The Lost City of Alph - Find the Unown!

[CyberBlastoise]

CyberBlastoise: A place of archaeological significance that could be explored... You needed no other reason than this to visit the area but the fact there is a very real threat the city may again be lost beneath the desert sands within the next 24 hours, and suddenly you're racing to the area like the devil himself is on your tail. Finally arriving at the outskirts of the lost city you're awestruck by its beauty and want to stay for as long as it takes to examine every last nook and cranny but with time being an issue you're happy just to see what you can. As you walk toward the city you're greeted by Professor Spencer Hale who hands you a small satchel containing 12 Pokéballs. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" A short time later, while wandering throughout the corridors of the ancient site, you find yourself confronted by an Unown K glowing with grass energy who doesn't appear at all willing to let you pass....

Bill loved the site of the ruins that much was for certain. Heck, he'd stay here himself and help the research team if it wasn't for the problem at hand. The second sandstorm was going to come quickly, not enough for a full expedition like he would want for something like this, but perhaps he could find some artifacts or something similar to take home as a souvenir. The sheer preciseness of the construction just kept Bill's love for archaeology aroused.

He ended up taking one corridor that branched off from his primary path to check out and see what was in this direction. Some of the runes here seemed to tell a story, but it was too faded to tell without the proper tools, and that would waste more time than exploring the ruins as a whole. He took a quick glance into some of the rooms he passed, although none of them were really extraordinary, but then again, the exploration teams probably already took what they could before from the shallower parts of the ruins. This meant that Bill would have to go deeper into the ruins too. As he headed down the pathway, the young man ended up going around a corner to find one of the Pokemon in question, an Unown. This one looked like a floating stick with two diagonal lines protruding from one side. It seemed focused on stopping the trainer from continuing any further. Was there something of interest beyond this area? All it did was make Bill want to pass through even more so.

The Pokemon in question irradiated a faint greenish aura, but Bill ignored this as it was one of the more common colors of Psychic energy emitted from Pokemon. He pulled out one of his Pokeballs, the one containing Gold his Totodile to be precise. He chucked it into the hallway and the jovial Totodile happily jumped into the corridor.

Bill stated, "Looks like we have someone that doesn't want us to go through. You ready?" Gold just nodded its head in response and gave a smile to the Unown. The trainer commanded, "Okay, start off with Flash, while it's blinded, use the opportunity to Dragon Dance. Finally, strike it with your Shadow Claw!"

[Thrain]

Thrain: The events surrounding the sudden appearance of the Lost City of Alph are curious indeed, made even moreso by the fact so much unexplained psychic activity is being unleashed in this one tiny area. Whatever is going on, dangerous or not, you don't want to miss your chance. While there is a possibility the city may be buried again at least now archaeologists have coordinates for the site so some digging should be able to unearth it again. You'd think... Upon arrival at the site you're greeted by Professor Spencer Hale who hands you a small satchel containing 12 Pokéballs. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" Soon after you're walking along an ancient corridor that seems to be brimming with dark energy. Or perhaps that energy is emanating from the Unown A that has appeared to block your path...

The Satchel and Pokéballs provided are for use in this event only and CANNOT be added to your inventory

Profile

Stepping into the ruins of the Lost City, Eric and Sebastian wandered over to a throng of trainers congregated nearby. A middle-aged man with tawny brown hair walked forward as Eric drew closer and introduced himself as Professor Spencer Hale, the scientist in charge of Alph's investigation. He handed over to Eric a satchel containing twelve Pokeballs, warning the pair that time was of the essence. "Thank you, sir," Eric responded. "We'll try our best to capture as much Unown as possible." The Professor nodded his thanks and walked away. He seemed like a nice fellow, Sebastian thought. Eric agreed.

As the gathering of trainers began to disperse among the ruins, Eric and Sebastian joined the groups and decided to explore a sagging structure that lay among a collection of rubble nearby. Darkness met the pair's eyes as they descended a flight of stairs into the earth. Despite the lack of light, Eric's eyes soon adjusted to the dark. A nagging sensation crept up his spine as he continued to look for any unusual oddities in the tunnel. Sebastian, too, was growing slightly weary as the corridor stretched onwards without interruption. The dark was almost a tangible sensation that charged the air. Eric, I sense something up ahead. The Drifloon suddenly spoke across his telepathic link. I believe it's an Unown!

