Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon, Pokemon Ranger, or the characters in this story.
Chapter 7: Nighttime Problems
"I'll miss the both of them, I'm glad they came to see us, I was starting to wonder where they were, that must have been a lot of paperwork. Buneary, make sure Pachirisu stays safe, okay?" I said, giggling as Buneary started hopping up and down and hugged Pachirisu.
"Yeah, I can only imagine, to do paperwork for so long must have been boring, I'm glad they came to see us. I'll miss you Pachirisu, make sure to train hard with Buneary!" Kellyn said as Pachirisu gave Kellyn a hug.
We both waved goodbye to our Partner Pokémon as they left the room and only a few seconds later, Murph came to the window with Barlow as Murph held our partners in his arms, as they all gave us a smile and a wave as we did the same.
"Kellyn, how's your leg feeling? Is it still paining you like before?" I said, fraught with concern.
"It's actually feeling noticeably better, I've only being taking the pills for two days and I feel better compared to when I came in." Kellyn said.
"Good, I was worried about your leg injury, it seems that the bruise on your head is gone now. Would you like some lunch?" I said, feeling relieved.
"Yes please, I'll take whatever you're having, especially since you know how to eat." Kellyn said.
I smiled back at him and walked out of the room, I walked into the cafeteria and just like I thought, there was nobody inside besides the chefs. Perplexed that no one was in the cafeteria again, I saw my Styler and noticed that it was 5:02 P.M.
'I know that this cafeteria is right by the medical rooms, but shouldn't there be at least one person eating food here? There are enough seats here for a lot of people…maybe there's another cafeteria on another floor? It seems that no matter what time I come in here, no one is here but the chefs.' I thought to myself as I went and got two plates of food, this time, I decided to bring Kellyn some rice that had Miltank cheese, sliced Tamato berries and peppers. After I put the food on the two trays, I went ahead and got some soda to go with it. I entered Kellyn's room and put the trays on the table.
"Luana, you really know how to eat good food, thank you!" Kellyn said, smiling at me.
"No problem, you should start eating, you need your strength!" I said to Kellyn, smiling back at him.
After we finished eating and having our sodas, I went ahead and put the trays and plates back in the cafeteria. I checked the time, it was 5:48 P.M. now, the place was starting to get dark. When I came back inside Kellyn's room, I noticed that Kellyn looked like he was fast asleep, when I went to check up on him more closely, he quickly turned his face, to the point where our noses almost touched.
"AHHH! Kellyn, why did you do that?! I thought you were asleep! You almost made my head touch the ceiling!" I said, surprised.
"Hahaha, hi Luana! I figured pulling a joke like that would be funny, I just didn't expect you to jump so high, you look like you saw a Haunter or something!" Kellyn said, trying to hold back his laughter.
"Hmph, you know, for someone as handsome as yourself, you're quite the jokester!" I said as I started to giggle a little bit seeing Kellyn fail to contain his laughter.
I couldn't help but laugh after Kellyn burst into a fit of laughter. I really enjoy his company, he's so enthralling and just a joy to be around, after we finished laughing, I went into the bathroom and when I finished washing my hands, I walked back to where Kellyn was, he seemed to be a bit starry-eyed even when I started gently shaking him.
"Kellyn? What's wrong, are you okay?" I said, worried.
Thankfully, Kellyn snapped out of his starry-eyed daze after I asked if he was okay which made me sigh with relief.
"Yes, I'm good Luana, sorry if I scared you just now. I was just a bit surprised…you called me handsome?" Kellyn said, a blush evident on his face.
"A-ah, yes, Kellyn, you're very handsome, you should know that!" I said, my face starting to feel hot.
"Thanks Luana, no one's ever told me that! Has anyone ever told you how your eyes have this sparkle to them? Or how beautiful you look?" Kellyn said, blushing fiercely.
"Y-you think I look beautiful a-and you think my eyes are t-that amazing?" I said, my face feeling hotter than before.
"Of course I do! Luana, you're an amazing Ranger and a great person, don't ever think that you're not!" Kellyn said with a smile.
"Thank you Kellyn, I needed those words of encouragement." I said, smiling with him.
"Anytime Luana, I'm ready to head to bed, I feel kind of tired, what time is it?" Kellyn asked.
I checked my Styler and noticed the time was…1:29 A.M.?! After I told Kellyn what time it was, he smirked.
"Still earlier than last time, let's head to bed so we won't be too tired, on a positive note, my leg is feeling far better today than it was yesterday!" Kellyn said.
