A/N: Another chapter fresh from the oven! This one is about the friendship of Wendy and Kellyn along with how they feel about one another, despite their friendship being so new! I hope you all love it, enjoy!
A/N: I don't own Pokemon!
Ranger School: Chapter 5
"Hey Linda…it's Keith, you free at the moment?" Keith asked.
"Yeah, I am, what's up?" Linda asked.
"Kellyn managed to snag Wendy's number…it's got me seething. From when I first saw the guy, I just couldn't stand him, he looks like a baby Growlithe…yet he's accomplishing things so easily." Keith said.
"I can understand why that'd make you mad. So why don't you just let me at the guy then?" Linda asked.
"Remember how you bumped into Kellyn and Wendy was right there? Well…maybe you can be a little theatrical so that Wendy gets jealous. You know, like gushing nice things about Kellyn in front of Wendy. After all, doing anything that'll cause a rift between those two is good!" Keith said as Linda sighed.
"Not a problem sweetie, I can do that, anything else?" Linda asked.
"Yes, whenever you start next week, make sure to act natural. Seriously, I know I sound like I'm repeating myself, but I can't stress how important it is that you make sure Kellyn doesn't get the wrong idea…if you keep popping up too frequently prior to the start of next week, he'll think you're following him or being a creep." Keith said.
"You're right, and if he gets the idea and let's Wendy know, then we're in trouble." Linda said.
"Exactly, you got it! I just wanted to give you a quick update. Gotta go, love ya." Keith said.
"Thanks for that, love you too!" Linda said as she hanged up, with Keith hurrying to his class.
Kellyn and Wendy on the other hand were going to reach their next class and were halfway there until they heard some footsteps behind them. Seconds later, the two of them were getting a friendly hug, and noticed it was from none other than Luana.
"Guys, I missed you so much! It's been so long!" Luana said.
"Really? But you saw us yesterday!" Kellyn said as Wendy giggled.
"She's always like that, Luana's been super peppy and energetic ever since I met her in high school." Wendy said.
"That's because I'm always happy to see my friend…you! But now I'm even more happy, because I got a new friend named Kellyn!" Luana said as she hugged the two harder.
"You two have been friends for a while, but that's a good thing since it means you got a lot in common!" Kellyn said.
"Yeah, we're pretty close, but we're not identical! For instance, one thing we don't have in common is that Luana's the definition of hyper and noisy." Wendy said as Luana pouted.
"What?! I am not!" Luana said.
"You definitely are, I mean, it's not a bad thing at all, but if Kellyn and I were stealthy and silent ninjas then we'd be done for, since we wouldn't be able to stay hidden for too long!" Wendy said as Kellyn laughed while Luana let out a gasp.
"Oh noooo! Let me guess…that laughter as a sign of you agreeing with her, right?!" Luana asked.
"Hahah, definitely! Sorry Luana!" Kellyn said as Wendy giggled.
'He looks even cuter when he laughs…' Wendy thought.
"It's not a problem Kellyn, I just fail to see how I'm that loud!" Luana said as Wendy tried to keep a straight face.
"Well…whenever you get excited, your voice gets a bit louder…plus you're always running everywhere and nearly bumping into people!" Wendy said.
"I can't believe it…my two friends are laughing at someone as dazzling and humorous as me!" Luana said as the two began to laugh.
A few jokes later and the trio reached their class and headed inside, wasting no time in getting their materials out as several more students filed in. The professor soon came into the classroom as the rowdier students quieted down. The classroom activity was similar to yesterday's, though the professor instead had a student show the class about having a Pokémon help with using Soak on a large boulder in the middle of the room, which was actually a Golem. Once the demonstration was over, the professor went on to explain various obstacles Rangers may face.
"Class, as you've all just seen, there are some occasions where a hazard or a Pokémon may be blocking your path. As our classmate just demonstrated, if a Golem were blocking a cave entrance or somewhere else, then you'd need a Pokémon with Soak Three to even give enough water pressure to make it move. Attempting to use a Pokémon with Soak One or Two, such as a Squirtle or Wartortle wouldn't work at all. Any questions?" The professor asked as a student raised her hand.
"Yes professor, I have one question. Instead of relying on Field Moves, why can't we just have a Friend Pokémon or Partner Pokémon use normal moves on a hazard or a Pokémon that's in our way?" The student asked.
"Good question, that's because Pokémon moves are strictly for battle only. Let me give you an example. Let's say that you have a Garchomp as a Friend Pokémon and there's a boulder that's preventing you from moving onward. You might think that having your Pokémon use Draco Meteor on the boulder would suffice, but it wouldn't. Not only would the landscape get damaged, but your Pokémon would use a lot of their energy for that move. The same would go for if you had it use a more basic move, like Dig. So having Garchomp use Crush Five, which is its Field Move, would remove the boulder and turn it into pebbles, leaving the surrounding nature and land intact. Plus, your Pokémon would have used almost no energy at all compared to using a move meant for battle. Also, I know it's easy to forget, but Pokémon Rangers can have one Partner Pokémon, seven Friend Pokémon, and six Party Pokémon. It may seem like a lot, but the two aforementioned groups are for Ranger duties, and the Party Pokémon are for battles." The professor said.
