The six of us and Caps continued to walk down the dirt path to Grasmere Town, Rina merrily skipping ahead of us, fantasizing about tasting the town's berry treats.

"So, besides being able to move things around and brainwash people, what else can you do, Caps?" I asked.

Caps glanced down at me and grinned.

"I can you telepathy." I heard Caps say in my head.

My eyes widened, as well as my smile.

"That is so cool!" I said, "So, you can hear and read my thoughts?"

"Sure can, and I just learned that you are the granddaughter of Elise, the Dragon-type Elite Four member of this region." Caps said matter-of-factly.

I looked up at the green-haired trainer with an annoyed look.

"You didn't have to pry, you know?" I asked.

Caps laughed as he pulled down his shades to block the morning sun.

"Sorry," he said, "Couldn't resist. But honestly, I think that's really cool. You're related to this region's strongest Elite Four member; you should boast about it!"

"No thanks. My grandmother taught me that the wise shouldn't boast about their wisdom, nor should the strong boast of their strength, and neither the rich boast about their riches," I said, "I'd like to remain humble, and if the topic comes up, I'll mention it, but it's never the first thing that I talk about when I meet new people."

"Spoken like a true Elite Four member!" Kat said, wrapping her arm around my neck.

Caps tilted his head and grinned.

"Elite Four member?" he parroted.

"Yup! Era here is gonna be an Elite Four member someday; I know it!" Nina said.

"I never said that! I wanna be a Dragon-type trainer like my grandmother!" I said.

"Aw, c'mon! Even Ezra said that you'd make an exceptional Elite Four member," Eric said, "Watch. Give it time, and Eragona will be one of the new members of the Elite Four."

I groaned and buried my face in my hands in embarrassment. Libby let out a laugh-like cry and nuzzled her cheek against mine.

They always do this to me...

"I think you'd make an awesome Elite Four member, Eragona!" Elsu said, "No one would be able to beat you!"

Not you, too, Elsu.

"Hey, guys!" Rina called out, "Is that Grasmere Town up ahead?"

Looking over my friend's shoulder, I smiled when the small town was in sight.

"That's it, alright!" I said, "Come on, gang!"

The others nodded, and we started sprinting to the town ahead. Upon our arrival, the smell of fresh flowers and berries filled the air.

"Aw, this town is so adorable!" Caps said, walking under the archway.

"It really is," Rina said, "So, where are the berry-flavored treats?"

"Follow me; I'll take you to them." Kat offered.

The two girls waved at us before walking away. Looking around, I noticed a crowd in the town square. Gesturing for the others to follow me, we walked over to the large group of people.

"What's going on?" I asked.

Caps closed his eyes and bowed his head slightly.

"Ezra, the Normal-type Elite Four, is here," Caps said, opening his silver eyes, "As well as Aaron."

What are Ezra and Aaron doing here?

I weaved through the crowd, and surely enough, I saw Ezra and Aaron taking pictures and signing autographs.

It's a meet and greet. That makes more sense now.

When Ezra locked eyes with me, he stood up and clapped twice.

"Alright, everyone," he said, "Ten-minute break."

Some people groaned as they walked away from Ezra and Aaron. Ezra sighed and looked down at me with a grin.

"Good to see you again, Eragona!" Ezra said.

"Right back at you, Ezra," I said, "You, too, Aaron."

The Dark-type Elite Four gave a small smile and waved a lazy hand. I looked back to see the others walk up to us.

"Nice to see you again, Ezra," Kat said, "I feel like we're always running into."

Ezra grinned and let out a hearty laugh.

"So it would seem," Ezra said, eyeing Caps, "And who might you be?"

"Caps, the Cosmic Champion!" he said, taking a bow, "What an honor to meet the infamous Ezonia Elite Four!"

Ezra tilted his head quizzically.

"You're a champion?" he asked.

"You bet!" Caps said.

I groaned and promptly rolled my eyes.

I'll let Ezra figure it out.

"You're no champion." Aaron said coldly.

The others and I turned to him.

"What makes you so sure?" Caps asked, slightly annoyed.

"Champions are world-renowned, and I know every champion. Personally, I might add," Aaron said, "Lance of Kanto and Johto, Steven of Hoenn, Cynthia of Sinnoh, Iris of Unova, Diantha of Kalos, Ash of Alola, and our champion Darius. I would've recognized you by now."

Way to bring down the hammer, Aaron...

"Well, that's because you've never heard of my region before," Caps said, "It's a far-off region, if I might add."

"What is it called?" Ezra asked.

