The Start of a Long Road

[Darksol88]

Over the last few days, Aden had been making his own preparations. He figured that if anything, he could start things off before the move to Hyda. Remaining disconcerted on the idea of using Pokemon that would potentially make things too easy, he had decided to leave his Arcanine and Rhydon behind. Keep them for the later times. His Nidoran, Poliwhirl and Raticate would be enough.

He didn't have much else to do for his preparations, and he had wished he could've told Ceramew of this before she headed off with Kos-Mos. His father was well aware, and while the offer to come along was extended, Aden felt it wouldn't have been quite right.

The trip shouldn't seem too bad, he thought. It was only to Violet City, and there was a shortcut there from Ecruteak's outskirts. The most he might have to worry about was a wild Pokemon or two. Maybe a trainer if he was unlucky, but he had his doubts.

Dawdling any further rapidly began to sound like a bad idea. It was early morning, and he didn't know how long it'd take to get there without riding his Arcanine. He had a feeling he might warrant another's presence with his early departure, but he tried to remain swift all the same. He was out the door in short order, starting on his way.  

[Darksol88]

If Aden had seen this coming, he might've been able to catch himself. He instead made a lovely faceplant on the ground. "How long were you there!?" He asked, getting back to his feet. "I didn't think anyone else was up... and I told dad last night about this. I didn't feel right about having him come along, though he offered to. And sis is out with Kos-Mos, but I can't contact her. I think wherever they are has no signal."

He wondered how Blizzard was surprised, though. "Do I really goof off that much, though?" This may not have been the best question to ask.  

[Darksol88]

"I'm trying to avoid that at least. I've paid for it a lot already. I was only thinking to get an early start since it'd be a ways to Violet, and I'm not taking my Arcanine along." Aden answered. "I was only in a hurry since I didn't want to dawdle more than I already had getting ready."  

[Darksol88]

"That's the way I was thinking to go. Just, yanno, didn't want to end up departing and not being there until late night." Aden said, and shrugged. "Or some random tree thing blocking the way there." How he heard about that story was anyone's guess. "What'd you think I was going to do, run there and try to avoid everything?"  

[Darksol88]

Blizzard120

"At the rate you were bolting out the door, the thought had crossed my mind." I said to him. I then crossed my arms then looked up towards the sky, thinking for a few minutes. Then with a shrug I looked over towards Aden. "Well, whatever the case, Aden. I believe I am going to come with you, if not only to see how you do in these fights, I do want to see a few of the gym leaders before we set out to Hyda. I'm not sure if news got out to them yet that the whole ranger fiasco is over and I know at least three of them would be pretty worried about me that isn't my own teacher."

"Huh? Uh... which ones, Blizz?" Aden was a little surprised at this development, but he wouldn't object. He had a feeling something like this might've happened sooner or later. "If you don't mind me asking about it. Those ones could be a priority."  

[Darksol88]

Aden had a bad feeling about who one of those three might be, if an earlier yell from Freth indicated anything at all. He still didn't see what the big deal was, if only because his experience with Miltank was more tame. But, it was something to think on later. It'd be a couple of gyms off if he succeeded here. "Oh yeah, sure." He said, adjusting his vest before he started walking. "I just hope there isn't too much of a snag. For all I know, Falkner's seen a surge of newcomers recently."  

[Darksol88]

"I wouldn't think of it like that... I can't be that much of a special case. I just have a bit more experience than the ones that just started is all." Aden didn't want to let anything like that get to his head. It'd be just as bad as if he was still a rookie. "Is there anything I should keep in mind, though? Most I know is how he likes his birds."  

[Darksol88]

"I'm... going to have some trouble then." It was at this point that Aden realized that he was going to have a little trouble. Even if he had taken his Arcanine and Rhydon, he had nothing that didn't rely on the ground. "Especially if both of them are like that."