Time flew by as Dawn taught Clyde how to use their Pokédex. It was surprisingly intuitive and straight forward at face value, though the more intricate aspects were reserved for those who wished to delve deep into Pokémon research. It was one thing to access the known Pokédex information on a given Pokémon, it was another thing to expand upon the stored information and upload it for the Professor to look at and go over.

As promised, they started with Oshawott. Giving them a brief scan, the Pokédex analyzes the Pokémon in question and reports the currently known information.

'Oshawott, the Sea Otter Pokémon. This Pokémon from the Unova region uses the shell on its belly as a weapon to cut down its foes. This scalchop on its stomach is made from the same element as claws. It detaches the scalchop for use as a blade. Not only limited for battle, but it can also be used to break open hard berries as well.'

While the information on Oshawott was accurate from what Clyde had observed, it was surprisingly sparse compared to biology textbooks back home. Dawn mentions that most other Pokémon are lacking in detailed information analyzing the creatures in question. There's ample surface level description as well as fairly detailed move sets of most Pokémon but anything going deeper than casual and shallow observations is lacking.

"Alright." Dawn states having finished an in-depth explanation of how to use the Pokédex. "How much do you know about Pokémon and research in general?"

Clyde ponders a moment. "I like to hope I know a bit about general research. Pokémon specific though? Absolutely nothing."

"Perfect. So, you saw how sparse Oshawott's data is, right? This is where we come in." Dawn added as she tied back her black hair into a messy ponytail. "Our job is to expand our knowledge on the Pokémon in this region. It's a new initiative that's expanding on existing projects in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Unova, and like four other regions I don't know off hand. Sure, independent people write about their own Pokémon but it's often overly fluffy and focusing more on how cute their Vulpix is or something which, while adorable, does not pass rigorous scientific method or examination." As she finishes speaking, she produces her Pokégear and navigates it with an unrivalled skill showing off a cute picture of a Flareon.

"See, right here, like. You'll find countless people talking how absolutely adorable their, in this case Flareon, is. What they don't talk about is how Flareon evolved. The conditions by which they evolved, how their individual performance is and if there's a link between when and how they evolve and their measurable power. That's just what we measure, but similar trends extend into most Pokémon research.

"So, our goal here is to go out in the world and learn about Pokémon. Ideally focusing upon the circumstances of evolution and see if we can notice any general trends that might indicate patterns to predict when and how Pokémon evolved, as well as determine if there's any evolutionary factors that lead Pokémon to certain evolutions. With Professor Birch's research on Pokémon breeding, we know that two different Pokémon can have a unique offspring that then follow their own evolutions. This leads to a lot of questions surrounding how Pokémon evolve. So many questions, absolutely no answers! A world ripe for discovery." She scrolls through a forum of Flareon pictures. Incredibly cute creatures.

Clyde thinks over her explanation while admiring the cute Pokémon.

"In any case," she finishes, "I'm hoping that we can work together and exchange notes on our studies. With us working together, we can absolutely learn a lot about the Pokémon here!"

Her enthusiasm is contagious as a slight pang resonates lending itself to noticing a deep concern about leaving before the object of her desires can be realized. "Certainly sounds like you've got a lot planned out." Clyde mentions, prying his eyes away from the fire-based Eeveelutions. "Are there any Pokémon you want to study in particular?"

Sparkling eyes betray her as the answer is shared before she can even begin to speak. "Absolutely. Piplup, for one. Just got them, so I absolutely want to learn more about her. Of course, I have a Pachirisu named Risu whose been my friend for as long as I can remember. She'll also be a focus of my research. I want to find her ideal habitat and see if there's anything we can learn from it. I want to try and make her the happiest girl possible."

Clyde nods along, integrating the knowledge against what he knew before coming here. 'Certainly reminds me of the way of thinking of a zookeeper, though Pokémon are a little more intelligent than your average zebra.' His gaze shifts to his otter who sits, chewing on the eraser end of a pencil. "I'd like to do that for Oshy. Still need a better name, but. Just do everything I can to give her a good life, whatever that may look like."

