"I wouldn't mind a trip to Dragon's Den," Margaret replied. "There isn't a straight path there from here, though, is there?"

"No, we kinda have to go up and over," Aleron said with a shrug. "I don't mind, though. That means we'll see more pokemon along the way, maybe have another couple battles."

"Sounds good to me," Margaret said. "I wouldn't mind seeing more of the region, and I could get a few more badges along the way."

"Exactly." Aleron smiled and nodded, handing over her pokemon to be looked at. "In a couple minutes we'll head out."

Margaret handed over her pokemon as well.

"It'll be nice to be on the road again," she admitted. "I'm not used to staying in one place long."

"Yeah, you kinda get used to traveling, don't you?" Aleron chuckled and shook her head, waiting patiently for her pokemon to come back.

"I used to live in the city," Margaret reminded her. "So once I was able to travel, I got used to it."

"Trust me, I know how you feel. I got used to traveling around too." Aleron chuckled.

Margaret nodded.

"So, how much of the region have you seen?" she asked. "Probably most of it, if you have all the badges."

"I've seen the whole region, but I don't have all the badges. I'm missing two. Never got around to getting those, but oh well." Aleron shrugged. "I'll get them while we're there, since I assume you're getting them all."

"Which two badges are you missing?" Margaret asked. "I do want to get them all... I hate leaving a set unfinished once I start. Maybe once I earn the eight from this region, I may be ready to try the Elite Four."

"Blackthorne and Cianwood, actually," Aleron said. "The two farthest away from each other, naturally."

"Well, it shouldn't be hard to get Blackthorn's badge... That's Claire, right? What type does she specialize in?" Margaret said. She always liked to know what she would be up against. Surprises in pokemon battles resulted in losses.

"Dragon-type, I believe," Aleron said. "We'll find out when we get closer, I'm sure. Helpful townsfolk like to talk."

"That'll be an interesting battle," Margaret said. "I know dragon-types are really tough... I think ice-type moves are the only things that can take them out."

"That or brute strength. Or both." Aleron shrugged. "We can probably find ice- or dragon-types in that area."

Curious, Margaret checked her gear's map.

"Ice Cave," she said, pointing to the map. "Can you catch Jynx in there?"

"Um. I'm not sure, actually. I"ve never been there." Aleron shrugged. "We can always go and find out."

"It would probably be interesting," Margaret said. "Just something to think about once we're in the area."

Aleron nodded her agreement and started walking in the general direction of the next town. "Well, we need to get there first."

Margaret made sure her things were in order and followed Aleron. She was looking forward to getting to the next town.

Aleron walked all day and stopped when they got to the next town, a little tired. "At least we can make it between towns in a day," she muttered.

Margaret was tired, as well.

"You set an absolutely grueling pace," she muttered. She didn't mean it, really, she was just tired. "What town are we in, again?"

"Ecruteak," Aleron replied. "We can get to the gym tomorrow."

"Good plan," Margaret replied. "For now, collapsing sounds good."