Chapter 8 - Work is Hard
The sun beat down as Elduran and Aisha trudged across the desert, leaving behind the soothing waters of Lake Tranquility. They moved in silence, the tension from their morning disagreement still between them.
The desert stretched out under the hot sun, a big open space of rocky brown earth. The sky was a bright blue, meeting the dry land far away. Sunlight lit up the rust-colored rocks like old guards watching over time. Cacti stood tall, casting long shadows across the ground. Their green spines stood out against the dark soil, while tough shrubs clung to the rocks.
The air smelled of dry dirt. Far away, the light made the horizon look fuzzy. The sun made the desert shine gold and brown. Sometimes, far-off Pokémon sounds brought some life to the heat. This place was quietly strong, inviting people to cross its wide space to listen to the wind.
Cyndaquil walked confidently ahead, his flames gently flickering with each step, like marking a path through the rocks and cacti. The sun shone warmly on Cyndaquil's fiery back. Even though the surroundings were tough, he moved with purpose, his innocent curiosity guiding the way.
Above, Vivillon and Togetic flew in graceful loops, their wings shining as they moved through the open sky. Vivillon's red and white patterns looked like the bright colors of the desert flowers scattered here and there, while Togetic's magical charm added a touch of fun to the bare landscape.
Together, they served as watchful guardians, their sharp eyes scanning the horizon with ease. They weaved through the air skillfully, sometimes crossing paths as they flew over the group, making sure the way ahead was safe from any unseen dangers.
Elduran and Aisha walked closely behind Cyndaquil, often looking up at the sky, comforted by Vivillon and Togetic watching from above. Cyndaquil moved across the rocky desert floor, his curious eyes looking at the strange landscape. He soon came up to a big cactus, interested in its tall shape and spiky shadow against the sky. Never having seen such a plant before, Cyndaquil's curiosity took over. He leaned in, carefully reaching out his tongue to taste the cactus, hoping for a sign of life in this dry world.
The instant his tongue touched the cactus's green skin, Cyndaquil yelped, pulling back sharply. Needles pricked his tongue, a painful surprise that quickly turned into irritation. It was obvious that he was fueled by discomfort and rage at this unexpected retaliation, as his back flared up with vibrant flames, and with a defiant puff, he unleashed a fiery Ember at the cactus.
The dry plant caught fire quickly, burning up in the hot desert air. Vivillon came down gently, calming Cyndaquil with the soft flutter of her red and white wings and soothing words. At the same time, Aisha quickly released Marill from its Pokéball. "Splash, spray it with Water Gun!" she said urgently.
The blue Pokémon quickly waddled forward and shot a stream of water right at the burning cactus. Marill's Water Gun put out the fire with a hiss and left behind some burnt bits.
With the flames put out and Cyndaquil's bad mood cooling down like the smoking cactus, Vivillon happily flew back up into the air, visibly glad that peace was back. Cyndaquil, now looking calmer, shook off the last bits of his anger. Aisha thanked her Pokémon for quickly helping put out the fire. After that, she put Marill back in his Pokéball right away.
Cyndaquil, Vivillon, and Togetic regrouped, vigilantly watching for any hidden surprises the desert might present.
Cyndaquil led the way, sending playful flickers of light over the rocky path. Nearby, a group of Sandshrew ran by, their tan bodies blending into the sand. They quickly dug into the ground, leaving wavy lines behind. On a nearby hill, a few Cubone walked around, their skull helmets dull under the sun. A Marowak watched them, keeping them safe as it walked around. Elduran and Aisha wisely picked a path away from its area to avoid trouble.
As they ventured deeper into the desert, Elduran and Aisha came upon a quarry. Approaching it, they witnessed a blend of hard work and exhaustion, reflecting the collaboration between humans and Pokémon, though both appeared worn out.
Gravelers moved slowly across the rocky terrain as the human supervisors, sounding tired, gave firm and helpful directions. Despite the fatigue, orders were followed well, but everyone progressed slowly due to the demanding work
Amidst the activity, Machoke struggled a bit with the boulders, their movements less fluid than ideal. A muscular laborer, sharp-eyed but visibly tired, maintained safety amid the noise, with Machoke and their human companions responding slowly and deliberately to his guidance.
A single Copperajah, strong yet lumbered with wear, added its might to the quarry's efforts. The experienced operator, standing at its side, guided its trunk with measured signals, directing the piled stones with care.
