Episode 203: A Ruin With A View
A couple of hours have passed since leaving Littleroot Town and since then, the couple got to know their new friends more. May was amazed by how Sora and Kairi first met and how romantic their first meeting sounded.
"Hard to believe that happened," Brendan said.
"I wouldn't be here now if Sora hasn't come to those hunters' camp," Kairi said.
"And after that, we have been traveling together ever since. We even had friends that came from the Alola region and they were with us," Sora said.
"Alola must be a wonderful place to visit," May said, beaming at the thought of having fun in the sun.
"You really have to visit there to know it first hand, May. Kairi and I loved it when we first got there," Sora said. She giggles.
"It was such a nice vacaction, since it was with you," Kairi said. She kisses him on the cheek, making Sora blush.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
May then starts to swoon again since witnessing their kiss was still fresh in her mind.
"Just looking at those two is just like a fairytale," May said in her thoughts. Just then, a rustling is heard from the bushes and a wild Torchic comes out. This Torchic is a bit more gruff than May's Torchic. "Look at that."
"That must be a wild Torchic," Sora guessed.
"You might be right, Sora. But it doesn't look like it has a trainer," Brendan said. Sora took out a Pokéball to battle this Torchic. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned the Torchic in front of him.
Torchic, the Chick Pokémon
Type: Fire
Torchic has a place inside its body where it keeps its flame. Give it a hug—it will be glowing with warmth. This Pokémon breathes fire of over 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, including fireballs that leave the foe scorched black.
"Looks like I'll be having this one," Sora said, before he threw his Pokéball. "Go right in, Mudbray!" Mudbray is sent out and skids the dirt with his hooves. May tilted her head.
"Why did Sora send out Mudbray instead of Pikachu?" May asked.
"Sora knows Torchic is weak against Ground Types like Mudbray. It's just like when Sora used Pikachu against Taillow. The one thing every trainer should consider is Type strengths and weaknesses," Kairi explained. The Torchic scratches the soil with its talons. Torchic starts by running towards Mudbray. It uses its talons to scratch Mudbray.
"That was Scratch!" Brendan said.
"Mudbray! Mud Slap!" Sora ordered. Mudbray shoots into Torchic's direction and it lands a hit. "Now use another Mud Slap!" Mudbray spits out some mud right at Torchic, but it avoids the mud so fast. Torchic uses Peck on the donkey Pokémon. Torchic then fires Ember. "Dodge and use Mega Kick!" Mudbray gives Torchic a strong kick. Torchic wasn't going to call it quits and fired another Ember. "Block it with Mud Slap!" Mudbray fires Mudslap to block Mber, making a small explosion. Sora decided to use the cover of smoke to his advantage. "Mudbray! Listen for Torchic's movements!" Mudbray does that and listens for Torchic moving around. When Mudbray found Torchic, just by listening for meovements, he waited for Sora's next move. "Now use another Mud Slap!" Mudbray fires the mud at Torchic and lands a direct and critical hit onto Torchic. The wild Torchic was down and Sora took out a Pokéball and tosses it right at the weakened Torchic, making it flow inside. The Pokéball wobbles around for a few moments, knowing it was not gonna be another easy catch. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. "Now I have my own Torchic."
"Pi, Pikachu!" Pikachu added.
"Great catch, Sora!" Kairi praised her boyfriend again.
"Wow. That was amazing," Brendan said.
"You're telling me. That Torchic is very different from my Torchic," May pointed out. "I mean, my Torchic is a sweetheart, but the one Sora had just caught is a bit on the mean side."
"There are Pokémon that has different personalities," Sora said, picking up the Pokéball, containing his new Torchic. "And since we're heading over to the Pokémon Center anyway, we should have their energy restored."
"Right. We do need to register for the Hoenn Pokémon League. And my Treecko could use some healing," Brendan said.
Just as the foursome continued on their way, May looks at Pikachu quite confused.
"Say Sora. I have been wondering about something," May said.
"What?" Sora asked.
"How come Pikachu is always out with you? Aren't Pokémon supposed to be in their Pokéballs?" May asked.
"You're right, May. Pokémon are normally kept inside their Pokéballs, but Pikachu is a special case," Sora said.
"What do you mean by a special case?" May asked.
"Pikachu doesn't like to be cooped up inside, so he likes to be out with me and Sora. It was the same with Togepi before evolving into a Togetic," Kairi said.
"Also Kairi, just how do you know what gender is the Pokémon?" May asked.
"I just can tell. I always can tell if a Pokémon is a boy or a girl. For example, your Torchic is a boy," Kairi said. May blinked twice at the explantion.
"Wow, you must have some kind of gift when it comes to Pokémon," May said.
"Well, it helps if you've been out on the road for so long like the lovebirds here," Brendan said. May blushes again.
"I guess that's true enough," May said while blushing.
