XxxxX

Walking down into the Center's lobby from my room, greeting the nurse, "Good afternoon Nurse Joy. I got the notification; I was hoping to grab my team." Leaning the front counter she was currently sitting behind.

Tilting her head at me, she starts to type quickly on her computer in confusion, "My apologies Mr. Matton. It seems the system must've had an error earlier, only one member of your team has fully recovered, it appears to be… your Ariados. I can hand her over now though if you want? Your Staravia took more damage and your Vulpix appears to have exhausted herself, so they'll both be a while longer to fully recover. Thankfully your Ariados seems to have molted, and recovered from the more detrimental of her injuries." She cheerfully spoke, as she finished typing and with a push of a button on the desk, the Center's Chansey walks out with a single PokéBall on a tray.

Walking around the counter, the egg Pokémon extends the tray up to me with a smile, "Chan-sey~" grabbing the ball, I slot it onto my belt right behind my partners PokéBall. Taking Joy's words to heart, 'no battling with you for a bit now Aria, though it is interesting to learn that she does in fact molt… I wonder how much she'll have grown? Or if she will grow more…'

Nodding my head in thanks to both nurse and Pokémon, I exit the center wondering what else I should check out in the city.

As I stepped out into the bustling streets, I couldn't help but take in the view as trainers hustled around the town, and numerous vendors selling all sorts of things from food to rare items.

pondering where to head next, my gaze settled on the large marble building that I had neglected to fully explore upon my initial arrival, the Oreburgh Mining Museum, its majestic architecture drawing me in like a magnet. The museum was said to house a vast collection of artifacts, fossils, and interactive exhibits.

While Brock and I did technically go to the museum, in reality it was only a small portion of the building that wasn't even directly connected to the main museum, and seeing as how I really don't know much about the actual world of Pokémon and its history, I felt it was at least worth a trip.

XxxxX

Finding my way to the museum had been a quick fifteen-minute walk, once there I quickly paid for an audio-guide, voiced by a… "Roark? Who would've seen that coming?"

Shaking my head as I put in my recently bought earbuds (I wanted some that actually connected to my phone so I could listen to my music again, finally I can get the experience of listening to the D/P soundtrack in the actual world of Sinnoh!).

Connected them to the device that looked suspiciously like a cassette tape/player, hitting play a rewinding noise rung out, and then Roark's voice coughed out, "Hey there, fellow trainers, and history buffs! Welcome to the Oreburgh Mining Museum. I'm Roark, your guide and proud Gym Leader of Oreburgh.

Today, we're diving deep into Sinnoh's past, unearthing treasures and ancient wonders that'll rock your world. From fossilized Pokémon to remnants of civilizations long forgotten, this museum's a gold mine of history.

Now, I won't take you for granite, but I've got a knack for a good pun or two. As we wander through these halls, I'll be dropping them like Geodude's rolling down a mountainside.

So grab your Poké Balls, and let's dig through history together. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just curious, there's something here for everyone to sink their shovels into.

Alright, enough chit-chat, let's start diving into history! Follow me, and let's unearth some ancient mysteries together. Just remember, no digging up the exhibits without proper supervision!"

Chuckling to myself, I could appreciate a good pun here and there. Feeling a wobble from my partner's PokéBall, I let him out and onto my shoulder.

"Hey bud. Were you interested in the exhibits?" glancing over at my shoulder where he was nestling into.

"Cyn-cynnn… Quil!" watching as he waved off my questions with a small smile on his face, I noticed him put his head up to the earbud I had in.

Realisation dawned as I figured out what he had said. "You really only came out to listen to the puns?" disbelief marked my face as I saw the amusement on my partners grow.

"Da~" shaking my head as he responded, I handed over one of the buds to him and began walking over to the first exhibit.

Standing at what had to be at least double my height, was an array of fossilised Pokémon bones in a diorama. My gawking at the display was interrupted by the cassette player starting up once more.

