azume | Test 5.

VERITY

The journey this month has been easier on you in several ways; despite your losses, your numbers have been bolstered by the addition of two more this month, and unlike the unforgiving terrain on the way to Lake Acuity the routes to Lake Verity seem downright hospitable - they're straightforward, the climate is far more temperate, and there are patches of cheer visible here and there along the paths in the form of those brightly-colored flowers, even as you make your way toward the lakefront.

But the lakefront itself is perhaps unsettlingly silent; a reminder, perhaps, of what you're here to do, of the importance of your task.

You'll reach the lake sometime in the evening. The sun isn't down yet, but it looks as though it won't be too long before it dips below the horizon; there's more than enough light for you to see what the lake itself looks like, however - the water is still and clear, to an extent where you can see straight down to the bottom regardless of how deep it gets. There's no bridge or other way to cross over the lake that you can see, but once again there's a large rock formation rising out of the center of the lake and a good-sized opening in the stone, leading to what's likely a system of caverns further inside.

Your exploration starts here, next to the crystal clear waters of Lake Verity; what happens next is up to you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The one in Canalave City?

Yes, that one! ... Months ago, we were told it is a real repository of knowledge for the region.

[ By Cynthia but like.......... yeah. ]

It definitely is. I know one of the Elite Four used to spend time there, but I don't know if he still does.

The Elite Four...?

They're really powerful trainers - they were in charge of the Pokémon League. Kind of a final test for trainers to be crowned Champion of the region.

[ Champions...

That makes a lot of sense to her, actually. She smiles at that and nods, ]

Well then, perhaps we shall see them there, if we are to end up there. But... regardless. I've loved this world, to explore it and come to know it better. There are horrors to be found, and the state of it is - ... it is difficult, but I want to help save it, if I can.

...A few of you have said that. It's nice of you.

[ She nods. ]

... We all have our reasons. Many people simply have that tendency, to want to help where they can. Others of us - well, all of us want to protect our own worlds, to en that threat to them. For me... I do not know how I could face a dear friend of mine if I did not do my best.

...Yeah, I...

[...Words.]

I don't think I could face Dawn, either. She's the girl I was talking about. So I'm going to do my best, too.

[ Dawn... ]

Everyone we've met until now has been doing their best, honestly. [ Well okay Jupiter and maybe Saturn should do less of their best, but. ] It's quite admirable.

...Those guys from Team Galactic should probably stop trying to do their best...

[...lucas that was. rude. it sort of happened without thinking but still, goddamn.]

[ ... I mean. ]

I cannot say I disagree. Jupiter in particular should perhaps ... lower her efforts, some. If she will not change her morals.

I haven't talked to her. But from what I've heard, yeah, kind of.

She was trying.

[ Exhale. ]

... We have met three of the four commanders now.

...I couldn't tell you too much about any of them. Dawn met them, not me. I think Barry did, too.

[ Barry...? ]

Dawn must've been on quite the journey to encounter Cynthia and them both like that.

She was, I guess. I don't...really know when that started. We ran into Team Galactic a few times, just out on the streets like they owned the place, but that was before everything started looking like it was going to turn into this - they were just thieves back then.

So their rise to power was unexpected?

...Yeah. A couple of people were taking them seriously, but most people weren't.

[ How... interesting. She looks at the books and then back at Lucas and she nods, lightly. ]

You know Lucas - you must have been quite young when this happened. Didn't it happen five years ago?