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JoshuaDunlop — Call of a Frozen Legend...

Published: 2009-03-06 15:45:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 30520; Favourites: 759; Downloads: 248
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Description Dear Samuel,

I am dying. I am old and have traveled far, but now i cannot travel anymore.

I am writing this letter, to you, my only son, as a gesture to why i was never part of your life.
For this, I am beyond Sorry, but maybe this will make you understand...

It had been 15 days since I started my journey into the Kanto mountains. I understand now why they are seen and a mountainerers dream. The sheers cliffs and towering ranges are indeed impressive. Beautiful though, especially in the mourning.

Before I get to the point, you need to understand how i got here and why.
I was journalist for the Nation Reasearch magazine, a true scientist at heart, I try desperatly to seek out new and amazing worlds and report back.
I had been all over the world, from the greastest and most dangerous parts, to the grandest and most awe inspiring.
I hope that you, one day, would have such a thirst for adventure as i do.

My journey led my to the Kanto Mountain ridge, a dangerous and mainly unexplored part of the world. My team and i climbed for three days up the mountain of 'Le Odun' named by the natives.
We were on our way to see the Monks that lived in solitude. They had been there for a thousand years and not much had changed in those times. They are said to have the abilities of low level psychic pokemon, it was my job to see if this were true.

When we finally reached the temple we were welcomed with warm food and water, they changed our clothes to red and golden robes, that were extremely comfortable and warm.
They took our cameras away as they said that anything here must be seen with only our eyes, not our machines... but i secretly stashed away one in my shoe when they wernt looking.
I learnt much from the monks, they see the world as an ever changing snowflake, falling and changing, then it melts, evaporates, and the cycle starts again. I think is a metaphor for rebirth.
They worshiped the earth itself, pokemon and animals being the gods. They told us about the power from within all living things. Pokemon especially having evolved to master the elements themselves should be respected to the highest order. Even though we as humans feel in control and are the dominant creature on the planet, we are still weak, and arrogant, brought on by our jealousy of these mighty beasts, and so we try and enslave them.
In all it was amazingly enlightening... and in turn, made me angry at the terrible mistakes humans have made in the past and our over all lack of desire to change.

They showed me what I was looking for, humans with telekinetic abilities. It wasn't as impressive as an Alakazam but i was introduced to a very old man with a long beard. He took a seed from a small pouch and placed it in my hand, the seed floated from my hand and back into the pouch. I was amazed that this man was able to do this but i must admit, it was slightly disappointing as i was expecting something more spectacular. the monks explained that within evolution, we are still children. Pokemon have have evolved for millions of years and have honed these skills to a high potential.

I spent many days studying the scrolls and wall carvings of their religion and history. One night i was looking through a scroll and found an interesting transcribe about why the monks lived so high in the mountains.
Hundreds of years ago, Kanto was a cold and wintery place. People found it hard to live but did the best they could. They worshipped a pokemon. a pokemon of great power. The creature gave off this great cold and one day looked down upon the people and pitied them.
So it moved up, high into the mountains and kanto became warmer and warmer. Some of the natives were happy, but some felt bad for the pokemon and felt bad that it left its home for their sake. So some monks went up into the mountains and gave it offerings in thanks to its great sacrifice.

Then i turned to see a boy over my shoulder, he was about 10. He looked at the script and smiled. 'Articuno' he said pointing.
I didnt understand. He took me by the hand and chanted to me.
Our translator came in and told me that the boy had chosen me to give the next offering to the god.
I was thankful that they wanted me to be involved in one of their oldest rituals, to praise one of their spirits.
I was told only a few are allowed to give the offering and must be chosen by the first born from each new generation of monk, this boy was it.
We packed up warm, carrying large baskets full of meat on our backs. The boy, a guide, our translator and I climbed up through the thick snow towards to top of the mountain. My team had to stay behind.

The snow was so thick i could barely see five feet in front of each step. Blasting cold whipped past my ears as we reached the summit. Standing back i watched the boy and the guide walk towards what looked like a small temple, but turned out to be a giant bell.

The boy beckoned to me and i walked over to the two. Dropping my meat on the floor i watched the boy walk over to me. He grabbed my hands, my translator shouted that he wanted me to ring the bell. I was terrified that it would cause an avalanche but the guide and boy seemed confident.
I pulled the cord back and let go. A loud gong rang over the mountains. Then i heard something far in the distance, like a whisper carried on the wind of something that sounded like a nightingale. I slowly reached down and got my camera from my shoe, anticipating what would happen next.
Then i heard the deep beat of wings. In fear my translator and i ran for cover but the boy and guide stood calmly.
I strained my eyes to see through the white haze. Then, out of the mist and swirling ice, giant claws, feathers and beak, broke through the mist with a gallant cry. I snapped wildly at the bird as it landed gracefully onto the icy ridge. the ground slightly shook and its claws hit the rock and i was frozen in awe, staring at the giant ice bird... Articuno.

