Dr. Mortimer Phene - In search of legendary pokemon Kyogre

6/12/2014

Delta is getting more trusting of me. He still doesn’t have any teeth besides the two crushing molars at the back of his jaw. His play bites are more exploratory than painful. He seems to learn about things by putting them in his mouth. He spent a good part of the day contentedly chewing on Clear’s forearm while the Metang meditatively strokes the arched horns of Delta’s head. I would say they’re getting along but it’s difficult to be sure. The Bagon was chewing Clear’s arm after all but they don’t seem to mind. At least I don’t think they mind. I have has another soak in the Hot Springs and gone to challenge the Gym. The Gym Leader is new and still adjusting to their position but it was a riveting battle surrounded by the bright red leaves of the nearby trees. I have earned another badge from the battle. I am acquiring quite the collection. Even better Delta has begun entering his chrysalis phase following the fight. Following the battle with Flannery Delta’s crest has extended to cover his entire body. Only a hexagonal gap for his eyes and slits for his legs remains uncovered during the metamorphosis. He has finally stopped chewing on Clear’s arm with his evolution but has started butting against him whether they meet. Clear still doesn’t seem to mind, mostly because it isn’t attacking and the Metang is as solid as a rock. The next gym I have to prepare for is that of Petalburg City.

From Lavaridge I have acquired a heavy duty filter for my mask. I was not quite prepared for the level of air pollution I would face here. After replacing the filters damaged by ash I have been running low and some heavier duty filters seem like a wise investment, especially since I am planning on moving through the desert on Route 111. The expansive desert is home to many unique Pokémon, including the endemic Baltoy and Cacnea. It is also an area known for its never ending sandstorm which the native population has adapted to withstand. While I don’t require goggles to keep the sand from my eyes my mask is a sensitive piece of equipment and was in need of an upgrade. I have had some luck exploring the sands. The Pokénav Plus has a GPS built in so even through the sand I can navigate. I have heard that fossils can be found in the area. The strata has been worn down by the constant storm to expose layers of prehistoric rock. The fossils in these rock layers can sometimes be exposed and the fossils fall into the desert. There is a constant archeological presence along the mountain walls that border the desert, scouring the sands for any new finds the winds may have uncovered. I have found one myself; a fossilized claw I just managed to save from the sand. If possible I will have check it into Rustboro after the Gym Battle to see if it can be identified.

Spoiler:

7/12/2014

I have stopped by the Rustboro Gym once again. With the help of the talented researchers there and Roxanne herself we have identified the fossil I managed to liberate from the desert. It is the remains of a claw, insectile rather than reptilian, encased in the harder wearing sea rock. The desert used to once be an ocean before the division of continents and plate movement thrust up the former sea floor into a canyon. The claw belonged to a prehistoric Pokémon called Anorith. Anorith now only exist as specimens revived from Fossils but in the past it was one of the first Pokémon to make the ancestral journey from the sea to the land. I have decided not to attempt to revive the fossil. The claw is a beautiful keepsake by itself and the fossil would destroyed by the process of reviving it. Next it was a leisurely walk to Petalburg City for my next gym match. Gamma is a swift and powerful fighter. The Petalburg Gym favors normal type Pokémon, in particular Delcatty. Gamma may be small but she uses that to an advantage. A Breloom’s small arms rest on a coiled spring of muscle. A Force Palm to the stomach is enough to K.O a grown man. Two were more than enough to floor both of Norman’s Slaking within a few turns and leave her chirping triumphantly on the Gym Floor. Norman didn’t seem too happy about being beaten by a single Pokémon but I have obtained by next badge without delay. I even met Wally again. He is making rapid progress in his own journey and already looks much healthier than the last time I saw him. I have no doubt that is due to the company of his Ralts. A psychic type is good for providing companionship and Ralts is known for its ability to connect well with trainers. He seemed rather shy about approaching me but has kindly gifted me an HM, Surf, to travel to the next gym. He is heading in that direction as well and, seeing as HMs can be used multiple times and are expensive to acquire, he decided to give me a hand. I am grateful I seem to have made at least one human friend, even if he is rather young. There’s no point in delaying any longer. Wally has been kind enough to save me a day’s worth of biking and teleport me straight to Mauville City. From there I spent a few moments teaching Sunny how to Surf. He seemed happy to let me ride of his back as he cut through the waves. He really deserves his beauty ribbons, he’s very elegant in the water. Beta used his powers to keep up from encountering any trouble and it was an easy journey towards Route 119.

While the Pokémon of the ocean seemed content to give Sunny wide berth (he is of impressive size even for his species) I spotted a familiar sight overhead. Shortly afterwards I was hailed on the Pokénav and asked to make land as soonest convenience. As I arrived on the beach I was approached in a hurry by Mr. Stone and his Latios. Urgent medical assistance is needed on a southern island for an injured Latias. I was the closest qualified trainer Mr. Stone could contact; Latias is by nature a flighty Pokémon but a powerful one. A detonation across the island has injured the Latias’s wings and broken its mirage based camouflage. The island on which it nests has been targeted by Team Aqua who are now pursuing it. Latios was in the area and alerted Mr. Stone to the danger. There was no time to delay; with its injuries Latias can neither hide itself with mirages, fly away nor fight off any attack by Team Plasma. This is a Pokémon species so rare it has only recently been confirmed to actually exist. Protecting it and its environment is incredibly important. Latias only nest in areas free from disturbances, disguised by the mirage generating properties of their downy feathers. As they only briefly stop and are near invisible during this time places they can be found are very rare. The island is ringed with sharp rocks that make approach by sea near impossible. That must be the reason Latias chose that place to rest. Now, with the island compromised, it’s unlike any Latias will ever return to the area. We landed in a forest clearing nearby the Latias’s nesting site but not near enough to startle it. Mr. Stone asked me to go ahead while he wanted close by with Latios. Currently I probably smell enough like Latios down to put the Eon Pokémon at ease. Latias and Latios often form mixed family units, protecting each other against threats. The familiar scent should prevent the Latias from trying to flee at least. Providing treatment for its injuries is still up to chance.

Latias is an exceedingly beautiful Pokémon. It was curled up in a nest of grasses at the edge of the cliff. Its feathers flickered with a weak attempt to form a mirage but despite the hazy patches most of its body was clearly visible. One wing showed dark speckles of blood against the natural red of its feathers. The bone did not appear broken but it obviously cannot fly without straining it. Approach had to be slow and careful. I did not attempt to conceal myself but stepped out immediately then waited in complete stillness. While initially startled Latias calmed when it saw I would not attack. I approached slowly, pausing whenever the Eon Pokémon puffed out its feathers and shuffled along the edge of the cliff. Latias’s nesting site close to the edge of the cliff is obviously meant to facilitate a speedy escape in these kinds of situations but with its injured wing I doubt the Latias will be able to glide far. It seemed to know this too and, while it appeared uncomfortable, it didn’t attempt to jump from the cliff and let me approach enough to extend a hand to it. After a careful sniffing on my fingers it recognized the scent of the Latios and decided to show its trust by head-butting my palm. Its feathers are surprisingly light and soft. I was permitted to start my examination however it seems I had delayed too long. Team Aqua has located Latias’s nest and I find myself in a battle to defend Latias. Clear, being the least threatening member of my team, and Steven’s Metang fought to hold them off while I tried to heal the Latias’s wing as swiftly as possible. Latias seemed content to rest against the cliff, closely watching the battle with golden eyes, while I directed Clear’s attacks. Clear was initially more interested in seeing another Metang than battling but quickly adjusted to the situation with a few Bullet Punches. Seeing they were outnumbered the Team Aqua members decided to retreat, stating they’re willing to abandon this opportunity for mega evolution. As far as I can tell Team Aqua is near exclusively targeting powerful Pokémon capable of mega evolution, first Verglas then the experiments at the mountain then this Latias. One, introducing himself as Matt, seemed to laugh off the defeat and mentioned it was nice to fight someone with a bit of spirit and that next time I’ll be crushed into a bloody pulp. Team Aqua is terrifying but thankfully they seem to have spread themselves too thinly to continue this battle.

