Ishi's adrenaline was spiking as he continued to plummet through the darkness. The rush of air and the deafening sound of his own heart pounding in his ears accompany his rapid descent. But as a ninja in training along with his aura naturally quelling his panic, Ishi quickly overcame the initial shock, orienting himself to his surroundings. His eyes, adapting to the dim lighting, caught a glint of light below - a large pool of water just out of the path of where he was falling.
Realising he has mere seconds to react, Ishi summons all his concentration and prepares to utilise one of the ninja tricks he was most in tune with and would likely master first, “Ninja Water Spout!” he yells in clear desperation. His training under the vigilant eyes of his mentors had prepared him for moments like this, though he never imagined it would be under such extreme and sudden circumstances.
As he neared the pool, Ishi’s channel of energy from the ninja trick coupled with his infusion of aura, whipped out from deep within him. The familiar rush of extending his aura to manipulate the elements around him brings a momentary relief from panic. He directs the water to swirl upward, crafting a spout that spirals toward him. The energy expenditure is immense, and Ishi feels a significant drain, a testament to the power and scale of the technique he's compelled to use.
The water responds to his command, enveloping him in a swirling column. The force of the fall is still great, but as he hits the water, the spout he created cushions his impact, swirling around him like a protective cocoon. Water splashes everywhere, and the sound of the tumultuous entry echoes off the cavern walls.
After a few disorienting seconds submerged in the cold pool, Ishi surfaces, gasping for air. He takes a moment to orient himself, treading water as he scans the cavernous space he's landed in.
The walls are damp and covered in the same luminescent moss, except in far larger quantities than when he’d first entered the catacombs, casting an eerie pale glow that gives the cavern a haunting beauty. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, some dripping with condensation into the pool that just saved his life. He also notices the hole he’s just fallen down but even when he strained his eyes he couldn’t see the top, it just looked like an engulfing darkness above him. ‘Well that's not creepy at all..’ he thought for the second time since beginning.
Even with the eerie surroundings, he pulsed out a thin ring of aura, relief washed over him as he realises he’s safe for the moment. His relief is quickly replaced by wariness though. He knows this is just the beginning. The catacombs are designed to test a ninja’s skill, resilience, and adaptability to the unexpected. With the initial shock of the fall behind him, he swam to the edge of the pool, pulling himself out onto a rocky ledge. He takes a moment to wring out his clothes and gather his thoughts. He used a low level ninja fire ball to quickly dry his rung out clothes as he figured walking around damp down here would only slow him down.
Once he’d reclothed himself and standing at the edge of the water, Ishi looks deeper into the cavern. The path forward is not immediately clear, and he understands that this trial will require more than just physical prowess - it will demand sharp wits and a keen intuition about the natural world around him. Still he believed with his makeshift echo location active he wouldn't be caught off guard by anything
Determined, he set off to explore the cavern, his senses heightened and his mind alert for any further traps or challenges that lie ahead.
As he carefully moved in the dimly lit cavern, Ishi’s attention was drawn to a slight movement at the edge of his vision. Turning towards it, he noticed a small, hurt Scatterbug struggling against the cold, damp floor of the cave. Its movements were sluggish, and it seemed in distress. Knowing how vulnerable Pokémon could be when injured, he approached slowly, making sure to keep his movements gentle and non-threatening.
"Hey there, little one," Ishi whispered softly, projecting calmness. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to help.”
The Scatterbug paused, its tiny eyes wary but watching Ishi’s approach. As he got closer, he could see the tremor in its little body, partially from the cold and partially from fear. Squatting down, he continued to speak in soothing tones, telling the Scatterbug about his family's own Pokémon back home, hoping to forge a connection through his voice and demeanour. He’d learnt a lot from his sensei’s and one of the most reinforced was the idea of showing a pokemon you had no ulterior motives.
Once he felt the Scatterbug had grown somewhat accustomed to his presence, he gently examined it. He noticed that the damage was localised near one of its sensitive antennae, likely causing it significant discomfort. "Looks like you've got a little wound here," Ishi noted, his voice still low and steady. "I’m going to clean it up and put a bandage on it, okay? It'll feel better soon.” ‘That was probably somewhat my fault with the floor collapsing beneath me. Some of the rocks must have fallen and hit this little guy.’ he thought to himself feeling a little guilty.
