Chapter 16 - Vanguards

Stay strong, my wings.

Don't let me go.

I can make it. I'm not on my own.

Keep flying on through the day.

Oh yeah!

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Three days. It took them three days to return to Thornwell after that little escapade. For Terry, it was a bit of a relief; returning home after all that fighting. More importantly, he could get more comics!

Once they arrived at the entrance, the three were met with Shiron and Nick, the latter of which sported a frown and crossed arms. As usual, Shiron was just trying to smile, waving at them.

"Ah… the consequences of my actions, how could I forget?" Liz muttered to herself, but it was loud enough for the others to hear. "Very well. Is there any punishment awaiting me?"

"Other than us complaining about how stupid that was… I dunno." Nick sighed, rubbing his forehead with a paw. "We were worried, y'know?"

"Y-Yeah." Shiron tugged on his scarf. "What… exactly did you find?"

"Well, a lot of things. I assume we will need to have a meeting to discuss this." Liz looked over at Terry. "...And I apologize for being so obsessed."

"Heh. You're learnin'." Onyx chuckled, stretching her arms. "Now', if you guys will excuse me, I gotta hit the sack. I'm so tired."

Terry watched them all and let out a small sigh. All things considered, it ended well. In fact, nothing that bad happened since he ran away from home… save for almost drowning at the sea.

I wonder… how Edgar is doing. Mother and Father as well. I know they must be worried about me, but…

If he tried hard, Terry could hear the sound of bells to call the servants, smell the dinner made by the king's best cooks, listen to the voice of his tutor trying to teach their ancient history—all coming from his home, his kingdom.

Except he had a new home, so… why was his heart tugging so hard? Why couldn't he stop thinking about his family? About his old life?

…I need a break. Terry sighed. "Uh, everyone? I think I'll go on a walk. Can you wait for me to do the meeting?"

"S-Sure." Shiron nodded. "We'll just… be here, waiting. I think Magnus made lunch for us!"

After saying that, his stomach groaned a bit.

"And Liz…" he looked at her. "Get me my bag. I'm spending a bit of cash."

She only replied with a nod, and the team all moved together to their base. Once Terry got his bag, he immediately departed, walking down that familiar hill once again.

Let's see… I don't want to spend so much, so around… fifty poké. Hm, sounds about right. I can buy two to three volumes, if my calculations are correct.

Terry chuckled a bit, remembering one of the tutors. A Vibrava, whose wings always were so loud he had a hard time paying attention to the lessons. He did, however, learn most of the math he needed.

…As bad as the pressure was, I can at least thank them for teaching me that.

He shook his head; as homesick as he was, it was better to ignore those thoughts and focus on the present, like… how hot it was. So much Terry was forced to bask in the sunlight. As counterintuitive as it sounded, taking in the heat helped. He'd need to move to a cooler area soon, anyway. Regardless, it was getting annoying.

So, slowly, the Tyrunt walked down the streets, waving and doing smalltalk with some of the other citizens. For once, it was nice to talk to someone that had no idea who Terry was supposed to be. Every once in a while, he stopped to bask on the heat a little longer.

Other than the owner of the shop, of course. Terry knocked on the door and she—a Purrloin—opened. Her ears twitched at the familiar sight.

"Oh, good morning, Terry!" Purrlin said, almost with a nya at the end. She moved her arm to offer a shake, but saw it sweating, stopping her in her tracks. "I take it you're here for our latest releases?"

"You know me, ma'am." Terry replied, looking around after hearing a faint buzzing noise. There was nobody nearby, so he ignored it. "What do you have for me?"

"The usual! You can see your anti-heroes, there's some vigilante things… I even got a batch of slice of life!" Purrloin closed the door behind them, and saw Terry sniff the air, smelling the fresh scent of newly-produced comics. His tail even wagged.

"Slice of life? What's that?"

"Well… just stories about someone's daily lives. It can be quite comforting for some. Are you interested?"

Terry walked through the shelves, checking whatever peaked his interest. From heroic poses, to beautiful drawings of legendaries, he checked and checked. One of them, however, caught his attention the most.

It was a cover containing a simple crown. Really, for his kingdom's standards, it was pretty tame. And yet, it appealed to him.

"M-May I… take a small look at this one?"

Purrloin rolled her eyes. "Read one page, but not much more. This ain't a library, kiddo."

"I'm aware." Terry flipped the cover, checking the first page. It had a Machop wearing a crown—the same as the one in the cover. He seemed to be having a meal.

More memories appeared, the smell of a freshly-baked pie in particular was very appetizing. "I-I… want this one."