An old woman and her Hariyama, with calm and strong expressions, approached the workers at a slow pace, evidently accustomed to hard work. Despite appearing tired from continually carrying heavy water buckets, Hariyama persevered, encouraged by the gentle words of its companion.
Despite the noisy quarry, her presence held everything together, reflecting the hard strain of blending nature's power with human ingenuity. Both people and Pokémon worked tirelessly, carrying life's burdens, their efforts revealing a silent struggle in the vast desert. Elduran observed the collective effort and fatigue, propelling him on this new journey. He approached the old woman, who stood alone amidst the bustling quarry. Her attire—gray baggy pants and a long shirt—seemed a decade old, hinting at a life of experience. Unlike the busy workers in safety gear, she wore no helmet. Her white hair carried the dust of labor, embodying a calm wisdom and quiet strength akin to the desert. Elduran felt drawn to her, as if she held the secrets of the desert.
"Interesting operation you have going here," Elduran remarked. "You look like the foreman."
The woman chuckled, a sound as dry as the desert wind. "Foreman, you say? I wish. I shouldered the burden of ownership years ago," she admitted with a resigned sigh.
"Why would being the owner be a bad thing?" Elduran asked gently.
Aisha joined the conversation with a concerned glance at their surroundings. "Do you see their conditions, Elduran? It's evident."
Elduran turned to take in the scene: the dilapidated stone buildings, the rusted iron bones of long-abandoned machinery. The exhausted Pokémon moved sluggishly, their energy sapped by the harshness of their environment.
It was a place where the hope of thriving had been overshadowed by sheer survival. The woman's eyes, reflecting the struggles of her workers and Pokémon alike, revealed a silent plea for change amidst the desert's unrelenting challenge. "The problem isn't the abundance of stone," Elduran murmured, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Perhaps it's the heat and the desert. It seems logical."
The old woman's laughter came to them, an unexpected melody amidst the solemnity. "Oh, there's no shortage of stone, and believe me, it's not the heat or the desert that concerns us. The issue that's draining the very life from this place is the absence of a promised road. It's been a decade now. Ten years since they assured us of its construction."
Aisha, her expression a mask of confusion and disbelief, intervened. "Why not build your own road if this quarry is privately owned?"
The old woman looked at them with a knowing smile. "That question shows you're new to Tenera. We can't make roads. We can't even drive trucks outside the city without breaking the law. Archaic laws from before our independence still govern us. I don't know your reasons for being here but take heed. Perhaps consider returning to Asven and flying out before you become entangled in this mess."
Elduran, trying to make sense of the contradictions in her story, pressed on, "Then why was the construction of a road anticipated?"
"A law was supposed to change to permit it. But the Pokémon League opposed it," The old woman exclaimed, exasperation creeping into her tone.
"They say it's to keep the natural areas safe, but I doubt it," Aisha scoffed. "Isn't it just a way to bring in trainers? It's definitely tied to Pokémon tourism. And yet, there's already a road from the airport to Asven. Either the league is really corrupt, or they do care about Pokémon—but the way things are here looks more like corruption."
The old lady appeared to reassess her, a flicker of respect softening her gaze. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. I'm Dorothy. And you are?"
"I'm Aisha, and this is Elduran," Aisha introduced, gesturing to Elduran.
Dorothy smiled, her face softening a bit. "With that Vivillon, Togetic, and cute little Cyndaquil, you must be trainers. Are you trying for the Gym challenge? They say it's the hardest in any region. Since you came from the west, whether through the Valt swamp or the Volcano, you've already faced some of it. Pretty impressive for trainers. Come inside. I can at least give you a break and something to drink."
Aisha accepted graciously, "We'd appreciate that."
Inside the small building near them, the sound of creaking hinges greeted them. The air inside was cooler and calm; the room was simple with a table for eight, a small kitchen, and six bunk beds with one slightly larger bed, showing that Dorothy had little privacy even though she owned the place.
Dorothy asked, "Coffee, water, or tea?" Her manner was simple, and her hospitality seemed genuine. Aisha chose tea, while Elduran opted for coffee. Dorothy served Aisha a cup of hot water with an unopened tea bag and brought Elduran a cup, commenting, "It's drip coffee, pretty good if I might add."
"Stove pot coffee is the best," he acknowledged, "but I enjoy whatever's available. One must appreciate what's at hand."
