Chapter 2: Tests

The Destiny flies through space at hyper velocities, stars zipping by, as it leaves behind a bright wake of energy. Inside, Kappaqua and Turcell sit on two chairs in the cockpit, Kappaqua at the pilot seat.

Turcell keeps stealing nervous glances at Kappaqua. After several rounds of this, Kappaqua asks with apprehension, "What is it?"

"What's what?"

"Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

Turcell looks embarrassed to have been noticed. "Oh, that. It's just that… well… I'm still having trouble getting use to the idea of a talking Pokémon, let alone a Pokémon flying an interstellar spaceship." Looking to quickly change the topic, Turcell asks, "So what's that about being a ranger you were talking about?"

Kappaqua shakes his head in disbelief. "I guess it shouldn't surprise me that you don't know about the rangers." He takes a deep breath. "I'll explain. When Pokémon started moving out into the galaxy in the Great Exodus, it was quickly realized that traditional police and enforcement squads no longer worked. Space was simply too vast. And it wasn't just that. Space is dangerous and easy to get lost in. And so eventually a visionary came along and forged a new strategy. The legendary Gigastar created the Pokémon Space Rangers Corps, an organization dedicated to protecting and serving the Pokémon of the galaxy. Rangers were trained to do anything. They can enforce laws, rescue the helpless, explore the unknown, and protect the innocent." At this point, Kappaqua sounds like he's lost in the story, clearly idolizing these rangers.

He continues, "And to this day those brave rangers still patrol the vast unknown of the galaxy, making it that much safer of a place to live."

Turcell says, "Wow, they sound great. So, you want to be one of them?"

Kappaqua grins, "I don't just want to be one of them, I want to be the best of them. I'm going to become the galaxy's next Master Ranger. I'm going to single-handily clean up this galaxy and arrest every outlaw. I am going to make it so that no other Pokémon ever has to experience what I-" He suddenly cuts himself off, all of his previous passion suddenly gone.

Turcell prompts, "What? Experience what?"

Kappaqua eyes Turcell hesitantly and responds, "Never mind. Forget I said anything." Suddenly looking depressed, Kappaqua pulls out his metal orb and clenches it tightly.

Turcell asks, "What's that?"

Kappaqua is startled out of his own thoughts and quickly hides the object. "None of your business."

Turcell thinks, Kappaqua's hiding something, something about himself…

A voice comes in over a radio. "Personal starship, this is Pokémon Station Flight Control. State your name and business at the station."

Kappaqua pulls down the communicator and responds, "Control, this is the Starship Destiny, seeking permission to dock, and entry into the ranger program."

After several moments, the voice on the other end responds, "Affirmative, Destiny, you are cleared to land in Hanger Bay Five. A representative of the Ranger Corps will meet you there."

"Copy that, proceeding to Hanger Bay Five." After putting away the communicator, Kappaqua looks through the forward viewport. A look of joy and triumph crosses his face. "There it is. Pokémon Station, the central headquarters of the Space Ranger Corp."

Turcell is put in a state of awe by the sight ahead of them. It's a massive space station composed of a large ring on one side, an orb on the other, and a segment connecting them. The lights shining through the many windows of the station cast a wonderful sight against the dark backdrop of space. Turcell mutters, "Wow…"

Kappaqua takes the control stick and guides his ship into a hanger bay on the ring side of the station. They pass through an airlock field that keeps the air in the station, and land between several other ships of varying designs.

Kappaqua stands at the exit, about to press the button to open the hatch, but momentarily freezes up.

Turcell looks closely, and notices Kappaqua clenching his orb again. He decides not to mention anything this time. Kappaqua takes a deep breath and opens the hatch. He and Turcell walk down.

Kappaqua immediately moves for the door to the hanger. "I'm going to go check out the place. Once I'm done with my application, I'll bring you to those doctors I mentioned."

Turcell sighs. "Something tells me the type of doctors you're referring to aren't the kind of help I need…"

As Kappaqua leaves, he says, "The fact that you honestly think that is all the proof you need that they are exactly the kind of doctors you should be seeing."

Turcell appears annoyed by this remark, saying under his breath, "Would a little faith be a too much to ask for?" As Kappaqua descends the boarding ramp, Turcell suddenly realizes something and questions, "Didn't flight control tell us that they would meet us here?"

Kappaqua laughs. "The next Master Ranger waits for no one. From this day forward, my destiny is in no one's hands but my own." He's gone.

Turcell looks around frantically, not sure whether to follow the only person he knows or to listen to instructions. He decides to follow.

The next room is bustling. It's a thoroughfare with Pokémon walking from all directions in all directions. Kappaqua is in absolute awe as he begins to freak out. "No way! That's the Gold Rank Ranger Team, Team REM, specializing in missions that require pure power!" He points excitedly towards a group consisting of a Rhyperior, Electivire, and Magmortar. He suddenly looks in the opposite direction. "And that's Team Invincible! They can survive anywhere, letting them pull off rescues that no one else can!" The team is composed of three Tardiguard, the squishy-looking water bear Pokémon. His attention is immediately grabbed by another group. "There! Ninjato, Greninja, and Accelgor! It's the Gold Rank Team Stealth! They can get in out of any location without anyone ever knowing!"

