If there’s any way you’re getting these messages, please, PLEASE answer me.

It doesn’t need to be much.

I just need to know that you’re alright.

---

For over twenty-four hours, the device stays in one location. No additional content is added during this timeframe, but the previous recording is played back ad nauseum, scrubbed through frame by frame. While it’s true that there are no truly new pictures added to the device, a myriad of screenshots are taken and edited.

The frame that gets the most attention is from just before the beast in the cave pounced. This image has been cropped, its values altered and contrast turned up to an almost unrecognizable extent. The pair of yellow eyes across the cave have been reduced to pupil-less splotches of light against black, and a thick red outline rims the subtle distinction between the Pokemon’s body and the encompassing darkness. It’s quadrupedal and very low to the ground.

It’s not alone.

A greater threat had loomed, invisible to the human eye or the camera’s filter. Now it’s highlighted with red.

Offset from the first, but unmistakably positioned between the smaller Pokemon and the human drawn into the den, there’s a second figure. There are no eyes to mark its location, and the difference in the black that cloaks it is minute. The person who highlighted it had to have scoured the image bit by bit to even pick up on the distinction.

It’s bipedal, but that and a very basic body shape are all that can be inferred from this image. Any defining features are lost in the indistinct mass of its upper body.

One thing can be said for certain: it’s frozen as it attacks.

---

Species: Zorua & Zoroark

Location: Subterranean cave system, Alabaster Icelands

What I know: The species native to Unova are dark types, and evolve with training. Their signature ability is Illusion, allowing them to disguise themselves as other Pokemon or even people. They’re tricksters, but no worse.

What I think I know: Lady Irida patiently explained to me that these Pokemon are collectively known as The Baneful Fox, and use their Illusion to pry into the minds of humans, leaving them vulnerable to attack. She was unable to offer insight into their typing.

Notes: There’s a hole in the snow northwest of Avalugg’s Legacy. Be careful when traversing the area, and if you’re unfortunate enough to fall in, wait at the opening. Do not proceed farther in. It leads to a Zoroark’s den.

Species: Skuntank

Location: South of the Celestica Trail, Coronet Highlands.

What I know: Poison/dark type. It evolves from Stunky once trained to a certain threshold. Its most common abilities are Stench and Aftermath.

Notes: Aggressive. Will pursue a human if noticed, but not outside of its territory.

Species: Rhyhorn (Alpha)

Location: South of the Celestica Trail, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Ground/rock type. When trained, evolves into Rhydon, and then Rhyperior once exposed to a Protector. Its most common abilities are Lightning Rod and Rock Head.

Notes: None. I avoided it, but can only assume it would attempt to attack me.

Species: Onix

Location: Celestica Trail, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Ground/rock type. Evolves into Steelix when traded with a Metal Coat. Its most common abilities are Rock Head and Sturdy.

Notes: Aggressive. Pursued me to the end of its territory.

Species: Steelix (Alpha)

Location: Celestica Trail, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Steel/ground type. Evolutionary and ability details noted above. Capable of Mega Evolution.

Notes: None. Did not engage.

Species: Chimecho

Location: Celestica Trail, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Psychic type. Evolves from Chingling at night if it’s bonded to its trainer. Its only ability is Levitate.

Notes: None. I noticed it while being pursued by an Onix.

Species: Rhydon

Location: Celestica Trail, Coronet Highlands

What I know: See Rhyhorn for details.

Notes: None.

---

It takes less than a second for the camera to automatically adjust to the darkness once it turns on.

The surroundings are vaguely familiar; not something that’s been filmed extensively, but certainly in line with a number of existing photographs. Up above, Gligar scans the landscape, and on the ground, a number of red eyes peer curiously from the edges of the high stone walls-- not alpha red, but naturally so. A distant, sleep-addled clanging makes it clear, in spite of their shadowed forms, that these are Bronzor.

