Chapter 100: Chapter 100
After listening to Mike’s translation, Cynthia fell into thought.
"So the three Forces of Nature from Unova appeared in Sinnoh long ago?" she asked.
Mike nodded and phrased his answer in a way that wouldn’t raise suspicion.
"I once saw a similar record in another ruin. It said that whenever the bitter winter was about to end, Enamorus would cross the sea and come to the Sinnoh continent, bringing new life to the land.
"Enamorus is the fourth member of the Forces of Nature mentioned in this inscription."
"And yet, until now, I’ve never heard of Enamorus anywhere else," Cynthia said. "Without the ruins you discovered, I might never have known there was another member besides the three known Forces of Nature."
"That’s exactly what confuses me. The other three have established habitats in Unova, but there aren’t any surviving legends about Enamorus."
Mike continued, "I asked Professor Rowan about it. He said that when he was young, he heard stories about the Herald of Spring. However, as the older generations passed away over the years, the stories surrounding Enamorus gradually disappeared as well."
"Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, and Enamorus... the four Forces of Nature..."
Cynthia spoke the names softly.
"They sound like a promising subject for research."
A smile appeared on her face.
Mike looked toward her.
"Now that we’ve found the first clue, I’m sure we’ll uncover more as long as we keep investigating," Cynthia said.
"People may pass away, but as historians, we can investigate more than legends and ancient texts. The stones buried beneath the earth can speak as well."
"That’s true..."
Mike exhaled before suddenly realizing something.
"Wait, Cynthia. What did you mean when you said ’we’ as historians? Since when am I a historian? I’m only a photographer."
He picked up the camera beside him and held it toward her as proof.
"A photographer who can read ancient script and knows ancient myths that almost no one else has heard of?" Cynthia asked.
"It’s only a hobby," Mike explained.
Cynthia nodded.
"I understand."
Mike sighed at her openly unconvinced expression.
Forget it. She could think whatever she liked.
He already intended to explore more ruins in the future anyway.
Personally uncovering details that had never been fully explained in the games or anime would be incredibly interesting.
"Oh, right. Cynthia, I have something else connected to Enamorus."
Mike took out Enamorus’s scale and handed it to her.
Cynthia accepted it and examined it carefully.
"This is... I can sense Fairy-type energy inside it."
She held the scale toward Garchomp, but Garchomp immediately leaned away with a look of disgust.
"Bronzong gave it to me. It’s a scale from Enamorus—or more precisely, one of the scales on the tail of its Incarnate Forme."
Mike explained, "If my guess is correct, the reason it contains Fairy-type energy is because Enamorus itself is a Fairy-type Pokémon."
Cynthia returned the scale and teasingly asked, "A photographer you say?"
Mike shrugged.
"An excellent photographer would naturally want to photograph as many rare Pokémon as possible, including Legendary Pokémon, wouldn’t he?"
"That’s true," Cynthia agreed.
"By the way, do you recognize the Pokémon depicted on the walls?" she asked. "Some looked very similar to Pokémon we know today, but there were clear differences."
"Those Pokémon?"
Mike considered his answer.
Cynthia narrowed her eyes.
She had a strong feeling that Mike absolutely knew what they were.
After arranging his thoughts, Mike asked, "How much do you know about Sinnoh’s history?"
"I’m a mythological historian. Although my primary focus is mythology and legends, I’m still familiar with its general history," Cynthia replied.
Mike nodded.
"Then do you know what the Sinnoh region was called in the past?"
"I once read that it may have been called the Hisui region."
"Exactly. Hisui was the former name of Sinnoh."
Mike continued, "The Pokémon whose appearances differ from those we know today were Pokémon from the Hisui era. I like to call them Hisuian forms, similar to the regional forms found in Alola."
"Hisuian forms..." Cynthia repeated quietly before nodding. "That name suits them."
"Ever since I discovered those ruins, I’ve been wondering about the relationship between Hisuian Pokémon and the ordinary Pokémon we see today."
