Ask Terrakion

There was a river down below, a valley of hills that hid the castle from view. It had fallen to ruin somewhat now, but the gaping holes he had made in the structure still stood, as did most of it. Garnet looked upon his old home with a great feeling of nostalgia running through him… the place was almost the same as he had left it.

He slowly walked down the hill and down into the valley with a few leaps and bounds. He crossed the stone bridge that led to the castle, and it was there that he looked upon the truly enormous hole in the side. A place… where a grand battle took place.

“I did that,” he said to his human trainer as he stared at it, “when I was a child.”

And so their journey began, through terrain Steven had never traversed. As they went further, he soon realized he was now where no human had been for years. The world, undisturbed, continued to grow without them. As it was with many feral areas in Hoenn, like the Mirage Islands, the land was free and thriving.

He was not very knowledgeable in plant life, not as much as he was in minerals, but he could certainly note he had never seen these sorts of flowers before. Then again, the flowers in Unova were not like Hoenn’s at all, so it was not surprising.

They crested a hill that had tall grass, only for them to find themselves before a very old castle. Age old arrows littered the grounds before it, and the hole was massive, showing signs of having been done many centuries ago.

“Ah… I see.” He said, quietly, in response at Garnet’s confession. It made sense, if he was being taken to where it all began, that he should see the hole that had given this Pokémon’s strength great fame.

The muskedeer then walked onwards and into the castle itself.

It was as though he had never left, really - the memories came rushing back with great clarity as he looked around what had been a great hall. But it was abandoned, grass and plants growing through the cracked cement, and the roof had fallen in in one place, exposing the floors above it. Garnet smiled somewhat at this… well, that was just the way things went.

He slowly walked down the hall, looking from left to right as his memories returned, one by one. Where he and Isamu had played. Where he had seen that General… where he had walked with his Knight and Asami… when he had first smelt the woman when she had become pregnant (to the shock of both humans when he told them) and then… finally… he stopped at a room.

It was a decrepit looking door, but solid none the less. But Terrakion merely looked over his shoulder at Steven with a wry smile, and then pointed.

On the door was a hoof print, smaller by half than the muskedeer, but unmistakably his.

“This… was the place that for a while, my brothers and I called home,” he closed his eyes, his smile sad, “and where I met…. someone I promised myself I would never forget, but…” he grew sad for a moment before shaking his head.

“Let’s just say war does things to you.”

He stepped to the door and, gently, he pressed it open. With a grind of unused hinges and rust, the door opened to reveal a very dusty room. Garnet’s heart caught in his throat as he looked upon this room…. the dusty old bed, still neatly made after all these years, the chair where Isamu often sat to read him a story… the desk that held some of his books… 

It was hard, looking at it all. But the hardest part was still to come.

They headed in, the ruins silent, as if holding many a ghost of the past. Steven was surprised not to see ghost Pokémon around, a place so full of unresolved tension would normally be teeming with them. Perhaps it had not to do with the spirits of men who had perished, however. The halls were great and aged, reminding him of ruins he had once visited with Cynthia. 

Soon, they stopped, before a door that looked rather like the rest at first, but further observation gave him plenty of insight before Terrakion spoke. Steven let him speak without interruptions, smiling sadly, and ran a  hand along Garnet’s neck gently before they peered in after the Pokémon parted the door open. It looked homely and lived in, belonging to possibly a man or a couple, along with the creature whom he now called his friend. Lived in, homely, it looked like before the person had left it for good, it had been a day like any other.

The Guardian left the ruins behind him and walked a small way up a hill where even now, stood a tamato tree. And under it…

Terrakion cut off the long grass and plants to reveal a grave. It had aged now, and was a little cracked, but the knight’s seal still remained perfectly carved into the heavy stone. Garnet blinked slowly at that, and here it was where he finally knelt down for Steven to get off.

“It’s been a long… long time… Isamu,” he spoke softly to the grave.

Steven saved his comments until they left the room, the ruins, and crested yet another hill, towards an old berry tree. It seemed to overlook the palace from a different vantage point.

He slowly climbed off, after Terrakion got rid of the blades of grass that impeded the view of the gravestone. Aged, he could tell, and with some time to analyse the stone, he’d probably know exactly how long ago it had been cut into shape. But that was not what he was here for.

The man slowly bowed his head in a form of respect and reverence. He may not know enough of history to know who Isamu was, if this man was even left on record, but it was possibly a very important person. Someone Terrakion seemed to have forgotten through the countless wars he and his brothers faced, against humanity.

“I’m honored to be here.” He said to the ever silent gravestone, then smiled a little, his hand gently giving Garnet’s shoulders a pat.

The Pokemon waited for Steven to climb off before he sat down, staring at the grave. The Earth Guardian took a deep breath as he looked at the stone, carved by the mark that brought honor and strength and power to any human who was gifted enough, kind enough, and wonderful enough, to gain not only one of their trusts, but all three.

And now that he was here, he found it hard to speak. To say everything he wanted to say to his long lost companion. They had only known one another for eight wonderful years…

It was too short a time. Too, too short…

He was grateful for the pat to his shoulders, and the deer smiled a little before he blinked once more at the grave.

“There’s so much I want to tell you…” he began softly, and his orange eyes closed, “so, so much… but I guess… all stories start from the start, huh?

“After you died… war took over the lands. I got swept up in it… and I killed a lot,” Terrakion’s tone was bitter, “I’m sorry, Isamu. I know how much you hated to kill. I’m sorry that I had to. And… I’m sorry that I forgot you.”

He took a deep breath before continuing, “but then… one day, I began to get visitors from all over the world, and some from beyond this world. And then… I slowly began to remember you. The times we spent together… the adventures we shared. And that strange celebration where you and other men congratulated you on your fiance… Your wedding day. And... “ he closed his eyes, “your dying day.”

That memory would always sting a little.

“And then… a lot of things happened,” Terrakion smiled a little, “I had a child of my own one night. She appeared out of nowhere from my being. And she has bright blue eyes… just like you used to have,” the legendary smiled softly, “and I called her Celeste, after an old friend, and after them.”

