Oceanside Lowlife
Bug Catcher
Chapter 21 The Sands of Haina
Ian's whole body shook violently on Sawsbuck's back as the blessed stag bounded across the sands in a frenzy of motion. Ian held onto the vine-reins as best he could while keeping his eye to the sky for Selene's Toucannon, his neck being jerked around by whiplash doing little to help in that regard. Finally he spotted something a little ways ahead in the sky. It was maybe a hundred feet off the ground and mostly black, but when the bird Pokemon turned slightly he noticed the different angle showed multiple colors on its beak. There we are.
Ian pointed to the bird Pokemon. "Follow the Toucannon, Sawsbuck!" Ian shouted. Sawsbuck grunted with exertion as it locked on to its guide. Ian noticed clouds of dust were being brought up in Sawsbuck's wake and rolled his eyes. We won't exactly have the element of surprise here.
Sawsbuck continued charging forward, but its pace began to slow. Carrying me at this pace is not something we've practiced, in Sawsbuck's defense. "Sawsbuck, we can slow down a bit. I'll need you decently fresh for any confrontation." Sawsbuck gave an exasperated grunt and slowed the pace a little more lightly, yet still pushing on with purpose. Using a hand to move the leaves on Sawsbuck's antlers out of the way, Ian noticed a dust cloud coming up ahead and smiled. Found you, bastards. A good fifteen feet to his left there were a series tracks in the sand.
Toucannon squawked loudly to get Ian's attention, having turned around and started flying at him, descending slowly. It gave another loud call and glided over him, Ian figured it was going to guide whatever backup was coming. If they can catch up, which I doubt, Sawsbuck's been hauling ass. The shadowy figures Ian pursued seemed to shift slightly, and Ian realized one had broken from the group. Either their enforcer or trying to delay me. Something hovered next to the approaching and then disappeared in moments.
"Get ready for anything, Sawsbuck," Ian reminded his blessed stag. Still panting and tiring, Sawsbuck gave an affirmative bleat. As the figure came into sight, Ian noticed the man wore a camouflaged military uniform. If these are Breon's guys that means they're former ASF, right? Checks out. The male figure approaching came closer into view, his tanned skin popping out against the desert sands, and Ian noticed the smirk on his face, and Ian realized how Rapp had likely gotten abducted in the first place. "Sawsbuck, a Ghost Type's coming! Ready Throat Chop!"
Sawsbuck gave a loud bleat as the plant life on its antlers began to glow with a black energy, and moments later a floating, purple balloon with eyes and stringy arms appeared, glowing with a dark pink energy. Sawsbuck gave a fierce battle cry and swung its head down, smashing its antlers into the Drifloon, a loud pop sound hitting Ian's ears as Drifloon faded back into invisibility.
The smirking man up ahead froze in surprise as Sawsbuck made a huge leap ahead, closing in on Drifloon's trainer. Ian noticed the man reaching for his belt, and inspiration hit Ian. "Leech Seed!" Sawsbuck fired a decently sized seed capsule, which burst into a tangle of vines that tightened around the Haina Town trainer like ropes. As Sawsbuck rode by, Ian flipped the bird, pressing Sawsbuck on ahead. He wasn't even eighty feet away and could tell the two trainers and the Tauros that rode along between them had hurried their pace, but Sawsbuck was clearly too fast for them.
"Let's go around and get in front of them," Ian said. Sawsbuck was tiring more still, and he figured his blessed stag would be able to get a momentary break if they cut off the kidnappers. Sawsbuck slowed as it broke to the right, and as Sawsbuck overtook the fleeing kidnappers, Ian saw Rapp, tied up and unconscious on the back of their Tauros. The two men in the same camo uniforms as their now tied up comrade eyed Ian tensely and readied Poke Balls as Sawsbuck took its place between the marauding trainers and their intended route.
An Alolan Dugtrio and the unsettling form of an Araquanid manifested from the duo's Poke Balls. Two versus one, dammit. Grimsley's answer to when Ian asked about using multiple Pokemon in a do-or-die situation came to the forefront of his mind. "Remember when I told you how Pokemon pick up on your thoughts and convictions? That bond is how they're able to understand your commands. But that bond is diluted when multiple Pokemon are out at once. When you're out of battle, this matters little, But in a tense do-or-die battle, commands get murky. The metaphorical wires get crossed, and things get mixed up. Even Alder, the greatest trainer I've ever known, has difficulty commanding two Pokemon at once."
Ian grimaced as he noticed the blonde haired Dugtrio sinking into the sand with ease, while Araquanid stayed back with the trainers. One plays offense, the other plays defense, shit.
"Get out of the way and we'll let you live, punk!" One of them called out.
"Give back my friend and I'll let you guys live!" Ian retorted.
"Wrong answer!" The other man called back, to which Ian just flipped the bird.
"Sawsbuck, how you holding up?" Ian asked. Sawsbuck grunted, dismissing Ian's concern. "You're truly living up to that blessing today, bud. Let's start with Agility."
Sawsbuck glowed with Psychic Type Energy as it alternated steps on its legs. "Alright bud, stay in motion so Dugtrio can''t pop up and break your legs, and let's start working on that Araquanid. Use Horn Leech." Sawsbuck disappeared in a flash, appearing ten feet ahead and leaping across the battlefield, antlers aglow with Grass Type Energy as it smacked into Araquanid, sticking its antler into the massive arachnid's protective bubble of water around its head. Araquanid's legs wriggled with pain, but Sawsbuck had to quickly bound away to avoid a counter attack. "Don't stay in one place for too long!" Ian warned, remembering Dugtrio was underground.
Ian noticed one of his adversaries looking into the distance behind Ian. He turned and realized there likely were reinforcements coming. Shit, so we're on a timer? Araquanid's just here to stall- The sand beneath Ian's feet began to shift and vibrate and Ian jumped as high as he could as the sand gave way to the Alolan Dugtrio's hair and rest of its body. "Fuckers," grunted as he dashed away from his underground assailant. Dugtrio sank beneath the sands, but Ian knew he had to keep in motion as well.
Sawsbuck gave a battle cry and was already charging his way when Ian waved him off. "Focus on Araquanid, we probably don't have much time!" Sawsbuck gave Ian a look which he could tell meant his blessed stag didn't approve of the order. Ian debated on sending Pyroar or Wartortle out, but Grimsley's cautious warning played over in his head. Ian kept jogging, trying to keep his path erratic to throw off his underground predator, and another few words came to the forefront of his mind. "Attacking a trainer with a Pokemon is seen as the greatest dishonor one can command a Pokemon to do, but if you as a trainer are attacked with intent, you are expected to reciprocate in kind." Ian took one last look at Rapp's kidnappers and smirked. You asked for it fuckers.
Ian felt the sand around him begin to vibrate and he took to the air, this time only a couple feet from his spot, trying to keep Dugtrio from tracking him. Dugtrio burst from beneath the surface a few feet ahead of him with an aggressive cry, and Ian flipped the bird at his assailant as he scampered away. He refocused on Sawsbuck's fight and noticed the aquatic arachnid was covered in a tangle of vines as floating orbs of Grass Type Energy floated to Sawsbuck, who seemed pretty tired still. Ian also noticed the bubble around Araquanid's head had grown twice its size. Something tells me that's Aqua Ring. Ian continued jogging in erratic ways, and he looked over his shoulder, seeing no one was approaching quite yet. A bit more time.
