spacerocks | Kalos 001 - You're The Only North Star I Would Follow This Far

Cornelius! Come on! Don't you want to see what Lumiose City is like?

...oh but they probably wouldn't like it if we rode Veny~ ...would they?

[THE POUT TO END ALL POUTS]

Edited 2013-10-23 03:24 (UTC)

[It's only been about ten minutes since they got off the train, and Cornelius's head is already spinning at the sheer size of this city. Never in his travels has he come across a city so big. This place even puts Castelia to shame! It's especially disorienting for him, since he grew up in tiny Fallarbor Town.

He's carefully studying a map installment when Celeste speaks up. He responds without actually turning to face her.]

Just a moment, Celeste. I don't want us to get lost, so I'm doing my best to memorize this map.

[He almost considers having one of his Psychic types do the same for backup.]

As for Veny...hm, I don't believe I saw any signs saying they wouldn't, though he may have difficulty navigating traffic.

[So many cars and bikers oh god.]

[She's still pouting, but otherwise silent as she digs through her bag.] Ohhh, where is it?! [Dig dig dig, with little luck.] I thought I had a map but I must've left it behind. OH WELL~ We should be able to get one at the information desk.

[But she sighs, he's probably right.]

We'll just have to walk then, I don't want anybody to get hurt.

[She's studying the map now, you'll never get lost with her around, Cornelius.]

If walking becomes a burden, I'm sure there are plenty of transportation services in a city this large.

[And that's one of the many reasons why he's glad she's been with him for last year or so. But it doesn't hurt to be extra cautious. At least, that's how he's learned to see things.

Once Celeste moves in to take her turn looking at the map, he backs up so she can get a good look.]

You know, a physical map of just the city itself would be exceptionally useful. Good thinking, Celeste.

[Since when did he get so scatterbrained when it comes to simple stuff like this? Apparently all his attention to detail went into his studies while he was working on that report.]

Let's see, it shouldn't be far from here...

[He glances around large, open lobby of the station...ah, there we go.]

It's just across the hall from us. Shall we get a map and move on?

Okay! You double check we got everything and I'll go get us a map.

[Aaaand she's gone before he can say anything, but it's her job to know her way around, even in regions she's not familiar with.

She returns a few minutes later with two copies of the map. She hands one to Cornelius when he's free.]

Here you go~! I got two, in case we get separated.

[Which has a serious chance of happening in this city. She puts her copy away, figuring they can use Cornelius' for now.]

There's a cafe right across the street, otherwise most of the stores appear to be in the Southern Boulevard. Did you want to look around, take in the sights first? Or set out immediately?

[While Celeste is gone, Cornelius rifles through his coat pocket and produces a list. Yeah, he actually wrote a checklist of supplies with a lot of really basic essential items they would need for extensive travel. Water, changes of clothes, money, basic chemical testing kits...yep, necessities.

He then checks his bag to make sure said list items are there, any they are. It's here that he discovers the general Kalos map got shoved into his bag sometime during their train ride. Celeste must've been too lazy to reach for her own bag to put something away again. 8T He can't help but chuckle at it though.

When Celeste returns, he takes his map and then flashes the Kalos map in Celeste's face.

In a joking tone,]

You really ought to take better care of your belongings, you know.

[He then hands the map over to Celeste and takes another glance at the Lumiose map.]

I'm quite fine with a little exploring. We've been on the train for far too long, and I'm feeling a bit stiff. Walking should help loosen my joints.

[Cornelius did you just set yourself up for age jokes.]

[Her face flushes with embarrassment when he hands her the map.]

Oh! I knew I had it. Thank you Corny~!

[She puts it away, safely, into her own bag and puts the bag over her shoulder.

She's letting the age jokes slide this time, Cornelius. This time.]

Well, even if we have everything it wouldn't hurt to check the stores, see if they have any recommendations for things we didn't know to bring.

Plus someone might know a better route to Geosenge Town.

[She grabs him by the hand and pulls, excitement to see the rest of Lumiose City driving her forward.]

[Cornelius goes to express agreement on Celeste's idea but before he can say anything, he's being dragged by the hand. He lets out a startled gasp.]

