Silence. It was all that echoed inside his head. Black as far as the eye can see... Complete emptiness.

No matter how hard Kellyn tried, he couldn't even imagine a blade of grass... Was his body that weak?

《- "It's alright little...Shhh...~"

The sudden sound startled him, or at least he thought he did.

- That voice again...Who are you?

- "You shouldn't have seen that...Oh I'm sorry...So sorry...."

...Wait what? What was going on?

- "Tell me, you're not hurt right...?....Oh no, don't cry...I'm fine....Shh...~"

Suddenly, the boy's vision changed, giving him a serious headache in the process. He barely managed to make out a silhouette from behind, sitting on the ground. Her long caramel brown hair was strewn elegantly on the floor around her, covering most of her body. He was seeing nothing else.

- "Everything will be alright...I promise you..."

Kellyn realized that the voice he heard during his moments of absence came from her. Strangely, his heart began to seriously weigh down as if something bad was about to happen.

- "...Can you give me a smile? Please?"

The teenager began to hear his cardiac muscle beating louder and louder in his ears, making him panic like hell.

-...N-No...No...!

- "Aw...~ Thank you little one...I really needed it..."

His vision blurred as the figure spoke, making him realize he was getting overwhelmed.

- N-Not now! No! For pity's sake!

The brunet tried to move, wanting to approach the person, but it's no use. He was being carried away by the darkness.

- ¥)×#¥";$€:!!!!!

Then everything went black.

-

The teenager woke up abruptly, his body shaking, his pupils dilated and fleeing. He didn't know what was going on, where he was and was panicking. His heart was pounding wildly while his breathing was jerky and labored.

- / Where!? Where?! F-Fischl...?..! Someone!!/

- Sweet Mew...! Kell, breathe! Breathe! Focus on me, okay? 1...2....1....2....

The young Ranger obeyed not without difficulty, desperately mimicking the rhythm imposed on him by this new voice that he couldn't identify at the moment. As his body calmed down, his surroundings became clearer and clearer. He could now identify what was around him. Thus, he understood that he was lying in a hospital room and that the one who was helping him was none other than his dear and sweet cousin, Kate.

- There...It's alright Kellyn...It's over...Shh...

The teen looked up at the young girl, and saw that her usually happy eyes were red... She had cried. His instincts taking over his mind, he attempted to straighten himself up to hug her, only to be greeted by a throbbing pain in his right arm.

- Oh no...! Don't move. You're still too weak... Besides, you just woke up.

The chestnuthead allowed herself to readjust the blanket covering the boy, before sitting down on the bed beside him. She took his hand gently, careful not to squeeze it too tightly, as if it were made of glass. Kate stared at the patient for a moment, still smiling before tears began to stream down her cheeks.

-...You scared me, you know? You've been unconscious for more than 3 days...I imagined the worst...!

Teal pupils widened in surprise. Had he slept for that long? In any case, he felt horribly guilty for making his cousin worry like that.

-....Sorry....

- Nah...Don't apologize. Although the doctors call it a miracle, you survived. It's all that matters.

The one with cobalt eyes gently passed her free hand through the brown hair, earning a purr of contentment as she did.

-...Once you get out of the hospital...Promise me one thing.

-...Sure?

- Don't ever do that again, you hear me? Never again do I want to see you in a hospital bed, basically dead! I...I don't think...

The young Ranger straightened up slowly, careful not to hurt himself again before hugging his cousin. He hugged her as hard as he could, giving her a shoulder to cry on.

-...I promise you. I will do everything in my power to ensure that this situation won't happen again. I do not guarantee the results...But I'll do my best.

The chestnuthead froze for a moment before returning the embrace with strength and tenderness.

-...As long as you are aware of the seriousness of the situation, that's fine with me. I know that as a Ranger you have to be ready to die anytime...But I would like to avoid you kicking the bucket. Especially when you have a rival to annihilate!

-...Eh?

- You know, Angel! The one that, according to my stupid sister, Keith likes!

...Oh. He had forgotten that one.

-...And?

- What do you mean "And"?! Aren't you struggling to try to seduce him?