I returned to treating Latias’s injured wing. A spray of potion to disinfect, a quick cleaning and the wound is exposed. It isn’t deep but there’s no way Latias will be able to fly long distances before it is healed. Delving into the supplies in my pack I applied an anesthetic to the area. Latias disliked me touching it and bit my hand but not hard enough to break the skin. In a few moments the numbing paste had seeped in enough to completely numb the flesh and let me glue the gash shut. With the flesh held together with liquid stitches the wing should be as good as new in a few weeks. To prevent any dirt getting in the wound I also shaved some of the feathers from the around the wound and wrapped in in bandages. The liquid stitches are tough enough to withstand flight and Latias should be able to fly again. The anesthetic is long lasting, dulling the pain of the wound significantly though the wing is still probably very tender. Latias experimentally twitched a wing and cheerfully bit my head before elegantly dropping off the edge of the cliff. The outspread wings caught the breeze perfectly and carried it away. Perfect.

Spoiler:

8/12/2014

I am surprised to find Latias has returned. After leaving the island I set up camp on the beach front. I was woken by Clear cheerfully exclaiming he had found ‘big fluffy’ on the beach then by Latias sticking its head through the flap of my tent. Good thing I sleep with the mask on. Accidentally poisoning our new friend would be a poor start to the day. It transpires that with the repair of its wing Latias has regained their camouflage abilities. Apparently the Latias’s wings have healed but not enough for it to find a new island to nest on. Remembering I helped it the Eon Pokémon had followed me so it could have a safe place to rest. After checking over its wing I found that the wound hasn’t reopened but Latias is avoiding long flights. Latias’s rigid wings are designed to be held outstretched in the manner of a hang glider’s wings. Each wings has a small range of independent motion to facilitate sharp turning and breaking. With the wing damaged Latias cannot glide for the extended periods it is used to. More likely it can only make short hopping flights between locations which is why it sought me out instead of staying airborne in an attempt to find another nesting site. Latias is very affectionate and seems to like me. It was also very hungry after the flight to find me and I spent the morning making sure it got enough to eat. After chomping down some Poképuffs, Pokéblock and quite few berries the Latias spat up a lump of bright rock from its crop on my lap while I was sketching it. It appears to be a Mega Stone, likely one linked to Latias itself. Latias was probably using it to grind up tough berries before it decided to gift it to me and fill its crop with Sitrus berries instead. It’s a sign of trust between us that Latias has decided to entrust this slightly damp rock to me. After eating and scratch between the feathery ears Latias watched me pack up the tent and surrounded its body with a gleaming mirage. Now completely invisible unless there’s specific focus on that one particular spot of air that is a bit hazy Latias is cheerfully followed along behind me while I head towards Fortree. For now the Latias seems content to stick around. I have nicknamed her Epsilon.

After making my way through some very tall grass I’ve arrived at the Weather Institute. It seems I can’t go a single day without running into Team Aqua. Epsilon is, understandably, rather spooked. I have asked her to hide in a patch of tall grass nearby while I investigate things. It is far too late now to back down. Team Aqua will no doubt attack me on sight. I was just lucky to spot them before they spotted me. Epsilon heeded my suggestion to hide in the grasses next to the center, burrowing into form a small nest still hidden by the tall grasses. I reassure her I will be back soon and set off for the Institute. Beta led the way as we plunged into yet another dangerous situation. This place is another research facility hit my Team Aqua, this time one that studies weather patterns. I forced my way through the grunts at the entrance with Beta’s help. Charts and screens on the wall measured the air pressure with warm fronts and cold fronts making their slow way across the screen. Nothing is broken. It looks like those downstairs were here to guard against intruders. Any other trainer would have been given some trouble except they appear in the process of leaving. Quickly I rushed upstairs to find the Aqua Admin with the knife holding a chart in one hand and threatening a sobbing researcher with the blade in the other. Beta managed to wrench the knife from her hand with his psychic power before she noticed us. I demanded to know why Team Aqua was attacking a meteorological station of all things. She claimed it was to do with the weather record from 3,000 years ago, the time when the weather ran rampant because of the two ancient legendries Kyogre and Groudon due to absorbing power from the earth and sea. Another form of mega evolution, in a way, but triggered by something other than a mega stone. Hoenn scientists studying this new phenomenon called it Primal Reversion, a return to the earliest form of the Pokémon. I feel it is somehow related to that portrait of Kyogre I saw in Granite Cave. The cave painting had only been recently discovered but it was dated to the same period, the period of the Great Kalos War. According to Professor Birch’s books Hoenn and Kalos used to be a lot closer, maybe even connected. After Professor Sycamore finally published his paper on Mega Evolution many different kinds of Mega Stone, and more impressively, an ancient vein of Key Stone has been discovered here. There was a battle but it seemed rather lackluster. Whatever it was Team Aqua came for they seem to have gotten it, now they are just using the fight to cover their escape. After having consulted with the researchers we find the area has been left in a mess but nothing has been taken. For once it appears they have been after knowledge rather than anything physical. Something about what that girl said rubs me the wrong way however. Reverting the world to its original state, the world of the distant past…However Team Aqua plans to achieve this goal it’ll mean trouble for everyone.

On a more cheery note after staying behind to clean things up Epsilon seemed to have calmed down enough to release her camouflage. She’s not the only one who feels more relaxed now Team Aqua is gone. The Weather Institutes Castform have also come out of hiding. These tiny gelatinous Pokémon are a boon to anyone in weather research. The sensitive central orb of their body is covered in a viscous membrane they reshape to suit the weather conditions, sometimes hours ahead of the changes being recognized. They also can alter the weather locally as a defense mechanism. One, owned by a researcher at the labs, allowed me to sketch all four of its forms. It seemingly delighted in the beauty of transformation, its membrane twisting and changing color to reflect the best of each weather. It behavior altered as well, become vibrantly colored and filled with energy during sun, melancholy and slow during rain then finally mischievous and unpredictable during hail. Thankfully sheltered by the institute walls I managed to get sketches of every form before bidding the normal type goodbye and finishing the journey to Fortree. Latias was content to settle invisible on the Pokécenter roof while I finish my journal for the day and begin preparations for tomorrow.

Spoiler:

9/12/2014

It has been a relaxing day spent exploring the area. Fortree is a beautiful place well in tune with its surroundings. Rather than cut down the expansive forest to form a settlement the sturdy tree trunks are used as the foundations to a healthy treetop community. The small city has worked to tame the local flying types and grass types to carry messages and other tasks. It’s a nice feeling being up this high and looking down at the paths below. There’s even a gym I am working on facing. The area is well known for its lush green environment, surrounding the forest are wide open lakes and thick grassy plains. Before challenging the gym I decided to do some exploring. Once we were far enough away from civilization Epsilon reappeared with a pop and nuzzled my cheek. She doesn’t seem to have any trouble following me; her wing will hold long enough for short flights and she doesn’t mind keeping her distance as long as she can see me (which with her vision is no issue) and as soon as I’m reasonably alone she’ll pop up to snuggle against me and ask for treats. I even encountered Mr. Stone again. He spends enough time with Latios for Epsilon to be skittish but soon she felt relaxed enough to come up to him. I explained the situation as best I could, that she is following me until she can find another place to nest and that I am working hard to keep her safe. Mr. Stone was rather concerned, considering I have been made a target for Team Aqua and she is still a Pokémon they would want to capture. She has shown enough sense to disguise herself when she feels in danger but to make sure she is safe Mr. Stone has given me some custom lenses for my mask. They filter out the distortion of air to allow me to see camouflaged objects, meaning I can keep a close eye on her even when she’s hiding with a mirage. As a side effect I can also see through the best camouflage effort of the local Kecleon who like to use their impressive natural invisibility to play tricks on the locals. There was one hiding outside the Fortree Gym. I observed it scurrying around and catching small insects on its long sticky tongue for a while. Kecleon has the unusual ability to disguise everything but the darker scaled band of scales around its middle perfectly. With this disguise it makes a good hunter and a hazard for any unwary humans who spring its trap. With my newly improved mask I spent some time observing one on the path to the gym and sketching it. When it realized I could see through its camouflage it scampered off through the tree tops and let me enter the gym.

