αησтнєя נσυяηєу, αησтнєя ρяσвℓєм

[Raerae]

Rae offered a half smile, hugging Sylveon to her chest and stroking her warm, silky fur. "That's great you have friends that love you like that. I wish I did. I think you'll love Sootopolis. Wally is actually up in Unova right now, so Juan has taken over for a while. I hear they switch off. He's one Hell of a trainer."


"I think we'd like to play tourist actually. Eat out in New Mauville, catch a star show in Mossdeep, Lilycove has a giant department store just full of merchandise you can only get in Hoenn... Maybe we'll take up a cruise before we head back." And by we, she of course meant herself and her Pokemon, who were very curious about what lied ahead.


"I guess I'm taking whatever I can get before I go back to Unova. The runway shows I'm signed up for don't start for a couple months, it's all just preparations at the moment. At least all this walking will keep me in perfect shape." She laughed lightly, but wondered just how far she'd be going with the three. "I have plans overall, though. I'd love to compete in the Pokeathlon, just as much as I want to model. And I might take up culinary, cause I can't really cook to save my life. I'm artistic, too, so... I might indulge in some skill honing in Kalos."


--


"Tease me all you want about Ari, but don't think for a second I'm missing the fact you be talked to Rae all the way here." He told him, his words like ammunition to a gun show. He spoke quietly, however, trying to avoiding waking Pikachu.


"She's not just internet famous, Rae's a rising industry icon. Here, it's coordinating, which is Ariadas thing. Kanto, it's the league, where you and I are iconic. Johto, it's the Pokeathelon, but she's got a lot of social networking prowess and influence. Unova and Kalos, it's a mix, but modeling is big, and that's Rae's expertise." He smiled sheepishly, "Lets just say I got bored and started googling our names. You have a... really dedicated fan club."


"But, both girls aside. Who's challenging Petalburg first?" He inquired, grinning.

 

[juuchanisu]

"A tourist, huh?' Ariada smiled. She looked up at the ceiling, Eevee propped up on her chest. "That's what I first wanted to do when I came to Hoenn. But once I heard about contests, I couldn't help it," she laughed gently. "Oh!" The girl got up, scaring Eevee as she fell onto her lap. Ari gave a small smile in apology as she got up and walked over to her bag, taking her three pokeballs out.


She almost forgot to let them roam around, like she always does. Once the light had flashed and all three of her pokemon popped out, Rosa was the first one to embrace her trainer.


"Hi there Rosa," she smiled, leaning down and rubbing the Wigglytuff's head. Turning her head to Rae, she smiled. "You have a busy life, don't ya? And you seem really young. At least your future is bright! To be honest, I have no idea what my future has installed for me. I hope it includes Red..." she mumbled, adding that last part quietly. She watched as her Meganium walked to the further side of the bed, away from Rae, and closer to Ari's bed. He curled up next to the girl's bed, and in a flash he was out.


"Oh Chiko..." she sighed.


- - -


Blue's face got warmer, but he didn't allow his rival to see it as he face planted his face into the pillow. He listened carefully to what Red was saying then smirked, taking his face out of the pillow and glancing up at Red, "The girls love me."


He sat up, his face cooled down and only his ears were red, however his mind still drifted around Rae. "Hmm, I think you should go first. I might train up Eevee a bit, seeing as she's still quite a low level. I don't know what I'm gonna do with her. She's seem happy as an energetic eevee and really carefree. I don't want to change that..." he mumbled with a sigh. Blue fears if he pushed his newly born eevee, he would change her drastically. He might be overthinking it, but it was a thought that had nagged him ever since he began training her.

 

[Raerae]

"I think you're future is bright, too. At least a blogger or coordinating job is secure. Modeling is all about luck." She shrugged, but let the conversation die out as she watched Ariada unleash the rest of her team. The model really wanted to let Felicity and Celestia come out, but she felt the room would be considerably cramped if she did, so, remoresfully, she left them in their pokeballs.


"You sleepy Lottie?" The trainer asked, but the fox pokemon was already fast asleep in her lap. She smiled and pulled her comforter up over the pokemon, before snuggling back into her bed, arms folded behind her head.


---


"Alright, I'll challenge Norman first." Red murmured, but then took to watching his rivals mixed emotions flash across his face.


"Well, I think you need to choose whether or not you want to battle with Eevee. If you're worried about being too hard on her, you could always have your grandpa watch her, like a pet. I don't think it'll be an issue, though. You're one of the best gym leaders out there, and yeah, you work your Pokemon, but you're always training right there beside them, you're a close knit group. I do think she needs a lot of discipline, though. It's cute that she likes Ariada, but what if she runs off during battle and costs you a win? Or gets lost out of curiosity while we're in a cave? It wouldn't be on purpose, but she doesn't know any better. And you don't have to change her necessarily, just teach her right from wrong, and have faith she'll decide. Like all the others. It sounds harsh, but as the champion, I recommend you choose team mate, or house pet. Neithers bad, I've sent back the little guys I couldn't see battling with Oak, or my mom."


