---

"Dodge it!" Soren said to his little yellow mouse as a wild poochyena sprinted towards the pair. Soren had arrived in Hoenn a few days ago, ready to start his new adventure taking on the Ever Grande Conference. This was one of his first stepping stones in Hoenn, and Soren was ready to take it head on with everything he had. "And then use Thunder Wave!"

In one swift motion Soren's partner, the more than adorable Pichu, Dash side-stepped the charging canine with a playful smirk as his cheeks began glowing brightly, shooting bolts of electricity at the poochyena. The wild poochyena winced as the electricity surged through it's body, growling in anger.

"Alright, give it a Tail Whip!" The trainer said, giving out another order. Again, playfully following orders, Dash turned around and wagged his tail, egging the wild dog on.

Letting out a long howl, the poochyena confidently stomped the ground three times, still as bolts sparked around his body. Snarling, it's fangs began glowing as it charged at Dash.

"W-wait, what the..." Soren stuttered. Both trainer and Pokemon were too surprised to react as the poochyena's fang made contact with the pichu's foot as he tried to jump away. Dash's movement slowed as his foot became heavy and covered with ice. "It knows Ice Fang? Dash, Sweet Kiss, hurry!"

With shock still in his face, Dash blew the poochyena a kiss, but it dodged the incoming heart with ease. Still snarling, it howled one last time before it darted back into the bushes, knowing full well the intent behind the battle in the first place.

"No!" Soren said, "So close!" The trainer quickly ran to his pichu, relieved that the battle was over, but sad at the fact that they weren't able to catch it. "You did good buddy, we gotta train up a little more, don't we?"

"Pi-pi chu!" Dash said cheerfully as he began tapping on his ice block of a foot.

"The professor said we gotta see Professor Birch, once we do that we can figure out what to do next." Soren said picking up his pichu. "We got this, one step at a time."

---

The forest around them was filled with many different cries, and Yuu couldn't help but grin excitedly. There was something about going on a journey that had him feeling light and happy, though he knew that the further they got the harder it would be. His steps were light on the earth, hands in the pockets of his jeans.

Until he caught movement along the edge of his peripheral, body immediately whirling around to see that they had company. The Pokémon here were new to him and it unsettled him that he didn't know them as well as he'd liked to. The creature before him seemed frozen, before a gust of wind breezed pasted them.

"Alright, Ace! Use Quick Attack!" He states as the racoon before him begins to charge, his partner Pokémon appearing from the trees above. The small bird flaps his wings before tucking them close to his body, rushing forward to meet the attack head on.

The Zigzagoon shakes its head before raising up on its hind legs, spinning around with a wiggle of its tail. "Dodge Ace! And use Wing Attack!" Yuu commands out once more, eyes intent on the battle. His fingers itched to grab his sketchbook from his bag, but he needed to focus.

With a chirped cry his partner rose up into the air and have a strong flap of his wings, eyes focused on the opponent before him. Yuu watched as the attack hit and the little racoon was sent flying into the bushes, a pained cry filling the air. For long moments Yuu stood still while Ace hovered before him, but when the Zigzagoon didn't reappear the trainer sighed out. Only to yelp when a jet of dirt came flying at them both, before the sound of running footsteps filled the silence.

Yuu couldn't help but pout, a hand reaching up to wipe at his stinging eyes. Ace landed on his shoulder with a muffled cry, beak rubbing at his wings as if to clean them. The bubble of laughter that escaped him was a slight surprise, free hand reaching up to rub along his partners head. °Let's see if we can get cleaned up, buddy. We're close to Professor Birch's lab anyway." He soothes his partner before picking up his pace once more, attention now on finding a lake to wash them both off. There was no rush, maybe he'd sit down and sketch for a bit.

---

"It's just one path," Soren said. "Did I really get lost?" The trainer from Kanto stood in the middle of the woods, scratching his chin in disbelief. It wasn't out of the ordinary for him to be lost, but he had only followed one path or so he thought. Soren figured that Littleroot Town was only a few minutes away, but with his sense of direction and luck, it could take another whole day to get there now.

