In less that one minute, the fall of great civilizations had its seed planted. This great catastrophe occurred before my time, but heed the words of Critias so that it may never happen again: "hatred shall bring nothing but hatred."
So wrote Herocedes of Syramos at beginning of the second section of Histora. The first section of Historia starts off with the rise of starts off with AZ, the last king of the Tumul Empire's glory days. The second section begins with how war between the Tumul Empire and the Ancient Kasmenestian city-state of Didicia began. It was this conflict that led to the firing of The Ultimate Weapon, the effects of which led to The Darkest Day. Both incidents were the catalysts for what archeologists and historians call the Late Bronze Age Collapse.
Oops, he should actually continue to read about it. But it would be nice if he could share his knowledge with a wider audience.
AZ Two was the most vocal opponent to the brewing feud with the Didicians. He had seen the worried look of his father's beloved Floette. Floette was precious to all honorable Tumulians, and he feared the outcome if she attempted to intervene in a conflict. It had seemed that he had convinced his father, but then both the king and prince received word from General Tecton that the workshops of Tumulian artisans were being plundered. This was under the decree of King Sinon, for he desired to own all the marvelous works possible. Sinon's tale was first told to me as a child. He was a man whose own greed was his undoing, but I shall come back to this.
Reading the writings of a man who's regarded as the "father of history" is how he's trying to distract himself. He first read this book at age seven, and he recalls being fascinated by how he was reading a work first published over two thousand and four hundred years ago.
As a Shinx, Luxray would want to sit on his lap when he was reading. He's a big boy now, but he's still a kitten at heart. Luxray's lying down next to him, his body up against his right leg. He reaches out to pet the feline, the ensuing purring a lovely melody to his ears.
Visiting the museum again might help too, so he's coming along for the ride. Still, he just can't fathom why this is happening to him. He loves art history and would like to try and enter the field. He's not going to cease battling, he's still going to enter contests either way, and his Pokémon are cool with whatever path he chooses.
Maybe he's subconsciously worried about disappointing a portion of his fanbase? …No, his fans still retained loyalty during his absence…but will he get lucky a second time? Is he hesitant because he uses his position to help promote the BW Agency? …That seems plausible…if his tournament participation decreases-
"You've done more than enough to promote the agency."
Well well, Rosa strikes again. Those eyes of hers are leaking her unconditional love.
He places the book on the nearly walnut table and gestures for her to come closer. She wraps her arms around his neck. As he rests a hand on her back and plays around with her bangs, she moves in for a kiss.
Satisfied with the turn of events, Luxray gets up and hops off the bed. He stops for a moment and looks back at them. He nods, then he walks out of the room. He runs into Gardevoir and exchanges a soft smile with her as she closes the door.
"How'd you know?"
"Because I know everything about you, Valey." She plops her forehead onto his forehead. "Please don't worry."
"I'll…try." He looks out the window. "The trainer inside of me still burns with a fiery passion, but I also want to invest at least a little more time elsewhere."
"I know how you feel," she assures. "That passion burns inside of me too." She caresses his cheeks. "But please try to be happy—that's all we want from you."
A tender silence befalls them, his mind relaxes from her gentle gaze and touch. Whether it's Hilda or Rosa, he knows how loved he is. Remembering that...remembering who he is and why people like him...that's why he's doing much better now.
Rosa decrees that the silence shall be broken. "Thanks for making us breakfast." She wags a finger. "But I'm cooking lunch, Hilda's cooking dinner, and there's nothing you can do about it.
He shrugs and she snuggles up to him. Out comes her phone and she borrows his phone to play a upbeat tune.
"This is how we do it!" She hits record. "No matter what, I will be with you!" Her voice's melodic and mellisonant. "We will go where our dreams come true!" She kisses his right cheek. "All the time that we have been through! You will always be my sweetie!" She wastes no time in texting it to Hilda.
"Even if I don't say it out loud, I'll always be thankful that you and Hilda chose me."
"Right back at you." Rosa runs her thumb across his chin. "Now then, shall a queen give you a royal treatment?" she titters. "The other queen's handling agency business, so you're all mineeee."
"Come and get me."
"Tsk tsk tsk, be careful what you wish for." Her smile's coy and her teasing voice carries a singsong tone. "Once I get you, I might not want to let gooooo."
"Surrender now or prepare to fight." He moves his mouth closer to her right ear. "I can be a baddie whenever you like."
Her body tingles from his low-toned voice. This bad boy's going to regret challenging her—her Draining Kiss attack will win this battle with ease.
Valen and Rosa bring each other down on the bed, and he prolongs the strokes of her hair using each finger. Heavy fervor and passion leaks out with the continuous rapid connection of their lips.
It's a day at the museum, but Silver can't help but dwell on his future path. Should he venture into the region's pro battling circuit again? This region's circuit can be notoriously difficult to navigate, but that's like a tune by Bartholomäus Johannes Mozart to his ears.
Relax, it'll become obvious eventually. Enjoy your time at the museum today, for being cultured a form of strength.
"Silver, don't zone out on me."
Humph, he almost forgot that he's stuck with Kris. How'd he end up in the museum again? He obviously didn't come with her, no siree. The clearly convenient coincidence aside, he doesn't want her to worry. He hates to see that smile vanish, and he'll figure out what to do eventually.
Kris really likes this Rubens guy, doesn't she? She's not on docent duty, yet she's doing an impromptu tour for a group of first-time visitors. She's giving the rundown on each of the twenty two works in this room. This is solely her area of expertise in their roma-FRIENDSHIP and she looks even happier than normal. …Humph, it's because he's listening in, isn't it? Well…he does like that busy painting of a five-headed Hydreigon.
