Chapter 254

Chapter 254: Chapter 254

{Pokémon: Bergmite}

{Type: Ice}

{Gender: Male}

{Ability: Ice Body}

{Known Moves: ...}

{Mood: Terrible}

{Condition: Frightened}

{Affinity: 0 (You barged into his territory and kidnapped him.)}

{Description: The Avalugg clan has inhabited Mount Coronet since the Hisuian era. As the centuries passed, the last surviving Avalugg eventually became a fossil, remaining within Mount Coronet to watch over its descendants.}

{Over time, the passage of centuries and the gradual dispersal of energy from the Avalugg’s remains appear to have created a mysterious magnetic field around the clan’s habitat.}

{I shall remain with Mount Coronet forever. — Hisuian Avalugg}

Mike stared at the information displayed before him.

’So he really is descended from a Hisuian Avalugg!’

That confirmed one of his suspicions.

However, there was still something he couldn’t figure out.

Could the Bergmite living here actually evolve into Hisuian Avalugg by drawing upon the ancestral power remaining in their bloodline?

Mike looked toward the little Bergmite resting in Snivy’s vines and fell into thought.

Ever since he’d started researching Hisuian Pokémon, one question had bothered him more than anything else.

What exactly had changed between the Hisuian era and the present-day Sinnoh region?

More specifically, why had certain Pokémon lost the ability to evolve into their ancient forms?

Wyrdeer, Kleavor, and Ursaluna all had specific conditions that needed to be fulfilled before evolution could occur.

Those conditions weren’t necessarily dependent on the surrounding environment, which meant it was possible to reproduce them in the modern world.

But Mike remembered that things worked differently in the games.

Certain regional evolutions, including Hisuian Avalugg, specifically required the Pokémon to evolve in Hisui.

That was what made the situation so strange.

’It’s the same region, isn’t it? Hisui and Sinnoh are literally the same land.’

’Could changes in the environment over hundreds of years really have altered the Pokémon’s genetics that much?’

Mike frowned as he reread the system’s description.

According to the Pokédex, the mysterious magnetic field in this area had formed through a combination of the passage of time and the energy left behind by the ancient Avalugg.

That would also explain why Hattrem’s psychic abilities had been experiencing interference ever since they’d approached this place.

’A magnetic field, huh...?’

Something suddenly occurred to him.

He remembered an experience he’d had beneath the ocean, when he’d witnessed Clamperl evolving.

’Wait a minute...’

’If evolution can be influenced by a special environment, then couldn’t the same thing happen here?’

Mike looked toward the fossil embedded in the mountain.

’What if Bergmite can evolve into Hisuian Avalugg within this particular magnetic field?!’

The more he considered the possibility, the more excited he became.

If his theory was correct, he’d just discovered another potential way to bring an ancient Hisuian Pokémon back into the modern world!

"Berg..."

Before Mike could investigate further, something small tugged gently at his trouser leg.

He looked down.

A little purple hand had emerged from his shadow.

Gengar’s round head followed a moment later, and the Ghost-type pointed toward a nearby crevice in the rock.

"Gengar!"

[I think there are more of them over there.]

Mike turned toward the crevice.

Sure enough, several faint white figures were peeking out from between the rocks, watching him cautiously.

More Bergmite.

Apparently, the little Pokémon Snivy had caught wasn’t the only one living near the fossil.

"I see them."

Mike had barely finished speaking when Rotom’s voice suddenly rang out.

"Detecting signs of considerable Pokémon activity nearby, roto!"

Mike turned around.

In the distance, several enormous figures were charging toward them through the snow.

Abomasnow!

And accompanying them were a number of Snover.

The moment the Bergmite caught sight of the approaching Pokémon, he began struggling fiercely against Snivy’s vines.

"Berg! Bergmite!"

The Abomasnow quickly reached Mike’s position and spread out, surrounding him and his Pokémon.

Mike looked around at the enormous Ice-type Pokémon towering over him.

"Well, well..."

This was quite a predicament.

’Looks like they’ve mistaken me for a bad guy.’

Then he glanced toward the Bergmite still caught in Snivy’s vines.

’Actually, that makes sense.’

’We did catch one of their little neighbors and carry him off.’

’From their perspective, I probably AM the bad guy!’

Snivy hadn’t been holding the Bergmite particularly tightly until now.

