Solana stretched as she slowly sat up from the bed. She hadn't realized just how exhausted she was from the captures she made yesterday. Solana always considered herself an active and physically fit person. She prided herself in pushing herself beyond her limits because in her mind, it only strengthened her more and increased her resilience and tolerance. But it was clear her body wasn't trained for the kind of physical strain she had to do with swiftly making captures. Even her bones felt like they ached. Perhaps she would inquire more about the training regimen the team has to go through for their missions. And maybe it would be wise to go back and use some of her gymnastics in the field. Might help to avoid if not mitigate the soreness she was feeling from work from yesterday.
Swinging her legs out of bed, Solana was careful not to stir her sleeping Plusle. The little mouse pokémon was curled in a ball on her side near where her feet had rested. The fine hairs of her plushy pale primrose colored fur swayed gently against the zephyr flowing mildly downwards from the air vent above them.
Solana smiled as she gazed at her new Partner Pokémon. She couldn't actually believe she truly had a pokémon to call her own, and who also wanted to be a part of her life as well and leave her familiar in the wild. I mean, sure, there was her mother's Delcatty and her parents' other pokémon. But they were retired Pokémon Trainers. Being a Pokémon Ranger, their objective is the preservation of nature, and capturing a pokémon and taking it away from its home and habitat was a major 'No-No'. 'You can gain the trust of a pokémon and be amiable without taking it from its home' was clearly outlined in the Pokémon Ranger Handbook, going through all the complexities and intricacies of why this was so very important, even if the pokémon wanted to travel with you itself. The ecosystem throughout regions would collapse and fall to ruin if pokémon were removed from their homes and habitats. The natural order would be disrupted and destroyed. And the population of pokémon would greatly decrease and run the risk of endangerment and extinction, which would also include the fauna in wildlife. That is why Pokémon Trainers, Pokémon Coordinators, Pokémon Idols, Gym Leaders, and Stadium Events all had to be licensed, certified, and registered. Not only so that it was legal for them to capture pokémon, but also so that the International Union for the Conservation and Preservation of Pokémon, Nature and Natural Resources can scrupulously document and register the pokémon under the care of individuals comparatively to those living in the wild and best assess which species of Pokémon and fauna may need more protection. Both Pokémon Breeders and Pokémon Rangers serve directly under the IUCPPN. Rangers file reports to the Ranger Union, who then give final accounts and status to the IUCPPN from each of their respective regions, while Breeders work to conserve and preserve pokémon before reintroducing to either the wild or pokémon sanctuary, based on the species and individual pokémon's needs. Both professions work with the global organization to ensure the preservation, maintenance, and protection of wildlife. Under that context, it is more than understandable why Pokémon Rangers specifically are not allowed to "own" or remove any pokémon or fauna from nature. However, the IUCPPN also recognized the bond between Pokémon and mankind, as the Ranger Union Heads made their case years ago when the profession was in its infancy. And after a long and heated court case, Pokémon Rangers were allowed to accept one pokémon only as their forever Partner, and the relationship would be documented that these pokémon who work with Pokémon Rangers were different than those owned by Pokémon Trainers and Breeders, wherein the pokémon were certified members of the Pokémon Ranger profession, separate of Assist Pokémon used in the field, and so each pokémon that was registered and partnered with a Pokémon Ranger was categorized under a different section and given their own unique badge number, pokémon identification number, code, and benefits.
It's a gigantic cistern overflowing with such legalese barely any ordinary person could even begin to comprehend it. But thankfully Professor Hastings and the Union Chiefs were equipped and ready to deal with the many legal jargon and terminology and with their legal team was able to win their case. There was talk floating around about a possible reopening of the case to allow rangers to have more than one Partner Pokémon, though still limited so not to disturb the bars set by the IUCPPN, but that was still a long way off. What mattered now was that because of the Union's concerted efforts, Solana was now legally able to have a pokémon of her own, a pokémon whom she adored and was her first friend, despite only knowing each other for a very short amount of time. That's how powerful their bond was, which she suspected would have to be the case for every pokémon ranger to who had a Partner Pokémon.
Musing to herself, Solana stepped out of bed and went over to her traveling backpack she brought with her. She took out a pair of clean underwear before walking over to the storage room closet and pulling out a spare uniform that was the same size as the one Spenser sent her. The one she wore the day before she had planned to wash in the laundry room on one of the lower floors.