Sir Patrick Pierre Rubens loved to paint fleshy people. Some of the Pokémon in his art, like Pikachu and Eevee, are also quite fleshy. It's a rather peculiar deviation from what he's seen. What isn't peculiar is that several paintings depict said people without any clothes on. Why does art have so many naked people in it?
The Arnold Van Dyck portraits outside of the room have a strong aura to them, which he obviously likes. To be fair, the people depicted are Sir Endymion Goodrington, Champion Rosalina Vervloet, Galahad I, Galahad II, and Professor Samuel Trevet. His favorite is the first one—the Earl of Hammerlocke carries an imposing presence atop his Dragonite. The one showcasing the Flygon of King Galahad I is cool too.
Arnold van Dyck's legendary Pokémon paintings are also pretty neat, his favorite being the one showing a Spectrier and a Glastrier galloping across the Crown Tundra. Zapdos piercing the cumulonimbus clouds while surrounded by lightning is a close second, or maybe it's a tie.
Now finished with her impromptu presentation, Kris strides towards him, a wide gap in-between each of her steps.
"Time for your private tour, Silvey." Kris nudges him with her elbow. "Docent's become my main role."
"My name's Silver." He blocks her second elbow nudge with his palm. "Sheesh, that didn't mean no."
"Follow me, Silvey."
"Humph, you never listen." His arms dangle by his sides as follows her at a slower pace. "Pain in my ass."
These people better not get the wrong idea—he accidentally wandered into the museum and happened to end up in the exact same spot as her. So what if they entered at the exact same time? That proves nothing.
"All paintings are kept on the first floor," she informs. "The main motif of the first floor is a 'journey through time' for the world of painting."
"Why not the same for sculpture?"
"Because they need ample space for people, you silly person." Kris comes to a halt and clasps her hands behind her back. "And it doesn't really make sense to keep a terracotta sculpture from Nikuno with Western sculpture, now does it?"
"I suppose so." If he looks around, her smile can't make him blush. "Kalosian Baroque, huh?"
"Yep, the Kris train has arrived at the next station."
This was the second type of Baroque she delved into, but only a fool would think that he actually memorized all of her specific tastes. He just happened to overhear it…a lot…even when she wasn't present. He just went along with it because it makes her happy.
Moving on, those landscapes by that Claude Louet guy are pretty neat. He especially likes The Great Crater of Paldea because it contains those ancient Pokémon people have been spotting for centuries. A flamboyant and skilled medieval trainer, Ameriguccio di Vezzano, even caught a Roaring Moon. His feats are present in countless examples of powerful art, his name one that all strong trainers should know.
"I wanted you to see these up close and personal." Kris grabs Silver's arm and pulls him into a large room. "Neville Poussin's depictions of Timeaus, Critias, and Hermos."
Silver tries to break free, but he's pulled back. "Can you let go?"
"Say please."
"No."
Kris lets go and giggles, whereas Silver groans and smacks his face with his palm. His face has a more exaggerated scowl than before, which only increases the volume of her giggling.
Silver and Kris start with Poussin's Timeaus at Work. The sculptor's facial expression is stern as he meticulously carves marble. His Machamp and him are creating a representation of King Triton and his Blastoise. They're performing this feat in front of the Parthenon's Xerneas and Yveltal reliefs and well within the public's limelight. An Alakazam, a Gardevoir, and a Gallade have made their way into the crowd of people who've stopped to marvel at his proficiency.
The Speech of Critias is next. The brown agora's packed with people and Pokémon. Each one, including the Loudred and Exploud, are keenly listening to the philosopher's words. His hands are extended in opposite directions above his waists and his movements look like they've been photographed in slow motion. Behind the philosopher is a massive example of classical architecture, the double scroll under the abacus atop each of the three columns indicating the Ionic order.
"What speech do you think this is depicting?"
"'Hatred shall bring nothing but hatred," Silver quotes. "'To you, my fellow men and women of Syramos, I ask you to ponder what became of the Didicians and the Tumulians. We can show our might without blood, we can partake in a battling competition among the city-states.'"
"And that's why Critias in considered the founder of modern Pokemon Leagues," Kris states. "Good job."
Last, but definitely not least, is Hermos Guided By Nature. The seamless transition between the vast land and the vibrant sky is more noticeable here. A coruscating plain with trees dotted in various parts interlocks with a small village in the distance. Hermos is wandering away from that village, his eyes following the movements of a smiling Leafeon. A second Leafeon stands on its hind legs with its eyes closed. This Leafeon's front paws are pressed against the poet's chiton and its grin indicates a playful mood. The poet pats its head and offers it a treat. A Mew and a Celebi observe from behind the nearest tree, while a Talonflame leads a flock of its pre-evolutions high above the trees.
Kris leads Silver to the three works directly across from the Poussin room. "Gabriel de La Tour, another one of my favorites."
A somber man sits at a table with his palm on his chin and his elbow resting on the surface. The green color of the chiton that he's wearing looks darker due to the light and shadow technique used—the light gets dimmer from top to bottom. The table itself has a candle as a light source, as well as several pieces of papyrus with inscriptions written on then.
"Who do you think The Pondering Heir depicts?"
"AZ II," he answers. "Looks like this was after his father banished him."
"You're on a roll." Her tone carries a faint hint of pride. "You'll love this next one for sure."
Silver checks out the info plaque and smirks. "Test of Strength."
All of the light's in the center, a stark contrast to the completely darkened background. Kris once said that light was used by painters to direct the viewer's attention, but his attention would already be fixated on this. This badass muscular man's staring down a Hitmonchan. His jacket and breeches have been ripped and arms are crossed in front of his face. He blocks and evades a flurry of punch from the Hitmonchan, his bobbing and weaving looking like a freeze-frame.
