[color=darkgray]As she surveyed the tiny road that bridged the gap between the town and the forest, Lilith wasn't entirely looking forward to the uphill climb. But then again, that was what all the elliptical work was for. The first leg of Kanto was a steady incline, plateauing in the forest and continuing all the way through Mt. Moon. It was meant to weed out those who wouldn't be able to handle the increase in difficulty that the later gyms would bring. Right back around to that initial incline from Pallet to Viridian. The one she had already travelled. It was that easy.

What wouldn't be easy would be facing Brock, and Lilith was well aware of that fact. Suffice to say, Sia and Omen weren't exactly built for the solid boulder of a roadblock that would be in their way coming up. He had a reputation for being a determined Rock trainer, although given what she had seen from Gary and Professor Oak, it was likely this was overblown as well. Still, it couldn't hurt to have an ace in her mesh sleeves.

At least she had more food. Hana finally made good on the promise that her work in the Pokemon Center foretold. The smell of the fried rice had partially forced her trip to the coffee shop earlier, so to have the ball in her hand, no matter the color, it was welcome. In addition to the croissant, she was now more than prepared for the trip through the woods ahead.

That being said, she wasn't exactly prepared for... cheer. That is what seemed to be on offer from the young woman that approached her. Obviously a member of the group that had set out from Kanto. The red hair was unmistakable. The eyes were something she hadn't noticed before, the red irises clearly standing out, even against the fiery mane that presented itself. Lilith was almost envious, certain that she could do that kind of natural hair color justice, although she would have to ask where the woman got the contact lenses that gave her such a demonic hue. 

It seemed like she had good taste in Pokemon anyway, the way she was fawning over Sia. The Litwick was loving the attention she was getting, a hint of pink almost visible in the white wax that made up her body. The glow off her flame was even more prominent, even in the midst of the afternoon sun. Lilith was all right with it. The woman, now naming herself as Lizbeth, didn't name Lilith as anything but that, and that was a win in her book. She was talking about her naming techniques and Lilith could relate to that. After all, she named herself according to what she liked.

[color=cc5500]"That is the way to do it,"[/color] she confirmed, oblivious that she defied her own conventions not two hours ago in the Viridian Pokemon Center. [color=cc5500]"Pokemon are much smarter than people give them credit for, and they deserve the utmost respect, no matter where in their lifespan they happen to reside. They should have a say in what they call themselves. Hopefully I will have a new member of the squad to ask that of soon enough. No offence to Sia and Omen,"[/color] she nodded to the two Pokemon that still rested on her shoulders, [color=cc5500]"but given my intel on what the Pewter City Gym has to offer for battle, I will need additional help to take down that rockhead."[/color][/color]