I can still hear Cheren calling after me, but I don't stop. Why can't he see that I don't want to talk about it? Why can't he see that I don't fully trust humans?

No, it isn't Cheren's fault. How is he to know? What's wrong with me? Why can't I just trust people?

Humans abandoned me. Humans have hurt my friends without a second thought. They are cruel creatures.

But at the same time, there are good people out there. Most Pokémon don't smile for just anyone, like those four did for Bianca. And the bond I felt between Cheren and Snivy was amazing.

I drop to the ground. Why am I so overwhelmed? Oshawott comes out of his pokéball.

~Corona! What's wrong?! ~

"I don't know anymore... Oshawott, who am I supposed to trust? I've met so many bad people...how do I know if a person is really good? Would it just be easier to only trust Pokémon? After all, pokémon never lie." Oshawott scoffed.

~Clearly, you've never met a zorua, or a zoroark.~ My otter still seems very concerned for me. ~For now, don't worry about it. You're almost to Nacrene City. Once we get there, and beat the Gym leader; we can stop by your home in the forest.~ My eyes brighten.

"That's right! Pinwheel Forest is just outside Nacrene City!"

I ask around about the Gym, and some nice lady tells me that it's in the Nacrene Museum. I thank her and go. Coming out of the Museum is N. "N?" I ask. What was he doing on the Gym? I thought he didn't believe in battling.

"Corona!" He seems surprised to see me too. "Are you here to see the Museum?" I shake my head.

"Gym battle."

"Why? You don't agree with battling; just as I don't."

"Don't you?" I question. "You say you don't like battling, yet you were the one who challenged me."

"I'm only trying to understand. All my life, I'd only met pokémon who had been hurt by humans. I don't get out much, but Accumula was one of the first times. There, I heard your Oshawott say those things to you..." He shakes his head. "It confuses me."

He is like me then. From what he says, our pasts are nearly identical.

N talks again, tentatively. "I want to see things no one can see. The truths inside the hearts of captured pokémon. The ideals of the perfect Trainer. And a future where pokémon have become perfect... " He glances at me. "Do you feel that way too?" His gaze doesn't waver.

"I'm not sure," I admit. "Before, I'd seen so many pokémon hurt without a second thought. Now, the majority of people I see, treat their pokémon as equal partners."

What is this? I hardly know him, yet I feel like I can connect with what he's saying. I feel like I can trust him.

"But I think everyone's different. People and Pokémon. You have good people, and you have bad. There are honest pokémon, and there are those whom decieve you. Some Pokémon enjoy battling; even though I can't see why.

"I still think humans have no right to capture pokémon. After all, if we're true equals, why not let your Pokémon partner walk alongside you at all times?" N dips his head and smiles.

"More and more, I see you are different from the other Trainers. You're just as puzzled as I am, it seems." He throws three pokéballs out, but then surprises me by stepping on them once their inhabitants come out. The pidove, Timburr, and tympole look at him strangely.

~What?~ all three ask.

"I had been planning on challenging you if I saw you again," he tells me. "But you made me see that I don't have to test your beliefs. Because they are the same as mine."

"N, your pokémon." He shakes his head.

"Those are pokémon who agreed to assist me. They helped me get through my gym battle, but now I've released them so that they can return to their homes." He knelt down, taking my hand gently. Then he surprises me by placing a light kiss on it. My cheeks feel a bit warmer, but I can't seem to pull away.

"I think I'd like to get to know you better, Corona. You're different from anyone I've ever met."

"As are you," I point out. "I don't meet people as similar to myself everyday." His smile grows wider.

"I think we could be good friends." He let go of my hand and left. I stand there for a minute. What on earth?

~Corona?~ Oshawott says.

"Hm?"

~I think there's something off about that guy.~ I know what he means. Back in Accumula Town, N had seemed so adamant about his ideas, but now he had his doubts. Just as I do.

"Yeah, I wonder about that too. Why the change of heart?"

~I don't know. Let's just get the battle over with.~

(I won't go into detail about the battle.)

Oshawott battled easily against Watchog, but struggled a little against Leonora's Herdier. He nearly got knocked out, but with a flash of light, he evolved.

Dewott, the Discipline Pokémon. He stood more proudly, and his body had changed so that his upper body was teal blue. His legs grew longer, and were now dark blue. Dewott's nose was much smaller, and now pink. He had black hands, which each wielded a scalchop.

After his evolution, Herdier didn't stand a chance. Dewott quickly knocked out the dog. Leonora gave me my badge and winnings, which I accepted without an argument this time. I figured it would be easier to just take it. I left with Dewott by my side, and we went straight into Pinwheel Forest.

We stay on the path for a while, but then I stop at the oldest section of the fence. I drop down to roll under. Dewott follows. A few wild pokémon jump out at us, but they quickly recognize me, and get excited.

"Guys, I'm not finished my journey. I was passing through and decided to visit."

We walk away from them, and Dewott asks me, ~Where exactly did you live? ~ I push through some bushes and weave through trees.

"Here." The wide clearing I brought us to is empty. My tree stands beside the others.

~Do you know what this place is? ~ he asks, trying to contain shock. I nod.