Turcell asks with confusion, "Huh? Where?"

Kappaqua nods. "Exactly!" Something else draws his attention. "And that there! That's their rival team, Team Chivalry!" This team can be seen, and consists of a Gallade, Escavalier, and Sirfetch'd. "Their strong sense of justice is put to use in taking down outlaws of all kinds! Oh! That's Team Brave Bird, the experts of sky-based operations!" This team consists of the knight eagle Pokémon, Eagladiator as well as a Talonflame and Corviknight.

Sounding impressed, Turcell comments, "Wow, you really know your stuff."

Kappaqua smiles back at Turcell and gives him a thumbs up. "If you want to be the best, then you got to know the best." Then his jaw drops. "No way…"

Turcell frantically looks around. "What? Who is it this time?"

Kappaqua points to a group that just entered sight. There's a Decidueye and Curemodo led by a Lucario. Curemodo is a bipedal reptile Pokémon, bearing resemblance to a Komodo dragon. It's colored a dark green with dark purple splotches across its back. Kappaqua can barely contain his excitement. "Tha- that's- that's Team Hero!"

"Who's that?"

Kappaqua looks to Turcell with disbelief. "They're Team Hero! That says it all!" He then suddenly remembers Turcell's lack of knowledge of this world. "Never mind. Team Hero is my personal hero and role-model. They're the reason I want to be a ranger in the first place. They've rescued more Pokémon than any other ranger team and are one of only two ranger teams to ever achieve the Master Rank! Decidueye is an expert of long-range combat and survival skills, he's the type of Pokémon that could come in handy at any given moment. Curemodo is a healer. The antivenom she produces can cure any ailment, but even beyond that, she's versed in the medical practices of a hundred different planets. And Lucario, Lucario is the brave leader. He uses his powers of Aura to see the unseeable and sense the unsensable. Some say he can not only read minds, but even look into the future. Those three are the greatest Pokémon to ever live."

A hearty laugh is heard. "Is that so?"

Kappaqua was so caught up in his hero worship that he never even realized that Team Hero was walking their way. It was Decidueye that said that. Kappaqua leaps back in shock. "Team Hero! You heard that…"

Curemodo chuckles and says in a caring voice, "It's always nice to know we've inspired the next generation of rangers."

Decidueye adds, "You are the new recruits we heard about, right?"

Kappaqua seems to have the wires in his brain crossed, and just mumbles something incoherent.

So Turcell answers, "Well, Kappaqua is at least. And if I might say, I may have never heard of you three, but if you're half as great as Kappaqua says, then you three are amazing."

Decidueye heartily laughs again. "Oho, I promise you, we are all that and more."

Curemodo scolds, "Come now Decidueye, let's not get too egotistical."

Lucario finally speaks up, saying in a serene yet firm voice, "Come. We must return to business." The three of them begin to leave, but then Lucario stops. Without turning to face Kappaqua and Turcell, he says, "The road of a ranger is not one to be taken lightly. Never lose sight of your aspirations, but also never lose track of your reasons for those aspirations." He continues on wordlessly.

Kappaqua finally regains the ability to speak and shouts back, "Don't worry, I won't!"

As they leave, Decidueye says, "Alright Lucario, spill it. What are you thinking? You sensed something in those two, didn't you?"

Lucario gives a faint grin. "Indeed."

"Well, aren't you going to tell us?"

"You will find out in time."

Decidueye shakes his head with annoyance. "I hate it when he does that."

Kappaqua is shaking with excitement. "I can't believe it. I just met Team Hero…"

Suddenly a voice barks, "You! You're the ones who just landed?"

Kappaqua stiffens up. "Yes, that was me."

A Heliolisk approaches them, and he does not look pleased. "Surely that can't be, as the new arrivals were given explicit instructions to wait in the hanger bay to be met by a station official."

Kappaqua scratches the back of his head. "Oh… yeah… well… you see… I was just too excited. I had to see the station for myself as soon as possible."

Heliolisk shakes his head in disapproval. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Instructions are meant to be followed. They are given for a reason. Now please tell me, why are you here?"

Kappaqua grins confidently and holds a thumb up. "I'm here to become a ranger. I'm here to help protect this galaxy and make it a better place."

Heliolisk doesn't seem to care. "Well good for you. Or rather, too bad."

"What? What does that mean?"

"It means we're not currently excepting new trainees. You may refuel your ship, book a room for the night if you wish, but you are not permitted to have your ship parked here any longer than that."

Kappaqua is stunned. "Wha- what? But…"

Turcell looks from Kappaqua to Heliolisk and back. Turcell pleads, "Please sir, there's nothing Kappaqua wants more than to become a ranger. You just have to let him. He'll prove himself."

Heliolisk shakes his head. "No, I'm afraid he won't."

Kappaqua is holding his hands to his head as he panics. He mutters to himself, "But I can, but I can, but I can…"

Then another voice asks, "Heliolisk, what are you doing?" The voice is hearty and friendly, a voice that instills calmness. From behind Heliolisk, an Orbeetle floats up.

Heliolisk responds, "That's none of your business, Orbeetle."

