If you have not already read "An Alolan Legend" which recently was just finished, I strongly suggest that you read it before this, if you don't wish to, then continue as you wish
It's been a few days since Akari was placed into the hospital. His skin remained pale, as his motions became delayed and stiff, but he did appear more energetic, even if only slightly.- Recovery
"Hey Akari?" A young female voice approached, slowly opening the door to show his friend, Lillie enter as well as his other friend, Hau.
"Huh? O-oh Alola!" He slightly waved with a yawn
"Alola" The two said together
"It's good to see that you're doing better, from what I've heard earlier you could barely speak" Hau said, seeing he appeared more lively than before.
"Are you sure you're okay? You just sort of got into a rage and passed out, what was that anyways?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's sort of hard to explain, We started choking then you sort of broke from the cords and started making a bunch of giant Aura Spheres, then you just passed out"
"I did? I don't remember...All I know is I fell asleep from his Hypno, then I woke up here"
"You don't remember it at all?"
"Not really, but what happened to Faba?"
"About that...He got some of my blood, and used it to activate his machine...He's in another world"
"Oh...But I don't think he has enough aura or your blood to continue to travel, I don't think he'll be back anytime soon"
"Either way...Congratulations on the letter!" Hau said trying to change the subject into something a bit more positive.
"Letter?" Akari asked
"The one on your side table? As in the one from the Pokémon Ranger union?"
"Huh? W-wait, how long has that been there!?"
"I'm not sure, if you haven't noticed until now, maybe it was put there in your sleep" Hau guessed as Lillie reached for it in Akari's place
"Would you rather I read it? Or would you like to"
"It might be better for you to read it"
"Oh, alright then" She cleared her throat "To Akari Sunnon, It has been a unanimous decision to formally invite you to join the Ranger Union on behalf of your achievements for the greater good, we will eagerly be awaiting your response" She read out loud with few alterations.
"S-so that means...I'm finally going to become a Pokémon Ranger!?"
"Yeah! We'll be cheering you on! Well, once you get out of here" Hau said with a great smile, genuinely excited for him.
"Of course, and please try not to be too reckless"
"All I can say is I won't be showing my aura to everyone I meet, that's about all I can promise"
Lillie laughed "Good enough I suppose!"
Akari gave a short laugh, just before the two noticed he had already fallen asleep sitting up with his head falling back onto his pillow.
"Do you think he'll be okay as a Pokémon Ranger? I mean I know he's strong, but he keeps forgetting to take care of himself."
"Well, every Pokémon Ranger gets a partner Pokémon, we could probably get him to bring one who acts like a parent...Wait what about Decidueye?" Lillie asked
"Yeah, that'd make sense!"
It's been about a week since Akari had left the hospital, as his usual, he had become rather healthy, the color returning to his face, as did his aura to his body. After some meditation at the Alter of the Moone, he had been back to normal physically. Mentally, he had been getting nightmares as he did once before. However they seemed to be based on the struggles of the summer. When he wasn't worrying or thinking heavily about something, his fears flooded his mind.
It was past midnight, at Three AM, the morning before he was supposed to leave for the Ranger Union. Flooded with thoughts and fears, he just needed a moment of fresh air as he made a wormhole to the Alter of the Moone. All he needed was a place to think, as he laid down in the soft grass "As far as I know, being a Pokémon Ranger must be difficult...I can't put anyone through that..." He told himself looking at the moon, thinking back to when Necrozma changed into a new state, attacking him and his Pokémon, all because he was reckless. He array of his family of Pokémon, laying out defeated, where Akari was seemingly useless, where his pride only got others hurt. "Maybe it'd be best If I didn't bring anyone with me..." He said, briefly closing his eyes before feeling a spike of energy nearby. Specifically behind him as an Ultra Wormhole opened up and a small, purple Ultra Beast came out, snuggling up to his left arm. Shortly after, a familiar and yet new person came out from it.
"Poipole! Poipole! Come here! Oh, you found her!" It looked like a young girl wearing some kind of futuristic armor, silver skin, and orange braided hair. It was then that she gasped "You're Akari! As in the trainer who saved my world!"
"You're from Ultramegaopolis?" Akari asked "And this is...Poipole?"
"Yes, and yes! It's an honor to meet you!"
"It is?"
"Of course! I sneaked onto the tower and saw it happen!" She gave a mischievous grin
"Y-you did? Isn't that dangerous?"
"Perhaps, but you were there to protect us!"
"Ah...I suppose it ended out okay, just try not to be too reckless...It feels weird to say that"
"Alright, Alright! I've heard it all the same! But what are you doing out here? Don't you humans usually...Uhm...What's that word? Oh! Don't you humans sleep when it gets dark?"
"Huh? O-oh yeah, I just needed some fresh air"
"Well, if you're sure, Hey, Poipole seems to really like you!"