My camera ran out of film as i watched it eat the offering we had given in one gulp. the boy walked calmly up to the Goliath and out stretched his hand. I was terrified the creature would kill him but instead, it leant its head close and let the child scratch it under its giant chin like a dog or cat would.
then it turned and looked to the horizon, let out a final cry and dissapeared into the white. I thought to myself... I will be famous.

As soon as i got to the temple i set about developing my film. One after the other, blurred blue and white images of nothing. Then, magic, a clear photo appeared.
Then i turned to see the boy and my translator. The boy spoke to me with tears in his eyes as my translator told me what he said.
You feel power? that you posses the image of a god? you feel by showing it to the world you are helping, but instead you are blind to see that by doing that you destroy the god you so desperately want to show. People will come. Greed filling their hearts they will hunt it down and exploit it piece by piece. The god will die, along with its grace. you will destroy it with your image... i pray however that i was right in picking you for this journey, i pray that you will understand the importance of a legend and why it must stay, a legend.
The boys words rang home to me...

So i didn't send it to the magazine. Instead i sent a resignation in its place. For years i had tore in to these amazing worlds, showing amazing creatures without thinking if, in deed, the human race had earned its right to see them. My team however did not have the same views as me, and wanted to become rich and respected. They tried to take it from me and then i knew i would never be safe.
I ran. i knew people would use you and your mother against me and i would never forgive myself if you got hurt. That is why i never returned.
Even now i am being hunted by people desperate to get hold of the photograph and will use any means necercary to obtain it. The photograph shows not only Articuno, but how to call it, and that, to the people who hunt me, is far more important.
So Samuel, i sent this to you. I know you are probably thinking, if the photo was so dangerous then why didn't i destroy it... and i suppose i should have, but it is my legacy and evidence of my last adventure. I trust you to have the sympathy and knowledge to not exploit the photograph and keep it hidden from those who would use it for evil.

I love you my son, I always will, always have.
Your father.

Dr. Jonathan Oak.


---------

i was a bit cheeky naughty and used a real photo for the background before you comment at how amazing it is lol, but i think its a nice touch?
I didnt want to show a destruction picture for this legendary, yes they are powerful, but i wanted to show how they can be awe inspiring as well as dangerous.
Hope you like it .
Josh
Related content
Comments: 179

platinumtyrant In reply to ??? [2009-07-03 08:16:50 +0000 UTC]

yup

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4pikachu4 In reply to ??? [2009-06-06 07:59:04 +0000 UTC]

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

This...is THE best one yet.

Haha, yes, the background is impressive. You cheeky naughty boy, you. XD
The creature itself is impecable artwork, however. Very awesome. You are truly a great artisit.

As for the backstory, it's the best one I've read thus far. Bone chilling, goosebump raising, totally totally awesome. I love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE. <3
I just can't get over it. This is just, really good writing and overall storyboarding of the story. You are amazing.

Great work. Love it.

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to 4pikachu4 [2009-06-06 08:37:35 +0000 UTC]

haha thank you very much. i always do my best to put as much work into the story as i do the picture. Im thrilled you like it

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4pikachu4 In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-06-07 08:17:56 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome a thousand times for all the thanks comments. XD

You totally deserve the compliments. All your stuff is awesome.

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to 4pikachu4 [2009-06-07 08:36:37 +0000 UTC]

really glad you like um more to come

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lanojo87 [2009-06-02 11:10:48 +0000 UTC]

You shouldn't hope we like it. 'Cause just by looking at the picture, it's an instant fave!

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to lanojo87 [2009-06-02 15:54:46 +0000 UTC]

lol thank you very much

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SilenceIsBroken In reply to ??? [2009-05-22 06:16:35 +0000 UTC]

lol isnt articuno, like, not even that big? xD
anyway great job! check out my gallery if you have time

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to SilenceIsBroken [2009-05-22 08:42:38 +0000 UTC]

i change the sizes of pokemon for naturalistic and dramatic effect, articunos not much bigger than a man, n for a legendary it just seemed a little weak

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

SilenceIsBroken In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-05-23 03:45:30 +0000 UTC]

lol tell me about it xD but thats a good idea lol its really nice :3

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to SilenceIsBroken [2009-05-23 07:56:03 +0000 UTC]

cheers

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hawaiianhulagirl [2009-04-10 03:36:30 +0000 UTC]

Love love love Articuno!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to hawaiianhulagirl [2009-04-10 16:18:41 +0000 UTC]

Thankyou

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xxFreeLoadxx In reply to ??? [2009-03-18 06:42:56 +0000 UTC]

this is amazing! I'm licking the screne to try and get some of your talent.

👍: 0 ⏩: 2

Glorthogoot In reply to xxFreeLoadxx [2009-05-26 23:57:31 +0000 UTC]

I tried it too. Got the taste of dust all over my mouth. but i think i got some talent.

