Akiko and Tak, a Duo for the Ages!

Akiko's bright blue eyes stared out the misty window of the small jeep she was riding passenger in. Her long black hair framed her face well, draping down and across her lap as she placed her forehead to the cool glass. It had rained outside recently, causing everything in the air to cool down a bit, which was rather pleasant since it had been quite muggy recently. She let out a soft sigh, causing a shapeless blob of fog to form on the glass before she turned back to the dash.

A small white shell with red and blue designs sat on the dash, its yellow spiked head poking out of the top, along with two little arms and legs. He was staring out the visor window, as they approached their destination. The species was known as a Togepi, and was all in all rather rare, though not much of a fighter being a baby Pokemon. Regardless, Akiko had decided to begin her journey with this baby Pokemon and his abundant energy though it often led to trouble. She hoped an adventure would work some of the access energy out of him, and maybe help them both to mature a bit as they went.

Akiko rested her head back against the seat, smiling softle as she closed her eyes. She imagined frolicking through fields of flowers and Pokemon with Tak, her Togepi. She couldn't wait to make all sorts of friends, and maybe earn a badge or two to show her competence. She couldn't see anything going wrong in this vision. 

The car slowed, coming to a halt. Tak, who'd been used to the momentum now stumbled about, before rolling back and landing in Akiko's lap. She opened her eyes, looking down at the Pokemon for a moment, then out the window. They were now in a small town, with only a few houses and a large building with a sign stating it was the lab of Professor Elm. The smile on Akiko's face crept across it, spreading to show even her pearly white teeth. She turned back to the man who had been driving them, a friend of her Father.

"Thank you, Uncle Tuck!" she said happily, though he wasn't her true uncle. The man nodded, and laughed as Akiko quickly grabbed her bag, and shuffled to climb out of the vehicle. She waved as Tuck gave her the usual 'be careful' speech that normally a mother would give, not that her mother hadn't already given a similar speech before she'd climbed into Tuck's jeep back in Olivine. Tuck drove off into the distance, leaving Akiko in Newbark town finally free from the adults and able to do whatever she wished.

She paused for a moment, then walked over to a shaded rock beneath a tree. It seemed to have dried off well enough to sit on, so she did. Tak quickly shuffled along behind her, his tiny legs going a mile a minute to keep up with Akiko's lengthy ones. She turned to him and giggled a bit, lifting him into her lap. "Well Tak, we're here. Newbark Town, and countless journeys are just waiting for us. What shall we do first?" She asked, looking down to the tiny Pokemon.

"Toki, toki prrriiii!" Togepi happily sang, smiling clearly through his happy eyes. Akiko simply laughed, as she nuzzled close to the baby, rubbing her face against him. It wasn't but a moment later that a grumbling sound could be heard, and both grew silent. They simply stared at each other for a moment, before they heard the sound again. "Toki?" Tak asked curiously.

"Heh, I guess I'm hungry after that long ride," Akiko said, rubbing her head a bit as she laughed gently. Not a second after she said it, a smaller grumbling sound could be heard, and Tak's eyes grew wide in an embarrassed fashion. "You too, huh Tak?" Akiko asked, reaching for her bag. She pulled out a small container that rattled, Tak jumping up and down happily on Akiko's lap upon hearing it. "Okay, okay!" Akiko laughed, setting him on the ground as she pulled out a blanket and laid it out. "We'll eat first, then!" she said, opening up Tak's food and letting him eat as she pulled out half of a sandwhich for herself.

Akiko had made the pokechow especially for Tak, making sure to make it optimal for his health as well as being tasty. After all, she was studying to be a world-class breeder. What would a breeder be if they couldn't even make quality pokechow for their Pokemon? She leaned back against the tree, sandwhich in hand. "Eat up, Tak. We've had a long time to get here, but the journey ahead is only longer. I want you to stay happy and healthy, and that starts with a balanced diet!" Akiko said, biting into her sandwhich and smiling to her small partner. 

