Hard Enough

“And that boys is how you secure an evolution stone!” Flint said as he carefully extracted a green stone from the wall. “Interestingly this one appears to be a Leaf Stone,” said Flint.

“A leaf stone?” Gary asked, taking the offered stone and inspecting it under the light of his headlamp. “But this area isn’t known for its grass types? In fact it's much the opposite? Fire types and rock types no?” said Gary.

“Ho?” Flint said, curious at this response. He hadn’t expected one of these youngsters to question him. He decided to stay quiet and let Gary talk through his own thoughts before stepping in.

Gary nodded. “Yeah from what I’ve read… of certain people’s works, evolution stones have something to do with the types of pokemon and the environment don’t they? So, Leaf stones should be found in super verdant areas like forests, jungles and… grasslands?” Gary said.

Flint nodded. “Ah, yes I’ve read a few of those works, there’s some interesting takes, but you’re forgetting a few things. The level of strat that we’re at right now, is actually a few hundred if not a thousand years old. So at that time, it most likely was a jungle. You can tell by the colouration of the earth. This is fine—” Whatever else Flint was going to say about geology was lost as a loud wail sounded out.

“Heeeeeeeeeeeeeelp!” called a boy’s voice.

Gary tilted his head. “Was that a girl?”

Forrest shot Gary a flat look. “Really? Now isn’t the time for that,” said Forrest before he hurried towards the sound of his distressed friend. Flint frowned. He hadn’t felt anything shifting or any rumbles that would have given off anything serious like a cave-in.

So had they found something good? Flint tossed that idea into the bin as soon as he raised it. No, they must have found something bad.