Ithica grinned brightly.

"Awesome," she said. She glanced around. "Where's Dratini?"

"Dratini and Larvesta are both right over here," Joy said, nodding to a side room. "They're both in a bit of a mood and didn't want to socialize, so I just let them be."

"I'm sure," Ithica said. "Thanks!" With that, she went over to where the two pokemon were still pouting.

Mel was right on her heels and went straight over to Larvesta.

"See, I told you I'd be back soon," she said.

Dratini perked up as soon as it saw Ithica, moving right over to her.

Larvesta determinedly moved over and sat on her shoes with no intention of getting up again.

"Hey," Ithica said, kneeling down and holding a hand out to Dratini. "Told you I'd come back."

Mel laughed a little and picked up Larvesta. "Bet it's more comfortable up here," she said. "And this way I can actually walk."

Dratini cooed at her and pushed its head into her hand, pleased.

Larvesta grumbled a little, but cuddled closer to her regardless.

"What say you and I head out and see what there is to see?" Ithica said, picking up Dratini and settling it around her shoulders. "Maybe take down a gym or two?"

"No more leaving you anywhere," Mel promised. "We'll go wander and maybe try our hand at a couple gyms, hmm?"

Dratini trilled an agreement, settling right where she had put it. Oh yes, much better.

Larvesta nodded and settled in more firmly.

Ithica stood up and turned to Mel.

"So," she said. "I think I know where we are, now. We're in Rustboro City, out in Hoenn. One long ferry ride away from Kanto, but totally doable if we wanted to get out there. But there's a gym in this city, if we wanted to challenge it, and one on the other side of Petalburg Woods as well." She grinned. "My childhood was well-wasted."

"Awesome," Mel agreed. "A walking map, that'll come in handy." She grinned teasingly. "Seriously, though, I think it's a little too soon to be battling, at least for me. And I'd like to have more than one Pokémon to take on a gym. So, thoughts?"

"Probably a good idea," Ithica admitted. She was quiet for a moment. "So we need supplies. Pokeballs, potions, things like that. And there's not a whole lot of interesting things around here to catch, really, unless we head north through Meteor Falls."

"Right. So, do we get a newbie pack or something, or do we have to do a couple days of odd chores for people?" Either option was valid, really.

"I'm not sure," Ithica admitted. "Either one might happen. I'm thinking we may need to do odd jobs, though."

"Alright, we can do that, no problem." Mel nodded once. "Stick around here a few days, earn some money, and then go on our way. Sounds like a solid plan."

"Works for me," Ithica said, nodding. "You game?" she added to Dratini.

Dratini trilled, agreeing pretty much instantly. There was nothing in that plan about leaving without Dratini, so it approved.

"What about you?" Mel poked Larvesta to make sure it was paying attention.

Larvesta nodded and a few small sparks drifted out of its horns. It settled more firmly with Mel, very clearly indicating that she wasn't going anywhere without it.

Mel snorted quietly. "Yes, of course you're coming with," she agreed, patting it. "Alright, any ideas where to start?"

Ithica thought about it for a moment.

"Well," she said slowly, "what if we went over to Devon Corp? I remember something about the president being absurdly pleased about trainers using Pokegear, and maybe the reception desk can point us to where we can pick one up cheap? And then maybe we can ask around in town and see if there are any odd jobs that need doing."

"Awesome," Mel agreed. "See, childhood definitely not wasted." She grinned. "Lead the way, then, I'm sure you remember better than I do."

"Hopefully the streets are relatively easy, since I'm not seeing them from above in 132-bit resolution," Ithica said, grinning. She paused. "Actually... How much you want to bet they have maps of the city around here somewhere? I wouldn't put it past Nurse Joy to keep them stocked for out-of-town trainers."

"That actually makes perfect sense, I bet she does have some somewhere," Mel agreed. "Shall we go find out?"

"We shall," Ithica said, nodding. She gestured for Mel to lead the way.

Mel headed off to go find Nurse Joy. When she spotted her, she grinned.

"I have one more question, if you have a minute," she said.

"Of course," Nurse Joy said. She handed a small Skitty back to the girl who had brought it in. "Now you take good care of her!" Once the girl was gone, Joy turned back to Mel. "What can I help you with?"