Chapter 26 – Mount Moon (Part 1)
Warning! Chapters 23-26 were all posted back-to-back! Returning readers, make sure you pick up where you left off!
Chapter 26 – Mount Moon (Part 1)
As they did a final check over their gear before heading into Mt. Moon, 2B brought up an important topic. At least, one she felt was important, given they were both Trainers doing the Gym Circuit.
“Are there any pokémon you are interested in, in Mt. Moon? It’s known to be home to quite a few Rock and Ground types, with a scattering of fighting types, bug types, and the Clefairy and Chansey lines.”
2B, herself was considering a Makuhita. There were a few known colonies of them in the mountain, which tended to be off the beaten paths. As Fighting Types, however, there would almost certainly be a few who would respond to her Aura Lure trick if she got close enough. A proper fighting type would certainly fit with the relatively aggressive nature of her team. The unevolved version was rather cute, too, though 2B wasn’t sure why Daisy had counted that as such a major bonus.
As Daisy was very wise, it must be important somehow.
On the flip side of the argument, Makuhita weren’t as speed focused as her team, and she only had two carrying slots left before she’d have to rotate some pokémon back to the Oak ranch. She could trust Daisy in particular to look after any pokémon she sent back there, and many of the Elite pokémon from various Trainers like Ketchum tended to be free with advice. So even a teammate sent to the ranch would hardly be uncared for. At the same time, doing so too quickly after catching one was something 2B felt strongly against, as it wouldn’t give the Trainer enough time to form proper bonds. A sentiment that the Oaks shared and one of their few standing disagreements with Ash Ketchum’s capture policies.
“I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to a Clefairy, honestly, but I know few of them leave the mountain and it honestly wouldn’t fit my current goals well anyway. A Sandshrew, though? That’s a pokémon I have my eyes on. Absol are another option, as I’ve heard there are some here. I’m from a snowy region where they are respected, rather than feared. We know they try to help by warning people, rather than causing the dangers themselves. Those two, three technically if you count the unlikely chance of a Clefairy, are all that really interest me, I think.”
2B considered the list. A Sandshrew would almost certainly be easy, and their evolved form really could be formidable ground types. Absol were rarely caught unless they wanted to be, but it wasn’t unheard of around Mt. Moon, and despite being a single-stage pokémon they were extremely versatile. One was more likely to be attracted by a Trainer who thought well of its species, too. Clefairy, of course, was just as unlikely as Zoey had stated.
Some of them did leave Mt. Moon, but it was rare. Typically, no more than one or two a year, and the League tended to quietly check to make sure they’d been caught legitimately when they popped up. 2B herself would likely have better luck, if she tried for one, what with her ability to create Fairy Type Aura and Jigglypuff on her team. Truthfully, though, she wasn’t all that interested in the Clefairy line precisely because she did have Jigglypuff.
Finally, she nodded.
“It’s a good list. According to the notes on Mt. Moon from the lab, Absol are found almost exclusively in the upper regions of the caves, which you don’t strictly need to visit to go through the Route to Cerulean. The only pokémon I’m interested in is found in such places more often as well, so our best bet might be to explore the upper mountain.”
Zoey blinked, then frowned.
“Would that count as going off Route?”
2B immediately shook her head in the negative.
“No. Mt. Moon is unusual. Because the traffic between Pewter and Cerulean has been ongoing for centuries, the entire mountain is human-influenced territory. Not truly managed as a ‘Route,’ but more that the pokémon themselves recognize a sort of territorial claim by the humans. Much as they do with cities.”
Zoey looked surprised by that, which wasn’t really shocking, to be honest. That level of detail in knowledge was somewhat rare among non-researchers. 2B herself had found it fascinating the way pokémon and humans had reached an equilibrium of sorts like that in places. It was mostly only when something changed, like the new mining project that ExoDrill had started on, that the equilibrium was disrupted. Though pokémon without a history of interacting with humans, or who had been given a reason to dislike humans before growing powerful enough, still caused problems. There were even, it had to be said, some pokémon who were just assholes. Those latter causes all contributed to why the Rangers were needed.