"Sawsbuck, Horn Leech!" Ian roared once more.
"Leech Life!" One of the opposing trainers called out.
Sawsbuck bounded with unreal speed to Araquanid, striking the arachnid on the side, but one of its legs got under Sawsbuck and tripped is blessed stag, and Araquanid's fangs appeared from outside of the bubble and bit into Sawsbuck, causing it to yelp in pain. Ian noticed orbs of lighter green Type Energy being sucked out of Sawsbuck, and Ian figured that was likely Bug Type Energy. They're just gonna keep life-stealing off each other until reinforcements get here.
When Araquanaid could hold on no more, Sawsbuck got up and leapt away, favoring its right side. Ian realized he'd slowed down, and he jumped suddenly, barely avoiding Dugtrio's assault from underneath. These guys have done this before. And that's the third time you almost got me, no more mercy.
Before Ian could realize it, a huge blue of light brown Ground Type Energy zoomed at Dugtrio and crashed into the digging mole Pokemon, causing a huge cloud of sand to appear. Ian looked on in shock and amazement as the dust settled around Sawsbuck, who stood over its vanquished foe triumphantly. Was that High Horsepower? Sawsbuck could learn that, right? "I owe you the biggest dinner of your fucking life, Sawsbuck!" Ian said, noting the KO'd Dugtrio at the bottom of an impact crater. Sawsbuck slammed one of its hoofs into the ground in agreement.
"Okay Sawsbuck, one down. We need to interfere with Araquanid. Horn Leech it in the back and then Throat Chop the guys," Ian said. "Don't kill 'em if you can, even though they do deserve it." Sawsbuck took a few moments to catch its breath before trotting back at Araquanid, who seemed rejuvenated. Ian heard a snicker of a laugh from his opponents and he looked over his shoulder, noticing three approaching figures in the distance. Three minutes, tops. Ian's heart thumped in his chest and narrowed his eyes on his adversaries. "Sawsbuck, Agility!" Ian commanded. He wasn't sure if the initial Agility had worn off, but figured Sawsbuck would need all of the juice he had left to pull this off.
Ian noticed one of the opposing trainers reaching for another Poke Ball and grimaced. "Sawsbuck, Horn Leech Araquanid from behind, then Throat Chop the bastards," he ordered lowly, making sure his adversaries couldn't hear. Sawsbuck immediately came out of its Agility dance and launched itself at Araquanid, covering dozens of feet in mere seconds. Before Ian could process what was happening, Sawsbuck appeared behind Araquanid with its antlers already bright green and stuck one into Araquanid. Araquanid's legs collapsed momentarily, and Sawsbuck turned its attention onto the trainers. Ian noticed a Krokorok had been let out, but it seemed barely able to stand with multiple wounds on its body. Selene didn't let them go quietly, I bet.
Sawsbuck charged one of the trainers, antlers aglow with Dark Type Energy and smacked its antler right in the man's neck, lifting him off the ground before landing on the sand with a thud, clutching his throat. The other turned to run, but Sawsbuck caught up to him in a mere moment, its antler encased in Dark Type Energy as it smacked the other trainer's throat from the side, sending the man into the air for a second before landing on his shoulder. He too was clutching his neck in moments, and Ian began rushing over as Sawsbuck dropped a Horn Leech on Araquanid, forcing the terrifying arachnid to back off.
As Ian got closed in to the scene, Sawsbuck felled the sandy crocodile with a Horn Leech. The Tauros carrying Rapp's limp body exhaled loudly, as if sending a warning. Sawsbuck grunted loudly, focusing on Tauros, to which the angry bull Pokemon grunted as well, winding up its front hoof as if to charge. "Leech Seed the legs," Ian ordered coldly. Tauros began to charge, but vines bursted forth, constricting its legs together as it fell face first into the sand, Rapp's unconscious body still strapped to the saddle, but hanging awkwardly.
Ian went to Rapp and found the restraint's buckle that kept her on the saddle and gently undid it so as to not disturb the Tauros underneath. Ian noticed Sawsbuck staring daggers at the bull and smiled proudly. He finished pulling her off and checked to see if she had any wounds and noticed her Poke Balls were still on her belt. Really? Saves me the time of looking, at least. No injuries were apparent, but she had lost her hat and had her mouth gagged, along with having her hands and legs bound with zip-ties, but other than that seemed okay for the most part. Thanks goodness. Ian put her up on Sawsbuck's back, securing her with a couple vines, realizing he didn't have a knife or anything to undo her bounds. He took the gag out of her mouth and tossed it aside before looking over to the approaching figures, who were still a couple minutes out. He made his way over to the two men still clutching their throats and spitting up blood.
"Alright you motherfuckers, I'm gonna say this once," Ian growled, hatred in his eyes. "Next time you fuck with any girl from Team Skull, I'm feeding you to my Alpha Tyrunt. You got that?"
Both men nodded fearfully, wheezing and rasping disgusting, guttural sounds. "Good," Ian said simply and got onto Sawsbuck's back as well. Sawsbuck strained for a moment with the extra weight, but Ian noticed the three approaching figures coming closer and gave Sawsbuck a strong smack on the side, urging his blessed stag into motion. The first minute and a half of the ride went amazingly smoothly, to which Ian chalked up Agility's effects still lingering, but Sawsbuck began to truly tire not long after. Ian turned around, barely able to make out the figures in the distance. "Alright Sawsbuck, I'll get off," Ian said, sliding off and lightening the loud. Ian then pointed ahead, figuring Plumeria and the rest of the squad wouldn't be too far behind. "I have Pyroar and Wartortle if they come at me, but I doubt it. Go on ahead."
Sawsbuck gave a bleat in protest, but Ian shook his head. "Biggest dinner of your life bro. I promise you." Sawsbuck exhaled in annoyance but trotted on ahead. Ian began to jog, making sure to check behind him intermittently, but slowed to a walk as he figured no one would be pursuing. Ian realized how tired he felt as the adrenaline wore off, and he couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he walked toward the base of the mountain where Plumeria had set up camp.
It took a good ten minutes of walking, but Ian finally saw Sawsbuck, with Rapp now off its back, approaching him, overjoyed. "See, I told you I'd be fine!" Ian said as Sawsbuck pulled up, clearly looking the worse for wear. Ian began scratching Sawsbuck behind its ears, eliciting a joyous bleat.
Sawsbuck suddenly stiffened and rushed behind Ian as a streak of light appeared in his peripheral vision. Sawsbuck gave an agonizing cry as it tanked the electrical blast and a light crackle of thunder hit Ian's ears. Oh shit, the first guy? Out from behind a nearby boulder, the first man and a Manectric appeared, a sinister smirk on the man's face. "That deer of yours ain't lasting much longer," he taunted.
Ian smirked. "Hey asshat, you got off easy earlier. You sure you wanna fuck that up now?"
The man scoffed. "It's clearly worn out, and I don't even know if you got other usable Pokemon. Manectric, Thunderbolt!"
"High Horsepower!" Ian roared. Manectric fired a bolt of lightning at Sawsbuck, to which the blessed stag bowled through as it surged forward, clad in Ground Type Energy. Manectric realized its now dire situation and turned to flee but Sawsbuck's charging form was too fast and it crashed into Manectric with a huge thud, kicking up tons of dust and sand. "What the hell?" The man gasped.