Aisha glanced around the stark interior; her unease apparent. "Dorothy, humans can choose to move or leave, but these Pokémon are like slaves. I'm sorry for being so blunt."
Dorothy smiled wryly, looking amused. "It's not just Pokémon, but humans too. These Pokémon aren't mine—I have only two, Hariyama and a Machoke. The rest belong to the workers. When people come asking for a job and they have a Pokémon, I hire them. Who would hire laborers without Pokémon? It's the reality of our world: good labor depends on good labor Pokémon. Simple economics in a harsh environment. Only one of my employees here has three Pokémon, a pitiful indicator of our struggles."
Elduran nodded, his expression contemplative. "Tenera's government rivals the corruption globally."
"Worse," Dorothy corrected, a bitter edge hardening her words. "No government is as bad. The town you're headed to, its chaos personified. Tenera's so-called cities, save Asven, are pitiful. Dendra—beautiful, maybe, but steeped in corruption. Zest, though populous, is a dilapidated relic from the past. This corruption—it defies logic. Roads could ease conditions for these Pokémon. Why does the league obstruct progress? I'm too weary for these endless battles."
"You're right," Aisha concurred, "it's nonsensical."
"Since you managed to survive the swamp, you must be trainers capable of handling yourselves. I have a favor to ask. I've reached out to our esteemed league for assistance, but I've been waiting for nearly a month with no response, and I can't afford to hire independent trainers," Dorothy said.
"What is the problem?" Elduran inquired, sipping his coffee.
"I have a ghost Pokémon problem, specifically a Drifblim," Dorothy replied.
"Those damn ghosts. Let me guess, it snatched a worker or a Pokémon, soared high, and then dropped them to their doom?" Elduran speculated.
"Exactly, one of my laborers. I haven't been able to replace the poor soul since everyone is now terrified of this place. Some of my workers have attempted to set up an ambush, particularly those with Gravelers, because unfortunately, most of us use fighting or ground Pokémon, or a Copperajah, which is hard to conceal. Our Mudsdales, mainly responsible for transporting rocks to Dirthrow, are borderline useless too. But this Drifblim seems to be biding its time, waiting for us to lower our guard again. It's frustrating to always have to keep one Graveler out of work just to preserve their energy to stand guard at night," Dorothy lamented.
"I will deal with this Drifblim easily, rest assured. Have everyone sleep today and don't have any Pokémon out, let it think you've finally lowered your defenses," Elduran proposed. "But I won't do it for free; since we'll have to stay overnight, we need beds, food, and drink. Is that agreeable?" he asked.
"Yes, of course, that's the least I can offer. Do you have Pokémon that are effective against ghosts?" Dorothy inquired.
"Actually, I'll handle this personally," Elduran said.
Aisha stood up, "Excuse me, Dorothy, but let me speak to Elduran privately for a minute." She motioned for him to follow her to the door. Once they were far enough from the building to ensure their conversation was private, Aisha confronted him, "Are you insane? We don't have time for this. Yes, maybe a person or two might die, but every day we delay in dealing with the Watchers, a whole city could perish. You're not thinking clearly," Aisha scolded him.
"For someone who was so broken up about saving a bleeding Heracross that delayed us by a whole day, you're remarkably unsympathetic to human lives. I'm clearly not employed by the Kanto Intelligence Agency, as you pointed out. I'm here to enjoy being a Pokémon trainer, and part of that enjoyment is dealing with ghost Pokémon. Now, if I happen across some Watchers on the way, I'll be sure to handle them too," Elduran said.
"You're insufferable!" Aisha retorted. "Even if it had been a Pokémon that Drifblim killed, I'd have said the same thing."
"Then I don't understand your standpoint. Contrary to what you may believe, I'm not heartless; I'm a pragmatist but certainly not heartless, unlike you. Let me give you some advice: help who you can, don't become a slave to your agency; be human, Aisha. Instead of being a puppet to your job, use it, use their resources to do some good in this world. We might head to Dirthrow, encounter the Watchers before we know it, and end up dead on the street by morning, but at least we could have helped these people first," Elduran reasoned.
"Look, I see your point, I really do, but I can't keep doing this. I feel like I'm drowning every second I waste not pursuing them. I'll head to Dirthrow, leave right now, and do some reconnaissance tonight and tomorrow before you arrive," Aisha said.
