INTERLUDE - How He Lived II

She'd caught him.

Somehow, the child had convinced him and placed him in a Pokeball. Perhaps it was because he'd been on the brink of collapse, because she'd actually spoken to him about his circumstances instead of attacking or running away and that she'd clearly been holding back, or a combination of the two factors, but the human had captured him. She had introduced herself, but he had not registered her name. Turtonator lay in the familiar environment packed to the brim with volcanos constantly spewing ash high into the sky. It was the same, yet he couldn't help but notice the subtle differences in the environment. The particular glint of the lava, or the harshness of the sun in the sky. It was the same, and yet it was not.

It was not his Pokeball.

There was another reason for his agreement to work with her. The child had said that she would get him out of the cave safe from any Rangers, and that presented an opportunity to find his lost comrades. If Mudsdale and Lurantis had survived as he hoped, then the Rangers would still have their Pokeballs. But how could he communicate that with this annoyingly persistent human? Oranguru could have—

Turtonator caught himself and choked up, but he did not cry. He would honor their sacrifices with his head held high. That is what they all deserved. Going down fighting in a glorious battle… that was the dream of all dragons, and yet it felt hollow now.

He had had enough of fighting.

Turtonator stayed there for hours stewing in his thoughts until a force snapped him back to the outside world. The girl was here, and Turtonator admired his work. The entire left side of her body was covered in bandages, no doubt due to how badly he'd burned her. Her Pokemon all stared at him in silence, although most glared. Turtonator simply stared back. The Electabuzz had a broken hand, the Tangrowth's vines were still almost entirely burned away, but the rest of her Pokemon were unfortunately fine. A Larvitar, Frillish and Togetic… what a sorry excuse for a team. He didn't like the look on that fairy's face. He was almost tempted to taunt her, but the annoying child spoke up.

"Hey again," She said with a twinge of anxiety. "I wanted to help you with your wounds, and scan you with my Pokedex."

Her words were so outrageous that he couldn't stop himself from snorting. Did she think he'd join this ragtag group of weaklings because she'd caught him? The physical pain he felt was but a fraction, a modicum of the emotional agony he felt every single second. The human was simply a means to an end. When the time came, he would ask her to release him, or he would kill her. The dragon turned away from her team. He saw that the fairy nearly spoke up, but her trainer stopped her with a gesture.

"No?" She asked.

What did she think he had meant? He hated stupid people like her. Turtonator flexed, raising the temperature around himself in an effort to scare her away. Maybe he would get some good sleep and escape into his dreams. Pokemon couldn't dream inside of Pokeballs. Surprisingly though, she still approached and sprayed his wounds with potions. Even the damn fairy used Wish, mending his broken shell somewhat. The Pokemon stared at him, expecting a thank you, but he just ignored her.

"I'm going to scan you, okay?"

She could do so if she wished. He was tired of her voice already. Turtonator stood in silence as the Pokedex softly spoke into the girl's right ear. The sooner this was done, the sooner she'd recall him again and they could stop wasting time. He ignored her amazed gasp as the device listed his moves. No doubt, she thought that she could just use him in battle to further her selfish goals.

"So you're a guy. Erm, let me introduce you to the team. This over here is Princess. She was my first Pokemon—"

No. He would not listen to her tirade. Turtonator walked off and lay down against the wall of the cave, shutting his eyes tightly. He was not here to make friends, he was here simply out of convenience.

You scum, the Togetic spat. She saved you, and this is how you repay her—

"Princess, stop," the girl interrupted. "Are you tired? Do you want to eat? I have food if you want."

Couldn't this damned girl take a hint? Turtonator ignored her.

"This is Buddy. He was my second, and he's kind of reserved, but he always means well. Sorry if he's glaring at you so much, he'll come around," She sighed before pointing to Electabuzz with her thumb. She winced at the simple movement. "That's Honey. He tends to be hyper, although he's mellowed out with age. Just a bit, though. I don't know if you enjoy battling, but if you do, Honey's your guy—"

Turtonator had had enough. He glared at her with all the murderous intent he could muster, and she shrunk away. Instead of angering him further, she quickly finished the introduction, finally letting him have some peace of mind. He knew he won when she recalled him again with a pained look on her face. That would teach her to try to get close with him.

Still, Turtonator wished he'd been allowed to dream again. To see his friends as much as he could before the memories grew blurry.

They were all fading away.

—

The next time he was released, he was with the Nurse Joys. He gave them no trouble at all. He knew they wanted him no harm, and he was just focused on getting out of there. The next time he saw the girl, however, was somewhere completely different. They had left the mountain and now stood at the outskirt of the route, and a city that could only be Hearthome stood in the distance. Lurantis no doubt would have loved this sight. A twinge of worry crept up when he realized he'd completely skipped the Ranger's outpost, but it disappeared when he realized that she could just call them at any moment.

"Hi," she hesitantly said. "I kept my promise. Got you out of the cave."

And now, her job was over. Turtonator took a fiery step forward with a threatening growl. He was close enough to kill her now. It would just take a little push, and she would burn to smithereens without her Pokemon being able to do anything about it.

So why was she not acting scared?

"It's been a few days since you were out," she continued. "But if you show me that you aren't dangerous to people, I'll be able to keep you out more often. I'd like that."