“Huh, you learn something new every day, I guess? In that case, I’d say at least giving the upper areas a look is worthwhile. We aren’t in a major hurry just yet, after all, and both of us still need to fill out our teams. Me even more so than you.”
Zoey finished repacking her gear in the Storage Bracer she’d acquired while in Pewter City. It was not, of course, nearly as massive inside as 2B’s custom prototype, but it was still far better than her old backpack. Though she, like 2B, was dressed in study hiking gear that had loops and pockets for a few items it was best to keep on hand. Chemical glowsticks, a loop of sturdy rope, and other such caving basics.
“Well, we’ve checked our supplies, and Chinchou is providing light for us. So, shall we get moving?”
2B nodded at the suggestion, lifting Chinchou up to rest on her shoulder. His bioluminescence would bother the Zubat and other light-sensitive pokémon less than the harsh light of a flashlight or lantern, which would hopefully reduce the number of times they were attacked by everyone’s least favorite flying rats. Not even 2B and Daisy had much good to say about the nuisances, and they both liked nearly all types of pokémon…
… … …
The most well-traveled path between Pewter City and Cerulean City, the path that officially made up the ‘Route’ through the mountain, actually was lit. The ‘lighting,’ however, only came in the form of environmentally friendly bioluminescent light markers. They were enough to guide someone who was lost, while at the same time having an extremely minimal impact on the ecological cycle of the caves. Like most things in the world of humans and pokémon, a carefully considered and managed balance.
Those markers vanished if you went even a single cross path off the main ‘Route.’
Only a genuine idiot could miss the signs of doing so, as the intersections where splits and crossways would lead you to different parts of the mountain were the most well-marked of all. Not just with the bioluminescent markers, but with writing on the walls for those carrying brighter lights that would overwhelm the weak markers. Their own light, provided by Chinchou, wasn’t quite strong enough to completely overwhelm those markers. Some Trainers, however, were freaked out by low-light conditions underground and brought brighter lights, risking the ire of the Zubats. 2B had read plenty of stories of those traveling this Route and encountering endless numbers of angry Zubats.
Mostly because those idiots had either brought bright lights or used a move like Flash to flood the caves with light. Seriously, if someone came into your room while you were sleeping and tossed out a flash grenade or started up a disco ball, you’d be pretty pissed too…
So far, keeping to a gentler light provided by Chinchou had prevented them from needing to deal with those same Zubat swarms, and half an hour in they came to an intersection that had been marked with the more esoteric signs used by Researchers and Rangers. Neither group wanted to let the Average Joe Trainer bumble about in areas with rarer or more powerful pokémon, but they did leave markers for those with the right knowledge that would at least point you in general directions. That wasn’t true everywhere of course, but Mt. Moon had been studied for a long time, so it was true enough here.
All of which meant that 2B, who had been made aware of such signs due to her position with the Oak Lab, was able to direct them into the side passage that, counterintuitively, initially went down at a gentle slope, not up. Intentionally or not, this did a good job of hiding that this new passage would eventually take you up into the colder parts of the mountain. A place where Absol, naturally inclined toward colder climates, and Makuhita, who regularly had the Thick Fat ability, would be entirely at home.
They had passed the point where the passage started climbing again, having only been challenged by a few Geodudes and a single Zubat so far, when they heard running feet…and the ground started shaking all around them. As a panicked looking researcher rounded a corner, a horde of various types of pokémon chasing him, Zoey had a single moment to deadpan in 2B’s direction before they deployed all their pokémon.
“I just can’t take you anywhere without a pokémon rampage, can I?”