"Do you recognize him?"
"Claude de Kiloude, a Fighting-type specialist from Shalour City."
"Good work," she compliments. "Now it's time for Corruption."
A fitting title for a work depicting AZ's descent into madness. Same style of background, but only the king's present. It's basically a close up of the top half of his body. His teeth are gnashing, his eyes bulging out with the veins popping. His right hand clenches Floette's withered flower, while his left hand contains a dagger that the Ultimate Weapon's design was loosely based off of.
"Let's keep going."
Does she think she's the boss-he's been defeated by her cute smile. Guess friends can do that too. As he saunters behind Kris, she points to their left. That room has two works by Domingo Velazquez, another favorite of hers.
"We're not stopping to look at those?"
"We will later," she replies. "I have a surprise for you."
"Humph, I can take it." At least she's not pulling him along.
As they pass the Ragulian paintings, Silver's mind veers towards the situation of the missing Caravaggio and Vermeer. The combined monetary value of the two paintings is around fifty to seventy million dollars, but he could care less about the money. Only the weak-minded grovel at money's feet, only they ignore the priceless cultural and historical value.
Those works should be here, like that elderly collector wanted them to be. But Team Rocket proved to even more pathetic that he thought— they stole from a man well into his nineties. But all ten paintings will be found sooner or later, just like how all of the art stolen by Team Plasma have returned to their rightful homes.
Better get back on track before Kris worries about him, she's already eyeing his change in demeanor.
"I'm fine, keep going."
"...Hey, listen." Kris caresses Silver's upper left arm. "Everything will work out in the end." She closes her eyes with a grin. "So don't worry, alright?"
Silver's shocked expression only lasts for a brief moment, for it gives way to a content smile. She's good at reading him like a book, he'll give her that. Her soothing touch tingles his shoulder with what feels like static.
"…Humph…thanks."
Kris nods, her gaze briefly moving to the right. Rosa and Hilda have brought up how they try to distract Valen when he's dwelling with worry. Now's a good time to try it for herself.
"Look behind you." she winks. "Let's see who's tougher between us."
Silver amusingly grunts and raises his chin. "Humph, you can't fool me this time."
Kris better enjoy that teasing smile while it lasts, because she's about to take a-Rembrandt! Oh no, he's walked into to the room with the Rembrandt paintings! The three paintings closest to the entrance are even scarier than Darkrai Lurking!
Easy, take it easy. Turn towards the right wall and prove to Kris that you're the toughest dude around.
That first one's no big deal. It's just a Froslass hanging out near some ice-covered rocks…at night…staring directly into his soul with an eerie smile…and there's nothing behind the desolate tundra beyond a mixture of browns. All three of these, plus more, have that same background. Why did this guy like brown so much?
The next Rembrandt is just a bunch of Trevenant and Gourgeist …this close up of a forest is filled with them. Other trees float in the air…each having the eyes and mouth of either Haunter or Gengar. Why is that…why is there a pair of Drifloon trying to lead kids into the forest?!
Why paint a Banette lurking near an open door? Why's the Banette leaving claw marks on the door? Why did it gather up nine discarded dolls-the dolls are turning into Banette one by one! Three of them are at the mid-point! All have grins that are contorted as far as they can go!
"Tundra in Darkness, Misfortune Forest, and March of the Banette." Kris leans closer, her hands clasped behind her back. "Guess I'm tougher than you, huh?"
"Be quiet, I wasn't spooked at all."
Kris giggles, but her mischievous smile becomes tender afterwards. "I know it's not really your area, but it's really sweet of you to take an active interest in it."
"It's the least I can do." Silver exits the room with Kris following behind him. "It's like when you tried to eat food that was too spicy."
Kris sheepishly laughs. "Not my brightest moment…haha."
Keep it together, don't let fake Silver take over. Just be cool and continue walking with her. Everything will go smoothly.
Kris and him enter the enormous lounge containing the Rococo paintings. She loves the fact that used to be a ballroom, and she's already gawking at three portraits of ladies in fancy attire. Typical Kris, her wardrobe even has several reproductions of attire from the 1700s. …Humph, he'll admit to himself that she does look good in them.
The respective info plaques state Portrait of Elizabeth Vervloet, Portrait of Mary Magnolia, and Portrait of Isabella Stone. Oh, these were painted by that Gainsborough guy. Kris has an equal fondness for his rural landscape paintings—she's gawking at her favorite, Harvest in Postwick.
Rosa and Hilda have stopped while on their way to the second floor, home to a variety of ancient and non-Western art. Oh no, they've turned their attention a work titled Portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Brockett. He's absolutely not going to wear a coat like the one Mr. Brockett's wearing, much less the rest of his attire...but Kris would look really pretty in Mrs. Brockett's dress...snap out of it!
They're discussing the portrait with Kris, and there's a giant crowd filling up the room. Now's his chance! He scurries off, triumphantly snickering under his breath. Smell ya later, Kris. He enjoyed the tour, but he's gotta escape before he gets asked to wear that outfit. Saying no to her is too-
"Where do you think you're going?"
"That's no way to treat a lady, you dunce."
Valen and Melanie have put an end to his escape attempt. Valen's arms are folded and he's got a mischievous grin. Melanie's got her hands on her hips and she's oozing sass.
"Gladion sent us a document detailing all of your tactics," they tease. "Go back to your date."
Silver rolls his eyes and attempts to escape in another direction. Unfortunately, the crowd's too big to easily get into the Renaissance area. Humph, at least these people seem to understand the strength of being cultured.
"Hey Melanie, do you think they'll kiss?"
"I bet he's scared that she's out of his league."
