As he flew on the back of the mighty Reshiram, the young man N was in deep thought. Trying to grasp what had happened about a day before he left the Unova region.
"Is this who I am meant to be? A wandering soul with no clue where to go? Was Hilbert right all along? Is it that it just takes a heart to get through to bond with a pokemon? I don't know where to go now. I don't want to spend my life just wandering. I want to do something. Why did Ghestis use me like this? It isn't fair..." N thought to himself as a stray tear cascaded down his left eye. It landed on the silky white fur of his Reshiram. Reshiram let out a sound. It felt N's pain and struggle.
"You can...feel my pain too Reshiram?" N asked the legendary dragon. Reshiram looked back at N as it continued to fly. While N was still in deep thought, the world around him began to change. It seemed as if they entered some sort of...limbo. It was a void of colors. Reshiram let out its cry, the fire lighting up.
"Where are we Reshiram?" N asked with a puzzled look on his face. Reshiram let out its cry again and started to fly faster towards what seemed to be the exit of the void. Perhaps they had traveled in between worlds. Suddenly, something pulled at N's heart. N clutched his chest with a grunt.
"I...I felt something..." N said recovering from the inner tug. He managed to stay on Reshiram despite having to hold on with one hand. A bright light was ahead. Reshiram let out its cry as it sped up. N held on to Reshiram tightly, closing his eyes and letting out a grunt as they went through the light. Reshiram slowed down back to a steady flight once more. When opened his eyes, he was greeted with a world of vibrant colors. From deserts to grasslands, small towns and even cities, this world had so many similarities with the Unova Region.
"This world...is almost just like...Unova..." N said looking down. Some pegasus ponies could be seen flying up ahead. They were practicing flips and maneuvers. N focused his vision the pegasi.
"Wait...are those...no...those can't be pokemon..." N said with a look of disbelief on his face as Reshiram flew closer and closer to the pegasi. The pegasi suddenly stopped flying and just hovered. They seemed to be looking in N's direction.
"Steady Reshiram..." N said wearily. Reshiram slowed down to a stop. N just looked at the pegasi and the pegasi just looked at N. One pegasus looked like it was going to fly off in fear. N sensed the fear. He had Reshiram fly closer.
"It's okay. I'm not gonna hurt you...and neither will Reshiram." N assured. The pegasus, a light purple one slowly flew towards N still looking weary. Some small whimpers could be heard as the pegasus stopped in front of N's hand. N slowly stroked the pegasus' mane. The pegasus relaxed and leaned into the stroking. She nuzzled N's hand.
"Wow. It's unbelievable you would trust me that fast...considering I'm a human and...what exactly are you?" N asked with a curious look on his face.
"I...I'm a pegasus...what's a...human..." The pegasus asked. N's jaw dropped and a look of shock spread all around N's face. N stayed silent for a few seconds, still shocked that this pegasus could talk.
"I don't believe it...you could talk...just like me...and you...understand me..." N said still recovering from the shock.
"Yes...we all can talk...pegasi, earth ponies, unicorns...and even alicorns..." The pegasus explained. Another pegasus with almost the same color as the one close to N fluttered over.
"We've never ever seen anything like you. What is that thing you're riding on? It seems like it really trusts you. I'm Cloudchaser, and this is my great friend Flitter." Cloudchaser stated as she extended out a hoof.
"It's nice to meet both of you. You can simply call me...N. This majestic creature you see before you is called a pokemon. This one has a specific name...Reshiram." N explained, shaking Cloudchaser's hoof gently, and patting her head lovingly. Reshiram looked at Cloudchaser and Flitter, making a little sound.
"That...that Re-she-ram...looks pretty..." Flitter said doing her best to pronounce the name. N let out a small chuckle.
"You pretty much got it." N replied looking around. Suddenly, he felt another pull from somewhere. He grunted putting a hand on his chest. Flitter gasped.
"Uhm, are you alright Mister N? I could lead you to a hospital if you...need one..." Flitter offered.
"No, it's fine. It's something that I've had ever since I was little. It's this deep emotional connection that is hard to explain. It's best if we find somewhere to land if you'd like me to explain more." N said with a calm smile on his face.
"Then...what do we do?" Cloudchaser asked.
"Maybe we should lead him to the Princess..." Flitter suggested.
"Princess? Wait, so you have rulers here in this world?" N asked, as memories of his past flooded into his mind, making him shudder a little at the thought of being "King of Unova".
"Yes, we actually have four of them...Celestia, her sister Luna, Cadence and finally Twilight." Cloudchaser explained
"How does that even work?" N asked with a very pensive look on his face.
"Well...Celestia rules over all of the land with her sister Luna. Cadence rules over the Crystal Empire, and Twilight rules over a town called Ponyville. So all the other princesses must answer to Celestia in certain situations. Would you like me...to take you to Celestia?" Cloudchaser asked.
"It would be a total honor of meeting your princess." N said with a smile. Reshiram let out its cry. Flitter backed away a little, a sort of scared look on her face.