The dragon type didn't stop until he was mere inches from her face. It was the first time he'd taken a good look at her. Her eyes were weary beyond her years, but she still smiled at him. Why was she treating him this way after what he'd done to her? A ruse, perhaps. Maybe she believed that he would help in her battles if she was nice for long enough. Her Pokemon tried to intervene, but once again, she stopped them and kept them silent. Was she suicidal? He could kill her right now!

"What's wrong? Not the reaction you were expecting?" She asked. "What did you think I'd do? Run away in fear? Collapse and cry, maybe? Order my team to attack? Badmouth you?"

Such an insolent little worm! Turtonator spat out a Flamethrower—

He blinked when only a weak Smokescreen came out of his snout.

No… no, it would not be good to kill her. He could use her, still. His hate for trainers had almost gotten the better of him. Mudsdale and Lurantis were out there. He needed to cooperate with her, but if she refused, then he would finish her off. Only then.

But he would still wait a little. It wasn't like his pride was stopping him from asking Pokemon that despised him for help. It was something else, buried deep inside of him that he did not want to acknowledge.

The Frillish whispered something under his breath and spat out a Water Pulse. The water was harmless. It barely tickled the dragon, but it snapped him out of his thoughts. This was what he'd expected. Yes. So long as they raged at him for what he'd done to their trainer, then they would never get close.

The last thing Turtonator had expected was for her to recall Frillish and apologize on his behalf. Not only that, she said that she'd forgiven him.

"You're trying to be unbearable so that I release you. You could kill me, I suppose, but you're too honorable for that. I brought you out of the cave. I saved you. So you won't hurt or kill me. You'll just act like a child and hope that I grow tired of you. I will not."

He'd had enough of her. She knew nothing of the pain he felt, yet she acted like she did and it angered him to no end. The fire type snarled, ignoring the truth behind her statement and he flared up until she was forced to whisk him back into his Pokeball.

Good.

—

Turtonator restrained a groan when he was released in the exact same spot. It had only been a day, and the girl was trying again. She must have had a death wish.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, you're a big, scary dragon," she mocked with her eyes closed.

Turtonator's growling stopped when he noticed that she was alone. Not even the Togetic was here, and she was the only one with psychic powers on her team.

"What? Surprised my team isn't here this time?"

What the hell was she doing? He'd almost expected her to attack him again with her full team this time, and perhaps her other human comrades as well. The girl propositioned some food, and he swiped it away after threatening to kill her with a Flamethrower for good measure. She needed to be reminded what kind of partnership this was so she didn't get any ideas. Turtonator was famished and finished the kibble in a single second and then lay down in the grass a few dozen feet away from her.

She sat there, doing nothing with him. They must have stayed around for nearly an hour doing nothing, yet Turtonator found it relaxing. The wind brushing up against his scales and the softness of the grass made this a good spot for napping. When he started to doze off, he spotted another human walking behind the girl.

Turtonator shot up and fury bubbled in his snout in the form of a Flamethrower that threatened to burn this entire section of the route. The human fell and scrambled backward, stammering words that didn't make sense. Another coward, just like the ones who had abandoned Kamaile. Just like the ones who had caused his death—

He fell into his Pokeball before he could kill him.

—

Many days had passed since Turtonator had pushed Frillish toward his evolution.

It had been a pitiful process, to see the water type hold himself back so much. He'd convinced him by saying that he'd never be able to protect Grace Pastel if he kept his tantrum going, a point that had been terrible for him to bring up, but necessary nonetheless. The process had brought them somewhat closer, which the human appreciated greatly. He did not care what she felt, but Jellicent made for a nice occasional conversation.

Despite Turtonator missing his past comrades so much, he could not bring himself to tell the human about them. No matter how far down within himself Turtonator dug, he could not figure out why. Time was of the essence, and he was wasting a lot of it. Who knew what the Rangers would do with them? Turtonator was not familiar with their protocol regarding deceased trainers' Pokemon, and it would be so easy to tell the human about them.

For some reason, Grace Pastel was excellent at understanding her Pokemon, even without a psychic type. And yes, he had begrudgingly memorized her damned name, although the other humans that orbited around her mattered to him less than the dirt under his stomach. Turtonator shifted in the grass, adjusting his posture as he sat. He had considered keeping up with his training, but all of his motivation was gone. There was no point in growing stronger when they weren't here with him.

It was late at night, and her Pokemon were doing anything they could to avoid him after she'd asked him for his diet. Jellicent floated high up in the sky, observing Hearthome while that horrible fairy had finally fallen asleep on Tangrowth's head with Grace Pastel sticking close by. Despite Togetic despising his guts and him disliking her, they hadn't even spoken a word. Turtonator was aware of the threats she kept making behind his back to the others, which further soured him on her. Only a coward would be too scared to tell it to his face. He lazily opened one eye when he heard Larvitar stride up to him. Electabuzz followed closely behind, not willing to let to rock type be near him alone.

You're strong. How can I be big and strong like you? Larvitar asked.

Turtonator prepared some witty retort, but he couldn't bring himself to chide her. She was just a baby, after all. He hadn't missed her awed stares every time Turtonator was out of his Pokeball. Lurantis would have enjoyed her company, but Turtonator thought that just tolerating her was enough.

You train. You push yourself forward and you never give, because if you do, it will be the end of you, he said.

