Quickly the sandy banks entered their field of vision, as well as the salty smell of the sea.

- Ah~ Nabiki Beach. Also known as the "Partner Beach". They say those who meet here become partners for life!...Kell? You're listening?

Teal eyes stared at the mingling waves on the horizon, his ears filled with the melodious sound of the ocean's eddies. He wasn't listening to his friend anymore, his mind going absolutely blank. Suddenly, a pain seized his head causing him to almost drop his package. He gently massaged his temple trying to soothe this new pain.

-...Hurt....It hurts...

- Kellyn! What's wrong?! Sit down!

The brunet couldn't hear Keith who was slightly panicking beside him. Worse, he had no awareness of his surroundings. All he knew was that he had a jackhammer in his skull and a voice that spoke at a low volume in the back of his mind.

...Eh? What voice?

- / That voice...It's not...Keith's...Who...? Who are you?/

- "Tell me little one...Do you know what the sea is?"

- "The sea...? Can I eat it?"

- "No no! Well yes... You can drink it, but it's not recommended."

- "Huh...?"

- "The sea is a large expanse of salty water separating the different regions of the world."

- "Water?"

- "Yes, water, my dear."

- "Why?"

- "Because it's the domain of Kyogre, the Avatar of the oceans. The alter ego of Groudon, the Avatar of the continents. Everything in this world has two faces, an alter ego. For the earth, it's the sea. For the darkness, it's light. Everything is only a precarious balance that only asks to be preserved."

- "....You don't understand, do you?"

- "No...."

- "That's alright. Everything will become clearer once you'll become older. For now, just go have fun and enjoy your life. You're still so young...And please, don't drink sea water."

And everything disappeared thanks to a new searing pain.

-....lyn....Ke....Kellyn! Oi Kellyn! Do you hear me?!

The brunet opened his eyes, and realized that he was on the ground, clutching Keith's hand with all his might.

-...K-Keith? W-What happened?

- I should be the one to ask! You suddenly started having a headache! You nearly collapsed, damnit!

- I-I'm s-sorry....I-I...I don't know what came over me...

The redhead sighed as he gently brushed his hair out of his eyes.

- It's nothing. It's not your fault....Come on, dry your tears, it's over.

- /...Huh? My tears?/

Kellyn touched his cheek, noticing that it was wet. So it was true, he was crying.

-/...It's weird. I've never cried out of pain before.../

The teenager preferred not to dwell on this fact, quickly getting back on his feet and taking back the package, which was miraculously in good condition.

- Are you sure you're okay?

-...Yes, don't worry. I'm just a little shaken.

- If you say so....If it ever comes back, lean on me, ok?

- Alright alright...I promise.

The two moved forward at slow pace, the red-haired boy often looking over his shoulder to check on his classmate's condition. Said classmate who sometimes took breaks to catch his breath, but at least after a few minutes he was back to his usual self.

Just before the hill, they met an old man who told them about Partner Pokemon and their importance. While Keith took care of the conversation, Kellyn crouched down to caress the 3 creatures that came alongside the man, a Pachirisu, a Starly and a Munchlax.

- / They're so cute...I wonder...Who will be my Partner...? Most likely a Bidoof, haha!/

The two teenagers greeted the adult before resuming their mission which had taken a monstrous delay. When they finally reached the meeting place, they were surprised to....Find Rangers?

- Hey, isn't that Crawford over here?

- < You're right....It's far too suspicious to me, if you want my opinion.>

- Can you tell me when you DON'T find something suspicious?

- <....You have a point.>

The boys giggled at their own stupidity before they went to meet their elders.

- Excuse us? We are here to deliver a package!

The Rangers turned toward the source of the noise and saw the two friends, or rather they saw Keith while Kellyn hid shyly behind him.

- Ah! Finally! We were wondering if everything was okay!

It was a rather stocky man with red hair who had just spoken. He approached the trainees who gave him the package rather quickly.

- Look at that! It looks fine this time around. You guys did a great job!

As the man returned to his comrades, Kellyn and Keith stared at each other, confused as hell. What's going on there? Actually, it turned out that the super important package was nothing more than a picnic....What a rip off.

