First thing in the morning, El had been prepared - the in-training ranger having made sure to check everything thrice, ranging from Akero's saddle to the supplies they had shoved into their bag. This was their first real mission - and they wanted to make sure that they make a good impression on Josh, and their seniors!

As Josh greeted them though, El would smile - an equal amount of excitement, anxiousness, and anticipation clear in the way they fidgeted with their cane. "M-Morning, Josh!" They greeted him in turn - responding "I'm feeling alright - just, uh... Jittery." This felt like a big day, all things considered!

Glancing over at the pokemon that Josh brought though, El couldn't help a owlish blink. "I know you mentioned introducing me to some of your Alpha pokemon, but I didn't expect you to bring all of your eeveelutions for this," They mused out loud. Though they certainly expected some neat pokemon, they had almost thought that Josh would bring some flying pokemon, given the situation.

But as El glanced between the different eeveelutions, their gaze settled upon Pinky in particular. "And this one is shiny, even...!" They spoke with clear awe - looking the sylveon over with fascination. They loved pokemon of every shape and size - but to get to observe more unusual specimens like these, it felt like an absolute treat to El.

At the question of the briefing though, the ranger-in-training blinked, before shaking their head. "I read it - and I'm ready to go!" They spoke, adding in question "Should I hop on one of your pokemon, or do you think I'd be fine with Akero or Bibidi?"

Takes place early March

Josh Devlin

Josh was up early, as well, taking a trip out out to the distant grove north of Route 117, where his Gracidea seed had been planted. While it was not yet in bloom, the seed had began sprouting into a juvenile plant. Seeing it made him grateful for the opportunity to allow El Sunderland to go on their first mission as a Ranger.

His return trip beat the trainee to the rendezvous point, but not by much! "Phew, just in the nick of time," Josh greeted El. "Almost didn't get back from my errand." It seemed the young one was nervous. "First mission jitters are normal. I was like that, and I had a much more challenging first mission. Plane crashes are no joke, and there was a fire that burned out of control. It's highly unlikely we'll have anything like that. I even got a follow-up email I shared with you; we now have the missing family's GPS coordinates. They're close to the southwest side of the valley, at the campground there." He pointed to a local wide-area map on his phone, the map marked with their destination. A heading and distance indicator was even visible on his RaiCorp Vision.

"It's the only time I ever carry more than six Pokémon on me," Josh replied. "These eight are... a special case." He would introduce all eight of them to El in succession, including brief personalities. The Gym Leader smiled as they took note of his Shiny Sylveon. "You're welcome to hop on any of them! Otherwise, Bibidi or Akero will be fine!" Blinky, Pinky, and Janus seemed most excited to carry the young Ranger, while Inky looked indifferent about it at best. "You're welcome to Blinky, even! I'll get off her and onto Kairi if you'd like!"

It certainly sounded like Josh's mission had been a bit more on the chaotic side - and El couldn't help but make a nervous chuckle, unsure if the thought comforted them or not. "I uh, hope things don't get that out of hand, with this mission..." They'd murmur - there could be a number of things that could go awry, even just by pure luck or happenstance, after all. And that was even after excluding things like a wildfire happening!

The notion of getting to hop on one of Josh's pokemon was a tempting offer though - and glancing to Bibidi, they'd ask "What do you think?"

The alakazam in question was quiet as she mulled over the options - glancing between the different eeveelutions present, and observing their demeanors for a moment... Before nudging El towards Pinky - she seemed the least likely to cause them any trouble, and El had already expressed curiosity at her colorations but a minute ago.

El blinked a bit at the suggestion, but smiled a nodded to Bibidi before approaching Pinky. "Hey there, buddy," They greeted the sylveon, offering her a hand to sniff. "I'm gonna hop on, so hold still a second..." With that, they'd make a point to mount from her left side - placing their good leg in the stirrups, so that they could swing their opposite leg over without putting any weight on it. "Alright - ready, Josh!"

Bibidi, meanwhile, would take El's cane for safekeeping - so that they could have both hands free to hold the reins, and so that it didn't keep knocking into things while hanging from the wriststrap.

