It was the next morning, and after saying goodbye to the Elite Four and Gladiolus City, the four of us decided to go off-road and followed wherever the dirt trail led us, not caring where we ended up.

"So, what events are available to do, Era? I'm getting bored..." Nina said.

"I gotta agree with Nina, Eragona," Eric said, "I need something to do."

Pulling out my phone, I started scrolling through the event posters.

What about...? No, we did that already. Oh, what about...? Never mind, that has already passed. The others are right; there's nothing to do. All the events I find have passed or are next month; I'm sure the others don't want to wait.

"Sorry, guys. Almost every event has passed, or it's next month." I said regrettably.

The others groaned, including Angel and Libby.

"I would offer to battle, but I'm not even up for that." Eric complained.

"Why don't we rest for a while and have our Pokémon run around for a while?" I suggested.

"Sounds good," Kat said, "I can use a nap."

Pulling over to the side of the dirt road, we took out our Pokéballs and tossed them in the air. All at once, our Pokémon appeared.

"You guys go on and play," I said, "We're gonna rest up before advancing onward."

Our Pokémon nodded and went off playing to their heart's content. Sitting down on the grass, I smiled as I watched Kaiba, Beautifly, and Tranquill soar through the air. That's when Tranquill started glowing.

"Uh, Eric? You might wanna see this..." I said.

The others looked up and gasped. Eric smiled as his Tranquill grew in size.

"Tranquill's evolving!" Nina cried happily.

When the light died down, a much larger Pokémon could be seen. It had a gray and green underbelly and two long red feathers fluttering in the wind. I pulled out my Pokédex and scanned the newly-evolved Pokémon.

"Unfezant, the Proud Pokémon, and the evolved form of Tranquill. This Pokémon is intelligent and intensely proud. People will sit up and take notice if you become the Trainer of one."

Unfezant flew down in front of Eric and let out a chirp-like cry. Eric smiled and placed a hand on his Pokémon's head.

"Okay, this day just got a whole lot better!" Eric said happily.

His Unfezant let out a cry and nuzzled its head in his neck.

"Hey, take it easy! That tickles, Unfezant!" Eric laughed.

Samurott, Krookodile, Lillipup, Escavalier, and Axew sprinted up to their friend and let out their unique cries. Unfezant smiled and let out a chirp-like cry.

I'm so happy for Eric! I can't wait to battle his Unfezant. In fact...

I stood up and walked up to Eric.

"Eric, I challenge you and your Unfezant to a battle!" I declared.

Eric turned and chuckled.

"What do you say, Unfezant? You up for a battle?" Eric asked.

Unfezant spread its wings as it let out a mighty cry.

"We accept!" Eric said.

"Great! Kaiba, I choose you!" I cried.

Kaiba came down from the sky and let out a friendly cry.

"This should be interesting," Eric said, "Your move."

"Alright, Kaiba, use Aerial Ace!" I ordered.

Kaiba flew into the air before charging at Unfezant with incredible speed.

"Use Aerial Ace, too!" Eric said.

Unfezant let out a cry before charging at Kaiba with the same speed. When the two collided, they shook off the pain as theY hovered in the air.

"Air Slash!" Eric said.

Unfezant soon started beating its wings violently, blades of wind flying towards Kaiba.

"Dodge and use Dragon Pulse!" I said.

Kaiba flew out of the attack's range and launched a multi-colored shock wave.

"Go, Eric! Go, Era!" Kat and Nina cried.

I smiled as my friends and our Pokémon cheered as we battled.

"Deflect it with Steel Wing!" Eric said.

When his Unfezant crossed its wings, they hardened and turned silver. Like Eric wanted, the Dragon Pulse bounced off Unfezant's wings and had it flying back to Kaiba. Kaiba didn't have time to move and got hit.

"Kaiba!" I cried.

Kaiba shook her head as she let out a strained cry. I smiled and walked up to my Pokémon.

"I think that's enough," I said, "Now that you have an Unfezant, it certainly got a lot stronger."

"Thanks, Era. That means a lot." Eric said.

Unfezant cooed out a cry and rubbed its cheek against Kaiba's. Kaiba smiled and let out a chirp-like cry.

To think they've been friends since they were a Tranquill and Swablu. It's nice to see them grow closer.

