A/N: Here is the next chapter I have already been quite happy with how this story has been received, I hope this continues to flesh out this desert land called Saharos. I hope you enjoy if you you feel so inclined leave a review or favorite.
Ash and Pikachu followed Soraya, their footsteps leaving faint imprints in the shifting sands. The intensity of the sun was relentless, but Ash felt a glimmer of hope knowing they had a guide who seemed to know her way around this unforgiving environment.
"By the way, my name is Ash," he said, trying to sound cheerful despite the heat and exhaustion. "And this is my buddy, Pikachu."
"Pika!" Pikachu added, its voice bright and friendly.
Soraya didn't respond. She kept her gaze forward, her stride steady and purposeful. Ash's words seemed to hang in the air, unanswered, as they continued their trek through the dunes.
Ash couldn't help but wonder why Soraya seemed so on edge or annoyed. Was it something he had said? Or perhaps it was just her nature to be this way. He watched her for a moment, noticing the tension in her shoulders and the firm set of her jaw. It was clear that Soraya was someone used to handling things on her own, and she didn't seem too thrilled about having unexpected company.
He decided to keep his thoughts to himself for now, not wanting to push her further. He focused on following her lead, hoping that they would reach some kind of shelter or water soon.
As they climbed to the top of a particularly high dune, Soraya finally stopped and pointed out into the distance. Ash squinted, straining to see what she was indicating. Far off on the horizon, he could make out the faint outlines of a small village nestled among the sands.
"That's my aldea," Soraya said, her voice carrying a hint of pride. "It's my home."
Ash's eyes widened in relief and curiosity. The aldea seemed incredibly far away, a tiny speck in the vast expanse of the desert. "How far is it?" he asked, hoping they could make it without further complications.
Soraya turned to face him, her vivid blue eyes meeting his. "Hopefully, we'll get there before nightfall," she replied, her tone both determined and cautious.
Ash nodded, understanding the urgency. The desert night would bring its own set of challenges, and it was clear they needed to reach the aldea before then. "Okay, let's keep moving," he said, his resolve strengthening.
With Pikachu by his side, Ash followed Soraya down the dune, their destination set. The journey ahead was daunting, but Ash's spirits were buoyed by the promise of reaching the aldea and finding water. Together, they pressed on, the sands of Saharos whispering the challenges and mysteries that lay ahead.
As they descended the dune, Ash decided to try and learn more about the mysterious land of Saharos. Pikachu, trudging beside him, looked increasingly weary, its small body showing signs of thirst.
"Hey, Soraya," Ash began, trying to keep his tone light. "What exactly is Saharos? I mean, why doesn't it show up on any maps I have, and why can't my Rotom get any data?"
Soraya continued walking, her eyes fixed ahead. After a moment, she responded with a terse, "Saharos is isolated."
Ash waited for more, but it was clear Soraya wasn't inclined to elaborate. He pressed on, hoping to draw her into a conversation. "Isolated how? I mean, it's pretty big, right? So why wouldn't anyone know about it?"
"Not many come here, we prefer it that way," Soraya replied, her tone making it clear she wasn't interested in discussing it further.
Ash glanced at Pikachu, whose ears were drooping. The little Pokémon panted softly, its tongue flicking out to catch what little moisture it could from the dry air. Ash felt a pang of concern for his friend.
"Rotom can't get data either," Ash continued, undeterred by Soraya's curt answers. "Is there something here that blocks signals or...?"
Soraya shot him a look over her shoulder, her vivid blue eyes narrowing slightly. "It's remote. Technology doesn't reach everywhere," she said, turning her attention back to the path.
Pikachu whimpered softly, and Ash knelt down to give it a comforting pat. "Hang in there, buddy. We'll get water soon," he assured, though he felt the strain of the desert's demands himself.
Standing up, Ash tried one more time. "So, Saharos is just... cut off from the rest of the world? How do you manage out here?"
Soraya didn't respond immediately, her silence stretching long enough that Ash thought she might not answer at all. Finally, she spoke, her voice clipped. "We survive. We know the land, and it provides."
Her answers left much to be desired, but Ash could see she wasn't in the mood for more questions. He decided to focus on reaching the aldea, where he hoped they would find the answers they needed—and water.