"You're right, it is earlier compared to last time, though it's still a bit late! Wait, your leg feels better? Kellyn, that's great! I'm ready to go to bed whenever you are!" I said, joyful that Kellyn's recovery is going much quicker than I thought.
Kellyn and I started getting ready to sleep and I quickly assembled my chair into a bed and took off the light switch. Kellyn put the Altaria blanket over his body but even in the dark, I could still notice him shivering terribly. Almost instinctively, I held his hand and he stopped shivering right away.
"Thank you Luana, now I'll be able to sleep. Good night." Kellyn said.
"No problem Kellyn, I'm happy that I could help you get to sleep. Good night." I said.
'I'm so worried about Kellyn, I don't mind helping him but I'm so sad that he's not able to help people like he loves doing. I know he'll be a great Top Ranger once he fully recovers.' I thought to myself as I drifted off to sleep.
I woke up and started to yawn, as I rubbed my eyelids, I looked over to Kellyn's bed and noticed he wasn't there. As I started to panic, I looked around and heard the sink running.
'Could the noise coming from the bathroom…be Kellyn? It has to be! If anyone else came in this room, my eyes would have shot wide open!' I thought.
I lightly knocked on the door once I heard the sink was shut off and I heard whose voice it was, to say the very least, I was elated!
"Hello? Luana, is that you? You can come on in if you want, I was just brushing my teeth." Kellyn said.
'Kellyn's...Kellyn's better?!' I thought. Opening the door, I saw Kellyn putting away his toothbrush and toothpaste as I saw him in a brand new Ranger uniform.
I was so happy to see Kellyn that I ran at him and hugged him, tears started falling down my cheeks as Kellyn returned the hug and started crying as well.
"K-Kellyn, y-you're able to walk as if you w-were never injured…how?" I said through sobs.
"I don't know i-if it was the medicine Dr. Rhythmi gave me, b-but I-I'm all better now. It's t-thanks to you, Luana, t-thank you." Kellyn said, sobbing just as much as me.
After we stopped crying, I pinched myself, Kellyn chuckled a little but I did it because I was so relieved that he recovered much faster than the week Dr. Rhythmi said it would've taken him! I changed into my uniform, took all of our belongings and then we headed out of the room. We headed out of the hallway and went up to the third floor to look around the Ranger Union, Kellyn and I knew Chairperson Erma was on the fourth floor where the Tree of Harmony is but we weren't too sure if she was always there or not. I was excited as Chairperson Erma said she would formally make us Top Rangers once Kellyn makes his recovery.
We were both eager to officially become Top Rangers and we were giddy as we reached the third floor. Kellyn and I were in awe of the Operator's Room as we saw three screens with each of them showing different details and information. One was a giant screen displaying all of Almia, Fiore and Obilivia and if there are any disruptions going on at the moment, understandably, our region was filled with multiple people asking for assistance. A second screen gave statuses of all the Rangers outside of Almia as well as Rangers who weren't Top Rangers, it also gave information such as what region they're in and if they're doing a quest or a mission at the moment. There was also a third screen that showed the same information for Top Rangers only, Kellyn and I saw our faces on the screen as being side by side. After we observed the technology, we started to look around for Chairperson Erma and asked a Top Mechanic if she was up on the fourth floor.
"Hello there, Luana and Kellyn! That's right, Chairperson Erma is up on the fourth floor. Most of the people in the Ranger Union are talking rather highly of the both of you. They think the dedication you both have for each other is something every Ranger, Operator and Mechanic should have. I'm glad I was able to help such a lovely couple, I have to go downstairs and help the other Top Mechanics with something. Bye!" The Top Mechanic said as he ran down the staircase.
"Did he just call us a lovely couple?" Kellyn said, a blush very noticeable on his face.
"He absolutely did, I'm also a bit taken aback that most of the Ranger Union likes us, we're only Rank 5 Top Rangers and we're already well liked? Sounds good to me!" I said, also blushing quite heavily.
"I'm a bit surprised as well, I thought that since we just joined the Ranger Union, no one would really know us! I think we would be a really great couple together." Kellyn said as he muttered the last part.
"I agree Kellyn, I'm glad that people like us. You and I would be awesome together!" I said with a grin.
"W-we would? I-I mean, we would! I'm happy that y-you're my partner, Luana!" Kellyn said as he hugged me and started to blush.
"I'm glad you're my partner too, Kellyn. You're a great Ranger." I said, smiling.