After gathering her clothes, Solana walked into the adjoined bathroom to begin getting ready for the day. This would be her official second day on the job and she was eager and ready to show what she could do. After washing herself off with the water from the sink and brushing her teeth, Solana stepped back out with her summer pajamas. She made a mental note to ask Lunick to show her where the showers were today so she could bathe properly. When she stepped back into the room, she saw the pair of warm brown eyes shimmering at her.
"Plah Pla Pla!" her Plusle greeted cheerfully with perky ears, waving her tiny arms and standing erect on the bed. Whatever tiredness she may have had before Solana got out of bed was very clearly gone now.
Smiling, Solana walked over to the bed and petted her gently on her head between her ears, evoking a high-pitched squeal of delight from the electric pokémon.
"Good Morning to you too, Plusle dear. Did you have a great sleep last night?"
"'Plah Pla Plah!" she replied excitedly.
"That's wonderful," Solana said as she put her night clothes into her backpack and put on her uniform. "I was mostly so excited, I almost didn't fall asleep. It all felt too much like a dream. But how I felt when I opened my eyes and I was actually in this bed, in the Ringtown Ranger Base with my beloved Partner Pokémon Plusle beside me! It's really for real! We're certifiably Pokémon Rangers! Isn't it awesome?!"
"Plah Pla Plah! Pla Plah!"
Solana balled her fists. "I am so ready to show my merit and usefulness and just how much of an asset I can be to this team! You ready to go on out there and show Fiore what Team Solana and Plusle can really do!"
"Plah Plah!" the tiny mouse pokémon cheered as she pumped her tiny paws and did a midair flip before landing back down on the bed, her cheeks sparking with excitement.
Solana giggled in excitement. "Alrighty! Let's go!"
Plusle gleefully hopped on her shoulder as Solana made up the bed.
"Plah Plah Plah?"
"Huh? Lunick?" she wondered.
"Plah Pla. Plah Pla Pla."
"Oh yeah, I guess he and Minun are also our partners."
After she finished, she started making her way to the storage room door.
"Plah Pla Pla Plah?"
"What do I think of him?…I mean, I don't know. He's pretty goofy. Kinda weird. A little rude and childish. But he seems to mean well…And he's…surprisingly patient with me…And even more surprisingly and peculiarly eloquent, even though he's not very articulate…I-It's too early to really say how I feel about him. But we were made partners for a reason, right? So, there must be something that Spenser sees. And I trust his judgment."
"Plah."
As Solana turned the knob of the storage room door and looked into the lobby, she saw Spenser standing behind his desk at the control center, entering information into the computer to left. A few other rangers were scattered throughout the base, standing in corners, at tables, chatting, and some were behind their own personal work desks typing in information of their own.
At one of the right-side tables closest to the entrance to the base sat Lunick and Murph, with Minun standing on the table in front of Lunick and Slowpoke laying beside Murph at his feet.
They both noticed her and Lunick waved her over to join them.
Sheepishly, Solana navigated her way over to the circular table.
"You slept in a bit. Did you have a rough night?" asked Murph.
"No, slept fine. Was a little excited but – wait! I slept in?! How long?! What did I miss?!"
"Leader let you sleep. Told no one to wake you. Considering it was your first day and all and we got back late. Guess he wanted to make sure you were well rested for today." Answered Lunick.
"Yeah, and considering the different unpredictable trying missions you had to do yesterday, you most likely needed the extra rest. I mean, I'm sure you're aching all over. That's a lot of work for a rookie on the first day."
Solana crinkled her brow. "Can you not call me that, please? It's diminishing."
Murph gasped. "Oh no, I'm sorry, Solana! I didn't mean to –"
"Don't apologize, Murph. You didn't do anything wrong," Lunick interjected.
"Excuse me?!" Solana gawked.
Murph frowned slightly. "Lunick, if she feels bad about it –"
"Murph, you weren't saying it as an insult. You were stating the facts – that she's a rookie, a novice. Which she is," he turned back to face Solana. "Remember that whole perspective thing I told you about yesterday? It's how you're interpreting what Murph said, not what is actually the case."
"You are so stinkin' rude, Lunick! I thought you were supposed to be my partner!"
"And I thought you were more mature, but I was wrong. You are a pretentious know-it-all."
"You jerk!"
"Guys…" Murph muttered. He never meant to start a brawl between these two. He hated seeing his friends argue.
