This visit of Altru Inc was...Interesting. Other than the exhibition on the various machines that the company had developed, a subject on which Kellyn had no idea, so to speak, and Isaac's presentation of the various presidents. The group had the good surprise to meet the one currently in charge: the third of his line, Blake Hall.

A real honor, according to the words of the blond. The latter also had to leave, in order to return to work, leaving the trio alone.

Then, the brunet received a Voicemail from Barlow, telling him to come to the Union with a Pokemon capable of destroying a red Gigaremo. Which the young Ranger did by capturing one of the Bibarels in Pueltown before being guided by Murph to his headquarters.

- Here we are! The Ranger Union! Good now, I am in pro mode... Humhum! Ranger, go to the conference room on the second floor! Chairperson Erma and Professor Hastings are waiting for you!

- "Roger!"

Luckily, the building wasn't THAT big...The trio couldn't get lost! It wasn't like ALL the doors looked the same!

- / H-Hm....Which one is it?/

- (Are you asking me that?)

As the teenager was internally panicking and cursing himself for not asking the Operator for more details, a young woman with long green hair came out of one of the rooms. She immediately noticed the boy's lost and slightly terrified expression.

- Are you okay little one?

- "A-Ah! E-Excuse me Madam! Do you know where the conference room is? My partners and I are supposed to go there but....We don't know which door is the right one."

- The conference room....? Ah, you must be Kellyn, aren't you?

A look of surprise crossed the Ranger's face.

- "That's my name. And you are...? Sorry, but your face is unfamiliar to me..."

The woman laughed frankly before ruffling the brown hair. Making it's owner even more confused than before.

- My name is Wendy. But they also call me "Flying Ranger", or even "6th Top Ranger". Nice to meet you!

- "As you already know, my name is Kellyn. And this is my Partner, Fischl. Pleased to meet you, Lady Wendy!"

As the older one held out her hand, she bumped into the boy who bowed politely to her.

- Oh...You don't have to be so polite. Come on, stand up and stop the honorifics while you're at it.

The youngest stood up then, a shy smile on his lips before accepting, after a slight hesitation, the handshake.

- Professor Hastings told me about you two and your exploits. It's an honor to welcome you to the Union! I sincerely hope that we can work together one day.

Kellyn's cheeks took on a beautiful pink color, his eyes beginning to dodge Wendy's emerald gaze.

- "I-I'm just a simple Area Ranger! Kate has a lot more potential than me!"

- And humble moreover! Don't denigrate your abilities little one, you already show greater potential than some Top Rangers, trust me.

The brunet shifted from one foot to the other, embarrassed, not knowing what to do. The adult's words seemed to be filled with a motherly and reassuring tone...And that disturbed him a little.

- (Well, what's happening to you little Amethyst? It's rare to see you so shy!)

- / I-I don't know....She looks like a mother reassuring her child...It's...Strange./

- (Some people have more parental instinct than others. And also, compared to her, you are very young. She must be, what, in her twenties? You are only 14 I remind you.)

- / Ah yes, indeed. It's a possibility./

- Hey, Kellyn? Still there?

The teen slightly jumped, making him even more embarrassed than before.

- "S-Sorry! I was thinking about something else!"

The Top Ranger chuckled softly, placing one of her hands on the boy's free shoulder, making him stay in place.

- It's okay, you know? It happens to everyone to have moments of absence, and to have your head in the clouds. So calm down and breathe. Everything's alright.

...Oh. It looks like he was having a little panic attack right now....Pathetic. The teenager then took a deep breath, relaxing his tense body slightly, before giving his superior an awkward smile.

- "Sorry, I lost my cool. But, I'm feeling better now."

-...Don't overdo it, okay?

- "Promise."

The one with jade hair sighed, before inviting her cadet to follow her to the conference room where there was already a group of people. There was Professor Hastings, Barlow, a few Area Rangers and an elderly lady with a gentle but firm aura.

- I see you're back Wendy! And you brought us our guest, at the same time. Well done.

