"Hold still, Chikorita. I know it stings but you won't hold out in this condition at this rate," she reassured the rather hurt pokemon. On the short path to Cherrygrove there have been many wild encounters the pair had made. Mostly in Sentrets and Pidgey. It wasn't the best option to go against bird pokemon, with Ripley's being grass type. However, Chikorita held his own and proved himself to be strong in his own way. It amazed her how much power can be packed into something so small.

He even learned Razor Leaf!

She held the small medicine spray to the pokemon's wounds, "And... There! All better!"

She'd have to thank the Professor's assistant for the handful of potions he generously offered to her.

Chikorita had let out a chirp, nuzzling his cheek to her own affectionately. Ripley grinned, tossing the empty potion bottle in her bag, until she can find a proper place to dispose of it. She had stood, previously kneeling to tend to her weakened companion. The duo were almost to the next town. Hopefully there won't be anymore wild pokemon for a while if they kept quiet enough. Chikorita was healed of what damage that had been caused by the number of Pidgey, but the poor thing was still too tuckered out to make another move to counter attack. What they had would just have to do.

Just to be sure, she picked the creature up as it let out a surprised squeak. Chikorita had squirmed in reluctance, wanting to be let down and be able to fight if necessary.

"I know, I know," she sighed, holding him closer. The pokemon whined. "But, I can't risk another attack and you get hurt even worse. You're past your limits on what move set you have. So if anything should happen, they'll strike me instead."

Chikorita was saddened by this. Ripley would have to ignore it, venturing farther down the road. She had never been past her little neighborhood of New Bark. Hell, she really hasn't been anywhere else since moving to the Johto region. Ripley had been homesick so much, she had lost the will to take any adventure out into the actual open. So, being this far from home was actually a little refreshing. It was still slightly scary. Though, she was pretty confident she was heading the right direction. Right now, any hope she had was that Cherrygrove had a damned Poke Center.

At the ege of Cherrygrove city, and elderly man had returned home after a leisurely afternoon of fishing. He carried a pale of Magikarp with him with a hum. Obviously feeling triumphant of his catch. He and the wife would be eating like kings for days.

As he got closer to the portch of his home, he heard the rustling of the tall grass that bordered the small city and Route 29. He peeked curiously towards the direction of the noise. Then, setting the pale down at his front door, before wandering closer to investigate the odd sounds.

It came as a surprise to him as a young girl had finally emerged, embracing a tired and hurt pokemon to her chest protectively. She had also sported a few scrapes and bruises. There must have been quite a few wild Pidgey out and about today.

He had quickly rushed to her side, and held his hands up in defense. It was obvious that his sudden presence had startled her, so she was at the ready to defend herself and her precious pokemon.

"Easy there, Lass," he said to her, she slowly lowered her guard.

"I am but an old man. You and your pokemon are injured. Let me guide to a Poke Center as a peace offering to patch it up."

Ripley had perked at the mention of 'Poke Center'. She gazed at him, about ready to cry in relief.

The man had lead her to a Center that had conveniently been built at the center of Cherrygrove, what made the situation better was that there was a Mart right next door.

Ripley had returned her Chikortia to his pokeball, then handed it to the welcoming and concerned Nurse Joy who placed the ball upon a machine, then pressing a button to activate it.

"It will take a few minutes, you are welcome to sit anywhere you like and relax while you wait," she spoke gently. Happily, the pink-haired girl nodded and plopped herself at the nearest table. The old man had remained standing, but moved the Ripley's side, placing a hand firmly on her shoulder.

"Your pokemon will be good as new," he reassured, her eyes never leaving sight of her Chikorita's pokeball.

"I hope so," she replied in a mumble.

Of course she knew he would. It wasn't the first time she had been in the Pokemon Center. After about five minutes, she will be given back her pokemon, and he will be just as lively as ever. But, it didn't make her any less worried. She was trusted with Chikorita, and she could only imagine the overwhelming guilt she would feel of letting Elm down.

She wondered how Lyra and Ethan were doing. It hadn't been that long that they've set out to run this errand. They probably got lost, was the most possible outcome.

Nurse Joy had called her name. Automatically she stood and retrieved her pokemon from the woman, bowing her head a little in appreciation.

She turned to the elderly man, mustering a small smile.

"Thanks."