command to Plasma: retrieve the Dragon Skull inside of the museum. The skull is a showcasing of a Pokemon's death, something that he found ghastly and terrible. He felt that it must be 'rescued' immediately, even after its perishing.
After N issued his command and left the museum, he caught sight of that girl again. That girl, Whitlea, was here again. He grew curious. He wanted to know if she, too, wanted to see a world where Pokemon could remain in peace without suffering. He initiated another battle with her, only to sadly lose a second time. This girl... This girl was a good trainer. Good at battling, at least, but was she truly good? Her Snivy and her other Pokemon contradicted his beliefs, and yet his ideals felt so solid. He couldn't see it any other way.
At the same time, he was beginning to feel them crumble. He still shook his head and refused to let go, however, and continued on his way. His next destination was in Nimbasa with some of his grunts. He demanded for the rest of Plasma to head to Castelia City next, and asked his father if he could possibly oversee them while he headed in a different path. They agreed and parted ways from there.
N stayed at Nimbasa and took a seat for some cotton candy, a food he certainly enjoyed. He needed a small break, but only a small one. He had a plan to enact. At the same time, though... he wanted to wait for this Whitlea girl. If she was after gym badges, surely she'd be heading here after Castelia. He didn't know how long that would take, though. If it took too long, he would abandon the idea of trying to meet with her here.
He never abandoned it. She was quick to show her face and even defeat some of his companions. He was somewhat expecting that. Of course, that would surprisingly play in his favor. He did want to talk to her, after all.
He approached her and tried to convince her that he noticed Plasma heading for the center of the park. He lead her there, only to find that- according to plan- they weren't there. "Let's ride the ferris wheel and look for them there," he offered. He enjoyed ferris wheels, not to mention that Whitlea would have no choice but to sit down and listen to him there anyway.
He explained it all from there: he's Team Plasma's king. He and Ghetsis aimed to save Pokemon together. The gist of his plan was now revealed to Whitlea, and deep down, he was hoping she would understand. Of all humans, he didn't feel like he minded her too much. She seemed... nicer than most humans, which was a welcoming sight.
The ride ended, and Plasma grunts were quick to approach to check on their king. N ordered for them to leave, stating that he would protect them. He and Whitlea battled yet again, and again, he lost. So be it. He still felt he could gain the power to change everything. He told Whitlea everything: he would surpass the champion. He would take the Pokemon League under his wing so that no one could stop him from liberating Pokemon from all trainers. The only way Whitlea can possibly stop him? Collect all of the badges and reach the Pokemon League.
Maybe his earlier thought of the heroic relation really held some water.
He turned tail and left. A nagging part of his soul told him to turn back, and yet most of him refused. He kept on walking. After sending orders yet again to Plasma and Ghetsis to head near Driftveil, he left. His next destination? Chargestone Cave.
He didn't have to be inside waiting for far too long. His Plasma cohorts, the Shadow Triad, quickly lead Whitlea over to him upon her entry into Chargestone. He spoke with her, informed her that Ghetsis and his grunts were now awaiting her challenge after the Driftveil encounter, and told her of his and Plasma's investigations of her and her friends. He'd grown curious about Whitlea and her band of friends, not to mention that they were threatening to throw a wrench in their plans.
He left her again to battle his grunts, left for the end of the cave. He awaited her there, expecting her to make it, but hoping that she would at the very least give up. He sensed something positive in her, and yet having his plans ruined... he couldn't exactly have that happen either.
She made it after all. Again, they battled. Again, he lost. Again, he felt the confliction he kept on feeling every time he'd encountered this girl. How, oh how was this girl making him feel like he should abandon his ideals?! He was not going to do that under any cost. He refused. He was going to stick to it for his friends. He couldn't let those dastardly humans hurt Pokemon anymore!!
And how... how was he losing so much on his quest to free them?!
