Lucas can't give verbal orders, and Barry can't focus on the right things sometimes-- but they leave Twinleaf, get a Pokedex, and try becoming trainers anyways.
"...are you guys teaching Chimchar sign language?"
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※ Current Progress: Veilstone City...
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Making the tough trek through Route 206 with a sprained ankle is just not feasible, even for a hyperactive buffoon, so Barry rents a Ponyta Walk to act as his crutch.
It'd double as his light source if he finds Wayward Cave, so that was another plus.
"Hmm? You want some of the Honey?" he asks, holding out the brush in Ponyta's direction, letting it take a lick of the condiment before it's plastered upon the bark of the tree.
The thing about Ponyta Ride-- they were friendly, required little supervision (just don't let kids near its hooves), but it wasn't too capable in a battle situation. It was mostly used as an escort, or a way to have a helper on a short trip-- but trainers don't usually bring it to dangerous places like caves and forests.
Well, to be fair, he would've rented a Luxray Flash if he had enough qualifications for it. But hey, those things were three-badge-only for a reason, after all. He didn't want to get mauled by a Ride Pokemon today.
So Barry has to take care of and protect this Ponyta while they make it through the cavern. Well, it shouldn't be too tough. He's careful, unlike Luce.
"Hey, wait!" he whirls back to find the Ponyta digging its head through the entire canister of honey in his bag. "Wait! I said some! Some honey! Stop it you flaming glutton! Hey!"
If he thought Ponytas were all well-behaved and would listen to commands, well, he was dead wrong.
One hour in and this naive little dunderhead walked right into three bug nests, tried to eat every berry it came across (and then cried because Rawst berries were too bitter for its liking), then nearly fell into some very clearly marked Skorupi tunnels.
Barry wants a refund. Or a headache pill, whichever.
Finally coming across a travelers camp with some Joggers, Hikers, Campers and Picnickers, Barry joins them.
"Seriously, how is watching over this Ponyta harder than our trip down from Eterna?" he whines, watching Starly ride on Ponyta's back as they scamper around. Apparently, the Pokemon were engaged in a piggyback race, because a Machop runs along Ponyta with a Cherubi on its head, followed sluggishly by a Shellos carrying a sleepy Hoothoot.
The Hiker laughs. "I suppose you're here to explore, rather than train?"
"Well, both's fine," Barry chuckles, "don't wanna get too far because of my leg, but I really wanted to get a look here."
"You really should stay off this path when your leg's like that," says a Camper, "there's been quite some cave-ins recently. You won't wanna get trapped on the other side."
Barry grimaces. "Yeah, I definitely don't," he says, knowing instantly that's some tower-tier foreshadow right there. "Oh well. If I die, I guess you guys can call a rescue team or something."