- My pleasure, Chairperson Erma.

- (Oh...~ There is the leader of the Rangers! She doesn't look like that, but she has charisma, the little lady!)

- / Fischl! Show a little respect!/

As Wendy took her seat next to the chairperson, the brunet noticed the Gigaremo standing in the middle of the room. His blood suddenly froze, and he could feel that the two Pokémon accompanying him were by no means serene.

- From your expression, I understand that you are already very familiar with these machines, aren't you?

The voice of the oldest echoed in the room, even louder than the din of the machine.

- I have a favor to ask you, my child. Barlow told me that you knew how to dispose of these...Can you give us a demonstration?

- "Roger, ma'am."

The young Ranger turned toward the Bibarel who was shaking with terror and rage, it's eyes staring at the Gigaremo. It was swinging it's tail in the air and had it's claws planted in the ground. Kellyn then leaned over to it, whispering against it's ear:

-...You hate them, huh? I don't blame you for that....I hate them too. But don't worry, I'm doing everything I can to bring them down. And for that...I need your help.

The creature looked up at the boy who was smiling at them and tenderly scratching it's head.

-...You have to launch your most powerful Hydro Pump on this machine. I know you can do it, I believe in you.

The mammal stared at the Ranger for a moment, before staring at the craft and so on, unconfident. But, between the sweetness of the brunet's words and it's desire for revenge against what had made them live through hell, Bibarel made up it's mind. It took it's courage in both paws, and approached the Gigaremo, looking determined.

A few seconds passed causing everyone in the room to worry, except Kellyn, before the creature suddenly stood up on it's hind legs. It opened it's mouth releasing a full powered Hydro Pump, hitting the device head-on. It didn't take long for it to short-circuit and explode into shards.

The teenager then joined the Pokemon, smiling proudly.

- You did it, my dear!

- [ I-I did it...? I did it..! I did it!]

The teal pupils widened in surprise. He could hear it?! So that meant he was right! With practice his ability to understand Pokemons could come back!

-...Yes. You did it.

A voice then rose, the professor's.

- As you can see, we can get rid of Gigaremos with the help of Pokemons. Although you have to be aware of their "type" and adapt accordingly. Let this be communicated to all Rangers as soon as possible!

- Roger sir!

The Ranger who answered him quickly left, carrying out the order without asking questions. Meanwhile, the rest of the Area Rangers group, minus Barlow, took care of getting rid of the remains of the machine.

- Good. As you saw, this Gigaremo could not hypnotize Pokemons in the area. Why would you tell me? Well, please take a look at the screen.

Following these words, the ground lit up showing various diagrams and plans, one of them representing the machine.

- Thanks to the skills of young Elaine, you were able to recover what seems to be a fragment of crystal if I am not mistaken, Hastings?

- That's right. And after analysis we were able to conclude that a mysterious power was powering it and that the possibility that it was responsible for the hypnosis was high. That's why we repaired this Gigaremo in order to do a test.

- And your theory turned out to be correct. This crystal is the source of the Gigaremos' hypnotic power...How awful.

- Professor? Do we know where these fragments came from?

- Alas Wendy, I have to give you a negative answer....It's still a real mystery.

The room fell into a tense silence, making the brunet uneasy. He then proceeded to scratch Fischl's neck to calm his own nerves as well as those of the bird.

The Chairperson then spoke again.

- Although this information is still unknown to us, we still have a counter to these machines. Our scientists will continue to work hard to unravel the mysteries of this stone. Meanwhile, the Rangers will take care of destroying them. Is there any objection?

- None, Chairperson Erma!

- Perfect. Keep in mind that all Almia is counting on you, but don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. Barlow, Kellyn. Stay here for the night alright? Think of it as compensation for making you come from so far away.

- Thank you for your kindness, Chairperson. We will also make sure to destroy as many Gigaremos as possible. You have our word.

- Still, don't overwork yourself! Remember that you are still human beings, not machines.

