Before the others answered, their eyes were drawn to the battle unfolding in front of them. Oshawott vs. Bulbasaur, huh? The trainers seemed excited, their faces as bright as anyone else who tried battling for the first time. It was kind of sweet, almost, as Amber recalled the faces of most of the older trainers passing through on the long way to Kanto – battle weary, dulled. But to see people her age light up like a Christmas tree, squealing over how cute their new friends were… Amber couldn't help but smile.
The battle was pretty heated despite everyone's inexperience. Pokémon lunged forwards at one another, dodging each other's blows. The Oshawott was commanded to use a Tail Whip, which seemed to cause diabetes in half the girls present (Amber included). The Bulbasaur snarled back as best a cute little toad-dinosaur could, but it was in vain as a good solid tackle sent it flying back, into the sign cheerfully announcing where in fact you were if you happened to be reading it. Looking dizzy, the Bulbasaur was recalled with a smile from its trainer. The two participants acknowledged the battle in a friendly manner Amber was not quite used to (as when she usually saw battles by starting trainers, the kids that lost would often fly into a rage or start crying because THEY were meant to be the best, not them!)
Oh, right, the battle was over. Amber had been staring blankly at kind of nothing for a little bit. She twisted back around to her two partners with an apologetic giggle. Naomi stood awkwardly, eyes flicking from Amber to Jace and back again. Jace, far more relaxed, rolled his shoulders and stretched out.
"Well, that was a nice battle!" he said. He glanced at Amber. "Sorry about not answering, the battle got a bit interesting before I was gonna answer. I guess it's time to leave."
Amber shrugged at this with a smile, "No big deal. And yeah, I guess so!" She looked towards the shorter girl, who seemed a little anxious but unable to say anything. She tried to give Naomi a reassuring grin, and turned towards the Pokémon who were chatting amongst themselves. Her Squirtle (Ah, she had to give him a name soon) seemed to be pretty quiet, all things considered. He nodded now and then and, while Amber could feel some nervousness, seemed to be calmly discussing… whatever young Pokémon discuss.
"Okay, come on, you three!" she called out to them. Pokémon ceased their discussion and returned to their trainers. Her Squirtle tugged on her skirt, before raising his arms with an expectant look on his face. Amber giggled and picked him up, holding him loosely as if cradling him. The girl turned to look at the other trainers not in her group, shuffling and looking just as ready to head out. Well, it was time to start, she supposed. Cocking her head at her group in a "come on" fashion, she began walking out of the town, out of her home, and out of her old life.