2B looked confused and slightly affronted for just a moment before they were both too busy shouting commands…
… … …
Thankfully, whatever had caused the ‘rampage’ hadn’t provoked any truly strong pokémon, and running into 2B and Zoey’s fully deployed teams had quickly discouraged those that had been chasing the man in a lab coat. A man that, once the horde had retreated, 2B was immediately able to identify.
“Mr. Kenji! What has set the pokémon here off?”
Seeing the man, despite appearing to be in decent shape, was a bit too out of breath to answer, Zoey directed her own question at 2B.
“You know him?”
2B nodded and pointed to a small symbol on the breast of the man’s lab coat. He’d almost caught his breath and straightened up, but was still visibly gathering his wits. Zoey vaguely recognized the symbol from some of 2B’s own more ‘official’ outfits, and belatedly realized it was probably a mark associated with the Oak Lab.
“Yes. This is Mr. Kenji, one of Professor Oak’s senior field assistants. He isn’t in the lab all that often, since his specialty is long-term study of pokémon habitats and migrations, but I’ve met him twice when he was visiting to give reports.”
The man had, thankfully, fully recovered at this point, and spoke up for himself. Voice somehow soft yet boisterous at the same time.
“Ah, I remember you as well! Young 2B, I believe! I don’t remember human names very well, usually, but yours was enough of an oddity it stuck out! As to what is going on, I’m rather afraid I don’t entirely know. I was, in fact, attempting to discover exactly that when the pokémon you saw chasing me took unusual exception to my presence!”
The man patted a trio of pokéballs at his waist as he went on.
“Normally, most pokémon leave myself and Blissey alone as we pass through. The entire Chansey line are welcome almost everywhere, by almost all pokémon, due to their willingness to heal any injured in a territory. She acts as an ambassador between me and unknown pokémon, and we’ve never had trouble in Mt. Moon before! After all, while still a wild area, the pokémon here are far more used to humans moving through. Why, normally, it’s one of the easiest of my long-term habitat-observation stops to safely visit!”
2B was nodding, a frown developing on her face.
“But they attacked this time, and you don’t know why?”
The man, who now that Zoey got a proper look at him had to be in his 40s, at least, sighed and raised a hand. He waggled that hand to and fro in a so-so motion before explaining.
“I have some ideas, but I wasn’t able to confirm what was going on. I take it you both know about the various fossils that have been discovered at Mt. Moon, then revived in Pewter City?”
Both 2B and Zoey nodded their heads. Since she wasn’t native to Kanto, Zoey might not have known, if not for that first not-date at the Pewter Museum. But between that and the two ancient pokémon Forrest had used against 2B, she certainly did now.
“Right! Well, in the last year, people have started exploring the upper parts of Mt. Moon for potential fossils. Previously, all such fossils had been found fairly deep in the lower levels of the mountain. But the more scientifically-inclined in the community realized that the entire mountain was old enough that it should have fossils throughout. A few official research teams were granted permission to carefully investigate the upper mountain to see if it was true, and if the types of fossils might vary! Fascinating research, if not quite in my field!”
That much made sense so far. The question was what it had to do with the current rampage. Zoey took a stab at a guess, hoping to get the conversation moving along to the actual point before something else went wrong.
“So, you think one of the research teams offended the local pokémon? Like what happened recently in Viridian Forest?”
Kenji blinked, looking confused.
“Recently in Viridian? Was there some incident there?”
Zoey gaped at him, but 2B tapped her on the shoulder.
“Mr. Kenji specializes in long-term study of habitats. He’s regularly out of touch with normal communication networks. He likely doesn’t know about the ExoDrill incident.”
Oh. That made sense. Their pokégears’ connections had stopped working entirely once they entered Mt. Moon. Part of the reason that the Route pathway was so clearly marked and carefully maintained was that all that rock cut off the ability for anyone inside the mountain to get alerts or makes calls out for help.
