-Alexis & Sasha : Arie's Fragrant Berries-

As the day began to rise, a figure in an upstairs bedroom lay, snoring quite loudly enough to wake up their partner, Sasha, who was sleeping on a Snorlax plushie which encompassed a large amount of the rooms corner. Displeased by the cacophorous sound resonating from a familiar, cute faced teen, the Buneary devised a scheme to make sure their partner would learn from their mistake of rudely awakening him. The plan wasn't too thought out as Sasha spontaneously lept from the Snorlax plush, crashing straight into Alexis' gut which ended in pain split both routes.

As the air was knocked out of Alexis, the teen groaned, provoked by the sporadic blow to the stomach. Of course Alexis cursed a little bit, before staring at the bunny who caused such whimsical pain. From their observations, the pokemon was a bit dizzy after performing such an erratic stunt. Alexis could barely stifle a giggle, before bursting for a couple of seconds before stopping to inspect if Sasha was ok, all while commenting on such a silly task he tried to pull off in an attempt to rouse Alexis from slumber.

"Hee hee hee, rather peculiar that you would dare awakening me through such a crude method... However, I can't exactly deny that such an irregular effort worked, so bravo my dear fluffy friend! That was definitely one way to use your head, but next time why don't you use it properly, alright?"

With that said, Alexis noticed that their partner was now out of their muddled funk and scrambled onto their knees out of Alexis' arms. The teen giggled at Sashas attempts to strike a confident pose, smiling and giving the Buneary a thumbs up. Upon that little gesture, Alexis failed to notice that Sasha was taking advantage of their lowered guard to tackle Alexis' face. Trying to shake Sasha off, Alexis quickly stood up and began spinning and wobbling around, understanding what type of game Sasha was going with.

Aiiii, Sasha, get off, I can't see a thing! We might end up crashing into someone or something, hahaha!"

With that spoken, the only place where the team pondered on promptly crashing was the Snorlax plushie Sasha was snoozing on the other night. Laughing in delight, the duo found themselves laying down on the belly of the artificial pokemon. As they both enjoyed the little event, Alexis understood that letting go in a while was for the greatest good of appeasing yourself and possibly a friend, especially on days like these. The teen knew neither of them would get many moments like this, so they savored it with every drop as this would never last forever.

"Ah, that was rather invigorating of you Sasha. I wish there would be more times in our journey with things like this transpiring, however, I'm plenty sure that we won't experience much of this. Either way, shall we both start preparing ourselves for each ongoing endeavor, our journey is about to begin soon, and we don't want it to leave without us.~"

Understand the circumstances, Sasha uttered a depressed bun, before cheering up and resting on his partner back. Alexis didn't mind the way Sasha was going about this, and scratched the pokemons ear as the dynamic duo descended downstairs.

As they delved downwards, they found that Vio the Rosedale was up and helping their aunt prepare food not only for the two guests, but the other occupants in the lavished, organized garden who sought asylum from the expanding machinery. There was a glint in Alexis' eye, before completely perishing the thought, and falling back on giving a friendly greeting.

"Morning Aunt Arie, Vio! That's rather sweet of you to prepare such a large exquisite meal for Sasha and I, but I think that might be a bit much for the both of us.~"

With that said, Arie turned her head towards the teen to inspect if Alexis really meant it, before shining a smile, understanding that wasn't exactly the case. Formulating coherent thoughts, the two started out small as they prepared for the day, their conversation rising faster than Alexis' mother when she was a contest coordinator.

"I mean, you can agree on why we need a bit more natural around these parts, don't you Alexis?"

"Yeah, we are losing traces of who we are, but I have to partially concur, in due part that this is also developing our identity. However, we can only go so far as to what we can do with these factories. I'll be quite blunt here, they should at least figure out a way to make them eco-friendly, lest more smog fills up the atmosphere. At any rate, I'm going to take a quick shower, get dressed, then I'm off!~"

With those words spoken out, Sasha decided to assist in packing up the rest of the items Alexis commented on needing, along with snagging a few berries for the trip ahead. Arie, out of the kindness in her heart, handed the Buneary a berry which he discretely saved for later. Eventually, after ten minutes of conversing with Alexis' partner, and found that the teen was dressed and ready to go.

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"Alexis, you have the destination marked, right? Also, I will not let you borrow Kid as it's dangerous to even consider riding Gogoat around the city! With these much cars around, it would be better to run there as neither of you would get hurt! Plus, if your departing on a journey, you should be in peak physical condition, alright?"

The duo looked at each other before nodding adamantly. Neither of them could discern how long this journey they've started would take to fully complete. Either way, they only knew that they were going to wander the region to find their purpose all while interacting with the environment encompassing them. Either way, they both need one thing - they would miss out on the fun of traversing on a Gogoat.

Despite that not being the important part of their occurring predicament, they both knew how serious this truly was. This was a dangerous undertaking, one that would be filled with myriads of hardships. Before they had the chance to leave, their caretaker e them a recommendation which strongly interested the duo. It gave them a larger incentive to go to specific towns and cities as they were located with challenges that would make or break them.