His thoughts were interrupted once Bianca and Professor Juniper entered the area, to N's surprise. So this was Unova's professor, the maker of Unova's horrible Pokedex. Mistaken beliefs, arbitrary rules that humans place Pokemon within... it was terrible, and he verbally opposed to that in front of her. He was clearly upset. He couldn't stand to let this world of humans remain as idiotic as it was now, to keep Pokemon under such confinement within the hands of these people!
He finally left the cave. Hmph. He had more important things to be doing than meddling with the professor anyhow.
N commanded for Plasma to head for Icirrus City. Maybe there, he would find what he was seeking.
Of course, he himself proved to be a little too slow. He'd entered Mistralton City just as Whitlea had left the gym. An inevitable confrontation, it seemed, and he stepped over to initiate it.
He asked Whitlea's Pokemon specifically: what kind of trainer is Whitlea?
The Pokemon believed in Whitlea. It enjoyed her company. It liked her. He was honestly astonished, yet pleased to see a Pokemon left unabused, but rather, loved by a human. At least one Pokemon was spared the awful fate of being treated cruelly. He even admitted this to Whitlea: it pained him a little to know that when he'd separate Pokemon, he'd separate people like her who treat her Pokemon fairly.
Yet he had to continue with his plan. There was no other way. The Dark Stone was what he and Plasma sought. He was going to awaken the legendary Pokemon and befriend it- specifically, Zekrom, the electric Pokemon of deep black yin. After defeating the Champion and uniting with Zekrom, nothing would stop him. Not even Whitlea, Light Stone obtainment or not.
He left, a deep frown on his face, his heart heavy. Whitlea... did he really want to do this to her? She seemed to love her Pokemon, and her Pokemon seemed to love her. To separate them would be terrible. But what else could he do? He had to save the Pokemon. He had to save the Pokemon. He had to save them.
... Icirrus. Beyond Icirrus. That's where he was going. He still had to keep on his path. He wouldn't stray from it, no matter what. He needed to go to his destination: Dragonspiral Tower, where the legendary Pokemon Zekrom slumbers!
He was quick to reach the tower and commanded for Plasma to keep guard of the place. He was so close to Zekrom that he could just taste his dream becoming a reality. He felt his heart pump within him. He was so thrilled, so excited. He didn't know what else to think anymore except for that his plan was coming to fruition.
He retrieved the Dark Stone. The stone was quickly enveloped in a deep shine, surprising N just slightly, yet thrilling him much more. He grinned happily as Zekrom awoke from its slumber and landed before him with a thunderous roar. Zekrom, at long last...
And here came Whitlea. Typical. He explained to her all that he needed to: if she wished to battle against him, he and she should become equal. She should find Reshiram, the counterpart to Zekrom, and find him at the Pokemon League. Only then will he challenge her, and only then will they battle like the prophetic heroes before them!
He hopped onto Zekrom's back and took off. Next stop: the Pokemon League. He had to battle the Elite Four and the Champion, Alder, to rightfully take the position of champion. With Zekrom at his side, surely he wouldn't lose.
He didn't. He defeated Alder with the legendary Pokemon by his side, just when none other than Whitlea had shown up. Yes, he expected this. He truly did. And now it was time for destiny to take effect. It was time... for the final battle.
He summoned his castle. With a great rumble, the palace surrounding the league rose, the skies growing dark and dreary. It was time. The final battle was going to happen here and now. The two trainers with two different goals... it was finally time to see who would come out on top! Whose ideals would prevail and become reality? N's or Whitlea's?
He waited for her. He knew she would come. He knew that if she had Reshiram, it would all be as planned, and it would all be as fate should have it.
She arrived. Reshiram would not awaken. N was admittedly surprised, yet felt that reality had sunk in: she was not the fated hero meant to combat him. He gave Whitlea two choices: fight a hopeless battle or give in to witness N's plan come to life.