- What do you mean by that...? He loves me just as much as I love him... The fact that he also loves someone else is normal, isn't it? Just like I love you, or even Fischl or Rhythmi...It's a good thing!

Slowly, realization dawned on the girl's stunned face. She laughed nervously.

-...The next time I see you eating a cinnamon roll, I'll scream cannibalism.

- Huh?

Suddenly, Kellyn found himself grabbed by both shoulders, his cousin's face practically glued to his.

- I hesitate between protecting your innocence and reducing it to dust.

- H-Huh?! What? What are you talking about???

The chestnut-haired girl immediately walked away, pacing and mumbling.

- What to do? I explain to him what love is...? He can learn for himself...Or the world will....Nope, bad idea.

As she spun around, Kellyn was a mixture of confusion, terror, and innocent curiosity. When he heard a sort of not well-contained chuckle, he turned toward the source of the noise and saw Fischl struggling to contain herself. The doctors must have placed her by his side but he didn't pay attention when he woke up.

- Fischl...?

- (Hello to you too Kell, haha...!! Oh by all the Legendaries, it's going to be interesting!)

- B-But, but...! What is going on? I said something wrong...?

- (Nah...~ On the other hand, enjoy your last moments of innocence! You'll soon understand why she's teasing you about Keith!)

- W-What?? K-Keith??? What does he have to do with it? What are you talking about?? You are scaring me!

Kate turned toward him, her gaze filled with blazing determination.

- I didn't think I would have this type of discussion in the middle of a hospital room... But hey, it takes everything to make a world. I won't go into details, because you better find them out on your own...But I'll teach you the basics. Hold on tight, because after this... There will be no turning back.

The brunet gulped and cowered, terrified.

...Why did he have a bad feeling all of a sudden?

-

Go die in a hole Kate.

- (Are you okay, little Amethyst? Not too traumatized?)

-....Give me back my innocence....!

- (I take that as a no!)

Right after the chestnuthead finished her "presentation", the boy found himself red as a crayfish, and muttering things completely incomprehensible. In her great kindness, the young girl had left him alone with his Partner in order to absorb the information at his own pace.

- Why....? Why does it have to be so complicated...?

- (It's life, little one. And believe me, she just gave the basics! She didn't even go into the details...)

- Because there are more?!

Seeing the serious but sorry expression of the Staravia, his face paled before igniting again. He grabbed his pillow and screamed into it. He then collapsed on his bed, nearly unplugging himself from the machines along the way, while mumbling in his nonexistent beard. He was only confusion, embarrassment, shame and frustration...What a funny mix.

- (There, there Kell....It's alright...I'm here. You're not alone...)

-...I know but...By Arceus...It's weird.

- (Normal. And yet, I have the impression that you took it relatively well!)

-...If you say so.

He sighed softly before laying back down and curling up around his pillow. He began to stare at his bracelet, Kate having returned his accessories to him shortly before her departure, the look lost.

- (So....You put Keith in which category?)

-...I don't know.

- (...You don't...Know?)

-...Yeah. Everything that Kate taught me...These emotions...I felt them with him, of course, but...Also with Rhythmi. And moreover if I was "in love", would I forget the existence of my "rival" like that? I had a small heartache when I learned of her existence, it's true, but it stopped there.

He sighed for the umpteenth time, while making the purple gem sparkle.

-...But you know. Maybe I am indeed "in love" but my feelings are...Asleep...? I don't really understand to be honest. I have to meet him again to be sure. Separation can't do any good at this level...

The bird listened to him in a religious silence before gently rubbing her beak against his cheek.

- (...It follows a certain logic. I'm not you, so I can't help you on that level, but if you think you need a little more time to understand... So be it.)

The brunet chuckled softly.

-...Thank you, my dear.

- (You're welcome. Now rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.)

- Hmmm...~ Good night.

- ( Good night.)

The Staravia curled up against the young Ranger before immediately falling asleep, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He went back to studying his bracelet carefully, losing himself in his contemplation.

