Solana entered the harbor, excited for her next mission. She was finally going to be adventuring to another part of the region – the tropical town Summerland. It was the warmest part of the region, the only place in the entire region that was connected to the Safra Sea. Summerland was big enough to be considered an island of its own, but it was still a part of Fiore.
"Isn't this exciting, Plusle! We get to travel to Summerland!"
"Plah Pla!" The little electric Pokémon cried from atop Solana's right shoulder.
"I hear Summerland is a popular tourist spot. A go-to for vacationers. I've been a little homesick, missing the refreshing waterfall and lush greenery of Agate Village. Lunick said there's a tropical jungle north of the town as well. No doubt it's flourishing with all kinds of wildlife. So Ringtown is more a suburban town, Fall City is a metropolis, and Summerland is a peninsula. Right? Wow, I wonder what else there is to this region. It's so diverse in its landscape."
"Plah Plah! Pla Plah Plah!"
"Oh, you're right. Gotta stay focused on our mission. Now, Joel said there was someone named Jonah here who owns a Lapras whose supposed to be able to give us a ride to Summerland. Where would that guy be? They didn't really give me a description so I don't really know who or what to look for."
"Someone! Anyone! Help! Save my Lapras!" She heard someone cry out.
"That does not sound good." Solana said before sprinting over in the direction to where she thought she heard the cry.
It took her to the end of the pier, where a rotund man with ginger hair wearing a blue T-Shirt and admiral blue shorts stood panicked. Two Krabby were clenching their claws angrily and firing a stream of multiple blue bubbles from their claws at the Loch Ness sea Pokémon in front of them. They were both foaming at the mouth.
Noticing Solana, the man turned to face her.
"I accidentally stepped on a Krabby's foot. It got furious! It and its buddy got so mad, they went after my Lapras. Help me, Ranger, please! My Lapras needs your help."
"Oh course," Solana said as she ran over to the agitated Pokémon.
Noticing her, the Krabby then turned and fired their Bubblebeam at Solana. She vaulted to the side, somersaulting into a crouch.
"Thunder wave, Plusle!"
"Plah Pla!" The tiny electric mouse cried as she hopped off of Solana's shoulder into the air. Blue static electricity sparked from her cheeks just before she fired a thin stream of light blue electricity from her body at the Krabby. The Krabby ceased their attack as they were struck.
"Capture On!" Solana cried as she released two blue capture disks from her styler and encircled the Krabby with them. After five continuous loops, the rings closed in on the Pokémon and they glowed a light yellow, the aura soon disappearing as they calmed down. Solana then looked down at her styler, seeing the blinking white ring, indicating a successful capture. Krabby's data was loaded on her styler's Browser.
"Way to go, Plusle!"
"Plah Plah!" Her Partner Pokémon cheered before running back to her human and climbing to rest on her right shoulder.
The man ran over to the slightly injured Lapras.
"Are you okay, Lapras?" He cried. "I'm sorry I got us into that scary situation!"
"Puuw wu!" It cried back in response.
"Here," Solana said as she walked over to the Lapras and took a Potion out of the pack clasped around her hip. She crouched down and spritzed the Lapras' superficial wounds with it. "This should heal her. Those attacks were not very effective, thankfully."
"Thanks, Ranger. You're my Lapras' savior!" He praised. "Oh, I also hate to seem ungrateful, but can you return those Krabby to the sea? It was my own carelessness that got us into this mess. Those Krabby aren't to blame."
"Of course," Solana replied, standing back up and pressing the release button on her styler.
A faint yellow outline surrounded the Krabby before flickering off. They cried out gratefully before crawling over to the edge of the pier and diving into the sea.
"Bye, friends," Solana waved to them.
The man smiled. "My name's Jonah. And this is my trusty partner Lapras. We owe you huge! If there's anything I or my Lapras can do for you, don't be shy to say it."
"Well, now that you mention it, there is a bit of a favor I'd like to ask. I need a ride to get to Summerland and I was actually advised to seek you out to ask if your beloved Lapras could provide me with transportation."
"What's that? You want to go to Summerland? That's all you want from us?"
"Yes, Sir."
His smile broadened. "Well, that's no problem at all! It's the least I can do. Ride my Lapras and you'll get there in no time. There's no need to use any boat or for you to swim at all."
"Oh really?" Solana sweatdropped. Who would swim all the way there? Who has that kind of stamina?! Not to mention the wild Pokémon that might attack us on the way.
He turned back to face his Plesiosauria Pokémon. "Lapras, don't let me down, girl. You take care of this Ranger, you hear?"
"Puuw wu!"
Solana walked over to the Lapras and petted her gently on her head and face. She was such an elegant, graceful creature. The creature nuzzled Solana slightly, causing Solana to giggle. She then rested her forehead against the Lapras', caressing her face.
"I see you," she whispered, feeling emotionally connected to the surfing Pokémon. She then felt her styler vibrate. Removing it from its holder on her right hip, she took it up and saw that Lapras' data registered in her Browser. She smiled softly before putting it back in its holder and looking the Lapras in her brown eyes.
"You ready to go?"
"Puuw wu."
Rubbing her face then her neck, Solana stepped back as the Lapras turned around. Once her gray shell was facing her, Solana held onto the blunt knobs covering the shell and hoisted herself up onto the Lapras.
Jonah patted his Lapras on the neck. "It looks as if my Lapras has taken a shine to you. You can use Lapras for as long as you need her. Feel free to use her whenever you like. Don't worry about me."
Solana nodded.
"Thank you, sir." She rubbed Lapras' neck. "Let's go."
"Puuw!" She cried as she swam away from the harbor.
Solana smiled as she inhaled the sea breeze, her hair flowing in the gusty wind as she rode Lapras. She watched the Wingull fly steadily in the sky, their long and pointed wings glistening under the brilliant sun. The seagull Pokémon glided gracefully through the bright sky, their amber irises shifting ever so slightly. The sun's glowing rays pierced the blue sky, the fluffy white clouds shimmering in its glittering golden light. The aquamarine ocean appeared to sparkle as it reflected the rays of the gleaming sun.