Kellyn and I walked through the Operator's room to where the escalator was and as we reached the fourth floor, Kellyn and I could see the Tree of Harmony, it looked absolutely beautiful with its lush leaves. We also noticed Chairperson Erma by the base of the tree, and we walked over to her. When she turned around, she was surprised to see Kellyn.
"Hello Luana, it's good to see you! Kellyn, I'm happy you made a full recovery, I've never seen anyone make such a fast recovery from an injured leg! The both of you already know why I'm here, it's because the both of you are dependable, courageous and dedicated towards the protection of people, Pokémon and nature. I officially announce you, Luana Rakua as the third Top Ranger and Kellyn Hajime as the fourth Top Ranger along with the both of you being raised to Ranger Rank 5 for your work in the Cargo Ship. As Top Rangers, if something is considered a dire emergency, either one of you can designate it as a mission. Congratulations to the both of you, you earned this promotion!" Chairperson Erma said gleefully.
Kellyn and I started jumping for joy as we hugged each other out of sheer excitement, we were still surprised that we got promoted and we couldn't believe that we're actually Top Rangers!
"It's makes me happy to see two Rangers who get along so well, by the way, I was actually giving that Ranger Union Ranger's dance a placeholder date since all the other Rangers got their dates and dress attire. Of course, Mechanics and Operators have their dances separated, but if there was someone who was either a Ranger, Mechanic or an Operator and their date was another career, they would still be allowed to attend. Both of your first missions as Top Rangers is to fly to Pueltown and pick out dress attire, the colors that we're going for are blue and white, after that, the two of you have the rest of the day off! When you two come back, I'll show the both of you where your rooms are. Have fun dearies!" Chairperson Erma said.
"Sounds great, we'll definitely have fun! Thank you, Chairperson Erma, when we come back, we'll let you know!" Kellyn and I said as we walked to the escalator and went to the ground floor.
When we went outside, Kellyn saw a wild Staraptor and caught it almost instantly, I was overjoyed to see him so happy since he was stuck in his room for a few days. After Kellyn captured the Staraptor, we both climbed on its back as I held Kellyn closely. After a quick fly to Pueltown, we headed to a shop that sold affordable dress clothes and saw the store manager at the register.
"Hello there! Welcome, Kellyn and Luana, there aren't any problems in Pueltown today, are there?" The manager said as he smiled warmly.
"No, there isn't, Luana and I were looking for some nice dress clothes and we figured here would be the best place to shop!" Kellyn said.
"That's right, the Ranger Union is having a dance and since the colors are blue and white, we're wondering what would compliment us best." I said with a smile.
"Ah, the Ranger Union's dance! Every year, quite a few Rangers come here and buy some nice clothes, so do the Mechanics and Operators. Now let's see what would make you two really shine." The manager said as he looked around the store at certain dresses and suits.
Kellyn and I looked around to see any suitable looking clothes for the dance, we didn't want to be too flashy, we just wanted to look good for each other.
"Hmm…Luana, I think I found some good clothes with a nice pair of shoes, how do these look?" Kellyn said as he held up a blue suit jacket with a white dress shirt and a matching blue tie with black dress shoes.
"Wow, everything looks amazing, you should try it on!" I said, giddy with excitement.
Kellyn smiled as he went over to the changing room while I went and looked for a dress myself. I gasped slightly as I noticed a blue dress with a small white band that wrapped around the torso. Right as I found the dress, I saw a simple pair of white and blue heels. After I found everything I needed, Kellyn came out with the suit and he looked awesome.
"Kellyn, you look…amazing!" I said, marveling at how great he looked.
"You think so? Thanks Luana, that dress and those shoes you picked out look very elegant, I think you'll look great!" Kellyn said with a blush.
I got flustered and smiled at Kellyn while I went to the second changing room to see how the dress looked, as I came outside, Kellyn's face let me know.
"Luana, I knew that dress would look amazing on you, and it does! You look adorable with it, those flowers really make that dress look nice too and those heels look fantastic!" Kellyn said, making my face get hotter.
"Looks like the two of you got great taste, I'll ring you up when you're both ready." The manager said with a smile.
Kellyn and I both changed off of the clothes and shoes we were going to wear and held them in our hands while we went to the register with our Ranger uniforms back on.
"Well, let's see, the price for both the dress, suit and shoes will be five thousand Pokédollars. Will that be cash or card?" The manager said.
Kellyn and I both chipped in, I paid for his suit while he paid for the dress and we paid for each other's shoes.
"Goodbye Kellyn and Luana, hope you both have fun at the Ranger Union dance!" The manager said, waving at us.
