In the Pokeportal inside the Pokemon Ranger's Base
It was nighttime, and the students had finally finished the task assigned by the Forest Rangers. Most of the rangers camped at the top of the mountain to continue their operations tomorrow. Only Ranger Niko and his squad were assigned to escort the students and professors back to the headquarters to claim their reward.
As they stepped through the base's entrance, the students exclaimed in amazement as they looked at the opaque wall of the building. The Forest Ranger's headquarters looked like an expanded igloo. Pokemon and humans walked around inside the room, with most of them looking curiously at the group of newcomers.
"Haha, make yourselves comfortable. Ask my men if you have any questions. I'll return shortly."
Niko gave the other Forest Rangers a brief instruction and headed deeper into the base.
"Hmm, items or Pokemon? What would you guys choose? I don't think I need anything right now."
Focalors had her palm on her cheeks as she asked the rest of the group.
"To be honest, I also don't know. Let's wait and see what they have first."
Hearing their discussion, the surrounding students looked on in envy. Unlike them, the other student groups only got 1 or 2 chances to pick a reward.
Because of his Copycat vision, Dante could more effectively find trapped Pokemon under the snow than the heat-vision goggles.
They cleared their area just after lunch and had nothing left to do. So, after some discussion, their group volunteered to help in the higher part of the mountain.
At first, the Forest Ranger captain was hesitant since the Pokemon there were more likely to be hyper-aggressive after what happened. But when he learned Dante was the student who took down Hunter J, he agreed with a smile.
Professor Berto shook his head as he gazed at the envious looks the other students were giving Dante and his group.
The Rangers had already generously rewarded all of them for doing something so trivial. They did this to establish a positive impression on the students.
After all, when they grow up, a fair few will become successful Trainers. But in Dante's case, they were already sure about his success.
That was why they were so generous, allowing Dante's group to choose a reward for each person. Them doing more contributions was just a more convenient excuse.
"Captain Niko's back."
A student's shout attracted their attention. Sure enough, the black-haired ranger can be seen walking from a distance. Beside him, there was a pale-looking woman in a lab coat.
"Everyone, this is Ms. Marcy, the head of our logistics. She'll be the one in charge of handling the rewards."
"*Yawwnn* Hey everyone. Here's the list of our available items and Pokemon."
Marcy casually took out a stack of paper from within her coat and gave it to one of the rangers. After they distributed the list to each of the students, they walked back and stood beside Niko.
Looking at the available items, Dante had to hide the look of disappointment on his face. As expected, the items they can choose aren't very valuable. There are only things like Hard Stone, Thunderstone, Soft Sand, Never-melt Ice, etc. Items that were worth at most 500,000 credits.
Looking at the excited faces of the other group of students, Dante inwardly sighed. If he didn't have the money from the Mega Stone, he would probably be as excited as them.
Skipping through the items section, he began looking at the available Pokemon. From what he understood, these Pokemon were hatched from eggs they found while doing forest ranger work.
After using the machine invented by the Alliance, the Pokemon hatched from these eggs won't have the same genetic defects as the Pokemon inside the Portal.
Dante saw some Pokemon that were the same race as the ones they fought yesterday. He also saw other types of Pokemon, some even being classified as very rare. Among them, there were three that made Dante's eyes light up.
First was the Shellder, a Water-type Pokemon. After evolution, Shellder will turn into Cloyster, an Ice/Water-type. It can have the Skill Link Ability which makes the Pokemon more proficient in using multi-hit attacks.
In his previous world, Dante often included Cloyster in his team. With Shell Smash, Icicle Spear, and Rock Blast, it was a force to be reckoned with.
Secondly, there is the Cetoddle, an Ice-type Pokemon with Thick Fat and Sheer Force as an Ability. And after evolving into Cetitan, its Snow Cloak Ability will turn into Slush Rush which is also great.
Although Dante hadn't used this Pokemon in his previous world, knowing its ability and that it's supposed to be a land whale piqued his interest.
And lastly, there is the Alolan Vulpix with an Ice/Fairy typing. Just like Candice's Abomasnow, Vulpix has the Snow Warning Ability which makes it easier to summon a hailstorm.
Even though Dante already had two Fairy-type Pokemon in the form of Mawile and Azumarill, this is different. After all, Alolan Ninetales, which is Vulpix's evolution, is primarily a special attacker.
All three Pokemon are great Ice-type additions to his team. Still though, remembering the two Pokemon in the PMD world he still hasn't officially captured, a wry smile formed on his face. There was also his plan to get a Flying Pokemon to prevent the same situation when he faced Hunter J.
However, he still decided to use this opportunity to pick a Pokemon. It's only three more Gym Badges anyway.
If he wanted to, he could have Pikachu and Azumarill take three Gyms on the same day. The only reason he doesn't do it so is because he also wants his other Pokemon to experience an official Pokemon battle.
And besides, it all depends on whether they have an Egg of the Pokemon he wants. After all, having two Abilities isn't something he'd pass up.
"Ugghh, which do you think I should choose? I really really want Alolan Vulpix, but I also want Cubchoo and Alolan Sandshrew."
Candice whined and turned to ask the rest of the group.
"Why Alolan Vulpix? Didn't we already talk about how its role overlaps with Abomasnow?"
Shinobu put her hand on her hips and sighed as she looked at her friend's pouting expression.
"But Alolan Vulpix is soo cute! And it's not like I can't have two weather setters in my team."
"Then choose Alolan Vulpix? If you want it so strongly, what's stopping you?"
Focalors tilted her head while looking at the overactive, twin-tailed girl.
"Hngghh."
Candice whined once again, her face scrunching like she ate something sour. She continued looking at the list, her face constantly shifting from determined to confused.
"Did I say something wrong?"
Focalors raised one of her eyebrows as she stared at Candice with a bewildered look.
"No, just let her be, Focalors. She knows in her heart that choosing Vulpix isn't optimal. She's just too stubborn."
"I heard that!"
Focalors chuckled at the byplay between the two roommates. She turned towards Dante, and seeing him laughing too, she couldn't help but ask.
"Have you chosen what you want, Dan?"
"Hmm, I'm still unsure, it'll depend on what they have available. How about you?"
"I decided on the Never-melt Ice. I'll give it as a souvenir to Furina."
Kachina and the other students who heard Focalors' casual tone sweat dropped. As part of the Fontaine family, all the items on this list could probably be obtained by her easily.
Their group continued to chat. Kachina said that she wanted the Soft Sand for Twirly, while Shinobu was also undecided. Because of Accelgor's Unburden Ability, held items like berries are more suitable for her.
"Why don't you also pick a Pokemon?"
Dante, who heard his girlfriend's problem, suggested.
"You know me, Dan. I want to train Shelly first."
"No, I mean, why don't you choose an egg?"
Shinobu, who had opened her mouth to subconsciously refuse, closed it and pondered the feasibility of his words.
Hatching Eggs instead of taking a training-ready Pokemon is generally disapproved due to taking too much time. But if she wants to waste time in the first place…
"You're a genius, Dan! Now I just have to- wait. Also? Do you plan on choosing your fourth Pokemon?"
"Yup. We're gonna have two more babies, babe."
A/N: For those of you wondering, yes, I haven't forgotten Sylveon.