***Obligatory Fan-fiction Disclaimer:
Although the author of this story is FierceDeityMask, the story below utilizes characters and concepts that in NO WAY belong to the author. The material in this story is predominantly owned by the developers and producers of the Pokemon franchise. This story is not to be reproduced or reiterated without the author's express consent and should be posted and viewed only on . Once again, all credit for ideas, characters, and designs go to their respective owners, predominantly NOT this author.***
Ancient Ways: A Pokemon Story
Intro: The Spark of Conflict
In an age before the invention of modern pokeballs, man and monster were in harmony. Each was capable of feats beyond modern comprehension. Working and training as both friends and enemies, treated as equals amongst each other. This peace was not to last, however. A man began preaching to all who would listen, Barbaros was his name. He spoke of superiority, power and wealth. Many of mankind were tempted easily by such revolutionary speeches. They banded under Barbaros as a group known as the Superiors. Common folk and many pokemon saw the Superiors as a trifling band of uppity rogues who would soon fade out of style. Unfortunately, that was exactly what Barbaros was hoping for. One day, going down in history as Barbaros' Rise, he unleashed his secret weapon. A small, dull sphere with a black hue, it was known as a Pokemon Capture Device, shortened to pokeball due to its shape. A sinister upset to the natural order, this new device changed everything. Performing a process of imprisonment and brainwashing, it reduced the intelligent pokemon to the state of subservient pawns. Barbaros' Superiors used the new device to dominate all in their path. They soon ruled the entire land with an iron fist, crushing all resistance. But, as with all totalitarian empires, hope never truly died. Small pockets of resistance remained hidden throughout the land, in locations that the Superiors easily overlooked. This is the story of their collaborative efforts, a story of cooperation, trial, and triumph.