Lunick didn't back down. "You are taking what Murph said and giving it an entirely new meaning and affect because he's the one who said it. Let me ask you something, when Spenser called you 'a complete rookie who doesn't know her left from her right yet,' how did you take it? Did you ask him to stop calling you that? When he said it numerous times afterwards and Larry called you a rookie, did you tell them to stop?"
"I can't do that! They are my superiors! I can't just speak to them any ole way!"
"Larry is a client. If he is rude, we can refuse him and he can get help from another facility. And Spenser is our superior and our boss, but if he is saying something that is hurting your feelings, you have the freedom and the right not just to ask him to please stop, but to freakin' make him aware that you don't like that word or being called that. Because you obviously find it insulting."
"You're oversimplifying it!"
"No, I am not. You just seem to have this thing with authority. And superiority. And it's not fair to your coworkers like me and Murph. We're a team, Solana. Our operations are grounded in communication. We can't maintain balance and harmony if there is discord among us."
"Stop talking down to me!"
"That is exactly my point! I am not belittling you. But that seems to be what you hear. What you interpret. Whether you see us as equals or not, you need to plant yourself firmly in reality and learn to trust and communicate – with your teammates, with our bosses, with our clients. Because we all cannot monitor what we say especially when we don't even know what's going on with you. Perspective is your reality until you open your mind up to see others."
A few terse moments passed between the triplet of preteens, the conversations of the surrounding tables and people in the area becoming suddenly clearer and louder. Murph rested a hand on Lunick's shoulder and nodded to Solana, denoting to him to take a closer look. Turning back to look at Solana more carefully, he saw that she was hugging herself with her arms. Her legs were smashed together, and her body was locked tightly in a defensive position. Her eyes were averted looking downwards and to the left, and there were tearstains marked on her face. Her Plusle tried to soothe her by rubbing her tensed right arm from her shoulder.
Lunick also realized he had stiffed up and he slowly exhaled and relaxed.
He got up from the table and walked over to the nearby windowsill, returning with of box of soft tissues.
"I'm sorry, Solana," he said calmly as he held the box out in front of her. "I got really heated. I went too far. It wasn't my intention to hurt you, but I clearly did. Ironic and hypocritical, right? I can be a jerk without meaning to be. That is my perspective and the truth."
Solana loosened her arms and legs slightly as she looked back up at Lunick.
"I'm really sorry, Solana," he repeated, softer and earnestly.
Nodding slowly, Solana took a few tissues from the tissue box and wiped her face. "You're half-right…You can be a jerk…And even though you speak all high-and-mighty…I can see that comes from a place of passion and concern. But it still stings."
Lunick gave the lightest chuckle. "I can be blinded by my convictions and morals. It's a major flaw of mine I am keenly aware of, and admittedly sometimes I don't think before I speak."
"Clearly," Solana underscored.
"I have to be reminded that folks don't always see things the way I do. Or may not care the way I do. And because I care so much about so many, I have to learn to better respond and not push too hard. You're a part of the team now, Solana. And yeah, I'm reckless and quick to say how I feel, but I'm not condemning you, or criticizing you, or judging you….Okay, maybe I'm judging a little but again, first impressions…Bottom line is I care about you, Solana. We both do. And it bugs me that you are so quick to think negatively of us. I think that's what it came down to for me."
Minun rubbed his partner's arm as Plusle was earlier and Lunick petted him gently.
Solana relaxed more and looked back down, this time at her lap as she put her hands in her lap. She touched her knees together with her feet placed apart and toes pointed inward. She fiddled with her fingers in her lap.
"…I have some issues…Trust issues…Fear of failure…Of disappointment…And a need for affirmation…You know, so that I know that I am doing okay?…That I am doing…well. That I am doing good…I want to show what I am capable of and prove myself, but it's not from a showy place, I promise you…And…I also have a problem with…insecurities, self-doubt, and appeasement…That's why I don't wanna say the wrong thing…"
"We struggle with different variations of those things. But I promise you, Solana, your teammates? We got your back," Lunick said firmly, "And Leader is our boss, but if you don't like being called a rookie, just let him know. You're not in danger here. As I said, our entire operation is based on communication, in all sense of the word. And hopefully, one day, you'll learn to trust us like we trust you."
Solana's eyes widened ever so slightly as she looked back up at Lunick.
"You…trust me?…How? You don't even really know me?"
Lunick smiled. "Because I saw how you interacted with Plusle and the pokémon we captured yesterday. I heard how you talked last night about being a Pokémon Ranger. You don't always need a long time to earn someone's trust. Showing parts of your heart can be enough of a starter."