For a minute, the camera pans around, scouring the cliffs above, but its operator doesn’t seem to find what he’s looking for. He looks back to the Bronzor, but none of them seem inclined to get up so late at night. A glance down confirms that Dewott is standing at its trainer’s side, a hand already resting on one of its scalchops.

“Okay.” He says quietly, “I think we can handle them if need be.”

The water type gives a tight nod, and braces itself as its human draws a deep breath.

"Ohnyula?” He bellows, resuming his search of the peaks, “Lady Sneasler, are you there? I’m sorry for the imposition, but I have an urgent question only you can answer!”

There’s a metallic groan from behind, and the cameraman snaps to it, his breathing tight and anticipatory, but controlled. A pair of glowing red eyes creak open and fixate on him.

“I had wondered where you went.” Ingo says at a volume that the Bronzong can’t possibly hear. A glance up confirms that Gligar is still within range, and while he whispers, “I certainly hope you don’t have Levitate,” it’s Dewott who steps up to the plate first.

Dewott dips and weaves through psychic attacks in a well-practiced Swords Dance and manages to fire off one solid Water Pulse, then a second that doesn’t connect quite right as Hypnosis lands, turning the otter’s aim fuzzy. It’s hastily called back, Tangela taking its place long enough to spread Stun Spore across the active battleground. Her other moves are largely ineffective and so, after enduring a Hex, she’s also recalled shortly thereafter.

Overhead, Gligar continues to circle, staying put until he’s called. That time hasn’t come yet.

“Agile Psyshield Bash, Stantler! Follow it immediately with Bulldoze!”

It’s only due to Bronzong’s paralysis that they get the first move, and through the usage of the defense-boosting Psyshield Bash and Bulldoze’s speed-inhibiting effects, Stantler sneaks in another couple of rounds before its knees begin to wobble. In its place, Gligar finally swoops down.

Two brutal Mud Bombs in a row ensure that, in those instances Bronzong is able to overcome Stun Spore, its aim is too unreliable for any attack to connect. A third instance, preformed in the strong style, finally sends it down for the count.

The Bronzor lining the ring shiver musically as their alpha is knocked out, nerves audibly eating at them.

A hand raises in front of a frame that went crooked mid-battle and has yet to be adjusted. “It’s alright. We aren’t here to drive you out; we’re only in search of this territory’s Noble Pokemon. Do you know where to find her?”

Unblinking, the Bronzor continue to stare at him.

Or… past him.

Belatedly, he turns, and sure enough, there’s Lady Sneasler: crouched on all fours at the edge of the next cliff up.

“Oh.” He says mildly, and stuffs the device into a pocket, still recording. A pokeball activates, withdrawing its occupant.

There’s a soft impact as, presumably, Sneasler lands a short distance away.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you so late into the night,” Ingo says, “And that I have to ask for you aid again, but you’re the only one who might be able to answer a very important question.”

There’s a curious rolling trill.

“However it was you were able to find me in the snowstorm… there wasn’t anyone else, was there? I was alone?”

The answer isn’t audible, because the next thing that comes across is:

“Thank goodness,” Followed by a shaky, relieved breath. There’s a mild, keening note in it as he repeats, “Thank goodness.”

A worried mewl sounds.

“It’s okay, I’m alright now.” Ingo manages in between heavy breaths. “Thank you for humoring me again, and for everything you’ve done. I’ll leave you to what remains of the night.”

Sneasler growls low in her throat, and though the camera doesn’t capture the scene, what happens next is easily recognizable: she hoists the man up and throws him over a shoulder. The sounds are identical to the last time this had happened, with the omission of the feline snickering.

Eventually, he’s deposited back in the echoing cave, atop something that crinkles with the contact.

“You don’t have to--”

“Sn, sn, Er-lea.”

Something flops over, causing a new round of crinkling, and within minutes, a roaring purr begins.

