Lapis adjusted his uniform as he joined up with the others. It was a little big on him, but he preferred it over being too small. He stood next to Star as Sage smiled.
"Alright. All set, Lapis?" He nodded as Sage hummed. "Good. Now. I want everyone on patrol. Keep your eyes sharp. Lapis, you will be working with Star since you won't be using a styler." He nodded as they went out.
~
"It's been a while since we've had a physical ranger."
Lapis glanced at her as they patrolled the forest. She hummed softly.
"So what's your lift number?"
"Is that necessary?"
"No... I'm just curious. Most physical rangers just join because of the weaponry. I want a little variety." He studied her before speaking.
"180." She whistled.
"You're confident. Which is good. The last physical ranger that was with us could only pull an 80." Lapis snorted. "I tell everyone trying to join the physical rangers that if they want to be a good physical ranger that they need to be able to lift at least their own weight. No one listens until they are told to start lifting stuff." Lapis hummed.
"Is that the only thing physical rangers do?"
"Oh hell no. But if a physical ranger can't do that, then you aren't ready for the real work." She then grinned. "I see you being a very reliable physical ranger. We just gotta get you your gear. They are probably sending it from the Union." He hummed as they wandered the forest.
"Real quick... the only question Sage never answered was if physical rangers get partner pokemon. I've seen rangers from my home region with them, but I wasn't sure about physical rangers since they don't have stylers." Star hummed before reaching up to where her own partner pokemon, Plusle, rested.
"That's a good question. I know physical rangers won't be able to get them easily... but I do know a physical ranger out in Sinnoh that has one." Lapis hummed.
"So it is possible."
"Yeah. I just don't know how." He nodded as a small noise alerted them. "Come on. Let's check that out."
They ran over as two pokemon fought. He recognized the one as the pokemon that was fleeing another form the harbor. The other, however, didn't look the same. The one pokemon noticed them before racing behind them as the other growled. Star slipped out her Styler.
"Not on my watch! Capture on!" The pokemon lashed out as she worked to capture it. Lapis stayed still, providing coverage for the smaller pokemon. Star finally captured it, calming it down and getting it to leave. "Phew- that was close." She joined him as the other pokemon trembled. "All clear. That pokemon won't bother you." It looked up before smiling, still trembling in fear. Lapis picked it up as it clinged to his arm. "Aw... Here. Let's get you back to get checked."
~
While the small pokemon, which was revealed to be a Minun, Lapis's gear came in. He paused as Murph brought him over to the operator with a cart.
"So you're the newest physical ranger, right?" He nodded. "Nice to meet you." She patted a bag on top. "Your gear is in there. I'd pick it up, but I have no strength." He smiled as he grabbed it, lifting it with ease.
Looking through, he found an ax, hammer, bat and a few other tools. He knew he would have to make a better way to carry these (the bag they were currently in was falling apart, so he started working on that with the base's mechanic. Star joined him as he fitted the new bag onto his back.
"All good now?" He nodded as Minun jumped onto his shoulder. She hummed. "Someone's taking a liking to you. That's probably good. A physical ranger with a partner pokemon means you don't deal with the common problem of requiring a regular or battle ranger at your side at all times. You can do your own thing." Lapis smiled as Sage joined them.
"Right. All set now?" Lapis nodded. "Great. We're closing up for the night. Tomorrow, we're going to get you started on some patrols to get you used to your gear and such." Cedar scoffed from the side.
"Assuming nothing happens in the middle of the night."
"This is why you don't sleep. We'll be fine since you are going to act like an owl."
