Dr. Takeshi met them at the museum's staff entrance the next afternoon, wearing a hard hat and carrying several spares. "Underground excavation requires safety equipment. The ruins are structurally sound, but we don't take chances."
He distributed hard hats to each of them, white plastic with mounted headlamps. Kasumi adjusted hers, grinning at how ridiculous they all looked. Miyuki checked the lamp's battery life before putting hers on. Kiyomi had already claimed hers and was testing the headlamp's beam strength.
"The temple was discovered six months ago during routine foundation inspection," Dr. Takeshi explained as he led them through corridors most visitors never saw. "Maintenance crew detected hollow spaces beneath the museum's basement. Ground-penetrating radar revealed extensive chambers. We've only excavated about forty percent, the rest remains buried."
They descended stairs that grew progressively older, modern concrete giving way to cut stone, then to carved rock that predated the museum itself. The air changed, becoming cooler and carrying the mineral scent of deep earth. Victini's flames flickered on Sasuke's shoulder, providing additional light.
At the bottom, a steel door with a keypad lock. Dr. Takeshi entered the code, a series of beeps, and the mechanism disengaged. "Past this point, you're in a three-thousand-year-old structure. Touch nothing without permission. Take only photographs and measurements. Understood?"
They nodded.
The door opened.
Beyond lay darkness pierced by work lights strung along stone walls. The corridor stretched thirty meters before branching. Carved pillars supported the ceiling, each pillar shaped like a Rock-type Pokemon. Geodude, Onix, Golem, forms Sasuke recognized despite the weathered stone. But the artistry was remarkable, capturing movement and personality in static rock.
"The main temple is ahead," Dr. Takeshi said, his voice echoing. "We're still cataloging the side chambers. This complex is massive, possibly the largest pre-modern structure discovered in Kanto."
Their footsteps echoed as they walked. The headlamps created moving pools of light, shadows dancing across ancient carvings. The walls showed scenes of daily life. Humans working alongside Rock Pokemon, mining operations, construction projects. No Pokeballs in any image, just people and Pokemon cooperating through what looked like mutual agreement.
Kiyomi stopped at one panel, running her fingers over the carved surface. "Look at this interaction. The human is offering something, food, maybe?, and the Graveler is accepting it. Equal exchange, not capture or command."
"Pre-technology bonding," Dr. Takeshi confirmed. "Before Pokeballs, humans had to negotiate with wild Pokemon. Gain their trust and respect through offerings and partnership. It was slower but created incredibly strong bonds."
"This confirms my entire thesis," Kiyomi breathed. She pulled out her camera, photographing the panel from multiple angles. "Partnership, not ownership. Mutual benefit, not dominance. This is exactly what I've been researching."
They continued deeper. The corridor opened into a vast chamber, the temple proper. Pillars rose fifteen meters to support a vaulted ceiling carved with constellations. Not random stars but actual astronomical maps, showing how ancient people tracked celestial movements. The floor had been swept clean by excavation teams, revealing intricate mosaic work: precious stones arranged to form massive mandalas.
At the chamber's center stood an altar. Simple in design, just a raised platform of dark granite, but clearly significant. Offerings surrounded it. Ancient pottery shards, corroded metal objects, fossilized berries that had turned to stone over millennia.
"This is where they conducted ceremonies," Dr. Takeshi said. "Exact nature is unclear, but evidence suggests humans presented gifts to earn Rock Pokemon's favor. In exchange, the Pokemon defended settlements and assisted with mining."
Sasuke examined the altar, noting how the stone had been worn smooth by countless hands over centuries. "Symbiotic relationship. Humans provided food and care, Pokemon provided protection and labor."
"Precisely. Very different from modern trainer culture, which emphasizes capture and training." Dr. Takeshi gestured around the temple. "These people didn't own Pokemon. They partnered with them as equals."
Miyuki had knelt beside the altar, studying the offering arrangements. "Like breeding philosophy. The best breeders don't force evolution or behavior, they provide optimal conditions and let Pokemon develop naturally. Partnership, not ownership."
