Disclaimer: Any Pokemon mentioned here are not owned by this author. Then again, all 500+ Pokemon aren't own by this author either…
Hey guys, I'm back and guess what? Since you guys all waited patiently, I wrote the longest chapter that I've ever written in my entire fanfic career! Yay me!
Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 3:
Professor Hasting led the two back into the base and into a small room that automatically locked behind them. It was a private room that had only a small screen on the wall along with several buttons with the numbers from zero to nine that were used in order to place a call. The screen was now brightly lit with someone's face on it.
"Spenser," Professor Hasting puffed out when he saw the screen where Spenser was waiting. "I have Lunick here as well." Lunick hurried up and immediately knew something was wrong with his leader who was at Ring Town.
In front of the screen, one could tell that he man in his late twenties had sea green long wild hair that was held by a headband going around his head and fingerless black gloves on his hands which were clenched and slammed against the desk. He wore the same clothing as Lunick – a red short jacket with a gray jumpsuit that was white at the top part and collared up. Although the same screen didn't show it, the man had cargo like pockets running down the side of his legs and a white belt tied around his waist which held his Capture Styler that was in a white case. The man's gray eyes glared through the screen and straight at Lunick, who almost recoiled at the sight.
Spenser was the best Pokemon Capturer around here. He was tough like Joel except Joel was more to the book while Spenser was the adventure type. Both even had a fierce rivalry competition that started when they were young. Of course, the other Ranger leaders from the other towns were tough too, but Spenser was probably the most well known and popular one, even though he was a bit hot headed.
"Lunick," Spenser said in a furious tone that Lunick was too familiar with, "I've just heard from Hasting that you had your Capture Styler stolen! Can you explain to me why?" Lunick and Minun both gave an 'Oh, crap' look and knew they were going to be punished. Realizing the only way Spenser could've known about this incident, Lunick gave a glare at Professor Hasting, who immediately looked flustered and tried to look away as he straightened his tie.
"I'm sorry Spenser," Lunick said nervously. He too had the same expression like Hasting on his face. "At least I got it back." Spenser looked as though he was about to explode, but to Lunick's surprise, his comment caused Spenser clutched his hand to his face as though he was trying to hold back angry tears. Lunick and Minun were shocked. Hasting's eyes were wide open. The news were more grave than he thought.
"Darn it, if something happened to you too, then..."
"What?" Lunick said urgently, "What happened?" Spenser took a deep breath before he looked straight at Lunick.
"Solana and Murph were on that scouting mission," Spenser said, "And we think Solana is kidnapped."
"What?" Lunick yelled so loud that Minun almost flinched from fear, "WHAT HAPPENED?"
"Spenser," Hasting said in an urgent voice, "Are you sure that's what happened?"
"I don't know," Spenser said as though this was killing him, "I somehow made contact with Murph before the connection broke, and apparently, there was a strange factory and when she went to investigate while Murph stood guard…"
Lunick wasn't listening anymore. His head was going all swirly and his brain seemed to be filled with nothingness. He had just seen Murph earlier – bright, cheerful, and dim as always. Solana too… That stupid turquoise hair girl with that stupid sense of superiority…
How could this happen?
…
About seven hours ago…
Lunick yawned as he waited in the elevator as it went down to take him to the first floor of the Ring's Ranger headquarters. His black hair was still rumpled from last night and his Ranger outfit was in disarray. Minun was still sleeping on Lunick's shoulder. Both of them were having such good dreams just thirty minutes ago when they were abruptly awakened by a wakeup call that nobody used except one person and Lunick knew who the stupid person was. He heard the loud 'ding!' and walked out of the door to find himself face to face with a young Ranger, about the same age as him, who had a red Plusle riding on her shoulder.
She had long turquoise hair that was held in a thick ponytail that stood straight up. Her hair parted into two bangs and she had on a red headband that was worn in the same way as Lunick. She had on the same kind of short red jacket with a yellow collar and a jumpsuit as well. The only difference was that the jumpsuit was more sliming and showed the curves of her waist. The bottom pants part only went down to her thighs and she wore long black socks that went above her knees. The girl had red athletic boots that matched the color of her uniform. Her ruby eyes narrowed and her hands with fingerless black gloves were on her waist as though she was thoroughly irritated.