My head turned to the sound of vigorous cries. I smiled when I saw Jet and Charcoal having a mock battle.

Since they made amends, they're inseparable, and I'm glad.

"Eragona! Eric!" Kat cried.

Turning my head, I saw Kat, Angel, and Nina tied in white silk. Before we could save them, Eric, Libby, and I got trapped in the same substance.

"Kaiba, Unfezant! Get the little ones out of here!" Eric cried.

Unfezant and Kaiba nodded and quickly scooped up Zora, Chikorita, Togepi, the Axew twins, and Lillipup, soon flying off into the distance. Emerging from the bushes were Team Xenon and their Pinsir.

"Let us go!" Kat cried.

"Or what? Have your Pokémon sick us?" asked the female grunt.

Our Pokémon stepped forward and growled; the Pinsir hissed in return. The male grunt smirked before tossing up a Pokéball. Out came a Crobat.

"String Shot and Haze!" said the male grunt.

At once, the Pokémon unleashed their attacks. Before I could give a command, I felt the same silky substance cover my mouth.

Darn it! I can't see and can't speak! This isn't good!

When the smoke cleared, we saw all our Pokémon tied up in the same silky substance. I tried to call out an order, but it only came out as a muffled shout. That's when I saw Unfezant and Kaiba return with the little ones on their backs. They rushed over and started pecking at the silk. Once we were all free, the four of us began pulling away at the silk that trapped our Pokémon.

"Is everyone okay?" Nina asked.

Our Pokémon all let out relieved sighs. Looking around, I saw that something was still wrong. That's when the realization hit me.

"Wait. Where's Jet and Charcoal?" I questioned.

Looking around, I didn't see them anywhere.

"Oh, no. You don't think...?" Kat questioned.

"They did..." I said regrettably.

A wave of concern and worry crashed over everyone.

Not again...

Libby let out a cry and bumped her cheek against mine.

"Don't worry, Libby. We're going to get them back." I said.

"But where could they have gone?" Kat asked, "Last time I checked, we destroyed their outpost at Cavern Cove City, meaning they couldn't have gotten far."

I hummed in thought before turning to Unfezant and Kaiba.

"Unfezant, Kaiba. Do you think you can fly around to see where those two grunts could've gone?" I asked.

The two Pokémon nodded before taking to the skies. I breathed out a shaky sigh as I felt tears stinging my eyes.

"Eragona, it's gonna be okay," Kat said, placing a hand on my shoulder, "You've rescued your Pokémon and many others countless times. Who says you can't do that again?"

"That's the thing, Kat. I've saved them countless times," I said, "They're always targeting my Pokémon, and I'm sick of it!"

"Do you know why Team Xenon targets your Pokémon?" Nina asked.

Wiping away my tears, I started thinking. The answer soon came to me.

"Mega Pokémon. Every time I would rescue my Pokémon, Team Xenon would always have other Pokémon there as well. When Kat and I first encountered Team Xenon, one of the grunts said their goal was to capture every Pokémon potential of Mega Evolution," I said, "So far, Team Xenon would only take Kaiba, Jet, and Charcoal. I know Altaria is capable of Mega Evolution, but a Gabite and Charmeleon? They can't Mega Evolve."

"They can't, but their evolutions can," Kat said, "Mega Evolution was first discovered in the Kalos region centuries ago, and after that, everyone uses it across the world."

I hummed as I listened to my friend.

"My hunch is that Team Xenon stole Jet and Charcoal so they can evolve into their final forms to use them for whatever plot they have up their sleeve," Kat said, "And they would be as cruel as to take Pokémon that aren't fully evolved to use them, like the Buneary we saved."

This is bad. I don't even want to begin to imagine what could happen if Team Xenon forced a Pokémon to Mega Evolve...

Looking up at the sky, I saw Unfezant and Kaiba return.

"Did you find them, guys?" Eric asked.

They nodded before flying down the dirt road.

"Come on!" I said.

After retracting our other Pokémon, we followed Unfezant and Kaiba down the dirt road until we came across a cave with a metal door.

"Thanks, guys." I said.

Unfezant and Kaiba gave a final nod before being returned to their Pokéballs. I faced the door and groaned.

"How are we gonna get in?" I asked.

