Chapter 4 - Graduation! Taking Your Respective Paths!/u

A week later…

"Okay, class," Ms April began, having taken a deep breath. "This is the last time I will speak to you like this. Today is your graduation day! I know this means having to say goodbye, but you can take the time before the official ceremony to tie up any loose ends."
'Please don't use that figure of speech…' Alexa thought to herself, looking rather tense. 'Wait…goodbye?! Urgh, I'm no good at these things…!'
Ms April left the classroom, as did the other students and Rhythmi. Keith faced Alexa in confusion.
"What's wrong? Aren't you excited about graduating today?" he asked. "At least you can finally keep Ryder with you without worrying anymore."
"That's not the point," Alexa disregarded Keith's statement. "I…I'm…I'm not…not ready…"
"For what?" Keith asked. Alexa looked as though she was about to cry; she managed to resist the urge to, but her tears still leaked from her eyes.
"I'm not ready to say goodbye!" she confessed. Keith's astonished; he saw Alexa upset, but not like that.
"Then don't," Keith answered simply. Alexa faced him in confusion. "Don't think of it as goodbye," he continued, getting out of his seat. He approached Alexa and offered his hand to her. "Think of it as 'see you later' instead." Alexa slowly moved her hand to meet Keith's. Keith then pulled her up out of her chair. "Come on, let's go to the Ascension Square."
"Why?" Alexa asked.
"Just because," Keith answered. He led Alexa out of the classroom.

Outside…

Keith led Alexa – and now Ryder – to the Ascension Square and the pledge stone. Alexa looked around in confusion.
"Why are we here again?" Alex asked.
"Because I don't want to say goodbye either," Keith admitted. "You're the best friend I've ever had, it's not fair to say goodbye." Keith's words almost made Alexa cry, but she managed to hold herself together once more. "That's why I want us to make a secret pledge."
"Secret pledge?" Alexa asked.
"Don't get me wrong, Rhythmi is my friend too," Keith began. "But you're the best friend by far."
"So you want us to make the pledge to be best friends forever?" Alexa asked.
"Not quite," Keith said. "I want us to make the pledge that we'll meet again in the future," he explained. His words astonished Alexa. "I know Rhythmi and I are off to Fiore while you're off to Vientown after this, so we won't be seeing each other after graduation. But I want us to meet up again and work together as fully pledged Top Rangers. That is what I want us to pledge."
"Keith…" Alexa couldn't help but express her feelings through the many tears that scrolled down her face. "I…I really am lost for words…none of my friends back home have been this nice to me…! I said I was overwhelmed when I first arrived here, but this wasn't what I had in mind…!" Alexa confessed. Keith moved closer to her and rested his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry…it'll be okay," he reassured. "I know today is an eventful one, but it should be seen through with a smile." Alexa wiped her eyes with her right sleeve.
"I'm sorry…! It's just…I'm really happy that I got to know you and Rhythmi, I don't feel as though I'm ready to say goodbye!" Alexa cried.
"And that brings you back to what you said in the classroom," Keith said playfully.
"You're right…" Alexa faced him; although she was still shedding tears, she smiled at him. "I want us to meet up again too!" Keith nodded once.

DING! DING! DING!

"Aw, crap, it's the bell," Keith sighed. "I suppose we'll have to seal the pledge after the ceremony…"
"Yeah, I suppose so," Alexa agreed.