Pikachu stumbled slightly, its thirst becoming more apparent. Ash's concern grew, but he kept his resolve strong. "We'll make it, Pikachu," he said softly, more to himself than anyone else.
Soraya led them with unwavering determination, her familiarity with the desert evident in her confident stride. Ash followed, his mind swirling with thoughts and questions about Saharos, but his priority was clear: reach the aldea before nightfall.
The sun continued its relentless descent, casting long shadows across the dunes. The journey was far from over, but Ash's determination, coupled with Soraya's guidance, kept them moving forward through the enigmatic sands of Saharos.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow across the sands, the small aldea Soraya had pointed out earlier began to take clearer shape on the horizon. Ash could make out clusters of low, sturdy buildings, their walls built from sun-baked clay and stone. The structures were arranged in a semi-circle around a central well, which was undoubtedly the lifeline of this isolated community. The roofs were flat and made of woven reeds, designed to keep the interiors cool during the scorching days and insulated during the cold desert nights.
Just outside the aldea, a figure stood watching them approach. As they drew closer, Ash saw that it was a woman with a deep bronze complexion and vivid amber eyes that seemed to reflect the very essence of the desert. Her thick, dark curls were adorned with desert flowers and herbs, and she wore practical yet intricately patterned clothing that blended traditional attire with the practicality of desert life.
"Well, well, Soraya," the woman called out with a playful smirk. "You found another lost boy to try and fix?"
Soraya's stern expression softened slightly, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. "Nadia, always keeping watch. What would we do without you?" she retorted, her tone affectionate despite the teasing.
Nadia laughed, her eyes twinkling. "You'd probably be bored to tears without me. But seriously, who's this?"
Ash felt a bit awkward as he stepped forward. "Hi, I'm Ash, and this is Pikachu. Thanks for letting us come here."
"Pika!" Pikachu added, though its voice was weak with thirst.
Nadia nodded, her expression turning serious as she noticed Pikachu's condition. "Let's get you some water first. You both look like you could use it."
As they entered the aldea, Ash marveled at the setup. The buildings were arranged to maximize shade and airflow, with narrow alleyways creating cool breezes that offered relief from the desert heat. The central well was surrounded by lush, green plants—an oasis of life in the harsh environment.
Children played near the well, their laughter filling the air, while adults tended to various tasks—mending nets, preparing food, and caring for Pokémon. The entire community seemed to pulse with a sense of purpose and unity, each person contributing to the aldea's survival.
Nadia led them to the well, where she drew up a bucket of clear, cool water. She handed it to Ash, who gratefully offered it to Pikachu first. Pikachu drank eagerly, its eyes brightening with each sip. Ash followed suit, feeling the refreshing water revitalize him.
Soraya watched them with a mix of amusement and satisfaction. "Feeling better now?"
Ash nodded, wiping his mouth. "Much better. Thank you."
Nadia smiled warmly. "We don't get many visitors, so this is a bit of a treat for us. But tell me, Soraya, how do you keep finding these lost boys?"
Soraya rolled her eyes, though there was no real annoyance in her expression. "I don't go looking for them, Nadia. They just seem to find me."
Ash couldn't help but chuckle at their banter, feeling more at ease now. "Well, I'm glad you found us. We were in pretty rough shape out there."
Nadia glanced at Soraya, a knowing look passing between them. "You're lucky Soraya has a soft spot for strays," she teased. "Come on, let's get you settled. You can rest and then tell us more about how you ended up in Saharos."
As they walked through the aldea, Ash took in the details—the way the buildings were constructed to withstand the harsh desert winds, the communal areas designed for shared tasks and gatherings, and the ever-present sense of community that bound the residents together.
He felt a deep appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of the people here, and a growing curiosity about their lives and traditions. Soraya and Nadia's dynamic added a layer of warmth and humanity to this isolated place, making him feel welcome despite the initial harshness.
As they reached a small dwelling, Soraya gestured for Ash to enter. "You can rest here for now. We'll talk more later."
"Thank you, Soraya. And you too, Nadia," Ash said sincerely.
Nadia waved off his gratitude with a smile. "Just get some rest. We'll have plenty of time to talk."
