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JoshuaDunlop β€” Call of a Frozen Legend...

Published: 2009-03-06 15:45:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 30324; Favourites: 762; 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

Finsterdrache [2018-12-02 16:12:24 +0000 UTC]

I like the picture, but also the story behind it.

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to Finsterdrache [2018-12-03 09:59:19 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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bpcj [2015-11-01 14:35:12 +0000 UTC]

Amazing story and imag. Well done

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to bpcj [2015-11-01 15:23:00 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much

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bpcj In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2016-05-25 17:19:11 +0000 UTC]

You very welcome please can you check out some of my art

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thelakotanoid1 [2014-05-31 01:04:31 +0000 UTC]

is this supposed to be professor oak's father or something?Β 

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to thelakotanoid1 [2014-05-31 08:27:18 +0000 UTC]

Yeah it is

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thelakotanoid1 In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2014-06-01 02:29:43 +0000 UTC]

nice!

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Clockspur [2014-01-07 02:18:36 +0000 UTC]

OOOOOOOOOH.....

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AzureGryphon [2013-11-20 13:54:27 +0000 UTC]

This is a really gorgeous scene- an amazing profile look at a realistic legendary Pokemon.Β 

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to AzureGryphon [2013-11-20 21:41:25 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much

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Gzus5261 [2013-07-08 04:37:15 +0000 UTC]

I have to say, i have viewed (and commented) on some of your pictures and i'd have to say you're about as great a story teller as you are an artist. I love how you incorporate detail into your stories (something lunkheads at nintendo couldn't do), and i especially love how you explain some of the puzzling stuff about the story line such as why Gary didn't have a dad and such. Beautiful work. Also, if i wanted a piece of this art mailed to me how much would that cost me?

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to Gzus5261 [2013-07-08 21:35:12 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much. I guess it would depend on how big of a print. It might be easier to buy it through deviant art

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Gzus5261 In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2013-07-09 03:48:50 +0000 UTC]

Lets, say an 8x4 print, signed

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to Gzus5261 [2013-07-10 17:14:27 +0000 UTC]

If you donated on the kickstarter you will automatically get a signed poster of a larger size, so might be worth doing that way?

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BewareTheBear [2013-04-28 18:00:05 +0000 UTC]

If Articuno is THIS big, what size is Lugia?!

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to BewareTheBear [2013-04-29 08:27:24 +0000 UTC]

lil bigger

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BewareTheBear In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2013-04-29 17:42:13 +0000 UTC]

If you follow the movie sizes,Lugia would easily be at least three times the size of Articuno. I always pictured Lugia as a flying albino liopleurodon.

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to BewareTheBear [2013-05-02 10:07:16 +0000 UTC]

It would defiantly be huge

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BewareTheBear In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2013-05-02 15:46:40 +0000 UTC]

So its hugeness would be an act of defiance?

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Dinosaur29 [2012-07-23 03:41:41 +0000 UTC]

I like the story in the description

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to Dinosaur29 [2012-07-23 14:11:24 +0000 UTC]

thanks

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Azur0 [2012-05-29 19:30:32 +0000 UTC]

This is fantastic!

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to Azur0 [2012-06-01 15:41:21 +0000 UTC]

Thank you

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Clojo-733 [2010-08-31 11:14:15 +0000 UTC]

So frickin awesome!

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to Clojo-733 [2010-09-02 17:31:06 +0000 UTC]

thanks

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 0

thegrayphantom69 [2010-07-06 01:44:37 +0000 UTC]

It's like in the Himalayas! It is said that there are monks who dwells on the peak...
Also, the "red and golden robes" is like an Airbender's clothing.. LOL
And smart perspective for representing rebirth not as "burning" (Moltres/ Phoenix) but as melting (Articuno)
Great story!

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to thegrayphantom69 [2010-07-06 09:55:00 +0000 UTC]

thankyou

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 0

FenrirLobo [2009-12-06 10:21:24 +0000 UTC]

This is the most picture ever. I mean srsly.

