Guide Gent's House

[Pixel]

Half asleep, Adrian was pocketing his purchases from the pokemart when someone grabbed his arm. He startled and lurched, ready to start swinging at whoever just accosted him. But he paused as he found himself face-to-face with some random old man who started blathering about something and dragging him around town like he needed an escort to find the GIANT GLOWING SIGNS of the pokemart and pokecenter. Adrian was just too done with today to put up any resistance and he didn't seem to be doing any harm, so he tolerated the impromptu tour and the hyped up chatter.

He was ready to nod off right then and there, literally on his feet, walking down the street, when they finally came to a stop. The old man told him to wait right there before scurrying inside his house an emerging with a box.

"These look like your size!"

And somehow, about five minutes later, Adrian was wandering off with a new set of running shoes in hand. He supposed these would be more comfortable to walk in than his boots, but he really wasn't sure what kind of over caffeinated old-man poltergeist just whisked him away for the past half hour.

---

Obtained Running Shoes!

[Avalon]

Shiro and Mr. Gertsen had just entered the outskirts of Cherrygrove City, their first and only rest stop on the way to Violet City in search of medicine for the older man's daughter. Of course, as luck would have it the beginnings of a storm were beginning to set in upon them as they entered the town. Crashing rain and blistering winds picked up and, before long, a storm of nearly sideways rain began to pour down upon them. They were still pretty far out from the Pokemon Center that could have served as a makeshift shelter.

The closest structure was a nearby cottage sitting just on the outskirts of the town. Standing in the doorway was an elderly man, much older than even Mr. Gertsen. The old man was waving frantically, hiding under the awning of his building as he tried to gesture at the pair being besieged by the storm. "What are you two doing? Get in here, get out of the rain quick!"

Shiro was not eager to stay out in the rain, even if it was to help out a sick child, and so he led Gertsen towards the building. When inside, each of them was able to sit and rest while their jackets dried off. They would wait until the storm blew over, then they would continue on with their trek. Shiro and Gertsen explained to the man and his wife why they were even out in the storm doing this. "I have something that might help you with this little expedition of yours...and with the rest of your trek through Johto."

With that, the Guide Gent wandered over to a nearby cupboard and began to rummage around. He quickly returned with a shoebox, handing it to Shiro. Within were a relatively new pair of high-end sneakers. Running Shoes, specially designed for Trainers traversing long distances. Some people even said that they were able to make you run faster, though Shiro thought that was little more than superstition. Still, he accepted them gracefully and tried them on; it was a little coincidental, but the gray and pink highlights across them matched fairly well with his overall style.

"Sit in with us for a bit, have some cocoa and wait for the rain to lighten up. Then you can go help that little girl. You have to take care of yourselves before you take care of anyone else," the Guide Gent said with a smile. As the storm beat down on the house's exterior, the unlikely group of associates sat down over a cup of cocoa to relax and hide from the storm.

---

Obtained Running Shoes!

[nowi]

S

EVERE WEATHER ALERT, bzzt!


Cue Shinju Fukutomi, looking every bit like a drenched Meowth as she wildly shook her Rotom Phone: “DO YOU THINK I DON’T KNOW THAT!?”

First, a thieving Spinda that had practically thrown up its lunch all over her suitcase. Now, a freak thunderstorm that was ruining her clothes, her hair, her everything the moment she stepped into the boundaries of Cherrygrove City.

Her shoes, a pair of patent leather Mary Janes, were not made for this weather. They were fashion shoes if anything, consisting of chunky platform heels that weighed down her feet and thin buckle straps that hung on by the grace of Arceus. Before embarking to New Bark Town, one of the maids had offered to get her a pair of sneakers more befitting the walking and running she’d surely be doing on her travels, but she had insisted that the Mary Janes were fine.

Shinju gritted her teeth as she felt blisters forming on her toes. They were absolutely not fine. But alas, one step right after the other—

“Ah!”

The thick heel of her Mary Janes caught on a spot of uneven pavement, and a large mud puddle waited patiently ahead to catch her.

SPLASH!

“Oh dear! Are you alright, miss?” she heard an unfamiliar voice ask. Shinju looked up and saw an old gentleman, his face heavy with concern. Part of her wanted to scream at the man—did she look alright to him?—but another part wanted to bury her face in the ground and cry. Not only did she embarrass herself in front of an utter stranger, but now her clothes and hair were really ruined, and that mattered more than anything.