Every gym is different and it’s a wonderful experience seeing the new environment all laid-out in front of me. Fortree gym is a Flying Type specialty area, set up in the local wind farm for the benefit of the flying types and the convenience of the town. The wooden windmills are expertly crafted from the trimmed branches of the trees and, for all their simplistic design, actually generate a lot of power. The entire area is practically a heritage sight. With a quick nod to Epsilon who I could see was curiously hovering just over the windmills I went to confront the Gym leader Winona. In the end the battle was a team effort. First Alpha blocked off the attacks of her Swellow using Rock Slide. Then, Delta managed to take down both her Altaria and Skarmory with well-placed Dragon Claw and Incinerate attacks. Finally Clear knocked down her Pelipper and triumphantly began to evolve. Again the energy gained from the battle caused their body to divide and refuse together, this time into a spider-like four-legged form. The scarf that hung down their neck as a Beldum is now a small band of yellow around one of their massive, crushing legs. Despite their fearsome metal-bound appearance and the increase in size and weight nothing of Clear’s personality has changed, though that is in a way a double edged sword. Sudden flying hugs from him had been problematic at the best of times; now they threaten to shatter my hip. My next destination is the Safari Zone where I will be spending a while sketching the Pokémon of this diverse region.

Spoiler:

10/12/2014

The Safari Zone is a wide open area with many environments for different Pokémon to roam. Most of the area is an open plain dotted with large stone plateaus and a few placid lakes. The grass is tall and many different Pokémon can be found in it, from Rhyhorn to Pikachu. I will be hard pressed to catalogue them all. I have been given permission to set up camp on one of the rocky outcroppings above the plains while I work. Now there is no admission fee the area is more or less a national park. People are welcome to wander in and catch a few Pokémon but there is an unofficial limit and the area isn’t the easiest to navigate. Even by using the cycling paths I have yet to discover the entirety of the park. I must return another time when I’m a bit better on my bike to see if I can get a complete record of the Pokémon here. Epsilon seems happy enough with the camping spot I have chosen and has already started gather grass for a nest next to the tent. Seeing as the area is reasonably safe and a Pokéball won’t capture an already registered Pokémon I have decided to let everyone roam around for a bit.

Clear is making loud thumping sounds when they stomp around until they cheerfully figured out how all their limbs work and got up some momentum. With a thud they slotted their limbs in and briefly became a hovering disc I have no doubt could survive re-entry into the atmosphere. Their transparent skin has decidedly alien organs visible through it which aid their abilities which is the only way I can think that something so heavy can flit around as lightly as a Swellow. Right now they have gotten into a headbutt contest with a Rhyhorn that seems considerably more invested in it than they are. Clear seems to think everything is a game. With a body made of a mineral more durable than any human alloy it is rather a relief that they have such a naïve and curious nature rather than anything intentionally destructive. They are content to explore the world as a gigantic metallic spider and, thankfully, I don’t need to keep too close an eye on them. Delta is wandering happily by their side, occasionally scraping against them to hone his plates. Sunny is enjoying a refreshing bath and several young trainers have nearly had heart attacks when they saw him breaching. Their faces on finding they couldn’t capture him was quite amusing. I suspect Sunny is doing it on purpose that and to show off the sheen of his scales. He gets grumpy when not praised on each new turn. Alpha and Beta are taking turns rolling down the hill and laughing while Gamma runs alongside them. I have started composing some sketches on the life the Oddish evolutionary line. I will be here a while.

Spoiler:

15/12/2014

I have spent a long while training but I didn’t want to update this journal until I have made definite progress. In this wilderness I have yet to be bothered by Team Aqua which I am thankful for. I have been working hard in training with my Pokémon. I have found a Mega Stone, one of the few I recognize from my text books. It has a good compatibility with Alpha and I have been working hard to boost my own compatibility through a combination of meditation, exercise and play alongside my Pokémon. Mega Evolution, the bond between Pokémon and humans that changes their form, is another thing I came here to study. Having this break as I journey towards Mt. Pyre is an opportunity to catch up on both my sketch work and my training into Mega Evolution. Mr. Stone, being a trainer of renown in the region, has given me some important information about obtaining Mega Evolution. Instead of focusing on battling I have focused on co-operating with my Pokémon to uncover more of this area.

Today I have succeeded in triggering a Mega Evolution with Clear. Perhaps the newness of their form has aided their ability but it’s equally likely that it is just Clear’s cheerful personality lends itself easily to the shift. Their change was preceded by a vibration from the Keystone given to me by Mr. Stone and a strange sensation of heat. The Metagrossite Clear keeps under their Scarf started to glow visibly and his body shifted in the same haze as evolution. A crisp shell of some crystalline solid encased their body in an orb before swiftly shattering into a fine powder. Their body has doubled again into a complex sprouting of limbs, forelimbs extended into large digging claws while an additional four limbs have sprouted from the back. By extending the hind limbs they can rocket forwards more rapidly than ever. Initially any transformation was very brief, being triggered for only one attack before fading but now I have the sensation of it I managed to get Clear to stay transformed long enough to be sketched. I have yet to measure the increase in power but the change in form is drastic enough, approaching the point where Clear’s mitotic method of evolution is becoming more of a hindrance than an aid. With so many limbs it is only a matter of time before they start getting in the way. Thankfully it is not an issue I have encountered. The form of a Mega Metagross is only activated when our desires are in complete synchronization. Truly it is a power born from the bond that joins humans and Pokémon.

Though I hate to uproot Epsilon from her comfortable nest I have exhausted the area of new data. Prolonging my stay is unlikely to turn up anything of use and, while there are areas I have yet to uncover, my Mega Evolution training had delayed me enough. With Clear’s new form to discover the mysteries of I am setting off in the direction of Mt. Pyre. I have no recent casualties to pay my respects too but a study of the ghost Pokémon of the region promises to be most enlightening.

Spoiler:

16/12/2014

I have arrived in Lilycove City with my team. This bustling metropolis has quite a few points of interest. I spent a few happy hours at the Department Store looking though things. A few pieces of furniture will brighten up my humble tent. I bought a new chair and a couple of nice rugs as well as a squishy beanbag that a Pokémon could sit on. As a souvenir I have also picked up a cute Pokédoll. Clear has thus far managed to avoid squishing it out of shape but they seem very interested in their new toy. Sunny, having spent some time getting admiring looks from some contest fans, was in a mood to match his name and we had a comfortable surf along the beach side towards Mt. Pyre. This sacred mountain, a volcano in the middle of the ocean, is one of the most important sites in Hoenn. An active volcano where the ashes from the volcano have mixed with those of deceased Pokémon and humans through the ages. It is a steep structure filled with gravestones and ghost Pokémon extending upwards so it could near touch the sky. The base of the mountain is steep cliff faces worn away by the constant pressure of the sea but on the upper levels grass grows and a few Pokémon thrive. My goal is the shrine at the top of the mountain where the Red and Blue Orbs. An ancient artifact from Hoenn’s distant past these orbs were removed from their shrine only once, in attempt to command Kyogye and Groudon. After which they were swiftly returned to their shrine. The power contained in them is too great to be channeled and I have a massive respect for whoever crafted them. After a brief interlude with an overly affectionate Duskull and taking care to avoid disturbing the mourners I exited the cave. Beyond a grassy verge dotted with white gravestones with a few larger craggy walls near the top and an unfortunately familiar uniform. Team Aqua is here. It was all I could do to stop Sunny from knocking them off the mountainside with his tail.

