Solana held on tightly to Spenser's left arm and waist while Plusle clung for life on her left ankle.
As Fearow lowered itself to the ground, Spenser released his hold on its leg, landing on the soft grassy terrain.
"You can let go now, Solana," Spenser told the shaking youth who held on tightly to his left arm. Opening her eyes, Solana observed the area around her. They were in fact on the ground in an open field with a sandy walkway. Knees buckling, she let go of his arm and wobbled beside him.
"Not used to air travel are you?" Spenser chuckled.
"Not by Pokémon," Solana gasped as she tried to calm her nerves and racing heart.
"Well, you'll have to get used it as a Ranger. One of our primary modes of transportation is on the back of a Dragonite. But we'll work you up to that." His eyes shifted down to her leg, where he saw a small ball of creamish-yellow fluff. "This Plusle followed us out here?"
Now starting to regain some of her senses, Solana looked down at her left ankle, where sure enough, a frightened Plusle clung fiercely onto her, trembling. Solana reached her hand down and gently petted the shaking pokémon on her head.
"Plah Pla?" she cried softly, slowly opening her eyes. Seeing that they were now safely on the ground, she carefully stepped down from Solana's sneaker boot and loosened her grip on her ankle.
"Pla Plah?" she wondered as she looked around.
"Don't worry, you're safe, little one," Solana said warmly. "I was a little frightened myself."
Plusle glanced back up at Solana, before smiling widely.
"Plah Pla!" she chirped excitedly.
Just then, the two double doors to the Ringtown Rase Base slid apart, and a young man walked outside with a similar-looking pokémon beside him. The sudden unknown sound of the doors separating spooked Plusle, as did the unfamiliar human, and she quickly sped off north.
"W-Wait!" Solana cried out to her.
"Maybe it's intimidated being in an unfamiliar environment," Spenser commented. "I think it will come back here on its own later. We should return it to its natural habitat then."
Spenser turned to face the young man who had just exited the Ringtown Ranger Base.
"Welcome back, Leader!" the young boy greeted.
Solana turned and looked at the young student ranger as well. He looked be around her age, with chin-length hair that flared up in the back and slicked down in the front with an inward curtain-type fringe that created five separate curved bangs on his forehead. He had sapphire blue eyes and on his uniform on his upper arm was an orb that displayed the letter 'E' on it.
He caught her stare and turned to face her, crossing his arms.
"You know it's rude to stare."
"Huh?" Solana blushed. "Oh, no, I didn't…I-I didn't mean –"
He started chuckling, his stern glare becoming light and jovial.
"I'm only kidding." He laughed, amusedly. "Hiya! So, you're the hot rookie prospect?"
Solana scowled. "You know, it's not very nice to do that someone who's new!"
"Hey, lighten up, would you? It was a joke. You don't gotta be so serious," Lunick replied, nonplussed.
Solana flushed a little bit.
Spenser nudged Lunick lightly in his shoulder, and he rolled his eyes ever so slightly.
"The name's Lunick. Glad to meet you."
"Yeah…Same…" Solana muttered quietly.
Sensing a growing tension between the youths, Spenser decided it was time to interject.
"Lunick, this is Solana. She's becoming a Ringtown Ranger today."
"Solana, Solana…Solana…Okay, I've got it memorized…Wait, you're becoming a ranger today? Did you even take the certification test?"
"I voided it," Spenser answered. "Solana, assisted with a capture earlier today and demonstrated to me that she more than qualifies to be certified as a Pokémon Ranger."
"All you had to do was make a capture? You got it easy. The rest of us had to take written exams."
"Lunick –"
"But that must mean you have some natural talent to be able to make a successful capture on you're very first try," Lunick said quickly to avoid a scolding from his Area Leader.
"Uh…thanks…" Solana answered uneasily.
Spenser grinned and rested his hands on both students' shoulders. "Welcome to our team, Solana! You'll be working together with Lunick from now on. I want you both to do your best."
"Yes, Leader!" they both answered in unison. They stared awkwardly at each other for another moment.
Lunick spoke first. "Uh, this is my Partner Pokémon, Minun. Come on, introduce yourself pal!"
"Mai Mai!" the tiny rodent pokémon cried cheerily from beside his ranger's right foot.
Solana crouched down on the ground and petted him on his head between his ears.
"Nice to meet you little guy," she said warmly with a small smile.
"Mai Mai!"
Lunick smiled slightly as well.
She can't be all bad if Minun likes her. He thought.
Pleased that the awkward tension was evaporating, Spenser gestured to the base's double doors.
"Now that the introductions are out of the way, let's head inside."
Solana stood back up and the two students and Minun followed Spenser inside.
As they entered the lobby, Solana took note of the area. There was a large counter that stretched along the back of the room that wrapped around into an 'S' shape. A woman was sitting on the far-right side next to a small control panel. In the center was a large monitor stationed above multiple control panels, and on the left side was a smaller desktop computer. On the far-left rear of the lobby was an elevator that led to its upper and lower levels . The base itself was vacant aside from the perceived receptionist and someone who appeared to be another student ranger who looked a little bit older than her.
"Where is everybody?"
"Chowin' down," answered Lunick. "This is our lunch hour. You came when most everyone is out. Except for Murph of course."
"That's me!" said a young brunet, heavy-set teenager who Solana noticed earlier as she was observing the interior of the base. "Oh, yeah, yeah! Yup, I heard you were coming!" he said cheerily. "You're the letter writer, aren't you? I got to read them, too. You sure know how to express yourself!"
"O-Oh really?" Solana stammered slightly. Has everyone in this place read my letters?
He nodded his head vigorously. "My name's Murph. But you can just call me Murph."
