Cynthia led the way through one of Sinnoh's forests. Towering trees blocked much of the sunlight, leaving only scattered rays to reach the forest floor.
Gladion walked beside her while Sabrina followed close behind. After nearly an hour of walking, Cynthia slowed her pace and raised a hand. "We're here," she said in a quieter voice.
"This valley has belonged to a large Drapion clan for many years. Rangers rarely enter this place because the clan is extremely territorial. If we walk any farther, they'll attack us ."
No sooner had she finished speaking than a chorus of sharp hisses echoed from every direction. Bushes rustled violently as dozens of purple figures emerged from the shadows.
Skorupi crawled across rocks and tree branches while several full grown Drapion climbed out. Their glowing eyes remained fixed on the strangers.
Every poisonous tail pointed directly at the group, and the clicking of their claws echoed through the silent forest. They had surrounded them within seconds.
Cynthia instinctively reached for a Poké Ball, but Gladion calmly raised a hand, silently asking everyone to remain still.
Then Colossus stepped forward.
The massive Alpha Tyranitar slowly walked to the front of the group. His eyes swept across the gathered Drapion and Skorupi with absolute confidence. He did not roar. He did not prepare an attack. He merely looked at them.
That single glance was enough.
Several Skorupi instinctively took a step backward. A few lowered their stingers despite themselves. Even the adult Drapion became noticeably tense.
Every instinct they possessed screamed at them that the towering Alpha before them was not prey, nor even an equal. He was a monster capable of wiping out their entire clan if he wished. They remained where they were, unwilling to flee from their own territory, yet none dared make the first attack.
Gladion closed his eyes for a brief moment before extending his psychic senses.
'Bring your leader,' his calm telepathic voice echoed through the minds of every Drapion present. 'I have not come here to fight. I have come to speak.'
The wild Pokémon exchanged uncertain glances. After several moments, one of the adult Drapion disappeared into the forest. A few minutes later, the bushes parted once more as an enormous Drapion slowly approached. Its body was covered with scars both old and new.
One of its pincers bore a long crack that had clearly healed years ago, while several marks crossed its armored shell. Despite its age, every step carried authority. The other members of the clan immediately lowered themselves slightly as it passed. There was no doubt that this was their leader.
The elder Drapion stopped several meters away and carefully studied Gladion before speaking. [Human, you possess great strength, and the Pokémon beside you could destroy this clan if they wished. Yet you asked for my presence instead of forcing your way through our territory. Tell me, what is it that you seek?]
Gladion met the clan leader's gaze without showing hostility. "I came because I want one of your clan members to join my team. I am not here to capture anyone by force. I want someone who chooses to come with me of their own free will."
The old Drapion blinked in surprise before an amused sound escaped him.
His tail slowly pointed toward a young Skorupi standing near the back of the group. [My youngest offspring is fearless and eager to learn. You appear to be a trainer worthy of raising him. He would become a fine companion.]
The little Skorupi immediately puffed out his chest proudly and marched forward, trying his hardest to look intimidating despite barely reaching Gladion's knees.
Gladion smiled kindly before shaking his head.
"I appreciate your trust, but I am actually looking for someone already fully grown. Someone experienced in battle and already possessing a good amount of power. If possible, I would prefer an adult Drapion who wishes to travel."
The request clearly caught the clan leader off guard.
[A fully evolved Drapion?] he repeated thoughtfully. [That is unusual. Humans almost never ask for adults. They always seek our children because they wish to raise them themselves.]
He glanced back toward his clan. [An adult leaving the clan...] he murmured. [Who would willingly abandon their home for many years?]
Before anyone else could answer, another voice echoed across the clearing.
[Father.]
The crowd of Drapion slowly parted.
A second Drapion stepped forward.
His body carried even more scars than the clan leader's. Deep marks covered his armor, while one pincer bore countless scratches from years of battle. Unlike the elder, however, his posture radiated restless energy rather than calm authority. His eyes burned with excitement instead of wisdom.
[I wish to go.]
The elder Drapion looked at him before letting out a long sigh.
[My eldest son,] he explained to Gladion. [He is the heir to this clan and the one who should eventually inherit my position. Yet from the day he first learned to battle, he has had no interest in leading others.]
The older Drapion looked almost helpless.
[All he has ever wanted is to explore the world and challenge powerful opponents. Every scar upon his body is proof of that desire. I have lost count of how many times he has wandered too close to another predator simply because he wished to test himself.]
The younger Drapion gave a proud grin.
[There are many strong Pokémon beyond this forest. I have heard stories from travelers and birds that fly across the regions. I want to fight them all.]
The elder continued with a softer voice.
[I never stopped him because ambition is not something a father should crush. But we know the rules of both the wild and the human world. If he wanders into human lands without a trainer beside him, people will see only a dangerous wild Drapion. They will hunt him before asking any questions.]
He looked directly at Gladion. [So he remained here.]
Gladion could not help smiling. He stepped forward until he stood directly before the scarred warrior.
"Tell me something," he said. "Why do you truly wish to explore the world?"
The Drapion answered without hesitation.
"I want to fight opponents stronger than myself. I want to lose. I want to become stronger. And one day..."
He smiled confidently. "I want to defeat those opponents who once defeated me."
Gladion laughed warmly. "Oh, you'll fit into my team just fine."
Without another word, Gladion reached for one of the empty Poké Balls hanging from his belt.
Instead of throwing it forcefully, he gently tossed it toward the Drapion.
The Poké Ball lightly touched the warrior's armored shell.
The Drapion willingly accepted it. A beam of red light enveloped him before he disappeared inside without the slightest resistance.
The Poké Ball landed softly upon the forest floor. Gladion bent down and picked it up with a satisfied smile.
The elder Drapion watched quietly before lowering his head. [My son has chosen his own path.]
He looked Gladion in the eyes one final time.
[Take good care of him, human.]
Gladion nodded with complete sincerity.
-----Author Notes------
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