Celeste! The city isn't going anywhere!

[But he quickly finds his footing and manages to keep up with his enthusiastic travel companion.

It's not long before they're soaking in the sights of Lumiose. If he was gawking at the map before, he's really gawking at seeing the real deal. From the look on his face, you would think he discovered some new type of alien Pokemon.

He glances at a cafe as they pass by.]

The amount of cafes in this city is simply astounding. Isn't that the fifth one we've passed in the last ten minutes?

And neither would we if you were in charge!

[And there it is.

But she slows down once they're outside the station, ignoring the strange looks from as they come charging out of the station doors.

Celeste too, is gawking at the city. Even with the annual trips to Castelia, Lumiose City is something else.]

I thought we were going in circles with the amount of cafes we're seeing, but they do all look a little different from each other.

The clerk at the information desk said there was one cafe we needed to visit. But I can't remember the name. Ooh, what was it? Lys..Lysoprope? No that's stupid. Lysandre! Lysandre's Cafe!

[And then she realises that people are staring at her, so she grabs Cornelius' hand and drags him away, again.]

She said it was a little out of the way, so we don't have to.

[Is she calling him slow? 8| HE TAKES OFFENSE.

Oh god, so much dragging. She really needs to start warning him before she does that otherwise she's going to pop his arm off one day.]

If you want to visit it, I don't have a problem with going out of the way. The extra travel must be worth it anyway.

[He glances at the map with his free hand as they rush along.]

Did she say which avenue it's on?

[Slow and old. Keep up, would you Cornelius?

Once they're away from the people staring she slows down again and lets go of his hand. She pats his arm in an apology before trying to remember where the cafe was.]

I think she said it was off Magenta Plaza, in a little alley. Which sounds kind of weird, but Castelia has a lot of places like that too.

[She gives the map a stare, before pointing at the cafe.]

There it is! And we're...here, just south of Bleu Plaza, so if we keep going around we can go up Estival Avenue and onto Magenta Plaza from there.

[Forgive her, you can take the woman out of the job but you can't take the job out of the woman, sometimes.]

[Wow rude.

Since he didn't notice all the weird stares, the whole running and suddenly stopping confuses Cornelius a bit, but he doesn't say anything about it.

A look of concern crosses his face when learn of the cafe's location. True, Castelia has businesses located in alleyways, but that doesn't mean they're respectable businesses. Still...he's willing to give it a pass. It's not like they're alone if anyone tries anything funny. They have their Pokemon and each other. And why would a info desk clerk recommend a dangerous location as a popular landmark?

Cornelius follows Celeste's directions closely, nodding as she points out their pathway on the map.]

That sounds easy enough. Well, at least you make it sound easy. [He gives her a small smirk.] Shall we, then?

[Castelia also had people jumping out at you on a regular basis. She doesn't notice the look of concern, too busy mapping out the easiest route to the cafe.

Upon his agreement she folds up the map and hands it to him to put away.]

Let's go~!

[She sets off at a leisurely pace, making various comments as they pass stores and continue up Estival Avenue and onto Magenta Plaza.]

Oh! There it is. The way she described it sounded more like a closed in alley off a road less traveled, but this isn't anything like that.

[He's all too familiar with that bit. Let's not talk about the time where someone almost gave him a heart attack by jumping out at him.

Cornelius keeps up with Celeste as they go along, glancing at all the things she's pointing out, and he points out a few interesting things he notices too. Like for instance, a store full of rocks. They'll definitely have to check that out right after the cafe.

When they reach the cafe, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't relieved that it isn't located in some creepy dark alley. This is actually a pretty busy little road. And the cafe itself seems inviting enough. He smiles slightly as he inspects the exterior.]

It actually looks quite nice. Shall we head inside?

[He opens the front door and gestures for Celeste to go on in. Ladies first.]

[She smiles brightly as he holds the door open and walks in. Only to stop and stare at a man in the corner. That hair, those clothes, oh my.

She doesn't move for several minutes, until she realises and moves to a table and buries her face in her hands.]

I can't believe I did that.

