AN: I got this idea when this story is done, I might do a sequel regarding Helena and Steven's Children. Anyways, enjoy the chapter.
Ch 73 The Ancient Ruins and Pokemon
The next day, Helena got dressed in appropriate clothing for the Expedition. She wore a dark pink jacket, a white blouse, a black skirt, a pair of black stockings, and brown boots. She still retains the pendant that Steven gave her,
"Alright," Helena smiles, placing on a hat, ready to head to the Excavation site. "I'm ready to go," She turns to Kirlia, waiting for her to be done.
"Kirlia," The Duel-type approached her trainer, ready to head out.
Helena picks up Kirlia, seeing that she's set to go. "I see you're set to go," She looks up, curious if the Boys are ready as well.
Exiting the Bathroom, N has gotten dressed in his clothes from yesterday with a bag with necessities. He looks at Helena, seeing she's ready. "I see you're ready and prepared, N." Helena smiles.
"One would be prepared for anything, Helena," N said, checking over his bag. Some bandages, Potions, berries, and enough water to last for the Day. He turns to Helena, curious if she has prepared herself for the Excavation. "Are you prepared for today's work?" He asked,
Helena nodded, showing her Adopted Brother her bag. "I have Water, my note pad and some Potions too." She told the green-haired trainer,
N nodded, seeing that Helena prepared as him. Soon they heard the trailer door, prompting them to turn their attention to the door. "Helena, N, are you two ready? The Professors and Cynthia are at the entrance of the Ruins." Steven enters their trailer, informing the two of what's happening outside.
"Steven," Helena greeted the young Champion, "I see you were early today." She commented, noting how he woke up early this morning.
Steven walks into their trailer, chuckling at Helena's comment. "I want to get some jogging in before the Sunrise." He explains to the black-haired. "It's a habit when I became Champion soon after you left,"
Helena nodded, "I see," She said, looking at Steven. 'No wonder he's fit-wait what am I say?' Helena blushed, shaking her head at the thought she had.
N observes both Helena and Steven; he knows that his Sister has feelings for Steven. He's not the one to get involved with others' love life, however when it involves Helena, then it's a different story.
He would not let anyone take her unless they could prove it to him. He can take care of her. N felt another pain in his head, he hasn't had a headache for a while until now. "ACK!"
"N#####," A Man with messy black hair, similar to his hair spoke to him. "I know this isn't for a Child like you, but I want you to protect ######."
N stumbles back, almost falling to the floor. "N!" Both Helena and Steven came to his side,
Kirlia quickly stood beside her trainer's Brother, seeing his face a bit pale. "Kirlia, Kirlia." She pointed the pale face to the two trainers.
"You're right Kirlia, N does look pale," Helena said, helping him onto his bed. "I think he caught something," She said, worried for her Brother figure. She placed her hand on N's forehead, feeling a slight fever.
"He has a small fever, nothing too serious," Helena informed Steven, to which N responded.
Steven nodded, remembering N got out of the shower last night without drying his hair. "I think you caught a cold from last night's shower." He said, seeing that's a plausible reason.
N stood up from his bed, not wanting to make her or Steven for that matter worry. "No, I can go today. It's just a small fever-"
Helena pushed N back to his bed, both Steven and N were stunned by the sudden roughness. "You're not going anywhere N until you feel better." She said sternly, which was a shock to both of them.
"E-Ellie…" Steven blinks at Helena, not seeing this side of her.
"N, you almost collapse and if you go out in the Ruins you might collapse for real." The young Researcher scolded N for being reckless. "Yes, it's a small fever for now, but need to remind you that we're in the Great Marsh. A hot humid area where a sick Person can get more sicker by just standing in the humid air." She took out her Pokeball, releasing Hattrem next to N.
"Hattrem? Then Hatenna Evolved then," Steven smiles, seeing the Hatenna that took a liking to Helena Evolved.
Helena glares at Steven, "Not now, Steven." She said in a stern voice.
Steven gave a small chuckle, liking this new side of her. "S-Sure, not a problem Ellie." He answers her.
"Now, Hattrem will be here to look after you," Helena told N, wanting at least someone to be with him. "I'll be back to check up on you in about an hour, so just rest. Also, if you think of going out, then I'll force you back here even if you kick or scream!" She scolded him if he tried anything.
N just blinks at Helena, another memory of a red-haired Woman similar to Helena scolding a familiar Man in front of him. "#####! What did I tell you not to do with N##### on that broom!? I swear, if I see him on that broom again then I'll have to force him off it even if he's five feet off the ground!"
