In the Pokémon world, nothing draws more attention than the sudden appearance of a Legendary Pokémon.
As soon as the trending search appeared, it immediately captured the attention of the entire internet.
Beneath the headline was an eight-minute video of a Pokémon battle.
The duel featured two Trainers: a girl of about thirteen or fourteen, and a much younger child with pink hair and dark eyes, no older than six.
But that wasn't what had captured the world's attention.
What truly shocked viewers were the three majestic Pokémon standing behind the little girl in protective formation.
They were none other than the Legendary Beasts—Entei, Raikou, and Suicune!
[Oh my god! Are those three Legendaries… that little girl's Pokémon?]
[Wait a second, how could a girl who isn't even ten years old possibly capture Pokémon like that?!]
[Could she… actually be insanely powerful?]
[Hey, use your head. Did you forget? Raikou is Naoki's Pokémon.]
Sharp-eyed fans quickly noticed the girl bore a striking resemblance to Naoki's wife, Iono, the Gym Leader of the Levincia Gym. Could this child really be theirs?
Even more attention, however, was drawn to a strange, turtle-like Pokémon that transformed mid-battle. Its mysterious glow and immense power left even top Pokémon researchers baffled.
Speculation exploded online. Amid the frenzy, a netizen under the name Brock claimed the Pokémon's name was Terapagos, a Legendary Pokémon said to have existed millions of years ago.
That single statement ignited a firestorm.
Fossil enthusiasts, paleo-Pokémon scholars, historians, and researchers all jumped into the discussion. Some debated its lore, while others compared the battle footage to the likes of Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Giratina, and Calyrex.
Every frame of the eight-minute clip was analyzed. Experts scrutinized Terapagos's crystalline shell, its energy signatures, and its overwhelming attacks, debating endlessly about where it ranked among the pantheon of Legendary Pokémon.
And yet, another detail didn't escape the viewers' sharp eyes.
In the little girl's care were two other Pokémon: a Larvesta and a Dratini.
[Hold on. Raikou, Entei, and Suicune are Naoki's Pokémon. If the legends about Terapagos are true, there's no way a six-year-old could have caught them herself. They must have been entrusted to her for protection.]
[That means… the Larvesta and Dratini are actually her real partners!]
[That's still terrifying. Both Larvesta and Dratini are incredibly rare and powerful Pokémon in their own right!]
[Wow, I want a Larvesta too! A Volcarona is just so cool when it evolves!]
[Hush. Mr. Naoki is the real deal. Imagine being given Pokémon like that at such a young age… I'm so jealous!]
"…"
Back at the ranch, Naoki read the comments while tending to his Pokémon in the pasture.
At first, he had simply wanted to check if the trending news would attract danger, Pokémon hunters who might target Elara for her companions.
But now…
"These netizens are unbelievable…" he muttered, exasperated. "In just a few hours, they've basically pieced together her entire life."
There was nothing he could do about it. The Legendary Beasts were far too iconic. In the whole world, aside from the ones revived by Ho-Oh, there were no others like them.
Morning in Kitakami Village.
Juliana rose early as always, washing up and preparing for the day.
When she returned, she paused at the doorway, smiling softly at the sight before her.
Elara was still fast asleep, curled up in Entei's massive arms. Around her, Larvesta, Dratini, and three tiny Terapagos nestled together, their gentle breathing mingling with hers. It was a scene of perfect harmony, human and Pokémon in peaceful slumber.
"Ah, gah…"
Koraidon, standing loyally at Juliana's side, blinked as it observed the touching scene.
"Alright, Koraidon," Juliana whispered, patting its scaled head. "Go wake Elara for me. I'll get breakfast ready for everyone."
"Ah, gah!"
Koraidon gave a low call as it tiptoed forward. But before it could get too close, Entei suddenly opened its eyes, its fiery mane flickering as it fixed Koraidon with a stern, commanding gaze.
"Ah, gah…" Koraidon froze, shifting awkwardly.
Entei lowered its head to glance at the small figure curled up against its warm fur, Elara, still peacefully asleep. Its deep voice echoed telepathically into Koraidon's mind.
"Don't disturb her rest."
"Ah, gah…" Koraidon rumbled softly, as if it wanted to argue, but couldn't.
Juliana had said breakfast was ready, and they had important things to do this morning. But Entei was resolute; he would never allow anyone to wake Elara before she was ready.
Just then, Elara stirred on her own. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and murmured, "What's going on…? Is it morning already?"
From outside, Juliana poked her head back into the room with a smile.
"Breakfast is ready, Elara. Eat up, and afterward I'll take you around town. Then we'll go investigate the Crystal Pool."
"Got it, Sister Juliana!"
Elara leapt out of bed with surprising energy.
