After breakfast, Ethan, May, and Mez set out for the Oldale Ruins again with the four gemstones. This time, their goal was to enter the deepest chamber and uncover the secrets of the ancient Pokémon civilization.
The Oldale Ruins were even more magnificent than they had imagined. The massive stone structure stood in the forest, covered in moss and the marks of countless years. At the entrance, two enormous Pokémon statues loomed on either side, resembling ancient fossil Pokémon and radiating an imposing presence.
"Let's go. The energy in these gemstones should open the ruins," Mez said as he approached a stone monument at the entrance. Four slots were carved into the monument, perfectly sized for the gemstones.
Mez placed the blue gemstone into the slot for water, the red gemstone into the slot for fire, the yellow gemstone into the slot for wind, and the green gemstone into the slot for earth.
The moment the last gemstone clicked into place, the monument erupted with dazzling light. All four gemstones shone at once, releasing a powerful force that gathered into a pillar of light and blasted straight into the sealed stone gate.
Rumble!
The massive stone door slowly opened, revealing a pitch black passageway. An ancient scent drifted out, mixed with damp earth and cool moisture.
"It opened!" May said excitedly.
Ethan took out a flashlight and aimed it into the darkness. "Stay alert. There could be danger inside."
The three of them stepped carefully into the passage. Murals covered the walls on both sides, depicting scenes of ancient humans living alongside Pokémon. Some were training Pokémon, some were working together, and others seemed to be performing a kind of ritual. The colors were vivid and unbelievably well preserved, as if they were telling a story that had waited ages to be heard.
"These murals are incredible," May murmured as they walked. "I never knew ancient humans and Pokémon were that close."
"They depended on each other," Mez explained. "Humans survived with Pokémon's help, and Pokémon were protected and cared for in return. But no one knows why that civilization suddenly vanished."
At the end of the passage was a spacious stone chamber. In the center stood a circular altar engraved with complex patterns. More murals covered the walls here, but these were different from the ones outside. They all depicted a single Pokémon, a massive fish-like figure with a blue body and huge pectoral fins. Its eyes glowed with a strange, mysterious light.
"What Pokémon is that?" Ethan asked.
Mez studied the mural closely, excitement flaring in his eyes. "This might be the ancient Pokémon from legend, Relicanth. Old records call it a living fossil from the deep sea. I can't believe it really exists."
At that moment, the runes on the altar suddenly lit up, responding to the gemstones' glow. The chamber floor began to tremble, and a circular opening appeared at the altar's center. Cool mist poured up from below.
"This is… an underground waterway!" Mez said in shock. "Relicanth could be living down there!"
Ethan and May hurried to the edge and looked down. Beneath the opening flowed a wide underground river, clear enough to see rocks and water plants along the bottom. Deeper in the water, a group of unusual Pokémon swam in graceful circles.
They were exactly the ones shown on the murals. Relicanth.
Their bodies were deep blue with pale speckles, and their large fins spread like wings as they drifted through the current. Their eyes were calm. They showed no fear of the humans watching from above.
"It's really Relicanth…" Mez trembled, overwhelmed. "This is a historic discovery. They're still alive in this world!"
Using his Aura, Ethan sensed their feelings. The Aura around them was steady and peaceful, filled with quiet friendliness. There was no hostility at all.
"They seem so gentle," May said softly. "They've been living here for so long… They must be lonely."
Mez nodded. "Relicanth surviving to the present is already a miracle. This underground waterway is stable and untouched, so they've been able to live here without outside pollution."
He stared down at them, resolve hardening in his gaze. "I'm going to apply to the League to designate the Oldale Ruins as a protected zone. No one should be allowed to damage this place. These Relicanth must be protected."
Ethan and May agreed without hesitation. Relicanth were a treasure of the Pokémon world. Protecting them was everyone's responsibility.
After spending some time observing their behavior, the three finally left the ruins, reluctant to go. Mez immediately contacted the League and submitted the request. The League responded quickly, approved it, and sent personnel to guard the Oldale Ruins.
With everything settled, Ethan and May prepared to continue their journey.
"Mez, thank you for showing us the ruins, and for letting us see the Relicanth," Ethan said.
"I should be the one thanking you," Mez replied with a smile. "Without you two, I never would have recovered the gemstones, and I never would have discovered Relicanth. You also helped the League deal with the people lurking around here and kept the ruins safe."
He pulled out two maps and handed them over. "These are detailed maps of the Hoenn region, with Gym locations and routes marked. They should help you on your travels."
Ethan and May accepted the maps and thanked him.
"All right," Ethan said, turning to May with a grin. "Time to move out. Next stop, Petalburg City. We're going to challenge the Petalburg Gym."
May nodded, anticipation shining in her eyes. Torchic had fully recovered, and it had grown stronger too. She believed she could pass the Gym challenge and prove herself.
Pikachu hopped onto Ethan's shoulder with an excited "Pika pika!" Torchic flapped its tiny wings and trotted beside May.
They said goodbye to Mez and Nurse Joy, then set off down the road toward Petalburg City. Sunlight poured over them, lighting the path ahead.
Hoenn's adventure was only just beginning. More challenges, more Pokémon, and more mysteries were waiting to be explored. Team Rocket was still lurking in the shadows, and the schemes of Team Magma and Team Aqua had not been fully uncovered. Their journey was never going to stay peaceful.
But Ethan and May weren't afraid. With their love for Pokémon and their dreams burning bright, they walked forward without hesitation.
To be continued…
(End of Chapter)
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