Josh Devlin

"It shouldn't," Josh reassured them, "but you have to be ready for anything. Have a plan, but also plan to be adaptable." Pinky sniffed the Rookie's hand before sounding perhaps the lowest-pitched squealing noise they had ever heard. Having spent so much time with Pokémon that were giant for their species, he had learned that one way to identify territorial Pokémon that used to be Alphas were their deep cries. If El allowed it, the Sylveon would gently rub her feelers against their face before crouching and letting them hop on easily.

Once El was ready, Josh gently kicked his electric mount's sides, and the eight Eeveelutions were off. While Sylveon as a species were not known for being fast runners, this one could achieve quite the clip! Ultimately, she would respect El's commands, though she would occasionally try to push them a little out of their comfort zone. Blinky zipped back and forth, Josh letting out a loud whoop with every tight turn. Despite the showboating, the two not once held the others up.

It did not long for the Pokémon and riders to arrive at the western trail that wound its way to the floor of the Valley of Steel. Despite the mild weather in the area, this valley was always at the temperature of a hot summer's day. His Vision locked onto the marooned family's position. "Once we get to the bottom of the trail, think you'd want to pick up the pace?" Of course Josh would. Of course he would want to go faster. From their entry into the Silph Cup race at Fortree, Josh was sure El had at least some familiarity being on a high speed mount, but land speed and air speed had fastly different feels to them.

As Pinky's feelers brushed against their face, El was unable to help a laugh, endeared by the friendly reception. "Even when you're this big, you're pretty cute, aren't you?" They murmured affectionately, and with admiration. The feelers were soft and silky to the touch - and El would gently run their fingers along one, before it was time to hop onto the fairy-type's back.

Once on the move though, it was clear to see that Pinky - in a sense - had a bit of a mind of her own. Though she did well in following direction, she'd sometimes try to push that slightest bit further - and El couldn't help but yelp a little as the sylveon decided to take a turn the slightest bit sharper than necessary - a very different feeling from the twists and turns that Akero usually made.

Another difference was the stirrups - you didn't really need them on a saddle like Akero's; especially given the twists and flips a flying pokemon could make. But with a land pokemon, that was a different story - and with the stirrups, the sharper turns to the right were putting strain on their bad leg, which made them wince. "E-Easy on the right turns, Pinky..." They murmured - gently petting her neck.

But as they entered the Valley of Steel, Josh would suggest picking up the pace at the bottom of the trail - something that had El blinking a bit, before they nodded. "Sure, that uh, sounds good to me!" They'd agree with a smile - unable to help a feeling of excitement at what was to come.

Josh Devlin

The way land Pokémon moved was why Josh had the most fun riding them as opposed to ones in the sea or sky. There was something about being able to truly feel the running stroke of his Pokémon that gave him joy, despite most flying Pokémon being far faster.

Respecting El's wishes, Pinky calmed down with specifically the right turns, taking them wider than normal to try to keep her guest as comfortable as possible. After all, a Sylveon steed was quite unusual, and every Pokémon's movement was different. Adapting to a Pokémon one had never ridden before was often a challenge, but it was one they were adapting to well. That was important for a Ranger to be able to do, given their need to befriend wild Pokémon at times. The Sylveon did try to get a rise out of El with a sweeping left turn, though!

Once they were at the bottom, the Eeveelutions picked up the pace. While Josh still felt he wasn't really pushing Blinky, he knew if he put on real speed, he would not only wear poor Pinky out, but possibly El, too! Janus ALLY SWITCHED with Basil, who had been running next to the young Ranger and Pinky ever since the canyon floor opened up to allow them all to run free. The Espeon's running stroke looked particularly graceful, even with the extra effort needed to maintain their higher speed.

After a bit of a run, Josh caught sight of a small group of people in the distance, consistent with the destination marker on his RaiCorp Vision. "Looks like we're getting close, El. Keep your eyes out for wild Pokémon, though."

