Siedon, the readings! They're off- wow did you see that!? The weather, it just-

"Swampert! Use Protect!" Seidon interrupted.

As Swampert quickly deflected the falling debris, Azura hastily reached for the luxury ball that contained Gardevoir. "No Good" thought Azura forgetting that Gardevoir had taken considerable damage fighting off angered Frosslass. Instead, he reached for the second Pokeball on his belt as he tossed it with no hesitation.

"Salamence! We need you! Use Flamethrower!" Ordered Azura as the Draconian Pokémon roared through the sky melting the would be hazard before it crashed. "Now use Strength to move these boulders out of the path. The dragon bellowed at the freezing temperatures but did as asked.

"I know, I'm sorry Sal." It must be freezing and I know you aren't the biggest fan of the cold. I'll make it up to you buddy. "Azura said, restoring the confidence of the dragon.

Now looking for a way past the vast peak of the Cuno Mountains, they trekked through a narrow path alongside the fallen debris. Having hiked these mountains many times before, it seemed like a mockery to the memory of the two rangers as recent events have reshaped the path.

"Well, we got ourselves into a tight spot this time Seidon. Haven't we?" chuckled Azura.

Seidon being the serious of the two smirked as he had forewarned the possibility of an avalanche happening. Constantly reminding Azura of weather reports, analytical data the team had scrounged up and his primal Gut Feeling.

"Are you always a knucklehead? You may show promise but you forget, you're still a boy." snarled Seidon. He was in his general nasty mood again. Having being currently trapped in a tight spot alongside the cadet. Initially ordered to map a route away from the potential weather.

The howling wind seemed to grow colder as the minutes flew by. The tracks the Rangers left disappeared as soon as their boots lifted away. As if a white veil masked the whole mountain, making it hard for the rangers to track any landmarks at all.

"Return Sal, you did a good job buddy." Azura shivered before relieving the Pokémon of its duty. "Sometimes I wish I could return to a Pokeball in times like this, I bet it's warm," he added. Taking one last glance at the Pokeball that contains his trusty companion, whom he started his journey with.

He thought of how they have grown in recent years. All the trials, Ranger camp, even as a Bagon when they messed with farmer Luke and startled the Miltank. Those were the days, nothing to worry about. No missions, no protocols or danger, he caught himself drifting into thought.

When Seidon rudely interrupted, "Are you gonna latch your Pokeball or are you gonna sit there and daydream all day? We have a mission to complete. Although I have to confess, this path isn't anything recorded in the PokeMaps. It seems to be some uncharted region of the Cuno mountains. Best to be on your guard, as we don't know what lies in store for us Rook."

"Yeah, yeah, you just keep marching old man. One day I'll be a Ranger too, I'll prove you wrong." Azura said through clenched teeth. Making it very clear his resentment about being a cadet. He tightened his focus and stormed forward assessing the scenery and noticed a small crevice between two fallen trees.

The surrounding area differed from the rest of the path. An eerie chill crept through the spine of Azura, stapling the presence of a powerful energy. It was almost as if it were draining the focus of the Ranger, luring him to the crevice with malice intent. It was clear, whatever sulked in the shadows wanted to be found. Finally snapping the spell he motioned for Seidon who was tinkering with the PokeMap, trying to familiarize himself with the uncharted region.

"Ugh, cursed device! The sun will set soon and we still have no idea where we are. Status report rook! Have you made sense of the situation?" Seidon said irritatedly.

"W-what? oh, sorry Si... I lost my focus, do you feel that?"

"What is it? I don't feel anything? Wait, there it is. Keep your eyes on high alert. I'll have Weavile scout the area."

"No, look in this crevice. That seems to be the source of this intense feeling. We better call out our excavation Pokemon. C'mon on out Gabite!"

"Fine, Lucario. "

The Rangers slowly made their way to the crevice, having the Pokemon watch for potential dangers. Gabite then made an entrance using the move Dig while Lucario created a light source with its aura. Upon entering the newly created cavern there was a sudden atmosphere change. Within the cavern it seemed as if there was no trace of a blizzard outside as the wind was obsolete. It seemed the environment transformed and strangely it was like somebody had been here before.

Quickly noticing this, as a result of years of experience, Seidon snapped into protocol. "Alright, assessment report. What have you picked up Azura?"

"This cavern isn't natural, I can see that much. It seems someone created this as a hideaway or shelter from the storm?,"

"Close but that doesn't cut it. Look at the sides of the cavern, notice as they were sculpted carefully to ensure the snow would cover the entrance and eventually collapse. Why would someone want that to happen?"

"Ok, so then they were hiding something or burying it? maybe they were outlaws from Team Phantom?"

"That seems unlikely, unless Team Phantom existed centuries ago. The PokeAnalyzer suggests that these carvings were made nearly 500 years ago. Most likely during the events of the 'Crescent Moon War'. Interesting though, do you see that? There seems to be giant stone tablets on the central wall, like a giant jig-saw puzzle. Careful though cadet, this place may be booby trapped. considering that our ancient architect wasn't too fond of visitors." chuckled Seidon.