- Understood. Kellyn? I intend to stay up a while longer, if you look for the guest rooms they are at the end of the corridor, on the right. Don't stay up too late, we have work tomorrow.

- "Understood, boss!"

And off he went, Fischl on his heels.

- / Sorry my dear, no nest tonight./

- (Well, it's not a big deal. I will most certainly snuggle against your lower back, or against your neck....I'll decide later.)

- / As long as you don't make me have sleep apnea, we're good!/

- ( No promise!)

Kellyn laughed, before entering one of the bedrooms in order to rest properly after this long day....

Waking up the next day was strangely mild. No urgency, no patrol at impossible times...Ideal for sleeping a little more.

But all good things come to an end. So when the brunet opened his eyes he knew he couldn't go back to the dream world again.

-.....8AM, huh....? I slept well it seems...

He shifted slowly, trying to wake up his numbed muscles, without knocking out his Partner who was curled up in his neck. Ah....That felt nice!

The bird also began to move, emerging from her sleep.

- (Hmmm....)

- Oh...? Sorry, did I wake you up?

- (....Hello Kell....Nope, don't worry. I already have...*yawn*...All my hours of sleep...)

The teen chuckled before straightening up and getting out of bed, getting ready for the day. A good 15 minutes later, the duo became operational.

- (Well... We should probably join Barlow, right?)

- Yeah... We're going back to Vientown today, normally.

- ( Let's go, then!)

So the two set off, pacing up and down the walls of the Union, greeting those they passed until at last they found their base's leader.

- Ah! Kellyn, Fischl! Good morning!

- "Good morning Barlow."

- You seem to be in good shape today! I did well to let you sleep.

- "E-Excuse me? You should have woken us up!"

- Nope. There's no rush, and honestly, you were both exhausted because of the recent events.

- "Ah...Thank you...?"

- Don't mention it! Anyway, today, return to the fold. I know Crawford is capable of running the base while I'm gone, but...

- "He tends to get overwhelmed?"

- I couldn't have said it better! I just hope no one has set the building on fire...

It was therefore in a joyous and a relaxed atmosphere and a fit of laughter that the trio set off, heading for Vientown.

Everything was fine until a violent earthquake took them by surprise.

- Wow! What the hell was that?! An earthquake?

- "Given your reaction, I assume that it is not frequent...."

- Not at all. If you're looking for an earthquake zone, go to Boyleland...And that's at the other side of the region, if you're wondering.

- "Oh, ok."

The Rangers moved forward again, but cautiously this time, fearing another earthquake that soon arrived.

- Is it me or was this one stronger than the previous one?

- "It's not just an impression... They are gaining power."

- Are you alright?! Nothing's broken?!

A woman came out of the shack near the Perilous Cliffs, a mountain range that runs partly along Pueltown, a worried look on her face.

- Don't worry ma'am, no one is hurt.

- Thank Arceus...! Oh, you're Rangers, aren't you? I have a request, if you allow me...

- Go ahead, we're all ears.

- Ah, thank you! Just before these earthquakes started, I saw a man with two big Pokemons heading up the mountain...He said it was for rock climbing, but now...I can't stop worrying about him.

- Indeed, this is worrying. Leave it to us, we'll take care of that.

- You have my most sincere thanks!

The man turned to his cadet, looking serious.

- You know what that means. Let the Mission begin!

- "Roger Chief!"

This is how the exploration of the Perilous Cliffs began, reminding Kellyn how much he hated rock climbing.

- / Ugh! That's why I never enjoyed rock climbing!/

- (Come now...It's not that hard!)

- / You can fly, you cheater!/

During their adventure, they had the misfortune to come across a new type of Gigaremo: the one the teenager and his cousin had seen in Pueltown a few days earlier. Fortunately, it was easily destroyable, as long as you have enough power to crush it.

- Kellyn! Look!

The teal pupils turned to where the adult was pointing, immediately understanding why his tone sounded full of anger. Next to them was a man typing on a kind of computer, accompanied by two Rampardos who were charging rhythmically at the face of the moutain, causing various earthquakes.

