PokéRangers: New World

Until Next Time

*A few days later*

The next few days progressed without incident and finally, it was time for the doppelgängers to say their farewells. As promised, Zekks had reached out to his 'contact' - an 'acquaintance' some might say, while others would think the title 'father-in-law' was a more appropriate.

"So what happens next?" Infernape asked as he and Zekks stood to the side, their goodbyes already having been said. They wanted to give the others more time with their doppelgängers.

"I've been assured that they'll be given temporary lodgings as well as their choice of 'next steps'. After that, the choice is theirs. But I'm sure this isn't the last we'll see them."

"Right"

"And how about you?" Zekks asked with a raised eyebrow and slight smile. "I heard you're flying out next week. "

"Just for a few days. Some big firm reached out a day or so ago. They want to speak to me about some of the assets I inherited from my father. Wouldn't take no for an answer either - so they're flying me out to meet with their CEO."

"A rather generous offer", Zekks mused, a little bit of suspicion to his voice. The look on Infernape's face conveyed a similar feeling - or perhaps it was something else. "Would you keep me posted?"

To be honest, Infernape wasn't thrilled about having to deal with this stuff again so soon after returning home. But he also knew that he'd been running from it even before their misadventure began. So no matter how much he didn't want to, he needed to move forward with this - or else he'd always be in limbo.

"Sure thing."

"Though whatever comes from it" Zekks continued as he patted Infernape's shoulder with his left hand - his right still partly broken from punching Serpenquaza, "remember that you are your own man; and you have a lot to be proud of - and even more who love you."

Infernape could feel a tear come to his eye. Aside from Greninja's dad, he wasn't really used to getting kind and heartfelt words from adult males. "Thanks Zekks."

Zekks nodded.

- - -

"Please let us know when you two get settled" Mandibuzz began as her and Houndoom looked at the former Skarmory and Aggron Rangers.

"And where you end up" Houndoom added.

"We will!"

"For sure!"

"And also when we can expect the wedding invitations" Dawn teased as she popped into the conversation, her patented impish grin in full effect.

"Actually" the former Aggron Ranger began bashfully, "if everything goes well..."

"We were thinking of getting married within the next month or so" the former Skarmory Ranger concluded.

The Mandibuzz and Houndoom Rangers were a little surprised by the news; but neither as much as Dawn.

"NEXT MONTH?!?!" Dawn stammered, to which both former Rangers nodded nervously. "Oh God! I need to get new clothes. OH GOD! MY HAIR!!!!"

And with that, Dawn ran off; and the Greninja Ranger slid into the scene - quickly producing a large basket of food and handing each of the former rangers some cash.

"As agreed upon" he smiled devilishly.

"Not cool" Mandibuzz and Houndoom scowled at him.

"What? She can constantly prank me; but I can't prank her?" he retorted.