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[Pokemon] Chapter 36: Ancient Adventurer
🕑 Added 2024-08-22 16:00:12 +0000 UTCAfter completing the restoration of the forest, the Rising Volt Tacklers returned to the Brave Olivine ship. Once back on board, they were free to do as they pleased. Friede headed to the town library for some research, while the others took advantage of their free time. Jin, too, was using the time before dinner wisely.
---
On the Brave Olivine's wing deck, two Pokémon stood face-to-face, locked in a staring contest, each waiting for the other to make a move. The two in this intense standoff were Jin’s absolute ace, Sceptile, and the newly captured Annihilape from the ArbArboliva's Forest.
"Brgyyaaaaahhh!"
As expected, Annihilape was the first to lose patience. Letting out a powerful roar, it charged forward, swinging punches at Sceptile as soon as it got within range. Left, left, right—the punches came in a rhythmic but wild manner. Yet, Sceptile, without moving an inch, calmly dodged them by shifting its upper body, effortlessly avoiding the blows.
"Vwee! Brgyaa! Brgya!"
Seeing that its punches weren’t connecting, Annihilape changed tactics. It started incorporating kicks along with punches, shifting to a full-on assault with Close Combat. Unlike before, it added feints here and there, making the attack even more aggressive.
"Scepp!"
Realizing it couldn't dodge the flurry of attacks while standing still, Sceptile made a large leap backward, creating a significant distance between them. Annihilape, frustrated by the continuous evasion, began to steam with rage, looking like it was about to explode at any moment.
"…Scep."
Sceptile, seeing this, gave a sly grin. It slowly raised its right arm, then stuck out its middle finger in a taunting gesture toward Annihilape. A minor provocation like this might only slightly irritate a Pokémon with good self-control, but…
"BRGYAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
For the hot-tempered Annihilape, this was the final straw. Its fuse had been lit, and in an instant, it was consumed by an uncontrollable rage, charging headfirst at Sceptile.
"Milotic, Water Gun."
Just as Annihilape was about to attack, a jet of water shot out, quite literally throwing cold water on its momentum. Milotic, who had been watching the battle beside Jin, unleashed Water Gun, stopping Annihilape dead in its tracks. Overwhelmed by the force of the water from behind, Annihilape let out a small cry before collapsing forward.
"Sigh, again?"
Jin had instructed Annihilape to stay calm and focus on its attacks, while Sceptile was told to avoid fighting back and only dodge, occasionally taunting its opponent. But this was already the third time since the training session started that Jin had to intervene. Every time, just like before, Annihilape would let its anger take over after a bit of provocation, charging blindly in rage.
"…It's got combat experience, and it doesn't seem unintelligent."
But this short temper was a real problem. While it was understandable given Annihilape's nature as a species, if it ignored Jin’s orders in the heat of battle due to its anger, winning would become impossible. At the very least, it had to learn to control its emotions, or it would be too risky to use in actual combat.
"Annihilape? Hmm? ... Is it knocked out?"
Concerned that Annihilape still wasn’t getting up, Jin approached it, only to find that it had completely fainted. Then again, it wasn’t surprising. After battling in the forest earlier, Annihilape had recovered thanks to some quick healing, but the training had continued afterward. Every time it lost itself in rage, it had been hit by Milotic's Water Gun three times from behind, which had surely taken its toll.
"No helping it. That's enough for today."
Jin returned Annihilape to its Poké Ball and did the same for Sceptile and Milotic, letting them rest. Usually, they’d train again after dinner, but today had been a long day. His Pokémon needed a break.
"Well, it’s not going to be easy."
Jin's Scizor, which he’d caught in Kanto, had simply needed to learn new moves. But in Annihilape’s case, it wasn’t just about moves—it was about learning emotional control. That was something that couldn’t be achieved overnight.
"…Looks like I’ll just have to be patient with this one."
Annihilape, like many others, agreed to join Jin’s team with the desire to become stronger. It had a straightforward personality and was highly enthusiastic about training. However, addressing its species' natural tendency to anger easily would require time and building a strong bond of trust. It wouldn't be easy, but that was part of the challenge and appeal of being a Pokémon Trainer.
---
"Rototoroto! Rototoroto!"
"Hmm?"
As Jin was finishing up training and about to descend from the wing deck, his Rotom Phone rang, signaling an incoming call. Checking the caller, he saw it was Roy.
"Jin! Where are you right now!?"