"Um…okay." Why would he say that as if it was an abbreviation for another name?
Murph continued. "I've been a ranger for, oh, three years now. But my Ranger Rank hasn't gone up all that much… It's really tough, heheh…And this is my partner, Slowpoke. He's the faster of us two. Say hello pal!"
"Sloooowpoke," his pokémon yawned.
He looked back up at her smiling ear to ear. "Glad to meet you!"
"Nice meeting you too, Murph," Solana replied. There was a bit of an awkwardness to him but it was inviting and amiable in a way. He presented as very genuine.
Spenser walked to the center on the room in front of the large monitor and major control panel.
"All right, will everyone gather, please?" Spenser asked.
The three student rangers and two pokémon walked to the center of the room and faced their Area Leader.
"Solana, you're a member of the Ringtown Ranger Base starting today. That said, for me to recognize you as a fully qualified Ranger, you still have quite a ways to go. Your impressive capture and substantial knowledge aside, there's a mountain of things you have to learn from here on out. Are you sure you're up for it?"
"Yes, Sir," she answered. "I will do whatever I can to make sure I am keeping the citizens and rangers of this region safe. I am fully dedicated and committed to being a Pokémon Ranger and all the travails it entails."
Spenser nodded. "Okay. Your skill level aside, you are a real ranger in spirit. As compatriots in Ringtown, we'll all work together to the best of our abilities, sworn and devoted to maintaining balance and peace throughout all of Fiore."
"Yeah!" they all cried in unison.
Solana twirled and elongated her stylus on her capture styler while Lunick tossed his capture styler into the air and spun around, catching it moments later, both striking rather uncalled for, slightly showy but amusing poses. Murph, feeling inspired and pumped up from their coinciding performances tried to join in, but fumbled with his capture styler and dropped it on the ground. He scrambled to pick it up and held it high in the air, nervously sweating in embarrassment.
Spenser shook his head slowly. And it begins…
The doors to the Ringtown Ranger Base parted as a tall blond-haired man with a goatee came dashing inside.
"Trouble! There's trouble! It's a crisis! Help, help, help!" He ran in between Solana and Murph, pushing them to the side as he ran up to Spenser. "Listen, Spenser! My precious pokémon ran off in the Lyra Forest! Hurry! Capture my pokémon and take it into protective custody!"
Spenser smiled. "This sounds like the perfect mission for Solana."
"Me?" she cried, a little surprised.
"Yep. Enter the Lyra Forest and capture Larry's precious escaped pokémon. That's your first mission."
"First mission?!" Larry spat out, incredulously. "You're giving this mission to a fledgling rookie?!"
"Your pokémon will be in capable hands, Larry. Don't fear failure, Solana. Do you best."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa?!" Larry flailed his arms. "Don't be afraid of failure? Spenser, you have got to be joking! Failure's no good! She has got to be afraid of failing! This is my precious baby you are talking about! Are you sure it's going to be okay sending this rookie girl to handle this mission?"
Solana furrowed her brow. The emphasis on her novice status from all of them since she arrived was beginning to unnerve her. It was more than uncomfortable.
"Absolutely. There's nothing to be worried about. I believe in Solana."
"Can't one of your more experienced rangers take on this mission? Or better yet, you?!" Larry insisted.
Spenser turned to face Solana. "The Lyra Forest is right outside Ringtown up north. Lunick will accompany you. I'll meet you both there. Amie, watch the base for me while we're gone please."
"Yes, Leader." Answered the young lady behind the receptionist desk.
Nodding, Spenser exited the base.
"Well, isn't this just dandy," fumed Larry. "I asked Spenser because he's the most trustworthy ranger here. But look at this rookie. The least trustworthy face I've yet to see! If something so much as happens to my precious pokémon on your watch…So help me I'll…Ugh!"
And he stormed out of the base.
Solana stared uneasily at the base's doors. All the confidence she had coming into this position was being chipped away with every new experience and new person she met since she arrived.
"Solana, don't let it bug you." Solana glanced to her right where Lunick was standing. He had a focused yet mildly concerned look on his face as he spoke to her. "Larry can say some rotten things, but he doesn't really mean what he says. It's not important what he thinks of you. What matters is that you bring his pokémon back unharmed. Whatever negative perceptions he has will be dashed away once he sees you've safely brought back his companion."
Solana's heart fluttered slightly. That was perhaps the nicest most genuine thing anyone in this region had said to her yet. He seemed pretty off-kilter and goofballish when she first met him. Certainly not the attitude or personality she would expect of a Pokémon Ranger. But his words to her right now…He knew when to be serious. But he also knew she needed some encouragement.
"I'll give you a few simple tips about the capture styler. Besides capturing, your styler has many other convenient functions –"
"I know," Solana answered, perhaps a little too quickly.
Lunick cringed ever so slightly. "Okay…Well, your styler is not turned on. How about you show me how to do it."
The little comfort Solana felt moments ago from his supportive words disintegrated. "Are you being snarky with me?"
Lunick's brow crinkled even more. "What? Why are you even asking me that? I'm asking you to show me how to activate your capture styler since you seem to always want to show how much knowledge you have about being a Pokémon Ranger."
"You just met me. You don't know anything about me."
"No, but first impressions are that you're a little pretentious."
"Excuse me?!" Solana's cheeks started to turn slightly red.
"Why are you arguing with me?"
"You're the one insulting me!"
"I am not. You're interpreting it that way. A little word of advice: Don't overexplain. When you're asked a question, just answer it. No need to be excessive. You don't need to impress anyone here. You've already shown you're capable. So, stop trying so hard."
Solana's glare softened.
