Hoenn Seafarer Program

Game Master Hawksw0rd

The server writes all of the orders before ripping the page out. "That'll be out in just a moment." He speed walks towards the back, where he calls out the orders as he pins the orders to the metal wheel, grumbling noises coming from Doug as the swadloon begins preparing the order. The drinks come out quick, the nabab shakes alternating between a brilliant yellow layer and an almost eye searing pink separate layer. The chocolate shakes are look disturbingly like dirt, even if they taste perfect.

The food follows shortly behind, mostly pal platters with a surprisingly varied stack of berries and lab grown meat alongside the small s'more Astraea ordered. The Pokemon quickly dig in, devouring the plates while those without platters give their trainers the largest baby eyes possible to try guilt them into getting their own food. As the server drops off his food he drops off each associated ticket. The more worldly among your group know that once you finish eating and chatting, you just feed your ticket into the machine near the door and swipe your trainer ID to pay.

60 Poke a shake, coffee/s'more is also 60, pal platters are 150 a pop

Roger's order is a water (no price listed), one swinub and eggs for himself (60) and a pal platter for Treecko and one for Surskit (300). Total should come to 360$

After getting about halfway through his meal, Roger addresses Desmond. "So did Malakai tell you about where we are going and what we'll be doing?" He asks as his attention shifts to how Treecko and Surskit are behaving in the group setting, as well as how other pokemon are acting around them.
Insight (Watching over the Family): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Attention shifting back to Desmond, he awaits his response.

Desmond and Blitz scarf down the food given to them, finishing it in the time it took Rodger to eat half. Blitz quickly goes back to running around and talking to every pokemon he can find (and "accidentally" hitting Edel with his tail a few times) while Desmond turns to Rodger. He clears his throat.

"Ah yes!" At the thought of Malakai, Desmond pauses as if thinking of an answer briefly before exclaiming his response, using enthusiasm as a cover for his misstep. "My handler informed me that this group was heading to Oldale to meet with Professor Birch about something, but I have not been informed what exactly it was! I would not mind learning more about the specifics from one of you if you wish to inform me!"

Desmond thinks about ordering a second meal to finish off his hunger, but reconsiders upon feeling his wallet. Maybe spending all that money on a Haori was a bad idea.

Edel grumbles, Keep your fat, dumb lizard out of my space, but seems to be too preoccupied with her shake to bother giving Blitz any actual attention. Esther winces at her starter continuing to make bad impressions, and takes Desmond's provided opportunity to explain. "We're delivering data drives as a test of responsibility for the program."

Single Dad senses activate (Perception): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Roger nods at Esther's answer to confirm it to Desmond, and out of the corner of his eye he sees Treecko try to sneak some of someone else's meal, but with a sharp look Treecko stops immediately and goes back to his own plate. Roger watches Treecko with narrowed eyes for a few moments, before looking back to the others.

"Why don't we all try to get to know each other better? We each ask one or two questions about ourselves that we can answer or skip if we aren't comfortable answering. Sound good?" Roger asks before he begins finishing his meal.

Astraea hums as she sips her hot chocolate, eyes lighting up in pleasure as the sugary treat hits her taste buds. "Délicie-ous! I will admit I did not expect much but this is better than I anticipated." She says, taking a much bigger sip of her drink. Beside her, Ralts and Titania are both enjoying their pal platters

She looks at Roger and shrugs at his suggestion. "I do not mind? Although I am quite certain what kind of question I should ask. Perhaps... Oh, I know! What kind of food do you prefer to eat? As you might be able to deduce, I enjoy sweets but I also very much like spicy foods quite a bit." She says. "On the other hand, I cannot stand sour foods and certain textures. Zucchinis in particular just kill my appetite."

Finishing his meal, Roger thinks on how to answer Astraea's question.
"I'm not particularly picky on my food, I do enjoy sweets and vegetables. But I do not care for spicy foods. Mostly because my dad played pranks on me with extremely spicy curry."

Esther, who has moved on to ripping up napkins into a neat pile to avoid making eyecontact, simply shrugs. "I'll eat anything if it's not too greasy and doesn't have too many clashing flavors. Usually it's just what my family is eating, which is standard Lilycove fare. Or what Claudia or Edel want."