Orbeetle asks, "You're turning the applicants away, aren't you? Didn't Gigastar tell you that he would gladly take on new recruits?"

Heliolisk fumbles slightly in finding his response. "Well… yes, but it's also my job to sort out the applicants."

Orbeetle says, "Then how about you actually do your job, and give them the test, instead of just being lazy and turning them down outright?"

Heliolisk gazes with resentment at Orbeetle. "Fine. We'll do this the hard way. But I promise you, they will not pass the test."

Turcell speaks up finally and says, "Um… excuse me… I think you've got the wrong idea. I'm not here to join the Ranger Corps."

Orbeetle says, "Oh, is that so? Then who is Kappaqua's partner?"

Kappaqua, having somewhat recovered from his earlier panic attack, questions, "My partner?"

Heliolisk groans. "Yes, your partner. You can't exactly be a one-Pokémon ranger team, now can you?"

Kappaqua eyes widen. "How could I have forgotten? Ignore everything Turcell just said, of course he's my partner."

Turcell questions with surprise, "I am?"

Kappaqua quickly grabs Turcell and drags him away. Once out of Heliolisk's earshot, Kappaqua begs, "Please, be my partner. I need you, or they won't let me become a ranger."

Turcell objects, "But you said you wanted me to never bother you again."

Kappaqua sighs. "Yeah, I did… and I still do… but I've got no other choice. I don't have anyone else to be partners with. Look, as a ranger you'll have lots of resources available to you. Maybe you'll be able to use them to figure out…"

Turcell finishes for him, "How I became a Pokémon?"

"You're words, not mine. Regardless, it only has to be temporary. Once I get established as a ranger, it shouldn't be a problem to recruit a new partner. Please. I don't normally beg, but I'm begging you. I need this."

Turcell thinks to himself, Well, I really don't know what I'd be doing anyways. And if being a ranger really could help me figure out my mystery, then maybe it would be worth it. And I do owe Kappaqua for all the help he's given me so far. He says aloud, "Okay, I'll do it."

"Wonderful!" After a moment of cheer, he whispers, "Just please, don't mention anything about your human fantasies. That will get you kicked out of the corps for sure." Without giving Turcell a chance to defend himself, he quickly drags Turcell back to Heliolisk. "Yes, Turcell is my partner."

Heliolisk rolls his eyes. "Wonderful. Okay then. I suppose we'll run your entry test, then."

Kappaqua responds, "We're ready for anything."

"Sure you are." He hands a holographic sheet to Kappaqua. "That's your mission. We've recently found that an outlaw is using a dungeon on a nearby planet as a hideout. You are to make it through this dungeon and arrest the outlaw. Do this, and you'll be a ranger." He looks suddenly fierce. "But fail, and you're out of here."

Kappaqua salutes. "Understood. We'll bring this outlaw to justice. You have my word."

"Because that's so meaningful to me." He sighs with exasperation. "Orbeetle, how about you take care of the rest? I have paperwork I need to catch up on."

Orbeetle nods. "You do that." Heliolisk leaves, making no effort to hide the relief he gets from doing so. Orbeetle laughs. "Sorry about him, he can be quite the handful."

Kappaqua shakes his head. "It's fine. And thanks for coming in to help. I thought my dream was over there for a moment."

"Don't worry about it. I get the sense that you were meant to be here with us. Now come with me. You're going to need supplies if you're going into a dungeon. I'll show you where you can get them."

Orbeetle leads them to a wide-open area of the station bustling with activity and life. He says, "Welcome to the Forum, the main marketplace of Pokémon Station. If there is something you need for any ranger mission, you can be sure you'll find it here."

Kappaqua and Turcell look across the sight before them, wonder and amazement in their eyes. There are stands and shops all over, and Pokémon of all shapes and sizes traveling between them.

Turcell says to himself, "There's so much life… I don't know why, but this makes me indescribably happy. This life brings me so much joy. But why…?"

Kappaqua says, "I've never seen so many Pokémon in one place before."

Orbeetle explains, "Pokémon Station has a population density higher than most planets, and the Forum is the heart and soul of it all. Come, follow me. I'll show you around."

He leads them through the Forum, pointing out the various stores as they pass. "That there's the Kecleon Brothers' Shop, for all your general wares and needs. Right across the way is Kangaskhan Storage. She'll store anything and everything, free of charge." They keep on walking. "That stand over there is the Abyssoul Bank." Abyssoul is a Pokémon that looks like a rotting treasure chest with ghostly arm coming out the back. On the palm of the hand is a large red eye.

Orbeetle whispers, "Between you and me, I think the guy is obsessed with gold just a little too much. Anyways, the stand facing opposite of it is Parabox's Treasure Shack. Parabox will open up any treasure chests you might come across in your travels." Parabox is cat Pokémon that lives in a box. When it emerges from the box, it will randomly be in either its Life or Ghost forms.

Orbeetle gossips some more, "However, I'd say the treasure chest it's most interested in is Abyssoul. Seems to always have her eyes on him." They move on. "Then there's Ditto the Move Master, Ninjato's Dojo, and the Appletun Café. Ditto can teach you any move or link moves, Ninjato can let you participate in holographic simulation dungeons to train, and the Appletun Café is a social center of the station. Not to mention you can get a good bite to eat there."

