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

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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