Chapter 9: Sandstorm
Just another day back in the wild area with a new task on hand. This time Sally requested me to enter the dusty bowl to gather information about a series of strange events occurring there. By the time I got there already, I felt this was going to be a really rough day as immediately the whole area is swarmed by a severe sandstorm. That's going to be a huge problem since the only pokemon I have that can enter the sandstorm freely is Winter who struggles against most of the inhabitants in the area can easily overwhelm her. Well... I have no choice. I sent out Winter who seems interested in the sandstorm.
"Alright Winter, we are gonna have to brave through the sandstorm. Let's persevere!" I said getting on Winters back safely.
I got to say though, the view from Winter's back is quite interesting but, oh god I kind of feel sick being up this high. Oh well... just gotta deal with it until we figure out what is happening. After finding a spot to sit on Winter properly, we both enter the sandstorm. I can tell that Winter is uneasy being in the sandstorm when we both see a Tyranitar and a small group of Rhydon whipping up the storm in what seems to be a fit of rage.
"Well, this ain't good at all. Winter is there any other pokemon within the sandstorm that you can see?" I asked.
Winter shouts happily immediately alerting the Tyranitar and Rhydon's to Winter's presence. Well damn, we have angry company heading our way now. As they slowly approach Winter, she already is attempting to back out of the sandstorm only to be blocked by another group of Rhydon. Aw crap, we got no other choice don't we Winter?
"Oi! Are you stupid or something? Command your Aurorus to use an Ice move already!" Yelled an unknown voice to me.
Deep breath Liam... don't lose your temper because of a comment.
"Winter, Ice beam the ground!" I commanded.
Instantly upon hearing Ice beam, Winter already was way ahead of me in launching the attack to the ground as the Rhydon back away from the now slippery floor enough to escape out of the sandstorm. I can hear Winter letting out a sigh of relief after getting out of the sandstorm... I wouldn't blame her.
"Geez, I can tell already that you don't understand your pokemon's capabilities. To think such an intelligent pokemon would listen to an unqualified trainer like you." said the unknown voice belonging to a young adolescent person.
What an attitude this kid has... is he one of those gym challengers I hear a lot about?
"Look kid, I'm more than enough to handle Winter and her needs." I said.
"It probably took pity on you. I've seen you around here a couple of times and already you are a danger to her alone by being in areas where she can't thrive in. She has to do everything for herself to stay healthy while you only care about an Eevee that can't even battle." yelled the adolescent.
Deep breath... I can see already that Winter is getting visibly upset about the comments being presented.
"Kid... I think you are saying quite a handful of harsh comments. I appreciate you getting us out of the sandstorm with your yelling but, I don't appreciate you believing that Winter took pity on me. I took Winter in and tried my best to give her the life she deserves... maybe I wasn't making the right choices multiple times and have made her worry too much but, I will never give up on trying my best to the very end." I explained.
The adolescent looks briefly at an already upset Winter before looking back at me.
"Hmph... it won't matter for long. That Aurorus is not going to last or be loyal to you much longer with the way you're going. I'd advise to take care of your team instead of a pokemon that can't fight." said the adolescent.
"I'd advise you to kindly go F-" I stopped.
Suddenly, rushing out of the Sandstorm was that group of Rhydon who look pretty pissed off from the distribution caused by Winter. Damn it, react now!
"Winter, Ice beam!" I commanded as Winter immediately encases the Rhydon group in ice.
Damn, that was one powerful ice beam... she really grew strong since, the double battle with Canon. Though I gonna have a lot of explaining to do to the wild preservation staff after this situation gets resolved. I give Winter a nice pat on the back for the quick reaction.
"Now we just need to figure out how to calm down the Tyranitar..." I pondered.
I could try to use Crescendo to defeat Tyranitar... but, the sandstorm makes it harder for him to successfully land consistent attacks on it. Moon wouldn't be a bad option but, that would leave her in a bad spot to fight off the Rhydon. Illuminate wouldn't last long since he is weak to Rhydon and likely would get overwhelmed by Tyranitar afterward. Sunlight's pretty frail so she would get overwhelmed by a horde easily. Canon would likely be in the same situation as Moon and Canon. What to do?
"Useless honestly. Quagsire let's get rid of the problem." Said the adolescent summoning out a Quagsire.
"Winter... let's go in. I got a plan." I said as Winter happily cries out.
Targeting the Tyranitar would likely weaken the sandstorm so, the plan would be to weaken Tyranitar to lower the power of the sandstorm and then further look into the area to finally find the root of the strange events. Upon re-entering the sandstorm I see the Tyranitar locking eyes with Winter. The Tyranitar roars with anger as it slams its feet to the ground to cause an earthquake.
