(Alright, it's time we get this mission in Hisui started right!

The Reviews

Jacob9594: Yep, there's a lot of potential to be had here! Can't wait for all of it!

Megan Romero: It would've taken them longer to figure things out if Aubrey didn't ask Arceus if he would make sure their friends back in Alola didn't freak out at their disappearance.

ShinyHunter137: I was Team Oshawott the second the starters were announced. I can safely say with utmost certainty that Oshawott is imo the best starter in the Hisui campaign.

LogBook: I missed the rangers too. The duality of their reactions to Arceus enlisting them was indeed comedy gold! There's guaranteed to be more!)

"Wake up!" A voice cried out.

"Mmph…" Aubrey's eyes were closed, only now stirring from the voice.

"Ohh…do wake up, won't you?" The voice pleaded as Aubrey's eyes fluttered open to see where she was. The first thing she noticed was a Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet all looking at her curiously. She was on a beach, and awake and alert were Vanessa and a man in a lab coat with a purple woolen hat on his head. He looked dreadfully worried about her well-being. "Are you alive, my girl?" He asked with a frown, hoping the answer was yes.

"She's coming too. You alright Brey?" Vanessa asked, holding out a hand to her partner.

"Yeah. I've been through worse pain." Aubrey took Vanessa's hand, getting helped up to her feet. "So who's your friend here?"

"You two gave me quite the shock falling from the sky like you did," The man responded. "But from what I can tell, you two aren't seriously hurt! I'm Laventon. I'm something of a Pokemon Professor."

"Yeah. We also have these fellows here." Vanessa would wave to the Pokemon.

"Krooo!" The Rowlet waved back.

"Ah yes, I had completely forgotten!" Laventon perked up. "Yes, well, these Pokemon belong to me, mysterious creatures that they are. It is peculiar, however, that they came here to Prelude Beach before you two arrived. It's almost as if they knew of your arrival."

Aubrey looked to Vanessa. "Okay. How much of the conversation did I miss while I was out?"

"I think we're in the past. Like olden times. Professor Laventon here was telling he was working on the first ever Pokedex," Vanessa responded.

"Your friend here was telling me about your predicament, miss," Laventon added. "How you have no one here you know, nowhere to stay...but doesn't doubt you'll be able to survive on your own. Is 'Brey' what she calls you?"

"That's right. I'm Aubrey Bradford, proud Pokemon Ranger," Aubrey introduced, not worried at all about what kind of actions would influence the timeline.

"Pokemon Rangers, eh? What's that like?" The good professor wondered. "Do you live among Pokemon?"

"More like we keep the peace between Pokemon and people, arresting those who try to misuse Pokemon or harm the environment," Vanessa answered.

"Ah, I see," Laventon mused. "I have been meaning to deepen the understanding between people and Pokemon myself. Even if this seems strange to ask, but perhaps we can help each other out here."

"Lemme guess, you want us to help with your Pokedex since Van and I have that level of understanding when Pokemon are concerned?" Aubrey guessed.

"If you're okay with it, yes," The professor responded.

"Well it'd probably help if those three Pokemon you had didn't just run off while we were talking," Aubrey pointed out.

Laventon looked over and realized Aubrey was right. "...Oh, blast and bother! My darling Pokemon, why must you run from me again!? I'm terribly sorry rangers, but do you think you could help me round them up? I beg of you!"

Vanessa couldn't help but chuckle. "Sure. Nothing we can't handle."

"Sounds like a mission to me, partner!" Aubrey cracked a smile. "You can count on us, Laventon!"

"Yeah! Mission Start!" Vanessa shared a smile, both of them striking their poses.

"Let's be about it then, ladies!" Laventon ran off after his Pokemon, prompting the two to follow after him. As they went along, Aubrey heard some sort of ringing noise, and following the source she'd find her Arc Styler.

"Okay good. My Styler seems to be just fine," The older ranger remarked after looking it over. Then she had a pause. "Wait. What the heck was it doing over here?"

"Not sure…mine is here too." Vanessa would take her own Styler, putting it back on her wrist.

"Well either way, we're gonna need these to help Laventon get his Pokemon back." Aubrey put her Styler back on her hip, heading back on the trail to follow him.

"After you!" Vanessa would let Aubrey take the lead.

As they went along, Vanessa would get a message on her screen - from Arceus no less. "'I bestow upon thee your Arc Stylers and thy mission: Save the bond between people and Pokemon.'"

"...Huh. Thank you, Arceus…" Vanessa said to herself. When the rangers caught up to Laventon, they would see he was trying to catch them with some sort of strange device that looked like a Poke Ball, but not the one they were used to.

"Alas...another miss," He sighed.

"Don't have that good of a throwing arm, Professor?" Vanessa asked.

"I'm not the best at this sort of thing, Vanessa," Laventon responded, arms folded with a frown. It was then he took note of their Arc Stylers, unfolding his arms with all the curiosity of a scholar. "What do you have there?"