"About time!" Solana said frustrated, "I've been up for more than two hours and you don't even look awake!" She fingered with her Styler that was hung on her waist by a white belt and looked even more frustrated when Lunick replied with another yawn. "And you're uniform is so messy." She immediately grabbed Lunick's jacket and tried to straightened it as well has the front of his rumpled uniform. Pluse did the same and tried to pat Minun's rumpled hair.
"Hey, hey!" Lunick said, now wide awake, "Stop it, I can do it myself!" He pushed back Solana and tried to fix his jacket without looking too embarrassed. Minun tried to push back as well. Luckily at that moment, the elevator opened again, revealing a very chubby and short ranger with short light brown messy hair stretching his arms into the air. His similar uniform bulged around his arms, stomach, and legs. His small eyes were even smaller than usual due to his sleepy state. He, too, yawned like Lunick. Crawling slowly behind Murph was his Pokemon partner, Slowpoke.
"Morning," Murph said, yawning again. "What's up?"
"Nothing much," Solana said, giving a sly glare at Lunick, "This sleepy head is late again for our meeting… Again."
If I'm late, then what is Murph? Lunick thought, looking fairly annoyed. Why does she always yell at me and not Murph? I know Murph is impossible to wake up but seriously…
"Anyways," Solana said as she looked at the round clock hung up on the wall, "Spenser is out today for some capture training and he gave me the list of jobs that he wants us to do?" Solana took a white piece of paper out of her pocket.
"What?" Lunick gaped as he grabbed the paper, "Why did he give them to you?" He checked the paper for forgery but sure enough the words were in Spenser's handwriting.
"Because I'm more responsible! And give that back to me!" Solana snatched the paper away and cleared her throat like an important person. Lunick acted as though Solana had just gave him a papercut but Solana ignored him. "Now first, I need to tell you guys the jobs you need to do around the town after the mission because you guys are bound to leave before I tell you. Lunick, the light bulbs upstairs need to be changed; Murph, the floor needs to be mopped and…"
"Why does she have to act like she is the boss of us?" Lunick whispered to Murph.
"Well she kind of is," Murph said, not looking as annoyed as Lunick. "I mean she has more sense of leadership and Spenser trusts her more. Plus, she has been here longer than you." Lunick looked thoroughly put out at the lack of support from his friend and was now in a pretty bad mood as he looked out the window.
The room was brightly cleaned up and the tile floor was sparkling. The sun was shining and the day was warm. The lady who worked behind the counter was not here yet either. Lunick hated when Solana was in charge for the day and her stupid crack of dawn pep talk. She was such a dictator. At least Spenser was a bit more lax at wake up call.
"Besides," Murph continued happily, "you like her don't you?" Lunick's mind immediately crashed down to reality.
"WHAT? DON'T BE STUPID! WHO WOULD LIKE HER?"
"Who would like who?" Solana asked and Lunick realized that he yelled just a little bit louder than he wanted to. Solana's eyes twitched with annoyance since the two had obviously been absorbed in their own conversation and didn't listen to her. Murph looked really embarrassed and laughed nervously as Lunick's red face that was turning even redder.
"Oh um…" Lunick got all flustered up and discomfited, "no one…"He said the last part really softly. Solana looked irritated but continued on. Lunick gave Murph an evil glare which Murph returned with a flustered and scared look as he mouthed the word 'Sorry'.
"Anyways," Solana said, finishing her speech, "Murph and I will go on that scouting mission while Lunick will help out at Fall City."
"Wait a minute," Lunick interrupted, shocked at the different type of mission he got than he usually did, "Why do I have to go to Fall City? Shouldn't Murph go?"
"I agree Lunick on this one," Murph said, looking a little shocked at this decision, "With an authority around, at least I won't mess up too bad. Plus, I'm not that good for scouting missions."
"Murph, you keep saying that and you'll never be. Besides Joel needed help and Spenser said Lunick was the perfect one for the job," Solana said as she put the paper back into her pocket.
