Log 079

[ruin_mania]

[Over on Route 4, the discerning adventurer can follow a path to the west, if they decide to brave the sandstorm. Be sure to bring healing items if you do; there is a helpful doctor who will heal your Pokemon, but one never knows when one will be ambushed by a Sigilyph or a Maractus out here. And why would anyone want to go out into this desert area?

Well, for starters, there's a vast, buried ruin out here just begging to be explored. Who knows what you could find? Fossils? Rare Ghost-Type Pokemon? Or maybe a vaguely familiar-looking half-elf who's ordering around a Delcatty, Quagsire, and Ampharos.]

Yes, I can see that they're obviously not statues. Just look, there's no scoring from the sand, and rocks of the towers show more wear than this. There's simply no way this kind of detail would have remained if it were only stone.

Naturally, if they are Pokemon, how should we go about waking them up?

Quagsire!

Would you stop that, Quagsire? I don't think it will work.

[Yes, someone's investigating the Zen-Mode Darmantian outside Relic Castle. Because where else would a wild Raine appear? Naturally, she doesn't seem to notice that her journal is open - why should she? It's only a normal book, after all. Speaking through it will probably only make her think the Sigilyph are playing with her, though, so perhaps an in-person encounter would be best....]

Comments

[ruin_mania]

An excellent idea, then. You'll find many Pokemon here at the Desert Resort which you won't see elsewhere - a must for any researcher or collector. These ruins as well, you see, are home to some rare species.

They're also outside the sun and wind, if you'd like to rest a bit.

[payback]

I-it's just this sand, it's terrible! Does it always blow like this?

[ruin_mania]

[She looks a bit amused, gesturing over to the ruins of the Relic Castle.] I'm afraid it does, for the most part. Notice how worn down the buildings here are - all except these statues, of course.

[payback]

I didn't think it would wear down Tad so much... ah, thank you for the water too, erm. Professor. Er. Haha!

[ruin_mania]

It is to be expected a bit - he is a Fire-type, after all. Rock, Ground, and Steel do best in this kind of environment. [Quagsire nods in agreement. He doesn't seem to mind the sand at all.]

And you're quite welcome. The environment can be rather harsh, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.

[payback]

I don't have any of those... but I guess I caught something cute, so there's something gained! [Ahaha... weak laugh.

Rin points to the ruins, after a moment.] Can we go inside? Er... if you don't mind taking a break from your work...

[ruin_mania]

Of course we may. It's good to get out of the sun now and again, at any rate.

[Raine calls over her Pokemon to lead them all to the interior of the ruin. It's much cooler and without that blasting wind - a nice respite.]

Now, I can't say I've seen many Arcanine around. You two must have traveled quite a ways to visit!

[payback]

You have absolutely no idea! [She says it with the utmost sincerity.] It was quite a trip, haha... um, I have an Absol with me too, but she's put away! [While she talks Rin fumbles out her Pokéball to recall Tad too, and a potion out of her bag.] I arrived at, uh, Castelia City! With some friends! Is this where you're from?

[ruin_mania]

Oh, Absol are quite elegant, though many are afraid of them for no real reason. They predict the disasters, not cause it.

I've been to Castelia many times, but I suppose I'm not really from anywhere. I've been traveling as long as I remember.

[payback]

Certain is pretty great! Even though she bites me all the time. Um, it's only when I make her mad. [HAHAHA... ha ha...] I've always liked them! And I don't get why so many people think they're bad news anyway, that's not even what the Pokédex says!

[She tilts her head in curiosity there...] As long as you remember? Where did you grow up?

[ruin_mania]

Oh, there are far more superstitions than truths, no matter where one goes.

Traveling, for the most part. It wasn't in Unova--I've only come here recently--but it's hardly unusual. Surely you've seen even very young Trainers traveling around.

[payback]

Well... of course I've seen that! Just, most of them grew up somewhere anyway, you know? [Ah, well...] Er, never mind, I'm being nosy. Sorry!

[ruin_mania]

Hmm? No, it's of no matter, but I haven't called a single place my home in quite some time. I count myself among those to whom home is who you are with, not where you are.

[payback]

Ah... well! That's probably an admirable philosophy. Especially since there's so much to explore in this world!

Your Pokémon sure are sociable.

[ruin_mania]

Indeed. A journey need not have a destination to be of value.

[Delcatty mews appreciatively at the compliment, rubbing up against Raine's legs.]

Why, thank you. I do like to think I've trained them well.

[payback]

[Rather than answer immediately, Rin extends her hand to the Delcatty respectfully. Quagsire seemed to recognize Tad earlier, maybe; perhaps this Pokémon will as well?]

[ruin_mania]

[Indeed, the Pokemon seems pleased to see her as well, rubbing up against her hand and chattering away in Delcatty-speak.]

Oh, my, it's almost as if she knows you.

[payback]

[Thus encouraged, Rin scratches the cat under the chin and around the ears. She makes kind of a nervous face at Raine's statement, though. What should she say? The best thing to do might be either to leave quickly, or get her talking about the ruins.]

Oh... she's really a sweetheart! You must have her trained pretty well, ahaha. I like Pokémon a lot! [Subject change time] How long have you been here, anyhow?

[ruin_mania]

Well, I do try to give them only the very best of my training and attention, you know.

[She looks proud that the Delcatty is being so friendly.]

Here in the Desert Resort, you mean? Oh, I just arrived yesterday. It's not the most hospitable area, perhaps, but interesting enough when one is properly prepared. I intend to spend some further time in the Relic Castle once the heat or wind becomes a bit much.

[payback]

Of course! [She wouldn't impugn Raine's training. Nope, no sir!

And she nods, anyway.] Are you gonna camp out? It's kind of a walk back to the city if you're not flying or riding on a Pokémon...

[ruin_mania]

Oh, I'll probably camp inside the ruins. The Ghost Pokemon won't bother Ampharos, here.

[She pats the third Pokemon in her entourage, who nods and lights up the little bulb on the end of his tail. See? Nightlight!]

[payback]

Wow! That's pretty cool... Professor Sage! Is this your whole team?

[ruin_mania]

Oh, I've caught others, but these are usually more than sufficient for any danger. Were I challenging a Gym, perhaps, I'd take Dragonite or Cradilly with me, for example.

[payback]

Oh! How many badges do you have?

[ruin_mania]

Eight, but several are from Kanto. Still, that's enough to guarantee a Pokemon traded to me will respect my commands.