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Ah, school. The bane of Hailee's existence. As much as she enjoyed all courses that pertained to her fashion design and marketing degree, she absolutely hated everything else. Hence why she would routinely get in trouble for falling asleep during lectures. She knew it was irresponsible and she wasn't doing so on purpose. [break][break]

It was just so hard to stay awake during those lectures. Her eyes would feel so heavy it was almost impossible to keep them open. Luckily, despite routinely getting scolded by her professors, they all seemed to like her well enough, despite her flaws. But today shouldn't be so bad. She had a group assignment with this cutie from one of her general courses. [break][break]

Seriously, she was gorgeous, Hailee found herself a little flustered every time she saw her. (She had a soft spot for cute girls, what could she say? Ceri Glynn could attest to that.) But regardless, Hailee didn't want to seem like a total dunce in front of her partner, though she had the faintest idea that she had met her before, she couldn't place where. (She had absolutely no idea Anna was Head Ranger. It seemed on track considering how she failed to even recognize her own Captain, Tam Fawley way back.)[break][break]

Hailee's phone buzzed as she quickly rushed through the mall to their meeting place. Also on track, Hailee was running late. She'd gotten distracted by this beautiful limited edition handbag that was on display and it looked perfect with her outfit so she just had to splurge and get it. Luckily she did because the bag she purchased was the last. But now, the young ranger couldn't help but feel a little guilty for keeping her partner waiting. [break][break]

to: cutie patootie anna 💞[break]
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Hailee's fingers practically flew across the screen as she quickly tapped away to send her message. Hailee then suddenly slowed down as she paused. Since she was so late, shouldn't she get Anna a gift to apologize? But then that would also make her even later and she didn't want to hold her up. With a shake of her head Hailee continued till she was at the cafe where they were supposed to meet.[break][break]

Entering in, the door jingled to signal Hailee entrance and the strong scent of coffee practically slapped her in her face, it was nice. She was greeted politely by the servers and she nodded letting them know that someone had already saved a seat for her. Sanguine eyes scanned the area before they found a familiar head of blonde. [break][break]

"So sorry!" Hailee apologized with a slight bow of her head as she took a seat across from Anna. "I hope you weren't waiting too long."
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Hailee was getting a headache. She wasn't sure if it was from the stress or the voices, or both. Either way her head was aching as the voices continued to accost her in this barren desert. Hailee felt her chest begin to tighten and squeeze with each step forward she took. It was a hand squeezing hers that caused the voices to cease for a moment. [break][break]

“We’ll be alright, Hails. We’ll get out of here.” It was Fae. It was always Fae. Whenever Hailee was having a hard time or struggling with anything she knew she could always count on her sister just as she had when she was younger. It soothed her aching soul, but only for a moment before disaster struck again. [break][break]

The rumbling of the ground almost brought Hailee to her knees as she stared back with wide sanguine eyes at the threat that was now barreling towards them. Whatever was causing these gigantic tremors was riding on the coattails of the sandstorm and Hailee felt her heart drop to her stomach. [break][break]

“Fuck! Run!” Fae said as she held onto Hailee's hand tighter, practically dragging her along as they all made a break for it. Hailee was still in shock, it was almost sensory overload. But right when she was about to shame herself for being a ranger but handling all of this terribly, the voices came back crippling her once more. [break][break]

Luckily they were close to the ruins now. Valerie's cry could be heard from above as she soared through the skies keeping an eye out for them. As the group approached the ruins, their predator hot on their heels, another tremoring quake shook the ground. The tectonic shift was so strong this time that it could bring them all to their knees. And it did just that for Hailee. She fell forward and in the process her hand seemed to catch on a switch of sorts.[break][break]

All of a sudden the sand began to sift and pool around Fae and Hailee before draining and revealing a secret passage trap door that opened beneath their feet dropping them down to whatever awaited them below. Their shrieks would be the last thing the other two (symon blessing and Lydia Magnusson) heard before silence. The switch would no longer work so they would have to find some other way to reach the two girls.[break][break]