"This is the Rumination Field; sacred to Virizion." Before Dewott asks anything else, I spill everything.

"The Pokémon who took me in were the Swords of Justice, Dewott. Virizion and Keldeo brought me here to grow up.

"They were the best family. They taught me everything I know. We were close to the wild pokémon, and watched over them.

"Some Pokémon came to us, telling us how they were stolen from Trainers by Team Plasma, then released. The four told me to start a journey to get to the bottom of it." Dewott looks hurt.

~So... You used me so that you could finish your mission? ~

"What?! No! You're one of my best friends! Friends don't use each other, Dewott. Even after we finish, I'll let you choose what you want to do. I'd love for you to stay with me, but if you want to go free, I won't stop you."

~I'll stay with you then. I meant all that I said in Accumula Town. I will always stand by you, and do my best for you.~ I hug my friend.

"Thank you. And I'll stand by you too."

~Welcome home, Corona,~ Virizion says in her gentle tone. Keldeo bounces behind her.

~Corona! You're back!~ Dewott stands in front of me protectively.

Keldeo cocks his head. ~Who're you? ~ Virizion dipped her head graciously to Dewott.

~At ease, Dewott. We mean her no harm. We're her family.~ He nods and lowers the scalchops.

~My apologies, m'lady.~ I turn to him.

"You know of them?" I ask. He nods again.

~All Unova pokémon know the tale of the three Swords. How they saved a forest from a fire during a war between humans.~ His small eyes landed on Keldeo. ~And the young pokémon they rescued, and raised to be their equal.~

Keldeo laughs. ~I'm still learning, even after hundreds of years.~

Virizion chuckles. ~You flatter us, Dewott. But, thank you. We thank you especially for looking after Corona for us.~

~Of course. I'm fortunate she chose me as her partner.~

~So what have you heard about Team Plasma?~ Keldeo asks.

"They seemed like they have good intentions, but I don't think they do. Their spokesperson, a man named Ghetsis, said that pokémon are superior to humans, and shouldn't be caught. He's a powerful speaker. With one speech, he convinced a few people to release their pokémon. But most of them didn't want to be released." I think, then add, "they say they're after Pokémon Liberation so that all pokémon can be free, but I found a pair of their grunts beating a Munna so that it would give them Dream Mist."

~What?!~ Virizion screeches angrily.

~That's horrible,~ Keldeo agreed. ~We need to stop them.~ 

~But how? Even if you count the other Swords, there are only six of us, against their entire organization.~ Dewott sighed.

"Maybe if we keep training, we could become stronger," I say. Keldeo's ears perk up.

~Yeah! We should all train!~

Virizion laughs. ~Speaking of training, have you been challenging the Gyms?~ I nod.

"Yes, I defeated the first Gym in Striaton City, and I just defeated Leonora in Nacrene."

~Good. I know you don't like battling, but its a necessary skill set that you might need. Besides, it helps build the bond between a human and their pokémon partner.~

~Well put, Virizion,~ Dewott states. ~These Team Plasma people say that people control Pokémon when they capture them, but that isn't always true. Many pokémon do what they can for their Trainers. Not because they have to, but because they want to. Each has qualities that make the other stronger when working together.~ Wow, I never knew my partner had so many ideas on the topic. I should have told him about my mission sooner.

"Virizion, I have a question." She looks at me with red eyes.

~What is it, child?~

"Should I trust humans? I've met a few who seem kind, and I want to trust them, but I don't know if I should. Would it jeopardize my task?" Keldeo shakes his head quickly.

~No, you should be able to have as many friends as you want. You're a good judge of character, Corona. They raised you the same way as me; to make your actions justified. You should be able to befriend humans jus as you befriend pokémon.~ Virizion agrees.

~Yes, we're not asking you for a life of isolation. You do need to learn to trust others. Like we've said, there are good and bad people and pokémon everywhere. Why, there's good and bad in everything. It's up to you who you trust, and what you believe.~ I wrap my arms around both Virizion and Keldeo.

"Thank you. That was bothering me so much!"

~We're glad we could help! ~Keldeo squealed. Virizion opened her mouth, but stops. Her fur stands up on edge. We all listen.

"Come on! We have to hide this Dragon Skull before they catch us!" *thunk*

"Oww! What was that for?!" *Whack!*

"Shut up," someone hisses. "You're going to get us caught."

"Isn't it kind of easy to catch a pair of grunts wearing knight costumes, running around in Pinwheel Forest? I mean, Team Plasma did break in, and steal from the museum..."

Dewott, Keldeo, Virizion and I look at each other. Our thoughts are the same. Team Plasma broke into the Museum and stole a Dragon Skull?

Hastily, Virizion says, ~I wish we could help you and Dewott, Corona, but we can't let ourselves be seen by them. If they're as bad as you say, they won't hesitate to try and catch Keldeo or I. Keldeo and I are going to round up the forest's pokémon, and make sure they get to a safe place.~

"Yes, please. Take care of yourselves," I whisper somberly. To Dewott, I say, "let's go. We can't let Team Plasma keep stealing what isn't theirs. This has to stop."