Pokemon Black - Searching for the Seven Sages Part 1

I found myself back home, in my room, looking a LOT nicer than when I left it at the start of my journey. I headed downstairs, and spotted Mom, and someone who looked EXACTLY like Mom!

I came up to them, and the doppelganger admired the journey I had been on. They thought it was amazing that I met those two Pokemon of legend, and before they continued they realized they were still wearing their disguise. The person took off their disguise, and revealed himself to be a man, and a police officer.

The man told me he was an elite member of the International Police, and told me his code name was Looker. Apparently he had known of Team Plasma's actions in Unova, and he had come to Unova, but by the time he got here the Gym Leaders and myself had stopped Team Plasma. Looker told me that the members had gone their separate ways, but the Seven Sages were still hiding in the Unova region.

Looker asked me to travel through the Unova region and search high and low for the Seven Sages. He told me that Alder recommended me for the job, and I was more than willing to help him bring down those assholes and stop Team Plasma from ever returning. I agreed to help, and he handed over the Super Rod which both Mom and I found to be odd. Mom asked him why he gave me the Super Rod and what it had to do with finding the Seven Sages, and he admitted that it had absolutely nothing to do with the task at hand.

Looker left, and Mom wished me luck before I left the house. I found Cheren and Bianca outside, and asked if Looker was done talking with me. Bianca apologized to me, telling me that by the time she went to get the Striaton City Gym Leaders everything was over. Cheren told us that he also let Ghetsis escape when the Shadow Triad created an opening. Bianca didn't know about them, and Cheren said he would tell her about the Castle later.

Cheren asked Bianca what she planned to do now, and she told us she would go to Black City, which was located on the other side of Route 16. He told her that she could meet all sorts of Pokemon if she went that way, Pokemon she's never seen before. Before too long Cedric came by, glad to see us all together. He told us he had just received the National Pokedex from a colleague, and he upgraded our Pokedexes with the National Mode.

Cedric left soon after, and Bianca reflected on all the Pokemon out there she's never seen, then she left to show her parents. Cheren told me he would travel through Unova, starting at Route 1 again, and thought he'd discover many new things. He thought perhaps he would encounter the Seven Sages along the way, but I was hoping I could take them all down myself. Cheren left after asking to battle again someday, and I was ready to start my journey to find the Seven Sages.

First thing I did was fly to Accumula Town to put Reshiram in the PC and get Zach back in my team. After that I got some leads, and went surfing on Route 1 to get to land and reach Route 17, then I continued to reach Route 18. I remembered there being a secret lab over there, and even before I could reach it I found the first of the Seven Sages, Sage Rood.

- - -

Sage Rood reflected on the scent of the sea as he stared out at it, and told me it had the same smell as the place he was born. Sage Rood told me that Ghetsis wandered all over the world, collecting knowledge of all kinds while he searched for like-minded people. Ghetsis understood what Rood desired the moment they met, the ability to understand the minds and needs of others. He said that this was an ability that everyone needs to survive.

Rood told me that N was a kind and excellent person who understands the hearts of Pokemon, but conversely that his ability to understand the hearts and feelings of people wasn't developed enough. Rood reflected on the fact that even that was part of Ghetsis' plan, and told me when it came to Ghetsis that he couldn't separate the truths from the lies.

Rood handed over TM32 (Double Team) and told me that if N ever gained the ability understand the hearts and feelings of people, he would like them to gather again. He told me he wished to see N confront Ghetsis, but that wouldn't be possible with the latter in prison. Looker came by to arrest the Sage, telling me there were 5 more he needed to find and interrogate.

- - -

I remembered the schemes of Team Plasma to use Musharna's Dream Powder to warp the minds of people, so I went to the Dreamyard to find another of the Seven Sages. I went down some large stairs and found many people down there, ready to fight. I got into a couple battles with Scientists near the entrance, and though their Pokemon were strong my team was able to beat them, and through the battles both Madelyn and Zach grew to Level 58, and Cole grew to Level 59.

 I saw more Scientists around, ready to battle, and I fought through them all. By the end of all those battles Madelyn, Nora, Arthur, and Mason all grew to Level 59. I finally left the area down below, and came across Sage Gorm.

He startled me, asked if I was surprised, then told me that he was surprised by me. He told me that both Pokemon and people leave themselves open if surprised. Gorm told me that when surprised they can't use their powers like they normally would, and that their intention was to surprise people by making their castle appear and showing off the Legendary Pokemon.

At that moment they had planned to control people's hearts with the power of Team Plasma and their idea of a new world. Gorm told me that after he had seen the strength of spirit in myself and the Gym Leaders, he wondered how effective that strategy would have been. He wondered if perhaps that strength of spirit is what's needed to take Pokemon to the next level.

Sage Gorm apologized for wasting my time with this conversation, and handed over TM75 (Swords Dance) before Looker came to arrest him too. I decided to stop my search for now so I could train my team, because of how strong these Trainers had been, and I anticipated that they wouldn't get any weaker from there.

Needless to say, I would bring each of the Seven Sages to justice for what they had done, and what they had tried to do. None of them would get away.

Current Team:

Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 58)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 59)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 59)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 59)
Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 59)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 59)

Pokemon Black - The Elite Four and the Battle of Legend

I did a lot of training at Nimbasa City, and between that and a few Rare Candies my whole team was pushed to Level 57. Nora learned Hydro Pump in place of Drain Punch, but everyone else kept their same moves. I gathered a lot of supplies before I entered the arena, ready to face the challenge ahead.

My team consisted of:

Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 57)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 57)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 57)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 57)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 57)
Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 57)

The Elite Four Plaza was a central platform surrounded by paths to four battle arenas. Each arena held a different member of the Elite Four, and the statue in the center was engraved with the locations and strengths of each member of the Elite Four. The southwest held the Ghost-Type Master, the southeast held the Fighting-Type Master, the northwest held the Dark-Type Master, and the northeast held the Psychic-Type Master.

I knew that three of my Pokemon would be the main force against ALL of the Elite Four, and I decided to go start at the Ghost-Type Master. I went inside, finding a dark library with spiraling stairs. Before I could do anything I was surrounded by three spirits who grabbed me and dragged me up the stairs to the Elite Four Trainer.

- - - - -

The Elite Four Trainer told me a bit about what they've been writing, revealing herself to be an author. She was inspired by the challenger who was just there, and she was sad for some reason. She introduced herself as Shauntal, and I was ready for the fight ahead.

I sent out Zach against Cofagrigus, and he struck with Night Slash for massive damage, before it countered with Will-O-Wisp to give Zach a burn. Shauntal used a Full Restor to heal Cofagrigus fully, and then Zach struck with Night Slash for great damage before Zach was hurt with it's burn. Zach used Hone Claws to increase attack and accuracy, then he got hit by Shadow Ball for good damage. Zach struck again with Night Slash, and it was enough to take out Cofagrigus.

I switched Zach out for Mason when Shauntal sent out Golurk, and his Thunderbolt did nothing against Golurk, but it halved it's HP to lay a curse on Mason. Mason could do nothing against Golurk, and was knocked out by Earthquake, so I switched to Arthur and his Seed Bomb knocked out Golurk

I sent out Nora next against Chandelure, and her Hydro Pump missed before she got hit by Shadow Ball for great damage. Nora tried again with Hydro Pump, and it was a direct hit that took out Chandelure instantly.

Jellicent was sent out last, and I sent out Arthur against it. Arthur struck with Seed Bomb, and it did massive damage to knock out Jellicent and win the battle.

Shauntal apologized to her Pokemon for having such a terrible battle, telling them it wasn't their fault. Shauntal continued on to tell me that stories of people and Pokemon working together were far more interesting than either one going alone.

I healed my team, then I took the Warp Tile nearby out. I found myself back in the Plaza, the bottom left panel glowing to signal my victory over that member of the Elite Four. I saved my game, and decided to head for the Psychic-Type Master next.

- - - - -

I went inside, and found a starry area with a pillar in the center, a glowing spiral going up to the top of it. I was transported to the top of the pillar, where curtains moved aside to reveal a bed. The Psychic-Type Master woke up and stepped in front of it to greet me.

She was angry with me for disturbing her sleep, but she accepted my challenge. She told me to not bore her with our battle, and Caitlin, the Psychic-Type Master, started the battle.

Caitlin sent out Reuniclus while I sent Zach out against it. Zach hit it with Night Slash for massive damage, and it clung on to use Focus Blast for massive damage which knocked Zach out instantly! I sent out Arthur, and Caitlin used Full Restore to heal Reuniclus before Arthur hit it with Seed Bomb for massive damage. Arthur attacked with another Seed Bomb and it was knocked out.