Turcell says, "Wow, there's so much here."

Orbeetle agrees, "Yes, and there's so much more to show, but I'm afraid there's some business I have to go take care of." He pulls out something. "Here, take this." He hands Kappaqua a small cube.

Kappaqua grins. "Awesome, a storage cube."

Turcell asks, "What's that?"

Orbeetle explains, "A storage cube is a cube with a small pocket dimension inside. You can use it to store large amounts of items in a small space. It's a vital tool for a ranger, so that they can always have tools and other items on-hand. Take that and fill it up with whatever you think you'll need for the mission. Whenever you think you're ready, go to the location marked on that mission file Heliolisk gave you. Good luck out there."

Kappaqua nods. "Thank you so much, sir. You've been a great help."

Orbeetle grins. "I expect great things out of you two." He turns to leave.

Turcell asks, "Okay, so what now?"

Kappaqua says, "We need to get supplies from the Kecleon Shop, come on." He rushes over to the stand shaped like a Kecleon head, maned by two Kecleon, one green, one purple.

The Kecleon both greet in unison, "Hello! Welcome to our shop! How may we help you?"

Turcell looks over the various wares stocked on the back shelves. "Wow, there's so much."

Kappaqua's eyes are immediately drawn to an item on the top shelf. "No way, is that…?"

The green Kecleon nods. "You bet it is."

The purple adds, "Quality is assured."

Kappaqua says, "I have to have it. We need it."

Green smiles. "Then that will cost a total of 800 Poké."

Kappaqua hangs his head. "Oh… I only have 500…"

The Kecleon look at each other and nod. Purple says, "As a first-time customer, we'll give you half off. It's yours for 400."

"We'll take it!" Green hands him a small and inconspicuous seed.

Turcell asks, "Woah, you're going to spend almost all your money on a seed?"

Kappaqua asserts, "It's worth it. If we succeed in this mission, we'll make the money back easy, and if we fail… well let's say we can't let that happen, and that's why this is worth the money. We need it."

Turcell shrugs, "I'll trust you on that."

Kappaqua nods emphatically. "We need it." He deposits the seed into the storage cube. "Now come on, let's complete the test and become real rangers."

The Destiny sets down near a craggy ocean shore. The crash of waves splashing against the rocky shore sounds continuously. Turcell and Kappaqua disembark. There's a cave entrance not too far away. Kappaqua says, "That's it, Tidal Tunnel, the dungeon that houses our entry test."

Turcell sighs. "Are we really going to willingly go back into one of those things? I was hoping to never see a dungeon again."

Kappaqua asserts, "Too bad. This is what we need to do, so this is what we're going to do." Without another word he marches into the cave entrance.

Tidal Tunnel B1F

Turcell walks slowly and cautiously through the cave. The cave walls are drenched, and water constantly drips from the ceiling. He comments, "Looks like this place must fill up with water during high-tide. Let's be sure to get out of here before then…"

Kappaqua scoffs. "We'll be in and out. Look, you may be my partner in title, but we both know I'm the real ranger here. Just like before, stay out of my way, let me handle everything, and that's how we'll get out of here in no time."

Turcell asks himself, "Why am I even here?"

Before anything else can be said, a Binacle that was latched to the roof lets itself fall to the ground to block their way. It mutters an indecipherable sound of anger. The tips if its heads glow and it lunges at Kappaqua to attack with Razor Shell. Having been taken unaware, Kappaqua skids back from the impact.

Turcell moves forward and shouts, "Ember-!"

Before he can spit his embers, Kappaqua leaps in front of him and shouts, "Water Gun!" Kappaqua's Water Gun blasts the Binnacle into the air, after which it lands in a nearby pool of water.

Kappaqua looks back at Turcell. "I meant what I said. Stay out of the way. This test is mine, not yours."

Turcell raises a brow but does not object. They continue on their way.

Tidal Tunnel B3F

A Shellder falls to one of Kappaqua's attacks. Turcell stands behind Kappaqua, looking somewhat bored. Kappaqua comments, "At this rate, we'll be done with this test in no time."

Turcell questions, "Do you realize that this test is to take down an actual outlaw? I know you think you're powerful and everything, but the Pokémon we'll be fighting could be very dangerous. It's wanted for a reason. Should you really be so calm about this?"

Kappaqua laughs. "I promise you, our opponent will be anything but an actual outlaw."

"Oh?"

"If the Ranger Corps had actual intel on a wanted outlaw, especially one hiding out so close to their headquarters, there's no way they'd send two newbies they'd never met before after them. No, they'd send someone with a proven track record, someone they can trust to get the job done."

Turcell contemplates this. "So, what did they send us here to do?"

"My guess is that we'll be facing a ranger pretending to be an outlaw. That will be our test."

Turcell nods. "I guess that makes sense. That way they control the difficulty of our exam."

