Chapter 20: Exhale
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Oceanside Lowlife
Bug Catcher
Chapter 20 Exhale
After being summoned to have Sawsbuck work its magic on the Pearl Clan's crops, Ian took a seat on a rather uncomfortable boulder a couple dozen feet away behind the raised beds, his back turned to Team Skull's guesthouse and the rest of Makamae Town in general. The sun was starting to set in the west, and looking east all he saw was darkness. Ian felt a rather biting chill hit him with the breeze and debated releasing Pyroar out of its ball but decided against it. Something about the cold seemed fitting, almost comforting from the latent anger still flowing in his veins. Not long after, Ian's tranquility was broken with the sound of approaching footsteps. He turned, seeing Tupp and Selene coming toward him.
"Hey Ian," Selene said delicately. "How you feeling?"
"Doesn't really matter," he croaked.
"In the first hour since she came back from your altercation thing, Plumeria put a hole in a wall, bawled her eyes out, and cussed out Hyde like three times," Selene said with a giggle. "And she took another one of my tampons, in case you were wondering what might have made her so… mad."
Ian shook his head. "No offense, but do you really think I'm gonna just wipe away all of that bullshit she said because she's PMSing?"
"Well, no…" Selene mumbled.
"She been talking to the old boat captain guy for a while now," Tupp added. "Real serious and shit."
Ingo. Probably formalizing some sort of transfer or something.
"What were you guys even talking about anyways? Plumeria's been really quiet about that. Was it the stuff she was talking to you on the patio about last night?" Selene asked.
At least she's being quiet about it. "In a way," Ian grumbled.
"Any chance you'll fill us in a bit on it?" Selene asked.
"If I did, you'd probably be having the same issues Plumeria's having with me," Ian said hopelessly.
"Oh… What if I promised not to get mad? That I wouldn't tell anyone?" Selene asked.
Ian shook his head, defeated. "She said the same thing."
"Oh… I'm sorry Ian," Selene said.
"Yo bro, you know why they call it PMS?" Tupp asked.
Ian eyed him curiously. "Why's that?"
"Cuz 'Mad Cow Disease' was already taken!" Tupp answered, breaking out into a laughing fit.
"Tupp, what the fuck?" Selene said, giving him a punch on the arm.
Laughter slipped out of Ian's face, breaking his melancholy, if only for a few moments. "Thanks bro," Ian said, extending a fist bump.
"Pardon this unscheduled stop everyone," the old voice Ian recognized as Ingo's called out. "If I may have some private time with Ian, it would be greatly appreciated."
"Uh… sure?" Tupp said, joining Selene as they departed.
Ian watched Ingo carefully. The older man with the train conductor hat and Pearl Clan sweater approached with a serene calm Ian found almost suspicious and took a seat next to Ian on his resident boulder. "I apologize if I am intruding, Ian," Ingo said. "But I felt a need to get involved."
"So, am I getting kicked out of Team Skull?" Ian asked, meeting the gaze of Ingo's silver eyes.
"Not that I'm aware of," Ingo said. "I'm not here on any Pearl Clan business, if you can believe me. It's just when I see something blocking the track ahead of good people, I feel compelled to clear it no matter who they are."
Heh, train terms. "No offense sir, but you barely know me. How do you know I'm a good person?"
"Well, first, how you dove on the sword when you and Plumeria appeared before our little council. Not even a day has passed since, and I understand why Plumeria did not want to disclose your Sawsbuck's abilities," Ingo said. "And second, the fact that you are still here, still conflicted about words spoken in anger."
Ian exhaled, realizing the depths to Ingo's observation.
"You must be going through so much, young man," Ingo continued. "You said you have been in this world for three weeks. And it appears you have retained your memory from whence you came?"
Ian nodded. "Yeah… I heard you were actually in a similar situation, just not quite having all of your memory." I'm not sure I have the patience for him to explain his backstory right now.
"Mmmm…" Ingo said. "You have sharp ears. A vast majority of my earlier life's memories are gone. When I dream I see hints and flashes, fleeting visions, close enough to grasp, but they become just out of reach when I get my hands on them…" Ingo paused. "But I have come to speak to you today not to tell you my life's story or my troubles, although I may share them…" Ingo paused and changed his tone to a brisk, authoritative one. "Look into my eyes, Ian." Ingo hunched over, focusing his intense gaze on Ian, and Ian kept his sullen eyes locked in with Ingo's silvery pair. After a good ten seconds of study, Ingo broke eye contact. "Whatever it is that torments you Ian, it shows in your eyes."
Ian swallowed his tongue, realizing the elder in front of him was someone worth listening to every word.
"I would see the same torment in my own reflection during my early days in the Pearl Clan. And I saw the same pain in the eyes of a young man named Rei, back in Hisui," Ingo explained. That was the name of the Legends Arceus protagonist, right? The male one at least. "He was a good friend. Younger than you when he arrived in Hisui. I didn't know him for a while, but he was always looked at with suspicion by many of his comrades in Jubilife Village. Yet he persevered, he used his vast knowledge, knowledge that only made him more suspicious to his comrades…" Ingo paused. "I suppose you know how that feels?"
Ian gulped. "Yeah… Did Plumeria tell you anything specific?"
Ingo cleared his throat. "Nothing specific, she told me she was sworn to secrecy, which I must respect. But she did tell me that you told her a small fraction of knowledge you did not want to discuss, yet she pushed you, and that fraction of knowledge did trouble her greatly. It troubled her in ways she could not comprehend."
Ian nodded. "That's fair…"
Ingo then put his arm around Ian's shoulder, embracing him, his voice wavering with genuine emotion. "And if that small of a fraction upset her so, I cannot fathom the burden you carry now, young man." Ian felt his eyes begin to water and he closed them, trying to blink back the tears. Ingo squeezed his shoulder tighter, as if reminding him he was not alone. Ian tightened his throat to stifle any sobs that wanted to make themselves known, and he just sat there for who knows how long, inhaling, exhaling, and letting the emotion wash over him.
Finally Ian developed the strength to speak. "Thank you, Ingo… I really needed that."
"You are more than welcome to it, anytime my young friend," Ingo said. "Would you indulge me telling a short tale of my early days with the Pearl Clan?"
Ian nodded. "You have my full, un-divided attention, sir."
"And you have my thanks," Ingo said, retreating his arm from Ian's shoulder and tipping his hat out of respect. "When I first arrived in the Pearl Clan, I knew so very little. I recognized so few Pokemon, but somehow, seeing them in action, in battle, and interacting with them, holding them, petting them, it was like I had done it all my life. I knew Type matchups yet couldn't say what Type most Pokemon were… It was even more baffling to me than to my own comrades. Irida's predecessor, a very forthright man, finally had enough of my 'suspicious fables' as he called them. I was cast out for a night, but I did not return the next morning, nor the morning after. A woman, the Lady Cogita of the Ancient Retreat took me in and heard my story. She comforted me when I told her of the knowledge I apparently knew but did not consciously know, and of how much it pained me."
Ian nodded, waiting on every word.
"When I finished my tale, she told me that I was not the first to befall such a situation, and that I would not be the last. She claimed to have seen a number of people like me over her long life. Some would go off into the wilderness, trying to make sense of things. She rarely heard from them again. But the ones who took it all in stride, who soldiered on and sought purpose in their new, and so different lives, would find peace with their truths, whatever they were."
Ian nodded solemnly.
"And so I will tell you what she told me, and what I told young Rei when he and I had a conversation not unlike this," Ingo said, the words weighing heavily. "Follow wherever your heart leads, and once there, commit to doing the most good you can. You will not solve the world's problems, but you will find peace and purpose in doing so." With that, Ingo arose from the boulder, and for the first time in hours, Ian did as well. The two embraced a short time, no words needing to be exchanged.
"Can I ask… What can you remember of your… former life?" Ian asked meekly.
"Of course… Images of buildings that tower into the sky, loud machines rumbling by and… a man… A man clad in white, very much like the clothes I woke up in Hisui in, all those years ago. For so long I thought it was me I was seeing, but Rei had a different thought that stuck with me… He said it might have been a brother of mine. After that it was like something unlocked, I remembered standing side by side with someone very much like me, locked in combat, with smiles on our faces. He had some great, muscular brown beast, and I, a dark blue creature made of stone…" Ingo paused. "I know in my heart that figure is my brother, and the more I see of this world, the more it is like the one Rei described, and where he believed I might truly be from. Part of me thinks that figure, my brother, may still be out there…" Ingo sniffled as a slight tear fell down his cheek."... looking for me."
"Sir, have you thought of looking for him?" Ian asked.
Ingo shook his head quickly. "A little… but the Pearl Clan, my people, we are in dire need. Perhaps he is out there, but I am needed here. If I were to leave for my own selfish purpose and by an act of providence, find him, and then find out a terrible fate befell my beloved comrades here? I would not be able to smile again. Therefore I cannot leave them until I know they are safe and secure…" Ingo cleared his throat. "But enough of that sad talk, I reckon your ears have tired by now?"
Ian shook his head. "No, not at all."
Ingo chuckled lightly. "I did put some thought into it, but I realized looking for my brother, whose name I know not, and whose garb seems to be irregular in this world, would be like hunting for a Cherubi tree without knowing the fruit the tree bears."
Ian felt a small, hopeful grin sneak onto his face and words came to him. "Ingo, we may have just met, but when this is all done, when the Ultra Rift closes up, and the Pearl Clan has found a true home, I want to help you find your brother."
"It will be harder than finding a Zorua in the Fieldlands, I think," Ingo replied.
"I think I'll be able to help narrow it down at least," Ian said, his smile widening.
"Regardless of your ability, I would be honored to have you, when this is all said and done…" Ingo turned his attention to the Ultra Rift to give it a look.
"At the beginning of this I thought you were going to try to recruit me," Ian said.
Ingo shook his head with a knowing laugh, and turned around one last time. "It would have been an insult to the memory of our late, great hero, Rei." Ingo tipped his hat and turned back around, heading back into town, the sky having now darkened significantly overhead. The Ultra Rift shown beautifully atop the summit, with Ian allowing himself to be mesmerized by the rainbow pattern of colors it had cycled into. Ian kept his arms folded, observing the bizarre phenomenon as Ingo's words replayed in his brain. It was like getting advice from a guru or something… To think, out of all of the people I could've met in this world, it's a guy who not only has some first hand experience of what I'm going through, but actively knew someone who may well have been going through exactly this situation too…
Ian's reflection lasted for some time before dainty footsteps hit his ears. "Ian Cougar?" Irida's soft, angelic voice asked.
"Has it been three hours?" Ian asked.
"A little while past it actually," Irida said. "But I wanted to give you space."
Ian nodded. "I appreciate it."
"I've heard you and Lady Plumeria got into a fierce argument earlier," Irida said.
"That we did…" Ian said.
