Chapter 18- Encampment.
The first hours of walking went even faster than I expected. They were mostly spent on the edge of the asphalt road used by those who chose to use cars instead of pokemon. Several cars actually past us as we were walking, which was when I realized that it was my first time actually seeing cars. Or maybe I did not register them when I was in Castelia.
When it came to our group I tried to get acquainted a bit more with them but talking while trying to keep pace with the rest of the group was not exactly easy so we came to a general agreement that we would meet more formally when we took a break. Said break should not take long if I was to judge by the tired look on the researchers, our limiting factors so to speak. Who would have thought that people that like to immerse and lose themselves in their laboratory were not exactly the most endurant people.
Granted I could not blame them given that Route 4 was a particular challenge for anyone, not only the researchers. Unfortunately, we could not simply decide to plop our behind down wherever we wanted. Well, we could but that would be a bit challenging given the sandy disposition of the environment. Because of course we couldn’t keep following the road given that the expedition site was recently discovered. I must admit I wanted to believe that pokemon could help smooth the road for us, but they are also the reason why we can’t. more specifically the wild pokemon are. When one of the trainers complained, the researchers bore down on them about preserving balance.
Regardless, it was actually a novel experience to travel in a group. We were made to walk in an actual formation, with Natalie opening the march with the more experienced trainers, while the two other Ace Trainers brought the rear. The like of us, poor normal trainers, were tasked to protect the flanks with the researcher in the middle. Even there, there seemed to be an order of how they were arranged but I couldn’t make heads or tail of the logic. All I knew was that Sera and the man I assumed to be her mentor were at the helm.
My attention was drawn to the Ace trainers for a good portion of the travel actually. I learned from one of the brief conversations that their blue hair was not a requirement or some other fucked up logic of ‘because it is the world of pokemon’, but mostly a fashion statement. Ok, maybe it can be considered an unofficial requirement but not for the reasons I thought. As I said, it is a fashion statement, a symbol of their position, and maybe a bit of vanity and pride but who could blame them? As for why I said it is a pseudo requirement, when scanning a crowd, blue hair tends to stick out so if someone needs help, they are more easily identified.
This is a bit of a double edge since that also means that should trouble occur, they are noticeable targets to neutralize but this is a non-issue given the strength needed to be accepted as an Ace trainer. As for people with natural blue hair? Well, I can only wish them good luck and I am sure they know how to deal with it? Mabe the lack of uniform? Not that I care to be honest.
Lost in my thoughts, it took me an extra second to realize that the group picked up the pace. Looking up, I understood why. In the distance, a bird pokemon could be seen flying in circles. This was the pokemon of Natalie, who as it turns out is a water type specialist which might be why she was selected as leader for an expedition in the desert. She sent him to scout ahead and locate an oasis where we would take our break. These oases were dotted around throughout the desert with their relative location being known through years of exploration. That, however, did not mean that there was no need for scouting by air before reaching them since it made them easier to locate.
As we got closer, the dull, monotone white of the desert slowly gained colors in the shade of yellow and progressively greener grass as we made our way to the watery paradise. The wildlife also reflected this change in scenery. My heart ached every time I saw a Sandile on the way here but incapable of holding back the formation for my own need. There was also the occasional Dweeble, and Sandshrew which I had completely forgotten. As we when closer to the water hole, however, species that were rarer in the pure desert started to show up such as Maractus.
Slowly, the sandy ground became more and more interspersed with budding blades of grass, until walking felt less like fighting with the ground. I doubted the grass was a completely natural phenomenon since it is not how it tends to work. The trees and shrubbery, however, looked more like what you would expect from an oasis. What also felt more than natural was the entire reason why this ecosystem even existed, the glimmering water.
Sitting smack in the middle of this paradise amidst the harsh desert, like a central jewel on a crown, the bluish green water seemed to shine under the sunlight and sent reflections in the surrounding. What surprised me was the presence of actual water type in the pond, more specifically, the likes of Palpitoad and their pre-evolution, Tympole, Panpour, and most surprising of all, a Ludicolo.
How the heck did these pokemon even get here? I can understand Palpitoad since they are part ground type, but even then, they need to stay hydrated so walking in the desert is a no. Most of all, can Ludicolo even be found in this part of Unova?
It seemed I was not the only one taken by surprise since almost all of the group stopped to look at the scene in front of us. Almost. Catching movement from the corner of my eye, I looked down to see Natalie walking briskly toward the pond. We all exchanged glances before following her, any hint of formation having already been broken by the leader herself.