"You think so?" He looked down towards the small Pokémon who seemed to be flying circles around him Before landing on his head and rolling around in his dark green hair.
"Yeah! It seems to like you a lot, maybe because you saved our world, or maybe because of your aura"
"I guess?"
"Well...I should be heading back home, see you some time later?"
"O-oh, yeah sure" I waved before she reached for Poipole just for it to hide behind my back, gripping onto my shirt
"Poipole! C'mon, we need to head home!" It shook its head quickly, pulling tighter so as not to let go "That's weird, usually it can't stand others...Well no matter...Uh...Be right back!" She returned through her own wormhole which was white unlike hiss which were silver
"Uh...Okay? He looked back towards Poipole to see it playing with his shirt, he'd never seen any Pokémon do stuff like this before, not that it was bad by any means, but rather it was new to him. Soon enough, the girl returned with a smile on her face.
"So I asked my mum, and she said I could entrust Poipole with you!" A woman then came through the wormhole, resembling the girl yet more mature.
"I'm very sorry about Zossie, the first time you came through your portal, my daughter's been obsessed with your species, she simply loves Humans...And it does truly look like Poipole adores you, I couldn't bare to force it back. If it's not too much trouble, could I ask you to take care of it for a while"
"I-I...Um..." He exchanged looks between the two of them, and then to Poipole. Looking for a way to respectfully decline. Just for him to cave in "Alright, I'll watch over it" He gave a nervous look, unsure of how to follow up to his promise.
"I thank you, Poipole can be rather mischievous, but it means well"
"Right"
"Bye Akari!" Zossie said loudly with a wave before the two disappeared through the wormhole
"That was fast...Well, Poipole, I don't know if you sleep, or even if it's possible to sleep...But I should head home, let's go then" He said with a smile, opening a wormhole back home
"Akari? Akari! Fine, Chikorita, wake up Akari will you?" Keita said, sipping a mug of tea as he despised the taste of coffee. Moments later a loud sneeze came after. Just as Chikorita proudly left the room, Akari followed shortly after, rubbing his eyes with Poipole laying on the top of his head. "Huh? When'd you catch a new Pokémon"
"Uh...About that, I couldn't sleep and went to get some fresh air, then Poipole appeared" He didn't want to overexplain it, since he himself didn't know how to explain other worlds to them "But wait, how come you're not at work?"
"Oh, that's simple, You've been there to support us when you can, it's only fair we come to see you off"
"Oh right, I forgot! I'm becoming a Pokémon Ranger!" He shook his head to wake up, Poipole floating off so as not to get hurt in the process "Oh, sorry Poipole" Keita began to laugh "Huh? Is something funny?"
"Oh, nothing, it's just that I've been told how strong you've gotten, yet on the inside, you're still all the same"
"H-hey! No, I'm not!"
"I didn't say it was a bad thing, no matter where you end up, never ever"
"Never ever forget your roots, don't worry, I've never forgotten!"
"Good! If you can't remember the reason you fight, then there's no reason to continue" That was how his parents fit into his character. His accent and emotional side came from his mother, his morals and logical reasoning came from his father. Though drastically different, they resulted in determination, and the power to grow.
"So, have you decided where you'll be staying?"
"I-I Uhm...I hadn't thought of that..."
"Ah, I figured as much, I called ahead about you and they said that you would be provided a place in the Oblivia Region. Which from what I've heard, It's a group of Islands, similar to Alola"
"Oh, that's cool!"
"It looks like you'll be staying on Renbow Island"
"Oh, great!"
"And they should be coming in a few hours, pack your bags, and don't forget your Pokémon"
"Right!" Akari smiled rushing into his room and sending out his Pokémon. "Hey everyone! I'm sorry I keep disappearing, but today we're all going to the Obliva Region!" There was a bit of a cheer as they seemed to be excited to be with Akari again.
"Kay! Let's get ready!"
"Alright, are you Akari Sunnon?" It seemed to be an elderly man, however, they appeared to be sharp as for a brief glance observed and kept mental notes of Akari's appearance as well as taking note of the small Pokémon in his arms. That being Poipole since it didn't have a Pokéball to be inside though common to Akari, the man hadn't seen anything like it before. Even then, his expression hadn't changed.
"That's me!"
"Good, and you seem to be well prepared with your Pokémon. Have you said all of your goodbyes?" Akari nodded quickly "You're rather excited. And I've heard that you've helped a lot of people, correct?"
"I hope so"
"Humble, good as well. There's just one last thing" He readied a Pokéball, visible to Akari as he tossed it down to which Akari threw a portal down to catch the Pokéball before the Pokémon was released.
"W-what are you doing!?"
"Oh me? Simply testing your judgment and reaction speed" He smiled innocently
"I...Uhm..."
