A/N: Just a bit of a warning that the first section of this chapter touches on religion. In no means is it meant to be preachy, it's just necessary for the discussion that takes place. It didn't come out exactly as I had initially imagined, and I had a bad case of Writer's Block in how to appropriately tackle the topic. So I apologize if it touches some nerves. I did try to be as graceful as I could with it and although I do talk about religion in some of the past and coming chapters, it is not the focal point of the story. They just fit and model the characters with their personalities and beliefs. I just felt the need to relay this information.
Hope you are able to enjoy his chapter!
Lunick was still and stoic as Elita flushed his wound. Several other rangers were gathered around him in the lobby of Ringtown's Ranger Base.
"What did it look like, Lunick?" asked Linda.
"I'm not sure. It sort of looked like a Mightyena. But it could have been a Houndoom. But I suppose it could have been any quadruped canine pokémon. I didn't really get a good look at it."
Elita finished wrapping the roll of gauze bandage around Lunick's arm and started cleaning up her first aid supplies.
"There you go, Lunick. Make sure to change the bandage every day and reapply the antibiotic ointment to it with every use. A bite wound that serious is very prone to infection. It goes down through your muscle and fat. I've stitched it up but I highly suggest going to the emergency room to make sure there isn't any extensive damage."
Lunick held his arm. "Thanks Leader. I'll take your advice into consideration, but I trust your medical degree."
"I may have the degree behind my name but I am an Area Leader first and foremost, Lunick."
"Understood," he nodded.
Spenser rested his right hand on Elita's shoulder.
"Thank you for patching him up, Elita. You know how stubborn he can be with seeking medical care."
"Gee, I wonder where he gets that from?" she replied slyly.
Spenser smiled back. "Still on for tonight?"
"Sure. Unless you get caught up in your paperwork again."
"I'll be there," he whispered.
Elita rolled her eyes slightly and started for the back room to put up the medical supplies.
Spenser turned back to address the room.
"Alright everyone. Time to get back to work. You know your assignments. Hop to it, rangers."
"Sir," they all responded in unison.
Lunick hopped off of the front desk as the Ringtown rangers scattered and left the base to fulfill their duties. He watched as Solana stood up from one of the desks and picked up his pack and torn clothes.
"You know, I can carry my own stuff, Solana."
"Well, we don't want you straining and injuring yourself even more?"
"Carrying my own gear and clothes?"
"Lunick, you lost a lot of blood. And like Elita said, that was a very deep bite wound. I think it would be best if you just took it easy and do the deskwork Spenser assigned you."
Lunick scoffed. "I don't know why everyone's treating me like an invalid. I've been worse for wear and still was able to complete my missions."
"Maybe so, but right now you're a liability and per Union regulations, you need to sit this one out. It's only for a day or so, Lunick. You'll survive."
Again Lunick huffed and carefully crossed his arms. "I wouldn't be so uptight about it if I knew you had a partner. I'd feel a whole lot better if you had someone to go out with you on missions."
"I can handle myself on missions, Lunick. I had to do a whole slew of missions on my own way before we became partners."
"Still…it'd ease my conscious a bit to know someone was looking out for you."
Solana gestured behind her. "I've got Plusle, Lunick. I'm not alone."
"Pla Plah!" the electric mouse pokémon cried happily as she hopped up on Solana's shoulder.
"Right now, you just need to focus on taking care of your arm. The faster it heals, the faster you can be alongside me on missions again."
"I guess," Lunick mumbled.
Solana smiled softly and kissed her boyfriend gently on the cheek.
"I'll be fine."
Lunick nodded. "My house after work?"
"You bet."
Kissing her once more on the lips, Lunick rested his forehead against Solana's momentarily before watching her walk to the front entrance of the base. As she exited the base, Lind entered carrying three packages.
"Hey, Lind," Lunick called.
"Morning Lunick." He replied, placing the three large boxes on the front desk.
"New order?" asked Lunick.
"New battle suits from the Professor. He wants to do some fine tuning with the mechanics before having a team run through and test them out again." Lind took up his clipboard from the top package and started filling out the invoice.
"The Prof's really been keeping himself busy." Lunick commented.
"With Murph taking over the PR position for him, he has more time to experiment in his lab, research and study. So they'll probably be a lot of new gear, redesigns, and improvements coming in."
Lunick nodded. "You know he always has to be busy with something."
Lunick's eyes then caught the sight of a stringy substance on the inner flap of Lind's jacket.
