“Man... this bed is kinda comfy...” Derrick mumbled, staring aimlessly at the ceiling. “The whole ferry's kinda cool too. Wish it were a bit faster though...” As he got up from the bed, Derrick started stretching out his arms and legs before leaving his cabin. Looking around, he made eye contact with some of other trainee rangers and was met with the same response; a worried look and a brisk walk away from the vicinity. Derrick frowned and began walking towards one of the rails, smelling in the sea water and reflecting back on what happened in the past month.

It's been several hours since he entered the ferry to join the Pokemon Rangers Association, and it had been days since he left home. Ever since he managed to round up all the Pokemon and control the crowd from panicking too much during the Safari Zone mishap in Pastoria City, Derrick had found himself getting odd looks from his co-workers and superiors. When he was called in by his father and the chief of the department, they told him that they sent an application to the Ranger's Association in his name, and that he was being transferred out.

Arguing that he would've been better off being fired instead of 'relocated to a different region due to potential and strengths in different sectors', Derrick cleaned up his locker and began preparing for the ferry ride to the preserve. He could remember the sad looks on his Pokemon's faces, as well as the constant reminder from his siblings on how he better learn how to use other Pokemon or hope he can nab a Magnemite as a partner. They were both scolded when he was told by his mother just to do what he did best. And to have fun on the job, apparently.

Shrugging and looking at the sea, Derrick caught a glimpse of a few water type Pokemon swimming below. Smiling to himself, he pressed his lips together and sucked his cheeks in, trying to imitate the creatures below. It wasn't appreciated, since their immediate response was to shoot water at his face, soaking most of his head. Frowning and heading back to his cabin, Derrick dried himself and picked up his bag until the instructors had called everyone in.

When the ferry arrived and the bridge was let down, Derrick waited near the back of the crowd until everyone left; when he tried standing near the middle of the group, he felt like everyone was trying not to get too close to him, which only made Derrick disappointed. As soon as there was space and almost everyone was off, he made his way to the to the top and jumped off, landing on the pier and away from the group. He made it back to the outskirts of the crowd, listening in on the briefing as he got his hands on the Capture Styler. 

[i]“Man, these things are incredibly light...”[/i] Derrick thought as the group started walking. [i]“I just hope they aren't as complicated...”[/i] Keeping himself towards the back, he noticed a few of the other trainees, including a girl who looked rather nervous about the whole trip, and a boy who dressed up like a Blaziken, making Derrick feel more self-conscious about himself. As they started through the forest, he took in how wonderful the scenery was. His mother had told him about how the Nature Preserve was something of a paradise for Pokemon and people alike, and she certainly wasn't kidding with all of this terrain around.

As he continued walking, Derrick almost tripped over himself. When he looked down, he noticed how tough it would be to handle some of the trails. Normally, it shouldn't be a problem with some of the things he's done as a traveller, but this was when his black and red trim sneakers were brand new and active. Now, they've turned old and raggedy. He wouldn't be surprised if they ripped or tore during the training. “Note to self, buy some boots... or at least a better pair of sneakers...” he muttered.