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The New Normal - 8-8
🕑 Added 2024-02-12 07:20:00 +0000 UTCThe New Normal – 8-8 – A Legendary Moment
Just because I had made important calls to Joseph and Giovanni didn’t mean Flint and Cynthia’s tour of Sinnoh was over, nor did I want it to be. Cynthia and Flint clearly had more in store for me, as they told me we would soon be heading to the freezing fields of Snowpoint City.
As soon I heard, I couldn’t help but protest slightly, “You realize I’m nowhere near dressed enough to head there. Especially while flying.”
“You could get a coat or something in the Veilstone Department Store.” Flint suggested, which I nodded to. I probably did need a few new clothes, and DEFINITELY something warmer.
“Oh yeah, I need to pick up something from there too.” Cynthia added, “Thanks for the reminder. We can have lunch there too.”
Over lunch, Cynthia curiously asked what that phone call was about, since I seemed like I was in a rush. I deflected and said it was something business-related, and she quickly dropped the topic and didn’t ask any more questions. Flint just thanked me for getting in touch with them so soon, and was thankful that at least Silph Co seemed interested in investing.
With our bellies full, and a new coat cozily wrapped around my shoulders, we set off for Snowpoint City. And what an experience that was. As we got closer, I could physically feel my face freezing up as the cold winds endlessly assaulted us. It was a painful, but unique experience.
I had never been to the top of Mount Silver before, so this was something totally new. But that joy soon turned to suffering. This REALLY was cold.
And to make matters worse, the other two trainers were barely even affected by the freezing temperatures; FLINT WASN’T EVEN WEARING A JACKET! I had no idea how he wasn’t freezing to death. That was probably the most mind-boggling thing I had seen all day.
With the other two unaware of my inner complaints, the three of us made good time and arrived shortly in Snowpoint City. I had naively assumed that as soon as we landed and were out of the crossfire of the freezing aerial winds, then the temperature would be a lot more reasonable.
Nope.
Even we landed the temperatures were still as teeth clatteringly cold as when we were in the air. I had no idea how people lived here.
Call me spoilt, but I’d take the hot and temperate climates of Hoenn any other day. But thinking of Hoenn made me frown even further; the beaches of Dewford were SO much better than this.
“Oh, chin up. You’ll get used to this soon enough.” Cynthia laughed at me, probably reading my annoyance from my face, “Don’t you find the cold relaxing and refreshing? It’s way better than the heat at least.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” I replied, grumbling.
“Come on John, it’s not even that bad! Just a light chill.” Flint grinned, walking forwards as if to display the fact that he was only wearing his usual yellow t-shirt.
“You’re mad.” Was all I said, and I turned away from that lunacy, ignoring the chuckles I was getting from my companions. Inwardly, I vowed to have them suffer through the summer heats of Hoenn one day. See how they’d like it.
Despite my grumbling, I followed after the two of them as they headed over to Snowpoint Temple. But as we were walking, a surprised cry drew our attention.
“…Cynthia?! What are you doing here, and with Flint too?” A female voice shouted out from behind us.
“Candace? What a coincidence!” Cynthia replied as she turned around, her eyes brightening as she recognized the newcomer. “I had considered telling you, but I thought you were busy with the Gym.”
“At this time of year? No way. Not this late into the circuit.” Candace approached, shaking her head. “Oh, and Flint, good to see you again. And…hey, aren’t you that Elite Four guy that drew against Cynthia?”
“Candace! You can’t say that! That’s rude!” Cynthia quickly admonished, shaking her friend. I just laughed and waved it off.
“It’s true. That is me.” I greeted, extending a hand to shake, “And you must be Gym Leader Candace. It’s a pleasure.” And now I noticed that Candace was ALSO not wearing a jacket, instead having it wrapped around her waist enough. Arceus, was everyone here just immune to the cold or something? At least Cynthia had a coat on.
“Hahaha, sorry. I kind of just say stuff before thinking it through.” She rubbed her head embarrassedly, “But it is nice to meet you. Though, I am curious about what you three are doing here. Here to see the Snowpoint Temple?”