"I'm on the wing deck. What's going on?"
"Come to the meeting room immediately!"
With that, Roy abruptly hung up. Although Jin was confused by the lack of explanation, Roy’s urgent tone made it clear that it was an emergency. Intrigued, Jin hurried to the meeting room.
"Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"
When Jin entered the meeting room, not only was Roy there, but Liko was also waiting for him. On the table in front of them were several familiar picture books.
"Jin! Take a look at this book!"
Roy handed one of the books to Jin.
"Wait, this book… isn’t it…?"
"Yeah. It's the book my dad asked me to give to Roy."
It was no wonder Jin recognized it. This book had originally been at Liko's house, and after Jin and Liko had stayed there, Alex had asked them to bring it to Roy aboard the ship. With all that had happened—such as the black Rayquaza and the forest incidents—the book had been set aside, but Liko must have finally passed it on to Roy during their free time.
"This is it! The story of the Ancient Adventurer that Grandpa used to read to me when I was little!"
The Ancient Adventurer—a person who traveled the world, challenging legendary Pokémon and seeking treasure in unknown lands alongside their Pokémon. For Roy, this figure was a foundational inspiration. And now, right before him was a book written by Alex, recounting this very tale.
"…Are you sure about this?"
"I remember this cover. There's no doubt about it!"
On the very day they discovered the second ancient Poké Ball, they also found a book about the Ancient Adventurer. It felt like more than just a coincidence. It was as if something was guiding them. At this point, not reading the book wasn’t even an option.
---
“Long, long ago, over a hundred years in the past, there was an adventurer who commanded a black Rayquaza. His name was Lucius.
He traveled across many regions, encountering strong Pokémon and forging deep bonds with them.
Together, they dreamed of sights yet unseen, setting off on a journey to explore the farthest reaches of the world with their Pokémon companions.
They ran across the land, shattered walls, flying through the skies, healing wounds, crossing the seas, and continued their adventure until they finally arrived at a lush, beautiful, shining paradise.
The adventurer, the black Rayquaza, and their Pokémon companions lived happily and peacefully in that paradise forevermore.
In honor of his unyielding curiosity and courage, people came to call him... the Ancient Adventurer.”
---
This was the content of the picture book. At first glance, it seemed like a typical fairy tale. But considering everything they had witnessed so far on their journey, there were several details in the story that couldn't be easily dismissed.
"Hey, do you think this black Rayquaza is the one we saw?"
"Then maybe the part about 'healing wounds' refers to ArbArboliva?"
"That makes a lot of sense if you think about it."
If that’s the case, the Ancient Adventurer had the black Rayquaza, ArbArboliva from the forest, and four other Pokémon. Judging by Rayquaza and Arboliva, they probably weren’t ordinary Pokémon. Most likely, they were legendary Pokémon or unique beings like Arboliva. It’s safe to assume they were extraordinary.
"That's incredible! I really want to meet them!"
Roy was excited at the idea of meeting such Pokémon, and Jin understood that feeling all too well. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Jin was even more excited, though he didn’t show it on the surface.
Based on the contents of the picture book, Arboliva seems to specialize in healing—likely a Pokémon focused on recovery and support rather than battle. It’s hard to imagine that Rayquaza was the only one skilled in combat. This suggests that the remaining four Pokémon were just as strong as Rayquaza, or at least more powerful than Arboliva.
(I want to meet them... and fight them.)
The possibility of encountering rare Pokémon alone piqued his interest. But the idea that there might be Pokémon stronger than Arboliva? As a Pokémon Trainer driven by the pursuit of strength, Jin found it impossible to suppress that instinct.
(But for that, we need more information.)
Yes, to make any progress, they needed more details. Right now, there was only one reliable source of information: Alex, the author of the book.
"Did Alex know about the Ancient Adventurer?"
"Hold on a sec! I'll ask my dad!"
Liko promptly contacted Alex. According to him, the picture book was based on stories he had heard from Liko’s grandmother, which Alex had then adapted. Some parts were fiction, meaning not everything in the book was necessarily true.
"So, it’s just a made-up story?"
"No, I’m sure parts of it are real."
"Yeah, Rayquaza and Arboliva were real. I think we should assume the other four Pokémon exist too."
"Right... and the person we saw in Arboliva's forest seemed like they were trying to tell us something... maybe to this little one on the pendant?"