Lunick bowed his head slightly and sighed. "I'm sorry. That wasn't meant to sound rude. Just saying to take it easy a little. We may be students, but this is much more than an academic setting. We're entrusted to protect this region."
Solana averted her eyes, a little ashamed of the way she was coming across to her cohorts.
"I don't mean to be superfluous…I'm just really excited to be here finally."
"Superfa…?…Um…I'm sure you are excited. We're glad to have someone like you on the team. Just…Stop showboating."
"I am not showboating! Not intentionally, at least."
Lunick sighed again, this time in frustration. "Stop being defensive. I wasn't saying…Forget it. Can you please turn your capture styler on?"
Solana took her styler off of its holder on her hip and held it in her hands. She looked it over a few times before sighing herself.
"I…don't know how…" she muttered.
Lunick tried his best not to roll his eyes and groan. He outstretched his hand and Solana passed it to him.
"You take this part like this…" he began. The tiny monitor on the top of the device winked to life. The number 4/4 was displayed in the upper right-hand corner with a small bar. "This is how you open the menu. It'll display a ring of icons you can select to get to the function you want. Give it a try."
He passed it back to her and Solana did as she was instructed. Seven icons appeared on the tiny monitor.
"It can also show you your present location and give you information on pokémon, like a Pokédex. The Professor is supposed to be installing some more features on it soon like thermal imaging, data scanners, and some form of night vision, but he's still in the beta stages for those, I think. Don't quote me on that."
Solana tapped out of the menu.
"The Capture Styler really is an amazing piece of technology. With us not being able to use Pokéballs, it certainly makes it much easier to do what we gotta do. We have the Professor to thank for that for engineering and really spearheading the Pokémon Ranger profession with his colleagues."
"Professor Hastings is here?" asked Solana excitedly as she put the capture styler back on its holder on her hip.
"Yeah, probably back at his lab drawing out some blueprints and stuff. As PR rep and Chief of Technology he has to travel back and forth between Almia and Fiore. This is where he does most of his research and innovations."
"I see."
"Um, guys?" Murph interjected meekly. "I-I don't mean to interrupt, but you do have a mission to do. Larry and Leader are waiting for you."
Lunick thumped himself on his forehead. "Doi! Of course we do! Come on, Solana! We can't botch up your first real mission. Let's hurry!" he grabbed her by the hand and led her outside, his Minun following behind them.
As they ran north of the grassland town, they came upon an opening surrounded by trees and forestry. As they neared the forest, they saw Spenser and Larry waiting at the entrance.
"Are you feeling spooked by your very first mission?" Lunick asked as they ran.
"W-What? O-Of course not!" she retorted. "Besides, I already had a mission!"
"Not an official one. This'll be fun!" Lunick exclaimed as they entered the forest.
Spenser and a stressed Larry waited on the other side.
"Okay. Ready to begin your first rookie mission, Solana?"
"Yes, Sir!" she declared assertively.
Spenser nodded. "Your mission is to capture Larry's pokémon, which has fled to somewhere inside the Lyra Forest. You are also required to return the captured pokémon to Larry, who will be waiting here. This really shouldn't be an especially challenging mission. Larry, why don't you tell Solana what pokémon fled?"
Larry stammered. "It was my, uh…You know, um…It's on the tip of my tongue…You know, it's a…a…I'm just too upset right now! I can't remember what you call it!"
Solana smiled uncomfortably with a sweatdrop. What kind of Trainer doesn't even know what kind of pokémon they have?!
Larry continued sputtering. "It's powerful yet classy. It might appear to have a slinky look to it, but it's also clunky…"
What kind of description was that?!
"What I'm trying to say is…it's a pokémon! That's what it is!"
"Oh, um…" Solana didn't know what to say.
Spenser seemed to smile knowingly. "That's not much of a hint to go on. Well, Solana? Did you get what kind of pokémon Larry was referring to?"
"Um…to be honest…Not exactly," she replied nervously.
"That's okay. Lunick will accompany you. If there's anything you don't understand, you can always ask him. I'll wait here with Larry."
Lunick shrugged. "I wouldn't put too much stock in Larry's description if I were you."
"Excuse me?!"
"Come on, Solana. We better get a move on," Lunick averted as he and Minun walked ahead.
"Please, I'm begging you! Find my precious pokémon!" Larry shouted as they walked away.
"How can he not even know what pokémon he has? Or even what pokémon went missing? Does he have more than one? Of the same species?" Solana questioned aloud in frustration.
"When Larry's flustered his mind kind of goes blank," Lunick answered. "It's not so much that he doesn't know what pokémon he lost. The gears in his brain are just spinning too fast for him to process."
"Riiiight. Well, you know him. Certainly, you know what pokémon went missing?"
"Yep. But I am not allowed to tell you."
"What? Why?"
"Part of Ranger 101. One of the first things you learn when becoming a ranger is operating on very little intel. Sometimes clients don't always give you the information you need or are too worried to be coherent and give detailed accounts. In this case, both for Larry. You gotta use deductive reasoning and problem-solving to be able to perform your task, complete your mission, and ease your client's distress without further aggravating them."
As they approached a small clearing, a small pale green quadrupedal pokémon with dark green buds around its neck and a large green leaf protruding from its head that was larger than its entire body appeared.
"Look, Solana. A Chikorita. Maybe that could be the pokémon Larry was describing. What do you think?"
She put her hand to her chin in thought. "Chikorita is a bit clunky. Four short legs, a stubby tail and a sort of rectangular body shape."
"Go for it. It won't hurt to catch it."
"Other than maybe wasting time in finding the actual missing pokémon."
"You don't know what the missing pokémon is, so how can you be so sure this is a waste of time?"