Good thing he had a lot of money to spend.

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Before leaving, he waved goodbye to her. Terry now stood next to the entrance to the store, but he didn't move much. Instead, he kept looking at the cover.

Once again, he heard another buzz. However, this time Terry paid attention, raising his head just in time to see a Beedrill—Jackett—slowly descending, his wings still flapping.

"Ah, greetings! It appears I caught you right on the act!"

"The act of… buying a comic book?" Terry flashed the comic. "It hardly seems like an "act", so to speak."

"...Hm, I believe this is what they call a "figure of speech". Am I right?"

"Sure." Terry shrugged. Of all the Pokémon to talk to him…

The bug nearby raised a brow, looking at the comic Terry was holding. "May I ask you something?"

"Again, sure."

"...Why were you out there buying that? I was under the assumption you were a prince."

His heart tugged again. "Well… I'm not exactly one anymore. I did run away from home."

The antennas on Jackett's head twitched slightly. "Of course, but… well, if I may ask, what is that book about?"

"I'm not sure, I haven't started reading it yet, but I saw a Machop prince." Terry looked around, searching for somewhere to sit. He eventually found a bench. "Uh, come on. I don't want to talk while standing up."

"Very well." Buzzing again, Jackett followed the prince towards the bench, sitting next to him.

Or trying to. Jackett tried many ways to sit on the bench, but each one was very uncomfortable. With that frame of his, it proved to be a daunting challenge, as the gaps on the bench inhibited his wings, and his rear was far too large to sit properly. To be honest, he wasn't even sure he wanted to sit there. Maybe standing up while talking to Terry was a good idea.

"If you are okay with it… I shall stay up."

"Suit yourself." Terry sighed a bit, flipping through the cover again, and getting ready to read. Nothing in the world mattered, and nothing would distract him…

…Unless, of course, that said something was the Beedrill looming over him, looking down at the Tyrunt.

"Hm? Jackett, I'm trying to read."

"Read? Is it… fun? Is that why you are doing that?"

"It's a good hobby to have. You should try it sometime…" Terry sighed, showing the comic to him. "Here, you can read this one."

But to his surprise, Jackett didn't reply. He didn't do anything, in fact, he didn't move. At all. The silence in the room was almost crushing at that point.

"Err… how do I put this?" Jackett tried to fidget his pincers, but it didn't work quite well. "...I have never learned how to read."

Terry blinked, seeing a bit of red in the bug's face. This… would take a lot more effort than he thought it would.

"...Alright, then." Terry took a deep breath. "I suppose I could read it for you. There's no shame in not learning. I had a few tutors to teach me, and Father mentioned it took quite a while."

The last part of it was a lie, but Terry figured it could help that bug feel better about the inability to enjoy literature.

Jackett's eyes started to sparkle, and Terry swore he heard an excited chirp. Not thinking that much of it, he cleared his throat, getting ready to read.

"This is a story about a young prince, he's a Machop. His name is… Albert, and he's the last in line for the throne. He has an older sister, but because of the rules, he has to be the king instead of her." Terry said, taking his time to read each page, process the information and then tell it to Jackett. "Do you understand so far?"

Jackett nodded. "Yes! A simple tale of a prince, how marvelous! I have to admit… it makes me curious, could you read more of it?"

"I only have this volume, but I don't mind reading for you." Terry said, flipping once again. He looked at the pictures, taking a bit longer to understand the story this time. "I… I…"

"What happened?"

"T-There's not much here. They're just introducing all the main characters. For now, it showed his sister and his mother." Terry answered, panting a bit. "They're supportive of his choice to not be king. He doesn't want it."

"Hm? That is… quite odd, my friend." Jackett's wings buzzed again. "Why would he not want to? A king is a powerful member of his, err, hive. To reject such a thing would be—"

"Some would call it preposterous." Terry looked straight at the bug and sighed again. "I'm like that. I gave up on it, because it's not what I wanted for myself."

"You… do not wish to be king?" Jackett tilted his head. His eyes enlarged a bit, and his tone turned curious. "...But why?"

Terry didn't reply, only looking down at himself. "The life of a king… I always knew it wasn't meant to be. So much pressure, so much responsibility… not to mention that I'd need to continue the bloodline, which… I don't think it's something I want."

That only served to make Jackett even more confused. He blinked, tilting his head once more. "...You do not wish to continue the bloodline? But… why? It is only natural for the king to procreate, to create children. Do you happen to not be interested in the opposite gender?"

