Summer challenged the Mauville City Gym for her third Gym Badge. After a tough battle, Lightning was able to prevail with her newly mastered Grass Knot, and the Trainer earned the Dynamo Badge. Now, she and Weldon begin their journey north towards Fallarbor Town and Lavaridge Town. But along the way, Weldon has a sudden desire to run into the infamous desert on Route 111. Will Summer be able to find him, and why did he go through the swirling sands?
Chapter 24- Stories in the Sand
We exited the Mauville City Pokémon Center and welcomed the usual humid morning amongst the skyscrapers.
"Ready to go?" I asked Weldon as I adjusted my backpack.
He nodded. "Yeah, time to leave the city. And…sigh…go past that sweltering volcano."
Chuckling, I replied, "We'll try to stay in the shade as we go by."
I led the way to Route 111. It was one of the calmer places around Mt. Chimney, as shown by a house overlooking a small pond. But there was one major exception.
Lightning wiped her brow. "Whew! Weldon wasn't kidding!"
I patted her head. "If you think that's bad, the desert's a lot worse."
"D-Desert? How can there be a desert here of all places?"
"It's in the middle of this route in between the valley and mountains. Apparently, there are also rumors that there are artifacts and ruins hidden in the sand. But it's hard to tell since people can also see mirages in there too."
I thought Weldon would be interested in my story, but he didn't respond. I turned to my rival and was shocked to see his eyes were glazed over. "I-Is something wrong, Weldon?"
The Kantonian, without responding to me, dashed off to the northeast where the desert was located.
"Weldon!" I cried as I ran after him.
But when I reached the entrance, the raging sandstorm blinded my vision and forced me back. I coughed out some sand as Lightning caught up.
"Are you okay, Summer?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." I rubbed my eyes and saw no one else. "Did Weldon...just run into the desert?"
The Raichu nodded. "But how come you couldn't get through?"
I gritted my teeth. "Those constant sandstorms are known to stop people from entering; it takes a lot of willpower to walk through there without eye protection. If only I kept my Go-Goggles from Professor Birch…"
"What are Go-Goggles?"
A familiar voice replied, "They're special goggles that allow you to see through the sandstorm."
Jade walked up to us, holding onto several pairs of the aforementioned black goggles with green lenses.
"Jade!" I exclaimed. "Why are you here?"
"Starting on some desert research. I brought some pairs just in case, and I have a new one for that...Lapis person…"
"Sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but can you lend me two pairs? Weldon ran into the desert, and I need to find him."
Her eyes grew wide. "He did WHAT?! Say no more!"
She whipped the goggles off her arm and tossed them to me. As I put one on and adjusted the settings, she added, "You can keep them, Summer. The professor's getting more new ones for the lab."
"Thanks, Jade! Tell the professor I said thanks too!"
"Good luck, Summer!"
Now prepared, Lightning and I ran into the sandy landscape. Sensing the storm was heavier than usual, I pulled down the optional barrier that covered the nose and mouth. With that, I could breathe easier. Noticing Lightning was struggling to maintain her vision, I returned her and replaced her with the two who could better withstand the harsh conditions.
"Rocky, Errol, I need your help!"
The Steelix was pleasantly surprised by the sand exfoliating his body, while the Noctowl winced infrequently.
"Y-You must have a good reason for pfft- letting me out in this ghastly weather, pfft- Ms. Summer…" The Flying type said as he spit out some sand.
"Sorry, Errol, but it's an emergency. We need to find Weldon; he ran into the desert without telling me why!"
Rocky was alarmed. "Then we have to hurry. I sense this sandstorm will get stronger soon."
"Pfft- I say…"
I commanded, "Rocky, you can search on your own since you're immune to the sandstorm's effects. Errol, I need you to stay with me. Since you have the Keen Eye Ability, you can see through the sand."
The Noctowl pouted, "Now I wish I had Insomnia instead…"
"Don't worry, I have plenty of Berries and Hyper Potions just for you."
"Well, since you offered."
Rocky headed north while we headed south. The sand continued to batter us as we ventured further. But I couldn't find any sign of him.
I really hope he's okay… I wonder why he ran off like that.
"Ms. Summer!" Errol alerted me. "There is a pfft- person standing there!"
Seeing the silhouette he pointed out, I ran over to investigate. But to my surprise, it was Trinity and her Togepi, Loki. She wore a black scarf over her mouth and a pair of clear goggles over her eyes to shield her from the desert environment.