We both waved back to the manager while we were exiting the store, I checked my Styler and noticed it was 5:07 P.M., as we were walking in Pueltown near a park with bags in hand, we decided to get some food at a nearby café, Kellyn and I both had a really delicious veggie sub and some hot chocolate, though Kellyn and I started laughing because some of the hot chocolate ended up on the top of my lip. After we finished our lunch, Kellyn and I noticed a Staraptor lazily flying around the area.
After Kellyn captured the Staraptor, we kindly asked it to fly us to the Ranger Union, it nodded and took off into the sky and in less than 5 minutes, we were at the Ranger Union. We thanked the Staraptor and Kellyn released it, we then went inside.
"Did you have fun Kellyn? I know I sure did." I said, as we wave to the receptionist and went up the escalator.
"I had a lot of fun with you, Luana, hopefully tomorrow, we can do some dancing." Kellyn said with a smile.
"I can't wait for that, hopefully I don't step on your toes!" I said as Kellyn and I both giggled. We went up to the fourth floor and saw Chairperson Erma by the Tree of Harmony, when we walked up to her, she turned to us and smiled.
"You two sure are quick on your feet! That suit and that dress will make you two look marvelous! Let me show the both of you to your room." Chairperson Erma said.
We all went down to the first floor where the receptionist was, at first, Kellyn and I were a bit confused, but then I recalled that I had never even gone to the first floor since I came in with Kellyn. It turns out that the rooms for the Rangers and Top Rangers were to the right of the front lobby once someone enters the Ranger Union, while there was another room that was used for Pokémon that the Top Rangers captured. It makes sense that I didn't even pay the area any attention because my main concern was Kellyn's health. I noticed a large hallway that had four doors on both sides with a sign saying that access is restricted to only individuals who work for the Ranger Union, there was also a door at the very end of the hallway that had a sign saying the room is for Pokémon and Rangers only.
"Now dearies, since you and Kellyn are the Ranger Union's third and fourth Top Rangers as well as being Ranger partners, you both share your own room, which you can rearrange the furniture or decorate it with your own styles however you two wish. The other Rangers are in dorms, four to a dorm. The other two Top Rangers are on the first door to the left, while your room is across from theirs. You'll meet them in the morning, perhaps the four of you can share breakfast together and get to know each other, I have the feeling that you four will dominate the dance tomorrow!" Chairperson Erma said.
"Thank you so much Chairperson Erma, we really appreciate your kindness, I'm rather excited to meet the other Top Rangers and get ready for the dance floor!" Kellyn said with a giggle.
"I agree, it's always nice to meet new people, you've been so generous to us Chairperson Erma, we'll do our best to make you proud! Hopefully there are some slow songs tomorrow at the dance!" I said, blushing while I thought of Kellyn.
"It's so touching to see Ranger partners get along so well, I would say your bond exceeds that of even the two other Top Rangers and they're absolutely in love with each other. I look forward to seeing the both of you at the dance." Chairperson Erma said.
"Thank you, Chairperson Erma, that means a lot. I'm glad that people know the bond I share with Luana, she's very important to me." Kellyn said.
"I agree, Kellyn is really important to me and I like to think the closeness we share is an important quality to being a Ranger!" I said.
"I can agree to both your statements, I'll be heading to bed now, have to get my beauty sleep. Good night dearies!" Chairperson Erma said as she walked over to the escalator.
"Good night!" Kellyn and I said as we went into our room.
When we entered our room, we were rather surprised by how spacious it was, the beds alone were gigantic and had a nightstand at the side of the bed with a Pokéball lamp on top. Towards the back of the room, there were two large dressers along with a stainless steel fridge, a small washing machine and a matching dryer microwave, sink, stove and a matching oven against the wall in the right-hand corner, there was also a large steel counter with cabinets on the bottom with four foldable chairs. There was a door to the bathroom on the left-hand side and…a love cushion in the corner by one of the beds. I wonder if Chairperson Erma, Barlow, Murph or any of the other individuals who liked us at the Ranger Union put that there, I imagine that all of them considered putting the love cushion in our room because they know how much we like each other. I noticed that to the side of the love cushion were two chairs and a big table.
"Wow, this room is awesome, though those beds are going to have to be moved a bit closer. You know I can't sleep alone. I wonder why that love cushion is there, I can understand the kitchen appliances and the bed, but a love cushion?" Kellyn said, a small blush showing on his face.
"I agree, this room is pretty nice overall, the love cushion seems out of place, but I like it! Let me go ahead and move that bed from where that bathroom is to the bed with the love cushion." I said, feeling myself blush just as much as Kellyn.