“Then… I slowly began to realize that humanity is changing. There will always be evil ones out there. Evil teams. Evil people bent on changing the world for the worst. But…” he closed his eyes, smiling, “there’s still good in this world. And it’s worth fighting for, Isamu. It’s worth fighting for.”

He opened his eyes once more, love and kindness on his ageless face, “I brought someone with me today, my old friend. His name is Steven… I chose him to take me on his journey through life, just as I had once chosen you. If you could meet him…” he sighed softly, “I hope that you would like him too…”

Garnet remained silent for a while as a gentle wind blew. There seemed to be whispers on the wind, a strange force in the air, but they went unnoticed by the Terrakion at the grave.

Steven was about to lower his hand, but thought better of it, keeping it on the Pokémon’s shoulder as he spoke to the very ancient grave. The man listened, closing his eyes, hearing Garnet’s regrets as they were spoken to the scattered winds in the lonely hill.

He couldn’t help but smile a little to himself, how Terrakion seemed to have regained hope in the world he once protected and would continue to do so. That his great hatred, which had gripped his heart like the jaws of a terrible trap, had been pried loose. He bowed his head a little as his name was mentioned, opening his eyes, his gaze to the grave solemn but respectful. The wind began to blow, and he looked up to the skies with a small grin on his face.

“But…” the legendary began, “Isamu… if you are there. If you’ve really been here all along. Tell me. What do you think of Steven? Do you like him?”

A strong gust stirred up from behind. The grass shifted in the wind, making its soft sounds as the gentle wind became a gale as it hit the pair hard. Terrakion closed his eyes with a grunt against the force of the element, and then…

Steven was fairly convinced, if the spirit could hear them, he was here now. He could feel the wind having a strange pressure. Perhaps having died once had attuned him more to the supernatural.

And then, at the question, the wind blew with great strength. He almost laughed, closing his eyes until it abated, then upon opening them once more noticed the hat on the Legendary’s head had gone.

Terrakion's hat was caught in the wind and thrust high into the sky. Garnet opened his eyes to watch as his prized possession… dissolved into a shower of glitter in the wind, leaving behind the orange feather. The wind became but a gentle breeze once more as the orange feather floated down in a zig zag, and Terrakion couldn’t keep his eyes off of it.

It landed softly into Steven’s hair, where it glowed white for a moment. The orange turned back to the red, green and white of a regular rainbow feather, and suddenly, he knew. 

His eyes welled up with tears that spilled down his cheeks, both happy and also letting go of nearly three thousand years of pain all in one go. He buried his head in Steven’s chest as he positively howled, his cries echoing over the empty landscape. But in between his sobs, he spoke but two words, over and over.

“Th-thank you… thank you…”

Unseen, up in the sky, Isamu’s spirit smiled at the pair with great fondness. He put his returned hat on his head, and disappeared into the sky.

He had handed over his precious friend to his next trainer with joy, and sheer satisfaction. 

His spirit was now at rest.

Following Terrakion’s gaze, Steven managed to look up in time to see it slowly vanish in the sky, feather softly fluttering down. Blinking several times as it landed on his hair, he reached up, then plucked it off, noting the color had, indeed, changed.

A small grin formed on his face, Steven knew what the feather was. Before he could say anything more, however, his Pokémon companion burst into tears, pressing his head against the man’s chest. He set the feather in his front suit pocket, then gently hugged Terra’s face, letting him weep with a smile.

There was a lot to let out, it was okay to cry.

It was only once some time had passed, that the sun had set and the stars had come, that he spoke up again in soothing tones. “... Lets go home.”

The Legendary Pokemon regained control of himself after some time. He wasn’t counting, and neither it seemed, was Steven. As he calmed down… it felt like years and years of tension, of pain and sorrow, of anger and hostility washed away down his face in the river of tears. Washed away… resolved, and while remembered… it was with far less pain than he had felt in the past.

He felt the warmth of the sun begin to vanish as he felt Steven stand. His spoken statement had Terrakion wipe his face and shake his body like a dog to fluff up his fur a little, as if shaking off the grime of the past to face the future.

Garnet didn’t answer immediately. He turned to look at the vanishing sun, the twinkling stars, and the brilliant red sky that was fading to deep hues of blue and purple.

Thus, the end of an era, for him. The end of war, of anger, and of the pains caused by it. He had never felt so empowered, or resolute, and free.

‘Isamu… thank you,’ he whispered a final time in his mind, into the wind. Garnet smiled a content, relaxed smile, and then he turned to Steven with a nod.

Tomorrow would be the beginning of his new life with his new trainer. He knew he would make friends, and he knew there would be times where he would doubt his abilities to cope in this new world.

But he was ready to give it his all. And his all, he would give.

“Yes. Let’s go.”

~ Fin ~

Terrakion was surprised at that reaction, “you knew?”

The steel type nodded, “our last meeting - I sensed there was more to your thoughts than simple appreciation of company. Though I am a little surprised, I am happy for you, dear brother.”

Cobalion walked over to Steven and sniffed him once, and then stood back with yet another nod, “please take care of my younger brother, Steven. He is priceless to us.”

The rock legend smiled a little at that and turned away, his expression nostalgic for a moment before he looked up at Cobalion, “I’ll visit.”

“You had better,” the oldest brother said sternly. “Now, you had best be on your way.”

As Garnet called his brother, the man moved to slip off, only for the summoned legendary to emerge from the caves. He felt a little left out, really, like he was being paraded around by his new partner with little word edgewise. It wasn’t exactly an annoying feeling, and he figured they were technically on a schedule, but it felt utterly weird. He was usually the one doing the talking when meeting and greeting.

He listened, of course, to the conversation, although he couldn’t help but be taken by Cobalion. A steel type, he was sure of it, and man would that be a great addition to the team. Not that Terrakion was bad at all. In fact, he appreciated his new teammate very much. It was just a very attractive prospect.

