Kyu Bell: Adventures of the Winter Ranger Chp. 2

Kyu Bell: Adventures of the Winter Ranger


Chapter 2) The Guardian

The small breeze that had started earlier that day had suddenly turned into violent gusts. Lief hunkered down into Kyu's scarf, cuddling against the harsh wind. The gusts were not cold, but  unusually lukewarm. There was an odd heavy scent to the air, with most people tucking their heads low and hustling indoors. The light pitter-patter of rain started to fall on the metal-sheet roofs. A slight mist formed along the ground, and the sky grayed in color. Kyu glanced up at the storm clouds.

“Smells like rain, huh.” it was more of a statement than a question. Lief purred in agreement. “We better find the Pokemon Center. I want to get you checked in after that flight.” Lief nodded, eyes half closed. The mist-like rain continued to fall, forming tiny droplets of water on the windowpanes. The droplets soon grew heavy, and slid down, collecting more droplets of water until gravity pulled it down to the panes. Kyu and Lief trudged on, the light drizzle soon started to seep through the clothing. Her scarf started to pull down, heavy and sodden with rainwater. After an hour of walking, Kyu began to tire. Lief had nuzzled close to Kyu's neck, in an attempt to share warmth. The cold air surrounding the Glaceon's fur only chilled Kyu. She pulled her scarf around her neck, and pushed Lief back. “Sorry, girl, but you're really cold. It's the thought that counts.” She gave her Glaceon a few strokes to the cheek.

“We're almost there. Good grief. We should have stayed at the airport...at least until the rain had stopped. Oh, well. Sorry, Lief.”

“Glayyy...” the Glaceon didn't seem to mind. The fur around her body was flattened from the rain, but the water rolled off easily. The oil in her fur acted as a water barrier.

“I wish my clothes were your fur.” Kyu gave a halfhearted laugh. The drizzle seemed to let up for a few minutes, but then began to downpour. Kyu took off her scarf and draped it over Glaceon. “I don't want my only partner getting sick now, can I? We are almost there. See that red building up there on the hill? That's the Pokemon Center. We can rest and get you checked in there.” Kyu rubbed her nose with the back of her hand. “Just another mile or so, and we'll be dry. What do you say to that?”

“Glay-yay!” Lief jumped down from Kyu's shoulders.

“Wanna race?”

“Glay!”

“Go!” Kyu leaped forward first, running against the pounding rain. Chills crawled up her spine, as the rain stung against her face. Glaceon was hot on her heels. Sharing a hardship together was the biggest challenge any Pokemon and Partner could face. Nothing was better than testing their own limits as one.

Just as they seemed like they were about to run into the clear sliding doors of the Pokemon Center, they flew open at the last second. Kyu skidded in first, with Lief slipping on the surface of the wooden floor, sliding forward several feet on her belly.

“I win!” Kyu bent over, grasping her knees in a meager attempt to reclaim her lungs. Lief, too, was panting from the exertion.

“Oh, my! You two are soaking wet! Please, come over here and dry off!” a kind looking young lady approached the two sopping wet figures, handing Kyu a towel. Kyu gratefully took the towel and bent over on her knees.

“Here, Lief, you first.”

“Glay-glay!” Lief happily purred as she was roughly rubbed dry with the towel. Lief's fur stuck out in odd directions, giving her a very shaggy appearance. Although rubbed the wrong way, Lief was sure happy about it.

“Can I check my Glaceon in? She needs a check-up.” Kyu took her hairband out, placing it in her mouth and rubbing her hair dry with a new towel.

“Of course! Would you also like a room to stay in? We have a few vacancies at the moment.” the polite woman asked, tilting her head to the side in a smile.

“Yes, that would be great.” Kyu sighed in relief. “Okay, go with the nurse, Lief. I'll see you in a bit.”

