Author's Note: Welp, I'm finally free from college for the winter break and now it's finally time for me to catch up on this story I've taken a break from to focus on my studies. I heavily appreciate those who are patient with my irregular update schedule and I also hope you enjoy this first half of the story. Also, I finally get to catch a breath and read just one comment found in the prequel of this story which is appreciated as always, and here's my reply:

WyldClaw: The concept of pokemon talking like humans fascinates me since the pokemon anime shows that it's possible and pokemon gold and silver also shows Team Rocket mutating pokemon using radio waves which resulted in the red gyrados. Combine the two and you'll get a fairly original concept to expand on.

If you want to be featured in my next chapter, then leave any comment below (except toxic ones) and I'll be sure to reply to them in the next chapter. Happy Holidays and Enjoy :)

Ch.4 Home Alone

I had mixed feelings about last night's sleep. Although I successfully captured a serious powerhouse to add to the team, I'm also worried about what impressions Hydra will create among the team and to any witnesses. For this reason, I tossed and turned far more than usual in my sleep. Overall, my optimism won and I drifted off to sleep… Until I received a firm whack on my belly.

I open my eyes in shock and dart them to my right to see Vineguard staring at me with a serious expression. But after a closer look, Vine seems more agitated. "Jamie, I've got two questions for you: one regarding our latest member and the other about Team Plasma," he states dryly but urgently.

"Let's hear the one about Hydra," I suggest while rubbing my belly, which still stings.

Vine continues, "Very well then. What's his level? I don't recall you telling us last night."

I sleepily pull out my pokedex and check my record for Hydra. "It says that Hydra's level is lv.66, meaning that he evolved recently," I report in between my yawnings.

"Either that or he hasn't been leveling up that much," Vine quickly adds, "Anyways, Team Plasma is the more important topic of discussion."

"What's wrong?" I ask, wondering what Team Plasma is up to since intercepting them a little over a week ago.

Vine then extends a vine hidden below his leaf appendages to grab and show me an Unova Times newspaper. "See for yourself…" Vine says.

On the front page, my eyes widen in horror as I learn that Humilau City, Undelle Town, Lacunosa Town, and Lentimas Town are completely frozen. "Oh, fuck…" I whisper in shock.

"That's right, and I received a radio call from the Unovian police chief this morning that Black City and White Forest are the next two targets of the Plasma Frigate and will join Team Plasma's winter wasteland if we continue lollygagging," Vine declares urgently.

"I do have a plan though," I quickly announce, "With Hydra on the team, all I need to do is to teach him the best moves possible and he'll easily steamroll anything Team Plasma throws at us."

"I must warn you against putting all your fruits into one basket," Vineguard warns, "The consequences of failure will put this region into major jeopardy."

"No worries Vine, I can't see anything that could defeat Hydra in battle!" I exclaim proudly, "In fact, I heard that someone in Unova can teach a powerful dragon attack if the trainer proves themself worthy."

"That would be Dragon Master Drayden, the gym leader of Opelucid City," Vine indicates, "And I doubt that he's accepting challengers when his gym is already covered in ice. Remember Team Plasma's first target?"

"Well, there's only one way to find out," I reply hopefully and get changed to my street clothes, which is simply a green t-shirt and black shorts with glasses However, I begin donning a black hoodie due to the cooler autumn season.

Once I'm all set with my gear, I head out to the main lobby of the pokemon center where the central clock there says "11:30 AM" and I see my team lounging, except for two. "Hey guys, where's Tanker and Hydra?" I ask.

"Oh, what's up Boss," Sparkbomb replies, "They are in Route 4 doing some training at the moment."

"Alright then," I reply before announcing, "Team, we're going to look for Dragon Master Drayden."

Everyone's eyes begin widening, especially Sky's. "But why though?" Chomper asks in confusion.

"Since Team Plasma's threat level is rising as they freeze more cities, I figure that we should beef up our damage-dealing capabilities," I confidently reply, "So, let's get moving."

"Do you even know where Drayden is?" Blaze huffs.

"Oh god…" I whisper to myself, realizing I'm unsure where Drayden is.