The security of the shrine is mostly in its isolation and a group specializing in water type Pokémon have evidently found a way to approach directly from the sea-side. The bulletproof plastic casing holding the orbs has been shattered by persistent blows by something heavy. The Blue Orb is missing, the Red Orb nestling in the broken glass by the sign warning against the separation of the two. Three members of indeterminate skill stood by the shattered case while a fourth examined the Blue Orb. The Red Orb teetered, dangerously close to being lost in the ocean below. I couldn’t delay any longer. I rushed out and reached for it, my gloved fingertips brushing its surface before a heavy blow crashed into my back. I was foolish to not consider such a set-up was an ambush. A Sharpedo, known for its rough skin, gashed a hole through my lab coat with its teeth. I rolled in time to prevent it drawing blood and flying into a frenzy. With a casual wave the Team Aqua member I remember from Epsilon’s Island was left to face me one on one while the others made their escape. The Sharpedo made another dive for me as I reached for the Pokéballs at my waist. I was swifter and managed to call out a Pokémon, Delta, though I didn’t know it was his Pokéball at the time. He managed to blunt the blow with his armored plates as he stood between me and the Sharpedo’s jaw. Struggling to chomp past the tough plates the Sharpedo’s distracted me enough for something hard to smack me across my face. My mask’s lens cracked and I slipped and fell on the shards. My hand was cut, not badly but enough to enrage the Sharpedo. It fought its way past Delta’s guard. With a cloud of poison billowing through my broken mask I exhaled as hard as I could and Delta set the cloud of gas alight. It exploded with a deep booming noise and a cloud of thick black smoke billowing over the mountain. The smokescreen distracted the water type long enough for me to find Gamma’s Pokéball. A few solid blows and the Sharpedo was withdrawn. A flare of light shone through the dark of the low-lying smoke screen. It grew, producing enough energy to forcibly clear away the clinging oily smog and when it had faded a Salamence was arching its crimson wings in front of me. The mountaintop was empty apart from the desecrated shrine and the thrown Red Orb now speckled with a few drops of my blood.

The wound is not major, only one shard made a cut of significant depth. The damage to my suit and mask were much more severe. I can manage without accidentally poisoning my Pokémon but it is in desperate need of repairs. Having waited until the official incident report is filed is a luxury I cannot afford. I have taken charge of the Red Orb for now at the bidding of the couple who run the shrine and, with Delta raring to rest his new wings, set a course back for the mainland.

Spoiler:

17/12/2014

I arrived in Slateport City for repairs. Delta seemed happy to fly around and flex his wings for a while so I left him to soar while I got the crack in my mask fixed. The plastic of the lens is entire compromised and one of my filters slipped loose. Thankfully it was easy enough to slip it back into place and re-affix it to its proper position. I didn’t have to worry about accidentally poisoning the repairman while he fitted the new lens. The distortion cancelling lenses provided by Mr. Stone are still functional and, though they don’t enhance my vision properly, will do for now. Epsilon was greatly startled by my injury. As soon as I was away from the houses she arrived and quickly nuzzled at my injured hand, licking at it as if her saliva could close the wound. I smiled and tried to joke about how now we match but she could not be soothed until I curled up by her side and stroked her between her feathery ears. For someone who gets into a lot of trouble I’m surprised she has stuck by me. I was struck with the feeling that I have been a poor travelling partner for her. I am all she has for now. I spent a good while comforting her and making sure she feels safe. Her wing is healing nicely and I’ve changed the bandages. The wound is neatly covered with the feathers regrowth. Soon it will be sturdy enough for longer flights. With Delta wheeling overhead she seems to feel a bit bolder. I was worried she’d be spooked but apparently she recognizes that the large fire-breathing dragon means her no harm. Keeping at a distance she landed on a rooftop across the road from the museum, craning her long neck to see me. I have arrived at an opportune time; Captain Stern has returned from an aquatic voyage with news of an underwater cavern said to be home to an ancient water type of legend, possibly Lugia but more likely to be the Kyogre Team Aqua targeted in the past. The entire area is protected but a study of the cavern promises new information on Kyogre’s habitat. This ancient Pokémon, surviving since thousands of years in the past, can offer unmatched information on the past of this ancient region. I attended the press conference outside the harbor, making notes in my work journal about what has been gathered on this expedition. A much larger expedition is already being planned. No doubt I will eventually read about the results in the Hoenn Scientific Journal but for now plans have been delayed. Team Aqua could not ignore such a largely publicized event. The Harbor Building has the symbol of Team Aqua spray painted across the doors along with the ominous phrase ‘We’ll return this world to the beginning.’

The theft was recent. There was still two members of Team Aqua waiting for me. They were the same ones who assaulted me over the Devon Parts, they told me as much while they attacked me. Team Aqua’s ambush tactics have made me very paranoid. Sunny, per usual, was quick to defend me. He watches the shadows more than I possibly could and he alerted me seconds before the attack. In addition to a fierce Mightyena one of the Team Aqua members was wielding a baseball bat. I will not repeat what they said but suffice to say they were threatening and anatomically inaccurate. While Sunny lashed the ground with his tail Alpha shot water at the Mightyena. It doused the Dark Type’s fur and did a decent amount of damage. Not content to settle this dispute through the ancient art of Pokémon battle one of the two attempted to attack Alpha with the bat from behind. Before I could reach her the bat bounced off a growing crystalline shell. Alpha had mega evolved. Taller and with fists the size of her head she reached out and bent the bat in half. They ran like Poochyena with their tails between their legs. Whatever it is their planning they left me with a warning; if I showed up at Lilycove to stop them they wouldn’t show any mercy. Whatever their plan is I am sure it involves Kyogre. That ancient Pokémon, did they not learn their lesson from their previous failure?! Kyogre’s ability to grow the oceans through creating torrential rain is dangerous enough. While usually docile in deep sea trenches enraging it is enough to create sizable natural disasters. Controlling it against its will is near impossible. If Groudon’s deep cave is also disturbed there is no force that can tear them apart beside the aerial guardian Rayquaza. I have studied Kyogre for years and everything I have learned indicated that whatever they are planning will be destructive and not go according to plan. Like Epsilon the Pokémon detailed in ancient legend have their own methods of defending themselves. If Team Aqua use that submarine to antagonize Kyogre into surfacing then the casualties could be in their hundreds. Whatever fanatic beliefs they hold Kyogre cannot be controlled, only persuaded. By now I am on top alert with the local authorities due to my status as a target of Team Aqua. Team Aqua are now a national level terrorist threat and top priority for law enforcement. There have been no deaths but quite a few injuries that make it clear it wasn’t lack of trying. I apologized to Epsilon in private but right now I am the researcher with the most knowledge of Kyogre that has yet to be captured by Team Aqua. I cannot let this stand.

Spoiler:

18/12/2014

I writing this while crouched behind a bookshelf in Team Aqua’s hideout. This morning I arrived in Lilycove for the joint attack on the base. Though I have recently arrived preparations were already underway to launch an assault on their base. A group of trainers, including myself, volunteered to scour the coastline for an entrance to their base of operations. Exploring a likely looking cave with Sunny I found a set of stairs leading to the water. On entering the cave I was attacked by a single Team Aqua member who recognized me. I managed to end the battle swiftly and knocked him out. As my mask is still being repaired I have taken extra Pecha shots and taken one of the Team Aqua rebreathers and his bandana as a disguise, which I am largely hiding under my lab coat. I hid him behind a pile of stones after knocking him out with the aid of my med supplies. I can guarantee a few hours remain before they wake up. There are scientific staff, half employed and half coerced here. No-one has given me a second glance. After accidentally running into someone in the corridors and my heart leaping in my throat I literally bumped into someone. They slapped me on the shoulder and reminded me to stock up on snacks for the upcoming trip. The entire hideout is abuzz with activity, too busy to look for an intruder but I am worried my luck is wearing thin.

From what I have gleaned from overheard conversations while trying to appear busy every member of Team Aqua is a volunteer working for the ultimate goal of improving life for people and Pokémon by expanding the oceans. There are no set work or break hours and the facilities are open and decorated but simply with bright blue banners bearing the Team symbol. Elegant waterfalls of saltwater down the sea-stone walls and nourish the natural sea plants that liven up the area. I have seen the dormitories where the members sleep and the large conference table painted white and blue spread out like a war court. On the surface this is a charity run environmental group. Most of the members are teenager or young adults who seem passionate about protecting the natural environment but painfully ignorant about how they are doing more damage than good. My exploration is cautious but I have tried to appear like I belong here. I have accidentally uncovered more than I wish to know, including finding the room of Archie, thankfully while he wasn’t in it. There was a bookcase packed with common Pokémon magazines which did not appear to contain anything of importance and a picture of what appears to be a young Archie with the Legendary Wishmaker Pokémon Jirachi. This does not bode well but I couldn’t find anything else of importance before I lost my courage.