Caps' breathing hitched before clearing his throat.

"That's beside the point," Caps said casually, "What's more interesting is why you two were here."

Way to dodge a bullet, Caps...

"It was a meet and greet, right?" Eric asked.

Ezra smiled and nodded.

"Yup. I've realized I haven't been to this little town in a while, and neither has Aaron," Ezra explained, "So, I invited this guy to come with me, and he happily joined!"

Ezra expressed his excitement by slinging an arm around the Dark-type Elite Four's neck.

"He baited me in." Aaron said tiredly.

"And you took the bait!" Ezra laughed. "Hook, line, and sinker!"

I couldn't help but laugh at Aaron's annoyed face.

They get along so well, even if Aaron is the quiet type.

Ezra turned to Rina and smiled widely.

"Rina, I meant to get to you as soon as possible." Ezra said, walking up to Rina.

"What is it?" she asked.

Ezra reached into his pocket, pulled out an envelope, and handed it over to Rina with a smile.

"Someone was very impressed with your clothing line, Rina," he said, "So, they sent this over to me to give to you and your friends."

"Open it up, Rina!" Nina said excitedly.

Rina grinned and carefully opened the envelope. Inside were six tickets with a postcard attached to them. On the postcard was a beautiful city with the sun setting in the background. Rina pulled off the note and read it out loud.

"Dear Rina,

Your designs have dazzled me! A theme with no theme; I love it! Work such as yours must be showcased on a proper stage fit for a designer like yourself, and your friends will have the honor and pleasure of modeling them on my private runway for my fashion exhibition next week. I hope you and your friends will accept my invitation to meet me. When you have the time, I'd love to teach you what I know, and maybe, you can teach me the style of your theme.

~Yelena"

"No way! Yelena wrote to you!" Kat cried happily.

"And she wants to showcase your designs for her fashion exhibition next week!" Eric said.

"Not only does she want to teach you; she hopes that you could teach her!" I said.

"Rina, this is incredible!" Elsu cried.

"You should be so happy, Rina!" Nina cried happily, "Your dream is coming true!"

Libby and Angel both let out happy cries. Rina's face broke into a happy smile.

"Wow! To think that Yelena wants to meet with us!" she said, "Did you hear that, Snubbull?"

Snubbull let out a bark-like cry and licked her trainer's cheek.

This is so amazing! Rina's dream is coming true!

"But wait. Where are we going that we need plane tickets?" Nina asked.

"Where my mother started her fashion empire," Ezra said, "Johto!"

Our eyes widened.

Johto!?

"We're going to the Johto region!?" Kat asked excitedly.

"You sure are!" Ezra said, "My mother called right after the show and insisted that she meet with you guys!"

"Oh, my goodness! I can't wait!" Rina cried happily, "I've always wanted to visit Johto! Their history and fashion there are so inspiring! And I've always wanted to meet Yelena in person!"

"Well, now you get to all those things in one!" Elsu said happily.

"When do we leave?" I asked.

Rina shrugged before looking down at the tickets.

"Tomorrow morning," she said, "Wow, this is all happening so fast! I can't wait to go!"

"Just think, your designs on Yelena's stage for her fashion exhibition!" Nina cried, "Your name will be in lights, Rina!"

I smiled and looked up at Ezra.

"Thanks, Ezra," I said, "You don't know how happy you made Rina."

"Don't thank me, thank my mother," he said, "It was her idea."

He definitely had something to do with this.

"If we're going to Johto, then that means there's gonna be a whole new region filled with Pokémon!" Eric said.

"Hopefully, there will be Fairy-type Pokémon!" Nina said.

"And Dragon-types." I commented

"And it'll be my first time traveling outside Ezonia!" Elsu said, "I can't wait!"

Caps cleared his throat loudly, causing us to turn to him.

"Congratulations, Rina," Caps said, "You deserve it. You better send me your latest work when you get the chance,"

"I'll design a new outfit for you when I can!" Rina said.

"That would be lovely! Also, I wanted to give you this."

Caps reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue and indigo charm.

"This little trinket has always been sorta my lucky charm, but where you're going, you'll need it more than me." Caps said, placing the charm in Rina's hands.

"Thank you, Caps," Rina said, "I'll treasure it!"

I chuckled and turned back to the two Elite Four members with a smile.

"I'll tell Rachel and Elise about your departure to Johto as soon as I can," Ezra said, "In the meantime, you six should get ready to leave tomorrow."

"Then, I guess this is where we part ways." Caps said.

I looked back at the green-haired trainer and smiled.

"Will we ever see you again?" Kat asked.