Suddenly, I heard loud yelling at the front desk from a guy, and it sounds faintly familiar. My heart slightly jumps at the sight of none other than Andrew. I remember him back from Professor Juniper's lab and I don't want another encounter with him.

"What do you mean the gym's closed?!" Andrew shouts to the poor nurse at the front desk.

"I'm sorry sir, but the gym leader is away at the moment…" the nurse fearfully answers.

If I recall correctly, two years ago is when Team Plasma also tried to take over Unova and all the gym leaders must band together with another gifted trainer to defeat them, though I don't know the trainer's name. I figure that Castelia's gym leader is also trying to slow down Team Plasma's second attempt at regionwide domination.

"This is BULLSHIT!" Andrew yells even louder. So much to the point where everyone is staring. I even saw the nurse flinch. "What the fuck am I supposed to do now!" Andrew yells again while slamming his fists violently at the desk, scaring everyone watching the scene.

"U- Umm, h- how about the gym in Nimbasa City? A- And I also heard that Drayden is also there i- if you want to c- challenge him…" the nurse whimpers.

Welp, at least I got something useful from that horrendous conversation. Suddenly, Blaze scoffs out loud, "I hope we're not visiting Nimbasa cuz I don't wanna be in the same city as that freak!"

Also just as suddenly, Andrew's head perks up faster than a diglett. He scans the room filled with horrified faces until his eyes lock with mine. "Oh, Arceus, what did you do Blaze…?" I quietly mutter in fear.

Andrew angrily stomps over to where Blaze and I are standing while everyone else is holding their breaths, watching his movements. I nervously glance at Blaze who doesn't seem to care. With his fists clenched and his eyes filled with fury, Andrew sneers, "You think you're tough pal… Huh?!"

I wasn't sure what to say as I fearfully stare back, but Blaze apathetically huffs, "Go away kid, we're not giving out autographs."

"Just as I thought… You're that trainer back at Juniper's lab who thinks they are some special snowflake just cuz they have talking pokemon," Andrew snarls as he points his finger in between my eyes, "But let me tell you something you… AHH!"

I flinch in surprise as a burst of flame erupts below Andrew's arm. "I said, get away you butt ugly freak!" Blaze snarls back.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME YOU STUPID BITCH!" Andrew screams at the top of his lungs while clenching his mildly burnt arm.

"What's the matter? Did your anger destroy your hearing? Freak!" Blaze insults.

It looks as if Andrew is winding his leg to kick my ninetales over, but fortunately, two police officers enter the lobby and pull Andrew from us. "Officer, that trainer tried to-" Andrew attempts to fib, but the two cops aren't having it.

"Forget it kid, we heard from everyone what you were doing. You're banned from this pokemon center should we hear any more disorderly conduct complaints about you." the officers warn, "Now come with us."

As the officers take Andrew away, my team gathers around Blaze and me.

"Who was that?" Galvin asks wide-eyed.

"Ugh, just some worthless jerk we met a while back," Ivy grumbles.

"Damn! That burn was savage!" Sparky cheers.

"Are you two alright?" Sky asks worriedly.

"No worries girl," Blaze boasts, "Of course, he's no match for us, right Jamie?"

"Well, yeah…" I sigh in relief.

"So, what now…?" Chomper asks.

Before I could say a word, Tanker and Hydra enters the pokemon center.

"Yo Jamie, was there a crying kid in here? I saw one getting dragged out." Tanker says.

"The salt in the little bastard's tears also makes him quite tastier…" Hydra grimly comments.

Quickly ignoring Hydra, I explain what happened.

"Damn, wish I was there to stick up for you bro," Tanker regrets.

"Yeah, I'd love to crack that fucker's skull instead of some boring-ass rocks," Hydra mentions.

"Well Hydra, I've got you a little surprise you'll also love once we arrive at Nimbasa City…" I tease, "So let's get going." On that note, I return everyone to their pokeballs except for Vineguard to read the map and Chomper to fly us to the city.

A few minutes later:

As Chomper descends from the air, we were bombarded with various lights and sounds everywhere around the city. I see various attractions represented by tents littered everywhere. The most eye-catching one is the Ferris wheel at the eastern section of the city. Nimbasa truly lives up to its name as: "A bustling city of entertainment" as indicated on the map.

