The moment Miko had heard that the gym in Cinnabar was traditionally fire, she had balked at the idea.  Her poor Fujo didn't like being outside when the sun was shining strongly, an actual fire attack would just be awful.  When the professor wasn't looking, she held the door to the mini fridge open, and let the ice type cool itself by the opening.  She hoped the other group of trainers were just as nice, if not as punctual.  Not everyone was blessed enough to receive a ride to this most auspicious place.  She waited, and relaxed, going through Snorunt's Pokedex data, and carrying on idle conversation with her partner.

As she opens the minifridge Miko allows her gaze to pan over the desk beside it for a moment. While most would expect the desk to be occupied by all kinds of cutting-edge research at the moment it seems to be covered in a few scans of aged journals.
Two items seem to be the most prevalent, a map of Kanto, Johto, Rota, and Orre...and a book open to an image anyone within those regions would recognize. The tablet of the Ancient Mew.

Outside she can hear an aide greeting people at the door, a few mutterings give away that a few are still on the van getting things but it won't be long now as Oak gets out a few more pokedex boxes.

"It seems sometimes that the trainers each year get younger and younger," Oak muses as he runs his palm across one, musing to himself before sitting back.

"Is that a bad thing, sir?"  Miko asked curiously, moving nearer to the research laid out on the desk, leaving Fujo to fend for herself in holding the little door.  The Pokemon was by no means weak, but she had a tendency of wanting to be waited on.  Looking at the image of the ancient pictogram of mew, and the associated language that was since lost to time brought her a sense of nostalgia for home.  With the maps, she couldn't help but wonder...

"Professor... was that little cat Pokemon ever found?  Or is there only just this drawing of it?"

"Sorry not sorry that I'm late. Kind of caught me off guard that you actually wanted my services at all." Rex strode into the room, with Mister Bitey coming up just behind him, the Deino's head turning quickly in multiple directions as it skittishly analyzed the room. "Deino? (When do we eat?)"

"No, we aren't getting paid in cash for this, Mister Bitey. But sometimes it ain't about the cash." He leaned on a wall across from the desk and just took in the room. "Hey, you that Oak fella? I'm Rex Rivers, and I've come a long ways out to see what you're about. I do not object to money."

"Dein-oooooo... (I do not like what I am sensing...)" Mister Bitey lowered his head and raised in hindquarters in a stance of hostility upon seeing the Snorunt, growling the word out. Rex lowered a hand. "Relax, Bitey. I'm pretty sure we aren't going to fight them."

Chill tunes were never Pendragon's forte' but as she explained to Lancealot "Its rude to just come in loud in small places like this, mate. Spook everyone an' loose out on potential gems, 'cus now yer a jerk." She entered town with some relaxed tunes that slowly shifted to a light upbeat melody as she catches enough of a vibe from the locals.

She stolls right through the door that was left ajar by Rex's entrance. Without skipping a beat she gives a two finger salute (not a victory sign). "Hiya, Professor! Ya wan'ed ta speak ta ol' Penny Drake, ya?" The whole time Lancealot is over her shoulder snickering about something, probably that there are other trainers already here. "Ahoy, mates I see I'm not alone in visiting the ol' Professor Oak."

Was this what city people were like?  Loud, materialistic, and with a dialect that was coarse and at times hard to follow?  They couldn't have been from Pallet, she found it small and quaint, and the Professor very down to earth and humble.  At least Penny had the decency to introduce herself to all parties, Rex only seemed interested in his purpose here and pay besides.  Miko turned towards Penny and offered her a small, traditional bow, hands on her red pleated hakama, legs stiff, body bent at the waist.

"Pleased to meet you Penny, and you, Rex."  She added after the bow was concluded.  "I am Miko Yoshida, from Johto.  The Professor asked that I wait for a new group of companions, the other didn't work out, I'm afraid."  She added with a hint of melancholy, folding the sleeves of her kimono against each other across her front.  Pale as she was, it made the embarrassment stand out all the more in the pink that bloomed across her cheeks.  How could she have been so rude?  Mother would be cross if she knew.

Fujo moved protectively in front of her Mistress' legs and watched the Deino warily, only vocalizing enough to communicate that Miko was hers and if the dragon left them alone, she would leave it alone.

Oak smiled at Miko's question and gave a small nod, though it appeared he wanted to wait a few minutes until this business was done.

"Welcome to my lab. As some of you are aware I'm Samuel Oak, creator of the modern electronic pokedex and avid researcher of all things pokemon. Each of you has the privilege today of receiving one of the newest generation pokedex," he explains while pulling out a box with each hand and offering them to Rex and Penny.
"Why? You're effectively my beta field testers to ensure there are no unforeseen faults with them. In exchange though you get these for free with all the support they entail."

The simple tit for tat explanation is what Oak seems to believe will be the most effective for his new guests as he sits back in his chair a bit.

"Each of you is registered in this year's League and neither Kanto or Johto has seen an event of this scale in many years. I expect you'll get quite the mileage from my creation and I'll be checking in on you periodically to see about feedback. Any questions?"

"So, no pay... but I can flash this 'dex at folks and they won't give me any guff for being in town? Because I'm engaged in official sciency stuff?" Rex smiled, as he thought ahead for once.