"Winter, Flash cannon!" I commanded as a flash of light is fired from Winter's mouth.
The attacks collide negating each other's move completely. This Tyranitar no doubt has some experience dealing with outsiders. I can see another group of Rhydon now starting to rush Winter from two sides. Crap.
"Winter, Ice beam the Rhydons on the left!" I commanded as Winter unleashes a powerful blast of ice from her mouth.
Another group of Rhydon is now encased in ice. The Rhydon from the right side got close to Winter and slammed her with two smackdowns which forced me off of winter and onto the ground. The remaining Rhydon who didn't attack is now right in front of me... and oh man is it angry.
"Quagsire, Ice punch!" commanded the adolescent as a Quagsire enters my vision and knocks out the Rhydon cold.
"Thank you..." I said.
"Hmph... I didn't request Quagsire to save you... just to protect your pokemon." says the adolescent.
Whatever. Forget him and focus on the prize now. Winter looks pretty hurt. I have no choice. I immediately return Winter to her poke ball and then immediately send out Illuminate.
"Illuminate, Grass Knot!" I command as Raichu instantly wipes out the remaining Rhydon's on the right with back-to-back Grass Knots.
That's my boy. Now the only thing that remains to be handled is the Tyranitar. The Tyranitar roars in anger unleashing a second earthquake. In reaction I and Illuminate immediately back out of the sandstorm and as such was also out of the range of the attack. We enter back in only to see the Quagsire overwhelm the Tyranitar immediately with a waterfall attack and knocking it out. Damn, that was one strong Quagsire.
"Hmph and you were struggling with that weak Tyranitar?" said the adolescent.
"I don't know what crawled up your behind but, your attitude is pretty crap right about now. What gives you the right to shun other trainers like that?" I said.
The adolescent sighed.
"You don't know who you're dealing with punk. I'm an official gym leader for the minor league representing the noble ground type. You are nothing more than a lab rat who's begging to be sympathized with and have no clue of the code of Galar. You are an embarrassment to the boss and you know it." said the adolescent smirking.
I can't stand this anymore... I won't let some brat go that far with their insults and get away with it. As soon as I attempt to open my mouth I can feel a hand immediately cover my mouth. Wait... this hand is Moons... how in the world did she get out of her poke ball without me summoning her?
"So it appears even your pokemon agree with that sentiment? Don't waste their time and release them already." said the adolescent smirking.
This aura... Moon please don't hurt him. I understand you feel angry but, it's not worth it. I can already hear her cry coming from her mouth. Moon, please don't hurt him. If that happens we are all screwed.
"Wow, what an angry Gardevoir you got there. That's quite a sign of negative influences from the trainer. You must have emotionally damaged the poor thing. Never understood why the chairman stuck up for you if you're such a garbage trainer in both skill and care." said the adolescent acting smug.
That's it! you will not get away with declaring that I hurt my pokemon emotionally. Moon steps aside as I finally walk up to the adolescent face to face.
"Is that all you can say? You keep spewing nothing but filth and petty insulting language. You have not even the slightest clue of how much pain I and the pokemon who follow me have gone through do you? You act like an arrogant little snot because you are a gym leader in a minor league and you believe that gives you the right to look down on other trainers? You give fellow minor-league gym leaders and future ones like Aurea a bad name with the garbage attitude you expressed. Now leave me alone... you already got me mad." I said turning my back to the trainer.
Silence filled the air for a good minute. I turn around to see the adolescent keeping his eyes on me. Just from Moon's expression alone, I must have hit a nerve with the kid.
"...You've done it now... I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget and then remove you from your pokemon's life. Quagsire, let's show this punk what we are made of." said the adolescent with his Quagsire ready to fight.
I let out a brief sigh before Moon steps up to the front. Normally I would wish to not get involved with league staff outside of Aurea and whomever the chairman assigns to me but, I guess I'll let it go this one time to teach a lesson.
"I guess Moon here will teach you a lesson about taking a leak on people's shoes. She'll show you that whatever training you have been doing was not effective whatsoever." I said as Moons patiently waits.
The first move always decides a pokemon's style of fighting and also can be the deciding factor between a victory or defeat. Anything can happen in that first moment.
"Quagsire, use Iron Tail!" Said the adolescent as Quagsire attempts to rush Moon.
It's over. As Quagsire turns its back to attempt to slam its tail on Moon, she sidesteps Quagsire and grapples Quagsire.
"Psychic." I commanded as Gardevoir focuses her mind.