It also meant the mapping function inside was much more limited. You could access static maps of the mountain, but aside from the main Route and a few of the larger, permanent side paths, they were almost useless. So high a concentration of Rock and Ground Type pokémon residing in the mountain meant that the paths here changed semi-frequently. The danger of collapse was real, and part of why Zoey and 2B had been glad for the single-use Dig TMs they’d gotten from Forrest. Zoey had taught the move to Teddiursa and 2B had used hers with Vulpix. Should they get stuck, either pokémon would have a good shot at getting them out.
The loss of external communication also meant that, if the scientist had been inside Mt. Moon since before the incident in Viridian Forest, he wouldn’t know about it. Not unless he’d spoken to others who passed through, and Zoey got the distinct impression he spent more time away from people than near them. 2B, it seemed, had already known that to be likely, as she turned back to Kenji and gave a brief update to him.
“The ExoDrill Mining facility west of Pewter started up and disrupted the pokémon there. An Alpha Onix and many of its group caused quite a major issue when they fled into Viridian Forest.”
The older man looked pained by that information.
“Ah…yes, I remember that project. Flint raised red flags about it but, with his…dubious history, he was easily overruled by arguments from the experts ExoDrill brought in. I thought he was probably right, honestly, but I also hoped he wasn’t.”
Shaking himself, the scientist seemed to realize they’d wandered even farther off topic and swung back around.
“I can see why you asked, but no Miss, I don’t think this was a direct case of humans causing issues. The teams that were authorized were all veterans, with expert scientists and ecologists that wouldn’t have intentionally caused disruption. I suspect, instead, that they may have discovered another Grandpa Canyon situation. Or something similar, at least.”
Kenji hesitated, clearly seeing Zoey’s confusion.
2B understood, both what he was getting at and the hesitation. Strictly speaking, information about Grandpa Canyon wasn’t actually classified. Yet, the League had quietly asked the various researchers that got involved after Ketchum and his friends literally stumbled into the place to keep it quiet. The fact that fossils could be found in the area was now somewhat common knowledge. Knowledge of the still-living ancient pokémon in the underground cavern was a different matter entirely. Considering the issue, 2B chose to carefully pick and choose what she said.
“It was one of Ketchum’s incidents, involving some previously thought-extinct pokémon, at a location the League has requested not be divulged.”
Zoey blinked, rolled her eyes at the idea of Ash getting involved in something like that, then nodded.
“Right. I won’t ask. Except whatever details I need to know about the current problem.”
Kenji looked relieved, both that 2B had made the call how much to tell her companion, and the Zoey wasn’t put off by the secrecy. Pushing past the awkward moment, he continued explaining.
“Yes, yes, the current issue! You see, I think, from what I saw before I was forced to flee, that one of the research groups might have found some pokémon on ice in the upper parts of the mountain. In particular, I’m fairly certain that I saw a rather large Tyrantrum that was fighting with a local Alpha pokémon. It makes sense, in a way, as the teams have found some Jaw Fossils. The Pewter Museum has revived a number of them as Tyrunts, since the teams first started looking into the upper mountain.”
2B made an ‘ah-ha’ noise, which caused Zoey to look at her curiously.
“Forrest’s Tyrunt likely came from that source. Gyms almost always prefer to use ‘local’ pokémon where possible. Also, the peak having land pokémon, while Water Types were discovered below, may indicate that only the top of Mt. Moon was above water in ancient times.”
Kenji brightened at that theory, nodding excitedly.
“Yes! That was exactly my thought! I considered that I might be able to write a paper, exploring how that ancient fact may have helped form current pokémon habitats! With Cerulean and Pewter separated only by Mt. Moon, there’s always been theories that…ah, but we need to deal with the current issue first!”
Thankfully, the excited scientist had deflated before launching into a full lecture. Brushing his hand back over his pokéballs, he frowned.
“I’m afraid I’m not much of a battler. My Chansey is a diplomat and healer, really. Arcanine and Greavard are normally my protection, when that fails, but neither are well suited to Mt. Moon. Which is, of course, why I fled instead of fought.”