Inside the school…

The hallway was completely decorated with fresh flowers and colourful banners commemorating the graduation of the school's students. The students were all gathered in front of the stairs leading down to the basement and up to the dormitories. Mr Kincaid, Ms April and Principal Lamont were standing before the students.
"Congratulations. You have all graduated from Ranger School," Principal Lamont praised. "You are all about to embark from here today to take on your respective dreams and make them come alive. But, do not forget, no matter where you end up, always remember to smile. You may look back on your time here, and describe them as the soil that the seeds of your dreams were planted into, where they have sprouted and developed, much like the flowers you all see around us. But, please, do not forget to smile. Thank you, and congratulations again."
"Thank you, Principal Lamont," Mr Kincaid began. "Now, I would like to call upon the student chosen as the school's valedictorian. The best student in the school; that would be Isaac, naturally." Isaac makes his way onto the 'stage'. Ryder tilted his head towards Alexa.
Something seems funny about this whole thing, he said quietly. Alexa squinted at him.
"Are you sure?" she whispered.
"There are a lot of people I want to thank for our time at this school," Isaac began. "To Principal Lamont, who watches over what we do with a watchful eye. To our teachers, Mr Kincaid and Ms April, who provide us with the knowledge we need to further understand our dreams. To Janice, the mother of us all. And to all of the books in the library…thank you." Isaac stepped down off of the stage and returned to his original place in the audience.
"You did well, Isaac," Keith complimented.
"Thanks, Keith," Isaac thanked. Ms April stepped forward on the stage.
"I would like to call upon the chosen student to be the representative of the school," she began. "Alexa, would you come up here please?"
"Whuh?!" Ms April's words startled her.
"Hey, how about that! You're the rep!" Keith said happily. Alexa nervously moved towards the stage.

BOOM!

"What was that?" Rhythmi asked in shock.
"I think it came from the basement," Ms April assumed. Mr Kincaid panicked.
"I'll go and investigate," he volunteered, running down towards the basement. Ryder gently pulled Alexa back towards the audience. "AAAAAAAAARGH!"
"What's going on down there?!" Alex shouted.

THUMP! THUMP!

Two Tangrowth emerged from the basement. Everyone – barring Alex, Ryder and Keith – panicked.
"Quickly, retreat!" Lamont shouted. Everyone ran back to the opposite end of the school. The Tangrowth looked agitated.
"What do we do?!"
"Is Mr Kincaid alright?!"
"Where did they come from?!"

The other students were in panicky states of mind…

"Alex, if nobody else is up to capturing those Tangrowth, I suppose we'll have to!" Keith stated. Alexa faced him confidently.
"You're right; the staff can't do everything, so we have to take charge of this situation!" Alex exclaimed in corroboration. She and Keith readied their stylers, but Ryder stopped them.
Alex, Keith, let me take care of them! He offered willingly.
"No, Ryder, you can't handle two Tangrowth on your own," Alexa began. "Besides, I need you to protect everyone else! You're our last resort, but only if we fail! Please, Ryder, I need you to keep the others safe."
Okay then. Good luck, Ryder smiled and nodded once, accepting his place. Alexa and Keith ran towards the Tangrowth and prepared for capture.
"You take one, I'll take the other," Keith suggested.
"That's just how I roll; teamwork for the win," Alexa agreed.

"CAPTURE ON!"

The two capture discs fired both at once, both circling around their respective targets. Keith's target failed to attack before it gets captured, but Alex's target managed to release an intoxicating powder attack on her moments before it got captured. The poisonous spores scattered around Alexa, creating a nasty flu-like side effect. Horrified, Ryder rushed over to Alexa as soon as the spores faded and he gave her a pink berry. Knowing exactly what the berry is, Alexa ate it instantly.
"Thanks, Ryder, you're a lifesaver," she said quietly. Ryder gave Alex a very big hug.
"Capture complete!" Alexa and Keith said in unison. Realising they spoke in unison again, they faced each other and blush again, but with a warm smile each.

Afterwards…

"I-I'm sorry, sir, I couldn't find out what went wrong," Mr Kincaid apologised.
"At least nobody got hurt; that's the most important thing," Lamont said with relief. "Alexa, Keith, you two have demonstrated what it means to take charge in a perilous situation. I thank you on behalf of everyone for your efforts. Now, Ms April, if you will?"
"Yes, sir," Ms April complied. "As I was saying earlier, I would like to call upon the chosen student to be the representative of the school. Alexa, would you come up here please?" Alex made her way up to the stage, with Ryder accompanying her. "As it has been said before, I want to thank you and Keith for protecting the rest of us from those Tangrowth. I present to you this certificate commemorating today's graduation. Congratulations." Alexa accepted the official document and she, followed by Ryder, left the stage and returned to the audiences.
"Congratulations everyone! You have all graduated!" Applause flooded the entire school.