Retrieving a small first aid kit from his satchel - a standard issue for all young ninjas during the ceremony - he carefully cleaned the wound. He then took out a bandaid, explaining each step to the Scatterbug to keep it reassured. "This might feel a bit strange at first, but it’ll help protect your antenna while it heals."
As Ishi was focused on gently applying the bandage to the delicate antenna, unbeknownst to him, a pair of observant eyes watched from the shadows of the cavern. The observer, hidden from view, scrutinised every move Ishi made, their gaze intense and calculating. The situation seemed to be more than just a simple test of survival skills; it was also a test of compassion and empathy, crucial traits for any who aspire to be both a ninja and a Pokémon trainer.
Ishi finished bandaging the Scatterbug, who now seemed much calmer and more comfortable. "There you go, all better," Ishi smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment at being able to help a Pokémon in need. He watched as the Scatterbug tested its antenna gently, then looked up at him with what seemed like gratitude in its tiny eyes.
With the Scatterbug's antenna now carefully bandaged, Ishi felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew he needed to continue his quest to find his own Pokémon partner, but first, he wanted to ensure the little creature beside him was safe.
"Hey, do you know where your family and friends are?" Ishi asked gently, hoping the Scatterbug could lead him.
"Scat scatter," Scatterbug responded, nodding vigorously. He felt the emotions pulse off the little bug pokemon in the affirmative.
"Good," Ishi replied with a smile. "Let’s get you back to them safe and sound." As they began moving, with Scatterbug leading the way, Ishi's thoughts returned to his own mission. The idea of finding a Froakie filled him with excitement, so he decided to ask, "Do you know if there are any Froakie, Frogadier, or Greninja living around here?"
Scatterbug paused, seeming to consider the question carefully before nodding again and uttering, "Bug."
Ishi’s heart leapt with hope. "Awesome! Let’s get you back to your friends, and then maybe you could point me in the right direction?"
"Bug bug scatter!" Scatterbug replied enthusiastically, appearing relieved. He felt a wave of anticipation and eagerness flow off the little guy and couldn't help but smile at it.
Ishi chuckled softly, realising why Scatterbug had hesitated. "You thought I might leave you behind if I knew about the Froakie, huh?" He shook his head. "Don’t worry, I wouldn’t do that. We’re in this together." ‘Besides it's kinda my fault you got hurt in the first place.’ he internally winced at that particular thought.
Their journey through the tunnels was cautious but steady. Ishi kept a gentle pace to accommodate his small guide, and as they walked, he tried to engage Scatterbug in conversation to learn more about her.
"So little guy, how did you get lost down here?" he inquired.
Scatterbug was silent for a moment before uttering a soft, plaintive "Scatter."
Confused, Ishi watched her, trying to interpret her signals. Then, as a realisation dawned on him, he blurted out, "Oh! You’re a girl, aren’t you?"
Scatterbug huffed, a small nod confirming his guess.
"Sorry about that," he apologised sincerely. "I should’ve asked sooner. Thank you for helping me get through these caves, and for putting up with me.”
Scatterbug seemed to accept his apology, and they continued on their path. The tunnels were winding and complex, lined with the bioluminescent moss that cast an otherworldly glow on their surroundings. Every so often, Scatterbug would stop to ensure Ishi was still following, or to sniff the air, her instincts guiding them through the less travelled paths of the catacombs.
As they moved, the bond between Ishi and Scatterbug grew. His initial mission to find a Froakie was still important, but helping Scatterbug return to her family had given him a profound sense of responsibility and camaraderie. It wasn’t just about finding a Pokémon partner; it was about making a difference in these Pokémon’s lives, however small.
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Finally, after navigating through a particularly narrow passage, they emerged into a larger cavern that buzzed with the sounds of various Bug-type Pokémon. Scatterbug's pace quickened as she recognized her surroundings, and soon, a group of similar bugs gathered around her, chirping and touching her with their antennae in clear displays of relief and welcome.