"Toki, toki!" Tak chimed happily as he picked up a piece of food. Compared to his small stature, the food looked huge though in reality it was barely larger than most cereal pieces. Tak began to eat as Akiko enjoyed the gentle breeze and her snack. A few minutes later, Akiko's sandwhich was diminished to nothing but crumbs, and Tak had eaten nearly every piece of pokechow. Akiko packed up the leftovers, and pulled out a small baby towel.

"Time to clean up, Tak," Akiko said, as she wiped the crumbs from the baby pokemon gently and polished his shell. Most breeders had a Vulpix or Eevee to brush their soft fur. Akiko did the best she could without having anything to brush so that she may help Tak shine. When she was done, she lifted the small baby into her arms and gave him a loving embrace. "Okay Tak, I think we should visit the good Professor first. Maybe we can get a pokedex from him!" Akiko said, shoving the blankets back into her pack and lifting Tak. She brushed off her skirt with her free hand, then walked to the Professor's lab.

She entered the large building, walking in a few steps as her shoes made an echoing sound against the polished floors. "Umm, hello? Professor Elm?" Akiko said, walking further in. She stopped at a desk that had a Pokedex, berry pouch, and a few pokeballs on it. She picked up the berry pouch, running her fingers over the velvet lining. She felt something inside, and pulled out a few small edible berries. "I wonder if he'd let me have this stuff..." she said hopefully, sliding the berries back in the pouch and awaiting an answer from the Professor.

Professor Elm stood waving as a black-haired boy walked out of his Lab with his new partner Totodile. Professor Elm wore his usual lab outfit consisting of a white lab coat, a blue button up shirt with the color pulled and folded over the white lab coat, a black belt to hold up his green slacks and a pair of brown shoes. His brown hair was it's usually messy, unkempt style. He made his way to his computer to check if any of his fellow researchers might've sent him something about new findings and research of theirs. He didn't sit down but rather bent forward and opened up his email. He pushed up his signature glasses as they made an escape down the bridge of his nose. Holding his face a bit higher now as to not let his glasses slide down his face, he checked his email which unoccupied empty however of anything from of his acquaintances.

The lab was cool and gave a calm and protected feel. Out in the field you could be attacked at any moment and He loved being out in the field but he also loved being inside in the comfort of his lab. It was his confinement and sanctuary from the world where he could do his research yet still have common interaction. He loved what he did. He loved the sense of accomplishment when he discovered a new pokemon like he did Pichu. And he loved the expressions that would creep onto the face of new trainer after receiving his or her first pokemon and other starting materials. It was always an amazing feeling to see a New Trainer start off on their journey and to give them the first step in their journey was even better.

He soon found himself talking with one of his aids. It wasn't of much significance but rather reminiscing on their younger years and some research things. He accidentally went into another one of his long speeches, something he really needed to work on but couldn’t help it. This time it was about what it was like being a student of Professor Oak’s when he was younger. It wasn't long before the discussion was over and Professor Elm began to shuffle through research papers standing up as he read each of them. He was about halfway through the papers when he heard a voice.

"I wonder if he'd let me have this stuff...," the girl had said. Professor Elm had a habit of getting so caught up in his work that he could become almost completely oblivious to his surroundings. He got so caught up in his research he had neglected his surroundings resulting in him yet again to not notice yet another person. He hadn’t heard the introduction or even the loud echo of her footsteps that he had gotten so used to that he had become almost completely oblivious and unaffected by the sound. He took note in mind that the baby Togepi in the girl’s hands had a very shiny and well-kept egg shell. He was quite fond of the egg pokemon, especially its egg colorings. He turned to the girl who was standing a little ways away at one of his tables that consisted of a pokedex, berry pouch, and five pokeballs.

“Hello,” Professor Elm said approaching with an abundance of papers in his hands though very messy and all over as his left hand couldn’t even be seen in the large pile of papers. He tried to get his hand out though he almost dropped some of his papers, though he was able to grab them with his now free left hand and put them back in the pile before pushing up his glasses which had fallen almost to the tip of his nose. He held out his hand and continued, “Professor Elm pleasure to meet your acquaintance. Who might you be? A new trainer perhaps? As for your question you may have those items. The berry pouch is very useful for carrying an abundance of berries that can do various things for your pokemon such as heal their health or status. May I say also your Togepi’s egg shell is very well looked after.”