Again, a few moments of silence passed between the two of them. Murph sat in anticipation.
"Do you want something to eat?" Lunick finally asked.
"Oh, um. Just coffee will be nice, please. And maybe some Pokéfood for Plusle?"
"Pla Plah!"
"Coming right up," Lunick said as he got up from the table and walked into the kitchenette, Minun following behind him.
Murph exhaled loudly.
"Oh, what a relief! Well, that got a bit heated, didn't it? Oh, I hate confrontation. My stomach was filled with so many knots. I'm gonna need something to work these all out so I don't get a tummy ache. Glad the dust has settled though!" he said cheerily.
"Murph…Does…Does Lunick…Like me?"
Murph reopened his eyes and smiled. "Of course he likes you! We all like you. You're exceptional considering you're just starting out. But Lunick was so pumped when talking to me about your missions and conversations last night. I mean, it was like he was so overjoyed that you were chosen to be his partner but moreso, just to have someone like you a part of the team."
"Because of my talent."
"Because of your heart. Your beliefs and drive. That's what excites him about you."
Solana looked away slightly.
"Hey," Murph patted on the table and she looked back at him. "I know Lunick can come on strong sometimes. But that's because he truly sees the best in everybody and wants to bring out the best in everyone, especially his team. And it's also because he sometimes sees things in us that we aren't able to ourselves. He lights up when he talks about you, Solana. And I think it's because he believes you can bring out the best and most in each other and your Partner Pokémon. And he talks to you that way sometimes because he wants you to start seeing what he sees. What he believes Spenser sees."
Solana nodded slowly.
This time Murph's eyes fell to look at the rounded table. "I struggle with a lot of things you listed too, Solana. Especially the insecurities and self-doubt. I've been a Ringtown Ranger for three years now. And I've moved up maybe one rank. And it isn't hard to see why, I mean look at me."
"Murph –" Solana uttered but he continued.
"I'm in no kind of shape to be a field ranger. And I've got too much anxiety to be an Operator. I'm mostly helping out around the base as a handyman or entertaining clients while the real guys are out there doing the hard stuff. A lot of times I feel like I only got here because of my father. He's a researcher in Almia. The head one in fact. And I think he and the Professor know each other. But Lunick and Leilani will hear none of that. They both always let me know I'm appreciated and deserve to be here. I don't see it yet, but if my teammates believe that much in me, then I gotta make sure I do what I can to sustain that belief. Maybe one day I'll believe it myself."
"Spenser's a Top Ranger, Murph. He wouldn't just add anyone to his team."
"Sure, I guess. I'm just saying…Lunick…He's not like the rest of us here…Lunick's something special. And he sees something special in you too. So maybe, even if you don't see it yet, hold onto the fact that your partner at least does. That's what I do."
Again, Solana nodded. "Thank you, Murph."
"You're welcome, Solana," he replied cheerily.
"And, uh, who's Leilani? Is she out on a mission? I haven't met her yet."
"Oh Leilani works in the Summerland branch under Leader Cameron, though she probably is on a mission. You'll meet her soon enough. Even though we're designated to our own areas, we frequently travel to the other bases and places throughout the region and work together on different missions."
"Oh. Okay."
"You'll see and learn as you work but Leilani's the best! You'll love her, I know it! She can make any rain be it drizzle or thunderstorm into a rainbow and balmy sunshine."
"Um…"
"Oh, I'm blabbering again. Sorry. I tend to do that a lot, heheh," he said, rubbing the base of his neck.
Solana smiled shyly. "No, no. You're fine. Thank you for sharing, really. It's helped calm my nerves quite a bit."
"Oh, well. You're welcome then!"
Lunick returned to the table carrying a mug of coffee, two breakfast wraps, and a bowl of Pokémon dry food for Plusle.
"Here you are," he said as he placed the steamy mug in from of Solana. "A cup of coffee for Solana, breakfast wraps for Murph, and a bowl of pokéfood for little Plusle."
"Plah Pla!" Plusle cried gleefully as she hopped from Solana's shoulder onto the table and started munching on the kibble.
"Thanks a bunch, Lunick!" Murph exclaimed as he unwrapped the breakfast wrap and took a large bite out of it.
Solana eyed the steaming cup of coffee. "What all did you put in here?"
"Uh, two packets of sugar, a bit of creamer maybe?" he said as he put a Lava Cookie on the table for Minun, who wasted no time hastily scurrying to the table and began chomping down on the Hoenn treat.