- I can't see well from here, but all I know is that these Rampardos are responsible for these repeated earthquakes. This man must be apprehended! You're ready?

The brunet glanced at his Partner who was cracking her neck as a warm-up.

- / Ready Fischl?/

- (Anytime, Kell!)

The Ranger turned back to his leader, and nodded, ready to fight. Barlow cracked his knuckles, a mischievous smile on his face.

- Ok. Here we go!

The trio then came out of hiding, surprising the sleazy man.

- Hey! What's happening here?

- R-Rangers...?...! A-Ah, uh... I-I'm a geologist! I study the rock of this place with the help of my Rampardos!

- This man calls himself a scientist huh? Do you believe him, Kellyn?

It was obvious that the adult was holding back his laughter, and quite frankly, Kellyn too.

- "Nope."

- That is what I thought. So, Mr. Geologist? What is the rock here made of?

- A-Ah the rock? O-Oh yes! H-Hmm...Red...Stone...? Clay...? Oh and drat! Rampardos! Turn those Rangers to dust!!!

The two creatures roared before charging forward, head first, each on one of the Rangers pushing them away from each other.

- / OK! Let's go! Fischl!/

- (Leave it to me! Come on, this way, honey!)

While the bird took care of distracting the Rock-Type Pokemon, Kellyn made his capture more or less peacefully. If getting a rock and a headbutt in the face didn't count, of course.

- [ DESTROY. DESTROY. DESTROY!!!!!!]

- / For the love of Mew...! It looks like a robot!/

- (Ah. I 'm guessing that you can hear it?)

- / More or less....It's still a little vague at times, but it's getting better- Aaaahhhh!!!/

The teenager was surprised by a rather large projectile flying in his direction. Knowing he didn't have time to dodge, he raised his arms, crossing them to protect his chest and face.

- (KELLYN!!!!)

The teen barely had time to open his eyes that he saw his partner take the attack head-on, making her fly several meters away.

- / Fischl!!/

The boy caught the Pokemon mid-air, cradling her urgently against his chest.

- / Fischl! Fischl! Answer me please!/

- ( ....Tss...! Ouch....It's just a scratch.)

- / A scratch?! You took a Rock Tomb right in the face!/

- (And I'm still up!- Argh...)

The bird was quivering in pain, taking it as best she could and making the young Ranger worried sick.

- /...Stay back. I'm taking care of it./

- ( Wh-Wha- No way! You're going to get yourself killed!)

- / I'd rather die than seeing you hurt because of me./

The brunet gently placed the bird on the ground and lightly rubbed her head before heading towards the enraged Rampardos, Styler in hand.

- / It's between you and me./

The battle between the two then resumed, the human dodging the Pokemon's constant attacks as best as he could, while doing one capture loop after another. Fischl, meanwhile, was watching the scene steaming with frustration. Her partner was fighting without caring about his own life in order to protect her....And her? She was on the side, unable to make the slightest movement...Pathetic.

...No. She couldn't let herself be defeated.

FIGHT

Kellyn needed her.

FIGHT

She wasn't going to let him down.

FIGHT

She had to fight.

PROTECT HIM

Suddenly, a violent current of air destabilized the two fighters, nearly knocking them down.

-/ Wha-/

The brunet quickly turned around, looking where such a gust came from. But, all he saw was a dazzling blue light.

The Rampardos, sensing the danger, began to charge towards the light while screaming. Except that this one outspeed it, appearing behind it's back. Powerful blades of wind then emerged, lacerating the creature's body.

The boy remained silent in surprise before looking up as the light gradually dimmed, giving form to a Pokemon. This one had a magnificent black, gray and white plumage, embellished with powerful claws and a sharp ebony gaze....It was a Staravia.

- /...Fischl...?/

- (Don't you dare touch any of his hair, you motherfucker.)

- [ DDDDDDDDEEEEESSSSTTTTRRROOOOYYYY.....!!!]