Lapras surfed through the harsh waves with ease, cruising genially. Solana wasn't sure how she'd feel riding the Transport Pokémon initially, but she was pleasantly surprised just how at peace she was riding her. Lapras was calm and steady, sailing across the rapid waters gracefully and stoically. Solana was so lost in the sereneness of the experience that didn't realize when the Lapras reached Summerland. Plusle had to cry out to her and pat her to break her out of her addled state.
"Plah Plah! Plah Pla! Plah!"
"Huh?" Solana said once she was snapped out of her trance.
"Puuw wuu!" The Lapras called out to her.
"Oh, right," Solana said as she climbed off the Lapras and hopped down onto the wooden dock. She petted the Lapras on her head. "Thanks so much for the ride. I'll call you when I'm ready to go."
"Puuw!"
Solana took in the sights around her. The sea breeze was less blustery and calmer. The climate was much more balmy than the other districts. The waves no longer moved rapidly but danced in a smooth gentle cadence. They rushed to the sandy shore before gracefully receding, leaving way for other waves to join the dance in an arpeggio-like fashion. The cream colored sand sparkled like polished gemstones under the sun's radiance. Shell fragments and gravel intermixed with the smooth sand glistened in the sunlight as well. The evenness and smooth texture of the sand provided an ideal platform for lounging on a beach towel, which she observed many residents and tourists doing.
Solana smiled widely. "It's so nice here!"
"Plah Plah!" Plusle cried from her right shoulder.
"Right. Head in the game, Solana. We gotta find the Summerland Ranger Base."
Solana walked along the dock, finding many tourists vacationing and relaxing in their swimwear on the beach. The homes in Summerland were made of masonry and stone with thatch roofs, unlike the brick houses in Ringtown and cement and steel in Fall City. She continued going north where she found the Summerland Ranger Base, identified by the painted green stripe, representing one of the base's primary colors, wrapped around the building as well as the Pokémon Ranger insignia posted on the building.
"This is it," Solana said as she entered the base. The interior was pretty much the same as the interior of Ringtown and Fall City, with the long wraparound counter and large monitor in the back behind counter at the main control panel.
Two rangers were chatting in the lobby. One was was boy with copper auburn hair and peachy skin. A Politoed was squatting at his side. Beside him was a black girl with almond-brown skin. They were both wearing olive shorts and orange jackets, with the boy wearing a black shirt under his while the girl wore a white tank top. The girl had her jacket tied around her waist. Both also had on the black fingerless work gloves she was wearing. They stopped chatting when they saw Solana enter the base. The female ranger walked up to her.
"Oh? I recognize that uniform. The new recruit for Ringtown, am I right?"
"Yeah, I am. My name's Solana."
She pointed a thumb at herself. "Leilani. Pleased to meet you," she said, extending her hand for a handshake, which Solana obliged.
"Same."
Leilani then petted Plusle on the head. "I see you've already gotten yourself a Partner Pokémon. You must be crazy good to have bonded so quickly."
"Yeah, well. I can't imagine my life without this little one anymore."
"Plah Plah!"
Leilani pointed behind her. "That there is my partner Percy and his Politoed."
"Eh-yooo!" He cheerfully waved.
"Poli tohd tohd!" His Pokémon croaked.
"You don't have a Partner Pokémon, Leilani?" Solana asked.
She shook her head. "Naw. Sadly no. I just haven't found a Pokémon I want to be bonded with the rest of my life. There've been a couple of good candidates, but none that really stirred my heart enough to say, 'I need you in my life.' But I'm not worried. When I find that one-of-a-kind special partner, I'll know. Besides, for now at least, all the Pokémon of the region are practically my own. That's how I look at it."
Solana smiled. "That's a great mindset to have."
"Sandwiches are done," a voice called from the base's kitchen. Solana saw that it was Lunick carrying a tray of crustless watercress, egg and cucumber sandwiches. Minun was perched on his left shoulder.
"How the heck did you get here before me?"
"Dragonite Bus," Lunick said plainly as he walked up to them. Leilani and Percy each took a sandwich and bit down.
"Damn, Lunick, these are amazing!" Leilani cried. "You doing the damn thing! Slayin' in the kitchen."
"Thank you, Leilani," he beamed.
"These are pretty good," Percy agreed.
"You want one, Solana?" Asked Lunick.
"No thanks. I'm good."
"You sure? I even got some whipped cream cheese in here. Your mouth will be in heaven."
"Thanks but my mouth doesn't wanna die right now, so I'm good."
"So, what brings you to Summerland, Solana?" Leilani asked, popping the rest of the delicate finger sandwich into her mouth.
"I'm here to meet your Area Leader, Cameron. I need to talk to him about a villainous team called the Go-Rock Squad."
"The Go-Rock Squat? Sounds like some kind of new dance."
"No, the Go-Rock Squad, not squat."
"Never heard of them. A new villainous team?"
"Yeah. My Leader Spenser heard there were sightings of them here in Summerland."
"We haven't seen any suspicious characters around here lately. Have you, Percy?"
"No, I haven't. Is this something serious, Solana?"
"It's very serious. The Professor was attacked by them and had his research and blueprints stolen."
Leilani gasped.
"Professor Hastings was attacked?" Percy repeated. He and Leilani shared a worried glance. "Our Leader isn't here. He went off to the Capture Challenge today first thing this morning after our briefing."
"He just went off to play a game and left you, his students, here to manage the base and requests?"
"He does it all the time. He's a really laidback blasé kinda fellow." Leilani added. "He takes part in the Capture Challenge to maintain his excitement about things."
"That's…depressing," Solana uttered.