Sand cushions their fall as Fae and Hailee land with a thud to some dark enclosed chamber beneath the surface. Hailee winced as she rolled to her side. "Fae?" she called out for her sister but it was dark and she couldn't feel her anywhere near her. Panic settled in before a chilling voice washed over her.[break][break]

"You think you're something special huh?" the voice of her step-mother rang clear in her ears causing Hailee to wince and freeze. "You're nothing." the voice of her tormentor hissed. "Nothing but an unwanted mistake. That's why your mama left you behind didn't she?" Hailee gripped her head as she curled up into a ball. The sound of sand steadily flowing into the area they were in could be heard. "No..." she whimpered.[break][break]

"Sure enough everyone will leave you because how could someone love a selfish brat like you? Your father's already moved on to me. Hell, even your precious little sister spends less and less time at home. Probably to get away from your clinginess." Her step-mother's haughty laugh rang in her ears and caused a stinging pain to Hailee's eyes as she attempted to hold back tears.[break][break]

Hailee's breath began to quicken as she felt an invisible hand tighten around her throat. She couldn't breathe. She knew the words that would come next but she didn't want to hear them. "STOP IT!" Hailee gasped for air as the words escaped her. "Why don't you do everyone a favor, and just disappear?"
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"Hailee, take a deep breath.”[break][break]

That's what her sister had said. Ever the calm one in moments like this she supposed. But if anything, Fae had no idea of the inner turmoil in her little sister's mind. She hadn't seen the things Hailee had seen, hadn't experienced the things she had, and most of all Hailee hadn't been able to tell her of her very real trauma. [break][break]

Hailee remained uncharacteristically silent as her jaw set and became taught and rigid. Her sister did have a point though. There were a lot of civilians here. With her experience as a ranger she should at least be calm for them, shouldering their burdens and proactively thinking of a way to get out of this place. Wherever that was. [break][break]

Hailee made note of the oncoming storm and tracks ahead of them. Another quick glance around and it was nothing but seas of sand. Turning back to face the other two blondes and guy in their party she nodded. "I agree with finding shelter as soon as possible." Hailee said as she turned her fuchsia colored orbs back towards the spiraling towers on the horizon. [break][break]

"What a disgrace..."[break][break]

Hailee's brows knitted together as she whipped around. That voice sounded familiar. "What was that?" she asked as she looked back at the group but it didn't seem like any of them had said anything. Hailee was about to chalk it up to her imagination until the haunting whisper of her name on the winds of the approaching sandstorm rang again.[break][break]

"Hailee....How many times do I have to tell you?! Your actions reflect heavily on the family! How could you get into another fight like this?!"[break][break]

Hailee's eyes widen as she whipped around scanning the area. This made no sense. Why could she hear him? All of a sudden images from her past came flooding back to her. "Have you no shame?! All I ask is that you behave yourself and you can't even do that!" she winced as she remembered the sound of several glass vases shattering on the ground as her father knocked them off in his anger. Meanwhile Hailee felt herself break out into a cold sweat. There was nothing around her but why was she remembering this now all of a sudden?[break][break]

"We...should get moving." Hailee said as she turned her back to the group. "Don't fall behind." it was clear she was acting strange but she didn't say anything more. She needed to concentrate on getting out of here but the first step was moving towards the towers for shelter. She would do her best to ignore the voices as she always had growing up.
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It was Christmas time so it was only expected that Hailee would have to organize a cute little Christmas get together with her second family here. It wouldn't be Christmas without gifts and people to celebrate, and Hailee wanted to celebrate each and every single one of her Slateport Ranger family. [break][break]

While Hailee's own family, aside from her sister, were estranged, these people that she saw almost everyday quickly became her family. It was strange, it was sort of like they came out of nowhere. Before she knew it she was surrounded by people and even quicker than that she found herself enjoying their quirks and company more than anything. [break][break]

These were people she wanted to protect. When the end of the world was on the horizon, even though she was riddled with anxiety and fear, she only hoped that her actions could contribute to a chain reaction that would keep her loved ones safe. These people. Luckily they were here to see another day, and after a near brush with death, it seemed only right to take a breather and relax, they deserved it. [break][break]