"Toss down the Pokéball, it's empty" Akari did as told, and as it was said, there was nothing inside. "You have four...No, five Pokémon with you, and yet you chose to prevent my Pokémon from attacking rather than risking the chance of injuring others"
"Who...Who are you?" He asked
"You could say I'm well acquainted with the Ranger Union, after all, I'm Professor Hastings, which means I'm one of the leaders of the Union"
"Y-you are? But why would you come to see me?"
"That's rather simple, you've been a spectacle of popularity lately, however, your unique abilities are a great interest of mine"
"You mean my-"
"Not exactly, yes you have a unique power, but it's not the first I've seen. But you possess the power of heart"
"Excuse me?"
"Think of it this way, The Ranger Styler functions as such, it uses energy we've dubbed synergy. This energy connects the heart of the Ranger and a Pokémon but surrounds the Pokémon with that synergy. However, we've learned that those with a strong heart, or who convey powerful emotions, have their styler react to their emotions, making it more effective. In short, the stronger emotions you feel, the stronger your styler becomes"
"Oh, I hadn't realized...But what does that have to do with me?"
"Again, as I've seen, you could care for anyone, despite their past, Lusamine of Aether Paradise for example. She tried to wipe your memory as well as send you to another world. And yet you still did what you could to help"
"How do you know this?"
"Well, after you met some Pokémon Rangers in training, I was told about you through rumors. Normally I'd fray from believing in rumors. But for some reason I felt compelled to research you. And what a surprise I was in for!" He laughed "Oh, but don't worry, most of the ranger union isn't aware of your aura. Now if you wish to share it with everyone, then do what you will. But if you prefer to keep it private, I won't alert anyone"
"Thank you"
"Don't mention it! Literally, they'll start thinking I've gone soft"
"Oh...Uh Okay"
"Either way, you'll be the only Ranger posted on Renbow Island. It's small and peaceful, so you shouldn't have any trouble"
"But, shouldn't there have been another Ranger there?"
"Well, there was, He's still there, he just retired as the work began getting too tough for his body. His name is Rand, and despite his retirement, he'll be there to help you, though not directly"
"Oh okay! Makes sense"
"Good, you catch on quick. Now it'll be another few hours 'till we get there, feel free to rest if you'd like. You appear as if you had trouble sleeping"
"Alright Akari, go on and wake up"
"Huh...Oh are we here already?"
"Yes, Your uniform is to your right"
"Right thanks! Poipole, wake up, we're here" Akari said, Poipole quickly regenerated from the nap, and flying circles around him happily. It was then that Professor Hastings led him to his place of residence, a small cottage by the beach, which had a large array of stones to hide the lower portion of the house, which would help Akari to train while keeping himself private. The place was furnished in a basic manner, a fridge, microwave, stove, a few pieces of furniture, and a radio. To which on top of the clothes he was holding was placed the key to his new home, and his Styler.
"There's a few books over your styler, I'd recommend giving it a read as it'll be fundamental to you since...Well, you never went to the school"
"Right, thanks!"
"Should you ever need help, head north on the island to find Rand's home, or just contact me, I should be listed in your Styler. Well, I'll be off, good luck Ranger Akari"
"Kay!" Akari gave a wave, seeing the Professor leave as he closed his door to change into his uniform. Which was a mostly red vest with a white collar and two pockets which held a device for breathing underwater, and another space for an object of his choosing. Under it was a blue and white tank-top, the white branching out from both sides of his body and crossing over in the middle. The shorts were also blue, stretching out to his knees. Though it was slightly out of his waist size, but the belt kept it up quite easily. All that was left was a fingerless glove, where the styler was to rest on his wrist as well as a set of large swimming goggles, which he rested over his head.
"There! It fits almost perfectly! And the Professor said I should read those books" He said to himself before sending out his Pokémon "Hey everyone! Here's our new home for now!" Akari looked around to find the books he was told about before hand as his other Pokémon just seemed to explore the house
"Oh! Here it is!" Akari pulled one out and started reading without a second thought. Going to sit down on the couch. He got through seven and a half pages before hearing a cry from above, causing for him to rush out and see what's happening. It was then that another Pokémon Ranger, who had been riding a Staraptor and chasing an odd group of people, who in turn had been chasing after a medium sized, blue Pokémon. Normally Akari would end up making a large scene, but as of now, it was important to hide his ability as he hid in a bush by his house, and used an Ultra Wormhole to catch the Pokémon inside it before making it warp in front of him. Which didn't help him as the blue Pokémon headbutted him, momentarily stopping his breathing.
"O-ow...H-hey, please calm down, I'm here to help you" He smiled, putting his hand out for it to smell, showing he wasn't a threat. Even so, the Pokémon wasn't convinced.