"Alright guys, let's look around in the air for any signs of Drayden around here," I suggest.

"Got it, Jamie," Chomper replies.

"Are you certain that Hydra is the best contender to learn from a professional dragon trainer?" Vineguard questions, "In my opinion, he's seriously unhinged and lacks self-control."

I couldn't help but nod in agreement to Vine's concerns, but I'm still determined that Hydra can still hold his own against other trained pokemon. "Well, Hydra is indeed a natural-born killer so… I doubt he'll have any problems with whatever Drayden sends out," I answer, slightly unsure.

"You've been talking about Hydra's temperament and lethality for a while, is that all you see in him?" Vine asks, narrowing his eyes.

"N- Not exactly…" I awkwardly reply until Chomper sees something.

"Guys, I see a line next to the Ferris wheel leading to some park. Maybe he's there," Chomper points out.

"Great, let's head there then," I reply. As we approach the line, I notice the line leads to a pokemon battlefield, On one end, I see a trainer with a samurott battling against a haxorus, who's swiping its tail across the otter pokemon. After a few minutes of the skirmish, the samurott fainted and the trainer unfortunately lost. I knew that Drayden is a strong trainer, but seeing it in person is something else. He's so strong, that only one out of the seven trainers in line was able to beat him and earn his gym badge. Props to Drayden for still accepting gym challengers despite his gym turning into a giant ice block. Once the last person in line was defeated after half an hour, I have Chomper descend into the park just outside of the battlefield. "Here goes nothing…" I whisper to myself nervously.

Noticing me, Drayden walks up to me and greets me, "Welcome, trainer. I presume you're here for the gym challenge."

"Well… Not exactly…" I nervously mutter.

"We're here for that powerful move that you're willing to teach to worthy trainers," Chomper says excitedly, "A- And it's a huge honor to meet such a powerful trainer!"

"Interesting, you're one of the few with talking pokemon, presumingly from Team Plasma's meddling." Drayden notes, "May I ask about your opinion on this unusual dynamic?"

"Well, I'm glad that I could better understand what my pokemon think," I answer, feeling more at ease.

"Hmm… I like your way of thinking," Drayden comments before asking, "So, what business do you have with me then?"

"I was hoping that you could teach one of my pokemon a powerful dragon attack," I reply.

Drayden takes a minute to ponder. He then says, "The move is called 'draco meteor' and it is indeed powerful, but your pokemon must meet several important requirements to learn this move. Firstly, do you have any dragon types on you at the moment?"

"Well, yeah…" I reply again. As I reach for one of my pokeball, another suddenly bursts open, revealing Sky instead of who I actually wanted.

"Jamie! Are we there yet? Are we t-" Sky repeatedly asks until she locks eyes with Drayden, "I- Is that him? T- The dragon master Drayden?"

"That is correct. It's a pleasure meeting you," Drayden calmly answers before turning to me, "So, how's your bond with your dragonair?"

Before I could say anything, chomper spouts out, "Are you kidding us? Those two are closer than anyone could imagine! Whenever they are close to each other, I always get a feeling that they are inseparable and that they are meant for each other. Back in Johto, they-"

"OKAY OKAY, THAT'S ENOUGH!" Sky shrieks in embarrassment. She rapidly curls herself into a coil while hiding behind me. I smile gently and try patting her back, but it was tricky since she is planting her red face into my back.

"Now, now… There's nothing to be afraid of," Drayden calmly reassures, "A strong bond between trainer and pokemon is vital for the success of both. That's also the next requirement for the move I teach."

Quickly, Sky's head sprouts up like a diglett and stares into my eyes in amazement. "Oh, Jamie! Am I learning a new move?! Please say yes! (x5)" She squeals in excitement.

My smile slowly fades into a regretful frown as I must tell her the unfortunate truth. I give her a light hug on her neck and regretfully announce with a weak smile, "Sorry Sky, but I was thinking of someone else…"

Sky's delight quickly turns into despair under a second. "W- Why Jamie?! Haven't I been a good girl?! Why?! (x5)" She cries while plunging her teary face into mine.