"Oh, this is how we enlist the aid of Pokemon out and about for our job," The younger ranger answered. "It is a Capture Styler."

"Capture Styler...I have to ask, why do you two have different designs?" Laventon inquired.

"She gets the cool stuff and I don't," Aubrey sarcastically responded.

"They had not upgraded her to the newer model yet," Vanessa more seriously answered.

"Yeah, they've said that for the past couple of months now," Aubrey rolled her eyes. "Anyway..."

"It matters not what it looks like. Do you mind if I have a demonstration on how your devices work?" The good professor politely requested.

"You got it, man!" Aubrey's mood perked up when she would set her sights on one of the runaway mons - the Cyndaquil. "Watch closely, Laventon. Capture...on!" She flicked out her Capture Disc, surprising the Cyndaquil as the fire lit up on its back in surprise, but after a bit of loops, it would be calmed, running over and nuzzling against her leg.

Needless to say, Laventon was shocked. "In...incredible! I have never seen anyone tame a Pokemon like this before!" He remarked.

"Yeah. This is how we rangers roll." Vanessa had a confident smirk.

"Maybe you can tell me how the Capture Styler tames a Pokemon while Aubrey gets the other two?" Laventon requested.

"I can get right on that for ya, man!" Aubrey agreed, going to get Rowlet next.

"Well, the Styler lets us get across our feelings to the Pokemon we capture," The younger ranger elaborated. "They then come with us where we can use their abilities to aid in other captures or to clear obstructions. Like say, a downed tree blocking a path, or a boulder blocking a cave entrance. After they help us, they then head back to their homes for a job well done."

"Intriguing. These feelings are those of companionship, I presume," Laventon wagered. "No telling what would happen if someone with ill intent had this power..." He shuddered at the thought.

"That is why our organization only takes those with pure intentions," Vanessa replied.

"And judging by how Aubrey is doing..." Laventon would take a moment to observe Aubrey giving the Pokemon head rubs and even playing with the Oshawott in the little pond. "It's easy to see that whoever you work for takes in those who truly love Pokemon."

"Exactly!" Vanessa smiled. Aubrey would bring the three over, putting her Capture Styler back.

"Alright, so...I know Rowlet and Cyndaquil, but who's this little guy?" She asked Laventon, referring to Oshawott.

"That Pokemon there is Oshawott," Laventon explained. "Oshawott naps while floating on the water, and it can battle using the shell-like object on its belly!"

"Osha osha!" Oshawott would go to demonstrate, attempting to do some cool stuff with his scalchop, only to toss it up and bonk himself on the head. "Wotttttt..."

"Yup. Nice little Water-type there!" Vanessa complimented. "That one is from the Unova region."

"Unova...oh yeah, that's where Finn is from," Aubrey remembered.

"Yup. The other parts of that starter Pokemon trio are Snivy and Tepig," Vanessa informed her partner.

"It's still surprising how you have a device to convey your feelings of companionship to Pokemon...everyone I work with uses these." Laventon would show them a Poke Ball, or rather, a version of the Poke Ball that looked very with the times, seeming a bit more primitive to what they were used to.

"What is this thing on the front, some sort of latch?" Aubrey wondered, holding it in her hand.

Vanessa would look it over. "...Hmm looks like they use some sort of stone...and...hollowed out Apricorns."

Laventon nodded. "As you're no doubt aware, Pokemon are strange, marvelous creatures. Why do I call them strange, you may ask? Well, each and every Pokemon is able to shrink themselves down to minuscule size!"

"...Wha?" Aubrey blinked in surprise.

"And that's where Poke Balls come in!" Laventon beamed. "Poke Balls are a recent invention, you see. Throw one of them at a Pokemon, and...why, the Pokemon will shrink down and fit inside the ball, comfy as can be. And with that, you've caught a Pokemon!"

"...Is that how it works…?" Vanessa was just as confused as Aubrey.

"Yes, that does seem to be the case from my observations so far," Laventon answered.

"Oh, okay. Yeah I can see that." Aubrey remembered her journey through Alola with Jake and how even giants like Nebby, Don, and Roark could be put inside Poke Balls for the sake of carrying convenience. "Sorry if I'm not too well versed with this science stuff. Most of my knowledge comes from Pokemon themselves and fighting."

"Yeah. I'm the same, only replace fighting with medicine," Vanessa agreed.

"Worry not, you two," Laventon assured them. "With all the things we don't know about Pokemon, it's only natural to not be omniscient on a subject. Every day we learn new things about subjects we thought we knew super well."

"Can't argue with ya there, man," Aubrey mused. "Every day I feel like I'm getting better at fighting! Though...that's mostly because I'm self-taught..."