However, when she saw the Abomasnow surrounding Mike, her expression became serious.

She tightened her vines around the little Pokémon and pulled him closer to her.

Apparently, she’d decided that keeping a hostage might be useful if things turned ugly.

Beedrill immediately flew back to Mike’s side, raising his sharp lances into a defensive position.

Rotom, meanwhile, hurriedly asked Gengar to take a microwave oven out of his seemingly bottomless pocket.

The moment the appliance appeared, Rotom slipped inside it.

Hattrem promptly climbed onto the possessed microwave and stood on top, keeping a wary eye on the surrounding Pokémon.

Glameow jumped down into the snow and began hissing at the approaching Abomasnow, her fur bristling.

Gengar remained hidden inside Mike’s shadow, ready to emerge at a moment’s notice.

With everyone preparing for a fight, Mike decided he should probably try talking things through before the situation got any worse.

"Um... I think there’s been a misunderstanding between us..."

"JYNX!"

[WHO DARES TO HURT OUR FRIENDS?!]

Mike hadn’t even finished speaking when a loud cry came from the distance.

He turned his head.

A whole group of familiar, bright-red figures came rushing toward them!

The Jynx!

Apparently, the entire group had followed him into the mountains.

Without hesitation, the Jynx spread out and surrounded the Abomasnow and Snover, glaring at them as though daring anyone to make the first move.

Mike: "???"

’Wait, what?!’

He hadn’t expected the Jynx to come charging to his rescue.

The Jynx leading the group turned toward him and gave him a reassuring wink, clearly telling him not to worry.

Mike felt a pleasant warmth spread through his chest.

’These girls...’

’They’re actually looking out for me!’

He was genuinely touched.

’That’s it! From now on, if anyone dares say Jynx is ugly, they’re going to have a problem with ME!’

How could anyone dislike Pokémon this kindhearted?!

Mike looked toward the Abomasnow, who had suddenly found themselves surrounded by an even larger group of Pokémon.

Then he cleared his throat.

"Ahem!"

He straightened up and looked at the nearest Abomasnow.

"So, Abomasnow... How about a battle?"

The moment those words left his mouth, the atmosphere changed.

Snivy and the others immediately released their fighting spirit, preparing themselves for combat.

Naturally, the Abomasnow responded in kind.

The Jynx, seeing the others preparing for battle, also began gathering their strength.

In an instant, the entire area was filled with tension.

Every wild Pokémon nearby that wasn’t involved in the confrontation immediately fled, unwilling to get caught in the crossfire.

Inside the rocky crevice, the remaining Bergmite huddled together, trembling as they watched the terrifying scene unfold.

Mike glanced toward his team.

"Rotom! You’re up! Hit them with a Fire-type attack! Show them what a move with FOUR-TIMES effectiveness looks like!"

After all, Abomasnow were both Grass- and Ice-types.

A Fire-type attack would be devastating against them!

Unfortunately... the damn microwave didn’t move.

Mike blinked.

"Rotom?"

Still nothing.

He turned toward the possessed appliance with a puzzled expression.

"Hey, Rotom! What are you doing?"

Rotom peeked out from the microwave, looking rather embarrassed.

"Roto..."

[Um... This microwave doesn’t have the special motor I need. I can’t actually battle in it...]

Mike stared at him.

"..."

A long silence followed.

Then Mike asked quietly, "Then why the hell did you climb inside it?"

Rotom lowered his voice even further.

"Roto..."

[To intimidate them... I thought if they saw a microwave, they’d get scared and run away...]

Mike: "..."

He looked at the microwave.

Then at the enormous Abomasnow surrounding them.

’You goddamn idiot!’

"Shut up," Mike whispered.

He swallowed and slowly turned back toward the Abomasnow.

Perhaps they could still settle this peacefully.

After all, he hadn’t actually wanted to fight in the first place.

"I think we should probably—"

"ARTICUUUUNO!"

A long, clear cry suddenly rang out across the mountains.

The sound was accompanied by a rush of freezing wind, carrying the unmistakable presence of something extraordinary.

Mike’s words were cut short for the second time.

A tremendous shadow swept across the snow beneath them.

Overhead came the powerful beating of wings.

The temperature dropped several degrees almost instantly, and countless glittering ice crystals began drifting down from the sky.

Every Pokémon in the clearing raised its head.