"Leave that to me," Kat said, pulling out a Pokéball, "Come on out, Goodra!"

At her command, Goodra appeared before us.

"Use Flamethrower to melt down the door." Kat said.

Goodra let out a cry before spewing a ribbon of fire at the metal door, instantly melting a hole in it.

"Great. Thanks, Goodra. Return." Kat said as she returned Goodra to its Pokéball.

When the metal cooled down, the four of us peered inside, and a light at the end of a tunnel shone faintly.

"You and Kat head inside," Nina said, "Eric and I will keep watch out here in case any more Team Xenon grunts try to get in."

"Thanks, guys," I said, "You ready, Kat?"

"Let's get your Pokémon back." she said boldly.

With a final nod to one another, Kat and I crept inside. Once we reached the tunnel's end, we peered around the corner and saw a large machine in the center with many Team Xenon grunts all around. Looking down, I saw Jet and Charcoal in capsules, trying to break out. That's when I saw a man with dark green hair walk up to them and smile.

"You're not getting out of there, you runts," he said, "These capsules were designed to keep Pokémon like you in."

Charcoal growled and tried using Slash on the capsule glass. The glass was unaffected.

Not even a scratch.

Jet growled and tried to use Dragon Claw, but the same outcome happened. The man only grinned before looking up.

"How's that evolution serum coming along?" he asked.

"We're almost there, Barren, sir," said one of the grunts, "If Commander Gabriel's serum works, we can evolve any Pokémon quicker so we can conduct our Mega Evolution experiment on them much quicker and easier."

"Evolution serum...?" Kat and I questioned.

What in the world is that?

"Excellent. Once you've cracked it, we'll spray these Pokémon with the serum and watch them evolve." Barren said.

"Not if we got anything to say about it," Kat whispered, "Let's give them a little warning shot."

Nodding, I extended my arm and had Libby leap off it.

"Shadow Ball!" Kat and I cried.

Angel and Libby opened their mouths and fired two shadowy blobs at the grunts below. Barren looked up and scowled.

"Well, looked what the Meowth dragged in," he said, "You must be those problematic brats I've heard about."

"Give me my Pokémon back!" I shouted.

Barren looked back at Jet and Charcoal and smirked.

"If you want them, come and get them!" he said, pulling out a Pokéball, "Lycanroc, get out here!"

At his command, a crimson red and white Pokémon appeared and growled. I pulled out my Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon before us.

"Lycanroc, the Wolf Pokémon. They live alone without forming packs. They will only listen to orders from Trainers who can draw out their true power."

"Brick Break!" Barren cried.

The Lycanroc growled before jumping up to our level. It then brought down its fist with full force.

"Dodge!" we cried.

When Libby and Angel dodged the attack, the Lycanroc's Brick Break went straight through the metal platform.

Whoa, that's strong...

Libby, Angel, and the Lycanroc soon landed in front of one another and growled. Kat and I nodded to each other and jumped off the platform, landing behind our Pokémon.

"Sir, do you need our assistance?" asked a grunt, readying his Pokéball.

"No! Continue to get the evolution serum ready," he said, "I'll handle the brats..."

"Shadow Ball!" we cried.

At once, Libby and Angel launched two large shadowy blobs at the Lycanroc.

"Crunch!" Barren said.

The Lycanroc opened its mouth and bit down on the two attacks.

What? How did that not bother him?

"Outrage!" Barren said.

The Lycanroc growled as its eyes started glowing red. It then charged at us with lightning-fast speed.

"Get out of there, you guys!" Kat cried.

Before they could move, Lycanroc smacked Libby into a wall with incredible force.

"Libby!" I cried, rushing over to her.

Libby tried to stand but couldn't. I picked her up and growled at Barren and his Lycanroc.

He'll pay for that!

When the Lycanroc attempted to do the same on Angel, she was unaffected.

Outrage is a Dragon-type move; I forgot! Dragon-type moves are useless against Fairy-types!

"Grab it, Angel!" Kat cried.

Angel extended her ribbon-like feelers and wrapped them around Lycanroc's wrists and ankles. Angel struggled to keep the rampaging Pokémon at bay.

"Now, Lycanroc! Use Iron Head!"

What!?

The Lycanroc growled as its head turned silver. It fought against Angel's feelers until it was free, soon ramming into her with a super-effective move, causing Angel to fly back into Kat's arms.