"You understand," Dr. Takeshi said, clearly pleased.
Kiyomi moved along the walls, photographing everything. The carvings here showed more ceremonial scenes: humans in robes presenting gems to massive Pokemon, Rock-types accepting and then joining the humans in what looked like construction projects. One panel showed a Golem holding up a building's cornerstone while humans worked around it.
"They built together," Kiyomi said. "Not humans commanding Pokemon, but actually collaborating. Planning together, working together, creating together."
A side passage caught Sasuke's attention. He moved toward it, headlamp illuminating a different kind of space, circular, roughly twenty meters in diameter, with a packed earth floor. The walls showed impact damage: cracks, chips, areas where stone had been pulverized.
"Battle arena," he said.
Dr. Takeshi joined him. "We think so. Found evidence of repeated impact trauma, mineral residue from Rock-type attacks. This was a testing ground."
Sasuke stepped into the arena, feeling the space. "They earned respect through combat. Proved their strength to wild Pokemon by fighting in controlled conditions." He examined the damage patterns. "But not to the death, the impacts are shallow. Demonstration of skill, not domination."
"Very perceptive," Dr. Takeshi said. "Ancient texts describe 'trials of stone' where humans would face Rock Pokemon in non-lethal combat. Win, and the Pokemon might choose to partner. Lose, and the human would train and try again. It was about proving worthiness."
Kasumi stood at the arena's edge, looking thoughtful. "Contest philosophy. We prove worthiness through performance, showing Pokemon we can highlight their beauty and strength. Different method, same principle, earning partnership."
"Everything connects back to respect," Miyuki said quietly. "Modern training, ancient combat trials, Contest performances, breeding partnerships. All require the Pokemon to choose participation."
They explored further, finding damaged murals in side chambers. One showed humans offering precious stones, not as decoration but as gifts. Rubies for Fire-types, sapphires for Water-types, emeralds for Grass-types. Rock Pokemon received uncut diamonds and chunks of raw crystal.
"Mineral offerings," Dr. Takeshi explained. "Rock-types consume stones to strengthen their bodies. The ancient people understood this, provided high-quality minerals as gifts. In return, Rock Pokemon protected settlements from wild predators and rival tribes."
The evidence was everywhere. Panels showing Pokemon standing guard while humans slept. Scenes of Onix creating tunnels for mining operations. Graveler clearing landslides to protect villages. Not servitude, collaboration. Partners working toward mutual survival and prosperity.
Kiyomi took measurements of everything, filling her notebook with sketches and observations. "This is revolutionary. It challenges the entire modern understanding of human-Pokemon relationships. We've been so focused on technology, Pokeballs, healing machines, databases, that we forgot the fundamental requirement. Respect."
Suddenly, the floor trembled.
Dust fell from the ceiling. The work lights swayed, casting wild shadows. Sasuke's hand went to his belt instinctively, but Dr. Takeshi held up a restraining hand.
"Don't panic. Could just be settling, these ruins are ancient."
The tremor stopped. Then started again, stronger. Not random geological movement, deliberate vibration, rhythmic. Something large was moving through the earth nearby.
The temple's far wall cracked. Stone shifted, blocks sliding aside to reveal a passage that hadn't existed moments before. And from that passage came out Graveler.
Five of them, each the size of a large boulder. Their rocky bodies showed wear from age, deep grooves, mineral deposits, lichen growing in crevices. These weren't young Pokemon. They were ancient, possibly descended from the same Pokemon who'd partnered with this temple's original inhabitants.
They rolled forward slowly, deliberately. Not attacking, but clearly establishing territorial presence. This was their sacred space, and humans were intruding.
"Nobody move," Dr. Takeshi said quietly. "They're guardians. The ruins must have automatic defenses, our excavation triggered a response."
The lead Graveler stopped five meters from their group. Its eyes, black and depthless, studied each human in turn. Evaluating, judging, deciding.