She let out a hollow, defeated laugh. “My shoes,” was all she could say to explain herself. The old man looked at her quizzically, but he helped her out of the puddle and offered to let her rest at his home until the storm cleared.

“Oh, I couldn’t,” Shinju tried to decline politely, but the old man wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“No matter how stubborn some of these kids are, I couldn’t let a young trainer just weather a storm like this!” he insisted. “Come, come. My house is just this way.”

Shinju found herself in the old man’s kitchen in a change of fresh clothes and sipping from a warm cup of tea as the man prattled on about his knowledge of Cherrygrove City. It might have taken all of Shinju’s effort to pay attention had it been anyone else, but the old man’s speed and enthusiasm made him hard to ignore.

“Then, if you turn around the corner, Pokémon Center is right there,” the Guide Gent said, pointing to a map he had laid out on the table. “The Poké Mart is also just next door. Look for the sign and you won’t miss it!”

The rain didn’t seem to want to stop even after a few hours, but Shinju didn’t want to intrude any more than she had on the old man. (And more truthfully, she couldn’t stand another moment sitting in his small, outdated home. While some might have called it cozy, to Shinju, it was claustrophobic, tacky, and uncomfortable. Did all commoners choose to live like this?)

“I appreciate your kindness,” she thanked him. “And your directions. I think I should be able to make it to the Pokémon Center by myself.”

“Before you go, miss, I have something for you!” The Guide Gent quickly went back inside the house and came out holding a cardboard box. “I noticed your shoes were, ah, a little clunky. These might be more comfortable to wear on your journey.”

Shinju blushed self-consciously. “Oh. I suppose you would be right about that.”

—

+400 to egg!

---

Obtained Running Shoes!

Words added to egg.

[Pixel]

It was dusty. He had just hurt the feelings of a punk, red-headed teenager by frying his grass type with fire. And he wanted to rest. However, before he could, he was approached by this eccentric old man who insisted on giving him the grand tour. In this weather. For bidoof's sake, was he just masochistic? Alas, Silas put on a strained smile and allowed himself to be dragged around. If this was who he thought he was, he was a local celeb of sorts, renown for helping out trainers and giving them new shoes. An odd habit, for sure, but Silas had to admit that his feet were aching a bit from galavanting around in dress shoes. So he nodded along, let him say his bit, and when it was all over, he took the shoes and walked away. 

"Thank you good sir," he'd say as he left, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. 

At least, he had to admit, his feet could get some relief in these...

---

Obtained Running Shoes!

[Professor Oak]

The mist thinned before dissipating altogether as Professor Oak and his Pokémon reached the outskirts of Cherrygrove. Ambient streetlamps under the enchantment of a warm moonlit night beckoned them forth while the delicate aromas of late summer blooms tantalised their senses. Hoping to slip through the city gates and find some abandoned building or secluded park to hunker down until dawn, Oak was startled by a sonorous voice nearby.

“Howdy traveller, have you come for the Paldea Festival?” asked an elderly gentleman stepping forward from where he had been standing next to the gatepost. He was bald with wisps of hoary hair around his temples and looked about twenty years older than the Professor. He wore a frock coat and supported himself with a cane but his old-fashioned attire was juxtaposed with a pair of modern sneakers he had on.

“Uh… what’s that?” Oak croaked guardedly, fearing he might be recognised despite his tatty and unshaven appearance.

“Curious... not from around these part yet not one of them Paldean folk,” pondered the perceptive senior. “I can’t imagine you riding a Cyclizar anyway. Me thinks you prefer to travel by foot.”

For each step the stranger took towards him, Oak hesitantly backed away mistrusting of his intentions. Viri hid behind the Professor and Twitch, who was still joined to his hip by the knot of rope gawked in dumbfounded stupor.

“Come now, we’re a welcoming and neighbourly community,” vouched the senior citizen offering an outstretched hand which Oak shook languidly. “I’m known as Guide Gent. What shall I call you my friend?”

“Oak… Doctor Okido,” stuttered the Professor correcting himself.