"Uh, Lind? You got something hanging from your shoulder."
"Hm?" Lind looked to where Lunick was pointing and sighed. "Oh…That…Keith made a real mess last night and I was stuck cleaning up his room, not to mention tip the hotel a hefty amount in gratuities for his untactful and unruly behavior."
Lunick sat down at one of the desks and logged in onto the computer.
"Oh right. You both went on a date last night. How did it go?"
"About as well as I expected. Keith gallivanting around with his tongue hanging out of his mouth, while I spend the evening awkwardly trying not to offend a really nice young lady and begging the hotel staff for forgiveness."
Lunick winced slightly from the pain in his forearm as he entered information into the computer. Minun relaxed at his feet eating a Pokétreat.
"Keith's always been a bit of a wild Tauros but at least you were kind enough to the hotel and your date to let them know how sorry you were for your brother's actions."
"Not kind enough evidently," Lind grumbled.
"I suppose there's nothing wrong with Keith being so sexually active as he is. I mean so long as he's being safe and not acting like a jerk, there's no real damage, after all. It sounds like you enjoyed yourself a little bit."
Lind chuckled sarcastically. "All just a façade, Lunick. Believe me, I did not want to go out on that date. I just can't understand why my brother feels the need to always set me up with women and spring these surprise dates on me. I absolutely hate it."
"Well, have you told Keith to stop?"
Lind sighed heavily.
"I have! Over and over again! He just won't get it out of his head! And I think it's because he knows I…"
Lind paused and went quiet for a moment. He rested the clipboard he held in his hand on top of the counter.
"Lunick…You're a Christian, right?"
Lunick stopped typing on his computer and looked away from the monitor to look at Lind.
"Yes, I am."
Lind played shyly with his fingers.
"So, as a Christian you believe in sin, right?"
"…Yes…?" Lunick answered warily, unsure of where Lind was going with his questioning.
"Do you believe that people who sin can still go to Heaven?"
"I do," Lunick moved his chair back a little bit so he could get a better look at his friend. "Is something wrong, Lind?"
Lind sighed quietly.
"Lunick, I'm…I'm gay…The reason I don't like or want to go out on all these dates that Keith keeps springing up on me, is because I'm not attracted to women, and I know it's just setting up false expectations for these girls and I feel like a complete weiner afterwards."
Lunick nodded slowly.
"Are you mad?"
"Why in the world would I be mad, Lind? Your sexuality doesn't change anything. You're still my friend and comrade."
"Really? Doesn't the Bible say homosexuality is a sin?"
"It does. And so is lying, stealing, cheating, disrespecting your parents, using God's name in vain. There are a plethora of sins Lind and no one is greater than the other. Everybody on this earth sins whether they cop to it or not. But no amount of wrongdoing is going to stop God's love for you."
"So, do you believe that if I live my life as a homosexual that I will go to Hell?"
Lunick crossed his arms. "Lind, that's not my place to say. Judgment is God's domain, not mine. But as far as I am aware, you will sin and still go to Heaven so long as you claim Jesus Christ as Lord, regardless of what the sin is."
Lind nodded slowly.
"In all honestly, Lind. I can't say I'm surprised."
"You mean, you knew?"
Lunick shrugged.
"Not for sure. But I definitely thought about it. Little things that I noticed here and there, but your sex life is none of my business. We're colleagues, Lind. And what you choose to do in your personal life and who you choose to date is none of my concern."
"I see…" Lind replied quietly.
Lunick unfolded his arms. "What's all this about, Lind? Why are you asking me all these questions about sin and surprised that I wouldn't accept you for who you are?"
Again, Lind sighed.
"My family is very religious, Lunick. Like super uber religious. Very traditional, by the book. The word of God is everything…And I don't think they would approve of my…lifestyle. Especially Keith."
"Keith never came across as very religious to me."
"He's not, as you can see by his various sexcapades. But he and I have this unique bond as twins. And I think…I think he knows, deep down…that I am just not into women and so he is sending me off on all these different dates to try to convert me or something. I mean that's the only explanation I can come up with for his erratic behavior. And not only do I fear the disownment of my family, but from Keith as well…And I don't think I can bare that…"
Lunick watched as a lone tear rolled down the side of Lind's cheek. Lunick stood up and walked up beside his friend and gave him a firm hug. Lind slowly hugged him back.
"I don't know what you're going through, Lind. I've never had that experience. But if your family is more God-driven than religious, you'll never loss their love. And regardless of their feelings toward you, you will get through this. I promise you."