Sebastian's prediction was verified a few seconds later as an Unown seemed to morph out of the darkness itself, blocking Eric's path. It floated a few feet in the air, gazing at the pair with its single eye. "Hey there," Eric muttered aloud to the Pokemon, biting back a shout of fear. "Don't worry, we're not here for any trouble. We're on an expedition, you see, to identify all types of the Unown. We're your friends." Eric stressed the last syllable as the Unown continued to stare at him blankly. "Would you like to join us?" Eric offered the Unown a Poke Ball [1/12].

"Sebastian, if it shows any signs of aggression, we'll be in for a fight. Start off with an Astonish, then use Hypnosis once it's startled. Top it off with an Icy Wind." Sebastian nodded in approval. He didn't want to jump the gun and attack the poor Pokemon without any warrant.

[Sneasel12]

Sneasel12: You were totally obsessed with supernatural phenomena and you nearly missed out on it. The information got to you very late and so you were in a hurry to get to the city and run through the sands to get there. Your trusted Duskull floats along lazily behind you playing with her sharp weapon, she was ready to pierce some Unown and you both make it to the camp set out before the city. It appears that you are the last trainer to arrive as Professor Hale looks almost surprised to see you. He luckily has one satchel of Pokeballs (12 to be exact) left and he hands it to you. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" You rush into the cities long winding corridors hoping that you hadn’t missed your chance to catch Unown when one appears right before you. You come to a skidding halt and the Unown S narrows its eye at you shining with Bug energy. It doesn’t look too pleased to see you ...

Having caught his breath just inside the city, Michael looks up to see a surprised professor looking at him, seemingly shocked that someone would show up this late to something so important. Nevertheless Michael is handed a satchel of Pokeballs with which to catch some of the Unown that are apparently all over the city, the last satchel, luckily for him. With a nod of his head and a brief thank you he rushes further into the now arisen desert city to look for the true cause of the sandstorm, and if he catches some of the stray Unown in the process to help Professor Hale and add to his team, all the better.

After a short dash through the corridors, worried about not seeing anything, Michael skids to an immediate halt when he's met eye to eye by an Unown S. Marissa, having been lazily hovering behind as usual, stops by her trainers side, brandishing her weapon in joy of having found an opponent.

"Hold it." Michael states, reaching his arm out in front of the Duskull. "We want to get by these strays as quickly as possible, so let's catch it fast and be done here."

The Duskull nods and Michael moves his arm away and towards his pocket. "Alright then, let's keep this brief and with as little problems as possible. Start off with a Dark Pulse to weaken it whilst attempting to prevent it from doing anything. Follow up with a dose of Dark Void." Michael then pulls from his pocket one Pokeball (1 of 12) from the satchel the Professor gave him, for immediate use after Marissa's actions.

[enchantress]

enchantress : With a keen interest in archaeology it was only natural that you were drawn to the Lost City hoping to unearth its secrets and find a few Unown in the process. Unlike most you took to the skies to reach the city atop your majestic Pidgeot and land within close proximity before choosing your proud Blaziken to travel with you after much thought. He appears to be very cautious of the foreign site but after a quick scan of the surroundings gives his approval and you make your way towards the makeshift camp. Professor Spencer Hale greets you and you realise that most people had already entered as he didn’t have many Pokeball satchels left. He hands you one anyway containing 12 Pokeballs: "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" You don’t get too far into the city before you feel a presence emerge behind you. Blaze stands before the Unown X who sizzles with Fire Energy staring at you both quizzically ...

Tess stops dead in her tracks when a somehow familiar looking professor almost knocks her over in his haste to greet her and zealously shoves a satchel containing a dozen Pokéballs into her arms. Should the opportunity arise while she's here she certainly isn't opposed to the thought of catching any Unown but what makes him think she's here for him or any of his other colleagues? This is a unique experience and her interest in the area as well as the Pokémon in it has nothing to do with Professor Hale. Just like every other trainer descending upon the ruins, she's here for herself and is not going to pretend otherwise. Nodding politely Tess thanks the professor and slings the satchel over her shoulder, heading for the ruins and the mysteries within.