Zekrom entered the room in a flash of electricity. Just then, the Light Stone finally began to react. Reshiram awakened at long, long last, and with a mighty roar, it stood at Whitlea's side. It was time at long last.
They battled a ferocious battle. It was fierce. Fiery. Close. It was everything N had imagined that it would be.
What he didn't imagine, however, was that he would... fail. He lost to her. His plan had crumbled all before his very eyes, and even Zekrom fell to her hand. He felt disheartened. He'd tried to save his precious Pokemon, and yet...
It was then that Ghetsis entered the room. His father, the father he grew to love, scolded him, belittled him, called him worthless and useless, and overall made him lose so, so much faith. N's feeling of being disheartened turned into a feeling of being overall crushed. His father was so upset with him, and not only that, he revealed the real truth: Ghetsis was using him. Ghetsis wanted the legendary Pokemon. He wanted to manipulate the fearful populace and take the world in the palm of his hands.
Ghetsis never wanted to save Pokemon. His ideals, everything he was taught as a child... everything was all a lie. N couldn't understand. He didn't know what to think, what to do. What was right anymore? What was the path he needed to take? Who could he ever trust anymore? All of these questions battered against his mind as Whitlea and Ghetsis initiated the REAL final battle.
Ghetsis lost. Whitlea remained victorious through everything. The Champion and Cheren entered the room. It was then, for the very last time, that N saw his 'father'. Alder made sure to whisk Ghetsis away to get him handed over to the authorities. Alder told him this: humans don't quarrel for the sole purpose of determining who is right. N needed to think about that. N needed to think about a lot of things, he realized.
Whitlea remained. N motioned for her to walk with him. He admitted his feelings as he met her time and time again, how his beliefs began to falter as she reconvinced him that humans and Pokemon could co-exist in harmony. Not only that, but he saw all around him what he never got to see due to Ghetsis: Pokemon and humans all over the region loving each other and protecting each other. They were friends. They were all friends.
He knew what he had to do. He had to take the time to himself and think. He had to find his answers. His life was in his own hands.
He left Whitlea with this: she must follow her dreams. If anyone could achieve their goals, he believed that she would be the one to do so. Her dreams and ideals have the power to change the world.
N disappeared into the sky with Zekrom. He had one place he needed to go before he completely left: a certain forested area he remembered from his childhood. Were they still there, he wondered? Zoroark was at the Pokemon League, yet Darmanitan and Swoobat were nowhere to be found. Where were they?
They were there, after all. He was right. They were enjoying a meal of berries, just like they were when he first met them. He hopped off of Zekrom and ran to tackle them in a big hug, a single tear dropping from his cheek.
He... He still had his friends. He'd lost his father, but he wasn't alone.
And now he had a new journey to begin.
His next stop was to travel farther than before. He needed to see new lands. Maybe there, he would find more that would teach him of how humans were. The first land he happened to encounter on Zekrom was none other than the region of Hoenn, very, very far away from Unova. It was a long, difficult ride to get there, but oh-so-worthwhile. He landed in the city of Slateport specifically. Even here, the people and Pokemon were so happy together, prancing about and going through the booths to look for food and items. The Pokemon here were so new to him, too. It was very interesting.
N then came to the grim realization that he had to place to stay, nor did he have very much money. Well. That proved to be a bit of an issue. He'd be homeless for the time being until he found a solution. At least the one good thing about it was that this wouldn't be the first time, and perhaps it wouldn't be the last either. He brought his Pokemon along with him and took advantage of berries from the routes and water as he did as a little boy. It wasn't the best out there, but it would suffice for now.
N slept for one day in the adjacent, northern route. He then returned to Slateport the next morning, looking for a way to solve his little issue. Upon arriving, he met a man with a little booth of fruits pitched up. With a slight head tilt and a positive comment about the fruit, the man was quick to offer N some... but only for a price. N definitely wanted that fruit, too, and it seemed to be cheap! He dug into his pockets, only to realize that he actually hadn't a single dime.