More fortunately on leaving I spotted a member of the team wearing a white coat and followed them at a distance to the research level. There were only two members of staff there, switching down the power after an experiment that left the air with a faint sensation of burning.
“Another failure.” The scientist said to me offhand. “We need to recalibrate the equipment and refill the tank before we can fire her up again.”
It was only after he said this that he turned and realized he didn’t recognize me. I was prepared to do battle before he could raise the alarm but he just frowned and said.
“You’re not Johnson, you’re that guy from....” He said and frowned but didn’t attempt to call out. “Fine, let me give you a rundown. This machine is part of an experiment to try and created an artificial Blue Orb.”
Here his voice lowered and he pretended he had been expecting me, hooking one arm around my shoulder.
“It’s for Project Azoth. The files are just over there. Read through them, no-one will stop you then get the hell out of here. There are camera everywhere. It won’t be long before they figure out you’re not supposed to be here.”
With a strained smile and a slap on my back like he had just told a joke the scientist went back over to the machine, subtly pointing out the bookshelf with one finger. Azoth, the legendary cure-all from the beginning of time that linked the alpha and omega. An ominous name that in no way prepared me.
Under the guise of an asthma attack (which I was on the brink of having anyway) I managed to sweep the files under my lab coat and leave.

Right now I am hiding in a corner of the Team Aqua dorms and pouring over these files. If what these papers say is true Team Aqua is attempting an act of violence on a scale not seen in 3,000 years. The weapon of ancient Kalos, that ancient and terrifying device, they plan to resurrect it with the power of Kyogre. Another file contains the specifics. Primal Reversion, a mega evolution bought about by utilizing the energy of nature itself as opposed to mega evolution which utilizes the bond between Pokémon and trainer. Devon Corps adaption of pieces of this ancient machine in an attempt to generate infinite energy and the theft of these parts. Each new file reveals more pieces of the puzzle. This plan…it terrifies me. I will finish reading these files then a quick nap. It was sunset when I arrived and already the base is going dark. I’ll sleep in the most private corner I can find with my finger over the release button of my Pokéball. I just need a small rest; when everyone else is asleep I can sneak out of here and hand over these files to the authorities.

19/12/2014

I overslept. I only meant to spend a few moments resting but I got a full night’s sleep instead. These beds are surprisingly comfy and there was no attempt to search them during the night. Perhaps they thought they could identify me by mask and have not searched the area. I was woken up by the noise of movement from the dorms. The hour is early as far as I can tell. Only a few members of the team were awake. I managed to roll out of bed and away down the corridors before anyone noticed. The Hideout is slowly but surely coming to life. The launch can’t be long. The lightning in here is all artificial but according to my Pokénav I have only been asleep a few hours. I don’t have long to escape. Preparations are nearly complete. I am exploring deeper into the base in the search of the Explorer One Submarine. The Seaflooor Cavern is deep, deep underwater. Breaking into it is a formidable task for any equipment. Thankfully in my wandering I have stumbled across the blueprints for the planned alterations. A large drill has been added to the front to deal with the thick rock of the sea bed. Do they not understand the incredible amount of ways this can go wrong? With this Project Azoth…what exactly are they hoping to accomplish with it? Increasing the ocean’s size by destroying landmass or are they just going to flood the world? Ecosystems would be destroyed, thousands of humans and Pokémon would die. It would be a calamity greater than the Kalos War, on par with the ancient event that caused the extinction of the fossil Pokémon in ancient times. Making my way through the labs towards the launch bay I have seen the development of an impressive outfit, a dive suit of impressive durability. No doubt this will be used in the actual retrieval. I have taken what files I can find on this as well. I have colleagues in Devon Corp who would find this information interesting…after the police are through looking at them. One positive of always wearing gloves is that I haven’t left any fingerprints. These files are important evidence and hopefully will be enough to determine who exactly was leaking this information.

Under the laboratory level was an open water system with narrow walkways leading to the submarine launch bay. Sneaking up to the area I got a good look at the submarine in its final stages of preparation. Work must have been done while I was sleeping. I failed to make my way any closer without being noticed. This area must have a designated personal list because I was recognized straight away and attacked from all directions by a horde of Poochyena. They roared one after another until my Pokémon were too busy cowering to work up the courage to get a single move it. I had no other choice; I ordered Alpha to collapse the ceiling. The falling rocks were enough to block off the area and send the Poochyena and their trainers running but I was too late to do anything but watch the submarine slip into the ocean. I managed to escape on Sunny but he can’t swim deep enough to catch the submarine. I managed to sketch a Sharpedo but today still feels like a massive waste of time. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Spoiler:

20/12/2014

Again I find myself with spare time while waiting for news of what Team Aqua plans to do. It seems Team Aqua is always one step ahead, evading any decisive move in this game while they go ahead with their plans. I have taken another surfing trip on Sunny, arriving in Mossdeep City. Hopefully here I won’t have to worry about running into Team Aqua here but you can never be sure. There are stranger places for them to attack then the launch site of the Hoenn space program. The city is also completely surrounded by water, another thing that initially put me on edge. I’ve since relaxed. The gym leaders, while young, have a tight grip on the area and would no doubt be aware of anything untoward. Mr. Stone also lives here, though he is not here presently and this is enough for me to consider it safe to explore. There’s nothing like a surf on the open sea to clear your mind. I am feeling better already. One of the more enjoyable benefits of surfing is that this far from the city Epsilon is happy to join us in visible form, wheeling overhead then diving down to scrape the top of the waves with her outermost wing feathers. The gash is healing nicely thanks to the curative properties of the potions I applied. I’ve also been trying to keep her health up with a regular bottle of Moomoo milk. It won’t be long before her wing has healed enough to allow a long flight. Finding a new home for a Latias seems a more cheery a goal than the one I have been pursuing lately. I need something to take my mind off my failures. Just being able to relax and play with my Pokémon like this is a huge weight off my shoulders. I went to purchase a new fishing rod and ended up talking with a local fisherman regarding aquatic Pokémon in the area. According to them the fastest thing in the water around here is Sharpedo. Catching one is tricky enough and requires some skillful angling. The sharp teeth of a Sharpedo can cut through an unwary fisher’s line with ease. Sharpedo get their incredible speed from their ventilated gill system that allows them to draw in water rapidly and in great volume, force it over their gills and expel it at great speed to propel them. Not needing a tail for propulsion their fins have developed to steer themselves but at the cost that staying still for too long can lead to suffocation. However if one is caught and tamed then they give the swiftest surf in the sea, so fast its dangerous to try and fish off one. Sunny tossed his head irritably at this and I had to stop to pet him and reassure him that even if surfing on a Sharpedo is faster he would always be more beautiful.

It’s hard to believe Sunny, like Clear, wasn’t originally my Pokémon. We get along so well now. He always listens to my commands in battle and I feel that he trusts me a lot. I would never replace him with another Pokémon for a swifter surf. As it turned out I spent the rest of the evening relaxing with the team in a small cove out of the way of the city. Alpha was quick to dive in and splash around with Beta and Gamma at the shoreline. Clear, his usual self, managed to tuck in his legs enough to hover over the waves and look at the fish. Delta, as soon as I released him, rocketed upwards until he was nearly lost in the sky then plummeted down at great speeds, pulling himself up just before he crashed into the water then repeated the moment in a dizzying display of aerial grace until both he and Clear misjudged their timing and ended up colliding with a colossal splash. Neither of them were injured or indeed seemed to particularly mind. I made my way down the coast a bit more and spent some time putting my new and improved fishing rod to use. After a few meditative moments watching the lure bob up and down I got a bite. It wasn’t the Sharpedo I was hoping for, the fisherman was right in saying they’re illusive. I still made an impressive catch and hauled in a healthy looking Carvahna. It was enough trouble manhandling it into the bucket and even more trouble sketching it as its fins kept scratching gashes in the plastic. In the end I let it grumpily slip back into the ocean and swim away.