"Hey there, everyone! Feast your eyes on this jaw-dropping diorama right here. What we've got is a scene straight out of ancient history, a showdown between two colossal Pokémon: Rampardos and Bastiodon.

Now, picture this: Rampardos, the mighty Headbutt Pokémon, known for its raw power and unstoppable charging attacks. On the other side, we've got Bastiodon, the Shield Pokémon, with its rock-solid defenses and unwavering resilience.

It's like watching an unstoppable force meet an immovable object! Rampardos, with its brute strength and unstoppable momentum, is charging headfirst into Bastiodon's sturdy shield. The clash of titans creates a spectacle that leaves all who witness it in awe.

But who will emerge victorious from this epic showdown? Will Rampardos break through Bastiodon's defenses with its relentless onslaught, or will Bastiodon's sturdy shield hold strong against the onslaught?

It's a battle for the ages, frozen in time for us to marvel at. So take a moment to soak it all in, and imagine yourself right there in the midst of the action. Who do you think will come out on top? The unstoppable force or the immovable object? It's a question that has kept trainers guessing for generations!"

The two fossils, now making more sense. The Rampardos appeared to be trying to knock away the Bastiodon's thick shield shaped head.

Wow was the only word I could utter at the majesty of these two Pokémon battling, and seeing as how they looked ginormous in comparison to their modern heights, I could only assume something made them shorter upon revival, maybe some side effect of the process?

Making my way to the next display as I took in all the different fossils dotting the wall and glass cases.

After an hour or so in the fossil gallery, I made my way towards the mythology wing. Hoping to find some interesting things about the legendary's of this region.

The moment I entered, I could see a divide in the wing splitting it into three areas, with two being closed off for renovations.

Well this is shitty timing I suppose, especially considering those look like exhibits for the creation trio and the Lunar duo.

Heading into the open one, I see a plaque adorning the wall outside of the open doors with a trio of spirits in a triangle.

The player immediately began playing once again.

"Welcome to the Lake Guardians' Sanctuary, folks. Here, we're paying homage to the trio: Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf.

These Pokémon might not be as flashy as some, but they're crucial for keeping Sinnoh in balance. Uxie's all about wisdom, Mesprit's tied to emotion, and Azelf's the powerhouse of willpower.

In this sanctuary, you'll get to learn about their unique powers and how they help maintain order in our region. Through interactive displays, you'll see the connection between these Pokémon and the human spirit, and how they reflect qualities like wisdom, emotion, and willpower.

So take a moment to reflect on what these legends have to teach us. Dive in and see how their lessons might apply to your own life. You might just come away with a newfound appreciation for the Lake Guardians and the balance they bring to Sinnoh."

Oh? An entire exhibit on the lake trio? This I have to see!

Entering the room, I find myself seemingly transported to the caverns from the game. Though, in this case much smaller due to the size of the museum as well as several displays along with some old looking tomes, each open to entries about the lake spirits.

Finally at the back of the cavern-like room, a large ancient looking mosaic. Of the lake trio surrounding what appears to be Mt. Coronet.

The cassette starts to play again, followed by Roark's voice once more.

"Alright, folks, gather 'round and take a look at this remarkable sight. What we've got here is an ancient mosaic, depicting none other than the Lake Trio – Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf – encircling what appears to be Mt. Coronet.

Now, this mosaic is a real piece of history, and I mean ancient history. It's been around longer than the name Sinnoh itself, back when our region was known as Hisui. Imagine that – this artwork has stood the test of time, bearing witness to countless generations of trainers and Pokémon.

Here, surrounded by the tranquil waters of the lakes, we see the guardians of Mt. Coronet – Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf. But what exactly they're doing here, well, that's a mystery as old as the mosaic itself. Some say it's a symbol of their protection over the land, while others believe it represents their connection to the mountain's power.

Regardless of its origins, one thing's for sure: this mosaic is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Lake Trio and their ties to Mt. Coronet. It serves as a reminder of the rich history that lies beneath our feet and the ancient bonds that continue to shape our world.