He laughed as he wildly ran his hands through his hair, scuffling it nervously. "Take a breath, it's nothing big." Soren said out loud. Before coming to Hoenn, he told himself that he was going to change his ways and stop acting on his gut instincts and actually think before doing. It was a hard habit to crack, but with small steps the trainer was doing it.

Soren cleared his mind as he took three deep breaths. "One... Two..." He whispered softly. "Three."

With the silencing of his own head the trainer picked up the sound of splashing nearby. Either a pond or a lake was near and that meant a sense of direction, and Soren was willing to take any bit of help he could. A few minutes of aimlessly walking towards the sound of splashing water, Soren made it to a large pond. The splashing was coming from a few poliwag's playfully jumping in and out of the pond off in the distance.

"Luck," Soren said. "I just need to find a sign or something..." The trainer squinted his eyes as he scanned the area, looking for anything that would help him identify where he was or how far he had left til Littleroot Town.

---

The little hill Yuu had found to the right of their path, had lead them to a large surrounded by large trees. The shade was a nice break from the brightness of the sun, the water was still and calm. Yuu dropped his bag beside a large flat rock before moving to the edge of the embankment, basking in the peace around him for a few beats before dropping to a crouch.

His reflection in the water had him snorting, dirt covered his entire face. No doubt the Zigzagoon had used Sand Attack on them, with a roll of golden eyes he reached downward. The water was cool to the touch and it sent a shiver down his spine, before he cupped his hands and brought a handful up. It took a few reputations with added scrubbing to finally get clean, but when he was Yuu couldn't help but smile.

Until the sound of flapping wings overhead reminded him that he had another fight ahead, Ace wasn't a fan of staying still. With a soft whistle he called his partner to him, his right arm lifting to make a perch for the small bird. "Star! Starly!" His partner chirped at him, Yuu hummed softy as he reached his free hand down towards the water. With a glance at the small bird who was watching him in turn, Yuu braced for his fingers to hurt due to start nips.

He was just finishing drying Ace's face when his partner tensed and released a sharp series of chirps, before launching up into the air. Confused but rising to his feet seconds later, Yuu found his eyes locking on another figure. Understanding filled his chest, his gaze lifting up to see Ace zeroing in on those on the other side of the pound. "Ace! No!" He shouted towards his partner, hand reaching for his belt where his Pokeball was kept. There trip hadn't been too long but he'd found out that Ace loved battles, stepping forward he felt his mouth part in warning only to pause. Between one second and the next Ace's attacking posture had softened and it showed in how fast his wings were beating, exhaling Yuu clicked his tongue before moving to sit on the rock. "Come back here, I doubt he's here for a battle." He muttered softly, hand rising to fix the bangs that hung before his eyes. Glancing up he offered a wave before blinking, focusing on the Pichu beside the other. Its foot was incased in ice, curious he tilted his head as Ace landed on his shoulder. "Are you lost? I can help your Pichu get rid of the ice if you'd like." He calls out with a smile, grey hood slipping off his head to settle against his shoulders.

"Star! Starly-Star!" Ace chirped with a widening of his wings, shifting to free himself from the hood before rising into the air once more. No longer hostile but curious, instinct had guided him to attack first when another Pokémon appeared.

---

"Oh?" Soren said, surprised by the appearance of a starly and it's trainer. A nervous chuckle escaped his lips as he looked down at his partner beside him, his foot still frozen in a small block of ice. "I am a bit lost, I'm trying to get to Littleroot."

"And I forgot to bring some Full Heals with me," he said. "I wasn't expecting a poochyena to know Ice Fang either." Picking up his pichu, Soren stepped up, inching closer to the dark haired trainer. Soren was hoping that once he reached Professor Birch's lab, things would start looking up. He was ready to take on the gyms of Hoenn and compete in the Ever Grande Conference, even after the beginning mishaps he was still encountering.

"I'm guessing you aren't lost like me then?" Soren said, nodding with a smile. "I'm Soren by the way, and this is Dash."