[Those are some awkward as hell minutes, for real. At first Cornelius thought something was wrong since she just froze up all of the sudden, but he eventually follows her gaze and realizes what's going on. Well then.

He just laughs and pulls up a chair across from Celeste.]

You didn't tell me you came here to look for something other than just rocks to research.

[He smiles playfully. Ah, he can't remember the last time he had a moment like Celeste's just now. He's always been too busy with his work to actually look for relationships.]

[She stays silent for a few minutes, blushing furiously when she finally looks up.]

Shut up! It's not funny! I hope he didn't see me.

[She's refusing to look over there at all now.

A waiter comes over to take their order, promising to return quickly.]

So if leave through Route 5, that'll take us to Camphrier Town and beyond that is the Connecting Cave. But if we leave through Route 13, that takes us through Shalour City. It's roughly the shame distance either way, so.

[That just makes him chuckle even more.]

Oh, don't you worry. He didn't see you. Even so, there's nothing wrong with it.

[And oh, that's a quick subject change right back to business. He glances at the map as Celeste discusses their options.]

Was there anything in the Connecting Cave you wanted to investigate? We can take that route if so.

Openly staring at someone is usually considered creepy, Cornelius.

[BLUSHING INTENSIFIES.

But she shakes her head.]

It seems to be just be part of the route, so it can wait until we loop back around.

[She gets the Kalos regional map back out of her bag and unfolds it across her half of the time.]

Past Shalour City is the Reflection Cave, that's the important one. At least that's not out of the way.

Oh! We have to pass through Coumarine City too. I think it's just a port city, so we shouldn't need to stay long.

[AKA: GUESS WHO FORGOT KEY PARTS OF THE REGION.

During this the waiter returns with their orders, leaving with a murmured thanks as Celeste sips from her cup.]

Edited 2013-10-25 12:05 (UTC)

Hmm...I would only begin to worry if you had your eyes on him the entire time we were here.

[He's totally allowed to measure levels of creepy.

He cheerfully thanks the waiter when they're served, and offers a tip for the work well done. Then it's back to business!]

Oh, I see. So we can take Route 13 to Shalour City, explore the Reflection Cave, and then visit Geosenge Town once we exit on the other side. I suppose once we loop back to Lumiose City, we can head toward Anistar City, and eventually the other side of Kalos.

[She sneaks a look back over there, only to find the mysterious man gone. She offers no comment when she returns her stare to the map.]

South of Geosenge Town is Cyllage City, which is normally where we'd head back to Lumiose City through the Connecting Cave, but south of that is Ambrette Town. The Glittering Cave is further past that, but sadly to get back to Lumioise City, we have to double back to Ambrette and Cyllage.

[She understands that's it a long way out of their intended route, but Glittering Cave was one of the major landmarks she intended to study, so she offers an alternate solution.]

I understand if you don't want to go so far out of the way, so we can split up at Cyllage. I'll go to the Glittering Cave and you can do whatever.

[Cornelius mulls over the proposition for a minute, sipping at his coffee as he thinks.]

I'd prefer to remain with you, actually. After all, it's not like I find your field of study boring. Quite the contrary: I think it's very intriguing.

[He smiles and takes another sip.]

Also, it is not like me to visit a region and not visit all the towns. Chalk it up to my youthful days when I traveled across Hoenn for the Pokemon League.

Edited 2013-10-26 05:57 (UTC)

[She returns the smile, she still gets surprised when someone expresses interest in her studies.]

Okay! I thought I'd offer since I know watching me study caves isn't the most exciting thing.

[But like Cornelius, she finds her companion's field of study rather interesting.]

Should we go then?

I'm sure there'll be plenty for me to do in the cave while you're studying, so don't worry about it one bit.

[He wants to sound as reassuring as possible because he's actually being sincere here. The caves Celeste has studied have all been pretty cool so far. Even the cave she was a tour guide for, Chargestone Cave, was really interesting. He has high hopes that the caves she's interested in in Kalos will be just as fascinating.

Upon Celeste's request, he nods and finishes off his coffee.]

Yes. We have a plan, so now we can simply enjoy the city until we decide to depart.

[He rises from his chair and takes one last look around the cafe, then flashes a smile at Celeste.]

