Years ago, in an alternate dimension, a fierce battle raged. A powerful assistant of the Shiny Rayquaza clashed with Kyurem, resulting in a stalemate. This compelled Reshiram and Zekrom to temporarily join forces. The outcome of this epic clash remained unknown as the three dragons retreated simultaneously after the fight.
The aftermath was clear: Kyurem had a slight upper hand, but victory was hard-earned. The Shiny Rayquaza chose to retreat, while Kyurem felt an urgent need to grow stronger. Reshiram returned to the Dragon Spiral Tower, and Kyurem began frequent ventures out into the world.
The mention of a unique constitution piqued N's curiosity. "Ghetsis always called me a monster behind my back, claiming I was a hybrid of human and Pokémon."
This statement was even more shocking than the possibility of N being accepted by the twin dragons. While humanoid Pokémon and humans have indeed intermarried—examples being the likes of Gothitelle and Infernape—N's existence still seemed unbelievable. Gardevoir is a prime example, often marrying trainers regardless of gender. Although Gallade evolves exclusively from male Kirlia, Gardevoir maintains a balanced gender ratio.
However, these relationships are typically seen as cross-species companionships, purely emotional bonds without other implications.
But now, someone suggests that humans and Pokémon can actually have offspring?
That's simply outrageous!
Even Touko and May, N's former comrades, were stunned. They never imagined their former leader, now a fugitive ally, was the offspring of a human and a Pokémon.
Carl's Ralts peeked out curiously, observing the surroundings.
"Lugia was equally baffled. It had witnessed countless oddities over its lifetime, but this notion still seemed absurd.
Hoopa was flabbergasted, exclaiming in disbelief.
"It seems my intuition wasn't wrong…"
N breathed a silent sigh of relief. Ever since Ghetsis revealed his true origins, N had been plagued with self-doubt—wondering if he was human or Pokémon, or perhaps both. This confusion led him to become increasingly withdrawn, even questioning his own existence. His escape with Touko and the others was purely instinctual.
But today felt different.
He sensed that those before him wouldn't see him as an anomaly. Thus, he felt comfortable sharing his secret.
Just as he expected, while everyone was shocked, no one viewed him as a monster; instead, they were filled with sympathy.
Ash, bewildered at first, merely shrugged it off.
Carl, on the other hand, remained unfazed, as if he had known all along.
N hadn't felt such warmth in a long time. Apart from his foster sisters, Babena and Helena, few had ever evoked such feelings in him.
Nanami adjusted her glasses and analyzed in a professional tone, "Ghetsis might be deceiving you. Humans and Pokémon reproduce differently; even Arceus, the creator, hatched from an egg. The Tree of Beginning is said to be the crystallization of Mew's eggshell."
Cross-species reproduction seems implausible, right? She probed further.
N understood Nanami's academic curiosity and patiently explained, "I've questioned it too. But what gain would Ghetsis have in fabricating such a lie? Utilizing my abilities, ideals, and emotions makes sense, but what would my origins mean to him?"
"Have you heard of 'PYA'?" Nanami suddenly asked.
"PYA?" May echoed, puzzled by the unfamiliar term.
Carl couldn't help but interject, "Your imagination is impressive. But thinking about it, with Ghetsis and Team Plasma's usual mind control tactics, using such a theory to manipulate N's self-perception isn't impossible."
Nanami elaborated, "PYA is a psychological manipulation technique that controls the target by inducing self-doubt. Considering Team Plasma's actions, this theory holds some weight."
After hearing the explanation, N fell into contemplation. He had accepted the notion of being born of Pokémon, but now this possibility left him confused and unsure of his feelings.
Amidst the speculations, Lusamine suggested, "Instead of guessing, why not directly ask Carl, who seems to know everything?"
Everyone's gaze shifted to Carl.
Cynthia and Lorelei looked on with trust, having witnessed Carl's capabilities. Touko, May, and Ash were filled with amazement. Lugia scrutinized the human—could he truly be omniscient?
Noticing Hoopa's expectant look, Lugia too became intrigued.
Carl cleared his throat, "Though it sounds unbelievable, N is indeed the offspring of a human and a Pokémon. His mother was… a Gardevoir."
Gardevoir?! The Shiny Ralts peeked from behind Carl, its ruby-like eyes wide with shock. It never imagined a fellow Gardevoir would do such a thing.
Except for the slow-reacting Ash, the rest weren't entirely surprised by this revelation. After all, Gardevoir is the Pokémon most resembling humans, and N's green hair seemed to bear a slight resemblance to his parentage.
Nanami eagerly inquired, "How was it even possible?"
The Shiny Ralts shot her a displeased look, believing its master's words to be the ultimate truth.
Carl explained, "It's similar to the way humans reproduce, but the success rate is incredibly low—about one in a billion. Moreover, the offspring is invariably human, and the mother almost always dies during childbirth. This information stems from the Tree of Life. Since Mew was trapped within its domain, the Tree gained enhanced insight, able to trace the origins of all Pokémon."
Upon learning that Gardevoir could bear children, he was genuinely surprised. Even things like apes and monkeys can't manage it, yet humans and Gardevoir can?
Then again, considering hybrid creatures like ligers and zonkeys, it seemed somewhat plausible. Perhaps the high degree of similarity between Gardevoir and humans played a role?
Nonetheless, this chance is nearly zero. According to the Tree of Life's records, the Pokémon world has only ever seen one case of Gardevoir giving birth—N's case.
As the offspring of a Fairy and Psychic-type Pokémon, N's ability to understand Pokémon thoughts seemed perfectly natural, given that telepathy is a hidden trait of Gardevoir.
One in a billion chance, with a 90% mortality rate during childbirth? The group looked somber. They truly appreciated the profound love that Gardevoir had for N—a great sacrifice to bring life into the world.
N's expression completely changed. Though raised by Ghetsis, he never experienced true maternal love. But now, he finally understood that protective bond stemming from life itself.
"So… where is my father?" N asked, his voice hoarse and trembling. He addressed Carl with respect, perhaps grateful for revealing this maternal love to him. Ghetsis's betrayal had made him doubt familial bonds, and now he yearned to know his father's whereabouts—why he let Gardevoir take such a risk. If given a choice, he might prefer never to have been born.