Slow Beginnings

[Kazza]

It was with great difficulty that the man - who was still just a boy, really - managed to hobble his way up the incline to the laboratory. He had just gotten off the boat to the region, and had yet to regain his land legs, not that it would have made much of a difference, all things considered. His crutches caught in another hole in the ground, and he nearly went for a tumble, only just managing to catch himself using his misshapen legs and other crutch. After a quick glance around to check that no one had seen his very near embarrassment, Liam maneuvered his walking aid from the treacherous gap into which it had wedged, and continued on his slow way.

In all honesty, he usually moved faster than the current slow trudge he was hobbling along at, but he was accustomed to using his crutches on concrete or sand, not the firm earth with holes hidden beneath grass. He hadn't even gotten his first Pokemon yet, and he was already struggling. The thought made him blush in shame and embarrassment. Steeling himself, though, he pushed onwards, determined not to give up. It was with a great deal of relief that he finally arrived at the door-step of the lab, although this presented another challenge - stairs. No matter how many times he went up and down the accursed things, he always had difficulty, and he had to move so very slowly so as not to lose his balance and fall.

He was breathing slightly heavier than usual when he reached the actual doors and, holding his crutches under his arms, knocked firmly but politely on the doors.

"Hello! I hope I'm not intruding, but I heard that new trainers could get their first Pokemon here...?"

Liam hoped he wasn't being rude, or, even worse, that he'd come to the wrong place. The thought of facing the stairs again so soon, even though there were only a few of them, filled him with dread.

[Ash]

Oddly enough, a groan- of all things- could be heard from the other side of the door. <Will this day just never end!?> came a remark- filled with disdain- from inside the lab. Perhaps not the thing someone who had just struggled up to the lab door would be very thrilled to hear.

"Ralph, hush!" a female voice remarked, also coming from inside. The voice did not really seem angry- rather more like a scolding mother of sorts. There was a brief shuffle, then the door was opened by a young woman with a wide, bright smile. "Hello there, I'm Professor Ashley Shadburn. Please, just call me Ashley- and do come in!" she said- then glanced down and noticed for the first time the young man's disability. She frowned, glancing at her steps and the rough path that led to the building. "I'm sorry, you must have had a rough time," she added, moving aside for him to enter.

"I'm afraid Aryll really only gets, well, worse from here. It is a rather dangerous and rough region," she added laughing, and rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. She figured he had a reason for wanting to travel in Aryll, and just left it at that. "So, you are here for a Pokemon, correct? Any idea of what you would like? I can also answer some questions, if you have any?" she asked, reaching over to her desk and retrieving a clipboard that she handed to Liam.

She was wearing normal clothes, with her lab coat placed over the back of her chair. It seemed, for once, the lab was relatively neat. Thing were not organized very well, but at least she hadn't dropped a bunch of papers and books in a rush to get to the door this time. Ralph, the Poochyena, was busy grumbling to himself in the corner, apparently upset about being reprimanded.

[Kazza]

The reply that came through the doors was not exactly what Liam had been hoping to hear and, for a moment, he feared that this was the wrong place or, worse still, it was the right place, but they didn't actually have any Pokemon. However, the second voice, hushing the first in a motherly sort of way, sounded far more promising, and true to the image he had of a (hopefully) benevolent Professor type. He heard shuffling and, realising that the door was likely to open, stepped back slightly,in case it should open outwards.

With the door now opened, Liam smiled, taking a moment to both observe the Professor and introduce himself as he used his crutches to swing his legs towards the door.
"Pleasure to meet you - I'm Liam Jennings. It's alright, I'm just not used to dirt and grass - I'm from Orre... Thanks!"
He said chirpily, as she held the door and stepped aside to allow him to enter. Now that he was on concrete, he was moving almost fluidly again.

As she explained that the region only became more treacherous, Liam did his best not to let his apprehension show. Instead, he kept his smile fixed upon his face. He had known that this wouldn't be easy, after all, and he couldn't very well give up at the first hurdle. Besides, he'd surely have a team to help him should he struggle when things got difficult, right?

"That's right!" He said excitably, moment of doubt forgotten.
"I don't really have many questions right now, but thanks anyway."
He hoped he wasn't being rude.