Both Zoey and 2B nodded immediately. Arcanine, in particular, was a powerful pokémon. Yet neither it nor a Greavard would be well-suited to taking on the mostly Rock and Ground Types found in Mt. Moon. On the other hand, they themselves had just finished explicitly training their teams to fight exactly those Typings. Something Zoey was quick to point out.
“2B and I just finished with the Boulder Badge and our teams are well-suited for at least the local pokémon, if maybe not a Tyrantrum. We can push on and try to discover what happened to the research teams, while you head out of the mountain and alert the Rangers. You’ll be able to tell them better what they need to do, anyway.”
Kenji hesitated.
“I’m not sure…”
Zoey flashed her most confident smile, even if she was a little uncertain herself.
“Don’t worry, I’m a third year Trainer, not a first, and I have my Starter with me. At the very least, we should be able to retreat if we can’t handle it.”
It wasn’t entirely a bluff, either. While Purugly wasn’t truly a battler, Zoey had taught him a wildly diverse set of moves for Contests. He was also fairly strong even by battler standards, and really should be able to fight almost anything short of an Alpha at least long enough to run. Add in 2B’s particular brand of bullshit and they would probably be okay.
More to the point, she wasn’t about to leave a bunch of researchers in trouble if there was any way she could help. From 2B’s firm expression, that was only more true of her companion. Thankfully, her statement seemed to ease Kenji’s worries a bit, his eyes darting over to Purugly, who was still out and keeping watch. Clearly, he’d noted the presence of the more powerful and experienced pokémon, which he now had an explanation for. He nodded gratefully, if still sounding a bit uncertain when he spoke.
“Good, good. Be careful! I’ll try to hurry to get help! Here, I’ll transfer what I know of the current tunnel layout to both of your pokégears!”
Thankfully, near-field transfers weren’t a problem even with external communications down, and the scientist was quick to do as he said. He marked where the one research team he’d met with had been working before hurrying away, headed toward the main path with a quick farewell. Zoey turned to 2B and smiled.
“Well, I was joking about you attracting rampages, but I think you might just be one of those ‘magnet for trouble’ Trainers that the troubleshooter back in Viridian Forest mentioned. I certainly never got involved with this sort of thing when I was traveling on my own!”
2B looked worried at that, causing Zoey to laugh and daringly dart in to peck her girlfriend on the lips.
“Relax! It’s not a bad thing! I don’t mind helping, and I’m learning a lot about battling in the process too. Now come on, those research teams might be in trouble!”
With 2B looking reassured, Zoey took off into the tunnel Mr. Kenji had descended from. Hopefully, they would be in time to prevent anyone from getting hurt…
... ... ... ... ...
A/N 1: So, I've made it at least somewhat clear all along that I'm mixing and matching generations for what pokémon are where. Generally, I'm sticking to pokémon that are available in a region in SOME generation of the games. Which is the case with a couple of the exotic options in Mount Moon, which only show up in one generation of the game with a special 'Shinnoh Sound' ability. Others, like the Tyrunt fossils and potential rampaging Tyrantrum, are more a case of 'logical extensions on what we know.'
A/N 2: Kenji is entirely my creation, just FYI so you don't go trying to wiki him :-p. Weirdly, almost none of Professor Oak's assistants are ever named, so I had to come up with one for him.
A/N 3: Once per release, I mention that I have a P-atreon! My fanfiction content is never permanently paywalled, but I do maintain Early Access chapters for each fic. In the case of A Very Confused Pokémon Adventure, chapters 27-30, amounting to roughly another 15,000 words, are currently in Early Access. While support is deeply appreciated, the current Early Access chapters will be put up here, as well as on Questionable Questing and Fanfiction.net, once the next update is in Early Access. So you can always just be patient ;-). For those that do wish to support me, you can find a link to my P-atreon in my profile, or simply search the web for 'Novus's Fanfiction Works.'