As Ash settled into the cool, shaded interior, he felt a sense of relief and gratitude. The journey through Saharos was just beginning, but for now, he was safe, hydrated, and surrounded by people who, despite their teasing, seemed genuinely kind and welcoming.
As Ash and Pikachu started to relax, enjoying the cool water and some food provided by the villagers, the peaceful moment was interrupted by a loud voice from outside the dwelling.
"You brought another moeng into our hjem!" the voice boomed, filled with anger and frustration.
Ash looked up in surprise as not one but three men entered the room. The first was tall and broad-shouldered, standing at 6'2". His tan skin was weathered by the desert sun, and a scar ran down his left cheek. His dark hair was kept short, and his piercing green eyes were fixed on Ash and Pikachu with a stern, almost intimidating gaze.
Behind him stood a man of slightly shorter stature, about 6'0", with a lean, athletic build. His lighter tan skin contrasted with his wavy black hair, which was tied back. His amber eyes were warm and expressive, but his brows were furrowed in concern. He wore a quick, easy smile that was now absent.
The third man was the shortest, at 5'10", with a slender, agile build. His tan skin and sandy blonde hair, kept tousled, gave him a distinct look. His striking blue eyes, which matched Soraya's, had a mischievous glint even in the midst of his apparent frustration. A tattoo of a desert flower adorned his right forearm.
Soraya appeared behind them, looking rather annoyed. "Ash, these are my older brothers: Rashid, Tariq, and Samir," she introduced, her voice laced with irritation at the intrusion.
Ash, still seated and slightly bewildered by the sudden entrance, nodded politely. "Nice to meet you," he said, though his words were met with the same stern silence from Rashid.
Rashid stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Ash and Pikachu. "Why have you brought a moeng into our hjem, Soraya? You know the risks."
Tariq and Samir remained behind Rashid, their expressions ranging from concern to curiosity. Tariq's eyes scanned Ash and Pikachu, while Samir's gaze was more analytical, trying to gauge the situation.
Soraya crossed her arms, her annoyance evident. "Ash and Pikachu needed help. They were lost and out of water. I couldn't just leave them to fend for themselves."
Rashid's stern look didn't waver. "What about the last moeng you brought, Soraya? Was he not a threat?"
Soraya shot a look at Rashid that said never to mention that again, her eyes flashing with warning. She remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Ash, sensing the tension but not fully understanding the gravity of the situation, kept his focus on remaining calm. Pikachu stayed close to Ash, its eyes darting between the brothers.
Rashid continued, his tone firm. "You know we don't trust moeng easily, Soraya. This is our hjem, and we have to protect it."
Ash, trying to ease the tension, said, "We really appreciate your help. We didn't mean to intrude, we're just trying to find our way."
Samir stepped forward, his blue eyes meeting Ash's. "Where are you from, Ash? What brought you to Saharos?"
Ash hesitated for a moment before answering. "We were exploring and got lost. We didn't mean to intrude. We're just trying to find our way."
Tariq nodded thoughtfully. "Exploring, huh? That explains the lack of preparation for the desert."
Soraya shot a glance at her brothers, then turned back to Ash. "You can stay until you're ready to move on. But understand, this is our hjem. Respect it."
Ash nodded, grateful for the hospitality despite the tension. "Thank you, Soraya. I appreciate your help."
Rashid finally broke his stern gaze, his expression softening just a fraction. "As long as you understand the rules, moeng," he said, though his tone carried a warning.
Ash nodded again, feeling the weight of the scrutiny from Soraya's brothers. Despite the initial hostility, he sensed a protective bond among the siblings that ran deep. As he settled back, he couldn't help but wonder what other challenges and mysteries Saharos had in store for him and Pikachu.
As Ash and Pikachu settled into the small dwelling, he couldn't help but notice how the space, though modest, seemed to be organized to provide enough room for everyone to sleep. The interior was cool and shaded, a welcome respite from the harsh desert climate outside. He appreciated the ingenuity and efficiency with which the aldea's homes were constructed.
His thoughts drifted back to Rashid's words about another moeng who had come before him. The way Rashid had spoken suggested that this previous stranger had been a threat. Ash wondered what had happened and why Rashid had brought it up with such intensity. It was something he planned to ask Soraya about in the morning, but for now, he let the question linger in his mind.