---

"That's not far from where we are noa actually." Yuu replied with a smile, gesturing the of her clover with a wave of his hand. Ace settled on his right shoulder once more, talons a gentle pressure against his sleeve.

His smile widened at the others words, his own failure against the Zigzagoon still fresh in his mind. "That's rather interesting, a rather rare move to know considering its typing." He offered when the other was close enough, his gaze locked on the small Pichu curiously. His goal was to take the gyms by storm, and maybe catalog the new Pokémon in this region to gain an understanding of how they varied from his old one. His mother had said something about contests that had seemed interesting, but for now he just wanted to get to Littleroot.

The next question drew a soft snort from him, his head ducking a bit as embarrassment settled in his chest. His parents had made him memorize the route until he knew it by heart, coughing slightly he bends to reach for his bag. "I'm new to Hoenn, my parents and I arrived about a week ago. They made me memorize the route to Littleroot until I could describe it even half asleep." He says with a shrug though his cheeks are slightly warm, his hands are steady as he pulls out a small bottle of Full Heal. "Nice to meet you Soren and Dash. My name is Yuu and this is Ace, sorry he almost attacked you, he's fond of battles." The young male spoke softly, rising to his feet with the bottle held out. He's grown up with Pokémon and watched them grow before they went back to their trainers, as he steps closer he offers out his free hand for Pichu to sniff. "You can use half of that and still have some for later. Did you want to join us to the lab? It's a straight path there." He adds quietly, before offering the bottle over instead of doing it himself.

Not many Pokémon liked being touched by strangers, you had to earn their trust first. Turning to collect his bag, Ace nips gently at his ear before leaping up from his perch. Settling it over his shudders he watches as Soren sprays the block of ice until it fades away, jeeking his chin to the hill he'd slid down to get to the pound he offers a hand to the other boy. The path is even and clean, the trees ahead parting to show clear open skies. Another hour and they'd be at the small town, with a hum he begins to walk once more.

---

Yuu had been kind enough to offer up a bottle of a Full Heal and instantly gained the favor of Dash, with Soren following suit as the dark haired trainer offered to lead them to Professor Birch's lab. Yuu was also new to Hoenn, a small coincidence which made Soren's mind fill with ease. It was always good to meet new people, but to being lucky enough to meet another trainer who was new to the region wasn't very often, at least it wasn't for Soren.

The group had been walking for some time when they came upon the first few houses of Littleroot Town. "This kind of reminds me of Pallet Town." Soren said with a deep breath, reminiscing on his time in Kanto. "Oh, that reminds me, I don't think I asked you, but where did you move from?

It wasn't even a dozen steps before they could see Professor Birch's lab on top of the high road from the neighborhood they walked through. Anxiousness filled his body and excitement filled his mind as they turned the corner to the uphill road that led up to the lab. "I can't wait to challenge the gyms here." Soren said with confidence.

---

"I know what you mean. This reminds me of Twinleaf town." His voice is soft as memories flash across his mind, his home region of Sinnoh was where it had all begun. Soren's next question has Yuu snorting with laughter, raising his arms to cross them behind his head. "I come from Sinnoh, and if I'm to assume right you come from Kanto. I'd say it's Fate that brought us together." He's teasing the other, but that part of him that had grown up listening to the stories his parents told him as hard to keep in check.

Ace circles above them quietly, sometimes dropping down to deliver gentle nips to Dash or Soren before flying back up. The town wasn't large but Yuu loved it, the lab was the focal point and soon enough they were standing before it. Soren's words had Yuu smiling, his arms dropping to his sides. He too wanted to take part in the gym challenge here, but also in what were becoming his mothers favorite events to watch: Contests.

He was just about the speak, but be was interrupted by the front door slamming open and a series of cries filling the air. Jerking his gaze up he had only a second to see three different colored Pokémon heading towards them before he was slammed into. Yelping as he fell onto his back Yuu was momentarily left seeing stars, before a beak was nudging against his cheek.