I hug her a little tighter and gently reply, "It's okay my big girl. You're just fine the way you are and that's why there's no need for you to learn a new move."

Fortunately, that was enough to calm her down. "Oh, you're the best Jamie!" Sky squeals once again as she wraps herself around me and licks my face repeatedly despite my protest.

"Hmm… It's nice to finally know your name, Jamie," Drayden speaks up. Looks like I forgot to introduce myself.

One minute later:

After that fiasco, I finally get down to business. "Sorry for the wait Drayden," I confidently announce, "Who I actually want to learn this move is…" I take out the correct pokeball, releasing Hydra, who I was shocked to see asleep. I cautiously rub his neck fur until I hear a loud snarl from the dozy dragon.

"Wha… Where the fu…" Hydra moans while swaying his central head around his surroundings.

"Uhh, has your hydreigon been getting enough sleep?" Drayden asks.

"What?! Of course, I did!" Hydra retorts as he perks up, "Whoever said that, let's rumble you son of a-... Oh… So you must be Drayden huh? I've heard about you once or twice…"

"You have?" Drayden asks intrigued.

"You and the other gym leaders went up against those Team Plasma shits two years ago," Hydra states in frustration, "Now that those fuckers are back, I want to send those assholes back to hell where they deserve!"

"And you need a new attack for your goal, I presume," Drayden replies, ignoring Hydra's obscene language to my surprise. He nods and I also nod in agreement. "Hmm… Although your motivation to learn such a move seems ill will, your character, and past actions say otherwise…" Drayden notes.

"My past actions?" I ask.

"Correct. Your contributions in Johto were all over the news several years ago. Everyone saw who you were, however, I didn't quite get your name then," Drayden recalls, "Anyways, for me to teach your hydreigon draco meteor, I need to see how you two do in battle."

"You got it Drayden, ready Hydra?" I reply excitedly.

"Mwahahaha! Of course, I'm ready to kill!" Hydra boasts.

Drayden and I get into our positions with Hydra in position and Drayden sending out his haxorus. The referee to my right shouts, "Battle begin!", thus beginning our match.

"Alright, Hydra! Let's kick things off with work up!" I command.

"Setting up, are you? Then we shall do the same!" Drayden reacts, "Haxorus, dragon dance!"

Both dragons begin powering up in their ways. Hydra is building up his rage as he glows a bright red while haxorus is performing some dance that appears to boost the axe dragon's agility and strength. "Now, use dragon pulse!" I command.

"Dodge it haxorus!" Drayden commands immediately after. As Hydra charges and fires a purple draconic beam from his right head, haxorus nimbly leaps out of the way, which enrages Hydra slightly. "Another dragon dance!" Drayden commands again.

Seeing haxorus distracted, I quickly yell, "Try two beams Hydra!" The brutal pokemon quickly shoots two dragon pulses at haxorus's feet, which interrupts and stumbles the axe pokemon.

"Careful twinkle toes! You almost fell six feet under!" Hydra savagely taunts.

"Interesting fighting style…" Drayden notes, which spooks me slightly, "Haxorus, use x-scissor!"

Before I could say a thing, Hydra powers up his teeth for a crunch while the haxorus speeds towards Hydra with glowing lime green axe blades. The two physical attacks intercept, with the bug type overpowering the dark type attack. Hydra takes heavy damage and is thrown back from the haxorus swinging his blades in an x-shaped slash, fueling his rage further.

"Get some distance Hydra!" I command, but he doesn't follow through.

"I ain't going down that easily you little shit!" Hydra snarls, before charging all his heads for another dragon pulse.

"Quickly haxorus, shadow claw!" Drayden rapidly commands. Haxorus does a quick ghostly swipe across Hydra's central face, temporarily blinding him, but also sending him into a blinding rage as he roars louder than I've ever heard and sweeps the field with two powered-up draconic lasers. Haxorus swiftly jumps over each beam with each sweep. "I must say, Jamie, your hydreigon is giving my haxorus quite the exercise," Drayden comments in between his breaths.