Claudia happily looks at her two companions digging into their food. She takes a zip of the tall Unovan cup and it hits her neurons like sweet sweet energy. She eats her own smore, too, disegarding diets for now and just enjoying the meal.

"Hmmm... She thinks of Astraea's question. "I do not think there is a type of food or ingredient I dislike, but combee honey is my favorite ever!" She smiles, her smore slowly but surely vanishing.

Desmond puts a and to his chin and hums. After taking a moment to put his thoughts together, he slams his hands together and a lightbulb goes off above his head.

"My favorite type of food is the food served after a triumph, and the best flavor is nothing but spice. As for my least favorite dishes, they are ones served with no feeling, and sour foods put a sour taste in my mouth." This is said as if it was a grandiose speech, but at a quiet voice as to not disturb the other occupants of the restaurant.

Blitz seems to take Edel's words as a challenge and is now creating tiny sparks at the corner of her vision.

(Lizard Charming) animal handling: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Wordlessly Roger portrays to Treecko that he should defuse the edel situation, and Treecko goes over to blitz. Giving them a big hug.

"So for my question, What is your ultimate goal from this journey? Outside of the standard strongest trainer goal or being champion. Do you have another goal?""

Roger asks before going silent for a few moments, seemingly thinking.

"For me? I guess it would be to discover my own path. Being the strongest trainer would be nice sure, but shooting for being a champion doesn't seem right to me"

Preston chips in

"I do love the food back in Sinnoh. There's a food stand in Jubilife City that has the best donuts with combee honey. I miss those a lot."

He ponders for a moment, trying to think of his least favorite food

"In terms of dislikes, I do not like sour flavors much. I much prefer savory or sweet things."

Preston then hears Rogers question and goes quiet

How much do I let them know about that project out on 111? I mean they already know I want to go out there for fossils...

"Honestly I don't know if I wanna shoot for top trainer. I'd like to be strong for sure, but mostly to support my goal to go explore new places. I'd like to research fossil pokemon and maybe even find some new ones. I'd also like to look into some of the stuff my father was working on out in the desert, but I think I'll need to be pretty strong for that."

A look of quiet reflection goes across Preston's face, zoning out a bit from the chaos of the food and friends.

Claudia smiles. She likes this question. "I want to bring out the strength and potential of whichever Fire types I catch! My personal glory is only secondary to the brightness of my partners. Now, as an end goal... I suppose I strive for an Elite Four position." She declares nonchalantly. "As a Legate, I could devote my time and energy to making Hoenn a better place, whilst also having the opportunity for my companions to test their mettle against other strong pokemon! She is ambitious, that is clear to see.

Desmond grins. He's pretty sure it's obvious by this point, but if they want to hear it again... " On this journey, I will start my quest to become the world's greatest dragon master, and an inspiration to all!" Desmond proclaims this as a fact. As something that is already set in stone in the future. Because it is. "And on my way to become the strongest, I shall claim the mantle of Champion and become a leader to the region, to serve as a shining beacon for all of Hoenn to see!" Yes, his passion to be the strongest is insurmountable, and his eagerness for the trails ahead is great.

As the conversation carries on, the light coming through the window begins to dull, the bright yellow of the afternoon shifting to the softer orange and reds of evening.

Once everyone settle out their bills and exits the Davies, neither man nor bug giving the group a second glance. The outside street is quiet, the few creatures out doing the evening chores as the young trainers notice the dwindling sunlight. It could be possible to wring a bit more training, but is that worth ignoring sleep or doing some research is call each must make on their own.

Roger heads out to the Pokemon Center after wishing the rest of the group a quick "Good Night, see you all in the morning." with Treecko lightly napping on his shoulder, Surskit trailing behind and Incubator with egg held in his left arm firmly.

Upon entering the Center, he also waves a quick goodnight to the staff on deck, heading to the room on his key. Opening the door, and waiting for Surskit to also enter before he closes the door behind himself. Taking care to lock it.

Roger sets down the incubator on the bed gently, then carefully moving Treecko off his shoulder and onto a pillow. Setting down his bag on the floor by the foot of the bed, Roger retrieves the pokedex in his bag and before he claims the chair, He sets down a pillow onto the floor for surskit to rest on if she so chooses.