Oh for the love of Lugia...why does Valen have to be such a troll? Why does Melanie have to join him?
...Humph, he can't help but smile with them. If he could, he'd tell early teenager him that having friends isn't so bad after all.
A row of pottery and figurines lie behind Rosa and Hilda, the former of whom is ready to snap pics. She'll make sure not to disturb the other patrons—she's waiting for an elderly couple and their grandchildren to move down to eye the rest of these lovely pieces. However, the grandparents and several other visitors encourage her to go ahead and take the pics.
"Thank you, everyone." Rosa pulls out her phone. "Wherever Rosa goes, smiles follow."
"Go get him, Rosa." Hilda tilts her head to her right. "Raihan doesn't stand a chance."
Rosa makes sure that flash is off, then the picture train leaves the station. One photo facing the camera, one with her back turned, then one where she stands sideways.
"Now that Raihan's taken another L, it's time for the matter at hand." Thanks to a virtuous global effort to broaden knowledge, lots and lots and lots and lots of cool artifacts are here!
Rosa's latest photos were taken in front of detailed bronze figurines of Torkoal, Poliwrath, Milotic, and Gyarados from the Panarica region. Close by is a group of polychrome vases from regions south of Panarica, such as Nazcania, and they've got various paintings of Mew decorating them.
The Mesoama region is represented with an even larger assortment. These stone slab figurines depict the same Pokémon, plus several others like Drapion and Tyranitar. A model of a temple and two circular calendars, also made out of stone, are present too. Terracotta figures of the Lillipup line might be the cutest artifacts ever. All three regions have steles with battle competition rules written on them.
"I'll travel across the land, battling far and wide.~" Hilda's usual silly grin emerges. "I'll learn anything and everything about different ways of life."
"That's so you." Rosa bops Hilda's shoulder. "But that's why we love having you around."
Just outside of the room, the indigenous cultures of eastern Calvana and Orre have ample representation. Their pottery's packed with detailed images of desert Pokémon and intricate patterns made up of rhombuses or other shapes. Next to the pottery are a number of masks, Rosa's favorites being a pair of ceremonial Zapdos and Swellow masks. Circa 500 to 520 CE, but they're still crafted and worn by the Yaquitia people of eastern Calvana and Orre. Lying above these masks are Hilda's favorites: a pair of Landorus masks. Circa 200 BCE to 180 BCE, these hail from the Yakota people of northeastern Calvana.
Hilda and her trek further down the corridor, acknowledging the art of Alola's indigenous people and others in the process. About a couple of minutes later, they venture into a room that's the second of four former ballrooms.
It's time for a few pics in front of Ancient Osirian ivory figures of Lucario, Floette, Heliolisk and Liepard. Not to mention that wooden figure of a Lapras pulling a boat full of people. Out comes their phones and here comes another L for Raihan.
"Kaaaay, let's get back to the old and cool pieces."
"Hehe, it's your turn to lead the way."
A large stele with battle competition rules has its own case, as does the two largest ones on the left and right. The former showcases a friendly battle between two of the pharaoh guards, and Ra I watches it from atop his throne. The latter shows the army, both people and Pokémon, being led by Horus I.
Near the stelae is a gold, rectangular box with a curved top. It struts its lavish ornamentation from all sides, and each side has a large image. The four artworks depict the pharaoh, specifically Horus II, eyeing an ominous red shy in the distance, crowning a battle competition winner, riding a chariot, and sitting on his throne.
"Tee-hee, this room is sooooo big that it can fit nearly a thousand artifacts."
Hilda's right fingertips obstruct her mouth. "Hehe, this place never gets old."
Hilda taps Rosa's shoulder and points toward her favorite artifact: a wooden game board that's lavishly inlaid with shell decorations. Each of the twenty squares has its own imagery made out of lapis lazuli, or ultramarine, that range from Talonflame to Tyranitar. Excavated in the Orient region over a hundred years ago, the hollow board is accompanied by Pokémon game pieces, dice, counters, and a tablet inscribed with the rules. A similar gaming set is hanging out with its fellow Ancient Osirians, but all of the depicted Pokémon are felines or feline-like.
Dozens of terracotta figurines of Dragon-types await their arrival on the other end. These meticulously crafted depictions include, but aren't limited to, Salamence, Kommo-o, Dragonair, and Haxorus.
Displayed in a separate case is a door that's got Dragonite, Garchomp, and Dragapult carved into it. These, along with multiple other pieces, came from the outskirts of Lagobe City in the Nikuno region. They're besties with the vases and bowls that are finished with cool imagery of Legendary Pokémon like Rayquaza and Giratina.
In the midst of the ceramics lie ivory masks of Axew, Fraxure, and Haxorus from Accrana, but this region's got ample representation through ceramics and figurines too.
Their gazes ping-pong around the room several more times. Afterwards, they stroll out of the room, a staircase leading to the third floor located just up ahead. That's their next destination, so off they go! Zoom zoom zoom, she zooms faster than Hilda!
Upon entering the third floor, Hilda and her are instantly greeted by manuscripts from the Ériu region, where fifty percent of her ancestry lies. Around forty present of Hilda's ancestry lies in that region too. Each of the info plaques are accompanied by a tablet-like device. All of the museum's manuscripts can be viewed from cover to cover through these, and the texts are fully translated into Galarish.
"Hehe, visitors always crowd around the interactive devices."
The manuscript directly in front of them contains numerous illustrations of Bug-type Pokémon, the text describing each species depicted and how to care for them. Several of the Éirish manuscripts don't have the identity of their authors confirmed, but this one does. Lugaid Conchobhair was a noted medieval Bug-type specialist and a very early pioneer of modern Pokéology.