He frowned upon realizing that, and the man noticed. "Hey. You need some cash, boy? Battle some trainers, they'll give you something."
N paled immediately at the idea of sending his Pokemon out to battle for fun and money. The only times he battled with his Pokemon was in his quest to save them. Was that even right to do?!
Then again, he didn't really know what else to do, and his ideals had already crumbled before him, as did his 'family'. Maybe his Pokemon would want to battle, even. Whitlea's Pokemon sure seemed enthusiastic about her, after all, and she sent them out to battle many a time. Maybe it was worth one try?
After giving thanks to the man, he headed on his way, but not without the man stopping him and giving him some fresh strawberries. "Here, kid. This ought to help you on the road. You don't owe me nothin', you hear?" N froze in his spot, astounded that this human would be so generous. Before he even gave his thanks, he asked him why he would consider to do such a thing for him. The man only replied with, "Hey, you've gotta eat somehow, kid. Can't let you go starving!"
For the first time in a while, N cracked a genuine smile, his heart filled with joy after the generosity this human showed to him. He finally gave him his heart-felt thanks and headed on his way. He did notice some trainers at the northern route. Maybe they'd still be there, or at the very least, more would be there. He headed in that direction.
Route 110 would be the area he would have his first battle as not only a protector of Pokemon, but as an 'average' trainer. Well, as close as he could get to average. The first one to spot him was a cheerful youngster. "Hey, you look big and strong! You've gotta be a good trainer, huh?! Let's battle!" N showed some reluctance, but managed to accept the boy's offer. The battle began, and to his surprise, Zoroark seemed happy to be battling. This was for fun. It wasn't a battle of cruelty. It was also a battle to help his master on top of it all.
N was amazed at what he sensed from his Pokemon. They... They were happy? They truly didn't mind a battle like this? A battle that felt more leisurely than necessary? At least, it didn't have to be necessary to them, but they wanted to help him. His friends really wanted to help him earn some money to have a roof over his head and food in his stomach.
He was so proud of them and so blessed to have Pokemon like them.
In the end, they won the battle. The trainer he faced even showed such sympathy for his Pokemon that had just gotten injured, and that reached to him and touched his heart. N felt... awful about hurting the boy's Pokemon and apologized profusely, only for the boy to tell him, "It's okay! They'll be fine after a trip to the Pokemon Center. Oh yeah, here's your money!"
The boy gave him 300 PD. In the Pokemon world, that was really only enough for a Poke Ball or some water, but it was something! It was a start. N couldn't help the nagging feeling of guilt after having hurt other Pokemon with his, but Zoroark was quick to lick his cheek with comfort. It was fine. It was going to be fine.
He was just having a difficult time letting go.
N continued on his journey throughout Hoenn, battling trainers and earning some money. His amount was building up nicely, and soon enough, he may even have enough for a house of his own! He dearly hoped so. He would have loved to return to his home region of Unova and finally settle down to be happy. Besides, he did have a certain friend of his that he longed to see again. A certain friend whose Pokemon and spirit opened his eyes and changed his line of thinking. The very girl who touched his heart like no other.
N kept on this journey for the next three years. He needed to build up a lot of money, after all, and yet had to spend even more just to eat, drink, and stop at hotels to spend a night or two. It took him a long time, but he finally cranked up enough cash to be able to move into a small house. It was only really fitting for one person, but that was fine enough for N. He wasn't particularly picky. He didn't need much.
That house just so happened to be back home. Even better, it was in Nuvema Town, the home of the friend he so dearly wished to be reunited with.
He moved into the house with little to no issue. He still had some money to spare, and with that, he had to buy appliances and other things to make a living with. As he did, one little item also caught his eye: a little object called a PNG, one that could be used to contact far beyond simply the Unova region. Of course, it also proved to be good for short-distance messaging, too, and surely he'd need a device like that.
N wasn't the best with technology, but hey, it was worth a shot, right?