N didn't know why but seeing that Woman and Helena scolding that Man and him is a bit terrifying. The only response the green-haired trainer could say was a simple, "Y-Yes, Helena."
Helena was satisfied, smiling at her Brother figure. "Good, now get some rest and we'll be back." She turns to Hattrem, counting on her to care for N. "Keep a close eye on N, alright Hattrem?"
The Serene Pokemon saluted to her trainer, "Hat!" She watches as Helena, Kirlia, and Steven leave the trailer. She turns to N, seeing if he needed something, "Hattrem?"
"If you would, Hattrem; can you get some water?" N asked Helena's Pokemon, to which she responded and got some cool water.
Exiting the trailer, Helena held onto Kirlia as she walks beside Steven. She sighs, having something to worry about when she gets back,
"Something the matter, Helena?" Steven asked, hearing her sigh. "That's a heavy sigh you did just there," He commented,
Helena nodded, "Sorry, I wasn't expecting N to get sick right after we just got here." The black-haired Girl stated, looking up at Steven, noticing he was a bit taller than her. "Here I thought we were going to have fun, exploring the Ruins, uncovering hidden mysteries, and spending some time together."
The Steel-blue haired Boy smiles at her. Despite her change, she's still the same Helena. "We can still do that," Steven said, walking to the Ruins where the Professors said to be. "Yeah, we had a setback with N having a fever. But once he got better then we can do what you wanted to do." He said, comforting her,
"Besides, if we've discovered something today; we can always just show it to N later," Steven said, finding the positive in his situation.
Kirlia nodded, agreeing with Steven on that prospect. "Kirlia,"
"You're right, thanks you two." Helena smiles, petting her Partner on the head.
"Anytime, Ellie," Steven said, now finding that this was the right time to ask her. "H-Helena, I wa-"
"Hey, you two! I see you're ready for a Day of discoveries and fun?" Irina came behind them, placing her arms over them.
Steven gave a light chuckle at the sudden appearance of the dirty blonde Woman. "P-Professor Ceder, you're cheery for this morning." He commented.
Helena looks at her Mentor's Sister, curious about what's made her giddy this morning. "Irina, the reason you're giddy is that we're finally going into the Ruins today?" She asked their newest Friend.
Irina skips forward, turning around to the two, "That's right, the Excavation Team has finished excavating the rest of the Ruins and secured it, so it'll be safe!" She stated, walking backward to the Ruins. "Huh? Where's N? I thought he was ready to go today?"
"Ah, N has a small fever this morning; so I had him say in the trailer for today," Helena explains to Irina where her Brother was. "I don't want him to get worst in the heat. Though I have to admit, I didn't expect the Great Marsh to be hot despite nearing the Autumn Season."
The dirty blonde Woman nodded, fanning her face. "I agree with you, Helena. I never liked hot moist places." Irina said, "I'm more of a Winter type of Girl."
"Speaking of hot places, you two came from the Hoenn Region," Irina said, remembering that Steven and her Brother came from Hoenn. "I've never gone there due to my duties as Temple Caretaker, but I heard it's like Summer all the time there."
Steven and Helena looked at each before answering the Professor. "Pretty much, it is hot due to the fact we live near Mt. Chimney, a dormant Volcano." The Champion informed the young Researcher.
Helena giggles, continuing after Steven. "Though it does get hot from time to time, you get used to it." The black-haired trainer explains.
Irina placed her hand on her chin, picturing what Hoenn was like for them. "Yeah, I don't think it's a place for me." She said, before turning in the direction of the Ruins. "In any case, I do hope N feels better later; even if he misses the first day of the Expedition there's still a lot to uncover here."
The three went down to the Ruins, where Adam, Cynthia, and Professor Rowan stood at the entrance. In every part of the Excavation site, Workers and Excavators were clearing the way while the Researchers were studying the Ruins.
"Adam, Cynthia, Professor," The three Adults turn around, hearing their names being called.
Irina came over with Steven, Helena, and Kirlia. "Irina didn't expect you to come with Steven and Helena." Adam greeted his Sister, smiling at his Students.
The blue and blonde-haired Professor looks around, not seeing his newest Pupil around, "I don't see N around. Is he coming later?" Adam asked,
"N has a small fever; he's resting back at the trailer," Steven spoke to the Professor.