As they kept going to reach Oldale Town, but they came aross what look like ruins of an ancient civilization.
"What is this?" Kairi asked.
"I don't know, but they do look pretty old," Brendan said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
An archeologist approaches them.
"Actually, these are buildings of the ruins of Oldale. I'm Professor Aldin and I'm here investigating them," the arheologist said.
"My name is Sora."
"I'm Kairi."
"I'm Brendan."
"And I'm May."
"Nice to meet you all. Now tell me, where are you four heading in such a rush?" Professor Aldin asked.
"We're just heading to the Pokémon Center. Do you know where it is?" Sora asked.
"Well, you're just in luck, because you're almost there," Professor Aldin said, turning to the opposite direction. "It's just down this hill."
"Thanks a lot," Brendan said.
"Yeah, thanks a bunch," May added.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Brendan, and May made their way down to the Pokémon Center. Upon arriving, Sora had checked in Mudbray, Grubbin, Taillow, and Torchic and Brendan did the same for Treecko. Kairi and May had checked in their Pokémon as well.
"Nurse Joy, could you please have a look at our Pokémon?" Sora asked.
"Of course," Nurse Joy said, taking the Pokéballs and examined them all. It only took a few moments before she concluded. "Your Pokémon should be okay. What they need is a goodnights sleep. I suggest you all do the same."
"Of course," Kairi said.
Not long after that, Sora and Brendan had both registered themselves into the Hoenn Pokémon League, but May has not.
"There," Sora said.
"Say Sora. Since I'm just starting out, you think you can show us around since we're in a Pokémon Center?" Brendan asked.
"Sure. We can show you new kids around, but there is a phone call to make first," Sora said. Sora dialed for Professor Oak's lab as Brendan and May have joined them. "Hello there, professor."
"Ah, Sora! I had just gotten off the phone with Professor Birch and he has told me you two have arrived safely," Professor Oak said. "Where are you right now?"
"We're in the Pokémon Center in Oldale Town," Sora said.
"We had just arrived and we thought we should let you know," Kairi said.
"Wonderful Sora and Kairi. It's always to hear from the two of you," Professor Oak said.
"And I had just registered for the Hoenn Pokémon League. And we should be all set for the very first Gym Badge," Sora said.
"Sounds like you are well on your way, Sora," Professor Oak said. "I am curious to know what Pokémon have you caught since arriving in the Hoenn region?"
"So far I have caught a Taillow and a Torchic. Also, Mudbray and Grubbin are doing great if you're wondering," Sora said.
"Ah, you haven't been in Hoenn for so long and you have already caught two local Pokémon," Professor Oak said.
"Isn't that something?" Brendan asked. Professor Oak has noticed two new faces with the couple. "Hi. My name is Brendan. My dad has told me he has spoken to a lot over the phone."
"And my name is May," May introduced.
"Well hello, Brendan and May. I'm Professor Samuel Oak, of Pallet Town" Professor Oak introduced himself.
"I know you. My little brother never misses any of your radio lectures. And when I tell him that I have been actually been talking to you, he'll be so jealous," May said.
"Not as jealous as her talking to the Pokémon League Champion," Brendan said, under his breath.
"I know Brendan and I are just beginning Pokémon trainers, but we will do our best," May said. The Pokémon professor of Kanto couldn't help but laugh.
"I don't doubt it," Professor Oak said. "Anyway, I wish all four of you a safe and successful journey."
"Thanks," Sora, Kairi, Brendan, and May all said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Also, have you heard from Professor Kukui since Kairi and I left?" Sora asked.
"Actually, your former travel companions have just recieved the news of you and Kairi being in the Hoenn region and they weren't the least bit surprised to hear you on another journey. Eight of your friends are learning what they can to be Gym Leaders. And they wish you luck in your new journey," Professor Oak said. Sora smiled.
"Illima, Mallow, Kiawe, Lana, Sophocles, Mina, Acerola, Mina, Hapu. Glad to have their support. And what about Lillie?" Sora asked.
"Lillie is doing splendidly. She is still learning what she can," Professor Oak said.
"That's good to know," Sora said.
"I'll be sure to tell your families of your progress," Professor Oak said. "And send them your love."
"We really appreciate it," Kairi said.
"Do take care of yourselves and each other. Goodbye for now," Professor Oak said. With that said, he hangs up and the couple looked at the new trainers and showed them around.
"Right here is the messhall. This is the place where trainers eat during meals. And of course, you already know what a messhall is and not for making a mess," Sora said, trying to make a joke. Kairi giggled a bit. Brendan and May rolled their eyes.
"I don't get it," Brendan whispered to May.
"I didn't either," May whispered back.
The couple shows the new trainers a room where trainers rest up.
"And this is where the trainers sleep," Kairi said.
"Wow, not too shabby," May said. The couple shows them to an area where some trainers are hanging out.