"I'm sure the commander would love to meet you both then," Laventon chuckled. "Many people fear catching Pokemon, let alone approach them, and yet here you two are, easily willing to become friends with them. These three only just arrived at the village to help with our research. They won't yet listen to anyone. It is peculiar though. And as I already mentioned, they came bolting here almost as if they knew of your arrival."

"Yeah...that is weird indeed," The older ranger agreed. "But I do appreciate you little guys for having that kind of concern and sixth sense." Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet all gave their thanks with happy noises.

"One can't help but think there's a reason you're here..." Laventon folded his arms in thought as Aubrey glanced at her partner, wondering if they should tell this guy.

"Up to you. Might be worth waiting till we meet the ones in charge," Vanessa responded in a low voice.

Aubrey thought about it for a moment, but then decided on a course of action. "Well, we do kinda have a reason for being here. We're on a mission because something either has happened or will happen that will drive a wedge between people and Pokemon. Our goal is to find out what that something is and set things right."

Laventon looked surprised by this. "There is? Oh dear...not only would that make my goal an impossibility, but who knows what kind of damage would happen to the villagers of Jubilife?"

"Yeah...honestly, I'd rather not have the village in a total uproar about this," Aubrey added. "So like, do you think you could trust us to handle that for you?"

The professor put a hand to his chin in thought. "Hmm...well, I imagine that whoever sent you here is fully confident in your capabilities, and you are right - if this got out, the whole village would be on high alert."

"Right." Vanessa nodded at Aubrey's rationale. "So we will do our best to help you."

"Likewise, rangers," Laventon responded kindly. "Whoever and from wherever you may be, I welcome you with open arms! First thing's first - let's get these Pokemon back to the village."

As they walked along, Aubrey would look out to a mountain off in the distance - at the peak, there was a black swirling mass of clouds with white cracks in it. It didn't look that big, but it was enough to make her wonder if that had any relevance to their mission. Vanessa noticed too, and was certainly taken aback by it.

"What the…that does not look normal," She said.

"How much do you wanna bet this has anything to do with our mission, partner?" Aubrey whispered.

"Very much so…" Vanessa agreed, whispering back. "I'm going to go with Lord Giratina on that."

"I wouldn't doubt it, considering who sent us here," Aubrey nodded. "C'mon, let's catch up with Laventon."

"Yeah." Vanessa would pick up the pace with Aubrey to catch up to Laventon. They'd reach the village gates a little while later, and they could definitely see the rustic, in the past structure of this sleepy village really showing itself. Standing at attention outside were two guards, who Laventon greeted with a smile.

"Thank you for your tireless work keeping us safe, my good guardsmen!" He complimented. Referring to Aubrey and Vanessa, he continued. "These ladies were of great assistance to me and my Pokemon, so I hope you'll forgive my bringing them into the village for a bit."

The guard said nothing, but nodded his head to allow the trio inside. A couple wooden houses led up to a large building at the end of a dirt road, with a couple villagers walking about, having not noticed the rangers' arrival just yet.

"This place looks quaint," Vanessa noted.

"Right this way, if you please!" Laventon gestured for his guests of honor to follow him as he walked towards the big building.

"Yeah, you could say that...wait, did he call this place Jubilife?" Aubrey realized. Vanessa also had a look of astonished realization.

"Yes he did," She responded.

"Jubilife Village!" Laventon mused as they walked along. "Yes, it's come a long way thanks to the fine people of the Galaxy Expedition Team. This road we're on right now is Canala Avenue." As they walked along, the rangers could hear the villagers whispering to each other about how strange and out of place the duo looked. Especially regarding their manner of dress, but Aubrey was quick to shrug it off as she listened to Laventon give his exposition. "The village was built scarcely two years ago...there's much to do yet and not many to do it."

"Dang…" One look would tell Aubrey that Vanessa cannot believe what she is seeing. Aubrey gave her a pat on the shoulder to tell her she was astonished as well, but focused back on what the professor was saying.

"Since we know so little of the local Pokemon, people hesitate to step foot outside the village," He continued. "Now, that impressive building you see in front of us is Galaxy Hall - headquarters for this entire outfit." He then paused at a bridge leading to Galaxy Hall before realizing something. "Oh, botheration! I almost forgot! I need to go report that we successfully recovered the escaped Pokemon! Might I ask you ladies to wait for me at the canteen? It's just past the bridge here and to your left. The Wallflower, it's called."

"Sure thing!" Aubrey agreed. Though while she had tuned out the other villagers, Vanessa did not, and was very much aware that being new arrivals to the village, they were already being met with wary first impressions.

"Sure, we can wait for you there," Vanessa agreed. The two would follow Laventon's directions as he went off to make his report, the two greeting a green haired man with a matching chinstrap beard and mustache, dressed like a cook for the times who stared at the newcomers judgingly.

"Well now, aren't you awfully suspicious?" The cook remarked. "The Wallflower's for Galaxy Team folk only. We don't have seats for outsiders! Move along!" He would head back inside and slam the door in their faces.