Now being prepared to do some research that he'd almost forgotten to do, Roger opens the pokedex and begins carefully skimming through, making a note of species of interest.
Investigation (Roger starts to read): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

"Alright lets go through and see what is out there to work with" He says to himself quietly, quickly passing over things that his companions already have even though it pains him to pass over the Ralts line. Reminding himself that both Esther and now Astraea have some, and to not pass up the opportunity for one if it comes by next time if it does.

Roger eventually makes a mark on Eevee (along with Jolteon and Umbreon), Zubat, Meditite, Swablu, Trapinch, Spheal, Budew, Duskull, Miltank, Nosepass, Tropius, Snorunt, Seedot, Cacnea, Wingull and Heracross. Along with their evolved forms, for future more intensive research, even if he knows what they are.

Powering the Pokedex down, Roger leaves the chair with a yawn and carefully moves the incubator to the table he was just at. Ensuring that the Incubator is secure, Roger carefully makes his way to the bed. Enters the covers and is asleep in moments, Treecko next to him gently snoozing.

Astraea yawns, digestion making her drowsy. "I shall turn in for the night as well. It has been a busy day for us all and I have no doubt tomorrow will also test us in its own way. I also want to groom Titania before going to bed." She says, looking at the others. "Have a nice night everyone, I shall see you come morning."

Heading back to the Pokemon Center with Ralts still on her shoulder waving goodbye at Gothita, the redhead gives the nurse on duty a polite nod and heads to her room. Once inside she releases Titania, the Ponyta sitting down by the bed and eyeing her expectantly.

"Yes, girl. Just let me get the comb, alright?" Astraea huffs amusedly, taking out a white comb with swirling flames engravings from her bag.

Whoa, looks fancy. Ralts comments, looking curiously at the object.

"A gift from my grandfather that originally belonged to my grandmother." The young woman explains as she starts brushing the flaming mane of Titania. "It is made from the horn of a Houndoom that she had to put down because it was rampaging after the death of its trainer. From what my grandfather says, she had this comb made so that she would always carry a reminder that doing one's duty is not always noble, even if it is necessary." She pauses for a brief second before chuckling. "Quite the irony, given my current circumstances."

What do you mean?

"A story for another time." Astraea replies, moving to brush Titania's tail. "More importantly, I think it is time we gave you a proper nickname of your own. Unless you already have one?"

I wanted to know though... Ralts psychically mutters. But sure. Knock yourself out.

"Any preferences?

Nope. So long as it's not something lame like Edelweiss.

This draws a laugh out of Astraea. "And here I was thinking of giving you the name of Edelgard. I suppose it is not happening." She says between chuckles. "How about... Milla then? It means 'gracious'.

Milla... Milla... The psychic type repeats, as if tasting the name. Gracious, huh? Yeah, I like it! Milla it is!

"I am glad it pleases you." The trainer says, smiling at the newly named Milla as she puts away the comb. "Now I do not know about you but I am looking forward to a good night's sleep."

Astraea goes through her nightly rituals, still feeling a bit weird at not having a servant help with those, before slipping under the covers of the bed. While not as comfortable as her old one, it certainly beats her sleeping bag (even though her grandfather had bought the best one money could buy).

With Titania's head at its usual spot on her lap and Milla beside her on the other pillow, Astraea sets her Pokenav's alarm and slowly drifts to sleep.

Preston takes his cue from the others

"Goodnight y'all. I'm definitely ready to hit the hay after all that's happened today."

Preston retires to his room, releasing chalupa and spike from their balls so they can wind down for the night.

Spike stamps his feet, looking a little frustrated

Preston eyes him over before realizing

"Ah bud, I'm sorry you haven't gotten to do much battling lately. Next time a fight comes up you'll be up. I've been trying to rope Lup into our little family here since she's so new."

He gives a grin and rubs the dino's noggin

Lup's tail wags at her name being mentioned. She scampers off to investigate the room, not being used to human domiciles.

She sniffs around the bed before hopping on, stamping her little feet on the bed and seeing how soft it is.

Then she tries to climb the curtains but Preston quickly grabs her
"No Lup you can't climb curtains, I don't want you breaking anything we'll need to pay for!"

Preston gets ready for bed, letting the pokemon get comfy in the room. He comes back and flops on the bed, exhaustion washing over him.

Lup comes and curls up in a little fluff ball on his chest. Spike finds a spot at the foot of the bed to lay out, keeping careful to make sure his head spikes are far from his companions.