From what Jin had heard on the way back to the ship, Liko and Roy had seen a vision shown by Arboliva in the forest. Although the figure had been obscured by mist, it was clear that someone had been present. Given everything they had learned from the picture book and legends so far, it was likely...
(Lucius, the Ancient Adventurer.)
However, that was as far as they could speculate for now. To dig deeper, they needed more information. Since Alex hadn’t provided as much insight as Jin had hoped, their next step was to ask Liko’s grandmother—the original source of the story.
"For now, we should share this info with everyone. It’s crucial for deciding our next moves."
Jin took out his Rotom Phone and launched the Rising Volt Tacklers' app, sending a message to the entire team: "We may have discovered a significant clue about the Ancient Poké Ball."
Almost immediately, to Jin's surprise, there was a reply from Friede. Apparently, he had finished his research and was already on his way. He also asked everyone to gather in the meeting room for an important discussion.
***
"…And that’s the situation."
When everyone except Dot had gathered in the meeting room, Friede explained what had happened during his trip to town. He recounted how he had met Liko's mother, Lucca, and what she had told him about Lucius, the Ancient Adventurer, and the Six Heroes. He also shared that Liko’s grandmother, Diana, might know something about the pendant.
"Liko, the decision is yours. What do you want to do next?" Friede asked.
Liko, with a serious expression, began to think. The rest of the group remained silent, waiting for her to make up her mind. After a few moments, she gripped the pendant firmly and spoke with determination.
"I’m going to see my grandmother. If I meet her, I might learn more about this pendant!"
"Alright. Then I’m going with you," Jin said.
"Me too!" Roy chimed in.
"Jin, Roy!" Liko exclaimed.
"If we meet Liko’s grandmother, we might find out more about the Ancient Poké Ball and Rayquaza too!" Roy added.
"Exactly. I’ve got a lot of questions to ask her," Jin agreed.
(And besides, I’ve got to meet her myself…)
Liko had always spoken of her grandmother with great respect and love. It was clear to Jin how much Liko admired her. For Jin, meeting Liko’s grandmother, much like meeting her mother Lucca, was something he felt obligated to do sooner or later. Especially since Diana held so much valuable information. There was no reason not to go.
"Hey, hey! What kind of person is your grandmother, Liko?" Roy asked.
"She’s amazing! Even now, she’s off adventuring around the world. So… I never really know where she is…" Liko replied with a hint of uncertainty.
Liko’s grandmother, Diana, was a globetrotter, constantly exploring different places. Although she likely had some bases of operation, she rarely stayed in one place for long. Normally, finding her would have been nearly impossible, but this time, Friede had learned her location through Lucca’s Squawkabilly.
"Don’t worry about that. Liko’s grandmother used her Pokémon to tell us where she is. Right now, she’s in an old castle in the Galar region," Friede reassured.
The Galar region—known for its serene countryside, modern cities, vast plains, and treacherous snowy mountains—was where Diana was currently staying.
"Liko, Roy, you both seem pretty determined. Is that right?" Friede asked.
"Our motto is to pursue any mystery in front of us until we solve it. So, who’s ready to join us on this journey?" he added.
One by one, the Rising Volt Tacklers nodded in agreement. A grand adventure filled with mysteries and new sights was surely waiting for them ahead. Not a single person opposed the plan.
"It’s decided then! Let’s go! To the Galar region!" Friede declared.
Off to Galar, where Liko’s grandmother Diana awaited. Whether or not she truly held the key to the pendant, the Ancient Adventurer, or the Six Heroes was still unknown. But somehow, they all had a strong feeling that the answers they were seeking would be found on this next leg of their journey.
***
"What’s going on?" Jin asked.
After the emergency meeting, the team members started to disperse, resuming their individual activities. Jin was about to head back to his room when Friede stopped him, asking him to stay behind in the meeting room.
"Uh… well, you see…" Friede hesitated.
For someone usually so straightforward, Friede was uncharacteristically uneasy. He seemed to be struggling to say something.
"You know how I mentioned that I ran into Liko’s mom in town? Well, uh… during that time…" Friede trailed off.
"If you’ve gotten this far, you might as well finish. Now I’m really curious," Jin urged.
"Right, right. Sorry. Liko’s mom gave me a message for you: 'I don’t approve of your relationship with Liko yet.'"
"…I see."
Jin had assumed that Liko's mother, Lucca, would be supportive of their relationship, especially based on what he had heard about her. Since he had already gained Alex’s approval, Jin thought everything was fine. Hearing this message came as an unexpected blow.