The rock type stared at him like she'd been starstruck. That's so cool! I want to be like you one day! Can I touch your scales?

No—

Larvitar placed a hand on Turtonator's leg, and the fire type flinched at the contact. No one had touched him in weeks. What was this reckless child doing… wait, she was… she looked quite nice while doing this. Lurantis would have called her cute.

Woah! What in the world? I've never seen you like this! Electabuzz yelled. Was that a genuine smile just now?

Silence, Turtonator grunted. I was simply stretching the muscles on my face.

The electric type laughed, slapping his stomach. That's probably the best excuse I've ever heard! I guess Sweetie's your weakness, then. Mom's gonna pick up on that really quickly.

Turtonator turned toward Grace Pastel and winced when he saw her smiling directly at him. For some reason, she fashioned herself everyone's mother. Even Jellicent's, even if the ghost was reluctant to acknowledge it due to his age. This was completely alien to Turtonator. With Kamaile… well, they had been comrades whom he loved dearly, but he hadn't put himself in a familial position. These nicknames were unfamiliar as well.

Honhon, you're annoying him, Larvitar hissed. Go be annoying somewhere else.

Hey! Put some respect on your elders, young lady! The electric type said. Next time you come begging to play, I won't be the one helping out!

Whatever, she said, still patting the scales. Angel will replace you. I don't need you anymore, Honhon. Soon I'll grow strong with Mister Turtonator's help and have my payback for every time you pranked me.

Those were because I love you, he said with a sheepish smile.

Mister Turtonator! Who's in the right? Me or Honhon?

The dragon stammered. I…

He said I was in the right! Go away! You smell bad!

Electabuzz sighed and ran off, much to Larvitar's pleasure. This dynamic was strange, to say the least, but they were all slowly growing nicer to him and talking to him at times. Even that strange Tangrowth had tried.

Not that Turtonator cared.

Togetic, however? She could not tolerate him, not after what he'd done to Grace Pastel. The scars would apparently be there forever, marring the left side of her body from her face to her leg.

Say, Mister Turtonator! Tell me a story about how you got so strong!

The fire type blinked, but glad— reluctantly accepted.

He decided to tell her about his time at Wela instead of what came after, because talking about it would be far too painful an experience. Right now, he could only get by by ignoring his pain and hoping it would go away. The hole in his heart could not be filled by any new team. These people were temporary.

He would not let himself grow close to anyone else ever again.

Larvitar sported a huge grin throughout the entire story, and she was a lot more invested than he was. She shared his pain when he told her about times he had almost died to predators in his young age and shared his excitement when he took down a powerful enemy.

You were right, Lurantis, Turtonator thought to himself. You knew me better than even I.

Wait, wait, and you killed another Turtonator? You filled his insides with Dragon Pulse until he blew up?! That's so cool! Tell me more!

Later that night, Grace Pastel took over and began to tell him about her travels.

He did not ignore her, even if he acted like it.

—

Grace Pastel had won her fourth gym badge against Fantina recently and had taken them all to that park north of Hearthome she liked so much to celebrate. Turtonator didn't see the appeal. It had none of Alola's vibrant colors and he thought it was a waste of time, but they all seemed happy to be here. Electabuzz seemed rattled by something and had already been out when she had released them. She began a speech as Turtonator closed his eyes, lying down in the grass.

"I came to this realization when we were back at Savika's cabin, but Sinnoh's just the start! I'm going to become the best trainer in the world, and to do that, I'll need to travel to different regions after I mop up Sinnoh. I'll have to figure out how to get enough free time to do it while being the Champion, but you catch my drift."

The dragon's eyes bulged at her words, and he laughed at the sheer audacity of that declaration. Despite her having said it when she'd caught him, he hadn't expected it to be serious. It had been a vow fit for a dragon, and just as foolish. He had seen her train, and she was weak, as were her Pokemon. Inefficient, slow, barely starting to actually innovate and create something that was hers and not just rehashed from something she'd seen somewhere else. The only thing that she had going for her was her wits, but those were not enough to stand at the top. Oranguru easily outclassed her in that department and they had stalled out at the seventh gym in Johto. He ignored Togetic's glare and continued mocking her. The goal of traveling everywhere was… admirable, and actually achievable.

"You think I can't do it, huh? Well, just you watch, because you've got front-row seats!" She boasted. "Anyway, it's nice out today, and we're already here, so I figured, why not stick around a lil'? Angel, feel free to take Sweetheart to the lake if you want. Princess, do you want to go too?"

I must keep watch, she simply answered.

They all ended up sticking around.

Grace Pastel sat as she leaned on Jellicent's body and stroked the fairy's head as she recounted her travels. Turtonator did not care much, but it was something to pass the time and Larvitar seemed to enjoy it very much. She spoke of Floaroma, which was a nice little town that he'd already been to. Lurantis and Drampa had loved the flowers.

"Then I… I got kidnapped," she said, her fingers trembling. "I got taken to the Power Plant by Team Galactic—"

Turtonator's eyes snapped open and he felt a barely-closed wound in his chest reopen and bleed. Each subsequent breath grew quicker and rage-filled every fibre of his being, but a scream from Larvitar snapped him out of it. Ten spikes had been in the air, spinning as Togetic's eyes shone, and Tangrowth's vines had been erratically shaking.

You would have needed far more than that to harm me, girl, Turtonator spat.

