Summer's POV

Ben and I stood fidgeting in front of Professor Hastings. Ben looked like he was trying not to grin.

Hastings observed us both almost critically. "Young Pokémon Rangers. I've heard so much about you."

Ben and I exchanged surprised looks.

"I'm Professor Hastings, the Ranger Union's Chief of Technology," he continued. "Are you familiar with my work?"

We both nodded eagerly. Hastings cracked a faint smile.

"I called you both here because I have an extraordinary mission for you two," he said.

"And extraordinary mission?" I repeated eagerly.

"For us?" added Ben. "But we're fresh out for school, sir!"

"I'm well aware," said Hastings, "but I'm sure you can handle this. Perhaps you have heard, perhaps not, but there is an awful group of people who control Pokémon and take them from their homes. They call themselves Pokémon Pinchers."

"I've heard of them from Dad," I said, frowning deeply. "Jake was after them when…"

"Yes," said Hastings solemnly. "Part of the reason I selected you, Summer."

Ben gave me a curious look, because I rarely brought up my brother. Then he returned his attention to Hastings. "I've heard of them too… but I thought the members all worked by themselves."

"Unfortunately, these Pokémon Pinchers are starting to become a unified outfit," said Hastings. "But why?"

Ben and I exchanged looks. I hoped the question wasn't meant to be answered, because I had no idea.

"But no matter," said Hastings, shaking his head. "They're probably up to no good. I want the two of you to head for the Oblivia Region, investigate their plans, and stop them, if necessary."

I nodded determinedly. Ben grinned. "You can count on us, Professor!"

"Hey! Wait a minute!" called a familiar voice. Murph, a round, redheaded man, came running into the room. He stopped and leaned on his knees, catching his breath. "Whew! I really need to get into shape!"

He straightened. "If you need an explanation of the Oblivia Region, leave it to me!"

"Murph!" exclaimed Hastings. Murph jumped. "I will take care of the explanation, thank you very much!"

"Please, Professor, don't take away any of my few remaining responsibilities!" said Murph, clasping his hands together in a pleading motion.

Hastings made a face, but nodded tightly.

"Well, then!" said Murph happily. "The Oblivia Region is a place the rest of the world has forgotten about. It's a carefree and peaceful paradise!"

I nodded in agreement. I'd been to Oblivia before with my parents several times, and it was a beautiful place. It was a home away from home for me.

"You may be right about that," said Hastings. "That, however, is exactly what the Pinchers might be after. We only have one Area Ranger stationed there."

"That's right!" I said. "Rand lives there, doesn't he?"

"Oh, yes, you do know Rand, don't you?" said Hastings, looking pleased.

"Oblivia's motto is 'Oblivia, Islands of Ancient Ruins and Legends'! Sounds like adventure, huh?" said Murph enthusiastically.

"Indeed," said Hastings. "Many archaeology buffs have been visiting these islands… if I ever have the time, I would love to visit, but..."

He shook his head. "Now listen, you two. It may be peaceful, but don't let your guard down."

I nodded grimly. The Pinchers were dangerous. I knew that for certain.

"Now the second part of my explanation!" said Murph happily. "There are nine parts in all, so make yourselves comfortable, okay?"

"That's quite enough," said Hastings, going a bit red in the face; he didn't look too happy with Murph. "If you're that desperate for work, I'll think of something!"

"Oh, make it fun, okay?" said Murph, beaming.

Hastings groaned and rubbed his temple, before turning back to us. "Our conversation has certainly gone off track. This mission is urgent, so depart immediately."

"Yes, sir!" we chorused, before running out of the Ranger Union.

Ben turned to me eagerly. "So, we're off to the islands of Oblivia!"

I beamed back. "Race you there?"

"Hah! You're on!" he agreed.

I groaned and sat up, rubbing my head.

"That hurt," I moaned to myself, standing unsteadily. "Voice Nav., where am I?"

Voice Nav., the automated info system programmed into my Styler, buzzed. "Current location… X Coordinate 055665, Y Coordinate 355671- zzzz- seawater- zzz- has penetrated the system. X Coordinate 05-zzz- Y Coordinate- zzz… this is Dolce Island in the Oblivia Region."