"What?" Lunick demanded angrily, "What does that mean?"
"Remember last week," Solana said looking at Lunick, "That fire you started when trying to capture that rampaging Combusken just up ahead of here?"
"Oh yeah," Lunick said, grinning sheepishly as he remembered everybody screaming as the flying fire kung fu chicken came near them, "At least I captured it."
"After having it almost burning down the entire field and the town I might add," Murph said as though he was trying to help out in the conversation.
"Shut up Murph."
"You were too rash," Solana said, ignoring Lunick's comment, "And to Spenser, that's your weakness. With Joel there, at least he can help you keep yourself under control."
"I'm not rash," Lunick protested, "I'm serious about my work and I get it down no matter what."
"One day, that's going to come back and hurt you," Solana said quietly.
"What?" Lunick asked. Solana shook her head and turned to Murph.
"Come on Murph," Solana said, "Let's hurry up and get this mission done. Lunick hurry up and get ready to go to Fall City. It'll take you a while to get there." Lunick groaned at the fact that his question wasn't answered and muttered unhappily as he walked out of the room.
"Lunick," Solana said, surprised, "Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah, I am," Lunick said, "I don't need to waste time preparing like you do."
"With that attitude of yours, you'll never find a girl," Solana said, sticking out her tongue (one of her few childish behaviors she still had). Luckily, she didn't see Lunick's bright red ears as she consulted the list she created for her mission. "Whatever, there is that Krokka Tunnel you need to go through before arriving at Fall City. There are a lot of wild Pokemon out there so stay safe and don't do anything stupid."
"You sound like my mother," Lunick muttered, "At this rate; you'll never find a guy."
"Just get out of here!" Solana said, sounding flustered. Lunick didn't need to hear twice and turn to walk out of the room.
"Lunick," Muph said, trying to brighten Lunick's mood before the unhappy guy left, "after we're done, we can go out and get something to eat." Lunick shrugged and didn't look back. However, he gave a wave with his hand to know that he heard.
"Sure Murph, I'll see you later then."
…
Wes stared from behind and watched this dramatic soap opera played in front of his eyes. As far as he was concerned, this news had nothing to do with him. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but notice that black hair Ranger looking shocked and in despair.
"Spenser, what was this mission they went on? Are you sure Murph managed to escape?" the professor asked. Wes was getting fed up now. He was about to leave when he heard something Spenser said.
"The mission I gave them was to investigate the forest. I heard some travelers saying that there were strange noises coming from there," the guy said who was trying to talk calmly and clearly. "Apparently, something far worse than we thought was there and Solana couldn't come back. Murph said something about creating a diversion for him to escape and I think rescuing someone by the name of Rui…" Spenser said that last part as though he was confused. But he didn't have time to question because he suddenly found himself face to face an unfamiliar face of a white hair kid.
"Did you say 'Rui'?" the kid demanded. Spenser was taken aback by the stranger. "Did this Murph kid say that he rescued 'Rui'?" The kid's red eyes seemed to glow strangely as though they were burning with fire.
"Spenser," Hasting said quickly before more confusion settled in, "This is Wes from Orre. He seems to have information about something strange going around here."
"Orre?" Spenser said suspiciously, "Kind of far away from here aren't you?" Wes didn't say anything but continued to glower at Spenser for an answer.
"Spenser!" Lunick interrupted, "I need to save my friends! Please, give me a mission!"
"Calm down, Lunick," Hasting said before addressing to Spenser, "Spenser, what do you want us to do?"
"I'm going back to the forest to find Murph and Solana. I was going to ask Joel to come with me but…" Spenser paused for a moment before continuing, "Meanwhile, I want Lunick to remain in Fall City's base."
"What?" Lunick said, "My friends are in danger! I need to-!"
"No," Spenser stated flatly, "You need to stay. I cannot have you on this mission when so much is at stake."
"My friends are in danger! Solana is in danger! Do you think I can just sit back when I could do something? I'm a Ranger! I'm Ring Town's Ranger! Are you telling me that I'm not adept enough to help?" Lunick was yelling so loud and pounding his fist against the wall that the room vibrated and echoed. His eyes were filled with pure anger.