"Definitely! I'm the type of Bug-type Pokémon you can't swat away!" Caps said boldly.

"That was a terrible pun!" Nina laughed.

Caps laughed along before flipping his green hair.

"Well, it was a joy spending time with you six, and I promise you, if I come across any more of those freaks in blue, I'll be sure to send them back to where they came from."

"The more hands on deck about this, the better." Aaron said.

Caps stepped back and took a bow.

"Au revoir, my friends!" he said, "Until we meet again!"

When he straightened his back, Caps tossed up a Pokéball, and out came his Magnezone. Caps hopped on his Pokémon's dome and smiled down at us.

"Later, Caps!" Nina cried.

"Hope to see you again!" Eric said.

"Safe travels!" Elsu said.

Libby, Angel, and Snubbull let out cries as they waved their paws. Caps smiled as Magnezone began to rise in the air.

"Hey, Caps!" I called out.

Magnezone stopped, and Caps looked down at me.

"When we meet again, I'd love to have a battle against the Cosmic Champion!" I said.

Caps smiled and laughed.

"And a battle you shall have, Eragona!" he said, "Until next time!"

Magnezone warbled out a cry before rising past the clouds.

Yeah, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I can't wait to run into Caps again!

"Come on, gang," I said, "Let's head back to my place so we can be well-rested for tomorrow."

"Let's stop by Maidbury so I can back extra stuff." Nina said.

I nodded before turning back to Ezra and Aaron.

"It was nice seeing you two again," I said, "Are we still on for that battle you promised us?"

"The next time Ezra, Raven, Elise, and I run into you four, a battle you shall have," Aaron said, "Until then, train and grow closer to your Pokémon."

"We will!" Kat said, "Later!"

With a final wave of goodbye, the six of us began our journey back to Maidbury City.

I can't believe we're going to the Johto region. This will be my first time traveling outside Ezonia. I can't wait!

When we arrived at Maidbury City, we followed Nina to her house and waited outside as the redhead ran inside.

"I wonder what Pokémon we'll encounter in Johto." Kat said.

"Same!" Eric said, "I'm so excited!"

Nina soon emerged from her house and skipped down the marble steps.

"Alright, let's head to your place, Era." Rina said.

"Will your grandmother let us stay over for the night?" Kat asked.

"She has friends stay over all the time," I said, "She'll be okay with it."

I took out my Pokéballs and held them toward the ground.

"Jet and Charcoal, we need you!" I called out.

At my command, my Garchomp and Charcoal emerged. Elsu chuckled and tossed up a Pokéball.

"Yanmega!" he cried.

Like clockwork, Yanmega came out with a deep cry.

"Can you carry us to my grandmother's house?" I said, "I'll direct you."

The three Pokémon nodded as they let out friendly cries. Kat and I got on Jet, Eric and Nina got on Charcoal, and Elsu and Rina got on Yanmega.

"Alright, guys. Head west from here." I said.

The three Pokémon nodded before taking to the skies. Once we were over the clouds, the warm afternoon sun beamed down on us.

"So, Rina," I began, "Are you excited to travel to Johto to meet Yelena and have your designs feature on her runway during her fashion exhibition?"

"I am!" she said, "You guys should be excited, too! You'll be modeling them on her stage and runway!"

"I can't believe it either," Eric said, "It's such an honor."

"Yeah, and I can't wait to travel outside Ezonia!" Elsu said.

"Did you tell your father about your departure?" Nina asked.

"I had Fletchinder send a message to my father," Elsu answered, "He should be back right about... now."

When he said that, I saw Ember Pokémon descend from above us with a message in its mouth and a brown paper package tied up with string in its talons.

"He's a loyal one, isn't he?" Eric asked.

"Very." Elsu said, removing the message and taking the package.

After returning Fletchinder to its Pokéball, Elsu read the message before stuffing it into his pocket.

"So?" Nina asked.

"My father said I can go," Elsu said, "He wanted me to get out and see the world anyways."

"That's good," I said, looking down, "We're here! Head straight down, you three."

The three Pokémon nodded as theY started descending to the ground. When they touched the ground, my grandmother's estate towered over us.

"Wow! You live here, Era?" Kat asked.

"Yup," I said, retracting my Pokémon, "For as long as I can remember."

I walked up to the door and knocked. After waiting a few seconds, a friendly and familiar stood in the doorframe.

"Klaus!" I said happily, "It's so good to see you again!"

"Welcome home, Miss Eragona!" he said, "All of you, please, come in."

Thanking my grandmother's butler, the six of us stepped inside.