I sent out Mason against Caitlin's second Pokemon, Sigilyph, and he used Wild Charge to take it down instantly. I kept Mason in the fight when Musharna was sent out next. Mason hit it with Thunder Wave to cause paralysis, and it's Synchronize ability made Mason paralyzed as well before he got hit by Psychic for massive damage. Mason attacked with Wild Charge next, and it did massive damage, before Mason was knocked out by another Psychic attack from Musharna.

I sent Nora out against Musharna, and she attacked with Hydro Pump to knock it out. Nora stayed in the fight when Gothitelle was sent out, and she attacked with Bulldoze for good damage, before she got hit by Psychic for great damage. Nora attacked next with Hydro Pump for great damage, then she got hit by Psychic again for great damage as well. Finally Nora attacked with Surf to knock out Gothitelle and win the battle.

- - - - -

I left the platform, sent back to the Plaza from a nearby Warp Tile. I healed up my team, disappointed in Zach for being so weak against both Ghost-Type AND Psychic-Type Pokemon. Not enough strength to take them out in one blow even being so strong in comparison, not able to take a hit to save himself. I wondered why I had bothered training him to this point if he couldn't get the job done.

I decided to continue on to the northwest path where I found a dark, victorian-era style room. I found myself going up a spiral escalator to reach the top of the formation, where I found myself under a massive chandelier.

The Dark-Type Master introduced himself as Grimsley, and he accepted my challenge. I sent out Cole against his first Pokemon, Scrafty. Cole hit it with Flamethrower for massive damage and a burn, then it countered with Brick Break for minor damage before it took more damage from burn. Cole hit it with another Flamethrower and it was knocked out.

I kept Cole in the fight against Grimsley's Krookodile, and it's Intimidate ability cut Cole's attack. Krookodile used Earthquake for massive damage, but Cole countered with Brick Break for massive damage, and both were left in the red. I switched out to Madelyn, and Grimsley used Full Restore to heal Krookodile. Madelyn flew up high, and avoided Foul Play, then she struck with Fly for massive damage that left Krookodile hanging on, before it countered with Foul Play for great damage.

Grimsley used a Full Restore again, before Madelyn's Aerial Ace did massive damage to put Krookodile in the yellow again. I used a Full Restore to heal up Cole, and Krookodile used Foul Play to deal great damage and leave Madelyn in the red. Madelyn used Aerial Ace once more, and Krookodile was knocked out.

I sent Cole out again when Liepard was sent out, and Liepard used Fake out for minor damage and caused Cole to flinch. Liepard used Attract next, and Cole fell in love, immobilized by it. I grew frustrated at how such a simple battle was becoming  an irritation, wondering if maybe I had taught Zach the wrong moves. Liepard used Aerial Ace somehow, doing great damage, but Cole fought through his love to strike Liepard down with Brick Break.

I kept Cole out in the fight against Bisharp, Grimsley's last Pokemon, and Cole hit it with Flamethrower to knock it out instantly and win the battle.

Grimsley told me that no matter what happened in a battle, only results mattered, and that a loss was a loss. He told me how victory shines like a bright light, and said that my team and I shone brilliantly.

- - - - -

I left the area on another Warp Tile, and I healed my team before I went to take on the last challenge before the Champion. I put Madelyn at the head of the team, and went to the last area.

I found myself in an industrial area, and stepped onto a platform which rolled up a conveyor belt to the top platform. I met with Marshal, the Fighting-Type Master, and he told me how he trained under his mentor, Alder. Marshal told me that Alder saw my potential as a Trainer and took interest in me, and he wanted to test me and take me to the limits of my strength.

I sent out Madelyn against his Throh. Madelyn attacked with Aerial Ace for massive damage, and it countered with Stone Edge for great damage. Madelyn went high and avoided Payback, then Madelyn missed Fly and got hit by Storm Throw. Madelyn attacked with Aerial Ace again and knocked it out.

I kept Madelyn in the fight against Sawk, and I used a Full Restore to heal Madelyn before Sawk attacked with Stone Edge for massive damage. Madelyn went high, and avoided Sawk's attck before she did massive damage with Fly, but it's Sturdy ability kept it in the fight to strike Madelyn down with Stone Edge.

Arthur was sent out, and Marshal used a Full Restore to heal Sawk before Arthur hit it with Seed Bomb for massive damage. Marshal used another Full Restore, and Arthur used Seed Bomb again for massive damage once more. Finally another Seed Bomb knocked it out.

I sent Mason out next against Marshal's third Pokemon, Mienshao. Mason hit it with Thunderbolt for massive damage, and it missed a Jump Kick to knock itself out as it continued on and landed hard.

I decided to keep Mason in the fight when the last Pokemon, Conkledurr, was sent out. Mason used Thunderbolt for massive damage, and it countered with Hammer Arm for massive damage and also lowered it's own speed. Mason hit it with another Thunderbolt, and Conkledurr was knocked out and the battle won.

Marshal told me I had become the strongest Trainer in the Pokemon League. He told me that the statue in the central chamber would take me to the Champion's Room. Marshal told me that the Elite Four of Unova were sworn to follow the Champion's order to be neutral, and told me that the rest was up to me.

- - - - -

I left on the Warp Tile, healed my team, adn then stepped forward onto the large platform around the statue. The platform lowered into a large chamber, where stairs led up to a temple. I went up three long flights of stairs, before I went inside the temple at the top.

I went through the path and up the stairs, and found N standing before Alder. He said it was over, that Pokemon would never again be made to suffer or held captive by humans. It seemed that N had somehow defeated Alder, and apparently Zekrom was too powerful for him. N told Alder that a title of Champion couldn't stop him, and said that his soft heart had left him weak.

N said as a Trainer stronger than the Champion, he would issue an order across Unova, for Trainers of the world to free their Pokemon. Alder begged N not to separate people from Pokemon, but N would not listen, telling Alder how they put their beliefs into battle with all their strength, and N had won. N told Alder not to say another word, before he noticed me.

N had been waiting for me, telling me he had envisioned me finding a stone, and told me that Zekrom was responding to it. He told me that this was not a suitable place for the Legendary Dragons, and ordered the castle of Team Plasma to rise up, to surround the Pokemon League.

Suddenly the ground shook, and from underground a large castle drilled it's way up from underground to surround the the Temple. Just as suddenly as the castle appeared, several staircases jutted out of the castle to land around and inside the temple.

N told us that what had appeared was Team Plasma's castle, that the king's words would resound from the heights to all below. N told me I must come to the castle too, that everything would be decided there. N told me that either separating people from Pokemon, or keeping them together, would be decided in a battle. We would find out whose belief is stronger, and the result would change the world.

N went up the staircase, and Cheren came out of nowhere to chastise Alder for being a wreck. Alder told Cheren he had done well to get that far, and Cheren said that he had also beat the Pokemon League as well. Cheren revealed to us that he became stronger because he understood what he wanted to do, and wanted me to tell N that some people grow stronger by being with Pokemon. Cheren and his team were proof of that, and I would relay the message to N when I beat him.

Alder was kicking himself for his defeat, telling us he should have been able to demonstrate the bond between himself and his Pokemon. Alder continued, saying that beating N would have shown him the worthlessness of his outrageous dreams. Alder warned me to be careful, that N's convictions were the real thing.

Alder told me that those who follow their dreams are the ones who change the world. He told me that nothing good could come from Pokemon and people being separated, and asked me to let N know that. I understood this fact more than he thought, I knew that people were only so good because of their interactions with Pokemon and the understanding people could have with one-another thanks to their mutual appreciation of Pokemon.

I saved my game, then I headed up the the stairs to enter the Plasma Castle. I found myself standing before six of the Seven Sages, and one stepped forward, telling me that those who went in accordance with fate are preserved, and those who rebel perish. Another stepped forward and told me that when the way is forgotten, duty and justice appear.

A third stepped forward and told me that one can lose the forest for the trees, and a fourth stepped forward to tell me that if one makes a mistake and doesn't correct it, that it is a second mistake. I started wondering what they were on about as another couple stepped forward and babbled more nonsense.

They moved to start surrounding me, telling me that if anything should happen to their king, it would be disastrous. They told me it would ruin Ghetsis' perfect plan, and that while it would disappoint their lord N that they would defeat me there.