"Lunick," Spenser said in a very dangerous tone, "your orders from YOUR leader are to stay in Fall City until I say otherwise. I don't want you with me in a situation like this." The words stunned Lunick and he fell silent and for a minute the whole room was. "Professor, I want you to call the Cameron and Elita as well and explain the situation."
"I understand," Professor Hasting said gravely.
"And I want to speak to Wes," Spenser said as well. Wes looked surprised but came up to the screen. "Your friend, Rui, why is she here? And what brings you here as well?"
"I'm sorry, sir," Wes said immediately as though he was use to being questioned, "I can't disclose that information until I'm sure. I would be able to explain if I come with you." The two stared at each other for a long time before...
"I'm sorry," Spenser said, "You are not a native to this region and I can't have a foreigner tagging along on a mission." Wes didn't say anything back and simply nodded, but Spenser had a feeling that Wes wasn't happy. "I have to go now. Hasting, remember to tell Cameron and Elita." With that, the screen blinked and turned blank, leaving the three all alone in the dark.
"Lunick," the professor said, trying to break the uneasy silence, "Spenser was just trying to…" Hasting faltered as he watched Lunick hurried out. The old man couldn't bring himself to speak any more encouraging words. Wes was silent as well, but not for the same reason. His eyes were scrunched together. He was thinking of a plan.
…
Lunick pounded against the wall on the outside of the Ranger base. The bones in his hands were screaming with pain but he didn't stop, not until he ran out of energy and fell to the ground, panting. The wall was pretty dented and there was a dark scuff mark where Lunick's fist contacted. The sun was setting now, casting a reddish glow to the area. There weren't a lot of people out and none seemed to have noticed Lunick. Everyone seemed to be in a cheerful mood, not knowing the awful news of Joel or Ring Town's disaster. The wonderful atmosphere seemed to mock Lunick. Minun was so concern at its friend and tried to comfort Lunick in any means possible. Lunick thought deeply. Spenser's words seemed to be floating around his head. Although it was breaking the rules, Lunick didn't care. He was going to go save his friends no matter what.
"Are you just going to sit here and mope?" Lunick looked up to see Wes staring down.
"What do you want?" Lunick demanded, feeling embarrassed of looking pathetic at the moment. Wes scratched his head for a moment as though he was trying to figure out what to say without sounding too tactless.
"I'm sorry about your friends, and I know your leader told you to stay here but," Wes started, "I need you to help me find my friend."
"What?" Lunick said, getting up and standing face to face with Wes, "Why would you need my help?" Wes rolled his eyes as though the question was stupid.
"Like your leader, Spenser, said, I'm a foreigner around here, so me getting around here would be very difficult unless I have some help from someone who lived here and worked around the city – like rangers."
"Spenser said that you have to stay put," Lunick retorted. Wes raised his eyes at Lunick's reply as though the remark surprised him.
"So? Spenser is not someone who can just order me around."
"What do you always just run around and not follow rules?" Lunick said. "Oh wait a minute, what am I saying; you easily stole my Styler earlier. Maybe that's why you're okay with breaking the law so easily. You're probably some criminal in Orre and decided to run away here to escape prison." Wes' red eyes flashed dangerously, but didn't reply except with a scowl on his face.
"There is no way I'm going to be hanging around with a criminal like you," Lunick finished flatly. Minun nodded as well and puffed its chest defiantly.
"Lucky for you, I don't want to hang around with a stuck up person who tries to act like a hero," Wes said, his tone remarkably calm, "But I need your help to find my friend. I don't trust the other rangers here and Hasting obviously can't show the way."
"What? Trust?" Lunick repeated.
"None of the rangers will be willing to disobey an order for someone like me. As far as I know, they probably have already labeled me as a criminal… like you did."
"And what makes you think I will be the one who'll help?" Wes stared directly into Lunick's eyes as though he could read Lunick's mind.