A prospect he wouldn’t really follow upon, however. He wasn’t much of a catcher, less so of Pokémon who weren’t really trustful of humans in the first place.

He nodded his head in turn to Cobalion when addressed, it was a serious request, and required a serious demeanor to answer. “Of course.” He smiled a little in turn. “I will look after your brother like family.” His right hand moved slightly to give Terrakion a slight pat, glancing at him, and returning his gaze to Cobalion. 

“Well met, Cobalion.” With that, he motioned for Garnet that he was ready when he was.

Cobalion seemed content with the human’s answer, and with his sibling enjoying the pat from his new master. He in turn bowed his head a little to them both. 

“I will see you again.”

He was of little words, the steel type, and it showed in his calm demeanor. With that, he left the duo alone to return to his cave.

Once he was gone, Garnet chuckled a little bit to himself and said, “that Cobalion… never one for a long conversation…” he turned to Steven then, not really picking up on his feelings right now. Though, he knew for the next trip, which was significantly longer than the next, they would need to take a break. 

“How about we take a break for a moment?” he asked the human, “I only have one more place I’d like to go…” and it was probably the most important ‘place’, so to speak, to visit. His siblings were more important as beings in his life.

But if he was truly going to move on, then the one place left he had to go to… would be the most important today.

Seeing the steel type off, he then turned to Garnet as his Pokémon suggested they take some time off from travel. With a nod, the man stretched slightly. “Alright, that is fine with me.” It really was. After all, he had no qualms of long distances, but they had gone a fair bit already. It was best to rest and recover for a little, mostly for the Terrakion.

“It will take a few hours to get to from here, I think,” it had been a long time, after all, for the legendary, “so you should do what you need to do before we leave.”

He could easily eat some of the berries around here. In fact, there were trees nearby.

“But I guess…” he pondered the matter for a moment, and then smiled, “what did you think of my brothers?” 

Terrakion knew Steven favoured steel types - so he knew that he had probably been rather taken with his older brother. Playfully, he reached down and nudged the human in the chest, “don’t tell me you’re going to challenge my big brother to a battle! I saw that look in your eyes, Steveeeeennnn~”

“The time and distance is fine, don’t worry about that.” He assured his new teammate, giving him a soft pat on the head. Steven eyed the area, noting a few trees with berries. Maybe he should pluck some for both, as a snack. It sounded like a good idea. “I guess we should eat something.”

The question, however, made  his eyebrow raise, and he turned to look at the legendary again. About to answer, he almost stumbled back at Garnet’s playful nudges. He poked the large creature on the nose, giving a short laugh. 

“I think your brother feels just fine where he is right now.” He said with a chuckle. “He looks like a fine fighter, however. Both of your brothers do.” With that, he smiled softly. “Thank you for presenting your family to me, I was glad to meet them.”

“They’re an interesting bunch, and so are you.”

Garnet grinned a bit as he peered up at Steven, looking amused. It was the truth - Cobalion was fine where he was, and probably would be for a long time to come.

Upon the mention of food, however, the Guardian nodded and pulled back to go to the berry trees. He looked at a tamato tree nearby, and he quickly tapped it with his hoof.

Of course, for the Terrakion, ‘tapping’ with his hoof was the equivalent of a tree cutter whacking the bush with their axe, so berries fell to the ground in the dozens. He caught some on his back, however, and came over to Steven with one in his mouth.

“Help yourself,” he offered as he munched down the one he had caught.

-----

An hour or so passed, and the pokemon had eaten, drank water, gone off to do his business in another area, and rested. He felt refreshed, however, once he was awake from his short nap.

Terrakion was a little bit anxious to be returning to this place, but he knew the way like a migrating bird returning home. It was almost instinct to return to the place that started his downward spiral into war, depression, and deep rooted anger.

He felt ready to face this, with the human beside him.

As such, he shook himself, his fur rustling, before he enquired, “ready to go?” and crouched down for Steven to climb upon his back if he was.

Once done snacking and resting (although Steven had limited himself to reading after taking care of some business himself), the man climbed atop Garnet, settling himself for a long ride.

“Of course.” The replied, taking a deep breath. It felt this place would be important, maybe a bit more so than the places he had seen before. 

It made him curious, really, as to where they were going, so he couldn’t help but ask.

“What’s our destination?” Steven asked Terrakion, making sure to hold on tight. If it would take hours when crossing Unova took much less, then it must be very, very far.

Garnet stood up tall as Steven climbed aboard, and the Earth Guardian didn’t answer him for a moment, as he wasn’t quite sure himself where humans would label such a place. Therefore, he just replied it, “the place where… well, where it all began.”

-----

It was the strangest sensation to experience. In one moment, he was peacefully resting in his Pokeball to heal up from the battle, and the next… it felt like all his wounds were closing and energy was pouring into him from some mysterious source, almost like the sun on his body after a cold night. The Legendary woke up shortly after he had been healed, and luckily, he couldn’t see much outside of the Pokeball since he was on Steven’s belt.

It was so strange to see the world like it was a window…

The Legendary was not sure how he’d ever get used to such a thing, and he wasn’t really sure if he liked being inside the ball… he supposed he’d sleep mostly inside it and pop out when he felt the desire to roam, and thankfully his wish was answered as the human let him out once they were on a road and out in the open once more.

Terrakion opened his eyes and shook his whole body - that had been a weird sensation to come out of that ball. Another thing he’d have to get used to.

“That… is going to take getting used to,” he commented to Steven before he was asked about the nickname the man had chosen. He blinked once - that was something he hadn’t really anticipated. Sure, all of Steven’s other Pokemon had them, but for himself? Well… he figured it just hadn’t occurred to him. Being known simply as Terra or Terrakion for over 3000 years would do that to a Pokemon.

Garnet, however, was a nice name, he thought. He could accept that, and after a moment, he smiled and nodded, “I like it. Okay.”