The sweeping left turn would initially take El off guard - a small surprised noise rising from their throat as they found their on the reins tightening in response. And yet, even whilst drifting like this, the surprise quickly faded into a warm laugh! They were quickly warming up to these surprises that Pinky presented them with - especially given how well she listened to their request regarding right turns. That seemed to put them right at ease in the sylveon's saddle, as they let Pinky nudge into new territory as the ride went on.

And as the pace began to pick up, well, that was it's own bit of fun, too! The wind rushing past was reminiscent of whenever they rode on Akero's back; aside from the bounding strides beneath them, they felt like they could imagine they were up in the air whenever they closed their eyes and let Pinky take the lead.

But well, they couldn't just drift off in their own imagination forever. The people that they had been sent out to help were just up ahead, after all! And Josh would make a mention of keeping an eye out for wild pokemon - to which they'd nod. "Let us know if you sense anything, Bibidi," They called to their alakazam - who was following right behind - as their gaze swept over their surroundings.

Bibidi, in response, nodded - her eyes drifting closed as she spread out her mental awareness, 'watching' carefully for the presence of other pokemon besides the two's own.

Josh Devlin

Along the canyon floor and at last in wide open spaced, the speed got high enough that, at last, even Josh was enjoying himself. He was used to going incredibly fast, even with land Pokémon. It was a good thing El Sunderland had racing experience! That sense of enjoyment would be short-lived, though, as the pained squeal of a Raichu echoed from the displaced family's direction.

All its members appeared to be accounted for, two adult trainers protecting their children from harm while the young ones' Pokémon supported those of their parents. While they seemed safe from the horde of Scrafty and Krokorok surrounding them, the battles looked far too close and hotly contested. A single false move could turn the battle around. "El, there they are, but they're in trouble!" Josh pointed. "Think you can handle a Quick Attack from Pinky?"

Though things seemed to be smooth going at first, it did not take long for trouble to make itself known; apparently there were a bunch of wild pokemon harassing the camping family! As Josh asked about handling a Quick Attack, El nodded - shifting their stance on Pinky's saddle in preparation. "Go for it," They murmured to the sylveon - their grip on the reins tightening.

The increased speed, in any other situation, would've been thrilling - even if somewhat hard on their legs, especially their bad knee. But in this case, it all took a backseat to El's assessing of the situation as they neared the clashing groups. And once they got close enough... "Akero, Life Dew!"

El sent out their togekiss - and Akero, in response, would let out a trill as he flew towards the fighting. Swooping overhead, sparkling waters rained down upon the family and their pokemon to mend them and restore their energy. Hopefully, this would help turn the tides - and make the wild pokemon think twice, about continuing to fight!

Josh Devlin

With the small family and their Pokémon having been given a second wind thanks to Akero's LIFE DEW, it was time for Josh's squad to go on the offensive. With a supporting Ranger like El backing him up, there was no way his rainbow of Eeveelutions could lose. "Alright, hold on tight, El! QUICK ATTACK!"

The speed increase was far from smooth. While it was more manageable for some of his slower Pokémon, such as Pinky, Kamuy, and Basil, it was still fast. Quite the thrill, but startling for one not used to it. Josh was confident they were, though, given their presence in Fortree's race. High speeds were not foreign to either one of them, by Josh's judgment.

One of the Scrafty broke through the line, grabbing the youngest of the four and carrying her away from battleground. A direct approach could have been disastrous. Luckily for her, Josh had come prepared. "Janus, ALLY SWITCH with the little one!" Disappearing into the astral, the two swapped places in the blink of an eye. While the Ranger lamented the fall of his Espeon from a CRUNCH attack intended for the girl, what was important was he saved her. He urged the female aboard Clyde, his Flareon, who was quick to crouch down and let her aboard.

Most of Josh's other Pokémon served as distractions to turn the tide of battle, their blinding QUICK ATTACKS giving the defenders' Pokémon enough of a window to land strong attacks of their own. Seeing the battle turning against them, the wilds backed off. Josh wheeled Blinky around to get within range of recalling the collapsed Espeon before signaling for the remaining Eeveelutions to assemble near the family they were to rescue. "Is everyone alright?" he asked, Blinky priming a WISH.