"Pardon me for being so forward but, I feel inclined to tell you. If Team Skull ever does you wrong, we would happily accept you Ian," Irida said.
Ian felt a snarky reply about her Sawsbuck fixation take root in his mind, but he figured he best avoided it. She might become my boss if Plumeria's pissed enough at me. "I appreciate it."
"And not just for your Sawsbuck. Lian and Ingo both have high praise for you," Irida said.
Ian nodded. "When did Ingo tell you that?"
"Earlier today," Irida said. "Why do you ask?"
"I just spoke with him."
"This is where he went off to?" Irida asked.
"Yeah… You know, after the blow up with Plumeria and before I spoke to Ingo, I thought I was going to just go to Malie City and be done with all of this… The Ultra Rift, Surge, Breon… all of this nonsense," Ian explained.
"And has that changed?" Irida asked.
"It might have… I'll need to sleep on it," Ian answered.
"Well I do have a spare room with a bed made just for you, since I believe Plumeria will not have you at the guest house tonight," Irida said.
"Probably for the best," Ian said.
"There is a pot of tea ready to be heated up by my Ninetales, should you wish," Irida mentioned.
"Thanks…" Ian said. "But I'm not much of a tea guy." A chilling wind swept over him, and Ian realized what was needed. He felt around his belt for Sawsbuck's Heal Ball in the nighttime darkness and released his blessed stag. "Let's do a once-over and finish up for the day, bud," Ian ordered.
Sawsbuck sprung into action, its whitened form dancing like a ghost in the light of the moon and Ultra Rift.
"I shall await on my front balcony for you, Ian," Irida said, stepping away.
***
Irida awoke him at the crack of dawn for more Sawsbuck use, and when he finished up, Colress awaited him in the middle of the street with his signature unsettling grin. "Up bright and early as well, Ian?" Colress asked.
"Yes indeed," Ian said. "The Pearl Clan needs its Sawsbuck fix."
"Would you care for some breakfast for you and your team?" Colress said.
"I'm allowed to have it?" Ian asked, still not sure what was happening with him and Team Skull.
Colress scoffed. "Of course! Your Sawsbuck is the main reason I asked to be escorted by Team Skull in the first place."
"Oh… Bad news, Plumeria and I had an argument yesterday and I'm not entirely sure I'm going with them now…" Ian explained.
Colress took a quick look around to make sure no one was nearby and closed in on Ian, smiling creepily. "How foolish of them. Were you planning on staying here, if that's the case?"
Ian grimaced. "I wasn't sure…"
Colress snickered wickedly, making Ian get goosebumps. "I will mention you would be most welcome to join me in Malie City. Back in true civilization. Assuming you were interested in that."
"That's something I haven't ruled out…"
Colress suddenly turned and waved exuberantly to something behind Ian. "Oh, my Team Skull friends! When do we depart?"
"After Sawsbuck's next blessing, a little under three hours from now," Plumeria's voice said bitterly. Ian turned around, seeing Plumeria flanked by Selene and Rapp. She pointed directly at Ian. "We need to talk."
Sounds like a breakup's coming. "Okay."
Plumeria led Ian a few dozen feet away. Plumeria pivoted and turned to Ian, her eyes stoic. "I shouldn't have yelled at you yesterday."
Ian nodded. "I shouldn't have shit-talked your leadership."
Plumeria nodded. "I know it's not an excuse, but I've been PMSing real hard the past couple days. Doesn't help we're the Pearl Clan's bitch. I'm feeling very vulnerable, and you're feeling very vulnerable. So I'll explain like this…"
Ian folded his arms, but indicated she should continue.
"We need you Ian. Po Town needs you. This whole fuckin' expedition's pointless if you leave. So… even though I have thousands of questions I want to ask you, I promise I will only ask about what's needed, and I will not press you for further details about what you know," Plumeria explained. "I clearly can't handle it."
Ian grimaced, remaining silent.
"And I know I said that before, but your leaving destroys us, so I'm effectively at your mercy now too. I promise I will trust you and I will trust your judgement about what you disclose. I also trust that you won't abuse this power over me," Plumeria said coldly.
I'm still not sure if I want to stick around long term, but going with them gets me to Malie City's outskirts and I'll get more time to scout Colress. "Okay," Ian said hoarsely.
Plumeria sighed with relief. "Thank you Ian. Good news is you won't have to deal with Hyde until we come back, which should be a plus."
"Just make sure he doesn't get too flirty with Irida," Ian said.
Plumeria rolled her eyes. "Dumbass can't even stay in a chair for a week and not start problems." Plumeria held her fist out, eyeing him expectantly. Ian fist-bumped her hesitantly, studying her face for anything off. "Also we should have a code word."
"What?" Ian asked.
"For when I need to ask you a that kind of question," Plumeria said.
"Okay…" Ian grumbled. He initially started thinking on what the code word would be, but decided this was a Plumeria thing.
"Considering I never called you this, but it wouldn't raise suspicion to any party members, I'll say 'Coogz,'" Plumeria suggested.
Ian shrugged. "That works."
He turned to leave and took a couple steps before Plumeria meekly said "Coogz."
Ian turned back around with a scowl. "What?"
Plumeria stepped closely to him, hushing her voice to a whisper. "Do you know who this Colress guy is? He gives me the creeps."
"He was a bad guy in Unova, the top scientist for the evil team. He developed a machine that used a Legendary Pokemon's power to cover a whole city in ice."
Plumeria's eyes widened. "Oh…"
Ian shook his head quickly. "He went through a redemption and basically became a good scientist here in Alola."
"So, he's okay now?"
Ian shrugged. "I'm really not sure. Still scoping him out. Lian thinks he likely came from the Ultra Rift actually…"
"Oh… Has he said anything about it?" Plumeria asked.
Ian shook his head. "He said he came from an Ultra Wormhole, but he has his memory so that kind of rules that out…"
"Yeah," Plumeria said as she exhaled. "So, I figured he was bad news, but he seems like a 'big picture' guy. We're small fries to him. We can escort him, get paid, and never have to deal with him again."
"That's not a bad idea," Ian said.
"Okay, one more thing, not a 'Coogz' thing, I swear," Plumeria said.
Ian gave her an annoyed look.
"Has he tried to recruit you to go to Malie City with him?" Plumeria asked.
"...Yeah."
Plumeria sighed, her eyes already telling defeat. "Dammit." Plumeria began trudging back to the guest house, and Colress took the initiative and closed back in on Ian, his unsettling grin even wider than before.
"So I take it you'll be making the journey with Team Skull?" Colress asked.
Ian nodded. "Yeah, looks like it."
"Very good. Now let's get you some breakfast, I would like to see how your new Sandshrew deals with that Tyrunt."
Ian gulped. "I actually wasn't able to introduce myself to Sandshrew yesterday."
"Ah, those dreadful emotions getting in the way of progress," Colress said, a hint of disapproval in his glare. Colress manifested more condensed Pokemon food and Ian took a good handful. "And some protein bars for you."
Ian gave a thankful nod and got to work releasing his team. Sawsbuck came out first, followed by Wartortle and Pyroar. After feeding his original three, he noticed Colress pointing his Omnitron's antenna at each of his Pokemon as they ate. "Pardon me Ian, but what moves are you aware that Sawsbuck knows?"
"A lot…" Ian replied. It's pretty cool the four-move-limit from the games isn't a thing here. "Horn Leech, Leech Seed, Tackle, Double Kick, Bulldoze, Bullet Seed, Sand Attack, Zen Headbutt, Agility… and oh yeah, Megahorn," Ian recalled.
Colress chuckled as he eyed his omnitron. "That is not everything Sawsbuck is capable of at this time."
"Really?" Ian asked.
"Sawsbuck is also capable of the moves Take Down, Worry Seed, Charm, ohoho," Colress said, adjusting his glasses. "This blessed stag of yours also can use Throat Chop and Synthesis."
Ian's eyebrows rose. "Oh, a healing move like that? That's dope."
"And Throat Chop is a very strong move that should come in handy," Colress said.
"Hey Sawsbuck, wanna strut your stuff? I got your biggest fan here…" Ian teased. Sawsbuck bleated happily and pranced for a bit before his white snow-white antlers became enveloped in Dark Type Energy. Sawsbuck then charged forward at full speed before lowering itself temporarily and lunging forward with unnatural speed, jerking its antlers like a crowbar. Once the darkness faded from Sawsbuck's antler, his blessed stag circled back around with its tongue out, quite pleased with itself.
"Gnarly," Ian said excitedly before turning to Colress. "So, for Synthesis… how exactly does that work? Will Sawsbuck never need a Pokemon Center again since it heals depending on how sunny it is, right?"
Colress snickered mischievously. "How studied are you in Pokemon sciences, Ian?"
Ian shrugged. "It was pretty spotty…"
Colress gave a subtle eyeroll. "There may be different terms here but I'll tell you the ones from my world. Each Pokemon contains a pool of supernatural energy within their bodies we call the Spirit Core. Those supernatural energies that make Pokemon above regular biologics are what we call Corelight. Corelight is channeled into one of eighteen types of Lamina."
"Lamina?" Ian asked. Wait, eighteen? Is that the energy that makes a Pokemon move a certain type? "Like the Type Energy?" Ian asked.
"Type Energy? How crude," Colress observed. "But yes, 'Type Energy,' if that makes it easier for you. A Pokemon may only use a move like Synthesis, Recovery, Moonlight, et cetera, once every few hours. Using moves like those to repair bodily tissue so rapidly is incredibly draining on Corelight. It is why Pokemon often cannot use their most powerful moves in rapid succession. Their supernatural energies, or Corelight, needs to recharge."
"Okay… And what of Z-Moves? Those are vastly more powerful than most moves, wouldn't that drain a Pokemon of its energies?" Ian asked.
Colress' eyebrows rose in surprise. "A good pivot, no wonder you fascinate me so…" Colress paused. "But yes. Z-Moves are spurred by Z-Crystals, which amplify the power of the Lamina and the Corelight. But the amplifier is just that, it's an external amplifier. The Pokemon channels the same amount of Corelight to make the move happen, leaving its reservoir of Corelight likely still very well intact."
Ian nodded. "Okay, I think I get it. So Sawsbuck won't be using Synthesis all of the time, and Pokemon Centers are still gonna be a regular thing?" Ian asked.
Colress nodded. "Precisely. The healing machines in Pokemon Centers also rejuvenate the Pokemon's Corelight."
Oh, so this Corelight stuff is basically the real world mechanic for PP in the game. Got it. "Okay, thank you…"
"I assume it's time to get to Sandshrew and Tyrunt?" Colress said.
"Oh yeah," Ian said. "Well, I want to get acquainted with Sandshrew a bit before I throw it at Tyrunt."
Colress nodded. "Fair."