"What kind of roast is this?"
"I have no idea. Are you a connoisseur?"
"I'm just serious about coffee. Just wanted to see if it's to my liking."
"Well, there are a bunch of spices and flavorings at the station in the kitchenette if you want to modify it or make yourself another cup."
"Thanks…I guess," she still was having a little bit of difficulty assessing when he was joking, when he was serious and when he was being sarcastic. "You didn't get anything for yourself?"
Lunick shook his head. "I make my breakfast at home before I get here. I prefer to cook my meals myself, to be frank."
"You…know how to cook?"
"I dabble a bit in the culinary arts. I follow a lot of Brock's work as well the twins from Saffron City's most esteemed restaurant. Their food presentation and culinary skills are top notch."
Solana smiled softly. "Wow. That's really impressive, Lunick. Never would have pegged you for a culinarian."
"Oh ye of little faith. There's a lot you have to learn." He mocked.
At that moment, the double doubles to the Ringtown Ranger base parted and in walked Professor Hastings with his cane and a large briefcase.
Solana fumbled with her coffee mug as she hastily put it back on the table. Her hands flew to her mouth.
"I-Is that? Is that…?" she stammered as she watched the older gentleman walk smoothly over to the counter. He was dressed in a burgundy suit and tie with a yellow vest, matching burgundy shoes and wore a white lab coat. His bushy eyebrows flared out at the ends as did his pointy mustache and his beard was square, thick and sharp, and slightly tapered at the bottom and decently pointed. He had dark chocolate brown eyes and medium length white hair that came down to his shoulders along with a widow's peak hairline. His cane had a golden oval handle, and his briefcase was seemingly padlocked.
"Yep. Renowned Pokémon Professor, the Ranger Union's Chief of Technology and inventor of our very own Capture Stylers and discs," Lunick announced proudly. "Professor Robert Hastings."
"Good morning, my young rangers," Professor Hastings said cheerily.
"Good morning, Professor Hastings," nearly all the students save for Solana answered, who was still stunned.
Spenser smiled as he saved what he was inputting on the computer and walked around the long counter to meet the Professor at the front of his desk.
"Good Morning, Hastings. You made it here a lot sooner that we were expecting."
"Yes, well, time waits for no one, lad. He cares not what all you have to do so you must make haste not to waste any of it."
"What's he doing here?" Solana asked nervously.
"Must have some important information to share with Leader. Last time he was here, it was to upgrade our stylers to eject the capture discs at a higher speed and velocity to fully optimize and maximize the beams of energy they emitted during capture. Maybe he has a new gadget he wants the Leaders to know."
"He also stops by to just say 'Hi', you know?" Murph followed. "He and Spenser are really close. Almost like a father-son relationship even though they aren't related at all."
Lunick pumped his fists in the air. "You know, I'm burning with ambition again!" He ran up to Spenser and Professor Hastings "Leader, is it alright if I go ahead and start patrolling the city?"
"Of course, Lunick." Spenser replied cheerily.
"Yeah alright!" He cheered excitedly. "Let's go, Minun!"
"Mai Mai!"
Minun hopped off the table and ran behind his ranger.
He waved to Solana and Murph. "Catch you later, Solana. Later, Murph!"
"See yah, Lunick!" replied Murph.
Solana got up from her seat and slowly crept over near where Spenser and Professor Hastings were standing and listened intently.
"…Okay, so my brilliant idea…" Hastings whispered to Spenser. But she couldn't quite make out what he was saying
"…I see, that does sound quite brilliant…" Spenser answered but she couldn't make out what he was saying either. "Oh, Solana," Spenser chimed once he noticed her, startling Solana greatly.
"Yes, Leader?"
"I'd like you to meet Professor Hastings. He's one of the Ranger Union heads, Chief of Technology and why we're able to do the work that we do."
Solana bowed. "It's an honor to meet you, Sir. I know all about how you pioneered the Pokémon Ranger profession. Thank you so kindly for all that you've done."
"Pla Plah!"
Professor Hastings smiled widely as he played with his beard. "My, my. You certainly are a modest young lady. You must be the new recruit Spenser was telling me about. From what I hear, you were quite exquisite on your first capture and meeting. We are grateful to have such a talented youth as you on the team."
"The honor is all mine, Professor," Solana quickly said as she straightened back up.
