Want to read ahead. You know where
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Team Plasma's Hidden Base
Deep within the shadows of Unova, in a secret chamber beneath Team Plasma's fortress, a meeting was underway.
The long table in the conference room was lined with high-ranking members.
At the head sat N, the figurehead and symbol of Team Plasma.
Beside him were Ghetsis, the true mastermind, along with Colress and several other executives.
But today, there was also an unfamiliar presence.
A woman in a dark uniform, her sharp glasses reflecting the dim light of the room, Sird of Team Rocket.
Her voice was calm but carried an edge as she addressed the gathering.
"Everyone here knows the power of Team Rocket's technology. Our goals do not clash. On the contrary, cooperation would benefit both of our organizations. A simple exchange of what we each lack… and we both gain."
She leaned back slightly, a small, knowing smile curling her lips.
"A win-win situation, wouldn't you agree?"
Though she spoke to the whole room, her gaze lingered on Ghetsis.
She wasn't fooled by appearances.
N might sit in the highest seat, but Sird knew the truth, Team Plasma's real power rested in Ghetsis's hands.
N, however, did not hide his disdain.
His green eyes burned with conviction as he stood.
"The purpose of Team Plasma is to liberate all Pokémon from the control of humans. But you… Team Rocket treats Pokémon as tools, weapons for domination. Our philosophies are completely opposed. We will never cooperate with you. Leave."
His words were sharp, final, carrying the weight of a command.
Sird, however, merely adjusted her glasses, unfazed by the rejection.
She glanced once more at Ghetsis, clearly waiting for his verdict rather than N's.
Before the tension could snap, a deep rumble shook the base.
"...!"
Everyone's heads turned toward the ceiling.
The air outside crackled.
A storm brewed above, thunder rolling with unnatural force.
N's eyes widened. He could feel it, no, he knew it.
From the direction of Dragonspiral Tower, lightning split the heavens.
Within the clouds, the shadow of a massive form stirred.
Zekrom.
The legendary dragon of ideals.
Its voice resonated with N, heavy and ancient.
"Reshiram, the Dragon of Truth… has awakened. A hero of truth has called it forth."
N's fists clenched at his sides, emotion flashing across his usually calm expression.
"So it begins again… the clash of truth and ideals. No one will stop me from creating the perfect world. Liberating Pokémon is my life's purpose!"
He raised his gaze, determination burning in his eyes.
"Zekrom," he whispered, "can you sense Reshiram's presence?"
"I can," came the low, rumbling reply.
"Then let's go. We'll see which triumphs, ideals or truth. There must always be an answer."
Without another word, N turned and strode out of the chamber.
When the heavy doors opened, light from the storm outside spilled in.
And there, waiting for him in the courtyard, was Zekrom, towering, wreathed in thunder and lightning.
The air vibrated with its sheer presence.
N walked toward it without hesitation, the storm answering his call.
Back in the conference room, silence lingered for a moment before Sird finally broke it, her tone amused.
"According to our intelligence," she said lightly,
"Professor Samuel Lockwood, the one who inherited Rayquaza's legacy, arrived in Unova this morning. And now, at this exact moment, the so-called hero has awakened Reshiram."
Her smile sharpened.
"Tell me, Ghetsis… could it be the same person?"
Ghetsis's eyes flickered, unreadable behind the shadows of his hood.
Finally, he spoke, voice low and deliberate.
"Sird. If you have something to say, say it directly."
"Heh…"
Sird leaned back comfortably against the sofa, crossing her legs with a lazy grace.
Her lips curved into a sly smile as she adjusted her glasses.
"If it truly is the Professor, the one who inherited Rayquaza's legacy, and if he's been acknowledged by Reshiram, the Dragon of Truth…"
Her voice dropped, carrying a trace of mockery.
"Do you really think your king can match him? Do you believe Zekrom will certainly defeat Reshiram?"
She gave a small shrug, her smirk widening.
"I wouldn't be so sure."
For a moment, silence gripped the room.
The faint rumble of the storm outside seemed to echo her words.
Ghetsis's face darkened.
He tapped the table with one gloved finger, then turned toward the dim corner of the room.
"Shadow Triad," he commanded coldly.
"You three go to protect that monster"
Three figures emerged soundlessly from the darkness, clad in ninja-like garb.
They knelt briefly, acknowledging the order without a word, and vanished just as quickly.
They were Ghetsis's most trusted subordinates, the Shadow Triad.
On the side, Colress barely glanced up from his notes.
He adjusted his glasses, eyes glinting with curiosity.
"Monster… interesting," he muttered under his breath, already lost in his own thoughts.
Sird's smirk deepened.
Ghetsis's slip hadn't gone unnoticed.
He had called N a monster.
The more she saw of Team Plasma's inner workings, the more entertaining it became.
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Icirrus City
Meanwhile, in the bustling streets of Icirrus City, Sam strolled peacefully alongside Cynthia.
The crisp air carried the scent of snow and sweets, the lively chatter of locals filling the streets.
"This chocolate ice cream is really good," Cynthia said, holding a cone in one hand while clinging to Sam's arm with the other.
She leaned in with a playful smile.
"Here, try it. Say ah~"
Sam gave her a small smile, indulging her.
He leaned down and took a bite.
The cold sweetness spread across his tongue.
"Mhm. Pretty good," he admitted.
"See? I told you."
Cynthia's golden hair swayed as she tugged him along.
"Come on, the shop over there looks popular. Let's check it out too."
Sam let her pull him forward, content with the simple warmth of her hand in his.
For a moment, the world felt peaceful.
But peace never lasted long.
The sky above Icirrus suddenly darkened.
Heavy black clouds gathered unnaturally fast, and thunder rumbled within their depths.
Sam's steps slowed.
His gaze rose toward the heavens, eyes narrowing as a familiar pressure pressed down on the city.
Cynthia immediately noticed his change.
She turned, following his gaze upward.
Her brows furrowed as the oppressive weight of the storm bore down on them.
"Sam…" she said softly, worry flickering in her eyes.
His lips curved slightly, though his expression stayed sharp.
"He's here."
"Zekrom?" Cynthia's voice was tense.
"Most likely."
Sam squeezed her hand gently, grounding her. His voice was calm, steady.
"Don't be nervous. There are too many people here. We should head outside the city."
Cynthia nodded firmly.
"Right."
Without hesitation, she pulled out a Poké Ball.
In a flash of light, her Garchomp appeared, its wings cutting through the chilling wind.
They mounted the dragon, and with a single beat of its wings, Garchomp soared into the sky.
The storm clouds shifted, following close behind as though hunting them.
Sam's bangs whipped across his forehead as the wind howled around them.
His eyes, sharp and resolute, gleamed with anticipation.
"Heh," he muttered under his breath, watching the storm chase them.
"Didn't expect him to come knocking so soon."
Rather than fear, a thrill stirred within his chest.
His heart beat faster, not with anxiety, but with excitement.
Would the blazing white dragon of truth prove superior?
Or would the black dragon of ideals overwhelm it with power?
Either way, the clash was inevitable.
And Sam couldn't wait to see whose destiny would prevail.