"Alright, actually, that sounds like a solid plan. It's the best way to do both—help these people and make progress on finding intel about the Watchers. I like it," Elduran agreed.
"Wow, you truly think in a no-nonsense way, don't you? Anyway, let me fetch Gale, and I'll get going. We'll be staying at the sole Pokémon Center in town—hard for even you to miss. With several hours of daylight remaining, and Route 113 appearing fairly safe thus far," Aisha remarked.
"Alright, see you in the morning. And just so you know, there are no hard feelings about our argument earlier. Work is work, I won't lose sight of that, but you did strike a chord. It's not that I'm hiding anything; I haven't yet admitted to myself what seems obvious to you. You might be right about everything, but it's something I can't accept yet, at least not openly. It's not embarrassment—I don't even think I know that feeling—it's more like..." Elduran began, but Aisha interrupted.
"It's the fear that all these years have passed without you pursuing your heart's desires and chasing the Watchers on your terms. You're simply afraid you might have chosen the wrong path," Aisha said.
"You might be right, but I still need to work it all out in my mind. I'm just not ready yet to fully embrace your theory. There's something that tells me to hold back on fully committing to the non-combat aspects of Pokémon. Perhaps I've already embraced them, and I'm just deceiving myself," Elduran admitted.
"Alright, I won't push you. I'll let you figure it out for yourself," Aisha said as she walked back toward the building to retrieve her Togetic.
True to her word, Aisha picked up Togetic and left the quarry, while Elduran informed Dorothy that tonight there would be no Pokémon or humans keeping watch. He instructed them to heed her command, knowing he wouldn't waste another night trying to help. He needed Drifblim to take the bait—the bait being himself. Initially, he considered using Cyndaquil, but Drifblim seldom lifted Pokémon only to drop them. On the other hand, watching humans fall to their demise was a thrill for them.
Elduran released Heracross from its Pokéball to assess its condition and was pleasantly surprised at the improvement, although it was clear that none of his three Pokémon fared well against ghost types. With Heracross still injured, Elduran's prediction that he'd be the reason for Drifblim's end wasn't an empty boast.
From his bag, he extracted a special black cassette containing 16 vials filled with Pokémon type essences. How these were extracted remained a mystery to him, though he marveled at how immune humans were to them. There were no normal or fighting essences. The absence of the normal type made sense, and while fighting seemed almost logical, given that it's essentially normal moves with a martial arts slant, still, some Pokémon with fighting moves demolished others that resisted normal attacks. Nevertheless, he didn't consider it crucial since no Pokémon was solely weak against fighting moves.
Each vial cost 20,000 Pokédollars—or crimson cetis in Tenera. He presumed the price would be comparable and could check in Dirthrow the following day. A single vial could likely coat his entire quiver, requiring just a few drops and some rubbing to spread over the arrowheads, lasting easily for twenty to thirty hours.
He coated two aluminum arrows with the dark vial, applying two drops on each and spreading the liquid with his finger, since humans remained unaffected by these essences. Carbon arrows were reserved for special long-range shots, but this would be a straightforward, short-range task if planned correctly. He estimated two arrows would suffice alongside a few stabs with his knife, which he also coated only at the tip, requiring merely two drops.
He spent a couple of hours working through the plan with Cyndaquil, Vivillon, and Heracross. Vivillon was crucial here; although Cyndaquil would've been ideal, Elduran doubted ember would affect Drifblim significantly. Vivillon's role was to ensure his second shot was a direct hit and to resolve the Drifblim issue definitively.
As sunset descended, casting the desert and quarry in gray, Elduran knew it was time to rest until awakening around eleven at night. His sleep, split into two phases, would envelop him before and after the encounter. As he re-entered the building, he noticed the workers leaving, except for Dorothy. When he inquired, she explained she'd given them Saturday off since it was Friday, ensuring no interference with his mission. They wouldn't return from Dirthrow until Monday, which worked perfectly for Elduran.
Thanking her, he settled on the bottom bunk. Cyndaquil, by his waist, exuded blissful contentment. Heracross and Vivillon claimed the top bunk, their wings offering ample lift. There was no need to keep watch; Dorothy told him she retired around midnight, well past his set alarm. Thanks to his army days and missions, Elduran had mastered the art of falling asleep swiftly and efficiently; within ten seconds of laying his head down, he was enveloped by slumber.