"Deino? (So what are we doing?)"

"Sciency stuff. Try and keep up, Mister Bitey." Rex's smile went away. "Man, I don't know, though. We ain't never done tourney stuff before. All I know is that they frown on our usual tactic of 'go for the trainer.'"

Penny gives a nod of acknowledgement to Miko. She then flips the poke'dex in her hands and fingers a few times before opening it. "Hey-o Lancealot, Let's see what it has ta say 'boutcha." After hearing what it has to say about Lancealot she turns it on the other pokemon present.

"The league is fairly straightforward from what I read on the ride over here."  Miko explained to Rex in a placid tone.  "We journey from town to town, gathering friends and allies to us in our travels.  At each new location, we seek out an established trainer and mentor, a 'Leader', and challenge them to Pokemon combat in order to test and strengthen our partners and our bonds.  If we do well, then eventually it leads to bigger and better things like this tournament.  I suppose there are... monetary incentives too, along the way."  She offered with a hint of disquiet.

"The day is drawing on, and Viridian is a bit of a walk so I understand... maybe we should set out soon?"

Oak hms at the responses from the group.

"While there may not be direct compensation, there are of course monetary rewards for tournaments and such. The trainer license also entitles you to many free services as a registered League participant," he points out.

"And as far as full contact rules, I know a few of the gym leaders are open to those battles. I wouldn't try and force such a battle on others though, that's a very quick way to get your license revoked. And you'll probably find a fair number of trainers who think along the same lines."

Oak stands as he brushes imaginary dust from his knees.

"Now then, if you're eager to get to Viridian I won't be holding you back. Though if you'd allow me to escort you out of town I would enjoy the walk."

"Deinooooo? (Are we going to fight soon?)" Mister Bitey's question had a strange tone of trepidation to it.

Rex responded in his usual way. "Free food? Sounds like it might be possible, Bitey. Means we'd have enough to keep the gear topped off. Might even make a profit for once."

"You're going to become so fat, aren't you, boy? Aren'tyoujusgonnabecomesofatjobojabow?" Rex was hugging Bitey's head as he spoke like a baby. "Deino? Deino. (I am? Also more of this, keep it coming.)

"Well, putting on weight might... have its advantages I suppose?"  Miko offered awkwardly, not sure why Rex would want a fat Pokemon, but the Deino seemed to appreciate the touch and the sentiment.  She had never talked to Fujo like that, and when she looked down at the Snorunt, she found her partner looking up at her with interest.  There was a moment of silence between the two, before Miko finally nodded and had made her decision.

"We would be honored to have you walk us to Route 1 Professor."  With a bow, Miko began heading for the exit, then north towards the tall grass.  It was time to begin their journey in earnest.

Oak chuckles as instead he beckons you to follow him around the house.

"Sometimes I forget just how long its been," Oak muses as you start to follow.

"A lot of people forget that the Routes weren't always the system that they are today. I've taken great care to preserve Route 1's departure point as much as I can," he explains as you make your way down the hill on a dirt-worn path.

"It's a shame so many relics from Master Indigo's journey have been lost though."



OOC: Master Indigo is historically the first true pokemon master. Emerging in Pallet and defeating town leaders across Kanto before setting off for Jhoto, leaving a mark on history in the process.

"Indigo, Professor?  Is he who the Indigo Plateau was named after?"

Miko asked in a tone that suggested she was deeply invested in the ancient history of Kanto and Johto.  Her upbringing was centered on things aged and cherished, a figure of legend and the trappings of his journey would be a wonderful boon.  Even just the story around a figure that walked so tall would mean a lot to the girl who lived for history.

"What sorts of things did he take with him on his journey?  We sometimes kept items of great importance at the shrine back home."  She paused before the tall grass and packed dirt that marked the advance to Viridian.

"Probably money, a way to get around fast, and if they didn't have that, whatever they needed to get through the woods and the roads with minimal hassle." Rex slapped his pack once, with a smirk. "Can't wait to see the shrine holding the sacred roadside tent. Speaking of, hey, Oak. Can we get to..."

He strained a moment to remember what was north of Pallet Town. This wasn't his normal area. "Viridian City. Can we reliably get from here to there before the sun goes down? If we can't, the two ladies are gonna have to rough it, because my tent's built for Bitey and me."

A short girl runs down the hill, clearly been rushing to get things together.
"So-Sorry I'm late!" She pauses to catch her breath a little "It took me longer to get ready than I thought"

A Ralts catches up behind her.

"What are we doing again?"

"A lot of what happened back then with Master Indigo has become folklore but we do have proof of a lot of it. Supposedly he left Pallet with little more than a single pokemon and some wilderness survival items. Things like a bedroll, waterskin, and tinderbox I'd assume. Humble beginnings for the man who went on to defeat Kanto and Jhoto's various leaders and form the bare bones of what would one day be the regional leagues," Oak remarks. "It's part of why I chose to begin things here after all."

The path levels out some as you approach a small wood and Oak pauses a moment before you enter.

