The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on the walls of the small cave where you and N had taken refuge. The adrenaline from the chase had begun to ebb, but a lingering weight pressed on your chest. N sat quietly by the fire, the faint scrape of a bruise on his cheek catching the light. The memory of him stepping into danger again—without hesitation—gnawed at you.

He had always been adamant about his disdain for Pokémon battles. That conviction echoed in your mind, even now. But Team Plasma's relentless pursuit, driven by his defiance, only made everything feel heavier. And yet, his stubbornness remained unshaken.

"You’re worried again, aren’t you?" he murmured, his voice as calm as a gentle stream. "I can see it in your eyes."

His gaze shifted briefly to your Pokémon. A faint smile touched his lips, soft yet imbued with something deeper—almost reverent. "They were safe because of what I did. If it means protecting them, protecting you..." His voice softened, yet carried an unyielding edge. "It’s a risk I’ll take every time."

Though you remained silent, your expression must have revealed your frustration. He reached out, his fingers brushing against yours in a fleeting, grounding touch. "I know you don’t want me to get hurt," he continued, his tone quieter, yet resolute. "But isn’t it better this way? I can’t bear the thought of you or them being harmed when I can stop it."

He paused, his gaze lingering on you for a moment that stretched between breaths. Whatever he found in your eyes softened his expression further, his lips curving into a faint, bittersweet smile. "I’ll try to be more careful," he promised at last, though the fragility in his voice hinted at how hard such a promise might be to keep. "Not for me... but for you. For your peace of mind."

Leaning back against the cave wall, he closed his eyes. The fire continued its quiet crackle, yet, even in the stillness, the unspoken truth remained: this wouldn’t be the last time he’d put himself in harm’s way.