12. The Sevestar Prince Darker Version

Chapter 74

Golly, Helen, and Elline have finally arrived in the Hoenn Region, their excitement palpable as they stand at the precipice of Mt. Chimney. The air is tinged with the scent of ash and adventure as they make their way to the volcano's crater, drawn by the allure of ancient treasures. Upon reaching the glass platform nestled in the heart of the crater, their eyes widen at the sight of a radiant gem, shimmering with untold power.

With a shared sense of anticipation, they cautiously approach the gem, their footsteps echoing against the hardened lava. As Helen reaches out to claim the gem, a sudden rumble shakes the ground beneath them. Panic sets in as they realize that the lava surrounding them is beginning to surge, rising ominously into the air and forming a formidable barrier that traps them on the platform.

"What are we going to do now? We'll be burnt alive if we try to cross that!" Elline's voice quivers with fear, her eyes darting between her companions and the encroaching wall of molten rock.

Helen remains surprisingly calm, her eyes glinting with determination as she retrieves a Pokeball from her belt. "This is just one of the safeguards set by the Legendary Pokémon to protect the gem from falling into the wrong hands," she explains, her voice steady despite the dire situation. "Ho-Oh is the guardian of this place. We just need to call upon its power to save us."

With a swift motion, Helen releases Ho-Oh from its Pokeball, the majestic Phoenix Pokémon materializing in a blaze of fiery feathers. "Ho-Oh, please quell the Sacred Fire," Helen implores, her gaze locked on the legendary creature as she puts her trust in its ancient wisdom and benevolence.

As Ho-Oh unleashes its power, the searing wall of lava dissipates, leaving behind a sense of awe in its wake. Elline's amazement is palpable as she gazes at the now calm surroundings. "That was truly incredible," she remarks, her voice filled with admiration.

Golly, still processing the recent danger they faced, adds with a touch of ruefulness, "It's a reminder that these gems are more than just treasures. They're protected by powerful forces, like the Sacred Fire of Ho-Oh."

With determination renewed, Golly shifts their focus to their next destination. "We still have one more gem to retrieve, the Ghost Gem from Mt. Pyre," Golly announces, her voice resolute despite the challenges they've faced.

Elline, ever the realist, can't help but express her skepticism. "Whose bright idea was it to send three girls after a Ghost Gem?" she mutters under her breath, a hint of apprehension in her tone.

Golly, however, remains undaunted. "I may not fear ghosts, but I do respect their power," she responds calmly, her eyes reflecting a mix of bravery and determination. With their resolve strengthened, the trio sets off towards Mt. Pyre, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in their quest for the elusive Ghost Gem.

Elline's curiosity leads her to inquire about Golly's experience with death. "Golly, since you were brought back from death, can you describe what it feels like afterward?"

Golly pauses, reflecting on her unique perspective. "Many describe it as akin to a deep slumber, a state from which you never awaken. Some believe it's agonizing, yet devoid of sensation in our world. They're partly right."

Intrigued, Helen probes further. "What do you mean by 'partly right'?"

Golly delves into a philosophical explanation. "Consider the religious concepts of heaven and hell. They suggest Arceus judges our earthly deeds, deciding our afterlife. I once held these beliefs, but I've come to see them as cautionary tales, not truths."

"Crazy imaginations?" Elline questions, surprised.

"Exactly," Golly affirms. "Heaven and hell as physical realms don't exist. The Hall of Origin could be considered a heaven, if you wish. After death, you exist as a ghost in our world. You're intangible, voiceless, unable to walk. I've seen movies that play with these ideas, like a ghost entering dreams to harm, yet such things are mere fiction."