Ian grabbed his Alolan Sandshrew's Premier Ball and eyed Sawsbuck, Wartortle, and Pyroar. "Ready to meet a new team member?" Sawsbuck and Pyroar gave cries of affirmation, while Wartortle gave a dissatisfied croak. "Well here goes, nice to meet you, Sandshrew!" Ian called out as he tossed the Premier Ball into the air.
Out came the metallic, icy rodent. Alolan Sandshrew eyed Ian curiously as it chittered and squeaked, turning to its new environment and companions. It squeaked in amazement as it made eye contact with Sawsbuck, who bleated lightly. Sandshrew then turned to Pyroar and gave a frightened squeak before trying to curl up into a ball, incompletely though as it pulled against the metallic part of its shell. "Hey there little guy, I'm Ian," he said, kneeling down to comfort Sandshrew.
"Little girl," Colress corrected, now re-focused on his omnitron.
"Little girl, I mean," Ian said, extending his hand with one condensed pellet of food on it. "Pyroar's not gonna hurt you anymore. It honestly felt like overkill. I'm sorry for that."
Sandshrew slowly, carefully opened back up. Looking into Sandshrew's dark, suspecting eyes made Ian realize there was a tinge of blue in them. Sandshrew stuck one of its claws into the condensed food pellet and popped it into its mouth. A few seconds after chewing and swallowing, Sandshrew jolted suddenly before getting onto its back, exposing its pale belly and running one of its little claws over it soothingly as it cooed.
"Well you're a happy girl," Ian said, slowly letting his hand caress Sandshrew's softer tummy. Sandshrew let out an even more satisfying coo.
"And Tyrunt?" Colress asked.
Ian eyed Colress nervously. "Uh… I don't know, maybe I can give Sandshrew some time before it has to deal with Tyrunt…" Ian said. "What moves does it have?"
"Hmm…" Colress said, pointing its antenna at the Sandshrew. "So as suspected it didn't come through any sort of Ultra Wormhole or Ultra Storm. It has… oh, that is nice…"
"What?" Ian asked.
"Its ability is Slush Rush. Doubling its speed in snowy weather or when Snowscape is in effect," Colress explained. "Very rare, but an exceptional ability."
Ian smiled at Sandshrew, giving her a nod of acknowledgement. "Snowscape? Not Hail?"
"Hail?" Colress asked in befuddled amusement.
Oh wait, that changed in the Scarlet and Violet games. I only played through Violet a couple times, my knowledge on that game's pretty spotty.
"Snowscape increases Ice Type Defenses quite a bit while active," Colress explained. "Unfortunately for your Sandshrew, it has not learned Snowscape yet."
"Oh well, that'll be for later then," Ian said with a casual shrug.
"Not if I have anything to say about that," Colress said, whipping out his high tech Silph Bag. He swiped a few times on the little screen and then finally found what he was looking for, manifesting a clear case with a light blue disc inside of it. Ian realized it looked like a bigger version of an old PSP game disc. I never had one but I saw them a couple times.
"And here we are, a Snowscape Technical Machine. You never know when half a decade's worth of research into Ice Lamina will come in handy," Colress said with a proud grin. Ice Type Energy research? Oh yeah, he built the machine that Team Plasma used to cover cities in ice… Oh.
He brought the case with the light blue disc to Sandshrew and placed the disc near its body. Sandshrew began to suddenly glow with Ice Type Energy as the TM disc did as well with a slight hum. After a few seconds, disc and Pokemon returned to normal, and Sandshrew gave a curious series of squeaks as it got upright.
"Hey Sandshrew, Snowscape!" Ian ordered.
Sandshrew began to glow with Ice Type Energy once more and it crossed its arms for a moment before stretching them out in one motion. Suddenly frost, snow, and slush began emanating from Sandshrew, spreading in a radius reaching twenty feet in every direction. Sandshrew jumped in shock from its own ability, and nearly lost its balance, and Ian noticed a faint pulsing Ice Type Energy appearing on its body. The defense buff from Snowscape, by the looks of it. "Let's see what you can do, Sandshrew!" Ian called out excitedly.
Sandshrew cheered as well and suddenly it slid a good ten feet in a second and a half, with Sandshrew losing her balance and falling over, giving an embarrassed squeak. "Gonna take some getting used to, right girl?"
Sandshrew started practicing maneuvers within Snowscape's radius, and while Ian watched, Colress cleared his throat. "The other moves would be Scratch, Defense Curl, Mist, Rollout, Fury Cutter, Metal Claw, Mud Slap, Powder Snow, Crush Claw, and Ice Shard. Also Snowscape now."
Ian nodded. "Thank you sir."
Colress shook his head. "No need to 'sir' me Ian. Those days are long behind me."
Ian nodded. "Gotcha."
"So, are we ready for Tyrunt?" Colress asked.
Ian tried to quash his fear, but even Sandshrew could tell something was up as it stopped to look at him. "Might as well…" Ian said, readying Tyrunt's Ultra Ball. "Sandshrew, you should get a Defense Curl in while you can." Sandshrew nodded and obeyed, its thick, outer armor glowing with Normal Type Energy. "Tyrunt, time to eat," Ian said, trying to sound confident.
Tyrunt manifested from the ball with an angry, fierce roar, eyeing its fellow team members with rage. It suddenly slipped on the icy terrain from Sandshrew's Snowscape and tumbled over, hitting the cold ground hard. It gave an annoyed snarl, but Ian noticed something he did not expect. Alolan Sandshrew was pointing at the fallen Tyrunt and eliciting a series of squeaks that reminded Ian of- Laughter? Is Sandshrew laughing at Tyrunt? I don't think that's gonna go well.
Tyrunt got up in a furious rage, roaring a battle cry as it charged Sandshrew. Sandshrew quickly slid away, but Tyrunt continued charging it. Sandshrew quickly ran out of ice, and it now stood helplessly as Tyrunt closed in, jaws open.
"Sandshrew!" Ian called out, desperately reaching for its Premier Ball.
"Hold it, Ian," Colress warned. "Let us see what unfolds."
"Tyrunt's gonna eat Sandshrew whole!" Ian fired back.
Colress gave a knowing, sinister laugh. "I would like to see it try." Something about Colress' tone didn't sound like he had total confidence in Sandshrew, but that he literally wanted to see it.
"Tyrunt, stop!" Ian called out desperately. Tyrunt dove its head down as Sandshrew curled into a ball with another Defense Curl, and Tyrunt took Sandshrew into its open mouth, growling and groaning as it bit down on Sandshrew's armor. Sandshrew's panicked squeals could be heard between Tyrunt's savage growls, but Sandshrew remained curled up and in the grips of Tyrunt's mouth. Tyrunt lifted its head up to get gravity on its side, but Sandshrew remained stuck.
Tyrunt gave a savage battle cry and tensed, biting down with all of its might. Ian watched in morbid fascination as Tyrunt's monstrous growls slowly became more and more bewildered. Tyrunt tried to chomp down on Sandshrew once more, squeezing its jaws together stubbornly before the Alpha stopped, a higher pitched groan coming from it.
"What the…?" Ian asked.
Tyrunt spat Sandshrew out of its mouth, and a fragment of one of Tyrunt's razor sharp teeth fell to the ground. Ian watched on in amazement as Colress chuckled. "Do not worry Ian, Tyrunt's tooth will grow back good as new by tomorrow."
Sandshrew uncurled itself and began pointing and laughing at Tyrunt once again. What a little troll.
Tyrunt backed away, fear in its eyes for once as Sandshrew continued teasing it. Tyrunt snapped aggressively but realized its display was not received like it was supposed to. Ian noticed Sawsbuck, Wartortle, and Pyroar all watching on, seemingly amused. I see I'm not the only one who's gotten a bit de-sensitized being here.
"Here, let us feed Tyrunt and be done with it," Colress reminded Ian as he held out two condensed brown food pellets.
"Yeah…"
***
A couple hours later, Ian had his backpack on and his camelbak filled, heading to the guest house with Colress where the rest of Team Skull was preparing for their descent down the eastern face of Mount Lanakila when he noticed Irida, Ingo, and Nui approaching. "Come to wish us off?" Ian called out.
"Yes," Irida answered politely.
"Mostly just you two," Nui said, a hint of mischief in her tone.
Ian and Colress paused as the council members met up with them, notably out of earshot of the other Team Skull members. Irida opened her mouth first, and Ian was once again blown away by the serenity and deep blue of her eyes. "Ian, on behalf of the Pearl Clan and all of Makamae Town, we owe you so much but can only say thank you for the time being."
Ian nodded. "You gave us shelter and helped us. That's more than enough."
Nui cleared her throat. "I suppose I must apologize for the hostility I showed upon your arrival, Ian Cougar. You should not be held accountable for the sins of your predecessors, and I have to admit I'm still surprised that not all Team Skull members are bad." Nui paused, and a knowing grin came across her face. "Although I shouldn't be, considering Tapu Bulu put a blessing on your Pokemon. This island has no Kahuna still, and while you will certainly never be that, you have given me hope that Tapu Bulu does in fact know what it's doing."
Ian smiled uncertainly at the attempted compliment and nodded his head like a pseudo bow. "I appreciate the kind words, ma'am."
Irida stepped forward, extending her hand to his, which he met, her eyes feeling like they were piercing his soul. "And I hope to see you again, Ian."
Ian nodded. "Thank you."
Ingo stepped forward and shook Ian's hand as well. "Young Ian, I hope you are able to find your place, wherever that may be."
Ian gave Ingo a full bow with his head. "Thank you sir." Ian then smiled. "And no matter what happens, I am gonna see you again."
Ingo chuckled lightly. "I look forward to that day."
"Looks like our private time is up," Irida said quietly as Ian caught Plumeria approaching.
"Come to see us off?" Plumeria called out, a hint of aggression in her voice.
"Indeed, but we have become distracted," Irida said with a playful giggle.
"That's fine," Plumeria said, clearly not believing her own words. "So we're expecting to be gone for about a week's time, hopefully just six days. We appreciate you watching over Hyde while he heals," Plumeria said.
Irida nodded. "There will be a Driftwood Guild member who stays there tomorrow night, please make sure he's aware and will be hospitable."
Plumeria nodded. "Oh he will be, I assure you." Plumeria paused, but remembered something. "He asked if he could have some glue? There's a compartment on his watch that's a bit loose and he wants to make sure it stays together."
"Glue?" Irida asked.
"Glue? For a watch?" Nui asked, befuddled.
"It's very important to him," Ian said. "His late brother's last gift."
"Oh," Nui said, calming her tone. "Normally I wouldn't, but that seems a noble enough cause. I should still have some from a few Driftwood orders ago."
"Thank you, councilwoman," Plumeria said. "Thank you again for everything, and hopefully us and Sawsbuck will be back soon enough."
Irida eyed Ian, still as dazzling as ever. "We look forward to it," she said conclusively.