"And this is the lobby where trainers stay and hang out to share information," Sora said.
"Oh, you mean like where the malls are, and the best places to eat are, and where to buy some new clothes, things like that?" May asked. Sora just looked at her.
"Um, no. Just trainer stuff. Pokémon stuff," Sora said.
"Oh," May goraned.
"You know what I heard?" One trainer asked.
"What?" Another trainer asked.
"I had just heard the big shot Pokémon League Champion of Kanto and Johto are here in the Hoenn region," the first trainer said.
"No fooling? I didn't think he would get here," the second trainer said.
"I heard he just got here yesterday. And there is this girl with him," the first trainer said.
"Really?" The second trainer asked.
"You know what I heard? I heard the girl with him is his girlfriend," the third trainer said.
"Girlfriend?" The first trainer asked.
"Yeah. And she's been with him from day one. Also, I heard she's the same girl who won the Poké Maiden Tournament that was held in the Johto region," the third trainer said. Sora and Kairi knew they were talking about them.
"Wow. Wonder when he'd get here?" The second trainer asked.
"I don't know, but I would to battle him," the first trainer said. Sora knew it was going to be pandemonium for him since they were going to be some girls going crazy for him and the same for Kairi since they would be boys who would pledge their undying love for her. Sora and Kairi act casual and they look at the newbies.
"Are you feeling hungry, Kairi? I know I am," Sora said.
"Yes. Let's go get some dinner," Kairi said.
"Huh?" May asked. "What were they just talking about?"
"Nothing!" Sora and Kairi quickly said and they rushed Brendan and May to the messhall.
"How about we get a good meal. It would be good if we had some food in our tummies before we set off for bed," Sora said.
"Yes. It's never good to go to bed hungry," Kairi agreed. The couple laughed nervously. Brendan knew it was Sora they were talking about, but Brendan was surprised to hear Kairi had competed in a Pokémon tournament and won. They both gotten their meal which consisted of spaghetti and meatballs. May and Brendan had something different. Brendan had a cheeseburger with a side of fries and May had some spicy rice curry.
"Wow, you gotta hand it to these centers, they have everything you need," May said.
"Just remember that it's just to rest up," Sora said.
"But I'm still training and you're getting into heavy training," May said.
"A good trainer needs to prepared for anything. That is something we know from experience," Sora said.
"We used to train hard to be ready for anything that came our way. Believe it or not, it was Sora who came up with that," Kairi said.
"Good to know," Brendan said, taking a bite of his cheeseburger. May looked right at the necklace and she tilted her head.
"Hey, what's that?" May asked.
"What's what?" Sora asked.
"That," May said, pointing to Sora's neckalce. "It looks just like a crown." Brendan looked at the neckalce as well.
"Hey, you know something, I didn't notice it until now," Brendan said.
"Oh. My neckalce," Sora said.
"I gotta ask you something. Are you descended from royalty? Maybe like a king or a queen?" May asked.
"No. This neckalce is a symbol of knighthood," Sora said.
"Knighthood? As in an actual knight?" Brendan asked.
"Yeah. Ever since I was little, I was told that I ame from a long line of knights in the old days. This neckalce actually belongs to my dad and it belonged to his dad before him," Sora said.
"Wow. A long line of knights," May said. May looked at the couple and she pictured Sora in a knight's armor that is gold. She figured he is Kairi's knight in shining armor, just like she used to picture Brendan.
"I never heard of anything like it before. When did your dad give it to you?" Brendan asked.
"I actually had it for as long as I can remember," Sora said.
"What do you mean?" Brendan asked.
"The thing is, Sora never knew his dad. He only had his mom. Also, Professor Oak has treated his mom like she was his own daughter," Kairi said. Brendan and May didn't realize Sora's dad was dead.
"Sorry to hear it. Didn't mean to ask you a question like that," Brendan said.
"It's okay. You didn't know," Sora said.
"I gotta admit, it's pretty romantic when you think about it. I mean, Sora is obviously your knight in shining armor, Kairi. I can already imagine him sweeping you off your feet. It's kinda like a fairytale," May said. Sora and Kairi could only blush when May has said it to them. Just when they were eating, a very familiar face approaches them.
"Well, if it isn't it the weary travelers," Professor Aldin said. They turned to see him. He also had a plate of food on his tray.
Elsewhere, a group of people all wearing red hoodies and all their uniforms all bare red rebbed jerseys and long socks on their ankle boots. The uniforms all have a volcano symbol shaped like the letter M. The hoods all have yellow horns. Leading them is a short, heavy man with black hair. His eyes appear to be closed, but are revealed to be red. He wore the same kind of uniform, but he has yellow cuffs under a paler red and black zig-zag vest with a large V neck.
"Here we are, people. Team Magma is taking a step into expanding the land for the good of both people and Pokémon," the heavy man said.