"Wow! It's beautiful!" Nina said.

"Thanks, Nina." I said.

That's when I heard a familiar cry. When I looked down the hall, my eyes welled with tears when I saw a familiar face.

"Kaiba!" I cried.

I embraced my Pokémon when she was within reach. Libby let out a cry and nuzzled her cheek against Kaiba's.

"How've you been?" I asked.

"She's gotten stronger." said a familiar voice.

When I looked up, I saw Grandma Eli descending the staircase.

"Altaria has been training her well," she said, "She's a fast learner."

I smiled and embraced my grandmother when she stepped up to me.

"So, I heard you kids are going to Johto tomorrow, am I right?" Grandma Eli asked, "And it's for you, yes?"

Rina straightened her posture and nodded.

"Yes, we are," she said, "We're very excited!"

Grandma Elise chuckled as she backed away.

"I'm glad. It's about time you kids left Ezonia," she said, "I set up the lounge room for you kids. Klaus and I will drive you to the airport tomorrow. If you need anything extra for tomorrow, let me know,"

"Thank you for letting us stay here, Ms. Elise." Elsu said.

"It's no trouble, and please, call me Eli."

Thanking my grandmother once more, I lead my friends to the lounge. I opened the door, and the once small leather sofa was now extended from one corner to another and an open space for our sleeping bags.

"You guys get settled," I said, "I need to grab something from my room."

The others nodded as I walked across the hall and entered my room. The many posters, Pokémon toys, and statues around my room made me laugh. Libby hopped off my shoulder and onto my bed.

"Yup, this is my room, Libbs," I said, "Can't believe I'm leaving it tomorrow."

I walked around my room and grabbed extra Pokéballs and healing items, only to stuff them into my bag. I picked up my partner, exited my room, and walked into the lounge to see my friends relaxing.

"You guys ready for tomorrow?" I asked, placing my sleeping bag on the ground.

"Yeah! This is going to be so much fun!" Nina cried.

"Our story here in Ezonia is coming to an end, but our story in Johto is just beginning." Eric said.

"I agree," Elsu said with a yawn, "It's getting late; we should get some sleep. Big day tomorrow."

After getting into our sleeping bags, we said goodnight and fell asleep.

I can't wait for tomorrow!

Morning came, and the six of us walked down the stairs to meet Grandma Eli.

"Are you kids ready?" Grandma Eli asked.

"Yes!" we said.

Walking outside, Klaus was waiting for us, as well as a large, black car.

"Hop in." Grandma Eli said.

The six of us grinned at one another before climbing into the car, only for Grandma Eli to climb in after us.

"Gladiolus Airport, Klaus." Grandma Eli said.

Nodding to his mistress, Klaus started the car and pulled away from the house.

"Now, I want you kids to have fun and stay safe, alright?" Grandma Eli asked, "If anything, call me."

"We will." I said.

Grandma Eli smiled as she leaned back into her seat.

"Even though it's been a few months, it feels like your leaving home again for the first time," Grandma Eli said.

"I kinda am, in essence." I chuckled.

"True. Take care of Era for me, okay, Libby?"

Libby smiled and chirped out a cry. I rolled my eyes with a fond smile. After the next few minutes, Klaus stopped in front of the airport. Stepping out of the car, I looked up at the large airport, planes coming and going.

"Stay safe and have fun, kids," Grandma Eli said, "Call me when you get there."

"We will," Kat said, "Thank you, Elise, for everything."

Without warning, the six of us embraced my grandmother. Grandma Eli smiled and returned the gesture. Pulling away, Grandma Eli placed a hand on my head.

"Remember, Aaron, Ezra, Raven, and I still owe you four a battle, so expect a welcome battle when you guys come back here." Grandma Eli said.

Nodding to my grandmother, the six of us waved goodbye and walked inside the airport.

I've never traveled by plane before. This is gonna be so exciting!

After checking in and showing our tickets, we walked onto our plane and got into our seats. I opened the window, and the morning sun kissed my dark skin.

"Attention all passangers. Welcome aboard Ezonia 1," said a woman over the PA, "We will now be departing from Gladiolus City and making our way to Cherrygrove City. Please sit back and enjoy your flight."

The plane engine flared to life and started to move. I glanced out the window and saw the plane pull away from the ground and into the air.

Here we go! Our journey through Ezonia is complete, and our journey in Johto has just begun. New faces to meet, new places to explore, and new Pokémon to battle and train. What wonders await us in the Johto? I don't know, but I'm excited to share this journey, this experience, with my friends!