Before I could do anything, and before they could attack, I heard someone behind me. Clay came up from behind, glad to see me still standing. The Sages backed up, recognizing him as the Driftveil Gym Leader. Clay told them it wasn't JUST him, and all the other Gym Leaders came up to challenge the Seven Sages.

The Seven Sages weren't happy at all, Lenora telling them how they were both outnumbered AND overpowered. Elesa said how ignoring Team Plasma would be a terrible thing for the Gym Leaders to do, and Burgh told them that Bianca asked them to come too. Drayden told me to proceed, and I wished I could watch as the Seven Sages got beat down, but I had to run.

I looked around, and managed to find some stairs to climb up to another floor. I found myself stopped by one of the Shadow Triad, and he told me that in the castle I could rest my Pokemon and access my PC. He showed me where to go to heal my team, and told me that N wanted to see me when my team was rested up.

I found it odd that there would be a place to rest, but I wasn't about to complain. There were two women there, and the one on the left, Anthea, healed my team. Anthea said that Trainers battle to practice their skills and grow in experience, but never to hurt their Pokemon. She told me that N has realized this deep down, but he had spent too much painful time there in the castle admit it.

I talked to the other woman, Concordia, and she told me she gave peace and comfort to N. She told me how N had been separated from people since he was young, and brought up with Pokemon. It turned out the Pokemon he was brought up with ere betrayed, mistreated and hurt by bad people, and that Ghetsis deliberately brought only those poor Pokemon closer to N. Concordia told me that N was touched by their plight, and started pursuing his ideals, thinking only of Pokemon. She told me that N's heart is pure and innocent, but that there was nothing more beautiful and terrifying than innocence.

I wandered around a while, and found a Max Potion. I also found several Plasma Grunts who told me that they had been using the Pokemon they stole from Trainers and overworking them to build this castle. It seemed that while N wanted to free Pokemon from people, Team Plasma was only focused on using Pokemon for their own means.

I went up some stairs to the next floor, and found a lab. One of the scientists inside told me that they could now infiltrate the Pokemon Storage System inside every Pokemon Center, accessing every Pokemon held by every Trainer. If N willed it, they could steal every Pokemon stored in a PC Box. I explored the floor further, and found a Max Revive, as well as a Plasma Grunt who received Pokemon from N to use against Trainers, and found herself getting close to them. I found it interesting that one of the Plasma Grunts thought they weren't cut out for the group because they got attached to their Pokemon.

I started heading to more stairs, but was stopped by another Shadow Triad member. He told me that a battle between N and myself would reveal whether N is an ideal hero. He said it would also reveal how I feel about protecting the current world, where people live with Pokemon. He left, and I went up the stairs to be stopped by another Shadow Triad member, who told me that the room nearby was the world provided to N, where he was raised. The Shadow Triad member admitted that he didn't feel anything, even when he went into that room, but that I may feel something.

I found a child's playroom, with a basketball hoop, trains with colorful tracks, a halfpipe and skateboard, and a few toy boxes filled up. It was a curious place, and it made me wonder why N would be raised in a room full of toys. I explored more rooms on that floor, and one Plasma Grunt told me that Team Galactic and Team Rocket were both too conspicuous with their plans to succeed. Even with Team Plasma working so secretly, there was no way I would let their plans come to fruition.

I went up to another floor, and at a large doorway I was greeted by Ghetsis. He welcomed me, and told me that the castle coming out of the ground to envelop the Pokemon League was a symbol. He said it meant that Unova would change, and he bragged that the king of the castle was the strongest Trainer in the world. Ghetsis spoke of how N was accompanied by a Legendary Dragon and defeated the Champion, and on top of that his heart burned with the desire to improve the world.

Ghetsis said with the stage finally set, they could seize people's minds and hearts. He said that they could bring the world that they desired more easily than I could imagine, and admitted to me that only Team Plasma would use Pokemon and thus rule the powerless populace. Ghetsis had been waiting so long for this, telling me he had kept his silence so no one could piece together what he had planned.

Ghetsis moved aside, telling me to find out if I had what it takes to become a hero. I stepped forward into the Throne Room, and found N sitting on the throne. There was a path heading to the throne, with a central platform, and the whole area was surrounded by a large pool of water. N told me that he desired a world for Pokemon, and Pokemon alone. He told me he would separate Pokemon from people so Pokemon could regain their original power.

N told me it was time to settle things, that his determination was absolute. He told me he would prove the value of his beliefs even if it meant his Pokemon friends getting hurt. N told me that because I've come so far he believed I was equally determined. He demanded I show him the depth of my determination.

I stepped forward, meeting him in the large central area between doorway and throne. N was confused, saying how I came all that way to battle me, but Reshiram wasn't responding. He wondered if I hadn't yet been recognized as the hero, and told me he was disappointed. N told me he liked me a bit, and through our battles he got the feeling that I might be a Trainer who truly cares for Pokemon.

N decided that the idea of Trainers getting to know each other through battles was ridiculous, and told me I have two options; Challenge N to a fight I couldn't win, or leave and watch him create a new world where Pokemon are free of people. N called Zekrom to him, and the Legendary Dragon burst through the wall behind the throne, and gave a roar before it used it's powerful electricity to evaporate all the water in the throne room.

When Zekrom stood behind N, the Light Stone trembled inside my bag. N backed away, surprised to see the Light Stone reacting, and it emerged from my bag and floated into the air. It drew in the aura of the surroundings, and converted it into a powerful force which allowed it to transform into Reshiram, the white Legendary Dragon. It gave a roar, and summoned powerful flames around itself.

N told me about how Zekrom and Reshiram came from the same being, the same and yet opposite Pokemon, and how they appear before the hero they recognize. N realized that I truly was a hero, and told me that Reshiram wanted to battle with me, and wanted me to try and make it my friend and ally. It seemed that Reshiram wanted to prove I was worthy of being called a hero, and N also wanted to see how powerful I was.

- - - - -

I saved the game, and started the battle. I had Madelyn sent out against Reshiram, and she did great damage with Aerial Ace before getting hit by Slash for good damage. Madelyn attacked with Aerial Ace once more to push Reshiram into the red, before she got hit by Fusion Flare for great damage and was also pushed to the red.

I switched over to Cole, and started attempting to catch Reshiram. A single Ultra Ball caught me Reshiram (Dragon/Fire, Lv. 50) and I was ready to take on N for the fate of the Pokemon world! I sent Zach back to my box so I could draw out Reshiram and battle against N and Zekrom.

- - - - -

N realized that Reshiram recognized me as the hero of truth, and he came over to heal my Pokemon before he went in front of Zekrom once more. N said he would defeat me to create the world he dreams of, but I wouldn't let his dreams come true!

Reshiram was sent out against Zekrom, and Zekrom used Fusion Bolt for great damage, before Reshiram countered with Dragon Breath for massive damage. N taunted me, then Zekrom used Zen Headbutt for great damage, before Reshiram knocked out Zekrom with a critical Dragon Breath attack!

I sent Arthur out against N's Carracosta, and he attacked with Seed Bomb for massive damage that left Carracosta clinging on before it missed with a Stone Edge counterattack. N used a Full Restore to heal, and Arthur used Cut for minor damage. Arthur hit Carracosta again with Seed Bomb, and this time Sturdy couldn't save it from a knock out!

Arthur grew to level 58, and I sent out Cole against Vanilluxe. Cole hit it with Brick Break for massive damage, and it went down instantly. Cole grew to Level 58, then I kept him in the fight against Klinklang. Cole attacked with Flamethrower, for massive damage, and it too went down hard.

Cole continued the fight when Zoroark was sent out, and it used Focus Blast for great damage, before Cole countered with Brick Break for massive damage, and it was knocked out.

I sent out Mason against Archeops, N's last Pokemon, and he attacked with Wild Charge for massive damage, and it was knocked out. N was defeated, his dreams shattered, and the Pokemon world was safe for all!

- - - - -

N was shocked, and disappointed, that he and Zekrom were beaten. He was forced to admit that my truth and feelings were stronger than his. He wondered if it was possible for each of them to choose a different hero. N reflected on two heroes living at the same time, one that persues truth and one that pursues ideals. He wondered if they could both be right, but admitted he just didn't know.

N realized that it wasn't by rejecting different ideals, but by accepting different ideals that the world creates a chemical reaction. He realized that this was the formula for changing the world. Ghetsis came up from behind me, asking N if he thought he was still worth sharing the name Harmonia with him. I realized that N must be Ghetsis' son, or at least related to him, but I wondered why N was raised in such a way.

