Chapter Text
Drayden silently considered the book in his hands.
A history of Hisui -- apparently what Sinnoh had been called, previously -- which he’d picked up on a whim from the library with a few other books.
Something to read in his spare time.
He certainly hadn’t expected to finally learn where his son had disappeared to for the past three years.
It was in the Hisui Wardens section, in a list of notable wardens, as well as one of the ones that was there when the region was renamed.
The Sneasler Warden, Ingo.
Little was known of this warden. He was reported to have appeared mysteriously, with no memory of where he had come from. His skill with pokemon eventually led to him gaining the title of Warden, despite the clan’s wariness of outsiders. (See: page 12, late Hisui significant events)
(Pictured: Warden Ingo posing at the photo studio with whom historians suspect is the Hero of Hisui.)
Really, it was quite convenient. The book had dates, and Sinnoh -- or in this case, Hisui -- was only so big.
Well.
He huffed out a sigh.
Time to bring his son home.
Being a member of the Pearl Clan was a difficult life, living in the icelands. The environment was harsh and unforgiving, and the wild pokemon were strong and aggressive.
On this day, one particular individual had been gathering berries and radishes to replenish the clan’s food stores, and had wandered a little too close to the Alpha Garchomp’s territory until it was almost too late.
It wasn’t until the earth-shaking roar of the massive beast rang through the air, that the realization set in.
And then alarm and horror, the concern for another’s wellbeing, as an unmistakably human shout responded.
The person didn’t sound like they were in pain, or particularly scared, but that didn’t register with the clansman through the frantic state of mind brought on by hearing such a noise so close to the dangerous pokemon. Instead, that initial burst of run-away-fear that was felt upon hearing the alpha’s roar was pushed aside, replaced by a desperate ache to try to save who was clearly being attacked.
But the sight that greeted the clansman was not one of horrifying violence and gore.
Rather, it was baffling enough to completely halt any motion or train of thought. Nigh-incomprehensible to one well-acquainted with the horrible danger of such an aggressive, powerful beast.
There was a man wrestling with the Alpha Garchomp.
And he was winning.
Drayden had intentionally kept an open mind about what he’d see immediately upon arriving in Hisui; he knew he wouldn’t be able to expect what he would find.
And yet, he was still quite alarmed to be confronted with the biggest Garchomp he had ever seen, with unnaturally bright eyes and a far too aggressive attitude.
Of course, it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle, nor was it something he wasn’t prepared for despite the power the dragon held. He was well known for wrestling dragons for a reason, after all.
All things considered, the fight itself went relatively quickly, despite how difficult it was. But eventually, he sent the dragon running, no longer interested in taking a bite out of him. (That unnatural red glow had calmed as well. He was glad. Something told him that glow wasn’t a good thing.)
He dusted off his hands with a self-satisfied huff. It had been a while since he’d had such a difficult wrestling match.
But for now, he’d have to get his bearings. He knew he was in the Alabaster Icelands, from his quick study of the geography of the region, which meant the Pearl Clan’s village would likely be the closest human settlement around. Which was important, because he was quickly beginning to cool down in the freezing wind, the heat from the wrestling match with the garchomp only able to last so long.
And, even more importantly, the Pearl Clan had been who had taken Ingo in. If anyone would have a good idea of where he’d be, it would be them. If Drayden was lucky, he’d find Ingo at the settlement itself, but he had his doubts that it’d be that easy.
It was even more convenient for him, then, that when he turned around he caught sight of someone wearing a familiar symbol.
Whoever it was was staring at him with wide eyes, adorned with one of those soft pink tunics Drayden had researched- - a common article of clothing to wear for members of the Pearl clan.
“Oh, hello there, stranger,” he said, folding his arms. “Could you help me with something?”
A hesitant nod, an uncomprehending expression.
Ah, right, the people of Hisui didn’t wrestle with dragons in their free time. If it was strange even for modern Unova, it would undoubtedly be strange for them. Oh well.
“I’m looking for someone, you see. My son, in fact. He likes trains and is very loud, have you seen him?”
The clansman gave him a shake of the head. A negative.
Hm. Disappointing, for sure. But Drayden knew that as a Warden, Ingo would have spent the majority of his time away in the Highlands, where his noble resided. Perhaps this particular individual was simply not well-acquainted with his son.
“That’s alright. Thank you anyway,” he continued, after a moment, “Would it be too much to ask if you could guide me to any nearby shelter? It is getting quite cold.”
His question was met with a blank stare, but the clansman gestured him forward anyway.
“Thank you.”
Soon, he would arrive at the Pearl Clan’s village, and he would then be able to ask others of his son’s whereabouts. Someone there would undoubtedly be able to point him in the right direction at the very least. But he wasn’t in a hurry. He could have patience, and Ingo had spent this long in Hisui already. It wouldn’t hurt him to spend just a little longer.
Besides. It could be nice to get to know the people that took his son in at his lowest. He had to give them his gratitude for taking care of Ingo.