"Goodnight gang"

And with that they drift off to sleep.

Desmond waves everyone off as they go to their respective rooms. Not him though. He's still to awake and excited about being here, on a journey. With Blitz. Honestly, if he even were to go back to his room now, he doubts he'd do anything productive.

Desmond plops onto the couch, using his haori as a second cushion. Blitz scampers off of his shoulders, but Desmond quickly soothes him. " Calm down Blitz! It's late and everyone else is trying to sleep. We can still hang out here for a little while before we head in."

Blitz is a bit disappointed he's no longer allowed to run wild but relents and decides that the couch is a good enough place to turn into a jungle gym.

Desmond simply sits there for hours. Taking in the 2AM channels that silently chime on the television, the small buzz of the nurse working in the center, even the occasional trainer stumbling in. It's such a wild contrast to his old life that he almost can't bear to drag himself away from it.

But alas, exhaustion comes for us all, and Desmond is no exception. So early in the morning he finally makes his way to his cold, quite, and cramped room. He takes a brief shower, gets ready to sleep, and passes out on the bed as fast as he can, Blitz firm in his gasp.

The sooner he left the room that imitated his past, the better.

As each Seafarer bid each other farewell and drifted off to their rooms, the last light faded on their first full day as members of the Seafarer program.

In the morning, the bellowing cry of a Loudred served as a alarm. As each aspiring trainer made their way into the Center's gathering area, they noticed two of their number, Claudia and Esther, holding a discussion in quiet murmurs as they and their team nibbled on some breakfast. On the table is the data disk given to them by Malakai. Noticing their companions entering, Claudia raised an arm bidding them to the table, her normal enthusiasm gone. "My fellow Seafarers, I'm afraid we will not be accompanying you any further along this grand path. My humble home of Volumo has need of the strength of its daughter, and Esther..." The small form of Edel clambered atop the table from Esther's lap, vitriol already broadcasting even as she had to be assisted up by her trainer. We've, and by that I mostly mean me, have better things to do than be dragged into trouble and danger by a bunch of imbeciles that wouldn't know a Pokeball from an Electrode if it was zapping them. So enjoy your menial labor while I hunt down the pompous Gardevoir prick."Esther shrunk into herself but did not dispute her partner's word thoughts.

Well, we're finally back into the swing of things. We'll use this a returning point.

Astraea looks between the other two girls for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face. Then, with a resolute nod, she slides the disk to the boys' side of the table. "It seems you will have to continue without us three then. I do not wish to separate Gothita from Milla just yet and I believe she would like to hunt said 'Gardevoir prick' as well." She says, giving Esther a soft smile.

"We will contact Malakai so that we can explain the situation to him. I... do not know how this will affect the Seafarers program or our own place within it but, if this is to be the end of our journey together, I am looking forward to see you in the Conference." Her smile turns into an eager grin. "And, who knows? Perhaps we'll even face each other."

Astraea exits stage left... for now.

Roger looks to Esther, Claudia and then Astraea with a reserved type of air about him. A moment passes before he speaks up. "Claudia, I wish you the best of luck with whatever cause is calling you back to your home so soon. I still want a battle from you and your team next time we meet alright? and one more thing, thank you" at that final bit you see his right hand brush against a particular pokeball on his belt, cluing in those who know exactly what he's saying

"Esther, take care of yourself. If we ever do meet again, id like a battle but if not? Its been good knowing you."

"Astraea, good luck for whatever comes your way. I hope that we will meet again, battling you is fun."

With that Roger then takes a data disc and stores it inside his bag, where it wont be damaged by movement. He then offers a handshake to any of the girls willing to take it with his right hand.

Preston seems surprised at the sudden news

"Good luck, I hope you all can figure the situation out!"

Preston goes quiet, not used to saying goodbyes

Desmond rubs his eyes as his exhaustion from the night before fights against the surprise at the events unfolding before him. Blitz is of course out of his ball, deciding to act like a scarf in this time of crisis. It seems one day wasn't enough for him to get too attached yet, even with his eccentric personality. Or maybe it was just Edel.

Desmond gives a small bow to each of the girls as a sign of respect. " It is a shame we must part ways so soon after we met, but I do not doubt fate has plans for all of you. If we do meet again someday, I hope we can come back and meet as friends. And maybe we can learn more about each other." Good thing he made sure to make his haori extra presentable, a habit that will now most definitely be reinforced by this sudden departure. Never know when you need style to give a farewell.