The moment she enters the site Tess can feel this place is special. Despite being but a shell of its former glory, the vibes emanating from the city make her feel humble. Its age, its history, its wealth, its secrets, she feels she can spend a lifetime here and still be no closer to finding the answers than she is now, yet is surprisingly ok with this. If anything, she feels the secrets contained within should remain undiscovered and is overcome by a strong desire to protect this place and all in it...

...until she confronts the Unown. Sizzling with fire energy, the Unown X that has appeared brings Tess back to reality, awakening the true nature of the trainer within. Her breath catches in her throat while her emerald green eyes zero in on the ancient Pokémon. She reaches out to Blaze, her fingers wrapping around his upper arm tightly, and with barely a whisper relays her instructions.

"Trap it in a Fire Spin, Blaze," she whispers, eyes never leaving her target. "I don't want it getting away, but I don't want you knocking it out either. If it gets feisty and wants to fight shoot a single Ember into the mix. We don't want to hurt it, we just have a few little questions to ask..."

Without giving it a second thought Tess reaches for a Pokéball, removing one from the satchel Professor Hale had provided and fully prepared to use it should this Unown even attempt to escape.

[hen da man]

hen da man: After a quick conversation with your Mother you walked towards the Lost City with your recently recoloured Houndour and your Heracross who both stare at the makeshift camp up ahead. Blaze is still upset at his gray colouring and you try to cheer him up as Professor Spencer Hale greets you casting an eye at Blaze before handing you a satchel with 12 Pokeballs within. : "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" Soon after you are exploring the corridors of the city when this Unown N descends to hover before you with its eye narrowed, Normal energy rippling off it in waves. It doesn’t look happy to see you ...

As Henry arrives at the lost city, a Professor rushes to greet him. He hands the young boy a satchel and 12 Pokéballs before giving a quick briefing to Henry.

"Hello, I am Professor Spencer Hale! Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can, I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!"

"Thanks Professor! Well we should be heading off now, c'mon guys."

Henry walks off with both Pokémon by his side. He walks along the corridors of the city and notices the large amount of trainers around the area when all of a sudden he can sense something around him. He sees Blaze turn his head and start grumbling. Henry quickly turns around and is a little bit excited to see a Unown N staring him in the eye. Well, at least he is more excited than the Unown...

"Oh wow, our first one guys!" Blaze continues to give the Unown a death stare which doesn't help the boy get a good message across to the Unown.

"Ok then, I see you two want to have a battle," Henry suggests to the Unown.

"I guess we can make that happen. Blaze, you ready bud?" The Houndour gives Henry a determined nod and Henry is happy to see that Blaze is keeping the recoloring off his mind.

"Ok then! Blaze, start us off with a Howl so we can start to intimidate this guy. Follow up with a Dark Pulse, that ought to hit hard! Finish off with a Smog around him."

Profile

[FlashFusion]

Celebii 151: Your trek through the Talasian desert has been tiring to say the least, and even though Phanpy has enjoyed his stroll even he appears relieved to have finally reached your destination - the newly unveiled Lost City of Alph. You take a moment to look upon the site before approaching the makeshift campsite set up by Pokémon researchers, professors, and journalists eager to uncover the mysteries of the ancient city where you are greeted by Professor Spencer Hale who hands you a small satchel containing 12 Pokéballs. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" Several minutes later you're examing inscriptions on one of the temple walls when you come across an Unown O bristling with fighting energy who doesn't appear to be at all pleased by your presence...

"Now... now we're here, Surus!" Cele told the Phanpy as their destination began to take form in the distance. The overjoyed Phanpy jumped for joy. "You seem exci-woah!" Cele said as Surus picked him up and began to dash towards the Lost City of Alph. Cele grinned to himself as the enthusiastic bundle of energy gave him a free lift, possibly in exchange for the one Cele had given him.

Cele finally arrived at the outskirts of the Lost City of Alph, noticing that he was definitely not the first to get here. There were many other Trainers, some that were familiar to Cele. Surus was fascinated by the sheer amount of people present, and the size of the City. "Phan...phy..." Surus muttered in a awestruck voice. "Surus, you wanna explore?" Cele asks. "Phanpy!" Surus nods his head in response. "Okay then, be back soon, we've got work to do!" Cele yells as Surus runs deeper into the City. Cele noticed that there were also journalists, researchers and scientists of many kinds. "Figures that people like that would be attracted to a place like this." Cele thinks to himself.