Ghetsis called N a good-for-nothing boy, and he stepped forward. Ghetsis told me that he started by spurring N into pursuing ideals. He told me that the reason they reawakened the Legendary Pokemon was to give HIS Team Plasma more power. Power, he said, to control the fearful masses, and that was at least well done.

Ghetsis confronted N, telling him that after saying he had put his beliefs on the line, and battled to see which one chosen by the Legendary Pokemon was the true hero, he lost to an ordinary Trainer. Ghetsis told N that there was such a thing as being too stupid, and told him that he was nothing more than a warped, defective boy who knows nothing but Pokemon.

Ghetsis stepped toward me, telling me he never thought the Legendary Pokemon would choose a Trainer like myself. He admitted it caught him completely off guard, but told me this didn't change his goal, that his plans hadn't been disturbed. Ghetsis continued, telling me that in order to rule this world utterly, in order to manipulate people's hearts, that he would have N be the king of Team Plasma. He told me that for it to work, since I knew the truth, I would have to be eliminated.

Alder and Cheren came up from behind me, and Cheren wasn't amused by what he heard. Cheren had thought their plans were to just liberate Pokemon, but Ghetsis admitted that it was just a convenient lie that he needed to create Team Plasma. Ghetsis told Cheren to use his head, and asked him what would be gained by letting go of useful things like Pokemon. Ghetsis said how manipulating Pokemon helps people expand their possibilities, which he agreed with, but then stated that only he should be able to use Pokemon.

I was getting tired of hearing this crazy old man talk, and Alder called him a fool. Ghetsis told Alder he could believe what he wanted, but said that a Pokemon, even revered as a deity, is still just a Pokemon. Ghetsis told me that even if the Legendary Dragon chose me, it doesn't mean I'm a threat. He challenged me to a battle, and said he couldn't wait to see the look on my face when I've lost all hope, but soon he would be the one without hope, surrounded by all his defeated Pokemon.

- - - - -

I sent out Reshiram out against his Confagrigus, and Reshiram used Dragon Breath for great damage before it countered with Toxic to poison Reshiram. Confagrigus used Protect to protect itself from Reshiram's attack, but Reshiram was able to attack on the next turn for massive damage with Fusion Flare before it got by Shadow Ball for great damage. Ghetsis used a Full Restore to heal Confagrigus, and Reshiram used Fusion Flare  for massive damage.

I useda  Full Restore to heal Reshiram, and it got hit by Shadow Ball for good damage, then it's attack failed when Confagrigus used Protect again, before Dragon Breath did great damage, and Confagrigus used Shadow Ball for great damage. Reshiram used Dragon Breath once more to knock it out.

I sent Cole out against Ghetsis' Bouffalant, and he used Brick Break for massive damage, before Bouffalant used Head Charge for massive damage, but the recoil knocked it out! Seismitoad was sent out next, and I sent Arthur out against it. Arthur hit it with Seed Bomb for massive damage, and it was knocked out easily thanks to it's double weakness to Grass-Type moves.

I sent out Cole against Ghetsis' next Pokemon, Hydreigon, and it used Surf for massive damage which knocked out Cole. I sent Madelyn out next, and she went high, avoiding Dragon Pulse, before she struck with Fly for massive damage, then it countered with Dragon Pulse for massive damage. Madelyn went high once more, avoiding Fire Blast, before she hit it with Fly once more to strike it down!

Ghetsis sent out Bisharp next, and Nora was sent out to battle it. Nora hit it with Bulldoze for great damage, and slowed it down, then it countered with Night Slash for great damage. Nora struck next with Hydro Pump, and the powerful Water-Type move knocked it out.

Eelektross was sent out last, and I kept Nora in the fight. Nora hit it with Bulldoze, but it's Levitate ability prevented it from being hurt by Ground-Type moves, and it attacked with Crunch for great damage. I sent out Mason against it, and it attacked with Acrobatics for good damage. I had Mason attack with Stomp for great damage, then it countered with Flamethrower for massive damage.

I sent Arthur out against Eelektross, and it attacked with Flamethrower for massive damage, but Arthur countered with Seed Bomb for massive damage, and Eelektross barely clung. Unfortunately, Arthur got hit by Acrobatics and was knocked out by the blow. I sent Reshiram out, and it used Slash to knock out Eelektross and win the battle, and on top of that Mason and Nora both grew to Level 58. With that, Ghetsis was defeated, his mad plans over!

- - - - -

Ghetsis was shocked, and then rambled on about how he had created Team Plasma with his own hands, and told us he was perfection. He claimed he was the perfect ruler of a perfect new world. Alder stepped forward, asking N if he still thought Pokemon and people should be separated, and N couldn't say anything.

Ghetsis laughed, and told us that sine he couldn't become the hero and obtain the Legendary Pokemon himself, that he prepared N for that purpose. He claimed that N was nothing more than a freak without a human heart, and asked us if we thought we were going to get through a warped person like that.

Cheren stepped forward, telling Alder that it's a waste of valuable time listening to Ghetsis ramble on, saying that HE was the one without a human heart. Alder agreed, calling Ghetsis truly pitiful, and told N he had much to think about. He told N that he knew the boy wasn't pursuing ideals because of Ghetsis' manipulation, but because his heart was really inspired. He said that was why he was able to meet the Legendary Pokemon.

N said he had no right to be the hero, and Alder told him that what he and the Legendary Pokemon do from now on would be important. N said Alder was acting like he understood, and stated how they'd been fighting each other over their beliefs. Alder told N that even if we don't understand each other, that's not a reason to reject each other. Alder stated that there were two sides to any argument, and pointed out that there wasn't a single point of view that has all the answers.

Alder and Cheren grabbed Ghetsis and brought him away, under arrest for his actions. I wished I knew what would happen to him, but I could only hope it was something bad. N told me he wanted to talk, and we both went toward his throne. He told me that he wanted to talk about the first time we met in Accumula Town. He told me he was shocked by what he heard my Pokemon saying.

N told me he was shocked that my Pokemon said they liked me, and said they wanted to be with me. N told me he couldn't understand it, couldn't believe that there were Pokemon that liked people. He told me it was because until that moment he'd never known a Pokemon like that. N admitted to me that the longer his journey continued, the more unsure he became. He told me how he kept meeting Pokemon and people who communicated with one another and helped one another. This was why he kept battling with me.

N told me he wanted to confront me hero-to-hero, and said he needed that more than anything. He told me that there was no way a person like him, someone who doesn't understand people and who apparently doesn't understand Pokemon, could measure up to me, when I had met so many Pokemon and surrounded myself with friends.

N said the champion had forgiven him, decided that what he should do now is something he'd have to decide for himself. N released Zekrom from it's Pokeball, then told me to make my dream come true. N told me to make my wonderful dream a reality, and it would become my truth, and he told me he had faith that I could do it.

N bid me farewell, and flew off on Zekrom. I was left watching the credits, glad I had finally beaten Team Plasma and ensured the continued cooperation of people and Pokemon.

Current Team:

Reshiram (Dragon/Fire, Lv. 50)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 57)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 58)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 58)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 58)
Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 58)

Pokemon Black - Catching Tornadus, and Training for the Elite Four

I put Zach at the head of my team, and went to a Gate to check the electronic bulletin board for storms, and I soon found that one was happening on Route 5. I went there and soon encountered Tornadus, and I had Zach use Slash to push him to the yellow after he did some damage while heading to Victory Road.

I decided to save the game, and keep going in and out of battles and a nearby food truck to lure Tornadus back to Route 5. Soon we faced off again, and I knew I couldn't do any more damage without knocking him out, so I just focused on using Quick Balls to catch him. My first Quick Ball looked like it would catch him right off the bat, but he escaped at the last minute.

I kept moving in and out of the food truck to lure Tornadus back to Route 5, then another Quick Ball failed almost immediately to catch the Legendary Pokemon. I had hoped he'd be caught immediately like Terrakion had, but it would be a struggle just like any other Roaming Pokemon.

Another encounter, another failed attempt with a single shake. It was at this time I decided to switch Zach out for Mason, who could paralyze Tornadus with Thunder Wave. Mason managed to hit it with Thunder Wave, and it left paralyzed. I had hoped this would make it a lot easier to catch him.

I soon encountered Tornadus again, but the next Quick Ball failed immediately. I kept this up for a time, and I ran out of my Quick Balls. I considered going to buy more, but thought I'd keep trying Ultra Balls, though after a while of Tornadus keeping away I decided to go ahead and buy more Quick Balls.