When the dust settled, Ian smirked as he saw an impact crater with Manectric at the bottom, completely unconscious. "Hey asswipe," Ian began as he approached the adversary. "This is the part where you surrender to me."
The man looked on in a panic. "I got another Pokemon…"
Ian shrugged. "Send it out. But you're not leaving this alive."
The man tensed, shriveling into a wimpy demeanor. "Your Sawsbuck must be tired by now. My boys'll come for me."
Ian chuckled lightly. "Hey Sawsbuck, Synthesis."
Sawsbuck's whole body began to glow a brilliant, vibrant green as a low hum hit Ian's ears. After three seconds, the light dimmed and Sawsbuck appeared very refreshed. Ian noticed a couple bruises on its right side, however. Oh yeah, Synthesis heals more closer to noon, right? It's gotta be 4:00 at least.
"Shit!" The man exclaimed as he bolted. Ian laughed as an idea came over him, and he grabbed the Ultra Ball from his belt. "Hey Tyrunt, dinner time!" Out came the six foot tall baby tyrannosaur with a ferocious growl before it locked its eyes on the fleeing meal. Tyrunt charged, not able to catch up to Breon's man initially, so Tyrunt then glowed with brown energy and manifested multiple floating rocks, launching them at her prey. Ancient Power. One of the rocks connected with the back of the man's calf and he fell over with a grunt.
Moments later the man was on the sand clutching his left leg screaming curses between groans of agonizing pain. Tyrunt growled excitedly as it closed in and it leaped into the air, a savage roar of delight escaping its jaws. Ian held up Tyrunt's Ultra Ball and shot the recall beam into the air, hitting Tyrunt right before it landed on the man and sank its jaws into him. The man moaned loudly, clearly distressed. Ian slowly made his way over, a scowl on his face and euphoric anger in his veins. Upon standing over the man, Ian studied him suspiciously. "Are all of Breon's goons as creepy as you guys?"
"Lord Breon will come get me… You're fucked…" The man spat, clutching his lower leg.
"Lord Breon? What a jackass," Ian said with a chuckle. "Well, tell your lord of perverts that if any more of his guys come into this desert, I'm feeding them to my Tyrunt."
"Yeah? And who the fuck are you?" The man retorted, his voice strained with pain.
"Ian Cougar," Ian said coldly, noticing one of the man's hands was slowly creeping to his Poke Ball belt. "You send another Pokemon out and Tyrunt gets to finish the job. I told your companions the same thing and they didn't make a fuss so, you're not necessary. The longer I interact with these guys, the more I start to reconsider my unofficial policy of no killing.
"Okay, okay," the man said, putting one hand up.
Ian turned to Sawsbuck, feeling the message was sufficiently sent and hopped onto his blessed stag before it quickly darted off. After a couple minutes of riding, Ian started to reflect on his actions. I didn't realize I'd be getting so… brutal. They did try to kidnap Rapp, and likely Selene if they could've, so fuck 'em. Ian's heart still felt heavy, surprised at the words he'd just uttered.
When Selene's Dusk-Form Lycanroc came into view and gave a howl, Ian pumped his fist. Not too far behind were Plumeria, Selene, Rapp, and Tupp.
"Ian!" Plumeria called out, waving her arms. Ian rode Sawsbuck up triumphantly, feeling like a conquering Roman general, a smile re-appearing on his face.
"Fuck yeah bro!" Tupp yelled out, pumping his fists and fist-bumping Ian before Sawsbuck's vine let its rider down.
Selene nearly tackled him with a hug. "Thank you so much Ian," Selene said, emotion causing her voice to waver.
Rapp seemed a little unsteady, but she made it a group hug, embracing Ian and Selene. "I owe you guys…"
"I got you guys," Ian said, noticing Plumeria even giving a slight head bow and quietly mouthing thank you. "I've heard what Breon does to the people he captures," Ian continued.
"You mean he makes them sex slaves?" Selene asked. "He's the most disgusting piece of shit ever."
"Let's get moving, we need to pack up camp," Plumeria said.
"Good idea," Ian said, figuring Sawsbuck's tracks would be easy to follow.
***
Upon arrival at the campsite, Colress was outside his high-tech tent awaiting them with his Metagross resting beside him. "I was wondering where you all went!" Colress called out to greet the returning group of five.
"Breon's goons kidnapped Rapp," Plumeria said. "I wasn't sure if you were awake and we needed to leave quickly."
Colress nodded. "Well I'm glad to see everyone's safe and sound."
"We need to pack up the camp, they'll be sending more after us," Plumeria said.
Colress seemed taken aback. "I don't think that will be necessary. How many do you think they'll come at us with?"
"Fifteen, twenty trainers at least? Last time we fucked with 'em that's what they sent," Plumeria said.
Colress scoffed dismissively. "Breon is the man with the Mega-Tyranitar? Nui says he never leaves his town anymore."
"Well we can't take that risk. Plus twenty of his goons will get us all screwed," Plumeria said.
Colress shrugged. "If you insist, although our party is rather tired. I can have our tracks concealed and a Mind Barrier placed around our camp to where it will be invisible to outsiders through the night."
"What?" Plumeria asked.
Colress nodded. "Beeheeyem, demonstrate something for us," he ordered as he sent an Ultra Ball out. Out came the levitating, brown, extraterrestrial Pokemon with a large head. "Would you put a Mind Barrier around my tent?"
Beeheeyem nodded and began glowing with dark pink Type Energy. Suddenly a translucent barrier enshrouded Colress' white tent, and in moments the temporary structure disappeared from view.
"Woooooah…" Tupp said, completely shocked.
"That's a neat trick…" Plumeria said. "Does it conceal-"
"Scent as well," Colress said with a confident smile. "Apologies on my insistence for this, I have a little experiment going on in my tent I'd rather not have disrupted by my Silph Bag's conversion process."
Plumeria grimaced. "And if we get attacked?"
"Mega Metagross should be more than enough," Colress said. "But that is not the only Pokemon capable of fending off such an attack in my party."
Plumeria turned to her exhausted squad and sighed, relenting. "Okay, but we will have rotating watches, and we leave first thing in the morning."
The group gave a collective sigh of relief, and Plumeria headed back to the girls' tent.
"Beeheeyem, set a new Mind Barrier around the whole of our campsite, please and then conceal our friends' tracks," Colress instructed loudly. "Metagross, you shall be staying up to help keep watch tonight."
***
After feeding their respective teams, nightfall didn't take very long to arrive and Ian was the second watch. When he opened the tent flap, he noticed Colress already outside with the campsite decently illuminated with glowing orbs that the scientist had his Metagross set up at sunset, sitting patiently and smiling at Ian. "Good evening."
"You been up the whole time?" Ian asked.
Colress shook his head. "I set an alarm for your watch, I hope you don't mind."
"I'll take it as a compliment," Ian said, trying to play off how creepy the scientist came across. "I take it you wanted to talk about something?"
"I was actually hoping to get some training in with your Sandshrew. Being amidst the Ground Type Leylines here should bring out some of the Ground Type Energy for it to channel," Colress explained.
Ian shrugged. "I'm not against that."
Colress led Ian a little away from the camp to the border of the Mind Barrier as it was called, and Metagross' levitating orbs of light followed them. The scientist did seem rather fascinated with Ian's Sandshrew, measuring it, hitting its outer shell with a small mallet in a way the Ice-Steel Type Pokemon found ticklish. When they actually got to some training, Sandshrew seemed perturbed about not being able to use Snowscape, but once Sandshrew got the hang of Bulldoze and Dig the sadistic little bully of a Pokemon seemed pleased enough.
