[ Arrival ]

[Administrator]

It was definitely a beautiful day; the sun was shining, few clouds dotted the blue skies above, and a cool breeze blew off the nearby ocean as small waves crashed against the white sand beach that bordered Konika Village. Wingull cawed loudly as they soared overhead, and it seemed that a Wailmer or two were breaching in the bright sunlight; however there was no sign of the larger Wailord. Normally they only appeared during the breeding season on their way to the colder water, and even then they were a rather rare sight despite their massive size.

However, it seemed that today an equally large being had sailed into port in the form of a large ocean liner. Normally such large ships didn't come into port, despite the large number of aspiring trainers that were constantly migrating to the Lanorae region. Yet a surprisingly large number seemed to have decided to sail in from Johto, and it was found more beneficial to just send them over on a larger ship rather than numerous smaller boats. Not that most of the trainers really minded though, after all the voyage had been similar to a short cruise.

Among the crowd that was scrambling to get off the ship and on to the new land at hand, a young blonde was trying to keep a path for herself open while other hopeful trainers and new Lanorae residents shoved against her. It was certainly a bit of a faulty decision to rush for the exit like everyone else seemed to rather than waiting in the back like a sensible person would have, but unfortunately Katelynn was a bit excited to get moving. After all arrival at the lab as soon as possible meant a wider variety of Pokemon to choose from didn't it? Though, then again... maybe it had been a bad idea to get herself separated from her companion. Sure as long as she hung around the dock chances were she'd spot him again rather quickly, but still.

Her feet finally met level ground as she managed to push off the gangplank. A hand immediately went to the top of her head to hold down a white hat as the breeze attempted to blow it off, and she focused her silver gaze on searching for the familiar boy amongst the crowd. Once or twice a hasty young girl or a burly sailor brushed past her, but it seemed the larger of the congestion was already heading further in towards the village. She'd just have to sit here and wait for a bit.

[ O u t of C h a r a c t e r ]
Yay for first RP post in the region x3 And I'm bad at making up titles D= *anvil'd*[/size]

[Equilibrium]

The breeze ruffled his hair as he sat casually on a lifeboat, waiting for the general load of what he described to be "over stimulated" people fight to get off the boat. He never really did understand why people were so impatient all the time, they should try being more laid back for a change thought Richie as he started swaying forwards and backwards on the boat like a swing, then quickly stopping from a rather potent glare from the Captain.

The day was beautiful he thought as he swung his bag onto his back, definitely the perfect day to start a Pokemon journey. Richie felt already one step ahead of the running people below, as crazy as it sounded. He'd received a package from his mother by Pelliper which had labeled "Hi Richie it's your mother! Don't forget to shower every day I know what you're like at home! Also set your alarm, sleep in and who knows what could happen! This present is a little something your father and I kept secret for a surprise, he isn't too fond of it but he said it's better than nothing. Love mum". Richie thought to himself, was it really possible to fit that much on a tiny parcel tag? Well she'd done it anyway he thought as he gently untied the great big pink bow on top. It was a Poke Ball!

The Poke Ball has been pocketed into his belt which he'd quickly retrieved from his bag. He'd decided he would wait to show Katelynn before he opened it, but where was she? He guessed she must've slipped off the boat with the bulk of the crowd and as such got to his feet, put his hands in his pockets and descended the stair case of white and blue.

Scanning the area, he decided the port in its simplicity was actually rather beautiful. Although nothing was exactly neat as the crates were stacked in a rather unstable way, Ratatta scattered across the decking at the sound of human steps and the Wingull had certainly left their... mark. Yet still it was just as elegant, perhaps it was just the day?

Beginning to lose hope with Katelynn no where to be seen, he pushed through the crowd to reach a nice little red bench that he had spotted earlier off the pristine deck on the ship. Eventually managing to squeeze through two arms belonging to some rather muscular sailors (making Richie feel rather inadequate) he reached his destination of his next sitting, yet paused at the beauty which sat in his seat. Slowly stretching out his arm with an open hand he mouthed the words 'Shall we?'.

[Administrator]

It was decently early in the morning, which really was a relief. Katelynn really wasn't the most tolerate of 'extreme' heat, which was probably why she had always preferred living in the cooler temperatures of Goldenrod City. What time was it now anyway? Around ten perhaps? That seemed about right, as long as they had shade available into the afternoon she would probably be fine; though at least a breeze came off the water... what was she doing here thinking about the climate anyway? Her mind wandered so badly sometimes...