Did he just laugh?* thought Azura. *I can't recall the last time I heard laughter from him, or happiness in general.* The young Ranger paused then replied "So I suppose we should have knocked? well at least this way, we won't have to chase anybody unlike the usual Phantom grunt."

"Now isn't that a relief." smirked Seidon. "Let's gather the tablets and run some tests. There's obviously some sort of meaning, I doubt our friend was looking to add some home decor." he added. Before making his way he noticed that the floor was not all even, so he motioned for Azura to follow his lead. They carefully made their way to the tablets inspecting the surrounding area along the way when Seidon jolted up and ordered Lucario to stop Azura before he could make his next step.

"Careful! you almost stepped through a false tile. Didn't I say keep your eyes high alert rook?" Seidon said as he slowly exhaled as they narrowly avoided the danger. Now evident that the activation of that tile would have sprung forward a wall of spikes the size of spears.

"Sorry, it's not like we explore 500-year-old caverns every day," mumbled Azura as he turned red from embarrassment. "Oh, and thanks Lucario. You really saved me there.,"

Lucario nodded its head in acknowledgement, portraying the same serious tone as his trainer.

"Just follow my exact steps, don't go wandering off. The last thing I need is a mission report stating how my cadet got impaled by an ancient trap due to inefficient outer awareness." spat Seidon before reaching the stone tablets. Instantly it became clear the tablets were instead a lock in the form of a puzzle which would most likely reveal the secret contents of the previous inhabitant. The senior Ranger paused for a moment before pacing slowly beside Azura, pondering the symbols engraved upon the tablets.

There were four sculpted slabs, each depicting ancient insignia's foreign to anything Seidon was familiar with. The engraving showcasing vibrant primal artwork that formed three majestic beasts. One of fire, the second of water and the last of earth. Although the fourth tablet depicted something else, something peculiar.

"*Hmm*" pondered Seidon. Studying the artifacts from a distance, still wary of any hidden defenses that may lie in wait. Itching to be in the breathing space of the century old relics, he carved his way ever so gently to the foundation that the relics rested on. "Azura, listen to me carefully. I will inspect the surrounding area and attempt to study the relics, I want you to have Swampert on standby prepared to deflect any potential dangers that may occur. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ROOKIE?!"

Seidon grew furious as he turned to see his companion carelessly oblivious to the current situation and inattentively making his way to the side of the cavern. Shocked from the sudden burst of anger, Azura snapped to attention and promptly motioned to ready himself to the situation.

"Right, I understand captain… I'm sorry. I'm just tired of this cavern, what's so special about this place, anyway? you'd think there's probably a billion places with this type of stuff."

"The fact that you can't grasp the situation tells me everything. It only exemplifies the room for growth that will be vital to your career and determine if you're cut out for this line of work."

"Cut out? I received the highest marks in training camp! Commander Steven himself marked my potential." growled Azura, defending his sensitive honor he held so dear.

"Be mindful and learn for once Azura. True, he marked the greatest aspects of all recruits BUT potential can be lost in a mere few seconds. do you even know the famous words he's known for?"

"No, no I do not. Please enlighten me, oh grand master.,"

"The eye of the storm, to witness true grace and chaos will only happen in a matter of a few seconds. A hurricane will only form when the wind runs, the water flies, and the sky breathes in the combined efforts of them both. The true potential of a force in motion." Seidon recited softly. Then making his way to Azura, "Do you understand this?"

"He said that? I don't understand?,"

"Patience, I'll explain. Yes, you may have the greatest potential of any Ranger I've seen but you will be outclassed by every other cadet, I promise you. If you don't shape up and hone your skills, that potential will fade and you will never be a force of nature the commander describes in his poem. They are not just words Azura, they are what we stand for," the Senior Ranger paused as if to gather his thoughts. " When you understand this, then and only then will you surpass us."

"Yeah… I'll keep that in mind Mr. Hurricane" Azura blurted out trying his best to sound unfazed, but it clearly dug home. knowing this Seidon knew he made his point and motioned to initiate the mission.

The Rangers navigated to the relics managing to place them into the carrying sack Seidon carried. Then it happened.

TOOMP… BOOM*

A loud thunderous roar echoed along the cavern sending the Rangers into high alert. The cavern became alive, the outermost wall behind the relics resting placed whirled as if waiting for this moment. A strange air crept through the newly presented corridor sending an unease amongst the two, helpless as they stayed fixated on the opening.

"Easy Seidon, easy." the senior Ranger muttered trying to coax himself back into focus. "After me rook, prepare for battle at the given. This is no longer an exhibition."

"Yes Sir!" Azura glowed with excitement, burning with passion as these were the moments that made being a Ranger so enticing. This is what he trained so hard for, whatever lies beyond that corridor, he was ready. Bursting with life he marched forward and motioned for Seidon to cover him.