He glanced at Pikachu, who was now curled up and sound asleep, its breathing soft and even. The sight of his loyal companion brought a sense of calm to Ash. He knew they had both been through a lot, and rest was what they needed most at the moment.
Deciding it was time to get some sleep himself, Ash lay back on the makeshift bed provided for him. The events of the day played through his mind, but exhaustion soon took over. As he drifted off, the quiet murmurs of the aldea and the gentle rustling of the desert breeze filled the room, offering a comforting backdrop to his thoughts.
Ash closed his eyes, determined to face whatever questions and challenges tomorrow might bring. For now, he allowed himself to be enveloped by the peace of the moment, knowing that both he and Pikachu needed to recharge for the journey ahead. His dreams took a sudden, vivid turn. He found himself standing in the midst of an explosion, the deafening roar of destruction echoing around him. The air was thick with smoke and debris, and the familiar structures of the aldea were being torn apart by mechanical machines—hulking, metallic beasts with gleaming claws and spinning blades. The once peaceful homes, much like the one he was now sleeping in, were reduced to rubble.
Panicked shouts filled the air, and Ash felt a strong hand grip his arm, pulling him away from the chaos. "We got to go, Ash!" a voice yelled urgently. The words were insistent, filled with a sense of urgency and desperation.
Ash struggled to comprehend what was happening. The scene felt eerily familiar, yet he couldn't place why. He looked around, trying to see who was pulling him, but the face remained obscured by the haze of smoke and the blinding flashes of light from the explosions.
"Why does this feel so familiar?" he thought, confusion and fear mingling in his mind.
The landscape around him continued to disintegrate, and the ground shook with the force of the destruction. The mechanical machines advanced, their relentless progress unstoppable. Ash's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to make sense of the chaos. The person pulling him kept shouting, their words barely audible over the cacophony.
Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light blinded him, and Ash felt a searing heat wash over him. The world around him seemed to implode, the light consuming everything in its path. He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for the impact.
When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the cool, shaded interior of the hjem. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his heart raced as if he had just run a marathon. He sat up, the remnants of the dream clinging to his mind like cobwebs.
Ash looked around, relieved to see the familiar surroundings of the hjem and to feel the coolness of the desert night. It had just been a dream—a terrifyingly vivid dream. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his body trembling from the intensity of what he had seen.
"Thank goodness no one saw me wake up like this," he thought, thankful for the privacy. The last thing he needed was to explain his strange dream to Soraya and her brothers, especially after the tension from earlier.
He glanced over at Pikachu, still sleeping soundly beside him, its small body rising and falling with each breath. The sight brought him a measure of comfort. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.
The dream had been unsettling, filled with images of destruction and urgency that he couldn't quite shake. It felt like a glimpse into a possible future, though Ash couldn't understand why. He resolved to keep the dream to himself, at least for now, and focus on the immediate challenges ahead.
As he lay back down, he couldn't help but wonder about the meaning behind the dream. But for now, he closed his eyes and tried to find peace in the quiet of the desert night, hoping for a more restful sleep.
Ash's sleep, though initially restless, eventually deepened. However, it wasn't long before a forceful kick abruptly jolted him awake. He gasped, his eyes snapping open to see Rashid standing over him, his stern expression unchanged.
"Get up and follow us. We are taking you to the mursal," Rashid commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Ash sat up quickly, his heart pounding. "What—" he began to protest, but Rashid cut him off with a glare that silenced him.
"Get up," Rashid repeated.
Pikachu, sensing Ash's agitation, scrambled onto his shoulder, its small face filled with concern. "Pika...?"
Ash, still groggy and confused, stood up, brushing off the remnants of sleep. "Why do I need to see the mursal?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Soraya stepped forward, her expression slightly softer than Rashid's but still serious. "The mursal will determine if you are a threat to our aldea," she explained.
Ash nodded, though he still didn't fully understand. "Are there more aldeas?" he asked, hoping for some clarity.
The Qadirs exchanged glances but didn't answer his question. Instead, they began to lead him out of the dwelling, their silence only adding to his confusion.