***
The descent was far easier than the ascent, and the one rough stretch of terrain was easily handled by Colress' floating Metagross, which got each of them paired up with to ride on. Plumeria was silent with him the whole way, although Colress and Tupp ensured there was always some sort of conversation ongoing. Ian did spot another Zygarde Cell three-quarters of the way through the trek.
It was late afternoon when the group finished the descent and Plumeria decided to set up camp next to a quaint waterfall. The moment Ian's shoes hit sand he felt the air become dryer somehow. Looking back up to Mount Lanakila, Ian grimaced as he thought about having to ascend it to Makamae Town again. I might just go to Malie City on that alone. After setting up camp, with Colress breaking out a very high tech, pre-constructed tent from his Silph Bag, Tupp approached Ian with a big grin on his face. "What do you want, Tupp?" Ian said skeptically. "When you're smiling like this and Selene's not involved, something's up."
Tupp nodded. "Yo bro, we here in the Haina Desert. Maybe we could look for some Pokemon."
Ian shrugged. "Actually not a bad idea." Ian got the Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Poke Ball from his pack and showed them to Tupp. "Any preference on which one?"
Tupp shook his head. "Whatever's best for the Pokemon yo."
"Let's go ask if Plumeria lets us go out for a bit," Ian said. Not that Plumeria can refuse me, in all honesty. Ian went to the girls' tent where Plumeria and called for Plumeria, who poked her head out of the tent's flaps that functioned as a door seemingly in the middle of something.
"What?" She questioned.
"Tupp and I wanted to go look for a Pokemon to catch around here if that's cool," Ian asked.
Plumeria nodded quickly. "Sure. Selene and Rapp are doing the same thing actually. Don't go too far off, Breon's people patrol the southern part of the desert, and there's supposed to be an Alpha Krookodile den in the northern section."
"Thanks Big Sis," Tupp said.
"Bye," Plumeria simply, re-zipping the flaps of her tent together. Oh yeah, if she's PMSing and just hiked down a mountain…
Tupp turned to Ian with a dumb, excited smile. "Alpha Krookodile? Maybe there'll be a Sandile or something I can catch."
Ian rolled his eyes. "As long as we don't mess with the Alpha I'm okay."
Tupp nodded. "Deal."
The duo headed north in the late afternoon sun, with Ian catching sight of a spinning Baltoy and a couple flying Vullaby overhead.
"You want that Baltoy, yo?" Tupp asked.
Ian shook his head. "Hyde's got one, I've seemingly got him off my ass for now and I don't need any reason for him to get pissed off."
"You right," Tupp said. "While you were gone, all Hyde could talk about was that Irida chick. He's down even worse than I am for Selene."
Ian chuckled. "As long as he's got something to distract him from me. And I noticed you've been closer with Selene lately, how's that going?"
"I dunno bro, she was checking out that shirtless Pearl Clan dude all the time we were there," Tupp said.
Ian shrugged. "Gotta start working out more then."
Tupp nodded. "Yeah. Especially once we got more food coming through."
The duo continued on, and Ian spotted some Alolan Diglett's shifting through the sands in their way. "One of those?" Ian asked, pointing to Tupp.
"Nah bro, those things mess up the foundations of homes," Tupp said. "Whole of Po Town'll be on my ass," Tupp answered. Thankfully it didn't take long for something to catch Ian's eye up ahead. The sands shifted a good thirty to forty feet ahead, and Ian caught a glimpse of an orange creature rooted in the sand. Is that a Trapinch?
"Look at that yo!" Tupp said, pointing to the Trapinch disturbing the sand surrounding it. "That thing looks dope."
Ian readied the empty Poke Ball and almost handed it to Tupp but something caught his eye buzzing in the sky up above. The insectoid Pokemon had a green body with even darker green wings as it glided in the air easily. "Hey Tupp, look up."
"What?" Tupp asked.
Ian pointed at the Vibrava. "That's all you."
"What? Bro, why don't you want it?" Tupp asked.
"I already got a Dragon Type," Ian said. "I don't want to double up on types if I don't have to."
Tupp nodded, but realized something. "But you got Sawsbuck and Pyroar."
"I was under a time limit, remember?"
"Oh yeah…" Tupp said, focusing now on Vibrava.
Ian handed Tupp the Great Ball instead, and pointed up to Vibrava. "You're probably gonna want to use Golbat for this. Get to show me how far you and it have come."
"Yeah bro, let's go Golbat!" Tupp called out, throwing his Poke Ball to the sky. Golbat appeared with a raspy wheeze before locking onto the opposing Vibrava and engaging it. Vibrava took a moment to notice the large bat flying its way, but once it did, it fired a blast of dark blue energy. Dragon Breath?
Golbat barrel rolled away from the oncoming attack and continued closing in. Tupp…
"Alright Golbat, Toxic!" Tupp called out. Golbat wheezed once more, seemingly vomiting dark purple barbs at Vibrava, who dove to dodge. Vibrava's flight path got unsteady, and Ian noticed one of the barbs had in fact hit home.
"Excellent, Tupp," Ian said.
"So tell me why Golbat's had that the whole time," Tupp said lowly before shifting his voice. "Now, back off and use Air Cutter!"
Golbat did as ordered, putting some air distance between it and Vibrava. The green insectoid Pokemon charged at Golbat this time as Golbat fired an Air Cutter, which Vibrava adeptly dodged while still keeping its momentum and slamming into Golbat, Dark Type Energy around its mouth, causing Golbat to screech in pain. Oh that's Bite, maybe even Crunch…
Once released from Vibrava's mouth, Golbat fell motionlessly from the air for a couple seconds before regaining initiative, flapping its wings angrily. Vibrava manifested a couple stones which it then launched at Golbat. Ian tensed, remembering the practice exercise Tupp had shown him a few days back that Grimsley had been coaching him.
Golbat spun away from the oncoming stones and already had its wings glowing with Flying Type Energy as it fired another Air Cutter. The flying wedge of light blue Type Energy smacked into Vibrava, knocking it back. Ian pumped his fist excitedly, while Tupp kept his focus on the opponent, a proud smirk forming on his face.
Vibrava bounced back quickly and fired another Dragon Breath at Golbat, who dodged and tried the same maneuver again, this time with Vibrava dodging it. The two airborne Pokemon continued this dance of launching ranged attacks, dodging, and firing more off for a good minute and a half with neither side getting hit, but Vibrava was noticeably starting to weaken. This is textbook, Tupp.
Finally one of Vibrava's manifested stones smacked Golbat in the wing, crippling the bat as it fell back to the sand. Tupp recalled it before hitting the ground, but he tensed up. "It's gonna just flee if I get Gumshoos out."
Ian shrugged. "Maybe just keep your distance with Sobble. The poison's ticking it down."
Tupp nodded. "Okay…" Tupp exhaled deeply as he held Sobble's Poke Ball in his hand. "Just like practice, yo." The Poke Ball opened, and Sobble emerged with a determined cry. "Sobble, on your toes!"
Vibrava seemingly scoffed and charged the little amphibian. "Water Gun and roll!" Tupp ordered. Sobble fired a small blast of Water Gun at Vibrava that came at Vibrava so quickly the charging Pokemon was unable to dodge. It took the attack, barely changing course, and Sobble leapt out of the way, letting Vibrava swoop by, unsuccessful in its attack. Sobble fired another short stream of Water Gun as Vibrava repositioned, connecting once more. That's gonna add up, just don't get too cocky bro.
Vibrava's balance got unsteady, but it turned back around and its wings began glowing with Normal Type Energy. A wave of energy fired from Vibrava's wings, and Ian recoiled as the sound flared pain in his brain. Sobble cried out, clearly hurt, but steeled itself after the initial burst and got its head back in the game. Sobble then darted forward. Vibrava fired a Dragon Breath, and Sobble stopped suddenly and fired a Water Gun as Dragon Breath hit the empty ground in front of it.
This stream of Water Gun hit Vibrava square in its eye, causing the flying insectoid to cry out in pain as it began falling to the ground. Its wings flapped desperately, but it no longer had the strength to keep itself airborne. Sobble fired a longer, continuous stream of Water Gun, pelting Vibrava with more water. Vibrava collided with the sand, making a dust cloud from the impact, and Tupp hurried over right next to Sobble and tossed the Great Ball at Vibrava.
The ball bounced off Vibrava and opened, absorbing the Pokemon into itself. It shook once, twice, three times, but went still. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Tupp shouted in celebration. Sobble jumped on Tupp's leg and crawled up to his head, knocking Tupp's skull cap off his head as it celebrated as well.
Ian hollered as well, rushing to Tupp as he smacked Tupp's shoulder. The boys' jubilation lasted for a few minutes as Tupp celebrated his Sobble and newly caught Vibrava. Eventually they left the scene, heading back to camp as waves of euphoria overwhelmed the best buddies. As the campsite came into view, Tupp turned to Ian, talking hushedly . "This is just the beginning, yo. Imagine how strong we'll be in a few more weeks, even months!"
Ian smiled nervously, remembering he wasn't exactly sure if he'd be around for more than a few days. "Yeah…" He said, doing a bad job of hiding his unease.
"Hey Big Sis!" Tupp called out as Plumeria got up from crouching on the ground. "I caught a Vibrava!"
Plumeria tilted her head in surprise, folding her arms. "Really? You did?"
Ian nodded. "He was great. Got it poisoned with Golbat, stalled it out by dodging, then Sobble came in, kept dodging and finished it off." Tupp showed off the Great Ball proudly.
"Not bad at all, numbskull," Plumeria said. "And here I was worried when Ian gave you that Sobble I'd have to intervene in case it was getting abused."
"What?" Tupp asked.
"Nothing," Plumeria said quickly. "It's a flyer, something we'll be able to use if it evolves." Plumeria turned to Ian, her intense gaze implying something. Oh yeah, the EXP Candies.
"Plumeria!" Selene's desperate voice called out from south of the campsite, notably by herself.
The group of three turned to see Selene struggling to run, panting heavily. "These guys came, they took Rapp!"
"What?" Plumeria called back in shock. "Rapp's-"
"Kidnapped?" Ian asked aloud.
Selene collapsed against the sand. "Yeah…"
"Where'd they go?" Plumeria demanded.
"That way…" Selene said, pointing south, to where a few miles away laid the ocean and… Haina Town. The whispers of what Breon did to prisoners and concubines rushed back to Ian and he wordlessly grabbed Sawsbuck's Heal Ball and released it, his blessed stag manifesting in its summer form, with vibrant green bushes having taken root on its antlers.
"Ian…" Plumeria called out as Sawsbuck's vines helped Ian mount his Pokemon.
"How many are there?" Ian asked.
"Three. Toucannon's following them at a distance, look for it in the sky," Selene said.
"Got it!" Ian called out as Sawsbuck immediately leapt into motion, clouds of sand forming in their wake.
"We'll back you up!" Plumeria called out.
"Sawsbuck…" Ian whispered intensely. "Let's go." Sawsbuck burst into even faster than normal speed, Ian's eyes focused on the horizon for Selene's Toucannon.