“Oakie dokie Doctor O! Let me show you around the city.” With a twinkle in his eye, Guide Gent ushered Oak all across the city, regaling him with tales of its rich history, from the humble beginnings as a fishing village to its current status as a vibrant coastal hub. He pointed out the local landmarks such the Pokémon Centre, the Pokémart, Route 30 and the river downstream from the famous Blue Moon Falls. While Oak was no spring Combusken himself, he had great trouble keeping pace with his older chaperone who was surprisingly energetic for his age.

The tour ended outside Guide Gent’s quaint little house which had an apt plaque in front which read: Full-of-Energy, High-Speed Old Man. Oak was ready to pass out by this stage and by the look of his Pokémon they were haggard as well. The cicerone chuckled at the sight of them gasping to catch their breath. “Ho, ho! I’ve a spare room where you can stay the night if you’d like?”

“I can’t possibly... don't want to be an intrusion...” wheezed Oak but Guide Gent insisted graciously, shepherding him inside the modest bungalow. Oak’s gaze swept across the corridor which was lined with racks of shoes! Some of them did not look like they even belonged to the veteran at all. Weird. “It’s really no trouble. You won’t have much luck getting a bed at the Pokémon Centre. Everything’s been booked out months in advance for the festival.”

Drying off before a crackling fire and served a hearty stew and glass of wine, Oak glanced sleepily at his Pokémon who were both curled in front of the fire fast asleep. He turned to his host to extend his sincerest gratitude. “No, it is me who has you to thank. You’ve been an inspiration to generations of trainers who continue to revitalise this city with their youth and vigour.”

Oak opened his mouth in surprise but Guide Gent raised his hand respectfully to explain. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. You must have good reason to hide your identity. And it is not my business to know.” He produced a clean set of folded clothes and also a dark hooded cloak. “Here, take this. So you can keep a low profile on your travels.”

Tears welled up in the corner of Oak’s eyes as he could barely utter his thanks. “I guess we can call you Professor Cloak from now on!” They both chortled heartily and for Oak it was a cathartic relief that the burden of his secret did not weigh on him in this fleeting moment. Despite all the gravity of his current predicament he found himself marvelling at the benevolence that could be shown by a perfect stranger and this gave him hope that good would ultimately prevail in this world.

“Oh and one last thing!” Guide Gent revealed a pair of brand new sneakers similar to the ones he was wearing. “These are the new Vaporeonflys. They’ll help make your journey a lot quicker. They're also actually banned in Pokéathlon events!”

---

Professor Oak obtained the Running Shoes.

[Michael Davis]

Mumblings of special 'running shoes' lassoed the attention of the Pokemon Ranger like a rancher with a wild Tauros. Michael was not the kind of sort to eavesdrop, with such an act being considered rude and all. Despite himself, the Ranger couldn't help but eavesdrop on two locals who were excited about shoes provided by someone called 'Guide Gent.' Michael had heard stranger monikers before, but this one piqued his interest.

Michael and his little gang soon found the residence the locals mentioned just as he got into town. It was a humble little house if Michael had ever seen one. Beautiful craftsmanship made up the home. Adorning it was a red roof that matched the red door he now stood outside of. It was as though this house had been summoned up from a child's fairytale. Putting on a smile, Michael leaned forward to swing the brass door knocker.

He and his Pokemon waited. Nothing. Concerned, Michael used the knocker again. More time passed and still an answer had failed to greet him at the door.

"Oh! Looks like you beat me home!" a voice chuckled from behind.

The Ranger and his team spun about to see a waiting behind them! He was an elderly man, approximately in his early seventies. The parts of his head not covered in wispy white hair helped reflect the wonderful sunshine. Wrinkles in the man's features only creased further from the warm smile that radiated from his cheeks.

"Oh, hello," Michael greeted, quickly offering a handshake. "It's nice to meet you, Mister...?"

The old man grinned at the introduction. His leathery hand graciously accepted the welcoming gesture, grasping the man's extremity to shake it.

"Guide Gent is the name," he replied. "You got here pretty fast, didn't you? But I can tell that you may want to move a bit faster. Is that right?"

"Well," Michael paused, looking to his Charmander and Rattata. "It probably wouldn't hurt our travels if we could move a bit quicker. I hear you have some kind of Running Shoes?"

"Of course I'm willing to part with them," Guide Gent said with a grin. "But first, how about I give you a tour of Cherrygrove?"