He ran his fingers through his hair, gazing at Pikachu fondly. He's such a stubborn little guy, but they overcame that, and while he's never changed, he has willingly become part of the team, and knows his place, but also that Red wouldn't force him to stay and battle. He chose to.


"But we've got plenty of time to figure things out. Pikachu can help guide Eevee, if you'd like." He offered a half smile, trying to be as supportive as possible.

 

[juuchanisu]

"Alright, well we just get some rest. No doubt, tomorrow when we reach Petalburg, the boys will want to battle. I'm going to take a shower, so I'll be back," Ari smiled, entering the bathroom, with a towel and set of pajamas to change into. "Goodnight," she quickly said before closing the bathroom door.


Yawning, Ari set down the towels and clothes on the counter and stretched her arms out. "It's gonna be quite an adventure for sure," she muttered to herself as she walked over to the shower and proceeded to undress herself.


~


Blue pondered over what Red had said. He sighed, "I don't know if Eevee is capable of battles. I might just either give her to Ariada, since she seems so attached to the girl for contests or like you said, a house pet for grandpa." It was a hard decision–this egg being a gift from his mother when he saw her not too long ago. He wants to be able to have Eevee alongside him wherever he goes, but how could he do that if she's just a tag-along? It's true, gifting it to Ari, Eevee has a better chance of experiencing life funs and if he sent her back to his grandpa to care for.


He gave a loud groan of frustrations. "Girls. Why are they so hard?" he grumbled. "Anyways, let's get to bed. Tomorrow, let's head to Littleroot first. It might be a good idea to greet Professor Birch," he smiled. Littleroot Town wasn't far from Oldale, and it would take about thirty minutes to get there. Hey, you never know.


They might get some pokemon from Birch.

 

[Raerae]

Quietly, Rae closed the door behind her, Her footsteps light as she left the room, and headed down the hallway towards the elevator. She'd woken up unusually early today, and decided, being that it was so lovely and crisp outside, she'd go for a stroll through the little town they were staying in, maybe do a little training, grab breakfast, Skype with Elesa..


Beside her, Sylveon matched her pace, blissful as their day was beginning. 'Sylveeee!' She cooed softly.


"Shhh," Rae giggled as she jabbed the elevator button. She'd dressed in a teal, breezy chiffon top and soft white leggings, baring the same shoulder bag, and running shoes, from yesterday; her hair was braided to the side, bit still cascaded down her back, tied with a simple white band, and her aviators Sat perched atop her head. "No one's awake yet, Lottie. It's only six."


--


Red was sprawled out across his mattress, intertwined with mis matched comforters, several pillows and his Pikachu, who was as deep asleep as its trailer. A blue, morning glow was cast over the boys room, but it was still dark and quiet, making for a peaceful six o'clock hour.


Though Red had a tendency to wake up early and get on the move, this day in particular he was much, much too comfortable to succumb to his nagging alarm clock, and leave the warmth and comfort of his temporary bed. Pikachu obviously appreciated sleeping in, too.

 

[juuchanisu]

It didn't take long for Blue to exit the shower he entered when he awoken. Yawning, the male stretched his arms up, glancing around the darken room. Red was asleep, surprisingly still. We would've woken him up the same way he wakes himself up, but Pikachu was cuddled up next to him and quite frankly, he didn't want to anger the small mouse pokemon.


Blue fished through his bag of clothes, searching for something to wear for the day. It was only six, so he thought he would have a small jog around town, and wonder how far Petalburg or Littleroot was. Sighing, he threw on a black collared shirt, his brown shorts then proceeded to style his hair. He still wore the green pendant that his mother had given to him when he was still in Kanto. It matches your green eyes, his mother said. Keep it, and treasure it. And so he did.


The gym leader excited his room, closing the door quietly behind him as he proceeded to walk out of the pokemon center, going down the elevator then walking out into the morning crisp air. "At least it isn't freezing like Kanto," Blue muttered to himself as he began to whistle a soft tune, gazing around the Hoenn scenery. In the corner of his emerald eyes, he found Rae walking around with his Sylveon. Deciding not to startle her or wake up the town, Blue jogged over to the female.


"Hey, good morning," he smiled, greeting her as he set a hand on her shoulder.


~ <Small Timeskip>


A loud groan left Ariada's lips as Chiko, her Meganium tried to wake her up but nudging her softly with his muzzle. "Five more minutes..." she moaned. The Meganium frowned, nudging her again this time a bit harsher. "Five more miinutes..." she cried out.


With a sigh, the large green starter used his vines to rip off the blanket harshly. In response, Ariada squeaked. "Chiko!" she cried out, only realizing it was her serious Meganium. He huffed, using his vine whips to point to the digital clock beside her. She turned, reading the time aloud. "7:57...7:57 oops?" she laughed, getting out of bed and stretching.