Hours later, his watch vibrated, It was time. Heracross had already awakened, pacing, testing its injury. Elduran roused Vivillon and Cyndaquil, while Dorothy quietly sipped tea at the table writing a note. With a finger to his lips, he signaled for silence. He zipped up his jacket and, moving deliberately and quietly, stepped outside, ten feet from the building's door. Surrounded by emptiness, he was exposed—easy prey. He undid his bow and nocked one of the arrows soaked in dark essence, holding it in his left hand. With his right hand, he unsheathed his dark-essence-coated knife from his back. Then, he sat down, crossing his legs, head tilted forward, feigning sleep. All of his Pokémon were concealed, waiting patiently by the door.
For at least an hour, he must have remained in that position, growing increasingly uncomfortable. Perhaps today, the Drifblim would not launch an attack. Dorothy wouldn't be pleased. Yet, all hope was not lost. He assured her that tonight he would exert his utmost effort, even if it meant enduring the entire night like this. At least he would know he had done all he could. Maybe a slight movement was needed, in case it hovered nearby, and his stillness prevented even the Drifblim from detecting him. He stretched a bit, shifting gently left and right to ease the tension in his hips, then settled back into waiting.
A noise descended from above, the faint hiss of air. Elduran, still excessively calm, listened intently. It was indeed moving slowly—but was it coming toward him? Perhaps it was a different Pokémon, preoccupied with its own affairs. Yet, there it was, inching closer with certainty. Elduran's heart began to race, adrenaline coursing through him, but his training and resolve rendered that invisible. Anyone observing him at that moment might have thought he was lifeless—not moving, not panicking, not sweating. In fact, doing nothing at all.
Elduran felt something toiuch his shoulder. Without a glance, he twisted, driving his knife into the largest Drifblim he had ever seen. It let out a piercing shriek as a black spot spread from the wound. As Elduran tried to raise his left arm to draw his bow, a powerful gust erupted, sending both him and Drifblim soaring through the air at tremendous speed. The Drifblim had used Tailwind, an advanced Pokemon move that allowed it to harness the winds to its advantage. Elduran tumbled across the ground before coming to a halt. When he raised his head, his team was already rushing to his aid. He knew he needed to act quickly; this creature was far stronger than any of his Pokémon.
He still held the bow firmly, though the arrow had flew off. With any luck, a single arrow would be enough. Arrows were still powerful, though they didn't quite compare to bullets; bullets could often get lodged within a Pokémon, depending on the creature, whereas arrows, again depending on the Pokémon, provided more opportunities for removal. Drawing another arrow infused with darkness, he took aim. Drifblim moved too hastily; the shot seemed impossible regardless. His skill was unquestionable, yet the gusting wind and turbulence from Tailwind made the attempt fruitless. He needed to be patient; wait for the perfect moment to strike from point-blank range. He re-clipped his bow and returned the arrow to his quiver.
Drifblim spun rapidly, conjuring a tornado-like wind that surged toward Elduran. It had used Gust, prompting Elduran to dash to his right. "Blue! To me!" he called out, and Heracross swiftly flew over, snatching Elduran and whisking him a few feet to safety as a second Gust swept past them. "Forge, use Ember!" he commanded Cyndaquil, who immediately unleashed flames from its mouth, striking Drifblim squarely. Yet, Drifblim remained motionless, absorbing the assault as if welcoming it. What was wrong? Elduran pondered, knowing Drifblim could easily evade within the Tailwind. Then realization struck him. "Damn, Forge, stop! Stop quickly!" he urgently instructed, and Cyndaquil obeyed. It was then that Elduran noticed Drifblim was aflame, its eyes now three times their normal size. Too late, Elduran understood that this Drifblim possessed Flare Boost, an ability enhancing its power when engulfed in flames.
Vivillon soared through the sky as Drifblim vanished into thin air. It had used Phantom Force and would soon reemerge beneath one of them with fierce intensity. Since it seemed more aggravated with him, Elduran anticipated it would target him. Without hesitation, he thrust his knife into the ground. Half a heartbeat later, a shadow loomed around him. Indeed, it chose him, and Elduran permitted a faint smile to play upon his lips. As the darkness lunged toward him, his knife, infused with shadow, sliced through it like a thin veil. Drifblim let out a screech as Elduran wrenched the blade from its form, then swiftly turned, rolling backward just as Drifblim erupted angrily from the earth. As he retreated from the dust-laden crater, Elduran commanded Cyndaquil to use Leer and Heracross to launch an assault with Pin Missile. With some luck, Drifblim would continue chasing him, as the knife proved to be the most effective against it.