He was rambling again but he didn’t quite understand when he was rambling usually. It was such a habit he had stopped noticing a long time ago. He loved to give lectures or long rambling speeches to new trainers. Even if the knowledge was something they probably already knew. Such as that a berry pouch holds berries or that berries heal your pokemon’s health and status, well at least some did. He figured he didn't quite need to explain what a pokeball is.

"The Pokedex," he continued his lecture, "Is a complete encyclopedia of Pokemon with loads of information. Not to mention it's your trainer I.D."

Akiko was quietly examining the items, running her fingers over them. The velvet pounch, the glossy finish to the pokedex. She was set into an almost trance, when she heard the Professor's voice behind her. She nearly jumped out of her skin, her hand quickly retracting as she spun around. Her blue eyes were wide as her heart pounded against the inside of her chest. She looked up to Elm, chest rising and falling deeply as she tried to calm herself down.

"Oh, I'm sorry...I didn't hear you come over here..." She said, placing her hand against her chest to feel the pounding, as though it would calm it down. Letting out a sigh, she looked back up to him once more. "I'm Akiko Okinawa, of Olivine City. A friend of my father drove me here to start my journey. See, I want to be a world class breeder, and- oh...sorry," she said, blushing a bit. Seemed she had a rambling problem that could almost match the Professor's. "Anyway, I came here to see if you had any tips and pointers for me and my journey. After all, this is where most start their journeys at in Johto, right?" She asked, before listening to him ramble on some more.

She looked down to her Togepi and smiled. He smiled back up at both Akiko and Elm, chirping happily and waving his arms. "Thank you, I try my best to take good care of him. I even make him special food. I do my best to research Pokemon, and learn so that I can take optimal care of them." She glanced over to the desk, at the pokedex and berry pouch. "An encyclopedia, I bet that really comes in handy for research..." she muttered quietly, eyeing the toy with a twinkle in her eye. She then glanced back up to Elm, "Trainer I.D.? Does that mean I need one too?" She asked, wondering aloud.

So this was Johto. The fresh air was delicious. Standing atop a lone hill was Alexander House. Alex for short, and The House to those who knew his style and grace. He found victories in the city of Mauville but it wasn't enough. The House was hungry for more winnings and the thrill of a gamble, a nicely thrown dice that landed just right...that was the beauty of the game, no? And Pokemon could quench his thirst.

A yellow Pokemon with a pair of throngs emerging from his head stood by the young man's side. He inhaled a bit of air and a smile crossed his lips. He walked forward, knowing that just ahead was the lab of one Professor Elm. The sailor said so. Professor Elm would set him up with the tools he needed to excel in Pokemon. So was the rumor. He passed a black haired trainer with a Totodile beside him. Alex's Elekid hopped up and down in greetings with it but his master pushed ahead, led on by determination.

He adjusts his purple bandana. Never knew who would be behind the door. He knocked politely on the door and found it open. A public building would have an easily accessible entrance, no? He walked in, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Inside was the Professor himself, but he seemed to be talking a girl. She looked not much older or younger than him...maybe a few months, give or take. Was she an aid? Or was she about to, no pun intended, embark on her own adventure? Well, he doubted she'd pay him any mind. He walked up closer to the two, but kept his distance. Best not to speak out of turn.

(OOC Note: Temporarily taking Tabenner's place as moderator of this thread.)

"Ah, you enjoy researching Pokemon?" Professor Elm's eyes seemed to light up upon hearing of Akiko's own interest in the study of Pokemon. Little did she know that she may have very well unleashed a beast. If there was anything that could be said about Professor Elm, it was that he had a terrible habit of rambling.