- / I knew it! I knew it!/

The brunet shot a look at the redhead who was scratching the back of his head with an idiotic look. He even silently articulated a:

- Sorry...~

Kellyn rolled his eyes, but still gave him a smile.

- Hey! Come sit with us. You're not going to stand there planted like trees?

The teenagers jumped a little, then quickly positioned themselves on the tablecloth. The red-haired teen was sitting cross-legged and the youngest on his knees. As the Rangers introduced themselves 1 by 1, the one with the teal eyes froze before turning completely pale. He was staring at one of them in particular. His attitude didn't go unnoticed by Keith who shook him gently.

- Kell? What's wrong?

The other people present instantly turned toward the teenagers, realizing that something was wrong. When suddenly, the one who had caught the brunet's attention gasped.

-! Kellyn? Is that you?

The teen automatically hid behind his classmate, looking somewhat frightened. Said classmate extended his arm in front of him, frowning. He was challenging the young woman with his gaze, the latter saying "Try. I dare you.".

- Oh...Forgive me, it's true that you must still be afraid of me....I'm sorry for what happened years ago....I was dumb back then.

All the people present except the two concerned were completely confused.

- Kell...Who is it?

The brunet gently took the red-haired boy's hand and slowly traced a word in his palm. It was the way the trio had found to help Kellyn communicate when they were around strangers. And thus, to avoid new panic attacks.

-...."C"..."O"..."U"..."S"..."I"..."N".... Cousin? Is she your cousin?

The younger teen nodded slowly as the young Ranger explained herself.

- That's right, we are cousins ​​through our mothers. My name is Kate Hitomi! And let's just say when we were kids...I was quite a nuisance to him.

An awkward silence settled as the younger busied himself conveying his thoughts to his friend.

-..."It's forgiven. I forgive you."

The chestnuthead's eyes lit up, full of hope.

- Really?!

The boy nodded while giving her a small smile.

-..."I'll need some time before I can fully trust you, but as long as you don't try to murder me in my sleep, we're good."

The young girl burst out laughing so hard that in addition to scaring her Pachirisu, she received a nasty hiccup in return.

- Haha! Deal! Hic!

The teenager then threw herself at her cousin, giving him a big hug. While Kellyn didn't know how to react, he was pulled out of the arms of the one with cobalt eyes, before landing in Keith's. He had an unreadable expression on his face.

Kate froze for a moment before her expression turned darker and more combative.

- Ara ara?~ I guess you're his friend?

- Correct. I am Keith Dazzle. Try to get it memorized.

Even their voices were different, for Mew's sake! The atmosphere quickly became electric between them, making the brunet uncomfortable. On one side, he was pressed against his best friend who was hugging him tightly and on the other, his cousin was firmly holding his hand. He could almost see the lightning in their eyes.

- You think you can beat me to loving my own relatives?

- It's an interesting challenge. Bring it on!

While these two engaged in a verbal sparring match, the teenager stared at the rest of the Rangers in a mute complaint.

- / Help me!!!/

While the leader of the group was trying somehow to separate the 2 furies, a cry echoed.

- Help!!!The Pokemons have gone crazy!

The Rangers got up immediately, Kate included, going straight into professional mode.

- Looks like we'll finish our picnic later. For now, we have a mission to accomplish! Keith! Kellyn! Come with us!

The trainees followed the group without complaining, their hands already on their Styler. Arriving on the beach, they discovered quite a strange scene. The Pokemons were circling and screeching around a young woman with such a rhythm it became creepy. There was some Shellos as well as the three Pokemons that were accompanying the old man the boys had encountered earlier!

- By Arceus! What a mess!

- Looks like they're practicing some satanic ritual, or something like that....

- Luna! Crawford! Now is not the time to scatter! We have to calm them down before it gets out of hand!

As Barlow refocused his team, Kellyn was taken aback. Seeing these poor Pokemons act like that made him sick because he knew it was unnatural.

- Kate, Crawford and I will take care of the Shellos. Luana, take Kellyn and Keith with you and take care of the rest!