She was already a capable child. Even when her parents weren't around, she knew how to take care of herself, pulling on her clothes, putting on her shoes, brushing her teeth, and washing her face without help.
Her father had always told her this was the only way to grow into a great Pokémon Trainer.
After Elara finished washing up, Juliana entered with her Meowscarada, carrying in a tray full of breakfast dishes. The group ate together, filling the room with cheerful chatter and the smell of fresh food.
Once they had finished, they packed their things.
Elara looked up at Juliana, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sister Juliana, where are we going adventuring today?"
Juliana chuckled. "First we'll stroll through town, then we'll head up into the mountains."
"Yay!" Elara clapped her hands. She had never climbed a mountain before, and the thought made her heart race with excitement.
"Alright then, let's go!"
Juliana slung her backpack over her shoulders, packed with food and water, and together the two of them stepped out of the inn.
They wandered briefly through Emerald Town. Though Juliana had visited before during a summer camp, she hadn't stayed long and wasn't especially familiar with the area. Back then, she'd made two good friends, Carmine and Kieran, but they were likely still training at Blueberry Academy and wouldn't be in town now.
After showing Elara a few of the sights, they turned toward the looming slopes of Kitakami's Haunted Mountain.
"Boni!"
On the trail, Ogerpon suddenly cried out, pointing toward a path with its wooden mask.
Juliana blinked in surprise, but Elara immediately understood.
"Ogerpon, do you want us to go that way?"
"Boni!" Ogerpon nodded eagerly.
Elara tugged Juliana's hand. "Sister Juliana, let's follow Ogerpon! Daddy said she'd guide us if we got lost."
"Alright," Juliana agreed with a nod.
Guided by Ogerpon, the group carefully traversed the steep, winding trail until they came to a small, secluded cave.
"Boni…"
Ogerpon's voice trembled as it gazed at the familiar cave. Tears welled in its eyes, memories flooding back.
She hurried forward, slipping through the entrance and into the cave.
Untouched for many years, the cave was thick with dust and silence.
Ogerpon's eyes softened as it gazed at the stone bed where it had once slept for so long. "Boni…" it murmured.
Juliana and Elara followed close behind.
Juliana swept her eyes across the dim chamber, curiosity in her voice. "What is this place…?"
Elara listened to Ogerpon's soft words, then answered in its stead. "This is where Ogerpon used to live."
Long ago, it had stayed here with its original trainer. But one day, that trainer had left, and Ogerpon was left behind, enduring years of loneliness in this cavern.
Until the day it met Elara's father.
As she pieced the story together, Juliana's thoughts grew troubled. 'Could Ogerpon be the 'ghost' spoken of in the legends of Kitakami Village?'
But before she could dwell further, Elara threw her arms around Ogerpon's neck.
"Ogerpon, don't be sad!" she said with innocent determination. "If your old trainer were here, they'd never want to see you crying like this!"
"Boni…" Ogerpon wasn't really crying, it was just overwhelmed by memories of the place. Still, Elara's warmth touched it deeply.
With a sniff, it wrapped its little arms around her in return. "Boni!"
"Alright then!" Elara grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Let's keep going!"
"Boni!"
Ogerpon straightened up, its spirit lifted, and together with Elara and Juliana, it pressed on toward the summit of Haunted Mountain.
But Elara was still only a child. By the time they reached the halfway point, she was already panting, her legs trembling with fatigue.
Juliana noticed and quickly stopped. She turned back, concern in her eyes. "Let's take a rest."
But before she could insist, Elara shook her head, pulled out a bottle of Gogoat Milk from her bag, and downed it in a gulp.
Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes lit up again. "I can keep going!" she declared, fists clenched with fresh determination.
Juliana blinked, a massive question mark practically hanging over her head. 'Since when does Gogoat Milk work like that on humans?!'
"Alright, everyone, return for now!"
Not wanting Ogerpon and the others to wear themselves out, Elara pulled out her Poké Balls, recalling them one by one. She even carried Ogerpon's Poké Ball, entrusted to her by her father before the journey began.
The three Pokémon hesitated at first, reluctant to leave her side. But when they noticed Elara's worried little face, they understood, she was more concerned about them than about herself.
Their hearts warmed. After checking that she was truly alright, they obediently returned to their Poké Balls.
"Perfect!" Elara cheered, holding the bundle of Poké Balls close to her chest. "This way, no one will get tired!"
Her eyes sparkled brighter than ever. She was happy, because she felt like she could finally protect everyone.
Juliana, who had watched the whole scene in silence, was startled for a moment… then a smile spread across her face.
"Alright, Elara. Let's keep moving."
"Yes!" Elara nodded vigorously, bouncing forward with joy as she followed Juliana up the mountain path.
After several long hours of climbing, Juliana and Elara finally reached the summit of Haunted Mountain.