Spoiler:

21/12/2014

Today I am exploring the Shoal Cave. This sandstone cavern has sandy floors and smoothed walls from where the tide has worn a space in the rock. Thicker slabs of rock form platforms that shellfish cling to. The shells of this species, only found in this cave, and the salt deposits that grow on the cave walls both have curative properties and I have decided some as souvenirs. Sunny was happy to take me there on his back. The cave is a nice cool environment that is home to the local Spheal population, the cheerful seal-like Pokémon resting on the sandy shore to keep safe from predators while sleeping. The Spheal are cheery and active but their Sealeo elders are less friendly and I keep my distance from them so as not to startle them. The usual cave Pokémon, Zubats and Golbats, are always present and trying not to startle them is even more difficult. Gamma is with me, keeping pace and in many cases outrunning me with the springy muscles of her hind legs. Occasionally something will move in the shadows and she will run in front of me with her tail held out just in case it turns out to be hostile. The cave is filled with both many rooms and puddles. Some thoughtful traveler in the past has chiseled rough steps into the tougher bedrock to allow people to climb and down the tougher platforms, though they’ve since worn smooth with the pressure of the tidelines. Some of these lumps of sturdier rock are far above my reach. When the tide is high no doubt it is possible to surf to them. I can spot a cluster of white shells sprouting on the rocky shelf. It looks like I will have to return when the tide is high for my shell samples. For now a bit of wandering has located a dried crust of the salt on one of the upper ledges. I scraped some as a sample into a beaker for studying later. Sea salt can have wonderfully curative properties and hopefully I can distill some of them.

While exploring I have come across another illusive ice type; Snorunt. Covered in a grassy cloak woven themselves there is little of this ice-type’s body visible. Their body temperatures are extremely delicate. When hatched their skin is incredibly fragile and they need to shelter themselves to keep themselves from overheating. At the same time the perfect environment for their skin puts them at risk of frostbite so the woven cloak is needed to shield them from the wind. A Snorunt must maintain a low and constant body temperature and are naturally rather shy. However it isn’t long before they learn how to regulate this body temperature and become more mobile. By chilling the air around them they protect their vulnerable body. When they get strong enough to evolve into Glalie they grow a shell to protect themselves from the elements but before then they constantly shiver to keep their core temperature stable. I managed to make a sketch of the outer anatomy of one of these elusive ice types before it scurried away.

Spoiler:

22/12/2014

It is time for my next challenge; the Mossdeep Gym. The leaders of this Gym are twins, Eliza and Tate, and they both have inherited great abilities. The presence of psychic abilities in humans has long since been a mystery to the medical profession and is often cited by those who believe humans and Pokémon evolved from a single ancestor. There are many talents belonging to psychic type Pokémon disregarding those in battle and certain humans have inherited some of these skills at varying strengths. Training in these skills allows for some wonderful feats. For example the star-studded inside of this gym has paths marked by tiny balls of glowing energy that hold aloft massive floating platforms covered in runes. A single step off the edge of one of these platforms leads to invisible hands picking you up and floating you gently along the path. I gather this is one of the properties of the stones; enhancing psychic potential. In this space the Gym Leaders are capable of a levitation that closer resembles true flight and move in an eerie synchronization. In the times before the abilities of Fairy Types were included in league battle rules I might have had a real challenge but Beta is beyond eager to fight. He moved almost ghostlike through the others in the gym, facing every battling with a dazzling light that left his opponents disorientated and unable to use their abilities. Afterwards he’d help them up with a gracious little smile that I thought was a bit mocking. There’s little Beta likes more than a chance to show off a type advantage in front of Alpha.

The gym leaders are the only ones in the region to both be counted as leaders of the gym and be battled at the same time. Battles with the multiple Pokémon are a common challenge for a trainer, testing the bond between Pokémon and trainer as well as the trainer’s ability to correctly perceive and react to changes in the environment. As not only twins but psychics they have a high level of coordination with each other and their psychic type Pokémon; Solrock and Lunatone. Beta and Clear were ready for the challenge. Clear in particular got very fired up, something to do with the extraterrestrial nature of both his opponents. Whatever was said was in a language beyond my comprehension and it passed in a flash of lights and strange sounds. It sounded like a question, then a brief reply. Whatever it was Clear seemed happy to fight. Once the energy barrier was broken for the first time I remembered the sensation of mega evolution. The tingle started under my fingernails, flooding up my arms to the key stone as Clear changed form. I called up that feeling again and Clear responded with enthusiasm, shifting and dividing until the extra legs stuck spider-like from their back and the blue emblem of a cross rose from their head. With a cheerful smile undermined by the sharp edges of their mouth Clear punched swiftly towards the Solrock while Beta lit up the area with a dazzling gleam of fairy-elemental light that caused the Lunatone to drop a few inches. It will suffice to say I have obtained my next gym badge.

Spoiler:

23/12/2014

Today started with an pleasant surprise, a message from the Hoenn Police Force. The Seafloor Cavern has yet to be breached thanks to efforts by the scientists abducted by Team Aqua. Though it was subtle they managed to disturb the navigation systems on the submarine and wipe the coordinates of the Seafloor Cavern from the system. They have an approximate location but they have yet to find the actual cave. Sealed below the seafloor there is no doubt that Kyogre is resting in a dormant state. If disturbed it will likely rampage. Perhaps this is what Team Aqua intend. For now the salvage effort in the Aqua Hideout is completed. I have received a gift, one of the Aqua Dive Suits that was abandoned when Alpha bought the roof in. The upper levels were largely intact but the impact caused an evacuation of the base. The submarine had launched, the plan was underway and despite best efforts on the part of local law enforcement many escaped. The specifics of their plans were burned but thanks to the files I have salvaged we know something of the plan. The dive suit insulates against cold as well as change in pressure. By now I have my repaired mask without issues. It is a nice feeling being entirely sea worthy. The final touch to round off the day is I have acquired the HM for Dive. The ability to navigate the sea floor with the aid of this reclaimed Team Aqua equipment will be invaluable in defending the Seafloor Cavern. I have spent a profitable few moments teaching the new technique to Sunny. With the improved oxygen filters of my mask I have had fun exploring underwater. Deep sea specimens are adapted to a very low light environment as well as the immense pressures of the seafloor. I have managed to capture a few specimens eventually, most took refuge in the deeper trenches where Sunny could not follow. I can hardly blame him. The forms of the true deep sea Pokémon are often bizarre and there are many we have yet to record. Instead I have added to my stores of aquatic knowledge by gathering soil samples and taking some pictures of the seaweed and coral formations where these Pokémon feed.

Spoiler:

30/12/2014

It has been a long time since I have been well enough to write in this journal. By now everyone should be aware of what has happened. Team Aqua were successful in awakening Kyogre using the Blue Orb, resulting in the sudden violent storm known as the Great Deluge. There is no doubt this is the disaster depicted on the ancient painting in the granite cave, even in ancient times its effects must have been catastrophic. The storm spread with unnatural speed, engulfing almost the entire region in chaos. There was no warning or time to prepare. Ships at sea found themselves suddenly caught up in a violent storm and many sunk with crew on-board. The Team Aqua members were hit hard. Some bodies are washing up on the shores, others will be forever lost to the ocean. Most of the survivors are sullen, empty eyed youths just now realizing the impact of their actions while they await trial. The death toll is in the hundreds, with three times as many still missing. The property damage is immense and torrential rains have washed away crops. The story has been spread worldwide and rescue and salvage efforts sent by every region are still underway. Yet things could be worse. Things could always be worse. I cannot write this personally so I am dictating this record through Clear’s considerable psychic skill. While it is still fresh in my memory I will record what I can recall.