- Roger!

- Rangers, start of the mission!

As everyone dispersed, the brunet ran toward the beach. At first he freaked out a bit not knowing where to start when suddenly the Starly half slammed into him. He dodged before noticing the bird's behavior. The creature seemed to struggle against it's own actions, to the point that it's cries were filled with pain. Not wasting another second, the boy began his capture.

- / What happened to you...? I know this is not your normal state...Come on, calm down, it's almost over.../

Unfortunately, the bird wasn't cooperative, and managed to hurt the student who gritted his teeth through the pain.

- / It's nothing compared to your suffering...Rage as much as you want, I'm here to help you!/

Eventually, the capture was successful and the Pokémon collapsed from fatigue. Kellyn barely caught it and held it against him, forming a cocoon of protection with his arms.

- Shhh....Shhh...It's over...No more pain...You were extremely brave...Shhh....~

As he whispered his words softly, he stroked the gray plumage tenderly, making the poor creature relax. The brunet slightly straightened up to look around. All Pokemons were appeased.

- That's what I call a mission accomplished in the rules of the art! Now let's release them, they deserve their freedom.

As the creatures left as they were released, Starly didn't move from where the boy had put her down.

-...? / Huh? I screwed up?/

- Kellyn? What is happening? You were taught how to release a Pokemon, right?

- But boss, it's already done! The Styler no longer displays anything...

Kellyn internally thanked the chestnut-haired girl who seemed lost. The bird stared at the teen for a moment before leaving. The boy could swear the creature was completely overwhelmed with grief.

- Kell! You're hurt! Are you going to be okay?

As Keith and Kate bustled around him, the cobalt-eyed one tending to his wounds, and the redhead trying to cheer him up, the brunet remained silent. He was seized with a strange awkwardness as if....His heart was feeling sick.

- Alright...Kate, walk our trainees back to the base while we clean up the rest.

- Roger that, Boss! Kellyn, Keith, follow me!

As the trio made their way back to Vientown, the crimson-eyed one noticed something...Kellyn was dragging his feet.

- Kell? What's going on? You look completely depressed...

The brunet didn't answer him and just rubbed his head against his shoulder. Making it clear to his friend that his mood was indeed down.

-...It's about Starly, isn't it?

Both turned their gaze to the young woman who was caressing her partner absent-mindedly.

- Barlow often says that we never forget the first Pokémon we capture during our first mission. Sometimes it happens that the Ranger gets depressed once the said Pokémon is released...I think it's called "Ranger's Blues" or something like that. I think Kellyn has it.

- I see....I know it's hard, Kell, but it was the best thing to do. We both know it.

- < Hmmm...>

The red-haired teen looked pained as he put an arm around the youngest's shoulders, pulling him closer. He gently rubbed his head against Kellyn's but it was no use.

Suddenly, a splash of color caught the younger boy's attention. Slowly but surely, a small white creature entered the teenager's field of vision. It was Kate's Pachirisu.

- Hey...Do you want to hold him? It will probably do you good.

The boy accepted the offer and took the squirrel in his arms, hugging him. The little mammal wrapped his tail around the brunet's arm while finding a good position to sleep.

- Aw~ He likes you! Normally he only falls asleep on me! I'm jealous.~

The teenager gave her a faint smile as the group headed towards the atypical building that was the Ranger base.

A few hours later, the 1 Day Internship was finally over.

- This day is coming to an end...Time sure flies by! It's time for you to go back to school, and try not to get lost!

- Wow...Already? Well, what I'm sure of is that I will not forget it! I can't wait to get to work with you kiddos!

The boys greeted the Rangers who returned it, before leaving the building. Once outside, they were greeted by a familiar figure...Starly.

- Oh? Isn't that the Pokemon you caught earlier?

Kellyn didn't have the time to answer, that the creature began to circle around him before landing on his shoulder and starting to rub her head against him, as if they were both old friends.

- (I found you! I finally found you!)

The brunet froze for a moment. He could hear the bird's voice?

- / W-What...? I can hear Pokemons again...?...No, I didn't understand Pachirisu or even the Bidoofs. Just Starly?/

- (Can I come with you? Please! I'll be a good girl, I promise!)