I can always aim for the eyes, Togetic said, tilting her head. Or your snout, or that hole in your chest.

"Stop threatening him," Grace hissed. "Turtonator, are you okay?"

He appeared to be suffering from a panic attack, Jellicent said with a slight nod.

"A panic attack? Do you need anything? Water? I don't really know the protocol for this…"

Electabuzz scratched his head. Oh, crap… thank Arceus Sweetie was here to snap him out of it.

At your service, Honhon! The rock type yelled, puffing out her chest. I'm the best, especially compared to you!

You're an annoying brat, that's what you are.

Turtonator's heartbeat slowed down to its natural rate, and he realized how weak he'd been. A panic attack, from the mere mention of Team Galactic? Lurantis and Mudsdale would be ashamed to see him now.

I am fine, he said. Jellicent, translate for me.

"You're okay, I can understand you," Grace dismissed. "It's a little patchy, but I've figured some of it out. The more we practice, the better I'll get at it."

What in the world…?

"Freaky, right? I think it's cool, though."

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

My mo— Grace is the coolest! Larvitar said. You should be friends with her and stop fighting with Princess.

I am not fighting, baby sister. These are simply precautionary measures should the wyrm go rogue.

Arceus, Turtonator was getting a headache.

Let's talk privately, he told Grace. Tell me about this Team Galactic attack in more detail.

What followed had been difficult for her to recount, but it had completely reframed Turtonator's frame of mind. He had thought of her as an annoying child with a few positive points, but now, he felt an instinctual need to protect. He did not consider her his trainer, but he did not want the girl who had been only helpful until now to be killed by Team Galactic.

Not again.

One of their Commanders, Mars, was after her.

He didn't follow up with his entire story, skirting on most details like what his friends had been like, but he gave her enough context for her to know what had gone on. As the memories resurfaced, he couldn't help but rage against the trainers that had run away.

These worms are the lowest of the low. No honor, no backbone! Just rats wanting to get off a sinking ship instead of trying to plug the holes, he roared.

He'd been so loud that Grace's hair had flown back. She hadn't even blinked.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know he'd died, but I thought… I'm sorry," she sighed, her eyes downcast. "I understand why you almost killed that trainer now—"

A call from one of her nameless orbiters interrupted them, and her face fell.

"I've got to go, we'll talk later."

He was placed back into his Pokeball before he could protest.

—

"Morning, Sunshine," Grace said with a tired smile.

Turtonator's gut reaction had been to lash out and burn the grass where he stood. He would not be called by another name. He was Turtonator, and he would always be. Tangrowth, who was the only Pokemon here, pulled her a few feet away, but she just laughed at his outburst and leaned to see the extent of the damage he had caused.

She was treating him like the rest of her Pokemon— like a damn child.

"Sorry, I just wanted to try it out. Damn, you did a number on the floor. People work to keep it flat and the grass mowed, you know."

He grunted in dismissal and lay down on the burned grass patch.

"Let's talk."

What followed was an extremely irrelevant rant about what had happened to some child named Cecilia. She had to remind him of who she was, but then they finally got to the part that Turtonator actually cared about.

What did their shared experiences with Team Galactic mean for their relationship?

"I'm not asking to use you in battle. I'm asking you what your goal is. Surely you won't be content with just sticking around doing nothing for the rest of your life. That wouldn't fit your profile. Personally, I wouldn't mind. Sweetheart's taken a liking to you, and she'd hate to see you leave. The others are warming up to you— well, except Princess. And I'd like to get to know you too. You won't have to fight," she shrugged. "But your behavior's clearly changed since I told you everything. You're nicer now, but it's not out of pity. You want something."

Something? For her quick wits, she was either deliberately obtuse or just stupid. He decided to stay silent to see which one it was. He wanted revenge. He wanted to tear Team Galactic apart, but more than that, he wanted to burn Saturn, and he wanted to do it slowly. To turn him to ash over the course of hours, savoring each minute where the man squirmed in place, unable to escape his wrath. He wanted to kill all of his Pokemon as well. They clearly reveled in his sick, evil ways.

"I don't really know what you want," she exhaled. "I'm good, but I'm not psychic. I haven't… known you long enough to read you like that."

Turtonator couldn't hide the disappointment from his face, and he decided to lay there, deciding to make her stew in the silence. Tangrowth motioned with his vines, but the fire type had no Arceus damn idea of what he was saying. He'd never seen a Pokemon incapable of speaking before. Different forms of speech like Drampa, yes, but to be utterly silent? The grass type was an enigma that he couldn't be bothered to solve.

I want revenge, but I will not make you seek it out, he finally explained. But when the day comes and Mars comes for you again, Saturn will follow. When he does, I ask you to get out of the way and let me burn. If the opportunity falls upon your lap that lets you find Team Galactic, you will not run. You will fight. That is what I want from you. If you accept, then I may be willing to be more… cooperative in the subject of battles. Of course, I will not let you command me.

The practice of trainers ordering him around was still completely alien to Turtonator, after all. Kamaile almost always stood there, letting them make their own decisions. It had taken a bit of back and forth to get her to understand fully, but she picked it up really quickly.

She refused his offer.

Disappointing, he simply said.

She was the prey instead of the hunter. She was not ready to stand as his equal. Weakness.

—

They'd left Hearthome now.