Well that wasn't the welcome I'm sure you were expecting. Sorry about that, boys!" Yuu blinks upwards at the voice to see man in green shorts, a blue shirt and a white lab coat stabring just inside the doorway. He's smiling but it looks sheepish, a hand lifts to rub behind his head. "Torchic, Treeko and Mudkip come on it's lunch time." The man adds as he moves forward, the three Pokémon on his chest don't budge one bit.

"Are you Professor Birch?" Yuu asks with another blink, slowly shifting so that he's siting upright. The three Pokémon who he recognizes by pictures but not names, move off of him but stay close. Smiling he stands and pats his clothes, a hand lifting to rub Ace's head when he lands on his shoulder.

"Yes I am, let's head inside and get these three settled in. My assistant Joshua has extra food if your Pokémon want any, would you mind if I examine them by the way? A Pichu is unheard of here as is a Starly..." Professor Birch trails off as he offers Yuu a hand, once on his feet the three starters dash inside excitedly.

Glancing at Soren as he moves inside the lab, he can't help but shrug and smile. Such an odd first meeting, Ace chirps before taking off to no doubt expire.

---

Following suit as they were ushered in, Soren smiled nonchalantly as they entered the lab. The three Hoenn starters that had jumped them at the entrance were playing around in front of them as Dash motioned to join in. "Maybe in a second." Soren said.

"Judging, I'm guessing you two are here to see the starters?" Professor Birch said. "Unfamiliar faces usually come here for that." A chuckle escaped his lips as he waved over the three playful starters. "For the Hoenn region, our three starters are Torchic, the fire type; Treecko, the grass type; and Mudkip, our water starter."

Unsure of his own actions on if he was going to take a starter from Hoenn or not, Soren nodded in Yuu's direction. His new friend seemed like he knew what his choices were so Soren figured he'd pass the first choice to him. All three starters had strengths and weaknesses to them, but the real issue for Soren was that he wanted them all if he had a choice. Torchic was adorable, Treecko was cool, and Mudkip was strong. Any of the three starters of Hoenn would bring a lot to the team.

---

Yuu was fascinated by these three new Pokémon, so much so that he dropped down to their level without a word. His hands easily found his sketchbook from his bag, and soon he was drawing the three starters before him. Each one was so vastly different then the other, and not just in their typing. Torchic approached him easily with its head titled, before chirping once and immediately taking off. Treeko hadn't moved from its spot but it did seem curious, its tail waved once before it jumped up to try and get Ace. Mudkip had settled back on its haunches, watching them but seeming content not to move.

Yuu drew each Pokémon when they stopped for a few moments, filling an entire page with varying poses of these unique creatures. Only when he was done did he remember he was here for a reason, a slight flush colored his cheeks as he closed his sketchbook. "Actually sir, I won't be getting a starter. Ace is my partner, could I get a Pokedex?" The truth was he had already known he wasn't going to pick either starter, while he didn't have a full team in mind he did know that he wanted to catch Pokémon he could bond with.

The Professor laughed heartedly but it didn't seem mean or forced, before he waved another younger male closer to them. "A rather strange request but not a bad one. My name's Joshua and this is your Pokedex." The male states with a smile, before handing the device over. It was differentthen his old one from Sinnoh, but that wasn't a bad thing. Turning to Soren he offered the other a grin, before placing the device along his beltloop. He wondered what the other boy would do, his sketchbook still held in other his hand.

---

Surprised by Yuu's choice of not grabbing a starter from Professor Birch, Soren contemplated even more for his own choice. He was confident in his and Dash's abilities and he wanted to prove to Lachlan that he could start over in a new region, with a new team, and succeed this time around. Nodding his head confidently, Soren made his decision. "I'll have to pass as well. Dash and I have a lot to prove this time around."

Professor Birch's warm laughter filled the room yet again, smiling from ear to ear. "You two have great spirit! Joshua, grab another Pokedex."

Bowing with gratefulness, Soren took the Pokedex and following suit to Yuu. "Thank you!"