"Pokemon are wonderful creatures, wouldn't you say? Each one so unique, but yet many of them have such similarities. I've personally devoted my life to studying Pokemon's behavior, along with how they benefit from human interaction-- humans benefit from interacting with Pokemon, too! It's really a never-ending cycle, which is why I'm sure I'm going to be making many discoveries for the rest of my life!"

On and on, his mouth seemed to spit out a thousand words a minute. Thankfully though, by some miracle, he shut his lips as Akiko mentioned the Pokedex.

Professor Elm picked up the shiny device and held it out for her to get a better look at it. "Yes, indeed. It's important for every Trainer to have their I.D. on them at all times. With it, you'll be able to take on the Pokemon Gym challenge, enter contests and perhaps, someday, take on the Pokemon League. Not to mention that a Pokedex is exceedingly helpful for any new Trainer." He then slipped into explaining all of the different features of the Pokedex, describing how it documents the information on each Pokemon encountered.

Finally, he spoke the words that Akiko had most likely been waiting to hear. "You may have this one. Let me just be sure all your information is set..." he said, trailing off as he muttered to himself and hit a few buttons. He then handed the device to the girl, and she would find it to be ready for use with most of her Trainer I.D. already conveniently programmed in for her, save for the finer details such as her date of birth. "There you are," The Professor smiled. "Take good care of this, now. You wouldn't want to lose it on your journey. I can't imagine what I would do if I were a Trainer who lost his encyclopedia of Pokemon..." He began rambling yet again.

Professor Elm only ceased his constant chatter when he took notice of a boy standing within listening distance. "Well, hello!" the Professor said, beckoning the stranger closer. "May I help you? I wouldn't suppose you're here for a Pokedex as well?"

Akiko tried now and then to get a word in, but it seemed nigh impossible with Elm talking. So instead, she simply stood there listening and nodding on occasion. It was the only form of communication he would allow, anyway, even if she did already know most of the things he was lecturing her about. She just smiled and nodded, Tak waving his arms happily. Finally, he held the device out to her, the moment that she'd been waiting for!

"Thank you very much," Akiko said politely as she took the pokedex. She caught glimpse of the boy out of the corner of her eye, but was a bit distracted to introduce heraelf at the moment. Instead, she fiddled with the dex, carefully holding it around Tak as she input the rest of her data. She wanted to get it done while the controls were fresh in her mind, or she might never get those final details input. When all was said and done, she smiled over at the new trainer and his Elekid. Akiko recognized the baby Pokémon right away, as since she hatched Tak she'd researched all the Baby Pokémon she could. It fascinated her how they differed from other species. Tak waved his arms, chirping excitedly hoping to make a new friend in Elekid.

The trainer opened his mouth to speak but found he wasn't sure how to respond. He spent a few seconds, and found the words he was looking for. "Yes, I have come..from the Hoenn Region. I heard newer trainers were supposed to come here for there Pokedex and...ID card.." He pauses for a bit before finding the eyes of the professor.

"Professor Elm, I assume? I'm Alexander. Alexander House of Mauville, the 'Bright and Shining City of Fun' as they call it. I've trained for awhile now, but I've decided to start here in Johto...the Sailors told me you were the guy to see for this."

He gazed over at his fellow trainer before his eyes widened. "Can't say I've seen that Pokemon before..." He whispered to himself, gazing at Togepi. "Looks a lot of like an egg." He remembered seeing plenty when he helped his Mom at the day care center. But..this wasn't an egg.

Elekid noticed this too, whirling his arms about. He gave off a few sparks, hoping to impress the egg. Elekid enjoyed thinking he was cool. Several of Alex's classmates complimented the Elekid plenty of times, thinking he complimented his master's style. So of course he wanted to be revered by trainers!

Professor Elm would've been more than happy to help Akiko in finishing with her Trainer I.D. information, however, the arrival of the new Trainer had completely stolen the Professor's attention. When he became focused on his work, which included aiding new Trainers in the beginning of their journey, he'd often forget his manners.

"Yes, you've certainly come to the right place!" Professor Elm beckoned Alex to come closer as he began rambling off nearly the same speech he'd given Akiko just moments ago. He went to a drawer and removed another Pokedex, then quickly programmed in the basics of Alexander's Trainer I.D.

