PMD: The Dawn of Life
Chapter 22: Glimpse of Revelation
"What?! Is this true?" Eden asked as he handed the newspaper back to Raticate. The brown rat simply responded with a grave nod.
"Pelipper isn't known to produce fake news. Petrification REALLY had taken hold of the world…" Raticate intoned. I glanced at Espurr and she looked as shocked and speechless as I was.
"Where does it say it's happening?" Eden asked.
"The cases are scattered all over the planet, with no discernable source. Perhaps it's as far as Lively Town," Roselia answered, noticing our presence, "Nothing has popped up around here yet luckily"
"Yeah, we're pretty isolated. All the more reason for me to want to get out there and experience the real world. Join the Society and such," Eden muttered and all the nearby villager heads turned to him, "What?"
"Err, you know you're still a kid, right?" Lombre brought up and I sighed in exasperation. We've been at this Junior Member business for a month now, traveling to the nearby dungeons around the village and facing down threats like the Cave of Training and Aegislash. Yet still, the villagers treat us like children. Infuriating, "There are more dangerous things out in the world than just Pokemon, you know! Swindlers, kidnappers, poachers and all the like!"
"Plus, the Society doesn't accept kids like you!"
"You could get turned to stone if you go out there. Don't do it!" Roselia advised and Eden sighed, grumbling to himself. I'm sure he heard the same crap dozens of times already, judging by his glazed look.
"Fine, fine. Guess I have to wait until I'm older. Another year or two in this mundane, quiet and boring village…" Eden mumbled, discontent.
"Yes, you do that. Now run along now. It's close to nightfall," Lombre replied before turning to his fellow villagers, "Who's on watch for Revelation Mountain tomorrow?"
"Vi am. I'll head out in the morning…" Hippopotas mused as me, Eden and Espurr moved away from the town square, heading towards the intersection where the paths to our houses diverged.
"Revelation Mountain… that's the place Nuzleaf told me about a while ago," I remembered my haunting conversation with the wooden doll, "But what's this about the villagers guarding it? I thought it was a site for that religious sect…?"
"Well, that was a fun little adventure before that bomb dropped off," Espurr muttered, breaking me out of my thoughts, "Thanks for taking me along for the day, Azri. It was fun"
"I'm not sure how you can define fun as "almost being eaten by spiders"," I sighed, bringing myself back to reality, "But you're welcome regardless. You were a great asset"
"Sometimes we need to get out there and let loose a little, even if it lands us in bad situations. It's what keeps our blood pumping," Espurr replied with a thin smile, "Anyways, good night, you two. Feel free to call on me if you need help again"
"We'll keep that in mind. See you around!" Eden waved the psychic cat goodbye as she went home. The Fennekin then turned to me before noticing my expression, "Something wrong? You look troubled"
"Nuzleaf mentioned Revelation Mountain in a conversation a while back," I recalled, going back to the ominous interaction between him and the mysterious woman, "He mentioned it as a sacred spot where a religious sect resides. An oracle rests at the top of the mountain"
"What kind of conversation gave you that info?" Eden asked in awe and I stared at the Fennekin, suddenly remembering I never told him about this. The paranormal business with the Litwick kept us busy.
"Sorry. I wanted to talk intimately with you for a while, but we never seem to find time alone…"
"Well, we have that time now. So what did Nuzleaf tell you?" Eden asked, intrigued as the two of us sat down beside the bridge. The Fennekin leaned towards me, subconsciously pushing against my side and providing warmth, despite the cool summer winds.
"I didn't want to tell you this at first because it felt too disturbing," I began carefully, trying to pick my words to be as cohesive as possible, "But I overheard the villagers talking about it, so I decided to speak up now"
"Oookay. This is suddenly sounding a lot more serious"
"It is. After the fight with Salamence, I arrived home to hear Nuzleaf speaking with a woman. She said something about discovering water atop the mountain that'll cure the petrification," I explained and Eden's face darkened with suspicion. I decided to hold back on my theory about the woman being Eden's mom, "I confronted him about it after"
"What did he say?"
"He said that he and the woman were a part of a secret investigation team dealing with the petrification," I replied. I held back on the other details like the inevitable cycle that'll make the world fall or Nuzleaf's evasiveness, "And that they're infiltrating Revelation Mountain to retrieve that water"
"Ookay and that's a problem? We can just have Nuzleaf's team solve the petrification issue. No need to worry!" Eden said simply and I sighed, marvelling that the kid could be so smart, but so short-sighted sometimes.