So take a moment to marvel at this piece of Hisuian heritage, folks. Reflect on the mysteries of our past and the stories that have yet to be told. And remember, even in the face of uncertainty, the spirit of Sinnoh – or should I say Hisui – lives on."

Hisui? What the heck is Hisui… frowning as I look at the mosaic, I can't help but feel like I'm supposed to know about that…

OH! Legends Arceus! I forgot that game was gonna come out a few months after I got Brilliant diamond, hell its probably been released since then it was supposed to come out in January! Damn, Arlo's probably playing it already that lucky bastard!

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I thought of my old friend, that short fucker probably worried sick after I disappeared and yet here I am jealous of the fact he gets to play in ancient Sinnoh while I'm in the real one…

Shaking my head at the thought, I rubbed nova's head and began heading into the final wing, the Heritage Gallery.

Upon entering the final wing, I couldn't help but notice the distinct difference between it and the others, namely the fact that tapestries dotted the walls behind glass shelters.

Artifacts and ancient weaponry dotted the cases along the floor, each with incredible illustrations of what life looked like in the past. Roark's voice, giving insight on the various pieces around the exhibit.

"Isn't this incredible Nova? I mean, this right here is truly the history of Sinnoh! I knew apricorn balls were the original capturing devices but to see the ancient Hisuian style like that? incredible!"

Going from display to display as everything caught my eye, I couldn't help but think one thing.

What would Mat-Pat do with all of this glorious lore?

Smiling giddy to myself, I made my way to the center exhibit. A large faint green banner.

Looking at it, an odd feeling of familiarity I couldn't place buzzed in my chest.

The insignia on it was nothing special, in the center a simple heater shield adorned with a large willow tree…

Leaning in closer, as I tried to place the crest. It began to dawn on me where I had seen it before.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Flashback*

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the rolling hills, a young Rusk found himself atop his father's old horse, riding alongside his father. The rhythmic clomp of hooves against the earth provided a steady beat as they guided the herd of cattle to a new pasture.

His father, rode silently beside him, his weathered hands expertly guiding the reins. Despite the quietude that often enveloped his father, Rusk felt a sense of comfort and security in his company, a silent understanding that needed no words to express, unlike the horrible woman that was his mother…

As they rode, Rusk's gaze wandered over the herd, noticing the distinct mark branded onto the hides of the cattle. Curiosity sparked within him, and he couldn't help but voice his question to his father.

"Dad," Rusk began, his voice breaking the peaceful silence, "what's that mark on the cattle? I've never seen it before."

His father's gaze shifted briefly to meet Rusk's, a faint hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That, son," he said, his voice steady and measured, "is our family crest."

Confusion flickered in Rusk's eyes as he turned his attention back to the branded cattle, trying to decipher the significance of the simple yet striking symbol. "Our family crest?" he echoed, his curiosity piqued once more.

His father nodded, his expression softening with old memories. "Aye," he confirmed, "passed down through the ages, my father once told me it dates back from long ago, back when knights and kingdoms were still around and ruling. We were originally descended from a noble knight, sadly his name has been lost to time, but that's where the shield comes from… the Willow tree on it is said to have been our connection to the land. Its why every generation of our family plants one. It also represents our strength and resilience to face the odds and come out better for it…"

Rusk's eyes widened in awe as he took in the weight of his father's words. He imagined the generations of their family that had come before them, the stories, and hard times they faced. Rusk couldn't help but be in awe, of the crest and what it represented…

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

And then I proceeded to forget about for so many years… never thought I'd see it again either.

Feeling a tap on his shoulders, I looked over to my partner tapping the earbud that had fallen out of my ear. Seeing the cassette tape spinning, I quickly put it back in.

Roark's voice resonated through the museum's audio guide.

"-ou lies the Faded Green Standard, a relic steeped in the rich tapestry of history, bearing the proud crest of a noble lineage."

"But this standard is more than a mere symbol of heritage," he continued, his tone carrying a hint of reverence. "It is a relic of an age long past, a time when knights roamed the land and guardians protected the realm and its people from encroaching darkness."