"I—"

Jackett walked in circles for a bit, as if thinking. "I am aware that some Pokémon would rather have their mate be of the same gender. It was… strange for someone like me to understand, growing up in a hive. Is that your case? I do not wish to come off as a bigot, I am merely… curious."

What came out of the prince's mouth was a very loud sigh, and a bit of a groan. "...I don't want to talk about it. Please stop."

"Oh…" Jackett's antennas perked up. "I understand. I am making you uncomfortable."

"Thanks for noticing it." Terry flipped another page. "Anyway, do you still want me to read this for you?"

"Yes, please!" And his eyes were sparkling again.

With a smile on his face and a wagging tail, Terry read a bit more, taking into consideration all the content.

"Hm… seems Albert only has the support of his mother and sister. His father is pressuring him to accept his eventual role, and yet…"

Jackett scooted closer. "And yet?"

"He doesn't know what to do. It's like Albert has no choice. Whatever he picks, he'll disappoint someone."

And after saying it, Terry stopped reading, turning more introspective again.

Almighty Reshiram, if this is your idea of amusement, I don't like it. Giving me a comic that reflects my own situation… I don't like it at all.

"So he is at odds, no matter what he chooses to do." Jackett muttered. "Hm… I am unsure if I understand his conflict."

Terry raised a brow. "Hm?"

"Growing up in the hive meant I always had to follow the queen. Her authority was unquestionable. Therefore, seeing someone wanting to throw said authority away…" Jackett stopped to sigh, his antennas flopping down. "...I suppose that feels strange to me."

"Well… I took some time getting used to my new life, but I feel like I'm settled in now." Terry smiled. "I made new friends, visited places, even went to a dungeon once! I'm… happy. Happier than I ever was back home."

"Fascinating…" Jackett looked down. "It truly is, to me. You appear to be happy, yet I never expected someone to be happy… by giving up on all that you did. It fascinates me."

His pincers were still attached, but Terry could tell Jackett was trying to clench his fists. "It is scary. Very much so. There is much I do not understand, and that alone invokes a primal fear in me…"

He stopped for a moment, catching his breath.

"...It is odd, but not in a bad way. I cannot understand… however, I wish to. Will you tell me more about it?"

Terry wasn't even sure if they were still talking about that comic anymore. "I… wouldn't mind it. But I need to visit the others soon, we're supposed to have a meeting."

"Understood. I shall wait…" Jackett pointed a pincer upward. "However, there is something I must tell you. For me, and for many others in my hive… we understood each other through fighting. I wish to do the same with you."

…How dramatic is this guy? Terry sighed to himself, but decided to nod and accept that request. "Fine, I'll fight you. Or try to, anyway."

"Good, good…" and once more, Jackett's eyes began to shine. "But please, I must know how that comic ends…"

"...Sure, I'll probably buy the other volumes. There's still a few pages here, even if most of it is just exposition. You'll probably like it anyway."

For the next hour, Terry happily read the rest of the volume to Jackett. The Beedrill reacted with nothing but awe, asking many questions. In turn, Terry answered however he could.

Even if he didn't look forward to their spar, Terry was happy to teach more about what he learned after running away—or rather, after finding his new home.

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Finally, he could meet up with the others. Terry sighed, sticking his tongue out and giving an unintelligible complaint about the heat, before opening the door.

"S-Sorry I'm late, everyone!"

Inside, he saw things weren't that better. It was still hot, and even with most of them—save for Liz—enjoying ice cream cones, they were melting faster than normal.

"Hi! We waited for you, of course!" Shiron waved, licking a bit of his dessert. "...Liz apologized."

"Just because I did, it does not mean you have to blurt it out like that…" she pouted, looking to the side. "...But yes, I apologize for acting so rashly, even if I had good intentions."

Nick just gave them a small thumbs-up and looked up, tongue out. "Y-Yeah. Sorry, guys. It's so hot today…"

"Everyone seems to be apologizing today…" Terry sighed, sitting on the couch along with them. "Are we discussing this here, or in the office?"

"Office… it sounds so formal." Shiron muttered. "I don't think so. And Magnus' making us some snacks, so I really don't wanna leave this place."

He didn't quite notice how the others were staring at him, as Shiron was too busy eating the rest of his ice cream to really pay attention.

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

"Anyway… I got worried, y'know. We're a team—even if our name is kinda stupid…"

Not that he had any better ideas for their name.

"...W-Well, I wanted us to do things together. From now on, let's try that, alright?"

Liz closed her eyes for a moment. "I will try."

"I promise!" Terry said next, putting the comic down on the couch.

Finally looking at the others, Nick gulped down his ice cream, licking a bit of it that was left, and then crossing his arms, trying to come off as serious. Instead, he only looked adorable.