A warm smile radiates from Dawn as she listens. "You get it. At least it'll be a bit easier for us to work together. Between Piplup and Oshawott, both are ocean native water type Pokémon. If they become friends, they'll be inseparable! Which means we should definitely stick together."

Clyde chuckles. "With our powers combined, we'll never have to feed our Pokémon again. Oshawott can get mollusks, Piplup can catch fish, and they can share in a veritable feast that would make Turtwig green with envy."

"Oh absolutely!" Dawn responds. "We'll be able to take care of, well, everyone at this rate. Pachirisu can find us some berries, Turtwig some herbs. We'll never eat poorly again! All we need now is a fire type to help us cook and we'll be set."

"Ou, I like the way you think. Especially seeing as how I'm broke and relying on generosity to eat."

"Well, let's get your ID and you'll be good to go! I should check to see when we get paid, though. And how much. But until then, we should have more than enough for the immediate future!"

"New ID already? I was expecting it to be mailed, today, not picked up. This is more convenient, though. Fair enough."

"Perfect, onwards then, dear Clyde! Today we get your official Trainer ID!"

"Alright, let's hit it. Need to get used to my Pokédex anyways before I start using it."

The pair head out, Oshawott carried like the adorable baby she is, Pachirisu balancing precariously on Dawn's shoulder, occasionally scurrying about, exploring the local area. Investigating plants, greeting other Pokémon, but always returning to her trainer's side and shoulder.

The first stop of their excursion is to the Pokécenter. "With any luck, your new and finalized Trainer ID will be ready!" She mentioned as they walked.

The warm almost noon-day sun gently hugging the quartet with beams of light. The two brainstorm name ideas for both Piplup and Oshawott. While nothing immediately jumps out during their walk, they both agree that Oshy is a suitably cute nickname befitting of the munchkin otter until something more permanent can be decided upon. Much as she has before, Oshawott gave a "Myah!" of approval at the conclusion of Oshy. "Glad she likes it; her opinion is the most important after all." Clyde mentions while admiring the little otter in his arms.

Arriving at the Pokécenter, a quick visit upstairs to the office he had just visited last night shows it occupied with an open door. Dawn pops her head in, greets the individual by name, and requests if Clyde's Trainer ID is finished.

The official, allegedly named Barnham, nods and produces an envelope while speaking. "Rowan's lab all setup now, I imagine?"

"It sure is!" Dawn replies, entering the room and grabbing the extended envelope. "None too soon, I'm eager to get out into the world. Been spending too much time indoors as of late."

The man nods. "Absolutely. Enjoy it now while you can as you'll have plenty of time to spend indoors later in life. For now, live a little."

Giving a determined nod, she takes the envelope and moves to leave. "Thank you again, Barnham. I know doing express work is annoying, so if there's every anything we can do during our travels as thanks, don't hesitate to ask."

Barnham waves his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Now go studies the mysteries of the world."

Not needing a second comment, Dawn departs with the ID in question and pulls Clyde along with her. "Come on! We've got some shopping to do. Hopefully we can find Lucas because he's going to have to pull his weight as well. No way I'm buying his travel supplies."

Clyde, going along with her tugging with overwhelming apprehension can't help but ask. "What do you mean travel supplies?"

The two descend the escalator. "We need to get stuff so that we can properly venture into the wilderness!"

With an audible blink, he pulls back. "We're going what, camping? Where? Why? How long will that take? I really don't know if I can commit to anything like that, I have obligations."

Dawn turns to him. "Obligations? Well of course you do, silly! You're a trainer and researcher!"

"Not like that, I mean back home. There's people and things and- "

"Don't worry about that, you came here for a vacation, right? Why are you worrying about things that don't concern you at the moment? You can't spend all your time here fretting over future problems. Enjoy the moment."

"I feel like you're a bad influence."

"Probably! Now if you're good, let's start gearing up!"

