[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/200325/3393a1f9fb5d2f4137cf7a15cf343f5d.png[/img]

[b][color=7FFFD4]INTERACTING WITH:[/color][/b] N/A[/center]


[color=7FFFD4][b]Alrighty, that should do it for this trip.[/b][/color] Barry sprayed the last of his Super Repel on himself and Tribute, the lovable thirty-pound bundle of feathers lying face-up on Barry's backpack, as they approached the twinkling morning daylight that marked the entrance to Dark Cave 1. [color=ed5244][b]Deli-deli!![/b][/color] Tribute hopped onto the ground and reached into his tail—an oddity of an appendage that functioned more or less like a sack—and extracted two granola bars, reaching up to hand one to Barry. The duo feasted on their oats while they trekked out of the cavern and onto Route 45.

Barry carefully navigated onto Route 29 and set his sights on the growing town in the distance, the same town that he had once called his home: New Bark. He checked his Pokegear—there were still three hours before the scheduled meeting time. Barry considered tossing a message into the group chat to let his future-travel companions know that he had arrived safely, but thought better of it and instead decided to make a quick circle around town. First stop: the research lab, all the while narrating his childhood experiences to Tribute, who had only known life in Blackthorn. He went on to describe how children in the town were selected by Professor Elm to receive their first Pokemon, some to become Champion, others to fill out the Pokedex, and yet others with the simple goal to go out and catch 'em all. Tribute seemed to listen with a passing interest, which was good enough for Barry; all he cared about was reliving older memories side-by-side with a newer friend.

[b][color=7FFFD4]And [i]this[/i][/color][/b], Barry gestured dramatically, [b][color=7FFFD4]is where we used to set up shop before opening Apotheberry in Blackthorn. Our stuff was mostly the same; you had candy, apricots, medicine, the whole shebang. But you liked to have lost it, seeing as we only picked up maybe one batch of ice poffins a year.[/color][/b] Tribute made a face as Barry laughed at the idea of his friend missing out on his favorite snack year after year. His laugh ended with a glance up at the replacement of his family's old store, now owned by Johto Antiques. Barry considered for a moment taking a look inside to see what they had done with the place, but after a few seconds of hesitation shook his head and chose to leave that particular memory in the past. He walked with Tribute and showed him some of his favorite stores, shops, and homes before stopping in front of the subtle neon "We're Open!" sign of Maw's Diner. Perfect, breakfast time.

[b][color=7FFFD4]I'll show you more later. For now, return.[/color][/b] Barry held his Great Ball forward and pushed the button on the front, recalling Tribute into the unfathomably complex device by what appeared to be a wide bolt of red lightning. Barry entered the diner and ordered his usual: a side of hash browns, grits, and sausage with a cup of black coffee. He had to keep his energy up if he wanted to hit the road again in the next couple of hours. Once he had finished his breakfast—along with no fewer than three catch-up conversations with townsfolk he recognized—he paid his tab, mounted his backpack, and set off toward the entrance of New Bark. [b][color=7FFFD4]Alright Tribute, you can come out now.[/color][/b] Barry tossed the ball in front of him and, in a white flash, once again stood his red and white-feathered friend. It probably would have been a faster trip had Barry left him in his pokeball until he got to the meetup, but Tribute needed to get used to the warmer air anyway. Besides, he couldn't wait to introduce him to all the friends he had known in New Bark—and hopefully enough to justify their little tirade around the town.

As the two strolled toward the entrance to the town in search of his friends, Barry caught the glint of Dante's hair against the morning sun in the distance. [b][color=7FFFD4]Hey there![/color][/b] He shouted with a grin. [b][color=7FFFD4]You're early![/color][/b]