After being summoned to have Sawsbuck work its magic on the Pearl Clan's crops, Ian took a seat on a rather uncomfortable boulder a couple dozen feet away behind the raised beds, his back turned to Team Skull's guesthouse and the rest of Makamae Town in general. The sun was starting to set in the west, and looking east all he saw was darkness. Ian felt a rather biting chill hit him with the breeze and debated releasing Pyroar out of its ball but decided against it. Something about the cold seemed fitting, almost comforting from the latent anger still flowing in his veins. Not long after, Ian's tranquility was broken with the sound of approaching footsteps. He turned, seeing Tupp and Selene coming toward him.
"Hey Ian," Selene said delicately. "How you feeling?"
"Doesn't really matter," he croaked.
"In the first hour since she came back from your altercation thing, Plumeria put a hole in a wall, bawled her eyes out, and cussed out Hyde like three times," Selene said with a giggle. "And she took another one of my tampons, in case you were wondering what might have made her so… mad."
Ian shook his head. "No offense, but do you really think I'm gonna just wipe away all of that bullshit she said because she's PMSing?"
"Well, no…" Selene mumbled.
"She been talking to the old boat captain guy for a while now," Tupp added. "Real serious and shit."
Ingo. Probably formalizing some sort of transfer or something.
"What were you guys even talking about anyways? Plumeria's been really quiet about that. Was it the stuff she was talking to you on the patio about last night?" Selene asked.
At least she's being quiet about it. "In a way," Ian grumbled.
"Any chance you'll fill us in a bit on it?" Selene asked.
"If I did, you'd probably be having the same issues Plumeria's having with me," Ian said hopelessly.
"Oh… What if I promised not to get mad? That I wouldn't tell anyone?" Selene asked.
Ian shook his head, defeated. "She said the same thing."
"Oh… I'm sorry Ian," Selene said.
"Yo bro, you know why they call it PMS?" Tupp asked.
Ian eyed him curiously. "Why's that?"
"Cuz 'Mad Cow Disease' was already taken!" Tupp answered, breaking out into a laughing fit.
"Tupp, what the fuck?" Selene said, giving him a punch on the arm.
Laughter slipped out of Ian's face, breaking his melancholy, if only for a few moments. "Thanks bro," Ian said, extending a fist bump.
"Pardon this unscheduled stop everyone," the old voice Ian recognized as Ingo's called out. "If I may have some private time with Ian, it would be greatly appreciated."
"Uh… sure?" Tupp said, joining Selene as they departed.
Ian watched Ingo carefully. The older man with the train conductor hat and Pearl Clan sweater approached with a serene calm Ian found almost suspicious and took a seat next to Ian on his resident boulder. "I apologize if I am intruding, Ian," Ingo said. "But I felt a need to get involved."
"So, am I getting kicked out of Team Skull?" Ian asked, meeting the gaze of Ingo's silver eyes.
"Not that I'm aware of," Ingo said. "I'm not here on any Pearl Clan business, if you can believe me. It's just when I see something blocking the track ahead of good people, I feel compelled to clear it no matter who they are."
Heh, train terms. "No offense sir, but you barely know me. How do you know I'm a good person?"
"Well, first, how you dove on the sword when you and Plumeria appeared before our little council. Not even a day has passed since, and I understand why Plumeria did not want to disclose your Sawsbuck's abilities," Ingo said. "And second, the fact that you are still here, still conflicted about words spoken in anger."
Ian exhaled, realizing the depths to Ingo's observation.
"You must be going through so much, young man," Ingo continued. "You said you have been in this world for three weeks. And it appears you have retained your memory from whence you came?"
Ian nodded. "Yeah… I heard you were actually in a similar situation, just not quite having all of your memory." I'm not sure I have the patience for him to explain his backstory right now.
"Mmmm…" Ingo said. "You have sharp ears. A vast majority of my earlier life's memories are gone. When I dream I see hints and flashes, fleeting visions, close enough to grasp, but they become just out of reach when I get my hands on them…" Ingo paused. "But I have come to speak to you today not to tell you my life's story or my troubles, although I may share them…" Ingo paused and changed his tone to a brisk, authoritative one. "Look into my eyes, Ian." Ingo hunched over, focusing his intense gaze on Ian, and Ian kept his sullen eyes locked in with Ingo's silvery pair. After a good ten seconds of study, Ingo broke eye contact. "Whatever it is that torments you Ian, it shows in your eyes."
Ian swallowed his tongue, realizing the elder in front of him was someone worth listening to every word.
"I would see the same torment in my own reflection during my early days in the Pearl Clan. And I saw the same pain in the eyes of a young man named Rei, back in Hisui," Ingo explained. That was the name of the Legends Arceus protagonist, right? The male one at least. "He was a good friend. Younger than you when he arrived in Hisui. I didn't know him for a while, but he was always looked at with suspicion by many of his comrades in Jubilife Village. Yet he persevered, he used his vast knowledge, knowledge that only made him more suspicious to his comrades…" Ingo paused. "I suppose you know how that feels?"
Ian gulped. "Yeah… Did Plumeria tell you anything specific?"
Ingo cleared his throat. "Nothing specific, she told me she was sworn to secrecy, which I must respect. But she did tell me that you told her a small fraction of knowledge you did not want to discuss, yet she pushed you, and that fraction of knowledge did trouble her greatly. It troubled her in ways she could not comprehend."
Ian nodded. "That's fair…"
Ingo then put his arm around Ian's shoulder, embracing him, his voice wavering with genuine emotion. "And if that small of a fraction upset her so, I cannot fathom the burden you carry now, young man." Ian felt his eyes begin to water and he closed them, trying to blink back the tears. Ingo squeezed his shoulder tighter, as if reminding him he was not alone. Ian tightened his throat to stifle any sobs that wanted to make themselves known, and he just sat there for who knows how long, inhaling, exhaling, and letting the emotion wash over him.
Finally Ian developed the strength to speak. "Thank you, Ingo… I really needed that."
"You are more than welcome to it, anytime my young friend," Ingo said. "Would you indulge me telling a short tale of my early days with the Pearl Clan?"
Ian nodded. "You have my full, un-divided attention, sir."
"And you have my thanks," Ingo said, retreating his arm from Ian's shoulder and tipping his hat out of respect. "When I first arrived in the Pearl Clan, I knew so very little. I recognized so few Pokemon, but somehow, seeing them in action, in battle, and interacting with them, holding them, petting them, it was like I had done it all my life. I knew Type matchups yet couldn't say what Type most Pokemon were… It was even more baffling to me than to my own comrades. Irida's predecessor, a very forthright man, finally had enough of my 'suspicious fables' as he called them. I was cast out for a night, but I did not return the next morning, nor the morning after. A woman, the Lady Cogita of the Ancient Retreat took me in and heard my story. She comforted me when I told her of the knowledge I apparently knew but did not consciously know, and of how much it pained me."
Ian nodded, waiting on every word.
"When I finished my tale, she told me that I was not the first to befall such a situation, and that I would not be the last. She claimed to have seen a number of people like me over her long life. Some would go off into the wilderness, trying to make sense of things. She rarely heard from them again. But the ones who took it all in stride, who soldiered on and sought purpose in their new, and so different lives, would find peace with their truths, whatever they were."
Ian nodded solemnly.
"And so I will tell you what she told me, and what I told young Rei when he and I had a conversation not unlike this," Ingo said, the words weighing heavily. "Follow wherever your heart leads, and once there, commit to doing the most good you can. You will not solve the world's problems, but you will find peace and purpose in doing so." With that, Ingo arose from the boulder, and for the first time in hours, Ian did as well. The two embraced a short time, no words needing to be exchanged.
"Can I ask… What can you remember of your… former life?" Ian asked meekly.
"Of course… Images of buildings that tower into the sky, loud machines rumbling by and… a man… A man clad in white, very much like the clothes I woke up in Hisui in, all those years ago. For so long I thought it was me I was seeing, but Rei had a different thought that stuck with me… He said it might have been a brother of mine. After that it was like something unlocked, I remembered standing side by side with someone very much like me, locked in combat, with smiles on our faces. He had some great, muscular brown beast, and I, a dark blue creature made of stone…" Ingo paused. "I know in my heart that figure is my brother, and the more I see of this world, the more it is like the one Rei described, and where he believed I might truly be from. Part of me thinks that figure, my brother, may still be out there…" Ingo sniffled as a slight tear fell down his cheek."... looking for me."
"Sir, have you thought of looking for him?" Ian asked.
Ingo shook his head quickly. "A little… but the Pearl Clan, my people, we are in dire need. Perhaps he is out there, but I am needed here. If I were to leave for my own selfish purpose and by an act of providence, find him, and then find out a terrible fate befell my beloved comrades here? I would not be able to smile again. Therefore I cannot leave them until I know they are safe and secure…" Ingo cleared his throat. "But enough of that sad talk, I reckon your ears have tired by now?"
Ian shook his head. "No, not at all."
Ingo chuckled lightly. "I did put some thought into it, but I realized looking for my brother, whose name I know not, and whose garb seems to be irregular in this world, would be like hunting for a Cherubi tree without knowing the fruit the tree bears."
Ian felt a small, hopeful grin sneak onto his face and words came to him. "Ingo, we may have just met, but when this is all done, when the Ultra Rift closes up, and the Pearl Clan has found a true home, I want to help you find your brother."
"It will be harder than finding a Zorua in the Fieldlands, I think," Ingo replied.
"I think I'll be able to help narrow it down at least," Ian said, his smile widening.
"Regardless of your ability, I would be honored to have you, when this is all said and done…" Ingo turned his attention to the Ultra Rift to give it a look.
"At the beginning of this I thought you were going to try to recruit me," Ian said.
Ingo shook his head with a knowing laugh, and turned around one last time. "It would have been an insult to the memory of our late, great hero, Rei." Ingo tipped his hat and turned back around, heading back into town, the sky having now darkened significantly overhead. The Ultra Rift shown beautifully atop the summit, with Ian allowing himself to be mesmerized by the rainbow pattern of colors it had cycled into. Ian kept his arms folded, observing the bizarre phenomenon as Ingo's words replayed in his brain. It was like getting advice from a guru or something… To think, out of all of the people I could've met in this world, it's a guy who not only has some first hand experience of what I'm going through, but actively knew someone who may well have been going through exactly this situation too…
Ian's reflection lasted for some time before dainty footsteps hit his ears. "Ian Cougar?" Irida's soft, angelic voice asked.
"Has it been three hours?" Ian asked.
"A little while past it actually," Irida said. "But I wanted to give you space."
Ian nodded. "I appreciate it."
"I've heard you and Lady Plumeria got into a fierce argument earlier," Irida said.
"That we did…" Ian said.
"Pardon me for being so forward but, I feel inclined to tell you. If Team Skull ever does you wrong, we would happily accept you Ian," Irida said.