Accepting the clipboard, he glanced briefly over it before speaking again.
"I'm not entirely sure what Pokemon I'd like yet, but I was thinking either a Charmander, Cyndaquil or Snaran, perhaps?"
From what he'd heard, the earlier routes in most regions often held grass and bug types, so surely a fire type was the way to go. Even if he was wrong in his assumption, he was sure that they would still make excellent Pokemon.

In his excitement, Liam hardly noticed the clean state of the building, as he was barely registering his surroundings, but now, as he took a moment to look around, he was coming to appreciate just how big the lab was. Perhaps it was a little bit cluttered, but it was an impressive building none the less.

[Ash]

The Professor smiled brightly at the young man's cheery- and polite- attitude. She loved Ralph dearly, but sometimes being alone with him in the lab did wear on her patience. She imagined that Rayne would be returning soon from his foray into the fields, it would be nice to have the old fellow around to balance out the Poochyena's negative, grumpy moods.

"Hmmm, a fire type, eh? Good choice," she said simply, not bothering to point out that it would be a beneficial type, especially near the start of the region. She assumed he had already thought of that- she could get a bead on people sometimes and felt that he was a determined, kind, and intelligent person. She heartily approved- and admired his determination in the face of his disability. Perhaps it would prove to be more of an advantage for the young man than a hindrance? She sincerely hoped so. "Ralph, would you be so kind as to get the Pokemon?"

Ralph groaned- he knew that was coming. Was there some diabolical plot against him getting any rest this day? <Fine.> he said, not having the willpower to argue what would essentially be a losing battle and a waste of time. <That old rat better get his butt back here soon...> the canine grumbled as the trodded off down the hall.

Professor Ashley shook her head with a laugh, then moved over to her desk, setting the clipboard back in it's place. She opened a cupboard and rooted around inside for a moment, then pulled out a starter pack. She checked its contents as a Pokeball rolled down the hall toward the group, soon followed by another one. Satisfied that the contents were good, she sat the pack on her desk and picked up the two balls. Ralph arrived just a moment later, the third pokeball carried in his mouth- he deposited it into Ashley's waiting palm.

<Y'know, this would be a lot easier if I had, oh I dunno, HANDS for example?> he complained, moving back to his spot near the plant by the door.

"C'mon Ralph- you have such a big mouth, I just figured you could carry them all," the Professor teased, obviously meaning nothing by her light comment. Ralph grumbled something indecipherable, but if Liam looked closely enough he might have been able to catch a faint hint of a smirk before it vanished. Now that she had the requested Pokemon, Ashley released them one by one.

The first of the three was a peculiarly colored Charmander- a shiny. The lizard did not do anything immediately, rather he took a moment to look around the lab. He turned his head in a slightly quizzical manner at Liam, but finished his scan and then blinked, seeming satisfied that all was well. <Hello there! New trainer?> the Pokemon called cheerfully out to Liam. He glanced over at the other two Pokemon as they came out, nodding thoughtfully. <Ah, looking for a fire type? Well, I hope one of us suits your fancy!> the little lizard noted, shifting his tail across the floor and smiling.

The second Pokemon, a Cyndaquil, was a curious sort of girl. She sniffed at the Charmander, then at the Snaran, giggling happily. She, too, looked around the lab, but rather than checking her surroundings she was simply looking at everything and taking it all in. <Hi there trainer!> she greeted, running over to him and laughing some more. She sniffed at Liam for a moment, then sat there at his feet smiling cheerily and, for the active little Pokemon, somewhat calmly. She glanced around every once in a while, seeming to be easily distracted, but not so much that she left her chosen spot.

The final Pokemon was a Snaran- one of Aryll's unique starter Pokemon. He rolled his eyes at the hyperactive little Cyndaquil. <Well, yeah, hey,> the serpent said, his voice rather rough and with just a hint of grumpiness to it. The Pokemon did not seem to be anywhere near as grumpy as the Poochyena had been though- merely he seemed rather uncomfortable. It was more like he was putting up a rude, grumpy front in order to protect himself somehow. As if by masking his emotions and pretending like he did not care would keep him guarded. Still, he was not mean by any account- his problems were his own and he wasn't going to make anyone else suffer for them. He didn't move around, just sat there curled on the floor- though he would move if asked or necessary.