"...What's that guy's problem?" Aubrey wondered, rubbing the back of her head.

"Probably just guarded." Vanessa merely shrugged. As the two stood outside the Wallflower wondering what to do now, they would be approached by a boy in a red beret and long scarf, dressed like an official member of the Galaxy Team.

"Who in the world are you? And what is that bizarre garb you're wearing?" He would ask.

Aubrey turned to the boy. "Who's asking?"

"I'm Rei of the Survey Corps," The boy greeted. "I work with Professor Laventon. Now your turn."

"Aubrey Bradford. Pokemon Ranger," Aubrey introduced.

"Vanessa Parker. Also a Pokemon Ranger," Vanessa introduced in kind.

"Pokemon Ranger?" Rei wondered, folding his arms. "Can't say I've ever seen one around these parts. I would say a Pokemon could slice through that garb you're wearing but...it seems you've got that covered, Aubrey."

"Well duh, I'm the one mixing it up with the bad guys more often than not between the two of us," Aubrey responded.

"Though I can also certainly take a hit," Vanessa chimed.

"I can tell," Rei agreed. "For you to have gotten in here, someone must've vouched for you."

"Yeah. Laventon did," Aubrey answered. "He can catch you up to speed once he gets back here from making his report."

"The professor did? Ahhhh...that makes a lot of sense, actually. He's a really friendly guy," Rei softly smiled. "Do you know him by any chance? He's from a far off region."

"...That accent did sound Galarian actually…" Vanessa paused upon registering that last bit.

"Well he's not the most reliable sort - letting Pokemon give him the slip and run off and all...three more of them got away just a while ago!" Rei frowned.

"Were they a Cyndaquil, an Oshawott, and a Rowlet?" Aubrey wondered.

"Uh yeah, how did you-" Rei paused upon realizing what that meant. "Wait, you caught them?"

"Well, Aubrey here did," Vanessa clarified. "I just stood back and looked pretty while talking with the professor."

"Mhm! Caught 'em with this bad boy right here." Aubrey would show off her Arc Styler, striking her pose with it in a confident manner. Rei was blown away by this.

"Woah...I've never heard of anyone who was able to catch Pokemon without Poke Balls!" He exclaimed. "...Though they were only recently invented. Not many people know how to use them."

"Oh?" Vanessa raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, there's really only a couple of us who know how to use Poke Balls. I'm one of them," Rei explained. "Makes sense though, right? You don't expect everyone to be adept at something that was only made recently?"

"Oh no, not at all," The younger ranger agreed.

"Still, that's amazing you were able to do that. If I hadn't been resting up after some Pokemon drubbed me with a move called Thunder Shock, I'd have corralled 'em for sure," Rei added.

"Yikes...I mean yeah, I can take a beating, but I'm not completely careless," Aubrey mentioned. "Glad you're alright, though."

"Thanks Aubrey," Rei had a soft smile from that remark.

"It's just as Rei says...I'm a clumsy sort of fellow, to put it mildly," Laventon's voice could be heard as he came to the front of the Wallflower.

"Ack!" Rei jumped from surprise.

"But everything will be quite alright now," The good professor mused. "Aubrey and Vanessa here have agreed to help us with our Pokedex." Rei took one look at the duo, and then to Laventon.

"As in...they're going to join the Survey Corps?" The boy wondered. "Like, I can see why you would want them to join us, but we can't recruit any misfit who wanders out of the wilderness!" He then saw the expressions Aubrey and Vanessa were giving him, frowning. "Uh, no offense..."

"Eh.. None taken." Vanessa shrugged. "What shocked ya, by the way?"

"It was a Pokemon called a Shinx. They're pretty aggressive," Rei answered.

"Huh...weird, I normally know Shinx to be pretty docile…" Vanessa shrugged again.

"But nice to know we've got Electric-types nearby in case our Stylers need a recharge," Aubrey mentioned.

They would have their conversation interrupted by another voice, a female one. "I'll allow it."

"Gah!" Rei would jump, seeing who it was - a woman with short, pale blue hair sporting a stern expression on her face, and dressed in a way that suggested she was in a position of authority.

"Assuming these individuals can contribute to the Survey Corps, that is," She continued. "I am the captain of the Galaxy Team's Survey Corps. You may call me Cyllene."

Vanessa blinked a couple times, in disbelief over what she was seeing. "Vanessa Parker," She greeted after getting over her stupor, holding her hand out. Cyllene would wordlessly return the handshake, Aubrey having a more casual approach.

"Aubrey Bradford. Nice to meetcha," She waved.

"Professor Laventon has told me how you helped secure his Pokemon when they slipped his control," Cyllene explained. "Not only that, but you did so without using any Poke Balls, but rather through these 'Capture Styler' devices you possess."

"That is right, ma'am," The younger ranger confirmed.