Ishi watched the reunion with a warm feeling spreading through his chest. He had done something good here, something meaningful.
The heartwarming reunion of Scatterbug with her kin was brief, yet filled with warmth and mutual relief. However, it seemed that Scatterbug had more to show him. After a few chirps and an affectionate nuzzle, she motioned for him to follow her. Curious and grateful, Ishi complied, his excitement about what she might lead him to rekindled.
As they continued though the small cave, which was obviously a nesting area for the Scatterbugs, he received several curious and questioning glances. This also gave him some time to appraise a new species, he had never met a Spewpa he’d only seen a couple Scatterbugs and Vivillon back in the village, and hell no was he unpleased about the free Exp.
When the two of them reached a small indent in the wall where the moss was far thicker than anywhere else he’d seen, the Scatterbug cried out a couple times as if to get someone's attention. After a few beats the moss seemed to come alive and peeled to either side of the indent. Momentarily stunned at the sight, he stood there in wonder as a pair of Vivillon drifted majestically. Vivillon's body was primarily dark grey with a small, round head and large, expressive eyes. Its antennae were thin and had pale tips. But their main feature that caught his breath were their wings.
They were both jungle variants, with a primarily muted green colour scheme, mimicking the colours of a dense jungle canopy. The wings had a pattern of darker green and brown bands near the bottom, with smaller, lighter green squares dotting the upper parts of the wings. The edges of the wings are outlined in black, with the top edges having a slightly jagged, pixel-like design.
He knew that the combination of colours and patterns on Vivillon's wings in this variant are designed to help it blend into forested and jungle environments, providing camouflage from predators and aiding in surprise attacks. And after picking his jaw up, from where it had fallen on the floor, he greeted them both with a certain degree of reverence. ‘I didn’t even sense them with my aura pulses, how is that even possible?’
As if reading his mind they both giggle and a few “Viv Vivillon” come from the two of them and all at once he can feel their immense pressure coming off of them. “Holy shit!” Ishi cried and stumbled back. A few of the other pokemon now joined the two Vivillon in their laughter. Muttering to himself about not questioning it and moving on he stepped back beside the Scatterbug that had brought him here.
After a few minutes of explaining, what had happened to Scatterbug and the fact he was looking for a partner Froakie to team up with, to the two matriarch and patriarch, he assumed at least that's what they were, Vivillon turned an motioned for him to follow them. Shrugging and thinking ‘What's the worst that could happen, not like they could probably release their presence and render me catatonic again… right?’ with a small gulp at that he followed the two of them into the small indent.
What surprised Ishi the most was the sheer size he’d taken for granted that the small indent was, the inside seemed to continuously expand and the amount of glowing moss and other flora dotted about the place made the place feel somewhat homey in his opinion. He appraised a few of them and got a variety of notifications about some of them being used in medicines and the like, which considering where he was made a sorta sense to him.
It didn’t take long for them to reach a small outcropping of stones that made Ishi do a somewhat anime-like double take as he glanced at them. ‘Fossils!! No way, why would fossil pokemon be here? This village isn’t that old is it?’ These thoughts raced across his mind and the two powerful pokemon seemed to sense his agitation. “Illon?” one said tilting its head “Ah, well you see these are a lot more special than you probably realise” the pair of pokemon seemed to stare at him wanting him to continue, so after collecting his thoughts he did just that “Err so, well they are what you call fossil pokemon, if you take them to a special place they can be revived and brought back to our time” he took a breath “They were ancient pokemon that died a long time ago when the world nearly ended, and depending on the amount of DNA left in the fossil the higher the chances of revival.”
“Interesting… child you do not speak a lie”
“Huh?” The shock of someone speaking directly into his mind left him dumbstruck with awe as he just stared at the pair of variant Vivillon. ‘I thought they could only learn Psychic through TM though?’ so many possibilities ran across his head it gave him a headache.
“My question is” Vivillon continued, clearly ignoring the thoughts going on inside his head “How and where did you get this information? You are barely eight years old from what I can tell?”