Mike explained, "Perhaps it was similar to what happened in Alola. Their environment forced them to adapt into forms that could survive there. As time passed, Pokémon such as Growlithe gradually changed into the forms familiar to us today."
Cynthia listened carefully without interrupting.
"Perhaps Hisui was colder and more mountainous, causing those Pokémon to evolve into forms suited to that environment. Later, as the climate warmed, the ecosystem became more diverse, and vegetation spread, they gradually changed into the forms we know now."
"I also believe environmental pressure was responsible," Cynthia said.
"Ancient records describe the Sinnoh continent—Hisui at the time—as bitterly cold throughout much of the year, with many snow-covered mountains, especially around Mount Coronet. Pokémon in Hisui may therefore have developed forms adapted to those conditions."
She pointed toward Avalugg in one of the photographs.
"Look at this Avalugg. It differs from those found today. Its shovel-shaped lower jaw may have helped it clear snow from mountains that remained frozen throughout most of the year."
Mike nodded and pointed toward Hisuian Braviary.
"Then perhaps as the climate warmed, Braviary no longer needed its thick insulating plumage and gradually developed the feather pattern we recognize today?"
Mike and Cynthia continued analyzing the Pokémon recorded on the ancient wall.
...
As time passed, Cynthia eventually spoke with a trace of regret.
"What a shame. I wish we could see genuine Hisuian Pokémon for ourselves..."
Besides being a Trainer, Cynthia genuinely loved Pokémon and treasured encounters with different species.
She believed that whenever one life encountered another, something new would inevitably be born.
"I feel the same way."
Mike leaned back on both hands.
"If I could photograph them, I’d probably shock an enormous number of people.
"Photography really is wonderful. It can preserve a living being in a single moment. In a sense, aren’t the pictures carved into those walls another form of photography?"
Cynthia smiled at his words.
Perhaps their theory was correct.
As time passed and the environment changed, the Pokémon’s former appearances remained in the past, impossible to reproduce in the present.
But what if there were a Pokémon capable of recreating that past?
Mike looked at the herd of Stantler still standing obediently in punishment before him.
His eyes suddenly widened.
An idea appeared in his mind.
’I understand now...’
Overcome with excitement, he grabbed Cynthia by the shoulders.
The next instant, the world spun around him.
Smack!
Mike was forced straight to the ground, his cheek pressed firmly into the dirt.
"Ow, ow, ow..."
His bones creaked beneath the pressure, and he hurriedly begged for mercy.
Cynthia narrowed her eyes as she pinned his neck beneath one knee, her expression exceptionally cold.
Garchomp stood beside her and swept her powerful tail across the ground, blocking Gengar and the others.
Her golden eyes filled with killing intent as she stared at the Pokémon preparing their moves.
"Listen to me! The Pokémon from Hisui might still have a way to—ow, that hurts! I can’t breathe..."
Cynthia quickly released him.
Mike gasped in relief, having nearly suffocated.
He rolled onto his back and desperately sucked in air. Looking up at Cynthia standing over him, his eyes filled with astonishment.
’How is a woman this strong...?’
Cynthia reached down and helped him to his feet.
After taking several deep breaths, Mike apologized.
"Sorry. I got too excited. That was entirely my fault."
Cynthia nodded lightly.
"My apologies as well. It was a reflex."
Mike rubbed and twisted his aching neck.
"It’s fine, Gengar. Stand down."
He stopped Gengar and the others from attacking.
Cynthia also told Garchomp to lower her fins.
Mike grimaced as he looked at his Pokémon, warmth spreading through his heart.
They hadn’t hesitated even in front of a Champion.
As expected of the Pokémon he had raised.
"What did you mean about the Pokémon from Hisui?" Cynthia asked, pulling Mike back from his thoughts.
"Oh, right."
Mike hurried over to the Stantler herd and patted one of them.