At the very moment, Heliolisk is standing in a chamber that is clearly a part of the same dungeon. The floor is coated in an inch or two of sea water. He's slipping on an eyepatch and a fake goatee. He laughs. "They'll never recognize me like this. Those upstarts won't know that what they're about to face is worse than any outlaw. They're going to face me." He laughs some more. "There's no way they'll pass this test. They'll get what they deserve for ruining my day off."

Then a deep voice demands, "What are you doing here?"

Heliolisk turns around to face the voice. "Excuse me? I should be asking you that. This dungeon has been sealed off for official ranger business."

"Space rangers? Is that so?"

Heliolisk begins to look slightly unnerved. "Hey, what are you doing? Stop right there!" He's now panicking. "Don't come any closer!"

Tidal Tunnel B5F

Kappaqua takes out two Pokémon, another Binacle and a Wimpod, at once with the blast from an Aqua Bomb. Turcell just hangs back and watches.

Turcell comments, "You know, I really don't mind helping. Being a part of this team may not have been my idea, but I'm here anyways. You might as well let me help."

Kappaqua scoffs. "You think I'm telling you to not get in my way to be nice to you?"

Turcell objects, "I think I proved that I can hold my own in a battle when we fought those Wimpish. Surely you don't think I'll just make things worse."

Kappaqua shakes his head. "That's not it. I said it earlier. This is my test to take. Maybe you don't mind helping, but that doesn't change the fact that you're not the one who wants to be a ranger, I am. This is my dream, and I have to prove myself worthy of it. I can't rely on anyone else."

Turcell asserts with some resentment, "This test was designed with two Pokémon in mind. I'm willing to bet that there's a reason ranger teams are formed with two or more Pokémon. It's just plain reckless to do this by yourself."

Kappaqua shakes his head. "I don't need anyone's help, especially not yours." He walks on.

Turcell groans.

Tidal Tunnel B6F

Kappaqua and Turcell continue on in silence. The silence is broken when three Pokémon suddenly leap out from behind rocks to surround Kappaqua. It's a Shellder, Shellos, and Binacle. All three attack Kappaqua with coordinated Water Guns, knocking him to the ground.

Turcell makes a move to help, but from the ground Kappaqua asserts, "Don't… you… dare…" It stands back up under the force of the Water Guns.

Turcell hesitates as it watches Kappaqua attempts to fight back with a Water Gun of his own, but what little he manages to pull off has minimal effect. Turcell shakes his head. "No, I can't watch this any longer. Ember!" Turcell spits a steady stream of embers at the Shellder. It doesn't cause much damage, and Shellder mostly ignores it. Turcell grimaces. "Okay then, let's try a physical attack." He takes a deep breath, clearly not sure exactly what he's doing. "Tackle!" Turcell runs straight at Shellder to tackle it but ends up tripping over his own front feet and tumbles. He shouts, "Curse these extra legs!" Instinctively, Turcell pulls into his shell to protect himself, and ends up spinning in it like a top. With its controlled spin, Turcell rams into Shellder, Shellos, and Binnacle sequentially, knocking them all away and forcing them to flee.

Turcell emerges from his shell looking dizzy and dazed. He asks, "Was that a Rapid Spin? Did I learn a new move?" He then remembers Kappaqua and runs over to help him get up.

Kappaqua immediately pushes him aside. "Don't touch me." With much effort, he gets up on his own. He looks at Turcell and demands, "What was that!? I told you not to help!"

Turcell objects, "You wouldn't have lasted much longer! You're being ridiculous! You needed my help! I had to step in, or this test would be over!"

Kappaqua looks down to the ground in shame. "It might as well be, now." He walks on without another word.

Turcell refuses to leave it at that. He rushes to catch up. "Hey, I was just trying to make sure you're able to achieve your dream."

Kappaqua suddenly stops and turns around. He beckons to himself, "Yes, my dream. Mine. Not yours. My dream, my test. How can I ever know that I'm worthy of achieving my dream, if you're the one getting me through this test?" In a moment of rage, he adds, "And I certainly don't want the help of a maniac Pokémon with delusions that he's a human!"

Turcell looks hurt. "So, you really don't believe me then…" Greater anger bubbling to the surface, he shouts, "Look, I didn't ask for this! I am in a situation that I'm willing to bet no one has ever been in before! You could at least pretend to care! Instead of trying to make me feel like a lunatic, how about you show some basic compassion and try to imagine how I must feel!? It's not easy! And yet, despite all that, despite everything you said to me, I'm still here as a favor to you! So how about you stop acting so above me, and actually acknowledge me!? It doesn't matter if I help you! If you pass the test, you're a ranger, regardless of how much or little I participated! Maybe I am crazy for thinking I'm a human, but you know what? You're crazy too! You're crazy for thinking that you have to be absolutely perfect! For thinking that you can't accept anyone's help! Get over it!" He sighs. After a pause he begins to calm and slowly nods as he realizes something. "I see it now. You talk a big game, you act like you're unbeatable, but on the inside, where it counts, you question your own ability. This isn't just a test for becoming a ranger, you're testing yourself."

Kappaqua turns away. "So, what if I am?"

Turcell asserts, "Then I would say you need to cut it out. You've already proven yourself to be a powerful Pokémon. Whether or not I help makes no difference."