"Yes, Mr. Tabitha," one of the male grunts said.
"Not to mention, it'll one-up those Team Aqua losers and flush their ambitions down the crapper," Tabitha said. "Now, to remind you all, we are heading to Oldale Town to take Professor Aldin to get information about the ruins. Did that sink in?"
"Yes sir!" The Team Magma grunts answered.
"Good! Now we move out!" Tabitha said.
"Sir!" The Team Magma grunts acknowledged. They moved on with their plan.
Back to the Pokémon Center once the meal has concluded, Professor Aldin shows the four trainers his quarters of the Pokémon Center.
"Look at that," Sora said amazed.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Are these the same ruins we were just passing by today?" Brendan asked.
"Yes. And lucky for me, the Pokémon Center has been generous enough to give me use of this room while I continue my research on these ruins," Professor Aldin said.
"Wow," May said.
"You know, there's a stone chamber on these ruins. And legend has it that it's some sort of bridge that connects our world with the ancient Pokémon World," Professor Aldin said.
"Really?" Kairi asked.
"Yes. But because of its strange structure, any attempts to get in the chamber has caused it to begin crumbling and which it's contents remain unknown," Professor Aldin explained.
"Ancient Pokémon? What is that suppose to mean?" Brendan asked.
"Well, Brendan, I'm not talking about extinct fossil Pokémon like Kabuto, Omanyte, or Aerodactyl, I'm talking about an ancient Pokémon that has been living since prehistoric times without changing at all," Professor Aldin explained.
"Whoa," Sora said astounded.
"Pika," Pikachu said also astounded.
"Most of the details involving ancient Pokémon on how they lived and where they lived are still a complete mystery to the world. Guess it's all that mystery that makes it so fascinating," Professor Aldin said.
"Huh. There might be more to Pokémon than I thought," May said.
Wow, an ancient Pokémon. I would like to see one," Brendan said.
"You might just get your chance, Brendan," Professor Aldin said. Brendan turned to the young archeologist with a raised brow. He is seen holding a stone tablet and ancient language is written on it. "The correct way to enter the stone chamber is written right here on this tablet."
"Wow. This is amazing," Kairi said.
"You got that right, Kairi," Sora agreed.
"But there are four keys that are needed to enter, but they haven't been found. And I have not had any luck with that," Professor Aldin said.
Unknown to the group, Team Magma is watching them through the walls with inferred equipment.
"Our target has been sighted, Tabitha," one of the female grunts said.
"Good. Now let's get started," Tabitha said.
"Right!" The other grunts said.
The grunts made their move, beginning by cutting the power.
"Any clues to where those four keys are?" Sora asked, before the power went out. "What the?!"
"The lights!" May gasped.
"What just happened?" Kairi asked.
"We just happened," Tabitha announced, entering the room. He and some of the grunts have entered the room. They all had Houndoom with them.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Professor Aldin exclaimed.
"Who are you?" Sora asked in an angry tone. The Houndoom all growls at Sora's tone.
"Settle down, kid. We're just here for the professor here. He'll be accompanying us on a little journey to Old Oldale," Tabitha said.
"I will not be going with you!" Professor Aldin barked.
"Professor Aldin? Is everything alright?" Nurse Joy asked. She is carrying a flashlight. "When the power went out, I got worried and I-" Nurse Joy gasped and another grunt came and grabbed her.
"Now then. Won't you change your mind or do we have to do this the hard way?" Tabitha asked in a threatening tone. Professor Aldin growled and accepted the terms.
"I guess I have no choice," Professor Aldin said.
"I was hoping you would choose easy," Tabitha said.
"What do we do with the nurse and the kids?" One of the grunts asked.
"Just throw them in the storage room. We have no use for them," Tabitha gave the orders.
"Sir!" The grunts said.
"Let's go, you!" Another grunt said, grabbing Sora by the arm. The other grunts did the same to Kairi, Brendan, and May, while one of them placed on a rubber glove and grabbed Pikachu by the tail.
"I don't want any trouble from you," the grunt said, carrying Pikachu. The grunts threw them into the storage room.
"Ow! Hey!" May yelled.
"You aren't going to get away with this!" Kairi snapped at them.
"Shut up and don't get in our way!" The first grunt said, slamming the door.
"Hey! Come back here!" Sora yelled, banging on the door.
"What do they want?" May asked.
"To get inside the old ruins, I'll bet," Nurse Joy guessed.
"Do you know who they are, Nurse Joy?" Sora asked.
"I'm afraid I don't. But I do know they have to be the ones who caused that blackout, just by cutting the power," Nurse Joy said.
"I know who they are," Brendan said. Sora and Kairi turned to him. "I never seen them before, but I heard about them over the internet. Those guys are with Team Magma. They're one of the biggest crooks in the entire Hoenn region. They mostly use Fire Type Pokémon to commit all kinds of crimes."