- /....Tell me. Nothing will change between us, right? We...we'll stay friends, huh? Even if you love that Angel...You won't forget me, will you...?...For Mew's sake...! Stop crying you idiot...!/

----

A few days later, the duo finally left the hospital, not without a lecture from the doctor. But they didn't mind, they were free!

- (Ah! Finally! The wind, the Sun...! It's so good to be outside...!)

- / It's true that it feels good... The air is cool as well./

- Kellyn!~ Fischl!~

- Oh, Kate...!

The teen came in their direction, on the back of Doduo, a bright smile on her lips.

- I came to fetch you! Didn't want you to walk on your own just after being discharged from the hospital!

- Oh, that's very nice of you! Thank you very much, Kate.

- Eh eh...! Don't thank me, and climb up instead! We'll be late otherwise.

She held out her hand to her cousin who took it hesitantly. He then climbed on top of the creature, getting behind her and wrapping his arms around her body so he wouldn't fall. Fischl decided to fly alongside them to stretch her wings a bit.

- Ready?

- Yup!

- Let's go then! Doduo? Taioooo!!!

The creature rushed with a cry, rapidly picking up speed. Kellyn worried that his partner couldn't keep up, but she proved him wrong with no problem! The younger smiled before turning toward Kate.

- Hey? What were you talking about?

- Oh? About not being late? The base organizes a small celebration to celebrate your release from hospital!...And your promotion.

She ended her sentence in a bitter tone...Eh? Excuse me?

- A promotion? How so?

- You have been promoted to Top Ranger. Chairperson Erma came in person to Vientown to recruit you....

- Oh....You don't seem happy about it.

- Let's just say that...I'm quite bitter and mixed. You almost died not even a week ago, and now they want you to be Top Ranger? All of them be damned!

The girl was beginning to quiver with rage, making their mount confused. The brunette then gently rubbed his head against her neck, in an effort to comfort her.

- It's very likely that Barlow and the others didn't inform her of our condition. Having met her once before, I can tell she's not one to ignore other people's pain....So I think they kept her in the dark so she won't feel guilty. I remind you that I was on this boat to look for our leader, who had left for Boyleland because of the Union's orders.

The chestnuthead was silent for a moment before sighing.

-...You're probably right.

For a few seconds, the two stared at each other without saying anything, before the oldest resumed.

-...Are you sure you'll be fine? At the Union, I mean....

-...Sincerely? I don't know...I don't know anyone, strictly speaking...But I'm going to have to adapt. Even if I would have liked to stay as a simple Area Ranger....Besides, why me? You are much more talented than me! Not to mention Barlow!

The teenager laughs softly, while smiling at her cousin.

- Kell...You don't realize it but...Your potential and your talent exceed ours. You have a keen sense of justice, a flawless determination....Not to mention your greatest quality, your love and your kindness towards others, especially towards Pokemons.

The brunet's cheeks flushed a delicate red, showing his embarrassment and shyness. He lowered his head, avoiding his cousin's gaze.

- But I....

- No "but". Have faith in yourself, will ya?

The boy just sighed, not wishing to continue this conversation. He just wanted to enjoy these last moments before the inevitable separation. Several minutes passed like this, until their base entered their field of vision. The two therefore descended from the Doduo, and let it go after having thanked them.

- Here we are...!...Shall we go?

- Yeah. And...Thank you for everything Kate.

-...You're welcome, Kell.

The trio entered the base, completely nervous, and were greeted by the happy faces of their comrades. Barlow then stepped forward.

- Welcome back!....I suppose from the look on your face that she already warned you, huh?

- "Exactly...."

-...Even if we are sad to see you leave, all of us were happy to have you by our side, please remember that. Don't forget that you can always visit us whenever you want. So don't be sad, okay?

- "...Thank you very much, chief. I'll try to remember that."

- Perfect. Now... Let's celebrate before you leave! Everyone, let's raise our glasses on this festive day!

- Yay!

The party took place in a rather good mood, allowing our duo to clear their heads and rest one last time at their now old base. A few hours later, the departure was announced. The brunet gave everyone a last hug, including Ollie, before leaving the building followed closely by the Staravia.