"Angel!" Kat cried.

The Lycanroc growled and let out a howl.

"And you thought you would save your beloved Pokémon, huh?" Barren asked, "If you can't stand up against something like this, what's the point of even being a trainer?"

I growled as I looked down at my wounded Pokémon. I then looked up at Jet and Charcoal, both trying to escape.

"Earth Power." Barren said with a snap.

The Lycanroc growled before slamming its fist into the ground. That's when the ground beneath us erupted with power. Before Kat and I could get out of the way, the ground beneath us exploded, and we were blown back into a wall.

Okay, that hurt a lot...

Jet and Charcoal both let out frightened cries. I looked up at them and held out my hand.

"I'm going to save them," I said, balling my hand into a fist, "Whatever it takes..."

I ground my teeth as I staggered to my feet. I looked down to see Libby rise to her feet.

"Still standing, I see," Barren said, "Brick Break, Lycanroc."

The Lycanroc readied its fists as it ran up to us.

"Shadow Ball!" I cried.

Libby growled before launching a shadowy blob. The Lycanroc only knocked them to the side, inching closer and closer.

Darn it! What now...?

"Angel, grab it!" Kat cried.

Angel stood and quickly grabbed the Lycanroc, struggling to hold it in place.

"Your Pokémon are broken and battered with little to no strength left," Barren said, "What are you gonna do?"

He's right. Even if Kat and I call out our Pokémon, they'd still be weak against Lycanroc, even Goodra. What are we going to do...?

Jet and Charcoal continued trying to break out of the capsules, but the glass was still holding up. I glanced at them and growled.

"I'll get you guys out of there!" I cried, "I promise!"

After my shout, both of them began to glow. Everyone stopped and stared at the capsules.

What the...? Are they...?

"Did you spray the evolution serum on them?" Barren asked angrily.

"No, sir! This is a natural evolution!" said one of the grunts.

When they started growing, the capsules shattered. When the light died down, I saw two powerful-looking Pokémon in the middle. I knew one of them was a Charizard but had no idea what the other Pokémon was. I pulled out my Pokédex and scanned the other Pokémon.

"Garchomp, the Mach Pokémon, and the evolution of Gabite. It flies at speeds equal to a jet fighter plane. It never allows its prey to escape. It is said that when one runs at high speed, its wings create blades of wind that can fell nearby trees."

A Garchomp and a Charizard. What better time for them to evolve?

The two large Pokémon roared before launching multi-colored shock waves at the Lycanroc, soon knocking it out.

That was Dragon Pulse! They both learned Dragon Pulse!

Before Barren could call out another Pokémon, Jet and Charcoal growled at the Team Xenon commander.

"I think you and your goons should leave." I said as I helped Kat to her feet.

Barren growled before returning his Lycanroc.

"Retreat!" Barren shouted, "We got what we needed anyway."

The grunts nodded before running through another tunnel. Barren looked back at us and grinned.

"You know, you got the same fighting spirit as the boss," he said, "Look a lot like her, too."

Barren then ran after his grunts without another word.

Why are the Team Xenon commanders saying that I look like their boss? I don't even know who they are.

Jet and Charcoal soon walked up to me with friendly cries. I smiled and placed a hand on their cheeks.

"I'm so proud of you two," I said, "I'm so happy you evolved."

The two smiled and let out friendly cries. Libby and Angel both let out happy cries, which Jet and Charcoal returned.

"Come on, let's get out of here." Kat said.

Jet and Charcoal took it upon themselves to carry us out of the outpost, knowing that we were severely injured. When we were outside, Eric and Nina's eyes widened.

"What happened?!" Nina asked in shock.

"Do you want the long version or the short version?" I asked as Jet set me down.

"Short." Eric answered.

Kat breathed out a heavy sigh as Charcoal set her down.

"The four of us got our butts kicked by a Lycanroc, and Jet and Charcoal evolved just in time to save us and before being sprayed with evolution serum." Kat explained.

"Yeah, that's basically it." I said.

"Wow. Just, wow," Nina said, "We should get you guys to a center."

I held out my hand and shook my head.

"We're fine; Angel and Libby need the center." I said, looking down at my wounded partner, "Jet, Charcoal. Can you give us a lift to Cavern Cove City?"

