Chapter 7:The Journey Begins…..
The next two days went quickly. One whole day was spent at Slateport City on the beach. In the evening when the beach was empty besides Russ, Luke and the gang, Russ releases Alice's ashes into the sea. Pandora wept softly with Luke in her arms and Epimeth tried to comfort her. Izalith hang her head low. Shogun and Eden did a dance in the sky but this dance is far less energetic than their usual. This could be a dance of mourning. Leviathan guides the ashes out to sea. On the second day,Russ and Izalith prepare themselves for the journey ahead when they are not busy with Luke. Uncertain of what is in store for Russ, they decide to travel light and try to mainly rely on their wit and cunning to survive. Russ thinks that getting some advice on berries from the Berry Master wouldn't be a bad idea.
The plan of action that everyone agreed on is to have Epimeth teleport Russ and Izalith to the berry master and go from there. Russ packs a map and compass, few days' rations, Izalith's pokeball, a waterskin among other bare necessities into a bag. While Izalith and Russ pack, Pandora and Epimeth spent quite a lot of time with Luke. Luke is still quite young to stay awake for long so Pandora just has him in her arms on the couch. After packing, Russ has some time to himself, fiddling with Alice's amethyst necklace and ring. He decides to thread his and Alice's ring onto his necklace. Russ gets some paper and an envelope. He writes a letter and puts the letter and Alice's necklace into the envelope and writes Luke on the front. In the evening, Russ finally spends some time with Luke while Pandora cooks in the Kitchen. Epimeth is meditating and Izalith is napping on her hammock. Once dinner is done and eaten, everyone retires except for Russ and Epimeth."Epimeth, can you give this letter to Luke when you feel he is ready." Epimeth nods, goes off to bed and so does Russ.
The next morning, after saying their solemn goodbyes, Epimeth take Russ and Izalith to the Berry Master's home on Route 123. Once Epimeth returns home, Russ and Izalith go inside the Berry Master's home. Upon entering, the Berry Master greets them. " Hello. How may I help you?" Russ replies "Yes. I would to know more about berries, especially edible medicinal berries and how to found them easily." The Berry Master looks at Russ a bit of a confused face. "That is quite specific. May I ask why?" Russ answers the Berry Master. "My pokemon here and I are going into the forest for awhile. I want to save on food and potions." It is truth but not the entire truth.
Luckily, the Berry Master bought it and gives the info to Russ. "Well, I would recommend the Oran berry and Lum berry. The Oran berry is nutritious and packs plenty of energy while the Lum berry is good for burn, posions, you name it. While The Lum berries is harder to come by, they both like the shade and water so I would say near a body of fresh water is easiest place to find them. I can give you picture on how they look too." Russ agrees " That would be great." After getting the pictures and saying goodbye, Russ and Izalith head deep into the forest. While consulting the map, they mainly head north to a oxbrow lake. Russ glances at the sun. "We will make it in time. Would you like a dip in the water once we get there." Izalith nods vigorously, giving a thumbs up. "You are quite something Izalith." Russ says laughing. An idea pops into Russ's mind. He breaks into a run towards the oxbrow lake, catching Izalith off guard. "Race you there." Russ shouts back at Izalith. Izaliths smirks like a madman and gives chase.
-?'s pov-
"I hope he shows up." I say concerned. The voice in my head speaks back "Don't worry. I know he will be here. Besides, you are the one who foretold that he will be here." Although I can not deny that, I can not stop stressing. I speak again. " How can I trust you? I do not know your name." The voice says calmly "All in due time. The time is nearly upon us and I can sense the brand getting closer." "What?! How long have you know?!" I exclaim. "That is of no importance now. He will be here soon so be prepared." The voice says urgently.