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[hider=The night before]In some ways, Flynn never expected to visit New Bark Town again. At times, remembering their childhood life there had been like a pleasant dream for the red head... and it sort of felt like that now, too. Flynn had arrived in the small village last night with a little Oddish cradled in their arms. Frankly the pokémon wasn't very nice to hold on to, it's body was fleshy but it's skin was thick like a vegetable. However the pair had been walking a while, and the Oddish's little legs couldn't really keep up after a certain point, so Flynn carried it the last few miles into town.

The air had been still and quiet that night. Even in a sleepy town like New Bark, apparently people made it a point not to get out much after dark. That suited Flynn just fine. They gave themself a half-hearted tour of the town, sometimes mumbling and pointing things out to Iris, the Oddish. The old Arata family home sported a new nameplate with a new name, and it's curtains were drawn shut. Flynn didn't linger there too long.

They noted that the town still didn't have a pokémon center. When the centers weren't available, Flynn had taken to sleeping outdoors. When the dam broke and they ran, the dancer had neglected to pack much of anything besides the things immediately in their room: clothes, mostly. No money to speak of, so motels were out of the question. On the road they'd called upon their past self to recall how to climb trees and get out of sight - and they were mostly successful, save for a few scuffs and tears in their clothes. Another night outside wouldn't be awful.

[color=crimson]"Iris,"[/color] Flynn started, the sudden sound of the red head's voice startling the Oddish in their arms, [color=crimson]"The moon isn't that bright, however I will find you a good spot."[/color] Flynn nodded to themself, making their words into a promise. Iris hummed happily. The pokémon's leaves were still spotty and ripped, soaking in some moonlight would be good for her. 

After another lap around the town, one of the residents seemed to have noticed the pair. An older woman stepped outside, a little wind chime rattling as she passed it and went over to beckon Flynn over.

"You look lost, do you need directions? A phone? It's getting awfully late," the woman said, her tone warm. 

[color=crimson]"Thank you,"[/color] Flynn tipped their head politely, [color=crimson]"I'm not lost. I'm looking for somewhere--"[/color]

"To stay?"

Flynn blinked a few times, the only hint that they were surprised by the woman's question at all. Flynn's own tone was carefully neutral as they finished. [color=crimson]"--to leave this Oddish overnight."[/color]

The stranger pointedly looked at Flynn's torn shirt and their grass stained leggings before meeting Flynn's eyes again with a smile. "I know a good place."[/hider]
[color=crimson]"Thank you for your hospitality."[/color] Flynn's voice was light even if their words were heavy with gratitude. Sleeping on a futon was so much nicer than in a tree. Not only that, but Flynn had been able to wash their clothes. Some still had holes, but at least they didn't smell anymore. The barest touches of a smile came to Flynn's face as they bowed gracefully, and the old woman at the other end of that bow giggled and shook her head.

"It was nothing, we all have to help each other in these times," she said, "I saw your Oddish wandering around by the road early, seems it wants to get going. Stay safe!"

Flynn watched the woman's back as she made her way back inside. They took note of the address and their expression faded to blankness as they considered the woman's words... oh, right.

[i]I suppose it is 'my' Oddish,[/i] Flynn thought, [i]I never really wanted it, but it's been with me through a lot... and it has a name.[/i]

[color=crimson]"Iris?"[/color] The runaway dancer moved towards the road, walking along it towards the town's exit. Flynn didn't really have any plans in mind, had no goal at the moment, but staying in New Bark wouldn't be that bad, right? Though Iris apparently didn't agree. The Oddish was indeed a little further ahead, halfway between Flynn and a group of people gathering up. Most of them seemed to be roughly Flynn's age. Some of them even looked a little a familiar. Wait -

They didn't just look familiar, Flynn was fairly sure they knew most of those people's names. Dante, Cho, and was that Naoko? Bartholomew? Flynn slowed to a halt, their mind piecing the scene together. People that had lived in New Bark for years, and those that had moved away - ones Flynn knew well, and some only serving as playmates at the park. They all had bags with them, they looked ready to go somewhere. Was it... some kind of trip? It made sense, a group of old friends getting together for a getaway. One that Flynn may have even been invited too, though they were sure their grandmother would have thrown away such invitations. That said, would it... [i]Would it be rude of me to try and tag along?[/i] they thought. Kat entered Flynn's vision, and their heart ached a little. [i]They all look like their already having fun. I...[/i]

Iris turned to look at Flynn, waving it's leaves about. They might have imagined it, but her leaves did look a bit healthier since yesterday. Leaving Ecruteak had been good for the Oddish. It had been good for Flynn too, even if most of the time was spent walking aimlessly. Only a few more moments of hesitation passed before Flynn sighed, then stood up straight and walked forward. Their posture was perfect, their steps were graceful even just walking down a road, and when they passed Iris the pokémon happily chirped and followed along until both of them were standing close by the group of friends.

[color=crimson]"Excuse me, I'm not sure if any of you remember me - My name is Arata. Ah, Flynn Arata."[/color] How sad it would be if Flynn had been purged from their minds, but the dancer would deal with it if that was the case. Still, they mentally chastised themself for the slightly botched opening before moving on, an air of determination twinkling in their eyes. [color=crimson]"I... would like to come along with you all. Very much."[/color]