---

Species: Gible & Gabite (Alpha)

Location: Clamberclaw Cliffs, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Dragon/ground types. Gible will evolve into Gabite and then Garchomp with dedicated training. Their typing makes them particularly susceptible to ice and the cold, so they den in caverns that warm them with geothermal heat. As per the name, both use their mouths to attack, but Gabite refines the sometimes clumsy nature of its pre-evolution into something more effective. These Pokemon covet any shiny treasures they happen to dig up. Generally speaking, they’ll have the ability Sand Veil.

Notes: Both were aggressive, but being that I was making a commute with Lady Sneasler, the former retreated without complaint. The latter had to be fought back in something akin to a multi battle. It was… nice to have a partner again, if only on a short term basis.

Species: Gliscor (Alpha)

Location: Clamberclaw Cliffs, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Ground/flying type. They evolve from Gligar when exposed to a Razor Fang after sunset. Their most common abilities are Hyper Cutter and Sand Veil. They have a prodigious talent for maneuvering silently through the air, and can stay airborne almost indefinitely with the right air currents, making them incredibly effective aerial hunters. Schoolyard wisdom states that they’re sanguivores, but I’m relatively certain they’ll accept solid foods as well; I’ve seen experienced trainers feed their Gliscor berries and other treats.

Notes: This particular Gliscor seems to have an entourage of Gligar accompanying it; I’m unsure if this is as unusual as it seems, but it bears mention. I can’t speak to its behavior, as I only observed it from the cliff above. That having been said, it’s an alpha Pokemon, and we can make certain assumptions.

Species: Sudowoodo

Location: Celestica Ruins, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Rock type. They evolve from Bonsly upon learning the move Mimic. Generally speaking, their ability will be either Sturdy or Rock Head. From a distance, an inattentive trainer may fall for its ruse of being an unremarkable tree, but up close, the facade begins to fall apart. They hate water so much that they’ll flee at the first signs of rain, which makes the species-wide tendency toward camouflage quite clever from a Pokemon’s perspective. Unfortunately, while other Pokemon would be disinclined to use a water type move on what seems to be a grass type, many a human has taken this as the Sudowoodo looking for a drink.

Notes: From a distance, it behaved as any other Pokemon, wandering around and going about its day. When it noticed I was looking at it, however, it assumed a very specific stance, perhaps hoping to fool me into believing it nothing more than a bit of plantlife. When approached, it stayed still, and wouldn’t allow itself to be tempted by the oran berry I offered.

Species: Nosepass

Location: Celestica Ruins, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Rock type. They evolve into Probopass within specific electromagnetic fields, and it’s said that Mount Coronet is one such place. Some people claim that a Thunder Stone works just as well. This Pokemon’s magnetic nose means that, when idle, it will always find itself facing to the north. Early documentation suggested that these Pokemon were completely stationary, but they’re just slow and disinclined to move without reason. Its usual abilities are Sturdy or Magnet Pull.

Notes: Every specimen I encountered was, in fact, facing the same direction: true north. Several noticed as we passed through the ruins, but none bothered to approach. I suppose they had more important business to attend to.

Species: Luxray (Alpha)

Location: Celestica Ruins, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Electric type. With training, Luxray evolves from Luxio. As is true of their pre-evolved form, their abilities are usually Rivalry or Intimidate. Male Luxray will generally have a longer mane than their female counterparts, though exceptions have been noted. These Pokemon have incredibly keen eyesight, keeping it on top of nearby threats and the location of their young. While the claim that they can see through solid objects may not be factually true, they’ve been known to track prey with walls in the way, perhaps suggesting that their other senses are just as sharp.

Notes: The alpha Luxray is female and has a rivalry, if not Rivalry. She and Sneasler seem to have a history with one another, and certainly not a positive one, because they almost immediately clashed on sight. This marks the first time an alpha Pokemon has seen me and decided to attack a different target. I believe this outlier should be disregarded.