Kappaqua crosses his arms. "What do you know? You don't remember anything. You've got nothing to compare me too."

"You're wrong. It's clear, regardless of my memory. Now come on, according to our intel, that outlaw is the next floor down. We're getting close. The real test is still ahead of us."

Kappaqua turns his head to look back at Turcell momentarily. "Fine. But you better not do that again." He walks on.

Turcell shakes his head in exasperation and asks himself, "Did he hear anything I said?" He follows Kappaqua away.

Tidal Tunnel Pool

Kappaqua and Turcell enter the chamber where Heliolisk was stationed. The first thing they notice is Heliolisk, still wearing the eyepatch and goatee, slumped against a wall, bound and gagged. Turcell gasps. "Oh no, Heliolisk!"

But Kappaqua cracks up in laughter. "Wow, looks like someone pulled the short end of the stick. And what's that on your face!? Are we pretending that the outlaw gouged out your eye!? And somehow you got an eyepatch after that!?" He continues to laugh hysterically.

Heliolisk attempts to shout and communicate, but it all comes out muffled thanks to the gag.

Turcell asks, "Are you sure this is a set up? Heliolisk looks like he's in actual distress."

Kappaqua dismisses this. "Nah, this is all a scenario. Rescue the captive. Nothing more."

Heliolisk renews his grunting, even louder and more energetic than before. Then the menacing voice from before cuts in, "What? More rangers? Why is everyone just strolling into my lair?"

Kappaqua and Turcell turn around to a large and menacing Pokémon behind them. It's a Lichenthrope. It's a bipedal, wolf-like Pokémon, reminiscent of a werewolf. It's colored primarily black, except for the various plant matter coating its body, such as a grass mane on top of its head and vines wrapped around its torso. There's also splotches of discolored skin around its body, where patches of lichen grow.

Turcell jumps back into a defensive stance, but Kappaqua just laughs. "Alright, this is more believable."

Lichenthrope barks, "Believable? Do you think this is some kind of joke?"

Kappaqua shrugs. "Not a joke exactly." He pauses. "Well, unless you count that guy over there." He points back to Heliolisk. "He's a joke for sure."

Heliolisk can be heard objecting through his gag.

This annoys Lichenthrope enough for it to leap at Kappaqua and Turcell to slash at them with its claws.

Both Pokémon leap to opposite sides to dodge. Kappaqua laughs once more and says, "Alright then, let's do this. Hope you're not expecting me to hold back! Water Gun!"

Kappaqua's blast of water seems to do little more than soak Lichenthrope, annoying it further. "Why you little! Shadow Claw!" Lichenthrope's claws are cloaked in shadows as it leaps at Kappaqua and slashes, knocking Kappaqua back against the cave wall.

Kappaqua looks hurt, but works through it, brushing himself off, as if to pretend he barely felt the attack. "Then how about my Aqua Bomb!" Kappaqua hurls an orb of water, but Lichenthrope cuts right through it with Shadow Claw.

Seeing things aren't going so well, Turcell urges, "Kappaqua, Lichenthrope is a Grass-Type! You're weak against that, and I'm strong. Let me help."

Kappaqua shakes his head. "No. Don't you even think about stepping in."

Lichenthrope shouts, "Your mistake! Mega Drain!" From its body, Lichenthrope launches tendrils of green energy, which engulf Kappaqua and forcefully drain energy.

Kappaqua cries out in pain. He attempts to throw another Aqua Bomb to disrupt Lichenthrope but can't concentrate enough to manage the attack. When the attack stops Kappaqua falls to the ground. Lichenthrope begins to slowly approach Kappaqua for the finishing blow.

Turcell shouts in simultaneous anger and concern, "Kappaqua, you have to let me help!"

"No!" Kappaqua attempts to get back up, but stumbles.

Heliolisk manages to wiggle himself out of the gag and shouts, "This isn't a test, you fools! Lichenthrope is an actual outlaw!"

Kappaqua's eyes widen as he realizes the potentially fatal error he's made. He looks up at the Lichenthrope now standing above him. "You're an actual outlaw…?" In a sudden and unreasonable fit of rage he shouts, "You scum!" He unleashes a powerful Water Gun, which Lichenthrope just leans to the side to avoid.

Lichenthrope prepares for another Shadow Claw. "It's lights out for you."

Turcell shouts, "Kappaqua!" as he runs in to try to protect Kappaqua but can't make it in time. Lichenthrope rends Kappaqua with its claws. Turcell shouts, "Ember!" He spits a large burst of embers at Lichenthrope, who leaps back to avoid them.

Lichenthrope shouts, "You'll be defeated, no different than your worthless partner! Dark Pulse!" Lichenthrope launches an orb created from dark purple rings at Turcell.

Turcell retreats into his shell for protection. From inside, he shouts, "Rapid Spin!" Turcell launches himself into a spin and flies at Lichenthrope, but Lichenthrope knocks him away with Shadow Claw.

Turcell gets back out from his shell and tries another Ember, but Lichenthrope powers through the attack with another Dark Pulse. Turcell shakes his head in desperation. He thinks, It's no use, I can't beat an actual outlaw by myself. I'm not strong enough. I need help.