"Earlier, you were obviously distressed to save your friends. Someone like you is not going to just wait here. Besides, you are going to disobey orders and leave tonight right?" Lunick flinched and looked the other way.
"Wh-what are you-?"
"You are too predictable," Wes said. "It's written all over your face. Since we're both thinking about sneaking out, why not work together."
"Oh sure," Lunick snorted. "Besides, you act as though you're ordering me around, and I don't take orders from someone like you." Wes turned slightly so that his bangs could cover his eyes slightly.
"I'm sorry for acting hypocritical, but Rui is an important friend of mine," Wes said softly, "I have a bad feeling about this. Please… please help me." Lunick stared surprised at the sound of concern in Wes' voice. For a moment, Lunick even saw the red eyes turn sad for a brief moment.
"All right, I'll do it."
"What?" Wes said, sounding a bit surprised.
"I'll… I'll do it," Lunick said, clearly looking both embarrassed and clearly wishing he didn't say it, "But I'm doing this for your friend Rui! So don't get any idea that I've forgiven you about the incident from earlier."
"Lunick, what are you doing out here?" Lunick jumped and saw that it was Aria. The blond hair girl still looked a bit shaken up but the annoying tone in her voice was still here. "What are you two doing here? Professor Hasting wants you inside the base at all times. No sneaking out! I'm going to be guarding you two at all times."
"Whattttt?" Lunick groaned. "You don't trust us?"
"Uh, duh," Aria said, crossing her arms across her chest. "Now get back in here."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Lunick yawned in annoyance and walked past the door. Wes followed as well and got a scorned look on Aria's face. Obviously, she still thought of him as a pervert.
"Tonight," Wes whispered softly as he walked next to Lunick.
"Yeah," Lunick muttered, wondering if he was doing the right thing, "tonight."
…
It was nighttime and the entire town was pretty quiet. A soft whispering wind passed by Fall City's Ranger base. At the very top, on the second floor, a small window opened. A head poked out and looked left and right to make sure the coast was clear before jumping out and landing easily to the ground.
"You're late," Wes said. Lunick and Minun turned around to see Wes leaning against the wall and looking very impatient. He got up and looked around to make sure Lunick's stunt didn't cause a distraction. So far the coast was still clear.
"Sorry," Lunick said in a harsh whisper, "Aria had a keen eye on me the whole time. I was lucky to escape because she kept checking up on Joel. How did you get out so easily? I thought Hasting was guarding you nonstop."
Wes and Lunick started to walk down the street and though there was not a soul out, the two still moved stealthy and quietly as possible. Minun was on Lunick's shoulder and was snoring a bit as it slept. Lunick, not used to this, was treading quite loudly but Wes, however, moved as though he was a shadow instead of human.
"I put sleeping pills in that professor's cup of tea before he went to bed."
"You WHAT?"
"Shhhh. Relax, it's not like I killed him or anything," Wes said so calmly.
"How can you be so relax after saying that?"
"Because in Orre, killing is more common than sleeping. I can't believe that professor didn't suspect a thing. Anybody could've came in and slit his throat."
Oh holy Miltank, Lunick thought with his and Minun's eyes wide open from fright as Wes continued down the street carefully like a thief. What kind of life this guy had? They started to inch away from Wes as though he was some dangerous assassin.
"By the way," Wes said, looking back, realizing they're more into the depth of the city than out, "are we going the right way?" Lunick almost feel to the ground with shock.
"What? You don't know?"
"Oh I'm sorry, I actually did and I was testing you," Wes said sarcastically, "I was hoping to see if a Ranger who lived here his whole life would know the area better than I did."
"Oh ha, ha," Lunick said in an equally sarcastic tone. "And by the way, I've only been here for only a year. The way out of here to Ring Town is in the other direction." Both of them continued walking the other way and very soon they reached the outskirts of town and now were trudging on a dusty path. The lights from the lamps disappeared from the street and now only stars were guiding them.
"Do you know this forest that Spenser was referring to?" Wes asked, not to try and strike up a conversation but to figure out whether or not Lunick actually knew where he was going.
"Yes," Lunick scoffed, "This forest is really close to Ring Town so first we need to pass the Krokka Tunnel."