Cyndaquil flashed his eyes on him and Drifblim defenses did falter as Heracross bombarded it with thin missiles forming and expaulding from his body. It was definitely affecting it, but the best in this situation was Vivillon. She had all tools to make Drifblim a sitting duck for him, but he needed to focus on Heracross now in order for plan B to spring into action, since plan A was clearly to just finish it himself with a stab and an arrow or two in face. That clearly had not worked. Drifblim took the bait and just as instructed hours before, his Pokémon did as commanded. Cyndaquil used a weak form of quick attack, since it had not mastered the move yet, to move fast towards Heracross, when it arrived it used Smoke Screen to hide them both. Drifblim was almost upon them, Elduran was sure that it would use either Shadow Ball or Gust to clear the smoke. The smart move would be Shadow Ball, stronger and a big Pokémon like it was, Elduran was sure it could probably hit both of them without having to see them, the obvious move would be to use Gust to help tailwind clear the smoke even faster, but the move was weaker and slower. Drifblim started twisting, it decided to use gust and Elduran was very proud of Vivillon as she was already hovering over his head.
"Commence with Stun Spore as planned," Elduran instructed. Even though it was not rapidly executed, Drifblim, consumed by its own fury, failed to notice the spores enveloping it, rendering the creature momentarily paralyzed just after it unleashed a Gust at Cyndaquil and Heracross. The duo had already vacated their position, allowing Heracross to continue its onslaught with a volley of pin missiles. This was his chance, Elduran mused, as he unhooked his bow quickly. He deftly extracted the dark-infused arrow from his quiver, and within seconds, it was in flight. He was too close to miss. Simultaneously, Elduran commanded Vivillon to release a Psybeam to further bewilder Drifblim, extending the effect of the Stun Spore, preventing its motion temporarily before commencing with Poison Powder. Vivillon was unparalleled in manipulating adversaries. When the arrow and Psybeam struck in unison, Drifblim emitted a piercing wail. Elduran felt certain it would be defeated, yet he remained vigilant until victory was unmistakable. With Vivillon dispersing poison particles over Drifblim, Elduran fixed his gaze on his objective. Swiftly advancing, he spotted the misplaced arrow roughly ten feet away. Sliding to reclaim it, he swiftly nocked it and took aim once more. Although Drifblim was laying on the ground, he prudently kept his bow trained on it as he approached, its tailwind entirely subdued.
Elduran stood over the Drifblim. It wasn't breathing—a trait shared by most Ghost-type Pokémon. Yet, it was still alive. Ghost Pokémon only perished when they vanished entirely. Dorothy approached them, emerging from the building.
"A tragedy," she lamented, sadness welling in her eyes.
"You know I must end this," Elduran responded curtly.
"Yes, I understand. But that doesn't lessen the waste, ghost or not, it is still a life" Dorothy replied.
Cyndaquil appeared crestfallen, sensing what Elduran was about to do. Vivillon approached him, striving to lift his spirits. Heracross looked worn out. Elduran contemplated recalling him to his Pokéball for some much-needed respite after the grueling past three days. Yet, one final task awaited. He clutched his knife firmly with both hands, plunging it deep into Drifblim's form. So faint was it that it didn't stir as it dissipated into mist, then vanished entirely.
Elduran reattached his bow, retrieved the arrow from the spot where Drifblim had lingered moments before, and returned it to his quiver. Kneeling beside Cyndaquil, he spoke, "Remember, Forge, you can't show mercy to those who aim to harm you. It may sadden you now but imagine the grief if it had awoken and harmed me, Viv, or Blue."
"Cyyyyn," Cyndaquil murmured, its expression a blend of sadness and comprehension.
Dorothy approached Elduran and extended her hand. He rose to accept the handshake. "Thank you for everything. I've never witnessed anyone fight alongside their Pokémon as you have," she admitted.
Elduran assured Heracross that he needed to rest, promising the next time he would emerge from his Pokéball, it would be at a Pokémon Center. With that, he recalled him back into his Pokéball. Turning back to Dorothy, he confessed, "Fighting alongside my Pokémon is likely to get me killed someday, but for now, it remains a necessity."