"What can I say… He never admits defeat…" I reply, also in between my breaths. "Hydra! You good?" I call out to the exhausted hydra pokemon.

"NGHHHHH! FUCK THIS! You want a true fight shit stain?! Then YOU'RE GONNA GET ONE!" Hydra roars, completely ignoring me. At that time, Hydra flaps his six wings up into the air, with him glowing a deep crimson red along with his three heads glowing a bright sinister purple.

"Interesting… Haxorus, create a dust cloud with dragon tail!" Drayden commands without an ounce of fear. Just as Drayden said, haxorus slams its tail into the field which kicks up some dust to conceal it from Hydra's barrage. However, Hydra doesn't seem to care as he opens fire, blasting the entire field with a light show of super-powered draconic beams. Each blast creates more dust, concealing haxorus's movements. Combined with the dust cloud created from each beam striking the ground, the battlefield appears to be hosting a tiny, but lethal thunderstorm. I glance around to see everyone amazed by what Hydra is conjuring. After the dragon pulse storm is over, I look up to see Hydra breathing heavily out of exhaustion as he descends into the field, almost clear of the dust. I also see haxorus also exhausted from the brutal beatdown Hydra served. Both of them are fighting to remain up longer than the other.

With light claps, I see Drayden commenting, "Spectacular show of power and endurance! You've pushed us to our limits, but I'm afraid that your hydreigon wasn't precise enough to make use of all its power. Haxorus! Let's end this with dragon tail!" I could only watch in dread as the haxorus makes his way over to the still struggling hydreigon and wind up his glowing draconic tail.

Suddenly, Hydra flaps his wings once again, gaining a short burst of height while grabbing the surprised haxorus by the throat and slamming the axe dragon into the field, anchoring it into the dirt with its axe jaws. The dark dragon begins the laugh maniacally, "Mwahahahahaha… Ahahahahaha! AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA! YOU FOOLISH DUMBFUCK FELL FOR MY FUCKING TRAP! MWAHAHAHAHAHA! Now… It's time for you to fucking DIE!" With one final charge, Hydra unleashes every ounce of power he still has into his three heads blasting the haxorus into oblivion. I'm not sure if it's just me, but I could swear this dragon pulse attack looks brighter and feels hotter than the previous bombardment.

After a full minute of painfully watching haxorus struggling for its life, Hydra finally tires out for real and the referee blows his whistle, announcing "Haxorus is unable to battle, the winner is Jamie and his hydreigon". As Hydra cackles psychotically from his underhanded victory, I feel empty inside, even guilty about what happened. Hydra and I won the battle, but it just doesn't feel right.

"Is something wrong?" Drayden asks concernedly after recalling his haxorus into his pokeball, "I rarely see trainers disappointed when victorious."

"I don't know what to say…" I uneasily reply, "I had a feeling that Hydra will defeat almost any opponent he comes across, but I didn't want to win in such a ruthless manner."

"Mwahahaha! I always crush my foes!" Hydra taunts victoriously, "So, now can I finally learn that powerful move?"

"I'm afraid that's not exactly what I'm looking for in that battle," Drayden explains shortly to Hydra before turning back to me, "Although your hydreigon fought well past my expectations, I was actually testing your friendship with your hydreigon in battle. Both of you were not in sync and your hydreigon didn't trust you enough to follow your commands. Just because you captured a pokemon in a ball doesn't mean you captured its heart." I only nod while Hydra stares at me confused. Drayden then continues, "That's not to say that you're a bad trainer. In fact, I was impressed with your friendship with your dragonair, which is more than sufficient to learn draco meteor, but unfortunately, your friendship with your hydreigon isn't enough to learn that move."

"What the fu…" Hydra says in confusion, "What the hell is going on?!"

"Sorry Hydra, but it looks like our bond isn't quite there yet." I attempt to clarify, "Maybe we should get to know each other more?"

"...Fucking hell…" Hydra sighs in frustration.

"Naturally, this won't be a simple task considering the short temper of hydreigons, especially yours as an extreme case, but that's part of the challenge many dragon trainers face and I do have faith that you can find common ground with him," Drayden reassures, "It will only take time and effort."