Sasuke stepped forward. Slowly, hands visible, making no threatening moves. Victini stayed on his shoulder but banked its flames to minimal presence, no challenge offered.
"We mean no disrespect," Sasuke said, voice carrying in the stone chamber. "This is a sacred place. We understand that. We're here to learn, to document, to honor what your ancestors built with humans long ago."
The Graveler tilted, considering his words. Or perhaps not his words, Pokemon didn't speak human language. But tone, body language, intent, those transcended species.
Victini chirped softly. The sound carried warmth, friendliness, no aggression. Its victory aura pulsed gently, not the overwhelming power it could generate, just a presence that said we are strong, but we come in peace.
The Graveler sensed it. All five shifted, their defensive posture easing slightly.
"We're not here to take or destroy," Sasuke continued. "Kiyomi is a researcher. She wants to tell the story of this place, share the wisdom your ancestors and ours created together. Miyuki studies Pokemon care, understanding the old partnerships helps her provide better care today. Kasumi grows berries, practices arts that honor Pokemon beauty. I battle, but I respect my partners. We all do."
He pulled out a Pokeball, Tyranitar's. Released his Pokemon into the temple.
Tyranitar materialized, massive and powerful. The Rock/Dark type could have crushed these wild Graveler easily. But it simply stood there, making no aggressive moves. Waiting for Sasuke's command.
"Partners," Sasuke said to the Graveler. "Not master and servant. Not captor and captive. Partners who choose to work together." He gestured at the temple around them. "Like your ancestors did with ours."
The lead Graveler rolled closer. It examined Tyranitar, circled the larger Pokemon slowly. Tyranitar remained still, patient, showing no threat. The Graveler completed its inspection, then looked at Sasuke.
Some communication passed between them, wordless, based on aura and presence. The Graveler was testing him. Not his strength but his truth. Did he really believe in partnership, or was he just saying pretty words?
Sasuke met the Graveler's gaze. Let it see his conviction, his genuine respect for Pokemon autonomy. The bonds he'd formed with Victini and Latios through care and trust, not capture and force. The way he treated all his team, as individuals with choice, not tools to be used.
The Graveler rumbled, a sound like grinding stone. Then it turned to its fellows and made a series of low-frequency calls. The other Graveler responded in kind. Some group decision being reached.
They rolled back slightly, creating space. Permission granted, conditional, temporary, but real.
"Thank you," Sasuke said. He recalled Tyranitar, returned to his companions.
Dr. Takeshi looked shaken but impressed. "That was... I've never seen wild Pokemon respond like that. They actually communicated with you."
"They tested him," Kiyomi corrected, already photographing the Graveler. "Made sure he was worthy of being here. Sasuke passed."
"Because he meant what he said," Miyuki added. "Pokemon can sense sincerity. These Graveler are guardians, they've probably been testing humans for centuries. Sasuke proved he understands partnership."
Kasumi had pulled out supplies from her bag, Pokefood, actually, high-quality stuff she'd prepared for her own Pokemon. "Can I offer them this? As thanks for letting us stay?"
Dr. Takeshi nodded. "Traditional gift-giving. Appropriate."
Kasumi approached the Graveler slowly, hands extended to show the food. "We respect your guardianship. Please accept this offering." She set the Pokefood on the ground, stepped back.
The lead Graveler rolled forward, examined the offering. Extended a rocky limb, scooped up some food, consumed it. The texture was probably wrong for a Rock-type, too soft, but the gesture mattered more than the meal.
The Graveler rumbled approval. The other four approached, sampling the food Kasumi had provided. Modern Pokefood on an ancient altar, bridging three thousand years of human-Pokemon interaction.
Kiyomi worked quickly, taking final photos and measurements. She approached each pillar, documented every mural panel, recorded the altar's dimensions. Her notebook filled with sketches and observations. All while the Graveler watched, tolerating her presence but clearly impatient for them to leave.
"We should go," Miyuki said quietly. "We've been given a gift, access to this sacred space. Don't abuse it."
Sasuke agreed. They'd seen enough, learned what they came to learn. Staying longer would be disrespectful.
