StevenZ12 : Good afternoon dear readers. StevenZ12 here. I am happy to announce that we finally made it to the point where the story gets a 2020 rewrite. From this point on, aside probably from Snow's contest from the old run, everything will be brand new material. I am hoping that you'll enjoy the ride...and that i'll be able to run it further. Since I am at it, i'll take the time to make a proper disclaimer.

The fan made pokemon used in this fic are all owned by their creators from Pokemon Sage (VP and CAPX wiki.) I also took Ricardo from there as well, although he will not be a carbon copy from the one you encounter in the games. The music suggestions are owned by their creators. Pokemon is owned by GF and Nintendo as well as the Pokemon Company. I only ''own'' my Ocs. The OOCs belongs to their original Creators. This is all for fun and games. Anyhow, without further ado, let's get on with the chapter!

Previously on Nuevo : Andre, Snow and Sven thought they were making a small stop before heading to the next village, however, a simple run to the nearest water source transformed itself into a rescue mission as a small chimp pokemon was being picked on! Andre and Co managed to rescue the poor chimp and gain the respect of the monkey resident of the forest for an easy trek. Now, they are on the cliff above the next village. What kind of adventures awaits them? Read to find out!

Chapter 17: Chalchiutlicue.

It was a bit early during the evening when the trio reached the village down the hill. They were tired and hungry, but happy to be a little bit further in the exploration of a region that seemed to promise them a lot of thrilling adventures. Snow Nightshade had her first contest experience under her belt, while Andre Cautemoc Aegis had his first badge. Sven was travelling with them, being generally very useful for organisation, cooking and mood checking with his horrid puns and jokes. There was still a certain air of mystery around him, one that both teens didnt seem to be able to perforate yet. However, the thrill of the travel more than dulled this question. Indeed, they had better things to think about right now.

Their arrival in the village seemed smooth at first, with them admiring the strangety of the village. First of all, it seemed very natural. The light was provided by torches dispatched in an ingenious way to provide as little shadows as possible. The contrast between the dusking sky and those torches did create a beautiful visual harmony. Among the torches, a few pokemon were floating, sometimes feeding on those torches before breathing new life into them. A few butterfly like pokemon were floating around said torches. Oddly enough they seemed not to fear those flames, contrarily to what their obvious bug typing would suggest. As they walked down what seemed to be the main...path...they stopped before a large wooden building covered with leaves and flowers, giving the place a warm and soothing atmosphere. Andre and Snow were fascinated. It seemed that this settlement was run as much by nature as possible. There were no cars, no signs of electricity facilities, no postlight nor the incessent machinery buzz one could normally hear in a busy city. It was all cricket singing, Pokemon chirping and clicking and the sounds of the wind blowing through the leaves, creating a odd both entrancing melody that prevented the stark silence that would occur otherwise. However, what was most intriguing for the two unovians was the people. While they had seen people dressed like them or dressed like what they were used to see, most inhabitants were wearing clothing that seemed to come right from the mesounovian books they had barely seen at school. The males were wearing loincloths dyed in green and more often than not had no tops, which created a rather distracting setting for our white haired heroine. Life around nature and the forest required a certain physical aptitude and more often than not, it showed rather heavily. Sometimes, said males also had a small red leaf protruding form a bandana that held their long hair in place. Those who had pokemon simply had them all around them, play fighting, merely following or travelling atop their trainers. There was no Pokeball in sight on their person. The women were basically wearing the same thing, although the younger ladies tended to wear long one piece dresses made by the same material from the men's loincloths. Some ladies had a crown of flower adoring their long hair, which seemed to be the going fashion here. Some women, the one more confident about their bodies at least, often seem to opt for a two piece skirt and top. Said skirt was often decorated with reddish flowers. The more shapely drew glances from Andre and Sven who couldn't help but liking what they saw.

''That's odd though...I feel like coming in here i came like 200 years behind...'' Andre said to his companion. Sven shrugged... ''I see people like them all the time, it's kind of the way it goes in some part of this region.'' He informed the interested teen. Snow grew a little impatient at the two boys oogling the ladies as discreetly as they could and brought them back to earth...forcefully.