"Don't worry about it, Solana." Assured Percy. "We're usually free to do whatever we want. I mean, Summerland's so peaceful anyway that we're not busy ever. I'll go fetch Leader. Just chill and hangout, okay? Let's go, Politoed."
"To-tohd."
Percy exited the base with his Politoed, leaving Solana, Lunick, and Leilani in the room.
"They hold the Capture Challenge down at the Safra Sea. When our Leader enters, he gets caught up in the excitement, so he loses track of time. Like a little kid, huh?"
"I don't understand how an Area Leader is not manning his own base."
"It's like Percy said, Solana. It's peaceful here in Summerland. We have senior enough rangers that can act in his stead when he's not here."
"I guess so."
"She's real straitlaced this one," Lunick commented as he set the tray of sandwiches down on the counter.
"Lunick, do not start with me," Solana grumbled.
"You're a tightass, Solana?"
"Leilani!"
"Exactly, Leilani," Lunick added.
"How dare you?! I bet Percy doesn't talk about his partner the way you talk about me!"
"Percy is worse actually," said Leilani. "At least Lunick is telling you things in an effort to help you improve. Percy is just a jerk sometimes. To me, at least."
Solana looked back at Lunick, who flashed the most smug smile she had ever seen.
The double doors to the base parted and a stout man with amber hair and a towel around his neck entered the room. He was dressed the same way Percy was, sans the jacket.
"Wahah! Another great day of capturing! I sure had fun again today!" He laughed as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with his towel. He noticed Solana standing in the center of the lobby with Leilani and Lunick. "And who might you be, young lady?"
"I'm Solana, sir."
"Solana, huh? You're that new student of Spenser's. The one who wrote all those letters."
"Yes, sir," she replied. Does everyone know I wrote so many?!
Cameron walked to his seat behind the counter in front of the control panel.
"Well, it's nice to meet you. How're you enjoying Japan's northenmost island region?"
"It is lovely. So much more different than Orre."
"I'm sure it's great where you live too," Cameron said as he sat down. "What can I do for you?"
Solana approached him. "You see, Sir. My Leader sent me here to inquire about the Go-Rock Squad. There have been reports of sightings of them here in Summerland and he sent me here to investigate."
"It's good and all that you came here for your investigation, Solana, but…That, uh, Go-Rock Squad, was it? Whatever they're called, we haven't seen either hide nor hair of 'em."
"Told you," said Leilani.
"But that can't be. Spenser said he was receiving reports."
"From who exactly? None of our citizens have come to us about this Go-Rock Squad. I hadn't heard of them before you mentioned them. I've been taking part in the local Capture Challenge for enjo…uh, no…For keeping my technique sharp, yup. And, you know, just keeping cool and relaxed a little. We don't get much trouble here in Summerland."
"You have no crimes here at all?"
Cameron waved his hand. "Oh, no, no. Don't get me wrong. Of course, it's not always like this here. We still have our run-of-the-mill thieves and scoundrels. But nothing like that Team Galactic gang in Sinnoh. No one trying to take over the world or anything crazy like that."
Solana's shoulders slumped. "But Spenser said –"
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."
Solana nodded her head slowly.
Leilani spoke up. "Percy actually went out looking for you, Leader."
"He did? I never saw him. That's odd. Maybe we just passed each other."
The doors to the base again slid open as Percy rushed inside in a panic, breathing heavily.
"Percy?" Leilani cried, concerned seeing her partner in such a distressed state.
"What happened?" Asked Cameron.
"T-T-T-Trouble, sir!" Percy cried, tears streaming down his face. "My Politoed was taken away by these weird-looking people dressed in these red-stripped white tracksuits!"
"The Go-Rock Squad!" Solana cried.
"They captured my Politoed using this weird styler. It wasn't like any other styler I've seen before. And they possessed my Politoed and took him with them! I shouted at Politoed, but he totally ignored me…They disappeared into the Olive Jungle."
"This is awful," replied Cameron. "Maybe what Spenser had to say was right after all…" Cameron stood to his feet. "Solana, can you help us? You seem to have experience with these Go-Rock whatevers. Can you go in the Olive Jungle and recapture Percy's Politoed? You're probably…no definitely more suited for the job than any of our rangers in Summerland. After all, Spenser is your mentor, and you've dealt with this gang firsthand. I'll get in touch with Spenser and get him to certify this as an official mission."
"Yes, of course, sir."
Cameron turned to face Lunick. "Lunick, I want you to go with her."
"Yes, Leader."
Cameron then noticed the platter of finger sandwiches on the counter. He smiled and picked one up, taking a bite.
"Oooo! Lunick, you made these?"
"Yes, Leader."
"Well done, youngster. Float the recipe by my way sometime."
"Yes, Leader."
"All right then. Off you go you two."
Nodding, Solana turned around, only to see Percy being comforted by Leilani, her arms around him, rubbing his back as he bent over on his knees.
"Politoed…I belong with Politoed…Me and Politoed…I can't take it! I'm worried sick over Politoed!" he cried.
"It'll be all right, Percy," Leilani soothed.
"I'll find him Percy. I'll find him and bring him back." Said Solana.
Percy nodded sadly.
"Even though you're a rookie, I'd say you have the potential to be even better than I or Percy," said Leilani.
Solana smiled softly.
"Let's go, Solana," said Lunick.
Nodding, Solana followed Lunick outside the base. As they exited, her styler began to ring.
From: Spenser
To: Solana
I received Cameron's call. There's no way I could turn down his request. I used to work on the same team as Joel and Cameron long ago. Also, by tracking Politoed's abductors, you may uncover some leads about the Go-Rock Squad. Rescue Percy's beloved Politoed. That is your new mission, Solana.
"Affirmative, Leader," Solana said softly as she put her styler back in its holder. She turned to Lunick. "Where is the Olive Jungle?"
"It's north of the town, passed the beach. Come on, follow me."