Personality:
Idealistic would likely be the best term to describe N in a nutshell. He's a dreamer, and when he dreams, he definitely takes it seriously. He will stop at nothing to accomplish what he feel he must, and it's tough to get him to change his beliefs unless the evidence is truly that solid. If he has firm beliefs in something, he will stick to them no matter what. It takes something powerfully believable to cause N to think otherwise. In some cases, this can be a pleasant quality as N will try his best not to give up when it comes to something right, but it can also be a bad quality on the flipside. Why? Well, when it comes to something catastrophic, he also will try his best not to give up.
Oh yes, and to top that off, if you're against N's beliefs, especially if they're relating to Pokemon in any way, he likely won't be very happy with you. He can quite easily become upset over these things. He's not the type to violently rage at anyone or anything- rather, he's usually quite calm. He still does, however, show when something has made him sad or disappointed, whether it be in words or noises. "Grr... have you no heart?"
On top of that, N's view of the world is misconstrued. Having grown up with Ghetsis as a father and having very little teaching of what's right and what's wrong apart from his kind of did that to him. Humans treating Pokemon well instead of the opposite still has yet to fully register, although he has definitely made long strides in that. In fact, in general, he still isn't quite as comfortable with humans as he is with Pokemon. However, since Black and White's events, he has made leaps and bounds.
Because of his views being a little more odd than most, he is prone to making mistakes and holding a bit of a naivete. He still has a lot to learn, and while he's certainly not dumb at all, he isn't exactly the most knowledgeable about human nature in general. He also doesn't know a lot of things as of yet, even some simpler things such as cooking for himself and other things. (Who lives off of frozen meals? N does, that's who.) He's still learning, although he has certainly improved and will keep on improving.
N is innocent and warm-hearted like a child. From the beginning, his intentions were nothing but exceptional, albeit for the wrong causes with the wrong methods at first. He is a truly caring and collected human being, and he does hold a youthful love for those he considers his 'friends'. When he's with his friends, he's nearly as carefree as any little kid on the playground would be, thinking not of issues for once, but of fun. Happiness. Glee. Everything a child could ever possibly want. He still has the heart of a little boy after having been so sheltered for so long.
Because of this and his naivete, however, he is especially unfamiliar with one certain thing about human nature: romance. He has a lot of issues understanding love and what deep emotions it entails. He doesn't know what the feeling is supposed to be like. He doesn't know what to do if he ever develops these feelings. He may, in fact, even be blind to these feelings entirely. He is also very sexually inexperienced to boot. While he does know what sex is and its reproductive purposes, that's just about the end of it.
Basically, N wouldn't be the biggest expert of love and intimacy on the planet, that's for sure.
If there's any living being N is most familiar with, it's Pokemon. Surely he wouldn't know how to reach out to every kind, but he can communicate better with them and understand them better than he can with humans. He's lived mainly with Pokemon throughout if his life with barely any human contact- that is, sans Ghetsis and Plasma, but we all know how that turned out. Basically, to N, Pokemon are his best friends, and no other living being could possibly warm his heart much more than they can.
If anyone wanted the most to change for the better after Black and White's events, it just may have been N. N's main motivation and drive at this time is to better himself. He's looking forward to getting more answers to how he should live, how to socialize with human beings, and how to restore his life to some semblance of normalcy. He wants to be a good person in society, as a defender of Pokemon and perhaps even a good friend of other people. He wants to improve after the mess he made, and while it's going to be a long ride, he's hanging in there. It's a dream of his to reach that point, after all. Like with any dream, it's one he will stick to like glue.
N is also the type of person to adore physics, mathematics, and anything and everything arithmetic. Even when it comes to things like a ferris wheel, he may just comment about how the formulas are so dynamic and how wonderful the machinery displays them. ... Right. Along with that, he's into sports (namely basketball), skateboarding, playgrounds, and even silly little child-like things like playing with blocks. Once a child, always a child in the case of N. That is one thing he likely will never change about himself.