“Sure am.” Flint nodded, “Cynthia had this idea to bring John around to have a quick tour of Sinnoh. I thought I tag along just to show the flag and what not, but also to hang around John. He’s good company.” I shot him a small smile.
“Oh! Cool!” Candace exclaimed, “Well, I’d love to join you at the Temple, but I do actually have a meeting to head to with my Gym Trainers. Really bad timing for this…”
“Don’t worry Candace, maybe we can meet another time.” Cynthia comforted, “You have my number anyways. Just give me a call.”
“You say that, but you’re always in those caves of yours and never pick up!” Candace mock-grumbled, causing Cynthia to flush slightly in embarrassment. Candace grinned and grabbed Cynthia into a hug, “I’m just kidding. Yeah, I’ll call you soon. Have fun with the rest of your tour! And John, hope you enjoy Sinnoh!”
She shot us a cheery wave before heading off.
“A cheerful person.” I commented to Cynthia. “Reminds me slightly of my sister, actually.”
“She’s a great friend.” Cynthia nodded, “I really should have lunch with her sometime. I’ve been neglecting her recently.”
“Maybe you can get Volkner to join in on it.” Flint suggested half-jokingly, “He needs someone other than me to pull him from that stupid lighthouse of his.”
The three of us continued our banter as we resumed our walk towards the Temple. Since we were on the topic, I asked the two of them what they thought of the Sinnoh Gyms, if they didn’t mind answering.
“They’re all very respectable.” Flint answered, “Even Roark, for all the hassle he had to deal with since he’s Byron’s son, has managed to do a great job of both managing both the mining facilities and the Gym.”
“Yes, though I believe the Veilstone Gym Leader is retiring soon.” Cynthia pointed out, “But I believe he has a successor in mind.”
“Ah, young Maylene. Yes, I’ve heard of her. She seems competent, if young.” Flint agreed. “Are you asking this because of the state of the Indigo Gyms? I heard a little from Will.”
“Somewhat, but it was mostly just my curiosity.” I replied, “Candace is actually the first Gym Leader of Sinnoh that I’ve met thus far. I just wanted to get to know them a bit better. But yes, the Gyms of Indigo have been…difficult as of late. But I’m confident that things are getting better.”
“…I heard about the guy who shares my name running out on his kids and the Gym. That…displeases me greatly to hear.” Flint said, losing his signature easy-going smile as his eyes darkened. “I do hope you find him and properly punish him for his actions. Doing something like that…I find it to be one of the worst things you could do as a human being.”
“I can’t say anything against that.” I agreed, “…It was quite the scandal in Indigo. I’m glad you don’t have anything like this in Sinnoh.”
“…For now.” Flint responded a little glumly, “But with the political turmoil going on…I can only hope that our Gym Leaders can help maintain the stability as they’ve done so far.”
I didn’t know what to say to that, so the three of us continued our walk in contemplative silence. Eventually, we arrived at Snowpoint Temple where we were greeted briefly be security, but we were shortly let through. Flint and Cynthia being here apparently was enough to just allow me through.
The silence continued as we moved further down the steps, heading deeper into the Temple itself. As we moved, I idly noted that the icy floor, while slippery, wasn’t nearly as bad as the games suggested they were. But it didn’t take long until we reached our destination and walked down the final set of stairs.
And what greeted us was the magnificent and awe-inspiring form of a Legendary standing perfectly upright in the center of the room. Its towering form was so tall that it nearly touched the ceiling itself.
This was Regigigas, in all of its slumbering glory.
Even though I had seen it in the games, seeing it in real life was beyond anything I had ever seen before. I previously made mention that the presence emitted by Lance’s Emperor was likely close to a Legendary, but I was wrong. Even with it being inactive, there was no mistaking the godlike presence that Regigigas exuded. And it hadn’t even been awakened.