The two of them walked on the dock and headed northbound. They soon happened upon the lush, green, tangled, overgrown mass of vegetation. The climate was humid and many plants sprouted out of the ground between trees and larger plants.
"It's so warm in here," Solana commented.
"A tropical island like this will do that," replied Lunick.
The sound of fast footfalls alerted them to the jungle's entrance. They saw Percy speedily running towards them.
"Percy?" Asked Solana. "What're you doing here?"
"I'm just so worried about Politoed," he breathed. "He's been with me since he was an egg. He's never been on his own before."
"Don't worry, Percy. Solana and I got this."
Lunick's styler suddenly started ringing.
"Lunick here," he answered.
"Lunick, we need you back in Ringtown. There's a disturbance in the Lyra Forest. A group of territorial Pokémon are feuding in there."
"Copy that, Amie, I am on my way." Lunick hung up the call and put his styler back in its holder. "I stand corrected. Solana's got this."
"You're leaving me?" Asked Solana.
"I was called on another mission. But you can handle this. You've dealt with this gang before, right? So, you know what they're all about and what to expect. I gotta go, but I know you've got this. Ready to go, Minun?"
"Mai Mai!"
"Meet me back at the base when you're finished here," Lunick called as he ran out of the jungle.
Solana crossed her arms. "Well, this sucks. I'm on my own again. But don't worry, Percy. On my honor, I will bring Politoed back to you, safe and sound."
"Thank you, Solana," he sniveled. "I'm really sorry that I'm dropping this whole thing on you, but please rescue my Politoed. We're inseparable."
"I promise, Percy. Let's go, Plusle."
"Plah!"
Solana walked further into the flourishing jungle. As she ventured further in, she saw there were bluffs in the jungle and thickets all over. She soon came across her first obstacle - a cliff with hanging vines. Gritting her teeth, she pulled on the climbing vine, testing its strength, before grabbing onto it with both of her hands and climbing upwards. In some minutes, she got to the top. It wasn't too trying of a challenge.
She came across a clearing where she saw four individuals standing in the center, chatting. Three guys and a girl. The person on the far left of the group wore a long flowing white coat with flame designs on the bottom, white dress pants and had short silvery blue hair that framed his face. The second person appeared to be in his late teens and wore a black Zoroark fur coat with purple Mienshao fur fluffed around the neckline and black leather pants. His silvery blue hair flared out wildly all around. The third person was a young man in his early teens. He wore a pink shirt, blue jeans, and a bulky dark blue overcoat which was left fully opened. He also wore a black choker around his neck and his silvery white hair was wild and parted to the side. Finally, the young girl in the far right of the group appeared to be around Solana's age. She wore a lilac minidress with a large white belt and an emerald stitched into the top of her dress. She also wore a long pink cape outlined in yellow with long black arm sleeves and her purple-tinted white hair reached down to her lower back.
When they noticed Solana, they all turned around to face her.
Solana braced herself and Plusle took a defensive stance in front of her.
"Pokemon a go-go!" They chanted in unison.
"Even if you're in a hurry, stop in your tracks!" said the teen in the white coat and pants. He pulled out a bass from behind him and started to play.
"Open your ears to our melodic attacks!" Said the girl on the far right. She then pulled out a violin and started playing.
"The rhythm of rage pounds the ground!" Cried the boy in the pink shirt and jeans. He too pulled out an instrument, an ashiko, and started to play.
"Let the melody of ambition rise to the skies!" Howled the eldest guy. He strummed his flamed star-stapes guitar with vigor.
"If you don't know us, we'll cure your ignorance! Billy! Garret! Clyde! And Tiffany! The Go-Rock Squad's hot prospect band of key-shaker-and-taker celebrities! A name once heard and never forgotten! The Go-Rock Quads!"
Together they all played their instruments at once before ending their performance.
The guy in the black and purple coat self-identified as Billy spoke first as he put his hand to his chin and closed his eyes in thought.
"Were we a bit out of tune? Doesn't matter, it's all about feeling!" He reopened his eyes and looked at Solana. "You're the new recruit to the Ranger Union, hey?"
"My name's Solana, and I will stop you."
He smiled widely. "Name's Billy. And these are my sibs. Say hello gang."
"Hiii!" His sister Tiffany chimed as they all waved to her.
"Quietly turn yourselves in and we might consider leniency." Solana asserted.
Garret smirked. "Oh, Ranger, please hear us out. We've recently developed an interest in legendary Pokémon. But even for the most skilled of rangers, legendary Pokémon are difficult to capture."
"If you have the cash, there's not much that you can't do in this world," added Clyde. "But legendary Pokémon – that's another story. Can't do a thing about them for any amount of cash."
Tiffany giggled. "But you know? Giggle…Pretty soon, the ultimate styler that makes the impossible happen is going to be ready. Hah! That's all you'll get to hear out of our top secret performance! Bye-bye!"
All four siblings started heading west of the forest.
"H-Hey!" Solana called. "Stop!"
All but Billly continued to walk. He turned around to face her.
"Here's a little more for an encore, sweetness. The Go-Rock Squad's going to put an end to the history of Rangers soon. When we capture the legendary Pokémon, we will do whatever we feel like doing. We'll summon storms, drop thunderbolts, whip up massive fires…We'll do it all! And what will the Ranger Union do then? Why, nothing but stand around crying, 'Boo-hoo-hoo!' Heh. The citizens will lose faith in the Union, and that'll be it for you Rangers. Hahaha!"
Solana gritted her teeth. "We will stop you! You won't succeed!"
Billy's smile widened. "Oh, how I do enjoy the chase. Take care, sweetness."
He winked at her before turning back around and heading in the direction his siblings had walked.
"H-Hey! Wait!" Solana cried as she ran and tried to pursue him. But before she could catch up to Billy, a grunt in a red-striped white tracksuit covered him. Four Wurmple were lined up in front of him.
"Hey, stop right there. Did you enjoy the Go-Rock Quads performance?"