"So you're here as well. I expected as much."
"Tr-Trinity! What are you doing here?"
She adjusted her makeshift Go-Goggles. "Just checking on a theory I have."
I sighed. "Sorry, but I don't have time. I-"
"You're here to find Weldon aren't you?" She smiled as she noticed a suspicious glare appear on my face. "Don't worry. He's not in any danger."
Hm… I don't sense unusual emotions from her. I guess she is telling the truth, for now.
She brushed her hair back. "You two must be tired. I set up a healing square here so you and your Noctowl can take a break from the sandstorm."
It was then that I noticed a faint green glow positioned around her. We entered into its boundaries, where the swirling sand could not penetrate. Relieved, Errol landed on the ground and happily ate some of the Berries from my bag.
As I drank some water, I asked, "You mentioned a theory. Is it about why Weldon ran into the desert?"
Loki applauded. "Wow, she's good, Trin!"
"She does have a researcher's mind, Loki."
"Wait, how did you know I was a researcher?"
"I have my sources."
I wonder what those sources are… I crossed my arms. "I have been wondering about this for a while. You don't seem to have a translation device. How are you able to understand Loki?"
She emitted a soft sigh. "You must have some idea of who I am, don't you?"
"No, not really. I mean, if you know anything about my history of being a Guardian, then you should also know I only studied the Legendary Pokémon and the ones I bonded with."
"Hm… So the splitting of roles did occur after all…"
"'Splitting of'? Oh, you mean the Johto Legend Guardian also being the region's Lorekeeper? Y-Yeah, that happened." Now I really wonder what her sources are.
"Thank you for confirming. Well, if I have to tell you, I must."
She pulled out a small piece of leather from inside her jacket and showed it to me. On it was an etching showing two ancient fish swimming around a mountain range with a volcano at the center.
"This is the symbol of my clan, the Tairiku Hogo-sha, or the Continent Guardians. We are the protectors of the great Legendary Pokémon who waged war in the Hoenn Region almost 3,000 years ago."
"Are you talking about Groudon and Kyogre?"
"Yes. Not only is it our duty to protect their resting locations, but it is also protect their power from being abused."
I stroked my chin. "You think their power is being abused now?"
"Not immediately. But it's only a matter of time. And because of this, we have the ability to speak with the Pokémon we work directly ."
"I see… But I still don't understand why you're looking at Weldon. From what I can remember, Groudon, Kyogre, and even Rayquaza are not under the jurisdiction of a Legend Guardian."
Trinity cracked a smile. "You are correct on that front. But the Legend Guardian of the Regis is a different matter." She glanced off in the distance. "The Regis protected the region from the onslaught from the war, but now, they have faded into myth and legend. The only recorded Guardian was the first one, and he passed away protecting the ones who selected him to be their human sculptor. And with the Regis still in their slumber, my clan has now taken on the role to search for their new Guardian."
"But why do you think Weldon is the one?"
She clenched her fist. "A prophecy. And Weldon appears to meet all the criteria from it."
"Can I see this prophecy?"
"I'm afraid not. That is under the care of the ones whose duty are to protect Rayquaza in a similar fashion."
I gave her a determined look. "I'd really like to see it. Where are these caretakers?"
Trinity was about to respond when her Charizard, Munin, landed into the square. He gave me a nod before he whispered something into this Trainer's ear.
"Hm. I see." Trinity then turned to us. "It seems like Weldon has found what he was supposed to be looking for. I'll take my leave then."
"Wait! You didn't answer my question!"
The protector grinned. "I can't give you their exact location, but I can tell you their home is at the highest point where the meteors fell."
"Then what about Weldon? Where is he?"
"Don't worry about that. Munin told your Steelix his location."
There is no hint of trickery in her voice again. So I guess she's right.
Trinity smirked. "I know of your abilities as the Guardian of the Legendary Beasts, Summer. If I wanted to trick you, I would have done it less obviously."
"Oh, right."
After she got on her flying Pokémon, she said, "Until next time, Summer." They took off into the sandstorm, which swallowed them until they could no longer be seen.
The green square beneath us faded away, and I quickly put my Go-Goggles back on.
Errol protected his face with his wing. "Bleh!" he shouted as he spit out sand. "A fair warning pfft- would have been advisable!"
The ground slightly shook, signalizing Rocky's impending arrival. When he came into view, he said, "Summer, Errol. I got a tip from a Charizard on where Weldon is."