"I see," Adam said before shrugging his shoulders. "Well, nothing to do about it now. We should at least get some fever Medicine for him later." The Professor said, truly worried for his newest Student.
Adam cleared his throat, turning to his current Students with him. "Anyways, before we go into the Ruins; Professor Rowan would like to say a few things." He said as the Regional Professor took the stage.
Carter Rowan cleared his throat, "Now, Ms. Potter, Mr. Stone, what you're going to experience today is unearthing Sinnoh's many Mysteries and will forever etch in History books." The old Professor explains to the two.
"Are you two ready to be a part of History?" Cynthia asked the two young Researchers.
"Yes!" Both Helena and Steven responded,
The Professors lead Helena and Steven down into the Ruins. Helena's eyes are in awe at how these Ruins were preserved so well under the Marshlands.
The Ruins were incredible and yet Mysterious. There were broken pillars that were tilting to the side, an old pathway that the Ancient People once walked.
There were Ruined Buildings where People once meet, however, what stood out the most eye-catching of the Ruins was the large Temple similar to a Greek Temple.
Before the Temple were many old platforms, however, that wasn't the only thing that caught everyone's eyes.
Helena's eyes widen at the sight before her. Right in the middle was a large, cracked mirror, similar to the one back in the Forbidden Forest. "Kirlia?" She shook her head, looking down at Partner, hearing her call her name.
"Huh? What is it, Kirlia?" The black-haired Girl asked the Emotion Pokemon in her arms.
"Helena, are you okay?" Helena's Emerald eyes shift to Steven, hearing him calling her too. "You were standing here for a good two minutes. Everyone is already near the Temple Ruins," Steven said, his eyes filled with worry.
Helena flinched, realizing what the Champion said was true. She smiles, hiding her distress with the familiar sight. "I was…just thinking where we should get the fever Medicine for N, that's all." She explains to Steven.
Kirlia was skeptical of what Helena just said, she could tell Helena was a bit stressed, but she was hiding it. "Kirlia…"
"It's nothing, Kirlia. I appreciate you worrying about me." Helena petted Kirlia's head before turning to Steven who also shares the same expression as her Partner. "And you too, Steven. I appreciate your concern,"
Steven nodded, seeing through her, but decided to push it. "If you say so, Ellie." He looks over to Professor Ceder, waving for them to come over. "Seems like Professor Ceder wants us over to him."
Helena nodded as the two headed over to where their Mentor was.
Once Helena and Steven arrived, Adam greeted them at the Ruins. "Professor, is there something you wanted to show us?" Helena asked, looking at the blue and blonde-haired Professor.
"Helena, Steven," Adam greeted the two, turning his head to the mirror. "You see that mirror smack dab in the middle of the Temple?" The Professor asked,
"Yes, why is it there, Professor?" Steven asked, curious what's its purpose in Ancient times.
Cynthia came down from the Ruins, after examining the mirror. "Well, we believe that it's a way for the Ancient People of Sinnoh to communicate with Arceus." She theorized based on the evidence around her.
"Or it's a way to keep track of time in the Day." Professor Rowan said, also coming down from the Temple. "In all, we can only theorize what this Temple could really be." The old Professor explains to the young Researchers.
Professor Rowan looks at Steven, "Mr. Stone, can you lend your expertise on the materials of these Ruins?" The Regional Professor asked the Hoenn Champion.
Steven nodded and went over to one of the Ruin's walls, where he determined what the Ruins were made of. "The bricks were made of old material, marble or…limestone in that line." The Champion said to the Professors, "It's not surprising that these Ruins were made from these materials."
Professor Rowan and Ceders all nodded, hearing the analysis from the young Geologist, "I see, great job Mr. Stone." The older Professor said, jotting down the information on his grey Rotom Phone.
Adam smiles, proud of his Student for determining the minerals that made up the Ruins. "This will help us determine the point of time when the Ruins were first constructed." He said to the Hoenn Champion.
Steven nodded before feeling Helena coming over, blushing from the fact she was near him.
"Wow, you can tell all that by looking at the bricks?" Helena asked, hovering beside him,
"It's simple, I can tell how old a rock or in this case bricks by the texture and color." Steven chuckles, scratching his cheek and blushing.
Helena smiles, finding this side of him to be cute.
Kirlia looks around before noticing some pictures on the wall, like a mural. "Kirlia, Kirlia," The Psychic/Fairy-type points to the mural, gaining the attention of Helena and Steven.
