Oliver was going in to do a minor report before checking to see if there were anything for him to do out in the field. What he punk ranger didn't see coming was the poster. Well, he had to go through a small crowd to see it. The people were looking at his expression go from smiling to frowning, to outright disgust. His normally calm demeaner broke as he tore the poster off. "Dragonite, scour the city of these posters. Take them down. Meet me by the Ranger HQ." With a salute, his dragon started waddling away to find more posters. "I apologize, folks. Let me go find out what the hell this is all about." It was clear as day that this caught him off guard. The people there seemed appreciative about this, and gave him the space needed to run to Lilycove's Ranger Headquarters.

Entering the building, activity was buzzing. The poster he ripped this one off of was a League building. Storming into LANCE VOLLANS's office, Oliver slammed the poster down on the desk. "I hate drawing comparasons, but is the League this inept? Johto didn't even go this far. This isn't even counting the public backlash. Full blown war may have been inevitible, but I would have thought these measures weren't needed. Hell, they're so vague that it borders on outright tyranny. Please tell me you have some answers, because this is bullshit." If he had half a mind, he'd be on a plane back to Johto to report that Hoenn is a lost cause. Between the inept leaders and more, there would be no hope for this region.

"People still listen to the PETP?" The joke of an organization that took things a million times too far? They still existed? Shocker. Saw it? The guy just said he was watching over it! "You just said you were in charge of it...you changing your story is not helping matters at all." He deadpanned the response. This guy was either exceptionally wierd, or really didn't want to get into trouble. The red head shrugged at the semantics. Whatever...the guy was just so confusing and stupid. "Don't matter. If it's under your watch, it's your responsibility." Precedent had long decided that. Ollie highly doubted everyone liked hearing from this doofus. Catching the card, Oliver pocketed it. Turning around, Oliver also continued with his way. This was so wierd. Hopefully LANCE VOLLANS didn't have any issues with this guy. Or just told him to pound sand. Just what was this conversation?


Ozni Adebayo

Redeeming 1 x TM/TR Tutors
Victreebel learns Leech Life.

Redeeming 1 x Free Evolution
Chansey evolves into Blissey.

Redeeming 1 x Type 2 Evo. and 1 x Type 3 Evo.
Tododile evolves into Croconaw, which then evolves into Feraligatr.

Buying 1 x Abiliy Capsule (75 pd)
Feraligatr's ability changed to Sheer Force

Redeeming 1 x Tm/TR tutor.
Feraligatr learned Swords Dance.

Redeeming 1 x Type 2 Evo, and buying 1 Type 3 Evo (50pd)
Lotad evolves all the way into Ludicolo.

Redeeming 3 x TM/TR tutors
Ludicolo learns Muddy Water, Focus Blast, and Ice Beam.

Redeeming 1 x TM/TR Tutor.
Magnezone learned Thunderbolt.

Buying 1 x Type 2 Evo and a Type 3 Evo. (100 pd total)
Also Redeeming Shiny Swap.
Axew Evolves all the way into Haxorus, and becomes shiny.

Buying 2 x TM/TR Tutors (120pd)
Golurk learns Gravity and Thunder Punch

Buying 1 x Type 3 Evo and a Tm/TR (110 pd)
Kadabra evolves into Alakazam, and learns Shadow Ball

Buying 1 x Type 1 Evo. (100 pd)
Vulpix evolves into Ninetails.

Buying 1 x Type 3 Evo. (50 pd)
Shelgon evolves into Salamence, also learns Fly.

Redeeming 1 x Kasib, 1 x Occa Berry, 1 x Extra Move Slot.
Buying 2 x TM/TR Tutors (120 pd)
Braviary gains Defiant Ability, learns Bulk Up and Rock Slide.

Total: 725 pd.

Well, now it begins. "The Sootopolis City battle is part of why I was sent here from Johto. And Ever is a very promising recruit just recently joined, and is in my opinion ready to be a full blown cadet already. In addition, we're not military, though often work with them in certain catastrophies, such as the case with the Icelands and even the Meteno incidents. Nevertheless, the ones that complain the loudest are typically the laziest or most unsupportive bunch. Defeating Team Rocket is a team effort between both the citizens and League. Now obviously, I don't encourage citizens to join in on the war, even though the help is appreciated. But supporting us in other ways. Reporting suspicious activity, potential Legendary sightings, etc. Though also keep in mind that nobody's perfect."

Ever chimed in. Not exactly the direction that he would take it, but still very true and still in line with his last comment. "And that is why teamwork is so important. Not just between trainers and their Pokemon, but also among comrades. Plans also tend to not survive contact with the enemy. Not to mention the lack of control over such legends as Kyreum, Dialga, Palkia, and others. That said, remember that we also stopped Meteno from colliding, and destroyed the barrier cutting us off from the outside world. Obviously, there is still a lot of work to do. And only so much manpower and resources to use. We can't be everywhere at once, and major areas of contention always get the most attention.