As they walked through the aldea, Ash took in more of his surroundings. The structures, though simple, were ingeniously designed to offer maximum comfort and protection from the desert's harsh conditions. The central well stood as the lifeline of the community, surrounded by lush greenery that seemed almost out of place in such a barren land.
Others throughout the aldea noticed Ash as he walked by, their eyes following him with curiosity and suspicion. He heard the word "moeng" murmured among them, a constant reminder of his outsider status.
The journey through the aldea was brief, and Ash found himself standing before a larger, more elaborately decorated dwelling. The intricate carvings on the entrance hinted at the importance of the person within.
Rashid gestured for Ash to enter. "Go in. The mursal is waiting."
Ash took a deep breath and stepped inside, Pikachu clinging tightly to his shoulder. The interior was dimly lit, filled with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of prayers. At the center of the room sat an elderly woman with wise, piercing amber eyes that seemed to look right through him. Her tan skin was marked by years of life in the desert, and her long, silver hair with streaks of black was tied back in a braid. She wore traditional robes adorned with intricate patterns that spoke of her high status and deep connection to their spiritual traditions.
"Come closer," she said, her voice both gentle and commanding.
Ash approached cautiously, feeling the weight of the moment. He couldn't shake the unease from his dream or the confusion about why he was being treated with such suspicion. But he knew that whatever happened next would be crucial to his and Pikachu's fate in this mysterious desert land.
Ash took a deep breath and stepped inside, Pikachu clinging tightly to his shoulder. The interior was dimly lit, filled with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of prayers. At the center of the room sat an elderly woman with wise, piercing eyes that seemed to look right through him. Her tan skin was marked by years of life in the desert, and her long, silver hair was tied back in a braid. She wore traditional robes adorned with intricate patterns that spoke of her high status and deep connection to their spiritual traditions.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice both gentle and commanding.
Ash straightened up, trying to appear respectful. "My name is Ash, and this is my best friend, Pikachu."
"Pika!" Pikachu chimed in, trying to appear friendly despite the tense situation.
The mursal's eyes narrowed slightly. "How did you come to be here?"
Ash took a deep breath. "We were exploring, and we got lost. I was traveling on my friend Lapras and ended up here."
The mursal's expression remained stern. "Are you a soldier of the Tsika Army?"
Ash looked at her blankly, genuinely confused. "I'm not sure I've ever heard of them."
Her gaze did not soften. "So you came looking to poach Tyranitars, then? Why else would you come to Saharos and seek out Solarans for help?"
Ash felt a surge of indignation. "No, ma'am! I have only ever fought poachers. I would never help them. When I was twelve, I even brought a Larvitar that had been poached back to its mother on Mt. Silver."
The mursal's eyes studied him intently, searching for any sign of deception. "Then why did you come here?"
"I was just exploring on my friend Lapras," Ash replied earnestly. "I didn't mean to intrude or cause any trouble."
The mursal considered her words for a long moment before finally speaking. "Please get your gear and leave this aldea and go home."
Ash felt a wave of disappointment but nodded in understanding. "Why do I have to leave?" he asked, trying to keep the frustration out of his voice.
"Because, to be frank, I do not trust you, nor do I trust any moeng," the mursal replied. "The Qadirs will make sure you have enough supplies to make it back to the coast. Now leave."
Ash, feeling a mixture of confusion and frustration, bowed his head slightly and left the mursal's presence. As he stepped out into the open air, he found all three Qadir brothers waiting for him, their expressions curious and guarded.
Rashid, Tariq, and Samir stood in a row, clearly eager to hear the mursal's judgment. Ash approached them, feeling the weight of their scrutiny.
"The mursal has decided that I need to leave," Ash said, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside him. "She doesn't trust me, or any other moeng."
Rashid nodded, his expression unreadable. "We will make sure you have enough supplies for the journey back to the coast."
Soraya stepped forward, her eyes meeting Ash's. "We'll get you what you need. Follow us."
Ash followed the Qadirs, still trying to process everything that had happened. He couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment and curiosity about what had led to such distrust of outsiders. As they walked, he couldn't help but wonder about the aldea and the people he was leaving behind, but he knew he had to respect their decision and move on.