My Pokémon nodded as they hunched over. Kat and Eric got on Charcoal, and Nina and I got on Jet.

"First, let's get rid of this outpost so Team Xenon can't use it anymore," I said, "Jet and Charcoal, use Dragon Pulse!"

The two turned to the hole in the door and launched multi-colored shock waves into the outpost. Not long after, black smoke rose from the metal door. Jet and Charcoal took to the skies and flew off to Cavern Cove City.

"I can't believe Jet and Charcoal evolved, and at the same time," Nina commented, "That's so cool!"

"And they're even stronger now," Eric said, "With these two in your arsenal, Era, I don't see how you can't be a Dragon-type trainer."

I smiled at my friends' kind words. When Cavern Cove was in view, Jet and Charcoal landed in front of the Pokémon Center. We got off and walked inside.

"Nurse Joy," I began, "Can you take care of our Pokémon?"

When Kat and I presented our Pokémon, Nurse Joy gasped.

"Oh, my! What happened?" she asked.

"It's a long story..." Kat said.

Nurse Joy nodded and took Angel in her arms; Chansey took Libby.

"When I finish with them, I'll take care of you girls, okay?" she asked.

"Thank you." we said with a bow.

With a final nod, Nurse Joy and Chansey took our Pokémon in the back. We sighed and looked at each other, soon smiling.

"Thanks for helping me, Kat," I began, "I couldn't have saved Jet and Charcoal without you."

"Anytime." she said.

Jet and Charcoal soon walked up to us and let out soft cries. I smiled and hugged them both.

"I'm so happy you two are okay," I said, "I don't know what I would've done if something happened to you guys."

Jet and Charcoal let out happy cries and nuzzled their cheeks against mine.

"Ouch! Not so hard, guys!" I laughed.

They pulled away with warm smiles. When I turned around, Nurse Joy and Chansey came from around the counter smiling. In their arms were Libby and Angel.

"Your Pokémon are doing a lot better!" Nurse Joy announced.

Angel and Libby leaped out of their arms and sprinted up to us. Kat and I spread our arms and had them jump into them.

"We're so happy you guys are okay!" I said.

"Thanks for helping us out!" Kat said.

Libby and Angel let out happy cries and nuzzled their cheeks against ours.

I'm so happy they're okay. Angel and Libby do so much for us. I couldn't be more grateful for them!

"Now, let's patch you girls up." Nurse Joy said, holding up a first-aid kit.

Nodding, Kat and I allowed Nurse Joy and Chansey to patch us up. When they finished, the duo waved goodbye before going into the back.

"Well, what's next on the agenda?" Nina asked.

"Why not look for Ajax Village?" Eric suggested.

Looking over at our friend, he was holding a pamphlet titled "Mysteries of Ezonia."

"It says here that Ajax Village is the hidden village of Primeval Jungle," Eric said, "It was one of the first civilizations. Unfortunately, due to a terrible storm, it was destroyed. Some still believe it exists in Primeval Jungle, but these are just rumors."

"It says here that many have tried to find it but were scared off by a Pokémon. Some call it the Primeval Guardian, and many believe it is guarding the hidden village," I read, "It doesn't say what the Pokémon is, though."

"Nevertheless, finding an ancient, hidden civilization sounds super fun!" Nina said.

"Yeah, and think of all the Pokémon we may encounter." Kat said.

Eric smiled and closed the pamphlet.

"Then, it's settled," Eric began, "We're gonna find Ajax Village!"

When we all agreed, our Pokémon included, we walked out of the Pokémon Center with bright smiles.

"For starters, where's Primeval Jungle?" Kat said.

"The pamphlet says it's Northeast of Cavern Cove City." Eric said.

"What do you say, Jet and Charcoal?" I asked, "You guys up for some adventuring?"

My Pokémon let out mighty roar-like cries. Hopping on their backs, Jet and Charcoal took to the skies and flew Southeast.

Well, this day has been everything but boring. Not only did Eric obtain an Unfezant, but we also encountered Team Xenon and got our butts kicked. But it all worked out at the end when Jet and Charcoal evolved. And now, we're off to find a hidden village with a supposed guardian Pokémon. This day certainly took a turn for the better, and I couldn't be happier that it did...