"Chocolate ain't half bad."
"That's why I wanted it." I said as Liam and I both munched on the chocolates he bought as per our agreement. The big guy even bought chocolates for everyone on both our squadrons.
Hence, the biggest unbelievable sight in the Indigo Plateau Ranger Camp is born. Two squadrons, both from different regions that are currently squabbling with each other due to political reasons, sitting in the cafeteria around the same table munching on chocolates.
All because of a race.
"Don't think I officially introduced myself." Liam said as he finished the last of his chocolates. "Master Sergeant Liam Davis. Kanto Ranger Force, 1st Regiment, Blue Squadron."
"Staff Sergeant Skye Bale. Johto Ranger Force, 1st Regiment, Black Squadron." I offered. "Nice to meet you."
"Wait, that oh-shit-squadron?" Someone on Liam's squadron asked.
"Great." Adam facepalmed at the name. "Even the Kantonians know about that."
"We really don't have the best of luck when it comes to missions." Jacky shrugged.
"Like?"
"Does getting attacked by an aerodactyl count?" Rufus offered.
"Fuck. That's so cool."
"No, you fuckwad. How is that cool?"
"You weren't even the one who got attacked." Amy pulled on Adam's ear before laughing it off when she turned to face the Kantonians. "Sorry about Adam. His language has always been a little colourful."
"Now I'm interested." Liam spoke as he leaned in closer. "An aerodactyl. Which one of you even got attacked by an aerodactyl?"
In unison, everyone on my squadron turned to face me.
"Sup." I said flatly.
"And Skye caught it." Amy began to say in her own dramatic fashion. "It was like fwoosh! Then woosh! And-"
"Weren't you with us on that damn ship? How'd you even see pipsqueak battle that fossil?"
"I was just repeating what I heard on the comms!"
"Wait, you caught an aerodactyl?" The guy which I think Liam calls him as Oliver cut in excitedly. "It's a wild one?"
"It escaped from some secret facility and somehow ended up in the same mission area that we were in." I gave the official cover story that I could give to anyone outside of Black Squadron should they ask. "I was given custody over Aria after that."
"Can we see it?" Somebody else asked.
"Uh." I looked around us, spotting the 'No Pokemon Allowed' sign hanging just three meters away.
"I didn't see you letting out your aerodactyl during the rehearsal." Liam noted. "Should be hard to miss something like that."
"Boss said that he is still discussing with the higher ups that whether releasing an aerodactyl on a parade is a good idea." I explained. "I mean, it definitely will wow the crowd, but aerodactyls are widely known to be ferocious and they don't really have the best of reputations. Higher ups are worried it might suddenly go berserk."
"And they don't want that happening in the parade. Alright, I get it." Liam nodded his head in understanding. "Still think that they should at least try it out in the rehearsals, so that we can all see a living fossil in person."
"Why don't we just see it now?" Someone on Liam's team spoke up. "Like, go to a training field or something and then see it fly?"
"Or gobble us up."
"Aria's docile if you play nice." I defended Aria. "She saved my life before too."
"Oh yeah, that one time with the wild flying charmander." Adam snorted. "Fucking flying lizard don't want to see us go home."
"Is that another oh-shit mission?"
"Met a territorial charizard on a rescue mission." Rufus sighed. "It was not a fun day."
"We were like just trying to fly the fuck back home after finding the last guy." Adam rolled his eyes.
"Skye's pidgeot warned us and suddenly all our flying types just scattered." Jacky added.
"And then voom! A Flamethrower!" Amy exclaimed with dramatic hand gestures.
"And bam! A wild charizard appeared." I finished the story. "We managed to run from it. After it nearly killed me with a sneak attack, of course."
"You missed out on the dogfight you had with it in the air."
"Please, it wasn't even a fight. That charizard had nothing on me."
There was a brief silence from the Kanto group.
"Suddenly I'm fucking glad I'm not from Johto."
"You better motherfucking agree on it." Adam gritted out. "Fucking oh-shit missions happening to us all the damn time."
