The Trio continued making their way to Little Root, using the route over water and through Odale Town. They made record time, getting there in only 2 days. They headed first to the lab. Misty looked around, there were so many filing cabinets, bookcases, and also several Pokemon running around.

"Aww! A mudkip!" she cooed as said Pokemon chased its tail. She had heard of this one over the phone from Ash. Upon hearing her voice, the little creature stopped, looked up into her eyes cutely… and shot her in the face with a water gun attack. Spluttering, Misty heard laughter from her two male companions. Spinning around to 'scold' them (or hit them) she had to refrain herself, as a boy she did not know was staring straight at her.

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have let that happen! I'm a horrible trainer!" He said sincerely. Misty, still miffed, straightened herself out and opened her mouth to speak, only for the boy to stoop down and pick up the mudkip, cuddling it. "Sorry for leaving you alone and bored for an hour, but Dad sent me to do some filing and-" He was cut off by a sound of contempt and two separate laughs poorly being stifled. "Oh, excuse me. Where are my manners? Welcome to Professor Birch's Lab. I'm his son and one of his assistants, Brendan."

"Hi, I'm Gary Oak, the Pokemon researcher that Sam Oak sent." Gary said, finally managing to put down the giggles. The two shook hands. Richie also extended his hand.

"I'm Richie Cougar. I'm just a trainer from Kanto. I was wondering if I could speak to the Professor."

"Of course. Nice to meet you two. And you are?" He said, directing the question at Misty.

"My name is-"

"Gorgeous." Once again, Misty spluttered, but this time, she wasn't drowning on land. Kissing the hand she had offered instead of shaking it, Brendan smirked. Richie looked a little upset. Gary seemed to be only minimally interested in the exchange, but his eyes were resolutely glued on Misty and her reactions.

"Her name is Misty Waterflower," Richie ground out; he no longer liked Brendan.

"Oh! The Cerulean Gym Leader? I'm so glad to meet you," He gushed as his ruby eyes lit up with recognition and admiration. "Now I know all the rumors are true."

"What rumors?"

"That you are a beautiful and talented trainer."

"I'm flattered, but could we meet the Professor now?"

"Oh… Sure. Just follow me." He led them to the back of the lab where Birch was furiously typing away. Brendan coughed and the researcher lifted his head, and smiled at the three newcomers.

"Hello, I'm Professor Birch. You must be Gary Oak." Gary nodded then introduced both Misty and Richie. They all explained their reasons for coming to the Hoenn Region and Elm seemed happy to oblige them. Both Richie and Gary got new pokedex and Misty was given a pokenav, blue in color. The three trainers quickly discussed the pokenav with the Professor and Brendan.

Brendan raked a hand through snow-white hair and suggested that he come along on their journey. Birch immediately agreed and Gary nodded, saying he was already familiar with the area. Misty said nothing, her cheeks tingeing pink. Richie glowered, Sparky's ear twitching in annoyance as he picked up his trainer's discomfort.


"Thanks so much for getting me out of there," Brendan said stretching his arms. "My Dad has always been really protective of me since Mom left and hasn't let me really get out on my own yet. I want to be a field researcher, but he only lets me go out to Petalburg Forest. I need to expand my career."

"So does that mean you're leaving?" Richie asked, trying to keep the hope out of his voice. Misty hit him lightly, eyes reprimanding him.

Brendan shrugged. "Maybe. I don't know you very well so I might. Although, if my presence is unwanted, I can go."

Richie looked away and Sparky's ear started twitching again. Misty sighed and looked over at Gary. He shrugged noncommittally and then interlaced his fingers behind his head. "I don't particularly care what you do. My only concern is that you don't try to steal my job. I'm a field researcher, too. There is not that high a need for them, so you are now my competition."

"Alright then. It's decided. As soon as we get to Petalburg, we split."

The rest of the day was spent with small talk and minor battling with rookie trainers before arriving in Petalburg at sunset. Then, true to his word, Brendan left the next morning.