"Team Magma," Sora said, feeling angry. "And I thought Team Rocket were bad."
"But if the power here in the Center has been cut," Nurse Joy gasp, "that would mean all of the Pokémon here are in real danger!"
"No! You mean my Torchic is in real trouble?!" May asked, feeling afraid.
"Not my Treecko!" Brendan added.
"We must switch over to our reserve power right away," Nurse Joy said.
"To do that, we'll have to get out of here, first," Sora said.
"But how?" Brendan asked.
"Pika!" Pikachu called out. Sora, Kairi, Nurse Joy, Brendan, and May all turned to Pikachu and he is pointing to the air shaft. "Pika, Pi! Pikachu!"
"An air shaft! Good thinking, Pikachu!" Sora said.
"We can use it to get out and switch on the reserve power," Kairi said.
"You're going to need the master key to unlock the locks," Nurse Joy said. "You should find it on the front desk."
"Then let's get cracking," Sora said, pulling the vent off and he went in on all fours and crawled inside it. Kairi soon followed her boyfriend inside. Brendan followed the couple in it. Not wanting to be left behind and to stick with her crush, May followed her three friends inside.
"Be careful," Nurse Joy said.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Brendan crawls throught the air shaft, looking for a way out and to turn on the reserve power.
"Sora, Kairi, Brendan, slow down," May called out. The couple, Pikachu, and Brendan turned to see her.
"May? What are you doing?" Brendan asked.
"Why should I miss out on the adventure?" May asked.
"The more the merrier," Sora said. "Come on." They kept crawling to a shaft and found it goes in different ways. "Great."
"Which way now?" Brendan asked. Pikachu's eas twitches and points to the right.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"That way?" Sora asked. Pikachu went further down and points to the left.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
They crawled over to where Pikachu has led them and they see the exit.
"Yes! The exit!" Sora said with glee.
"Way to go, Pikachu," Kairi said.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said.
"Wow, your Pikachu is pretty smart, Sora," May said.
"He has to be, May," Kairi said.
"Now let's get out, because my knees are starting to fall asleep," Brendan said. Sora busted though and they all got out. "Now for the master key."
"And to turn on the reserve power," Kairi added.
"Let's go!" May said.
With that said, the girls went to turn on the reserve power while the boys went to the front desk. Sora searched for it and he has found it.
"Find it?" Brendan asked.
"Found it! The master key Nurse Joy was telling us about," Sora said.
The lights come back on.
"We switched over to the reserve power," May said.
"Good work, girls," Sora said.
"Now let's head back to the storage room," May said.
"Right," Sora said. They used the master key to unlock the storage room and they opened it up. "Everything is up and running again."
"That's great, Sora!" Nurse Joy said.
"Now we help Professor Aldin," Sora said.
"Yeah. Those Team Magma thugs owe us for throwing us in here," Brendan said.
"Then let's go!" Sora said.
They raced to the ruins to get to them.
"Plase be careful!" Nurse Joy called out.
Over to the ruins.
"What is the meaning of this? Why did you bring me here?" Professor Aldin asked.
"Why do you think? We brought you here just so you can give us access to the stone chamber," Tabitha said.
"You'll be disappointed to know, it won't work. If we try to force our way in there, the chamber will only collapse," Prfessor Aldin said.
"Didn't you say that this little rock is holding the answers to get in, professor?" Tabitha asked.
"Yes I did. But I also said, I need the four treasures as keys," Professor Aldin said.
"We've got you covered," Tabitha said, gesturing one of the grunts to come forward. He is holding a small box. "Bring 'em here." The grunt presented him the four treasures, which are four pearls, being red, blue, yellow, and green. "And here you are." Professor Aldin gasped.
"How did you ever obtain these?" Professor Aldin asked.
"We have our own way. But the only thing left to do is to see what color goes in what hole," Tabitha said. "And you're gonna help us with that."
"I won't!" Professor Aldin refused.
"So, are you saying that you don't care about those people at the Pokémon Center?" Tabitha asked. "Refuse and we do something very unpleasant with them."
"You wouldn't dare!" Professor Aldin snapped at the threat.
"We would and we will. What is it going to be?" Tabitha asked. Professor Aldin growls.
"Fine. Very well. You win," Professor said, caving in.
"Knew you'd see it our way," Tabitha said. He took the pearls and places them in the holes, starting with the red pearl, then the green pearl, then the blue pearl, and then finally the yellow pearl. With that done, the ruins door then began to open. Team Magma and Professor Aldin enters the ruins and what the discoveries astounds Professor Aldin.
"Amazing! These panels depict ancient people and Pokémon living together! A miraculous discovery!" Professor Aldin said.
"Is there anything on what we're looking for?" Tabitha asked.
'Not a trace," one of the male grunts said.