I encountered Tornadus again, another Quick Ball getting so close, then he fled. I kept at it a while longer, and FINALLY Tornadus (Flying, Male, Lv. 40) was mine!

After all that, I decided to go back to Nimbasa City to start my training for the Elite Four. I knew my team was strong, but they needed to be even more powerful to take on the Elite Four, and perhaps N if it came down to that. I had already done training the night before, and gotten Madelyn and Arthur both to Level 51.

The Small Court was currently occupied with a game, but the Big Stadium was open, and I went inside to do more training. Through a few battles, Cole grew to Level 52, and a couple others gained some experience. The opponents were keeping around Level 41, but with the Lucky Egg I could still get some decent training with them anyway.

I'll be spending the next few days training, getting my team stronger and stronger, and soon I would face the Elite Four and take my place as Champion of the Unova League.

Current Team:

Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 51)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 51)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 51)
Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 51)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 51)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 52)

Pokemon Black - Victory Road and Catching Terrakion

Victory road was a cavern located on the side of a cliff. I always wondered why they called these caverns to each Pokemon League "Victory Road" when they couldn't be considered roads.

I went inside, and quickly caught a Durant (Bug/Steel, Male, Lv. 37), but Zach got knocked out. I used my last Revive and Fresh Water to heal him and Cole up, and after I found out I could fly Madelyn over to Victory Road, I decided to head back to civilization so I could stock up on healing items and Pokeballs. I also did some training, and Zach grew to Level 50.

I went back to Victory Road, ready to fight my way through it to the Pokemon League. I headed inside once more, then I surfed through the water inside to find a Max Revive before I walked up some stairs.

I got into a battle near the top of the stairs on the second floor, which saw both Madelyn AND Nora grow to Level 50. I continued along the path and went outside onto a rocky cliff and realized that there were several trails along this rocky area. I looked up and saw one Trainer telling another that they could slide down the cliffs. The one Trainer slid down to me, and I saw what I would have to do to get through to the Pokemon League.

The other Trainer stayed up there, scared of the fall, and I continued on to slide down the cliff and head east. I quickly caught a Heatmor (Fire, Male, Lv. 40) as I made my way back inside the caverns. I snagged a Rare Candy and caught a Deino (Dark/Dragon, Male, Lv. 38) before I went up some stairs to the second floor again.

I went up some stairs in the next cavern to get up to the third floor, and found myself in a battle with another Ace Trainer. Mason grew to Level 50, then I went past the Trainer to step out onto another ledge. I spotted the Trainer who was afraid to slide down, and a couple doorways into the cavern. I took the center path, and got into another battle.

There were a couple stairways, one going up and one going down. I went down, and used Strength to move the boulder I saw earlier for a shortcut, before I went back up and headed higher up on the other set of stairs. I got into another battle, where Cole grew to Level 51, and then I left to find myself on another ledge, an artificial ledge. I grabbed a Full Restore, then I went back.

I slid down the cliffs to the bottom, and went around a time, and found TM12 (Taunt) before I went to the leftmost door on the third floor. I got into another battle, and Madelyn and Zach were both knocked out. I healed them up, then I went up another some more stairs to the fourth floor.

I battled with a Doctor on the fourth floor, and Zach grew to Level 51. The Doctor healed my team, and moved a boulder with Strength before I went to the fifth floor. I slid down a couple cliffs, and grabbed an Ultra Ball, then I went back up to the fifth floor, then headed up to the sixth floor to get into another battle.

I went onto a ledge through one doorway and grabbed a Full Heal, then I went through the other doorway and onto another ledge. I went into the caverns once more, and got into another battle, where Nora and Mason both grew to Level 51, but Arthur was knocked out. I healed Arthur, and went up some stairs, and reached the seventh floor.

I went down some stairs to reach the sixth floor, moved a boulder, and went into an eastern cavern to find myself in the Trial Chamber, standing before Terrakion (Rock/Fighting, Lv. 42). I stepped forward, saved my game, and started the battle. After a couple tries, and a single Dusk Ball, I caught him! The Legendary Trio of Unova, the Swords of Justice, were all now mine!

I went back to the seventh floor, left the caverns, and I continued along the path at the top of the cliff. I found myself standing before the Pokemon League, and I glad to have finally gotten here. I found a Pokemon Center there, and I healed my team after all their struggles. Soon enough I would take on the Elite Four for my championship of the Unova League!

Current Team:

Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 50)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 50)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 51)
Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 51)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 51)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 51)

Pokemon Black - An Odd Encounter, and Another Battle with Cheren

I did some more training in Nimbasa City, and Cole, Arthur, and Madelyn all grew to Level 49. I knew with just a bit more training my whole team would be more than ready for the challenges ahead!

I started heading north, and was stopped by the guide at the gate who told me about a big storm on Route 7. He told me the storm seemed to be different from a natural phenomenon, and I knew it could only be a Pokemon causing it.

I decided to head to Route 7 to check it out, and I wasn't disappointed when I was caught in a MASSIVE storm. The wind and rain were raging hard, and I went through the route to find the Pokemon causing the storm. I was stopped by an old woman who lived in a house at the center of the route, mentioning something about "that Pokemon" coming back.

The old woman told me not to go heading into tall grass, warning me that the Pokemon she spoke of could be too much for me. The old woman invited me inside, away from the storm, and I gladly went inside. The old woman told me I'd catch a cold if I got soaked by the rain, and she offered me soup. I gladly accepted, and I sat with her family as she told me a story.

The old woman told me that in the Unova Region there is a Pokemon called Tornadus that causes windstorms. She told me that it flies around the region while causing wild winds and pounding rain. I ate the soup she offered, and she complained to me that the heavy rain was ruining the crops she worked so hard to raise, and she revealed that her attempts to catch Tornadus had failed because of it's speed.

The old woman told me that Tornadus could make a lap around the entire Unova region in just one day. She informed me that it remains in the south in the morning, and in the evening it stays in the north. She told me it shows up near her house in the evenings, and her husband told me that it's been hiding for 30 years after another Pokemon punished it for it's raging storms.

I left the house after getting my team healed, heard a commotion nearby, and I went down the route a little to spot Tornadus flying about to greet me. A powerful storm instantly raged as it floated before me, and before I could do anything it flew off, and with it went the storm. I knew I would have to find it and catch it, and I was glad this roaming Pokemon was in a usual pattern at different times of the day.

I went back to Opelucid City and went north, and I found myself in a major storm on Route 10. I started heading east, and got into a battle, which saw Nora grow to Level 49. I went up a long staircase, and got into another battle as the storm grew even stronger. I won the battle, and kept going east before I got into another battle. Mason was knocked out, but Zach grew to Level 49. I healed up Mason and continued on.

I crossed a bridge, and heard Cheren calling out to me. I turned around, and spotted both Cheren AND Bianca. Bianca heard I was heading for the Pokemon League, and Cheren thought that things would be alright because Alder was there. Cheren knew that worst-case scenario, I would battle N, and he needed to know if I could handle it. And so we had yet another battle.

I sent out Mason against his Unfezant, and with the rain I knew there wouldn't be any chance his Electric-Type attacks would miss. Unfezant used Detect to protect itself for one move, but then Mason was able to hit it on the next turn with Thunderbolt to knock it out instantly, and Mason grew to Level 49.

Samurott was sent out next, and I had Cole go out to fight it. Cole hit it with Brick Break for great damage, then Cole avoided it's Aqua Tail before healing a bit with Shell Bell. Cole hit Samurott with Strength next for good damage, then it countered with Aqua Tail for massive damage, which knocked Cole out instantly. I sent out Arthur next, and he attacked with Seed Bomb to knock out Samurott.

Simisear was sent out next, and I sent Nora out against it. Nora hit it with Bulldoze, and it did massive damage and lowered Simisear's speed, before it countered with Flame Burst for minor damage. Nora hit Simisear with Surf to knock it out, and then I sent out Madelyn against Cheren's Liepard.

Madelyn went high, avoiding Liepard's Night Slash, and she struck with Fly for massive damage that knocked Liepard out instantly. With Liepard down, the battle was over, and I came out victorious.

Cheren admired my strength, and he was kind enough to heal my Pokemon. I felt sorry for Cole, who went down due to my ego and my lack of knowledge on Cheren's Pokemon. I knew he'd continue on, getting even stronger, but he could have gotten a lot of experience if I had just switched out to another Pokemon.