"I'm afraid it fell flat." Solana retorted.
The grunt sneered. "You're a bad audience. No matter. There's nothing entertaining for you past here, though. It would be wasteful for you to go, so I'm stopping you from going out of the goodness of my heart."
Solana hardened her stare as she glared at him.
"Eh, what's with that look? If you want trouble, I've got it. I just caught these Wurmple with my new styler, so let's see them rock! Charge!"
The Wurmple started crawling towards Solana. Solana quickly released a capture disk and looped one wide circle around all four of them. The friendship energy closed in on them and they were instantly captured. Solana then pressed the release button and the four Wurmple started to crawl away.
"I'm offended you thought that would work," Solana growled as she put her styler back in its holder on her hip.
The grunt also growled. "The Wurmple ran off. The styler is busted…It's not good enough…"
He speedily fled west and Solana started to chase after him, but she lost sight of him in the dense jungle.
"Damn it!" Solana cursed.
She came upon another clearing with a river. Looking north, she saw a Go-Rock Squad grunt walking with Percy's Politoed."
"Hey!" She called out.
But they didn't seem to hear her.
Gritting her teeth, Solana ran westward. On her way she captured a Treecko and an Electike. As she continued west, she came across a huge bipedal sleeping Pokémon that was blocking the rest of the path. An explorer was scratching his chin watching it, when he took note of Solana.
"Oh, don't mind me," he said. "That Snorlax is asleep. It's impossible to get around it. If you want to come this way, you'll have to wait."
"I'm a Pokémon Ranger, sir. I can just capture the slumbering Pokémon and have it move out of the way."
"I'd advised against. You must be pretty green if a ranger's talking about doing something as absurd as waking a sleeping Snorlax. Everybody knows that if you disturb a Snorlax's rest, it'll wake up in a violent rage and attack yah. Don't be foolish. Just come back here later after it's moved."
Solana was prepared to fire back in defense to the old man but decided against it. She didn't have time to argue with some entitled explorer. She had to find Percy's Politoed. She started walking north where she entered a narrow pathway in the jungle. A grunt was waiting for her with two Ekans.
"The Go-Rock Squad's going to take over as the real rangers!"
"As if. Nobody's going to be fooled by your antics." Solana countered.
"Shows what you know. Any Pokémon I capture with this new styler obeys everything I say. Go! Wrap that pesky ranger up!"
The two Ekans swiftly slithered towards Solana. Unfazed, Solana released two capture disks from her styler. She looped the capture line around both snakes four times, successfully capturing them moments later. As with the Wurmple, she released them back into the wild as soon as they were under her control.
"Oh, some heroine. Think you're so tough just because you beat me? Even I can beat me easily!"
Solana looked at him quizzically. "Did you just diss yourself?"
The grunt turned around and ran away. Solana again tried to pursue him, but got lost in the thick bush. As she continued trekking north, she came across an area with a large pond with lily pads and Lotad when she heard a cry to the east. Running that way, she found another grunt standing at the edge of the lake where it turned into a river.
"Gaaah! You Politoed! Come back here! Obey your new master!"
The Politoed looked questiongly at the grunt before continuing to hop east of the river.
"No! No! No!" He stomped. "If I wasn't scared I'd be swept by the undertow, I'd just swim across."
"He can't get to Politoed so long as the river's rip current is flowing unpredictably. Let's find a way to cross that river and save Politoed."
"Plah Pla!"
"Hey!" The grunt called out to her. "Y-You weren't supposed to see me get embarrassed like that! I'm telling you now, it's not because I'm not skilled enough! This new styler's acting up! That's why that Politoed's not paying attention. You want to make something of it?"
"What I want is for you malefactors to hightail it outta here and leave the Pokémon of this region alone, because if you don't, I will personally bring you to justice!"
The grunt chuckled amusingly. "Heh. Just try it, kid. I won't crush your fanciful little dream since it's clear you're a noob and all. Go ahead and play ranger. See how far you'll get."
"You'll eat your words, creep." Solana muttered as she turned around and went back to going northward.
As she continued north and crossed the pond, she caught a Ludicolo before happening upon a large, steep cliff. As with the first one, she tugged on the vines wrapped around and hanging down from it to test its strength before she again started climbing. The only difference was this time there were territorial Gligar flying about. As soon as they saw her they flew towards her, trying to clip the vines with their claws.
"Waahh!" Solana cried as she clung to the vine as it dropped.
"Plah Plah! Plah!" Plusle cried from her shoulder.
"Arg! Why am I even climbing this thing?!"
"Plah Plah! Plah Pla! Pla!"
"Okay! Fine! Just hold on tight, Plusle."
"Plah Plah!"
Gripping the vine tightly, Solana quick push off of the cliff and used the momentum to grab ahold of another vine just as the Gligar clipped the one she was holding moments ago. Panting, Solana continued to swing from vine to vine as the Gligar continued to try to make her fall. Eventually, she was able to climb to the top, flopping on her stomach as she landed, catching herself, before finally standing to her feet and continuing north. She came across one final clearing, only this one held an ancient temple as well as several ancient tablets and monuments.
"Whoa," Solana breathed. "I wonder what this place is all about?"
Surveying the area, Solana caught a Grovyle. Seeing no Pokémon that could help her cross the river, Solana decided to enter the ancient temple. She found an ancient stone statue with complicated inscriptions and designs on it. It seemed to exude a sense of history.
"Doesn't look like this will help us either. Let's backtrack, Plusle. Maybe we missed something."
"Plah Plah!"
Solana exited the temple and went back south, uttering a heavy exasperated sigh when she realized she would have to climb back down the cliff. When she reentered the area with the pond, she saw a Heracross walking about, sucking the nectar out of the flora and sap from the leafy trees.
"Hey, Heracross has a lot of power. I bet it could knock down that old dead tree to make a makeshift bridge for us. Might as well give it a try, right?"