"But I have been able to collect some of the data from the walls," one of the female grunts said.
"So, we have come in empty again?" Tabitha growled. "Let's just go." Team Magma made their way out and right to their helicopter. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Brendan, and May had arrived just in time to see them take off.
"There they go!" Brendan said.
The helicopter flies off over Oldale Town. They watched them fly completely out of sight.
"Where are they going?" Kairi asked.
"I don't know, Kairi. But somehow, I have a really bad feeling we're going to see them again," Sora said.
"I hope so. Because I have a score to settle with Team Magma," Brendan said.
"That can come later. We have to see if the professor is okay," Sora said.
"He's right, Brendan. Let it go," May said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
The group made their way to Professor Aldin and he was just watching them leave as well.
"Professor!" Sora called out. He turned to see the four young trainers coming.
"Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May. You're okay!" Professor Aiden said.
"We're wondering the same about you," May said.
"I'm doing the same as you are. I was worried they were going to harm you if I hadn't comply," Professor Aldin said.
"Don't worry about that right now," Sora said.
"But have a look inside and you will be amazed by this discovery," Professor Aldin said. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Bendan, and May all stepped inside and saw what was inside. The ancient panels with the people of the old world with prehistoric Pokémon, Aerodactyl, Kabuto, Kabutops, Omanyte, Omastar, also some prehistoric Pokémon neither Sora or Kairi has seen before. One greenish-gray, arthropod Pokémon, resembling a prehistoric crustacean. A stalk extends from either side of its head, with large, spherical eyes at the tips. The middle of its head is black with two red, teardrop-shaped markings, and an x-shaped mouth is visible on the underside of its torso. It also has two large claws. And has eight white wing-like appendages with red tips, four on each side. Another is a large Pokémon that looked just like a mantis shrimp. It is covered with thick, grayish-blue plates. There are accents of yellow, black, white, and red throughout its body. Its oblong eyes protrude from the sides of its head. A black pattern with two red, teardrop-shaped spots covered the center of its head and a yellow lower jaw. Three pairs of wing-like appendages extend from the sides of its long, thick neck. A plate of armor on its back has four short spikes and two triangular, yellow-rimmed wings extending from underneath. Its scaled chest and belly are rimmed with yellow lines as well, and there are two large yellow plates in the center of its chest. Its segmented arms extend from holes in these plates, each with a large, black claw. The legs are also segmented, with black knees. A pair of black fins tips its long tail. There is another that is a purple plant-like Pokémon with eight dark-tipped, pink tentacles protruding from an opening on top of its head. Inside the pitch black opening are two glowing, yellow eyes. The head is connected to the body by means of a yellow stem. The body itself is purple and semi-spherical. It also has four stubby roots. And another is green, plant-like Pokémon with various yellow markings on its head, neck, and torso. There are circular, yellow eyespots on its head. However, its true eyes are concealed inside the dark, crescent opening on its head. Surrounding its head at the base are eight pink tentacles, which somewhat resemble flower petals. Its long, flexible neck has yellow bands in the center. Its body is short and squat with four stubby growths and a yellow, oval, target-like pattern on the chest.
"Are these prehistoric Pokémon?" Sora asked.
"Yes. The ones you see are Anorith, Armaldo, Lileep, and Cradily," Professor Aldin answered. Sora took out his Pokédex and used it to scan these Pokémon.
Anorith, the Old Shrimp Pokémon
Type: Rock/Bug
This primitive Pokémon once lived in warm seas. It grips its prey firmly between its two large claws. Anorith is said to be a type of Pokémon predecessor, with eight wings at the sides of its body. This Pokémon swam in the primordial sea by undulating these eight wings.
Armaldo, the Plate Pokémon
The evolved form of Anorith
Type: Rock/Bug
Armaldo's tough armor makes all attacks bounce off. This Pokémon's two enormous claws can be freely extended or contracted. They have the power to punch right through a steel slab.
Lileep, the Sea Lily Pokémon
Type: Rock/Grass
Lileep became extinct approximately a hundred million years ago. This ancient Pokémon attaches itself to a rock on the seafloor and catches approaching prey using tentacles shaped like flower petals.
Cradily, the Barnacle Pokémon
The evolved form of Lileep
Type: Rock/Grass
Cradily roams around the ocean floor in search of food. This Pokémon freely extends its tree trunk-like neck and captures unwary prey using its eight tentacles.
"Preshitoric Pokémon confirmed," Sora said.
The group turn to see the sun coming up.
"Look, the sun," Kairi said.
They all turned to see the sunrise.
"Morning already?" May asked.
Just then the block blocking the chamber's entrance glows and light shines from it and speads all over the chamber. It slides open to reveal a set of stairs.
"What are these?" Brendan asked.
"And where do they lead?" Sora asked.