Although, giving Edel a small glance, not all of them he would be sad to see go. Try as he might, that little ralts was insufferable. Oh, Desmond knew they had a soft side somewhere in them, but he hadn't spent enough time with the Pokémon to truly care about it. Sometimes, the outside of a person couldn't be redeemed by what was within.

The girl have a solemn air about them as they wave the boys off, and that carries out into their journey. The morning sun is barely cresting the horizon, and its warmth seems to be lacking some quality they cannot place as it bathes Oldale in it's glow. Making their way to the southern gate, a familiar figure leans against the south gate, full belt hanging lazily off a belt even as Preston gestures for the group to continue ahead as a courier waves him down. Roger gives his younger counterpart a lazy two fingered salute as the group approaches. "Finally had enough of this sleepy town?"

"Going south for a bit and we'll be back, I have a personal mission to do that involves coming back through" gently touching the top of Surskit's pokeball before continuing "going south as well I take it? How's your family doing?" the younger of the Rogers asks the elder. Eyes straying down to the full belt on him, then back up as it sinks in just how much more experienced the man in front of him is. Left arm slightly tensing around the egg's incubator.

Alright so, both Desmond and I have a disc stashed away to deliver to Prof. Birch. I wonder if I could ask him about what's in this egg, or I could trust in mom. Decisions, Decisions

"How's Palisade doing Roger?" He asks curiously, hoping that they worked through their evolutionary issues.

Desmond watches the familial interaction but chooses not to get involved. It's not easy to tell the exact relationship between the two brothers, as if they are on good terms or bad, but either way it's not his business.

Blitz seems to think so too if his sudden interest in the other parts of the road was any indication. It looks like the short stay with the Draconids was enough to hammer that home.

In the meantime, Desmond simply tries to find the best spot to put his bag. His Haori may be cool, but the combination with the bag is not optimal. Yet. He will make it work though, mark his words!

The older trainer gives a pokeball on his belt a light rap in response to the younger trainer's question. [/b]"Family's alright, though I figured I might as well travel alongside you all, try to help out the next generation and all that. If that's not a problem."[/b] The slight askew grin conveys that the older trainer is aiming to solve two pidgey with one rock throw.

"Palisade is doing better, but she's still a bit too aggressive for my taste. Thankfully she's only a Lairon, and I'm not dealing with a Aggron that thinks every Pokemon is a Tyranitar." The man's right eyebrow lifts, as he notices the totality of trainers. "Not that it's my business, but wasn't there way more of you at the center? Mostly people don't drop off this early into their journey." He slips another lackadaisical salute as he greets Desmond. "Don't think I recognize you either. Name's Roger Agee,nice to meet ya kid."

"They had other things they had to do, we'll meet up in the future again" Roger looks to Preston and Desmond at that offer of assistance and then responds.

"Personally I have no issues with traveling together for now but it depends on what my friends here also think."

At the realization that this isn't some sort of family reunion, Desmond and his starter relax slightly. The moment is brief, before his attitude shifts to confidence once more. He gives a salute back to the man, not choosing to treat him as an equal instead of a superior and simply show respect.

"Names Desmond, future Dragon Master and Champion of Hoenn and her people. It is a pleasure to meet you. I just arrived here last night, and am hoping to get to learn many things while in this program!" His voice is once again loud and confident, trying to imitate those he has seen at the top of the world.

Preston gave a small wave, as Spike tested his skull against small bit of rubble that apparently had insulted the little dino's blood line. While Preston wasn't well acquainted with the older Roger, he recognized him from the Center and was fine with the idea of traveling alongside him.

The more experience trainer gave a long look at Preston's starter headbutting away, before turning to give the dragon trainer a look over. "Already replaced some of the old batch huh? The league sure found new recruits fast?"

Not giving much time for his sentence to hang, Roger adjusts his pack as he quit's his dramatic lean against the entrance. "Well no point in burning daylight. Let's walk and talk."

Desmond quickly ready's himself to walk, and with a quick snap to Blitz the small Pokémon is immediately running around at his heels. One last adjustment has his bag perfectly hidden in his Haori, and not even the summer sun can stop his epic adventures! Even if some wind would make his appearance much cooler.

