Approaching the gates of the fortress, Felix noticed guardsmen atop the battlements and in front of the gate itself. An assortment of mons could be seen, ranging from a kangaskhan to a typhlosion, pokemon of all types and evolution lines were present.

As they got closer the guards became aware of their presence, but let them through without a word. On the other side of the gate stood a salamence, a large serpentine dragon known for their flight speed, clearly anticipating their arrival.

Gurutompa regarded the salamence and locked eyes with it for a few moments.

'Are they conversing telepathically? Do all mons require psychic types to communicate?' thought Felix.

After a while, the salamence turned around, in such a fashion that seemed to imply that the duo should follow him.

"I've explained the situation to the guard captain. We're headin' to the barracks to get you registered."

'What does being registered mean for me?'

"Well, you'll officially be recognised as one of the hydreigon family, and therefore become part a da' clan. Secondly you'll be synched with the Mewstone, allowin' ya ta talk with the other clan mons on the island without my telepathy."

'That's possible?! How does that work?'

"Da great Mew rules this island, little one. It gave some of us the gift of higher intelligence, elevating us from fringe mons into what we are now. We'd never have had buildings and towns without that intelligence."

'Aren't we technically just using Mew's telepathy to communicate then?'

"In a way. I won't be able to read your thoughts anymore from the moment you're synched, but if you will it, then others that are synched to a mew stone will be able to hear ya. Normally we do this from birth, but yer family's tradition makes that impossible. Anyway, we're here. This is where we part, I got ta' report to the family head about yer arrival. One of the guards will lead ya ta the family compound after yer registration. I'll see ya there."

Having arrived at their destination, the oranguru disappeared in a blur. Felix decided to follow the salamence deeper into the building, hoping this wasn't all some elaborate plot to mess with him.

They entered the barracks proper and followed several hallways until they arrived near a large staircase heading down. The staircase seemed to be made for bigger mons, because Felix had to jump from step tot step, despite his larger than average hight for a deino. The salamence seemed to have a little trouble as well, because of its stocky body, stumbling every few steps.

Eventually, they entered a large chamber with little to no decoration. Nothing would have stood out about such a room normally, but the large blue humming crystal in the centre the otherwise unremarkable room into a mystical environment. The salamence stopped and gestured towards the crystal, prompting Felix to touch it.

With trepidation he lumbered forward and gave it a light bonk with his horn.

Ding! You've attuned to a legendary pokemon [Mew]. Gained telepathy(Temporary).

'Huh. So how does this work?'

"Hey kid, can you hear me?" the salamence asked.

"Uh, yeah! Can you hear me now?" Felix answered.

"Sure thing little buddy. Looks like you got the hang of it quickly enough. Welcome to the clan little one! You're a proud member of the dragon clan from this day forward!" the salamence said with a proud tone.

"Thanks sir. What happens now? Gurutompa said someone would bring me to my family's compound." Felix inquired.

"Don't worry about that. I'll bring you there myself! It's a few streets away from the barracks, so just follow me."

The guard captain led the way back through the barracks out into the street. The medieval walls of the barracks gave way to a wide tiled path with neatly trimmed plants on both sides. The plants reminded Felix of Japanese gardens. He supposed that grass types had an easier time keeping such plants trimmed and healthy in a volcanic environment. Felix could see pokemon of all shapes and sizes go about their day. Some clamoured from roadside stalls, selling berries Felix had never even seen before, others carried large crates attached to their backs from one place to another. He saw an abra wind a robe telekinetically around a grotle's body, attaching a cart in the process.

'So this is how mons work together to overcome their lack of human appendages huh. No wonder these mons can build stuff.' Felix thought.

Felix was broken out of his thoughts by the cries of pokemon flying overhead, sometimes carrying other mons in the proces.

Along the way they made light conversation.

"So how did you get here so quickly anyway? It's pretty unusual for a kid to survive the hydreigon family's trial in the first place. The ones that do usually arrive here beaten black and bloody, and take far longer." the larger dragon asked.

"Lot's of luck, mostly. I made some stupid decisions that nearly cost me my life, but with some levels under my belt I managed to clinch it out. The forest wasn't that large anyway, and the final few days I tried to be as careful as possible."

What Felix didn't say was that his ability effect 'strength of a lord' gave him far more accurate perception than is typical of a deino, which is what allowed him to scope out his environment and be careful in the first place.

"Well, you have the right of it. No sense in taking unnecessary risks trying to get here, when you can get all the levels you want after training a couple moves properly. That's why most other families keep their kids close till they're big and strong." the salamence praised.

"How does training moves play into it? Those come out by instinct don't they?"

"Hah! By instinct he says! Listen here kid, if you want to reach the higher levels that pokemon can reach, then increasing mastery on your moves is essential! That and the level trials are what separate the wheat from the chaff! You won't stand a chance without proper move mastery. But don't worry kid. I'm sure the trainers in your family will explain how that all works. Be patient, rushing headlong into everything is what will hold you back in the end." the elder advised.

During their conversation, they had arrived at what Felix assumed was the family compound. As they approached, the gates were opened by a pair of dodrio.

"Welp, we've arrived. Until next time little one. Stop by some time alright?"

"Of course sir! Thank you for the advice."

The larger dragon flew off like a canon and spiraled away through the city. Felix greeted the two dodrio, who replied with a formal 'Greetings, young master.'

Hesitantly, Felix stepped through the door of the compound.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Pov: Gurutompa.

A monkey can be seen entering a large, sparse Japanese style room sith a single desk at the end. Behind the desk, on a large wooden chair sits a purple dragon with three heads. The dragon seems occupied by the papers on his desk.

'This chamber is as imposing as always. The patriarch sure likes his formal decorations, doesn't he.'

"Retainer Gurutompa reporting to patriarch Farum of the hydreigon family!"

From his humble, yet large throne, the hydreigon looks up above the documents on his desk. Two seperate heads that also seem to function as arms and hands stop writing and similarly give their attention to the monkey bowing in front of them.

"Report, retainer." the old lizard grumbled.

"The young master has just arrived in the city and is getting registered at the guard barracks by the guard captain. His trial has gone smoothly and he has gotten out mostly unscathed. His siblings have, as suspected, not survived past a few days, despite the fact that their elder brother only knocked out one and then left." gurutompa reported.

"He only knocked one out? Does he lack the battle lust of our kind?" the old man asked.

"Not at all, patriarch! The little one fought and defeated almost every fringe mon he came across! Perhaps he was simply confused after his birth?"

"Perhaps. Continue your report retainer."

"Of course. The young master should be at level 9 currently, considering the amount of battles he fought. I suspect he only needs to pass the level 10 level trial before he can awaken his ability."

"Already? This is good news. Such fast levelling speed means he has talent. Let's hope he can reach the law realm eventually and level up past level 70, so that I can finally retire in my old age. Mew knows, that wastrel of a father won't ever reach it with his mentality, and his mother isn't interested in becoming patriarch."

"I believe the young master can do it. Judging from his size he seems to be a strong one." gurutompa praised.

"How would you describe his character?" the elder dragon inquired.

"Despite his curious demeaner, I believe his nature is rash. He often charges headlong into danger, not thinking twice."

"Such a nature will serve him well when he grows into a hydreigon. Let's hope he lives that long. Anything further to report?" Farum said neutrally.

"No, patriarch."

That moment, a tropius enters the chamber by sliding open the japanese style bamboo door.

"Sir, the young master is entering the main building." the tropius said politely, head bowed slightly.

"Very well, that will be all. You're dismissed, retainer. I would like to meet my grandson myself now." the old man rumbled.