"Very well then, I'll be back when we're ready then, see ya Drayden," I conclude.

"I will await your return, Jamie," Drayden replies.

In the evening:

To sum up the afternoon, we had a rather awkward lunch at 2:00 PM. We were too hungry to decide on what to eat so I eventually decided to go berry shopping with Vine. Once we settled down on Route 16, everyone was chatting among themselves, except for a few. Hydra and I were still sulking from our rejection, Vine was quiet and introverted as usual, but Ivy was suspiciously staring at Hydra and me. I wasn't sure what Ivy was thinking at the time, not that I could even think with how creeped out I was. What snapped me out of my trance was my radio going off and when answering it, I received a new mission from the police chief to find a person named "N". He's considered by many as the "king" of Team Plasma while most interrogated grunts regard him as a traitor to their cause. Regardless of his position, he'll likely have answers. To start the investigation, most rumors about N suggest a safe house located in Driftveil City. We have a location and all we need to do is to get a good night's sleep, after dinner of course.

"Hey guys, it's 8:00 PM. what are you all craving for dinner?" I ask everyone at the campsite, hoping for something other than berries. Everyone replies that they'll think about it. I could only sit at my laptop consoling whatever intel the police department sent me.

Ivy's POV:

Ever since my meeting with Jamie, I was patient and hoped that he would notice me, but I know now that's not going to happen… Not at his discretion. And what's with Galvin and Hydra? How are they part of the team? What role do we play? Are we important at all? I need answers and I need them now. I whisper Galvin and Hydra over to my spot. I'm hoping they could see what I see as well.

Galvin follows without resistance, but Hydra is fairly stubborn. A little more urging and I finally get the pig-headed dragon over. "Goddammit Ivy! This better be important!" Hydra scoffs.

"Is there something wrong?" Galvin questions, "You've been in a bad mood for the whole day."

With a sigh, I ask them, "Have you guys noticed anything strange about Jamie or how he views you?"

"Uhh… I don't know what you mean," Galvin says cluelessly.

"I think you're the one that's fucking strange," Hydra scoffs, but I ignore him.

"Galvin. You said that you want to be part of this team, correct?" I question.

"Well… yes…" Galvin answers, still clueless.

"Then how do you show that?" I propose, "Or better yet… How does Jamie show that you're on the team? Hm?"

"Umm… Well…" Galvin sputters.

"And what about two days ago when you wandered off, resulting in Hydra to capture both Jamie and Sky?" I press on, " Did he give you any role to play? Or did he just leave you to do whatever?"

I notice Galvin's hairs perking up in surprise. "Are you trying to say that… No… I'm just on guard, that's it… Jamie would never leave me…" Galvin fruitlessly denies. I'm presuming that he's starting to put the pieces together, but is too weak-minded to accept it.

"Face it, Galvin! If Jamie cared about you, he wouldn't be so negligent with you," I declare.

"Are you a foolish conspiracist wannabe or are you just mentally retarded?" Hydra scoffs.

"No," I snap without a flinch, "In fact, I've got things to say about you as well."

"Motherfucker… What does your blabbermouth have to say now…" Hydra groans while rolling his eyes.

"I've heard from Jamie in the morning that you need high friendship to learn a powerful move from Drayden. So, did you?" I question.

"It's none of your business!" Hydra snarls.

"Based on your obnoxious attitude should one suggest anything less from you, I'll assume you didn't learn that move," I conclude.

"You trying to say something you slithering shitface?!" Hydra roars.

"If only you use your one brain as much as you use your three mouths, you would actually say something smart for once," I retort.

"SAY THAT TO MY FUCKING FACE BITCH! I fucking dare you…" Hydra snaps.

"Umm guys, is there a problem?" Jamie suddenly asks.

"Why yes there's a fucking problem," Hydra yells annoyed while pointing at me, "This bitch won't shut her loudmouthed ass up and mind her goddamn business!"

"Hmph! What a hypocrite…" I retort while crossing my leaf hands.

"I still don't see the problem," Jamie replies.

"A- And Ivy's saying some… mean things about you, Jamie…" Galvin sputters while looking down feeling guilty.