"Isn't there a quicker way to get there?"
"Well, there is the Dragonite Bus which our Ranger's Dragonite transports high rank rangers to other parts of Fiore. It is a pretty fast way to get to Ring Town."
"So you're not a high rank ranger enough to get the means to fly on that bus." Wes suddenly tensed after he said this. Years of being alert made him suspicious of his surroundings.
"Hey, I've only been here for a year," Lunick tried to explain, "I'm on Rank 6 and one more rank and I'll be able to ride it." Wes didn't look interested enough about rangers but Lunick continued as though he was a tour guide. "Rangers have ranks 1-10 with ten being the highest. This determines how many Pokemon you can bring with you and the length of the capture line use on –"
Lunick never got to finish because Wes suddenly grabbed Lunick by the jacket and pulled him away just in time before a large foot stomped at the place where Lunick was standing.
"Whoa!" Lunick screamed, "What was that?" Wes suddenly realized that it was a large toed foot like a bird's and the foot was connected a long thin leg of a giant "AHHHH! IT'S THE THREE HEADED CHICKEN!"
"SWAQK!" The monster was apparently offended of being called a 'chicken'.
"You really can't shut up can you?" Wes muttered and immediately pulled again to prevent one of the heads from pecking Lunick. The force of the beak as it missed its mark and hit the ground caused it to crack.
"Oh snap," Lunick muttered, this time dodging out of the way without Wes' help. The bird screamed and charged at the two of them. "Minun! Get it!" Immediately, Minun's cheeks sparked with blue electricity that crackled and snap in the air. The shadow reared back for a moment but then suddenly charged again.
"Split up!" Wes ordered, "We need to confuse it!" Immediately, the two sped in opposite directions. Lunick hated to admit it, but, looking back, Wes' plan was pretty good. Immediately, the monster's two heads on each side tried to snap at them with their long necks but because they were trying to move in different directions, the two legs faltered around and collapsed from confusion. Lunick immediately pounce on the monster and twisted its heads around like a knot. It was then that Lunick saw the perpetrator and was shocked.
"Th-this is Joel's Dodrio!" Lunick gasped. Immediately, the bird retaliated by slamming its feet against Lunick's chest. He flew backward but was immediately helped by Wes. "How did – why is it –"
"Wahhhh? What a lousy Pokemon this one is." Wes and Lunick immediately saw a strange guy coming from behind the bushes. He was bald and had narrow eyes on his ghastly pale skin. He wore a red vest over a gray shirt and long black baggy pants.
Lunick gaped at the sight. Who was this guy? Wes immediately tried to move behind Lunick so that the guy couldn't see him. The guy looked completely frustrated while the bird Pokemon got up and tried to untie the knot in its necks.
"Mannnn and it took such a long time to get it too…" the guy scratched his head and sighed, "Oh well, Dodrio, get rid of those two!" Immediately, Dodrio charged at Lunick and Wes, but this time, large blue electricity shot out and hit Dodrio. The Pokemon immediately cringed, unable to move.
"Wha-?"
"You were the one who injured Joel, weren't you? And you provoked Dodrio into a frenzy rampage?" Lunick demanded at the baffled person. Minun's cheeks buzzed angrily with the electricity used to paralyze the bird. Lunick took out his Capture Styler out and glared at the man. "I'm going to release Dodrio from your clutch and then I'm going to teach you a lesson you'll never forget."
Author's Notes
Well now, we're finally getting into the action. Lunick and Wes are joining forces and so far they have nothing in common. Great combo. Lol.
Anyways, what do you guys think of the new anime and new Pokemon BW game coming out? I hope the graphics are good as they say they are.
You know, they haven't done a Pokemon Colosseum anime... what's up with that? I want to see what Wes and Rui would look like! And, we could use a different plot twist…
Anyways, let's thank my reviewers before I go.
…
Trutown
littlmidget123
Ketchum Kid
741852AuthorNicolaStarlaLili
hydro-serpent58
Sparky
…
All right, that's it from me.
See you in the next chapter.
-JapanDreamer