"I feel like committing to this is a mistake, but I also can't immediately explain why, so I suppose why not. Been forever since I've gone camping, anyways."

"Then onward! There's a place right near the Pokémart. Should be able to get everything we need there!"

"Lead the way then, Captain."

With a brilliant smile and a confident nod, Dawn leads the trainer outside once again and off in the direction of the Pokécenter. "Keep an eye out for Lucas, by the way. Who knows where he could have gotten off to?"

Clyde gives a nod and looks around during their walk. Most of the people seem to be older almost resembling a retirement community. 'This would be a lovely place to retire. Live a long life working with Pokémon, then come back here to live out your retirement. Sea-side town. Beautiful times.' A small, slow town. People living their quiet lives, going to a bakery for some morning bread, tending to their garden with Pokémon for company. Operate a small shop, maybe a quiet job at a library.

The scene gives a comforting, nostalgic reminder of home. A time since lost, but one still ever inviting. It would be nice to return to such a place. Though this is hardly an accurate reflection of the past.

While walking, he looks towards his companion. "What will you once you're done being a trainer and researching? When you settle down and retire?"

Without facing him, Dawn furrows her brows. "I haven't really thought of that. I figured I would be doing this for the rest of my life, honestly. Studying the world, training Pokémon. With my friends and Pokémon by my side, I think I would be happy with just about anything. But right now, this is that thing."

"I like that." Clyde responds, contemplating the nature of friendships. 'Would I be happy with such a life? Probably.'

The two walk, each consumed by their own thoughts. A few minutes of comfortable silence pass before they arrive to the Pokémart. Passing it, they approach the building next door. It resembles a humble residence with nothing particularly setting it apart from other houses.

"Here we are! Our one stop shop for anything outdoorsy." Dawn motions to the house, hands on her waist. "Still no sign of Lucas, he'll have to swing back around here later."

With hardly a moment wasted, Dawn heads inside. Clyde follows shortly after.

The house did turn out to be a fully stocked store selling all sorts of outdoor supplies. The owner of the establishment, upon questioning, explained that 'Silph didn't think the Pokémart here was big enough to sell everything. I sell what they don't.' Sure enough, countless camping equipment could be found here that the Pokémart lacked.

The first thing that Dawn grabs is a Silph Co. branded backpack. The next thing is a full-on collapsed tent that she proceeds to slide into the backpack. The tent is easily thrice the length of the backpack yet slides effortlessly into it seemingly breaking the laws of physics. "What in the absolute hell."

"What? Never seen a Silph bag before? They're bigger on the inside. Can fit just about anything into one! Handy for bringing the big things around." She shows off the bag, now holding a tent.

It is a baffling marvel of technology, describable only as magic. Though it is as much a feat as the humble Pokéball which is pure magic, this at least is comparable to a bag from most common fantasy tabletop role playing games.

"That has to be the most fascinating piece of technology I've ever seen. How does it work?" Clyde asks as he looks to the other backpacks.

"No idea!" Dawn responds, grabbing a large sleeping bag and sliding it in as well. "Silph doesn't like to reveal trade secrets. It just works, for the most part. Though if you're rich, you can get one of their tents! Those are bigger on the inside as well and are decked out. One day, I'm getting one. Can host an entire party in one!"

"Sounds fancy, to say the least." Clyde moves to grab a backpack as well and inspects it.

It looks to be a mundane backpack, though fitting a tent into it is apparently effortless. "Huh." He says as he looks around the store. While looking, Oshawott attempts to climb into it. Not expecting an otter to invade his backpack, the trainer is unable to stop her in time and Oshawott falls in.

A few seconds of struggle later, Oshawott pokes their head out and gives a small squeak. "Alright, out you go. Once I buy this, then you can ride inside. Okay?

Oshawott nods and sticks their arms up for uppies. Clyde happily obliges.

"Anything you'd recommend I get, Dawn?" He asks, holding the otter in one hand and backpack in the other.