In short, N's mind is like that of a child. He has a kind and carefree temperament, yet with an innocence and idealistic manner that can surely cause problems for more than just himself. Despite this, however, his intentions are good, and while he isn't the best at human socialization, he is trying his best to get better. He, as a sheltered Pokemon lover, may not have much experience with people, but his main goal in life is to be at least a little more like an average human being.
Not only does he want to improve for himself, but... wouldn't it make his friends, his Pokemon, proud, as well? He could only hope and try.
Sample I:
Minimum: 100 words.
[Prompt IV: You have just had an epiphany that may or may not be life-changing.]
It has been a while since I'd stopped at a cafe, no? Vanilluxe enjoys the atmosphere, although not so much the young children wanting to eat him. He does resemble ice cream more than anything, doesn't he?
[Of course, typical of N to be rambling on and on in a PNG post about such insignificant little happenings. With a grin only a young kid could sport, the man showed himself on video, a happy little double-scoop Pokemon floating just above his head. A crazy smile played on its face, as well, as it shook back and forth happily.
The location? Oh, just a plain old little park. Where in the world has N traveled to this time?
He gestures to the Pokemon hanging above him.] I would say that they don't call the species 'Vanilluxe' for nothing then. If he wasn't a Pokemon, he would be quite appetizing, but... I couldn't possibly imagine the thought of... that.
[Vanilluxe seemed to be uncaring about the babbling. He was just having fun with his little dance.]
One child, though... He almost reminded me of myself. He was talking to his father in a way that I'd spoken to mine many years ago. [His smile quickly dissipates. He isn't exactly frowning, but he is definitely not smiling anymore either.] About the Pokemon... and wondering if it would hurt to take a taste of him.
[He looks over to Vanilluxe idly, his attention no longer on the PNG. Yet he kept on talking.] When he'd been told that it would harm him, the look on his face was upsetting. He cares for Pokemon nearly as much as I do. They are wonderful creatures, and I could never, ever harm them either. It was very endearing.
[He glanced back to the PNG, and then back to Vanilluxe, who was now floating in front of him. Suddenly, he blinks with a bit of a head tilt. The look on his face makes it seem as if something just dawned on him.]
I still am this way today. I wonder... I wonder still how much I have really grown? Being exposed to this world in new ways has taught me very much over the years, yet... would people still say I am like a child? Am I of age to be considered as mature as the numbers say? [He watched Vanilluxe as he swirled around a little.]
What say you?
[Vanilluxe finally stops moving around and looks over to N. They bounce up and down happily, as if saying that he's just fine the way he is. N's lips curl upward and a small chuckle can be heard. His sweet Pokemon... he knew he could depend on them for support. He gave the ice cream creature a stroke on the rightmost head.]
But I suppose that doesn't matter. Whatever may be, I realize that ones like you are my reason for thinking this way. Even if I remain childlike to others... [His smile grows.] It is no matter. I have you and the others... my friend.
[In response, Vanilluxe only squeaks. N reaches over, his eyes still on his cheery buddy, and ends the feed right there.
He feels that no matter what, as long as his Pokemon are at his side, he will be the happiest man- or child in a man's body- on this Earth.]
Sample II:
Minimum: 200 words.
[Prompt II: You have encountered a rare or otherwise desirable Pokémon, but have no Pokéballs on hand.]
This was it. The Giant Chasm, a frigid and well-talked about landmark, especially in the poorly-populated Lacunosa Town. The townsfolk speak of a Pokemon terrifying enough to cause the building of a great wall around the small city. The Pokemon spoken of in legend, the one that supposedly landed near Lacunosa on a meteorite, one that wanted to eat any and every living being in its sight: Kyurem.