[Kazza]

Instead of answering verbally, Liam simply nodded at the Professor. Hopefully, determination and forward planning, as well as a bit of luck, would be enough to get him through the region without too many catastrophes. Along with a bit of help from his future Pokemon too, he supposed. They would be a team, and teams helped each other out by their very definition, after all.

Even though the Poochyena was obviously grumpy, the boy with the crutches still smiled at him. Just because he wasn't in a good mood didn't mean he was a bad Pokemon, nor did it mean that he didn't deserve just as much respect as anyone else. Besides, it wouldn't do to be rude to his hosts. He was relying on their kindness, and he was glad for it, and would be happy to repay them in any way he could.

He watched as a Pokeball rolled down the hallway, followed promptly by a second, and then a third one, although this last addition was carried in the mouth of Ralph instead of being pushed along. As the Poochyena and the Professor joked at one another, Liam let go of one of his crutches to hide the beginning of a laugh, lest he insult the hound. It seemed that Ralph had also been amused by that particular quip, although the dark type looked to be hiding his amusement too.

The soon-to-be new trainer watched intently as the occupant of each pokeball was revealed in three dazzling flashes of light.

The first was an unusual coloured Charmander, a shiny if Liam was not mistaken, and a very level-headed Pokemon if first impressions were anything to go by.
"Hi! Yeah, I'm just starting my journey today."
The boy grinned at the lizard - he seemed to be quite intelligent, and would likely make an invaluable partner. Noting the positive qualities of the fire type, Liam moved his attention to the next Pokemon.

This one was a Cyndaquil, and she was far more excitable than her peer, not to mention energetic.
"Hello there!"
Liam greeted the Pokemon, and grinned down at her. She was a happy, sweet creature, but she seemed so easily distracted. How was he going to handle her when he was hardly able to move faster than a slow jog? What if she got distracted and ran off after something? He wouldn't be able to keep up, and she could end up getting hurt. So, while he smiled at the Pokemon, his heart felt heavy, knowing that, for his first Pokemon, she was not the right choice - he would need a reliable first Pokemon, one that he didn't have to worry about. With that much energy, he would need help taking care of her, and that was something that he currently did not have. He regretfully crossed her off his mental list.

The last one was a Pokemon that Liam new only from a verbal description, a Snaran. This Pokemon seemed uncomfortable, as if he didn't want to be in the spotlight. He seemed rather gruff and reluctant, as if he was trying to hide something. It seemed like he would need some coaxing to come out of his shell. Liam figured that, if he chose the Snaran, he would have to help the Pokemon out, and perhaps that would be a good thing. Then again, was he really in any state to help anyone else when he was so down on himself?

Now there just remained the question of which to chose from the two - the level-headed Charmander or the distant Snaran?

Clearing his throat, the trainer spoke.
"I think I might go with the Snaran. If you'd like to come with me, of course - it's up to you."

He meant it, too - he didn't want his starter to be a reluctant companion.

[Ash]

The Charmander nodded, but was otherwise quiet- he did not want to disturb the young man as he made his decision. The Cyndaquil seemed thrilled that he acknowledged her, walking around in front of him and looking around. The Snaran did not get any sort of greeting, and the Pokemon cast his gaze downward, as if he expected as much. Still, the hurt was rather evident in the serpent as he waited for the trainer to choose one of the others- judging from his reactions, he was most keen on the Charmander.

Therefore, when Liam made his choice- and that being the Snaran- the little snake Pokemon looked up in astonishment. He had not expected to be chosen, even from the start- he never had before. A very light blush betrayed its way onto the Pokemon's cheeks as he found himself lost for words. He cleared his throat a moment later and it vanished. <Ah... erm. Are you... sure? Ahem, I mean, sure. Why not?> he said, unable to hide his surprise at first. He tried to cover it up, but even he knew he had failed spectacularly.

The Cyndaquil looked a little sad for a moment, but got over it just as fast. She smiled happily up at the trainer and at her companion- whom she liked, despite his occasional gruffness. The Charmander grinned and nodded, completely at ease with not being chosen. He seemed to view the situation logically, which was good; kept him from unnecessarily getting disappointed. The Professor recalled the two to their Pokeballs, then placed the Snaran's ball inside the pack she had retrieved earlier, which she then handed to Liam.