Gyms - they were scattered across the forlorn region just as Hoenn had gyms embedded within their recesses. Alexis nor Sasha batted an eye in due part to focusing mainly on contests, but now maybe they could schedule a few battles and secure a few victories. Combining contest talents with battling could give them an edge in combat now that Alexis pondered on it... if they didn't attempt any gaudy moves.

As Alexis finished chatting with Arie, Sasha hugged the Roserade rather carefully, all while Aries Serperior coiled around Alexis which caused him to slightly have a had time breathing for a bit. Thankfully Alexis understood the gesture and squeezed the snake pokemon back before being released from her embrace. Finally, came the kisses and the hug from Arie, before the duo departed, dashing in the direction of the lab.

Freely speeding down the paths before them, they ran as fast as their legs could take them. They had a good memorized route of the city as Arie had showed them around for a bit. If anything, the first place to go for coming into contact with other trainers was most likely the lab. Recalling the route, Alexis put a fringe to their lip, all while making sharp turns, slightly grazing their arm on a stop sign.

Despite earning a few strange looks, along with some flirty winks from guys which were shrugged off as meaningless to the teen, the duo finally arived at the lab. They both took a moment to catch their breaths, all while noticing a limo at the lab.

...

Wait.

The partners stared, confused at the apparent appearance of a limo in front of a lab. The two shook their heads, Alexis pondered on if this was going to be a day with a snobby rich kid flaunting their money and status. Either way, you can't buy real victories, you earn them. Mentally facepalming, Alexis strolled up to the limo with people around it, all while stretching, Sasha following behind.

As the two approached the lab, they examined the people around the lab, they both were trying to discern what they might act like from the way they dressed. Alexis Kane such an idea was horrific and misplaced faith, however it would allow them to figure out how serious others were about this journey. The only person that was found to be legitimately unserious about this who endeavor was... the chick in the frilly dress.

"Hey, is the professor home? I wanted to grab a few items given to trainers here before going off on a journey with my partner..."

"..."

"... also, miss, nice dress you got there, however I don't think that's going to help you in anything but pokemon contests. Change of clothes is advised because that is going to restrict you... also, I don't think this occasion is fancy enough to warrant something like that."

Alexis passed by the chick, Sasha examining her before jumping onto the hood of the limo before striking a confident, gallant pose. As the Buneary began molding himself into different shapes and imagined ideas, Alexis slightly smiled while shaking their head at such a prospect.

"Come on Sasha, your not a hood ornament, nor are we performing in a contest... besides, I thought we both hated that sort of thing. You can show off later, right now, we have more important things to answer to."

With that said, Sasha, crossed his arms before turning away in false irritation, closing both of his eyes. After a couple of seconds, the Buneary had a difficult time keeping his posture and facade up for long before pivoting around and launching himself at Alexis. The teen swiftly caught the tiny pokemon in their arms, slightly smiling at him before turning his attention back to the other people in the vicinity.

Deciding to see if the Professor was home in due part to growing impatient, Alexis turned towards the door and tapped on in. Hopefully someone would answer, as the teen turned back around to face the other trainers in hopes of procuring information from them. Alexis could only wait to see how they would respond as first impressions were everything.

And so far, the only person who failed to pass that spot check in the teens eyes was the girl in the frilly green dress that was go to damper and slow down her progess. Alexis could only mentally giggle about how she would react to the possibility of such a pretty dress being torn, which also resulted in a mental cringe from the former contest prodigy. Turning away from the girl, the teen spotted someone else who looked like they were instrumentally prepared... and then another, and another... Maybe there could be some sort of interaction?

"Hey, to all of you here... mind telling me why you're all undertaking such an arduous task as I'm rather curious to why you call decided to traverse Fordis. If it's truly personal to you, no need to tell us about it... Especially all you lovely ladies, hee.~"

With that said, Alexis set Sasha down, who was looking at the other trainers, going bun bun the whole time. It looked as if he was also asking the question Alexis set out, or at least adding onto it before crossing his arms and tapping his feet. The pokemon was curious about these different people and wanted to learn about them as much as their partner, Alexis, did. However, the Buneary slightly tilted their head back, and spoke to Alexis, giving the teen a bit of flak for flirting, to which Alexis rolled their eyes at before shining a smile at the Buneary before relocating his gaze to the other trainers around.

Especially a few select ones that were to say, "interesting" as the teen would probably put it if questioned for their tone.

-Alexis & Sasha : Professor Cedars Lab-

Alexis was mildly surprised as the teen didn't at all expect the girl to retort in such a haughty manner. The girl had spunk, Alexis could admit that, so all wasn't exactly lost... unless she used that silver tongue of a sword at the wrong, inconceivable moment. If the girl had any street smarts, she would hope to understand Alexis' sentiment. The teen pushed themselves off the wall, brushing their back off, smiling at the girl in a collective manner, or was it a confident smirk. Either way, Alexis chuckled at her choice of words, deciding to make another move - one that wasn't entirely in favor of disporting her.