N silently, cautiously stepped through the once-beautiful land outside of the cavern. The land no longer contained lush green grass and viridian trees. Anything and everything green and beyond kept a coating of sheer ice. All of it must have been Kyurem's doing, he supposed. Was it to mark its own territory or to capture prey? The legends did speak of it being a vicious hunter, after all.
It was no matter. Regardless, N felt prepared. More than prepared. He was going to help this Pokemon see the light so humans and Kyurem could get along in harmony. Kyurem deserved to eat, yes, but it was a Pokemon. If someone- say, he himself- captured Kyurem, he could supply it with all of the nutrients and treats it would need, just in the form of berries. It would suffice, hopefully.
N may not succeed, but he was going to try anyway.
He stepped inside daringly, yet carefully. He felt himself subconsciously tip-toeing his bangles clanking ever so gently on his wrist. It may not be enough for a human to hear immediately, but Pokemon are sometimes known to have much better hearing.
N smiled softly when he heard of a hungry rumble from within. He climbed up a couple of rocks, trying to get a better look around. From there, he was able to see what he was looking for. It was none other than Reshiram and Zekrom's more violent counterpart, staring hungrily and defensively in his direction. It was clear that it wanted his cold, drooling maw around this delicious mint-haired morsel. To Kyurem, N was like the best salt water taffy a Pokemon could have. Chewy and satisfying.
The young trainer would not be deterred from the rather heavy implications. He took a few more steps forward and gave a friendly nod. Kyurem didn't change its threatening position in the slightest, yet he continued.
"Hello there. I would assume that you're Kyurem, yes? The one Lacunosa's mythology speaks of..."
Kyurem made a move and stepped ever so slightly closer like a panther on the hunt. It grumbled and licked its lips, its appetite becoming hard to control. N saw this. N knew this was risky. He even found himself taking a step back or so. It wasn't time to give up yet, though. This was daring, risky, and overall dangerous, but this Pokemon wasn't a bad Pokemon. To N, bad Pokemon did not exist. It was just trying to eat what it knew to eat, what it liked. He understood that.
He chuckled. "I see. Do you perhaps want to... eat me?" He shoved a hand into his pocket idly. "I understand. You must be hungry, are you not? I could get you some food, if you'd like, if you won't eat us humans." Of course, N had to phrase this in a way that would keep this precious creature from being harmed by the humans who weren't so friendly. "I am your friend. Other humans may like to be your friends, as well, but not all humans take to ones like you so kindly... which is a dear shame."
Kyurem tilted its head slightly. It at least seemed to refrain from attacking, but that could only be for a time. It was listening to him, though, so he hoped.
"I would like to help you. Kyurem, I ask you... do you want friends? I hope it isn't too lonely in here." N nodded and took another step forward again, resuming his original position. "If you are lonely, though... you do have a friend in me. I would like to be your friend, Kyurem. Would it make you happy? It mustn't be easy to trust a human, but I assure you that I don't bite."
Kyurem took a step back. It still seemed to be defensive, but it didn't seem to be ready to eat him yet. Maybe this was a chance. N grinned. "If you wish to accept me, then I'll accept you."
He reached for a Poke Ball and threw it, or... that was the intention. However, ocne he felt for the balls on his belt, he realized a terrible thing. He was not as well-prepared as he once thought. He had no Poke Balls.
"... Ah. What a misfortune." N seemed pretty flustered. Of all things, he showed such a display of terrible memory around such an esteemed and stunning creature! That was simply disagreeable and settled uneasily within the pit of his stomach. He felt like he failed to Kyurem.
Kyurem didn't seem to be very joyed with this turn of events either. It snarled bitterly and flapped its mighty wings with warning. Get out, or you will be my supper, imbecile.
This mission for Pokemon peace proved to be a failure, that's for certain. Now N just had to focus on getting out without getting harmed. He turned heel and ran out of the cavern before Kyurem could attack, leaving behind an agitated Pokemon with a monstrous appetite.
Next time, he wasn't going to triple-check his supply. He was going to quadruple-check.