"So, where's our next heading?" Nina asked.

I hummed as I pulled out my phone and opened the map.

"It looks like the next city over is Olivine City," I said, "The Port with Sea Breezes, a city where you can hear the melody of the seas."

"So, it's a coastal city," Elsu said, "I'm down to check it out!"

"Same!" Kat said.

"Count us in!" Rina and Eric said.

I glanced at Micheal and smiled.

"What says you, Micheal?" I asked, "You wanna tag along with us?"

Micheal smiled back but shook his head.

"I'll leave you kids alone," Micheal said, "There's someplace I want to check out, and I don't want to bother you guys with my past."

My shoulders slumped, and I nodded with a sad smile.

"But, before I go, why don't we have that battle you promised me," Micheal suggested, "My Arcanine against your Eevee."

Libby happily cried out and wagged her tail. I chuckled as a genuine smile formed.

"Sure!" I said, "One more battle before we part ways!"

After racing to the Pokémon Center, Micheal and I stood on opposite sides of the battlefield.

"Libby, I choose you!" I said.

My partner hopped off my shoulder and let out a determined cry as she landed on the battlefield.

"Arcanine, let's go!" Micheal exclaimed, throwing out a Pokéball.

At his command, the Legendary Pokémon appeared.

"Your move, Eragona." Micheal said.

"Thanks! Alright, Libby, use Quick Attack!" I cried.

Libby cried out before sprinting over to the bigger Pokémon with amazing speed.

"Extreme Speed, Arcanine!" Micheal cried.

The Arcanine barked before charging at Libby like a raging Tauros. When the two collided, it caused a small explosion, blowing them back.

"Flamethrower!" Micheal cried.

Arcanine growled before barking out a ribbon of fire.

"Dodge using Quick Attack!" I exclaimed.

Libby cried out as she leaped out of the incoming attack.

"Shadow Ball!" I said.

Libby leaped up and hurled a shadowy blob at the Legendary Pokémon.

"Burn it with Flamethrower!" Micheal cried.

The Arcanine barked out another ribbon of fire, causing an explosion when it hit the Shadow Ball.

"Swift, let's go!" I cried.

Libby flipped in the air as she released star-shaped rays. I smiled when I saw the Arcanine stumble backward.

Nice! We managed to hit it!

"Extreme Speed!" Micheal exclaimed.

The Legendary Pokémon barked as it charged toward the lingering dust cloud.

"Last Resort!" I cried.

Libby let out a cry as she charged up her attack. When she saw the Arcanine, she released a large star upon the incoming Pokémon, sending the bulkier Pokémon flying out of the dust cloud.

"Arcanine!" Micheal cried.

The Legendary Pokémon stood up and shook out its fur. Libby sprinted out of the dust cloud and let out a bold cry. The Arcanine backed as it widened its stance.

"You're a formidable opponent, but you're no Samurott," Micheal said.

"Terrible joke!" I laughed, "But I can't help but agree. You're a strong opponent, too."

Micheal chuckled before straightening his posture.

"Alright, let's try this out," Micheal said, "Arcanine, use Outrage!"

The Arcanine growled as its eyes turned red. The Legendary Pokémon barked before speeding over to Libby.

"Dodge it, Libby!" I cried.

Before Arcanine could attack, Libby swiftly dodged the incoming Pokémon.

Outrage blinds the user with rage, causing it to go on a rampage. If memory serves me right, after a few minutes, it should get confused. When that happens, I'll find my opening!

"Slow it down with Shadow Ball!" I exclaimed.

Libby stopped and hurled a large shadowy blob at the Fire-type Pokémon. Arcanine took the attack head-on, and it was left unfazed.

Okay, that didn't work.

The Legendary Pokémon growled as it chased Libby around the battlefield.

"Use Quick Attack to get out of its range!" I said.

Libby nodded before speeding up, leaving a small dust cloud in her wake. Then, Arcanine stopped and groaned. The Legendary Pokémon was soon confused, letting out slurred barks and growls.

"Do it, Arcanine!" Micheal cried.

Arcanine growled before slamming its head against the battlefield, shocking me and the others.

Why did it do that?

When it looked up, Arcanine was no longer confused.

It hurt itself to snap out of confusion. That's really impressive!

"Thunder Fang!" Micheal exclaimed.

Arcanine growled as is sprinted over to Libby with electrified fangs.

"Swift!" I cried.