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to xxFreeLoadxx [2009-03-18 07:58:25 +0000 UTC]

haha interesting technique, practice usually helpme But Thank you very much

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xxFreeLoadxx In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-03-19 04:26:14 +0000 UTC]

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shadownickmcnick In reply to ??? [2009-03-17 16:58:27 +0000 UTC]

wow. this has got to be my favorite of the 3 bird's stories you did. truly amazing. keep up the good work

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to shadownickmcnick [2009-03-17 22:58:40 +0000 UTC]

Thankyou

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

shadownickmcnick In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-04-06 22:44:48 +0000 UTC]

welcome

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shadownickmcnick [2009-03-17 16:57:50 +0000 UTC]

wow. this has got to be my favorite of the 3 bird's stories you did. truly amazing. keep up the good work

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to shadownickmcnick [2009-03-17 22:58:55 +0000 UTC]

Cheers

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

shadownickmcnick In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-04-06 22:44:31 +0000 UTC]

seriously well done.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Juptile In reply to ??? [2009-03-11 12:04:58 +0000 UTC]

This is absolutely amazing and PERFECT for Articuno. I never thought of Articuno as being destructive, but rather something that prefers to live in seclusion.

Awesome work.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to Juptile [2009-03-11 15:42:31 +0000 UTC]

Glad you like it and i agree about articuno, thats why i went for this image

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Strake-Demon-Fire In reply to ??? [2009-03-11 03:55:33 +0000 UTC]

Such a heart-warming and sad story. I cried. Articuno looks awesome.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to Strake-Demon-Fire [2009-03-11 08:52:25 +0000 UTC]

glad you liked it

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

theamishpiscodemon In reply to ??? [2009-03-09 12:21:33 +0000 UTC]

Good work lad, as always. Lovely story to go along as well. I always enjoy your Oak back stories. He always interested me as a character.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to theamishpiscodemon [2009-03-09 22:20:09 +0000 UTC]

Same, i wanted to make his history as rich as ashes, like he was the old school hero before Ash. Plus he's a recognizable character thats not annoying lol glad you like it thankyou

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Demonrex In reply to ??? [2009-03-07 23:31:40 +0000 UTC]

I missed you.

<3

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to Demonrex [2009-03-07 23:45:39 +0000 UTC]

missed me or articuno? lol

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Demonrex In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-03-08 03:12:00 +0000 UTC]

You. I love these realistic pokemon you draw.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to Demonrex [2009-03-08 09:15:17 +0000 UTC]

aww thanks glad you like um

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vaelvictus In reply to ??? [2009-03-07 21:31:24 +0000 UTC]

You are a great artist and a great writer. I love when you write awesome things like that.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to vaelvictus [2009-03-07 23:45:59 +0000 UTC]

Thankyou

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

FakaPokeBio In reply to ??? [2009-03-07 16:15:28 +0000 UTC]

I didn't even notice it was real.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to FakaPokeBio [2009-03-07 16:47:38 +0000 UTC]

lol well then i blended it right then

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Floeur [2009-03-07 12:37:39 +0000 UTC]

Wow Well done! Looks very realistic!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to Floeur [2009-03-07 14:13:25 +0000 UTC]

thankyou

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

EmperorDinobot [2009-03-07 12:36:25 +0000 UTC]

Blah blah blh. Such a large bird. I'd love to share a shot of vodka with it.


Speaking of which, I wanna play my emulated pkmn crystal....

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to EmperorDinobot [2009-03-07 14:13:51 +0000 UTC]

good luck with that

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Evilgidgit [2009-03-07 10:13:55 +0000 UTC]

Articuno got MASSIVE!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to Evilgidgit [2009-03-07 14:14:57 +0000 UTC]

oh yes dont call it legendary for nothing i change the sizes of pokemon to fit a realistic or interesting awe inspiring picture

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RaitoL In reply to ??? [2009-03-07 03:47:39 +0000 UTC]

Really outstanding work

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to RaitoL [2009-03-07 09:51:51 +0000 UTC]

thankyou

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

RoseRaptor In reply to ??? [2009-03-07 02:10:03 +0000 UTC]

that story in ur description was beautiful. well done!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to RoseRaptor [2009-03-07 09:52:15 +0000 UTC]

thank you very much

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BasilisckBlind In reply to ??? [2009-03-07 01:03:43 +0000 UTC]

i never like articuno xD but this is great !!! i love the colors and the xpression of its face isimply love it

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to BasilisckBlind [2009-03-07 09:52:36 +0000 UTC]

glad you like it

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

el-chinito-mexicano In reply to ??? [2009-03-07 00:08:46 +0000 UTC]

Omgggg another amazing work!!!! i lovesss it!!! xD

Cant wait to c more!! ^_^

btw, how many more kanto pkmn do u have left 2 do? (if its alright 2 know)

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