"I don't see the harm in it," Michael replied, grinning back at the man. "When can we start?"

---

Obtained the Running Shoes.

[Toogee]

Darius was alone upon entering the moonlit streets of Cherrygrove City. His charmander deserved a rest within her pokeball after that last fight. Without the glow of her tail however, the dragon tamer was blind. The mists were thick in the streets, obscuring all the buildings.

“I’m pretty sure the pokemon center is this way…but why are my shoes wet?”

He looked down and found himself knee deep in the nearby bay. How he managed to walk off the asphalt, onto the sandy beach, and continue into the water without stopping was anyone’s guess.

“Dragon’s Bane! Not only am lost, but my boots are ruined! If only there was a tour guide/shoe salesman at this hour!”

As if on cue, an old man appeared on the shore, offering a hand to Darius as he waded out of the salty brine.

“A bit late for swim, m’boy? Guide Gent is my name. I suspect you weren’t trying to cross the sea on foot, no?”

“Uh, I was trying to reach the pokemon center,” Darius replied, scratching the back of his head in an awkward pause.

“Aye, I know the way. I usually wait until after the tour to give these out, but given your situation, I will make an exception.”

The Guide Gent handed Darius a pair of brand new running shoes. The trainer did not hesitate to kick off his wet boots and slip on the fresh pair. Despite clashing horribly with his cape, they somehow fit perfectly.

“Amazing! How did you know my shoe size?”

“Trade secret. Now come! I’ll race you to the pokemon center.”

A smile stretched across Darius’s face, as if some childhood nostalgia was unlocked and unleashed in an instant. He had no idea where to go, but he wasn’t about to turn down a challenge.

And so, the two ran down the streets of Cherrygrove, Darius’ cape and the Guide Gent’s cloak flowing behind them as if they were caped crusaders racing to stop crime.

Dramatic reenactment of Darius and Guide Gent racing to the pokemon center.

---

Obtained the Running Shoes.

[Vay]

their journey so far could only be described as traumatic in eden's eyes, and so they were absolutely thrilled when the route they had been trudging along opened up into the main street of the next city. so much larger than new bark town as well, this felt like somewhere that eden could feel a little more at home. it wasn't the largest city they'd ever seen, but it looked big enough to have a few shops at least, and after a disastrous first day as a trainer, they really needed some retail therapy to help them recover.

of course, most people wouldn't consider several successful battles and two captured pokemon (one of which was even a shiny) to be in any way a bad start, but then eden was't most people. they had had to put some effort in, face wild pokemon, and even confront an irrational fear, and all of that was far too much work to be considered positive to them.

with no towering mall to head towards, eden ended up approaching a man in the street and asking him for directions to the nearest shop, and oh boy did that open a whole can of wurmple. the man eagerly showed eden directly to... the pokemon centre, explaining what that was before taking them off to... the entrance to the next route. eden didn't have a chance to get a word in edgeways, and by the time they had finally squealed in frustration and demanded that the kindly old gent just shut up and show them where the shop was, they had indeed stopped in front of a pokemart. they'd been hoping for more like a clothes store but this was a good enough start at least, and so that bubbling over temper seemed to almost immediatly recede again.

seeming to realising that his rambling tour had not been what the young trainer had wanted, the man apologised, ad offered eden a gift in return for taking the time to listen to him. one was usually warned against accepting strange items from strangers, but when the man pulled out a shoe box, any fragment of sense went out of the window and eden quickly snatched the box up with a thank you. it contained a pair of running shoes - not quite the delicate pumps that they had been wearing up to this point, but then their feet had been beginning to hurt from all that walking. this was actually kind of perfect then, wasn't it? a second thank you - a more genuine one this time - was offered to the guide gent, before eden headed inside the little store, their mood already significantly lightened.

---

Obtained the Running Shoes.