She motions towards the sleeping bags. "Honestly, a sleeping bag is the biggest thing. Nights can get cold, have to stay warm! Though snuggling a fire type usually works well too. Not that we have any, I mean."

Grabbing the cheapest sleeping bag that will still fit, he slides that in as well,

A few other objects of note Clyde grabs are an electric lamp with a solar panel on top, a hand crank waterproof flashlight, a pillow, small chair, some binoculars, and a notebook. Both he and Dawn split on some cooking utensils and they agree to alternate meals. Despite only having met Lucas, neither Clyde nor Dawn trust him with cooking.

He also takes the chance to get a fishing rod. It's nothing impressive, but it should hopefully allow for a better opportunity to see some aquatic wildlife.

That's the hope at least.

'In before I catch a Gyarodos and get eaten.'

After a half hour spent doing some shopping, the pair leave with fully stocked backpacks. Clyde ended up spending less compared to his companion as he opted for the smallest but still usable options for everything. Rather than using a card, the pair use their Trainer IDs to exchange currency for goods. "No idea how that makes sense, nor how much money I have, but hey at least I bought some nifty things. Now I just need to get some food. Starving."

"Let's head to Dairy Freez! I got us a picnic blanket, so we can dine in luxury!" Dawn says, Pachirisu balancing precariously on the backpack and wearing part of the plaid blanket as a cape.

"There's picnic tables." Clyde responds, Oshawott standing halfway inside the backpack he wears with an enthusiastic open mouth, sharp teeth bearing smile.

"Blanket!" Dawn counters with unrivaled intensity.

"Blanket it is." Clyde admits, not wishing to start a diplomatic incident.

A short stroll over to the purveyor of fried foods only mildly burdened by the backpacks whose weight is a mere fraction of their contents finds the area bustling with activity. All of the picnic tables are taken, and a long line has formed outside of the takeout window.

Clyde takes in the sight before him. "Well, I take it back. Blanket was a great idea."

A self-satisfied smirk takes its place on Dawn's face as she enters the queue before her. "I'll honestly be amazed if we don't find Lucas here." She mentions casually scanning the area around the pair. "There's no way he isn't here getting some of the greasiest food possible."

"Well, he did get a chili dog last time we came here, so. Suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

As if summoning an eldritch daemon, Lucas appears by their side. "Oh, hey guys!" He shouts, causing both Clyde and Dawn to jump back in surprise. "Wasn't expecting to see you both here!"

Letting out a slow breath to calm himself, Clyde recomposes himself. "Speak of the devil. Yeah, just finished at that camping supplies store."

"We got stuff for our adventure! You'll have to load up before we go, and you better get some stuff for the group!" Dawn waggles a finger towards her friend.

"I will! I will, don't you worry. And as soon as we get Turtwig, we'll be good to head off! The question is, where to go first?! It's a big world out there, so many options!"

"Well I personally think we should start small." Dawn fidgets with the straps on her backpack. "I'd love to go straight to Eterna Forest, but we should probably stay local for a bit to make sure we haven't forgotten anything important. I think Lake Verity is a good start. Sure, we've spent a lot of time there, but have we actually explored the whole of it? Or just by the edge where it connects to 201?"

Clyde nods along. "I like lake. And I have explored absolutely zero percent of anything."

Lucas agrees as well. "It's perfect! Maybe if we're lucky, we'll find one of the mythical Lake Spirits!"

"Then it's settled." Dawn declares. "Tomorrow morning, we'll head out west to the Lake and start exploring there a bit. Make sure we can handle ourselves before cutting through any proper forests. Besides, it'll give Piplup an opportunity to swim!"

With the painstaking decision of where to go resolved, the trio turn their attention to food. Arguments had over who gets what, what's good, what sucks and should be avoided. The queue vanishes as alliances are forged and shattered, enemies made, pacts broken, and one grumpy Pachirisu expresses their displeasure. Despite Clyde's attempts prior, it would appear a diplomatic incident was inevitable. The Pachoisie have risen up against the ruling class and demanded an order of fries to themselves. Unwilling to start a civil war, Dawn agreed to meet the insurrectionist's demands. Peace prevails and it was thanks to the power of spuds.