Not long later…

Alexa and Ryder were preparing to exit through the school gates. Alexa looked somewhat saddened, but at least she had Ryder to accompany her.
"Alex, wait!" Keith shouted. Alexa and Ryder looked back and found Keith rushing towards them.
"Keith! Shouldn't you be waiting for your ferry to Fiore?" Alexa asked in astonishment.
"Yeah, but I'm not going until I know we've sealed our promise," Keith replied, smiling. Alexa smiled warmly.
"Thanks, Keith," she said, holding out her left hand. Keith seemed a tad confused at first, but he held the hand with his right hand. He suddenly pulled Alexa towards him and hugged her softly, much to her astonishment.
"No. Thank YOU, Alex," Keith said quietly. "For everything." Alexa started to get emotional, but she expressed it by hugging Keith in return.
"Take care, my friend…take care…" Alexa said quietly. She and Keith saw each other eye to eye. Tears started to fall from her eyes again. "Good luck."
"You too, my friend," Keith responded. He faced Ryder. "You look after her for me now, okay?" Ryder smiled and saluted him.
No need to tell me twice, captain, he added playfully. Keith faced Alexa again.
"Remember, this isn't goodbye…"
"…it's 'see you later' instead," Alexa resumed. "You'd better go…you'll miss your ferry…"
"Yeah…" Keith seemed to be emotional himself. "See you later, Alex…" he ran up the stairs as fast as he could without tripping up. Alexa looked around the area.
"Ryder…this is where Keith and I first worked together…on the day you and I met up again…" she said finally. Ryder held onto Alexa's left hand for comfort.
Don't worry, Alex, we'll meet again, he said reassuringly.
"I know Keith promised we'll meet again in the future," she continued. "But I'll miss him in the meantime…him and Rhythmi…" She looked up at the steps leading back to the school.

At the Ascension Square…

Keith and Rhythmi prepared to board a small ship bound for the Fiore region. Both of them looked back at the school.
"Wow, I can't believe this day has finally come!" Rhythmi said with excitement. "I can't wait to get to Fiore! What about you, Keith?"
"Yeah, great," he replied with a lot less enthusiasm. Although Rhythmi was confused about Keith, she was too excited to think about it for long. She and Keith boarded the ferry and it left the port. On the ship, Keith sighed, somewhat sadly.

KEITH! RHYTHMI!

Alexa's voice loudly echoed through the atmosphere, as Keith and Rhythmi were bewildered at the calling. They looked back and found Alex and Ryder running to the port and waving at them with both arms.
"Alex!? Ryder?!" Rhythmi was left utterly bewildered.
"Let's make another promise, right here, right now!" Alex shouted at the top of her voice. "This isn't goodbye for any of us!"
"It's see you later instead!" Keith shouted back. "We will meet up again! We promise!"
"I know you will!" Alexa cried loudly. "Goodbye!"
"See ya, Alex!" Rhythmi shouted happily.
"Stay strong! I'll see you soon, I promise!" Keith cried, with a single tear falling down his cheek. Eventually, the Ranger School port disappeared from sight.

Back at the port, Alexa fell to her knees and attempted to calm herself down; her new friends were gone. Ryder walked over to Alexa. He knelt down on one knee and attempted to comfort her.
Alex, it's not the end of the world, he said softly. I'm sure the both of them will be in good health in Fiore. Alexa faced him; tears were still falling down her face.
"I know, Ryder…but…I can't help feeling all this sorrow," she admitted. Ryder smiled warmly.
Just remember what Keith told you, he advised. Stay strong. Alexa sighed.
"Stay strong… Keith's last words of advice for a while…" Ryder gave her a cuddle, and she cuddled back. "I suppose I'd better take that advice for all it's worth…" She and Ryder stood up properly again. "Let's go to Vientown. Hopefully the walk there will help me calm down." Ryder smiled and held her left hand as they both left the school. Properly.

Later…

Ryder and Alexa arrived at Vientown. Alexa took a few deep breaths, just in case she needed some last minute relaxation.
"Okay…it's time to take Keith's advice and stay strong," she began. "This may be my first day as a ranger." Ryder faced her.
Oh, you'll manage it, no problem, he smiled. Alexa faced him happily.
"Thank you, Ryder."
"Hey, Alex!" Luana called. She and her Buneary approached Alexa and Ryder. They stopped before a collision took place. "Barlow's Makuhita saw you coming, so I decided to come get you!"
"Buneary?" the Buneary seemed to be concerned about Alexa and how she was feeling.
"Yeah, I'm okay…" Alexa replied.
"Okay, I'll take you inside the base, where you can get changed," Luana said, leading Alexa and Ryder to the ranger base.

