Carl was taken aback.
"The deceased mother? You're not her mom?"
Dragonite shook its head.
"Oh, I see."
"If Caesar asks you, will you admit it?" Carl asked, a bit helpless.
Dragonite thought for a moment and then nodded.
"So, you're raising someone else's child as a favor?" Carl quipped.
"Foster mothers are mothers too," Dragonite explained.
"That's enlightening," Carl mused.
Dragonite, a bit shy under Carl's gaze, went on, "If Caesar shows strength and potential, it's a win-win for everyone. Dratini gets the nurturing it needs, I fulfill my promise, and Caesar gains a good partner."
"I'm not interested in these matters until I become stronger. If I wanted a mate, I could have found one years ago." Dragonite flicked its tail.
"Hmm?" Carl looked puzzled.
"I mean male Pokemon. Especially after seeing Dratini's irresponsible father, I believe relying on oneself is the most dependable. Of course, humans are different; we are partners who help each other," Dragonite clarified.
Carl couldn't help but chuckle, "You have a way with words." Then, he added with a hint of regret, "So, you're still single, huh?"
Dragonite stared at him, confused.
Clearing his throat, Carl switched topics, "You said Dratini's father was awful. Can you elaborate?"
Dragonite's expression turned cold. "It's all that irresponsible dragon's fault. He didn't take care of my sister, which led to her departure."
"After Caesar suggested I leave this place, I evolved underwater in a hidden location. As a Dragonair, I met Dratini's mother."
"She was a Dragonair too, stronger than me. I heard she was from the Dragon's Den in Johto and started traveling after losing her way."
"She protected me and taught me skills. I called her my sister."
"Once, during a storm, we were swept onto an island. A Salamence saved us and later pursued my sister."
"Initially, she refused, thinking they weren't of the same kind. But eventually, his sincerity won her over, and they got together."
"We planned to live on the island until I evolved and moved on."
"But a few months ago, my sister discovered she was expecting. To give her child better potential, she chose to evolve into a Dragonite."
"After evolving, Salamence's attitude changed. Around the same time, a Milotic arrived on the island..."
"That scoundrel started wooing Milotic, neglecting my sister and even their own child."
Dragonite recounted the recent heartbreak with a deep, sorrowful tone. A sudden storm ravaged the island, and while Salamence was busy charming Milotic, it was the big sister who bravely protected everyone.
Sadly, other companions were scattered in the storm... Dragonite's voice was filled with sadness.
Gently stroking the young Dratini beside it, Dragonite continued, "I didn't want that irresponsible creature to affect the child's growth, so I brought her here."
At first, Carl thought the story sounded like something out of a drama, but the more he listened, the more surprised he became. Dratini's background was like that of a storybook hero—it had the potential of a pseudo-legendary, a mother from the Dragon's Den, and now a guardian like Dragonite.
With this trajectory, Dratini was destined for greatness. Carl pondered, "Not only can I find its mother, but I could also gain support from the Dragon's Den."
He started planning for the future: helping Dratini confront Salamence, finding its mother, and establishing ties with the dragon clan.
"That Salamence was indeed excessive," Carl shook his head. Hearing this, Dragonite's impression of Carl improved significantly.
But Carl's next comment left Dragonite stunned, "Though Dragonair's evolution lowers its charm, abandoning family isn't right. As the island's king, having multiple partners is fine, but one must not be fickle."
Dragonite looked at the human trainer, perplexed.
So that's how you perceive a wayward dragon?
"Let's set that aside for now." Carl waved his hand, refocusing, "Do you know where that Salamence resides?"
Dragonite nodded, "Yes."
"Take me there," Carl's eyes gleamed with determination. "As a trainer, I need to avenge you. Besides, Dratini's mom might still be alive. I can help find her when we return."
"And it's never too late to deal with Salamence once Dratini becomes strong."
Dragonite scratched its head, hesitating, "We can't go now."
"Why not?"
"The island is well-hidden; its entrance lies deep underwater and can only be found during a full moon."
So, there's only one chance a month. The last full moon just passed, meaning they'll have to wait over half a month.
"Let's go when the time is right then," Carl said, slightly disappointed.
He had hoped to capture Milotic and confront Salamence today, but now he had to wait. The longer it dragged on, the more unpredictable it became, but it was better than having no chance at all.
Dragonite appraised him and Lucario, bluntly stating, "You wouldn't stand a chance now."
"Although Salamence's character is poor, its strength is formidable. Even with two champion-level Torterra and Golem on the island teaming up, they couldn't defeat it." Carl realized there were champion-level Torterra and Golem on the island, and perhaps even elite-level Pokemon. His curiosity about the island grew, but since Dragonite mentioned they could only find the path during a full moon, he had no choice but to bide his time.
As for the issue of being outmatched, he admitted that dealing with champion-level Pokemon was challenging, but a Dragonite was not beyond his capabilities.
Hearing this, Dragonite immediately assumed a battle-ready stance, eagerly asking, "Want to test that theory?"
Carl smiled, "Fighting is too troublesome. Let me show you a trainer's true power." He had figured out that this Dragonite wasn't swayed by kindness, only strength.
"Lucario, MEGA evolve!" He raised the keystone, unleashing the power of aura.
A radiant glow engulfed them as Mega Lucario emerged, its sharp gaze instantly intimidating Dragonite.
"Mega evolution? That's not fair!" Dragonite retracted its neck, conceding without a fight.
Meanwhile, at the League's division in Vermilion City, Ethan Cross received a report: Team Rocket had already seized control of the port, deploying submarines and ships. He checked the time, and as Carl had predicted, only an hour had passed.
"Move out!" he ordered decisively.
Lance immediately began mobilizing forces to strike.
Professor Oak turned and asked, "What about the Safari Zone? Do we abandon it?"
Agatha quickly interjected, "I think we can let it go. Team Rocket's timing suggests they're using the Safari Zone as bait. We can send someone to lead a token force."
Ethan Cross firmly disagreed, "No! While hitting Team Rocket is important, ensuring civilian safety is our top priority. Even if there's only a slight risk, we cannot be complacent."
"How about I lead the team myself?" Agatha suggested.
Ethan weighed the options as they prepared for the next move.