"I guess you're right…in a way…sigh…Okay. Let's do this! Load Capture!" she said as she readied her capture styler. "Capture On!" she shouted as she released a capture disc from its compartment on the device. A light blue spinning top-like device flew out. Solana yanked her arm back then thrusted it forward, carefully maneuvering the capture disc as she drew loops around the small grass-type pokémon. She had successfully captured it in a few moments. After she finished, information appeared on her styler about the pokémon she had just captured, including its Dex Number, Type, Field Move if any, and its PokéAssist type.
"Wow. It really is like a Pokédex," Solana observed as she viewed the information that appeared on the monitor of her styler.
"Not bad," Lunick commented with his hand to his chin. "Looks like Chikorita came to accept your feelings of friendship."
"Chika Chika!" it said gleefully from the ground.
"You should catch another pokémon just in case."
"Shouldn't I ask Larry if this is his pokémon first?"
"You can, but remember I said the goal is to not cause the client further distress. You go too many times to Larry without his pokémon and the situation may take a bad turn."
"Fine," Solana moaned as she and Lunick searched the area further. She then saw a Zigzagoon scurrying near the river on the left side of the clearing. "I suppose the fur on it's body could be a little clunky."
"When in doubt –"
"I know. Make the capture anyway. Load Capture! Capture On!"
Solana once again directed the released capture disc at the pokémon. The Zigzagoon swerved and ran recklessly in a zigzag fashion, making the capture a little bit more difficult for Solana. It took a little longer to make this capture, but she was eventually able to successfully capture it.
"I'm taking these two over to Larry there. One of them has got to be his pokémon."
"Ooookaaayyy," Lunick singsonged, much to Solana's irritation. They walked back to the forest's entrance and Solana presented them to Larry.
His face turned red when she showed him. "The pokémon you've caught are not my darling! Those are wild pokémon! Mine is a lot more smooth and yet craggy too. I don't care how you do it!…Just get my precious darling back!"
"Okay, okay! I promise!" Solana said hurriedly as she spun around and ran back further into the forest, Lunick and Minun soon following behind her.
Larry quickly turned to Spenser. "I trusted you, Spenser! Why in the world would you send another rookie for this mission?! Is this a joke to you?!"
"Of course not, Larry. Just give her time."
Solana sighed as Lunick caught up with her.
"I'd hate to say I told you so, but –"
"Yes, yes! I know!"
"Getting a little flustered, are we?" Lunick asked quizzically.
"Maybe a little," Solana sighed again.
"Not so easy, right?"
"I never said it was easy."
"No, you just talked like you were a natural," Lunick finished for her. "Look, just relax. Stop trying to get it done as quickly as possible. This isn't an emergency rescue. Some missions can take several hours to complete. Think about what all you know, evaluate the surrounding pokémon, and make your capture."
Solana nodded. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then reopened and surveyed the area. There were more Chikorita in the field near where she caught the first one, and there were a few Mudkip hanging around by the river. She continued looking around until her eyes found a Taillow sitting on a branch in a tree, preening.
Solana's eyes focused. "Sleek, classy, smooth…slinky, powerful, clunky, and craggy." She meditated. "Taillow have a rounded smooth head, a slender-like body, elongated wings and is also very gutsy with powerful moves it learns early on such as Wing Attack, Aerial Ace, and Brave Bird. It fits at least three of the descriptions and is a common upper-class pet. This has got to be the pokémon! Load Capture! Capture on!"
With new confidence, Solana released the capture disc from her styler and immediately began circling around the small bird pokémon. The Tiny Swallow pokémon chirped nervously as it flew around and tried to break out of Solana's capture line loops. Solana watched its movements meticulously, carefully directing the capture disc, moving it away when it was too close, and making swift movements with her arm and wrist. After an extensive struggle, Taillow was successfully captured.
As Solana sighed, Lunick clapped his hands. "Good job, Solana. This is Larry's missing pokémon."
"Yes! I knew it!"
"Come on, let's take it back to Larry."
Together, the two of them walked back to the entrance of the forest. As soon as Larry saw his Taillow he jumped up and down and bound straight for it. He enveloped his bird pokémon in a tight hug.
"Oh-oh-oh! My darling Taillow! I thought I'd never see you again my darling!"
"Pii hyoooh!"
He let it go and it perched itself on his left shoulder. He turned to face Solana.
"…Well, I'll be darned. Good going, rookie. I really doubted you. Just goes to show your Leader Spenser knows talent when he sees it. I'm really sorry for giving you grief earlier. Thank you so much!"
"No problem!" Solana replied cheerfully.
He looked to his Taillow. "Let us go home now, my darling. I'm sure Rebecca's got some yummy treats for you and me both."
"Taillow!"
And with that, Larry and his Taillow exited the Lyra Forest and made their way back to Ringtown.
Spenser turned to face Solana.
"Congratulations, Solana. You did it. We actually knew who Larry's pokémon was all along, but we kept it quiet. I wanted to see how you would deal with this situation on your own. I wanted to see if you had the drive and tenacity to solve a problem even though you had very little information."
"Thank you, Leader. But I wasn't really dealing with it on my own. I had Lunick to help me," she said as she glanced back over to him, causing him to smile widely that she acknowledged his presence.
Spenser nodded. "That just assures me further that I made the right decision making you two partners. Great job, Solana. You've passed your first official mission with flying colors."
"Well, I wouldn't say flying colors," Lunick remarked. "To tell you the truth, Solana, I had to catch Larry's Taillow for my rookie mission as well. It's kind of like an initiation for all starting rookie rangers. That's why we were so laid-back about it. Taillow escapes Larry at least twice a week, I think to get away from his suffocating smothering affection. The poor thing must feel repressed."