When he'd finished another bout of chatter, he handed the small device over to Alex along with a berry pouch and a few Pokeballs. "Here you are. The essentials for every new Trainer. Take good care of your Pokedex, too, as you wouldn't want to lose that..."

More rambling came from the Professor's mouth before he finally, for once in who knows how long, managed to catch himself. "Oh dear, I'm very sorry. I have a habit of rambling if I'm not careful." he said, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

Being more careful not to slip into another fit of blabber, he took a moment to study the two Pokemon before him. "I can see you both are well-set with your partner Pokemon. They look quite healthy, too." He gave a nod in Elekid's direction as if to greet the Electric type.

"Oh, out of curiosity," Professor Elm held out his hand to request the two Trainers' full attention. "Might I ask what plans you both have once finished here in New Bark?"

Alex accepted his new found items. A Pokedex! Such an..intriguing device. Being the son of a technician and an aspiring inventor, Alex had learned a bit about technology and wondered how such a device could store such information..but only reveal it when it was in the presence of certain Pokemon. Such unique technology made his heart leap. Innovation at work! Overjoyed with the dex, he placed it into his pack. He then fitted the Pokeballs and berry pouch to his belt. "One...two...three...four...five...alright! Thank you, sir!" He smiles brightly, having counted the Pokeballs on hand.

He crosses his arms now, wide eyed. He didn't know where the girl would be going. But the scientist appeared to be referring to him as well. "I plan to head to Cherrygrove, first. I'm going to see if I can get anymore supplies, maybe some rations for the trip. I'll begin for Violet Town, but based on maps, I'll probably have to camp out somewhere along the way." He smirks. He was looking forward to his journey. It would be the first time he had undertaken such an adventure; most of it was new to him, but he had learned through various sources how to advance his journey and planned ahead. "I think my main plan is to take on the gym leaders. It'll be a wonderful challenge." He then falls silent. Yes, it would be wonderful challenge. Quite the gamble. And he loved it.

"My plan...?" Akiko asked aloud, more thinking to herself. She had set out with very little of a plan aside from an adventure to learn and help Tak burn energy. "Well, my plan is to journey. I want to become a breeder, so I need to research as many Pokemon as I can, and learn about their habitats. Sometimes I feel more like a scientist than a caretaker," she joked, before continuing. "I'll probably follow a similar route, and follow the journey of most Trainers. It seems to be the most efficient way to see the region, after all."

Akiko then turned her attention to Alex, who she'd overheard a few minutes prior. "This here is Tak, my Togepi. Your Elekid seems really happy. That's a good sign," she said, kneeling down so Togepi could see the Elekid better. He wasn't really impressed by the show, but he also wasn't really much of a fighter. He was more interested in playing with the strange Pokemon as he waved about, chirping excitedly.

((Sorry, I had company so didn't come online for a while))

Professor Elm listened intently as the two Trainers told of their plans for the near future, and when they'd both finished he gave a firm nod and smiled. "The road to defeating the Gym Leaders is a long one, and it won't be easy. But seeing as you both have such healthy Pokemon, so happy to be with you..." He gazed down at the Togepi and the Elekid once more, then looked back at the Trainers. "I'd say you stand a fighting chance!"

One might say that Professor Elm, being a Pokemon Professor, had given such a speech hundreds of times already, but this was hardly the case. He genuinely cared for each young Trainer he aided in the beginning of their journey. And as always, he was more than happy to be of help to them.

He was about to give a few more inspiring words when one of his assistants approached him with some papers, reminding him that he still had much paperwork to do. Reports to fill out, mail to read from other Pokemon experts... It was quite a job. He turned to face the two new Trainers one last time. "Well, I have much more work to do, so I'll leave you both to begin your travels. I wish you, and your Pokemon, good luck!" He gave his chest a bit of a pound, (a bit too hard for his slender build,) and then departed with a wave of his hand.