"Solana, I have a new mission for you." Said Spenser. "Professor Hastings will be walking back to Fall City. Solana, your job is to escort the good professor and see to it that he returns to Fall City safely."
"Yes, Leader," Solana answer readily.
Professor Hastings continued to fiddle with his beard. "Ah, it's good to have you along, Solana. My well-being is in your hands!"
"Y-Yes, Sir!" Solana stammered.
Professor Hastings chuckled lightly. "I only jest, lass. I'm more than capable of trekking to Fall City myself but Spenser is more stubborn than a Tauros and will not let me travel by my lonesome."
Spenser nodded. "Safety in numbers, Professor. Besides, this will give Solana the much-needed experience she needs on escort missions."
"I suppose so," he remarked. "Shall we be on our way, Solana?"
"Yes, Professor," Solana quickly answered.
Spenser followed. "You'll need to go through the Lyra Forest and head for the Krokka Tunnel. Once you get through the tunnel, Fall City is just steps away."
"Understood, Leader."
Together along with Plusle, Solana and Professor Hastings exited the base and headed to the Lyra Forest. At the entrance he turned to face her.
"Now, don't you treat me as if I were a decrepit old man." He warned. "I understand this is your first escort mission but there's no need for you to feel concern on my part."
"Okay, Professor," Solana answered. "But I will still do my best to keep you safe."
"Very well, lass. Let us march onward."
Just as they were about to move, a Bellsprout jumped out from a bush and landed in front of them. Solana quickly captured it.
"Ah, yes. I almost forgot, Spenser had asked me to teach you something, Solana. Regarding Poké Assists. Let me demonstrate using the Bellsprout you've conveniently captured."
"I know about Poké Assists, Professor," Solana answered quickly. "It's a process in which you borrow the ability of a Pokémon in order to capture other Pokémon."
Professor Hastings smiled widely. "Right you are. Well, well. You really have been studying our work before signing on. Impressive. Might you know how to activate it using the Capture Styler?"
"Heheh, um, not exactly," Solana answered nervously.
"Not a problem at all, lass. I will direct you. Let us capture that Zigzagoon over there," he pointed to the racoon-like quadrupedal pokémon a few feet away from them.
Solana nodded as they approached it.
"To perform a Poké Assist while attempting a capture, touch the button on the bottom right of the styler." Professor Hastings began. "From there, you can choose between your Partner Pokémon and friend pokémon you have captured to help assist you in a capture and can select the Pokémon from which you require help. The Glossary will tell you which Poké Assist will generate from the pokémon. If you check Bellsprout's data, you will see that it's Poké Assist will cause the Capture Line to grow tall grass, which can tangle Pokémon you are trying to capture and stop them in their tracks. Now let me ask you this, how many kinds of Poké Assists are there?"
"There are two kinds of Poké Assists." Solana followed as she activated the Bellsprout's Poké Assist and started her capture of the Zigzagoon. "One kind involves the chosen pokémon directly assisting the capture by using a move of some sort. The other kind involves the chosen pokémon powering up the styler's Capture Line in some way. The grass-type Poké Assist causes grass to cling to the pokémon and traps them."
"Very good, lass. What else can you tell me about Poké Assists?" he asked as Solana continued to make her capture.
"The effects of Poké Assists do not last forever, that is, there is a time limit on how long it will power the Capture Line. When the effects wear off, the captured friend pokémon is released from my control and goes back in the wild to is habitat."
"Good answer! Don't forget your sense of gratitude for the help it provided." Professor Hastings added.
Nodding, Solana thanked the Bellsprout for its help before releasing it back into the wild.
"As you move up your Ranger Rank, you will be able to access and use more Poké Assists." Said Professor Hastings. "You certainly know your stuff, young lady. I'm eager to see how you will contribute to the Pokémon Ranger profession. Now, that's quite enough out of me. Let us make haste to Fall City."
"Yes, Professor."
As they continued through the forest, Solana made several more captures, including catching a Combusken to help clear a fallen tree and a Pichu to help refill her styler's battery. It took them about a half hour or so to reach the entrance of the Krokka Tunnel.
Professor Hastings stepped ahead of Solana. "We haven't far to go now. Perhaps this mission was rather too easy for you. I told Spenser I did not need an escort. But does he listen? Let us make haste, Solana."
As they walked further ahead, Solana saw a memorial statue of a Dugtrio which read 'In memory of Dugtrio, a loyal companion and coworker in the lone and difficult tunnel project. As they ventured deeper into the tunnel, they encountered many more pokémon and people. About three-quarters of the way into the tunnel, they spotted a lone Dugtrio in the center of the pathway. Professor Hastings approached it.