"It was pretty stupid, I have to say. I mean… I'm happy you're fine, but still, that was dumb."

Next, he pointed at Shiron, the Marshtomp taking a few seconds to react.

"H-Hm? What's up?"

"Say your part in this, Shiron," he raised a brow. "You're just as important to the team as the rest of us."

"I-I…" Shiron fidgeted with his fingers, and the scales on his face turned red. "W-Well, I got… kinda—really worried when you left. I thought…"

His voice turned stuttery, and he felt a lump in his throat.

"...I thought you ditched us."

"Ditched you—" Liz's eyes widened. "I… never once did I consider it. Terry loves this town, we do not plan on leaving."

And Terry replied with a nod, clenching a fist. "S-She's right. We—me and Onyx only wanted to help her with that, that's all. We always planned on returning."

Hearing that, Shiron let out a long, loud sigh of relief. "O-Oh… I guess I overreacted. Again. S-Sorry, guys."

"Everyone's alright, Shiron. Really, it's fine." Nick tried to reassure him, and then looked at Liz and Terry again. "But yeah, we were worried. You should've warned us before…"

"Knowing how obsessed she was—" Terry eyed his bodyguard. "...No offense. She was obsessed with defeating him. And to be honest, we didn't do it."

Nick's ears perked up. "Wait. You found him? That Zero guy? You actually found him?"

"It was surprisingly easy to find him." Liz shrugged. "He told us a few things… which, of course, we are more than happy to share."

Then, she eyed Terry, like Liz was waiting for his permission to keep going.

"...Yeah, we can tell you what happened. All the details, right?"

Shiron and Nick nodded at the same time. Now it rested on the others to tell the story.

…I'm not sure if this is better than having to read for Jackett, but it's certainly not as fun as that was. At least we'll meet again later, even if it's… for sparring. Urgh.

Liz closed her eyes again, considering what to say first. "Before we begin… I will once again apologize for the way I acted. I realized it was… wrong of me. I cannot let my obsessions get the best of me. Not again."

"We traveled with Onyx, because… well, she seems to like Liz." Terry added. "And it took us an entire day just to get to the border. Liz?"

"...The town was in an awful state, there was a sandstorm surrounding it, and were it not for Terry, I doubt we could have gone through it on our own. For that, I am thankful."

"You're welcome…?" Terry wasn't sure how to take that. It was the right thing to do, but it also reminded him of his duty with the kingdom. Did he help out of a moral higher ground, or out of duty?

For now, they would tell the rest of the events that transpired in that town.

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It was a good summary, Shiron felt. He nodded after they finished recounting everything. From the eye of the storm, to the fight with the Minior. Of course, it was great they survived the ordeal, and that they got an entercard after everything was done.

Zeraora… I have no idea what that is. Shiron crossed his arms. Nick had a similar reaction, and because of that, he assumed the Riolu also didn't know what a "Zeraora" was.

"...Honestly, good job, everyone." Nick said with a sigh. His tail swished around for a bit. "Are the citizens safe?"

Liz nodded. "Yes. Before we left, we saw Zero's backup arriving. We… admittedly did not stay for long afterwards, but I have my reasons to trust him."

"...Can we, though?" Terry frowned and looked at them. "I… suppose he hasn't done anything wrong, and only tried to help so far. But still… I don't like knowing so little about him."

With a pout, Liz left the couch, folding her arms behind her back. She walked in circles, eyeing everyone inside the office.

"You make a good point. And if he has bad intentions… we will deal with him. When the time is right, obviously."

Nick raised a brow at her, putting a paw on his hip. "Both of them are good points. But… Shiron, what do you say?"

"M-Me?!" Shiron gasped, instinctively tugging on his scarf. "I-I… I wanna know what these Cracks are all about. I think we should keep investigating them."

"Yeah, but we'd need more info than what this Zero guy told us." Nick told them, sighing afterwards.

It seemed they were all planning, but he still had little to contribute. It didn't help that, with little control over his aura sense, Nick couldn't do much. Compared to everyone else, he wasn't developing all that much.

"Really? How convenient that we did get something more out of him…" Liz couldn't help but smirk, eyeing Terry. "Sire—err, Terry. It is inside your bag."

"You mean the—oh, okay!" Terry fiddled with it a bit, taking out a small card, engraved with the drawing of a sun. "Here! I'm not sure where it leads us, though."

Nick's eyes widened, and he jumped out of the couch, taking a better look at the card. "I-Is that…"

Once again, "Indeed, Zero gave it to us after we were done. I am unsure as to why, but nonetheless, it will be quite helpful."