"I won't pry. It's obvious you and that girl have reasons far beyond simple joy rides, battling trainers, or collecting gym badges. Your business is your own. But you should go and rest," Dorothy advised, her expression serious.
Elduran appreciated her discretion, sparing him the need to make up stories. He left Vivillon and Cyndaquil outside their Pokéballs since they preferred sleeping in the open. While most Pokémon favored the ideal virtual environment provided by a Pokéball for rest, these two insisted on staying out—perhaps wary that he might make a reckless decision and put himself in danger. Vivillon and Cyndaquil had witnessed enough loss in recent times.
He walked back to the building. Without delay, he headed directly for the lower bunk bed as before. Vivillon flew up to the upper bunk, while Cyndaquil nestled beside Elduran. In moments, all three were fast asleep.
Dorothy lingered outside, captivated by the night sky and the stillness surrounding her. Ensuring that Elduran had retreated indoors, she allowed the tears to fall. Drifblim was truly gone. Her mistake had been addressed, yet it could never be undone. It was her fault that poor Jay was killed, he also had a family, which make it even worse. Drifblim had claimed only one human life, but it had also led to the demise of numerous livestock. She gazed toward the distant chicken coop at the quarry's edge—only seven fowl remained. The chaos had caused great trouble; laborers were reluctant to venture here, leading to food shortages and a deep fear after sundown.
She sat before the spot where Drifblim had perished, gazing at it as if it could return her stare. Hesitating, she pondered her words, preparing a speech for an audience that would never be there. "I'm so sorry you had to die. I know it's my fault, and my presence here, with you gone… wherever you are, brings no peace—I understand that," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I should have never released you; I was weak. I abandoned you, my own child. I couldn't handle your evolution, but who abandons their children? You must have spent years searching for me, seeking vengeance. Yet when you found me, you didn't attack me directly. Instead, you destroyed everything around me. I would have let you end my life for closure, but what you did, Floaty, harmed innocents. I'm sorry I failed you. I'm sorry I was a terrible trainer. I'm sorry... for everything."
She began her walk away from the quarry, heading toward the shadowed stone mesas that loomed majestically against the horizon. Dawn from their heights promised an unparalleled view, offering clarity and peace. Leaving now would ensure she arrived just in time for the sunrise—a moment that held great significance for her. As she walked, she felt that this lonely trip needed the perfect place and time.
Elduran's eyes fluttered open as he turned his head to the side, discovering the windows shrouded in darkness and the stillness of night lingering outside. Returning to sleep felt futile. He glanced at his watch; 4:00 a.m. Even with broken sleep, he had managed more than his usual five hours of rest and felt refreshed. Rising carefully to avoid disturbing Cyndaquil, who was cozily nestled beside him, he noticed that Dorothy's bed—and the kitchen—were empty. He briefly pondered her whereabouts but dismissed the thought; his task was complete, and he needed nothing further from her.
Making his way to the kitchen, he found a small pot and began his ritual—coffee was paramount, no matter what. On the table, he spotted some dried meat alongside a note instructing him to take it with him. After taking a bite and identifying it as chicken, he found it quite good and packed the remainder for his journey while the coffee brewed.
Sipping the freshly brewed coffee, Elduran cleaned the pot and table before proceeding to the beds. He recalled Cyndaquil and Vivillon to their Pokéballs, then removed the used bed linens, depositing them in a laundry bin a few feet away. Gathering fresh sheets from a nearby open shelf cabinet, he made both beds anew. He washed the mug, slung his duffel bag over his shoulder, and embarked on his march toward Dirthrow. After a short five-minute walk, he cast a backward glance toward the quarry. Realizing he had never seen a name for this place, he could still not spot one from this vantage. The Nameless Quarry, Elduran decided, was a fitting moniker to etch into his memory.
He observed that Route 113 was heavily trafficked. The paths worn by constant human passage and the trek of large Pokémon were unmistakably clear. Even in the deepest night, their presence was evident. The footprints of the Copperajah, were impossible to overlook. Dorothy faced considerable challenges; she was simply doing what was necessary to sustain herself and her workers.
The horizon slowly warmed with the first whispers of sunlight, casting golden rays across the rocky desert. The big cacti made long shadows on the ground. The sun made everything look warm and alive, getting ready for a new day in the quiet desert.