"It's more than that. Nuzleaf has clearly been at this for a long time, but the cases of petrification are increasing rather than decreasing. Isn't that odd for a team centered around keeping it at bay?" I asked, "We wouldn't be hearing about this if the woman found the water like she said"
"What if the culprit is turning more Pokemon to stone as a result of that discovery?"
"That's possible. It's just that… I had a bad feeling in my gut while talking to Nuzleaf on that day. Something about his conversation with the woman screamed danger to me. Like Nuzleaf was lying to me for some reason," I muttered. The Litwick incident kept my mind off of these issues, but now I needed to sort them out, "I want to believe in Nuzleaf, but he's just…"
"Not giving you a good case to believe him," Eden guessed and I stared at him in awe, "Hey, I picked up a few tricks from Espurr. I can read a bit of your mind now"
"Now I've got two Pokemon probing into my head," I grumbled, discontent and Eden laughed slightly, "But that's besides the point. I just…"
Eden waited for my answer, but I had nothing. I had all this info, but nothing to do with it. Petrification was spreading across the world and Nuzleaf was investigating it, but he might be lying to me. Either about the spring being able to cure petrification, him being a part of that investigation team or the unthinkable.
"Or Nuzleaf is actually behind the petrification…" I thought, letting my instincts decide an answer. "That could explain why he was so dodgy in my confrontation, as well as what my gut tells me. But I have no proof…"
"Azri?"
"H-huh? Wha-"
"You zoned out there. You okay?" Eden asked, concerned, "Look, I know you're mulling over these things, but there's no need to worry over things you can't control. This strain of cases just came up now, so maybe hold off on accusations until later"
"You're right. I can't form a cohesive theory against Nuzleaf with what I have now," I muttered, brushing the side of my dungeon bag, "I need a more firm ground to stand on. All this information always jumbles my head"
"I can tell. I uhm-"
"Eden!" I heard Carracosta's gruff voice interrupt as he walked down the hill leading to the bridge we were sitting at. Eden stood up quickly, adjusting his dungeon bag to his side, "What are you doing out here? It's almost night time and you haven't come home for dinner yet!"
"Sorry, Pops. I was about to go home, but Azri wanted to tell me something," The Fennekin replied casually and Carracosta's expression slightly softened, "I'll be home. What did you cook?"
"Blueberry pie and… something extra"
"And that is…?"
"You'll know if you help me wash the dishes. I'm afraid to say my pie took a bit of… trial and error," Carracosta replied, clearly embarrassed about it, "Help me and you'll get the extra treat. Do we have a deal?"
"Now you're talking my language. Of course I'll help!" Eden grinned, "Say, can Azri come for dinner today?"
"Is Nuzleaf alright with it?" Carracosta asked, eyeing me as I rose from the ground, dusting myself off. I suspected Eden's invitation was more of an excuse so we'd have more time to talk.
"He isn't home right now, so I decide what I do technically," I replied firmly before thinking to myself, "Not like Nuzleaf ever kept a tight leash on me to begin with"
"Well, alright. Nuzleaf was always too much of a lax person, so I can imagine him approving regardless," Carracosta nodded, "Come with me, you two"
"By the way Dad… what do you know about Revelation Mountain?" Eden asked as he walked alongside his father, "It's not like I'm thinking of exploring it or anything, but all I know is that it's the origin of the village"
"What provoked that kind of question?"
"Just curiosity"
"Hm. Well, Revelation Mountain is as you say, the origin of Serene Village itself and it has been our sacred duty as villagers to guard the peak," Carracosta explained while stroking his chin. He opened the door to his house, allowing us inside, "It's taboo to even climb the mountain"
"Why is that? I mean, it's just a mountain, right? What could be so special that we can't climb it?" Eden asked as he sat down at the kitchen table, helping himself to a slice of pie. I joined him and served myself, listening to the conversation.
"I don't know," Carracosta shrugged, "It was simply tradition passed on from generation to generation to never climb Revelation Mountain. None of us questioned it really"
"Seriously? Nobody did?"
"None except your mother. She was always one to challenge the rules," Carracosta replied and the Fennekin's eyes widened at the mention of his mother, "But she never did take the plunge and climbed it"
"Not until now, when the answer to the petrification lies on the top…" I thought to myself as I ate the pie. It was rich, sweet and delicious, with the blueberry taste contrasting beautifully with the earthy exterior. Yet I couldn't concentrate on it with my jumbled and troubled head.