Turtonator took his usual sleeping position as Grace's team trained around him. His motivation was still gone. There was no drive, no passion to get stronger even for his quest for revenge. He just couldn't bring himself to train. All Turtonator wanted to do was sleep and observe Larvitar grow stronger.

Did you see that, Mister Turtonator?! She screamed, waving her arms excitedly. Wasn't that Sandstorm awesome?!

It had been ridiculously weak and unrefined.

You're doing great, he smiled. You will fly past me in no time, little one.

Tangrowth petted her on the head and she nuzzled against his vine. The grass type blinked at him and waved. Turtonator nodded in return. They seemed to share common ground in the fact that they wanted to care for this little child. The grass type attempted to pet him on the head as well, but he swatted his vine away, causing all of them to droop as he waddled away.

You made Angel sad, she said. He's just trying to make friends with you.

I do not care for friends, Larvitar. I am just here to pass the time until Team Galactic strikes.

I think you should be nicer. Mom tells me that good girls are the strongest Pokemon in the entire world! Larvitar exclaimed. I think that applies to good boys too, even though she never calls Honhon a good boy. Maybe it's because he sucks.

She'd started calling Grace Pastel Mom recently, and Turtonator didn't know what to make of it. He didn't mind— not when all of them except the mute and the ghost did, but he found it to be an odd relationship. Hell, maybe Tangrowth used the term, but he just didn't know it.

She's just trying to make you behave, he explained. You should be unruly. Dragon children fight each other all the time.

What are you telling her? Jellicent said, swooping in from the sky. Do not feed her lies.

Budbud! she greeted him, wriggling her arms.

I do not lie, ghost. I was telling her about how proper children should behave.

You were being a bad influence on her, he said. Go off to your mother now, Larvitar. I must speak to Turtonator in private.

The dragon sighed as the rock type waddled away.

You have grown more attached to her than I thought, he noticed. How amusing.

So what? Did you think someone like me couldn't have a softer side? He asked, turning away. I have been embracing it more lately, that is all.

I am sure Grace will be ecstatic, he cheekily said. I have a question regarding your old life, Turtonator.

I am not interested—

Your old teammates, to be exact. I do not know their exact fate, but you have not even tried to see how they were.

Turtonator paused as he grimaced. In the distance, Grace was working with Electabuzz on some sort of fighting move for a tournament he didn't care about. The electric type beamed at the praise, and Larvitar demanded to be praised too.

Needless to say, this is between us, he added. I will not tell anyone else.

There is nothing to say.

You are holding it in, Jellicent said. Turtonator glared as the temperature rose a few degrees. What? You pressed my buttons to get me to evolve, I am only returning the favor.

Turtonator do not evolve.

It was a manner of speaking, and you knew it, the ghost sighed. Why do you not ask Grace to see what happened to them? She would comply right away.

For all Turtonator didn't feel like a part of this group, he couldn't deny that Jellicent was the only one he could have a proper conversation with and relate to. He had lost someone just like Turtonator had, and he was a proper adult. The rest of them were all children, and even though he had his doubt about that Tangrowth, he behaved like a child anyway.

I am scared, ghost! he spat. Are you happy now?

Scared of?

This separation. It feels final. I cannot just waltz in and reconnect with them, not after I failed to protect Kamaile and Oranguru. This is my penance. This is what I deserve.

Jellicent's head swelled. What a horribly self-centered way of viewing the world. Do you not think they are worried sick about you?

I do not deserve their worry or their love. They are better off without me.

You are a fool, Turtonator, but I know that changing a dragon's mind is a tall order. Just know that you are stupid and that they will hold you accountable.

Bah! You know nothing, he said. He waved an arm. Let me sleep. I grow tired of you.

Jellicent returned to his training, but in truth, Turtonator enjoyed having someone to talk to.

If only it hadn't been about something that still hurt.

—

Wyrm.

Turtonator opened an eye and groaned. It looked like Togetic had finally decided to annoy him. Of course, she'd shot him hundreds of murderous glares in Solaceon alone, but at least she'd never spoken to him. They'd reached the town a few days ago, and Grace Pastel was fighting in numerous battles while running her team to the bone. Turtonator knew they were weak, but he couldn't help but notice their efforts.

He stayed silent, not bothering to answer her. She would just hone in on something he'd said wrong and bother him, and he couldn't shoot her out of the sky like he'd wanted to so many times.

Wyrm. Wyrm. Wyrm. Wyrm. Wyyyyyyyyrm—

What do you want? He groaned.

Mother has told me that I should make efforts to learn to tolerate you, she explained. I am making them now so that she and my siblings are happy.

You don't have to pretend to like me, he said. We can just ignore each other. Now go and let me sleep. I was having a great dream.

I have to begrudgingly admit, you do not want to cause Mother any harm, she continued, ignoring him. I apologize for the way I have treated you. You want to destroy Team Galactic, and that is also a goal I share. That said! You are still nothing to me, and I will not hesitate to strike you down should you get out of line.

Whatever you say.

Take me seriously, you miserable wyrm! You may be able to ignore me right now, but one day I will evolve and be just as strong as you!

Turtonator yawned. Sure thing.

Curse you! I'll tell Mother you were being mean to me!

Turtonator blinked. Had those words come out of the same mouth? When he turned, he realized the fairy was teary-eyed.