"Interesting...as such, he would like us to provide you with food and lodgings in exchange for your ongoing labor towards the Pokedex's completion," Cyllene continued. She looked at Aubrey. "Hmm...you look to be twenty or so."

"I'll be turning twenty-one in about a few months, so you're right," Aubrey responded. Cyllene then looked at Vanessa.

"And you look to be about a year her junior," The captain commented.

"Yeah. I'm nineteen turning twenty in a couple of weeks," The younger ranger confirmed.

"Quite old enough to work for your keep," Cyllene remarked. "Though, considering how Professor Laventon has described you as 'Pokemon Rangers', this should not be too surprising. But do understand that we cannot simply take on a stranger who wanders in unannounced, without any idea of their skills or origins." She paused for a moment before continuing. "This is why we shall see if you can prove yourselves worthy."

"Oho! A wise decision, captain!" Laventon complimented.

"If you are as skilled as Professor Laventon claims, this test should be simple for both of you," Cyllene instructed. "You will be tasked with catching a Bidoof, a Starly, and a Shinx."

"Seems simple enough," Vanessa mused.

"Individually, of course," Cyllene added at the end. "Note that if you are unsuccessful, you will be cast out and left at the mercy of Hisui's wilderness. Even if this means you may perish."

"...Wow, way to have faith in us, I guess..." Aubrey frowned, but folded her arms.

"At the very least, it would be just fine to treat them to a meal before sending them on their way, captain?" Rei suggested.

"Of course. I prefer to eat my meals alone, but by the time you're finished, you'll be guided by Rei to where your test will take place," Cyllene agreed, walking off to have an early lunch for herself.

Laventon noticed Aubrey's sudden dampened mood. "Aloof as always, I see."

'Yeah, not surprised from an ancestor of Cyrus,' Vanessa thought to herself.

"Beni, old chum! The usual potato mochi, if you please - but make it for four today!" Laventon called.

"Sure, I'll get right on-" The cook's voice paused opening the door, seeing Aubrey and Vanessa. "You two again? I thought I told you to-"

"They're going to be tested to join the Survey Corps. The captain has said they can have a meal here before going off," Rei spoke up on their behalf.

"Oh alright..." Beni would go back inside to get cooking as the four got seated.

"He seems…tense," Vanessa noted.

"Don't worry about it," Laventon told the rangers. "Beni's one of the only people the commander fully confides in. He's certainly a trustworthy fellow."

"Ah…gotcha," Vanessa nodded, making sure to keep that in mind.

"So, where'd you find these strangers in the first place, Professor?" Rei asked.

"Ah well, you know of that great hole in the sky?" Laventon explained. "The one people call the space-time rift? Our new friends fell right out of it!"

"..." Rei stared at the professor in disbelief. "...Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Come now, my boy! I'm a scientist, first and foremost!" Laventon defended. "My job is to observe and explain any and all phenomena. I concern myself only with the facts!"

"Well that is a good point," Vanessa agreed.

"We were wondering what was up with that hole in the sky," Aubrey mentioned. "Like, we were asleep at our home when we got the call about this mission of ours. And then next thing we know we're here."

"I don't know much about that space-time rift myself, Aubrey," Laventon responded. "But if you say neither of you are from the Hisui region, that can only mean it's a gateway to another world."

"I think it is through time, actually," Vanessa brought up.

"Through...time?" Rei raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"

"Well where we come from we know this place as Jubilife City," The younger ranger answered.

"Not only that, but people and Pokemon live together side by side. We're like bacon and eggs," Aubrey added.

"Ah, I see..." Laventon had a smile.

"See what?" Rei sounded curious.

"I see that...their arrival is a sign that our research leads to people and Pokemon having a deeper understanding of one another, leading to both of our species thriving!" The good professor gleefully answered. "Rei, my boy, I think the arrival of these rangers here is just the miracle we've been looking for."

"It seems like it, Professor!" Vanessa shared his cheery mood. Aubrey was a bit more concerned about what that meant.

"Wait, miracle? Why?" She asked.

"Truth be told...we haven't had much luck getting it started," Rei confided. "I'm only just a rookie at this Pokemon catching business, though I know a couple things that might be able to help you out. Since you were able to catch the professor's Pokemon without much trouble Aubrey, maybe we can get that break we need to do our jobs."

"Right. Obviously we won't ask you to stay here," Laventon added. "I know you have your mission to do, and once that is finished, you'll have to go back to where you're originally from."

"Yeah." Vanessa nodded. "But…if we can get you on the right track, then that is what we should do."

"Naturally! It's what we rangers do - help out those who need it," Aubrey agreed with a smile. "Anything I can do to help while we're here, boys, I'll give it my all."

"Thank you...really, this means a lot," Rei smiled. "I promise once whatever mission you're on is done, I'll finish where you left off on the Pokedex."

"Then it is a plan. Plus, it goes with what we were last told when we came here," The younger ranger decided. Right on time too, as Beni had returned with their meal - a plate of potato mochi, enough to serve four.