"Okay...I can see you're not convinced. Please work!" He put his arm out, pressing some kind of switch on his glove to send out his Styler. To which the emblem on the back of his hand started to glow, a silver aura engulfed it, directing it to follow circles around the Pokémon before it began to float calmly. "There we go...Please, It doesn't look safe for you up there, please try a different route to get back home, okay?" It nodded, lifting off the ground and flying east. The only problem was now, a powerful energy was fired from the strangers at the Pokémon Ranger, causing for them to fall from the sky. And land in the ocean unconscious, their Staraptor doing the same. Without even thinking, Akari placed a wormhole beneath him and placing the other side over the ocean, where he saw them crash before swimming after them and pulling them upwards before their lungs gave out to which Akari placed the breathing device in his mouth, going into the pocket of the other Ranger, pulling theirs out and placing it into their mouth. All that was left was to return her Staraptor to its Pokéball so it wouldn't weigh as much, and carry the Ranger up to the surface.
"Decidueye, Ribombee! Can you grab my towels from my bag!" Akari called out to them, having their body lean up on his, which they were admittedly older than him, by at least a few months. And also, admittedly, they were female with brown hair tied into short pigtails. Ribombee laid out a towel onto the couch where the girl was laid down onto it. Decidueye then gave the second towel to Akari "Thanks, but while she's sleeping, I should probably keep reading on how to use the Styler, Do you think you and Ribombee could find the doctor of the island, and see if they can help her?" They nodded, going out to find help while Vulpix rested in Akari's lap as Cosmog and Poipole were sleeping together on some pillows.
Soon enough, the girl awoke silently seeing Akari from behind as he scratched his head, showing his Styler. She snuck up behind him before punching down on the top of his head, effectively knocking him out. with Vulpix left growling before She sent out Staraptor, having it use Steel Wing to easily defeat it "You can't fool me that easily!" She smugly said, "Except, once that pincher wakes up, he'll just sneak up on me instead" She looked to her waist which had a rope hooked onto it. It was there for two main purposes, first and main one was to help climb treacherous mountains easier, the second was to subdue enemies to Pokémon and Pokémon Rangers alike. Now was the time to use the second purpose as Akari was tied and leaned up against the wall, as was his Vulpix. She then reached for the styler she thought he had stolen.
"Professor Hastings!"
"Yes, hello? Oh Summer, what are you doing?"
"Who does this Styler belong to?"
"Oh, it's for a new Ranger named Akari. Here I'll show you a picture" As he said, a picture of Akari was shown, with his lightly tanned skin, green messy hair, silver eyes, and a smile.
"Oh, I-I...I See."
"Speaking of which, why are you soaking wet, and why do you have his styler?"
"Oh...Uh funny story actually...You see I was chasing the Pokémon chasers, and I fell into the ocean...I guess I blacked out as I woke up a little bit ago, thinking he was an imposter and kind of sorta, tied him up?" She gave a nervous glance before turning the camera in his direction, showing the unconscious ranger"
"You...What..."
"Sorry! I'll fix this!"
"Nah, it's fine" Akari then said, standing up with a slight groan "Wouldn't be the first time" He made a blade from his aura behind his back, cutting the ropes in half before they all just fell to the floor "Though, it hasn't ever been that tight before" Even if only for a few minutes, they had left marks.
"H-how...Y-you're already awake!?"
"Yeah? I've been knocked out a lot, it doesn't last long"
"Summer, Meet Akari" He said as Akari went behind Vulpix, seemingly putting two fingers together before the ropes simply cut in half. With that the contact ended as Summer just gave him back his styler
"So...uh...This is awkward..."
"I guess, but what were you doing?"
"Oh right! I was chasing those Pokémon Pinchers to protect Latios! I have to go!"
"H-hey! Wait!"
"What!?"
"They attacked you and you fell into the ocean, you probably shouldn't push yourself, besides they're probably long gone by now"
"How can you be so calm!?"
"Latios was that Blue Pokémon, right?"
"Yes?"
"While you were fighting those pinchers, it changed directions, so they went the wrong way to catch up to it" He lied since he was responsible for making them change directions"
"O-oh...But where am I?"
"Renbow Island, I had my other Pokémon look for a doctor, which I don't know if there even is one"
"Oh I see...But I gotta know, how did you untie yourself?"
"What do you mean?"
"I've always been the best in class when it came to tying knots in camp, and you said it was really tight, so how did you get out so fast?"
"H-huh!? O-oh, I just cut it with a knife" She could tell he was getting nervous, as if he was hiding something.
"Oh really? And where is this knife of yours?"
"I-uhm...Put it away" She found it hard to believe, but decided not to bring any more attention to it, he seemed uncomfortable enough as it was.
"Alright, well sorry for the misunderstanding!"
"O-oh, it's nothing! It honestly does happen more than you think"
"Huh? But didn't the Professor say you were new? What kind of life do you live?"
"It's a rollercoaster, I'll say that much"