The Terrakion now known as Garnet pawed the ground for a moment before saying, “before we leave, there are a few places I need to take you, and one I would like to show you,” he began, “my brothers need to know about this, and meet you again. Otherwise, they won’t be very happy with me leaving,” he chuckled in a sheepish manner, “I’d rather NOT have them try to swim to Hoenn.”

He walked over to Steven then and said, “want to ride on my back, or just follow me?”

Well, Steven had never really had the chance to properly talk to a Pokémon about how the inside of a Pokéball must have felt like, but he had always figured it’d be a strange sensation not unlike anything they would have experienced in the wild. As such, at Terrakion’s sudden admission as he was let out, he let out an apologetic noise from the back of his throat rather than a laugh of amusement. 

It was funny, yes, but not the kind of funny that made you laugh out loud, it was more of the funny you kept to yourself.

At least Garnet liked his new name, and he beamed at his new companion, although it seemed the Legendary already had plans for what to do after his capture. Like a checkoff list of things he needed to complete before anything was considered official. It was a bit strange, and the first time he had encountered such a thing, but he expected it.

Gernet was long-loved, he had family spread out that would need to know.

He had things to do, he was a ‘mon of great importance.

At the prospect of swimming deers trying to find their way to Hoenn, he figured it really wasn’t a good idea, even if the mental image was amusing. 

Nodding, the ex-Champion grinned a little, then glanced at the Pokémon’s back before his gaze roamed back to his face.

“Well, lets see them, then.” He said, encouragingly, and motioned towards his friend’s back. “I think a ride would be better, I’m much slower than you.”

He reasoned it’d be best to get this task done sooner than later, if only so Garnet doesn’t get told off for taking so long to tell them.

Walks were enjoyable, but only if you didn’t have important news to deliver asap.

Carefully settling himself on the large creature’s back, he made sure to get a good grip before speaking up. “Whenever you’re ready.”

Terrakion could only smirk a little at Steven’s obvious mirth at his reaction to being inside of a pokeball. He supposed it was probably funny to a human to have an unusual experience in something that he probably thought was fairly ordinary. Maybe other Pokemon were more used to the sensation?

Then again, not many Pokemon were thousands of years old, either.

That being said, once the human had agreed to travelling on his person, the Legendary crouched down so that Steven could climb aboard, and then stood tall once he had a good grip on his neck.

“Hold on tight!” Garnet told his trainer before he took off towards Pinwheel Forest.

While he wasn’t the fastest of his trio, Terrakion was still very fast for his build. Due to his endurance, the legendary could run for long periods of time at a decent speed, though his sprints used for his charges were literally the thing of legends. Therefore, it didn’t take too long to reach the forest where his brother lived.

He jumped over logs and avoided going near low lying branched areas until they came to a more open, ancient area, where the huge trees stood and little undergrowth was present. Garnet slowed down his pace as he entered this area, and soon enough, he came to a grotto entrance that was covered in vines.

Reaching up with his front hoof, the Guardian pawed it and called out, “oooi, Viriii! Come out if you’re there! I have someone for you to meet!”

Garnet’s speed, while not astronomically fast, warranted to grab on as tightly as possible to anything you could, so Steven did as he was told, leaning forward so he didn’t end up having an unfortunate accident with the air pushing him backwards. 

They ran through Unova, and the distance covered in such a small amount of time was nothing short of impressive. As they slowed, he settled himself more comfortably on his new partner’s back, looking around the area with great interest. He had never been around the south of Unova before, not this side anyway. His haunts in the area tended towards the more rocky, stone-filled terrains.

It reminded him a little of the dense forests near Fortree, to be honest. With a shrug, he slowly slipped off the Terrakion’s back as he hit his hoof against some vines blocking the way to what was probably a clearing or grotto.

He was hardly surprised when the vines parted slowly, a green, deer-like Pokémon approaching them…

“Terrakion!” Virizion called out, surprised at his visit, but not him being there. He could feel him, after all, it was just vexing that he would come unannounced-

Before he spoke more, however, he spotted the human next to his brother. A finely dressed man, who did not smell like this land’s soil. Foreigner, and he could feel a sort of great power radiating from him, as if his very presence demanded respect. But why? And should he care? He almost snorted, but shook his head. Now was not the time to be prideful-

....

Terrakion had spoken to him about a man, this Steven Stone, whom he had come to like. He had spoken about introducing him, about maybe… Had the time come?

He would not make assumptions, doing such things often had costed him in the past. Instead, he took a deep breath and asked. “What brings you here? Both of you.” He looked back and forth between them, as if to make a point. While he would normally ignore a human so long as they weren’t tossing Pokéballs at him, he figured this time he might want to address the man with some sort of respect. He was learning.

As always, Garnet was happy to see his younger sibling, and he grinned before trotting up to greet him with nuzzle to the cheek, as he always did when he encountered one of his siblings. He then backed up a bit and grinned a little bit sheepishly at him before he began to talk, “well... “

How would Virizion react to such news? It wasn’t as though Terrakion hadn’t made it clear that he was very fond of Steven, and had strongly considered traveling with him…

Well, no time like the present.

“The truth is, Steven and I engaged in official combat,” Garnet began, “and it ended in my defeat. He is now my trainer, and I will be traveling with him from now on.”

No use beating about the issue.

“So…” Terrakion pawed the ground a little nervously, “before I leave, I came here to get your feelings on Steven.”

He turned to said human and nodded his head in Virizion’s direction with a small smile, “introduce yourself.”

Virizion huffed and rolled his eyes, but still nuzzled back slightly, trying to keep some semblance of dignified air. As usual. Of course, when Terrakion started to talk about the combat, the Legendary waited for the other shoe to drop, and he didn’t have to wait long at all. His brother took no time for niceties, being direct in what was and what would be. He felt a bit of a shock course through him, reeling back slightly before reining himself in. 

He should have seen it coming. After all, his brother HAD mentioned Steven, and his desire to maybe walk with the human, give them a chance and himself as well. A part of him respected that, but it had been so long… even if he had been told, it just had not prepared him for the time his brother decided he had to depart. 