The one on the left shows the events of the The Darkest Day, the one left of that is about AZ's fall from grace. The cover of the latter portrays AZ, or Azoth Zsoldos, in a much darker context than the great Gianluigi Bernini did centuries later. AZ's mouth is contorted into a remorseless, wicked scowl ad he scans the desolate wasteland around him. The red sky adds an extra layer of eeriness to it.
The Darkest Day manuscript contains an outline of the infamous weapon behind Eternamax Eternatus as it clashes with Yveltal, Giratina and Rayquaza. Zacian and Zamazenta are leaping in from the right and left corners respectively. Xerneas guides people and Pokémon to safety, while multiple Hydreigon from Yveltal's army of Hydreigon battle a Gigantamax Gengar and a Gigantamax Grimmsnarl.
"I remember when I saw a manuscript like this for the first time." Hilda closes her eyes, her smile nostalgic and tender. "It was about Reshiram and Zekrom."
"The first one I saw was Ameriguccio's writings on Dragon-types." Rosa clasps her hands behind her back. "It's further down."
Hilda and her make their way through the throng to reach the Ragulian manuscripts. The centerpiece is the original manuscript in which the Dragon-type master wrote down his observations. Observations that are still utilized to train dragons to this very day.
Within one large room, people can marvel at bewitching crafted by the three titans of the High Renaissance. That's where Valen and Melanie are, and Valen's waiting for her to pick which work to look at first.
Perhaps it's due to their fame among the general public that keeps this room packed, but this museum's one of the most visited locations on all of Calvana. People from all walks of life and from all over the globe converge onto his home region's largest museum. There's even a true story about a regular visitor who met his wife over their shared fondness for Titian Vercelli. How amazing is that?
Melanie flicks his forehead and points to a painting on her left. She wants to start with Leonardo da Vinti's Lady with a Mienshao. A fine choice, and this sassy Nordican will gladly remind people that she's proof of the power of art if.
"I have a historical fiction novel about a student of Leonardo in the works." she winks. "You already know what I'm saying next."
"Works for me."
Donning an elegant, ultramarine dress that symbolizes her wealth, the woman in this Leonardo portrait has her gaze aimed southeast. Her Mienshao affectionately looks at her, its head in-between her caressing hands. Chiaroscuro was utilized for the background, for it's completely dark. The light is solely on the woman and her treasured companion.
"Let's see if you remember who she is, big guy."
Valen clears his throat. "The subject of this portrait is Cecilia de' Medici, a famous Fighting-type specialist." His exaggerates his authoritative tone. "Documents show that a Mienfoo was her first Pokémon.
"That's my platonic life partner."
Next up is Pokémon In Nature, a work famous for its varied depictions in a zoomed in aerial perspective. It's all highly detailed, right down to the realistic textures of each strand of lush grass and each leaf on the plump trees. The Pokémon range from a graceful Milotic towering out of the river under the shimmering sun to a Gengar lurking in a cavern cloaked by an ominous darkness.
The menacing glare of a Houndoom peeks out from being the Ghost-type. Separating the cavern and the river is a lush and vibrant plain where Bellossom, Vileplume, Ninetales, and their respective pre-evolutions rest or frolic about.
"So, is it helping?"
"Yeah, thanks," Valen answers. "Needed to clear my thoughts."
"Don't hesitate to ask me for help." Melanie fist bumps with him. "Platonic partners forever."
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
Painted in 1495, A Trainer's Annunciation depicts a young Giorgio de' Medici receiving an Axew as his first Pokémon. The young dragon's happily taking in all of the attention he's getting from the several onlookers, especially from that Dratini. The giver of said Axew is the future champion's granduncle, Professor Salvino de' Medici. Giorgio's father, Champion Niccolaio de' Medici, looks upon the boy with great pride. The gesture is repeated with Niccolaio's Haxorus and Giorgio's Axew.
A sprawling mountain range lies within the distance, locked together with a cloudy sky, lush valleys and rolling hills. At the foot of the mountains is a small town near the sea, where people on boats and Lapras go about their business. A Milotic gracefully leaps out of the water and over a Gyarados who proudly stares into the distance.
"Leonardo was so meticulous that even the mountains and the building are detailed," Valen remarks. "The textures of the grass where the Medici folk and the onlookers are so lovingly detailed that you want to reach out and the touch it."
"I want to rate their fashion." Melanie chuckles. "Kidding, kidding."
The Supper Before Battle showcases an adult trainer enjoying a lavish dinner with his Pokémon. The linear perspective was used for this painting, the point where the lines merge being the top of the trainer's head. The trainer's placing bread next to the garlic and carrots on his plate. A stern-looking female Pyroar sits on the furthest left end of the table, and a smirking Gallade's stands on the opposite end. Their trainer's smack dad in the center, and his adorably smiling Vaporeon is in-between him and Pyroar. Vaporeon's pushing a berry towards Pyroar, seemingly to encourage an embrace of a lighter atmosphere. In-between him and Gallade is a Haxorus chomping down on ripe berries.
"Which one of the Michelangelo frescos should I write a historical fiction on?" she asks. "Or should I go with the oil paintings?"
"Finish what you're working on first." The forehead flick means no, doesn't it? "I was being serious."
"So was I, doofus."
Time for Nature's Balance Between Light and Darkness, one of two frescos by Michelangelo housed within these walls. The left side of the tall piece depicts Xerneas proudly standing in the middle of lush foliage. The clear sky with beaming sunlight above contrasts the black sky that's devoid of stars that's on the right side. Yveltal's flying through the black sky, glancing downwards at a barren wasteland that's devoid of life. Above both, the scenery combines to form one that depicts a half-blue and half-black sky and the same foliage. Towering in the middle of this scene is Zygarde's 50% Forme, with Complete Forme dwarfing it to the right. Puppy form's howling at the moon.