Right, she was also still a child. A fairy, but a child nonetheless. She flew off toward her mother and complained to her, but Grace Pastel only kissed her forehead and caressed her head. In truth, he'd detested her when they'd first met, but right now what he felt for her was mostly apathy. The hate had been one-sided for a long while, and she was turning a new leaf.

Our Princess giving you trouble? Electabuzz panted. He'd overexerted himself due to training.

What is it with you lot and coming out of nowhere to talk to me? Turtonator complained.

Kamaile's team had been slower-paced than this, but they'd also been older. Children tended to be hyperactive and want to get involved in anything interesting, much to his annoyance. He missed the days when he'd be able to sleep for hours at a time without interruption.

I wanna know you better, he smiled. Is there anything wrong with that?

There's a time and place for everything. Right now, it is time to sleep.

You sleep like fifteen hours per day. Anyway, sorry about Togetic. She's been wanting to apologize to you for a while now, but it's been awkward for her—

The electric type ducked, dodging a small pebble.

He pointed at Togetic, who was now free from Grace's arms. Hey! Don't try to hit me!

Silence, big brother! You're talking behind my back. Such treachery! I won't forgive you for this!

Sweetie, help me out! Electabuzz screamed as he jumped left.

You're on your own, Honhon. I'm too busy being awesome, sorry, she said.

She was making a crown of rocks for Tangrowth to place on her head.

What do you think about this rock?

Tangrowth waved a mass of vines and blinked slowly.

Not sharp enough? True. I want to look threatening enough to make everyone freeze in fear. I can't do that with dull rocks.

The grass type bobbed up and down in agreement.

"Alright, alright, break it up," Grace clapped her hands with a smile. "You guys, this is supposed to be training."

Why am I being scolded here? Electabuzz cried out. I'm innocent!

"You've got a point there," she snapped her fingers. "Princess, apologize."

I'm sorry, she grumbled. But he was speaking behind my back too!

I was trying to help you! The electric type yelled.

Help me in a more obvious way! This is your fault! Only your fault!

I finished my crown! Budbud, Mom, look! Larvitar yelled. Tangrowth had placed it on her head for her.

Grace gasped. "You look so pretty! You're shining!"

That's a beautiful crown, Larvitar. Do you want to carry it back to the Center? Jellicent asked.

Yeah!

Turtonator tried not to slip into despair. This team was pure unmitigated chaos, and Grace Pastel thrived in it.

Larvitar pressed on her crown too hard and crushed it on the way back.

She cried for an hour straight.

—

"I'm going to ask you a favor. We can trade," Grace Pastel exhaled. "If things go south and our lives are in danger because they realize we're snooping around, I need you to help me. I also want to keep you as a backup for my battle against Harry. I'll try to beat him without you, but you'll be my fourth."

Turtonator let out an amused snort. He would not be held on a leash just because they'd grown slightly closer. He did enjoy her gusto, however. She never relented, even when he'd tried to terrify her. It is what came after that caught his attention. A chance to take down Team Galactic if the opportunity ever presented himself. He knew from the way she was staring at him that she was forcing herself to say this, but he did not care.

I will gladly accept, he said, touching her shoulder. She was owed at least this amount of respect. The girl jumped at the contact, but he ignored her.

Revenge was his purpose. He would kill Saturn, and he would make it slow, but first he would kill his Pokemon in front of his eyes. He hadn't missed how they were the only thing the Commander cared for, having grimaced at Toxicroak's broken bones while ignoring the collateral damage he'd caused to his grunts. Satisfied, he sprawled across the grass with a grunt. The rest of her Pokemon were training, as always. He would be lying if he said he was not interested in their progress. They had already grown leaps and bounds from the time they had fought him in Mount Coronet.

"Can I add one thing to the deal? Let me call you Sunshine."

If you must, he muttered.

"Hell yes!" She celebrated, pumping a fist. "I knew it'd grow on you!"

Turtonator rolled his eyes. Children, he sighed. They grow so happy at the smallest of things.

"Can you blame me? I've been wanting to call you that for weeks," she said, sitting down to lean against him. The feeling was new— unnatural. Kamaile had never been as physical as she was. "Sorry if I was too forward."

It is true that I am not used to a human such as yourself, he said.

Grace chuckled and leaned further back. She occasionally gave her Pokemon words of encouragement as they trained, but she was less involved than usual today, which Turtonator found strange. She usually made rounds, spoke with the others or gave them directions when they were struggling.

You are nervous, he realized. Scared.

"This conspiracy stuff's got me nervous, yeah, but I have to keep going. I know you hate it when I'm scared," she smiled. "When I look weak."

I do not hate it, he said after a long pause. You do not let it get a hold of you and control your actions. I could not ask for more.

She would not run away when the time came. That, Turtonator was sure of.

"I think I love you now," she declared. "I think you're family."

The dragon snorted. I have only known you for a few months.

"I know. I'm not saying you view me as family, even though I hope we get there one day. I'm saying that I do."

Despite me almost killing you?

"You were hurt. It wasn't your fault. Even now, you're still hurting."

Nonsense, he shook his head. He felt hollow, but the pain was gone unless he recalled old times. He was still grieving, but it was easier now. All he could do was take it a day at a time.