"Wow, I'm the bad girl all because I helped you guys see the truth? You two are hopeless…" I retort once again, bracing for what my trainer's about to say next.

"This got awkward real quick…" Jamie calmly comments to my surprise, "I was just wondering if you're all cool with Unova-style pizza for dinner, but it seems like we got something else on our plates. Wanna talk about it after dinner?"

"Yeah… I really think we should…" Galvin says worriedly.

"I'm alright with pizza," Hydra replies with a creepy smirk, "Haven't had one since long ago when I ate a delivery guy."

I look down at the ground, wondering what's going on only to look up at my trainer tapping my shoulder. "Ivy… It seems like a lot is going on in your mind… I welcome you to show me what's up after or even during dinner Ivy…" Jamie says.

With a loud sigh, I finally begrudgingly reply, "Fine! Let's go…"

An hour before midnight:

When we're back from pizza in Nimbasa City, Jamie brought Galvin, Hydra, and me to a secluded part of Route 16. We sit in a circle facing each other. He even requested that the others leave us except for emergencies. This is the first time where I've seen Jamie seriously spend time with us. I don't know what to think or feel. Still… I need to say what must be said.

"Everyone comfortable?" Jamie asks everyone.

"Yes sir!" Galvin happily answers.

"Ugh, I can't wait for a certain someone here forever!" Hydra retorts.

After a little bit of silence, Jamie turns his head towards me. "How about you, Ivy?" Jamie asks again. I only nod in response. I don't know why I feel down. After all, I am getting what I want… somewhat…

"Okay guys, and girls… Let's start over from scratch," Jamie suggests, "Firstly, what was the problem exactly?"

"I dunno… Ivy's the one who started it," Hydra scoffs.

"Ah, that reminds me," Jamie replies before turning to me with a patient look, "Ivy, if I remember correctly, something is upsetting you. Right?"

Before I could say anything, Galvin jumps in, "Well, she did say all those bad things about you, Jamie."

"I appreciate your input Galvin, but I would like to hear Ivy's side of the story," Jamie replies, still patient as ever.

I am left speechless at the amount of attention I'm getting. It feels like a hole within me is finally getting filled up. I sigh again and finally explain, "Jamie, all this time you've ignored me and treated me like I'm nothing to you… Just another pokemon pointlessly in a human's care… I even had to train and evolve without you being there with me… All I simply wanted was for you to train me… To help me to get stronger… To see who I can really become… To include me in your team… L- Like a… a fam… -ily…"

"Like a family?" Jamie asks confused, "That's a strangely specific way of describing your feelings. What makes you say that?"

I clench my teeth as I regret my words. I left them in my past for a long time and I don't want to remind myself of… them. "I- I would rather not talk about it…" I reply, fearing what painful memories I might recall.

"Ugh! We just need you to talk dammit! We're not asking for a goddamn book!" Hydra scoffs. I wince for the first time from Hydra's yelling. I tremble as my memories begin creeping back into my head.

"Hydra, lay off of her." Jamie sharply commands before turning back to me, "Ivy, I beg of you to please tell us as much as you can. We only want to help. Is your family part of the reason why you're distressed?"

"I don't want to talk about it… I don't want to remember them…" I reply in despair.

"B- But families are always important!" Galvin shouts in surprise, "T- They raise you, they support you, they care about you, a- and they are there when you need them-"

"WELL NOT MINE!" I yell out of anger. Well, not just anger, but in pain, suffering, distress, hopelessness…

"Ivy I-" Galvin sputters but I stop him.

"No, it's not your fault… It's my goddamn family's fault… They are the reason why I'm like this in the first place!" I explain, voice filled with hate, "I'm not just any ordinary servine… I was born in royalty, my family was the monarchy of some of the greenest forests in Unova." I wince once again as everyone's eyes widen at my backstory.

"Wow! That's so amazing! So you're a princess then?!" Galvin asks excitedly. I was highly displeased on the other hand.

"Don't ever call me a princess ever again!" I snap at Galvin.

"But why?" Galvin asks yet again, "I bet you lived in a large castle with many servants doing all your biddings, right?"