Meganium sighed, returning himself into his own pokeball for a proper rest, whilst Rosa, Amphia and Eevee were still fast asleep. Ariada sighed, stretching and looking around. "Where's Rae?" she wondered out loud, but shrugged it off as she began her morning routine.

 

[Raerae]

"Morning, Blue," Rae responded cordially, a little flustered by his presence. His hand was warm and reassuring, easing the tension that usually settled in her shoulders.


'Veeey!' Sylveon greeted the man with an affectionate nudge, her cry melodic and friendly.


"We're just taking a walk, wanna join us?"


For the next hour or so, the three strolled around the little town, exploring what little it had to offer, but also Rae and Blue took to engaging in conversation about everything and nothing, a surprising, yet electric, chemistry forming at its own unique pace; their friends were only just waking up, but they didn't mind the wait.


--


'Chuuu!' The little yellow mouse stretched, limb by limb, even his tail, and his cheeks sparked with energy.


"Feeling good, buddy?"


'Piii!'


Red chuckled and stroked the pokemons head, before stuffing the rest of his things in his own bag, and looking around the room one last time to make sure he didn't forget anything. "I forgot how nice it was to sleep in. I'm really shocked Blue's not in here..."


That made him wonder if the girls were up yet. He swung his bag over his shoulder, waiting as Pikachu climbed up onto his other one, as always. Locking the door behind him, he headed to the room across from theirs, knocking lightly on the door and waiting to see if he was the only one of the four still in the 'center.

 

[juuchanisu]

"Give me a moment~!" Ariada cried out as she brushed out her ginger locks whilst walking toward the door. She opened it up, a bobby pin placed between her lips as she stared at her visitor. "Oh morning Red," she smiled, moving out of the way to let the trainer in. "I see you're up. Do you know where Rae is?" she asked, walking over to the mirror and finishing up pinning her bangs out of her face as she brushed it neatly so it looked nice. She turned to Red. "She wasn't here when I woke up," she said as she clipped a small flower clip into her hair.


The girl had dressed herself into a cute white shirt with small pink gems lined around the collar of the neck. Simple white shorts adorned her thighs and two thin natural-brown belts were wrapped around her, acting as one large one. Ari rarely ever wore bracelets, but a few beaded white and pink bracelets were wrapped around her wrist as she finished up her hair. She turned to Red, with a big grin. "Did I say good morning yet?" she asked with a soft laugh.


~


"Shall we get going back?" Blue grinned, looking down at Rae as he stroked Lottie's head. "Red and Ari are probably awake and wondering where we are," he laughed, stuffing a hand in his pockets. "Unless you want to walk around more. Red is a patient person, we can be out as long as we come back."

 

[Raerae]

He watched her work on her hair for a bit before he really responded, she worked swift and effortlessly, though he could only imagine what patience it took girls to style and perfect their appearance. He was suddenly thankful most guys didn't have to put that much effort into it, just comb your fingers through and the messy look does the rest!


"Two times the charm," he laughed lightly, "Morning, Ari. No, I was actually coming over to see if you, Rae and Blue had gone out. I woke up and he wasn't there, which was odd. I think... I see a connection though." He cracked a crooked grin, "I mean, they may not be together. But... that's makes everything more interesting."


He adjusted the strap on his shoulder, reviving a slight zap from Pikachu when he upset his comfy spot.


"You wanna head out, then? Hopefully they didn't elope and are just outside talking." He headed towards the door, leaning against the frame and watching her with a fond smile.


--


"Probably. No, go ahead, I'm following."


Within the next ten minutes, Rae and Blue had crossed the little town and were already back near the front lot of the Pokemon center, now bathed in a golden glow as the sunshine broke through the early morning fog and made the dew drops on every blade of grass and leaf tip sparkle. It was instantly a little warmer, leaving the brunette relieved she'd dressed light and summery.


She and Sylveon plopped down on the bench just outside, Rae pulling out a little brush and gently grazing over her pinkish fur coat.

 

[juuchanisu]

"Oh? Interesting, indeed!" Ari giggled as she grabbed her bags, returning her two other pokemon who were still deep sleep. She then scoops up Eevee, who woke up from the sudden movement. "Sorry, Eves," Ari chuckled, as Eevee jumped out of her grasp. She ran toward Red with a large smile, nuzzling her head against his leg as Ari followed behind, holding her bag and everything in it. Since Rae already had hers, she didn't bother to check anything. After all, only gazing through the room quickly then turned to Red.


"Does Blue have his bag?" she asked, a bit curious.


However, a knock interrupted the girl's question, making her walk over and open the door. Standing there, was Blue with a smirk. "Nah, I was wondering where Red was so I can get into my room. I also forgot my room key," he shrugged.


"Oh. Well, then go get it!" she laughed as she exited her room, passing Blue.


"Well do when Red gives me the key," he called back.


"Okay!" Ari chuckled as she exited the pokemon center, finding Rae not far, sitting on a bench. "Raaae! Hello! Good morning!" she greeted, waving as she ran over to the model.