The Creation of The Dragons is the museum's other fresco by the artist. Arceus proudly hovers above Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina within a starry sky. The sun lies behind Arceus and it's illuminating all four. Dialga and Palkia are roaring within translucent blue and pink spheres within the sky. Giratina's below the feet of Dialga and Palkia, and its depicted in Origin Forme. Only half of its body's materialized above the rocky ground, the other half being hidden within a spiraling vortex that leads to a pitch black void.
"Can you believe that Michelangelo painted each artwork on the Sistine Hall's ceiling again on individual panels?" Valen slides his hands into his pocket. "Not to mention a second version of Trainer, his most famous sculpture."
"Oh, that's a wonderful novel idea!" Melanie tone's hushed. "Thank you, bestie!"
"Crazy person." Flicks aren't very effective. "Don't forget Michelangelo's poetry."
Melanie runs a hand through her long black hair. "Ha, as if I can ever forget cool information."
Melanie's attention veers toward the two oil paintings by Michelangelo, and he follows suit. The first, Challenge, showcases David challenging a trainer of nobility named Golyath to a Pokémon battle. Golyath scoffs at the teenager, but the smirking woman near a tree is a great bit of foreshadowing for the second painting.
That one is called Triumph, and it shows David's Swellow slamming Golyath's Noivern into the ground with Brave Bird, the former kinda looking like a meteor hurling through the atmosphere. The woman is joined by other onlookers and David's Sirfetch'd in jeering at the stunned Golyath for his earlier dismissal of David.
"These are still my personal favorite works by the artist—Pokémon Trainer David is sooo good."
"I love your gushing over that epic."
"Oh yeah?" Melanie flicks his forehead and winks. "Well I love you, bestie."
"Heh, love you too." Valen rubs her upper back. "Should've known that was coming."
Valen heads towards Raphael's A Kiss Infused With Geomancy and Melanie follows suit seconds later. If Xerneas and Yveltal snuggling like Eevee in The Disputation of Animosity isn't enough adorableness, how about a kiss to go along with it?
Xerneas is kissing Yveltal's head as he wakes up from a nap, the setting sun illuminating their faces. Xerneas has a smile brimming with adoration, her eyes closed with a nurturing aura. Yveltal's eyes have widened and mouth has dropped open in shock. The legendaries are residing in blossoming garden filled with vibrant and lush foliage. The trees pierce the ultramarine sky and the flowers sway their pedals in a synchronized dance. The grass rustles to life under the hooves of Xerneas. The gentle waves of the vast ocean massages the sandy shoreline that lie further in the background.
"Nobody but Raphael could have painted such a grandeur humanization." Valen's face shines like the sun. "He wrapped this stupendous display of intimacy a clear cloak of verisimilitude and gifted it to the world."
"It's like a romantic date between Legendary Pokémon," Melanie comments. "It's such a beautiful piece."
"Gonna write a historical fiction on Raphael too?" Valen crosses his arms. "After all, he did paint this for a princess who was developing a crush on him."
"Valen, you should know how this future novel queen rolls by now."
"Touché."
It's onto Unovan Romanticism paintings and other works from around that era after the other ten works. With the crazy wholesome minds, of course.
He'd drop by the director's office to say hi, but mom's not in the office at the moment. She's gone to check out a potential Rubens and an early work by Rembrandt that Ragnar and his grandfather came across while sleeper hunting.
No, Valen's not going to tell Kris to stop pulling Silver down the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist. Neither is anyone else, rendering this text message futile. Texts from Melanie reveals that the gift shop does have new posters in stock. Too bad she can't come over later today—Lisia's coming over for the first time. Just like him, she's had an absolute blast with hanging out with Lisia.
Hilda and Rosa have already made their way into the room containing fifteen landscape paintings by Franklin Elliot Church. He better go catch up with them before he endures true horror—Rosa's feet bops are terrifying.
Church, who was Unova's leading landscape painter of the era, was a member of the Castelia River School movement. He also traveled to regions like Kalos and Ragulia and painted several of the sights that he saw.
He joins them in analyzing Twilight in Pinwheel Forest. The landscape cloaked by the encroaching night and the blazing sun sets over Pinwheel forest. The towering Skyarrow Bridge uses said approaching night to cloak itself within the background. The dark crimson lake surrounded by twisted trees. and Virizion's gallops around them on the forest floor. Meganium, Serperior, Leavanny, Butterfree, Poliwrath, their respective pre-evolutions, and various other Pokémon move around and frolic around.
Sunset in Lostlorn Forest has Hilda's attention and The Farmlands Near Aspertia attracts Rosa. He's gonna check out Sunrise in the Al-Hilāi Region.
His favorite element is the contrast of an ancient Urukian arena and the barren desert around it. The desert's littered with ruins, but the ziggurat-like marvel is mostly intact. Even the field atop it is visible, the shimmering rays directly bearing down upon it more than anything else.
Just outside of the room are twelve works by Tobias Cole, the Galarian-Unovan who founded the movement. A View of Liberty Garden and View of Hammerlocke has Rosa mesmerized, plus she also adores the five Unovan empire paintings. Hilda's attention is drawn towards a short corridor that leads to the Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
"Rosa, refresh my memory." Hilda tilts his head towards the corridor and room. "What's your take on those works?"
Rosa folds her arms and smirks. "Hmph, who did you think you're talking to?"
"Hehe, I'm talking to you."
"Tee-hee, you don't want that smoke," she fires back. "All silliness aside, I can love the art of an artist while disagreeing with his or her viewpoint."