As we got closer, the Swanna that she sent ahead glided toward his trainer who promptly thanked him before letting him land in the water to cool himself down. Natalie for her part beelined for the Ludicolo in question and bowed slightly in respect, receiving a tip of the hat in response. Presumably seeing the surprise from our faces, at least the newbie’s, Sera’s mentor made his way toward us and explained.
“It is not rare for the league to work with wild pokemon. This is a prime example of that.”
“What do you mean?” asked one of the girls.
The man nodded toward me for some reason before continuing. “Well even with the presence of rangers, the league is ultimately limited by their reach. This is where pokemon like this one come into play. Some call them Lords but really you can think of them as really powerful pokemon with their own territory. Making deals with them also falls under the league’s jurisdiction and this one in particular is known for helping travelers through this part of the desert. As for what it gets in return, I am unaware. The league tends to be tight lipped about that.
Probably to avoid groups having an easier time making deals with them. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was an agreement to not work with others. I thought but decided to keep that to myself.
“Now should we go?”
With that we resumed our approach but maintained a distance from Natalie that was still talking with Ludicolo. Interestingly, the surrounding pokemon seemed utterly unconcerned with us, some just watching us and others simply ignoring us.
“There are so many Panpour. Do you think we can catch one?” the girl from earlier asked.
“humm, you would be better served asking miss Natalie when she comes back.” The man said.
“Nexon if you are lucky, you might finally get that Sandile.” Sera interrupted.
“Eh, knowing my luck none will come.” I shrugged.
This interaction seemed to catch the attention of some of the people around us for some reason, prompting Sera to explain that we are actually traveling together. Personally, I didn’t see the need to clarify that for them, but I didn’t particularly care either way.
“Allow me to also thank you for taking care of my part time assistant. My name is Maximilian and much like your companion here I specialize in the study of the history, more specifically Unova’s.”
He had sandy brown hair as well as a beard showing he was not that aged yet. His goatee also gave him a certain class if I had to be honest, with his professor’s blouse giving him the vibes of a respectable professor.
“Nice to meet you Professor Maximilian. My name is Nexon and it is no trouble at all.”
“Why don’t you just go ahead and say that I am a burden while you are at it.” She pouted, drawing a laugh from Maximilian.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Come, come, this is merely banter so don’t take it to heart. Anyway, you can just call me professor Max. Maximilian can be quite the mouthful after all.”
I simply smiled at that, not to be rude. Although he was right that the name was pretty long.
“By the way, you little princess is not out this time?” Sera once again spoke up.
“Yeah. Turns out she is not a fan of all the sand.” I chuckled.
At first Nike tried to stick around but all the sand getting on her annoyed her thoroughly, in particular when it got stuck in her hair. She could just stop it by using psychic powers but in the end, it just annoyed her too much.
“Little princess?” Professor Max asked. By now most of the group spread out, some going in the direction of Natalie without getting too close.
“My starter. She is usually out and about-“
“-on his head”
“but today seemed to be a bit much” I continued ignoring the interruption.
“Interesting. I would love to meet her eventually. From what Seraphina told me she is from another region and your file mentioned she would be helpful for detection?” the mam continued unfazed.
“Sure. I don’t think she will mind it much now.” I said scuffing the grassy ground with my boots before fishing for my premier ball. It was also the first time I heard that our files were shared to the research team, which was worth keeping in mind.
With a flash, the psychic type materialized, quickly raising her hair to avoid them touching the ground and was already glaring up at me. I simply smiled until she realized the grass at her feet and started to jump happily. Soon after she floated up and made herself comfortable on my head while letting out a happy sigh.
“…and this is why I call her his little princess” Sera laughed.
“Fascinating! I don’t think I ever saw this species of pokemon.”
It seemed that the professor’s reaction was not unique since I saw one of the trainers with two badges pull out his pokedex of all things, only for it to return the ‘No data found’ line which got him even more curious.
With so many eyes on her, Nike tried to wave around at them, but she was obviously feeling shy judging by how she seemed to almost shrink.
“And what type might she be if you don’t mind me asking.” The Professor asked once again.
“She is a psychic type. Particularly sensitive to emotions too.” I said while patting her head.
“Fascinating.” He murmured.
Before anyone could say anything else, Natalie seemed to be finally done talking with Ludicolo and came back to us, and only now did I notice that she had a Slowking with her. Probably how she talked with Ludicolo.
“Alright, gather around people! We will rest for one hour before we resume our walk. It will allow us to make to the expedition site before sundown. The lord of the oasis allowed us to resupply on water so if you are low on resources, now is your time. Battles are not allowed while we are in the area to avoid disturbing the pokemon living here. Any questions?” she said looking around.