"Hmm? What is it, Kirlia?" The black-haired Girl looks at the mural with Steven, seeing many paintings of two paintings. One with a triangle and the other with an X above a few others with shapes unknown to them. "Oh? What did you find, Kirlia."
The young Researcher looks at the mural, seeing the shapes it depicts. "These shapes…they kinda look like Pokemon…" Helena commented,
The steel-blue-haired Champion looks at the mural as well, taking notes of the shapes. "How so?" Steven asked, curious how Helena came to this conclusion.
"For one…" Helena points to one shape that is oddly similar to a Zorua. "This one is shaped like a Zorua and-" She gasps, realizing the small little whisps on the head and tail.
"It looks like an Hisuian Zorua!" Helena exclaims, looking at each of the shapes, recognizing now the shapes to be Hisuian Pokemon.
Steven looks at Helena, hearing what she said. "Really?" He asked as she looked at him.
Helena nodded, confirming what she said. "And not only that but there are new forms of Pokemon too. But I can't figure out what they are…" She looks back at the mural, trying to understand it.
The young Champion took a look at the mural, seeing some familiar shapes of Pokemon. "I-I think I can see a…Serperior and an Empoleon," Steven said, seeing a snake-like Pokemon and a Pokemon similar to an Empoleon.
"You're right…then that means…" The young Researcher looks at Steven who looks back at her.
"There are more Ancient Regional Pokemon forms!" Steven exclaims, not noticing Cynthia walking behind them.
"Oh? You two believe this mural depicts there are more Ancient forms of Pokemon?" The blonde Researcher asked the two, curious what their observation led to. "Let's hear what you got, Helena, Steven."
The two turn around, hearing Professor Ceder speaking from behind. "Professor Ceder," Helena greeted the Champion. "Yes, Professor we believe this mural depicts other Pokemon; but I can't figure out most of them." She explains to the Champion of Sinnoh.
Cynthia nodded, placing her hand on her chin. "I see, that's an interesting theory, Helena, Steven." The Champion commented.
"Helena was the one who thought of the idea of other Ancient Pokemon forms." Steven smiles at the black-haired Girl, proud of her for making a discovery early in her Apprenticeship. "I merely assisted her."
The young Researcher swiftly turns to Steven, shaking her head. "No, you helped too, Steven. Without you, I might've not noticed the mural." Helena stated, wanting to share the praises with him.
Steven chuckles, placing both his hand on his side. "Well, you have the knowledge of Ancient Pokemon and can figure out their shape with just one look." He stated, appreciating the fact she wants to share the credit with him. But this was Helena's discovery, not his.
"S-Steven…"
"He's right," Helena looks at Cynthia, smiling at her. "You're the one who discovered the shapes to be Pokemon on the mural; word of advice, Helena, take pride in your discovery." The Champion advises the young Researcher, having many things she needs to learn to be a Professor of Pokemon.
Kirlia agrees with the blonde Researcher and fully supports her. "Kirlia, Kirlia," The Duel-type nodded agreeing with her.
Helena blushes before accepting the fact that she needs to own her work to make a name for herself. "Alright, I guess you're right." The Ability User said,
"Good, since you discovered the mural and the new Ancient forms, you should write a report." Cynthia continues to show Helena the workings of being a Researcher.
Helena nodded, fully aware that being a Researcher doesn't mean you just explore. There's a lot of reporting and writing to do after discovering something new. "Yes, I'm fully aware of that." She answers.
She watched Cynthia nod in approval before asking her something unrelated. "Um, Cynthia; if you could can you tell me where is the nearest Pharmacy? N is sick and I want to get him some medicine for him."
"I see, then the nearest Pharmacist is in Pastoria City," Cynthia informed the black-haired Girl. "We're going to be here for a while since you've seen the Ruins. I believe it's the best time to go. " She said, looking at Steven standing next to her. "Steven, do you mind accompany her to the City?" She asked her fellow Champion.
The steel-blue-haired Champion nodded, agreeing with Cynthia. "Of course, I will come with Helena to Pastoria City," Steven said, offering his company to Helena. "You don't mind, do you?" He asked,
Helena appreciates Steven coming with her, "Thank you, Steven; to be honest I might get a little sidetracked when looking around the area." She gave a light chuckle making Steven smile,
"Well, I better keep an eye on you, Ellie." Steven chuckles before feeling her fist punch his side.
"You better not," Helena laughs, still holding Kirlia in her arms as they turn around in the direction of Pastoria City.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review,