Ian felt a snarky reply about her Sawsbuck fixation take root in his mind, but he figured he best avoided it. She might become my boss if Plumeria's pissed enough at me. "I appreciate it."
"And not just for your Sawsbuck. Lian and Ingo both have high praise for you," Irida said.
Ian nodded. "When did Ingo tell you that?"
"Earlier today," Irida said. "Why do you ask?"
"I just spoke with him."
"This is where he went off to?" Irida asked.
"Yeah… You know, after the blow up with Plumeria and before I spoke to Ingo, I thought I was going to just go to Malie City and be done with all of this… The Ultra Rift, Surge, Breon… all of this nonsense," Ian explained.
"And has that changed?" Irida asked.
"It might have… I'll need to sleep on it," Ian answered.
"Well I do have a spare room with a bed made just for you, since I believe Plumeria will not have you at the guest house tonight," Irida said.
"Probably for the best," Ian said.
"There is a pot of tea ready to be heated up by my Ninetales, should you wish," Irida mentioned.
"Thanks…" Ian said. "But I'm not much of a tea guy." A chilling wind swept over him, and Ian realized what was needed. He felt around his belt for Sawsbuck's Heal Ball in the nighttime darkness and released his blessed stag. "Let's do a once-over and finish up for the day, bud," Ian ordered.
Sawsbuck sprung into action, its whitened form dancing like a ghost in the light of the moon and Ultra Rift.
"I shall await on my front balcony for you, Ian," Irida said, stepping away.
***
Irida awoke him at the crack of dawn for more Sawsbuck use, and when he finished up, Colress awaited him in the middle of the street with his signature unsettling grin. "Up bright and early as well, Ian?" Colress asked.
"Yes indeed," Ian said. "The Pearl Clan needs its Sawsbuck fix."
"Would you care for some breakfast for you and your team?" Colress said.
"I'm allowed to have it?" Ian asked, still not sure what was happening with him and Team Skull.
Colress scoffed. "Of course! Your Sawsbuck is the main reason I asked to be escorted by Team Skull in the first place."
"Oh… Bad news, Plumeria and I had an argument yesterday and I'm not entirely sure I'm going with them now…" Ian explained.
Colress took a quick look around to make sure no one was nearby and closed in on Ian, smiling creepily. "How foolish of them. Were you planning on staying here, if that's the case?"
Ian grimaced. "I wasn't sure…"
Colress snickered wickedly, making Ian get goosebumps. "I will mention you would be most welcome to join me in Malie City. Back in true civilization. Assuming you were interested in that."
"That's something I haven't ruled out…"
Colress suddenly turned and waved exuberantly to something behind Ian. "Oh, my Team Skull friends! When do we depart?"
"After Sawsbuck's next blessing, a little under three hours from now," Plumeria's voice said bitterly. Ian turned around, seeing Plumeria flanked by Selene and Rapp. She pointed directly at Ian. "We need to talk."
Sounds like a breakup's coming. "Okay."
Plumeria led Ian a few dozen feet away. Plumeria pivoted and turned to Ian, her eyes stoic. "I shouldn't have yelled at you yesterday."
Ian nodded. "I shouldn't have shit-talked your leadership."
Plumeria nodded. "I know it's not an excuse, but I've been PMSing real hard the past couple days. Doesn't help we're the Pearl Clan's bitch. I'm feeling very vulnerable, and you're feeling very vulnerable. So I'll explain like this…"
Ian folded his arms, but indicated she should continue.
"We need you Ian. Po Town needs you. This whole fuckin' expedition's pointless if you leave. So… even though I have thousands of questions I want to ask you, I promise I will only ask about what's needed, and I will not press you for further details about what you know," Plumeria explained. "I clearly can't handle it."
Ian grimaced, remaining silent.
"And I know I said that before, but your leaving destroys us, so I'm effectively at your mercy now too. I promise I will trust you and I will trust your judgement about what you disclose. I also trust that you won't abuse this power over me," Plumeria said coldly.
I'm still not sure if I want to stick around long term, but going with them gets me to Malie City's outskirts and I'll get more time to scout Colress. "Okay," Ian said hoarsely.
Plumeria sighed with relief. "Thank you Ian. Good news is you won't have to deal with Hyde until we come back, which should be a plus."
"Just make sure he doesn't get too flirty with Irida," Ian said.
Plumeria rolled her eyes. "Dumbass can't even stay in a chair for a week and not start problems." Plumeria held her fist out, eyeing him expectantly. Ian fist-bumped her hesitantly, studying her face for anything off. "Also we should have a code word."
"What?" Ian asked.
"For when I need to ask you a that kind of question," Plumeria said.
"Okay…" Ian grumbled. He initially started thinking on what the code word would be, but decided this was a Plumeria thing.
"Considering I never called you this, but it wouldn't raise suspicion to any party members, I'll say 'Coogz,'" Plumeria suggested.
Ian shrugged. "That works."
He turned to leave and took a couple steps before Plumeria meekly said "Coogz."
Ian turned back around with a scowl. "What?"
Plumeria stepped closely to him, hushing her voice to a whisper. "Do you know who this Colress guy is? He gives me the creeps."
"He was a bad guy in Unova, the top scientist for the evil team. He developed a machine that used a Legendary Pokemon's power to cover a whole city in ice."
Plumeria's eyes widened. "Oh…"
Ian shook his head quickly. "He went through a redemption and basically became a good scientist here in Alola."
"So, he's okay now?"
Ian shrugged. "I'm really not sure. Still scoping him out. Lian thinks he likely came from the Ultra Rift actually…"
"Oh… Has he said anything about it?" Plumeria asked.
Ian shook his head. "He said he came from an Ultra Wormhole, but he has his memory so that kind of rules that out…"
"Yeah," Plumeria said as she exhaled. "So, I figured he was bad news, but he seems like a 'big picture' guy. We're small fries to him. We can escort him, get paid, and never have to deal with him again."
"That's not a bad idea," Ian said.
"Okay, one more thing, not a 'Coogz' thing, I swear," Plumeria said.
Ian gave her an annoyed look.
"Has he tried to recruit you to go to Malie City with him?" Plumeria asked.
"...Yeah."
Plumeria sighed, her eyes already telling defeat. "Dammit." Plumeria began trudging back to the guest house, and Colress took the initiative and closed back in on Ian, his unsettling grin even wider than before.
"So I take it you'll be making the journey with Team Skull?" Colress asked.
Ian nodded. "Yeah, looks like it."
"Very good. Now let's get you some breakfast, I would like to see how your new Sandshrew deals with that Tyrunt."
Ian gulped. "I actually wasn't able to introduce myself to Sandshrew yesterday."
"Ah, those dreadful emotions getting in the way of progress," Colress said, a hint of disapproval in his glare. Colress manifested more condensed Pokemon food and Ian took a good handful. "And some protein bars for you."
Ian gave a thankful nod and got to work releasing his team. Sawsbuck came out first, followed by Wartortle and Pyroar. After feeding his original three, he noticed Colress pointing his Omnitron's antenna at each of his Pokemon as they ate. "Pardon me Ian, but what moves are you aware that Sawsbuck knows?"
"A lot…" Ian replied. It's pretty cool the four-move-limit from the games isn't a thing here. "Horn Leech, Leech Seed, Tackle, Double Kick, Bulldoze, Bullet Seed, Sand Attack, Zen Headbutt, Agility… and oh yeah, Megahorn," Ian recalled.
Colress chuckled as he eyed his omnitron. "That is not everything Sawsbuck is capable of at this time."
"Really?" Ian asked.
"Sawsbuck is also capable of the moves Take Down, Worry Seed, Charm, ohoho," Colress said, adjusting his glasses. "This blessed stag of yours also can use Throat Chop and Synthesis."
Ian's eyebrows rose. "Oh, a healing move like that? That's dope."
"And Throat Chop is a very strong move that should come in handy," Colress said.
"Hey Sawsbuck, wanna strut your stuff? I got your biggest fan here…" Ian teased. Sawsbuck bleated happily and pranced for a bit before his white snow-white antlers became enveloped in Dark Type Energy. Sawsbuck then charged forward at full speed before lowering itself temporarily and lunging forward with unnatural speed, jerking its antlers like a crowbar. Once the darkness faded from Sawsbuck's antler, his blessed stag circled back around with its tongue out, quite pleased with itself.
"Gnarly," Ian said excitedly before turning to Colress. "So, for Synthesis… how exactly does that work? Will Sawsbuck never need a Pokemon Center again since it heals depending on how sunny it is, right?"
Colress snickered mischievously. "How studied are you in Pokemon sciences, Ian?"
Ian shrugged. "It was pretty spotty…"
Colress gave a subtle eyeroll. "There may be different terms here but I'll tell you the ones from my world. Each Pokemon contains a pool of supernatural energy within their bodies we call the Spirit Core. Those supernatural energies that make Pokemon above regular biologics are what we call Corelight. Corelight is channeled into one of eighteen types of Lamina."
"Lamina?" Ian asked. Wait, eighteen? Is that the energy that makes a Pokemon move a certain type? "Like the Type Energy?" Ian asked.
"Type Energy? How crude," Colress observed. "But yes, 'Type Energy,' if that makes it easier for you. A Pokemon may only use a move like Synthesis, Recovery, Moonlight, et cetera, once every few hours. Using moves like those to repair bodily tissue so rapidly is incredibly draining on Corelight. It is why Pokemon often cannot use their most powerful moves in rapid succession. Their supernatural energies, or Corelight, needs to recharge."
"Okay… And what of Z-Moves? Those are vastly more powerful than most moves, wouldn't that drain a Pokemon of its energies?" Ian asked.
Colress' eyebrows rose in surprise. "A good pivot, no wonder you fascinate me so…" Colress paused. "But yes. Z-Moves are spurred by Z-Crystals, which amplify the power of the Lamina and the Corelight. But the amplifier is just that, it's an external amplifier. The Pokemon channels the same amount of Corelight to make the move happen, leaving its reservoir of Corelight likely still very well intact."
Ian nodded. "Okay, I think I get it. So Sawsbuck won't be using Synthesis all of the time, and Pokemon Centers are still gonna be a regular thing?" Ian asked.
Colress nodded. "Precisely. The healing machines in Pokemon Centers also rejuvenate the Pokemon's Corelight."
Oh, so this Corelight stuff is basically the real world mechanic for PP in the game. Got it. "Okay, thank you…"
"I assume it's time to get to Sandshrew and Tyrunt?" Colress said.
"Oh yeah," Ian said. "Well, I want to get acquainted with Sandshrew a bit before I throw it at Tyrunt."
Colress nodded. "Fair."
Ian grabbed his Alolan Sandshrew's Premier Ball and eyed Sawsbuck, Wartortle, and Pyroar. "Ready to meet a new team member?" Sawsbuck and Pyroar gave cries of affirmation, while Wartortle gave a dissatisfied croak. "Well here goes, nice to meet you, Sandshrew!" Ian called out as he tossed the Premier Ball into the air.