"I hope you trust me enough to tell me about your past one day," she said. "I really hope so…"

The dragon lay utterly still. She'd fallen asleep while speaking, which meant that she was horribly sleep deprived. He felt compelled to let her rest.

—

Darkness had overtaken the world, but they were not enough to subsume his wrath. The unending rage he felt for Harry Rodriguez and his Pokemon was on full display as his flames illuminated the dim world of Shiftry's domain. Torterra, Luxray and Crawdaunt had fallen.

He felt the hot blood pump in his veins as the rush of fighting overtook him. His movements felt slow and sluggish. His muscle memory was all gone. He had foregone a small piece of his revenge to save Grace Pastel and her Pokemon and was locked in combat with a Weavile. She easily dodged all of his attacks no matter what he threw at her. The ice type bypassed him and ran toward Grace Pastel and her Pokemon, who already had been wounded, and a feeling of dread overtook him as Weavile tore Larvitar apart with Night Slash. Her young scales, peeling away and Weavile destroying the soft flesh below with her sharpened claws. Her screams of pain and her terrified eyes.

Not again.

Something clicked in Turtonator's brain, and he realized he had grown attached even after trying to push them away. He was terrified of loss. Of that sinking feeling that had taken a few seconds to register when he'd lost everything. He had thought that they would just be a vehicle for his revenge, and that thought had been enough to satiate a fraction of the rage he felt toward Saturn. But he'd been wrong. He didn't want to lose them.

Not again!

Turtonator roared and ran at Weavile faster than he had ever gone before.

—

He'd started training again.

Grace was alone now, which he preferred. Turtonator thought Grace's friends were only holding her back. Kamaile had been content to be alone with his team, so why could she not be the same? The sun was setting and her and Electabuzz were currently cooking some horrible dish while Togetic was working on her sculptures and making him ugly as sin. Pupitar was learning to crawl on the floor and cursing at it for slowing her down so much while Jellicent soothed her. Tangrowth waddled toward him and rubbed his arm with a vine.

What do you want, Tangrowth? He huffed, clearing his snout with hot smoke.

Something… about doing something together? Turtonator always felt frustrated when attempting to communicate with the grass type alone.

I'm going to need someone to translate, he said.

Stupid wyrm, Togetic mocked from afar. Look into Angel's heart, and you will find your answer.

Maybe you should stop speaking so vaguely and actually help, Togetic, he spat. He calmed down when he realized that a child was getting a rise out of him.

You're hurting my baby brother, she said, petting Angel on the head. The grass type hugged her with a dozen vines. What if I tell Sweetheart? She won't forgive you that easily.

So you're resorting to blackmail now? He asked. Damned fairies. She knew exactly what he cared about the most. What do you want?

Despite his annoyance for Togetic, he couldn't deny that she had saved him from getting hit many times during their battles in Shiftry's domain. Turtonator knew that she cared for him somewhat, despite not being able to admit it. He couldn't say the feeling was mutual.

You are sad, she said. Melancholic for something.

And by the Legendaries, she took after her mother. Or did Grace take after her? Perhaps it was both.

It is buried deep inside of you. You mourn your old family despite acting like you do not. A shame, really. I am sure Mother would be willing to hear you out. Venting is good for the heart.

She's already asked me once, and I said no, he answered. Feel free to tell Pupitar about what I've done.

Call her Sweetheart or Sweetie already.

What? No. A nickname is below her status. It will make her soft—

She told me she wanted you to call her by her given name, Togetic said, her wings fluttering. The others will not care, but she does. She immediately started calling you Sunsun, did she not? And she is under a lot of emotional distress over her new form. Not being able to move freely is difficult for her.

Turtonator frustratingly waved an arm. Bah! Fine, if it is what she wants. I will never call you Princess, however. It is a name unbefitting of your murderous tendencies.

Excuse me?

Tangrowth's vines writhed as he anxiously grabbed Togetic and cradled her. She did not even blink as she stared at Turtonator. He let out a satisfied huff when he felt the bloodlust emanating from here. Next, she would threaten to kill him and—

I hate you, I hate you, I hate you! She sobbed. Mommyyyy!

Or… that.

She was angry at him for five days after that.

—

The spars with Nightstalker reminded him of his old fights against Oranguru back in Alola. Turtonator flexed as he lit up the entire sealed-off area with flames, but Decidueye somehow spun around the flames as he rushed toward him, his enormous wingspan extended to its fullest extent. The fire type slammed a foot against the floor and a pillar of burning sand jumped at Nightstalker, clinging to his wings like a living thing. Turtonator grinned, feeling closer than he ever had to victory.

Four arrows coated in ghostly energy emerged from the burning sand. Two of them buried themselves against his shadow while the other two penetrated his leg. The pain caused a lapse in his concentration, allowing Decidueye to slip away from the Scorching Sands. When he emerged, the blue flames of Brave Bird surrounded him. The grass type slammed against Turtonator's chest with so much force that it knocked all the air out of his lungs. Flames still clung to his plumage, but it was enough to finish him off.

Even without Phantom Force, I win easily, Nightstalker said. Good effort.

Spare me your pity, Turtonator spat. He was familiar with this feeling. Lacking. Weakness. First, he'd seen Cynthia's Lucario and now this? There was a long way to go before he was strong enough for his revenge. Once he regained his former strength, he would be powerful enough to stand up to one of Saturn's Pokemon, but two would be pushing it. As it turned out, so much of his skill had been born through constant repetition, and training with Grace's Pokemon was not enough. Nightstalker offered exactly what he needed. I hate it when people pity me. It only serves to anger me.