Pachirisu is pleased.

In the end, the group makes it to the front of the line, place their orders and wait to the side while the kitchen, a nebulous region of cooking manned by numerous humans and Pokémon alike, sets to work.

A few minutes pass, the overwhelming scent of food growing nearly insufferable before the groups order is called.

Ever grateful, they accept their food and find a small clearing to eat.

A small patch of grass relatively removed from most of the bustling tables suits the party well and they settle down for some lunch. Lucas recounts his thrilling adventures across town, analyzing and cataloguing every Pokémon he came across. At least the ones their owners allowed to be scanned. There was a Machoke whose trainer was incredibly reluctant to allow the thrilled boy to do his science. Another day, he'll succeed. Today however, he eats.

Likewise, Dawn talks of the supplies they got and a rough breakdown of their plans.

Tomorrow morning, they'll head out towards Lake Verity and catalogue the Pokémon and flora in the area. "That's all I've really got, honestly." Dawn says in-between fries. "I have a couple ideas for specifics, but I'll evaluate that as it happens. Step one is really just making sure we can actually rough it in the great outdoors. Step two is documenting the Pokémon we see and their habitat, see if there's anything that stands out for Pokémon evolution. Step three is seeing if we can spot anything worth really delving into research wise. We don't have to look into it now, but it's always good to have extensive notes."

Lucas shrugs. "As long as I get to look at cool Pokémon and hopefully catch one, I could not care less what we do! And we have to find Clyde a Pokémon too!" His enthusiasm is quickly replaced with embarrassment. "Sorry I kind of ran off, by the way. Didn't really look for a new Pokémon for you, I wanted to fill out my Pokédex as much as possible with everything in town. But now that that's done, we can refocus on you!"

With a weak smile and a light chuckle, Clyde waves his hand dismissively. "No need, I'll find one when I find one."

The group finishes up their food, all remarking about their wise choice is fried delights and pack up, exiting the busy clearing. They regroup just outside, flanked by residences once more. "Well, now what?"

Dawn shrugs. "I'm probably going to head back to the lab. Maybe do a dry run of setting up my tent."

Clyde nods towards her. "That's not a bad idea, does the lab have a backyard?"

"It does!" Dawn replies. "We can set up a little camp there, spend the night in town. Will save us the trouble of having to walk back if we're missing anything."

"Sounds good, then." Clyde agrees as Oshawott gives an "Oshy." Of approval.

Dawn inhales sharply. "That was the cutest thing I've seen today. Oshawott is adorable."

"She definitely steals hearts." Clyde reaches to give his Pokémon head scratches. She purrs in response.

"Well anyways." A somewhat bored Lucas speaks. "If you both are going to set up tents, I'm going to keep scanning Pokémon in town. Which is much more interesting than tents."

Synchronously, Dawn and Clyde roll their eyes as Dawn replies. "Don't come to us when you neither have a tent nor know how to set it up."

Lucas laughs, "I'm a veritable pro at this! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Machoke to find!" Departing with a wave, Clyde and dawn turn to each other.

"Shall we?" She asks.

"Let's." He replies.

The two trainers and their Pokémon set off back towards the lab, stomachs full and backpacks loaded.

A short walk later, the lab comes into view. Rather than entering, they simply walk around to the back and settle down in the small grassy area.

Clyde sets to work, setting up his small tent. It does not take long as its relative size lends itself to easily being propped up. Dawn meanwhile is struggling. Her tent, more than able to handle each of them and their Pokémon, is too unruly for her to set up alone. Both Piplup and Pachirisu both help her, and rejecting an additional help, she is eventually able to after more than a few minutes of difficulty.

"Hopefully that'll get easier with practice." Dawn hopes as she looks over the tent. "Bigger than I was expecting, but that is what I wanted. Always good to have some extra room to move, plus Risu and Piplup can comfortably hangout in there!"