"Wow, I didn't know most of that information. Thank you for the help professor!" The student said.
"No problem, now then, you've all done great work today at observing the importance of Field Moves and Target Clears. You're all free to go, see you all tomorrow!" The professor said as everyone headed out of the class.
After some shuffling of books and papers, students began to leave to their next class or their dorm. Kellyn, Luana and Wendy were packing up as well and soon left the classroom. A little bit after leaving the class, Luana let out an exasperated sigh.
"Awww…looks like I have to leave you guys to go to my next course before I do some studying…by the way Kellyn, you're able to add people to your Styler, right?" Luana asked.
"Yeah I can do that." Kellyn said as Luana fist bumped the air.
"Great! Mind if we get each other's numbers so we can keep in touch?" Luana asked.
"Oh? Sure, no problem!" Kellyn said as the two exchanged numbers while Luana couldn't help but glance over at Kellyn's Styler.
"Yes, now I got your number! Oh…interesting…looks like you got Wendy's number in there already, hm? I'm certain the two of you talk about a ton of stuff once I'm not around, hahah!" Luana said as Wendy's face began to turn red.
"Get out of here Luana! You'll be running late as usual!" Wendy said as Luana went towards her class.
"Alright fine, fine, you got me! Bye guys!" Luana said as her footsteps soon faded while Wendy sighed.
"I'm sorry, I hope Luana didn't upset or bother you…she really loves to be peppy and joke around a lot but sometimes people may not like that since it can come across the wrong way." Wendy said.
"Nah, I see nothing wrong with Luana's behavior, she's only teasing. Besides, it's like I said before, you two are the first friends I've had, so I don't really mind if you guys are spontaneous or loud. I don't really talk much as you know, so I appreciate having you guys around!" Kellyn said as Wendy smiled.
"Wow, you really feel that way? I'm happy to hear that you like being friends with us." Wendy said as the two continued to walk.
'I may've only known Kellyn for a short time…but talking with him makes me realize what I've always felt. I honestly never understood why people would look down on other people, especially shy individuals. Different perspectives are always a good thing, and looking at Kellyn, I already can tell how kind, intelligent and handsome he is…I can't wait to know him better!' Wendy thought.
"Of course I am, no one else has even been one percent as nice as the two of you have been, especially you, Wendy. You're the first one to open up to me." Kellyn said.
"That's horrible, but you won't have to worry about any bothering you, rest assured you got two genuine friends! Am I really the first one to open up to you? I find that surprising considering how friendly you are!" Wendy said as Kellyn chuckled.
"Unfortunately, just because I'm nice doesn't mean people would like me. A lot of people despised me just for being on top of my schoolwork." Kellyn said.
'Wow, he had such a similar school life like I did…poor Kellyn…' Wendy thought.
"I'm…I'm really sorry you even had to go through that." Wendy said.
"It's okay, I really managed to pull through and be strong thanks to my mom. It may sound embarrassing to some people but she's honestly my hero!" Kellyn said as Wendy smiled.
"Actually, I find that very admirable, most people would choose someone like a Unova basketball player or some other celebrity. I'm just like you…I'd also choose my parents!" Wendy said as Kellyn flinched and looked a bit disturbed for a moment.
'Parents…well…I'm at least lucky enough to have one parent, though my mother acted as both the mother and father at all times.' Kellyn thought as Wendy looked worried.
"Did I say something wrong? I'm really sorry if I did!" Wendy said as Kellyn gave a small smile.
"No, you didn't say anything wrong…I was just reminded of when I was a kid. Let's head to class!" Kellyn said as he and Wendy walked.
Thankfully, Wendy's words didn't actually bother Kellyn, after all, he was used to having only his mother, considering the torment his father put him through as a child. Sensing something was amiss, Wendy was eager to say something to her new friend as they neared their classrooms.
'I feel like I upset Kellyn with my word choice. I've got to do something to cheer him up…maybe a little flirtatiousness would work…' Wendy thought as she took Kellyn's hand, making the man blush as she did so.
"Kellyn…before we head inside…I have to ask you something, otherwise it'll be bothering me the entire time." Wendy said as Kellyn's face felt hot.
"S-sure…go ahead Wendy!" Kellyn said as Wendy looked him in the eye.
"You don't mind having me around, do you?" Wendy asked.
"No! Definitely not, why would you think that?" Kellyn asked as Wendy squeezed his hand a bit tighter.
"Well…it's just that I'm always around you, so I can only imagine people thinking that you and I are already a couple despite you only being here for a day. I wouldn't like anyone talking badly about you…that would really get on my nerves!" Wendy said as she loosened Kellyn's hand, with both of them blushing from the gentle contact.
'She sure knows how to make my heart race…stay calm Kellyn, otherwise Wendy's going to hear my heartbeat.' Kellyn thought.