"I was talking about them."
"Them?"
Cynthia looked confused.
"Could you bring me the tablet?"
Cynthia bent down, picked it up, and handed it to him.
Mike found the mural depicting Wyrdeer and showed it to her.
"Cynthia, do you recognize this Pokémon?"
Cynthia shook her head.
"It resembles Stantler. Is it an evolved form?"
Mike nodded.
"That’s right. Its name is Wyrdeer, and it’s Stantler’s evolution."
He rolled his aching neck before continuing.
"As far as we know, the Hisuian forms depicted on the murals generally evolved in the same ways as their modern counterparts."
"In other words, even if an Oshawott evolved during the present era, regardless of where or when it happened, it would become the Samurott we know today."
"The same applies to Rufflet and the others."
"Then what makes Stantler different?" Cynthia asked.
Mike grinned through the lingering pain.
"Stantler is an exception!"
"An exception... Does it have a special evolution method?" Cynthia guessed.
Special evolutions differed from ordinary evolution because they required certain conditions.
Gengar evolved through trading.
Espeon and Umbreon evolved through high friendship under different times of day, while Sylveon evolved after reaching sufficient affection while knowing a Fairy-type move such as Baby-Doll Eyes.
All of those could be considered special evolution methods.
"If Stantler’s evolution is special, does it involve learning a particular move?" Cynthia asked.
Mike snapped his fingers.
"Exactly!"
"The Stantler species was once capable of learning a signature move unique to them. I call it Psyshield Bash."
"To evolve, a Stantler must use Psyshield Bash twenty times in Agile Style. After that, it can evolve into Wyrdeer."
"Psyshield Bash... As far as I know, no such move exists today."
"That’s right. While you were exploring the ruins, I tested every Stantler here. None of them even knew their species once possessed such a move."
Mike continued, "However, I once saw an ancient record stating that this was how Stantler evolved."
That so called ancient record was called Pokémon Legends: Arceus by the way.
"So if Stantler could relearn that move, they might be able to evolve into the supposedly extinct Wyrdeer?"
Cynthia’s pupils contracted.
If it truly succeeded...
They would be witnessing something that crossed the boundary of history itself.
Not only would it add a forgotten species to the Pokédex, it would also support the theory they had just developed.
No wonder Mike had become so excited.
Cynthia now felt equally exhilarated.
No Pokémon researcher could resist the opportunity to bring a lost Pokémon back into the world.
No one!
Especially when it was a Pokémon that had once lived in Sinnoh.
"But this will be extremely difficult," Mike warned.
"Teaching an entire species a signature move that its ancestors forgot won’t be easy."
"Professor Rowan is an expert in Pokémon evolution. We could ask him."
Mike looked toward Cynthia.
She nodded, took out her phone, and started a video call with Professor Rowan.
He answered quickly.
Mike heard his voice through the phone.
"How did it go, Cynthia? Did you meet him? Oh? Mike is there too?"
"Professor."
Mike and Cynthia greeted him politely at the same time.
Cynthia gave Rowan no opportunity to continue. She immediately explained everything that had happened that day.
When she described the possible evolution method from Stantler to Wyrdeer, Professor Rowan’s pupils contracted.
"Mike, are you certain?" he asked seriously.
Mike nodded.
"Yes, Professor. I’m certain."
"If that’s truly the case..."
Professor Rowan fell into thought before saying, "Wait a moment."
He found another professor’s number and began a second video call.
Before long, another person joined the conversation.
The newcomer also wore a white lab coat.
He had a broad, square face, thick dark eyebrows, and kind eyes that still carried a sharp sense of curiosity. His neat gray-white hair curved slightly outward.
"Professor Oak?!"
Mike exclaimed in surprise.
"Hey, Rowan. What made you think of calling me? Oh? Cynthia too? And who’s this young man? What’s going on?"
"Professor Oak," Cynthia greeted politely.
Professor Rowan went straight to the point.