"Ah, now, there's a rare sight to behold!"
As Professor Hastings walked closer to it, the ground-type pokémon burrowed underground out of sight.
Professor Hastings huffed. "That Dugtrio…It fled at the sight of me. How very rude of it!"
Suddenly, the ground began to shake and the cave seemed to vibrate violently. Several large boulders fell from the upper lining of the tunnel and dropped down. Solana vaulted behind her to avoid being crushed. When the shaking finally stopped, Solana could see four large boulders blocking off the path she and Professor Hastings were taking.
"Professor!" Solana called as she and Plusle ran up to the large brown boulders.
"Oh my. Solana, can you hear me?" she heard him call.
"Yes, Professor, but you sound muffled," she replied.
"It was a very close call indeed, but I managed to avoid injury. You'll need to find another way around. We'll need to contact someone to clear the fallen boulders here from the rockfall. There should be another passageway near you that will bring you to me. I shall be waiting impatiently."
"Understood, Professor," Solana called back. "Let's go, Plusle."
"Plah Pla!"
Solana turned around and started her search for the other passageway. She found a boarded-up gate that seemed to lead somewhere else in the cave.
"I probably shouldn't be going past here, but it's the only other path we haven't taken, and I've got to meet up with the Professor."
She enlisted the help of a Paras to cut down the wooden fence. As she progressed forward, Solana found herself encountering many other pokémon and roadblocks. But with the help of her friend pokémon, she cleared the blocked pathways and found her way to a doorway further in the cave. As she stepped out, she saw two people running past her dressed in red lined white tracksuits.
"What's going on?" she quickly said. She gave chase to them.
The two individuals cornered Professor Hastings against the fallen boulders.
"Robert Hastings?" one of them said.
"W-What? Who are you?" he barked.
"Hahahaha! Hello gramps!" the other person laughed. "The esteemed Professor Hastings. Quite a pickle you've found yourself in, huh?"
"Well, we're strangers of danger and we mess with Rangers! That's what makes us the Go-Rock Squad!"
"Idiot!" the other individual said as he slapped his cohort on the back of the head. "Don't blab about who we are!"
"But I just wanted to…"
Shaking his head, the other grunt continued. "Sorry gramps but we're here to relieve you of your important package."
Both men surrounded Professor Hastings. One strongarmed him in place while the other snatched his briefcase.
"What are you hooligans doing?! Wah! Stop it right now!" he squirmed.
After the briefcase was in their possession, the grunt that had Professor Hastings in a headlock released his hold on him.
"Heheheh. Thanks so much for your cooperation," the one with the briefcase mocked.
"One Super Styler received, thank you so kindly. That's all the time we have today. Adios, senior."
Both grunts started back he way they came. It was then that Solana saw them running with Professor Hastings briefcase.
"Oh, Solana! We have a crisis on our hands!"
"Don't worry, Professor! I got them!" Solana cried as she charged forward towards them.
They snickered. "Little brat. Stay out of ground folks' business."
Pressing a button on a remote control, one of the men detonated a bomb that was above them and some boulders once again started to fall from the ceiling. Shrieking, Solana somersaulted to the side to avoid being crushed.
"Good Heavens! Solana, are you alright?" Professor Hastings asked as he walked up to her.
Solana stood to her feet. "Yeah, I think so." She rubbed her head lightly. "What exactly happened, Professor?"
"My Super Styler – the fruit of all my studies – was taken by some ruffians who call themselves the Go-Rock Squad."
"Oh no!"
"If only I were 20 years younger, I could have twisted, crumpled, and tossed such dregs of society aside…"
"We've got to get your work back to you, Professor. Let's go!" Solana cried as she and Plusle ran ahead of him. She found them arguing near the end of the tunnel. "Hey, you!" she shouted. "You have something that does not belong to you!"
"Oh you gullible ninnies!" cried one of the grunts. "You thought that rockfall earlier was a natural thing? Hahaha! You can stay cooped down here courtesy of us!"
"Let's see what happens when I press this button on this remote control."
Again, the grunt pressed a button on the remote, setting off another detonation and sending more boulders crashing down. Solana pushed Professor Hastings forward and they avoided being crushed yet again.
The grunt with the remote started to sweat. "Uh…Is this, uh…um…Like….this is a screwup?"