Cheren admitted that he couldn't compete with me, and told me that if he could do anything to help in the battle with N, to just ask him. Bianca gave me some Max Revives to help me out in the challenge ahead, and she reflected on how different people were from each other. Cheren went thoughtful, and Bianca asked him to just smile for once, telling him that taking everything so seriously wouldn't change anything.

Bianca told Cheren how through our journey with our Pokemon we had all changed, that we found things we want to do and thing we can do, which were different for each of us. Bianca believed this made our journey worth it, and I had to agree. She told us that this all made her happy, and Cheren finally understood what she was talking about. Cheren reflected on the fact that there are so many truths and ideals out there, and that people and Pokemon should always be together.

Cheren left to train, to grow stronger so he could help me against Team Plasma, but he asked me to not be reckless. Bianca told me she would help as well, if she could, and tried to part with some words of encouragement, but it wasn't quite as inspiring as it could have been.

I kept heading east, and I got into another battle. I won the battle, and continued on into another one. I got through the battle, snagged a nearby Full Restore, and reached the Badge Check Gate. I went back onto the path to find some items and new Pokemon, and I caught a Vullaby (Dark/Flying, Female, Lv. 36), and a Bouffalant (Normal, Male, Lv. 35). I got into a couple more battles as well, and both Cole and Arthur grew to Level 50. I also snagged several items, including a Hyper Potion, Dusk Stone, and TM05 (Roar).

I had a chance encounter with Tornadus, and Zach hit it with Night Slash for great damage before it fled. I knew I'd have to be very careful from now on, lest I knock it out! I would try to catch it later, but for the time being I didn't have a save point to fall back on in case the worst happened, and I didn't want to try restarting.

I went into the Badge Check Gate, and I went through the various gates. The doorways could only be opened with each of the Badges earned, and each room had a design to reflect the Gym I had earned that Badge from. I could reflect on every battle against the Gym Leaders I had, every victory that brought me to this point.

Soon I was at the entrance to Victory Road, and I decided to call it a night. Tomorrow would mark my journey through Victory Road and finally to the Pokemon League.

Current Team:

Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 49)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 49)
Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 49)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 49)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 50)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 50)

Pokemon Black - Opelucid City and the Opelucid Gym

Opelucid City, "Time's Dividing Line" as it was called, was a city designed with the future in mind. The buildings were all futuristic, but I couldn't look around much because I needed to get to Drayden's house to learn about these Legendary Dragon-Type Pokemon.

I followed Iris inside, and Drayden started to explain the legends. Drayden told me what I was holding was the Light Stone, which held Reshiram, and said that it and Zekrom were once the same Pokemon. Iris continued, telling me that single Dragon Pokemon, along with twin heroes brought a new region into being, a place where people and Pokemon had happy lives.

Drayden continued, telling me that one day, the older brother who sought truth, and the younger brother who sought ideals began to argue about deciding which one of them was right. The single Dragon-Type Pokemon that had been with them all that time split itself into two, where one sided with elder brother while the other sided with younger brother.

The black Dragon-Type Pokemon sought ideals, and to usher in a new and better world, and it was named Zekrom. The other, the white Dragon-Type Pokemon sought truth and to usher in a new world of good, and it's name was Reshiram.

Drayden told me that because the two of them were once the same entity, their battle raged endlessly, and both were equally matched. The two exhausted themselves, and the twin heroes proclaimed that there was neither side was right, and they ceased the conflict.

Unfortunately, the twin heroes had sons who started the battle again, and in an instant Zekrom and Reshiram destroyed Unova with lightning and fire. After this, they disappeared. Iris said that if people work with Pokemon in the right way, we wouldn't have to worry about the world being destroyed. She put as an example how Reshiram and Zekrom worked hard for everyone to make a new region.

Draydren reflected on how people may hurt Pokemon by imposing their selfish thoughts on them, but no matter what Pokemon and people believe in each other, need each other, and will continue to live together. Iris agreed with Drayden, and said she would never forgive Team Plasma for trying to separate the two.

Drayden apologized for going off on a tangent at the end, and told me that was all they knew. He said they didn't know how to wake up the Legendary Pokemon. Drayden told me he made a promise to Alder, that he would wait for my challenge at the Opelucid Gym so I could win the Opelucid Badge.

I went upstairs and received a Ring Target and Float Stone from the people training up there, then I explored the city. I got a Gift Box from one old man in a house, then I went to the second floor and found a couple people, one of whom used to belong with Team Plasma. It seems that one disliked being in a group where everyone thought the same, and so he left. The other person thought perhaps Team Plasma was right about taking Pokemon away from weak Trainers such as himself, but felt bad for people who got their Pokemon stolen.

After a bit more exploration, and receiving a Destiny Knot, I decided to dive right into the challenge ahead of me, and went into the Opelucid Gym.

My team consisted of:

Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 47)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 47)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 47)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 47)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 48)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 48)

I knew this would be my greatest challenge because I had no Pokemon with a type advantage against Dragon-Type Pokemon. This would be a battle of brute strength against brute strength, and I hoped my team would prove stronger.

I received a Fresh Water from Clyde, and he told me that the path around the gym was shaped like two dragons. The path would change when I stepped on switches located on the dragons' arms, and he said to pay attention to how the dragons' necks move.

With such vague information, I went forward and got into a battle. Nora was able to defeat the Ace Trainer's Fraxure easily, and I went along the path to find myself on the tail of a black dragon. I went forward and found myself going to a path leading from the tail. I went on the path over a ramp, and then I got into another battle.

I won the battle, hopped onto the dragon's arm onto a switch, and the dragon moved it's head. I continued on and hopped off the dragon's head onto another path, and went through to get into another battle. I won the battle, and Nora grew to Level 48, then I hopped off the path and onto another switch, which made the dragon's head move up to another path.

I went through the new path, and got into yet another battle. Afterwards, I continued along the path, and hopped down onto the arm of another dragon, which caused the head to shift. I went down it's back, and got into a battle, and Madelyn grew to Level 48. I continued along the path, got the head to move, and then I continued along another path where I soon got into another battle.

I got through the battle with Mason knocked out, and I had to revive him and heal him up before I continued on the path, having to press one switch twice before I could get further along another path. I got into another battle where Mason grew to Level 48, then I went and pressed another switch which made the dragon's head move to a path even higher up. I went through it, onto another dragon, and along another path where I got into yet another battle.

After the battle Zach grew to Level 48, and I continued along the path. Finally, I pressed the final switch which moved the dragon's head up to the platform where Drayden stood. Drayden thanked me for coming, and revealed to me he was not only the Gym Leader of Opelucid City, but it's mayor as well. Drayden told me he had been giving everything to develop the city, while as a Trainer he had been pursuing greater strength.

Drayden told me he was searching now for a young Trainer who could show him a bright future, and hoped that I would be able to show him that future just as Iris had. I certainly hoped I would, and so the battle began.

I sent out Arthur against his Fraxure, and Arthur hit it with Seed Bomb for great damage, before it countered with Assurance. Arthur used Work Up to increase his attack and special attack, before Fraxure used Dragon Dance to increase it's own attack and speed. Arthur hit it with Seed Bomb once more, and it was knocked out.

Druddigon was sent out next, and I sent Nora out against it. Nora hit Druddigon with Surf for good damage, then it countered with Night Slash for good damage in return. Nora attacked with Bulldoze next for great damage, and it countered with Night Slash for great damage. Both were in the yellow, so I had Nora attack with Drain Punch next for good damage, which healed her up a bit, before she got hit by Night Slash once more for good damage.

Drayden used Hyper Potion to heal Druddigon, and Nora hit it with Bulldoze for great damage. I switched over to Mason, who got hit by Dragon Tail for great damage, and Zach was dragged out after that. Zach used Hone Claws to raise his attack and accuracy, before getting hit by Night Slash for good damage. Zach attacked with Night Slash for massive damage, a critical hit that knocked it out!

Haxorus was sent out last, and I sent out Madelyn against it. Madelyn went high, while Haxorus used Dragon Dance to increase it's attack and speed, then it used Dragon Dance again to increase those stats further before Madelyn struck it with Fly for massive damage. Drayden used a Hyper Potion to heal it up, and Madelyn hit it with Aerial Ace for great damage. Haxorus struck with Slash for great damage, then Madelyn went high once more, before she struck Haxorus down with Fly to win the battle!

Drayden was happy to be defeated, grateful that we had a chance to meet and battle. Drayden handed over the Legend Badge, my eight and final Gym Badge in the Unova League! With the Legend Badge, all Pokemon would follow my commands. Drayden handed over TM82 (Dragon Tail) as well, a move that returns the attacked Pokemon to it's Pokeball.

