After wandering for a while, trying to decide whether to go back to New Bark Town or go on to Cherrygrove City, Rino decided to rest under a nearby tree.
"I can't believe I walked the same stretch of road back and forth for that long, just to end up where I started..." Rino sighed in exasperation at himself as he let Ralts and Budew out of their Pokeballs.
"Sorry for not being able to get you guys to a Pokemon Center, there was a sudden change in plans... And a couple more sudden changes after that. How are you two doing?"
"Bud Budew..." Budew was able to talk at last, but it still had a pained look on its face. Tenshi did not utter a sound and instead looked up to the tree they were under and pointed at the blue, round items on its leaves.
"Are those... Oran Berries?" Rino climbed the tree to retrieve the fruit and to his luck, there were three Oran Berries. "They are! That's great, now I don't have to go back to that boring town or rush ahead. Here you go Budew, Tenshi. I think I'll save this last one for later." Rino handed a berry to Tenshi and held one up to Budew's mouth. As Budew ate the Oran Berry, it lost it's weak look and happily cried, "Budew!"
"Good for you Budew, are you ready to go now?" Budew stood up quickly and used Growth to appear larger. "Budew!"
"Another show off, huh? I think you and Tenshi will get along just fine. What do you think Tenshi?"
Ralts was just finishing the berry he was given. "He seems different from the others. I like him, but he won't be hearing this." Ralts sent his thoughts to Rino, who chuckled in accordance.
"Hearing your voice in my head again, must mean you're ready to go, too, so come on!" Rino stood up and put the remaining Oran Berry in his bag as he resumed walking down the road. On the way, he noticed a couple of trainers. Ahead of him was a person wearing a lab coat with a Riolu. Rino thought about catching up and scanning it with the Pokedex, but that meant social interaction, so instead he slowed his pace. Some other time, a girl was coming up from behind and Rino hid in the trees as he watched the silver haired trainer passed by. She seemed like she was running away from something or someone. At one point, a battle could be heard in the vicinity, so Rino checked it out, to see a girl in a red dress and her Turtwig rejoicing over defeating a Pansage. Looks like I missed it, Rino thought, as he turned back and went on his way.
Dusk soon approached, and Rino saw a small light in the surrounding area. There was a small campfire in a clearing and a man with dark blonde hair sleeping next to it. A few yards away, a tent was set up. "It's getting late Tenshi, I think we should stay near that fire and hope the Murkrow from earlier stays away. If you want, I could return you to your Pokeball like Budew."
"Staying close to others is a good idea. I prefer to stay outside."
"Alright buddy, whatever you want." Rino was careful not to wake up the other people and crept over to the largest tree nearby. He climbed it with difficulty, trying not to make any loud noise by breaking a branch and laid on one facing opposite the campfire. Ralts followed suit on the branch above. After a few minutes, both trainer and pokemon were sound asleep. In the middle of the night, the snap of a twig was heard. Rino, still cautious of the Murkrow, opened his eyes instantly. He looked around and the only new thing was a girl approaching the campsite holding a teddy bear in front of her face. The other trainer woke up slowly and revealed to have a Minccino with him. The two conversed for a bit before the owner of the campfire showed hospitality to the girl. Awkward social interaction. Must be nice, Rino thought, as he went back to sleep, seeing no trouble has occurred.