Together, they made their way through the aldea, the murmurs of "moeng" still following Ash, a constant reminder of his outsider status. The journey ahead would be challenging, but Ash was determined to face it head-on, with Pikachu by his side.
Ash, feeling the weight of the mursal's judgment, followed Soraya and her brothers back to the dwelling where he had slept. Rashid, Tariq, and Samir helped gather supplies, ensuring he had enough food and water for the journey back to the coast. They handed him a sturdy backpack filled with essentials, including a map to help guide him through the desert.
Soraya led Ash to the edge of the aldea, her vivid blue eyes fixed on the horizon. "This is the direction you need to take," she said, pointing towards the distant dunes. "Follow this path, and you should reach the ocean."
Ash nodded, adjusting the backpack on his shoulders. "Thank you for your hospitality," he said sincerely, his gaze meeting Soraya's.
Soraya's expression softened slightly. "Ma'a Salama," she said, the words carrying a sense of finality and farewell.
With that, she turned back towards the aldea, her brothers following her. Ash watched them go, feeling a mixture of gratitude and sadness. He took a deep breath and looked at Pikachu, who was perched on his shoulder, eyes wide with concern.
"Ready, buddy?" Ash asked, trying to muster some optimism.
"Pika," Pikachu responded, nodding determinedly.
Together, they set off into the desert. The sun was already high in the sky, casting a harsh light that made the sands shimmer and dance. The heat was intense, and the air was dry, sapping the moisture from Ash's skin. Each step he took sent small clouds of sand swirling around his feet.
The landscape stretched out endlessly before them, a sea of golden dunes and rocky outcrops. The wind picked up occasionally, whipping the sand into delicate patterns that looked almost like waves. The only sounds were the soft crunch of Ash's footsteps and the distant call of desert Pokémon.
As they walked, Ash kept his eyes on the horizon, mindful of Soraya's directions. The dunes rose and fell like gentle swells, each one a challenge to climb and descend. Despite the difficulty, Ash felt a sense of determination. He was used to facing challenges, and this desert, with all its mysteries, was just another adventure.
Occasionally, they encountered desert Pokémon. A group of Sandile basked in the sun, their scales glinting like polished stones. They watched Ash and Pikachu pass but paid them no mind. Further along, a pair of Cacnea stood tall, their arms swaying gently in the breeze, rooted firmly in the shifting sands.
The sun climbed higher, the heat becoming more oppressive. Ash took frequent sips from his water bottle, mindful of their limited supply. Pikachu, sensing the need for caution, drank sparingly as well.
As the hours passed, the landscape began to change subtly. The dunes became steeper, their peaks sharper against the sky. The ground underfoot grew rockier, and the occasional patches of hardy vegetation became sparser. Despite the harsh conditions, Ash found a strange beauty in the desolation. The desert was alive in its own way, every ripple of sand and whisper of wind telling a story.
The journey was grueling, but Ash's resolve never wavered. He kept moving forward, step by step, driven by the hope of reaching the ocean and finding his way back home. The memory of the aldea and the people he had met there stayed with him, a reminder of the world's vastness and the bonds that could be formed even in the most unexpected places.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the dunes, Ash knew they still had a long way to go. But with Pikachu by his side and the desert stretching out before him, he felt ready to face whatever came next. The adventure was far from over, and Ash Ketchum was determined to see it through.
As Ash and Pikachu continued their arduous trek through the desert, the relentless sun beating down on them, something in the distance caught Ash's eye. A shadowy figure appeared, wavering slightly in the heat haze.
"Hey! Over here!" Ash called out, his voice hoarse from the dry air. He waved his arms, hoping to get the figure's attention.
Pikachu perked up, its ears twitching as it, too, noticed the distant figure. The figure didn't respond but seemed to stand still, watching them.
Ash took a step forward, determined to reach the figure, but as he did, a wave of dizziness washed over him. The edges of his vision blurred, and he felt his legs buckle beneath him.
"Pika...?" Pikachu's concerned voice was the last thing he heard before everything went black.
The scorching desert sun continued to beat down, casting long shadows across the sand, as Ash lay unconscious, his body giving in to the exhaustion and heat of the unforgiving Saharos desert.