Lichenthrope declares, "This is over for you too! Shadow Claw!" It leaps to attack Turcell.

Turcell backs up but finds he's literally back to the wall. He can't possibly dodge.

And then Kappaqua shouts, "Water Gun!" A powerful stream of water knocks Lichenthrope off course.

Turcell asks with surprise, "Kappaqua!?" He looks to the source of the attack to see a fully healed Kappaqua standing ready for battle.

Kappaqua grins and gives Turcell a thumb-up. "Never count me out."

Turcell questions, "But how? You were down for the count."

"Remember that seed I bought?"

Turcell flashes back to Kappaqua buying the unknown seed from the Kecleon Shop.

Kappaqua explains, "That was a Reviver Seed, a very rare item that fully heals a Pokémon after it takes critical damage. I'm back in the fight."

Turcell asserts, "And I'm in too, this time. There's no way either of us could beat this guy alone."

Kappaqua reluctantly admits, "You're right. Let's not waste this second chance. We'll give this scum what he deserves."

Lichenthrope gets up off the ground and laughs. "Isn't that sweet? Now you'll both fall together." He hurls a Dark Pulse at the two of them.

Turcell and Kappaqua leap apart from each other to avoid the attack. They then both simultaneously attack with Ember and Water Gun. Lichenthrope attempts to dodge the Water Gun but ends up being hit by the Ember.

Turcell shouts, "And I'll follow that up with Rapid Spin!" He throws himself Lichenthrope again, but Lichenthrope uses Shadow Claw to smack Turcell back, causing him to crash into Kappaqua.

Kappaqua urges, "You know, now would be a good time for that golden energy thing you did last time."

Turcell emerges from his shell and asserts, "Trust me, I've been trying. I have no control over whatever that is. There's something that causes it to happen, and I have no idea what that is."

Kappaqua shoves Turcell off of him. "Whatever, I don't need that to beat this guy anyways. Aqua Bomb!" Kappaqua lobs an orb of water. Lichenthrope prepares to parry with Shadow Claw, but Kappaqua seems to have not even been aiming for Lichenthrope. The Aqua Bomb lands to the side of Lichenthrope, catching the outlaw in the resulting blast wave.

Turcell takes advantage of the Situation by attacking with Ember. Kappaqua joins in on attacking the downed outlaw with Water Gun. They keep up the attacks until Lichenthrope falls limp, passing out.

Turcell questions with disbelief, "We did it…?"

Kappaqua cheers, "We did it! We took down that worthless scum of an outlaw!"

Turcell cheers, "We did it!"

Heliolisk shouts harshly, "Yes, you did it! Now how about one of you untie me!?"

Turcell and Kappaqua look to each other, then move over to help Heliolisk.

Heliolisk complains. "Took you two long enough. Any of the trained rangers could have beaten that fool in half the time. Why, if I wasn't taken by surprise, he'd have been arrested long before you-" He's interrupted by Kappaqua pulling the gag back up over his mouth. With fury crossing his face, Heliolisk begins an angry rant that comes out as nothing but muffled grunts.

Kappaqua laughs. "I think that the rangers are going to want to see evidence of Lichenthrope's crimes. Assaulting a ranger and holding him captive should be enough, let's not ruin the crime scene."

Turcell chuckles, while Heliolisk continues to shout angrily.

Turcell, Kappaqua, and Heliolisk, now unbound, stand in a large chamber back on Pokémon Station. Across from them, Lichenthrope, bound by cuffs, is flanked on either side by Escavalier and Sirfetch'd, with Gallade standing in front of it. It's Team Chivalry.

Gallade says, "You did a great job taking down Lichenthrope, he was classed a Silver Rank outlaw. We'll take him from here." He leads his team and Lichenthrope out.

Heliolisk sighs. "Yes, as much as I hate admit it, I did not expect you to be able to take down such a powerful outlaw."

Kappaqua says, "So that means we're rangers now, right?"

Heliolisk laughs. "Absolutely not."

Kappaqua is taken aback. "What? But we passed the test. That makes us rangers, right?"

Heliolisk laughs some more. "I'm afraid you didn't pass your test. The test was to complete the outlaw scenario the corps provided you with. You were supposed to defeat me. But you didn't, so you didn't pass your test."

Kappaqua clenches his fists in anger. Just as he's about to give Heliolisk a piece of his mind, Orbeetle enters to room saying, "Indeed they did, sir. They're just over here." Orbeetle leads a Gigastar into the room. Gigastar is a large Pokémon made up entirely of a burning plasma, like a star. Its body is mostly spherical, composed of essentially only the head with two powerful arms. Its face gives an impression of age and wisdom, especially given the goatee-like streams of plasma beneath it mouth. Overall, its coloration in mostly red, invoking a red giant star.

Kappaqua freezes up. He whispers to Turcell, "No way, that's Gigastar, the legendary first ranger. Over a thousand years ago he formed the first Ranger Team, Team Solar Flare, and created the Pokémon Space Range Corps. Back when I said Team Hero were the second team ever to reach Master Rank, Team Solar Flare was the first, but since then a new rank had to be created for them, they're Legend Rank."

