MidnightStriker: Hmmm..this is my 2nd Pokémon Story after "Ice Queens". I just got the game of Pokémon Ranger, and so far I'm enjoying it. Aria's cold personality hit home, and it's very—yuri-worthy, haha! It's quite sad there's a deficit in Pokémon Ranger stories, in general and featuring Aria. Anyways, enjoy this story for every Pokémon Ranger yuri-lover out there! (and those who want to see Aria's pride stomped on evil grin)

Mission 1: Investigate the Rumors!

Aria stretched to get out the kinks in her body. Being a Pokémon Ranger was still very exhausting, with or without the Go-Rock squad. It had been one year since their disbandment, and she was sure that they wouldn't return again. Well, for the most part.

Walking to Fall City's Ranger base for her next mission, Aria saw Joel with his morning coffee in one hand and the "Fiore Times" in the other. He had a worried look on his face, and Aria respectfully waited for him to address her.

Joel seemed preoccupied; it took him around 10 minutes to notice he had company. "Aria, welcome," he greeted, "Please, have a seat." Joel motioned.

Aria did as she was told, and asked, "Is something the matter, Joel?" "Well, since you are already at Ranger Rank 10," Joel said, running a hand through his blond hair, "I may as well have you investigate if what I read in the morning paper is true." "What is it?" Aria asked. "There was an article here reporting of several shady characters going in and out of Wintown," Joel said, "wearing white uniforms."

Aria put her hand to her mouth, "The Go-Rock grunts!" she exclaimed. "Precisely," Joel said, concern etching on his face. "I would like you to do a little investigating on their old hideout in Sekra Range." "At once, Joel," Aria nodded. "I'll be on my way."

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A young woman was checking out one of the numerous booths dotting Fall Town. "This is such a bummer!" she exclaimed, "I would enjoy my shopping experience more if one of my brothers were with me to carry my bags!" She shook her head in annoyance. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a blonde ranger, obviously in a rush. Well, father told us to stay away from rangers, but this one doesn't seem to be so dangerous… the young woman thought.

Selfishness and self-centeredness overruled her, and she grabbed the ranger's arm. "Hey!" she greeted. "Are you in a rush?"

Aria winced at the firm grip this stranger had on her arm. "You think?!" she snapped, "let go of me! I'm on a mission!" "Ooh…somebody's on a mission." Aria's captor taunted. "C'mon! How important is that mission compared to helping ladies like me?" "Bug off, sister." Aria said, turning her head around to look her captor. Aria observed her wild pale lavender hair, stylish coat and a form-hugging dress.

"I'm not a knight in shining armor." Aria continued, jerking her arm away, "Go find one which suits you." The young woman watched the blonde ranger storm off, still rubbing her arm. When the ranger was out of sight, her lips curled to a smile and she shook her head. "Father was right," she said, her lips curling to a smile, "rangers are so self-centered."

"Hey, Tiff! Billy sent me to pick you up." A voice called to the young woman. "Garrett!" she responded, walking towards her brother, "you came just in time." "Alright, where's your bags?" Garrett asked warily. The young woman, now identified as Tiffany, pointed at five large bags sitting in a corner.

"Wow—you did kill time. And possibly father's wallet." Garrett mumbled as he walked over to pick it up.

"Why didn't you bring any grunts then?" Tiffany asked, annoyed. "Well, with rumors of our comeback, I can't bring those idiots to town. We might get caught." Garrett replied. "Only those two from Ringtown, Lunick and Solana, know who we, the Go-Rock Quads, are. Last I've heard is that they're chilling in Summertown, so, there. It's moderately safe."

"Alright," Tiffany nodded. "So where are we headed to?" "Sekra range," Garrett responded, "Father said that there's plans of a comeback."

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Aria hurried on to Sekra Range, thinking little of the strange encounter she had with the young woman. What compelled her to take the Lapras to Summertown, and from Summertown take the Aquamole to Wintown? Why didn't she take the Dragonite Bus instead to save her the trouble of meeting that little Lavender-haired brat?

Luck is cruel to me sometimes, she thought ruefully as she finally arrived at Wintown.

"Well, if it isn't Aria!" Elita said, greeting and embracing the newly arrived ranger.

"Elita," Aria said, returning the embrace, "It's so nice to see you again. It's been so long."

"I know," nodded the senior ranger. "Joel told me that you're off to investigate the Sekra range. Are you sure you don't need a companion?"

"No," Aria answered, "I'll do fine on my own."

"Alright, then," Elita said, "be careful!"

After drinking a nice, warm cup of coffee, Aria slowly made her way up to the foreboding Sekra range. Most of the wild Pokémon ignored her, and she was grateful for that. She didn't mind working alone either, but there was this strange sensation in the gut she felt brewing up.

Shaking off the feeling, she pressed on towards her destination. Just as Leader Joel suspected, Aria thought, seeing Go-Rock grunts moving in and out of the abandoned hideout. I'd better take several evidence photographs. Taking out her camera, Aria began snapping photos. Unfortunately, she forgot to turn off the flash.

"Dude," one Go-Rock grunt whispered, "do you see those flashes?"

The grunt's companion nodded. "I think we're being spied on." He replied. "Take the right side of those bushes and check for an intruder. I'll take the left."

The two grunts circled the bushes and saw Aria, still oblivious to their presence. One of the grunts reached behind his pocket, grabbed a rag and soaked it with a sedative.

With one arm, he grasped his target around the neck and with his free hand; he forced the rag on Aria's nose. The sedative's toxic fume filled Aria's nostrils and everything went black.

End Notes: How'd you like it? Please tell me what you think!