[centre] [h3][color=f7941d]~Avery Grant~[/color][/h3] Amidst the chaos, not even Avery would have expected Melody to just immediately drop all concerns and try to tame her wild mane. But lo and behold, that’s exactly what happened. And Avery was impressed. Keeping your cool under pressure was important. Avery knew that one well. Getting all worked up never helped. He would keep a calm mind, and together, he and Brain could overcome most obstacles. The Nidoran’s owner strolled on over, picking up her pal. She and the Nidoran spoke to each other, using only the power of friendship to understand each other. Friendship was not a trifle thing. Avery respected the force, for friendship could overcome any obstacle, and it could do it better than just Brain and Avery, friends though they might be. She then started speaking to Peggy, telling her to keep her Mutt on a leash? So it was called a Mutt. Fascinating. And the Eager-One expressed concern for Melody. Avery smiled. Friendship at its finest, ladies and gentlemen. She apologized to the latter and her little scamp dropped to the floor. She pursued. That little guy was so full of curious energy, Avery could practically see it floating off its skin. He was getting fired up as well. That wanting to know things, from that alone, Avery empathized with the Nidoran. It just wanted to explore the world. Nothing wrong with that. Peggy apologized. But...why? Nobody got hurt. Everything was all groovy. Maybe Peggy just liked to apologize. There well...there was nothing wrong with that. Whatever made her happy, yeah? And besides, if she always apologized, nobody could be mad at her. Avery couldn’t, at least. It would be like being angry at a Pokemon. Just not happenin’. And then some soothing sound met Avery, slapping him with happiness. He looked around and found the source. The newcomer was playing an instrument and singing. That. Was. Awesome! Avery loved music. It was just something that was. It’s why he carried the radio. Well, he certainly wasn’t keeping it to listen to the Anderson guy. Kind of a jerk, that one. And his music selection was terrible. Heck, the only way Avery could listen was if he was about to go over the weather or the news. Wait. What had just happened? Peggy said something, nodded, and apologized. [color=662d91]"Tch. I can introduce myself."[/color] Oh! Introductions! [color=662d91]"Abigail Blanchett! Remember it you two. I'm gonna be the best trainer in the region! "[/color] … … … … … Avery immediately liked the girl. She had [b][u]SPIRIT[/u][/b]! And [b][u]PASSION[/u][/b]! A flame ignited in Avery’s eyes. Granted, he had stopped listening altogether after her proclamation of greatness. The slight slid right on past the guy...but he most likely wouldn’t have minded anyway. Actions, not words, determine a person’s worth. Or something like that. In this girl’s case, Avery hoped to see both. Confidence and skill, a champion makes. And she’d have to be aiming for champion, right? After all, the champion was the best of the best. Avery watched the Nidoran leap onto the Mareep and almost died from the sheer cuteness. But then there was a voice, and Avery’s attention returned from his thoughts and focused on the man he respected above all others. The Mighty Elm. [b] "I am glad to see all of you are getting along with your new partner, and with each other." "On this table, I have a few supplies I'd like to give all of you. I have a few maps of the Johto region, repels, and even a few medical kits for you. I couldn't buy much, so you'll have to share with everyone else and use your supplies wisely. On that note, I would like to remind everyone to stay together. As beginner trainers, all of you are quite inexperienced. Please, take care of each other and watch each others backs out there. If anything happened to any of you..."[/b] Words of wisdom and a gift? Right on, Elm. Right on. The man always delivered, that’s all there was to it. Avery and Brain went over a few things, mainly reliving some of the past, before a rare moment of clarity hit Avery. He turned to Abigail. [color=f7941d]“I think you can do it. Be the best that is. Well, you’ve kind of got to now that you’ve said it.”[/color] He paused for a moment, gather thoughts. [color=f7941d]“I’m Avery, by the way. Glad to meetcha. I’m looking forward to seeing you win.”[/color] There. Words of encouragement delivered. And with that, Avery’s job here was done. He smiled as he scanned the group once more. A musician, the best trainer in the region, a hair-care specialist, the survivalist...and that’s not even counting the other guys that Avery hadn’t properly met yet. He was glad. These people were fun. As if the journey wasn’t guaranteed to be fun already...well, Avery would never be one to turn down good company. [/centre]