---

---

The trainers found themselves in the lobby of the Littleroot Pokemon Center, brandishing their new Pokedexes. "I owe you," Soren said cheerfully. "If it wasn't for you, Dash and I would still be lost in the woods."

His smile was glowing as he was exploring his new dex and the apps that came with it, excited to see what new discoveries he'd make in Hoenn. "The closest gym is in Petalburg City, so that's where I'll be heading to next, but from what I can tell from this map, it's quite a bit away. What's your next plan?"

---

"You would've found a way out eventually." He replied after a beat, attention mostly on the Dex in his hands. He's amazed at how different it is and it makes him happy, it'll be a challenge he knows but he's ready.

The mention of a gym has him leaning closer to his new friend curiously, forgetting that he could look on his own. He doesn't immediately answer because he's not fully certain, sure he'd taken on the Sinnoh Gym Challenge but this would no doubt be harder. But he wanted to try, to test his limits and then break past them. "I'll follow you if that's okay. I want to see his these gyms compare to Sinnoh." He finally answers, grinning excitedly before moving away to stretch his arms above his head.

---

"Totally!" Soren said without a beat. He was happy to have found a friend right away in Hoenn, it made traveling that much better having someone else around. "So I guess that will make us kinda rivals too then, huh?"

Soren had returned Dash back into his pokeball for a bit of rest as their morning had been an eventful one, double-checking and preparing the rest of his gear for their journey to Petalburg City. It would take about two days for the duo to get there on foot, not including a pit stop in Oldale Town, which was the halfway point between Littleroot and Petalburg. The young trainer figured they could get to Oldale Town by nightfall and spend the night, traveling for most of the following day to Petalburg, exploring Route 102 and possibly catching some Pokemon.

Once he finished fumbling around his backpack Soren turned to his friend, finally ready to begin their journey. "Sorry I took so long, just wanted to make sure my sleeping bag and stuff were good. You have everything you need?"

They'd left the Pokémon center after breakfast, and their current path had led them to where they were walking now. Route 101 hasn't changed but it seemed livelier somehow, and it made Yuu wonder if every new route would be the same. His bag felt heavier than it had been before, no doubt he'd might've bought too much food supplies but they'd need it.

Coversation was oddly easy between them, the sun above bright and warm. Ace was still in his pokeball no doubt asleep, Soren's company was welcoming and fun. His eyes were always scanning the trees and bushes around then curiously, excitement flowing in his veins and the possibility of meeting another Pokémon. They're adventure would no doubt be a long and tough one, but Yuu was optimistic that they'd make it through just fine.

A rustling within the bushes before them drew Yuu to a stop, his eyes locked on the figure slowly inching it's way out. He's grabbing for his Pokedex and Pokeball before he even can even think about it, instinct guiding him.

Wurmple the worm Pokemon a bug type. Using the spikes on its rear end, Wurmple peels the bark off trees and feeds on the sap that oozes out. This Pokémon's feet are tipped with suction pads that allow it to cling to glass without slipping The device tells him helpfully, a grin spreads across Yuu's lips.

"Ace, I choose you! Quick Attack!" He commands even as he tthrows his partners Pokeball up into the air, Ace emerges with a sharp cry and flap of his wings. With a flap and burst of speed the Wurmple is sent backward with a startled cry, Yuu grabs another Pokeball and throws it. It wiggles three times before going still and the young boy can't help but laugh in happiness, stepping forward to retrieve his new teammate.

---

Right off the bat, the new pair began their journey to Petalburg City, and instantly there was action. Wild Pokemon roamed all over Route 101, bringing liveliness to the forest around them.

As Yuu and Ace battled a wild Wurmple and managed to catch it with ease, Soren clapped proudly in awe of his new companion's accomplishment. He was a bit jealous, but was happy he was there to witness Yuu's first catch in Hoenn. "That was amazing, Ace was so fast!"

Watching Yuu catch Wurmple made the young trainer want to get some new teammates as well. Soren wanted to have a small party of his own once he got to Petalburg City, to be ready for whatever challenge the gym leader brought. He wasn't picky when it came to catching Pokemon, but Soren often went on the feeling of connectedness. Soren followed a feeling of what he could really only describe as fate. If his path and the path of that Pokemon felt connected, he would make the choice in catching them.