Shiron looked at all of them, tilting his head. "Guys? What are you talking about? What is that?"

"Right. You don't know about this." Nick rubbed the back of his head, chuckling a bit. "It's an entercard! I didn't even know they still existed!"

"I can say the same." Liz used a few vines to grab the card, checking it out for a bit. "To think Zero had it…"

"Okay, but what does it do…?" Shiron tilted his head again.

"It can warp us. Usually to the place designated on the card." Liz explained. "It's better than Teleport, but it has its risks. You need to be careful when setting it up."

"...I don't know how to." Nick shrugged, grumbling to himself. "Does any of you guys know? Except Shiron."

"I could've used one before losing my memory, y'know?" The Marshtomp rolled his eyes.

Terry deadpanned, shaking his head for a few seconds. "I know how to do it."

And all of a sudden all the other eyes were on him. Just great.

"...It was part of my tutoring," he admitted. "Well, it wasn't necessary, but I was curious and took it anyway."

"Fascinating." Liz had to admit. She handed him the entercard and sat down again. "I did not expect this, however… good for you, Terry."

I have no clue what they're talking about… might need to let them take the lead on this one. Shiron tugged on his scarf again, letting the others do all the talking.

"We'll have to decide how to use this…" Nick bit a lip, rubbing his chin. "If we're gonna pursue these… Cracks, then we might have to check where that card leads us."

Terry nodded. "I'll see what I can do about it. But, uh, I might need to go now. I may have promised Jackett I would fight him."

"Hm? Interesting." Liz smirked again. "Terry… you are more than capable of defeating him, but I would like to be there, if only to observe the fight."

"She's right. It is interesting." Nick chuckled next. "I wanna see it too."

Shiron raised a hand. "I-I… kinda slacked off on my training with mister Ronan, but I think seeing someone fight would help me out a bit."

"...I'm having an audience? Great." Terry rolled his eyes. "Alright, I think he's waiting for me already. Let's go, alright?"

It did make things a little more anxiety-inducing than they should be, but Terry was ready for it.

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As they left the building, the team was met with Jackett falling from the sky, his wings still buzzing. However, his face was a bit red. Terry blinked.

"...What are you doing?"

"My sincerest apologies, but I might have… waited for you." Again, Jackett was trying to communicate through his fingers, but the pincers remained there.

"You waited outside?"

"Yes! I had no idea what to do, so I waited!" Jackett puffed up his chest.

Terry looked behind him, nodding slowly. "Alright, everyone, I'm doing this now, so… don't worry about it."

"Very well." Liz flicked her cape around. "I trust your abilities."

"She's right!" Shiron raised an arm to cheer him on. "You got this—"

"KICK HIS ASS!" Nick shouted, enough that the two next to him started looking. He only stuck out his tongue in response.

"Such a crude statement… I do not believe I have one to be kicked in the first place." Jackett pointed out, flying backwards to give a bit of distance between him and Terry. "Alas, it is time!"

Terry frowned, getting himself ready. "I'm not holding back here!"

And to that, Jackett finally smiled. "Hah… neither am i."

His wings buzzed once, then twice, and then—total silence. Terry saw as the Beedrill flew towards him, pincer aimed.

Not a drill? He used that before… I'm pretty sure. What is he planning?

Regardless, he had enough time to react. Terry jumped back, dodging the attack. With a roar, rocks burst from the ground, throwing them directly at Jackett's side.

Once again, no sound came out of the Beedrill's mouth, only a smirk. With a calculated move, he opened his jaw, generating a surge of electric energy within. Terry's eyes widened in realization, but before he could react, the attack continued.

Jackett fired a bright-yellow web that hit Terry point-blank, covering him with and, at the same time, shocking him to his core. The sticky, gooey substance adhered to his body, restraining his movements.

"Interesting strategy." Liz said. She raised a brow, but kept a smile. "Still, Terry is ready for this."

"I-I hope so…" Shiron muttered. Why did they like fighting so much…?

"Thank you." Jackett kept the stinger pointed at Terry. "Let us see which one of us is right. To reject your heritage… or to embrace it."

That was annoying. Terry tried to bite off the web, but it was too… sticky. He ended up spitting it out, what little of it he could.

"I'm not rejecting it, I'm just—it's not like that!"

He had to get out of that web, and fast. Terry closed his eyes, taking a few short, but deep breaths. He channeled more energy into his body, and his scales began to get rougher, harder.

Not yet…

Channeling it again, the scales even started to glow faintly like metal.