"That's enough, Lunick," Spenser said sternly. "It's not our business how or why Taillow keeps getting out. It's not in any danger under Larry's care or being abused in any way. Our operation and priority is always bringing it back safely to Larry, whatever the reason. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir," he replied apologetically.
Spenser relaxed as he faced Solana again. "Well, Solana. In completing and clearing your first rookie mission, you have now joined the ranks of Pokémon Rangers in name and in deed."
Before Spenser could finish, a young boy with a backwards yellow cap on his head and a bright red tee shirt ran up to the group of rangers.
"Spenser! Spenser!" he cried. "There are some trees on fire! Please help!"
"What? Well, that's an unexpected turn of events. Lead us to it! Solana, Lunick! Get ready to fight a fire!"
"Yes, Sir!" they declared in unison.
The young boy led them to a part near the left side of the clearing where a few trees growing close together were collectively aflame. Flames covered the topmost parts of the trees while smoke rose above, suggesting it was ignited from the treetops.
"Time for a Target Clear! Lunick, you know what to do!" he said before running off.
"Right!" he answered. "Come on, Solana! To the river!"
As the two of them separated from Spenser, Lunick continued with his Leader's instruction. "Alright, Solana. We gotta move fast and make this quick. What do you know about Target Clears?"
"Target Clearing is the process of solving a problem using the abilities of pokémon we temporarily catch with our stylers."
"Correct!" Lunick said as he found a Croconaw and started his capture. "What do you do when you see a problem a pokémon can aid us in solving?"
"Scan the area with the styler to see if it gives any reading on a Field Move, moves a pokémon can use that will best remedy the issue."
"Yes! Now since this is a fire, we clearly need a water-type, right? But we need water types with good waterpower. You can scan pokémon for movesets as well. Capture one of these pokémon that can best help us right now!"
Solana looked around and saw Mudkip near where Lunick was capturing the Croconaw. She quickly scanned it with her styler. It read that this pokémon's current moveset was Hydro Pump, Mudslap, Growl, and Dig.
"It's knows Hydro Pump."
"Hurry and catch it!" he said as he finished his capture and ran back to the triplet of trees.
Taking up her styler once more, Solana once again proceeded to capture her target pokémon. After she finished, she ran back to join Lunick and Spenser, who were already in the process of dousing the flames. Spenser himself had captured a Blastoise. Solana ordered the Mudkip to use Hydro Pump and it blasted powerful spiraling jets of water from its mouth. It took several minutes but eventually the flames were finally extinguished. Many of the leaves on the trees were reduced to ashes, with a few lingering ones hanging near the trunk, unscathed.
Solana and Lunick exhaled in relief.
"That literally was a trial by fire, but I'd say you did excellently, Solana" commented Spenser.
The little boy who had ran to them earlier bowed. "Thank you, rangers! I…um…I was going to tell you earlier but I couldn't...It's my fault those trees caught fire!…I was pretending to be a ranger like you and tried to catch a Torchic…But I startled it…It breathed a spiraling flame from its mouth and the trees caught fire, and…I'm so sorry!…I know I shouldn't be messing with wild pokémon! I'll try really hard to learn more about pokémon and be more respectful of their feelings and space! I'm really, really, REALLY, sorry, Spenser Sir!" he blathered.
Spenser crossed his arms. "Well said, little guy. That took guts to say and own up to what you did wrong. Some adults can't even bring themselves to admit when they've made a mistake. Don't ever forget what you just said. Always be respectful of pokémon, their feelings and their space. This is their home. We're just visiting it."
"Yes, Spenser Sir!" he shouted before running away.
Spenser watched him for a moment more before turning back to his student rangers. "All right. Let's head back to our ranger base, you two. Job well done."
Nodding, both students and Minun followed Spenser back to the Ringtown Ranger base.
When they finally arrived, Murph greeted them from inside.
"Hiya, guys! You were sure gone a long time."
"Some other stuff came up," replied Lunick as Spenser took his position in front of the large monitor. Murph and Lunick immediately recognized it as Spenser getting ready to address and they hurried to the center and stood at attention. Catching on to what was going on, Solana joined them as well.
"Okay, good job team. Your work on your first rookie mission was pretty impressive, Solana. To be completely honest, I wasn't sure how well you would do. But you've once again proven your merit and showed that your talent exceeds beyond knowledge. With that said, Lunick, Solana, I want you to patrol the city this evening. A ranger's job isn't only about doing rescue missions. Patrolling the city is yet another one of the important things we do. If anything happens, you let me know immediately. Clear?"
"Roger!" Lunick saluted.
"Murph, can you stay and help me with the inventory in the back?"
"Yes, Sir, Leader!"
"Come on, Solana. Let's hit the streets and hear what our citizens have to say!"
Nodding, Solana followed Lunick outside of the base.
"The day's really gone by quick." Said Solana. "The sun's already setting."
"Time flies when we're on the job. Today's been sort of a slow day but evenso, we always find a way to have a blast. Most folks around this town already know who we are."
"Yeah, I think I heard that from a lady at the Tourist Center in Fall City."
"We're a tightknit community and an interdependent region. We don't have a very big populace like the interconnected Kanto-Johto regions, but we have a certain intimacy to the point where everyone knows we can always rely and depend on each other no matter what."
Solana smiled softly. "That sounds so beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen or experienced anything like that. Orre is lovely, Agate especially, but we still have our rough spots like Pyrite and the Underground. Even with our two heroes, there's still a lot of work to be done to rebuild trust among everyone in the region."
Lunick stared at her for several moments, contemplating whether he should ask what he had been wondering the entire time since they met.