 

[Raerae]

Red greeted his rival with a smirk, unlocking the door to their room across the hall and folding his toned arms over his chest. "So," He started casually, and Pikachu leaned in with curiosity.


"You're up earlier than... ever. Any particular reason?" His lips twitched upwards, but he didn't quite smile. He was ever so interested, though, in why his rival wasn't there when he'd woken up. It was uncharacteristic. Then again, there's a chance nothing of interest happened at all, and perhaps Red was simply all too eager to tease is friend in vengeance.


--


"Oh, morning Ariada," Rae greeted her warmly. Her cheeks were still dusted a light pink from a little earlier, however, she tried not to make a show of it; after all, the only thing they really did was walk and converse.


"Sorry I wasn't there this morning, Sylveon and I woke up early and decided to stroll the town a bit. Are we ready? Are the guys coming?"


She wasn't quite sure what the rest of the day had in store. But exploration of any kind excited the young woman, so she eagerly awaited leaving this smaller town and heading off to the next.

 

[juuchanisu]

"Couldn't sleep," Blue answered with a shrug as he gathered his clothing and bags. "Before I realized it, it was morning and I decided to take a nice stroll outside. That's all." The Viridian City gym leader explained, shifting his bag strap onto his shoulder as he turned to Red with a smirk. "What do you think I did?" he asked. He knew Red was trying to find an opening to tease him, but naah, Blue wouldn't allow it. It's only Blue that should be able to tease Red, not the other way around.


Blue crouched down to Eevee's level, rubbing her head before returning her back to her pokeball. "Come on, we shouldn't let the girls wait." He called out to his rival as he exited the room, walking down the hall.


~


"Call me Ari," Ari smiled as stood beside Rae, stretching a bit. "Yeah, they're coming. Blue just forgot his bag in his room and his roomkey so Red went with him to grab his stuff. How was your morning?" she asked, settling down beside the model with a small gentle smile. The ginger set her hands behind her as she swung her feet lightly, staring up at the beautiful blue sky.


"Also, I believe we're going to head to Littleroot real quick to meet the Professor," Ariada informed.

 

[Raerae]

"Okay, Ari," The brunette nodded, combing underneath Sylveon's chin to which the Fox Pokemon purred contently. "Oh, it was... Nice. Not much to it."


Other than my heart almost exploded and my face was on fire for most of it.





'Nahhh,' Sylveon cooed, obviously hearing her trainers thoughts.


"Oh, right, Professor Birch... That'll be interesting," She added, not quite familiar with this regions icons. She knew Professor Sycamore well enough to call him an uncle, and Juniper for being the first female to reach her level of occupation, Oak from his seminars, and... The others were just names Elesa mentions from time to time, Rowan, Birch, Elm, and Ivy.


--


Red dropped the subject due to a lack of feedback, matching Blue's pace and following him as they left the 'center. His thoughts shifted from more personal matters to the sheer curiosity he held for the Professor of this region, one he'd yet to meet, but has heard quite a few tales about, mostly, his son. Red couldn't quite remember the young man's name, but he was in his mid teens, and quite the trainers, or that's what he'd picked up on skimming through magazine articles and briefly watching the news. He had a team that was steadily growing to be league worthy, and had recently obtained his... fifth badge, was it? Still had along way to go, but he was getting there.


The man thanked the Nurses on his way out, greeting the girls who were perched on a nearby bench with a subtle nod, followed by a friendly smile.


"Now that the gangs all here," He mused, nodding his head towards the breath in an audience of trees far off at the other end of town. "Let's head out. If we keep moving, we may make it to Rustboro tonight. I don't think Charizard can't hold out on a battle much longer," He chuckled lightly, and to that his belt vibrated, everyone humming in agreement.

 

[juuchanisu]

Ariada gave a small giggle. She knew that Rae's morning was quite interesting, because Blue was with her but Ari didn't want to pry open the facts. She didn't want to seem like a bother to one of her idols, now does she? The girl stroked Sylveon's head with a gentle smile before glancing up at Rae.


"Yeah...I hear he gets in a lot of troubles though," she laughed. Ari's laugh however died out as she heard Red's voice. She turned her head to meet Red and gave him a smile. "If you're pokemon are dying to battle, maybe we should battle sometime. When was the last time we've battled?" she asked with a small giggle. However, what she said was no joke. Ariada loved battling, not as much as Red or Blue, but enough to make it as a hobby. She doesn't remember the last time she had battled Red or Blue, which made her a bit sad seeing as they're all great trainers.


Blue chuckled, shoving his hands in his pockets, "Red against Ari? That would be quite a ferocious battle," he stated with a grin. Ari nodded in agreement as she stood up with a small hop. Blue grinned, "Anyways, let's get going. The faster we get to Littleroot, the faster we get to Petalburg."


