N knew the decision shouldn't have been this difficult. All his life he put Pokemon over other people, even himself. Despite how much he cared for you, he couldn't let that change things now. Not when the well-being of a whole town's worth of Pokemon were at risk.

The grunt that had guided N out of the room left after two more grunts appeared to lead him to Ghetsis. He knew their true purpose was to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn't pull anything that would smudge the name of Team Plasma. They wouldn't be able to stop him, though. They wouldn't know what he was doing until after the damage was already done.

They led him down the winding halls of the headquarters that he knew so well. He already had a feeling that Ghetsis would be holding this speech outside where both his followers and the crowd of people he had surely gathered by now could stay and listen to the inspiring speech directed towards giving up Pokemon to Team Plasma that he was expected to say.

It wasn't long before he reached his adopted father who was swarmed by grunts. Stepping away from them, he made his way over to N who stood still in his spot.

"Welcome back, son," he said, sounding amused, but his face told a different story.

"You wanted me to deliver the speech so I am here. When do I begin?" N replied, his voice and face remaining emotionless.

A hint of amusement flashed in Ghetsis' eyes.

"Very well. Just walk through those doors and you'll be among the crowd." N moved to walk away but before he could get far, Ghetsis shot his hand out and grabbed his arm. "And I hope you remember what the consequences will be if you dare to act out."

Swallowing nervously, N shook off his father's hand and proceeded to walk towards the doors. As soon as he stepped foot outside, the crowd almost immediately went silent. They stared at him with curious looks as he walked down to the front of the stage. Hearing the doors open again behind him, he knew the two grunts followed him outside. To the crowd, it looked like they were just standing by as bodyguards. To N, he knew that Ghetsis didn't fully trust him. For good reason, too.

"Hello," N said to the crowd before clearing his throat. "My name is Natural Harmonia Gropius, but I'm most commonly referred to as N. To the members, I'm considered the king of Team Plasma, if you may. You're all gathered here for me to tell you all about the noble intentions of Team Plasma and how you should all cooperate with us or even join us. But it's all a lie."

A gasp from the crowd. He racked his brain quickly trying to think of the words he would say next before the grunts behind him realized what he was doing.

"Team Plasma doesn't care about Pokemon at all, they're only interested in power for themselves. Convincing people to hand over their Pokemon or even stealing them is how they intend on getting that power."

Hurried footsteps sounded behind him and he knew he didn't have much time.

"What's worse is that they abuse their Pokemon - Pokemon that people like you all unknowingly hand over to them thinking it's for the best, but it's not!"

Two strong arms suddenly grabbed him and he was being pulled away, back towards the doors.

"Don't believe their lies, you all have to leave now and don't let them get your Pokemon! You need to-"

Heavy hands slammed over his mouth, muffling his words. But it was too late. The damage was done. He had succeeded.

When the grunts finally pulled him inside the building, there was no sign of emotion at all on Ghetsis' face. Not anger, not disappointment. It was empty. His crimson eyes bore into his son's who only returned the icy stare. Finally breaking eye contact, Ghetsis looked over at the nearest grunt.

"Inform him of what happened," was all Ghetsis said.

Even though it wasn't clearly stated, N knew what that meant. Ghetsis was giving orders to have you harmed.

*****

It seemed like N had left years ago when in reality, it had only been a little over thirty minutes. You couldn't help but worry if he had gone through with informing the crowd or not. Even in your dire situation, you knew the Pokemon's well-being should come over yours. You worrying was soon ceased when that one grunt entered the room, a sadistic smile plastered on his face. That's when you knew N had done it.

As much as you were happy about how many Pokemon he saved, reality had finally decided to strike you. You finally realized how bad things would be for you now and you couldn't help but let fear take over.

"Looks like your little boyfriend doesn't care as much about you as you thought," the man chuckled as he took a step closer to you.

Shakily, you stood up, keeping your back pressed against the wall.

"I told him to do that. I'd do anything to get back at you ugly bastards for the hell you put me through," you snapped.

He only laughed at your remark.

"You always did have a sharp tongue. And hell? Sweetie, you've never endured true hell. But thanks to your boyfriend, tonight you just might."

You couldn't help but gulp nervously, knowing that he wasn't bluffing one bit. Throwing up his Pokeball, he released his Golbat, the Pokemon he knew fully well that you cared for the most.

"Now isn't this ironic, huh? Having this Pokemon harm you seems like the best option. Now, Golbat, use Air Slash."

The Pokemon hesitated and for a moment, you thought it wouldn't attack. But after looking back at its trainer, it knew it would be in its best interest to obey. Having enough time after the Pokemon's hesitation, you quickly jumped to the side before the attack could land on you.

"Again, Golbat!" the grunt said fiercely.

"Please, Golbat, don't!" you said quickly before it could attack again. You knew that it wouldn't be long before you wouldn't be able to keep up with the attacks.

The Pokemon hesitated again.

"I am your trainer!" the grunt screamed. "You obey me!"

"You know more than any other Pokemon that he's an awful trainer. You deserve to have a kind and loving trainer, not someone like him! Please, Golbat, remember all the times I cared for you and played with you. I don't see you as some sort of tool or weapon like he does, I see you as my friend."

Suddenly, the Golbat began to glow a shimmering white. Both you and the grunt stared at it awestruck as the two of you realized only one thing could be happening now; the Golbat was evolving. In only a few seconds, the Golbat had now become a Crobat.

"Finally, you're not as useless anymore!" the grunt exclaimed happily. "Now do as I say and use Air Slash!"

But the Crobat didn't attack. It flapped its wings and kept its eyes locked on you. You secretly had a feeling as to why the Crobat was doing this, but you weren't completely sure.

"Crobat," you said, your voice shaky. "Use Air Slash."

Turning on its trainer, the Pokemon used the move as ordered and knocked the grunt into the wall where he appeared to have passed out. You couldn't believe it - the Crobat had made you its new trainer. It evolved because of the close bond it shared with you. Walking over to the unconscious grunt, you grabbed the Crobat's Pokeball from his hand.

"Thank you so much, Crobat," you said as you held your hand out to pet the Pokemon you cared for so much. "I promise I'll take great care of you."

The Pokemon chirped happily and you wanted nothing more than to play with it like you used to, but your mind wouldn't let you forget the situation at hand. Your first priority was to find N and get the hell out of this place.

"Come on," you told the Crobat as you opened the unlocked door, looking outside to make sure no more grunts were around. "Let's find N."