I'm glad you suggested visiting this cafe, Celeste. I already feel recharged and ready to take on the rest of Lumiose.

[Making sure everything is packed back in its proper place, Celeste quickly rises from her seat and settles the bill.]

Were there any stores you wanted to check out? We should stop by the PokeMart too.

[Out of the corner of her she thinks she sees a bookcase moving, but another look and nothing seems out of the ordinary.]

[Cornelius follows Celeste's gaze, but looks confused when she seems to be looking at nothing. He decides to let it go; maybe she was looking to see if that man was still there.]

Earlier, I pointed out a store that apparently sells nothing but stones. I think it would be worth investigating.

[He continues the conversation as they make their way outside.]

I would also like to find a place to let out my Pokemon for a little while. They've been cooped up in their Poke Balls for a while. They deserve a little fresh air, don't you think?

Really? It seems like such a niche market, but I guess in a city this big there's a market for everything.

[She's silent for a few minutes as she recalls the details on the map.]

I don't remember seeing anything like that on the map, I mean, you'd think they'd have a small park or something, but. Maybe we can ask someone?

But I agree~! It would be nice to let them out, the train ride can't have been fun for them.

There may be something suitable on the outskirts of the city. If so, we can wait until after we do our shopping. We'll have to ask to make sure though, yes.

[He glances down each end of the street, then turns to Celeste.]

You have this city memorized more thoroughly than I do. Feel free to guide us to wherever you'd like to shop first.

We can always let them out as we travel, anyway.

[She thinks for a moment, perfect recall of the map kicking in.]

Actually, the PokeCenter is right near the stone store, you go on ahead and I'll make sure we have all the necessary supplies. If you don't remember where it is, the stone store is on Vernal Avenue.

[She's not trying to be mean, but she knows what Cornelius can be like when it comes to directions.]

Was there anything you needed from the PokeMart?

That sounds fine.

[Vernal Avenue...he's got this. HE'S GOT THIS.

He recalls the items he had on his checklist and in his bag.]

I have just about everything I need, but I would grab a couple hyper potions and revives just to be on the safe side. We can think about repels when we get closer to the caves.

[He produces his wallet and hands her the appropriate amount of P to cover the cost.]

Well, I'll meet you at the shop with stones, then?

Okay! I'll see you shortly~!

[She walks ahead at a brisk pace, the need to ensure they have a safe trip first and foremost in her mind. When she arrives at the PokeCenter, she's surprised how busy it is, even with the other Centers in the city.

She waits, and waits, and waits. When it's finally her turn she manages to get all the supplies, buying a few extra PokeBalls just in case. Never know what a new region will bring, right?

Making sure everything is packed away safely, and that she got everything Cornelius asked for, she sets off for the stone store, again, walking at a brisk pace.

When she arrives at the stone store, she makes her way over to Cornelius.]

See you soon.

[He smiles and waves as they part ways.

While it takes him more time than necessary, Cornelius does manage to navigate his way to Vernal Avenue. Good lord, this city is so busy. He's really not used to it, having spent the majority of his time in the small town of Fallarbor and the island city of Mossdeep. They're not exactly bustling by any means.

He explores the avenue's exterior for a few minutes, then makes his way into the stone store.

And it's basically a candy store for nerds like him and Celeste. Stones of every kind line the shelves, with the more expensive ones locked away in glass cases. Cornelius paces along the wall of cases, eying each stone in detail. The vast majority of them are evolutionary stones, but there are some other unique rocks to look at too.

He's in the middle of examining a Moon Stone when Celeste appears. He glances up from the case to wave at her.]

Hello. Everything go all right?

The center was busier than I thought, I know it's the same in Unova but man, I prefer the separate model Hoenn has going on.

[She spares a glance at the cases because oh my god this is amazing.]

I got everything you wanted, and stocked up a few things we were running low on. Antidotes, Full Heals, that kind of thing.

[When she spots a Shiny Stone, she lets out a little noise of excitement.]

Oooh, I should get one of those for when Dewey evolves~!

Anything catch your eye?

Oh, Kalos uses that model as well? Interesting. Perhaps it is catching on with other regions. Although I must agree- it feels much less crowded when the services are separated.