"And now, we try for Tyrunt," Colress said, excitement underpinning his voice.
"Tyrunt?" Ian asked.
Colress nodded. "You must break your Alpha in, show it who's boss. This is why I recommended you get this Alolan Sandshrew in the first place. Assuming you want its Alpha Eyes to activate, and the power boost that comes with it."
Ian nodded. "I'd take it not trying to eat me first."
Colress chuckled lightly. "You did choose a rather difficult Alpha to tame. Regular Tyrunts are hard to handle even for experienced dragon masters."
"So have you trained an Alpha before?" Ian asked. This might be my way to scope out the rest of his team and maybe get a glimpse of his real intentions. He did say he had something that matched Mega Metagross.
"I've been a part of the process many times," Colress explained. "And yes, I do have one of my own."
"Can I see it?" Ian asked, faux nervousness entering his voice. "If you're okay with it of course…"
Colress shrugged. "I suppose that would be okay. But for taming purposes, it's important your Tyrunt learns to respect you and your team. My Alpha Klinklang will not be able to assist." Colress then flipped an Ultra Ball into the illuminated night, and out manifested a massive metal gear monster levitating just above the sand. It was a collection of rotating gears with a red center, and one glowing red eye. The spiked gears shifted with an inhuman rigidity. Borderline ruthless. Klinklang stood a couple feet taller than Ian, but only because it hovered about a yard off the ground.
"Impressive," Ian said, mesmerized by the rotating gears.
Colress nodded. "It is, isn't it?" Colress recalled his Alpha momentarily after, and Ian readied his own Ultra Ball.
"I suppose I'll want Snowscape for this?" Ian asked.
Colress nodded. "Indeed you will."
Once Sandshrew had Snowscape and a Defense Curl under its belt, Ian released his voracious tyrannosaur. It appeared with a seething growl and a forceful snap of its jaws, fixating on Ian for a moment before Sandshrew's squeaking laughter diverted its murderous attention. Tyrunt growled angrily, and Sandshrew squeaked even louder, pointing directly at Tyrunt, enraging the tyrannosaur even more. Tyrunt charged at the teasing bully, and Colress cleared his throat. "Order some attacks."
"Ice Shard," Ian ordered, hoping to not be too loud as to wake up his sleeping squad members, even though they were a decent bit away. Sandshrew fired off a chunk of ice at Tyrunt, striking it in the head, only further enraging it. "Now, Metal Claw," Ian commanded. Tyrunt charged, but Sandshrew skated across the Snowscape with ease and it quickly struck Tyrunt with a claw engulfed in silver light.
This cycle continued on for quite some time, Tyrunt would charge or send attacks Sandshrew's way, while Sandshrew would tank the attack or cleverly maneuver around on the Snowscape and pummel the baby tyrannosaur with attacks. Finally when Tyrunt seemed ready to collapse, Colress gave a light clap of approval. "Very well done Ian, Sandshrew."
Ian gave a thumbs up and recalled his battered Tyrunt. Sorry girl. Unfortunately for you, these beatings will continue until your attitude improves. Ian knelt down and put his hand up to give his icy rodent a high five. Alolan Sandshrew slid over with euphoric squeaks and smacked Ian's hand with its icy claw, but Sandshrew panicked when Ian recoiled from the surprise. "No worries Sandshrew, you had a tough little thing there." Sandshrew gave a joyous squeak in response, and Ian recalled it, giving it a gracious nod.
"You know Ian, you had a spectator," Colress said lowly.
"What?" Ian said, looking to Colress nervously before looking to the camp. There didn't appear to be anyone out and about, and then Colress cleared his throat and pointed to the sandy wasteland, where a figure floated above the sand, barely illuminated with Metagross' orbs. Only a couple dozen feet away hovered a dark-bodied Pokemon with a large, gaudy red headpiece that Ian instantly recognized as the Island Guardian. "Tapu Bulu-" Ian said in alarm as he immediately prostrated himself in front of the Tapu, to which Colress subtly scoffed at.
Tapu Bulu gave a low, rumbling growl, and Ian looked up to see Tapu Bulu moving a little closer. The being then pointed at the sand, and Ian wasn't quite sure what it meant.
"Does it want to battle?" Colress asked.
Ian tensed. "I sure hope not…"
Tapu Bulu then growled once more, pointing at the ground insistently. Its hand then glowed the multicolor pattern he recognized as the power that Deerling was blessed with the last time Ian had crossed paths with the Tapu.
"What is that?" Colress asked.
"It wants Sawsbuck out," Ian said, fear dripping into his voice. He grabbed Sawsbuck's pink Heal Ball and tossed it in ahead of him. Sawsbuck appeared, slumped over with exhaustion. Tapu Bulu gave a louder, angrier call. Ian lowered his head reverently once more. "Tapu Bulu, Sawsbuck is tired from great exertion today. The blessing you gave us has helped us save our friends and comrades in ways we never could have imagined. We should still be in this desert tomorrow night, if you are willing to wait to battle us then."
Tapu Bulu grunted abruptly and turned around, speeding off into the night.
Ian sighed. "I think I just pissed it off…"
Colress shook his head. "A little. But the fact it came to you like it did means Tapu Bulu recognizes the same thing I see in you, young Ian…" Colress paused dramatically. "...potential."
Ian got up from his prostrated position and recalled his exhausted Sawsbuck. "I appreciate the kind words, Colress. I already feel better about my Pokemon's progress with just a couple days of hanging out with you."
Colress laughed lowly, mischievously. "Your Pokemon respond very well to you, incredibly so for someone who has only been their trainer for less than a month. It's not every day I see a trainer who can bring out their Pokemon's true potential like you can, Ian."
Oh this is a recruitment pitch.
"When you have a gift like yours, I've always felt it must be shared with the world. The advice you have received from Team Skull, while impressive for the situation, is nowhere near what guidance and resources I can offer you in Malie City and civilization at large."
"Really…" Ian began, processing the implications of what Colress had just disclosed. "Pardon me for asking, but how do you know you'll have resources in Malie City?"
"Besides the ones I have now?" Colress asked with a suspicious snicker. "A perceptive question, but it would not surprise me if I am able to make fast friends here in this Alola. We could even get you off the island if need be, although I'm not sure how Tapu Bulu would take it."
"Yeah…" Ian realized as he heard footsteps heading their way. Ian turned, seeing Plumeria walking towards them.
"Your shift is over, get some sleep you two," Plumeria ordered coldly. As Ian followed Colress, Plumeria then called for him once more, this time more softly.
"Yeah?" Ian asked.
"A quick word?" Plumeria asked, her tone much warmer.
Ian trudged back to Plumeria. "What's wrong?" Ian croaked.
"Nothing's wrong," Plumeria said, putting her hand on Ian's shoulder. "I just wanted to give you a real thank you for rescuing Rapp today. You're really living up to rule number one of Team Skull."
Ian nodded tensely. "Of course. Grimsley's told me about what Breon does to people."
"Well I wanted to make sure you felt recognized for it," Plumeria said, her normally scowling face daring a light smile.
"Thanks," Ian said curtly and turned left, seeing Colress had been waiting for him.