As Blitz scampers around the feet of all the trainers that have just begun to move, Desmond remarks on Rodger's comment. " Well what can I say? Those who don't take an opportunity placed in front of them are simply fools, and I certainly I not one of them. Even if dragon's have pride, accepting the help of other's isn't something to be ashamed of, and is in fact one of the greatest things you can do!" Both helping others and getting help from others is crucial for every being. You just have to be careful that you don't become dependent on that help, and instead use it to help propel yourself, and everyone else forward.

"Let's go then" Roger says, his team uncharacteristically in their balls still. "To littleroot town"

His mind is still on the people he met over the past 2 days that have left.

Lightly tapping one of the orbs on his belt to release a Volbeat in a brilliant flash of red light, Roger lightly laughs. "Surprised to hear such wisdom from a dragon trainer, I though the League mandated an Ego big enough to hide a Tyranitar before they let you touch a pokeball. Claire certainly had one, even if it was deserved." The second half of his words are mumbled and faint. The bug's crimson collar deflates at the mention of Johto's premier gym leader.

As their feet begin to fall in the familiar rhythm of travel, Roger asks, "So what's the end goal kids? Aiming high or just out to see the world?"

Do either of you two want to train or look for any pokemon, or do you just want to progress forward?"

"Out to see the world mostly, build up a team as I do so and challenge the league to prove to both myself and my team that this isn't a waste of time. You know?" Roger says to the older trainer

Train Treecko's Dexterity as we progress

"Out to see the world mostly, build up a team as I do so and challenge the league to prove to both myself and my team that this isn't a waste of time. You know?" Roger says to the older trainer

Train Treecko's Dexterity as we progress

I mean AC

Train AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Train AC advantage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Desmond nods along to the ego statement, fully agreeing with the elder trainers words. "Indeed, it is often that a dragon's might will inflate their ego, but the strongest of dragons know when to reign it in. Take pride in what you do, but never let it rule you."[\b] The Dracanoids mainly lose themselves to such vanities, but not Desmond. He promised to never do such a thing long ago.

At the questioning of his end goal, Desmond stands straight once again. He doesn't call Blitz back this time, as he's done it so much in such a short amount of time, but he will always state his dream with pride. [b]"Long ago I decided that I would become Champion of this region, and the strongest Dragon Master in the world. And while my leaving may be late, my determination is enough to make up for that 100 fold!". His speech is routine, but nothing can quell the fire in his eyes. The certainty of his words.

As we move, Blitz is going to try to learn charge.

Train Charge: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

As they trek further away from civilization, Roger nods at the younger Roger's words. "Hard to find that justification no matter where you look, just keep it in mind. Most people believe that seeing the world and finding yourself are related, though I personally think it's just about having a solid goal." His gaze slips backwards with a hint of longing, his Volbeat waddling behind him.

A good natured chuckle slips his lips at Desmond's declaration of aiming for championship. "Hell of a spot to aim for kid. Even Drake's dragons got tore from their throne, and strongest Dragon Master isn't exactly the kiddie pool." The path of Route 101 is well trod dirt, bare patches of earth guiding the group through the twist and turns.

Treecko's attempts to tough itself up are stymied by the brisk pace the group maintains, only a few light bruises from a short tussle with some of the local Pokemon to show.

Electricty is a fickle thing to control, and for all of the Helioptile's line skill in generating electricity, holding that energy outside of the normal electrocytes is no easy feat.

5% for Treeko, 10% for Blitz, do you guys want to pick Roger's brain on the road or do so around camp?

At Roger's final words, a good natured laugh escapes from Desmond's lips. "Of course the goal is lofty! Dragon's don't conquer the world by aiming low. They aim for the top and go beyond that! And that is what I must do to succeed in my dream!"

The dirt path of Route 101 is very fun to explore. While it's dusty roads aren't unlike the ones from the Draconid's home, they have a wild feel that even a den of dragons can't contain. And this feeling increases the energy and excitement of the trainer as he cheers on his partner trying to learn a difficult move.

In fact, he's so caught up in training that he forgets to pick Rodger's brain about even more things! But who can blame him, as this is the first true freedom the boy has ever experienced.

"A solid goal for this journey, huh... I think as I get more established then one will develop"

Roger thinks quietly before asking the older trainer a question.

"So Lairon? How do you feed that affordably?"

