"I can show you as far as the gate to Route 3, but I'm not headed that way, so after that you're on your own."

"I would appreciate that. Is there anything else I should do before I leave?"

"Are you set on supplies? There won't be another shop 'till Striaton."

He will figure out how far away Striaton City is (about half a day's walk, if you take the direct route) and purchase some more food for the road.

She trusts him to take care of all his supply needs! He's way older than her, he's probably been journeying for years.

Then he will follow her to the gate on the east side of town.

"Bye!"

"Thank you for everything!"

He steps into the gate.

The gate terminal has a few people, some chairs, and an electronic ticker board displaying some information.

Apr. 7, 2010          Nacrene City: Sunny         Route 3: Sunny

"Excuse me? Is the gate broken?"

Someone in a blue uniform leans over a counter and peers at it.

"...Doesn't look like it? Is it raining or something?"

"No. Sorry. I think I misunderstood something."

He runs out the other side of the gate. 

Outside, there's a clearly-marked road winding through some grassy fields and over a small stream. There are a few people hanging out near the road. Overall, it definitely seems a lot more pleasant than the forest.

2010.

He doesn't really think that explains everything he's seen? He was eight in 2010. He probably wouldn't remember if the countries were different but he's pretty sure he'd remember if it was common to be jumped by weird gray things when you were just trying to walk around. Sure, some animals have probably gone extant since then, but these are really weird animals.

Also he's pretty sure time travel is impossible, but Los Angeles turning into a forest is also impossible, so.

The road doesn't particularly seem to have answers for him.

Well, he's not about to just turn around and give up.

He starts walking.

An elementary-school-aged boy runs over to him.

"I was just thinking about a new battle strategy!"

"Did you want to ... tell me about it?"

"No, silly, I'm challenging you to a battle!"

He throws a sphere, and a pigeon comes out. (At least, it looks like a pigeon.)

He knows what to do now! He sends out Amadelphous!

"Okay, Pidove, use Taunt, just like we practiced!"

The pigeon rustles its wings. Amadelphous looks pretty mad at it.

He knows of one thing Amadelphous can do and it hasn't failed him yet. "Amadelphous, hit the pigeon!"

She is SO ready to hit the pigeon. She slaps it, twice.

"Okay, good! Now use Gust!"

The pigeon flaps its wings, sending a gust of air to knock Amadelphous back from it.

"Keep hitting it, Amadelphous!"