Outside, he met his mother who tearfully congratulated him on his promotion. Well, she must not have known that he was in the hospital not even a few hours ago. His little sister was also here, jumping around, announcing out loud that her big brother was a Top Ranger! Even Miss April had come for the occasion. She apologized along the way for the fiasco with Kincaid, but still encouraged the boy to follow his dreams.

The young Ranger thanked them before leaving, heading first towards Pueltown. He didn't have the time to enter the Vientown forest that a bird's cry called out to him.

- (Up there!)

-/W-Woah! A Staraptor?/

Indeed, it was indeed a Staraptor who was carrying on his back a Ranger with long green hair: Wendy, the Sky Queen.

- Finally found you, little one!

- "Miss Wendy!"

- Oh? Glad to know that you remember me! The Chairperson asked me to come and pick you up! Sounds good?

- "Oh, hum, yeah!"

- Let's go then! Hold on tight, because my Partner doesn't take his speed lightly!

She helped the teen climbing onto the bird, and waited for him to position himself properly before taking off and heading towards Union.

- Hmm? This Staravia...Isn't she the Starly from the last time?

The boy just nodded, smiling, proud of his friend who was enjoying the wind.

- Oh...~ You'll most certainly end up with a Staraptor, little one! If you ever need help, feel free to come find me, the two of you!

Kellyn gave her a grateful smile before starting to admire the landscape.

- / You were right, Fischl! It's so nice to fly!/

- (I told you little Amethyst! Although I would have liked to be the first to make you discover it....)

- / There's nothing stopping you from doing it once you've evolved, right?/

- (Yeah. You're right!)

The ride didn't last long, effectively proving that Wendy was right about her bird's speed. Once back on dry land, the woman gently scratched her bird's neck.

- Yosha, yosha~ By the way, the chairperson is waiting for us in the conference room. Follow me, I'll show you the way.

- "Thank you very much! Honestly, I completely forgot where it was, haha...!"

The jade-haired one chuckled behind her hand before ruffling her cadet's hair. She then invited him to follow her, guiding him through the Union until they reached said conference room.

- Chairperson Erma! We are back!

- Oh! Welcome back, Wendy. And you brought young Kellyn to us, I see! Welcome to the Top Rangers, my child.

The chairperson had not changed at all, still as sweet and charismatic.

- "Hello Madam! Thank you for welcoming me and my partner. We'll try not to disappoint!"

- Fufufu... Come now, come now, don't do so much. Remember that you're still human, don't overwork yourself, okay?

The teen nodded before starting to stroke his feathered beast, showcasing his bandaged wound.

- Oh? Are you hurt my child? What happened-

- Ah!!! S-Sorry!! I-I'm late!

Suddenly the door opened, startling the brunet, except that before he could fully turn around, he was bumped into by the person who had entered in a hurry. He lost his balance as a result, and began to fall. Unfortunately for him, his vision suddenly blurred, no doubt due to the side effects of his medication.

- / No no- Not now!!/

Understanding that he could not dodge this lamentable, shameful and painful fall, the boy braced himself for the impact....Which didn't come. Instead, he was pulled back and held upright by a pair of muscular arms.

- Hey! Hey, are you okay?! I'm sorry!

The teal-eyed one bit his lips before trying to get a proper breathing pattern. He had to come back to his senses as soon as possible! And his vision too, while he was at it.

Slowly but surely, Kellyn's body began to readjust, his sight becoming clearer and clearer. He took a deep breath before turning toward the one who had saved him before freezing.

Those crimson pupils...That blazing hair...That pretty face...

-...Keith...?

The sound didn't come out, but his lips had moved enough for the other to understand.

-...Huh? Kell? Kell, is that you?!

Crimson pupils lit up when the redhead recognized his friend, and he began to hug him tightly.

- Wow! It's really you! I never thought I'd see you again! Especially as a Top Ranger!

- My child..! I understand your joy, but I think you should let him go...!

It was true that at this instant, the teenager was suffocating more than anything else.

- Hmm? Oh, s-sorry Kell! Are you alright?!

The older of the two let go of him gently, allowing him to breathe again. The brunet violently coughed when the air filled his lungs again, but he still gave his friend a smile to reassure him.