The older trainer laughs. "It's not as bad as a Slaking or Snorlax. Most industrial centers have leftover scrap, and Rustboro's been subsidizing some experimental ore and alloy productions that have been lowering costs, at least for us natives." The following grin has the energy of a cheesy movie actor line. "Besides, Palisade is hardly picky, if it even slightly gleams she's liable to swallow it wholesale."

As the sun began it's slow descent past the treeline, Roger pointed out a small pullout, though it wasn't until the camp gear was nearly setup that the other inhabitant made herself known.

"Looks like my hunch was spot on, after all." A feminine voice says, prompting all eyes to turn toward its owner.

Approaching the group, hands tucked inside the pockets of her traveling jacket, is a young woman with pink hair and piercing light-blue eyes. At her side is a Blitzle, a decidedly uncommon Pokemon for anyone outside Unova.

A calculating gaze flicks over the trio of rookies. "You would be Roger, Desmond, and Preston, correct? My name is Hannah, I'm here because your boss contacted mine and asked that I join your little group, at least for a while, due to 'recent complications' with the program you're a part of." She shrugs. "Sounds kind of above my paygrade, if I'm being honest. I'd say 'hope you don't mind me tagging along', but I'm afraid the decision isn't up to you or me." She adds as she sits down on a tree stump.

"So, any questions?"

Desmond blinks at the new arrival, and her words draw out a good natured laugh from him. "Ha, so it would seem! Pleasure to meet you Hannah, and I see you've been told of my name but not of my partner Blitz! Desmond waves to the electric type dancing around before turning back to Hannah.

"If I had to ask a question, I'd ask for your dreams of course. What motivation has brought you here to the Seafarer program?" A person's goal is their lifeblood and their will is the heart. To truly understand this new companion, Desmond wishes to learn about their desires.

Desmond is of course still standing, striking a pose as if wanting it to become his natural position.

"Chipper one arent you Hannah? Id ask for who your boss is but I dont think ill get an answer. So instead ill ask, besides your pokemon there who else do you have?"

Roger says while suspicious of the new person that is to join them, without getting a warning at all.

Hannah blinks lazily at Roger. "If you must know, my direct superior is ACE commander Varia. You can double-check with your own -Malakai, I think it was- if you so wish." She gestures at her Blitzle. "And Kirin here is my only Pokemon at the moment. I haven't found any that caught my interest yet."

She turns to Desmond, raising an eyebrow at his posing but not commenting. "I'm afraid you are mistaken. I am not part of this Seafarer program. As for dreams..." There, her lips quirk into a sardonic smile. "Well, I leave those to my sister. Some of us have to live with reality and worry about the present rather than the future."

A bemused smirk crossed the older trainer's lip as the girl pushed forward like a Slaking that just caught a favored scent, the expression growing larger at his younger companions responses. His mirth drained upon hearing the girl mention the seafarer's supervisor. "Apologies for interrupting, but you never told me that Malakai was directing you."

Roger's appraising stare seems to indicate him reevaluating your potential. "You seem rather young and under equipped to be a ACE trainer or gym trainer Hannah, I don't recognize you from any of the recent conferences." As he inquires directly to the newcomer with the barest hint of politeness, he mentally pauses before asking broadly, "I don't suppose any of you have a fire type stashed away by chance?"

"In all honesty Roger, you didnt ask and I did mess up when I met you. I think throwing around a name like that to demand something would be a poor idea." Roger says to the more experienced trainer, before responding "no fire type here, though would an electric type work just as well? Even though i dont have one of those either."

He says while gently touching the ball that surskit is inside.

Hannah's gaze turns to the older man and she smirks. "Funny how that's the first thing most people ask." She leans back. "To clarify, I'm not an ACE trainer myself, even if I'm under the direct supervision of one. Make of that what you will." She does not elaborate further. "And no, no hidden fire type here either, I'm afraid."

Desmond blinks, confused for a moment before his eyes light up in understanding. His fist slams against his palm as an exclamation. "Ah, so you're like us but with a more private sponsor then! Excellent!"

At hearing the request for a fire type, Desmond holds his head high and talks with the utmost confidence, never sinking into doubt or embarrassment. "While it is true dragons breath mighty fire and can set the world alight, I do not have any that can make an inferno now! One day, but not now!" Even as the words leave his lips, the proud smirk never leaves his face.