Alex smirks as he watches the professor leave. Well, he had supplies to procure. "You ready for the trip, Elekid?" The Elekid hops up and down happily and whirled his arms about.

Alex then looks at Akiko, wide-eyed. "If you're heading to Cherrygrove, I'd love to walk with you. Strength in numbers, right? Like I said, I'm Alexander. It's..a pleasure." He pushes up his glasses. Despite coming off calm, it was clear he had problems with articulating his thoughts.

Akiko glanced over to the boy blinking a couple times. People were very forward sometimes, she was just used to subtleties. "Umm, sure I suppose. It'll probably take half a day at least to get to Cherrygrove if we don't run into any trouble," Akiko said to him, before turning to Elm. "Thanks for everything, Professor!" she called, then turned to the door. She was now equipped with everything necessary, she just hoped she was mentally prepared enough.

"Let's go then, shall we?" Akiko asked, looking down to the Togepi in her arms. Togepi chirped happily in agreement, waving his arms about excitedly. "Then it's settled," she said, heading for the door, then out toward the route leading west.

Alex followed along but kept a slight distance from the girl. He merely knew it was safer to travel in numbers. But he felt the girl's interest in him was very miniscule...if anything, it was waning with each passing second. So he kept to himself. Beside him was Elekid, walking along cheerfully, humming a small tune.

Alex briefly thought of letting Abra out, but the Pokemon was probably in a deep, drowsy snooze. He could fight while asleep, but movement was impossible.

The route was very pretty however. With green everywhere, grass, and the sounds of rustling from Wild Pokemon and trainers, there was a very natural feel to the atmosphere..all too different from Mauville City with its familiar low hum and sounds. That was life in the city of fun.

Akiko walked on a little ways more, nearly having forgotten about the boy following her. However, he did remain in the back of her mind. Once he popped back into it, she glanced over her shoulder back to him. "Hey what are ya doing back there?" she asked, quickly turning forward again. She knew she wasn't the most graceful being on the planet, and that if she looked back for too long she was bound to trip over something. 

"So you come from a big city huh?" Akiko asked, trying to spark a conversation. She was used to speaking to her Pokémon, not so much strangers. "I come from a port city myself..." She thought back for a moment to Olivine, and the ocean breeze carrying in the scent of salt water. "It's nice there. It's nice here too," she said, smiling as she turned up to see the Pokémon in the trees and sky.

Alex stepped forward a bit. He thought in impolite to try hosting a conversation when the person was out of sight. "U-uh..I cam from Mauville." He admits. "It's..well, it's different. I heard it's a lot like Golden Rod, here. Everyone loves electrical type Pokemon, there. It's really the big center-point of Hoenn, and everyone likes it for the gambling." He pauses.

"I came here because this is where my Mom was born. She said Johto was rich and full of history...so here I am." He thought back. Ecruteak, she said. Ecruteak City. He would have to be sure to visit there.

"I see," Akiko said quietly, looking forward as they walked down the path. She wasn't big on cities really, Olivine was okay because it wasn't too large, and was near a lot of nature. It seemed she was a bit different from this character in preferences, the way he revered the city.

"I just came out this way because it's where most start their journeys in this region. That's what my sister did, after all," She explained. "My ultimate goal is really to be a breeder, but from what I've heard the best way to understand Pokémon is to raise some first. So, that's what I'm doing out here." She glanced around, wondering if any wild Pokémon would appear like she heard of.

As the two Trainers walked and talked together, they would hear an occasional rustle of grass or bushes nearby, along with the soft calls of wild Pokemon. It wouldn't be long before one decided to approach them...

It didn't take long at all, with the way the Pokemon on such a route were so accustomed to seeing new Trainers pass by. Two in particular jumped out, making lots of noise in the process.

One was a small mouse-like Pokemon, bearing its fangs and growling as if to protect its own territory. The other was a fuzzy brown Pokemon with a long tail which it used to prop itself up high. It was calling out as if to warn others of the approaching Trainers before it set its sights on the foe.

A wild Rattata (male, level 3) and a wild Sentret (male, level 4) appeared!