PokéRangers: New World

New World

*Over a Millenia Ago*

Nothing but stone and dry soil covered the largely barren landscape as two lone figures strode into view.

The first was a man who stood about 6 feet tall. The way he carried himself as well as the clothes he wore easily distinguished him as some warrior king of old. The deep maroon of his vestments a perfect compliment for his dark complexion. Though it was his eyes that stood out the most - deep and fiery; but not the kind to sear and burn, but rather to warm and shelter.

To his side, a tremendous 8 foot tall lion strode in tandem. Large basalt-like spines protruded from beneath its fur as a wild and untamed mane billowed off of it like smoke. Unlike the man's, the beast's eyes shone like plumes of lava erupting from the sea floor - beautiful, serene, but no less deadly.

As they proceeded forward, walking side by side as equals, they soon came upon a rather boxy figure. Between its fine limbs and rotund form, it looked more like a giant crystalized egg than anything else. It sat on the ground, humming a soft tune to itself as it ran its clawed hands through the dirt almost like a playful child.

"Daidryu" the man called out, announcing their approach. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"4 times in the same month. I'm beginning to think you enjoy my company", Daidryu replied playfully as it reached for a small crystalline figurine and turned to greet his visitor, finally noticing the large lion standing beside the man in the process.

Daidryu had heard of this being before, though had never met him. The man's comfort around spirits suddenly made more sense. Even so, Daidryu couldn't help but swallow nervously.

"It's nice to see you again; and..." Daidryu turned to nod respectfully towards the lion, "it's a pleasure to meet you, 1st Heir of Flame, Entei."

The lion nodded back just as respectfully. "Apologies for any prior misconceptions we may have caused."

"No apologies necessary. I'm sure you both had your reasons for discretion."

They both nodded.

"We did; but we wanted to be more forthcoming with this visit" the man assured. "Especially since I couldn't think of a discreet way to ask certain things."

Daidryu gestured for the two to take a seat and turned back to play in the dirt.

As the man walked to his side, he saw the small crystalline figure. It was rudimentary and very basic; but there was no denying it. It was made in likeness of him.

"I've said before that you were talented", the man smiled as he marveled at the miniature, "but I did not think you could make something such as this"

"That is for you" Daidryu replied before meekly turning towards the lion. "Would you like one as well?"

"I would enjoy that, but only if you have the time."

Daidryu nodded and set to work, beginning the methodical process: small fragments of crystal seemingly rising out of thin air, melding together and shaping themselves into a vaguely quadrupedal figurine.

"So what did you want to ask me?"

As the two watched Daidryu work, still in awe of how one could create something from nothing, they made sure their tones conveyed the proper sense of importance.

"We know of your powers. Unlike other spirits, you could exist in the mortal world for quite a long time - with little to no assistance. So why, why do you keep from going there?"

Daidryu paused the process for a moment, his tone turning solemn before beginning again. "Because whenever spirits go there, it seems all they end up doing is fighting."