Chapter 121: Ancient history and new challenges

Chapter 121: Ancient history and new challenges

The Moltres dominated half the wall. With a torch light on it, you couldnt miss it. In the dark, it hadnt been at all visible, and it wasn't the only wall art that Id missed. There were recesses in the wall that held small items like broken pottery, statues, masks, and what appeared to be a flute.

Empress shifted and glared at me from her perch around the nest, but she didnt do anything else. It seemed my gift of the Heat stone had bought me some wiggle room. She hadnt started growling, which I knew to be an early warning most Tyranitar started with. Instead, she seemed interested in the wall art. Perhaps shed never seen them before due to never having light in here and instead relying on smell, touch, and memory to navigate her cavern.

I shone the torch on other walls and spotted more murals. On the mural to the east, plains and jagged cliffs leading into the ocean depicted a storm with the same tribe huddling away from the devastation that another bird pokemon was releasing onto them. The jagged wings and long drill beak meant that this could only be a Zapdos.

It glared just as hatefully down at the tribe as the Moltres had. I noted that a number of boulders appeared to be in the act of being thrown by Ursaring in this depiction. There was no Tyranitar on display.

I flicked back to the first picture Id seen and noted the pokemon. Tyranitar, Ursaring, and Mightyena.

I then swept the torch around until I was facing the south wall.

On this, a third and, from what I could see, final artwork was on display. Here, a much smaller image of man and pokemon, in this case, only Mightyena, were huddled together as they dealt with a snowstorm. A blue bird with a long tail stood over the top.

I flicked between the three images. If there was a link between the pokemon joining the tribe, then the Articuno image was first, then came the Zapdos, and finally the Moltres.

The Moltres mural was also larger and given much more detail. The peak of the mountain was very clearly cut, and the lines of fire descending from the pokemon made it clear how outclassed the tribe had been. For all intents and purposes, it was a warning.

I started taking pictures of the various cave drawings along with the assorted shards of broken pottery. Some of them were shaped to look like the Ursaring, Mightyena, and Tyranitar. Under each artwork, there was writing in a script I couldnt make heads or tails of. I snapped up pictures of everything before scooping up some broken artifacts into plastic lunch bags. I suspected that I might know someone who would be interested in these. That or theyd know of someone interested.

A low rumble made me pause after I took a mostly still-intact flute. The Empress eyed me as I packed away the bag. I nodded, acknowledging that she didnt want me to take anything else. I checked my photos to make sure that her nest wasnt visible in any of the photos.

Thanks for this girl, I said aloud before smiling at her nest and the photo sitting at her side. Ill tell my little sister that you got the picture and that you liked it, if thats alright?

She sniffed and shifted so her back was to me, but not the image. She ran a claw over it and grunted her name. Titan barked happily before nodding at me and gesturing for us to leave. The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñòv€l-B1n.

I did so, but this time I walked with the torch on. I noted how the tunnel was sloped but specifically cut to form a loose spiral. It had obviously been worked. I took some more images of the tunnel itself and got closer to draw attention to the markings that were all too clear in the light of my torch now.

Titan huffed a laugh at me, and I shot him a look. What?

He merely shook his head, and I had to settle for him ignoring me to stalk further up to the entrance of the cave.

When I reached him, he was staring towards the tallest peak of the Mt Silver range. A peak that looked extremely familiar to me. Id seen something very similar with the cave drawing specifically. I raised my transceiver and snapped a picture of the mountain. From this angle, the artwork had to be deliberate. The skyline matched, and if the artist had witnessed the devastation that a Moltres had unleashed, then perhaps this had been a shelter for them as Moltres devastated the mountain range.

A low growl broke me out of my thoughts. At my side, Titan eyed the mountain. No, that wasnt right. He was eyeing the birds that had been flying towards it. The flock of Fearow had all veered well around the mountain instead of passing over it. Something that I wouldnt have thought much of before, perhaps passing it off as a quirk of their hunting instincts.

Now it stood out that they were all avoiding getting within a certain distance of the mountain despite the size of their flock.

I snapped a video of that as well and forwarded what Id collected to Oak and Elm. Elm responded straight away, my transceiver buzzing to life.