"Well, good going!" cried the one with the briefcase. "Yeah, it's a screwup, all right. How are we supposed to slow them down now, you incompetent fool!"
"What're you going on about? You're the one that set the trap! All I had to do was press the button! It's not me who decided where the rocks should fall."
"There's something to be said for that. But that's beside the point. Let's hightail it!"
Both grunts ran and the two then finally made their escape out of the tunnel.
"No!" Solana screamed as she got back on her feet and chased after them, Plusle following right behind her.
Professor huffed. "Hurry, hurry, hurry! This is no time to be dawdling! The Super Styler must be recovered!"
As they ran toward the exit, they spotted a man scavenging.
"Excuse me," Solana started. "Did you see two men running by with a briefcase?"
"Those two weird guys? Yeah, they took off running like their pants were on fire. Ran right out here and almost stepped on my Magnemite."
"Thank you!" Solana shouted as she and Plusle ran past him. Professor Hastings hobbled behind them with his cane.
As they exited the cave, they saw a Rhydon rampaging in the area, destroying much of the land with its Hammer Arm.
"That Rhydon…" muttered Professor Hastings. "Those two scoundrels must have done something to enrage it so. Solana, is your styler's energy sufficiently charged?"
"Uh, I think so."
"Capture that Rhydon. If you put your feelings into making the capture, Rhydon should calm down."
"Okay."
Solana approached the rampaging Rhydon and using a Poliwag she captured earlier in the cave she activated it's Poké Assist.
"Capture On!" Solana shouted as she pressed the button that controlled her friend Pokémon. The Poliwag then made several massive bubbles which Solana was able to control wither her stylus. She flicked her wrist and the bubbles all encircled the Rhydon. It became enclosed in one of the bubble and Solana quickly made her capture. The flashing circle appeared on her styler, indicating a successful capture.
Plusle jumped up and down cheerfully at her Ranger's brilliant capture.
Professor Hastings approached the Rhydon and inspected it.
"It doesn't seem to be harmed or injured," he surmised. "That's a relief. The Rhydon appears to have calmed down enough. Release it back to wherever it came from."
Nodding, Solana pressed the release button on her styler and the Rhydon was released from her control. It roared before it walked off to the west.
"Whew!" Professor Hastings sighed. "We've been beset by trouble. That little disturbance cost us time. We've completely lost sight of those scoundrels. Let us continue to Fall City and consider our options."
Nodding dejectedly, Solana, Professor Hastings and Plusle continued walking east for another fifteen minutes until they entered the city. The Fall City Ranger base was the first building when entering the area from the Krokka Tunnel.
"Ah, here we are at the Fall City Ranger Base at last. Solana, well done." When he saw the sad look in her eyes he paused. "You don't look very happy. I take it you are still bothered by what happened before?"
"Of course I am, Professor!" she cried. "You were mugged and assaulted, and I wasn't able to do anything to protect you or get your stolen equipment back. I'm a dishonorable Pokémon Ranger."
"Pla Pla…" her Plusle cried softly.
"Now, now," Professor Hastings began. He placed one hand on her shoulder. "Now listen, Solana. Was not your mission to deliver me to this location safely? Now examine me, if you will. Do you see a single scratch upon my person? I think not. And here we are at the mission's destination – the Fall City Ranger Base. In other words, you've accomplished the mission objective impeccably."
"But what about your Super Styler? Your research?"
"We can fret about that another time. What's important is that we've arrived at the base safely and soundly.
A cry to the east alerted Professor Hastings and Solana and they turned to see a blonde-haired man riding a Dodrio swiftly approaching them. He was wearing an ice blue uniform.
"Welcome back, Professor." He said as he dismounted the bird pokémon. "How was Spenser?"
"Thank you, Joel. Spenser is fine but things did not go well for me, I'm afraid. It's quite humiliating to say the least. My Super Styler was stolen from me."
"The Super Styler is gone? We should discuss this inside the base." As he turned to enter the base, that's when he finally noticed Solana. "Oh, hello there. You must be the new Ringtown recruit."
"Yes, Sir." She answered quietly. "My name's Solana."
"It's nice to meet you, Solana. Let us hurry inside to discuss what has happened further."
Joel entered the Fall City Base followed by Professor Hastings.
Solana stared uncomfortably where they walked.
"Plah Plah? Pla?"
Solana stared down at her Partner Pokémon.
"I really loused this one up, Plusle," she sighed heavily. "Come on. Let's go inside."