Inside…

Luana and Buneary returned with Alexa and Ryder in tow. Ryder held Alex's hand to make her feel more relaxed.
"Alex, you so-and-so! What made you come here?!" Barlow laughed. "Welcome aboard!"
"Are you alright?" Elaine asked. "You look uneasy."
"Oh, it-it's nothing, really," Alexa answered; she sounded fairly uneasy.
"Are you sure?" Luana asked. "You looked rather nervous when we saw you outside."
"Yeah, I'll be fine, really," Alexa replied. "It's just the jitters, that's all it is."
"Ah, I know how you feel," Luana began. "I felt the same thing last year."
"Okay, Alex, we'd better get you started as a proper Area Ranger," Barlow began, looking behind him. "You can use the changing rooms to get into your new uniform."
"But Lucario stays out here," Crawford began. "It's rude for a bloke to watch a lady getting undressed," he teased. Ryder faced Alexa.
He has a point, he began. I'll wait for you here, but take your time.
"Okay, but don't be too bored," she answered. She made her way to the changing rooms and she closed the door behind her.

Inside the changing rooms, Alexa started taking off her school uniform, starting with her gloves, tie, cardigan and her blouse. She almost took off her blouse completely when she suddenly noticed a large purple bruise on her right shoulder, just underneath her bra strap.
'That's strange,' she thought to herself. 'I don't remember feeling any pain in my shoulder. I guess I must've got it when Mr Kincaid knocked me down with the door.'

Several minutes later…

"You have to admit, Lucario is very adorable," Elaine began. "Alex did a good job raising him."
My name is Ryder, thank you very much, Ryder sighed.
"Those Aura Spheres back at Nabiki beach looked powerful," Crawford began. "I'm sure he's stronger than he looks."
"Yeah, he is," Alexa said abruptly, from the back of the room. Everyone turned around to face her and were astonished; Alexa was in a uniform identical to that of Luana's.
"Who let this Ranger in here? That can't be Alex, surely!" Crawford said jokingly. Barlow approached her.
"Wow, Alex, you look fantastic in that uniform!" Luana exclaimed in awe. "Are you sure you shouldn't be a model instead?"
"Yes, I'm sure, Luana," Alexa sighed; her sigh had a slight laugh to it.
"Is everything okay? Nothing too big, nothing to tight?" Barlow asked.
"No, it's a perfect fit," Alex answered. "How did you know my measurements?"
"Oh, we had a letter from your grandfather," Crawford began. "It contained your measurements."
"I suppose he gave you the ones that were noted when I got into my school uniform?" Alexa assumed.
"Yep, that's right," Crawford winked.
"Anyway," Barlow began. "I believe now's the best opportunity to give you something no Ranger can do without; a Capture Styler." He gave Alexa a red remote-like device, similar to the ones Principal Lamont had borrowed from the union. "This makes you a fully certified Pokémon Ranger!"
"Thank you, Barlow," Alexa said gratifyingly. Alexa looked at her new styler closely. "This one allows you to use Pokémon Assists, right?"
"Yeah. Do you know how they work?" Barlow asked.
"I know about Pokémon Assists, yes," Alexa confirmed. "There are 17 in total, with each having a different effect depending on the type."
"Hah, you certainly know a lot for a rookie," Barlow complimented. "But you'll learn better by seeing them for yourself."
"That's how I roll," Alexa said playfully.
"Anyhow, I've got your first mission ready for you," Barlow declared. "I want you to go with Crawford and deliver the Vien Tribune to everyone in Vientown and Chicole Village."
"No problem," Alexa complied.
"All right, then let's go, rookie," Crawford teased. Ryder and Alexa followed Crawford out of the base.