She played with her hair for a bit as she kept her silver eyes on the slowly diminishing crowd around her, taking off her hat and holding the brim in her mouth as she slipped a small hair tie off her wrist and hastily pulling her medium-length hair back into a loose ponytail to keep it from blowing in her face. Not bothering to check if she had missed a few strands or a few were sticking up here or there, no, instead she simply took her hat in hand again and shoved it back down over her head.

She sort of wished it was raining really, after all that meant she had an excuse to wear the black trench coat she had stowed away in the shoulder bag she had tossed over her shoulder. It probably wasn't the best thing to wear in such a warm climate but it was fun to twirl in because it sort of flared out like a dress, which she didn't really enjoy wearing as much; but there she was going again, off with her wandering mind.

An approaching figure caught her eye and she quickly focused her sights on him completely, a slight grin touching her lips as she recognized him almost immediately. Well apparently it had been a good idea to sit and wait rather than continue to get pushed by the crowd, Richie had found her just fine it seemed. She gently took the hand that was held out for her as she mouthed back her reply 'We shall'.

However, she paused as she rose to her feet, a slight blush rising in her cheeks. "Um... Richie..." she began, rubbing the back of her neck with her free hand as she grinned sheepishly. "You wouldn't happen to have any idea where the lab is do you? I'm afraid I haven't a clue... heh..." Well, that wouldn't have been the first time.

[/blockquote]

[Equilibrium]

His reply was slow, her hand in his was somewhat distracting. Soft and angelic like he decided to quickly raise his head before she began asking if he was alright, she was always making sure he was. Opening his mouth to place the answer upon his lips he paused again. Hers lips unlike his were full and of a rosy red, similar to her cheeks whenever he tried to say compliments... he couldn't figure out why. Her eyes were beautiful, whenever his eyes became fixed he began to swim, didn't know where but it was nice none the less. She'd tied her hair up, still beautiful, but down it was incredible.

'Well, being honest with you... I have absolutely no idea?' grinned Richie as he scratched the back of his head, something he knew was stereotyped to anime yet the urge was always there. At this moment he could not care less where they went, he was with her, it was all he wanted. 'We could go to the Miller's House... I hear someone talk about it being just a little down that route there.'
He could tell Katelynn was thinking the same thing he had, how do you find something when everything looks the same? 'Oh and don't worry, I hear it's bigger with a sign and everything so even I could find it!' jested Richie in an attempt to get a smile out of her, he seemed to find himself doing it a lot, though whether it was for her happiness or the smile he never could quite decide.

Helping Katelynn up as she gently got up off the bench, he gave her a quick hug before leading her on to the route, the start of their journey.

[Administrator]

"The Millers...?" Katelynn blinked, not having really paid attention to what people said about the the Lanorae region other than perhaps what Pokemon were available to trainers, be it by means of a starter or otherwise. Though, really that hadn't been the only thing that had kept her attention fixed away from the conversations of others. And, well, there was that little instance on the ship with the maid dress, that had certainly been a fun experience.

"There's a sign hmm? It seems like whoever the 'Millers' are must like company then," a slight smile touched her lips, and she immediately grabbed at her hat again as a sudden breeze off the ocean tried to whisk it away. "Well, this isn't going to do me any good if it keeps getting almost blown off..." she muttered, sighing as she took it off and slipped it into her shoulder bag next to the laptop she always carried around with her.

The sudden hug he pulled her into as he helped her up was a bit of a surprise, and yet it was a welcome one at that. Despite the hot temperatures of the seaside village, the warmth of his body against her's felt nice and comforting. She squeezed his hand slightly, half wishing he would whisper something in her ear just for the sake of hearing his voice closer, picking up the accent it held almost immediately, but it ended all too quickly for her and already she found herself following him down the dirt lane.

She absently adjusted her glasses in a rather meek attempt to hide the slight pink blush that was coming to her cheeks. Deciding to focus her attention elsewhere until it faded she glanced skyward, trying to pick out images in the clouds above. "Does that one look like a Wailmer to you?" she asked cheerfully, nodding at a large round nimbus cloud. Really it didn't take much to look like a Wailmer, the Pokemon being a giant orb with tiny flippers, but it was something at least.

[Equilibrium]

She squeezed his hand as they embraced one another. He could feel she wanted some sort of reassurance and so softly whispered "I love you," into her right ear as they stood there laying their head upon the other's shoulder. Katelynn seemed to enjoy this and with a smile on her face he took up her hand and lead her down the route.

She asked him if a cloud looked like a Wailmer. He felt a bit confused at how a big blob could resemble a Pokemon, but his eyes detecting a faint hint of pink her cheeks informed him to simply nod in agreement. Suddenly developing an interest in the clouds in himself, he could've sworn he saw something flying through them that he could not name... no, it could not be, it must be a trick of the eyes.