So I challenge you, sir, and your comrades, to join the military or Ranger Academy. Prove that you have what it takes to tip the scales in our favor. If not, then do what you can in other areas. Help your fellow Hoenians that have lost homes and businesses, had their way of life turned upside down. Find and report suspected Rocket members or report known ones their last known locations. Help restore Pokemon habitats to their former selves via cleaning or planting new foliage. There are countless ways to help. But all you're doing is complaining. If you got time to complain, you got time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. So what say you? Do you accept my challenge?" That put the attention back on the trio, and the formerly uncertain ones now having a bit more to talk about. Oliver didn't just awknowledge the flaws, but also highlighted some successes. He also engaged the citizenry in a way that most didn't seem to think about. Yes, the military and rangers did try to investigate and head off danger. But they also couldn't be everywhere at once. People had to report it with details, so they could send a team to investigate.

It also highlighted some simple facts. Legends were unpredictable. And Team Rocket were experts in hiding like cowards. Oliver also turned it into a potential recruiting ground. The three were taken aback by this turn of events. To Oliver, it seemed like they were split on running away or trying to challenge him. Do it. Dragonite is more than enough to take you three on. Hell, Ever by himself is more than enough, you pathetic fools. So please, continue to embarass yourselves.


ever blackwell

Ollie rose an eyebrow at the saying. "Much as I love that saying and mostly agree with that, Pokemon are animals. You can't arrest animals, just people. That is how the law works. It has nothing to do with tradition." Say it with me now! Pokemon were hardly mindless or anything, but they weren't like humans at all. No matter how some of them act or look like. Arceus this guy sounds like a freaking child. "Because you were the one watching it, correct? That makes your responsibility." It really sounded like this guy was sheltered...and not given an actual education. More evidence that Hoenn was a disaster...unless the guy wasn't local in that fashion. Racist? "Now what are you on about? Racism is in regards to people. Not Pokemon. Granted I guess Pokemon can be racist to different species of Pokemon due to natural rivalries..." But he was a ranger. Meaning a Pokemon's wellbeing was his top priority.

Kids? "Well, you should have thought about that when you decided to not take proper procedures of containment or keep it in a pokeball. Nobody likes a rambunctious, disobedient Pokemon. And that is often the fault of the owner for not training it properly. As I've said, actions have consequences." If the guy ever try to be a ranger, dear Arceus he better hope that Oliver doesn't work in HR. Rolling his eyes, he ignored the comment. Maybe virgin was the wrong word. Prude might have been a better one. Though he did look at the guy in disgust. "That is beastiality, and is considered cruel and unusual punishment and abuse of Pokemon..." Dear Arceus he hoped this guy wasn't that kind of deviant. Wait, did the guy ask for his bosses name? "LANCE VOLLANS is his name. Lilycove Ranger Captain. No idea, but I don't think he'd appreciate it from some random person..." Or from the person that there was an incident report on...




Ozni Adebayo

Was this guy serious? "It's called responsibility? Are you really that dumb? And no, I can't arrest Pokemon...that's no such thing. If it's bad enough, we capture and relocate them, or put them down, but it's a last resort. If your company is being abusive, we'll remove it from your care. But it looks perfectly healthy, just a little disobediant. Considering your negligence, maybe you should be fired, but that's up to your boss." Oliver had no idea what this guy was. So he didn't know that the guy was messing with him.

What annoyed him was the look and the comment. Just what the hell did that mean? Ollie gave the man a deadpan look. Seriously? Making fun of his height? Shows how "clever" this douche was. The guy got close and whispered. Well, that wasn't too surprising, and his expression said so. "One, I'm no virgin. Two, if you weren't an idiot, or if I got drunk enough, yes, I'd take you to bed, without the Porygon. Three, you're not that much taller than me. Four, either way, that has nothing to do with this. Just get your act together and hope that this is minor enough for my boss to let it go." Maybe. Depending on how infuriating this guy was going to be...and any other bullshit he may spew at him.


Ozni Adebayo

"Same. I may want to get promoted, but not so high up that I'm stuck at one." Both of them were in agreement about desk jockies. There was always at least a little bit of paperwork to do, but generally speaking, it was only some reports. Nothing too much. Moving on, Ever was quick. What he didn't expect was a large coffee. Blinking a couple times, he just chuckled and continued walking. Near the gym, there was a crowd of people, and someone talking. Some kind of presentation, and nothing too exciting. Until the person at the podium spotted them. "And may I present to you two of our finest rangers, Oliver Shrakes and Ever Blackwell!" Wouldn't have hurt to use ranks? With a friendly wave, the crowd gave them applauses.

