Meanwhile, over by the entrance to Route One, which was just walking distance from the parking lot to the lab, the rest of the group were waiting for the Whites to arrive. Delia was shamelessly asking Ash various questions about his packing to assure that he was really ready to go.
"Oh, don't worry, Mom. I'm not a little kid anymore," Ash said to her, beginning to feel rather embarrassed now.
"There's a Pokémon center just on the other side of the forest. Stop there when you need to rest your Pokémon, or if you need help with anything else," Professor Juniper told him.
"Thanks, Professor," Ash said gratefully.
"And don't forget about what you said you'd do for me," Professor Oak added.
"Don't worry, I won't," Ash assured him. He then looked around the area. "So, how much longer until Hilda gets here?"
Just seconds later, everyone heard what sounded like a car pulling up into the lot.
"It seems that they're here now," Juniper said in acknowledgement.
Hilda and Hilary then emerged from the vehicle and made haste as they approached the rest of the group.
"Sorry we're late!" Hilda said as she positioned herself next to Ash.
"Don't worry. I wasn't going to leave without you," Ash told her with a smile.