Brock! These images! Wherever did you find them!? They are extremely fascinating, and in conjunction with the images of Mt Silver itself being so like the drawing, there is a direct linkage to ancient tribal societies! Fascinating! Utterly fascinating! I wonder if I could bother to ask you

Before he could say anything else both of our transceivers pinged with another incoming call. The call was listed as Samuel Oak.

Oh! Shall we include him on the call? Elm said merrily. I toggled accept and merge on my transceiver, and a second later, Oaks stern face loomed on the projected screen.

Brock, I want to be extremely clear with you. Do not approach that mountain! Do not agitate the pokemon that claims that peak as its territory. In fact, I want you on your Noctowl and getting out of there now!

Elm squawked in surprise. Oak! Surely youre being overly

Get! OUT! snapped Oak and despite not being before him, I could feel the command ring true through the line. I felt myself stiffen and my head nodding before I was consciously aware of what I was doing.

Alright, Ill leave for now. I wasnt going up there. I just came across the cave art and noticed the way it linked to Mt Silver proper and that the Fearow flock Id seen earlier were really going out of their way to avoid it.

I apologise, Oak said reasonably. I am overreacting, I know, but I cannot overstate the danger that facing a Moltres would bring. Their species are known as Legendary pokemon for a reason. Where they go, they change entire weather patterns and are usually at the top of the food chains.

Usually? Elm said, catching the qualifier that Oak had included while I mounted Zephyr, returned Titan, and took flight.

Oak sighed. There are certain sites that suggest that certain other pokemon are able to fight them off. The Legendary dogs, for example, or even the Mighty Ho-oh have records where they have fought off or made the Legendary birds withdraw entirely.

Elm rubbed his chin. I havent done much reading on the Legendaries, as people like to label them, when I was studying. I instead focused on my area of interest. Breeding!

Elm rubbed his chin. I might need to open a few more books on them! Oh my, but this is an interesting oversight on my part. Very well, I wont ask you to investigate this find Brock! He nodded over the line. Brock, Samuel, goodbye for now! He then vanished from the call.

Oak and I stared at each other. I cracked first. Does does he have any idea what it sounds like he spent all his time at College doing?

Samuel snorted. No, he really doesnt. Honestly, Id be surprised if he had any He trailed off and coughed sheepishly. Not that its any of our business! Hes happy enough studying it, thats for certain!

I chuckled and nodded. Fair enough. Think there will be any issues if I show those images to Crowley? There might be an archeologist that would be interested in the artworks.

Oak pursed his lips. He turned his attention to something to the side. Stress to them that they are not to go to Mt Silver. I heard a computer keyboard clacking away as he focused on what was being shown on another screen. The mountain itself is practically unreachable with how far flying pokemon balk away from it. Climbing it is another issue, with it being too steep to do on foot. Rideable pokemon also seem to balk from going there. His eyes flicked back and forth and he nodded. It would take a true idiot to disturb a pokemon like that.

I sighed. Well, you said it.

Oak blinked at me for a moment before he groaned, slumping into his chair. Ah, yes I see what you mean Hmmm well, we will just continue to restrict who can go there.

And that will stop people? I said aloud as I passed over the Indigo Plateau,. I gave it another half an hour and Id be home.

... it will give us more of a shot at stopping them, Oak said tiredly.

Hmmm alright then. Well, Ill be talking to Crowley later, so I will see who he suggests.

Oak rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Archeology is a rather dying profession. I I snorted at his joke before realising he hadnt intended it.

Sorry! Go ahead.

He played what hed said back over in his mind before laughing. Heh, good catch. Well, I suspect he will talk to a young lady I have only read about in some scientific journals. See if Eve rings a bell for Crowley, wont you? I felt a memory stir at that name but couldn't put a finger on why precisely.

"Will do Professor Oak." I nodded as he signed off. Now the question became, how did I know an archeologist by the name of Eve? I shrugged, that would be future Brocks problem. I doubted it would be a big problem. For now, I had to get home and deliver presents from my trip away to my family.

When I came in for a landing, I did so to find most of my family merrily out and digging a small trench in the garden. The Lileep were very happily bouncing around in anticipation as Yolanda worked with Terra to cart away wheelbarrows full of the earth while my younger siblings had smaller trowels to create their own dirt piles.

With one look, I knew it was the sort of chaos that can only result from unleashing lots of small children into the garden with a goal in mind.