Once out of earshot of Plumeria, Colress opened his mouth. "It appears Beeheeyem's Mind Barrier does not work on Island Guardians," Colress observed, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Ian's whole body shook violently on Sawsbuck's back as the blessed stag bounded across the sands in a frenzy of motion. Ian held onto the vine-reins as best he could while keeping his eye to the sky for Selene's Toucannon, his neck being jerked around by whiplash doing little to help in that regard. Finally he spotted something a little ways ahead in the sky. It was maybe a hundred feet off the ground and mostly black, but when the bird Pokemon turned slightly he noticed the different angle showed multiple colors on its beak. There we are.
Ian pointed to the bird Pokemon. "Follow the Toucannon, Sawsbuck!" Ian shouted. Sawsbuck grunted with exertion as it locked on to its guide. Ian noticed clouds of dust were being brought up in Sawsbuck's wake and rolled his eyes. We won't exactly have the element of surprise here.
Sawsbuck continued charging forward, but its pace began to slow. Carrying me at this pace is not something we've practiced, in Sawsbuck's defense. "Sawsbuck, we can slow down a bit. I'll need you decently fresh for any confrontation." Sawsbuck gave an exasperated grunt and slowed the pace a little more lightly, yet still pushing on with purpose. Using a hand to move the leaves on Sawsbuck's antlers out of the way, Ian noticed a dust cloud coming up ahead and smiled. Found you, bastards. A good fifteen feet to his left there were a series tracks in the sand.
Toucannon squawked loudly to get Ian's attention, having turned around and started flying at him, descending slowly. It gave another loud call and glided over him, Ian figured it was going to guide whatever backup was coming. If they can catch up, which I doubt, Sawsbuck's been hauling ass. The shadowy figures Ian pursued seemed to shift slightly, and Ian realized one had broken from the group. Either their enforcer or trying to delay me. Something hovered next to the approaching and then disappeared in moments.
"Get ready for anything, Sawsbuck," Ian reminded his blessed stag. Still panting and tiring, Sawsbuck gave an affirmative bleat. As the figure came into sight, Ian noticed the man wore a camouflaged military uniform. If these are Breon's guys that means they're former ASF, right? Checks out. The male figure approaching came closer into view, his tanned skin popping out against the desert sands, and Ian noticed the smirk on his face, and Ian realized how Rapp had likely gotten abducted in the first place. "Sawsbuck, a Ghost Type's coming! Ready Throat Chop!"
Sawsbuck gave a loud bleat as the plant life on its antlers began to glow with a black energy, and moments later a floating, purple balloon with eyes and stringy arms appeared, glowing with a dark pink energy. Sawsbuck gave a fierce battle cry and swung its head down, smashing its antlers into the Drifloon, a loud pop sound hitting Ian's ears as Drifloon faded back into invisibility.
The smirking man up ahead froze in surprise as Sawsbuck made a huge leap ahead, closing in on Drifloon's trainer. Ian noticed the man reaching for his belt, and inspiration hit Ian. "Leech Seed!" Sawsbuck fired a decently sized seed capsule, which burst into a tangle of vines that tightened around the Haina Town trainer like ropes. As Sawsbuck rode by, Ian flipped the bird, pressing Sawsbuck on ahead. He wasn't even eighty feet away and could tell the two trainers and the Tauros that rode along between them had hurried their pace, but Sawsbuck was clearly too fast for them.
"Let's go around and get in front of them," Ian said. Sawsbuck was tiring more still, and he figured his blessed stag would be able to get a momentary break if they cut off the kidnappers. Sawsbuck slowed as it broke to the right, and as Sawsbuck overtook the fleeing kidnappers, Ian saw Rapp, tied up and unconscious on the back of their Tauros. The two men in the same camo uniforms as their now tied up comrade eyed Ian tensely and readied Poke Balls as Sawsbuck took its place between the marauding trainers and their intended route.
An Alolan Dugtrio and the unsettling form of an Araquanid manifested from the duo's Poke Balls. Two versus one, dammit. Grimsley's answer to when Ian asked about using multiple Pokemon in a do-or-die situation came to the forefront of his mind. "Remember when I told you how Pokemon pick up on your thoughts and convictions? That bond is how they're able to understand your commands. But that bond is diluted when multiple Pokemon are out at once. When you're out of battle, this matters little, But in a tense do-or-die battle, commands get murky. The metaphorical wires get crossed, and things get mixed up. Even Alder, the greatest trainer I've ever known, has difficulty commanding two Pokemon at once."
Ian grimaced as he noticed the blonde haired Dugtrio sinking into the sand with ease, while Araquanid stayed back with the trainers. One plays offense, the other plays defense, shit.
"Get out of the way and we'll let you live, punk!" One of them called out.
"Give back my friend and I'll let you guys live!" Ian retorted.
"Wrong answer!" The other man called back, to which Ian just flipped the bird.
"Sawsbuck, how you holding up?" Ian asked. Sawsbuck grunted, dismissing Ian's concern. "You're truly living up to that blessing today, bud. Let's start with Agility."
Sawsbuck glowed with Psychic Type Energy as it alternated steps on its legs. "Alright bud, stay in motion so Dugtrio can''t pop up and break your legs, and let's start working on that Araquanid. Use Horn Leech." Sawsbuck disappeared in a flash, appearing ten feet ahead and leaping across the battlefield, antlers aglow with Grass Type Energy as it smacked into Araquanid, sticking its antler into the massive arachnid's protective bubble of water around its head. Araquanid's legs wriggled with pain, but Sawsbuck had to quickly bound away to avoid a counter attack. "Don't stay in one place for too long!" Ian warned, remembering Dugtrio was underground.
Ian noticed one of his adversaries looking into the distance behind Ian. He turned and realized there likely were reinforcements coming. Shit, so we're on a timer? Araquanid's just here to stall- The sand beneath Ian's feet began to shift and vibrate and Ian jumped as high as he could as the sand gave way to the Alolan Dugtrio's hair and rest of its body. "Fuckers," grunted as he dashed away from his underground assailant. Dugtrio sank beneath the sands, but Ian knew he had to keep in motion as well.
Sawsbuck gave a battle cry and was already charging his way when Ian waved him off. "Focus on Araquanid, we probably don't have much time!" Sawsbuck gave Ian a look which he could tell meant his blessed stag didn't approve of the order. Ian debated on sending Pyroar or Wartortle out, but Grimsley's cautious warning played over in his head. Ian kept jogging, trying to keep his path erratic to throw off his underground predator, and another few words came to the forefront of his mind. "Attacking a trainer with a Pokemon is seen as the greatest dishonor one can command a Pokemon to do, but if you as a trainer are attacked with intent, you are expected to reciprocate in kind." Ian took one last look at Rapp's kidnappers and smirked. You asked for it fuckers.
Ian felt the sand around him begin to vibrate and he took to the air, this time only a couple feet from his spot, trying to keep Dugtrio from tracking him. Dugtrio burst from beneath the surface a few feet ahead of him with an aggressive cry, and Ian flipped the bird at his assailant as he scampered away. He refocused on Sawsbuck's fight and noticed the aquatic arachnid was covered in a tangle of vines as floating orbs of Grass Type Energy floated to Sawsbuck, who seemed pretty tired still. Ian also noticed the bubble around Araquanid's head had grown twice its size. Something tells me that's Aqua Ring. Ian continued jogging in erratic ways, and he looked over his shoulder, seeing no one was approaching quite yet. A bit more time.
"Sawsbuck, Horn Leech!" Ian roared once more.