"Alright!" Ari chirped as she began to skip toward Route 101. "Littleroot isn't far, only about a thirty minute walk," she informed, with a nod of confirmation from Blue. "And I heard that Professor Birch is usually in the forest, so we might run into him!"

 

[Raerae]

"I wonder what it's like to do fieldwork as a Professor," Red wondered aloud in response to Ariada's statement. They'd already been ten minutes outside of the previous town, once again engulfed in nature surrounded by wildlife and the occasional passing trainer; none of them challenged the group, however, and Red's internal conclusion was due to the fact that he and Blue were likely instantly recognized, even in another region. That, and the four, especially together, looked notably intimidating, even with the amiable presence of Sylveon.


The man wondered if Blue had any comments, but doubted it, for he had indeed grown up watching his grandfather at work, but he'd never really taken to the scientist life himself. Though, don't get Red wrong, he could if he wanted to.


"I bet he sees all kinds of rare species, being out there and knowing what lures them in." He said thoughtfully, nerding out like the boyish trainer he was.


--


"Any sign of him?" Came a feminine voice from deep within an audience of foliage, tousled blond hair vibrant against lush green scenery. Bright, blue eyes scanned the scene, narrowed, focused, and all too eager to please.


'Goro...' Responded towering bear reaching at least eight feet, with a coat mixed black and white, munching on a twig like an afternoon snack.


"Ugh, this is not how I wanted to spend the morning. Why couldn't we just go to breakfast at the Diner instead?" She asked, her eyes dreamy as she imagined the man of her dreams pulling out her chair for her, sharing his plate with her, holding her close...


The lack of fulfillment regarding those desires left the humid atmosphere chilly to the blonde.


--


Lily! I need you to go visit Professor Birch for me. I need to know when he'll be hanging out starters next so we can be there and intervene.





The disappointment in her eyes when he entrusted her with yet another request that sounded nothing like a date was terribly evident. Gently, she remembered, he placed his fingers under her chin, lifting her heart shaped face and staring meaningfully into her eyes-


Please? You're the only one I trust to do this.





-And that was all she needed to hear before she was out and doing exactly what she was asked.

 

[juuchanisu]

"Aren't all Professors like that?" Ariada piped, watching as Zigzagoons run a tree, while other communicated with each other. The nature had a friendly feel; the passing trainers giving them a small smile in acknowledgment, the forest brimming with cheerfulness and just a nice nature-like feel. "It feels like when I first began my journey back in Johto..." Ari smiled gently, crouching down to meet a small Poochyena, who was sniffing around in interest.


Blue hummed in agreement, throwing his hand at the back of his head as he walked down the road, "Yeah, kind does. And fieldwork? Red, it isn't fun. Let me tell you that..." he mumbled, rolling his eyes. He was forced to do fieldwork many times when he was younger, and he grew up disliking it. "Well, I take that back. You get to meet various kinds of pokemon," he laughed, however his laugh was cut short when a small 'EEEEEEK' resounded throughout the forest, scaring the Poochyena Ariada was petting and making the group of trainers jump in fright.


"Erm, I think somebody is in trouble..." Ariada stated the obvious, standing up. And without waiting for her other comrades, she ran toward the source of the sound.


"Oh really, now?" Blue replied sarcastically as he dashed after Ariada.

 

[Raerae]

"Hey! Oh, come on, seriously?!" Red groaned as the pair ran off without caution. He looked to Rae, who flashed an adventurous grin at him. They followed after their companions, Red chuckling at her facial expression, Pikachu's cheeks alive with electricity, and Sylveon staying close to her trainer, far more concerned about the brunette's well being. Dirty crunched beneath their feet as they rushed through the foliage, locating the source of the shriek not too far from where they'd originally been. To their surprise, however, that scream was emitting from a grown man, who was backed up against a tree sliced in half, and surrounded by outraged Vigoroth and a pair of Slaking. The ape Pokemon were oversized, bruteish, with pulsating muscles and a roar that shook the forest. The four covered their ears as the oversized apes beat their fists against their chests and let out savage noises like real beasts.


"What the heck are Slaking doing so close to town?!" Rae inquired, just loud enough for Red to hear.


"No idea! I haven't seen one in years! And nothing that humongous, either!"


"Do you know who the man is?"


"No clue!"


"Well... it... it looks like we need to help him esc-ape!"


He paused, and then snorted at the bad pun, as did Pikachu. With a swift notion, Red grabbed a pokeball from his belt, tossing Charizards ball up and forwards, tactically thrown inbetween the man and the apes. "Charizard, firebla!--"


"-No!" The man shouted suddenly, and just barely rolled away in time to dodge a focus punch. "If you use a fire move, the forest and all its inhabitants could be destroyed!"


"Red, he's right!" Rae urged.


Charizard roared in frustration as a cross chop was landed to his chest, a blunt bruise following up shortly after. He propelled himself into the air, readying an attack on his own to which the man pleaded to refrain from.