"No, you idiot!" I sharply retort in frustration, "It's horrible! Everyday I'm never allowed to leave the castle or do anything I want! I was the youngest with three brothers and two sisters in line for the throne and thus, they got everything they want and I received nothing. No servants, no wealth, no attention, nothing! But do you know what's the worst thing of all? Come on, I dare you all to guess…"

"What? You got tortured in the dungeon for being an annoying bitch or something?" Hydra scoffs.

"Hydra, that's going too far-!" Jamie speaks up before I stop him.

"No… He's right… That big dumb-headed dragon is right…" I somberly admit, not caring that Hydra is giving me a death stare, "Not just in the dungeons, but all over the castle… One time, I was getting harassed by my brothers and sisters for being last in line for the throne so I stormed into my parents' room to tell them, but…" I stop myself for a short time. Do I want them to know this much of the truth… Not that I could forget about them again if I stop now.

"But what? What happened?" Galvin asks, nearly as horrified.

I feel something warm and wet run down my cheeks. It's too late… The pain of remembering is too much… I'm starting to break down from the inside… "Ngh… They beat me… THEY ALWAYS BEAT ME WHENEVER THEY CAN!" I wail in tears, "My mother forced me onto the cold, hard floor of their room while my father whipped me with his vines! On some occasions, they tell the guards to lock me up in the dungeons just for the guards to torture me in other ways I cannot speak of! They told me that I'm nothing to them and that my siblings add more to the family that I'll never amount to! They never loved me in any way, shape, or form! I can't take it anymore! I HATE THEM ALL!" While trembling in my tears, I force myself to continue, "With the help of a butler, my only friend there, I ran away from home, never to return for any reason ever! I don't ever want to be a part of royalty ever again! I'll give anything just so I could be loved by anyone! I'll give anything to become better than whatever my parents say I'll ever be!"

"Oh great… Here comes the waterworks," Hydra apathetically comments, not that I even care anymore. I start leaking more tears and it wouldn't stop. I'm trembling against my voluntary will. I try clenching my mouth shut, but only muffle my cries of pain. Nothing I do makes the crying stop…

However… I feel a new warmth filling my nearly cold, dead heart. I look around in my tear-covered eyes to see Jamie's arms around me in a hug, almost the same way he hugs Sky. "I know this pain before Ivy," Jamie calmly reveals, "It's been years since I talked to my family, and for good reasons."

"About your past family, sorry to hear about your depressing past," Galvin sympathizes, "But we can be your new family, and a very loving one too, right Hydra?"

I glance over to Hydra who's looking off into the dark distance. "Hydra, is there anything you want to add?" Jamie calmly asks.

"...Ngh, Fine…" Hydra relents, "Look Ivy… If your parents, or anyone, touches you wrongly, I'll give them a royal beatdown… Happy now?" I only nod in response. "Good grief, can I finally go to bed now? I'm fucking tired," Hydra groans.

"Damn, it's almost one in the morning. Go on Galvin and Hydra, I just need one more word with Ivy," Jamie replies.

I lift my tear-covered face at my trainer, who finally knows my horrendous past. "What is it?" I wonder. At that moment, he cradles me in his arms as he stands up.

"When Sky was a dratini, she would often get nightmares from her horrible past life and I would invite her to sleep with me and I was wondering if you would like that?"

"I would love that," I reply, feeling warmer than any sunlight could ever make me feel.

Jamie's POV:

After laying Ivy and myself into my sleeping bag, I finally process what happened. That was quite a lot to take in for one night. I had no idea that Ivy was carrying such a huge amount of trauma from her past. In her home, she was alone… She suffered alone… Poor girl…

Wait! If I just discovered Ivy's past with this isolated group discussion, maybe, just maybe Galvin and Hydra also had some things that happened to them in the past. Perhaps there's some unresolved trauma each one of them carries. I could get closer to Hydra that way and then maybe our friendship could improve drastically. Before I could think of anything else, Ivy taps my forehead with a wave of her vine. "Jamie, I also have another dream besides leaving my family," she says.

"What's that," I reply.

"To become a big and powerful grass dragon," Ivy reveals.