[AshenPhoenix]

- Sir, I've been in Cherrygrove for at least five days now, I really don't need a tou- - Crow attempted to reason with the old man. The latter shushed him quiet, dragging the young trainer by his sleeve.
- Five days is nothing, young man! I've lived here my whole, long and happy life, hoho! There are so many secrets and places you just wouldn't imagine! - the senior's frame may look deceivingly frail, but his grip felt like one of a seasoned Machamp, as occasionally Crow would attempt to free himself by gently pulling away. So he resigned himself to his fate - being dragged around the town like a helpless ragdoll, having all of the knowledge of the town and its history beaten into his head, nevermind, the older man was also about as fast as a Swellow, making it very hard to keep up. It was dusk, when finally the tour ended by the small house on the outskirts. Crow was exhausted and barely felt his legs, while the gentleman seemed perfectly fine.

- I hope you've enjoyed my tour! As a souvenir, I present you these! Perfect for long travels! - old man said, reaching for a fancy looking box with shoes inside. Looked like a pair of sneakers.
- Oh yes, lovely tour... - trainer exhaled heavily. - Thanks, I guess. Won't hurt to have another pair of those.

---

Obtained the Running Shoes!

[Calamity Ashe]

Allison Hargrove
Route 29|Outfit|Music|### Words|@tag|Notes:

Allison walked to the shop stall and looked around, her Sprigatito Flora in her arms. She had it in her mind to look around a bit to see what shed find. Soon a blizzard started and she rushed in to the nearest house which happened to belong to the friendly guide gent. He let her wait the storm out and she enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa and said seasons greetings to the person, before smiling and heading off to the great unknown, but before she left the man smiled. "Here.. a pair of running shoes for hanging out with me for a while... have a safe trip, Miss!" Allison nodded curtsying. "I will.." Allison then left heading back out with Flora safley in her arms.

---

Obtained the Running Shoes!

[Pixel]

After defeating a rambunctious pidgey that was terrorizing the citizens of New Bark after it escaped Elm's lab, Freya was on the hunt for the villain that stole a starter pokemon and caused such chaos! She explored the whole route looking for clues, ending up briefly in Cherrygrove as she searched. Freya waved to an older man she saw at the entrance to the city and made to ask him questions, but instead was dragged along and given an impromptu tour. When she said she wanted more details about the area, this wasn't exactly what she meant. 

But the tour wasn't all bad. He was friendly enough and seemed maybe a little lonely. Freya got a good look at Cherrygrove and after talking to the old man afterwards, she determined that the person in question had yet to reach Cherrygrove. That meant if she traced back her steps, she was bound to find the scoundrel lurking about in the snowy route.

"Thanks!" Freya said cheerfully, making to head back towards New Bark to continue her hunt.

"Wait! Here, take these," the man said, holding out a pair of sneakers. "If you're going to be running around in this weather, you should do it in a proper pair of shoes. Or you'll just slip and fall and break your ankle."

"I...I'm find. Look, I have these nice boots—"

But her protests went unheard. He shoved the shoes into her arms and sent her on her way. Well then. Freya was now the owner of a dandy pair of sneakers she didn't ask for. But she supposed she couldn't complain...

---

Freya obtained the running shoes!
ooc// Self-updating. Happens during her search for a certain redhead.

[necroix]

Raiden hated crowds, he absolutely hated them. It was one of the things that had changed since leaving New Bark Town. A lot more people and less room to actually move about and now here he was looking lost in the city. He must have attracted some kind of attention as an older man seemed to show up and notice his stress. "Hello young man, come with me and I will show you a tour of the city!"[/b] Raiden was sure he was like twice the size of the guy but his grip on his arm seemed stronger than should be possible. He had no reason to deny the tour as the man moved about the city showing every important thing as well as the history behind it.

Raiden was sure he had gone through several stories that had somehow combined together in the many years the old man had lived here. Still Raiden did try to play nice and a few times thought he had excused himself before being dragged back along. Well, it was at least something of a tour but raiden was sure he would forget it all after the, how many was it, story of his youth and what he did. Finally dragged back to the starting point it was time for them to depart as the sky started to set. "Well, um, thank you for everything." it seemed impossible to leave, but it seemed the man was finally done.

"Wait!" the man called moving back in front of him. Raiden wasn't sure how much more he could put up with this. "Sir, I have to go." he tried to keep his temper in check but the old man shook his head. "Of course you do, but take these first." he said offering a box of shoes to him. Raiden was confused but at this point give him whatever to get the heck out of here. "Thanks, I hope you have a good day." arceus his patience had definitely been tested.

---

raiden obtained the running shoes!
ooc// self-updated!

