Calvin doesn't enjoy being this close to Oldale Town. Every step brings him treacherously close to the family farm, and it brings a sinking feeling within his gut. The only comfort is the stretch of the Petalburg Woods, along with Petalburg itself and the close proximity of Rustboro City— They keep him shrouded from the watchful eyes of his disapproving parents, even if he reasonably knows that there is little to none chance of them spotting him this far out. They were always the homebody type, after all. Besides, he's here on Route 104 for a reason, he's not just here frivolously... For the most part, at least.

[break][break]He's in search of a Water-type, as having a Pokemon able to transport him across the vast waters of Hoenn would surely be a boon in his duties as a Ranger— And this was the best route to find something capable of that without already owning a Pokemon able to traverse the ocean. Streusel flies at his side, and he idly gives the Flapple a pat on the head as he walks towards the stretch of sandy beach. That would be a good place to start.

+ @fairchild

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Kyle's question gives him pause. Frankly, he's not entirely sure how to answer that— He had never given the status of Ranger much thought other than a drive to help Pokemon and people alike... Which definitely fit into the latter of the question, but he couldn't deny the thrill of adventure, of being able to see the region of Hoenn with his own two eyes, experience everything it has to offer. Granted, he has yet to actually be thrown into the thick of it, so he's naive in that aspect. It wasn't like his parents had made him privy to the finer details of the world outside the family farm other than snippets and hushed musings, so outside of knowing what came with the job, he wasn't actually all that sure of the danger that surrounded the occupation.

[break][break]"Um... Both...?" He answers hesitantly when the silence has stretched on long enough during his pondering, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "I like Pokemon... but I don't have much of an eye for battlin', so I don't think I'd, um, have much of a chance as a trainer. And I like helpin' people! Um, and I like the traveling part of bein' a Ranger. Is there really a ton of weird stuff goin' on? I was kind of kept in the dark for most of my life, sooo..." He trails off. Suddenly, he feels a little small. Childish. He had jumped into an occupation that he didn't actually know all too much about.

[break][break]Calvin clears his throat. "Well! I'm gonna be tryin' my hardest, no matter what!" He declares, mostly to himself, his words more muted, almost underneath his breath. He then tilts his head quizzically. "What do you do? I feel like you're familiar somehow...?" He was an isolated farm boy. Sue him for not being up to speed.

+ kyle lopez

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

The grin overtaking Calvin's face only grows ever wider at the confirmation of the coordinator's identity— Of course it was Lana! It wasn't like he'd ever forget his childhood best friend. His childhood only friend. Memories of hanging out together underneath the blaring sun of Littleroot and Oldale come to mind's eye, and he's just so excited. He had thought that when Ruslan left home for good, they'd never see each other again, and while it had been something he sort of resigned himself to, that notion wasn't one he was happy with. But fate had other things in store for him! He forces down the urge to hop around in his excitement, much like the little Linoone that circles his feet happily, begging for pets after the time apart. He was similarly excited that Garbage Baby remembered him.

[break][break]Once he's stepped aside as indicated to, he finally crouches down, reaching out for Garbage Baby and sinking his fingers into thick black-and-white fur, making sure to scritch at his ears and his scruff. "Man, I've been great— I finally got out of Oldale, obviously," He says, knowing that Ruslan would understand. They had both craved getting out of home, even if it was for different reasons. "My parents couldn't stop me anymore, I guess. Oh! I'm a Pokemon Ranger now! I mean, I'm just startin' out, but s'alright!" He puffs out his chest in pride. He had always loved Pokemon, and had never particularly loved battling, so the life of a Ranger had always been in the cards for him— And he was glad he had decided to pursue it after all.

[break][break]"'Nough about me, though! I'm more interested in you!" He says excitedly, giving Garbage Baby one last pat on the head before standing up with a pop of his knees. "How've you been? It's been forever, it's so good to see you! Tell me what you've been up to!" He knows that perhaps he's laying it on thick, but he's always been like this. Always overzealous, always a bit too much. He can't help himself though! He's sincere in his words, eyes kind.

+ ruslan skye [break]
+ mission: eggs in one basket

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Viridian eyes shift from the circling Wingull, landing on the Hoennian champion. Digging for shells? He wasn't, he had a job to do, but that does sound kind of fun, honestly... Maybe when he's done here, he should have Cupcake help him dig around for some! This is his first time on the beach after all, so maybe it would be a good souvenir! He can already guess that Cupcake wouldn't be super keen on the idea, though. The fairy-type could be a bit ginger with her appearances, which was something he had realized quickly after catching her... He blinks, shocked out of his thinking by the chorus of barks and yips coming from the pack of Mightyena. They were cute— He had always liked Mightyena— If not super noisy.

[break][break]"The Wingull are crazy out today!" He calls, making himself loud so he could be heard over the barking, stepping closer to Kyle, his Sylveon following along. "It's 'cause of all the little baby Tirtouga, y'see? Look," He raises a hand to point to where the water-types continue to pull themselves out of the safety of the sand in their effort to reach the ocean. "I'm, uh, supposed to be watchin' over 'em, makin' sure the Wingull don't eat 'em. First Ranger assignment on my own!" There's a bit of pride in his voice, even if he hasn't actually done much as of yet other than show up on the beach.

[break][break]"The Wingull seem more interested in your Mightyena right now, though!" He remarks, amused as he watches the dark-types snap at the flying Pokemon.

+ kyle lopez

[attr="class","pokeclass"]

Calvin had never seen so many Tirtouga in his entire life. Granted, that wasn't much of a feat— The family farm had not been beachside, and so the only way he'd have seen a Tirtouga would be if a visitor had obtained one... And they had never had many visitors for longer than a fleeting moment. Certainly not long enough for him to have taken a peek at anybody's Pokemon. He can't help but feel wonder as he watches the baby turtle Pokemon climb from their sand-filled nests, making the march towards the crashing waves, where they'd hopefully find themselves a home— Or did they migrate? He didn't know, but he wished the best for the little critters all the same.

[break][break]...Which wasn't going to happen if the Wingull didn't clear up, he is quick to realize. There's a sense of unease that gathers in the pit of his stomach like a ball of lead when he watches the flying Pokemon circle menacingly. Which reminds him that he's here on an actual assignment, which he is super excited about! Any Ranger work is pleasant enough for him!

[break][break]...Right. His assignment. He shakes off the excited nerves, and reaches for his belt, procuring a Pokeball. "C'mon, then!" He says, and with a flash, Cupcake is at his side, her gentle paws barely sinking into the sand of the pristine beach. Man, there were a ton of Wingull around... Would he be able to take this on by himself?

+ open!
[break]+ mission: heroes on a half-shell

[attr="class","pokeclass"]
[attr="class","pokeclass"]