After 30 seconds Moon walks up to the adolescent and drops Quagsire in front of him defeated. He immediately retreats the Quagsire and sends out Excadrill.
"Don't get cocky. I will wipe your weak pokemon with Excadrill." Said the adolescent as his Excadrill roars.
Moom smiles at the comment as she takes a couple of steps back. The Excadrill hasn't made a move yet is carefully watching the steps Moon is taking. An analytical pokemon I see... can it match Moon is the question here.
"Excadrill, Iron Head!" he commanded as the Excadrill rushes down Moon.
Too easy to predict thanks to the training with Raihan. Moon once again sidesteps the Excadrill who attempts to turn around to strike again. This time the strike appeared to have hit Moon giving the adolescent a cocky grin on his face. Big mistake.
"Focus Blast." I commanded.
Despite the damage Excadrill could dish out on Moon, she already built up massive amounts of endurance from taking on multiple different types of opponents at once. Moon unleashed the power of Focus blast right into the face of the Excadrill instantly knocking out the pokemon and leaving Moon with only some damage on herself.
"How... I've destroyed countless Gardevoir's with Excadrill... how the hell did you best mine?" said the adolescent angered.
Moon picks up Excadrill and drops the unconscious pokemon in front of its trainer.
"Had Enough? It's clear that your pokemon aren't proficient in handling a pokemon who can brawl. Your pokemon are used to the sport of pokemon battling that they struggle to fight a pokemon who steps out of their comfort zone in this case a Gardevoir who isn't afraid to grapple or use her fists to deal damage." I explained.
The adolescent looks shocked.
"How barbaric to force your pokemon to learn such barbaric tactics." said the adolescent.
"Look... you talked smack believing you were some hot stuff gym leader that you believed you were gonna teach me a lesson only instead you get schooled by some random lab rat who in your eyes was unqualified to be a trainer. If you really want to keep talking smack I'm all for it if you back up that skill of yours?" I said grinning.
The adolescent looks horrified as Moon grins lightly as well. Completely synchronization is a good sign of two battle partners understanding each other.
"You... are not going to get away with this... I'll -" stopped the adolescent.
"You'll do what now Bennett? I've seen quite enough of the conversation to know the full story. Tell me why you kept belittling my idiot assistant?" Said Sally arriving with Aurea.
So the kid's name is Bennett?
"Have you seen that idiot? He's doing nothing but ruining your reputation, Ms. Sally. This guy is nothing but, a living liability." Said Bennett.
Damn, I haven't even met this guy and yet he loathes me. What did I do to anger him this much?
"Bennett I never cared about my reputation, the only thing I care about is pokemon, trainers who seek help in developing skills and bonds with pokemon, and encountering eccentric or troubled trainers. I'm aware that he could be a liability but, I put enough of my trust in him being able to do the right thing without needing to be babied 24/7 and so far he's been doing fine except for being a reckless idiot." Explained Sally.
"What? Do you not care about -" He stopped in fear.
"My previous title? No, I left that position by being beaten fair and square. I'm satisfied with what I'm doing currently. So tell me why would I need to return there when I'm fine with where I am?" Said Sally.
Wait... no.
"You can't be serious? You just can't... you were a champion!" said Bennett.
"I am serious. Now, will you kindly get out of the way so that my assistant can finish his job?" Responded Sally.
Bennett looked shocked at the answers Sally was giving... I feel surprised honestly. Never knew she had an incredible talent to the point of being champion level. Either way, Bennett moves out of the way muttering something under his breath as he returns likely to Hammerlocke city. I should look back to see if the sandstorm has calmed down and what do ya know... it actually calmed down.
"What brings you here Sally?" I ask.
"Easy! We came here to check if the younger pokemon in the wild are doing okay. I sent you in first to clear the sandstorm so that it becomes much safer to enter the dusty bowl." Said Sally smiling.
So in other words... Winter, Illuminate, and I was just clean-up duty? Oh well... at least it was giving Winter some more battle experience and an opportunity to possibly meet more of her kind if there are any in the dusty bowl. With the sandstorm now cleared, our group entered the dusty bowl and found a strange small glowing marble where the Tyranitar once was.
"Hmmm... that was the same marble that changed Aggron's appearance back at the temple. Could it perhaps be the reason for the strange events occurring?" I ask.
Sally picks up the glowing marble and hums.
"Well... let's test that out." Said Sally taking a pokeball from her belt and summoning out her pokemon.
Sally summoned a Tyranitar of her own. Never thought she would own such an aggressive pokemon. Either way, Sally held the stone up to her Tyranitar only for it to snap in rage Immediately. Oh no... we are so screwed. Before I can take action Aurea already sends out her Aggron to shield Sally.