[Steph]

“That’s weird. The Cherrygrove Pokémon Center should be around here somewhere,” Daisy said. Thick lumps of uncombed hair danced back and forth as she scratched the top of her head. ”…I think,” she added hesitantly.

There was an urgent tugging at her wrist. Tulip the Bulbasaur was desperately trying to tell her Trainer something, her vine frantically wrapping itself around Daisy’s arm. Daisy looked down.

“Daisy, the Pokémon Center is that way,” the little Pokémon insisted, yanking Daisy’s arm towards the path to the East. Of course, to the untrained ear, this sounded like nothing more than a string of cute Pokémon babbling, which Daisy completely misinterpreted.

“What’s that, Tulip? You want me to hold your vine while we walk so you don’t get lost? Yeah, okay! Good idea!”

Bounding in the opposite direction of where Tulip was trying to lead her, Daisy dragged her unfortunate Pokémon along with her, walking away from where she should have been headed. The Bulbasaur’s feet left little trenches along the sandy ground as she tried, to no avail, to steer Daisy back towards where the buildings were.

The only thing that stopped her was a cold, wet dead end.

”WHY IS THERE AN OCEAN HERE?!” Daisy shouted to the heavens as they arrived in front of a large body of water. Tulip flopped down into the sand, exhausted.

An elderly voice from seemingly out of nowhere answered Daisy’s question. “Oh, well it’s not quite an ocean, young’un. This is the sea, as you can see!” it said.

Daisy’s head pricked up at the noise. Her eyes searched the ocean and the clouds for the source of the seemingly otherworldly help.

”Arceus, is that you?! Is this a divine intervention or something!?” she asked.

“Hoh hoh, not exactly,” the voice answered. “Try turning around.”

Daisy walked in a lopsided semicircle while Tulip slowly retracted her vines, shivering. There was a jaunty old fellow standing there, seemingly out for a daily jog in a tracksuit and running shoes.

“A rookie trainer, are you?” he asked.

Daisy frowned, furrowing her eyebrows. “Aw, man. You can tell? What gave it away?” she asked.

The kindly old gentleman put his hands on his knees, bending at the back just slightly to be on eye level with her. Offering up a kind smile, he said, “Well now, I suppose you just have that look about you. But it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I was a rookie once too, you know! Now then, did you need a hand finding that Pokémon Center? I might not look it, but I’m a registered tour guide.”

He showed Daisy his volunteer badge. It looked real enough. She figured she could trust this old person—and if he turned out to be a bad guy, well…that’s what her Pokémon were for.

Soon enough, they were jogging back into town together. The Guide Gent was surprisingly fast for a senior citizen. Tulip seemed to be more or less keeping up with him, but Daisy grew winded, stumbling over the uneven, rocky road.

”Geez Louise! How’d you learn to be so fast?! Did you drink a magic aprijuice or train with wild Electrike or somethin’?” she asked him.

”Hah! That would be quite a story. Nothing so outlandish, I’m afraid. Just a good pair of Running Shoes,” answered the Guide. He pointed to his sneakers. They were pretty top-of-the-line, actually.

Daisy frowned. All her shoes were hand-me-downs from her older cousin. There was no way she could have afforded something so nice back home. “Aw, geez. Those things most cost a fortune,” she lamented. ”I’d probably need to get a twelve-year advance on my allowance to buy just one of those things.”

Sensing Daisy’s plight, the Guide Gent turned back towards her and put his hands on his hips.

”Well, as it just so happens, I bought my granddaughter a pair just recently—but she’s not much of an outdoorswoman. I think they just might fit you though, if you’re interested,” he said.

Daisy raised an eyebrow.

”Oh yeah?! And what’s the catch?” she asked.

The old man smiled again.

”Come back and tell me about your adventures once you become a Champion,” he said. ”I do love a good story.”

Daisy could agree to that.

---

Obtained the Running Shoes!

[David]

Even though it had really only been a day, Benny couldn't help but feel ecstatic to be back in his hometown. He had done it! He had gotten a new starter and he had made it down Route 29. And even with the thick fog rolling through, Cherrygrove still looked as beautiful as always. The beautiful flowers that could survive winter were abloom and that pleasant smell of sea and plant life permeated the air. He took a deep inhale of the sweet aroma and then checked down to look at his Bulbasaur's reaction. Bulby seemed to be enjoying it from what he could tell. For the first time since they had left Professor's Elm lab, the grass type had the widest smile across his face. "This is my hometown, Bulby," he introduced with a sing-song tone to his voice, looking up to the barely visible sun coming over the horizon with a smile of pride, "This is where I grew up."

