k o t o n e

Alright, where to start…?

Well, Alola’s got these four guardian deities called the Tapus, and they protect the islands when things go bad. Moon’s fingers were acrobatic in their movements as she worked to pack in as much information as possible to Homura. When Homura first started developing her psychic abilities upon evolution, it had taken a while to adjust to being Moon’s translator; she used to trip over words or even mistranslate. Sometimes, I’d like to battle you would accidentally become I’d like to bathe you.

But she’d gotten used to it, and that was good enough for Moon.

When I first came to Alola, I was helping somebody get their Pokémon from a flock of Spearow across a bridge, and it broke under me… Moon could almost recall it now: Lillie’s cries of desperation, the feeling of falling, Nebby. But before I could hit the bottom, Tapu Koko swept in and got us back to solid ground! It even left me this.

Moon held up the Z-Ring on her wrist, showcasing the sparkly stone marking the centerpiece.

Lyra’s eyes seemed to glisten, not only captivated by the tale itself, but the Z-Ring as well. Admittedly, she was surprised these notable legendaries seemed so present in peoples’ lives, to the point of rescuing anyone in need of help. It was interesting to discover, and really only made Lyra want to go out there and continue to experience the islands even more.

“Wow, that’s really admirable.” To have Pokemon like that so in-tune with what’s happening on the islands only seems to add to the peacefulness and solitude she’d felt since she arrived here. “I’ve known people who have chased after Pokemon like that, all their lives - not even to capture them, but to only catch a glimpse.” Her memory trailed to Morty and Eusine, and she took a moment to continue rummaging through her bag to see if she could find some photographs of them to show to Moon.

“Back home, if I wouldn’t have seen any of the Legendary Pokemon myself, they might as well be rumors. Lugia and Ho-oh don’t come around very often.” The duo were more like private observers, after all - and people don’t think about it all that often, but Johto’s seas are always steady, and the skies are always clear. It isn’t because of sheer dumb luck.

“No”

….. Was what Nate wanted to say at first…but that sounded like something a jerk would say. So he would have to think of a response that sounded like he knew what he was doing. Nate stayed a bit quiet as he thought to himself, recounting what Lyra had said about her own journey.

The Gym Leaders in Johto sounded super tough. Maybe he should go over there someday, and battle them! That sounded like a ton of fun, plus it would be nice to visit someplace like Johto. There would be different pokemon, foods, sights, an-

Oh right. He was supposed to say something in response…

“….Mmm I guess I’m not good at making strategies. It’s just better to hit hard and quickly before the enemy does anything! Y’know?” 

“Well, sure, that’s one way you could look at it.” I guess. Doesn’t work very well when there are gaps in a Pokemon’s abilities, or if they’re not a naturally speedy species to begin with. But it’s not the first time she’d come across a strategy like that. It’s just that, she’s never met a trainer trying to use that and collect gym badges . . . 

“You really want to be champion someday, hm? I think the World Tournament is right where you want to be, then.” Lyra paused, her Togekiss ruffling his feathers, apparently growing a bit restless. He’d been trapped the whole boat ride, after all; he was certainly eager for their next battle.

AZ stared down the vast expanse of clouds that hung over the Johtoan sea. The bright blue skies he had remembered from so long ago were absent, replaced by that omen of bad things to come. Deep in the sea, a legendary creature was said to sleep, far from the reaches of humanity. Its power was beyond measure. Compared to Kyogre, the legendary leviathan that ruled the oceans of Hoenn, its power was often uncontrollable. It was said that a single flap of its wings could cause a storm that would rage for forty days and forty nights.

It was well beyond legend in his eyes. AZ had seen it for himself. It had raged across Johto when he first arrived in the region so long ago. Before the beast was calm, its rage destroyed entire towns. It was only placated by the dance of maidens, a tradition passed down from generation to generation to ensure that the deities of Johto would not come to harm their people again. The rain had soaked through every inch of the region when Lugia was finally calmed and return to its home in the sea.

This felt different. AZ couldn’t explain why, but he knew that something, whatever it may be, was wrong. Perhaps it wasn’t angry, but… it was… gone? He heaved a deep sigh. Wherever he went, no matter when, something seemed to go wrong. It was always a “coincidence”. AZ knew better than to assume the least of any situation. There was little he could do aside from passively watch the world turn to chaos. What could he do…?

With heavy steps, AZ approached the boardwalk, the dull thud of his feet barely heard above the roaring winds. His long hair blew across his face, obscuring much of the land in front of him. Before him, sailors ran back and forth to pack up any loose boxes and anchor their ships safely. There was no way any man would go out sailing in this weather unless they had a death wish.

Over the screams of the wind, AZ could hear a girl calling, almost like a strange apparition.

“Excuse me! Please, I need to get out to the Whirl Islands! Something’s wrong and I think I can help!”

No matter whether someone wanted to or could help her, not a single one was brave enough to set out in the storm. Her plea was ignored and AZ, knowing that something had to be done, sighed again. What to do, what to do when the world is in chaos…

“Listen, one who wishes to face Lugia,” AZ called over the wind, “you are right. Something is wrong in this region. I don’t know how I can help you, but I will. I have experience with Legendary Pokemon. My Golemastoc may be able to weather the storm and reach the Whirl Islands safely… and I will take you if you are willing.”

With the wind threatening to blow Lyra's hat away completely, she quickly swiped it from atop her head and made sure to clutch it tight. She and her Ampharos stood, leaning up against one another, as Lyra continued to scope out the docks. It was beginning to seem like she'd have no safe way of getting out there, and while the trainer wasn't about to give up on this task so easily, she was beginning to wonder about what alternatives she might have.

It was dumb luck that she wouldn't have to go very far.

Lyra heard the voice and turned, sight momentarily blurred from the rain and wind - but through the blustery weather, she soon spotted a figure of truly unforgettable size. Her eyes trailed to the so obviously out of place man, gliding from his shoes all the way to the top of his head. Her first, naturally, was one she was certain many had thought of before. She might have lingered on it a bit longer if they weren't anything bigger to be concerned about at the moment.

He was no Johtoan - no man of that size had ever existed in this region, and she would certainly know! She certainly didn't know who the man was, but he'd given her the offer she'd so desperately been seeking, just like that. "You will?" She was a bit shocked, honestly. Lyra wasn't quite expecting help from him - someone who truly seemed to be capable, that is. If he suggested they go by Golemastoc, well, that sounded far more impressive than by sail boat. Probably a bit safer, too.

She gave a firm nod, glancing up to where she judged his eyes would be.  "Thank you! Really, thank you! Let's not waste any time . . . do you know the way?" 

Finally ready to start posting pieces from my Johtodex project.  The goal is to paint a watercolor of every Pokemon in the original Johto regional Pokedex using their original GBC color pallets.

Oh

My

Word

You guys, I was just listening to random Pokemon music on youtube while playing Pokemon Black and I think I discovered the cheesiest yet greatest thing Pokemon has ever created!