The boy blinked before a tender and relieved look appeared on his features. He gently caressed the bird's head, which cooed contentedly. He had indeed missed Starly.

- What's the fuss?!

Crawford and Kate stormed out, Stylers in hand, only to realize it was a false alarm. The young girl was the first one to notice the creature.

- Oh! It's Starly!

She slowly approached and observed the bird which refused to separate herself from Kellyn.

- Aw~ That's so cute! I think she wants to be your partner!

The brunet smiled as he slowly rubbed his nose against the gray plumage.

- / Partner?...That would be nice.../

The sound of the other Ranger clearing his throat made them focus on him.

- I know you're not going to like it, kiddo, but... you can't take her as your Partner right now.

- / Huh?! Why?!/

- Crawford!

- I don't like to say it either, Kate! But we can't do anything about it. The rules state that you cannot take a Partner Pokemon until you are officially a Ranger. Security rule.

The teenager immersed himself in his thoughts for a moment before opening his mouth to try to speak. But it was in vain. The red-haired teen then held out his hand to his friend who thanked him with a look before starting to "write".

-..."I understand. It's true that it would be imprudent. And then, like that everyone is on an equal footing."

- You have understood everything! I know it's not fun, but it's the law .... However, we can make a compromise.

The three looked at him, quite confused.

- You can keep her with you until you get back to school. But once there, you have to release her, understand?

The brunet couldn't help the huge smile from appearing on his lips as Starly squealed in delight. Keith patted his classmate on the back, while grinning.

- That's great! You will be able to spend some time with her! It's better than nothing, right?

The boy nodded his head energetically, thrilled. Finally, the students said their goodbyes to the Ranger duo before heading to their school. All the way, the bird flitted around the apprentice Ranger, chirping happily. And Kellyn was not left out as he "danced" trying to follow the rhythm of the creature, an innocent smile on his face.

The redhead stayed no far behind, watching the two friends having fun like never before. He whispered in a low voice:

- It's the first time I see him acting like a child...Oh Arceus, he's adorable...!

- Hmm? Did you say something?

- H-Huh?! N-No, nothing at all! You must hear things, Kell!

The teenager pouted, not convinced, but he shrugged before resuming his activity. Leaving Keith to deal with the blush creeping up his cheeks.

When the bridge connecting Vientown to the Ranger School entered their field of vision, the younger boy felt his mood change. He called Starly who landed in his arms, very happy.

-...Hey. It's time Starly. We have to say goodbye.

- (What? You're leaving already? Tell me you're not leaving!)

The bird started to panic, causing the brunet a great sorrow. He then stroked the black head, and gave her a reassuring smile.

-...Me too, I don't want to leave you. But, we have no choice. If I could, I would take you as my Partner...But I can't. We must separate.

The creature stared at the boy with it's ebony pupils, looking for some lie, but seeing that he was sincere, it gave up. She slowly spread her wings and began to fly near the teenager.

Starly started to fly away before stopping and rushing into Kellyn's arms who didn't refuse her the hug.

- (Hey...You'll be back, huh? When you'll become a Ranger...You'll be back, right? I'll wait for you no matter how long it takes, just...Don't forget me, please...!)

-....I'll come back for you, I promise...Be patient, okay?

And so the two separated, leaving the brunet alone with Keith who rubbed his back sympathetically.

-...Hey, Kell. It's okay....I know, it's hard...I know...Cry if you want. We are alone here.

Feeling his last barrier fall, the youngest then began to sob trying miserably to remain silent. The redhead slowly opened his arms in a silent invitation, which the teal-eyed one accepted. He snuggled up against the older boy, nuzzling his head into his neck as Keith gently closed his embrace. Protecting Kellyn from any gaze that would dare to land on him.

-----------------------------------------

Keith and Kate: *starting a war between each other*

Kellyn: *the poor soul in the middle* Help me!!!!!

------------------------

Starly: It's been not even a day since I've known Kellyn, but if anything happens to him, I kill everyone in this room, and then myself!