"Hey, Solana?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure. Go for it."
"Why did you –"
Before he could finish asking his question, the cry of a panicked pokémon alerted them.
"Did you hear that?" asked Lunick.
"I did. And I recognize that cry. Come on, let's go!"
The two of them sprinted north. When they reached the middle of the town, they saw the same Plusle Solana had encountered earlier being chased by Larry's Taillow. The Taillow flied at Plusle, its wings glowing a brilliant white as it tried repeatedly to slash the frightened Plusle, who was struggling to dodge each of its attacks as she fled with her Quick Attack.
Larry was trailing behind them, barely keeping up.
"Wait, wait, wait up! Wait, my darling Taillow!" he panted. "Calm down! Please calm down, my precious Taillow! You can strain your wing! We don't want a single feather out of place, my darling!"
Lunick's eyes hardened. "Larry's Taillow is after that little Plusle. We've got to save it."
Plusle immediately recognized Solana and started running straight towards her when Larry's Taillow flipped in the air, becoming engulfed in streaks of white light, flying straight for Plusle as it prepared to strike her with its Aerial Ace. Knowing she could not dodge the move, she stopped running and turned to face the enraged Taillow. Blue static electricity sparked from her cheeks just before she released a thin stream of light blue electricity from her body at the Taillow. The Taillow was instantly halted and cried out as it was struck and paralyzed from the Thunder wave. After about three seconds, Plusle resumed running and hide behind Solana's right ankle, holding onto her defensively.
"Now's your chance, Solana, while it's paralyzed!" advised Lunick.
"Right!" Solana replied. "Capture On!" she shouted as she released a capture disc from her styler. This time she was able to capture Taillow much more effortlessly than when she initially went up against it. It twitched from the paralysis.
After she succeeded in capturing it, Lunick walked up to the shocked Taillow and treated it with a Paralyze Heal and a Potion.
Larry rushed over to them. "Is it hurt? Is my precious Taillow okay?" he squealed.
"Taillow's going to be just fine. I cured its paralysis and also gave it a potion for more energy. It's right as rain."
"Taillow! Taillow Taillow!" it cried joyfully as it flapped its wings and flew back up into the air.
Larry sighed in relief. "Oh, thank heavens."
A teenage girl older than them both jogged up beside Larry and bowed her head. "Thank you for capturing my dad's Taillow again, ranger! We owe you a big thanks!"
"Oh, it was no problem at all, really." She smiled.
Lunick stood back up. "Larry, can you explain something? Why was your Taillow chasing this little Plusle?"
Larry's features hardened. "Because it's a little brat! That's why!"
"Daddy!" the young girl shouted. "Please excuse him. When Taillow was reunited with my father he was beside himself, he was so happy. He was petting Taillow over and over again, showering it with affection. I think the little Plusle became jealous of how my dad was giving Taillow all of his attention. So, it started bugging Taillow. It tried to ignore its pestering at first for a while, but Plusle was so persistent. Taillow finally became enraged and started attacking it. I'm not entirely sure if that's necessarily the case but that's my take on it."
"Is that so?" wondered Solana. She looked down at the small pokémon cowering at behind her foot and bent down and gently picked her up, holding her in her arms.
"I see," said Lunick. He turned to the little electric mouse pokémon Solana held in her hands. "Plusle, you better apologize to Taillow properly."
"But we don't really know what happened between them?" defended Solana.
"No, but the Taillow was injured and offended either way. It doesn't hurt to apologize. Go on, Plusle."
Plusle looked up at Solana, then crawled up on her right shoulder, bowing her head and drooping her ears slightly.
"Pla Plaaah!"
"Taillow! Tailloow!"
Larry's daughter nodded her head. "I think that Plusle might be lonesome. That's just the feeling I get anyway."
"It doesn't matter if it is or not. What matters is that my darling Taillow is back safe with me!" Larry insisted. "Come, my darling. Let us go back home now and forget that rude Plusle."
Larry turned right and started walking east towards their house. His Taillow flew behind him.
His daughter once again bowed her head in gratitude. "Thanks again, rangers!"
She waved and followed her father and his pokémon back home.
"Bye!" Lunick waved back.
Plusle ran back over to Solana and hopped excitedly in front of her.
"Plaah Plah!"
Lunick walked up beside her. "You think maybe's she's lonely like Larry's daughter Rebecca said?"
"I don't know. But I've been running into this little one ever since I arrived here," she knelt on her right knee and petted the Plusle between her ears. She cooed in delight and rolled over on her back for Solana to scratch her belly.
Lunick smiled slightly. "She seems to have taken to you already. Look how she wants to be babied by you."
"I wouldn't say babied," Solana said as she continued to pet her. Plusle rolled back on her belly and ran up Solana's arm and perched herself on her right shoulder again. She affectionately rubbed her cheek against hers.
"Oh, you are just the sweetest, cutest little thing ever!" Solana squealed, chuckling lightly.
Lunick's smile widened even more. "Looks to me like you two have connected on an emotional level past the amicableness of the capture styler."
Solana's styler started beeping and when she glanced at it, she saw that it had recorded information on Plusle.
"What? How did that happen? I didn't even scan you," Solana wondered.
"You made a connection that the capture styler was able to pick up without you making a capture," Lunick observed. "I don't think I've ever seen that before. You said you've been bumping into this little guy since you arrived?"
"Mhm. I first met her in Fall City's harbor. She was trapped inside a crate. Then I saw her being attacked by a wild Houndoom in the town and had to capture her to protect her and the city from being further damaged. Then she followed Spenser and me here to Ringtown by clinging onto my leg and hitching a ride."