Drayden asked me to head for the Pokemon League and go after Alder, and told me it's found past Route 10 which runs from Opelucid City to Victory Road. He told me he knew Alder's strength, but admitted he didn't know the depths of N's power.

I left the Gym, proud of my team, and I thought back to my victory over the Elite Four in Sinnoh, when Marcus struck down Cynthia's final Dragon-Type Pokemon. I remembered how my hopes and dreams rested on that Flying-Type Pokemon, and he used every ounce of his strength to strike it down!

I found Professor Juniper waiting for me, outside the Opelucid Gym. She came by to report on how to resurrect the legendary Reshiram, and thought it best to tell me in person than over the Xtransceiver. Professor Juniper admitted that she hadn't figured it out yet, other than being sure that the Pokemon would wake up when it deems someone worthy. I wondered why she hadn't just called me on the Xtransceiver if that was all the information she had?

Professor Juniper applauded me though, amazed that I had gotten all eight of the Unova League Badges. She admired my strength, and told me I had changed a lot since I left Nuvema Town. Juniper led me along the road to the gateway to Route 10 so I could reach Victory Road, and she reflected on the first time she showed us all around the Pokemon Center in Accumula Town.

Professor Juniper asked me if I regretted setting out on my journey, and I told her no. Juniper thanked me, telling me that was the best answer I could give her. She was happy to be able to give us those Pokemon as presents, because Pokemon create chances to meet more wonderful people AND Pokemon. I received the Master Ball from her, and she told me this was the only way she could support me, except to say be true to myself.

Juniper left, and I went to heal my team at the Pokemon Center. Aside from some more training I knew my team would need, I was ready to continue on to Victory Road. Soon I would become Champion of the Unova League, and then I could finally move on to Pokemon Y!

Current Team:

Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 48)
Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 48)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 48)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 48)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 48)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 48)

Pokemon Black - Heading to Opelucid City

It was Summer when I started started north on Route 8, and I quickly got into a battle with a Pokemon Ranger. I defeated him easily, then I snagged a Poison Barb before I started heading east, where I quickly found TM36 (Sludge Bomb). I quickly got into a battle with a Parasol Lady, and through it all Zach grew to Level 47. I continued east and fought against another Pokemon Ranger, and I defeated her and snagged a nearby Ultra Ball before I headed north through a clearing in the trees.

I found myself in the Moor of Icirrus, and I shoved a boulder over to the west to explore. I snagged an Ultra Ball and a Carbos before I got into another battle with another Parasol Lady. After I beat her, I headed back north, and got into another battle with a Pokemon Ranger. I found a Max Elixir and a Max Potion, then Arthur grew to Level 47 in a wild Pokemon battle before I continued east.

I found a Max Revive, and then I battled a Fisherman and a Pokemon Ranger. Nora grew to Level 47, and then I found myself at the end of the area. I went back on Route 8, and headed east again, where a Parasol Lady gave me TM42 (Facade). I continued east and battled a Fisherman, and Madelyn grew to Level 47. I fought against another Parasol Lady, then another one gave me a Damp Rock before I went to the gate to the east.

Before I could go through the gateway, I was stopped by Bianca. She told me she had been traveling lately, and had been thinking about things. Bianca thought about what she could do with her life, what she wanted to do, and she started thinking about being a model like Elesa, and doing research on Pokemon like Professor Juniper.

Bianca said she would have to know a lot about Pokemon to be like Professor Juniper, and asked that I battle with her. I agreed, and thus my next battle with Bianca began.

I sent Mason out against her Stoutland, and it used it's Intimidate ability to lower Mason's attack. Mason hit Stoutland with Thunder Wave to paralyze it, and it couldn't move, leaving it open for a Thunderbolt which did massive damage, before Stoutland used Work Up to raise it's attack and special attack.

Mason used another Thunderbolt, and Stoutland was knocked out. Serperior was sent out, and I had Cole fight against it. Serperior used Coil to increase it's attack, defense, AND accuracy before Cole knocked it out with a single Flamethrower.

Simipour was sent out by Bianca, and I had Mason go out to fight it, knocking out Simipour with a single Spark, before he grew to Level 47. I had Mason learn Wild Charge in place of Spark, and then I sent Zach out against Bianca's final Pokemon, Musharna.

Zach hit Musharna with Night Slash, and it was down in a single blow. I won the battle with that attack, and Bianca complimented me on my skills. Bianca gave me a Full Restore, and then she reflected on her Pokemon being stolen in Castelia City. Bianca told me because of that she understood the pain that people would feel if they were forced to liberate their Pokemon. Bianca asked me to stop Team Plasma, to not allow Pokemon to be stolen from Trainers who love them.

Bianca left shortly after that, and I went through the gateway. The gateway had a model of the bridge I was going to cross, and I found it interesting to have something there without a data screen or guide. I went through the gateway and found myself on Tubeline Bridge, walking a path above a pair of train tracks that were heading in two directions.

I talked with a couple people on the bridge, one of which warned me of being there on weekends, and another who gave me TM43 (Flame Charge). I continued on, and saw Ghetsis at the end of the path. Before I could confront him, I was stopped by the Shadow Triad, who commanded me to follow them.

The Shadow Triad led me to Ghetsis, and they appeared behind him instead before he talked with me. Ghetsis congratulated me on obtaining the Light Stone, and he told me that N thought that the two holders of the Legendary Pokemon should put their beliefs on the line and strive to find which is the true hero.

Ghetsis told me this wasn't necessary, that from N's infancy Ghetsis himself had provided him with the education required to become the hero of legend. Ghestis claimed that the proof was shown by his acknowledgement by the Legendary Pokemon.

Ghetsis said that the liberation of Pokemon of which he spoke was the separation of Pokemon from "foolish people." Ghestis said that it was the truth, that all Trainers would become helpless to resist them, that Team Plasma alone would be able to use Pokemon. It was just as I feared, Ghestis was planning on using N to separate Pokemon from people, only to use the strength of their Pokemon to rule over the world!

Ghestis started gloating, telling me that when his plan was set in motion, first a few gullible Pokemon Trainers who can't resist Team Plasma would release their Pokemon, then it would grow to the hundreds and thousands. Eventually even the Gym Leaders and the Champion would be unable to fight them. He said that having a Pokemon would be considered a bad thing, even people like Bianca would be unable to face public opinion and would have to release their Pokemon.

Ghetsis continued, saying that while I may have the Stone, there was no chance at all that the Legendary Pokemon would accept me as the hero. He told me if I wasn't willing to hand over my Pokemon, that I would have to search for some courage because I would need it.

Ghetsis left, and the Shadow Triad disappeared, and I continued through the gateway. I went through and reached Route 9, and just as I got through the gate I was tossed TM56 (Fling) from a nearby Pitcher.

I  continued forward, and was stopped by a Biker. I battled with him, then I fought a Roughneck to the north and beat him easily. Cole grew to Level 48, and after the guy's demands to steal my Pokemon if I lost, admitted that he wasn't low enough to actually steal Pokemon like Team Plasma.

I put Arthur at the head of the team, and I got into a Double Battle against a pair of Hooligans, and they were beaten easily. I continued along the path and got into another battle with another Biker, who went down quickly. I found myself in front of Shopping Mall Nine, and I decided to check it out.

I bought some supplies from the mall, and got into some battles, and I received a Thunderstone as well. Through the battles Arthur grew to Level 48, and then I made my way out and finally reached Opelucid City.

When I got to Opelucid City, I was stopped by Alder, who guided me to a speech being made by Ghetsis and Team Plasma. Alder seemed to hate Ghetsis, calling him a liar trying to con everyone with his speech. Ghetsis told the people gathered that N had joined forces with the Legendary Dragon-Type Pokemon and intended to create a new world.

Ghetsis told the people that they would herald the return of the hero of Unova, continuing on to state that Pokemon were different from people, being living beings with unknown potential, living beings whom people have much to learn from. Ghetsis told them how Pokemon are beings whose greatness should be acknowledged, who should be freed from oppression.

Ghetsis continued, telling the people Team Plasma invited them to join them in their goal to create a new world where people and Pokemon are both free, and he asked the people to release their Pokemon. Ghetsis thanked everyone for their attention, and left with his small army of Plasma Grunts.

The people started talking among themselves, wondering if they'd been making Pokemon suffer, and some wondered if they should release their Pokemon like Team Plasma said. One rejected their demand outright, saying he'd be lonely and sad without his Pokemon.