“Glay-yay.” The Glaceon allowed herself to be picked up and placed on a rolling stretcher. Kyu watched her partner as they exited the check-in area. Kyu glanced around the waiting area. There were three trainers waiting; two were reading magazines, and the third staring eagerly at her. Kyu smiled at the young girl, who returned her smile with a wave. Glancing up to the newsboard, Kyu read the daily news, hoping to come across the weather.

“Today's weather came on rather abruptly; a surprise shower sweeping two cities on the east coast sent dozens running for cover. Although no severe weather has been reported, there have been reports of rather large shadows near the sea's coast.” the man continued, adjusting his tie and clearing his throat, “Local weather chasers claim the anomalies as migrating Wailord. Although extremely rare in this part of the ocean, the Wailord are docile, and pose no threat. We ask that local fisheries be careful with their nets.” the picture zooms into a large shadow under the water. The picture was fuzzy, but clearly recognized as a creature of odd;y huge proportions.

“If you ask me, that doesn't look like a pod of Wailord........Wailord travel in groups in the company of many Wailmer and Alomomola.” an elderly lady, hunched at the shoulders and carrying a cane, lumbers up to Kyu's side. “What's even stranger is that we don't get Wailord on this side of the ocean. They like the southern water, where it's warm.” Kyu looks down at the woman, a quizzical expression on her face. “I too, see myself as a southern gal...I like the warm waters. There is an abundance of reefs where the Chinchou and Lanturn spawn. It's a beautiful sight at night.” the lady smiled, a relaxed expression lay across her face.

“What do you think the shadows look like?” Kyu asks, her curiosity piqued.

“Long ago, my grandmother told me stories of a guardian. And this was no simple guardian, my dear. It was a huge beast, with wings wider than the city, and eyes that glowed.” the lady gazed downward, as if recalling her past. “Long ago, the people of this city were ravaged by drought. Clean drinking water was scarce, and Pokemon and People alike suffered. Fights broke out, and many perished. Then, a young girl, sickened by the plague that had swept the hearts of everyone, sat on a cliff overhanging the water's deep. She prayed that one day, the rains would return. She prayed every night, for seven days. And one day, the guardian rose from the water, it's wake sent showers upon showers of fresh water raining upon the village. To this day, we few who still believe in this legend feel as if we are being touched by our past whenever it rains, much like today.” the lady nods her head, smiling. She gazes up to Kyu. “My dear; that is what I think. The guardian has returned.”

“The guardian, huh? That sounds like something I should look into...Thank you very much for the information.” Kyu gives the lady a smile.

“Anytime, dear, anytime.” the gentle lady walks away, her cane tapping against the wooden floor of the Pokemon Center. A loud clap of thunder suddenly shakes the windowpanes of the center, causing Kyu to jump.

“Well, then.” Kyu sighed, still soggy from the rain, “I'll take this up tomorrow.” A soft beep filled the waiting room, and announced the arrival of a Glaceon. Lief was wheeled into the lobby on a different white table. This table was curved at the edges, soft and plushy to the touch.

“Your Glaceon has completely recovered. Please be sure to give it this Ice-Type Poke-food for dinner tonight, to help it regain its energy.” the nurse smiled, placing a small cup of Pokemon food in Kyu's hand. “I hope you rest well tonight. Feel free to stay as long as you need, Ranger.”

“Thank you!” Kyu bent forward. Lief jumped onto her shoulders once more, and settled in. Giving a small bow, she turned to her left, heading for the staircase that lead to the second and third floor access. “They gave me the lab reports from your check-up, and it says you're stats came up normal. Good news, huh?” Kyu scratched the white fur on Lief's chin. The Pokemon purred in satisfaction, closing its eyes and tilting her head upwards. One ear drooped lazily.

The floor squeaked under Kyu's weight, the wood straining from the obvious years of tread. She placed her hand on the oak railing, giving one last glance down to the female trainer from before. The girl was again staring at Kyu, eyes wide with curiosity. Kyu gave her a smile and a wave. The stranger only stared.