"Like stopping horny granbulls from destroying Olivine during their mating season." Rufus laughed. "Fun."
"Or the other time there was an abomasnow attack during our team outing to Cherrygrove. We weren't even supposed to be on fucking duty."
"Boss' face was priceless when he heard the evacuation order though. I even got a picture of it." Jacky said slyly.
"Wait, you did? Show us!" Amy cried out, arms waving as she tried to reach Jacky from where she was seated.
"And then I nearly got myself killed by a poacher who I found out much later to be a Rocket." I deadpanned. "Best team outing of my life."
"You know what? I'm starting to actually pity you Johtonians."
"No, it's just us. We are the oh-shit-squadron." Rufus covered his face with his hands. "Why is it always us?"
I rolled my eyes at Rufus' dramatic words before giving my answer.
"Cos we are the chosen ones. That's why."
"Reading?" Amy asked as she came out of the shower, trying to dry her hair with a towel.
"Yeah." I asked as I scrolled through my phone while lying on the bed lazily. Night has fallen and we are just lazing about until rehearsal starts again tomorrow. Amy and I are bunking together in a two-man bunk while our squadron is temporarily assigned to the Indigo Plateau Ranger Camp.
"Kanto ban?" Amy asked with a raised eyebrow when she saw what I was reading about.
"Might as well find out more about it so I know what not to say while we are here." I explained. "I haven't really been catching up with the news."
"Long story short, it's Kantonians accusing Johtonians of exploiting them ever since Indigo's founding." Amy said as she flopped herself down onto her own bed. "And then us Johtonians pulling stories of the past to show that Kantonians had a lot more benefits than them and that they shouldn't be complaining. And then it evolves to a competition to see who oppressed who more."
"Funny how the person who first started this debate is a Johtonian though." I mused. "You thought that the person who started this whole mess would be a Kantonian."
"Didn't Adam say that politicians just don't make any sense? For once, he's right."
"There's no such thing as coincidence, Amy." I said flatly. "There must be something in it for this Langley guy to want to start this whole shit in the first place. Why bring up a ban on imports and exports of rare stones and minerals that was put in place two decades ago? Why now?"
"Dunno. Maybe he had nothing to do? All these rich elites have no idea how we poor folks struggle to make ends meet anyway. Why else do you think almost every trainer tries to join the League forces the moment they finish their conference? The pay's good and there's constant demand for trainers. Just look at us Rangers. We always have Rangers dying left and right so there is always a constant demand for new trainers to fill up the slots."
"Still think that there is something fishy going on." I insist. "I don't know how to explain it, but it just feels like this Langley purposely brings up the topic of lifting the ban just to spark regional tensions. I mean, come on. Even if someone like me who barely knows how the economy works can see how bad of an idea it is to lift the ban, surely someone like him can? So why bring it up?"
"The economy you are referring to is Indigo's economy. Kanto economy will like, what did the news reports say? Triple? Triple their GDP or something? Because they have so many rare stones and minerals that the moment the Kanto ban is lifted their economy will just fly higher than what Ho-oh can?"
"And it also will hurt Johto's own by a lot due to how our economy as a whole is structured. But think about it, that's cannibalism. Indigo as a whole will still lose out on a lot the moment the ban is lifted."
"But Kantonians don't see it that way." Amy argued. "They think the ban is a form of oppression. Their economy had never really been doing well, just staying barely staying afloat. It's always us Johto providing them money and food from our own pockets to keep them alive. Kantonians want to see the oppressive ban gone so that their lives can be better. Johtonians just think that they are ingrates for not being thankful for all the help we provided them over the centuries."
"The whole thing is making my head spin." I groaned and closed my eyes as I dropped my head onto the pillow. "Why did I even bother? Why can't the Indigo Government like, I don't know? Maybe export Kanto's stones to like Hoenn or Sinnoh? It's so common sense."
I looked back at Amy when she didn't reply.
"Amy? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Skye? You're a genius. Why didn't Indigo just tell Kanto to export their stones to other regions?"
"You mean they didn't?"
"No. I'm sure of it. I read it all up."