Almost…

"Hm? That move will not help you, but I would like to see you try." Jackett backed off, wings still buzzing. He looked directly at Terry, overtaken by curiosity.

The scales continued to get harder, until Terry felt as if he could hardly move from how hard they got—which was only further demonstrated by the web surrounding him.

Now!

This time, the channeling was different. Terry sprouted rocks from the ground, but aimed them at himself. They connected, sending him back, but also tearing apart the web.

"YEAH! YOU GO, TERRY!" Nick cheered him on, whistling and wagging his tail.

Shiron eyed Liz, and saw she had the biggest smile in her face.

"Oh! Marvelous! Truly marvelous! Is that the power you acquired?!"

"You talk too much." Terry felt the energy he accumulated starting to wear down, and while it let him move better, it meant his defenses weren't looking so great. Before they returned to normal, he wanted to at least deal some damage.

So he jumped, claws wrapped in pure draconic energy, shaping into larger claws that he used to try and scratch at Jackett. The Beedrill pointed his stinger forward, and the impact generated a small gust of wind between the two combatants.

"Hah! Haha! You are very good, young prince!"

"Tch." Terry spun around, before opening his mouth and aiming directly at the stinger, biting down on it. His fangs were nothing short of mighty, and even if the attack wasn't as effective against a bug, Jackett still felt the rush of pain.

"A-Ah! Well played. However… you are vulnerable."

His stinger started to spin, slowly at first, but it quickly caught enough speed. Terry's eyes widened again, but it was too late—Jackett moved forward, the drill causing a jolt of pain focused on Terry's body, enough to send him back.

"O-Ow!" Terry groaned, putting a hand on his jaw. That entire area was aching, and as he realized, his fingers were trembling.

"Prince Terry!" Liz blurted out, almost running off, but she stopped herself. "...Are you alright?!"

"I-I'm fine… really, this isn't all that bad!" Terry nodded to reassure her, and then focused on Jackett again. "That was nasty…"

"I am sure you are aware this is not over, right?" Jackett's other stinger started to spin, quickly picking up speed. "But I am still curious as to how you plan on escaping this…"

He's faster than me, and stronger too. Was he holding back last time…? And more importantly, what can I do? Terry thought to himself, slowly moving his jaw to check how much it was hurting. I'm not even sure if I want to fight him. But now that I'm doing it, I have no choice but to keep going.

An idea appeared. The biggest factor to Jackett's speed were his wings, and if he could cripple them, even if only for a few moments… then he could get the advantage.

Obviously, the biggest problem was getting there. Terry had no moves that could make him faster. But… maybe he didn't need to be faster.

A vivid image flashed in his head. Back at the castle, inside his room, where a Slowpoke tried to teach him physics. During that particular lesson, he was being taught movements.

They were on a hill, and Terry in particular was on a higher part of it. With gravity by his side…

I… I know! I know what to do!

Jackett flapped his wings and started running, aiming both of his stingers this time around. There was no time to waste! Terry channeled rocks again, but he tripped, and ended up channeling them beneath him. The attack still went through, sending him flying with an angle, right past the Beedrill.

"What—" The bug looked around for any signs of Terry, but he was nowhere to be seen. Jackett's gaze then shifted upwards, where realization finally hit him: Terry was in the sky.

The prince still couldn't relax, even with the momentary relief of Jackett's confusion. He spun around as the draconic claws from before sprouted once more. With one shot left, Terry fell, slashing Jackett's wings with a simple, but swift strike.

As a result, the bug screamed in pain, rolling on the ground and sticking his stingers inside of it. Meanwhile, Terry landed safely nearby.

"Hah… I will admit, that was very impressive. I know you are not the vanguard of your team, but for a rear-guard, it is incredible…"

Nick's ears twitched. "...Does anyone know what a vanguard is? Or a rear-guard? No clue what he's talking about."

"Uh…" Shiron shrugged. "Liz?"

"A vanguard is the one who leads," she pointed at the Marshtomp. "In our case, that would be you. A rear-guard consists of the soldiers positioned at the rear of the troops."

"I… I dunno… I think we are all true vanguards." Shiron tugged on his scarf again. "Actually, that's kind of a cool team name…"

"Like I said, I'm not interested in leading." Terry said, both to Jackett and to Shiron. "...It was never for me."

"Hm. You may believe that, by crippling my wings, you have an advantage."

"I'm… just trying to win here." Terry deadpanned. Is he always this over-the-top…? It reminds me of that Spidops teacher. Always talking about strategies. And do I really need to keep fighting Jackett?

He smirked again. "While that may be true… I can still fight."