Rejoin the world once more.

Steven, when prompted, took a step forward, bowing his head slightly as he introduced himself. “I’m Steven Stone.” He said, formally, as he looked at Virizion in the eyes like a peer, no more or less. “Former Champion of Hoenn.” He added as an afterthought, then gave the legendary a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The man kept his gaze steady, but it was hardly challenging nor unkind. He could see conflict in the eyes of the grass-type, pushing the envelope might be unwise. 

“...” Virizion stayed silent for a few moments, then gulped. Terrakion had made his choice and...  this man was not bad at all. There was no ill will in him he could detect. There was literally no reason for him to object other than to be petty, and he would not look that way in front of someone who would be with his brother from now on, for a long time. “Nice to meet you.” He finally said, proud he found it in himself to not waver. Looking the man over firmly, he then gave a slow nod.

“I see no reason to object to the choice you have taken.” He spoke, deliberately, and turned away a little. “Take care of my brother.” He huffed, he was definitely NOT pouting.

Steven’s smile didn’t waver, even if he seemed fairly amused at Virizion’s pout, and he instead bowed his head a little again at the approval. 

“You have my word on that.”

Still, before he could allow his brother to leave… “And Celeste?” He asked, turning back to Terrakion with what was probably concern.

Having been with his sibling for so long had left Garnet with a keen sense of his emotions, and his reaction didn’t surprise him. The Guardian merely watched with a little sadness as Virizion accepted the news, and then in turn greeted Steven as the human talked to his sibling with respect.

But the pout, however, he had not expected. Terra couldn’t resist a small chuckle at it - it was kind of cute.

When Celeste was brought up, however, the legendary became serious once more and spoke, “She’s taken over my post as the north Guardian in Victory Road. I had intended on it for some time, which is why I had her dictate the new layout after it was destroyed. Someday, I knew she would take over in my stead, and today was that day.”

But it did bring to light another matter he had hoped his siblings both would agree upon.

“I’ve left her in the dragon clan’s care, as they are very fond of her, and I know they’ll take good care of her in my absence,” Garnet explained further, “Steven and I,” he glanced at the human, “do plan to visit every now and again as time allows, so, this is merely a ‘see you later’, as it were.”

But in another way, it was still a goodbye.

Virizion nodded slowly. It only made sense that Celeste take over the job of her father, although he always figured it’d be her to set out while Terrakion stayed. Even with the announcement about Steven, he figured nothing was definite, but now it all made sense.

“I see…” He mumbled, nodding a little. He expected Terrakion to come back and visit, he and Cobalion would have both demanded it of him and his trainer should they have decided not to. “I will make sure she is doing well, and guide her in her time of need, as I am sure Cobalion will do as well.” He assured his brother, giving a half-smile. Celeste would miss her father, at least she would still have her uncles to lean onto.

“Would you mind checking in on her from time to time, please?” He asked Virizion. He knew that Celeste would miss him terribly… but she needed to grow on her own, now.

Now that the matter had been cleared, it was time to depart and tell their other sibling the news, for he would want to know, too. So, Terrakion stepped forward and gently bumped his head on Virizion’s cheek in an affectionate goodbye, something he had only done in the past when they had separated to their respective posts.

“I’ll visit soon,” he promised with a sad smile, “I promise.”

He could have cried a little, really, now that Terrakion was really parting ways, but at the moment he felt nothing. Nothing but acceptance of what was to come. He might have even felt happy… that his brother had found a reason to leave his caves, to be out there again. He should look for one himself. “Don’t stay away too long.” He muttered in return, his smile becoming a bit more of a cocky grin. “You never know what could change in a couple of years.” It was easier to deal with goodbyes this way. Stepping back, towards his grotto, he bowed his head a little as a goodbye, as well as his front legs. “Safe journey, Terra.”

Steven let the brothers talk, stepping aside a little as to not intrude. However, when mentioned, as well as the fact they would visit, he could only nod his head in agreement. He had never been against coming back. In fact, he figured it’d be best to let the Pokémon return to his haunting grounds every so often. It was hard to leave home without feeling the need to return once in a while.

“If any of you ever want to visit us, I could always arrange something, too.” He tossed to the air idly as a suggestion, although he left that up to the deers to decide. “But we will return, I can promise that.”

Terrakion, too, was happy. Happy that he knew that Celeste would be okay in the care of them, and in the care of the dragons.

Just as importantly, he knew that Virizion would be alright, too.

He couldn’t resist a chuckle at Virizion’s comment about change. He was right, of course, but just as his sibling couldn’t resist a snide comment in good humour, Terrakion responded with his own in turn; “well, you could always have a kid too~”

Virizion scoffed at the notion, although he HAD been considering it. However, he wasn’t going to let his brother have the satisfaction of knowing. Tilting his head up in indignity after he straightened himself, he kept the act up for a couple of seconds  before rolling his eyes. 

But the time to part had come, and Terrakion too bowed to his brother in farewell, “thank you.”

Steven’s idea was a unique one, though he was unsure what to think of it. Wouldn’t transportation be difficult to where the human was from outside of the Pokeball? Well, maybe he would come up with something. For now, Terrakion knew that he’d be the one doing the travelling, and he was fine with that.

If anything, that was one of the reasons he had allowed himself to be captured.

“Farewell for now, Viri,” Garnet said with a smile, as despite the fact that he had a new nickname, he figured that to his siblings, he’d always be ‘Terra’, and that was fine by him.

He crouched down for Steven to climb on board, and in turn, addressed him, “we have two more places to visit. Climb aboard.”

Virizion shook his head, then looked at the human and nodded at the suggestion, although a bit warily. Well, maybe Steven could arrange something, maybe, but it didn’t mean he would accept it. Maybe consider it… it depended on what the idea was. 

“Farewell, to both of you.” The deer said in kind, turning back to Terrakion, then letting the vines slowly close the entrance to the grotto again, now that he was within it, the other two out. “And good luck.” His voice echoed, and then the vines stilled, their job done, the grotto once more hidden from view.