Lind sniffled as he released his hold on Lunick. Lunick passed him the tissue box that was on the counter and Lind chuckled lightly as he took a sheet from the box and wiped his eyes.
"Thank you…I'm actually a little surprised you hugged me."
"Why? Because you came out to me? I'm not homophobic, Lind."
"No, I know you're not. It's just I expected a negative reaction and rejection if I ever told anyone."
"Have you come out to anyone else?"
"No, though I suspect Aria already knows and Keith. I just don't know what to do…Promise me you won't tell Keith?"
Lunick shook his head. "It's not my truth to tell. When you're ready, you'll have the strength to no longer be afraid to hide yourself from your brother or anyone else."
"Thank you, Lunick." Lind said as Lunick walked back over to his desk. He picked back up the clipboard and finished checking off the items and signing it before tearing off the invoice and leaving it on top of one of the boxes. "I better be getting back to the base now. I'm sure Joel has a new assignment ready for me."
"Do you, Lind. I'll carry the boxes in the back in a moment."
Lind nodded and headed for the base's entrance. He stopped before exiting.
"You're a really good person, Lunick. Our world is lucky to have you."
"I'm no one special, Lind. We are supposed to show each other kindness and understanding."
"Yeah but you're one of the few who actually do." He smiled, "Take care of that arm, Lunick. I'll be seeing yah."
"Take care, Lind."
Nodding again, Lind exited the base.
As Lunick turned his attention back to his work he heard crunching sounds near his right foot and saw Minun holding the Pokésnack jar between his paws, munching on a treat.
"Hey! Minun, those are for our clients!" he yelled as he snatched the jar of pokémon biscuits and treats from Minun.
"Mai Mai!"
"You've eaten more than half the jar! Now we're gonna have to refill it."
"Mai Mai!"
"No Minun! Stay here!" Lunick ordered as he stormed into the kitchenette.
Minun crossed his tiny arms and huffed before reaching behind him and pulling out another Pokétreat biscuit, munching on it and adding more crumbles around his tiny mouth.
Leilani grimaced as she eyed herself in the mirror and tentatively ran her fingers over the globular purple bruise on the right side of her abdomen over her ribcage. It pulsed and throbbed with every slight movement she made. She hadn't even realized how badly injured she was until the next morning when she awoke in the morning and saw the evidence from Alejandro's heavy-duty boot striking her side the previous night. Leilani was unsure of what to make of the whole thing. True, Alejandro complained a lot, but his anger had never risen to such a fever pitch where he put her hands on her. Then again, she was being pretty sassy. It was only a matter of time until her smart mouth got her into some trouble. Perhaps she pushed him a little too hard last night. They were both tired and were equally irritated. Perhaps she just needed to be more mindful of her sauciness.
"Hey, Leilani," Percy called from outside the storage room. "Leader's ready to give us our assignment. What're you doing in there for so long?"
Leilani pulled down her shirt and picked up her gear belt and snapped it around her hips. She walked over to the storage room door and opened it.
"Sorry Percy. Had a little tummy trouble. Must've eaten some bad food after I got back last night. I'm ready now though."
She tried to keep her face neutral and stoic but Percy noticed the tightness of her lips being firmly pressed together.
"What's up with you?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"Come on, Leilani. I've known you for years. I can tell when something's bothering you. And you're moving so rigidly."
Leilani stopped walking.
"Okay. I am a little sore this morning. I was trying to subdue an Ursaring earlier this morning on my way here and it caught me on my side. I'll be fine though. It's nothing I can't handle."
Percy narrowed his eyes very slightly.
"You expect me to believe that an Ursaring struck you this morning without tearing your clothes?"
"Yes, because that's what happened. You can't be considered a Rank 10 Ranger without knowing how to dodge the serious blows."
Percy didn't buy it. "But you didn't dodge it. You said it caught you on your side. Its claws would have caused serious damage."
Leilani scowled. "Look, I'm fine Percy. Let's just go okay?"
"You are not fine. If you were, you wouldn't be getting all defensive."
"Percy, please just drop it. You are giving me a headache with your nonsense."
Percy uncrossed his arms.
"Fine. But only if you agree you be seen by a medical professional.."
"I'll go to the doctor on my lunch hour, okay? Let's go do this mission now, alright?"
Percy nodded slightly. "You're the team leader."
"Okay Machoke. You've almost got it!" Solana called from the side.