Kellyn and I moved the first bed so that it would be facing towards the bathroom since we decided that the headrest would be better against the wall, we did the same thing to the other bed so that way, they would be side by side while I went ahead and moved the nightstand to the side of the bed.
"Hmm, do you think we should move any other furniture?" I said.
"Not for now, I think this looks fine as it is. We could probably decorate it later with something that makes it unique though. Maybe we could get some Eevee or Mudkip themed items?" Kellyn said.
"That would be a great idea, you sound excited to decorate! I think a mixture of both would be nice, an Eevee poster would be pretty cool!" I said, yawning.
"An Eevee poster would look great in here, but it looks like someone's tired. We should head to bed, it's already 2 A.M. you know." Kellyn said with a smirk.
I checked my Styler and saw it was 2:11. A.M. Wait a second…it's that late?
"How is it that late already? I thought you were pulling a fast one on me! I'm ready to head to bed." I said as I went to the bathroom and quickly changed into my pajamas and put my Ranger uniform in the dresser, after I did so, I climbed into bed.
"Haha, I don't think I could be so slick, you'd probably just check the time on your Styler!" Kellyn said as he went to the bathroom and came out a few minutes later, after Kellyn changed into his pajamas, he also put his Ranger uniform in the other dresser, but he hesitated for a moment by the bed as he longingly looked at me.
"That's true, our Stylers are pretty handy. By the way, is there something behind us? You seem to be rather focused at something. Is there a Zubat or a Crobat ready to annoy us with its screeching?" I said, trying to make it seem like I didn't notice how lovingly Kellyn was looking at me as he laid down on the other bed next to me.
"No no, there's no annoying Zubat or Crobat to destroy our ears with its screeching, I was just looking at you." Kellyn said as he used the Altaria blanket to cover his blushing face.
"Looking at me, huh? That's so adorable! Let's head to bed, we'll be having fun at the dance tomorrow! Good night." I said, my face feeling very hot.
"Thanks Luana, you're pretty amazing yourself, I'm excited for tomorrow. Good night!" Kellyn said.
We held hands as I felt myself falling asleep and later on in the night, I had to go to the bathroom. When I finished washing my hands, I felt the back of my hair stand up. I felt a bit uneasy as to why I felt this way but as I exited the bathroom, I faintly saw the silhouette of a man sitting on the loveseat and since I could hear Kellyn lightly snoring I knew it wasn't him. I didn't know who this man was, but since he'll be prepared to attack, I'll do everything I can to protect Kellyn, especially in his sleep.
It seems that the man didn't notice me or pay me any mind, so I tried making as little noise as possible while I was moving towards where Kellyn is sleeping so that I can attempt to wake him up. If Kellyn woke up, it would be two against one and we might possibly have an advantage unless this intruder has a Pokémon to assist him.
Right when I was about to reach Kellyn's bed, the man's head turned in my direction as he slowly walked to me, he didn't appear to have a weapon or a Pokémon with him, but I wasn't going to assume I would be safe and then end up with getting hit with a thunderbolt or a flamethrower. I yelled for Kellyn to help me as loudly as I could to wake him up, he immediately got out of bed and got in between the intruder and myself. However, I decided to protect Kellyn by switching our positions so that the man would be closer to me than Kellyn.
Upon noticing Kellyn, the man continued to walk forward until I noticed the light switch, I went to turn on the light to see that the intruder was…Kellyn?! What's happening? This Kellyn looks completely different from the one I know and love, this Kellyn's eyes are gray and full of hatred. I turned to look at the Kellyn that I know, and I see him frozen in fear, his eyes locked onto the doppelganger. Right as the other Kellyn started to approach us, I woke up.
I woke up in a cold sweat and looked at the loveseat, breathing a sigh of relief when I noticed that there wasn't a man sitting there. I looked over at Kellyn and noticed he was still sound asleep, I would have felt horrible waking him up just to tell him I had a bad dream so I went ahead and went to the bathroom. Unlike in the nightmare, once I finished doing my business and washed my hands, I didn't feel the back of my hair stand up. When I left the bathroom, I looked back at the loveseat and didn't see a man sitting down though I still checked around the entire room cautiously and was happy that there was no one else there.
Feeling relieved, I climbed back into bed and checked my Styler, I saw that it was 5:12 A.M., after putting it back on the nightstand, I was about to close my eyes and attempt to sleep when I heard muttering. I turned my head to see that it was Kellyn muttering in his sleep, it looked like he was having an awful nightmare.