"Leech Life!" One of the opposing trainers called out.
Sawsbuck bounded with unreal speed to Araquanid, striking the arachnid on the side, but one of its legs got under Sawsbuck and tripped is blessed stag, and Araquanid's fangs appeared from outside of the bubble and bit into Sawsbuck, causing it to yelp in pain. Ian noticed orbs of lighter green Type Energy being sucked out of Sawsbuck, and Ian figured that was likely Bug Type Energy. They're just gonna keep life-stealing off each other until reinforcements get here.
When Araquanaid could hold on no more, Sawsbuck got up and leapt away, favoring its right side. Ian realized he'd slowed down, and he jumped suddenly, barely avoiding Dugtrio's assault from underneath. These guys have done this before. And that's the third time you almost got me, no more mercy.
Before Ian could realize it, a huge blue of light brown Ground Type Energy zoomed at Dugtrio and crashed into the digging mole Pokemon, causing a huge cloud of sand to appear. Ian looked on in shock and amazement as the dust settled around Sawsbuck, who stood over its vanquished foe triumphantly. Was that High Horsepower? Sawsbuck could learn that, right? "I owe you the biggest dinner of your fucking life, Sawsbuck!" Ian said, noting the KO'd Dugtrio at the bottom of an impact crater. Sawsbuck slammed one of its hoofs into the ground in agreement.
"Okay Sawsbuck, one down. We need to interfere with Araquanid. Horn Leech it in the back and then Throat Chop the guys," Ian said. "Don't kill 'em if you can, even though they do deserve it." Sawsbuck took a few moments to catch its breath before trotting back at Araquanid, who seemed rejuvenated. Ian heard a snicker of a laugh from his opponents and he looked over his shoulder, noticing three approaching figures in the distance. Three minutes, tops. Ian's heart thumped in his chest and narrowed his eyes on his adversaries. "Sawsbuck, Agility!" Ian commanded. He wasn't sure if the initial Agility had worn off, but figured Sawsbuck would need all of the juice he had left to pull this off.
Ian noticed one of the opposing trainers reaching for another Poke Ball and grimaced. "Sawsbuck, Horn Leech Araquanid from behind, then Throat Chop the bastards," he ordered lowly, making sure his adversaries couldn't hear. Sawsbuck immediately came out of its Agility dance and launched itself at Araquanid, covering dozens of feet in mere seconds. Before Ian could process what was happening, Sawsbuck appeared behind Araquanid with its antlers already bright green and stuck one into Araquanid. Araquanid's legs collapsed momentarily, and Sawsbuck turned its attention onto the trainers. Ian noticed a Krokorok had been let out, but it seemed barely able to stand with multiple wounds on its body. Selene didn't let them go quietly, I bet.
Sawsbuck charged one of the trainers, antlers aglow with Dark Type Energy and smacked its antler right in the man's neck, lifting him off the ground before landing on the sand with a thud, clutching his throat. The other turned to run, but Sawsbuck caught up to him in a mere moment, its antler encased in Dark Type Energy as it smacked the other trainer's throat from the side, sending the man into the air for a second before landing on his shoulder. He too was clutching his neck in moments, and Ian began rushing over as Sawsbuck dropped a Horn Leech on Araquanid, forcing the terrifying arachnid to back off.
As Ian got closed in to the scene, Sawsbuck felled the sandy crocodile with a Horn Leech. The Tauros carrying Rapp's limp body exhaled loudly, as if sending a warning. Sawsbuck grunted loudly, focusing on Tauros, to which the angry bull Pokemon grunted as well, winding up its front hoof as if to charge. "Leech Seed the legs," Ian ordered coldly. Tauros began to charge, but vines bursted forth, constricting its legs together as it fell face first into the sand, Rapp's unconscious body still strapped to the saddle, but hanging awkwardly.
Ian went to Rapp and found the restraint's buckle that kept her on the saddle and gently undid it so as to not disturb the Tauros underneath. Ian noticed Sawsbuck staring daggers at the bull and smiled proudly. He finished pulling her off and checked to see if she had any wounds and noticed her Poke Balls were still on her belt. Really? Saves me the time of looking, at least. No injuries were apparent, but she had lost her hat and had her mouth gagged, along with having her hands and legs bound with zip-ties, but other than that seemed okay for the most part. Thanks goodness. Ian put her up on Sawsbuck's back, securing her with a couple vines, realizing he didn't have a knife or anything to undo her bounds. He took the gag out of her mouth and tossed it aside before looking over to the approaching figures, who were still a couple minutes out. He made his way over to the two men still clutching their throats and spitting up blood.
"Alright you motherfuckers, I'm gonna say this once," Ian growled, hatred in his eyes. "Next time you fuck with any girl from Team Skull, I'm feeding you to my Alpha Tyrunt. You got that?"
Both men nodded fearfully, wheezing and rasping disgusting, guttural sounds. "Good," Ian said simply and got onto Sawsbuck's back as well. Sawsbuck strained for a moment with the extra weight, but Ian noticed the three approaching figures coming closer and gave Sawsbuck a strong smack on the side, urging his blessed stag into motion. The first minute and a half of the ride went amazingly smoothly, to which Ian chalked up Agility's effects still lingering, but Sawsbuck began to truly tire not long after. Ian turned around, barely able to make out the figures in the distance. "Alright Sawsbuck, I'll get off," Ian said, sliding off and lightening the loud. Ian then pointed ahead, figuring Plumeria and the rest of the squad wouldn't be too far behind. "I have Pyroar and Wartortle if they come at me, but I doubt it. Go on ahead."
Sawsbuck gave a bleat in protest, but Ian shook his head. "Biggest dinner of your life bro. I promise you." Sawsbuck exhaled in annoyance but trotted on ahead. Ian began to jog, making sure to check behind him intermittently, but slowed to a walk as he figured no one would be pursuing. Ian realized how tired he felt as the adrenaline wore off, and he couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he walked toward the base of the mountain where Plumeria had set up camp.
It took a good ten minutes of walking, but Ian finally saw Sawsbuck, with Rapp now off its back, approaching him, overjoyed. "See, I told you I'd be fine!" Ian said as Sawsbuck pulled up, clearly looking the worse for wear. Ian began scratching Sawsbuck behind its ears, eliciting a joyous bleat.
Sawsbuck suddenly stiffened and rushed behind Ian as a streak of light appeared in his peripheral vision. Sawsbuck gave an agonizing cry as it tanked the electrical blast and a light crackle of thunder hit Ian's ears. Oh shit, the first guy? Out from behind a nearby boulder, the first man and a Manectric appeared, a sinister smirk on the man's face. "That deer of yours ain't lasting much longer," he taunted.
Ian smirked. "Hey asshat, you got off easy earlier. You sure you wanna fuck that up now?"
The man scoffed. "It's clearly worn out, and I don't even know if you got other usable Pokemon. Manectric, Thunderbolt!"
"High Horsepower!" Ian roared. Manectric fired a bolt of lightning at Sawsbuck, to which the blessed stag bowled through as it surged forward, clad in Ground Type Energy. Manectric realized its now dire situation and turned to flee but Sawsbuck's charging form was too fast and it crashed into Manectric with a huge thud, kicking up tons of dust and sand. "What the hell?" The man gasped.
When the dust settled, Ian smirked as he saw an impact crater with Manectric at the bottom, completely unconscious. "Hey asswipe," Ian began as he approached the adversary. "This is the part where you surrender to me."