"... Fucking corrupt politicians."
"Yeah, that must be it. Fucking corrupt politicians."
"... Hey, Skye?"
"Yeah?"
"Should we run for elections instead? I mean, I think we just solved what the politicians couldn't."
"Nah, fuck politics."
"Tailwind is a damn useful move if you know how to use it right." Liam said as his pidgeot gave a demonstration in the air. "You saw how fast my pidgeot can fly in a straight line, right? It was because of our experience in using Tailwind. Once you master it, you don't even need to use that move to help your fliers fly faster. Your pokemon will just instinctively find the best winds to push themselves without exerting any effort. Given enough practice, whatever experience they got from learning how to use Tailwind, they can apply it without even using that move, that's the best part."
Funny how not too long ago we are at each other's throats simply because we came from different regions and now, we are talking like we had known each other for ages. All because of our love and passion for flying type pokemon.
"Your pidgeot was more than just fast." I agreed as we both looked up at the skies watching our pokemon. Crown is trying to learn from Liam's pidgeot in the air. "I mean, you are a lot heavier than me with all those muscles, and you were initially two seconds or so behind me. Yet you nearly beat me in that race at the last stretch."
"I was two seconds behind because your pidgeot is obviously better at performing abrupt stops and turns in midair." Liam gestured to Crown with a jerk of his head. "Bet you had a lot of experience in flying in forests, I don't have that luxury in Kanto. The only real big forest to practice at is the one at Viridian. Mine is good at flying in a straight line, but not as good at avoiding obstacles. Was why we were there in the Forest AOC in the first place. We were trying to use the time we are here in Indigo Plateau to practice with the facilities here."
"I can give you some pointers on how to do what Crown can." I offered. "Since you so helpfully taught Crown how to use Tailwind in that manner."
"You should really come over to my regiment if you have the chance. We have totally different kinds of AOC from Johto's."
"Oh? Like?"
"Johto have so many fucking trees and forests that it isn't even funny." Liam grumbled. "Whenever I try flying here in Johto during my vacation days it still doesn't feel as good as soaring in Kanto's skies. Right there, all we have are mountains and flatlands. No obstacles, Skye. All we have are the skies and clouds. Just free flying. Imagine that."
"Must be nice." I said truthfully as I tried to think what it would feel like to fly in such a place.
"Damn right." Liam agreed. "That's why our AOC are more focused on training us in flying through mountainous areas and combating turbulence, because it is what we often find ourselves in. Winds are a lot stronger and harsher there, not like the gentle breeze here in Johto. Many times the winds are not in our favour and we have to create our own ones, which is why I trained my pidgeot to be able to use Tailwind like that. When the wind doesn't give us what we need, we create our own."
"You know what? Maybe the Ranger force should have an exchange program or something. Try out what it feels like to be a Ranger on the other side. Flying the skies of the highlands sounds fun."
"Try Pewter, near Mt Moon. Or Cerulean works too. If not, Lavender is also not half bad. These are some of the highest areas you can find in Kanto. Anything southwards is more flatlands than mountains."
"You mapped out all the best flying spots in Kanto?"
"Of course." Liam snorted, as if he is offended that he is incapable of doing at least that. "I fly with my team whenever we have the time. My dream is to be the best flier. But first, I'm winning our race the next time we meet."
"You are on." I accepted the challenge, feeling all fired up for once. "But if you want to be the best flier, then get in line. My brother's way better than me."
"You're already damn good yourself. Who is your brother?"
"He's the Violet City's Gym Leader. You know, the one who likes to wear his police uniform during gym battles just to show how many shiny awards he can pin on his uniform? Showoff."
"No wonder your last name sounded so familiar. You're Falkner's little sister." Liam said in realisation. "He taught you? In that case, he's good."
"He is. Said he learnt everything from my shitty Dad before he did a David Copperfield on us."
"David Copperfield? Who's that?"
"Magician. Master of the Mystic Arts. Does all the twirly whirly hand signs orange circle thingy. Wears the Eye of Agamotto and use it to recycle apples infinitely. Likes to bargain with others and annoy them with his bargains until they leave because he can do a time loop better than a Celebi. Don't look at me like that. It's strange, I know."