Sweet Mew, he had gained strength in the arms, that one!

- (Are you okay? No broken ribs? It would be dumb to send you back to the hospital because he squeezed you a little too hard!)

- /...It would have been a good death though.../

The Flying-Type Pokemon glared at him as if he had just insulted her entire ancestry.

- Humhum!

The two Rangers snapped their attention back toward the adults, one red with embarrassment and the other oscillating between pink and white because he hadn't fully regained his colors.

- Hastings, don't scare them like that!

- They will have plenty of time to catch up later. For now, we have to give them their new device, and present them to the Tops Operators. After that, they will be free.

-...You say that because you want to go back to your research as soon as possible?

- Touché.

The older woman sighed before chuckling.

- You'll never change my friend... But you are right on one point, we must finish the official presentations. Then you'll be free for the day, I promise.

The chairperson cleared her throat, subsequently taking on a solemn tone.

- Kellyn, Keith. As the Chairperson of the Ranger Union, I welcome you as 11th and 12th Top Rangers. As you know, Team Dim Sun is giving us a hard time, and we needed more Top Rangers. This is why you were chosen. We hope that you will be able to help us put an end to the actions of this group which threatens the delicate peace of Almia. Do you feel capable of it?

- Even if we're not, we will do our best!

- "I can't forgive them for putting Pokemons through such pain...! So, I'm going to fight! Even if I'm not up to it!"

Keith, who had slightly held out his hand to the brunet so he could communicate, seemed disappointed to see that he was using a tablet now.

The scientist then came forward, two devices in hand, which he held out to the new recruits.

- Here is the symbol of the Tops Rangers, the Fine Styler! Thanks to it, in addition to being more precise during a capture, it allows you to send your feelings to Pokemons more effectively! Try to take care of it.

- So that's a Fine Styler...?! Wow!

Keith was almost jumping up and down and hurriedly put his new Styler in place. Meanwhile, the youngest had a tiny problem.

- / Argh...I have to put my bracelet on the left. I can't put the two of them on the same arm, they'll get in each other the way./

He therefore raised his right arm, just in front of his Partner.

- / Fischl? Can you...?/

She didn't wait for the end of his sentence that she delicately grabbed the jewelry with her beak, effectively removing it from the brunet's wrist. He thanked her with a look, before putting on the Fine Styler, and adjusting it to his arm. Finally, he took his accessory, not forgetting to scratch the bird along the way, and slipped it this time on his left wrist.

- Oh, they look great on you, my children! But enough chatter. Follow me to the Operation's Room, so I can introduce you to the Tops Operators.

The two Rangers nodded before following the chairperson and Wendy who congratulated them. Once upstairs, the elderly lady called the team to introduce themselves. The first was a girl with beautiful blue hair tied in two low pigtails, with sapphire pupils.

- My name is Linda! Pleased to meet you! And please don't take the chairperson's word for it. We're not THAT chatty!

The second, Marcus, was an ordinary boy, who was doing his best. And finally, last but not least...

- Good morning! My name's Rhythmi! I haven't been here for long since I graduated not even a year ago, but... - Wait. Keith? Kellyn? What are you doing here?

- It's us who should ask, Rhythmi!

The old woman chuckled at the trio's confusion.

- I understand your confusion, but know that this is not a coincidence that the 3 of you are here. Miss April told me about the trio you formed back in Ranger school. It's this kind of teamwork coupled with your great skills that we need today.

The room fell into a pleasant silence that Miss Erma quickly dispelled by tapping the floor with her cane.

- Keith, Kellyn, as promised, I release you for the day. So go make up for the time you lost, but don't forget to test your Stylers. Rhythmi, my dear, I'm releasing you in the evening. I wish I could release you earlier, but we can't afford to have one less Operator during the day.

- It's nothing, Chairperson, thank you for your kindness! Well, see you both later!

- See you tonight, Rhy!

-----

The trio waved goodbye, before everyone went their separate ways: the Operator returning to her post as the two Rangers made their way to their new rooms. They found them rather quickly, and the redhead invited his comrade into his so they could talk.

Keith then locked his door out of sheer reflex.