This time, Jackett was faster. Terry even saw an afterimage behind him as the bug approached with his two pincers crossed together, forming an X.

"Tch—" the prince channeled more energy into his defense, hardening his scales again.

Jackett advanced again, cutting through like he was shearing with scissors.

The attack connected, and while Terry wasn't thrown back at all, and the move wasn't effective, it hurt him a bit. Thankfully, his defenses managed to clinch through. Now, both of Jackett's pincers were touching the Tyrunt.

An opportunity!

He didn't waste a second. Terry summoned more rocks, but now that Jackett was too close to dodge, they all hit him at once, sending the bug upwards for a few seconds, and then crashing down.

"WOOOO! KEEP GOING, TERRY!"

"H-Hah! Wonderful… I want to say that. Fighting truly gets the blood going…"

Finally, Terry got the answer he was searching for. There was no need for that battle, and Jackett was worn-out enough. Terry didn't even have anything to say when hearing… all of that. Instead, he only sighed, walking forward until he was close to the bug.

"I think… I'm done with this."

"What are you talking about? I can fight, and so can you!" Jackett stood up, but then winced and groaned, falling down again. "I-I can…"

"Hm, it was a fun spar, but I don't want to do it anymore." Terry sat next to him. "...I don't have any Orans with me right now, do you want a ride to the hospital?"

"Why… do you not wish to fight anymore?"

Terry sighed again. "It's pointless. Different ways of thinking were never the problem. I think… we are different kinds of vanguards."

"Differing… vanguards?"

"I don't—won't be a prince, and you're not a member of a hive anymore. I like not being one, but it seems you still miss that. And that's okay. I was homesick earlier today, but it's just that."

He paused, looking up at his friends. In particular, at Liz. She was smiling. "We have different lives now. Instead of wallowing in the past, we need to move on to the future. Sometimes, we'll still remember it. But it's just that… a memory."

"Memories…" Jackett looked over at his pincer, frowning. "I believe… I understand what you mean. Or perhaps… I know what you're—"

His face turned red again. "Err… using contractions still does not feel right."

Terry chuckled. "Don't worry about it."

Worries. He wasn't homesick anymore, but the thought of his brother remained in his mind. All the lessons, all the etiquette, everything he was taught… Terry really did throw most of it away.

It's not like I don't care about them, but… I'm eighteen. This is my life now.

But he was happier now, and that was what mattered, right? His family would have to put up with it, for better or for worse.

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For those in Terry's kingdom—especially his family—things weren't going so well. The castle was still full, but it felt so empty it might as well be abandoned.

At least, that was what the Tyrunt thought. His brother had gone missing for what, a month and a half? And yet, their father had not moved an inch, not done anything to change that situation.

"Calm down, Edgar. I am sure he is working on it. He has to. He is the king…"

Edgar walked across the hallway of the castle, with both a black-and-green Fraxure and a Druddigon by his side.

"Hm… I do not believe this is right," the prince stopped, checking the two dragons nearby. "You are way too close. As the Prince, I demand you to walk behind me. Know your place."

The Fraxure raised an arm, and was quickly shot down with a hiss coming from the prince. He promptly backed off, as did the Druddigon.

"Good, good. I do not look as important if you believe both of you are worthy enough to stand next to me. The only one that could is no longer here…"

And he sighed. Where had his brother gone? Was he insane? Did he have no idea about the multiple responsibilities of a prince? Surely, he did. However, Edgar did not want to give Terrence the benefit of the doubt. There had to be an ulterior motive.

"Let us move on. I am tired of walking."

The three continued, until Edgar stopped in front of a rather large door. It was taller than him, much more, enough to fit a taller Pokémon than him. It was also impressive, made out of the finest of woods.

"What are you two waiting for? Open the door at once!"

This time it was the Druddigon that did anything, twisting the handle and opening the door for the prince.

"Vulcan." Edgar looked at the Fraxure. "I want you to go inside first, and check for any threats."

"S-Sire, with all due respect—"

"My brother is missing, and you believe I should not be worried about my own home? Thread very carefully, or I will have you punished!"

Vulcan contained his urge to sigh, or to do anything disrespectful to the prince. He walked inside, confirming there was no threat, and then opened the curtains, letting the light shine inside the room.

It was befitting of a prince. A grand space adorned with opulent furnishings, with elegant décor. There was a large painting, depicting both Edgar and his brother.

"I never said you could open the curtains, but I will choose to ignore it." Edgar walked inside, checking the mirror on one of the corners, and then looking at his own reflection.