There before them lay a breathtaking sight, an expansive lake shimmering with radiant light.
The waters glittered with multicolored crystals, each one glowing with the same brilliance that Pokémon displayed when they Terastallized.
"So beautiful!" Elara gasped, her eyes sparkling. "If I could bring one back for Mom, she'd love it!"
But before she could move closer, a sudden flash of light burst forth.
Elara's Terapagos sprang out from its Poké Ball.
"Bago?"
It glanced around, sensing something unseen, and began to slowly pad toward the lake's edge.
Juliana and Elara stiffened in surprise.
"Terapagos?" Elara murmured, bewildered.
The next moment, a dazzling beam of light erupted from Terapagos's body, and instantly, the entire Crystal Pool blazed with radiant energy.
It was as if the Terastal power within Terapagos was resonating with the energy sealed inside the lake.
And then, something strange occurred.
A soft mist began to rise, curling up from the surface of the water. Within seconds, the fog spread outward, enveloping everything around them.
Juliana instinctively stepped in front of Elara, her hand tightening at her side.
But through the haze, a human silhouette slowly took shape.
When Juliana saw the figure clearly, her eyes widened in shock.
"P–Professor Sada?!"
Hearing her voice, the woman turned. Her expression was calm, though her eyes flickered with recognition before settling on the two girls.
Her gaze then fell to the Pokémon standing proudly at Elara's side.
That shell… those crystals…
"Terapagos?" Professor Sada whispered, her voice filled with awe.
She stared at the little Legendary, stunned.
"Who are you…? Have we met before? Forgive me, but I have no memory of it."
Then, with a steady breath, she introduced herself. "My name is Sada, and I am a Pokémon researcher in Area Zero."
Even as she spoke, another beam of white light flashed nearby.
"Ah–gah–gah–ss!"
With its awkward cry, Koraidon materialized clumsily beside Juliana.
Professor Sada froze. Her eyes went wide.
"!!!!"
Her voice trembled as she stared at the Pokémon in disbelief. "…This Koraidon…?"
For a moment she was speechless.
Juliana broke the silence. "Professor… how did you end up here?"
Sada shook her head slowly. "I'm not certain. I only know I was conducting research… and then I found myself standing here. Perhaps… it was due to the influence of the crystal Pokémon slumbering in that place?"
Juliana hesitated, then asked gently, "Professor… what about your family?"
She needed to know, what time did this Sada come from?
Sada blinked in surprise. "My family? Are you interested in my private life?" She gave a small, wistful laugh. "I have a child… he should be at home now. No..." her voice faltered, and her eyes darkened with grief, "no, that isn't right anymore, is it?"
Her shoulders trembled as the weight of her own words sank in.
"In any case…" she whispered, her voice breaking, "he must be so very lonely."
But now was not the time for such sentimental thoughts.
Professor Sada shook her head, her eyes sharpening with focus. "Enough. Then let me ask, where exactly is this place? It doesn't feel like Paldea at all."
"This is the Crystal Pool in Kitakami Village," Juliana explained.
"The Crystal Pool… in Kitakami Village?" Sada murmured, clearly taken aback. "I've seen it mentioned in old records. A lake said to carry the flowing energy of Terastal itself. But its coordinates… they're completely different from where I came from."
As she spoke, her eyes suddenly caught on the object clutched in Elara's hands.
"That book. What is that? I've never seen anything like it before." She leaned closer, squinting at the cover. "The Scarlet Book? No… this one says The Secret Treasure of Area Zero. May I?"
"Of course!"
Juliana quickly handed it over.
Sada opened the worn cover, scanning the pages intently.
"This records the events of the Paradox Pokémon crisis… and even the awakening of Terapagos?! Who is the author of this? Briar?"
"She's a teacher," Juliana explained. "At Blueberry Academy."
"What?" Sada's eyes widened. "That's impossible. Aside from me, only the League researchers should have ever had access to Area Zero!"
"No!" Juliana shook her head firmly. "Professor Briar never set foot in Area Zero herself. She wrote it after speaking with a very powerful Trainer. That Trainer was the one who stopped the Paradox Pokémon rampage… and saved the entire Paldea region."
"A powerful Trainer?" Sada repeated in disbelief. "Who could it possibly be?"
Elara already knew the answer.
She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, the Terastal energy surrounding the pool began to surge violently, shimmering like a storm about to break.
Her small voice rang out clear and certain:
"He's my father!"
The instant the words left her lips, Sada's form flickered. And then...
She was gone.
The white mist that had enveloped the Crystal Pool dissolved like a dream bubble, vanishing into thin air.
When Juliana and Elara blinked, the area was empty once more. The crystal waters shimmered peacefully, as though nothing had ever happened at all.
...
Stones plzzz
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