I blinked, and shook the arm with the Styler on it, wondering what on earth was wrong with it. It was supposed to be the newest, most advanced model, but Hastings had mentioned it was a prototype, so maybe it was just acting up.

But how did it get seawater in it?

"Recovering Voice Nav. program," said Voice Nav. "Please verify that you own this Styler by entering your name."

"Uh, Summer Éthelle," I said.

"Summer Éthelle, correct?" repeated Voice Nav. "Your name has been verified."

"Current location: X Coordinate 055665, Y Coordinate 355671. You are currently on Dolce Island in the Oblivia Region," it beeped a few times. "The Styler's communication functions cannot be recovered. Communication with Ben is currently impossible."

I cursed under my breath.

What had happened? The last thing I remembered was racing Ben to Oblivia and running into those Pinchers…

Then it all came flooding back to me. That Red Eyes guy shot me out of the sky. No wonder my head hurt.

But… what happened to Ben? Was he alright? Did he escape? Or was he shot out of the sky like me… or worse, taken prisoner?

"Alright," I said, brushing sand off of myself. "No use standing around."

I started inland. I had only been on Dolce Island once, and I hadn't stayed long, so I didn't know my way around the place. I was glad there was a path.

"Pichu!" cried an angry voice. I spun on my heel.

"Oh my gosh, you're so cute with your little ukulele!" I squealed, bending down and picking up the little Pichu. It responded by letting loose a rather painful electric attack. I fell backwards, twitching slightly. "Powerful cutie, huh?"

"Pichu looks like it's about to attack," said Voice Nav.

"I noticed," I said, getting to my feet and readying my Capture Styler. "Capture on!"

The Capture Disk swirled around Pichu, who looked quite bewildered. After a moment, I finished that capture and bent down before the calmer looking Pichu.

"Hey, little buddy," I said. "What's the matter?"

"Pi… chu?" said Pichu, before it smiled and pulled its ukulele in front of it. A burst of electricity made the ukulele sound a few notes.

I beamed and clapped. "Bravo, bravo!"

Pichu beamed back. "Pichu!"

"Pichu, is that you?" said a voice. My eyes lit up as a tan, older man walked into the clearing. "Ah, it is you! Where are your friends."

"Pichu! Pichu pi pichu!" Pichu said frantically. It started running around, as if being chase, before hiding. I furrowed my eyebrows, wishing I could understand.

"Woah, Pichu," he said. "I can't understand you!"

Then he looked up at me. "Well, I'll be."

"Remember me, Booker?" I asked him, tiliting my head.

"Why, if it isn't Summer Éthelle!" he laughed. "How could I forget all the trouble you caused! You're a Pokémon Ranger like your dad now, huh?"

"I am," I said proudly. "This is my first mission."

"Does this have to do with those UFOs I saw flyin' around here?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. "I can tell you, those people were up to no good!"

I tilted my head. "I think so, though they aren't UFOs."

"Hmm, I see," said Booker. "Summer, how did you end up on Dolce Island? Shouldn't you have come to Renbow Island?"

"I washed up here," I admitted, reddening. "You see… I was shot out of the sky. Do you have a boat around here to get me to Renbow Island?"

Booker puffed up proudly. "Me, master shipbuilder, without a boat? You must have knocked your head when you fell from the sky!"

I laughed. "I should have figured, huh?"

"You should have," he said, before glancing at Pichu. "Why don't you run along and find your Pichu friends? They're probably still hidin' somewhere."

"Pi," chirped Pichu, before it ran off.

"Come on, Summer, the boat's this way," said Booker. I followed him down the path to the small dock on the other side. I raised an eyebrow at the noticeable lack of a boat. Booker's eyes widened. "Well, gosh darn it! I was in such a rush, I forgot to tie my boat up!"

"Oh, Booker, you're still absentminded?" I asked, shaking my head fondly. I scanned the surrounding for anything that might help, before my eyes landed on a boat on the hilltop. "What about that boat?"

"Well, it's not done yet," he said.

"But you built it," I pointed out, running up the stairs and trying to push the boat down the hill. It wouldn't budge.