A tall Tyrunt, with a larger tail, more pronounced spikes, a thick coat of feathers around his neck, and with fangs that were protruding out of the mouth. Yet, his appearance was still kept orderly, with every part of him taken care of, not to mention the golden crown and purple cape he wore.

"Hm… I look quite dashing."

"Y-You do, your Highness." Druddigon said, standing near the door.

Right, they were still there, for… some reason. Now that would not do.

"Hmph, leave, both of you. There is no need for you to be here any longer."

And without a single complaint, the two guards left, keeping an eye on the outside.

Edgar sat on his bed, looking over at the painting. It was staged, and as such, the two dragons were smiling, but even so… Edgar could see the sadness in his brother's depiction.

"Were you sad…? But why…? I wish I knew where you are… I have so many things to tell you."

To be honest, Edgar had no clue as to why his brother suddenly disappeared, taking that… strange Roselia with him.

"Right, those two."

Their relationship status was odd as well. Normally, no Pokémon would be that close to a guard. Unless… they were closer than he originally thought.

"Could it be that…? No, there is no way." Edgar shook his head, denying the mere thought of it. "Terrence would never wander off in some ludicrous romance getaway, he knows we are to be wed to a compatible Pokémon, if we wish to continue our line."

He was drawing blanks. Looking to the side of his bed, Edgar saw a stuffed toy of Reshiram, the so-called "protector" of their family.

"Sometimes… I wonder how it started. Father would never tell me or Terrence about how our family met almighty Reshiram, let alone that strange jewel he wears on the crown."

Edgar was never much of a religious Pokémon, but in these situations, there was no other place to go to. He picked the toy up, looking it in the eyes. Then, the prince closed his eyes, letting his thoughts be known only to the plush.

Almighty Reshiram… I know you represent the truth, so please, show it to me… show me the truth of my brother's whereabouts.

----------------------------------------

His request would not take much longer. Someone—two of them—knocked on the door repeatedly, trying to get his attention.

These stupid guards… do they not understand I want my privacy?

And even so, they kept knocking. Again and again. Again and again, no matter how much Edgar kept ignoring their calls.

But his patience was wearing thin, and he finally opened the door. "What is it?! I am in the middle of—"

"Howdy," the voice came from an unknown speaker, and that was when Edgar noticed who else was there.

A strange Pokémon was standing between the guards. Large, bipedal, with yellow fur. He almost looked like an Incineroar, except less bulky, and more electrical? Whatever that Pokémon was, Edgar never saw one before.

"I said howdy, or do you want me to do something else? How about…" the Pokémon cleared his throat. "Meowdy, I'm Zero. Is that better?"

Edgar just stared in disbelief. First, because he had no idea what that Pokémon was. Secondly, because he just walked inside the castle. And last, but certainly not least, there was not any sign of respect towards his authority.

"The audacity." Edgar huffed, showing off the rest of his fangs. "Guards, take him away! Whoever this is!"

Druddigon raised a hand to try and speak. "We would, your Highness, but the problem is—"

"I do not wish to hear any excuses coming from you!"

"Okay, now that ain't very nice, is it?" Zero moved his hat a bit. "I'm here 'cause I got something ya might wanna hear. It's about your brother."

And that got Edgar's attention. "...What are you talking about, peasant?"

Sheesh, no wonder the kid ain't comin' back here. I don't even wanna do it, but the bosses kinda forced me to. Zero grinned, showing off a single fang. "I can see you're more interested in what I have to say now. Good. I saw him around… three days ago."

"Three days?!" Edgar approached, cautiously. This "Zero" did not appear to be lying, but the prince should still be wary. "...Where was he?"

"Calm down, calm down." Zero picked his hat up, spinning it around with a finger. "I told the king already, and now I gotta tell ya. He was in a swamp town, but I know where he's settled. A small town named Thornwell."

"Thornwell…?" Edgar furrowed a brow. Where was that town located, and why did he go there? "Explain."

"That's about all I can tell ya… your Highness." Zero shrugged. "What you do with this information is up to you. But I imagine you wanna go after 'im."

Edgar tapped a foot on the floor. "Of course I wish to see him. Can you imagine the trouble he got us into?! Of course not, you are just some… peasant that happened to see him."

"Sure am." Zero put his hat back on. "Might take ya a little while to get there, even with the fastest of boats."

Almighty Reshiram… you told me the truth. I will find him. I will find my brother and bring him back.

Thankfully, he had resources, and soon enough, Edgar would come up with a plan. He turned to both of his guards, a grin forming on his snout.

"Congratulations, you both have been selected for a very important mission. We are going to travel to this town… and we will bring Prince Terrence back."