"Is that right? Wow, I'd say a lot has happened in a short amount of time between you two. Plusle really trusts you to keep her safe. It looks like you've really bonded."
"I think I'm in love," Solana murmured softly.
"I think that settles it then," Lunick replied, closing his eyes for a moment before reopening them. "I think this Plusle would make a perfect partner for you, Solana. I guarantee it. Right buddy?"
"Mai Mai! MaiMai Mai!" his Minun replied from below.
"Partner?" asked Solana.
"You do know about Partner Pokémon, don't you, Miss Know-it-All?"
"Of course I do! And don't call me that! I…just didn't know I was allowed to have one so soon."
"Well, true. It usually takes rangers a long time to develop a bond with a pokémon so strong that a pokémon wants to travel with them. Certainly more than a day for sure. But I'd say this is perhaps an extraordinary case. Leader still will have to clear you for it, though."
"You think he will be okay with this? That he'll be accepting of it?" Solana asked timidly. "He was pretty insistent on me taking Plusle back to her nesting grounds after our mission."
"Well, let's go and ask him," he extended his hand to her. Solana eyed it for a moment, before taking his hand and standing to her feet.
"Come on. Let's finish patrolling the city and then let's go get your partner registered. Plusle, you're with us now."
"Plah Pla Plaahh!"
It was already dark out by the time Solana and Lunick had returned from patrolling. They mostly checked on how the citizens were doing, sometimes running a few minor errands. Solana really enjoyed taking the time to get to know each resident in Ringtown. Everyone with the exception of Larry seemed so neighborly and kind. So much had happened just on her first day as an official pokémon ranger. She was curious how the rest of her days would be in Fiore.
"Reporting back from patrol, Leader." Lunick announced and he and Solana approached his desk. Spenser appeared to be finishing some signatures on a packet of documents that were on his desk.
"You two were gone longer than I thought you'd be," he said without looking up. He finished signing the page he was on, then he slid the packet into a manila folder and put the folder inside one of the drawers of his desk.
"There were quite a number of people who needed assistance today. We also had another run-in with Larry and his Taillow."
"I heard. Rebecca stopped by to tell me," he said standing from his desk and walking to his position in the center of the room. His eyes shifted to the tiny electric pokémon perched on Solana's right shoulder.
"Is that the same Plusle that tagged along with us from Fall City, Solana?"
"Um…Yes, Leader," she replied shyly.
"That's the encounter we had with Larry and his Taillow." Answered Lunick. "She was in a scuffle with Taillow while we were out on patrol and we did what we needed to pacify the situation. Larry seems to think she's a little prankster, getting into all kinds of trouble because of it. And his daughter thinks she's lonely. But what's clear is this little one doesn't seem to have forgotten how Solana came to her rescue in Fall City. And then she saved her again from Larry's Taillow this evening. Because of this, there's something we want to ask you."
"There's no need, Lunick. I can see it with my own eyes. Solana chose that Plusle as her Partner Pokémon, right?"
Solana nodded her head vigorously. "Plusle chose me just as much as I chose her. May I keep her as my forever Partner Pokémon, Leader? Please?"
"Plah Plah?" Plusle's eyes also begged the question.
Spenser closed his eyes as he bowed his head. "I can see that you both make a decent combination already. The bond you both have is clear and palpable. Of course you may keep that Plusle as your Partner Pokémon, Solana."
Both Solana's and Plusle's eyes shimmered.
"Yes!" she exclaimed as she took Plusle from her shoulder and hugged her tightly. "I have my very own pokémon! And it's one as great as you are, little one!"
"Plah Plah! Plah Plaahh!"
Solana hugged her for a moment more before placing her down on the ground. She then ran up to Lunick's Minun and the two pokémon jumped up and down and did a little cheer.
All three of them chuckled.
"Looks like she's already made friends with Minun. She's most definitely a keeper then." Remarked Lunick.
Spenser walked over to his metal file cabinet on the left side of the base and pulled out a sheet of paper from one of the organizers. He walked back and handed it to Solana. "This is the Partner Pokémon registration form. When a ranger has finally decided on their Partner Pokémon, they must register said Pokémon with the Union so that it is documented that your pokémon is officially a part of the team and distinguished from aid pokémon. We can mail it out in the morning."
"Yes, Leader," said Solana as she took the piece of paper from him and walked over to the counter, taking a pen and signing the document.
Nodding, Spenser walked over to the elevator where his Fearow rested and scratched his pokémon underneath its chin.
"Most everyone has already gone home for the night. Lunick, I'm leaving you in charge of lockup tonight."
"Yes, Leader!"
Nodding again, Spenser gestured to his pokémon and Fearow, after shaking its plumage, got up and walked with him as they started for the base's entrance.
"Good job today, Solana. Really. On your first day you have already given me something to be immensely proud of."
"O-Oh! Thank you, Leader!" she blushed slightly. "Have a good night!"
Spenser waved before finally exiting the base with his Partner Pokémon.
Lunick walked over to Solana and leaned over onto the counter.
"I take it you don't have a place to crash tonight do you?" he asked. "You don't have a house or reservations at a hotel?"
"No…I don't…" Solana muttered. "I didn't even think of that…How could I not have thought or planned for that?"
Lunick chuckled. "Don't sweat it. We have beds in the back room for overnights or if we are just too exhausted to get our tired butts home. You can sleep there until you have your whole living situation straightened out."
"Are you sure?"
"Course I'm sure. Follow me."
He led her to the back storage room. There were four individual twin beds with metal frames, two on either side of the room. There was a half bathroom with a sink and a few toiletries, along with shelves of storage bins, reading material, and a dresser.