*WHACK*

Even the author winced...that had hurt...

Sven and Andre were on the floor, a comical bump forming illico on top of their head. ''Now that you are watching the right thing, get up and let's get inside shall we? This looks like a Pokemon Center...'' She sweetly said as she stepped in, leaving both boys on the ground , sweatdropping while looking at each other.

''I swear, who was her father? A Hariyama?'' Sven groaned, picking himself up.

Andre shared his sentiment...''It seems that I learn more about that woman everyday...'' he muttered as he got up and walked into the building.

The inside of the odd, leaf clad building was as peculiar as the outside. There, no machinery available at all. The there was a large counter with a lovely lady present which was tending to some pokemon assisted by a beautiful sea serpent like Pokemon. That Pokemon had a white serpentine body that turned blue from the waist down, agremented with light brown round spot on its side with a fluffy tail at the end. Its feminine looking face sported purple appendages around the eyes and purple antennae like parts danglings from either side of her face. It was completed by a veil like membrane on her back, sporting lovely yellow and light brown coloration. Said Pokemon sang a lovely tune that seemingly calmed the traitee down as a pink mist washed over it, healing its wounds. It had been a sight to behold for sure.

Andre pulled out his Pokedex, intrigued by this display. ''Oarwish, the wishing Pokemon. Oarwish is known to emerge only to help people in need. This has gained it a reputation amongst sailors that it is a sign of luck and can grant wishes. This Pokemon is apparently blessed by the serpent of the night sky and has been partnered with healers since ancient times in this region...''

The Pokemon thanked the sea serpent like Pokemon and the trainer that had his Pokemon healed did the same to the lady at the counter before leaving. Both teen smiled, this region was indeed full of wonders.

Ever curious, the pair approached the lady at the counter. The woman slightly frowned at the sight of Snow's and Andre's Pokeballs, but otherwise didn't comment on it as they started to talk with her. ''Good Afternoon, hmm?'' Andre started before stopping. The lady at the counter didn't look like a Nurse Joy, so he didn't really feel comfortable calling her that. The young healer laughed at his defeated look. ''What may I do for you, young man?'' She asked kindly. This question seemed to snap Andre out of his pensive state; ''Well, first, i'd like to know how should we call you? You don't look like any Joy I know...'' He sheepishly admitted, rubbing his hair embarrasingly. The remark made the young healer laugh slightly. ''You may call us tepahtiani, or healers in the native Language of the region.'' She explained as Andre looked relieved, the blank in his mind filled. Snow then approached the tepahtiani with her eyes full of questions...

''This is all fascinating...I don't see any healing machines...or well machines of any kind here...Is there a reason why?'' She asked as her fox starter pokemon jumped in the counter, seemingly eager to look around as well.

''Well, young cihuatl, the reason is that this city is a traditional village. We perpetuate the tradition of our ancestors by using as little foreign technology as possible, to ensure that our culture does not fade away with time. Our healing techniques has been passed down since the foundation of this region. Not everyone can heal, one needs a special blessing by the Patron Deity, Xochi.'' She explained kindly as a faint green light appeared in her hands.

Snow and Andre were fascinated by this discovery. Sven chuckled at their faces. They were definitely not like the others, these two. He felt like this was a good occasion to intervene, so he did. ''Quite true, Tepahtiani. '' He commented as he leaned on the counter, turning to the two teenagers. ''The Nuevo region is a strange blend between traditional native tribes and modern society. You can see some villages like this one scattered across the land. Once you learn their customs, they are people of great wisdom and kindness...'' He explained.