“Ah” was the only sound that came out of his mouth ‘Oh shit! Wait they can hear that.. Or read that.. Or whatever it is they can do!’ The internal monologue as he thought of what to say continued for a short moment. After glancing around, as if weighing up his options, he said “I don’t want to tell you.” The stunned silence that followed was what he figured would happen.
“You.. Don’t want to tell us??” and so commenced a tense staring contest between Vivillon and Ishi. The small Scatterbug was frozen, as it had never seen someone refuse its parents.
“Bwahahahaha” ‘Wow laughing in my mind and not outloud is an interesting feeling’ Ishi thought with a small wince at the strain the laughter was putting on his mind.
“Haa.. You are right you do not need to tell us, and I can tell you did not come across it via nefarious methods.” Ishi nodded confirming this “Alright, I will allow you to pick just one of these fossils for you to use on your team and to help you achieve your dream!”
Bowing at a ninety degree angle Ishi couldn't believe his luck, and that's when the system notifications came flooding in. But thinking he had more important things to concern himself with he dismissed them and instead turned to the small group of gathered fossils. ‘Hmm’ he thought, ‘I wonder if I can use appraisal on these?’
It turned out he absolutely could use appraisal. And after doing just that he found there were a number of fossils that didn’t contain enough DNA to be revived, which was sad but there was nothing he could do about it so he decided to move on promptly, but there were also a couple he definitely wanted on his team. ‘Hmm, so the fossils that are viable are a Claw Fossil, Jaw Fossil, a large piece of Old Amber, and lastly a Root Fossil. Decisions decisions’
Ishi sat there for over half an hour weighing up the pros and cons of each, ‘Honestly I always wanted a fossil pokemon anyways so anything I choose will be a boon. Ahhhh I can’t decide!’ ruffling his hair in frustration he used his aura to calm down his emotions and calmly looked at the options in front of him ‘Ok, let's think about the potential of each of these if we are looking at base stats then from what I remember it was Tyrantrum with the higher base stats’ thinking he had finally come to a decision he reached out his hand to pick up the Jaw Fossil.
Suddenly as if lightning struck his dumb as a dodo brain he thought about the very gimmick that made the Kalos region so special, ‘Mega-Evolution! Oh For fuck sake Ishi how the hell did you ever get first in your class!’ And with that mental kick he immediately switched to the large piece of Old Amber. ‘Oh yes this ancient flying demon is definitely gonna be mine!’
“I see you have made a decision at last. Took you long enough we were both getting bored watching your thought process.” That dimmed some of the evil laughter that was playing in his head as he stared at the fossil in his hand.
“Kmm, yes well…” feeling the heat rise to his cheeks he stood up and bowed again to the pair of pokemon. “Well I appreciate this very much, I’ll treat it well.” With a nod from both of them they pointed him in the direction of the Froakie that was a little further away and told Scatterbug to accompany him and make sure he arrived in one piece.
Thanking them again he stored the fossil in his satchel at his side and turned to ask the Scatterbug to lead the way. ‘Might as well check these messages now, hmm lets see what we have here.’
Progress:
Ninja Water Spout - 90%
Ninja Flicker Step - 68%
Ninja Dust Storm - 63%
Ninja Wind Rush - 77%
Ninja Fire Ball - 75%
Ninja Body Switch - 65%
Ninja Leaf Shroud - 79%
Congratulations! Ninja Water Spout’s Progress Had Risen Significantly Due To An Extremely Stressful Experience.
Confirmed. Quest Progress:
You Have Been Granted The Right To Enter The Ancient Ninja Catacombs! Explore The Tunnels And Locate Your Future Partner(s)!
Congratulations! Progress:
You Have Gained The Right To Accept The Reward (???), You Have Chosen A Large Piece Of Old Amber.
Confirmed. Quest Created:
Due To A Powerful Existence Speaking Into Your Mind The First Condition Has Been Fulfilled In The Unlocking Of The Mana Stat. Complete The Other Two Conditions And Unlock Your Mana Stat!
Rewards: Unlocking Of The Mana Stat, Sub-Class Psychic Ninja
Accept: Y/N
“Woah, that's a lot of notifications. Haaaaah, note to self don't let them pile up in the future.”