The man looked on in a panic. "I got another Pokemon…"
Ian shrugged. "Send it out. But you're not leaving this alive."
The man tensed, shriveling into a wimpy demeanor. "Your Sawsbuck must be tired by now. My boys'll come for me."
Ian chuckled lightly. "Hey Sawsbuck, Synthesis."
Sawsbuck's whole body began to glow a brilliant, vibrant green as a low hum hit Ian's ears. After three seconds, the light dimmed and Sawsbuck appeared very refreshed. Ian noticed a couple bruises on its right side, however. Oh yeah, Synthesis heals more closer to noon, right? It's gotta be 4:00 at least.
"Shit!" The man exclaimed as he bolted. Ian laughed as an idea came over him, and he grabbed the Ultra Ball from his belt. "Hey Tyrunt, dinner time!" Out came the six foot tall baby tyrannosaur with a ferocious growl before it locked its eyes on the fleeing meal. Tyrunt charged, not able to catch up to Breon's man initially, so Tyrunt then glowed with brown energy and manifested multiple floating rocks, launching them at her prey. Ancient Power. One of the rocks connected with the back of the man's calf and he fell over with a grunt.
Moments later the man was on the sand clutching his left leg screaming curses between groans of agonizing pain. Tyrunt growled excitedly as it closed in and it leaped into the air, a savage roar of delight escaping its jaws. Ian held up Tyrunt's Ultra Ball and shot the recall beam into the air, hitting Tyrunt right before it landed on the man and sank its jaws into him. The man moaned loudly, clearly distressed. Ian slowly made his way over, a scowl on his face and euphoric anger in his veins. Upon standing over the man, Ian studied him suspiciously. "Are all of Breon's goons as creepy as you guys?"
"Lord Breon will come get me… You're fucked…" The man spat, clutching his lower leg.
"Lord Breon? What a jackass," Ian said with a chuckle. "Well, tell your lord of perverts that if any more of his guys come into this desert, I'm feeding them to my Tyrunt."
"Yeah? And who the fuck are you?" The man retorted, his voice strained with pain.
"Ian Cougar," Ian said coldly, noticing one of the man's hands was slowly creeping to his Poke Ball belt. "You send another Pokemon out and Tyrunt gets to finish the job. I told your companions the same thing and they didn't make a fuss so, you're not necessary. The longer I interact with these guys, the more I start to reconsider my unofficial policy of no killing.
"Okay, okay," the man said, putting one hand up.
Ian turned to Sawsbuck, feeling the message was sufficiently sent and hopped onto his blessed stag before it quickly darted off. After a couple minutes of riding, Ian started to reflect on his actions. I didn't realize I'd be getting so… brutal. They did try to kidnap Rapp, and likely Selene if they could've, so fuck 'em. Ian's heart still felt heavy, surprised at the words he'd just uttered.
When Selene's Dusk-Form Lycanroc came into view and gave a howl, Ian pumped his fist. Not too far behind were Plumeria, Selene, Rapp, and Tupp.
"Ian!" Plumeria called out, waving her arms. Ian rode Sawsbuck up triumphantly, feeling like a conquering Roman general, a smile re-appearing on his face.
"Fuck yeah bro!" Tupp yelled out, pumping his fists and fist-bumping Ian before Sawsbuck's vine let its rider down.
Selene nearly tackled him with a hug. "Thank you so much Ian," Selene said, emotion causing her voice to waver.
Rapp seemed a little unsteady, but she made it a group hug, embracing Ian and Selene. "I owe you guys…"
"I got you guys," Ian said, noticing Plumeria even giving a slight head bow and quietly mouthing thank you. "I've heard what Breon does to the people he captures," Ian continued.
"You mean he makes them sex slaves?" Selene asked. "He's the most disgusting piece of shit ever."
"Let's get moving, we need to pack up camp," Plumeria said.
"Good idea," Ian said, figuring Sawsbuck's tracks would be easy to follow.
***
Upon arrival at the campsite, Colress was outside his high-tech tent awaiting them with his Metagross resting beside him. "I was wondering where you all went!" Colress called out to greet the returning group of five.
"Breon's goons kidnapped Rapp," Plumeria said. "I wasn't sure if you were awake and we needed to leave quickly."
Colress nodded. "Well I'm glad to see everyone's safe and sound."
"We need to pack up the camp, they'll be sending more after us," Plumeria said.
Colress seemed taken aback. "I don't think that will be necessary. How many do you think they'll come at us with?"
"Fifteen, twenty trainers at least? Last time we fucked with 'em that's what they sent," Plumeria said.
Colress scoffed dismissively. "Breon is the man with the Mega-Tyranitar? Nui says he never leaves his town anymore."
"Well we can't take that risk. Plus twenty of his goons will get us all screwed," Plumeria said.
Colress shrugged. "If you insist, although our party is rather tired. I can have our tracks concealed and a Mind Barrier placed around our camp to where it will be invisible to outsiders through the night."
"What?" Plumeria asked.
Colress nodded. "Beeheeyem, demonstrate something for us," he ordered as he sent an Ultra Ball out. Out came the levitating, brown, extraterrestrial Pokemon with a large head. "Would you put a Mind Barrier around my tent?"
Beeheeyem nodded and began glowing with dark pink Type Energy. Suddenly a translucent barrier enshrouded Colress' white tent, and in moments the temporary structure disappeared from view.
"Woooooah…" Tupp said, completely shocked.
"That's a neat trick…" Plumeria said. "Does it conceal-"
"Scent as well," Colress said with a confident smile. "Apologies on my insistence for this, I have a little experiment going on in my tent I'd rather not have disrupted by my Silph Bag's conversion process."
Plumeria grimaced. "And if we get attacked?"
"Mega Metagross should be more than enough," Colress said. "But that is not the only Pokemon capable of fending off such an attack in my party."
Plumeria turned to her exhausted squad and sighed, relenting. "Okay, but we will have rotating watches, and we leave first thing in the morning."
The group gave a collective sigh of relief, and Plumeria headed back to the girls' tent.
"Beeheeyem, set a new Mind Barrier around the whole of our campsite, please and then conceal our friends' tracks," Colress instructed loudly. "Metagross, you shall be staying up to help keep watch tonight."
***
After feeding their respective teams, nightfall didn't take very long to arrive and Ian was the second watch. When he opened the tent flap, he noticed Colress already outside with the campsite decently illuminated with glowing orbs that the scientist had his Metagross set up at sunset, sitting patiently and smiling at Ian. "Good evening."
"You been up the whole time?" Ian asked.
Colress shook his head. "I set an alarm for your watch, I hope you don't mind."
"I'll take it as a compliment," Ian said, trying to play off how creepy the scientist came across. "I take it you wanted to talk about something?"
"I was actually hoping to get some training in with your Sandshrew. Being amidst the Ground Type Leylines here should bring out some of the Ground Type Energy for it to channel," Colress explained.
Ian shrugged. "I'm not against that."
Colress led Ian a little away from the camp to the border of the Mind Barrier as it was called, and Metagross' levitating orbs of light followed them. The scientist did seem rather fascinated with Ian's Sandshrew, measuring it, hitting its outer shell with a small mallet in a way the Ice-Steel Type Pokemon found ticklish. When they actually got to some training, Sandshrew seemed perturbed about not being able to use Snowscape, but once Sandshrew got the hang of Bulldoze and Dig the sadistic little bully of a Pokemon seemed pleased enough.