"This is potato mochi?" Aubrey wondered. "Uh...huh."

Vanessa would take a bite. "Tastes good though," She commented.

"It certainly is. Beni's potato mochi is the best around!" Laventon mused, helping himself as Rei and Aubrey ate.

"Well...it's alright, but I'm not sure I'll be adding it to my own menu back at home," Aubrey commented.

"Before you go out on your test, I have something that can help," The professor said. As soon as he did, the Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet from earlier would hurry over to their table, all with bright expressions.

"Oh hello there!" Vanessa greeted.

"Go on, take your pick to help you along with your test," Laventon encouraged.

"I want Oshawott!" Aubrey beamed.

"Oshawott!" Vanessa had a look of realization, narrowing her eyes at Aubrey.

"Osha?" Oshawott seemed surprised that both rangers wanted him as his partner.

"What?" Aubrey returned the glance to her partner, but not as intense. She was more puzzled if anything.

"I also wanted to use Oshawott. Look at him. He's so cute, and a Water-type! You know I love Water-types." Vanessa rubbed Oshawott's head, much to his joy.

"Well this is awkward..." Rei averted his gaze.

"Hmm...is there any way we can settle this fairly?" Laventon pondered.

"Oh, I know. Van, how about we fight for him?" Aubrey suggested. Needless to say, the three Pokemon were quite surprised by Aubrey's suggestion.

"You want me to fight you for him..." Now it was Vanessa's turn to be puzzled.

"I mean, Laventon did wonder if there was any way we could settle it fairly, and that was the first thought that came to mind," Aubrey responded.

"That's...not what I had in mind..." Laventon frowned. "But if this is the most surefire way to do it, I'll trust that you won't get too badly hurt before heading out there."

"No worries, professor, Van and I spar all the time," Aubrey told him with a reassuring smile. "Besides, if I lose I won't complain."

"You know what, you can have him…" Vanessa relented. "I kinda do not want to give our hosts a bad impression."

"Osha oshawott..." Oshawott rubbed Vanessa's leg to tell her it was okay. "Wott wott, osha oshawott!"

"Y'know, I don't think Oshawott minded who would've gotten him," Rei commented. "He seems to like both of you."

Vanessa patted his head, feeling better about this. "Well that's good."

"Sorry to put you on the spot like that...but if he wants to go with both of us, then technically we both can use him!" Aubrey perked up seeing Oshawott raring to go.

"Osh osha! Oshawottt!" Oshawott held his scalchop triumphantly, spraying out a bit of water before slashing his scalchop to make a heart in the air. Vanessa couldn't help but smile at that, as did Rei and Laventon, who found this display adorable.

"Guess it all works out regardless, eh wot?" The good professor mused. "Still, you can have your choice between Cyndaquil or Rowlet if you'd like, Vanessa. The last one can be my 'Partner Pokemon'."

"Hmm…let's go with…" Considering her options, Vanessa made her choice. "Cyndaquil."

"Quill!" Cyndaquil jumped up and down, hopping into Vanessa's arms eagerly. Rowlet gave a coo of understanding, flying up and perching himself on Laventon's shoulder. Vanessa gave Cyndaquil a hug.

"Now, what to name this little guy..." Vanessa put a hand to her chin as Oshawott and Cyndaquil started playing together, seeing as they'd be traveling with the rangers together.

"She names her Pokemon?" Rei wondered. "Is that a common thing you do where you're from?"

"Yeah." Vanessa nodded. "I tend to stick to their species name. Aubrey likes to do nicknames."

"I see. It varies from person to person," Laventon mused. "I wonder if I should try that for you, Rowlet?"

"Row." Rowlet merely offered a shrug.

"Mmm...I dunno, this was the first thing that came to mind. How's the name Otzawott sound to you?" Aubrey suggested.

"Osha...Otza...oshawott!" Oshawott nodded in approval. Vanessa gave a smile.

"Alright! I guess that's settled. I'll lead them out to the Obsidian Fieldlands, professor." Rei stood up, doing a few stretches before addressing the rangers. "Okay, remember what your test is, right? Each of you has to catch a Bidoof, Starly, and Shinx. I don't know if the captain wants you to do it with Poke Balls or you 'Capture Stylers', but...I guess she'd be indifferent."

"Here's hoping, man. Mission Start!" Aubrey was raring to go.

"Let's go!" Vanessa exclaimed, the two striking their poses.

"Osha?" Otzawott blinked at this posing they were doing.

"Quill..." Cyndaquil was intrigued as well.

"We'll show ya later, guys. Lead on, Rei," Aubrey responded.

"Right!" Rei would be their guide out of Jubilife Village on the way to the Obsidian Fieldlands.

"By the way...Fieldlands?" The older ranger blinked. "The heck is a fieldland?"

"Probably just a fancy name for fields," Vanessa suggested.