Huge props for this drawing man. Articuno is amazing and this pic plain rules.

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to FenrirLobo [2009-12-06 10:37:47 +0000 UTC]

Thankyou very much glad you like it

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 0

monsterfactory-trio [2009-10-16 06:55:47 +0000 UTC]

What is it called when you have a phoenix, but with ice? Like that thing from Sinbad? I really don't know.

This picture just reminded me of that, so I just thought I'd ask while it was on my mind. If anyone knows, could you tell me, plz?

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to monsterfactory-trio [2009-10-16 21:11:35 +0000 UTC]

Sorry to say i dont know?

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 0

greeklegendsareWIN14 [2009-09-07 15:48:35 +0000 UTC]

incredible picture and story.

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to greeklegendsareWIN14 [2009-09-07 15:56:27 +0000 UTC]

Thanks

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 0

EdBrew51 [2009-09-05 10:58:47 +0000 UTC]

As amazing as all your other drawings. Also the story is wonderfully written, leading us to that particular pokΓ©mon universe you've created. A universe that breathes.
I won't blame you for that background, it fits perfectly. I will only say that it would have been better if you had drawn the photo Jonathan took.

See ya.

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to EdBrew51 [2009-09-05 11:23:02 +0000 UTC]

True i was thinking of converting it onto a photo for dramatic effect

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EdBrew51 In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-09-05 22:38:38 +0000 UTC]

Maybe the next one... Something you could do also is to make a drawing with some of your human characters. They look interesting, but I don't know none of their stories...

See ya.

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Octoboy-the-8th [2009-08-11 01:50:16 +0000 UTC]

While zapdos had realistic enough plumage, but appeared to defy physics, articuno's bold outline looks rather out of place against the real mountain. It's a decent enough drawing of an articuno, but it looks like just that. A drawing.

I'm sorry, I feel as if I never have anything nice to say. When browsing realistic pokemon galleries, I look for believable pokemon, not impressive, awe-inspiring pokemon, so if I seem to be a little negative, that's likely the reason.

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to Octoboy-the-8th [2009-08-11 12:22:39 +0000 UTC]

Well when i draw my style is a mix of both simple and complex, having the feels of either an artistic redition of a pokemon, or a realistic/artistc veiw. Its hard to fully draw a hyper photo looking redition of a pokemon.

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noxxigirl [2009-07-26 11:51:06 +0000 UTC]

Aw niiiiice, I love how sparkly and freezing the whole picture looks

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to noxxigirl [2009-07-26 12:51:16 +0000 UTC]

Thankyou

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platinumtyrant [2009-07-02 09:09:59 +0000 UTC]

ITS GARY'S DADDY!!!! AAAAAAAHHH!!!

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to platinumtyrant [2009-07-02 15:10:43 +0000 UTC]

Could be, could oaks dad? Completely up to the reader

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platinumtyrant In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-07-02 21:32:31 +0000 UTC]

ITS. GARY'S. DADDY!!! lol,ok

πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 1

JoshuaDunlop In reply to platinumtyrant [2009-07-02 22:16:26 +0000 UTC]

haha ok

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platinumtyrant In reply to JoshuaDunlop [2009-07-02 22:29:42 +0000 UTC]

glad were on the same page

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JoshuaDunlop In reply to platinumtyrant [2009-07-03 08:58:01 +0000 UTC]

lol

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xDaisuke0 In reply to platinumtyrant [2009-07-03 06:19:02 +0000 UTC]

Do you mean the man who saw Articuno was Gary's Dad?
Cuz that cant be right...he wrote "dear samuel" So Samuel must be Gary's dad...o_O

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platinumtyrant In reply to xDaisuke0 [2009-07-03 08:03:18 +0000 UTC]

or oaks?

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xDaisuke0 In reply to platinumtyrant [2009-07-03 08:09:51 +0000 UTC]

oh true that...

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