The route despite being constantly trampled by new trainers was in fact still highly populated by Pokemon. Hoppip jumped in and out of the tall grass learning how to fly with their mother Jumpluff with bird Pokemn doing similar, Ratatta learning how to steal food and other items from trainers (to which Richie could not help bursting out in laughter to) and water Pokemon splashing about in the ocean waves.

They stopped just outside of what would seem another route with a fence, but on second glance was merely the front garden of a very big house. A sign was shoved slightly crudely into the ground signaling it to be the house of the Millers. Richie gave Katelynn's hand another gentle squeeze and leaned to be close to her saying "I guess now we're here we should knock," with an embarrassed face, he was always shy around someone new.

[Administrator]

"Well we can't exactly just walk in... probably shouldn't do that when we get to the lab either, never really know whether a place is directly open to the public or not..."

Yet Katelynn didn't move from her position leaning against the fence with one of her hand's still clasped in Richie's. The garden that was situated in the side lawn was already full of different vegetables and what seemed to be herbs. A few tomatoes and peppers seemed to have been plucked off their stalks and nibbled on, most likely from a roaming Rattata or Zigzagoon, but apparently something had scared off the rodents before they could finish their meal.

Probably the source of the past disturbance was currently sitting on the roof of the main house, licking its paws as it cast only the faintest twitch of its triangular ears in the couple's direction. A small silver tag hung from a black collar around its neck, probably a sign that the Meowth was indeed owned, most likely by the couple that resided here.

However, the small snap of a twig and a rustle in the bushes next to the house certainly seemed to attract the feline's attention. It was off without a second glance, disappearing into the bush... and promptly returning from it with a rather disappointed expression on its face. An old man followed, chuckling slightly.

"Ah, at leas' we know ye' 'ave it in yeh, righ' girl?" the man laughed, slipping his thumbs underneath the straps of his overalls as he trod after the cat. "I'da think yeh 'ave los'it wit the ol' missus spoilin' ye'." The way he talked seemed rather slurred and hard to understand, but a replying purr from the Meowth showed that it had apparently understood.

The man glanced up and his gaze happened to fall on the couple. "Ah! 'Ey there youn'sters! Wha' brings yeh 'round teh ol' Miller place, eh?" He gave a cheerful wave. Well, at least he was certainly friendly.

[ O u t of C h a r a c t e r ]
Yeah I took on the role of playing Mr. Miller x3 Such a lovable ol' guy.[/size]

[Equilibrium]

'Uh... well um.... we, meaning Katelynn and myself... we came here hoping for directions to the lab?' managed Richie, the man may have been jolly but he was a bit intimidating on first sight not to mention his general shy nature. "Aye I see 'ow it is, come'n,' directing them through the door with his rather big hand,a gesture rather hard to decline.

The house was beautiful. Old looking, a dimming light from the fire place, a general cozy feeling to the place with everything seeming to hold its own lengthy history. The Meowth curled up in a ball on the old rug, the flickering tongues of warmth from the fire place a welcome companion on a rather chilly afternoon.

'Now then, yeh say yeh lookin' for the lab?' questioned Mr Miller, taking a seat in what seemed a massive arm chair located to one side of the room next to a lady one could only assume to be his wife, sat quietly knitting some sort of clothing. 'Yes the Pokemon laboratory,' replied Richie in a sort of bothered tone, he really wanted to start his journey 'could you please tell me where to go?'
'On one condition me young boy!'
'What would that be exactly?' asked Richie curiously, Katelynn gently smoothing his hand in an attempt to try and keep him from getting frustrated, he was after all a somewhat impatient guy at times.

[Administrator]

"Oh Al..." an old woman had appeared of the kitchen, drying her hands with a dish towel. Her hair still, surprisingly brown for her age, had only the faintest touches of gray to it. She was wearing a simple, rather drab coloured dress with a white apron. "Don't overwork them just so they can have directions for the lab!"

"It ain't jus' fer directions, Millie," Mr. Miller replied cheerfully. "Few lil' gifts too, anyways, not like the job is big, just need 'elp paintin'. Me ol' back can' take much as it used ter." He grinned back at Katelynn and Richie, slipping his thumbs beneath the straps of his overalls again. "Anyway, yeh willin' to 'elp out? I jus' need ter finish the one side o' me shed."

The old woman sighed, rolling her eyes. "Fine fine, I guess it's no bother asking... however, you ain't gettin' that little missus to do yard work!" Mrs. Miller huffed, putting her hands on her hips, dish towel still in hand. She tapped her foot absently, fixing the back of Mr. Miller's head with a glare.