Mike did the same.

A magnificent figure was descending from above.

Its body shone with a brilliant, crystalline blue, and its enormous wings spread gracefully as it glided through the freezing air.

A moment later, the Legendary Pokémon landed upon a massive boulder not far from the gathered Pokémon.

From its elevated position, it looked down at Mike and the two groups surrounding him.

Its red eyes briefly settled on the human below.

Then, seemingly unconcerned by the tense situation, it turned its head and began preening its beautiful, translucent blue feathers with its short, gray beak.

Mike remained perfectly still.

After carefully grooming its plumage, the magnificent bird looked toward him again.

To its surprise, the human was still staring.

Even when their eyes met, Mike showed no intention of looking away.

That was unusual.

There was something about this human that Articuno found strangely pleasant.

A faint presence surrounded him, carrying a quality that the Legendary Pokémon recognized.

It reminded Articuno of someone it had encountered long ago.

’That presence...’

’It’s remarkably similar to theirs.’

’Could this human be their messenger?’

Articuno tilted its head slightly, regarding Mike with growing curiosity.

Its long, elegant tail feathers swayed gently behind it.

Mike, meanwhile, had recognized the Pokémon the instant it appeared.

’Articuno!’

One of the three Legendary birds!

A magnificent Pokémon said to dwell in mountains covered with eternal snow, possessing the power to command ice and snow.

And now one was standing right in front of him!

Gengar immediately emerged from Mike’s shadow.

Unlike his usual carefree self, he wasn’t smiling.

His scarlet eyes were filled with caution as he positioned himself between Articuno and Mike’s group.

A massive Shadow Ball formed above his hands, dark energy swirling around it as he prepared to defend his companions if necessary.

The Abomasnow and Jynx, meanwhile, immediately stopped their confrontation.

With Articuno present, neither group showed any intention of continuing the fight.

Mike could feel the immense pressure radiating from the Legendary Pokémon.

He closed his eyes for a moment and drew a deep breath.

Then he opened them again.

"Hello, Articuno."

"Articuno."

[Human, why do you carry their presence? Are you their messenger?]

Articuno’s voice was clear and ethereal, its tone calm and measured.

Mike blinked in confusion.

"Their presence? Their messenger?"

He looked genuinely puzzled.

"Who are you talking about?"

Articuno seemed surprised that he didn’t understand.

Its long tail feathers swayed gently as it examined him.

"Articuno."

[You carry the presence of the one who rules the rainbow.]

Mike froze.

’The one who rules the rainbow?’

There was only one Pokémon he could think of.

"Wait... You mean Ho-Oh?!"

Of course!

The legendary rainbow bird!

That elusive, wandering photographer!

But...

’Ho-Oh’s messenger? Me?’

’What the hell does that mean?’

Mike couldn’t understand why Articuno would think he had anything to do with Ho-Oh.

’All I’ve got are my Fire-type and Flying-type affinities, right?’

Then he suddenly remembered something.

’Oh! WAIT!’

He turned toward Gengar.

"Hey, Gengar! Give me the feather for a second!"

Gengar looked back at him.

Then he lowered his head and examined his enormous purple belly.

’Feather?’

He patted himself.

’But I don’t have any feathers!’

Mike stared at him.

"..."

"HO-OH’S FEATHER, YOU IDIOT!"

Gengar’s eyes widened in realization.

’OH! THAT feather!’

He immediately rummaged through his pocket and pulled out the feather they’d obtained from Ho-Oh.

Mike took it from him.

Even though a considerable amount of time had passed since the feather had fallen from Ho-Oh’s body, its beautiful colors hadn’t faded in the slightest.

If anything, the rainbow hues seemed even more vibrant beneath the midday sunlight.

Brilliant colors shimmered across its surface, scattering a dazzling rainbow glow around Mike’s hand.

Articuno stared at the feather.

’So that’s it.’

Its suspicions had been correct.

Ho-Oh’s feathers weren’t something just anyone could obtain.

Only those who had earned Ho-Oh’s recognition could receive one.

And the feather this human was holding clearly wasn’t an ordinary piece of plumage that had simply fallen from some insignificant part of Ho-Oh’s body.

It was something special.

’In that case...’

Articuno returned its attention to Mike.

Then it gave another clear cry.

"Articuno!"