"Have you decided on a name for it?" Soren asked, happily and eager to meet Yuu's new friend.

For several seconds Yuu didn't move, even as his eyes locked on the Pokeball that was no longer wiggling. It wasn't until he heard the clapping that he managed to unfreeze, a wide grin on his face as he moved forward to collect the ball. At Soren's clear excitement Yuu couldn't help but beam happily at him, before his attention was stolen by Ace flying at him. "Hey easy, your beak is sharp!" He stated around a laugh, Ace was nudging him yes but it wasn't angry by any sense.

"Star! Starly!" His partner chirped out, his wings continuously flapping as he finally pulled back. Yuu huffed at the small birds excitement, turning back to Soren to catch his question about if he'd picked out a name.

"A name hm?" He mourned in thought, glancing down at the ball still held in his hand. His knowledge of this region's Pokemon was abysmal considering just how many Pokemon he'd met in Sinnoh, but that just made him more eager to meet them. "How about...Haru?" He added with a blink, before tossing the Pokeball up with a flick of his wrist. Wurmple appeared from within and for a moment it simply reminded still, until Ace chirped before landing beside it.

"Wur? Wurmple..." It softly called out, swaying a bit before focusing on Yuu when he bent down to be closer.

"How would you like to join us? I'd like to give you a name if I can..." He trailed off softly, holding out an arm for the small worm to climb if it wanted. For several long moments no sound could be heard, until Wurmple began slowly inching forward. The young trainer didn't dare move in case it would startle his potential new teammate. When he felt a muzzle against his cheek did he finally relax, a hand reaching up to soothe along a small head. "I'll take that as a yes? Welcome to the team Haru." He murmured with a grin towards Soren, Ace chirps and jumps up to no doubt introduce himself to their new friend.

---

"Haru?" Soren repeated, giving Yuu a thumbs up of approval for the adorable name for the even more adorable Wurmple. "That's a great name!"

"From what I know of wurmple's they have two evolution chains," Soren said as they continued on their trek through Route 101. "I wonder which yours is going to go down." The lush forests thrived as Soren kept his eye open for any Pokemon of interest. He noticed prancing Zigzagoon and Poochyena as they day went on, but didn't take a real interest in either.

Soon the group came onto a clearing in the forest filled with a large pond in the middle, recognizing it as the area where the pair first met. On nearing the pond you could hear commands ringing through the air.

"Low-low, let's try it one more time. Focus on your aim. Go for the rocks." The voice echoed. "Alright, here we go."

On the edge of the pond stood a young boy in a green cap, holding one large rock in his arms and having a few placed around his feet, while a taillow flew a few feet away from him above the pond. A low grunt erupted from the boy as he granny-shot the rock as high as he could towards his avian partner. The taillow cawing back as it's wings began glowing a bright, silvery coat, swiftly doing a few aerial acrobats before striking the rock in half.

"That was a great Steel Wing, Low-low!" The boy cheered. "We're so close to mastering it!"

---

The pond is a sight for sore eyes really, it looks even more beautiful then before somehow. Yuu's distracted for a few moments by the glistening water and lush grass, before he catches a voice shouting out commands as well as praise. He glances up and finds a boy and a bird Pokémon flying above him, he watches intently when the boys shouts out Steel Wing.

The rock is split evenly in half and Yuu is amazed, so much power for such a small Pokémon to have. "Steel Wing, hm? That is a rather powerful attack, just like Iron Tail." He muses before moving forward, Ace's Pokeball already in hand. "Excuse me? I hope we're not intruding but would you mind if my Ace watches your Low-Low practice Steel Wing?" He asks the boy with a smile, before turning back to Soren and gesturing for his friend to join them. "And maybe we can all have some lunch as well, how about it Soren? We've been walking since morning."

And then he's tossing the ball up into the air, Ace appearing with a flap of his wings and a sharp cry. He knew that Steel Wing wasn't an easy move to learn but it would be a very good one tof know, and making new friends wasn't a bad idea either.