"Charizard, stop!" Just in time, Red returned the dragon, frowning as its pokeball trembled furiously. "Sorry, buddy. Can be arrested for arsonist this soon in the adventure. Pikachu, think you can handle them?"


As if insulted, the mouse pokemon lunged off his shoulder, speedily darting towards the opposition, eventually developed in a nearly invisible blur of yellow, "That's it, volt tackle!"


He bolted forward to be at his Pokemon's side, expecting Rae and her Pokemon to follow, but when his eyes fell back to their spot, she was standing there, gazing with an inquisitive gleam in her eyes through a break in the trees.


---


'Sylveeeee!' Lottie whined urgently, and pawed at the small shrubs that stood between us and what we were staring at.


"What the Hell is that?" Rae questioned out loud, to which her Pokemon whined again, this time, however, all her fur was sticking straight up, and her fangs were bared defensively.


A good twenty feet away, within a denser, shadowed part of the foliage, there was what appeared to be a bulky figure, hunched down and shifting slightly. It was dark and distant, so the brunette couldn't say what she was looking at. She leaned in curiously, as did Lottie, both with chills on their skin, when the hulking figure suddenly whipped around, revealing steel, piercing grey eyes that made the young woman's heart leap into her throat.


'VEY!' Lottie barked as menacingly as such a pixie like creature could, but before they even thought to pursue it, it was gone, leaving the pair shocked and pretty creeped out.


"Arceus..." She breathed, heart thudding loudly against her chest.


"Rae! What the Hell are you standing there for?!" Red yelled, and abruptly she was brought back to the present circumstances, only to see Lottie swiftly land a moon blast to a Vigoroths face.


"Sorry!" She grimaced, and finally headed into the battle. But she still wondered what it was that she saw...

 

[juuchanisu]

When Red had came to the scene, Ari was standing there a bit shocked and clueless on what to do. Blue's first instinct, along with Red's was to save the grown man by a pokemon battle. He had thrown out Eevee's pokeball, seeing as she was small enough to not cause such a ruckus. The only thing that worried Blue is how low-leveled she is, especially against angered Vigoroth and Slakings. But he decided to have the risk and use Eevee's outstanding speed to his advantage, "Eevee, use Sand Attack on one of the Slakings! Don't you DARE go for the Vigoroth!" he ordered. As childish as the young pokemon was, she understood the urgency and seriousness in that sentence.


With a strong push, the young feline pokemon dashed toward the Slaking, tackling it from behind, making it fall face first. Eevee fell along with the pokemon, landing on the ground and using her hind paws to scratch sand into his eyes furiously.


Blue glanced over to Ari, and deadpanned, "Instead of standing there like an idiot, how about you actually BATTLE?" he cried out to the girl, who glared at him. But she didn't say anything instead threw one of her pokeballs calling out their name.


"Rosa, Brick Break!" she commanded as the Wigglytuff appeared out of the pokeball. The pink pokemon cried out as it dashed toward it with her glowing white paw. Ari turned over to Rae, who seemed distracted by something. "Rae?" she called out, but when her Sylveon attacked Vigoroth, Ari examined her face closely. She looked like she saw something terrifying. With a shrug, the girl decided to push the thought back and focus on saving the grown man.


~


Thanks to their high levels, the group of four trainers managed to make the three outraged pokemon flee back into the forest. As Ari and Blue watched the retreating figures, Ari couldn't help but sigh out. "That was a mess." Turning to the attacked man, she ran over to him in worry, "Are you alright? Did they hurt you?"


The grown man gave a laugh, "I'm fine. I'm fine. I must thank you for saving me, that was quite a mess indeed." He snickered quietly as he slowly stood back up. Blue was the first to notice he was wearing a lab coat and he looked awfully familiar...


It was then it struck him: "Professor Birch?" he inquired in surprise. Ari glanced over at Blue with a questionable look, then took one glance at the so-said "Professor."


Birch's brow furrowed in surprise and question, then shot up in realization, "Blue Oak? My, what a surprise. And isn't it Red Ketchum from Kanto. What are you guys doing here in Hoenn?"

 

[Raerae]

Red scooped up Pikachu in his arms, stroking its pelt gently while he came to Blue's side, acknowledging the Professor's assertion with a firm nod. "We're here for a fresh experience, a friend suggested we come along and the lure was undeniable."


"It's an honor to meet you two. Your grandfather is an old friend of mine, do tell him I'll be attending his next seminar." Birch said amicably, "You all fought admirably."


"My question is, what upset those apes to the point of attacking? They're generally territorial, but I didn't know those kinds of Pokemon resided so close to town."


"In all my years of being out on the field, I've never seen them near here. Usually around Fortree, or east of Mauville. Maybe even Fallarbor. But not in Littleroot." He scratched his head sheepishly, embarrassed that he'd been attacked.


"There was a girl here, wasn't there?" Rae asked suddenly, her brown eyes sharp.