"The story woven into its threads speaks of bravery, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of those who came before us," Roark elaborated. "For within the folds of this standard lies the legacy of Aegis, the final True Aura Guardian, a figure revered for his unwavering commitment to justice and his boundless courage in the face of adversity."

Legend has it that Aegis was more than just a guardian; he was a stalwart defender of peace and righteousness," Roark recounted, his voice laced with reverence. "But one fateful day, the Guardian vanished without a trace, leaving behind only echoes of his valorous deeds."

"Yet, despite his disappearance, the legacy of Aegis endures," he continued, his words carrying the weight of centuries. "His symbol, the willow tree emblazoned upon this standard, serves as a testament to his unwavering resolve and the enduring power of hope."

"And yet," Roark continued, his voice taking on a somber note, "as the sands of time have shifted, so too have the roles of the Aura Guardians. While they still exist in today's age, they are no longer the indomitable force they once were. Instead, they have evolved into guardians of peace, akin to peacekeepers and Pokémon Rangers, their duties more focused on maintaining harmony and balance in our ever-changing world."

"As you gaze upon this relic of ages past," Roark concluded, "let the story of Sir Aegis inspire you to embark on your own journey of discovery. For within the halls of this museum, the echoes of history beckon us to uncover the truths that lie hidden beneath the surface."

Roark really got philosophical at the end there… but… how does this 'Aegis' have my families crest?

Confused and bewildered, I did the only thing I could think off. Snap a picture of it with my phone, and send it to Rowan for him to look into.

Sitting down on a nearby bench, a large tree flashing into my mind. I quickly follow up the request I had just made, with a pointed note that the Rota kingdom I had told him about was north of the Kanto region. Somewhere above route 3 if memory served me correctly…

Setting my phone back inside my pocket, and settling Nova on my lap so I could lean back. I let my mind wander about the potential connections between my family's crest and that of Sir Aegis.

XxxxX

Around a half hour later, I was broken out of my musings by a loud explosion, rocking the walls of the museum.

"What the Hell!" shouting in surprise as all of the people in the museum start running out of the building in fear.

Running outside amidst the panicked crowd, I began to scour the area to figure out what happened. An officer Jenny calling out orders for evacuation as what appeared to be random blasts sounded out across the town.

Hearing a cry ring out from the sky, I glance up taking note of a large shadowed shape in the sky, heading towards the mine. What appeared to be to other Pokémon running after it on a forested path.

"What in the…" a tap on my shoulder gets my attention as I see Nova pointing over at three people collapsed on the ground, two of the scientists from the lab and an officer Jenny.

Rushing over to them, the two men are groaning as the officer shakily gets up. "Are you three all right?" asking them, as the two scientists manage to get off the ground with each others help.

"No, but that doesn't matter right now. Those Pokémon are from the revival lab! The Aerodactyl was never caught after it was awoken and hasn't received any training. It's going on a rampage and dragging the Armaldo and Kabutops with it! Quick, we need to retrieve them before they cause any more damage!" The older man wheezed out in a panic, trying to catch his breath before jogging after the escaped fossils.

Ah shit, just what I needed! More chaos to throw a wrench into my day…

"Fuck it, alright!" I shouted, taking off after the man. My legs pumped harder, swiftly overtaking his panting form. Thanks, Rowan, for training me in every way for my journey.

Pushing past layers of dense brush, I stumbled into a clearing filled with rocky spires and uneven stone ground. Scanning the area, my eyes locked onto a giant crane-like robot holding up three different fossil Pokémon.

Where did the Cranidos come from? It wasn't one of the escaped Pokémon?

I set Nova down gently and nodded towards the robot, trying to communicate what I needed him to do. His eager grin sent a chill down my spine—it's never good when he gets that excited.

Nova dashed behind the machine, transforming into a blazing wheel as he gathered speed. "CYNNNNNNNNNNNN-DAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" he cried out, the wheel of fire now triple its original size. The three members of Team Rocket turned in unison to look behind them.