---

"Oh, h-hi!" The boy said surprised by the audience. "T-totally! You okay with that Low-low?" The Tailow chirped in response to it's trainer as it perched on his shoulder. "I-I'm M-Mike... I mean Micah."

"It's nice to meet you, Micah." Soren said. He could tell the youngster was extremely nervous, it was a given as they were complete strangers to him. "I'm Soren and this is Yuu." Turning to his friend with a smile in agreement, "I think it'd be a good idea to stop for lunch. I'm starving. You should join us Micah."

"Y-yeah, of course. I-I'd love t-to!" As he bowed with respect his hat bounced off his head, his Tailow swiftly catching it before it landed on the ground. The boy was a nervous wreck, but it was extremely endearing.

Soren could sense that Micah was a brand new trainer, and it was encouraging to see him train so hard, especially with a powerful move like Steel Wing. Again, envious of Yuu's luck not just with Wurmple, but with the chance of learning a new move, made Soren extremely anxious. He wanted to do something as well, and figured that his chance would soon come.

"I'll set up our lunch." Soren said. Waving to his friend to take some time to watch Micah and Low-low with their Steel Wing, Soren inched a few feet away from the pair as he began spreading out a picnic blanket from his backpack. He had a few sandwiches and dried foods to place among the blanket before getting to the berry treats and Pokemon kibble.

---

Yuu wstched as Soren moved off to set up their lunch, his lips twitching up into a smile. His own pack was heavier than what he assumed his friend carried, mostly due to the extra supplies he had within in case of emergencies. His gaze focused on Micah and his Tailow, easily recognizing the nerves felt by every new trainer as he'd been like that once upon a time. "Have you already visited Professor Birch?" Yuu curiously asked the younger boy, shoulders rolling as he removed his bag to set it by his feet.

"A-ah, yes I have!" The boy replied with a stutter that Yuu found oddly endearing, Ace flew up into the air with a shake of his head as if he were bored with them. "He seemed... a bit strange? B-but not in a b-bad way! He offered me a starter but I h-have Low-Low so I declined. I'm guessing y-you two did as well?

"We did, he seemed surprised by that but he didn't get upset." Yuu replied with a shrug, before reaching for his belt for Haru's Pokeball. Once his newest teammate was stretching out its small form, Yuu watched as Micah settled into practice with his Low-Low again. He watched intently for a few moments before rising from the rock he'd sat on, opening his bag to pull out a medium-sized skillet. While sandwiches were a good meal he had a feeling it wouldn't keep them full for long, add to that that he was used to cooking his own meals and it was an old habit by now. "I'll make us some stew to add with your sandwiches if that's okay Soren, we'll need a lot of energy for the trek ahead." He lightly teased his friend, hands making a fire-pit with practiced ease from the rocks beneath their shoes. Ace was perched on his abandoned rock watching Low-Low destroy rocks with white-cloaked wings, Haru he noticed had been watching too but had migrated towards his curiously. "Want to help me with our lunch? I need some twigs for the fire, can you find some?" He asks gently as he added the last rock, gaze locked with yellow-black eyes. As a child he hadn't believed that Pokémon could understand human speech, but he'd watched his parents both with the own Pokémon and with the babies born from eggs that they did understand. Haru wiggled and softly cried out before turning to head into the woods around them, her -he was pretty sure the small worm was female- pace slow but determined. Moving until be stood beside Soren, Yuu lightly jabbed him in the side with his playfully with a grin on his lips. "You'll surpass me soon by catching more Pokémon." He murmured quietly, having seen the pinched expression on the other males face. Reassuring his new friend came easily to him, he'd always been attuned to others feelings since he was young.

Once Dash was let out to join their growing group, Yuu crouched by his skillet with a small box of matches in hand. Haru came and went with twigs until he had a small pile by his feet, once a flame was lit and the skillet was heating did Yuu begin to prepare their stew. His attention divided between meal prep and watching as Ace copied Low-Low's movements.