"So if it's taboo to climb the mountain, then how does anybody know about the oracle at the top?" Eden asked and a look of genuine confusion crossed over Carracosta's face.
"Oracle? What are you talking about?" Carracosta asked and Eden gestured to me with his paw.
"Azri said Nuzleaf told her about Revelation Mountain once. That a religious group worships Groudon there and that an oracle resides at the top," Eden explained, "You don't know about it?"
"No… I've never heard of it and I've lived here for a very long time," The sea turtle frowned, glancing at me, "Nuzleaf must've been telling you stories, Azri"
"Perhaps…" I murmured as I ate more of the pie. Eden used to complain about his overprotective dad, but thinking about it now, I'd appreciate Carracosta more as a father figure than Nuzleaf. At least he was around for his kid and was honest, unlike Nuzleaf.
"Don't tell me you two are thinking about climbing it…" Carracosta dared, but Eden shook his head adamantly.
"Hey, I might be a runt, but I won't defy culture without a good reason. Plus, if the village Pokemon are guarding it, I'll get in big trouble," Eden reasoned, but Carracosta didn't look convinced.
"Like that stopped you before," The sea turtle grumbled and Eden let out a short laugh, "But fine. I'll take your word"
"Great. Now about that extra treat…"
…
An hour later, me and Eden finished dinner and retreated to his room to rest. The room looked much cleaner than when I first stayed over, likely as a result of Carracosta's punishment earlier in the day.
"You've been wearing that somber expression ever since we came home, Azri," Eden noticed as he sat down beside me on his bed, snuggling against the dry hay. I was leaning against the window, lost in thought, "Are you sure you're alright? It's like you lost your usual sharp attitude"
"Y-yeah, I'm… fine," I lied with a sigh. I was still trying to figure out the correlation between Nuzleaf's description of the Revelation Mountain with Carracosta's. Why did Nuzleaf bother to tell me about the sect and the oracle if the villagers don't know about it? I wanted to confront Nuzleaf so badly, but he infuriatingly wasn't around, "Just… thinking"
"Azri, look at me," Eden commanded and I turned to see the Fennekin glistening in the moonlight pouring out of his window. His eyes were shining orange like the blazing sunset as they gazed upon me with grounded seriousness, "I don't want to say it again, but you have to stop looking so far into the future. There isn't a sense in worrying about things you can't control"
"That doesn't stop me from worrying over things that already happened. Did Nuzleaf lie to me about Revelation Mountain? Why is he acting so secretive? Why is he constantly disappearing on me for no-"
My words were cut short when Eden placed his paw on my mouth, shutting me up.
"You won't find answers to those questions now. Mulling over them is only going to confuse you more," The Fennekin said sagely and it felt strangely familiar to what Nuzleaf told me after my confrontation with him, "Maybe when he comes home, you can figure it out. For now, just… go with the flow, I guess"
"That's uncharacteristic of you, somebody who wants to join the Society against everybody's wishes," I replied and Eden laughed, releasing his paw from my mouth and slumping back down, "But you're right. Nuzleaf told me the same thing once"
"Right. Do that and clear your head. It'll do you some good," Eden yawned, settling down into his bed, "Anyways I'm bushed from dinner and cleaning up. Goodnight Azri"
"Goodnight Eden," I replied softly as the Fennekin closed his eyes, falling asleep almost instantly. I wish I could just let go so quickly, but the tension in my body still remained.
"Better bury that stress or else I'll never be able to sleep," I thought to myself as I laid down, trying to make myself relax, "For crying out loud Nuzleaf, why must you make this so confusing…?"
…
The next day, me and Eden were by the western gate of the village, looking at the Expedition Gadget for missions to do. I received the Energy Ball TM as promised from the Pansears, so I was practicing with the move on nearby trees. While TMs "downloaded" knowledge of the move into your head according to Eden, I wanted to make sure I got it right.
"Ha… AAH!" I cried as the nature-green orb of energy flew from my leaf hands, crashing into some trees ahead and exploding in a starburst of green light. When the light died down, I noticed that more plant life magically bloomed around the area Energy Ball struck, "Huh…"
I wasn't sure how good Energy Ball would be for combat, but I suppose I'll find out by our next expedition. I glanced back at Eden, who was sitting against the gate and still engrossed by the gadget.