"Y-Yes, there was, actually. How did you-"


"She dropped this," Rae held up an earring, made of sterling silver with a sapphire gemstone shaped like a lotus.


"She was very aggressive for someone so seemingly posh. When people start screaming, I tune them out. But she said something about the League, and how every starter I handed out fueled the league and kept it in business. I didn't pay much mind, till her screaming upset some far of creatures and, after taking my... Oh, my Arceus! My bag! It's gone!" He frantically spoofed around the clearing, finally coming to a stop and sweat dropping. "Those were the starters I was to hand out today... they need to be found, luckily, I have more in the lab."


"She stole the starter Pokemon?" Red asked, to which Birch nodded with a dramatic sigh.


"Hmm... Sounds like someone doesn't like trainers," Rae concluded, looking up to Blue with questioning eyes. "I'm assuming this is going to lead to some serious trouble."


"Yes, yes... well, come, let's head back to my lab, and we'll sort things out there, heal up your Pokemon while we're at it."


Red nudged Ariada to follow, offering her a half smile though he was obviously worried. He agreed with Rae's assertion, and wondered just what in the world this supposed girl was up to, or if it wasn't the big of a deal, and just a case of theft.


"I'll call the police, can I have that earring for evidence?" Birch asked, and Rae reluctantly dropped it in his hand.


"If they'll do anything," She murmured with a shrug, and Red had to laugh a little. Did Rae want the four of them to go search for the starters instead? He couldn't say he disagreed with her. It'd definitely be a change of pace.

 

[juuchanisu]

Blue picked up Eevee, stroking her head softly and praising her. He turned to Professor Birch, listening intently. However, when they mentioned the league and the thief of starter pokemon, Blue stared at him in surprise. "Who in the world would still starter pokemon?" he asked.


"Apparently a girl with a earring," Ari commented with a shrug. In response, Blue glared at her before setting Eevee back down.


"It'd be right to figure out the girl's ambition. It doesn't sound good," Blue murmured, running a hand through his hair as he glanced at Rae as well. Blue smiled at the Professor as he returned his small baby pokemon, "Yeah. Let's head back to the lab," the gym leader smiled, leading the way back to Littleroot. The girl returned her pokemon as well and sighed, staring up at the sky before glancing over to Red who nudged her gently. She shot him a smile in return, following closely.


As the five walked back to the small town, Blue yawned and stretched his hands up, "What do you guys think of searching for those starter pokemon?" he asked, glancing at the three following him.


"Searching for them?" Ari repeated. "It'd be the right thing to do...but aren't you boys wanting to battle the gym leader? You guys talked nonstop about it..."


Blue shrugged, "That can wait, right Red?"


The ginger shrugged her shoulders, "If you say so, then yeah. I kinda do want to search for them, but how do we start?"


Professor Birch was silent throughout the small walk, then he spoke up. "If it helps, I saw her run off to Oldale."


Ariada sighed, "We came back from Oldale, Professor. I don't think I saw a girl running through town...did any of you guys see a girl?" Ari asked, turning to Blue and Rae.

 

[Raerae]

Charizard's ball shivered angrily among the others, his lack of patience was really getting the better of him. Whilst Red hated denying his companions, he has to trust the Pokemon would understand how vital it was to find these starters.


"Battling can definitely wait," He agreed, hands shoved in his pockets whilst he walked beside Ariada. "Wouldn't want them to get hurt..."


"Well, the town's full of women, but I don't observe their jewelry," Red said with a playful roll of his eyes. For all they know, this alleged 'girl' could have walked right past them and they wouldn't remember, as there's just too many people they pass on a daily basis.


"I think we'll just have to keep our eyes peeled," Rae told them with a sigh. "Rest up a little at the lab and then start the scavenger hunt. Maybe we'll find the woman with them?"


"Speaking of the lab," Birch chimed in, gesturing towards a little break in the foliage. "This leads straight there. I'll get one of the assistants to gather some cold drinks and an available stretcher for the Pokemon, alright?"


"Thanks, Professor."


---


A good half passed when they'd all finally settled into the lobby of the laboratory, waiting for the Pokemon they'd used in battle to heal up, meanwhile they considered all the places this supposed woman could be, whether or not she had taken the starters, and if so, what she'd do with them.


"Would it be smarter to split up? You know, go in pairs, or by ourselves, and cover more ground?" Rae inquired, sunken into the cushion, right between Blue and the arm of the couch. She took a refreshing sip of her ice cold Sprite, sighing deeply at the relief after a hot day outside. Red was anxiously sitting on the arm of the couch across from them, right beside Ariada.

 

[juuchanisu]

{{ Slight change in my RP style~ }}


"Would it be smarter to split up? You know, go in pairs, or by ourselves, and cover more ground?" Rae piped up from her spot right between Blue and the arm of the couch. Blue glanced at her with his green eyes before thinking carefully.