"It's really respectful how you're looking out for me like that, and that really means a lot. However, I don't care what people say about me. I've heard it enough anyways as I was growing up…but I would be concerned if they started talking rumors about you though." Kellyn said.
"Thanks for your concern, but remember I'm here for you as a friend and I strongly fight for those I care about…just let me know if I come across as clingy or annoying, okay?" Wendy asked.
"Wow…thank you Wendy, I really appreciate that someone has my back like that! Besides that…you're not clingy or annoying at all, in fact, I really enjoy being around you!" Kellyn said as Wendy became a tad bit flustered.
"W-w-well…good." Wendy said as she tried hiding her blushing face.
'Is she actually blushing? Wow, I didn't think being my usual self to someone would make them feel so good…' Kellyn thought as the two reached their classrooms.
"Aww, we're already here…well, that's no problem. You don't have to wait for me if you don't want to by the way, I'd hate to have you do that!" Wendy said.
"I don't mind, if I finish first then I'll hang around until your done, so take your time!" Kellyn said.
"Okay, see you later!" Wendy said as they headed into their respective activity room, while she also breathed a sigh of relief.
'Phew…that went down well. I'm glad that Kellyn doesn't think I'm weird or otherwise trying to take advantage of him. I don't know much about his past…and that's okay, since I wouldn't make him to tell me if he doesn't want to. After all, I care about him, so I'm not going to break his trust. However…I do know that I'll try my hardest to make sure he feels safe and relaxed around me. I can't imagine what Kellyn went through when he was younger, but I'll be a great friend to him.' Wendy thought.
Meanwhile, Kellyn was in his training class with a good chunk of students not there yet, one of them being Keith.
'Huh, looks like Keith's not here yet…probably running late or something. I may as well start early before it gets busy. I want to make sure I can do this thing right…' Kellyn thought as he got hooked up to a harness and took a deep breath.
Kellyn decided to try and climb up the steep wall alongside other students. However, the young man also made sure to climb carefully, otherwise he'd very well could misstep. Halfway through though, Kellyn's body tensed up as he sighed and looked at the very top of the rock wall.
'I can't believe yesterday I did it…but today it feels so…difficult…' Kellyn thought.
Coming up the rock wall along with a few other students was a familiar looking female student with hazel eyes and long, straight hair. Seeing Kellyn look so fearful, the woman quickly went up to Kellyn's side.
"You can do it, just keep going and don't be afraid!" The woman said as Kellyn snapped out of his trance.
'That voice…Luana?' Kellyn thought as he turned to see the hyper, energetic and friendly Student Ranger next to him.
"Thanks Luana, I didn't think I'd see you here, but I'm glad it's someone I at least know. Even though this isn't easy for me I'll try…" Kellyn said.
"I figured I'd come in here hoping to run into you from yesterday. You afraid of heights?" Luana asked.
"Hahah…yeah, I am." Kellyn said.
"That's okay, at least you're not like some other Student Rangers who would be out in some of the shady parts of Almia." Luana said.
"Well you've got a point there. I'd rather be here than partying all the time." Kellyn said.
"You're smart, that's good! Now, we'll continue this conversation along the way. You can do it, we're almost there!" Luana said.
'I…I can do it…relax Kellyn…relax.' Kellyn thought as he began to slowly reach the top of the wall.
"There you go! Nice work Kellyn, take your time!" Luana said.
Eventually, the two reached the top as they had an in-depth conversation to get to know each other better and headed back down at the very bottom. Luana and Kellyn unhooked their harnesses as they took a breather, with Kellyn still being a bit nervous from the first half of the climb.
"Phew…do you do this often?" Kellyn asked.
"Definitely not…it's my first time doing it actually! This is right up your alley since you don't have to necessarily go fast or slow, I imagine you tend to take things at a more relaxed pace just like Wendy! Do you like being around her?" Luana asked.
"Yeah, I do enjoy being around Wendy, it's awesome getting to spend some time with her." Kellyn said as a blush formed on his face.
"Oh? Looks like someone's got a crush! Let's continue to go up the rock walls, and you can tell me a bit about what you admire about Wendy if you'd like!" Luana said as the two headed back over to the rock walls.
For the next hour, Kellyn and Luana continued using the rock walls while they spoke…though Kellyn in particular was mainly listening, since Luana was doing most of the talking. This was a rather effective method in Kellyn's case, as when he did get to speak, he didn't think about the fearsome rock walls as he climbed. Once they were finished, both of them had worked up a serious sweat as they took a breather.
"So…while we didn't get to talk much about Wendy…I can still feel that you like her a lot, and that's a good thing. She's a very compassionate and caring person, so I know you two would get along well if you were to date." Luana said as Kellyn became flustered.
"Re-really? Are you messing with me?" Kellyn asked as the two exited the classroom.
"Definitely not, in fact, I'll tell you this before I go…when Wendy sees something she likes, she'll do what she can to get it. I have to go, but it was nice talking with you, hope to do it again soon!" Luana said as she waved and hurried off.