THIS was the Legendary Titan. The Legendary that, according to the legends, moved the continent themselves. I was humbled by its sheer strength and ability; even if I combined both Tyrant and Emperor together, their strength would still not be anywhere close to this Legendary. I had to stop myself from unconsciously prostrating myself before it out of awe.
“…It’s a grand thing, seeing a Legendary like this.” Flint spoke up softly, “We were lucky in Sinnoh to be blessed with such a historical memorial. I understand that Indigo and Hoenn lack such sights.”
“They do.” I nodded, my eyes refusing to leave Regigigas’ inactive form, “I used to not think much of it, but now that I see one in person…it fills me with jealousy that we do not have sights like these of our own.”
“Regigigas was one of the main reasons that sparked my curiosity into the Legends and history of Sinnoh.” Cynthia admitted, “I came here with my grandmother when I was younger, and as soon as I laid my eyes upon Regigigas, all I could think of was ‘how?’ How did Regigigas get here? Why is it here, inactive? And is there a way of reactivating it?”
“Of course, I still haven’t managed to answer any of those questions.” She continued, “Some people even theorize that the Regigigas that we have is only a mere aspect of the original. A fragment of the real thing. But it’s still one of my long-standing goals for me to at least start to piece together the answer to one of those questions.”
I nodded, seeing the appeal. I mean, after seeing something like this, who wouldn’t be inspired to find out more? The Legendaries have always been shrouded in mystery and myth, and it would take only the most complacent of people to not at least wonder what they were capable of and how they had shaped the known world.
And fragment or not. The powerthat could be felt from Regigigas was overwhelming.
Unconsciously, I took a step forwards, moving ever closer to Regigigas’ figure. I didn’t know what compelled me to do so, but I reached up and idly stroked a hand around its torso, careful as to not disturb its slumbering form.
But the moment my hand touched Regigigas, I felt a small pressure descend on my head. It wasn’t enough to hurt, but enough that I recognized that I was being affected by something. My eyes darted around, trying to figure out what was happening, but I couldn’t see anything. Only the two faces of my companions casually staring at Regigigas.
And suddenly, the pressure intensified, and I found my head turning against my will as I stared up at Regigigas’ figure. Before I knew it, I had taken a knee, kneeling on the icy floor just beneath it, shadowed by its towering form. As I did so, my mind seemed to clear itself, shutting out all other sensations except for a very faint tendril of connection. I didn’t know where that tendril linked to, but that was all I could focus on.
My eyes shut, and I diverted all of my concentration into identifying this sudden foreign connection.
And just as suddenly as it appeared, the pressure rapidly disappeared, and my eyes shot open as I found myself able to move once again. My head swivelled around, trying to figure out what just happened, but just like before, there were no answers to be found.
I stared up at Regigigas, but it was as inactive and motionless as usual. It was as if I had just imagined everything that just happened.
“Are you alright?” Cynthia asked concerningly, “You suddenly took a knee. Did something happen?”
“…Just in awe, that’s all.” I replied unconvincingly, still reeling from what just happened, “…Something must have come over me, but I think it’s gone now.” Even as I said that I wasn’t convinced myself.
Cynthia continued giving me a concerned look, but Flint seemed a little more oblivious, “Well I hope you enjoyed this visit. Sadly, Elite Four or not, you won’t be able to come back here without an escort. Sorry ‘bout that.”
“That’s fine. I think once is enough for me.” I said, and I wasn’t sure what that was. A part of me wished to experience it again, and yet I knew instinctively that it wasn’t the right time. “…Maybe one day we can invite some other members of Indigo here. I think it’s worth seeing.”
“Absolutely.” Flint agreed, “Though, we still have one more place in mind. Care to still follow us?” I gave him a thumbs up and the three of us began ascending up the stairs, leaving Snowpoint Temple behind.
As we walked, a part of myself was desperately demanding for answers about what just happened. What was that pressure? Where did it come from and how did it manage to affect me? I figured it had something to do with Regigigas, but what? What did it want from me?