"That won't do at all," said Booker, crossing his arms. "We'd need at least five strong backs to get that thing in the water!"

"Or…" I said, looking around. My eyes lit up when I spotted something that might be helpful. "An Ursaring."

"What?" said Booker, but I ran up to the confused looking Ursaring and promptly capture it, pretty proud of myself for accomplishing the task so quickly.

"Ursaring," I said. "Will you push that boat down the hill into the water?"

It grunted an affirmative, before walking over to the boat and body slamming it. It slid down the hill, stopping at the water's edge. I beamed. "Thanks, Ursaring!"

It grunted again, before walking off, bored of its surroundings.

Booker stared at me. "Well, I guess that's a Pokémon Ranger for you."

I laughed again, and we made our way to the boat.

"Now," said Booker. "To begin our long voyage!"

I stared at him.

"Okay, so it's over in a flash," he admitted. "But I've always wanted to say that."

I climbed in the boat, stifling a laugh. Suddenly, a yellow blur shot past me and landed in the water. As it spluttered water and realised it had missed its mark, the Pichu from before climbed into the boat.

I helped it up. "What are you doing here, little one?"

"Pi pichu!" it said.

"Hmm," said Booker. "It looks like Ukulele Pichu's taken a likin' to you, Summer."

"Ukulele Pichu?" I repeated.

Booker puffed up proudly. "Thought up that name myself."

"I guessed," I said dryly, before turning to Pichu. "Is that right? Do you want to come with us?"

Pichu nodded eagerly.

"But…" I said. "What about your friends?"

Pichu's face fell. It shook its head sadly.

"You didn't find them?" I asked.

"They aren't here?" asked Booker in shock.

"I bet those Pinchers took them!" I fumed at Pichu's affirmative. I patted it on the head. "Don't worry, Pichu. We'll get your friends back."

Pichu beamed up at me. I hesitated a moment, before tilting my head. "Hey, would you… like to be my partner, Pichu?"

Pichu's eyes widened. It pointed to itself. "Pi?"

"Yes, you," I said, giggling slightly.

Pichu jumped up and down excitedly, before pulling out its ukulele and playing a few cheery notes. I laughed. "I guess that's a yes! Welcome to the team, Pichu!"

The trip back was short and comfortable. Renbow Island looked just as I remembered, and I ran on shore and spun around as if I had returned home (which was almost true… how much time had I spent here before leaving for Ranger School?).

A small, green-haired boy ran up to us. "Hey, Grandpa! Welcome back!"

"Ralphie?" I asked in shock. The boy tilted his head at me. "Look at you! You've grown!"

"Uh… do I know you?" asked Ralph.

"Ralph, this here's Summer Éthelle," said Booker. "She used to watch you when you were little."

"Oh, then it's nice to see you again!" said Ralph, beaming at me. "Are you… a Pokémon Ranger?"

I smiled. "Yup!"

"But that outfit if kinda different," said Ralph, narrowing his eyes. "I've never seen a Ranger with red goggles and a yellow scarf before!"

"It's a new uniform," I chuckled. "You wouldn't have caught Rand or Dad in this."

"Oh," he said. Then he turned his attention to Pichu. "Huh? You sure don't see Ukulele Pichu come to this island often."

"Pichu!" said Pichu, waving.

"I'm gonna tell everyone there's a Ranger in our village!" said Ralph eagerly. "They've all been worried about this UFO stuff!"

He waved and ran off. Booker watched him, looking amused. "Ralph is a reliable boy."

"He's all grown up!" I said.

"That's what happens in five years, Summer," said Booker, ruffling my hair. I gave him a slightly put out look. "Let's go inside and you can tell me all about what's happened to you, startin' with who shot you outta the sky!"

A/N: Sorry, no Ben this chapter… I used all the Ben parts from this chapter's original version last chapter. But… backstory! I know I'm taking liberties with this… but it is AU! Summer's French name is Éthelle, so I used that for her last name, and Ralph really is Booker's grandson. Anyway, thank you to my reviewers: RangerTakara, SakuraBlossomWolf, N. E. Person, FlameUser64, and May845!

I don't own Pokémon.