The Machoke hefted a large boulder that was crushing a young Swablu's wing. With one more pull, the fighting-type Pokémon picked up the boulder and tossed it a good distance away from the scene.
"Blu Blu!" the tiny blue pokémon cried out painfully.
Solana quickly ran over to the baby pokémon and held it in her arms.
The Machoke gave Solana a salute as it started walking away.
"Thanks a lot, friend! Your service is much appreciated." She said as she took a Potion out of her pack and sprayed it on the Swablu's injured wing. Plusle stood beside her, ready to help with whatever her ranger needed.
"Blu Blu!"
"Almost done, sweetie. I'll have you fixed up in no time," Solana reassured the Swablu.
Solana finished spraying the Potion on the tiny Swablu. She then took a roll of gauze bandage out of her pack and started wrapping up the Swablu's wing.
"Plusle, can you please get a Sitrus Berry from that tree over there?"
"Pla Plah!"
Plusle did as she was ordered and brought as many Sitrus Berries as she could carry in her little paws and dropped them beside Solana.
"Thank you," she took one from the pile and used a scalpel that was in her tool kit to cut the Berry into small pieces. Then she fed the Swabu in little bites.
The baby pokémon gleefully ate the sweet succulent berry. It cried happily and continued to peck at the rejuvenating berry. As it ate the last piece, it cried out happily and flapped its wings excitedly.
"There you go little one. Feeling better?"
"Blue Blu Blu!"
"That's great. Now all we gotta do is take you back to your nesting grounds."
"Blu!"
Solana put her healing and first aid items back in her pack and snapped it around her waist. She then picked up the baby Swalbu and held it gently in her hands.
Plusle picked up a Sitrus Berry and held it out to Solana.
"Plah Pla?"
Solana shook her head. "Thanks but I'm good, Plusle. You can go ahead and eat it I know you haven't eaten since morning so you gotta be hungry."
Plusle smiled weakly. Truth is she was hungry. She just wished her ranger would take her own suggestion and put something in her rumbling tummy as well.
"You can put the extra in my pack for later. Right now, we gotta get this little one home. Right, sweetie?"
"Blu Blu!" the Swablu cried happily.
Plusle frowned slightly as her ranger started walking ahead of her. She sighed and dropped the Sitrus Berry as she followed behind her.
The Kisara Pokémon Sanctuary was a beautiful place for all Pokémon of the region, whether they were sick, injured, scared, or even just lonely. Feathered or furry, scaly or slimy, every Pokémon was welcomed. It was the one place in all of Fiore they could call home until they felt they could return to their natural habitat. Some Pokémon were brought to live there the rest of their lives while others stayed for rehabilitation. Trainers, travelers, and homeowners were welcomed to adopt a Pokémon if they wished and were able to provide a stable and loving environment for them, but for most of the Pokémon who stayed there, it was their solace and comfort. It was the Sanctuary's pride and joy to ensure the safety, care, and recovery for every Pokémon that was admitted.
Lunick himself had taken a few Pokémon into the Sanctuary's custody and saw many pokémon leave the reserve after entering with what seemed like impossible healing situations. He knew the kind of quality and care afforded to every Pokémon. So when he heard that Nurse Joy decided it best to have the Rapidash and newborn Ponyta he rescued months ago placed in the Sanctuary's care, he made it a habitat to stop by as often as he could and watch their recovery.
Lunick and Minun watched from behind the gate of the grassland habitat. With his left arm pressed up against the glass, he watched the shiny Ponyta frolic, trot and prance around her mother. They both had made such a vast improvement from the dire situation he found them in. He wasn't sure how long they would be staying but whatever was the staff's decision, he knew they would be greatly cared for.
"Hoho, if it isn't Robert's prized ranger," a voice called.
Lunick turned to see Professor Hastings' friend and colleague Lamont Splendidocious approaching him.
He stood up straight. "Mr. Lamont. I didn't know you were still in town?"
"Oh ho, quite young man. Just for a few more weeks. I've got to get back home to begin work on the Pokémon Ranger School I want to setup in Almia. It'll be the first in any region. Seeing your fortitude and bright and lively spirit reminded me that's it's never too late and you're never too old to pursue a goal and chase your dreams.
Lunick smiled. "I'm so happy for you. You spoke with such conviction about it, I'm so glad you're chasing your dream. You define your own limitations. You'll go as far you want to go."