"Offering us another Pokémon, are you? Why thank you for the donation!" Jessie's piercing voice rang out across the stony battlefield. A mechanical hand shot out from the machine, intercepting the flaming wheel moments before it could strike. In an instant, Team Rocket had captured Nova.

A flood of panic and worry surged through my mind. I can't lose him. I won't lose him.

Rage and retribution were the only thoughts that filled my head. My hands clenched into fists as I glared at Team Rocket, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and fury. This isn't over. Not by a long shot.

"Aria, I need you!" I yelled, releasing my Ariados from her Pokéball. The spider Pokémon materialized in front of me, ready for action. "We need to take down that machine!"

Ash and Brock appeared beside me, having heard the commotion. "We're here to help!" Ash declared, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, sparks flying from its cheeks.

"Let's show them what teamwork can do!" Brock added, his Sudowoodo standing ready.

"Aria, use String Shot to immobilize the robot's arms!" I commanded. Aria fired a series of sticky threads, wrapping around the robot's mechanical limbs, slowing its movements.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the machine's control panel!" Ash shouted. Pikachu leapt into action, sending a powerful electric shock towards the robot, causing sparks to fly and systems to glitch.

"Sudowoodo, use Rock Slide on the crane!" Brock ordered. Sudowoodo summoned a barrage of rocks, crashing down onto the crane, further destabilizing the machine.

Team Rocket's faces twisted in frustration as their machine sputtered and sparked. "No! Our beautiful machine!" James wailed.

"Keep it up, everyone!" I urged. "Aria, follow up with Night Shade on the joints!"

Aria's eyes glowed with a dark energy as she launched the Night Shade attack, targeting the machine's weak points. The machine groaned under the assault, its limbs creaking and straining against the onslaught.

"Pikachu, one more Thunderbolt!" Ash called out. Pikachu unleashed another surge of electricity, hitting the control panel dead-on. The machine's lights flickered but didn't go out. It was still functional, albeit heavily damaged.

With a roar, the machine's grip on Armaldo, Kabutops, and Cranidos loosened, and the three fossil Pokémon were released. They stumbled, disoriented, and confused.

Taking this opportunity, the scientists from the revival lab rushed in with containment equipment. "Quick, while they're disoriented!" one of the scientists called out. They skillfully maneuvered around the stunned fossil Pokémon, using specialized Pokéballs to retrieve Armaldo and Kabutops. Within moments, the two Pokémon were secured.

Just then, a piercing screech filled the air as Aerodactyl swooped down from above, eyes blazing with anger. It swooped in, charging up a giga impact towards the group.

"Look out!" Ash yelled, diving to the side with Pikachu.

I felt a surge of desperation and focused all my energy. In an instinctive move, I thrust my hands forward, summoning a shimmering Aura shield that enveloped us just in time to deflect Aerodactyl's attack. The force of the impact reverberated through the shield, but it held strong.

"What? How did you do that?" Brock asked, astonished.

"I don't know, it just happened!" I replied, straining to maintain the shield.

Dawn rushed in from a small clearing of rock, with Piplup and Buneary by her side. "We've got to drive it back! Piplup, use Bubble beam! Buneary, use Ice Beam!"

Piplup unleashed a stream of bubbles, striking Aerodactyl and pushing it back wetting its body as it did. Buneary followed up with a blast of ice, freezing its wings. Aerodactyl screeched in frustration, the combined attacks forcing it to crash to the ground as its body froze.

One of the scientists quickly moved in to subdue and capture Aerodactyl. As Aerodactyl was finally secured, the clearing fell silent, save for our heavy breathing.

But Team Rocket wasn't giving up. They clambered back onto the damaged machine, trying to regain control. Roark stepped forward, determination etched on his face.

"Cranidos, finish them off! Use Zen Headbutt!"