"Don't be scared Flitter. Reshiram sometimes lets out its cry simply to show off." N said with a warm smile on his face, waiting for the pegasi to lead him to the Princess. Flitter and Cloudchaser took the lead. N followed behind upon the back of Reshiram. He still felt the pull, but as the group got closer, the pull became a little stronger. N started to pant as the group neared what appeared to be a large castle.
"Well here we...Mister N, you seemed to be short of breath. Is it that thing you were talking about earlier?" Cloudchaser asked. Flitter just looked with a face of concern.
"This thing I have...every time I get closer and closer to whatever pokemon or creature whom I sense emotional dissonance, this creaking feeling in my heart grows stronger." N explained as he got out Reshiram's pokeball.
"Time for a break Reshiram." N said as he pressed the button. Reshiram returned into the pokeball. Cloudchaser looked surprised at what just happened.
"Wait, how does that even work?" She asked inquisitively?" Cloudchaser asked.
"It's technology that allows the pokemon to be shrunk down to the right size for it to fit into that pokeball, which is a device used to catch pokemon." N explained, showing the rest of the pokeballs he had.
Up ahead, Pegasus Royal Guards stood at ease along with some Unicorn Royal Guards. N looked at the guards. up ahead. They all of a sudden crossed their spears making an X in front of N.
"Halt! Being, state your purpose!" One of the guards commanded. N winced a little and turned to Cloudchaser. Cloudchaser looked at the guards.
"We would like to see the Princesses." Cloudchaser stated. The guards withheld their spears.
"You may proceed." The other guard said returning to attention. N and the two pegasi walked forward. The large throne doors opened...and there, right in front of the three was Princess Celestia in the middle and Princess Luna to her right. N's jaw dropped at the marvelous looks of Celestia and her sister. Once they were about a foot from the throne, Flitter and Cloudchaser bowed. N looked at the two...and got down on one knee, as his way of bowing.
"You may rise." Celestia proclaimed, getting up and spreading her wings. Luna looked as if she was pouting a little.
"It is an honor to meet you Princess Celestia." N said with a warm smile.
"Who may you be? I have never seen anything like you before..." Celestia asked.
"You can simply call me...N." N replied.
"N. That is indeed a different name." Celestia said. Luna had a more pouty look on her face. N's chest creaked a little, causing him to let out a soft grunt, looking in Luna's direction.
"Is everything alright N?" Celestia asked as she noticed N looking towards Luna.
"Oh, this is my sister Princess Luna. She and I rule Equestria together." Celestia explained.
"Mostly my older sister Celestia..." Luna replied with a slightly annoyed tone in her voice. N could feel the tension and hear the hurt in Luna's soul. N was panting softly.
"So what brought you here N?" Celestia asked. N sighed.
"It's a long story." He answered.
"We have all the time in the world." Celestia replied. Cloudchaser and Flitter sat next to N.
"Well...here goes..." N said.
Author's Note
The beginning of this story takes place a day right after the ending of the Pokemon Black/White games.
"I was born to a...rich family. As I said, I'm not from here. I live in a region called the Unova Region, and this region is known to have mysterious creatures called pokemon." N explained, as he pulled out Reshiram's pokeball.
"This is a pokeball, it's used to catch pokemon. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. I lived with my two sisters. I was sort of the lonely type...that is...until my sisters showed me pokemon. I bonded with them quickly...and discovered something...I can hear the inner voices of pokemon...and perhaps other creatures, like they're speaking to me, telling me how they feel. My heart was pure and innocent, something that I cherished. Sadly, an evil man by the name of Ghetsis kidnapped my sisters and I, manipulating me by using my gift to supposedly create a new world where humans and pokemon are separated. Ghetsis exposed me to many lies to keep me under his power, along with Team Plasma, who stole people's pokemon and used them to further their cause. Ghetsis wanted me to be "King" of this new world after a "Great Liberation". Nonetheless, a strong and determined young trainer taught me the truth...that there is more to life than following deceit and lies, and not letting others define who you really are. To tell you the truth, I'm lost...but I have a feeling that I may have been sent here...for a...greater purpose..." N explained still looking at Luna. Celestia sighed.
"I can't imagine that pain this Ghetsis being you speak of put you through. But don't worry N, you have all of our support, and it seems you have already befriended two pegasi." Celestia observed.
"I met them as I was flying on the back of my companion...Reshiram..." N explained, pressing the button on Reshiram's pokeball. Reshiram emerged from the pokeball and let out it's cry. The royal guards in the castle all of a sudden went into battle position. Reshiram stood relaxed, not paying attention to the guards who were ready to attack it.
"Stand down." Celestia commanded. The royal guards returned to attention. Luna let out a puff of air from her snout, causing N to wince lightly, looking at Luna. Meanwhile, Celestia was in a deep thought. N withdrew Reshiram back into it's pokeball.
"N, I know you've had a rough past, but as I said, I want to do my part in helping you create a bright future. Flitter, Cloudchaser, why not show N the little town of Ponyville. Perhaps you can make some more friends there. There's even another Princess there. Flitter and Cloudchaser might've told you this." Celestia proposed.