Steven observed as they were parted from the other legendary by the plants it was said to control, smiling a little. That had gone over remarkably well, all things considered. Turning to Terrakion, the ex-Champion of Hoenn nodded, climbing onto the other’s back once more when prompted. 

“Lets go, then.” He said, smiling a little. 

Terra could take all the time he needed with his farewell.

Terrakion watched as Virizion made his exit, and he too held back a little bit of tears that had come to him all of a sudden. This was really goodbye… for now. It hadn’t really hit him until then.

No amount of preparations could prepare for the real thing, he supposed.

“Hold nothing back!” He said in response, raising his right arm as he shifted his posture, right shoulder pointing towards Terrakion, left shoulder away from him. With his legs spread apart to the width of his shoulders, and elbow now pointing towards the Pokemon, he then swept his lower arm until his hand, spread apart, was now directed towards Terrakion.

“Ferrous! Brave Bird!”

The steel type resisted Sacred Sword without budging, his bulky defenses getting him through, even if Mega Terrakion’s strength was fearsome.

A Skarmory’s defense is nothing to scoff at.

WIth a cry, the bird-like creature flapped his wings to move backward, and suddenly glowed fiercely as he dived at Terrakion, executing the commanded strike.

Holding nothing back, eh? Terrakion smirked; yes, this was the way to fight. The Earth Guardian watched as the skarmory headed straight for him in a blaze of light, and he jumped to the side to try and avoid the blow, but unfortunately for him at least, the move had perfect accuracy, and he yelped as the attack landed home.

He skidded along the ground, but the Legendary was far from down for the count. Deciding to use the momentum from the attack, he charged up his arguably strongest move, Giga Impact.

With a roar, the Guardian glowed gold and charged the bird. He wasn’t going to hold anything back, either. He’d give this fight his all!

------

The battle felt like a long one, but as far as time went, Terrakion wasn’t really sure… all he knew was, Steven was a fearsome opponent; the strongest he had ever faced.

He was glad he had been able to get a power boost, or he knew he would’ve gone down on the first Pokemon the human had unleashed.

The Legendary had used every ounce of his power - his earth powers and his attacks, everything. He had thrown anything at the man, somewhat literally as well, given he had hurled rocks at his opponents too, but even with his impressive stamina (in which he had repeatedly gotten back up and refused to go down) he found himself defeated.

The last blow had sealed the deal - with a yell, he skidded along the ground and finally, the mega evolution dissolved, returning Terrakion back to his normal form. But even lying there on his side, he refused to simply bow to anyone. With a struggle, he slowly rolled back over in an attempt to stand, puffing and panting, before he gazed at the human.

His orange eyes were burning bright - he couldn’t stand, but to hell if he wasn’t going to face Steven for the finale. He always knew that if he was going to travel with a human, he would be captured with dignity!

Terrakion’s eyes stared into Steven’s own - ‘do it.’ 

Titanium roared triumphantly, its powerful legs hitting the  ground as it shifted its leg posture so the front part of its body was higher than the back. The steel type was tired, damaged, but victorious.

Meteor Smash had sealed the deal. It’s most powerful blow.

Steven himself stood proud as Terrakion shifted back to normal, taking stock of his team’s health as he allowed himself a moment to breathe. A battle like that, he had not had in a long time. Not against a wild Pokémon, certainly not against most trainers. Ferrous, Chromium and Quartz had gone down weakening the Legendary as it kept standing, and with his first partner he was able to deal the final blow after a long struggle. Titanium was ‘in the red’, after all.

Looking at the proud Terrakion as he struggled to stand once more, Steven reached for a Dusk Ball, but waited until his friend stopped moving his posture. Looking back into the creature’s eyes, he gave a subtle nod and, just like the many days ago when he caught Chromium when he was but a boy, he tossed the Dusk Ball at the garnet-like Pokémon.

It was his victory today, but in some ways, it was Terrakion’s victory as well.

Normally, when those accursed balls were thrown at his face, Terrakion normally either got right back out of the ball or he crushed them in his teeth. But when the dusk ball was thrown at him, he allowed it to hit his horns and absorb him into its depths in a flash of darkness.

Just before he went inside, there was a hint of a smile on his face… it really wasn’t so bad inside one of these things after all… it was quite relaxing, really, though he knew that he wouldn’t be able to stay inside one all the time. He’d get bored, probably.

But for now, the tired Legendary curled up and let the ball jiggle on the ground three times, before it pinged.

Officially caught.

The Muskedeer was still unsure how he felt about it, really. It was an entirely new feeling, as he laid there in the quiet darkness. It was a lot like the cave outside, really… for a moment, he needed a quick rest…

Outside of the ball, Celeste had been watching the entire fight in silence. It had become painfully obvious what her father had intended to do, and she hastily wiped her face of tears as she watched her father’s capture. She couldn’t cry… she had to be strong, now.

For a moment, stillness fell over the arena. It was all over… the smaller legendary stood up and walked slowly over to Steven, her heart heavy, but when she looked up at the human, her expression was clear.

“You won,” she said, the dusk ball beside her laying still, “please…” her voice wavered for a moment and she looked away - she was still just a child, after all…

“Please take care of my papa.”

As the ball marked that the Pokémon was, indeed, caught, Steven let out a sigh, his squared shoulders slumping. He did not cheer, he did not claim his victory as if it had been his alone. After a moment of silence, he began walking towards the now immobile object, Titanium lumbering slowly behind him. As he did, however, he glanced at Celeste and noticed her as she walked, sadness in her eyes.

It was only normal. Her father was leaving, she would be all alone now. Steven’s smile towards her was not unkind, and he knelt to her eye level. He did not attempt to touch her, not without her permission, but he looked at her in the eye as an equal.

“ I will.” He said in kind, bowing his head to her. “I swear it.”

He reached out this time, right hand hovering near her cheek for her to accept or deny. “In turn, take care of yourself.” He said, quietly, then looked towards their audience. “Yourself and them, this land you call home.” Turning back to her, he smiled. “You’re their champion now, Celeste, but don’t be afraid to ask them for help.”