- Ah yes, it's true that I don't need to do that here... Oh well. At least we won't be bothered!

He then examined his room before whistling.

- Well, it's bigger than the one I had in Fiore! Oh, there are also my things! I pity the one who had to carry the boxes, though....

He chuckled softly then turned toward Kellyn who hadn't moved from his spot.

- Hey... It's good to see you again Kell-

The red-haired boy was suddenly interrupted when the brunet hugged him tightly. The youngest began to slowly rub his friend's back, while purring with happiness.

- I missed you...! I missed you so much...

The crimson-eyed one froze for a second, before leaning down and cautiously returning the embrace. He didn't want to choke him again!

-...I missed you too Kell. I'm so glad to see you again....

It was warm...So warm...

The two stayed like that for a long time, bathing in each other's warmth...Ah...! It was so nice...!

-...Hey Kell? You're falling asleep?

- Nah...Even if it sounds very tempting...

- Haha...! I don't mind you using me as a pillow, you know? You look completely exhausted....

The brunet shifted slightly, not really knowing if he wanted to lean back against his comrade's body or withdraw from the hug.

- To be honest, it's been pretty messy lately... And sleeping in a hospital bed isn't the best way to rest, trust me.

Keith froze for a moment then straightened up taking the teal-eyed one with him, which woke him up instantly.

- / Oups...I said something dumb./

- (Good luck escaping his interrogation! I can't help you with that!)

- /Thank you very much!/

- What do you mean a hospital bed? What happened? Does it have anything to do with the huge bandage you have on your arm?

The oldest firmly gripped the 11th Top Ranger by the shoulders, preventing him from moving. The pupils of the latter tried to avoid the inquisitive gaze of the other.

- Huh...H-Hum...It's nothing....Just me being reckless....

- Kellyn. Tell me the truth. You're hiding something.

His firm tone terrified the youngest to the point that he no longer knew what to do. Upon seeing his friend go into a state of panic, the redhead eased his anger and behavior.

-...Kellyn. I just want to know. You worry me and this injury....Why do you have it? And since when? It seems so...New.

The brunet slightly calmed down before gently squeezing his wound, careful to not reopen it. He hesitated a moment longer before starting to whisper:

-....During a mission. Our leader, Barlow, had to go to Boyleland because the local Pokemons were disappearing one after another...Except one day, his Styler's signal disappeared and I was designated to go find him. My research led me to a secret port where henchmen from Team Dim Sun were boarding the Pokemon along with Barlow. I infiltrated it and after saving my leader, we found ourselves having to face the captain...And his Drapion.

The teenager paused, before continuing, far less confident than usual, but also apologetically:

-...While wanting to protect Fischl, I ended up injured and poisoned along the way. Except that after the capture, the captain tried to sink the ship...I managed to slow the arrival of the water down enough so that we could berth in a hurry....But, I fainted immediately afterwards. When I woke up, I was in the hospital plugged to many machines. According to Kate, I was out for more than 3 days...I almost lost my arm- No, I almost died that day. The doctors kept telling me that it was a real miracle that Fischl and I survived... We were released from the hospital this morning by the way, after they kept us for a few more days after we woke up.

He barely breathed through his last sentences, before daring to raise his head to check on his friend's condition. Keith was both furious and livid.

-...Tell me this is a joke.

The teen bit his lips before slowly shaking his head, ashamed. He could feel the redhead's hands shaking in rage against his shoulders.

-...So, if I sum it up correctly, you were poisoned by a Drapion, which resulted in your near death experience?

- Yeah....Sorry. I'll be more careful next time...

The crimson pupils seemed to burn with an hellish inferno, causing the owner of the teal ones to cringe. He raised his arms in a gesture of defense, and closed his eyes not wanting to meet his best friend's gaze.

-....Kellyn? You....Are you afraid of me?

The younger opened his eyes and lowered his guard with a slight hesitation.

-...Aren't you angry?

- No! Well yes... But not with you, I reassure you. Don't worry, I'm not mad at you...I know it's not your fault...