"It's no problem, miss," Katelynn blushed slightly, fiddling with her glasses. She felt rather out of place while people were talking about her while she was right there, and being called a 'little missus' sounded rather odd. She supposed it was just the language the couple used but, either way, it still sounded a bit peculiar.

"No no. If you feel like helping out you can help me in the kitchen and leave that paintin' to the men. Anyways, you two don't even have to do anything at all, Al's just getting ahead of himself. We just typically hand out a few little starter items for those that decide to but absolutely nothing is required for directions." She shot a glare at her husband. "Right, Al?"

"Yeah, er, righ'..." the man replied, grinning sheepishly.

[Equilibrium]

Work... great, my favourite thing thought Richie as Mr Miller lead the way to the job of the day. Richie didn't mind too much, he'd painted a whole house for an old couple before. Then again, he had known them a long time and they paid very generously. [Not to mention delicious cakes and tea[/i] Richie reminded himself, his sweet tooth was always getting the best of him.

'Righ', I need ye' teh get starte' on this 'ere fence,' directed Mr Miller as he sat on a tree stump, surely done on purpose for a seat figured Richie as he sat rather comfy-like. 'I would 'elp yeh, but I ain't like I use' ta be,' explained Mr Miller as Richie took up the paint brush. There was something very Huckleberry Finn about the whole event but he went on with the painting none the less.

As he finished another panel, Richie remembered he'd yet to show Katelynn his Piplup as the Pokeball dug into his hip. 'I must remember to show her before the lab,' whispered Richie, talking to himself didn't seem healthy but he did it often. Ah Katelynn, he wished he was with her rather than out here painting what seemed a fence without end while Santa's twin sat down with his pipe to have what seemed to be a chat with some Starly. A man chatting to Starly, now I've seen everything contemplated Richie, which then lead him on to decide he thinks way too much.

The kitchen, this gave Richie a bit of a laugh to which Mr Miller joined in having no idea why, any excuse would do. Richie knew his Katelynn wasn't exactly the Jamie Oliver of the world and was interested to see what would come of it if the old lady decided to ask of her to cook something. The ship had provided the meals and it had been decided Richie would be the one to cook on their adventures. Katelynn... thought Richie once more as he slapped more paint onto the fence, she seemed to be the only thing on his mind.[/size]

[Administrator]

Katelynn watched as Richie followed Mr Miller, almost walking after them in an attempt to escape helping out in the kitchen and doing some yard work instead. However, she felt the bony, yet gentle grip of Mrs Miller's hand around her wrist before she could even take a step. "Mrs Miller, I'm not sure if this is a good idea--"

"Nonsense, dear. Women work in the kitchen, and the men do the yard work. That's how Al and I have always worked, so I don't see why it should be any different here," she smilled cheerfully, giving the girl a little tug as she pulled her along to the small kitchen. "I was in the middle of baking some cookies, why don't you pull the current batch out and I'll get the next pan ready."

The woman released Katelynn, leaving her to open the stove and remove the baking delicacies inside as she bustled over to work on filling the next pan. The blonde bit her lip, fixing her glasses as she stooped down and carefully opened the door. She was immediately bathed in the heat of the cooker, and she regarded the dying, but still hot thermal wires that ran through the interior. Oh, this was real smart. Leave the gal that had possibly the largest possibility of setting the house on fire to deal with the hottest thing in the kitchen.

She chewed on her lower lip, looking around and quickly grabbing an oven mit as she slipped her hand into the warm interior and quickly grabbed the pan. She jerked it out a bit too quickly, causing her to have to scramble quickly to get a good grip on the pan again [and burning one of her fingers on her un-mitted hand in the process] but she managed to avoid spilling anything.

She stood up, her cheeks beet red as she closed the oven and set the tray on the counter only to find Mrs Miller staring at her with a slightly raised eyebrow. "Alright dear... why don't you clean up the counter, and I'll finish baking, okay?"

Katelynn gave a hurried nod, relieved that she didn't have to be around the oven anymore, and quickly accepted the rag that the elderly woman handed her to begin sweeping away the cookie dough that had escaped Mrs Miller's pan. The older woman slipped the new tray into the oven as the blonde quickly scrubbed away at the counter, slipping her burned finger into her mouth in the meanwhile as she attempted to dull the sting a little bit.

Well, you're probably a lot better off at the moment, hun, she thought, laughing mentally to herself. At least Richie hadn't been there to see that mini charade. It seemed she always found some way to do something in the kitchen that wasn't exactly beneficial. Hopefully we'll be able to get on the road soon though... I have something for you...

And she smiled to herself, scrubbing all the more quickly.