"Samuel, listen carefully. Cynthia and Mike have made a major discovery. Let them explain it to you."
Professor Oak narrowed his eyes slightly.
Seeing Rowan’s grave expression, he nodded.
Cynthia looked at Mike and moved aside, allowing him to speak.
Mike froze for a moment before stepping in front of the screen and explaining everything to the camera.
When he reached the theory that modern Stantler might still be capable of evolving into Wyrdeer, Professor Oak’s eyes widened in shock.
He had overseen the development of the Pokédex, so he understood exactly what this discovery could mean.
"Are you certain?" Professor Oak asked, repeating Rowan’s question.
Mike nodded seriously.
"If that’s the case, find somewhere to rest. I’ll travel to Sinnoh tomorrow so we can discuss this in person. There are too many things that are difficult to handle over a video call."
Professor Oak looked toward Rowan.
"What do you think?"
"I have no objections. It mainly depends on Cynthia and Mike," Rowan replied.
"I’m available. Lucian can handle the League’s affairs," Cynthia said with a nod.
For some reason, Mike had developed a strange condition where hearing Lucian’s name made him want to laugh.
"But... I’m still in the middle of traveling," Mike said quietly.
"And Professor Rowan’s laboratory is far from here. I don’t have a Flying-type Pokémon, so I can’t fly back."
"Hmm?"
Cynthia made a quiet sound beside him.
"Hahaha! Mike, where are you now?" Professor Rowan asked.
"The Forest of Illusion."
"The Forest of Illusion? Let me check... Oh, that’s fairly close to Oreburgh City."
Professor Rowan suggested, "Why don’t we meet there? That way, it won’t interrupt your journey."
"All right." Mike nodded.
"Agreed," Cynthia said.
"Oreburgh City, then? Understood. We’ll meet there."
After they agreed on the location, Professor Rowan and Professor Oak ended the call.
Mike felt as though his neck was about to break.
He looked toward Cynthia.
"Are you heading to Oreburgh City now, or would you like to eat dinner first?"
"May I stay for dinner?" Cynthia asked.
"Of course."
Mike nodded, then asked Cynthia and Garchomp to wait while he prepared dinner with Gengar and the others.
He made an especially lavish meal that evening, using almost all the ingredients they had left.
Originally, Mike had been carefully rationing their food because he didn’t know how long he would remain on the road filming.
Since they would reach Oreburgh City tomorrow, however, he decided they might as well eat everything tonight.
Before long, the table was completely covered with food.
Cola chicken wings, sweet-and-sour ribs, twice-cooked pork, steamed pork with rice flour, stir-fried vegetables...
Mike even made the noodles from scratch.
He placed a bowl before Cynthia and clapped his hands.
"Let’s eat!"
Gengar immediately reached toward the cola chicken wings with his chopsticks.
He placed chicken wings, sweet-and-sour ribs, steamed pork, and several other pieces of meat onto a vegetable leaf, wrapped everything together, and stuffed it into his mouth.
After chewing several times, he spat out the bones.
Gengar’s instincts regarding food were truly exceptional, and his eating methods were remarkably creative.
Cynthia hadn’t expected Mike’s cooking to taste so good either.
Watching everyone lower their heads and eat enthusiastically filled Mike with satisfaction.
After dinner, Gengar and the others went to wash the dishes, while Cynthia flew to Oreburgh City on Garchomp.
She needed to arrange a suitable location in advance.
Mike lay facedown on the blanket while Snivy poured medicinal oil from the Viewership Points Store onto his neck.
He then had one of the Stantler wash its hooves and massage the area by stepping and rubbing against it.
The Stantler herd had now been completely subdued by Mike—not only through force, but through food as well.
At this point, they would probably follow him anywhere if he gave the order.
Glameow smelled the medicinal oil and retreated beneath a tree in disgust.
She had made her decision.
Until that smell disappeared, Mike would not be allowed to hold her again!
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