"Find any requests yet?" I asked, sitting down beside the studious fox. Eden only responded with a frown on his face.
"Surprisingly, nothing. There's nobody who seems to be in need of aid right now," The Fennekin replied, standing up and putting the gadget back inside his bag, "Guess we have a free day today. What do you-"
"Azri! Eden!" A familiar voice called and I turned to see Nuzleaf himself walking towards us, looking out of breath, "There you two are!"
"Nuzleaf! What are you- Where were you?" I asked as the doll came closer towards us. I was instantly more on guard against him, due to the recent news, "You disappeared on me without leaving so much of a note!"
"Forgive me, Azri. I had to leave on short notice, so I didn't have time to warn ahead. I figured you were capable of taking care of yerself," Nuzleaf replied easily, "Had to fulfill an errand for someone. I'm afraid I have plenty of debts unpaid"
"Really? Are you sure you weren't dealing with the petrification?" I glared at Nuzleaf and he winced, "Wake up, Nuzleaf. We heard the news of the increasing cases yesterday evening"
"Did you now…?"
"Yes. So if you're really a part of this response team, then why aren't you out there dealing with the cases?" I got up to Nuzleaf's face, surprisingly matching his height, "An errand? I'm sure you have more serious, actual business to attend to"
"Azri, you have no idea what's happening," Nuzleaf countered with a sour tone, "I'm not disclosing any details, but this crisis isn't open and shut. We're figuring out a way to cure the petrification while wrangling the culprit!"
"Your behavior says otherwise. Disclose the details of your errand then, if you're truly working," I dared and Nuzleaf stepped back, clearing taken off guard. I instantly knew whatever he said next was a lie.
"I was repaying a debt for somebody in exchange for information about the culprit, simple as that," Nuzleaf replied carefully, "Now are you done probing into my business?"
"Not so. What are you doing here, if your current concern should be elsewhere?" I asked and Nuzleaf glanced ahead of me, towards the sky. I followed his gaze and over the sea of trees outside of the village stood a tall, imposing mountain.
"I came back because our trail against the culprit ran cold. We decided to halt investigations for the time being," Nuzleaf answered calmly, "So my main concern is now you, Azri"
"Me?"
"We're climbing Revelation Mountain"
"Wait, wait, wait! Time out here!" Eden cried, "We're going to CLIMB Revelation Mountain? But my dad said it was taboo to do so!"
"You're right. Because of tradition surrounding the village's origin and the mountain, we're forbidden to go there. It's guarded day and night by the villagers," Nuzleaf nodded, "However, an oracle lives at the top that answers all who brave the journey. I want to use that chance to figure out Azri's past"
"And pray tell, how do you know about the oracle? We asked Carracosta about it yesterday and he had no idea, despite living here longer than you," I told Nuzleaf suspiciously. The wooden doll simply shook his head in disbelief.
"Serene Village is far too isolated to know anything about the real world. I procured this information years ago," Nuzleaf replied, "Meanwhile the villagers still guard the peak, the original purpose long lost to time"
"Exactly my point about wanting to leave this place," Eden mumbled, "I'm wasting my time and life out here…"
"And the religious sect? What about them?" I pressed and Nuzleaf shrugged, gesturing to the grand mountain up ahead.
"What you see isn't always the truth. The mountain is actually divided between two halves: the east and the west," Nuzleaf explained, "The east is the origin point of Serene Village and-"
"-Is all the villagers know about the mountain," Eden finished in realization, "That means the west belongs to the Groudon sect, right?"
"Exactly. Like vegetation bound to a river, the villagers never explored outward enough to encounter the sect. All they know of the mountain is their side," Nuzleaf summed up, "Gives you a real life lesson on perspective, doesn't it?"
"Okay, enough chit chat. So we're going to scale Revelation Mountain to attempt to talk to the oracle about my past? Despite all the taboos against it and the Pokemon guarding it?" I asked and Nuzleaf gave an affirmative nod, "Oh splendid. I thought you were kidding about this idea"
"Don't you want to know more about your past?"
"Absolutely, but if we have to fight the villagers to gain entry to the peak, I'd rather take my chances with fate," I countered and Nuzleaf frowned, glancing at Eden beside him.