"... Now you are just screwing with me, aren't you?"
"I'm actually letting you in on a big secret. Please don't tell anybody else."
"You are just screwing with me. I knew it."
"Do you want to know a secret?"
"Fuck off, or I'll Whirlwind you."
"C'mere, I'll tell you my secret."
"I said fu- ah fine. What is it?"
"Come closer."
.
.
.
"... I'm actually a wizard."
"You mean witch. Wizard are for guys."
"Fine, witch."
Name: Skye Bale, 16, Female
Known affiliation: Indigo Ranger Force, Johto Region, 9th Ranger Regiment, 1st Ranger Regiment
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Code Name: Zephyr
Pokemon Team:
1. Pidgeot (Crown), male
2. Gliscor (Glide), male
3. Skarmory (Dia), female
4. Crobat (Beats), male
5. Jumpluff (Cotton), female
6. Dragonite (Tino), female
7. Noivern (Echo), male
8. Emolga, (Emi), female
9. Hawlucha (Hawk), male
10. Sigilyph (Cosmo), female
11. Aerodactyl (Aria), female
12. Masquerain (Heli), male
Name: Falkner Bale, 25, Male
Known affiliation: Johto Police Force, Johto Thirteen Pillars, Violet City Gym Leader
Pokemon Team:
1. Pidgeot (Majel), male
2. Noctowl
3. Fearow
4. Dodrio
5. Honchkrow
6. Xatu
7. Crobat
8. Skarmory
9. Delibird
10. Togekiss
11. Swellow
12. Staraptor
13. Pelipper
Name: Ciel Bale, 13, Male
Pokemon Team:
1. Pidgeotto (Queenie), female
2. Wimpod, male
Name: Walker Bale, 55, Male
Known affiliation: Ex Violet City Gym Leader, Ex member of Johto Thirteen Pillars
Pokemon Team:
1. Pidgeot
2. Skarmory
Name: Jacky Marsh, 19, Male
Known affiliation: Indigo Ranger Force, Johto Region, 1st Ranger Regiment
Rank: First Lieutenant
Code Name: Venom
Pokemon Team:
1. Scolipede
2. Crobat
3. Tentacruel
4. Nidoking
5. Skuntank
6. Venasaur
7. Toxicroak
8. Weezing
9. Dragalge
10. Beedrill
Name: Amy Rose, 17, Female
Known affiliation: Indigo Ranger Force, Johto Region, 1st Ranger Regiment
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Code Name: Powergirl
Pokemon Team:
1. Furret
2. Pidgeot
3. Lopunny
4. Ursaring
5. Wigglytuff
6. Exploud
7. Blissey
8. Tauros
9. Miltank
10. Cinccino
Name: Adam Clive, 20, Male
Known affiliation: Indigo Ranger Force, Johto Region, 1st Ranger Regiment
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Code Name: Nightmare
Pokemon Team:
1. Houndoom
2. Honchkrow
3. Umbreon
4. Weavile
5. Shiftry
6. Sableye
7. Greninja
8. Hydreigon
9. Pangoro
10. Krookodile
Name: Rufus Grandell, 21, Male
Known affiliation: Indigo Ranger Force, Johto Region, 1st Ranger Regiment
Rank: Master Sergeant
Code Name: Torrent
Pokemon Team:
1. Poliwrath
2. Kingdra
3. Dewgong
4. Gyarados
5. Feraligatr
6. Slowking
7. Crawdaunt
8. Floatzel
9. Jellicent
10. Golisopod
Name: Pyral Furnes, 38, Male
Known affiliation: Indigo Ranger Force, Johto Region, 1st Ranger Regiment
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Code Name: Cremator
Pokemon Team:
1. Typhlosion
2. Arcanine
3. Charizard
4. Magmortar
5. Magcargo
6. Alolan Marowak
7. Torkoal
8. Infernape
9. Emboar
10. Pyroar
11. Chandelure