- (Kellyn! Now!)

-/! H-Huh...R-Roger! /

The teenager didn't have time to recover from his surprise that he hurried to finish his capture, helped by the powerful bird. When the Rampardos finally calmed down, the Ranger let out a sigh of relief.

- [...My head....! What happened...?]

- (You have been reduced to the state of a brainless mountain breaker. But don't worry, we've taken care of setting you straight!)

- [ E-Excuse me...?]

- (Forget it.)

The Rock-Type then decided to go away without further ado, leaving the shady man all alone since Barlow had also finished his capture.

- Aaaahhhh!!! I lost! It's time to go using those famous words: "Just you wait Rangers! Team Dim Sun will eclipse you one day or another!"!

Aaaannnddd he ran for his life..

- So he was indeed from Team Dim Sun... But how could he control these Rampardos? There wasn't a Gigaremo around....Kellyn? You're listening to me?

The teen was indeed not listening to his superior. Instead, he was showering his Partner with affection, looking happy but just also worried.

- / You were awesome Fischl! But please don't do that again! You scared the hell out of me, and your injuries got worse!/

- (Look who is speaking! Mister-I-sacrifice-myself-for-others!)

- / It-It's not the same!/

- (Of course it is! You're ready to risk everything for me, and that means a lot to me. And vice versa, I'm capable of anything for you. There's no need to make excuses.)

- / Fischl.../

The teenager could swear the bird was smiling.

- (Come on, calm down. No one died. And I advise you to get back in touch with reality. The chief is worried.)

- / The chief...?....Aaahhh!!! Barlow!/

The brunet quickly turned towards the adult, his face red with embarrassment.

- "S-Sorry!"

- It's nothing. I see that you have your priorities! Besides, it looks like she has evolved, right? That's rare for a Pokemon Partner...

- / Oh? Really? You're even more awesome than I thought!/

- (Hey... You have a lot to do with it too.)

- / Ah? You're sure?/

- (Yup. It's because you were ready to fight until the end to protect me that I found the strength to continue....My evolution was only a logical consequences of things.)

- /...If you say so./

- Anyway, we should go home. I'll go ahead in order to reassure the lady who entrusted us with this Mission. Take this opportunity to go home and get treatment.

- "Understood!"

The man then began to leave before stopping for a moment.

- Oh, by the way, before I forget. You can capture a Doduo and ride on it's back. You will go much faster, believe me! On the other hand, avoid entering a building while you are riding one, ok? It's dangerous and rude.

- / Logic./

- (You wanna know the worst? It's that if he warns you, it's because others have already done it!)

- / You're serious?/

Kellyn waved at the oldest, ignoring his feeling of despair, a consequence of human's bullshit... Anyway, he captured a Doduo and began to ride it, one arm firmly embracing Fischl while his free hand gently gripped the two-headed creature.

The trio sped like the wind, lively and free, and that calmed the nerves of the poor brunet.

-...It's nice...

- (What? The wind?)

- Humhum...~

- ( And it will be even better when you'll fly!)

- Hihi...But Fischl, I can't fly.

- (Maybe, but me, yes! I intend to make you discover the joy of traveling at full speed in the sky! Once I'll be fully evolved, of course.)

- Haha! I'm looking forward to it!

It was in this sweet joy that the return trip passed peacefully, the duo enjoying the ride and the calm before the storm.

When the destination was reached, they got a quite harsh welcome from Kate. Indeed, the latter gave them an earful because of their injuries and recklessness. But neither of them complained, because they knew she was just freaking out.

Barlow returned soon after, and allowed the pair to go to bed early so they could enjoy some much-needed rest.

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

Wendy: *patting Kellyn's head* You don't have to be afraid, everything is fine.

Fischl: *snickering* Congratulations on getting a new mom!

Kellyn: *blushing* / Shut the hell up, Fischl...!/

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

Kellyn: *pampering Fischl once she evolved* You're the best Fi!

Fischl: *a little blue* Kell, I love you but please, I can't breathe...!