I meant what I said, the bird shrugged. Bellatrix, you can pull down the barrier. We're done for the day.

Another match, he asked. Grace has potions, I can still keep going—

Rest up. We will go at it again tomorrow, Decidueye said.

Turtunator grunted as he stood up. It was difficult to counter Spirit Shackle when he was so large and slow, but he knew it was possible. If he'd been more reactive, he could have moved his body to take the arrows. It would have hurt, but he wouldn't have been pinned and unable to respond to Brave Bird.

A pitiful showing, Hatterene said. The more you battle, the harder it is to look at you.

Togetic sniggered behind her teacher and stuck out her tongue at him.

I do not care about what you have to say, he responded, raising the temperature slightly.

His relationship with Hatterene straddled the line between dislike and hatred. Powerful fairies like her reminded him of Grimmsnarl. Even after all these months, he hadn't forgotten that sickening look of pleasure on his face as Turtonator lost everything he held dear. Dragons could enjoy violence, but fairies enjoyed suffering, at least against foes that they believed deserved it. It was a disgusting way of thinking that he would never get used to.

It costs nothing to not be rude, Jellicent told Hatterene. Your prejudice gets the better of you.

I did notice that wyrms are not as bad as I believed, she acknowledged. Very well, then. I apologize.

Turtonator grunted and walked off, but Jellicent followed. He settled on a nice spot under a tree that looked mighty comfortable.

Will you not get your legs healed? The water type asked.

No. Stop bugging me and let me rest.

Something bothers you. You were the same when we spoke of Alola yesterday night. Togetic and Pupitar tell me they worry for you.

Hah! That fairy? Worry for me? What a joke, he snorted. She was mocking me just a few minutes ago.

It is a game for her, he said. She does not mean any harm by it. Like Electabuzz's pranks or Tangrowth's grabby ways.

Whatever you say, ghost.

Fine then. If you do not wish to talk, tell me more about Johto, he asked.

First Alola, now Johto? Do you wish to travel?

Not particularly, although I think it would be enjoyable. Alone, it would be dull. With my family, it would be a wonderful experience, he said with a soft click. What I am interested in is how different regions' cultures differ to Sinnoh's.

The water type paused.

I wish we could return to what I felt before Solaceon.

What? He asked.

Innocence, he said after a pause. I know that things will only get worse from here on out. It makes my skin boil, but alas. All I can do is protect them with every tool I have at my disposal.

I respect that vow, Turtonator smiled. You wish to know about Johto, then? Shall I tell you about religion?

You do not pray, and you do not strike me as a religious individual. I thought you would be one to scream at the Gods in anger due to the disparity in power.

Once upon a time, maybe, Turtonator said, his mind drifting to the Bell Tower. And religion is a personal thing. I do not pray, but I believe. I want to believe.

To believe that his fallen comrades were in a better place, and in the process of starting new lives. He began speaking about Johto's customs, and somewhere along the way, Tangrowth joined them as well. The two Pokemon were fascinated by the topic. The rituals, the ceremonies, the legends… it was the first time Turtonator had seen them so interested in one of his tales. Tangrowth raised an interesting question that Jellicent translated for him, however. When ghosts died, they went someplace that one of them had called the Dusk for a set period of time. Would that qualify as an afterlife? Was the ghost that came back their true self, or a copy with all of their memories while the original Pokemon had truly died? It was an interesting ethical dilemma if anything.

"Am I interrupting?"

Grace leaned against a tree and smiled at the three of them.

We were just finishing up, Jellicent clicked. Is Hatterene finished speaking with you?

"She wasn't, I just told her off," she said. "Sunshine, Princess let it slip that she was rude to you. Are you okay?"

You told her off because of that? Why would words from that old bat bother me? Turtonator grunted. Knowing her, she'll delay your lessons by hours until she's cooled off.

"Oh, she was angry alright," the girl laughed. "Not as much as I expected though. I just want to make sure you feel at home here. You're family, and it's no fun if you're being excluded when everyone else is having a good time. I'm sorry, we've spent a lot more time on the route than originally planned, and I know you don't like being here."

Turtonator blinked.

Feeling at home?

Did he... did he deserve to feel at home?

Enjoying the food that Electabuzz cooked because he'd made it with all his heart, and his happy-go-lucky attitude or long conversations with Jellicent. Pupitar looking at him starry-eyed with every story or tale he recounted. Tangrowth being so kind-hearted, despite Turtonator's difficulties comprehending the grass type and them bonding over Pupitar as he slowly learned to understand him. Teasing that damned fairy child and her fighting back until he couldn't help but smile and she ran off flying to her mother.

Grace's kindness. Her warmth that he could somehow feel through the flame in his heart.

All the little joys of the world. They added up slowly over time and made him happy.

Did he deserve to smile and be happy when everyone else was gone?

I… I don't...

"Sunshine?"

She stood on her tiptoes, placing a hand on his cheek as she wiped away a tear. He had only spent a few months with these people, and he was not as close to them as he was with his old companions. They had not replaced them, nor did he immediately love them. They did not fill the hole in his heart, nor did they stop his guilt or his grief.

But,

He felt at home here.