"Honestly, I thought his reckless head would've rubbed off on you by now. But that's besides the point," Nuzleaf remarked, which made Eden wince, "Who said anything about fighting them?"
"Hm?"
"Items, guile and a little trickery, Azri. Honestly I'm surprised you haven't picked it up yet, considering your experiences thus far," Nuzleaf laughed lightly while I silently fumed. I would be more clear of mind if the dumb doll wasn't acting so shady lately, "Getting the villagers to let us in will be easy. Trust me"
"Uh huh. Trust," I repeated. At this point, my trust in Nuzleaf was waning, but I wanted to know more about my past. Maybe it could provide clues to my role in this world. Consulting the oracle could be that first step, "Well, as long as nobody's getting hurt, I suppose it's fine"
"Excellent. We can leave right now if you two are ready," Nuzleaf put his hands on his hips, "I'll guide you two over"
"We're ready to go. We were actually prepared to explore some nearby dungeons today, but you interrupted us," Eden explained, "So we're set. Right, Azri?"
"Yeah… good to go," I glanced at Nuzleaf again. I was still wondering what secrets the man held, but if he was the key to unlocking my past and purpose, I could afford to hold onto the questions for now, "Let's get moving"
"Good. Follow me, you two"
Nuzleaf went ahead, but I stayed behind, feeling an almost too-familiar presence around. I felt eyes on me and they weren't one of the villagers.
"Dangerous. Something is watching you and they're dangerous…" My instinct told me, but I had no idea where it was coming from.
"Azri! You coming?" Eden's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I saw that him and Nuzleaf were already further ahead on the dirt path, "Come on!"
"Coming!" I called back, casting aside my suspicion. It must've been a leftover from my argument with Nuzleaf. Following the two Pokemon, we made our way to the base of the sacred Revelation Mountain a little ways north from Serene Village.
…
Not too long later, we arrived at the footfalls of Revelation Mountain, led up by a worn stone staircase. Up ahead was a tall wooden gate with a sturdy wooden fence. Various supply crates and a tent were stationed nearby, likely for the guard on duty for the day.
"Hide!" Nuzleaf hissed once we made it to the top of the steps. Quickly, we darted behind a nearby crate as the guard, Hippopotas, looked around the area suspiciously.
"Hm? Vat was that?" Hippopotas muttered in confusion, "Thought I heard something. Must've veen the wind"
"So what's your oh-so brilliant plan to get past them?" I asked Nuzleaf quietly as we observed the hippo from behind the supply crate.
"Just watch. It won't take long," Nuzleaf promised and quietly revealed himself into the open, striding casually towards Hippopotas.
"Oh! Mr Nuzleaf!" We heard Hippopotas call from up ahead, "Vat are you doing here?"
"Sorry, friend. I'm afraid there's been an old little slip up with the guard duty today," Nuzleaf replied while scratching his head, "I'm supposed to be guarding today. You can head on home"
"Really?! Vell, thanks for telling me!" Hippopotas exclaimed, "To be perfectly honest, I do not much like pulling guard duty. Nothing to guard again. Vat a bore, isn't it?"
"Indeed. Very few intruders come by, so I reckon this whole guard business is a waste of time. But don't tell that to the sheriffs!" Nuzleaf joked and Hippopotas laughed in turn, "Anyhow, you should be going. I'll take over"
"Thank you! Vee you around!" Hippopotas replied and began heading down the craggy hill towards the stone staircase. Me and Eden had to skirt around the sides of the supply crate quietly to avoid detection. Once we were sure the hippo was gone, we revealed ourselves to Nuzleaf.
"I doubt we'll encounter any resistance further on. The villagers ironically don't take this job very seriously," Nuzleaf shrugged before gesturing behind him towards the cave entrance, which brimmed with the familiar light of a mystery dungeon, "Shall we then?"
Without a word, the three of us entered the Revelation Mountain dungeon, intent to unveil my past once and for all.
Our team:
- Azri, Snivy: Revealing Instinct
Level 20
Abilities: Overgrow and Contrary
Moves: Leaf Blade, Leaf Tornado, Twister and Attract
- Eden, Fennekin: Flowing Wizard
Level 19
Abilities: Blaze and Magician
Moves: Flame Burst, Psybeam, Flame Charge and Psywave
- Nuzleaf
Level 30
Abilities: Chlorophyll and Early Bird
Moves: Razor Leaf, Pound, Frustration and Low Sweep