Cele is approached by a man who looks like he's in his late 30s or early 40s, wearing a lab coat. Upon closer inspection, it seems that the man's name is Professor Spencer Hale. Cele had heard about him, he was famous for his research on the Unown. Cele wasn't surprised at all to see him, though he did get out a handshake and a greeting. He was then handed a satchel. Opening it, he found 12 Pokeballs. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can." Professor Hale pleads. I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" "Don't worry, I'm gonna catch the most Unown!" Cele replies.

Cele walks off, hoping to find a bunch of Unown. But he soon finds himself distracted by the wonders and mysteries of the City, forgetting all about catching Unown. It isn't until Surus returns and give Cele a hard bump that he snaps back to reality. "Surus? Oh, Surus. These Unown hieroglyphs are very fascinating! It's almost as if they're alive!" Cele says. He opens his mouth, as to continue talking, but he stops when he hears a strange noise behind him. Turning around, he finds himself face to face with an Unown! Bringing out his custom silver and blue Pokedex, he scans the Unown. "Unown, the Symbol Pokémon. When alone, nothing happens. However, if there are two or more, an odd power is said to emerge."

"An odd power? Wonder what that means..." Cele ponders. "Surus! We have to engage this Unown, but first, let's see its true intentions. Give a Growl first, make it hesitant to attack you. If it decides to attack anyway, pin it to the ground with Tackle, then Seed Bomb." Cele grabbed the satchel Professor Hale had given to him, and picked a Pokeball (1 of 12), to be on standby for use, if the Unown tried to escape...

[Itzatrap]

Itzatrap: Thrilled to be setting out on a brand new adventure, especially one that has such an aura of mystery surrounding it, you trek way out into the Talasian desert where you eventually come across the sprawling ruins of the Lost City of Alph. Sandile can hardly wait, chomping excitedly as you near the site where you are greeted by Professor Spencer Hale who hands you a small satchel containing 12 Pokéballs. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" It doesn't take long before you're walking through the ruins of the lost city, amazed by the architecture and the hieroglyphs on the walls. While you're looking at one inscription on the wall one of the characters appears to blink. You jump, startled, when all of a sudden it comes to life, an Unown K humming with ground energy not appearing all too happy to see you...

The Satchel and Pokéballs provided are for use in this event only and CANNOT be added to your inventory

"Well, it's certainly not what I was expecting..." The sand crocodile only nodded in agreement as her trainer gazed at the Lost City of Alph. Seeing the ruins on TV was one thing, but looking at something that potentially held so much information about a civilization of Pokémon so close was something out of this world. "Are you ready Judis?" The crocodile chomped happily as she responded, "Sand!!!"

It wasn't long until Rob encountered Professor Spencer Hale, who gave the pair a small satchel containing 12 Pokéballs. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can, I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" "Thank you so much professor! We won't let you down!" Rob responded, as Judis and Rob then finally made their way to the ruins.

"Hmm. This is interesting..." the trainer muttered. "Dile?" The Sandile jumped off her trainer's shoulder as he knelt down, who then took a close look at the wall that caught his interest. "There are all these symbols all over...I wish I knew what they meant..." Although slightly frustrated that he could not understand the message the hieroglyphics on the wall gave, that still did not stop him from trying to make out what he could.

"Huh?" The trainer took a quick glance to one of the symbols on the wall, "Did you see something move?" The Sandile shook her head, making the trainer chuckle nervously, "...I guess I must be seeing things..." He rubbed his eyes as the Sandile took a look around. Rob still felt unsure of what he thought he saw, still staring at the place where he thought he saw something move. "Ehh." He shrugged his shoulders, deciding to continue looking around, that is until he saw it. He saw the symbol blink. "Ahh!" The trainer screamed as he jumped to his feet and fell on his backside in the process, backing away from the moving symbol, "Judis, here!" The trainer pointed at the floating symbol, as Judis jumped in front of her trainer, growling defensively, and it seemed the floating letter was also less than thrilled to see the trainer and Pokémon, humming with ground energy. "Judis, wait!" he got up and knelt down next to the crocodile and began to whisper, "Don't attack it just yet, we may be able to do this without battling, if you need to, use a Mean Look to keep it in its place, followed by a Dark Pulse and then Crunch on it as hard as you can." The Sandile growled, slightly upset that she couldn't just attack the floating object, whatever it was. The trainer felt that the symbol wouldn't want to join him to be looked on by scientists, but he also didn't want to attack the symbol for no reason, so he at least wanted to try.

