"Alright kids! Gather round here!"
They piled off of the rubbery floors of the large, chugging yellow bus and onto the soft, soft white sand. Smiles took over the children's mouths, the sun illuminated their skin, and the salty sea breeze went up everyone's noses. Today was the Feron Grove Elementary field trip to the beach, where the kids would get to study sea life and water Pokémon up close.
"Okay, so everyone's got their group together, right?" Misty asked. The students all nodded and spoke in affirmation, separating themselves into three units. Misty, who was helping head up the field trip, stood by a group of children, a couple of other high-school volunteers assuming their groups as well.
The children's science teacher, Ms. Mika, came off the bus with Tracey and Lia, who were helping carry bags of equipment.
"I can't thank you kids enough for helping out today," Ms. Mika said, getting into stride with everyone as they started toward the shore. "The students are going to have such a great time today."
"We're always glad to lend a hand," Tracey said, drawing a fishing net and his sketch pad from one of the bags. "Besides, you picked a really great place for a field trip."
"You got that right," Lia added, adjusting her white ball cap. "Especially for the meteor shower tonight. It's going to be amazing!"
"Yes," Ms. Mika said. "And I'm also so glad that you've been helping organize things here, Misty. We really couldn't have done it without you."
"It's my pleasure," Misty replied, smiling as widely as everyone else. "Water and sea life's my specialty, and I don't want anyone to miss out on how awesome those things are."
The group stepped up a large white sand dune strewn with sea oats, finally seeing the crystalline coastline at the top. This day was going to be amazing.
The schoolchildren weren't the only ones keeping their eyes out on the water. Rita Repulsa, the vile space sorceress, peered down at the seaside through her Repulsascope, a devilish grin accentuating her thin face.
"Perfect," she spoke, coming away from the palace balcony and to the main chamber. "Everything is looking just perfect out on Earth!"
Squatt came up to the telescope and took a look. "I'll say!" he exclaimed. "Looks like a great day to go get a tan!"
"Of course it does for you, you simpleton," the empress remarked, pushing her crony away from the Repulsascope. She peeked through the device once more, laughing as observed the scene.
"Goldar!" Rita called out to her chief warrior. "Are you ready for the first phase of your mission?"
The menacing apelike creature curled his golden claws and stepped forward. "Of course, your highness," he growled, glee tinging his words. "Finster has already prepared a legion of Putties to go into the city and help me distract the Rangers!"
"Excellent," Rita said back, twirling her staff between her spindly fingers. "I will finally take back my island and find the one I seek…"