#lorekeeping

Sword: The core on its chest absorbs energy emanating from the lands of the Galar region. This energy is what allows Eternatus to stay active.

Shield: It was inside a meteorite that fell 20,000 years ago. There seems to be a connection between this Pokémon and the Dynamax phenomenon.

So, considering that Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield doesn’t make many references to past games (with the exception of maybe Kabu being from the Hoenn Region... No. I will not say that he’s Flannery’s grandfather until proven in either Masters or a follow-up), I’m going to say that the main games take place in the Mega Evolution Timeline unless told otherwise.

Anyway, The reason why I”m making this post is this: The Darkest Day, where Eternatus descended on the world, causing many wild Pokémon to Gigantimax and almost destroy the region, was very, VERY long ago. In fact, if the Pokédex is to be believed, this may be the earliest place in the main Pokémon timeline that we have (like, aside from things like Arceus’s creation, the making of the world, and whatnot). 

For reference, the meteor in Sootopolis City that dispersed Infinity Energy and caused Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre to war against each other and spawned the creation of the Draconids? That was 2,000 years ago. The Kalosian War that caused AZ to detonate the Ultimate Weapon that killed countless Pokémon, laid the groundwork for Mega Evolution, split the timeline, and cause AZ and Floette to live forever? That was 3,000 years ago.

More interesting is that the events 20,000 years ago has been so long that it’s almost been forgotten and twisted into legend by many generations of word-of-mouth and politics. Heck, even the Legendary Armory Trio (my tentative name for Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus until someone creates a better name or the anime somehow ties Ash’s and Go’s journey with the three of them) were even lost, forgotten, and reshaped in history because it’s been so long ago.

Zamazenta, Shield: This Pokémon slept for aeons while in the form of a statue. It was asleep for so long, people forgot that it ever existed. 

Zacian, Shield: This Pokémon has slumbered for many years. Some say it's Zamazenta's elder sister—others say the two Pokémon are rivals.

Consider this: how much of human history do we know in real life? Many of us can easily talk about the well-documented days of the Renaissance or of the ruling of the Ancient Greeks and Romans or even of the Han Dynasty, but that’s, what? 3000 years at most? Heck, for so long, we were trying to decipher even Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, which was only... 8,000 years ago? Any further back and we get folktales and theories based on stories (likely owing to the fact that writing back then was... not a thing in many places).

The reason why I bring this up is that it’s perfectly plausible that a legendary tale that actually occurred 20,000 years ago can be forgotten and misinterpreted, and that the rediscovery of ancient history can send ripples across, not only the region itself, but of historians around the world.

Edith's journals:

"Ice Wall" by Edith

It happened so fast, and it came out of nowhere! An ice wall split out city in HALF! I was busy doing errands when it happened. Our power regulators... they're encased. I'm at one of the towers writing this right now. Our bridges are flickering. This whole situation is looking pretty dire. I'm trying to stay calm and practical about it. I don't know whether or not Elise is over here yet, as I haven't gone looking. But if she's not here, then she must be on the other side, along with whoever else. Maybe this will be a temporary thing.. At least, hopefully our systems can get back to working before things become worse. Till next time.

2. "Elise" by Edith

Oh Elise... It's horrible out there, and I hope, not as horrible over there. The council is trying to break through the ice—I fear it is too strong... Every day I examine the perimeter, but it is getting harder now that the vents are blocked. Water is seeping in and I've noticed it has climbed to my knees. Eventually, I won't be able to go down to the lower quarters. I pray to find a crack in the wall soon. I will get back to you. My Elise.

3. "Accomodations" by Edith

The council has started to make decisions now for the 'greater good.' They are militarizing our situation. I feel as if I am a poseable doll. They are telling me to do this and that. We sleep on cots and eat portions which leave me hungrier than before. The water is now too high for me to walk through. I am stuck up with them. Without you... Elise, I hope your side is doing well. You might have fared luckier since Constatine is most likely with you. He knows how to guide us rightfully. Stay strong My Dove.

4. "Decisions" by Edith

Elise. it is getting dire now on our side. Whispers are being shared of abandoning our homes and leaving. Leaving!? Pah! I've lived here all my life, and with you. Nothing else is out there worth my attention. Only you. Only these memories of us. I'll stay here instead, if they do decide to leave through the cobbled walls.

4. "Cold" by Edith

It is getting colder in the air. My body shivers. The walls are getting crystalized by the ice. I can't even move if I wanted to... I can't feel much anymore either. I hope it's warmer over there for you, Elise.

before finding “aimsey” at the heart

“oh, come on. look around. she did this.”

“you know this? it was once a thriving city. now, it’s reduced to rubble. because of her actions.”

“don’t have such blind faith. the church are using you.”

“you know, from my point of view, she abandoned me.”

“find me at the heart of the city. help me. please.”

after finding “aimsey” at the heart

“i’m sorry for taking your friend from you. i needed a way to communicate with you, but i promise, i will get them back to you when this is over.”

“help me. i’m trying to find (iris?). i’ve been searching for so long; i’ve been feeling my way through the dark below the earth, i’ve been trying to find the light.”

“i’ve broken through, at times, you know, tried to signal to anyone that i am stuck down here. but each time, they push me back. you see this cell, trapped within these walls of ice? it holds me here, like an anchor below the waves. i know you have no reason to trust me, but if you can rid this place of it, i will return your friend to you. i promise.”

“DON’T TRUST THEM! DON’T— DON’T TRUST THEM! ASK THEM WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FRIEND! ASK THEM WHERE THEY HAVE TOOK HER!”

“you see? they’re lying to you. they always have been. everything that you stand for, everything that you think is true has been spoon-fed to you to keep you satiated, okay? you have to believe me. i can help stop all of this.”

“break the chains that hold me, and i’ll show you the truth.”

after being freed

“FINALLY! after all these years, i’ve broken through. thank you, voyagers. i’m sorry it had to come to this. one day, this will all make sense. please know there was nothing i could do. i’m sorry.”