That was nice. Oliver took the stage initially. This part likely wasn't Ever's strong suit. The punk ranger swiftly used his charm to convince people that they were in good hands, even throwing in a need for more recruits to assist with the various disasters and Team Rocket. Throughout all of this, there were a trio of people in the back, frowning and looking suspicious as hell. He hoped Ever noticed and would keep an eye on them. They reeked of trouble. Still, he kept the main crowd's attention on him.


ever blackwell

The pink haired man had evidently spent too much time inside, and really needed to get out. Oliver laughed a bit. "That happens to the best of us! I don't understand how the higher ups can stand being in an office all day...I bet their cabin fever is horrendous!" While he may be aiming for a promotion, he hoped to not be so high in the food chain as to be forced to stay in an office all day. As they walked, Ever did ask a question. "We still have a little bit of time, but try to make it quick." Coffee can be a life saver, especially when it's going to be a long day.

Luckily there was another coffee shop close by. Pointing it out, he waited for Ever to go in and get his coffee. It did give him a brief moment to think about this job. It was basically just introducing themselves and answering questions. Pretty low key. But anything can happen. Here in Hoenn, there are many things that can go wrong.



ever blackwell

Public opinion mattered a lot. Regions rose and fell on that one metric, more often than not. It also may have turned the tide in a war or two as well. It was also a fickle thing. Part of him wondered just how well was the League really run here, not just the rangers. Sadly, there's been a number of public relations nightmares throughout the years. It kind of pissed him off that those responsible for those nightmares were still allowed in the ranks, and not stripped of their titles and thrown to the Sharpedo. It made him wonder just how desperate Hoenn was to keep such people in their ranks instead of in a dungeon.

Then again, that's also probably why Johto had sent him here two years ago. And this little venture and public relations was a step in repairing that trust. While his partner was very much competant, in some areas more so than he, Ollie was a little concerned over the man's general stoicism. He did wonder just how the man will do in this situation. And if it was horrible, that Oliver was more than able to cover it up. He was a good ten minutes early, but here Ever was. More punctual than usual. Was he actually excited for this? With a wave, Oliver greeted the other man. "Yo. Didn't think you'd be excited for something like this. Ready?"


ever blackwell

He didn't know if it would help, but Ollie tried to turn off the phone. Is it like a hacker type of thing? Either way, he scared the normal type enough to send it flying behind the owner, clearly confused. The fact that this Pokemon was a company's property didn't make any difference. The five foot seven guy gave this moron his drill sergeant voice. "That doesn't matter. If this phone's programming is damaged, your company is liable. Actions have consequences. If the company is smart, they'll punish you, no matter your position. If not for letting your glitch off a leash, then letting attack random people's property. You're gonna have a lot of lawsuits for destruction of property, otherwise. You'll be lucky if my boss doesn't press charges."

Oliver had no chill about stupidity like this. Grabbing the business card, he looked at it. Great. Some big stupid company thinks they can get away with anything. The next thing the guy said made the punk looking ranger look up with a mix of disgust, confusion, and still irritation. "What the hell is rule 34? And fear? It's called not wanting my work phone damaged you dumbass." Was this guy for real? He almost didn't want to know how high in the company this moron was. Both for the company's sake and maybe the employees.

Ozni Adebayo

Oliver was in Slateport for a small mission. And to assist in doing some paperwork and some other duties. Enough that it made the trip over there warranted. Ollie sighed as he walked around, just to stretch his legs. Paperwork was so boring and tedius. But it was a necessary evil. While he was out, something tuggeed at his back pocket. Looking over, the red head saw a Porygon-Z...trying to eat his data?! Before he could throw a punch at the creature, someone murmered something about a backup. Snatching his phone and backing up while pushing the normal-type away, Ollie responded. "It's required on work phones, which thankfully this is. But control your Pokemon! You're lucky this was backed up just before I left!"

The cyan eyed man glared at the guy. Oliver was in his ranger uniform, so it should be pretty obvious what his profession was. "And you just gave me a report to make. I'm going to have to get your information so we know who to go after should anything leak." And refer to this...situation as the cause. Of course, if this was an accident, it should be a pretty easy thing to clear up. If not, at least the Rangers would have someone to go after should something go wrong. Bad part was...technically the guy didn't have to comply. A ranger was not a police officer, afterall. Even if the two organizations often worked together in certain circumstances...



Ozni Adebayo

Vileplume distracted them enough, along with Hydreigon's own attacks, to let Josh get out of there on his old reliable Dragonair. Oliver also returned Vileplume, and the three escaped to the skies. He was going to recommend a few ranger teams with an emphasis on sleeping and calming moves to settle down the group. That was...yikes. They soon found his Lycanroc heading back, and was returned then. When they reached the rendevous point, they saw the husband being treated by a medical team. They dropped off the women, and after a very teary eyed reunion, they all headed off to Mauville's hospital. Oliver and Josh then headed to the Pokemon center. The red head didn't know how hurt either the Type: Null or the Zeraora was, but everyone needed a check up. It just took a lot longer on Josh's two Pokemon than normal. That group really needed to be quelled...as strong and good as both of them were...it was just too much for two rangers to handle. Hopefully his request would be granted.



Josh Devlin

gift confirmed. Thank you! Been enjoying my time here! Would love to write with you at some point!