"Plah!"
Resolute, Solana released her capture disk and encircled the Heracross. It tried to break free of the capture line loop, but Solana was quick and was able to make a fast capturing of it before it could attack.
"Got it! Let's move, Plusle!"
"Plah Pla!"
Solana ran over to the old broken tree and ordered the Heracross to use Megahorn. Its horned glowed light green just before it rammed the tree at full force. It was quickly uprooted and fell down across the river, creating a temporary expedient bridge for her to cross. She thanked the bug/fighting-type just before it flew back into wild.
"Hey," uttered the grunt. "Thanks, Ranger! I'll just be on my way. Good job!" He said before dashing across the fallen log.
"Hey, wait! Grrr!" Solana growled. She ran off behind him.
As she continued east, she came across a hillside where two Mankey and a Primeape were resting. They angrily hopped down the hill as they prepared to attack the grunt with Politoed below.
"Wah, Mankey! And a Primeape too! Yowch! Someone, help!"
"Thunderbolt, Plusle!"
"Plah Pla! Plah!" Plusle cried as her cheeks crackled with blue electricity as she released a powerful bolt of blue lighting. It cut a line between the grunt and the pig monkey Pokémon, hitting neither but creating enough of a flash and blast to momentarily blind them.
The grunt ran off west in the direction Solana was with Politoed hopping behind him.
"Hey there, Ranger. What perfect timing!" He waved as he ran past her.
"Hello?!" Solana cried in disbelief and the fighting-type Pokemon came running her way. Solana jumped in the air and somersaulted away from the attacking Mankey before backflipping to avoid being pummeled by the Primeape. As she landed, she saw the Pokémon crouched over from exhaustion, having exerted all their strength and energy into their attack.
"That's it," Solana said.
The Mankey, after a short rest, once again charged towards Solana. She vaulted to the side before releasing her capture disks, timing it just as they screeched to a halt.
Seeing his right and left hands of troop captured, the Primeape was further enraged. His eyes glowed red and charged at Solana at full force with his Close Combat, flailing his arms aggressively. Once again using her gymnastics skills to her advantage, Solana somersaulted into the air, flipping twice before unfurling her body and releasing her capture disk. She looped it around the Primeape nine times before the ring closed in on the energy-spent Pokémon and the capture was complete.
As she landed back on the ground, Plusle clapped her tiny paws and cheered excitedly for her. That's when Solana noticed the sign posted beneath the cliffside.
Don't agitate the Pokémon! There is no telling what may happen. Please be respectful.
- Summerland Tourist Bureau
Sighing, Solana released the territorial fighting-types after they calmed down before turning around and heading back west. There was a metal fence blocking the path she had just returned from up north, signaling to Solana that the grunt with Politoed must've headed in that direction. She had the Grovyle she caught slice through it and continued onwards. She found another grunt at the base of the cliff.
She pointed an accusatory finger. "All right you! Out with it! Where's Politoed?!"
"Huh? Politoed? What are you talking about?"
"Don't play dumb with me! I know you have him! Give him back!"
The grunt crossed his arms. "No one's playing here, missy. You sure you've got the right grunt? I hate to break it to yah, but the grunt you're looking for hightailed it up this cliff already. But that's not what I care about. How discriminatory for a Ranger to assume we're the same person just because we're dressed the same and wear the same goggles. So let me cure you of your ignorance. You're out to mess with the Go-Rock Squad, aren't you, now? Then I'm going to have to mess with you and mess you up before you do anymore messing around! Go gang!" He said, commanding the Beautifly and two Paras that he caught to attack Solana.
Losing her patience, Solana ordered Plusle to use Thunderbolt. The little Pokémon once again fired a strong lightning bolt between the Pokémon, disorienting them with its flash and power. Solana wasted no time capturing the three Pokémon.
She walked slowly towards the grunt as she released the Pokémon.
He cupped his hands around his mouth as he turned to face the cliff. "Hey you! Grunt up top! A pesky kid ranger's trying to reach you! Don't mess up!"
He then hastily ran past Solana. Solana didn't bother chasing him. She had to remain focused on her mission, which was to retrieve Politoed. She begrudgingly and irritatedly climbed the steep cliff once more before heading towards the temple where she suspected the grunt would be as there was nowhere else to run atop the cliff.
As she walked inside, she was met with applause by the man she pursued.
"Brava, Ranger! Brava!" He clapped. "I have to hand it to you, ranger girl - you're persistent. You came to take this Politoed back to your friend, didn't you? But too bad. It's mine now. So, what does that mean? It means it's your enemy! Go Politoed!"
"Poli!" Percy's Politoed cried as he hopped high in the air and released a Hydro Pump.
Solana and Plusle separated as they dodged the attack. That's when Solana noticed that Politoed's eyes were glowing red. But she didn't have time to study it as he hopped around and tried to kick Solana with his Bounce attack. Solana jumped out of the way, tumbling back to her feet when she reached the ground. Politoed continued to hop around furiously and attack.
Seeing as she had no choice, Solana ordered Plusle to paralyze it with Thunder wave to slow him down. Plusle obliged and Politoed fell to the ground when he was hit. Solana quickly encircled it with her capture disk ten times before the ring closed in on him. Once he was successfully captured, Solana and Plusle ran over to him and she started to treat him with a Paralyze Heal.
The grunt flinched. "Huh? What just happened? I stole that Politoed by capturing it with my brand new styler? It should be under my complete control! But you stole it back? Why did it go away when the Ranger captured it back? What gives? That's just wrong! It's totally unfair!"
"Life is full of unfairness," Solana said as she stood back up and put the healing spray away back in her pack. She started approaching the confused grunt. "And your definition of the word is terribly skewed. Come quietly and we might be willing to offer you a deal if you tell us what you criminals are planning."
"As if, kid. You think you can get me to turn on my people? Fat chance! The Go-Rock Squad gave me everything when I had nothing! This device must be defective or something. No matter. I'm sure things are going well for everyone else. Until next time!"