"They did. They said there were four Princesses here." N replied.
"Indeed. Now I must prepare for a visit from the Saddle Arabian Ambassador. I wish you the very best N." Celestia said with a smile. Luna growled a little, but soft enough so Celestia wouldn't hear. N and the two pegasi made their way out of the castle.
As N and the two pegasi walked down to Ponyville, N started to say something.
"I don't know what's up with that Princess Luna. I could hear just some...unstableness...as if...something is bothering her..." N said to Flitter.
"I really couldn't notice it...Luna can sometimes be rough around the edges..." Flitter replied.
"Yea, she had a super rough past..." Cloudchaser added.
"Wait...really? I hope I won't sound intrusive if I asked Celestia if I could speak to Luna and have some alone time together..." N said looking down as visions of his past played in his mind.
"Awww, cheer up N. You can't let the past define who you are. Look where you're at now. It's a fresh start." Cloudchaser.
"I know...but it's hard to let go..." N replied, putting his right hand on his chest. Flitter rested a hoof on N's right shoulder. N turned to look at Flitter and smiled at her. He gently caressed the light purple pegasus in a warm hug. Suddenly, N heard a voice.
"Is his affection really true? How could he be so...gentle to me after all that he went through?"
"I think I...heard your inner voice...you seem a little uneasy..." N said to Flitter.
"H-how...? I...I know you said you could hear the inner voices of pokemon and creatures but...it's just so...mind boggling..." Flitter said looking into N's eyes.
As N, Cloudchaser and Flitter walked through the town of Ponyville, something caught N's hearing. It sounded like someone crying. N stopped in his tracks.
"What's the matter N?" Cloudchaser asked.
"I think I hear someone...in this case...some...pony crying..." N said trying to figure out where the crying was coming from. He looked to the left, then to the right. N eyed a certain bush, and walked towards it. He unraveled the bush to find a yellow pegasus, crying over what appeared to be a squirrel who seemed to have lost its life, but looking closer, N could feel something.
I'm..still...here...please...help me... The inner voice of the squirrel pleaded. N gasped. He looked at the crying yellow pegasus.
He's gone! It hurts so much... The yellow pegasus's inner voice cried. N could feel the strain and pain of the voice, which reminded him of the pain he went through. A flash of Ghetsis's face appeared in N's mind, causing him to shudder.
"Wh...what are you gonna do Mister N?" Flitter asked softly. N sighed. "I feel her pain...this creature here...I still sense life within it, but we have to hurry..." N replied. N gently picked up the frail squirrel and gently held it in his palm. In his other hand, he took out a pokeball, and summoned Reshiram. Reshiram let out a sound, causing the yellow pegasus to stop crying and look up. When the yellow pegasus saw N with her little squirrel turning to Reshiram, she thought he was feeding Reshiram the squirrel, and panicked.
"Noooo! Don't give it to that thing!!" The yellow pegasus cried out flying in front of N. N looked up at the yellow pegasus.
"Hey...it's okay. I would never ever do that to such a delicate and frail creature as this...whatever you call this. I sense there is still life. I know this...because the inner voice of the creature spoke to me..." N explained. The yellow pegasus gasped.
"You...you can...understand animals...like me?" The yellow pegasus asked calming down. N chuckled softly.
"You can say it like that...it's actually much more complex than you think...what is your name?" N asked.
"I'm...Fluttershy...who are you?" Fluttershy asked.
"You can just call me...N." N answered.
"It's nice to meet you mister N...wh...what is that giant thing anyway?" Fluttershy asked.
"That is a pokemon. This pokemon here is called Reshiram. I have had a connection with it ever since I caught it..." N said facing Reshiram.
"Reshiram, restore the life force of this creature." N commanded. Reshiram let out its cry and a soft blue aura surrounded it. The aura traveled to the squirrel in N's palm. The squirrel stirred a little and slowly got up. It clicked, flicking its tail.
"Oh...ohh...he's...he's alive...HE'S ALIVE!!!" Fluttershy cheered hugging N close, crying tears of joy. Flitter and Cloudchaser smiled wide at the unfolding scene.
"Thank you...Reshiram." N said with a warm smile as he withdrew Reshiram back into its pokeball.
"Thank you so much Mister N...I...I'd like to be your friend. It's the least I can do..." Fluttershy said.
"I don't have any friends...it's been...rough...it would be an honor for you to be my friend." N answered. Ghetsis's voice rang inside N's mind.
Who needs friends when you are King. All will bow to you! The evil voice of Ghetsis played in N's mind. N started to pant.
"Oh my goodness...is something wrong Mister N? Perhaps some tea at my place would help..." Fluttershy suggested.
"That sounds nice, but I heard there's a Princess here...would you like to come with us? Your little friend could come along too of course..." N answered.
"Oh! Princess Twilight? Yes, I'd certainly love to come." Fluttershy answered. The group then headed for Twilight's Castle.
Author's Note
N's backstory in this fanfic combines the anime and game versions of N's actual backstory.