She would continue, but there's somebody here whom she wants to hear express himself. The more he talks, the less uncertain he may feel. It may not make sense to some people, but it's worth a try. Hilda seems to have the same idea.
"They preferred a more naturalistic motif and the works of early Renaissance artists, but I don't think it was Raphael himself that they disliked." Valen caresses the top of Rosa's head. "They were revolting against the notion by Montgomery Rose that all artists and trainers must strive to be Raphael."
Woo-hoo, he figured out what she was trying to do! High five up high with Hilda Wham bam pow, bop bop bop to his forehead!
"Was that necessary?"
"Yep." Rosa kisses him on the lips. "The words you told me before your contest battle with Jacques apply to you too." Her tender voice is accompanied by a mellisonant tone. "The Valey sweetie that Hilda and I know and love is a skilled trainer, coordinator, and future art historian." She closes her eyes and caresses his shoulders. "Never forget that your voice matters too, kay?"
"I'll try my best."
"That's more than good enough," Hilda chimes in, her head titled to her right. "Keep smiling for us, alright?"
"Not that hard when you two are around."
They head towards the Pre-Raphaelite room, which houses a combined total of fifteen works. The artists represented are Walter Harold Hunt, James Elijah Millais, Aiden Hughes, and Davide Gino Rossetti.
The two balls of fluffs have been mesmerized by Hughes' Home from a Journey, a sweet and serene portrayal of a brother and sister embracing each other. The background's the quaint little town of Postwick.
Rosa's words keep ringing through his mind, which is more at ease now. It's quite fitting how the painting directly in his line of sight is Hunt's Our Eyes Have Met. it's a neat depiction of two trainers engaging in battle with nothing but the scenic Galarian countryside in the background. Two likes within a like, can't go wrong with that. Maybe it's three likes—this work was inspired by Botticelli's The Staredown. It's one of the seven Botticelli works in the museum's collection, and it's the classic depiction of two trainers ready to duke it out.
Battle...maybe battling in general can help to forge a clearance of the fog enshrouding his path. Perhaps entering another tournament or two might also help? Doesn't have to be a big one.
He needs to be firm like Rosa and Hilda. Overthinking isn't the solution—he needs to be taking action.
Hilda's giant sketch may be on the dining table, but all work and no play makes for a dull day. Thus, Lisia and her are laughing at memes they come across on their phones. These ones about Eevee Rangers: Return of Black Fog are amazing! The one Lisia's showing her is super accurate too—the movie was indeed number one in over fifty regions!
Hehe, look at Lisia gawking at the cool old table! She's been doing that to a lot of the furniture since she stepped foot inside! She wishes Lisia would've tagged along with her and the others to the museum, but she was hosting a contest. Ragnar entered said contest and won, which is super duper awesome!
Years ago, it could be hard to enjoy a moment like this. She still had a lively nature, but it felt like people had high expectations for her solely because she's the daughter of Odelle and Connor White. It felt like the entertainment world was putting its weight onto her shoulders. That's why she lashed out and ended up hurting someone near and dear to her heart.
However, she learned from her mistakes and her hotheaded side's been under control for years. She came to realize that nobody meant any harm and she surpassed any exceptions. Her and her friends are gonna do it right, Hilda White never runs away from a fight!
A tune that's all too familiar to Hilda rings through her ears. She stands up and gestures for Lisia to follow her, except Lisia's already ahead of her. Just as they exit the dining room, a recording of Valen's melodious voice enters from the living room.
"Consider this my love letter—you deserve someone better. What I saw was messed up so I had to step up. I'll put your heart back together, baby I'll make it last foreveeeer.~"
Upon seeing Lisia dashing towards the sofa she's sitting in, Rosa pauses the recording and glances behind her. "I like to listen to this from time to time—this is how Valen further won my heart."
"That's so so so sweet!" Lisia interlocks her fingers under her chin. "He must've practiced a lot!"
"Hehe, he did the same with his feelings for me!" A loving smile appears on Hilda's face—she can hear his footsteps on the wooden staircase. She clears her throat, reciting, "'How do you expect me to explain?~'"
"It's impossible when love works in a peculiar way!~" Valen's smooth and melodious tone treks down the staircase.
"We pulled that off perfectly!" Hilda turns her body towards Lisia, only to see the normally energetic woman quiet and slightly wide-eyed. "What's up?"
Lisia tries to speak, but the words aren't coming out. His voice's ringing in her mind...it's like when she heard Jacques' amazing voice for the first time.
A smile comes across Lisia's face and she shuts her eyes. "Eeeek, that was so so so so SO GOOD!" She jumps around, her fists under her chin. "You're just as good as your cousin!"
"Jacques taught me how-"
"Hold that thought!" Lisia leaps towards him as he enters the room. "I wanna know why'd you learn this!" Her eyes gleam and her hands are clasped near her chin. "Come on, gimme the scoop! Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme!"
Valen's face reddens and his smile becomes sheepish. "Uh…I…err…h-how do…I…put t-this?" He pokes two fingers together. "Eh heh heh heh…heh…heh."
Lisia jumps back into the sofa across from Rosa. "Scratch that, it's obvious why." she giggles. "You're kinda adorable."
"I'm not-just forget it." He sighs and his head droops. "Even I know that I brought this upon myself." His arms dangle by his sides. "Everybody knows why…how come I'm such an idiot?"
"But you're our idiot!" Rosa and Hilda close their eyes and place their hands at the ends of their mouths. "Go go go smiling Valen!"
Heh, classic crazy wholesome minds. Hilda whips out her phone for yet another video, while Rosa plays a tune with her phone. They proceed to press their backs together and Hilda hits record.
"This is how we do it, we're the lively type! Arm and arm, we'll win the selfie fight!"