"Oh my, my, my Princess, I must of offended such a precious, delecate flower... Heh, in all seriousness Princess, with that dress and you attending this lab like it's a fancy ball where you will be woo'd by the man of your dreams isn't exactly practical... so I'll choose whether to meddle in your affairs or not as I deem necessary, words nor bribery will silence me... I do hold some respect for you through your spunk."

With that snappy remark, Sasha swinged his arms upwards, all while saying a few buns, seemingly in favor of their partner. And the duo seemed pleased at the fact that she was rather open to advice from others, as she welcomed the blunt honesty. Sure, it was rare to find someone rare who respected not having everything sugarcoated to the advantage of the talker, but coming from a kid who seemed almost so uptight was a bit unexpected.

As the girl continued to talked, Alexis kept both ears employed to hear what she had to say,just in case she had anything else to say. From what was given, she really was going for the contest scene. The limelight, the glamour of being on stage... the duo knew that once, and they found it undesirable to return. Sasha uttered a sickened bun bun while shaking his head in disappointment.

Before Alexis could even bother answering the privileged girl back, she uttered a rather familiar name. Coordinators usually knew their opponents if they had been near each other more than once. Alexis' head didn't rotate as fast as it should with their unsatisfied curiosity. Alexis could only paint a quizzical look while Sasha spun his head around, chanting bun bun while bouncing up and down to figure out why Alexis was in a deep state of thought.

As the girl continued to speak, Alexis brooded over a simple name while absorbing the information given. The teen knew the name, but where was the larger picture, Alexis could only wonder. From what was discerned, Vanessa is a famous pokemon coordinator who held possibly expensive classes for young adults who wished to dabble in an art. It made the teen ponder on sparing her the trouble of realizing that contests task time and practice or let the girl figure it out for herself.

Either way, Alexis decided not to elicit a response yet as the teen decided to let her talk her lip off. As the teen stood there, the girl offered for an invitation to join them at the boutique here in the city. Alexis smirked as the girl attempted to possibly insult the teen a subverted manner. Quite frankly, Alexis understood an insult when launched, but it honestly did not bother the teen at all. Shaking their head, Alexis stared the novice Coordinator, unfazed by the girls choice of words.

"Sorry honeybuns, but I have much more important things to do than hide behind a mere masquerade of who I am. Besides, primping myself isn't exactly my style. I've done it so many times, and it just feels out of place; it also is very vexing to Sasha and I, so again, thanks for the offer, but no thanks."

With that said and done, Alexis let Sasha share his piece, even though he mildly growled at the girls volition inviting the duo to accompany the Princess and Blair, the boy who was possibly her boyfriend. Alexis formed an impish grin with a devious idea to tease the duo. Plotting, the Buneary let out spurs of advice she probably couldn't understand, but nevertheless took the time to try and explain it to her.

Before given the chance to let their mind run on a rampage, the rather handsome boy interjected into their conversation. The boy commented on Alexis being confident to the point of making enemies. The teen frowned at the boy as Sasha let out a barrage of bun buns, yet it would probably go unheard unless he could discern the Bunearys feelings. Either way, he was displeased with the comment, and eventually finished the rant with a few final bun buns. The teen stared at Blair, and spoke coolly towards him, depriving his voice of any irritation.

"Sasha, you didn't have to defend my side, but thanks. At any rate handsome, let me explain my case. What you saw as rude was me bluntly stating the truth. If you want me to put sprinkles all over a hard thought, apologies but I'll pass. I speak what I mean, and if that comes off as nothing more than a brazen comment to you, deal with it. It's better to tell someone what you truly think rather than letting something build up in an unstable manner then topple it down. Got that reasoning committed to memory?"

"At any rate, another reason why I must decline coming along with you two is I would be a mere third wheel. I would not prefer to drive a wedge during such an intimate moment between you two as it would just be awkward, hee!~"

As the teen teased the duo, another person who appeared late began asking around for info on if he was late. The door was locked, so Alexis was a bit salty about that. The teen wasn't waiting until tomorrow, so screw it, no free items to assist on their journey. To add some icing to the top, the two people who were sitting by the labs entrance decided to answer him.

Even worse was the fact that they blantly ignored the other person who actually asked the people in the general vicinity if the professor was home! Seriously, that did not pass the common sense test at all! As they walked inside, they immediately closed the door, leaving Alexis purely beffudled.

Seriously? That was utter b.s. in eyes. Alexis promptly dashed over to the door and attempted to open the door, only to find that they locked the door behind them. This was not going to bode well with the teen whose next step was to utterly bash on the door to get their attention. Alexis couldn't tell if they interpreted the conversation the teen had with the girl incorrectly or were just ignorant that there was another trainer who was scheduled to come by the lab today.

"How the heck did you not notice me?! The lab is closed my ass if you guys somehow have access to it! Let me in you jerks!"

Bashing the door as hard as the teen could with their right fist, a loud sound could be heard in the area eminating from the teens constant, unladylike assault against the entrance. This hopefully would alert anyone who was in the house, or just anyone in general.

Eventually the teen switched fists and began slamming their left hand against the door, their right trembling erratically. This was definitely one particular way to start an adventure, but technically not the most desired.