"Hey there," The trainer began to talk to the symbol, "You are an Unown, aren't you? I've heard a lot about you! Actually, you are the reason I'm here. We need your help. We need to learn more about this place, and I would really appreciate it if you would help us out. We mean no harm to you or this wonderful place. We don't have time, and I would really like your help. So would you please like to come with us?" He took out the first of the first of twelve Poké Balls and held it out to the Unown. He knew there was no possible way not to sound threatening or for it to join voluntarily, not when a complete stranger walked into your home and wanted to take you away, but at least it was worth a try. If his plan didn't work, he decided he would throw the Poké Ball at the Unown if he felt he could capture it after Judis attacked it.

[biggggg5]

biggggg5: You prepare yourself to help out with the mission but your Horsea is not too sure as she voices her concerns. She hops away across the sands towards the makeshift camp outside the city and you release your loyal Heracross to join you. With his type advantage he would be perfect to battle Unown. You are soon greeted by Professor Spencer Hale who hands you a satchel containing 12 Pokeballs. : "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" You take his advice and the three of you hurry into the city feeling a little late and stop to study and glyph wall when you feel a presence An Unown E floats off to your left staring at you intently, Poison energies dripping off its form. It looks like it doesn’t want you to go any further ...

"Hold on there Queenie" Big calls to the eager water type and scoops her into his arms before she gets past the camp. He looks to find the person who seems to be in charge and goes up to him.

"Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," the professor says handing him the 12 Pokeballs.

"Ok, We will do our best professor." Big replies. With the Horsea still in his arms and Heracross following close behind he quickly makes his way into the ancient city.

"Sir look! There is some writing on the wall over there. Maybe it has a clue to where the unown are." Hercules says in a very soldier like voice.

"Hmmm." Big says to himself as he and Queendra examine the glyphs on the wall. Suddenly, sensing the presence of another being he spins to the left and finds the unown in the shape of an E radiating poison energy. Unown can only learn hidden power and its a good thing Hercules and Queendra aren't to weak against the poison type Big strategizes in his head. "Hercules we found one!" He shouts.

"I think he knows he is right next to us." Queendra comments.

"Fine then you can battle it." he says calling the Heracross back to his Pokeball. "Fine then" the mini-dragon said with a huff. "Give it a signal beam then follow up with an ice beam" he says readying the first of the 12 Pokeballs he has on hand

[Kindrindra]

Kindrindra: Charging toward the ruins of the recently unearthed lost city you're greeted by Professor Spencer Hale who hands you a small satchel containing 12 Pokéballs. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" Not needing to be told twice you enter the site and before long are confronted by an Unown W seeping with poison energy...

The Satchel and Pokéballs provided are for use in this event only and CANNOT be added to your inventory

As Kin approached the entrance to the city, a man stops him for a moment. Introducing himself as Professor Spencer Hale, he pleads Kin for his assistance, a plead Kin quickly answers with a grin.

"Don't worry, Prof Hale. I'll deal with this in no time. Mysteries happen to be my specialty, after all..." With these words, Kin rushed into the ruins. Setting his eyes on the walls of the room, he quickly begins investigating- suddenly, however, a hieroglyph seems to peels itself off the wall in the corner of his vision. As we whirls to take a better look, he finds himself faced with a Unown in a shape reminiscent of the letter double-you. Steeling himself for battle, he pales as noxious waves pour off the being, a vision of decay slowly flickering across the hopeful trainer's vision. Taking his head into his palm, he quickly shakes it before pointing towards the symbol pokemon, prompting his own Cherry pokemon to spring from his shoulder. Resolutely adjusting into what could be considered a defensive pose, Kin quickly began to speak.