Hailee was beaming from ear to ear as she watched the gift exchanges from afar. She not only had her own secret Santa but she also went out of her way to get everyone in the office gifts this year. It wasn't much but it was a small token to show her appreciation for all of them. When Genevieve Cromwell mention to Noah that she'd gotten him a little getaway trip for Christmas Hailee was floored. That was so thoughtful, she hadn't even anticipated something like this before. She mentioned that Noah take Hailee so they could enjoy some time alone and Hailee felt her cheeks flush.[break][break]

"Genny you're so sweet~" Hailee said with a touched smile. She certainly would love to get to spend some time with Noah, especially after everything that had gone down. They'd both been extremely busy after the events of Littleroot so they hadn't had a chance to really catch their breath just yet. [break][break]

"Hey, uh, Hailee." Orion spoke up and caught her attention. He seemed nervous and Hailee assumed it was due to the crowd. Then again, Orion had always been a little awkward, just like their team Captain, but that was part of his charm. Hailee flashed Orion a warm smile. "Hey there," Orion cleared his throat, it was clear he was working up the nerve to continue and Hailee didn't want to impede on his plans so she relaxed, reclining on the couch. [break][break]

"I wasn't entirely sure what you liked but, um, I've noticed you have a lot of floral Pokemon." Hailee's eyes widened. Well, that was certainly true. But she didn't expect him to take note of that. "This seemed like it'd be right up your alley." Orion handed her a love ball which she took gingerly. Sitting up straight she opened it and out popped a cute little Comfey.[break][break]

Hailee gasped as she looked up at him. "Oh!" she exclaimed as the Comfey happily floated around her. "It's so cute!!" Hailee squealed before jumping up to her feet and hugging Orion. "Thank you so much! I love it!" Hailee had a soft spot for cute Pokémon so Orion's instincts were correct, this was certainly up her alley. "I'll take good care of it, I promise!" Hailee gave him one last squeeze before releasing him. [break][break]

Since Hailee was up she figured it was time she get started. "Alright, things are looking pretty good so I guess it's my turn." She said with a confident smirk before turning and grabbing a box wrapped in shining blue paper and adorned with a pink bow. "Razz, This is for you. Merry Christmas and I hope you like it!" she exclaimed setting the box in his lap. [break][break]

Once he opened the box he would find a pokeball and a custom Hailee-fied ticket inside. Upon opening the pokeball he would be greeted with a Tentacruel with a bow stuck to it's head courtesy of Hailee of course. Meanwhile the ticket was for a movie-day extravaganza planned by Hailee. She'd set up and transform a space into the perfect movie watching experience upon redemption and Razz would get to enjoy quality films of his choice as well as snacks and beverages. [break][break]

"Ah but I'm not done yet. Under the tree is a present from me to everyone." Hailee beamed. "I hope you all enjoy them. It's just a small way for me to thank you all for being there for me and having my back." Hailee's cheeks grew flushed once more as she found herself a little embarrassed. She reached under the tree once more for a gift and sat it in Tam Fawley's lap. "So feel free to look for your presents," Hailee said with a nod.[break][break]

Tam's present contained a custom coffee mug that said World's #1 Dad on it as well as a vintage pipe since Tam smokes all the time. Meanwhile the rest of the team had personalized gifts and tickets of their own that they could redeem from Hailee for something special. It'd taken her a while to think of something that each person would like so she hoped that they all enjoyed it.
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How the hell did the get here?! In a disorienting series of twists, tumbles and turns, Hailee made sure to hold on tightly to her sister as they fell through the rift before landing hard on something coarse. That's right, they fell through the rift. Hailee had been assigned to return to Petalburg and patrol the area. Strange happenings had been occurring all around Hoenn after doomsday and of course, as usual, the rangers never got a decent break. [break][break]

Hailee was really starting to grow to regret her life decisions, but she couldn't back down now. Hailee wasn't a quitter, not mater how much logic and reason screamed at her that she was way out of her league here. Returning to the warzone she'd recently participated in was...strange to say the least. Even more so with rumors of rifts opening with links to other worlds. [break][break]