"I guess so," Aubrey shrugged. As they went to the gate, they would run into a blonde man in blue and white clothes and a rucksack strapped to his back. Taking one look at the rangers, he had a smile.

"Oh? What curious getup you have there!" The man complimented. "I can already tell you're quite the character!" His blonde hair covered his right eye as he turned to face the group. "I'm Volo of the Ginkgo Guild, the go-to choice for any of your mercantile needs here in Hisui."

"Nice to meet you Volo," Vanessa greeted. "I'm Vanessa."

Aubrey was a bit quiet at first, looking Volo over for a moment. "...Aubrey," She greeted less than casually.

"Not much of a talker, is she?" Volo asked.

"Huh. Usually she is…" Vanessa simply offered up a shrug. It was weird for her partner to be acting like this.

"I've heard talk about you both - fell from the sky? Now that's certainly a tale I'd like to hear," Volo mused, then noticing Cyndaquil and Otzawott. "Oh! And you've both Pokemon! You're certainly full of interesting surprises."

"Osha?" Otzawott was also curious about Aubrey's sudden guarded attitude. She was acting really friendly and lively just a moment ago.

"It's nothing, Otzawott," Aubrey quickly told her new Partner Pokemon.

"Otzawott?" Volo sounded curious. "Well, I always say investigating the odd and novel is key to any merchant's success. Don't you agree?"

"Uhhhhh...I guess?" The older ranger rubbed the back of her head.

"Yeah it is," The younger ranger agreed.

"How about you and I see how our Pokemon stand up to battle?" Volo offered.

"Eh, we're kinda in a hurry," Aubrey declined politely. "We're on a mission right now and I'd like to do it before it gets dark."

"Worried about it getting dark?" The merchant had a puzzled expression. "In the middle of the day."

Now Vanessa had a worried expression. "Is everything alright, Brey?"

"I said it's nothing," Aubrey responded.

"Maybe when we get back we can," Rei spoke up quickly to disperse the awkward mood.

"Fine by me," Volo agreed. "I'll wait here for your return."

As they went out of the village gates, Rei would be the one to ask. "Okay, what was that all about? The Ginkgo Guild is a reliable merchant outfit."

"I dunno, man...something about him gives me the creeps," Aubrey confessed.

"Really? You're getting creeped out by him?" Vanessa asked in disbelief. "Pretty sure he is a Cynthia ancestor."

"Who's Cynthia?" The Survey Corps lad chimed in out of curiosity.

"He just met us and he's already taking interest in our story?" Aubrey brought up. "Key wasn't even this close and personal asking about my life story."

"Well that's good…I suppose." To Rei, Vanessa would explain, "She is a very well known archeologist and has a lot of knowledge of the world's ruins and such. Last I heard she is trying to work out the Abyssal Ruins in Unova."

"Hmm. I can see why you hold her in high regards," Rei mused. "Maybe don't think too hard about it, Aubrey? Last thing we'd need is someone getting off focus and botching the test."

Aubrey sighed. "Fine, I'll try and drop it. No promises though."

"Wott..." Otzawott plodded along with Aubrey, deciding to hold his scalchop in hand at the ready. When they arrived at the Obsidian Fieldlands, the group's mood improved, seeing the beautiful plains sprawling out before them.

"Hmm…" Vanessa was looking around when they got there. "...I wanna say this is around…Oreburgh City."

"Oreburgh?" Rei wondered. "Hey Vanessa, really quick question. Is where you're from some sort of alternate Hisui?"

"Well I know it as the Sinnoh region," Vanessa answered, what with being a Sinnoh native herself.

"Sinnoh...just like how I've heard tales of the clans living here calling it almighty Sinnoh," Rei remarked. "What's it like there?"

"Pretty nice," The Sinnoh native responded. "Wide set of climates."

"Ah, alright. Anyway..." Rei would bring them to a campsite with two tents, a crafting table, a campfire with a cooking pot, and a large storage trunk present. "This is our base camp. It's where we start and end our surveys."

"I'll definitely look forward to lazing out under the stars for sure..." Aubrey smiled.

Rei would've said something, but decided not to be rude. "If you would like some Poke Balls to assist in catching Pokemon, let me know. Otherwise I assume you'll both be using your Capture Stylers for this?"

"Yeah." Vanessa nodded. "Unless we are told otherwise. Plus it would save you supplies."

"That's what I was gonna do, anyway," Aubrey chuckled.

"Alright then!" Putting some supplies in the satchel wrapped around his chest, Rei was starting to lead the duo down a path towards their first Pokemon to catch when Laventon arrived at base camp.

"Oh, hey Laventon. Something happened?" Aubrey asked.

"Well, you see...Captain Cyllene and I had a talk after you left," Laventon explained. "She told me that I am to bear full responsibility for anything that happens to you out in the field."

"Really? I thought she was going to leave us for dead," The older ranger commented.