[Sure it's convenient to have a PokeCenter and PokeMart in the same place, but sometimes it's nice to enjoy peace and quiet in a plain old PokeCenter. Especially after a long trek and you're exhausted.]

Much appreciated, Celeste, and good thinking. I don't know what the Pokemon distribution is like here, but Antidotes will no doubt come in handy, what with your team...

[SO MANY ACCIDENTAL POISONINGS CELESTE PLS.

He looks back at the Moon Stone he was eying earlier.]

I may purchase another Moon Stone in case I discover any new Pokemon that are compatible with it.

And I too believe you should purchase that Shiny Stone. Dewey should be pretty close to evolving- she has really grown fond of you.

Hey! It's not my fault they like to be physically affectionate.

[It is when you don't discourage them, Celeste.

She checks over the rest of the stock, finding nothing of interest. Making the purchase and storing the stone in her bag, she returns to Cornelius.]

Oh! I asked the Nurse Joy about somewhere we can let our Pokemon out, but she said there was nothing like that here. So maybe it's time we set out, the big city is starting to get to me anyway.

[Cornelius also makes his purchase, and soon they're near the front of the store.

He frowns somewhat at the idea of not a single park within a city. He could never live in a place like this. He likes seeing greenery. Sure, there are trees lining the streets, but it's just not the same effect as a full-on park.]

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. We we can finish our exploration of Lumiose at a later date, since we'll be back eventually.

[And soon they're outside.]

Okay so if we continue north up Vernal Avenue, then west from Centrico Plaza, we'll eventually come to the gate to Route 13.

[She's leading him up the avenue as she talks, a skill she mastered a long time ago.

Soon enough they're at the gate and passing through to Route 13.

Welcome to the Lumiose Badlands!]

Um. I don't know about you, but I think I'll wait to let my Pokemon out.

Perfect. That isn't too far off from here. [Look, he can remember map locations for once!] Let's set out immediately.

[And off they go! They discuss various things as they go along, mostly about what they're most excited about the locations they're planning on stopping at, and wondering what the other cities and routes are going to be like.

... And to be honest, once they get out into the Badlands, he can safely say he wasn't expecting this at all.

Almost immediately after they take their first steps into the dry, desert-like atmosphere, a wind begins to whip up. Cornelius's ponytail gets swept right off of his shoulder and continues to sway behind him as the wind blows.

He blinks a few times from the dusty wind whipping against him. And...is that a slight frown? Perhaps.]

Yes, I believe that would be best. Titan and Corona would fare fine in this weather, but my other Pokemon would not appreciate it.

[He turns to Celeste, knowing that she'll share his sentiment when he says,]

Let's try to get past this area as soon as possible.

[Celeste is being forced to hold her hat down so the wind doesn't blow it away. She hates this place. Hates it. Not even Route 4 in Unova is this bad!]

Mmm, yeah definitely. Coumarine City is just on the other side of this route, we should reach there by nightfall, if this wind doesn't get any worse.

[WAY TO TEMPT FATE.

They continue on their way, struggling against the wind with every step and avoiding any head-on encounters with the few wild Pokemon hardy enough to survive in the area.]

This is terrible!

[Cornelius picks up on that comment too.]

Let's not hope it does. It's bad enough as it is.

[And so they press on. Cornelius covers his face as best as he can with his coat, but he doesn't have anything to cover his eyes so he just squints to keep the dust out of them.

Avoiding the Pokemon is the most difficult part, since they seem to have absolutely no trouble navigating in this weather. Good lord this is annoying.

He has to raise his voice to hear above the wind.]

This is definitely competing for worst route to exist, no doubt! Are you doing all right?!

[The amount of times she's nearly lost her hat to the wind is staggering.

But they continue on, avoiding a few very close calls with the underground Pokemon.

She can barely hear him over the howl of the wind, raising her own voice in reply.]

I'm okay as I can be in this place! Not even the Desert Resort back home is this bad!

[Soon enough, the sun is setting and Coumarine City is in sight.]

Kalos 001 - You're The Only North Star I Would Follow This Far

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