"Well, let's take a look," Professor Aldin said. THey all go down the stairs and they were amazed to see what looks like an underground lake.
"Wow. An underground lake," Brendan said.
"It smells so fresh and clean," May said.
"You're right, it does," Kairi agreed.
"I wonder if it leads out to sea," Professor Aldin said. Just then, a brown fish-like Pokémon jumps out andit surprises them. This Pokémon greatly resembled the prehistorc fish coelacanth. It is covered with hard, brown scales that are similar to craggy rocks. It has a tan head with protruding cheekbones. Tan patches cover its body and there is a red spot located on both sides. It possesses two pairs of pectoral fins. It has dorsal and pelvic fins near its tail. "Great Scott! It's the ancient Pokémon Relicanth!"
"Relicanth?" Sora asked as he took out his Pokédex once more and scanned the fish-like Pokémon.
Relicanth, the Longevity Pokémon
Type: Water/Rock
Relicanth is a rare species that was discovered in deep-sea explorations. This Pokémon's body withstands the enormous water pressure of the ocean depths. Its body is covered in tough scales that are like craggy rocks.
"This must be the Pokémon you were talking about," Sora said.
"My dad told me about those. It was thought they were extinct, but it turns out they have been living in deep-sea for thousands of years," Brendan said.
"The legend is true. It really is a portal between the present and the past," Professor Aldin said.
The group went back to the Pokémon Center to pick up the Pokémon they had left with Nurse Joy.
"All of your Pokémon are all fighting fit," Nurse Joy said.
"That's good to know," May said, taking her Torchic back. Kairi had taken back her Stufful and Morelull as Brendan has taken back Treecko, and Sora has taken back his Mudbray, Grubbin, Taillow, and Torchic. "Okay, Torchic, come on out." Her Pokéball opens and her Torchic went to his trainer to nuzzle her. "Oh, Torchic, I'm so glad you're doing okay." Brendan calls out his Treecko and he picks his partner up in his arms.
"Glad you're doing okay, buddy," Brendan said.
"Treecko," Treecko said.
"Now that everyone is doing great, we should get a move on," Sora said. He turned to Nurse Joy. "Say Nurse Joy, any clues on Team Magma?"
"No. I made the report to Officer Jenny and she is doing everything she can to find out about Team Magma, but so far she hasn't come up with a single clue," Nurse Joy said.
"That's too bad," May said.
"Now let's do what Sora suggested and get a move on to the nearest Gym," Brendan said.
"Right. The Petalburg Gym," Sora said.
"Leaving so soon?" Professor Aldin asked, approaching the group.
"Yeah," Sora said.
"Before you go, I just wanted to tell you that I have been doing a little more research in the stone chamber and so far every indication has pointed to ancient Pokémon and human beings interacting peacefully," Professor Aldin said.
"Wow," Brendan smiled.
"That is cool," Sora said.
"You've learned so much and so quickly," May said. Professor Aldin nodded.
"I was so in to it, I could hardly stop working! I can't even sleep and eat beause there are so many undiscovered secrets in the world of Pokémon," Professor Aldin said.
The group said their goodbyes to the young professor and set off for Petalburg City, but along the way, the group are approached by a boy wearing a blue basball cap.
"Hey! It's you!" The boy shouted. The boy ran right towards the group. "You're that Sora Ketchum guy, aren't you?" Sora, Kairi, and Brendan knew where this was going. May was confused by it.
"Wait, how does he know Sora's name? Do you know that kid?" May asked.
"No," Kairi answered.
"Um, couldn't you have mistaken him for someone else?" May asked.
"No way. I didn't make any mistake. Don't tell me you haven't heard of Sora Ketchum, the Pokémon League Champion of Kanto and Johto!" The boy said. May was shocked to hear that claim and she turned to Kairi whho nodded to confirm it.
"Pokémon League Champion? Him?" May asked.
"It's true, May. I knew all along," Brendan finally admitted it. May was still shocked to hear Kairi's boyfriend is a champion.
"I am challenging you into a Pokémon battle! What do you say? Let's make a three-on-three battle!" The boy challenged.
"Okay, you're on," Sora said. The boy took out a Pokéball and throws it.
"You are first, Zigzagoon!" The boy shouted. The Pokéball opens to let out a small brown shaggy raccoon-like Pokémon with zigzag patterns on its fur. zigzag patterns are white. The front legs are white and the back legs are brown. It has a black mask marking surrounding beady black eyes. It has short brown ears and a round black nose. Its tail is striped, ending in a thick fuzzy bush. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned this new Pokémon.
Zigzagoon, the Tiny Raccoon Pokémon
Type: Normal
Zigzagoon restlessly wanders everywhere at all times. This Pokémon does so because it is very curious. It becomes interested in anything that it happens to see.
"And I thought Curious George was curious," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away and taking out a Pokéball. "Time for your very first battle, Torchic!" Sora's new Torchic skids the ground when he is let out.