Libby cried out as she released star-shaped rays at the Legendary Pokémon, but the Aracnine ran through them despite the inflicted damage. When Arcanine was close enough, it bit down on Libby, giving her a powerful shock.

"Libby!" I cried, "Use Last Resort!"

Libby cried out as she fired a large star upon the Arcanine. When the Fire-type let go, Libby was left paralyzed.

This isn't good. Libby's a lot slower than she was before now that she's paralyzed.

"Flamethrower!" Micheal said.

Arcanine shook away the lingering pain before releasing a ribbon of fire toward Libby.

"Dodge it!" I cried.

Libby tried to move out of the way but got hit by the Fire-type attack.

"Libby, no!" I cried.

Libby panted as she stood up.

We need to lock in this victory here and now, but how?

Libby growled and cried out boldly.

"It was nice battling you, Eragona, but this battle is mine," Micheal said, "Finish this off with another Flamethrower!"

Arcanine obeyed and barked out another ribbon of fire.

"Dodge using Quick Attack!" I cried.

Libby growled before speeding away from the incoming attack. Then, a plan popped into my head.

I need to bait him into using Flamethrower again.

"Libby, follow my lead!" I called out, "Circle it using Quick Attack!"

Libby nodded with a cry before running around the Arcanine, almost looking invisible.

"Cute trick, but whatever you're planning isn't gonna work," Micheal said, "Flamethrower!"

The Fire-type barked and released another ribbon of fire.

Gotcha!

"Now, Libby, use Shadow Ball!" I said.

Libby stopped and hurled a shadowy blob at the incoming flames. When the attacks collided, it caused an explosion, leaving a smoke cloud in its wake.

A scenario I know all too well.

"You know what to do, Libby!" I called out, "Jump up and use Swift!"

Libby jumped up and released star-shaped rays into the smoke, smiling when I saw the Arcanine stumble backward.

"Don't let up! Use Shadow Ball!" I cried.

Libby cried out as she charged up her attack. She then hurled a large shadowy blob at the Arcanine.

"Dodge it, quick!" Micheal cried.

The Arcanine tried to evade the attack but got hit with it instead. When the smoke cleared, Arcanine was left unconscious.

"And Eragona is the winner!" Rina proclaimed.

My friends and their Pokémon all cheered.

"We did it, Libby!" I cried happily.

Libby sprinted over to me and leaped into my arms, all while letting out cheer-filled cries. I glanced at Micheal to see him retracting his Arcanine. Smiling, I walked up to the young man and handed him a Sitrus Berry.

"For Arcanine." I said.

Micheal grinned and took the berry.

"That was an intense battle, you two!" Elsu exclaimed.

"It really was!" Kat said, "A complete joy to watch!"

Micheal and I chuckled before facing each other.

"Thanks for the rematch, Micheal," I said, "I'll never forget it."

"Right back at you, Eragona," Micheal said, "Let's head inside the Pokémon Center and heal up. This little one has been through a lot."

When Micheal placed a hand on Libby's head, my Eevee chirped out a cry and leaned into his touch. The others and I followed Micheal into the Pokémon Center and handed over our weakened Pokémon.

"So, you said you were gonna check out an old place you've seen before?" I asked.

"Yep," Micheal answered, "After that, I'm not really sure. Maybe add another Pokémon to my team, take part in the Pokémon League; who knows?"

After we received our Pokémon, the seven of us walked out of the Pokémon Center.

"If you guys wanna reach Olivine City, head west of Ecruteak," Micheal said, "After a few routes, you should see Olivine City's lighthouse. Can't miss it,"

"Thanks, Micheal," Nina said, "Will we ever see you again?"

"Only time will tell. But when we do, Eragona, I wanna battle you again, only this time against your Garchomp."

"Deal, but I want to face off against your Cacturne." I said, holding out my hand.

Micheal grinned and grasped my hand. Releasing from our handshake, Micheal started heading south of Ecruteak City.

"Safe travels, kids, and good luck with your dreams!" Micheal called out.

"You too, Micheal!" Eric said, "Stay safe!"

"Later, Micheal!" Elsu cried.

As we waved farewell to our friend, we started heading west.

"Next stop, Olivine City!" Nina said.

The redhead skipped ahead of us with the others and me in tow.

A lot happened in this city, and it never would've happened if we hadn't met Micheal. I'll miss him, but I know we'll meet again soon!