I awkwardly chuckled. "I see. We got the same advice as well. Lead the way, Rocky."
He knelt down. "It'll be faster if you ride me, Summer."
"That's true. Then you get a break, Errol."
He wept with joy. "Praise to Arceus!"
We laughed as I returned him. After securing myself onto his head, Rocky slithered east until we reached a dead end. There, Weldon was kneeling in front of the ruins of what looked like a temple. I got down from Rocky and we slowly approached.
He turned around and weakly smiled. "Y-You're here, Summer."
To my surprise, his eyes weren't as red as I thought someone who headed into a sandstorm without protection would be.
I handed him the spare Go-Goggles. "You should wear this, Weldon. It'll help shield your eyes from the sandstorm."
"Oh, thanks." After he put them on, he asked, "How did you find me?"
"That…doesn't matter now. Why did you run into the desert? I was so worried!"
He adjusted his hat. "I…I'm still not sure… One moment, I was listening to your explanation of the desert, and then the next, I found myself here in front of this ruins." He touched one of the pieces of rubble. "It's strange… I've never been here and yet, it feels so familiar to me."
He took out the cufflinks I gave him and to my surprise, they were giving off a soft brown glow.
"I-I've never seen them do that before…" I mused.
Then I noticed a small orb made of rock fastened on the left accessory. A faint power emanated from it.
"I found this amongst the ruins," he informed. "I don't know what it is, but it fits into one of the cufflinks. Almost as if it was originally supposed to be there."
I stroked my chin. "That's really interesting. I wonder… Can I touch it?"
He handed me the jewelry and I examined them more closely. I struggled to hold it, as if it gained additional weight from the orb. Though it was strange; the new object felt really familiar to me. I glanced at my necklace and noticed the gemstones on it were pulsating ever so slightly.
I've never seen the Spirit Necklace do that before. Could it be they're related in some way?
As I handed the cufflinks back, I brushed against some of the rubble. Darkness enveloped me and the bald man I saw back in the Ice Path stood in front of me.
He snickered as faint images flashed behind him. "You really are becoming quite a thorn in my side, aren't you?, Guardian of the Beasts."
I stepped back, wary. "Wh-Who are you? This is the second time I've seen you."
"I'm surprised. I thought someone with your power who've found me out by now. But it seems you're just as weak as your predecessor."
"H-How dare you-!"
Suddenly, the black atmosphere was blown away by the whipping sands, returning me to reality.
Weldon worriedly looked at me. "Everything okay, Summer?"
I forced a smile. "Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Come on, let's get out of the desert."
We climbed onto Rocky, who guided us north towards the end. I glanced back at Weldon, who was lost in thought. As I debated about telling him what I saw, he talked first.
"Hey, Summer… Can I tell you something…personal?"
"O-Oh, sure. What is it?"
After taking a deep breath, he said, "When I stood in front of those ruins, it hit me. Today...about thirteen years ago… That was the day my dad disappeared, at that place."
"Oh, I see. Did they ever say what happened that made him disappear?"
"No clue. Since it was in such an isolated area that's difficult to get to, the authorities weren't able to investigate thoroughly. All they could gather what that the temple collapsed by a seismic event and that he died as a result. But…they couldn't find his body. Mom and I still believe he's alive, but every year is…sigh…another year he's not with us. I want to keep that hope, but it just…keeps hurting."
He struggled to maintain his composure.
I instinctively clasped his left hand. "Weldon. I may not know if your dad did survive that temple collapse, but I know that it wasn't an accident."
"H-How can you know that?"
I bit my lip. I can't tell him yet… I don't want him to get riled up any more. "I…I have a strong feeling about it. But whatever you do, don't give up until you find the truth. And if you need my help, just let me know."
His soft gaze made my heart skip slightly. "Thanks, Summer."
The rest of our trek was quiet until we felt the sun's rays getting stronger. Now out of the desert, we continued our travels lost in our separate thoughts.
Summer's Pokémon:
Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut
Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash
Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Signal Beam
Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch, Grass Knot
Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail
Olive (Treecko, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Pound, Screech, Mega Drain, Quick Attack
Weldon's Pokémon:
Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Solarbeam, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip
Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Drill Peck, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace
Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge
Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall
Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast
Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Mega Kick, Thunder Punch, Shock Wave
Questions for the Chapter:
What did you think of Trinity's discussion with Summer?
How was Weldon able to find the ruins?
Why was the bald man protecting the visions of the past from Summer?