Whereas Josh went on the offensive - the Eeveelutions fighting not unlike that of a pack of canids, going for hit-and-run tactics that left the enemy distracted - El would go for less violent tactics. Reaching for their belt with one hand, they'd throw out two more pokeballs - "Sobek - Roar! Psyche, Water Sport!" - from which came a fuecoco and masquerain both, emerging amidst the defending pokemon.

A flash of the eyespots on Psyche's wings did well to Intimidate the enemy swarm - and the bug-type would waste no time in letting loose a spray of water. But rather than using it defensively, Psyche would aim this water at the faces of the krokorok and scrafty as a deterrent - a thoroughly unpleasant experience, especially for the ground-types.

Sobek, on the other hand, would take in a deep breath - before letting loose a terrifying bellow much unlike his size, sounding as though it belonged to the lungs of a much larger beast!

Between the turning tides and the thoroughly unpleasant (even if harmless on the part of El's pokemon) experience that the wild pokemon were being subjected to, it did not take long for them to turn tail and run. Every which way, the dark-types began to scatter - leaving behind the two rangers, and the family that they had arrived to protect.

For the most part, the family looked to be perfectly fine - recalling their pokemon so that they could settle down into the saddles offered. But, there was the question of the little girl who - though Clyde was right there - seemed frozen up, on the verge of breaking out in tears.

El's expression twisted into sympathy at the sight. Carefully, they slid down from Pinky's sadde - taking their cane back from Bibidi as they did - to approach the girl, carefully crouching down to her level. "Hey - that'd been pretty scary, I bet." They spoke softly - empathetically. For a child like herself, this was probably the scariest thing she'd ever experienced up to now.

When she responded with a shaky quiet nod, El offered a comforting smile, extending a hand to her. "It's okay - I'd be pretty scared, too. But you're safe now. We're here to help." They spoke - and when she took their hand, they'd give her own hand a gentle squeeze. They could see where the Scrafty had scratched her a little, in the process of grabbing her, and was about to look about bandaging up the scrapes...

... Though before they could address it, Akero would drift on over - landing nearby, and giving a soft coo in the girl's direction. Upon noticing the way she glanced over to him though, El couldn't help a warm smile. "See? Akero's here to check up on you, too."

And finally, the young girl would speak - a soft and awed "... Fluffy..." escaping her lips, in a murmur.

To which, El chuckled softly. "Very fluffy." They agreed, adding promptingly "Y'know, Akero loves hugs - I bet he'd like it bunches, if you wanted to give him one."

As if some invisible string had been cut, the girl first glanced to El with that same awed expression, before back at Akero. Slowly, carefully, she'd step in the togekiss' direction - gazing up to the much larger pokemon... Before - much like El had suggested - she suddenly buried herself against his feathers, as she attempted to give him the biggest hug she could..!

And Akero, chirruping melodically, would wrap his wings around her in turn - nuzzling the top of her head. When she giggled in response, he in turn would make a happy whistle, gently rocking the both of them side to side in their shared embrace.

El smiled widely at the sight, a certain warm feeling welling up in their chest. Was this how Isaac Merlo felt, whenever he'd look after them, they wondered? Stepping closer to the two, they'd give Akero a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Akero's good at making those ouchies go away, too; how about another Life Dew, buddy?"

At El's call, a light sprinkling of that sparkling water would come down with a wave of one of Akero's wings - helping heal the scratches that the girl had recieved from the scrafty. The girl seemed to relax against the togekiss in response, practically melting into the mass of fluff that Akero was. A muffled 'thank you' could barely be heard, past the feathers that she pressed her face up against - to which the fairy-type softly cooed.

Seeing that the girl was much calmer and happier, El would smile to her - asking "Are you ready to head home?" And when she nodded, they'd continue "Let's get you settled on Clyde's back, then..."

... But, that was when the girl shook her head - reaching over to take El's hand and stop them. "Can..." She began as she stepped back from Akero, so that she could be clearly heard. "We go, with, uhm... A-ke-ro?" She requested, glancing back to El.