Kiyomi took one last photo, the Graveler arranged around the altar, guardians of an ancient partnership that modern society had forgotten. Then she bowed formally to each Pokemon. "Thank you for your guardianship. I promise to honor this place in my research. Your ancestors' wisdom won't be forgotten."
The Graveler rumbled, acknowledgment, perhaps. Or just acceptance. They watched as the humans departed, Dr. Takeshi leading them back through corridors toward the surface.
At the steel door, Sasuke looked back. The temple had returned to darkness, work lights no longer reaching those depths. But he could still see the Graveler's silhouettes, rolling back into their hidden passages. Resuming their eternal watch over a place that represented everything modern trainers had forgotten.
Partnership. Respect. Earned trust.
The door closed with a metallic thud.
They climbed stairs in silence, processing what they'd witnessed. Emerging into the museum's basement felt jarring, electric lights, climate control, digital equipment. The modern world, so disconnected from the ancient wisdom buried beneath its feet.
In Dr. Takeshi's office, Kiyomi immediately began organizing her documentation. Photos imported to laptop, notes transcribed, measurements entered into databases. Academic rigor transforming experience into research.
"This will be my dissertation," she said, fingers flying across the keyboard. "Three thousand years of human-Pokemon partnership documented through archaeological evidence. The temple proves pre-technology bonding not only existed but thrived. Modern training methods are just one approach, not the only approach."
"The League won't like that," Dr. Takeshi warned. "Pokeball technology is big business. Suggesting humans can bond with Pokemon without capture technology challenges powerful economic interests."
"Then they'll have to argue with evidence." Kiyomi gestured at her screen. "I have photographs, measurements, expert testimony from you. The ruins exist. The Graveler guardians exist. Truth doesn't care about economic interests."
Dr. Takeshi smiled. "You remind me of your mother. Same stubborn dedication to truth."
Miyuki had been quiet since leaving the temple. Now she spoke, voice thoughtful. "The breeding philosophy I follow, it comes from this, doesn't it? The old partnerships. Breeders who understand you can't force Pokemon to thrive, you can only create conditions where they choose to thrive."
"The best traditions always have ancient roots," Dr. Takeshi agreed. "Modern breeders reinvented old wisdom without realizing it."
Kasumi looked at her empty Pokefood container. "I fed guardians who've been protecting that place for possibly thousands of years. That's... I don't even know how to process that."
"You showed respect through offering," Sasuke said. "Same thing ancient humans did. The method matters less than the intent."
They stayed another hour, discussing implications and research directions. Kiyomi would return tomorrow for additional documentation. Miyuki wanted to study ancient Pokemon care practices. Kasumi asked about berry cultivation in pre-modern times, turned out the temple showed evidence of agricultural offerings too.
Outside, evening had settled over Pewter City. They walked back to the Pokemon Center through streets busy with after-work crowds. Around them, modern trainers moved with their Pokemon, Pokeballs on belts, digital Pokedexes in hands, everything mediated by technology.
But they'd seen the alternative. Humans and Pokemon working together without tools, without capture, without anything except mutual respect and shared purpose.
"Changes how you see things," Kasumi said quietly.
Sasuke nodded. He looked at Victini on his shoulder, partner by choice, who'd stayed with him even when injured and vulnerable. Who could leave anytime but chose not to. That was the ancient way. That was real partnership.
In his pocket, Tyranitar's Pokeball felt heavier than usual. Not physically, metaphorically. A reminder that modern convenience came with responsibility. The ball gave him power over Tyranitar, but using that power wrongly would betray everything the ancient temple represented.
"We honor them by remembering," Miyuki said. "By treating our Pokemon as partners, not possessions."
"And by winning that gym battle," Kiyomi added with a slight smile. "Sasuke proved to ancient guardians he understands partnership. Now prove it to Gaara."
The weight of history sat on Sasuke's shoulders, not burden, but reminder. Three thousand years of humans and Pokemon working together, building together, respecting each other.