The Snaran slithered over, taking a deep breath as he placed his trust in his new trainer. Professor Ashley was smiling brightly and nodded. "Alright, now there is one more thing before you can begin your journey- a test of sorts. Since Aryll is a bit more, well, wild and dangerous than other regions, I have all new trainers venture out into my fields and catch a Pokemon. I'll let my newest Pokemon, Camo- a Drator- be your guide; follow her, and good luck!" Professor Ashley instructed cheerfully.

As she spoke a small raptor-like Pokemon peeked its head out of a distant doorway. She chirped then trotted out into the Lab proper, seeming to be excited. <My turn? Hooray! Kay, come on then- to the fields!> she chimed happily, heading out a side door, left slightly ajar, that led to the back; where the fields were located. She moved at a leisurely pace, humming to herself- rather an odd sort, both hyper and relaxed at the same time.

Liam may move on to The Professor's Field!

nickname -- ( NONE ) species -- ( SNARAN ♂ ) friendship -- ( 50/100 ) personality ¬ Guarded, Reserved, Loyal This Pokemon is quite guarded, putting up a gruff exterior to protect himself from any sort of pain- namely emotional. He has had his share of disappointments and pain in life and has grown to almost prefer pushing others away rather than opening himself up to that agian. He is reserved, mostly keeping to himself and not releasing his guard very often. However, he is also intensely loyal to his friends, and if one takes the effort to break into his shell they would certainly never regret it. Obtained ¬ Received in Aryll Lab at level 5

type -- ( FIRE ) level -- ( FIVE ) experience -- ( 0/10 ) item -- ( NONE ) ability -- ( SOLAR POWER ) This pokemon's special attack is increased 1.5x and health decreases by 1/8th at the end of each turn during sunny weather. move 1 -- ( TACKLE ) move 2 -- ( TAIL WHIP ) move 3 -- ( WRAP ) move 4 -- ( NONE ) move 5 -- ( NONE ) move 6 -- ( NONE ) health -- ( 20/20 )

[div align="center"][table][tbody][tr][td][div style="background-color:#DDDDDD;padding:10px;width:170px;"][div style="background-color:#ffffff;height:96px;margin-bottom:10px;"][div align="center"][img src="http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Fakemon/Snaran.png"][/div][/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]nickname --[/font] ( NONE )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]species --[/font] ( SNARAN ♂ )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]friendship --[/font] ( 50/100 )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]personality ¬[/font][/div][div style="height:70px;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;overflow:auto;"][b]Guarded,  Reserved, Loyal[/b]

This Pokemon is quite guarded, putting up a gruff exterior to protect himself from any sort of pain- namely emotional. He has had his share of disappointments and pain in life and has grown to almost prefer pushing others away rather than opening himself up to that agian. He is reserved, mostly keeping to himself and not releasing his guard very often. However, he is also intensely loyal to his friends, and if one takes the effort to break into his shell they would certainly never regret it.[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]Obtained ¬[/font][/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][div align="center"]Received in Aryll Lab
at level 5[/div][/div][/div][/td][td][div style="background-color:#DDDDDD;padding:10px;width:170px;"][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]type --[/font] ( FIRE )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]level --[/font] ( FIVE )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]experience --[/font] ( 0/10 )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]item --[/font] ( NONE )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]ability --[/font] ( SOLAR POWER )[/div][div style="height:53px;background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][i]This pokemon's special attack is increased 1.5x and health decreases by 1/8th at the end of each turn during sunny weather.[/i][/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]move 1 --[/font] ( TACKLE )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]move 2 --[/font] ( TAIL WHIP )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]move 3 --[/font] ( WRAP )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]move 4 --[/font] ( NONE )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:5px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]move 5 --[/font] ( NONE )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;margin-bottom:10px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]move 6 --[/font] ( NONE )[/div][div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px;font-family:tahoma;font-size:9px;color:#555555;"][font color="#888888"]health --[/font] ( 20/20 )[/div][/div][/td][/tr][/tbody][/table][/div]

Starter Pack:

[div align=center][div style="background-color: #DDDDDD;padding: 10px;margin-bottom: 5px;width:487px;"][div style="background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 18px; color: #555555;][div align="center"][b]INVENTORY[/b][/div][/div][/div][div style="background-color: #DDDDDD;padding: 10px;width:487px;"][div style="background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 14px; color: #888888;][div align="center"][b]MONEY[/b][/div][/div][div style="background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #555555;][div align="center"]$1000[/div][/div][/div][table][tr][td][div style="background-color: #DDDDDD;padding: 10px;width: 145px;"][div align="center" style="width: 140px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 14px; color: #888888;][b]BASIC ITEMS[/b][/div][div style="width: 140px;height: 150px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #555555;overflow: auto;"]None
[/div][/div][/td]

[td][div style="background-color: #DDDDDD;padding: 10px;width: 145px;"][div align="center" style="width: 140px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 14px; color: #888888;][b]MEDICINE[/b][/div][div style="width: 140px;height: 150px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #555555;overflow: auto;"][img]http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Items/health-items/potion.png[/img] Potion x5
[/div][/div][/td]

[td][div style="background-color: #DDDDDD;padding: 10px;width: 145px;"][div align="center" style="width: 140px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 14px; color: #888888;][b]POKÉ BALLS[/b][/div][div style="width: 140px;height: 150px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #555555;overflow: auto;"][img]http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Items/balls/poke-ball.png[/img] Poké Ball x5
[/div][/div][/td][/tr]

[tr][td][div style="background-color: #DDDDDD;padding: 10px;width: 145px;"][div align="center" style="width: 140px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 14px; color: #888888;][b]BERRIES[/b][/div][div style="width: 140px;height: 150px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #555555;overflow: auto;"][img]http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Items/berries/pecha-berry.png[/img] Pecha Berry x2
[img]http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Items/berries/cheri-berry.png[/img] Cheri Berry x2
[img]http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Items/berries/chesto-berry.png[/img] Chesto Berry x2
[/div][/div][/td]

[td][div style="background-color: #DDDDDD;padding: 10px;width: 145px;"][div align="center" style="width: 140px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 14px; color: #888888;][b]TMs & HMs[/b][/div][div style="width: 140px;height: 150px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #555555;overflow: auto;"] None
[/div][/div][/td]

[td][div style="background-color: #DDDDDD;padding: 10px;width: 145px;"][div align="center" style="width: 140px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 14px; color: #888888;][b]KEY ITEMS[/b][/div][div style="width: 140px;height: 150px;background-color: #ffffff; padding: 2px; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #555555;overflow: auto;"][img]http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Items/key-items/pokedex.png[/img] Pokédex
[img]http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Items/key-items/town-map.png[/img] Town Map
[img]http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/Laokia/Items/key-items/rsitem213.png[/img] Cellphone
[/div][/div][/td][/tr]
[/table][/div]

[Kazza]

As he examined the Pokemon, forgetting to greet the Snaran, caught up in his thoughts as he was, Liam felt incredibly guilty about his mistake as the snake's face fell.

His choice seemed to take the Snaran off guard, though, and the Pokemon seemed to doubt it for a minute. Seeing the Snaran's reaction, he felt he had made the right choice - the Charmander and Cyndaquil would no doubt find homes quite easily, and he felt that, this way, he and the fire type could help one another. Here, he had a chance to make a difference, a worthwhile thing, even if it was comparably small.

Liam only smiled in encouragement at the reptile, not at all judgmental. "Great!"

He then turned to grin at the other two Pokemon.
"Thank you guys!" He leaned as much as he could to get a bit closer to them, reaching down to tousle the fur of the Cyndaquil, while carefully avoiding the flames.
"I'm sure you two'll find yourselves a trainer in no time."
He straightened to accept the starter pack, this time speaking to Professor Ashley. "Thanks to you too! This means... a lot. If there's any way I could repay you, please don't hesitate to let me know."

He fell silent again to grin at his new partner, and listen to what was being said to him. It seemed they would be hanging around a little longer anyway.
"Alright, thanks again!"
He tipped his chin down in respect, and looked down to his Snaran.
"I suppose we should move along. But first, you should have a name. How does Xiuh sound to you?"
The snake blinked. <Its sounds neat! ...Er, I mean it's OK, I guess.>
"OK then, I guess that's it. Let's go then. Goodbye Professor, it was great meeting you."

Adjusting his crutches, Liam moved along in a swing through gait after the Drator, with Xiuh slithering along behind him.