Keith sighed before pressing his forehead against Kellyn's, whose body relaxed after his last sentence. The oldest gave a small sad faint smile before putting one of the brown locks back in place.

-...Just don't do this kind of thing again, ok?

- I promise. But I don't guarantee anything.

- It's okay with me.

The older boy rubbed their heads together, making the brunet laugh and let out a big, innocent grin.

-...I prefer it when you smile.

- A-Ah? Huh, thank you...?

Kellyn blushed slightly at the remark, but nevermind. Eventually, the pair separated, allowing them to examine each other.

The younger then lost himself in thought, comparing himself with his friend. The redhead had gained a few centimeters, making him even smaller than before. He had gained muscle, he was still a scrawny shrimp. And more importantly, he looked even prettier than before. No scars, no stains...Nothing. His hair was blazing in the light as his pupils shone with so much life. And him? All he had received were scars, dark circles and tears. Ah, and maybe agility too? Meh.

The teenager pouted, disappointed to find that unlike his comrade, he hadn't changed for the better. How could he please with such a pathetic body? Eh? Why was he thinking that, all of sudden?

-...You're very skinny...Are you eating enough?

The young Top Ranger jumped before blushing in embarrassment.

- H-Hmm, yes!...It's just that....When I make a capture, I tend to move like crazy...The students of the Ranger School even say that I "dance". It's because of that, I suppose.

- Oh? Do you have a video or something like that? I wanna see!

Keith's tone rose slightly, like a curious child would, but that only made the brunet ignite even more.

- N-No! Why would I even record myself in the first place?!

- Humph!....Not fair.

The one with the crimson pupils puffed out his cheeks in frustration and crossed his arms over his chest...By Arceus! How adorable!

The second teenager laughed even harder when he saw his friend's face.

- Haha! Y-you...are you pouting? Seriously? Haha!

- Yup. It's not fair that kids could see you dance but not me!

The redhead then began to pout like a child, under Kellyn's crystalline laughter. The latter was crying because of how much he was caught up in his laughter.

- Sweet Arceus...! It's been a while since I laughed like that...! Thank you Scarlet...

Upon hearing his nickname, the oldest couldn't help but smile. He abandoned his act to focus on the two Pokemons they had slightly forgotten. Keith then approached his Partner and took him in his arms before returning to the brunet who was struggling to catch his breath.

- You're good?

- No more breath...*pant* But it's ok!

- Humhum~ Ah, by the way. I haven't officially made the introductions, right? Kell, this is my Partner, Buizel also known as Sapphire! Sapphire, meet Kellyn!

The orange creature raised his head, then stared at the young Ranger with his jet black eyes. The said Ranger gave him a nice smile as he proceeded to scratch his head.

- Hello my dear...~ Keith told me a lot about you, you know? I'm grateful that you're taking care of him...He really needs it!

The Water-Type Pokemon waggled both his tails happily, royally ignoring his partner's outraged look.

- Hey! I can hear you, you know!

- Sorry Scarlet, haha...!~

The small mammal suddenly freed himself from the redhead's embrace before throwing himself into the arms of the one with teal eyes. The latter held him cautiously, not being used to holding a Pokemon other than Fischl.

- { So you're Kellyn! Woah...I now understand why this great clumsy oaf likes you! You are even more radiant in person!}

Kellyn's face suddenly heated up causing his eldest to notice.

- What did you say this time?

- H-Huh?

- No, not you, Kell. Him!

He pointed to the Buizel who was innocently looking at him.

- Don't make that face! I may not completely understand you, but I know you said something you shouldn't, again!

- Oh? Can you hear Pokemons, too?

- Just that filthy beast. And yet! It's often all Greek, for me!

- I see... Hey! Aren't you surprised that I can?

The redhead crossed his arms behind his head, giving him a big smile.

- Nah! You've always been closer to Pokemons than humans after all. And then, given how you stare at your feathered beast at times, I suspect that she's talking to you!

-...Oh.

- Anyway...What the hell did he say this time?

- H-Hum...That I was more..."Radiant" than in the pictures?

This time, it was Keith's turn to blush. He glared at his partner who seemed greatly amused at his embarrassment.

- You son of...!