And with that, the grunt ran past Solana and out of the temple.
"Hey!"
Solana tried to pursue him but as she exited, Billy was standing on the staircase in thought. Politoed then speedily hopped past her and Billy, rushing southward.
"Hey, wait! Come back!" She called. But it was already out of sight.
"Hm…So that's the problem with Pokémon captured with our new styler," he mused, tapping his finger against his chin. "It looks like those Pokémon return to wherever they came from if a ranger recaptures them. That's important to know, but why does that happen? Could it be maybe because the ranger connects with the Pokémon on an emotional level and that severes the control?" Billy then bent over laughing loudly. "Hahaha! How ridiculous is that? As if that would ever happen! Hahaha! Totally preposterous!" He closed one eye as he flashed Solana a roguish smile as he looked back up at her. "Until next time, sweetness."
He nonchalantly waved as he turned around and walked away.
"Stop! I said, stop!" Solana cried as she skipped down the steps and chased after him. But once again, he disappeared out of her sight.
Solana signed disappointedly. "Let's go, Plusle. We have to track down Politoed."
"Plah Pla…"
Solana ventured back into the thick of the jungle, looking for Politoed but not seeing him. It wasn't until she came back near the entrance to the jungle that she saw Percy running towards her with Politoed beside him.
"Hey! Solana!" He called happily. "Solana, are you okay?"
"Percy, you have him?" She said as they neared each other.
"Uh huh! He suddenly appeared in front of me as if nothing'd ever happened! And then he…he…he leapt right into my arms! Knocking me down in the process but it doesn't matter. I couldn't help it, my eyes filled with tears. I thought I'd never see my precious partner again. Thank you!…Thank you so very much!"
Solana smiled softy. "You're welcome, Percy. I'm glad you have him back."
Percy petted his Pokémon on the head. "I'm not letting Politoed out of my sight ever again! Together till the end of time, right bud?"
"Politoed tohd!" He cried happily.
Percy turned back to face Solana. "Come on. Let's head back to the base with the biggest smiles ever."
Solana and Percy entered the Summerland Ranger base. Leilani quickly ran up to them.
"You're back!"
"Yep. Safe and sound," Said Solana cheerily.
Leilani petted Politoed on his head. "Welcome back to the team, buddy!"
"Politoed tohd!" He cried happily.
Leilani then slapped Percy on his shoulder.
"Hey!"
"Idiot, why did you go running off like that? You've had Politoed all your life. Did you really think you could defend yourself out there without him?"
"Like you said, I've had Politoed since childhood. We're inseparable. I had to go out and find him."
"You could have gotten yourself killed! You're so reckless!"
"Coming from you? That's a laugh."
"Okay, you two. Settle," Cameron said as he approached Solana. "Well done, Solana. You got Politoed back and brought him back to us safely with no injuries. Yup, you definitely were mentored by Spenser. It shows. Mission clear."
"Thank you, sir," She replied cheerily.
"We're really grateful that you recovered Politoed. He's a cherished member of our team as all our rangers are. And thanks to you, we're starting to get a little better idea about this Go-Rock Squad. So, Solana, I hereby certify you as Rank 5."
"Yeah, all right!" Leilani cried excitedly.
"Congratulations, Solana," followed Percy.
"Plah Plah Plah! Pla! Pla! Plah!" Plusle cheered as she danced cheerfully around Solana.
"Gee, thanks everyone," Solana's blushed slightly.
"Now that you're Rank 5, I can uncap your styler's Partner Gauge by one more level. Plusle's attacks should be even more powerful."
"Thank you, sir!"
"Call me Cameron, Solana. Or Leader if you feel so inclined. Your Area Leader Spenser, Joel in Fall City, and I have known each other a long time. We all worked together on the same team when we were your age. Spenser and Joel…Those two were outstanding rangers even back then…I wouldn't be surprised if they went to work for the Union eventually."
"What about you?"
"Me? Ahaha! That's not gonna happen. The slow and laidback atmosphere of Summerland is what's best for me. But with this Go-Rock Squad showing up making mischief in the Olive Jungle, I won't be able to kick back now. Have you ever submitted a report, Solana?"
"No, Leader."
"No worries. I can submit a report this time to Professor Hastings. Seeing as you're here in Summerland, why don't you kick back and enjoy some rest and recreation?"
"Thank you, Leader."
Nodding, Cameron went to his station behind the counter to submit their findings to Professor Hastings.
"Let me thank you one last time, Solana." bowed Percy. "Thank you!"
"Oh, come on, Percy, really. It's no big."
"Weren't you scared of the bad guys in the jungle?" Asked Leilani.
"Not really. For an evil organization run by a bunch of adults and teenagers, they aren't very intimidating at all."
"Oh, I'm so jealous you get to take on adventurous missions like these!" Squealed Leilani. "All I do is help keep the sea natural and stuff like that. Percy and I've never had to face anything like this from villains or teams or groups or anything like that. None of us have. It's boringly peaceful here majority of the time. You sure picked a ripe time to join the team. But we couldn't be more proud of you. You're awesome, girl!"
Solana blushed nervously.
"Ditto," said a voice from the entrance. They turned to see Lunick entering the base with Minun perched on his shoulder.
"Lunick?" said Solana.
"Way to go, Solana. I heard everything. Congrats on the promotion."
"Uh, thanks."
"What're you doing back here, Lunick?" Asked Percy.
"Isn't it obvious? I came to take my partner back to the base."
Leilani grabbed Solana's arm. "What, no way! She just got here! You can't take her away already. Come on, Solana, spend some more time with us. I wanna hear more details about the mission."
"It is getting pretty late," Solana said hesitantly. "But I can come by tomorrow before my shift? We can talk then."
"You promise?"
"Absolutely."
Leilani squealed again before hugging Solana from the side. "Deal. Lunick, she's all yours."