The group dispersed, and there were a couple people remaining who talked about the strange speech they had witnessed. I realized one of them was a familiar face, and they continued talking among themselves about how if Pokemon didn't want anything to do with people then they would simply leave.

Alder said we should go talk with them, and he greeted them as Iris and Drayden. I remembered Iris, but had forgotten her name; She helped protect Bianca back when her Pokemon were stolen in Castelia City. Iris remembered me too, and it seems also forgot my name. Iris wondered what Alder could need from them, and Alder requested information about the Legendary Dragon-Type Pokemon.

Iris asked if he was talking about Zekrom or Reshiram, and wondered what the sudden interest was. Drayden told Alder that Ghetsis had come, telling people a Trainer named N had reawakened Zekrom. Alder explained the situation, and then he told me he would be returning to the Pokemon League. Alder was confident that he could defeat N, that he would teach N about the beauty of the world where Pokemon and Trainers live together in harmony.

Alder told me to come see him in the Pokemon League once I'd obtained the Opelucid Badge. He warned me about the strength of the Gym Leader, before telling me to take care. Alder told Drayden and Iris that he was counting on them, then he left us alone.

Iris was disappointed when he left, but said that he looked kinda scary. Drayden told her not to worry, that he was the strongest Trainer in all of Unova. Drayden told me to come to his home, that he would tell me everything he could about the Legendary Dragon-Type Pokemon.

I was led by Iris to the Pokemon Center, and she went down a road toward her home, waiting for me. Before I could do anything more, I would need to get my team healed at the Pokemon Center and ready for whatever would happen.

Current Team:

Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 47)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 47)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 47)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 47)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 48)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 48)

Pokemon Black - The Search for the Light Stone

I did a lot of training in Nimbasa City, and Arthur, Nora, and Mason grew to Level 45, while Madelyn, Cole, and Zach grew to Level 46. During the training, Zach learned Night Slash in place of Assurance, Nora learned Drain Punch in place of Supersonic, Madelyn learned Feather Dance in place of Detect, and Cole learned Flamethrower in place of Flame Charge.

I was glad I had stayed in Nimbasa, because it was an easy and quick trip to the Relic Castle in the Desert Resort. I was about to walk down the stairs and start exploring, but I was stopped by Cheren. Cheren was impressed that I had made it there before him, and told me he had difficulty getting through the path. Cheren told me to hurry, that Alder went on ahead, and so I went inside.

I made my way past several people, and down the stairs to find one of the Seven Sages, Ryoku. He told me Ghetsis wanted them to test my power once more, and wanted me to try defeating Team Plasma. I got into a battle with a Plasma Grunt, then I slid down a hole in the ground to go deeper into the Relic Castle.

I snagged a Max Potion when I landed, then I got into another battle. After the battle Arthur grew to Level 46, then I continued on to fight another Plasma Grunt. After the battle Nora grew to Level 46, and I snagged TM30 (Shadow Ball) before I slid down another hole at the south of the area.

I got into another battle with a Plasma Grunt as I made my way west, and Mason grew to Level 46. I snagged a Max Revive, then I got into another battle, and snagged a PP Up before slipping down the next hole at the southwest of the area.

I quickly found myself in another couple battles, and Cole grew to Level 47. I slid down another hole and found Alder and Ghetsis confronting one another before Cheren followed me down. Alder told us to come to his side, and we grouped together before the head Sage, Ghetsis.

Ghetsis knew we were working hard to resurrect Reshiram, and told us that the Light Stone wasn't there. Ghetsis then congratulated me, telling me I had been chosen by their king. He told me that if I truly desired to keep people living alongside Pokemon, that I would have to bring Reshiram into a battle against N. Without Reshiram, Team Plasma would steal every Pokemon from everyone in the world and release them all.

Alder wondered if the Pokemon who live with their Trainers actually wanted that, and thought that perhaps the liberation he was talking about was just stealing Pokemon from people. Ghestis wasn't pleased, revealing to Cheren and I that illness had killed Alder's original Pokemon long ago, and that the Champion hadn't had a serious battle in years. Ghetsis was confused as to why Alder would protect a world where Pokemon and people live together, and told him that N would show him and Unova that he's far stronger than a Champion who keeps Pokemon bound.

Ghetsis told us that N would stand before the people with that Legendary Pokemon, Zekrom, at his side, and would give the order for Trainers to release their Pokemon. For this, Ghetsis told us that he had prepared a suitable castle for Zekrom and N, and Alder told him that he wouldn't lose. Alder told Ghetsis that he would fight for all Trainers who love theri Pokemon, and all Pokemon who believe in their Trainers.

Ghestis told Alder that N had no interest in him, that he had determined that victory against the Champion was already assured. Alder was angry, asking if Ghetsis had simply stayed behind to tell him that, to make a fool of him, and Ghetsis said that was not the reason. He said he was doing this out of kindness, making sure the Champion didn't get hurt needlessly. Ghetsis revealed to us that he loves watching the moment someone loses all hope, before he left.

Cheren asked Alder what he was going to do, and Alder decided that the only thing he could do would be to return to the Pokemon League and battle N. Alder told us it bothers him to do exactly what Ghetsis wanted, and asked what we should do about the Light Stone. Cheren suggested we go outside for now, and Alder agreed.

We left the Relic Castle, and Cheren said he would never forgive Team Plasma for this. Alder wondered what N could possibly want, and I found myself wondering the same thing. Alder wondered if maybe N was trying to prove he was right by winning the battle between Zekrom and Reshiram.

My Xtransceiver was ringing, and I found Professor Juniper calling. She told me to come to the museum in Nacrene City immediately, at that very moment. She hung up, and Alder told me he could hear her voice from over there. Alder wondered what could be going on at Nacrene City, and left to find out, while Cheren told me he would look around for Light Stone, not wanting to believe what Ghetsis told us about it's location there.

I flew to Nacrene City on Madelyn, and I healed my team at the Pokemon Center before I went inside the Nacrene Museum. I got there, and I found Professor Juniper, Cedric Juniper, Bianca, and Alder all standing at the entrance to the Museum. Professor Juniper had been informed of recent events by Alder, and Lenora stepped out of the Museum asking if she had what we were looking for.

Bianca was amazed, it was a stone found in the Desert Resort, and Lenora was curious if it could really be a Dragon-Type Pokemon. Cedric believed it could be, and told us that during his investigation of Dragonspiral Tower, he found elements that were dated o the same era as the Light Stone.

Bianca thought we were lucky, that Team Plasma hadn't noticed the old stone before it was found and put in the Museum. Lenora realized that they were trying to steal the Dragon Skull so that they could revive the Legendary Dragon-Type Pokemon, and was about to hand over the Light Stone before Alder stopped her. Alder told me if I took the stone that I would be the one to battle N if anything happened to him, and asked if I was okay with that.

I had no qualms about battling N for the fate of the world, and Alder told me to be strong. Lenora told me if things didn't go as planned, I would need to use the Light Stone, and protect the true future for both people and Pokemon.

I received the Light Stone from Lenora and Cedric wondered how we could wake the Dragon-Type Pokemon from the stone. Lenora seemed to have an idea, that they had something, and that Alder had something as well. I didn't understand, but Alder told me to go to Opelucid City to battle their Gym Leader, a Dragon-Type specialist. Alder believed the Gym Leader could know something, and told me he would wait for me there.

Alder left, and Professor Juniper said she would go back to the lab to do some research, to find out what they were and if they could be awakened. Cedric went with his daughter, leaving Lenora and Bianca. Lenora told me not to worry, that they'd come running to find me if they had something for me. Bianca was a bit clueless about the whole ordeal, but told me how to get to Opelucid City from Icirrus City.

I flew to Icirrus City, ready to continue on, and I hoped that they would find a way to revive Reshiram soon, because I knew N would stop at nothing to see his vision of the future come to pass, even if it meant wiping out all of humanity to accomplish it. On the other hand, I also had a strong belief that the second N could get the Trainers of the world to release their Pokemon Ghetsis would take control of the world, and of Zekrom if possible, and N himself would be left with nothing as defenseless people are made to suffer at the hands of Team Plasma.

Before I could worry about all that though, I needed to get to Opelucid City to get my final Gym Badge, and to find out if there was a way for me to revive Reshiram, before N's plan could come to fruition.

Current Team:

Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 46)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 46)
Mason (Zebstrika, Electric, Lv. 46)
Madelyn (Unfezant, Normal/Flying, Lv. 46)
Nora (Seismitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 46)
Cole (Emboar, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 47)