"Aloof as she may be, Captain Cyllene does care," Rei added. Vanessa merely sweatdropped.

"Well…okay then." She said, surprised at the generosity that Cyrus's ancestor was showing.

Rei would go and lead the rangers along, spotting their first Pokemon needed - a pair of Bidoof. "Oh look! A Bidoof!" He pointed out. "We're finding what you need already."

"Aww, look at 'em go," Aubrey mused.

"You two may be prodigies, but here's what Captain Cyllene taught me..." Rei spoke. "Bidoof is a mellow Pokemon, so it won't try to run or fight when you approach. There's different kinds of Pokemon behaviors out there. Some will flee as they are skittish, others will try and beat you up."

"I can see that." Vanessa lightened up on seeing the Bidoof. "The ever reliable Bidoof. Need help getting through things in the field, Bidoof and Bibarel can do it all."

"I think I remember hearing about some trainers using a Bidoof for only that in their team," Aubrey mentioned with a frown.

"People in your world do that?" Rei wondered.

"Oh, buddy, there's some people out there that only care about the strongest Pokemon out there," The older ranger responded. "And when they don't want to have a team that has a diverse set of field assistance, they pick one Pokemon that can do it all and dump it on that."

"...There's a part of me that wonders how crazy someone has to be to want that kind of team," Rei sweatdropped.

"Probably crazy people." Vanessa shrugged again, going for a world record. "Thankfully, regions are starting to work around that. I hear they put in a new thing for the Poketch that can call in Bidoof and Bibarel from the wild to help people out."

"I still think it's their fault for not having a team that can handle field assistance without putting them all in one basket." Aubrey rolled her eyes, but had her happy mood return walking up to the Bidoof. She'd come to find that the Bidoof was more curious about her than anything, looking up at the older ranger expectantly.

"Bidoof!" The Plump Mouse Pokemon cried.

Vanessa chuckled. "Yup, that is Bidoof for ya. The lovable goofballs." Unsurprisingly, Aubrey didn't need to use either a ball or her Styler for this Bidoof, playing along with Otzawott.

"She seems right at home with Pokemon," Rei observed. "Alright Vanessa. Think you can show me how that Capture Styler of yours works?"

"Sure. How about that on Starly over there?" The younger ranger offered.

"You can go right ahead. Be careful though - Starly are easily spooked," Rei agreed with a bit of a warning. "You can sneak up on them with the tall grass, though."

"Ah. Tall grass." Vanessa smiled at the delicious irony, getting close enough to the Starly. "Capture on!" Vanessa would send her Capture Disc out and the Starly would look at it curiously as it circled around the Starling Pokemon. The Capture completes in a few loops. Rei was impressed as the Starly flew over to Vanessa happily.

"Amazing," He complimented. "Maybe this'll make getting our entries on the more aggressive Pokemon much easier."

"It should. Though we tend to use Pokemon to help calm down other enraged Pokemon." Vanessa looked over to Aubrey. "Hey Brey! Gonna need that Bidoof."

"Okay!" Aubrey called back, gesturing for the Bidoof to go over to Vanessa. It would run on over to the younger ranger with the same goober smile on its face.

"See that rather angry looking Shinx over there? I think we need a Poke Assist if you wanna capture that one." Vanessa pointed out. The Shinx in question was more minding its business until it took note of the group, getting ready for a fight to show who was king of the hill around these parts.

"Poke Assist?" Rei wondered. "Do be careful!"

"I'll show you, man," Aubrey offered. "Ready, Otzawott?"

"Osha!" Otzawott stood proudly at attention.

"Oh just watch, Rei," Vanessa smirked, confident in her friend's abilities.

"I was about to say, once aggressive Pokemon get wound up, they'll swat away any balls you throw," Rei added. "But I don't think it'll be the same for a Capture Styler."

"Okay, you adorable little scrapper! Capture on!" Aubrey flicked out her Capture Disc. "Otzawott, go for Tackle!"

Otzawott would clash with Shinx using Quick Attack, both skidding back as Aubrey worked to tame the Shinx.

"See? She has this." Vanessa gave Rei a reassuring smile. With a completed capture, the Shinx would be tamed and have a more passive disposition.

"Yeah. She sure does," Rei responded. "So that's one of each...you still need to present one of each for the both of you."

"Oh, we can take care of that and look around a bit," Vanessa responded.

"Got it. Just be sure to return to base camp when you're done," Rei responded. "But hey, you've got this. Make us proud!" He gave Vanessa an encouraging pat on the shoulder as he went off on his own.

"Okay Brey. Let's do this." Vanessa stood ready to go, with the Bidoof and Starly at her side.

"Right behind ya, partner!" Aubrey called, Otzawott proudly threw his scalchop up, catching it this time as the Shinx was happily following along.

(So far so good on this story - next time we'll explore a bit more of the Obsidian Fieldlands and complete this test! See you all then!)