The young healer nodded before turning to Andre. ''I am surprised that you do not know much about us, you look like you have ancestry here.'' The native young woman said, making Andre jump in shock... Then again...it made quite a bit of sense. Andre looked himself over and couldn't help but agree. Snow seemed to have come to the same conclusion...'' Well it does make sense...those foreign words you keep saying, they do look similar to the way they talk here...'' She commented. Sven nodded as well. ''Yeah man, you coming here dosen't look that much like a coincidence... Your parents never spoke of Nuevo to you?'' He asked the teen who had a pensive look on his face. ''I have vague recollection of my mother showing me a few things when i was younger...but she more or less stopped after that incident...'' Andre said as he gained a very somber expression. His fist started shaking as he momentarily struggled to keep his emotions in check. Snow and Sven grew worried upon seeing that. ''Are you okay Andre...?'' Snow asked the raven haired teen, taking his hand in worry. Sven also looked quite apologetic ''I'm sorry if i awakened something bad dude..'' He said, feeling a bit bad. Andre shook his head... ''Don't worry Snow, Sven. I'll be fine...'' He muttered, half serious.

''You definitely don't look like it Andre...'' Thought Snow, deciding however not to pry right now. Even the haughty Vulpix nuzzled Andre in an attempt to cheer him up. The surprising gesture took a smile out of the teenager, much to the relief of the whole party. Andre softly ran his fingers in the fire fox's fur in gratitude. ''Thanks Vixen...''

The fire fox merely looked away with her snout in the air, but her wagging tail showed that she definitely enjoyed his gratitude. The healer smiled at the small scene. She then eyed the Pokeballs at their belt and remembered that theses adorable children were probably travelers whose Pokemon might need some TLC. ''Are you three by any chances trainers?'' She asked by protocol.

''Yes we are. I am currently competing in the Nuevo League and Snow here is competing in the Contest circuit...Sven is travelling with us.'' Andre explained, his brooding mood for now forgotten.

Sven nooded at this affirmation. ''What he said. I am currently just chaperoning these two as it's their first time in the region and all.'' He explained as he put his arm around both teenagers flashing a 500 Megawatt smile to the lady. Both teen looked slightly annoyed but Sven was their friend, so they didn't say anything.

The tepahtiani nodded. ''Then release your Pokemon from their Pokeballs and we shall replenish their energy.'' She offered. All party member nodded as they released their Pokemon. The whole gang was there with Snow releasing her Foliat and Alpint, Vulpix being already out. Andre released his trusty Aguade and Peppit. Sven released his Ketruffle and Dessoula, Gilla being always out of his Pokeball anyway. They all went toward the altar like table that was a little further back. All of them barely fit in there, but if they didn't wiggle around too much, they could all stay on it without much trouble. The healer and her oarwish joined hands and fins as they both glowed a faint green light. The healer closed her eyes and whispered a sentence in her native language. The Oarwish nodded and glowed pink, starting to sing just like it had earlier. The sound seemed to almost slow time itself as everyone in the center couldn't help but close their eyes and basking in Oarwish's otherwordly requiem. Once the voice receded, the pink mist washed over all of the gang's Pokemon, healing their wound and fatigue. At the end of the mystical act, the healer layed on the side of the said table, panting. A worried Oarwish wrapped herself around her partner, trying to keep her from taking a knee. Upon catching her breath and looking up at the worried faces of the Pokemon and the humans observing her, she smiled. ''It does take a bit of our life force to accompany Oarwish in her healing song. But we do train everyday in order to increase the amount of time we can perform this duty. I wouldn't be one of the Tepahtianis if I couldn't do it properly after all. Still, this group was large, so it took a bit more out of me then it usually would. Do not worry.'' She gently said as the other Pokemon thanked the duo before going back to their trainers. Vulpix jumped on Snow's shoulders, Aguade jumped in Andre's Arms and Gilla returned to his perch on Sven's shoulders. ''Ah you should also know this too...'' The healer said, making all eyes turn to her. ''The native here do not really like the Pokeball system, so i'd advise you guys to not put them back into their ball while you are here. That said, you guys should be careful...we had trouble these past few days...'' She informed the trio. That definitely got their attention...

''What kind of trouble?'' Andre asked. Sven also looked very interested by that.

The healer had a small smile on her face...''From what my sisters in the profession told me...someone has been profaning out temples to steal our precious artifacts lately. Just yesterday, a codex has been stolen from our local temple...'' She sadly sighed. Definitely, this codex had to have been important...