‘Enough.’ I demanded from myself, shaking myself out of my thoughts. Willing myself not to think of it. All I was doing was driving myself in circles thinking about this; it was leading me nowhere. I would just have to accept things as they came.
The three of us headed out of Snowpoint Temple, where we took flight once again. And this time, considering both the direction and our recent trip to Snowpoint Temple, I felt like I knew where we were going next. Over the next several minutes, my suspicions were quickly proven right as we gradually flew towards the famous summit of Mt. Coronet. Spear Pillar.
We descended silently, none of us speaking a word as Spear Pillar came closer.
What greeted me first was the sight of ruined and dilapidated pillars, cracked and crumbling. And yet, despite the obvious deterioration, the entire summit seemed to remain almost entirely untouched. There was not an inch of grass or moss that grew on the pillars, as would have been expected for something untouched by humanity for so long. The pillars still gleamed brightly in the late day sun, as immaculate as they must have been since their initial construction.
It was as if the entire summit had been frozen in time and space, serving as an eternal memorial. But to what?
Despite the howling winds blasting endlessly against the three of us, it was hardly noticeable amidst the weight that this area held. If I thought that the slumbering form of Regigigas had an otherworldly presence, than Spear Pillar was on a completely different level.
Everywhere I looked, I could feel something much greater than me staring down at me, observing my very actions. The gaze was as inescapable as it was omnipresent, and I felt myself swallowing harshly as I slowly and carefully walked around the summit. However, unlike with Regigigas, I did not feel any kind of pressure forming in my head, nor did I feel the need to suddenly kneel and prostrate myself.
No, this was just the feeling that you were surrounded by the very presence of a Legendary being.
I knew my history. I knew why Spear Pillar gave off such a presence. But to experience it personally…it was utterly humbling. In the corner of my eye, I saw that my other two companions were similarly silent. Except that they both had their eyes closed, as if praying to something.
I closed my eyes as well. I did not know what they were praying to, but my mind went to the Legendaries that made their appearance here. I tried to imagine what standing in front of them would be like, and I felt my legs wobbling at the mere thought at facing them.
Despite this, the inner trainer with me roared to the surface. The pride of a trainer that had made it into the Elite Four and trained his Pokémon to defeat the very best refused to bow down at this so-called ‘insurmountable’ threat.
Even if the entirety of Spear Pillar served as a humbling reminder of how far beyond us the Legendaries were, I refused to lay down and accept my fate. Even if their strength was truly tyrannical. Even if I had to fight them one day – whether due to Cyrus’ insanity or not – then I would do everything I could to stand up to them. I would fight, no matter the odds.
My eyes slowly reopened, and I blinked as I found myself staring at a patient smile from Cynthia.
“I’m glad you enjoyed being here.” She said quietly, with Flint nodding behind her, “Come on, this is no place for casual conversation.” She patted me on the shoulder before saddling back on top of her Togekiss. I did the same with Port. And then we were off, back on our flying mounts once again.
In total, we were hardly at Spear Pillar for even 10 minutes. Yet Cynthia was right. Spear Pillar had thispresence that made it feel so extraordinary and strange that it didn’t feel right to idle around there. It was likely the closest thing this world had to a holy site. Our continued presence would only further disturb whatever Legendary rested in that place. It was best to leave as soon as possible.
And so, the three of us headed silently back to Celestic Town, each of us filled with our own solemn thoughts. We didn’t make any conversation until we landed, where Flint broke the silence.
“Quite the experience, am I right?” He said with his signature jolly smile on his face, “Lucian spends a lot of time there. He says it helps him clear his thoughts, which I understand. I head there a few times too, just to pay my respects.”
“…It is quite something.” I nodded, “It was a completely different feeling to Snowpoint Temple…I felt like something was watching over me.”
“The Legends themselves.” Cynthia cut in solemnly, “We recently realized that the entirety of Spear Pillar was once a ruin from the past, which collaborated well with the findings of recent historians. It’s incredible that something so long ago has been preserved for this long.”