And to this, El blinked a bit. Akero was absolutely great with children - but would the cocoon saddle that the togekiss used work for this? Seeking Josh's input, they'd quietly glance back to the gym leader, to see what he had to say.

Josh Devlin

El Sunderland 's empathy was unlike anything Josh had ever seen; were they an empathic psychic, able to supernaturally sense and even alter the feelings of those around them? Despite the extreme danger they were in, the marooned trainers looked like they were in paradise. The LIFE DEW was refreshing, perking up even Josh's Eeveelutions... except the recalled Espeon. Janus would need to be looked at, and perhaps even stay overnight at a Pokémon Center with how badly he was hurt.

El's glance didn't go unnoticed; Josh was listening to their conversation. "Those cocoons are only built for one person. If you don't mind, I can help get her settled in. I'll need to make adjustments to Akero's saddle to get her to fit in it properly. If you and Akero wouldn't mind..." Provided they agreed, Josh would approach the young girl and El's Togekiss, showing them how to make the needed adjustments. The cocoon was almost like a belt that wrapped around one's hips, adjustable to the rider's size without being too uncomfortable.

Once the family was securely on the backs of Akero and Josh's Eeveelutions, the Elite Ranger dialed up Mauville's Ranger HQ. "Dispatch, this is Elite Ranger Devlin. The family's been secured. All of them are a little shaken up, and one has suffered a very minor injury, but nothing Pokémon healing couldn't treat. We are going to have to leave through the 117 exit instead of the 111 exit due to a series of boulders blocking the way. They're too dangerous for us to move. A demolition team will likely be needed. See you at HQ in a couple hours. Over."

Once he was off the phone, Josh guided his Jolteon near El once more. "This is a pretty typical example of the work I do for the Rangers. People getting lost in the wilderness, under the threat of wild Pokémon, or even just that of plain old Mother Nature. I've got dozens of Pokémon trained to be ridden - might as well take advantage of them and get people in need home." He paused to let his words sink in. "I'm very impressed with your ability to calm wild Pokémon without resorting to battle. Not gonna lie, it's a skill I'm jealous of. I guess it's part of being a Gym Leader, too; we're expected to battle and be on the front lines in the war against Rocket. I'm gonna head home. If you find another ticket you want to take together, I'm down for it. I'll get to show you more of my Pokémon, too!"

With the family taken care of and Josh having reached out to HQ, the elite ranger had plenty to say to El themself.

Initially, the explanation given would be met with a gentle nod of understanding from the young rookie. Having so many pokemon, they could easily see where it'd come in handy - both for transportation, and just general flexibility. It really did seem like Josh had a pokemon for any situation, from what they understood of him.

But then came the praise - and this seemed to catch El by surprise. "Oh, u-uhm..." Their cheeks flushed a little as they scratched their cheek, smiling shyly and averting their gaze. "I... Don't know if I'd call trying to scare them off 'calming', but uh... I... figured it's better to deescalate, if you can. A rough fight - even if it follows the rules of a normal battle - can really mess up a wild pokemon, y'know?"

They didn't have pokecenters or humans that they could go to for healing like a trainer-owned pokemon did, after all. And even if pokemon were sturdy, time spent recuperating and healing was time that they couldn't spend, say, looking for food or water. If a wild pokemon was hurt badly enough, their state could spiral for the worse - especially if they were a loner who didn't have others to rely on.

But even that aside, well... El was a bleeding heart, empathetic to a T. If they could avoid harm, then by Arceus they would. There were many ways to defuse or de-escalate a wild pokemon encounter, without needing to come to any blows, after all.

Though in any case, Josh was ready to head home with the family - and at the mention of doing other jobs together, El nodded. "I'll - uhm - keep an eye out, then!" They spoke, a bright smile forming on their face. "I'm looking forward to working with you again!" They were eager to please, eager to help, and eager to prove themself capable - and well, they wouldn't say no to an opportunity to observe other pokemon, either.

But with it being time to go, El would hop back onto Pinky's back - since Akero's saddle was occupied. There was still the escort back home, after all - even if things looked to be smooth sailing, from here on...