[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Nathan and Kirlia work their way behind the waterfall. They stand in the rapids at its base, soaking wet. Then they dive through after the Absol and its mysterious scar.

Behind is a cliff of multicolored rock, in pinks and orange and white. One stone glows with a faint purple light, and Absol stands before it. When Nathan or Kirlia touch this stone, it vibrates faintly, feeling slightly ephemeral, but it does not yield.

The horn on Absol's head energizes. Nathan recognizes a Night Slash, and wonders for a moment if Ventus was right. But the feline aims the blade at the purple rock. In a clash of power, the purple region fizzles away and vanishes, leaving a little opening just large enough to squeeze through. With catlike grace, Absol does exactly that! I assume Nathan follows.

Inside is a wonderful cave, big enough for an Onix to unfold with room to spare. Absol has landed in the center of the room; the floor is dusty, but looks as though it has been disturbed quite recently, as if by wind. The walls are perfectly smooth, except near the top where they have been carved into whirling designs reminiscent of waves on a lake. The ceiling bears the same pattern between parallel arches. The perimeter of the cave follows no geometric pattern, suggesting an existing cave was worked into what you see before you.

There's a thin stream of water running the length of the cave. In this, a marble pedestal is mounted, water splashing against its base. A bright purple gem is set within the pedestal. Strange runes you cannot read are etched around the marble.

The cavern is lit in dramatic pink light, coming from a shimmering transparent wall which seals off the southwestern portion of the room. Within, a globe of pure water floats in the air. Inside is a sleeping Pokemon, glowing with power. Its two tails, fairylike appearance, and red gems show it to be Mesprit, the Legendary Pokemon!

Absol cuffs Kirlia again, playfully but with some force, sending the dancer to the ground. Kirlia laughs a bit at the idea, but looks rather worried too. His master seems to trust this Pokemon. Absol gives a bark when Nathan lays eyes on the contents of the cave, and leaps out through the entrance with a splash.