“I noticed that too, the entire place seemed to be frozen in time.” I agreed, “Maybe we could find something like this in the caves and other underground ruins as well?” I suggested.
“I would certainly hope so.” Cynthia said, “…Sinnoh has always been full of history and mysteries for us to discover. We are blessed to have this.”
“Eh, history isn’t really my thing, though I would never look down upon those who try to dig deep to find the truth.” Flint admitted, “Anyways, it’s getting late into the evening, and I’ve certainly overstayed my welcome at this point. And John, thanks again for humouring my request.”
“And thank you for showing me around.” I shot back.
“No worries, I just considered it as a paid vacation.” He chuckled, “Right, gotta head back now. I hope you enjoyed your brief tour of Sinnoh. See you both soon!” He released a Kadabra that I recognized was similar to the ones we used as designated teleporters, before disappearing into a shower of light as he Teleported away.
As soon as Flint disappeared, I asked Cynthia a question that I’ve had in my head for some time now, “Hey, Cynthia, not that I don’t appreciate it, but why did you and Flint take me on a tour around Sinnoh? If you wanted just to discuss the possible cooperation of Galactic Company, you could have just started off with that.”
“True, but then you wouldn’t have the emotions to accompany it.” She replied, “The tour around Sinnoh was meant to help you build a connection with our region. And to hope you can come over to our side.”
“Your side?” I asked curiously.
A small frown formed on her face, “Sinnoh is a beautiful region, filled with an abundance of history and culture, just like you saw today.” She explained, “But such beauty needs to be protected. Sinnoh is in quite the unstable period right now, and we want to make sure the beauty of our region will continue to prosper. We wanted you to see that Sinnoh as more than just another opportunity for Indigo to grow, but a region with its own strengths and uniqueness.”
“Sinnoh is a really beautiful region.” I allowed.
She shrugged, “Was it slightly manipulative of us? Sure, but we’re all adults here. I may not be in the Elite Four, but I still know how politics are played. The better impression you have on our region, the more likely you are to help us. Unlike Hoenn, Sinnoh has only been recently integrated and opened our borders. So we don’t have all that time that Hoenn did to properly ingratiate ourselves to the wider population. However, a positive impression from you would go along way into improving that.”
“Still, I do apologize for the slight deception.” She said sincerely, falling into a slight bow, “But when Flint asked this of me…I couldn’t refuse.”
“I understand.” I said, not holding the manipulation against them. Had I thought of such a plan, I would have done the same in their place, “But consider me convinced. Sinnoh is a beautiful place, and I will do my best to not let harm fall onto it.” Left unsaid was that I had already been planning on protecting Sinnoh against Team Galactic either way. This tour just further reinforced my vow.
We continued chatting for a little while longer, in which I repeated to Cynthia that I didn’t hold any of this against her or Flint. In all honesty, I hardly saw this as a deception at all. In my eyes, this was an Elite Four and a good friend going out of their way to take me on a tour around Sinnoh. I appreciated the effort more than anything.
And so I made sure that Cynthia knew she had nothing to apologize for before I retired into my room, the exhaustion hitting me as I realized what a long day that I had. From the meeting with Mars at Galactic headquarters to travelling and visiting the two Legendary spots, it was a very busy day.
And despite everything that was rolling through my mind, I practically passed out on my pillow. Falling into a deep sleep. As I did, my last waking thought was firmly on Regigigas’ slumbering form once again, staring at me from within my own thoughts.
A.N. A slower chapter this time focused heavily on the Legends of Sinnoh. Very heavy foreshadowing here. Writing Legendaries is always difficult, and I hope I got that atmosphere and feeling correct.
Comments
The Tallest Tree
Not a fan of this arc at all. It feels like in order to big up Sinnoh you're tearing down John. His credibility, strength, and capability. Bad vibes all around to the point I'm feeling more and more ambivalent about this fic. This is not the way to introduce an established character to new regions or even difficult challenges. Hate to say it but I hope this changes soon.
Cerber
It would have been so cool if John used Regigigas to temporarily hold back one or some of the creation trios