“I guess not everyone is so friendly.” Kyu frowned to herself. “It's about time I get changed. How 'bout a bath before bed?”

“Glay!” The Glaceon squeaked in delight, her tail flicking happily from side to side.

After a few long staircases, Kyu and Lief found themselves on the third floor of the Pokemon Center: the living quarters for travelers and trainers alike. The halls were large. In the center of the hallways, the floor gave to railings and a view of the lobby below. The long wooden hallways served as a perimeter to the lobby. A strong cent of ceder and pine filled the air. Looking up, Kyu spotted a huge pine, the long bristles drooping down, overhanging the center of the building. Several Fletchling and Fletchinder were roosting on the uppermost branches.

“Cool! They built this Pokemon Center in a tree! Now that's what I call living in nature!” her eyes sparkled at the site. Pictures of Pokemon and their trainers lined the hallway's walls. A large chandelier was hanging off of one of the pine's massive branches. Its arms were alight with beautiful flaming candles, giving off a flickering orange glow. The chandelier was close to the railings, and Kyu, without thinking, reached out to touch it. The chandelier suddenly moved, tilting back and forth before she had even managed a tap. The orange flames suddenly turned a blueish purple.

“Chaaah.” a rather grumpy Pokemon came to life, giving Kyu an exasperated look. Kyu couldn't help but to jump back in surprise. Lief hissed.

“Sorry!” Kyu apologized, bowing slightly. “I couldn't help myself...your candles are so beautiful.”

“Chah. Chahnnn!” The Chandelure seemed rather pleased with itself. It gave a few poses, lighting the candles even brighter. The flames licked upwards, touching the delicate leaves of the pine. The bristles fell as they dried from the heat, dumping dozens of pine bristles onto the Pokemon.

“Chahn.” The Pokemon grew annoyed, and busily swiped the bristles off of its body. Kyu giggled at the Pokemon's frustration.

“Aren't you bored hanging around up here? Where's your trainer?”

“Chandelure doesn't have a trainer.” Kyu whipped around, startled by the sudden appearance of a newcomer. It was the same girl from the lobby. “It doesn't really like strangers much, so it usually hangs around in the rafters.” The girl stepped forward towards the railing, and held out her hand. The Pokemon cried happily and touched the girl's hand with its candle. “Chandelure doesn't like people very much. I think it was abused when it was a Lapent. I found it in the rain a few years ago, and helped it recover here at the Pokemon Center. It doesn't like leaving, though.” The Chandelure floated upwards, setting down on the girl's head. “But now I take care of it. We've been together ever since.” the girl smiled, giving a pat to the Pokemon, which gave a happy cry.

“Chahn-chahn!”

“I'm sorry to hear about that. Some people don't understand Pokemon as well as others...” Kyu glanced down to her feet, feeling sorry for the poor thing. She felt a warm touch to her cheek, startling her out of her trance. The Chandelure had cuddled up next to Kyu, shoving Lief onto the floor. Lief hissed angrily, and swatted at the duel ghost type. The Chandelure laughed triumphantly. As the two glared, Lief jumped onto Kyu's shoulders and hissed again. Kyu held her arms up, avoiding a swat to the face.

“Quit it, you two! Lief! Enough!” the Glaceon jumped to the floor in a huff. Kyu giggled. “You're just jealous, aren't you?” Kyu gave the ice type a smirk, which earned an embarrassed blush from the Pokemon. Chandelure laughed again, eyes full of happiness.

“It's strange for Chandelure to approach strangers like this. Most people give a glance to it and then walk off. It really likes you.” the girl stared at Kyu, amazed at the interaction between the two. “It's almost as if you've known each other.”

“I have been around Pokemon my entire life. I'm trained to protect them. It's my duty as a Pokemon Ranger.” Kyu gave a warm smile to the Pokemon, petting the large round purple body. It gleefully smiled, the flames on the ends growing larger. “Even if it was abandoned, it seems very happy here. You said it doesn't have a trainer, but aren't you a trainer?” Kyu turned to the girl, placing a hand on her hip and shifting her weight to one leg.