[Human, state your purpose. Why have you entered my territory?]

Mike blinked.

’Whoa, what’s with the sudden seriousness?’

He hadn’t expected Articuno’s attitude to change quite so abruptly.

When he didn’t immediately answer, Articuno glanced toward the surrounding Pokémon.

"Articuno."

[If you wish for me to drive these Pokémon away, I will not refuse.]

Mike was about to respond when something occurred to him.

’Wait a minute...’

He remembered something Cynthia had told him some time ago.

During her pursuit of Pokémon Hunter J, she’d encountered members of Team Galactic.

One of them had been Charon, who’d apparently used a machine to control an Articuno.

Cynthia had commanded her Garchomp to battle the Legendary Pokémon, eventually defeating it.

Afterward, the Articuno had flown away into the depths of Mount Coronet.

Mike looked at the beautiful bird standing before him.

’Don’t tell me...’

’Could this be the same Articuno?’

His curiosity got the better of him.

"Excuse me, but... are you the Articuno that got beaten up by Garchomp?"

The moment those words left his mouth, the entire clearing fell silent.

Gengar: "Σ(?Д?;)"

’BRO?!’

’YOU’RE ACTUALLY ASKING THAT RIGHT TO ITS FACE?!’

The Jynx, however, were practically starry-eyed.

’Wow!’

’He’s amazing!’

’He can even talk to ARTICUNO like that!’

’As expected of the human we chose to be friends with!’

Meanwhile, the Abomasnow looked increasingly uncomfortable.

’Uh...’

’Why do I suddenly feel a little dizzy?’

Articuno stared at Mike.

"..."

For a moment, it said nothing.

Perhaps Mike’s Flying-type affinity was influencing its attitude.

Perhaps it was the feather from Ho-Oh.

Or perhaps both were responsible.

Whatever the reason, Articuno didn’t appear angry.

Instead, it slowly nodded.

It admitted that Mike was correct.

Mike rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

’So it really was defeated by Cynthia’s Garchomp...’

He looked at Articuno with renewed interest.

’Even a Legendary Pokémon like Articuno lose to Cynthia?’

’Man, the Champion title really means something when we’re talking about Cynthia!’

Of course, he was talking about the Sinnoh Champion.

Not certain other Champions who seemed more interested in organizing Pokémon Contests or starring in movies.

There was a difference there!

"Articuno."

[I have answered your question. Now, messenger of Ho-Oh, tell me why you have come.]

Mike blinked when Articuno addressed him as Ho-Oh’s messenger again.

This time, however, he didn’t bother correcting the misunderstanding.

’Well... Ho-Oh isn’t here to argue about it.’

For all he knew, that legendary photographer was off somewhere taking pictures right now.

’No harm in borrowing the name for a little while, right?’

With that thought in mind, Mike raised the camera hanging around his neck.

"Actually... would you mind if I took a few pictures of you?"

Hattrem blinked.

"Hattrem?"

[Is... is he really that amazing?]

They were standing in front of a Legendary Pokémon!

An actual Articuno!

And the first thing Mike wanted to do was ask for photographs?!

Glameow opened her mouth and let out a small meow.

"Meow."

[When he met Ho-Oh, he actually chased after it and asked it to do him a favor.]

Snivy: "???"

Hattrem: "???"

Rotom: "Does not compute, roto..."

The Abomasnow were beginning to feel even more lightheaded.

’Why is everything getting so strange...?’

The Jynx, meanwhile, were looking at Mike with sparkling eyes.

’SO COOL!’

As for the Bergmite hiding in the rocky crevice...

’...Is it getting darker outside?’

Articuno regarded the camera in Mike’s hands.

It had also heard what Glameow had just said.

’He chased after Ho-Oh the first time they met and asked for a favor?’

’And now he wants to photograph me?’

’Interesting.’

Mike noticed that Articuno hadn’t refused yet.

So he decided to sweeten the offer.

"And if you don’t mind, when I publish the photographs later, I could put yours right beside Ho-Oh’s!"

Articuno froze.

’!!!’

Its red eyes immediately sharpened with interest.

Photographs of itself... displayed beside photographs of Ho-Oh?!

"Articuno."

[As you wish.]

Mike’s face lit up.

"Really? Great! Thanks!"

Then he looked toward the other Pokémon gathered around them.