On the 24th of December 2014 Team Aqua breached the Seafloor Cavern through the Hoenn Police barricade. As the stone cracked a large plume of light and steam rose above the location. It was easily visible from where I was on the shore with Sunny. Sunny has a rash personality and immediately headed towards the source of the disturbance. The bright light faded on the way but as Sunny dived I was quick to notice the massive hole drilled through the seabed. Massive chunks of broken coral and crumpled sea plants littered the sea around it. I felt a stab of disgust for those who claim to protect the environment by destroying it. Sunny was similarly enraged. He thrashed his head from side to side at the sight and curled his feelers. Destruction of beautiful things seems to anger Sunny and without the massive hole punched by Team Aqua the Seafloor Cavern would be truly beautiful. Sunny made a dramatic entrance in a cloud of rainbow spray but, unfortunately for him, there was no-one there to witness. This cavern, a former volcano, is long extinct but has many passages. Despite being an aquatic Pokémon Kyogre breathes air and, in the wild, naturally surfaces to breathe. In the dormant resting state Kyogre is in it has found an air pocket to sustain itself while it rests. That plume of light I saw was likely from the tool used to break into the cavern and the escaping air. The submarine was in the same pocket, abandoned now that the invasion force had proceeded deeper into the cavern. With the help of Sunny, Alpha and Beta I navigated my way deeper into the cavern. The drilling caused rock fall, blocking the path and I ran into several Team Aqua patrols. Thanks to Sunny and Beta’s quick thinking I avoided alerting the group as a whole as I made it deeper into the cavern.

Kyogre, its body covered in a protective crust of salt as it slept, rested in a pool of salt water where it could take in the air of the cavern. Team Aqua crowded around it as their leader raised the Blue Orb. I rushed forwards in an attempt to take it from them. Despite having surprise on my side I was noticed before I could get anywhere near the orb. They pinned my hands to my sides and I cannot recall the exact words but they said they were going to use Kyogre to return the world to the state it was in prehistoric times, to form the ideal environment for Pokémon. Some of the other members seemed uncomfortable with their leader’s fanaticism. Still holding the orb he addressed me, asking why I was still opposing them. I feared for my life and it must have addled my brain because all I could think to reply is ‘that isn’t how the water cycle works.’ Thankfully I managed to free one of my hands in the resulting confusion and send out Beta to protect me. Knowing that time was running out Team Aqua bought the orb closer to Kyogre and the rocky shell began to crack. As the ancient water type freed itself we battled, Beta against Mightyena, Golbat, Crobat and a Sharpedo. At this point my opponent revealed his knowledge of mega evolution and the battle was only won due to Beta’s indomitable spirit. However my victory came too late to prevent the now awoken Kyogre from diving deep in the lake and following another path to the surface. It disappeared with a splash and few moments later I heard thunder boom from far above.

My opponent gloated for a brief moment, then the cavern started to flood. I heard a noise from the Team Aqua member’s belt as their radio crackled. It was a plea for help and a warning about how the Great Deluge was greater than expected. It cut off with a wet gurgle. Our animosity was forgotten for the moment. The members of Team Aqua still in the cavern were in great danger from the rising waters. Without talking we separated to try and get everyone together. The cavern was flooding rapidly with the storm audibly swelling outside. The air reverberated with thunder and the air was already leaking out as the violent storm pummelled the underwater structure. It was a close call but everyone managed to crowd into the submarine before the cavern completely filled with water. In sullen silence I was left to resuscitate the two who had been caught in the initial flood. The submarine surfaced to a pitch black sky. It was like the middle of the night. The thunderclouds blotted out the sun. Flashes of lightning provided flickering light. The rain hammered down in a solid sheet and I was glad I had practice diving with Sunny because the air pressure was nearly as great as that deep underwater.

The storm was growing second by second and the startled Kyogre was heading towards Sootopolis City to reclaim the rest of its power. Once it unlocked its Primal Reversion, using the power of the land in the Blue Orb, the storm would grow to engulf the entire region.

Spoiler:

31/12/2014

I will continue my account from yesterday. Having tracked Kyogre’s path to the Cave of Origin in Sootopolis I encountered Mr. Stone, Mr. Wallace the gym leader of Sootopolis and much to my surprise the remaining members of Team Aqua along with leader of Team Magma Maxie. Kyogre’s shelter is too deep for anyone to reach unaided. The Red Orb I have been entrusted to carry contains some of the ancient power of Groudon. Kyogre’s equal and opposite. It offered some form of protection from the swirling waves by the heat that it radiated. I entered the cave. Inside it was similar to the Seafloor Cavern, a series of water smoothed rooms but leading downward, forever downward in a spiralling pattern. The cavern quaked and shook at irregular intervals, testament to the Pokémon of legend within, and the lower floors were filled with a thick sea mist. The entire area shook and as I went deeper I could barely see at all. It was only after I took a step forwards and my foot splashed into water that I realized the lake I had been looking far was right in front of me. The shadow I thought was a stone resolved itself into the shape of the Kyogre in front of me. The large whale-like Pokémon opened its mouth, lined with sharp meat-rending teeth. Its eyes focused on me and it turned in the water in preparation to dive. The radio in the Dive Suit crackled and for the first time the channel was opened. Archie talked to me over the radio, saying that Kyogre was going to enter the deepest part of the cave to unlock its Primal Reversion.

With a deep breath I leapt forwards and gripped Kyogre’s dorsal fins. The water typed dived. Water rushed past me at incredible speeds and I was blinded. The pressure was incredible as Kyogre dived even deeper, all there was between me and a crushing death was the Dive Suit I repossessed from Team Aqua. The pressure held me against the legendary Pokémon’s back and I knew if I let go I would be lost in the waves. I held on as tight as I could and waited. Kyogre surfaced and the air pressure stabilized. These air pockets, ancient caverns from thousands of years ago must be burnt into the Kyogre’s brain as safe havens to breathe when under threat. There isn’t a being that can dive as deeply as Kyogre after all, even in this day. When it surfaced it was in a place that was older than cities. Crystals of blue gleamed all over the underwater cavern, shedding light into the darkness. Kyogre surfaced into the cavern and shook me off its back. The light of the crystals has led to the growth of strange lichens around the patches of light. The legendary Pokémon bucked and threw me off its back. I managed to swim ashore with the strangely heavy water of the lake clinging to my skin. The Kyogre drew the water up around it where it began to harden it a shell of salt. The air pressure shuddered against the Dive Suit as darkness built up inside the shell. Primal reversion…

I had no wish to harm Kyogre, even if the Pokémon of legend has no such compunctions. It is startled and defensive. If I battled it there was a high chance that any damage I did would make it even angrier. I selected a Pokéball as a flare of blue shone from within the darkness and the crust of salt shattered. Kyogre had grown to over double its size, nearly ten meters in length. Its formerly blue and red skin becomes a dark navy with the red skin flaring the bright yellow of deep-sea luminesce. The white underbelly became transparent, displaying the pulsing orange organs within. Kyogre is a predator in all parts of the seas, able to withstand the highest pressures and plunge into the deepest parts of the ocean. It can hold its breath for ten hours before returning to the surface to breathe. Kyogre even uses its elongated fins to drag itself briefly onto beaches in pursuit of prey. The rough rock roof of the cavern became obscured as the air trembled. Storm clouds started to form along the ceiling and crackled with electricity. Rain began to hammer down. Without the Dive Suit I likely would have bruised from the pressure of it. The raindrops ran across my mask and sprayed across the ground. Before Kyogre could muster and attack I sent out Beta to calm it with hypnosis. I crept around the side in an attempt to contain it.

The ancient water type’s body was marked with old scars from battle with whatever lurked in the depths. Its storm generating organs pulsed as it forcibly rang moisture from the air to bolster its water type attacks. Beta focused, his eyes a glow of psychic energy as he whispered ancient words to lull the massive whale-like Pokémon into docility. The flap of the wing-like fins started to slow and the Kyogre seemed to having trouble keeping its eyes open. Calling out an order to Beta the Gardevoir dragged energy from the water type, reducing its ability to fight. While its gaze was focused on Beta I managed to sneak around behind the wing and lay a hand on its side. In my pack I had a few vials of medicine capable of calming a Pokémon the size of Kyogre. While Beta focused his psychic might on keeping Kyogre calm I uncorked and administered a shot. The water type’s skin was thick and rubbery but the small pain broke Kyogre from its trance. It snapped and struck out at Beta. To Beta’s eternal credit he barely flinched as the Origin Pulse struck him. Instead he redoubled his efforts, pulling Kyogre back into a relaxed state. I depressed the plunger and ran over to him, treating the gashes on his front with a Hyper Potion. Kyogre flapped its wings lazily before with a bright flare of light it released the energy from its primal reversion. The light shone upwards, flooding the cavern and forcing me to cover my eyes. For a Pokémon of its size it would need multiple doses to put in fully under but I had judged correctly. One vial was enough to calm it. The rainclouds faded from the cavern all and hopefully from the cavern itself.