It sounded like hogwash but having participated in the battle that took place here personally, Hailee knew better than that. Nothing was as it seemed anymore. Anyway, Hailee was here to do her job and get out of here when she heard the voice of her older sister. At first she thought she must've been dreaming, but no, her crazy sister really was here with her. [break][break]

Of course, Hailee tried to explain that this place was far too dangerous for her to be here but was Fae having any of it? Of course not! No...of course she wouldn't listen to her little sister, much to Hailee's own dismay. But Hailee wasn't going to take no for an answer. She was fully determined to drag Fae away from here by the collar of her shirt if need be. She'd deal with getting her ass beat later. But right now the bigger sister (despite being younger) was gonna put her foot down. [break][break]

At least....that was the intention. [break][break]

Just like all things Hoenn, nothing ever goes according to plan. And suddenly Hailee was in panic mode as a rift opened up on the spot and began to suck them in, whether they wanted to go or not. Hailee didn't have time to think of her training with the rangers or anything like that. All she could think to do was grab hold of Fae and use her body to protect her as best she could. [break][break]

Cue how they got here....in a desert Arceus knows where, covered in sand. With a groan and a squint Hailee sat up. "Gods fucking--" before Hailee could finish her slew of curses a chirp interrupted her. Valerie, her shiny Altaria, had emerged from her Pokeball sensing Hailee's danger and panicked state. [break][break]

A heavy sigh left Hailee's lips as she stood up brushing the sand off her body. "Give me eyes in the sky Val." Hailee grumbled and Valerie nudged her gently, as if to comfort her, before chirping once more and taking off. "Dammit Fae." Hailee groaned again as she began to look around the wasteland. "Are you alright?" she said with a sigh. [break][break]

Toto, they weren't in Hoenn anymore, that was for sure. But grumbling and complaining wouldn't do her any good. She needed to figure out how to get out of here. "Ahh...what would Captain Dad do?" Hailee muttered to herself. "I'm gonna take a quick look around to see if there's some switch to take us back." Hailee said as she glanced at Fae.[break][break]

It was hot. Hailee wasn't dressed to go hiking through the scorching desert. She didn't even have supplies for this. Her forehead creased with wrinkles which she would come to regret later, but it was a tell tale sign this ranger was stressed. She'd at least felt more at ease if she was with someone capable like her Captain, Tam Fawley or Caleb Harcourt. (Not Orion Lykos, he would've been panicking right alongside with her.)[break][break]

Hailee didn't want to wander off too far from Fae. They needed to stay together, especially since they were in an unknown area with unknown threats. A cry from the air signaled that Valerie had found something. Hailee glanced up and nodded. "Show me!" she called out "Fae stick with us." [break][break]

Hailee turned to inform her sister before following Valerie's lead. However, upon finding what Valerie saw, Hailee felt her stomach drop. She didn't recognize these tracks but it was big. Something extremely large. Something, that Hailee wasn't sure she was able to properly deal with. Would she be able to keep them safe and find a way out of here?
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While going on her regular patrols with Raijin, Hailee happens to stumble across a family of Maushold while they make preparations for the winter. For a while Hailee paused her walk just to observe the little fellas. Watching as they all helped one another and supported each other, made Hailee think about her own family. [break][break]

Her family wasn't perfect by any means. In fact, it was quite broken. She had a lot of repressed emotions and wounds that she was still dealing with today because of them. But even if her parents were the source of her pain and grief, she knew she could always count on her big sister. Fae Madden was the saving grace of this hell hole. She was so thankful for her sister, even now, that they could spend time together and really love on each other to make up for their parents lack. [break][break]

And not just Fae, Hailee found new family members here in Hoenn too. Her boyfriend, Noah Camus and his family always treater her like she belonged. Her Slateport Rangers family, Tam Fawley, Orion Lykos, Caleb Harcourt and the rest of her co-workers. She spent so much time with them that they really had become like a second family to her. And she enjoys her time with them, they've all been through hell and back together.[break][break]