"Zigzagoon! Tackle!" The boy ordered as Zigzagoon ran towards Torchic.
"Dodge it, Torchc, and use Scratch!" Sora ordered. Torchic avoids Zigzagoon and lands a scratch on the raccoon-like Pokémon.
"Zigzagoon! Sand Attack!" The boy ordered and kicked up sand and it pelts Torchic. "Now move in with another Tackle!" Zigzagoon runs and tackles Torchic. The chick Pokémon falls on his back, but gets back up.
"Torchic! Use Ember!" Sora ordered. Torchic fires Ember and it misses. "Keep firing!" Torchic kept firing Ember again and again until he landed a hit.
"What? No!" The boy exclaimed.
"Now use Peck!" Sora ordered. Torchic pecks Zigzagoon and it fell onto the ground beaten. The boy calls back Zigzagoon.
"Not bad, Sora. But it's not over yet," He takes out another Pokéball and throws it. "Your turn, Poochyena!" The boy's Poochyena barks upon entry.
"That's the same kind of Pokémon Pikachu was chasing after before," Sora remembered. He took out his Pokédex and scanned the hyena/wolf-like Pokémon.
Poochyena, the Bite Pokémon
Type: Dark
At first sight, Poochyena takes a bite at anything that moves. This Pokémon chases after prey until the victim becomes exhausted. However, it may turn tail if the prey strikes back.
Sora puts his Pokédex away and calls back Torchic and he takes out another Pokéball and throws it.
"Your turn, Taillow!" Sora called out as Taillow takes to the sky.
"Poochyena! Tackle!" The boy ordered. Poochyena ran towards the tiny swallow Pokémon to land a hit.
"Taillow! Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Taillow dives down to deliever a Wing Attack and successfully lands the hit. "Now use Peck!" Taillow pecks at Poochyena.
"Don't take that laying down! Bite!" The boy ordered. Poochyena runs towards Taillow to give the tiny swallow Pokémon a bite.
"Quick Attack!" Sora ordered. Taillow uses his speed attack and it lands a hit onto Poochyena. "Now wrap it up with Wing Attack!" Taillow lands the finishing blow onto Poochyena as it fell to the ground beaten.
"No way! Two in a row?" The boy asked. He calls back his Poochyena. "Okay, that was good, but let's see how you manage against this one." He took out his next Pokéball and throws it. "Go! Slakoth!" The Pokéball opens to let out a pale brown sloth-like Pokémon. It has cream-colored fur, two toes on its feet, lazy eyes, a small tuft of fur on the top of its head, a lazy smile, a pig-like nose, two dark brown stripes on its back and two small tufts of fur on its back. Sora was slightly confused by this choice of Pokémon.
"Huh? What kind of Pokémon is that?" Sora asked, taking out his Pokédex again and scanned this Pokémon.
Slakoth, the Slacker Pokémon
Type: Normal
Slakoth lolls around for over 20 hours every day. Because it moves so little, it does not need much food. This Pokémon's sole daily meal consists of just three leaves.
"No wonder it's called the Slacker Pokémon," Sora said. He calls back Taillow and looks over to Pikachu. "You up for it, Pikachu?"
"Pika," Pikachu nodded. Pikachu enters the battle to fight Slakoth.
"Slakoth! Use Scratch!" The boy ordered. Slakoth slowly moves towards the mouse Pokémon, but Sora wasn't going to wait until Slakoth was going to get closer which would be like 5 hours.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fires Thunderbolt and it shocks Slakoth good.
"Slakoth! Try to get up! Scratch again!" The boy ordered, but Slakoth just lulls around. He ran his hand across his face. "Right. Slakoth's Ability won't let Slakoth attack again right away."
"Now use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu swings his tail and it struck the sloth-like Pokémon. "Now use Quick Attack!" Pikachu dashes right at Slakoth and lands another hit.
"Slakoth! Use Yawn!" The boy ordered. Slakoth sends out a pink bubble and it heads right at Pikachu. But Pikachu just simply stepped aside.
"Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu gave one more Thunderbolt and it was enough to take the fight right out of Slakoth.
"No way! I lost!" The boy was shocked.
Kairi was very proud of her boyfriend as Brendan was very impressed by Sora's skills as a trainer.
"So awesome. Sora is even more awesome in person," Brendan said.
May was amazed by Sora's battling skills and she thought the battles with an entire pack of Poochyena, a wild Taillow, and Torchic was something. The boy walked over to Sora with a hardy handshake.
"That was great, Sora. No wonder you're the Pokémon League Champion. You're even better than I thought," the boy said.
"Thanks. You did pretty good too," Sora said.
With that said, the boy had taken off and the group had continued on their way to Petalburg City. Luckily it wasn't too far away for them to get there. How will it go for Sora? Just wait and see.