Out came the metallic, icy rodent. Alolan Sandshrew eyed Ian curiously as it chittered and squeaked, turning to its new environment and companions. It squeaked in amazement as it made eye contact with Sawsbuck, who bleated lightly. Sandshrew then turned to Pyroar and gave a frightened squeak before trying to curl up into a ball, incompletely though as it pulled against the metallic part of its shell. "Hey there little guy, I'm Ian," he said, kneeling down to comfort Sandshrew.
"Little girl," Colress corrected, now re-focused on his omnitron.
"Little girl, I mean," Ian said, extending his hand with one condensed pellet of food on it. "Pyroar's not gonna hurt you anymore. It honestly felt like overkill. I'm sorry for that."
Sandshrew slowly, carefully opened back up. Looking into Sandshrew's dark, suspecting eyes made Ian realize there was a tinge of blue in them. Sandshrew stuck one of its claws into the condensed food pellet and popped it into its mouth. A few seconds after chewing and swallowing, Sandshrew jolted suddenly before getting onto its back, exposing its pale belly and running one of its little claws over it soothingly as it cooed.
"Well you're a happy girl," Ian said, slowly letting his hand caress Sandshrew's softer tummy. Sandshrew let out an even more satisfying coo.
"And Tyrunt?" Colress asked.
Ian eyed Colress nervously. "Uh… I don't know, maybe I can give Sandshrew some time before it has to deal with Tyrunt…" Ian said. "What moves does it have?"
"Hmm…" Colress said, pointing its antenna at the Sandshrew. "So as suspected it didn't come through any sort of Ultra Wormhole or Ultra Storm. It has… oh, that is nice…"
"What?" Ian asked.
"Its ability is Slush Rush. Doubling its speed in snowy weather or when Snowscape is in effect," Colress explained. "Very rare, but an exceptional ability."
Ian smiled at Sandshrew, giving her a nod of acknowledgement. "Snowscape? Not Hail?"
"Hail?" Colress asked in befuddled amusement.
Oh wait, that changed in the Scarlet and Violet games. I only played through Violet a couple times, my knowledge on that game's pretty spotty.
"Snowscape increases Ice Type Defenses quite a bit while active," Colress explained. "Unfortunately for your Sandshrew, it has not learned Snowscape yet."
"Oh well, that'll be for later then," Ian said with a casual shrug.
"Not if I have anything to say about that," Colress said, whipping out his high tech Silph Bag. He swiped a few times on the little screen and then finally found what he was looking for, manifesting a clear case with a light blue disc inside of it. Ian realized it looked like a bigger version of an old PSP game disc. I never had one but I saw them a couple times.
"And here we are, a Snowscape Technical Machine. You never know when half a decade's worth of research into Ice Lamina will come in handy," Colress said with a proud grin. Ice Type Energy research? Oh yeah, he built the machine that Team Plasma used to cover cities in ice… Oh.
He brought the case with the light blue disc to Sandshrew and placed the disc near its body. Sandshrew began to suddenly glow with Ice Type Energy as the TM disc did as well with a slight hum. After a few seconds, disc and Pokemon returned to normal, and Sandshrew gave a curious series of squeaks as it got upright.
"Hey Sandshrew, Snowscape!" Ian ordered.
Sandshrew began to glow with Ice Type Energy once more and it crossed its arms for a moment before stretching them out in one motion. Suddenly frost, snow, and slush began emanating from Sandshrew, spreading in a radius reaching twenty feet in every direction. Sandshrew jumped in shock from its own ability, and nearly lost its balance, and Ian noticed a faint pulsing Ice Type Energy appearing on its body. The defense buff from Snowscape, by the looks of it. "Let's see what you can do, Sandshrew!" Ian called out excitedly.
Sandshrew cheered as well and suddenly it slid a good ten feet in a second and a half, with Sandshrew losing her balance and falling over, giving an embarrassed squeak. "Gonna take some getting used to, right girl?"
Sandshrew started practicing maneuvers within Snowscape's radius, and while Ian watched, Colress cleared his throat. "The other moves would be Scratch, Defense Curl, Mist, Rollout, Fury Cutter, Metal Claw, Mud Slap, Powder Snow, Crush Claw, and Ice Shard. Also Snowscape now."
Ian nodded. "Thank you sir."
Colress shook his head. "No need to 'sir' me Ian. Those days are long behind me."
Ian nodded. "Gotcha."
"So, are we ready for Tyrunt?" Colress asked.
Ian tried to quash his fear, but even Sandshrew could tell something was up as it stopped to look at him. "Might as well…" Ian said, readying Tyrunt's Ultra Ball. "Sandshrew, you should get a Defense Curl in while you can." Sandshrew nodded and obeyed, its thick, outer armor glowing with Normal Type Energy. "Tyrunt, time to eat," Ian said, trying to sound confident.
Tyrunt manifested from the ball with an angry, fierce roar, eyeing its fellow team members with rage. It suddenly slipped on the icy terrain from Sandshrew's Snowscape and tumbled over, hitting the cold ground hard. It gave an annoyed snarl, but Ian noticed something he did not expect. Alolan Sandshrew was pointing at the fallen Tyrunt and eliciting a series of squeaks that reminded Ian of- Laughter? Is Sandshrew laughing at Tyrunt? I don't think that's gonna go well.
Tyrunt got up in a furious rage, roaring a battle cry as it charged Sandshrew. Sandshrew quickly slid away, but Tyrunt continued charging it. Sandshrew quickly ran out of ice, and it now stood helplessly as Tyrunt closed in, jaws open.
"Sandshrew!" Ian called out, desperately reaching for its Premier Ball.
"Hold it, Ian," Colress warned. "Let us see what unfolds."
"Tyrunt's gonna eat Sandshrew whole!" Ian fired back.
Colress gave a knowing, sinister laugh. "I would like to see it try." Something about Colress' tone didn't sound like he had total confidence in Sandshrew, but that he literally wanted to see it.
"Tyrunt, stop!" Ian called out desperately. Tyrunt dove its head down as Sandshrew curled into a ball with another Defense Curl, and Tyrunt took Sandshrew into its open mouth, growling and groaning as it bit down on Sandshrew's armor. Sandshrew's panicked squeals could be heard between Tyrunt's savage growls, but Sandshrew remained curled up and in the grips of Tyrunt's mouth. Tyrunt lifted its head up to get gravity on its side, but Sandshrew remained stuck.
Tyrunt gave a savage battle cry and tensed, biting down with all of its might. Ian watched in morbid fascination as Tyrunt's monstrous growls slowly became more and more bewildered. Tyrunt tried to chomp down on Sandshrew once more, squeezing its jaws together stubbornly before the Alpha stopped, a higher pitched groan coming from it.
"What the…?" Ian asked.
Tyrunt spat Sandshrew out of its mouth, and a fragment of one of Tyrunt's razor sharp teeth fell to the ground. Ian watched on in amazement as Colress chuckled. "Do not worry Ian, Tyrunt's tooth will grow back good as new by tomorrow."
Sandshrew uncurled itself and began pointing and laughing at Tyrunt once again. What a little troll.
Tyrunt backed away, fear in its eyes for once as Sandshrew continued teasing it. Tyrunt snapped aggressively but realized its display was not received like it was supposed to. Ian noticed Sawsbuck, Wartortle, and Pyroar all watching on, seemingly amused. I see I'm not the only one who's gotten a bit de-sensitized being here.
"Here, let us feed Tyrunt and be done with it," Colress reminded Ian as he held out two condensed brown food pellets.
"Yeah…"
***
A couple hours later, Ian had his backpack on and his camelbak filled, heading to the guest house with Colress where the rest of Team Skull was preparing for their descent down the eastern face of Mount Lanakila when he noticed Irida, Ingo, and Nui approaching. "Come to wish us off?" Ian called out.
"Yes," Irida answered politely.
"Mostly just you two," Nui said, a hint of mischief in her tone.
Ian and Colress paused as the council members met up with them, notably out of earshot of the other Team Skull members. Irida opened her mouth first, and Ian was once again blown away by the serenity and deep blue of her eyes. "Ian, on behalf of the Pearl Clan and all of Makamae Town, we owe you so much but can only say thank you for the time being."
Ian nodded. "You gave us shelter and helped us. That's more than enough."
Nui cleared her throat. "I suppose I must apologize for the hostility I showed upon your arrival, Ian Cougar. You should not be held accountable for the sins of your predecessors, and I have to admit I'm still surprised that not all Team Skull members are bad." Nui paused, and a knowing grin came across her face. "Although I shouldn't be, considering Tapu Bulu put a blessing on your Pokemon. This island has no Kahuna still, and while you will certainly never be that, you have given me hope that Tapu Bulu does in fact know what it's doing."
Ian smiled uncertainly at the attempted compliment and nodded his head like a pseudo bow. "I appreciate the kind words, ma'am."
Irida stepped forward, extending her hand to his, which he met, her eyes feeling like they were piercing his soul. "And I hope to see you again, Ian."
Ian nodded. "Thank you."
Ingo stepped forward and shook Ian's hand as well. "Young Ian, I hope you are able to find your place, wherever that may be."
Ian gave Ingo a full bow with his head. "Thank you sir." Ian then smiled. "And no matter what happens, I am gonna see you again."
Ingo chuckled lightly. "I look forward to that day."
"Looks like our private time is up," Irida said quietly as Ian caught Plumeria approaching.
"Come to see us off?" Plumeria called out, a hint of aggression in her voice.
"Indeed, but we have become distracted," Irida said with a playful giggle.
"That's fine," Plumeria said, clearly not believing her own words. "So we're expecting to be gone for about a week's time, hopefully just six days. We appreciate you watching over Hyde while he heals," Plumeria said.
Irida nodded. "There will be a Driftwood Guild member who stays there tomorrow night, please make sure he's aware and will be hospitable."
Plumeria nodded. "Oh he will be, I assure you." Plumeria paused, but remembered something. "He asked if he could have some glue? There's a compartment on his watch that's a bit loose and he wants to make sure it stays together."
"Glue?" Irida asked.
"Glue? For a watch?" Nui asked, befuddled.
"It's very important to him," Ian said. "His late brother's last gift."
"Oh," Nui said, calming her tone. "Normally I wouldn't, but that seems a noble enough cause. I should still have some from a few Driftwood orders ago."
"Thank you, councilwoman," Plumeria said. "Thank you again for everything, and hopefully us and Sawsbuck will be back soon enough."
Irida eyed Ian, still as dazzling as ever. "We look forward to it," she said conclusively.
***
The descent was far easier than the ascent, and the one rough stretch of terrain was easily handled by Colress' floating Metagross, which got each of them paired up with to ride on. Plumeria was silent with him the whole way, although Colress and Tupp ensured there was always some sort of conversation ongoing. Ian did spot another Zygarde Cell three-quarters of the way through the trek.