''That's horrible...who would do such a thing.?'' Andre muttered, not happy about that one bit.

''Stealing is bad of course, but something as important as that..?'' Snow continued, looking a bit sad herself now. She couldn,t help but wonder however...'' What's a codex?'' She asked out loud.

Sven took a breath and answered. ''A codex is a text of knowledge, very important for the native people of this region. Many lores and legends exists about them. Some say that they are keys to the city of gold, some others believe that they contain the truth of this world, some other believe that they hold some sacred, ancient techniques. The legends about them are multiples...but one thing cannot be denied. Their the real deal, they are valuable and while their importance varies, they are all very important to the temple that hold them. Whoever somehow broke into the temple and stole those codex is skilled...and dangerous...'' He commented, his tone turning dark.

Both teen gulped at this shift of tone...then gained a resolute expression. Sven looked at them and nodded. He knew what they had in mind...

''Let's go to the local temple then...I think that I speak for all of us when I say that we want to get to the bottom of this.'' Sven said as he turned toward the exit.

''The temple is at the southest part of the village. You cannot miss it. Around this time of the day, the priestesses are performing their teoxochitl netotilitztli. Just be sure not to disturb them while they are dancing. Once they are done, i am sure that they will talk to you.'' She said as the teenagers thanked her and turned to leave, their team in tow.

The trio walked in the village, absentmindedly drinking the sights, but their mind were abuzz...they couldn't wait to see that temple and see how they could be of use. They did not know if they could make a difference, but they would try nonetheless. They felt compelled to care, for some odd reason.

*** In the woods not far from Chalchiutlicue ***

The hooded figure looked to the sky above, panting. Next to him was a phantasm looking mare that seemed to just now catch its breath. His back against a centennal tree, he allowed himself some respite form his constant vigilance. In his right hand was still held the precious codex that he had snatched the night prior. It had been so quick. He slipped under the cover of the night, silently making its way to the target, snatched it while avoiding the Pokemon garding it and he bolted out of there. In the end, he had been found out, since the stupid paper gave of a mystical glow that he wasn't able to extinguish...however now that he was further away from the blasted temple, the paper had finally stopped its glow.

''What a blasted document this is... I can't wait for it to be off my hands...'' He muttered , feeling rather annoyed.

*ring ring*

His communication device beeped, indicating an incomping call.

''Fucking finally...I was wondering how long it would take this time.'' The figure muttered before picking up. ''Yes, Agent T responding.''

''I heard that you were successful in your assigment.'' The distorded voice at the other hand offhandedly congratuled the thief.

The hooded figure chuckled. ''When I said that I was the best, did I stutter?'' He asked rhetorically. He knew the answer, and he knew that whoever was on the line also knew full well who he was.

The other person seemed to appreciate his sense of humor. ''Good with a sense of humor, i wonder truly how hold you are sometimes...Anyway, the pay will be sent like usual. Keep up your front. We will need your services soon. Take good care. Remember that those aligned with the Gold...'' The voice started

This part made the thief roll his eyes. He wasn't really all about those traditions and stuff...but he was but a tool, a cocky tool yes, but a tool nonetheless... If those cryptic jibberish amused his boss, he would follow without delving too far into it. ''...Need to prosper from the shadows'' He monotonously repeated before ending the communication. He got his badge case and saw his own Jade badge sitting pretty in it.

''At the very least, I still have this going for me...'' He muttered softly as he got up and gave a few oran berries to his colt pokemon, making him snort contently. ''Let's go Colt, to the next stage...'' He muttered as they walked toward the end of the woods to the next city.

To be continued...

StevenZ12: This one was a bit on the short side, I am well aware, but i feel like it was good enough for an introductory chapter. Things are slightly speeding up in Nuevo, Legend of Quetzar. I hope that the few readers that will read until this chapter will be interested to see what's happening in the story. School is also picking up so i'll try to do my best for future releases. Stay tuned for it folks. Take care y'all. Stay safe in these trying times...