Cranidos' head glowed with a powerful psychic energy as it charged at the remains of the robot. With a mighty impact, the machine shuddered and began to fall apart. The force of the attack caused Cranidos to glow brightly. Evolving.

As the light faded, Cranidos had transformed into Rampardos. The newly evolved Rampardos roared with newfound power, and with a final charge, it smashed into the robot, sending Team Rocket flying into the sky.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they cried in unison as they disappeared into the distance.

Roark beamed with pride. "You did it, Rampardos! Great job!"

I collapsed to my knees, exhausted but relieved. "We did it…"

Dawn knelt beside me, offering a hand. "That was amazing, Rusk. I didn't know you could use Aura."

"I wasn't fully sure it was Aura the last time it happened…" I admitted, taking her hand, and standing up. "But I'm glad it worked."

Ash, Brock, and Roark gathered around, smiling. "We make a pretty good team," Ash said, beaming.

"Yeah, we do," I agreed, feeling a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment.

Exhausted from the intense battle, I found a quiet spot away from the group, needing a moment to gather my thoughts. The aftermath of the chaos left me drained, but there was a sense of satisfaction in knowing we had succeeded in stopping Team Rocket and securing the fossil Pokémon.

I sat on a large, flat rock, staring out at the now calm clearing. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden hue over the landscape. My mind wandered back to the sudden surge of Aura energy I had summoned. How did I do that? Was it a fluke, or am I starting to be able to tap into my aura?

As I contemplated, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out to see two new messages. The first was from Rowan, curious, I opened it.

From: Professor Rowan

To: Rusk

Subject: Rota Kingdom Invitation

Rusk,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to let you know that I recently got in contact with the Rota Kingdom on your behalf after I received your message earlier. I felt it was the least I could do after the danger you faced on the first mission I sent you on. I provided them with your email, and it looks like they've sent you an invitation to their 'Hero of the Year' tournament.

This is a great opportunity for you. You've shown exceptional potential in your journey, and I believe participating in this tournament could provide valuable experience and insights. Also, the Rota Kingdom has expressed interest in your lineage, particularly your potential relation to Sir Aegis. Take this as an opportunity not just for competition, but for exploration and discovery. Best of luck, and if you need any assistance preparing, don't hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

Professor Rowan

A swell of gratitude filled me as I read Professor Rowan's message. His support and belief in me had always been a source of pride. Knowing that he went out of his way to set this up meant a lot.

Just as I was processing his words, another message came through, this time from an unknown sender. It was an invitation from the Rota Kingdom. Intrigued, I opened it.

From: Rota Kingdom Council

To: Rusk

Subject: Invitation to the 'Hero of the Year' Tournament

Dear Rusk,

You are cordially invited to participate in the Rota Kingdom's annual 'Hero of the Year' tournament. Professor Rowan has provided us with a glowing recommendation regarding your exceptional potential. The tournament will take place in a few months, but you are welcome to arrive a week before to peruse our limited yet valuable knowledge on Aura. We've also taken an interest in your lineage, particularly your potential relation to Sir Aegis. We look forward to your presence and wish you the best of luck.

The tournament will take place two months from now.

Sincerely,

The Rota Kingdom Council

I blinked in surprise at the unexpected invitation. The 'Hero of the Year' tournament? It was a prestigious event, and being invited was an honor in itself.

As I pondered the invitation, a particular line caught my attention: "Professor Rowan has provided us with a glowing recommendation regarding your exceptional potential." I couldn't help but feel another surge of pride at Rowan's words.

The message continued, mentioning the opportunity to learn more about Aura. But then, something else caught my eye—the mention of Sir Aegis. My heart skipped a beat.

With determination coursing through me, I made a silent vow to seize this opportunity and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery unlike any other.

XxxxX

And that, Pokémon trainers, is what I call a good chapter! Bit of lore, bit of mystery, bit of backstory, and a short battle. All is good in the world… some is good in the world.

Anyways, Chapter question time!

What is your favourite Pokémon?

I have two, Cyndaquil and shiny Doublade!