With Kyogre no longer causing the rain I had time to properly tend to Beta’s wounds. The green skin of his forearms has gone purple with bruising but thankfully there are no broken bones. Kyogre calmed after the shot, watching with dull eyes but making no attempt to relax or flee. After providing all the first aid I could to Beta I attempted to approach it. Kyogre no longer was feeling under threat after its rude awakening and seemed content to wait in the cave while I tossed Poképuffs into its large mouth. After being feed the ancient water type seemed to relax. I was even able to sketch it and perform a complete check-up. Kyogre is in good health and is estimated to be an adolescent. As usual there are no identifiable genitalia to determine gender. I nicknamed it Zeta and, after enough feeding and a few tentative pats, the Water Type Pokémon carried me back to shore. Once we surfaced the skies were calm, a sign Zeta feels at peace. They half beached themselves with mouth wide open while I emptied the last of the Poképuffs into its open mouth. Then Mr. Wallace, Mr. Stone and leaders of both Team Aqua and Team Magma entered the cavern and it dove under. I have not seen it since but I can imagine it has returned to the seabed to hunt. It may be years if not longer before it is ever sighted again. Yet for that one glorious moment I not only saw the Pokémon of my research thesis I was permitted to examine it and touch it and ride on its back. The feeling was indescribable.

1/1/2015

My thesis is completed with full record of my medical report on Kyogre and police statements regarding the situation. As per protocol I have sent in two digital copies and two physical copies and kept two of each for myself. Once my paper completes peer review the information I have gathered on Kyogre could be published. I have decided to keep updating this journal as it serves as a good record of what has happened to me in the region. Clean-up efforts are still underway but my reports have been filed and with the sentencing of Team Aqua the police do not require my presence until I am called to make a testimony during the trial. I had time to devote to the task of looking after Epsilon.

Today it was time for the bandages to come off and besides a crease in the feathers her wing is fully healed. Epsilon did a cheerful spiral in the air and nuzzled her way into my arms. With her wing repaired she can now fly in search of a new nest. However she didn’t seem to leave my side. With Delta I am capable of flight all over the region. The Salamance’s red wings are very durable and he does not object to carrying me long distances. I have returned to Mossdeep to speak with Mr. Stone regarding finding a new home for her. He has given me some valuable books on the Eon Pokémon and its environments. Isolated islands with high cliffs are favoured by the species, which displays dimorphism between male and female to the point which the ancient Hoenn people assigned different names to them (as a Latias Epsilon is female) but both members of the species prefer the sea-side cliffs for nesting and fishing. Hoenn is a region dotted with many islands, most small enough to accommodate the peaceful environment a pair needs to raise a chick. They mate for life on an island, the chick grows to adulthood then moves on to find an island of its own. The delicacy of this means that no Latias/Latios couple has ever reproduced in captivity. Remnants of the ancient culture destroyed in the war 3,000 years ago mark places the Eon Pokémon prefer to roost, a throwback to when they were kept as temple Pokémon according to contempory sources. Mr. Stone also observed the reason for Epsilon’s attachment to me is likely due to our initial encounter. Riding on Mr. Stone’s Latios caused its scent to rub off on my clothes, leading to Epsilon identifying me as a potential mate. As they mate for life Epsilon’s distress at my absence becomes more reasoned. As she is still young she is not completely tamed but our interactions have become a lot more awkward.

Mr. Stone suggested I head towards Petalburg to consult Mr. Norman. While the Gym Leader is hardly an expert on Latias/Latios he has good knowledge of the islands of the area. The new Slateport Ferry has been completed and is going on a Tour of the islands as its maiden voyage. Mr. Stone entrusted me with his complimentary ticket, stating he never cared for public events and he trusts me to put it to better use. I thanked him profusely and following our discussion rose on Delta to Petalburg. Mr. Norman kindly allowed me a map on which he marked a few likely locations. None of the islands he marked had any mineral wealth or other importance so the likelihood of tourists visiting was slim to none. The point of this voyage is the triumph of technology in creating the cruise ship, stops on each island would be swift before moving on to the next. I stayed at the edge of the ship for most of the journey while Epsilon flew alongside the ship and disappeared whenever she thought someone was close by. The time the ship docked I went to explore. The island was verdant but largely flat. There were no cliffs from which a young Lati chick could learn to glide. Epsilon cheerfully shed her illusion as soon as we were out of sight, zooming through the forest playfully and picking up twigs and interesting bugs to drop in my lap. Before long the cruise ship was ready to depart and Epsilon returned to cheerfully gliding alongside the massive construction. I crossed the island off my list.

I got lucky on the third island, this one with an expansive forest and a sea cliff. The map marked it as Southern Island. With Epsilon at my side I went to explore the cliff face and was pleasantly surprised to see a blue-feathered shape perched on the cliff. Epsilon seemed very interested in the Latios and, though the male Eon Pokémon was wary about me, the interest seemed neutral. I managed to carefully sneak away, giving the two some alone time while I explored the ruined temple. The structure is rather sturdy and many of the columns still remain. My ancient languages are a bit rusty but on the altar was engraved (as best I can translate)
“All dreams are but another reality. Never forget.”

On top of the altar was a curiously shaped flute with extended fins. It was in pristine condition for its age. I picked it up and gave it a test blow. The sound bubbled curious in my ears and Epsilon landed next to me and nuzzled my hand. Her Latios friend watched from a distance. Apparently they respond to the sound of the flute. I quickly reassured her that I didn’t need her for anything and, with a lingering backwards glance, I pocketed the flute and let her play. As time passed she looked back to me less and less until when the time came for me to leave the island she only noticed I had left when I was on the beach. She nuzzled at my chest for a moment before flitting back before she was spotted. I wish her my best; there is no chance of the ship returning to this island. I have kept the flute to remind me of her.

2/1/2015

I have returned to Sootopolis to challenge the gym there. The gym’s leader, Wallace, is the final Gym Leader in his region I must face. Once I have obtained all eight Pokémon badges I show I am qualified to face the Pokémon league. I am not sure if I wish to do; as confident as I am in the strength of my team I am no professional battler. My pursuit in Gym Badges has been solely to prove my credentials are a researcher. Many start their Pokémon training at a young age and so far I feel I have done a good job in keeping my Pokémon happy and healthy. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Clear and Sunny…Without them I could never have gotten this far. If nothing else I think it will be good for them to reach that peak. I will decline a battle with the Champion though. I will have plenty of time afterwards to complete my research.

The Sootopolis Gym is situated on a neat little island in the middle of the central lake. As a town built into the walls of a caldera lake the only way in is either through flying or surfing. Nearly everyone has a Pokémon to Surf on so access is never any problem for the locals. Any visitor likely has their own way to get to the Lake. I spent a few moments relaxing with Sunny (he rather enjoys Surfing and I second the sentiment) before heading towards the Gym. However I appeared to have taken a wrong turning, direction never being my strong suit, and ended up at a different part of the lake. There were no houses built into the rock wall there, just a path of darker water under the crater’s rim where the ocean could get through. There I was surprised to find Zeta.

The Kyogre is looking well and the absence of rain fall means that they are relaxed in the environment. None the less I was surprised to see the Sea Basin Pokémon again. I kept enough of a distance to avoid startling the large water type and it did not notice me. Instead it waited around the area until a second shadow built in the water. To my surprise another Kyogre then surfaced. This Kyogre that I have nicknamed Iota displays a vibrant magenta coloration and appears larger than Theta. It appears to be a few years older but how many is unknown without tissue samples. The relationship between the two is unknown but it is a sign that Zeta has joined or re-joined a pod. Diving deep underwater to hunt abyssal prey it is a rare sight to see any Kyogre surfaced except when in pursuit of food. The two appear to be engaging in sunbathing to restore their core temperature after a long dive in the deep waters. While the thick layer of fat insulates Kyogre from most of the cold they have been documented to enjoy time cruising along the surface as well. I managed to get sketches of them both before they dived back under. It is a wonderful thing to see that Zeta is not only alive but, somewhere deep in the seas of Hoenn, there are more Kyogre out there.