Steven then gave the young Terrakion a soft smile. “We’ll visit.” He promised. 

Despite her attempts to quell her tears, Celeste couldn’t help but let some out as Steven spoke. She leaned into his hand without a hitch, as if willing to accept any form of affection right now.

She was the champion now… that much was true. The young Terrakion opened her eyes and looked up at the human as he said he would visit, and nodded tearfully. She was very sad now, and probably would be for a while, but she would remember his promise.

The spectators of the battle - members of the dragon clan, and other members of the cave, had known something was up with their Guardian for a while, and the day was today that he would ultimately make his choice. For they, too, had great respect for Terrakion, and his protection over them.

Now, it was their job to guide Celeste in his place.

As if on cue, the leader of the dragons, an old Haxorus who had been watching the battle from up higher in the watching spaces all around the cave, jumped down and walked over to the pair. Celeste turned to him as he did, and the old dragon smiled at her before bowing to her,

“Your father protected us for hundreds of years from poachers and unworthy ones. We will protect you, and serve you as you need.”

Other Pokemon around murmured their agreement, and the young Legendary looked up at them all. All the different Pokemon who would help her… and she in turn, protect them from harm. 

She would have to do her best.

Celeste turned back to Steven and nodded more firmly at the man, “I’ll do my best,” she said softly, before she remembered… “Papa… packed before you came. Some things he wants to take with him. You should go get it before you leave here.”

She looked down at the Dusk Ball beside her. The little Terrakion had a feeling, a strong one, that she knew what her father wanted to do next… being captured was a very big deal - and she knew her uncles would be contacted.

“I know humans can heal Pokemon inside those,” she nodded to the ball, “so… please heal papa, too.”

In a way, it was her first step as a Guardian - to make sure the passover into her leadership was a smooth one. And she knew her father would want out of that ball soon.

Steven gently pet the young Terrakion as she leaned into his touch, offering her what he could give. He slowly lowered his hand as Haxorus approached, gingerly picking up the Dusk Ball which now held her father within. As he stood to face the dragon type, who bowed to Celeste, the man couldn’t help but smile.

She was well on her way to take her father’s place, she would be fine.

Carefully placing the dusk ball on his belt, even if he technically had more Pokémon now than he should, he figured it’d be fine until he got to the center. The girl let him know that Terrakion had packed, and as such, he intended to pick it up. “I know you’ll do fine.” Steven assured her. “Your friends will help you.” He nodded to the dragons around them, as well as the rest of the cave-dwelling mons. 

“I’ll be sure to heal your father once I  arrive to town.” He said, kindly, then smiled at Celeste. “But before that, I’d like to retrieve your father’s things. Where did he leave them?” Titanium approached, nodding a little to the Haxorus before peering at Celeste curiously. She had grown, both Steven and Titanium knew, but it couldn’t help but worry. 

She was going to be lonely for a while. He gently bopped the center of the X-shaped metal against her side in support.

‘Stronger. Believe in you too.’

The small legend merely nodded to Steven. She understood that he knew he was taking away someone precious to her, and she respected his desire to be sensitive to as much.

Celeste knew she’d be fine… but it would take a while for her to really feel fine.

“Thank you,” she replied to the human once he promised to heal her father once he arrived in town. The Terrakion didn’t understand why he had to enter a town to do so, but didn’t question it. She merely answered his question, “the cave where papa lives… It’s in a bag by the door.”

While Victory Road’s layout had changed in the lower levels, the top levels remained exactly the same, just rebuilt. Terrakion wasn’t exactly a creature of change, after all, and liked things to remain consistent. Therefore, the path up there was the same.

The child turned in surprise when the metagross bumped against her side. She turned to Titanium and offered a weak smile to the Pokemon…

So many people and Pokemon believed in her… she couldn’t let them down.

“Thank you,” she said privately to the metallic Pokemon before she faced Steven once more, and then turned away to walk over to the haxorus that was waiting for her. She needed to be with family for now, and he, being her babysitter when she was younger, was close to as much.

Terrakion’s time had come, he knew that. He had felt it for a few years now, after Celeste was born and grew big enough to survive on her own. She was strong, now, and would only grow stronger as she grew bigger. This was her home now and not his.

Strangely, the Muskedeer did not feel sad about this, or heavy hearted. He and his siblings were wanderers, and had been since their birth. They were destined to remain that way, protecting the world, and themselves, and wandering from home to home forever.

With his jaw clenched as he walked along the familiar-but-not path down to the entrance of Victory Road, Terrakion’s mind was made up. Steven was supposed to meet him today, he could smell him nearby.

He had never met the human at the entrance to his home before - he wondered what kind of expression would show on his face.

His heart was beating faster than usual; he was nervous, but at the same time… this might just be destiny.

How many times had he come to this place? Steven felt at miss like he had lost count. Unova’s Victory Road looked no less majestic, and yet changed from events he had not witnessed himself. It was quite the different setting, but it was not exactly a bad change. At least, now. 

Who knows just how much was lost in the event that caused this change, but those who lived here.

Having been summoned here before, by the very same friend and Pokémon as all the times before, Steven assumed it would be the same as usual. He would climb, Terrakion would meet him somewhere near the top, and they would converse. It was a ritual he was fine with, and would not mind repeating. In fact, mountain climbing was technically a hobby at this point for him.

With Titanium beside him, the ex-champion began to head towards the inner parts of the area, ready to explore it, only to find the one he came to see waiting right there.

This was a surprise. A pleasant one. A slightly shocked expression found itself on his face, before slowly easing to a welcoming smile. “Terrakion! You actually came down to see me.” He grinned a little, then nodded his head. Titanium next to him did the same, slowly bowing its metallic body somewhat by tilting itself on its ball joints.

“Well met.” Steven said with a smile, then tilted his head slightly. “Is there something you need?”