Heliolisk crosses his arms with annoyance. "Hey, I'm part of Team Solar Flare too. Why is no one ever in awe of me?"

Orbeetle gives him a powerful pat on the back and suggests in a jocular nature, "Perhaps it's because you're not an actual member, just an honorary member filling the spot of your ancestor."

Heliolisk looks offended. "I am indeed a real member."

Orbeetle chuckles. "Whatever makes you happy to think."

Gigastar looks over Kappaqua and Turcell. "So, you're the two that Orbeetle told me about. You two took down Lichenthrope without any formal ranger training."

Kappaqua is too nervous to respond, so Turcell says, "Yes, sir. That's us."

Gigastar meditatively strokes his chin with a hand. "Yes, I can see the potential that you two hold simply by looking at you."

Heliolisk runs up to Gigastar's side and says cloyingly, "I thought the same thing the moment I first saw them. In fact, I was just about to accept them as rangers, I'm so glad you-"

Gigastar silences Heliolisk by raising an arm in front of him. He says, "Tell me, why is it that you want to be a ranger?"

Kappaqua finally finds the ability to speak. He takes a deep breath and answers, "Sir, I believe that there is much wrong in this galaxy. There are those who are helpless and get everything taken away from them unfairly. I want to do whatever I can to help such Pokémon. I want to bring hope where there is none, remind the helpless that no situation is ever hopeless. I want to make this galaxy a better place for all Pokémon."

Turcell look surprised. He thinks, Wow, Kappaqua talks such a big game, acting tough and emotionless, but I'm beginning to see that there's so much more to him. He's got a soft side that he's careful not to let others see. That's what I noticed in him earlier on the ship.

Heliolisk laughs at Kappaqua. "If I had a Poké for every new recruit I heard say that, I'd-"

Gigastar speaks over Heliolisk, ignoring him completely, "I sense the absolute sincerity in your words. You have an ideal that you stick to absolutely."

Heliolisk zealously agrees, "Yes, it really is quite clear, isn't it?"

Gigastar continues, "Then that's that, you two are now rangers. Heliolisk, get these two their uniforms."

"Right away sir." Heliolisk turns to leave, grumbling in annoyance under his breath.

Kappaqua is absolutely stunned. "I'm… a ranger…" He gives this several moments to sink in, and then leaps up and cheers, "I'm a ranger!"

Heliolisk returns, carrying two white scarves in one hand, and two badges in the other. As he reluctantly distributes them to Kappaqua and Turcell, Gigastar explains, "Those scarves are the symbol of a ranger. Wearing one of them will announce to all that you are there to help."

Turcell has tied the scarf around his neck so that it hangs down beneath his chin, while Kappaqua ties his so that the knot is in front, and it hangs down over his back, almost looking like a small cape. Emblazoned on each white scarf is a red emblem, shaped like a stylized R with a star in its center, the emblem of the Space Ranger Corps.

Next, Heliolisk hands them the badges. They're a colorless white, and feature the ranger emblem flanked by wings. Gigastar explains, "And those are your ranger badges. Not only are they proof of your status as rangers, but they are also invaluable tools in dungeon exploration and rescue. They are what allow for emergency escape from dungeons, as well as the extraction of those you are rescuing."

Kappaqua stares intensely at the badge in his hand.

Gigastar says, "And now, before we register you, there is one last piece of business to attend to. What will be your team name?"

Kappaqua's eyes widen in surprise. "A name…? I never considered a name!" He turns to Turcell. "Quickly, we need a name! What do you have?"

Turcell is taken aback by the abruptness of Kappaqua's demand. He panics as he says the first thing that comes to mind, "Well, um, how about Nova?"

Kappaqua contemplates this. "Team Nova? Nova literally means new but is more commonly associated with the powerful explosion of a star that outshines everything in the night sky." He nods. "I like it. Team Nova it is. Where'd you come up with that one?"

Turcell shrugs. "I don't know. I feel like it has meaning to me, but I don't what."

Kappaqua is suddenly reminded of his new partners predicament. "Right… Of course, you don't remember."

Gigastar says, "Then Team Nova it is. Welcome to the Ranger Corps. Your first day of official duty will be tomorrow. Heliolisk will be in charge of your training."

Heliolisk says, "I can't wait." Then adds under his breath, "I can't wait to pay those two back for humiliating me."

Kappaqua holds his badge up and declares, "You hear that outlaws? Team Nova is here, and there's nowhere you can run! Helpless Pokémon of the galaxy, there's nothing for you to fear!"

Turcell joins Kappaqua and also proudly holds out his badge.

Turcell says in a voice-over, "Ranger Log, day 1. Gigastar said we make these logs so that future generations of rangers may look back on them as sources of inspiration and learning. I'm not sure I feel like I should be an inspiration for anyone. How can I inspire others when I don't even know who I am? For I all know, I could have been someone that no one should look up in my past life. I don't think that's the case, but there's really no way to know for sure. Being a ranger may not be my goal, but I get the sense that I'm someone who would make the best of a circumstance, so that's what I'll do. Hopefully work as a ranger can help me learn who I am, and then maybe, just maybe, I'll find that I actually am someone others can look up to."

To Be Continued…