The season of being thankful might have passed but in this season of gift giving and remembrance, she was reminded that she needed to tell her loved ones how she cared for them. [break][break]
kwsmL9AL
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The photographer came by to quickly inform them that this was an informal shoot. They just needed to pick a few toys to play with their Pokémon and make it look fun a natural. Not too hard today, which was fine for Hailee. She'd still try and give it her best shot though, her reputation would take a hit otherwise. "Sure thing boss." Hailee answered the photographer with a charming smile before heading over to the prop table. [break][break]

After glancing at the table of toys for a little bit Hailee picked up two. One she'd be playing with Valerie and a mini water gun. She figured if she and Marshall were doing this shoot together and they were all supposed to be playing, she was sure that would include fun moments with him too. [break][break]

But if there was one thing she knew about photoshoots like this, spontaneous moments to capture genuine reactions are always more natural than something posed or forced. So according to her plan Marshall would be getting a little wet today, she hoped he'd be okay with that. She'll apologize after the shoot if need be. "Let's get started cutie." Hailee said to Valerie before stepping out onto the courtyard to join Marshall and Vector.[break][break]

***[break][break]

This photoshoot was fun. Plenty of laughs were had on set and according to her plan, Marshall did end up a little wet. But then again so did she. Valerie loved the mini water games happily chirping and soaking up all the fun. The little baby was no longer sleepy but wide awake and hyper now that she was having fun. [break][break]

Who knew work and play would go hand in hand? "You did so well Val!" Hailee cooed at her swablu and gently pet her head before heading over to Marshall and Vector. "You two were awesome too. I hope you guys had fun." she said with a smile. "Thanks for playing along." she added as she glanced at Marshall. [break][break]

"Annnnnd That's a wrap!" she heard the call from the photographer. "Great work you two! We got some really good shots in there of all of you" he said as he made is way towards the two. He patted them both on the shoulder clearly pleased with the photoshoot. "We'll send the touched up images to you via email in a few days time so look forward to it. Oh and the company is paying you two extra for some added exposure on your social media about the merchandise. Feel free to use some of the outtakes from this photoshoot for the ad. " [break][break]

Ah so they'd receive a sponsorship from this too. That wasn't so bad. "Sure thing. Just attach in the email when the posts need to be up by." Hailee nodded before glancing over to Marshall. "Ah, I can help you with yours too if you need it." she said with a wide grin. "That's the spirit." the photographer chimed in. "That's all for the day, you two are free to go home now. Thank you for your hard work." he said before turning to leave. "Thank you!" Hailee called out as well. [break][break]

"Alrighty, thanks again for the fun photoshoot. It was nice meeting you Marshall!" Hailee said with a wave and Valerie chirped. "We're gonna head out, you take care. You too Vector." Hailee smiled at the Sylveon. Hailee turned to head off but then paused for a moment before turning around. "Unless...um." she scratched her cheek. "I promised Val I would take her to get some ice cream after this. Did you and Vector want to come along?"
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"Dragons...right." Hailee nodded as she kept her eyes peeled before taking another sip from her drink. ”I usually hike around this area, it’s nice.” Hailee could hear the smirk on Fae's face without having to look at her. "Bleh. Hiking. Gross." Hailee cringed with a shiver. It was no surprise that this prissy ranger wasn't too into physical exertion. But despite all that she still maintained a healthy exercise schedule. Not to mention she was a ranger too.[break][break]

Hailee always said if it wasn't for her job she'd be living the good life and never have to wish for death while toiling on the StairMaster3000 ever again. Then again, it was thanks to those habits she could keep her figure and use it to her advantage like in the Swimsuit Contest. [break][break]

A bush nearby rustled and quickly drew Hailee's attention. Emerging were a wild Sableye and Trapinch. "Ah what cuties do we have here?" Hailee said with a grin as she reached for Lilli's pokeball on her belt. "I'll take the Trapinch if you don't mind" she said to Fae before tossing the pokeball at it. Lilli appeared with a yawn and a stretch before nodding to Hailee that she was ready to put in some work on the little fella.
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