"Hello, Unown. I know that this is your home, and that you must feel violated by our presence. But, surely you must understand the drive for advance? We must learn the secrets you guard so that we may use them to help people, pokemon, and nature everywhere! If you do understand..." At this, Kin paused to take a breath before continuing. "Please, show us your home! Teach us all there is to know about the civilization you have protected all these years! If, however, you are set in your desire to keep such things hidden from us..." At this, Kin cracked his knuckles and extended his hand into his satchel, before whipping a Pokeball[1 of 12] out and pointing it at the psychic guardian. "We will be prepared to fight for what we believe to be right! Sundance, if he shows any sign of hostility, show him the properties of growth with a direct Leech Seed before knocking him from the skies by using the condition of these ruins to fuel a Weather Ball, and pin him to the floor with a jumping Tackle!"

As he advised Sundance on their plan if the native should prove uncooperative, Kin glanced around the ruin's structure, taking in anything that could help unravel the mystery of this place... or serve as an advantage in battle.

[Emp]

Emp: The desert trek is uncomfortable to say the least, but boredom isn't something you'd counted on so you call Taiko out for company. The Pupitar is quite comfortable in these hot, dry conditions, and after travelling for a while you find yourselves at the outskirts of the newly unearthed Lost City of Alph where you are greeted by Professor Spencer Hale who hands you a small satchel containing 12 Pokéballs. "Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" Soon after you're traversing one of the maze of corridors inside the city limits when an Unown F appears, glowing with ice energy...

The Satchel and Pokéballs provided are for use in this event only and CANNOT be added to your inventory

Wes swept his fingers through his fringe, beads of hot sweat trickling onto his palm. The kid wiped the sweat against his t-shirt in a mangled expression of disgust and concern. If his damp pits were any indication, he’d be a sucker for dehydration if they didn’t strike gold soon. Wes knew he was on the right track, like something was drawing him in. He spotted tire marks in the sandy gravel. His ears prickled at the faint sound of conversation. The teen stopped in his tracks, one hand raised to signal Taiko. He wanted to make sure this wasn’t a hallucination brought on by sunstroke – looking to the pupa for verification. Taiko’s eyes flickered as more voices broke out from ahead, Wes resisting the urge to grin as he broke into a jog. The boy stood in awe at the rim of the excavation site; a whole city unearthed by the vicious sandstorm that day. And by the looks of it, he wasn’t the first to arrive – the excavation site swarming with archaeologists and trainers. “This place is full of adventure Taiko, I can feel it”, Wes looked over his shoulder, the Pupitar still rocketing in tow without a trace of enthusiasm.

“You were a lot more fun to be around as a Larvitar you know”, Wes said earnestly, “Now all you do is grunt and sleep, you really ought to come out of your shell-“ The kid froze in mid-sentence, one of the archaeologists headed his way. With his features coming into focus the man’s matured face was instantly recognisable; it’d been plastered on every carton of MooMoo Milk a few summers ago. MISSING: PROFESSOR SPENCER HALE: Last reported to have vanished into an alternate dimension. The mental image flashed before him, leaving a strong sense of unease behind with it. How had he escaped? He imagined it’d be a sensitive subject, pulling at his neck collar nervously before faking his former grin of adventure and enthusiasm. Wes’s sweaty hand clasped with the professor’s, the two exchanging awkward greetings. The man handed over a satchel which Wes threw over his shoulder, shaking it inquisitively to the unmistakable clank of Pokéballs.

"Please use these Pokéballs to catch as many Unown as you can," he pleads. "I'm hoping that between us all we are able to catch one of each kind to gather a complete record of these Pokémon. Remember, we don't have much time before the sandstorm reaches us so please be quick!" Wes nodded firmly, needing no further information on the job at hand. Whilst Wes had never seen an Unown before he had no reason to view it as a real threat. His mission was the fuel to his burning ambition, and with time of the essence he waved a hand to Taiko and pressed on into to ancient city. Wes’s scorched soles felt soothed as they pressed against the stone floor, the cracks between each slab filled with smooth sand. If there’s one thing the kid had become seasoned with in his career in Fizzy Bubbles it was navigating mazes. This was the third one he’d come across in his tenure, and compared to the ever-shifting Maze of Shrubbery, this labyrinth was a sitch. After continuously bearing left Wes reeled back in shock - a letter suspended in mid air just a stretch ahead. Taiko growled protectively, Wes shaking his head furiously in case they scared the symbol Pokémon away. The boy clenched his first Pokéball, a toothy grin as his eyes homed in on the bobbing F.

“Let’s try and keep it from getting away by whipping up a Sandstorm. Follow up with a Screech before burying it in a Rock Slide”

FB