- { What? You know I can rat you out to him, right?}

- Rat him out about what?

The one with crimson eyes suddenly took the mammal back into his arms, his face even redder.

- Nothing! Nothing at all!

He took several steps back, turned around, then shoved the Pokemon to his face.

- And you, quiet.

The latter simply replied with an amused snort.

-....? Oh, it's about Angel, right?

The one with the blazing hair froze in horror. Despite nascent trembling, he managed to turn slightly towards the brunet. His face was completely white.

- H-How did you...?

- Remember Anna? Well, she's Kate's big sister, and she likes to regularly send her letters to taunt her. It was in one of these that she mentioned a certain "Angel" who seemed to interest you very much. I don't know where she got this info, though....If you're wondering why I know, it's because I played therapist for Kate because she oscillated between depression and murdering impulses. Sorry, I should have told you sooner...

As the younger one explained, the redhead turned pale. Even the Buizel didn't know how to react.

-...That bitch has really rummaged through my stuff. I'm gonna kill her...!

- K-Keith! It's no use! She's not here anymore anyway!

- I know but...! Ahh!!!

He let go of the Pokemon, which landed on its feet, before rubbing his head erratically. This activated Kellyn's protective instinct, who rushed towards him to embrace him with his arms.

He cradled his friend's head against his heart, trying to create a cocoon despite their obvious size's difference. The warmth, combined with the soft lullaby his heartbeat was playing, gradually calmed Keith, who let himself melt into the hug.

- Shhh... Calm down. What is done is done. It's not your fault...Shh...~

The redhead sighed softly, before murmuring:

-...Thank you Kell.

- My pleasure.

The two stayed like that for a while, before parting ways, the older one having come to his senses. The younger then placed his hands behind his back, adopting a much more playful and childlike position.

- Anyway...~ Everything is going well with her?

-...Excuse me?

- With Angel, I mean. Did you manage to...Uh...Win her heart? Is that the right word...?

- Huh...

The 12th Top Ranger looked lost, but mostly surprised.

- Don't give me that look! Everyone keeps teasing me all the time! Especially you! So let me tease you for once!...Argh, that was awful.

- Eh? Uh, I don't understand?

- I just wanted to know what it felt like not to be the target for once... But hey, it seems like I'll always be the victim.

The brunette then shrugged, bored and embarrassed before giving a comforting smile to his friend.

- But seriously, I hope everything will go smoothly between the two of you. I don't know her, that's a fact, but if she caught your attention, she must be a good person.

He laughed softly while the redhead was silent as death. Despite his apparent joy, Kellyn knew deep down that something was wrong. He felt heavy, so heavy....Why? And the fact that Keith's eyes looked so sad didn't help.

An awkward silence fell, leaving the two Rangers to their thoughts before a Voicemail alarm echoed. The redhead then replied:

- Voicemail! Voicemail! Chairperson Erma speaking. Keith, my child, are you with Kellyn right now?

- Yes Madam. He's with me.

- Perfect. I'm sorry, I know it's sudden, but I have a mission for you two. You see, Sven, one of our veteran Top Rangers, has gone to investigate the Black Stone in Chroma Highlands. However he has just contacted us to ask for back up. Can you go join him and help him?

- No problem!

- Thank you very much, my children. Chroma Highlands is east of Altru Park. Remember to capture Doduos, there is a long way to go.

- Copy that!

And the call ended.

- First mission, huh? I'm going to catch Doduos, take this opportunity to splash some water on your face. You look terrible.

-...Good idea. I'll join you as soon as possible.

The one with teal eyes gave him a smile before walking towards the door that Keith had just unlocked:

- Fishl! We're leaving, my dear!

The bird descended from her perch, which was a chair, then came to rest on her partner's shoulder. Said partner who gave a soft headbutt to his comrade before leaving.

- {...Welp. It's going to be more complicated than expected, right Keith?}

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

Kellyn: *doesn't know what "love" is*

Kate: I'm about to destroy this man's whole career.

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

Keith and Kellyn: *billing and cooing tenderly*

Sapphire: Holy Hell, they're already acting like love birds! And they've just reunited!