In the stretches of open sky above, Gligar glided occasionally, their bat-like wings casting fleeting shadows on the ground. They showed mild interest in the traveler below and flew away with the wind, leaving the quiet desert behind.
Nearby, a group of Makuhita practiced their sparring, their stout yellow figures rhythmically punching the air with determined gestures. The sound of their rehearsed movements mixed with the desert wind, creating a rhythmic pulse.
The varied mix of Pokémon made the desert look alive. They turned the empty place into a pretty picture, with life all around the rocks and cacti.
Elduran seeing that many Pokémon up and about already this early in the morning took out Cyndaquil and Vivillon out of their Pokéballs for safety. Cyndaquil came out first, looking around with big, curious eyes. He had little flames on his back and was very excited. He sniffed the air, inquisitive about the scents of the open desert around it. Above, Vivillon flew up in the air, looking really pretty with her red and white wings. She made the rough desert look just a bit more colorful.
Cyndaquil trotted ahead, growling at every cactus he passed, as if each thorny plant was his sworn foe. Elduran couldn't help but chuckle softly, though it was clear that Cyndaquil needed to mature quickly. Encountering yet another cactus, Cyndaquil growled and stumbled back, almost bumping into another prickly adversary. This misstep agitated him so much that in a fiery outburst, he set the cactus ablaze. Elduran sighed, preparing to instruct Vivillon to use Gust to quench the flames, but then the cactus moved. A flurry of needles erupted, embedding themselves in Cyndaquil—it was a Cacnea he had enflamed. Vivillon darted toward Cyndaquil's side, ready to help, but Elduran held Vivillon back. Cyndaquil needed to understand the repercussions of his fiery temperament.
"Forge, use Ember," Elduran instructed with calm authority.
Cyndaquil complied, unleashing a stream of fire from his mouth, which surged towards Cacnea. The opponent attempted to shield itself, arms raised futilely against the onslaught. Already singed, Cacnea bore the brunt of the full attack, visibly anguished. It began to roll frantically on the ground to quench the flames, all the while flinging sand towards Cyndaquil's face. Not a bad tactic, Elduran thought.
"Don't let it regain its footing. Use Leer, then follow up with Ember!" Elduran directed, keeping his tone even.
Cyndaquil fixed a menacing gaze upon Cacnea, his eyes flashing ominously. Cacnea flinched, if only for a heartbeat, before another torrent of flame engulfed it, this time striking its face directly. The Cacnea attempted to set up Ingrain, but the Ember was too much, causing it to faint nearly instantly.
"Viv, use a gentle Gust to snuff out the flames. We don't want that freak Aisha to read something from my expression next time we see her," Elduran added, his smile soft. Vivillon sent delicate gusts of wind to extinguish the lingering fire. Cyndaquil glowed with joy from his swift victory.
Elduran approached Cyndaquil, kneeling to meet his gaze. "You must exercise caution, Forge. Well done on the win, but this battle was wholly unnecessary. The Cacnea meant no harm."
Cyndaquil lowered his head, but this time without tears. A sign of progress, Elduran noted. Then, raising his head, he looked at Elduran with closed eyes, softly uttering a "Cyyyn," acknowledging and absorbing his advice. Though not one for words, Cyndaquil didn't need verbal communication to convey that he had learned his lesson sincerely.
Elduran glanced at Cacnea; it was evident it would survive, provided no predator Pokémon lurked nearby, beyond his control. Dirthrow appeared in the distance, just as Dorothy had described—a dreary place. The monorail track stretched to his left, leading him onward.
Approaching the town's edge, Elduran couldn't shake the thought: this place was a missed potential. Positioned next to a river, facing the sea, and encircled by stunning stone mesas, it could have been remarkable. Such lost potential. Instead, he saw a cluster of dilapidated stone buildings. From his vantage point, none appeared well-maintained, and the road was no more than a dirt path, beginning—or ending—at his feet, depending on one's perspective.
This didn't trouble Elduran much; he wasn't here for the scenery, but for a mission. He checked his watch, 6:58 AM. There was no chance Aisha was up without him to wake her—unless she had a reason, as on the day they met. Thus, her early arrival in Dirthrow was worth it only if she'd accomplished something the previous night, which Elduran doubted. An idea struck him: he would handle that first before heading to the Pokémon Center. It was best not to have a young girl around for what he intended to do.