“Are we allowed to capture some pokemon?” The girl from earlier asked.
Natalie seemed to frown for a second but quickly schooled her expression. Maybe she was of the same opinion as me when it came to capture?
“Let me confirm.” With that she turned to her Slowking who in turned relayed to Ludicolo. If the lord of the oasis was displeased, he didn’t show it. Well, Ludicolo tended to be generally happy as long as they could dance so… soon after, Natalie spoke once more, noticeably happier. “you are allowed to catch pokemon ONLY if the pokemon agrees to follow you. The no battle rules still apply.”
Huh, so she is basically telling them to ask nicely. I like her more and more.
The rest of the group had mixed reactions to the announcement before accepting it. In the end, the bigger group split with everyone doing what they wanted. I moved with Sera and Professor Max as we discussed. The other researchers seemed to mainly keep to themselves while some of the trainers attempted to talk some pokemon into joining their team. Before we even had time to settle down, the boy who pulled out his pokedex earlier approached us.
“I am sorry, but do you mind if I join you?” the boy asked.
I took this time to look closer at him. He wore simple pants and a t-shirt that seemed light and comfortable enough in the desert. Not to be rude but the rest of his face was kind of average, black hair, brown eyes made it so that looking in a crowd you might not notice him. The only aspect that I would consider noticeable is his braces when he spoke but even that was not really worth mentioning.
“Of course we do not! Please join us. What is your name young man?” Maximilian asked enthusiastically.
“Arnold sir! Nice to meet you!” he answered energetically.
“Well met Arnold! Well met! This here is my assistant Seraphina and her friend Nexon.”
With the decision apparently having been made, the guy called Arnold joined us as we sought a tree to get under for the shade. As soon as we were seated, the guy immediately started to talk once more. This time, directly to me.
“Say, do you mind if we have a battle once we reached the expedition site?” he asked practically vibrating.
“Me?” I questioned and he nodded. “Sure, I don’t mind. But I have to warn you I only have two pokemon.” I said.
“It’s okey! I particularly want to battle your starter so we can even have a one on one! I have never seen a pokemon like… her?” he asked at the end.
I laughed at that. “You know, you are the second one to ask for a battle against her for that. Although comparing you to the first one is kinda rude. Anyway, I’m sure Nike wouldn’t mind right girl?”
“Hatenna!!!” She declared confidently.
“There you have it.” I smiled.
“Awesome! Now I can’t wait to be there!” he exclaimed.
We got to talking and I got to learn a lot from him. it turns out that he is one unlucky guy. He was from Nimbasa and after beating Elesa, he headed toward Castelia simply because he wanted to catch new pokemon in the Pinwheel Forest… Forest that was closed only days before he reached it. That also meant that so far, he had one badge as he didn’t get the chance to challenge Burgh, Castelia’s gym leader, before he heard of the expedition. Essentially, he is in the same position as me, looking to catch additional pokemon during the mission. The lucky bastard also has a Snivy as it turns out.
I will definitely get myself a Snivy… Sooner or later…
After that we continued to chat while the hour passed us by. Soon we gathered up in the formation once more, ready for the final stretch toward our destination. Which, as it turned out wasn’t ludicrously far from where we stopped. I returned Nike who complained about the sand at every wind, and after a few additional ours of walking we came in view of the river. Thanks to said river the walk became infinitely more bearable given that it was not as dry. It was still unpleasant but not as much.
It also served to answer my question regarding how the Panpour reached the Oasis. As it turned out, river desert monkeys were a thing. And they were friendly when not bothered. Heck when I recalled Nike out of her capsule, she managed to befriend a Panpour while I was walking. It followed us for a while and she even traded one of her Mago berries for an Occa berry, which according to what Maximilian said, increased the resistance to fire type move. I didn’t think I needed it but there was no such thing as too many berries.
Finally, after moving along the river, we reached a more mountainous area. In one of the valleys, there was finally some structures that was clearly man made. Well, calling them structures was maybe a bit generous since they were tents. To be fair they were pretty large tents too. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel was enough for the whole group to once more push through the exhaustion on the long walk and speed up until we reached the tents.
Both tents were made of a grey tarp strung across three main pillars that were lined up in a row and divided the tents into two parts. The poles were also fairly tall at roughly 4 meters tall and the central one reaching maybe 5 or 6 meters. In addition, instead of going straight for the ground and forming a triangle, there were also slightly shorter poles, making what should have been triangles into something decidedly not triangle shaped. With what should be 50 meters by 50 meters the tents were more than large enough.