Benny thought nothing could disrupt this moment, that the pair of them could live in this forever, until suddenly there was a voice. "Well hello young traveler," came a voice full of age and experience cracking through the stillness of the morning, "Looking for the Pokémon Center? I'd be happy to give you a tour." That voice, in fact, was familiar to Benny. He turned with a warm, inviting grin and then nodded to the old man. "Hello Guide Gent!" he greeted, turning with a soft chuckle at the question the man had asked. "I know where the Pokémon Center is obviously, it's me. Benjamin Baxter."

For a moment, the old man stood there smiling, searching Benny's face, before nodding his head along. "Oh yes, sure," Guide Gent said, though the tone didn't sound like he quite believed Benny, "But you didn't answer my question young man. Did you want a tour?" Benny's brows furrowed for a moment, and he looked down at Bulby for answers. The Bulbasaur gave him a little shrug, how would he know what was going on? This was his first time in Cherrygrove. So, with a quizzical look, Benny turned and nodded his head, "Uh.. y-yeah. Sure, we can go on a tour." He turned once again to Bulby, and muttered softly, "Not sure what that's about but hey at least you get a tour of my home town."

Moments passed and they were finally in front of the Pokemon Center. Guide Gent turned to Benny and handed him a pair of sneakers. "Here, for keeping up with me, these should help you on your journey," said the old man kindly, placing them in the trainer's hands. Benny blinked a couple of times, wondering why Guide Gent had only waited now to give these to Benny when he had been on this tour with Guide Gent as a kid multiple times. "W-Wow," Benny chimed, trying to act as excited as he could muster, "Thanks Guide Gent." He slipped off his own, shoving them into the bag, before putting on the new ones. He stretched his feet a bit, getting used to the new feel, before looking back up at the older man. "Okay so now that we did all that... You do know who I am, right? Benny Baxter from the house over there," Benny asked, almost pleading, gesturing to his actual home off in the distance, "I used to take the tour with you as a kid. You gotta know who I am." This felt a bit like a hit to Benny's self-esteem. That he wasn't even memorable to people in his own town.

Guide Gent simply kept that same smile, almost eerily so, before nodding his head again. "It was nice to meet you, young traveler, be safe out there!" the old man said, before heading after another trainer that had just entered down, his voice trailing off as he went "Excuse me, young traveler..." Blinking, Benny sat there motionless for a long moment. Was this some kind of glitch? Why did Guide Gent sound like some kind of robot? He went into a sudden deep, scary thought about the world being a machine, and everyone here was programmed to talk and act a certain way, before finally giving his head a hard shake. No way! He sighed at the weird interaction and then slipped into the Pokémon Center.

---

Obtained the Running Shoes!

[Rexman]

It was amazing to Caitlin how different the towns could be depending on the time of year and the current weather. The last time she had been in Cherrygrove City, it had been cold, snowy, and not really full of life.

Now, with the dawn of spring and the warmer weather, more people were out with their Pokemon and enjoying themselves.
Caitlin had wandered back here as a pre-mental health day before she decided to challenge Falkner. She didn't know why she was so nervous, but she was. Deep down, she knew that her Pokemon were ready and strong enough, it just had never felt so real before.

As she was walking, hands in her pockets, a voice called out to her and when she turned, she saw an elderly man, looking particularly excited.
It was a mistake though, as she calmly explained that she had been here before, knew everything about the town. He looked sad for a second, then questioned how she had managed to explore the city without him knowing about it. She shrugged, apologized again and was about to walk off when he stopped her, holding out a weird pair of sneakers.

"Trust me, you want them," he said with a giggle, before running off, likely to find the next trainer.
Blinking in surprise, Caitlin went over to the nearest bench and tried them on, seeing that she needed a new pair of shoes anyway.
They fit well and she smiled, before getting up. Stretching her back out, she headed back in the direction of Violet City, glad that she took the time to backtrack slightly.

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Running Shoes acquired, self updating