Species: Voltorb (Hisuian)

Location: Celestica Ruins, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Electric type. It’s different from the Voltorb I know, but the electric attacks are familiar, at least. Modern Voltorb evolve with the usage of a thunder stone and are genderless; I can’t imagine that second point has changed.

What I think I know: Almost certainly not a pure electric type Pokemon, but I only observed electric and normal type attacks. I’m unable to say whether it also evolves into Electrode or, like the Sneasel here, has a different evolutionary path entirely. Its abilities are unknown at this point.

Notes: It’s strange; Voltorb are said to intentionally mimic pokeballs, and that remains true of the few I passed here, but Professor Laventon once mentioned to me that the pokeball was only recently introduced to Hisui. It seems clear that they’re mimicking the apricorn-and-tumblestone pokeballs available rather than the mass produced ones back home, but then… how long have there been Voltorb in Hisui? Did they look different before people started crafting pokeballs? And to mimic them so far out in the wild when the clans forbid such devices...

Update: Hisuian Voltorb still evolve into a variant of Electrode.

Species: Electrode (Hisuian) (Noble Pokemon)

Location: Moonview Arena, Coronet Highlands

What I know: Electric type. It’s safe to say that it evolves from Voltorb, though whether it’s also via thunder stone can’t be confirmed yet. Similarly, I have no idea what abilities it might have.

What I think I know: Again, I doubt it’s solely electric type, but as it was kind enough not to attack me, I don’t have any solid guess at this time. I suppose one could read into the construction of the pokeballs they mimic?

Notes: Sneasler ushered us out of the arena before long. Her reasons for doing so are unknown, but I had long enough to meet her fellow Highlands Noble. I’m unsure whether it might be considered Lord, Lady or something else entirely, and will have to ask for that as well as its Hisuian title when I’m able to meet its warden; if the pattern holds, they should be from the Diamond Clan. As I write this, I’m only just realizing what seemed so strange about this specimen: modern Electrode use their smiles as a threat display, but this one only frowned, even before we proved non-hostile. I wonder if it’s universal, or if this one faces a similar difficulty to my own.

---

A series of new pictures is taken, starting with a look down a mountainous incline, uneven ground poking up through the somewhat-sparse grass. It’s dotted with the occasional tree-- coniferous or oran-- and in the distance, the dot of a Misdreavus can be picked out from the grey stone walls keeping this area contained. The backdrop consists of more misty peaks far off in the distance.

The second photograph is slightly blurry, perhaps taken in haste. It features a series of white pillars lining a plaza with broken stone tiles scattering its grounds. This image is most notable for the fact that Sneasler is taking up a good third of the frame to the right, tugging a free hand forward as she ushers the photographer on. She’s looking backwards, and while it’s not fear in her eyes, she seems perturbed by something behind them.

Next is a similar ruin to those pillars seen prior. The details are more distinct, and this picture wasn’t rushed. In addition to series of crumbling supports, there are several partial walls, worn-down stairs and recognizable boundaries where full structures once existed. This area is teeming with Pokemon: Gligar, Graveler, Nosepass, and a Sudowoodo posing unnaturally off to one side, aware that it’s been noticed.

Two specific structures stick out amongst the rubble, untouched by disaster and then time. These are what the next two images focus on.

Both are statues of Pokemon, one quadrupedal with a strong stance and forward lunge, roaring into the sky. Its tail fans out in a series of blades behind it, and a grand, zigzagging crest marks its head. The second stands on two legs, its armored forearms and shoulders lending it a sturdy air; two fin-like wings sweep back from the gentle curve of its neck. As with the first, it has a crest along its face, protruding inward like tusks, and it too has been depicted mid-roar. These statues lay on separate plinths, facing one another as if in conflict, their bases decorated with a triangle motif.

All of these photos are interspersed with unrelated pictures of Pokemon, but are relevant for the shift that accompanies them. Once the day’s work has been done, a new folder is added, labeled Hisui, and these are the first files sorted into it.