Suzie wasnt even digging anymore, she was just laying out the hose and getting various watering cans lined up in size and order. Munchlax was assisting, but apparently messing up her arrangement with how she kept having to chase him around.

Salvadore had a tape measure out and was working with Flint to plan where the water pipes were going to go along with any paths we wanted. And then Tommy threw a clod of dirt, and Cindy and a few other siblings got drawn into a fight.

Noct! cried Zephyr, causing the impromptu dirt fight to stop just as it started. Everyone swung their eyes around and spotted me.

Brock! Brock! Big Brother! cried out the youngest. I had a moment to swing myself off Zephyr before I was swarmed by grubby hands and bodies. I chuckled, feeling like everything was right in the world. Eevee ran through my legs, and her fluffy tail tickled at the twins whod claimed my shins as their own. Munchlax helped Suzie climb over them and onto my shoulders. Yolanda approached and waved while holding Terra up to wave in greeting.

I shot Flint and Salvadore a nod. Looks good, youre trying to set up Erikas suggestion? I asked.

Mhm! said Salvadore happily.

I hummed and rubbed a few heads, ignoring the giggles and annoyed shrieks at messing up their hair. Might be best to make it a small water feature. I patted the little ones on the head. Dont want any adventurers getting in trouble do we?

Indeed! Flint nodded seriously and indicated hed accounted for that already.

I turned to the rest of my family who were clinging to me. Have you all been good for Flint?

Yes! they cheered.

I might have some to still do He rubbed the back of his head. I got distracted working with Dad this afternoon!

Flint chuckled. And thats alright as well!

I laughed and patted Salvadore on the head. Dont worry, little bro, I will have some emails to work on as well, so Ill be next to you if you have any questions.

We set ourselves up at the dining table and got to work. Before the hour was up, we were all done which let us spend some time preparing snacks. Munchlax had wanted all of the snacks made up but accepted being argued down to merely a kilogram of vegetables and the megabag of popcorn while we watched some Furret Samurai.

Then it was time to switch channels; we were right on time to miss all the pre-match talks before getting to the good stuff.

And from this corner! We have Karen of Lavender Town, the Ace so hot shes blazing a path up the rankings and is sure to be laying down a challenge this year! shouted the announcer as Karen marched out onto the League battlefield. She grinned hugely as the announcer continued to heap praise on her. Shes just gotten in a little early on a Champion challenge! I hope all you Elite Four out there are paying attention, cause shes coming your way soon!

Go Karen! cheered the girls.

Karen flicked her hair and cocked her hip before winking at the camera. In the stadium, a number of people shouted and whistled in approval. I chuckled, knowing shed be feeding off this sort of behaviour.

And now! From the shores of Hoenn! Having accepted this challenge, we have the Champion of the Hoenn League! Give a warm, Indigo welcome, to Steven Stone!

Boos, cheers, and flashes of light heralded the arrival of Steven. He marched out with a well-fit suit and his hair perfectly styled. When he walked past the cameras, he gave an affable nod before taking his place atop his own podium.

For todays Exhibition match acting as the referee will be Charles Goodshow! Give it up for our referee! The camera zoomed to the middle of the field where a bushy-bearded gentleman was revealed. He waved happily before adopting a stern expression.

As this is an Exhibition match no withdrawals will be allowed and only six pokemon will be utilised for todays match! I want a clean, fun match for everyone to enjoy! Lets show the world what weve got! he said as he thrust a fist into the air.

The crowd roared their approval as Steven chuckled and nodded while Karen smirked. Charles waggled a playful finger in her direction only to roll his shoulders and raise two flags, one on either side.

Trainers! Are you ready!? he said.

Yes! Lets do this! Steven and Karen said.

Release your pokemon and begin! he said dropping the flags.

Go Gengar! Go Claydol!

Both pokemon formed up, and I leaned forward in surprise.

Shes going with Gengar first? Thats a good match-up for her, I said interested. I could see Steven grimace and around me, all the girls pumped their fists.

Claydol! Use Psychic! barked Steven.

SB~ said Karen slyly. Her Gengar formed and fired a ball of dark energy that howled as it accelerated across the field to slam into Claydol as it tried to use Psyhic to put up barriers of earth against the attack. The Shadow Ball dodged and dipped however, more like a vengeful spirit itself than an attack that had been thrown. It slammed home into Claydol and the heavy pokemon staggered before righting itself.