The slight shock on Steven’s face upon seeing him standing right there amused the muskedeer quite a bit. That had certainly been worth the wait, and a bemused smile also showed itself on his own face as he nodded at the pair.

The shiny glimmer of his megastone glimmering on his horn. Like him, it was coloured grey with the spiral part inside orange and brown, and encased in silver with two silver chains holding it in place. It was the only new addition to his normal look, as it were, aside from his ever present hat.

At the question, the legendary’s expression turned serious once more, and he nodded, “in a way.”

He turned and walked a few steps to the right before looking back at the human and his companion, “follow me, please.”

For now, he wanted to go to the arena, a place he had long since designated an area for wild Pokemon to train, away from prying eyes. With Victory Road rebuilt, he had instructed Celeste to remodel it into a proper Pokemon arena, like that that humans had. It hadn’t taken much to do so with the Pokemon of the road’s help.

Some of them under the cover of darkness were watching the group. They knew something was in the air with their Guardian - something they couldn’t quite explain. But more and more curious Pokemon began to watch from the shadows.

Steven’s eyes gravitated towards the mega stone on the legendary’s horn, the decorative metal encasing it also being quite flashy. He would have asked about it, really, and seemed about ready to at least compliment Terrakion on his find, but then the other turned serious, prompting Hoenn’s ex-champion to follow.

“Alright.” He answered, not at all cautious, but utterly curious. Walking after the Pokémon, he idly wondered what it was exactly that his friend would need. 

As they walked, he and Titanium, who followed dutifully after him, noticed the group of other critters observing them. He was sure he had not spotted them all, but it would be alright. He doubted they would be aggressive, and were probably as curious as he. 

There was something in the air, like whenever he felt when a new challenger for the title of Champion would reach him and prepare for battle. A stillness and calm before a storm of battle.

It made him feel quite giddy.

The fact that they had entered an area that looked exactly like an arena only made him much more curious and excited.

He would have been polite, and ask just exactly what Terrakion wanted, but this time, he felt he had to be direct.

“Why, is this a challenge to a friendly bout?” He asked, admiring the arena. “This looks very good, by the way.” He praised with a smile, nodding in appreciation.

More Pokemon showed up to watch as the Legendary Pokemon made his way towards the new arena, as if they too knew what was to come. The mere fact that Terrakion was showing what had been a secret place before now to a human was proof of what was to come soon enough.

Celeste was waiting in the arena, and she looked up once she saw Steven. Surprise and shock crossed her eyes as she did, and then… it all became clear. So that’s why her Papa had told her he was going away… the child looked down sadly at her hooves… 

Terrakion didn’t really want to look at Celeste lest he back down from his choice, but he spared her a glance for a moment before turning back to Steven with a wry smile, “not really, but thank you.”

He walked into the arena more before he turned to Steven, growing serious once more, “Steven Stone, I would like to challenge you to a proper match. And your prize… is me.”

His orange eyes showed that he was serious, and that there was no hesitation present at all. Only a slight bit of anxiety towards the future, maybe… but it was more anticipation than anything. Terrakion was ready to challenge the world, and ready to do so at a human’s side. 

The Guardian was ready for Steven to show him that.

“Do you accept?” he asked, as Celeste watched on from her side of the field, where the referee would normally stand in a trainer battle.

Steven spotted Celeste as he made his way further into the arena, and her expression told him this was a lot more than a mere duel.

This was… so much more.

He looked back to Terrakion, feeling his throat dry even if he had hardly spoken. Titanium stood at his side, and he reached over to give one of its closest legs an affectionate pat. He stared up at the Legendary, noting there was no hesitation nor regret. Terrakion had made his choice.

It was time for him to make his.

It was something he didn’t feel he was ready for, and yet a part of him yearned to take the Pokémon with him, to show him how much the world had changed. It had been many a year from when the legends of the Muskedeers came to being.

The world was a much different place.

Stepping back a little so he was properly in his ‘spot’ on the arena, he grinned at Terrakion, then nodded.

“I accept your challenge, Terrakion. Win or lose… may the best win.”

And may there be no hard feelings from the result.

Returning his Metagross to its Pokéball, he readied himself, then tossed another in the air. “Go!” Opening in midair, the creature that emerged was none other than his Skarmory, who gave a shrill thrill as he emerged.

Terrakion offered a brief smile at the human when he agreed to his challenge. He knew that this probably came as a shock - him, a Muskedeer, wishing to travel with a human, the very species his kind was known to hate. But the time had come to embrace change, and that was exactly what he would do, today.

As Steven called out his first Pokemon, Terrakion leapt backwards to his side of the arena. The Guardian looked up at the Skarmory, and his eyes narrowed in battle.

This was really it…

‘Isamu… you always wanted to battle together,’  The Legendary closed his eyes, and focused inward, “I want to fight with you… just this once. I know you’re here with me…” he opened his eyes with a smile as the feather on his hat lit up with a brilliant white light.

“You’ve always… been right here,” he whispered, his eyes glassy for a moment. He blinked the tears back as the mega stone on his horn reacted to the feather’s glow and shone orange. The earth deer looked at Steven and spoke in a loud voice, a declaration:

“I, Terrakion, the Muskedeer of Trials, will now trial your worth, with all my power!” 

Tendrils of energy shot out of the feather along with the megastone, and they connected together. The energy turned from a bluish white to gold, and Terrakion himself glowed blue as his form changed. He grew bigger, and stronger, and when the glow dispersed, Terrakion’s hat and the megastone were gone.

Eyes a brilliant sky blue, just like his former trainer, with dark, wider markings like lightning under his eyes, and the ridges on his back now surrounded his horns. His tail was longer, the orange panels on his forelegs bigger, with a smaller pair on the top of his shoulders, and his horns were sharper, and jagged in one spot. His ‘boots’ had changed as well, becoming open with a sword mark on the front.

A mega evolution.

‘So this is the power… of humans and Pokemon together…’ Terrakion felt the overwhelming strength coming up inside, like his power over earth had also increased…

He grinned.