It was late afternoon when the group finished the descent and Plumeria decided to set up camp next to a quaint waterfall. The moment Ian's shoes hit sand he felt the air become dryer somehow. Looking back up to Mount Lanakila, Ian grimaced as he thought about having to ascend it to Makamae Town again. I might just go to Malie City on that alone. After setting up camp, with Colress breaking out a very high tech, pre-constructed tent from his Silph Bag, Tupp approached Ian with a big grin on his face. "What do you want, Tupp?" Ian said skeptically. "When you're smiling like this and Selene's not involved, something's up."
Tupp nodded. "Yo bro, we here in the Haina Desert. Maybe we could look for some Pokemon."
Ian shrugged. "Actually not a bad idea." Ian got the Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Poke Ball from his pack and showed them to Tupp. "Any preference on which one?"
Tupp shook his head. "Whatever's best for the Pokemon yo."
"Let's go ask if Plumeria lets us go out for a bit," Ian said. Not that Plumeria can refuse me, in all honesty. Ian went to the girls' tent where Plumeria and called for Plumeria, who poked her head out of the tent's flaps that functioned as a door seemingly in the middle of something.
"What?" She questioned.
"Tupp and I wanted to go look for a Pokemon to catch around here if that's cool," Ian asked.
Plumeria nodded quickly. "Sure. Selene and Rapp are doing the same thing actually. Don't go too far off, Breon's people patrol the southern part of the desert, and there's supposed to be an Alpha Krookodile den in the northern section."
"Thanks Big Sis," Tupp said.
"Bye," Plumeria simply, re-zipping the flaps of her tent together. Oh yeah, if she's PMSing and just hiked down a mountain…
Tupp turned to Ian with a dumb, excited smile. "Alpha Krookodile? Maybe there'll be a Sandile or something I can catch."
Ian rolled his eyes. "As long as we don't mess with the Alpha I'm okay."
Tupp nodded. "Deal."
The duo headed north in the late afternoon sun, with Ian catching sight of a spinning Baltoy and a couple flying Vullaby overhead.
"You want that Baltoy, yo?" Tupp asked.
Ian shook his head. "Hyde's got one, I've seemingly got him off my ass for now and I don't need any reason for him to get pissed off."
"You right," Tupp said. "While you were gone, all Hyde could talk about was that Irida chick. He's down even worse than I am for Selene."
Ian chuckled. "As long as he's got something to distract him from me. And I noticed you've been closer with Selene lately, how's that going?"
"I dunno bro, she was checking out that shirtless Pearl Clan dude all the time we were there," Tupp said.
Ian shrugged. "Gotta start working out more then."
Tupp nodded. "Yeah. Especially once we got more food coming through."
The duo continued on, and Ian spotted some Alolan Diglett's shifting through the sands in their way. "One of those?" Ian asked, pointing to Tupp.
"Nah bro, those things mess up the foundations of homes," Tupp said. "Whole of Po Town'll be on my ass," Tupp answered. Thankfully it didn't take long for something to catch Ian's eye up ahead. The sands shifted a good thirty to forty feet ahead, and Ian caught a glimpse of an orange creature rooted in the sand. Is that a Trapinch?
"Look at that yo!" Tupp said, pointing to the Trapinch disturbing the sand surrounding it. "That thing looks dope."
Ian readied the empty Poke Ball and almost handed it to Tupp but something caught his eye buzzing in the sky up above. The insectoid Pokemon had a green body with even darker green wings as it glided in the air easily. "Hey Tupp, look up."
"What?" Tupp asked.
Ian pointed at the Vibrava. "That's all you."
"What? Bro, why don't you want it?" Tupp asked.
"I already got a Dragon Type," Ian said. "I don't want to double up on types if I don't have to."
Tupp nodded, but realized something. "But you got Sawsbuck and Pyroar."
"I was under a time limit, remember?"
"Oh yeah…" Tupp said, focusing now on Vibrava.
Ian handed Tupp the Great Ball instead, and pointed up to Vibrava. "You're probably gonna want to use Golbat for this. Get to show me how far you and it have come."
"Yeah bro, let's go Golbat!" Tupp called out, throwing his Poke Ball to the sky. Golbat appeared with a raspy wheeze before locking onto the opposing Vibrava and engaging it. Vibrava took a moment to notice the large bat flying its way, but once it did, it fired a blast of dark blue energy. Dragon Breath?
Golbat barrel rolled away from the oncoming attack and continued closing in. Tupp…
"Alright Golbat, Toxic!" Tupp called out. Golbat wheezed once more, seemingly vomiting dark purple barbs at Vibrava, who dove to dodge. Vibrava's flight path got unsteady, and Ian noticed one of the barbs had in fact hit home.
"Excellent, Tupp," Ian said.
"So tell me why Golbat's had that the whole time," Tupp said lowly before shifting his voice. "Now, back off and use Air Cutter!"
Golbat did as ordered, putting some air distance between it and Vibrava. The green insectoid Pokemon charged at Golbat this time as Golbat fired an Air Cutter, which Vibrava adeptly dodged while still keeping its momentum and slamming into Golbat, Dark Type Energy around its mouth, causing Golbat to screech in pain. Oh that's Bite, maybe even Crunch…
Once released from Vibrava's mouth, Golbat fell motionlessly from the air for a couple seconds before regaining initiative, flapping its wings angrily. Vibrava manifested a couple stones which it then launched at Golbat. Ian tensed, remembering the practice exercise Tupp had shown him a few days back that Grimsley had been coaching him.
Golbat spun away from the oncoming stones and already had its wings glowing with Flying Type Energy as it fired another Air Cutter. The flying wedge of light blue Type Energy smacked into Vibrava, knocking it back. Ian pumped his fist excitedly, while Tupp kept his focus on the opponent, a proud smirk forming on his face.
Vibrava bounced back quickly and fired another Dragon Breath at Golbat, who dodged and tried the same maneuver again, this time with Vibrava dodging it. The two airborne Pokemon continued this dance of launching ranged attacks, dodging, and firing more off for a good minute and a half with neither side getting hit, but Vibrava was noticeably starting to weaken. This is textbook, Tupp.
Finally one of Vibrava's manifested stones smacked Golbat in the wing, crippling the bat as it fell back to the sand. Tupp recalled it before hitting the ground, but he tensed up. "It's gonna just flee if I get Gumshoos out."
Ian shrugged. "Maybe just keep your distance with Sobble. The poison's ticking it down."
Tupp nodded. "Okay…" Tupp exhaled deeply as he held Sobble's Poke Ball in his hand. "Just like practice, yo." The Poke Ball opened, and Sobble emerged with a determined cry. "Sobble, on your toes!"
Vibrava seemingly scoffed and charged the little amphibian. "Water Gun and roll!" Tupp ordered. Sobble fired a small blast of Water Gun at Vibrava that came at Vibrava so quickly the charging Pokemon was unable to dodge. It took the attack, barely changing course, and Sobble leapt out of the way, letting Vibrava swoop by, unsuccessful in its attack. Sobble fired another short stream of Water Gun as Vibrava repositioned, connecting once more. That's gonna add up, just don't get too cocky bro.
Vibrava's balance got unsteady, but it turned back around and its wings began glowing with Normal Type Energy. A wave of energy fired from Vibrava's wings, and Ian recoiled as the sound flared pain in his brain. Sobble cried out, clearly hurt, but steeled itself after the initial burst and got its head back in the game. Sobble then darted forward. Vibrava fired a Dragon Breath, and Sobble stopped suddenly and fired a Water Gun as Dragon Breath hit the empty ground in front of it.
This stream of Water Gun hit Vibrava square in its eye, causing the flying insectoid to cry out in pain as it began falling to the ground. Its wings flapped desperately, but it no longer had the strength to keep itself airborne. Sobble fired a longer, continuous stream of Water Gun, pelting Vibrava with more water. Vibrava collided with the sand, making a dust cloud from the impact, and Tupp hurried over right next to Sobble and tossed the Great Ball at Vibrava.
The ball bounced off Vibrava and opened, absorbing the Pokemon into itself. It shook once, twice, three times, but went still. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Tupp shouted in celebration. Sobble jumped on Tupp's leg and crawled up to his head, knocking Tupp's skull cap off his head as it celebrated as well.
Ian hollered as well, rushing to Tupp as he smacked Tupp's shoulder. The boys' jubilation lasted for a few minutes as Tupp celebrated his Sobble and newly caught Vibrava. Eventually they left the scene, heading back to camp as waves of euphoria overwhelmed the best buddies. As the campsite came into view, Tupp turned to Ian, talking hushedly . "This is just the beginning, yo. Imagine how strong we'll be in a few more weeks, even months!"
Ian smiled nervously, remembering he wasn't exactly sure if he'd be around for more than a few days. "Yeah…" He said, doing a bad job of hiding his unease.
"Hey Big Sis!" Tupp called out as Plumeria got up from crouching on the ground. "I caught a Vibrava!"
Plumeria tilted her head in surprise, folding her arms. "Really? You did?"
Ian nodded. "He was great. Got it poisoned with Golbat, stalled it out by dodging, then Sobble came in, kept dodging and finished it off." Tupp showed off the Great Ball proudly.
"Not bad at all, numbskull," Plumeria said. "And here I was worried when Ian gave you that Sobble I'd have to intervene in case it was getting abused."
"What?" Tupp asked.
"Nothing," Plumeria said quickly. "It's a flyer, something we'll be able to use if it evolves." Plumeria turned to Ian, her intense gaze implying something. Oh yeah, the EXP Candies.
"Plumeria!" Selene's desperate voice called out from south of the campsite, notably by herself.
The group of three turned to see Selene struggling to run, panting heavily. "These guys came, they took Rapp!"
"What?" Plumeria called back in shock. "Rapp's-"
"Kidnapped?" Ian asked aloud.
Selene collapsed against the sand. "Yeah…"
"Where'd they go?" Plumeria demanded.
"That way…" Selene said, pointing south, to where a few miles away laid the ocean and… Haina Town. The whispers of what Breon did to prisoners and concubines rushed back to Ian and he wordlessly grabbed Sawsbuck's Heal Ball and released it, his blessed stag manifesting in its summer form, with vibrant green bushes having taken root on its antlers.
"Ian…" Plumeria called out as Sawsbuck's vines helped Ian mount his Pokemon.
"How many are there?" Ian asked.
"Three. Toucannon's following them at a distance, look for it in the sky," Selene said.
"Got it!" Ian called out as Sawsbuck immediately leapt into motion, clouds of sand forming in their wake.
"We'll back you up!" Plumeria called out.
"Sawsbuck…" Ian whispered intensely. "Let's go." Sawsbuck burst into even faster than normal speed, Ian's eyes focused on the horizon for Selene's Toucannon.
I guess because this is an SI, you know from experience?