They snap photos of themselves in front of a drop front desk, a long-case musical clock, and a heavy rectangular cabinet, all from from the 1700s. Lisia seems to adore the heavy ornamentation and the gilt-bronze mounts of the oak cabinet. Perhaps another reason she adores it is that the three square-shaped drawers have lavish imagery of Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza.
She's so similar to Rosa and Hilda, maybe even the most similar person to them he's ever met. Lisia's even twirling to check out the rest of the furniture, plus the paintings and ceramics on display.
He'd be asking if they're going to sit with him, but he'll wait unit after Rosa and Hilda discuss the newest addition to the living room. Housed in a sturdy case and placed straight across from the hallway entrance is a marvelous replication of Gianluigi Bernini's masterpiece, The Anguish of King AZ. He tried to pay his cousin for it to be fair, but just like with the previous sculpture, Jacques refunded the money after completion.
Rosa and Hilda are very proficient with Mind Reader. Before he can even say anything, they're right next to him. Guess that energy gives them super speed. Good thing he's smiling or he'd feel their wrath. Ahhhhhh, the horror.
Lisia joins them on the adjacent sofa, her grin ear-to-ear over the softness of the snowy white cushion and headrest.
"I'm glad you like the interior."
"I don't like it, I love love love it!" Lisia places her fists under her chin again. "I'm now in the mood for a good romance story!"
"You want to know more about our origin story, don't you?"
"Good catch!"
Hilda nudges Rosa with her elbow. She's known him for longer, so it's only fair that she goes first.
Rosa cups Valen's left hand with her right hand. "We've known since other since we were little kids." he caresses his palm with her fingers. "I met him when he was visiting the art academy in Aspertia City."
"She was trying to paint like Raphael from the start!" Valen slaps his mouth shut. "Not again!" His eyes puff out and his face reddens. "This always happens to me and I can never control it!"
"Oh you silly boy." Rosa blushes and waves her hand in a playful dismissive manner. it took years of practice for me to get to where I am today." she giggles. "Moving on, we had our second meeting at the museum, but his mom already knew my grandpa thanks to the art history field."
"Can you believe I still get to geek out with somebody over art and history on a daily basis?!" Valen slaps his mouth shut with both hands. "Oh come on!" He shields his face. "Why does this keep happening to me?!"
Rosa and Hilda move in to yank his arms away. They wink and give him a double cheek kiss, making his face burn up further.
Lisia's hands are on her ribs as she tries to contain her laughter. "This is so so so amazing!"
"As for me, I first met him when he entered my mom's acting course." Hilda grips his other hand. "Hehe, I didn't realize it was him when he strolled into the agency's original office."
Valen crosses his arms and leans back, his dorky fanboy side fleeing the arrival of his smooth and classy side. Come on Hilda, bring up how powerful his natural charm is.
"I realized that it was the giant flirt when he dropped a good knockout line: 'If your skills are on par with how beautiful you are, then you're definitely the best person for the job.'" Her eyes sparkle like her necklace and she clasps her hands under her chin. "Kyaaaaa, that sent me over the moon!"
"Damn right I'm good at knockout lines."
"Make Rosa blush too—the lines you dropped on her years later were far too powerful."
Rosa giggles, then she fakes a scared expression. "Oh nooooo." Her elbows are bent and her arms are angled in opposite directions. "Have mercy on Roooosa."
"The opening line was already a knockout." His smile's smug, his posture straightens with his chest puffed out. "Arceus must've sent you from the sky because you're a goddess in my eyes."
Rosa tilts her head back, her eyes sparkling like her necklace and her palms under her chin. "Kyaaaaa, that's still quintuple effective against me!"
The ensuing cackling alerts everyone to Gardevoir's presence. She's leaning against the wall with her arms folded. She teleports herself next to Valen and gives him a peck on the top of his head. She hands him the book that he forgot to bring downstairs. She lowers her head and he returns a peck.
"Hi there!" Lisia waves at Gardevoir. "Kicking butt lately?" Gardevoir's boisterous laughter is the only answer she needs. "Keep on rocking!"
Ooooh, Valen's chosen to read a book on Taizhou landscape painting. That's so so so cool—she loves seeing different cultures getting love! It's even a region where a fragment of her heritage lies!
The page he's on contains an ink and color painting of the Qiwei River passing through a dense forest. It's got a gentle and peaceful vibe to it, like you've closed your eyes to imagine a tranquil setting to put your mind at ease.
"A single act of kindness plants a seed." Valen flips to the next page, showing Lisia an ink painting of a growing flowerbed. "The seed can blossom into a lifelong friendship."
"Trying to be a philosopher, are we?"
"If I can make just one person's world a happier place through my actions, it means I've achieved a win that's priceless."
"I like that."
It goes both ways—he's got a great support network and he's always ready to return the favor. It's just as Rosa and Hilda said: this is how we do it.
There's a doc series and a book titled The Power of Art. Simon Schama's a fantastic host and author.
I'm trying to show different items and areas in the museum each time it appears. Did you like seeing the artifacts? Out of all the chapters where the museum's appeared in, which item in the collection is your favorite?
Do you enjoy seeing Valen and Lisia's developing friendship?
Mew is under the vase.
The Ancient Greek historian Herodotus is referred to as the "father of history."
Despite being Baroque, Nicolas Poussin paintings are more like Renaissance paintings. He mostly worked in Rome, as did Claude Lorraine. Georges de La Tour is another French Baroque painter, but he was within France.
The Castelia River School movement is a reference to the Hudson River School movement founded by Thomas Cole.
From what I've seen/read, I don't believe that Pre-Raphaelites were against Raphael himself. Rather, they didn't like how the academic institution was telling/teaching artists to be like Raphael.