Oh! Thats gonna sting! Karen sing-songed.

Claydol, Sandstorm, Steven said in response.

Icy Wind, Karen replied. Her pokemon swept its arms, and a gale of white wind surged forth against the rising sands to buffet and block the Sandstorm from forming. Claydol once more took some damage, and Steven clicked his tongue.

Claydol Trick Room, he said, forcing things to flip as a box of psychic energy formed up before encompassing the field.

Whats that move do? Salvadore asked.

Makes it so that slower pokemon move faster and faster pokemon move slower. Its a weird reversal that allows slower pokemon more room to work. Gengars one of the faster pokemon around which makes this a good move to use on it , I said quickly.

SB again! Another Shadow Ball was formed and fired off, only this time Claydol could lazily drift to the side and avoid it. The girls all grimaced in worry.

EP! shouted Steven. His pokemon stopped levitating and dropped into the ground causing the field to shake. At first it seemed Gengar would be fine with how it was levitating off the ground, only for spikes to shoot up out of the ground and smash into it.

What was that! shouted Cindy. That wasnt an Earthquake!

Earth Power, I said after considering it for a moment. The girls groaned only to sigh in relief when Gengar returned to floating slowly with its eyes glowing fiercely.

Go scary pokemon! shouted Suzie.

SP, growled Karen causing her pokemon to blur forward and seemingly evade the psychic effects of the Tick Room.

Stop it with EP again! shouted Steven. The earth once more surged up and slammed into Gengar, but this time Gengar propelled itself forward and used the hit's momentum to throw itself into the punch to make sure it slammed a dark empowered fist into it only to fall short. Gengar crashed into the ground below the Claydol and lay still.

The girls slumped as one. Karen looked stunned.

Noooo! whined Cindy, unhappy that one of Karens pokemon appeared to be down for the count.

Charles squinted at the Gengar. A flag twitched upwards, only for Karen drop her stunned look and to smirk.

SB~! she said, and from close range, a Shadow Ball was formed and fired off. It was slower once more due to Trick Room but Gengar was now more than close enough to make sure the hit landed.

This time Claydol fell to the ground and stayed down.

The girls shot to their feet. Thats the way! Yes yes yes! they cheered.

Charles huffed and raised a flag towards Steven. Claydol is unable to fight Gengar wins the first match!

Steven withdrew his pokemon and selected another. Go Skarmory!

He flicked out the pokeball and his pokemon appeared in a bright flash, only for me to notice Karen hadnt called her pokemon back to her side of the field and instead elected to keep Gengar over on Stevens side.

Karens grin practically split her face as she winked. DB!

An ethereal cord shot out of Gengar and connected with Skarmory. Steven Stone frowned at Karen before sighing. If thats how you want to play it. Dont think Ill play your games. Spikes Skarmory, lets make the most of your sacrifice.

From his pokemon earthen spikes emerged, and Karen pointed at the Skarmory and released more Shadow Balls that slammed into the Steel-Flying type. Steven chose to ignore them and prepare the field. There was some audible confusion from the crowd, as they didnt understand why he was doing it.

More than a few little faces turned to me to explain what was going on.

I merely gestured at the screen. Watch, its about to play out.

Another Shadow Ball connected, and the already weakened Skarmory fainted only for Gengar to also fall. Steven returned his pokemon and shook his head at Karen, who merely grinned viciously.

What? Its a valid strategy in this situation. Thats me one to your two, by the way!

Steven shot a look at Charles Goodshow, who merely nodded. It is legal, if rather frowned upon. Karen is well within her rights to use those moves.

Suzie nudged me. What is going on?

Karen used Destiny Bond to link the two pokemon together. Steven realised this. The normal way to escape this is to return your pokemon but with an exhibition match, he cant do that. Skarmory must not have had a method of getting out of there either or avoiding it. So instead of merely knocking out both pokemon as quickly as he could, he spiked the field. He made the most of a bad situation, I said approvingly.

Hes still two pokemon down! cheered Cindy.

Flint leaned over towards me. Im not sure I like having Karen as a role model for the girls.

I sighed. Oh I think youre going to have to get used to seeing Karen around, I said knowingly. If she made Elite Four, shed be the heroine to many a young girl.

I sat back and prepared myself to watch the rest of the match.