"Such wise words coming from such a young man. You know when I was young, Pokémon Trainer schools were still segregated? Pokémon were seen as tools back then and any minority was seen as less than human. I can't tell you how much joy I have in seeing how far our world has come with both Pokémon and human care."
Lunick frowned slightly. "It's sad that you had to go through such a dark period in your life."
Lamont shook his head.
"No, no. I don't regret any of it. I'm proud of the skin I'm in and if I wasn't my mother would've burned me a new one, hoho. Sometimes it's our darkest moments that propel us forward. And the light wouldn't be as brilliant or as appreciated without it."
"I suppose that's true."
The old man nodded and looked through the glass at the equine Pokémon.
"Those are your patients in there I see."
Lunick looked back at them as well. "Yeah, they're doing great. The head vet said it's a miracle how well they both pulled through. The Ponyta has a heart murmur but he's sure that it's innocent."
"Who knows how awful their fate might have been if you weren't there to rescue them."
"I only did what a ranger is supposed to do."
"Yes, but you did it with no prior training and took action. Sometimes even the most veteran rangers are prone to freeze-flight-or-fright, but you didn't let the situation faze you, and that is something to be proud of and worth noting."
Lunick shrugged. "You don't have the luxury to freeze up. We have to act promptly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every person and pokémon involved in a rescue mission. I will not settle for casualties."
Lamont's smile widened greatly.
"My heart swells greatly at hearing those words. It assures me that I have made the right decision."
Lunick turned back to face him "Decision?"
Again, Lamont nodded. "Lunick, I have a proposition for you."
"You do?"
"Yes. And I'm hoping you'll agree and say yes. Come sit with me."
The two of them walked over to the benches further down the corridor and sat down. Minun hopped up beside Lunick.
"As you know, I have been making concerted efforts to establish a Pokémon Ranger School east of my hometown, Vientown, in Almia. It has been a long process but Erma has assured me that the council has all but given their approval on construction. It'll be several months before it is completed and I am oh so happy to finally have come so far. In the meantime, they have allowed me to rent out an old Trainer School Building in Pueltown. Cleanup and remodeling has already begun and the building is expected to be done in a few weeks. Trouble is, I have been finding it difficult to find suitable teachers and staff for the school. A few of my old students such as Barlow, Sven, and Wendy have agreed to help teach a few classes but they are still Area Leaders and have to manage their own base and students. I do have a few college graduates coming in for interviews but let me just get to the core of what it is I am asking. Lunick, how do you feel about interning at my Pokémon Ranger School?"
Lunick and Minun's eyes both stretched wide.
"An i-internship?"
Lamont nodded assuredly. "Lunick, you are an astounding, competent, and excellent Pokémon Ranger. You have demonstrated to me that you are more than capable of being Area Leader when the time comes. Your skill is paramount, and I am certain you will be able to give the Ranger school students the much needed wisdom and insight an experienced and expert ranger can. As an intern you will gain all of the experience and credits necessary to be an Area Leader and start your residency. It'll be similar to when you took over for Spenser but longer termed and with more paperwork. No need to worry about pay as I plan on fully paying you for your services as well."
Lunick had trouble stopping his mouth from opening wide. "I…I don't really know what to say…That's an awfully big request. I'd have to talk it over with Spenser but this is…this is just…Minun, what do you think?"
Minun shook his head and shrugged. This was just as much flooring to him as it was Lunick.
Lamont adjusted his glasses, a little more classily and dignified than Professor Hastings usually did.
"No need to give an answer so soon. I understand it is a weighty decision. Take some weeks to think it over until my flight back home. I want you to be fully confident in whatever you decide with no pressure."
Lamont extended his hand for a handshake.
Lunick nodded slowly. "Yes, Sir." He shook it though he was still visibly having some difficulty processing the information.
Lamont stood to his feet. "Very well then. I eagerly await your decision, young ranger. I must be off now to meet with Robert for a phone conference to the Ranger Union. It was lovely talking with you lad."
"Same," Lunick replied with a weak smile.
Lunick watched Lamont as he left the corridor.
"An internship in Almia," he repeated quietly to himself.
Minun looked at his ranger a little worriedly. That was a very big decision to make that would no doubt impact everyone here in Fiore. Of course, he would stick by his ranger no matter what. But he wondered what he would actually decide.
A/N: So again, this chapter didn't turn out quite the way I had hoped. But I will be working on it more regularly now and start actually tackling the many different character arcs I want to.
Thank you all so much for your continued support!
Always Do Everything with Love,
XyKPfan