"There’s… a little more. Do you want to hear it?" Friede asked cautiously.
"Go ahead."
"Well, she said, 'You don’t have to rush, but someday, come and formally introduce yourself. I’ll decide whether to approve the relationship then.'"
It wasn’t an outright rejection, but it wasn’t an acceptance either. However, there was hope. Jin had never expected it to be easy, and just being given a chance was enough for now.
"…After this journey, I’ll make sure to formally introduce myself. By then, I’ll be stronger and show her I’m worthy of approval."
"Yeah? Well, good luck!" Friede encouraged.
With that, Friede quickly left the meeting room, almost rushing. Normally, Jin would have found Friede’s unusual behavior odd, but he was too preoccupied with Lucca’s message to notice.
"Sigh…"
After leaving the meeting room, Friede made his way to the helm and sank into the central chair with a heavy sigh.
"…Did I handle that right?"
He tilted his head back, closing his eyes as his conversation with Lucca in Artazon Town replayed in his mind.
‘Don’t forget to pass on my message, Friede!’
It had happened just as Friede was about to return to the ship. After learning that Diana, Liko’s grandmother, might hold vital information about the Ancient Adventurer, the Six Heroes, and the pendant, he had been ready to leave. But Lucca had stopped him, making sure he delivered the message.
‘Lucca, Jin’s a good guy. He’s serious about Liko, and I think you should just—’
Everyone on the ship knew that Jin and Liko had recently started dating. While Friede didn’t particularly approve of how they sometimes flirted without a care for who was watching, he thought they were a good match. Both Jin and Liko were important to him, and he wanted Lucca to approve of their relationship.
‘Oh, I already approve,’ Lucca had said casually.
‘…Huh?’
‘Ever since I read that email from Liko, I’ve already accepted it. Jin’s helped her out so many times, and Liko likes him. That’s enough for me.’
‘…’
‘Besides, my husband likes Jin too. Honestly, I was surprised. I never imagined he’d speak so highly of Liko’s boyfriend.’
Friede had tried to process Lucca’s words. Both Lucca and Alex had already more or less approved of Jin and Liko’s relationship. There was no doubt about that. But then…
‘Lucca, if that’s true… what was the point of the message you asked me to give him?’
Friede’s confusion was natural. Lucca’s message about not approving their relationship seemed to contradict what she had just said.
‘Well… it’s my daughter’s first boyfriend, after all. Can’t I tease him a little?’ Lucca had said with a mischievous smile.
The message Friede delivered earlier didn’t hold any real meaning. It was simply because Lucca was being both childish and mischievous.
‘Meeting your daughter’s boyfriend for the first time is such a golden opportunity. I couldn’t pass it up! A guy who’s knowledgeable about Pokémon, strong enough to have won a league championship… hehe, he's perfect for teasing.’
‘…’
‘Oh, and Friede! Don’t you dare tell Jin about this. I want him to keep worrying about it until the day we finally meet!’
In the end, Friede couldn't go against his former mentor, Lucca, and relayed the message just as she asked. When Jin’s face showed even a hint of shock upon hearing it, the guilt weighed heavily on Friede’s heart. But at this point, it was too late to tell him the truth.
"…Jin… I’m sorry."
"Pika?"
"It’s… nothing, Cap."
***
Meanwhile, as the Rising Volt Tacklers prepared for their next adventure, a man watched over Jin and his team. This man, Spinel, was a high-ranking member of the Explorers, tasked with retrieving the pendant after Amethio had failed.
"The analysis of the ship’s systems, communication methods, and the trainers' strengths is complete."
As he finished his report, Spinel operated his device, bringing up images and videos of Jin, battling against Arboliva with his Sceptile. The footage of the Mega-Evolved Sceptile overwhelming Arboliva’s massive forest form made it clear to Spinel that Jin was a formidable threat.
"I see… It makes sense that he was able to drive Amethio away. Having him near the target is certainly problematic… but if that’s the case, all I need to do is separate them."
Spinel, a self-proclaimed strategist, would never confront his enemies head-on like Amethio. He gathered the necessary information, formulated his plans, and executed them flawlessly. That was his style.
"Your adventure for the pendant ends here."
// END
If you have any feedback or suggestions for this work, feel free to send me a message. I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to accommodate every request, but your input is highly appreciated.
I look forward to next time!
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