"Here you are young lady, I believe your current companions can take care of introducing you to the features of this device," he explains as he pulls a Pokedex out from his labcoat and presents it to Mizuki.

"Now, this is by far the old Viridian trail but it does have some mostly safe camping places. A bit more primitive than the newer ones but they should all have readily accessible drinking water and easy tent sites. If you really hustle you can make it to Viridian by nightfall but otherwise you'll probably be there tomorrow around lunch," he remarks as he looks at the sky. "If you ask my opinion, why rush? Enjoy your time outdoors, encounter new pokemon, explore new places. These are the reasons Trainers journey."

He gives a small cue to continue walking and leads you into the wood to a small shrine sitting beside the path.

It is old and timeworn stone holding a motif of three doglike pokemon presiding over a small plinth with a few berries and rocks sitting atop it as offerings.
Even in the worn and slightly damaged state it isn't hard to recognize the representations of the legendary dogs.

"Entei, Raikou, and Suicune. In both Kanto and Jhoto these three are said to be the guardians of the roads. It's not uncommon to ask for their guidance or protection before starting a journey. You are free to leave an offering if you wish, I only request you do not remove those made by others," Oak instructs.

Miko offers a bow to Mizuki but doesn't yet introduce herself.  Producing a small woven mat from her bag, she folds it before setting it on the ground before the shrine.  Prostrated forward, hands and knees touching the mat, she offered a prayer for safety, good fortune, and fair skies from the gods of Travel.  She takes several moments quietly praising the things man has been guided to accomplish by the trio, wets a cloth on a canteen and gently wipes down the statues.  Great care is taken with sections that seem cracked and worn.

When she is finished, she adds a length of ceremonial rope around the base of the three statues.  Standing, she claps her hands together and bows, before taking a bracelet made of colored beads from her wrist and adding it to the offerings.  The Kami given their greeting, praise, and due, she turned to the newcomer.  "I am Yoshida, Miko.  My friends may call me Miko.  A pleasure to meet you."

"Well, I am gonna fill up this dex or whatever, wander into tourneys, and be amazing. I haven't the foggiest what we are doing at all." Rex glanced at the shrine. "I ain't dumb enough to rob a shrine. Not all guards are visible."

Now, he did leave out the part where he was okay with "exchanges", but most people frowned on that when they saw him do it. "Ain't that right, Mister Bitey? We're too smart for that."

"Deino. (I absolutely was not paying attention to you.)" Mister Bitey looked at Mizuki and the Ralts, and their head tipped to the side. "Deino? (Who's the chewy following the human?)"

"Yeah, tell them how smart we are. Also," Rex looked at Mizuki. "That's... actually, it'd be better if they introduced themselves."

"Oh sorry! I am Takamoto Mizuki, " She gestures to the Ralts "This is Sai. Nice to meet you too"

She makes a hand motion towards the pokedex, it floats out of the professors hands and into her backpack "I'll have a look at it later, Thank you!"

Oak chuckles at the demonstration and allows each of you time to see to your own rituals.

"Now then, it does a heart good to see this trail used by young trainers such as yourselves. It gives me hope that the past will be respected and preserved as it should be, not simply forgotten," the man admits.

"I set out from here on my own journey years ago," he says as he runs a hand across Suicune's foreleg. "I hope I'm around long enough to see where your journey takes you."

There's a fond wistful smile before he turns to you.

"Should you wish to follow some of the old trails I'll do my best to enable that. They're a bit rougher than the modern options but I think there's so much more to experience. In that vein, maybe some supplies periodically? Nothing too fancy, but interesting discoveries might change that."

Lancealot had been giggling non-stop at the mention of how long it was going to take to make it to Veridian. Only quieting down when he realized how Penny hadn't said anything for a while. He then proceeds to lightly and quickly rap on her cheek, bringing her back to the moment. She addresses Mizuki "Ahoy Mezuki," She strains alittle trying to say it."Don't worry I'll get it right soon enough. Ya can call me Penny, Pen, or Pendragon ta suit yer likin'. An' this *Gidlet*," She points over her shoulder to Lancealot, with a playful tone, prompting eminence laughter from him. "is ma right hand Lancealot."

The pair wait until everyone else is done, as not to disturb them and then quietly sing a duet praising the road guardians.


OOC: Gidlet shakespearean term for "giggling girl"

"Supplies would be helpful professor... and I can't wait to see the old ways, so I can tell mother and father all about them someday."  Certain that he hadn't meant in the moment, and done with her prayer to the gods that oversee safe passage and good fortune, Miko waited in respectful silence for Penny to finish her song with her Pokemon.  A sacrifice of art to a great being was very auspicious, it would charge the air here with strong positive emotion and ward off evil.  Content with the ceremony, Miko began along the old trail past the little shrine, eager to begin her adventure.

Oak waves as you head through the old gate.

"Safe travels now. I hope to hear from you soon with exciting discoveries," he calls out.



The road is old but well worn, there are patches in the path where plants have started to try reclaiming the path, but they are easily navigated.

You do spot the occasional pokemon. A Pidgey or Spearow in the air or a tree. The tip of a Rattata's tail in the grass beside the path or a brief glimpse of an Oddish. But most seem to be giving you a berth.