Clyde looks over the tent, still fascinated at how it was able to fit within the backpack before turning to his own. "Quaint but functional. Alright, that's tents set up. I'd say we should see about food, but we did also just eat." He looks to the forest behind the new lab. "Could always explore, or we can just relax and enjoy tent. So many possibilities."

Oshawott scampers into the tent while their trainer contemplates what to do. "Well, I feel like Oshawott wants to take it easy today. Can always relax a bit, start the real science tomorrow. Would give me a chance to try and familiarize myself with what to expect out there, too."

"Yes!" An excited Dawn shouts. "Finally, someone who'll actually look into things before jumping headfirst into them! Okay, come on. We have a bunch of resources in the lab."

As she did prior, once again she takes his hand and pulls him forward. "Woah okay come on Oshy I guess we're going inside now!"

Giving an inquisitive squeak, they exit the tent and stare helplessly as their trainer is pulled into the yawning abyss that is The Lab.

Wasting no time, they quickly scuttle as well as an aquatic animal can on land and follow him into the lab. Piplup and Pachirisu follow closely behind.

It does not take long for Dawn to present a library's worth of books. Clyde encourages topics of the aquatic variety, since that's what he's spent the past 4 years studying. Dawn obliges and gives several options. Flipping through them, they show a lot of similar information as a biology textbook would.

Though this talks about Pokémon, of course.

Giving a brief scan, a couple Pokémon catch his eye. Milotic, the Tender Pokémon, Suicune, the Aurora Pokémon, and Phione, the Sea Drifter Pokémon.

"I'm surprised they have any legendary or mythical Pokémon in here. Wasn't expecting that." Clyde mentions as Dawn searches for more books.

Grabbing another handful of textbooks. "Well yeah, we know about most Pokémon! Obviously just that they exist, either from brief sightings or historical accounts. Like, we know that the Lake Spirits exist, but not much else. Lucas and Barry always wanted to see them; it's why they spent so much time out there. Even the Professor went out there on a whim, where we met you? Wanted to reassure he was making the right decision."

"Who knows? Maybe we'll be the lucky ones. I'm feeling lucky after all." Clyde continues to flip through the books, getting a rough idea of the Pokémon around the Sinnoh region and some of the native flora.

He cracks open a new book. "Surprising number of berries too, hopefully they're easy to find." He says, flipping through the encyclopedic list of Pokéberries. "Though with 64 varieties, I doubt I'll be able to try them all."

"We should be able to find some, hopefully! Need to find some native to this area, Starf berries are apparently really good." Dawn places another array of books.

"Here's hoping, then."

The rest of the day is largely spent going through books and discussing the intricacies of Pokémon with Dawn. She's a remarkable wealth of knowledge and clearly has spent a lot of time learning everything there is to know about Pokémon. Lucas eventually shows up as well equipped with a backpack. He heads out to assemble his tent before keeping his two friends company in their studies.

The three eventually take a small break to stock up at the Pokémart for their looming travels before returning to the lab and relaxing the day away, joking and reading to their heart's content.

Numerous hours pass and the trio decides to settle in for the night in order to get a fresh, early morning start.

Clyde settles into his tent with Oshawott. The distant noises of Pokémon in the adjacent forest providing a dull murmur of sound. Dawn speaking quietly to her own Pokémon, words inaudible in their silence over the ambient sound. Lucas occasionally snoring, having immediately passed out in the hope of waking up and getting Turtwig.

Oshawott attempts to get comfortable before opting to sleep in their Pokéball. Clyde obliges and does not object as the otter smells strongly of sea water and mildly of wet fur which, in an enclosed space, is less than ideal.

"That's something I'm going to have to fix or get used to." He says as Oshawott vanishes into her ball. "Until the morning, little Otter."

Today, an experience of a day ends. Tomorrow, new adventures loom. 'It will be interesting to see how that goes.'