As we got closer, we also noticed a group of 15 or so people just mulling around. That did not last long as they soon noticed us and a burly man strode forward, while waiving his arm energetically and shouting.
“OY! YOU FINALY MADE IT YOU SLOWPOKE!” he bellowed in a deep baritone voice.
From the center of the formation, I saw Professor Maximilian Shaking his head and facepalming while Sera simply laughed.
So I guess they know each other.
Soon we made it to a distance where shouting was no longer necessary. That did not stop him, making several people flinch.
“COME ON MAN! WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?”
“Please settle down a bit. You are startling our teammates. Also, from what I gather we are actually quite on time. It is you who arrived early.” Maximilian calmly spoke.
“Bah! Excuses! Excuses! Come now, we have a lot to talk about. There is a briefing planned if I am not wrong?” He directed this question at Natalie who promptly nodded and went into one of the smaller tents that I now noticed were hidden behind the larger ones.
On top of my head, Nike decided that the man’s exuberance was too much to deal with as she was right now. She whined in a small voice prompting me to lower her to my chest while fishing for her capsule. This man was not going to be easy to deal with. He was basically the archnemesis of any Hatenna. That gesture, however, seemed to be a bad move as, like a hawk, his head swiveled and directly landed on my partners.
“Oh? And what do we have here?” he said, once more in a voice that was way louder than was called for.
If his voice was this loud, I could only imagine what his emotions were like to Nike. Thankfully a savior appeared in silver armor. Or in this case silver hair.
“Professor Michael please slow down!” Sera spoke up, redirecting the man’s attention onto her.
“Is this? Little SERA! Oh my! Oh my! It’s been so long. Look how tall you are now!” the man who I now knew was called Michael exclaimed with wide eyes before rushing to Sera, with his arms spread.
To her dismay, Sera didn’t get the chance to move out of the way, having moved closer to intercept him getting too close. So she was caught completely off guard when he caught her in a Bewear hug. I could have sworn I heard something crack, but her sacrifice was not in vain as Nike disappeared in a flash of red causing me to sigh.
Unfortunately, this sigh also got the attention of who I will now refer to as the musclehead professor back on me.
“Come now lad! Is my mug so ugly that you need to return you pokemon to hide it from me?” He questioned.
You muscle-brained of course it is!
I almost lashed out, but thankfully I was getting more accustomed to the outbursts and managed to take a deep breath before it slipped out. Sera’s eyes were wide and was about to speak once more to prevent me from making a scene but there was no need for that.
I took in another lungful of air before answering. “I apologize, it’s not that. She is simply very sensitive to strong emotions.”
“Ah.” He finally paused. “My bad, I guess I got a bit too excited there. I will apologize to it as well if I have the occasion. Anyway, come now Max we have a lot to talk about!”
Before I could even comment on how he referred to Nike, he dragged the much more mild-mannered Maximilian to the side, leaving us standing. Sera stood next to me and looked like she was about to apologize but I quickly stopped her. She did nothing wrong. All this while, my eyes were trained onto the backs of the two mans walking away, or rather one of them. Needless to say, my first expression of the man called Michael was far from stellar.
“All the trainers please gather around!” a voice shouted from the tent where Natalie entered earlier.
Turning around, another Ace trainer stood at attention, his eyes scanning the gathering people. It took a few minutes for everyone to move toward the speaker, sans Maximilian and the musclehead. I was about to question what that was about when they called for the researchers from the side. So, Sera and I once more split up but not before she gave me a nod.
“Alright, first let me all welcome you here. For those who don’t know me, my name is Natalie, and I will be the one in charge of the overall operation. Today, you will be free to vacate at your own discretion given that there will be no dive. However, starting tomorrow, we expect you to be ready whenever. The schedule will be communicated to you later today. Do not worry about night duty, it will be carried out by us Ace Trainers” she said indicating to the five other individuals standing behind her with arms crossed in their back. This had a very militaristic aspect that I did not expect.
“In addition, should any pokemon require healing, there is a healing tents to the right.” she said pointing to one of the large tents that caught my attention earlier. “That’s it for now. We will reconvene at 8 PM. Dismissed!”
With that, the tension seemed to break, and people started murmuring. There was nothing said about rules, and we were essentially left with free time, meaning…
I didn’t have the time to finish my thoughts when someone tapped me on my shoulders. Smiling, I turned around to meet Arnold’s excited gaze.
“I challenge you to a battle!” he Shouted, drawing the attention of those around.
My smile only grew wider as I answered calmly: “I Accept.”