Solana looked back at Lunick. He extended his hand towards her. "Shall we?"
Solana meekly took his hand and he led her out of the base.
After returning to Ringtown, Solana and Lunick completed a few short missions together. Before they knew it, it was after ten and the end of their shift. They walked towards the base together, Plusle and Minun trailing behind them.
"So, how was your first real mission?" Asked Lunick.
"Excuse me? I've been on missions before."
"Not real ones."
"Excuse me?" She cried incredulously.
Lunick shook his head. "Standard stuff – aiding the citizens and calming down agitated Pokémon. Basic Rank 1 and 2 missions. But you did an actual rescue today – recovering Percy's Politoed. And now you're up half your ranks! That's awesome!"
"That's one way to put it I guess." She said as they approached the Ringtown Ranger Base.
Lunick smiled widely. He grabbed Solana by the hand and pulled her towards him.
"Wha? Lunick," she cried, stumbling slightly.
"Come on. I've got something to show you."
She followed behind him as her jogged ahead of her. After some twenty something minutes, they came across a large two-story brick house. It had a terrace extending from the roof and a garden curved roof veranda attached to the side and rear of the house which led into a 3-acre backyard with a natural stone patio. Wisteria sinensis, woody, deciduous, perennial flowering plants clung to the beams and roof of the veranda, surrounding it in delicate, draping purple flowers hanging downward in showy clusters and had a wavy trunk. A stone patio also lined the entryway as well.
"This is so beautiful," Solana breathed, looking in awe at the single family home.
"It's yours." Lunick replied, wearing a large smile.
Solana's eyes stretched wide as she turned back to look at him.
"Mine? What do you mean?"
"Well, you've been here three months now and you've already advanced to Rank 5. That's half our ranks as students! So I thought, what better way to celebrate than to welcome you to your new home."
Solana shook her head. "I don't understand."
Lunick wagged his finger. "It's really quite simple. I know you must be tired squatting at the base for so long. So, I took it upon myself to look through our local listings of available houses and I found this baby. Humble yet luxurious. Quaint yet bold. It makes a statement. It flaunts itself proudly because it knows how good it is. It just screams pretentious badass. I just knew this was the perfect house for you. Your home away from home. It practically had your name written all over it. I just had to get it for you."
"I'm gonna ignore some of those snide remarks and again ask you what are you talking about. You bought me a house? There's just no way."
To her shock, Lunick pulled out a laser cut brass key with a black handle, dangling it in front of her.
Solana's eyes again stretched wide.
Lunick smiled smugly. "Come on. Come on! Let's check it out!"
Lunick unlocked the front door and opened it up. It had white oak hardwood floors, a sophisticated living room with built-in bookshelves in the foyer, a casual kitchen with a gorgeous white and gray marble center island, dark gray Caesarstone quartz countertops, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a built-in front control panel dishwasher.
"This is…" Solana muttered as she and Plusle stared in awe at the house's interior.
"There's a natural pond and a garden oasis pool in the back," Lunick said, running into the spacious living room to join Solana.
"Lunick, there's no way I can live here. This place must cost like $1,000,000."
"$1,059,715, actually," he said nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
"Lunick, I can't afford this! There's no way I'd ever be able to pay this off."
"First three months are already paid off," he winked at her.
Solana's shoulders slumped. "Lunick, you didn't. You couldn't…"
He waved his hands. "Don't worry about it, 'Lana. This is just my way of officially welcoming you to the team and Fiore. Now you've got a home of your own. You're a Fioridian now, officially."
Solana's eyes shimmered. "Lunick, did you seriously…"
Lunick chuckled. "Don't look so shell-shocked. You're my partner. It's our job to look out for one another."
Solana's eyes started to tear. "Lunick, I can't believe you did this for me…I don't know what to say…Thank you, Lunick…"
"Don't mention it."
"No, for real," she said, enveloping her partner in a tight embrace, startling him. "Thank you, Lunick. No one's ever done anything like this for me before."
Lunick smiled weakly, allowing himself to hug her back before pulling back. "Well, I'd say you're well overdue to be treated like a responsible person. There are grown adults who won't ever try to do anything close to what we do as rangers out of fear, and you've thrown yourself completely into this work and dare to take on whatever threats come your way."
"I'm not doing anything special. I'm just doing what I'm supposed to."
"Being a ranger is special, Solana. We put our lives on the line everyday to maintain the equilibrium and balance of this world and keep our citizens, Pokémon and region safe. That's nothing to scoff at. You're not only doing the job, you're doing it well, especially for a rookie."
Solana held her heart. "I so totally owe you."
Lunick patted her on the back. "I don't need you to pay me back. Just keep doing the awesome work that you are and keep giving it your all. I have no doubt you'll be a Top Ranger in no time. By a clear shot."
Solana stared hesitantly at Lunick. His Prussian blue hair illuminated and glowed under the bright lights, his cerulean blue eyes shining like freshly polished sapphires, and his toothy smile wide and white.
Solana's eyes glistened as she looked over her partner's features. What was this feeling she was experiencing?
Lunick dropped his arm back to his side. "Anyway, I should be heading home now. Gotta get up bright and early tomorrow for our next mission. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
Solana nodded.
"Enjoy your night."
"Yeah, you too, Lunick. And thank you again."
Smiling, Lunick once again dangled the keys in front of her, this time waiting until Solana cupped her hands underneath to receive it. He dropped it in her palms, then he and Minun waved goodbye.
Solana watched him as he left. A soft smile spread across her lips. Lunick was quite the eccentric character, a major goofball even, but moments like these showcased a tender side to him that Solana couldn't help but fawn over. Deep down, he was a really caring, loyal and chivalrous dude, not to mention charismatic.
"I think…I'm falling in love with this region, Plusle."
"Pla Plah?" The little Pokémon chirped, wondering if the island was the only thing her human was falling for.