"You can put your clothes in the dresser. Laundry is downstairs near the locker room. Showers are downstairs as well. There should already be a few clean towels and toiletries back here. Bathroom's there on the right. It can get stuffy in here so it may be a good idea to crack the window."
He went over to one of the storage bins and pulled out a fitted sheet.
"Oh, no need. I brought my own bedding," Solana said quickly.
"You brought your own bedding but still forget where you'd end up sleeping?" Lunick joked as he put the sheet back up.
"I was in kind of a rush," Solana said as she sat down on the bed closet to the rear wall. Plusle jumped up next to her.
Lunick walked back over to her and sat on the other bed across from her on the same side, Minun joining him as well.
"You didn't really have to, you know? We weren't expecting you for a few more days."
"I know. Let's just say I needed to get away from a bad situation."
Lunick frowned slightly. "I know it's not my business to ask, but I hope you're not implying you're coming from a broken or abusive household."
"No, of course not. I was just really eager to get started, and there was no real reason why I couldn't leave sooner. Once I received that acceptance and invitation letter from Spenser, there was nothing that could hold me back from coming here."
Lunick nodded his head slowly. He wasn't going to pry into her personal life anymore, it was clear she wasn't telling him everything. And she didn't need to.
"So, Solana? Why did you choose here? Fiore. To become a ranger. You didn't necessarily have to move from so far away. You mentioned Agate and Pyrite, which makes me think of Orre. If that's where you're from, that's a crazy long way from here."
Solana giggled. "Yeah, it is. I guess…I guess, I chose Fiore, one because Spenser was here, and come on, he's one of the very best in the field. To be mentored by him is a dream come true."
"He's pretty amazing right?"
"He's totally amazing!"
Lunick chuckled as well. "I've idolized him for years, I feel you on that. But I also was born here. And as great as Spenser is, there are quite a number of exceptional Area Leaders scattered throughout the world. Why did you settle on Fiore? And why would you uproot your life to live in a completely new region where you'll inevitably have to learn and adapt to new a culture and customs and way of living? I'm not saying it's not possible. But it is a big life change. I mean, doesn't Orre have Pokémon Rangers?"
Solana's eyes drifted down to her lap. "Well, we have a few. But they're more like park rangers than anything else. We have a really good protective force in Duking and Sheriff Sherles. But well, Orre has had its fair share of troubles. Twice my region was under attack by an evil syndicate. But two amazing trainers stepped up and protected us from catastrophe."
"Wow, really?"
Solana nodded. "Wes and Michael. Two of the bravest, crazy strong and valiant heroes I have ever seen. They are fearless. I mean the things they went through, Wes especially. I mean his story alone is just extraordinary and inconceivable. The many things he had to endure…But they both made the absolute best that they could of their terrible situations and circumstances and ended saving the entire region and disbanding the evil syndicates working together. I guess they were partially my inspiration for wanting to become a ranger. But with them as our protectors, the region has achieved peace and tranquility for the very first time and is on its way to becoming a thriving economy and a beacon of trust and hope. People aren't terrified that some Cipher gang or Team Snagem thug is going to hurt them or steal their pokémon. With them constantly monitoring the region, there's no doubt Orre is safe. So, there's no reason for me to stay there as a ranger, really."
"I see."
Solana petted Plusle on the head. "I want to do some real good. Make a real impact and difference in this world. I want to show that, no matter how tough things may get, how impossible it may seem, that no one has to worry because I, as a Pokémon Ranger, will fulfill my civil and sworn duty to maintain peace and balance of my governing region. That every pokémon, person, and biome will be protected and safeguarded from any and all harm. That you can rely on me to uphold and maintain order and serenity. Fiore itself means flower. Named after one of the earliest natural lifeforms. It's no question I had to be here. Fiore was calling me. And I answered."
Lunick was quiet as stared at her in amazement. The passion. The conviction. The ideals that she held…they mirrored his own, nearly to a T. This girl…was something special.
Solana caught his unwavering stare.
"Um…you okay?…Why are you looking at me like that?"
Lunick blinked, then shared a look with his partner Minun before chuckling and looking back up at her.
"Nothing. I see now what Leader meant by what he said. I had you pegged all wrong," laughed Lunick.
"Excuse me? What's that supposed to mean?" asked Solana, clearly offended.
Lunick shook his head. "Nothing, 'Lana."
He stood to his feet and started for the storage room's door. Minun followed behind him and he placed his hand on the doorknob.
"'Lana?" Solana questioned quietly to herself.
"You know, I think you and I will make great partners," he said finally. "There's a lot a similarities between us. But you're your own person. For what it's worth, I'm glad you chose Fiore. Because it called you, I got to meet one awesome girl."
Solana's heart fluttered ever so slightly.
Lunick smiled widely. "Good Night, Solana. See you in the morning. We can discuss getting you situated and finding you a house later. You should get some sleep. You've more than earned it."
And with that, Lunick and Minun exited the room.
Solana stared at the spot he was just moments earlier. He may have seemed like goof initially, but as she started to realize earlier, this boy had moments of clarity and wisdom and was very well spoken. That was the person she was going to be working with from now on. Lunick Kaneko.
"Plah Pla!"
She looked back down at her new Partner Pokémon and petted her gently on her head between her ears.
"It's settled then. Lucky for me, Plusle, from now on, you and I are officially partners. We're for real, real deal certified Pokémon Rangers."
"Plah Pla!"
She smiled softly. "I don't know what's in store for us, but I'm glad you're by my side. And I'm glad I won't be sleeping my first night alone. Thanks for choosing me, Plusle."
"Plah Plah!"
She looked back at the door.
"And thank you for choosing me too, Lunick."