"What are you waiting for stupid... beat that thing!" Yelled Aurea.
Man, I am just getting torn a new one today. Well, time for round two. I notice though that Moon is seemingly grinding her teeth in pain and seemingly trying to hold back.
"Crap... Canon let's go!" I say summoning out Canon.
Sally seemingly sighs before summoning out another pokemon. She ends up summoning a Dustox as I look disappointed. Isn't Dustox not very good at fighting a powerful pokemon like Tyranitar?
"Judging by your expression you assume that my Dustox is outmatched by my Tyranitar? Let this be a lesson in understanding the true potential of even pokemon the world deems weak." Said Sally as Dustox flies towards Tyranitar.
Sally's Tyranitar unleashes a powerful stone edge only for the Dustox to gracefully dodge the stone edge by pivoting and weaving around the stones that attempt to strike it.
"Dustox, Bug Buzz!" Said Sally as the Dustox lets out a sonic screech immediately bringing Tyranitar to its knee's already.
"Er... Canon thunder wave Tyranitar..." I command awkwardly.
Canon nods as she manages to restraint the movement of Sally's Tyranitar. Good move buddy.
"That's one of the two solved now how are we going to handle Moon?" Asked Sally.
She's right... Moon is likely trying her best to hold back the unknown force that marble is capable of doing to her mind. I might even have to attempt to fight her with my other pokemon. It's becoming tough just thinking about... wait a minute. I send out Sunlight who is very happy to see some sunlight after being stuck in a pokeball for 4 hours.
"Sunlight, I'm going to need your help in..." I was stopped as I was punched out cold.
"Well wasn't this quite a problem?"
What is?
"You got hurt pretty bad from your Gardevoir's punch. Luckily you are still alive."
You again?
"Yep. Whenever you enter a strong emotional state within your dreams we beings are capable of entering the dreams of those we found interest in."
Uh... okay? So is both Sunlight and Moon alright?
"Naturally, Your Sylveon is quite intelligent for such a bubbly pokemon. Quickly used her special incense to weaken Gardevoir's mentality which gave an opportunity for her to calm down."
I see. Where's my body?
"At the hospital. You seem to have a couple of bad habits from being in this facility you called a prison. What I find quite contradicting is your soul and what your mind possesses."
Is that a bad thing?
"Not at all. Your soul provides me a case of struggling with trust and fear of losing your pokemon. However, that fear exists from how much you genuinely care about your pokemon. I would say you have developed quite a good bond with them."
I...thanks... what are you?
"What I am? I prefer to keep that a secret."
Why did you find interest in me?
"Your bonds are something I rarely see in a trainer nowadays. I also found interest when you fought to protect the same pokemon that was the trigger for the cycle of pain for you. Any trainer who is willing to put their difference aside like that is someone I consider a stand-up person or pokemon."
I don't know how to really feel about Reshiram.
"You felt bitter... yet you felt empathy for the dragon after what you heard. Forgiveness is what you felt was necessary at the end of the experience and found peace with the dragon."
Interesting. Now how do I wake up?
"You will in about 10 seconds. See you soon."
Wait what? I immediately wake up to see two people I have never seen before. The first one was a young man with short blue hair, red eyes, and wore the outfit used by trainers under the Hammerlocke gym staff. The second was a girl with pink hair styled in short twintails, red eyes, and also wore the outfit used by Hammerlocke gym staff. Sunlight is currently on the pink-haired girl's lap enjoying getting petted.
"He woke up. That was quick!" said the pink-haired girl.
"Hmph... he got lucky then." said the blue-haired man.
"Uh..." I say.
The pink-haired girl gets up from her seat to get closer to me as Sunlight now hops on the bed and lands right on my stomach. Agh... gonna feel pretty bad for a while.
"She's got such a lovely coat. You must have taken a lot of time and care just for a Sylveon to have a very healthy coat." Said the pink-haired girl.
"Er, thanks..." I respond.
To be honest, it takes at least 45 minutes to an hour to groom Sunlight's fur because of her habit of letting her feelers float freely which sometimes obstructs my view.
"Sharlene. We should be introducing ourselves to Liam." said the blue-haired man.
The pink-haired girl gives out a smile. "My name is Sharlene and the blue-haired boy is named Alfred." Said Sharlene.
More new people to get used to? I guess that's not so bad.
"We will get to the point. By request of chairman Rose, we are tasked to watch over you for the remainder of the program effective immediately." said Alfred.
What... well this got awkward now. Well then... I'm ready to continue proving that I can change.