Several minutes later…

"So, Alex, disappointed that your first mission's a paper round?" Crawford asked teasingly. He, Alexa and Ryder were en route to a farm in Vientown.
"Not especially, since it's my first day," Alexa shrugged. "I wasn't expecting to go all 'let's stop that bank robbery!' on my first day," she laughed. They entered the farmhouse.
"Mama! The Triboon come!" a little boy called.
"Crawford and a stranger have come with the paper!" a slightly older girl shouted. A bulky blonde woman in a pink dress entered the room.
"Howdy, Crawford," she greeted. Little Tim also enters the room.
"Oh, hey, it's Alex again!" he exclaimed. "Ayup, I knew you'd be a Ranger!"
"Thanks, Little Tim," Alexa said thankfully. Crawford went over to him and gave him the newspaper. He and Alexa then exited the farmhouse.

"So that's Little Tim's place, huh?" Alexa pondered. "It has a quaint charm to it, I must admit."
"You sound like you haven't been in a farmhouse all your life," Crawford laughed.
"Well, my family back home is something of a high class one, to put it bluntly," Alexa muttered.
"Ah, mum and dad won't let you in the farm scene, huh?" Crawford teased. Alex felt uneasy.
"To put it lightly, yeah," she replied nervously. They approached another house in Vientown. Alexa looked in through the window. "Hey, nobody's home."
"Oh, that's Mr Woodward's workshop," Crawford began. "No doubt he's at Nabiki Beach. Let's go there."
"Okay." Alexa, Crawford and Ryder headed for Nabiki Beach.

At Nabiki Beach…

Crawford, Alexa and Ryder approached Mr Woodward, who was by the same Munchlax, Starly and Pachirisu from the one-day internship. Ryder growled with anger at the three Pokémon, but didn't attack them.
"Hello, Crawford," Mr Woodward greeted. "I think the Pokémon want to apologise to your friend's Lucario companion."
"Mr Woodward, this is Alex," Crawford introduced. "She was here the other day on her one-day internship."
"Ah, yes, I remember now!" Mr Woodward faced Alexa. "As I said, I believe Starly, Munchlax and Pachirisu want to apologise to your partner. Is that acceptable?"
"Well, it's not really up to me, it's Ryder they want to apologise to," Alexa began. "What do you think, Ryder?" she asked. Ryder scoffs.
May as well hear what they have to say for themselves, he sighed reluctantly. Pachirisu, Munchlax and Starly faced up to Ryder, who was reluctant to look down on the three little Pokémon.
"Chippachi pachi pachi…!" the Pachirisu squealed remorsefully.
"Munchlax…" Munchlax sighed.
"Starly, star, star, starly," Starly apologised. Ryder huffed again. He looked between the three sorry-looking Pokémon.
Since nobody got hurt, I'll let it go just this once, Ryder sighed.
"Ah, that's good to hear," Mr Woodward said with relief. Ryder faced the three Pokémon with a playful smirk.
Just don't make any more mischief like that again, he added.
"I'm sure they won't," Mr Woodward said kindly. "They've learnt their lesson." Starly, Munchlax and Pachirisu ran off happily, knowing that they had been forgiven. "Incidentally, where does that leave your Lucario?" Mr Woodward asked.
"Um…I'm not sure, to be honest," Alexa began. "Ryder is one of my Pokémon, a Pokémon who has his own Poké Ball. I'm not sure what to do with him."
"A Pokémon Ranger should have a partner Pokémon," Mr Woodward began. "Have you considered making your Lucario your partner Pokémon?"
"Partner Pokémon, eh?" Crawford inquired. Crawford's words somehow delighted Ryder.
"I'd like him to be my partner Pokémon," Alex began. "But I'm not sure if he's qualified. I mean, he knows powerful attacks, one of which he has difficulties mastering. I'm not sure…"
"So? Just because he's your own Pokémon, it doesn't mean he can't be a partner Pokémon," Crawford commented. "Besides, methinks Ryder likes the idea."
"Huh?" Alexa looked at her delighted partner.
Think of it this way; Keith told me to look after you, right? Being your partner Pokémon will allow me to do so! He explained joyfully.
"That settles it, then," Crawford began. "Ryder can now be your partner Pokémon!"
Alexa and Ryder were both equally delighted. While Crawford gave Mr Woodward the Vien Tribune, Alexa and Ryder expressed their shared gratitude with a friendly hug.

To be continued…