“No, I'm not a trainer. I don't like battling very much...” the girl looked down towards her feet, frowning.

“Chahn chahndelure!” The Pokemon cried and floated around the girl eagerly.

“I know Chandelure wants to battle. It wants to become strong, but I'm afraid I'm just too weak. I hate battles...they hurt the Pokemon.”

“Not all battles are bad. Think of it like this; Pokemon are your friends, no matter the situation. Battling is a way to become closer to your friends, and you both suffer loss when defeated. Pokemon are incredible. They adjust to any circumstance, and are willing to help us. Our duty, in return, is to give them our support. Be it battle, or travel.” Kyu patted the girl on her shoulder.

“I never really thought of it that way...” the girl looked up into Kyu's eyes.

“It's not easy, but once you adjust, battling can become more of a love with your Pokemon. You and your partner become strong, not just the one battling. Pokemon follow our orders as requests. Don't think of them as orders. Think of them as asking your friend for protection. Lief has saved my sorry butt a few times.” Kyu glanced down at her partner. The Glaceon smiled in response, thrusting her fluffy chest out in pride.

“But how do I battle? I know as much to give commands of the Pokemon's moveset...but what else?”

“As a Ranger, battling is not something we are good at. I befriend Pokemon using my Capture Styler.” Kyu reaches behind her right side, detaching a small device from her belt that seemed to mimic the shape of a radio. “This is what we use. Mine is actually a bit old, so the next rank I'm approved to, I'll be assigned a new CS.” she replaced the device back into the case, giving the halter a click, fastening it in place. “As for battling tips, just be yourself. Every trainer has their own style. You just need to find the tempo at which you and your Pokemon work best. But first, you need to claim Chandelure as your own. Since it was abandoned, the original trainer released it from its Pokeball, meaning it's now considered wild.”

“You're saying I need to battle Chandelure?! But I don't have any other Pokemon!” the girl grew troubled, panicked at the thought of her first battle against her best friend.

“You don't actually need to battle Chandelure. I'm sure it's willing to become your partner if you just ask it.” Kyu smiled and turned to Chandelure.

“Chahn.” The Pokemon put on a pout, shaking its head from side to side.

“Or not.” Kyu scratched her head, “Maybe it wants you to battle it.”

“Are you sure, Chandelure? I don't want to accidentally hurt you!” the timid girl held her hands together in front of her chest, a worried expression washed over her face.

“Chahn.” The Pokemon nodded. Closing its eyes in a stubborn matter.

“Well, that's that, then. What do you say about a quick battle, Lief?” the Glaceon's ears perked at her partner's call and stood from where she was sitting, licking her fur.

“Glay!” The Glaceon smiled, her eyes bright with excitement.

“Um....uh...I-I...don't know about this....”

“You'll be perfectly fine. Lief is an Ice-type, meaning you'll be at a disadvantage. But she's a strong fighter. Her moves are mostly special-based, but she does have one physical attack. She knows Iron Tail, Ice Beam, Ice Shard, and Blizzard. All except Iron Tail are ice-based attacks. They won't be effective against Chandelure, but you can create problems for your foe with the ice. Be creative.” the girl looked up into Kyu's eyes, fear was evident. “If you trust Lief, she will trust you. Be confident. And most importantly, be yourself.” Kyu gave another reassuring pat to the girl's head. “By the way, I'm Kyu Bell.”

“I-I'm...Remi....” Remi stuttered, blushing slightly.

“It's nice to meet you, Remi. Can we do this battle tomorrow? I'm afraid I'm still a little drenched from our excursion in the rain.” Kyu blushed, embarrassed.

“Sure. This way,I can think up a strategy.” Remi turned to Chandelure. “I'll show you that I can be strong!”

“Chahn!”