"Yeah, it's logical. And we're not in some dumb horror movie, so nothing bad will happen," Blue added with a small chuckle. "We have pokemon to protect us and our Xtransceivers, right?" the trainer asked, pointing to his blue device strapped around his wrist. Blue didn't enjoy Holocaster, seeing as 3D messes him up, so he bought Xtransceivers, seeing as they were easy to use and weren't as forgettable as his old Pokegear.


Ariada, who was sitting in the soft cushion of the couch across from Blue and Rae gave a small nod in confirmation, "Yep!" she chimed, holding her Xtransceiver out to the male across from her. "Wanna go in pairs? It's still covering a lot of ground, but we'll have somebody along with us. After all, this is our first time in Hoenn," Ari giggled, messing with the straw of her water.


The Viridian City gym leader nodded in agreement, "True. Alright, who wants to go with who?" Blue asked.


Of course, Ariada was the first to pipe up, "I wanna go with Red!" Blue sent her a knowing smirk, opening his mouth to tease her. Ari saw the odd reaction from Blue, then realizing what she said, she tried to quickly make up an excuse, "I-I mean, I haven't..um...." but failed horribly.

 

[Raerae]

Red had to laugh, even if her out burst had embarrassed him a little, too. It wasn't out of the norm for them to pair up, usually leaving Blue to head off on his own; he was relieved that Rae was here, to make it a lighter situation than in the past.


"I'll head out with Ari," Red commented, patting the girls head affectionately as he said so, careful not to let the warmth rising to his cheeks show as he shadowed his face further with his cap.


"Guess that leaves me and you, handsome," Rae told Blue with a coquettish smile, her hair falling over her left shoulder as she rummaged through her hand bag for her Xtransceiver. She didn't have a lot of contacts, so she just kept her Holo on call for when Elesa needed to talk. Now, she had a reason to wear the device. She pulled it out and clipped it around her wrist, "There, ready."


"And just in time," Birch strode in. "I have an assistant on his way here from Oldale, he said he'd seen a Treecko whiz by, but upon trying to apprehend t, he got a face full of bullet seeds." He laughed sheepishly, "He's a troublesome one. I'd send someone with patient after that adamant creature."


"We can handle them, we're splitting up for more coverage," Rae chimed in, and the others nodded.


"Well, don't let me hold you back, the sooner we can return them to the lab, the sooner I can relax and get back to work."


"Understood. Let's head out," Red told them, and started towards the front doors, Pikachu sparking anxiously.

 

[juuchanisu]

Holding back a blush, the ginger girl grinned at Red. She glanced at Blue and shot him a glare, telling him to keep quiet. Blue laughed in response, glancing over at Rae. Sending her a flirtatious glance, he couldn't help but smirk. "Stuck with a beauty. Isn't luck my way?" he chuckled as he stood up. Blue watched as she clipped the Xtransceiver onto her wrist and he grinned, "What's your number, dear? I would love to have it~"


Ari rolled her eyes, "Stop flirting," she manage to comment before Birch came in.


"–upon trying to apprehend it, he got a face full of bullet seed." Ariada managed to catch that last part, and she, along with Blue, snickered quietly. "He's a troublesome one. I'd send someone with patient after that adamant creature."


"We can handle them, we're splitting up for more coverage," Rae chimed in, whilst the other nodded.


The conversation ended with a line from Birch, and Ariada stood up from her spot as well, giving a small stretch and following Red out the doors. As they exit the lab, Ari was the first to suggest what's what. "So, since we know the thief ran away with the starters past Odale, how about one group explore Route 102 and another check 103? If we can't find anything, then maybe Route 104 up til Rustboro? It's a lot, but I think we'll all manage."


Blue nodded, "Sounds good. What do you guys think?"

 

[Raerae]

After Rae and Blue had exchanged numbers, they followed Red and Ariada outside, yet again greeted by the sunshine, though it was lower in the sky, the day was gradually coming to an end. They didn't want to search in the dark, Red grimaced at the mere thought of how difficult that'd be.


"Agreed, we'll take '02, you two alright with '03?" Red asked the two before him, and Rae nodded, not really caring for the route choices, just eager to return the strays- especially after that... face, she'd seen in the shadows. It'd been dramatized and unrealistic, almost like a horror movie, which were usually quick to startle Rae and her over active imagination. She'd be absolutely destroyed inside if any harm were to befall them.


"Got it," She gently tugged on Blue's arm, offering the same smile but with a little more urgency. She had to admit, she felt comforted knowing someone was accompanying her, after all, she'd grown so accustomed to being alone in the world of modeling.


Red tentatively held his hand out, facing upwards, towards Ariada, ready to take hers if she'd allow him. His face softened as the other two started on their way, leaving it just him, Ariada and a snickering Pikachu. Free from any potential teasing or interruptions, even if they were on a sort of search, it was a stroll that was long over due for the two of them.


"Ready, Ari?" He asked her, tugging his cap back a little to better reveal his face. He flashed her a timid grin, feeling the pulse in his throat quicken just a little as the sunlight caught her just right from the angle they stood at.