"And now, we try for Tyrunt," Colress said, excitement underpinning his voice.
"Tyrunt?" Ian asked.
Colress nodded. "You must break your Alpha in, show it who's boss. This is why I recommended you get this Alolan Sandshrew in the first place. Assuming you want its Alpha Eyes to activate, and the power boost that comes with it."
Ian nodded. "I'd take it not trying to eat me first."
Colress chuckled lightly. "You did choose a rather difficult Alpha to tame. Regular Tyrunts are hard to handle even for experienced dragon masters."
"So have you trained an Alpha before?" Ian asked. This might be my way to scope out the rest of his team and maybe get a glimpse of his real intentions. He did say he had something that matched Mega Metagross.
"I've been a part of the process many times," Colress explained. "And yes, I do have one of my own."
"Can I see it?" Ian asked, faux nervousness entering his voice. "If you're okay with it of course…"
Colress shrugged. "I suppose that would be okay. But for taming purposes, it's important your Tyrunt learns to respect you and your team. My Alpha Klinklang will not be able to assist." Colress then flipped an Ultra Ball into the illuminated night, and out manifested a massive metal gear monster levitating just above the sand. It was a collection of rotating gears with a red center, and one glowing red eye. The spiked gears shifted with an inhuman rigidity. Borderline ruthless. Klinklang stood a couple feet taller than Ian, but only because it hovered about a yard off the ground.
"Impressive," Ian said, mesmerized by the rotating gears.
Colress nodded. "It is, isn't it?" Colress recalled his Alpha momentarily after, and Ian readied his own Ultra Ball.
"I suppose I'll want Snowscape for this?" Ian asked.
Colress nodded. "Indeed you will."
Once Sandshrew had Snowscape and a Defense Curl under its belt, Ian released his voracious tyrannosaur. It appeared with a seething growl and a forceful snap of its jaws, fixating on Ian for a moment before Sandshrew's squeaking laughter diverted its murderous attention. Tyrunt growled angrily, and Sandshrew squeaked even louder, pointing directly at Tyrunt, enraging the tyrannosaur even more. Tyrunt charged at the teasing bully, and Colress cleared his throat. "Order some attacks."
"Ice Shard," Ian ordered, hoping to not be too loud as to wake up his sleeping squad members, even though they were a decent bit away. Sandshrew fired off a chunk of ice at Tyrunt, striking it in the head, only further enraging it. "Now, Metal Claw," Ian commanded. Tyrunt charged, but Sandshrew skated across the Snowscape with ease and it quickly struck Tyrunt with a claw engulfed in silver light.
This cycle continued on for quite some time, Tyrunt would charge or send attacks Sandshrew's way, while Sandshrew would tank the attack or cleverly maneuver around on the Snowscape and pummel the baby tyrannosaur with attacks. Finally when Tyrunt seemed ready to collapse, Colress gave a light clap of approval. "Very well done Ian, Sandshrew."
Ian gave a thumbs up and recalled his battered Tyrunt. Sorry girl. Unfortunately for you, these beatings will continue until your attitude improves. Ian knelt down and put his hand up to give his icy rodent a high five. Alolan Sandshrew slid over with euphoric squeaks and smacked Ian's hand with its icy claw, but Sandshrew panicked when Ian recoiled from the surprise. "No worries Sandshrew, you had a tough little thing there." Sandshrew gave a joyous squeak in response, and Ian recalled it, giving it a gracious nod.
"You know Ian, you had a spectator," Colress said lowly.
"What?" Ian said, looking to Colress nervously before looking to the camp. There didn't appear to be anyone out and about, and then Colress cleared his throat and pointed to the sandy wasteland, where a figure floated above the sand, barely illuminated with Metagross' orbs. Only a couple dozen feet away hovered a dark-bodied Pokemon with a large, gaudy red headpiece that Ian instantly recognized as the Island Guardian. "Tapu Bulu-" Ian said in alarm as he immediately prostrated himself in front of the Tapu, to which Colress subtly scoffed at.
Tapu Bulu gave a low, rumbling growl, and Ian looked up to see Tapu Bulu moving a little closer. The being then pointed at the sand, and Ian wasn't quite sure what it meant.
"Does it want to battle?" Colress asked.
Ian tensed. "I sure hope not…"
Tapu Bulu then growled once more, pointing at the ground insistently. Its hand then glowed the multicolor pattern he recognized as the power that Deerling was blessed with the last time Ian had crossed paths with the Tapu.
"What is that?" Colress asked.
"It wants Sawsbuck out," Ian said, fear dripping into his voice. He grabbed Sawsbuck's pink Heal Ball and tossed it in ahead of him. Sawsbuck appeared, slumped over with exhaustion. Tapu Bulu gave a louder, angrier call. Ian lowered his head reverently once more. "Tapu Bulu, Sawsbuck is tired from great exertion today. The blessing you gave us has helped us save our friends and comrades in ways we never could have imagined. We should still be in this desert tomorrow night, if you are willing to wait to battle us then."
Tapu Bulu grunted abruptly and turned around, speeding off into the night.
Ian sighed. "I think I just pissed it off…"
Colress shook his head. "A little. But the fact it came to you like it did means Tapu Bulu recognizes the same thing I see in you, young Ian…" Colress paused dramatically. "...potential."
Ian got up from his prostrated position and recalled his exhausted Sawsbuck. "I appreciate the kind words, Colress. I already feel better about my Pokemon's progress with just a couple days of hanging out with you."
Colress laughed lowly, mischievously. "Your Pokemon respond very well to you, incredibly so for someone who has only been their trainer for less than a month. It's not every day I see a trainer who can bring out their Pokemon's true potential like you can, Ian."
Oh this is a recruitment pitch.
"When you have a gift like yours, I've always felt it must be shared with the world. The advice you have received from Team Skull, while impressive for the situation, is nowhere near what guidance and resources I can offer you in Malie City and civilization at large."
"Really…" Ian began, processing the implications of what Colress had just disclosed. "Pardon me for asking, but how do you know you'll have resources in Malie City?"
"Besides the ones I have now?" Colress asked with a suspicious snicker. "A perceptive question, but it would not surprise me if I am able to make fast friends here in this Alola. We could even get you off the island if need be, although I'm not sure how Tapu Bulu would take it."
"Yeah…" Ian realized as he heard footsteps heading their way. Ian turned, seeing Plumeria walking towards them.
"Your shift is over, get some sleep you two," Plumeria ordered coldly. As Ian followed Colress, Plumeria then called for him once more, this time more softly.
"Yeah?" Ian asked.
"A quick word?" Plumeria asked, her tone much warmer.
Ian trudged back to Plumeria. "What's wrong?" Ian croaked.
"Nothing's wrong," Plumeria said, putting her hand on Ian's shoulder. "I just wanted to give you a real thank you for rescuing Rapp today. You're really living up to rule number one of Team Skull."
Ian nodded tensely. "Of course. Grimsley's told me about what Breon does to people."
"Well I wanted to make sure you felt recognized for it," Plumeria said, her normally scowling face daring a light smile.
"Thanks," Ian said curtly and turned left, seeing Colress had been waiting for him.
Once out of earshot of Plumeria, Colress opened his mouth. "It appears Beeheeyem's Mind Barrier does not work on Island Guardians," Colress observed, a hint of amusement in his voice.