PokéRangers: New World

Epilogue: Bewear

"MACHO GOT A JOB?!?!?!"

"Mhmmm"

It was still rather early in the day as the Mandibuzz and Bewear Rangers stood on line at their favorite bakery. It had been quite a while since they had a girls' night, so they decided to make this one an entire day.

"I didn't realize he was applying for one"

"He wasn't", Bewear explained. "Someone heard him giving a random stranger a pep talk and offered him a job on the spot as a motivational speaker."

The Mandibuzz Ranger couldn't help but pause and blink in silence for a moment.

"... that might just be the most 'Macho' thing I've ever heard"

"Right?! Though I suppose it does suit him - he is pretty good with the pep talks!"

"Well, I guess that's two exciting job-related updates then"

"Yeah, I..." Now it was the Bewear Ranger's turn to pause, "Wait, does that mean that Houndoom -"

"Mhmmm" she nodded eagerly, barely able to contain her excitement. "Houndoom got the job!"

"Thats awesome! So he made the application deadline after all?"

"That's the weird part! His portfolio submission just missed the deadline; but someone on the board decided to take a peek anyway, and they took such a liking to it, that they created an Apprentice role specifically for him."

"That's... really great". Bewear tried her hardest not to, but her tone couldn't help but take a more wary turn.

"What's up?"

"It's just... First Macho. Now Houndoom. Is it bad that I'm being suspicious of good things happening to us for a change?"

"Maybe", Mandibuzz admitted before adding optimistically, "or maybe it's just the universe finally making good on things that are long overdue!"

"Maybe"

They took a few steps forward as they finally neared the front of the line. The place was certainly packed today!

"Speaking of things that are long overdue", Mandibuzz resumed with a smile, "I'm so glad you finally told him."

"Yeah, now we just wait to see what he says", she replied, unable to stifle the nervous sigh that came with it. Not that it mattered though, considering Mandibuzz was already 20 miles ahead.

"This is going to be so amazing!" she gushed. "Once you two start dating, then we'll be able to go on double dates and - "

"Woah, hey, are you even listening?" Bewear accosted, her face completely flush, before realizing she had accidentally back-fisted someone standing behind her.

"My, that's quite the punch you've got there", a man began lightheartedly, rubbing his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry sir! Are you okay?", she apologized profusely.

"Oh I'm fine" he assured with a chuckle. "My bones aren't that brittle."

The man stood about 6 feet tall and looked to be in his mid to late 50s. The salt and pepper coloration of his hair made him look quite distinguished - as did the maroon vest he wore.

"You'll have to excuse her sir, a life long love story is finally catching up with her", Mandibuzz teased.

"You know, I'm starting to think I should have spent the day with Vinnie instead..." she replied wryly.

As the man watched the two's back and forth, he couldn't help but begin to laugh heartily to himself. Though by no means subtle, there was something about this laugh that felt soft - almost warm. Mandibuzz in particular felt this, as something akin to almost nostalgia flickered inside her.