"Oh, but could you give me a little time first? There’s something I still need to take care of."

Articuno glanced toward the Abomasnow.

"Articuno?"

It appeared to be asking whether Mike wanted it to deal with them.

Mike immediately shook his head.

"No, no! That’s all right. I wasn’t planning to fight them in the first place."

He looked toward the Bergmite still held in Snivy’s vines.

"The whole misunderstanding started because I discovered an ancient Pokémon fossil and got a little too excited. We caught that Bergmite while investigating, and things just got out of hand afterward."

Mike sighed.

"Honestly, the whole confrontation was an accident."

He turned toward Snivy and gave her a small nod.

Snivy immediately understood.

She loosened her vines and carefully released the little Bergmite.

Now that he was free, the Bergmite looked toward Mike for a moment.

Then he hurried back toward the crevice and disappeared among the rocks.

Mike watched him go before turning toward the Abomasnow.

"Well, how about we call it even?"

He smiled politely.

"There’s no reason for us to fight, right?"

The leader of the Abomasnow group considered his words.

Then it nodded.

The matter was settled.

"Thanks, everyone!"

Mike bowed slightly to express his gratitude.

"Gengar!"

Gengar brought his hands together and gave the Abomasnow a polite bow of his own.

"Abomasnow!"

Seeing Mike and Gengar bowing, the Abomasnow and Snover returned the gesture.

The tension that had filled the clearing finally disappeared.

Mike let out a quiet breath of relief.

’Well, that’s one problem taken care of.’

Then he turned toward the Jynx.

"Thanks for coming to help, everyone!"

He genuinely appreciated their willingness to protect him, even if the whole situation had nearly turned into a rather ridiculous battle.

But there was still something he wanted to know.

"By the way, how did you girls end up here? I thought you were still practicing your singing."

The Jynx leading the group smiled gently.

"Jynx."

[You’d been gone for a long time, and we were worried something might have happened to you. So we came looking.]

Mike looked at her.

For a moment, he didn’t know what to say.

He hadn’t expected the Jynx to be so concerned about him.

They’d only met yesterday, yet here they were, rushing into an unfamiliar area because they were afraid he might be in danger.

A pleasant warmth spread through his chest.

"Thank you. Really."

The Jynx shook her head, smiling as though there was no need to make such a fuss.

Mike smiled back.

Then he turned toward the rocky crevice.

There was still one more thing he needed to do.

He approached the gap between the rocks and crouched down.

Several Bergmite were hiding inside, watching him warily.

Mike made sure not to move any closer.

Instead, he spoke gently.

"Hey, everyone. I’m sorry I frightened you earlier."

The Bergmite remained silent.

Mike continued sincerely.

"I really wasn’t trying to hurt any of you. I hope you can believe that."

The little Pokémon exchanged cautious glances, but none of them came forward.

Mike sighed.

"When I saw that Avalugg fossil, I was so surprised that I got completely distracted. I was too busy thinking about what it might mean, and I forgot that we’d caught one of you."

He looked toward the Bergmite he’d been carrying earlier.

"That was wrong of me, and I’m sorry."

He lowered his head slightly.

"Really. I’m very sorry."

Perhaps it was because his apology sounded so sincere, or perhaps the Bergmite could sense that he genuinely meant no harm.

After hesitating for a little while, the Bergmite he’d caught earlier slowly emerged from the crevice.

Mike’s expression softened.

He turned toward Gengar.

"Hey, could you give me a Berry?"

Gengar immediately reached into his pocket and handed him one.

Mike took it and held it out toward the little Bergmite.

"Here. How about you accept this as an apology gift?"

The Bergmite looked at the Berry.

Then he looked at Mike.

The human was smiling gently, without any trace of hostility.

After a moment, the little Pokémon cautiously stepped closer and accepted the fruit.

He took a bite, sweet juice immediately filled his mouth.

"Bergmite."

[Thank you.]

Mike watched the little Pokémon enjoying the Berry.

A satisfied smile slowly appeared on his face.

’Pokémon are such simple, innocent creatures.’

He’d frightened the poor little guy, dragged him away from his home, and gotten distracted by an ancient fossil.

Yet a sincere apology and a Berry had already been enough to make the Bergmite forgive him.

’They’re surprisingly easy to cheer up, aren’t they?’

Mike shook his head with a fond smile.